70 FLORA HOM(COPATHICA. 
being incommoded. Also, an idiot of twenty years, swallowed 
upwards of thirty of the berries, and, with the exception of a 
few slight symptoms, he was not affected; but these obserya- 
tions only prove that a small quantity of the poison did not 
affect after a copious meal, and that an idiot, whose nervous 
system was but slightly impressionable, was not violently acted 
upon by this poison. 
It appears that the berries of Belladonna possess a purely 
narcotic power, while the leaves and the root contain more 
acrid and exciting properties. From the effect of the berries on 
the organs of deglutition, and from the similarity of the symp- 
toms to hydrophobia, it would perhaps be better that a homco- 
pathic preparation be made solely from the berries, and tried in 
this disease. 
Effect.—On animals generally. Belladonna proves poisonous 
to mammals and birds, but much less so to herbivorous than to 
carnivorous animals. Given to dogs, Belladonna causes dilata- 
tion of the pupils; plaintive cries; efforts to vomit 3 weakness 
of the posterior extremities ; staggering ; frequent pulse; a state 
like intoxication and death. (Orfila, Toxicol. Génér., 3rd edit., 
p- 269.) 
On vegetables.—An aqueous solution of extract of Belladonna 
is poisonous to plants. (Marcet, Ann. Chim. et Physiol.) 
Mepicat Uszs (Home@oraruic).—It has been truly observed 
by Hahnemann that Belladonna corresponds with a number of 
the morbid conditions often met with in the human frame, and 
that consequently there is frequent occasion to administer it 
homeopathically. “ What remedy may not prove most pre- 
judicial in the hands of ignorant people? Certainly every 
active medicine may become so if given injudiciously, and in too 
large doses ; but then it is only prejudicial through the fault 
of him who calls himself a physician. On the other hand, the 
most powerful and violent medicines become as mild as they 
are beneficial by proper attenuation, even when taken by the 
most feeble and sensitive persons, while diminishing the doses 
