176 MEDICINAL AND POISONOUS PLANTS 
however is of remarkable strength. One part of saffron 
shaken up with 100,000 parts of water gives a distinct yellow 
tinge. The principal use of the drug is to impart an attractive 
color and flavor to medicinal preparations. Most of the 
Fic. 168, II.—Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus, Iris Family, Iridaceew). Plant 
in flower. Same, cut vertically, Style and stigmas. (Baillon.)— 
Perennial herb about 15-25 cm. tall; leaves hairy on the edge; flowers 
lilac or white, with style-branches bright red, appearing in autumn; 
fruit dry. Native home, Asia Minor. 
volatile oils above mentioned are used in medicine mainly 
for their stimulating effect or for imparting a pleasant flavor 
to other drugs. 
61. Poisonous drugs comprise substances which depend 
