Skip to main content

Full text of "American medicinal plants; an illustrated and descriptive guide to the American plants used as homopathic remedies: their history, preparation, chemistry and physiological effects"

See other formats 


(UllF  S.  '£.  Bill  Sitbrarg 


Norttj  (Earalina  &talf  Imopraitg 

Special 
Collections 
QK99 
1450 


THIS  BOOK  MUST  NOT  BE  TAKEN 
FROM  THE  LIBRARY  BUILDING. 


20M   5-79 


AMERICAN 


MEDICINAL     PLANTS; 


Illustrated  and  Descriptive  Guide 


m  iEPiicAi  mm  iseb  is  mwmie  reiipiies 


Thkik   History,   PRErAKAxioN,  Chemistrn,  anu 
Physiological  Effects. 


liV 

CHARLES  F.  MILLSPAUGH,   M.D. 


ILLUSTRATED     BY     THE     AUTHOR 


BOERICKE   &   TAFEL. 

NEW   YORK:  I'llILADELl'HIA: 

145  GRAND  STREET.  1011  ARCH  STREET. 


Copyright,   1887,  by  Boericke  &  Tafel. 


CAXTON    PRESS    OF    SHIiKMA 
PHlLAnEI.PHIA. 


TO 

John  Hill  Millspauch.  Artist, 


Mv   Kkluvi-.h   Kaihkk, 


To  Whom  I  am   Inhkhikh  i  i_ik   WnAitxEK  1   may   Possess 

OF    AkT    ]N     1)KA\VIN<;    ami    Cnl.ORlNli. 


THL  PLATHS 


Are  CiRATEi  ullv   Dedicated. 


TO 

Timothy  F.  Allhn,  A.M.,  M.D. 

Mv   Honored   Prdkessok  and   Preceptor, 

THE   TEXT    OI-    THIS    WORK 

Is     KESI'ECTFn.I.Y     iNSl  RlliED. 


68S60 


PROSPECTUS. 


TiiK  American  plants  now  proven  and  incorporated  in  tlie  Homn;opatIiic 
Materia  Medica,  have  become  not  only  numerous,  but  of  great  promise  as 
therapeutic  agents  ;  and  the  fact  that  the  greater  part  of  them  are  not  officinal 
in  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia,  has  led  the  author  to  place  them  before  his 
profession,  in  such  a  manner  that  their  distinguishing  characteristics  may  become 
known  to  all  who  wish  to  thoroughly  understand  the  agents  they  use  in  the  cure  of 
diseased  conditions. 

Most  of  these  plants  grow  within  the  daily  ride  of  country  practitioners 
and  should  be  well  known  to  them,  in  order  that  they  may  make  fresh  tinctures 
for  their  own  use,  when  necessary  to  avoid  delay. 

The  author  has  in  every  case  drawn  and  colored  the  plants  represented  in 
this  work,  by  his  iKl'ii  Jiand,  from  the  specimens  as  tliey  stood  in  the  soil ;  making 
mathematically  accurate  drawings,  and  avoiding  the  misrepresentations  of  wilted 
individuals,  or  too  highly  colored   fancy  pictures. 

The  work  contains  one  hundred  and  eighty  colored  illustrations,  and  com- 
plete te.xt,  of  all  the  proven  plants  indigenous  and  naturalized  in  the  United  States; 
arranged  qcnericaliy  according  to  the  numerical  order  of  the  plates. 

A  glossary  of  botanical  terms,  and  complete  index,  together  with  a  carefully 
arranged  bibliography,  are  given  in  the  appendix. 


PREPACK 


In  preparing  for  the  use  of  students  of  our  materia  inedica,  this  s)steniatic 
account  of  American  proven  plants,  I  liave  inckided  only  such  as  may  he  found  in 
that  district  of  North  America  in  which  most  of  the  Homceopathic  physicians  reside. 

That  many  of  the  plants  here  described  are  not  purely  American  is  evident, 
yet  all  of  them  are  true  representatives  of  the  tinctures  used  in  the  provings  noted: 
such  plants  as  the  Chinese  Ailantus :  the  Asiatic  .Esculus  Hippocastanutn  :  the 
European  Euphorbia  Lathyris  and  many  others,  have  received  much  of  their  value 
from  provings  of  individuals  growing  here.  Of  the  plants  represented,  i  28  are 
truly  indigenous;  23  are  fully  naturalized;  22  are  escapes  from  gardens  ;  6  are 
cultivated  ;  and  one  only  is  too  rare  to  be  of  much  value  to  the  pharmacist.  As 
regards  their  location,  i  i  7  are  generally  common  throughout  the  northern  portion 
of  the  L'nited  States:  27  abound  in  the  Eastern  and  Adantic  .States  only;  14  in 
the  Northern  States  only  ;  6  in  the  Southern  States  ;  S  in  the  central  belt ;  i  only 
to  be  found  west  ot   the  Mississippi  ;  and  7  are  local. 

The  work  has  occupied  over  five  years  in  its  publication,  and  the  order  in 
which  the  plates  are  numbered  gives  no  idea  of  time  when  the  plant  itself  was 
gathered  and  its  text  written.  This  was  determined  by  my  ability  to  locate  the  plant. 
It  will  be  necessary  to  remember  this,  as  many  plants  have  been  proven,  and  much 
more  discovered  concerning  those  represented  since  the  work  began,  and  the  indi- 
viduals were  described.  Each  plant  and  its  accompanying  text  should  be  looked 
upon  as  an  article  by  itself,  written  in  the  light  of  the  time;  the  author  has,  how- 
ever, as  fully  as  was  in  his  power,  searched  all  important  references  at  his  com- 
mand, and  hopes  that  he  has  left  out  nothing  that  wnukl  increase  the  value  of  the 
work  in  the  light  in  which  it  is  written. 

The  following  explanation  of  the  arrangement  and  objects  of  tlie  work  is 
deemed  necessary  to  its  completeness:  First,  the  natural  order  under  which  the 
genus  falls  is  given  in  prominent  type,  and,  should  the  order  be  a  large  one,  the 
tribe  then  follows  to  give  a  better  idea  of  its  place  ;  then  the  genus  is  mentioned 
in  black-face  type,  together  with  the  name  of  the  scientist  who  formed  it;  to  the 
genus,  wherever  possible,  is  appended  a  foot-note,  showing  the  derivation  of  the 
name  ;  and,  lastly,  in  this  department,  is  given  the  old,  or  sexual,  arrangement 
according  to  Linnaius. 

All  of  this  is  considered  essential,  as  it  is  conceded  that  plants  of  like  botanical, 
and  therefore  chemical,  nature,  have  a  similar  action,  giving  a  class  of  what  we 
may  term  generic  symptoms,  though  each  has  its  special  {specific)  symptoms  that 
characterize  it.  It  is  for  this  reason  that  the  plants  here  treated  of  are  arranged 
as  above;  for,  if  alphabetically  arranged,  the  work  would  have  lost  at  least  one- 
half  its  value. 


yjji  PREFACE. 

The  most  prominent  type  gives  in  display  the  name  of  the  remedy,  i.  e.,  the 
name  under  which  the  plant  was  proven,  and  which  characterizes  it  to  us  as 
Homceopathists  ;   this  is  followed  by  the  most  generally  accepted  vulgarism. 

The  synonymy  which  follows  has  become  necessary,  as  most  species,  unfor- 
tunately, have  received  more  than  one  name,  resulting  mostly  from  two  causes : 
first,  that  of  different  views  held  concerning  the  limits  of  the  genera  and  species  ; 
and,  second,  from  an  unavoidable  ignorance  in  the  discoverer,  in  a  given  locality, 
of  the  previous  discovery  of  the  plant  in  another.  The  descriptive  binominal  sys- 
tem, invented  by  Linnaeus  in  1753,  is  the  earliest  date  any  such  names  can  have, 
though  many  plants  l>ad  been  quite  fully  described  before  that  time.  It  becomes, 
therefore,  quite  a  necessity  in  all  botanical  works  that  full  mention  of  aliases 
should  be  made,  to  render  reference  to  earlier  writers  satisfactory. 

I  have  made  as  full  a  department  as  was  possible,  in  the  limit  of  time  allowed 
in  writing  the  articles,  of  the  common  names,  considering  them  very  essential  in  a 
work  of  this  kind,  for  many  physicians,  in  their  country  practice,  will  meet  hundreds 
of  patients  who  will  tell  them  of  some  plant  they  have  been  using  in  the  case 
before  his  arrival,  and  it  is  sometimes  necessary  that  he  should  know  what  species 
has  been  made  use  of. 

In  describing  the  plants,  I  have  condensed  even  at  a  great  sacrifice  of 
grammatical  construction,  using  botanical  terms  freely,  but  not  unreservedly;  where 
several  species  of  a  genus  occur  in  sequence,  the  genus  is  separately  described  to 
avoid  repetition,  and  under  the  first  genus  of  any  order  the  natural  order  itself  is 
described  in  brief.  Under  the  description  of  each  order  I  have  taken  pains  to 
mention  all  the  proven  plants  belonging  to  it,  and  then  mentioning  the  prevailing 
qualities  of  all  the  important  medicinal  plants  outside  of  our  provings,  that  the 
student  may  become  acquainted  with  the  qualities  prevailing  in  the  class  of  drugs 
under  which  the  species  considered  falls.  Slight  mention  is  then  made  of  edible 
and  economic  species  by  way  of  a  further  understanding  of  the  class. 

In  the  next  rubric,  the  first  paragraph  is  given  to  the  origin  of  the  plant, 
its  geographical  distribution  here,  its  favorite  locations  and  time  of  flowering ; 
this  is  followed  by  a  concise  history  of  the  species,  especially  that  much  as  may 
be  of  interest  in  the  light  of  our  use  of  it;  this  is  completed  by  a  mention  of 
the  various  preparations  in  use  in  general   Pharmacopoeias. 

In  the  preparation  of  the  tinctures,  I  have  innovated  but  little,  and  that  only 
where  considered  absolutely  essential,  holding  to  the  text  of  the  American 
Homoeopathic  Pharmacopoeia  in  nearly  all  cases.  The  description  of  the  physical 
properties  is,  however,  original,  and  I  hope  will  prove  of  value,  as,  I  am  sorry  to 
say,  the  preparations  of  all  our  pharmacies  do  not  agree  in  strength ;  any  tinc- 
ture varying  markedly  from  the  appearances  here  given  should  be  looked  upon 
with  suspicion. 

In  compiling  the  rubric  relating  to  the  chemical  nature  of  the  plants,  great 
pains  have  been  taken  to  arrive  at  the  solubility  and  frequency,  as  well  as  the 
nature  and  stability  of  the  principles  ;  of  course,  to  one  man  very  litde  time 
can   be  spared  for  work   in  organic    analyses  of  any  stated    number  of  species. 


P  R  E  F  A  C  K.  ix 

but  little,  therefore,  that  is  original  investigation  will  be  found  here  ;  much  com- 
parative and  differentiating  study  has,  however,  been  spent  upon  this  sui)ject, 
and  all  brought  up  to  the  date  of  the  article.  There  is  something,  nevertheless, 
very  much  against  conclusiveness  regarding  organic  analyses,  as  it  would  seem 
that  the  more  a  given  species  is  analyzed  the  greater  is  the  number  of  con- 
stituents found,  savoring  much  of  artificial  re-arrangement  of  atoms. 

Under  the  head  of  physiological  action,  only  cases  of  actual  toxic  effects  are,  as 
a  rule,  noted,  as  the  work  should  in  no  wise  be  looked  upon  as  a  symptoma- 
tology, its  scope  being  pharmacological  only.  Observations  upon  the  sphere  of 
action  and  organs  involved,  are  studiously  omitted,  except  under  such  drugs  as 
have  caused  death  and  yielded  opportunities  for  post-mortem  examinations. 

The  original  intention  in  regard  to  drawing  the  plates  from  the  plants  as 
they  stood  in  the  soil,  has,  in  the  majority  of  cases,  been  rigidly  adhered  to  ; 
but  so  little  spare  time  is  allotted  to  the  general  practitioner,  that  many  long 
trips  into  other  States  than  his  own  cannot  be  taken,  and  thus  the  aid  of  expe- 
rienced botanists  was  called  in.  All  the  plates,  however,  have  been  executed 
from  fresh,  living  individuals,  gathered  with  especial  reference  to  typical  features, 
propitious  soils,  and  natural  locations.  The  drawings  are  all  made  to  a 
mechanical  scale,  and,  unless  otherwise  stated,  are  natural  size  ;  the  coloring  I 
have  bent  every  endeavor  to  have  natural,  without  regard  to  artistic  beauty 
or  pleasing  fancy  ;  some  may  be  criticised  as  being  too  brilliant,  others  not  brilliant 
enough.  Suffice  it  to  say,  however,  that  natural  color  and  texture  cannot  be  exactly 
reproduced,  nor  is  lithography  a  perfect  art. 

In  conclusion,  I  offer  my  thanks  to  many  who  have  kindly  contributed  to 
whatever  success  this  work  may  attain.  To  the  many  authors  from  whose  books, 
pamphlets,  and  articles  I  have  drawn,  I  must  generalize  my  obligation,  hoping 
that  personal  references  in  the  text  will  in  all  cases  be  found  satisfactory.  To 
Professor  Asa  Gray,  who,  in  disinterested  kindness,  allowed  me  the  unreserved 
use  of  his  many  most  valuable  works  on  our  American  Flora,  my  special  con- 
sideration is  due.  To  the  following  botanists  who  willingly  lent  their  aid  in 
procuring  many  species  not  growing  near  my  locations,  I  can  but  generally 
acknowledge  :  Mr.  J.  H.  Sears,  Salem,  Mass. ;  Dr.  T.  F.  Lucy,  Elmira,  N.  Y. : 
Mr.  F.  V.  Coville,  Ithaca,  N.  Y. ;  Mr.  C.  H.  Gross,  Landisville,  N.  J. :  Mr.  J.  A. 
Shafer,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. ;  Miss  Mary  C.  Cuthbert,  Augusta,  Ga. ;  Messrs.  J.  U.  and 
C.  G.  Lloyd,  Cincinnati,  O. ;  Mr.  James  Galen,  Rawlinsville,  Pa. ;  Miss  M.  C. 
Reynolds,  St.  Augustine,  Fla. ;  Dr.  Thos.  M.  Wood,  Wilmington,  N.  C.  :  Rev.  E. 
\.  Campbell,  St.  Cloud,  Minn.  ;  and  Mr.  A.  B.  Seymour,  Champaign,  111. 

C.  F.  Mii.i,spau(;h. 

XLirch  I.  1SS7. 


REMEDIES. 


Abies  Canadensis,  164 

nigra,  163 
Absinthium,  88 
Actaea  alba,  10 

racemosa,  1 1 
^sculus  glabra,  44 

Hippocastanum,  43 
^thusa  Cynapiiim,  65 
Agrostemma  Githago,  31 
Ailantus,  35 
Aletris,  172 

Ambrosia  artemisiaefolia,  82 
Ampelopsis,  40 
Anagallis,  108 
Angelica  atropurpurea,  64 
Anthemis  nobilis,  84 
Apocynum  androsEemifolium,  132 

cannabinum,  133 
Aralia  (piiniiiiefolia,  70 

racemosa,  69 
Argemone,  20 
Artemisia  vulgaris,  87 
Arum  dracontium,  168 

triphyllum,  167 
Asclepias  cornuli,  134 
tuberosa,  135 
'  Asimina  triloba,  13 
Baptisia,  52 
Benzoin,  145 
Berberinum,  92 
Berberis,  15 
Bursa-Pastoris,  25 
Caltha,  7 
*  Cannabis  sativa,  154. 
Carya  alba,  157 
Castanea  vcsca,  158 
Catalpa,  109 
Caulophyllum,  16 
Celt  is,  152 
Ccphalanthus,  76 
Clielidonium,  21 
Clielone  glabra,  113 
Chenopodium  anthelniinticum, 

140 
Chimaphila,  104 


Chionantbiis,  136 

Cichorium,  93 

Cicuta  maculata,  67 
*Cimicifuga,  1 1 

Cistus,  28 

Collinsonia,  1 19 

Conium,  68 

Convolvulus,  1  23 

Cornus  circinata,  72 
florida,  71 
sericea,  73 

Cypripedium  pubescens,  1 70 

Dioscorea,  174 

Dirca  palustris,  146 

Drosera,  29 

Dulcamara,  124 

EpigEea,  loi 

Epilobium,  59 

Equisetum,  179 

Erechthites,  90 

Erigeron,  80 
'Eryngium,  62 

Euonymus  atropurpureus,  42 

Eupatorium  perfoliatum,  79 
purpureum,  78 

Euphorbia  corollata,  148 

hypericifolia,  147 
Ipecacuanha,  149 
Lathyris,  150 

Euphrasia,  1 15 

Fagopyrum,  142 

Fragaria,  55 

Fraxinus,  137 

Gaultheria,  102 

Gelsemium,  130 

Genista,  46 

Geranium  maculatum,  32 

Geum  rivale,  54 

Ginseng,  70 

Gnaphalium,  89 

Gymnocladus,  53 

Hamamelis,  58 

Hedeoma,  1 1 8 

Helianthemum  Canadense,  28 
*Helianthus,  83 


Helleborus  viridis,  8 

Helonia-s,  177 

Hepatica,  2 
'  Hydrastis,  9 
I     Hydrophylluni,  122 

Hyoscyamus,  126 

Hypericum,  30 
I     Inula,  81 
I     Iris  versicolor,  173 

Jacea,  27 

Juglans  cinerea,  15C 

Juniperus  Virginiana,  166 

Kalmia,  103 

Lachnanthes,  171 

Lactuca,  96 

Lamium,  121 

Lapatluim,  144 

Lappa,  92 

Leptandra,  114 

Lilium  superbum,  i  78 

Linaria,  in 

Lobelia  cardinalis,  97 
inflata,  99 
syphilitica,^  98 

Lupulus,  155 

Lycopodium,  180 

Lycopus,  1 1 7 

Magnolia  glauca,  i  2 

Melilotus,  49 

Menispermum,  14 

Mentha  jjiperita,  1 16' 

Menyanthes,  129 

Millefolium,  85 
'  Mitchella,  77 
■  Monotropa,  105 

Myrica,  160 

Nabalus,  94 

Nymphiea,  18 
CEnothera,  60 
*  Opuntia,  61 
Ostrya,  159 
Pastinaca,  63 
Penthorum,  57 
Piiaseolus,  51 
Phytolacca,  139 


REMEDIES. 


Plantago,  107 
Podophyllum,  i  7 
Polygonum,  141 
Populus,  162 
Pothos,  169 
Prinos,  106 
Ptelea,  34 

Pulsatilla  Nuttalliana,  1 
Pyrus,  56 
Ranunculus  acris,  6 

bulbosus,  5 
repens,  4 
sceleratus,  3 
Raphanus,  26 
Rhamnus  catharticus,  41 
Rhus  aromatica,  39 

glabra,  36 

radicans,  38 

Toxicodendron,  38 


Rhus  venenata,  37 
Robinia,  50 
Rnmex,  143 
Salix  purpurea,  161 
Sambucus  Canadensis,  75 
Sanguinaria,  22 
Sarracenia,  19 
Scrophularia,  112 
Scutellaria,  120 
Senecio,  91 
Senega,  45 
Serpentaria,  138 
Sinapis  alba,  23 

nigra,  24 
Solanum  nigrum,  125 
Spigelia  Marilandica,  131 
Stillingia,  151 
Stramonium,  129 
Symplocarpus,  i6g 


Tabacuni,  128 
Tanacetum,  86 
Taraxacum,  95 
Thaspium  aureum,  66 
Thlaspi  Bursa- Pastoris,  25 
Thuja,  165 
Trifolium,  47 

repens,  48 
Trillium,  175 

pendulum,  i  75 
Triosteum,  74 
Urtica  Urens,  153 
Uva-ursi,  100 
Veratrum  viride,  176 
Verbascum,  no 
Viola  tricolor,  27 
Xanthoxylum,  ^^ 
Zizia,  66 


NATURAL  ARRANGEMENT 
OF  THE  PLANTS  INCLUDED  IN  THIS  WORK. 

DiCOTVLKDOXOUS    Ph/KNOGAMS. 


RANUNCULACE/E. 

Anemoiiea. 

Anemone  patens,    var   Nuttal- 

liana,  i 
Anemone  triloba,  2 
Ranuitculcie. 

Ranunculus  sceleratus,  3 
repens,  4 
bulbosus,  5 
acris,  6 
Helleborineip. 

Caltha  palustris,  7 
Helleborus  viridis,  8 
Cimicifiigea\ 

Hydrastis  Canadensis,  9 
Actjea  alba,  10 
Cimicifuga  racemosa,  11 

MAGNOLIACEiE. 

Magnolia  glauca,  12 

ANONACEiE. 

Asimina  triloba,  13 

MENISPERMACE^. 

Menispcrmum  Canadense,  14 

BERBERIDACE^. 

Berberis  vulgaris,  15 
Caulophyllum  thalictroides,  16 
Podophyllinii  peltatum,  17 

NYMPHACE^. 

Nymphxa  odorata,  18 

SARRACENIACEiE. 

Sarracenia  purpurea,  19 


PAPAVERACEiE. 

Argemone  Mexicana,  20 
Clielidonium  majus,  21 
Sanguinaria  Canadensis,  22 

CRUCIFER^. 

Brassiccce. 

Brassica  alba,  23 
nigra,  24 
Lepidinea. 

Capsella  Bursa-pastoris,  25 
Raphanece. 
I         Raphanus  Raphanistrum,  26 

I  VIOLACE^. 

Viola  tricolor,  27 

CISTACE^. 

Helianthemum  Canadense,  28 

DROSERACEyE. 

Drosera  rot undi  folia,  29 

HYPERICACEiE. 

Hypericum  jjerforatum,  30 

CARYOPHYLLACE^. 

Lychnis  (iithago,  31 

GERANIACEiE. 

Geranium  maculaium,  32 

RUTACEiE. 

Xanthoxylum  Americanum,  2,7, 
I'tclea  trifoliata,  34 


SIMARUBACE^E. 

Ailantus  glandulosus,  35 

ANACARDIACE.E. 

Rhus  glabra,  36 
venenata,  37 
Toxicodendron,  3S 
aromatica,  39 

VITACE2E. 

Ampelopsis  quinquefolia,  40 

RHAMNACE^. 

Rhamnus  catharticus,  41 

CELASTRACE^. 

Euonymus  atropurpureus,  42 

SAPINDACEyE. 

.^isculus  Hippocastanum,  43 
glabra,  44 

POLYGALACEiE. 

Polygala  Senega,  45 

LEGUMINOS^. 

GcnistciT. 

Genista  tinctoria,  46 
Trifoliea. 
Tri folium  pratense,  47 

repens,  48 
Melilotus  officinalis,  49 
alba,  49 
Galegeit. 
Robinia  I'seudacacia,  50 


NATURAL  ARRANGEMENT  OF  THE  PLANTS. 


Phaseolea. 

Phaseolus  vulgaris,  5  i 
Sophorea. 

Baptisia  tinctoria,  52 
CiTsalpinciT. 

Gymnocladus  Canadensis,  53 

ROSACE.<E. 

Dryadea. 

Geum  rivale,  54 

Fragaria  vesca,  55 
Pomea. 

Pirus  Amerfcana,  56 

CRASSULACE^. 

Penthorum  sedoides,  57 

HAMAMELACEiE. 

Hamamelis  Virginica,  58 

ONAGRACEyE. 

Epilobium  palustre,  var.  lineare, 

59 

(Enothera  biennis,  60 

CACTACE^ 

Opuntia  vulgaris,  61 

UMBELLIFERiE. 

Eryngium  yuccfefolium,  62 
Pastinaca  sativa,  63 
Archangelica  atropurpurea,  64 
j^thnsa  cynapium,  65 
Tliaspium  aureum,  66 
Cicuta  maculata,  67 
Conium  maculatum,  68 

ARALIACE-ffi. 

Aralia  racemosa,  69 

quinquefolia,  70 

CORNACE^. 

Cornus  florida,  71 

circinata,  72 
sericea,  73 

CAPRIFOLIACEyE. 

Lonicerecc. 

Triosteum  perfuliatum,  74 
Sambiicea. 

Sainbucus  Canadensis,  75 


RUBIACEyE. 

Cinclionccv. 

Cephalanthus  occidentalis,  76 
Mitchella  repens,  77 

COMPOSITvE. 

TUnULIFLOR-E. 

Eupatoriacece. 

Eupatoriurn  purpureum,  78 
perfoliatuni,  79 
Astcroidece. 

Erigeron  Canadense,  80 

Inula  Helenium,  81 
Senecionidece. 

Ambrosia  artemisiajfolia,  S2 

Helianthus  annuus,  83 

Anthemis  nobilis,  84 

Achillea  Millefolium,  85 

Tanacetum  vulgare,  86 

Artemisia  vulgaris,  87 

absinthium,  88 

Gnaphalium  polycephalum,  Sg 

Erechthites  hieracifolia,  go 

Senecio  aureus,  91 
Cyna?'Ci:e. 

Lappa  officinalis,  92 

LIGULIFLOR.T,. 

Cichorium  Intrbus,  93 
Prenanthes  serpentaria,  94 
Taraxacum  Dens-leonis,  95 
Lactuca  Canadensis,  96 

LOBELIACEiE. 

Lobelia  cardinalis,  97 
syphilitica,  98 
inflata,  99 

ERICACE^. 

Ericinae. 

Arctostaphylos  Uva  ursi,  100 

Epigsea  repens,  loi 

Gaultheria  procumbens,  102 

Kalmia  latifolia,  103 
Pyrokie. 

Chimaphila  umbcllata,  104 
Monotropecc. 

Monotropa  uniflora,  105 

AQUIFOLIACE^ffi. 

Ilex  verticillata,  106 


PLANTAGINACE-ffi. 

Plantago  major,  107 

PRIMULACEiE. 

Anagallis  arvensis,  108 

BIGNONIACE^. 

Catalpa  bignonioides,  109 

SCROPHULARIACE^. 

Verba  scecc. 

Verbascuin  Thapsus,  no 
Aniirrhineic. 

Linaria  vulgaris,  1 1 1 
Cheionea. 

Scrophularia  nodosa,  112 

Chelone  glabra,  113 
Veroniccce. 

Veronica  Virginica,  114 
.  Eiiphrasieir. 

Eu])hrasia  officinalis,  115 

LABIATE. 

Sataiii'ic. 

Mentha  piperita,  116 
Lycopus  Virginicus,  117 
Hedeoma  pulegioides,  118 
Collinsonia  Canadensis,  iig 

Stachydciv. 

Scutellaria  lateriflora,  120 
Lnmium  album,  i  21 

HYDROPHYLLACE^. 

Hydrophyllum    Virgin icum. 


CONVOLVULACE^. 

Convolvulus  arvensis,  123 

SOLANACE^. 

Solanum  Dulcamara,  124 

nigrum,  125 
Hyoscyamus  niger,  126 
D.itura  Stramonium,  127 
Nicotiana  Tabacum,  128 

GENTIANACE^. 

Menyanthes  trifoliata,  129 


NATURAL  ARRANT. EM KNT  OF  THK  PLANTS. 


LOGANIACEiE. 

Gelsemium  sempervirens,  130 
Spigelia  Marilandica,  131 

APOCYNACEiE. 

Apocymim   andros;vtnifoliuni, 

132 
Apocynum  cannahinum,  133 

ASCLEPIADACE^. 

Asclcpias  (omuti,  134 
tubcrosa,  135 

OLEACEiE. 

Chionanlhus  \'irginica,  136 
Fraxinus  Americana,  137 

ARISTOLOCHIACE^. 

Aristolochia  Serpentaria,  i3<S 

PHYTOLACCACE^. 

Phytolacca  decandra,  139 

CHENOPODIACEiE. 

Chenopodium  album, 

var.  anthelminticiim,  140 


POLYGONACEiE. 

Polygonum  acre,  141 
Fagopyrum  esculentum.  142 
Rumcx  rrispus,  143 

obtusifolius,   144 

LAURACEiE. 

Lindera  Benzoin.  145 

THYMELEACEiE. 

Dirca  palustris,  146 

EUPHORBIACEiE. 

Appendiciilala. 

Euphorbia  hypericifolia,  147 
coroUata,  148 
E.xappeiidiciilatce. 

Ipecacuanhae,  149 

Lathyris,  150 

Stillingia  sylvatica,  151 

URTICACE^. 

I  linacciC. 

Celtis  occidentalis,  152 
Urlicece. 

Urtica  urens,  153 


Cannahinae. 
Cannabis  sativa,  154 
Humulus  Lupulus,  155 

JUGLANDACEiE. 

Jnglans  cincrea,  156 
Carya  alba,  157 

CUPULIFERiE. 

Castanea  vesca, 

var.  Americana,  158 

Ostrya  Virginica,  159 

MYRICACEiE. 

Myrica  cerifera,  160 

SALICACEiE. 

Salix  ])iirpurca,  i6i 
Populus  tremuloidt's,  162 

CONIFERiE. 

AI>ictiiu-iC. 

Abies  nigra,  163 

Canadensis,  164 

Ctipressittea:. 
Thuja  occidentalis,  165 
Juniperus  Virginiana,  166 


MoNOCOTVLEDONOUS    Ph.-ENOGAMS. 


ARACE-iE. 

Arissema  triphyllum,  167 
dracontium,  168 
Symplocarpus  foetidus,  169 


ORCHIDACE^. 

Cypripedium  pubescens,  170 


HiEMORODACE^. 

Lachnanthes  tinctoria,  171 
Aletris  farinosa,  172 

IRIDACE^. 

Iris  versicolor,  i  73 

DIOSCOREACEiE. 

Dioscorea  villosa,  174 


LILIACE^. 

TrillideiC. 

Trillium  erectum,  175 

var.  alinim,  175 
MelaiithiccF. 

Veratrum  viridc,  i7''i 

Chamailiriuni  luteum,  177 
Lilicce. 

Lilium  superbum,  178 


AcROGENOUS  Cryptogams. 


EQUISETACE/E. 
Equisetum  hyemaie,  1 79 


LYCOPODIACEiE. 

Lycojiodiuni  clavatum,  iSo 


PLATES   I  TO  i66. 


SERIES 


PH^NOGAMIA. 


Plants  producing  true  flowers  and   seeds. 


CLASS 


DICOTYLEDONS 


Plants  with  stems  composed  of   l^ark,  wood,  and   pith 
netted  veined  leaves;    and  a  pair  or  more  of 
opposite  or  whorled  seed-lea\^es 
(cotvledons). 


[To  precede  plale  I.] 


^ 


(pTH.adnatMetpinxt        AnEMOnE    PaTENS,  var.  NuTTALLIANA.  Gray. 


N.  ORD.-RANUNCULACE^. 

GENUS.  — ANEMONE,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SY.ST.— rOLVAM.)KI.\   I'DI.YGNIA. 


PULSATILLA 
NUTTALLIANA. 

PASQUE  FLOWER. 


SYN.  — ANEMONE  PATENS,  VAR.  NUTTALLIANA,  GRAY;  ANEMONE 
NUTTALLIANA,  D.  C. ;  ANEMONE  LUDOVICIANA,  NUTT. ;  ANE- 
MONE FLAVESCENS,  ZUCC. ;  CLEMATIS  HIRSUTISSIMA,  POIR; 
PULSATILLA  PATENS,  GRAY ;  PULSATILLA  PATENS  VAR. ;  WOLP- 
GANGIANA,  TRAUVT ;   PULSATILLA  NUTTALLIANA,  GRAY. 

COM.  NAMES.  — PASQUE  FLOWER  (CROCUS,  MAY  FLOWER,  PRAIRIE 
FLOWER,  AMERICAN  PULSATILLA,  HARTSHORN  PLANT,  GOSLIN- 
WEED). 


A  TINCTURE   OF  THE   WHOLE    FRESH    PLANT,   ANEMONE    PATENS,  VAR. 
NUTTAI,LIANA,  GRAY. 


Description. — This  beautiful  prairie  flower  grows  to  a  height  of  from  4  to  lo 
inches,  from  a  branched  perennial  root.  Stc7n  erect  and  hairy,  encircled  near  the 
flower  by  a  many-cleft,  silky-haired  involiicre,  composed  of  numerous  linnear,  acute 
lobes,  which  form  the  true  stem-leaves.  Leaves  upon  long  hairy  petioles,  rising 
more  or  less  erect  from  the  rootstock  ;  they  are  ternately  divided,  the  lateral 
divisions  sessile  and  deeply  2-cleft,  the  central  stalked  and  3-cleft ;  all  the  seg- 
ments deeply  incised  into  narrow,  linnear,  acute  lobes,  smooth  above  and  hairy 
beneath.  Inflorescence  a  conspicuous,  terminal,  villous,  light  purplish-blue  flower, 
fully  developed  and  fertilized  before  the  appearance  of  the  true  leaves.  Sepals 
generally  5,  at  first  incumbent,  then  spreading,  answering  to  petals  in  appearance  ; 
villous  upon  their  outer  surface.  Petals  wanting,  or  replaced  by  minute  glandu- 
lar bodies,  resembling  abortive  stamens.  Stamens  innumerable,  in  a  dense  cir- 
clet surrounding  the  pistils;  fllanients  slender;  antJters  extrose,  2-celled  ;  pollen 
with  three  longitudinal,  deep  sulci.  Pistils  numerous,  in  a  dense  cluster,  separate, 
hairy  ;  style  long  and  slender,  with  a  somewhat  recurved  summit ;  stigvia  indcfinate. 
Fruit  a  plumose  head,  similar  to  that  of  Clematis ;  carpels  i -seeded,  with  long 
feathery  tails,  composed  of  the  lengthened,  persistent,  hairy  styles.  Seeds  sus- 
pended. 

RanunculacesB.— This  natural  order  is  composed  of  herbs  and  woody  climbers. 

*  AMfioj.  anemos,  ihe  wind.  So  named  upon  the  supposition  that  the  flowers  of  this  genus  only  opened  when  the 
wind  was  blowing. 

D.    H.    HILL    LIBRARY 
North  Carolina  State  College 


1-2 

Its  genera  are  various,  but  easily  distinguishable  by  the  acrid  juice  prevailing  to  a 
greater  or  lesser  extent  in  all  species,  and  by  the  disconnection  of  the  parts  of  its 
flowers.  The  tribes  vary  greatly  in  regard  to  the  sepals ;  in  some  they  are  want- 
ing, and  replaced  by  petal-like  organs  ;  in  others,  very  fugacious  ;  while  in  one 
only,  in  this  country,  are  they  present  in  the  mature  flower.  The  stamens  are 
numerous,  furnished  with  short  anthers.  The  fruit  varies  from  a  dry  pod  to  a 
fleshy  berry ;  the  ovules  are  anatropous,  so  distinguished  by  the  dorsal  rhaphe 
when  suspended ;  the  seeds  have  a  minute  embryo,  invested  with  fleshy  albumen- 
The  leaves  are  usually  palmately,  and  generally  ternately,  divided,  and  are  desti- 
tute of  stipules.  This  family  of  plants,  many  of  which  are  poisonous,  contains, 
beside  those  treated  of  in  this  work,  the  following  species  of  special  interest  to 
us  :  Clematis  erccta,  Helleboriis  7iiger,  Delpliinuan  Staphisagria,  Aconiiutn  napel- 
his,  cavimariun,  Jcrox,  and  lycoclomun,  and  Paonia  officinalis. 

History  and  Habitat.— The  American  pasque  flower  is  found  in  abundance 
upon  the  prairies  from  Wisconsin  northward,  and  westward  to  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains, flowering  from  March  to  April.  Lieberg  says*  that  in  Eastern  Dakota  this 
plant  attains  a  luxuriance  of  growth  never  met  with  farther  east,  and  that  it  wholly 
disappears  west  of  the  Missouri,  Its  habit  of  being  in  flower  about  Easter- 
tide gave  it  the  principal  distinguishing  name,  "Pasque  flower;"  its  peculiar  effect 
upon  the  nose  and  eyes  when  crushed  between  the  fingers  gave  it  another,  but 
local,  appellation,  "  Hartshorn  plant;"-!-  ^"^  '^he  silky-hariness  of  the  involucre  and 
newly-appearing  leaves  caused  the  children  in  locahties  to  term  it  "  Goslin  weed." 

The  U.  S.  Ph.  allows  the  use  of  this  species  under  the  drug  Pulsatilla,  with  or 
in  place  of  Herba  Pulsatilla;  nigricantis, 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  whole,  fresh,  flowering  plant  is 
chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weicrht  of 
alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the 
rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  thorough  mixture  the  whole  is  allowed  to  stand 
eight  days  in  a  well-stoppered  bottle.  The  tincture  thus  prepared,  after  strainino- 
and  filtering,  should  have  a  light  seal-brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  an  acrid 
astringent  taste,  and  a  decidedly  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.-I  am  unable  to  find  any  data  upon  this  spe- 
cies. It  is  said  to  have  been  found  similar  to  its  European  relative,  Aiiemoiie 
Pulsatilla,  which,  together  with  Anemone  nemorosa  and  pratensis  (Eu.),  contains: 

Anemonin,  Cj.Hj^O,,. — This  body  forms  in  colorless,  klinorhombic  prisms,  from 
an  aqueous  distillate  of  the  herb  when  the  volatile  oil  is  present.  When  dry  it  has 
a  sharp  and  burning  taste  and  neutral  reaction.  It  softens  at  150°  (302.0°  F.), 
and  soon  decomposes ;  it  dissolves  in  hot  water  and  alcohol,  slighdy  also  in  cold. 

Anemonic  Acid,  Cj^Hj^O,. — This  amorphous,  white  powder  separates  from 
the  aqueous  distillate  together  with  the  above  and  under  the  same  circumstances. 

*  Bot.  Gaz.,  1884,  p.  104.  f   /bid,  1884,  p.  77. 


1-3 

It  is  a  tasteless  acid,  insoluble  in  water,  alcohol,  ether,  oils,  and  dilute  acids,  but 
enters  into  combination  with  alkalies.     (Wittstein.) 

Oil  of  Anemone.— This  acrid  yellow  oil  separates  from  the  aqueous  infusion 
of  the  plant,  and,  owing  to  the  presence  of  the  water,  soon  breaks  down  into  the 
bodies  mentioned  above. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  following  represents  the  general  action  of 
the  tincture  when  taken  in  moderate  doses,  as  reported  by  Drs.  Burk,  Duncan, 
and  Wesselhoeft :  Profuse  lacrymation,  with  smarting  and  burning  of  the  eyes, 
mouth,  and  throat,  followed  by  mucoid  discharges;  sharp  pains  about  the  stomach 
and  bowels,  with  rumbling  of  flatus ;  pressure  in  the  region  of  the  stomach  as  from 
a  weight;  frequent  urging  to  urinate,  with  an  increased  secretion;  a  tickling  in 
the  throat  and  constant  inclination  to  cough  ;  rheumatic  pains,  especially  in  the 
thighs,  with  erysipeloid  eruptions,  especially  about  the  limbs ;  heat  and  feverish- 
ness,  with  great  debility. 

The  action  of  this  drug  will  be  seen  to  be  very  like  that  of  Herba  PulsatilUc 
nigricantis,  differing  mostly  in  a  less  intense  action. 

Description  of  Plate  i. 

I.   Whole  plant,  from  St.  Cloud,  Minn.,*  April  24th,  iS84. 

2.  Full-grown  leaf  in  outline. 

3.  Sexual  organs. 

4.  Receptacle. 

5.  Pistil  (enlarged). 

6.  Stamen  (enlarged). 

7.  Pollen  X  380. 

8.  Ripe  carpel. 

9.  Fruit. 


*  One  of  a  number  of  typical  living  plants,  sent  me,  with  their  natural  soil  intact,  by  Rev.  E.  V.  Campbell,  through 
who^c  kindness  1  also  procured  the  full-grown  leaf  and  ripe  fruit. 


^m.ad 


natdei.etpinxt 


Anemone    Hepatica  ,  Linn. 


N.  ORD.  RANUNCIJLACE/E. 
Tribe.-ANEMONE/E. 

GENUS— ANEMONE,  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— rOLVANDKIA  roLVGVNIA. 


HEPATICA. 


LIVER-LEAF. 


SYN.— ANEMONE  HEPATICA,  LINN.;  HEPATICA  TRILOBA,  CHAIX. ; 
HEPATICA  TRILOBA,  VAR.  AMERICANA,  D.  C. ;  HEPATICA  TRI- 
LOBA, VAR.  OBTUSA,   PURSH. ;    HEPATICA  AMERICANA,  KER. 

COM.  NAMES.  — LIVER -LEAF,  HEPATICA,*  ROUND -LOBED  HEPATICA, 
LIVER-WORT,t  LIVER-WEED,  TREFOIL,  HERB  TRINITY,  KIDNEY- 
WORT ;   (FR.)  HEPATIQUE;  (GER.),  EDELLEBERE. 


A  TLNCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH   LEAVES  OF  ANEMONE   HEPATICA,  LINN. 

Description.— This  dwarf  herb,  so  eagerly  sought  after  as  one  of  our  earhest 
spring  flowers,  grows  from  radical  scaly  buds  amid  the  thick,  leathery  leaves  of 
the  previous  year's  growth.  Root  fibrous,  perennial.  S/c7ii  none.  Leaves  ever- 
green, all  radical  on  long,  slender  petioles;  light  green  and  hairy  when  young; 
dark  olive-green  above  and  purplish  beneath,  when  old,  and  while  the  plant  is 
in  blossom ;  they  are  cordate  in  general  outline,  3-lobed,  the  lobes  ovate,  obtuse. 
Inflorescence  solitary,  terminal,  on  long,  hairy  scapes,  circinate,  then  erect.  Invo- 
lucre simple,  composed  of  three  entire,  obtuse,  hairy,  persistent  leaves,  somewhat 
resembling  a  calyx,  from  its  close  proximity  to  the  flower.  Calyx  composed  of 
from  6  to  9  ovate,  obtuse,  petaloid  sepals,  varying  in  color  from  pure  white  to  a 
deep  purplish-blue  with  white  borders ;  these  latter,  I  have  noticed,  are  always 
destitute  of  stamens.  \  Stamens  numerous,  hypogynous  ;  filaments  long,  slender, 
and  smooth;  anthers  short,  2-celled.  Pistils  12  to  20,  hairy;  ovary  i-celled  ;  oviilcs 
one  in  each  cell,  suspended,  anatropous  ;  style  single,  short,  pointed  ;  stigma  a  stig- 
matose  marginal  line,  extending  down  the  inner  side  of  the  style.  Achenia  loosely 
aggregated  in  a  globose  head,  ovate-oblong,  hairy,  tipped  with  the  short  persistent 
style  ;  seed  filling  the  whole  cell  to  which  it  conforms. 

History  and  Habitat. — Hcpatica  is  a  native  of  the  colder  portions  of  the 
North  Temperate  Zone,  growing  in  rich,  open  woods  as  far  as  the  limit  of  trees. 
In  North  America  it  grows  from  Minnesota,  Iowa  and  Missouri,  east  and  north- 
east to  the  Atlantic ;  flowering,  in  some  seasons,  as  early  as  March,  and  continu- 
ing   in    flower    until    May.     This  plant  was   placed   in   the  genus  Anemone  by 

*  Erariirdf,  f^rt///t«,  affecting  the  liver;  or,  "ijirop,  <y»<7/-,  the  liver,  from  a  fancied  rescmlilance  of  the  leaves  to  that 
organ,  or  their  action  upon  it. 

f  The  proper  liverwort  is  Marchantia polymorpha,  a  cryptogamous  plant  (Afiiscales)  of  the  order  IlepalUac. 
%  Author  in  Bull.  Torr.  Club,  1884,  p.  55. 


2-2 

Linnseus,  from  whence  it  has  received  several  removals,  until  finally  it  has  been 
returned  to  its  original  place  among  its  congeners.  The  Liver-leaf  has  held  a  place 
among  medicinal  plants  from  ancient  times  until  the  present.  It  is  now  falling  into 
disuse  on  account  of  its  mild  properties,  forming  as  it  does  simply  a  slightly  astrin- 
gent, mucilaginous  infusion.  It  was  used  in  haemoptysis,  coughs,  and  other  lung 
affections,  as  well  as  in  all  diseases  of  the  liver,  and  in  hemorrhoids ;  in  the  latter 
troubles  its  exhibition  must  have  met  with  no  very  flattering  success.  As  a  pectoral 
it  may  be  taken  in  the  form  of  an  infusion,  hot  or  cold,  in  almost  any  amount,  as 
its  virtues  are  not  of  a  powerful  or  disturbing  nature. 

Hepadca  has  been  dismissed  from  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  and  is  simply  mentioned  in 
the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.-The  full-grown  leaves  of  the  year  are 
chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alco- 
hol are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest 
of  the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the  whole  well  it  is  poured  into  a  well- 
stoppered  bottle  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The 
tincture,  separated  by  straining  and  filtering,  should  have  a  very  light  greenish- 
orange  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  slighdy  astringent  taste,  and  an  acid  reaedon. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.-The  only  bodies  found  in  this  plant  are  tan- 
nin, in  small  amount,  sugar,  and  mucilage.  No  special  analysis  has  been  made  to 
determine  an  active  principle. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  AOTION.-As  far  as  known,  Hepadca  has  very  litde  action 
upon  the  system.  A  farther  proving  may  develop  some  symptoms  in  the  direc- 
tion of  a  slight  irritative  cough  with  expectoration. 

Description  of  Plate  2. 

I.  Whole  plant,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  April  27th,  1884. 

2.  Stamen  (enlarged). 

3.  Pistil  (enlarged). 


^■- 


.Tll.adnatdeI.etpinxl'. 


Ranunculus  Sceleratus,  unn. 


N.  ORD-RANUNCULACE/E. 
Tribe.-RANUNCULE/E. 

GENUS.— RANUNCULUS,*  LINN. 
SEX.  .SYST.— POLYANDRIA  POLYGYNIA. 


RANUNCULUS 
S  C  E  L  E  R  A  T  U  S. 

C  URSED  Cli  O  WFO  0  T. 

SYN.— RANUNCULUS  SCELERATUS,  LINN. 

COM.    NAMES.  — CURSED     CROWFOOT,    CELERY -LEAVED     CROWFOOT, 

MARSH   CROWFOOT;    (FR.)   RANONCULB ;    (GER.)    SCHARF   HAHNEN- 

FUSS. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE   PLANT  RANUNCULUS  SCELERATUS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  smooth  perennial  herb  grows  to  a  height  of  al)Out  i  foot. 
Stem  erect,  glabrous,  thick,  succulent,  hollow,  and  branching ;  Juice  acrid  and  blis- 
tering. Leaves  thickish,  the  upper  sessile  or  nearly  so,  the  lobes  oblong-linear 
and  nearly  entire  ;  stem-leaves  3-lobed,  rounded ;  root-leaves  3-parted,  but  not  to 
the  base,  the  lobes  obtusely  cut  and  toothed ;  petioles  of  the  lower  leaves  long,  and 
sheathing  at  their  dilated  bases.  Flowers  small,  pale-yellow;  sepals  reflexed  ;  petals 
scarcely  exceeding  the  sepals.  Fruit  an  oblong,  cylindrical  head  ;  carpels  numer- 
ous, barely  mucronate. 

Ranunculus. — This  large  genus  contains,  in  North  America,  53  species  and 
12,  varieties,  characterized  as  follows:  Root  annual  or  perennial.  Leaves  mostly 
radical,  those  of  the  stems  alternate  and  situated  at  the  base  of  the  branches, 
variously  lobed,  cut,  or  dissected,  seldom  entire.  Inflorescence  solitary  or  some- 
times corymbed  ;  flozcers  yellow,  rarely  white.  Sepals  5,  rarely  only  3,  not  append - 
aged,  deciduous,  and  imbricated  in  the  bud.  Petals  5,  or  often  more,  flat,  with  a 
little  pit,  pore,  gland,  or  nectariferous  scale  at  the  base  inside.  Stamens  numer- 
ous ;  filaments  filiform.  Style  short,  subulate.  /;7«V  a  cylindrical  or  rounded  head, 
composed  of  numerous  carpels;  achenia  mosdy  flattened  and  pointed  by  the  remains 
of  the  style  ;  seeds  solitary,  erect,  rarely  suspended. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Cursed  Crowfoot  is  indigenous  to  Europe  and 
North  America ;  with  us  it  appears  as  if  introduced.  It  grows  in  marshy  tracts 
and  wet  ditches,  and  blossoms  from  June  to  August. 

The  general  and  medical  history  of  the  species  is  generic,  they  having  been 
used  indiscriminately,  R.  sceleratus,  however,  being  considered  the  most  poisonous, 
its  juice  possessing  remarkable  caustic  power,  quickly  raising  a  blister  wherever 

*  Lntin  for  a  little  frog,  referring  to  its  habitat. 


3-2 

applied,  and  a  dose  of  two  drops  sometimes  exciting  fatal  inflammation  along  the 

whole  alimentary  tract. 

This  genus  was  known  to  the  ancient  physicians  as  BpaT^a^tov  {BralrachioJi). 
Hippocrates,  Paulus  ^Egineta,  and  Dioscorides  spoke  of  various  species,  the  latter 
using  them  as  external  applications  for  the  removal  of  psora,  leprous  nails,  steoto- 
matous  and  other  tumors,  as  well  as  fomentations  to  chilblains,  and  in  toothache. 
Galen,  Paulus,  and  the  physicians  of  Arabia,  all  speak  highly  of  the  plants  as 
powerful  escharotics  ;  and  the  Bedouins  use  them  as  rubefacients. 

Gerarde  says  :  "  There  be  divers  sorts  or  kinds  of  these  pernitious  herbes 
comprehended  under  the  name  of  Ranunculus  or  Crowfoote,  whereof  most  are 
very  dangerous  to  be  taken  into  the  body,  and  therefore  they  require  a  very 
exquisite  moderation,  with  a  most  exact  and  due  manner  of  tempering;  not  any 
of  them  are  to  be  taken  alone  by  themselves,  because  they  are  of  a  most  violent 
force,  and  therefore  have  the  great  nede  of  correction.  The  knowledge  of  these 
plants  is  as  necessarie  to  the  phisition  as  of  other  herbes,  to  the  end  they  may 
shun  the  same,  as  Scribonius  Largus  saith,  and  not  take  them  ignorantly,  or  also 
if  necessitie  at  any  time  require  that  they  may  use  them,  and  that  with  some 
deliberation  and  special  choice  and  with  their  proper  correctives.  For  these  dan- 
gerous simples  are  likewise  many  times  of  themselves  beneficial  and  oftentimes 
profitable  ;  for  some  of  them  are  not  so  dangerous  but  that  they  may  in  some  sort 
and  oftentimes  in  fit  and  due  season  profit  and  do  good."  In  regard  to  the  acrid 
properties  of  the  plants,  he  further  says  :  "  Cunning  beggars  do  use  to  stampe  the 
leaves  and  lay  it  unto  their  legs  and  armes,  which  causeth  such  filthy  ulcers  as  we 
daily  see  (among  such  wicked  vagabondes),  to  moove  the  people  the  more  to  pittie." 

Van  Swieten,  Tissot,  and  others  mention  a  curious  practice,  formerly  prevail- 
ing in  several  countries  of  Europe,  of  applying  Ranunculus  to  the  wrists  and  fingers 
for  the  cure  of  intermittent  fevers.  This  practice  we  noted  only  a  few  days  since, 
when  called  to  see  a  child  of  a  new-settled  German  family  in  our  city ;  the  little 
one's  wrists  were  bound  up  in  the  leaves  and  branches  of  R.  acris ;  it  was  suffering 
with  an  attack  of  lobar  pneumonia. 

In  former  practice  the  plants  were  used,  in  view  of  external  stimulation,  in 
rheumatism  (especially  sciatic),  hip  disease,  hemicrania,  and  in  local  spasmodic 
and  fixed  pains;  in  asthma,  icterus,  dysuria,  and  pneumonia.  Withering,  in  speak- 
ing of  R.  flammula,  says  :  "  It  is  an  instantaneous  emetic,  as  if  Nature  had  furnished 
an  antidote  to  poisons  from  among  poisons  of  its  own  tribe ;  and  it  is  to  be  pre- 
ferred to  almost  any  other  vomit  in  promoting  the  instantaneous  expulsion  of 
deleterious  substances  from  the  stomach." 

Many  species  of  this  genus  are  used  as  pot-herbs,  as  the  process  of  boiling 
throws  off  the  volatile  acrid  principle  and  renders  them  inert,  though  some  cases 
are  reported  where  this  happy  result  failed,  and  serious  symptoms  supervened. 
In  Northern  Persia  the  young  tubers,  leaves,  stems,  and  blossoms  of  R.  cdults, 
Boiss,  are  brought  into  market  and  sold  as  a  pot-herb;  the  Swedish  peasantry  use 
R.ficar-ia,  Linn. ;  and  the  shepherds  of  Wallachia,  R.  sceleratus,  Linn.'-' 

*  Lewis  Sturtevtint,  M.D.,  in  Bol.  Ca~.,  vii,  316. 


3-3 

Ranunculus  is  among  the  articles  dropped  from  the  U.  S.  Ph.  at  the  last 
revision. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  herb,  gathered  when  in  fruit, 
but  still  green  and  untouched  by  frost,  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and 
weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly 
mixed  with  one-si.xth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  having 
stirred  the  whole  well,  it  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allowed  to 
stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture  is  then  separated  by  straining 
and  filtering.  Thus  prepared  it  has  a  clear  reddish-orange  color  by  transmitted 
light;  an  acrid  odor  and  taste;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— We  consider  here  the  genus  as  a  whole, 
taking  this  species  as  a  chemical  type. 

Anemonol,  or  Oil  of  Ranuncuhts. — Mr.  O.  L.  Erdmann*  found  this  to  be  the 
acrid  principle  of  this  species,  and  extracted  it  as  a  golden-yellow  volatile  body, 
decomposing  by  age  into  aiicinonin  and  aucmonic  acid,  both  of  which  are  as 
described  on  pages   1-2  and   1-3,  and 

Anemoninic  Acid. — When  boiled  with  an  excess  of  baryta  water,  anemonin 
decomposes,  forming,  among  other  bodies,  red  flakes  of  anemoninate  oi  barium 
(Lowig  and  Weidman).  Prof.  Frehling,  who  afterward  examined  into  the  subject, 
says,  "this  acid  cannot  be  formed  from  anemonin  by  simply  assumption  with 
water."  f 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — According  to  Basiner,+  the  oil  of  Ranunculus 
acts,  in  warm-blooded  animals,  as  an  acrid  narcotic,  producing,  in  small  doses, 
stupor  and  slow  respiration ;  in  larger  doses,  also,  paralysis  of  the  posterior  and 
anterior  extremities,  and,  before  death,  convulsions  of  the  whole  body.  The  acrid 
action  is  shown  by  a  corrosive  gastritis  and  by  hyperaemia  of  the  kidneys,  more 
particularly  their  cortical  substance.  Anemonin  causes  similar  symptoms,  but  is 
followed  by  no  convulsions,  nor  does  it  irritate  sufficiently  to  corrode  the  organs, 
as  in  the  oil. 

Krapf  states  §  that  a  small  portion  of  a  leaf  or  flower  of  R.  scelcnitus,  or  two 
drops  of  the  juice,  excited  acute  pain  in  the  stomach,  and  a  sense  of  inflammation 
of  the  throat;  when  he  chewed  the  most  succulent  leaves,  the  salivary  glands  were 
strongly  stimulated  ;  his  tongue  was  excoriated  and  cracked;  his  teeth  smarted, 
and  his  cornea  became  tender  and  bloody. || 

A  man,  at  Bevay,  France,  swallowed  a  glassful  of  the  juice,  which  had  been 
kept  for  some  time;  he  was  seized  in  four  hours  with  violent  colic  and  vomiting, 
and  died  the  second  day.^ 


*  Am.  Jour.  Pliar.,  1859,  p.  440. 

t  Drugs  and  Med.  of  N.  A.,  i,  68. 

X  Di^  I'ergifl  mil  Ranunkelol,  .Uumonin,  etc.,  in  Am.  Jour.  P/iar.,  1SS2,  130. 

J  Exp.  de  Nonnull.  Ranuii.  J'fii.  Qua/. 

II  Or//a,  Tor.  Gtn.,  i,  754. 

II  Jour,  de  Chim.  Med.,  1836,  27J. 


3-4 

Krapf  [op.  cit.)  relates  a  case  in  which  the  plant  was  used  internally,  giving 
the  following  serious  symptoms  and  result:  Contortion  of  the  eyes;  convulsions 
of  the  facial  muscles,  outer  parts  of  the  abdomen,  and  the  limbs ;  pain,  swelling, 
redness,  and  bleeding  of  the  gums  ;  peeling  off  of  the  cuticle  and  cracking  of  the 
tongue  ;  ptyalism  ;  hiccough  ;  complete  inactivity  of  the  stomach,  with  horrid  pains 
and  fits  of  anxiety ;  slight  fainting  turns ;  all  followed  by  cold  sweat  and  death. 

The  symptoms  caused  by  this  drug,  as  detailed  in  Alleiis  Eyicyclopedia  of  Pure 
Materia  Mcdica^''  as  well  as  the  cases  reported  above,  show  this  drug  to  be  an 
acrid  irritant  poison,  both  to  the  mucous  membranes  with  which  it  comes  in  con- 
tact, and  to  the  nerves  themselves. 


Description  of  Plate  3. 

I.   Whole  plant  (a  small  specimen),  Salem,  Mass.,  July  20th,  1S85. 

2.  Sepal. 

3.  Petal. 
A.  Carpel. 

5.  Section  of  same. 
(2-5  enlarged. ) 

*  Vol.  viii,  270-77. 


(ElU.adnat.del.et  pinxt 


Ranunculus    Repens,  unn. 


4-2 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  provings  of  this  species  are  not  yet  suffi- 
ciently developed  to  distinguish  its  action  from  that  of  the  preceding. 


Description  of  Plate  4. 

I.   End  of  a  flowering  stem,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  June  24th,  1885. 
2,  3  and  4.  Leaf  forms. 

5.  Carpel. 

6.  Section  of  a  carpel. 
(5  and  6  enlarged.) 


.ad  nal.dei.et  pinxt. 


Ranunculus  BuLB6sus,Linn 


N.  ORD-RANUNCULACE/E. 
Tribe.-RANUNCULE/E. 

GENUS.— RANUNCULUS,  LINN. 

SEX.  SYST.— rOLVANURIA   I'ULVGYA.MIA. 


RANUNCULUS  BULBOSUS. 

BULBOUS  BUTTERCUPS. 

SYN.— RANUNCULUS  BULBOSUS,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— BULBOUS  CROWFOOT  OR  BUTTERCUPS,  BUTTER-FLOW- 
ER, KING'S  CUPS,  GOLD  CUPS,  ST.  ANTHONY'S  TURNIP  OR  RAPE; 
(GER.)  KNOLLINGER  HAHNENFUSS. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE  FRE.SH  PLANT  RANUNCULUS   BULBOSUS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  erect,  hairy  herb  grows  to  a  height  of  about  i  foot.  Stcjus 
many,  volute,  villous,  from  a  bulbous,  onion-like  base.  Leaves  all  ternately  divided 
to  the  very  base,  especially  noticeable  in  the  radical  ones,  all  appearing  more  or 
less  pinnate ;  leaflets  short,  cuneate,  cleft  and  toothed,  the  lateral  sessile,  tlie  termi- 
nal stalked,  all  3-parted.  Peduncles  furrowed.  Petals  5  or  more,  round,  cuneate 
at  the  base,  bright  glossy  yellow,  much  longer  than  the  calyx.  Calyx  reflexed. 
Fruit  in  a  globular  head  ;  achenia  ovoid,  Battish,  and  tipped  with  a  very  short 
beak.     Read  description  of  Ranunculus,  under  R.  sccleratus,  3. 

History  and  Habitat. — Bulbous  Crowfoot  is  an  immigrant  from  Europe,  now 
pretty  thoroughly  established  along  the  Atlantic  coast,  in  some  places  being  an 
actual  pest  in  meadows  and  pastures ;  it  has  not  extended  far  inward,  but  seems 
decidedly  prone  so  to  do.     It  blossoms  northward  from  May  to  July. 

This  species,  being  one  of  the  more  acrid  of  the  genus,  and  of  frequent  occur- 
rence in  the  East,  has  been  used,  like  R.  scclcratiis,  as  a  local  irritant  where  vesica- 
tion seemed  necessary ;  its  use  was  often  prolonged  to  ulceration,  from  which 
severe  cases  of  gangrene  sometimes  resulted.* 

This  was  the  officinal  species  of  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  now  dismissed. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant  while  in  flower 
in  the  month  of  June,  is  treated  as  in  the  preceding  species.  The  resulting  tincture 
has  a  clear,  light  yellow  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  slightly  sweetish  then  acrid 
taste,  and  a  strongly  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — So  far  no  analysis  has  been  made  of  this 
species  to  determine  (should  such  exist)  a  specific  principle  that  might  differ  from 
the  general  constituents  of  the  acrid  Ranunculi  as  given  under  R.  sceleratus,  3. 

*  The  general  uses  of  the  Ranunculi  will  be  found  under  R.  sceleratus,  3,  where  special  mention  is  made  of  the 
various  species. 


5-2 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — R.  bulbosus  has  a  peculiarly  powerful  irritant 
action  upon  the  skin,  whether  applied  locally  or  internally.  Murray  states*  that 
a  slice  of  the  fresh  root  (bulb?)  placed  in  contact  with  the  palmar  surface  of  a 
finger  brought  on  pain  in  two  minutes  ;  when  taken  off,  the  skin  was  found  with- 
out signs  of  extra  circulation  or  irritation,  and  the  itching  and  heat  passed  away  ; 
in  two  hours  it  nevertheless  returned  again,  and  in  ten  hours  a  serous  blister  had 
formed,  followed  by  a  bad  ulcer,  which  proved  very  difficult  to  heal. 

Early  English  practitioners  used  the  bulb  to  produce  vesication  when  a  "last- 
ing blister"  was  judged  necessary,  but  were  very  chary  of  prescribing  the  drug 
internally,  so  great  was  their  dread  of  its  properties. 

Four  persons  who  partook  of  the  bulbs,  boiled  in  a  chicken-broth,  suffered 
from  violent  burning  in  the  hypogastric  region,  great  anxiety  about  the  region 
of  the  heart,  pressure  at  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  with  painful  soreness  of  that 
organ  when  pressed. 

A  lady  who  applied  the  bruised  plant  to  the  chest  as  a  counter-irritant,  became 
ill-humored,  fretful,  cross  and  disposed  to  quarrel,  and  suffered  from  soreness  and 
smarting  of  the  eyelashes  some  time  before  its  action  was  felt  at  the  region  nearest 
the  application. 

Violent  attacks  of  epilepsy  are  recorded  as  having  been  induced  by  this 
plant ;  a  sailor  who  inhaled  the  fumes  of  the  burning  plant  was  attacked  with  this 
disease  for  the  first  time  in  his  life ;  it  returned  again  in  two  weeks,  passed  into 
cachexia,  nodous  gout,  headache,  and  terminated  in  death.-j- 

The  specific  symptoms  caused  by  this  drug,  so  carefully  collated  by  Prof. 
Allen,|  show  a  decided  irritant  action  upon  the  brain  and  spinal  cord,  as  well  as 
the  mucous  membranes  generally. 

Description  of  Plate  5. 

I.  Whole  plant,  Salem,  Mass.,  June  2Sth,  1885. 

2.  Petal. 

3.  Anther. 

4.  Fruit. 

5.  Achenium.  . 

6.  Longitudinal  section  of  achenium. 

(3,  5  and  6  enlarged.) 

*  App.  Med.,  iii,  87. 

t  Stapf,  Add.  to  Mai.  Med.  Piira,  I.  c. 

X  Encyc.  Pure  Mai.  Med.,  viii,  257-269. 


.ad  nat.del.et  pinxt. 


Ranunculus  Acris  Unn. 


O.   H.   HILL  LIBRARY 

North  Carolina  State  College 


N.  ORD -RANUNCULACE^. 

GENUS— RANUNCULUS,  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— POl.YANDRIA  I'ULYGVNIA. 


RANUNCULUS   ACRIS. 


TALL  BUTTERCUPS. 


SYN.— RANUNCULUS  ACRIS,  LINN.;  RANUNCULUS  PRATBNSIS  BRECTUS 
ACRIS,  GERARDE. 

COM.  NAMES.— TALL  BUTTERCUPS  OR  CROWF'OOT,  UPRIGHT  BUTTER- 
CUPS OR  CROWFOOT,  ACRID  BUTTERCUPS,  BLISTERWESD,  YEL- 
LOW PILE-WEED,  BUR- WORT,  MBADOWBLOOM;  (FR.)  RENONCULB 
ACRE;   (GER.)  SCHARFHAHENFUSS. 


A    TINCTURE   OF   THE   WHOLE   FRESH  PLANT,  RANUNCULUS   ACRIS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  erect,  perennial  herb  attains  a  height  of  from  2  to  3  feet. 
Root  fibrous,  from  a  slightly  tuber-like  crown.  S/ent  subcylindrical,  hollow,  hairy, 
and  branching  above.  Leaves  3-divided,  the  divisions  all  sessile,  3-parted,  and 
clothed  with  more  or  less  rigid  hairs ;  segments  of  the  lower  leaves  cut  into  lan- 
ceolate, closely-crowded  lobes  ;  of  the  upper  linear,  and  sometimes  entire  ;  petioles 
of  the  radicle  and  lower  stem  leaves  long  and  hairy,  upper  cauline  leaves  some- 
times sessile.  Inflorescence  axillary  and  terminal ;  flowers  nearly  as  large  as  those 
of  R.  bulbosus  (5),  but  not  so  deep  a  yellow.  Calyx  spreading,  villous,  much 
shorter  than  the  corolla.  Petals  obovate,  bright  yellow.  Filaments  short ;  anthers 
incurved.  Fruit  a  globular  head  ;  carpels  numerous,  lenticular  and  smooth  ;  beak 
short  and  recurved.  Read  description  of  the  genus,  under  Ranunculus  scelera- 
tus,  3  ;  and  the  natural  order,  under  Pulsatilla  Nuttalliana,  i. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  species  of  the  genus  has  become  quite  widely 
distributed  in  this  country  since  its  introduction  from  Europe.  It  flowers  from 
June  until  August.  This  plant,  when  past  its  flowering  season,  is  often  mistaken 
for  Geranium  maculatum,  32,'''  both  on  account  of  its  vulgar  name,  crowfoot,  and 
from  a  similarity  in  the  foliage. 

The  medical  and  general  history,  and  the  chemistry  and  action,  of  the  differ- 
ent species  of  Ranunculus  are  generic  rather  than  specific.  I  give  a  digest  under 
R.  sceleratus,  3. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  whole  fresh  herb,  gathered  in 
October,  should  be  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  pressed  out  in  a  piece 

*  Williams  and  I'artridgc,  liosl.  Med.  and  Surg.  "Jour.,  March,  1838. 


6-2 

of  new  linen.  The  juice  is  then,  by  rapid  succussion,  mixed  with  an  equal  part 
by  weight  of  alcohol,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days,  in  a  well-stoppered  bottle, 
in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  by  filtration,  has  a  brownish-orange  color  by  trans- 
mitted light,  a  biting,  then  astringent  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 


Description  of  Plate  6. 
I.  a,  b,  and  c.  Whole  plant,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  June  2d,  1880. 


(^m. 


ad  nat.dei.et  pinxt. 


CaLTHA    PaLUSTRIS,   Linn. 


N.  ORD.-RANUNCULACE^. 

GENUS.— C  ALT  HA,"  LINN. 


-r01.V.\.\DRI.\  roi.VGVM.\. 


CALTHA. 


MAliSH  MARIGOLD. 

SYN.-CALTHA  PALUSTRIS,t  LINN. ;  CALTHA  ARTICA,  R.  BR. 

COM.  NAMES— MARSH  MARIGOLD,:  COWSLIPS,?  COW'S  LIPS,  MEADOW- 
BOUTS,  WATERBOUTS,  COLT'S  FOOT.il  MARE-BLEBS  OR  -BLOBS.H 
AMERICAN  COWSLIPS,**  PALSY-WORT,  WATER  DRAGON;  (GER.) 
SUMPP  RINGELBLUME. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE  FIX)\VERING  PLANT  CALTH.A  PALUSTRIS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  glabrous,  perennial  herb,  grows  to  a  height  of  from  6  to 
12  inches.  Roof  a  bundle  of  coarse  and  closely  fasciculated  fibers.  Sicm  erect, 
somewhat  quadrilateral,  furrowed,  hollow,  thick,  and  juicy,  branched  above.  Leaves 
alternate,  large,  orbicular,  cordate,  or  reniform,  finely  crenate  or  entire  ;  petioles  of 
the  radical  leaves  long,  those  of  the  cauline  about  equal  in  length  to  the  width  of 
the  leaf;  stipules  quite  large,  withering  after  the  expansion  of  the  leaf,  which  they 
cover  in  the  bud.  Inflorescence  corymbose  ;  flowers  large  and  regular.  Sepals  56, 
petaloid,  broadly  ovate,  imbricate  in  aestivation.  Petals  wanting.  Stamens  numerous  ; 
filaments  about  the  length  of  the  anthers;  anthers  large,  innate,  and  extrorse. 
Pistils  5-10  ;  styles  nearly  or  quite  absent ;  stigmas  forming  blunt,  recurved,  mucro- 
nations  to  the  ovaries.  Pruit  a  spreading  whorl ;  follicles  latterly  compressed ; 
seeds  nimierous,  oblong,  purplish,  furnished  with  a  prominent  raphe,  and  arranged 
in  a  double  series.     Read  description  of  the  Order  under  Pulsatilla  Nuttalliana,  i. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  marsh-marigold  is  indigenous  to  the  northern 
portions  of  Europe,  Asia,  and  America;  growing  on  low,  wet  meadows,  bogs,  and 
the  banks  of  spring-fed  rivulets  ;  flowering  in  tiie  United  States  from  April  to  May. 


*  KdXaSa;,  kalathos,  a  chalice,  the  golden  calyx  resembling  that  utensil. 

f  Care  should  be  taken  not  to  confound  this  plant  with  Calla  pniuslris,  I.inn  ,  on  account  of  the  similarity  in  the 
names;  it  bears  no  resemblance  whatever  to  Calla;  the  haliitats  arc  the  same. 

J  I  have  known  .American  physicians  who  claimed  that  they  made  their  tincture  of  Calendula  from  flowers  gathered  in 
their  own  neighborhoods  (Caltha);  this  error  arose  from  the  common  name  of  calendula  being  marigold.  CnUiiJula 
officinalis,  Linn.,  belongs  to  the  Compositoe,  and  does  not  grow  wild  in  this  country.  The  corn-marigold  belongs  to  the 
genus  Chtysanthenium  (Compjsiloe) ;  t"ve  fi^-mirigold  to  Af:sembryanlheinttm  {^^i'^nmhx-ja.Mhtvazx);  the  Krcnch  and 
African  marigolds  to  Tagetes  (Composila;),  and  the  bur-marigold  to  Bidens  (Com|K)sita'). 

J  Cowslips  are  properly  species  of  the  primrose  family  (Primulaceoe). 

II  Colt's  foot  is  only  applical)le  to  Tussi.'a^o  /•'ar/ura,  Linn.  (Compositae). 

If  Mare,  marsh  ;  hlelis,  bladders,  more  properly  blisters. 

**  The  true  American  cowslip  is  Dodeeathron  Meadia,  I^inn.  (Primulacese). 


7-2 

The  plant  is  extensively  gathered  in  early  spring,  and  cooked  for  "  greens," 
making  one  of  our  most  excellent  pot-herbs  ;  the  pickled  flower-buds  are  mentioned 
as  a  fine  substitute  for  capers.  The  fresh  plant  is  very  acrid,  so  much  so  that  cattle 
will  not  eat  of  it.  Rafinesque  asserts  that  cattle  browsing  upon  it  die  in  conse- 
quence of  an  inflammation  of  the  stomach. 

The  medical  history  of  this  herb  is  very  sparse,  and  of  no  consequence  ;  it 
has  been  used  in  cough  syrups,  which  would,  without  doubt,  have  been  fully  as 
efficacious  without  it. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  herb,  gathered  when  flower- 
ing, is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp,  enclosed  in  a  piece  of  new  linen,  and 
pressed.  The  expressed  juice  is  then,  by  brisk  succussion,  mingled  with  an  equal 
part  by  weight  of  alcohol.  This  mixture  is  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark, 
cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  the  above  mass  by  filtration,  has  a  clear,  orange- 
brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  sweet,  then  somewhat  acrid  taste,  and  a  neutral 
reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — The  acridity  so  noticeable  in  the  fresh  herb 
entirely  disappears  on  the  application  of  heat ;  this  property  is  considered  by 
Lloyd  to  resemble,  or  be  identical  with,  acrid  oil  of  ranunculus,*  though  his  attempt 
to  extract  this  oil  and  anemonin,  from  a  distillate  of  the  fresh  plant,  was  unsuccessful. 

Tannin  is  present  in  appreciable  quantity,  the  tincture  responding  quickly  to 
the  tests  with  acetate  of  lead  and  chloride  of  iron. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — We  have  a  scanty  proving  of  this  drug  detailed 
in  the  Encyclopedia  of  Pure  Materia  Medica ;  insufficient,  however,  to  aflbrd  an 
insight  to  its  real  action. 


Description  of  Plate  7. 

I.  End  of  branch,  from  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  May  nth,  1884. 

2.  Section  of  flower. 

3.  Stamen  (enlarged). 

4.  Achenium  (enlarged). 

5.  Section  of  ovary  (enlarged). 

6.  Section  of  stem. 

*  See  under  Ranunculus  sceleralus,  3. 


^m.sdnatdel.ttpinxt. 


HELLCfi'ORUS    Vi  RID  IS,  Linn. 


N.  ORD-RANUNCULACEyE, 
Tribe.-HELLEBORINE/E. 

GKNL  .S— H  E  L  L  E  B  O  R  US,*  LINX. 
SEX.  SVST.— I'dl.VGAMIA   rol.VGMA. 


HELLEBORUS   VIRIDIS. 


GREEA'  HELLEBORE. 


SYN.— HELLEBORUS   VIRIDIS,   LINN. 

COM.    NAMES. -GREEN    HELLEBORE;    (FR.)   ELLBBORE     VERT-    (GER 
GRUNE  NIESSWURZ. 


A   TINCTURE    OF  THP:    ROOI'   OF    HELLEBORUS   VIRIDIS,   LINN. 

Description. — This  ijerennial  herb  usually  attains  a  growth  of  from  i  to  2 
feet.  Rhi-zornc  thick  ami  wood)'.  Stan  smooth,  usually  a  little  inclined  to 
branch  above.  Leaves  alternate,  compound,  the  leaflets  sharply  serrate  ;  those 
of  the  stem  nearly  sessile  and  palmately  parted ;  those  of  the  root  glabrous, 
long  petioled  and  pedately  divided  into  from  7  to  15  lanceolate,  acute  lobes. 
Inflorescence  on  axillary,  solitary,  nodding,  sometimes  geminate  peduncles;  flozuers 
regular,  an  inch  or  more  in  diameter.  Calyx  persistent;  sepals  5,  roundish- 
ovate,  veiny,  petaloid,  imbricated  in  the  bud.  Petals  8  to  10,  very  small,  cyathi- 
form,  irregularly  2-lipped,  all  shorter  than  the  stamens.  Stamens  indefinite. 
Pistils  3  to  10,  sessile;  stigmas  orbicular.  Friiit  a  cluster  of  sessile,  coriaceous 
pods,  all  cohering  at  their  bases;   seeds  numerous. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  European  immigrant  is  now  pretty  thoroughly 
naturalized  on  Long  Island  and  in  a  few  counties  of  Eastern  Pennsylvania, 
where  it  grows  in  the  opens,  and  flowers  in  April. 

On  account  of  its  general  rarity,  this  species  has  had  but  litde  use  in 
medicine,  its  place  being  supplied  by  either  H.ttiger  or  H.  fetidus ;  it  is,  how- 
ever, much  more  active  than  cither  of  these  species,  and  ranks  next  in  energy 
to  //.  orientalis,  which  is  considered  the  most  highly  poisonous  species  of  the 
genus.  Green  Hellebore  has,  however,  been  somewhat  used  as  a  drastic  and 
hydragogue  cathartic  in  dropsies;  an  emmenagogue  in  amenorrhoea ;  a  vermi- 
fuge in  children  afflicted  with  lumbricoids;  as  a  nervine  in  mania  and  melan- 
cholia; and  an  anti-spasmodic  in  epilepsy.  Its  principal  field,  however,  has  been 
in  veterinary  medication,  for  animals  afiflicted  with  lice  or  lumbrici  For  the  rea- 
son given  above,  the  root  is  no  longer  officinal  in  the  pharmacopctias. 

'EXtfi'.  helein.  to  injure  ;  PIP'S,  boia,  food. 


8-2 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root,  gathered  when  the 
leaves  are  about  to  fall,  but  before  the  first  frost,  is  treated  as  directed  under 
Hydrastis/''  The  resulting  tincture  has  a  deep  brownish-orange  color  by  trans- 
mitted light;  an  odor  somewhat  resembling  that  of  Bourbon  whisky;  an  acrid, 
bitter  taste,  prickling  the  tongue  and  causing  salivation  ;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

•CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — The  chemistry  of  the  Hellebores  is  generic 
rather  than  specific,  the  species  differing,  so  far  as  known,  only  in  the  quantity 
of  the  principles  contained. 

Helleborin,t  CjuHj^Og. — This  glucoside  was  isolated  by  Marme  and  A. 
Husemann  (1864)  from  the  green,  fatty  matter  extracted  by  boiling  alcohol 
from  an  aqueous  extract  of  the  root.  It  resulted  as  shining,  colorless,  concen- 
tric needles,  tasteless  when  dry,  but  acrid  and  burning  in  alcoholic  solution. 
Helleborin  proves  a  highly  narcotic,  powerful  poison,  more  abundant  in  viridis 
than  in  nioer ;  it  is  insoluble  in  water,  soluble  in  hot  alcohol,  and  fuses  and 
carbonizes  above  250°  (482°  F.).  When  boiled  with  zinc  chloride,  Helleborin 
breaks  down   into  sugar  and  Helleboresin  as  follows: 

Helleboiin.  Water.  Glucose.  Helleboresin. 

C„H,,0,  +  (H,0),  =  QH,p„  +  Q„H3A. 

Hellebor'ein,  C,„H^^Oj-.  —  This  slightly  acid  glucoside  was  also  isolated  by 
Marme  and  Husemann,  as  translucent,  warty  masses  of  microscopic  needles, 
which  quickly  defloresce  and  are  very  hygroscopic ;  they  are  of  a  sweetish 
taste,  and  are  readily  soluble  in  water,  less  so  in  alcohol,  and  insoluble  in  ether. 
Helleborein  is  a  narcotic  poison,  more  abundant  in  niger  than  viridis;  its 
aqueous  solution  dries  to  a  yellowish  resin,  which  becomes  straw-color  at  160° 
(320°  F.),and  conglutinates  ;  at  220°-23o°  (428°-446°  F.)  it  becomes  brown  and 
pasty;  and  at  280°  (536°  F.)  it  chars. 

When  boiled  with  a  dilute  mineral  acid,  it  breaks  down  into  sugar  and  Hclle- 
boretin,  as  follows : 

Helleborein.  Glucose.  Helleboretin. 

c,.H,A5  =  (QH,A).  ^  c„H,A- 

Helicboi'ctiti,  Cj^H,„03,  is  strangely  wanting  in  physiological  effect,  consider- 
ing its  source;    it  has  a  violet  color  and   no  crystalline  form. 

Helleboric  Acid. —  This  body  is  so  far  considered,  if  not  identical,  at  least 
isomeric  with  aconilic  and  equisctic  acids. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — According  to  the  experiments  of  Von  Schroff, 
with  from  2  to  4  grains  of  the  alcoholic  extract  of  the  root,  this  species  causes  : 
roaring  in  the  ears  ;  violent  sneezing ;  burning  in  the  mouth,  and  profuse  sali- 
vation ;  gurgling  in  the  abdomen;  profuse  liquid  stools,  accompanied  by  violent 

*  Page  9-2. 

f  Bastic  (1S52)  discov^reJ  a  bitter,  crystalline  body  in  the  roots  of  Hellebore,  to  which  he  gave  this  name.  It 
proved,  however,  to  be  chemically  indif'fi  rent. 


8-3 

colic,  great  tenesmus,  nausea,  and  inclination  to  vomit ;  frequent  passages  of  pale 
urine  ;  decreased  heart's  action  :  soporific  condition  :  and  a  sensation  of  heat  over 
the  whole  body. 

The  action  of  tht;   Hellebores  in  general   should   be  consulted   in  connection 
with  this  species. 


Df.sc  Rii'iiON  oi'   Plate  S. 

I.  Top  of  plant,  from  .Sellersville,  Pa.,  April  20th, 

2.  A  mature  lower  leaf 

3.  Petal. 

4.  Stamen. 

5.  Pistil. 

6.  Fruiting  carpel. 

(4-6  enlarged.) 


'V 


^.TU.sdnatdel.etpinxt. 


Hydrastis  Canadensis, Um 


N.  ORD.-RANUNCULACEyE. 
Tribe-CIMICIFUGE/E. 

(;KNUS.— HYDRASTIS,*  IINN. 

SEX.  SVST.— POLVANDRIA   POLYCJVNIA. 


HYDRASTIS. 


GOLDEJf-SEAL. 


SYN.— HYDRASTIS  CANADENSIS,  LINN.;  WARNBRIA  CANADENSIS. 
MILL. 

COM.  NAMES.— GOLDEN-SEAL,  ORANGE-ROOT,  YELLOW-ROOT,  YELLOW- 
PUCCOON,  GROUND-RASPBERRY,  WILD  CURCUMA,  TURMERIC- 
ROOT,  INDIAN  DYE,  INDIAN  TURMERIC;  (FR.i  HYDRASTIS;  (GER.) 
CANADISCHE,  GBLBWURZEL. 


A  TLVCTURE    OF   THE    FRESH    ROOT   OF   HYDRASTIS    CANADENSIS,  LINN. 


Description. — This  low  perennial  herb,  now  becoming^  quite  rare  in  this  State 
(N.  Y.),  grows  from  6  to  lo  inches  high,  its  leaves  and  fruit  much  resembling  those 
of  the  raspberry.  Rhizome  thick,  sarcous,  oblong,  irregular,  and  knotted,  having 
a  yellowish-brown,  thin  bark,  and  a  bright-yellow  interior;  rootlets  numerous, 
scattered,  coriaceous  fibres.  Stem  simple,  subcylindrical,  thick,  erect,  and  very 
hairy,  surrounded,  at  its  point  of  issuance  from  the  rootstalk,  by  several  oblong, 
sheathing,  scaphoid,  greenish  yellow,  leafy  bracts.  Leaves  2,  alternate,  near  the 
summit  of  the  plant,  orbicular-cordate  at  the  base,  palmately  five-  to  seven-lobed, 
the  lobes  doubly  serrate,  acute,  veiny;  attaining,  when  full  grown  during  the  fruit- 
ing season,  a  width  of  from  4  to  10  inches.  The  root  sometimes  puts  off  an  acces- 
sory or  root-leaf  which  answers  to  the  characteristics  of  the  stem-leaves,  with  the 
one  exception,  that  it  is  petiolate  while  they  are  sessile.  Peduncle  about  i  inch 
long;  inflorescence — when  fully  expanded — a  single,  greenish-white,  apetalous,  ase- 
palous  flower.  Sepals  3,  pale-rose  color,  caducous.  Petals  none.  Stamens  num- 
erous; Jilametits  linear  or  linear-spatulate;  anthers  oval,  innate.  Pistils  numerous, 
twelve  or  more  in  a  dense  head;  ovary  i -celled,  one-  to  two-ovuled;  styles  short; 
stig7)ia  flattened  and  dilated,  one-  to  two-lipped.  Fruit  a  succulent,  globose  berry, 
compounded  of  many  miniature  one-  to  two-seeded  drupes;  appearing  like  an 
enlarged  red-raspberry.  Seeds  inversely  egg-shaped,  nearly  black  and  glossy; 
embryo  basal,  very  small;  albumen  sarcoid  and  oily.  A  description  of  the  natural 
order  may  be  found  under  Pulsatilla  Nuttalliana,  i. 

*  Derivation  not  positive,  (?)   iSup,  water;  ipAu,  to  act:  its  juice  being  very  active. 


9-2 

History  and  Habitat. — Hydrastis  is  indigenous  to  Canada  and  the  United 
States,  east  of  the  Mississippi,  and  but  quite  rare  east  of  the  Alleghany  Moun- 
tains; in  the  southeastern  portion  of  the  country  it  grows  only  upon  the  mountains. 
It  seeks  the  rich  soil  of  shady  woods,  and  moist  places  at  the  edge  of  wooded 
lands,  flowering  from  April  to  May,  and  fruiting  in  July.  The  American  aborigines 
valued  the  root  highly  as  a  tonic,  stomachic,  and  application  to  sore  eyes  and 
general  ulcerations,  as  well  as  a  yellow  dye  for  their  clothing  and  implements 
of  warfare. 

The  officinal  preparations  in  the  U.S.  Ph.  are:  Extractimi  Hydrastis  Fliiidtim, 
and  Tinctura  Hydrastis.  The  Eclectic  ;  Decocttim  Hydrastis,  Extractnni  Hydrastis 
Hydro-alcoJioliciim,  Tinctura  Hydrastis  Cotnposita,  Lotio  Hydrastis  Cotnposita, 
Tinctura  Hydrastis^  and  Vinum  Hydrastis  Compositiint. 

PARTS  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root,  gathered  as  the  plant 
is  budding  to  blossom,  or  in  the  fall,  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and 
weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly 
mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring 
the  whole  well,  it  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allowed  to  remain 
eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture  is  then  poured  off,  strained  and 
filtered,  and  presents  the  following  physical  properties:  a  reddish-orange  color,  by 
transmitted  light,  staining  everything  with  which  it  comes  in  contact,  a  deep  yellow 
color;  a  persistent  bitter,  then  burning  taste;  no  distinguishing  odor,  and  a  slightly 
acid  reaction. 

Berberinum. — The  pure  alkaloid  Berberina,  one  part  to  ten,  or  ninety-nine 
sugar  of  milk,  and  triturated. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Berberina  {vide  Berberis,  15).  Dr.  Mahla  of 
Chicago  proved  this  alkaloid  identical  with  that  obtained  from  Berberis  (Am.  jour. 
Phan,  Vol.  xxxv.,  p.  433). 

Hydrastia,  C^^  H^j  NO^,  an  alkaloid  discovered  by  A.  B.  Durand  (Am.  Jour. 
Phar.,  Vol.  xxiii.,  p.  13),  has  been  referred  to  by  many  writers  upon  Phyto-chem- 
istry,  as  pure-white  crystals,  but  J.  U.  Lloyd  (Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  Vol.  li.,  p.  16) 
determines  that  it  cannot  be  extracted  pure,  but  is  always  so  intimately  associated 
with  a  yellow  substance  that  when  viewed  in  quantity  it  shows  easily  the  impurity. 
He  decides  that  this  yellowishness  is  not  due  to  berberina.  The  crystals  when 
viewed  separately  are  in  the  form  of  brilliant,  yellowish-white,  glossy,  quadran- 
gular prisms,  becoming  opaque  when  dry.  Hydrastia  fuses  at  135°  (275°  F.),  and 
decomposes  at  higher  temperatures;  it  is  slightly  soluble  in  cold  alcohol,  readily 
in  hot,  from  which  it  is  deposited  on  cooling  in  the  crystalline  form  above  des- 
cribed ;  the  taste  is  not  bitter,  but  somewhat  nauseous  and  acrid. 

Xanthopuccina,  a  third  alkaloid,  was  determined  by  Herm.  Lerchen  (Am. 
Jour.  Phar.,  Vol.  1.,  p.  470)  in  the  menstruum,  after  the  extraction  of  berberina 
and  hydrastia ;  a  yellow  color  is  the  only  property  given. 

Hydrastis  contains,  beside  the  above-mentioned  bodies,  a  green  fixed  oil  of  a 
disagreeable  odor  and  taste ;  a  litde  volatile  oil,  to  which  the   odor  of  the  root  is 


9-3 

due;  a  black,   resinous  substance  (Lloyd);   albumen,   sugar,  starch,  a  fatty  resin 
and  lo  per  cent,  of  mineral  matters  (Herm.  Lerchen). 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— WIkmi  taken  in  large  doses  Hydrastis  causes  a 
train  of  symptoms  clue  to  a  hyper-secretion  of  the  mucous  membranes  If  per- 
sisted in,  it  causes  severe  ulceration  of  any  surface  it  may  touch;  and  a  catarrhal 
intlammation  oi  mucous  surfaces,  followed  by  extreme  dryness  and  fission.  It 
causes  also  a  catarrhal  intlammation  of  the  mucous  linings  of  the  hepatic  ducts 
and  gall-bladder — showing  in  an  icteric  hue  of  the  skin — and  a  similar  condition 
of  the  bladder  catarrhal  cystitis. 


Description  of  Platf.  9. 

1.  Sepal  (somewhat  enlarged). 

2.  Stamen         "  " 

3.  Fruit. 

4.  Pistil  (somewhat  enlarged). 
5-6.  Seed. 

7.   Whole  plant  from  Newfield,  N.  Y.,  May  20,  1880. 


10. 


^f:^^ 


,  0 
I   ■  f\ 


9C 

Q IS 


^ 


lU.adnat.del.et  pinxt 


7i 


ACT/tA   SPICATA    Linn. 


N.  ORD -RANUNCULACE.^.  10 

Tribe-CIMICIFUGE/E. 

GENUS.— ACT/EA,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SYST.— I'OLYANDRI.\    MON0(iV.\l.\. 


ACT^A  ALBA. 

WHITE  BAJVEBERRY. 

SYN.— ACT^A    ALBA,    BIGEL ;   ACT^A    SPICATA.  VAR.   ALBA,  MICHX. ; 

ACT^A  PACHYPODA,  ELL. ;  ACT^A  AMERICANA,  VAR.  a,  PURSH.  • 

ACT^A  BRACHYPETALA,  VAR.  a,  DC. 
COM.  NAMES.— WHITE  BANEBBRRY,  WHITE  COHOSH,  AMERICAN  HERB 

CHRISTOPHER,    TOAD    ROOT;    (PR.)    HERBB    DE    STE.   CHRISTOPHE 

BLANC  ;   (GER.)  WBISSES  CHRISTOPHSKRAUT. 

A   TINCTURE    OF   THE    FRESH   ROOT   OF  ACT^A   ALBA,  BIGEL. 

Description. — This  delicate-flowered  perennial  grows  to  a  height  of  2  feet 
and  sometimes  slightly  over.  Root  somewhat  similar  to  that  of  cimicifuga,  but 
neither  as  odorous,  dark  in  color,  nor  as  large.  Stem  erect,  nearly  smooth.  Leaves 
large,  2-3-ternately  decompound ;  leaflets  ovate,  acutely  cleft,  and  dentate  or  in- 
cisely  serrate.  Inflorescence  a  short,  terminal  ovate-oblong,  simple  raceme  ;  flowers 
creamy-white,  sometimes  by  abortion  declinous  ;  pedicles  becoming  pink,  and  thick- 
ened in  fruit,  until  they  are  equal  in  size  to  the  common  peduncle.  Sepals  4  to  5 
petaloid,  early  deciduous.  Petals  3  to  9,  small,  slender  and  spatulate,  their  tips  either 
truncate  or  emarginate,  their  bases  converted  into  short  claws.  The  petals  of  this 
species  appear  like  metamorphosed  stamens  [staniinidia).  Stamens  numerous; 
filaments  white,  slender;  anthers  innate,  introrse.  Pistil  simple,  solitary,  with  a 
sulcus  at  the  insertion  of  the  parietal  placenta ;  stigma  sessile,  2-lobed.  Fricit  a 
cluster  of  bluish-white,  many-seeded  berries  or  carpels  ;  seeds  smooth,  compressed, 
and  horizontal. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  white  cohosh  is  a  common  herb  in  our  rocky 
woods,  especially  southward  and  westward.  It  flowers  in  May  and  ripens  its 
pretty  china-like  fruit  in  October.  This  species,  together  with  Actcea  rubra  (red 
cohosh),  has  received  the  attention  of  many  writers  upon  medical  botany.  The 
two  species  vary  principally  in  the  color  of  the  berries  and  thickness  of  the 
pedicles ;  probably  slightly  only  in  their  properties  and  action.  They  are,  how- 
ever, widely  different  from  Actcsa  racemosa,  our  Cimicifuga,  and  should  under  no 
circumstances  be  confounded  with  that  drug.  Just  how  much  our  species  of  Actsa 
differ  from  the  European  Actcea  spicata,  Linn.,  still  remains  to  be  proven.  This 
much  we  know,  that  the  American  species  are  much  milder  in  their  properties. 

*  A<ri},  aite,  eliler,  from  a  resemblance  in  the  folLigc. 


10-2 

The  white  cohosh  hardly  deserves  a  place  here,  as  the  European  baneberry 
will  without  doubt  cover  its  entire  action  and  more  beside ;  it  will,  however,  often 
be  found  useful  in  many  forms  of  reflex  uterine  headache,  some  types  of  chronic 
fleeting  rheumatism,  congestion,  in  the  female  especially,  and  reflex  uterine  gas- 
tralgia.  Rafinesque  says  the  roots  are  repellant,  nervine,  and  used  for  debility 
in  Canada. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  whole  fresh  plant,  while  the  fruit 
is  ripening,  should  be  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two 
parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  to  be  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one- 
sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  mixing  well,  pour  the 
whole  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allow  it  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark, 
cool  place. 

The  tincture  is  then  separated  by  decanting,  straining  and  filtering. 


Description  of  Plate  io. 

ACT/EA  SPICATA.  var.  ALBA.* 

1.  Flower,  showing  calyx. 

2.  Expanded  flower  of  Actaa  rubra. 

3.  Stamen  (enlarged). 

4.  Pistil  (enlarged). 

5.  Horizontal  section  of  ovary  (enlarged). 

6.  Top  of  plant,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  May  loth,  1880. 

*  The  Plate  is  wrongly  titled  Acttca  spicata. 


.        ■■    >     -;  11.  , 


.ad  nal.dei.et  pinxt 


ClIVIl'CIFUCA  RaCEMOSA,  Ell. 


N.  ORD.-RANUNCULACE^.  li 

Tribe.-CIMICIFUGE^. 

GKNL'S.-  C  I  M  I  C  I  F  U  G  A  ,*  LINN. 
SKX.  SVST.— rol.VANDRIA  MOXOCVMA. 


CIMICIFUGA. 


BLACK  COHOSH. 


SYN.— CIMICIFUGA  RACEMOSA,  ELL.;  C.  SERPENTARIA,  PURSH. ;  AC- 
T^A  RACEMOSA,  LINN. ;  A.  ORTHOSTACHYA,  AND  GYROSTACHYA, 
WEND.  ;  A.  MONOGYNIA,  WALT. ;  MACROTRYS  ACT^OIDES,  RAF. ; 
M.  SERPENTARIA,  AND  RACEMOSA,  EATON;  BOTROPHIS  SERPEN- 
TARIA, RAF.;  B.  ACT^OIDES,  FISCH  AND  MEY. ;  CHRYSTOPHOR- 
lANA  CAN A DENSE  RACEMOSA,  PLUCK. 

COM.  NAMES.— BLACK  COHOSH,  BLACK  SNAKE-ROOT,t  RICH  WEED.t 
SQUAW-ROOT,?  RATTLE-^^EED,  RATTLE-ROOT,  RATTLESNAKE 
ROOT,iiBUGBANE;  IFR.)  ACTEE  AGRAPPE;  (GER.)  SWARZB  COHOSCH, 
TRAUBENFORMIGES  CHRISTOPHSKRAUT. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  CIMICIFUG.\  R.\CEMOS.\,  LINN. 

Description. — This  tall,  graceful,  and  showy  perennial  grows  to  a  height  ot 
from  3  to  8  feet.  Rootstock  thick,  blackish,  successively  knotted  and  fringe-ringed, 
whitish-yellow  internally,  with  a  ring  of  cuneiform  wood-bundles  pointing  inward  ; 
rootlets  long,  simple,  and  uniform,  a  section  under  a  lens  shows  the  cuneiform- 
bundles  arranged  like  a  cross.  Stem  smooth,  angular,  or  furrowed.  Leaves  alter- 
nate, tri-ternately  divided,  the  lowermost  almost  radical,  very  large  and  ample,  the 
petiole  at  its  base  almost  as  large  as  the  stem  ;  leaflets  various  on  the  same  petiole, 
simple,  bifid,  and  trifid,  all  ovate-oblong,  cut  serrate.  Inflorescence  of  very  long, 
simple,  or  compound,  virgate,  inclined,  upper-axillary  or  terminal  racemes  ;  flowers 
scattered,  foetid,  creamy-white.  Sepals  4-5,  petal-like,  scaphoid,  early  deciduous. 
Petals  [Staminodia)  1-8,  very  small,  long  clawed,  and  2-horned  or  forked  ;  apices 
ahtherose.  Stamens  numerous;  filaments  slender,  club-shaped,  creamy-white; 
anthers  innate,  introrse,  yellow.  Pistil  solitary,  simple  ;  ovary  ovoid,  sessile  ;  style 
short  ;  stigma  simple,  inclined  to  be  lateral,  the  centre  somewhat  cylindrically  de- 
pressed. Priiit  numerous,  dry,  ovoid  or  globose,  dehiscent  carpels,  arranged  upon 
a  raceme  from  i  to  3  feet  in  length,  and  retaining  each  its  stigma  in  the  form  of 
an  oblique  beak  ;  seeds  semi-discoid,  smooth,  horizontal,  and  compressed. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  indigenous  plant  is  comparatively  common   all 

*  Cimex,  a  bug, yV/^o,  I  drive  away.     A  Sil>erian  species  being  used  as  a  vermifuge. 

f  The  black  snake-root  is  Sanicula  Canadensis  (Umbelliferoe).  If  written  black-snake  root  the  n,Tme  might  be 
applied,  but  does  not  apply. 

J  Two  other  plants  are  known  by  this  name,  viz. :  Collinsonia  Canadensis  ( I.abialar),  and  Pi/ea  piimila  ( Lrticaceae), 
^  The  true  squaw  root  is  Conopholis  (Oroianehe)  Americana  (Orobanchacea:). 
II  This  name  properly  belongs  to  many  species  of  Nabalus  (Compositcc). 


11-2 

over  the  eastern  halt  of  the  United  States  and  in  Canada,  growing  in  rich,  open 
woods,  and  along  the  edges  of  fields,  but  especially  noticeable  on  newly  cleared 
hill-sides.  When  woods  in  its  favorite  localities  are  at  all  dense,  the  plant  will 
be  found  only  in  the  borders.  Black  cohosh  was  a  favorite  remedy  among  all 
tribes  of  the  aborigines,  being  largely  used  by  them  in  rheumatism,  disorders  of 
menstruation,  and  slow  parturition.  It  was  also  used  as  a  remedy  against  the  bites 
of  venomous  snakes,  with  what  success  history  does  not  relate,  but  we  can  easily 
judge. 

The  plant  was  first  made  known  by  Pluckenet  in  1696  ;  Colden  recommended 
its  use  in  174J,  and  Dr.  S.  Garden  in  1823.  In  England  its  use  began  in  i860.* 
Its  uses  at  this  time  were  confined  to  chorea,  rheumatism,  dropsy,  hysteria,  and 
affections  of  the  lungs.  In  regard  to  chorea.  Dr.  G.  B.  Wood  statesf  that  he  ad- 
ministered the  drug  in  a  case,  which  rapidly  recovered  under  its  use  after  the 
failure  of  purgatives  and  metallic  tonics.  In  convulsions  occurring  periodically, 
connected  with  uterine  disorder,  Dr.  Wood  also  derived  the  happiest  effects  from 
its  use.  In  inflammatory  rheumatism  Dr.  N.  F.  Johnson  used  the  remedy  with 
"the  best  results,  the  disease  disappearing  in  from  2  to  10  days";  he  says,  "the 
more  acute  the  disease  the  more  prompt  and  decided  will  be  the  action  of  the 
drug."J  Dr.  A.  Clapp§  used  the  drug  in  "  chronic  facial  erysipelas,  with  satisfac- 
tory results."  Dr.  Williams  says  :||  "  Indians  and  quacks  recommend  its  use  in 
rheumatism,"  etc.  ;  he  then  recommends  it  himself!  The  statement  of  Dr.  Whee- 
ler^l  that  some  eminent  physicians  thought  it  to  be  a  good  substitute  for  Secale 
cornutum  in  parturition,  relaxing  the  parts  and  thereby  rendering  labor  short  and 
easy,  is  one  that  should  have  received  much  attention. 

In  all  the  above  uses  except  mayhap  those  concerning  the  lungs,  we  have 
proven  its  application  trustworthy.  Its  usefulness  in  phthisis  when  given  in  proper 
dosage  is  simply  to  palliate  the  cough  through  its  action  upon  the  nerve  centres. 
It  will  be  found  in  most  cases  to  act  with  far  more  constant  success  In  females  than 
In  males,  as  its  action  upon  the  female  economy  Is  marked  and  distinctive. 

The  ofificlnal  preparations  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  are  :  Extractum  Cimicifug<e  Flii- 
idtini,  and  Tinctiira  CimicifugcE.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica:  Dccoctum  Cimi- 
cifugiE ;  Extractum  Cnnicifiiga:  AlcoJiolicuin  and  Fliudwn  ;  Rcsina  Cimicifugce  ; 
Tinctura  Cimicifitgce  ;  Tinctiira  Ciinicifiigce  Composita  /'''*  Tiiictura  Colchici  Ctnn- 
posita;\-'\-  and  Enema  Cimiciftigcs  Composita:]^, 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  root  should  be  treated  as  in 
the  preceding  species.  The  resulting  tincture  Is  almost  opaque  ;  in  thin  layers  it 
has  a  deep  olive-green  color  by  transmitted  light ;  it  retains  the  peculiar  odor  of 
the  root;  its  taste  is  at  first  peculiar,  soon  becoming  very  acrid  and  bitter,  and  Its 
reaction  acid. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— G"ot2V?>!j-/«  or  Macrotin,  the  so-called  resinoid, 

*  Fluck.  &  Hail.,  Pharmacosrapliia,  p.  1 6.  f   Dunglison's  Nnu  Rem.,  p.  145. 

