1304 
INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 
This plant is one of the nine secondary poisons mentioned 
by Hindu writers. * * * * Ancient Hindu writers agree 
in attributing violent emetic properties to the root ; it is also 
said to cause abortion, and as such prescribed by Hindu 
physicians for expelling retained after-births. Dr. Dymock, 
in citing the researches of Warden, says that there are 
two resins and a bitter principle in the root. Warden 
names this bitter principle superbine, and considers it 
identical with that of Urginea Scilla, the ordinary Squill. 
The bitter active principle of Squill, says Dr. Lauder-Brunton, 
is a glucoside Scillitoxin or Scillain. The Scillitin of some 
authors is probably slightly impure Scillitoxin (Pharmacology, 
p. 962). Squill is classed by Lauder-Brunton among stimulants 
of the Cardiac muscle, when moderate doses are given. When, 
on the other hand, larger doses are given, it acts ds a “ Cardiac 
poison” (p. 276, Op. cit.). In such cases, that is to say, where 
the dose is large, “ the stage of stimulation is followed by one 
of peristaltic action and final arrest in Systole.” In excessive 
doses, “ the operation of Squills,” says Dr. Waring (Therapeutics, 
p. 489), “ is that of an acro-narcotic poison, 24 grains having 
proved fatal. Squill is known to cause nausea ; a small dose 
may act with extreme violence. I have already said that the 
plant is well-known among the Hindus as possessing emetic pro- 
perties. The conjecture of Warden is, in my opinion, based on 
a striking similarity of the physiological effects of the two plants 
on the human body. (Kirtikar’s Pois. PI. of Bombay). 
N. 0. PONTEDERIACE^E. 
1289. Monochoria vaginalis, Presl., h.I'.b.i., vi., 
363. 
Syn. : — Pontederia vaginalis, Linn., Roxb. FI. Ind., n., 121. 
Vern. : — Nanka (Beng.); Nirocancha (Tel.). 
ELabitat: — Throughout India, in fresh water ponds and 
marshes. From Kashmir to Assam ; Travancore. 
A most variable herb. Root-stock short, sub-erect or creep- 
ing, spongy. Leaves very variable, loug-petioled, 2-4in., from 
