The following are the tests for digitalin:
1. An almost amorphous, white, or fawn-coloured inodorous substance.
2. Almost insoluble in water.
3. Decomposes nitric acid, with the evolution of nitrous acid fumes. An orange-yellow-coloured solution is formed, which, in a few days, assumes a golden-yellow tint.
4. Sulphuric acid dissolves it, changing it to a reddish-brown colour, changed to violet by bromine vapour.
5. Hydrochloric acid with it at first forms a yellow solution, which, when heated, changes to a bright green colour.
The physiological test may be employed by injecting a solution of a carefully prepared extract of the contents of the stomach or vomited matters under the skin of a frog, dog, or rabbit.
Treatment.—Purgatives and emetics should be given, followed by infusions containing tannin, green tea, oak bark, galls, strong coffee, and other stimulants. The patient should be kept in the recumbent posture, and on no account allowed to sit up.
TOBACCO
The consumption of tobacco, Nicotiana Tabacum (N.O. Solanaceæ), has greatly increased of late years. In some countries its use was prohibited by stringent laws. In Russia amputation of the nose was the punishment. Several Popes have excommunicated those who smoked in St. Peter‘s at Rome; and in some parts of Switzerland it was ranked on the tables next to adultery. Amurath IV made smoking tobacco a capital offence. Be this as it may, the moderate use of tobacco does not appear to lead to injurious results; and it is found that workmen engaged in the manufacture of tobacco do not suffer from any diseases other than those affecting the generality of mankind.