NAT. ORDER. — RANUNCULACEiE. 
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roots of this plant are used in London for the true Black Hellebore ; 
and probably their qualities are the same, for this species is even more 
nearly allied to the ancient Greek plant Helleborus orientalis than the 
Helleborus nig-er. The whole herb is fcetid, acrid, violently cathartic, 
with a nauseous taste, especially when fresh. The leaves, when 
dried, are sometimes given as a domestic medicine to destroy worms ; 
but they must be used sparingly, being so violent in their operations, 
that many instances of their fatal effects are recorded. A dose of 
about fifteen grains of the powder of the dried leaves is given to chil- 
dren, which proves gently emetic and purgative. The decoction of 
about a drachm of the fresh leaves being considered equal to fifteen 
grains of the dry ones. It is usually repeated on two, and sometimes 
three successive mornings, and seldom fails to bring away wwms, if 
there be any in the intestinal canal. In small doses this plant proves 
diuretic and emmenagogue. It has been used as a purgative in cases 
of mania, melancholy, coma, dropsy, worms, and psora. But its use 
in any form requires very great caution, for its effects are very uncer- 
taiuj and affected by many circumstances. It may be exhibited in the 
form of an extract, although its activity be much dissipated by the pre- 
paration. An infusion and tincture certainly promise to be medicines 
of more uniform powers, and are preferred to other preparations. 
