votre RA RA | PS nen ee tela per Pi mre nar ee Sanne rascpepetey en Sr come mrss TPR MRS. JOHN ROSS DELAFIELD | 17 EAST 79th STREET NEW YORK CITY, N. Y. Pu er ry Nt o {t, tess via) Ti) eee RSD G Mk Us inten vente a hot Pave Lith of Fb 8 Palneer, 84 Anzr SEN Vork THE AMERICAN FLORA, OR HISTORY OF PLANTS AND WILD FLOWERS: CONTAINING THEIR SCIENTIFIC AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION, NATURAL HISTORY, CHEMICAL AND MEDICAL PROPERTIES, MODE OF CULTURE, PROPAGATION, &€. DESIGNED AS A BOOK OF REFERENCE FOR BOTANISTS, PHYSICIANS, FLORISTS, GARDENERS, STUDENTS, ETC. BY A. B. STRONG, M. D. VOL. ITI. IS ILLUSTRATED WITH SIXTY-SIX BEAUTIFUL COLORED ENGRAVINGS, TAKEN FROM NATURE. NEW-YORK: PUBLISHED BY HULL & SPENCER, 12 ANN STREET. 1855. ae act genraine to Act of Congress, io the year fn GREEN & SPENCER, In the Clerk's Office of th the District Conteh tho § Southern District of 1 N ao a INTRODUCTION. The public are now presented with the second volume of the “ AMERICAN Fora,” which is intended as a standard work, founded upon the Linen System; its correctness in name, classification, de- scription, order, character, general and specific ; medical properties and uses of the various plants and herbs of which it treats, has re- ceived the highest encomiums from some of our most eminent bot- anists and physicians; and thus from the favorable reception which it has hitherto met with, entitles the author to conclude that his labors have not been altogether unprofitable. And in consequence of a more than anticipated demand for the first volume, the pub- lishers have been induced to make a large additional outlay, that the present volume may be marked with additional embellishments, correctly displaying the natural appearance of the plant or flower. The whole work, when complete, will be one of the richest gems in the cabinet of modern literature and art. It is poetically said “there is a language in flowers.” With what delight do we listen to the rustling of the forest trees, when moved by the gentle breeze of the summer’s gale! With what pleasure do we inhale the varied and sweet-scented odors of the flowers of the garden and the fields, and with what a pure feeling of admiration does the eye dwell upon their brilliant, soft, clear and variegated tints! In truth, there is a language in them, that conveys to the refined and cultiva- ted mind, a joy as uncontaminated as the source is pure and inex- haustible. The names, history and habits of these delightful whis- perers, is a study of the highest and most pleasing description; and Vol. ii —iii lv ; INTRODUCTION if we may be allowed the expression, the “ AMERICAN FLorA” is a Biography of Nature, and that too of her most lovely works; and the faithfulness of its records may be relied upon, It describes minutely the peculiarities of the several classes, and their method of propagation; it unfolds their beauties in the spring and summer of their lives, their grandeur and magnificence in maturity, and their innumerable capabilities of rendering pleasure, gratification, and service to man. It is a work classic in its conception, pleasing and instructive in detail, and scientific in conclusion. The accura- cy of the drawings, and their brilliant and perfect coloring, is one of its chief ornaments,—they place the reader at once in possession of the subject of his interesting enquiry. Its descriptive matter is plain and simple, disencumbered of all useless and unintelligible matter, but clear and explicit—intended, without the intense labor required on more elaborate works, to imprint on the memory an impression as perfect, but of much easier and more lasting reten- tion. From the practical knowledge and experience of the Author, its pharmacological observations are both extensive and important, and its medicinal information will insure its claim as a valuable acquisition to the library of the practitioner. It isa work of much care and research, where the very spirit of botanical science is ex- tracted from its countless integral, like the essential oils by distilla- tion from the sweet-scented leaves of the Rose or the Jassamine. It is no ephemeral of a passing day, as we have seen some, shining with a borrowed lustre from a sun that never intended to gild and brighten their leaves, but which have faded when his influence was withdrawn, and withered in the absence of his Jight. Als ier Rae ey aK yaa i J, y Lys Ve CY are é NAT. ORDER. Senticose. FRAGARIA VIRGINIANA. VIRGINIA STRAWBERRY. Class XIE Icosanpria. Order V. Potyeynta. Gen. Char. Calyx ten-cleft. Petals five. Acines naked, fixed on a large, pulpy, deciduous receptacle. Spe. Char. Leaflets broad-oval, smoothish above. Hairs of the petiole spreading. Peduncles appressed, fructiferous. Calyx spreading. The strawberry has been long in cultivation, and many excellent varieties have originated under the practical skill and care bestow- ed on their culture. The best and most convenient season for forming a new plantation of strawberries is the month of August, as then the young plants produced on what is called runners from the old stocks are fit to be separated from the parent, each having roots of itsown. ‘The best soil for most of the varieties is amellow loam, but almost any kind of garden soil in good heart is suitable. The ground intended to receive them should be trenched or double- digged, and the surface well enriched. The improvements which have been made in this country, within the few years past, relative to the cultivation of this delicious fruit, has induced many to com- mencc its culture, and it has now become one of the most valuable and acceptable luxuries of our markets. The most recent and im- proved method of planting is on beds of four-and-a-half feet wide, on which four rows of plants at twelve inches in distance between are dibbed; and at like distances between plant and plant; this will allow a margin of three inches on each side. The beds are sepa- Vol. ii.—5 6 NAT. ORDER.—SENTICOSA. rated by alleys, usually about two feet wide, to allow of weeding, watering the plants and gathering the fruit. The strongest plants are always chosen for transplanting, and in order to obtain them as strong as possible, a shallow trench is made between the rows of old plants, and filled with a.rich com- post; on this the first runners are laid and fastened down by little hooks. The runners quickly take root in this compost, and grow strongly. ‘To encourage them still more they should be watered with the mother plants especially in dry weather. When the sea- son arrives for transplanting, the young plants rise with fine roots, and generally strong enough to promise a good crop in the follow- ing year. The beds are never dug between the plants, but only kept clear of runners and weeds by the hoe. The alleys are dug every winter, and a small portion of the fresh soil from them are thrown over the beds as a top dressing. It is usual to lay straw, or some kind of clean loose litter round the plants before the fruit begins to ripen, to save them from being dashed with earth by rain or when watered. When young plants are not wanted, the bearing ones should be kept free from runners, otherwise they will rob the swell- ing fruit. This plan of keeping the mother plant distinct and separate is most suitable for the larger sorts; the a/pines, and sometimes the hautbois are planted individually at first, but afterwards allowed to run all over and occupy the whole surface, in which state these kinds will, in somewhat shady situations, do well, and continue pro- ductive for several years. Some cultivators, instead of beds, plant the large sorts in open order, say two feet apart every way on well prepared ground, knowing that the more space each plant is allow- ed the stronger it will grow and flower, and bear fruit in greater numbers, and of greater size. Besides this, the side branches of the mother plant (not the runners) have room to extend and yield fruit in as great quantities as the principal crown. To understand this —— NAT. ORDER.—SENTICOSA | result rightly, it is necessary to advert to the constitutional character of the strawberry plant. The plant is compound; that is, it is com- posed of a principal and central division, which yields flowers and fruit the next year after it is formed. ‘This principal is surround- ed by a secondary set of branches, which also in time yield flow- ers and fruit, superseding the first, which decays and disappears after it has ripened its fruit. The secondary set of branches, or divisions, of the system put forth, in their turn, a tertiary birth of branchlets, which also in time are fruitful; and these again a fourth set of offsets, which process is continued yearly until the plants are either destroyed by accident, or by each other. During this pro cess, the system from this annual subdivision continues to grow weaker, so that at last the flowers are so few and diminutive, that the crops are unprofitable, and not worthy of a place in the garden. The process is so well known to cultivators, that they do not consider a strawberry plantation worth its place after the third year, and many take only two crops from the plants, trenching them down as soon as the crop of the second year is gathered. It may be asked by some, how is it that plants allowed to occupy the whole surface of the ground are suffered to be usurpers? The answer is,—to save trouble, and as some of the runners are always yielding fruit for the first time, these being passable as to size and flavor, guarantee the preservation of the whole. The most esteemed sorts of strawberries are the following, VIZ. — The Alpine red and white are both of weakly growth, and yield fruit from well-established plants from the end of June till No- vember. A light chalky soil suits them best; and as they succeed the earlier sorts, they are usually planted on north borders, in order to prolong their fruiting season. The Virginian, or scarlet pine, is universally cultivated; it requires a strong and rather rich loam; an early sort, and forces well. The Roseberry is a variety of the preceding; very fruitful, and 8 NAT. ORDER.—SENTICOS&. grows toa large size. This also requires a rich soil and an open situation. The Chili bears a large and well-flavored fruit, but without much color. It grows strong, and is considerably cultivated. The Keen’s seedling bears a large showy fruit, and is much esteemed in the market as well as at table. The Pine is a new variety, and much cultivated in the neigh- borhood of London. It requires to be planted singly in very open order. A loamy soil and open exposure is most suitable both to this and the Imperial, a kindred variety also much esteemed. The Hautbois is an old sort, valued for its high and peculiar musky flavor, and when well grown is certainly one of the best. There is a peculiarity in the flowers of this sort unlike its congeners ; some of the plants being destitute of female organs—of course bar- ren. These barren plants, however, are not without their use, for it is found, if duly interspersed with the others which are defective in their stamens, good and plentiful crops will be obtained. In making a new plantation of the hautbois, both the male and female plants should be carefully mixed in the rows to insure success. Air and light are particularly necessary to this sort; and if the flowers and tresses of fruit be tied up to little stakes, so that they may be above the leaves, it matures them perfectly. There are several other new varieties of strawberries ues brought into cultivation; such as Knyvett’s New Pine, Grove End Scarlet, Downtons, &c., all requiring similar management. Soon as strawberries begin to be scented, they are eagerly prey- ed on by snails and slugs, to the depradations of which their posi- tion near the ground and dense covert of foliage subject the fruit. To prevent these animals harboring about the plants, the beds or rows should be two or three times, during the months of March and April, well watered with lime water. This will, probably, either kill or banish them before the fruiting season. roti NAT. ORDER. Lomentacee. CASSIA ELONGATA. PERUVIAN SENNA. Class X. Decanpria. Order I. Monoaynta. Gen. Char. Calyx four and five-cleft. Petals five. The three superior Anthers sterile; the three inferior beaked. Spe. Char. Leaflets from four to six pairs, sub-ovate. Petioles without glands. The reot is annual; the stalks are strong woody, rough, veined, branched, erect, and rise from two to three feet in height; the leaves are split about one-fourth of their length from the point, and stand on long petioles, irregularly placed upon the stalk and branches; the flowers are of a delicate changeable red, and placed upon long peduncles; the corolla is composed of five petals, which are roundish, long, entire, and of unequal size; the jilaments are ten ; the seeds are brown, roundish, flat, and produced in a long round- ish pod, divided by transverse partitions; the flowers appear in July and August. This most beautiful plant is said to be a native of Peru, where it is cultivated chiefly for medicinal uses. Its properties are the same as those of the Alexandria Senna, although not as powerful, yet equally valuable as a medicine. The plants which yield senna, belong to the genus cassia, of which a large number of species contribute to furnish the drug as found in our shops. These were confounded together by Linnzus as one species, which he named Cassia Senna. Since his time the subject has been more thoroughly investigated by able botanists, who have discovered a variety of Vol. ii—9 10 NAT. ORDER.