548 
Combating Lousiness 
Ref. 
No. 
459. Quassia infusion and oil, for capitis. 
I have seen this applied in practice but there is no evidence that 
the oil alone would not be equally efficacious. The infusion does 
not prevent lice from biting (see p. 490). 
460. Sabadilla (Cevadilla), for capitis. 
According to the Dispensary of V. S. America, 19th ed., 1907, the 
dried ripe seeds of Asagroea officinalis (Cham, and Schlecht) Lindl., 
recognized in Brit. Pharm. of 1885, contain three alkaloids: vera- 
trine, cevadine and cevadilline. Sabadilla, known in Europe since 
1752, was formerly used as a taenicide; it is the chief constituent of 
pulvis capucinorum still sometimes used in Europe for the destruc¬ 
tion of head-lice. Veratrine ointment (2 %) has been used in 
rheumatism; the alkaloid is very toxic. Dr Andrew Balfour informs 
me that 258 tons of sabadilla seed were imported into Germany 
from Venezuela in 1913, doubtless from foresight in connection 
with the contemplated war. 
Sabadilla vinegar is one of the remedies recommended in a 
circular issued by the Kais. Gesundheitsamt early in 1915 (Edi¬ 
torial, 12. vi. 15) and it is advised by Klemperer and Zinn. 
Postnikov, in a list of remedies for capitis and pubis, includes 
alcoholic extract of sabadilla. Pinkus notes that sabadilla vinegar 
may produce itching and a painful exanthem. 
“ Harrison's Reliable Nursery Pomade." In the Pharmaceutical Journal, 
5 Oct. 1907, pp. 444-445, in the Case of the Pharmaceutical Society versus 
Randall, tried at Bow County Court, the defendant was fined £5 and costs in 
respect of the sale of a poison, he being an unqualified person. It was stated 
that the pomade was considerably used in some parts of London, that the con¬ 
tents of a sample box, duly analyzed, was found to contain a poisonous vegetable 
alkaloid, veratrine, to the amount of If grains, f of which would be “an exceed¬ 
ingly dangerous quantity” in the event of anybody taking the substance. 
From information that has reached me from two sources it would appear 
that the amount of veratrine in the pomade varies (between f and 1 % ?). Atm 
purchased in Cambridge, 7. m. 1918, is inscribed “Harrison’s ‘Reliable’ 
Nursery Pomade. A Certain Cure for Nits and Vermin in the Han. Price A\d. 
and 9 d. To be rubbed into the Scalp daily. Not to be applied where the skin 
is broken. This pomade is now labelled poison but is quite harmless in use.” 
The covering box bears the assertions that it is a “hah colour restorer (not a 
dye)” and “adds to the beauty and growth” being “the surest Hair Producer 
yet invented,” etc. “In bottles Is. 6 d." 
Expt 222: vapour of alcoholic extract of sabadilla had no effect on 
lice when exposed thereto for some days. Sabadilla doubtless acts by 
