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This plant is one of the nine secondary poisons mentioned by Hindu writers. * * * * Ancient Hindu writers agree in attributing violent emetic properties to the root ; it is also said to cause abortion, and as such prescribed by Hindu physicians for expelling retained after-births. Dr. Dymock, in citing the researches of Warden, says that there are two resins and a bitter principle in the root. Warden names this bitter principle superbine, and considers it identical with that of Urginea Scilla, the ordinary Squill. The bitter active principle of Squill, says Dr. Lauder-Brunton, is a glucoside Scillitoxin or Scillain. The Scillitin of some authors is probably slightly impure Scillitoxin (Pharmacology, p. 962;. Squill is classed by Lauder-Brunton among stimulants of the Cardiac muscle, when moderate doses are given. When, on the other hand, larger doses are given, it acts as a " Cardiac poison " (p. 276, Op. cit.). In such cases, that is to say, where the dose is large, " the stage of stimulation is followed by one of peristaltic action and final arrest in Systole." In excessive doses, " the operation of Squills," says Dr. Waring (Therapeutics, p. 489), " is that of an acro-narcotic poison, 24 grains having proved fatal. Squill is known to cause nausea ; a small dose may act with extreme violence. I have already said that the plant is well-known among the Hindus as possessing emetic properties. The conjecture of Warden is, in my opinion, based on a striking similarity of the physiological effects of the two plants on the human body. (Kirtikar's Pois. PL of Bombay).

Syn. : — Pontederia vaginalis, Linn., Roxb. Fl. Ind., II., 121.

Vern. : — Nanka (Beng.) ; Nirocancha (Tel.).

Habitat: — Throughout India, in fresh water ponds and marshes. From Kashmir to Assam ; Travancore.

A most variable herb. Root-stock short, sub-erect or creeping, spongy. Leaves very variable, long-petioled, 2-4in., from