125-3 
vian Saracha umbellata, Jacq., are used as an anodyne emollient, In New Grenada 
the Matrimony Vine (Lyczum umbrosum) is adjudged an excellent remedy in ery- 
sipelas; and, lastly, the South American Aimeranthus uncinatus is esteemed by 
the natives as an aphrodisiac, stimulating the ingester to venery. 
History and Habitat—Black Nightshade is a cosmopolite; in this country it 
grows in damp and shady waste grounds, generally throughout the eastern sec- 
tion, where it flowers from July to frosty weather. : 
This species has been used in general practice, especially as a resolvent, from 
A. D. 54 (Dioscorides) to within a few years. The principal use of the plant has 
been in dropsy; gastritis; glandular enlargement; nervous affections; general 
inflammations of mucous membranes; herpetic, scorbutic, and syphilitic eruptions ; 
and asa narcotic. The Arabs use the bruised leaves, with adeps, as an applica- 
tion to burns, bullae, and felons. In Dalmatia the root is used to cure hydrophobia, 
and is fried in butter and eaten to produce sleep; while in Bohemia the blossom- 
ing plant is hung over the cradle of infants to act as an hypnotic. Orfila claims the 
extract equal in power and energy to lactucarium. In Spain patients are often 
said to be cured of phthisis by burying them up to the neck in garden loam, then, 
after removal, rubbing the body thoroughly with an ointment of the leaves of this 
species. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The whole plant, gathered when, in 
early autumn, it is in both flower and fruit, is treated as in the preceding species. 
The. resulting tincture has a brownish-orange color by transmitted light, no 
distinguishing odor, a slightly astringent and woody taste, and an acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—So/ania,* C,,H,,NO,,. This peculiar body, 
having, according to all observers up to date, both alkaloidal and glucosidal 
reactions, needs much careful investigation before either its chemical or physical 
nature can be fully understood. It is readily obtainable from all species of the 
genus Solanum, but is especially prevalent in this. According to Wittstein, it crys- 
tallizes in white, flat, quadrangular prisms of mother-of-pearl lustre, or results as an 
amorphous powder of like appearance ; it is inodorous, and has a bitter, disagree- 
able, long-lasting, rancid, and acrid taste. It is soluble to only a slight extent in 
water, its solution becoming frothy on agitation; readily dissolves in alcohol; and 
is insoluble in ether. It shows a decided glucosidal nature by breaking down under 
the action of heat and hydrochloric acid, as follows : 
Sclanin. Wale > Glee. Solanidine.t 
CyH,,NO,,+ (H,0),= (CH,,0,)s + CsHaNO- 
PHYSIOLOGICAL AOTION.—Numerous cases of poisoning have been | 
reported, among which the followin 
g will serve to show the action of the plant: 
Three children who had eaten the berries complained of headache, vertigo, => 
ig of a greenish-colored S 
nausea, colic, and tenesmus. — There was copious vomit 
* Discovered in the plant in 1821 by M. Desfo ear pee seedles (Sehorlem 
+ This body is a very strong base, and crystallize 
