760 “FUNGI. 
its specific name. It contains an uncrystallisable alkaloid named muscarine. 
This closely resembles pilocarpine in its action when administered internally, 
and it is stated to be antagonistic to atropine; but it is remarkable that 
when locally applied it dilates the pupil like atropine. (See page 757.) 
Bacteria —The action of these organisms in connexion with disease 
has been already referred to. (See pages 387 and 759.) 
Boletus edulis and several other species are edible.—B. edulis is much 
esteemed in Italy, &c. 
Claviceps (Cordiceps).—The disease called Ergot, which occurs in the 
grains of Rye, Wheat, and many other Grasses, is produced by C. purpurea. 
The official Ergot of the British Pharmacopeeia is the sclerotium of this 
fungus, produced between the pales, and replacing the grain of the common 
Rye (Secale cereale). Ergot is largely used in medicine to cause contraction 
of the uterus in cases of tedious parturition, or to prevent flooding after 
delivery. It is also employed for other purposes. In overdoses it acts as a 
poison, and sometimes causes death. Taken for a length of time, asin bread 
made with diseased Rye, it also acts as a poison.—C. Robertsii, C. sinensis, 
C. entomorrhiza, and other species, frequently attack caterpillars in a living 
state, which they destroy as their mycelium developes. The remains of the 
caterpillar with the developed fungus of C. simensis is a highly esteemed 
drug in China, where it is much used as a tonic. 
Cyttaria Darwinii and C. Berteroi are employed for food, the former in 
Terra del Fuego, and the latter in Chili. 
Elaphomyces granulatus and E. muricatus are sold in Covent Garden 
Market under the name of Lycoperdon Nuts. They are supposed to possess 
aphrodisiac properties, and to promote parturition and the secretion of milk. 
Exidia Auricula Judx, Jew’s Ear, is reputed to possess astringent and 
discutient properties when applied externally in the form of a decoction, 
or poultice.—£. hispidula is used in China as a styptic, and as a food 
mixed in soups, &c. It is known there under the name of Moghi, signifying 
ears of trees. 
Lycoperdon, the Puftballs—When the Lycoperdon giganteum is submitted 
to combustion, the volatile emanations arising from it possess a narcotic 
property. It hasbeen employed in this way to stupefy bees when removing 
honey from the hive, and has been also recommended as an anesthetic 
agent instead of ether and chloroform. A similar property is also possessed 
by some other species. 
Merulius lacrymans and M. vastator are two of the Fungi which occur in 
the disease called Dry Rot. (See Properties and Uses of Fungi, p. 759.) 
Morchella esculenta, the Morel, is a highly esteemed edible fungus, which 
is principally employed for flavouring. It is commonly imported in a dry 
state from the Continent. 
Mylitta australis is called Native Bread in Australia, where it is largely 
used as food by the natives. This fungus frequently weighs as much as 
from one to three pounds. Other species, nearly allied to Mylitta australs, 
are also used in China for food and as medicine. , 
Oidium.—The Vine Fungus is commonly supposed to be a species of this 
or a nearly allied genus. It would appear, however, that the so-called 
fungus, Oidium, is a mycelial form of Erysiphe Tuckeri. 
Pachyma Cocos, Fries, is another fungus, allied to Mylitta, which is 
highly esteemed as a food and medicine by the natives of China, &c., and 
by the Indians of the United States of North America. It is the Tuckahoe 
or Indian Bread of the United States. It has been offered in the London 
markets under the name of China Root. It may readily be distinguished 
from true China Root by the absence of starch. 
Penicillium glaucum, Mucor Mucedo, Aspergillus glaucus, Botrytis vul- 
garis, and other Fungi, constitute the various kinds of Moulds already 
noticed. (See Properties and Uses of Fungi, p. 759.) 
