Scoparius

Spartein sulphate increases the strength of the heart, slows it and reduces the blood pressure. It continues the good effects of Verat^um and Digitalis without any of the undesirable effects of ether. (Hinsdale.) The effect of spartein sulphate (the alkaloid of Broom) is to cause a lowering of the systolic and diastolic pressures of the provers. Sphygmograms also show a condition rf lowered blood-pressure. It depresses the heart by poisonous action exerted on the myocardium and this, with the stimulating action of the drug upon the" vague, accounts for the lowered blood pressure and reduced pulse rate. It weakens the cardiac contraction. The total amount of tirine is increased. The drug has, therefore, diuretic properties and is useful in dropsy. Albuminuria. Cheyne-Stokes respiration. Irregular heart following grip and various infections. Hypoten^* sion. Used palliatively in physiological dosage to combat arterial hypertension, arterio-sclerosis. Very useful hypodermically 1/10 to 1/4 grain in sustaining heart 692