52 Solanctcex [ch. 



Symptoms. Henbane is an anodyne, and hypnotic. The symptoms 

 resemble those caused by Atropa Belladonna (p. 58). The important 

 differences (Comevin) are that there is here abundant salivation and 

 no dryness of the mouth as in Atropa. There is dilatation of the pupils ; 

 and mydriasis, which is dissipated more slowly than in Belladonna 

 poisoning. 



Further differences in the action of the two poisons are given by 

 Winslow {via Pammel) : The tetanic stage succeeding spinal paralysis 

 observed in Atropine poisoning does not ensue with Hyoscine. The latter 

 alkaloid shghtly depresses and slows the heart and does not paralyse the 

 vagus terminations, nor depress the motor and sensory nerves or muscles. 

 The circulation is but shghtly influenced, and vasomotor depression 

 only occurs in the later stage of lethal poisoning. Death occurs from 

 paralysis of the respiratory centres. Poisoning in animals is exhibited 

 by loss of muscular power, slowing and failure of respiration, stupor, 

 and asphyxia. The pulse may be infrequent, the pupils are dilated, 

 and the skin is moist rather than dry. 



The following symptoms in animals are given by Welsby : Nervo- 

 muscular exaltation, eyelids and irides much dilated, eyes amaurotic 

 and very bright, pulse full, temperature normal, respiration difficult 

 and hurried, profuse saUvation, muscles of neck and extremities in a 

 state of tetanic rigidity, considerable abdominal distension, stercoraceous 

 and renal emunctories entirely suspended, death. 



In a cow there was observed, two hours after eating, dilatation of 

 pupils, the conjunctivae were injected, and the carotids beat violently. 

 There were general convulsions, loud respiration, salivation, and purga- 

 tion. According to Pott the milk of affected cows is of an unpleasant 

 taste. 



BEFERENCES. 



4, 16, 39, 57, 68, 73, 81, 128, 141, 151, 157, 

 161, 190, 203, 205, 213, 257. 



Garden Nightshade {Solanum nigrum L.). This species is de- 

 scribed as "one of the widest spread weeds over every part of the globe, 

 except the extreme north and south; varying so much in warmer 

 regions as to have been described under more than forty names" (Ben- 

 tham and Hooker). In the same way there can be no doubt that, 

 though it must always be regarded as poisonous, this plant varies con- 

 siderably in toxicity according to soil, cUmate, and general condition 

 of growth. For this reason the plant may sometimes be eaten in con- 



