The sclerotium (compact mycelium or spawn) of Claviceps purpurea, produced between the paleae and replacing the grain of Secale cereale, the common rye, Nat. Ord. Graminaceae.

Characters. - Somewhat fusiform, subtriangular, curved, with a longitudinal furrow on the concave side, obtuse at the ends, about an inch long, purplish black outside, pinkish within, solid, breaking with a short fracture, odour peculiar, but strong if the powder be triturated with solution of potash, taste oily and disagreeable.

1 Boehm, Arch. f. exp. Path. u. Pharm., Bd. 19, p. 87.

Preparations.

B.P.

Strength.

Dose.

Extractum Ergotae Liquidum ................

1 oz. to 1 fl. oz................

10-30 min.

Infusum „ ...............

11 gr. to 1 fl. oz..............

1-2 fl. oz.

Tinctura „ ...............

109 gr. to 1 fl. oz.......

10 min.-l fl. dr.

U.S.P.

Extractum Ergote Fluidum......................

100 gm. in 100c.c. ..........

30-60 min.

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

15 parts in 100 ...............

2-4 fl. dr.

Extractum ,, ............

5 times strength of fluid extract..............

3-12 gr.