40 NAT. ORDER. SOLANE^. 



its efficacy, yet the facts he adduces in confirmation of the utility 

 of this plant, are clear and decisive. He says : " I have had a 

 cancer of the lip entirely cured by it ; a scirrhosity in a w^oman's 

 breasts, of such a kind as frequently proceeds to cancer, I have 

 found entirely discussed by the use of it ; a sore a little below the 

 eye, which had put on a cancerous appearance, was much mended 

 by the internal use of the Belladonna ; but the patient having 

 learned somewhat of the poisonous nature of the medicine, refused 

 to continue the use of it, upon which the sore again spread, and 

 was painful ; but, upon a return to the use of the Belladonna, it 

 was again mended to a considerable degree : when the same fears 

 again returning, the use of it was again laid aside, and with the 

 same consequence of the sore becoming worse. Of these alter- 

 nate states, connected with the alternate use of, and abstinence 

 from, the Belladonna, there were several which fell under my own 

 observation." 



The sensible effects produced by the leaves of this plant, 

 taken in medicinal doses, are usually by the skin, the urinary pas- 

 sages, and sometimes by stool ; in larger doses, troublesome dryness 

 of the mouth and throat, giddiness, and dimness of sight are ex- 

 perienced. That the advantages derived from the internal use 

 of Belladonna are only in proportion to the evacuations effected 

 by it, is a conclusion we cannot admit, as sufficiently warranted 

 by the facts adduced upon this point. 



As this plant has always been considered rather uncertain in 

 its operations, it is with difficulty that we can direct what would 

 be a proper dose : the most pr.udent manner, however, of admin- 

 istering it, is by beginning with one grain or less, and gradually 

 increasing, according to its effects. Five and six grains are con- 

 sidered a very large dose. 



