An alkaloid obtained from nux vomica, and also obtainable from other
plants of the natural order Loganiaceae.
DERIVATION.--Nux vomica seeds are powdered and strychnine is extracted
with water acidulated with hydrochloric acid. The solution is
concentrated and strychnine precipitated with lime. It is then
redissolved in boiling alcohol and the crystals are deposited upon
concentration of the solution.
PROPERTIES.--Colorless, transparent, prismatic crystals, or a white
crystalline powder; odorless, having an intensely bitter taste,
perceptible even in solutions of 1 in 700,000. Strychnine should be
tasted with extreme caution. Permanent in the air, soluble in water,
alcohol, ether, chloroform, benzine and amyl alcohol.
DOSE.--Same as strychnine sulphate.