82 FUNGI 



identical. Different samples of ergot may contain very different 

 amounts of the three main constituents. The yield of ash should not 

 exceed 5 per cent. 



Assay of Ergot. The physiological test for ergot, originated by E. M. Houghton, 

 consists in feeding the preparation or drug to roosters, and noting the blackened 

 and gangrenous appearance produced in the comb and wattles. The rapidity with 

 which this change takes place and the depth of color produced denote the strength 

 of the drug. An assay of the drug can be made by estimating the proportion of 

 cornutine present, which, according to Beckurts, is as follows: 25 Gm. of the 

 drug are freed from oil by percolation with petroleum spirits, then dried and 

 well shaken with 100 Gm. of ether and I Gm. of magnesia, the latter having been 

 suspended in 20 mils of water. After repeated agitation the mixture is allowed 

 to stand for three or four hours. Then 6p Gm. of the clear ethereal solution 

 (to 15 Gm. of ergot) are shaken four successive times with 25, 10, 10, and 10 mils 

 of dilute HC1 (0.5 per cent.), the united solutions rendered alkaline by NH 4 OH, 

 and the alkaloid shaken out with three successive portions of ether. On evapora- 

 tion, drying, and weighing the somewhat crystalline yellowish-white cornutine 

 the assay is completed. The results of such assay are unsatisfactory, but have 

 proved of value as a check in qualitative estimations. 



Preparation of Ergotin (Wiggers). Treat ergot with ether to deprive it of 

 fixed oil, then extract with hot alcohol, evaporate, and purify. It resembles 

 cinchonic red, is soluble in alcohol, but insoluble in ether and water. Bonjeau's 

 ergotin corresponds to a purified extract of ergot (aqueous extract, precipitated 

 by alcohol, filtered, and evaporated) ; is soluble in alcohol and water. 



ACTION AND USES. Produces vascular contraction, especially of the 

 arteries, all over the body. This property is said to be due to its 

 action on the vasomotor centers in the cord. Because it contracts the 

 arterioles it is hemostatic. The flow of urine is also diminished. It 

 is ecbolic and parturient, powerfully exciting the pregnant uterus 

 and expelling its contents. Recently it has been discovered to be of 

 value in the treatment of insomnia, the sleep produced being more 

 natural than that from other drugs. 



Poisonous symptoms: dimness of vision, local anesthesia, and 

 numbness are sometimes produced, even by medicinal doses. Anti- 

 dotes: evacuants (stomach-pump, emetics, etc.), stimulants, nitrite 

 of amyl, inhalations, friction, etc. Dose: 20 to 30 gr. (1.3 to 2 Gm.) 

 in freshly prepared powder, wine, or fluidextract; ergotin solution,! 

 to 3 gr. (0.65 to 0.2 Gm.). 



OFFICIAL PREPARATIONS. 



Extractum Ergotae, Dose: 3 to 12 gr. (0.2 to 0.8 Gm.) 



Fluidextractum Ergotae, % to 2 fl. dr. (2 to 8 mils) 



6. USTILAGO. CORN SMUT. A fungous growth upon Zea mays, more par 



ticularly upon the inflorescence. Consists of blackish, irregular, roundish 

 masses enveloping innumerable spores; of a disagreeable odor and taste. 

 It contains probably sclerotic acid. Used as a parturient and emmenagogue. 

 Dose: 15 to 30 gr. (i to 2 Gm.). 



7. AGARICUS ALBUS, N.F. LARCH AGARIC. PURGING AGARIC. WHITE 



AGARIC. Prom Polypo'rus officina'lis Fries. The internal, decorticated 

 portion of the fungus comes in light, colorless, spongy masses of irregular 

 shape. Taste sweetish, acrid, and bitter. In large doses cathartic. In doses of 

 8 gr., gradually increased to I dr., it has been found useful in checking night- 

 sweats of phthisis. Surgeon's agaric, from Polyporus fomentarium Fries, is 

 used externally as a styptic in hemorrhage. 



