54 



contain in tlic loaves "'an acrid principle strong enough to irritate the 

 skin."' No one of the t^Yenty-t■s\'o subjects showed the slightest trace of 

 slvin irritatii'n as the result of treatment as indicated in the preceding 

 paragraph. The leaves were taken at different dates, but no results con- 

 firming the aliove statement were secured. 



The Indian Turnip and Green Dragon (Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Torr., 

 and A. Dracuntium (L.) Schottj are said to be "violently acrid and almost 

 caustic in every part, frequently producing intolerable itching and in- 

 flammation of the skin." None of the twenty-two subjects showed the 

 slightest unpleasant results from the free handling of the above species. 

 As a result of the more vigorous treatment live showed a vesicular in- 

 flammation lasting for three or four days. The inflammation was ac- 

 companied by considerable itching, which, however, was not so violent 

 as to merit the term "intolerable." Of the Ave showing unpleasant effects, 

 two were young ladies, who proved so susceptible to almost any type of 

 skin lesions that they were unable to continue the work. 



The Skunk Cabbage (Spathyema foetida (L.) Raf.) is said to be "harm- 

 less as to the leaves, but with root so acrid as to produce intolerable itch- 

 ing and inflammation." No results were secured from frequent and rather 

 rough handling of the roots. Later the juice was expressed by pressure 

 and allowed to di-y upon the arms, rubbed to extreme redness, of five 

 subjects. Neither itching nor inflammation resulted. The latter test was 

 repeated in April, May, June and September, four additional subjects 

 being used, but in every case failing to confirm the reputation of the plant 

 as a skin irritant. 



Indian Poke (Veratrum viride Ait.), sparingly found in many localities, 

 growing in swamps and wet woods, will, it is alleged, if "applied to the 

 skin in moist condition cause redness and burning." The plant is so 

 occasional in its occurrence that it need scarcely be taken into account. 

 Two experiments upon myself gave absolutely no redness or burning. It 

 is. however, fair to state that these experiments should not be regarded as 

 determinative, since not even the poison ivy (Rhus radicans L.) produces 

 any skin irritation, except when the skin has been rubbed to redness with 

 the crushed leaves and the juice allowed to dry upon the surface. 



Cypripedium hirsutum Mill., the Yellow Lady's Slipper or Moccasin 

 flower, is said to be "irritating to the skin, in some cases poisoning as 

 severely as Rhus." Eleven out of the twenty-two persons experimented 