X  Clapp,  Cat.,  Am.  Met!.  Ass'n,  1852,  p.  725.  I    Op.  et  he.  cit. 

II   Kept.  Imlig.  Med  Bot.  Mass.,  Am.  Med.  Ass' 11,  £849,  p.  914.  \   Bost.  Med.  and  Suig.  Jour.,  Sept.,  1S39,  p.  65 
*«•  Ciniicifuga,  Sanguinaria,  and  Phytolacca.  ff  Culchicuni  and  CimiciTuga. 

\X  Cimicifuga  and  Geranium  maculatum. 


il-3 

is  not  strictly  spcakiiii^  a  chemical  derivative,  beiny;  sim[)Iy  a  precipitate  of  what- 
ever principles  in  the  root  are  not  soluble  in  water.  An  alkaloid  has,  however, 
been  determined  by  T.  E.  Conard,*  and  corroboratetl  l)y  M.  S.  Falck,i-  to  which 
the  above  name  might  be,  but  has  not  been,  applied.  This  alkaloid  is  a  neutral 
crystalline  body,  having  an  intensely  acrid  taste,  and  is  soluble  in  alcohol,  chloro- 
form, and  ether,  slightly  also  in  water.  It  has  been  determinetl  also  in  the 
"  resinoid." 

A  resin  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  another  soluble  in  alcohol  only  ;  fatty 
and  waxy  matters,  volatile  oil  having  the  odor  of  the  root,  green  and  brown  color- 
ing matters,  gum,  uncrystallizable  sugar,  tannic  acid,  extractive,  and  other  plant 
constituents  have  also  been  determined.J 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Cimicifuga  acts  as  a  severe  irritant  to  die  nerve 
centres  in  general,  and  causes  through  its  action  upon  the  vaso-motor  system  cere- 
bral, cerebro-spinal  and  pelvic  congestion,  followed  by  inflammatory  action,  espe- 
cially upon  the  nerves  themselves.  The  cho^a-like  spasmodic  action  following 
the  exhibition  of  the  drug  is  of  two  types,  one  having  apparently  a  rheumatic 
basis,  the  other  uterine ;  the  latter  is  most  common,  as  the  choreas  curable  by  this 
drug  will  be  found  aggravated  or  originating  at  the  age  of  puberty  or  during  men- 
struation. It  causes  rheumatic  pains  resembling  those  of  torticollis,  lumbago,  and 
especially  pleurodynia,  sympathetic  angina  pectoris,  and  rheumatoid  gout.  The 
drug  seems  also  to  cause  irritation  of  the  uterus  directly,  especially  when  this  irri- 
tation is  rheumatoid  in  its  character,  and  in  consequence  the  individual  under  the 
effects  of  the  drug  will  present  symptoms  of  epileptiform  or  hysterical  spasms, 
restlessness  and  jactitation  of  muscles,  dysmenorrhoea  or  amenorrhoea,  cephalalgia, 
infra-mammary  pain,  etc.,  as  the  case  may  be.  In  pregnancy  it  often  causes  abor- 
tion, and  in  labor  will  stimulate  the  uterus  and  cause  rapid,  painless  expansion  of 
the  parts.  According  to  Dr.  Chapman  it  produces  free  nausea,  with  abundant 
expectoration,  followed  by  nervous  trembling,  vertigo,  and  remarkable  slowness  of 
the  pulse. 

Description  of  Pi,.\te  ii. 

1.  Part  of  the  summit  of  a  plant  showing  one  of  the  smaller  racemes,  Binghamton,  N.Y.,  July  19th,  1884. 

2.  Luwer  portion  of  stem,  with  a  part  of  the  root  showing  the  remains  of  the  growth  of  the  two  pre- 

vious seasons. 

3.  Portion  of  one  of  the  smaller  leaves. 

4.  Section  of  the  root. 

5.  \  sepal  (somewhat  enlarged). 

6.  A  staminodium  (enlarged). 

7.  Stamen  (enlarged). 

8.  Pollen  X  300. 

9.  Pistil  (enlarged). 

10.  Section  of  pistil  (enlarged). 

11.  Fruit. 

12.  Section  of  capsule  showing  seeds. 


*  ^m.  your.  Phar.,  1871,  p.  151.  t  P'riod.  cU.,  1884,  p.  459. 

t  Tilghman,  Jour.  PAH.  Coll.  Phar.,  1834,  p.  20;  J.  .S.  Jones,  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1843,  P-  >  ;  G.  H.  Davis, 
period,  cit.,  1861,  p.  391 ;  E.  C.  Jones,  Proc.  Am.  Phar.  Ass'n,  1865,  p.  186;  T.  E.  Conard,  art.  cil.  sup. ;  M.  S.  Kalck. 
vrt.  cil.  sup. 


.TU.adnstdel.etfiinxt 


Magnolia    GiAOcA^unn. 


N.  ORD.  MAGNOLIACE/E.  12 

GENUS.— MAGNOLIA,*  LINN. 


SEX.  SYST.— POLY.\KDRI.\  I'OI.VGV.N'I.V. 


MAGNOLIA  GLAUCA 


SWEET  BAY. 

SYN.— MAGNOLIA  GLAUCA,  LINN;    M.  VIRGINICA,  a  GLAUCA,  LINN  •  M 

FRAGRANS,  SALISB. ;  M.  LONGIPOLIA,  SWEET. 
COM.  NAMES.  — SMALL,   LAUREL,  OR   SWEET  MAGNOLIA;    SWEET,   OR 

WHITE   BAY;   CASTOR,  OR  BEAVER  WOOD;   ELK  OR  INDIAN  BARK; 

SWAMP  SASSAFRAS,  OR  LAUREL;  BEAVER  TREE,  BREWSTER-   iFR  j 

LE  MAGNOLIER  GLAUQUE;  (GER.)  MAGNOLIE. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  FLOWERS  OF  MAGNOLIA  GLAUCA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  beautiful  swamp  shrub  usually  <rro\vs  to  a  height  of  from 
4  to  20  feet.f  Bark  smooth,  whitish.  Buds  conical,  silky;  leaves  all  scattered, 
oblong,  oval,  or  ovate-lanceolate,  obtuse,  thickish,  shining  green  above  and  bluish- 
white  beneath,  evergreen  southward,  deciduous  northward.  Inflorescence  solitary 
and  terminal ;  flowers  globular,  white,  very  fragrant.  Sepals  3,  oblong,  scaphoid. 
Petals  6  to  9,  erect,  broadly  ovate,  and  narrowed  at  the  base.  Stamens  numerous, 
imbricated;  filaments  short;  anthers  long,  adnate,  introrse.  Pistils  coherent  in  a 
mass  aggregated  upon  the  elongated  torus.  Fruit  oblong,  conical,  small,  and 
rather  ligneous ;  carpels  many,  dehiscing  by  a  longitudinal  dorsal  suture ;  seeds 
I  to  2  in  each  carpel,  baccate,  vermilion,  hanging  from  the  bursted  carpels  by  an 
extenuate  thread  composed  of  spiral  vessels  ;  endocarp  bony. 

Magnoliaceae. — This  small  but  magnificent  family  of  trees  and  shrubs,  repre- 
sented in  North  America  by  4  genera  and  i  i  species,  is  characterized  by  having: 
the  biids  covered  by  membranous  stipules ;  leaves  alternate,  coriaceous,  pinnately 
veined,  entire,  and  punctate  with  minute  pellucid  dots.  Floivcrs  single,  laro-e, 
polypetalous,  the  calyx  and  corolla  colored  alike,  in  aestivation  generally  imbricate 
in  3  or  more  rows  of  3,  all  deciduous.  Stamens  numerous,  hypogynous ;  filaments 
short ;  aiithers  long,  adnate,  introrse.  Pistils  many,  coherent,  generally  closely 
packed  together  over  the  prolonged  receptacle ;  styles  short  or  none ;  stigmas 
simple.  Fruit  a  fleshy,  or  dry  cone,  composed  of  many  coherent  carpels.  Seeds 
I  to  2  in  each  carpel,  anatropous ;  albumen  fleshy ;  embryo  minute,  basal. 

*  In  honor  of  Professor  Magnol,  a  botanist  of  the  17th  century,  at  Montpellier. 

f  Mr.  Brilton  observed,  in  Manahawken  Swamp,  Ocean  Co.,  N.  J.,  an  individual  with  a  diameter  of  trunk  of  32.25  inches, 
whose  rings  showed  a  growth  of  150  years. 


^2-2 

The  only  other  proven  drug  of  this  order  is  the  Asiatic  Star-anise  {^Illicmm 
anisatum,  Linn.),  an  aromatic  and  carminative,  often  substituted  in  general  practice 
for  the  true  Aniseed,  the  fruit  of  an  umbelliferous  plant.  The  South  American 
Winter's  Bark,  from  Wintera  arornatica,  Murr.,  is  used  in  Brazil  as  an  aromatic 
tonic,  especially  though  in  colic.  The  North  American  Illiciiim  floridanuiti,  Ellis, 
is  reputed  to  have  an  action  similar  to  that  of  aromatic  tonics  in  general ;  and  the 
Tulip  Tree  [Lmodendron  Tulipifera,  Linn.)  yields  a  bark  that  is  at  once  bitter  and 
aromatic,  much  valued  as  a  stimulating  tonic  and  diaphoretic  in  intermittents  and 
chronic  rheumatism ;  it  should  be  proven.  The  Javanese  Aromadendron  elegans 
has  a  native  reputation  as  a  carminative,  stomachic,  and  antihysteric ;  and  the 
wood  oi  Manglietia  glatica  is  supposed  to  be  antiputrefactive,  therefore  it  is  used 
by  the  inhabitants  of  the  island  for  the  manufacture  of  coffins.  Several  other 
genera  furnish  aromatic  and  bitter  tonic  barks,  many  of  which  are  used  by  the 
natives  of  the  countries  in  which  they  grow. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Sweet  Magnolia  is  indigenous  to  North  America, 
from  Cape  Ann  and  Long  Island  southward.  At  first  it  keeps  to  the  seaboard, 
but  gradually  extends  inland  the  farther  south  it  is  found.  It  grows  in  swamps, 
and  expands  its  fragrant  flowers  from  May  (southward)  to  June  and  August. 

The  use  of  the  fresh  bark,  cones,  and  seeds  of  this  species,  together  with 
those  of  M.  grandiflora,  acuminata,  tripetala,  and  macrophylla,  has  descended  to 
the  laity  and  general  practitioner  from  the  Aborigines,  who  employed  a  warm 
decoction  of  the  bark  and  cones  extensively  against  rheumatism,  and  a  cold  infu- 
sion as  an  antiperiodic.  The  fresh  bark  has  long  been  considered  as  a  bitter, 
aromatic  tonic,  febrifuge,  diaphoretic,  antiperiodic  and  gentle  laxative,  in  acute 
coryzas,  bronchial  catarrhs,  chronic  rheumatism,  dyspepsia,  remittent  and  inter- 
mittent fevers  and  typhoid  states,  being  deemed  contraindicated,  however,  if 
inflammation  be  present.  The  odor  of  the  cut  flowers,  especially  at  night  in  a 
close  room,  is  very  penetrating,  unpleasant,  and  to  some  insupportable,  causing, 
in  susceptible  persons,  a  great  oppression  of  the  chest  and  vertigo.  Dr.  Wm. 
Barton  "  imputed  to  the  odor  the  power  of  increasing  the  pain  of  inflammatory 
gout,  and  occasioning  an  exacerbation  of  a  diurnal  fever."*  It  is  thoroughly 
believed  in  the  South  that  a  growth  of  magnolias  in  stagnant  waters  renders  them 
pure  and  prevents  the  generation  of  malarial  poisons. 

The  bark  is  still  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  flowers  are  chopped  and 
pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken, 
the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol 
added.  After  stirring  the  whole  well,  it  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  vial  and 
allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture  thus  prepared 
should,  after  filtration,  have  a  deep  brownish-red  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  per- 
fume much  like  the  wilted  flowers,  an  acrid  and  bitter  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

*  W.  p.  C.  Barton,  Med.  Bot.  loc.  cit. 


12-3 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— The  flowers  have  not  been  examined  ;  they 
probably,  however,  contain  a  volatile  oil  at  least.  The  b^^rk  of  AL  g7'andiflora  was 
examined  by  Dr.  Procter,*  who  found  a  volatile  oil,  resin,  and  a  crystalline  principle 
resembling  liriodendnne. 

Magnolin. — This  bitter  principle  was  extracted  from  the  fruit  of  M.  umbrella 
by  W'allace  Procter,  1S72,  as  acicular  crystals,  having  a  bitter  taste.  They  are 
insoluble  in  water,  soluble  in  alcohol  and  chloroform,  melt  at  8o°-82°  (176°- 
179.6°  F.),  and  emit  white  vapors  at  125°  (257°  F.),  which  condense  in  oily  drops, 
consisting  partly  of  the  original  principle  and  of  resin.     (Wittstein.) 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  effects  of  the  odor  of  the  flowers,  as 
reported  by  Drs.  Barton.  S.  A.  Jones,t  and  T.  F.  Allen,J  are:  Great  uneasiness 
and  oppression  of  the  chest,  with  an  inability  to  expand  the  lungs,  a  feeling  as 
if  having  swallowed  a  large  bolus  of  unmasticated  food  which  distressed  the 
stomach,  and  a  tendency  to  fainting.  Showing  thus  a  dilation  of  the  vascular 
system  so  commonly  following  the  insufflation  of  strongly  odorous  flowers  in 
susceptible  persons.  Magnolia  certainly  deserves  a  careful  proving  of  the  fresh 
bark  and  flowers ;  the  flotcers  alone  can  hardly  add  to  our  medicamentse  while  we 
have  Cactus  erandiflorus. 


Description  of  Plate  12. 

I.   End  of  a  flowering  branch,  Landisville,  N.  J.,  July  3(1,  1885. 

2.  Stamen. 

3.  Section  of  a  carpel. 

4.  Fruit. 

(2  and  3  enlarged.) 


*  Am.  your.  Phar.,  1842,  p.  89.  \  Am.  Horn.  Obs.,  June,  1875.  \  Encyc.  Pure  Mat.  Med.,  vi.,  142. 


15. 


4  3 


/.TU.iilnaiileletpinxt. 


AsiMiNA  Triloba,  Dunai 


N.  ORD -ANONACE^.  13 

GENUS.— AS  I  M  I  N  A  ,*  ADANS. 
SEX.  SYST.— POLYANDRIA  I'ULYGYNIA. 


ASIMINA  TRILOBA. 


PA  WPA  W. 


SYN.- ASIMINA  TRILOBA,  DUNAL.  ;  ASIMINA  CAMPANIFLOBA,  SPACH. ; 

ANNONA  TRILOBA,  LINN. ;  ORCHIDOCARPUM  ARIETINUM,  MICHX. ; 

PORCELIA  TRILOBA,  PERS. ;  UVABIA  TRILOBA,  TORR.  AND  GRAY. 
COM.  NAMES.— PAWPAW,  PAPAW,+  AMERICAN  CUSTARD-APPLE;   (FR.) 

ASIMINIER ;  (GER.)  DREILAPPIGE  ASIMINE. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  RIPE  SEEDS  OF  ASIMINA  TRILOBA,   DUNAL. 

Description. — This  curious-fruited  tree  attains  a  height  of  from  lo  to  30  feet, 
with  about  the  same  diameter  of  foHage.  Bark  smooth,  grayish.  Leaves  long, 
thin,  and  membraneous,  entire,  oblong-lanceolate,  acute  or  acuminate,  and  are 
covered  with  a  rusty-hairiness  upon  the  nether  surface  when  first  expanding,  but 
soon  become  entirely  glabrous.  Inflorescence  solitary  in  the  a.xils  of  the  previous 
year's  leaves  ;  flowers  dull  purple,  appearing  with,  or  just  before,  the  leaves.  Sepals 
3,  ovate,  much  shorter  than  the  petals.  Petals  6,  spreading,  veiny,  rounded-ovate, 
their  upper  third  more  or  less  recurved  ;  they  are  arranged  in  two  rows,  the  outer 
larger,  all  enlarging  after  anthesis.  Stamens  indefinite,  arranged  in  a  globular 
head,  thus  concealing  the  ovaries  and  styles.  Pistils  few,  their  stigmas  projecting 
beyond  the  stamens  than  which  they  are  longer.  Fruits  1-4,  developed  from  each 
flower,  they  are  oblong,  rounded,  pulpy,  several-seeded,  and  resemble  in  shape 
the  shorter  red  bananas.  Seeds  oval,  horizontal,  flattish-compressed,  and  sur- 
rounded by  a  fleshy  aril. 

AnonaceaB. — This  chiefly  tropical  order  consists  of  trees  or  s/inibs  having 
naked  buds  and  aromatic  or  fetid  bark.  Leaves  alternate,  entire,  pinnate-veined, 
and  usually  punctate  ;  stipules  wanting.  ^-Estivation  V2i\vu\3ir  \  floivers  \3ir^(t,  duW 
colored.  Sepals  3,  often  connected  at  the  base.  Petals  6,  thick,  arranged  in  two 
rows.  Torus  rounded,  hypogynous ;  stamens  numerous  or  indefinite  ;  filaments 
very  short,  sometimes  just  perceptible ;  anthers  adnate,  extrorse ;  connectivum 
fleshy,  somewhat  quadrangular,  often  nectariferous.  Pistils  numerous,  crowded, 
and  sometimes  coherent,  especially  in  fruit;  styles  short  or  wanting  ;  stiginas  sim- 
ple, capitellate.  Fruit  fleshy  or  pulpy ;  seeds  anatropous,  one  or  more  in  each 
ovary;  testa  brittle;  embryo  basal,  minute;  albumen  hard,  ruminated. 

*  Asiminier,  the  name  applied  by  the  French  Colonists. 

f  This  name  more  properly  applies  to  the  West  Indian  Carica  Papaya  (Papay-iceKr). 


i3-2 

The  plants  of  this  family  are  not  generally  considered  medicinal,  but  Blume 
states  that  many  species  of  the  genera  Uvaria,  Unona,  and  Zylopia  are  employed 
in  Java,  but  require  caution,  as  they  often  cause  vertigo,  hemorrhage,  and  some- 
times abortion  in  pregnant  states.*  The  South  American  Frtitta  de  Burro  {Xylopia 
longifolia)  is  termed  by  Humboldt  a  valuable  fruit,  for  use  as  a  febrifuge,  along  the 
river  Orinoco.  Piper  A^tJiiopicurn  is  the  seed  of  HabzeliaAithiopica;  another 
species  of  the  same  genus  (//.  aroniaticd)  being  used  by  the  natives  of  Guiana  as 
a  spice.  The  Jamaica  nutmeg  {Monodora  myristica)  is  said  to  be  similar  to,  but 
not  so  pungent  as,  the  nutmeg  of  commerce  {Myiistica  moscJiatd).  Jamaica  bit- 
terwood  (^Xylopia  glabra)  is  considered  tonic  and  stimulant.-j-  To  the  arts  this 
order  furnishes  Jamaica  Lancewood  [Guatieria  virgaia),  useful  on  account  of  its 
lightness  and  elasticity,  in  the  manufacture  of  coaches,  fishing-rods,  and  bows. 
Succulent  fruits  are  yielded  by  Anncna  Cherimolia  (Cherimoyer),  and  Anona  squa- 
mosa (Custard-apple). 

History  and  Habitat. — The  common  pawpaw  is  indigenous  to  the  central 
belt  of  the  United  States  from  Western  New  York  to  the  Mississippi  and  south- 
ward. It  locates  along  streams  where  the  soil  is  rich  and  frosts  late.  This  small 
tree  is  a  native,  especially  of  the  Ohio  valley,  where  it  flowers  from  March  to  May, 
according  to  the  season.  It  is  grown  in  a  protected  place  in  Central  Park,  New 
York  City,  but  is  not  hardy  north  of  Cincinnati.  The  fruit,  when  ripe,  is  soft, 
sweet,  and  insipid,  having  a  taste  somev/hat  between  that  of  the  May-apple  and 
the  banana,  tending  to  the  former.  It  was  greatly  prized  by  the  aborigines, — who 
eagerly  sought  anything  edible  in  the  vegetable  world — and  now  is  occasionally 
exposed  for  sale  in  city  markets.  When  green  they  have  a  very  unpleasant  odor, 
and  are  only  fit  to  eat  after  having  been  touched  by  frost,  when  they  turn  from 
yellowish-green  to  black,  and  become  internally  of  the  color  and  consistence  of 
custard.J  It  is  claimed  that  they  improve  greatly  in  size,  taste,  and  succulency 
upon  cultivation.  Three  other  species :  A.  grandiflora,  A.  parinflora,  and  A. 
pygmcea  complete  the  genus  north  of  Mexico. 

The  former  uses  of  this  plant  in  medicine  are  of  litde  or  no  importance.  A 
tincture  of  the  seed  proves  emetic  ;  the  bark  being  bitter  has  been  considered 
tonic  and  stimulant.  The  chemical  properties  and  physiological  action  have  never 
been — to  my  knowledge — determined. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  coarsely  powdered,  fresh,  ripe 
seeds  are  covered  with  five  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol,  and  allowed  to  remain 
eight  days  in  a  well-stoppered  bottle  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture  thus  prepared  is  filtered  off  It  has  a  clear,  pale,  canary  color 
by  transmitted  light ;  an  astringent  straw-like  taste  ;  an  odor  somewhat  like  that 
of  the  red  raspberry,  and  a  slight  acidity. 

All  that  is  known  of  the  medicinal  power  of  this  drug  is  a  proving  by  Dr. 

*  Lindley,  Floy.  Med.,  p.  29.  f  Idem,  pp.  27-S.  %  Whence  the  name  "American  Custard-apple." 


i3-3 

Eisenboeg.*     A  preparation  from  the  seeds,  bark,  and  green  fruit  might  prove  of 
more  utihty,  and  possess  greater  power  of  action. 

Description  ok  Plate  13. 

I.  End  of  a  flowering  branch  (several  blossoms  missing)  from  North  Bend,  Ohio,  May  15th,  1884. 

2.  Calyx  and  torus,  after  removal  of  the  stamens. 

3.  A  stamen  (enlarged). 

4.  Pollen  X  250. 

5.  Fruit  and  full-grown  leaf. 

6.  Seed  and  opened  aril. 

Drawn  from  living  specimens  received  from  Ohio  through  the  kindness  of  Mr.  R.  PI.  Warder,  son  of  the  late  Dr. 
John  A.  Warder,  President  of  the  American  Forestry  Association,  1881. 


*  Allen,  Ency  Pure  Mai.  Med.,  Vol.  I,  p.  498-9. 


(S^m.adnatdeletpinxt  MENISP^RMUM    CANAD^NSE,  Linn 


jii^tmtsim 


N.  ORD.-MENISPERMACE/E.  14 

GENUS.— M  E  N  I  S  P  E  R  M  U  M  ,*  LIXX. 
SEX.  SVST.— DI(KCI.\  POI.V.\M)RI.\. 


MENISPERMUM. 

YELLOIJ'  PA  RILL  J. 


SYN.— MENISPERMUM  CANADENSE,  LINN.;   M.  ANGULATUM,  MCEN. ;   M. 

SMILACINUM,  D.  C. ;  CISSAMPELOS  SMILACINA,  LINN. 
COM.  NAMES.— YELLOW   PARILLA,   CANADIAN  MOONSEED,   TEXAS  OR 

YELLOW  SARSAPARILLA,  MAPLE  VINE. 


A  -J-INCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  MENISPERMUM  CANADENSE,  L. 

Description. — This  perennial  climber  reaches  a  length  of  from  8  to  15  feet. 
J^oo/  cylindrical,  long,  yellow  ;  s/e?u  slender.  Leaves  ample,  peltate,  with  the  inser- 
tion of  the  petiole  near  the  base,  3  to  7  lobed  or  angled  ;  [ohcs  obtuse  or  more  or 
less  acute;  ve)iation  palmate,  the  veins  pubescent  below;  pdioles  about  the  length 
of  the  leaves.  Inflorescence  in  long,  supra-axillary  compound  racemes  or  panicles. 
Sepals  4  to  8,  obovate-oblong,  arranged  in  a  double  series.  Petals  6  to  8,  small, 
somewhat  cuneate,  fleshy,  with  a  thickened  free  margin.  Stamens  12  to  20  (in  the 
sterile  flowers),  as  long  as  the  petals  ;  filaments  hardly  thickened  at  the  summit; 
anthers  innate,  4-celled.  Pistils  2  to  4  (in  the  fertile  flowers),  raised  upon  a 
short,  common  torus,  usually  perfecting  but  two  drupes ;  stio7nas  flattened.  Fruit 
a  globose- reniform,  black,  and  stipitate  drupe,  furnished  with  a  bloom,  and  retain- 
ing the  mark  of  the  stigma ;  nutlet  more  or  less  lunate,  wrinkled  and  grooved, 
laterally  flattened  ;  embryo  slender,  horseshoe-shaped  ;  cotyledons  filiform. 

Menispermaceae. — This  goodly-sized  family  of  tropical  or  sub-tropical,  woody 
climbers,  is  represented  in  North  America  by  but  3  genera  and  6  species.  Leaves 
alternate,  palmate  or  peltate ;  stipules  none.  Inflorescence  in  axillary  racemes  or 
panicles  ;  floivers  small,  monoecious,  dioecious  or  polygamous  ;  (estivation  imbricate. 
Sepals  arranged  in  two  or  more  rows,  deciduous.  Petals  usually  equal  in  number 
to  the  sepals,  hypogynous.  Stamens  monadelphous  or  separate,  equal  in  number  to 
the  petals  and  opposite  them,  or  from  2  to  4  times  as  many,  adnate  or  innate,  com- 
posed of  4  horizontal  ovoid  lobes  arranged  tip  to  base,  and  opening  longitudinally 
(apparently  horizontal.  See  Fig.  6).  Pistils  3  to  6;  ovaries  several,  united  or 
separate,  nearly  straight;  stigmas  apical,  but  looking  downward  in  fruit  on  account 
of  the  incurving  of  the  ripening  ovaries.  Fniit  2^  i -celled  drupe;  seeds  i  in  each 
cell ;  embryo  large,  long  and  curved,  surrounded  by  the  albumen  ;  albumen  scanty. 

Our  only  proven  plant  of  this  order,  beside  Menispermum,  is  the  Indian 
Cocculus   Indicus   {Anamirta  paniculata.  Cole),  a  narcotico-poison,  used  by  the 

*  Mqi'i),  mene,  moon  ;  mlpfta,  sperma,  seed ;  the  seed  being  lunate  in  shape. 


14-2 

natives  to  stupefy  fish,  and  supposedly  in  this  country  and   Europe  to  give  bitter- 
ness to  malt  liquors. 

Many  other  species  are  used  in  medicine,  of  which  the  following  hold  a  more 
or  less  permanent  place:  The  Brazilian  Pareira  brava,  the  roots  of  Clionodi-odciidron 
to7ucntos2iiu,  R.  et  P.,  a  tonic  and  diuretic,  considered  almost  specific  in  its  action 
upon  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  genito-urinary  tract;  the  Indian  Gulancha 
{Tinospora  cordifolia,  Miers.),  a  valuable  tonic,  antiperiodic  and  diuretic;  the 
African  Columbo  [yateorhiza  Cohimba,  Miers.),  a  bitter  stomachic  and  mild  tonic, 
often  used  with  good  effect  In  vomiting  of  pregnancy  and  atonic  dyspepsia;  the 
West-Indian  False  Pareira  brava  [Cissn?>ipclos  Fareira,  Linn.),  more  often  used 
than  the  true  article  for  the  purposes  mentioned.  The  root  of  the  Crayor  and 
Senegal  Coccidiis  Bakis,  GuilL,  is  used  by  the  natives  in  the  treatment  of  their 
intermittents  and  m  urethral  discharges;  the  root  of  the  Cochin-China  C.  Jibraiirea, 
I ).  C,  is  used  like  the  former,  and  also  in  various  liver  aft'ections  ;  C.  cincrasccns 
and  A.  platyphyllus,  St.  Hil.,  command  the  same  attention  by  the  Brazilians ; 
while  the  Javanese  use  C.  ci'ispus,  D.  C  ,  which  is  powerfully  bitter,  in  like  troubles. 
Coccu'ais  acumiiiatus,  D.  C,  is  considered  ale.xiteric  in  Brazil.  The  Malabar  and 
Ceylon  Clypea  Bm-manni,  W.  and  A.,  is  employed,  according  to  Lindley,  in  inter- 
mittents and  hepatic  disturbances,  as  well  as  a  remedy  against  dysentery  and 
hemorrhoids.  Cissavipelos  ova/ifolia,  D.  C,  in  Brazil,  and  AbiUa  rufcsccns,  Aubl, 
in  Guayana  are  used,  like  most  of  the  members  of  this  order,  as  a  remedy  in 
intermittents  and  obstruction  of  the  liver. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Canadian  Moonseed  is  indigenous  to  North 
America,  where  it  is  quite  common  on  the  banks  of  streams  from  Canada  south- 
ward to  the  Carolinas  and  westward  to  the  Mississippi. 

Our  first  knowledge  of  this  plant  as  a  remedy  was  undoubtedly  handed  down 
from  the  Aborigines,  who  are  said  by  Rafinesque  to  have  used  the  root  in  scrofu- 
losis  ;  the  early  settlers  also  found  it  useful  as  a  diuretic  in  strangury  in  horses. 
Its  employment  generall)'  by  early  practidoners  has  been  very  similar  to  that 
of  Sarsaparilla,  /'.  <?.,  in  mercurial,  syphilitic,  scrofulous  and  rheumatic  diatheses  ; 
also  as  a  laxative  and  tonic  In  general  debility,  atonic  dyspepsia  and  kindred  dis- 
orders ;  and  as  a  remedy  in  pleural  adhesions  and  inflammation  of  the  alimentative 
mucous  membranes. 

Menlspermum  was  admitted  to  the  U.  S.  Ph.  at  the  last  revision,  the  rhizome 
and  roodets  being  now  officinal.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  its  preparations 
are  :  Decoctwn  Meiiispermi,  Menispermin,  and  as  a  component  of  Syrupiis  Rnmecis 
Covipositus* 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  root  Is  chopped  and  pounded 
to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp 
thoroughly  mixed  with  one  sixth  part  of  It  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added. 
After  stirring  the  whole  well,  pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered  botde  and  let  It  stand 
eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 


*  Yellowdock  root ;   False-bittersweet,  root  bark ;   American  ivy  bark;   Figwort;   and  Moonseed  root. 


14-3 
The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration,  is  opaque  ;   in  thin  layers 
it  has  a  deep  madder-lake  color  by  transmitted  light;  a  bitterish  odor;  an  acid, 
bitter  and  astrint^ent  taste  ;  and  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Berberina.  Prof  J.  M.  Maisch,  who  first 
investigated  this  root,=^  found  a  small  quantity  of  this  alkaloid,  the  nature  of  which 
is  detailed  in  the  next  drug,  page  15-2.  He  also  found  a  second  alkaloid,  which 
was  afterward  named 

Menispermine.t — A  white,  amorphous,  tasteless  alkaloid,  insoluble  in  water, 
slighdy  soluble  in  alcohol,  ether  and  chloroform. 

Menispine.t — This  second  specific  alkaloid,  determined  by  Barber  in  his 
analysis,  differs  in  solubility  and  tests  from  both  oxyca}ithine\  and  mcnispcnnine. 
It  resulted  as  a  whitish,  amorphous,  very  bitter  powder,  slighdy  soluble  in  water, 
ether  and  chloroform,  and  very  soluble  in  absolute  alcohol.  Tincture  of  iodine 
gives  a  dark-red  precipitate  with  this  body,  and  with  mcuisperminc,  a  yellow 
precipitate. 

Menispermo-tannic  Acid.|| — This  specific  tannin  gives  a  dark-green  color 
with  ferric  chloride. 

Two  yellowish  resins,  one  soluble  in  ether,  and  the  general  constituents  of 
plants,  were  also  determined. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Prof.  E.  M.  Hale's  e.xperiments  with  from  35 
drops  upward  of  a  tincture  of  the  root,  and  various  doses  of  the  "resinoid"  meiiis- 
pci'iniiic,  resulted  as  follows :  Temporal  and  occipital  headache,  with  stretching  and 
yawning,  and  fullness  of  the  head;  swollen  tongue;  salivation;  dryness  of  the 
buccal  mucous  membranes  and  of  the  throat ;  nausea  ;  thirst ;  colic  ;  rectal  tenes- 
mus ;  scanty,  high-colored  urine;  aching  of  the  extremities;  itching  of  the  skin; 
restlessness  and  troubled  sleep. 

Excessive  doses  cause  an  increase  in  the  rate  and  volume  of  the  pulse,  and 
excessive  vomiting  and  purging.  The  action  of  the  drug  is  that  of  an  irritant  to 
the  nerves  governing  the  alimentary  tract,  resulting  in  increased  secretions  from 
the  mucous  membranes. 

Description  of  Plate  14. 

I.   Part  of  male  flowering  stem,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  June  24th,  1885. 
2.   End  of  stem. 
<,.  Staminate  flower. 

4.  Sepal. 

5.  Petal. 

6.  Stamen. 

7.  Female  flower. 

8.  Carpel. 

9.  Outline  of  a  leaf. 
(3-8  enlarged.) 


*  Am.  your.  Pilar.,  1863,  303.  t  H-  ^-  Barber,  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1884,  401. 

%  Name  proposed  by  Prof.  Maisch,  Ibui.  J  See  page  15-2.  ||  Barber,  tbU. 


uJTR.adnal.del.et  pinxt 


Berberis  Vulgaris, Linn. 


N.  ORD-BERBERIDACE/E.  15 

GEMS  — B  E  R  B  E  R  I  S,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SYST.— HEXANDRIA  .NKi.NuL.V.MA. 


BERBER  IS. 


BARBERRY. 


SYN.-BERBERIS  VULGARIS,  LINN.;  BERBERIS  VULGARIS,  VAR.  CAN- 
ADENSIS,  TORR.,   SPINA  ACIDA;   BERBERIS  DUMETORUM,   RAIL 

COM.  NAMES.— COMMON  BARBERRY,  BERBERRY;  (FR.)  EPINE  VINETTE  ; 
(GER.)  SAURDORN. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  B.\RK  OF  BERBERIS  VULGARIS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  attractive,  bushy  shrub  grows  to  a  height  of  from  3  to  8 
feet ;  the  stem-wood,  inner-bark  and  pith  are  yellow.  Leaves  inversely  efo-- 
shaped,  short-petioled,  closely  serrate,  and  bristly-toothed.  Occurrincr  either 
singly  or  in  a  dense  fascicle  above  the  spines,  they  are  of  a  cold-green  color  and 
very  acid ;  spines  triple,  branched  or  sometimes  simple,  minutely  maculate  and 
surrounded  by  the  rosette  of  leaves.  Inflorescence  long,  drooping,  many-flowered 
racemes,  of  pale  yellow  flowers.  Bractlcts  2  to  6,  situate  about  the  base  of  the 
calyx.  Sepals  6,  deciduous,  rounded,  the  outer  three  smaller.  Petals  6,  entire, 
obovate,  concave,  with  two  minute,  oblong,  deeper-colored  glandular  spots  at  the 
base,  inside  and  above  the  short  claw.  Stamens  6,  \h€\T  filajitents  ligulate,  blunt, 
opposite  the  petals,  but  shorter  and  attached  to  their  bases;  anthers  adnate. 
Pistil  about  the  length  of  the  stamens ;  ovary  more  or  less  inflated-cylindrical ; 
style  rarely  present,  very  short ;  stig7na  short,  flattened,  sessile  or  nearly  so. 
Fruit  a  one-  to  nine-seeded,  oblong,  scarlet,  sour  berry,  evenly  depressed  in  the 
median  diameter ;  seeds  erect  on  a  short  stalk  rising  from  the  base  of  the  cell, 
oblong,  with  a  crust-like  integument. 

BerberidacesB. — Shrubs  or  herbs  with  alternate  leaves  and  perfect  flowers. 
Sepals  3  to  9,  deciduous,  often  colored  and  furnished  with  a  calyculus  of  petal-like 
scales,  all  together  with  the  petals  imbricate  in  two  or  more  rows  in  eestivation 
(Jeffersonia  with  a  single  row).  Petals  as  many  as  the  sepals.  Stamens  hypogy- 
nous,  equal  in  number  to  the  petals  and  opposite  them  (Podophyllum)  twice  as 
many) ;  yf/rt;;/^«/i' short ;  anther  sextrorse,  opening  (except  Podophyllum)  by  two 
valves  or  hinged  lids  at  the  top.  Pistil  only  one,  ovary  simple,  solitary;  style 
short  or  wanting ;  stigma  flattened.  Fruit  a  capsule  or  berry  with  either  a  few 
seeds  at  the  top  or  bottom  of  the  cell,  or  many,  situated  along  the  whole  extent  of 
the  ventral  ridge;  all  anatropous,  and  furnished  with  albumen;  embryo  small 
(Berberis  excepted). 

♦  From  Amyrberis,  Arabic  for  the  fruit. 


15-2 

History  and  Habitat. — Berberis  was  well  known  to  the  ancients  as  a  medicine, 
a  dietetic  for  the  sick,  and  a  dye.  As  a  drug  it  was  steeped  in  beer  and  given 
to  patients  suffering  from  jaundice,  as  well  as  to  check  hemorrhages;  as  a  food 
preparation  for  the  sick,  the  berries  were  made  into  a  confection,  and  used  as  a 
refrigerant  in  fevers  and  burning  gastric  ailments ;  those  not  sick  used  the  bruised 
leaves  in  a  manner  similar  to  sorrel  as  a  sauce  for  meats  ;  as  a  dye,  the  roots  were 
steeped  with  strong  ash-lye,  and  used  to  give  the  hair  a  yellow  color.  The 
same  preparation  is  now  sometimes  used  to  dye  wool,  while  by  using  alum,  in  place 
of  the  ash-lye,  it  makes  a  good  as  well  as  a  beautiful  dye  ior  linen  fabrics.  A 
jelly  made  of  the  berries  is  still  used  in  lieu  of  tamarinds  as  a  pleasant  refrigerant^ 
as  so  also  is  a  confection.  Its  popular  use  as  a  remedy — barberry  bark  and  cider 
— was  held  in  all  forms  of  abdominal  inflammation,  but  especially  those  accom- 
panied with  hepatic  derangement  and  jaundice. 

Berberis  vulgaris  is  indigenous  to  Great  Britain  and  other  parts  of  Europe, 
and  is  becoming  quite  thoroughly  naturalized  here,  especially  in  the  Eastern 
States,  blossoming  from  May  to  June.  It  is  cultivated  in  many  parts  of  the  coun- 
try as  an  ornamental  bush,  on  account  of  its  beautiful  berries.  Our  own  species, 
B.  Canadensis,  Pursk.,  is  a  shrub  about  three  feet  high,  with  /ess  bristly  teeth  to  the 
leaves,  a  few-flowered  raceme,  petals  notched  at  the  ape.x,  and  oval  berries.  In 
Berberis  proper,  upon  the  summer  shoots  may  be  seen  a  perfect  instance  of 
gradation,  in  all  forms,  from  the  leaf  as  described  above,  to  a  fully-developed 
spine,  a  fine  instance  of  vegetable  morphology.  The  leaves  of  the  barberry 
are  at  times,  especially  in  Europe,  infested  with  a  peculiar  blight;  ^cidium  Ber- 
beridis  (Microspheria  Berberidis  ;  Lysiphe  Berberides)  a  member  of  the  coniomy- 
cetous  fungi;  order,  uredinei.  It  consists  in  its  full-grown  condition  of  little  cups 
filled  with  a  reddish  or  brownish  powder  (spores),  formed  by  a  bulging  upward 
and  bursting  of  the  epidermis  of  the  leaf,  by  the  parasite  developed  within.  This 
blight  caused  much  fear  at  one  time  in  Europe,  upon  the  supposition  that  it  was 
communicated  to  grain,  which  however  was  very  probably  false. 

Berberis,  like  many  other  excellent  remedies,  has  been  dismissed  this  year 
(1882)  from  the  U.  S.  Ph.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  it  is  still  retained, 
though  not  in  an  officinal  preparation. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  bark  of  the  root.  This  is 
coarstly  powdered  and  weighed.  Then  after  adding  two  parts  by  weight  .of 
alcohol  the  whole  is  put  into  a  well-stoppered  botde  and  allowed  to  stand  eight 
days  in  a  dark,  cool  place,  shaking  the  contents  twice  a  day;  the  tincture  is  then 
strained  and  filtered.  Thus  prepared,  it  has  a  deep  orange-brown  color  by  trans- 
mitted light ;  and  stains  the  neck  of  the  botde  yellow.  It  has  an  extremely  bitter 
taste,  and  a  slight  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Berberin,  C,,  H,,  NO,.  This  alkaloid  was 
first  discovered  in  1824,  in  the  bark  of  Geoffroya  inermis,*  two  years  afterward  in 
the  bark  of  Xanthoxylum  lava  Herculis,f  in  1851  in  the  root  of  Hydrastis 
Canadensis,!  and  in  1835    in  the  bark  of  Berberis  vulgaris  ;§  yet,  it  is  only  lately 

*  Jamaicin.  |  Xanthropicrit.  %  Hydrastin.  g  Berberin. 


15-3 

that  its  true  properties  were  recogriized.  It  exists  in  a  number  of  other  plants, 
among  which  of  particular  interest  to  us  are  Coplis  trifoliata,  Caulophyllum,  and 
Xanthorrhiza.  Berberin  crystallizes  in  fine  yellow  needles  of  a  strong  and  per- 
sistent bitter  taste,  losing  water  at  ioo°  (212°  F.),  and  fusing  at  120°  (248°  F.)  to 
a  reddish-brown  resinoid,  decomposing  at  higher  heat.  Berberin  is  soluble  in 
water  and  alcohol. 

Oxyacanthin,-^^  C,,  H^„  N,  O,,  (Berbina  \'inetina).  This  bitter  alkaloid  exists 
together  with  the  berberin  in  the  root.  It  is  a  non-crystallizable,  white,  electric 
powder,  but  will  form  in  needles  upon  the  addition  of  ether  or  alcohol ;  it  turns 
yellow  by  exposure  in  sunlight,  has  an  alkaline  reaction,  loses  3.13  per  cent,  weight 
upon  exposure  to  100°  (212°  F.),  fuses  at  139°  (282°. 2  F.),  and  like  berberin  de- 
composes upon  subjection  to  higher  temperatures.  It  is  soluble  in  both  water  and 
alcohol,  though  not  freely.     (Et  supra  W'ittstein.) 

The  acidity  of  the  leaves  and  fruit  is  due  to  the  presence  of  oxalic  acid. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Berberis  in  moderate  doses  produces  fever- 
ishness,  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membranes  from  the  throat  to  the  intes- 
tines, and  dysentery.  It  causes  also  a  high  degree  of  inflammation  of  the 
kidneys  with  hematuria.  It  seems  to  act  with  much  force  upon  the  venous 
system,  causing  pelvic  engorgements  and  hemorrhoids.  Its  use  in  early  medicine 
was  purely  symptomatic.  The  action  as  above  given  refers  to  man  ;  upon  animals 
no  such  effects  appear  to  follow,  even  though  experiments  were  made  with  the 
alkaloid  Berberin. 

Description  of  Plate  15. 

I.   End  of  branch  in  flower,  with  old  leaves,  Salem,  Mass.,  June  4,  1S80. 

2.  Flower  (enlarged). 

3.  Fruit. 

4.  Stamen  ("enlarged). 

5.  Petal  (enlarged,  showing  glands). 


Cralegus  oxyacantha  conl.iins  m\  .Tlk.Tloiil  by  this  name. 


16. 


^m.adnafdeletpiittt         CAULOPHV'LLUM     THALICTROiOES,  Micb 


N.  ORD -BERBERIDACE^.  16 

GKNUS.— C AULOPHYLLUM,*  MICHX. 


-IIEXANDKIA    MONDGVMA. 


CAULOPHYLLUM. 


BLUE  COHOSH. 


SYN.— CAULOPHYLLUM  THALICTROIDES,  MICHX. ;  LEONTICB  THALICT- 
ROIDBS,  LINN. ;   LEONTOPETALON  THALICTROIDES,  HILL. 

COM.  NAMES.— BLUE  COHOSH,  PAPPOOSE-ROOT,  SQUAW-ROOT,t  BLUB 
BERRY.t  BLUE  GINSENG,  YELLOW  GINSENG;  (FR.)  COHOCHE  BLEU; 
(GER.)  BLAU  COHOSCH. 


A   TINCTURE   OF  THE   FRESH   ROOT   OF   CAULOPHYLLUM   THALICTROIDES, 

MICHX. 

Description. — This  erect,  perennial  herb,  attains  a  growth  of  from  i  to  2]/i 
feet.  Root  horizontal  or  contorted,  wrinkled  and  branched,  showing  many  up- 
right nodules,  bearing  at  their  summits  the  scars  of  previous  stems,  and  giving 
off  numerous  cylindrical,  branching  rootlets  from  the  older  portions.  Siem  sim- 
ple, glaucous  when  young,  smooth  when  old,  arising  from  several  imbricate, 
membraneous  scales.  Leaves  large,  triternately  decompound,  the  upper  much 
smaller  and  biternate  (pi.  1 6,  fig.  i )  ;  leaflets  2  to  3  lobed,  obtusely  wedge-shape  at 
the  base  ;  petioles  blending  with  the  stem  in  such  a  manner  as  to  render  their 
junction  almost  obscure.  Inflorescence  a  loose  raceme  or  panicle  ;  peduncle  aris- 
ing from  the  base  of  the  upper  leaf;  floiuers  purplish  or  yellowish-green.  Sepals 
6,  oval-oblong,  with  3  small  bracdets  at  the  base.  Petals  6,  gland-like,  with  a 
short  claw  and  a  somewhat  reniform  or  hooded  body,  the  whole  much  smaller 
than  the  sepals,  at  the  base  of  which  they  are  inserted.  Stamens  6,  overlaying, 
and  about  the  same  length  as  the  petals;  anthers  oblong,  2-celled,  the  cells  open- 
ing by  uplifting  valves.  Pistils  gibbous;  ^:'(z;^  resembling  the  anthers  in  form, 
2-celled;  style  short,  apical;  stigma  minute,  unilateral.  Fruit  a  2-seeded  pod; 
epicarp  thin,  papyraceous,  bursting  and  withering  before  fertilization  is  complete, 
leaving  the  naked  seeds  to  farther  develop  upon  their  erect,  thick  funiculi ;  peri- 
carp fleshy,  deep  blue;  albumen  corneous;  embryo  minute,  apical.  Read  descrip- 
tion of  the  natural  order,  under  Berberis,  15. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Blue  Cohosh  is  indigenous  to  the  United  States, 
growing  abundantly  in  moist,  rich  woods,  from  Canada  southward  to  Kentucky 

»  Ka'>X4;,  kaulos,  a  stem;  and  ^iWtv,  phyllon,  a  leaf,  the  stem  resembling  the  petiole  of  a  large  leaf. 

t  The  true  squaw-root  is  Conopholis  Amtritana,  Wall.  (Orobanchaceac). 

\  This  vulgarism  properly  belongs  to  several  species  of  Vaccinium  (EricacesE). 


16-2 

and  the  Carolinas.  It  blossoms  from  April  to  May,  before  the  full  development 
of  the  leaves.  The  berries  are  mawkish,  insipid,  and  without  special  flavor.  The 
seeds  are  said  to  resemble  coffee  when  roasted. 

The  aborigines  found  in  Caulophyllum  their  most  valuable  parturient;  an 
infusion  of  the  root,  drank  as  tea,  for  a  week  or  two  preceding  confinement,  ren- 
dering delivery  rapid  and  comparatively  painless.  They  also  used  the  root  as  a 
remedy  for  rheumatism,  dropsy,  uterine  inflammation,  and  colic  (Raf).  These 
uses  have  been  proven  reliable  by  all  methods  of  practice  since. 

The  root  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  The  preparations  in  the  Eclectic  Ma- 
teria Medica  are :  Exlractiun  Caidophylli  Alcoholiciim,  Resina  Caulophylli,  and 
Tinctura  Caulophylli  Composiia* 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root,  gathered  in  early  spring, 
should  be  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight 
of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the 
rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the  whole  well,  and  pouring  it  into  a 
well-stoppered  botde,  allow  it  to  stand  at  least  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  obtained  from  the  above  mass  by  filtration,  should  have  a  deep 
orange-red  color,  by  transmitted  light,  a  taste  at  first  sharp  and  penetrating,  then 
sweetish,  an  acid  reaction,  and  should  foam  largely  on  succussion. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— 5^/^«/;?.  This  body  was  discovered  in  the 
roots  of  Caulophyllum  by  Prof  Mayer.  A.  E.  Ebertf  corroborates  the  discovery, 
and  adds  the  presence  of  two  resins,  one  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  the  other 
not  soluble  in  ether. 

Caulophyllin. — The  mass  sold  under  this  name  is  a  mixture  of  the  resins, 
extracted  by  simply  pouring  the  partly-evaporated  alcoholic  tincture  into  water. 

Ebert  determined  also  gum,  starch,  and  a  greenish-yellow  coloring-matter, 
beside  the  general  plant  constituents. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  dust  of  the  powdered  root  is  extremely 
irritating  to  the  mucous  membranes  with  which  it  comes  in  contact,  so  much  so 
that  the  Lloyds  say,J  "  workmen  dislike  to  handle  it,  some  even  preferring  capsi- 
cum." This  irritation  follows  the  administration  of  the  drug  throughout  the  body, 
but  especially  upon  the  female  generative  organs.  It  also  exhibits  the  power  of 
causing  contractions  of  both  voluntary  and  involuntary  muscular  fibres,  the  latter 
showmg  in  the  gravid  uterus  especially ;  here  it  does  not  cause  the  long-lasting 
contractions  of  ergot,  but  intermittent  and  more  successful  ones.  Its  spasmodic 
action  on  general  muscles  is  somewhat  chorea-like.  Caulophyllum  also  causes 
many  forms  of  constant  pains  in  the  small  joints,  as  well  as  fleeting  rheumatic 
pains  in  the  extremities.     There  is  hardly  an  American  remedy  in  our  Materia 

*  Caulophyllum,  Secale,  Polygonum,  and  Oil  of  Sabina. 

t  Am.  your.  Phar.,  1S64,  p.  203. 

X  "  Berberidacea:;'  C.  G.  and  J.  U.  Lloyd,  1S7S. 


16-3 

Medica  that  needs,  and  probably  merits,  a  more  thoroii;^h  proving,  upon  females 
especially,  than  Caulophylkim  ;  and  the  sooner  it  is  done,  the  better  able  will  we 
be  to  cope  with  many  of  our  most  obstinate  uterine  cases. 


Description  of  Plaie   i6. 

1.  Summit  of  flowering  plant,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  April  iSth,  iS8o. 

2.  Root,  rootlet,  sheathing  scales,  and  stem. 

3.  Flower  (enlarged). 

4.  .\n  enlarged  sepal,  showing  the  gland-like  petal  (enlarged). 

5.  Under  surface  of  sepal,  showing  bract  (enlarged). 

6.  Pistil  (enlarged). 

7.  Stamen  (enlarged),  showing  open  anther-cell. 

8.  Pollen  X  200  (3  views). 

9.  Section  of  the  root. 


/.Tll.iilnatdel.etpinxt 


Podophyllum  Peltatum,  Linn 


<^. 


N.  ORD.-BERBERIDACE^.  17 

G1:NT  S  —  P  O  D  O  P  H  Y  L  L  U  M  ,*  LINNT. 

SEX.  SVST.— POI.VANDRIA   MONOGVNIA. 


PODOPHYLLUM. 


MA  Y- APPLE. 


SYN.— PODOPHYLLUM  PELTATUM,  LINN.;  ANAPODOPHYLLUM  CANA- 
DBNSE,  CATESBY;   ACONITIFOLIUS  HUMILIS,  Etc.,  MENTZ. 

COM.  NAMES.— MAY-APPLE,  INDIAN-APPLE,  HOG- APPLE,  WILD  LEMON, 
DUCK'S  FOOT,  WILD  JALAP,  PEC  A,  RACCOON -BERRY,  MAN- 
DRAKE;  t  (FR.)  PODOPHYLLE;  (GER.)  FUSSBLATT,  SCHILDBLATT- 
IGER  ENTENFUSS. 


A   TINCTURE    OF   THE    FRESH    ROOT   OF    PODOPHYLLUM    PELTATUM,  LINN. 

Description.— This  well-known  plant  grows  to  a  height  of  from  8  to  i8  inches. 
Root  perennial,  horizontal,  extending  several  feet ;  the  annual  growths  are  from 
I  to  3  inches  in  length,  distinguishable  by  the  scars  of  previous  stems  ;  they  are 
cylindrical,  from  J/^  to  i^  inches  in  diameter,  and  give  off  a  few,  nearly  simple, 
fibrous  rootlets.  Steffis  single,  simple,  erect,  and  rounded,  the  flowerless  ones 
surmounted  by  a  single  7  to  9  lobed  leaf,  round  in  its  general  outline,  peltate  in 
the  centre,  and  somewhat  resembling  an  umbrella ;  the  flowering  stems  generally 
bifurcated  at  the  summit,  thus  bearing  two  leaves,  with  a  flower,  at  the  bifurcation. 
Leaves  of  the  flowering  stems  2,  somewhat  one-sided  and  deeply  lobed,  the  lobes 
variously  incised  and  toothed  ;  drooping  at  the  edges,  and  strongly  marked  by  the 
prominent  roundish  ribs  below.  Lujloresccnce  a  single,  drooping,  pedunculated 
flower,  generally  in  the  fork  of  the  stem,  but  sometimes  varying  gready  in  its 
location.  J  Calyx  during  the  prefloral  stage,  with  three  fugacious  green  bractlets 
at  its  base;  sepals  6,  breaking  off  from  the  peduncle  as  the  bud  expands,  never 
appearing  upon  the  flower  except  when,  by  accident,  one  of  them  clings  to  and 
deforms  a  petal.  Petals  either  6  or  9,  obovate,  creamy-white,  and  fleshy.  Stamens 
generally  12  to  18,  twice  as  many  as  the  ^(ttaXs  \  Jilaments  short;  anthers  large, 
flattened,  opening  extrorsely  by  a  single  longitudinal  line,  thus  forming  what 
might  be  termed  two  lateral  valves,  hinged  upon  the  inner  surface  ;  pollen  shaped 
like  grains  of  rice,  and  furnished  with  three  comparatively  deep  sulci.  Pistil  sim- 
ple;  ovary  more  or  less  ovoid,  i -celled;  ovules  many,  situated  in  many  rows  upon 
a  broad,  lateral  placenta,  extending  the  whole  length  of  the  cell ;  style  not  mani- 
fest ;  stigma  more  or  less  peltate-globose,  composed  of  a  number  of  fleshy  lobes 

*  noS,-, /o«i,  a  foot;  •piyyi'^,  fhyllon,  a  leaf.  Probably  from  a  supposed  likeness  of  the  leaf  to  the  webbed  foot  o( 
some  aquatic  bird. 

t  The  true  mandrake  is  Atropa  mandragora  ;  habitat,  south  of  Europe. 
X  See  article  by  Foerste,  Bull.  Ton:  Club,  1884.  p.  63. 


17-2 

closely  set,  each  resembling  a  half  meat  of  the  hickory-nut.  Fruit  an  egg-shaped, 
yellow  edible  berry,  i  to  2  inches  long,  irregularly  blotched,  and  retaining  the 
withered  stigma,  or  is  marked  by  its  scar ;  seeds  enclosed  within  a  copious,  pulpy 
arillus  ;  embryo  minute,  situated  at  the  base  of  the  fleshy  albumen. 

History  and  Habitat.— The  May-apple  is  indigenous  throughout  the  United 
States,  growing  profusely  upon  wet  meadows  and  in  damp,  open  woods  ;  it  flowers 
in  May,  and  fruits  in  August.  The  apples,  when  fully  ripe,  are  gathered,  especially 
by  children,  who  seem  to  relish  their  sweet,  mawkish  taste.  I  have  also  seen  them 
exposed  for  sale  in  markets,  though  catharsis  often  follows  indulgence  in  them, 
and,  to  susceptible  persons,  it  is  often  quite  severe.  The  fruit  tastes  somewhat 
like  that  of  the  paw-paw  [Asiviina  triloba),  and  is  much  esteemed  by  the  abo- 
rigines. The  odor  of  the  flowers  is  nauseous;  I  am  always  forcibly  reminded 
of  a  bad  case  of  ozasna  when  inhaling  their  perfume  (?).  The  foliage  and  stems, 
when  appearing  in  spring,  have  been  used  for  a  potherb,  and  in  some  cases  with 
fatal  results.  Only  one  species  of  Podophyllum  is  recognized  in  this  country, 
although  Rafinesque  has  mentioned  two  others,  together  with  ten  named  varieties. 
There  is,  however,  one  other  species  of  this  genus  growing  in  the  mountains  of 
Nepaul,  the  Podophylliim  hexandnun. 

This  plant  constitutes  one  of  the  principal  remedies  used  by  the  American 
aborigines,  by  whom  it  is  especially  valued  on  account  of  its  cathartic  action. 
Their  use  of  the  drug  as  an  anthelmintic  seems  to  be  successful  only  as  far  as 
purging  is  concerned  ;  specifically,  it  has  no  anthelmintic  power.  Tlie  use  of  podo- 
phyllum as  a  component  of  cathartic  pills  is  very  general. 

The  officinal  preparations  of  the  U.  S.  Ph.  are :  Abstractztm  Bodophylli,  Ex- 
tractum  Podop/iylli,  Exli-actjim  Podophylli  Fhiidiim,  and  Rcsina  Podophylli ;  the 
Eclectic:  Decoctum  Podophylli,  Tinelura  Podophylli  and  Podophyllin,  and  as  a 
component  of  Emplastrum  Picis  Compositum,  Pilulcp  Aloes  Compositte,  Tinetura 
Corydalis  Coinp.,  Pihdce  Baptisics  Composita,  Pilulce  Copaiba  Composites,  Pilules 
Ferri  Composites,  Pilulee  Leptandrini  Composites,  Pihdcs  Podop:hyllini  Covipositee, 
Piilvis  Lcptandidiii  Composilus,  and  Ptilvis  Podophyllini  Compositits. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  root  should  be  procured 
after  the  fruiting  season,  and  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed. 
Then  take  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol,  mix  the  pulp  thoroughly  with  one- 
sixth  part  of  it,  and  add  the  rest.  After  stirring  the  whole  well  pour  it  into  a 
well-stoppered  botde,  and  allow  it  to  stand  at  least  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool 
place.  The  tincture,  separated  by  straining  and  filtering,  should  have  a  brownish- 
orange  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  bitter,  acrid  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— From  many  careful  examinations  and  assays 
of  the  root  of  this  plant,  F.  B.  Power  ='=  and  Prof  Maischf  claim  the  absence  of  any 
alkaloid,  their  observations  in  this  respect  being  corroborated  by  Podvvissotzki, 
whose  exhaustive  analyses  of  the  resin  %  are  largely  drawn  from  here. 

*  'S??- 

t  Am.  Jour.  P/uir.,  1S79,  p.  5S0. 

X  Archiv.  fiir  experimenlflle  Palhologie  iind  Pharmacognosie,  v.  xiii,  1  and  2,  18S0;  and  PJiarm.  Zeitschrift  fiir 
Russland,  Nos.  44-50.  1881.      F.  B.  Tower,  in  Am.  Jour.  Pilar.,  18S2,  p.  I02. 


17-3 

Podophyllin.— A  resin  mass,  first  observed  and  usctl  by  Prof.  John  King 
(1835).  This  resin  is  prepared  substantially  as  follows :  The  root  is  exhausted 
with  alcohol  by  percolation,  and  the  alcohol  evaporated  from  the  percolate  until 
it  is  of  a  syrupy  consistence;  this  is  warmed,  and  poured  into  many  times  its  bulk 
of  cold  water  constantly  agitated,  and  allowed  to  stand  for  twenty-four  hours,  when 
the  resin  will  be  precipitated  ;  this  precipitate  should  be  washed  by  decantation, 
straining  and  pressing,  and  dried  at  a  temperature  of  about  80°  F. ;  greater  heat 
renders  it  darker,  and  the  addition  of  alum  to  the  water  gives  it  a  deep  yellow 
color.  Podophyllin  prepared  as  above  is  of  a  blanched  yellowish-gray  color, 
slightly  soluble  in  water,  partly  in  ether,  and  boils  at  124°  (255°  F.).  The  yield 
of  the  resin  is  about  eighty-four  pounds  to  the  ton  ;  highest  in  the  month  of  April, 
lowest  in  July.''' 

Podophyllin  contains,  according  to  Podwissotzki : 

Picropodophyllin,  C„H^O^  +  H.^O. — This  body  purifies  into  colorless,  silky, 
delicate  crystals,  soluble  in  strong  alcohol,  choloroform,  and  ether,  insoluble  in 
water,  and  lovv-per  cent,  alcohol,  and  melts  at  from  200  to  210°  (392  to  410°  F.). 
Picropodophyllin,  when  in  solution,  possesses  a  very  bitter  taste,  and  the  action 
of  podophyllin  intensified. 

Podophyllotoxin,  Cj^Hj^O.^. — A  bitter  amorphous  substance,  soluble  in  dilute 
alcohol  and  hot  water,  precipitating  from  the  latter,  on  cooling,  in  fine  flakes.  Its 
medical  properties  are  very  similar  to  picropodophyllin,  and  its  availability  greater, 
as  it  is  more  soluble. 

Picropodophyllinic  Acid.— This  resinous  acid  is  notable  from  the  fact  that  it 
holds  in  solution  the  active  principle  of  podophyllin,  crystalline  picropodophyllin. 
In  its  pure  form,  or  as  nearly  pure  as  traces  of  picropodophyllin  will  allow,  it  is  in 
the  form  of  hornlike  granules,  readily  soluble  in  alcohol,  chloroform,  and  ether. 

Podophylloquercetin,  Cj^H^O^. — This  bod)-,  having  none  of  the  emetic  or 
cathartic  properties  of  podophyllin,  is  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether ;  from  the  lat- 
ter it  crystallizes  in  short  yellowish  needles,  having  a  metallic  lustre.  By  e.xposure 
to  air  it  takes  on  a  greenish  color.  It  melts  at  247  to  250°  (476.6  to  482°  F.).  It 
is  to  this  body  that  the  investigator  claims  is  due  the  griping  pains  produced  by 
podophyllin. 

Podophyllinic  Acid.— This  principle  results  as  a  brown  amorphous  resinous 
body,  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  insoluble  in  water,  and  having  no  action  upon 
the  animal  organism. 

Fatty  oils  ami  extractive  matters  were  also  determined.  The  claims  as  to 
the  presence  of  hcrbcrin  and  saponin  have  been  entirely  refuted,  as  before  men- 
tioned. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  force  of  podophyllum  seems  to  he  almost 
entirely  expended  upon  the  lining  membrane  of  the  almentary  canal.     Whatever 

*  Biddle,  Am.  Jour.  I'har.,  1879,  p.  544. 


17-4 

action  noted  upon  those  organs,  and  the  glands  in  connection  with  this  tract,  is,  so 

far  as  known,  reflex  and  sympathetic. 

On  Animals.— Among  other  experiments  with  this  drug  upon  animals,  those 
of  Dr.  Anstie  seem  to  be  the  most  characteristic.  He  found,  resulting  from  his 
many  applications  of  an  alcoholic  solution  to  the  peritoneal  cavity  direct,  that  no 
local  inflammation  arose,  although  an  intense  hypersemia  occurred  in  the  duo- 
denum especially,  and  the  whole  of  the  small  intestine,  even  going  so  far  as  to 
cause  a  breaking  down  of  the  tissues  and  resulting  ulceration,  causing  discharges 
of  glairy  mucus  streaked  with  blood ;  this  hypersemia  ceased  usually  at  the  ileo- 
caecal  valve.  Post  niortetn  the  mucous-membranes  were  found  inflamed  and  cov- 
ered with  bloody  mucus.  Other  observers  noted  that  retching,  salivation,  and 
emesis,  followed  by  purging,  colic,  and  intense  tenesmus,  with  low  pulse,  and  rapid 
exhaustion  followed  the  administration  of  the  drug. 

On  Man. — Here  the  same  action  takes  place,  but  extends  to  the  rectum  with 
sufficient  intensity  to  cause  prolapsus  and  hemhorrhoids.  The  first  effect  of  the 
drug  is  an  excitation  of  salivary  and  biliary  secretions,  followed  by  torpor  and 
icterus.  The  symptoms  of  disturbance  caused  by  the  drug  in  doses  varying  from 
%  to  y^  grains  of  "  podophyllin,"  and  in  persons  working  in  the  dust  of  the  dried 
root,  are  substantially  as  follows :  Inflammation  of  the  eyes,  soreness  and  pustula- 
tion  of  the  nose ;  salivation  and  white-coated  tongue  ;  extreme  nausea,  followed 
by  vomiting ;  severe  pains  in  the  transverse  colon  and  abdomen,  followed  by  an 
urgent  call  to  stool ;  thin,  offensive,  copious  stools  ;  weak  pulse,  prostration,  drowsi- 
ness, and  cold  extremities. 

Description  of  Plate  17. 

1.   Whole  plant,  once  reduced,  Newfield,  N.  Y.,  May  20th,  iSSo. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Bud,  showing  sepals. 

4.  Pistil. 

5.  Pistil  in  section  (enlarged). 

6.  Pistil  in  horizontal  section  (enlarged). 

7.  One  of  the  lobes  of  the  stigma  (enlarged). 

8.  Anther  (enlarged). 

9.  Pollen  ;  side  and  end  views  x  200. 
10.  Fruit. 


18 


^m.a(i 


DK" 


nat.dei.et  pinxt. 


NyMPHAA    OoORATA.Ait. 


N.  ORD -NYMPHACE^.  18 

Tribe. -NYMPHE/E. 

GENUS.-NYM  PH/E  A,*  TOURN. 

SEX.  SYST.— POLVAXDKIA   .M()N(  n;V.\l.\. 

NYMPH^A. 

SW'EET    WATEB.   LILY. 


SYN.— NYMPH^A    ODORATA,    AIT  ■    NYMPH^A    ALBA,    MICHX.;    CAS- 
TALIA  PUDICA,   SALISB. 

COM.  NAMES.— SWEET-SCENTED  WATER  LILY,  WATER  NYMPH,  WATER 
LILY,  LARGE  WHITE  WATER  LILY,  WHITE  POND  LILY. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  NYMPH^A  ODORATA,  AIT. 

Description. — This  beautiful  perennial  aquatic  herb,  grows  to  the  surface 
of  the  water  from  a  thick  submerged  horizontal  rootstock.  The  stevi  is  absent, 
the  liowers  growing  on  long  peduncles,  and  the  leaves  on  separate  petioles,  all 
round,  smooth,  and  furnished  with  four  equal,  central  canals.  StipuicH  deltoid  or 
nearly  renniform,  emarginate,  closely  appressed  to  the  rootstalk  at  the  base  of 
the  petiole  ;  leaves  always  floating,  orbicular,  with  one  deep  cuneiform  fissure 
passing  from  the  circumference  to  the  centre  at  the  juncture  of  the  leaf  with  its 
petiole,  thus  making  it  more  or  less  heart-shaped  ;  smooth  and  shining  dark  green 
above,  wine  color  beneath,  plainly  marked  with  the  interlacing  veins ;  margin 
entire.  Inflorescence  solitary,  axillary ;  flowers  large,  white,  showy  and  fragrant, 
often  being  nearly  six  inches  in  diameter  when  fully  expanded.  Sepals  iour,  ellip- 
tical, scaphoid,  nearly  free,  persistent,  bright  green  on  the  outer  surface,  greenish- 
white  internally.  Petals  numerous,  arranged  imbricately  upon  the  fleshy  ovary, 
the  outer  rows  large,  the  inner  smaller,  all  obtuse.  Stamens  indefinite,  arranged 
like  the  petals  upon  the  surface  of  the  ovary  about  the  centre  of  the  flower;  Jila- 
tnents  of  the  outer  rows  petaloid,  the  inner  more  or  less  ligulate  ;  anthers  with 
adnate,  introrse  cells.  Ovary  large,  globular,  depressed,  eighteen  to  twenty-four- 
celled  ;  ovules  anatropous,  borne  upon  the  sides  of  the  ovary,  none  being  upon  the 
ventral  suture;  style  none;  stigma  compound,  peltate,  marked  by  as  many  rays  as 
there  are  cells  to  the  ovary,  these  rays  projecting  beyond  the  general  surface,  thus 
forming  a  fringe  of  recurved,  sterile,  stigmatose  appendages.  Fruit  a  depressed, 
globular,  fleshy  body,  retaining  the  stigma  and  marked  plainly  by  the  scars  of  the 
fallen  petals  and  stamens,  decaying ;  dehiscence  none ;  seeds  oblong,  stipitate, 
shorter  than  the  enveloping  sac-like  false  coat ;  embryo  situated  in  the  albumen, 
close  to  the  hilum  ;  radicle  very  minute  ;  cotyledons  large  and  thick,  enveloping  a 
well-formed  plumule. 

*The  name  is  given  on  account  of  its  situation  being  similar  to  the  supposed  habit  of  fabled  water  nymphs. 


18-2 

Nymphaceee. — This  beautiful  family  of  aquatic  plants,  whose  species  have 
been  themes  for  poets,  and  designs  for  ancient  sculptors,  is  tropical  or  sub- 
tropical in  its  most  general  habitat.  Its  prominent  species  are :  Victoria  regia,  a 
native  of  tropical  South  America,  named  in  honor  of  Queen  Victoria.  Its  mag- 
nificent flowers  are  rose-white,  and  often  measure  nearly  two  feet  in  diameter, 
while  that  of  its  leaves  often  reaches  five  feet.  Nymphcra  lotus,  a  native  of 
Egypt  and  Nubia,  with  white  flowers.  The  seeds  of  this  plant  are  eaten  by  the 
natives,  but  do  not  form  the  lotus  of  the  lotus-eaters^^  A^ymphcra  alba.  This 
European  species  differs  but  slightly  from  our  N.  odorata.  This  order  contains 
in  the  United  States  the  following  genera  :  Brasenia,  Cabomba,  Neliumbium,  Nuphar 
and  Nymphcea. 

History  and  Habitat. — This,  our  most  beautiful  northern  flower,  frequents 
ponds  and  still-flowing  streams  in  the  Eastern  United  States,  especially  near  the 
coast,  flowering  from  June  to  August.  There  are  many  varieties,  due  mostly  to 
color  and  mode  of  growth,  some  being  blue,  others  pink  or  rose-color;  but  the 
true  N.  odorata  is  pure  white  or  creamy.  The  stems  of  the  flowers  and  leaves 
vary  in  length  according  to  the  depth  of  the  water.  The  flowers  form  one  of  the 
most  typical  illustrations  of  plant  metamorphosis;  the  petals  are  but  colored 
sepals,  the  stamens  but  anther-tipped  petals,  the  stigmas  but  changed  stamens, 
and  all  gradually  merging  into  each  other  in  easily  distinguishable  stages.  After 
ripening,  the  fruits,  now  becoming  spongy  and  water- soaked,  sink  to  the  mud, 
where  they  decay  and  allow  the  escape  of  the  seeds. 

The  flowers  open  as  the  sun  rises,  and  are  usually  fully  expanded  at  about 
eight  o'clock  ;  after  that  time  they  again  gradually  close,  being  entirely  shut  during 
the  heat  of  the  afternoon  and  at  night. 

In  the  very  centre  of  the  disk-like  compound  stigma,  is  a  small,  glutinous 
protuberance,  called  by  many  botanists  a  nectary  or  honey-gland.  I  am  inclined 
to  term  this  the  true  stigma,  on  account  of  the  well-known  fact  that  pollen  grains 
need  moisture  to  enable  them  to  burst  their  outer  coat  and  allow  the  escape  of 
the  fertilizing  tubes.  This  glandular  body  is  always  moist,  while  the  stigmatose 
disk  is  dry,  and  rejects  water  as  freely  as  does  the  upper  surface  of  the  leaves. 

Our  species  are  often  said  to  be  much  inferior  to  the  European  in  beauty; 
but,  as  their  purity  of  color  and  exquisite  fragrance  far  excel  that  of  Nymphcea 
alba,  it  fully  deserves  to  rank  as  superior  in  all  respects. 

Rafinesque  states  that  in  Canada  the  fresh  leaves  are  boiled  and  eaten  as 
"greens,"  that  the  fresh  roots  are  used  as  a  part  substitute  for  soap,  and  that  the 
juice  of  the  roots,  mingled  with  that  of  lemons,  is  used  to  remove  freckles  and 
pimples  from  the  face. 

The  roots,  in  decoction,  were  much  esteemed  by  Indian  squaws  as  an  inter- 
nal remedy,  and  injection  or  wash  for  the  worst  forms  of  leucorrhoea,  its  properties 
in  this  direction- being  due  to  its  great  astringency.  The  macerated  root  was  also 
used  as  an  application  in  the  form  of  a  poultice  to  suppurating  glands  ;  its  styptic 
properties  were  also  fullv  known  and  utilized. 


*This  plant  is  mentioned  under   Genista  tinctoria,  A,i>. 


18-3 
The  roots  have   been   used   for  dyeing-  fabrics  deep  brown,  the  goods  thus 

dyed  retaining  their  color  admirably. 

Nymphaia  has  no  place  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  ;   in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  it  is 

officinal  as  Caiap/asina  Ayiiipluc  and  /ii/nsiiii/  Nyiitpha-. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— I'he  fresh  root,  gathered  in  the  fall,  is 
chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of 
alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mi.xed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  ihe 
rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the  whole  well,  it  is  poured  into  a  well- 
stoppered  bottle  and  allowed  to  stand  for  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The 
tincture,  separated  by  straining  and  filtering,  presents  the  following  physical 
properties :  A  deep  wine-red  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  sherry-like  odor,  a 
slightly  bitter,  astringent  taste,  and  a  very  strong  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— The  bitter  acrid  principle  of  Nympha?a  odor- 
ata  has  not  been  isolated.  According  to  Bigelow,  the  roots  contain  tannin,  gallic 
acid,  and  mucilage.  It  is  quite  likely  that  the  constituents  are  similar,  if  not  the 
same,  as  those  of  the  European  species,  N.  alba,  the  roots  of  which,  according  to 
Griining,'-'  contain:  Taiino-nytnp/uein,  Cj^H.^Oje;  NympJuro-pIt'obaphcne^Q.^^^^O^f,; 
and  Nymplicca-tannic  acid,  C.5  H53  Ojg,  a  brown,  red,  transparent  mass,  yielding 
easily  a  pale  yellow  powder.  This  is  the  true  special  tannin,  to  which  the  great 
astringency  of  the  root  is  due. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — I  can  find  no  accounts  of  poisonings  with  this 
plant,  nor  experiments  in  this  direction.  In  the  provers  who  took  large  doses  of 
the  tincture,  a  marked  dryness  of  the  fauces  was  experienced,  followed  by  painful 
deglutition ;  pain  in  the  hypogastric  region,  with  loose  evacuations ;  venereal 
excitement,  and  involuntary  ])assage  of  the  urine.  ' 

Description  01    Plate  18. 

I.   A  small  flower,  from  a  pond  near  New  Milfonl,  Pa.,  July  17th,  18.S3. 

2.  A  medium-size  leaf. 

3.  Section  of  a  peduncle,  showing  air  cavities  or  canals. 

4.  Root. 


'Arch.  ,/.  1  har..  3,  xvii  ,  p.  73C.;   Am.  Jour.  Ph„r.,  1883,  p.  96. 


(pTU.adnat.del.etpinxt. 


Sarracenia  Purpurea, Linn. 


N.  ORD.-SARRACENIACE/E.  19 

GENUS.— S ARRACENIA,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  svsT.— pi:nt.\ndria  monogv.nia. 


SARRACENIA. 

PITCH  ER-PLAJ\rT. 

SYN.— SARRACENIA  PURPUREA,  LINN.;  SARAZINA  GIBBOSA,  RAP. 

COM.  NAMES.— PITCBER-PLANT,  HUNTSMAN'S  CUP,  WATER-CUP,  EVE'S 
CUPS,  SIDE-SADDLE  FLOWER,  FLY-CATCHER. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  SARRACENIA  PURPUREA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  peculiar  bog  perennial  is  characterized  as  follows :  Root 
somewhat  ligneous,  yellowish,  furnished  with  numerous  yellowish-brown  fibrous 
rootlets;  stem  none;  leaves  {ascidia)  all  radical,  pitcher-shaped,  and  composed  of  four 
parts:  ):he petiole  about  one-third  the  whole  length,  slender,  dilated  at  the  base  and 
somewhat  equitant ;  tiide  ovate,  narrowing  to  the  petiole,  and  longitudinally  marked 
with  reddish  veins;  /iood  auriculate-cordate,  wavy,  covered  in  the  throat  with  nu- 
merous stiff,  sharp,  curved  bristles  pointing  downward  ;  zcu'ho-  broad,  laterally  undu- 
late, passing  along  the  median  line  of  the  upper  surface  of  the  tube,  from  the  base 
of  the  hood  to  the  petiole.  These  ascidia,  usually  six  in  number,  lie  dorsally  pros- 
trate upon  the  sphagnum  in  which  the  plant  usually  grows,  the  open  mouths  of 
the  tubes  looking  upward  toward  the  nodding  flower  and  forming  about  the  scape  a 
rosette  of  gaping  wells  half  filled  with  water,  and  having  a  path  represented  by 
the  free  margin  of  the  wings  leading  to  each.f  Inflorescence  a  single  large  reddish 
purple  flower,  terminal  and  nodding  upon  a  long  smooth  and  naked  scape.  Sepals 
5,  colored,  persistent,  3-bracted  at  their  base.  Petals  5,  obovate  or  somewhat 
fiddle-shaped,  caducous,  incurved  over  the  style.  Statnens  numerous,  hypogynous. 
Ovary  globose,  5-celled  ;  style  greenish-yellow,  composed  of  a  short  erect  shaft,  and 
an  umbrella-like  expanded  extremity  consisting  of  5  petaloid  segments  rayed  at 
their  approximations,  each  ray  ending  in  a  short  nipple-like  projection,, which  con- 
stitutes the  stigma.  Frtdt  a  granular  5-celled  and  valved  capsule  ;  placentce  axial, 
many  seeded  ;  seeds  anatropous  ;  einbryo  small,  basal ;  albumen  flesh}-. 

SarraceniacesB. — This  family  of  bog  plants  is  characterized  as  follows :  Root 
perennial;  leaves  all  radical,  purplish  or  yellowish-green,  more  or  less  inflated 
tubular,  the  true  blade  represented  by  a  hood  or  lamina  surrounding  the  throat  of 
the  tube.     Flowers  single  [Exc.  Heliamphora)  nodding  at  the  summit  of  a  long, 


*  In  honor  of  Dr.  Sarrazin  of  Quebec,  who  sent  the  plant  to  Tournefort. 

t  In  the  plate  most  of  the  leaves  have  been  cut  off,  and  those  reni.-iining  have  been  constrained  to  ta'<e  such  posi- 
tions as  would  best  show  their  various  characters  within  the  small  scope  of  the  paper. 


19-2 

naked,  (Exc.  same)  cylindrical  scape;  floral  envelope  consisting  of  from  4  to  lo 
leaflets,  the  external  more  or  less  sepaloid  and  bracted  at  the  base.  Stamens  nu- 
merous hypogynous;  «;;//z£?;'^  versatile,  introse,  2-celled,  opening  by  longitudinal 
fissures.  Style  single,  truncate,  with  a  minute  stigma  (or  as  above  described),  per- 
sistent. Fruit  a  3  to  5-celled  capsule,  opening  loculicidally  ;  placentcs  projecting 
from  the  axis  into  the  cells.  Seeds  obovoid,  numerous;  embryo  cylindrical ;  albumen 
copious.  This  limited  family  is  represented  by  three  genera,  viz. :  Darlingtonia, 
with  one  species,  having  two  free  honeyed  wings  projecting  laterally  from  the 
inner  edge  of  the  small  mouth  of  the  tube  ;  Sarracenia,  with  eight  species  and 
two  varieties ;  and  Heliamphora,  of  Guiana  and  Venezuela.  The  leaves  of  this 
family  are  all  apparently  formed  with  the  intent  of  capturing  insects  and  digesting 
their  remains  through  the  agency  of  the  water  they  hold,  which  becomes  acid  and 
causes  decomposition  of  the  captured  insects.  It  certainly  seems  intentional  adap- 
tation to  the  necessities  of  the  plant  that  insects  are  caught  and  macerated,  from 
the  structure,  for  which  no  other  reason  would  account.  Mr.  W.  K.  Higley,  in  his 
interesting  paper  on  "  The  Northern  Pitcher-Plant,"  *  says  :  "  Inside  these  pitchers 
are  found  hairs,  which  cover  more  or  less  of  the  inner  surface.  Those  which  cover 
the  hood  continue  to  or  a  little  beyond  the  junction  with  the  tube.  Following  this 
area  is  a  smooth  surface  which  extends  to  near  the  point  where  the  leaf  begins  to 
contract,  when  a  patch  of  less  stiff  hairs,  are  met  with.  This  time  they  extend  into 
the  narrow  portion  of  the  tube.     All  the  hairs  point  downward. 

"  The  position  and  form  of  these  hairs,  especially  those  on  the  hood  and  upper 
part  of  the  tube,  and  in  fact,  any  that  may  be  above  the  fluid,  in  the  lower  part  of 
the  leaf  would  show  that  their  function,  in  part,  at  least,  is  to  prevent  the  escape 
of  any  insect  that  may  have  entered  the  tube.  The  hairs  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
tube  probably  act,  to  some  extent,  as  absorbents  of  the  nitrogenous  matter  decay- 
ing within  the  leaf.  Some  acute  observers  claim  that  at  the  end  of  each  hair  there 
is  a  minute  opening,  thus  allowing  the  nitrogenous  fluid  to  pass  directly  into  the 
apical  cell  of  the  hair.  This  does  not  seem  to  be  the  case,  but  instead,  the  wall 
surrounding  the  entire  cell  is  very  thin.  These  hairs  are  simple  trichomes,  that  is, 
they  are  rather  cells  than  organs.  Unlike  the  tentacles  of  the  sundew,  in  no  case 
do  the  spiral  bundles  enter  their  tissue.  I  am  inclined  to  believe  that  these  cellu- 
lar hairs  serve  more  than  one  purpose  in  the  economy  of  the  plant. 

"A  study  of  the  structure  and  physiology  of  the  whole  family  shows  that  all 
the  forms  need  a  great  deal  of  absorbing  surface,  for  there  seems  to  be  a  lack  of 
stomata.  The  tissue  of  the  leaf  is  almost  constantly  gorged  with  a  large  supply 
of  nourishment,  consisting,  evidently,  of  absorbed  nitrogenous  matter,  and  needs 
a  great  extent  of  surface  exposed  to  the  air  for  the  purpose  of  absorption  in  car- 
rying on  the  functions  of  assimilation  and  metastasis.  In  support  of  this  there  is 
considerable  evidence,  the  most  important  of  which  is  the  fact  that  many  of  these 
hairs,  especially  those  on  the  hood,  contain  chlorophyl.  From  a  study  of  marked 
leaves  through  the  whole  season  I  am  led  to  believe  that  some  of  these  hairs  are 


Bulletin  Chicago  Academy  of  Sciences,  Vol.  I,  No.  5,  p.  41. 


19-3 

absorbed  as  the  leaves  grow  old.  This  would  indicate  that  as  the  functions  of  the 
leaf  are  lessened  the  extent  of  absorbing  surface  is  reduced. 

"When  the  leaf  has  apparently  nearly  stopped  absorbing  the  moisture  from 
the  tube,  it  may  still  be  an  active  insect  trap.  At  this  time  an  especially  strong 
odor  is  given  off  from  the  decaying  mass  of  insects.  It  would  seem  that  the  insects 
caught  now  could  be  of  no  use  except  as  a  fertilizer,  when  by  the  decay  of  the 
leaves,  all  this  mass  of  decomposing  nitrogenous  matter  is  deposited  around  the 
roots  of  the  plant,  the  decaying  material,  moreover,  seems  to  hasten  the  decay  of 
the  leaf,  as  its  vitality  is  lessened  by  the  advance  of  the  season." 

The  acidity  of  the  water,  after  it  has  stood  a  time  in  the  leaf,  is  found  to  be 
due  to  malic  and  citric  acids. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Northern  Pitcher-plant  grows  in  sphagnum 
swamps  from  Pennsylvania  northward  and  westward,  and  southward  east  of  the 
Alleghanles.  It  flowers  northward  in  June,  and  ripens  its  fruit  in  August.  The 
previous  use  of  this  plant  by  the  Indians  in  small-pox,  for  which  it  has  been  held 
by  them  as  specific,  is  corroborated  by  homoeopathic  practice,  but  has  in  almost  all 
instances  been  an  absolute  failure  in  the  hands  of  the  "old  school."  They  judged  that 
the  use  of  the  root  not  only  greatly  shortened  the  run  of  the  disease  and  checked 
maturation,  but  prevented  deep  pitting  in  convalescence.  At  the  last  meeting  of 
the  Epidemiological  Society,*  a  communication  was  read  from  Mr.  Herbert  Miles, 
Assistant  Surgeon  to  the  Royal  Artillery,  respecting  a  plant  that  was  stated  to  be 
a  specific  for  small-pox.  The  remedy  is  given  in  the  form  of  a  strong  infusion  of 
the  rhizome,  and  Mr.  Miles  had,  after  very  considerable  difficulty,  succeeded  in 
obtaining  a  small  supply  of  the  plant,  which *he  forwarded  to  the  Society.  Mr. 
Miles  is  quartered  in  Canada,  where  an  epidemic  of  small-pox  having  broken  out 
among  the  Indians,  the  disease  had  proved  virulent  in  the  extreme  among  the 
unprotected,  because  unvaccinated,  natives.  However,  the  alarm  had  greatly 
diminished  on  an  old  squaw  going  amongst  them,  and  treating  the  cases  with  the 
infusion.  This  treatment,  it  is  said,  was  so  successful  as  to  cure  every  case.  Dr. 
Hooker  pronounced  the  specimens  received  to  be  Sarracenia  purpurea.  At  a  meet- 
ing of  the  Medical  Society  of  Nova  Scotia,  held  at  Halifax,  a  resolution  was  passed — 
concerning  the  use  of  Sarracenia  in  Variola — that  there  was  not  "any  reliable 
data  upon  which  to  ground  any  opinion  in  favor  of  its  value  as  a  remedial  agent."  | 

Across  the  face  of  an  article  on  the  use  of  this  drug  in  small-pox,  appearing 
in  the  volume  I  have  cited  above,  a  former  owner  of  the  book  has  written  :  "This 
medicine  was  thoroughly  tested  by  Mr.  John  Thomas  Lane  in  the  spring  of  1864 
at  the  Small-pox  Hospital  at  Claremont,  in  Alexandria,  Va.,  for  the  period  of 
several  weeks,  in  the  presence  of  the  medical  officers  of  the  Third  Division  Hos- 
pital ;  and  proved  to  be  without  any  curative  powers  in  this  disease,  and  Mr.  Lane 
a  humbug.  He  lost  more  than  fifty  per  cent,  of  the  cases  of  variola  committed 
to  him,  more  than  were  lost  by  any  other  treatment."     Mr.  F.  H.  Bignell  says,J 


*  Land.  Pharm.  Journ.,  Dec,  1861  ;  Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  IV,  N.  S.,  37.  f  ■^"'-  "«''  ^'"'S-  R'po'ttr,  ibid.,  507. 

J  A  paper  read  before  the  Quebec  Geog.  Soc'y. 


19-4 

in  regard  to  the  use  of  the  drug  in  this  disease  :  "  On  the  Mistassini  side  my  atten- 
tion was  particularly  attracted  to  the  Sarracenia  purpurea,  of  which  the  root  fur- 
nishes the  greatest  remedy  known  for  that  dreadful  scourge,  small-pox.  I  may 
mention  that,  to  my  personal  knowledge,  this  precious  root  not  only  saved  my 
brother's  life,  but  its  use  also  appears  to  wholly  obviate  the  unsightly  pitting  com- 
mon to  the  disease  ;  if  it  is  extracted  and  dried  at  the  proper  season.  Indeed,  I 
have  known  many  cases  which  were  considered  hopeless  by  medical  men,  but  were 
cured  by  the  Sarracenia  purpurea;  even  Indians,  with  whom  the  dread  malady  so 
often  proves  fatal,  finding  it  an  absolute  specific." 

The  root  is  also  recommended  in  cases  where  there  is  a  torpidity  of  the  organs 
of  the  alimentary  tract,  and  of  the  kidneys. 

There  are  no  officinal  preparations  outside  of  the  Homoeopathic  tincture. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root  gathered  after  the  fruit- 
ino-  season,  or  the  whole  fresh  plant  when  budding  to  blossom  and  before  the 
leaves  are  fully  expanded,  should  be  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed. 
Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  taken,  the  mass  mixed  thoroughly  with  one- 
sixth  part  of  it  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  thorough  stirring,  the 
whole  should  be  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight 
days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture  separated  from  the  above  by  filtration,  has  a  deep  reddish-brown 
color  by  transmitted  light;  its  taste  is  at  first  somewhat  sourish,  then  bitter  and 
slightly  astringent,  and  its  reaction  strongly  acid. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Sarracenin.  This  bitter  alkaloidal  body  was 
discovered  by  Martin.  Hetet*  isolated  it  as  white  handsome  prisms  and  octahe- 
dra,  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol.  Its  salts  with  acids  are  soluble,  and  that  with 
sulphuric  forms  beautiful  bitter  needles.  Hetet  claims  that  this  alkaloid  is  identi- 
cal with  veratria,  both  in  its  properties  and  reactions. 

Acrylic  Acid. — C^H^O.,.  This  volatile  body  was  discovered  in  the  plant  by 
Bjbrklund  and  Dragendorf.  It  is  a  limpid  liquid,  possessing  a  sour  pungent 
smell  and  boiling  at  142°  (287°. 6  F.).  Its  vapor  is  irritating,  attacking  the  mucous 
membranes  of  the  nose  and  eyes  violently,  and  causing  severe  inflammation. 

Sarracenic  Acid. — This  body  constitutes  the  yellow  coloring  matter  predomi- 
nant in  the  older  plants.     Its  characteristics  are  uninvestigated. 

Besides  these,  the  plant  contains  a  pulverizable  tanno  resin,  and  a  bitter,  aro- 
matic extractive,  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Dr.  Porcher  found  in  his  experiments  with  180 
grains  of  the  root,  that  it  caused  diuresis,  moderate  catharsis,  and  gastric  excita- 
tion, as  well  as  an  increased  and  irregular  heart's  action,  and  congestion  of  the 
head;  and  remarks  as  follows:  "These  symptoms  distinctly  point  to  the  parts  of 


*  Rep.  tie  Phar.,  879,  p.  109. 


19-5 

the  system  inHuenced  by  the  drug — the  gastric  filaments  of  the  ganghonic  or 
organic  system  of  nerves.  This  produced  an  increased  action  of  the  circulating 
system,  and  drove  the  blood  to  the  head ;  it  also  increased  the  peristaltic  action  of 
the  whole  alimentary  canal,  and  promoted  the  renal  and  other  glandular  secretions, 
without  any  apparent  effect  upon  the  nerves  of  animal  life."  Dr.  Cigliano,=^=  in  his 
experiments,  says  the  drug  produces  "eruptions  similar  to  crusta  lactea;  on  the 
forehead  and  hands  papular  eruptions,  changing  to  vesicular  with  the  depression, 
as  in  small-pox,  lasting  from  seven  to  eight  days."  This  last  again  corroborates 
the  aborigine's  use  of  the  drug,  and  adds  one  more  proof  to  the  many  that  are 
tending  to  reveal  the  fact  that  our  American  native  practice  was  essentially  correct. 

Description  of  Plate  19. 

I  and  2.  Whole  plant,  with  a  number  of  the  leaves  removed,  and  those  remaining  brought  into 
constrained  positions  to  better  show  their  characters  within  the  limit  of  the  sheet.  From  Spruce 
Pond,  Smithsfields,  N.  Y.,  June  i8th,  1884. 

2.  Scape  and  flower. 

3.  Pistil. 

4.  Stigma. 

5.  Stamens. 

6.  A  portion  of  the  hood,  showing  hairs. 

7.  Section  of  the  root. 

(4-6  enlarged.) 

*  II  Dinamico,  1S71 ;  translated  in  Am.  Observer,  1S71,  p.  467,  Dr.  Lilienthal. 


20. 


.lU.adnaldel.etpinxl. 


ARGEMONE    MEXICANA,Linn. 


N.  ORD -PAPAVERACE^.  20 

GENUS.— ARGEMONE,*   LINN. 

SEX.  SYST.— l'i>LVAXl)kI.\   Mo.M  i(  .\M.\. 


ARGEMONE. 

PRICKLY  POPPY. 


SYN.— ARGEMONE  MEXICANA,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— PRICKLY  POPPY,  DEVIL'S  FIG,  MEXICAN  POPPY,  THORN 

APPLE, t  YELLOW  THISTLE,!  THORN  POPPY;  (MEX.  i  CHICALOTE  •  fFR  ) 

ARGE'MONE;  (GER.)  STACHELMOHN. 

.\  TLXCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE   PLANT  .ARGEMONE   MEXICANA,  L. 

Description. — This  annual  weedy  herb,  grows  to  a  height  of  from  i  to  3  feet. 
Root  long,  subcylindrical ;  sie?n  erect,  branching,  prickly-bristled,  and  furnished,  as 
the  rest  of  the  plant,  with  a  gamboge-yellow  milky  juice.  Leaves  sessile,  broadly 
lanceolate  in  general  outline,  sinuate  lobed,  spiny  toothed,  and  blotched  or  striped 
with  white  along  the  principal  veins.  Injioresecnee  solitary  in  the  axils  of  the  upper 
leaves,  and  terminal ;  buds  erect,  pedunculate  \  floiL^ers  large,  yellow,  or  rarely  white. 
Sepals  2  to  3,  roundish,  acuminate,  often  prickly,  very  fugacious.  Petals  4  to  6, 
i.  €.,  twice  as  many  as  the  sepals,  roundish,  more  or  less  crumpled  in  the  bud. 
Stamens  indefinitely  numerous ;  filaments  filiform,  greatly  attenuated  at  the  apex  ; 
anthers  large,  innate.  Ovai'y  stricdy  i -celled;  style  almost  none;  stigmas  3  to  6, 
stellate-radiate,  purple,  velvety  on  the  receptive  surface;  lobes  reflexed.  Fruit  an 
oblong-ovate,  prickly  pod,  opening  by  3  to  6  valves  at  the  apex,  leaving  a  skele- 
ton of  from  3  to  6  filiform  placentce  in  the  shape  of  the  original  pod  ;  seeds  globular, 
crested,  and  pitted. 

Papaveraceae. — This  principally  European  family  of  herbs,  noted  for  their 
milky,  and  generally  colored,  narcotic  or  acrid  juice,  is  represented  in  North 
America  by  15  genera,  23  species,  and  7  recognized  varieties.  The  order  is  fur- 
ther characterized  as  follows:  Leaves  alternate,  exstipulate.  Peduncles  i -flowered  ; 
floiueis  regular,  the  parts  in  twos  or  muliples  of  two.  Sepals  2,  very  rarely  3, 
fugacious  Petals  4  to  12,  early  deciduous,  rarely  absent,  imbricated  in  the  bud. 
Stamens  numerous,  rarely  as  few  as  16,  distinct,  hypogynous ;  anthers  2-celled, 
innate,  introrse.  Ovary  i -celled,  with  two  or  more  parietal  placentce.  Fruit  a 
dry,  I-  rarely  few  or  many-celled  pod.  Seeds  numerous,  anatropous ;  embryo 
minute,  basal ;  albumen  fleshy  or  oily. 


*  'Apyifia,  argema,  cataract;  as  the  juice  was  supposed  to  cure  that  disease. 

■)■  Applicable  only  to  Datura  Stranionium  (Solanacea;.) 

X  The  true  Yellow  Thistle  is  Cirsiiim  horridultim  (Compositre.) 


20-2 

The  only  remedy  in  our  Materia  Medica  derived  from  this  order,  beside  the 
three  here  represented,  is  Opium,  the  inspissated  juice  obtained  by  incising  the 
unripe  capsules  of  the  South  European  and  Asiatic  White  Poppy  {Papaver  somni- 
fcrum,  Linn.)  ;  our  other  remedies,  Papaverinum  and  Morphinum,  being  also 
derived  from  the  same  substance  ;  the  only  other  remedy  used  in  general  med- 
icine being  the  petals  of  the  Red  Poppy  [Papaver  Rhceas,  Linn.)  ;  they  have  a 
slightly  narcotic  action,  but  are  as  yet  principally  used  as  a  coloring-matter  for 
pharmaceutical  preparations. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Prickly  Poppy  is  indigenous  to  tropical  and  sub- 
tropical America,  from  whence  it  has  become  scattered  even  as  far  north  as  \'ir- 
ginia,  and  escaped  from  cultivation  in  many  places  still  further  north.  It  grows 
with  us  in  waste  places  and  blossoms  from  April  to  July. 

The  use  of  the  oil  of  the  seeds,  the  leaves,  and  the  petals  of  this  species  has 
been  quite  prominent  among  the  natives  of  all  tropical  countries  in  which  the 
plant  grows.  Among  the  ancient  Greeks  the  juice  was  supposed  curative  of 
cataract  and  of  opacities  of  the  cornea.  The  oil  of  the  seeds  is  spoken  of  as 
being  as  active  as  that  of  Croton  tiglium.*  Lindley  says  that  in  India  the  juice 
is  employed  in  chronic  ophthalmia  and  in  primary  syphilis  ;  and  the  infusion  in 
strangury  from  blisters  (of  cantharis?);  he  also  states  that  the  seeds  are  narcotic, 
and  are  smoked  with  tobacco.  In  Mexico  the  plant  is  still  held  In  the  pharma- 
copoeia, the  juice  being  recommended,  mixed  with  water,  for  skin  diseases,  and  for 
incipient  opacities,  the  flowers  as  a  pectoral  and  narcotic.f  In  Java  the  juice  is 
said  to  be  employed  as  a  caustic  in  chancres.  In  the  West  Indies  the  plant 
is  administered  as  a  substitute  for  Ipecacuanha.  The  juice  when  inspissated 
resembles,  in  its  physical  properties,  gamboge.  As  a  whole  the  plant  has  gen- 
erally been  conceded  to  be  anodyne,  detersive,  resolutive,  hypnotic,  diuretic, 
diaphoretic,  ophthalmic,  anti-icteric,  and  a  hydragogue  cathartic  ;  and,  according  to 
Rafinesque,  appearing  to  unite  the  properties  of  Opium,  Gamboge,  and  Celandine. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant,  gathered  while 
in  blossom,  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by 
weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it 
and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the  whole  well,  it  is  poured  into 
a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  the  above  mass  by  pressure  and  filtration,  has  a 
brownish  yellow  color  by  transmitted  light,  no  distinguishing  odor  or  taste,  and  an 
acid  reaction. 

The  plant,  from  its  history,  deserves  at  our  hands  a  most  thorough  proving, 
and  should  by  all  means  receive  it;  for  a  new  proving  the  tincture  should  be  made 
while  the  plant  is  in  fruit,  and  just  before  the  capsules  are  ripe. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. -Morphia,  Cj-H^NO^.— There  is  considerable 
doubt  that  this  alkaloid  exists  in  this  species,  although  CharbonnierJ  reports  its 
presence  from  his  analysis  of  the  carpels  and  leaves. 

*  Jour.  Je  P/iarm.,  xiv,  73.  f  Maisch,  in  Am.  Jour.  Pliarni.,  18S5,  506.  %  Jour,  de  Pharm.,  1S68. 


20-3 

Oil  of  Argemone. — This  fat  oil,  obtained  by  pressure  from  the  seeds,  is 
reported  by  Wittstein,  but  upon  whose  authority  we  are  unable  to  ascertain.  He 
describes  it  as,  light  yellow,  still  liquid  at  5°  (41°  F.),  of  a  slighdy  nauseous  odor 
and  raw  taste,  drying,  dissolves  in  5  to  6  times  its  volume  of  alcohol,  and  is  easily 
saponified. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— This  is  as  yet  unknown,  but  certainly  deserves 
prolonged  experimentation. 

Description  of  Plate  20. 

I.   Upper  part  of  plant,  Salem.  Mass.,  July  31,  1885. 
2.   Root. 
3    Stamens. 

4.  Pistil. 

5.  Horizontal  section  of  ovary. 

6.  Fruit. 

(3-5  enlarged.) 


<^' 


^ni.jiinaiiial.ttpinxi 


CHELI06NIUM     MAJUS,Linr 


N.  ORD.-PAPAVERACEyE.  21 

(;KNUS.— CHELIDON  I  U  M  ,*   l.INN. 
SEX.  SVST.— Pt)LVAN'DRIA  MON()G\NIA. 

CHELIDONIUM. 

CELAJ^DIME. 

SYN.— CHELIDONIUM  MAJUS,  LINN. 

COM.    NAMBS.—COMMON    CELANDINE,    TETTER"WORT;     (PR.)    HERBE    A 
L'HIRONDELLE ;   (GER.)   SCHOLLKRAUT. 

A  TINCTURK  OF  THE  FRESH   PLANT  CHELIDONIUM  MAJUS,   LLNN. 

Description. —  This  upright,  widely  branching,  perennial  herb,  grows  to  a 
height  of  from  i  to  2  ieet  from  a  fusiform  root.  Stem  upright,  cylindrical  and 
branching,  somewhat  hairy  and  \ery  brittle.  Leaves  alternate,  petiolate,  large, 
pale-green  and  glaucous,  Urate,  pinnatifid,  with  a  crenately  cut  or  lobed  border, 
the  terminal  lobe  obovate-cuneate.  Inflorescence,  pedunculated,  somewhat  umbel- 
late, axillary  clusters,  with  nodding  buds  and  medium-sized  flowers,  the  sepals, 
petals  and  stamens  of  which  are  early  deciduous.  Peduncles  2  to  4  inches  long, 
bearing  from  3  to  ^pedicels  i  inch  in  length,  and  involucrate  at  their  base.  Sepals 
2.  Corolla  cruciform  ;  petals  4.  Stamens  1  6  to  24.  Style  merely  present ;  stigma 
2-lobed.  Fruit  a  linear,  slender  pod,  about  i  inch  in  length,  somewhat  swelled  at 
intervals,  the  two  valves  opening  upward  from  the  base  to  the  apex  ;  seeds  rounded 
reniform,  with  a  glandular  ridge  at  the  hilum,  and  a  crustaceous,  blackish-brown 
testa,  marked  with  more  or  less  regular,  hexagonal  reticulations.  A  description 
of  the  Papaverace:e  will  be  found  under  Argemone  Mexicana,  20. 

