CONIUM. 251 



and rubbed with solution of potash, they give out strongly the 

 odour of conia. 



Substances resembling Conium Fruit : Caraway, Anise, Dill, 

 known by presence of vittse. 



Composition. The active principle of conium is a liquid 

 alkaloid, coniq^ C 8 H 15 N. It is strongly alkaline, oily, and 

 volatile ; and has a peculiarly disagreeable mouse-like odour. 

 It is readily disengaged from the preparations of the plant by 

 the addition of alkalies ; and is liable both to conversion into 

 an inert resinous mass by exposure, and to decomposition by 

 heat. The preparations of conium, for these and probably other 

 reasons, are peculiarly uncertain in strength and action. Coniic 

 acid, and a second alkaloid conhydrin, also exist in hemlock. 



Incompatibles. Caustic alkalies, vegetable acids, and astrin- 

 gents. 



Preparations. 



A. Of Conn Folia : 



1. Cataplasma Conii. 1 oz. of the dried leaf powdered in 



each. 



2. Extraction Conii. A green extract from fresh leaves. About 



30 in 1. Dose, 2 to 6 gr. 



From Extract of Conium are prepared : 



a. Pilula Conii Composita. Extract of Hemlock, 5 ; 



Ipecacuanha, 1 ; Treacle, q.s. Dose, 5 to 10 gr. 



b. Vapor Conii. Extract of Hemlock, 60 gr. ; Solution 



of Potash, 1 fl.dr. ; Water, 10 fl.dr. 20 min. for one 

 inhalation. 



3. Succus Conii. 3 of the expressed juice of the fresh leaves, 



with 1 of Spirit. Dose, 30 to 60 min. (B. Ph.) 



B. Of Conii Fructus : 



Tinctura Conii. 1 in 8. Dose, ^ to 1 fl.dr. 



ACTION AND USES. 

 1. IMMEDIATE LOCAL ACTION AND USES. 



Externally applied, as the cataplasm, conium is believed 

 by many to be anaesthetic and especially to relieve the pain of 

 cancer, as well as to promote the absorption of tumours. Care- 

 ful experiment fails to confirm this opinion, the whole of the 

 sensory nervous system remaining unaffected by the drug, ex- 

 cept indirectly by poisonous doses. 



Internally. Conium sometimes causes irritation and 

 vomiting. 



