The (fresh, B.P.) corm of Colchicum autumnale, collected about the end of June, and the same stripped of its coats, sliced transversely, and dried at a temperature not exceeding 150° F., B.P.

Fig. 225. Slice of Colchicum.

Fig. 225. - Slice of Colchicum.

Characters. - Fresh corm about the size of a chestnut; furnished with an outer brown and an inner yellow coat; internally white, solid and fleshy. Dried slices about a line thick, moderately indented on one, rarely on both sides, firm, flat, whitish, amylaceous.

Composition. - Colchicine, and traces of veratrine; also starch, tannin, and fatty oil. They lose their odour by drying

Preparations.

B.P.

Dose.

Extractum Colchici.................................

...........................................

1/2-2 gr.

„ „ Aceticum.

...........................................

1/2-2 gr.

Vinum ,, ......................

88 gr. to 1 fl. oz..................

10-30 min.

U.S.P.

Colchici Radix.

Extractum Colchici Radicis.....................

...........................................

1/2-2 gr.

,, ,, ,, Fluidum

...........................................

2-5 min.

Vinum ,, ,, ...................

...........................................

8 min.