History  and  Habitat. — Celandine  grows  all  over  Germany  and  France,  in 
waste  places,  on  old  walls,  along  roadways,  and  about  dwellings  ;  it  is  pretty  well 
naturalized  in  the  United  States,  but  so  far  it  is  not  found  at  any  great  distance 
from  dwellings,  Howering  from  early  in  May  until  October.  A  fine  gamboge  yel- 
low, acrid  juice,  pervades  the  plant,  root,  stem  and  leaves;  this  fact  led  those  who 
practised  upon  the  doctrine  of  signatures,  to  employ  the  drug  in  hepatic  disorders, 
from  its  resemblance  to  bile  in  color.  It  proved  one  of  the  hits  of  that  practice. 
The  U.  S.  Ph.  still  mentions  Chelidonium,  but  not  officinally  ;  it  will  probably  be 
thrown  aside  at  the  next  revision  as  worthless,  totidem  verbis.  In  the  Eclectic 
Materia  Medica  it  is  officinal  as  Decoctnm  Chclidonii. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  plant,  gathered  in  Spring,  is 
chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp,  enclosed  in   a  piece  of  new  linen  and  subjected 

*  ,1-f''."'""',  swnllo-aK  lu  flowers  appearing  with  the  arrival  of  that  bird  ;  or,  it  was  said  that  when  the  eyes  of  young 
swallows  became,  through  injury  or  otherwise,  affected  with  a  white  film,  the  parents  gathered  and  applied  the  juice  of 
this  plant,  rapidly  curing  the  trouble. 


21-2 

to  pressure,  the  fresh  juice  is  then  by  brisk  succussion  mingled  with  an  equal  part 
by  weight  of  alcohol.  This  mixture  is  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool 
place,  then  filtered.  The  tincture  thus  formed  is  of  a  brownish  orange  color  by 
transmitted  light,  having  an  odor  quite  like  that  of  tincture  of  apis  mellifica,  an 
acrid,  bitter  taste,  and  strong  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— O^Z-^/j////-^;/,  C,^  H,,  NO,.  This  alkaloid  is 
identical  with  Sanguinarina,  vide  22. 

Chelidonin,  C.^  H,^  N3  O3  +  Aq.  This  alkaloid  exists  particularly  in  the  root. 
When  pure  it  has  the  following  properties  :  colorless,  glassy,  tabular,  bitter  crys- 
tals, losing  water  at  100°  (212°  F.),  fusing  at  130°  (266°  F.),  and  decomposing  at 
higher  heats ;  it  is  insoluble  in  water,  slowly  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  forms  color- 
less salts. 

Chelidoxanthin. — A  bitter  principle  existing  in  all  parts  of  the  plant,  crystal- 
lizing in  short,  friable,  yellow  needles,  which  are  very  slowly  soluble  in  both  water 
and  alcohol. 

Chelidonic  Acid. — C,  H  (CO,  OH)3.  A  tribasic  acid  occurring  together  with 
the  other  acids  in  all  parts  of  the  plant.  It  crystallizes  in  small  colorless  needles, 
which  carbonize  by  heat,  and  are  soluble  both  in  water  and  alcohol. 

Malic  Acid. — Is  also  present  in  the  plant,  vide  Pyrus  Americana,  56. 

Citric  Acid. — Herr  Haitinger  determines  (Monatsch.,  Ch.  ii,,  p.  485)  that 
notable  quantities  are  contained  in  this  plant.      Mdc  iif  supra. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  principal  action  of  Chelidonium  seems  to 
be  that  of  causing  congestion  of  the  lungs  and  liver,  especially  the  latter;  it  is  also 
an  excessive  irritant,  and  has  a  narcotic  action  upon  the  nervous  system.  The 
lungs  of  animals  poisoned  by  this  drug  have  been  found,  post-mortem,  to  be  highly 
engorged,  and  in  some  cases  hepatized.  The  liver  under  its  action  becomes  the 
seat  of  much  pain,  soreness  and  tenderness ;  the  bowels  move  rapidly  and  freely, 
with  thin,  bright-yellow,  pasty  evacuations ;  the  urine  becomes  bright-yellow,  and 
even  stains  the  linen  dark-yellow.  It  irritates  the  respiratory  nerves,  causing  a 
tickling,  like  dust,  in  the  trachea  and  bronchi,  with  violent  spasmodic  coughing, 
followed  by  dyspnoea  and  oppression  of  the  chest.  Sensations  of  indolence,  sleep- 
iness and  languor  are  persistent.     Its  action  upon  the  skin  is  that  of  vesication. 

Description  of  Plate  21. 

I.   A  portion  of  the  upper  part  of  a  blossoming  plant,  from  Ithaca,  N.  Y. ,  May  loth,  1880. 

2.  Pistil  (enlarged). 

3.  Section  of  the  ovary  (enlarged). 

4.  Fruit. 

5.  Pollen  X  380. 


22. 


'W 


Gjin.adnat.del.etpinxt. 


Sanguinaria  Canadensis,  Linn. 


N.  ORD -PAPAVERACE^.  22 

(lENUS— S  ANGUINARIA,*  IMI.L. 
SEX.  SVST.— rULYANURIA  MONOGVXIA. 

SANGUINARIA. 

BLOODROOT. 


SYN.-SANGUINARIA  CANADENSIS,  L.  SANGUINARIA  MINOR,  DILL. 

COM.  NAMES.— BLOODROOT,  RED  PUCCOON,  PUCCOON,  TETTERWORT, 
REDROOT,  PAUSON,  TURMERIC,  INDIAN  PAINT,  (PR.)  SANGUIN- 
AIRB,  (GER.)  BLUTWURZEL. 

TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  S.\NGUINARIA  CANADENSIS,  L. 

Description. — This  low,  erect,  perennial  plant,  dots  with  its  creamy  white 
flowers  our  open  woods  and  bottom  lands  in  early  spring,  the  most  beautiful 
harbinger  of  Its  season.  It  arises  by  a  naked  scape  enveloped  by  its  leaf  to  a 
height  of  from  3  to  6  inches.  Root  horizontal,  extending  from  2  to  4  inches,  with 
a  diameter  of  from  one-quarter  to  three-quarters  of  an  inch,  slightly  branched, 
cylindrical,  giving  off,  especially  from  the  under  side,  numerous  tender  rootlets, 
and  somewhat  annulate  by  the  scars  of  previous  membraneous  sheathing  scales 
which  enveloped  the  scape  and  petiole.  When  fresh  it  is  brownish-red  externally, 
and,  upon  breaking  or  cutting,  it  shows  minute  points  of  bright  red  juice,  which 
rapidly  coalesce  and  cover  the  entire  wounded  surface.  When  dry  similar 
red  dots  appear  upon  the  fracture,  the  root  becomes  longitudinally  wrinkled,  the 
section  showing  a  bark  of  about  one-twelfth  the  whole  diameter,  a  very  slight 
cambium  line  and  a  granular  white  centre.  The  sfetu  is  a  simple,  smooth,  naked 
scape,  terminated  by  a  single  flower,  from  one  to  one  and  a  half  inches  in  diameter. 
The  leaf,  which  does  not  reach  its  full  expansion  until  the  flower  has  fallen,  is  pal- 
mately  seven-  to  nine-lobed,  with  an  equal  number  of  reddish  ribs,  from  which 
(especially  noticeable  upon  the  under  surface)  extend  a  perfect  network  of  veins; 
it  has  a  heart-shaped  base,  and  obtuse  lobes  ;  the  upper  surface  is  light  green,  the 
under  whitish,  glaucous.  Sepals  2,  caducous,  forming  the  ephemeral  calyx. 
Petals  8-12,  spatulate,  not  crumpled.  The  stamens,  generally  24,  unequal  and 
about  one-half  the  length  of  the  petals,  arranged  more  or  less  distinctly  in  two 
rows,  jlnthers  innate,  introrse,  dehiscent.  Pollen  grains  globular,  more  or  less 
six-sided  by  compression,  of  a  beautiful  golden-yellow  color.  Oz'ary  i-celled, 
with  2  parietal  placentae.  Style  short,  thick,  rounded.  Stigma  thick,  glandularly 
pubescent,  2-grooved.  Pod  oh\ong,  sharp-pointed,  turgid,  opening  by  two  uplifting 
valves,  allowing  the  escape  of  the  numerous  anatropous,  sometimes  crested  seeds. 
Embryo  minute,  situated  at  the  base  of  the  sarcous,  oily  albumen, 

*  Sanguis,  blood.     From  the  color  of  llie  juice. 


22-2 

History  and  Habitat.— This  is  the  only  species  of  the  genus,  although  Rafi- 
nesque  has  described  six  varieties.  It  is  found,  as  the  specific  name  denotes, 
in  Canada,  and  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States  except  southward  to  Florida, 
and  westward  to  Mexico  and  Oregon,  the  sea-coasts,  and  high  mountains.  It 
o-rows  in  rich  open  woods,  or  on  bottom  lands  along  shaded  streams,  flowering 
from  March,  in  eariy  springs,  until  May,  fruiting  in  June. 

For  many  years  it  has  been  used  by  the  aborigines  of  this  country  for  paint- 
incr  their  faces,  clothing  and  implements  of  warfare,  and  by  the  laity  as  a  domestic 
remedy  in  gastric  troubles,  compounded  with  podophyllum  and  kali  tartaricum. 
Applied  to  a  denuded  surface  it  is  quite  a  powerful  escharotic. 

The  root  is  still  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  as  Acchim  Sanguinarice ,  Tinctura 
Saiigidnaricr,  Radix  Sanguinarice,  and  Exh'actwn  Sangtiinarice.  In  the  Eclectic 
Materia  Medica  this  drug  and  its  derivatives  have  a  prominent  place,  especially  in 
compounds  with  Lobelia;  sanguinaria  not  having  emetic  properties.  It  takes  a 
part  in  the  following  preparations:  Pilula  Taraxaci  Composite?;  Pulvis  Ipeca- 
C2ianhcs  Compositus ;  Pulvis  Lobelia;  Compositns;  Pilvis  Myricce  Composilus ; 
Tinctura  Lobelice  Composita;  Tinctura  Vibw-nii  Composita ;  and  Sanguinarin,  a 
so-called  alka-resinoid  principle,  which  is  often  confused  by  both  prescriber  and 
pharmacist  with  the  true  alkaloid  sanguinarina. 

PART  USED,  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root,  gathered  when  the 
seeds  are  ripe,  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts 
by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  and  after  thoroughly  mixing  the  pulp  with  one- 
sixth  part  of  it  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  is  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole, 
pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered  botde  and  let  it  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool 
place.     The  tincture  is  then  separated  by  decanting,  straining,  and  filtering. 

Thus  prepared  it  is,  by  transmitted  light,  of  a  deep  orange-red  color,  slightly 
bitter  and  acid,  and  has  a  strong  acid  reaction  to  litmus. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Sanguinarina,='=  C.^  H,^  NO,.  This  alkaloid 
crystallizes  from  alcohol  in  warty  or  needle-like  masses,  very  acrid  to  the  taste, 
toxic,  and  when  pulverized  and  insufflated  causes  violent  sneezing ;  these  masses 
are  soluble  in  ether  or  alcohol,  insoluble  or  nearly  so  in  water.  The  various 
salts  of  this  body  are  of  a  red  color,  and  give  orange-colored  aqueous  solutions. 

Puccina  has  been  claimed  to  be  another  alkaloid  principle  of  this  plant, 
remaining  in  the  menstruum  after  the  precipitation  of  sanguinarina  by  sulphuric 
acid  ;  but  Hopp  determined  this  body  to  be  a  sulphatic  salt  of  sanguinarina. 

Porphyroxin  has  been  determined  as  a  third  alkaloid,  so  named  from  its 
supposed  identity  with  Merck's  opium  principle  porphyroxin,  a  mixture  which 
owes  its  color  reaction  to  Hesse's  rhoeadine.  (Maisch.)  It  exists  as  tabular  or 
linear,  white  and  tasteless  crystals. 

Acid. — The  acid  of  sanguinaria  is  not  fully  determined,  though  it  would  prove 
doubtless  to  be  chelidonic  acid  {vide  Chelidonium). 

*  This  alkaloid  is  identical  with   C/ieleiyt/irine,  hom  Chelidonium  raajus,  r'zVe',  21. 


22-3 

Gum,  Lignin,  an  Orange-colored  Resin,  Albumen,  and  a  Saccharine  matter 
have  also  been  determined. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Sanouinaria  in  toxic  doses  causes  a  train  of 
symptoms  showing  it  to  be  an  irritant;  it  causes  nausea,  vomiting,  sensations  of 
burning  in  the  mucous  membranes  whenever  it  comes  in  contact  with  them,  faint- 
ness,  vertigo,  and  insensibility.  It  reduces  the  heart's  action  and  muscular 
strength,  and  depresses  the  nerve  force,  central  and  peripheral.  Death  has 
occurred  from  overdoses,  after  the  following  sequence  of  symptoms  ;  violent  vom- 
iting, followed  by  terrible  thirst  and  great  burning  in  the  stomach  and  intestines, 
accompanied  by  soreness  over  the  region  of  those  organs ;  heaviness  of  the 
upper  chest  with  difficult  breathing ;  dilation  of  the  pupils ;  great  muscular 
prostration  ;  faintness  and  coldness  of  the  surface,  showing  that  death  follows 
from  cardiac  paralysis.     (Allen,  Ency.  Pure  Mat.  Med.,  viii.,  p.  481,  et  seq.) 

Description  of  1'late  22. 

I.   NVhoIe  plant,  Chemung,  N.  V.,  May  3d,  1S80. 

2.  Expanded  leaf. 

3.  Expanded  flower. 

4.  Pistil  (enlarged). 

5.  Bud,  showing  se|)als. 

6.  Seed  (enlarged). 

7.  Pod. 

8.  Stamen  (enlarged). 

9.  Pollen  grains  x  380. 


23. 


^lU.adnat.ilel.et  piiut. 


SINAPIS     Alba, Linn. 


N.  ORD-CRUCIFER^.  23 

Tribe.-BRASSICE/E. 

GENUS.— SIN  A  PIS,  TOURN. 


SEX.  SYST.— TETRADYN.\MI.\  SII.IOLOSA. 


SINAPIS   ALBA. 

WHITE  MUSTARD. 

SYN.— BRASSICA  ALBA,  HOOK,  f. ;  SINAPIS  ALBA,  LINN. ;  LEUCOSINAPIS 

ALBA,  SPACH. 
COM.  NAMES.— WHITE  OR  YELLOW  MUSTARD  ;*  (FR.i  MOUTARDE  BLANC  ; 

(GER.)  WEISSBR  SENF. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  RIPE  SEEDS  OF  SINAPIS  ALBA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  coarse,  hairy  annual,  usually  grows  to  a  height  of  about 
2  feet.  S/em  erect ;  branches  few,  ascending,  all  parts  covered  with  bristling  re- 
flexed  hairs.  Leaves  all  petioled  and  pinnatifid,  the  lowest  having  a  large  termi- 
nal lobe  and  the  divisions  cutting  down  to  the  midrib.  Flozvers  about  twice  as 
large  as  those  of  .S.  nigra;  sepals  4,  narrowly  oblong,  spreading;  petals  4,  spread- 
ing, alternate  with  the  sepals,  and  consisting  of  a  narrow  claw  and  an  orbiculate 
blade.  Stamens  6,  hypogynous,  tetradynamous,  the  two  having  shorter  filaments 
being  lateral  and  inserted  lower  down  than  the  others,  the  four  with  longer  fila- 
ments situated  in  pairs  from  before  backward  and  accompanied  by  a  quite  large 
gland  to  each  pair.  Pistil  slightly  exceeding  the  stamens ;  ovary  hairy ;  style 
nearly  terete,  persistent ;  stigma  bi-labiate.  Fruit  a  linear,  bristly,  ascending 
silique  ;  valves  short,  furnished  with  3  prominent  veins ;  pedicels  spreading ;  beak 
sword-shaped,  i -seeded,  about  half  the  length  of  the  pod.  Seeds  globular,  pale- 
yellowish,  1  to  6  in  each  pod;  cotyledons  incumbent,  conduplicatc,  narrow,  and 
plane. 

Cruciferse. — This  large  family  of  pungent  and  often  acrid  herbs  is  represented 
in  North  America  by  42  genera,  containing  in  all  275  species  and  50  recognized 
varieties.  The  order  is  characterized  as  follows  :  Leaves  alternate  ;  stipules  none. 
Inflorescence  in  terminal  racemes  or  corymbs ;  floioers  cruciform,  tetradynamous. 
Sepals  4,  deciduous  ;  petals  4,  hypogynous,  regular,  placed  opposite  each  other  in 
pairs.  Stamens  6,  rarely  4  or  2,  when  6,  then  two  are  inserted  lower  down  than 
the  rest  and  furnished  with  shorter  filaments.  Fruit  a  2-celled  silicle,  loment, 
silique  or  necument.  Seeds  campylotropous;  embryo  \airg&;  albumen  none;  coiy- 
ledons  incumbent  o  ||,  acumbent  o=,  or  conduplicate  o)),  being  straight  in  one 
genus  only. 

*  The  name  mustard  is  modernized  from  musliim  aniens,  hot  must;  as  wine-must  is  often  mixed  with  the  seed- 
meal  in  the  manufacture  of  table  mustard. 


23-2 

Only  three  other  plants  of  this  order  are  proven  and  find  place  in  our  Materia 
Medica,  viz.:  The  seeds  of  the  European  bitter  Candytuft  {Iberis  aniara,  Linn.), 
extolled  as  a  remedy  for  cardiac  hypertrophy,  but  needing  further  corroborative 
proving;  the  Buenos  Ayres  Pepperwort  {Lepidium  Bonariensc,  D.  C),  used  in 
Brazil  much  as  arnica  is  among  the  laity  here ;  and  the  British  Rape  or  Cole  Seed 
[Brassica  napus,  Linn.). 

Many  species,  however,  find  a  place  in  domestic  practice,  principal  among 
which  are:  The  South  European  Scurvy  Grass  [Cochlcaria  officinalis,  Linn.),  long 
known  and  used  as  an  anti-scorbutic ;  C.  armoracia,  Linn.,  our  common  horse- 
radish, is  much  used  as  a  counter-irritant,  diuretic,  diaphoretic,  and  stimulant ;  the 
dried  flowers  of  the  Cuckoo  Flower  {Cardamiiic pratensis,  Linn.)  have  been  recom- 
mended for  the  cure  of  epilepsy  in  children  ;  and  the  seeds  of  the  Oriental  Arabis 
Chi)iensis  are  considered  by  the  natives  stomachic,  and  are  said  to  cause  abortion 
in  pregnant  women. 

Many  species  afford  vegetables  of  value  as  foods,  or,  more  properly,  relishes, 
notably  the  Cresses,  of  which  the  following  European  species  are  most  used:  The 
Common  Water  Cress  [Nasiurtiiim  officijiale,  R.  Br.)  ;  Winter  Cress  {Barbai'ea 
vidgaris,  R.  Br.)  ;  Belleisle  Cress  [B.  prcecox,  R.  Br.)  ;  and  the  Common  Cress" 
i^Lepidium  sativwn,  Linn.).  The  edible  Pepperwort  of  New  Zealand  (Z.  olera- 
ceuni)  is  greatly  valued,  as  also  are  the  Chinese  Mustard  [Sinapis  Chiiiensis,  Linn.), 
and  the  British  Sea  Kale  {Crambc  viaritiima,  Linn.).  The  most  useful  species, 
however,  for  relishes,  and  nourishment  as  well,  are  the  Turnip  [Brassica  Rapa, 
Linn.),  and  the  Cabbage  [B.  oleracca,  Linn.),  with  its  numerous  varieties  by  culti- 
vation, prominent  among  which  stands  the  Cauliflower  as  var.  Botiyfis,  Dec. 

History  and  Habitat. — White  Mustard  has  as  yet  hardly  become  naturalized 
in  this  country  from  its  European  and  Oriental  haunts,  but  has  escaped  from  cul- 
tivation here  in  many  places,  and  grows  the  life  of  what  is  commonly  known  as  a 
roadside  weed. 

The  previous  uses  of  the  seeds  of  this  plant  are  intimately  connected  with  those 
of  5.  nigra,  as  they  are  usually  mixed  in  the  preparation  of  Sinapis  or  mustard 
flour,  which  is  used  as  an  emetic,  diuretic,  stomachic,  and  gastro-intestinal  stimu- 
lant ;  and  externally  applied,  wet  with  vinegar,  as  a  rubefacient  and  vesicant.  The 
power  of  vesication  resides  in  the  oil  to  a  high  degree.  The  unground  seeds  of 
this  species  have  held  a  high  place  in  former  practice  as  a  remedy  in  atonic  dys- 
pepsia, and  various  kindred  complaints  where  there  appeared  to  be  a  torpid  state 
of  the  alimentary  tract,  as  they  were  known  to  increase  peristaltic  activity ;  but 
the  e.xhibition  of  the  seeds  proved  dangerous,  as  they  are  liable  to  become  im- 
pacted in  the  bowel  and  set  up  a  fatal  inflammation. 

The  seeds,  though  mentioned,  have  no  ofificinal  preparation  in  the  U.  S.  Ph. ; 
in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  their  use  is  as  Cataplasma  Sinapis. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  ripe  seeds,  prepared  as  noted 
under  the  next  (Sinapis  Nigra,  p.  24-2),  yield  a  tincture  having  a  light,  clear  orange 
color  by  transmitted  light;  a  sinapic  odor  and  taste,  biting  and  burning  the  tongue; 
and  an  acid  reaction. 


23-3 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— 5/;/^?/^/;/.  C.,„H^N,S,0„,  or  Sidpho-sinapisin. 
This  peculiar  compound  body,  determined  by  Hill,  may  be  obtained  from  the  seed- 
cake, after  removal  of  the  fat  oil,  by  boiling  the  cake  in  alcohol.  Sinalbin  results 
as  clear,  colorless,  united,  acicular  crystals,  fusing  at  130°  (266°  F.),  soluble  in 
water  and  slightly  in  alcohol.  In  the  presence  of  water  and  myrosin,  this  body 
breaks  down  into  its  components  as  follows : 

Sinalbin  .=  Sulphocyanatc  .\crinol  -|-  Siilpliate  of  Sinapine  --  Sugar. 

Q„H^N,S,0,„  =  C3H,NS0  +  C,„H.,NSO„  +  C„H,,,0,, 

The  first  of  these  resultants  is  proven  to  be  the  vesicating  principle  of  the 
seed,  though  it  does  not  pre-exist  in  them  while  dry. 

Sinapine,  Cjj.H.,.,NO-. — This  volatile  alkaloid  too  readily  decomposes  to  be 
isolated  except  as  a  sulpho-cyanide  ;  when  heated  with  baryta  water  it  breaks 
down  as  follows : 

Sinapine.  Water.  Sinapic  Acid  Choline.* 

Q„H.,3N0,  +  (H.p).-,  =  QjHj.X),  +  QH,.NO,. 

Oil  of  Mustard  (mixed). —  This  yellow,  fixed,  fat  oil,  obtainable  by  pressure 
from  the  seed-meal,  has  a  sp.  gr.  of  .917-.920,  thickens  at  -12°  (10.4°  F.),  is  not 
drying,  and  contains  glyceroles  of  Erucic,f  Sinapoleic,J  and  Behenic  Acids.§ 
This  oil  is  used  largely  to  adulterate  olive  oil,  as  it  has  a  great  power  of  resisting 
rancidity. 

Myrosin. — This  emulsion-like  body  is  obtained  from  the  seeds  of  this  species 
by  treating  them  with  water,  evaporating  the  menstruum  at  40°  (104°  F.)  to  a 
syrup,  and  precipitating  with  alcohol.  The  precipitate,  dried  by  gentle  heat,  results 
as  impure  myrosin,  which  has  not  yet  been  isolated  from  the  albumen  that  is  inti- 
mately mixed  with  it. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  essential  oil  of  mustard  (Sinalbin  ?)  is  a 
virulent,  irritant  poison,  causing,  when  ingested,  severe  burning,  followed  by  in- 
creased heart's  action,  and,  if  pushed  to  extremes,  loss  of  sensibility,  paralysis, 
stupor,  rigors,  and  death.  When  applied  to  the  skin  it  causes  almost  immediate 
vesication,  followed  by  deep  ulceration  hard  to  heal.  The  symptoms  caused  by 
small  repeated  doses  of  the  ground  seeds  are,  in  abstract:  Salivation,  with  yellow- 
coated  tongue ;  burning  and  scraping  in  the  throat,  followed  by  a  sense  of  con- 
striction ;  thirst;  nausea  and  vomiting ;  painful  flatulence;  burning  and  crawling 
in  the  rectum ;  copious  pasty  stools ;  dark-colored  urine ;  creeping  chills,  and 
inclination  to  sweat. 

Description  of  Pl.\te  23. 
I.   End  of  flowering  branch,  Salem,  Mass.,  July  28th,  18S5. 

2.  Essential  organs. 

3.  Pistil. 

4.  Anthers. 

5.  Silique. 

6.  Seed. 

7.  Longitudinal  section  of  seed. 

(2-7  enlarged. ) 

*^w.  7o«7-. /'//<7r.,  1883,  551.  t  Or  Brassic  (Cj,H„Oj).  •   J  Ca,H„Oj.  g  C„H„0,. 


24. 


Gltt.adnat.del.et  pinxt. 


SiNAPIS    NiGRA,Li 


N.  OKD-CRUCIFER^.  •  24 

Tribe.-BRASSICE/E. 

GENUS.— S  I  N  A  P I  S  ,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SYST.— TETR.\DYNAM1.\  SILIQUOSA. 

SINAPIS    NIGRA. 

BLACK  MUSTARD. 


SYN.-SINAPIS    NIGRA,    LINN.;    BRASSICA    NIGRA,    BOISS. ;    BRASSICA 
SINAPIOIDES,   ROTH. 

COM.    NAMES.— BLACK    MUSTARD,    BROWN    OR    RED    MUSTARD;    (FR.) 
MOUTARDE  NOIRE;    (GER.)  SCHWARZ  SENP. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  RIPE  SEEDS  OF  SINAPIS  NIGRA,  LINN. 


Description. — This  useful  plant  has  become  a  troublesome  weed  in  many 
parts  of  North  America,  (growing  from  3  to  6  feet  high.  The  rool  is  fusiform, 
thin  and  branching.  The  stem  generally  erect,  smooth  and  numerously  branched  ; 
the  lower  leaves  are  either  lyrate  or  lobed,  the  terminal  lobe  large,  rough,  and 
harsh  to  the  touch,  with  two  or  more  small  lateral  divisions  or  lobes  at  its  base, 
the  stem  leaves  are  entire,  lanceolate  and  smooth.  The  inflorescence  is  a  dense 
head  at  first,  extending  as  the  fruits  form  into  an  elongated  raceme,  which  con- 
tinues flowering  at  its  top  until  frost  checks  the  growth.  The  pods  are  smooth, 
about  one-quarter  inch  long,  upon  appressed  pedicels,  and  closely  set  to  the 
elongated  axis  of  the  inflorescence,  they  are  4-angled,  erect,  and  surmounted  by 
the  4-angled,  stout,  persistent  style.  Valves  2,  each  i -nerved.  Seeds  4  to  6  in 
each  cell,  they  are  spherical,  or  somewhat  oval,  of  a  dark,  reddish-brown  color,  25 
of  them  in  line  would  about  equal  an  inch,  and  50  would  generally  weigh  i  grain. 
The  pitted  reticulation  of  the  outer  coat  is  coarser,  while  the  seeds  themselves 
are  smaller  and  more  pungent  than  S.  alba. 

A  description  of  the  order  and  genus  is  incorjjorated  in  the  description  of 
Sinapis  alba,  23. 

History  and  Habitat. — Black  Mustard  is  found  wild  over  the  whole  extent 
of  Europe,  excepting  its  most  northern  latitudes,  as  well  as  the  central  part  of 
Asia  and  in  Northern  Africa.  It  is  quite  extensively  cultivated  in  Italy,  Germany, 
and  England,  and  fully  naturalized  in  both  North  and  South  America,  flowering 
in  temperate  regions  from  June  to  September.  It  was  well  known  to  the  ancients 
as  a  medicinal  agent,  but  not  as  a  condiment  until  somewhat  more  modern  times. 
The  seeds,  when  ground,  form  a  greenish-yellow  powder,  inodorous  when  dry, 


"Zn-aTTi,  siiiapi,  turnip.     Biasska  or  Sinnpis  campeslris. 


24-2 

penetrating  when  moist,  with  at  first  a  bitter,  then  extremely  pungent  taste,  blis- 
tering the  tongue.  The  seeds  should  be  of  a  bright  reddish-brown  color,  free 
from  gray  coating,  this  ashy  film  being  the  effect  of  dampness,  during  the  ripen- 
ing, and  a  great  detriment  to  the  value  and  properties  of  the  seed. 

The  fresh  plants,  soon  after  their  appearance,  while  the  leaves  are  yet  young 
and  tender,  are  used  by  the  laity  in  many  jjarts  of  this  country  as  a  pot-herb 
("  greens ").  This  relish  is  termed  at  that  stage  of  its  growth,  sciu^y-grass, 
though  the  true  Scurvy-grass  is  Sinapis  ati^ensis  {Brassica  Sinapistrum) .  The 
use  of  Sinapis  nigra  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  is  simply  as  Charta  Sinapis.  In  the 
Eclectic  Materia  Medica  the  use  is  the  same,  and  both  employ  the  volatile  oil 
in  Linini'nihofi  Sinapis  Compositum. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  ripe  seeds  are  coarsely  powdered 
and  covered  with  five  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol,  poured  into  a  well-stoppered 
bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place,  being  shaken  twice  a 
day.     The  tincture  is  separated  by  decanting,  straining  and  filtering. 

Thus  prepared,  it  has  a  clear,  greenish-yellow  color  by  transmitted  or 
reflected  light,  a  sweetish,  biting  taste,  afterward  somewhat  burning,  and  is 
neutral  to  litmus  paper. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Sinapisin  ;  this  body  exists  (Simon)  as  an 
unsaponifiable  fat,  in  the  seeds  of  black  mustard,  from  which  it  may  be  obtained 
by  percolating  the  powdered  seeds  with  alcohol  of  94  per  cent.,  evaporating  the 
percolate,  treating  the  residue  with  ether,  again  evaporating,  treating  with  alcohol 
of  90  per  cent,  and  filtering  through  animal  charcoal.  The  impure  crystals  thus 
gained  are  to  be  dissolved  in  ether,  from  which  they  deposit  on  evaporation  as 
snowy  scales,  soluble  in  alcohol,  ether  and  oils.     (Wittstein). 

Sinigrin, — Q^^W^^Y^^'^^O^^,  or  potasso-niyronic  acid,  xs  the  principle  peculiar 
to  this  species,  from  which  it  may  be  obtained  as  silky,  needle-like  crystals, 
soluble  in  alcohol  and  water.  When  acted  upon  by  myrosin  it  breaks  down, 
forming  mustard  oil,  glucose,  and  KHSO^. 

An  analysis  of  three  samples  of  black  mustard  farina,  made  by  A.  R.  Leeds 
and  E.  Everhart,  reported  in  the  Journal  of  the  American  Chemical  Society, 
1881,  p.  130,  gave  the  following  averages,  each  sample  differing  but  very  slightly 
from  the  others  : 


Moisture,                   .         . 

6.833 

Myronate  of  potash  (sinigrin). 

.646 

Sulphocyanide  of  sinapine  (sinalbin), 

11.123 

Myrosin, 

28.483 

Mustard  oil 

29.208 

Ash, 

3-757 

Cellulose  (by  difference),            .          .          . 

19.950 

For  a  full  description  of  erucic  acid,  sinapoleic  acid,  my7-osin,  and  fat-oil,  which 
exist  alike  in  both  S.  alba  and  .S.  nigra,  see  23. 


24-3 
PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — So  far  as   I   can  determine,   no  specific  toxic 
symptoms  have  been  noted  ;  under  S.  alba  I  have  given  the  general  action  of 
mustard  without  differentiation. 


Description  of  Pi.atf.  24. 

I.   End  of  a  branch  in  fruit  and  flower,  Binghamton,   N.  Y.,  July  5,   li 

2.  Outline  of  one  of  the  lower  leaves. 

3.  Fruit  (enlarged)i 

4.  Pollen  grains  x  380. 


25. 


^m. 


ailnatdei.etpinxl. 


CaPSELLA   BURSA-PASTORIS   ,  Moench: 


N.  ORD.-CRUCIFER/E.  25 

Thbe.-LEPIDINE/E  AND  THLASPIDE/E. 

GENUS.— CAPSELLA,*  VENT. 


SEX.  SYST.— TETRADYNAMIA. 


BURSA-PASTORIS. 


SHEPlfERD'S  PURSE. 

SYN.— CAPSELLA  BURSA-PASTORIS,  MCBN. ;   THLASPI  BURSA-PASTORIS, 

LINN. 
COM.  NAMES.— SHEPHERD'S  PURSE;  (FR.)  BOURSE  DE  PASTEUR;  (GER.) 

HIRTENTASCHLEIN. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE  PL.ANT  CAPSELLA  BURSA-PASTORIS,  MCEN. 

Description. — This  intrusive  little  annual  grows  to  a  height  of  from  6  to  18 
inches.  Root  tap-shaped.  Stem  erect,  simple,  or  branching  at  the  summit,  smooth 
or  sometimes  pubescent.  Leaves  mostly  rosulate  at  the  root,  pinnatifid  or  pinna- 
tifidly  toothed;  stem  leaves  sessile  and  partly  clasping,  more  or  less  sagittate, 
toothed  or  in  some  cases  entire,  especially  those  at  the  base  of  the  racemes. 
Inflorcsce7ice  apparently  a  dense  cluster  at  the  summit  of  the  stem,  but  as  fruiting 
advances  showing  a  racemose  arrangement ;  floivers  minute,  white  ;  pedicels  long, 
especially  in  fruit.  Sepals  ovate,  long-pointed,  and  having  inserted  about  their 
middle  a  filamentous  appendage.  Petals  spatulate.  Anthers  sagittate.  Style  short ; 
stigma  capitate.  Silicle  obcordate  triangular,  flattened  contrary  to  the  septum  ; 
valves  2,  scaphoid,  wingless.  Seeds  numerous  ;  cotyledons  plane,  incumbent.  Read 
description  of  Crucifers  under  Sinapis  alba,  23. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  European  immigrant  has  become  too  thoroughly 
a  nuisance  as  a  weed  about  the  cultivated  lands  of  this  country  from  Florida  north- 
ward and  westward,  where  it  flowers  from  earliest  spring  to  September. 

This  plant  was  formerly  classed  with  the  genus  Thlaspi,  from  which  it  was 
removed  on  account  of  its  wingless  valves. 

The  Shepherd's  Purse  has  been  used  in  English  domestic  practice  from  early 
times,  as  an  astringent  in  diarrhoea ;  it  was  much  used  in  decoction  with  milk  to 
check  active  purgings  in  calves.  Later  its  value  here  was  much  doubted,  and 
other  properties  accorded  it,  especially  those  of  a  stimulating  astringent  and 
diuretic.  It  has  been  employed  in  fresh  decoction  in  hematuria,  hemorrhoids, 
diarrhoea  and  dysentery,  and  locally  as  a  vulnerary  in  ecchymosis  and  as  an  appli- 
cation in  rheumatic  affections.  The  juice  on  cotton,  inserted  in  the  nostrils,  was 
often  used  to  check  hemorrhage  in  epistaxis. 

*  Fro-n  capsula,  a  pod. 

t  I  use  the  specific  name,  which  should  always  distinguish  tliis  plant  in  medicine,  to  avoid  confusion  in  synonyms. 


25-2 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  plant,  gathered  when  the 
flowering  season  is  about  half  completed  and  the  fruits  rapidly  forming,  is  chopped 
and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two-thirds  by  weight  of  alcohol  is 
taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  the  spirit  and  the  whole  pressed  out  in  a 
piece  of  new  linen.  The  tincture  thus  prepared  has,  after  filtration,  an  orange- 
brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  peculiar  odor,  resembling  decayed  vegetation, 
a  pungent  taste,  too  like  its  odor,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Several  partial  analyses  have  been  made  of 
this  plant,  but  none  have  resulted  in  the  separation  and  determination  of  a  pecu- 
liar principle.  The  general  constituents  of  plants,  and  a  volatile  oil  said  to  be 
identical  with  oil  of  mustard,  as  well  as  a  fixed  oil,  have  been  determined. 

Clinical  Uses. — In  the  absence  of  provings  of  this  drug,  it  has  been  found 
curative  in  various  uterine  hemorrhages,  especially  those  with  which  uterine  cramp 
and  colic  are  associated;  also  in  various  passive  hemorrhages  from  mucous  sur- 
faces.*    A  thorough  proving  is  greatly  to  be  desired. 


Description  of  Plate  25. 

I.  Whole  of  young  plant  above  the  radicle  leaves,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  May  24th,  1S85. 
2,  3,  4.  Forms  of  radicle  leaves. 

5.  Flower. 

6.  Petal. 

7.  Pistil. 

8.  Stamen. 

9.  Silicle. 

10.  Open  silicle,  showing  seeds. 

*  See  Hale,  New  Kern.,  p.  625. 


(^m.adnaf.deletpinxt  RaPHANUS    RaPHANI'STRUM,  Linn. 


N.  ORD.-CRUCIFER^.  26 

Tribe.-RAPHANE^. 

GENUS.  — RAPH  ANUS,-  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— TKTKA1)VNAMI.\  SlI.IoU  ).SA. 


RAPHANUS. 


RADISH. 


SYN.— RAPHANUS  RAPHANISTRUM,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.-WILD  RADISH,  JOINTED   CHARLOCK,   CHARLOCK-    (FR  ) 
RAIFOOT,  COMMUNE;    (GER.)  WILDE  RETTIG. 


A  TINCTURE   OF  THE   FRESH   ROOT  OF  RAPHANUS  RHAPHANISTRU.M,   LINN. 

Description. — This  rapid-growing  annual  or  biennial  herb  usually  attains  a 
height  of  from  i  to  2  feet.  Root  tap-shaped ;  skin  erect,  glaucous,  sparino-ly 
brisdy,  and  much  branched  below.  Leaves  lyrate,  petiolate  or  sessile,  dentate,  and 
rough,  the  terminal  lobe  oval  or  obovate.  Ca/yx  erect,  somewhat  2-saccate  at  the 
base.  Petals  at  first  yellow  and  veiny,  becoming  purplish  or  whitish  with  age, 
obovate  and  unguiculate.  5/c?;//£';/.s- distinct  toothless.  Style  \ov\g\  .y/'/Vw^  capitate. 
Pod  linear-oblong,  terete  upward,  longer  than  the  style,  2-jointed,  indehiscent,  and 
valveless  ;  the  upper  joint  markedly  necklace-form  by  strong  contractions  between 
the  seeds ;  the  lower  joint  often  seedless  and  stalk-like.  Seeds  3  to  8,  lan-'e  and 
spherical  ;  cotyledons  conduplicate  and  incumbent. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Wild  Radish  grows  profusely  over  the  fields  of 
Great  Britain  and  Europe,  and  has  become  a  troublesome  weed  in  New  Eno-land, 
New  York,  New  Jersey,  and  Pennsylvania,  from  whence  it  is  spreading  westward. 
It  blossoms  in  July  and  fruits  in  September. 

The  cultivated  forms,  R.  sativjis,  Linn.,  and  its  varieties,  niger  (Black  Spanish), 
oblongus  (Long  Radish),  and  rotiindus  (Globose  Radish),  supposed  to  be  of  Chi- 
nese origin,  are  well-known  salad  roots ;  all  of  them  have  contributed  more  or  less 
to  our  provings.  Very  litde  and  unpronounced  use  has  been  made  in  medicine  of 
these  forms,  or  of  the  wild  plant.  The  seeds  have  proved  emetic,  and  the  root 
diuretic  and  laxative. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh,  perfect  roots,  gathered 
when  full  formed,  at  about  the  time  of  llowering,  are  chopped  and  pounded  to  a 
pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp 
thoroughly  mixed  with  one  sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added. 

*  'Pn,  ra,  quickly ;  ^aiVw,  phaino,  to  appear;  from  its  rapid  germination. 


26-2 

After  thoroughly  stirring  the  whole,  it  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and 
allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place,  shaking  twice  a  day.  The  tinc- 
ture, after  straining  and  filtering,  has  a  clear  yellow  color  by  transmitted  light ;  an 
offensive  odor,  something  like  that  of  boiling  cabbage ;  a  similar  miserable  taste  ; 
and  an  acid  reaction. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  effects  noted  in  people  who  have  eaten 
too  freely  of  radishes,  and  in  others  who  took  large  quantities  of  the  tincture,  were 
substantially  as  follows :  Mental  excitement,  followed  by  depression  and  anxiety  ; 
confusion  and  vertigo  with  cephallagia ;  stuffiness  of  the  nostrils  ;  paleness  of  the 
face ;  bitter  taste  in  the  mouth ;  constriction  of  the  oesophagus  ;  violent  thirst ; 
nausea  with  violent  pressure  in  the  stomach;  great  distention  of  the  abdomen, 
which  became  hard  and  tense,  though  painless,  and  no  flatulence  escaped ;  numer- 
ous liquid  diarrhoeic  stools  ;  great  desire  to  urinate,  with  greatly  augmented  quan- 
tity; great  sexual  excitement  in  women,  coming  on  in  paroxysms  of  great  violence  ; 
lancinating  pains  in  the  chest ;  violent  palpitation  of  the  heart ;  attacks  of  hysteria  ; 
emaciation  ;  itching  of  the  skin  ;  restlessness ;  and  chilliness  followed  by  inclination 
to  sweat. 


Description  of  Plate  26. 

Whole  plant,  Jamaica,  L.  I.,  July  29th,  i< 

2.  A  sepal  and  stamen. 

3.  Petal. 

4.  Pistil. 

5.  A  ripe  pod. 

6.  A  section  of  a  pod. 
(2-4  and  6  enlarged.) 


27. 


F   I 


.lU.ailnat.iJei.etpinxf. 


Viola    Tricolor  ,  Linn. 


N.  ORD -VrOLACE^.  27 

GENUS.— V  I  O  L  A,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SY.ST.— PEXT.WURI.'V  MONOGYNIA. 


VIOLA  TRICOLOR  (JACEA). 

WILD  PA^'SY. 

SYN.— VIOLA  TRICOLOR,  LINN. ;  VIOLA  BICOLOR,  PUBSH ;  VIOLA  TEN- 
ELLA,  MUHL. ;  VIOLA  ARVENSIS,  ELL. ;  JACEA  TRICOLOR,  SIVE 
TRINITATIS,  ETC.,  J.  BAUH. 

COM.  NAMES.-PANSY,  PANSIE,  PANSEY,  HEART'S-BASE,  THREE  COL- 
ORED VIOLET,  TRINITY  VIOLET,  FIELD  PANSY.  WILD  PANSY; 
(FR.)  PENSEE;  (GER.)  STIEFMUTTERCHBN-KRAUT,  FRBISAMKRAUT.' 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE  FRESH  PLANT  VIOLA  TRICOLOR,  LIXN. 

Description. — This  beautiful  little  plant,  belonging  to  the  leafy-stemmed  violets, 
springs  from  an  annual,  biennial,  or  short-lived  perennial,  fusiform  root.  Slcm  3  to  8 
inches  high,  angled,  at  first  creeping,  then  erect,  simple  or  branched,  and  leafy 
throughout;  stipules  w&ry  IdLVge,  herbaceous,  lyrate-pinnatifid.  Jnftoi'cscouc  sewGraA 
smallish  flowers  on  a  terminal  and  axillary  peduncle.  Ca/yx  with  short  auricles. 
Corolla  with  an  obtuse,  thick  spur  ;  petals  short  clawed.  Ovary  partly  concealed 
in  the  concave  receptacle  ;  style  somewhat  conical,  narrowing  toward  the  o\ary ; 
stigma  cup-shaped.      Capsule  smooth  ;  seeds  oblong. 

Description. — Violaceae  and  Viola. — The  plants  under  this  natural  order  and 
genus  are  low,  caulescent  or  acaulescent,  those  with  stems  springing  from  annual  or 
perennial  roots,  those  without  stems  from  scaly  root-stocks.  The  leaves  are  alter- 
nate and  petiolate,  with  leaf-like  persistent  stipules.  In  the  stemless  violets  the 
scapes  are  axillary,  solitary,  and  furnished  with  two  bracts  at  the  base.  Inflorescejice 
a  single,  more  or  less  irregular  flower  upon  the  incurved  summit  of  the  scape  or 
peduncle ;  many  species  having  also  radical  apetalous  or  cryptopetalous,  fertile 
summer  flowers.  Calyx  herbaceous,  persistent;  sepals  5,  often  auriculate  at  the 
base,  the  odd  one  superior.  Corolla  irregular ;  petals  5,  somewhat  unequal, 
hypogynous,  alternate  with  the  sepals,  the  superior  one — which  becomes  inferior 
by  the  inversion  of  the  scape — is  saccate  or  spurred  at  the  base,  the  two  lower 
petals  with  an  appendage  at  the  base  concealed  in  the  spur.  Stamens  5,  hypogy- 
nous upon  a  ring-like  or  concave  torus,  alternate  with  the  petals,  closely  surround- 
ing the  ovary,  and  are  sometimes  slightly  coherent  into  a  ring  or  tube ;  filamcnis 
very  short  and  broad,  projecting  beyond  the  anther  into  a  little  persistent  wing  or 
tip,  or  sometimes  obsolete.     The  two  lower  filaments,  when  present,  are  furnished 

*  Derivation  Latin,  obscure.  t  Herring's  Condensed  Materia  Medica. 


27-2 

each  with  a  little  projection,  concealed  in  the  sac  or  spur  of  the  lower  petal ;  ajithers 
adnata,  2-celled.  the  cells  somewhat  separated  at  the  base,  opening  by  a  longitu- 
dinal introrse  slit.  Ovary  sessile,  ovoid,  one-celled,  with  three  parietal  placenta: ; 
jA'/^  terminal,  various,  usually  declined;  stigma  vd.now'i.  Fruit  an  ovoid,  crusta- 
ceous  or  papyraceous,  t,  valved,  loculicidal  capsule;  seeds  many,  horizontal,  and 
furnished  with  a  distinct  wart-like  excrescence  at  the  hilum,  raphe  apparent;  albu- 
men fleshy ;  embryo  straight,  situated  in  the  axis. 

This  description  essentially  includes  the  two  genera  lonidiim  {solea)  and  Viola 
of  the  northern  United  States  ;  in  the  tropics  many  plants  of  this  order  are  shrubby. 
The  genus  lonidum  contains  the  Brazilian  Poaya  da  Praja  [lonidum  IpecacuaJiha, 
A.  de  St.  H. ;  /.  Itubu,  H  B  K. ;  Iwla  Jtubu,  Aubl. ;  Pombalia  Jtubu,  D  C.)  ;  the 
Poaya  do  campo  [lonidniii  Poaya.)  ;  the  Chimborazian  CuichunchuUi  {lonidum 
microphylhnii,  H  B  K.)  noted  as  a  supposed  specific  for  the  "  mal  de  San  Lazaro  " 
or  Elephantiasis  tuberculata;  and  the  Chilian  purgative  Maytensillo  {lonidum 
parviflormn,  Linn.),  the  roots  of  which  arc  stated  by  Lindley  to  bear  in  appearance 
and  properties  a  great  similarity  to  Ipecacuanha. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  wild  pansy  has  become  naturalized  in  this  country 
from  Europe,  growing  here  in  dry,  sandy  soils,  from  New  York  westward  to  Illi- 
nois and  southward,  blossoming  northward  from  April  until  the  summer  months. 
The  varieties  of  this  plant  in  cultivation  are  innumerable,  affording  some  of  the 
most  beautiful  of  our  garden-plants  ;  the  principal  changes  in  cultivation  are  in  the 
size  and  colors  of  the  flowers,  varying,  as  they  now  do,  from  pure  white  to  silver, 
gold,  bronze,  and  jet-black,  with  admixtures  in  immense  variety.  The  use  of  the 
pansy  in  medicine  dates  far  back  in  ancient  medication,  the  first  real  experimenta- 
tion with  the  plant  is  that  of  Starck  in  i  776,  who  wrote  '■■  De  a^usta  lactea  infantum 
ejusdemqiie  rcniedis  disscrtatio,  etc."  in  that  year;  the  provings  substantiate  this 
use  of  the  plant  and  show  it  to  be  useful  in  other  forms  of  impetigo.  Its  use  in 
some  forms  of  burrowing  ulcers,  tinea  capitis  and  scabies  is  also  sanctioned  by 
the  provings. 

The  plant  is  mentioned  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  and  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica. 

Part  Used  and  PreparatioTi. — The  whole  plant,  gathered  while  in  flower,  should 
be  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed  ;  then  two  parts  by  weight  of 
alcohol  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of 
the  alcohol  added.  The  whole  should  be  well  mixed,  poured  into  a  well-stoppered 
bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand  at  least  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  by  filtering,  should  have  an  orange-brown  color  by 
transmitted  light,  a  cucumber-like  odor,  rich,  sweet  taste,  and  strong  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. —  Violin;'^  this  acrid,  bitter  principle,  bearing 
in  its  properties  a  close  resemblance  to  emctia:\  was  extracted  by  Boullay  from 
Viola  adorata ;  it  is  found  also  in   Viola  tricolor  and  var.  arvensis  as  well  as  in 

*  Violia,  Vhline.  -j-  Alkaloid  of  Ctphalis  Ipecacuanha. 


27-3 

Viola  pcdata.     According  to  Wittstein  it  is  a  pale  yellow,  bitter  powder,  fusible, 

and  inflammable  at  greater  heat ;  it  dissolves  slightly  in  water  and  alcohol,  and  is 

insoluble  in  ether. 

Violaqueritrin,  Q.H^^Oo^.      This    coloring-matter  was   discovered    by   Karl 

Mandelin*  in  viola  tricolor  var.  arvensis ;  it  forms  a  yellow  crystalline  mass,  easily 

soluble  in  alkalies,  and  hot  water,  crystallizing  from  the  latter  on  cooling. 

f  OH 
Salicylic  Acid,     QH^  <  p^  tt      This  acid,  so  far  in  its  history,  has  been  but 

rarely  extracted  under  its  own  form  from  plants  ;  the  flowers  of  Spij'ca  ti/iiiaria 
alone  yielding  itf  Karl  Mandelin,  however,  who  has  made  careful  analyses  of 
viola  tricolor,  extracts  the  acid  pure.  He  reports  in  his  "  Inaugural  Dissertation" 
(Dorpat,  1881)  a  proportion  of  from  .043  per  cent,  in  cultivated  plants,  to  .107  per 
cent,  in  var.  arvetisis.  He  finds  it  in  all  parts  of  the  fresh  plant,  and  principally  in 
tiie  roots,  stems  and  leaves. 

Pectin,  or  vegetable  jelly,  Q.y^^f}.,^  (H^O)^.  From  the  fact  that  a  mixture  of 
one  part  of  the  juice  of  this  plant  with  ten  parts  water,  will  form  a  jelly-like  mass, 
the  presence  of  the  above  body  or  a  very  strong  mucilage  seems  proven.  This 
property  has  given  various  uses  to  llola  as  an  expectorant,  emollient,  and  infusion 
for  coughs  and  bronchial  affections. 

Sugar,  both  crystallizable  and  uncrystallizable,  shiIs  of  potassium,  tartrate  of 
magnesium,  and  other  general  constituents  of  plants  have  been  determined. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  emetic  effect  of  some  of  the  violets,  due 
to  the  presence  of  violin,  has  been  noted  to  some  extent  in  this  species.  The  most 
characteristic  symptom  of  its  action  is  an  offensive  odor  of  the  urine,  like  that  of 
the  cat.  The  pains  caused  by  this  drug  are  of  a  stitching  character,  while  its  action 
seems  spent  almost  entirely  upon  the  skin,  and  the  male  sexual  organs.  On  the 
skin  it  causes  burning,  stinging,  and  itching,  followed  by  breaking  down  of  the 
tissues  into  either  squamous  spots,  or  any  grade  of  incrusted  eruptions;  the  erup- 
tion pours  out  a  thin  yellow  fluid.  Boils,  impetigo,  especially  crustea  lactea, 
ichorous  and  burrowing  ulcers,  and  zoster  followed  the  exhibition  of  generous  doses 
of  this  drug.  On  the  genital  organs  of  the  male  the  prepuce  becomes  swollen, 
with  stitching  and  burning  pains  in  the  glans  and  scrotum,  the  testicle  becomes 
indurated,  and  venereal  ulcers  form  ;  stitchings  are  frequent  in  the  urethra,  followed 
by  urging  to  urinate  with  profuse  discharge. 

Description  of  Plate  27. 

I.   Whole  plant  from  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  May  13,  1884. 

2.  Bud  showing  sepals. 

3.  Pistil  (enlarged). 

4.  Discharged  anther  (enlarged). 

5.  Pollen  X  380. 


»  Phar.  Zeit.fiir  Russland,  1883,  pp.  329-334-     ^m-  Jour.  Phar.,  1883,  p.  47°-  t  Low'g- 


28. 


nat.dei.et  pjnxt. 


HeLIANTHEMUM    CANADENSE,Michx. 


N.  ORD -CISTACE^.  28 

GENUS.— HE  LI  A  NTH  EMU  M,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SVST.— P01.VA\I)RI.\  MUXOGVNIA. 


C  I  S  T  U  S. 


ROCK  ROSE. 


SYN.  — HELIANTHEMUM  CANADENSB,  MICHX. ;  H.  RAMULIFLORUM, 
MICHX. ;  H.  ROSMARINIFOLIUM,  PURSH. ;  H.  CORYMBOSUM,  PURSH.; 
CISTUS  CANADENSIS,  LINN.;  C.  RAMULIFLORUM,  POIR. ;  LECHEA 
MAJOR,  LINN;  HETERAMBRIS  CANADENSIS,  SPACH. ;  H.  MICHAUXII, 
SPACH. 

COM.  NAMES.  — ROCK  ROSE.t  FROST -WORT,  FROST -PLANT.  FROST- 
WEED,  HOLLY  ROSE;  iFR.)  HELIANTHEME  DU  CANADA;  (GER.) 
CANADISCHES    SONNENROSCHEN. 


A   TINCTURE  OF  THE   WHOLE   PL.VNT  HELIANTHEMUM   CANADENSE,  MICHX. 

Description. — This  peculiar  plant  grows  to  a  height  of  from  6  to  i  2  inches. 
Slem  at  first  simple,  erect  or  ascending,  somewhat  hairy ;  pjibescence  stellate  and 
fasciculate.  Leaves  sessile  or  nearly  so,  oblong  lanceolate.  Flowers  of  two  sorts, 
both  diurnal;  Primary  foj-ni :  few  or  solitary,  large,  pedunculate;  calyx  hairy 
pubescent ;  petals  5,  obovate,  fugacious,  crumpled  in  the  bud,  erosely  marginate  ; 
staineiis  indefinitely  numerous;  pod  ova.te,  shining,  many-seeded  ;  Secondary /or/u: 
numerous,  small,  sessile,  axillary,  solitary  or  few-clustered  upon  short  leafy  branches ; 
sepals  5,  the  outer  pair  sometimes  wanting ;  petals  very  small  or  absent ;  staviens 
3  to  10;  pod  minute,  hoary,  3-  few-seeded.  Style  columnar  or  absent;  stigma 
capitate,  3-lobed,  fimbriolate.  Fruit -a.  i -celled,  3-valved  capsule.  6'^i'rt' somewhat 
triangular ;  testa  rough ;  embryo  incurved  in  the  form  of  a  hook  or  ring. 

There  are  two  very  distinct  forms  of  this  species,  difterentiable  as  follows : 

Early  Flowering  Form  (Fig.  ij.  ',  Later  Flowering  Form  (Fig.  2). 

Stems  upright,  branching,  bright  crimson,  nearly     Stem    upright,    less   branched,   purplish,    covered 


glaucous. 
Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  light  green. 
Primary  flowers  axillary  solitary. 
Secondary  flower-buds  minute. 
Capsule  of  primary  flowers  nearly  twite  as  large     Capsule  of  primary  flowers  smaller. 

as  the  later  form. 


with  a  downy  pubescence. 
Leaves  dark  green. 
Primary  flowers  terminal  clustered. 
Secondary  flowers  numerous,  larger. 


Cistaceae. — This  small  family  of  low  shrubs  or  herbs  is  represented  in  North 
America  by  3  genera  and   1 7  species ;  its  members  are  characterized  as  follows  : 

*   HXioj,  helios,  the  sun;  a.v9tnov,  anthftnon,  a  flower. 

t  The  true  Rock  Rose  is  C.  Creticus,  Linn.,  a  native  of  Syria. 


28-2 

Leaves  simple,  mostly  entire,  the  lower  often  opposite,  the  upper  alternate  ;  stipules 
absent.  Flowers  regular.  Calyx  persistent ;  sepals  5,  the  two  outer  often  smaller, 
bract-like,  or  absent,  the  three  inner  twisted  in  the  bud.  Petals  3  to  5,  twisted  in 
an  opposite  direction  to  the  sepals,  fugacious.  Stamens  distinct,  mostly  indefinite, 
hypogynous  ;  filainents  slender ;  anthers  short,  innate.  Ovtdcs  few  or  many,  stipi- 
tate,  and  furnished  with  an  apical  orifice  ;  style  small  or  wanting.  Fruit  a  i -celled 
capsule  ;  valves  3  to  5,  each  with  a  dissepiment  attached  to  its  median  line  and  pla- 
cental at  the  axis.  Seeds  mostly  orthotropous  ;  embryo  long  and  slender,  straightish 
or  curved  ;  albumen  mealy. 

The  only  other  plant  of  this  order  used  in  medicine  is  the  European  Rock 
Rose  [Gstus  Creticus,  Linn.),  from  which  the  natural  exudation,  a  gum  resin  called 
Ladanum,  has  been  much  esteemed  as  a  stimulant,  especially  to  mucous  mem- 
branes, and  as  an  emmenagogue.  C.  Ladanijcrous,  Linn.,  C.  Ledon,  Lam.,  and 
C.  Laurifolius,  Linn.,  are  said  to  yield  the  same  substance. 

History  and  Habitat. — Frost-wort  is  indigenous  to  North  America,  where  it 
ranges  from  Maine  to  Wisconsin  and  thence  southward  ;  it  habits  sandy  soils,  and 
flowers  from  April  to  August.  In  early  winter  the  bark  near  the  root  fissures, 
and  spicules  of  ice  project  from  the  rents  ;  this  fact  gave  the  plant  its  vulgarisms. 
Frost-wort,  etc. 

This  plant  has  been  long  held  in  repute  as  a  remedy  for  scrofula  and  tor 
many  disorders  arising  in  persons  of  strumous  diatheses,  especially,  however, 
those  diseases  in  such  persons  which  have  seemed  to  need  an  astringent,  tonic, 
or  alterative,  such  as  diarrhoea,  aphthous  ulcerations,  ulcers,  ophthalmia,  syphilis, 
and  the  like. 

The  preparation  of  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  is  DccoctJiiii  Hclianthciiu. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  flowering  plant  is 
chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alco- 
hol are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of 
the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the  whole  well,  it  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered 
bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  the  mass  by  pressing  and  filtering,  has  a  beauti- 
ful crimson  color  by  transmitted  light ;  an  odor  resembling  that  of  damp  clover  hay; 
a  sourish,  bitterish,  and  astringent  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — No  analysis  of  this  species  has,  to  our  knowl- 
edge, been  made;  the  tincture,  however,  would  indicate  a  bitter  principle,  and 
probably  tannin. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — When  taken  in  large  doses  the  decoction 
causes  nausea  and  vomiting.  Small  doses  persisted  in  cause  the  following  train 
of  symptoms:  Headache;  pressure  and  stitches  in  the  eyes;  swelling  and  dis- 
charge in  the  internal  ear,  and  of  the  salivary  and  cervical  glands  ;  swelling  of  the 
inner  nose,  and  sneezing;   soreness,  dryness,  and   rawness  of  the   tongue,  mouth. 


28-3 
and  throat ;  abdominal  tlatulcncc  ;  diarrhoea  ;  swelling  and  hardness  of  the  mam- 
mae ;  pains  in  the  chest;  articular  drawing  and  tearing  pains;  itching  vesicular 
eruption  ;  chilliness,  heat  and  resdessness,  with  thirst  and  trembling  during  the 
fever. 


Description  ok  Plate  28. 

1.  Early  flowering  form,  with  primary  flower,  June  15th,  1885. 

2.  Late  flowering  form,  August  ist,  1885,  •'^alem,  Mass. 

3.  Primary  flower-bud. 

4.  Pistil  and  stamen. 

5.  Horizontal  section  of  ovary. 

6.  Ovule. 

7.  Open  fruit. 

8.  Seeds. 

9.  Section  of  seed. 
10.  Secondary  bud. 

(3-6  and  8-10  enlarged.) 


r 


f  j^» 


1 ' 


.TQ..iiinatiJel.et|tinxt 


DROSERA      ROTUNDIFOLIA.Linn. 


N.  ORD -DROSERACE^.  29 

GENUS.— DROSERA,*  LINN. 


SEX.  SYST.— PENTANDRIA  I'ENTAGVNIA. 


DROSERA. 


SUJ^DEW. 

SYN.— DROSERA  ROTUNDIFOLIA,  L. ;  RORELLA  ROTUNDIFOLIA,  AND 
ROS  SOLIS  FOL.  ROTUND.  RAIL 

COM.  NAMES.— ROUND -LEAVED  SUNDEW,  RED-ROT,  MOOR  GRASS, 
YOUTH  ROOT;  (FR.)  DROSE'RE  A  FEUILLES  RONDES,  ROSEE  DU 
SOLEIL;    tGER.)  RUNDBLATTRIGBR  SONNBNTHAU. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE  FRESH  PLANT,  DROSERA  ROTUNDIFOLIA,  L. 

Description. — This  low,  stemless,  perennial  herb  is  characterized  as  follows : 
Leaves  orbicular,  tufted,  the  upper  surface  covered  with  red,  glandular,  setose 
hairs,  each  bearing  a  pellucid  globule  of  glutinous  fluid  at  its  apex ;  petioles  long, 
hairy,  and  spreading ;  stipules  replaced  by  a  fringy  tuft  of  hairs.  Scapes  naked,  i  to 
3  from  each  root;  mflorescence  a  terminal,  unilateral,  at  first  circinate  then  nodding 
raceme  which  becomes  gradually  erect  as  the  buds  expand  and  fruits  ripen  ;  thus 
each  flower  as  it  opens  appears  terminal.  Flowers  5  to  lo,  white,  diurnal,  opening 
only  in  sunshine,  the  parts  sometimes  in  sixes.  Petals  oblong,  styles  gene-rally  3, 
deeply  forked ;  stigmas  6,  situated  upon  the  inner  face  of  the  club  shaped  apex  of 
each  fork.  Pod  globular,  3— valved ;  seeds  numerous,  fusiform,  arranged  in  2  to  5 
rows  along  the  placentiferous  median  line  of  each  valve,  testa  loose,  arllliform 
and  chaffy. 

Droseraceae. — The  members  of  this  small  family  of  bog  plants  are  known 
mainly  by  their  being  mostly  clothed  with  gland-bearing  hairs.  Leaves  clustered 
at  the  base  of  the  scape,  or  alternate,  petiolate,  circinate  in  the  bud.  Flowers 
hypogynous ;  calyx  composed  of  5  equal  and  persistent  sepals;  corolla  of  5  equal 
and  regular,  marcescent  petals,  convolute  in  the  bud.  Stamefis  equaling  in  num- 
ber the  petals  and  alternate  with  them  ;  anthers  innate,  extrorse.  Styles  3  to  5  gen- 
erally distinct,  undivided,  bifurcated  or  two-lobed,  at  the  apex.  Fruit  3.  i -celled 
3  to  5-valved,  loculicidal  capsule  ;  placenta  thick  at  the  base  of  the  pod,  or  merely  a 
line  on  each  valve  ;  seeds  numerous,  anatropous  ;  albumen  sarcous  or  cartilagi- 
nous; embryo  basal,  minute. 

The  species  under  consideration  is  the  only  one  used  in  medicine.  The  North 
Carolinian  fly-trap  {Dionea  muscipula,  Ellis)  has  furnished  material  for  the  study 
of  carnivority  in  plants ;    the  sundew  has  also  been  experimented  upon  in  this 

*  Jponcpis,  droseros,  dewy ;  in  allusion  to  the  appearance  of  the  leaves. 


29-2 

reo-ard,  but  as  yet  the  results  are  far  from .  proving  it  carnivorous  per  se,  though 
the  plants  allowed  insects  as  "  food  "  appear  to  flourish  better  and  ripen  more 
seeds  than  those  deprived  of  that  nourishment.* 

History  and  Habitat. — The  sundew  grows  in  dense  sphagnum  or  sandy 
swamps  in  England  and  America.  Its  range  here  extends  from  Florida  northward, 
most  common  north,  where  it  blossoms  in  June  and  July. 

The  previous  uses  of  this  plant  in  medicine  have  been  but  slight;  it  was  sup- 
posed in  the  sixteenth  century  to  be  curative  of  consumption  ;  of  this  quality,  how- 
ever, Gerarde  says  :  "  The  later  physitians  have  thought  this  herbe  to  be  a  rare 
and  singular  remedie  for  all  those  that  be  in  a  consumption  of  the  lungs,  and 
especially  the  distilled  water  thereof ;  for,  as  the  best  doth  keep  and  hold  fast  the 
moisture  and  the  dew,  and  so  fast  that  the  extreme  heate  of  the  sun  cannot  con- 
sume and  waste  away  the  same ;  so,  likewise,  men  thought  that  herewith  the 
naturale  and  heate  in  men's  bodies  is  preserved  and  cherished.  But  the  use 
thereof  doth  otherwise  teach,  and  reason  showeth  the  contrarie  ;  for,  seeing  it  is 
an  extreme  biting  herbe,  and  that  the  distilled  water  is  not  altogether  without  this 
biting  qualitie,  it  cannot  be  taken  with  safetie :  for  it  hath  also  been  observed  that 
they  have  sooner  perished  that  used  the  distilled  water  hereof,  than  those  that 
abstained  from  it  and  have  followed  the  right  and  ordinary  course  of  diet." 
Geoffroi  assertsf  that  its  infusion  is  a  valuable  pectoral,  useful  in  pulmonary 
ulceration  and  in  asthma.  Rafinesque  saysj  the  juice  is  used  "  to  destroy  warts 
and  corns ;  with  milk,  for  freckles  and  sunburns.  It  makes  milk  solid,  but  sour 
like  bonyclabber,  liked  in  Sweden.  Deemed  pectoral  in  South  America,  a  sirup 
used  in  asthma."  Many  medical  writers,  among  them  Schenck  and  Valentin, 
recommend  its  use  in  "different  kinds"  of  coughs,  arising  from  bronchial  attacks, 
phthisis,  and  other  diseases  of  the  lungs.  A  fit  summary  of  all  this  practice  may 
be  found  in  Hahnemann's  observations.  "  Drosera  is  one  of  the  most  powerful 
medicinal  agents  in  our  country.  It  was  formerly  used  externally,  but  without 
success,  in  cutaneous  affections,  and  it  seems  to  have  been  taken  with  greater 
advantage  internally.  Modern  practitioners  who,  according  to  custom,  have  tried 
only  large  doses,  have  not  ventured  upon  giving  it  internally,  fearing  to  kill  their 
patients,  and  have  therefore  rejected  it." 

No  preparations  of  Drosera  are  officinal  either  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  or  Eclectic 
Materia  Medica. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  entire  fresh  plant  gathered  in 
July  should  be  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp,  enclosed  in  a  piece  of  new  linen 
and  pressed  out.  The  juice  should  then  be  added  to  an  equal  part  by  weight  of 
alcohol,  thoroughly  mixed  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  well-stoppered 
bottle  in  a  dark,  cool  place.      The  tincture  separated  from  the  above  mass  by 

*  Busgen,  your.  Chem.  Soc,  1884,  p.  917.  A  more  extended  discussion  of  this  subject  will  be  found  under  Sar- 
racenia,  19. 

t  Mtr.  et  de  L.  Diet,  de  M.  Med.,  II.,  p.  699. 
X  Med.  Flora,  II.,  p.  217. 


29-3 

filtration  should  be  opaque,  and  present  in  thin  layers  a  reddish-brown  color,  have 
an  acrid,  astringent  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— ^/z>aW«,  C,,H,0/=  (C,„HP3  +  H,0  or 
Cj^HjgOJ.f  This  dioxyanthroquinone  coloring  matter  was  first  discovered  in 
Madder  root  {Rubia  titu/oria),  as  a  glucoside  J  It  crystallizes  from  its  solution 
in  alcohol  in  long,  lustrous,  translucent,  yellowish-red,  neutral  and  bitter  prisms, 
containing  three  molecules  of  water,  which  it  loses  at  ioo°-i20°  (2i2°-248°  F.). 
It  sublimates  at  215°  (419°  F.),  in  brilliant  red  needles  that  are  only  slighdy 
soluble  in  water,  but  fully  in  alcohol  and  ether.     (Wittstein.) 

The  plant  is  acrid  and  corrosive,  but  the  principle  to  which  this  property  is 
due  has  not,  as  far  as  I  can  determine,  been  investigated.  Rafinesque  states  that 
the  glutinous  secretion  of  the  leaf  hairs  is  acid ;  this  may  be  a  similar  body  to  that 
which  renders  the  water  in  the  leaves  of  the  pitcher-plant  acid.§ 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Drosera  has  long  been  deemed  poisonous  to 
animals,  especially  sheep  ;  in  the  latter  its  action  was  mostly  supposed  to  be  upon 
the  mucous  membrane  of  the  intestinal  tract.  Dr.  Curie  slowly  poisoned  three 
cats  with  daily  doses  of  the  drug;||  the  post-mortem  examination  with  the  micro- 
scope revealed  the  pleural  surface  of  both  lungs  studded  with  true  tubercle.  In 
one  cat  the  mesenteric  glands  were  much  enlarged;  in  another  the  submaxillary 
glands,  with  the  solitary  glands  of  the  colon  and  Peyer's  patches.  Burdach  states 
that  in  man  the  juice  produces  shuddering,  sense  of  constriction  at  the  chest,  raw- 
ness in  the  throat,  cough,  haemoptysis,  pain  in  the  bowels,  diarrhoea,  sweat,  and 
diminished  secretion  of  urine.  The  cough  caused  by  this  drug  arises  from  a  tick- 
ling in  the  larynx  ;  it  is  spasmodic  in  its  nature  and  causes  vomiting  if  the  stomach 
contains  food. 

Drosera  asserts  altogether  a  peculiar  action  upon  the  lungs  and,  in  fact,  the 
whole  respiratory  tract,  thus  leading  us  to  value  it  deservingly  in  pertussis,  bron- 
chial irritation  and  even  phthisis,  where  in  fact  it  gives  many  a  patient  a  restful 
night  and  more  peaceful  day  when  the  disease  is  too  far  advanced  for  still  greater 
benefit. 

Description  of  Plate  29. 

I.  Whole  plant  from  Spruce  Pond,  N.  Y.,  July  21st,  1884. 

2.  Stamen. 

3.  Pistil. 

4.  Leaf  hair. 

(2-4  enlarged.) 

*  Grieb  et  Lieb.  f  Schunck.  %  Rubianic  acid.  g  Sarracenia  purpurea,  19. 

II  French  Acad.  Sci.,  British  your.  Horn.,  xx.,  39. 


30. 


]'<A^ 


(p'm. 


ad  naf.dei.et  pinxt. 


Hypericum  Perforatum,  unn. 


N.  ORD-HYPERICACE^.  30 

GKNLS.— H  YPERICUM,'    LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.  — roLV.\l>KI.I'III.\   r(»LV.\\[)KI.\. 


HYPERICUM. 

.ST.   JOIf.¥'S  WORT. 

SYN.  — HYPERICUM    PERFORATUM,    LINN.;      H.    VULGARB,    BAUH. ;    H. 

PSBUDOPERFORATUM,   BERTOL. 
COM.    NAMES. -ST.    JOHN'S    WORT,    GOD'S    WONDER    PLANT,    DEVIL'S 

SCOURGE,  WITCHES' HERB;  (FR.)  HERBE  ST.  JEAN,  CHASSE  DIABLE, 

MILLS -PERTUIS;      ^GBR.)      JOHANNISKRAUT,     HARTHEU,     HEXEN- 

KRAUT. 

A  TINCTURE   OF    THE   WHOLE   PLANT   HYPERICUM   PERFOR.\TUM,  LINN. 

Description. — This  rapidly-spreading  perennial  grows  to  a  height  of  a  foot  or 
more.  S^cm  erect,  somewhat  two-edged,  much  branched  at  the  summit  and  pro- 
ducing many  long  runners  from  its  base.  Z^^r'^.y  elliptical  to  linear  oblong,  obtuse, 
and  punctate  with  numerous  scattered  pellucid  dots.  Inflorescence  in  a  dense,  ter- 
minal, leafy  cyme  ;  floi^'ers  numerous,  deep  yellow.  Calyx  erect ;  sepals  lanceolate, 
acute.  Petals  twice  as  long  as  the  sepals,  black-dotted  along  the  edges,  margins 
unequal.  Stamens  numerous,  in  3  to  5  clusters ;  filainents  filiform  ;  anthers  black- 
dotted.  Styles  3-divergent.  Fruit  a  globose-ovoid  capsule,  3-celled  by  the  meeting 
of  the  placentae  in  the  axis ;  seeds  pitted. 

Hypericaceae. — This  family  of  herbs  or  shrubs  is  represented  in  North  America 
by  3  genera,  containing  in  all  39  species  and  6  varieties.  Leaves  opposite,  entire, 
dotted  ;  stipules  none.  Inflorescoice  cymose  ;  flowers  regular,  hypogynous.  Sepals 
5,  nearly  equal,  sometimes  united  at  the  base,  persistent,  and  imbricated  in  the  bud. 
Petals  5,  alternate  with  the  sepals,  deciduous,  oblique,  convolute  or  imbricated  in  the 
bud.  Stamens  mostly  numerous,  united  or  clustered,  and  not  furnished  with  inter- 
posed glands  ;  anthers  introrse,  fi.xed  by  the  middle.  Ovules  anatropous  ;  styles 
2  to  5,  persistent;  stigmas  hardly  evident,  capitate.  Fruit  a  i  -  to  5-celled  pod; 
dehiscence  septicidal ;  valves  2  to  5.  Seeds  numerous,  usually  c)'lindrical ;  embryo 
straight ;  albumen  none  ;  tegmen  fleshy. 

The  only  plants  of  this  order  used  in  general  medicine  are:  The  Isle  of  France 
Hypericum  lanceolatum,  which  is  considered  specific  for  syphilis  by  the  natives  ; 
the  Brazilian  H.  connatum,  used  as  an  astringent  in  sore  throat;  //.  laxiuscidum, 
considered  ale.xiteric ;  and  some  Russian  species,  which  are  vaunted  as  cures 
for  hydrophobia.  The  European  Androscstnmn  ^j/^m/rt/^,  All.,  is  vulnerary ;  and 
the  Guiana  P'isnia  Guiancjisis,  Pers.,  yields  a  purgative  juice,  greatly  resembling 
gamboge. 

*  The  ancient  name,  of  unknown  derivation. 


30-2 

History  and  Habitat. — This  European  immigrant  has  become  so  thoroughly 
naturaHzecl  with  us  as  to  become  a  very  troublesome  weed  upon  our  farm-lands, 
where  its  rapid  and  rank  growth  render  it  difficult  to  exterminate  and  very  ex- 
hausting to  the  soil.     It  flowers  in  July  and  August,  and  fruits  a  little  later. 

Hypericum  is  mentioned  by  some  of  the  earliest  writers  upon  Materia  Medica 
as  a  febrifuge  and  anthelmintic.  Paul  of  ^gina  speaks  of  it  as  an  emmenagogue, 
and  as  being  desiccative_  and  diuretic ;  also  as  a  vulnerary.  Galen,  Dioscorides 
and  others  recommend  its  use  as  above.  Gerarde  says,  in  his  Ha-ball :  "  S.  John's 
Wort,  with  his  flowers  and  seed  boyled  and  drunken,  provoketh  urine,  and  is  right 
good  against  stone  in  the  bladder,  and  stoppeth  the  laske.  The  leaves,  flowers, 
and  seeds  stamped,  and  put  into  a  glass  with  oyle  olive,  and  set  in  the  hot  sunne 
for  certain  weeks  together,  and  then  strained  from  these  herbes,  and  the  like  quan- 
tity of  new  put  In,  and  sunned  in  like  manner,  doth  make  an  oyle  of  the  colour  of 
blood,  which  is  a  most  precious  remedy  for  deep  wounds  and  those  that  are  thorow 
the  body,  for  sinews  that  are  pricked,  or  any  wound  with  a  venomed  weapon." 
The  popular  and  empirical  uses  of  this  plant  were  various,  depending  in  great 
part  upon  its  balsamic  odor  and  property.  Among  the  more  superstitious  peas- 
antry of  Middle  Europe  the  most  astonishing  virtues  were  assigned  to  the  herb; 
it  became  in  fact  with  them  a  /}/£n  danwn7un,  and  was  gathered  under  this  idea, 
especially  on  St.  John's  Day.  It  was  also  supposed  to  be  useful  in  mania,  hys- 
teria, and  hypochondriasis.  Later  on,  especially  in  Eclectic  practice,  it  became 
noted  as  a  diuretic,  astringent,  nervine,  and  anti-hemorrhagic,  but  is  thrown  aside 
by  the  so-called  "  regulars,"  whose  latest  author  (our  contemporary.  Dr.  Johnson) 
says:*  "In  scientific  medicine  it  has  become  obsolete  long  ago.  One  author  of 
comparatively  recent  date  considers  'the  saturated  tincture  nearly  as  valuable  as 
that  of  arnica  for  bruises,  etc'  As  tincture  of  arnica,  however,  apart  from  the  alco- 
hol which  it  contains,  is  of  doubtful  efficacy  in  these  cases,  the  above  statement 
does  not  tend  to  inspire  faith  in  St.  John's  Wort."  This,  my  reader,  is  one  of  the 
deductions  ot  "  scientific  medicine." 

The  great  use  of  Hypericum  in  wounds  where  the  nerves  are  involved  to  any 
extent  is  the  rightful  discovery  of  the  true  science  of  medicine.  Dr.  Franklin,  who 
had  ample  field  to  test  it  during  the  war,  says  :  "  Lacerated  wounds  of  parts  rich 
in  nerves  yield  nicely  to  this  drug."  Many  cases  of  injury  to  the  cranium  and 
spinal  column  are  reported  benefited  by  its  use  ;  and  every  homoeopathic  phy- 
sician of  at  least  three  months'  practice  can  attest  to  its  merits.  It  is  to  the  ner- 
vous system  what  arnica  is  to  the  muscular. 

Hypericum  is  no  longer  officinal  in  the  pharmacopoeias.     In  the  Eclectic  Materia 
Medica  its  preparation  is  Infnsinu  Hypcrici. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  blossoming  plant  is  chopped 
and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are 
taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the 
alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole  well,  pour  it  into  a  closely-stop- 
pered bottle,  and  let  it  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

*  Med.  Bet.  of  North  America,  Wood's  Library,  Dec,  1884. 


30-3 
The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration,  should  have  a  deep  crim- 
son color,  almost  opaque  ;  an  odor  resembling  that  of  port  wine  ;  a  slightly  astrin- 
gent vinous  taste  ;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  OONSITUENTS.— (9A7/W  Hypcria.  This  body  is  a  product  of 
the  apparently  black  dots  upon  the  petals  and  fruits.  It  gives  a  beautiful  red 
color  to  alcohol  and  essential  oils.  This  oil  is  doubdess  one  of  the  active  prin- 
ciples of  the  plant.  A  resin,  acrid  and  slighdy  bitter,  however,  is  one  of  the  most 
active,  if  not  the  active,  principle.  The  Tilden  analysis'''  yields  a  "  Bitter  jjrinciple," 
which  does  not  appear  as  a  result  in  the  analyses  of  Blairf  or  Buchner. 

Tannin,  and  the  usual  plant  constituents,  have  also  been  determined. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  compiled  results  of  the  ingestion  of  this 
drug  are  in  substance  as  follows :  Mental  depression  and  exhaustion  ;  vertigo  and 
confusion  of  the  head  with  pain,  heat,  and  throbbing ;  dilation  of  the  pupils ;  nau- 
sea;  profuse  urination  ;  dry,  hacking  cough  ;  increased  heart's  action  ;  numbness, 
weakness,  and  trembling  of  the  legs  ;  tearing  pains  in  the  upper  extremities  ;  great 
weakness  and  prostration  ;  fuzzy  feeling  of  the  hands  ;  restless  sleep ;  shiverings 
and  coldness  of  the  body  followed  by  dry  heat. 


Description  of  Plate  30. 

I  and  2.   Whole  plant,  Bingliamton.  N.  Y..  July  7th,  18S5. 
3  and  4.   Stamens. 

5.  Pistil. 

6.  Section  of  ovary. 

7.  Leaf. 
S.   Petal. 

(3-6  enlarged.) 


Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  N.  S.,  i,  232.  t  ■^'■"-  Jour.  P/inr.,  xi,  23. 


natdei.etpinxt. 


AGROSTEMMA    GiTHAGO.Linn 


N.  ORD -CARYOPHYLLACE^.  31 

Tribe.-SILENE^. 

GENUS— LYCHNIS,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SYST.— DECANDRIA  I'ENTAGVNIA. 


AGROSTEMMA  GITHAGO. 

CORM  COCKLE. 

SYN.— LYCHNIS  GITHAGO,   LAM. ;    AGROSTEMMA  GITHAGO.t  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— CORN  COCKLE,  COCKLE  OR  COCKEL,  ROSE  CAMPION; 
(FR.)  LA  NIELLE  DES  BLE'S,  L'IVRAIE  ;  (GBR.)  GEMEINE  RADE, 
KORN  RADE. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  RIPE  SEEDS  OF  LYCHNIS   GITHAGO,  L.'^M. 

Description. — This  softly  pubescent  annual,  a  pernicious  emigrant,  grows  to  a 
heig-ht  of  from  i  to  ^  feet.  Stem  erect,  dichotomous;  leaves  linear-lanceolate,  acute, 
covered  with  a  whitish  cottony  down  ;  stipules  none  ;  pubescence  consisting  of  long 
appressed  cilia.  Injloi'escence  solitary,  axillary  and  terminal,  long-peduncled  flowers. 
Calyx  cylindrical-campanulate,  pubescent;  and  naked  as  regards  bracts ;  lobes  5, 
linear-lanceolate,  foliaceous,  deciduous.  Petals  obovate,  emarginate,  crownless, 
slender-clawed,  shorter  than  the  lobes  of  the  calyx.  Stamens  10.  Ovary  stipe- 
less ;  styles  5,  or  rarely  4.  Fruit  a  i-celled  coriacious  capsule,  opening  by  8  or  10 
teeth;  seeds  numerous,  velvety  black,  reniform,  muricately  roughened  in  longitu- 
dinal concentric  curved  lines  from  the  hilum. 

CaryophyllacesB. — Stems  usually  enlarged  at  the  nodes  ;  leaves  opposite, 
entire,  often  united  at  the  base,  the  upper  sometimes  alternate.  Flowers  sym- 
metrical, 4-  to  5-merous  ;  sepals  4  to  5,  distinct  or  cohering,  persistent,  continuous 
with  the  peduncle ;  petals  4  to  5  or  none,  hypogynous  or  perigynous,  the  latter 
clawless,  the  former  unguiculate,  inserted  upon  the  peduncle  of  the  ovary,  they  are 
sometimes  deeply  notched,  sometimes  simply  emarginate,  and  in  a  few  species 
split  through  their  whole  length.  Stamens  not  more  than  twice  the  number  of  the 
petals,  in  many  species  equal  in  number  with  the  sepals  and  opposite  them;  fila- 
ments subulate,  sometimes  monadelphous  at  the  base,  inserted  witli  the  petals  upon 
the  peduncle  of  the  ovary;  anthers  versatile  or  innate,  introrse,  2-celled,  opening 
longitudinally.  Ovary  generally  gynophorous,  composed  of  from  2  to  5  confluent 
carpels;  styles  2  to  5,  rarely  one  by  cohesion,  filiform,  stigmatic  down  the   inner 

*  hixnoi,  lychnos,  a  lamp;  from  the  use  of  the  cottony  substance  on  the  leaves  of  some  spices  in  lieu  of  wicks. 

f  Git  or  gith,  the  name  of  certain  black  aromatic  grains,  \vhich  were  employed  by  the  Romans  in  cookery.  These 
grains  are  the  seeds  of  the  European  fennel  flower  (A'4r//«  sativa,  Linn.);  and  bear  little  resemblance  to  those  of  the 
cockle  except  in  size  and  color. 


31-2 

face.  Fruit  a  coriaceous  capsule,  2-  to  5-valved  and  -celled,  or  more  commonly 
I -celled  by  the  wasting  away  of  the  dissepiments;  placenta  central  and  generally 
free  ;  dehiscence  loculicidal,  or  more  commonly  terminal  by  the  splitting  of  the  apex 
into  twice  as  many  teeth  as  there  are  styles.  Seeds  generally  indefinite,  inserted 
upon,  and  clustered  about,  the  base  of  the  central  placenta,  amphitropous  or  cam- 
pylotropous  ;  embryo  external  to  the  albumen  and  generally  coiled  around  it,  or  in 
Dianthus  nearly  straight ;  albumen  farinaceous. 

The  usefulness  of  this  family  of  more  or  less  mild  plants  lies  mostly  in  the 
principle  saponin  found  in  many  of  its  species,  but  especially  prominent  in  two, 
viz.:  the  European  soapwort  [Saponaria  officinalis,  Linn.),  and  the  Spanish  fleshy- 
leaved  Gypsophila  [Gypsophila  Struthiiim,  Linn.).  This  substance  is  detergent  and 
often  used  alone  and  in  the  composition  of  soap.  The  plants  in  which  this  prin- 
ciple exists  are  deemed  nearly  equal  to  Sarsaparilla  as  cleansers  of  the  blood  in 
syphilis  and  similar  affections  when  the  skin  is  involved ;  pai'illin,  the  active  prin- 
ciple of  sarsaparilla,  being  similar  in  its  properties  to  saponin.  Several  species  of 
the  genus  Silene  are  considered  to  be  anthelmintics,  some  measure  of  success 
having  followed  the  use  of  the  Fire  pink  (Silene  Virginiaca,  Linn.).*  Many  species 
of  pinks  (Dianthus)  were  formerly  used  and  esteemed  as  astringents  and  sudorifics, 
and  one  species,  Dianthus  pluniarius,  us(;ful  in  epilepsy,  but  all  have  fallen  into 
disuse,  their  petals  now  only  being  utilized  as  a  coloring  matter  for  ointments  and 
perfumes. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  cockle  was  introduced  into  this  country  with 
grain  from  Europe,  and  is  very  seldom  to  be  found  growing  elsewhere  than  in  a 
field  of  wheat.  It  blossoms  and  ripens  its  seed  in  good  season  for  the  harvest, 
thus  mixing  well  with  the  grain.  The  seeds  are  so  small  that  they  are  only  with 
difficulty  separated,  and  when  left  and  ground  with  the  wheat  render  the  resulting 
flour  dark-colored,  unwholesome,  bitter,  and  in  some  cases  poisonous,  as  will  be 
noted  hereafter. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  ripe,  dried  seeds  are  broken  into  a 
coarse  powder  and  weighed.  Then  five  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  poured  upon 
the  powder,  and  the  whole  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  well-stoppered  bottle, 
in  a  dark,  cool  place,  shaking  thoroughly  twice  a  day.  The  tincture  separated  from 
this  mass  by  filtration  should  be  of  a  clear,  light  bistre  color  by  transmitted  light ; 
its  odor  is  strangely  similar  to  the  taste  of  the  sweet  acorn  ;  its  taste  like  its  odor, 
and  also  somewhat  acrid  ;  and  its  reaction  strongly  acid. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.  — ^^ro^/^;«;«/«.  — I  am  unable  to  find  the 
authority  for  this  body,  which  Wittstein  says  is  an  "alkaloid  alleged  to  exist  in  the 
seeds  of  Lychnis  Githago.  It  is  obtained  by  extracting  with  alcohol  of  40  per  cent, 
containing  acetic  acid,  and  by  precipitating  with  calcined  magnesia.  The  precipi- 
tate to  be  treated  with  alcohol  and  left  to  crystallize.     It  results  as  yellowish-white, 


*  Barton  Collections,  vol.  i,  p.  39. 


31-3 

minute   scales,  fusible  by  heat  and  slowly  soluble  in  water.     It  has  a  perceptibly 
alkaline  reaction  and  yields  crystallizable  salts  with  acids." 

Githagin. —  Specific  saponin,  described  under  Aesculus  Hippocastanum, 
page  43-4. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION — The  seeds  of  the  cockle  are  said  to  be  fre- 
quendy  allowed  to  adulterate  the  cheaper  grades  of  flour  in  France,  being  inten- 
tionally ground  with  the  wheat.  Two  500  gram.  (14^  oz.)  lots  of  wheat  flour, 
containing  respectively  30  and  45  per  cent,  of  these  seeds,  administered  to  two 
calves,  caused  severe  cramps  in  the  stomach  within  an  hour,  followed  by  diarrhoea, 
and  finally  death.  Ducks  and  geese  will  eat  of  the  seeds,  but  suffer  death  as  above, 
and  show  post-mortem  severe  inflammation  of  the  bowels.*  In  feeding  my  chickens 
"  wheat  screenings  "  I  have  often  noted  that  they  always  carefully  avoid  the  cockle 
seeds;  not  even  the  young  chicks  will  pick  up  a  single  seed. 

The  following  symptoms  are  noted  by  Dr.  Allen  ;f  they  were  observed  from 
eating  bread  made  of  flour  contaminated  by  cockle  seed  :  Coma,  in  some  cases  ; 
vertigo ;  headache  with  a  sensation  of  heat  and  burning  rising  into  the  vertex ; 
mouth  hot  and  dry  ;  nausea,  sour  and  bitter  vomiting  ;  burning,  extending  along  the 
oesophagus,  from  the  stomach  into  the  throat ;  cutting  pains  in  the  stomach ;  diar- 
rhoea, with  tenesmus  and  burning  in  the  bowels  and  rectum  ;  pulse  at  first  small 
and  rapid,  then  tense,  hard,  and  slower ;  hot  skin  ;  tearing  along  the  spine  with 
impaired  locomotion,  and  difficulty  in  maintaining  an  erect  position.  These  symp- 
toms class  the  seeds  among  the  cerebro-spinal  irritants. 

Description  of  Plate  31. 

1.  End  of  a  flowering  branch,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  June  13th,  18S0. 

2.  Pistil. 

3.  Flower. 

4.  Seed,  X  25. 

(2  and  3  enlarged.) 


*  Ant.  Jour.  Phar.,  1879,  p.  129;  from  Arch.  d.  Phanii.,  1S79,  p. 
t  Ency.  Pure  Mat.  Med.,  vol.  i,  p.  132. 


32. 


1/ 
4 


^m. 


41^1  / 


r 


iilnatdei.etpinxt. 


Geranium  Maculatum    Unn. 


N.  ORD.-GERANIACE^.  32 

GENUS.— G  E  R  A  N  I  U  M,*  LINN. 
SEX.  .SYST.— MONADKI,riII.\   UL:CANDRI.\. 


GERANIUM   MACULATUM. 

WILD  GERAJsriUM. 

SYN.— GERANIUM  MACULATUM,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— WILD  GERANIUM  OR  CRANESBILL,  SPOTTED  GERANIUM 
OR  CRANESBILL,  CROWFOOT.t  ALUM-ROOT,  TORMENTIL,  STORK- 
BILL;  (FR.)  BEC  DE  GRUB;  (GER.)  GEFLECKTBR  STORCHSNABEL. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  AUTUMNAL  ROOT  OF  GERANIUM  MACULATUM 

LINN. 

Description. — This  erect  perennial,  hairy  herb,  grows  to  a  height  of  from  one 
to  one  and  a  half  feet.  Root  somewhat  woody.  Stem  erect,  hair)',  forking.  Leaves: 
of  two  kinds ;  those  from  the  root,  long  petioled,  those  of  the  stem,  opposite ;  all 
generally  5-parted,  the  cuneate  divisions  lobed  and  cut  at.  the  end,  hairy.  The 
leaves  when  old  become  somewhat  blotched  with  whitish-green,  whence  the  specific 
name.  Stipules  lanceolate.  Inflorescence  a  terminal  open  panicle;  pedicels  ?Lho\\X. 
one  inch  long,  from  one  to  two  sometimes  three  flowered ;  flowers  large  and 
showy.  Sepals  equal,  cuspidate,  persistent,  villous.  Petals  equal,  entire,  bearded 
upon  the  claw.  Stamens  10,  unequal,  the  longer  5  alternate  with  the  petals,  and 
furnished  each  with  a  basal  gland  \  filaments  slightly  hairy  at  the  base  ;  anthers  per- 
fect on  all  the  filaments.  Style  terminal,  persistent,  smooth  inside.  (This  is  notice- 
able in  the  fruit  after  their  cleavage  from  the  axis.)     S:ecls  minutely  reticulate. 

GERANIACE.^. — This  order,  having  a  position  between  Zygophyllaccce  and 
Rutacecv,  is  characterized  by  generally  strong-scented  herbs  or  shrubs,  having  as- 
tringent roots ;  leaves  palmately  veined  and  usually  lobed  ;  flowers  symmetrical. 
(Exc.  Impaticns  and  Tropceohim.)  Calyx  of  5  persistent  sepals,  imbricated  in  the 
bud;  corolla  of  5  petals,  furnished  with  claws,  mostly  convolute  in  the  bud;  sta- 
mens 10,  in  two  rows,  the  outer  often  sterile;  filaments  broad  and  united  at  the 
base;  styles  5,  connected  about  an  axis;  stigmas  5,  separate;  ^:'«;j  5-carpelcd, 
each  carpel  containing  from  i  to  2  seeds,  the  carpels  opening  by  the  curling  back 
of  the  drying  persistent  styles  ;  seeds  destitute  of  albumen.  (Exc.  Oxalis.)  Coty- 
ledons convolute,  and  plicate  with  each  other. 

This  is  one  of  those  orders  that  are  often  broken  up  into  smaller  ones  then 
recombined,  in  botanical  history.  It  contains  in  the  more  northern  United  States 
the  following  genera  :  Erodiuni,  Flwrkca,  Geranium,  Impatiens,  Limnanthcs,  and 
Oxalis.  There  are  two  particularly  interesting  genera  besides  the  above,  viz., 
Pelargonitmi,  to  which  belong  our  cultivated  geraniums,  introduced  from  the  Cape 

*  Tifa  ot,geranos,  a  crane;  the  styles  bearing  resemblance  to  a  crane's  bill. 
I  More  applicable  froin  usage  to  the  Raniiniula!. 


32-2 

of  Good  Hope,  and  Tropceo'.um,  containing  the  garden  nasturtium.    Of  this  order 

our  only  proven  plants  are  the  one  under  consideration  and  Oxalis  stricta,  Linn.* 

History  and  Habitat. — The  wild  geranium  grows  lu.xuriantly  in  our  open 
woods  and  new  clearings,  flowering  from  April  to  July. 

The  American  Aborigines  value  the  root  of  this  plant  as  an  astringent  in 
looseness  of  the  bowels,  and  exhaustive  discharges  of  all  kinds;  it  was  thus 
brought  forward  by  Colden,  Coellen,  and  Shoepf,  and  recommended  as  a  remedy 
in  the  second  stages  of  dysentery  and  cholera  infantum,  cynanche  tonsillaris,  oral 
aphthae,  passive  hemorrhage,  leucorrhoea,  etc.,  in  fact  the  uses  of  a  decoction  of 
the  root  have  been  great  wherever  an  astringent  or  styptic  seemed  to  be  required. 

Geranium  root  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  as  Exlractum  Geranii  Fluidnm, 
and  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  as  Extracliini  Gcraiiii. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root,  gathered  in  autumn,  is 
chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alco- 
hol are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of 
the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole  well,  it  should  be  poured  into 
a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  In  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture  prepared  from  this  mass  by  filtration,  shoukl  have  a  deep  reddish- 
brown  color  by  transrtiitted  light,  a  bweet  and  astringent  taste,  and  a  strong  acid 
reaction.  This  tincture  becomes  muddy  on  long  standing,  but  does  not  deposit ; 
at  least  mine  has  not  yet  done  so,  although  it  has  been  made  over  three  years.-j- 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— An  analysis  by  Dr.  Bigelow  in  1833  corrobo- 
rated Staples'  determination  of  tannin  In  quite  large  percentage,  and  oallic  acid. 
The  gallic  acid  in  his  hands  differed  somewhat  Irom  that  body  as  extracted  from  galls. 

Messrs.  Tilden  (1863)  J  determined  beside  the  above  :  tivo  resins,  one  soluble 
in  alcohol,  the  other  in  ether;  an  oleo-resin  soluble  in  ether;  gum,  pectin,  starch, 
sugar,  and  the  usual  plant  constituents. 

Dr.  Staples  (i8:29)§  detected,  beside  the  above,  a  "peculiar  crystalline  prin- 
ciple," which  does  not  seem,  so  far,  to  have  been  analysed  or  even  corroborated. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — In  moderate  doses  Geranium  causes  constipa- 
tion, attended  with  but  fruitless  attempts  at  evacuation  ;  some  pain  in  the  stomach 
and  bowels,  and  tenesmus  when  a  stool  is  gained  ;  stool  odorless.  Its  action  will 
be  seen  to  so  far  differ  but  slightly.  If  at  all,  from  that  of  Acidiun  Tannicum,  which 
should  be  studied  in  this  connection. 

Description  of  Plate  32. 

I.  Whole  plant  (once  reduced),  with  a  portion  of  the  stem  removed  ;    I'amrapo,  N.  J.,  May  21st,  1S79. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Pistil  and  calyx. 

4.  Ovary. 

5.  Fruit  (once  reduced). 

*  Author's  proving.     See  Trans.  Horn.  Med.  Sac.  Staff  N.   K,  Vol.  XIX,  1S84,  p.  136. 

t  .^  better  method  of  preparing  the  tincture,  should  Iw  l)y  usinij  dilute  alcohol. 

X   .Am.  Jour.  Pilar.,  1863,  p.  22.  I    Jaitr.  Phil.  Col.  Pilar.,  i,  p.  171. 


^Xa.adnatdeletpinxt          XaNTHOXYLUM   AmERICANUM,  Mill. 


N.  ORD.-RUTACE^.  33 

(;  KNUS.— X  A  N  T  H  O  X  Y  L  U  M  ,*  GOLDEN. 

SEX.  SVST.— DI()i:CI.\  TENTANDKIA. 


XANTHOXYLUM. 

PRICKLY  ASH. 

SYN.  — XANTHOXYLUM  AMERICANUM.  MILL.;  X.  CLAVA-HERCULIS, 
LAM.  (Not  LINN.);  X.  FRAXINBUM,  AND  MITE,  WILLD. ;  X.  FRAX- 
INIFOLIUM,  MARSH.  (Not  WALT.l;  X.  RAMIFLORUM,  MICHX. ;  X. 
TRICARPUM,  HOOK.  (Not  MICHX. ) ;   THYLAX  FRAXINEUM.  RAP. 

COM.  NAMES.— NORTHERN  PRICKLY  ASH.t  TOOTHACHE  TREE,  PELLI- 
TORY.t  YELLOW  WOOD,?  SUTERBERRY,  ANGELICA  TREE ;  1|  (FR.) 
PRBNE  E'PINEAUX;   (GER.)  ZAHNWEHOLZ. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH    B.\RK  OF  XANTHOXYLUM  AMERICANUM,  MILL. 

Description. — This  well-known  shrub  grows  to  a  height  of  from  3  to  8  feet, 
with  a  like  spread  of  banches.  Baj-k  grayish,  smooth,  white  maculate,  and  slighdy 
warty;  branches  alternate,  beset  with  short,  triangular,  sharp  prickles,  similar  to 
those  of  the  rose  bush,  and  generally  arranged  in  pairs  beneath  the  axils  of  the 
younger  branches ;  leaves  alternate,  pinnately  compound  ;  leaflets  4  to  5  pairs  and 
an  odd  one,  ovate-oblong,  acute,  entire  or  glandularly  serrate,  nearly  sessile,  the 
under  surface  downy  when  young;  petiole  often  prickly  on  the  upper  side.  Inflor- 
escence sessile  umbellate  clusters  axillary  to  the  yet  undeveloped  branchlets ; 
floivers  yellowish-green,  polygamo-dioecious,  appearing  before  the  leaves  ;  pei-fect 
floivers  with  3  pistils,  sterile  flowers  with  rudimentary,  abortive,  gland-like  ova- 
ries, fertile  floiuers  with  5  fruiting  pistils.  Calyx  none.  Petals  5,  oblong,  blunt,  with 
a  glandularly  fibrillate  border  and  somewhat  inflated  base.  Stamens  5,  exserted, 
alternate  with  the  petals  and  inserted  upon  the  torus;  anthers  innate,  sagittate,  4- 
celled.  Pistils  3  or  5  ;  styles  exserted,  slender,  somewhat  intertwined,  connivant, 
or  sometimes  united  at  the  apex  ;  stigfnas  capitate  or  obtuse.  Ovaries  distinct  i- 
celled.  Fruit  reddish-green,  short-stalked,  fleshy,  pitted,  2-valved  pods  ;  seeds  oval, 
blackish,  one  to  each  pod,  suspended. 

Rutaceae. — A  large  family  of  herbs,  shrubs  and  trees  inhabiting  chiefly  the 
Southern  hemisphere.  Leaves  simple  or  compund,  pellucid-dotted  and  rich  in  a 
pungent  or  bitter  and  aromatic  oil ;  stipules  none.     Flowers  by  abortion  dioecious 


*  Sa^fliS,-,  xanthos,  yellow ;  \i\ov,  xylon,  wood. 

f  The  Southern  Prickly  Ash  is  X  Caroliiiianum,  Lam. 

