632

ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA.

active as a poison than the last-mentioned substance. It exercises noknown chemical influence over the tissues hy which it is distinguishedfrom the mineral irritants, as baryta and emetic tartar, with which Sclia-bel compared it.

Uses. —It is but rarely employed, principally on account of the allegeduncertainty of its operation. But from a few trials which I have madewith it, I suspect this uncertainty is much exaggerated, and is principallyreferrible to the varying lengths of time which the rhizome has been keptafter its removal from the earth, for, like colchicum,it deteriorates by keeping-The following are the principal cases in which it has been employed:—

1. In affections of the nervous system, as melancholia, mania, andepilepsy (Greding, S'dmmtl. mediz. Schriften , T. 1, S. 179). As anemetic, purgative, and promoter of the secretions generally, we can easilyunderstand that it may prove occasionally beneficial.

2. In chronic skin diseases, as herpes, Dr. C. Smyth [Med. Communica-tions, vol. i. p. 207) gave the tincture internally with benefit. As exter-nal applications, the decoction and ointment are used in scabies (hencethe Germans call the rhizome Kratzwurzel, i. e. itch-root ), tinea capitis?&c.; but their use is not quite free from danger.

3. In gout it was given in combination with opium, by Mr. Moore( Two Letters to Dr. Jones, 1811), as a substitute for, or in imitation ot?the Eau Medicinale. The dose, in a paroxysm of gout, was from fortyminims to two drachms of a mixture composed of three parts of Via-Veratri albi and one part of liquid laudanum.

4. In amaurosis and chronic affections of the brain occurring in torpidhabits, it is employed as an errliine or sternutatory (hence its Genual'name, Niesswurzel, i. e. sneeze-root ). It is usually diluted with somemild powder. The German snulf called Schneeberger contains it.

5. To destroy pediculi, the decoction is used as a wash.

6. As an emetic, it was employed by Horn.

Administration.—T he following are the principal modes of exh 1 *bition:—

1. Pulvis Veratri. —The dose of this at the commencement shoidnot exceed one or two grains. This quantity will sometimes occasm' 1nausea and vomiting; but Greding found that in some cases eight grain*’and, in a few instances, a scruple of the bark of the rhizome in powde rwere required to excite vomiting. As an errhine, not more than two nrthree grains, mixed with eight or ten of some mild powder (as starch?liquorice, Florentine orris, or lavender) should be employed at one time-

2. Vinum Veratri, L.—White Hellebore, sliced, Sviij.; Sherry Wi« e ’

Oij. [imperial). Macerate for fourteen days, and strain. As a substitutel'or Colchicum in gout and rheumatism, the dose is ten minims twice 0thrice daily. This quantity is to be gradually increased. A full n° sacts as an emetic and cathartic. . ..

3. Tinctura Veratri albi, E.—Veratnun bruised, jiv.; Proof Sp 11 '^’.

Oj. Proceed by percolation or digestion, as directed for tincturecinchona. The dose is five minims cautiously increased. . i

4. Decoctum Veratri, L. D.—White Hellebore,bruised, 5x.; Distn |c ^Water, Oij.; Hectified Spirit, ffiij. Boil the hellebore in the water do

to a pint, and when it has cooled add the spirit. This preparationonly used as an external application in skin diseases (scabies, lepra, tlUcapitis, &c.), and to destroy pediculi. When the skin is very irrita