GOLDTHREAD 



223 



Constituents. An acrid volatile oil, the principal constituent 

 of which is a camphor (anemonol). The latter is easily decomposed 

 into anemonin, which on fusion becomes exceedingly acrid. Sim- 

 ilar principles are found in other species of Anemone as well as in 

 certain species of Ranunculus (buttercup) and in Clematis vitalba 

 of Europe. 



FIG. 98. Delphinium Staphisagria. Plants grown from the commercial drug 

 and showing the palmately lobed leaves, and the terminal raceme of blue 

 flowers. After Newcomb. 



COPTIS. Goldthread. The entire plant of Coptis trifolia 

 (Fam. Ranunculacese), a low perennial growing in moist woods and 