—LOMENTACEA. species, many of which are imported into this country as the genu- ine Alexandria Senna, and are but little, if any inferior in value. Some species are natives of Egypt, some of Asia, Arabia, Africa, France, England, and three species natives of America. The Senna Italica, or blunt-leaved senna, is a variety of the Alexandria species, which by its cultivation in the south of France has been found to assume this change; it is less purgative than the pointed-leaved senna, and requires to be given in larger doses. It is very much used by physicians on the Island of Jamaica, as a cathartic, where it grows on the sand banks near the sea. Senna appears to have been cultivated in England in the time of Parkinson, (1640,) who speaks very highly of its medicinal vir- tues at that time; and there is no doubt, but that many portions of the United States are equally well adapted to its culture; and we would ask, why will not our societies of agriculturists, who with patriotic views for the encouragement, and advancement in the arts, offer a sufficient remuneration as a reward to those who may succeed in the attempt, which will be ultimately accomplished ? The leaves of senna, which are imported here for medicinal use, have rather a disagreeable smell, and a bitter nauseous taste; they yield their virtue both to water and rectified or proof spirits, communicating to water and proof spirit a brownish color, more or less deep, according to the proportions; to rectified spirit a fine green. Medical Properties and Uses. Senna which is now in common use as a purgative, was first known to the Arabian physicians; and was soon afterwards introduced into practice by the Greeks, who made use of the fruit and not the leaves. For covering the taste of Senna, Dr. Cullen recommends coriander seeds; but for preventing its griping, he thinks the warmer aromatics, as cardamons or ginger, would be more effectual. The formule given by the different Col- leges, are those of an infusion, a powder, a tincture and an electuary. For a cathartic, its dose in substance is from a scruple to a drachm. Senna is very much used in connection with Spigelia for worms, — NAT. ORDER. Sazifragee. HYDRANGEA HORTENSIS. CHINA HYDRANGEA. Class X. Decanpria. Order IT. Dieynta. Gen. Char. Stamens ten. Styles two. Petals five. Calyx five- leaved. Capsules two-celled. Spe. Char. Leaves large and fleshy. Stamens equal. This shrub rises from two to three feet in height; the stems are branched, thick, cylindrical, straight, and furnished with opposite leaves; the /eaf-sta/k is short, thick, and of a light green color; the leaves are elliptical, large, from six to eight inches in length, smooth on both sides, glossy on the upper surface, tipped with a beautiful green, and sometimes with a purplish red, marked with large fibres which form an acute angle with the mid-rib, and deeply serrated on the edges; the flowers are of a delicate pink color, and are pro- duced in terminating corymbs. It is a native of China, and Japan, and continues in blossom from June till September. The Genus Hydrangea derived its name from wdor, water, and aggeion, a vessel. The species which appears to be so extensively cultivated as an ornament, is a marsh plant, and thrives best ina moist loamy soil, that is sometimes covered with water, even some of our garden varieties, especially those which are potted, require from eight to ten gallons per day. The Hydrangea Hortensis, some- times called the Changeable Hydrangea, is much admired on account of its profusion of delicate and beautiful blossoms, which are of a rosy hue, and destined to retain their gayest appearance during several of the summer months, which should certainly enti- ; Vol. ii—11 12 NAT. ORG 2.—SAXIFRAGES. ile i co uie attentiun of every practical florist. ‘Though destitute of any peculiar flavor, or valuable as a medicine, it has been an ob- ject of particular attention among the Chinese; in proof of which we find its blossoms painted upon almost every article which was formerly imported from that country. It is said never to have been found in its wild state by any botanist; but it is cultivated as a gar- den ornament in almost every country. A short description of the propagation and culture of this most beautiful shrub, may not be uninteresting to the reader. The Hydrangea Hortensis is very easily increased by cuttings, which method is pretty generally diffused and understood within the last. few years. It thrives best in good rich loamy soil, well watered. Various experiments have been made to introduce its culture in the open field and by itself, the failure of which fully proves that it is to be considered rather as a green-house plant than a hardy one; as they will seldom if ever thrive even on the borders of the flower garden. The flowers like those of the snowball are monstrous, and produce no seed. It has been remarked by some florists, that if the plant be well watered with alum water, it will produce beautiful blue flowers the season after. Medical Properties and Uses. 'This species of Hydrangea, has never been introduced into regular practice, yet 1t possesses some valuable properties. It is now considerably used in some parts of Asia asa remedy for rheumatism. The bark of the root is the part best adapted for medicinal purposes, and is said to contain tonic, astringent, and emmanagogue properties. It is more valuable as an ornamental flower than a medicine, as it is even suspected by many to be powerfully narcotic and drastic. It yields its properties both to water and rectified spirits. NAT. ORDER Papaveracee. PHONIA PEREGRINA. PEONY OF THE ALPS. Class XIIT. Pouyanpria. Order IT, Dieynta. Gen. Char. Calyx five-leaved. . Petals five. Styles none. Cap- sules many-seeded. Spe. Char. Leaves double, pinnate, sub-lobed. Leaflets oblong, veined underneath. The male peony is furnished with long thick 7voo¢s, which are fleshy and of a bright yellow color; the séa/ks are upright, single, streaked with red, and rises from two to four feet in height; the leaves are of a dark green, veined, and stand in pairs upon short footstalks ;. the flowers are single and of a beautiful red color. The female frequently rises to the height of six feet; the /eaves of which are pale and narrow; the flowers are double and of a deep red; the voots are very irregular, composed of several tuberous pieces, hang- ing by rough filaments from one head. It is a native of the Alps, where it is found growing in its wild state, in large quantities, pro- — ducing flowers from June till October. This species of peony was very anciently considered as a prominent article in the Materia Medica. Galen mentions many very remarkable cures made by the use of this plant, but from the accounts given by modern physicians of distinction, we are led to believe it possesses little, if any, medicinal properties, that would entitle it to a place in the Materia Medica, excepting its narcotic power. Galen is probably the author of the anodine necklace, which was composed of this plant, and so long famous for its remarkable : Vol. il —i3= 14 NAT. ORDER.—PAPAVERACES. virtues among the vulgar of Europe, the roots were at first directed to be hung round the neck, and if relief did not follow, a drachm of the dried root was to be taken two or three times a day. The fresh roots and seeds have a faint narcotic smell, with a slight acri- monious and astringent taste; but when dried, loose wholly, or in a great degree, both. Water extracts are insipid, spirituous ones bit- ter and slightly astringent. Medical Properties and Uses. Tvery physician knows that the poppy possesses powerful narcotic properties, and this character prevails generally in the whole order. Their seed is universally oily and destitute of the narcotic properties which reside in flowers and plants, the oil is obtained from the seed by expression, is per- fectly wholesome, and very much used in France and some parts of England for the table. It is also extensively emyloyed in the adul- teration of olive oil, and its use was at one time prohibited in France by decrees issued in compliance with popular clamor. It is but lit- tle used in the United States, although it was frequently introduced into practice for the cure of epilepsy but never proved sufficiently beneficial to warrant its continuance. On cutting or breaking the stalk, a milky juice exudes, which if exposed to the sun will attain the consistency of a gum, resem- bling both in appearance, and medical properties, that of pure opium, which is made from the Papaver Somniferum; the descrip tion of which will soon be given, and the various methods of ob- taining, and preparing the gum. NAT. ORDER. Lobeliacee. LOBELIA INFLATA. INDIAN TOBACCO. Class V. Prenvranpria. Order I, Mownoeynta. Gen. Char. Calyx five-cleft. Corolla irregular, five-parted, cleft on the upper side nearly to the base. Anthers united into a tube. Stigma two-lobed. Capsule inferior, or semi-superior, two or three-celled, two valved at the apex. Spe. Char. Stem hairy, branched. Leaves ovate-lanceolate. Racemes leafy, somewhat paniculate. Capsules somewhat inflated. | “The Lobelia Inflata is a biennial, indigenous plant, usually found growing from twelve to eighteen inches in height, with a fibrous root; the stem is hairy, solitary, erect, angular, much branched about two-thirds of the way, and rises considerably above the sum- mit of the highest branches; the deaves are sessile, acute, serrate, oval, hairy, and much scattered; the flowers are disposed in numer- ous leafy terminal racemes, and supported on short foot-stalks; the segments of the calyx are linear and pointed; the flower, which is of a delicate bluish color, has a border labiate, the upper lip being divided into two, and the lower into three acute segments; the pod is an ovate, inflated capsule, crowned with the persistent calyx, and contains in two cells numerous small brown seeds.” — Thomson's Materia Medica. Lobeha is a native of the United States, and is found growing from Canada to Louisiana, by the road-sides and in stubble fields, especially the next season after the crop is taken off. When broken Vol. ii,—15 16 : NAT. ORDER.