Solaneæ, Juss. Gen. 124. (1789) ; R. Brown Prodr. 443; Bartl. Ord. Nat. 193; Schlecht, in Linnæa, 7. 66. (1832); Nees v. Esenbeck in Linn. Trans. 17. 37. (1834).-Solanaceae, Ed. Pr. ccxviii. (1836) : Endl. Gen. cxlviii.; Meisner, p. 272.-Cestrine, Martius Conspectus, No. 121. (1835).--Cestraceæ, Ed. Pr. ccxix.-Retziaceæ, Bartl. Ord. Nat. (1830); Endl. Gen. p. 669.

DIAGNOSIS.--Solanal Exogens, with 5 free stamens, axile placenta, and a terete embryo. Herbaceous plants or shrubs. Leaves alternate, undivided, or lobed, sometimes collateral; the floral ones sometimes double, and placed near each other. Inflorescence

variable, often out of the axil; the pedicels without bracts. Calyx 5parted, seldom 4-parted, persistent, inferior. Corolla monopetalous, hypogynous; the limb 5-cleft, seldom 4-cleft, regular, or somewhat unequal, deciduous; the æstivation plaited or imbricated, or even valvate. Stamens inserted upon the corolla, as many as the segments of the limb, with which they are alternate; anthers bursting longitudinally, rarely by pores, at the apex. Ovary 2-celled, composed of a pair of carpels right and left of the axis, rarely 4- 5- or many-celled, with polyspermous placentæ; style continuous; stigma simple; ovules 00, amphitropal. Pericarp with 2, or 4, or many cells, either a capsule with a double dissepiment parallel with the valves, or a berry with the placentæ adhering to the dissepiment. Seeds 00; embryo straight or curved, often out of the centre, lying in fleshy albumen; radicle near the hilum.

5

Fig. CCCCXVII.

6

The anthers of Solanum open by pores. Nicotiana multivalvis has many cells in the capsule, so has Lycopersicon; Nicandra is 5-celled, Datura 4-celled.

Brown remarks, that this Order is chiefly known from Figworts by the curved or spiral embryo, the plaited æstivation of the corolla, and the flowers being regular, with the same number of stamens as lobes. Hence the genera with a corolla not plaited, and at the same time a straight embryo, should, he thinks, either be excluded, or placed in a separate section, along with such as have an imbricated corolla, a slightly curved em

Fig. CCCCXVII.-Petunia violacea. 1. a cross section of the ovary; 2 ripe fruit of Solanum Dulcamara: 3. a section of one of its seeds; 4. flower of Solanum Dulcamara; 5. a section of its seed; 6. pyxis of Hyoscyamus.

bryo, and didynamous stamens. It does not, however, appear necessary to separate the latter as a distinct Order, but it is better to understand them as genera passing into the condition of Figworts, which are in fact nothing but unsymmetrical Nightshades. In reality, the Nightshades are the equivalent, in the Solanal Alliance, of the Figworts among Bignonials; and these two Alliances are brought into direct contact by means of the Orders in question, although, in a lineal arrangement, they may not follow each other. It is quite certain, I think, that no other distinction between Nightshades and Figworts exists, for the curved embryo of the former, although remarkable in many instances, is not at all to be depended upon, because the nature of the embryo varies in very nearly allied species. Thus in Petunia nyctaginiflora is found the common curved and twisted embryo of Nightshades; but in Petunia violacea, the seeds of which cannot be externally distinguished from those of the latter, not even when lying side by side upon the field of the microscope, the embryo is perfectly straight and much shorter; in Salpiglossis straminea the embryo is curved and partly spiral; yet in all other characters the genus agrees with Figworts: finally, in Nicotiana persica, which no one can doubt being a genuine species of Nightshade, the embryo is nearly straight. We therefore are obliged to conclude that a false importance has been given to this, as it certainly has to a great many other microscopic characters; a truth which has not escaped the acuteness of Fries. I do not, however, conceive that Figworts and Nightshades ought really to stand in the same Alliance, because the latter have a manifest tendency to lose the dicarpellary structure of the former, as is seen in Nicandra, which has 5 cells, and in the many-celled Lycopersicons and Nicotianas. No such tendency occurs in the Bignonial Alliance.

