LACTUCA VIROSA. 
39 
cases of poisoning by narcotics. We have heard, however, that the 
extract has been given to the extent of half an ounce in the day, 
without producing any unpleasant symptoms, but we have reason to 
believe that in those cases it could not have been good, otherwise 
■we must suppose that the strong scented lettuce was more poisonous 
to dogs than to man. 
Treatment in case of poisoning. Should deleterious 
symptoms follow an over dose of this narcotic, either of the recent 
plant or any of ils preparations, no time should be lost in effectually 
evacuating the stomach, by small and repeated doses of the sulphate 
of zinc, or copper, followed by cathartics and stimulating clysters ; 
should stupor or much drowsiness attend, the head should be relieved 
by venesection and cold affusions, blisters and stimulants to the feet ; 
when the poison has been effectually evacuated from the stomach, 
but not till then, diluted vegetable acids, may be drank freely, and 
alternately, with hot tea or coffee. 
Medical Properties and Uses. Dr. Collin, of Vienna, 
was the first who brought the Lactuca Virosa* into repute, he states 
that in addition to its narcotic properties, it is a powerful diuretic, 
that it likewise promotes all the secretions, and that by attenuating 
viscid humours, it removes visceral obstructions ; that in recent cases 
of dropsy proceeding from debility, the extract in doses of from 
eighteen to thirty grains a day proved sufficient to accomplish a cure, 
but that in inveterate cases, accompanied with obstructions of the 
viscera, the quantity of extract was increased to three drachms ; Dr. 
ColHn also states, that he successfully treated nineteen cases of 
dropsy out of twenty, with the extract of this plant. We are told 
by Quarinf that he never experienced any good effects from its use. 
The usual mode of exhibiting the Lactuca Virosa, is in the form of 
extract, prepared by evaporating the expressed juice of the plant to 
a proper consistence. 
The Lactuca Sativa, the Cultivated or Garden 
Lettuce. This species of Lettuce as the name implies, is the 
cultivated species, so much and so generally esteemed as a salad. 
Under the name of Sativa, are comprehended the different species 
and varieties of cos, and cabbage lettuce. As the properties of all 
these varieties are the same, they may be used indiscriminately for 
medicinal purposes. 
* Observ. Circa Morb. p. 6. 
t Animadv. Pract. p. 188. 
