154 Morris . — On the vise of certain plants. 
is much valued in the United States as an anodyne and 
hypnotic. 
These are a few notable instances in which plants formerly 
used destructively against human life have been rendered 
serviceable in the treatment of disease. Researches in this 
direction are now being carried on with so much energy 
that there is little doubt many more plants will be found 
to possess properties now unknown. 
As opposed to plants remarkable for their poisonous 
qualities, there are many which have gained a reputation 
as alexipharmics or counter-poisons. Of these there are 
two classes — those which are believed to be antidotes to 
animal poisons, and those which are looked upon as antidotes 
to the poison of other plants. These antidote-plants have 
so far received only partial attention. Information respecting 
many of them is only accessible in books of travel, and the 
accounts given are vague and unsatisfactory. The subject 
nevertheless is one of considerable interest, and it is felt 
that knowledge can only be extended by directing attention 
to these plants and presenting in a brief review what is at 
present known respecting them. 
Of plants reputed to be useful as antidotes against the 
poison of other plants the number is by no means large. 
A well-known cucurbitaceous plant in the West Indies, 
Fevillea cordifolia , L., is called Antidote Cacoon, because 
of its supposed virtue to expel the poison of the Cacoon 
( Entada scandens , Benth.). The fresh juice of Oxalis corni- 
culata , L., is used to relieve the intoxication induced by 
Datura seeds. The Ordeal Bean of Calabar, itself a deadly 
poison, is nevertheless said to be useful in the treatment of 
strychnine-poisoning. The small roots of Hernandia sonora , 
L., are claimed to be ‘a sure antidote against poison from 
poisoned arrows ; ’ while the roots of Cissampelos Pareira, L., 
are an 4 excellent antidote, against all poisons.’ The Man- 
chioneel-tree (HippomaneMancinella, L.) has been credited with 
characters so poisonous as to rival the celebrated Upas-tree, 
and the juice and tender buds of the White- wood Cedar 
