186 
Mycologia 
Boletus miniato-olivaceus Frost 
In 1899 Collins 52 reported cases of poisoning from eating Bole- 
tus miniato-olivaceus variety sensibilis but nothing more was 
learned of this species until recently when Ford and Sherrick 44 
made experiments with it. They showed that extracts from the 
plant killed guinea pigs in several days but that rabbits were not 
affected. The guinea pigs became emaciated but nothing charac- 
teristic was noted at autopsy. 
Polyporus officinalis Fries 
From this polypore a definite poisonous substance has been 
isolated, having the name agaricinic acid, and the chemical formula 
C 14 H 27 OH ( COOFI ) ,. This substance is used to a small extent in 
medicine to lessen excessive perspiration but cannot be given in 
large doses as it causes vomiting and purging by its strong irritat- 
ing effect upon the mucous membranes. Jahns 53 and also Hof- 
meister 54 have made careful studies on the preparation and the 
physiological action of agaricinic acid. 
Gyromytra esculenta Fries 
Years ago the poisoning from the false morel was reported fre- 
quently in Germany but within the past few years the only note 
of such accidents is that of Lovegren 55 who has described several 
cases in which the lesions pointed to a hemolytic intoxication. 
The action of this fungus upon man and upon animals is by no 
means definite, however, and much work must be done before the 
matter is clarified. The European variety of the false morel, 
Morchella esculenta or Gyromytra esculenta, has been shown by 
the researches of Boehm and Kiilz 56 to contain a hemolytic poison, 
helvellic acid, and this agrees with the observations which have 
been made clinically. Accidents from poisonous morels have not 
been reported in America and no observations have thus far been 
made with this fungus collected in America except on one occasion 
(Ford and Sherrick 38 ) when it was found to have no hemolytic 
action or poisonous effect upon animals. 
Prophylaxis 
Mushrooms are usually eaten for their flavor which makes them 
an agreeable relish and food-accessory rather than a staple article 
