206 
Selected Articles. 
fessor Tully, # of the medical department of Yale College, 
(whose extensive use of this article well qualifies him to judge 
of its medicinal properties, and justly to appreciate its value 
as a remedial agent,) is of the opinion, that as an article of 
medicine, it ought entirely to supercede, not only the other 
species of the genus, but also the Colchicum autumnale. On 
many accounts it is certainly far less objectionable. In its 
general deobstruent effects it appears to be similar to its con- 
gener, the Veratrum album, as well as to the colchicum. But 
as possessing fewer of their objectionable features, and being 
equally efficient as a medicine, it should have the precedence 
in practice : it is not liable to the same uncertainty in its ope- 
ration ; it does not produce uncontrollable purging in one case 
in doses which have little or no effect in another ; it does not 
leave the alvine canal in an irritable condition. On the con- 
trary, it operates with as much certainty as any article in the 
materia medica : is never catharic, and always leaves the 
bowels in a good condition. It requires but a moderate de- 
gree of attention to render the operation of the Veratrum 
viride perfectly safe. It should, therefore, on this account, 
take the precedence of an article possessing no superiority in 
medicinal powers, whose operation is not within the control 
of vigilance and caution. 
I am aware there is some diversity of opinion respecting 
the safety of the colchicum, as well as of the Veratrum al- 
bum. It is occasionally employed for a length of time with- 
out manifesting any distressing or dangerous symptoms. But 
the confidence thus inspired, is too often interrupted by the 
occurrence of some unfortunate case. I have met with but 
*An apology is due Dr. Tully for the liberty I have taken in quoting* his au- 
thority. Many of the leading- principles which form the basis of this article 
were derived from his public instruction, and while acknowledging myself res- 
ponsible for its errors, it is but justice to say, that much of whatever merit it 
may possess, is the result of his discriminating research and extensive observa- 
tion. Few men in our own country have more assiduously studied the charac- 
ter of our indigenous articles of medicine, or prosecuted this study with greater 
success. The publication of his lectures on the materia medica would be a 
boon to the profession, which, it is hoped may, ere long, be realized. 
