124-3 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—The first action of this drug is somewhat 
narcotic, but of short duration in this sphere. Upon the circulation the action is 
quite marked, it causing venous congestion, attended with great pain, heat, 
nausea and vomiting, and sudden prostration, The head droops and oscillates 
forth and back, the patient is giddy, the heart palpitates, the mouth and fauces 
become hot and dry, and the face and ears cyanotic. Post mortem: the medulla is 
found as to its substance healthy, though there is great injection of the blood- 
vessels above and below it. One clearly defined case of poisoning by the berries 
of this plant is reported in the Lancet of June 28th, 1856, p. 715, in which the 
identity of the plant seems to have been certain, and that the berries of Solanum 
nigrum, which are much more poisonous, took no part, resulted in the death of a 
boy aged 4. The following symptoms were noted: after eleven hours, during 
which no symptoms of importance were observed, he was attacked with vomiting, 
purging and convulsions, which continued throughout the day, the child being 
insensible during the intervals. He died convulsed in about 24 hours. The 
vomited matters were of a dark greenish color, and of a bilious character. 
Notwithstanding numerous cases reported of poisoning by this plant it can- 
not justly be considered as generally poisonous, as most animals and persons 
who have eaten of it or its fruit, show no serious symptoms. 
It is to be deplored that the berries were not incorporated in the tinctures 
proven, as they seem to be the most toxic part of the plant. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 124. 
1. Flowering branch. Ithaca, N. Y., May 31, 1880. Fruit added later in the season. 
2. Flower (enlarged). 
Pistil (enlarged). 
Stamens (enlarged). 
Section of Ovary. 
Pollen grains x 380. 
aa SS 