—LOBELIACEA. a milky juice exudes, which is of a most penetrating diffusable nature, and if applied to the eyelid, produces a powerful effect upon the eye, from which circumstance it is sometimes called eyebright. This plant being biennial, throws out the first year only a few radi- cal roundish leaves laying close to the ground, the next year it pro- duces the stem, branches, and seeds. The leaves and roots of the first year are as powerful as the mature plant, excepting the seeds which are the strongest. The whole plant is acrid and nauseous, producing salivation; whence, we suppose originated the mistaken supposition that it causes the slavers in horses and cattle. Medical Properties and Uses. ‘The following is in part taken from Howard’s Materia Medica, wherein the symptoms, and _ its effects are more accurately detailed than in any other medical work, and to which we can bear testimony from experience, having ad- ministered it in some hundreds of cases and attended on its opera- tion, and have never experienced any bad effects from its use. That it is a valuable remedy for some diseases, must be admitted ; but like many other powerful medicines, in the hands of those who are unskilled in its use, it is liable to be abused, when its effects are alarming, and dangerous, and even fatal consequences are some- times the result. Howard says, “the lobela inflata is the most val- uable emetic known; its full merits being scarcely appreciated, even by those who are in the habit of making frequent use of it. It also acts as a sudorific, diuretic, expectorant, and diffusable stimu- lant; and is said by some physicians to possess powerful narcotic properties; as an antispasmodic, and for the relief and cure of asthma, its equal, in our opinion, has not yet come to the knowledge of the world. As a stimulant it extends its effects to every part of the system, removing obstructions, and restoring a healthy action, wherever the one exists and the other is needed. Its action or effects may often be sensibly felt or known by a pricking sensation over the system, particularly in the fingers and toes. A diversity of symptoms attend the operation of lobelia NAT. ORDER.—LOBELIACEA. 17 emetics, evincing the magnitude of its power, and the surprising energy upon the human system, which often terrify those who are acquainted with its operation. Its effects are different on different individuals, and upon the same individual at different times. Some- times it produces severe pain in the stomach and bowels; strange, agitated, and indescribable, unpleasant sensations. _Convulsive mo- tions of the lower jaw, often attended with a convulsive and rapid respiration. General distress, or a universal sickening feeling per- vades the whole system. Sometimes the patient is perfectly easy and quiet, without the power to move a hand or a foot, or rolling the eye balls in their sockets; and at other times great restlessness and anxiety, with symptoms of a most alarming character, prevail. In some instances the countenance becomes pale, and the skin cold, with the appearance of approaching death; whilst in others, the countenance assumes a florid appearance, bearing the marks of health. These symptoms, together with a great variety of others, which it would be impossible for us to describe, are often attendant on_ the administration of a lobelia emetic, and frequently prove very alarming, even to those who are well acquainted with its effects. Dr. Thomson, who claims the honor of first introducing the lobelia into general notice, speaking of them, says, “they appear to be the last struggle of disease, and are certain evidences of a favorable turn of the disorder. The alarming effects of lobelia are probably caused by the restoration of a healthy action to diseased parts, which have long been accustomed to a morbid sensbility and a diseased action. A healthy operation being thus suddenly restored, and the organs not being properly prepared to receive the new impulse, an unusual and oftentimes alarming train of symptoms are produced.” “As an antidote to poisons of all kinds, whether animal or vegetable, the lobelia stands unrivalled ; particularly in the cure of hydrophobia. Several well attested cases of cures of this terrible and fatal disease, have come to our knowledge. ‘The lobelia is used 18 NAT. ORDER.—LOBELIACES:. in powder, infusion, or tincture of the leaves and pods, or the seeds, either simply by itself or compounded with other articles.”— Howard. It should be gathered in the fall, at the time the leaves begin to turn yellow, as the seeds are then ripe, and the whole plant valuable for medicinal uses. This plant may be transferred and cultivated in gardens, where it will thrive much more luxuriantly than in the wild state. In fields where it is found growing, if some of the stalks are left standing, it will sow itself, similar to our garden mustard, and I see no good reason why it could not be made a source of profit which would well repay for its cultivation, as the seed is in con- siderable demand, always finding a ready market and commanding a price. of about one dollar per pouud. Thus, taking into con- sideration the increased consumption of this invaluable plant, and that too by a very limited number of physicians in this country, the price at which it is sold, and a prospect that our native plant, will not even meet the wants of our shops, we cannot but express our conviction that its cultivation might be made extremely profit- able. Tincture of Lobelia herb. ‘Take of lobelia herb, either fresh or dry, any quantity, press it close in a tin or earthen vessel, so that it may be compact; then add proof spirit sufficient to cover the herb, stop the vessel close, and let it stand for two or three days, then strain and press out the liquor from the herb, flavor it with essence of sassafras, and bottle it for use. Dose as an emetic, from two to three tea-spoonsfull, to be repeated every ten minutes, until vom- ing is induced. This tincture is valuable not only as an emetic, but also as an external application to wounds, bruises, inflamations, ulcers, eruptions of the skin, and poisons of every description. Compound tincture of Lebeha. This is the most powerful of all other preparations, and is given only in such cases as require im- mediate relief, such as lockjaw, fits, spasms, &c. Dose, from eight to twerty drops, repeated according to circumstances. NAT. ORDER. Holoracee. es RUMEX ACETOSA. SOUTHERN SORREL. Class VI. Wexanpria. Order III, Tricynta. Gen. Char. Calyx three-leaved. Petals, three, converging. Seed, one, three-sided. Spe. Char. Flowers-dioecious. Leaves oblong, sagitate. The stem is erect, striated, rises from six to twelve inches in height, and of a purplish red color; the eaves are oblong, ovate ar- row-shaped, and of a bright green color; the radical ones are peti- olate and obtuse; those of the stem without footstalks, placed alter- nately and pointed; the flowers are dioecious, and are disposed in terminal branched spikes, standing upon short slender peduncles ; the corolla is divided into three petals, and the calyx into three oval segments; the filaments are short, bearing erect large anthers; the styles are short, supporting large bearded stigmas, and proceeding from a triangular germen. It flowers from July until October. There are few parts of the world that do not acknowledge the presence of some species of this plant. In Europe, Africa, North America, and many parts of Asia, they fill the ditches, hedges and waste grounds, and form a considerable portion of the pasturage in poor and sandy soils. ‘The leaves of the Southern Sorrell have an agreeable acid taste, very much like that of Ovalis Acetosella, or Wood Sorrel, which we have described in Vol. 1, page 176 ; the prop- erties of both are so near alike, that they are medicinally employed for the same purposes, and what has already been said of that plant, will in a great measure apply to this; being easily procured, and in great abundance, may be substituted for it. Vol. ii—19 20 NAT. ORDER.—HOLORACES. Medical Properties and Uses. It is but recently that the prop- erties of this valuable plant have been discovered, in consequence of which we have never before been able to appreciate some of its most beneficial and best qualities. We are informed that the In- dians of this country, have been in the habit of using this plant from its earliest history in the cure of cancer and all cancerous swellings, for which purpose we consider it one of the most valuable produc- tions of our country. The leaves have a pleasant and extremely acid taste, and may be used in all cases where acids and antiscep- tics are required. The leaves simply bruised have been applied to scrofulous swellings with excellent effect, promoting supuration and granulation in the most satisfactory manner. The insipissated or concrete juice of this plant has, of late, be- come somewhat celebrated as an external application for cancerous affections. Repeated cases are reported, of cures of cancers by the application of this simple article; and from a well attested expe- rience in its use, we would with much confidence recommend it in the treatment of this painful and highly dangerous affection. A salve made from the leaves is the best method of preparing it for cancerous affections, it is prepared in the following manner :— Take of top and leaves, any quantity, bruise them in a mortar, and then press out the juice, put it on plates or flat bottom dishes, and expose it to the sun for evaporation. When it has become of prop- er consistence to form a paste it ought to be put in earthen or glass vessels to preserve it for use. When applied to the cancer, spread a thin plaster on a soft piece of leather or cloth, of a size suitable to cover the sore. These plasters must be occasionally renewed, washing the cancer with soap suds at each renewal. Two plasters have been known to cure a bad cancer of the female breast; and in some instances.one has been sufficient. This remedy has been known by a few, whose names have been celebrated in the cure of cancers, but the knowledge of it sold at a high price. COPE CW 7 ACF 4 NAT. ORDER Lilacee. LIBIUM PHILADELPHICUM. ORANGE OR TIGER LILY. Class VI. Hexanpria. Order I. Monoeynta. Gen. Char. Corolla six-petaled, bell-shaped, with a long necta- rious line. Capsules the valves connected by cancellated hair. Spe. Char. Leaves verticulate, linear-lanceolate. Nerves hairy be- neath. Stem one to two flowered. Corolla erect, companuble, spreading. Petals unquiculate. The root is large, knotty, and covered with numerous small succulent fibres ; the stem is firm, round, upright, simple, and usually rises from eighteen to thirty inches in height; the /eaves are numer- ous, long, narrow, pointed, smooth, without footstalks, and irregular- ly scattered over the stem; the flowers are large, of an orange yel- low, spotted with dark red, and terminate the stem in clusters upon short peduncles; it has no calyx; the corolla is bell-shaped, consist- ing of six petals, which within are of a beautiful shining white, but without ridged, and of a less luminous appearance; the j/ilaments are six tapering, much shorter than the corolla, upon which are placed transversely large orange-colored anthers ; the style is longer than the filaments, and furnished with a fleshy triangular stigma; the germen becomes an oblong capsule, marked with six furrows, and divided into three cells, each of which contain a number of flat- ish, semicircular formed seeds. It flowers in June and July. The lily has now become one of the most common ornaments of the flower garden; the principal florists, both of this country and England, have introduced its culture as a border plant, and it is now Vol. ii.—21 22 NAT. ORDER.