147-4 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The whole fresh plant is chopped and 
pounded to a pulp and weighed. Then two parts by weight of alcohol are taken, 
the pulp thoroughly mixed with one-sixth part of it, and the rest of the alcohol 
added. After having stirred the whole well, it is poured into a well-stoppered 
bottle, and allowed to stand eight days in a dark, cool place. 
The tincture, separated from this mass by filtration, has a deep orange-red 
color by transmitted light ; a sweetish vinous odor; an acrid, astringent, and slightly 
bitter taste; and an acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—No analysis of this species has been made 
that identified a special principle. The constituents of the Euphorbias of this coun- 
try are probably much alike in all species, and, therefore, refer to £. L[pecacuanhe, 
page 149-2. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—Dr. True,* who took a half-pint of an infusion 
of one-half an ounce of the dried herb in a pint of water, experienced the following 
effects: Headache with frontal fulness and heat ; heat about the eyes; languor and 
drowsiness ; oppression of the stomach; and constipation. The juice applied to 
the eyes causes severe irritation, with smarting and burning, lachrymation, and 
momentary blindness; this we have experienced twice while gathering the plant. 
It is supposed that this species causes the affection in horses called “slabbers.” 
The Euphorbias in general ‘are severe irritants of mucous membranes, upon 
which they act as acrid poisons, 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 147. 
1.. Portion of a branch in fruit, Binghamton, N. Y., Sept. 6th, 1885. 
2. A portion of the stem, showing method of branching, stipules, and petioles. 
3- A leaf, showing obliquity. 
4. A falcate leaf. 
5. Fruit. 
6. Horizontal section of fruit. 
4. Seed. 
(5-7 enlarged.) 
* Ec. Med. Four., 1875, 260, 
ie 
