PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 63 



57. Aloe perryi Baker. Socotrine aloes. Liliacece. 



The inspissated juice of this plant constitutes the Socotrine aloes, 

 which is a very useful laxative. No attempt has been made to grow it 

 commercially in the State. Aloe vera (vulgaris) L. yields the Bar- 

 bado aloes, which is also a very useful laxative. 



58. Athaea species. Mallows. Hollyhocks. Malvacece. 



Native and introduced species occur in great profusion, some con- 

 stituting very troublesome weeds. Much used as demulcents, as poul- 

 tices, in the manufacture of lozenges, confections, etc., as a cough 

 remedy, etc. A. officinalis L. and A. rosea L. are the two most impor- 

 tant species. The roots of the former species are supposed to contain 

 asparagin. (Proc. A. Ph. A., 30 : 217, 1882.) 



59. Alyssum maritimum L. Sweet alyssum. Cruciferce. 



A fragrant ornamental plant used in sachet powders. Sparingly 

 naturalized, frequently cultivated. A familiar old-time medicinal 

 herb. Once used to cure hydrophobia, hiccough, etc. 



60. Amanita muscaria Fr. Amanita. Fly Agaric. Toadstool. 

 Agaricacece. (Fungi.) 



The best-known of the poisonous fungi. Abundant in various local- 

 ities of the United States. In Europe it has been used as a fly poison 

 for hundreds of years. In Asia it has long been used as an intoxicant, 

 producing symptoms not unlike those of Indian hemp. 



This fungus contains several toxic compounds, the best known of 

 which is muscarin. Many people are killed each year through the eat- 

 ing of toadstools. Cattle are poisoned accidentally. The symptoms of 

 poisoning do not develop at once, usually twelve to fourteen hours 

 elapse before the initial attack. There is no antidote, and treatment, 

 which is entirely symptomatic, is, as a rule, of little avail. Trans- 

 fusion of normal salt solution may be tried. 



Since the eating of toadstools indicates a perverted taste, rather 

 than otherwise, and since these plants have practically no food value, 

 it is most urgently advised not to eat them under any circumstances ; 

 thus many a life may be saved. 



61. Amanita phalloides Fr. Death cup. Poison amanita. Agari- 

 cacece. (Fungi.) 



The most poisonous of all fungi found in California, parts of the 

 Eastern and Middle States, and is said to be especially abundant in 

 the vicinity of Washington, D. C. This is the fungus which caused 

 the death of Count de Vecchi, on November 10, 1897 (at Washington). 



The active constituent phallin has been carefully investigated by 

 Robert. It resembles the white of egg (toxalbumen). Salt water 