—LILACES. very much admired for its sweet smell and the variegated tints of its flowers. The Lilium Philadelphicum is a native of this country, but is found growing in various parts of Europe, where it has been cultivated ever since the time of Gerard. Medical Properties and Uses. The flowers of this plant have a sweet pleasant smell, and were formerly used in some parts of Eu- rope for medicinal purposes; a watery distillization of them was employed as a cosmetic, and the oleuwm lilirum was supposed to pos- sess anodyne and nervine powers; but the odorous matter of these flowers is of a very volatile kind, being totally dissipated in drying, and entirely carried off in evaporation by rectified spirit as well as water; and though both menstrums become strongly impregnated with their agreeable odor by infusion or distilization, yet no essen- tial oil can be obtained from any quantity of its flowers. It is there- fore the roots only which are directed for use, the properties of which are similar to those of the Nymphaaodaratas, White Pond Lilly, and can in most cases be substituted for it. It is a valuable medicine, for either internal or external use. Internally it is an as- tringent tonic, and can be used in diarrhcea, dysentery and all cases of general debility. Externally it is useful in poultices, for biles, tumors, inflamations, ulcers, &c. The leaves are also useful for the same purpose. The fresh juice of the roots mixed with lemon juice, is said to be good for removing freckles, pimples and blotches from the skin. Sirup of Lilies. This preparation is made after the following manner. ‘Take a single hand-full of the flowers, steep them mod- erately ina quart of water over a slow fire, for one hour; then strain and sweeten well with loaf sugar, grate ina little nutmeg, and add half-a-pint of good French brandy. ‘This is an excellent arti- cle for children, when teething, or in bowel complaints. Mothers will find this an excellent remedy for what is called the nursing, or sore mouth. In the form of a poultice, prepared with slippery elm, it is excellent for swelling and to reduce inflamations. In all cases it is an excellent sedative to ease pain. NAT. ORDER. Lauraceae. RHODODENDRON ARBOREUM. ROSE BAY. Class 1X. EXENneanpria. Order I. Monoaynta. Gen. Char. Calyx none. Corolla calycine, six-parted. Nectary of three two-bristled glands, surrounding the germ. Drupe one-seeded. Spe. Char. Leaves ovate lanceolate, perennial, shining. Flowers placed upon short peduncles. This beautiful shrub never rises to any great height, but usual- ly sends off many radical shoots, oftentimes growing close and bushy; the bark is smooth, and of a dark olive color; the deaves are ellipti- cal, pointed, smooth, veined, often waved at the margin, and of a shining green color; the flowers appear in April and May, and like those of Laurus Sassafras, are male and female upon different plants ; they appear single and stand upon short peduncles; the corolla di- vides into four oval leaves, which stand nearly erect, and are of a yellowish white color; the stamens vary in number, from seven to thirteen; there is no calyx; the style of the female flower is very short, and the germen becomes an oval berry, covered with a dark green rind, and separable into two lobes or cotyledons. This tree is a native of Italy, and other southern parts of Eu- rope, and the first account we have of its cultivation is given by Turner, which was in 1562, when it was introduced into England for medical purposes. It isa beautiful evergreen, and is now very com- mon in the extensive parks and shrubberies of that country. The spicy warmth of the berries, formerly recommended them for culi- Vol. 1i.—23 24 NAT. ORDER.—LAURACE. nary purposes, and in this way they were very much used by the Romans. And the leaves both of this and the common laurel were frequently used in custards, &c., but the practice has by most been discontinued, since the recent and fatal proof of the poisonous qual- ities was made public. To such we would observe, that the com- mon laurel, or Prunus lauro cerasus of Linnzeus, differs in every respect, from the plant here described, both in its effects and in its botanical characters. It may be remarked, however, that the dele- tereous part of it is the essential oil, which requires to be separated by distillization, in order to become an active poison. Medical Properties and Uses. The leaves and berries possess the same medicinal properties, both having a sweet fragrant smell, and an aromatic astringent taste. In distillization with water the leaves yield a small quantity of very fragrant essential oil; with rectified spirit they afford a moderately warm pungent extract; the berries yield a larger quantity of essential oil; they discover like- wise a degree of unctuosity in the mouth, give out to the press an almost insipid fluid oil, and on being boiled in water, appears on the surface, a thick butyraceous oil, of a yellowish green color, impreg- nated with the flavor of the berry. The oil thus obtained may be used with safety and advantage in assisting digestion; and it has even been thought to obviate the poisonous effects of the laurel. The Laurus of honorary memory, the distinguished favorite of Apollo, may be naturally supposed to possess extraordinary fame as a medicine, but its pharmacutical uses are so limited in the pres- ent practice, that this dignified plant is now rarely employed, except by the way of enema, or as an external application ; thus in the London Pharmacopceia the leaves are directed in the decotum pro fomento, and the berries in the emplastrum cumini. The berries however appear to possess some share of medicinal efficacy, and if we do not allow them to be so extensively useful as represented by S. Bauhin, Tournefort, Goeffry, and some others, yet we have no doubt of their possessing highly valuable emmenagogue properties NAT. ORDER.—LAURACES. 25 and have often proved serviceable in the treatment of kidney affec- tions. Bergius and some others made great use of a tea made from its leaves in the treatment of hysteria, but cautioned its too free use, as it was thought to act with peculiar power on the uterine system, proving considerably diuretic, and powerful as an emmenagogue. An infusion of the leaves is sometimes recommended by modern physicians; and the essential oil of the berries is given from one to five drops on sugar, or dissolved by means of mucilages, or in spirit of wine, this mode of administration has been urgently recommend- ed in chronic rheumatisms, painful affections of the joints and bones, particularly those of a syphilis nature, for which it is extensively used in some parts of Europe even at the present day. Dr. Koelpir, of Alten-stetin, an eminent botanist, claims to have made some valuable discoveries in relation to this plant. He made an infusion of it in water, kept twenty-four hours in nearly a boil- ing heat, in the proportion of two drachms of the leaves and tops of the plant to ten ounces of water. It was sometimes made double this streneth, and the dose was two ounces, to be repeated after a few hours, and continued as required. Dr. Home found it an as- tringent and powerfully sedative; he directs it in infusion, from half-a-drachm to two drachms for a dose. When taken internally, it produces—according to Koelpir—a feverish heat, intoxication, sometimes a stupor, with a pricking sensation in the limbs, or other parts of the body; but the intoxication leaves neither headache or nausea. During the heat, the patient complains of intense thirst ; and drinking cold water is followed by a violent but salutary vom- iting, especially in complaints of the bowels; and a copious sweat on the parts affected with. rheumatism or gout. In some instances the pains grow worse at first; but this increase of disease is soon followed by a remarkable relief: the pulse is rendered much weak- er and slower, and in chronic rheumatism its effects are sometimes greatly increased. ‘The infusion at first often produces heat and constriction in the fauces; which isa proof of some little acrimony, 26 NAT. ORDER.—LAURACE. but this effect speedily disappears. In robust habits it usually ope- rates quickly, and with a considerable degree of violence; in the infirm and feeble, more slowly, so that the dose should not in any ease be hastily increased. It sometimes proves fatal, and Morgagni has recorded the appearances on dissection of a woman who was killed by it; though we are inclined to think that this plant was the nerium oleander of Linnzeus, sometimes called rhododendron, or the rhododendron ferrugineum which has similar powers. Sirup of Rose Bay. The illustrious and celebrated Parkinson in his treatise upon the vegetable creation, has ascribed many vir- tues to this plant. He relates many cases, where cures were per- formed by the adminstration of this simple decoction alone, many of which would appear almost incredible were it not from a reliable source. He gave it in the form of asirup, prepared in the following manner, viz. Take of the dried leaves of rhododendron arboreum, rose bay, two ounces; berries, after being dried, one ounce; pepatica americana, liverwort, one ounce; pulmonaria officinalis common lungwort, one ounce; steep all these together over a slow fire in one gallon of water down to three quarts, strain off, and add when cold, two pounds of bee’s honey, one quart of best French brandy, one and a half pounds loaf sugar, and flavor it with the essence of wintergreen. This has been found highly servicable in the treat- ment of coughs, colds, consumption, and all pulmonary diseases. The dose is from a table-spoon full to half a wine-glass full, to be taken three or four times a day. of 4 @ CE: U nohone Cu NAT. ORDER. Cinchonacee. CINCHONA OBLONGIFOLIA. CINCHONA OF THE ANDES. Class V. Pentanpria. Order I. Monoeynta. Gen. Char. Corolla funnel-form. Capsules inferior, two-celled, divided, the valves parallel to the partitions, opening inwardly. Spe. Char. Leaves ovate, lanceolate, smooth. Capsules oblong. This elegant ¢ree rises from thirty to sixty feet in height; the trunk is single, round, smooth, erect, and covered with a brown or ash-colored bark; the older branches are smooth, round, and have a rusty appearance; the younger branches are obtusely quadrangular, leafy, and of a reddish color; the leaves when full-grown, are from one to two feet long, of an oblong-oval shape, and stand opposite, supported on semi-round petioles of a purple color; the stipules are supra-axillary, interfoliaceous, opposite, contiguous, united at the base, and of an obovate figure; the flowers are produced in large, erect compound, terminal, panicles, and placed upon long, brachiated, many-flowered peduncles ; the calyx is small, fine-toothed, and of a purple color; the corolla is white and odorous; the filaments are very short and inserted into the tube of the corolla; the anthers are oblong, bifid at the base, and situated below the middle of the tube of the corolla; the capsules are large, oblong, obscurely striated, somewhat curved, and crowned by the calyx. This tree is found on the Andes, growing in woods, on the banks of mountain streams, and particularly abundant at Chincao, Riobamba, and Chuchero, flowering in June and July. The entire genus of this valuable tribe of plants is indigenous to Vol. u1.—27 28 NAT. ORDER.—CINCHONACEA. South America; growing for the most part among mountainous re- gions, difficult of access, and in other respects affording but little en- couragement to the scientific traveller. To this cause we may ascribe our comparative want of information respecting one of the most valuable remedies which the vegetable world has yet offered to mankind. Recent events added to the valuable labors of pharma- ceutical chemistry, and the present enterprise and improvement in: that science, will, it is hoped, soon bring us better acquainted with the botanical characters of those of cinchona, to which medicine is so much indebted. We.believe the fact to be well established, that there are many species of this tree, which yield a bark partaking more or less of the properties that distinguish the peruvian bark of commerce, although the destinctive characters of these species are still a desideratum in our botanical works. Riz and Pavon have described fifteen species native of Peru and Chili, and seven have been found by Mutis, a very celebrated botanist of Cadiz, who went to Santa Fe in 1760, as physician to the Viceroy, Don Pedro Misa de Ja Cerda, which he found in the forest near Gruduas. It is now known that very many moreremain undescribed. The Edinburgh College formerly enumerated three varieties of the Peruvian, viz.: the common or pale bark, the red and the yellow; but it has long since been ascertained by both Spanish and American botanists, that these barks not only belong to distinct species, but that, prob- ably, each of them is taken indiscriminately from several distinct species. In the history of sciences, it often happens that the per- son who knows how to diffuse, with a certain degree of boldness, the discovery of another, passes for the discoverer himself, instead of him who made the discovery. Sensible Properties. The recent discoveries of the French chemists, M. M. Caventou and Polletrer supersede all the previous - researches, so far as medicine is concerned, into the nature of cin- chonas. Vanquelin ascertained that there were three, if not four, classes of cinchona-bark, differing essentially in their chemical con- — NAT. ORDER.—CINCHONACES. 