Conium maculatum

Volume II — Main text

CONIUM.

Conium maculatum, L. Common hemlock. Nat. Ord., Umbellifera. I. Provings.- 1 . HAHNEMANN , Mat. Med. Pura, vol. iv. of original, vol. i of translation. Contains 88 symptoms from self, 131 from three fellow-observers, and 155 from authors . 2. IBID., Chronic Diseases, part iii of original, vol. of translation. Contains additional symptoms from self and two others, making total 912. 3. The man that was to administer the poison brought it ready pounded in a cup. Socrates, on seeing him, said, " Well, my good friend, as you are skilled in these matters, what must I do ? " "Nothing else,” he replied, " than when you have drunk it walk about until there is a heaviness in your legs, then lie down ; thus it will do its work ." He, having walked about, when he said that his legs were growing heavy, lay down on his back; for so the man bade him. And at the same time, he who gave him the poison, taking hold of him, examined his feet and legs from time to time ; and pressing his foot hard, asked if he felt it. He replied that he did not. In like manner afterwards he pressed the thighs, and thus going higher he showed us that he was growing cold and stiff ; and Socrates touched himself also, and said that when the poison reached his heart he should depart. But now the parts about the lower belly were almost cold ; when, uncovering himself (for he had been covered over), he said, and these were his last words, " Crito, we owe a cock to Esculapius ; pay * For the proving by Dr. Hyde, in Amer. Observer, vol. xiii, see Appendix to this volume.-EDS .

it, therefore, and do not neglect it. " " It shall be done," said Crito, " but consider whether you have anything else to say." To this question he gave no reply ; but shortly after he made a convulsive movement, and his eyes were fixed ; and Crito, perceiving it, closed his mouth and eyes. (PLATO, Phædo,ed. Stallbaum, lxvi .)* 4. a. After taking ziij of the "“ succus conii " of the B.P., I set out walking, and h. after the dose felt a heavy clogging sensation in my heels. There was a distinct impairment of the motor power ; I felt " the go" taken out of me ; sensation as if a drag was suddenly put upon me, and as if I could not, even if strongly urged, have walked fast ; after walking half a mile this sensation very decided, and, on putting the foot on a scraper, the other leg shaky and almost too weak to support me ; my movements appeared clumsy to myself, and it appeared to me that I must make an effort to control them. At the same time a sluggishness of the adaptation of the eye ; vision good for fixed objects, but on looking at an uneven object put into motion there was haze and dimness of vision causing some giddiness. After an h. these symptoms rapidly disappeared, leaving me as well as ever. b. The following effects were produced, during rest, h. after taking 5 dr. of succus. On raising the eyes from a near to a more distant object, vision confused and giddiness came on suddenly ; but so long as my eyes were fixed on a given object, the giddiness disappeared, and the definition and capacity of vision for the minutest objects were unimpaired, but all was haze and confusion with giddiness on directing the eyes to another object, which continued till the eyes rested securely upon one object again. Ten m. afterwards, general muscular lethargy with heavy lids and dilated pupils ; in 1 h . decided weakness in legs. Giddiness and diminished motor power increased for next 15 m. These effects attained their maximum 1 h. after taking the dose ; then I was cold, pale, and tottering. The pulse, which had been emotionally excited by the sudden accession of the foregoing symptoms, was now 68, quite regular, and of undiminished force and volume. The legs felt as if they would soon be too weak to support me. Less muscular power all over body, amounting to complete paralysis as far as the hamstring and levator palpebrae muscles were concerned. It required great effort to open the lids. The mind clear and calm, and brain active ; but the body heavy and well-nigh asleep. The symptoms continued at their maximum for h. and then declined rapidly, and in 24 h. had wholly disappeared. (HARLEY, Old Veg. Neurotics, p. 3. ) 5. A man æt. 57, of great muscular development, took doses of the succus, increased from ziij to zj. No effect till 3vj were taken : 20 m. after that sudden giddiness, and such weakness of the legs as prevented his walking and obliged him to lie down. There was aching pain across brows, and mistiness of vision. He could scarcely raise the li's, which seemed pressed down with a heavy weight. Disposed to * This is strictly a poisoning rather than a proving. Yet it has some of the features of the latter class ; and no record of the effects of hemlock could do otherwise than begin with it. It excellently compares, moreover, with the description ofHarley which immediately follows.-EDS .

sleep. In 20 m. he got up and walked a mile, but with very tottering legs, the knees tending to fall forwards. In h. the effects had almost entirely passed off. On another occasion, after taking 3j, there followed the same symptoms, but the giddiness and weakness came so quickly that he would have fallen had he not caught hold of something. All the symptoms were intensified and continued longer. (Ibid.) 6. A delicate young woman, inactive in her habits, took zij of the succus. In 20 m. nausea and giddiness came on. She dropped an inkstand she had in her hand, lost her walking power, and was laid down. The pulse, from excitement, went up to 120, but, in a few m., the heart became quiet, and she remained calm, but without the power to move arms or legs. In an h. there was nearly complete muscular paralysis, eyelids were closed, pupils dilated, but the mind was clear. Could not open lids. In an h. these symptoms were gone, and in 3 h. she resumed her usual habits. Next d., however,she complained of slight wearisome pain in muscles of legs. ( Ibid.) 7. John R-, æt. 57, a powerful man, took at 7.45 p.m. 3j of the succus. Inh. he was suddenly seized with giddiness and leg-weakness, and for h. could neither stand nor walk. During the next h. was tottery, but could walk with assistance. For the next h. heaviness of lids and drowsiness. The giddiness and leg-weakness then ceased. The pulse never varied. The pupils were only slightly dilated, and there was no change in the urine. ( Ibid.) 8. Mary L-, æt. 36, took 50 m of tinct. of green fruit. Inh. giddiness came on. 3j caused more decided symptoms ; and ziss was followed by double vision for several m., much giddiness, muscular weakness, causing slight tottering, and dilatation ofpupils. The giddiness and muscular weakness lasted for 1 h. ( Ibid.) 9. Mrs. M-, æt. 46, took 3 gr. of extract of green fruit. Inh. severe giddiness, muscular relaxation of the orbicularis, drooping of lids almost amounting to ptosis, and inability (nearly) to walk, came on and lasted for 1 h. ( Ibid.) 10. After taking 15 or 20 gr. of extr. I have often been affected with a weakness and dazzling of my eyes, together with a giddiness and debility of my whole body, especially the muscles of my legs and arms ; so that when I attempted to walk I was apt to stagger like a person who had drunk too much strong liquor. (WHYTT, Nervous Disorders, p. 22. ) 11. SCHNELLER began with 5 dr. of tinct., increasing daily by 5 dr. up to 65 ; then he increased dose by 10-40 dr., so that at last he took 200 at a time-altogether nearly 3j. Up to dose of 50 dr. nothing was perceived but eructations followed by rumblings in bowels, which passed into gripings or pressure in epigastrium. When taking doses of 55- 85 dr. there was also shooting-drawing pain in tonsils with burning in the gullet. When dose was 100-200 dr. there was strong saline taste in tongue, observed especially when hawking up mucus, but less in saliva, continuing for several d.; also flying stitches and tearings in cardiac region, or in the head, hands, and legs, increased appetite, and frequent micturition. He felt the drawing in tonsils, and occasionally the taste, for 14 d. after last dose. ( Wien. Zeitschr., Jahrg. ii, Bd. 2.)

