18 Select Plants for Industrial Culture and 



qualified physician. Napellus-root contains three alkaloids : acon- 

 itin, napellin and narcotin. The foliage contains also a highly acrid 

 volatile principle, perhaps chemically not unlike that of many other 

 Ranunculaceae. Aconitin, one of the most potent poisons in exist- 

 ence, can likewise be obtained from the highly powerful Nepalese 

 and Himalayan Aconitum ferox (Wallich) and probably from 

 several other species of the genus. Aconite decreases pulsation, 

 cardial force, respiration, febrile heat and neural sensibility ; it 

 increases renal action and induces perspiration ; but it must be 

 administered under the precaution, that bodily strength is sufficient 

 to overcome the depressing effect of this remedy. It can thus be 

 utilized in many and very varied diseases. 



Acorus Calamus. Linne. 



The " Sweet Flag." Europe, Middle and Northern Asia, North - 

 America. In Norway indigenous to 61 N., cultivated up to 63 26 

 [Schuebeler]. A perennial pond- or marsh-plant. The aromatic 

 root is used as a stomachic and also in the preparation of confec- 

 tionery, in the distillation of gin and liqueurs, and in the brewing 

 of some kinds of beer. The flavor of the root depends mainly on a 

 peculiar volatile oil. It is used also as antiseptic for mastication, 

 forms a good ingredient to tooth-powder, and is therapeutically 

 regarded as a stimulant of the nerves. 



Acrocomia BXexicana, Karwinski. 



Mexico, in the cooler regions up to 3,000 feet, with a mean- 

 temperature of 65 F. [Crude]. A prickly palm, reaching 20 feet 

 in height, accompanied by very splendid Chamsedora-Palms in the 

 shade of oak-forests. 



Acrocomia Total, Martins. 



Argentina. Attains a height of 50 feet. The fruits are sweet 

 and wholesome. 



Actaea spicata, Linne. 



The " Baneberry." On wooded mountains, mainly on limestone- 

 soil in Europe, Northern Asia and North- America. A perennial 

 medicinal herb. Its virtue depends on peculiar acrid and bitter as 

 well as other principles. In North -America the roots of this species 

 and of A. alba (Bigelow) are further praised as efficacious antidotes 

 against ophidian poisons. They have emetic properties and resemble 

 also in other medicinal respects the root of Helleborus. 



Actinidia argruta, Flancbon. 



Japan. This climber is praised by L. Boehmer for its goose* 

 berry-like fruits of fig- taste, but only consumable after frost. 



