COL′CHICUM

Syn. Mea′dow saf′fron ; Colchicum autumn ale (Linn.), L. The recent and dried corms or bulbs ( colchici cormus ), as well as the seeds ( colchici semina ), are official in the British Pharma copœia. The corms are ordered to be dug up in the month of July, or before the autumnal bud has projected. The dry coatings having been torn off, cut the corms transversely in thin slices, and dry, at first with a gentle heat, but afterwards slowly increased to 150° Fahr. Dose (of the corms), 2 to 8 or 9 gr.; (of the seeds), 2 to 7 gr., made into a pill or bolus with syrup or conserve; chiefly, as a specific in gout, to alleviate or check the paroxysm. This drug forms the base of almost all the advertised gout nostrums. It is, however, an active poison, and its administration requires care. “After all that has been said respecting colchicum in gout, and admitting that it rarely fails to allay pain and check a paroxysm, I would record my opinion that he who would wish to arrive at a good old age should eschew it as an ordinary remedy, and consider that he is drawing on his constitution for a temporary relief, with a certainty of becoming prematurely bankrupt in his vital energies.” (Collier.) Antidotes. An emetic consisting of one scruple of sulphate of zinc di olved in water, followed by a brisk dose of castor oil, then stimulants, and also charcoal.