%  The  true  Pellilories  are  the  African  Anacycltis  pyrtlhrum,  D.  C.  (Composit.-v),  and  various  European  and  the 
American  species  of  the  genus  Parietaria  (Urticacecv). 

J  The  true  yellow-wood  with  us  is  Cladrastris  tinctoria,  Raf.  (Leguminosx). 

II  The  true  Angelica  tree,  so  often  confounded  with  the  prickly  ash  from  its  slightly  similar  effects,  is  Aralia  spi- 
ttosa,  Linn.  (AraliaceDe). 


33-2 

or  polygamous,  usually  regular  and  hypogynous;  calyx  of  3  to  5  sepals,  or  wanting ; 
petals  3  to  5,  convolutely  inbricated  in  the  bud.  Stamens  as  many  as  the  sepals 
and  alternate  with  them,  twice  as  many,  or  rarely  numerous  ;  filaments  arising 
from  the  base  of  the  gynophore.  Pistils  2  to  5,  separate  or  combined  into  a  com- 
pound ovary  of  as  many  cells,  gynophorus  or  raised  on  a  glandular  torus  ;  styles 
generally  united  or  cohering,  even  when  the  ovaries  are  separate.  Fruit  mostly 
capsular,  sometimes  drupaceous,  and  baccate  ;  seeds  few,  anatropous  and  pendulus  ; 
testa  smooth,  shiny,  or  crustaceous  ;  embryo  large,  curved  or  straight ;  albumen  sar- 
cous,  generally  enclosing  the  embryo  ;  cotyledons  oval,  flat. 

This  large  order  now  contains,  beside  the  typical  Rutacese,  the  formerly  sepa- 
rate families  Xanthoxylacese  and  Aurantiaceae,  including  thus  many  valuable  med- 
icinal plants  and  pleasant  fruits,  among  them  are  the  following  more  or  less 
prominent:  The  Central  American  Carony  or  Angustura  bark  {Galipea  Cusparea, 
St.  Hil.,  Angustura  vera),  of  which  we  have  an  excellent  proving  ;  the  European 
Rue  {Ruta  graveolens,  Linn.),  also  prominent  in  our  Materia  Medica;  the  famed 
Buchu  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  {Barosma  crenulata.  Hook.),  and  the  lesser 
species  B.  betulina,  B.  &  W.,  and  B.  serratifolia,  Willd.,  of  the  same  country ;  the 
powerful  diaphoretic  Jaborandi  {Pilocarpus pennatif alius.  Lam.  ;  the  following  febri- 
fuges :  the  ^rdizWidin  Evodia  febrifuga,  Ticorea  jasminifolia,z.x\d.  T./ebriftiga,2i\\  of 
St.  Hil.  ;  and  the  European  Bastard  Dittany  {Dictamnus /raxinella,  Linn.).  Next 
our  attention  is  brought  to  the  Auraiiticccs,  the  latest  addition  to  the  order,  where 
we  find  the  following  well-known  fruits:  the  Bitter  or  Saville  Orange  {Citrus  Vul- 
garis, Risso.),  supposed  to  be  the  original  of  the  Sweet  or  China  Orange  {Citrus 
Aurantium,  Linn.),  which  cannot  be  said  to  be  ever  found  in  a  really  wild  state; 
the  source  of  the  Oil  of  Bergamot  {Citrus  Bergamina,  Risso.),  supposed  to  be 
either  a  variety  of  the  orange,  or  lemon,  or  a  hybrid ;  the  Citron  {Citrus  Medica, 
Risso.),  its  wild  state  growing  in  the  mountainous  northern  district  of  India  ;  the 
Limes  {Citrus  acida,  Roxb.,  C.  Ltmiina,  and  C.  Limetta,  Risso.)  ;  and  finally  the 
Indian  astringent  Bael  {Aegle  Marmelos,  Correa,  Cra'.cEva  Marmelos,  Linn.)  the 
ripe  fruit  of  which  is  known  as  the  Bengal  Quince,  and  said  to  be  made  into 
a  laxative  preserve,  or  a  pleasant  refrigerant  drink.  Lastly,  the  former  Xan- 
thoxylacece  yield  us  beside  Ptelea  and  Xanthoxylum  treated  of  here,  the  following 
stimulants :  the  Chinese  Xanthoxylum  Avicenne,  D.  C,  supposed  to  be  a  general 
antidote  for  all  poisons  by  the  natives  ;  the  West  Indian  X.  Clava-Herculis,  Linn. ; 
the  Bengalese  A'.  Alatum,  Roxb. ;  and  the  Japanese  X.  piperita,  D.  C.  ;  the 
astringent  tonics  Brucea  Sumatrana,  Roxb.,  and  the  Abyssinian  B.  antidysenterica. 
Mill.,  the  Indian  Toddalia  aculeata,  Pers.,  and  the  African  sub-astringent  Lopez- 
root  T.  lanceolata.  Lam.). 

History  and  Habitat. — The  northern  prickly  ash  is  common  in  localities  only, 
throughout  the  northern  portion  of  the  Eastern  United  States,  where  it  flowers 
in  April  and  May,  before  the  appearance  of  the  leaves.  Three  other  species  are 
found  in  the  South  United  States,  viz. :  X.  Clava-Herculis,  Linn.  {X.  Carolinianum, 
Lam.)  ;  X.  Caribceum,  Lam.  {X.  Floridanum,  Nutt.)  ;  and  X.  Pterota,  H.B.K. 

Xanthoxylum  was  an  article  of  American  aboriginal  medicine  called  Hantola  ; 


33-3 

the  Western  tribes  used  principally  the  bark  of  the  root  in  decoction,  for  colics, 
gonorrhoea,  and  rheumatism  ;  chewed  for  aching  teeth ;  and  made  into  a  poultice  with 
bears  grease  and  applied  to  ulcers  and  sores.*  From  personal  experience  one  day 
in  the  woods  while  botanizing,  I  found  that,  upon  chewing  the  bark  for  relief  of 
toothache,  speedy  mitigation  of  the  pain  followed,  though  the  sensation  of  the 
acrid  bark  was  nearly  or  fully  as  unpleasant  as  the  ache,  and  so  painful  finally  in 
itself  that  I  abandoned  its  use,  only  to  have  the  toothache  return  when  the  irrita- 
tion of  the  bark  had  left  the  mucous  membranes.  A  decoction  of  the  bark  is  dia-. 
phoretic  and  excites  secretion  generally.  Its  action  upon  the  salivary  glands 
causes  in  time  almost  as  full  ptyalism  as  mercury.  Its  speedy  relief  of  rheumatism 
is  said  to  occur  only  when  it  causes  free  perspiration;  for  this  disease  a  pint  a  day 
is  taken  of  a  decoction  of  one  ounce  of  the  bark  boiled  in  a  quart  of  water.  It  is 
a  powerful  stimulant  to  healing  wounds  or  indolent  ulcerations.  Dr.  King,  who 
introduced  the  use  of  this  drug  in  Cincinnati  in  1849,  both  in  the  treatment  of 
tympanitis,  distention  of  the  bowels  during  peritonitis,  and  in  Asiatic  cholera, 
says  :f  "In  tympanitis  one  half  to  one  drachm  of  the  tincture  may  be  given  per 
ons,  in  a  little  sweetened  water,  and  repeated  hourly,  and  the  same  amount  used 
as  an  enema.  The  action  is  usually  prompt  and  permanent.  In  Asiatic  cholera, 
during  1S49  and  1850,  it  was  much  employed  by  our  (Eclectic)  physicians  in  Cin- 
cinnati, and  with  great  success  ;•  it  acted  like  electricity,  so  sudden  and  diffusive 
was  its  influence  over  the  system.  In  typhus  fever,  typhoid  pneumonia,  and 
typhoid  conditions  generally,  I  am  compelled  to  say  that  I  consider  the  tincture  of 
prickly-ash  berries  superior  to  any  other  form  of  medication.  I  have  known  cases 
of  typhoid  pneumonia  in  which  the  patients  were  so  low  that  all  prospect  of  re- 
covery was  despaired  of,  to  be  so  immediately  benefited  that  the  patients  who,  a 
few  minutes  before,  were  unable  to  notice  anything  around  them,  would  reply  to 
questions,  and  manifest  considerable  attention,  and  ultimately  recover." 

Prickly  ash  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  as  Extractuin  Xanthoxyli  Fhiidum ; 
and  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  its  preparations  are:  Enema  Xanthoxyli; 
ExtracUun  Xanthoxyli  Fluidimi ;  Oleoresina  Xanthoxyli ;  Tinciura  Xanthoxyli ; 
Tinctura  Laricis  Composita.\ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  bark,  together  with  that  of  the 
root,  is  ground  to  a  pulp,  covered  in  a  well-stoppered  bottle  with  two  parts  by 
weight  of  alcohol,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place,  being 
shaken  twice  a  day. 

The  tincture  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration  has  a  clear,  yellowish- 
green  color  by  transmitted  light ;  it  retains  the  peculiar  odor  and  taste  of  the  bark, 
and  exhibits  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— .Yrt«/'//fl-t:j'//«.  This  body,  extracted  by  Dr. 
Staples  from  the  bark,  and  so  named,  has  been  determined  to  be  berberin.\ 

*  Rafinesque,  Med.  Flora.  2,  p.  115. 

t  Co//f^e  Jour.,  March,  1856;  quoted  l.y  Miller  in  The  Jour,  of  Mat.  Med.,  Vol.  Ill,  N.  S.,  1861.  9. 
X  Tamarac  bark,  Juniper  berries,   Prickly   Ash    bark,  Wild    Cherry   bark,   Seneca   Snake-root,   Tansy,  Whiskey, 
Molasses,  and  Hydro-alcoholic  Extract  of  Podophyllum.  \  See  under  Berberis,  p.  16-2. 


33-4 

Oil  of  Xanlhoxyhim — probably  also  containing  resin  and  extractive — is  a  dark 
brown,  aromatic,  warm,  pungent,  turbid  body,  found  in  about  25  per  cent,  in  the 
berries  by  W.  S.  Merrell.  An  etherial  oil  of  the  bark  is  obtainable,  answering 
to  the  above ;  it  is,  though,  simply  an  extract  containing  all  the  principles  in  the 
bark.     Volatile  oil  and  resin  have  also  been  determined. 

This  plant  has  not  been  carefully  analyzed.  Some  idea  of  its  probable  con- 
stituents other  than  the  above  might  be  gained  from  those  of  Xanthoxylum  piperi- 
tum,  which  contains : 

Xanthoxylen  or  Xantlwxylene,  Cj„  Hj,.,  is  the  colorless  watery  liquid  part  of  the 
volatile  oil.  It  has  a  pleasant  aromatic  odor,  and  great  refracting  power  ;  it  boils 
at  t62°  (324°  F.). 

Xanthoxylin,  Q^  H,,^  Og.  This  crystallizable  product  of  the  volatile  oil  which 
may  be  extracted  after  the  oil  is  freed  from  Xanthoxylene  by  distillation  at  1 30° 
(266°  F.).  It  crystallizes  in  large,  colorless,  silky,  neutral,  aromatic,  klinorhombic 
forms,  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether.  The  crystals  fuse  at  80°  (176°  F.),  and  vola- 
tilize at  higher  temperatures  undecomposed  {et  supra,  IViifsfein.) 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Although  we  have  a  quite  full  proving  of  this 
drug  by  Dr.  C.  Cullis,*  it  is  hardly  sufficient  to  determine  its  physiological  sphere 
of  action.  The  drug  proves,  however,  at  least  a  stimulant  of  mucous  surfaces  and 
attendant  secretory  glands  by  an  irritant  action  upon  the  nerves.  Its  action,  taken 
all  in  all,  appears  quite  like  that  of  Mezereum.- 

Description  of  Plate  33. 

I.   End  of  a  flowering  branch,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  May  Sth,  1S84. 

2.  End  of  fruiting  brancli. 

3.  Sterile  flower. 
4-5.  Fertile  flowers. 

5.  Longitudinal  section  of  a  tri-pistillate  flower. 
(2-5  enlarged.) 

*  Allen,  Emj.  Pure.  Mat.  Med.,  X,  p.  169. 


^Tll.adnaf.del.etpinxt. 


Ptelea    Trifoliata,Li 


N.  ORD -RUTACE^.  34 

GENUS— PTELEA,*  LINN. 

SEX.   SVST.— TETKAXDRIA   MUNDGVNIA. 


PTELEA. 

WAFER  ASH. 


SYN.— PTELEA  TRIFOLIATA,   LINN.;   P.   VITICIFOLIA,   SALISB.;   AMYRIS 

ELEMIFOLIA,  LINN. 
COM.  NAMES.— WAFER   ASH,   SHRUBBY  TREFOIL,   TREE  TREFOIL,  HOP 

TREE,  STINKING  ASH,  WINGSEED,  SWAMP  DOGWOOD,  PICKAWAY- 

(FR.i  ORME  DE  SAMAIRE  A  TROIS  FEUILLES;  iGER.)  DRIBLATTRIGE 

LEDERBAUM. 


.\  TINCTURE  OF  THE   BARK  OF   PTELE.\  TRIFOLIATA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  peculiar  shrub  attains  a  growth  of  from  6  to  8  feet.  Leaves 
trifoliate,  long  petioled;  /ca/fe^s  sessile  or  very  slightly  petiolulate,  ovate,  pointed,  dark 
shining  green  above,  pale  and  somewhat  downy  beneath,  the  terminal  more  or  less 
wedge-shaped  and  contracted  at  the  base,  all  more  or  less  crenulate.  hiflorescence 
in  compound  lateral  and  terminal  cymes;  floivers  numerous,  greenish-white,  polyga- 
mous, their  odor  disagreeable.  Sepals  3  to  5,  usually  4,  somewhat  deltoid,  much 
shorter  than  the  petals.  Petals  3  to  5,  usually  4,  spreading,  imbricated  in  the  bud. 
Stamens  as  many  as  the  petals  and  alternate  with  them  ;  filaments  in  the  sterile 
flowers  long,  dilated,  and  hairy  at  the  base  ;  shorter  than  the  ovary  in  the  fertile  ; 
anthers  larger,  present  in  both  kinds  of  flowers,  but  sterile  in  the  female.  Ovary 
2-celled ;  style  short  or  wanting;  stigma  capitate,  2-lobed.  Fruit  a  large,  dense, 
globular  cluster  of  nearly  orbicular,  2-seeded,  membranaceous,  reticulate-veined 
samaras  ;  seed  somewhat  triangularly  compressed. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Wafer  Ash  is  indigenous  to  North  America,  rang- 
ing from  Pennsylvania  westward  to  Wisconsin  and  southward  to  Florida  and  Texas, 
It  grows  in  moist,  shady  places,  on  the  borders  of  woods,  and  among  rocks,  flower- 
ing in  June  at  the  northern  range.  The  plant  was  sent  to  England  for  cultivation 
in  1704  by  Bannister,  but,  being  lost  there,  Catesby  reinforced  their  gardens  from 
Carolina  twenty  years  later. 

Rafinesque  first  introduced  the  plant  in  American  medical  literature  in  his 
work  on  Medical  Botany,  1830,  speaking  of  the  leaves  as  vulnerary  and  vermifuge. 
Schoepf  gives  the  same  in  substance ;  and  Merat  and  De  Lens  speak  of  the  fruit 
as  aromatic  and  bitter,  and  an  affirmed  substitute  for  hops.  Howard  speaks  of 
the  bark  of  the  root  as  an  excellent  stimulant,  expectorant  tonic ;  especially  useful 


*  Ilrau,  ptao,  to  fly:  the  Greek  name  of  the  elm,  alluding  to  the  winged  fruits. 


34-2 

in  ao^ues.  Jones*  speaks  of  the  plant  as  "a  pure  unirritating  tonic"  in  cold  infu- 
sion, especially  adapted  to  convalescence  after  debilitating  fevers.  Following  these, 
its  use  became  general,  especially  in  Eclectic  practice,  for  a  variety  of  troubles, 
especially  asthma,  phthisis,  glandular  degeneration  in  general,  syphilis,  scrofula, 
chronic  diarrhoea,  epilepsy,  dyspepsia,  intermittent  fever,  and  chronic  rheumatism. 
The  Eclectic  preparations  are  :  Exti-actum  PtelecB  Hydro-alcoholicum ;  Infu- 
siim  Ptclece ;  and  PtelccB  Oleo-resmece. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  bark,  gathered  after  the 
fruit  is  ripe,  but  before  the  leaves  begin  to  fade,  is  treated  as  in  the  preceding 
drug.  The  tincture,  separated  by  pressure  and  filtration,  has  a  brownish  orange 
color  by  transmitted  light;  a  bitter  odor;  an  extremely  bitter  taste  ;  and  an  acid 
reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — The  analysis  of  G.  M.  Smyserf  resulted  in 
the  determination  of  albumen,  bitter  extractive,  tannic  and  gallic  acids,  a  brittle, 
tasteless  resin,  and  a  soft  acrid  resin.  According  to  Justin  Speer,|  the  root-bark 
contains  a  crystalline  yellow  coloring-matter,  oleo-resin,  and  berberina,%  but  no 
tannin. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — In  Dr.  E.  M.  Hale's  provings  of  this  drug  upon 
a  number  of  observers,  who  took  from  30  to  500  drops  of  the  tincture,  and  from 
I  grain  to  a  scruple  of  "  Ptelein."  the  following  disturbances  occurred :  Mental 
depression  and  confusion ;  frontal  headache  ,  vertigo  ;  contraction  of  the  pupil ; 
aural  pains  with  swelling  of  the  lymphatics;  tongue  sore,  yellow-coated;  ptyalism ; 
voracious  appetite ;  nausea,  with  pressure  in  the  stomach  as  of  a  stone  ;  griping 
colic;  great  urging  followed  by  copious  diarrhoeic  stools;  urine  increased;  heart's 
action  increased ;  general  restlessness  and  prostration,  followed  by  chilliness  and 
fever. 


Description  of  Plate  34. 

1.  Female  flower. 

2.  Male  flower. 

3.  Stamen. 

4.  Anther. 

5.  Fruiting  branch. 

6.  Samara. 

7.  Section  of  fruit. 

8.  Seed. 

(1-4  and  7-8  enlarged.) 

*  Eclectic  Practice.  f  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1862.  %  Ibid.,  1867.  I  See  p.  15-2. 


InatdeI.etpinxt 


'3  ■  7 

AlLANTHUS   GlANDULOSUS,  Desf. 


^d 


N.  ORD-SIMARUBACE/E.  35 

Tribe.-SIMARUBE/E. 

GENUS.  — A  I  LA  NTH  US,*  DKSF. 
SEX.  SY.ST.— MONtP:CI.\  I'OLVGAMIA. 


AILANTUS. 


TREE  OF  HEA  VEjY. 

SYN.^AILANTHUS  GLANDULOSUS,  DESP. 

COM.  NAMES.— TREE  OF  HEAVEN,  CHINESE  AILANTHUS,  TILLOW  TREE, 

CHINESE    SUMACH;     (FR.i    AILANTE,    VERNIS    DES    JAPON;t    (GER.) 

GOTTERBAUM. 


A    TINCTURE    OF    THE    FRESH    BARK    AND    FLOWERS    OF   AILANTHUS 
GLANDULOSUS,    DESF. 


Description. — This  beautiful  tree,  which  so  much  resembles  an  overo-rovvn 
staghorn  sumach,  grows  in  this  country  to  a  height  of  from  30  to  60  feet  Sfem 
erect,  columnar,  much  branched  ;  zoood  hard,  heavy  and  glossy,  like  satin.  Leaves 
long,  odd  pinnately  compound;  petioles  i  to  2  feet  long;  leaflets  oblong,  pointed, 
with  two  blunt  teeth  at  the  base,  rendering  them  somewhat  hastate;  tectJi  glandu- 
lar upon  the  under  surface.  Inflorescence  in  large  terminal  thyrsoid  panicles; 
floiL'srs  greenish,  dioeciously-polygamous.  Calyx  5-toothed.  Petals  5,  inserted 
under  an  hypogynous  disk.  Stamens  10;  filaments  inflated  and  hairy  at  the  base; 
anthers  2-celled.  Ovary  5-lobed  ;  style  columnar;  stigma  capitate,  radiately  5-lobed. 
Fruit  composed  of  from  2  to  5  long,  thin,  somewhat  twisted,  linear-oblong,  veiny, 
I -celled,  I -seeded  samaras. 

Simarubaceae. — This  small  family  of  mostly  tropical  trees  and  shrubs,  is  rep- 
resented in  North  America  by  7  genera  of  i  species  each.  The  characteristics 
of  the  order  are  as  follows  :  Bark  bitter.  Leaves  alternate,  pinnately-compound  ; 
stipules  none.  Flozvers  hermaphrodite  or  unisexual.  Calyx  persistent;  sepals^ 
to  5.  Corolla  deciduous,  twisted  in  aestivation  ;  petals  4  to  5,  hypogynous.  Stamens 
as  many  or  twice  as  many  as  the  petals ;  filaments  inserted  upon  an  hypogynous 
disk.  Ovary  composed  of  4  to  5  lobes ;  ovules  suspended,  i  in  each  cell ;  style 
various.  Carpels  2-valved,  as  many  as  the  petals,  capsular  or  keyed  ;  se:ds  pendu- 
lous; albumen  none;  cotylcdoiis  thick;  radicle  short,  superior. 

The  only  proven  plants  of  this  order,  excepting  the  one  under  consideration, 
are :  the  tropical-American  Cedron  [Sitttaba  Cedron,  Planch),  and  the  South- 
American  Quassia  or  Dysentery-bark  [Simarouba  amara,  Aubl.),  the  bark  of 
which  was  once  a  noted  remedy  in  dysentery. 

*  The  nanae  should  be  spelled,  Ailantiis,  being  derived  from  a  Moluccian  species  called  Ailanlo. 
t  Also  used  to  designate  Rhus  vernix. 


35-2 

The  otiier  more  or  less  prominent  medical  plants  are:  the  West-Indian 
Jamaica  Quassia  or  Bitter  Ash  {Picrana  excclsa,  Lindl.),  noted  for  its  extreme 
and  lasting  bitter  wood,  so  largely  used  in  commerce  for  the  manufacture  of 
Quassia-cups,  the  water  from  which  is  useful  as  a  stomachic  tonic,  anthelmintic, 
and  antiperiodic  ;  the  Brazilian  Simarouha  versicolor,  St.  Hil.,  noted  as  being  so 
bitter  that  insects  will  not  attack  the  wood  ;  and  the  Indian  Nima  qiiassioides, 
Hamilt.,  employed  as  a  bitter  tonic  in  the  North  of  India. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  large  tree,  that  has  caused  more  newspaper 
comment  than  any  other  now  planted  in  this  country,  is  a  native  of  China,  and  is 
included  in  this  work  as  an  American  remedy  because  it  is  from  the  naturalized 
tree  that  our  provings  were  made. 

The  Ailanthus  tree  was  introduced  into  England  in  the  year  1751,  and 
tlirived  well ;  about  the  year  1800  it  was  brought  to  this  country,  and  soon  grew 
in  public  favor  as  an  ornamental  tree  for  lawns,  walks  and  streets  ;  later  on  it 
became  in  greater  demand  on  account  of  its  supposed  property  of  absorbing  from 
the  atmosphere  malarial  poisons;  under  this  new  idea  the  tree  became  a  great 
favorite  in  cities  and  large  towns,  especially  as  its  growth  was  rapid  and  its 
beautiful  foliage  pleasing.  The  occurrence,  however,  of  several  severe  epidemics, 
especially  in  the  larger  cities,  set  people  thinking — might  not  this  tree,  which  so 
fully  absorbs  poison,  also  throw  off  toxic  effluvia  ?  may  it  not  store  up  the 
noxious  gases  and  again  set  them  forth  in  the  flowering  season?  Certainly  the 
staminate  flowers  smell  bad  enough  to  lay  any  disease  to  their  emanations.  A 
war  upon  the  trees  followed,  both  wordy  and  actual,  which  almost  banished  them 
from  the  country.  The  feeling,  however,  died  a  natural  death,  and  to-day  many 
fine  trees  abound,  especially  in  the  larger  eastern  cities. 

Another  vote  for  its  preservation  lay  in  the  fact  that  the  tree  afforded  material 
for  a  silkworm  [Attaciis  Cynthia,  Drury),  which  has  been  successfully  acclimated 
in  this  country  by  Dr.  Stewardson  and  Mr.  Morris.  The  cost  of  production  of 
silk  from  their  culture  is  said  to  be  about  one-fourth  that  of  mulberry  silk,  beside, 
the  product  is  tough  and  stronger  than  any  other  fabric  made  ;  it  is  said  that  tne 
Chinese  wear  garments  of  this  material  through  several  generations  of  constant  use. 

The  bark  of  the  tree  was  experimented  with  in  France  about  the  year  1859, 
and  found  to  be  emetic,  cathartic  and  anthelmintic.  The  bark  has  been  employed 
by  Roberts  and  others,  both  dried  and  fresh,  as  a  remedy  for  dysentery  and 
diarrhoea,  and  as  an  injection  in  gonorrhoea  and  leucorrhoea  ;  an  alcoholic  extract 
was  found  by  Prof.  Hetet*  efficacious  in  the  removal  of  tapeworm,  though  the 
prostrating  nausea  caused  by  the  draught  renders  it  disagreeable.  The  tincture 
has  been  used  in  doses  of  from  five  to  sixty  drops  in  palpitation  of  the  heart, 
asthma  and  epilepsy. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— Equal  parts  of  the  fresh  shoots,  leaves 
and  blossoms,  and  the  young  bark,  are  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and 
weighed.     Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thor- 

*  your.  ,i'e  Chine  Med.,  D>.-c.,  1S59. 


35-3 

oiighly  with  oiiL'-sixth  part  of  it,  ami  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  addetl.  After  stirring 
the  whole  well,  and  pouring  it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  it  is  allowed  to  stand 
eight  da)s  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture  is  then  separated  by  decanting, 
straining  and  filtering  ;  it  has  a  deep  orange-brown  color  by  transmitted  light ;  a 
strongly  vinous  odor;  a  mawkish  taste  ;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Several  analyses  of  the  bark  have  been  made, 
all  of  which  agree  with  the  latest  one  by  Mr.  F.  H.  Davis.*  He  determined  the 
presence  of  fixed  and  volatile  oil,  resin,  wax,  sugar,  tannin,  gum,  starch,  and 
oxalic  acid ;  but  failed,  as  had  the  others,  to  detect  the  presence  of  alkaloids  or 

glucosides. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Ailanthus  causes  nausea,  vomiting,  great  relax- 
ation of  the  muscles,  and  death-like  sickness,  very  similar  to  that  produced  by 
tobacco-smoking  in  beginners.  According  to  M.  Hetet,  the  purgative  property 
resides  in  the  resin,  while  the  volatile  oil  gives  rise  to  the  prostrating  and  other 
ill  effects  produced  in  some  persons  by  the  emanations  from  the  Howers.  The 
characteristic  symptoms  produced  by  Ailanthus  are :  vertigo  and  dizziness,  severe 
headache,  purulent  discharges  from  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  nose  and  eyes, 
dilated  pupils  with  photophobia,  pale,  sickly,  bilious  countenance,  irritation  of  the 
throat,  loss  of  appetite,  tenderness  in  the  stomach  and  abdomen,  looseness  of  the 
bowels,  suppressed  urine,  oppression  of  breathing,  languor  and  lassitude. 


Description  of  Pl.\te  35. 

I.   End  of  a  flowering  branch,  several  leaves  and  thyrsi  removed,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  June  30th,  1885. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Calyx  and  pistil. 

4.  Petal  and  stamen. 

5.  Stigma. 

6.  Stamens. 

7.  Section  of  ovary. 

8.  A  leaflet. 

9.  Fruit. 

10.   Full  leaf  in  outline. 
(2-7  enlarged.) 

*  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1885,  600. 


36 


3  4  5 


^.TU.adnatdel.efpinxt 


Rhus  Glabra,  Linn. 


N.  ORD -ANACARDIACE^.  36 

Seciion.-SUMAC*  D.  C. 

GENUS.— RHUS,  LINN. 
SEX.  SV.ST.— PENT.VNDRI.V  TRI(;VNI.\. 


RHUS  GLABRA. 

SMOOTH  SUMACH. 

SYN.— RHUS  GLABRA,  LINN. ;  R.  ELEGANS,  AIT. ;  R.  VIRGINIGUM,  CATESB. ; 
R.  CAROLINIANUM,  MILL. 

COM.  NAMES.— SMOOTH  SUMACH  OR  SUMAC ;  SHUMAKE  ;  (FR.)  SUMAC ; 
(GER.)  SUMACH. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  BARK  OF  RHUS  GLABRA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  smooth  shrub  usually  attains  a  growth  of  from  5  to  15 
feet  in  height.  Branches  somewhat  straggling.  Leaves  odd-pinnate ;  petioles 
crimson,  12  to  18  inches  long;  leaflets  12  to  30,  lanceolate-oblong,  acutely  serrate, 
pointed,  and  whitened  beneath.  Itiflorescetice  dense,  terminal,  thyrsoid  panicles  ; 
flowers  perfect,  polygamous.  Sepals  lanceolate,  or  more  or  less  triangular,  very 
acute,  nearly  as  long  as  the  petals.  Petals  incurved  at  the  apex.  Hypogynotis 
disk  almost  entire,  its  lobes,  however,  separating  when  a  sepal  is  detached  from 
the  calyx,  bringing  away  with  it  a  stamen  and  petal ;  lobe  somewhat  reniform. 
Fruit  globular,  clothed  with  acid,  velvety,  crimson  hairs  ;  stone  smooth. 

Rhus. — This  genus  is  widely  distributed,  and  contains  numerous  species 
characterized  in  general  as  follows :  Leaves  usually  compound.  Flowers  polyga- 
mous or  dioecious,  greenish-white  or  yellowish-green  ;  sepals  5,  small,  united  at  the 
base,  generally  persistent;  petals  5,  ovate,  spreading,  slighdy  hairy  within.  Stamens 
5,  alternate  with  the  petals  ;  filaments  inserted  with  the  petals  underneath  the  lobes 
of  a  chrome-yellow  hypogynous  disk,  situated  at  the  base  of  the  sepals.  Styles  3, 
short,  generally  united  into  one,  sometimes  distinct;  stigmas  3,  capitate.  Fniit 
consisting  of  many  small,  indehiscent,  dry,  drupes  ;  stone  or  nutlet  osseous ;  seed 
suspended  from  the  apex  of  a  funiculus  that  arises  from  the  base,  and  extends  to 
the  apex  of  the  cell ;  cotyledons  foliaceous. 

Many  other  species  of  Rhus  are  used  beside  those  embodied  in  this  work  ; 
among  which  are  the  following:  The  Japanese  R.  vernix  affords  the  finest  of  the 
black  lacquers,  so  extensively  used  in  China  and  Japan  for  coating  household 
articles,  etc.  This  species  in  its  toxic  action  is  said  to  greatly  simulate  R.  venenata, 
of  this  country.  The  South  European  R.  coriaria,  and  R.  cotinus,  are  extensively 
used  in  tanning  the  finer  grades  of  morocco  leather  ;    the  seeds  of  the  former 


*  An  .nlleration  of  the  Arabic  simaq  (Forsk.). 

f  The  ancient  Greek  and  Latin  name  (Celtic  Rhtidd.,  red). 


36-2 

species  are  said  to  be  used  at  Aleppo  to  provoke  an  appetite,  and  in  Turkey 
o-enerally,  in  tlie  manufacture  of  vinegar.  Inferior  grades  of  the  inimitable  black 
lacquer,  made  from  H.  venii.w  are  furnished  by  R.  Javanica,  R.  Sinense,  and  R. 
siiccedaneum.  Our  southern  R.  pumila,  Michx.,  has  been  variously  considered; 
some  writers  claiming  it  to  be  entirely  innocuous,  others  judge  it  to  be  the  most 
poisonous  of  the  North  American  species,  claiming  that  it  will  show  its  effects  upon 
those  who  are  not  susceptible  to  the  influences  of  R.  toxicodendron.  The  Floridian 
and  West  Indian  R.  mctopium  produces  a  substance  called  Doctor's  Gum,  which 
is  said  to  be  emetis  and  purgative  ;  and  the  Chinese  R.  Buchi-amela,  Roxb.,  certain 
CTalls  used  in  Germany  for  the  manufacture  of  tannic  and  gallic  acids,  and  pyrogallol. 

Anacardiaceae. — This  large,  chiefly  tropical  family,  consists  of  mostly  poison- 
ous trees  or  shrubs,  having  a  resinous  or  milky,  acrid  juice,  which  turns  black  or 
blackish  in  drying.  Leaves  alternate,  usually  compound,  and  devoid  of  dots ; 
stipules  none.  Inflorescence  usually  in  axillary  or  terminal,  erect  panicles  ;  flowers 
small,  regular,  often  polygamous ;  ccstivation  imbricate,  rarely  valvate.  Sepals  3, 
or  5,  usually  distinct,  but  sometimes  more  or  less  united  at  the  base,  and  persistent. 
Petals  as  many  as  the  sepals,  and  inserted  beneath  an  hypogynous  disk,  lining  the 
base  of  the  calyx.  Stamens  as  many  as  the  petals  and  alternate  with  them  ;  fila- 
ments  distinct.  Ovaiy  ovoid  ;  styles  3,  distinct  or  combined  ;  stigmas  3,  decidedly 
distinct.  /v'?«V  drupaceous,  indehiscent,  i -celled;  seed  borne  upon  a  curved  stalk 
arising  from  the  base  of  the  cell ;  testa  membranaceous ;  embryo  more  or  less 
curved ;  albumen  none. 

The  following  plants  of  this  family  figure  more  or  less  prominently  in  our 
Materia  Medica :  The  Indian  Cashew-nut  {Anacardium  orientale,  Semecarpus 
Anacarditim,  Linn.)  ;  the  fruit  of  this  tree  is  also  called  the  marking-nut,  and  is 
almost  universally  used  for  stamping  linen.  The  Cuban  o-Jiao  {Comocladia  dentata, 
Jacq.),  which  is  said  by  the  natives  (and  corroborated  by  others)  to  cause  the  death  of 
any  who  sleep  beneath  its  shades  ;  this  is  especially  true  of  individuals  of  plethoric 
habit.  The  New  Zealand  Karaka  or  Kopi-tree  [Coryno-carpus  Icevigatus,  Foster)  ; 
and  the  Mexican  and  Peruvian  Schinus,  a  product  of  Schiims  molle,  Linn.,  used 
by  the  natives  for  healing  tumors  and  reducing  inflammation,  especially  of  the  eye. 

Other  members  used  in  medicine  and  the  arts  are :  The  Brazilian  Schinus 
arcsira,  Linn.,  which  is  said  to  exude  an  effluvia  that  causes  swellings  to  appear 
in  those  who  remain  for  a  few  hours  beneath  it.  (Note  S.  molle  above.)  The  Tropic 
American  Anacardium  occidentale,  Linn.,  is  used  as  a  vermifuge,  and  the  juice  is 
said  to  be  efficient  in  the  removal  of  warts,  corns,  and  vegetative  growths  ;  the  nuts, 
however,  are  edible,  either  raw  or  boiled.  The  Mediterranean  Lentisk  or  Mastic 
Tree  [Pistacia  Lentiscus,  h'lnn.)  yields  Gum  Mastich,  a  concretion  highly  valued  by 
the  Turks  as  a  masticatory  for  sweetening  the  breath  and  hardening  the  gums. 
This  product  is  useful  also,  for  a  temporary  filling  in  carious  teeth,  easing  the  pain 
therein.  Pistacia  terebinthus,  Linn.,  yields  the  famous  Chian  Turpentine  ;  while  the 
European  P.  vera  furnishes  the  Pistachio  nuts  of  the  confectioner;  the  Cochin  China 
P.  oleosa,  a  valuable  oil  ;  and  the  African  P.  Atlantica,  an  Arabian  article  of  food. 


36-3 

The  Indian  Mango  {Mangifera  Indica,  Linn.)  fields  a  luscious  fruit  which 
holds  the  place  in  that  country,  that  the  peach  does  in  this.  The  Malabar  Holi- 
garna  longifolia,  Ro.xb.,  and  Stagmai-ia  veniicifliia.  Jack.,  of  the  Indian  archipelago, 
furnish  to  the  Chinese  two  of  their  famous  black  lacquers.  It  is  said  that  the 
resin  of  the  last  named  species  is  noxious  and  acrid,  and  that  it  is  unsafe  to 
remain  long  under  the  branches  of  the  tree. 

History  and  Habitat. — Rhus  glabra  is  one  of  our  least  nocuous  species.  It 
grows  in  rocky  or  barren  soil,  common  throughout  North  America,  flowering 
northward  in  June  and  July. 

An  infusion  of  the  berries  of  this  species  is  said  to  furnish  an  unequalled 
black  dye  for  wool.  The  berries,  when  dried,  form  an  article  of  trade  in  Canada, 
known  as  sacacomi,  this,  when  smoked  as  a  substitute  for  tobacco,  is  said  to  anti- 
dote the  habit ;  the  Western  Indians  make  a  preparation  of  equal  parts  of  the 
roots,  leaves,  and  of  tobacco,  which  they  smoke  under  the  name  of  KiitikahJ^'' 

A  cold  infusion  of  the  berries  is  often  used  as  a  cooling  drink  in  fevers ;  it  is 
also  claimed  to  be  of  benefit  in  diabetes  and  strangury.  The  bark  of  the  root  is 
claimed  to  form  an  antiseptic  dressing  for  ulcers  and  open  wounds  ;  while  an 
infusion  of  the  same  is  considered  an  excellent  astringent  for  use  in  aphthous  and 
mercurial  sore  mouths,  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  gonorrhoea,  and  leucorrhoea,  and  to 
be  anti-syphilitic.  I  have  known  the  juice  of  the  root  to  remove  warts,  I  have  also 
known  these  strange  growths  to  disappear  from  the  use  of  various  innocuous 
"  charms,"  such  as  a  neighbor's  potato  surreptitiously  obtained,  rubbed  upon  the 
growths  and  cast  over  the  left  shoulder  without  noting  its  fall,  etc.,- etc. 

Smooth  Sumac  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  as :  Exlractum  Rhois  Glabra.  In 
the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  the  preparations  are :  Dccoctum  Rhus  (jlabri,  and 
Extractuni  R/uis  FluidiDii. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  bark,  including  that  of  the 
root,  gathered  when  the  plant  is  mature,  should  be  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp 
and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  well  mixed 
with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the 
whole  well,  it  should  be  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  botde,  and  allowed  to  stand 
for  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  the  mass  by  filtration,  should  exhibit  a  beautiful, 
very  deep  crimson  color  by  transmitted  light.  Its  taste  should  be  at  first  sour, 
then  astringent,  leaving  a  sensation  upon  the  tongue  very  like  that  of  alum  ;  its 
odor  sour-vinous  ;  and  its  reaction  strongly  acid. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. —  Ciallotaimic  acid,  C„H,„0,,.  This  pure  tan- 
nin of  nut-galls  also  exists  in  the  leaves  and  bark  of  the  plant.  It  is  an  amorphous, 
porous,  resinous,  friable  mass,  freely  soluble  in  water,  less  so  in  alcohol,  and  insolu- 
ble in  pure  ether. 


Rafincsque,  MeJ.  Flor.,  ii.,  257. 


36-4 

Calcium  Bimalate. — This  salt  is  found  clinging  to  the  hairs  of  the  fruit  as  a 
concretion  exuded  from  them  ;  when  soaked  off  the  fruits  are  no  longer  sour. 

Oil  of  Rhus. — This  waxy  oil  may  be  extracted  from  the  seeds  of  this  and  other 
species  of  the  genus.  It  will  acquire  a  tallow-like  consistence  on  standing,  and  can 
be  made  into  candles,  which  burn  brilliandy,  but  emit  a  very  annoying  pungent 
smoke. 

Resin,  oleo-resin,  sugar,  starch,  coloring  matter,  and  gum,  have  also  been 

determined.* 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Rhus  glabra  caused  in  one  individual,  in  doses 
of  from  30  to  120  drops  of  the  tincture,  headache,  dryness  and  heat  of  the  nostrils, 
with  hemorrhage,  ulceration  of  the  mouth,  loss  of  appetite,  with  painful  distress  in 
the  stomach  and  bowels,  followed  by  diarrhoea,  scanty  secredon  of  urine,  great 
weariness  and  fatigue,  loss  of  flesh,  heat  and  dryness  of  the  skin,  followed  by 
copious  sweat  during  sleep.f  One  symptom  was  also  developed  in  this  case  that 
I  desire  to  comment  upon,  viz. :  "  Dreams  of  flying  through  the  air."  During  the 
summer  of  1879,  while  botanizing  near  Bergen  Point,  N.  J.,  I  came  into  a  swarm 
of  furious  mosquitoes ;  quickly  cutting  a  large  branch  from  a  sumach  bush  at 
hand,  I  used  it  vigorously  to  fight  off  the  pests.  Several  fine  specimens  of  Baptisia 
tinctoria  grew  at  hand,  and  while  studying  them  I  kept  the  sumach  branch  in  con- 
stant motion,  perspiring  freely  during  the  time.  On  leaving  the  spot  I  cut  a  cane  from 
the  same  shrub,  and  also  ate  of  the  refreshing  berries.  For  three  successive  nights 
following  this  occurrence  I  flew  (!)  over  the  city  of  New  York  with  a  graceful  and 
delicious  motion  that  I  would  give  several  years  of  my  life  to  experience  in  reality. 
Ouery:  Did  I  absorb  from  my  perspiring  hands  sufficient  juice  of  the  bark  to 
produce  the  effect  of  the  drug,  or  was  it  from  the  berries  I  held  in  my  mouth  ? 
I  noticed  no  other  symptoms,  and  never  before  or  since  enjoyed  a  like  dream. 

Description  of  Plate  36. 

I.  End  of  flowering  branch,  Waverly,  N.  Y.,  July  4th,  1884. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Petal. 

4.  Pistil. 

5.  Stamen,  lobe  of  disk,  and  sepal. 

(2-5  enlarged.) 

*  AiN.  Jour.  Phar.,  N.  S.,  i.,  56 ;  ibid.,  XXV.,  193 ;  Tilden,  Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  N.  S.,  i.,  195  ;   Proc.  Royal  Society, 
1862   402.  t  I^'"-  Marshall  in  Hale's  Neiv  Rem.,  2d  ed.,  872. 


^Ill.adnat.del.et  pinxt 


Rhus    Venenata, dc 


N.  ORD.-ANACARDIACE^.  37 

GENUS— RHUS,  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— PENTANDRI.'V  TUIGVM.V. 


RHUS  VENENATA. 

POISOM  SUMACH. 

SYN.— RHUS  VENENATA,  D.  C. 

COM.  NAMES.— POISON  OR  SWAMP  SUMACH,  POISON  ELDER,  POISON  OR 
SWAMP  DOGWOOD,  POISON  ASH,  POISON  TREE,  POISON  WOOD. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE   B.\RK  OF  RHUS  VENENATA,   D.  C. 

Description. — This  too  common  swamp  shrub  grows  to  a  height  of  from  6  to 
30  feet.  Stem  erect,  brandling  at  the  top  ;  branches  smooth  or  nearly  so,  some- 
times verrucose.  Leaves  odd  pinnately  compound  ;  petiole  brilHant  red  or  purpHsh  ; 
leaflets  7  to  13,  smooth,  ovate-lanceolate,  acute,  entire.  Inflorescence  loose,  slender, 
erect  panicles,  in  the  axils  of  the  uppermost  leaves;  flozocrs  polygamous,  greenish- 
white;  pedicels  pubescent.  Calyx  persistent.  Fruit  a  persistent,  drooping,  thyrs- 
oid  receme  of  globular,  smooth,  grayish-white  berries,  about  the  size  of  a  small 
pea;  testa  thin,  papyraceous,  loose  and  shining;  millet  oblong,  flattened,  longitu- 
dinally striate  by  deep  sulci ;  inner  coat  soft,  membranaceous,  incised ;  cotyledons 
somewhat  thick  and  fleshy. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Poison  Sumach  is  indigenous  to  North  America, 
ranging  from  Florida  to  Mississippi  and  northward  to  Canada.  It  habits  swampy 
ground,  and  blossoms  in  June  at  the  north. 

This  most  poisonous  of  our  northern  species  has  at  times  been  confounded 
and  considered  identical  with  the  Japanese  R.  vernix,  L. ;  how  near  the  resem- 
blance may  be  I  have  had  no  opportunity  to  judge  ;  however,  we,  as  Homce- 
opathists,  should  not  confound  them,  as  climatic  difference  may  cause  varying 
properties,  and  R.  veniix  may  yet  be  proven. 

The  poisonous  nature  of  this  species  has  precluded  its  use  in  domestic  and  pre- 
vious practices;  the  principal  effort  concerning  it  has  been  attempts  by  farmers  and 
others  toward  its  extermination  ;  very  few  persons,  however,  who  understand  the 
plant  will  even  approach  its  vicinity  unless  compelled  by  circumstances  to  do  so. 

Like  the  R.  vernix  of  Japan,  the  wounded  bark  in  spring  and  autumn  exudes 
a  thick,  whitish,  opaque  and  viscid  fluid,  having  a  penetrating  smell,  which  on 
exposure  soon  changes  to  a  deep  black.  On  boiling  the  juice  in  water  long 
enough  to  evaporate  the  volatile  oil,  and  applying  the  resulting  fluid  to  any  sub- 
stance, it  forms  a  glossy-black  permanent  coating ;  thus  making  a  varnish  of  value 
which  might  be  used  in  lieu  of  the  famous  Japanese  varnish  which  they  utilize  so 
extensively  upon  their  fans,  boxes,  and  household  utensils  and  furniture. 


37-2 

It  is  a  well-known  fact  that  this  species  will  prove  poisonous  to  many  persons 
who  are  unaffected  by  /t'.  toxicodendron,  and,  like  it,  even  the  emanations  of  the 
shrub  are  virulent  to  many,  while  others  may  handle,  and  even  chew  it,  with 
impunity. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  bark,  stemlets  and  leaves  are 
treated  as  in  the  preceding  species.  The  resulting  tincture  is  opaque  in  even 
small  quantity  ;  in  thin  layers  it  has  a  deep  red  color ;  its  taste  is  bitter  and 
astringent ;  and  its  reaction  acid. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— An  examination  of  the  juice  by  Dr.  Bigelow* 
is  the  only  analysis  so  far  made  ;  this  shows  no  active  principle.  An  examination 
of  the  chemistry  of  R.  toxicodendron,  page  38-3,  would  not  be  out  of  place  here. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Many  opportunities  are  offered  for  study  under 
this  rubric,  on  account  ol  the  numerous  cases  of  poisoning,  both  on  record  and 
often  occurring  in  country  practice.  The  general  effects  are  usually  ushered  in 
within  a  day  ot  the  exposure,  commencing  with  a  general  flush  of  the  skin,  accom- 
panied by  intolerable  itching  and  more  or  less  tumefaction,  especially  at  first  of  the 
hands  and  face  ;  this  continues  until  an  erysipelatous  condition  apparently  ensues. 
A  more  livid  appearance  follows,  with  great  burning,  followed  by  groupings  of 
watery  vesicles,  which  soon  coalesce  ;  this  is  followed  by  pustules  forming  of  the 
watery  vesicles,  which  finally  discharge  and  form  yellow  crusts,  which  later  on 
become  brown  and  disgusting  in  appearance.  Great  heat  and  swelling  have  mean- 
time progressed  until  the  face  is  often  unrecognizable;  this  condition  is  about  four 
or  five  days  at  its  height  before  resolution  commences.  Marks  are  often  left,  and 
sometimes  the  crusts  remain  chronic  on  some  portion  of  the  exposed  parts  for 
long  periods.  One  case  in  my  practice  had  resisted  all  the  efforts  of  physicians 
for  over  thirty  years;  then  yielded  in  about  thirty  days  to  a  high  potency  of  the 
drug  itself  at  my  hands. 

Several  cases  of  poisoning  came  under  my  observation  here  some  four  years 
ago  in  several  young  men  employed  in  a  boot  factory  as  finishers.  Their  duty  was 
to  dress  the  new  boots  with  a  black  varnish  applied  with  a  sponge  by  the  right 
hand,  while  the  left  hand  and  arm  was  thrust  into  the  boot.  All  suffered  from  a 
scabby  eruption  about  the  left  biceps  and  right  hand  and  wrist,  while  the  fingers 
of  the  right  were  cracked,  sore,  inflamed  and  painful.  Upon  first  observing  the 
cases  I  judged  some  poison  must  be  used  in  the  varnish,  and  so  informed  them  ; 
to  me  Rhus  seemed  to  be  that  substance.  While  on  a  train,  a  month  or  so  later,  I 
overheard  two  manufacturers  of  boots,  who  sat  before  me,  talking  of  their  trade  ; 
when,  on  passing  a  swampy  spot,  one  pointed  out  of  the  car  window  at  some 
R.  venenata,  and  e.xclaimed,  "  That  is  the  stuff  we  use."  These  cases  all  yielded 
finely  to  idem  high. 

The  specific  action  of  the  drug,  collated  from  various  cases,  is  as  follows: 
Sadness  and  gloomy  forebodings  ;  vertigo  ;  dull,  heavy  headache  ;  smarting  and 
burning  of  the  eyes,  with  dimness  of  vision;    redness  and  swelling  of  the  face; 


*  Am.  Med.  Bot.,  I,  4C2. 


37-3 

tongue  red,  especially  at  tlie  tip,  swollen  and  cracked  ;  difficult  dei^dutition  ;  profuse 
watery  stools;  burning-  of  the  urethra;  hoarseness  and  dryness  of  the  larnyx  ; 
increased  heart's  action  ;  trembling  of  the  limbs ;  bruised  and  paralyzed  feeling 
in  the  legs,  wMth  aching  and  weakness ;  tired,  weak,  and  prostrated  generally ; 
almost  all  forms  of  skin  trouble,  from  simple  redness  and  inirning  to  vesicles, 
cracks,  pustules  and  complete  destruction ;  restlessness,  chilliness  and  heat,  with 
great  dryness  but  no  subsequent  sweat; — all  of  which  show  the  poison  to  be  of  a 
highly  irritative  nature. 

DesCRIPTIDN    ok    I'LATli    37. 

I.   End  of  flowering  branch,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  June  24th,  1S85. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Pistil. 

4.  Stamen. 

5.  Fruiting  thyrsus. 

6.  Fruit. 

7.  Fruit,  with  outer  coat  removed. 

8.  Nutlet. 

(2-4  and  6-S  enlarged.) 


^m. 


ad  nat.dei.et  pinxt 


Rhus  Toxicodendron, unn. 


N.  ORD.-ANACARDIACE^.  38 

Sect.  -  WXICODENDRON,  'n )  U  R  N. 
GENUS.— RHUS, 
SEX.  SVST.— rENT.\NI)RI.\  TKK;VXI.\. 


RHUS  TOXICODENDRON. 

FOISOJV  IVY. 

SYN.-RHUS  TOXICODENDRON,  LINN. ;  R.  TOXICODENDRON,  VAR.  QUER- 
CIPOLIUM,  MICHX. ;  R.  VERRUCOSA,  SCHEELE ;  R.  TOXICARIUM,  AND 
HUMILE.  SALISB.;  R.  RADICANS,  VAR.  TOXICODENDRON,  PERS. ; 
TOXICODENDRON  PUBESCENS,  MILL. 

COM.  NAMES.— POISON  IVY,  THREE-LEAVED  IVY,  POISON  OAK,  POISON 
VINE,  MERCURY;  (FR.)  SUMAC  VBNENEUX,ARBRE  A  POISON  ;  (GER.) 
GIPTSUMACH. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  LE.WES  OF  RHUS  TOXICODENDRON,  LINN. 

Description. — This  decumbent  or  more  or  less  erect  shrub,  grows  to  a  height 
of  from  2  to  4  feet,  or  more,  according  to  whether  /?/ius  7'adica7is  is  distinct  from 
this  species  or  not.  Root  reddish,  branching.  Leaves  3-foliate,  thin  ;  leaflets  rhom- 
bic-ovate, acute,  rather  downy  beneath;  they  are  entire  when  young  (see  plate), 
but  when  full  grown  become  variously  dentate,  crenate,  sinuate,  or  cut-lobed. 
The  lateral  leaflets  are  unequal  at  the  base,  and  sessile,  the  terminal  one  larger 
and  situated  at  the  end  of  a  prolongation  of  the  common  petiole.  Iitflo7-esceiice 
loose,  slender,  axillary,  racemose  panicles.  Flowers  polygamous.  Fruit  glabrous, 
globose,  pale  brown  ;  tiutlct  somewhat  gibbous,  striate,  and  tuberculate. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Poison  Ivy  grows  in  thickets  and  low  grounds, 
quite  common  in  North  America,  flowering  in  June. 

Rhus  toxicodendron  was  introduced  into  England  as  a  plant  in  1640 ;  but  was 
not  used  as  a  medicine  until  1798,  when  Du  Fresnoy,  a  physician  at  Valenciennes, 
had  brought  to  his  notice  a  young  man  who  had  been  cured  of  an  herpetic  erup- 
tion [dartre^  on  his  wrist,  of  six  years'  standing,  on  being  accidentally  poisoned 
by  this  plant.  He  thereupon  commenced  the  use  of  this  plant  in  the  treatment  of 
obstinate  herpetic  eruptions,  and  in  palsy;  many  cases  of  eacn  yielding  nicely  to 
the  drug.*  Since  Du  Fresnoy's  success,  the  plant  has  rapidly  gained  a  place  in 
general  practice,  meeting  some  success  in  the  treatment  of  paralysis,  rheumatism, 
amaurosis,  and  various  forms  of  chronic  and  obstinate  eruptive  diseases. 

The  milky  juice  of  this  species  is  used  as  an  indelible  ink  for  marking  linen, 
and  as  an  ingredient  of  liquid  dressings  or  varnishes  for  finishing  boots  and  shoes. 


*  Des  caractires,  du  trailemtnt,  el  de  la  cure  des  dalres,  etc.,  par  F usage  du  Rhus  radicans. 


38-2 

I  an  certain,  however,  that  Rhus  venenata  is  more  extensively  used  for  the  latter 

purpose,  as  will  be  seen  from  my  experiences  detailed  under  that  drug. 

The  fresh  leaves  are  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.;  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medicas 
the  preparation  advised  is  Tinctnra  Rhus  Toxicodendron. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — On  account  of  the  care  necessary  in 
the  preparation  of  our  medicamentae,  it  is  an  absolute  necessity  that  we  should 
know,  without  a  chance  for  doubt,  the  exact  plant  that  we  use,  after  proving.  I 
have  therefore,  especially  in  this  case,  carefully  examined  into  the  relationship 
existing  between  R.  Toxicodendron  and  its  so-called  variety  radicans.  The  only 
differences  acknowledged  by  authors  are  as  follows : 


Ji.  toxicodendron,  L. 

Stem  erect. 

Height  of  growth  2  to  4  feet. 

Stem  devoid  of  rootlets. 

Leaves  trifoliate. 

Leaflets    variously    toothed    or   crenate,    smooth 


R.  mdiians,  L.* 

Stem  more  or  less  tortuous. 

Height  4  to  30  feet  or  more. 

Stem  profusely  studded  with  dark-colored  rootlets, 

by  which  it  clings  to  its  chosen  support. 
Same. 
Leaflets  entire,  or  slightly  dentate,  smooth  both 


above  and  slightly  pubescent  underneath.  |       sides. 

During  the  present  season  I  have  carefully  examined  a  great  number  of  indi- 
viduals in  this  and  adjoining  counties,  and  conclude,  as  the  result  of  my  observa- 
tions, that  an  individual  commencing  its  growth  as  toxicodendron  may  become 
radicans  if  proper  support  is  reached.  I  found  in  several  places  along  the  Chenango 
River,  both  forms  growing  from  the  same  root.  At  the  entrance  of  a  ravine  near 
Glenwood  Cemetery,  upon  the  outskirts  of  this  city,  is  the  plant  from  which  the 
accompanying  plate  was  made;  this  individual  is  radicans  in  its  mode  of  growth 
(climbing  about  9  feet  into  a  young  elm  tree),  but  it  bore  no  rootlets,  being 
supported  merely  by  the  shoots  of  the  elm  ;  its  foliage  answers  exactly  to  toxi- 
codendron. One  large  plant,  on  the  bank  of  the  Susquehanna  River,  below  the 
usual  high-water  mark,  has  all  the  characters  of  radicans  except  the  rootlets, 
and  grows  in  a  trailing  manner  along  the  bank  ;  passing  in  its  growth  four  excel- 
lent supports  :  /.  e.,  two  sturdy  elms,  one  sycamore,  and  a  large  stump  surrounded 
by  bushes.  It  is  said  that  the  two  forms  differ  in  their  place  of  growth,  toxicoden- 
dron choosing  open  places  and  radicans  shady  spots  ;  it  however  follows  as  a 
necessity  that  if  toxicodendron  is  radicans  when  it  climbs,  radicans  is  in  the  shade 
because  of  its  support. 

Many  other  far  more  competent  observers  than  myself,  have  doubted  the 
verity  of  the  distinctions  in  these  forms :  among  them  are  Michaux  and  Pursh, 
who  considered  them  merely  localisms,  and  Bigelow  states :  "  among  the  plants 
which  grow  around  Boston,  I  have  frequently  observed  individual  shoots  from  the 
same  stock,  having  the  characters  of  both  varieties.  I  have  also  observed  that 
young  plants  of  R.  radicatis  iT&(\u&nl\y  do  not  put  out  rooting  fibers  until  they  are 

*  Rhus  Toxicodendron,  vay.  radicans, Tortey;  Toxicodendron  vulgare,'lA\\\.;  Rhus  Toxicodendron, var.  a  7'ulgare, 
Michx. ;  Rhus  scandens,  Salisbury. 


38-3 

several  years  old,  and  that  they  seem,  in  this  respect,  to  be  considerably  influenced 
by  the  contiguity  of  supporting  objects." 

My  tinctures  of  both  forms  are  exactly  alike  in  physical  properties ;  portions 
of  each  yielded  the  same  amount  of  solid  extract  per  ounce,  after  evaporation  ; 
and  as  far  as  I  can  determine,  they  are  identical. 

The  bulk  of  our  guiding  symptoms  are  compiled  from  cases  of  poisoning, 
where  the  form  causing  the  effect  is  not  identified.  I  then,  in  the  light  of  all  this, 
would  suggest  that  our  tincture  be  made  as  follows  : 

Take  equal  parts  by  weight  of  fresh  leaves  of  each  form,  gathered  on  a  cloudy, 
sultry  day,  just  before  the  flowers  are  developed,  chop  and  pound  them  to  a  pulp, 
and  weigh,  treating  the  resulting  mass  as  in  the  preceding  species.  The  resulting 
tincture  should  have  a  dark  brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  and  will  give  off  no 
characteristic  odor;  it  will  have  a  biting  and  astringent  taste,  and  a  strong  acid 
reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— 7?/^(7/A?«;//f  Acid  Cj,H.,,0,,.  This  specific 
tannin  of  Rhus  is  a  yellowish-green,  gummy  mass,  having  a  slightly  bitter  and 
astringent  taste  and  an  acid  reaction  (Wittstein). 

Toxicodendric  Acid. — This  peculiar,  poisonous,  volatile  principle,  was  isolated 
from  this  plant  by  Prof.  Maisch.*  He  describes  it  as  resembling  both  formic 
and  acetic  acids  in  some  of  its  reactions,  but  distinguishable  in  its  failure  to  pro- 
duce a  red  color  with  neutral  ferric  salts. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  toxic  action  of  this  species  is  one  difficult 
to  explain.  The  first  noticeable  peculiarity  is  its  choice  of  victims,  many  persons 
being  entirely  devoid  of  response  to  its  influences,  many  others  peculiarly  suscep- 
tible. Out  of  ten  men  employed  to  "  clear  out  a  twelve-acre  lot  that  was  completely 
filled  with  poison  vine,  cat  briers,  and  brambles,  the  poison  vine  greatly  predomi- 
nating," four  only  escaped  poisoning.  "At  first  there  was  a  lively  fight  between 
the  poison  vine  and  the  men,  and  it  looked  as  if  the  former  would  get  the  better 
of  it ;  for  most  of  the  men  soon  began  to  show  signs  of  being  tired,  and  at  the 
end  of  the  fourth  day  six  of  the  men  were  flat  on  their  backs,  too  sick  for  any- 
thing." f  I  remember  one  illustration.  When  a  lad,  while  in  bathing  with  five 
others,  we  all  ran  a  race,  stark  naked,  through  the  underbrush  near  by,  passing  in 
and  out  through  a  clump  of  what  was  afterward  found  to  be  poison  ivy ;  two  of 
the  party  were  taken  ill  the  next  day  and  soon  developed  quite  serious  symptoms 
of  poisoning ;  all  the  others,  including  myself,  escaped. 

Another  peculiarity  is  that  in  many  cases  it  is  not  necessary  to  even  touch  the 
plant  to  be  severely  poisoned.  While  playing  croquet  one  sultry  day  in  June,  with 
a  young  lady  cousin,  she  struck  her  ball  with  sufficient  force  to  cause  it  to  roll 
underneath  a  clump  of  poison  ivy  that  grew  at  a  short  distance  from  the  edge  of 
the  lawn.  She,  knowing  her  susceptibility  to  the  poison,  carefully  reached  under 
the  vine  and  extracted  the  ball  without  touching  even  a  leaf.     During  the  evening 


*  Prot:.  Am.  Phar.  Assoc,  1865,  166.  f  ^«"»'  ^'M'  Yorker,  quoted  in  daily  press,  original  not  accessible. 


38-4 

of  the  same  day,  her  face  began  to  itch  and  burn,  and  in  the  night  it  swelled  to 
such  extent  that  the  eyes  were  not  only  closed,  but  the  lashes  even  were  lost  to 
view  in  the  swollen  countenance.  Nearly  two  weeks  elapsed  before  the  symptoms 
caused  by  this  exposure  entirely  subsided. 

A  third  peculiarity  is  that  the  plant  is  more  poisonous  during  the  night,  or  at 
any  time  in  June  and  July  when  the  sun  is  not  shining  upon  it.  Absence  of  sun- 
light, together  with  dampness,  seems  to  favor  the  exhalation  of  the  volatile  prin- 
ciple (Toxicodendric  Acid)  contained  in  the  leaves.  Of  this  Porcher  says:'''  "An 
acrimonious  vapor,  combined  with  carburetted  hydrogen,  exhales  from  a  growing 
plant  of  the  poison  oak  during  the  night.  It  can  be  collected  in  a  jar,  and  is  capable 
of  inflaming  and  blistering  the  skin  of  persons  of  excitable  constitution,  who  plunge 
their  arms  into  it." 

The  symptoms  caused  by  this  plant  are:  First,  redness  and  swelling  of  the 
affected  part,  with  intolerable  itching  and  burning,  followed  by  vertigo,  weariness, 
and  a  sort  of  intoxication.  Infiltration  of  the  face  and  eyes,  and  agglutination  of 
the  lids  after  sleep  ;  great  restlessness,  pain,  thirst,  and  fever.  The  surface  of  the 
skin,  after  a  time,  becomes  studded  with  confluent  bullae  where  the  cellular  tissue 
is  loose,  then  a  dermatitis  follows  resembling  erysipelas ;  this  may  spread  rapidly 
and  finally  communicate  to  the  mucous  membranes.  This  is  followed  by  swelling 
of  the  mouth  and  throat,  cough,  nausea,  and  vomiting.  Rheumatoid  pains  develop 
about  the  joints,  and  a  painful  stiffness  asserts  itself  in  the  lumbar  region,  while 
the  legs  and  arms  become  numb.  Confusion  of  mind  and  delirium  may  then  set 
in,  during  which  the  patient  may  become  so  ill-humored,  restless,  and  anxious, 
that  he  will  jump  out  of  bed.  The  concomitant  symptoms  are  inflammation  of  the 
eyes,  dilation  of  the  pupil,  weakness  of  vision,  and  sometimes  dilopia ;  frequent 
epistaxis  ;  brown  coated  tongue,  with  a  triangular  red  tip  ;  swelling  of  the  parotid 
glands,  with  difficult  deglutition  ;  griping  in  the  abdomen  ;  diarrhoea ;  profuse 
urination;  oppression  of  the  chest ;  rapid  pulse  ;  great  weakness,  weariness,  and 
prostration  ;  soreness  of  the  muscles,  worse  while  at  rest,  and  passing  off  when 
exercising;  sleepiness;  and  chilliness,  followed  by  fever  and  copious  sweat. 

There  are  almost  as  many  antidotes  recommended  for  Rhus  tox.  poisoning 
as  for  the  bite  of  the  rattlesnake.  Prominent,  however,  among  the  applications 
are :  alkaline  lotions,  especially  carbolate  of  soda,  alum-curd,  and  hyposulphite  of 
soda,  keeping  the  skin  constantly  moist  with  the  agent  in  solution ;  meanwhile 
administering  Bryonia,  Belladonna,  Apis,  Grindelia  robusta,  or  Verbena  urticifolia. 

Description  of  Plate  38. 

I.   End  of  flowering  branch,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  June  27th,  1884. 

2.  Outline  of  leaf. 

3.  Flower. 

4.  Calyx  and  pistil. 
(3  and  4  enlarged.) 

*  Resorc.  South.  Fields  and  Forests,  202. 


39. 


I  naidel.et  pinxt. 


7  8 

Rhus  Aromatica,  Ait. 


N.  ORD -ANACARDIACE^.  39 

Series.-LOBADIUM.  RAF. 

GENUS.— RHUS. 
SEX.  SVST.— PENTANDRI.\  TKIGVMA. 


RHUS  AROMATICA. 

FRAGRAJ^T  SUMACH. 

SYN.— RHUS  AROMATICA,  AIT.;  RHUS  CANADENSIS,  MARSH.;  RHUS 
SUAVEOLENS,  AIT.;  BETULA  TRIPHYLLA,  THUN.;  TURPINIA  PU- 
BESCENS,  AND  GLABRA,  AND  LOBADIUM  AROMATICUM,  RAF. 

COM.  NAMES.— FRAGRANT,  OR  SWEET-SCENTED  SUMACH,  STINK  BUSH, 
SKUNK  BUSH. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  BARK  OF  RHUS  AROMATICA,   AIT. 

Description. — This  strag^gling  but  very  pretty  bush  usually  grows  to  a  height 
of  about  4  feet.  Leaves  3-foliate,  slightly  sweet-scented ;  leaflets  rhombic-ovate, 
prominently  ribbed,  crenate  or  cut-toothed;  the  middle  leaflet  broadly  cuneate  at 
the  base,  and  narrowing  gradually  to  its  insertion  at  the  end  of  the  common 
petiole ;  all  sessile,  and  coriaceous  when  old.  hiflorescence  single  or  clustered, 
scaly  bracted,  catkin-like  spikes;  scales  reddish,  and  furnished  with  copious  hairs 
upon  the  border ;  flowers  polygamo-dioecious,  prefolial.  Hypogynous  disk  5-parted, 
large;  lodes  strongly  reniform,  the  hilum  of  each  almost  entirely  surrounding  the 
base  of  the  filament  inserted  under  it.  Fruit  similar  to  that  of  R/ms  glabra,  but 
somewhat  flattened  ;  nutlet  smooth,  depressed. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  least  poisonous  of  all  our  indigenous  species  of 
Rhus,  is  common  in  dry,  rocky  soils,  where  it  flowers  in  April  or  May,  before  the 
appearance  of  the  leaves.  It  is  the  finest  species  to  cultivate,  its  dense  foliage 
becoming  still  more  so,  and  the  leaves  enlarging  and  varying  beautifully.  It  was 
introduced  into  England  as  an  ornamental  shrub  in  1759. 

The  previous  medical  uses  of  the  berries  were  the  same  as  those  of  R.  glabra. 

This  fruit  is  termed  the  squaw-berry,  because  the  Indian  women  gather  large 
quantities,  which  are  dried  and  used  for  food.  The  berries  are  excessively  sour, 
but  very  much  used  while  fresh  during  the  summer  months;  when  macerated  they 
make  a  pleasant  drink.  The  wood  is  very  tough,  far  more  so  than  the  willow,  and 
is  used  by  the  Indians  in  Utah,  Arizona,  Southern  California,  and  New  Mexico  for 
making  into  baskets.  This  wood  exhales  a  peculiar  odor,  which  is  always  recog- 
nizable about  the  camps  of  these  Indians,  and  never  leaves  articles  made  from  it.* 


*  Dr.  Edward  Palmer  in  Am.  Nat.,  1878,  597. 


39-2 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  bark  of  the  root  is  treated 
as  in  the  preceding  species.  The  tincture  obtained  is  the  most  transparent  and 
lightest  in  color  of  all  the  species  of  Rhus  here  mentioned.  It  has  a  beautiful, 
clear,  crimson  color  by  transmitted  light ;  a  decidedly  terebinthic  odor ;  very  astrin- 
gent taste,  and  strong  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.—  Volatile  Oil.  This  body  has,  when  first  dis- 
tilled, the  disgusting  odor  of  bed-bugs ;  but  when  treated  with  ether  and  evapo- 
rated, it  acquires  a  pleasant  aroma  after  having  been  exposed  to  the  air  for 
twenty- four  hours. 

Beside  the  above,  Mr.  H.  W.  Harper*  determined  the  presence  of  gallo- 
tannin,  resin,  acid  resin,  fixed  oil,  and  a  red  coloring  matter. 

Description  of  Plate  39. 

1.  A  flowering  branch,  from  Lowmansville,  N.  Y.,  May  14th,  1884. 

2.  End  of  late  summer  branch,  showing  the  inflorescence  preparing  for  the  next  season. 

3.  Flower. 

4.  Petal. 

5.  Stamen  and  lobe  of  disk. 

6.  Pistil  and  hypogynous  disk. 

7.  Dormant  inflorescence. 

8.  Scale  of  same,  outer  face. 

9.  Scale  of  same,  inner  face. 

(3-9  enlarged.) 


*  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1881,  212. 


40 


w^ 


^ta.ailialiiel.elpi.<l    AmPE    '   LOPSIS  ■''•;  QuINQUEFOLIA,  Michx.  Q 


N.  ORD -VITACE^.  40 

GENUS— A  MPELOPSIS,*  MRHX. 
SEX.  SV.ST.-I'KNTANnKlA  MOXOGVNIA. 


AMPELOPSIS. 

MRGINIAN  CREEPER. 


SYN.-AMPELOPSIS  QUINQUEPOLIA.  MICHX.,  AMPELOPSIS  HEDEEA- 
CEA,  DC,  VITIS  QUINQUEPOLIA,  LAM.,  VITIS  HEDBRACEA,  WILLD., 
HEDERA  QUINQUEPOLIA,    LINN.,    CISSUS   HEDERACEA,  PERS. 

COM.  NAMES.-VIRGINIAN  CREEPER,  AMERICAN  IVY,  WOODBINE, 
PIVE-LEAVES,  PALSE  GRAPE,  WILD  WOOD-VINE. 


A  TIXCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  SHOOTS  AND  B.\RK  OF  AMPELOPSIS  QUINQUE- 
POLIA, MICHX. 

Description.— This  common  vine  is  familiar  to  all  residents  of  the  Northern 
United  States,  being  often  planted  as  a  porch  screen  on  account  of  its  rapid 
growth,  its  beautiful  shade  and  the  magnificence  of  its  autumnal  coloring.  The 
stem  is  extensively  climbing,  reaching  out  in  all  directions,  and  fastening  itself 
by  the  disk-like  appendages  of  the  tendrils  to  anything  that  will  give  it  support, 
thus  sometimes  reaching  a  great  height.  Leaves  long  petioled,  digitate,  smooth, 
with  five  oblong-lanceolate  coarsely  serrate  leaflets.  Flower  clusters  cyme-like, 
the  pedicels  angularly  jointed  and  somewhat  umbellate.  Flowers  small,  and 
perfect.  Calyx  entire,  crenate,  or  slightly  5-toothed.  Petals  5,  at  first  seemingly 
united,  then  becoming  distinct,  concave  and  thick,  expanding  and  reflexing  before 
they  fall.  Disk  none.  Stamens  5 ;  Jila?iients  slender ;  anthers  large,  oblong 
introrse.  Ovary  somewhat  lobed  at  the  base,  conical,  5-angled,  2-celled  ;  style 
short  or  wanting  ;  stigma  small  and  simple,  or  slightly  2-lobed.  Ovules  2  in  each 
cell  of  the  ovary  and  erect,  anatropous  from  its  base.  Fruit  a  dark  purplish  blue 
berry  Avhen  ripe,  about  the  size  of  a  pea.  Seeds  bony,  with  a  minute  embryo  at 
the  base. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  woody  climber  haunts  low  moist  grounds,  well 
supplied  with  trees  or  bushes,  often  making  the  bodies  of  elm  trees  grandly 
picturesque  by  its  dense  green  covering  of  their  trunks,  or  hanging  in  festoons 
from  blasted  trees,  and  covering  rocks  and  stumps  with  its  dense  verdure,  it 
renders  beautiful  everything  it  clings  to,  while  after  the  first  frosts  its  vividly 
brilliant  coloring  makes  one  of  the  mos^  striking  points  in  an  autumn  landscape. 
It  opens  its  yellowish  green  flowers,  few  at  a  time,  in  July  ;  the  berries  being  ripe 
in  October.     The  Virginian  Creeper  is  dreaded  by  many,  in  its  wild  state,  when 

*  u,ij;,\o;^  a  vine,  .mil  oii;,  appfaiatne. 


40-2 

without  support,  from  its  often  being  taken  for  poison  ivy,  to  which,  however, 
it  bears  no  resemblance,  except  perhaps  in  this  mode  of  growth.  This  indigenous 
vine  is  being  cultivated  in  Europe  much  as  the  European  ivy  is  here,  for  adorning 
walls.  Ampelopsis  is  not  mentioned  in  the  U.  S.  Ph. ;  in  the  Eclectic  Materia 
Medica  its  preparations  are  Dccoctum  ampelopsis,  and  Infusiini  ampelopsis. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  young  shoots  and  bark  are 
chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of 
alcohol  are  taken,  and  having  mixed  the  pulp  well  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  the 
rest  of  the  alcohol  is  added.  The  whole  is  then  stirred,  poured  into  a  well- 
stoppered  bottle  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

Having  separated  the  tincture  by  decanting,  straining,  and  filtering,  it 
presents  by  transmitted  light  a  slightly  brownish-red  color;  is  of  a  decided  sour, 
astringent  taste  and  has  a  strong  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— P)'rt7f«/tr////^*  C„  H„  O,,,  determined  by 
Gorup-Besanez  in  small  quantity  in  the  green  leaves.  This  body  crystallizes  in 
square  prisms  readily  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol. 

Cisso-Tannic  Acid,  Cj„  Hj.,  O,,  determined  by  Wittstein  in  the  autumnal 
colored  leaves  as  the  pigment  of  the  red  coloration  ;  it  is  liquid  at  ordinary  tem- 
peratures, and  has  an  astringent,  bitter  taste.  In  this  acid  as  a  sediment  is 
another  body  termed  by  this  author  insoluble  or  ehanged  cisso-taimic  acid 
(CjpH^gOjj),  insoluble  in  water,  soluble  in  alcohol.  It  exists  when  dry  as  a  dense 
dark-brown,  brittle,  shining  mass,  having  a  bitter,  acrid  taste. 

The  leaves  when  green  contain  also  free  tartaric  acid  and  its  salts,  with 
sodium  and  potassium. 

GlycoUic  Acid,  Q  H^  O ,,  and  Calcium  glycollate  (QH^Og)^  Ca,  exist  in  the 
ripe  berries.      (Schorlemmer.) 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Little  or  nothing  is  known  of  the  action  of  this 
drug  upon  man.  Mr.  Bernay,  however,  in  Pharm.  Jour,  and  Trans.,  vol.  vii.  1S76,  p. 
So,  reports  that  two  children,  aged  respectively  two  and  a  half  and  five  years,  after 
chewing  the  leaves  and  swallowing  the  juice  were  quickly  seized  with  vomiting 
and  purging,  with  tenesmus  ;  then  collapse,  sweating,  and  faint  pulse  ;  followed 
by  deep  sleep  for  two  hours,  from  which  a  return  of  the  vomiting  and  purging 
aroused  them.  The  pupils  were  dilated  and  remained  somewhat  so  four  hours 
after  the  commencement  of  the  attack. 

Description  of  Plate  40. 

I.   Flowering  spray,  from  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  June   17,  18S0. 

2.  Branch  showing  tendrils. 

3.  Flower  (enlarged). 

4.  Berries. 


*  Oxypbenic  .'Vcid, 


41. 


(plU.adnaf.del.et  pinxt 


RhAMNUS     CATHARTICUS.Linn. 


■Sfi^  *■ 


N.  ORD -RHAMNACE^.  41 

GF:NUS.— RH  AMNUS,*  TOURN. 
SKX.  SVST.— PENTANDKIA   MONOCVNIA. 


RHAMNUS  CATHARTICUS. 


BUCKTEORJf. 


SYN.— RHAMNUS  CATHARTICUS,   LINN.;   R.  SOLUTIVUS,   GER. ;    CBRVIS- 

PINA   CATHARTICA,  MCBNCH. 
COM.  NAMES.— PURGING  BUCKTHORN ;   (FR.)  NERPRUN,  BOURQUEPINE  ; 

(GER.)  WEGDORN,  KREUZDORN. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  RIPE  BERRIES  OF  RHAMNUS  CATHARTICUS,  LINN. 


Description. — This  dense-spreading-  shrub  or  small  tree  attains  a  growth  of 
from  6  to  12  feet.  Stem  erect;  bark  grayish;  braiicJdcts  numerous,  tipped  with  a 
sharp  spine.  Leaves  somewhat  opposite  or  sometimes  more  or  less  tufted,  oval, 
acuminate,  and  minutely  denticulate-serrate ;  veins  prominent  beneath,  and  arched 
in  a  direction  parallel  to  the  margin.  Inflorescaice  in  axillary  clusters  ;  y?<?zt:'^;'.f 
minute,  greenish-yellow,  polygamous  or  dioecious,  the  sterile  ones  with  ovate 
sepals  and  petals  and  an  abortive  ovary.  Calyx  urceolate,  4  to  5  cleft,  persistent; 
lobes  lanceolate;  torus  thin,  lining  the  tube.  Petals  4  to  5  small,  linear-oblong ; 
elates  short.  Stamens  short,  mostly  4,  rudimentary  in  the  fertile  flowers ;  filaments 
surrounded  by  the  corolla.  Ovary  free,  2  to  4  celled,  not  enclosed  in  the  torus; 
styles  2  to  4  distinct  or  more  or  less  united;  stigmas  4,  somewhat  club-shaped  or 
ligulate.  Fruit  an  ovoid,  berry-like  drupe  ;  nutlets  3  to  4,  seed-like,  cartilaginous ; 
seeds  grooved  on  the  back  and  rounded  at  the  sides,  a  horizontal  section  resem- 
bling the  face  of  a  horse's  hoof;  cotyledons  leaf-like,  the  edges  revolute. 

Rhamnaceae. — A  small  family  of  shrubs  or  small  trees,  often  with  thorny 
branchlets.  Leaves  mostly  alternate,  simple ;  stipules  small  or  obsolete.  Inflor- 
escence various ;  fiozuers  small  and  regular  (sometimes  apetalous,  or,  by  abortion, 
dioecious  or  polygamous)  ;  in  aestivation  the  sepals  are  valvate  and  the  petals  con- 
volute. Petals  clawed,  concave,  inserted  into  the  edge  of  a  fleshy  disk  lining  the 
short  tube  of  the  calyx.  Stamens  4  or  5,  perigynous,  as  many  as  the  sepals  and 
alternate  with  them.    Ovary  2  to  5  celled  ;  ovules  solitary,  anatropous ;  styles  more 

*  From  the  Celtic  ram,  branching. 


41-2 

or  less  united  ;  stigmas  2  to  5,  simple,  and  usually  distinct.  Frjiit  a  capsule,  drupe, 
or  berry  ;  seeds  erect,  one  in  each  cell ;  axil  none  ;  embryo  large  ;  cotyledons  broad  ; 
albumen  sparing  and  fleshy. 

This  family  furnishes  us  with  only  one  other  proven  plant,  viz. :  the  European 
Black  Alder  {Rhanimis  frangiila,  Linn.),  the  bark  of  which  is  a  mild  but  certain 
purgative,  useful  in  habitual  constipation. 

Among  the  other  plants  of  the  order  useful  to  medicine,  we  find  the  French 
Berry,  a  purgative  fruit  yielded  by  Rhamnns  ir.fectorius,  Linn.  The  fruit  of  the 
Indian  Zizyphus  osnophila,  Mill.,  is  eaten  by  the  natives,  who  consider  the  bark  a 
fine  vulnerary.  The  East  Indian  Z.  Jtijuba,  Lam.,  and  the  Persian  Z.  vulgaris 
yield  a  mucilaginous  juice  from  which  is  made  the  famous  Jujube  Paste,  esteemed 
for  the  manufacture  of  a  pleasant  pectoral  lozenge,  called  by  the  Erench  Pate'de 
Jujube  ;  the  Arabian  Z.  lotus  yields  a  berry  known  as  the  Lote ;  this  is  supposed 
to  be  the  true  Lotus  of  the  Lotophagi.  It  is  found  on  the  eastern  as  well  as  the 
western  extremity  of  the  African  desert,  and  is  described  by  Mr.  Park  as  small 
farinaceous  berries,  of  a  yellow  color  and  delicious  taste.  The  natives,  he  says, 
convert  them  into  a  sort  of  bread,  by  exposing  them  some  days  to  the  sun,  and 
afterwards  pounding  them  gently  in  a  wooden  mortar  until  the  farinaceous  part 
is  separated  from  the  stone.  The  meal  is  then  mixed  with  a  little  water,  and 
formed  into  cakes,  which,  when  dried  in  the  sun,  resemble  in  color  and  taste  the 
sweetest  gingerbread.  The  roots  of  the  North  American  Berchemia  volubilis, 
De  C,  are  claimed  to  be  a  useful  remedy  in  cachexias  and  an  antisyphilitic.  The 
twigs  of  the  New  Jersey  Tea  {Ceanothus  Americanus,  Linn.)  are  very  useful  on 
account  of  their  mild  astringency  as  an  injection  in  gonorrhoea,  gleet,  and  leu- 
corrhoea;  this  plant  is  now  being  proven  for  a  place  in  our  Materia  Medica.  The 
Mexican  Ceanothus  azurea,  Desf.,  is  considered  a  powerful  febrifuge ;  while  the 
Senegal  C.  discolor  is  a  useful  astringent  in  dysentery.  Hovenia  dulcis,  Don., 
enlarges  its  peduncles  in  fruit  to  such  extent,  and  they  become  so  sweet  and 
succulent,  that  the  Japanese  consider  them  a  rare  delicacy ;  they  are  said  to 
greatly  resemble  in  taste  a  Bergamot  pear. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Purging  Buckthorn  is  indigenous  to  Europe  and 
Northern  Asia,  from  whence  it  was  introduced  into  this  country  as  a  hedge-plant ; 
it  has  escaped  in  many  places  in  New  York  and  New  England,  where  it  flowers 
from  April  to  May,  according  to  the  season. 

The  medical  history  of  this  plant  extends  back  to  a  period  dating  from  before 
the  Norman  Conquest;  it  was  then  called  Waythorn  or  Hartsthorn.  In  the  13th 
century  Welsh  physicians  prescribed  the  juice  in  honey  as  a  mild  aperient  drink. 
In  Spain  it  is  referred  to  as  early  as  1305  ;  and  it  is  then  noted  by  all  writers  on 
medical  plants  during  the  i6th  century.  Buckthorn  first  appeared  in  the  London 
Pharmacopoeia  in  1650  ;  it  has  also  held  a  place  in  the  Pharmacopoeia  of  the  United 
States,  but  its  space  is  now  held  by  R.  frangida.  The  Purging  Buckthorn  has  now 
fallen  into  disuse  on  account  of  the  violence  of  its  action  and  the  resulting  severe 
irritation  of  the  bowels. 


41-3 
The  principal  uses  now  are  tiiose  of  economy,  the  juice  of  the  fresh  berries 
giving  a  saffron-colored  dye,  and  that  of  the  bark  a  beautiful  yellow.  A  fine  green 
pigment  for  water-coloring  is  made  by  the  French  from  the  ripe  berries  mixed  with 
alum  ;  this  color,  called  Vert  de  Vcssie,  or  sap-green,  has  been  used  as  the  principle 
for  most  of  the  foliage  of  the  plates  in  this  work. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh,  ripe  berries  are  pounded  to 
a  pulp,  sufficient  to  separate  them  from  the  nutlets,  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts 
by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of 
it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  The  whole  is  then  poured  into  a  well-stop- 
pered bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place,  being  shaken 
twice  a  day. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  pressing  and  filtering,  is  opaque  : 
in  thin  layers  it  exhibits  an  orange-red  color  by  transmitted  light ;  and  a  taste  at 
once  acid  and  astringent. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— /?/'«w;^(;r^?/'//«;-/'/;/.=^=  A  bitter,  brittle,  yellow- 
ish, amorphous  substance,  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol,  not  soluble  in  ether;  when 
fused  it  passes  into  a  thick,  yellow  oil. 

Rhamnin.f  C,.,Hj.,05  +  (n^O).,.^ — This  glucoside,  discovered  in  the  berries 
by  a  Pontoise  pharmacist  named  Fleury,  in  1840,  was  isolated,  named,  and  further 
studied  by  Lefort.§  Rhamnin,  when  pure,  forms  minute,  yellow,  translucent  tables, 
scarcely  soluble  in  cold  water,  soluble  in  hot  alcohol,  and  breaks  down  as  in  the 
next  body. 

Rhamnegine,  Cg^Hg^O,^. — This  second  glucoside  of  Lefort  is  in  all  respects, 
except  solubility,  identical  in  its  physical  and  chemical  properties  with  the  preced- 
ing. When  decomposed  by  heating  with  a  dilute  mineral  acid,  it  breaks  down  into 
a  crystallizable  sugar,  isomeric  with  mannite  and  rliavnictin,  Cj^Hj^Oj. 

Rhamnotannic  Acid. — This  tannin-like  body,  obta'ned  in  the  separation  of 
rhamnin,  results  as  a  greenish-yellowish,  amorphous,  friable,  bitter  mass,  soluble 
in  alcohol  and  insoluble  in  water. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  purgation  following  the  ingestion  of  the 
ripe  fruit  of  Rhamnus  calharticus  is,  in  almost  every  instance,  accompanied  by  con- 
siderable thirst,  dryness  of  the  mouth  and  throat,  and  severe  griping  pains  in  the 
abdomen.  A  case  is  reported]]  of  the  effects  of  eating  the  berries  by  a  lad;  the 
symptoms  were  as  follows  :  Eyes  glistening  and  injected  ;  lips  trembling  ;  a  simu- 
lation of  trismus;  the  abdomen  became  hard  and  distended;  colic;  diarrhoea; 
respiration  short  and  anxious ;  pulse  variable  ;  the  skin  was  at  one  time  warm, 
at  another   cold ;    the  boy  was  unable  to  rise,  could   not   walk,  and   seemed   to 


*  Oithartin.  f  Rhamneitne  (Gallatly,  1858);  Chrysorhamnine  (Scluitzeberger  and  Bertiche,  1865). 

X  C,|,HjjO,„  (Schutzenberger).  \  Jour,  de  Phar.,  i836,  p.  420.  ||  Leopold,  Casp.  Woch.,  1850. 


41-4 

endeavor  to  press  the  head  against  the  wall.     The  symptoms  all  showed  a  high 

state  of  irritation  of  the  alimentary  tract. 

Description  of  Plate  41. 

I.   End  of  a  fruiting  branch,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  July  17th,  1885. 

2.  Female  flower. 

3.  Section  of  ovary. 

4.  Male  flower. 

5.  Petal. 

6.  Stamen. 

7.  The  persistent  caly.x-tube. 

8.  Nutlet. 

g.   Horizontal  section  of  the  nutlet. 
(2-9  enlarged.) 


Y^'-TO.-Jilnatdel.etpinxt 


EUONYMUS  ATROPURPUREUS.Jacq 


N.  ORD.-CELASTRACE^.  42 

Tribe.-EUONYME/E. 

GENUS.— EUONYM  US,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SYST.— PENTANDRIA  MONOGVMA. 


EUONYMUS 
ATROPURPUREUS. 

WA-j-noo. 


SYN.— EUONYMUS  ATROPURPUREUS,   JACQ. ;    E.    CAROLINIENSIS,  AND   LATI- 

FOLIUS,  MARSH. 
COM.  NAMES.— WAHOO,   WAHOON,   BURNING  BUSH,    SPINDLE-TRBB,    INDIAN 

ARRO"W"-WOOD;    (FR.)  FUSAIN,  OU  BONNET  DE  PRETRE;   (GER.)  SPINDEL- 

BAUM. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  BARK  OF  EUONYMUS  ATROPURPUREUS,  JACQ. 

Description. — This  low  shrub  seldom  attains,  out  of  cultivation,  a  height  of  over 
lo  feet,  varying-  usually  from  6  to  lo.  Stem  erect;  branches  straight,  appearing 
more  or  less  terete  by  having  4  double,  white,  linear  ridges  upon  its  surface,  bark 
blotched  with  white  verrucose  spots  between  the  ridges.  Leaves  opposite,  thin, 
petioled  ;  oval-oblong,  acute  at  the  base,  and  pointed;  w^r^v'w  finely  serrate  ;  midrib 
prominent.  Inflorescence  loose,  few-flowered,  divaricate  cymes,  terminating  long, 
lateral  and  axillary,  drooping  peduncles,  ranged  along  the  young  shoots  of  the 
season  ;  flozvers  perfect,  their  parts  in  fours.  Calyx  short  and  flat ;  sepals  orbicular, 
spreading,  united  at  the  base.  Petals  broadly  ovate,  somewhat  acute,  spreading. 
Stamens  mounted  upon  the  angles  of  a  flat,  somewhat  quadrilateral  disk,  which  Is 
more  or  less  united  with  the  ovary  and  covers  its  superior  surface  ;  filaments  merely 
mamma-like  processes  of  the  disk  ;  anthers  appearing  sessile,  2-celled,  opening  by 
a  broad  transverse  chink  upon  their  upper  faces,  and  furnished  with  a  broad  dorsal 
connective.  Style  simply  a  central  projection  of  the  disk ;  stigma  hardly  evident. 
Frjiit-A.  smooth  deeply  four  lobed  and  celled,  locullcldal  capsule  ;  cells  2  to  3  seeded; 
seeds  elliptical,  ashy,  enveloped  by  a  red  aril. 

Celastraceae. — Shrubs  with  simple,  opposite  or  alternate  leaves;  stipu'es 
minute  caducous.  Flowers  small  and  regular  ;  (estivation  Imbricate.  Calyx  4  to  5 
lobed,  persistent.  Petals  plane,  as  many  as  the  sepals,  and  inserted  by  a  broad 
base  underneath  the  disk.  Statnens  as  many  as  the  petals  and  alternate  with 
them,  inserted  upon  a  disk  which  fills  the  calyx  cup  and  Is  sometimes  more  or  less 


*  Et,o..i,,i.j,  Euonyme,  the  mother  of  the  Furies;  or  iJ,  <•«,  well;  J""/"",  onoma,  named;  alluding  to  the  poisonous 
effects  of  the  plant  upon  cattle. 


42-2 

vinited  with  the  ovary.  Ovary  free  from  the  calyx ;  ovules  anatropous,  erect  or 
pendulous  ;  styles  united  into  one.  Fruit  a  2  to  5  celled  capsule  ;  seeds  arilled,  one 
or  few  to  each  cell,  enibyro  large,  cotyledons  faliaceous  ;  albumen  sarcous,  thin,  or 
sometimes  absent. 

The  only  proven  plant  of  this  order  is  the  European  Spindle  Tree  [Euouytnus 
Europo'us,  Linn. ),  the  properties  of  which  are  very  similar  to,  if  not  identical  with, 
the  species  under  consideration.  The  following  plants  of  the  family  are  more  or 
less  useful,  viz.:  The  common  Bittersweet,  or,  better,  Staff  Vine  {Cclastrus  scan- 
dens),  so  often  confounded,  by  the  laity,  with  Dulcamara,  has  orange-colored  fruit ; 
has  been  largely  used  in  domestic  practice,  as  an  alterative,  diuretic  and  cholagogue 
in  various  diseases  where  it  seemed  necessary  to  "cleanse  the  blood."  It  was 
considered  without  equal  for  the  removal  of  hepatic  obstruction.  The  Indian  C. 
paniculatus  is  considered  stimulant.  The  branches  of  the  Chilian  Ilfaytcnus  C/iil- 
ensis  are  used  in  decoction  by  the  natives  as  a  wash  for  the  swellings  produced  in 
those  who  have  rested  in  the  shade  of  the  Lithri  Tree.*  The  root-bark  of  the 
Indian  ElcBodendron  Roxbiirghii  is  used  by  the  natives,  in  decoction,  for  the 
reduction  of  almost  any  kind  of  swelling ;  and  the  African  Catha  edttlis  is  claimed 
to  be  used  by  the  Arabs  as  an  anti-somnolent  and  intoxicant.  Almost  all  the 
species  of  this  small  order  are  used  in  their  native  countries  to  subdue  inflamma- 
tion. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Wahoo  grows  in  moist,  open  woods,  or  along 
rivers  from  Western  New  York  to  Wisconsin,  and  southward.  It  flowers  at  the 
north  in  June  and  ripens  its  beautiful  fruit  in  October.  It  is  the  fiery  appearence 
of  the  fruiting  bush  after  the  leaves  have  fallen,  and  the  capsules  bursted,  and 
especially  when  contrasted  with  a  snow  background,  that  gives  it  an  appearance 
eminently  fitting  the  name  often  applied,  the  Burning  Bush. 

Especially  of  late  Wahoo  has  attracted  much  attention  in  medical  circles  as  a 
laxative  tonic,  alterative,  and  depurant  in  torpidity  of  the  liver;  also  as  a  remedy 
for  derangement  of  the  stomach  and  in  secondary  syphilis,  and  an  expectorant 
in  colds,  coughs  and  asthma.  It  needs,  however,  more  thorough  proving  to  deter- 
mine its  sphere  of  usefulness.  Mr.  Hardyman,  of  Cardiff,  statesf  that  he  has  used 
Euonymin  in  2  grain  doses  at  bedtime,  and  finds  it  of  much  value  in  hepatic 
obstruction,  needing,  however,  a  saline  purge  to  complete  its  usefulness.  When 
used  in  this  way  I  should  much  prefer  the  seeds  of  the  plant  to  salts  to  procure 
the  cathartic  action.  The  oil  of  the  seeds  has  been  used  both  in  this  country  and 
Europe  to  destroy  lice  {Pedictilus  Capitis,  Vesti)nenti,  and  Pubis). 

The  officinal  preparation  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  is  Extractuni  Euonyini. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  bark  of  the  twigs  and  root, 
of  the  wild  plant,  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two 
parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  and  after  thoroughly  mixing  the  pulp  with 
one-sixth  part  of  it,  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  is  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole 
well,  pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  let  it  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool 
place. 

*  Lithrea  causlicn  (Laurus  caustica),  Lauiacese.  f  The  practitioner  in  New  Rem.,  1880,  80. 


42-3 
The  tincture  separated  from  the  mass  by  pressing  and  filtering,  has  a  clear 
lemon-yellow  color  by  transmitted  light.    It  has  an  acrid  and  bitter  taste,  no  specific 
odor,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Bnofij'wm.  On  treating  the  tincture  with 
chloroform,  a  dark  substance  is  obtained  which  partly  dissolves  in  ether  as  a 
beautiful  yellow  resin.  The  insoluble  portion  dissolved  in  alcohol,  and  the  resin 
precipitated  by  plumbic  acetate,  the  menstruum  after  filtration  and  evaporation 
yields  a  neutral,  amorphous,  bitter  body  soluble  in  alcohol  and  sparingly  in  water.* 

Euonic  Acid. — This  acid  crystallizes  in  acicular  forms,  and  is  precipitablc  from 
its  solutions  by  plumbic  subacetate  (Wenzel). 

Resins,  gum,  sugar,  a  crystallizable  bitter  principle,  asparagin,  tartaric,  citric, 
and  malic  acids  were  also  extracted. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— In  large  doses  the  Wahoo  acts  as  a  drastic 
purge  attended  by  griping  and  followed  by  prostration  ;  the  discharges  being  sero- 
mucoid  with  an  admixture  of  bile.  It  promotes  the  biliary  functions  and  intestinal 
secretions,  increasing  capillary  circulation  generally. 

The  symptoms  noted  are :  deathly  nausea  ;  vertigo ;  e.xcessive  tormina  ; 
prostration  and  cold  sweat.  Profuse  and  violent  evacuation  of  the  bowels, 
accompanied  by  much  flatulence  and  colic.f 

Description  of  Plate  42. 

I.   Portion  of  a  flowering  branch,  Cincinnati,  O.,  June  17th,  1885. 

2.  End  of  branch. 

3.  Flower  showing  calyx. 

4.  Face  of  flower. 

5.  Section  of  flower. 

6.  Stamen. 

7.  Fruit. 

8  Horizontal  section  of  ovary. 
(3-8  enlarged.) 

*  Wenzel  in  Am.  jfour.  P/iar.,  1862,  312.  f  Hale,  Nnu  Remtdies,  293. 


^m.iii 


natdei.etpinxt 


/tSCULUS   HiPPOCACTANUM.Linn. 


N.  ORD -SAPINDACE^.  -  43 

Jribe.-HIPPOCASTAN£/E. 

GENUS— AESCULUS,*  LINN. 
SKX.  SV.ST.-IIK1'TANDRIA  MONOGVNIA. 


AESCULUS   HIPPO- 
CASTANUM. 

HORSE  CffESTJVUT. 


SYN.— AESCULUS  HIPPOCASTANUM,  LINN. ;  CASTANEA  FOLIO  MULTI- 
FIDO,  BAUH. ;  CASTANEA  EQUINA,  GER. ;  CASTANEA  PA  VINA. 

COM.  NAMES.— COMMON  HORSE  CHESTNUT,!  ASIATIC  HORSE  CHEST- 
NUT, BUCKEYE;!  (FR.)  MARRONNIER  D'INDE ;  (GER.)  ROSSKAS- 
TANIB. 


A   TINCTURE   OF   THE    FRESH,  RIPE,  HULLED    NUT  OF   AESCULUS    HIPPOCASTA- 
NUM, LINN. 


Description. — This  stately,  umbrageous  tree  usually  attains  a  growth  of 
about  60  feet  in  height,  and  50  feet  in  diameter  of  foliage.  Trunk  erect ;  ovate, 
and  smooth-barked  when  young;  oval,  tending  to  quadrilateral,  when  old;  bark 
of  the  full  grown  tree  greyish,  rough,  and  fissured  ;  inner  bark  smooth,  greenish- 
white,  tough,  fibrous,  astringent,  and  bitter;  ivood  light,  not  durable.  Leaves  op- 
posite, digitately  7-lobed  ;  leaflets  7,  obovate,  with  a  cuneate  base,  acute  tip,  and 
doubly-serrate  margin ;  straight-feather-veined,  early  deciduous.  Inflorescence 
dense,  pyramidal,  upright,  hyacinthine  thyrsi,  terminal  upon  the  shoots  of  the 
season  ;  flowers  many,  often  polygamous,  the  greater  proportion  of  them  sterile  ; 
pedicels  articulated.  Calyx  tubular  or  bell-shaped,  oblique  or  inflated  at  the  base ; 
limb  5-lobed.  Corolla  spreading,  white,  spotted  with  purple  and  yellow  ;  petals 
4-5,  usually  5,  more  or  less  unequal,  nearly  hypogynous,  clawed  and  undulate 
margined.  Stamens  6-8,  usually  7,  declined  ;  filaments  unequal,  awl-shaped,  long 
and  slender;  anthers  oval,  2-celled.  Ovary  owaite,  stipitate,  3- celled  ;  style  i,  fili- 
form ;  stigma  acute ;  ovules  2  in  each  cell.  Fruit  a  roundish,  echinate,  3-celled, 
3-valved  capsule,  splitting  into  3  dissepiments,  disclosing  1-2  full  formed,  some- 
what hemispherical  nuts,  and  sometimes  an  aborted  third ;  seed  a  large  amyla- 
ceous nut,  having  a  dense  shining  testa  marked  with  a  large  roundish  hilum  ;  coty- 
ledons thick,  sarcous,  cohering;  radicle  conical,  curved. 

SapindaceaB. — This  large  and  variable  order  is  chiefly  tropical,  especially  the 


♦  An  ancient  Latin  name.     The  Aesculus  of  the  Romans  was  a  kind  of  oak. 

t  Horses  are  said  to  eat  greedily  of  the  fruit,  and  the  Arabs  to  use  the  powdered  nuts  in  the  food  of  their  horses 
when  affected  with  puhnonary  disorders;  hence  the  vulgarism. 

X  From  a  resemblance  of  the  nut  to  the  eye  of  that  animal.   This  name  is  more  applicable  to  the  American  species. 


43-2 

typical  suborder,  of  which  the  genus  under  consideration  is  the  only  North  Ameri- 
can representative.  The  family  is  composed  of  trees,  shrubs,  or  tendril-bearing 
climbers,  showing  widely  different  characters  of  leaf,  flower,  and  fruit ;  and  in- 
cludes the  soap-berries,  bladder-nuts,  and  maples.  The  leaves  are  usually  alter- 
nate (Exc.  Aesculus),  simple  or  compound.  Flowers  mostly  irregular  and  un- 
symmetrical  ;  sepals  4-5,  imbricate  in  aestivation  ;  petals  4-5,  alternate  with  the 
sepals,  and  sometimes  wanting.  Disk  sarcous,  regular,  expanded,  or  glandular, 
protruding  between  the  petals  and  stamens.  Stamens  5-10,  perigynous  or  hypo- 
gynous  ;  filaments  free  or  cohering  at  their  bases  ;  anthei^s  introrse.  Ovary  2-3 
celled  and  lobed  ;  ovules  1-2  in  each  cell ;  style  simple,  or  2-3  cleft.  Fridt  a  cap- 
sule, samara,  or  fleshy  indehiscent  drupe;  embryo  curved  or  convolute  (Exc.  Sta- 
phylea)  ;  albumen  wanting. 

