THE MICROSCOPE. 83 



structure to the inside of the bark. On either side of the bundles of 

 liber fibre are rows of polyhedral crystals of calcium oxalate. 



Medullary rays composed of regular brick shaped cells similar 

 to those of the cork are seen'traversing this layer. This part of the 

 bark contains besides the liber and crystals of calcium oxalate, some 

 oil ducts and resin glands, — apparently different in no respect from 

 the surrounding cells, — some small scattered lactiferous tissue and 

 separate oil drops. 



Physiological Action. — It is said to be "a cerebro-spinal drug, 

 expending its influence almost entirely upon the nervous system. It 

 causes at first an increased activity of the cerebrum. This is shortly 

 followed by a dazed feeling. There is a violent itching pain in the 

 upper portion of the medulla oblongata, with nervous trembling." 



It causes burning soreness in the eyes and heat in the internal 

 structure. The eyes look wild and staring and there is a constant 

 movement. There is excoriation in the nares posteriores with sneez- 

 ing and coryza. There is also an aching pain in the temples. It 

 induces labored breathing, and gradually the whole body comes un- 

 der its influence. There is an intense excitation of the nervous 

 system, causing a hot flush over the entire body, the pulse is in- 

 creased ten or fifteen pulsations with pain in the heart and restless- 

 ness, which, however, is quickly succeeded by obliviousness."* 



"Experiments upon animals have demonstrated power of this 

 drug in large doses, to produce prompt paralysis of the motor nerves, 

 while it does not affect the great centers of innervation — cerebellum 

 and medulla, — the great sympathetic nerve, or the smooth or non- 

 striated muscular fibre, neither does it affect the seat of intelligence, 

 the heart rhythm, the temperature, or the peristaltic action."! 



Properties and Uses. — Dr. William Hamilton of England speaks 

 of this plant as a powerful narcotic, capable of producing sleep and 

 relieving pain in an extraordinary manner. 



"In Brazil it has an established reputation as a nervous sedative. 

 Its action seems to be over the nervous centres; it causes sleep with- 

 out producing the cerebral hypersemia, nausea and nervous disturb- 

 ances, which succeed opium and morphia. The sleep is tranquil 

 and refreshing; it soothes bronchial coughs, and moderates the 

 paroxysm of asthma and nervous coughs. "J 



♦George William Winterburn, M. t». 



tProf. Fernando Altamarano, M. D., of Mexico. 



tC H. Hansen, M. D. 



