CONVOLVULUS SCAMMONIA. 
159 
scammony consist of 60 resin, 35 insoluble matter, 3 gum and 2 
extract. Water dissolves about one-fourth of scaramony, the solu- 
tion is of a greenish gr6y and opaque; alcohol dissolves about two- 
thirds, aiifi ether about one-fifth. 
Medical Properties Scammony appears to have been well 
known to the dreek and Arabian physicians,* and was not only em- 
ployed by them internally as a purgative, but likewise as an external 
remedy for tumours, scabies, tinea, &c. Hoffman entertained an 
9||,inion that it was a dangerous medicine, f but since Boerhaaye's 
Ip^ it has justly been considered a safe though a stimulating 
cathartic. Like other resinous purgatives, it is uncertain in its 
operation, which may be occasioned by the natural mucus of the 
intestines defending them from the action of the stimulant, or 
perhaps in most instances from the impurity of the drug. For our- 
selves we have never found it fail in its operation, and we have long 
been in the habit of prescribing it for children witliout experiencing 
any bad results. As an adjunct to other aperient medicines we 
consider it truly valuable, and it is in this way we would recommend 
its use. I 
There are several officinal preparations into which scammony 
enters; of these we consider the Extract. Colocynthidis Comp. 
and the Piiu!* Colocynthidis Comp. as the best. The Confectio 
Scammoneae is likewise a very good preparation, in doses of from 
3i to 5ft we have never found it fail of operation. Dr. Russell 
administered the dried root in decoction, and found it a pleasant 
and mild cathartic ; no other part of the plant seema to possess 
jiny medicinal quality. 
Mm-^'> The Gum Resin. 
-dae Off. Pp. Confect. Scammoneae, L. D. 
Extractum Colocynthidis Comp. L. D. 
Pilulae Colocynthidis Comp. E. D. 
Pulv. Scammoneae Comp. L. E. 
son Ji ■ ■ c n T 
Sennse Comp. L. 
buB hilt 
^ Hippocrates, Diosoorides, Aetius, Mesue, &c. 
t Ego numquam in praxi mea in nsu habui, nec in posternm habebo : me semper ab 
istiusmodi veneris colliquativis abstinens.— Hoff. in Scbrod. p. 543. , . ^ 
t' Orfila. after several experiments, fonnd the cbflcfete 'j^^fo^ W scahuaony not in- 
rioXions. 
