The seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica Linné (Nat. Ord. Loganiaceae). (U. S. P.) Noix vomique, Fr.; Krähenaugen, Ger.

Extractum Nucis Vomicae

Extract of nux-vomica. Dose, 1/6—gr. 1/2.

Extractum Nucis Vomicae Fluidum

Fluid extract of nux-vomica.

Dose, τη j—τ τηv.

Tinctura Nucis Vomicae

Tincture of nux-vomica. Dose, τη j—τηxv.

Composition

Nux-vomica contains two alkaloids and a peculiar acid. The alkaloids are strychnine and brucine, and the acid strychnic or igasuric acid. The proportion of strychnine ranges from one fourth to one half of one per cent, and of brucine from one eighth to one per cent. These wide differences are in great part due to the varying skill of the chemists who have made analyses. Besides these, another crys-tallizable base has been discovered in the mother-liquor from which strychnine and brucine have been precipitated. This has been named igasurine. The alkaloids exist in nux-vomica in combination with igasuric acid.