432 RANUNCULACE#. 
aconitine, are official in the British Pharmacopeia. Other species have 
similar properties, as, for instance, the species yielding Japanese aconite 
roots or tubers, now supposed to be A. Fischeri. These roots contain a 
very powerful alkaloid named japaconitine. It is said to exceed in poisonous 
properties both aconitine and pseud-aconitine. The Aconitum ferox contains 
the largest amount of alkaloids of any known species. The root or rhizome 
of Aconitum heterophyllum has no poisonous properties ; it is official in the 
Pharmacopeia of India, and has a reputation in India as a tonic and 
antiperiodic medicine. It is known in the Indian bazaars as Atis or Atees. 
Acta spicata, Baneberry.—The rhizome of this plant, as shown by the 
author, is a frequent adulteration in this country of Black Hellebore rhizome. 
The same adulteration has also been noticed on the Continent, and in 
America. The fruits are poisonous. (See Cimicifuga). 
Cimicifuga.—The rhizome with the attached rootlets of Cimicifuga ( Actza) 
racemosu has been long used in the United States as a remedy in acute 
rheumatism, chorea, and various anomalous forms of nervous diseases. It 
has been introduced into this country, and employed with some success in 
similar diseases ; and is now official in the British Pharmacopeia. In the 
form of a tincture it is also reputed to be a valuable external application 
for reducing inflammation ; indeed, in such cases, it is said to be far more 
efficacious than tincture of arnica. It is the source of the eclectic remedy 
known in the United States as cimicifugin. 
Clematis erecta and C. Flammula.—The leaves of these plants have been 
used as rubefacients and vesicants. Some other species possess analogous 
‘properties. 
Coptis.—The root of Coptis trifoliata, Goldthread, which is a native of 
North America, is a pure and powerful bitter, and is used as a stomachic 
and tonic. The root of Coptis Teeta,commonly known in India as Coptis or 
Tita root, is found in the bazaars of India; and is official in the Pharma- 
copeeia of India. It is also known under the name of Mishmi Bitter or 
Mahmira. It is intensely and powerfully bitter, and is a valuable tonic. 
Both these drugs contain berberine. 
Delphinium Staphysagria—The seeds of this plant were formerly em- 
ployed for their emetic, purgative, and anthelmintic properties; but their 
violent action has led to their internal disuse. They are commonly known 
under the name of Stavesacre seeds. They contain an alkaloid, called 
delphinine. They are, however, still much used externally in various skin 
diseases, and are now official in the British Pharmacopeeia ; they are also 
employed externally for destroying vermin. Delphinine has also been used 
externally in neuralgia and rheumatism.—D. Consolidum.—The root and 
seeds contain delphinine, and have similar properties to Stavesacre seeds. 
Helleborus.—The rhizome and rootlets of Helleborus officinalis constituted 
the Black Hellebore of the ancients, which was much used by them asa 
drastic hydragogue purgative.—Helleborus niger is the Black Hellebore of 
the present time; it is still occasionally employed in this country and else- 
where, and possesses similar properties to the former (see Act#a).— Helle- 
borus viridis and H. fetidus are also of a like nature, and may be used as 
efficient substitutes ; indeed that of H. viridis is more powerful in its action. 
Hydrastis canadensis.—The rhizome and rootlets, under the names of 
Yellow Root and Golden Seal, are used in the United States for their tonic 
properties ; and are also reputed to exercise an especial influence over mucous 
surfaces. Their action is due to the presence of berberine and a peculiar 
alkaloid called hydrustine. The drug used by the eclectic practitioners in 
the United States under the name of hydrastine is obtainedfrom it. Hydras- 
tis is also used by the Indians of the Western States of North America to 
dye various shades of yellow. 
Nigella sativa.—The seeds were formerly employed instead of pepper. 
They are regarded in India as carminative. It is supposed that these 
