DICOTYLEDONS 47 



Aconite could be taken for that of Horse-radish, if 

 even the slightest attention had been paid to the 

 root when dug up. But this was precisely what 

 was wanting.^ 



Columbine (^Aquilegia vulgaris). — This has true 

 compound leaves. The segments of a divided leaf 

 when perfectly free from each other, give rise to a 

 compound leaf. Such is the case in the Traveller's 

 Joy and the Columbine. The flowers have five 

 coloured sepals and five petals, each being prolonged 

 into a honey-secreting spur. It has numerous 

 stamens, and five carpels which become many- 

 seeded follicles. 



The name is derived from Cohimba, a dove ; for 

 the flower has some resemblance to five little 

 birds putting their beaks together, the sepals 

 forming the wings. 



Like the Aconite, this is not common wild ; but 



^ The following are Dr. Tanner's remedies for poisoning 

 by Aconite : — In addition to emetics, castor-oil, and animal 

 charcoal, benefit may be derived from administering strong 

 coffee. Brandy or ammonia should also be given, while 

 the limbs and back are well rubbed with hot towels. Artifi- 

 cial respiration might prove useful. 



Dr. Brunton adds : — Spirits ; ammonia ; warmth ; digita- 

 lis ; atropine. 



Mr. Blyth's treatment for poisoning by Acom'/e. — In the 

 absence of a physician, for whom his directions are especially 

 given, the only item which an attendant to the patient can 

 apply, would be an emetic ; he suggests sulphate of zinc, 

 and to keep the patient in a recumbent position. 