The  plants  that  are  of  particular  interest  to  us  in  this  family,  beside  the  two 
under  consideration  here,  are  ;  Guarana  or  Brazilian  Cocoa  [Patcllinja  sorbilis, 
Mart.),  and  the  Brazilian  timbo-szpo  [Panllinm  pinnata,  D.  C  ).  Economically  the 
berries  of  Sapindus  saponaria  and  the  bark  and  roots  of  other  species  are  used  in 
lieu  of  soap  in  cleansing  woollens.  The  genus  Paullinia  contains  many  species 
in  which  a  deleterious  narcotic  constituent  is  developed  in  the  juice  or  seeds  ;  the 
native  Brazilians  prepare  a  slow  but  potent  and  certain  poison  from  Patdlinia 
pinnata  ;  P.  australis  is  supposed  to  be  the  origin  of  a  venomous  honey  found  in  the 
Brazilian  woods ;  and  P.  curriiru  yields  an  arrow  poison  to  the  natives  of  Guiana, 
who  also  prepare  a  narcotic  intoxicating  drink  from  P.  cu'^ana.  The  products  of 
most  species  of  this  order  are  to  be  regarded  with  suspicion,  yet  the  Chinese 
Lee-chee  i^Nephelium  Lichti)  and  Longaii.  [Nephelium  Longan")  are  delicious  fruits  ; 
the  Brazilian  Fruta  de  Pavao  {Schmidelia  ediilis)  is  sweet  and  palatable  ;  and  the 
Jamaica  wing-leaved  honey-berry  [Melicocca  bijiigis)  edible,  sub-acid,  and  pleas- 
ant. The  berries  of  many  species  of  the  genus  Sapindus  are  edible,  though  the 
seeds,  used  by  the  natives  of  the  country  of  their  growth  to  poison  fish,  are  active 
narcotic  toxicants. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  horse  chestnut  is  a  native  of  Asia  ;  it  was  intro- 
duced into  Europe  about  the  middle  of  the  sixteenth  century  by  seed,  and  first 
cultivated  in  England  by  Tradescant  in  1633  ;*  after  this  its  growth  became  quite 
general,  as  the  tree  accommodates  itself  quickly  to  all  temperate  regions.  It  is 
one  of  our  first  trees  to  bud  in  the  spring,  and  flowers  in  April  and  May,  its  fruit 
being  fully  ripe  at  the  first  autumn  frost.  Being  one  of  our  most  dense  shade 
trees,  dark,  cool,  and  clean,  it  is  extensively  planted  in  the  yards  and  along  the 
streets  of  almost  every  American  city  and  village.  The  nuts  are  eaten  greedily 
by  horses,  sheep,  goats,  cows,  and  pigs,  and  form  an  excellent  fattening  food  for 
those  animals  when  prepared  in  such  a  manner  as  to  drive  off  the  acrimony.  This 
is  best  accomplished  by  boiling  them  in  potash  and  washing  them  with  water. 
Germination,  however,  renders  them  pleasant  food  through  change  of  the  bitter 
principles  to  saccharine,  a  result  similar  to  that  produced  in  malting  barley.     The 


43-3 

nuts  are  said  to  yield  a  starch  of  finer  quality  than  that  of  any  cereal  (Parmen- 
tier)  ;  paste  made  of  the  powdered  nuts  is  claimed  to  be  very  tenacious  and  not 
attacked  by  moths  and  vermin  ;  the  saponaceous  property  of  the  seeds,  when 
used  in  lieu  of  soap,  is  highly  esteemed  in  cleaning  and  fulling  woollens,  espe- 
cially in  France  and  Switzerland  (Marcandier).  The  nuts  of  Aesctdus  Californica 
are  largely  used  by  the  natives  of  that  State  for  making  into  bread,  after  remov- 
ing the  bitterness  by  freely  washing  the  powdered  cotyledons.  The  fruit  of  Ae. 
pavia  is  used  by  the  Aborigines  for  stupefying  fish  ;  this  species  is  so  common  in 
Ohio  that  it  has  become  an  emblem,  and  given  rise  to  the  sobriquet  "  Buckeye 
State." 

The  use  of  Cortex  hippocastani  dates  from  the  writings  of  Matthiolus.'"  In 
Europe  it  was  put  forward,  especially  by  Zannichelli,  as  an  efficient  remedy  for  in- 
termittent fevers  of  various  types  ;  this  use  has  been  upheld  by  many  able  medi- 
cal writers,  from  whose  works  it  would  appear  equal  if  not  superior  at  that  time  to 
Peruvian  bark.  The  usual  dose  given  was  from  one  to  four  scruples  of  the 
powder,  repeated  from  two  to  six  times  in  twenty-four  hours  ;  this  use  seems  never 
to  have  extended  to  England  or  America.  The  bark  and  nuts  were  introduced 
into  the  Edinburgh  College  with  a  view  to  their  errhine  power ;  it  being  known 
that  insufflation  of  the  powder  caused  violent  sneezing,  it  was  recommended  for 
the  purpose  of  producing  or  promoting  nasal  discharge. 

In  this  country,  especially  among  the  laity,  the  nuts  have  been  greatly  es- 
teemed as  a  remedy  for  hemorrhoids  and  rheumatism,  used  either  as  a  decoction 
or  as  a  salve  prepared  with  lard.  So  great  is  the  faith  of  many  people  afflicted 
with  either  of  these  diseased  conditions,  that  they  carry  a  few  nuts  in  their 
pockets  from  season  to  season,  fully  confident  that  the  disorder  is  warded  off  by 
this  means.f  In  Europe  the  oil  procured  by  means  of  ether  is  used  largely  in 
neuralgia  and  rheumatism.  An  infusion  of  the  bark  or  nuts  is  said  to  act  favor- 
ably in  the  healing  of  indolent  and  gangrenous  ulcers.  The  testa  of  the  nuts  is 
narcotic  ;  according  to  Dr.  McDowell  lo  grains  are  equal  to  3  grains  of  opium. 

Aesculus  is  not  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  nor  has  it  an  officinal  preparation  in 
the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica,  though  used — especially  as  an  extract — under  the 
name  Aesculin. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh,  ripe,  hulled  nut  is  pounded 
to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp 
mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added. 
After  stirring  the  whole  well,  and  pouring  it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  it  is  al- 
lowed to  stand  at  least  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  the  mass  by  filtration,  has  a  clear  brownish- 
orange  color  by  transmitted  light;  no  characteristic  odor;  an  extremely  bitter, 
acrid,  and  astringent  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction.  An  amylaceous  deposit  takes 
place  on  standing,  which,  being  of  no  value  to  the  preparation,  may  be  filtered  off. 

*  Epist.  Medicinal,  op.  omn.  p.  lOl,  125. 

t  I  know  at  present  many  who  indulge  in  this  practice  who  ha\-e  been  suflTercrs,  and  they  are  really  free  from 
the  disease  while  carrying  the  nuts.  This  should  not  seem  a  fallacy,  lo  us  as  homcvopathists,  in  cases  where  Aesculus 
is  indicated. 


43-4 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Aescu/m,  C.,^  H^,  O^^  +  H,0.  This  aromatic 
crlucoside  exists  in  the  bark  of  many  trees  of  the  genera  Pavia  and  Aesculiis.  It 
crystallizes  in  fine,  snowy  needles  and  globules,  which  lose  their  water  of  crystalli- 
zation and  fuse  at  160°  (320°  F.),  decomposing  at  higher  temperatures.  They 
are  soluble  in  both  hot  and  cold  water  and  in  alcohol,  their  solutions  exhibiting  a 
fine  light-blue  fluorescence.  Boiling  with  dilute  mineral  acids  decomposes  this 
body  into  glucose  and 

Aesculetin,  Q  H^  O^,  another  glucoside,  which  also  exists  in  a  free  state  in  the 
bark.  This  body  is  only  sparingly  soluble  in  water,  and  crystallizes  in  bitter 
needles,  which  break  down  under  the  action  of  boiling  potash  into  formic,  oxalic, 
and  protocatechinic  acids. 

Faviin,  Q^  H^  O.^^.  This  glucoside  is  considered  identical  with  fraxin,  and 
will  be  found  described  under  Fraxinus  Americana,  137. 

Oil  of  Aesculus.  This  oil  is  readily  obtained  from  the  nuts  of  this  species  by 
etherial  extraction.  It  resultsas  a  beautiful  yellow  liquid,  congealing  at  1°  (33.8°  F.), 
and  becoming  solid  at— 5°  (23°  F.). 

Quercitriii,  C^  Hg^  O..  This  coloring  matter  of  quercitron,  occurs  in  the  testa 
of  the  nut,*  and  in  the  flowers. 

Aesculetinic  acid  is  one  of  the  resultants  of  a  still  farther  decomposition  taking 
place  in  glucose  and  aesculetin  when  they  are  decomposition  products  of  the  ac- 
tion of  baryta  water  upon  aesculin. 

Aescinic  acid*  This  amorphous  body  is  a  decomposition  product  of  aphro- 
daescin  when  boiled  with  liquor  potassa. 

Argyraescin.  This  acrid,  amorphous  glucoside  was  discovered  by  Rochelder 
in  1862  as  a  constituent  of  the  seed.  It  is  soluble  in  alcohol  and  water  ;  a  watery 
solution  forming  a  soapy  foam  on  agitation.     This  body  together  with 

Aphrodaescin*  another  acrid,  amorphous  principle,  having  the  same  proper- 
ties of  solubility  and  saponification,  and  breaking  down  under  the  action  of  a  con- 
centrated mineral  acid  into  sugar  and  aescigenin*  so  markedly  resemble  saponin 
that  a  question  arises  as  to  whether  they  are  specific  principles,  or  are  to  be  con- 
sidered together  as 

Saponin,  Cg^  H^^  Oj^.  This  peculiar  glucoside,  existing  in  the  roots  of  Sapo- 
naria  officinalis,  many  species  of  Lych7iis,-\  Polygala  Senega,\  Gypsophila  Stru- 
thiuni\  Lucuma  glycyphleza,\\  Monninia  polystachya^  Quillaja  SapoJiaria**  and 
many  other  plants,  including  ferns  ;  has,  before  the  observation  of  Rochelder,  been 
accounted  a  principle  of  the  nuts  of  this  plant.  It  is  a  white,  amorphous,  sternu- 
tatory powder,  having  at  first  a  sweetish,  then  a  pungent  and  lastingly  acrid  taste. 
It  is  readily  soluble  in  water,  the  solution  frothing  like  that  of  soap  on  agitation, 
and  is  resolved  under  the  action  of  concentrated  hydrochloric  acid  into  an  amor- 
phous sugar  and  sapogenin. 

Although  our  tincture  is  made  of  the  nuclei  of  the  nuts  only,  still  it  would 
seem  as  if  the  bitterness,  astringency,  and  acrimony  present,  were  due  to  all  or 
nearly  all  of  the  above  constituents  found  in  the  bark. 

*  Rochelder.       f  Gilhagin.       \  Senegin,  Polygalin.      \  Strulliiin.       I|   Monesin.       \  Monninin.      **  Quillajin 


43-5 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Wc  have  no  accessible  accounts  of  poisonings 
by  this  drui^,  still  the  provings,  being  made  with  goodly  sized  doses  of  the  tinc- 
ture, are  sutificient  to  give  us  an  insight  into  the  physiological  action.  Aesculus 
hippocastanum  causes  inflamniation  of  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  respiratory 
and  digestive  tracts,  and  especially  of  the  rectum  ;  this  is  shown  in  the  following 
list  of  symptoms:  Dryness,  heat,  burning  and  swelling  of  the  mucous  membranes 
of  the  nose,  larynx,  and  trachea,  with  a  subsequent  copious  catarrhal  discharge; 
the  same  symptoms  prevail  in  the  mouth  and  oesophagus,  followed  by  profuse 
ptyalism  and  mucous  tlischarge  :  the  tongue  becomes  coated  with  a  thick  white  or 
yellow  fur,  and  feels  as  if  scalded  ;  the  throat  becomes  congested,  raw,  and  burn- 
ing, followed  by  a  sense  of  constriction,  and  renders  deglutition  painful  and  diffi- 
cult. Constant  burning  in  the  stomach  and  epigastrium,  followed  by  nausea,  retch- 
ing, and  violent  vomiting,  with  great  tenderness  and  colic  throughout  the  abdomen, 
are  markedly  present.  Severe  dryness,  burning,  and  soreness  of  th(;  rectum,  with 
prolapse,  and  sufficient  inflammation  of  the  hemorrhoidal  veins  to  result  in  purple 
tumors,  indicate  the  severity  of  the  action  of  the  drug  in  this  locality.  Ineffectual 
efforts  at  stool,  with  great  urging,  and  constant  severe  pain  in  the  lumbar  region, 
extending  to  the  hips  and  sacrum,  are  constant  syniptoms  of  the  drug.  Its  action 
upon  the  liver  and  portal  system  is  marked  by  severe  congestion,  and  attendant 
burning,  constrictive  pains  and  deep  soreness.  The  provings,  however,  fail  to 
substantiate  its  previous  use  in  intermittent  fever  and  neuralgia  ;  its  lebrile  symp- 
toms being  only  slight,  and  its  pains,  other  than  those  referable  to  the  alimentary 
tract,  slight  and  not  characteristic  of  nerve  irritation. 

Deslripiion  ok  Plate  43. 

I.  Eiul  of  flowering  branch  from  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  June  4,  1880. 
2.  A  medium-size  leaf. 
J.  Flower. 

4.  Stamen. 

5.  Nut. 

(3  and  4  slightly  enlarged.) 


44. 


/ 


■"}^\t 


\ 


Ae.  Hippo<  cistaauni.. 


it? 


r4^ 


'^'    ^  -^ 


k 


V"        ■•'      •'"'•« 


Ae.   i'lav'i 


^m.ad 


naldel.elpinxt 


A'esculus   Glabra, wiiid. 


N.  ORD-SAPINDACE^.  44 

Tribe.-HIPPOCASTANE/E. 

GENUS.— /ESC  ULUS. 

SEX.  SVST.— HEPTANDRIA  MONOGVNIA. 


^SCULUS   GLABRA 

BUCKEYE. 


SYN.— ^SCULUS  GLABRA  AND  PALLIDA, WILLD. ;  ^.  ECHINATA,  MUHL. ; 
M.  OHIOBNSIS  AND  MACROSTACHYA,  MICHX. ;  PA  VIA  GLABRA  AND 
PALLIDA,  SPACH. ;  P.  ALBA,  POIR. ;  P.  MACROSTACHYA,  LOIS.;  MAC- 
ROTHYRSUS  DISCOLOR,  SPACH. 

COM.  NAMES.  — OHIO  BUCKEYE,  FETID  BUCKEYE,  SMOOTH  HORSE- 
CHESTNUT. 


A  TINCTURE   UF  THE  FRESH   NUT  OF  .•ESCULUS  GLABRA,  WILLD. 

Description. — This  species  differs  from  the  preceding  in  the  following  par- 
ticulars ;  Bark  exhaling  a  very  unpleasant  odor,  similar  to  that  of  the  flowers  of 
the  preceding.  Leaf  small,  smooth  ;  leaflets  5,  ovate-lanceolate,  acute,  and  finely 
serrate.  Inflorescence  smaller  and  more  cymose ;  floioers  small,  pale  yellow,  nar- 
rowly tubular-campanulate,  polygamous.  Petals  only  4,  upright,  not  reflexed. 
Stamens  curved,  not  declined ;  filaments  filiform,  long-hairy.  Fniit  echinulate 
with  very  short  pyramidal  points. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Buckeye  is  indigenous  to  the  United  States,  where 
it  ranges  from  Western  Pennsylvania  and  \'irginia  to  Michigan,  Indiana,  and  Ken- 
tucky ;  it  habits  the  rich  alluvial  soil  along  the  bottom-lands  of  the  Ohio  River  and 
the  streams  feeding  it,  and  blossoms  in  June. 

The  previous  uses  of  this  species  are  almost  identical  with  those  of /E.  Hip- 
pocastanum,  though  not  so  extensive,  as  its  qualities  are  more  toxic,  and  were,  on 
that  account,  dreaded. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh-hulled  nut  is  treated  as  in 
the  preceding  species.  The  resulting  tincture  has  a  clear  amber  color  by  trans- 
mitted light;  a  honey-like  odor;  a  slightly  bitter  and  pungent  taste;  and  an  acid 
reaction. 

.•lisculus  glabra  should  be  more  thoroughly  proven,  as  its  symptoms  cover  a 
larger  therapeutic  field  than  its  congener.  The  tincture  for  this  further  proving 
should  include  the  nut-shells  and  bark  as  well  as  the  kernels  :  a  larger  scope 
would  undoubtedly  be  covered  by  such  a  preparation. 


44-2 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — So  far  as  we  are  able  to  ascertain,  no  special 
analysis  of  this  species  has  been  made  that  determines  its  individuality ;  we  can 
therefore  do  no  better  than  refer  to  the  preceding  species. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  principal  proving  of  this  remedy  is  that 
recorded  by  Prof.  E.  M.  Hale,*  who  claims  its  sphere  of  action  to  be  an  irritant 
of  the  cerebro-spinal  system  and  the  alimentary  tract.  The  symptoms  prominent  in 
his  record  are  :  Confusion  of  mind,  vertigo,  stupefaction  and  coma ;  dimness  of 
vision  ;  thickness  of  speech  ;  nausea  and  vomiting ;  eyes  fixed  and  expressionless  ; 
paresis  of  the  tongue  ;  tympanitic  distension  of  the  stomach  with  cramp-like  pains  ; 
constipation,  with  hard  knotty  stools ;  lameness  and  weakness  of  the  lumbar 
region  ;  and  spasms  and  convulsions,  followed  by  wryneck,  episthotonos  and 
paralysis. 

Description  of  Pl.^te  44.7 

1.  A  leaf. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Stamen. 

4.  Anther. 

5.  Fruit. 
(2-4  enlarged.) 


*  New  Remedies,  1877,  p.  19  (Symptomatology). 

f  The  fruits  of  .^.  Hippocastanum  and  flava  are  added  for  comparison. 


45. 


(^in.adnat.del.etpinxt 


POLYGALA    Senega, Linn. 


N.  ORD-POLYGALACE^.  45 

GENUS.— POL  VGA  LA,*  TOURN. 

SEX.  SV.ST.— DI.Vnr.l.l'llIA  DCTANDRI.V. 


SENEGA. 

SEJ^ECA  SJVAKEROOT. 

SYN.-POLYGALA  SENEGA,  LINN.;  P.  VIRGINIAN  A,  LEM.;  PLANTULA 
MARILANDICA,  RAIL;   SENEGA  OFFICINALIS,  SPACH. 

COM.  NAMES.  — SENECA,  SENEKA,  OR  SENEGA  SNAKEROOT,  MILK- 
WORT, MOUNTAIN  FLAX;  (FR.)  POLYGALE  DE  VIRGINIE;  (GER.) 
SENEGAWURZEL. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  DRIED  ROOT  OF  POLYGALA  SENEGA,  LINN. 

Description. — Roolstock  thick,  hard,  knotty,  and  sometimes  slightly  branched. 
Stems  several,  simple,  tough  and  wiry,  from  6  to  1 2  inches  high.  Leaves  alternate, 
sessile,  lanceolate  or  oblong-lanceolate,  acute  at  both  ends;  margins  rough;  stipuics 
none.  Inflorescence  a  solitary,  loose,  terminal  spike  ;  flowers  small,  greenish-white, 
almost  sessile,  and  very  irregular.  Calyx  persistent;  sepals  5,  arranged  in  two  sets 
as  to  form ;  the  outer  set,  composed  of  3,  are  small,  acute,  lanceolate,  and  green- 
ish ;  the  inner  set,  of  2,  are  large,  broad,  orbicular,  concave,  slightly  veiny  bodies, 
called  ales,  enclosing  the  petals.  Petals  3,  hypogynous,  connected  and  united  with 
the  stamen-tube  ;  the  middle  or  lower  one  keel-shaped,  and  short-crested  along  the 
back  ;  the  two  lateral  oblong,  blunt,  and  veiny.  Stamens  8,  enclosed  by  the  lower 
petal;  filaments  united  below  into  two  bundles  of  4  each;  anthers  small,  i-celled, 
and  opening  by  a  pore  at  the  apex.  Ovary  laterally  compressed,  2-celled  by  a 
transverse  partition  ;  ovules  anatropous,  pendulous,  one  in  each  cell.  Style  large, 
inflated,  and  curved  above,  greatly  resembling  in  form  a  pipe  thrust  into  the  sum- 
mit of  the  ovary ;  stigma  a  fringe-like  appendage  to  the  upper  margin  of  the 
bowl-like  enlargement  of  the  style.  Fruit  a  small,  2-celled  capsule,  flattened 
contrary  to  the  partition,  and  partly  enclosed  by  the  persistent  calyx  ;  deliiscence 
loculicidal.  Seeds  black,  hairy,  with  a  white  caruncle  extending  the  length  of  the 
seed  ;  etnhryo  straight,  axial ;  albumen  scanty. 

PolygalacesB. — This  small  family  is  represented  in  North  America  by  3  genera, 
comprising  45  species,  of  which  40  belong  to  the  typical  genus  Polygala.  This 
natural  order  is  characterized  as  follows :  Herbs  or  shrubby  plants  having  roots 
furnished  with  a  bitter,  milky  juice.  Leaves  mosdy  alternate  and  entire;  stipules 
absent.  Flotoers  very  irregular,  hypogynous,  and  pseudopapilionaceous ;  calyx 
consisting  of  5   very  irregular  sepals,   the  odd  one  superior  (Exc.    Krameria). 

*  UoXi;, polus,  much;  yaXa,gala,  milk;  as  some  species  were  supposed  to  increase  this  secretion. 


45-2 

Stamens  4  to  8,  monadelphous  or  diadelphous ;  anthers  innate,  i -celled,  opening 
at  the  top  by  a  pore  or  chink.  Style  curved  and  hooded.  Friiit  a  2-celled  and 
2-seeded  capsule. 

The  only  remedy  furnished  to  our  Materia  Medica  by  this  order,  beside  Senega, 
is  the  Peruvian  or  Red  Ratanhia  {Krameria  triandra,  R.  et  Pav.),  for  which  many 
other  species  are  often  substituted  in  general  medicine,  viz. :  the  Mexican  and 
Brazilian  Savanilla  or  Violet  Ratanhia  (A'.  Ixina,  Linn.)  ;  the  Para  or  Brown 
Rhatany  [K.  argentca.  Mart.)  ;  the  North  American  K.  lanccolata,  Torr. ;  the 
Texan  K.  secuiidiflora,  D.  C  ;  and  the  Chilian  K.  cistoidea,  Hook.  The  genus 
Polygala  furnishes  many  plants  noted  as  tonics,  alexiterics,  cathartics,  and  dia- 
phoretics, notable  amongst  them  being  the  North  American  P.  sanquinea,  L. ;  the 
E^uropean  P.  amara,  L.,  and  rubella,  Muhl.  ;  the  Austrian  P.  chamcebtixus,  L.  ; 
the  British  P.  vulgaris,  L.  ;  and  the  Nepaul  P.  crotalarioidcs,  D.  C.  The  Brazilian 
P.  Poaya,  L.,  is  strongly  emetic  when  fresh,  and  is  considered  scarcely  inferior  in 
its  action  to  Ipecacuanha  ;  while  the  Javanese  P.  venenosa,  Juss.,  is  so  dreaded  as 
a  virulent  poison  that  the  natives  refuse  to  touch  it.  The  East  Indian  Soulamea 
amara,  D.  C,  is  a  valuable  febrifuge,  used  with  marked  success  in  pleurisy  and 
Asiatic  cholera ;  and  Bardiera  diversifolia  is  considered  an  energetic  diuretic  and 
sudorific.  The  Peruvian  astringents,  termed  by  the  natives  Zallhoy,  derived  from 
Monninia  polystachia,  petrocarpa,  and  salicifolia,  R.  et  Pav.,  are  excellent  anti- 
dysenteries,  and,  on  account  of  the  saponin-like  body,  monfiinin,  contained  in  them, 
are  also  used  as  detergents  and  dentifrices. 

History  and  Habitat. — Senega  Snakeroot  is  indigenous  to  North  America, 
growing  in  rocky  soils,  from  New  England  northwest  to  the  Saskatchewan  River 
and  thence  southward.     It  flowers  in  May  and  June. 

About  the  year  i  735,  John  Tennent,  a  Scotch  physician,  noted  that  the  Seneca 
Indians  obtained  excellent  effects  from  a  certain  plant,  as  a  remedy  for  the  bite  of 
the  rattlesnake ;  after  considerable  painstaking  and  much  bribing,  he  was  shown 
the  roots  and  given  to  understand  that  what  is  now  known  to  be  Seneca  Snake- 
root  was  the  agent  used.  Noting,  then,  that  the  symptoms  ot  the  bite  were  similar 
in  some  respects  to  those  of  pleurisy  and  the  latter  stages  of  peripneumonia,  he 
conceived  the  idea  of  using  this  root  also  in  those  diseases.  His  success  was  such 
that  he  wrote  to  Dr.  Mead,  of  London,  the  results  of  his  experiments.*  His  epistle 
was  printed  at  Edinburgh  in  1738,  and  the  new  drug  favorably  received  through- 
out Europe,  and  cultivated  in  England  in  1 739.  The  action  of  Seneka  was  claimed 
to  be  that  of  a  stimulating  expectorant,  thus  claiming  usage  in  the  latter  stages  of 
croup,  pneumonia,  humid  asthma  in  the  aged,  etc. ;  also,  when  pushed  to  diuresis 
and  diaphoresis,  it  was  found  valuable  in  rheumatism,  anasarca  from  rehal  troubles, 
amenorrhoea,  dysmenorrhoea,  and  kindred  complaints.  Among  the  German  physi- 
cians Seneka  received  praise  in  the  treatment  of  ophthalmia  after  the  inflammatory 
period  had  passed  ;  and  was  claimed  by  Dr.  Ammon  to  prevent  the  formation  of 
cataract,  and  promote  the  formation  of  pus  in  hypopyon.    The  use  of  Seneka  against 

*  Tennent,  Epist.  to  Dr.  Richard  Mead  concerning  the  Epidemical  Diseases  of  Virginia,  etc. 


45-3 

the  poisonous  effects  of  rattlesnake  bit<,'s,  and  those  of  rabid  animals  (Barton),  is 
not  warranted  by  the  results  so  far  gained,  at  least  in  civilized  practice. 

Seneka  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Phar.  as :  Abstracium  Senegce,  Extracliim 
Senega  Fluidtim,  Syrupiis  SenegcB,  and  Syrupics  Scillcs  Composilus'^'  In  the 
Eclectic  Materia  Medica  the  preparations  are :  Infusorum  Senegcs  and  Tinclura 
Lands  Compost  (a. ^ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  dried  root,  gathered  when  the 
leaves  are  dead,  and  before  the  first  frost,  is  coarsely  powdered  and  covered  with 
five  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol,  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allowed 
to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  moderately  warm  place,  being  shaken  twice  a  day. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  decanting  and  filtering,  has  a  clear, 
slightly  brownish,  orange  color  by  transmitted  light,  an  odor  greatly  resembling 
sweet  cider,  at  first  an  aromatic  then  bitterish  and  chokingly  acrid  taste,  and  an 
acid  reaction.  After  tasting  the  tincture  or  chewing  the  rootlets,  a  very  peculiar 
sensation  of  acridity  and  enlargement  is  felt  at  the  root  of  the  tongue,  which,  once 
recognized,  will  always  mentally  associate  itself  with  this  plant. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— /'tf/j'^'^/zV  AcidX  C,„H,,0„.  This  peculiar 
body,  existing  principally  in  the  rootlets,  was  discovered  by  M.  Peschier,  and  more 
thoroughly  studied,  fifteen  years  later,  by  Ouevenne,§  who  isolated  it  as  a  white, 
odorless,  acrid,  amorphous  powder.  This  acid  has  not  yet  been  proven  to  be 
characteristically  different  from  the  general  characters  of  various  specific  forms  of 
saponin,  though  it  has  been  carefully  studied  by  many  organic  chemists,  among  whom 
are  Gehlin,  Procter,  Dulong,  Bucholz,  Bolley,  Christophsohn,  Schneider,  Fentulle, 
Folchi  and  others.  The  stubbornness  of  this  body  in  resisting  the  action  of  sol- 
vents and  reagents  without  changing  form  completely  renders  it,  like  trilliiic,  very 
difficult  to  comprehend.  Polygalic  acid,  when  superheated  upon  platinum  foil, 
bursts  into  a  bright  flame  and  leaves  no  residue;  it  dissolves  thoroughly  in  hot 
water,  and  remains  in  solution  ;  it  dissolves  also  in  boiling  absolute  alcohol,  but 
deposits  again  on  cooling;  on  evaporating  its  watery  solution  without  stirring,  it 
is  deposited  in  greenish  scales.  This  acid  forms  a  frothing,  saponaceous  solution 
in  boiling  water;  breaks  down  under  the  action  of  dilute  mineral  acids  into  sapo- 
gcnin  and  amorphous  sugar;  and  has  prominent  acridity  and  sternutatory  power; 
— all  of  which  prompted  Gehlin  to  give  it  the  name  of  ScnLgin}^  Christophsohn, 
Bolley,  Schneider,  and  Bucholz  regard  the  acid  as  identical  with  Saponin.  The 
physiological  action  of  Senega  would  also  tend  to  prove  at  least  a  similarity 
between  this  acid  and  Saponin. 

Virgineic  Acid. — This  still  doubtful  body  exists,  according  to  Quevenne,  in 
the  fixed  oil   of  the  root. 

*  Squills,  .Seneka,  Tartar  Emetic,  and  Calcium  Phosphate. 

■f-  Tamarac  bark,  Juniper  berries,  Prickly  Ash  bark.  Wild  Cherry  bark,  Seneca  Snakeroot,  Tansy,  and  Podophyllum. 

\  Senegin ;  Polygalin. 

\  Jour,  de  Phar.,  1836,  449. 

II  Berlin  Jahrsbuch,  1804,  112. 


45-4 

Polygalin. — The  body  termed  thus  by  Peschier  is  now  deemed  to  be  simply 
the  volatile  oil  of  Dulong*  and  other  analysts. 

Isolusin. — A  doubtful  bitter  principle  isolated  by  Peschier;  and 

Oil  of  Senega.t — A  bitter,  rancid,  disagreeable,  reddish-brown  body,  having 
the  consistency  of  syrup,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — In  doses  of  from  lo  minims  of  the  tincture  to  a 
scruple  of  the  powdered  root,  Seneka  causes :  anxiousness,  with  heaviness  and 
dullness  of  the  head  and  vertigo  ;  aching  and  weakness  of  the  eyes,  with  lachry- 
mation,  pressure  in  the  ball,  flickerings,  dazzling  vision,  and  contracted  pupils; 
sneezing ;  pytalism ;  inflammation  of  the  fauces  and  oesophagus,  with  constric- 
tion ;  thirst  and  anorexia ;  nausea ;  mucous  vomiting ;  burning  in  the  stomach ; 
cutting  colic;  copious,  thin,  watery  stools;  profuse  urination,  with  burning,  scald- 
ing, and  sticking  pains  along  the  urethra,  and  frothing  urine;  roughness  and  irri- 
tation of  the  larynx,  with  orgasm  of  blood  to  the  chest,  accompanied  by  constriction, 
aching,  soreness,  and  oppression;  general  debility;  restless  sleep;  and  profuse 
diaphoresis. 

From  these  symptoms,  it  will  be  noted  that  Seneka  acts  quite  similarly  to 
Saponin,  causing,  like  it,  a  paresis  of  the  muscles  of  the  respiratory  tract,  the  termi- 
nal filaments  of  the  vagus,  inhibitory  centres,  accelerator  nerves,  and  the  vaso- 
motor system  in  general,  resulting  in  capillary  congestions,  followed  by  rapid 
exosmosis. 

Description  of  Plate  45. 

1.  Whole  plant,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  June  7th,  1S85. 

2.  The  calyx  from  below. 

3.  The  face  of  a  flower. 

4.  Middle  petal,  showing  the  crest,  hood,  and  stamens. 

5.  Petal  and  stamen. 

6.  Pistil. 

7.  Section  of  ovary. 

8.  Capsule. 

9.  Section  of  same. 

lo.  Seed,  showing  caruncle. 
II  and  12.  Sections  of  same. 
13.  Plan  of  flower. 

(2-13  enlarged.) 

*  Jour,  de  Phar.,  1S37,  567.  f  Not  Seneca  Oil. 


46. 


a 


(i/.Ifl..adnat(lel.etpinxt. 


GENISTA  TlNCT6RIA,Linr 


N.  ORD-LEGUMINOS^.  46 

Thbe.-GENISTE/E. 

GENUS.— GENISTA,*  I.INN. 
SEX.  SYST.— MONADEI.l'HIA  DECANDRI.V. 


GENISTA. 


DYER'S  BROOM. 


SYN.— GENISTA  TINCTORIA,  LINN. 

COM.   NAMES.— DYER'S   BROOM,    GREENWOOD,    DYER'S    GRBBN-WEBD, 

WOAD-  OR  WOOD-WAXEN,  WHIN;    (PR.)  GENET  DES  TEINTUIERsi 

(QER.)  PARBEGINSTBR. 


A  TINCTURE   OF  THE   WHOLE    FRESH    PLANT   GENISTA   TINCTORIA,    LINN. 


Description. — This  thornless,  perennial,  shrubby  plant  grows  to  a  height  of  a 
foot  or  more.  Stc?}i  erect;  brancJics  numerous,  terete-angled,  the  younger  ones 
erect.  Leaves  alternate,  simple,  lanceolate,  nearly  smooth,  and  sessile.  Inflores- 
cence a  terminal  spiked  raceme ;  floxuers  yellow,  nearly  sessile,  bracted.  Calyx 
2-lipped,  the  upper  2-parted,  the  lower  3-toothed ;  lobes  5,  acute,  pointed.  Corolla 
perigynous,  papilionaceous  ;  petals  5,  as  follows  :  vexilhim  or  standard  straight, 
oblong-oval,  spreading,  superior  to  and  partly  enclosing  the  other  petals ;  alee  or 
wings  1,  oblique,  spatulate  with  a  straight  claw,  and  exterior  to  the  two  lower 
petals  ;  carina  or  keel  oblong,  straight,  deflexed,  claws  curved,  composed  of  two 
connivant  petals  coherent  by  their  anterior  edges  and  enclosing  the  essential 
organs;  cestivation  imbricate.  Stamejis  10,  monadelphous  ;  Ji  laments  inserted  with 
the  petals  upon  the  base  of  the  calyx  ;  sheath  entire  ;  anthers  of  two  forms,  the 
alternate  ones  shorter.  Ovary  i -celled.  Pod  flat,  continuous,  smooth.  Seeds 
several ;  cotyledons  large,  sarcous  ;  radicle  incurved. 

Leguminosae. — This  immense  family  of  herbs,  shrubs,  and  trees,  growing  in 
every  part  of  the  world,  from  the  equator  to  the  frigid  zones,  is  represented  in 
North  America  alone  by  78  genera,  having,  in  all,  791  species  and  122  recognized 
varieties.  The  general  features  of  this  order  are:  Leaves  alternate,  usually  com- 
pound, mostly  entire  ;  stipules  present.  Flowers  papilionaceous  or  regular,  hypo- 
gynous.  Sepals  5,  more  or  less  combined,  with  the  odd  sepal  inferior  in  its  relation 
to  the  bract.  Petals  5,  the  odd  one  superior,  i.  e.,  next  the  axis  of  inflorescence. 
Stametts  5,  10,  or  many  ;  fllaments  monadelphous,  diadelphous,  or  in  rare  instances 
distinct.  Pistil  single,  simple,  and  free  ;  o-vary  solitary  and  simple,  free  from  the 
calyx.     Fruit  a  legume  ;  seeds  various  ;  albumen  mostly  wanting. 

To  give  the  materia-medicist  a  better  idea  of  phyto-grouping,  I  shall  mention 

*  Celtic  ^.f»,  a  small  bush. 


46-2 

somewhat  extensively  the  numerous  medical  and  oeconomical  products  furnished 
by  this  magnificent  family,  though  to  specify  all  would  fill  a  volume,  extending  as 
they  do  from  some  of  our  most  esculent  vegetables  through  almost  all  the  neces- 
sities of  man  to  many  narcotico-acrid  poisons.  The  species  proven  and  established 
as  curative  agents  in  the  Homoeopathic  Materia  Medica,  are,  beside  the  eight 
represented  in  this  work :  Copiava,  the  oleoresin  of  Copaifera  multijuga,  Hayne, 
and  many  other  South  American  species  of  the  genus,  prominent  among  which 
are :  C.  officinalis,  Linn.  ;  C.  bijuga^  Hayne ;  C.  Langsdorfii,  Desf. ;  C.  coriacea, 
Mart. ;  and  C.  Guianensis,  Desf. ;  the  Cochin-China  Derris  pinnata,  Linn. ;  the 
irritating  Cowitch  gathered  from  the  pods  of  Dolichos  {Mticuna)  purietis,  Linn., 
which  grows  in  both  the  Elast  and  West  Indies  ;  the  Central  American  Logwood, 
the  heart  of  Hcematoxyloti  Campechianum,  Linn. ;  the  Brazilian  Barba  de  boi, 
called  by  Mure  Hedysariim  ildefonsianum,  but  more  probably,  from  his  descrip- 
tion, the  H.  lagocephalum  of  Link.  ;  Indigo  or  Indigotin,  a  blue  coloring-matter 
extracted  from  different  species  of  the  genus  Indigofcra,  growing  in  India,  Africa, 
and  South  America,  principally,  however,  from  Indigo/era  tinctoria,  Linn.,  /. 
ani/,  Linn.,  and  /.  argentea,  Linn. ;  an  inferior  quality  of  this  substance  is  also 
obtainable  from  Isa/is  tinctoria  (Cruciferse) ;  Polygonum  ti^ictorium  (Polygonaceae) ; 
Ncrinm  tinctoriini  (Apocynaceae)  ;  Baptisia  tinctoria ;  Tephrosia  apollinea ;  and 
several  minor  plants  ;  Laburnum,  a  South  European  poisonous  tree,  Cyticus  La- 
burnum, Linn. ;  Lathyrus,  the  European  Chickling  vetch,  Lathyrus  sativus,  Linn.  ; 
Mim. ;  the  Brazilian  Mimosa  humilis,  Willd. ;  the  powerful  Calabar  Bean,  the  state 
poison  of  Old  Calabar,  in  Western  Africa,  P hysostigma  venetiosum,  Balf. ;  Jamaica 
Dogwood  [Piscidia  crythrina,  Linn.),  which  produced  in  Mr.  Hamilton  such  sud- 
den and  powerful  sleep  that  the  glass  from  which  a  drachm  of  the  tincture  had 
been  taken  remained  for  twelve  hours  in  his  hand;*  the  Alexandrian  Senna,  the 
well-known  anthelmintic,  consisting  of  the  dried  leaves  of  Cassia  obovata.  Coll., 
C.  aculifolia,  Del.,  and  C.  lanceolata.  Lam. ;  Tongo,  the  Tonka  Bean,  the  odorous 
fruit  of  the  Guianlan  Dipteryx  (Coumarouna)  odorata,  Willd. ;  the  Californian 
Astragalus  Menziesii,  Gray;  the  Guianian  Erythrophlcsum  Guinense,  G.  Don;  and 
the  Brazilian  Cabbage  Tree  Geoffroya  [Andira)  verttiifuga,  Mart. 

In  the  pharmacopoeias  of  the  United  States,  Great  Britain,  Germany,  India, 
etc.,  and  in  general  secondary  lists  we  find  more  or  less  prominent  the  following 
members  of  this  order:  The  European  Broom  {Cytisus,  Genista,  scoparius,  Link), 
a  renovvTied  diuretic,  emetic,  and  purgative,  which  has  long  enjoyed  a  popular 
reputation  in  dropsical  affections,  though  contraindicated  in  all  acute  renal  troubles; 
it  contains  a  body  of  the  tannic-acid  group,  termed  scoparin  (C^^H^aOjJ  to  which 
its  diuretic  qualities  are  due,  and  an  oily,  narcotico-poisonous,  volatile  alkaloid, 
sparteine  (Cj^H^jN),  which  resembles,  chemically,  nicotia  and  conia  in  having  no 
oxygen.  The  Oriental  Fenugreek  {Trigonella  Fcetmm-grcecum,  Linn.),  whose 
fatty  seeds  are  largely  used  in  veterinary  practice,  mostly  as  a  vehicle  for  drugs. 
The  common  Liquorice,  a  product  of  several  varieties  of  Glycyrrhiza  glabra,  Linn., 
growing  along  both  shores  of  the  Mediterranean  and  in  Asia,  can  hardly  be  classed 
as  a  medicine,  but  rather  as  an  adjunct  to  prescriptions.    The  Bengal  Kino  or  Dhak, 

*  Pharm.  Jour.,  1 845,  p.  76. 


46-3 

the  inspissated  juice  of  tlie  Iinlian  Bulca  /nvidosa,  KcL-nig,  is  considered  to  be  a 
good  substitute  for  the  officinal  Kino;  the  seeds  form  a  Mohammedan  vermifuge 
of  consiilerable  repute.  Kino,  noted  as  an  astringent  application  to  indolent  ulcers, 
and  internally  as  a  remedy  in  diarrhiea  and  pyrosis,  is  the  inspissated  juice  of  two 
species  of  the  genus  Ph-rocarpus,  as  follows :  Malabar  Kino,  from  /'.  7}iarstipi2im, 
D.C,  African  Kino,  from  P.  crinaccus,  Poir. ;  other  kinos  are  used,  produced  by 
plants  outside  of  this  family.  Balsam  of  Peru,  a  well-known  astringent,  used  to 
check  excessive  discharges  from  mucous  surfaces,  as  in  leucorrhoea,  gonorrhoea, 
and  gleet,  and  internally  in  asthma  and  bronchitis  as  an  expectorant,  is  the  resinous 
exudation  of  the  Central  American  Toiui/cra  Pereira,  Baill.  Balsam  of  Tolu  is 
the  resinous  exudation  of  the  South  American  Toliiifcra  balsannim,  Linn.;  it  forms 
one  of  the  most  useful  stimulant  expectorants,  and  components  of  cough-candies, 
of  the  day;  the  tropical  Bonduc  Seeds,  the  fruit  of  Ccesalpuiia  Bonducella,  Roxb., 
are  used  in  India  as  a  tonic  and  antiperiodic  in  general  debility  and  intermittent 
fevers.  The  Cassias  used,  other  than  those  previously  mentioned,  are :  the  Asiatic 
Indian  Laburnum  {Cassia  Fisiii/a,  Linn.),  a  noted  purgative  or  mild  laxative,  accord- 
ing as  the  dose  is  large  or  small ;  the  American  Wild  Senna  {Cassia  Marila)idica, 
Linn.),  a  cathartic,  whose  action  often  causes  severe  griping;  and  Tinnivelly  Senna 
{Cassia  augustifolia,  Vahl.),  which  is  considered  a  safe  and  brisk  purgative.  The 
active  principle  of  the  sennas  (cathartic  acid)  seems  to  be  eliminated  by  digestion, 
and  to  pass  into  mother's  milk  in  an  active  state,  as  babes  are  often  purposely  or 
accidentally  purged  by  the  nurse's  use  of  senna  leaves.  The  well-known  laxative 
refrigerants.  East  and  West  Indian  and  Egyptian  Tamarinds,  are  the  fruits  of 
Tamarindits  Iiidica,  Linn.  Cutch  or  Catechu,  a  product  of  the  Indian  Acacia 
Catechu,  \^\}\6..,  is  used,  like  "pale  catechu,"  as  an  astringent,  useful  in  chronic 
dysentery  and  diarrhoea,  as  well  as  in  speaker's  aphonia  and  passive  hemorrhages. 
The  root  of  the  Mediterranean  Antliyilis  Hcrviannice,  Linn.,  is  a  powerful  diuretic; 
and  A.  viilneraria,  Linn.,  is  an  excellent  styptic.  The  seeds  of  the  Indian  Psoralia 
corylifolia,  Linn.,  are  considered  stomachic  and  deobstruent.  The  root  of  the  East 
and  West  Indian  Clitoria  tcrnatea,  Linn.,  is  emetic ;  while  that  of  the  Circassian 
Pueraria  tube7'0sa,  D.C  ,  is  employed  by  the  natives  to  reduce  swellings  of  joints ; 
and  that  of  the  New  Zealand  Tephrosia  purpurea,  Pers.,  is  tonic  and  antidyspeptic. 
The  bark  of  the  Indian  Agati  grandiflora,  Desv.,  is  a  powerfully  bitter  tonic.  The 
leaves  of  the  South  European  Bladder  Senna  {Colntea  arborcscens,  Linn  ),  are  pur- 
gative, and  used  as  an  adulteration  of  senna;  while  those  of  Corouilla  Evicrus, 
Linn.,  and  C.  varia,  Linn.,  have  a  similar  property,  the  latter  being  considered  also 
diuretic  and  even  poisonous.  The  leaves  of  the  European  Ar/hrolobium  scorpioides, 
D.C,  are  vesicant ;  and  the  roots  of  the  Indian  Ormocarpiim  sentioides,  D.C, 
tonic  and  stimulant.  The  leaves  of  the  East  Indian  Phaseolus  trilobus,  Willd.,  are 
considered  by  Hindoo  practitioners  to  be  sedative,  antibilious,  and  tonic.  The 
Guadeloupe  Dragon's  Blood,  an  exudation  of  Pterocarpiis  Draco,  Linn.,  was  once 
used  as  a  substitute  for  the  true  commercial  article,*  as  an  astringent  in  dysentery. 
Rumph  states  that  the  roots  of  the  Molucca  Ccesalpinia  Nuga,  Ait.,  are  useful  in 


*  Resir.a  Draconis,  from  Calamus  Draco,  Willd.  (Palmae) ;    another  siil>stilute  for  which  was  claimed  in  the  exuda- 
tion of  the  Canary  Island  Drcatena  Draco,  Linn.  (Liliaceae). 


46-4 

calculous  and  kidney  complaints.  The  root  of  the  East  Indian  Flower  Fence 
[Poinciaiia  pulclicrrinia,  Linn.),  is  claimed  by  Schomburgh  to  be  an  acrid  poison, 
and  the  leaves  and  flowers  as  having  been  used  in  decoction  as  a  successful 
remedy  against  the  fevers  of  Tortcola ;  while  Macfadyen  claims  them  to  be  a 
powerful  emmenagogue,  even  to  abortion.  Jatahy,  the  resin  of  the  Jamaica  Hy- 
nieiiacs  Courbaril,  Linn.,  is  employed,  according  to  Martius,  as  a  remedy  for  obsti- 
nate coughs  and  incipient  phthisis  with  hematic  sputa;  while  Gum  Animi,  from  the 
same  species,  is  employed  like  a  pastile  for  fumigation  in  asthma.  Lignaloes,  a 
fragrant  product  of  disease  in  the  Cochin-China  Eaglewood,  Alcexyloii  Agallo- 
chum,  Lour.,  is  said  by  Loureiro  to  be  an  astringent  useful  in  preventing  vomiting 
and  easing  diarrhoea  ;  its  perfume  is  also  claimed  to  be  useful  against  paralysis 
and  vertigo.  Two  astringents — the  first  acrid  and  the  second  diuretic — are  found 
in  the  West  Indian  Mimosa  fragi folia,  Linn.,  and  M.  Unguis,  Linn.  The  Javanese 
Ejicliresta  Horsficldii  is  esteemed  by  the  natives  as  an  antidote  to  poisons  of  any 
description.  The  roots  of  the  North  American  Turkey  pea  {Tcphrosia  Vii-giniatia, 
Pers.)  are  purgative,  and  were  greatly  esteemed  by  the  Aborigines  as  an  anthel- 
mintic; and  the  roots  of  the  Chinese  Robinia  antara  are  powerfully  bitter  and 
astringent;  while  R.  Jiava,  of  the  same  country,  is  used  as  a  febrifuge.  This  glance 
at  a  few  of  the  medicinal  plants  of  the  order  shows  a  general  stimulant,  tonic,  and 
astringent  line  of  action  to  prevail. 

Many  virulent  poisons  are  lound  in  this  order,  principal  among  which  are: 
The  seeds  of  the  European  Bitter  Vetch  (  Vicia  crvilia,  Willd.)  are  said  by  M. 
Virey  to  be  poisonous,  and  cause  a  weakness  of  the  limbs  when  eaten  mixed  with 
flour,  in  bread,  and  to  cause  horses  to  become  almost  paralytic  ;  Christison  claims 
that  flour  containing  the  ground  seeds  of  Lathyrus  Cicera,  Linn.,  is  also  poisonous. 
The  roots  of  the  East  Indian  Pliaseohis  radiahis,  Linn.,  are  said  by  Royle  to  be  a 
narcotic-poison.  The  powdered  bark  of  Robinia  viaciilala  is  used  in  Campeachy 
as  a  poison  for  rodents.  The  violet  seeds  of  the  European  Anagyris  fa'tida,  Linn., 
are  said- to  have  poisonous  properties  similar  to  those  of  laburnum.  The  branch- 
lets  of  the  Jamaica  TepJirosia  toxicaria,  Pers.,  are  used  by  the  natives  to  stupefy 
fish  ;  this  poison  is  said  to  act  immediately,  and  to  somewhat  resemble  digitalis  in 
its  effects.  The  blue  flowers  of  the  West  Indian  Sabinca  Jiorida,  D.C.,  are  con- 
sidered poisonous — a  property  probably  due  to  their  indigo. 

Many  valuable  gums  are  produced  either  as  natural  exudations,  as  a  result 
of  insect  depredations,  or  are  intimately  held  in  the  wood-cells  of  many  species. 
Principal  among  them  are:  the  Gum  Arabics,  derived  as  follows:  Kordofan  or 
White  Sennaar  Gum,  as  well  as  Senegal  Gum,  are  produced  by  Acacia  Senegal^ 
Willd. ;  Suakin  or  Talha  Gum,  hy  A.  stcnocarpa,  Hoch.,  and  A.  Seyal,  van  Fislida  ; 
Morocco  or  Brown  Barbary  Gum,  supposedly  by  A.  Arabica,  Willd.  ;  Cape  Gum, 
by  A.  horrida,  Willd.  ;  East  India  Gum,  by  A.  Arabica  and  other  species  ;  Austra- 
lian Gum,  by  various  species,  principally  A.  pycantha,  Benth. ;  and  Red  Gum,  by 
the  Senegal  A.  Adansonii,  Guill.  Gum  Sassa  is  a  product  of  the  Abyssinian  Aca- 
cia Sassa,  Willd.  The  Oriental  Tragacanth,  of  varied  utility,  is  produced  by 
Astragalus  gnmmifer,  Labi. 

Among  the  many  food-products,  our  attention  is  first  called  to  the  beans  and 
pease — the  first  of  which  will  be  found  described  under  Phaseolus  vulgaris,  page 


46-5 

51,  et  scq.;  our  common  garden  pea  is  derived  from  Pisnvi  sativum,  Linn.,  whose 
native  country  is  extremely  doubtful.  The  Asiatic  Lentil,  the  seed  of  Lens  escu- 
lenta,  Moen.,  is  well  known  as  a  food  ;  and  it  was  for  an  indigestible  mess  of  these 
that  Esau  is  said  to  have  sold  his  birthright  to  his  brother  Jacob.  It  is  the  opinion 
of  many  writers  on  Egyptology  that  tiie  Camel's  Thorn  {Alhagi  3fanronim,Tourn  ), 
which  e.xudes  a  sweet  substance  that  may  be  gathered  by  merely  shaking  the 
branches,  was  the  manna  that  is  said  to  have  nourished  the  children  of  Israel  while 
in  the  wilderness.  The  unripe  seeds  of  the  common  European  Laihyriis  Apliaca, 
while  still  young  and  tender,  are  claimed  to  be  a  useful  substitute  for  our  garden 
pease  ;  yet,  according  to  Lindley,  they  are  narcotic  when  ripe,  and  if  eaten  then 
produce  excessive  headache;  Dutch  Mice,  the  tuberous  roots  of  the  same  species, 
are  amylaceous,  and  eaten  in  Holland.  The  fruit  of  the  Caspian  Vicia  Faba,  Linn., 
is  eaten  young,  as  in  the  last-mentioned  species,  but  the  roots  are  a  narcotic 
poison.  Johannisbrod,  so  greatly  esteemed  in  Germany,  is  the  pulp  of  the  fruit 
of  the  Syrian  Ceratonia  Siliqria,  Linn.*  The  tropical  oil,  ground,  or  peanut,  the 
fruit  o{  Arachis  hypoo(ea,  Linn. — which  so  strangely  ripens  under  the  ground  after 
flowering  at  some  distance  above  it — furnishes  an  oil  not  inferior  to  that  from 
the  olive,  which  is  used  largely  to  adulterate  table  oils.  The  fruits  are  too  well 
known  as  an  article  of  commerce  to  need  description.  The  "cake,"  formed  after 
pressing  out  the  oil  from  the  nuts,  is  very  digestible,  and  should  be  more  exten- 
sively used  as  a  flesh-forming  food  for  cattle. 

Among  the  many  food-products  of  the  North  American  Indians  derived  from 
this  order  we  find :  the  Prairie  Potato  or  Bread-root  {Psora/ca  esculcnta),  greatly 
esteemed  by  the  Sioux,  who  use  this  root  extensively  under  the  name  of  tip-sin- 
nah.  It  is  of  a  sweetish,  turnip-like  taste,  is  often  cut  in  thin  slices  and  dried  for 
winter  use,  and  when  pulverized  forms  a  light,  starchy  flour;  it  is  very  palatable, 
however  prepared. 

Another  so-called  wild  potato,  or  ground-nut  of  the  .Siou.x — the  true  pommc- 
de-tcrrc  of  the  French — is  afforded  by  Apios  tubcrosa,  and  is  largely  used  as  an 
article  of  diet. 

Bur  Clover  {Mcdicago  lupulina)  produces  an  abundance  of  seed,  much 
relished  by  the  Indians.  The  Indian  pop-pea,  the  fruit  of  several  species  of  the 
genus  Astragalus,  is  highly  valued,  when  boiled,  by  the  Indians  of  the  Western 
Territories.  The  Screw  bean  [Strombocarpus  pubcscens),  although  insipid  until 
quite  dry,  is  no  sooner  ripe  than  it  becomes  very  sweet  and  palatable,  and  is  con- 
sidered a  superb  article  of  diet  by  the  Indians  along  the  Colorado  River,  who 
collect  with  assiduity  all  they  can  store  for  winter  use.  When  ground  it  is  made 
into  sun-baked  bread,  like  the  next.  The  fruit  of  the  Mesquite  {Prosopsis  juliflora) 
is  an  important  article  of  food  for  many  Indian  tribes;  the  pods,  with  their  seeds, 
are  pounded  into  a  coarse  meal,  mixed  into  doughy  cakes  with  water,  and  baked 
in  the  sun,  after  which  they  keep  for  long  periods.  This  bread-cake  is  very  sweet 
and  nutritious.-j- 

Many  leguminose  plants  afford  e.xcellent  dyes,  principal  among  which  are 
indigo  and  logwood,  both  of  which  have  been  mentioned;  further  than  these  we 

*  Johanniskraut  is  Hypericum  perforatum  (Hypericaceae),  and  Johanniswurzel,  filix  Mas  (Filices). 

t  J.  A.  Dodge,  in  U.  S.  Agric.  Kept.,  1870,  pp.  404-428. 


46-6 

have:  The  Indian  Red  Saunders  in  the  wood  of  Pterocarpiis  santalhnis,  Linn., 
valued  in  India  as  a  red  dye  for  silks  and  other  fabrics;  Brazil  Wood  {Ccrs- 
alpina  echinata,  Lam.)  affords  a  red  dye;  Braziletto  Wood,  from  C.  Braziliensis  ; 
Sappan  Wood,  from  C.  Sappan,  and  Camwood,  from  Bapliia  nilida,  are  all  well- 
known  dyes. 

The  fibres  of  the  Spanish  Broom  {Spat^tiicm  Jnncemn),  whose  seeds  are  emetic 
and  purgative,  are  used  in  Southern  Europe  for  cordage,  and  also  for  the  manu- 
facture of  gunny-bags.  The  Prayer  Bead,  the  seed  of  the  Indian  Liquorice  {Abrus 
precatorius,  Linn.)  is  a  beautiful  little  scarlet  oval  with  a  black  spot.  These  seeds 
are  used  by  the  Hindoos  as  a  standard  of  weight  called  Rafi,  and  are  celebrated 
as  having  been  used  to  determine  the  value  of  the  great  Koh-i-noor  diamond  ; 
they  are  also  used  in  the  manufacture  of  rosaries.  Valuable  timbers,  elegant 
perfumes,  fine  balsams,  brilliant  varnishes,  and  numerous  articles  of  commerce, 
difficult  to  classify,  are  products  of  this  most  varied  order. 

History  and  Habitat. — Genista  is  indigenous  to  Northern  Asia  and  Europe, 
but  has  become  thoroughly  naturalized  in  eastern  New  York  and  lower  New 
England,  especially,  however,  in  Essex  County,  Massachusetts,  where  it  has 
become  an  actual  pest  on  dry,  sandy  hillsides,  which  it  renders  positively  yellow, 
in  June  and  July,  with  its  profusion  of  flowers. 

Though  once  vaunted  in  Russia  as  a  prophylactic  in  hydrophobia,  this  plant 
has  nearly  dropped  out  of  medical  thought.  Its  leaves  and  seeds  are  mildly  pur- 
gative, its  seeds  alone  often  emetic,  and  the  whole  plant  sometimes  diuretic.  Ray 
says  that  after  cows  have  browsed  upon  this  plant  their  milk  becomes  bitter — a 
property  communicated  also  to  butter  and  cheese  if  made  from  such  milk. 

As  its  common  names  denote,  Genista  is  one  of  the  many  leguminose  plants 
yielding  dyes.  The  flowers,  and  indeed  the  whole  plant,  yield  a  clear,  greenish- 
yellow  coloring-matter,  that,  in  conjunction  with  Woad  [Isatis  tinctoria — Cruci- 
ferse),  gave  fine  results  in  the  dyeing  of  wool  green. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  whole  plant,  while  in  flower,  is 
chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alco- 
hol are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest 
of  the  alcohol  added.  The  whole  is  then  placed  in  a  bottle,  tightly  corked,  and 
allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration,  has  a  deep  reddish- 
orange  color  by  transmitted  light ;  a  strong  herbaceous  odor ;  an  astringent 
taste ;   and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— No  analysis  of  this  species  has,  so  far.  resulted 
in  the  isolation  of  its  active  principle,  the  general  constituents  of  plants  and  a  vola- 
tile oil  only  being  separated. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Our  provings  of  Genista  by  Dr.  E.  B.  Gushing 
are  the  only  data  obtainable,  so  far,  for  the  determination  of  its  action.     These 


46-7 

experiments  failed  to  prove  the  plant  capable  of  acting  as  an  emetic,  purgative, 
or  diuretic;  still,  they  cannot  be  pronounced  as  conclusive. 


Description  of  Plate  46. 

1.  A  branch,  with  two  flowering  branchlets,  Salem,  Mass.,  June  25th,  1885. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Elements  of  the  corolla — a,  standard  ;  /',  wings  ;  c,  keel,  Liid  open. 

4.  Stamens.* 

5.  Anthers. 

6.  Calyx,  opened. 

7.  Pistil. 

8.  Fruit. 

9.  Seed. 

10.  Longitudinal  section  of  seed. 

11.  Horizontal  section  of  same. 

(2-7  and  9-1 1  enlarged.) 


By  some  inexplicible  error,  this  figure  cont-iins  11  stamens,  instead  of  10,  .ts  shoiiUl  be. 


47. 


•-f  •-'«-«?^ 


^lU.adnat.del.efpinxt. 


TrIFOLIUM     PRATENSE.Lmn, 


N.  ORD-LEGUMINOS^.  47 

Tribe.-TRIFOUEJE. 

CKNrs.—TR  I  FOLIUM  ,*  IJNN. 
SEX.  SVST.— DIADEI.I'IIIA   1  iK(  ANURIA. 

TRIFOLIUM. 

BED   CLOVER. 

SYN.— TRIFOLIUM  PRATBNSE,  LINN. 

COM.   NAMES.— COMMON  RED    CLOVER;    (PR.)   TRBFLE ;    (GER.)   ACKER- 
KLEE. 

A    TLXCTURK    OF    THE    FI.OWER-HEADS    OF   TRIFOLIUM    I'RATENSE,  L. 


Description. — This  largely-cultivated  biennial,  or  short-lived  perennial  plant, 
attains  a  height  of  from  i  to  3  feet.  The  root  is  large,  diffusely  branched,  and 
gives  rise  to  many  stems.  Stews  ascending,  stout  and  slightly  hairy.  Stipules 
broadly  lanceolate,  clasping  at  the  base  and  surmounted  by  an  awl-shaped  tip ; 
leaves  three-foliate,  on  long  petioles  ;  leaflets  oval  or  obovate,  sometimes  retuse 
or  even  emarginate,  with  a  nearly  entire  edge,  and  marked  with  a  whitish-green 
^-shaped  spot  on  the  central  portion  of  the  upper  surface.  Injlorescence  a  dense, 
ovoid  head  of  bracted,  sessile  flowers.  Calyx  not  distinctly  hairy,  but  having  a 
bearded  zone  in  the  throat ;  teeth  setiform,  the  lowermost  longer  than  the  others, 
which  are  equal.  Corolla  extended-tubular,  about  twice  the  length  of  the  caly.x, 
withering  soon  after  expansion  ;  petals  more  or  less  coherent  with  one  another. 
Legumes  dry.  scarious,  containing  each  a  single  seed;  seed  somewhat  kidney- 
shaped. 

TRIFOLIUM. — This  genus  comprises  leguminose  herbs  growing  in  tufts  or 
diffusely  spreading,  and  characterized  as  follows :  Leaves  palmately  or  sometimes 
pinnately  three-foliate,  rarely  more  ;  leaflets  usually  minutely  toothed,  rarely  entire; 
stipules  scarious,  coherent  with  the  petioles.  Infiorescence  dense  heads  or  spikes, 
or  sometimes,  when  the  flowers  are  few,  umbellike.  Calyx  persistent,  tubular  or 
somewhat  bell-shaped,  five-cleft  or  toothed  ;  teeth  awl  shaped.  Corolla  five-cleft, 
withering  or  persistent,  monopetalous  at  the  base  ;  vexillum  longer  than  the  eIje, 
and  generally  than  the  keel.  Stamens  rendered  more  or  less  diadelphous  by  the 
tenth  filament,  the  tube  usually  free  from  the  corolla ;  when  united  with  it,  it  is 
through  the  mediumship  of  the  claws  of  the  aKt  and  keel.  Ovary  two-  to  six- 
seeded  ;  style  filiform.  Fruit  a  small,  scarious  legume,  containing  from  one  to 
two  or  sometimes  three  to  six  seeds;   dehiscence  none,  or,  if  present,  it  takes 


*  Tics,  three :  folium,  .i  leaf. 


47-2 

place  at  the  suture  and  extends  through  the  calyx.     A  description  of  the  natural 

order  may  be  found  under  Genista  tinctoria,  46. 

History  and  Habitat. — Red  clover  has  become  extensively  naturalized  here 
since  its  introduction  from  Europe,  escaping  to  unused  fields,  along  roadsides, 
and  even  to  open  woods,  beautifying  all  with  its  close,  red,  sweet-scented  heads, 
which  appear  from  May  to  August.  As  hay,  clover  is  highly  valuable,  either 
alone  or  mixed  with  succulent  grasses.  Its  nutritive  ratio  is  lower  by  nearly  one- 
half  than  that  of  timothy  [Phlcum  pratcnse\  yet  ruminants  seem  to  eat  of  it  more 
cvreedily  and  with  a  fuller  sign  of  satisfaction.  Porcher  says  that,  in  Ireland, 
when  food  is  scarce,  the  powdered  flowers  are  mixed  with  bread,  and  esteemed 
wholesome  and  nutritious.  As  a  green  manure  for  field  fertilization,  and  an  ele- 
ment of  importance  in  rotation  of  crops  it  is  also  greatly  prized,  on  account  of 
its  large  percentage  of  potash,  lime,  and  phosphoric  acid. 

Its  former  use  in  medicine  has  been  as  a  component  of  a  salve,  or  extract,  for 
all  kinds  of  indolent  sores  and  ulcers,  to  which  it  proves  peculiarly  soothing.  A 
strong  infusion  is  often  used  in  half-ounce  doses,  to  suspend  the  spasm  ot  whoop- 
ing-cough. 

Trifolium  is  not  officinal  either  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  or  Eclectic  Materia  Medica. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  blossoms  are  pounded  to  a 
pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp 
thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added. 
After. having  stirred  the  whole  well,  allow  it  to  stand  at  least  eight  days  in  a 
dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture  thus  formed,  after  decanting,  straining  and  filtering,  should  have 
a  light,  clear,  orange-brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  slighdy  astringent,  hay- 
like taste,  and  a  decided  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — The  only  assay  of  the  flower-heads  that  I 
have  been  able  to  find  is  one  by  Grazel,  reported  in  the  Proceedings  of  the  Cal. 
Phar.  Soc,  1883,  p,  49.  He  found,  beside  the  usual  constituents  of  vegetable 
matter,  an  acid,  an  extractive,  tannin,  and  a  resinoid  principle  soluble  in  ether, 
giving  a  green  color  when  dissolved  in  liquor  ammonia,  and  a  yellow  color  in 
liquor  potassa. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— With  the  exception  of  the  following  effects, 
noted  by  Dr.  T.  C.  Duncan,  litde  or  nothing  is  known  of  the  action  of  this  plant : 
Excessive  dryness  of  the  throat  and  fauces,  causing  a  severe,  hacking,  irritative 
cough,  a  feeling  of  congestion  of  the  lungs,  dry,  costive  passages  from  the  bowels, 
and  a  copious  flow  of  pale  yellow  urine. 

Description  of  Plate  47. 

I.   Upper  part  of  stem,  Bergen,  N    J.,  June  13th,  1879. 

2.  Outline  of  root. 

3.  Flower  (enlarged). 

4.  Friiiting-head. 

5.  Pollen,  X  380. 


(p'm.ad 


nat.dei.et  pinxt. 


TRIF6LIUM     REPENS.Linn 


N.  ORD-LEGUMINOS/E,  48 

Tribe-TRIFOUE^. 

GENUS— TR  I  FOLIUM,   LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— DIADELPHIA   DEl  ANURIA. 


TRIFOLIUM  REPENS, 


WHITE  CLOVER. 


SYN.— TRIFOLIUM  REPENS,   LINN. 

COM.    NAMES.— WHITE   CLOVER ;   (FR.)  TREFLE  BLANC  ;  i  GER.)  WIESEN 
KLEE. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  BLOSSOMS  OF  TRIFOLIUM  REPENS,  LINN. 


Description. — This  prostrate  perennial  herl)  has  no  positive  size,  the  stem 
is  slender,  spreading  and  creeping,  pale  and  glabrous  throughout.  Petioles  very 
long  and  slender ;  leaflets  obovate,  obovate-emarginate  or  obcordate,  the  edges 
very  minutely  toothed,  the  caret-shaped  grayish  spot  upon  the  upper  surface  pale 
and  indistinct ;  stipules  nearly  linear-lanceolate,  scarious  and  pointed.  Peduncles 
glabrous,  longer  than  the  petioles.  IiiJloresce?ice  axillary,  consisting  of  small,  open, 
more  or  less  flattened  globose  heads.  Calyx  much  shorter  than  the  corolla ;  teeth 
shorter  than  the  tube,  awl-shaped  and  of  unequal  sizes.  Corolla  white,  larger  in 
proportion  to  the  size  of  the  head  than  the  preceding.  Fi-uit  a  4-seeded  legume. 
(Read  also  the  generic  description  under  T.  pratense,  47.) 

History  and  Habitat. — This  species  is  doubtless  indigenous,  at  least  to  the 
northern  portion  of  America,  from  which  it  has  spread  southward  and  westward, 
over  fields,  roadsides  and  open  woods,  blossoming  earlier  than  the  preceding^ 
and  changing  from  a  creamy-white  to  a  dull-rose  and  finally  a  rusty-brown  color. 
As  hay  the  white  clover  is  far  inferior  to  the  red,  especially  in  the  warmer  climates 
where  the  catde  refuse  to  eat  of  it  altogether,  probably  on  account  of  its  action 
upon  the  salivary  glands. 

This  species  is  not  mentioned  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  nor  is  it  spoken  of  in  the 
Eclectic  Materia  Medica. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  flower-heads  prepared  as  in 
T.  pratense,  afford  a  tincture  of  a  clear  chestnut-brown  color  by  transmitted 
light,  of  less  astringency,  greater  acidity,  and  a  more  penetrating  taste. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Although  without  doubt  this  species  will 
prove  of  greater  use  in  medicine  than  tiie  preceding,  I  can  find  no  data  upon  its 
specific  chemistry. 


48-2 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Dr.  T.  C.  Duncan  notes  the  following  symp- 
toms in  seven  persons  who  partook  of  the  pounded  fresh  flower-heads :  A  sensa- 
tion of  fulness  and  congestion  of  the  salivary  glands,  with  pain,  which  in  one 
individual  amounted  to  mump-like  pains  in  the  parotids;  this  was  quickly  followed 
in  all  by  a  copious  flow  of  saliva.  A  similar  effect  has  been  noted  in  the  south 
upon  all  stock  that  ate  of  the  plant.  A  further  and  critical  examination  into  the 
chemistry  and  action  of  this  species  is  gready  to  be  desired. 

Description  of  Plate  48. 

I.   Flower  (enlarged). 
2.   Whole  plant  from  a  stony  pasture,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  June  3d,  1880. 
3.   Pollen  -x  380. 


49, 


Inatdel.etjiinxt 


Melilotus    Officinalis, wiiid. 


N.  ORD.-LEGUMINOS^.  49 

Tribe.-TRIFOLIE/E. 

GENUS.  — ME  LI  LOTUS,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SYST.— DIAUELPHIA  DECANURIA. 

MELILOTUS. 

SWEET  CLOVER. 


MELILOTUS  OFFICINALIS,  WILLD. 

SYN.-MELILOTUS  VULGARIS,   EATON.  TRIPOLIUM  OFFICINALE.   LINN. 
COM.  NAMES.— SWEET  CLOVER.   YELLOW  MELILOT,  YELLOW   SWEET 

CLOVER,    MELILOT;    (FR.)   MELILOT;    (GER.)    STEINEILEE,    MELILO- 

TENKLEE. 

MELILOTUS  ALBA,  LAM. 

SYN.-MELILOTUS     LEUCANTBA,     KOCH,     MELILOTUS     OFFICINALIS, 

PURSH,   MELILOTUS  OFFICINALIS,  VAR.  ALBA.,  NDTT. 
COM.  NAMES.— SWEET  CLOVER,  WHITE  MELILOT,  MELILOT. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  FLOWERS  OF  M.  OFFICINALIS,  AND  M.  ALBA.f 


Description. — Melilotus  ofiBcinalis. — This  sweet-scented  European  plant  has 
now  become  quite  thoroughly  naturalized  here,  growing  either  as  an  annual  or 
perennial  herb.  Stem  with  its  spreading  branches  2  to  4  feet  high.  Leaves  alter- 
nate, pinnately  3-divided.  Leaflets  obovate-oblong,  obtuse,  sharply  and  widely 
serrate,  from  one-half  to  one  inch  long.  Racemes  axillary,  spiked,  from  2  to  3 
inches  long  while  flowering.  Floiuers  small,  yellow,  about  one-quarter  of  an  inch 
long  when  fully  expanded.  Calyx  persistent,  with  5  unequal  pointed  teeth. 
Corolla  more  than  twice  the  length  of  the  calyx,  deciduous.  Petals:  vexillum 
ovate,  acute,  slighdy  longer  than  the  wings:  alee  induplicate ;  carina  completely 
united,  cohering  to,  and  looking  backward  between,  the  alse,  entirely  free  from  the 
stamen  tube.  Stamens  10,  diadelphous,  inserted  with  the  corolla  ;  anthers  uniform  ; 
pollen  grains  more  or  less  abruptly  cylindrical,  resembling  Trifolium,  but  much 
smaller  and  more  uniform.  Ovary  free,  i -celled,  containing  i  or  2  amphitropous 
ovules ;  style  filiform,  terminal.  Pod  (legume)  about  one-sixth  of  an  inch  in 
length,  pyriform  in  the  cup  of  the  withered  calyx,  inflated  or  gibbous,  coriaceous, 
transversely  wrinkled,  scarcely  dehiscent  and  tipped  with  the  persistent  style. 


*  pf/,  honey,  ?.o>tAc,  a  leguminose  plant ,  so  called. 

t  The  "  Amer.  Horn.  Phar."  orders  separate  tinctures  to  be  made.     The  provings  were  made  of  a  tincture  of  both 
M.  officinalis  and  M.  alba  combined.     The  German  I'harniacopuia  recognizes  only  M.  officinalis  (Yellow  Melilot). 


49-2 

Melilotus  alba. — This  biennial  species  is  taller  and  more  widely  branched 
than  the  preceding,  the  flowers  are  smaller,  white,  and  more  densely  crowded, 
the  vexillum  is  comparatively  longer  and  the  leaflets  mucronate-truncate.  For 
a  full  description  of  the  Leguminosae,  vide  Genista  tinctoria,  46. 

History  and  Habitat. — Melilot,  especially  the  white  species,  is  found  in 
many  places  in  the  Eastern  States  and  New  York,  flowering  from  June  to  August, 
and  oTOwino-  in  stony,  waste  places,  generally  along  river-banks,  though  some- 
times in  cultivated  ground,  where  it  has  become  naturalized  from  Europe.  Its 
sweet-scented  flowers  have  been  variously  used  as  flavoring  for  many  products, 
notably  Gruyere  cheese,  snuff  and  smoking  tobacco.  In  Europe  it  has  been  often 
used  in  the  food  of  cattle  to  whet  their  appetites ;  it  is  also  claimed  that  when 
packed  with  furs  and  clothing  it  protects  the  articles  from  moths,  besides  giving 
them  a  pleasant  odor  before  wearing.  The  odor  of  Melilot  is  due  to  an  aromatic 
compound  cumaric  anhydride,  which  when  first  observed  was  supposed  to  be 
benzoic  acid ;  its  identity  was  proven  some  years  after  by  Guillemette ;  it  also 
occurs  in  faham-Ieaves,  sweet  bed-straw  {Gallium  trijiorwii),  tonka-beans  [Dip- 
terix  odoratd),  sweet  woodruff  {Asperula  odorata),  and  sweet-scented  vernal  grass 
{Anthoxanthum  odoratum). 

The  flowers  of  the  Melilots  have  been  extensively  used  by  the  laity,  boiled 
with  lard,  as  a  salve  for  ulcers,  open  indolent  sores  and  broken  breasts  with 
much  success. 

Melilotus  is  neither  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  nor  the  Eclectic  Materia 
Medica. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  flowers  are  pounded  to  a 
pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp 
mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added. 
After  having  stirred  the  whole  well  and  poured  it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle, 
it  is  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture  separated 
by  decanting,  straining,  and  filtering,  is  by  transmitted  light  of  a  clear,  red- 
dish brown  color,  it  has  a  vanilla-like  odor,  a  bitterish  taste  very  similar  to  that 
imparted  to  the  palate  by  chewing  tea-leaves,  and  a  decided  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Cumarin,  or  Cumaric  Anhydride,  Q  Ho  O.^, 
is  found  combined  with  either  of  the  acids;  it  is  sparingly  soluble  in  cold  water, 
more  freely  in  alcohol  and  boiling  water,  and  crystallizes  in  large  transparent, 
fragrant  prisms,  melting  at  67°  (152.6°  F.)  and  boiling  at  291°  (556.0°  F.). 

MeliloticAcid,  or  Hydrocumaric  Acid. — C,  H,o  O3,  crystallizes  from  water  in 
large,  pointed  prisms,  melting  at  82°  (179.6°  F.).  On  fusing  with  potash  it 
yields  acetic  and  salicylic  acids. 


Hydrocumaric  Acid.  Pol.ish.  Acetic  Acid.  Salicylic  Acid.  Potash. 

C,  H.„  O3  +     5H  K  O  =  C,  H,  O,  +   C.  He  O3  -^   H  K  O  Aq. 

Cumaric  Acid. — Q  Hg  O;,,  occurs  together  with  the  preceding  ;  it  crystallizes 
from  water  in  long  needles,  melting  at  195°  (383.0°  F.).      (Schorlemmer). 


49-3 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— What   sliulu   action    Melilotiis   has   upon    the 

system  is  without  doubt  due  to  the  principle  cumarin,  which  in  quite  large  doses 

causes  nausea,  vomiting,  vertigo,  and  great  depression,  with  sleepiness,  confusion, 

severe  pain  in  the  head,  depression  of  the  heart's  action  and  cold  extremities. 


Description  oi'  I'latk  49. 

I.   A  branch  from   BinghanUon,   N.  Y.,  July  25,   1882. 

2.  Flower  (enlarged). 

3.  Tod  (enlarged). 
4  Seed  (enlargeil). 
5.    I'oUen  X  380. 


1 


'  -^A      / 


50 


/.Ill.ailnat(jel.etpi(ixt 


ROBINIA     PSEUDACACIA,  Linn 


N.  ORD.-LEGUMINOS^.  50 

Thbe.~GALEGE/E. 

GENUS— ROBIN  I  A,*  LINN. 


SEX.  SVST.— UIAUhLPHlA  DHC.\NUK1.\. 


ROBIN  I  A. 


FALSE  ACAC LI. 


SYN.  —  ROBINIA     PSEUD -ACACIA,     LINN.;      PSEUDACACIA    ODORATA, 
MOENGH. 

COM.  NAMES.— COMMON  LOCUST,  YELLOW  LOCUST,  TREENAIL,  BLACK 
LOCUST;  (FR.)  ROBINIBR;  (GER.)  FALSCHE  ACACIBN. 


A   IINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  b.ARK  OF  YOUNG  TWIGS,  ROBINIA  PSEUD-ACACIA. 

Description.— This  commonly  cultivated,  ornamental  tree,  grow.s  to  a  height 
of  from  50  to  80  feet,  attaining  its  greatest  height  only  in  the  southern  parts  of 
the  United  States.  The  stem  is  erect,  straight,  deliquescent,  from  i  to  4  feet  in 
diameter  and  covered  with  a  dark,  rough  bark  ;  wood  yellow,  much  valued  for 
its  lightness,  hardness  and  durability.  Branches  naked,  spinous  when  young,  the 
spines  taking  the  place  of  stipules.  Leaves  odd-pinnate,  the  base  of  the  stalks 
forming  sheaths  about  the  developing  buds  of  the  next  season;  leaflets  in  from 
8  to  I  2  pairs  of  ovate  or  oblong,  stipellate,  nearly  sessile,  smooth  blades,  hiflor- 
escence  axillary;  of  showy,  drooping,  slender,  loose  racemes  ;  of  white  or  creamy, 
fragrant  flowers.  Calyx  short,  more  or  less  campanulate,  five-toothed  or  cut  and 
slightly  two-lipped  by  the  coherence  of  the  two  upper  teeth.  Corolla  papilliona- 
ceous ;  standard  large,  rounded  and  reflexed,  slightly  longer  than  the  loings,  and 
obtuse  keel.  Stamens  diadelphous,  nine-and-one.  Style  bearded  along  the  inner 
side.  Fruit  a  nearly  sessile,  smooth,  linear,  flat  pod,  from  2  to  3  inches  long,  one- 
celled  and  four-  to  eight-seeded,  at  length  with  two  thin  valves.  Seeds  small,  dark 
brown,  somewhat  renniform,  but  the  hilum  is  small  and  so  near  one  end  that  their 
form  is  more  like  the  body  of  a  retort;  testa  smooth;  radicle  incurved;  cotyledons 
leafy.     For  description  .of  the  N.  Ord.  Leguminos:e,  vide  (ienista  tinctoria,  46. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  tree  is  indigenous  to  the  central  and  southern 
belts  of  the  United  States,  and  so  fully  cultivated  in  the  northern  parts,  that  it 
now  grows  there  spontaneously,  blossoming  in  May  and  June.  The  inner  bark 
of  the  roots,  stem,  and  inner  coating  of  the  pods  is  sweet  and  mucilaginous.  The 
seeds,  upon  pressure,  yield  a  large  quantity  of  oil.  They  are  quite  acrid,  but  lose 
this  quality  upon  boiling;  they  then  furnish  a  pleasant,  nutritious  article  of  food, 
much  esteemed  by  the  aborigines.  The  yellow  locust  should  take  first  rank 
among   ornamental    trees    to   be   planted    by   settlers   in    the  West,   not   only   on 

*  John  Robin,  herbalist  to  Henry  IV. 


50-2 

account  of  its  beautiful  foliage  and  fragrant  flowers  (points  of  great  use  for  shade 
and  honey),  but  also  for  its  invaluable  wood.  Locust  is  well  known  for  its  great 
durability,  even  when  thoroughly  exposed,  and  is  thus  exceedingly  valuable  for 
fence-posts,  railroad  ties  and  supports  for  structures  generally. 

Robinia  is  not  mentioned  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  It  has  a  place,  but  is  not  officinal, 
in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  bark  of  the  young  twigs  is 
chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alco- 
hol are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it  and  the  rest  of 
the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole  well  it  is  poured  into  a  well- 
stoppered  bottle  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tinc- 
ture is  then  separated  by  straining  and  filtering.  Thus  prepared,  it  has  a  beautiful, 
clear  reddish-orancre  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  dry,  sweetish  taste  peculiar  to 
the  inner  bark,  and  a  decided  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Robinin,  Q,H.,„0,,+Aq.  This  aromatic  glu- 
coside  bears  ^rreat  resemblance  to  quercctin,  yielding  as  products  of  decomposition 
this  body,  and  peculiar  sugars.  (Schorlemmer.)  Robinin  is  found  principally  in  the 
flowers ;  it  forms  fine,  sadny,  yellow  needles,  neutral  and  tasteless,  losing  water 
at  ioo°  (212°  F.),  and  fusing  at  195°  (383°  F.).  It  is  soluble  in  both  water  and 
alcohol. 

Robinic  acid.  This  body  was  discovered  in  the  roots  by  Reinsch,  but  after- 
wards doubted.  Prof.  Hlasiwetz  {Chcut.  Gaz.,  Aug.  15,  1855),  in  his  examination 
of  the  root,  decided  that  the  above  body  was  Asparagine :  he  obtained  some  two 
and  a  half  ounces  of  this  substance  from  thirty  pounds  of  the  root.  The  body 
answers  to  the  following  properties :  Large,  hard,  refractive,  octohedral  crystals, 
colorless  and  constant  upon  recrystallization,  and  having  a  mawkish  taste  ;  they 
fuse  when  heated,  giving  off  an  ammoniacal  odor.  Tannin,  and  the  usual  plant 
constituents,  have  also  been  determined. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Robinia  causes  extreme  nausea,  profuse  acid 
vomitino-s,  fluid  eructations  and  purging.  These  symptoms  followed  eating  of  the 
bark.     tor.  A.  R.  Ball.) 

Dr.  Shaw  [Med.  Times  and  Gazette,  vol.  i.,  p.  570)  gives  the  following  effects 
noticed  in  a  child  who  had  eaten  of  the  seeds :  Inability  to  hold  the  head  upright, 
nausea  and  attempts  to  vomit,  with  a  tendency  to  syncope,  when  in  an  upright 
position  ;  voice,  respiration  and  heart's  action  feeble,  as  from  exhaustion  ;  a  pain- 
ful, paralytic  condition  of  the  extremides,  which  became  shrunken  on  the  fifth  day. 
All  the  symptoms  seemed  like  those  produced  by  a  long-continued  diarrhoea, 
though  in  this  case  purging  was  not  present. 

Description  of  Plate  50. 

1.  Flower  (somewhat  enlarged  ). 

2.  Stamens. 

3.  Pistil. 

4.  Fruit. 

5.   End  of  young  branch  in  flower,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  May  24th,  1S80. 


■4 


51 


GXU.adnatilel.etpifixt 


Phaseolus    Vulgaris. 


N.  ORD -LEGUMINOS^.  5-^ 

Tribe.-PHASEOLE/E. 

GENUS.— PHASEOLUS,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— DIADELPHIA  DECAXDRIA. 


PHASEOLUS. 

COMMOJV  BEAA'. 


SYN.— PHASEOLUS  VULGARIS,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— KIDNEY  BEAN,  WHITE  BEAN,  POLE  BEAN,  STRING  BEAN ; 
(FR.)  HARICOT;    (GER.)  SCHMINKBOHNE. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE   DRIED  SEEDS  OF  PHASEOLUS  VULGARIS,  LINN. 


Description. — This  common  cultivated  annual  herb  grows  to  various  heights, 
according  to  its  form  and  the  method  of  cultivation.  Stem  twining  and  twisted,  or 
short  and  erect  in  the  bushy  forms.  Leaves  pinnately  trifoliate ;  leaflets  laro-e, 
ovate,  pointed,  entire.  Inflorescence  in  solitary  axillary  racemes,  the  peduncle 
stout  and  shorter  than  the  leaves.  Calyx  campanulate ;  teeth  5,  unequal,  the  three 
lower  ones  larger,  cuneate,  acute,  the  two  upper  merely  apparent.  Corolla  papilio- 
naceous ;  keel  circinate  and  somewhat  spirally  twisted ;  vexillutn  entire  or  nearly 
so,  notched  at  the  apex ;  ales  pear-shaped,  each  furnished  with  a  long  claw  and 
short  incurved  appendage.  Stamens  diadelphous ;  filaments  circinate,  dilated  at 
the  base.  Ovary  stipitate,  hairy  ;  style  long,  circinate,  with  a  hairy  margin  ;  stigma 
pointed,  hairy.  Fruit  a  continuous,  pendent,  compressed,  loculicidal,  more  or  less 
falcate  pod,  polyspermous,  and  with  cellular  partitions  between  the  seeds ;  seeds 
more  or  less  reniform,  cylindrical,  or  compressed  ;  hiliim  small,  oval-oblong,  naked  ; 
cotyledons  thick  ;  radicle  incurved. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Common  Bean,  so  extensively  cultivated  as  an 
esculent,  was  formerly  supposed  to  have  been  introduced  here  from  India,  but 
Prof  Gray  claims  it  a  native  plant,  as  the  fruit  and  seeds  were  found  in  the  tombs 
of  ancient  Peruvians  at  AnQon,  along  with  other  purely  native  vegetables ;  it  is, 
however,  probable  that  the  plant  is  not  indigenous  north  of  Mexico.  The  Bean  has 
been  cultivated  by  the  natives  from  remote  aboriginal  times,  many  varieties  having 
become  valuable  to  them  then  (as  they  are  to  us  now)  as  a  potage,  both  while 
green,  legume  and  all,  and  the  seeds  alone  when  ripe  and  dried.  No  previous 
medical  use  is  discoverable. 

*  From  the  Latin //;a«/«j,  a  little  boat,  the  pod  beinj  somewhat  scaphoid. 


51-2 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  ripe  dried  seeds  are  pounded  to 
a  pulp  and  macerated  for  eight  days  in  twice  their  weight  of  strong  alcohol,  being 
shaken  twice  a  day,  and  kept  in  closely-stoppered  bottles  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 
The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration,  has  a  disgusting  fecal  odor,  a 
clear  but  slighdy  yellowish  color,  and  a  neutral  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Legumin,  or  Vegetable  Casein.  This  albu- 
minoid, or  proteid  body,  containing  both  N  and  S,  is  found  in  many  seeds  of  the 
Leguminosse,  from  which  it  may  be  separated  by  triturating  them,  after  soaking 
in  warm  water  and  pressing  the  pulp  through  a  sieve.  The  liquid  deposits  starch 
on  standing,  and  the  casein-like  body  may  be  precipitated  from  the  liquor  by  ace- 
tic acid. 

Phaseolin. — This  peculiar  amorphous  body  is  obtained  by  extracting  the  seeds 
with  alcohol,  and  treating  the  extract  with  ether  to  remove  the  sugar.  Phaseolin 
produces  a  volatile  oil,  of  very  disgusting  fecal  odor,  by  decomposition. 

Inosite,*  or  animal  galactose,  existing  in  the  muscles  of  the  heart  and  lungs, 
as  well  as  in  the  parenchyma  of  the  liver  and  kidneys,  is  also  found  in  the  seeds  of 
this  and  other  Leguminoss. 

The  following  analyses  of  Beans  by  Einhoff  and  Braconnot  J  show  the  general 
constituents  : 

Einhof.  Braconnot. 

Skins 288                     7. 

Starchy  fibrous  matter, 425 

Starch, 1380               42-34 

Animo-veg.  matter  and  starch, 799                 5.36 

Extractive, 131 

Albumen  and  animo-veg.  matter, 52 

Mucilage,        744 

Loss  and  water, 21                23. 

Legumin, 18.20 

Pectic  acid,  legumin  and  starch, 1.50 

Fatty  matter, .70 

Pulp  skeleton, .70 

Uncrystallizable  sugar, .20 

Earthy  salts, i.oo 

3S40  100.00 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  only  accounts  of  the  ill  effects  produced 
by  eating  raw  beans  are  those  of  Dr.  Demeures§  and  William  Dale,  Esq.  ;||  the 
latter  I  exclude  here,  as  the  beans  were  mildewed,  and  the  severity  of  the  symp- 
toms, together  with  their  character,  appear  to  me  to  be  due  to  the  fungus.  The 
symptoms  produced  in  the  first  case  were:  Severe  frontal  headache  accompanied 
by  pain,  soreness,  and  itching  of  the  eyeball ;  eyeball  painful  to  touch ;  pain  in  the 
epigastrium  when  touched,  and  hernia-like  pain  at  right  inguinal  ring.     Beans, 

*  See  p.  95-3.  I  Jour,  de  la  SocUti  Gall.,  i  Ser.,  4,  112. 

t  GehUn's  Jour.,  vi,  545.  ||  Brit.  Med.  Jour.,  1864,  471. 

X  Ann.  de  Chini.  ct  Phys.,  xxxiv,  85. 


51-3 

when  cooked,  produce  a  well-known  riatulency,  which  symptom  I  have  also  noted 
from  a  dose  of  about  five  drops  of  the  tincture.  The  seeds  certainly  deserve  a 
thorough  proving,  especially  so  if  the  symptoms  recorded  by  Dale  could  be 
verified. 


Desckhmion  ok  Plate  51. 

1.  Summit  of  plant,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  July  27tli,  1886. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Calyx  and  standard. 

4.  Ala. 

5.  Keel  and  calyx. 

6.  Stamen. 

7.  Pistil, 

8.  Stigma. 

(3-8  enlarged.) 


(Elfl..adnat.(iel.et  pinxt. 


BAPTISIA     TINCTORIA,  R.Br. 


N.  ORD -LEGUMINOS^.  52 

Tribe.-SOFHORE/E  ET  PODALYRIE^. 

GENUS.— BAPTISIA,*  VENT. 
SEX.  .SVST.— DECANDRI.V  MONOGYNIA. 


BAPTISIA. 


WILD  IJ^BICrO. 


SYN.— BAPTISIA  TINCTORIA,  R.  BR. ;  SOPHORA  TINCTORIA,  LINN. ;  POD- 
ALYRIA  TINCTORIA,  MICHX. 

COM.  NAMES.— WILD  INDIGO,  FALSE  INDIGO,  INDIGO  WEED,  YELLOW 
WILD  INDIGO.  DYER'S  BAPTISIA,  HORSEFLY  WEED,  RATTLE  BUSH, 
YELLOW  BROOM,  CLOVER  BROOM;  (FR.)  INDIGO  SAUVAGE,  INDIGO 
TREFLE ;  (GER.)  BAPTISIB. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE   FRESH  ROOT  OF  BAPTISIA  TINCTORIA,  R.BR. 

Description. — This  slender,  glaucous,  perennial,  bushy-branching  herb,  grows 
to  a  height  of  from  2  to  3  feet.  Root  large,  irregular,  ligneous,  light  yellowish- 
brown  internally,  blackish  externally;  rootlets  numerous  and  lighter  in  color. 
Leaves  palmately  3-foliate,  sessile  or  nearly  so,  becoming  like  all  other  portions  of 
the  plant — even  the  yellow  flowers — black,  when  dry ;  leaflets  j4  to  }^  inch  long, 
rounded  or  cuneate-obovate,  dark  bluish-green  with  a  light  green  stripe  on  the 
midrib ;  stipules  and  bracts  minute,  caducous.  Inflo7'csccnce  short,  loose,  few- 
flowered  racemes,  terminal  upon  the  branches;  flo^oers  canary-yellow,  about  as 
long  as  the  leaflets.  Calyx  cup-shaped ;  limb  4-toothed,  the  upper  tooth  double, 
therefore  broader  than  the  rest.  Corolla :  standard  about  the  length  of  the  wings, 
or  slighdy  shorter,  emarginate,  and  reflexed  laterally  ;  ^eel  somewhat  incurved, 
the  two  petals  composing  it  nearly  separate,  straight ;  wings  oblong,  straight. 
Stamens  10,  distinct;  anthers  alike  and  uniform.  Ovary  stipitate  ;  style  curved, 
dilated  below  ;  stigma  minute.  Fniitd^n  oval,  centrally  inflated,  mucronate  legume, 
stalked  in  the  persistent  cup  of  the  calyx  ;  stipe  nearly  twice  the  length  of  the 
calyx-cup.  Seeds  many,  ovoid,  cinnamon-brown  ;  hilum  small,  rounded  ;  embryo 
straight  or  incurved.  Read  description  of  Leguminosae  under  Genista  tinctoria, 
46. 

History  and  Habitat. — Wild  Indigo  is  indigenous  to  the  Canadas  and  the 
United  States.  It  grows  as  far  south  as  F"lorida  and  west  to  the  Mississippi, 
plentifully  however  only  near  the  coast,  where  it  delights  in  the  dry,  sandy  soils, 

*  pojrri'?M,  Baplho,  I  dye.     Some  species  yielding  an  inferior  indigo  dye. 


52-2 

As  regards  New  York  State :  I  have  noted  in  traveling  upon  the  N.  Y.  &  Erie 
R.  R.,  that  it  ceased  entirely  at  Narrowsburg,  122  miles  from  New  York  City.* 
I  have  not  met  with  the  plant  in  Chenango,  Broome,  Tioga  nor  Tompkins  Counties, 
and  Dr.  Lucy  fails  to  find  it  in  Chemung ;  this  is  probably  due  to  the  rich  loam  of 
these  localities.  Dr.  Barton  says;-j-  "It  promiscuously  inhabits  a  variety  of  situa- 
tions, though  almost  always  in  a  dry  soil,  in  every  State  of  the  Union."  It  flowers 
in  the  Northern  States  from  June  to  August. 

The  young  shoots  of  this  plant  resemble,  in  form  and   general  appearance, 
those  of  asparagus,  and  are  used,  especially  in  New  England,  in  lieu  of  that  herb 
for  a  pottage.     As  a  dye,  it  is  no  longer  used,  being  far  inferior  to  Indigofera  and- 
its  employment  unnecessary. 

The  most  important  previous  use  of  the  plant  as  a  drug,  was  as  an  "anti- 
septic "  dressing  for  gangrenous  wounds,  especially  in  such  cases  as  were  accom- 
panied by  a  low  torm  of  fever  ;  and  in  decoction  in  putrid  fevers  generally.  Dr. 
Thatcher  says: J  "its  employment  has  been  extended  in  a  few  instances  to  Typhus 
or  putrid  fever,  with  such  good  effect  as  to  encourage  further  trials.  In  the  form 
of  fomentation  or  cataplasm  it  has  proved  eminently  beneficial  when  applied  to 
phagedenic  and  gangrenous  ulcers ;  especially  if  the  decoction  be  adiiiviistered 
internally  at  the  same  time"  (italics  ours).  Dr.  Comstock  says  :§  "I  would  observe 
that  it  is  used  in  cases  of  mortification,  in  fevers  supposed  to  be  putrid,  and 
inclining  to  putrescency,  and  in  general  where  antiseptics  are  indicated."  Our 
provings  thoroughly  corroborate,  and  our  practice  substantiates  the  above  use  of 
the  drug.  Any  physician,  of  whatever  school  of  practice,  who  fails  to  use  this 
remedy  in  Typhoid  alone  where  it  is  so  often  indicated,  allows  many  an  opportunity 
to  save  a  life  to  escape  him.  The  National  DIspensatory||  contains  under  this 
drug  the  following,  written,  we  feel  compelled  to  say,  in  willful  ignorance : 
"  Nothing  has  recently  been  added  to  the  knowledge  possessed  many  years  ago 
respecting  this  medicinal  plant."  The  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  gives  no  officinal 
preparation  ;  this  in  the  full  light  of  our  excellent  success  with  the  drug,  and  our 
vastly  lower  percentage  of  death  in  Typhoid. 

The  preparations  of  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  are :  Extractnui  Baptisice 
Alcoholicuni ;    Unouentiim  Baptisice,  and  Pilulce  Baptisice  Compositce^ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  root  with  its  bark  is  chopped 
and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are 
taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it  and  the  rest  of  the 
alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the  whole  well,  it  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered 
bottle  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration  is  opaque,  in  thin  layers  it 
presents  a  deep  brownish-red  color  by  transmitted  light ;  it  has  no  distinguishing 


*  Author  ill  Bull.  Torrey  Club,  vol.  xi,  18S4,  p.  133. 

t  Veg.  Mat.  Med.,  vol.  ii,  p.  56. 

%  Thalclier's  Dispensatory,  \>.  361,  c|uoloci  in  B.iiton's   I'eg.  Mai.  Med.,  pp.  5S-59,  vol.  ii. 

\  "  Letter  to  Mr.  Weems,"  in  /V».  Mai.  Med.  B.irton,  vol.  ii,  p.  58. 

II  >879.  P-  267- 

]]  Leptandria,  Podophyllin,  Sanguinaria  and  Baptisia. 


52-3 

odor,  a  peculiar  bitter  ami  astringent  taste,  imparts  to  the  tongue  on  first  applica- 
tion a  cold  sensation  (juite  similar  to  that  of  sulpiiate  of  soda  ((ilauber's  Salt). 
and  has  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— An  analysis  of  the  root  was  made  by  Dr. 
Greene,*  U.  S.  N.,  for  the  express  purpose  of  obtaining  the  alkaloid,  the  previous 
analyses  by  Smedley.f  and  Warner.J  resulting  in  alkaloidal  .salts  only.  Dr.  Greene 
succeeded  in  obtaining  pale  yellow  crystals  of  various  forms,  .some  being  perfect 
octahedra.  This  purified  alkaloid  was  found  to  be  .soluble  in  water,  alcohol,  and 
•ether,  other  physical  and  chemical  properties  are  as  yet  unknown.  A  whitish 
yellow  resin  was  also  determined  in  his  analysis,  whether  or  not  it  is  the  same  as 
one  isolated  by  Smedley  is  not  stated. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  symptoms  of  disturbance  in  the  s)stem 
following  the  ingestion  of  doses  varying  from  i  to  200  drops  of  the  tincture  of  the 
root,  30  grs.  of  the  powder,  and  4  to  14  grs.  of  "  Baptisin"  in  different  individuals 
are  marked,  and  correspond  to  those  of  Typhoid  or  disintegrating  forms  of  fever. 
They  are  substantially  as  follows  :§  mentally  gloomy,  low-spirited,  indisposed  to 
think  followed  by  inability,  dullness,  and  stupidity.  Vertigo.  Dull,  heavy  headache 
with  weakness  and  weariness  of  body,  and  tendency  to  tlelirium.  Soreness  and 
lameness  of  the  eyeballs,  with  hot,  flushed  face.  Tongue  coated  white,  yellow  or 
yellowish-brown.  Loss  of  appetite,  nausea,  and  burning  in  the  stomach.  Dull 
pains  in  the  region  of  the  liver,  especially  at  the  site  of  the  gall-bladder.  Face 
sallow,  with  burning  cheeks.  Constant  pain  and  aching  in  the  abdomen,  followed 
by  marked  distention,  and  soreness  on  pressure.  Soft,  dark,  mucous  stools, 
followed  by  constipation.  Urine  dark  red.  Difficult  breathing  with  oppression  of 
the  chest.  Pulse  at  first  accelerated  antl  full,  then  low  and  faint.  Aching,  stiffness, 
and  soreness  of  back  and  e.Ktremitic-s.  Chills  general,  followed  by  fever,  restless- 
ness, weakness  and  great  prostration.     No  sweat. 

Dr.  Hughes  says:||  "  Baptisia  is  capable  of  e.xciting  true  primary  />j';r.v/a  in 
the  human  subject.  This  is  no  slight  thing,  for  there  are  very  few  other  drugs  to 
which  we  can  ascribe  such  power.  Antl  this  pyrexia  is  exceedingly  like  that  of 
the  early  stages  of  Typhoid.  We  have  no  evidence  that  Baptisia  affects  Peyer's 
patches  as  they  are  affected  in  Typhoid,  nor  even  that  it  acts  upon  them  at  all  as 
Arsenic  and  Iodine,  and  perhaps  Mercury  and  Turpentine  do.  But  it  is  certain 
that  it  produces  congestion  and  catarrh  of  the  intestinal  mucous  membrane  with 
abdominal  tenderness,  distention,  and  diarrhrea."  Still,  as  the  specific  condition 
of  inflammation  of  the  patches  of  Peyer  does  not  appear  until  the  second  or 
perhaps  third  stage,  our  remedy  properly  used  has  done  its  work  ere  this  and  is 
not  then  required,  nor  will  any  other  be,  such  condition  not  following,  liaving 
been  thwarted. 


*  /*»/.  your.  Phar.,  1879,  p.  577. 

t  Idem,  1862,  |).  310. 

J  Idem,  1 87 1,  p.  251. 

I  Allen,  Ency.  Pure  Mat.  Med.,  v.jI,  ii,  pp.  31-39- 

II  Pharmneodynamics,  p.  162. 


52-4 

The  only  post-mortem  examination  that  has  come  to  my  notice  is  that  of  a 
cat  under  Dr.  Burt's  experiments.  In  this  animal  the  large  and  small  intestines 
were  found  greatly  congested,  and  filled  with  mucus  and  blood. 


Description  of  Plate  52. 

I.  End  of  flowering  branch,  Pamrapo,  N.  J.,  July  6th,  1879. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Pistil. 

