Van Praag concludes, from his observations of the physiological action of Veratria, that it is indicated in febrile disease with augmented tonicity of the muscles; and in pneumonia, pleurisy, and inflammatory affections of the heart. The following are the complaints in which it has been used.

Acute Rheumatism. in this disease it has been employed with great supposed advantage by M. Pedagnel, of France, who finds the disease generally to get well under its use in seven or eight days. He gives about one-twelfth of a grain, with one-sixth of a grain of the extract of opium, from one to five times daily, according to the demands of the case. According to Dr. Bardsley, of England, the results obtained by treating twenty-four rheumatic patients with colchicum, and the same number with Veratria, were absolutely identical. MM. Fabre and Marotte add their favourable testimony as to the efficacy of the medicine in acute rheumatism, and the latter maintains that its good effects are owing to its sedative properties, and are produced equally as well when it occasions no evacuation. (Bouchardat, Ann. de Thérap., 1854, pp. 57-66.) it has been used externally in rheumatism and gout by Sir C. Scudamore and Dr. Turnbull; but is not applicable, in this way, to the more highly inflammatory conditions of those complaints. M. Bouchut has used it very successfully in the acute rheumatism of children, having treated thirty cases, which ended favourably in a period of from three to twelve days; the amelioration beginning on the second or third day of its use. One of the most remarkable effects was the rapid fall of the pulse, sometimes even to 50, without any feeling of discomfort. He gave it in connection with equal parts of opium. (Am. J. of Med. Sci., Oct. 1852, p. 536.)

Pneumonia. M. Aran reports several cases of pneumonia, in which Veratria proved decidedly useful, administered in the manner recommended by M. Pedagnel for rheumatism. (Ann. de Thérap., 1854, p. 66.) Considering the asserted efficacy of the American hellebore in this disease, it is quite reasonable to suppose that similar advantage might accrue from the use of Veratria, which is probably one of its active principles, or at least bears to it a very close analogy.

Chronic inflammations, and Scrofulous Swellings and indurations. As an external remedy in these conditions, especially as affecting the joints, Veratria has been found extremely useful by Dr. J. B. Klingner. He does not consider it applicable in acute inflammation of the joints; but only after the activity of the disease has passed, and the part is left in an indolent condition. He finds it useful also in dropsy of the joints, and in enlarged bursae. He employs an ointment made by first dissolving from five to ten grains of the alkaloid in a little alcohol, and then mixing the solution with an ounce of lard; and directs a portion of this, about the size of a small bean, to be rubbed upon the part for fifteen minutes daily, with gentle but steady shampooing at the same time. The benefit is gradual, though slow, and the result sometimes surprising.

Neuralgia. This is probably the complaint in which Veratria has been most employed. it is used both internally and externally; but has enjoyed more credit in the latter than the former mode of application. Rubbed, in the form of ointment or alcoholic solution, on the part affected, so as to excite its peculiar tingling effect, it will certainly sometimes afford relief; but it is probably less effectual than the tincture of aconite, which seems to operate in the same way.

Epilepsy, hooping-cough, hysteria, spinal irritation, hypochondriasis, paralysis, and palpitations, are other nervous affections in which veratria has been employed; but the testimony in its favour is not such as will be likely to lead to its general adoption as a remedy in these complaints, unless further experience shall prove more satisfactory.

Dropsy. Dr. Bardsley employed it in dropsy, but with no great advantage. Dr. Turnbull found it useful in some instances of the disease, and considers it a beneficial remedy in organic cardiac affections, associated with serous effusion. Ebers employed it endermically as a diuretic, with some relief.

i have had little personal experience with veratria, having never used it in any other method than externally, in neuralgic cases, and having experienced so little benefit from it in these, as to have been discouraged from its further employment.