1. Dr. FOUNTAIN proved extr. In rather more than h. after taking 12 gr. he noticed dimness of vision with bright points scintillating or rather quickly moving in the distance ; turning from side to side to notice them he reeled in the saddle ; there was no vertigo in head but a slight feeling of lightness there. Very soon numb pricking sensation in fingers, extending gradually to the elbows, causing stiffness of muscles and difficulty in moving forearm and hand ; soon same sensations in feet creeping slowly upwards to upper part of thigh . Eyes now began to feel uncomfortable, causing him to brush them frequently to clear apparent obstructions from the lids ; pulse soft and feeble, but not fast. Dismounting in an h., difficulty in walking, requiring assistance to reach house, lower extremities appearing nearly paralysed ; smoking tobacco relieved symptoms quickly ; sight became clearer, and he felt well when sitting ; on rising, however, the paralytic condition of the legs betrayed itself but was less. Morbid feelings continued all d., and not till after sleep did all the symptoms disappear. (Amer. Fourn. ofMed. Sc., Jan., 1846.) 13. a . Dr. EARLE took gr. doses of American extr. 3 times a d., increasing dose at rate of I gr. a d. till he took 25 gr. 3 times a d. When taking latter dose he experienced during breakfast fulness of head, as if ligature had been tied round neck, with slight vertigo. Next d. he took 120 gr. in 3 doses at m., 10 a.m., and e., with little effect beyond more vertigo and sensation as if eyes were swollen and unnaturally protuberant. Next d., before breakfast, took 45 gr.; in addition to the other symptoms had vision slightly dimmed, aggravated by rising from the table ; weariness and weakness of knees, and gait not so firm as usual ; pupils slightly dilated. At I p.m. took 45 gr. soon after eating an apple ; in 15 m. sensation of heat ingastric region, followed by the other symptoms. At e. took 45 gr.; effects much the same. Next d. took, in m., 50 gr.; vertigo in 20 m.; in 30 m. dim sight and weak knees ; sensation of weakness and weariness in biceps brachialis muscle with constant disposition to flex and extend forearm. At 10 a.m. took 60 gr. and had same symptoms, effects ceasing in 1 h. At 9.30 took 60 gr. again after eating apples, when no new symptoms showed themselves. Double vision noticed on 2 following d. b. In a second series of experiments with English extr. the dose was increased to 100 gr. and symptoms produced were nearly the same. On two occasions acute lancinating transient pain at neck of bladder. (Ibid., July, 1845.) 14. a. Dr. E. CURTIS took 3ss of Squibb's fluid extr., while busily occupied in writing, and continued his task. After about 10 m. " I raised my eyes quickly from the MS. on which they had been steadily fixed towards the inkstand some little distance away, but in so doing I instantly experienced a slight difficulty in accurately sighting that object, the eyes did not strike exactly where they were aimed. Simultaneously a faint but distinct thrill of the peculiar swimming feeling that I know so well as the beginning of sea-sickness, swept through the brain. As the palsy of the ocular muscles advanced, soon the slightest moventent of the eyes produced a curious and very disagreeable apparent flickering of the field of view, and was always accompanied by a sudden

rush of giddiness. So long as the eyes were kept motionless, then, as long ago pointed out by Harley, there was no giddiness. For experiment, I tried the eyes in various ways, seeking to find, among other things, how the focalising power on near objects was affected ; and the consequence was that I quickly became not only very giddy, but also decidedly nauseated, in fact, veritably sea-sick, the sensations being the same as those felt at sea. Fearing I should vomit, I got up to cross the room to the wash-stand, but at once the floor seemed to rock and waver, and I staggered against a table. Not being conscious, however, of any real weakness of the legs, it immediately struck me that the uncertainty of step was purely because the eyes were playing false as guides for the feet ; if so, I argued, walking ought to be steadier with the eyes shut than open. Accordingly, after getting the proper bearings, I shut the eyes, and sure enough found at once that I could now walk straight and steady, and, what was more, without any feeling of giddiness. Securing a basin, I repeated the little experiment on the return trip to the desk, and with precisely the same result,-giddiness, transient nausea, and staggering gait on trying to walk with eyes open ; freedom from all trouble with them shut. " b. The paresis, which had hitherto been mainly confined to the ocular muscles, now became general, and then I found that even with the eyes shut any movement involving the balance of the body was attended with a singular uncertainty and falling short of the desired effect, and this was again invariably accompanied by a fresh rush of seasick feeling. I accordingly now settled back in my armchair, shut my eyes, and for some 10 m. kept absolutely still, with every muscle completely relaxed. The sea-sickness then completely disappeared, and I became wholly unconscious ofany influence of the poison whatever. Indeed I had to open my eyes at last, and experimentally look about, in order to know whether the enemy was still with me at all or not." (N. Y. Med. Record, May, 1875.) 15. a. Oct. 29th, 7 a.m., 2 dr. tinct. Shooting in throat, especially on empty swallowing, soon, lasted 1 h. 10 a.m. , heat of face and sinciput more inwardly than outwardly. Pressure in various parts of forehead. In warm room, chilliness through backwith cold hands and bluish nails. Tired pain in muscles of upper and ex. ternal parts of r. upper arm, so that it is difficult to raise it, frequently.-31st, 7.45 a.m., 3 dr. 9a.m., weight and pressure on base ofbrain, pressure in 1. side of occiput, nausea and flow ofsaliva. Black points and stripes before eyes, chilliness in back ; pressure from deep in l. forearm to fingers ; later, bruised pain in l. elbow.-Nov. 3rd, 7.30 a.m., 5 dr. Much scraping in throat and dryness of mouth and lips ; dull pressure over both eyes, then in occiput as if a band were round head; with heat of occiput, then of forehead and cheeks ; at same time wandering pressure in forehead and r. temple. Pressure and weight in sinciput all d. Dull pressure in crown, then down to forehead. Drawing in r. zygoma in l. toes, and in r. calf (8.30 a.m.). Afternoon, pupils dilated, shooting in urethra (9.30 p.m.), repeated weak feeling of whole r. arm. Sharp stitches from 1. axilla to inner side of upper arm repeatedly (7 p.m.). Dull shooting under 1. 9th and 10th costal cartilages.-4th, 6 p.m., sharp blow through middle ofchest, from sternum to spine when sitting. Much rumbling in bowels. This symptom always showed itself in all subsequent trials.-5th, 7 a.m., 8 dr. Scraping in throat (also in all future trials). First 2 h. dryness of mouth, alternatingwith flow ofwatery saliva, and at same time dryness in fauces. This sym. ptom occurred in subsequent provings. Occiput as if full and confused (7.30). Pressure in sinciput alternately stronger and weaker, later heaviness ; the same sym.

