286 Botanic Drugs 



Bronx 



YELLOW DOCK, Rumex crispus. Not official any- 

 where. Contains tannin and chrysophanic acid, 

 thus resembling rhubarb in its pharmacology. The 

 root is tonic, astringent, and slightly laxative, 

 though less laxative and more astringent than 

 rhubarb. Rumex is used as an alterative in various 

 chronic affections, especially of the skin and lym- 

 phatics. It is of some value in chronic dyspepsia,, 

 but rhubarb usually serves better. 



The fl. is given in doses of 5 to 30 minims. 



SABADILLA 



CEVADILLA, Asagrae officinalis. The source of 

 veratrine of the IT. S. P. 



Sabadilla has no place in therapeutics, as it is 

 an uncertain and dangerous agent. VERATRINE is 

 a mixture of alkaloids, and is the most acrid and 

 disagreeable substance in the whole range of materia 

 medica. It is a protoplasmic poison; in small doses 

 it possesses an aconite action and in larger doses 

 produces vomiting, purging, and intense depression. 

 It should never be given internally, in my opinion, 

 although the U. S. P. VIII gave its dose as 1-30 

 grain and directed a 4 per cent ointment. The 

 U. S. P. IX gives no internal dose. The ointment 

 is used in painful affections by an occasional prac- 

 titioner. 



VERATRINE is not derived from veratrum, q. v., 

 and, as has been said before, is a mixture of alkaloids. 

 Doses of 1-16 grain have produced most alarming 

 symptoms. It has been almost wholly discarded by 

 clinicians, and there is no reason for its retention 

 in the Pharmacopeia. If the physician wishes to 



