358 
NEW TEST FOR NUX VOMICA. 
saving them. The examination of the dead bodies showed 
the same condition in all; the peculiarities in the blood and 
dryness of the mucous membrane was unfailing. 
“The meat of these pigs, which looked quite right, was 
eaten by several persons, both fresh and salted, and produced 
no accident. 
“ The seven other pigs, among which were the five oldest, 
did not present such alarming symptoms, although all lost 
their appetite for some days. 
“The treatment used was first a vomit of stibiated tartar 
and white hellebore; then, injections were used; only two 
of the pigs vomited ; but the greatest benefit was obtained 
by bathing them all over with cold water. 
“ The German veterinarian has, moreover, observed that 
the cases of poisoning with brine which he has met with 
have always occurred in hot weather, although meat is more 
often salted in the autumn and winter. He thinks that this 
is an argument in favour of the theory w hich attributes the 
poisonous nature of brine to the presence of a fatty acid en- 
gendered under the influence of heat.” — Moniteur des Hopi- 
taux , No. 133; The Chemist. 
NEW TEST FOR NUX VOMICA.. 
The following test proposed by Vielguth, and approved by 
Wittstein, for detecting nux vomica recommends itself for its 
simplicity: — A few grains of the substance supposed to con- 
tain nux vomica, is treated with proof spirit. The tincture 
thus obtained is evaporated to dryness on a w r ater bath at a 
temperature of about 95°. To the residue a drop or tw r o of 
dilute sulphuric acid is added. The whole is again exposed 
to the above-mentioned temperature, when, if nux vomica is 
present, a beautiful carmine-red colour ensues. If the heat 
is stopped in the course of ten or fifteen minutes, this colour 
disappears, but it will reappear, although of diminished 
brightness, by a renewal of the heating. If the temperature 
be increased, the colour becomes reddish-brown, and finally 
black, in consequence of the separation of carbonaceous 
particles. — Reports of the Progress of Chemistry , by W. BasticJc , 
Esq., in the ‘Lancet.’ 
