164 Botanic Drugs 



rotatory elaterin is most energetic in action, the 

 laevorotatory elaterin being nearly inert; "Elaterin 

 Merck" is the former, the dose being 1-20 grain, 

 usually in trituration. The U. S. P. trituration is 

 given in an average dose of % grain. 



THERAPEUTICS. A most energetic substance, 

 when potent and reliable, never to be administered 

 to the aged or debilitated. In asdics, uremia, and 

 pulmonary edema its use may be justified; but cer- 

 tainly it is not wise to use it in the ordinary indica- 

 tions for a purgative agent. 



EPIGAEA 



TRAILING ARBUTUS, Epigaea repens. Contains 

 arbutin, also found in chimaphila, q. v. and others 

 of the Ericaceae. See "Chimaphila" for the pharma- 

 cology. Therapeutically, chimaphila, epigaea, and 

 uva-ursi are similar. They are urinary antiseptics 

 and diuretics. 



An infusion of the leaves of epigaea may be freely 

 used as a diuretic. Dose: Fl., 10 to 60 minims; 

 arbutin, 3 to 7 grains. 



ERGOT 



SPURRED RYE, the sclerotium of Claviceps pur- 

 pur ea. Universally official. Ergotoxine, the active 

 principle, may produce gangrene and degenerative 

 nerve-tissue changes, with impaired intelligence and 

 contractures of the limbs. Ergot also contains 

 amines, formed by the putrefaction of proteins by 

 bacterial action. There is also a small amount of 

 acetyl-choline. 



PHARMACOLOGY. Ergotoxine has an action of the 

 curare type, but variously influences different animal 



