478 TOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES ON VERATRINE. 
diminished. Very small doses suffice to produce vomiting, 
and often diarrhoea. Diarrhoea, however, is more frequently 
produced by only large doses. The secretion of saliva is 
sensibly augmented. This collection of symptoms is ordi- 
narily preceded by a certain excitation. The stage of exci- 
tation is characterised by accelerated respiration, rapid pulse, 
spasmodic muscular tension, and great nervous excitability. 
Death appears to result from paralysis of the spinal marrow. 
The author has likewise instituted some experiments on 
man, and he finds that the action is similar to that on 
animals. 
In using this substance we must always remember its 
lowering action on the respiration and circulation, and like- 
wise its property of diminishing the muscular irritability. 
It ought, consequently, to be efficacious in febrile affections 
accompanied by tension of the muscles, for example, in 
typhus with etherism, in rheumatic fever, scarlatina, trau- 
matic fever, strangulated hernia, and acute peritonitis, on 
condition that the body is not rendered too weak from other 
causes. It might also, from its action on the pulse and 
respiration, be useful in cases of pneumonia, pleurisy, and 
clearly inflammatory diseases of the heart. 
The author concludes his work by passing in review the 
complaints in which veratrine has been employed . — Journal 
cle Pharmacie et de GMmie . 
THE SMITHFIELD MARKET SITE. 
On Wednesday morning was issued the report of the 
committee appointed to inquire into the appropriation of the 
site of Smithfield, and the establishment of a new Metro- 
politan Meat-market. The committee are of opinion that 
the best appropriation for the general benefit of so much of 
the site of Smithfield as reverts to the Crown, would be cc to 
adapt it for the enjoyment and recreation of the public.” 
They are also of opinion that a new metropolitan market for 
the sale of meat should be established in a central position. 
The committee do not believe that a well-regulated meat 
market would be detrimental to the general health of the sur- 
rounding neighbourhood. On the contrary, subject to regu- 
lations for securing cleanliness and order, they think that a 
spacious market would be a desirable substitute for the 
crowded streets and squalid buildings, the site of which it 
would probably occupy. 
