SCILLA MARITIMA. 1<>5 



ciduous bracteas. The corolla consists of six white spreading 



a reddish mark in the middle of each. The fila- 



petals, with 



ments are six, awl-shaped, shorter than the petals, to whose 

 bases they are attached, and furnished with oblong, incumbent, 

 green anthers. The germen is roundish, with a short style and 



simple stigma. 



Geographical Distribution.— On the sandy shores of 



France, Italy, Sicily, Spain, Portugal, Syria, and the Levant. 

 On the sea-coasts of Asia and Africa. It has been found as far 

 inland as the Estrella Mountains. Navarino has long been 

 celebrated for its Squills. 



Parts used in Medicine, and Mode of Preparation. 



The Bulb (the red variety is to be preferred), as fresh as 

 possible, is to be cut up in slices and pounded in a mortar, 

 adding gradually an equal part of alcohol, 

 an homogeneous paste, five parts of alcohol are added } th 

 liquid is then set aside for some days, and the clear brown 

 tincture decanted. It is important to remember that the dried 

 Squill {Radix Scillce siccata), as found in commerce, should 

 never be used for homoeopathic purposes. 



Physiological Effects.— On Animals. An ounce of pow- 

 dered Squill acts as a diuretic on horses and other large animals. 

 The same effect is produced on smaller animals by half a 

 drachm. When 



When 



It 



first causes local irritation ; then its active principle becomes 

 absorbed, affects the nervous system, and thereby quickens the 

 respiration ; causes convulsions and death. Hillefield mentions 

 paralysis produced in a rabbit by nineteen grains of powdered 

 Squill. Athanasius (Pfaff, Mat. Med.) states that two ounces 

 of water distilled from fresh Squills caused the death of a dog 



in 



mulant 



On Man.— In small doses, it acts as a stimuiam, w — — 

 cretory organs ; thus it promotes secretion from the mucous 



(especially the bronchial and 



the kidneys. 



diuretic. Its 



