It may be found in the urine; gives
usual alkaloidal reactions, but no distinctive chemical test known.
_Tests._--Chiefly physiological; tingling and numbness when applied to
tongue or inner surface of cheek. Effects on mice, etc. A cadaveric
alkaloid or ptomaine has been found in the body, possessing many of the
actions of aconitine. The presence of this substance was suggested in
the Lamson trial.
The Indian aconite, _Aconitum ferox_, the Bish poison, is much more
active than the European variety. It contains a large proportion of
pseudaconitine, and is frequently employed in India, not only for the
destruction of wild beasts, but for criminal purposes.
=Aconitine= varies much in activity according to its mode of preparation
and the source from which it is derived. The most active kind is
probably made from _A. ferox_.
XLIII.--DIGITALIS
All parts of the plant _Digitalis purpurea_ (purple foxglove) are
poisonous. Contains the glucoside digitalin and other active principles.
_Symptoms._--Nausea, vomiting, purging, and abdominal pains. Vomited
matter grass-green in colour. Headache, giddiness, and loss of sight;
pupils dilated, insensitive; pulse weak, remarkably slow and irregular;
cold sweat.
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