ptom in occiput lasting all d. 8 a.m., pressure in r. side of forehead, 1. side of occiput, and, at 9.45 a.m. , 1. parietal protuberance. 7.45 a.m., drawing in lower part of1. calfand sole, posterior surface of 1. upper arm, 1. thumb, 1. calf and instep,under r. scapula, in r. glutæus muscle, worst when walking, in muscles on inner and outer sides of 1. forearm, in muscles of r. leg to foot and toes, on inner side of r. upper arm, on lower surface of 1. big toe (these symptoms came on till 9.30 a.m., and then again from 5 to 9 p.m.). 7.45 a.m., tickling in larynx and dry cough. 8 a.m., before eyes large dark spots with white borders. 9 a.m., pupils persistently dilated. 8 a.m., pricking in nape-muscles, 9 a.m., in l. calfas with needles. 8.45 a.m., shooting and burning in.l. side of tip of tongue. 9.45 a.m., shooting in orifice of urethra ; sudden pressure like a blow deep in scrobiculus cordis, cutting pain on 1. side of navel, like lightning. 8 p.m., sudden cutting in stomach on eating. 8.30 a.m., bruised feeling in l. ankle-joint, tension and stiff feeling when moving it. 2.30 p.m., after dinner, pressing in flexor tendons above 1. wrist. All symptoms worse when sittingthanwhen moving.-6th, m., inbed dull pain and stiff feeling in r. 4th finger, then severe pressure on upper and outer part of 1. upper arm. After dressing scraping in larynx, irritation to cough and dry cough, bruised pain in extensor muscles of r. forearm; pressure over and into r. eye; shooting in 1. axilla; drawing in 1. elbow and r. heel; flying shoots in 1. hypochonder, e.-7th. On waking suddenly from a loud noise, anxious palpitation of heart, frequently. 10 a.m., drawing in r. fingers and r. big toe, and at 6 p.m. on anterior side of r. leg, in 1. toes, e. Noon, when walking violent shoots in r. mamma round nipple, at each inspiration, relieved by strong pressure of hand on chest. 4 p.m., pressure in chest. Noon, shooting in 1. axilla, in abdomen,with lightning-like stitch through glans penis (6 p.m.), 6.30 p.m. in tip of 1. big toe, as if under nail, when sitting, 8.30 under 1. border of ribs, when sitting. 5 p.m., much tickling in throat and dry cough, bruised pain in r. elbow-joint.-8th, 7.30 a.m., 8dr. Heat, weight, confusion ofhead. These symptoms recurred after each dose, lasted 1 h. or more, and should be distinguished from the various bone pains of head. 10 a.m., pricking, then burning on outer side of 1. testicle, dull pressure, then hot feeling in stomach. M. and e., drawing on outer side of r. leg, in lower part of r. forearm, on inner side of r. upper arm. 10 a.m., pressure behind sternum and 1. side of chest, when sitting. 9.45 a.m., chilliness in back and cold hands, lasting h. 5 p.m., shooting in knees often, behind 8th and 9th costal cartilages,under l. ribs making him press upon them, when sitting, 7 p.m., under r. border of ribs, 5.30 p.m., in lumbar muscles, and painful stiffness on moving back, when sitting. 4 p.m., sharp shoots in r. axilla. 6 p.m.,pressure in ball of r.big toe. 8 p.m., shooting in orifice of urethra.-9th, 5 a.m., pressure in r. calf, in r. lumbar region, irritation to cough. 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., pressure in l. lumbar region and under edge of l. ribs, 4 p.m., inelbow, sinciput. 6 p.m., in r. side of occiput as from a peg. 9.30 a.m., drawing in 1st joint of 1. little finger,with feeling of stiffness, in fingers, under r. patella, in toes, in extensors of r. forearm, repeatedly. 10 a.m., dullpain in chest on 1. of sternum, suddenly when sitting. 5 p.m., shooting in l. axilla, stiff feeling in r. masseter muscle.- roth. The noise of opening the door produces a feeling in upper part of abdomen as after a fright, as though diarrhea would ensue.- 13th, 7 a.m., 10 dr. This dose caused symptoms that lasted till 29th. During this time there occurred daily, more or less severely, andjumping from one part to another, the following symptoms:-boring, tearing, aching in various parts of cranial bones ; shooting-aching in nape-muscles, drawing in cervical and pectoral muscles, weak feeling in arms ; aching tearingin arm, elbow, wrist, and finger-joints ; drawing and pressing in forearms; shooting in inner side of upper arm, in axillæ ; pricking in tips of fingers, and same symptoms in lower extremities ; aching shooting betwixt scapulæ, in lumbar region, in short ribs, in both hypochondria; cutting deep in umbilical region; irritation to cough, m. Pains in various parts of chest, stitches inchest on inspiration, which they almost prevented, chiefly when sitting. Drawing tearing on zygomata, aching in masseter muscles, feeling in throat as from a foreign body.- 14th. Shooting in tip of tongue.- 15th. Itching in r. leg followed by tearing sore pain when scratched, the front slightly reddened.-16th, m., and during d. this burning remained, spreading around, much aggravated byslightly stroking; a small blood-red spot appeared on the burning place,not removed by pressure, the spot and surrounding skin very sensitive to slighesttouch; frequent itching on various spots of both wrists, and on sacrum for 3 e. Drawing in 1. spermatic cord ; itching

