146 VERATRINE. 
elements, and gives birth to a yellow, —"'s matter, sae to the 
bitter of Welther. 
Veratrine restores the blue of turnsol paper, when reddened by abide, Ex- 
posed to the action of heat, it liquifies at a temperature of 50° (122° Fahr.) 
above zero, and has then the appearance of wax; on cooling, it forms an 
amber-looking mass, of a translucent appearance. Distilled on the naked 
fire, it swells up, becomes decomposed, and produces water, much oil, &c. 
A voluminous, carbonaceous mass remains, which, when incinerated, leaves 
only a very slightly alkaline residuum.* 
Action of Veratrine on Animals. A very small quantity of acetate of Ve- 
ratrine, thrown into the nostrils of a dog, instantly provokes violent sneez- 
ing, which sometimes continues for nearly half an hour. One or two grains 
(gr. 0.82 or 16,4 troy) placed in the gullet, immediately occasion copious sa- 
livation, which continues for some time. 
If a small qnantity be thrown into any part of the intestinal canal, and the 
body be opened to observe the effects, the intestine is found to become much 
indurated, and to relax and contract alternately for a certain time. The part 
of the mucous membrane which comes in contact with the Veratrine, is in- 
flamed ; the irritation spreads, and vomiting and purging are produced. 
In much larger doses, the substance induces a very great acceleration of 
the circulation and of respiration, which is soon followed by tetanus and 
death. The effects are still more rapid, if one or two grains be thrown into 
the pleura, or into the tunica vaginalis. In less than ten minutes death oc- 
curs, preceded by tetanic convulsions. The same quantity, thrown into the 
jugular vein, also induces tetanus and death in a few seconds. Dissection 
shews, even in this case, that the Veratrine has produced an effect on the 
intestinal canal; for the mucous membrane is found to be highly injected. 
The lungs also present signs of inflammation and of engorgement. 
_ Action of Veratrine on Man, in a state of health and disease. The effects 
of Veratrine in a large dose have not been observed on man; they would, 
however, doubtless be the same as those which are noticed in animals. 
The taste of Veratrine is very acrid, but without bitterness; it excites a 
very copious salivation, however small the quantity may be which is put 
into the mouth. Though Veratrine is absolutely inodorous, it is inconveni- 
ent to smell at it too closely, when in a state of powder ; for even this small 
* Magendie’s Formulaire, 4th edition. 
