17 



loids exist in the rhizome, the most important of which are jervine and 

 cevadine. Veratrine is also found, but in very small quantity. The 

 other parts of the plant have not been studied critically, but from 

 analogy to the white hellebore ( Veratrum album) of Europe, it is j)rob- 

 able that all of the parts of our native species, including the flowers 

 and seed, contain one or more of these alkaloids, and are therefore 

 poisonous, but in a much less degree than is the root. 



Causes of poisoning. — Gases arise mainly from overdoses in medicine, but 

 instances of accidental poisoning are reported for man and for various 

 animals and birds. In one case 

 all of the members of a household 

 were poisoned by eatin g the young 

 leaves, which were mistaken for 

 those of marsh marigold (Caltha 

 palustris) and prepared for food. 

 Animals do not relish the plant, 

 which is acrid and burning in the 

 fresh condition, but young animals 

 sometimes eatit with fatal results. 

 The root is not often mistaken for 

 that of edible plants, but being 

 fleshy and especially rich in alka 

 loids, it is somewhat dangerous. 

 The seeds have been eaten by 

 chickens with fatal results. The 

 general effect of the plant is very 

 much like that of aconite (Aconi- 

 tum napellus)^ being directed 

 chiefly against the action of the 

 heart and spinal cord, both of 

 which it tends to paralyze. It 

 has also a violent, although some- 

 what tardy, emetic and cathartic 

 effect, a property which is often 

 effective in expelling the poison 

 from the system before it accom- 

 plishes its deadly work. 



Symptoms. — Symptomatically its main physiological effect is as fol- 

 lows, viz: Burning in the throat and esophagus, increased salivation, 

 defective vision, retching, vomiting, diarrhea, severe headache, vertigo, 

 faintness, weak pulse, labored respiration, and profound prostration. 

 Death is caused by paralysis of the heart. 



Remedies. — In cases of poisoning empty the stomach as rapidly as 

 possible, then give stimulants, such as brandy and strong coffee. A 

 physician should give ether and opium hypodermically. The feet and 

 hands must be kept warm and the patient should lie flat on the back 

 to prevent attacks of vertigo. 

 17090— No. 20 2 



-False hellebore (Veratrum viride), 

 third natural size. 



