174 AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS. 
some variation in the method of preparing the duboisine, but con- 
fesses he cannot say in what respect. It will be remembered that 
the name ‘“‘hyoscine” was appropriated for a base found in the 
mother-liquor, after the removal of hyoscyamine, in preparing that 
alkaloid from henbane; itis isomeric with atropine and hyoscya- 
mine, but is split up by alkalies into tropic acid and pseudo- 
tropine. (Pharm. Fourn., 25th June, 1887.) 
For an account of Gerrard’s experiments with the alkaloid of 
this plant, together with some physiological experiments with it 
(Vide Pharm. Fourn. [3], viii., 787, et seq.) 
In practice, the sulphate of the alkaloid, which forms golden 
yellow scales, is usually preferred. The dose is from 3, to #5 of 
a grain. 
The extract is said to have been given with great benefit in 
cases of the night sweats of phthisis, without producing any bad 
effects on the appetite. It produced entire relief from pain in a 
severe case of vesical tenesmus from inflammation of the urethra 
and neck of the bladder. 
The following references to the alkaloid are taken from 
Martindale and Westcott’s Extra Pharmacop@ia. It dilates the 
pupil, dries the mouth, checks perspiration, causes headache and 
drowsiness, antagonises muscarine. On the eye it acts more 
promptly than atropine. (Lancet, i. 1878, 304.) 
Eight cases of toxic symptoms, giddiness, delirium and 
dryness of the mouth, from use of eye drops, four grains to the 
ounce. (Lance/, ii., 1879, 353.) 
As a mydriatic it is much stronger than atropine. Its use 
requires care—it is apt to produce giddiness, etc., and even 
delirium. (Lancet, ii., 1879, 441.) 
Its action relative to atropine, physiologically, ete. (Prac- 
Zitioner, Xxiii., 246.) 
Therapeutic and physiological effects, differs from atropine 
by the persistence and greater rapidity of its action on the muscle 
of accommodation; is a useful calmative in maniacal delirium ; 
as a sedative ointment, one in five hundred of vaseline applied 
night and morning is useful in inflammation of the cornea. 
(Prac., xxv., 294.) 
