FOOL's-PAKStEY. 331 



place to mucilaginous infusions or decoctions, as the infusion 

 of mallows or violets, or gum or almond emulsions. In the 

 cases mentioned by Wittke * of two children, in whom there 

 was complete insensibility, dilated, insensible pupil, and staring 

 of the eyes, and in one of them frequent convulsions, the treat- 

 ment consisted in the administration of milk, sinapisms to the 

 legs, and cold sponging with vinegar. 



Medicinal Properties and Uses. — Few of the ancient writers 

 attribute any medical virtues to this plant ; some of them, 

 however, mention its resolvent and sedative effects when applied 

 externally. It has been in many instances given, designedly or 

 inadvertently, as a substitute for hemlock, and has produced 

 untoward symptoms if. Nevertheless, we imagine that a plant 

 endued with such peculiar and vigorous sensible qualities, may 

 one day become a useful remedy in the hands of the physician. 

 To this end, experiments are necessary to ascertain more fully 

 its properties, the doses in which it may be administered, and 

 the indications it is calculated to fulfil. 



* In Magazin fiir Pharmacie, xxxii. p, 228. 



f See the memoir of Dr. Buckhave, already quoted. 



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