4 
RICINUS COMMUNIS. 
to attribute the fate of the animal that died, more to the tying of the 
cesophag'us than to the eft'ects of the substance introduced into the 
stoszvach ; and it is ranch to be regretted that many of the experiments 
of Orlii'i on vetn'table su!)sta!ues are liable to the same doubtful 
conclusion. Fergius relates that a robust man chewed and swal- 
lowed a seed of Palma Christi, which produced a stinging sensation 
of the fauces ; he passed the night quietly, but the next morning had 
copious vomitings, and during the wliole day he made alternately 
efforls to votnit and to go to stool, without however passing much. 
The fact is, that an acrid principle of a volatile nature is contained 
in the cotyledons of the seeds, but from which the embryon and 
testa are free. 
Medical Properties and Uses, The bark and the seeds of the 
Palma Christi are drastic purgatives, but these are seldom ordered ; 
the former has been said to act as a diuretic in the West Indies, 
where also the leaves are sometimes used as applications to blisters. 
The oil ia well known as a mild purgative. Dr. Cullen observes that 
th is oil, when the stomach can be reconciled to it, is one of the most 
agreeable purgatives we can employ, being generally moderate in its 
operation, seldom occasions griping, and operates sooner after its 
exhibition than any other purgative. Another advantage it possesses 
over most other purgative medicines is, that when frequently 
repeated, the dose may be gradually diminished ; and instances 
are recorded of persons, who from being of a costive habit, at 
first required half an ounce for a dose, but after it had been 
frequently repeated, two drachms were sufficient to keep the belly 
regular. The only inconvenience attending the use of it is, that as an 
oil it is nauseous to some persons, and when the dose is large it is 
apt to occasion sickness at the stomach, for some time after it is 
taken. Dr. Cullen observes, that the most effectual way to obviate 
this inconvenience is the addition of a little ardent spirit. An aro- 
matic tincture may be advantageously employed for this purpose ; 
we have generally found the Tinct. Sennae. Comp. have the desired 
effect, (two or three parts of oil to one of tincture), while it aided its 
operation as a purgative. From the mildness with which this oil 
operates, it is pecuharly fitted for cases, in which the stimulant purr 
gatives would prove hurtful ; as in ileus, calculous affections, piles, and 
and after surgical operations in which the abdominal viscera are con - 
cerned. In the West Indies it is found to be one of the most 
certain remedies in colica pictonura, in which it may be advan- 
tageously joined with henbane. To women who are pregnant or in 
child-bed, it seems to be peculiarly adapted, and also for infants of 
