CurL.—On Pituri, a new Vegetable Product, 418 
in which the Pituri grows are really aware of its stimulating power. Those 
living near the Barcoo, travel many days’ journey to obtain this to them 
precious foliage, which is carried always about by them broken into small 
fragments and tied up in little bags. It is not impossible that a new and 
perhaps important medicinal plant is thus gained. The blacks use the 
Duboisia to excite their courage in warfare; a large dose infuriates them. 
| ** (Signed) Ferp. von MUELLER. 
“ 15th February, 1877.” 
Mr. W. O. Hodgkinson, writing to Dr. Bancroft on February 15, 1877, 
after giving a description of the localities where he found the plant, ete., 
says :—“ The resident natives carry on a considerable traffic in this plant, 
representatives of tribes from other quarters coming to procure it. It is 
used, after being sweated beneath a coating of fine sand, as a narcotic 
stimulant, strictly kept for the solace of the old men, or for occasions when 
long privations have to be endured, or some solemnity performed. * 
* * When used on the march, a portion is put into the mouth chewed, 
until it assumes the form and consistency of a sailor’s quid, passed round 
YA one of the party, the saliva promoted by its use being swallowed. * 
* * When with Burke and Wills’ expedition, subsequently with 
Mr. John McKinlay, and recently in the North West Expedition, I used 
Petchere, or Petury, or Pituri, habitually when procurable, in default of 
tobacco, and have very often chewed it both in its raw and prepared state." 
Dr. Bancroft tried experiments upon dogs, cats, rats, and frogs, and 
gives the results of its effects upon them :— 
* 1st. Period of preliminary excitement from apparent loss of inhibitory 
power of the eerebrum, attended with rapid respiration ; in cats and dogs 
with vomiting and profuse secretion of saliva ; in dogs there is retraction of 
the eye-ball. 
** 2nd. Irregular muscular action, followed by general convulsion. 
“ 8rd. Paralysis of respiratory function of medulla. 
* 4th, Death; or 
* 5th. Sighing inspirations at long intervals. 
* 6th. Rapid respiration, and returning consciousness. 
“7th. Normal respiration, and general torpidity, not unattended with 
danger to life. 
* Death is caused chiefly as in tetanus, by excessive contraction of the 
respiratory muscles and suffocation.  Pituri does not dilate the pupil when 
applied locally, though dilation is seen to some extent. When given by 
subcutaneous injection, the extreme retraction of the eye-ball in dogs is 
very remarkable." He goes on to say it! In small medicinal dosia a we 
d This was in a letter to the Editor of the Australian Medical Journal. 
