40 
NAT. ORDER.— SOLANEiE. 
its efficacy, yet the facts he adduces in confirmation of the utility 
of this plant, are clear and decisive. He says : " I have had a 
cancer of the lip entirely cured by it ; a scirrhosity in a woman's 
breasts, of such a kind as frequently proceeds to cancer, I have 
found entirely discussed by the use of it ; a sore a little below the 
eye, which had put on a cancerous appearance, was much mended 
by the internal use of the Belladonna ; but the patient having 
learned somewhat of the poisonous nature of the medicine, refused 
to continue the use of it, upon which the sore again spread, and 
was painful ; but, upon a return to the use of the Belladonna, it 
was again mended to a considerable degree : when the same fears 
again returning, the use of it was again laid aside, and with the 
same consequence of the sore becoming worse. Of these alter- 
nate states, connected with the alternate use of, and abstinence 
from, the Belladonna, there were several which fell under my own 
observation." 
The sensible effects produced by the leaves of this plant, 
taken in medicinal doses, are usually by the skin, the urinary pas- 
sages, and sometimes by stool ; in larger doses, troublesome dryness 
of the mouth and throat, giddiness, and dimness of sight are ex- 
perienced. That the advantages derived from the internal use 
of Belladonna are only in proportion to the evacuations effected 
by it, is a conclusion we cannot admit, as sufficiently warranted 
by the facts adduced upon this point. 
As this plant has always been considered rather uncertain in 
its operations, it is with difficulty that we can direct what would 
be a proper dose : the most prudent manner, however, of admin- 
istering it, is by beginning with one grain or less, and" gradually 
increasing, according to its effects. Five and six grains are con- 
sidered a very large dose. 
