TABA 431

Medicinally it is cordial and carminative, but very feebly so, and

ought to be made with at least double the quantity of ginger. Thedose is 5j to gss.

Tabac. See Snuff.

Tabaci Folia. L. E. P. Tobacco. Nicotianw tabaci folia. D. Ni-cotiana tabacum. This plant is a native of America, from which ourchief supply is procured.

Adulterated extensively with dried dock-leaves, browned as tobaccoitself is, by sulphate of iron and cascarilla, to give it flavour. Nitrateof potass is added to make tobacco, in form of segars, kindle readily;but it is injurious to the lungs. Other metallic substances are oftenfound mixed with tobacco, such as antimony, oxymuriate of mercury,copper, lead, &c, as well as alum, sugar, hellebore, &c.

Composed of the usual vegetable principles, mucilage, albumen, gluten,nitrate and muriate of potass, and of an essential oil, and a newprinciple called Nicotine, which is colourless, acrid to the taste,smells like tobacco, and is violently errhine. It is soluble in alcoholand in water, from which it is precipitated by tincture of galls.

Medicinally it is a powerful narcotic, anodyne, nauseant, emetic,cathartic, diuretic, and errhine; but is too hazardous to be employedinternally, except in extreme cases and with great caution. Forthis purpose it has been employed in form of enema, for incarceratedhernia, and obstinate constipation or retention of urine; but it oftenbrings on severe vomiting and syncope, and sometimes death. Acataplasm of the leaves laid over the stomach produces vomiting, andit has lately been found to be excellent in tetanus. Might it notrelieve, if not cure, the paroxysms of hydrophobia ? I am not awareof its having been tried for this dreadful disease. See InfdsumTabaci. Externally as a lotion for Tinea, &c. it is little lessdangerous.

Poisonous, producing great nausea, and prostration of strength, uni-versal tremor, violent vomiting and head-ache, cold sweats, convul-sions, syncope, and death. The essential oil appears to act on thebrain, and the Nicotine on the heart.

Treatment. Evacuate the stomach if it have been swallowed; and thengive castor oil or the black draught. Vegetable acids, such as vinegarand lemon-juice, may then be advantageous; but if the patient isvery low, strong stimulants, such as brandy and camphor, coldaffusion, sinapisms to the soles of the feet, &c, may be tried.

Enters into Infus. Tabaci. L. Vin. Nicotians Tabaci. E.