45-4 
Polygalin.—The body termed thus by Peschier is now deemed to be simply 
the volatile oil of Dulong* and other analysts. 
Isolusin—A doubtful bitter principle isolated by Peschier; and 
Oil of Senega.t—A bitter, rancid, disagreeable, reddish-brown body, having 
the consistency of syrup, and an acid reaction. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—In doses of from 10 minims of the tincture to a 
scruple of the powdered root, Seneka causes: anxiousness, with heaviness and 
dullness of the head and vertigo; aching and weakness of the eyes, with lachry- 
mation, pressure in the ball, flickerings, dazzling vision, and contracted pupils; 
sneezing; pytalism; inflammation of the fauces and cesophagus, with constric- 
tion; thirst and anorexia; nausea; mucous vomiting; burning in the stomach; 
cutting colic; copious, thin, watery stools; profuse urination, with burning, scald- 
ing, and sticking pains along the urethra, and frothing urine; roughness and irri- 
tation of the larynx, with orgasm of blood to the chest, accompanied by constriction, 
aching, soreness, and oppression; general debility; restless sleep; and profuse 
diaphoresis. 
From these symptoms, it will be noted that Seneka acts quite similarly to 
Saponin, causing, like it, a paresis of the muscles of the respiratory tract, the termi- 
nal filaments of the vagus, inhibitory centres, accelerator nerves, and the vaso- 
motor system in general, resulting in capillary congestions, followed by rapid 
exosmosis. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 45. 
Whole plant, Ithaca, N. ¥., June 7th, 1885. 
2. The calyx from below. 
3. The face of a flower. 
4. Middle petal, showing the crest, hood, and stamens. ‘ 
5. Petal and stamen. 
6. Pistil. ; 
7. Section of ovary. © 
8. Capsule. 
g- Section of same. 
. Seed, showing caruncle. 
11 and 12. Sections of same. : . 
33. Plan of flower. 
(2-13 enlarged ) 
* * Four de Phar., i fe 
