giddiness, dimness of sight, and other alarming 

 symptoms, whilst larger doses never produce the 

 same effects, from its cathartic properties being 

 brought to act on the bowels. 



Several eminent physicians of America, who first 

 introduced the Spigelia to notice, have done so un- 

 der the most favourable impressions of its anthel- 

 mintic virtues. One of them, Dr. Gardner, how- 

 ever, observes that he had given it in hundreds of 

 cases, but that he never found its virtues very deci- 

 ded, unless it proved aperient. Dr. Bigelow says 

 the root of this, as of all other perennial plants, is 

 the most active part; and that ten grains may be 

 given to a child four years old. 



The small fibrous roots form but an inconsiderable 

 portion of the plant ; the entire of which is usually 

 employed in England; and that always in a dried 

 state. These circumstances preclude any narcotic 

 effects that may arise from the fresh gathered root. 

 The experience of many medical practitioners has 

 proved that the Spigelia is best administered in com- 

 bination with some more active cathartic medicine, 

 as two or three grains of calomel, or fifteen to twenty 

 grains of rhubarb, for an adult, and less in propor- 

 tion for children. 



The best and most popular method of giving it is 

 in the form of infusion, and combined with senna. 

 Haifa dram of each, infused all night in half a tea. 

 cupful of water kept warm, may be given to a child 

 two or three years old. 



It should be planted in a warm and rather moist 

 situation, with a portion of peat in the soil ; and may 

 occasionally be divided at the root. 

 Hort. Kew. 2, v. 1, 317. 



