VERATRINE. . 147 
quantity which is thus carried into the nostrils, is often sufficient to produce 
violent sneezing, which may become dangerous. 
A dose of a quarter of a grain (gr. 0,205 troy) rapidly induces very abun- 
dant alvine evacuations. If the dose be augmented, more or less violent 
vomiting is occasioned. M. Orfila lately gave it in the dose of two grains 
(gr. 1,64 troy) in the twenty-four hours, without producing too mapy alvine 
evacuations. The subject of this case was an old man, who had been struck 
with apoplexy some time previously. This circumstance forms an additional 
proof of the influence. which the nervous system possesses over the mode of 
action of medicines. After having cautiously tasted the mixture which con- 
tained the two grains (gr. 1,64 troy) of Veratrine, M. Orfila experienced, for se- 
veral hours, an almost insupportably acrid sensation in the mouth and pha- 
rynx, the impression of which had not entirely disappeared on the following 
day. ‘The patient felt no such inconvenience. 
Medical Properties of Veratrine. ‘Veratrine produces the same effects as 
the plants from which it is extracted ;* hence, it may be very advantageously 
substituted for them, because it permits the active substance used to be esti- 
mated, which the others do not. 
Veratrine is particularly applicable in cases where itis necessary to excite 
_quickly a strong action of the bowels, When given with this intention, it 
has answered very well in the case of old people, where an enormous accu- 
mulation of feces existed in the large intestines. 
* Vide Veratrum Album, vol. ii, p. 757 & seq. 
