100 FLORA HOMCEOPATHICA. 



five, or six ; of a dull green. Flower-stalk upright, angular, 

 twisted, simple, and single-flowered. Calyx-leaves three-ribbed, 

 consisting of four lanceolate green leaves. The corolla of four 

 linear acute ones, of a similar colour, and both remaining till 

 the fruit is ripe. Anthers yellow. Styles purplish-black. 

 Germen violet ; every other part of the flower is of a yellowish- 

 green. Berry purplish-black. 



The generic name Paris is derived from par, parts, equal, on 

 account of the regularity of its leaves and flowers ; four of its 

 multiples generally prevailing. 



Geographical Distribution. — Paris Quadrifolia is a native 

 of most countries of Europe. (A species, Paris polyphylla, is 

 found in Nepaul.) 



In this country it is rare, but still found in many parts. Its 

 chief localities are at Cossey, near Norwich. Headington-wick 

 Copse, near Oxford. Wytham Wood, Berks. Spernall Park, 

 Warwickshire. Woods near Eastnor, Herefordshire. In a 

 wood near Hampstead. In Hanging Wood, near Harefield, 

 Middlesex. At Selborne, in Hampshire, At Clifton, near 

 Bristol, Somerset. In Scotland, near Dalkeith; and in Ire- 

 land, at Killarney. 



Parts used in Medicine, and Mode of Preparation. 



The Entire Plant is used in homoeopathic medicine. It should 



be gathered at the moment it runs to flower. The juice 



should be then expressed, and treated like all other fresh 

 plants. 



Physiological Effects.— On Animals. Gesner asserts that 

 the berries prove noxious to poultry. 



On Man.— Herb Paris is one of the tribe of vegetables called 

 narcotic, and when received into the stomach in any con- 

 siderable quantity produces violent effects on the nervous 

 system, such as nausea, vomiting, vertigo, delirium, and con- 

 vulsions. Every part of the plant seems to possess this pro- 

 perty, but the leaves and berries are supposed to be most 



A distinct preparation from the berries ought to be made. 