and shooting in legs and feet, in l. palm with needle-pricks ; in bed shooting in both nipples and around them, and in 1. inner wall of buccal cavity.- 16th, 17th, 18th. Urine scanty, dark, frothy, with red sediment.- 17th. Shooting in r. heel when walking or sitting, in skin over 1. zygoma, in l. elbow; itching in 1. thumb and little finger, in ball of 1. hand, and two vesicles size of pins' heads filled with clear fluid and red areola; burning pain on a small spot in 1. palm near root of third finger. Stiffness and pain in tendons of 1. popliteal space on commencing to walk. 19th. Shooting and burning in tip of1. big toe. Burning ofred on 1. side ofupper lip, after some h. on r.; creeping in toes; shooting and smarting in tip oftongue for several d. Cutting pain in flesh near nail of 1. thumb and r.big toe, with burning; frequent call tourinate for some d.-20th. Burning andgreat sensitiveness ofskin above 1. knee; cutting in tips of 1. toes. At n. wakes suddenly from a sharp stitch deep in abdomen; then severe shooting deep in chest, on r. side when lying on l., so that inspiration is impeded, followedby long-continued burning in ball of 1. toe, felt onwaking inm. of 21st; much shooting in urethra, sometimes increased with every cardiac beat. Pulsation in abdomen under 8th and 9th 1. ribs, later severe shooting in that part. When sitting sudden shooting betwixt r. nipple and sternum, increased by inspiration; severe aching weak feeling on anterior surface of r. leg down to foot in bed; next d. same in l. leg after rising, relieved by moving limb.-22nd. Shooting in r. groin when walking. Great burning in skin of r. side of forehead. Aching and shooting in r. conj. bulbi in its inner canthus, and close to inner border of r. cornea a thick mesh of fine blood-vessels (also on 23rd). Pricking and sensitiveness of skin on posterior aspect of r. forearm.-23rd. On back of r. hand, betwixt thumb and index, three small vesicles with rose-red areola and itching after scratching, worst in e.; they dried up on the 25th. Burning as from pepper on tip of tongue ; burning on hairy scalp above r. frontal protuberance, and sensitiveness of skin there.-24th. Burningoninner surface oflower lip. 28th. Small itching vesicle onback ofl. thumbball, dried up on 30th.-Dec. 2nd, 7 a.m., 15 dr. This dose acted till the roth. Besides the well-known symptoms in head, chest, the various pains in the joints of the lower extremities, sole,heel, ball of foot, toes, upper extremities, back, loins, abdomen, the feeling of weakness,burning in tongue and lips, there occurred also shooting under nails of r. hand, ringing in r. ear anddiminished hearing power,feeling of a spider's web on r. cheek, small vesicle with red areola near knuckle of 1. little finger, shooting in edges of lids and canthi, shooting under skin of septum of nose ; atn. many erections, drawing in limbs, shooting under ribs, copper taste in mouth, and in tip oftongue feeling as if it were touched with copper ; drawing in spermatic cord; confuseddreams at n.; much itching on r. side of body; burning and smarting on inner surface of 1. cheek.-4th. Needle-pricks in 1. mamma; much shooting in urethra ; emission without dreams three successive n. (from 6th to 9th) ; burning in upper part of 1. concha.-17th, 7 a.m. 20 dr. Brought on usual symptoms and tearing innasal bones, shooting in rectum, pain in belly, increased by pressure, very excited sexual desire, internal uneasiness in scrobiculus cordis, when it is tense, hurriedness in all actions and accelerated breathing. After a cup of coffee with two tablespoonfuls ofwine, at 6p.m., general heat and sweat. In forenoon, after urinating, several drops of urine ran out; this occurred frequently.-Jan. 6th. 20 dr. caused the usual symptoms, tickling in larynx and dry cough after h., weight in head, staggeringwhenwalking and pressure in forehead (7.30 a.m.). 8 p.m., itching on sides of 1. third and fourth fingers, relieved by rubbing; pains in joints of hands and feet, fingers and toes.-7th, 8th, and 9th. Same symptoms. 8th. Sexual excitement without erection.- 11th, 6.30 a.m., 30 dr. All symptoms increased ; same also on 12th.- 14th, 7 a.m., 30dr. Same effect; in addition, feeling in lower incisors as if they were pushed up. 8.45 a.m., prickling in toes ; burning in lips and tongue.- 15th. Itching in r. hough, drawing in spermatic cords; itching in back of both thumbballs all e., and in m. of 16th, on both places some small vesicles as formerly.- 17th, m., sexual excitement. Since 11th a soft stool every m. and e.- 21st, 7.30 a.m., 40 dr. Soon small, soft, slow pulse till 9.30 a.m.; dyspnea, weight in head, bright spots before eyes. 8 a.m., when walking in open air, pressure on crown and feeling as ifhe would fall; shooting in tip oftongue,in room dilated pupils,fulness inhead, shooting behind sternum extending to axilla. Haste and restlessness in all actions, dull aching deep in thigh, memory weak, disinclination for all work. 8.30 a.m., pupils were dilated, many white spots and glittering stars when looking at different

