NAMES, PROPERTIES, AND DOSES OF MEDICINE. 175 
employed as an internal remedy on account of the dangerous 
depression sometimes induced. Externally, tobacco acts as x 
powerful irritant. The juice of the green leaves made into an 
ointment is good for piles. Dangerous. 6d per oz. 
THEA (Tea).—The dried leaves of Camellia Thea. The 
appearance of tea leaves, is well-known. The black and green 
varieties were at one time believed to be derived from 
different species. It appears, however, that the differences 
between them are due solely to the mode of preparation. 
Green tea is made by rapidly drying the leaves, while the 
black teas consist of leaves which have undergone a process 
of fermentation. Tea has been employed medicinally in the 
treatment of migraine, and some intermittent affections; as a 
stimulant in opium coma, in asthma, whooping cough, and 
other spasmodic disorders ; generally, too freely, 
Veratrim.—An alkaloid obtained from veratrum viride, or 
green hellebore. Veratrim causes topical irritation, as shown 
by the dryness of the fauces and vomiting. After absorption 
it produces extreme depression of the heart, arterial and 
nervous systems Veratrim is asserted to be a valuable agent 
in controlling the vascular system in cases of inflammatory 
disease, and especially in rheumatic fever, gout, and allied 
affections ; the depression and slowness of the pulse appear to 
be characteristic symptoms of its actions. Dose: 1-50th to 
1-12th grain. Very dangerous, 1s per drachm. 
Zinc, Acetate of.— Prepared by dissolving carbonate of zine 
in acetic acid, evaporating and crystallising. It is chiefly 
employed as an external agent for the same purposes as sul- 
phate of zinc. Dose: 1 to 2 grains as a tonic; asa lotion or 
injection, 1 to 10 grains to thefluidounce of water, Dangerous. 
6d per oz. 
Zinc, Oxide of.—If given in large doses causes vomiting, 
but it is seldom or never used as an emetic. In small doses it 
becomes absorbed, and acts as a tonic and astringent. Its 
tonic effects are exerted chiefly upon the nervous system, as is 
