138 POISONOUS PLANTS 



Indeed, Dr. Tanner records two cases in which 

 death occurred within twenty-two hours after 

 being administered medicinally. 



To illustrate the folly of ignorant people doctor- 

 ing themselves with fresh poisonous plants, a case 

 is recorded by Mr. Blyth of a woman who took a 

 large unknown quantity of the freshly-expressed 

 juice of Foxglove for the purpose of relieving a 

 swelling of the limbs. After suffering much she 

 died on the twelfth day.^ 



Toadflax {Linaria vulgaris). — This and five 

 other species are natives. They are all acrid and 

 poisonous ; but no harm has ever been recorded 

 as caused by them. Their odour and taste prevent 

 animals from eating them. Little or nothing is 

 known of their toxic principles. 



LOUSEWORT {Pedicidaris sylvatica and P. 

 palustris), so called from an old use, but not now 

 employed. The chief effects, if taken internally, 

 are vomiting and purgation. 



The first of our two species frequents shady 



1 For Digitalis or Foxglove poisoning, Mr. Blyth recom- 

 mends emptying the stomach by emetics, sulphate of zinc or 

 mustard. Follow up with strong tea, or half-a-drachm of 

 tannic or gallic acid in aqueous solution. Stimulants in 

 small doses may be given frequently by the mouth, or if 

 there be vomiting by the bowel. 



Dr. Brunton gives as antidotes, strong tea [or coffee with 

 brandy to lessen the tendency to sleep (Tanner) ] ; tannins 

 and stimulants. Aconite 5 mins. of the tincture, subcu- 

 taneously ; and perfect quiet in bed. 



