412-2 
in swine, as well as a tonic and deobstruent in hepatic and glandular disorders. All 
parts of the plant have a heavy, rank odor when bruised, resembling that of the elder 
(Sambucus). 
Scrophularia i is not mentioned in the U. S. Ph.; in the Eclectic Materia Med- 
ica it is officinal as Decoctum Scrophularia, and as acomponent of Syrupus Rume- 
cis Compositus, and Tinctura Corydalis Composita. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The whole fresh plant, gathered just 
before flowering, should be chopped and pounded to a pulp and weighed. Then 
two parts by weight of alcohol should be taken, the pulp thoroughly mixed with one- 
sixth part of it, and the rest of the alcoholadded. After having stirred the whole, 
pour it into a well-stoppered bottle and let it stand eight days in a dark, cool place. 
The tincture, separated by straining and filtering, should have a beautiful deep 
crimson color by transmitted sunlight, a rank, acrid odor and taste, and strong 
acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—Scropnuu.arin ; this principle, the chemistry 
of which has not yet been determined, was extracted from a decoction of the 
fresh plant by Walz.* It crystallizes in bitter scales, soluble in both alcohol and 
water, 
Scrophularosmin; this stearoptene was also discovered by Walz in an aque- 
ous distillate of the plant. 
Walz’s analysis also yielded acettc acid, C,H,O,; propionic acid, 71-0; : 
pectin, C,, Hy, O,,; and a red coloring matter. : 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—According to Dr. Blakely,} this drug, in re- 
peated doses of from 20 drops to a teaspoonful of the tincture, causes: Fullness 
of the head, and vertigo; free bleeding of the gums; salivation; arcoen a 
tite; colic; general weariness; sleepiness; and sallow skin. 
In this experimenter the drug seemed to expend its force upon the liver. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 112. 
Panicle. 
Second pair of leaves from panicle. | 
Flower, under side. 
Corolla opened to show sexual organs. 
Ripe stamen (enlarged). 
~ Folien,; x 256. 
Biughaihicn, N. Y., June 8th, 1884. 
a ie 
_ * Mayer in Am. Jour. Phar., 1863, p. 293. 
+N.A. Jour. Hom., 1866, p. 187. 
