its general use has, after a time, been suspended. But Prosper Alpinus says, that Colchicum is perfectly inert, 
and that the Egyptian women fatten themselves with the wasted roots, often eating twenty in the course of the 
day, without having any effects produced, either on the stomach or bowels. More modern experimentalists 
have differed nearly as much on the powers of Colchicum ; but, owing to the investigations of Messrs. Bat- 
tley and Thomson, the time at which the bulb should be taken up has been satisfactorily proved, by its 
uniform effects. In the spring, (April) the root does not materially vary in size and general appearance 
from that which is ordinarily met with. It is then of full size, but irregularly indented or hollow. At this 
time it is found with a small attached bulb, about the size of a bean. The growth of this small bulb proceeds 
from the latter end of April or beginning of May, (according to the season,) until the latter end of June or 
beginning of July, at which time it attains its full growth. The parent root appears to yield as the new 
production advances, and when the latter attains its full size is no where to be found. The new root is then 
plump, firm, and without any indentation or hollow, and does not undergo any change of appearance from 
this period until the latter end of August, when in its turn it becomes old— for at this period it throws out a 
new bulb: from that new bulb the flower proceeds, and in the course of a very few days it is fully displayed. 
Between this latter period and the spring very little apparent change takes place : the root and offset are 
then found as first described. These changes are, of course, subject to some variation from soil, climate, and 
season. The state and condition of the root, if subjected to experiment, illustrate the process of nature in a 
striking and forcible manner. A transverse section of the bulb, exposed to the temperature of 170, if pro- 
cured in autumn, contracts, and when dried is shrivelled ; if procured in spring, the cuticle collapses, no other 
part of the then remaining substance being capable of enduring heat ; if procured in the months of July and 
August, before the new bulb is projected it remains quite solid and firm, and has a creamy appearance. 
It may be inferred from these facts, that this root is deprived of its power progressively, from the 
time of throwing out the new bulb, until its final disappearance ; and that, although very little change of 
appearance occurs during the winter months, it really undergoes a decided deterioration in that period. 
Qualities and Chemical Properties. — The root, when taken from the ground at the time recom- 
mended, and cut transversely, exhibits a milky appearance on both surfaces. The exudation is not particu- 
larly pungent ; it rather impresses the tongue with a cold but peculiar sensation ; which remains unabated 
for some time. This sensation is accompanied by a peculiar excitement, which is conveyed to the fauces, 
and continues still longer than the first-mentioned sensation of cold. The properties of Colchicum reside 
in this milky juice, and depend upon an alkaline principle termed veratrine, which has also been discovered 
in the seeds of the Veratrum Sabadilla, and the Yeratrum album. When treating of the latter plant, we shall 
fully advert to its properties. It contains, also, gum, starch, inulin, and extractive matter, which, when in 
solution, undergoes a chemical change, supposed by Dr. Paris to be analogous to that which takes place in 
the infusion of senna. Sir E. Home ascertained, that this deposit in the vinous infusion excites nausea and 
griping, but that it may be removed without destroying the efficacy of the medicine. It is now generally 
believed, that Husson’s Eau Medicinale owes its virtues to Colchicum ; for not only does it correspond to 
our Vinum Colchici in its effects, but it is notorious that Wedelius, a continental physician, sold an em- 
pirical preparation of this plant, which was extolled as a panacea ; while the catalogue of its virtues bears 
strong resemblance to Husson’s original advertisement, and the account of this nostrum is contained in 
Geoffroy’s system of Materia Medica, well known in France, where Husson lived. Wilson’s and Reynolds’ 
specifics are also entirely indebted to Colchicum for any virtues they may possess. 
Medical Properties and Uses. — Colchicum is one of the most powerful remedies we are pos- 
sessed of, in consequence of the direct action it is capable of exerting over the heart, and arteries. On the 
continent it has been chiefly used in the treament of hydrothorax, and asthma, but although we have had 
considerable experience in its administration, we could never satisfy ourselves that its effects in those dis- 
eases were equal to squills ; and as a diuretic it can never be relied on. If given in overdoses it produces 
distressing nausea, deadly vomiting, and profuse purging ; but combined with some saline purgative which 
acts on the bowels of itself, the Colchicum even in large doses exerts its own specific powers, and in a few 
hours generally succeeds in destroying the paroxysm of gout. It is to be regretted, however, that more recent 
experience has not confirmed the panegyrics lavished on Colchicum twenty years ago. It often reduces 
the unhappy patient to a pitiable state, especially if he undertakes -the management of his own case. 
Dose. — The dose of the powder is from three to eight grains. 
Off. Prep. — Yinum Colchici. L. 
Acetum Colchici. L. 
Oxymel Colchici. D. 
Syrupus Colchici Autumnalis. E. 
In the language of Flowers Meadow Saffron says, "my best days are past.” 