things in room. All these symptoms ceased about 9.30 a.m. Swaying when standing ; heat of head and cold extremities. Much scraping and tickling in larynx, and frequent dry cough. Many pains in various joints, cranial and other bones , chest and back. Bruised pain in arms and legs, shooting in lips and tongue, itching on flexor side of wrist.- 22nd, m., urine turbid, frothy, with red sediment. During d. the affection of larynx, the various pains, an itching vesicle on 1. thumb-ball, dried up on 24th. Similar symptoms till Feb. 6th.-Feb. 3rd. Long-continued visible twitching of muscles of 1. thumb-ball,jerking the thumb by its metacarpal bone toand fro, not painful . b. Feb. 11th, gr. j, and 12th, gr. ij pulv. herbæ con. Onboth d. symptoms similar to those of Jan. 21st appeared, also stitches in glans penis, anxious feeling in heart and quicker heart's beats, and profuse epistaxis at 7 and 9 p.m.- 13th. Gr. 3 caused similar symptoms till 15th.- 14th, 5.30 p.m. , anxious heart's beats and epistaxis, visible twitching of muscles in ball of 1. little finger and in l. cheek, long continued ; urine turbid, red sediment.- 15th, 5 a.m., severe burning in skin ofr. temple, then on top of 1. thumb and at the sides of its nail. Later, especially e., the usual pains in joints, bones, belly, thorax, loins.-16th, 4 gr.-17th, 5 gr.- 18th, 6 gr. On all these d., in addition to usual symptoms, there occurred: The eye affection mentioned on Nov. 22nd, stitches in penis, sexual excitement without erection; under nail of r. index a pain as if part were torn and the nail forced upwards, repeated visible twitching in 1. thumb-ball and 1. cheek, internal cold feeling and numbness from thigh to foot, increased sweat on genitals, forcing-out sensation in r. groin, jerking starting. Soon after taking the dose persistent dilatation of pupils, feeling as if the whole body tended to the r., much burning on lips and tongue. Painful burning and sensitiveness of skin of back and 1. forearm (less on r. forearm) even to the slightest touch, all 18th and 19th, compression in root of penis (also on 20th), shooting in nipple. r. nipp Numbness of both heels with pricking as from needles when sitting; crawling under skin of r. cheek to corner of mouth; itching in backs of toes and fingers, burning and sensitiveness of skin on side of 1. little finger with redness of the part almost all d. These symptoms and the former pains gradually went offby the 21st. All symptoms aggravated till 10 or 11 a.m. and from 4 to 9 p.m., also 11 and 12 p.m.; they rarely occurred at n. Symptoms generally worse when sitting than when walking, more in room than in open air. (LEMBKE, Allg. h. Ztg., xlvii, 177, 185.) 16. 5 p.m., health good,* pulse 65, took 10 drops 2x in oz. water. Soon flushings followed by repeated itching in various parts. 5.5, cramp in r. 3rd finger prevents writing easily, itching returns. 5.7, twitching of 1. eyelid,drawing in l. forearm. 5.12, flushing with sweat on forehead ; itching nostrils, pinching over 1. hip ; watery eyes. 5.15, itching in hairy parts, especially scrotum ; this was followed by erection of penis, no sexual desire or other cause. 5.35, perspiration in axilla, offensive ; itching of anus ; drawing in r. tibia ; sneezed, nose stuffed. 5.45, pulse 84 ; salivation ; much mucus in throat ; sexual excitement returns without provocation. 6.10, slight griping in bowels ; itching scrotum, it seems swollen. 6.40, drawing in l. spermatic cord ; no appetite for dinner. 7, pulse 90 ; walking across room sends it up to 110, with slight dyspnea ; pain in r. arm as if bound. 8.10, slight headache ; much distension of bowels and flatus ; testes heavy and sore ; free urine. 9.30, called to urinate, dribbling afterwards ; desire to sit erect ; cannot breathe easily when stooping ; itching very annoying ; extreme voluptuous desires during night ; coitus attended by spasmodic respirations and musk-like odour from axilla ; great exhaustion followed. 2nd d., woke with catarrhal obstruction of head and throat ; incontinence of urine and marked languor during m.; usual appetite and stool ; easy sweats. 10 a.m., occasional sneezing ; pulse 90. 2 p.m., no * Complete sexual continence had lasted for thirty days.

appetite ; mind dull ; sleepy and languid ; disposed to diarrhea ; itching at intervals. 4 p.m., exercise develops a weak back, lumbar region feels disjointed. 5.30, urgent liquid stool ; violent tenesmus, followed by sweats ; much sexual excitement during p.m. without cause. (A. W. WOODWARD, M.D., communicated.) 17. a. After moderate doses the interference of vision is only such as results in haziness, as if a thin film of transparent vapour were floating between the eye and the object ; the effect being identical with that observed on looking through a medium of unequal density, such as the mixture of hot and cold air enveloping a highly heated stove. Itoccurs independently of any dilatation of the pupil and is compatible with good definition for fixed objects. It is due to imperfect adjustment of the refracting media of the eye from partial paralysis of the ciliary branches of the third nerve. It is through these minute branches that the individual first becomes conscious of the effect of hemlock ; and if he should be reading at the time he will suddenly find the occupation fatiguing, and, very soon afterwards, it may be impossible ; and he will be glad to close the eyes to relieve himself of the symptom, and as the muscular lethargy begins to be felt, content to lie perfectly still as if asleep. b. In full doses, the depressing influence involves the other branches of the nerve, and the lazy movements of the eyeball, or dull, fixed, and occasionally divergent stare, indicate the partially paralysed condition of the external muscles of the eyeball ; while more or less drooping of the upper lids expresses a similar condition of the levator palpebræ. Double vision, from inability to maintain the convergence of the optic axes, except as a very evanescent effect, is a comparatively rare result of the action of hemlock. I have only observed it in a few persons. In one of these, a delicate invalid, confined by weakness and ovarian disease to the recumbent position, zij of the succus produced full effects accompanied by double vision. This was a constant symptom-it came onth. after taking the medicine, and lasted 20 m. After having taken the hemlock for 6 mo., she told me as often as I happened to see her during the operation of the medicine that she saw each object in the room double, that my eyes were also doubled, and that she felt as if she were squinting. c. Dilatation of the pupil occurs usually after only very large doses, and then it is often but slight, and only observable in a subdued light -the excitement of strong light overcoming the tendency to dilate,just as the exertion of a strong will strengthens for a time an enfeebled limb. (HARLEY, op. cit., p. 8.) II. Poisonings.-a. A man who had been fasting all d. ate greedily of hemlock leaves between 3 and 4 p.m. Going immediately afterwards to a house about mile from his own he staggered, on entering, as if intoxicated. Conversed rationally while there, sitting down, but staggered again on leaving and on returning. Was found by policeman sitting on a doorstep, and said that he had completely lost his sight and had not perfect use of his limbs. Policeman tried to support him, but legs bent under him and he fell upon his knees. On water being given him he could not swallow. Lids (which were