29 stitution. The first class precipitates astringents, but not gelatine; the second precipitates gelatine, but not astringents; the third pre- cipitates both gelatine and astringents; there are also some barks which precipitate neither gelatine nor astringents; but they are not considered by botanists as properly belonging to the genus cin-~ chona. Each of the three first classes are said-to be capable of curing intermittants. It had been long a desideratum among pharmaceutical chem- ists to discover in the barks the particular substance to which the febrifying property might be ascribed ; and in pursuit of this object, Laubert of Paris, Strenss of Moscow, and Gomez of Lisbon, pub- lished, about the same time, the result of their observation; but the French chemists were most successful; they obtained a substance, which they recognised as that to which M. Gomez had given the name of cinchonine, and they evidently proved more successful. in arriving at the correct properties of this most valuable plant. The cinchonine was obtained by operating on the cinchona condamina, or grey bark of the French botanists. The cinchona cordifolia (the cin- chona officinalts of our Colleges, the yellew-bark of the French) was next subject to analysis, and from this was obtained an alkali, in many points resembling the cenchonine, but still differme in many important ones, sufficiently to prevent their being confounded: this alkali was called Quinine, The examination of the red-bark (cin- chona oblongifolia) followed ; and “it was an interesting question,” says M. Magendie, “to determine whether this species, considered by many medical men as eminently febrifuge, contained quinine cin- chonine, or a third variety of alkali. The result was, that they ob- tained, not only a treble quantity of cinchonine, (in all respects like that obtained from the grey-bark) but also nearly twice as much quinine as the same quantity of yellow bark had yielded. From ulterior experiments, made on large masses, it appears that quinine and cinchonine exist in all three species of bark, but the cinchonine is in greater quantity than the quinine in the grey-bark, while in the yellow-bark, the quinine greatly predominates.” 30 NAT. ORDER.—€INCHONACE. The mode of obtaining the quinine and cinchonine (as given by Magendie,) is to “boil the bark in alcohol until it loses all its bitter- ness; evaporate the decoction to dryness in a water bath; dissolve the extract thus obtained in boiling water, strongly acidulated with hydrochloric acid; add an excess of calcined magnesia; which after boiling a few minutes, fixes the red coloring matter, and leaves the liquid clear; when cold, filtrate, and wash the magnesian pre- cipitate with cold water, dry it on astone, separate all the bitterness by repeated digestions in boiling alcohol, mix the alcoholic liquors, and the cenchonine will crystalize as the fluid cools.” The cinchonine and quinine may be obtained by one operation, as follows. Having obtained the sulphate of quinine, by the above process, (operating on the cinchena cordifolia) decompose the mother waters, and the washings of that operation, (which hold in solution the sulphate of cinchonine) by magnesia or lime; dissolve the quinine and cinchonine contained in these liquors, by digesting the magnesian precipitate when washed and well dried in alcohol: if the spirit be sufficiently charged, the cinchonine which predomi- nates will chrystalize; if it do not, further concentration is neces- sary. The cinchonine thus obtained, must undergo a re-chrystal- ization to purify it; this is done by dissolving it in a sufficient quan- tity of boiling alcohol. Chemical Properties of Cinchonine and Quinine. Cinchonine is white, translucent, chrystalizable in needles, and soluble only in seven hundred parts of cold water. If dissolved in alcohol or an acid, its taste is powerfully bitter, and resembles that of grey-bark. it is dissolved in very small quantities of the fixed oils, and sulphu- ric ether. With acids it forms salts which are more or less soluble. According to the analysis of Mr. Brande, cinchonine consists of about—Carbon 80, 20— Nitrogen 12, 65—Hydrogen 6, 85—agere- gate, 99 70. Quinine is white, incrystallizable ; it is as little solu- ble in water as cinchonine, much more bitter to the taste, as are also most of its salts, which are distinguished by a pearly appearance. NAT. ORDER.—CINCHONACE. : ol It is very soluble in ether, while cinchonine is very little so; this difference serves as well to distinguish their bases, as to separate them when united. Quznine likewise differs from cinchonine in containing oxygen, and that in nearly as large a proportion as hy- drogen. According to M. Brande, its ultimate parts are nearly as follows:—Carbon 73,80—Nitrogen 13,00—Hydrogen 7,65—Oxy- gen 5,55—99,90. Quinine when melted becomes ido-electric, and acquires the resinous electricity with much intensity when rubbed with a piece of cloth. M. Robiquet, in the Journal of Science, has given an analysis of the two sulphates of quinine, but he found that the sub-sulphate lost a portion of its acid during each chrystalization; he has given the composition of this salt, both after the first and third crystalization, as follows :—100 parts of Acid Sulphate of Quinine contain—Acid 19,1—Quinine 63,5—82,6—100 parts of Sub-Sulphate, first crystal- ization, contain—Acid 11,3—Quinine 79,0—90,3. The Sulphate of Quinine, when exposed to the temperature of 100° (212° Farenheit) becomes luminous, especially when subjected to slight friction. This remarkable property was first discovered by M. Callaud d’ Annecey, a French chemist. “M. M. Dumas and Pelleties exposed about three ounces of the sulphate, enclosed in a glass flask, which they kept in a sand-bath for half-an-hour, to the temperature of boiling water, when it exhibited, on friction, a briliant white light. On passing through the cork of the flask a metalic rod, ending in a point at the internal extremity, and by a ball at the op- posite one, and applying it to the ball of the rod by a voltaic elec- troscope, shaking the flask before each contact, these gentlemen ob- tained the greatest separation of which the rods of the electroscope are susceptible; the electricity was always vitreous. The Sudphate of Cinchonine possesses the same phosphorescent property, but in a less degree, and the electric faculty in the same ratio.” Medical Properties and Uses of Peruvian Bark will be found under the head of Cinchona Officinalis; we shall therefore intro- 32 ; NAT. ORDER.—CINCHONACEX. duce into notice in this place only the medical properties and for- mularies for the exhibition of the cinchonine and quinine. M. Ma- gendie says—“a sufficient number of cases induce me to believe that these two alkalies (cinchonine and quinine) possess the medical properties of the ciénchonas, and may be substituted for them on all occasions. In the twelfth volume of the Medico-Chiurgical Trans- actions, Dr. Elliotson of London has sufficiently established the feb- rifuge efficacy of both simple quinine, ard of the sulphate, which is further confirmed by Dr. Dickson of Clifton, in the Edinburgh Med- ical and Surgical Journal.” For us to insist on the value of these preparations is needless; since their introduction into some of the ague districts of our Western States, their use has become general, and seldom fails to effect a cure. As a general tonic, both the cin- chonine and quinine may be successfully exhibited, in all cases where- in the cinchona would be indicated. The sulphates are the prepa- rations most generally employed, and are recommended from one to eight grains to be given in twenty-four hours. Some physicians have thought it necessary to carry the dose much higher, but in general the result has not answered their expectation, and some pa- tients have experienced severe symptoms, such as great agitation, with strong cerebral excitement. “The United States Dispensatory recommends the introduction of this bark, occasionally, into the system by other sources than that of the stomach, where it has been found to exercise its pecu- liar influence whenever applied. Injected into the rectum, with opium to prevent purging; alsoin intermittants. Bark jackets, and baths, have been found servicable. But the best preparation of bark for external application is decidedly sulphate of quinia, which, sprinkled upona blistered surface, denuded of the cuticle, is speed- ily absorbed, and produces on the system effects not less decided than those which result from its internal administration ” NAT. ORDER.—CINCHONACE. 30 Dr. James Osgood, of Boston, Mass., informed me that while he was engaged in the practice of medicine in some of our Western. States, in the years 1846 and 1847, he made extensive use of the Cinchona, in the treatment of fevers so prevalent in that portion of the country; and in all cases where the directions had _ been faith- fully attended to, the chills and fever were invariably broken up, either on the second or third day. He advises its use 1n connection with other articles, and compounded after the following manner, viz.: ‘Take equal parts of cinchona ruba peruvian bark, diospyros virginiana persimmon bark, (of the root,) and corallorhiza odontor- hiza crawley root. Let them all be finely pulverised and well mix- ed together, and exhibit half an even tea-spoon full ina gill of cold water, once an hour, for six hours. This treatment,” says Dr. Os- good, “I have usually preceded with an emetic, and have invaria- bly found it efficacious in removing the febrilesymptoms within the time above specified. In very severe cases 1 have added to each dose one or two grains of Quinine. This mode of treatment is ap- plicable to all the fevers of the Western country, and is decidedly the best that I have ever pursued. It produces speedy and profuse perspiration, to which the fever shortly yields. How far the same treatment would be applicable to the fevers of this region, I am unable to determine, having had but a singi¢ opportunity to test it. That was a case of Pleurities, pleuricy, in which it equalled my most sanguine expectations. It may be well to remark that it would be injudicious to continue the use of the medicine longer than about six hours, as the perspiration would cause too much debility. In connection with the treatment it is my uniform practice to keep the bowels open.” TINCTURE OF QUININE. Take of sulphate of Quinine - - 6grs. (gr. 4. 92 troy.) mlcoholots4 (Sa) am eloz.(/ dr. 52.5 er: troy.) We are told that the sulphate is to be preferred to the pure quinine, in this case; because when the tincture is made by using 34 NAT. ORDER.—CINCHONACE. alkali not saturated by an acid, a precipitate is formed on adding it to aqueous liquors. WINE OF QUININE. : Take of good Madeira Wine* - Jllivre (oz. 22. 104 troy.) Sulphate of Quinine - 12 grs. (grains 9. 84 trcy.) SIRUP OF QUININE. Take of simple sirup - - 2 pounds (31 oz. 4 dr. 2 or. uroy) Sulphate of Quinine 64 grains (gr. 52. 48 no) M. Magendie has proposed the following formule for the exhi- bition of Cinchonine :— SIRUP OF CINCHONINE. Take of simple sirup - - - - 1 pound (15 0z.6 dr. 1 gr. troy.) Sulphate of Cinchonine - 48 grains (gr. 39. 36 troy.) TINCTURE OF CINCHONINE. Take of sulphate of Cinchonine - 9 grains (gr. 7. 383 troy.) Alcohol at 34° (847) - - lounce (7dr. 52. 5 gr. troy. WINE OF CINCHONINE. Take of Madeira Wine - - - - 1 litre (oz. 31. 104 troy.) Sulphate of Cinchonine - 18 grains (gr. 14. 76. troy.) The above preparations of cinchonine may be given in equal doses, and under the same circumstances with the preparations of quinine. * Any other white wine may be substituted. Cureton Te NAT. ORDER. Araceae. ARUM TRIPHILLUM. WILD TURNIP—WAKE ROBIN, Class XXI. Monacta. Order VIL. Poryanprta. Gen. Char. Spathe one-leafed, cowled. Spadix naked above, female below, stamineous in the middle. Berry one-celled; many-seeded. Spe. Char. Stemless. Leaves ternate. Leaflets ovate, acumi- nate, entire. Spadizx clavate. Spathe ovate, acuminate, convo- lute below, flat and bent above. The root is perennial, round, flattened, tuberous, with many white fibres around the base; skin dark, loose, and wrinkled; the leaves are usually three or four, growing from each root; these are arrow-shaped, of a deep green or purplish color, beset with many veins and dark spots, and stand upon long grooved, and somewhat triangularly shaped footstalks; the flower-stalk is very short and channelled ; the calyx is a sheath of one leaf, large, oval, nerved, and enclosing the spadix, which is round, club-shaped, fleshy, above of a purple color, below whitish, standing in the cen- tre of the sheath, and supporting the parts necessary to fructifica- tion: on tracing it towards the base we first discover the necta- ries, or several oval corpuscles, which are terminated by long, tapering points; next to these are placed the anthers, which are quadrangular, united, and of a purple color; under these we find again more nectaries; and lastly the germens, which are very nu- merous, round, without: styles, and crowned with small bearded stigmas. ‘This curious species of inflorescence displays itself early in spring, but the berries do not ripen till late in the summer, Vol. ii.