ACONITE

(-nite). Syn. Acon′itum , L.; Aconit , Fr.: Akonitum , Eisenhut , Sturmhut , Ger. Monkshood; wolfsbane. In botany , a genus of exogenous plants. Nat. ord. , Ranunculaceæ; Sex. syst. , Poly and ria Trigynia. They are characterised by showy purple or yellow helmet-shaped flowers growing in panicles, deeply cut leaves, and perennial (usually) tap-shaped or tapering roots. The whole plant is highly poisonous, the roots being more poisonous than the leaves. In medicine and materia medic a , the plant Aconitum Napellus (which see ). Symptoms. Numbne and tingling in the mouth and throat, which are parched; followed by giddine , dimne of sight, and (sometimes) delirium, but seldom complete coma; there is numbne and tingling of the limbs, a lo of power in the legs, (in some cases) frothing at the mouth, severe abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhœa; tremors or twitchings of the voluntary muscles, (sometimes) convulsions (in animals, but not in man); sharp cries; pupil (generally) dilated, very rarely contracted; pulse fitful and sinking; skin cold and livid; difficulty of breathing; general prostration; lo of sensation or feeling, insensibility, general trembling, fainting, and sudden death. The eyes are often glaring; and, in some cases, the patient is completely paralysed, yet retains consciousne to the last. The case generally proves fatal in from 1 to 8 hours. If it last beyond this period there is hope of recovery. (Fleming.) Antidotes. Ammonia, or brandy, with artificial respiration if nece ary: cold affusion and friction, with warm towels to the back and limbs. See Alkaloids .