closed) being lifted up, eyes were dull. He seemed sensible, and endeavoured to say something, but could not articulate. Police-surgeon now saw him. " He was sensible when I spoke to him, and tried to turn his face towards me, and slightly raised his eyelids, but appeared unable to speak. His power of motion appeared completely prostrated, for when I lifted his arm and laid it down, it lay where it was put ; and when his armpits were tickled he seemed to manifest a little sensibility, but could make no exertion to rid himself of the annoyance. There were occasional movements of the l. leg, but they appeared to be rather spasmodic than voluntary. Several efforts were made to vomit, but these were ineffectual. His pulse and breathing were perfectly natural, so also heat of skin. I visited him again about 10 m. to 7, at which time all motion of chest appeared to have ceased ; action of heart was very feeble, and countenance had a cadaveric expression ; pupils fixed." He was then sent to the Infirmary, and on arrival, soon after 7, was found to be dead. P.M. , 63 h. after death.-Unusual quantity of blood flowed from scalp and long. sinus when divided. Slight serous effusion below arachnoid and about zij of clear serum in lateral ventricles. Substance of brain soft throughout, and on section presented numerous bloody points. Lungs throughout intensely engorged with dark-red fluid blood. Heart healthy in structure, but soft and flabby. Blood in cavities mostly fluid, presenting only here and there a few small grumous clots. Kidneys and bladder showed much venous congestion. Spleen soft, easily breaking down under fingers. Mucous membrane of stomach much congested, especially at cardiac extremity, where were numerous extravasations of dark-red blood. Intestines were healthy, here and there presenting patches of congestion in mucous coat. Blood throughout body was of dark colour and fluid. (HUGHES BENNETT, Ed. Med. and Surg. Journ. , 1845.) 2. a. Woman, æt. 28, in sixth month of pregnancy, took for dry night cough 13 dr. of succus at 7 p.m. Went to bed about 10 feeling as usual, but awoke about midnight feeling uncomfortable, and with severe headache. Tried to speak to her husband, but felt as if tongue stuck to roof of mouth, and could not open jaws. Headache was a violent pressing squeezing sensation on vertex ; there was also severe pain in forehead over eyes, and profuse acrid lachrymation. Pain went down from top of head to sides of jaws, and from thence to below 1. breast, of a sharp stitching character, accompanied by feeling of choking and inability to draw breath. There was a feeling as if something were coming up the throat to choke her. The breathing was so difficult and stridulous that her inspirations could be heard outside the door. Her face was very red and flushed, so much so that a neighbour woman, who had been called in, thought she had erysipelas. The next symptoms were a numb feeling in the lower extremities, with utter want of power to move them ; this was followed by a similar state of upper extremities. Along with numb feeling there was sense of stiffness in limbs, different from feeling of powerlessness of motion. The latter, with numbness, then extended over whole body, but was not accompanied with coldness of surface. Sensibility of skin was normal,

CONIUM. 381 and she was perfectly conscious, and saw all that was going on . A cup of tea now taken was vomited. Symptoms went off partially for a time, and then returned as before till about 4 a.m. During latter part of time she was imagining objects in room as figures of dead relatives ; was aware of their being illusions, but could not help seeing them. At this time also objects in room seemed to be indistinct, and as if moving about. b. At 4 she fell asleep, and slept quietly till usual time of waking inm. When she rose she felt constant aching soreness in jaw, with pain under 1. breast, also such weakness in legs that they shook under her. She was hardly able to walk across floor, and had to return to bed in middle of d. Between 7 and 8 p.m. she felt a sensation as if symptoms of preceding n. would return, but it went off. I saw her the d. following, and found her with still the aching soreness in the jaws, and her limbs so weak that she could hardly walk to the dispensary. [A subsequent experience with a medicinal dose of hyoscyamus proved this woman to be extremely sensitive to the action of such drugs. -EDS.] (DYCE BROWN, M. H. R., xiii, 708.) 3. In the case of two children who had swallowed only a small quantity of the leaves of the shoots ofyoung hemlock, face was pale and livid, pupils dilated, heart's impulse weak and slow, pulse hardly perceptible ; both complained of general lassitude and somnolence ; all their movements resembled those of one much fatigued. There was no paralysis . The action of a stronger dose was seen in two other children ; the aspect was cadaveric, face pale and livid, pupils largely dilated and immovable, cornea glazed and shining, eyelids completely passive, jaw and tongue equally so. Only respiration (which was itself very slow) showed that life was not extinct ; radial pulse could no longer be felt ; heart's impulse and sounds were so feeble that observer even felt doubtful of their existence. Recovery was easy in the former cases, difficult-under the strongest measures in the latter. In no case was there delirium, or convulsions, or vomiting, or diarrhea. (SKINNER, Liverpool Med.-Chir. Journ., July, 1858.) 4. My brother ate by chance some eggs dressed (through error of the cook) with fresh leaves of hemlock instead of parsley. After a short time he staggered, his sight became dim, he wept and smiled, vomited spontaneously, then swelled up so that his belly threatened to burst; he could not pass urine nor could he speak or raise himself up, but lay as one intoxicated, until copious draughts of milk and almond oil relieved the symptoms, and purgatives and roborants finally restored the health. (EHRHART, cited by Imbert-Gourbeyre, De la Mort de Socrate par la Cigue, 1876.) 5. Dr. Comoz was called at 8 p.m. to a family of 3 adults who, since dinnerat noon, had been strangely ill. All had been seized from about I with nausea and an indefinable malaise. The symptoms increased ; the patients became much agitated ; they were attacked with hallucinations and delirium, and went out of doors. The neighbours, much alarmed, thought they had gone mad ; they laid hold on them, and were obliged to employ force to compel them to return home, where they watched them closely. Patients were mirthful all the time.

About 3-4 p.m., one of them-a brother-in-law-vomited copiously, and from this time steadily improved. At time of doctor's visit he had nearly recovered ; but the others (man and wife), who had eaten most freely ofthe dish found to contain the hemlock root, and had not vomited, were much agitated ; pulse 110-120 ; tongue dry and reddish ; intermittent delirium ; always mirthful ; hallucinations. The husband, who was somewhat addicted to liquor, saw all sorts of animals dancing upon the bed; had a little subsultus tendinum ; his facial muscles seemed somewhat contracted ; slight risus sardonicus. Delirium was more marked in his case than in that of his wife. In both eyes were somewhat congested and wild ; lips slightly cyanotic. They had nausea, but no vomiting. There was dull burning, ofno great intensity, at epigastrium. Emetics brought speedy improvement. (Ibid.) 6. A medical student, of Castleton, in the course of experiments on himself with narcotic drugs, took as much as 2 grm. of extr. without experiencing any peculiar symptoms except diplopia and muscular contractions. He now chewed and swallowed 15 grm. of root. In h. his head became affected, as if it would wander, and his eyes very sensitive to light. Delirium supervened, during which he at first took towalking about. Two h. after swallowing poison he was seized with an epileptiform attack, which lasted 4-5 m., with contractions of all muscles. Before convulsions pulse was 52, of ordinary force ; after these it became weak and frequent ; then ensued spontaneous vomiting. He was now dosed with opium, ammonia, alcohol, and capsicum. A second and still more violent attack came on, leaving him as if dead. Five h. after poison he came to himself again, but was unable to move his limbs ; he felt inclination to vomit as often as he tried to rise. After 16 h. he vomited 3 or 4 times ; 4 h. sleep completely restored him. (Boston Med. and Surg. Journ., vol. x.) 7. HAAG was one e. called to a soldier said to be dying. He found him unconscious ; pulse small, hard, only 30 ; extremities cold ; face bluish, congested, like one strangled. He found that he with some comrades had partaken ofsoup in which hemlock had been mixed, he most largely. About 1 h. after supper all felt as if intoxicated, and had pain in head and throat ; this man had gone to bed, where they noticed him groaning and breathing with difficulty. An emetic was given, with cold to head, and warmth to extremities ; but efforts to vomit were fruitless, and his state grew manifestly worse. He spoke, and complained of feeling very cold, but soon again lost speech and consciousness, constant palpitation in chest and precordia being the only manifestation of his feelings. He died 3 h. after the fatal supper. Autopsy showed great congestion of brain . (Fourn. de Méd. de Leroux, xxiii, 1813.) 8. A young man, with two phagedænic buboes, was treated with extr.; 3j was taken in course ofd. for some time, later Ziss, zij, and even Ziiss. It produced indistinct vision and blindness, loss of the pain, falling of lower jaw, temporary palsy of the extremities, once or twice a loss of sensation ; but nutrition did not suffer, and ulcers improved. After laying drug on one side for some time he returned to it, taking in course ofone morning 3x. It produced great restlessness

