24 
HYOSCYAMUS NIGER. 
Grunwald has seen a decoction of the roots administered as 3 
glyster, give rise to a furious delirium.* 
The active properties of henbane, and the effects it produces 
on the animal economy, vary according to the season of the year, 
and vigour of the plant, when gathered ; Orfila made many experi- 
ments to ascertain this ; and proves that the roots and leaves are 
less active in spring, than in the middle of summer, when every part 
of the plant is fully developed. 
From experiments made on dogs, with various preparations of 
henbane, Orfila draws the following conclusions : — 1st, that the dif- 
ferent preparations of this plant, produce effects more or less violent 
according to the active properties of the preparations, these depend- 
ing upon the full developement of the plant, and the mode of making 
them ; 2nd, that the various preparations of henbane produce nearly 
the same symptoms whether introduced into the stomach, applied to 
the cellular texture, or injected intg the veins; in this last case the 
effects commence more rapidly and violent, and a very small quan- 
tity produces death ; 3rd, that they do not produce inflammation of 
the stomach ; 4th, thai they are absorbed and carried into the cir- 
culation, and exert a remarkable action on the nervous system, 
producing the various symptoms enumerated; 5th, that they appear 
to act in the same manner upon the human species as on dogs. It 
is remarkable that goat| not ordy eat this plant with impunity, but 
seem remarkably fond^it. 
The black henbane 'and some other species of the Genus Hyos- 
cyamus have been long known, and prescribed as remedial agents in 
the cure of disease, but, like most other very active vegetables, had 
grown into disrepute, probably owing to the many untoward acci- 
dents, arising from a want of due caution in prescribing a vegetable 
possessed of such energetic properties, or from disappointments in 
the effects produced, from the inactive properties of the preparations 
made use of. 
Medical Properties and Uses. We are probably indebted 
to Dr. Storck, of Vienna, for a revival of this valuable narcotic ; he 
prescribed it with much success in various cases where an anodyne 
was indicated, and where opium would not be admissible. (It is now 
deservedly come into general use in this country). Henbane exerts 
its powers by allajing inordinate action, and mitigating pain, and 
with this intent it is prescribed in a variety of diseases ; henbane 
i 
* Grunwald, Ephemer des Eui 
9. Ajjp. p. 179. 
