NAT. ORDER. RANUNCULACE.E. 153 



roots of this plant are used in London for the true Black Hellebore ; 

 and probably their qualities are the same, for this species is even more 

 nearly allied to the ancient Greek plant Helleboms orientalis than the 

 Hellebonis nig-er. The whole herb is fretid, acrid, violendy cathartic, 

 with a nauseous taste, especially when fresh. The leaves, when 

 dried, are sometimes g-iven as a domestic medicine to destroy worms ; 

 but they must be used sparingly, being so violent in their operations, 

 that many instances of their fatal effects are recorded. A dose of 

 about fifteen grains of the powder of the dried leaves is given to chil- 

 dren, which proves gently emetic and purgative. The decoction of 

 about a drachm of the fresh leaves being considered equal to fifteen 

 grains of the dry ones. It is usually repeated on two, and sometimes 

 three successive mornings, and seldom fails to bring away worms, if 

 there be any in the intestinal canal. In small doses this plant proves 

 diuretic and emmenagogue. It has been used as a purgative in cases 

 of mania, melancholy, coma, dropsy, worms, and psora. But its use 

 in any form requires very gi-eat caution, for its effects are very uncer- 

 tain, and affected by many circumstances. It may be exhibited in the 

 form of an extract, although its activity be much dissipated by the pre- 

 paration. An infusion and tincture certainly promis.e to be medicines 

 of more uniform powers, and are prefen-ed to other preparations. 