—35 36 NAT. ORDER.—ARACE. when they appear in naked clusters, of a bright scarlet color, making a very conspicuous appearance in the swamps and damp woods where they are most commonly found growing. This plant is a native of North and South America, and is quite common in almost every part of the United States, growing in swamps, in damp woods, by the side of small streams, along ditches, and in other moist shady places. The root is the medicinal part of the plant, which in a recent and lactescent state is extremely acrimonious, and upon being chewed, excites an intolerable sensa- tion of burning and pricking in the tongue, worse than that of Capsicum bacatum, the strongest kind of Cayenne pepper, which continues for several hours. This active principle is a peculiar substance, Avoine, highly volatile, having no affinity with water, alcohol, oil or acids, and becoming an inflammable gas by heat or distillation. When cut in slices and applied to the skin, it has been known to produce blisters. ‘This acrimony, however, is gra- dually lost by drying, and may be so far dissipated by the applica- tion of heat, as to leave the root a bland farinaceous aliment; its medical efficacy, therefore, resides wholly in the active volatile matter, and consequently the powdered root must lose much of its power on being long kept. Lewis says, “the fresh and moderately dried roots were digested in water, in wine, in proof spirit, and in rectified spirit, with and without heat: the lhquors received no color, and but very little if any taste. In distillation, neither spirit nor water, brought over any sensible impregnation from the arwm. The root nevertheless loses in those operations almost the whole of its pungency.” Dr Cullen considers it a general stimulant, not only exciting the activity of the digestive powers, where they hap- pen to be languid, but stimulating the whole system; in proof of this he observes, that it has been useful in intermittent fevers. The ancient writers condemned its use in any form, they fancied that it possessed. poisonous properties, and was wholly incapable of being valuable as a medicine in any complaint whatever. NAT. ORDER.—ARACE. Qo) Medical Properties and Uses. Arum is certainly a very pow- erful stimulant, and by promoting the secretions may be advanta- geously employed in cachectic and chlorotic cases, in rheumatic affections, and in various other complaints of phlegmatic and tor- pid constitutions; but more especially ina weakened or relaxed state of the stomach, occasioned by the prevalence of viscid mucus. If this root is given in powder, great care should be taken that it be young and newly dried, when it may be used in the dose of ascruple or more twice a day; but in rheumatisms and other disorders requiring the full effect of this medicine, the root should be given in a recent state, and to cover the insupportable pungen- cy it discovers on the tongue, it may be used in substance mixed with milk or molasses, as it does not impart its virtues to any liquor ; or the fresh roots may be grated, or reduced to a pulp, with three times their weight of sugar, thus forming a conserve, the dose of which is a teaspoon-full twice a day. Dr. Lewis advises it to be - administered in the form of emulsion, with gum arabic and sperma- ceti, increasing the dose from ten grains to upwards of a scruple three or four times a day; in this way, says he, “it generally oc- casioned a sensation of slight warmth about the stomach, and after- wards in the remoter parts manifestly promoted perspiration, and frequently produced a copious sweat.” It is also used for flatu- lence, cramp in the stomach, asthmatic and consumptive affections, and has been strongly recommended for the removal of the most obstinate rheumatic pains. It quickens circulation, and promises to be a useful topical stimulant when the acrid principle may be rendered available. It has been found beneficial in lingering atro- phy, debilitated habits, great prostration in typhoid fevers, chronic catarrh, &c. Bergius speaks highly of the efficacy of Arum in headachs, which were of the most violent kind, and resisted all the means he employed, till he used the powder of this root, which never failed to relieve them. 38 NAT. ORDER.—ARACE. The medical properties of this plant have of late attracted the attention of physicians, in regard to its pectoral properties. Dr. Samuel Thompson, of Boston, says: “it has proved highly beneficial in coughs, consumption of the lungs and asthma, for which we have successfully used it for more than forty years. The root should be dried, pulverized, and given in doses of three to six grains, four times a day; or it may be given in honey, in the sirup of preserves, or in any other saccharine matter, or it may be made into a paste, with honey or sirup, and used in the form of candy, by letting the substance dissolve gradually on the tongue, so as to diffuse its warmth through the mouth, and thus used it is: good for apthous sore mouth and throat.” The following is Dr. Thompson’s method of making cough drops. WAKE ROBIN. COUGH DROPS. Take six ounces of dried wake robin, well pulverized, stir it into one pint of cold water, infuse it till the knobs, or small accu- mulations of the powders, are well mingled with the water, then pour on half a gallon of boiling water, and a heaped teaspoon-full of capsicum annum, cayenne pepper, half a gallon of molasses, half a gallon of Jamaica rum, one pint of the tincture Lobelia in- flata, (common tincture of the herb,) and the juice of half a dozen best Sicily lemons.” This is one of Dr. Thompson’s most valuable remedies for coughs, colds, raising of blood, croup, asthma, or any other difficul- ty of the lungs and throat. He strongly recommends that a small. vial of these drops should be carried by those who are affected with a cough, and about half a teaspoon-full taken at a time, whenever there is an irritation in the throat, or an inclination to cough. This will keep the throat and lungs under a continual stimulation or excitement, by which means expectoration will be- come easy. It will also relieve pain in the side and breast, cholic pains, &c.; and is a valuable remedy for many other complaints. i As si ep NAT. ORDER. Conifere. PINUS BALSAMEA. BALM OF GILEAD FIR. Class XXT. Monascta. Order VIII. Monave puta. Gen. Char. Male flower in a cathin. Calyx, none. Corolla, none. Stamens numerous, on a small stalk. Female flower in a catkin, or cone of close, rigid, two-lipped, two- flowered scales. Seeds, two to each scale, ringed. Spe. Char. Leaves solitary, flat, imperfectly two-ranked. Cones cylindrical, erect, with sharp-pointed scales. Crest of the an- thers pointless. This species of pine forms a very beautiful tree, varying in height from thirty to fifty feet; the trunk, which measures from twelve to fifteen inches in diameter, is straight, and covered with a smooth, whitish gray bark; the /eaves are very fragrant, disposed on either side of the branches, like the teeth of a comb; they are solitary, flat, lear, short, not exceeding eight lines in length, and pointed; of a bright green on their upper surface, paler beneath, and marked with whitish lines; the male catkins are ovate; the crest of the anthers kidney-shaped, pointless, or furnished with short spines, but never bifid; the females with numerous ovate, notched, pointed bracteas; the cones, which stand erect upon the branches, are large, nearly cylindrical, and when full grown, of a beautiful, deep, glossy, purple color, inclining to black, and exu- ding a great quantity of transparent resin, which gives them a very beautiful appearance. Figure a represents a female catkin; bamale catkin ; cscales of a catkin; d its bracteole; e the an- thers; f scale of a cone. Vol. ii, —39 40 NAT. ORDER.—CONIFERA. The Pinus balsamea is a native of the coldest regions of this continent, growing abundantly in Canada, Nova Scotia, northern parts of New England, and other northern provinces. It has been introduced and cultivated in some parts of England, since the year 1698, but the climate does not appear to be congenial to it, for although it attaims a considerable height, it seldom survives above twenty years. The fine turpentine of the shops, or what is commonly called Canada balsam, is yielded by this tree. It exists in great quantity, in the vesicles between the wood and bark; being collected by making incisions in the trunk of the tree, through which it exudes. It is then put in casks of from one to two hundred pounds, and shipped to most parts of the civilized globe. Sensible and Chemical Properties, &c. Canada balsam, or tur- pentine, has a strong, but rather agreeable odor; its taste is some- what bitter, and resembles the other turpentines ; its color is pale yellow, with a greenish tinge, transparent, and has the consistence of honey fresh from the comb. Distilled with water, it yields a limpid, colorless, essential oil, and leaves a solid resin, resembling the common yellow resin. Distilled by itself, it yields, first, a clear oil, in appearance like that obtained by distillation with water, but which gradually changes to yellow, and then to red, and leaves a black resin. During the operation of distillation, succinic acid also rises. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol and ether, also in the vol- atile and drying oils; it is soluble in alkaline ley, and the strong acids; the sulphuric and nitric acids convert it into artificial tan- nin. The essential oil, or spirit of turpentine, as it is commonly called, has a strong penetrating odor, and a hot, pungent, bitterish taste. It is perfectly limpid and colorless, light, volatile, inflamma- ble, and burns with a very vivid, crackling flame. It is soluble in six parts of sulphuric ether, very sparingly soluble in cold alcohol, one hundred parts unite with twenty of alcohol; if the alcohol be NAT. ORDER.—CONIFERA. 41 heated, the oil readily combines with it, but will be separated again as soon as the spirit cools. A stream of oxymuriatic gas passed through it, converts it into a yellow resin. Distilled with four times its volume of water, it becomes lighter and brighter. Medical Properties and Uses. Canada balsam possesses similar medicinal properties to the other turpentines, which are more fully described under the head of Pinus sylvestris, Pinus abies, Pinus picea, and Pinus larix, in the present and other vols. of this work ; consequently, we shall only make a few observations regarding the use of turpentine as a remedial agent, and more especially for the expulsion of tenia. It was first recommended by Dr. Fenwick as an anthelmintic of extraordinary powers. ‘The Dr. prescribed it in doses of two ounces, and repeated it in ounce doses «until it had the desired effect ; purging is in general produced, and the worm is usually evacuated lifeless. ‘Turpentine, when given in large doses, by acting asa cathartic, seems to prevent its absorption, hence its action on the urinary organs becomes obviated, and strancuary, which so frequently accompanies the internal use of small doses of turpentine, is not to be apprehended ; not only for the expulsion of tzenia, but for other worms, (especially the dwmbric?) it has been administered with equal success. Dr. Copeland strongly recommends the oil in the heemorrhagie, particularly in atonic epistaxis, also in epilepsy, in the last-stages puerperal fever, and in the convulsions of infants, when arising from a disordered state of the alimentary canal. It is also a powerful emmenagogue, thence useless in chlorosis. We are told by Dr. Copeland, that in some cases of ovarian dropsy, its effects were such as to recommend its employment in the incipient stages of that disease, and also in other dropsies. Externally, the oilis used with much advantage as _a primary application to scalds and burns. Dr. Kentish was the first who introduced its use, and subsequently his practice has been confirmed and adopted by many surgeons of skill and eminence. It is also topically applied asa discutient to indolent tumors, &c. 42 NAT. ORDER.