Atropine.—A grain was added to 437 grains of water, but was not all
dissolved; another grain was added to 437 grains of a mixture of one
part of alcohol to seven parts of water; and a third solution was made
by adding one part of valerianate of atropine to 437 of water.
Half-minims of these three solutions were placed, in each case, on the
discs of six leaves; but no effect whatever was produced, excepting
that the glands on the discs to which the valerianate was given were
slightly discoloured. The six leaves on which drops of the solution of
atropine in diluted alcohol had been left for 21 hrs. were given bits
of meat, and all became in 24 hrs. fairly well inflected; so that
atropine does not excite movement, and is not poisonous. I also tried
in the same manner the alkaloid sold as daturine, which is believed not
to differ from atropine, and it produced no effect. Three of the leaves
on which drops of this latter solution had been left for 24 hrs. were
likewise given bits of meat, and they had in the course of 24 hrs. a
good many of their submarginal tentacles inflected.
Veratrine, Colchicine, Theine.—Solutions were made of these three
alkaloids by adding one part to 437 of water. Half-minims were placed,
in each case; on the discs of at least six leaves, but no inflection
was caused, except perhaps a very slight amount by the theine.
Half-minims of a strong infusion of tea likewise produced, as formerly
stated, no effect. I also tried similar drops of an infusion of one
part of the extract of colchicum, sold by druggists, to 218 of water;
and the leaves were observed for 48 hrs., without any effect being
produced. The seven leaves on which drops of veratrine had been left
for 26 hrs. were given bits of meat, and after 21 hrs. were well
inflected. These three alkaloids are therefore quite innocuous.
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