146 
CONIUM MACULATUM. 
of our island, without finding any material difference." * From these 
discordant sentiments, we must draw the conclusion, that the qualities 
of the roots of hemlock must materially depend upon the soil in 
which it grows, the season of the year, and the maturity of the 
plant. 
Medical Properties and Uses. The chief virtues of hem- 
lock consist in its anodyne properties ; in many diseases where 
opium would be improper, it will be found to mitigate pain and 
procure rest. Hemlock has been strongly recommended by Baron 
Storck.t as a remedy for the cure of scirrhus and cancer, but experience 
teaches us, that although it often relieves the pain for a time, and the 
discharges become more mild, these effects are not lasting, hence 
it is now looked upon as a palliative only in those disorders. Hem- 
lock was in general use with the Greek and Arabian physicians, as an 
external remedy for ulcers, tumours, cutaneous eruptions, &c., and 
they believed it to have the power " frangere stimulum venereum." 
Bergius however, recommends its internal use for disorders of the 
opposite nature! I ^s a topical remedy, it is frequently used in the form 
of poultice to discuss scrofulous tumours, and often with good effect, 
but Dr. Cullen says " I have not at any time observed that it dis- 
posed scrofulous ulcers to heal. § It is also found a useful remedy 
for many other disorders, viz. in tic douloureux, passage of biliary 
calculi, hooping cough, pulmonary disorders, chronic rheumatism, || 
&c. The best form of administering hemlock is in powder, be- 
ginning with one or two grains, gradually increased to sixty or 
more ; this quantity may be given twice or offener in the day, 
according to circumstances ; it is also frequently prescribed in the 
form of extract, but this latter is an uncertain remedy, from the 
careless manner in which it is usually prepared ; the extract is givea 
from three or four grains to one scruple or more. 
Off. The Leaves, and Seed, 
Off. Pp. Extractum Conii Maculati, L. E. D. 
Tinctura Conii Maculati, E. 
* Cnrtis's Flora LondineDsis. 
t Baron Storck appears to have been the first physician who broagbt hemlo(:k into 
repute, as a medicine pos3es,sing extraordinarj efficacj. 
% Bergius Mat. Med. p. 195, 
§ CuUen's First Lines. 
II We are told by Dr. Witheriag, that he found it particalarly useful in chronic 
rheumatism. Vide Bot, Arr. 2nd edit. p. 380, 
