_ monstrous, the lids com 
153-2 
The seeds were given in goitre, corpulence, glandular enlargements and 
scrofulosis, and were also considered anthelmintic and hypnotic; while verrucz 
were said to entirely disappear in a fortnight, under daily application of the juice. 
The yourg shoots are considered excellent “greens,” on their appearance 
in spring; and in Russia and Siberia, the stalks afford a tough fiber, not inferior 
to hemp for the manufacture of cloth, paper, nets, and ropes. A strong decoction 
of the plant, salted, is said to coagulate milk very quickly, and the product to 
prove devoid of any unpleasant taste. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The whole fresh plant is treated as in 
the preceding drug (page 152-3). The resulting tincture has a deep brown 
color by transmitted light; an odor resembling chocolate; an astringent herba- 
ceous taste; and an acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—formic Acid, H,CO,. This volatile acid is 
found in a free state in the stings of this species; it is also found in the poison- 
bags of the red ant, the hairs of a species of caterpillar (Bombyx processionea), in 
pine needles, turpentine, and in many plants. Formic Acid was first obtained by 
Samuel Fisher, by distilling red ants, since which time it has Leen proven quite 
widely distributed. When pure, this acid is a colorless liquid, solidifying at +1° 
(33-8° F.), in the form of shining plates, and boiling at 100° (212° F.). It pos- 
Sesses a sour, pungent odor, something like acetic acid, a very acid taste, and is so 
corrosive to the skin that its blisters are very like those resulting from burns. 
It is freely soluble in both water and alcohol, as are also its salts. 
As the effect of Nettle stinging differs considerably from that of Formic Acid, 
and as the distillate of the plant savors of ammonia, as well as of carbonic dioxide, 
another principle, alkaloidal in its nature, will probably be found in the species. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—The following case of poisoning, by two cup- 
fuls of a hot infusion of two ounces of the herb,* shows well the action of this drug; 
The skin of the face, arms, shoulders, and chest, was affected with extremely dis- 
tressing, burning heat, with formication, numbness, and violent itching. The lips, 
nose, and ears were swollen, and the lids swollen and cedematous, so that they 
could scarcely be opened. After a while all the upper parts of the body, down to 
the navel, were frightfully swollen, pale and cedematous, rather than inflamed. 
A large number of small transparent blisters, filled with serum and looking like 
sudamina, developed and became confluent; on account of these the skin assumed 
a peculiar wrinkled appearance. There was no other remarkable disturbance, 
either of circulation or respiration. The patient complained neither of headache, 
nor of sensitiveness of the stomach and abdomen. The look of the patient was 
ree pletely closed, forming transparent, and here and there 
_ bluish swellings, as large as hen’s eggs. The upper lip, nose, and both ears were 
_ frightfully swollen. On the third day the face became free, but the chest and arms 
with an eruption, which itched so violently that the patient 
__. * Dr. Fiard, Acad. de Med., Paris, 4. #. Z., 8, 81, Allen, Ency. Mat. Med., x, 49. 
