172 FLORA HOMCEOPATHICA. 



describes as constituting cerebriform undulations. He regards 



o 



this terminal tubercle of the grain as a parasitical fungus, which 

 he calls Sphacelia Segetum. But these undulations are merely 

 masses of sporidia, as can be made evident by the microscope. 



The mature Ergot projects considerably beyond the paleee. 

 It has a violet-black colour, and presents scarcely any filaments 

 and sporidia. The number of grains in each spike which 

 becomes ergotized varies considerably, there may be one only, 

 or the spike may be covered with them ; usually the number is 

 from three to ten. 



Besides Rye, many other grasses (Phoebus has enumerated 

 thirty-one species) are subject to this alteration, called the Spur 

 or Ergot. In the summer of 1838, nearly all the grasses grow- 

 ing in Greenwich marshes were found ergotized* Professor 

 Henslow found it in wheat which had been sent to the miller ; 

 but the disease is not confined to the Graminere, the Cyperaceae 

 are also subject to it, and perhaps also Palmacese, 



Geographical Distribution. — Ergot is found in all coun- 

 tries where the plants grow which may become ergotized. It 



is imported into this country from Germany, France, and 

 America. 



Parts used in Medicine, and Mode of Preparation. 



The mature Ergot, which is gathered before the grain is har- 

 vested, and the three first attenuations are generally made by 

 trituration. 



Deterioration. — The Ergot of Rye is fed on by a little acarus, 

 which is about one-fourth the size of a cheese mite. The animal 

 destroys the interior of the Ergot, and leaves the grain as a 

 mere shell. It produces much powdery excrementitious matter. 

 It is advisable not to use Ergot which has been kept for more 

 than two years. 



Physiological Effects. — On Animals. Ergot, undeterio- 

 rated, exerts a poisonous effect on all classes of organic struc- 

 tures. Schupler and Zetter found it poisonous to vegetables. 

 It is poisonous to most of the insect tribe, to leeches, birds, and 