4.  Stamen. 

5.  Pollen,  X  250. 

6.  Pod. 

(3  and  4  enlarged.) 


^m.adnatdeletpinxt         GYMNOCLADUS  CANADENSIS.  Lam 


N.  ORD-LEGUMINOS^.  53 

S.  ORD.-C/ESALPINIE/E. 

GENUS.— GYMNOCLADUS,*  LAM. 
SEX.  SYST.-DICECIA  DEC.^NlM^l.V. 


GYMNOCLADUS. 

COFFEE  TREE. 

SYN.— GYMNOCLADUS  CANADENSIS,  LAM. ;  GUILANDICA  DIOICA,  LINN. 
COM.  NAMES.— KENTUCKY   COFFEE    TREE,   AMERICAN    COFFEE   BEAN, 
KENTUCKY  MAHOGANY,  NICKAR  TREE,  BONDUE,  CHICOT. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE   FRESH   FRUIT   PULP  OF  GYMNOCLADUS 
CANADENSIS,   LAM. 

Description. — This  peculiar  tree,  wiien  mature,  reaches  a  height  of  from  50 
to  60  feet.  Trunk  erect;  bark  extremely  rough,  and  curiously  broken  trans- 
versely ;  branches  few,  thornlcss,  when  young-  cane-like,  and  in  winter  so  destitute 
of  anything  looking  like  a  bud  tliat  the  whole  tree  appears  as  if  dead.  Leaves 
bi-pinnate,  2  to  3  feet  long,  bearing  a  pair  of  opposite  leaflets  near  the  base,  and 
from  4  to  7  larger,  odd-pinnate  accessory  leaf-stalks,  each  of  which  (upon  the 
younger  branches)  is  composed  of  from  6  to  8  pairs  of  leaflets,  so  that  each  leaf 
may  bear  from  forty-eight  to  one  hundred  and  seventy-four  leaflets.  These  leaves 
develop  late  and  fall  early.  Leaflets  alternate,  vertical,  ovate-lanceolate,  taper- 
pointed  and  entire,  the  lower  pair  upon  the  base  of  the  petiole  almost  cordate, 
larger  and  more  pointed  ;  stipules  none.  Lnfloresce7ice  terminal  compound  racemes 
or  thyrsi  ;  flowers  dioecious,  pedicillate  ;  (estivation  imbricate.  Calyx  elongated- 
tubular  below ;  limb  5-cleft ;  lobes  lanceolate,  equal.  Corolla  not  papilionaceous  ; 
petals  oblong,  equal,  inserted  upon  the  summit  of  the  calyx-tube.  Stamens  10, 
included,  inserted  with  the  petals;  filaments  distinct,  short,  and  bearded;  anthers 
sagittate,  versatile,  introrse,  2-celled,  opening  longitudinally.  Style  single.  Ovules 
anatropous.  Fruit  an  oblong,  flattened  pod,  6  to  10  inches  long  and  about  i  inch 
broad,  pulpy  inside;  seeds  2  to  4,  flattish,  hard,  somewhat  ovoid,  about  one-half  an 
inch  broad,  and  of  a  dark  olive  color ;  embryo  straight. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Kentucky  Coffee  Tree  grows  in  rich  woods,  along 
rivers  and  lakes,  from  Western  New  York  and  Pennsylvania,  to  Illinois  and  south- 
westward,  where  it  flowers  in  June. 

The  previous  uses  of  this  plant  in  medicine  are  grounded  upon  its  peculiar 
action  on  nerve-centres.  A  decoction  of  the  leaves  and  fruit  pulp  has  been  found 
useful  in  locomotor  ataxia,  reflex  troubles  incident  upon  masturbation,  laryngeal 

*  rnjifd;,  gyinnos,  n.iked  ;    iXiido;,  klailos,  branch,  from  the  l)arren  and  de.ad  appearance  of  the  tree  in  winter. 


53-2 

couohs  dependent  upon  a  chronic  irritation  of  the  mucous  membranes  of  the 
air-passages,  puerperal  peritonitis,  erysipelas,  and  typhoid  forms  of  fever.  To 
the  arts  it  furnishes  a  hard  wood,  something  like  mahogany,  with  a  fine  grain, 
suitable  for  cabinet-work  ;  it  weighs  40  lbs.  7  oz.  per  cubic  foot,  and  has  a  sp. 
gr.  of  647.  The  seeds  are  said  to  have  been  used  by  the  early  setders  of 
Central  United  States  as  a  substitute  for  coffee,  and  the  leaves  as  a  purgative 
and  insecticide.  Concerning  the  use  of  Gymnocladus  as  a  fly-poison,  a  Virginia 
correspondent  of  The  American  Agriculturist  says:  "Back  of  our  house  here, 
and  overhanging  the  piazza,  is  a  very  large  coffee-tree.  Though  this  locality  is 
infested,  like  Egypt,  with  a  plague  of  flies,  we  have  never  suffered  any  serious 
annoyance  from  them.  One  year  this  tree  was  nearly  stripped  of  its  leaves  by  a 
cloud  of  potato-flies  (the  blistering  fly),  and  we  feared  that  the  tree  would  die  from 
the  complete  defoliation.  In  three  days  the  ground  beneath  was  black  with  a 
carpet  of  corpses,  and  the  tree  put  out  new  leaves,  and  still  flourishes.  For  ten 
years  we  have  used  the  bruised  leaves,  sprinkled  with  molasses  water,  as  a  fly- 
poison.  It  attracts  swarms  of  the  noisome  insects,  and  is  sure  death  to  them." 
Gymnocladus  is  officinal  in  none  of  the  Pharmacopoeias. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh,  green  pulp  of  the  unripe 
seed-pods  is  to  be  crushed  and  prepared  as  in  the  preceding  drug.  The  tincture, 
after  filtering  from  the  mass,  has  a  clear  orange  color  by  transmitted  light ;  is 
gummy  upon  the  fingers  ;  and  of  a  familiarly  characteristic  odor,  resembling  that 
of  the  pulp. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Cj)/^V/«^,  C^^H^jN^O.  This  alkaloid,  found  in 
the  seeds  of  Cytisus  Labitrnuiu,  is  said  to  exist  also  in  the  leaves  and  fruit  pulp 
of  this  tree.  Extracted  from  Laburnum,  it  crystallizes  in  radiate,  colorless, 
deliquescent  forms,  having  a  caustic  and  bitter  taste,  and  an  alkaline  reaction, 
neutralizing  acids  completely.  It  sublimes  without  decomposition  by  the  careful 
application  of  heat. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Gymnocladus  causes  vertigo  with  a  sensation 
of  fullness  of  the  head;  burning  of  the  eyes;  sneezing;  salivation;  nausea  with 
burning  of  the  stomach;  desire  to  urinate;  increased  se.xual  desire;  pains  in  the 
limbs,  numbness  of  the  body,  sleepiness,  and  coldness. 


Description  of  Plate  53. 

End  of  a  sterile  branch,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  June  17th,  1SS5. 
2.  A  small  leaf,  four  times  reduced. 
3  and  4.  Sterile  flowers. 
5.  Sterile  flower  in  section. 
6  and  7.   Stamens,  posterior  and  lateral  views. 
(5,  6  and  7  enlarged.) 


54 


.ad  naf.dei.et  pinxt 


GEUM      RIVALE,  Linn. 


N.  ORD.-ROSACE^.  54 

GENUS.— G  E  U  M  ,*  I.INN. 
SEX.  svsr.— iro.s.\xi)Ki.\  I'di.vovn'i.v. 


GEUM  RIVALE. 


WATER  AVEJYS. 


SYN.— GEUM  RIVALE,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— PURPLE  OR  WATER  AVENS,   CHOCOLATE-ROOT;    (FR.) 
BBNOITB  AQUATIQUB;  (GER.)  SUMPFNELKENWURZEL. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE  PL.VNT,  GEUM  RIV.^LE,  LINN. 


Description. — This  beautiful  perennial  plant,  disting-uished  on  account  of  its 
hibiscus-like  petals,  grows  to  a  height  of  from  one  to  two  feet.  Root  creeping,  lig- 
neous, giving  off  numerous  fibrous  rootlets.  Sicni  simple  or  nearly  so,  hairy.  Leaves 
of  two  kinds ;  those  from  the  root  on  long  deeply  grooved  petioles,  lyrate  and  ir- 
regularly pinnate ;  those  of  the  stem  few,  nearly  sessile,  more  or  less  lyrate  below 
and  3-lobed  above,  serrate,  pointed ;  stipules  ovate,  incised.  Inflorescence  terminal  on 
long,  sometimes  branched,  peduncles i^fzivr.?  few,  large  and  handsome,  nodding  on 
bracted  pedicels.  Calyx  erect,  concave  below,  5-lobed,  with  5  alternating  bractlets  in 
the  sinuses.  Petals  5,  erect,  retuse,  dilated  obovate,  contracted  into  a  claw  at  the  base. 
Stamens  numerous,  inserted  into  a  stipitate  disk  in  the  cup  of  the  calyx  ;  anthers  in- 
trorse,  opening  by  a  longitudinal  slit  or  pore.  Pistils  many;  ovary  hairy;  styles 
long,  with  fle.xed  tips.  Fruit  a  dense,  hairy,  conical  head,  situated  upon  an  erect 
stalk  arising  from  the  cup  of  the  caly.x;  seeds  oval,  bearded,  the  epicarp  retaining 
the  persistent  style,  which  is  now  hispid  below  and  plumose  above  the  angular 
tle.xion  ©f  the  style. 

Rosaceae. — This  grand  natural  order  is  represented  in  North  America  by  35 
genera,  213  species,  and  92  varieties,  aside  from  innumerable  cultivated  specimens. 
The  general  characters  of  the  order  are :  Plants  consisting  of  trees,  shrubs  and 
herbs,  and  furnishing  our  most  valuable  fruits.  Leaves  alternate  ;  stipules  gener- 
ally present  though  sometimes  early  deciduous.  Flowers  regular,  handsome. 
Calyx  of  5  to  8  sepals  united  to  form  the  calyx-tube  ;  in  some  species  with  a  sec- 
ond set  as  bractlets,  outside  of,  and  alternate  with,  the  sepals.  Petals  as  many  as 
the  sepals,  and  inserted  with  the  stamens  upon  a  thin  disk  that  lines  the  calyx-tube. 
StameJis  very  numerous,   perigynous ;  fllaments  slender.      Pistils  one  or  many. 


*Tmoi,g<!uo ;  a  pleas.int  flavor,  one  of  the  .species  having  aromatic  roots. 


54-2 

either  distinct  in  or  upon  a  receptacle,  or  combined  in  the  calyx-tube.  Fndt  either 
an  achenium,  a  follicle,  a  drupe,  or  a  pome.  Seeds  single,  or  a  few  in  each  ovary ; 
albumen  wanting ;  eotyledons  large  and  thick  ;  embryo  straight.  Beside  the  useful 
and  edible  fruits — almonds,  peaches,  prunes,  plums,  and  cherries  {Ainygdalccs)  ; 
crab-apples,  apples,  quinces,  pears,  etc.  [Pomees)  ;  and  strawberries,  raspberries, 
thimble-berries,  and  blackberries  {Rosaceee)  ; — we  have  many  useful  medicinal 
plants  among  the  species  in  this  order.  Bitter  almonds  (Amygdahis  covnmmis,  L., 
I  var.  ainara,  DC);  sweetalmonds  {Amygdalus  eommunis,  L.,  2  var.  dtdeis,  DC); 
wild  cherry  bark  {Primus  Virginiana,  Miller)  ;  cherry-laurel  [Pimtms  Lauro- 
cerasus,  L.)  ;  kousso  [Brayei-a  antJielmintica,  Kuni/i.)  ;  peaches  [Amygdalus  Per- 
sica,  Prtimis  Persied)  ;  and  the  three  mentioned  in  this  work.  The  genera  Poten- 
tilla,  Spirea,  and  GiUenia,  will  in  time  also  be  proven  to  be  of  benefit  in  the  treat- 
ment of  disease. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  Indigenous  Inhabitant  of  bogs  and  springy  mead- 
ows, grows  from  the  New  England  States  and  Pennsylvania  westward  to  Wisconsin 
and  northward,  flowering  in  May.  Geum  at  one  time  gained  great  renown  as 
"  Indian  Chocolate ;"  it  was  given  in  decoction  prepared  with  sugar  and  milk,  for 
dysentery,  chronic  dlarrhcea,  colics,  debility,  dyspepsia,  and  most  ailments  of  the 
digestive  tract ;  it  was  also  used  as  a  styptic  in  uterine  hemorrhage,  leucorrhcea, 
and  hemoptysis,  and  as  a  febrifuge.      (Rafinesque.) 

Though  Geum  has  been  dismissed  from  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  it  still  retains  a  place  in 
the  Eclectic  Materia  Medlca. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  plant,  gathered  before  blos- 
soming in  the  spring,  Is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two 
parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mi.xed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth 
part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole  well, 
pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  let  It  stand  eight  days  In  a  dark,  cool 
place.  The  tincture,  separated  by  straining  and  filtering,  should  have  a  deep 
orange-brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  slightly  astringent  taste,  and  an  acid 
reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— An  analysis  of  Avens  by  Buchner,  proves  It 
to  be  very  similar  to  the  European  Geum  nrbamtm  ;  which,  botanically,  differs  but 
slighdy  from  the  species  under  consideration.  All  the  qualities  of  both  species 
are  given  up  freely  to  both  water  and  alcohol. 

Volatile  Oil  of  Geum. — A  greenish-yellow,  acid,  butyraceous  oil,  having  an 
odor  like  cloves.  This  body  may  be  readily  obtained  by  distillation  of  the  roots 
In  water.      (VVIttsteln.) 

The  Water  Avens  contains  also  a  resin,  an  acid,  bitter  extractive,  tannin,  gum, 
and  other  general  plant  constituents. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  action  of  this  species  has  not  yet  been 


54-3 

determined.  A  short  proving  by  the  late  Dr.  Herring  gave  as  symptoms:  severe 
jerking,  tearing  pains,  Hke  electric  shocks,  shooting  from  deep  within  the  abdomen 
to  the  end  of  the  urethra,  coming  on  after  eating. 

Description  of  Plate  54. 

I.    Part  of  flowering  and  fruiting  plant,  from  Lowmansville,  N.  Y.,  May  30th,  18S4. 

2.  Root  leaf. 

3.  Sepal,  showing  bracts. 

4.  Petal. 

5.  Stamen  (enlarged),  outer  view. 

6.  Stamen  (enlarged),  inner  view,  with  open  cell. 

7.  Achenium  (enlarged). 


GTU.adnat.del.et  pinxt 


FRAGARIA  VESCA.Linn. 


N.  ORD.-ROSACE^.  55 

Tribe-DRYADE/E. 

GENUS.— FRAG  ARIA,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  .SY.ST.— ICOSANURIA  POLVGVNIA. 


FRAGARIA. 

Tf  'ILD  S TF.  4  WBERR I ". 

SYN.— FRAGARIA  VESCA,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— "WILD,  PIELD.f  OR  WOOD  STRAWBERRY;    (PR.)  LE  FRAI- 
SIER;  (GER.)  ERDBEERE. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  RIPE  FRUIT  OF  FRAGARI.\  VESC.\,  LINN. 

Description. — Root  perennial,  horizontal,  knotty ;  stolons  creeping  along  the 
ground  and  rooting  at  the  end,  sending  therefrom  young  plants,  following  in  due 
time  the  same  process ;  stem  none.  Leaves  mostly  radical,  ternately  compound, 
hairy ;  stipules  adherent  to  the  base  of  the  petioles  of  the  radical  leaves ;  leaflets 
sessile  or  nearly  so,  cuneate-obovate,  coarsely  serrate,  and  so  strongly  veined  as 
to  appear  plicate  ;  petioles  much  longer  than  the  leaves.  Inflorescence  loose  leafy 
cymes,  upon  long  naked  scapes;  leaves  of  the  cymes  small;  stipules  Xdinz&oXzX^- 
oblong,  acute;  pedicels  erect  or  drooping ;  y?^jtw.s- white.  Calyx  concave  at  the 
base  and  furnished  with  5  intermediate  bracteoles  alternate  with  its  lobes;  the 
whole  remaining  spread  or  reflexed  in  fruit ;  lobes  acute.  Petals  5,  obtuse,  some- 
what crenate  edged.  Stamens  small,  indefinite.  Styles  deeply  lateral.  Fniit  con- 
sisting of  the  greatly  enlarged  and  now  pulpy  and  scarlet  globular  receptacle ; 
achenia  dry,  scattered  upon  the  surface  of  the  fruit,  not  sunk  in  pits. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Wild  Strawberry  grows  on  dry  and  rocky  banks, 
where  it  is  common  throughout  the  North  Temperate  Zone  in  Europe,  Asia,  and 
America.  With  us  it  is  thoroughly  indigenous  North,  flowering  in  May  and  June 
and  fruiting  in  July  and  August.  This  species,  together  with  F.  Virginica — which 
is  more  common,  grows  in  richer  soil,  and  has  the  achenia  sunk  in  pits  upon  the 
surface  of  the  receptacle — form  our  delicious  wild  strawberries.  The  other  North 
American  species  of  Fragaria  are  F.  Virginica  var.  Illince7isis,  Gray,  supposed  to 
be  the  original  of  the  "  Boston  Pine  "  and  "  Hovey's  Seedling ;  "  and  var.  glauca, 
Watson  ;  F.  Cali/ornica,  C.&S. ;  F.  Chilensis,  Duch.  ;  and  var.  Sconleri,  Hook  ; 
and  F.  Indica,  Andr.,  an  adventive  form.     The  F.  Virginica,  Ehr.,  is  supposed  to 


*  From  the  Latin  fragrans,  odorous,  on  account  of  the  aroma  of  the  fruit, 
f  More  properly  applicable  to  the  F.  Virginiea. 


55-2 

be  the  original  of  the  beautiful  scarlet  Virginia  strawberry.  Rafinesque  judged 
that  about  one  hundred  varieties  existed, "but  contented  himself  with  naming  only 
seven  of  F.  vesca,  of  which,  however,  none  are  recognized  by  botanists  to-day. 

The  previous  medical  uses  of  Fragaria  were  few ;  the  berries  were  ordered 
to  be  freely  eaten  of  in  various  calcareous  disorders.  Many  early  writers  consid- 
ered the  fruit  as  beneficial  in  gouty  affections ;  Linnaeus  extols  their  efficacy  in 
preventing  paroxysms  of  gout  in  his  own  case  ;  and  Rosseau  claims  that  he  was 
always  relieved  of  a  calcareous  affliction  by  eating  freely  of  them.  The  root  in 
infusion  has  been  used  in  England  for  dysuria  and  gonorrhoea.  The  dried  leaves 
(Strawberry  Tea)  yield  a  slightly  astringent  infusion  used  in  domestic  practice  as 
an  excitant,  and  as  an  astringent  in  diarrhoea  and  dysentery. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh,  ripe  berries,  dealt  with  as 
in  the  preceding  drug,  yield  an  opaque  tincture,  having,  when  in  thin  layers,  a 
deep  brownish-carmine  color  by  transmitted  light.  This  tincture  has  a  very 
astrineent,  somewhat  vinous  taste,  the  odor  of  the  berries,  and  a  strono-  acid 
reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— The  fruit  contains  cisso-tanic,*  malic,  and 
citric  acids  ;  sugar,  mucilage,  and  a  peculiar  volatile  aromatic  body  uninvestigated. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — It  is  a  patent  fact  that  many  people  with  deli- 
cate stomach  find  it  almost  impossible  to  eat  strawberries  and  cream — especially 
early  in  the  season — without  suffering  from  symptoms  of  disordered  digestion  ; 
the  symptoms  often  culminating  in  quite  severe  attacks.  A  case  in  my  practice 
several  years  ago,  while  a  small-pdx  scare  was  prevalent  in  this  city,  gave  nearly 
all  the  symptoms  of  the  toxic  effect  of  the  fruit.  A  young  lady,  closely  veiled, 
called  hastily  upon  me  early  one  morning,  and  when  seated,  withdrew  her  veil,  and 
in  a  frightened  manner  desired  to  know  if  she  had  small-pox.  Her  face  was 
swollen,  bluish-red,  and  covered  with  a  fine  petechial  eruption,  which  she  said  cov- 
ered her  whole  body,  but  especially  her  face  and  trunk.  She  complained  of  feeling 
at  times  somewhat  faint,  slightly  nauseated,  and  generally  swollen,  but  especially 
in  the  epigastric  region  and  abdomen ;  her  speech  was  somewhat  difiicult,  and 
examination  showed  a  swollen  tongue.  I  laughingly  ventured  asking  her — although 
it  was  winter — where  she  had  found  strawberries,  whereupon  she  asked  me,  in 
astonishment,  how  I  knew  she  had  been  eating  the  fruit,  adding  that  a  friend  in 
Florida  sent  her  about  two  quarts,  among  other  fruit,  and  that  she  and  a  lady  friend 
had  eaten  them  all  the  night  before,  on  retiring.  As  the  symptoms  had  apparently 
reached  their  height,  I  told  her  the  cause,  and  advised  that  she  eat  nothing  for 
twenty-four  hours,  giving  no  remedy,  that  I  might  watch  the  pure  symptoms.  In 
the  afternoon  of  the  same  day  the  skin  was  hot  and  swollen,  the  patient  thirsty  and 
restless,  and  little  sleep  was  gained  that  night;  the  next  day  the  eruption  began  to 
fade,  the  appetite  returned,  and  restlessness  ceased.     On  the  third  day  exfoliation 

*  See  under  Ampelopsis  quinquefolia,  p.  40-2. 


55-3 
began  and  was  very  profuse,  the  skin  appearing  quite  similar  to  tlie  condition 
existing  after  a  severe  attack  of  scarlatina.  The  young  lady  who  shared  her  fruit 
exhibited  no  symptoms  whatever. 

Description  of  Plate  55. 

I.  Whole  plant,  from  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  May  8th,  1880. 

2.  A  flower. 

3.  Stamen. 

(2  and  3  enlarged.) 


56. 


% 


fm. 


ad  nat.dei.et  pinxt. 


PiRus  Americana, DC. 


N.  ORD-ROSACEyE-.  .  56 

S.  Ord.-POME/E. 

GENUS.— PI  RUS,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SYST.— POI.YANDRIA  TRIGVNI.-V. 


PIRUS. 


AMERICA JV  MO  UJVTAIJ^  ASH. 


SYN.-PIRUS  (PYRUS)  AMERICANA,  D.  C;  P.  ACUPARIA,  MEYER;  SORBUS 
AMERICANA,  WILLD. ;  S.  ACUPARIA,  VAR.  AMERICANA,  MICHX. ;  S. 
HUMIFUSA,  RAF. 

COM.  NAMES.— AMERICAN  MOUNTAIN  ASH,  AMERICAN  SERVICE  TREE; 
(FR.)  SORBIS;   (GER.)  VOGELBEEREN. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH   BARK  OF  PIRUS  AMERICANA,  D.  C. 


Description. — This  nearly  smooth  tree  grows  to  a  height  of  from  lo  to  35 
feet.  Bark  somewhat  resembHng  the  cherr)\  Leaf-buds  pointed,  glabrous  and 
glutinous;  leaves  compound,  odd-pinnate;  leaflets  13  to  15,  lanceolate,  taper- 
pointed,  sharply  serrate  with  pointed  teeth,  bright  and  shining  green  above,  not 
pale  below;  teeth  mucronate.  Inflorescence  in  large,  flattish,  compound,  terminal 
cymes.  Calyx  with  an  urn-shaped  tube ;  limb  5-cleft.  Petals  roundish  obovate. 
Stamens  numerous.  Styles  3,  separate.  Fruit  a  bright-scarlet,  globose,  baccate 
pome  about  the  size  of  a  pea  ;  seeds  two  in  each  cell ;  testa  cartilaginous. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  beautiful  mountain  tree  is  indigenous  from  Maine 
to  Pennsylvania,  westward  to  Michigan,  and  southward  along  the  Alleghany 
Mountains.  In  the  north  it  also  habits  swampy  spots,  and  flowers  in  June.  The 
large  clusters  of  brilliant  red  berries  of  this  species  and  the  P.  acuparia  of  Europe, 
which  hang  long  after  the  leaves  have  fallen,  make  the  trees  fine  lawn  ornaments. 

The  close  botanical  and  chemical  relation  of  the  American  and  European 
species  render  them  so  closely  allied  that  many  botanists  consider  them  identical, 
and  the  chemistry  of  the  bark,  so  far  as  distinguished,  is  so  much  like  that  of  the 
wild  cherry  {Cerasus  serotina,  D.  C.)  that  its  medical  uses  have  been  substitutive. 

The  previous  use  of  the  bark  in  medicine  has  been  as  a  tonic  in  fevers  of 

*  The  classical  name  of  the  Pear  tree. 


56-2 

supposed  malarial  types,  where  it  was  often  substituted  for  cinchona.    The  berries 
were  used  as  an  antiscorbutic. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  bark  is  chopped  and  pounded 
to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp 
thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added. 
After  stirring  the  whole  well,  it  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle  and  allowed 
to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  the  above  mass  by  filtration,  has  a  reddish- 
brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  bitter  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITOENTS.— So  far  as  I  am  able  to  ascertain,  no  analysis 
of  the  bark  of  this  species  has  been  made  to  determine  its  specific  principles ;  a 
glance,  however,  at  the  chemistry  of  the  European  species  may  be  of  benefit. 

Sorbus  (Pirus)  acuparia. 

Amygdalin,  QoH^^NOjj. — This  glucoside  occurs  in  the  bark,  buds,  flowers 
and  kernels  of  many  rosaceous  plants ;  it  separates  as  pearly  scales,  which  crys- 
tallize from  water  as  transparent  prisms,  having  the  formula  C,r,H.,_NOjj(H20)3. 
Amygdalin  loses  its  water  of  crystallization  at  120°  (248°  F.),  liquefies  at  200° 
(392°  F.),  and  caramelizes  and  decomposes  at  higher  temperatures;  it  is  soluble 
in  water  and  alcohol,  but  not  in  ether.  Under  the  action  of  dilute  acids  it  splits 
up  as  follows : 

„    ,  .      Benzalclehyde 

Amygdalin.  Water.        "ylrocyanic        q,  Qil  of  Glucose. 

•        Bitter  Almonds. 

Q„H,,NO,,  +  (HP).,=  CNH  +  CH„0  +  (QH^pjr 

Sorbin,  QHj„0^,  is  the  glucose  found  in  the  berries ;  it  forms  in  large,  sweet 
crystals,  which  melt  at  110°  (230°  F.). 

Sorbic  and  Parasorbic  Acid,  C^HgOj,  two  isomeric  acids  of  the  acrylic  group, 
are  also  found  in  the  berries  of  this  species. 

Citric  Acid,  C^.H^O,. — This  widely-distributed  body  occurs,  together  with  malic 
acid,  in  the  fruits  of  both  species.  Citric  acid  crystallizes  in  rectorhombic,  glassy 
forms,  readily  soluble  in  water,  alcohol  and  ether,  and  having  a  pure  and  pleasant 
acid  taste.  These  crystals  become  white  when  exposed  to  the  air,  lose  two  mole- 
cules of  water  at  100°  (212°  F.),  fuse  at  150°  (302°  F.),  and  decompose  with  a 
specific  empyreumatic  odor  at  higher  temperatures. 

Malic  Acid,  QH^O-. — This  acid  is  found  in  the  berries  as  they  begin  to  ripen. 
It  is  obtained  from  its  aqueous  solution  in  small,  colorless,  deliquescent  prisms, 
having  a  strong  but  pleasant  acid  taste. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  tincture  produced,  in  Dr.  Gatchell  and 
others   under  his  observation,*  a  set  of  symptoms   showing  an  irritation  of  the 


•  Am.  Horn.  Obs.,  1S78,  p.  520. 


56-3 
alimentary  mucous  membranes,  and  reflex  nervous  irritati<.n.  It  also  caused 
arthritic  disturbances  and  symptoms  of  chill,  heat,  and  perspiration. 


Description  of  Plate  56. 

I.   A  portion  of  a  cyme,  Binghamton,  May  28th,  1885. 

2.  A  flower,  showing  perianth. 

3.  A  pistil. 

4.  Stamens. 

5.  Two  leaflets. 

().   A  branch  in  fruit. 
7.  Section  of  fruit. 

(3,  4  and  7  enlarged.) 


N.  ORD -CRASSULACE/E.  57 

GENUS— PENTHO  RUM,*  GRONOV. 

SEX.  SVST.— llECANDRIA   I'KNTAfiVNFA. 


PENTHORUM 


DITCH  STOJYE  CROP. 


SYN.— PENTHORUM   SEDOIDES,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— DITCH  OR  VIRGINIA  STONE  CROP. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE   WHOLE   PL.-VNT   PENTHORUM   SEDOIDES.  LINN. 

Description. — This  homely  perennial  grows  to  a  height  of  from  8  to  i  2  inches. 
Sfeni  erect,  somewhat  angled,  simple  or  somewhat  branched ;  /eaves  scattered, 
nearly  sessile,  lanceolate,  acute  at  both  ends,  and  sharply  serrate.  Inflorescence 
a  loose  terminal  cyme  of  revolute  spikes  ;  Jlowcrs  yellowish-green,  arranged  along 
the  upper  surface  of  the  branches  of  the  cyme  ;  pedicels  glandularly  pubescent. 
Calyx  pubescent  below ;  sepals  5,  cuneate,  acute.  Petals  rarely  present.  Stamens 
\o\  filaments  smooth;  anthers  2-celled,  opening  longitudinally,  /'/j'/z/.s' 5,  united 
below;  styles  short,  forming  beaks  in  fruit;  stigmas  small,  capitate.  Fruit  a  5- 
angled,  -horned,  and  -celled  capsule,  opening  by  the  falling  off  of  the  beaks  ;  car- 
pels many  seeded;  seeds  ellipitical,  pointed. 

Crassulaceee. — This  family  of  mostly  succulent  herbs  is  represented  in  North 
America  by  6  genera,  47  species,  and  2  varieties.  Leaves  mostly  sessile  ;  stipules 
none.  Inflorescence  cjmose  or  racemose ;  flowers  perfectly  symmetrical.  Calyx 
mostly  monosepalous  and  free  from  the  ovaries ;  sepals  3  to  20,  persistent,  and 
united  at  the  base.  Corolla  sometimes  monopetalous,  sometimes  wanting;  petals 
if  present  imbricated  in  the  bud  and  inserted  with  the  stamens.  Stamens  distinct, 
equal  to,  or  twice  as  many  as,  the  sepals,  inserted  upon  the  base  of  the  calyx.  Pistils 
distinct  (exc.  Penthorum),  minutely  scaled  at  the  base.  Fruit  a  cluster  of  follicles 
opening  along  the  inner  suture  (exc.  Penthorum).  Seeds  numerous,  anatropous; 
embryo  straight;  albumen  thin. 

This  order  yields  but  few  medicinal  plants,  and  those  of  little  prominence. 
The  common  European  Houseleek  {Sempervivum  tectorum,  Linn.),  whose  leaves 
are  cooling  and  astringent;  the  Orpine  [Sedutn  Telepliium,  Linn.),  whose  leaves, 
boiled  with  milk,  have  been  used  by  the  laity  as  a  remedy  in  diarrhoea ;  and  the 
Stone  Crop  {S.  acre,  Linn.) — whose  apparently  dcchlorophylled  leaves  make  a 
fitting  cover  for  the  old  ruins  which  afford  the  plant  a  habitat  throughout  Europe — 
is  acrid,  and  has  been  recommended  in  cancerous  troubles  and  epilepsy. — {Doc- 
trine of  Signatures  ?) 

*  nivTi,  penle,  five ;  off,  oros,  a  rule ;  from  the  floral  symmetry. 


57-2 

History  and  Habitat. — Penthorum  is  an  indigenous  ditch-weed,  common  in 
all  localities  in  the  United  States,  where  it  flowers  from  June  to  September. 

It  has  always  held  a  place  in  domestic  practice  as  an  astringent  in  diarrhoea 
and  dysentery.  Drs.  Briggs*  and  Scudder  brought  it  to  the  notice  of  practitioners 
as  a  remedy,  both  topic  and  internal,  for  irritation  of  the  mucous  membranes  and 
various  forms  of  subacute  inflammation  of  the  same,  as  in  pharyngitis,  vaginitis, 
tonsillitis,  etc. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant  is  to  be  chopped 
and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are 
taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the 
alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the  whole  well,  pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle, 
and  allow  it  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place,  shaking  often. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration,  has  a  brilliant  reddish- 
orange  color  by  transmitted  light ;  no  special  odor ;  an  astringent  taste ;  and  an 
acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— An  analysis  by  the  Lloyd  brothers  failed  to 
yield  a  peculiar  principle,  or  even  a  volatile  oil.  A  peculiar  tannin  was,  however, 
determined,  which  first  turns  blue  then  precipitates  black  from  its  alcoholic  solu- 
tion with  ferrous,  and  deep  green  with  ferric  sulphate. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Penthorum,  according  to  Dr.  Morrow's  experi- 
ments, causes  many  symptoms  simulating  a  coryza:  rawness  of  throat  and 
tongue ;  increased  appetite  followed  by  nausea ;  burning  in  the  rectum  ;  loose 
stools  followed  by  constipation  ;  increased  urine  ;  cough,  and  constriction  of  the 
chest. 


Description  of  Plate  57. 

I.  Whole  plant,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  Jul)'  30th,  1885. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  View  of  calyx. 

4.  Anther. 

5.  Carpel. 

6.  Fruit. 

(2-6  enlarged.) 


Ec.  Med.  Jour.,  1875,  479. 


^m«ii 


natdei.efpinxt 


HaMAMELIS    VlRGiNICA,Linn. 


N.  ORD -HAMAMELACE^.  58 

Tribe.-HAMAMELE^. 

GKNL'S  —  H  AM  AM  ELIS  ,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— TICTRAiNDUIA  DIC.VMA. 


HAMAMELIS 


WITCH   HAZEL. 

SYN.-HAMAMELIS  VIRGINICA,  LINN.,  HAMAMELIS  MACROPHYLLA, 
PURSH,  HA.MAMELIS  DIOICA,  WALT.,  HAMAMELIS  CORYLIFOLIA, 
MCENCH. 

COM.  NAMES.-"WITCH  HAZEL,  SNAPPING-HAZELNUT,  WATER  SEEKER 
"WINTER-BLOOM,  SPOTTED  ALDER. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  TWIGS  AND  BARK  OF  H.AMAMELIS  VIRGINICA,  ],INN. 

Description. — This  strange  shrub,  whose  flowers  do  not  open  until  its  leaves 
fall,  grows  to  a  height  of  from  5  to  1 5  feet.  The  stem  is  usually  single,  some- 
times as  large  as  4  inches  in  diameter  at  the  base.  Bark  smooth,  brown. 
Branches  numerous,  long,  flexuous  and  forking.  Leaves  3  to  5  inches  long,  cor- 
date-ovate or  oval,  with  sinuate  edges  and  straight  veins,  downy  stellate-pubescent 
when  young,  but  becoming  smooth  with  age.  Petioles  about  one-half  an  inch 
long.  Involuo-e  3-leaved,  scale-like,  pubescent,  on  a  short  peduncle.  Flcnvers 
many,  axillary,  several  in  a  cluster  or  head.  Calyx  persistent,  of  4  broadly-ovate, 
hairy,  recurved  divisions,  with  2  or  3  little  bracts  at  the  base.  Corolla  of  4  long, 
strap-shaped,  yellow  petals,  which  soon  wither  and  curl.  Stamens  8,  four  are 
fertile,  four  sterile  ;  sterile  stamens  scale-like,  truncate,  opposite  the  petals;  fertile 
stajncns  shorter,  curving  inward  toward  the  pistil ;  Jilainents  short ;  anther  adnate, 
introrse,  2-celled,  the  cells  rather  widely  separated,  opening  laterally  by  uplifted 
valves.  Pollen,  grains  ellipsoid,  with  3  evenly  separated  deep  sulci.  Ovaries  2, 
united  below.  Styles  2,  short.  Capsule  roundish  ovoid,  hard  and  leathery,  tlie 
lower  half  with  the  persistent  caly.x  and  bracts,  the  upper  smooth.  Dehiscence 
loculicidal  from  the  apex,  during  which  the  exocarp  cleaves  from  the  cndocarp, 
which  contains  the  seeds,  and  .soon  bursts,  disclosing  2  cells,  black  and  shining 
within,  each  with  a  single  seed.  Nutlets  stony,  oblong,  narrow,  deep  glossy  black, 
except  the  dull  white  tip.     Embryo  long,  straight.     Albumen  litde  or  none. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  plant,  about  which  was  formerly  draped,  by 
those  versed  in  the  occult  arts,  a  veil  of  deep  mystery,  and  whose  forked  branches 
were  used  as  a  divining-rod  while  searching  for  water  and  ores,  grows  profusely 
in  the  damp  woods  of  Canada  and  the  United  States,  flowering  in  October  and 
ripening  its  fruit  in  the  following  summer. 

*aiia,  like  to,  itJiV.^,  an  apple  tree.     Some  plants  bear  a  slight  resemblance  to  small  wild  apple  trees. 


58-2 

The  many  varied  uses  of  a  watery  infusion  of  Witcli-hazel  barl-c  were  fully 
known  to  the  aborigines,  whose  knowledge  of  our  medicinal  llora  has  been 
stran"-ely  correct  as  since  proven.  Its  use  in  haemorrhages,  congestions,  inflam- 
mations and  haemorrhoids  is  now  generally  known  through  the  medium  of  an 
aqueous  distillate  of  the  bark. 

The  U.  S.  Ph.  (1882)  has  wisely  added  Hamamelis  to  their  medicaments, 
officinal  as  E.xti-acluin  Hamamelidis  Fluiduni.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica 
the  officinal  preparation  is  Decoctmn  Hatnaiiie/is. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  bark  of  the  young  twigs  and  roots 
is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed,  then  two  parts  by  weight  of 
alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  with  one-si.xth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  ot 
the  alcohol  added  ;  after  having  stirred  the  whole  well,  pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered 
bottle,  and  let  it  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture,  separated 
by  decanting,  straining  and  filtering  is  by  transmitted  light  of  a  deep  yellowish- 
brown  color.  It  has  a  sweetish,  slightly  astringent  taste,  an  acid  reaction,  and  a 
peculiar  odor,  which,  once  noticed,  will  always  distinguish  it. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — No  analysis  of  this  plant  has  been  made  to 
determine  its  principles  except  as  far  as  tannin  is  concerned  ;  this  body  was  found 
in  small  percentage.  Water  seems,  nevertheless,  to  extract  all  or  nearly  all  of 
its  virtues.  The  active  body,  however,  must  be  more  or  less  volatile,  as  prepara- 
tions of  the  plant,  made  without  using  proper  care  in  regard  to  this  feature,  have 
not  the  action  usually  sought  for.  It  is  also  a  fact  that  the  bark  of  the  root  alone 
is  not  sufficiently  medicinal,  and  that  the  curative  property  of  the  tincture  does 
not  lie  entirely  in  the  tannin. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Hamamelis,  according  to  Dr.  H.  C.  Preston, 
who  first  attempted  the  study  of  its  action,  causes  a  determination  of  venous 
blood  to  the  head,  chest,  abdomen  and  pelvis.  Its  action  would  seem  to  be,  not 
upon  the  circulation  itself  but  upon  the  coats  of  the  veins,  causing  a  relaxation, 
with  consequent  engorgement  and  exosmosis,  this  action  in  many  cases  proceed- 
ing to  actual  rupture  of  the  vessels.  The  symptoms  pointing  to  the  above  con- 
clusion are  produced  as  follows:  Vertigo,  venous  epistaxis,  preceded  by  severe 
pressure  both  in  the  os  frontis  and  superior  nares,  relieved  by  the  haemorrhage; 
nausea  and  vomiting,  pain  and  tenderness  of  the  abdomen,  with  flatulence  and 
diarrhoeic  passages  from  the  bowels  ;  pulsations  in  the  rectum  synchronous  with 
the  pulse ;  much  lumbar  pain,  with  weakness  of  the  lower  limbs  and  general  lassi- 
tude. The  action  of  hamamelis  upon  the  heart  and  circulation  in  general  is  not 
marked  in  these  experiments. 

Description  of  Plate  58. 

I.   End  of  flowering  branch,  BinghanUon,  N.  Y.,  October  23d,  1881. 

2.  Leaves  added  in  June. 

3.  Flower  (enlarged),  the  petals  broken  off. 

4.  Fruit. 

5.  Pollen  grains,  side  and  end  view,  x  380. 

6.  Nutlet. 


59. 


^m.a(l nat.delet  pinxt      EPILOBIUM     PALUSTRE,  var.  LiNEARE  ,  Gray. 


''^'-  f-"^"^- 


N.  ORD-ONAGRACE^.  59 

GENUS.— EPI  LOB  lUM,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— ()(.T.\NI)R1.\   MnNocVMA. 


EPILOBIUM. 


WILLO}]'-HEliB. 


SYN.— EPILOBIUM  PALUSTRE,  VAR.  LINEARB,  GRAY;  E.  PALUSTRE, 
GRAY;  E.ROSMARINIFOLIUM,  PURSH.;  B.  LINBARE,  MUHL. ;  E.  PALUS- 
TRE, VAR.  ALBESCENS,  RICH.;  B.  PALUSTRE,  VAR.  ALBIFLORUM, 
LBHM. ;  E.  OLIGANTHUM,  MICHX.,  F. ;  E.  TENELLUM  DENSUM,  LEPTO- 
PHYLLUM,  AND  CILIATUM,  RAF.;  E.  ANGUSTISSIMUM,  WILLD. 
(GREENLAND);    E.   PUBESCBNS,   PRBSL. ;    E.    SQUAMATUM,   NUTT. 

COM.  NAMES.— SWAMP  WILLOW-HERB,  NARROW-LEAVED  WILLOW- 
HERB,  MARSH  EPILOBIUM,  S"WAMP  WILLOW,  WICKOP;  (FR.i  HERBE 
DE   ST.  ANTOINE;    (GBR.i  ANTONSKRAUT. 


A  TLVCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE  PL.\XT  EPILOBIUM  PALUSTRE,  VAR.  LIXEARE,  GR.W. 

Description. — This  slender,  perennial  herb  usually  attains  a  growth  ot  trom 
6  inches  to  2  feet.  Stem  erect,  roundish,  terete,  minutely  hoary,  pubescent,  and 
branchy  above.  Leaves  nearly  sessile,  narrowly  lanceolate  or  linear,  acute,  attenu- 
ate at  the  base,  and  with  more  or  less  revolute  margins  ;  the  upper  alternate  ;  the 
lower  opposite,  entire,  or  denticulate.  Inflorescence  in  a  terminal  corymb ;  floi^<cr- 
bucis  nodding ;  flowers  minute,  rose-colored.  Calyx-tube  not  prolonged  beyond  the 
ovary ;  limb  4-clefc,  deciduous.  Petals  4,  erect,  mosdy  notched  at  the  end,  and 
about  twice  the  length  of  the  calyx.  Stamens  8,  erect;  anthers  short.  Style  erect, 
included ;  stigma  clavate,  nearly  entire.  Fr2tit  an  elongated,  linear,  hoary,  some- 
what quadrangular,  loculicidal  pod  ;  seeds  numerous,  bearing  a  tuft  of  long  hairs 
upon  the  ape.x. 

Onagraceae. — This  innocent  order  of  mostly  perennial  herbs,  represented  in 
North  America  by  15  genera,  155  species,  and  numerous  varieties,  is  characterized 
as  follows:  Floi,.'ers  4-merous  (sometimes  2,  3,  5,  or  6-merous),  perfect,  and  sym- 
metrical. Calyx  with  its  tube  adhering  to  the  ovary;  lobes  valvate  in  the  bud  or 
obsolete.  Petals  convolute  in  the  bud,  sometimes  absent.  Stamens  as  many,  or 
twice  as  many,  as  the  petals  or  calyx-lobes  :  filaments  inserted  at  the  summit  of 
the  calyx-tube :  pollen  with  its  grains  often  connected  by  cobwebby  threads.  Style 
single,  slender;  stigma  2-  to  4-lobed  or  capitate.  Fruit  capsular  or  baccate;  seeds 
small,  anatropous  ;  albumen  wanting. 


'K.Ti.  <•//,  upnn;  \6go;,  lol'OS,  a  (Xxl ;  .is  the  flowers  seem  lo  be. 


59-2 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Swamp  Willow-Herb  is  indigenous  to  North 
America,  where  it  extends  from  the  mountains  of  North  Carolina,  and  from 
Southern  Illinois,  northward  to  the  Arctic  Circle.  It  habits  high  sphagnum  swamps, 
and  flowers  in  July  and  August. 

Epilobium  has  proven  itself  a  mild  tonic  and  astringent,  quite  useful  in  slight 
types  of  diarrhcea  and  dysentery  attended  with  colic,  cramps  in  the  stomach,  and 
light  typhoid  abdominal  symptoms.  In  irritation  of  the  intestinal  canal,  followed 
by  diarrhoea  and  some  tympanitis,  it  has  often  proved  quite  beneficial  in  the  hands 
of  our  Eclectic  physicians. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant,  while  in  flower, 
should  be  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed ;  then  two  parts  by 
weight  of  alcohol  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mi.xed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it, 
and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  Pour  the  whole  into  a  well- stoppered  bottle, 
and  allow  it  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place,  shaking  twice  a  day.  The 
tincture,  prepared  from  this  mass  by  decanting,  pressing,  and  filtering,  should  have 
a  light  yellowish-brown  color  by  transmitted  light ;  a  smooth,  then  astringent  taste, 
and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— No  analysis  of  this  plant  has  so  far  been 
made.  It  contains,  however,  tannin  and  gallic  acid,  beside  the  usual  plant  con- 
stituents. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  experiments  of  Dr.  Wright,  who  took  iVom 
one-half  to  one  ounce  of  the  tincture,  caused  some  symptoms  that  must  have  been 
due  to  so  large  a  "drink."  Outside  of  the  symptoms  that  we  are  prone  to  lay  to 
the  alcohol,  the  following  also  occurred  :  Salivation  ;  loose  stools ;  red  urine  ;  and 
chills,  followed  by  feverishness  and  general  aching  throughout  the  body. 

A  proving  with  the  tincture  prepared  as  here  directed,  should  be  made. 


Description  ok  Plate  59. 

I.  A  small  plant  from  Ai)palachin,  N.  Y.,  July  26th.  18S6. 

2.  A  flower. 

3.  Petal. 

4.  Stamens. 

5.  Pistil. 

6.  Pod. 

7.  Seed. 

(  2-5  and  7  enlarged.) 


60. 


|.H  ,»      ;. 


(p.TU.aiinatdel.etpinxt. 


CEnothera  Biennis  Linn 


N.  ORD -ONAGRACE^.  60 

GENUS.— CENOTH  ERA,*  LINN. 


Si:X.  SVST.— OCTAXORIA   Ml  ).\'(  )GVNI.\. 


OENOTHERA 


E  VEJ^IJ^G  PRIME  OSE. 


SYN.-CENOTHERA    BIENNIS,   LINN.;    CENOTHERA    PARVIFLORA,   LINN.; 

CENOTHERA     GAUROIDES,    HORNEM ;     ONAGRA    BIENNIS,     SCOP.; 

ONAGRA    VULGARIS,    AND    CHRYSANTHA,   SPACH. 
COM.   NAMES.— COMMON  EVENING    PRIMROSE.   NIGHT  WILLOW-HERB, 

SCABBISH,    TREE    PRIMROSE,    CURE-ALL  ;    (FR.)    ONAGRE ;    (GER.) 

NACHTKERZ. 


A  TINCTURE  OF   THE  WHOLE,  FRESH,  NEWLY  BLOSSOMING  PLANT,  CENOTHERA 

BIENNIS,  LINN. 


Description. — This  nocturnal  annual,  or  biennial  plant,  attains  a  growth  of 
from  2  to  4  feet.  Rool  conical ;  bark  thin,  yellowish,  or  brownish.  The  roots  of 
the  first  year  are  fleshy  and  succulent,  in  the  second  they  become  fibrous  and 
woody.  Leaves  alternate,  2-6  inches  long,  ovate-lanceolate,  acute,  very  minutely 
toothed,  and  pubescent;  the  cauline  sessile,  those  near  the  root  contracted  into  a 
petiole.  Inflorescence  a  terminal,  foliaceous  spike,  lengthening  greatly  as  the 
flowers  develop  and  the  fruit  matures ;  flozvers  odorous,  light-yellow,  ephemeral. 
Calyx-tube  cylindrical,  caducous,  prolonged  quite  a  distance  beyond  the  ovary,  be- 
ing more  than  twice  as  long  as  its  lobes ;  limb  of  4  long,  refle.\ed  lobes.  Petals  4, 
obcordate,  not  clawed,  withering  and  becoming  orange-brown  after  a  night's 
expansion.  Stamens  8,  nearly  equal,  shorter  than,  and  both  opposite  and  alter- 
nate with,  the  petals;  filaments  slender,  sometimes  curved;  anthers  linear,  versa- 
tile. Ovary  ovate  ;  style  terminal,  long,  cylindrical,  exserted  ;  slig7nas  a  group  of  4 
linear,  diverging  lobes.  Fruit  a  4-valved,  many-seeded  follicle  ;  follicle  oblong, 
sessile,  tapering  above  ;  seeds  naked.  Read  description  of  the  order  under  Kpilo- 
bium  palustre,  59'. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Evening  Primrose  is  common  in  the  United  States, 
growing  in  fields  and  waste  places  generally,  and  flowering  from  July  to  Septem- 
ber. It  varies  gready  in  its  growth,  affording  at  least  5  distinct  varieties,  viz., 
var.  a  grandiflora,  a  large-flowered  form ;  var.  ^  muricata,  with  rough,  bristly 
stem  and  pods ;  var.  y  canescens ;  var.  h  hirsutissima,  a  particularly  hairy  form  ; 

*  Theophrastus  describes  a  plant  whose  dried  root  caught  the  odor  of  wine.  Hence  he  called  it  ofva,-,  oinos,  wine; 
»i(pa,  thera,  catch.  (Barton.)  Or  taking  Siijia  to  mean  a  hunt  or  chase,  it  is  alleged  that  the  meaning  is  applicable  to  the 
belief  that  it  was  the  root  of  this  plant,  or  one  of  its  botanical  relatives,  that  was  eaten  to  provoke  an  appetite  for  wine. 

This  genus  is  a  large  and  varied  one,  containing  57  species,  and  ^  varieties,  in  North  America  alone. 


60-2 

and  var.  s  cruciata,  having  small,  linear  petals,  shorter  than  the  stamens.  The 
flowers  open  fully,  after  sundown,  and  remain  so  until  the  sun  is  well  up  in  the 
morning,  then  wither  and  fall.  Much  has  been  written  concerning  the  property 
inherent  in  the  petals  of  many  species  of  this  genus,  of  emitting  a  "  phosphor- 
escence" at  night,  the  flowers  being  distinguishable  at  a  goodly  distance  beyond 
non-refractory  objects  by  their  whitish  luminosity.  In  regard  to  this  phosphor- 
escence a  word  or  two  is  in  place.  That  the  petals  do  emit  light  on  a  dark  night 
is  not  fanciful ;  still  it  is  not  due  to  a  property  of  giving  out  spontaneous  light 
(phosphorescence),  but  to  a  process  of  storing  up  sunlight  during  the  day,  and 
retaining  it  at  night — a  property  identical  with  that  exhibited  by  hepar  sulphuns 
calcarea,  and  the  sulphides  of  barium  and  strontium.^'' 

The  young  roots  of  the  evening  primrose  are  said  to  be  edible  and  pleasant, 
either  pickled  or  boiled,  having  "  a  nutty  taste,  quite  similar  to  that  of  rampion 
{Campanula  rapuncuhis),  and  are  used  in  Germany  and  some  parts  of  France, 
either  stewed  or  raw,  in  salads,  like  celery."  (Porcher.)  Lindley  states,  that  the 
young  mucilaginous  twigs  are  used  in  the  same  way. 

About  the  only  previous  use  of  this  plant  in  medicine  was  a  strong  decoction 
of  the  dried  herb  as  an  e.xternal  application  in  infantile  eruptions,  and  as  a  general 
vulnerary.  Dr.  Winterburnf  states  it  to  be  a  curative  in  spasmodic  asthma,  per- 
tussis, gastric  irritation,  irritable  bladder,  and  chronic  exhaustive  diarrhoeas. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant,  as  it  is  coming 
into  bloom,  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by 
weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it, 
and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole,  it  is  poured 
into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  obtained  from  this  mass  by  filtration,  should  have  a  clear  red- 
dish-orange color  by  transmitted  light,  an  odor  similar  to  that  of  wet  hay,  a  taste 
at  first  mucilaginous,  then  astringent  and  bitter,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.  — ffi^wr^/Z/crw.  This  body,  claimed  as  a  prin- 
ciple by  Chicoisneau,  is  evidently  an  extract,  which  probably  contains  all  of  the 
principles  of  the  plant  except  the  acrid  body,  which  is  dissipated  by  heat.  It  has 
not  yet  been  analyzed,  but  would  doubtless  show  a  resin,  a  bitter  principle,  and  a 
special  acid.     Mucilage  is  present  in  large  percentage. 

Potassium  nitrate,  K  N  O3. — Crystals  of  this  salt  are  readily  extracted  from 
an  alcoholic  tincture  of  the  root. J 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  brain  symptoms  following  a  dose  of  60 
drops  of  the  fluid  extract  of  CEnothera  in  a  woman  of  40,  as  chronicled  by  Dr. 
Nute,§  are  very  interesting,  and   should   stimulate  a  desire  for  a  fuller  proving. 

*  Calcined  oyster  shells  emit  stored  sunlight,  on  account  of  the  sulphide  of  calcium  in  their  composition.  This  fact 
is  largely  utilized  in  the  manufacture  of  luminous  clock-faces,  match-safes,  door-plates,  and  the  like.  These  objects,  when 
placed  in  the  sunlight  during  the  day,  are  visible  at  night. 

t  "The  Evening  I'rinirose,"  a  paper  read  before  the  Ills.  State  Horn.  Soc'y.     Am.  Homoaopath,  1883,  p.  317. 

X  Claussen,  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1884,  p.  365.  \  U.  S.  Med.  and  Surg.  Jotirn.,  vol.  ix,  p.  395. 


60-3 

This  individual  experienced  extreme  vertigo,  inability  to  sit  or  stand  erect,  semi- 
unconsciousness,  loss  of  muscular  power,  numbness  and  peripheral  prickling, 
rigors,  occasional  muscular  cramps  in  the  abdomen  and  extremities,  and  great 
exhaustion.  These  symptoms  were  followed  by  a  free  movement  of  the  bowels, 
and  a  copious  discharge  of  urine.  Dr.  Winterburn*  judges  that  the  drug  has  a 
special  action  upon  the  pneumogastric  nerve,  and,  reflexly,  an  irritative  action 
upon  its  pulmonary  and  laryngeal  branches. 


Description  of  Plate  6o. 

I.  Top  of  flowering  plant;  Chemung,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  4th,  1879. 

2.  Pistil. 

3.  Fruit. 

*  [/.  S.  Med.  and  Surg,  youm.,  vol.  ix,  p.  395. 


61. 


.TU.adnatdeI.etpinxt. 


Opuntia   Vulgaris,  miii. 


N.  ORD -CACTACL^.  61 

GENUS.— OPUNTIA,*  TOURN. 


SEX.  SYST.— ICUS.\NDRIA  MONOGV.M.V. 


OPUNTIA. 


PRICKLY  PEAR. 


SYN.— OPUNTIA  VULGARIS,  MILL. ;  O.  ITALICA,  TEN. ;  O.  HUMIPUSUS, 
AND  O.  MARITIMA  AND  HUMIPUSA,  RAP.;  O.  INTERMEDIA,  SALM. ; 
CACTUS  OPUNTIA,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— PRICKLY  PEAR,  INDIAN  FIG. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  FLOWERS  AND  GREEN  OVARIES  OF  OPUNTIA 

VULGARIS,  LINN. 


Description. — This  curious,  low,  pale,  prostrate,  spreading  plant  is  character- 
ized as  follows:  Branches  (?)  more  or  less  assurgent ;  yi9/«/.f  fiat,  broadly  ovate, 
the  younger  ones  leafy,  the  older  prickly;  leaves  minute  ovate-subulate,  appressed, 
deciduous,  arranged  spirally  about  the  joints;  axils  more  or  less  bristly  with  numer- 
ous short,  barbed  prickles ;  spines  rarely  present,  when  found  they  are  whitish  in 
the  north  and  yellowish  southward,  and  vary  from  two-thirds  to  one  and  one- 
quarter  inches  long.  Inflorescence  consisting  of  a  few  sessile,  solitary  flowers 
along  the  apical  ridge  of  the  joints  ;  floniers  large,  sulphur-yellow,  not  ephemeral ; 
perianth  not  united  into  a  prolonged  tube,  but  regular  and  spreading.  Sepals  ovate- 
lanceolate,  tapering  to  a  point.  Petals  ample,  the  inner  roundish.  Stamens  numer- 
ous, shorter  than  the  larger  petal ;  filaments  glabrous ;  anthers  linear,  versatile. 
Ovary  i -celled,  obovate ;_  j/y/^  cylindrical,  narrowed  at  the  base;  stigmas  about  6, 
in  two  sets,  clavate.  Fruit  an  obovoid,  nearly  smooth,  crimson,  pulpy  and  edible 
berry,  having  a  deep  depression  at  the  apex  showing  the  scars  of  the  perianth. 
Seeds  numerous,  flattish-reniform,  with  a  rounded  ridge  extending  over  the  arch 
opposite  the  hilum  ;  embryo  curved  around  the  thin  albumen  ;  cotyledons  large, 
becoming  foliaceous. 

CactacesB. — This  large  and  peculiar  family  of  thick  and  fleshy  plants  is  repre- 
sented in  North  America  by  5  genera,  containing  in  all  142  species  and  39  recog- 
nized varieties.  Its  characteristics  are  as  follows  :  Stems  globular  or  columnar  and 
angled,  composed  of  numerous  compressed  joints.  Leaves  usually  absent  or  rep- 
resented by  spines,  thorns  or  bristles.  Flowers  solitary,  sessile.  Sepals  and  petals 
similar  and  evolute,  numerous  and  imbricated  in  several  rows,  all  adherent  to  the 
ovary.  Stamens  numerous  ;  filaments  long  and  slender,  inserted  into  a  ring  formed 
by  the  union  of  the  sepals  and  petals.  Styles  united  into  one ;  stigmas  numerous. 
F7'uit  a  berry ;  seeds  numerous,  campylotropous,  finally  becoming  separate  from 
the  placentae  and  loose  in  the  pulp  ;  placentce  several,  parietal ;  albumen  scanty. 

•  A  Theophrastian  name  for  some  species  growing  in  the  country  of  the  Opuntiani,  whose  chief  city  was  Opus,  near  Phocis. 


61-2 

The  proven  plants  of  this  order  are  :  the  Jamaican  Cactus  grandiflorus,  Linn.  ; 
the  beautiful  Night-blooming  Cereus,  whose  ephemeral  flowers  are  remarkable  for 
their  exceeding  size  and  fragrance  ;  Cereus  Bonplandii,  Parm.  ;  and  C  serpentinus, 
Haw.  No  other  species  are  used  in  medicine,  though  many  furnish  both  food  and 
drink  to  those  compelled  to  pass  over  the  barren  wastes  which  this  order  mostly 
habits,  the  pulpy  fruits  and  succulent  joints,  deprived  of  their  coat  of  mail,  being 
acid  and  aqueous  to  a  high  degree.  Mr.  J.  R.  Dodge*  speaks  as  follows  of  the 
species  used  by  the  American  Aborigines  : 

" EcJiinocactiis  ll'islizeni. — A  section  of  the  stem  is  often  employed  as  a  cook- 
ing vessel.  The  seeds  are  small  and  black,  but,  when  parched  and  pulverized, 
make  good  gruel  and  even  bread.  The  pulp  of  the  fruit  is  rather  sour,  and  not 
much  eaten.  Travellers  in  passing  through  the  cactus  wastes  often  resort  to  this 
plant  to  quench  their  thirst,  its  interior  containing  a  soft,  white,  watery  substance, 
of  slightly  acid  taste,  which  is  rather  pleasant  when  chewed.  It  is  a  common  sight 
to  see  on  each  side  of  the  road  these  plants  with  a  large  perforation  made  by  the 
thirsty  traveller.  An  Indian,  when  travelling,  and  wishing  to  make  a  meal,  selects 
a  large  plant,  three  feet  or  more  long  and  two  in  diameter,  cuts  it  down  and  hol- 
lows it  out  so  as  to  form  a  trough ;  into  this  he  throws  the  soft  portions  of  the 
pulpy  substance  which  surrounds  the  central  woody  axis,  and  adds  meat,  roots, 
seeds,  meal,  fruits,  or  any  edible  thing  on  hand ;  water  is  added,  and  the  whole 
mixed  together ;  stones  are  then  highly  heated  and  dropped  into  the  mixture,  and, 
as  they  cool,  are  taken  out,  licked  clean,  reheated,  and  returned  to  the  cooking  ves- 
sel, until  the  mixture  is  thoroughly  boiled.  This  is  a  favorite  dish  with  the  Yabapais 
and  Apaches  of  Arizona.  The  Papajo  Indians  pare  off  the  rind  and  thorns  of 
large  plants  of  this  species  of  cactus,  letting  it  remain  several  days  to  bleed,  when 
the  pulp  is  pared  down  to  the  woody  axis,  cut  up  into  suitable  pieces,  and  boiled 
in  syrup  of  the  Cereus  gigantais  or  Cereus  Tluirbtri.  If  a  kind  of  sugar  which  is 
made  by  the  Mexicans  is  attainable,  it  is  employed  instead  of  the  syrup,  thus  form- 
ing a  good  preserve.  These  pieces,  when  taken  out  of  the  liquid  and  dried,  are  as 
good  as  candied  citron,  which  they  much  resemble  in  taste  and  substance. 

"' Prickly  pear  [Opuiitia  Etigeliiiani,  O.  vulgaris,  O.  Camaiicliica,  O.  Rafines- 
qtm,  O.  occidcntalis). — The  fruit  of  these  species  of  cactus  is  much  eaten  by  all  the 
Indians  of  New  Mexico,  Arizona,  California  and  Utah,  under  the  common  Spanish 
name  of  tiinas,  great  quantities  being  dried  for  use  in  the  winter.  These  plants 
grow  in  arid  desert  localities  which  produce  nothing  better ;  they  are  large  and 
of  a  bright  red  to  purple  color;  of  a  rather  pleasant,  sweet,  somewhat  acid  taste, 
and  have  thin  skins  and  rather  large  seeds,  which  are  discarded.  The  skin  is 
studded  with  bunches  of  very  fine  downy  spines,  which  the  Indians  brush  off  with 
a  bunch  of  grass.  The  Apaches  use  wooden  tongs  to  gather  the  fruit,  to  prevent 
being  scratched  by  these  spines  or  the  thorns  of  the  plant.  The  Pawnees  and 
Papajoes  dry  the  unripe  fruit  of  the  Opuntia  for  future  use,  to  be  cooked  with 
meat  and  other  substances.  The  fresh  unripe  fruit  is  often  boiled  in  water  from 
ten  to  twelve  hours,  until  soft,  when  it  becomes  like  apple-sauce;  then,  being 
allowed  to  ferment  a  little,  it  becomes  stimulating  and  nutritious.  Some  Indians 
roast  the  leaves  of  the  Opuntia  in  hot  ashes,  and,  when  cooked,  the  outer  skin, 

*  U.  S.  Agric.  Repts.,  1S70,  417-418. 


61-3 

with  the  thorns,  is  easily  removed,  leaving  a  slimy,  sweet,  succulent  substance, 
which  is  eaten.  Hunger  and  destitution  frequently  compel  Indians  and  white  men 
to  live  for  many  days  on  this  food.  A  yellowish  white  gum  often  oozes  out  of  the 
leaves  of  the  Opuntia,  which  is  also  eaten." 

History  and  Habitat. — This  species  is  indigenous  to  the  sandy  fields  of  the 
Adantic  and  Pacific  seaboards,  as  well  as  the  arid  lands  of  the  southwestern  por- 
tion of  North  America  ;  it  is  also  found  in  Europe.  It  habits  rocky  places  and  dry 
sands,  where  it  flowers  in  June  and  July  at  the  north. 

The  fruit  is  edible  and  at  the  same  time  a  pleasant  diuretic,  though  it  renders 
the  urine  a  bloody  tinge ;  the  taste  is  acid  and  cool,  much  resembling  the  Pome- 
granate. Rafinesque  states*  that  the  split  joints  make  a  good  emollient  applica- 
tion for  acute  rheumatism,  and,  when  baked,  for  chronic  ulcers,  gout,  and  recent 
wounds  ;  the  juice  and  gummy  exudation,  he  says,  is  used  in  gravel.  Dr.  Porcher 
saysf  he  is  informed  that  a  decoction  of  the  joints  is  mucilaginous,  and  much  used 
in  Alabama  as  a  demulcent  drink  in  pulmonic  and  pleuritic  affections.  Merat  j 
claims  that  the  cut  joints  are  discutient. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  flowers  and  green  ovaries 
are  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight 
of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it  and  the 
rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  The  whole  is  then  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  vial, 
and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture,  separated 
from  this  mass  by  filtration,  should  have  a  slightly  opaque  straw-color  by  trans- 
mitted light ;  a  slight  odor  of  the  flowers  ;  a  bitterish  and  astringent  taste  ;  and  an 
acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — An  analysis  of  the  fruit  was  made  by  Mr. 
W.  \V.  Light,§  and  resulted  in  the  determination  of:  Tartaric  acid,  QHyOg;  citric 
acid  mucilage,  and  coloring-matter.  In  the  seeds  a  fixed  oil,  a  fat  acid,  albumen, 
starch  and  glucose  were  found,  but  no  glucoside  nor  alkaloid. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — According  to  the  experiments  made  by  Drs. 
Burdick,||  Kunze  and  Fitch,T[  with  doses  varying  from  a  small  portion  to  a  drachm 
of  the  tincture,  the  effects  are  as  follows:  Mental  disturbances;  acute  pain  in  the 
globe  of  the  eye ;  epistaxis  ;  nausea  in  both  stomach  and  bowels  as  if  diarrhoea 
would  set  in;  urging  to  stool;  urine  red,  increased;  coldness;  and  various  pains, 
principally  about  the  joints. 

Description  of  Plate  6i. 

1.  Two  joints  in  flower  and  leaf,  Salem,  Mass.,  July  3cl,  1885. 

2.  Section  of  flower,  stamens  and  floral  envelope  removed. 

3.  Stamen. 

4.  Stigma. 

5.  Fruit. 

6.  Seeds. 

(3,  4  and  6  enlarged.) 


*  Med.  Flora,  2,  243.  t  Hesourc.  South.  Fidds  and  Forests,  66.  J  Diet.  Univ.  de  A/at.  Afed.,  vi,  11. 

2  Am.  your.  Phar.,  1884,  3.    ||  N.  A.  Jour,  of  Horn.,  1874   48.  \  Trans.  Ec.  Med.  Soc,  1875. 


,9 


I 


(f.m.adnatdei.etpinxt.  ERYNGIUM     YuCCALFOLIUM  ,  Michx. 


N.  ORD-UMBELLIFER^.  62 

GENUS— ERYNGIUM*  TOURN. 


SEX.  SVST.— TEN'TAXriRIA   DIGVNIA. 


ERYNGIUM. 


BUTTOJV  SJfAKEROOT. 


SYN.— ERYNGIUM   YUCC^FOLIUM,  MICHX. ;   E.  AQUATICUM,   LINN.   (IN 

PART). 
COM.  NAMES.— BUTTON  SNAKEROOT,  RATTLESNAKE  MASTER,  ERYNGO, 

CORN  SNAKEROOT;  (FR.)  PANICANT  D'EAU;   (GER.)  WASSERMANNS- 

TRBU. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  ROOT  OF  ERYNGIUM  YUCC-1-:F0LIUM,  MICHX.f 

Description. — This  peculiar,  sedge-like  perennial  grows  to  a  height  of  from 
I  to  6  feet.  Stcvi  smooth,  erect,  and  grooved.  Leaves  linear,  six  inches  to  two 
feet  long,  and  one-half  to  one  inch  wide,  taper-pointed,  coriaceous,  rigid,  parallel- 
veined,  gramineous,  and  remotely  bristly-fringed  upon  the  margins.  Inflorescence 
in  a  terminal  compound  umbel,  each  peduncle  bearing  a  compact  head ;  heads 
broadly  ovate  ;  bracts  entire,  paleaceous,  not  spinous  ;  flozoers  inconspicuous,  white, 
all  fertile,  closely  sessile ;  leaves  of  the  itivoluccls  mostly  entire,  and  shorter  than 
the  heads.  Calyx  5-toothed ;  teeth  persistent.  Petals  connivent,  oblong,  emargi- 
nate.  Styles  filiform.  Fruit  top-shaped,  covered  with  little  scales  or  tubercles, 
having  no  ribs  and  scarcely  any  vittae,  the  inner  face  of  each  mericarp  flat  or 
nearly  so. 

Umbelliferae. — This  large  and  very  natural  order,  of  herbs,  represented  in 
North  America  by  50  genera  and  187  species,  is  characterized  as  follows:  Stems 
usually  hollow  and  striate.  Leaves  alternate,  mostly  compound  ;  petioles  sheath- 
ing or  e.\panding  at  the  base.  Inflorescence  in  terminal,  compound  umbels,  often 
subtended  by  a  whorl  of  bracts  (involucre),  usually  also  subtending  the  umbellets 
{invohicel)  ;  floivcrs  small,  in  many  genera  dichogamous.  Calyx  adherent  to  the 
whole  face  of  the  ovary:  limb  minute,  entire  or  5-toothed.  Petals  5,  usually 
inflexed  at  the  point,  imbricate  or  valvate  in  aestivation.  Stamens  5,  alternate  with 
the  petals,  and  inserted  with  them  upon  the  disk.  Ovary  2-carpelled,  surmounted 
by  the  fleshy  disk  that  bears  the  petals  and  stamens ;  ovules  2,  anatropous ;  styles 
2,  distinct,  or  united  at  their  thickened  bases  ;  stigmas  simple.  Fruit  a  cremocarp, 
consisting  of  2  coherent  achenia  {ntericarps)  which  separate  along  the  middle 
interval  {commissure),  and  are  usually  suspended  from  the  summit  of  a  slender 

•  '£^}ytXy,  erygtifi,  to  belch,  from  carminative  properties. 

t  A  much  better  name  than  E.  aquatictim,  Linn.,  as  the  plant  never  is  truly  aquatic  with  us. 


62-2 

prolongation  of  the  axis  {carpop/iore)  ;  mericarps  marked  lengthwise  by  5  primary 
ribs,  and  often  with  5  secondary  intermediate,  in  the  interstices  or  intervals  be- 
tween these  ribs  are  commonly  lodged  few  or  many  oil-tubes  {vittce),  which  are 
longitudinal  canals  in  the  substance  of  the  fruit,  containing  aromatic  oil.  Seeds 
suspended  from  the  summit  of  the  mericarp  ;  embryo  minute;  albwiicn  hard.  The 
flowers  in  this  order  are  so  minute,  and  so  nearly  alike  in  all  genera,  that  the  dif- 
ferentiation is  usually,  in  great  part,  based  upon  the  cremocarps. 

Besides  the  seven  species  treated  of  in  this  work,  we  have  provings  of  the 
following  plants:  The  Persian  Ammoniacum  {Dorema  Ammoniactcm,  Don.),  a  fetid, 
stimulating,  discutient  gum-rgsin  ;  the  European  Celery  {Apiiim  gj'aveolens,  Linn.), 
which,  though  an  acrid  poison  when  growing  in  w^et  places,  is  a  delightful  salad 
when  cultivated;  the  Thibetan  Asafoetida  {^Narthex  Asafoelida,  Falc),  a  fetid, 
stimulant,  and  antispasmodic  gum-resin;  the  Central  European  Athamantha 
{^Peuccdmium  Oreoseliimm,  Moench),  an  aromatic  and  powerful  stimulant;  the 
North  European  and  Asiatic  Water  Hemlock  [Cietita  virosa,  Linn.),  a  dangerous, 
acrid,  narcotic  poison;  the  European  Sea  Holly  [Eiyngiiun  niaritiimim,  Linn.),  a 
sweet,  aromatic,  tonic  and  diuretic  ;  the  Italian  Giant  Fennel  [Fej-tila  glanca,  Linn.), 
a  stimulating  antihysteric ;  the  Mediterranean  Fennel  Seed  {Fa'nicitbwi  officinale, 
Allioni.),  an  aromatic  stimulant  and  carminative ;  the  European  and  North  Asiatic 
Cow-Parsnip,  Branca  Ursina  {Heracleum  Spho7idylinm,  Linn.),  an  acrid  vesicant; 
the  subtropical  Indian  Pennywort  {Hydrocotyle  Asiafica,  Linn.),  noted  as  a  remedy 
for  leprosy,  ichthyosis,  and  rheumatism  ;  the  European  Masterwort  [Impcraioria 
ostnitJdrini,  Linn.),  a  febrifuge,  antiperiodic,  and  masticatory  in  toothache;  the 
European  Hemlock  Dropwort  [CEnant/ie  crocata,  Linn.),  a  narcotico-acrid  poison 
of  great  virulence;  the  Sardinian  Parsley  {Petroseliiuim  satiinun,  Hoff.),  a  noted 
diuretic  pot-herb;  the  European  Water  Dropwort  {F/ieUandriuni  aquatic^un,  Linn.), 
which  partakes  of  the  poisonous  nature  of  CEnanthe,  but  is  less  dangerous ;  the 
Levantine  Bibernell  or  Burnet  Saxifrage  {Pimpinella  Saxifraga,  Linn.),  an  astrin- 
gent, masticatory,  also  used  to  remove  freckles;  the  Central  Asiatic  Sumbul 
{Fei-nla  Swiibul,  Hook.,  f.),  a  Russian  "  specific  "  for  cholera,  that  failed  and  was 
afterward  used  as  an  antihysteric,  and  remedy  for  hypersecretive  mucous  mem- 
branes ;  the  Northern  Europe  and  Asiatic  Caraway  {Cariim  Cariii,  Linn.),  a  well- 
known  aromatic  stimulant  and  condiment ;  and  lastly,  the  European  Water  Pars- 
nip [Slum  /atifoliwn,  Linn.),  an  acrid,  narcotic  poison. 

Many  other  species  are  used  in  general  medicine.*  The  European  Tur- 
bith  [Laserpifium  latifoliu77i,  Jacq.),  yields  an  acrid,  bitter,  caustic,  and  violently 
purgative  gum-resin.  The  European  genus  Anthriscus,  yields  two  species,  A. 
sylvestris,  Hoff.,  and  A.  vulgaris,  Pers.,  that  are  acrid,  narcotic  poisons ;  while  A, 
Cerefolium,  Hoff,  is  an  agreeable  pot-herb,  called  Chervil.  The  South  Russian 
CacJirys  odoiitalgica,  Pall.,  is,  as  its  name  denotes,  a  remedy  for  aching  carious 
teeth.  The  Indian  and  Levantine  Fructus  Ptychotis  {Carum  Ajoivan,  Bend.),  is 
carminative,  and  the  oil  antiseptic.     The  European  and  Levantine  genus  Pim- 

*  Concerning  this  order  it  is  noteworlhv,  that  those  which  grow  near  water  are  generally  acrid,  narcotic  poisons, 
while  those  seeking  dry  soils  are  little  else  than  carminative. 


62-3 

pinclla  yields  the  well  known  Anise  (/*.  Anisiini),  an  aromatic  stimulant  and  car- 
minative, as  well  as  P.  c/issec/a,  Retz.,  and  /'.  7iiao)ia,  Linn.,  which  have  properties 
similar  to  those  of  P.  Saxifraga,  mentioned  above.  The  genus  Ferula,  which 
includes  Na7-llicx,  yields  the  following  substances,  beside  Sumbul  and  Asafoetida 
mentioned  above:  African  Gum  Ammoniacum  from  F.  tingitana,\^\x\x\.\  Persian 
Galbanum  is  produced  by  F.  Galbatiijlua,  and  F.  rubricaulis,  Boiss. ;  it  saction  is 
considered  to  be  intermediate  between  asafoetida  and  ammoniacum.  Asafoetida  is 
also  produced  by  F.  Scorodosma,  Bentl.,  and  F.  alliacca,  Bois.  {^F.  AsafaHida,  Linn., 
cannot  be  decided  upon.  It  was  founded  upon  Keempfer's  descriptions  and  frag- 
mentary specimens,  neither  of  which  are  conclusive. — Bentley).  The  European 
genus,  Peiicedanum,  contains,  beside  Athamantha,  the  following  medicinal  species : 
Sulphur-wort  {P.  officinale,  Linn.),  reputed  diuretic  and  antispasmodic;  Marsh 
Parsley  [P.  palicstre,  Moen.),  a  famous  Courland  remedy  for  epilepsy;  and  Dill 
[P.  gravcolens,  Hiern.),  a  stimulant  and  carminative.  The  European  and  Asiatic 
Coriander  {Coriandiiun  sativum,  Linn.),  is  an  aromatic  stimulant  and  carminative; 
the  Levantine  Cumin  [Cuniiiuau  Cymiiutm,  Linn.),  a  stimulant,  carminative,  and 
discutient.  The  European  genus,  Daiicus,  yields  the  common  Carrot  (/?.  Carrota, 
Linn.),  whose  seeds  are  diuretic,  and  root  a  well  known  esculent ;  while  the  Sici- 
lian D.  gninniifcr.  Lam.,  and  Corsican  D.  Ginoiduni,  Linn.,  are  supposed  to  yield 
the  Bdellium  of  the  old  Pharmacopoeias.'^'  Opoponax  is  a  fetid  deobstruent,  and 
antispasmodic  gum-resin,  produced  by  the  juice  of  Paslinaca  Opoponax,  Linn. 
The  Alpine  Lovage  {Ligiisticuni  Icvistiami,  Linn.),  is  carminative,  stimulant,  diuretic, 
and  emmenagogue.  The  root  of  the  European  Aslrantia  major,  Linn.,  is  acrid 
and  purgative.  The  European  Eringo  {^Eryngium  campestre,  Linn.),  is  considered 
by  Boerhaave,  the  first  of  aperient,  diuretic  roots.  It  has  been  also  recommended 
in  gonorrhcEa,  hepatic  and  intestinal  obstructions,  and  suppression  of  the  menses, 
and  considered  aphrodisiac;  its  scope  is  considered  larger  than  that  of  the  Sea 
Holly  mentioned  above.  The  Italian  Bracala  {Angelica  nemorosa.  Ten.),  furnishes 
the  Neapolitans  with  a  remedy  for  the  itch.  Samphire,  a  saline  aromatic,  is  the 
product  of  Crilhum  marilimiim,  Linn.  Alexanders  are  the  aromatic  fruits  of  the 
European  Smyrnium  Ohisatrum,  Linn.,  formerly  used  instead  of  celery. 

Asa  Dulcis — in  contradistinction  to  Asa  Fetida — which  enjoyed  the  highest 
reputation  ainong  the  ancients,  as  an  antispasmodic,  emetic,  deobstruent,  and 
diuretic,f  is  yielded  by  Thapsia  garganica,  Linn.,  or  the  nearly  allied  T.  sylphmm  ; 
the  resin  of  the  root  is  said  to  be  fully  as  active  and  thorough  a  vesicant  as  croton 
oil ;  it  deserves  a  careful  proving.  Numerous  other  species  have  held  a  place  in 
medicine,  and  deserve  mention,  but  the  above  list  covers  their  action. 

Beside  the  edible  species  already  mentioned,  carrots,  parsnips,  celery,  and 
chervil,  many  other  plants  of  this  order  are  eaten.  Prangos  fabularia,  Lindl.,  is 
suggested  by  Royle  to  be  the  ^vk^iov  of  the  Greeks,  mentioned  by  Alexander's 

*  India  Bdellium  is  referred  to  BaUaniodcndron  mukul,  and  African  Bdellium  to  B.  Africaniim,  Arn.  (Burscraceae). 

f  This  was  the  Laser  cyrenaicum  of  Cyrene,  a  drug  in  high  reputation  among  the  ancient-;  for  its  medical  uses; 
it  had  miraculous  powers  assigned  to  it,  such  as  neutralizing  the  effects  of  poison,  curing  envenomed  wounds,  restoring 
sight  to  the  blind,  and  youth  to  the  aged.  .So  great  was  its  reputation  that  the  princes  of  Cyrene  caused  it  to  be  struck  on 
the  reverse  of  their  coins;  and  the  Cyrenian  doctors  were  reckoned  among  the  most  eminent  in  the  world.  Its  value  was 
estimated  by  its  weight  in  gold. — Lindley. 


62-4 

historians  as  a  highly  nutritious  food  for  cattle,  and  even  man,  of  heating  and 
fattening  qualities.  The  American  Aborigines  use  several  species,  prominent 
among  which  Mr.  Dodge*  mentions  the  following: 

"Dill  iyPeitcedanuni  graveolens,  Wats.),  called  by  the  Snakes  and  Shoshone 
Indians  Yanipah. — This  spindle-shaped  root  grows  in  low,  timbered  bottoms,  and 
is  esteemed  as  the  best  of  its  kind  when  used  tor  food.  It  is  analogous  to  the 
parsnip,  and  is  an  article  of  commerce  among  the  Indians.  The  seeds  are  used 
to  flavor  soup." 

"  PodosciadiiDii  Californiciuu,  Gray. — The  tubers  of  this  species  form  one  of 
the  dainty  dishes  of  the  Oregon  Indians.  They  are  black,  but  when  boiled  like 
potatoes  they  burst  open  lengthwise,  showing  a  snowy-white  farinaceous  substance, 
which  has  a  sweet,  cream-like  taste,  with  a  slight  parsley  flavor.  It  is  an  excellent 
root,  the  cultivation  of  which  might  prove  useful  among  the  whites." 

" Koiise  root  {Peucedanum  ambigintui,  Nutt). — The  root  of  this  plant  is  dug  in 
April  or  May  when  in  bloom.  It  grows  on  hills  and  mountains  which  are  so  poor 
that  grass  will  not  grow  upon  them.  When  fresh  it  is  like  the  parsnip  in  taste,  and 
as  it  dies  becomes  brittle  and  very  white,  with  an  agreeable  taste  of  mild  celery.  It  is 
easily  reduced  to  flour.  When  its  brown  epidermis  is  removed,  innumerable  small 
dots  are  revealed.  Both  the  roots  and  the  flour  will  keep  several  months.  It  is  some- 
times called  bread  or  biscuit  root  by  travelers,  and  Kouse  root  by  the  Indians  of 
Oregon  and  Idaho.  The  Canadians  know  it  by  the  name  of  Racine  blanc.  After 
the  bread  has  been  made  a  short  time,  its  taste  is  not  unlike  that  of  stale  biscuits. 
When  the  roots  have  been  pounded  fine,  the  flour  is  pressed  into  flat  cakes,  one 
foot  wide,  three  feet  long,  and  from  a  quarter  to  half  an  inch  thick,  of  an  oblong 
rectangular  form,  with  a  hole  in  the  middle  by  which  they  are  fastened  on  the 
saddles  when  traveling.  The  cakes  have  a  ribbed  appearance,  caused  by  being- 
laid  on  sticks  stretched  over  the  tent  fires,  for  the  purpose  of  smoke-drying  or 
baking  the  bread.  When  broken  up  the  bread  has  a  coarse,  granulated  appear- 
ance, especially  when  not  ground  very  fine,  and  is  very  insipid." 

History  and  Habitat. — Eryngium  Yuccsfolium  is  indigenous  to  North  America, 
where  it  ranges  from  New  Jersey  to  Wisconsin  and  southward.  It  habits  damp  or 
dry  prairies  and  pine  barrens,  and  blossoms  in  July  and  August. 

This  species  was  valued  highly  by  the  Aborigines  as  an  alexiteric,  and,  com- 
bined with  Iris  versicolor,  as  a  febrifuge  and  diuretic  ;  since  their  time  it  has  come 
into  use  by  first  the  laity,  then  the  physician,  as  a  stimulant,  diaphoretic,  sialo- 
gogue,  expectorant,  diuretic,  and  alterative.  A  decoction  of  the  root  has  been 
found  useful  in  dropsy,  nephritic  and  calculous  disorders  ;  chronic  laryngitis  and 
bronchitis;  irritation  of  the  urethra,  vaginal,  uterine,  and  cystic  mucous  mem- 
branes ;  gonorrha;a,  gleet,  and  leucorrhoea  ;  mucoid  diarrhoea  ;  local  inflammations 
of  the  mucous  membranes ;  exhaustion  from  sexual  depletion  with  loss  of  erectile 
power,  seminal  emissions,  and  orchitis.  By  some  physicians  it  has  been  preferred 
to  Seneka  snakeroot  for  its  sphere,  and  by  others  it  has  been  considered  fully 
equal   to   Contrayerva.     The   powdered   root   is   said   to   make  a  fine  escharotic 

*  U.  S.  Agric.  Rep.,  1S70,  pp.  405-7. 


62-5 

application  to  fungoid  growths  and  indolent  ulcerations,  preventing  gangrene,  and 
stimulating  them  to  resolution. 

The  plant  is  not  officinal  in  the  U,  S.  Ph.;  in  the  Eclectic  Dispensatory  the 
preparation  recommended  is  Dccoctuni  Eryiigii, 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.  —  The  fresh  root,  gathered  after  the 
fruits  are  fully  ripe,  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two 
parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth 
part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole  well, 
pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allow  it  to  stand  for  eight  days  in  a  dark, 
cool  place.  The  tincture,  separated  by  decanting,  straining,  and  filtering,  has  a 
clear  reddish-orange  color  by  transmitted  light ;  an  odor  much  like  that  of  an  old 
chest  that  has  been  shut  up  with  oil-cloth  for  some  time ;  a  bitterish,  acrid,  and 
terebinthic  taste;  and  an  acid  reaction.  It  leaves  a  sensation  deep  in  the  throat, 
much  like  that  following  Senega. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — This  root  yields  its  properties  to  both  water 
and  alcohol,  and  probably  contains  an  acrid,  volatile  oil,  a  bitter  principle,  and 
sugar.  No  analysis  has  been  made  of  the  root;  the  tincture,  however,  shows  the 
presence  of  a  small  amount  of  resin. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — According  to  the  experiments  of  Drs.  C.  H. 
McClelland,  C.  H.  Coggswells,  and  W.  G.  Jones,  Eryngium  causes,  in  doses  of 
from  5  to  150  drops  of  the  tincture  :  Depression  of  spirits  ;  vertigo  and  headache  ; 
irritation  of  the  palpebral  mucous  membrane,  followed  by  purulent  discharges; 
inflammation  of  the  eustachian  tube,  followed  by  a  discharge  of  fetid  pus  ;  a 
similar  condition  of  the  nasal  and  pharyngeal  mucous  membranes ;  nausea  and 
burning  in  the  stomach;  colic;  constipation,  with  tenesmus;  frequent  desire  to 
urinate,  with  a  decrease  in  quantity  daily  passed;  stinging,  burning  sensation  in 
the  urethra,  severe  pain  in  left  testiclg.  depression  of  sexual  desire,  followed  by 
excitation,  lewd  dreams,  pollutions,  and  discharges  of  prostatic  fluid  ;  a  sensa- 
tion of  dyspnoea,  and  constriction  of  the  throat;*  and  slight  increase  in  the  heart's 
action. 


Description  of  Plate  62. 

I  and  2.    Whole  plant,  from  St.  Augustine.  Fla..  .\ug.  2d.  1886. 

3.  Flower. 

4.  Calyx  and  styles. 
5  and  6.   Petals. 

7  and  8.  Stamens. 

9.  Fruit. 

(3-9  enlarged.) 


♦  This  symptom  followed  my  tasting  the  tincture  for  tlic  ahovc  description,  .nnd  became,  in  half  an  hour,  so  strong 
as  to  be  decidedly  uncomfortable. — C.  F.  M. 


^.TR.adnatdel.etpinxt. 


PASTINACA    SATIVA,Linn. 


N.  ORD.-UMBELLIFER^.  63 

GENUS.— PASTINACA,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SVST.— PENTAXDKIA  DIGVNIA. 


PASTINACA. 


PAESJVIF. 


SYN.-PASTINACA  SATIVA,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— GARDEN  PARSNIP  OR  PARSNEP;  (PR.)  PANAIS  POTAQER; 
(GER.)  PASTINAKE. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH    ROOT  OF  PASTIN.\CA  SATIVA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  usually  cultivated  biennial  herb  grows  to  a  height  of  from 
3  to  6  feet.  /?oo/  conical,  long  and  slender,  fleshy  and  succulent.  S^em  smooth, 
deeply  and  plentifully  grooved.  Leaves  pinnately  compounded  of  3  to  8  pairs  of 
shining  leaflets;  leaflets  ovate  or  oblong,  obtuse  cut-toothed  or  coarsely  serrate,  the 
terminal  3-lobed,  all  somewhat  pubescent  beneath;  ^r/'/^/^j- sheathed.  Umbels  \a.Tge. 
and  flat ;  involucre  and  involucels  small  or  absent ;  flowers  all  perfect,  none  radiant. 
Calyx-teeth  obsolete.  Petals  yellow,  roundish,  entire,  involute;  point  broad  and 
retuse.  Fruit  oval,  flat,  with  a  thin,  single-winged  margin ;  carpels  minutely 
5-ribbed,  3  of  which  are  dorsal  and  equidistant,  2  lateral  and  at  or  near  the  mar- 
gin;  vittce  as  long  as  the  carpel,  i  in  each  sulcus,  2  in  the  commissure;  albumen 
flat. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Parsnip  is  a  well-known  culinary  root,  introduced 
into  this  country  from  Europe.  It  has  now  run  wild  in  fields  and  waysides  through- 
out the  central  and  eastern  parts  of  the  United  States,  where  it  flowers  from  July  to 
October. 

The  root  is  succulent,  nutritious,  sweet  and  in  its  cultivated  state  very  pleas- 
ant to  many,  but  when  wild  or  in  its  second  year's  growth,  it  is  rank  and  acrid 
poisonous,  causing  emesis  and  inflammation  of  the  alimentary  tract,  followed  by 
flatulent  colic  and  diuresis.  The  seeds  have  been  used  in  agues,  with  what  cura- 
tive action  I  cannot  state. 

In  the  north  of  Ireland  a  kind  of  beer  is  made  by  brewing  the  roots  with  hops  : 
a  good  wine  is  also  made  in  some  places  from  them  ;  and  by  distillation  a  sort  of 
rum  is  produced  similar  to  that  of  the  sorghum  product. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  roots  of  the  second  year's  growth, 
or  those  of  wild  individuals,  are  prepared  and  macerated  as  in  the  previous  plant. 
The  resulting  tincture  is  almost  colorless,  being  but  slightly  tinged  with  yellow ; 
is  very  gummy,  has  a  peculiar  honey-like  odor,  a  sweet  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

*  Pastus,  nourishment. 


63-2 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — No  analysis  has  yet  been  made  to  determine 
an  active  principle.  Sugar  abounds  in  the  root,  also  starch  and  a  gummy 
extractive. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Several  cases  of  poisoning  are  recorded  from 
the  use  of  the  wild  or  old  roots.  The  symptoms  following  their  ingestion  are  : 
Illusions  of  sight,  dilated  pupils,  vertigo,  difficult  breathing,  weak,  slow  pulse,  and 
quiet  delirium  dependent  upon  the  visions.  In  Dr.  Pupcke's  cases,  where  seven 
children  ate  of  the  cooked  wild  roots,*  "all  labored  under  'delirium  tremens,'  they 
were  in  constant  motion,  talked  incessantly,  without  knowing  what  they  said,  and 
fancied  they  saw  objects  which  had  no  existence ;  they  fought  with  each  other, 
and  occasionally  had  attacks  of  convulsive  laughter;  they  rejected  everything  that 
was  offered  them,  and  were  obliged  to  be  restrained  by  force." 

All  the  symptoms  of  the  drug  point  to  severe  gastric  irritation,  with  reflex 
action  upon  the  brain  and  spinal  cord. 

Description  of  Plate  63. 

1.  Summit  of  a  wild  individual  in  young  fruit,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  June  26th,  1885. 

2.  Part  of  stem. 

3.  Face  of  flower. 

4.  Petal. 

5.  Stamen. 

6.  Ripe  pistil. 

7.  Root. 

8.  Seed. 

9.  Section  of  a  carpel. 
(3-6  and  8-9  enlarged.) 

*  Pharm.  Jour.,  1S4S,  184. 


.ad  nal.dei.el 


ArCHANGEUCA     AtROPURPUREA  ,  Hoffm. 


N.  ORD.  UMBELLIFER^.  64 

GENUS.— ARCH  ANGELIC  A,*  HOFFM. 
SEX.  .SVST.— l'ENT.\NDRI.\  I)IGVNI.\. 


ANGELICA 
ATROPURPUREA. 

GREAT  jlJVaELICA. 

SYN.— ARCHANGBLICA  ATROPURPUREA,  HOPF.;  ANGELICA  ATROPUR- 
PUREA, LINN. ;  A.  TRIQUINATA,  MX. ;   IMPBRATORIA  LUCIDA,  NUTT. 

COM.  NAMES.— COMMON  ANGELICA,!  HIGH  ANGELICA,  MASTBRWORT.t 
(GBR.)  PURPURFARBIGB  ANGELICA. 

A  TINCTURE   OF  THE   WHOLE    PLANT    ARCH.\NGELIC.\   ATROPURPUREA,    HOFF. 

Description. — This  strong-scented,  perennial  herb  grows  to  a  height  of  from 
4  to  6  feet.  Rool  somewhat  conical.  Sicm  very  stout,  smooth,  dark-purple,  and 
hollow.  Leaves  2  to  3  ternately-compound  ;  leaflets  5  to  7  pinnate,  ovate,  sharply 
cut-serrate,  acute,  and  pale  beneath,  the  three  terminal  ones  often  confluent  and 
somewhat  decurrent  at  the  base.  Infl-orescence  a  globular  compound  umbel,  hi- 
voliicre  little  or  none  ;  iin'oiuccls  of  very  short,  subulate  leaflets.  Calyx  with  very 
short  teeth.  Petals  ovate,  entire,  with  the  sharp  tips  infle.xed.  Fruit  smooth ; 
caj-pels  somewhat  compressed,  furnished  with  3  rather  prominent  dorsal  ribs,  and 
the  two  lateral  ones  prolonged  into  marginal  wings ;  vittce  not  on  the  pericarp, 
but  surrounding  the  seed  and  adherent  to  its  surface;  seed  convex  upon  the  back 
and  flattish  upon  the  face,  very  loose  in  the  pericarp.  Read  description  of  the 
order  under  62. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Great  Angelica  is  indigenous  to  North  America, 
from  Pennsylvania  and  Wisconsin  northward,  where  it  habits  low  grounds  along 
streams,  and  flowers  in  June. 

When  fresh  the  roots  are  poisonous,  and  are  said  to  have  been  used  for 
suicidal  purposes  by  the  Canadian  Indians  ;  when  dried,  however,  they  lose  this 
quality,  and  are  then  considered  carminative,  diuretic,  emmenagogue  and  stimu- 
lant. The  dried  root  was  often  used,  especially  in  combination  with  other  and 
better-known  diuretics,  in  anasarca  and  various  diseases  of  the  urinary  organs; 
and  alone  in  flatulent  colic  and  suppressed  menstruation.     Dr.  Schell  claims  §  that 

*  This  name  alluded  to  its  supposed  high  angelic  properiies. 
t  The  common  Garden  Angelica  is  A.  archnngelica. 

X  The  true  Masterwort  is  the  European  Impciatoria  oslruthiiim,  Linn. ;  the  Cow  Parsnip,  [{eracleum  liinatum,  I.inn., 
is  often  wrongly  called  by  this  name. 

\  fam.  Guide  to  Health,  1856,  corroborated  in  Am.  Jour.  /fom.  Mat.  Med.,  i.  272. 


64-2 

doses  of  15  to  20  grains  of  the  dried  root  will  cause  a  disgust  for  all  spirituous 
liquors.  The  stems  were  often  made  into  a  candied  preserve  in  some  sections 
of  the  country — a  practice  now  nearly  extinct.  Its  uses,  all  in  all,  have  been 
greatly  similar  to  those  of  the  Garden  Angelica  {Angelica  officinalis,  Hoff. ;  A. 
archangelica,  Linn.). 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  whole  plant,  when  in  seed,  is 
chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp,  and  treated  as  in  the  preceding  species.  The 
tincture,  after  filtration,  has  a  clear  greenish-orange  color,  a  somewhat  terebinthic 
odor,  a  sweetish  taste,  and  neutral  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENrS— This  plant  has  not  been  specifically  examined 
for  the  determination  of  its  principles.  Its  oils,  however,  may  be,  in  all  probability, 
compared  with  those  of  Angelica  archangelica. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Unlnvestieated. 


Description  of  Plate  64. 

I.  Whole  plant  9  times  reduced,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  July  6th,  1885. 

2.  Portion  of  upper  stalk,  showing  petiole. 

3.  Flower  (petals  removed). 

4.  Pistil. 

5.  Horizontal  section  of  fruit. 

(3-5  enlarged.) 


S'ni.adnat.del.etpinxt. 


JLlWiiSA     CYNAPIUM  ,  Unn. 


N.  ORD-UMBELLIFER^.  65 

GENUS.— /E  THUS  A,*  LINN. 
SEX.  .SYST.— PEN'TANDRIA  DIGVNI.V. 


^THUSA 

FOOL'S  PARSLEY. 


SYN.— ^THUSA  CYNAPIUM,  LINN.;  CICUTARIA  TENUIFOLIA,  RAIL;  C. 
FATUA,  LOB. ;   CORIANDRUM  CYNAPIUM,  CRANTZ. 

COM.  NAMES.— FOOL'S  PARSLEY,  DOG'S  PARSLEY,  DOG  POISON,  GARDEN 
HEMLOCK,  LESSER  HEMLOCK,  SMALL  HEMLOCK;  (PR.)  LA  PETITE 
CIQUii;   I  GBR.)  KLEINER  SCHEILING,  HUNDSPETBRSILIE. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE  PL.ANT  .-ETHUSA   CYNAPIUM,  LINN. 

Description. — This  fetid  annual  herb  attains  a  growth  of  from  8  inches  to  2 
feet.  Stt:m  erect,  unspotted,  striate,  and  fistulous.  Leaves  dark  green.  2-3-ter- 
nately  compound,  many  cleft ;  divisions  pinnate,  wedge-lanceolate,  obtuse.  Umbels 
terminal  and  opposite  the  petioles ;  7^ays  very  unequal ;  involucre  none ;  involucels 
one-sided,  3-leaved,  the  leaves  erect  while  the  buds  are  immature,  but  become  long, 
narrow,  and  pendent  when  in  full  flower  and  fruit.  Floivers  white ;  calyx  teeth 
obsolete  ;  petals  obovate,  appearing  emarginate,  or  even  obcordate,  by  the  inflexion 
of  the  tip.  Fruit  ovate- globose,  not  much  if  at  all  flattened  either  way;  carpo- 
phore 2-parted ;  mericarps,  each  with  5  thick,  sharply-keeled  ridges  ;  vittcr,  single 
in  the  deep  intervals,  and  2  in  the  commissure  at  its  base. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Fool's  Parsley  is  indigenous  to  Europe  and  Siberia, 
from  whence  it  has  been  introduced  into  this  country  where  it  now  grows,  still 
sparingly,  along  roadsides  and  waste  places  about  cultivated  grounds,  in  New 
England,  and  from  there  to  Pennsylvania,  flowering  in  July  and  August. 

On  account  of  the  many  cases  of  poisoning  by  the  inadvertent  use  of  this 
herb  for  parsley,  from  which  it  is  easily  distinguishable,-}-  very  little  use  has  been 
made  of  it  by  physicians.  By  the  early  writers  it  is  so  often  confounded  with 
Conium,  that  it  is  very  difficult  to  trace  its  history.  The  first  author  to  charac- 
terize it  was  Hermolaus  Barbarus,  who  called  it  Cicuia  terrestris  minore  ;  it  is  also 
mentioned  by  Matthiolus,  Jonston,  Jungius,  Miiller,  and  others,  all  speaking  of  its 
peculiar  effects  when  eaten.  Its  action  has  been  generally  considered  like  that  of 
Conium,  but  milder,  and  its  principal,  if  not  its  only  use,  was  in  some  forms  of 
obstinate  cutaneous  disorders.  It  is  not  mentioned  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  nor  is  it  found 
in  the  Eclectic  Dispensatory. 

*  h'Maita,  aithusso,  to  set  on  fire;  in  reference  to  the  acrid  taste  of  the  plant. 

t  .Ethusa  has  much  darker-green  foliage  than  Parsley,  a  nauseous  smell,  white  flowers,  and  the  leaf-sections  art- 
much  more  acute. 


