Mr. J. Miers on the Menispermacee. _ 167 
method for a cure, which, after all, he obtained only at the end 
of several years. 
Treatment. 
In cases of poisoning by means of fish there are two courses 
to be followed:—(1) to induce, as promptly as possible, an 
evacuation of the noxious substance; (2) to combat, or at least 
endeavour to diminish, the effects produced by it. 
Emetics serve to clear the stomaeh, which must then be sub- 
jected to a process of rinsing or washing, by the free use of clear 
fluids, such as water, imbibed in constant draughts. It is ne- 
cessary, moreover, when the constitution admits of it, to act 
upon the digestive tube by means of castor-oil or calomel. Such 
is the local treatment to be applied to these cases, the intensity 
of the symptoms in each being sufficient guide to the physician 
as regards the regulation of the measures. 
The general treatment should consist principally of the ad- 
ministering of generous stimulants, such as tea and, in particular, 
coffee and alcoholic liquors. There are many examples of the 
good which results from the use of these latter. I may cite one. 
It is that of a case of poisoning by the flesh of a species of 
Balistes, said to be B. vetula: twenty persons were affected, the 
only exception being that of an old man who always drank rum 
instead of wine at his meals. 
Preparations of opium become advisable if, in spite of the use 
of evacuants, the vomitings and irritation of the bowels continue. 
They are especially to be prescribed in cases where convulsions 
ensue, and then indeed, as Thomas recommends (loc. cit. p. 646), 
in rather considerable doses. He adds that, in order to diminish 
the heat, as also the dryness of the skin, slight doses of ipeca- 
euanha should be administered when the irritation of the bowels 
has ceased. | 
_ After the removal of the symptoms, tonics are indispensable. 
XXI.—On the Menispermacee. 
By Joun Misrs, F.R.S., F.L.S., &e. 
[Continued from p. 20.] 
55. ELissARRHENA. 
On previous occasions I have alluded to the fact that when 
two Menispermaceous plants present themselves differing con- 
siderably in their habit, especially in the nervation of their leaves, 
we may be nearly certain that this character will be found ac- 
companied by some dissimilarities in their floral and seminal 
structure. So it has occurred with a plant from the Rio Negro, 