The most immediate affinity of Nightshades seems to be with Oliveworts and Bindweeds, to the latter of which their numerous twining species bring them very close, while the first division of the Order stands on the very threshold of Oliveworts. Compare, for instance, Syringa and Cestrum. At the same time several collateral affinities are extremely well marked. That of Figworts has already been mentioned. Bellworts are approached by Trechonates, whose stamens are scarcely epipetalous. Grabowskya, of Schlechtendahl, is considered by that author to be a transition between Nightshades and Borageworts. He, however, regards its affinity to Lycium undoubted, and points out its near relation to Nolana. (See Linnæa, 7. 71). Mr. Walker Arnott indicates its difference from Nightshades in the small number of its seeds.-Linnæa, 11. 486. Nolanads are also close to Grabowskya, and would very well stand in the Solanal Alliance if their fruit were not nucamentaceous.

Natives of most parts of the world without the arctic and antarctic circles, especially within the tropics, in which the mass of the Order exists, in the form of the genera Solanum and Physalis. The number of species of the former genus is very great in tropical America, and the whole amount to twice as many as all the other co-ordinates. At first sight this Order seems to offer an exception to that general correspondence in structure and sensible qualities which is so characteristic of well defined Natural Orders, containing as it does the deadly Nightshade and Henbane, and the wholesome Potato and Tomato ; but a little inquiry will explain this apparent anomaly. The leaves and berries of the Potato are narcotic; it is only its tubers that are wholesome when cooked. This is the case with other succulent underground stems in equally dangerous families, as the Cassava among Spurgeworts; besides which, as De Candolle justly observes "Il ne faut pas perdre de vue que tous nos alimens renferment une petite dose d'un principe excitant, qui, s'il y était en plus grande quantité, pourrait être nuisible, mais qui y est nécessaire pour leur servir de condiment naturel." The leaves of all are in fact narcotic and exciting, but in different degrees, from Atropa Belladonna, which causes vertigo, convulsions, and vomiting, Tobacco, which will frequently produce the first and last of these symptoms, Henbane and Stramonium, down to some Solanums, the leaves of which are used as kitchen herbs. The various species may be classed according as they are, 1, narcotic or otherwise poisonous; 2, tonic ; 3, diuretic; 4, pungent; 5, bland or inert. 1. As to poisonous species, the worst of these is perhaps the Acocanthera venenata, a large bush with fragrant flowers, found at the Cape of Good Hope; a decoction of the bark, reduced to the thickness of jelly, is used by the Hottentots to envenom their weapons. It is said to be a fatal poison, and to be also used by the same people to destroy wild beasts, by impregnating baits of flesh with its juice. Similar qualities have been recognised in the Cestrums macrophyllum and nocturnum. Others, however, more familiar to Europeans, can hardly be regarded as inferior in virulence. The Thorn-apple (Datura Stramonium) is a violent narcotic when taken internally; in skilful hands it is a valuable medicine in mania, epilepsy, convulsions, tic-douloureux, &c; it palliates the distressing paroxysms of pure spasmodic asthma, when smoked. Datura Tatula and Metel have a similar action; the latter is used by Orientals as an opiate, the former is said to be much more energetic

