Mr. J. Miers on the Menispermacese. 167 



method for a cure, which, after all, he obtained only at the end 

 of several years. 



Treatment. 



In cases of poisoning by means of fish there are two courses 

 to be followed: — (1) to induce, as promptly as possible, an 

 evacuation of the noxious substance ; (2) to combat, or at least 

 endeavour to diminish, the effects produced by it. 



Emetics serve to clear the stomach, which must then be sub- 

 jected to a process of rinsing or washing, by the free use of clear 

 fluids, such as water, imbibed in constant draughts. It is ne- 

 cessary, moreover, when the constitution admits of it, to act 

 upon the digestive tube by means of castor-oil or calomel. Such 

 is the local treatment to be applied to these cases, the intensity 

 of the symptoms in each being sufficient guide to the physician 

 as regards the regulation of the measures. 



The general treatment should consist principally of the ad- 

 ministering of generous stimulants, such as tea and, in particular, 

 coffi^e and alcoholic liquors. There are many examples of the 

 good which results from the use of these latter. I may cite one. 

 It is that of a case of poisoning by the flesh of a species of 

 Batistes, said to be B. vetula : twenty persons were affected, the 

 only exception being that of an old man who always drank rum 

 instead of wine at his meals. 



Preparations of opium become advisable if, in spite of the use 

 of evacuants, the vomitings and irritation of the bowels continue. 

 They are especially to be prescribed in cases where convulsions 

 ensue, and then indeed, as Thomas recommends {loc. a7.p. 646), 

 in rather considerable doses. He adds that, in order to diminish 

 the heat, as also the dryness of the skin, slight doses of ipeca- 

 cuanha should be administered when the irritation of the bowels 

 has ceased. 



After the removal of the symptoms, tonics are indispensable. 



XXI. — On the Menispermacese. 

 By John Miers, F.R.S., F.L.S., &c. 



[Continued from p. 20.] 



55. Elissarrhena. 



On previous occasions I have alluded to the fact that when 

 two Menispermaceous plants present themselves diff'ering con- 

 siderably in their habit, especially in the nervation of their leaves, 

 we may be nearly certain that this character will be found ac- 

 companied by some dissimilarities in their floral and seminal 

 structure. So it has occurred with a plant from the Rio Negro, 



