4 DELPHINIUM STAPHISAGEIA 



externally from the earliest times for the destruction of pediculi 

 on the head and other parts of the body, both in the human 

 subject and in cattle ; hence the German name lausesamen, signi- 

 fying louse-seeds. They may also be employed for a like purpose 

 in the form of an ointment or acetous infusion. An ointment 

 made from the fatty oil of stavesacre seeds has been also highly 

 recommended by Dr. Balmanno Squire in prurigo senilis, which is 

 essentially due to the presence of pediculi. Stavesacre seeds 

 have been also employed in eczema, psora, and other skin affec- 

 tions, both externally and internally ; and a strong tincture has 

 been used as a liniment in rheumatism and neuralgia. 



Delphinia has been used both internally and externally, but it is 

 a dangerous remedy for internal administration. Externally, how- 

 ever, in the form of ointment or tincture, it has been successfully 

 used in neuralgic and rheumatic affections ; but aconitia is generally 

 regarded as far more useful in similar cases, and has almost 

 entirely superseded the use of delphinia in regular practice. 



Per. Mat. Med., by B. & R., p. 996; Pharm acographia, p. 5; 

 U. S. Disp., by W. & B., p. 1699; Watts' Diet. Chem., 

 vol. ii, p. 310; Turnbull on the Medical Properties of the 

 Ranunculacese, pp. 114-118 ; Journ. de Pharm., vol. xix, 

 p. 519; Ann. de Chim. et de Phys., vol. 1, p. 2; Balmanno 

 Squire, in Pharm. Journ., vol. vi, 2nd ser., p. 405. 



DESCRIPTION OF PLATE. 



Drawn from a specimen in the Garden of the Apothecaries' Company, 

 Chelsea. 



1. Portion of the main stem with fruit, and a lateral branch with flowers. 



2. Sepals separated. 



3. Vertical section of flower. 



4. The two posterior petals. 



5. A lateral petal. 



6. A stamen. 



7. Summit of style. 



8. 9. Seeds. 



10. Section of a seed. 



(4-7, 9, 10 enlarged.) 



