Foxglove is the common name of the pretty plant whose leaves furnish this medicine. The tincture is most used. Physicians give it often when the action of the heart is too rapid, and perhaps irregular. It has also been given in large doses in delirium tremens. Its common dose is ten drops, twice or thrice a day. Being diuretic, it is sometimes prescribed in dropsy. Its very powerful active principle is digitalin. Of this, if taken as a medicine, the dose is one-fiftieth of a grain.

Digitalis Purpurea.