298 
the properties ami having the same elementary composition as the gold salt of hyoscine. 
Neither hyoscyamine nor any other alkaloid could be detected in the first mother 
liquor from the gold salt. Professor Ladenburg is of opinion that the explanation of 
this different result probably lies in some variation in the method of preparing the 
duboisine, but confesses he cannot say in what respect. It will be remembered that 
the name " hyoscine " was appropriated for a base found in the mother liquor after the 
removal of hyoscyamine in preparing that alkaloid from henbane; it is isomeric with 
atropine and hyoscyamine, but is split up by alkalies into tropic acid and pseudotro- 
pine. (Pharmaceutical Journal (3), xvii, 1049.) 
In the same Journal (3), xiii, 706, is a concise account by Mr. E. M. Holmes 
of the plant, digested from a paper by Dr. Bancroft. 
For an account of Gerrard's experiments with the alkaloid of this plant, together 
with some physiological experiments with it, vide Pharm. Journ. (3), viii, 787, & se( l- 
In practice the sulphate of the alkaloid, which forms golden-yellow scales, is 
usually preferred. The dose is from -,?, to ,V of a grain. The extract is said to have 
been given with great benefit in cases of the night sweats of phthisis, without producing 
any bad effects on the appetite. It produced entire relief from pain in a severe case o c 
vesical teuesmus from inflamation of the urethra and neck of the bladder. 
The following references to the alkaloid are taken from Martindale and Westcott's 
Extra Pharmacopfia (see also Pharm. Journ. (3), viii, 787, for an account of the 
experiments of Drs. Ringer and Murrell, most of which are separately referred to 
below). It dilates the pupil, dries the mouth, checks perspiration, causes headache and 
drowsiness, antagonises muscarine. On the eye it acts more promptly than atropine. 
(Lancet, i, 1878, 304.) Eight cases of toxic symptoms giddiness, delirium, and dryness 
of the mouthfrom use of eyedrops, four grains to the ounce. (Lancet, ii, 1879, 353.) 
As a mydriatic, it is much stronger than atropine. Its use requires care $ is apt to 
produce giddiness, and even deliriuin. (Lancet, ij, 1.8/9, 441.) Its action relative to 
atropine, physiologically, &c. (Practitioner, xxiii, 246.) Therapeutic and physiological 
effects ; differs from atropine by the persistence and greater rapidity of its action on 
the muscle of accommodation ; is a useful calmative in maniacal delirium ; as a sedative 
ointment, 1 in 500 of vaseline applied night and morning is useful in inflammation of 
the cornea. (Practitioner, xxv, 294.) In exophthalmic goitre, ^ grain, two or three 
times a day, gives great relief. (British Medical Journal, i, 1883, 958.) Resume of its 
physiological properties. (Lancet, ii,-1881, 806. British Medical Journal, ii, 1879, 362; 
1881, 529. Trans. Medical Congress, 1881, i, 511.) Dr. H. Gellhorn (DeutscJie, 
zinische Wochenschrift, 1891, No. 30, quoted in Merck's Bulletin for October, 1891, 
p. 144), recommends duboisine sulphate as a prompt sedative, having no dangerous 
by-effects, in the excitations of psychoses. The hypnotic action of duboisine sulphate 
in simple agrypnia has not yet been fully gauged. Perhaps sulphonal is prompter in 
this respect. In excited patients, duboisioe aujphate generally induces sleep. Dr. 
Gellhorn then proceeds to give the dosage for such patients. 