65-2 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant,  when  in  flower 
and  fruit,  is  treated  as  directed  under  Eryngium  (62),  The  resulting  tincture  has 
a  clear,  orange-brown  color  by  transmitted  light ;  a  fetid,  disagreeable  odor ;  an 
acrid  taste ;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. —  Cynapiii.  This  alkaloid  was  discovered  by 
Ficinus,  who  describes  it  as  crystallizing  in  prisms  that  are  soluble  both  in  alcohol 
and  water,  but  not  in  ether,  and  as  having  an  alkaline  reaction,  and  forming  a 
crystallizable  salt  with  sulphuric  acid.*  Walz  describes  an  alkaloid,  resulting  as 
a  volatile  oily  liquid,  in  which  he  is  upheld  by  the  experiments  of  Bernhart,f  who 
succeeded  in  isolating  a  like  substance,  which  he  describes  as  having  a  strong 
alkaline  reaction,  an  exceedingly  penetrating,  offensive  odor,  and  as  being  soluble 
in  alcohol.     The  body  seems,  as  yet,  to  have  received  no  further  investigation. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  following  excerpt,  from  one  of  the  promi- 
nent botanical  journals,|  being  of  late  date,  serves  to  introduce  this  rubric: 

"'Fool's  Parsley'  not  Poisonous.  —  For  several  centuries  the  plant  ^PLtJiusa 
Cynaphun,  L.,  has  been  the  object  of  suspicion,  and  classed  among  poisons  by 
botanists  and  toxicological  writers.  But  now  Dr.  John  Harley,  of  England,  comes 
forward  and  presents  a  vindication  of  what  he  calls  '  an  innocent  and  harmless 
plant.'  In  the  St.  Thomas'  Hospital  Reports,  he  relates  a  number  of  facts  to  prove 
the  correctness  of  his  conclusions.  The  juices  of  the  plant,  from  the  root  as  well 
as  from  the  leaves,  were  obtained  by  expression  just  before  flowering,  and  also 
after  the  plants  had  reached  maturity  and  set  fruit.  Being  thus  provided  with  a 
supply  of  material,  representing  the  active  properties  of  the  plant,  he  exhausted 
it  upon  four  patients, — one  a  little  girl,  four  years  old,  who  took  the  extract  in  quan- 
tities ranging  from  2  drachms  to  2  ounces ;  himself,  who  took  it  in  quantities 
ranging  from  2  to  4  fluid  ounces;  and  two  other  adults,  who  were  the  subjects  of 
spasmodic  wry-neck.  These  two  took  one  or  other  of  the  juices,  in  doses  ranging 
from  I  to  8  fluid  ounces.  Effects  were  an.xiously  looked  for,  but  absolutely  none 
followed  in  any  of  the  cases.  Dr.  Harley  therefore  feels  compelled  to  assert  that 
^Etlmsa  Cynapiiim  of  Sussex,  Essex,  Kent,  Surrey,  and  Hertfordshire,  is  not  only 
absolutely  free  from  the  noxious  properties  attributed  to  it,  but  that  it  is  pleasant 
to  sight,  smell,  and  taste,  and,  in  the  absence  of  the  more  fragrant  and  succulent 
plants,  might  well  be  used  as  a  pot-herb  or  salad.  He  is  satisfied,  further,  that 
his  conclusions  are  independent  both  of  locality  and  season,  and  that  the  only 
influence  which  these  conditions  have  on  Fool's  Parsley,  as  on  hemlock  [Coninm 
maculahini),  is  to  increase  or  diminish  its  succulency.  Dr.  Harley,  some  years 
ago,  made  some  observations  on  the  last-mentioned  plant,  and  came  to  the  same 
conclusion  in  regard  to  its  innocuous  nature  that  he  has  concerning  that  of  the 
.Pthusa.  In  connection  with  this,  it  may  be  stated  that  Coniuni  niaculatuni,  in 
northern  latitudes — Russia  for  example — is  eaten  with  impunity,  although  precau- 
tion is  taken  to  first  boil  it  in  several  waters.  This  subject  of  the  harmlessness, 
under  certain  conditions,  of  plants  reputed  to  be  poisonous,  recalls  to  mind  the 

*  Wittstein.  f  Arch,  de  Phar.,  1880,  117  (Am.Jotir.  Pilar.,  1880,  204^  %  Bull.  Torr.  Club,  1881,  9. 


65-3 

statement  of  Linna-us,  in  his  Flora  Lapponica,  that  the  Norlanders  prepare  from 
the  leaves  of  Acoiiituni  Xapc/Zics  a  broth,  which  tliey  cat  witliout  any  injurious 
effects  resulting  therefrom." 

The  following  cases  of  poisoning  by  the  drug,  serve,  however,  to  show  its 
action  upon  the  system  : 

"  A  boy,  six  years  of  age,  having  eaten  some  of  this  herb,  by  mistake  for 
Parsley,  at  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  commenced  immediately  to  cry  out  in  great 
pain,  and  complained  of  great  cramps  in  the  stomach.  Whilst  taking  him  home 
the  whole  body  became  excessively  swollen,  and  of  a  livid  hue;  the  respiration 
became  difificult  and  short,  and  he  died  toward  midnight.  Another  child  was 
poisoned  in  the  same  manner,  but  he  was  fortunate  enough  to  vomit  up  the  herb. 
This,  however,  did  not  prevent  many  symptoms  manifesting  themselves  ;  he  talked 
wildly,  and  in  his  delirium  he  thought  he  saw  numbers  of  dogs  and  cats." — {^Orfila, 
vol.  ii,  p.  324.) 

"  Gmelin  has  related  the  case  of  a  child  who  died  in  eight  hours,  in  conse- 
quence of  having  eaten  the  .^^thusa.  The  symptoms  were  spasmodic  pains  in  the 
stomach;  swelling  of  the  belly ;  lividity  of  the  skin;  and  difficult  breathing." 
—{Chris.,  p.  365.) 

"A  woman  gave  two  of  her  children  soup,  in  which  some  of  this  was  boiled. 
They  were  both  seized  with  severe  pain  in  the  abdomen,  and  next  morning  there 
was  perfect  unconsciousness ;  the  lower  jaw  was  spasmodically  fixed  ;  abdomen 
tumid;  vomiting  of  a  bloody  mucus,  and  constant  diarrhoea;  cold  extremities; 
convulsions;  and  death  in  twenty-four  hours.  Post-mortem  appearance:  redness 
of  the  lining-membrane  of  the  oesophagus,  and  slight  v^ascular  congestion  of 
stomach  and  duodenum." — {Medic.  yahrbiicJi.) 

"Another  child,  who  had  eaten  the  bulbs  by  mistake  for  young  turnips,  was 
suddenly  seized  with  pain  in  the  abdomen,  followed  by  nausea,  without  vomiting ; 
could  not  swallow  ;  vacuity;  inability  to  answer  questions  ;  lower  jaw  fixed  ;  insen- 
sibility and  death  an  hour  after  the  commencement  of  the  symptoms." — {Med. 
Times,  August  23,  1S45.) 

"A  healthy,  strong  man,  about  thirty-five  years  of  age,  a  publican,  ate  a 
handful  of  Fool's  Parsley,  with  nearly  the  same  quantity  of  young  lettuce,  about 
I  o'clock  p.  M. ;  in  about  ten  minutes  he  was  affected  with  a  pain  in  the  stomach 
and  bowels,  attended  with  a  rumbling.  He  walked  out  in  the  fields,  but  was 
seized  with  such  languor,  weariness,  and  weakness,  that  he  supported  himself  with 
difficulty.  He  was  much  troubled  with  giddiness  in  the  head ;  his  vision  was  con- 
fused, and  sometimes  objects  appeared  double.  At  7  o'clock  he  got  an  emetic, 
which  brought  up,  he  supposes,  all  the  Fool's  Parsley,  but  none  of  the  lettuce  ; 
this  relieved  him  of  the  unpleasant  symptoms  in  the  stomach,  but  the  other  sen- 
sations continued,  and  he  passed  a  restless  night.  Next  day  he  had  much  pain  in 
his  head  and  ejes,  which  last  were  inllamed  and  bloodshot.  He  had  different  cir- 
cumscribed swellings  in  his  face,  which  were  painful  and  inflamed,  but  they  were 
transient,  and  flew  from  place  to  place.  On  the  Saturday  his  eyes  were  highly 
inflamed,  painful,  and  entirely  closed  by  the  surrounding  inflammation.     He  was 


65-4 

bled,  which  gave  him  much  relief  in  his  face  and  eyes.  From  this  time  until  the 
Monday,  he  continued  to  get  better,  but  had,  even  then,  pain,  heat,  and  inflamma- 
tion of  the  eyes,  with  oedematous  swelling  of  the  cheeks  ;  his  remaining  symptoms 
went  off  gradually." — {Lozae.) 

Riviere  relates  that  a  person  died  after  taking  this  plant.  "  His  tongue  was 
black  ;  a  brownish  serosity  was  found  in  the  stomach  ;  the  liver  was  hard,  of  a  yel- 
low color ;  the  spleen  livid ;  but  the  body  was  not  at  all  emphysematous." 

The  symptoms  of  poisoning  by  this  drug  show,  according  to  Schulze,  that  its 
chief  action  is  upon  the  medulla  spinalis. 

On  Animals. — Seven  ounces  of  the  juice  of  the  leaves  were  given  to  a  strong 
dog,  and  the  oesophagus  tied.  Twenty  minutes  thereafter  the  dog  became  sick ; 
in  half  an  hour  it  did  not  seem  to  affect  him  much,  when  suddenly  he  stretched 
out  his  limbs  and  lay  upon  his  stomach  ;  in  a  few  minutes  he  tried  to  arouse  him- 
self, but  his  efforts  were  in  vain.  The  muscles  of  the  limbs,  particularly  of  the 
posterior,  refused  to  obey  the  will,  but  the  organs  of  sense  exercised  their  func- 
tions ;  the  pupils  were  scarcely  dilated ;  the  pulsations  of  the  heart  were  slow  and 
strong.  This  state  lasted  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  and  then  the  extremities  were 
agitated  by  convulsive  movements ;  the  animal  threw  himself  from  one  side  to  the 
other,  his  senses  began  to  be  enfeebled,  and  the  oesophagus  and  fauces  were 
spasmodically  contracted.  This  state  of  stupor  increased,  and  the  animal  died  an 
hour  after  taking  the  poison.  On  opening  the  body  the  heart  was  found  to  be 
contracted,  and  the  left  ventricle  contained  fluid  and  black  blood ;  the  lungs  were 
a  little  less  crepitant  than  natural.  The  stomach  was  found  full  of  the  poison,  but 
there  was  no  alteration  of  the  digestive  canal.* 


Description  of  Plate  65. 

1.  End  of  flowering  plant. 

2.  Bract  of  the  involucel. 

3.  Flower. 

4.  Stigmas. 

5.  Fruit. 

6.  Dorsal  view  of  a  mericarp. 

7.  Commissural  view  of  same. 

8.  Section  of  same. 

(2,  4,  and  6  enlarged.) 

*  Orfila,  vol.  ii,  323. 


f 


?m\        ThASPIUM    AUREUM    Var    APTERUM,  G 


ray. 


N.  ORD-UMBELLIFER^.  66 

(;i;nus.— TH ASPiuM,*  Nurr. 

SKX.  SV.ST.— PKNIANDRIA    DICVNIA. 


Z  I  Z  I  A- 


MEADOW  PARSJ^IPS. 


SYN.— THASPIUM  AUREUM,  NUTT.;  ZIZIA  AUREA,  KOCH.;  SMYRNIUM 
AUREUM,  LINN. ;  SMYRNIUM  LUTEUM,  MUHL. ;  SMYRNIUM  ACU- 
MINATUM, SMITH;  SISSON  TRIFOLATUM,  MICHX. ;  SISSON  AU- 
REUS,  SPRENG. 

COM.  NAMES.— MEADOW  PARSNIP,  GOLDEN  MEADOW  PARSNEP,  GOL- 
DEN ALEXANDERS,  ROUNDHEART ;   (GER.)  GOLDEN  PASTINAKE. 


A   TINCTURE    OF   THE    WHOLE    PLANT   THASPIUM    AUREUM,    NUTT. 

Description. — This  erect,  perent>ial  herb  attains  a  height  of  from  i  to  3  feet. 
Root  tap-shaped,  2  to  4  inches  long  by  ^  to  ^  of  an  inclr  in  diameter,  yellow 
internally.  Leaves  i-  to  2-ternately  parted  or  divided;  lower  leaves  on  long 
petioles,  sometimes  simple  or  more  or  less  cordate  ;  upper  leaves  sessile  or  nearly 
so;  leaflets  i  to  2  inches  long,  oblong-lanceolate,  cut  serrate,  the  bases  elongated 
cuneate.  Inflorescence  axial  or  terminal  compound  umbels,  on  long,  naked  pedun- 
cles ;  involucre  inconspicuous  or  absent;  pedicels  10  to  20  elongating  in  fruit;  in- 
volucels  minute,  few-leaved ;  floivers  deep,  orange-yellow.  Calyx  teeth  obscure. 
Petals  oblong,  terminated  by  an  inflexed  tip.  Fruit  oval-oblong,  somewhat  flat- 
tened or  laterally  contracted  ;  ridges  lo-winged  ;  transverse  section  orbicular  ;  vittcz 
solitary  in  each  sulcus,  and  2  in  the  commissure.  Read  description  of  the  natural 
order,  under  Eryngium,  62. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Meadow  Parsnip  is  quite  a  common  indigenous 
plant  on  the  moist  banks  of  streams,  and  in  open,  wet  woods,  where  it  flowers  in 
June  and  July.  I  find  no  mention  of  this  plant  in  medical  literature.  The  genus 
is  spoken  of  by  RafinesqueJ  as  vulnerary,  antisyphilitic,  and  sudorific. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  whole  fresh  plant  (the  prover 
used  only  the  root)  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two 
parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth 
part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole  well, 
pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allow  it  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark, 
cool  place. 

*  A  play  upon  the  genus  TItapsia,  named  from  the  Isle  of  Thapsiis. 

f  I  have  retained  the  name  under  which  the  plant  was  proven.     See  second  synonym. 

X  Med.  Bot.,  vol.  ii,  p.  267. 


66-2 

The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  straining  and  filtering,  should  have 
a  deep  brownish-orange  color  by  transmitted  light,  no  distinguishing  odor,  a  slightly 
bitter  taste,  and  strong  acid  reaction.  It  leaves  a  numb,  furry  sensation  upon  the 
tongue,  something  like  the  impression  left  by  tincture  of  aconite. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  Meadow  Parsnip  appears  to  uphold  the 
general  action  of  the  Umbelliferse,  and  act  specifically  in  a  similar  manner  to 
yEthusa.  The  symptoms  of  those  proving  the  drug  under  the  direction  of  Dr. 
E.  E.  Marcy  are  those  of  a  nerve  irritant.  The  only  report  of  a  toxic  quantity 
being  taken  is  that  by  Judge  Gray  of  a  young  lady  who  ate  a  large  root.  In  this 
case  violent  vomiting  followed  immediately,  ejecting  the  root  in  time  to  ward  off 
any  farther  action.* 


Description  of  Plate  66. f 

i.   la  to  ifi,  upper  part  of  plant,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  June  3d,  1880. 
2.  Flower  (enlarged). 

*  Marcy,  in  Ency.  Pun  Mat.  Med.,  vol.  x,  p.  634. 

f  This  Plarte  has  been  titled  Thaspium  atireum,  var.  nperlum  ;  liut  the  seed,  the  only  characteristic  of  var.  aperlum, 
having  been  omitted,  it  reverts  to  its  proper  title — i.  e.,  Thaspium  aureiim,  Nutt. 


Shortly  after  taking  note  of  the  physical  properties  of  the  tidicture  here  recorded, — during  which  I  made  many  futile 
attempts  to  detect  a  characteristic  odor  and  taste,  and  took  probably  about  10  minims, — the  tongue  felt  fuzzy  and  numb. 
This  sensation  was  followed  by  a  feeling  as  if  the  tongue  had  been  scalded  with  hot  tea ;  my  eyes  began  to  water  and 
smart;  I  ceased  writing,  and  threw  myself  upon  my  lounge  (12  M.) ;  my  face  then  began  to  feel  suffused  with  blood  and 
soon  became  hot,  especially  the  cheeks  and  forehead;  drowsiness  followed,  and  I  fell  into  a  distressingly  dreamy  sleep, 
lasting  an  hour.  When  I  awoke  (J. 30  P.  M.)  all  symptoms  had  passed  awiy  except  the  scalded  sensation  of  the  tongue, 
which  lasted  fully  an  hour  longer. 


67- 


^.m.ad 


nat  dei.et  pinxt. 


CiCUTA     MACULATA.Linn 


N.  ORD-UMBELLIFER^.  67 

(;ENUS.— CICUTA,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— PKNTANDKIA  DKIVNIA. 


CICUTA  MACULATA. 

WATER  HEMLOCK. 

SYN.-CICUTA  MACULATA,  LINN. ;  CICUTARIA  MACULATA,  LAM. ;  SIUM 

DOUGLASII,  (?)  D.  C. 
COM.   NAMES.— AMERICAN    WATER  HEMLOCK,  SNAKEWEED,   BEAVER 

POISON,   MUSQUASH   ROOT,    SPOTTED    COWBANE,   DEATH  OF   MAN, 

CHILDREN'S    BANE;     (PR.)     CIQUE    D'AMBRIQUE;    (GBR.)   AMERIKA- 

NISCHER  WASSERSCHIERLING. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOTS  OF  CICUTA  MACULATA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  poisonous  marsli  perennial  attains  a  growth  of  from  3  to 
6  feet.  Rooi  a  fascicle  of  several  oblong,  thick  and  fleshy  tubers.  Stem  stout  and 
smooth,  fistulate,  streaked  with  purple  {not  maculate),  or  when  growing  in  open 
places  deep  purple,  and  in  shady  situations  wholly  green.  Leaves  bi-ternately 
compound,  the  lower  on  long  petioles ;  leaflets  oblong-lanceolate,  pointed,  and 
sometimes  lobed  ;  mai'gins  mucronately  coarse-serrate,  the  veins  ending  in  the 
notches,  hifloresceiice  in  long  peduncled,  axillary  umbels;  involucre  few  leaved 
or  wanting ;  involucels  5  to  6  leaved  ;  leaflets  linear  ;  Jioiuers  white.  Calyx  minutely 
5-toothed ;  teeth  acute.  Petals  obcordate,  with  an  inflexed,  pointed  tip.  Fruit 
aromatic,  almost  globular,  geminate,  and  a  little  contracted  at  the  sides.  Carpels 
with  5  strong,  flattish  ribs,  the  lateral  ones  marginal ;  vittce  large,  single  in  the 
intervals,  double  in  the  commissure ;  seeds  terete.  Read  description  of  the  order 
under  Eryngium,  62. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Water  Hemlock  is  indigenous  to  the  United 
States  from  F"Iorida  and  Mississippi  northward,  where  it  grows  in  wet  places,  and 
flowers  in  June  and  July. 

Cicuta  had,  until  the  publication  of  Dr.  Bigelow's  work,-j-  been  considered 
more  as  a  poison  than  a  drug,  a  few  practitioners  only  using  very  small  doses 
as  a  substitute  for  conium,  and  some  of  the  laity,  little  knowing  its  toxic  proper- 
ties, as  a  gargle  in  sore  throat.  Rafinesque  claims  that  its  roots  were  eaten  by 
such  Indians  as  were  tired  of  life  and  desired  a  speedy  demise.  Later  the  pow- 
dered leaves  were  employed  to  a  limited  extent  to  alleviate  the  pain  of  scirrhus 
cancers.     Cicuta  plays  no  part  in  any  system  of  medicine  except  the  homoeopathic. 

*  The  ancient  Latin  name,  in  reference  to  the  hollow  stems  of  this  genus,  the  name  Cicuta  designating  the  hollo-.v 
joints  of  reeds  from  which  pipes  were  made, 
t  jini.  Med.  Bo/.,  Boston,  1817. 


67-2 

The  specific  name  maailata  is  badly  chosen,  as  the  stems,  as  far  as  I  have 
observed,  are  never  spotted,  nor  do  I  find  any  record  of  such  a  marking  having 
been  noticed  ;  Dr.  Bigelow  modestly  offers  the  name  fasciculata,  which  is  true  of 
the  roots,  and  should  be  adopted,  being  much  less  like  that  of  conium.  Great 
similarity  is  said  to  exist  between  this  species  and  the  European  C.  virosa.  Not 
having  had  an  opportunity  to  examine  the  latter,  I  am  at  present  unable  to  differ- 
entiate between  them.  According  to  descriptions,  C.  virosa  has  not  a  fasciculate 
root,  and  its  umbels  are  larger  in  every  way  and  much  denser. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  roots,  chopped  and  pounded 
to  a  pulp,  are  treated  as  in  the  preceding  drug.  The  resulting  tincture  has  a  clear 
yellowish-amber  color  by  transmitted  light,  the  peculiar  odor  of  the  fresh  root,  a 
sweetish  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Dr.  Bigelow's  examination  of  the  root  is  the 
only  attempt  so  far  made  toward  an  analysis;  he  procured  a  volatile  oil  and  a 
yellow,  inflammable  resin.  Mr.  J.  E.  Young  succeeded  in  obtaining  a  volatile  alka- 
loid from  the  fruits,  which  he  regarded  as  identical  with  conia.  A  glance,  however, 
at  the  chemistry  of  C.  virosa  will  not  be  out  of  place  here : 

Cicutina. — This  volatile  alkaloid  found  in  all  parts  of  the  plant  by  Wittstein, 
Polex,  and  others,  remains  as  yet  very  imperfectly  investigated ;  it  is  simply  men- 
tioned by  Wittstein  as  having  been  obtained  in  an  aqueous  solution. 

Oil  of  Cumin. — This  compound  of  several  hydrocarbons,  first  obtained  from 
the  fruit  of  Ctmiimini  cyminum,  Linn.,  is  proven  by  Trapp  to  be  identical  with  the 
oil  of  this  species.  Two  of  the  hydrocarbons  are  identified  as  follows  :  Cicutcn, 
C,(,H,„  (Van  Ankum),  boils  at  \t&^  (330.8°  P.),  is  dextrogyrate,  sp.  gr.  at  18° 
(64.4°  F.),  0.87038,  and  is  soluble  in  alcohol,  ether,  and  chloroform  ;  Cymol, 
Cj„H,^,  a  colorless  oil  of  great  refractory  power  and  the  odor  of  lemons,  having  a 
sp.  gr.  at  15°  (59°  F.)  of  0.86,  and  a  boiling  point  at  172°  (341.6°  F.). 

Cicutoxin. — This  amorphous,  resinous  body,  in  all  probability  identical  with 
that  found  by  Bigelow  in  the  root-juice  of  C.  maailata,  was  isolated  and  named  by 
Trojanowski. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Many  cases  of  poisoning  from  the  root  of  this 
species  have  been  reported,  all  showing,  by  the  symptoms,  that  cicuta  produces 
great  hypersemia  of  the  brain  and  spinal  cord. 

The  following  case,  reported  by  letter  to  Dr.  Bigelow  by  Dr.  R.  Hazeltine 
(1818),*  gives  all  the  symptoms  noted  by  observers  in  other  cases:  A  boy  had 
eaten  of  certain  tuberous  roots,  gathered  in  a  recently-ploughed  field,  supposing 
them  to  be  artichokes,  but  which  were  identified  as  the  roots  of  Cicuta  maculata. 
His  first  symptom  was  a  pain  in  the  bowels  urging  him  to  an  ineffectual  attempt 
at  stool,  after  which  he  vomited  about  a  teacupful  of  what  appeared  to  be  the 

*  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.,  vul.  iii.,  iSi. 


67-3 
recently-masticated  root,  and  immediately  fell  back  into  convulsions  which  lasted 
off  and  on  continuously  until  his  death.  The  doctor  found  him  in  a  profuse  sweat 
and  "convulsive  agitations,  consisting-  of  tremors,  violent  contractions  and  distor- 
tions, with  alternate  and  imperfect  relaxations  of  the  whole  muscular  system, 
astonishing  mobility  of  the  eyeballs  and  eyelids,  with  widely-dilated  pupils,  stridor 
dentium,  trismus,  frothing  at  the  mouth  and  nose,  mixed  with  blood,  and  occasion- 
ally violent  and  genuine  epilepsy."  The  convulsive  agitations  were  so  powerful 
and  incessant,  that  the  doctor  "  could  not  examine  the  pulse  with  sufficient  con- 
stancy to  ascertain  its  character."  At  the  post-mortem  no  inflammation  was 
observed,  the  stomach  was  fully  distended  with  flatus,  and  contained  "about 
three  gills  of  a  muciform  and  greenish  fluid,  such  as  had  flowed  from  the  mouth  ; 
this  mass  assumed  a  dark  ereen  color  on  standinsr." 

Description  of  Plate  67. 

I.   Part  of  flowering  branch,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  July  2d,  1885, 

2.  Leaf. 

3.  Flower,  showing  calyx. 

4.  Face  of  flower. 

5.  Petal. 

6.  Pistil  and  calyx. 

7.  Stamens. 

(3-7  enlarged.) 


=-*-= 


^'Tn..a(lnat.iJel.etpinxt. 


CONiUM   MACU LATUM,  Linn. 


N.  ORD -UMBELLIFER^.  68 

GENUS.— C  O  N  I  U  M  ,*  LINN. 
SE.K.  SYST.— PKNT.ANDRIA  DIGVNI.V. 


CONIUM. 

POISOA'  HEMLOCK. 

SYN.— CONIUM  MACULATUM,  LINN. ;  C.  MAJOR,  BAUH. ;  CORIANDRUM 
CICUTA,  CRANTZ.;  C.  MACULATUM.  ROTH.;  CICUTA  MACULATA, 
LAM.  (not  Linn.);  C.  VULGARIS  MAJOR,  PARK.;  CICUTARIA  VULGA- 
RIS, CLUS. 

COM.  NAMES.— WILD  OR  POISON  HEMLOCK,  STINK-WEED, t  SPOTTED 
POISON  PARSLEY,  HERB-BENNET;  (FR.)  GRAND  CIQUB,  CIQUE  OR- 
DINAIRE; (GER.)  SCHIERLING. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  PLANT,  EXCLUDING  THE  ROOT,  OF  CONIUM 

MACULATUM,  L. 

Description. — This  large,  unsavory,  biennial  herb,  grows  to  a  height  varying 
from  2  to  6  feet.  Root  fusiform,  sometimes  forked.  Stet)i  erect,  hollow,  smooth, 
and  striate,  stout  below,  corymbosely  branching  above,  the  whole  dotted  and 
splashed  with  crimson  beneath  the  white,  pulverent,  easily  detached  coating  that 
pervades  the  whole  plant  except  the  leaves  and  flowers.  Leaves  generally  large, 
decompound,  somewhat  deltoid  in  outline ;  common  petioles  with  broad  striate 
sheathing  bases ;  segments  lanceolate  pinnatifid  ;  lobes  bright  green,  acute  and 
regularly  serrate.  Injiorescejice  terminal,  flat-topped,  compound  umbels  ;  involucre 
about  3-leaved  ;  leaves  lanceolate,  acuminate,  deflexed  ;  involucels  about  5-leaved, 
shorter  than  the  umbellets,  and  situated  to  the  outside  of  them  ;  leaves  lanceolate  ; 
rays  numerous,  straight ;  flowers  small,  white.  Petals  obtuse  or  somewhat  obcor- 
date,  the  apices  incurved.  Calyx  teeth  obsolete,  the  limb  forming  a  thickened 
crowning  ring  in  fruit.  Stamens  but  slightly  longer  than  the  petals  ;  anthers  white. 
Fruit  orate,  turgid,  laterally  flattened,  the  crown  retaining  the  divergent  styles, 
each  of  which,  together  with  its  dilated  base,  greatly  resembles  the  depicted  head- 
gear of  the  mediaeval  court  jester.  Carpels  with  5  prominent,  nearly  equal,  papil- 
lose ribs,  the  lateral  ones  marginal ;  vittce  none ;  seed  with  its  inner  face  marked 
by  a  deep  and  narrow  longitudinal  sulcus. 

History  and  Habitat. — Conium  is  indigenous  to  Europe  and  Asia.  It,  how- 
ever, has  become  thoroughly  naturalized  in  this  country,  where  it  grows  in  waste 
places,  usually  by  river-sides.     It  blossoms  during  July  and  August. 


*  KJwioK,  koneion;  from  kmoj,  konos,  a  top,  judged  by  Hooker  to  be  so  named  on  account  of  the  whirling  vertigo 
caused  by  the  poison. 

f  \  name  more  commonly  applied  to  Datura  Stramonium. 


68-2 

The  history  of  this  fetid,  poisonous  plant,  dates  back  to  about  the  fifth  cen- 
tury before  Christ.  From  the  careful  observations  of  many  pharmacographists 
and  historians,  there  seems  little  doubt  that  the  Grecian  State  potion  used  at 
Athens  as  a  mode  of  execution  of  those  condemned  to  death  by  the  tribunal  of 
Areopagus,  was  principally,  if  not  wholly,  composed  of  the  fresh  juice  of  the  leaves 
and  green  seeds  of  this  plant.  It  is  the  xuvetov  which  destroyed  Thermanes,  one  of 
the  thirty,  Phocion,  and  Socrates,  whose  disciple  he  had  been.  Plato,  in  describing 
the  potion,  does  not  give  it  a  specific  name,  nor  mention  its  source,  but  terms  the 
potion  <papaaxo7',  which  means  any  strong  drug,  and  not  necessarily  a  poisonous 
one.  In  the  writings  of  Eratosthenes  also,  it  appears  that  the  words  xivsiv  xovfiov 
mean  to  drink  poison,  and  xuvsiov  nsTtcoxoTa,  having  drunk  poison.  yElian  states 
that  Cean  old  men,  who,  when  they  had  become  useless  to  the  State,  and  tired  of 
the  infirmities  of  life,  invited  each  other  to  a  banquet,  after  which  they  drank 
x(0T£iov  and  died  together.  Although  none  of  these  accounts  give  the  derivation  of 
the  potion,  and  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  Dioscorides'  description  of  the  plant 
is  too  general  to  distinguish  the  umbelliferous  species  he  refers  to,  yet  there  are 
important  reasons  why  we  should  feel  perfectly  satisfied  that  the  Grecian  xcdveiov 
was  the  Conium  of  our  materia  medica :  first,  Sibthorp  says*  that  Conium  grows 
plentifully  between  Athens  and  Magara,  and  that  no  other  plant  of  near  so  violent 
qualities  grows  in  Greece;  secondly,  Cicuta  virosa — supposed,  by  those  who  doubt 
Conium  being  the  origin  of  the  potion,  to  be  the  xuretov — does  not  grow  in  Greece. 
The  cicuta  of  later  writers,  is  a  Latin  name,  applied  by  the  Romans  to  any  and 
all  poisonous  umbelliferae,  and  even  to  other  widely  separate  toxic  plants ;  this 
term  was  unknown  to  the  Greeks;  thirdly,  Dr,  J.  H.  Bennett's  case  of  poisoning 
by  Conium  gave  symptoms  almost  identical  with  those  given  in  the  description  of 
the  death  of  Socrates ;  fourthly,  later  provings  of  Conium  on  man  and  animals, 
all  point  to  it  as  being  answerable  to  the  symptoms  mentioned.  Cicuta  causes 
convulsions  even  to  opisthotonos,  and  sudden  stiffness  and  immobility  of  the  limbs  ; 
while  Conium  causes  creeping  muscular  paralysis,  with  mayhap  slight  trembling, 
but  no  spasm  ;  lastly,  the  words  of  the  man  who  prepared  the  potion  :  "  We  only 
bruise  as  much  as  is  barely  sufficient  for  the  purpose,"  would  seem  to  indicate  a 
simple;  a  man  who  spoke  so  clearly  and  definitely  would  hardly  have  used  the 
word  "  bruise  "  had  opium  been  added  to  the  preparation,  as  some  of  the  upholders 
of  Cicuta  claim,  in  trying  to  explain  why  spasms  did  not  occur  in  this  case. 

The  first  use  of  Conium  in  medicine  is  that  of  Dioscorides,  who  used  it  as  a 
collyrium  mixed  with  wine,  and  as  a  cataplasm  in  herpes  and  erysipelas.  Pliny 
states f  that  the  leaves  keep  down  all  tumors;  and  Anaxilaus  claims  that  by 
anointing  the  mammae  they  ceased  to  grow.  Avicenna|  praised  it  as  an  agent 
for  the  cure  of  tumors  of  the  breasts.  It  remained,  however,  for  Baron  Stiirck 
(1760)  to  introduce  Conium  into  more  general  use;  he  found  it  effectual  in  curing 
scirrhus,  ulcers,  cancer,  and  many  other  chronic  forms  of  disease.  Bayle§  collected 
from  various  sources  46  cases  of  cancerous  disease  cured,  and  26  ameliorated  by 
the  use  of  this  drug.     Conium  has  been  recommended  in  jaundice,  tic-douloureux, 

»  Prod.  Flor.  Gr.,  i,  1S7.  f  A'at.  Hist.,  b.  xxvi,  c.  16.  +  Lil>.  ii,  662.  ?  Bii.  Therap.,  iii,  618. 


68-3 

syphilitic  affections,  enlargement  of  glands,  especially  those  of  a  scrofulous  nature, 
as  a  sedative  in  mania,  chorea,  epilepsy,  laryngismus  stridulus,  pertussis,  and  various 
forms  of  nervous  diseases. 

Like  all  other  drugs  used  by  the  dominant  school  of  medicine  then  and  now, 
many  physicians  failed  to  get  any  effect  whatsoever  from  this  drug  in  the  diseases 
specified  by  Siorck  and  others;  so  frequent  were  the  failures  that  most  careful 
and  protracted  experiments  in  gathering,  curing,  preserving,  and  preparing  thei 
drug  were  resorted  to,  analyses  were  made,  essays  written,  and  finally  serious 
doubts  expressed  as  to  Baron  Storck's  cases ;  *  widiout  once  a  thought  that  it 
might  be  adaptability  to  his  cases,  and  not  pharmaceutical  preparation  that  caused 
the  drug  to  cure.  It  is  well  known  to  us  as  homoeopathists  that  Baron  Storck  had 
a  "  peculiar  notion  "  as  to  the  adaptability  of  drugs  to  diseased  conditions,  a  notion 
very  like  the  law  that  guides  us  to-day.f  I  can  personally  testify  to  the  cure  of 
one  well-marked  case  of  mammary  scirrhus,  by  Conium.     The  case  is  as  follows : 

Mrs.  B complained  to  me  of  having  experienced,  for  some  months  past,  sharp 

stitching  pains  in  the  left  mamma,  extending  thence  in  all  directions,  but  especially 
through  to  the  shoulder-blade,  and  upward  and  outward  into  the  axilla;  these 
stitches  would  awaken  her  at  night,  causing  her  sleep  to  be  interfered  with  seri- 
ously. On  examining  the  breast  I  found  the  nipple  retracted  and  surrounded  by 
a  hard  nodular  lump,  just  movable,  and  about  the  area  of  a  silver  dollar.  Her 
mother  died  of  "  a  cancer  of  the  breast "  several  years  before.  I  prescribed 
Conium  in  a  potency,  one  dose  per  diem.  Within  six  weeks  the  subjective  symp- 
toms entirely  passed  away,  four  months  after,  the  "  tumor"  was  much  softer  and 
the  nipple  less  cupped.  The  remedy  was  then  stopped,  and  upon  examining  her 
to-day  (nearly  four  years  after  the  first  dose),  I  find  no  vestige  of  the  growth 
whatever,  the  mamma  appearing  entirely  normal. 

Concerning  the  root  of  this  virulent  plant,  Lepage  J  corroborates  the  asser- 
tion of  Orfila,  that  the  amount  of  alkaloid  therein  is  very  small;  this  accounts  for 
the  following  experiences:  Ray  relates  §  that  Mr.  Petiver  ate  half  an  ounce,  and 
Mr.  Healy  four  ounces  without  experiencing  any  remarkable  effect.  Curtis  says:  || 
"Mr.  Alicorn  assures  me  that  he  has  tried  this  (eating  the  roots)  in  every  season 
of  the  year,  and  in  most  parts  of  our  island,  without  feeling  any  material  difference  ; 
and  Mr.  T.  Lane  informs  me  that  he  also,  cautiously,  made  some  experiments  of 
the  like  kind,  without  any  inconvenience;  after  many  successive  trials,  he  had  some 
of  the  larger  roots  boiled,  and  found  them  as  agreeable  eating  at  dinner  with  meat 
as  carrots,  which  they  somewhat  resembled;"  Mr.  Steven,  a  Russian  botanist, 
states  that  the  Russian  peasants  eat  it  with  impunity,  and  concludes  that  the  colder 
the  climate  the  less  poisonous  is  the  root.     Pliny  says:T[  "as  for  the  stems  and 


*  Woodville  says  {Mtd.  Sot.,  i,  io8) :"....  Nay,  it  never  succeeded  so  well  as  when  under  his  own  direction 
or  confined  to  the  neighborhood  in  which  he  resided,  and  to  the  practice  of  those  physicians  with  whom  he  lived  in  habits 
of  intimacy  and  friendship.  [A  base  imputation,  unworthy  of  the  author.— c.  F.  M.]  The  general  inefficiency  of  Hem- 
lock experienced  in  this  counlrj',  induced  physicians  at  first  to  suppose  that  this  plant,  in  the  environs  of  Vienna  and 
Berlin,  differed  widely  from  ours,  and  this  being  so  stated  to  Dr.  Siorck  he  sent  a  quantity  of  the  extract,  prepared  by 
himself,  to  London,  but  this  proved  equally  unsuccessful,  and  to  differ  in  no  respect  from  the  English  extract.'' 

t  Note  also  Baron  Storck's  use  of  .Stramonium,  as  cited  under  (hat  drug.  %   your.  Phor.  tt  Chim.,  1885,  10. 

I  PAH.  Trans.,  xix,  634.  ||  Plor.  Londinensis.  ^  Nat.  Hisl.,  b.  26,  c.  xii. 


68-4 

stalks,  many  there  be  who  do  eat  it,  both  green  and  also  boiled  or  stewed  between 
two  platters."  Notwithstanding  all  this,  many  children  have  been  poisoned  from 
eating  the  roots. 

Conium  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  as  Abstractum  Conii ;  Extractimi  Conii 
Alcoholicum ;  Extractimi  Conii  Fhiidum,  and  Tinctura  Conii.  In  the  Eclectic 
Materia  Medica  the  preparations  are  :  Extracinm  Conii  Alcoholicuvi  ;  Unguentiim 
Conii  and  Emplastnmt  BelladonncE  Coinposituiu* 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  entire  fresh  plant,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  root,  should  be  gathered  while  the  fruits  are  yet  green,  and  prepared 
as  in  the  preceding  drug.  The  resulting  tincture  should  have  a  clear  madder 
color  by  transmitted  light,  and  give  an  odor  somewhat  similar  to  that  of  the 
bruised  leaves,  a  taste  at  first  sweetish,  then  similar  to  the  odor,  and  an  acid 
reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— G;«/^,t  C,H,.N.  This  volatile  alkaloid  was 
discovered  by  Giseke  in  the  leaves  and  fruit  of  this  plant;  Geiger,  however,  was 
first  to  purify  it.  Conia  is  a  limpid,  colorless,  oily  liquid,  having  the  specific 
gravity  of  .89,  and  boiling  at  i63.°5  (.328.°3  F.).  It  possesses  a  nauseous  and 
sharp  taste,  and  a  disagreeable  odor.  It  is  soluble  in  cold  water,  in  which  solution 
it  becomes  turbid  on  the  application  of  heat. 

Methylconine,  CgHj^NCHj.  This  alkaloid  is  also  sometimes  present  in 
conium.     It  bears  great  resemblance  to  conia. 

Conydrine.t  CgHj^ON.  A  crystalline  alkaloid  melting  at  I20.°6  (249°  F.), 
and  boiling  at  225°  (437°  F.). 

Paraconine,  CgHj^N.  This  fourth  alkaloid,  isomeric  with  conia,  differs  from 
it  only  in  being  atertiary  base  devoid  of  rotary  power.  Paraconine  is  liquid,  and 
boils  at  i6o°-i7o°  (320°-338°  F.).     (Ul  stip)'a,  Schorlemmer.) 

Oil  of  Conium,  C^Hj^N^O.  A  pale,  yellow  oil  extracted  from  the  seeds.  This 
oil  is  also  formed  when  nitrogen  trio.xide  is  passed  into  conia  and  the  resulting 
liquid  decomposed  by  water. 

Conic  Acid. — This  body,  yet  uninvestigated,  exists  in  all  parts  of  the  plant 
and  holds  in  solution  the  alkaloids  present. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— No  more  fitting  introduction  to  the  action  of  this 
virulent  spinal  irritant  could  be  written  than  the  description,  in  Plato's  "Phaedo," 
of  the  death  of  Socrates:  "And  Crito,  hearing  this,  gave  the  sign  to  the  boy  who 
stood  near;  and  the  boy  departing,  after  some  time  returned,  bringing  with  him 
the  man  who  was  ta  administer  the  poison,  who  brought  it  ready  bruised  in  a  cup. 
And  Socrates,  beholding  the  man,  said  :  '  Good  friend,  come  hither ;  you  are  expe- 
rienced in  these  affairs — what  is  to  be  done?'  '  Nothing,'  replied  the  man,  'only 
when   you  have  drank  the  poison   you  are  to  walk  about  until  a  heaviness  takes 


Rosin,  Belladonna,  Conium,  and  Iodine.  f  Conine,  Conicina,  Conein,  Coniin,  Conicin. 

X  Conydrina,  Conhydria,  Conliydrin. 


68-5 
place  in  your  legs  ;  then  lie  down — this  is  all  you  have  to  do.'  At  the  same  time 
he  presented  the  cup.  Socrates  received  it  from  him  with  great  calmness,  without 
fear  or  change  of  countenance,  and  regarding  the  man  with  his  usual  stern  aspect 
he  asked :  '  What  say  you  of  this  potion  ?  Is  it  lawful  to  sprinkle  any  portion  of 
it  on  the  earth,  as  a  libation,  or  not  ?'  '  We  only  bruise,"  said  the  man,  '  as  much  as 
is  barely  sufficient  for  the  purpose.'  '  I  understand  you,'  said  Socrates  ;  'but  it  is 
certainly  lawful  and  proper  to  pray  the  gods  that  my  departure  from  hence  may  be 
prosperous  and  happy,  which  I  indeed  beseech  them  to  grant.'  So  saying,  he 
carried  the  cup  to  his  mouth,  and  drank  it  with  great  promptness  and  facility. 

"Thus  far  most  of  us  had  been  able  to  refrain  from  weeping.  But  when  we 
saw  that  he  was  drinking,  and  actually  had  drank  the  poison,  we  could  no  longer 
restrain  our  tears.  And  from  me  they  broke  forth  with  such  violence  that  I  cov- 
ered my  face  and  deplored  my  wretchedness.  I  did  not  weep  for  his  fate  so  much 
as  for  the  loss  of  a  friend  and  benefactor,  which  I  was  about  to  sustain.  But  Crito, 
unable  to  restrain  his  tears,  now  broke  forth  in  loud  lamentations,  which  infected 
all  who  were  present,  except  Socrates.  But  he  observing  us,  exclaimed,  'What  is 
it  you  do,  my  excellent  friends  ?  I  have  sent  away  the  women  that  they  might  not 
betray  such  weakness.  I  have  heard  that  it  is  our  duty  to  die  cheerfully,  and  with 
expressions  of  joy  and  praise.  Be  silent,  therefore,  and  let  your  fortitude  be  seen.' 
At  this  address  we  blushed,  and  suppressed  our  tears.  But  Socrates,  after  walking 
about,  now  told  us  that  his  legs  were  beginning  to  grow  heavy,  and  immediately 
lay  down,  for  so  he  had  been  ordered.  At  the  same  time  the  man  who  had  given 
him  the  poison  examined  his  feet  and  legs,  touching  them  at  intervals.  At  len<Tth 
he  pressed  violently  upon  his  foot,  and  asked  if  he  felt  it.  To  which  Socrates 
replied  that  he  did  not.  The  man  then  pressed  his  legs  and  so  on,  showing  us 
that  he  was  becoming  cold  and  stiff.  And  Socrates,  feeling  it  himself,  assured  us 
that  when  the  effects  had  ascended  to  his  heart,  he  should  be  gone.  And  now  the 
middle  of  his  body  growing  cold,  he  threw  aside  his  clothes,  and  spoke  for  the 
last  time :  '  Crito,  we  owe  the  sacrifice  of  a  cock  to  ^sculapius.  Discharge  this, 
and  neglect  it  not.'  '  It  shall  be  done,'  said  Crito ;  '  have  you  anything  else  to 
say?'  He  made  no  reply,  but  a  moment  after  moved,  and  his  eyes  became  fixed. 
And  Crito,  seeing  this,  closed  his  eyelids  and  mouth," 

Another  case  very  similar  to  this  was  met  with  by  Dr.  J.  H.  Bennett.*  A  man 
ate  a  large  quantity  of  Hemlock  plant  by  mistake  for  parsley ;  soon  afterwards 
there  was  a  loss  of  power  in  the  lower  extremities,  but  he  apparently  suffered  no 
pain.  In  walking  he  staggered  as  if  he  was  drunk;  at  length  his  limbs  refused  to 
support  him,  and  he  fell.  On  being  raised,  his  legs  dragged  after  him,  or  when 
his  arms  were  lifted  they  fell  like  inert  masses,  and  remained  immovable ;  there 
was  perfect  paralysis  of  the  upper  and  lower  extremities  within  two  hours  after  he 
had  taken  the  poison.  There  was  a  loss  of  power  of  deglutition,  and  a  partial 
paralysis  of  sensation,  but  no  convulsions,  only  slight  occasional  motions  of  the  left 
leg;  the  pupils  were  fixed.  Three  hours  after  eating  the  hemlock  the  respiratory 
movements  had  ceased.     Death  took  place  in  three  and  one-quarter  hours.     It 


*  Med.  and  Surg.  Jour.  Edin.,   1845,  169. 


68-6 

was  evidently  caused  by  gradual  asphyxia  from  paralysis  of  the  muscles  of  respi- 
ration, but  the  intellect  was  perfectly  clear  until  shortly  before  death. 

The  sequence  of  symptoms  would  seem  to  show  in  all  of  the  many  cases  of 
poisoning  by  this  plant  that  the  drug  acts  primarily  upon  the  spinal  cord,  causing 
a  paralysis  first  of  the  anterior  then  posterior  branches,  and  that  from  below 
upward  until  the  medulla  is  reached. 

On  Animals. — Linnceus  states  that  sheep  will  eat  of  the  leaves,  but  horses 
and  goats  refuse  them.  Ray  says  that  the  thrush  will  feed  upon  the  seeds,  even 
when  grain  is  plenty.  Orfila*  found  that  the  powder  and  extract  were  generally 
harmless  when  given  to  animals,  but  that  the  juice  or  leaves  of  the  fresh  plant 
produced  the  most  violent  symptoms  and  death.  Moiroudf  gave  a  decoction  of 
four  ounces  of  the  dried  plant  to  a  horse  which  had  eaten  three  and  a  half  pounds 
of  the  plant  without  effect.  It  caused  dejection,  stupor,  dilation  of  the  pupils, 
trembling,  spasmodic  trembling  of  muscles,  grinding  of  teeth  and  copious  sweats. 
It  would  seem,  from  experiments  upon  animals,  that  Conium  is  more  poisonous 
to  carnlvora  than  to  graminlvora. 

Post-mortem. — In  Dr.  Bennett's  case,  there  was  slight  serous  effusion  beneath 
the  arachnoid  membrane.  The  substance  of  the  brain  was  soft  on  section  ;  there 
were  numerous  bloody  points,  but  the  organ  was  otherwise  healthy.  The  lungs 
were  engorged  with  dark-red  fluid  blood ;  the  heart  was  soft  and  flabby.  The 
mucous  coat  of  the  stomach,  that  contained  a  green,  pultaceous  mass  of  the  herb, 
was  much  congested,  especially  at  the  cardiac  extremity ;  here  there  were  numer- 
ous extravasations  of  dark  blood  below  the  epithelium,  over  a  space  about  the 
size  of  the  hand.  The  intestines  presented  patches  of  congestion  on  the  mucous 
coat.     The  blood  throughout  the  body  was  fluid  and  of  a  dark  color. 

Description  of  Plate  68. 

1.  Top  of  a  flowering  branch  divested  of  three  of  its  umbels,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  June  29th,  1884. 

2.  Stalk  at  the  root. 

3.  Flower. 

4  and  5.  Stamens. 

6.  Young  fruit. 

7.  Section  of  ovary. 

8.  Pollen,  X  250. 

(3-6  enlarged.) 

*   Tox.  Gen.,  ii,  309.  f  Pharm.   Vit.,  359. 


u/.TU.adnatdel.etpinxl 


ARALIA    RACEMOSA    Linn. 


N.  ORD -ARALIACE.^.  69 

GENUS.— ARAL  I  A,*  TOURN. 

SEX.  SVST. -PENTANURI.\   I'KNIAGY.NIA. 

ARALIA   RACEMOSA. 

SPIKEJfARD. 

SYN.— ARALIA  RACEMOSA,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMBS.-SPIKBNARD,  AMERICAN  SPIKENARD,  PETTYMORREL, 
LIFE-OP-MAN,  PIGEON-WEED;  (PR.)  NARD  D'AMERIQUE;  (GER  ) 
AMERIKANISCHER  ARALIE. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH    ROOT  OF  AR.ALI.\  R.\CEMOSA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  aromatic  perennial  attains  a  growth  of  from  2  to  5  feet.f 
Rooi  large,  thick,  spicy-aromatic ;  bark  thick,  whitish  internally.  Stem  ligneously 
herbaceous,  smooth,  bifurcating,  much  branched,  and  devoid  of  prickles.  Leaves 
very  large,  odd-pinnately  compound ;  leaflets  ovate-cordate,  doubly-serrate, 
acuminate,  slightly  downy;  stipules  wanting,  or  represented  by  a  serrate  stipular 
membrane  at  the  bifurcation  of  the  branches  and  sometimes  at  the  bases  of  the 
petioles.  Inflorescence  numerous  axillary,  compound,  racemose  panicles,  or  thyrsi. 
Flowers  monoeciously  polygamous  or  perfect.  Calyx  coherent  with  the  ovary ; 
teeth  5,  short,  projecting  upward  between  the  petals.  Petals  5,  epigynous,  obovate 
acute,  reflexed-spreading,  caducous.  Stamens  5,  epigynous,  situated  opposite  the 
calyx  teeth  ;  fllaments  slender ;  anthers  2-celled,  opening  longitudinally.  Ovary 
globular,  5-celled,  somewhat  lo-ridged  ;  ovules  anatropous,  suspended,  i  in  each 
cell ;  styles  5,  closely  clustered,  sometimes  united  at  the  base,  or  in  the  sterile 
flowers  entirely  united ;  stigmas  capitellate,  or  simply  a  stigmatic  surface  to  the 
apex  of  each  style.  Fruit  globular,  aromatic,  baccate  drupes,  retaining  the  per- 
sistent and  now  divaricate  styles  ;  etnbryo  minute. 

Araliaceae. — Many  characters  of  this  natural  order  are  identical  with  the 
preceding  (Umbellifera;),  its  distinguishing  points  are:  Herbs,  shrubs,  or  trees. 
Leaves  sometimes  simple  but  mostly  compound  or  decompound.  Inflorescence 
panicled  or  racemose  umbels  ;  flowers  in  our  species  more  or  less  polygamous. 
Calyx:  limb  very  short  or  wanting.  Petals  5,  not  inflexed.  Stamens  5.  Fruit  7i 
berry  or  drupe  with  usually  more  than  two  cells  ;  carpels  not  separating ;  albumen 
generally  sarcous. 

This  family  affords,  beside  the  two  species  represented  here,  the  following 
plants  used  in  medicine  and  the  arts:  The  common  Ivy  {Hedera  Helix),  at  one 
time  held  in  great  repute  as  a  preventive  of  drunkenness  and  antidote  to   the 

*  Derivation  unknown. 

f  J.  F.  James  meniions  a  plant  7  to  8  feet  high,  with  leaves  3  feet  long,  and  fruit  15  to  18  inches,  in  Bol.  Gaz., 
1882,  p.  122. 


69-2 

effects  of  "heady"  wines;  its  blackish,  gummy  resin  is  used  as  a  constituent  of 
some  varnishes  (Griffith) ;  the  Amboyian  Hedera  umbcllifcra  {Aralia  lunbcllifera. 
Lam.)  yields  a  powerfully  aromatic  camphoraceous  resin  ;  and  the  Ceylon  H. 
krebinthacca  one  resembling  turpentine.  The  American  aromatic  tonics  False 
Sarsaparilla  {Aralia  nudicaulis)  and  the  Angelica  tree  (^A.  spinosa)  have  just  been 
dismissed  from  the  Pharmacopoeia  of  the  United  States.  Among  the  edible  plants 
of  this  family  are  the  Chinese  Diajnorphantiis  edulis,  Gimnera  scabra,  and  G.  macro- 
cepliala.     The  useful  species  of  Panax  are  noted  under  the  ne.xt  drug. 

History  and  Habitat. — Spikenard  is  indigenous  to  Canada,  and  the  United 
States  southward  to  the  mountains  of  South  Carolina  and  westward  to  the  Rockies. 
It  o-rows  along  the  rocky  but  rich  banks  of  well  shaded  streams,  and  flowers 
in  July. 

Concerning  the  previous  use  of  this  species,  which  was  not  so  extensive  as 
that  o{  A.  spinosa,  nudicaulis,  and  hispida,  Rafinesque  says:'''  ''A.  racemosa  is  used 
by  the  Indians  as  carminative,  pectoral  and  antiseptic,  in  coughs,  pains  in  the  breast 
(chest),  and  mortification  ;  the  root  with  horse-radish  is  made  in  poultice  for  the  feet 
in  general  dropsy.  The  juice  of  the  berries  and  oil  of  the  seeds  is  said  to  cure  ear- 
ache and  deafness,  poured  in  the  ears."  Culpepper  says  rj-  "It  is  good  to  provoke 
urine,  and  cureth  the  pains  of  the  stone  in  the  reins  and  kidneys."  In  domestic 
practice  it  has  been  made  into  a  composite  syrup  with  the  root  of  Inula  helenium, 
and  used  as  a  remedy  in  chronic  coughs,  asthma,  and  rheumatism  ;  a  tincture  of 
the  root  and  fruit  has  also  been  used  as  a  stomachic. 

No  preparation  of  this  plant  is  now  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  or  Eclectic 
Materia  Medica. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root,  the  part  used  is  large 
and  thick,  the  bark  is  about  /g  inch  in  thickness,  white  internally  and  shows  on 
section,  many  yellow  resin  cells,  it  readily  peels  off  the  ligneous  layer  surround- 
ing the  main  bulk  of  the  root.  The  central  portion  is  somewhat  dense,  dotted 
with  scattered  bundles  of  woody  fibre  and  surrounded  by  a  ligneous  sheath  j'g 
inch  thick. 

The  tincture  is  prepared  by  chopping  and  pounding  the  root  to  a  pulp, 
macerating  it  for  eight  days  in  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  and  filtering.  It 
results  as  a  clear,  slightly  brownish-orange  liquid  by  transmitted  light,  having  the 
peculiar,  somewhat  terebinthic  odor  of  the  root,  a  bitter  astringent  taste,  and  an 
acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — No  analysis  of  this  plant  has  been  published 
as  far  as  I  can  determine.  The  analysis  of  A.  spinosa,  by  Holden,|  Elkins,§  and 
Lilly,||  will  give  us  some  idea  of  the  probable  nature  of  the  phytochemistry  of  this 
species. 

*  Med.  Flor  ,  vol.  2,  p.  175.  t   Complete  Herbal,  London,  1S19. 

X  Am.  Jour.  Pliar.,  1880,  p.  390.  §    Idem,  p.  402. 

II   Period,  cit.,  1882,  p.  433. 


69-3 
Araliin. — Tliis  sa/>(>n/u-\\kc  i^Iiicosidc  was  discovered  by  HokUn  and  puri- 
fied by  Lilly.  It  results  as  a  slightly  acrid,  inodorous,  whitish  powder;  soluble  in 
water,  insoluble  in  cold,  strong  alcohol,  ether,  and  chloroform.  Its  watery  solution 
yields  a  dense,  persistent  froth  on  agitation.  It  precipitates  whiter  from  its 
solution  in  boiling  alcohol  when  cold.  Boiled  with  very  dilute  hydrochloric  acid, 
it  breaks  down  into  glucose  and  Araliretin  (Holden),  a  white,  insoluble,  tasteless 
and  odorless,  amorphous  product. 

Alkaloid. — Elkin  announced  an  alkaloid  principle  separable  as  a  yellowish, 
amorphous,  semi-transparent,  bitter  mass,  soluble  in  water  and  ether,  and  answer- 
ing to  Mayer's  test.  Lilly  failed  to  procure  this  precipitable  body,  but  isolated 
a  ''  bitter  principle  "  having  all  its  characteristics  except  that  it  was  crystalline. 

Oil  of  Aralia  (Elkins,  Lilly). — An  aromatic,  somewhatc  amphoraceous,  acid 
body,  having  the  characteristic  odor  of  the  root. 

An  acrid  resin,  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  insoluble  in  water  ;"*f  tannin  ;* 
glucose  rj-J  pictin  \-\\  gum  ;-j-  fat  ;*  and  starch,tj  were  also  determined. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  only  account  of  the  action  of  this  drug 
that  we  have,  is  a  proving  by  Dr.  Sam'l  A.  Jones,  of  Ann  Arbor,  §  in  whom  a  dose 
of  lo  drops  of  the  tincture  caused  a  severe  asthmatic  fit,  characterized  by  dry, 
wheezing  respiration  ;  obstructed  inspiration  ;  a  sense  of  impending  suffocation 
and  inability  to  lie  down  during  the  attack;  profuse  night  sweat  during  sleep; 
nausea ;  prostration  ;  and  difficult  expulsion  of  small,  soft  stool,  accompanied  by 
the  abdominal  sense  of  oncoming  diarrhoea.  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing 
drop  doses  of  the  tincture  promptly  relieve  a  similar  case,  in  my  own  practice,  in 
a  half  hour,  and  exert  a  beneficial  effect  in  warding  off  recurring  attacks. 

Descriptidn  of  Plate  69. 

I.  Portion  of  a  fruiting  stem,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  12,  1S82. 

2.  K  leaf,  half  natural  size. 

3.  A  flower. 

4.  Bird's-eye  view  of  flower  after  removal  of  trie  anthers. 

5.  Styles. 

6.  Stamen. 

7.  Pollen  X  300. 

8.  Section  of  the  root. 

(3-6  enlarged.) 


Holden,  loc.  cil.  f   Klkins,  he.  cil.  J   Lilly,  loc.  cit.  \   Male's  .Vc;t<  Reme.liis,  |>.  53. 


(ElXl.adnal.ilel.et  pifut. 


ARALIA     QuINQUEFOLIA,  Gray. 


N.  ORD -ARALIACE^. 

GKxNUS.  — ARALIA. 
SEX.  SYST— PENTANDRI.V  DUiVNIA. 


GINSENG. 


JIJV-CHEJf. 


SYN.— ARALIA  QUINQUEFOLIA,  GRAY;  A.  CANADEN"SIS,  TOURN. ;  PA- 
NAX QUINQUBPOLIUM,  LINN. ;  P.  AMERICANUM,  RAP. ;  AURBLIANA 
CANADENSIS,  LAFIT;  GINSENG  QUINQUEFOLIUM,  WOOD  ;  GIN-SENG 
CHINENSIBUS,  JARTOUX. 

COM.  NAMES.-GINSENG,  TARTAR-ROOT,  FIVE-FINGER,  RED  BERRY, 
MAN'S  HEALTH;  (FR.)  GINSENG  D'AMERIQUB;  (GER.)  KRAFTWUR- 
ZEL. 

A  TINCTURE   OF  THE  DRY  ROOT  OF  ARALIA  QUINQUEFOLIA,  GRAY. 

Description. — This  herbaceous  perennial  grows  to  a  height  of  about  i  foot. 
Root  large,  sometimes  forked,  but  generally  consisting  of  a  fleshy,  somewhat  fusi- 
form body,  from  the  larger  end  of  which  is  given  off  an  irregular,  cylindrical,  knotty 
portion,  narrower  at  its  abrupt  juncture  with  the  main  root,  and  showing  the  scars 
of  previous  stem-growths.  Both  parts  are  transversely  wrinkled,  closely  above 
and  sparsely  below.  Stem  simple,  erect ;  leaves  3,  palmately  5-divided ;  leaflets 
obovate,  thin,  serrate,  and  pointed,  in  two  sets,  3  large  and  2  small,  all  long 
petioled.  hiflorescciice  a  single  terminal,  naked,  peduncled  umbel ;  floivers  few, 
dioeciously-polygamous.  Gz/j'A'-//;;/(5  very  short,  obscurely  5-toothed  ;  teeth  trian- 
gular acute.  Petals  5,  spreading,  ovate-oblong.  Styles  2  to  3,  erect  or  spreading. 
Stamc7is  5,  Friut  a  cluster  of  bright-red,  2-celled,  more  or  less  reniform,  fleshy 
berries,  each  retaining  its  calyx-limb  and  styles ;  endocarp  thin. 

This  portion  of  the  genus  Aralia  is  the  genus  Pafiax*  of  Linneeus.  It  has 
many  characters,  which  have  given  rise  to  opportunities  for  forming  distinct  genera 
from  its  species,  though  its  close  resemblance  to  the  Aralias  serves  to  hold  it  there. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  American  Ginseng  grows  in  the  rich,  cool  woods 
of  central  and  northern  North  America,  where  it  flowers  in  July. 

There  is  great  similarity  in  the  American  and  Chinese  individuals  of  this 
species,  but  the  place  of  growth  or  mode  of  drying  seems  to  more  or  less  affect 
the  properties  of  the  roots,  especially  if  the  accounts  of  the  usefulness  of  the 
Oriental  product  can  be  credited.  Father  Jartoux,  who  spent  much  time,  and  had 
special  privileges  accorded  him  in  the  study  of  this  plant,  remarks,  that  so  high  is 
it  held  in  esteem  by  the  natives  of  China  that  the  physicians  have  written  volumes 
upon  its  virtues,  and  deem  it  a  necessity  in  all  their  best  prescriptions,  ascribing 

*  Hat, pan,  all;  a/n>;,  akos,  a  remedy;  as  the  Chinese  and  Tartar  species  were  considered  panaceas. 


70-2 

to  it  medicinal  properties  of  inestimable  value,  and  a  remedial  agency  in  fatigue 
and  the  infirmities  of  old  age.  So  great  is  the  plant  esteemed  in  China  that  the 
Emperor  monopolizes  the  right  of  gathering  its  roots.  The  preparation  of  the  best 
roots  for  the  Chinese  market  is  a  process  which  renders  them  yellow,  semi-trans- 
parent, and  of  a  horny  appearance ;  this  condition  is  gained  by  first  plunging  them 
in  hot  water,  brushing  until  thoroughly  scoured,  and  steaming  over  boiling  millet 
seed.  The  root  thus  prepared  is  chewed  by  the  sick  to  recover  health,  and  by  the 
healthy  to  increase  their  vitality ;  it  is  said  that  it  removes  both  mental  and  bodily 
fatigue,  cures  pulmonary  complaints,  dissolves  humors,  and  prolongs  life  to  a  ripe 
old  age, — for  all  of  which  the  root  has  often  brought  in  the  markets  ten  times  its 
weight  in  silver.  Father  Jartoux  *  finally  became  so  satisfied  that  the  use  of  the 
root  verified  all  that  was  said  of  its  virtues,  that  he,  in  his  own  case,  adds  testimony 
as  to  its  relief  of  fatigue  and  increase  of  vitality.  Those  roots  that  are  bifurcated 
are  held  by  the  natives  to  be  the  most  powerful ;  it  was  to  this  kind — which  they 
considered  to  resemble  the  human  form — that  they  gave  the  name  Jin-cheji,  like  a 
man.  Strange  as  it  may  seem,  the  American  Indian  name  of  the  plant,  garant- 
oquen,  means  the  same. 

The  plant  is  becoming  rare  in  this  country,  and  in  fact  wherever  it  is  found, 
on  account  of  the  value  it  brings  in  the  markets.  In  1718  the  Jesuits  of  Canada 
began  shipping  the  roots  to  China;  in  1748  they  sold  at  a  dollar  a  pound  here 
and  nearly  five  in  China;  afterward  the  price  fluctuated  greatly  on  account  of  a 
dislike  in  China  of  our  product ;  and  finally  its  gathering  has  nearly  ceased,  though 
fine  sun-dried  roots  will  now  bring  nearly  a  dollar  per  pound  at  New  York. 

Panax  was  dismissed  from  the  U.  S.  Pli.  at  the  last  revision,  and  is  simply 
menUoned  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  genuine  Chinese  or  the  American 
root,  dried  and  coarsely  powdered,  is  covered  with  five  times  its  weight  of  alcohol, 
and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days,  in  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  in  a  dark,  cool  place, 
being  shaken  twice  a  day.  The  tincture,  poured  off  and  filtered,  has  a  clear,  light- 
lemon  color  by  transmitted  light,  an  odor  like  the  root,  a  taste  at  first  bitter  then 
dulcamarous,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Panaquilon,  Cj.H^p,,.— This  peculiar  body, 
having  a  taste  much  like  glycyn-Jiiziii  but  more  amarous,  may  be  extracted  from 
the  root.  It  results  as  an  amorphous,  yellowish  powder,  soluble  in  water  and 
alcohol,  but  not  in  ether,  and  precipitable  by  tannin.  It  breaks  down  under  the 
action  of  sulphuric  acid,  which,  in  extracting  three  molecules  of  water,  causes  it  to 
give  off  carbonic  dioxide  and  yield  a  new  body  as  follows  : 

ranaquilon.  Panacon. 

Q,H,A  =  CO,  +  (HP)3  +  C,H,,0, 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Ginseng  causes  vertigo,  dryness  of  the  mucous 
membranes  of  the  mouth  and  throat,  increased  appetite,  accumulation  of  flatus 

*  Phil.  Tram.,  28,  239. 


70-3 

with  tension  of  the  abdomen,  diarrhcea,  decreased  secretion  of  urine,  sexual  excite- 
ment, oppression  of  the  chest  and  a  dry  cough,  increased  heart's  action  and  irregu- 
lar pulse,  weakness  and  weariness  of  the  limbs,  increased  general  strength,  followed 
by  weakness  and  prostration,  somnolence,  and  much  chilliness. 

Description  ov  Plate  70. 

I  and  2.   Whole  plant,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  June  2Sth,  1885 

3.  Section  of  flower. 

4.  Part  of  calyx,  a  petal  and  stamen. 
5  and  6.   Fruit. 

7.  Section  of  rhizome. 

(3,  4,  and  6  enlarged.) 


f 


TQ..aiJ  nat.dei.et  pinxt 


3 

CoRNus    Florida, Linn. 


N.  ORD -CORNACE.^.  71 

GENUS— CORN  us.*  TOURN. 

SEX.  SVST,— TETRANDKIA   MONOGVXIA. 


CORNUS  FLORIDA. 

FLOlJ'inUjYG  DOG  WOO  I). 

SYN.— CORNUS  FLORIDA,  LINN. ;  BENTHAMIDIA  FLORIDA,  SPACH. 

COM.  NAMES.— FLO"WERING  DOGWOOD,  DOG  TREE,  BOX  TREE,  NEW 
ENGLAND  BOXWOOD,  CORNEL,  BITTER  REDBERRY;  (PR.)  CORNUIL- 
LIER  A  GRANDES  FLEURS;  (GER.)  GROSSBLUTHIGE  CORNEL. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  BARK.  OF  CORNUS  FLORIDA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  small  but  beautiful  forest  tree,  grows  to  a  height  of  from 
lo  to  30  feet;  its  form  is  usually  somewhat  bent,  scraggy,  and  loosely  branched; 
but  if  transplanted  when  young  to  open  places,  it  grows  into  a  beautiful  full, 
umbrella-like  tree,  with  an  immense  spread  of  branches.  Bark  greyish,  cracked 
into  small,  more  or  less  rectangular  pieces ;  that  of  the  branches  is  smooth, 
red,  and  shows  strongly  the  scars  of  previous  leaves.  Inflorescence  terminal, 
peduncled,  involucrate,  greenish  heads;  involucre  white  and  showy;  lobes  4,  peta- 
loid,  obcordate  or  furnished  with  deep  notches,  having  a  discolored  and  thickened 
margin.  Flozvers  perfect,  appearing  with  the  leaves ;  calyx  tubular ;  lobes  4,  minute, 
triangular  and  somewhat  obtuse ;  petals  4,  oblong,  obtuse,  spreading,  but  at  length 
recurved  in  such  a  manner  as  to  cause  each  flower,  when  magnified,  to  bear  great 
resemblance  to  a  plain  Ionic  capital.  Stamens  4,  erect;  filatnents  slender  and 
filiform  ;  anthers  oval,  versatile,  2-celled.  Style  erect,  slender,  clavate,  shorter 
than  the  stamens  ;  stigma  terminal,  obtuse.  Fruit  a  few  oval,  red  drupes,  contain- 
ing each  a  2-celled  and  2-seeded  nutlet. 

Cornaceae. — This  small  order  is  composed  of  shrubs  or  trees  (rarely  herbs) 
having  the  following  characters :  Leaves  mostly  opposite,  rarely  alternate  ;  stipules 
none.  Inflorescence  cymose,  or  (in  two  species  of  Cornus)  capitate  and  subtended 
by  a  showy,  white  involucre  ;  flozvers  perfect  or  polygamous.  Calyx  tubular  and 
coherent  with  the  ovary  ;  li^nb  minute,  4-toothed.  Petals  valvate  in  the  bud,  equal 
in  number  to  the  calyx  teeth  or  sometimes  wanting.  Stamens  as  many  as  the  petals 
and  alternate  with  them ;  in  the  perfect  flowers  they  are  borne  on  the  margin  of 
an  epigynous  disk  ;  filaments  usually  ascending,  sometimes  erect.  Ovary  i  to 
2-celled  ;  ovules  one  in  each  cell,  anatropous,  hanging  from  the  apex  of  its  cell ; 
styles  united  into  one.  Fruit  a  i  to  2-seeded  drupe  ;  seeds  oval ;  testa  coriaceous  ; 
albumen  sarcous ;  embryo  axial,  nearly  the  length  of  the  albumen ;  cotyledons 
foliaceous. 

*  Cornu,  a  horn,  alluding  to  the  density  of  the  wood. 


71-2 

This  family  is  represented  by  only  two  genera,  Conius  and  Nyssa,  the  latter 
having  dioecious  and  pardy  apetalous  flowers. 

Beside  the  three  species  treated  of  in  this  work,  the  following  are  useful :  The 
European  and  Asiatic  Cornellian  Cherry  [Cortius  mas,  Linn.),  the  fruits  of  which 
were  formerly  fermented  as  a  beverage,  and  are  now  used  in  Turkey  in  the  concoc- 
tion of  a  kind  of  sherbet;  and  the  North  European  Ltis-n-chrasis  {C.  sjiccica,  Linn.), 
the  berries  of  which  are  claimed  by  the  Highlanders  to  have  the  power  of  enor- 
mously increasing  the  appetite.  The  berries  of  the  Red  Osier  Dogwood  (C 
stolonifera,  Michx. ;  C.  sanguinea,  Linn.),  are  claimed  by  Murion*  to  yield  about 
one-third  their  weight  of  a  pure,  limpid  oil,  resembling  olive,  and  fit  for  table  use 
or  for  burning. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  flowering  dogwood  is  common  in  the  deep  woods 
of  North  America  from  the  43°  north  latitude  southward,  eastward,  and  westward  ; 
it  is  especially  common  in  the  South,  where  it  extends  from  Florida  westward  to 
the  Mississippi.  Its  principal  central  localities  are  the  States  of  New  Jersey, 
Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  and  Virginia,  where  it  flowers  in  May,  generally  from  the 
15th  to  the  22d,  and  fruits  in  September.  A  peculiar  feature  in  the  blossoming  of 
this  species  is  the  great  regularity  in  time  of  appearance  of  its  short-lived  blossoms  ; 
so  characteristic  is  this  that  the  Indians  always  planted  their  corn  when  the 
blossoms  appeared. 

Notwithstanding  the  small  diameter  of  the  trunk  of  the  dogwood,  its  wood  is 
nevertheless  quite  valuable,  on  account  of  its  great  density  and  susceptibility  of 
polish.  It  has  been  used  for  every  purpose  generally  filled  by  the  European  Box- 
wood, such  as  engravers'  blocks,  cog-wheels,  forks,  spoons,  rules,  etc.,  etc.  The 
twigs  have  long  been  used  as  a  dentifrice  ;  of  this  use  Barton  says  :  f  "The  young 
branches  stripped  of  their  bark,  and  rubbed  with  their  ends  against  the  teeth, 
render  them  extremely  white.  The  Creole  negroes,  who  inhabit  Norfolk,  in 
Virginia,  in  great  numbers,  are  in  constant  practice  of  using  dogwood  twigs  in 
cleansing  their  teeth  ;  the  striking  whiteness  of  these,  which  I  have  frequently 
observed,  is  a  proof  of  the  efficacy  of  this  practice.  The  application  of  the  juice 
of  these  twigs  to  the  gums,  is  also  useful  in  preserving  them  hard  and  sound." 
The  bark  of  the  root  afforded  the  aborigines  a  scarlet  pigment. 

The  previous  medicinal  use  of  dogwood  bark  dates  from  the  discovery  of  this 
country,  as  it  was  then  used  by  the  Indians,  who  called  the  tree  Mon-Jia-can-ni-min- 
schi,  or  Hat-ta-iva-no-min-schi  by  the  Delawares.  The  bark  has  proven  tonic, 
astringent,  and  slightly  stimulating;  being  a  stomachic  tonic  and  anti-periodic,  said 
to  possess  an  action  very  like  that  of  Peruvian  bark,  and  differing  from  the  latter 
only  in  quantity  of  action.  Eberle  states  J  that  35  grains  equal  30  grains  of 
cinchona  bark,  and  Barton  says,§  "  It  may  be  asserted  with  entire  safety,  that  as 
yet  there  has  not  been  discovered  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States  any 
vegetable  so  effectually  to  answer  the  purpose  of  Peruvian  bark  in  the  management 
of  intermittent  fever  as   Corims  floj-ida."     The  dose  of  the  dried  and  powdered 

*  jfour.  de  Pharm.,  lo.  f  Med.  Bot.,  i.,  55.  J  Therapeutics,  i.,  304.  \  Collections. 


71-3 
bark  is  placed  at  from  20  to  30  grains,  and  caution  is  necessary  against  its  bein^ 
too  fresh,  as  it  then  disagrees  seriously  with  the  stomach  and  bowels.  The  bark 
is  also  considered  a  tonic,  stimulant,  and  antiseptic  poultice  for  indolent  ulcers, 
phlegmonous  erysipelas,  and  anthrax. 

The  officinal  preparation  of  the  U.  S.  Ph.  is  Extractum  Conms  Fhddiim ;  in 
the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  the  preparations  are:  Dccochun  Co?'?nis  Floridcr, 
Extractum  Conius  Florida;,  Exlracliim  Conms  Floridcv  Fhiiduvi,  and  Pilulce 
Quiniee  Compositce^ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  bark,  especially  that  of  the 
root,  is  to  be  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by 
weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it, 
and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole  well,  pour  it  into 
a  well-stoppered  bottle  and  allow  it  to  remain  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration,  presents  a  magnificent, 
clear,  crimson  color  by  transmitted  light.  It  has  a  vinous  odor,  a  sharply  astringent 
cinnamon  like  taste,  and  a  strongly  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— G7;7^/r  Acid.  This  acid  was  discovered  by 
Carpenter  (1830),  who  judged  it  alkaloidal  and  gave  it  the  name  Cornin.  Geigerf 
(1836)  investigated  the  principle  and  determined  it  to  be  a  crystalline  acid;  his 
observations  were  corroborated  by  FreyJ  (1879).  It  crystallizes  in  nearly  white, 
silky  forms,  very  bitter  and  soluble  in  alcohol  and  water.  The  crystals  deliquesce 
when  exposed  to  the  air,  and  when  subjected  to  heat  upon  platinum  foil  they  melt 
readily,  become  black,  and  finally  burst  into  a  fiame  and  burn  without  residue. 

Oil  of  Cornus. — The  ripe  berries,  when  boiled  and  pressed,  are  said  to  yield 
a  limpid  oil ;  this  body  is  uninvestigated. 

Tannic,^''^'  and  gallic  acid,'-'  a  neutral  resin  crystallizing  in  shining  needles, ^"^^ 
gum,'*^  extractive,'-^'  fatty  matter,"  oil,'-^  wax,-  red  coloring  matter,-'*'  cornic 
acid,"**'  and  a  bitter  principle,''  have  been  determined. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  fresh  bark  in  doses  of  from  20  to  40  grains 
causes  increased  action  of  the  heart,  heat  of  the  skin,  and  severe  pain  in  the  bowels. 
The  American  Indian,  true  to  the  principle  that  seems  to  have  guided  him  in  the  use 
of  all  medicines,  used  the  bark  for  fever  and  colic.  The  symptoms  so  far  devel- 
oped in  proving  are  :  sensations  of  fullness  of  the  head  with  headache;  nausea  and 
vomiting;  violent  pain  in  the  bowels  with  purging;  and  increased  bodily  tempera- 
ture, followed  by  hot  sweat."  Dr.  Chas.  A.  Lee  sums  up  the  action  of  the  drug 
as  follows  : "  "  The  physiological  effects  of  Cornus  bark  are  :  increased  frequency 
of  pulse,  exalted  temperature,  diaphoresis,  sensation  of  fullness  or  pains  in  the 


*  Sulphate  of  Quinia,  extract  of  Cornus  florida,  Tartaric  acid,  and  alcoholic  extract  of  Cimicifuga. 
i"  M.  Geiger,  Ann.  der  Pharm.,  XIV.,  206. 

X  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1 879,  390. 

1  Walker,  Inaiig.  Diss.     ''  Cockburn,  Am.  Jour.  PImr.,  1835,  1 14.     '  Tilden,  Jour.  .Mat.  Med.,  i.,  N.  S.,  294. 

*  Geiger,  1.  c.  5  Frey,  1.  c.  "  Hale,  A'l-.v  AVm.,  242.  '  The  Jour,  of  Mat.  .!/«•</.,  I.  c. 


71-4 

head,  and,  if  the  dose  be  too  large,  gastric  derangement.  Of  these  the  most 
strongly  marked  are  the  increased  temperature  of  the  skin,  and  the  general  per- 
spiration. Some  experimenters  have  observed  a  constant  tendency  to  sleep, 
which  has  continued  for  several  hours.  This  does  not  indicate  any  specific  narcotic 
properties,  but  is  the  result  of  the  cerebral  fullness.  Whether  the  remote  effects 
are  owing  to  sympathy,  propagated  from  the  gastic  centre,  or  are  the  direct  effects 
of  the  introduction  of  the  active  principles  into  the  blood,  is  not  certainly  known  ; 
although  the  latter  is  most  probable,  since  the  cold  infusion  or  the  alcoholic  extract 
produces  the  same  effects.  But  whatever  doubt  there  may  be  in  regard  to  its  true 
mode  of  operation,  it  is  very  evident  that  the  bark  has  properties  calculated  to 
invigorate  the  vital  forces,  and  the  organic  nervous  energy,  without  unduly  stimu- 
lating the  circulating  system." 

Description  of  Plate  71. 

1.  End  of  a  flowering  branch,  Newfield,  N.  Y.,  May  15th,  1880. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Section  of  calyx  and  ovary. 

4.  Fruiting  branch. 

(2  and  3  enlarged.) 


1 


."^A^  "^v^^    'r?/^"  ^         -  X 


...  ^-.•tr-  -.'/-^ —       j'-s:     I. 


.lU.idnatdel.etpinxl 


C6RNUS  CiRCINATA,  L  Her. 


N.  ORD.-CORNACE^.  72 

GENUS.— CORNUS. 

SEX.  SVST.— TETRAN'DRIA   MON'OGVNIA. 


CORNUS  CIRCINATA. 


JiOlWD  LEA  run  DOGWVOD. 


SYN.— CORNUS  CIRCINATA,  L'HER. ;  C.  RUGOSA,  LAM.;  C.  TOMENTULOSA, 
MICHX. 

COM.  NAMES.— ROUND  LEAVED  CORNEL  OR  DOGWOOD,  ALDER  DOGWOOD, 
PENNSYLVANIA  DOGWOOD,  GREEN  OSIER,  SWAMP  SASSAFRAS;  (FR.) 
CORNOUILE  A  FEUILLES  RONDIB ;   (GBR.)  RUNDBLATTERIGE  CORNEL. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  B.VRK  OF  CORNUS  CIRCINATA,  L'HER. 

Description. — This  shrubby  species  grows  from  6  to  lo  feet  high.  Stem 
erect;  ba)-k  greyish,  verrucosa;  branches  green,  opposite,  straight,  and  slender — 
the  younger  ones  bright  green  splashed  with  red,  those  of  the  previous  year 
somewhat  crimson  and  more  or  less  warty.  Leaves  all  opposite,  round-oval, 
acuminate,  woolly  beneath,  larger  than  those  of  any  other  species ;  ribs  and  veins 
prominent  below  and  correspondingly  indented  above.  Inflorescence  terminal,  in 
open,  more  or  less  flat,  spreading  cymes;  Jioioers  white.  Calyx  teelh  very  short. 
Petals  ovate-lanceolate,  at  length  spreading.  Stamens  longer  than  the  petals. 
Style  about  two-thirds  the  length  of  the  stamens ;  stigma  capitate.  Fruit  an 
incomplete  cyme  of  spherical,  light  blue  drupes,  each  hollowed  at  the  insertion  of 
the  pedicel  and  where  it  retains  the  remains  of  the  persistent  style. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Round  Leaved  Dogwood  grows  in  copses  where 
the  soil  is  rich,  being  indigenous  from  Canada  to  the  Carolinas,  and  west  to  the 
Mississippi ;    flowering  in  the  north  in  June. 

The  medicinal  use  of  this  species  is  far  less  e.xtensive  than  the  last,  preceding. 
The  Drs.  Ives  claim  *  that  the  bark  is  tonic,  and  astringent  to  a  far  greater 
degree  than  any  other  species  of  the  genus,  and  that  it  resembles  Cinchona  lance- 
folia  (Pale  Bark)  in  its  action.  It  has  proven,  in  their  hands,  an  excellent  remedy 
for  chronic  dyspepsia  [sic']  and  diarrhoea.  An  ounce  of  the  bark  will  yield  in  the 
neighborhood  of  150  grains  of  a  very  strongly-bitter  extract;  far  greater  in  quan- 
tity, and  more  bitter  than  that  of  C.Jlorida. 

Cornus  circinata  was  dismissed  from  the  U.  S.  Ph.  at  the  last  revision. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  bark  is  gathered  and  treated 
as  in  the  preceding  species. 

*  Dr.  A.  W.  Ives,  N.  Y.  Kep.,  1822  ;   Dr.  E.  Ives,  Tram.  Am.  Med.  Assoc  n,  iii,  JI2. 


72-2 

The  tincture  resulting  is  clear,  and  of  a  slightly  brownish-orange  color.  Its 
odor  is  very  like  that  of  Rhubarb ;  its  taste  sharply  astringent  and  bitter,  and  its 
reaction  acid. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Cornin.  This  acid  differs  from  that  of  C. 
florida  only  in  the  fact  that  it  remains  associated  with  tannin  in  spite  of  most  care- 
ful re-crystallization,  and  other  means  of  purification.* 

The  other  constituents  mentioned  in  the  preceding  species  are  all,  without 
doubt,  duplicated  in  this.  Gibson  isolated  sugar,  coloring-matter,  cornin  and 
tannin. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Here  again  great  similarity  exists  between  the 
species.  C.  circinata  causes  drowsiness  and  depression  of  spirits  ;  congestion  of 
the  head  ;  nausea  and  faintness  ;  flatulency  ;  copious  bilious  stools  and  urine,  with 
yellowness  of  the  sclera,  face  and  hands  ;  coldness  of  the  extremties  ;  itching,  red 
rash,  upon  the  whole  surface,  especially  the  trunk,  with  flashes  of  heat  and  chill, 
followed  by  perspiration. 

Description  of  Plate  72. 

1.   End  of  a  flowering  branch,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  June  i6th,  1885. 
2.   Flower. 
3  and  4.  Stamens. 

5.  Stigma. 

6.  Portion  of  the  stem,  showing  mode  of  branching. 

7.  Part  of  a  fruiting  cyme. 

8.  Seed. 

(2-5,  and  8  enlarged.) 

*  Robert  Gibson,  Jr.,  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1S80,  433. 


73. 


(^m. 


ad  nal.del.et  pinxt. 


C6RNUS    SERfCEA.Linn 


N.  ORD.  CORNACE/E.  73 

GENUS.— CORN  us,  TOURN. 
SEX.  SYST.— TETRANDRIA  MONOGVNIA. 


CORNUS  SERICEA. 


SILKY  DOGWOOD. 

SYN.  — CORNUS  SERICEA,  LINN.;  C.  AMOMUM,  DU  ROI;  C.  CYANOCAR- 
PUS,  MOEN.;  C.  LANUGINOSA,  MICHX. ;  C.  OBLIQUA,  RAF. 

COM.  NAMES.*— SWAMP  OR  FEMALE  DOGWOOD,  SILKY  OR  BLUEBERRY 
CORNEL,  KINNIKINNIK;  (FR.)  CORNOUILLE  SOYEUX;  (GER.)  SUMPF- 
CORNEL. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  BARK  OF  CORNUS  SERICEA,   LINN. 


Description. — This  water-loving  shrub  grows  to  a  height  of  from  6  to  1 2  feet. 
Branches  spreading,  dark-purpHsh  (not  brilliant  red)  ;  branclilets  silky-downy. 
Leaves  narrowly  ovate  or  elliptical,  pointed,  smooth  above,  silky-downy  below 
and  often  rusty-hairy  upon  the  ribs.  Inflorescence  a  flat,  close,  woolly-pubescent, 
long-peduncled  cyme  ;  floiL<crs  creamy-white.  Calyx  teeth  lanceolate,  conspicuous. 
Petals  lanceolate-oblong,  obtuse.  Stignm  thick,  capitate.  Fruit  pale  blue,  globose. 
Read  description  of  Cornacese,  p.  71. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Swamp  Dogwood  is  indigenous  to  North  America, 
from  Florida  to  Mississippi  and  thence  northward,  where  it  grows  in  wet  places, 
generally  in  company  with  Cephalanthus  and  Viburnum  dentatum.  It  flowers 
northward  in  June,  and  ripens  its  azure  fruit  in  September. 

The  use  of  this  species  in  general  medicine  has  mostly  been  as  a  substitute 
for  C.florida,  than  which  it  is  less  bitter,  while  being  more  astringent.  The  Cree 
Indians  of  Hudson's  Bay  call  the  plant  Milazuapainule,  and  use  the  bark  in  decoc- 
tion as  an  emetic  in  coughs  and  fevers.  They  also  smoke  the  scrapings  of  the 
wood,  and  make  a  black  dye  from  the  bark  by  boiling  it  with  iron  rust.f  A 
favorite  tobacco  mixture  of  the  North  American  Indians,  called  Kinnikinnik,  is 
composed  of  scrapings  of  the  wood  of  this  species,  mi.xed  with  tobacco  in  the  pro- 
portion of  about  one  to  four.  A  good  scarlet  dye  is  made  by  boiling  the  rootlets 
with  water. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  bark,  including  that  of  the 
root,  is  treated  like  that  of  the  first-mentioned  species;  the  resulting  tincture  has 

*  The  names  Red  Willow,  Red  Osier,  Red  Rod,  and  Rose  Willow,  are  often  given  to  this  ificcies,  but  they  should 
only  designate  C.  stolonifera,  Michx. 

t  E.  M.  Holmes  in  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1884,  617. 


73-2 

a  beautiful  madder  color  by  transmitted  light,  an  odor  greatly  like  that  of  sugar- 
cane when  the  juices  are  slightly  soured,  an  extremely  astringent  and  bitterish 
taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL,  CONSTITUENTS. — At  present  we  can  only  call  attention  again 
to  this  rubric  under  C.  jiorida.  The  bitterness,  however,  of  this  species  is  less 
than  its  congener,  while  its  astringency  is  greater. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — This  species  seems  to  act  stronger  upon  the 
heart  than  C.  florida,  and  to  cause  more  cerebral  congestion. 


Description  of  Plate  73. 

I.   End  of  a  flowering  branch,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  June  20th,  li 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Stigma. 

4.  Fruit.  % 
(2  and  3  enlarged.) 


Tt. 


(p'la.ad 


nal.del.et.pinxt 


fs  6 

TRIOSTEUIVI    PERFOUATUIVI,  Linn. 


N.  ORD -CAPRIFOLIACE^.  74 

Tribe.-LONICERE/E. 

GENUS.— TRIOSTEUM,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SYST.— PENTANDRIA  MONOGYNIA. 


TRIOSTEUM. 


FEVER-WORT. 

» 

SYN.— TRIOSTEUM  PERPOLIATUM,  LINN.;  TRIOSTEUM  MAJUS,  MICHX. 

COM.  NAMES.— FEVER-WORT,  OR  ROOT;  HORSE-GENTIAN,  OR  GINSENG; 
"WHITE  GINSENG;  TINKER  "WEED,  OR  DR.  TINKER'S  "WEED;  BAS- 
TARD, FALSE,  OR,  "WILD  IPECAC  ;  t  "WILD  COFFEE;  S"WEET-BITTER ; 
CINQUE;  (FR.)  TRIOSTE  ;  (GER.)  DREISTEIN. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  TRIOSTEUM  PERPOLIATUM,  LINN. 

Description. — This  coarse,  leafy,  perennial  herb,  grows  to  a  height  of  from  i 
to  4  feet.  Root  thick  and  sarcous,  sub-divided  into  several  horizontal  sections  ;  stem 
simple,  hollow,  glandularly  pubescent ;  leaves  opposite,  ample,  ovate-spatulate, 
sinuate,  acuminate,  abruptly  narrowed  and  connate  or  almost  perfoliate  at  the 
base,  prominently  reticulate  veined  and  downy  pubescent  upon  the  under  surface, 
and  hairy  above.  Inflorescence,  axillary  whorls  at  the  middle  of  the  stem  ;  flow- 
ers I  to  6,  dull  or  reddish  purple,  sessile.  Bracts  linear;  calyx  persistent;  lobes 
linear-lanceolate,  foliaceous.  Corolla  elongated  cylindro-tubular,  curved,  gibbous 
at  the  base,  scarcely  longer  than  the  calyx  lobes,  viscidly  pubescent ;  limb  more  or 
less  equally  5-lobed.  Stamens  5,  inserted  upon  the  tube  of  the  corolla ;  filaments 
hairy ;  anthers  sagittate.  Ovary  generally  5-celled,  each  cell  i  -ovuled ;  ovules 
suspended ;  style  filiform,  hairy ;  stigma  3  to  5-lobed.  Fruit  drupaceous,  dry, 
orange-colored;  mitlets  3-angled  and  3-ribbed,  i -seeded;  endocarp  o^s^ous,  testa 
membranaceous. 

Caprifoliaceae. — A  large  family  of  shrubs  and  a  few  perennial  herbs. 
Leaves  opposite  and  destitute  of  stipules  when  normal.  Flowers  generally 
5-merous,  regular,  or  sometimes  in  the  corolla  irregular,  hermaphrodite ;  calyx 
adnate  to  the  ovary  ;  corolla  with  its  lobes  imbricate  in  aestivation.  Stamens  as 
many  as  the  lobes  of  the  corolla,  alternate  with  them,  and  inserted  upon  its  tube. 
(Exc.  Adoxa  and  Littnaea.)  Ovary  2  to  5-  or,  by  abortion,  i -celled  ;  ovules  anatro- 
pous,  when  only  one  then  suspended  and  inverted ;  raphe  dorsal.  Embryo  small 
in  the  axis  of  the  fleshy  albumen. 

The  following  remedies  belonging  to  this  family  are  of  special  interest  to  us 

*  Tptft,  treis,  three ;  iuriov,  osteon,  a  bone ;  the  fruit  having  three  nutlets,  shortened  from  Triosttospermum,  Dill. 
f  Applied  also  to  many  species  of  Euphorbia,  and  to  GilUntiia  trifoliata,  Moench.  (Rosaceoe.) 


74-2 

beside  the  two  under  consideration  :  the  European  Moschatel  [Adoxa  Moschatcl- 
lina,  Linn.),  also  found  in  Arctic  America  and  sparsely  in  the  Rocky  Mountains; 
the  European  Elder  {Sambucus  tiigra,  Linn.),  a  native  also  of  Asia  and  Northern 
Africa;  and  the  European  Fly  Woodbine  {Lonicera  Xylostciim,  Linn.).  Two 
American  species  were  proven  too  late  for  representation  in  this  work,  they  are 
the  Snowberry  {Symphoricaypiis  racemostis,  Michx.),  a  valuable  remedy  in  vomiting 
pregnancy,  as  many  suffering  ladies  have  testified  in  my  practice  ;  and  the  High 
Cranberry  {Viburnum  opulus,  Linn.),  now  proving  valuable  in  many  forms  of 
uterine  affections  and  puerperal  diseases. 

Outside  of  our  Materia  Medica  the  order  contains  :  The  Dwarf  Elder  {Sam- 
bucus ebu/us,  Linn.),  probably  the  most  active  of  that  genus  ;  and  the  Bush  Honey- 
suckle (Dicrvilla  irijida,  Moench.). 

History  and  Habitat. — The  feverwort  is  indigenous  to  North  America  from 
Canada  southward  and  westward  to  Alabama,  growing  on  open  woodlands  in  lime- 
stone soils  ;  not  really  plentiful  in  any  locality.  It  blossoms  in  June,  and  ripens  its 
characteristically  arranged  fruit  in  September. 

It  was  in  all  probability  the  Southern  species  T.  augustifo'ium,  Linn.,  that  was 
principally  used  as  an  emetic  in  earlier  days,  and  this  is  doubtless  the  plant  sent  to 
Pluckenet  as  Dr.  Tinker  s  Weed,  and  gravely  commented  on  by  Poiret  as  follows  :* 
"Ses  racines  et  celles  de  I'espece  prec^dente  passent  pour  em^tiques ;  le  docteur 
Tinker  est  le  premier  qui  les  a  mises  en  usage,  et  qui  a  fait  donner  a,  cette  plante 
par  plusieurs  habitans  de  I'Amerique  septentrional  le  d'  herbe  sauvage  die  doc- 
teur Tinker!'  Triosteum  is  stated  by  Rafinesque  to  have  been  one  of  the  abo- 
rio-inal  medicamentJe,  called  Sincky.  A  decoction  is  said  to  have  been  used  by 
the  Cherokee  Indians  in  the  cure  of  fevers  (Porcher).  The  bark  of  the  root  has 
long  been  esteemed  as  an  emetic  and  smoothly-acting  cathartic,  the  former  in  doses 
of  from  40  to  60  grains,  the  latter  in  half  that  amount;  its  cathartic  action  was 
claimed  to  be  fully  as  sure  as  jalap.  Dr.  J.  Kneeland  calls  attention  to  this  plant 
as  an  application  to  painful  swellings,  regarding  which  he  says  •:\  "  My  attention  was 
first  called  to  it  by  a  gentleman  of  observation  and  intelligence,  who  derived  his 
knowledge  of  its  value  indirectly  from  the  Onondaga  Indians.  So  strongly  did  he 
back  his  claims  with  facts  on  cases  of  whitlow  or  felon,  successfully  treated,  that  I 
applied  the  bruised  root,  moistened,  to  the  first  well-marked  case  of  onychia  or 
felon  which  came  to  me  for  treatment.  The  young  man  upon  whose  hand  it  was, 
had  not  slept  much  for  two  nights.  The  whole  hand  was  much  swollen  ;  the  middle 
finger,  tense  and  throbbing,  was  the  centre  from  which  the  pain  and  swelling 
extended.  It  had  been  poulticed  and  thoroughly  soaked  in  weak  lye  for  three 
days,  and  still  grew  worse.  We  applied  the  Triosteum,  and  nothing  else.  After 
six  hours'  application  he  slept ;  the  throbbing  and  tensive  pain  gradually  dimin- 
ished after  the  first  application  ;  in  two  days'  time  the  swelling  disappeared  from 
the  forearm  and  hand ;  in  four  days  the  finger  affected,  the  whole  palm,  and  the 
centre  of  the  dorsum  of  the  hand  peeled,  and  complete  resolution  took  place,  no 

*  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.,  I,  p.  90.  f  Loc.  cit.,  The  Jour,  of  Mat.  Med.,  Vol.  I.,N.  S.,  1859,  240. 


74-3 
pus  having  formed.  In  another  case,  wherein  it  was  tried,  only  two  appHcations 
were  required  to  reHeve  the  pain  and  throbbing,  and  complete  resolution  fol- 
lowed." Dr.  Mulenberg  says*  that  the  dried  and  toasted  berries  of  this  plant 
were  considered  by  some  of  the  Germans  of  Lancaster  County,  Pa.,  an  excellent 
substitute  for  coffee  when  prepared  in  the  same  way ;  having  great  respect  for 
German  taste  I  tried  an  infusion,  but  came  to  the  conclusion  that  it  was  not  the 
Lancaster  County  Germans'  taste  that  I  held  in  regard. 

Triosteum  is  one  of  the  drugs  dismissed  from  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  at  the  last 
revision. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  root,  gathered  in  Autumn, 
is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of 
alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  well  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the 
alcohol  added.  After  first  stirring,  the  whole  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle, 
and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture  thus  formed  after  filtration  has  a  beautiful,  clear,  reddish-orano-e 
color  by  transmitted  light,  a  bitterish  odor  and  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— The  only  analysis  thus  far  made  of  the  root 
is  that  by  Dr.  John  Randall,  communicated  to  the  Linnaean  Society  of  New  Eng- 
land. His  conclusions  were  that  no  pure  resin  exists  in  the  plant,  nor  did  he  deter- 
mine a  volatile  oil  or  free  acid.  The  leaves  under  his  manipulation  yielded  the 
most  extract,  and  the  root  more  than  the  stems.  The  sensible  qualities  of  the  root, 
however,  he  found  to  be  essentially  different  from  those  of  the  herb.  Water  yields 
a  greater  quantity  of  extract  than  alcohol. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— In  Dr.  Williamson's  proving  of  the  drug  the 
prominent  effects  were  :  Nausea  ;  vomiting  ;  copious  watery  stools  apparently  pro- 
ceeding from  the  small  intestines,  accompanied  by  stiffness  of  the  lower  extrem- 
ities and  cramps  in  the  calves ;  aching  in  the  bones  ;  coldness  and  stiffness  of  the 
feet,  and  general  perspiration.f 

Description  of  Plate  74. 

1.  Top  of  plant,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  June  15th,  1884. 

2.  A  portion  of  the  middle  of  the  flowering  plant. 

3.  A  flower. 

4.  Opened  corolla. 

5.  Pistil. 

6.  Stamen. 

7.  Pollen,  X  200. 

8.  Fruit. 

9.  Seeds. 

(3-6,  8  and  9,  enlarged.) 

*  Barton,  Med.  Bot.,  i,  p.  63.  t  Allen,  Ent\y.  Pun  Mat.  Med.,  10,  p.  25. 


(p'm.ailnat.del.efpiittt.  SAMBUCUS    CANADENSIS,  Linn. 


N.  ORD-CAPRIFOLIACE^.  75 

Tribe-SAMBUCE/E. 

GENUS.— SAM  BUCUS,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SYST.— rEXTANl)RI.\  TRIGVNIA. 


SAMBUCUS  CANADENSIS. 


ELDER. 


SYN.— SAMBUCUS  CANADENSIS,  LINN.;   S.  NIGRA,  MARSH  (NOT  LINN.); 

S.  HUMILIS,  RAF.;   S.  GLAUCA,  GRAY  (NOT  NUTT.). 
COM.  NAMES.-ELDER  BUSH,  ELDER  BERRY;  (FR.)  SUREAU  DU  CANADA; 

(GR.)  CANADISCHB  HOLLUNDER. 


A    TINCTURE   OF   THE    BUDS,   FLOWERS,   SHOOTS,   AND   LEAVES  OF  SAMBUCUS 

CANADENSIS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  common,  glabrous,  suffrutescent  perennial,  usually  attains 
a  growth  of  from  6  to  lo  feet.  Stems  somewhat  ligneous,  hollow,  pithy,  generally 
dying  down  to  the  ground,  or  persistent  for  a  few  years ;  bark  verrucose ;  pith 
dense  and  bright  white  after  the  first  year.  Leaves  compound,  imparipinnate  ; 
stipules  rare;  leaflets  5  to  11,  mostly  7,  petiolulate,  from  ovate-oval  to  oblong- 
lanceolate,  serrate,  acuminate,  the  lower  sometimes  with  a  lateral  lobe  ;  stipels  not 
uncommonly  present,  narrowly  linear,  and  tipped  with  a  callous  gland,  hifloy- 
escencc  terminal,  broad,  flat,  or  depressed,  5-rayed,  compound  cymes ;  flozvers 
small,  creamy-white,  and  sickishly  odorous.  Calyx  minute,  5-lobed  ;  lobes  some- 
what deltoid,  acute.  Corolla  rotate,  or  somewhat  urceolate ;  limb  broadly  spread- 
ing; lobes  5,  obtuse.  Stamens  5,  alternate  with  the  lobes  of  the  corolla,  and 
attached  to  the  base  of  its  tube.  Stiomas  3  ;  styles  capitate.  Fn/it  a  baccate, 
sweet  and  juicy,  dark-purple  drupe,  never  red,  but  later  becoming  black  ;  bloom 
slight.  Nutlets  3,  small,  i -seeded,  punctate-rugulose  ;  .y^rrt' suspended  ;  testa  mem- 
branaceous. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  species  is  indigenous  to  North  America,  where  it 
extends  from  New  Brunswick  westward  to  Saskatchewan,  southward  to  Florida 
and  Texas,  and  to  the  mountains  of  Colorado,  Utah,  and  Arizona.  It  grows  in 
rich  alluvial  soils,  blossoming  in  July  and  fruiting  in  September. 

Our  species  is  not  sufficiently  distinct  from  the  European  S.  nigra,  Linn.,  from 
which  it  differs  only  in  being  less  woody,  and  having  more  loose  cymes,  larger 
flowers  and  more  compound  leaves.  The  bracteate  inflorescence,  considered  spe- 
cific, does  not  seem  to  be  a  constant  feature.  The  American  species  was  intro- 
duced into  England  in  1761. 

*  Sa/ijSSif/i,  sambuke,  an  ancient  musical  instrument,  said  to  have  been  made  of  the  wood. 


75-2 

The  pith  of  the  Elder  has  many  offices  to  fill  in  the  arts  and  manufactures; 
the  berries  make  a  really  pleasant  wine ;  and,  among  the  poorer  class  of  people 
(it  must  be  more  from  necessity  than  choice),  they  are  made  into  pies,  like  the 
huckleberry. 

In  domestic  medicine  this  plant  forms  almost  a  pharmacy  in  itself,  and  has 
been  used  substantially  as  follows:  A  decoction  of  the  flowers  and  leaves,  or  an 
ointment  containing  them,  was  used  as  an  application  to  large  wounds  to  prevent 
deleterious  consequences  from  flies  ;  the  leaf-buds  proved  themselves  a  violent 
and  unsafe  cathartic  ;  the  flowers,  in  a  warm  infusion  are  stimulant,  excitant,  and 
sudorific ;  in  cold,  diuretic,  alterative,  and  laxative  (Elderblow  Tea)  ;  they  were 
also  employed,  in  ointment,  as  a  discutient ;  the  inner  bark  is  a  severe  hydrogogue 
cathartic,  emetic,  deobstruent,  and  alterative,  valuable  in  intestinal  obstruction  and 
anasarca  ;  the  berries  proved  aperient,  diuretic,  diaphoretic,  and  cathartic,  valuable 
in  rheumatic  gout,  scrofula,  and  syphilis — the  juice  making  a  cooling,  laxative 
drink. 