—CONIFER. The United States Dispensatory enumerates several varieties of the Abzes from which Canada balsam is obtained and considered ofcinal. ‘The Abves eaxcelsa of Europe, and Abies canadensis of the United States, have been considered as the sources respectively of Burgundy and Canada pitch. The Abies picea of Linneus, Abies pectinata of De Candolle, Abies taxifolia of the French Codex, Pi- nus picea or European silver fir tree, growing in the mountainous regions of Switzerland, Germany and Siberia, yields the Strasburg turpentine, which is much used in some parts of Europe. The Abies nigra, (Pinus nigra,) or black spruce of this country, yields a product, which though not recognised by the Pharmacopeia, is considerably employed. ‘The substance alluded to is the essence prepared from the young branches by boiling them in water and evaporating the decoction. ‘This is a thick liquid, having the color and consistence of molasses, with a bitterish, acidulous, astringent taste. It is much used in many parts of Germany and Europe, in the preparation for the manufacturing of beer, which is a pleasant and wholesome drink in summer. As a remedy for pulmonary affections and coughs of long standing, the balm of Gilead buds, in our opinion, stand second to no other article in the Materia Medica. A syrup made after the following prescription, has been successfully employed in the cure of many very obstinate cases of coughs, where other remedies seemed to have failed. Cough Syrup. ake of Abies balsamea buds, (balm of Gilead buds,) two ounces; Inula heleniam, (elecampane,) two ounces ; Symphytum officinale, (comfrey root,) three ounces ; Lobelia inflata herb. (common Indian tobacco,) one ounce ; Marrubium vulgare, (hoarhound,). one ounce. Put this in one gallon of water, boil down to three quarts, strain off, and when cold add one quart best honey, or Stewart’s syrup molasses, one pint best French brandy, and one ounce-essence of wintergreen: shake and mix, when it.is ready for use. Dose, one teaspoon-full three times a day. au, me sk at 2 HUMOUR Chena Je NAT. ORDER. Leguminose. POINCIANA PULCHERRIMA. CHINA POINCINANA. Class X. Dercanpria. Order I. Mownoaynta. Gen. Char. Calyx, sepals five, unequal. Petals, five, stipitate and deformed. Stamens, ten, longer than the petals. Spe. Char. Leaflets prickly, ovate or obovate, notched at the end, smooth. Petals fimbricate, longly, stipitate. Sepals are five in number, unequal, joined at the base into a somewhat persistent cup, the lower one arched ; the petals are five, stipitate, having the upper one of a different form; the stamens are ten, very long, all bearing anthers, filaments hairy at the base ; style very long; legume flatly compressed, two-valved, somewhat many-celled, with spongy isthmuses; the seeds are obovate, com- pressed, having the internal integument in a gelatinous water; cotyledons, flat and oval; the /eaves are abruptly bipinnate ; the flowers are disposed in a corymbose panicle; pedicels long, without bracteas at the base. This most magnificent shrub grows to the height of ten feet and upwards; and as the plate shows, bears panicles of the most brilliant flowers. It is a native of the East Indies. Sigou states that it was imported into Barbadoes from the Cape de Verd Island. Its beauty has attracted the attention of the Chinese for some time, and wherever they settle, they cultivate it as the crown of all garden ornaments, and call it by the name of the peacock’s crest. It was introduced into Holland from Amboyna about the year 1670, where it was extensively cultivated in the Chelsea Garden by Sir Hans Sloane, in the year 1691. The flowers are most beautiful to Vol. ii. —43 44 NAT. ORDER.—LEGUMINOS&. the eye, and rather sweet-scented, but the whole plant when bruis- ed has a disagreeable odor, very much resembling that of Savine, and. is used in the West Indies by many supposing it to possess sim- ilar properties. This plant is considered valuable in the West In- dies (independent of its beauty) for making fences, mixed with the Parkinsonia aculata; which, says Jaquin, forms one of the most beautiful fences imaginable. This delightful plant cannot be cultivated in this country, (es- pecially in the Northern States,) without great care and nursing. It isa stove shrub requiring a strong heat, with plenty of pot room to grow it well. ‘The soil should be three-fourths loam and one- fourth well rotted dung and peat, using plenty of drainers. It is propagated by seeds, which are occasionally received from the East and West Indies, and tropical America. There are frequently brought into this country different varieties, distinguished merely by the color of the flowers. The present drawing was made from a splendid specimen sent to the artist by John Willmore, Esq., about two years ago, when the plant flowered for the first time in that gentleman’s col- lection. 'The stamens, which are always assurgent in this species, have been represented by our artist as declinate, owing, no doubt, to their having begun to flag before the drawing was commenced. Its generic name is in compliment to M. de Poinci, governor of the Antilles: pulcherrima refers to the beauty of its inflorescence. Medical Properties and Uses. Various medical writers have attempted to describe the specific properties of this plant, and most of whom have fallen into a great error in supposing it to pos- sess considerable narcotic powers. An acquaintance of mine, a physician, who has lately come from Holland, kindly furnished me with a small package of the leaves of this plant, which he had brought for medical purposes; these leaves I subjected to a chem- ical process, and found them to be destitute of any narcotic pro- perties, but acting violently and powerfully as an emenagogue. . METHOD OF PREPARING EXTRACTS AND SIRUPS From Plants and Roots, in a concentrated form, and by which they retain all their virtues. The question is frequently asked, “is there no way of obtain- ing the medicinal virtues of these valuable plants in a form that would not be objectionable to the taste, and at the same time, pre- serve all the active properties of the whole plant;” in answer to which, we give the substance of a letter kindly furnished us by Dr. James Osgood of Boston, and published in the Western Medical Reformer, a monthly journal of medical and chirugical science : the letter is written by J. King, M. D., of Owingsville, Ky.; with whom the process of extracting appears to be original. We think it a very valuable acquisition to the science of medicine, and one that is worthy of the attention of every physician. Dr. King re- marks that “vegetable medicines are as capable of being prepared in diminished quantities as mineral substances, and when thus re- duced, are much more effectual in their results. Thus, [ris versi- color, (blue flag root,) contains resin and mucilage: in the former resides the purgative and alterative properties ; in the latter, diu- retic. Then why administer the crude root in powder, in which these properties are combined with woody fibre and other inert substances, when a few grains of the proper constituent will answer ! The same is the case with the Cimicifuga racemosa ; (Co- hosh root,) its alterative, anti-scrofulous, anti-rheumatic, emmena- gogue, and other properties for which it is generally employed, reside in its resin. ‘Then certainly it is useless to administer it in conjunction with tannin, galic acid, gum, &c., when a few grains of its active principle is sufficient. The medical constituent of a plant is all that we require. ‘True, there are some plants whose virtues consist in the union of these constituents, but they are rare. Vol. ii.—45 46 METHOD OF PREPARING EXTRACTS AND SIRUPS. “For the last several years I have prepared my medicines, or rather those of which I make the most frequent use, in such a’ manner, that the doses in quantity, are much smaller than usual, and are fully as effectual in their results, if not more so, than the same articles as generally administered. The object most desira- ble in chronic diseases, is not to shock the system by repeated large quantities of active medicine, as is too often the case with practitioners, and from which cause very few real and permanent cures are effected in chronic cases, but to give medicines in the least possible doses that may be found necessary to keep the sys- tem constantly under their peculiar alterative, tonic, or other action, and always in union with the other requisites of proper exercise, diet, cleanliness, &c. “My method of preparing these medicines depends upon the required active constituent or constituents of the medicine; thus, with the greater part of tinctures, I prepare them saturated, instead of the common strength, which of course lessens the dose in quan- tity. . bi i From some I obtain only the resin, by extracting all that alcohol will take up, then filter the alcoholic tincture, to which add an equal quantity of water, and separate the alcohol by distillation; the resin sinks in the water. Thus, an ex- cellent hepatic is obtained from the Hydrastus canadensis in the dose of from one fourth to three grains; a purgative, alterative or emmenagogue, from the Iris versicolor, Podophyllum peltatum, San- guinaria canadensis, Cimicifuga racemosa, Caulophyllum thalic- troides, &c. “ Sometimes I distil the alcoholic tincture to a certain quantity without the addition of the water, and then evaporate the remain- der until the residue is of the required consistence for a pilling extract, or powder as with Sang. canad., Aletris farinosa, Peonia officinalis, Euphorbia ipecacuanha, Apocynum canabinum, &c. “With other articles I make the alcoholic extract, as above, then boil the roots or herbs in water till all the virtues are obtained, METHOD OF PREPARING EXTRACTS AND SIRUPS. 47 reduce itto an xtract, and then combine the alcoholic and aque- ous extracts together, as with Rumux crispus, Solonum dulcamara, Leptandria virginica, Baptisia tinctoria, Inula helenium, Arctium lappa, Aristolochia serpentaria, Berberis vulgaris, Cornus sericea, Vi- burnum oxycoccus, Cyprepedium pubescens, Juniperus sabina, Xan- thoxylon fraxineum, Phytollacca decandria, &c. “ With some articles I make an alkaline extract, but with only those which contain resin and have a drastic effect, which is made by adding from time to time, during the evaporation of the alco- holic tincture, and at every time when the resin begins to separate from the liquid, small portions of pearlash, (carbonate potash, ) and continue adding it in like manner until the extract is finished; this renders the article less drastic, and completely prevents it from producing any nauseous or irritating sensation, as with the fis versicolor, Podophyllum peltatum, &c. There are other articles, again, where I obtain the ethereal oil or extract, and which is made by saturating sulphuric ether with the article, filtering, and then allowing it to evaporate spontaneously, as with Capsicum an- num, Secale cornutum, Cochlearia armorica, Crocus sativa, Ictodes - fetida, Lycopus virginicus, Lobelia inflata, Scutellaria lateriflora, &c. “ By preparing medicines as above, there is no change of the virtues of the constituent principles requisite, chemically consid- ered, as is the case with sulphate of quinine, and some other articles, in which there is often entire decomposition, or at least, new combinations; the doses are also small in quantity, and the effect much greater upon the human system, than when combined with inert, woody and other substances. “In preparing medicinal sirups, the following will be found one of the best modes: have a vessel which will hold from 40 to 50 pounds of plants, to which add two gallons of water, and if the article contains resin, add in addition one and a half pounds of sal- eratus, which must be dissolved in water before it is added; by a gentle heat gradually distil off this water, returning it, .as 1t 48 METHOD OF PREPARING EXTRACTS AND SIRUPS. passes, into the vessel by means of a tube adapted for that purpose. Continue the distillation in this manner, until the herbs or roots are allas soft as mush; then remove them from the fire, and by means of a screw press, press out all the fluid, until the articles are left dry in the press, remembering to add to it the two gallons of water which had been used to soften. Place this expressed liquor in a barrel by itself, and well closed. In hike manner, obtain the expressed liquid of each article separately. To prepare a sirup: pour into a barrel churn the necessary quantity of each in- gredient, together with sufficient molasses or sirup to sweeten; churn the articles together, for half an hour, then bottle and cork tight. The dose of any purifying sirup thus made, is one teaspoon full, three or four times a day, and it will keep well in any cli- mate. “Tf, however, itis inconvenient for a physician thus to pre- pare his sirups, he can make a very pleasant cordial, as follows: take one pound of any mixture required, and ina coarse, bruised state ; place it in a vessel, and add to it three pints and a half of alcohol, place it over a fire till it boils, then cover tightly and re- move from the fire. When cold, pour off the alcohol into a sepa- rate vessel, and add more alcohol, merely sufficient to cover the articles ; let this stand three days, and pour it into the same vessel with the other. To the mixture of roots, add six pints of boiling water, and when cold add the alcoholic tincture and six pounds of loaf sugar. Let it stand for one week, frequently shaking it, and it will be fit for use. Dose; from a tablespoon half full, to a wine- glass half full, three times a day.” As this subject is of essential importance to the best interests of the physician, I have not deemed the above suggestions super- fluous or uncalled for, and trust that every practitioner and well- wisher to the science of medicine wil] investigate this subject still further. 