Spigelia Marilandica

Spigelia Marilandica, L.

Natural order , Loganiaceae.

Common names , Pink-root, Indian pink, etc.

Preparation , Tincture of the root.

Authorities. 1 , Linning, New Edinb. Experiments, Part I, from Hahnemann; [Observations of effects of too large doses in children. -Hughes.] 2 , Dr. Thomson's Inaug. Diss., Phila., 1802 (Eberle's Mat.

Med., vol. i, p. 201), Dr. Thomson took large doses of the root; 3 , same, gave 3 or 4 gills of a strong decoction of the root, in large and frequent doses, to a patient, a boy of six years; 4 , only ill-effects afterwards seen from this medicine, although prescribed many times; 5 , G. W. Spalsbury, Bost.

Med. and Surg. Journ., vol. lii, p. 72, a girl aged four years, suffering from worms, took three doses of an infusion.

Suddenly affected with complete mental derangement, precisely of that kind which is sometimes produced by the seeds of Stramonium; he distorted his countenance into a variety of shapes; was affected by alternate fits of laughing and crying, and run and skipped about the room incessantly; the pupils were greatly dilated, and his talk was wild and incoherent; these symptoms went off in the course of about twenty-four hours, and left him quite as well as he had been before the pink-root, [2] .

Vertigo, [1] . Slight giddiness, [4] .

Eye.

A peculiar wild staring expression of the eyes, giving the countenance a very singular, in fact, ludicrous appearance, [5] . The musculi adductores et abductores oculorum seem to be greatly affected, from their irregular motions, while the other muscles of the eye, so far as I have had an opportunity of observing, remain unaffected, [1] . [Revised by Hughes.] Strabismus of the right eye, [5] .

Pain in and above the eyes, [1] . A sensation of stiffness of the eyelids, [2] .

Dilatation of the pupils, [4] . [10.]

Pupils greatly dilated, [3] , [5] .

Dimness of sight, [4] .

Face especially about the eyes, including the lids, much swollen, [5] .

Flushed face, [2] . Tongue pointed and tremulous, [5] .

Acceleration of the pulse, [2] . Pulse 110, and irregular, [5] .

On attempting to assume the erect position, the patient would be seized with a general tremor, which would pass off in a few seconds, and leave her apparently quite exhausted, [5] .

Drowsiness, [2] .

Skin hot and dry, [5] .