GELSEMIUM. 291 



of benefit as a bitter stomachic and tonic, an effect more 

 generally available than the specific action of the drug. 



Strychnia, as a respiratory stimulant, may be used in 

 bronchitis, emphysema, and phthisis, to increase the vigour 

 both of the respiratory centre and the respiratory movements. 

 It is advantageously combined with expectorants, its tonic 

 action being further useful. From its stimulant and tonic 

 action on the heart and vessels, it is given with benefit in 

 cardiac dilatation with low pressure. 



Strychnia is a physiological antagonist of chloral, morphia, 

 and physostigma, and may be given in moderate doses in 

 poisoning by these substances, whilst all the ordinary methods 

 of recovery are persevered in. 



5. REMOTE LOCAL ACTION. 



Strychnia is excreted in the urine, sweat, and saliva, as we 

 have seen, very slowly. The practical importance of this fact 

 has already been insisted on. 







Spigelise Radix CAROLINA PINK. (Not Offi- 

 cinal.) The rhizome and rootlets of Spigelia mari- 

 landica. From the United States. 



Characters. A thick globular brown head, with numerous 

 fine branching rootlets. 



Composition. Spigelia contains an uncrystallisable bitter 

 principle, a volatile oil, tannin, etc. 



Dose. 60 to 120 gr. 



Non-officinal Preparation. 

 A Fluid Extract. Dose, 1 to 4 fl.dr. 



ACTION AND USES. 



Spigelia is an anthelmintic, and is directed against the 

 round worm. It is moderately purgative, but should be 

 assisted by senna or other cathartic. 



Radix. (Not Officinal.) The fresh 



rhizome and rootlets of Gelsemium sempervirens, the 

 Yellow Jasmine. From the United States. 



Characters. A very light, fibrous, dirty-yellowish root, 

 with rootlets ; odour aromatic and heavy ; taste bitterish. 



Composition. Gelsemium contains a powerful alkaloid, 



