ON POISONOUS PLANTS. 673 
remarks have been given to me by F. Lukis, Esq., M.D., of this 
island : — 
Nearly the whole of the species of ranunculiacise are well 
known to possess very great acrimon}'. 
On their being handled or applied to the more delicate parts of the 
surface of the body, itching is excited, followed often by tumefaction, 
and even vesication and ulceration. When chewed, they irritate the 
mouth, producing ulceration of the tongue, with copious salivation. 
The free inspiration of the effluvium arising from them when 
bruised or heated, produces headach, dizziness, vomiting, & c. 
The experiments performed by C. Krupp, of Vienna, on dogs, 
prove their virulence, and establish, among the most powerful, the 
Ranunculus Scelliatus 
Illyricus 
Bulbosus 
Acris 
Arvensis 
Thora 
The Ranunculus flammula is particularly so, and, when swal- 
lowed in small quantity, produces vomiting, spasms of the stomach, 
and delirium. Haller states the Ranunculus Alpestris to be the 
most virulent of all. 
The common meadow crowfoot (Ranunculus acris) possesses 
virulence in every part of the plant; others in the root or leaves 
only. Cultivation lessens their power, which also varies accord- 
ing to the particular plant, situation of growth, &c. 
Acids appear to increase their poisonous qualities, though lemon- 
juice, sorrel, and unripe currants, have been recommended, followed 
by mucilaginous drinks. Sugar, wine, and spirits, increase their 
properties, rendering them more hurtful. The ulcers produced are 
very difficult to heal, fetid, and the discharge acrid, &c. 
You also mention the water hemlock ( Phellandrium aquaticum) 
as a poison. The farmers of this island will not believe the leaves 
to be so, though they say the roots are injurious, and even poi- 
sonous. I have seen them give it to their cattle, as food for fat- 
tening, in large quantities ; but I have known it poison six horses, 
the causes of whose death I could satisfactorily trace to the herb in 
the spot where they had eaten it. Three of these cases happened 
in August 1826. It was a very dry season, and grass was un- 
usually scarce ; but in these instances the man saw them eat the 
roots as well as the leaves, and they all died. Being from home 
when the animals were attacked, I was unable to see the first symp- 
toms, but was told by those persons who were present that they 
were seized with violent griping pains. The symptoms were, 
hanging the head very low, much stupor and sleepiness, with great 