and anxiety ; hedropped insensible from his chair, fell into convulsions, and expired in 2h. (J. HUNTER, Works, ed. Palmer, i, 379.) 9. In 1871 a man was knocked down by a brick. The injury he received is supposed to have caused the contortions of his face for which he took con. He dictated this to wife : " At 4.10 p.m., 50 min. Squibb's extr. of con. 4.40 p.m. , dizziness and relaxation of muscles of limbs ; 50 min. more then taken, immediately difficulty of walking and want of power to control movements, forced to lie down, no mitigation of spasm, limbs weak, unable to hold up head, speech thickening, some pain and heaviness in top and back of head, pulse 56. 5.15 p.m. took 50 dr. Some nausea, some tremor at base of clavicle and in muscles across chest, no diminution of spasms about eyes [the symptom he took the con. for] , more photophobia. 5.20 p.m., drowsiness. 5.40p.m. , eyes difficult to open, speech difficult, difficulty in throat, prostration nearly complete, diplopia vastly increased. 6.10 p.m., nausea, twitchings on r. side, unable to articulate, eyes closed, fulness almost to suffocation in throat, pulse 60 in past six -Water ! water ! water! " These were his last words. His wife ran to get some coffee ; and when she came back he was dead. (Med. Times and Gaz., May, 1875) . 10. An actress was troubled for several months after her confinement with excessive fulness of her bosom, and a superabundant secretion of milk. A weak infusion of hemlock was administered for 2 d. Lactation suddenly stopped, and the breasts wasted away. She became pregnant shortly afterwards, but no activity of mammary glands appeared . There was a slight fulness during the confinement, and a few drops of milk elicited, but this soon ceased for ever. (Prof. D'OUTREPONT, of Würzburg, Lond. Med. Gazette, viii, 125.) 11. The mother of four children had given suck to youngest for fifteen months. On weaning it the flow of milk continued to the extent of 8 pints a day. The menses were suppressed. This condition continued for 4 years, the health not suffering. A grain of ext. of hemlock was given ter die. In 7 d. discharge of milk altogether stopped, the breasts were reduced in volume, and the menses recurred at the regular period. On their cessation the galactorrhea returned. The lady took 7 gr. of ext. a day. The breasts became emaciated to baggy flaccid skin, and never returned. (Ibid.) 12. a. In a case of chorea treated with ziij doses of succus for 17 d., on 8th d. a severe attack of urticaria came on, and lasted 24 h . b. The application to an axillary cancer of lint saturated first with the pure succus, then with equal parts ofthis and water, produced a dry, scaly eruption of the cuticle in crescentic patches, and a dark coppercoloured very irritable condition of the cutis, identical in appearance with the irritable variety of lepra. (HARLEY, op. cit. ) 13. A young student, in perfect health, imagining himself the subject of a venereal affection, took a long and active course of C. He lost colour, vivacity, appetite, sleep ; all the functions became deranged ; at length he was attacked with a tertian fever of bilious type. Bark and opium, with good regimen, arrested the paroxysms and effected a cure ; but there remained such weakness of stomach that at the least excess there came on immediately indigestion, buzzing

in head, ringing in ears, excessive lassitude of lower extremities, and frequent periodical paroxysms of fever. (CHIAPPA, Gaz. Méd., 1833, p. 640, from Imbert-Gourbeyre. ) 14.* TRAGUS relates that he had seen a woman, who had accidentally eaten of hemlock root, become, as it were, tipsy and insane, so that she attempted to scale heights and to fly. Vinegar restored her to herself. (Hist. Stirpium, L. 1, c. 159 ; from Imbert-Gourbeyre.) 15. A peasant and his wife ate ofhemlock root by mistake, and then went to bed. Awaking in middle of n. they had completely lost their reason, they ran about house in dark, quite wild, striking head, face, and eyes against walls. In m. the neighbours found them in a pitiable state, covered with bruises. (MATTHIOLUS, who states that he personally ascertained that it was really hemlock they had eaten ; from Ibid. ) 16. I knew two monks of high family, who ate freely of C. brought to table by error. Scarcelyhad food entered stomach than its virulence so oppressed the head of either that a manifest insanity seized them. One imagined himself changed into a goose, and hurried into a lake ; the other, tearing off his clothes, declared himself to be a drake, and that the internal fire could not be extinguished unless he should swim in a river. Cathartics and other measures soon brought them to themselves, but for more than three years they were harassed with tremors and petechial spots. (KIRCHER, from Ibid.) 17. Several persons-3 women, I man, 2 boys, and as many girls-ate of hemlock root. All became delirious-more or less according to quantity taken. One woman complained of oppression and anxiety, and for two hours was quite out of her mind, but manifested sense of thirst and of excessive heat of gullet. For 4 d. more her mind wandered ; she thought she saw birds and dogs about her, and men seemed dead or sick. Others in their delirium imagined they saw lizards or serpents ; others threw themselves into fire ; others danced and wandered through bushes and hedges . (WEPFER, from Ibid.) III. Experiments on animals.-J . At intervals of a week, Mr. Mavor and I gave the B.P. succus conii in doses of 6, 8, 12 and 16 oz. to a two-year-old colt. No effect followed any but the last dose, which = Ilb. of the fresh leaves. He continued lively, and eating as usual, until 25 m. after the dose, when he was observed to remain standing stock-still, with ears fallen, head and neck pendent, upper eyelids swollen and drooping so as nearly to cover eyes. He presented at the same time a dull, heavy, tumble-down appearance. Pulse, pupils and tongue were unchanged. An experienced veterinary surgeon happened to come in at the time ; and observing thegeneral expression of languor exhibited by the animal, and the swollen and nearly closed eyelids, said, " That horse has the influenza, so prevalent just now." Five m. afterwards, the animal dropped upon his knees, and in recovering his position nearly tumbled down. After a little stumbling, he regained his legs, and continued for the next 20 m. in the same state of dulness and perfect quietude as before, excepting that now and then a fore or hind leg gave way, and he was obliged to exert himself to regain his equilibrium. At the end of this time he was walked out. After a little stumbling he went along slowly and languidly, with ears down, head and * The remaining cases of poisoning by hemlock are inserted for the sake of completeness, but with our present knowledge of toxicology it must be confessed that they are somewhat dubious, and are accordingly relegated to the smaller type. It will be noticed that in most, if not all of them, the root was the part employed; whereas it is from the leaves or fruit that modern preparations are made. Dr. Imbert. Gourbeyre's obs. vi proves, on reference to the original, to be a case of poisoning with cicuta vìrosa.-EDS .

