ARGAMONE MEXICAN A

(nat. order Papaveraceæ ). A tropical American plant, now a common weed growing in almost every part of India. A fixed oil is obtained from the seeds by expre ion, which has long been employed as an aperient in the West Indies. In half-drachm doses it is said to act as a gentle aperient, and at the same time it allays, apparently by its sedative qualities, the pain in colic. The smallne of the dose, and the mildne of its operation, commend it to the notice of the medical practitioner. Its efficiency is impaired by keeping, the freshly prepared oil proving more active and uniform in its action than that which has been long on hand. It is reported to exercise a well-marked and soothing influence when applied to herpetic eruptions and other forms of skin disease. By the natives of India the expre ed yellow glutinous juice of the plant is held in high repute as a local application to indolent and foul ulcers.