SOLANACE. 629 
corolla with 5, or rarely 4 divisions. Corolla regular or very 
slightly irregular; zstivation valvate, imbricate, plaited, or 
induplicate. Stamens equal in number to the lobes of the 
corolla, with which they are alternate ; anthers 2-celled, with 
porous or longitudinal dehiscence. Ovary superior, with axile 
placentation, usually 2-celled, the cells being then placed 
anterior and posterior ; or rarely more celled. Fruit dehiscent 
or indehiscent, 2- or more celled. Seeds numerous, albuminous. 
In some former editions of this Manual, following the views 
of Miers, we advpted his new order, Atropacex ; but as this 
arrangement has not been generally adopted, we have now, in 
accordance with most authorities, combined the latter order 
with the Solanacez ; but on account of the more important 
medicinal value of the Atropacez of Miers, we retain this order 
as a sub-order, and divide the Solanacex as follows :— 
Sub-order 1. SoLrane®.—AXstivation of the corolla valvate or 
induplicate. Stamens equal in number to the lobes of the 
corolla. Illustrate Genera:—Cestrum, Linn.; Solanum, 
Tinn. 
Sub-order 2. ATRoPEH.—AHstivation of the coroijla imbricate, 
or some modification of imbricate. Stamens equal in number 
to the lobes of the corolla, one occasionally sterile. Illus- 
tratiwe Genera :—Atropa, Linn. ; Lycium, Linn. 
Distribution and Numbers—They are scattered over various 
parts of the globe except the polar circles, but are most abun- 
dant in tropical regions. This order, as defined above, contains 
about 1,120 species. 
Sub-order 1. Soranex.—Properties and Uses.—The plants of 
this sub-order frequently possess narcotic properties from the 
presence of the alkaloid Solanine, but not by any means to 
the same extent as those of the Atropez. Fatal cases of 
poisoning have, however, occurred from their improper use. 
Some are pungent and stimulant owing to the presence of an 
acrid oleo-resin ; others contain a bitter tonic principle ; and 
a few have edible fruits, leaves, or tubers. It has been stated 
that the juice of the Solanez does not produce dilatation of 
the pupil of the eye, as is the case with that of many plants 
of the Atropez ; but this is not strictly correct. 
Capsicum.—The species of this genus are remarkable for the presence of 
an oleo-resinous liquid, named capsicin, in their fruits, which renders them 
hot, pungent, and stimulating. ‘This oleo-resin has been proved by Thresh 
to contain a very minute proportion of a crystalline substance called 
capsaicin, which he has shown to be the real active principle of capsicum 
fruits. The various species of Capsicum are generally supposed to have been 
originally natives of some warm part of the American continent, from 
whence they have become distributed over the world. There are several 
species and varieties of Capsicum in common use, one of which is official in 
the British Pharmacopeia, namely, the C. fastigiatum of Blume, The fruits 
of this are sometimes sold as Chillies; but this name is more commonly 
