170 RANUNCULACE^E 



in some districts as a substitute for tincture of cocculus indicus, ap- 

 plied to the scalp as an antiparasitic. Internally, the action resembles 

 aconite in its effects upon the heart and respiration. Dose: i to 2 

 gr. (0.065 to o-^ Gm.). Poisonous doses are rapidly diffused, and 

 antidotal measures should be rapidly applied. (Fluidextractum 

 staphisagriae, used externally as a parasiticide.) 



PIG. 75. Delphinium staphisagria Flowering branch and seed a. 



144. DELPHINIUM, N.F. LARKSPUR SEED. The seed of Delphin'ium consol'ida 

 Linne". Habitat: Central Europe; cultivated and naturalized in some parts 

 of the (United StaUs. A flattish, tetrahedral seed, I to 1.5 mm. (K5~/^t6 

 in.) broad; edges shaip, testa black and roughly pitted; internally, it consists 

 of whitish, oily albumen, inclosing a small, straight embryo; inodorous; 

 taste bitter and acrid; contains delphinine. Used as a diuretic, cathartic, 

 and emetic; poisonous. Dose: % to 3 gr. (0.03 to 0.2 Gm.). 



145. NIGELLA. NIGELLA. The seeds of Nigel'la damasce'na Linnet Habitat: 

 Levant; cultivated. Triangular-ovate, about 2.5 mm. (^ "*) long; testa 

 brittle, dull-black; embryo straight and small, with pointed ends. It has 

 a strawberry-like odor, and bitter taste. Used as an emmenagogue and 

 diuretic. 



146. ACONITUM. ACONITE 



MONKSHOOD 



The dried tuberous root of Aconi'tum napel'lus Linn6. Yielding, by official assay, 

 not less than 0.5 per cent, of ether soluble alkaloids, also assayed biologically. 