than Stramonium; the seeds are the most powerful part of these plants, and are stated by some authors to have been used by the priests of the Delphic Temple, to produce those frenzied ravings which were called prophecies. Such a practice certainly obtains, or obtained, in the Temple of the Sun, in the city of Sagomozo, where the seeds of the Floripondio (Datura sanguinea) are used; the Peruvians also prepare from them an intoxicating beverage which stupefies if taken much diluted; but, when strong, brings on attacks of furious excitement. Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger), a common biennial weed, is a powerful narcotic at the time when its seeds are forming, though comparatively inert at an earlier period. Its capsules and seeds, as well as its leaves, are used extensively in medicine, and produce effects similar to those of Opium. But the former, when taken too freely, are apt to bring on temporary insanity. All the other species of Hyoscyamus ha e a similar action. In some parts of the Greek continent the stalks of Hyoscyamus albus are used against toothache. They are dried and employed in lieu of Tobacco, for smoking. In England the seeds of H. niger are occasionally employed for the same purpose, with useful effect.-Ann. Ch. 1. 249. Atropa Belladonna is another dangerous narcotic. Every part of the plant is poisonous; and children and the ignorant have often suffered from eating the berries, the beautiful appearance and sweet taste of which render them very alluring. The symptoms which they induce are those of intoxication, accompanied with fits of laughter and violent gestures; great thirst, difficulty of deglutition, nausea, dilatation of the pupil, with the eyelids drawn down; redness and tumefaction of the face, stupor or delirium, a low and feeble pulse, paralysis of the intestines, convulsions, and death. In medicine Belladonna is not only narcotic, but diaphoretic and diuretic. It is extensively employed, especially in producing a dilatation of the pupil, when its infusion is dropped into the eye. Among other properties it is said by Hahnemann and Koreff to protect the individual who takes it from the contagion of scarlatina. According to Mr. Pereira it is supposed to be the plant which produced such remarkable and fatal effects upon the Roman soldiers during their retreat from the Parthians (See Plutarch's Life of Antony). Buchanan relates that the Scots mixed the juice of Belladonna with the bread and drink which by their truce they were to supply the Danes, which so intoxicated them, that the Scots killed the greater part of Sweno's army while asleep.-Rer. Scot. Hist. lib. 7. "The insane root that takes the reason prisoner," mentioned by Shakspeare (Macbeth, I. iii.), is also thought to be this. Mandrake, formerly considered an Atropa, but now called Mandragora officinalis, has an action of a similar nature; it has had an exaggerated reputation as an aphrodisiac, was largely used in amorous incantations, and its forked root, which by a little contrivance is easily made to assume the human form (see Flora Græca), has led to the foolish stories of the plant shrieking when torn out of the ground. By the Arabs the plant is called Tufah-al-Sheitan, or Devil's Apple. The best commentators regard the Mandrake as the Dudaim of Scripture, in which Dr. Royle concurs (See Biblical Cyclopædia, p. 587). It is a little remarkable that although it is generally believed that the Mandrake does not possess any power of inciting the passion of love, yet a nearly allied plant, Jaborosa or Himeranthus runcinatus, is employed in the same manner among the South Americans. Tobacco, the use of which has now become to many persons as indispensable as bread, is the foliage of various species of Nicotiana; all the American Tobacco is furnished by N. Tabacum or its varieties, the Persian by N. persica, and the Syrian by N. rustica. It is a powerful stimulant narcotic, employed medicinally as a sedative, and in vapour to bring on nausea and fainting. When chewed it appears to impair the appetite and induce torpor of the gastric nerves. Although if smoked in moderate quantites it acts as a harmless excitant and sedative, yet it is a frequent cause of paralysis when the practice is indulged in to excess. Oil of Tobacco, which is inhaled and swallowed in the process of smoking, is one of the most violent of known poisons. The Hottentots are said to kill snakes by putting a drop of it on their tongues, and the death of these reptiles is said to take place as instantaneously as if by an electric shock; dangerous symptoms are reported to have followed the application of the ointment to scald heads. Solanums, although far less active than these dangerous plants, are by no means destitute of poisonous qualities in some species.

An extract of the leaves of the common Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a powerful narcotic, ranking between Belladonna and Conium; according to Mr. Dyer it is particularly serviceable in chronic rheumatism, and painful affections of the stomach and uterus.-Pharm. Journ. 1. 590. Solanum Dulcamara, the Bittersweet, is a strong narcotic in its foliage, and its berries are by no means safe, although it does appear that in some cases they have been taken into the stomach without inconvenience. Solanum nigrum, a very common weed in all parts of the world except the coldest, is more active. A grain or two of the dried leaf has sometimes been given to promote various secretions, possibly by exciting a great, and rather dangerous, agitation in the viscera. It is

a narcotic, and, according to Orfila, its extract possesses nearly the same power as Lettuce-opium. In Brazil it is called Carachichu, or Erva Moira; and when bruised is applied either in poultices or baths to painful wounds. Finally, to close the long list of narcotics, it will be sufficient to mention Physalis somnifera. This plant is thought to have been the ΣтρνXVоs VπνWтIKOS of Dioscorides. It is reputed to be narcotic, diuretic, and alexipharmic. The leaves steeped in oil are, in India, applied to inflammatory tumours; and they are used in a similar way in Egypt. Kunth recognised it in Egyptian mummies.

The tonics are comparatively few. The Quina of Brazil is the produce of Solanum pseudoquina, and is so powerful a bitter and febrifuge, that the Brazilians scarcely believe that it is not the genuine Jesuits' Bark. It has been analysed by Vauquelin, who found that it contained 1-50th of a bitter resinoid matter, slightly soluble in water, about 1-12th of a vegetable bitter, and a number of other principles in minute quantities. Cestrum Hediunda, auriculatum, laurifolium, and Pseudoquina have simalar qualities. Martius thinks that the bitterness of these plants is owing to some peculiar principle residing in their bark. Several are found to have a diuretic action; among which may be named Physalis pubescens, viscosa, angulata, and Alkekengi (the Winter Cherry), Nicandra physaloides, Solanum mammosum, paniculatum, nigrum, and guineense, with many species of Cestrum, such as euanthes, lævigatum, corymbosum, Parqui and bracteatum. The latter are generally at the same time emollient, and are applied in a fresh state in cleansing wounds and ulcers. We are told, moreover, that the bruised leaves and unripe fruits are much employed by the Brazilians in affections of the liver and in catarrhus vesica. A decoction of the flowers and leaves of Solanum cernuum is a powerful sudorific, and is very serviceable in syphilis, inveterate gonorrhoea, and similar complaints.

