STRAMONIUM 325 



Pharm. Assn., 1894, contribution from the research 

 laboratory of Sharp and Dohme), being to the effect: 



"1st. That the stems of Datura Stramonium contain 

 more alkaloid than the leaves. 



"2nd. That the plant Datura Stramonium gathered 

 in June contains less alkaloid than that gathered in 

 July and August." 



Let us now quote from King's American Dispensa- 

 tory, 1852, concerning the qualities of the plant: 



"PROPERTIES AND USES. In large doses, a narcotic 

 poison. In medicinal doses, it acts as an anodyne- 

 antispasmodic, and without producing constipation. 

 Used for allaying rheumatic, syphilitic, and neuralgic 

 pains, also in mania and epilepsy. 



"Externally, a poultice of the fresh leaves, bruised, or 

 the dried leaves in hot water, will be found an excellent 

 application over the bowels in severe forms of gastritis, 

 enteritis, peritonitis, etc. (I have in many instances 

 applied them to the perineum, in cases of retention of 

 urine from enlarged prostate, where it was impossible 

 to introduce a catheter, and after remaining on about 

 half an hour have readily been able to pass the catheter, 

 and thus relieved the patient. I have met with similar 

 good results in urethral stricture. K.) It will also be 

 found beneficial as a local medication to all species of 

 painful ulcers, acute ophthalmia, swelled breasts, in- 

 flammatory rheumatism, and hemorrhoidal tumors. 

 An ointment of it is very valuable in many of the above 

 diseases. It should never be given internally, in pleth- 

 ora, or where there is much determination to the 

 head." 



