252 
bitter principle (Acbillein) and a peculiar acid, which takes 
its name from the generic appellation of the plant. 
Aconitum Napellus, L. 
The Monk’s Hood. In the colder, especially mountainous 
parts of Europe and Northern Asia. A powerful medicinal 
plant of perennial growth, but sometimes only of biennial 
duration, variable in its forms. It was first introduced into 
Australia, together with a number of other Aconits, by the 
writer of this communication. All the species possess more 
or less modified medicinal qualities, as well in their herb as 
in their root ; but so dangerously powerful are they, that 
the plants can only be administered by the exercise of legiti- 
mate medical practice. Napellus root, according to Professor 
Wittstein, contains three alkaloids : Aconitin, Napellin and 
Narcotin. The foliage contains also a highly acrid, volatile 
principle, perhaps chemically not unlike that of many other 
Eanunculaceae. Aconitin, one of the most potent of any 
of the medicinal substances in existence, can likewise be 
obtained from the Nepalese Aconitum ferox, and probably 
from several other species of the genus. 
Acorus Calamus, L. 
The Sweet Flag. Europe, Middle and North Asia, North 
America. A perennial pond or lake plant. The somewhat 
aromatic root is used as a stomachic, and also in the pre- 
paration of confectionery, in the distillation of gin, and in 
the brewing of some kinds of beer. The flavor of the 
root depends mainly on a peculiar volatile oil. 
Actaea spicata, L. 
The Baneberry. On forest mountains, mainly in limestone 
soil of Europe, North Asia and North America. A peren- 
nial medicinal herb. Its virtue depends on peculiar acrid 
and bitter, as well as tonic principles. In North America, 
this species, and likewise A. alba, are also praised as effica- 
cious antidotes against ophidian poisons. 
Adesmia balsamica, Bertero. 
The Jarilla of Chili. A small shrub, remarkable for exuding 
a fragrant balsam of some technic value. 
