CO^^VALLARIA 431 



the sensory nerve endiDgs and muscular tissue. The respirar 

 tion is uninfluenced by therapeutic doses of strophanthus, 

 but in poisoning death sometimes takes place from 

 respiratory failure following paralysis of the respiratory 

 muscles. 



Kidneys. — The kidneys are irritated by large doses of 

 strophanthus and the urine is albuminous. Inflammation of 

 the renal tubules with minute haemorrhages are found post 

 mortem. The renal vessels are not dilated, and the oncometer 

 shows that the size of the kidney is not increased. The 

 drug stimulates the secretory cells of the renal tubules and 

 causes diuresis directly as well as indirectly by increasing 

 general blood pressure. The active principle is eliminated 

 in the urine. A cumulative action in the lower animals and 

 in man has been noted by several observers. 



Uses Internal. — In general, it may be stated that the 

 indications for strophanthus are identical with those for 

 digitalis, but the former is not so certain in its effects. It is 

 of value as a substitute for digitalis when this medicine is 

 not well borne, and to replace digitalis temporarily in order 

 to avoid its cumulative action. On account of the stimulant 

 and diuretic properties of strophanthus, it is useful in 

 mitral disease, cardiac dropsy, pericardial and pleural effu- 

 sions, pulmonary oedema, and chronic nephritis ; but in 

 heart disease digitalis should be tried first. 



CoNVALLARiA. Convallaria. (U. S. P.) 



Synonym. — Lily of the Valley, E.; muguet, Fr. The 

 rhizome and roots of Convallaria majalis Linne (nat. ord. 

 Liliaceae). 



Habitat — United States, in the Alleghany Mountains, 

 Europe and northern Asia. 



Description. — Of horizontal growth and somewhat 

 branched ; about 3 Mm. thick, cylindrical, wrinkled, whitish, 

 marked with few circular scars ; at the annulate joint with 

 about 8 or 10 long thin roots ; fracture somewhat fibrous, 



