UMBELLIFER 2. 111 
ie and its termination by convulsions and failure of the 
respiration. The Indian bazar names, which signify “ Syrian 
or wild caraway” and ‘“Khorasién Ajowan” are apparently 
euphemistic. ; 
The ancients were well acquainted with the properties of 
_ hemlock, and it is said that the priests of Eleusis, who were 
under a vow of chastity, used to rub their bodies with its juice. 
_ The Arabian and Persian physicians repeat almost word for 
recapitulate, as they were those held by modern European phy- 
sicians up to a comparatively recent date. The preparation 
of the plant recommmended for medicinal use by the Arabians 
is an extract made by expressing the juice of the unripe fruit 
_and drying it; this preparation is doubtless far more efficient 
an the extract and tincture of our Pharmacopeeias. Harley 
(The Old Vegetable Neurotics, 1869,) has shown that the green 
unripe fruits are the most active part of the plant, and that 
a in cold-blooded animals. There is dilatation of the pupil 
nd ptosis from paralysis of the endings of the third nerve. 
ocally applied, it appears to paralyse the ends of the sensory 
erves. Methyl-coniine acts on the spinal cord, causing para- 
sis of reflex action. Dimethyl-coniine and conhydrine have 
action similar to that of coniine, but less poreee ide 
runton.) 
In ee hemlock is now chiefly used as a ‘neurot 
ressed and preserved juice of the. ‘wnripe 
red to the old preparations, y | 
ve principles, Tt has boon tried 