The cases of pungency are confined to the fruit of the genus Capsicum, of which numerous species are found in the tropics. The fruit and seeds are powerful stimulants. The well-known condiment called Cayenne Pepper consists principally of the ground seeds. It is employed in medicine, in combination with Cinchona, in intermittents and lethargic affections, and also in atonic gout, dyspepsia accompanied by flatulence, tympanitis, paralysis, &c. Its most valuable application appears, however, to be in cynanche maligna and scarlatina maligna, used either as a gargle or administered internally. It is generally stated that Capsicums have no narcotic quality; but it would appear that some of the American species are an exception to that rule, as is the case with Capsicum toxicarium; this, however, requires confirmation. That some species have fruits which are neither narcotic nor pungent in any considerable degree, if at all, is most certain, for many of them are common articles of food or cookery. But it is stated that the poisonous species derive their properties from the presence of a pulpy matter which surrounds the seeds; and that the wholesome kinds are destitute of this pulp, the fruit consisting only of what Botanists call the sarcocarp; that is to say, the centre of the rind, in a more or less succulent state. This is not, however, a point by any means well established. Tomatoes, the fruit of the Lycopersicum, commonly called Love Apples, in allusion to the supposed power which they possess of exciting tender feelings, are a common ingredient in sauces. Egg Apples, also called Brinjals, or Aubergines, are produced by Solanum Melongena; but they are uneatable till the viscid juice which they contain has been removed. Several are much esteemed in Peru; the berries of Solanum muricatum and nemorense are commonly eaten; and those of S. quitoense are called Quito Oranges (Naranjitas de Quito). Muriti assures us that Mandrake Apples are as harmless as they are beautiful and fragrant; and the Kangaroo Apple, produced by Solanum laciniatum, is a common food among the Tasmannians; Mr. Backhouse states, however, that although when perfectly ripe it may be eaten in any quantity with impunity, yet, while unripe, it is acrid and produces a burning sensation in the throat. The common Potato, in a state of putrefaction, is said to give out a most vivid light, sufficient to read by. This was particularly remarked by an officer on guard at Strasburgh, who thought the barracks were on fire, in consequence of the light thus emitted from a cellar full of Potatoes.

Solanum marginatum is used in Abyssinia for tanning leather.-A. Rich. The berries of Solanum nigrum are employed on Ascension in making " Plum puddings' for the garrison. Nierembergia hippomanica is said by the Gauchos of the Argentine republic to be very poisonous to horses.-Miers. Punneeria coagulans is used in Scinde as a substitute for rennet, in making cheeses.-Stocks,

In addition to the foregoing statement, I subjoin the following remarks by Mr. Miers, the learned investigator of this order :

"The differential characters that for a long while served to mark the limits of the Scrophulariacea and Solanaceae were that the former were distinguished by a corolla more or less bilabiate, with an imbricated æstivation, didynamous stamens,

and a straight or slightly curved embryo; while the latter possessed a regular corolla, five equal stamens, and a spirally curved embryo; but it was found, as stated in p. 619, that the amount of curvature of the embryo and the more or less didynamous character of the stamens were features too variable to be depended upon. So long as the anomalous cases were few, the rule was maintained for the sake of convenience, but as science advanced, the exceptions became seriously multiplied, and in order to obviate farther difficulty, Mr. Bentham combined a number of these anomalies into a

distinct and osculant tribe, the Salpiglossidea, which he arranged at the head of the Scrophulariacea. Within the last few years the writer of this note has investigated the family of the Solanaceae with the object of defining not only the exact limit of its several genera, but of establishing more obvious landmarks between these two natural orders. This research has brought to light a great number of new facts, showing other cases of pentamerous flowers with imbricate aestivation, and a far greater number in which the aestivation is neither imbricate, nor valvate or induplicatovalvate, but an intermediate state resulting from different modifications of the imbricate. The exceptional cases were now found to amount to as many as the number of all the genera of the true Solanaceae, and it therefore remained a question of some importance how they could be disposed of. There were only three modes of doing so; 1st, by placing them in Solanaceæ, but that would annihilate the only valid distinguishing feature of that family; 2nd, to admit them among the Scrophu

Fig. CCCCXVII. bis.-Dorystigma, Miers. 1. a corolla laid open; 2. calyx and pistil; 3. seed; 4. section of ditto.-Miers.