ee 
| Tadicles, several inches long, of a black colour externally, white internally. It has a 
_ astringent taste, with an impression of acrimony upon the palate. The sensible prope 
in June and July. 
CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA. 
This species of Aconite is a perennial herb, with simple stems anda tapering root. . Pereira states that “this ya 
cies is subject to great variation, in the dense or loose condition of the inflorescence, in the form of the helmet, the 
colour and size of the flower, the breadth and the number of slashes of the leaves, the downiness of the parts of the 
plant, and the condition of the stem.” 
The Aconite or Monkshood is found in Greece, Italy, and the mountainous pastures and cold hills of many parts 
of Europe, but is a doubtful native of Europe. (Royle.) It has been introduced into the gardens of the United States. | 
By De Candolle twenty-nine varieties are admitted. In the variety figured, the flowers are deep blue, and the 
leaves divided into five segments, which are lobe-like and shortly acute. The stem is about two feet high. The roots 
of the Aconite are of a tapering form, of a dark colour externally, white internally. They are like the black radish, 
for which they have been mistaken; hence the specific name. All parts of the plant have a bitter taste, succeeded by 
a peculiar tingling sensation and numbness in the mouth. 
Dr. Fleming (An Inquiry into the Physiological and Medicinal Properties of Aconitum Napellus, 1844) states that 
its properties do not suffer change by cultivation, and in all probability are as little influenced by climate. According 
to his observations, the tuber is most active, next the seeds, and successively the leaves, stalks, and fruit. ‘The tuber 
is more active immediately after the period of flowering, as it has then attained its largest size. ‘The activity of the 
leaves continues from their first appearance till the seeds begin to form, after which it quickly diminishes, though the 
leaves are still enlarging. The principles contained in aconite, are: 1. Aconitina ; 2. Volatile acrid principle, not 
isolated ; 3. Aconitic acid; 4. Fatty oil. ‘The aconitina is an alkaloid substance ; it was discovered by Brandes. The 
benumbing sedative effects of aconite have caused its employment in medicine; hence it has been used in neuralgia, 
rheumatism, and painful nervous affections. In over-doses its use is dangerous and has proved fatal. For the 
physiological effects, Dr. Fleming’s t work may be studied with advantage, as he has divided them into degrees, 
each of which is well defined. ; ’ 
As aconitina, the active princip 
a 
; s an alkaloid, an alcoholic menstruum is best adapted for employment. 
Prats U.—Represents the plant in flower and the capsule. 
CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA. 
NUTTALL. 
© BLACK SNAKEROOT. 
Specir. Cuar.—Racemes very long; leaflets ovate-oblong, incisely toothed; staminodia slender, two-forked. 
Root thick and knotted, with long fibres. Stem three to eight feet high, glabrous, furrowed 
renege Leaves ternate ; eaflets two to three inches long. Racemes branching, six to twelve inches “a 
rads pedicels three to four inches in length, bracteate. Flowers very fetid. Sepals caducous, greenish-white, concave 
‘ceeded os Carpels globose, ovate; glabrous. Seeds seven to eight, compressed and angular De Can- 
S$ that the flowers are sometimes di , but we h i ; 
mr & G gral wlio oe, scat ut we have never observed more than a single ovary in a fl 
This plant is known by the names of Tull Snakeroot, Black Snakeroot, and 
ong white racemes of flowers, it is a distinguished ornament of our woods. 
It is abundant in open woods and on hill sides throughout the United States, from Canada to Florida 
Ower. 
Rich Weed. From its size, and the 
It flowers 
The root, which is the portion employed in medicine, is composed of a rough tuberculated head and numero 
ad, _— 
disagreeable odour, and a bitter 
Woy thes depend upon the time when 
