SPERMATOPHYTA PHYTOLACCACEAE 435 



seed, for it is known to contain a poisonous substance. Pokeweed is a violent but slow- 

 acting emetic, vomiting beginning only after about two hours. It also effects the nerves 

 and muscles, producing retching, spasms, severe purging and sometimes convulsions. Death 

 is frequently due to the paralysis of the respiratory organs. 



Dr. Guttenberg makes a similar report in regard to effects of poisoning by 

 pokeweed, adding that death often is a result. 



The roots of pokeweed are often mistaken for other fleshy roots, such as 

 horse-radish. The leaves, as has been said, are harmless when boiled, somewhat 

 resembling spinach, but the root is very poisonous. The poke root was used 

 by the Indians in medecine. Dr. Millspaugh, who values the plant not only as 

 an emetic, but also as an efficient remedy, says: 



In certain forms of rheumatism, the root with lard was found to be an excellent 

 ointment as a cure for many forms of skin diseases; psoriasis, eczema, capitis, and tinea 

 circinata, also in syphilitic ulcers. 



Dr. Millspaugh says: 



The fresh root, gathered late in autumn or early in spring, is chopped and pounded 

 to a pulp and weighed. Two parts by weight of alcohol are taken, and after thoroughly 

 mixing the pulp with one-sixth part of it, the rest of the alcohol is added. After having 

 stirred the whole, pour it into a well-stoppered bottle, and let it stand eight days in a 

 dark, cool place. The tincture is then separated by decanting, straining, and filtering. 



Thus prepared it has a light straw-color by transmitted light, at first a stinging, soon 

 followed by a decided bitter taste, and a very slight acid reaction. 



He adds: 



I noted in my readings several years ago that the berries had been used for pies by 

 frugal housewives, and often since have half determined to try poke-berry pastry; dis- 

 cretion has, however, always overruled valor, and the much-thought-of pie is still unmade 

 and uneaten. The young shoots, however, make an excellent substitute for asparagus, 

 and I much prefer them, if gathered early and discriminately. 



The acrid alkaloid phytolaccin, according to Dr. Edmond Preston, occurs 

 in the root of this plant; also phytolaccic acid and an amorphous yellowish 

 brown, transparent substance, very soluble in water and alcohol. Nagi reports 

 a toxic substance phytolaccotoxin C 24 H 3g O g . The berries have been used for 

 coloring, but this is not entirely successful, because no mordant will fix the 

 color. The juice of the berry is a delicate test for acids when lime water is 

 added to it. 



Dr. Johnson says : 



All parts of the plant possess acrid and somewhat narcotic properties. The juice 

 of the fresh plant, or a strong decoction of the root, applied locally, may strongly irritate 

 the skin, especially if tender or abraded. Taken internally it causes nausea, vomiting, 

 and purging, and, in overdoses, aero-narcotic poisoning. It has been employed with more 

 or less satisfactory results in a great variety of cutaneous affections, and in rheumatism, 

 especially when chronic or of a syphilitic origin. There is little doubt that, in view 

 of the uncertainty which at present exists regarding it, this plant would well repay 

 further careful experimentation. 



Nagi reports that phytolaccotoxin resembles picrotoxin and cicutoxin. A 

 glucoside has also been found in common poke; saponin also occurs. 



CARYOPHYU,ACEAE. Pink Family 



Herbs with opposite entire leaves, frequently swollen at the nodes; flowers 

 perfect or rarely dioecious; sepals 4 or 5, persistent separate or united with the 

 calyx tube; petals of equal number; styles 2-5, or rarely united into 1; ovary 

 usually 1-celled, occasionally 3-5-celled; ovules attached to a central column; 

 seeds several or many; small coiled or curved embryo, with a mealy albumen. 



A large family of about 70 genera and 1500 species, widely distributed, 

 most abundant in the northern hemisphere. Many of the plants of this family 



