DARNEL. 259 



until the fourth day, when he was attacked with the most severe 

 fits of colic, and died in a few hours *. 



Epidemic fevers of the worst description'have also been attribu- 

 ted to the extensive consumption of this grain, but no satisfactory 

 evidence of this has been adduced, De Candolle thinks that 

 its pernicious effects have been much exaggerated, and he asserts 

 that in times of scarcity, numerous individuals have eaten it 

 without inconvenience. Unripe and putrid wheat seems to ap- 

 proach in a considerable degree to the properties of darnel, 

 and the analogy between its effects and those produced by the 

 ergot of rye is very striking ; the latter is known to be an ex- 

 traneous production ; a disease occasioned by the growth of a 

 parasite. No one has thought of attributing the anomalous 

 qualities of darnel to a similar source : we might, however, 

 if there were ground for such an hypothesis, expect a priori, 

 that they were owing to a very minute parasitical fungus. Par- 

 mentier asserts that the seeds of darnel may be divested of 

 their acridity, by drying them in an oven before they are ground 

 into flour. The bread thus prepared is no longer injurious, 

 especially if it be not eaten till it is quite cold. In conclusion, 

 we must regret that chemical analysis has not been employed 

 to throw some light on the nature of this extraordinary ve- 

 getable. 



The best mode of treatment in cases of poisoning by darnel, 

 is to administer an emetic without delay ; after which, diluent 

 and acidulous drinks should be given, or some diffusible tonic, 

 according to the nature of the symptoms. 



Medical Properties and Uses. — Darnel was once used 

 medicinally, though now generally abandoned. It was recom- 

 mended by Aretaeus in pleurisy, and by others of the ancients in 

 gout, diarrhoea, and profuse menstruation. As a topical applica- 

 tion, it was considered detersive and resolvent. According to 

 Boerhaave, it resists putrefaction if applied externally ; and 

 from its cleansing qualities proves highly efficacious in disorders 

 of the skin. 



* Hibtoire de la Societe JRoyale de Med. a Paris, torn. ii. p. 297- 