neck depressed, and eyelids half closed, swaying a little as he went. Two h. later effect had entirely passed off, and he was as active and lively as before the dose. (HARLEY, op. cit., p. 7.) 2. At 5.30 p.m. I injected mxv of the succus beneath the skin of a full-grown active male mouse. In 7 m. he began to stumble ; at the 10th m. he tumbled over several times while sitting, kangaroo fashion, upon his hind legs cleaning his fur. Up to the 20th m. the little animal continued tolerably active and self-possessed, getting up as ir nothing was the matter, as often as, in sitting or walking, he happened to roll over upon his side. He now gathered himself together in the usual couching posture, and resting the nose upon the table became very still and dull, with eyes partly closed ; respiration normal. When disturbed he was unable to run, and on attempting to walk he rolled over on the side. Without any visible change or movement the little animal now passed into a state of complete paralysis, in which he remained until 8.15 p.m.-24 h. after dose was given. During whole of this time he lay motionless in the position in which he was placed, with eyes nearly closed, perfectly flaccid, and exhibiting no indication of sensibility when dangled by an ear or a toe, or by the tip of the tail. As he lay upon the side the only indications of life throughout this periodwere the following :-distinct and regular respiratory movements of the sides of the chest and abdomen, decreasing during the 2 h. from 160 to 135, and interrupted by one or two full swelling inspirations during the m. On gently pressing the point of a pencil along the half-closed margins of the eyelids so as to touch them, a sluggish contraction, so faint as to be scarcely perceptible, occurred ; but on separating the lids and touching the cornea no contractile action of the orbicularis was observable. On rolling the rump portion of the tail gently between the thumb and finger a reflex movement, consisting of sudden backward jerk of all forelegs, was simultaneously excited ; the vibrissæ were at the same time momentarily agitated. At 8.15 the effects of the hemlock began to subside, as indicated by a little increase in the depth of the inspirations (which were 135) ; and on irritating the tail as above mentioned, the head, body, and legs were simultaneously jerked backwards, the general movement being such as to throw the body backwards nearly an inch. The eyes were at the same time opened and the vibrissæ strongly worked. Shortly afterwards there was a slight movement of the forepaws, apparently of a voluntary nature-the first performed since the paralysis came on ; but there was no further movement until 9, when, on disturbing him a little as he lay on his side, he struggled forwards a little, but did not succeed in getting upon his legs. This, however, was accomplished when I again disturbed him at 9.50, and he then drew himself together, opened the eyes and began to look about him and sniff for food. At II p.m. he was in his usual condition (resp. 140) ; and next d. was as lively and active as ever (resp. 160). (Ibid.) 3. The first symptom produced by the drug, according to M. М. Devay and Guilliermond, is almost constantlyparalysis of the posterior extremities, to which succeeds an involuntary emission ofurine. The animal will use its forelegs to drag along the hindpart of its body, which VOL. II . 25

is almost inert, like a dead weight. Then, shortly after, convulsions supervene. According to van Praag, in the greater number of experiments the convulsions were preceded by symptoms of progressive paralysis, consisting in an unsteady gait, requiring support against walls, bowed head, desire to lie down, bending of knees while walking, inability to stand upright. Then came convulsions, always followed by muscular tremors. Van Praag remarked, as less constant symptoms, falling of the membrana nictitans, retractionofthe ears, grinding of the teeth, continual slavering and difficulty of deglutition. General sensibility is neither exalted nor diminished. (IMBERT-GOURBEYRE, op. cit.) 4. I used very strong extracts, prepared by absolute alcohol from the fresh leaves or full-grown seeds ; and each of them occasioned, in doses of 30 gr. or thereabouts, paralysis ofthe voluntary muscles, with occasional slight convulsions, then paralysis of the respiratory muscles of the chest and abdomen, and finally cessation of the action of the diaphragm. Sensation appeared to continue as long as it was practicable to make an observation on the subjeet, and the heart contracted for a long time after death. (CHRISTISON, op. cit.)

Volume IV — Appendix

CONIUM.

(See vol. ii, p. J71.)

II. 18. An inquest was held on a child of 8 mos. For irritability from teething a mixture had been ordered of 3J of ext. conii, jj w potass, brom., and 3'ss of chloroform water. Of this the child took* tcaspoonful at 8 p.m. The effect soon became manifest, and byil.30 symptoms were so alarming that Mr. Freeman was hastily summoned. On his arrival he found lower extremities completely paralysed, occasional twitchings of arms and head but no decided convulsion, marked dilatation of pupils, lividity of face, and diaphragmatic breathing. Attempts to induce vomiting were fruitless, and death occurred at 3 a.m. PMshowed much congestion of organs generally ; marked increase of serum in cerebral ventricles and beneath arachnoid ; strong injection of membranes of cord. R. heart was distended with semi-coagulated blood i bases of lungs gorged, and surface marbled with patches of congestion, collapse, and acute emphysema. Surface of liver presented numerous groups of punctate extravasation. Other organs healthy. Opinion was given that death resulted from paralytic asphyxia. [Although bromide of potassium was mixed with C. in this case, it obviously played little or no part in the fatal result; so that we feci justified in giving it as a case of hemlock poisoning. — £ds.] {Laiutt^ July 25th, 1885.)