This section is from "The Domestic Encyclopaedia Vol4", by A. F. M. Willich. Amazon: The Domestic Encyclopaedia.
Stavesacre, or Delphinium, Staphisagria, L. an exotic plant, growing in the southern parts of Europe, and particularly in Italy, whence its rough, blackish seeds are imported. They possess a disagreeable odour, and a nauseous, bitterish taste. Their chief use, at present, is, for destroying fleas and similar vermin 3 and if horses, or other animals, be occasionally washed with a decoction of the seeds of the stavesacre (in the proportion of one ounce to 1 \ pint of water), all nits, etc. will be effectually exterminated.
These seeds were formerly celebrated for their purgative qualities ; but, on account of their violent operation, are now exploded from the list of internal medicines. Jf, however, a small portion of such poison should have been accidentally swallowed, the most proper antidote will be either an immediate and brisk emetic ; or, if some time have elapsed, large draughts of oily, mucilaginous, milky, or other demulcent liquors, should, be swallowed, with a view to prevent art inflammation of the intestines.
 
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