ALOE 117 



It is chiefly employed in gout and rheumatism, in which it is said to 

 be very efficacious. Dose: 2 to 8 gr. (0.13 to 0.5 Gm.). 



OFFICIAL PREPARATION. 



Extractum Colchici Cormi, Dose: 4 gr. (0.25 Gm.). 



69. COLCHICI SEMEN 



COLCHICUM SEED 



The seed of Col'chicum autumnal'e Linne', yielding by the official process not less 

 than 0.55 per cent, of colchicii^. 



DESCRIPTION OF DRUG. These seeds have the same constituents and the 

 same medicinal action as the roots, and are given in about the same 

 doses. They are hard, reddish-brown, subglobular, 3 mm. ( L in.) 

 in diameter, somewhat pointed at the hilum and with a slight pro- 

 jection or caruncle on one side. Testa thin, somewhat scurfy, closely 

 adhering to the white albumen, which fills the entire seed and which 

 is characterized by its extreme hardness; embryo small, nearly 

 opposite the hilum; inodorous; taste oily, bitter, and somewhat 

 acrid. Dose: 3 gr. (0.2 Gm.). Ash not exceeding 8 per cent. 



Powder. Characteristics: See Part iv, Chap. I, B. 

 OFFICIAL PREPARATIONS. 



Tinctura Colchici Seminis (10 per cent.), Dose: 10 to 60 tijj (0.6 to 4 mils). 

 Fluidextractum Colchici Seminis, I to 5 njj (0.065 to 0.3 mil).!. 



70. ALOE. ALOES 

 Ger. ALOE 



The inspissated juice of the leaves of Aloe Perryi Baker, yielding Socotrine Aloes; 

 or Aloe vera Linn6, yielding Curagoa Aloes; or of Aloe ferox Miller, yielding 

 Cape Aloes, U.S.P. 



BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS. Succulent plants with spicate inflorescence; 

 Perianth tubular; style equal in length to the stamens, or almost wanting. 

 Capsule membranous, scarious; seeds in two rows, flattened or 3-cornered, 

 winged. Cape of Good Hope, etc. The American aloe, or century plant 

 (Agave americana), is a plant quite similar to the above. 



COLLECTION. The bitter, yellow, succulent portion of the leaf (which, 

 when inspissated, constitutes the aloes of commerce) is found in thin- 

 walled ducts near the surface. The thick leaves are cut off near the 

 base (March and April) and stood up in the sun to drain upon skins. 

 Impurities are removed by skimming with a ladle, etc. Artificial 



