[Illustration]
This is an intoxicating, herbaceous plant, with an erect stem which is
furrowed its whole length. Leaves alternate, palmate, composed of five
almost linear, serrate folioles on slender petioles. Flowers dioïchous,
with a monophyllous greenish perianth, in groups of two, placed at the
base of the leaves, and constituting a terminal spike. The male flowers
with five reflexed divisions, five stamens with almost vesicular, pendant
anthers; female flowers with an entire perianth that is split only on one
side. Fruit ovoïd, with one seed. The haschich which has been introduced
into Brazil by the blacks, is called by them pango; they are severely
forbidden to grow it in Brazil. It can only be procured with difficulty.
We employ the leaves.
This narcotic develops a good many symptoms in those who make use of it.
It is our belief that, if it had been sufficiently proved, it would be
used as much as opium and belladonna. The few symptoms which we give
below, are simply intended to stimulate others to continue the proving of
this interesting agent.
1. Dizziness when stooping, vertigo, the head inclines backwards.
Aching in occiput and temples. Beating headache at vertex. 5. Slight
pain at the pit of the stomach. This pain is followed by a very marked
pricking sensation. These pains cease after eating. Little appetite. 10.
Contraction of the eyelids. Twinkling of the eyes. Pale face. Haggard
looks. Languid eyes, heaviness of the head. Loss of appetite. 15. Very
hungry. Bitter mouth. Tongue coated white. Urine thick and reddish.
Very drowsy, even in the day-time. 20. Weary pain in the bend of the
right elbow. Vivid, sometimes extatic dreams. Chill and heat all over.
Shuddering. Pain in the joints.