Homeria

Homeria collina.

Natural order , Iridaceæ.

Common name , Cape tulip.

Authority.

L. Pappe, M.D., quotes Dr. Laing, Floræ Capensis Medicæ Prodromus (Pharm. Journ., vol. xi, 1851-52, p. 40).

A Malay woman, somewhat advanced in years, with her three grand-children, respectively of the ages twelve, eight, and six, ate with their supper, between 7 and 8, a small basinful of the bulbs. About 1 A.M. the woman awoke with severe nausea, followed by vomiting, and found the children similarly affected. She endeavored to call for assistance, but found herself too weak to leave her bed; and when, at 5 o'clock, assistance arrived, the eldest girl was found moribund and expired almost immediately. The little boy of eight years died an hour afterwards, and the youngest child was found in a stage of collapse, almost insensible, with cold extremities, pulse scarcely 50 and irregular, pupils much dilated. The symptoms of the grandmother were nearly similar, but in a lesser degree, accompanied by constant efforts at vomiting. By using diffusible stimulants she and this child eventually recovered. Obstinate constipation prevailed.