27 ®. : Creptow t Vig hee UHEZ y : NAT. ORDER. Vitacee. VITIS VINIFERA. COMMON GRAPE VINE. Class V. Prentranpria. Order I. Monoaynta. Gen. Char. Petals cohering at the apex, withering. Berry five- seeded, superior. Spe. Char. Leaves broad-cordate, angularly sub-three-lobed, cin- ereous-tomentose beneath. Racemes small. Berries large. The vine sends off numerous long, slender, climbing branches, and is covered with rough, dark-brown bark; the /eaves are roundish, deeply serrated, commonly divided into three lobes, and stand alternately upon long footstalks; the flowers are small, and produced in spikes ; the calyx is divided into five small narrow seg- ments ; the petals are fine, small, oblong, whitish, withered, adherent at their apicies, and soon fall off; the five fidaments are tapering, and furnished with simple anthers; the germen is egg-shaped, without any style, but supplied with a cylindrical stigma; the fruit is a large round berry, of one cell, and contains five hard seeds, of an irregularform. The flowers appear in June and July. The vine is a native of most of the temperate parts of the four quarters of the globe, and is successfully cultivated between the thirtieth and fifty-first degree of latitude. Through the eflects of culture, and a difference of soil and climate, numerous varieties of grapes are produced, differing widely in shape, color, and taste, and affording wines which are known to be extremely various. Vine leaves, called pampini, and the tendrils, or capreoli, have an astrin- gent taste, and were formerly used in diarrhceas, hemorrhages, and other disorders, requiring refrigera~ t and styptic medicines. ‘The Vol. iii—49 50 NAT. ORDER.—VITACE. juice or sap of the vine, named ¢achryma, has been recommended in calculous disorders, and is said to be an excellent application to weak eyes, and specks of the cornea. The unripe fruit has a harsh, rough, sour taste: its expressed juice, called verjuice, was much esteemed by the ancients, but is now superseded by the juice of lemons; for external use, however, particulary in bruises and sprains, verjuice is still employed and considered to be a very useful application. The dried fruit constitutes an article of the Materia Medica, under the name of uva passa, of which two kinds were formerly mentioned in our pharmacopeelas ; viz., wwe passé, majores and mi- nores, or raisins and currants ; the latter is a variety of the former, or the fruit of the vitis corinthiaca seu apyrena. 'The manner of preparing them is by immersing them in a solution of alkaline salt, and soap lye, made boiling hot, to which is added some olive oil and a small quantity of common salt, and afterwards drying them mthe shade. These fruits are used asagreeable lubricating aces- cent sweets, in pectoral decoctions, and for obtunding the acrimony of other medicines, and rendering them grateful to the palate and stomach. They are directed in the Decoctam hordei compositum, Tinctura senne, and Tinctura cardamomi composita. Wine, or the fermented juice of the grape, of which there is a great variety, has by medical writers been principally confined to four sorts, as sufficient for officinal use. These are the Vinum al- bum hispanicum, mountain ; Vinum canarium, canary or sack; Vi- num rhenanum, rhenish; and Vinum rubrum, red port. Medical properties and uses. New wines, when taken into the stomach, are liable to a strong degree of acescency, and thereby occasion much flatulency, and eructation of acid matter; heart- burn and violent pains of the stomach from spasms are also often produced ; and the acid matter, by passing into the intestines and mixing with the bile, is apt to occasion colics or excite diarrhceas.. Sweet wines are most likely to become acesent in the stomach. NAT. ORDER.—VITACE. 5] The quantity of alcohol which . they contain, is much more than appears sensibly to the taste; their acescency is thereby ina great measure counteracted. Red port, and most of the red wines, have an astringent quality, by which they strengthen the stomach, and prove useful in restraining immoderate evacuations ; on the contrary, those which are of an acid nature, as rhenish, pass freely off by the kidneys, and prove gently cathartic. But this, and perhaps all the thin or weak wines, though of an agree- able flavor, yet, as containing little alcohol, are readily disposed to become acetous in the stomach, and thereby to aggravate all an- thritic and calculous complaints, as well as to produce the effects of new wine. The general effects of wine, are, to stimulate the stomach, exhilarate the spirits, warm the habit, quicken the circulation, promote perspiration, and, in large quantities, to prove intoxica- ting, and powerfully sedative. In a great variety of diseases, wine is universally admitted to be of important service, and especially in fevers of the typhus kind, or of a putrid tendency, in which it is found to raise the pulse, support the strength, promote a diaphoresis, and to resist putrefaction ; and in many cases, it proves of more immediate ad- vantage than the Peruvian bark. Delirium, which is the conse- quence of excessive irritability, and a defective state of nervous energy, 1s often entirely removed by the free use of wine. It is also a well founded observation, that those who indulge in the use of wine, are less subject to fevers, both of the malignant and inter- mittent kind. In the putrid sore throat, in the small pox, when attended with great debility, and symptoms of. putrescency, in gangrenes, and in raging epidemics, wine is to be considered a principal remedy; and in almost all cases of languors, and of great prostration of strength, wine is experienced to be a more grateful and efficacious cordial, than can be found among the whole class of aromatics. 42 NAT. ORDER.—VITACE. The tartar, which is thrown off from wines, to the sides and the bottom of the cask, is also an officinal article, and consists of the vegetable alkali, supersaturated with acid. When taken from the cask, it is found mixed with an earthy, oily and coloring mat- ter: that obtained from red wine, is of a deep brown color, and commonly called red, and when it is of a paler color, white tar- tar. It is purified by dissolving it in boiling water, and separating the earthy part, by filtering the boiling solution. On cooling the solution, it deposites irregular crystals, containing the coloring matter, which is separated by boiling the mass with white clay. The tartar, thus purified, is called cream of tartar. If this be ex- posed to a red heat, its acid flies off, and what remains is the vege- table alkali, or salt of tartar. Crystals of tartar are in common use as a laxative and mild cathartic ; they are also esteemed for their cooling and diuretic qualities, and therefore have been much employed in dropsical and other cases, requiring an antiphlogistic treatment. Dr. Cullen says that “in large doses, they act like a purgative, in exciting the action of the absorbents in every part of the system, and that more pow- erfully, than happens from the operation of any entirely neutral salt ;” and on this is founded their utility in the cure of dropsy. It must be remarked, however, that they do not readily pass off by the kidneys, unless taken with a large quantity of water; and there- fore when intended as a diuretic, they ought to be given in a liquid form, as Dr. Home has directed. The dose is to be regulated ac- cording to circumstances, froma drachm to two ounces. These salts enter several officinal compositions. Another article which is worthy of notice here, is vinegar, which has been esteemed of great use in almost all inflammatory and putrid disorders, whether internal or external. It is very effi- cacious in counteracting the effects of vegetable poisons, espe- cially those of the narcotic kind. Vinegar is also much employed as a menstruum, or for extracting the virtues of other medicines. Boise vy Wades ; as) ees atari NAT. ORDER. Lobeliacee. LOBELIA SURINAMENSIS. SHRUBBY LOBELIA Class XTX. Syncenesta. Order I. Potyeamia AX Quatis. Gen. Char. Calyx, five-parted. Corolla, one-petaled, irregular Capsules, inferior, two to five, three-lobed, two-valved at the apex. Spe. Char. Stem, fruitful. Leaves, oblong, glabrous, serrated. Flowers, pedunculated. The whole plant is smooth, and of a beautiful shining green color. The stem is slender, erect, and branched, and, in good soil, obtains the height of several feet; the deaves are linear, and re- motely denticulate ; radical ones, spathulate ; raceme, few-flowered, and leafy; peduncles, longer than the fruit, with two minute bracts near the flower; the capsule is attenuate at the base ; the blossoms are very large, of a pale red color; and its anthers, which are sometimes mistaken for the sé7gma, are usually hairy. Itis a native of the West Indies. The Lobelia surinamensis is a plant which was formerly des- cribed by the younger Linneeus, under the name Leevigata, appa- rently from the smoothness of its flowers. In the year 1786, Mr. Alexander Anderson, a botanist of some reputation in the West Indies, procured this plant, and sent it to the Royal Garden at Kew, where it was extensively cultivated for medical purposes; but isnow found growing spontaneously, in the woods and dry marshes, not only here, but also at Surinam, and the country ad- joining. Mr. Aiton has assigned to it a new specific description, and a new trivial name, for the correctness of which, we are at Vol ii—53 b4 NAT. ORDER.—LOBELIACE. present unable to determine, as the plant is but very little known, and probably has never been introduced for culture into this country. The drawing accompanying this description was taken from a plant which flowered in the hot house of Messrs. Grimwood & Co., Kensington, who spared no pains or expense in procuring all the rare and curious exotic plants for culture, and more particu- larly, to promote the cause of botany. It begins to flower in January and February, and continues to blossom during most of the summer months, and is easily increased by cuttings. Medical Properties and Uses—The medicinal properties of this plant, but more particularly the root, are considered invaluable by the Indians of this country. They administer it with astomish- ing success in the treatment of cancers, ulcers, tumors, and sy phil- itic affections, of the most virulent kind. Five or six of the plants, including the roots, are boiled in water, and the patient drinks as much as he can of this decoction, in the morning, and during the day. It soon purges, and the strength of the decoction is increased or lessened, as the patient can bear the evacuation. If any part is sore, it is to be washed with this decoction, by which process, in the course of two or three weeks, a perfect cure is effected. Every part of this plant abounds with a milky juice, and has a very disagreeable, rank smell. The root, whichis the part preferred in medicine, in taste, resembles tobacco, and sometimes excites vomiting.