In  pharmacy  the  leaves  have  been  used  to  impart  a  clear  green  tint  to  oils, 
etc.  [Oletim  Viride,  Ungiientntn  Samhici  folioruni),  and  the  flowers  for  perfumes. 

Sambucus  Canadensis  {fiores)  are  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph. ;  in  the  Eclectic 
Materia  Medica  the  preparations  are:  Aqna  Sambtici,  Syrnpus  Sarsaparillce  Com- 
positns*'  Ung:ientnm  Sambiici,  and  Vinuni  Sambiici:\ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — Equal  parts  of  the  fresh  flower-buds, 
flowers,  young  twigs,  and  leaves  are  taken,  and  treated  as  in  the  preceding  drug 
(p.  74-3).  The  resulting  tincture  has  a  clear  orange-brown  color  by  transmitted 
light ;  it  retains  the  sweetish  odor  and  taste  of  the  flowers ;  and  has  an  acid 
reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. —  Mbiirnic  Acid.  This  body,  identical  with 
valerianic  acid, J  was  proven  to  exist  in  the  bark  of  this  species  by  C.  G.  Traub,§ 
who  succeeded  in  obtaining  its  characteristic  odor,  and  valerianate  of  zinc  after  the 
addition  of  the  sulphate  of  that  metal. 

Oil  0/  Savibuaes.— This  volatile  body,  found  in  the  flowers  of  S.  nigra,  was 
proven  by  Traub  to  also  exist  in  the  bark  of  this  species.  It  is  described  as  a  thin, 
light-yellow  body,  having  the  odor  of  the  flowers,  a  bitter,  burning,  afterward  cool- 
ing taste  ;  becoming  of  a  butter-like  consistence,  and  solidifying  at  0°  (32°  F.)  to 
a  crystalline  mass. 

Tannin,  sugar,  fat,  resin,  and  a  coloring-matter  were  also  determined. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Dr.  Ubelacker's  experiments  with  from  20  to 
50  drops  of  the  tincture  gave  the  following  symptoms  of  physical  disturbance : 
Drawing  in  the  head,  with  anxious  dread;  flushed  and  blotched  face;    dryness 


*  See  p.  92-2,  foot-note  to  Syrupus  Aralitc  Compositus,  as  the  syrup  is  now  called. 
t  This  so-called  Hydragogue  Tincture  contains  Elder-bark,  Parsley-root,  and  Sherry, 
t  Seep.  155-3. 
\  Am.  Jour.  Pilar.,  l8Sl,  392. 


75-3 

and  sensation  ot  swelling  ot  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  mouth,  pharynx,  larynx, 
and  trachea  ;  frequent  and  profuse  llow  of  clear  urine  ;  heaviness  and  constriction 
of  the  chest;  palpitation  of  the  heart;  pulse  rose  to  loo,  and  remained  until  p(T- 
spiration  ensued  ;  sharp,  darting  rheumatic  pains  in  the  hands  and  feet ;  exhaustion 
and  profuse  perspiration,  which  relieved  all  the  symptoms. 


Description  of  Plate  75. 

End  of  flowering  branch,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  July  2otli,  18S5. 

2.  Flower,  showing  calyx. 

3.  Face  of  flower. 

4.  Stamen. 

5.  Pistil. 

6.  A  portion  of  fruiting  cyme. 

7.  Seed. 

(2-5  and  7  enlarged.) 


^m.ad nat.del.et pinxt        GEPHALANTHUS    OCCIDENTALIS,    Linn. 


N.  ORD -RUBIACE^.  76 

GENUS.— CEPHALANTHUS,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— TETR.-WDKI.V  MON(MJV.NI.\. 


CEPHALANTHUS. 

BUTTOJ^  BUSH. 

SYN.— CEPHALANTHUS  OCCIDBNTALIS,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— BUTTON  BUSH,  BUTTON-WOOD,t  CRANE  WILLOW,  POND- 
DOGWOOD,  SNOWBALL,:  GLOBE  FLOWER;?  (FR.)  BOIS  DE  PLOMB, 
CEPHALANTHE  D'AMERIQUE;  (GBR.i  KNOPFBUSCH,  AMERIKAN- 
ISCHE  WEISS  BALL. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  B.\RK  OF  CEPHAL.\NTHUS  OCCIDKN TALIS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  smooth  or  pubescent||  shrub  attains  a  growth  of  from  5  to 
15  feet.  Stctn  diffusely  branching  ;  ba?-/;  smooth  and  reddish  on  the  branchlets, 
rough  and  yellowish  on  the  stems  ;  braiuhes  opposite.  Leaves  large,  opposite,  and 
ternate,  both  arrangements  often  appearing  upon  the  same  branch,  petiolate, 
ovate,  or  ovate-lanceolate,  pointed,  dark-green,  and  smooth ;  stipules  interme- 
diate, ovate,  sometimes  toothed,  hijiorescence  dense,  axillary  and  terminal,  globu- 
lar heads  ;  pedimclcs  longer  than  the  diameter  of  the  heads  ;  flowers  creamy-white, 
sessile  upon  a  globose,  hirsute  receptacle.  Calyx  tube  inversely  pyramidal ;  limb 
4-toothed.  Corolla  slender,  tubular,  or  funnel-form  ;  margin  4-toothed  ;  teeth  erect, 
imbricate  in  aestivation.  Stamens  4,  hardly  exserted.  Style  filiform,  greatly  exserted  ; 
stigma  capitate,  globose.  Fruit  small,  dry,  pyriform,  2  to  4  celled,  cleaving  from  the 
base  to  form  2  to  4  i -seeded  divisions;  seeds  pendulous,  crowned  with  acork-like 
arillus  ;  embryo  straight  in  the  axis  ;  albumen  somewhat  cartilaginous  ;  eotyledons 
leaf-like. 

Rubiaceae. — This  large  and  important  order  has  but  few  representatives  in 
North  America,  but  yields  many  valuable  drugs  in  the  hotter  climates.  It  is  char- 
acterized as  follows :  Herbs  or  shrubs.  Leaves  opposite,  entire,  or  sometimes 
whorled  and  astipulate  ;  stipules  intermediate  and  connective.  Calyx  coherent 
with  the  ovary.  Corolla  regular,  tubular.  Slamcns  as  many  as  the  lobes  of  the 
corolla,  and  inserted  upon  its  tube.  Ovary  2  to  4  celled.  Seeds  anatropous  or  am- 
phitropous. 

The  important  medicinal  plants  of  this  family  are  :  The  cinchonas  or  Peru- 
vian barks,  i.e.,  pale  bark  {^Cinchona  officinalis,  Lt?in.),  Calisaja  bark  [Cinchona 
Calisaya,  IVedd.),  red  bark  {Cinchona  succirtiba,  Pav.),  Columbian  bark  [Cinchotia 

*  KtfoXii,  kephale,  a  head;  uvflo,-,  anthos,  a  flower. 

f  The  true  button-wood  is  the  sycamore,  a  large  tree  growing  along  rivers  {Platantti  occiJenlalis,  Linn.). 

X  The  true  snowball  is  Symphoricarpus  raitmosiis,  Mich.  (Caprifoliacc.T;). 

I  The  true  globe  flower  is  Trollius  laxus,  Saliib.  (Ranunculacese). 

II  Var.  piibescens,  Raf. 


76-2 

cordifolia,  Mut),  lancifolia  bark  {Cinchona  lancifolia,  I\fut.),  crown  bark  [Cinchona 
condaminca,  D.  C.  var.  crispa  and  var.  Chahiaroueia),  gray  bark  [Cinchona  mi- 
craiitha,  Ru.  et  Pav.),  and  many  minor  species;  Gambier,  or  pallid  catechu  [Un- 
cat-ia  Gambier,  Ro x. ),  co^ee  [Coffea  Arabica,  Linn),  ipecacuanha  [Ccphcelis  Ipe- 
cacuanha, A.  Rich.),  Cainca  [Chiococca  raccniosa,  Linn),  madder  [Rtibia  tinctoria, 
Linn),  bitter  bark  [Pinckncya  pubens,  Mich),  cleavers  [Gallium  aparinc,  Linn) 
and  others  of  minor  import. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  button  bush  is  indigenous  to  the  United  States 
and  Canadas,  growing  as  far  south  as  Florida  and  Louisiana,  and  west  to  Missouri. 
It  habits  the  borders  af  wet  places,  and  flowers  from  July  to  August.  The  flowers 
of  cephalanthus,  especially  those  of  the  more  southern  individuals,  are  pleasantly 
odorous,  the  perfume  being  likened  to  that  of  jessamine.  Rafinesque  mentions 
several  varieties  of  this  species,  the  only  one  apparently  deserving  special  desig- 
nation being  var.  niacrophylla,  Raf.,  distinguishable  by  having  larger  leaves,  and 
an  hirsute  corolla ;  he  stations  this  plant  in  Louisiana. 

The  medical  history  of  Cephalanthus  is  not  important;  it  has  been  used  with 
accredited  success  in  intermittent  and  remittent  fevers,  obstinate  coughs  (Elliott), 
palsy,  various  venereal  disorders  (Merat),  and  in  general  as  a  tonic,  laxative,  and 
diuretic. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  bark  of  the  stem,  branch.es, 
and  root*  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by 
weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it, 
and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole  well,  pour  it 
into  a  well-stoppered  botde,  and  let  it  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  the  above  mass  by  filtration,  has  a  light,  clear, 
orange-brown  color,  by  transmitted  light,  a  bitter,  astringent  taste,  and  an  acid  re- 
action. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— An  analysis  of  the  bark  by  E.  M.  Hattanf 
yielded  : 

An  uncrystallizable  bitter  principle,  soluble  in  both  water  and  alcohol. 

A  fluorescent  body,  forming  apicular  crystals,  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol. 

Two  resins  (uninvestigated),  and  tannin. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— We  have  a  proving  of  this  drug  by  Dr.  E.  D. 
Wright,;];  but  it  is  not  complete  enough  to  give  us  an  idea  of  the  action.  It  would 
seem,  from  the  close  resemblance  and  botanical  relation  of  this  plant  to  the  cin- 
chonas, that  a  more  thorough  proving  might  develop  in  it  a  very  useful  addition 
to  our  remedies. 

Description  of  Pl.\te  76. 

I.   End  of  flowering  branch,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  June  iSth,  18S3. 
2.  Flower  (enlarged). 

*  The  bark  of  the  root  apparently  contains  the  greatest  proportion  of  the  bitter  i^rinciple  of  the  plant. 

t  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1874,  p.  357.  J  .-im.  Horn.  Obs.,  1875,  p.  177. 


a. 

'IxJ 

CC 


3: 


4- 


N.  ORD.--RUBIACE^.  77 

GENUS.  — MITCH  ELLA,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— TErR.\NDRIA  .MO.\OGVM.\. 


MITCHELLA. 

PAR  TRIDGE-BERR  Y. 


SYN.  — MITCHELLA  REPENS,  LINN.;  MITCHELLA  UNDULATA,  S.  &  Z. ; 
SYRINGA  BACCIFERA,  ETC.,  PLUK. 

COM.  NAMES.— PARTRIDGE  BERRY,  SQUAW-BERRY,  SQUAW- VINE,  TWO- 
EYED  CHEQUER-BERRY,  REEPING  CHECKER-BERRY,  WINTER- 
CLOVER,   DEER-BERRY. 

A   TINCTURE   OF   THE  WHOLE   FRESH   PL.\NT,  MITCHELLA    REPENS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  pretty  little  plant,  creeping  about  in  the  moss  at  the  foot  of 
our  forest  trees  and  decayed  stumps,  attains  a  growth  of  from  6  to  14  inches.  Root 
cylindrical,  branched,  horizontal,  and  noduled  at  the  insertion  of  the  tufted,  oppo- 
site rootlets.  Sloit  glabrous,  branching  widely,  and  rooting  at  each  axilla.  Leaves 
orbicular-cordate  or  oval  and  subcordate,  sometimes  having  a  whitish  line  over  the 
midrib;  dark,  evergreen,  slender,  petioled  ;  stipules  minute,  somewhat  triangular 
awl-shaped.  Inflorescence  terminal ;  floivers  in  pairs  with  united  ovaries,  some- 
times solitary  and  double  (fig.  3)  ;  the  flowens  on  one  plant  may  have  included 
stamens  and  an  exserted  style,  while  another  show  an  included  style  and  exserted 
stamens.  This  fact  has  led  Mr.  Thos.  Meehanf  to  consider  the  species  dioecious. 
The  first  form,  he  alleges,  to  be  that  of  the  female;  the  last,  the  male  plant.  As 
far  as  my  observation  extends,  I  have  as  yet  been  unable  to  discover  a  plant  that 
bore  no  fruit,  and  all  parts  examined  appear  to  be  fully  developed  internally  as 
well  as  externally.  Pediuicle  short,  or,  in  the  double  form,  almost  wanting.  Calyx 
4-toothed.  Corolla  slender,  funnel-form  ;  limb  4-lobed  ;  lobes  spreading  or  reflexcd. 
densely  clothed  with  white  hairs  upon  the  upper  face  and  in  the  throat  and  tube 
of  the  corolla.  Stamens  4 ;  filaments  inserted  upon  the  corolla  ;  anthers  oblong. 
Style  single  filiform ;  stigmas  4,  linear.  Fruit  a  fleshy,  edible,  globose,  baccate, 
double  drupe,  retaining  the  persistent  teeth  of  both  calices,  and  remaining  fresh 
on  the  plant  all  winter;  nutlets  8  (4  to  each  ovary),  small,  seedlike,  and  bony. 
Read  de.scription  of  the  order,  under  Cephalanthus,  76. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Partridge-berry  is  indigenous  to  North  America, 
from  the  Canadas  to  the  extreme  .southern  limits  of  the  United  States,  and  has 
been  found  in  Mexico  and  Japan.  It  grows  in  moist  woods,  especially  those 
abounding  in  evergreens.     It  flowers  in  July. 

*  In  commemoration  of  Dr.  John  Mitchell,  an  early  and  excellent  American  botanist, 
t  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1868,  p.  554. 


77-2 

Mitchella  is  one  of  the  many  plants  used  by  the  American  Aborigines  as  a 
parturient,  frequent  doses  of  a  decocdon  being  taken  during  the  few  weeks  just 
preceding  confinement.  It  has  also  been  found  to  be  a  valuable  diuredc  and 
astringent,  and  to  have  an  especial  affinity  to  various  forms  of  uterine  difficulties. 

The  plant  is  not  mentioned  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica 
its  preparations  are  :  Extractiwi  Mitchella  and  Syrupiis  Mitchella:  Compositus.'^' 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant  is  chopped  and 
pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken, 
the  pulp  well  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added. 
After  a  thorough  mixture,  the  whole  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  botde,  and 
allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  by  filtering  the  mass,  should  have  a  deep  orange-red 
color  by  transmitted  light,  an  odor  between  that  of  Scotch  snuff  and  oil  of  winter- 
green,  an  astringent  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — No  analysis  has  been  made,  as  far  as  I  can 
determine,  of  this  plant.  The  tincture,  made  as  above,  contains  a  large  percent- 
age of  tannin,  and  a  resin  precipitable  by  water. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  symptoms,  as  recorded  by  Drs.  F.  C. 
Duncan  and  P.  H.  Hale,f  show  that  Mitchella  causes  a  general  congestion,  with 
dryness  and  burning  of  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  alimentary  tract.  The 
clinical  results  would  seem  to  show  a  tonic  action  upon  involuntary  muscular 
fibres.     The  drug  merits  more  extended  proving. 


Description  of  Plate  77. 

Whole  plant  (somewhat  reduced)  ;   Pamrapo,  N.  J.,  June  8th,  1879. 

2.  A  pair  of  flowers  (somewhat  enlarged). 

3.  A  double  flower  (somewhat  enlarged). 


*  Mitchella,  Hdonias,  Viburnum  op.,  and  Caulophylhim. 
f  Allen,  Eiiiy.  Pure  Mat.  Med.,  vol.  vi,  \^.  373. 


78. 


¥ 


Ta.adnafMetpinxt  EUPATORIUM   PURPUREUM,  Linn 


N.  ORD-COMPOSIT^.  78 

Tribe.-EUPATORIACE/E. 

GENUS.— EUPATORIUM,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SYST.— SYNGENESI.\  .KQUAI,I.S. 


EUPATORIUM  PURPUREUM. 

PURPLE  BOjXESET. 

SYN.— EUPATORIUM  PURPUREUM,  TRIPOLIATUM,  AND  MACULATUM, 
LINN. ;  E.  VERTICILLATUM,  MUHL. ;  E.  TERNIFOLIUM,  ELL. 

COM.  NAMES.— PURPLE  BONESET,  THOROUGH-WORT,  OR  HEMP-WEED  ; 
JOE-PYB,t  OR  JOPI-WEBD;  TRUMPET- WEED ;  QUEEN  OP  THE 
MEADOW;!  GRAVEL-ROOT;  (GER.)  PURPURFARBENER  WASSER- 
HANF. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  EUPATORIUM  PURPUREUM,  L. 

Description. — This  common  herb  varies  greatly  in  form  and  foliage,  the  type 
being  very  tall  and  graceful.  Ste)n  rigidly  erect,  6  to  i  2  feet  high,§  stout,  simple, 
and  either  hollow  or  furnished  with  an  incomplete  pith;  it  is  punctate  in  lines  and 
purple  above  the  nodes,  or  often  covered  with  elongated  spots  {E.  viaculata,  Linn.). 
Leaves  verticillate,  mostly  in  fives,  nearly  destitute  of  resinous  punctse,  oblong- 
lanceolate,  acutish  or  acuminate,  coarsely  serrate,  roughish  and  reticulate-veiny ; 
petioles  distinct  or  merely  represented  by  the  contracted  bases  of  the  leaves. 
Lnjlorescence  a  terminal,  dense,  compound  corymb;  heads  very  numerous,  5  to 
lo-flowered.  Involucre  flesh-colored,  cylindrical;  bracts  thin,  membranaceous, 
somewhat  scarious  when  dry,  and  faintly  3-striate,  obtuse ;  they  are  closely  imbri- 
cated in  three  rows,  the  exterior  successively  shorter.  Receptacle  flat,  not  hirsute. 
Style  bulbous  at  the  base,  much  exserted.     Achenia  smooth,  glandular. 

Eupatorium. — This  vast  genus  contains  in  North  America  alone  39  species 
and  16  distinct  varieties  ;  other  species  are  found  in  South  America,  Asia,  Africa, 
and  Europe.  It  is  composed  mostly  of  perennial  herbs,  but  contains  a  few  annuals, 
and  shrubs  in  warmer  regions.  Leaves  mostly  opposite  and  simple,  resinous  and 
bitter,  rarely  alternate,  whorled,  or  divided.  Heads  small,  homogamous,  discoid, 
and  corymbosely-cymose  or  paniculate,  rarely  solitary ;  involucre  cylindrical  or 
somewhat  campanulate ;  scales  numerous,  purple,  blue,  or  white,  never  really 
yellow,  though  sometimes  ochroleucous.  Elozucrs  hermaphrodite  and  homochro- 
mous  ;  corolla  tubular  and  regular,  5-toothed ;  anthers  included,  not  caudate; 
receptacle  naked  and  flat.  Style  cylindraceous,  branched,  the  branches  exserted, 
more   or  less  thickened  upward  and  very  minutely  pubescent.     Pappus  a  single 

*  Mithridates  Eupator,  king  of  Pontus,  who  was  first  to  use  the  plant  as  a  remedy. 

t  .\r\  Indian  by  this  name  cured  typhus  in  New  EngLmd,  with  this  plant,  by  powerful  sweating. 

X  The  Queen  of  the  Meadow  is  more  jiroperly  Spiraa  salicifolia,  Linn.  (Rosaceje). 

\  The  individual  represented  in  the  jilate  was  nearly  lo  feet  high,  growing  in  an  open,  rich  field. 


78-2 

series  of  slender  but  somewhat  stiff  and  rough  capillary  bristles.    Achenia  5-angled, 
not  striate. 

The  species  of  this  genus  used  in  medicine  are,  beside  the  two  under  consid- 
eration, the  American  E.  aromaticiini,  Linn.,  scssiiifoiium,  Linn.,  teticrifolium,  Willd., 
and  ageratoides,  Linn.,  all  considered  tonic,  diaphoretic,  and  antiperiodic,  the  latter 
being  the  supposed  cause  of  the  "  trembles  "  in  cattle  ;  E.  rotiindifolhmi,  Linn.,  a 
palliative  in  consumption ;  the  Texan  mata  [E.  mcarnatum,  Walt.)  is  said  to  be 
diuretic,  and  is  used  for  flavoring  tobacco  ;  while  E.  fceniculceum,  Willd.,  leucolepsis, 
T.  &  G.,  and  hyssopi/o/iuin,  Linn.,  are  considered  to  be  antidotes  to  the  poisonous 
bites  of  reptiles  and  stings  of  insects.  The  European  E.  cannabiniim,  Linn.,  is 
diuretic,  emetic,  and  purgative;  the  South  American  E.  glutinosimi  is  one  of 
the  sources  of  the  substance  known  as  Madco;*  the  Jamaican  E.  nervosum  is 
regarded  as  an  almost  certain  cure  for  cholera,  typhus,  typhoid,  and  small-pox ; 
while  the  Brazilian  aya-pana  [E.  ayapana,  Vent.)  is  an  aromatic  tonic  and  febrifuge, 
and  is  considered  a  sure  remedy — if  timely  used — for  antidoting  the  effects  of  the 
bites  of  poisonous  reptiles  and  insects  ;  this  last  is  said  to  be  the  most  powerful 
species  of  the  genus,  and  as  such,  it  should  be  carefully  proven. 

CompositaB. — This  immense  and  purely  natural  order,  consists  of  herbs,  and 
raVely  shrubs  and  trees  ;  it  comprises  one- tenth  of  all  known  phsenogamous  plants, 
and  one-eighth  of  those  of  North  America,  where  it  has  237  genera  and  1610 
species,  ot  which  1551  are  indigenous.  Its  members  are  easily  distinguished  as 
such,  even  by  general  observation  ;  but  many  of  the  genera  and  species  require 
close  and  careful  study  for  their  identification. 

Since  this  work  was  begun,  and  too  late  for  revision.  Prof.  Asa  Gray's  almost 
phenomenal  volume,-|-  including  this  order,  appeared.  In  his  careful  and  laborious 
revision  of  the  order  many  changes  were  instituted  in  the  arrangement  and  names 
oi  the  tribes  and  genera,  making  the  following  table  necessary  to  an  understanding 
of  the  order  as  it  stands  at  present : 


New  Arrangement. 

This  Work. 

Old  .Arrangement. 

New  ARRANGEMENT. 

This  Work. 

Old  Arrangement. 

Tribe. 

Genus.     . 

Tribe. 

Tribe. 

Genus 

Tribe. 

Eupatoriacece. 

78, 

79.  Eupatorium. 

(.Same.) 

AnthemideiE. 

87, 

88.  Artemisia. 

Senecionideaf. 

Asteroide?e. 

80. 

Erigeron. 

" 

Seiiecionideie. 

90. 

Erechthites. 

(Same.) 

Inuloidete. 

89. 

Graplialium. 

Senecionidere. 

" 

91- 

Seiiecio. 

" 

" 

81. 

Inula. 

Asteroideoe. 

Cynaroideae. 

92. 

Arctium. 

Cynarefe  (Lappa). 

Helianthoidese. 

82. 

Ambrosia. 

Senecionidece. 

Cichoriacse. 

93. 

Cichorium. 

(S.ime.) 

" 

83- 

Helianthus. 

" 

" 

94. 

Prenanthes. 

"      (NaK-xlus). 

Anthemidese. 

84. 

Antliemis. 

" 

" 

95- 

Taraxacum. 

" 

85. 

Achillea. 

" 

" 

96. 

Lactucca. 

" 

86. 

Tancetum. 

*  The  officinal  matico,  however,  is  derived  from  Piper  angtistifotium,  R.  &  P.  (Pii.eracea;). 
t  Synop.  Flora  of  N.  A. 


78-3 

Description.* — "  F/oxocrs  in  an  invoUicrate  head  on  a  simple  receptacle, 
5-merous,  or  sometimes  4-nieroLis  ;  with  /obcs  of  the  epigynoiis  corolla  valvate  in 
the  bud  ;  sfaiiiciis  a.^  many  as  corolla  lobes  and  alternate  with  them,  inserted  on  the 
tube ;  anthers  connate  into  a  tube  (syngenesious);  style  in  all  fertile  flowers  2-cieft 
or  lobed  at  the  summit  and  bearing  introrse-marginal  stigmas;  ovary  i -celled,  a 
single  anatropous  ovule  erect  from  the  base,  becoming  an  exalbuminous  seed  with 
a  straight  ^;«(5rw,  the  inferior  radicle  shorter  and  narrower  than  ih&  cotyledons  ; 
the  fruit  an  akene.  Tube  of  the  calyx  wholly  adnate  to  the  ovary  ;  its  limb  none, 
or  absolute,  or  developed  into  a  cup  or  teeth,  scales,  awns,  or  capillary  bristles. 
Corolla  with  nerves  running  to  the  sinuses,  then  forking  and  bordering  the  lobes, 
rarely  as  many  intermediate  nerves.  Anthers  commonly  with  sterile  tip  or  append- 
age; the  cells  introrse,  discharging  the  pollen  within  the  tube  ;  this  forced  out  by 
the  lengthening  of  the  style,  which  in  hermaphrodite  and  male  flowers  is  commonly 
hairy-tipped  or  appcndaged.  Pollen-grains  globose,  echinulate,  sometimes  smooth, 
in  CiCHORiACE.E  12-sided.  Leaves  various ;  no  true  stipules.  Development  of  the 
flowers  in  the  head  centripetal ;  of  the  heads  when  clustered  or  associated,  more 
or  less  centrifugal,  /.  c.,  heads  disposed  to  be  cymose.  Juice  waterj^  in  some 
resinous,  in  the  last  tribe  milky. 

"  Heads  homogam  ms\\\\<t\\  all  its  flowers  are  alike  in  se.x  ;  heterogatnous  when 
unlike  (generally  marginal  flowers  female  or  neutral,  and  central  hermaphrodite  or 
by  abortion  male);  androgynous  when  of  male  and  female  flowers;  mona'cious  or 
dio'cious  when  the  flowers  of  separate  sexes  are  in  different  heads,  either  on  same 
or  different  plants  ;  radiate  when  there  are  enlarged  ligulate  flowers  in  the  margin  ; 
wholly  ligulate  when  all  the  flowers  have  ligulate  corollas,  discoid  when  there  are 
no  enlarged  marginal  corollas.  When  these  exist  they  are  sometimes  called  the 
ray ;  the  other  flowers  collectively  occupy  the  disk.  The  head  (compound  flower 
of  early  botanists),  in  Latin  capitidum,  is  also  named  anthodium.  Its  involucre 
(periclinium  of  authors)  is  formed  of  separate  or  sometimes  connate  reduced  leaves, 
/.  e.,  bracts  [squanKC  or  scales);  the  innermost  of  these  bracts  subtend  the  outer- 
most or  lowest  flowers.  The  axis  within  or  above  these  is  the  receptacle  (clinan- 
thiicm),  which  varies  from  plane  to  conical  or  oblong,  or  even  cylindrical  or  subu- 
late. When  the  receptacle  bears  flowers  only  it  is  naked,  although  the  surface 
may  be  alveolate,  foveolatc  or  merely  areolate,  according  as  the  insertion  of  the 
ovaries  or  akenes  is  surrounded  or  circumscribed  by  honeycomb-like  or  lesser 
elevations,  or,  when  these  project  into  bristles,  slender  teeth  or  shreds,  it  \s  Jimbril- 
late  ;  it  'vs,  paleaceous  when  the  disk  flowers  are  subtended  by  bracts  ;  these  usually 
chaff-like,  therefore  called  palece,  chaff,  or  simply  bracts  of  the  receptacle.  In  place 
of  calyx-limb  there  is  more  commonly  a  circle  of  epigynous  bristles,  hairs  or  awns  ; 
the  pappus,  a  name  extended  to  the  calyx-limb  of  whatever  form  or  texture;  its 
parts  are  brisdes,  awns,  palae,  teeth,  etc.,  according  to  shape  and  texture.  Corollas 
either  all  tubular  (usually  enlarging  above  the  insertion  of  the  stamens  into  the 
throat,  and  4  to  5-lobcd  at  summit,  mosdy  regular),  or  the  marginal  ones  strap- 
shaped,  i.e.,ligiclate,  the  elongated  limb  {ligule)  being  explanate,  and  3  to  5-toothed 

*  I  use  Prof.  Gray's  full  description  of  the  order  from  the  volume  aljuvc  referred  to,  Vol.  I.,  pt.  2,  4S. 


78-4 

at  the  apex.  Such  are  always  female  or  neutral,  or,  when  all  the  flowers  of  the  head 
have  ligulate  corollas,  then  hermaphrodite.  Anthers  with  basal  auricles  either 
rounded  or  acute,  or  sometimes  produced  into  tails  [caudate).  Branches  of  the  style 
in  female  flowers  and  in  some  hermaphrodite  ones  margined  with  stigma,  i.e.,  stig- 
matic  lines,  quite  to  the  tip ;  in  most  hermaphrodite  flowers  these  lines  shorter, 
occupying  the  lower  portion,  or  ending  at  the  appendage  or  hairy  tip."  The 
largest  subdivision  or  series  of  this  order  is  the  Tubuliflor/E,  wherein  the  her- 
maphrodite flowers  have  tubular  and  regular  flowers.  The  Labiatiflgr.'E  have 
corollas  of  all,  or  only  of  the  hermaphrodite  flowers,  bilabiate.  The  Liguliflor.« 
have  all  flowers  hermaphrodite  and  all  corollas  ligulate. 

Beside  the  19  medicinal  species  treated  of  in  this  work,  and  those  spoken  of 
under  the  description  of  the  genus  Kupatorium,  we  have  provings  of  the  follow- 
ing :  Wyethia  (  Wyeihia,  Helenoides,  Nutt.)  ;  the  New  Zeyland  Puka-puka  {Brachy- 
giottis  7-epens,  Forsk.)  ;  the  Arctic  American  Grindelia  [Grmdelia  squarrosa, 
Dunal.);  the  European  Mountain  Arnica  [Arnica  montana,  Linn.);  the  Spanish 
Pellitory  [Pyrethrum  Paniethium,  Linn.);  the  European  Coltsfoot  [Tussilago  Far- 
fara,  Linn.);  and  the  Italian  Sweet-scented  Coltsfoot  [T.  fragrans,  Linn.);  the 
European  Daisy  [Bcllis  peremiis,  Linn.);  the  South  European  Marigold  [Calen- 
dula officinalis,  Linn.);  the  Blessed  Thistle  [Cardiius  Benediclus,  Linn. ;  Centaurea 
Tagana,  Willd.);  Chamomilla,  the  German  Chamomile  [Matricaria  CJiamomilla, 
Linn.);  and  Cina,  the  European  Wormseed  [Artemisia  Ci}ia,  Berg.;  A.  santonica, 
Linn.,  Artemisia  Contra.).* 

Outside  of  our  materia  medica  many  valuable,  and  secondary,  drugs  are  used  ; 
prominent  among  them  we  fmd :  the  American  Daisy-fleabane  [Erigeron  hetero- 
p/iylhiin,  Muhl.),  a  reputed  remedy  for  gravel,  hydrothorax,  and  gout ;  and  E. 
P/iiladelphicum,  Linn.,  a  powerful  emmenagogue.  The  German  VQWitory  [Anacyclus 
officinarum,  H.D.B.),  a  powerful  irritant,  sialagogue  and  stimulant.  The  East 
Indian  Veronia  anihehnintica,  Willd.,  is  considered  a  most  powerful  vermifuge  ;  the 
Indian  Elephantopus  scaber,  Linn.,  is  used  on  the  coast  of  Malabar  in  dysuria  ;  the 
Mexican  Xoxonitztal  or  Yoloxiltic  [Piqneria  trinervia,  Cav.)  is  said  to  be  a  valuable 
antiperiodic.  Many  species  ol  Liatris  are  considered  powerful  diuretics,  especially 
L.  sqiiarrosa,  Willd.,  and  L.  odoratissima,  Willd.  The  Brazilian  Coracoa  de  yesu 
[Mikania  officinalis,  Mart.)  is  claimed  to  be  an  excellent  stomachic-tonic;  and  the 
South  American  M.  Guaco,  H.  &  B.,  and  the  Brazilian  Erva  da  Cobra  [M.  opifera, 
Mart.),  are  considered  efficacious  antidotes  to  the  bites  of  the  cobra  de  capello,  and 
those  of  malignant  insects.  The  common  European  Fleabane  [Pulicaria  dysen- 
terica,  Gaertn.)  is  said  to  have  once  cured  the  Russian  army  of  dysentery.  Two 
species  of  Bidens,  viz. :  the  European  B.  tripartita,  Linn.,  and  the  Carolinian  B, 
Chrytsantlicnioides,  Michx.,  together  with  the  South  American  Spilanthes  oleracea, 
Jacq.  [Btdens  fervida.  Lam.),  produce  acrid  and  copious  salivation.  The  May- 
weed, Maruta  cotnla,  D.C.),  so  common  almost  generally  throughout  the  North 
Temperate    Zone,   is    fetid    and   blistering,    and    causes    copious   vomiting    and 

*  Benlley  and  Trimen,  in  their  work  on  "  Medicinal  Plants,"  consider  that  the  true  source  of  Santoiiine  is  from 
the  Russian  and  Asiatic  Artemisia  paucijlora,  Weber  i^A.  Cina,  Willk.,  not  Berg.). 


78-5 

diaphoresis;  it  should  be  proven.  The  Egyptian  and  Palestine  Bahonny  or  Zeysouvi 
iySantolina  fragrantissima,  Forsk.)  is  substituted  in  Cairo  for  chamomile,  and  used 
in  eye  affections.  The  Chinese  and  Japanese  Artemisia  Indica,  Wiild.,  is  said  to 
be  a  powerful  deobstruent  and  antispasmodic.  The  East  Indian  Emila  soiichifera, 
D.C.,  is  used  in  India  as  a  febrifuge.  Thus  throughout  the  order  almost  every 
genus  has  its  useful  species,  especially  in  their  native  localities. 

Among  the  edible  vegetables  afforded  by  the  order,  we  find  the  Jerusalem 
Artichoke  {Helianthus  tubcrosuni,  Linn.);*  the  European  salsify  {Tragopogoi 
porrifolins,  Linn.)  ;  Endive  and  Chiccory,  mentioned  under  Cichorium  Intybus, 
93  ;  and  Lettuce  [Lactiica  saliva,  Linn.). 

History  and  Habitat. — Eupatorium  purpureum  is  indigenous  to  North 
America.  Its  northern  range  extends  from  New  Brunswick  to  Saskatchewan  ; 
thence  it  grows  southward  to  Florida  and  westward  to  New  Mexico,  Utah, 
and  British  Columbia.  It  grows  in  rich,  low  grounds,  where  it  blossoms  throughout 
the  summer  months. 

The  previous  use  of  the  purple  flowered  boneset  was  very  similar  to  that  of 
its  congener,  E.  perfoliatum.  It,  however,  has  proven  especially  valuable  as 
a  diuretic  and  stimulant,  as  well  as  an  astringent  tonic.  It  proves  useful  in 
dropsy,  strangury,  gravel,  hematuria,  gout  and  rheumatism;  seeming  to  exert  a 
special  influence  upon  chronic  renal  and  cystic  trouble,  especially  when  there  is  an 
excess  of  uric  acid  present  (King). 

The  preparations  of  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  are :  Decoctum  Eupatorii 
Purpiirci ;  Iiiftisum  Eupalorii  Piirpurei,  and  Infusum  Epigece  Composi/a.-^ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root  should  be  chopped  and 
pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken, 
the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol 
added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole  well,  pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle, 
and  allow  it  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration  has  a  clear,  orange  color 
by  transmitted  light.  It  is  slightly  bitter  and  astringent,  has  a  somewhat  tere- 
binthic  odor,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — No  specific  analysis  to  determine  a  special 
principle  has  been  made  of  this  plant.  The  chemistry  of  E.  perfoliatum  is  probably 
applicable  more  or  less  to  this  species. 

Eupurpurin. — This  so  called  oleoresin  was  precipitated  from  a  tincture  of  the 
root  by  Merrell.  The  body  is  thrown  down  when  the  alcoholic  tincture  is  poured 
into  twice  its  volume  of  water  and  the  alcohol  is  filtered  off.     It  results  as  a  thick, 

*  The  true  artichokes,  however,  are,  the  succulent  receptacle  of  the  South  Europc.in  Cynnria  Scolymus,  Linn.,  .nnd 
Cardoons,  i.  f.,  the  leafstalks  of  C.  carunculus. 

t  Epigsea,  Eupatorium  purpureum,  .\ralia  hispiJa,  and  Althea  officinalis. 


7b-6 

dark  greenish-brown  mass,  having  a  nauseous  taste,  and  exhibiting,  as  far  as 
known,  the  full  action  of  the  root.  It  contains  all  those  principles  of  the  root  not 
soluble  in  water. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Eupatorium  purpureum — in  doses  of  from  lo 
to  60  drops  of  the  tincture — causes  increased  secretion  of  the  glands  of  the  mouth  ; 
nausea ;  crampy  pains  in  the  stomach  and  bowels ;  aching  or  cutting  pains  in  the 
bladder  with  a  sensation  of  fullness  and  soreness,  and  a  constant  desire  to  void 
urine,  with  scanty  discharge  ;  increased  heart's  action  ;  and  a  general  feeling  all 
through  the  system  of  languor,  soreness,  faintness,  and  weakness,  with  yawning 
and  intense  desire  to  sleep.* 

Description  of  Plate  78. 

1.  Whole  plant,  15  times  reduced,  Chemung,  N.  Y.,  September  loth,  1879. 

2.  One  of  the  smaller  branches  of  the  corymb. 

*  Mrs.  Dresser's  experience  with  the  drug.     Hale,  New  Rem.,  1.  c. 


79. 


^m.adnatdel.etpinxt  EUPATORIUM    PeRFOLIATUM  ,  Linn 


N.  ORD -COMPOSIT/E.  79 

Tnbe.-EUPATORIACE/E. 

GKNUS.— EUPATORIUM.* 
SEX.  SVST.— SVXGENESIA  .EQUAI.IS. 


EUPATORIUM 
PERFOLIATUM. 

BOjYESET. 

SYN.— EUPATORIUM  PERFOLIATUM,  LINN.;  E.  CONNATUM,  MICHX.;  E. 
SALVI^FOLIUM,  SIMS ;  E.  VIRGINIANUM,  PLUK. 

COM.  NAMES.— BONESET.  THOROUHWORT,  AGUE-WEED,  VEGETABLE' 
ANTIMONY,  INDIAN  SAGE,  FBVERWORT,*  CROSSWORT,  SWEATING 
WEED,  THOROUGH- W AX ;  t  (PR.)  EUPATORIE  PERFOLIEE,  HERBS 
PARPAITE,  HERBE  A  FIEVRE ;  (GER.)  DURCH WAGHSENER  WASSER- 
HANP. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE  FRESH  PL.\NT,  EUPATORIUM  PERFOLIATUM,  L. 

Description. — This  familiar  plant  grows  to  a  height  of  from  2  to  4  feet.  •  Stem 
stout,  cylindrical,  or  somewhat  terete,  fastigiately  branched  above,  and  villous- 
pubescent  throughout ;  leaves  connate  perfoliate,  divaricate,  narrowly  lanceolate 
and  acuminate ;  they  are  prominently  one-ribbed,  rugose,  copiously  studded  with 
resinous  dots,  finely  and  closely  crenulate-serrate,  dark  and  shining  green  above 
and  soft-pubescent  or  almost  cottony  beneath.  Itijlorescence  a  dense,  somewhat 
convex,  compound,  capitate,  corymbose  cyme;  heads  small,  very  numerous; 
bracts  narrowly-lanceolate,  hairy,  and  furnished  with  slightly  scarious,  acutish 
tips;  flowers  mostly  10;  corolla  tubular-campanulate ;  teeth  broadly  triangular. 
Akencs  small  glandular,  oblong-linear,  smooth,  and  bluntly  5-angled ;  pappus 
shorter  than  the  corolla.  The  description  of  Eupatonwn  as  given  under  the 
preceding  drug  should  be  read  in  connection  with  this. 

History  and  Habitat. — Boneset  is  a  common  plant,  indigenous  to  North 
America,  where  it  ranges  from  New  Brunswick  to  Dakota  in  the  North,  to  Florida 
and  Louisiana  in  the  South.  It  grows  in  marshy  places  on  the  borders  of  lakes, 
ponds,  and  streams,  where  it  blossoms  from  July  to  September. 

There  is  probably  no  plant  in  American  domestic  practice  that  has  more 
extensive  or  frequent  use  than  this.  The  attic,  or  woodshed,  of  almost  every 
country  farm-house,  has  its  bunches  of  the  dried  herb  hanging  tops  downward  from 
the  rafters  during  the  whole  year,  ready  for  immediate  use  should  some  member 

*  The  true  Feverwort  with  us  is  Triosteum  perfoliatum  (Caprifoliacea;). 

■f-  The  Iruc  Thoroughwax  is  BupUuriim  rolundifolium,  Linn.  (Unibellifcne). 


79-2 

of  the  family,  or  that  of  a  neighbor,  be  taken  with  a  cold.  How  many  children 
have  winced  when  the  maternal  edict:  "drink  this  boneset ;  it'll  do  you  good,"  has 
been  issued ;  and  how  many  old  men  have  craned  their  necks  to  allow  the  nause- 
ous draught  to  the  quicker  pass  the  palate  !  The  use  of  a  hot  infusion  of  the  tops 
and  leaves  to  produce  diaphoresis,  was  handed  down  to  the  early  settlers  of  this 
country  by  the  Aborigines,  who  called  it  by  a  name  that  is  equivalent  to  ague-weed. 
It  was  first  introduced,  as  a  plant,  into  England  in  1699;  but  was  not  used  in 
medical  practice,  even  in  this  country,  until  about  the  year  1800,  but  it  now  has  a 
place  in  every  work  on  Medical  Botany  which  treats  of  North  American  plants. 

Eupatorium  perfoliatum  is  diaphoretic  only  when  given  in  generous  doses  of 
the  hot  infusion  ;  a  cold  decoction  is  claimed  to  be  tonic  and  stimulant  in  moderately 
small,  laxative  in  medium,  and  emetic  in  large  doses.  It  is  also  said  to  be  anti- 
dyspeptic  and  anti-rheumatic.  It  is  prominently  adapted  to  cure  a  disease  peculiar 
to  the  South,  known  as  break-bone  fever  (Dengue),  and  it  is  without  doubt  from 
this  property  that  the  name  boneset  was  derived.  This  herb  has  also  been  found 
to  be  curative  in  intermittent  fever,  bilious  fever,  bilious  colic,  typhus,  and  typhoid 
conditions,  influenza,  catarrhal  fever,  rheumatism,  lake  fever,  yellow  fever,  and 
remittent  types  of  fevers  in  general.  Many  of  the  earlier  works  allude  to  this 
species  as  being  diuretic,  and  therefore  of  great  use  in  dropsy ;  this  is  evidently 
an  error  of  substitution,  the  previously  described  drug  being  the  species  used. 

Dr.  Barton,  who  had  made  this  species  one  in  general  use  in  his  practice, 
observes  as  follows :  "  The  late  Samuel  C.  Hopkins,  M.D.,  who  resided  in  the 
village  of  Woodbury,  N.  J.,  and  had  an  extensive  practice  in  a  range  of  fifteen  or 
twenty  miles  of  a  populous  tract  of  country,  in  which,  from  the  low  and  marshy 
nature  of  the  soil — exposure  of  many  of  the  inhabitants  holding  fisheries,  to  the 
water  and  other  pernicious  causes — intermittent  and  typhus  fevers  were  very 
prevalent,  and  the  latter  particularly  malignant.  The  Doctor  was  among  those 
partial  to  the  sweating  plan  of  treating  this  fever,  and  his  unusual  success  in  a 
multitude  of  cases  for  five  or  six  years  in  succession,  is  strongly  in  favor  of  that 
mode  of  practice.  The  boneset  was  the  medicine  used  in  producing  this  effect. 
He  prescribed  it  freely  in  warm  and  cold  decoction,  but  preferred  the  warm.  He 
assured  me  that  in  many  instances  his  sole  reliance  was  upon  this  plant,  which  was 
occasionally  so  varied  in  its  manner  of  exhibition  as  to  produce  emesis,  and  fre- 
quently was  intentionally  pushed  to  such  extent  as  to  excite  free  purging.  Its 
diaphoretic  efiect,  however,  he  deemed  it  indispensable  to  ensure,  and  therefore 
preferred  in  general  giving  it  warm."  * 

My  friend.  Dr.  Henry  S.  Sloan,  of  this  city,  relates  his  personal  experience 
with  this  drug  as  follows:  When  a  young  man,  living  in  the  central  part  of  this 
State,  he  was  attacked  with  intermittent  fever,  which  lasted  off  and  on  for  three 
years.  Being  of  a  bilious  temperament,  he  grew  at  length  sallow,  emaciated,  and 
hardly  able  to  get  about.  As  he  sat  one  day,  resting  by  the  side  of  the  road,  an 
old  lady  of  his  acquaintance  told  him  to  go  home  and  have  some  thoroughwort 


*  Barton,  M,;t  Bot.,  ii,  136. 


79-3 

"fixed,"  and  it  would  certainly  cure  him.  (He  had  been  given,  during  the  years  he 
suffered,  quinine,  cinchonine,  bark  and  all  its  known  derivatives,  as  well  as  chola- 
gogues,  and  every  other  substance  then  known  to  the  regular  practitioner,  without 
effect;  the  attacks  coming  on  latterly  twice  a  day.)  On  reaching  home,  with  the 
aid  of  the  fences  and  buildings  along  the  way,  he  received  a  tablespoonful  of  a 
decoction  of  boneset  evaporated  until  it  was  about  the  consistency  of  syrup,  and 
immediately  went  to  bed.  He  had  hardly  lain  down  when  insensibility  and  stupor 
came  on,  passing  into  deep  sleep.  On  awaking  in  the  morning,  he  felt  decidedly 
better,  and  from  that  moment  improved  rapidly  without  farther  medication,  gaining 
flesh  and  strength  daily.  No  attack  returned  for  twenty  years,  when  a  short  one 
was  brought  on  by  lying  down  in  a  marsh  while  hunting. 

From  my  own  experience,  as  well  as  what  I  have  learned  from  others,  I  feel 
confident  that  as  an  "antiperiodic "  this  drug  will  be  indicated  much  more  fre- 
quently in  the  United  States  than  quinine,  and  exhibit  its  peculiar  action  in  a 
curative  manner,  not  palliative  as  is  most  common  in  the  latter  substance  when 
exhibited  ex patria.  I  have  observed  that  boneset  acts  more  surely  in  intermittent 
fever,  when  the  disease  was  contracted  near  its  habitat,  /.  c,  by  streams,  ponds,  and 
lakes  in  the  United  States  east  of  the  85°  west  longitude,  and  north  of  the  32° 
north  latitude.  It  may  be  stated  that  this  is  true  of  most  plants  used  in  medicine, 
and  probably  accounts  for  many  failures  of  foreign  drugs  in  domestic  diseases : 
witness  Conium,  Cinchona,  etc.,  etc.* 

The  officinal  preparation  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  is  Extrachun  Eiipatoi'ii  Fluidum. 
In  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  the  following  preparations  are  recommended : 
Extractnvt  Eupatorii,  Inftiswn  Eiipatorii,  and  Pilulce  Aloes  Compositcc. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant,  gathered  just 
as  it  is  coming  into  flower,  is  prepared  as  in  the  preceding  drug.  The  resulting 
tincture  is  opaque;  in  thin  layers  it  exhibits  a  deep,  slightly  orange-brown  color 
by  transmitted  light.  It  has  a  nauseous,  penetrating,  bitter,  and  astringent  taste, 
and  imparts  a  sensation  to  the  tongue  very  similar  to  that  of  ginger ;  it  retains  the 
peculiar  odor  of  the  plant,  and  has  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Eiipatorine. — This  glucoside  was  extracted 
from  a  percolate  of  the  dried  tops  and  leaves  of  this  plant  by  G.  Latin  ;^  it  was  also 
appreciated  in  most  of  the  analyses  referred  to  below,  but  was  not  isolated,  being 
spoken  of  as  a  bitter  principle  only.  Eupatorine  is  described  as  a  slightly  acid, 
amorphous  body,  soluble  in  alcohol  and  boiling  water,  yielding  a  red  precipitate 
when  boiled  with  sulphuric  acid,  and  a  white  precipitate  with  the  cold  acid.  Its 
farther  physical  and  chemical  properties  are  as  yet  undetermined. 

Bitter  extractive;* -"'  Tannin  ;'- ^  ^  "■ ''  Volatile  oil  ;*  *^ "  Free  acid;-  Gallic 
acid ;  -  Resin  ; ^  "^ '  Gum ; ^  s  5 «  t  Sugar  ;  *  ^ '  and  a  bitter  principle,  •'^^'-^'  have  also  been 

*  This  refers  only  to  drugs  exhibited  for  their  physiological  or  toxic  action. 
1  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bol.,  i,  35.         ^  Anderson,  /iiaui,'.  Tlusis.  '  Peterson,  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1851,  206. 

*  Bickley,  ibid.,  1854,  459.  '  \.3.Xm,ibid.,  1880,  392.  «  Parsons,  1859,  Rep.  lo  U.  S.  Com.  0/ Agii,. 

"  Tildcn's  Analysis,  Jour,  of  Mat.  Med.,  ii,  N.  S.  243. 


79-4 

determined.  The  last-named  substance  Is  spoken  of  by  some  observers  as  being 
resinous,  others  as  resinoid,  and  again  as  crystalHzable.  I  judge  it  to  have  been 
in  all  the  Eupatorine  of  Latin,  either  mixed  with  some  part  of  the  other  constitu- 
ents, or  more  or  less  pure. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  symptoms  shown  by  those  who  have  par- 
taken of  large  doses  of  an  infusion  of  the  tops  and  leaves,  show  that  this  drug 
causes  at  first  an  irritation  of  the  vaso-motor  system,  followed  by  a  relaxed  condition 
of  the  capillaries,  and  an  Increase  of  the  heart's  action,  again  followed  by  severe 
contrestion  and  higher  temperature.  The  symptoms  are :  Falntness,  with  loss  of 
consciousness,  ending  in  lethargic  sleep ;  pain,  soreness,  and  throbbing  in  head  ; 
soreness  of  eyeballs,  with  sharp  pains  and  photophobia;  buzzing  in  the  ears; 
catarrhal  influenza ;  face  red  or  sallow,  and  sickly  in  appearance ;  tongue  white 
cottony  coated  ;  thirst  especially  preceding  the  stage  of  chill ;  vomiting,  especially 
as  the  chill  passes  off;  violent  colic  pains  In  the  upper  abdomen;  urine  dark- 
colored  and  scanty,  with  frequent  micturition;  oppression  of  the  chest  with  difficult 
breathing;  stiffness,  soreness  and  deep  aching  in  the  limbs,  the  long  bones  espe- 
cially, feel  as  If  pounded  or  broken  ;  sleepiness,  with  yawning  and  stretching,  from 
which  the  patient  awakes  with  a  severe  headache  ;  skin  bathed  In  copious  sweat. 
The  soreness  and  deep  pains  of  Eupatorium  are  most  general,  and  the  skin  feels 
numb  and  as  If  it  would  cleave  from  the  bones. 

The  adaptability  of  this  drug  to  various  forms  of  disease  of  paludal  origin 
can  readily  be  understood. 

Description  of  Plate  79. 

I.  Summit  of  stem,  from  Greenville,  N.  J.,  July  26th,  1879. 

2.  Flower-head. 

3.  Floweret. 

4.  Anther. 

5.  Fruit. 

(2-4  enlarged.) 


'.m.adnstdel.efpinxt. 


ErIgERON     CANAOENSE,  Linn. 


N.  ORD.-COMPOSIT/E.  80 

Tribe.-ASTEROIDE/E. 

GENUS.  — E  RIG  E  RON,*  LINN. 
SEX.  .SVST.— SYNGENESIA  SLPERI-LL A. 


ERIGERON 

CAJVADA  FLEABAJ^E. 


SYN.-ERIGERON  CANADENSE,  LINN.;  B.  PANICULATUS,  LAM.;  E.  PUSIL- 
LUS,  NUTT. ;  E.  STRICTUM,  D.  C;  SBNECIO  CILIATUS,  WALT. 

COM.  NAMES. —  CANADA  FLEABANE,  HORSE-WEED,  BUTTER- WEED, 
COLT'S  TAIL,  PRIDE-WEED,  SCABIOUS;  (FR.)  ERIGERON  DE  CANADA- 
iGBR.)  CANADISCHES  BERUFKRAUT. 

A  TINCTURE   OF  THE    WHOLE    PLANT,  ERIGERON   CANADENSE,  LINN. 

Description. — This  common  annual  herb  grows  to  a  height  of  from  i 
to  4  feet,  according  to  the  soil.  Stem  strict,  striate,  varying  from  sparsely 
hispid  to  almost  glabrous;  branches  mostly  superior,  short,  slender,  ascendino-. 
Leaves  all  sessile,  alternate,  and  more  or  less  ciliate-hispid ;  the  lower  often  some- 
what spatulate,  3-nerved,  and  sparingly  incised;  upper  leaves  linear-lanceolate 
acute  at  each  end.  Inflorescence  in  a  more  or  less  dense  terminal  panicle  ;  heads 
very  small,  cylindrical,  many  flowered,  and  radiate;  xht/acc  flat  or  hemispherical; 
peduncles  and  pedicels  short ;  involucre  almost  glabrous  ;  scales  linear-lanceolate, 
nearly  equal,  little  imbricated,  all  reflexed  in  fruit ;  receptacle  flat  or  convex,  naked, 
and  pitted.  Ray  florets  white,  fertile,  crowded  in  a  single  row,  a  little  exserted 
and  surpassing  the  branches  of  the  style  ;  tube,  elongated-cylindrical ;  ligule  very 
short,  ascending,  2-toothed.  Disk  florets  bisexual ;  corolla  tubular,  mostly  4- 
toothed ;  filameiits  very  short,  filiform ;  anthers  cylindrical,  half  exserted,  not 
tailed,  the  connective  prolonged  at  the  apex;  style  short,  branched;  stignias  spread- 
ing. Achenia  oblong,  flattened,  usually  pubescent,  2-nerved  ;  pappus  simple,  a 
single  row  of  capillary  bristles. 

History  and  Habitat. — Erigeron  is  indigenous  to  the  eastern  and  central  belt 
of  North  America,  where  it  is  common  in  dry  soils,  from  Canada  to  Texas ;  from 
thence  southward,  through  South  America,  as  far  as  Argentine  Republic. 
In  part  to  recompense  Europe  for  the  miserable  dock  weeds  she  has  sent  us,  we 
have  returned  her  this  species,  which  has  now  spread  through  Asia  to  the  sea. 
It  is  also  introduced  in  South  Africa,  Australia,  and  many  of  the  Pacific  islands. 
It  flowers,  with  us,  in  July  and  August,  maturing  its  profusion  of  parachute-like 
seeds  in  autumn. 

*  Hf/,  Er,  spring;    yifuiv, geron,  an  old  man  ;  on  acco.in'.  of  the  ho.iry  apjiearance  of  some  vernal  species. 


80-2 

The  applicability  of  a  decoction  of  this  herb  to  many  forms  of  diarrhoea  was 
well  known  to  the  Aborigines,  and  is  now  used  in  that  disease  by  the  Cree  In- 
dians of  Hudson  Bay.  It  was  introduced  in  the  practice  at  the  New  York  Alms- 
house, in  1872,  by  Dr.  Gilbert  Smith,  for  a  type  of  diarrhoea  that  often  prevailed 
there,  and  met  with  very  great  success. 

The  decoction  has  proven  tonic,  stimulant,  astringent  and  diuretic,  and  been 
found  useful  in  dropsies  and  many  forms  of  urinary  disorders,  both  renal  and 
cystic, — such  as  gravel,  diabetes,  dysury,  strangury,  and  urethritis;  E.  heterophyl- 
lutn,  and  Philadelpliicwii  have,  however,  greater  power  than  Canadcnsc  in  this 
direction.  The  oil  of  the  plant  is  acrid,  and,  though  not  astringent,  is,  nevertheless, 
an  extraordinary  styptic  :  it  was  introduced  by  Eclectic  practice,  and  is  an  effi- 
cient agent  in  the  treatment  of  hemorrhoids,  passive  hemorrhage,  diarrhoea,  dys- 
entery, hemoptysis,*  hematemesis,  hematuria,  and  menorrhagia  ;  as  well  as  an 
excellent  palliative  in  the  treatment  of  sore  throat,  with  swelling  of  the  glands, 
boils,  tumors,  rheumatism  and  gonorrhoea.  The  dose  of  the  oil  is  from  four  to 
six  drops  in  water,  repeated  not  oftener  than  every  hour,  if  much  is  to  be  required. 

The  officinal  preparation  of  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  is  Oleum  Erigerontis ;  in  the 
Eclectic  Dispensatory,  Oleum  Erigerontis  and  Infnsum  Erigerontis. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant,  gathered  during 
its  flowering  season,  is  treated  as  in  the  two  preceding  species.  The  resulting 
tincture  has  a  clear,  brownish-orange  color  by  transmitted  light;  a  somewhat 
aromatic  odor ;  a  slightly  bitter  and  astringent  taste  ;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — No  analysis  of  the  plant  has  yet  been  made 
that  individualizes  the  bitter  principle  first  separated  by  De  Puy,t  who  also  de- 
termined, in  this  species,  gallic  and  tannic  acids,  and  an  essential  oil,  and  proved 
that  all  the  qualities  of  the  herb  were  extracted  by  cold  water  or  alcohol. 

Oil  of  Erigeron  Canadense. — This  body  may  be  extracted  by  distilling  the 
fresh  herb  with  water.  It  results  as  a  colorless  or  pale  yellow  liquid,  gradually 
becoming  darker  and  thicker  by  age  or  exposure,  and  having  an  aromatic,  persis- 
tent odor,  an  acrid  taste,  and  a  neutral  reaction.  It  boils  at  178°  (352.4°  F.);  has 
a  .sp.  gr.  of  from  .845  to  .850,  and  is  readily  soluble  in  water  or  alcohol.     This  oil 

*  In  tlie  autumn  of  1SS3,  I  was  called  hastily  to  attend  Miss  X.  I  found  her  sitting  upon  the  floor,  her  arm 
resting  upon  a  chair  and  her  head  bending  over  a  common-size  foot  bath-tub,  and  every  few  moments  a  large 
quantity  of  bright  red  blood  would  gurglingly  issue  from  her  mouth.  She  had  been  spitting  such  <|uantities  for  over 
three-quarters  of  an  hour,  and  the  tub  was  over  half-filled  with  foamy  blood,  and,  I  judge,  a  large  (juantity  of  saliva. 
I  immediately  mixed  about  a  drachm  of  tincture  of  Erigeron  in  half  a  goblet  of  water,  and  gave  her  two  teaspoon- 
fuls  of  the  mixture  every  five  minutes,  while  getting  the  history  of  the  case.  She  had  been  subject  to  these  hemor- 
rhages, which  did  not  occur  at  the  menstrual  epoch,  for  some  months  past,  though  they  were  much  less  in  quantity 
than  the  present  one.  Her  family  history  was  consumptive  and  hemorrhagic,  and  her  physical  strength  always  below 
medium.  The  hemorrhage  now  being  arrested  (after  the  second  dose)  leaving  her  terribly  exsanguinated,  I  had  her 
removed  to  her  bed,  and  put  her  on  light  liquid  food  in  large  t|uantities.  This  treatment  was  followed  by  Erigeron  in  a 
potency  for  a  month,  one  dose  nightly,  upon  which  her  strength  improved ;  and,  up  to  the  last  time  I  saw  her,  three  years 
after,  no  subsequent  hemorrhage  occurred  Her  menstrual  flux,  which  had  been  much  too  copious  and  early,  was  also 
corrected  ;  and  her  general  health,  as  she  expresses,  a  thousand  times  better  than  at  any  time  since  her  monthlies  com- 
menced. 

t  //'//.  into  Bot.  His'.,  ai,'m.  Prof.,  and  M,d.  Qtial.  Erig.  Can.,  1S15. 


80-3 
contains  less  oxyofii  than  that  obtainable  from  /:'.  hclcropkylluiii,  antl  consists 
mainly  of  a  terpene  (C,oH,,),  which,  after  distillation  over  sodium,  boils  at  176° 
(348.8°  F.),  and  has  a  sp.  gr.  of  .S464  at  18=  (64.4°  F.).* 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  symptoms  arising-  during  the  experiments 
of  Dr.  W.  H.  Burt,-j-  were  mainly  as  follows:  Cephallagia  ;  smarting  of  the  eyes; 
roughness  of  the  pharynx  ;  soreness  of  the  throat ;  abdominal  distress,  and  colic ; 
increased  urine;  aching  of  back  and  extremities;  and  prostration. 


Description  of  Plate  80. 

Inflorescence,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  iStli,  1886. 

2.  .\  portion  of  the  mid-stem. 

3.  Lower  leaf. 

4.  Flower-bead. 

5.  Ray-floret. 

6.  Disk-floret. 

7.  Scale  of  the  involucre. 

8.  Stamen. 

9.  Fruit. 

(4-9  enlarged.) 

*  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1883,  372  (BerichU,  1882,  2854). 

t  Am.  Horn.  Oh.,  1866,  i>.  357. 


(|m.  ad  nat.delet 


NULA      HELENIUfVI.   Linn. 


N.  ORD -COMPOSITE.  81 

Tribe.-ASTEROIDE/E. 

C'.ENUS.— I  N  U  LA,*  I.INN. 
SEX.  SV.sr.— SVNGENESIA,  POLYGAMIA  SUI'EKILUA. 


INULA. 


ELECAMPAKEA 


SYTSr.-INULA  HELENIUM,  L.  CORVISARTIA  HELENIUM,  MERAT. 

COM.  NAMES.— ELECAMPANE,  SCABWORT,  (GBR.)  ALANT,  (FR.)  AUNEB. 


TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  INULA  HELENIUM,  L. 


Description. — This  strikingly  beautiful  perennial  attains  a  height  of  from  3  to 
6  feet.  Root  thick,  mucilaginous,  more  or  less  tap-shaped,  about  6  inches  long, 
and  I  to  2  inches  thick  in  the  largest  part,  having  a  curled  furrow  commencing 
about  an  inch  from  the  stem  end,  and  running  nearly  to  the  tip ;  somewhat  branch- 
ing, the  branches  generally  longer  than  the  main  root,  but  not  so  thick.  The 
bark  is  rough,  laminated  or  flakey,  showing  upon  section  a  thickness  of  from  one- 
sixteenth  to  one-eighth  of  an  inch.  The  inner  portion  is  radiate  with  numerous 
bundles  of  fibres,  and  dotted  generally  with  yellowish  resin-cells.  Stem  erect, 
stout,  rounded,  downy  above,  branching?  near  the  top.  Leaven  alternate,  large, 
sometimes  reaching  a  length  of  18  inches  and  a  breadth  of  from  4  to  6  inches; 
those  near  the  root  are  ovate,  petioled,  the  others  sessile  partly  clasping ;  all  green 
above,  and  whitish  downy  beneath.  Peduncles  of  the  flower-heads  are  given  off 
from  the  axils  of  the  upper  leaves,  they  are  long,  thick,  sometimes  furnished  with 
a  pair  of  small  leaves  midway  in  their  length  ;  such  are  the  so-called  branches,  and 
bear  usually  more  than  one  flower-head  on  separate  pedicles.  Involucre  dense, 
woolly,  the  outer  scales  broadly  ovate,  sometimes  leaf-like,  the  inner  becoming  at 
length  linear.  Flaiver-hcads  large,  solitary  or  corymbose,  all  at  or  near  the  sum- 
mit of  the  plant ;  the  somewhat  convex,  naked,  flat  receptacles  measuring  about  i 
inch  in  diameter.  The  heads  are  many-flowered,  the  ray-florets  numerous  and 
arranged  generally  in  a  single  series,  pistillate,  but  often  infertile;  the  rays  ligu- 
late,  unequally  three-notched  at  the  tip,  and  generally  clasping  the  pistil  forming 
a  tube.  Disk-florets  many,  tubular,  perfect,  the  tube  5  toothed  or  lobed.  Stamens 
five,  inserted  on  the  corolla,  their  Anthers  syngenesious,  with  two  serrate  tails  at 
the  base.  Ovary  oblong ;  Style  2-cleft  at  the  apex.  Achenia  terete  or  4-sided, 
the  sides  smooth  ;  pappus  simple,  composed  of  bristly  hairs.  A  general  descrip- 
tion of  the  Compositae  will  be  found  under  Eupatorium  purpureum. 

*  Inula,  a  Latin  classical  name  for  this  plant,  probably  a  contraction  of  the  word   Helenii'M,  fJ.^ci'O",  which  was  ap- 
plied to  the  same  species.     Medieval,  Enui  A. 

f  Ante-Linnaean  name  Enula  Campana,  from  which  Elecampane. 


81-2 

History  and  Habitat. — Inula  was  one  of  the  most  famous  of  ancient  medi- 
cines, and  continued  in  vogue  in  tiie  old  school  until  very  recent  times.  It  owed 
the  reputation  it  gained  to  its  sdmulant  qualities.  As  far  back  as  the  Hippocratic 
writino-s,  it  is  stated  to  be  a  stimulant  to  the  brain,  the  stomach,  the  kidneys,  and 
the  uterus. 

This  plant  is  a  native  of  Southern  England,  now  thoroughly  naturalized  in 
Europe  and  our  country.  It  grows  here  spontaneously  in  the  Northern  States,  in 
damp  places  along  road-sides,  the  borders  of  gardens  and  about  the  ruins  of  old 
buildino-s.  It  flowers  in  July  and  August,  and  is  a  strikingly  beautiful  plant, 
reminding  one  forcibly  of  its  near  relative,  the  sunflower. 

Inula  is  simply  mentioned  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  The  Eclectic  officinal  preparations 
are  :  Dccoctiim  Helctiii,  and  Extractum  Helejiii  Alcoholicuni.  Inula  is  also  one 
of  the  components  of  Synipus  Aralice  Conipositus. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  roots  gathered  in  autumn 
(those  of  the  second  year's  growth  in  preference,  as  the  older  ones  are  too  woody) 
are  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of 
alcohol  are  taken,  and  having  mixed  the  pulp  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it, 
the  rest  of  the  alcohol  is  added ;  after  having  stirred  the  whole  well,  and 
poured  it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  it  is  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark, 
cool  place.     The  tincture  is  then  separated  by  decanting,  straining  and  filtering. 

Thus  prepared  it  is,  by  transmitted  light,  of  a  clear  amber  color,  has  a 
decided  bitter  and  astringent  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction  to  litmus. 

CHEMIOAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Inulin,*  Q  H,o  O,,.  This  amylose  principle 
is  found  in  the  plants  of  many  genera  of  the  order  Compositse  ;  but  as  it  occurs 
in  greater  percentage  in  this  genus,  I  describe  it  here.  It  will  be  noticed  that 
this  substance  has  the  same  composition  as  starch,  still,  though  it  takes  the 
place  of  that  body  in  the  roots  of  this  order  of  plants,  it  acts  in  many  ways 
entirely  different ;  for  instance,  it  dissolves  readily  in  hot  water,  but  forms  a  clear 
solution,  not  an  opaline  pasty  mass,  its  reaction  with  a  solution  of  iodine  gives  a 
brown,  not  a  blue  color.  It  does  not  form  in  the  plant  as  granular  shell-like 
bodies  as  does  starch,  but  is  in  solution  in  the  plant  juice.  Inulin  may  be  thrown 
down  from  its  watery  solution  by  alcohol,  forming  thus  globular  masses  of  white 
needle-like  crystals,  called  in  the  dried  plant  "  Sphsero-crystals."  Upon  boiling 
this  substance  with  a  dilute  acid,  it  is  rapidly  converted  into  levulose,  but  not  at 
lower  temperature.     It  is  considered  by  Kiliani  to  be  an  anhydride  of  levulose. 

Elecampane  Camphor,  formerly  called  Helinin,  was  given  the  composition 
C,6  H,a  0,0.  Kallen  succeeded  in  resolving  it  into  two  crystallizable  bodies  which 
he  describes  as  follows  : 

Helinin,  Q  H3  O,  a  principle  devoid  of  odor  or  taste,  crystallizing  in  needles 
and  fusing  at  230°F.,  and 

Alant-Camphor,  (Inulol,  Inuloid,  Elecampane-camphor),  C,<,H,f,0,  not  sup- 
posed to  be  a  pure  substance ;  it  has  an  odor  and  taste  resembling  peppermint, 
and  fuses  at  147.2°  F.     iyEt  supra,  Wittstein.) 

*Alantin,  Menyanthin,  Klecampin,  Dahlin,  Datiscin. 


81-3 
Synanthrose,   C,,  H,,  O,,. — This  saccharose  body  occurs  accordinj^  to  Schor- 
Icmnier    in   tlie  tubers  of   Inula  and    other  Composita-.      It    is   a    non-crystaHine 
powder,  liyht,  deliquescent,  anil  liaviny  no  sweet  taste. 

Inulic  Acid. — Exists  in  larger  quantities  than  inulol  ;  it  is  probably  the  an- 
hydride of  some  acid  peculiar  to  this  plant. 

Resin. — A  brown,  bitter,  nauseous  acrid  body,  aromatic  when  warm,  soluble 
in  alcohol  and  ether;  wa.x,  gum,  salts  of  K,  Ca,  and  Mg',  and  a  trace  of  volatile 
oil  have  also  been  determined. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Inula  has  been  held  to  be  a  stimulant  to  the 
secretory  organs,  but  the  efl'ects  produced — according  to  Fischer-' — in  those  who 
partook  of  the  juice  of  the  root,  show  the  opposite  effect!  His  scheme  of  promi- 
nent symptoms  is  as  follows  :  Confusion  of  the  head,  with  nausea  and  vertigo  on 
stooping;  burning  of  the  eyeballs;  dryness  of  the  mouth  and  throat;  increased 
peristaltic  action  of  the  intestines,  with  griping  or  tensive  pain  ;  dragging  in  the 
rectum  and  female  genitalia;  much  urging  to  urinate,  with  scanty  results  ;  severe 
pain  in  the  lumbar  region,  with  sleeplessness  and  coldness.  The  more  minute 
action  of  the  drug  seems  to  fully  carry  out  the  above,  which  shows  Inula  to  be 
anything  but  diaphoretic,  diuretic,  or  expectorant  in  a  physiological  sense. 

Description  of  Plate  8i. 

I.   Wliole  iiUmt  five  times  reduced,  from  Waverly,  N.  Y.,  August  nth,  1880. 

2.  Flower-head. 

3.  Disk  flower  (enlarged). 

4.  Stamen  (enlarged). 

5.  Ray-floret  (enlarged). 

6.  Section  of  the  root. 

7.  Seed. 


*  Vide  Allen,  "  Encyc.  Mat.  Med.,"  Vol.  V,  p.  113. 


82, 


M 


^m.adnatdel.etpinxt  AMBROSIA   ARTEMISIAEFOLIA  ,  Linn. 


N.  ORD.-COMPOSIT/E.  82 

Tribe.-SENECIONIDE/E. 

GENUS— AMBROSIA,*    lOURN. 
SEX.  SVST.— MOXdXIA   I'ENTAN'DKIA. 


AMBROSIA 
ARTEMISI^FOLIA 

RAG-Vi^EED. 


SYN.— AMBROSIA  ARTIMISI^FOLIA,  LINN.;  A.  BLATIOR,  LINN.;  A. 
ABSYNTHIFOLIA  AND  PANICULATA,  MICHX.;  A.  HETEROPHYLLA, 
MUHL.;    IVA  MONOPHYLLA,  WALT. 

COM.  NAMES.— RAG-'WBED,  ROMAN  WORMWOOD,  CARROT- WEED,  WILD 
OR  BASTARD  WORMWOOD,  HOG -WEED,  CONOT-WBED,  BITTER- 
WEED;    (PR.)   AMBROSIB;    (GER.l   TRAUBBNKRAUT. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE   WHOLE   HERB  AMBROSIA  AR TEMISI.^FOLIA,   LINN. 

Description. — This  annual,  pubescent  or  hirsute  weedy-herb,  attains  a  growth 
of  from  I  to  3  feet.  Stem  erect,  at  first  simple,  then  paniculately  branched.  Leaves 
opposite  and  alternate,  thinnish,  bipinnatifid,  or  pinnatifidly  parted,  those  of  the 
inflorescence  often  entire,  all  smooth  above  and  pale  or  hoary  beneath ;  divisions 
irregularly  pinnatifid  or  entire.  Floivers  unisexual  on  the  same  plant.  Stenlc 
heads  numerous,  gamophyllous,  arranged  in  centripetal,  racemose  spikes,  all  more 
or  less  recurved-pedicelled  and  not  subtended  by  bracts;  invohca-e  truncate,  sau- 
cer-shape or  campanulate,  not  costate  but  indistinctly  radiate  veined  ;  border  irreg- 
ularly 4  to  6  toothed ;  corolla  obconical,  the  border  5-toothed  ;  stame/is  5  \  filajnents 
short;  anthers  deltoid,  slightly  united,  their  short  appendages  inflexed  ;  abortive 
style  columnar,  the  apex  dilated  and  penicillate,  strongly  exserted.  Fertile  heads 
I  to  3,  apetalous,  glomerate  in  the  axils  of  the  upper  leaves  and  below  the  male 
spikes;  involucre  oi^&n,  nudet-like;  corolla  reduced  to  a  ring  around  the  base  of 
the  style  ;  style  bilamellar,  exserted.  Aketies  turgid-ovoid,  triangularly  compressed, 
short-beaked,  and  crowned  with  from  4  to  6  short  teeth  or  spines  ;  pappus  wanting. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  too-common,  truly  American  weed,  is  indigenous 
from  Nova  Scotia  to  Saskatchewan,  Washington  Territory,  and  southward  to  Bra- 
zil. It  habits  waste  fields,  roadsides,  and  dry  places,  and  blossoms  from  the  latter 
part  of  July  to  October. 

The  former  uses  of  this  plant  were  but  slight,  its  principal  use  being  as  an 
antiseptic  emollient  fomentation  ;  its  bitterness  caused  its  use  in  Maryland  as 
a  substitute  for  quinine,  but  not  successfully.     J    A.  Zabriskie,  of  Closter,  N.  J., 

*  'Ajipporrm,  aiiil/rosia,  ihe  fooil  of  the  goils ;  tlie  {jods  know  why  I 


82-2 

claims  it  to  be  a  successful  application  to  the  poisonous  effects  of  Rhus  if  rubbed 
upon  the  inflamed  parts  until  they  are  discolored  by  its  juice.*  Being-  very  astrin- 
gent, it  has  also  been  used  to  check  discharges  from  mucous  surfaces,  such  as 
mercurial  ptyalism,  leucorrhoea,  gonorrhoea,  and  especially  in  septic  forms  of  diar- 
rhoea, dysentery,  and  enteritis.  It  lays  some  claim  also  to  being  stimulant  and 
tonic,  and  is  recognized  in  the  Mexican  Pharmacopoeia  as  an  emmenagogue,  feb- 
rifuge, and  anthelmintic.  Of  late  years  much  attention  has  been  called  to  the 
species  of  this  genus,  especially  this  and  A.  trijida,  as  being,  through  their  pollen, 
the  cause  of  hay  fever,  many  people  affected  with  this  troublesome  disorder  laying 
the  charge  direct ;  certain  it  is  that  when  the  pollenation  of  the  plant  is  begun 
the  disorder  generally  commences  in  those  subject  to  it,  and  only  ceases  when  the 
plants  are  out  of  flower,  unless  the  patient  is  able  to  sojourn  to  mountain  heights 
out  of  the  limit  of  their  growth.  We  have  had  the  pleasure  of  curing  two  patients 
of  this  disease,  both  of  whom  had  asthmatic  symptoms  at  the  height  of  the  trouble, 
with  drop  doses  of  the  tincture  ires  in  dies. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant,  when  in  the 
height  of  its  sexual  season,  should  be  carefully  gathered  to  retain  all  the  pollen 
possible,  and  macerated  for  fourteen  days  in  twice  its  weight  of  absolute  alcohol, 
being  kept  in  a  dark,  cool  place,  well  corked,  and  shaken  twice  a  day.  The  tinc- 
ture thus  prepared  should,  after  pressing,  straining,  and  filtering,  have  a  clear 
orange-red  color  by  transmitted  light;  an  odor  like  chocolate;  a  similar  taste, 
followed  by  bitterness ;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — This  plant  has  not  yet  been  investigated  as 
to  its  specific  chemical  nature  ;  Tannin,  and  an  essential  oil,  itself  uninvestigated, 
being  all  we  possess  of  knowledge  in  this  direction. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Ambrosia  appears  to  have  a  decided  irritant 
action  upon  mucous  membranes,  not  only  by  its  pollen  directly  applied,  but  also 
upon  its  ingestion  in  infusion  and  tincture.  The  plant  certainly  deserves  thorough 
and  extended  experimentation. 

Description  of  Plate  82. 

I.   Whole  young  plant,  Binghaniton,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  15th,  1886. 

2.  A  leaf. 

3.  Male  involucre. 

4.  Face  of  same,  showing  sterile  flowers. 

5.  Sterile  flower. 

6.  Sterile  style. 

7.  Stamen. 

8.  Anther. 

9.  Female  flower. 
TO.  Fruit. 

II.   Horizontal  section  of  akene. 
(3-1 1  enlarged.) 

*  New  Rem.,  1879,  239. 


83. 


\i^  i^^ 


(itll.  ad  nat.dei.et.pinxt. 


HELIANTHUS    ANNUUS.  Linn. 


N.  ORD.-COMPOSIT^.  83 

Tribe.-SENECIONIDE/E. 

GENUS.— H  ELIANTHUS,"  LINN. 
SKX    SVST.— SVNCK.XKSl.V  rkUS  IR.VN'K.V. 

HELIANTHUS. 

SUNFLOWER. 


SYN.— HELIANTHUS  ANNUUS,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— SUNFLOWER;   (GER.)  SONNENBLUME ;  (PR.)  LE  TOURNE- 
SOL. 


TL\C  rURE  OF  THE  RIPE  ACHENL\  OF    HELL\NTHUS  ANNUUS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  commonly  cultivated  plant,  springing-  from  an  annual 
root,  attains  a  height  of  from  3  to  18  or  more  feet,  and  bears  numerous  large  flower- 
heads  on  long  peduncles.  Stem  erect,  rounded  and  rough,  bearing  opposite 
leaves  below  and  alternate  ones  above  Z^^rr'^'.?  petioled,  broadly  ovate  or  heart- 
shaped,  from  5  to  10  inches  long,  and  4  to  8  inches  broad,  rough  and  conspicuously 
3-ribbed.  Pcdimcles  long,  gradually  thickening  into  a  funnel-form  base  at  the 
involucre.  Involucre  composed  of  ovate  aristate,  hirsute  scales,  imbricated  in 
several  rows.  Flozver-lieads  many,  nodding,  bearing  innumerable  ray  and  many 
disk  florets;  they  range  from  6  to  12  inches  in  diameter  with  a  flat  or  convex  disk. 
Ray-florels  numerous,  ligulate  and  neutral.  Disk-Jiorets,  all  perfect  and  fertile, 
with  short  5-lobed  tubes,  decemneurate.  Pollen  grains  ovate,  beset  with  nume- 
rous rows  of  spines.  Ovary  i -celled  ;  style  invested  with  stiff  hairs  ;  stigma  2- 
branched,  with  subulate  appendages.  Achenia  ovate-oblong  or  cuneiform,  some- 
what quadrangularly  compressed,  without  margins,  each  achenium  bearing  2  ear- 
like chaffy  scales,  sometimes  accompanied  by  an  accessory  pair,  all  of  which  fall 
away  when  the  seed  is  ripe.  A  description  of  the  natural  order  will  be  found 
under  Eupatorium  purpureum. 

History  and  Habital;. — The  sunflower  is  one  of  the  natives  of  trojjical 
America,  that  has  become  popular  in  cultivation  in  many  countries,  both  on  ac- 
count of  its  beautiful  flowers,  whose  bright  chrome  rays,  in  their  many  modes  of 
curling  and  refle.\ing  in  a  circle  about  the  handsome  seal-brown  disk,  render  it 
attractive  as  a  garden  ornament,  as  well  as  the  many  uses  to  which  the  seeds 
are  put.  From  points  where  it  is  cultivated  it  often  spreads  about  in  many  places 
by  spontaneous  growth,  blossoming  from  July  until  August.  The  white  central 
pith  of  the  stalk  contains  nitre;  this  fact  has  led  to  its  use  as  a  diuretic,  and  recom- 
mended it  also  as  a  form  of  moxa.     The  leaves,  when  carefully  cared  for  and 

*  FJXio;,  Ihe  sun,  o-'*j;,  a  flower. 


83-2 

successful!}'  dried,  have  been  used  as  a  substitute  for  tobacco  in  cigars,  the  flavor 
of  which  is  said  to  gready  resemble  that  of  mild  Spanish  tobacco.  The  seeds  have 
been  extensively  used  for  fattening  poultry;  fowls  eat  of  these  greedily  on  account 
of  their  oily  nature.  How  much  a  fact  it  may  be  that  a  growth  of  this  plant  about 
a  dwelling  protects  the  inhabitants  against  malarial  influences  is  not  yet  proven, 
though  strongly  asserted  by  many.  An  infusion  of  the  stems  is  claimed  to  be 
anti-malarial,  and  with  some  forms  will  probably  prove  such.  A  further  proving  of 
the  tincture  is  greatly  needed,  as  it  would  doubdess  show  an  adaptability  in  this 
direction.  Helianthus  has  no  place  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia 
Medica  the  infusion  of  the  seeds  is  used  as  a  mild  expectorant,  and  the  expressed 
oil  as  a  diuretic. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  ripe  seeds.  The  seeds  when 
ripe  are  of  a  dark  purplish  color,  more  or  less  4-sided  and  4-angled  by  com- 
pression; they  are  about  half  an  inch  in  length  by  one-eighth  in  breadth.  The 
husk  is  whitish  internally  and  the  kernel  sweet,  oily  and  edible.  The  tincture 
is  made  by  coarsely  powdering  the  ripe  seeds,  covering  the  mass  with  five  parts 
by  weight  of  dilute  alcohol,  and  allowing  it  to  remain  at  least  eight  days  in  a  well- 
corked  bottle,  in  a  dark,  cool  place,  being  shaken  twice  a  day.  The  tincture  is 
then  decanted,  strained  and  filtered. 

Thus  prepared  it  is  by  transmitted  light  a  very  pale  straw-color,  has  no  char- 
acteristic taste,  and  has  an  acid  reaction  to  litmus-paper. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— The  analysis  of  this  plant  by  Wittstein,  in 
1879,  was  made  exclusive  of  the  seeds,  and  has  therefore  no  interest  to  us.  The 
fruit  contains  by  his  analysis  from  twelve  to  twenty-four  per  cent,  of  fixed  oil,  hav- 
ing a  light  straw-color,  mild  taste,  and  watery  consistence,  its  specific  gravity 
being  .926°.     It  becomes  turbid  at  ordinary  temperatures  and  solidifies  at  — 16°. 

Helianthic  Acid. — C.  H,,  O^,  in  the  form  of  a  slighdy  colored  powder,  has 
been  extracted  from  the  kernels;   it  is  soluble  both  in  water  and  alcohol. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Very  litde  or  nothing  is  known  of  the  physio- 
logical action  of  this  plant,  which  would  necessarily  be  slight.  It  causes  dryness 
of  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  mouth,  throat,  and  fauces,  excites  vomit- 
ing, heat  and  redness  of  the  skin,  and  some  slight  inflammation  of  the  cuticle. 
A  thorough  proving  of  the  iv hole  plant  is  gready  to  be  desired,  as  without  doubt 
another  remedy  would  be  found  in  it  to  add  to  our  excellent  list  for  intermittents. 

Description  of  Plate  83. 

I.  Whole  plant,  seven  times  reduced,  from  a  cultivated  specimen.  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  Sept  8,  18S2. 

2.  Flower  head. 

3.  Floweret  (enlarged;. 

4.  Young  seed. 

5.  Mature  seed. 

6.  Scale  of  involucre. 

7.  Ray. 

8.  Pollen  grain  .\  200. 


84. 


If 


'%' 


^m.ad 


% 


natdei.etpinxt. 


AnTHEMIS     NOBILIS  .  Linn. 


V7     '\/J 


8    P, 


N.  ORD-COMPOSITyE.  84 

Tribe.-SENECIONIDE/^. 

GENLS— ANTH  EMIS,*  LINN. 


SEX.  SV.ST.— SVNGKNliSI.X  SUPERKIA  A. 


ANTHEMIS    NOBILIS. 

homajX  chamomile. 

SYN.— ANTHEMIS  NOBILIS,  LINN.;  A.  AUREA,  D.  C;  CHAMOMILLA  NO- 
BILIS, GODR.;  CHAM^MELUM  NOBILE,  ALL.;  ORMENIS  NOBILIS, 
GAY. 

COM.  NAMES.— TRUE  CHAMOMILE,  GARDEN  CHAMOMILE,!  CORN  FEVER- 
FEW:;   (FR.)  CHAMOMILE  ROMAINE ;   (GBR.)  ROMISCHE  KAMILLBN. 

A    TINCTURE   OF  THE   WHOLE   PLANT  ANTHEMIS   NOBILLS,   LINN. 

Description — This  low,  aromatic  perennial,  seldom  rises  to  any  great  heio-ht 
above  the  ground.  Stems  smooth  or  slightly  pubescent,  the  sterile  creeping,  the 
fertile  somewhat  ascending ;  branches  numerous,  hairy.  Leaves  alternate,  sessile, 
pinnately  bi-  or  tri-ternately  compound,  and  dissected  into  filiform  segments.  Heads 
heterogamous,  many-flowered,  and  rather  large,  terminal  and  solitary  upon  the 
branches  ;  peduncles  long,  pubescent ;  hivolucre  hemispherical,  consisting  of  2  or 
3  rows  of  comparatively  small,  imbricated  bracts,  the  outer  successively  shorter ; 
receptacle  oblong,  with  blunt,  chaffy  bracts  subtending  most  of  the  florets.  Disk- 
florets  numerous,  yellow,  bi-sexual;  corolla  tubular,  slightly  gibbous  below,  enlarged 
above  to  bell-shaped,  and  having  a  few  oil  glands  upon  its  surface;  limb  5-lobed; 
stamens  5:  anthers  tailless  at  the  base;  style  slender,  bifurcated.  Ray-florets  15 
to  20,  white,  fertile ;  ligules  3-toothed  at  the  apex ;  style-branches  stigmatic  at 
their  truncate,  penicillate  extremities.  Akenes  terete,  glabrous,  marked  by  3 
indistinct  ridges  upon  their  inner  faces,  the  truncate  summit  naked  ;  pappus  none, 
the  persistent  base  of  the  corolla,  however,  appearing  like  a  coronal  body  of  that 
nature. 

History  and  Habitat.  —  This  European  immigrant  has,  as  yet,  spread  but 
little  in  this  country,  it  being  only  occasionally  iound  spontaneous  near  gardens, 
where  it  blossoms  in  July  and  August. 

On  account  of  many  species  being  nearly  related  to  this  one,  and  the  ancient 
descriptions  of  so  meagre  a  type,  the  history  of  this  plant,  which  has,  without 
doubt,  been  used  as  long  as  any  other,  is  not  traceable  with  an)-  chance  of  correct- 
ness. In  later  times,  however,  it  has  been  regarded  important,  by  both  physicians 
and  the  laity,  and  judged  more  active  than  Chamomilla,  which  it  gready  resembles 

*  'Av»,')ii$,  anthemis,  a  Greek  name  for  some  allied  plant, 
f  Our  Chamomilla  i^  Matricaria  Chamomilla,  Linn. 
\  Ciarden  Feverfew  is  Malricaria   Parlhenium. 


84-2 

in  its  action.  As  a  stomachic  tonic  and  carminative,  it  has  been  found  useful  in 
atonic  dyspepsia,  gastro-intestinal  irritation,  intermittent  and  typhoid  fevers,  and 
colic,  and  is  claimed  to  be  an  effectual  preventive  of  incubus.  A  warm  infusion 
acts  as  a  prompt  emetic,  emptying  the  stomach  without  enervating  the  system. 
Fomentations  of  the  steamed  leaves  make  a  kindly  application  in  local  pains, 
neuralgic,  podagric,  uterine,  or  abdominal.  Hot  infusions  are  sudorific  and 
emmenagogue,  but  are  very  apt  to  cause  profuse  diarrhoea.  The  oil  of  the  plant 
is  considered  anti-spasmodic,  useful  in  hysteric  complaints ;  stimulant,  and  anti- 
flatulent  ;  and  is  often  combined  with  purgative  pills,  to  prevent  griping. 

The  flower-heads  are  official  in  the  U.  S.  Ph. ;  in  the  Eclectic  Dispensatory 
the  preparations  are  :  Extractum  AntJicmidis,  Extractuni  Anthcniidis  Fliiidiint, 
Infjisuvi  AntJicmidis,  and  Olctim  Antliemidis ;  it  is  also  a  component  of  I'inniu 
Synipliytii  Com  post  in  in .  * 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh-flowering  plant  is  treated 
as  directed  for  the  root  of  Inula. f  The  tincture  resulting  has  a  light,  brownish- 
orange  color  by  transmitted  light ;  the  pleasant,  aromatic  odor  of  the  bruised 
plant  ;  a  taste  at  first  sourish  and  pine-apple-like,  then  bitter;  and  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — From  various  analyses,  this  herb  has  been 
found  to  contain  a  volatile  and  fixed  oil,  a  resin,  tannin,  and  a  bitter  principle 
judged  by  Fliickiger  to  be  a  glucoside. 

Oil  of  Anthemis. — This  volatile  body  has  a  bluish  or  greenish  tint,  becom- 
ing brownish  or  yellowish  by  age.  It  has  a  specific  gravity  of  about  0.91,  is  com- 
posed principally  of  the  angelates  and  valerates  of  butyl  and  amyl,  and  yields 
the  following  bodies : 

Angelicaldehydc,  Q.\\f),  and  a  hydrocarbon,  Cj„Hj|,,  having  a  lemonaceous 
odor,  and  boiling  at  175°  (347°  F.). 

Angelic  Acid,  C.HgO.^. — According  to  the  analysis  of  Fittig,  this  body,  first 
discovered  in  Angelica  Ai'changelica,  exists  in  the  oil  of  Anthemis,  of  which  it 
constitutes  nearly  30  per  cent.  It  crystalizes  in  large,  colorless  prisms,  having  a 
peculiar  aromatic  odor,  and  an  acid  and  burning  taste.  The  crystals  melt  at  45° 
(113°  F.),  boil  at  191°  (375.8°  F.),  and  are  soluble  in  both  water  and  alcohol.  By 
heating  this  body,  with  hydriodic  acid  and  phosphorus,  to  200°  (392°  F.),  it  is  con- 
verted into  valerianic  acid. 

Tighc  Acid,  C.HgO,. — This  isomer  of  the  above,  and  of  Methylcrotonic  Acid, 
was  discovered  in  Croton  Oil.  It  exists,  according  to  E.  Schmidt,  in  company 
with  the  above ;  and  it  is  more  than  possible  that  it  is  identical  with  it,  its  boiling 
point  and  that  of  its  ethyl-ether  being  the  same.  (Fliick.  and  Han.,  Schorlemmer 
and  Wittstein.) 

*Comfrey  Root,  Solomon's  Seal,  Helonias  Root,  Chamomile   Flowers,  Colombo   Root,  Gentian  Root,  Cardamom 
Seeds,  Sassafras  Bark,  and  Sherry  Wine, 
t  Page  81-2. 


84-3 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — According  to  the  experiments  made  with  the 
tincture  by  Dr.  Berridge,  Anthemis  causes  the  following  symptoms  of  disturbance  : 
Pain  and  fullness  in  the  head,  lachrymation,  rawness  of  the  throat,  a  feeling  of 
warmth  in  the  stomach  and  desire  for  food,  followed  by  qualmishness  and  nausea ; 
some  abdominal  pain,  freeness  of  the  bowels,  increased  urine  ;  higher  heart's 
action,  lassitude,  and  a  general   feeliny-  of  chilliness. 


Deslkiption  of  Plate  84. 

I.   End  of  a  fertile  braiiLh,  from  an  esca])ecl  garden  plant. 

2.  Ray-floret. 

3.  Disk-floret. 

4.  .Stamen. 

5.  Scales  of  receptacle. 

6.  Stigmas. 

7.  Acheniurn. 

8  and  9.   Longitudinal  section  of  akene. 
(3-9  enlarged.) 


8.") 


^M5^ 


^m. 


ad  naldei.et  pinxt. 


Achillea    Millefolium, Linn. 


N.  OKD -COMPOSIT/E.  85 

Tribe.-SEHECIONIDE/E. 

GLNLS— ACH  ILLEA,*   IINN 

SEX.   SVST.— SVNCENKSIA   SUl'ERIl.UA. 

MILLEFOLIUM. 

YARRO  W. 

SYN.— ACHILLEA,  MILLEFOLIUM,  LINN.    ACHILLEA  SETACEA,  W.  &  KIT. 

COM.    NAMES.— COMMON    YARROW,    MILFOIL,    NOSEBLEED ;    (FR.)  MIL- 
LEFEUILLE;    iGER.)   SCHAFGARBE,   SCHAFRIPPE. 

A  TINC'TrRE  OF    THE  FRESH  PLANT  ACHILLEA  MUXEFOLIUM,  LINN. 

Description. — This  very  common  roadside  herb  rises  to  a  height  of  from 
6  to  20  inches,  from  a  slender,  creeping,  perennial  root,  which,  beside  a  multitude 
of  filiform  rootlets,  gives  off  several  long,  reddish  stolons.  The  stem  is  simple  or 
nearly  so,  erect,  slightly  grooved  and  roughly  hairy.  Leaves  alternate ;  those 
from  near  the  root  wide-petioled,  2  to  6  inches  long ;  those  of  the  stem  proper, 
shorter,  sessile  or  nearly  so,  and  all  in  their  general  outline  more  or  less  lanceo- 
late oblong,  twice  pinnately  parted,  the  divisions  linear,  crowded  and  3  to  5  cleft. 
Peduncles  3  or  more  ;  pedicels  man)',  forming  small,  crowded,  flat-topped  corymbs 
at  the  summit  of  the  plant.  Heads  many-flowered,  radiate.  Involucre,  of  2  to  3 
imbricated  rows  of  ovoid-oblong  scales,  with  a  prominent  midrib  and  brownish, 
scarious  edges.  Rays  4  or  5,  pistillate,  with  a  short,  obovate,  refle.xed  limb, 
more  or  less  3-lobed.  Disk-Jiorets  8  to  12,  bisexual.  Calyx  limb  obsolete. 
Corolla  tubular,  the  summit  slightly  inflated,  5-lobed,  the  lobes  revolute,  acute. 
Stamens  5,  inserted  upon  the  tube,  and  rising  slightly  above  the  face  of  the 
corolla.  Anthers  adnate,  without  tails  at  the  base.  Style  long,  upright,  slender, 
rising  above  the  anthers.  Stig))ia  2-cleft,  the  divisions  recurved  and  fringed  at 
their  tips.  Receptacle  small,  usually  flat  and  chaffy.  Achenia  oblong,  flatten<Hi 
by  compression,  shining  and  slightly  margined.  Pappus  none.  For  a  description 
of  the  natural  order  see  Eupatorium  purpureum,  78. 

History  and  Habitat. — Yarrow  is  an  abundant  weed  in  old,  dry  pastures, 
along  roadsides  and  in  fields  in  the  northern  parts  of  America,  extending  in  this 
country,  as  well  as  in  Western  Asia  and  Europe,  high  in  the  colder  latitudes.  It 
came  to  us  from  Europe,  being  now  fully  naturalized.  The  white  or  sometimes 
pink  flower-heads  blossom  all  summer.  Among  the  Pah-Ute  Indians,  according 
to  Dr.  Edward  Palmer,  this  plant  is  much  used  in  decoction  for  weak  and  dis- 
ordered stomachs.  Linnreus  says,  that  for  a  time  the  Swedes  used  Yarrow  in 
lieu  of  hops  in  the  manufacture  of  beer,  and  claimed  the  beer  thus  brewed  to  be 
a  greater  intoxicant.  Millefolium  has  been  dismissed  from  the  U.  S.  Ph.  In  the 
Eclectic  practice  it  is  used  in  an  infusion,  tincture,  or  the  essential  oil. 

*The  virtues  of  this  genus  are  said  to  have  been  discovered  by  .\chilles. 


85-2 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  whole  fresh  plant  should  be 
gathered  when  flowering  begins,  excluding  all  old  and  woody  stems,  and  chopped 
and  pounded  to  a  pulp ;  then  in  a  new  piece  of  linen  press  out  thoroughly  all  the 
juice  and  mix  it  by  brisk  succussion  with  an  equal  part  by  weight  of  alcohol. 
Allow  the  mixture  to  stand  eight  clays  in  a  dark,  cool  place,  then  filter.  The 
tincture  thus  prepared  .should  be  by  transmitted  light  of  a  clear  reddish-orange 
color ;  its  odor  peculiar,  resembling  that  of  malt  yeast,  pungent  and  agreeable, 
like  the  fresh  plant ;  to  the  taste  acrid  and  slightly  bitter,  and  shows  an  acid 
reaction  to  test  paj^ers. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— ^r/////t'/«  C,,  H^,  N.O,^.  The  body  formerly 
designated  by  this  name  was  a  mixed  alcoholic  extract  of  no  definite  character, 
containing  all  of  the  unvolatilized  principles  of  the  plant;  from  this  mass  the  true 
alkaloid  was  isolated  by  Von  Planta  and  its  composition,  as  above,  determined. 
Achillein  has  no  definite  crystalline  form  ;  it  is  soluble  in  water,  alcohol  and 
ether,  and  has  a  bitter  taste. 

Oil  of  Achillea. — This  oil  is  readily  obtained  by  aqueous  distillation  of  the 
plant ;  that  from  the  flowers  and  green  parts  of  the  herb  has  a  beautiful  dark 
blue  color  and  a  specific  gravity  0.92  ;  that  from  the  achenia  is  greenish-white, 
while  from  the  root  it  is  either  colorless  or  slightly  yellow.  The  oil  from  the 
green  parts,  if  cold,  is  ot  a  butter-like  consistence,  strongly  odorous,  and  with  a 
taste  similar  to  that  of  the  herb  itself 

Achilleic  Acid. — A  strongly  acid,  odorless,  liquid  body,  with  a  density  of 
1.0148  when  fully  concentrated,  crystallizing  in  colorless  quadrilateral  prisms, 
soluble  in  water.      i^Etsupra,  Wittstein.) 

The  plant  contains  besides  the  above  principles  tannin  and  a  resinoid  body  unin- 
vestigated. It  is  considered  by  Griffith  that  the  plant  as  naturalized  in  the  North- 
ern United  States  is  more  active  in  its  properties  than  its  European  progenitors. 

PHYSIOLOGrlCAL  ACTION. — Yarrow  seems  to  have  a  decided  action  upon 
the  bloodvessels,  especially  in  the  pelvis.  It  has  been  proven  to  be  of  great 
utility  in  controlling  ha-morrhages,  especially  of  the  pelvic  viscera,  where  ha;mor- 
rhage  is  caused  by  it.  Its  common  European  name,  Nosebleed,  was  given  from 
the  fact  that  the  early  writers  claimed  hsemorrhage  of  the  nose  followed  placing  its 
leaves  in  the  nostrils  ;  this  may  have  been  either  due  to  its  direct  irritation,  or  the 
use  of  Achillea  ptarmica,  its  leaves  being  very  sharply  serrate  and  appressed- 
toothed.  Millefolium  causes  burning  and  raw  sensations  of  the  membranes 
with  which  it  comes  in  contact,  considerable  pain  in  the  gastric  and  abdominal 
regions,  with  diarrhoea  and  enuresis. 

Description  of  Plate  85. 

1.  Leaf  from  near  the  root. 

2.  Flower-head  (enlarged). 

3.  Ray-floret  (enlarged). 

4.  Toi)  of  plant  from  South  Waverly,  N.  Y.,  June  8th.  iSSo. 

5.  Disk-floret  and  bract  (enlarged). 

6.  Stamens  (enlarged). 


86. 


1 


^m.adnatdeletpinxt  TANACETUM     VULGARE. 


N.  ORD-COMPOSIT^.  86 

Tribe.-SENECIOMIDE/E. 

GENUS.— TANACETUM,*  1. INN. 
si:\.  svsT.— i'(ii.V(;.\Mi.\  .slpkrki.i  a. 


TANACETUM. 

TA^''SY. 


SYN.— TANACETUM  VULGARE,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— TANSY  OR  TANSEY;   (PR.)  TANAISIE;    (GER.)  RAINPARN. 


A  TINCTURE    OF    THE    LE.WES  AND  FLOWERS    OF  TANACETUM  VULGARE,   LINN. 

Description.— This  robust,  acrid-aromatic  perennial,  grows  to  a  height  of  from 
2  to  3  teet.  S/c))i  erect,  glabrous  or  somewhat  pubescent,  leafy  to  the  summit. 
Leaves  alternate,  2  to  3  pinnately  dissected,  glandularly  dotted  ;  divisions  very 
numerous,  confluent,  decurrent,  incisely-serrate,  with  many  small  lobes  interposed 
along  the  common  petiole;  ieeth  cuspidate,  acuminate.  Inflorescence  capitate,  in 
dense,  terminal,  corymbiform  cymes;  heads  numerous,  depressed-hemispherical, 
heterogamous ;  involucre  composed  of  several  imbricated  rows  of  dry,  minute 
scales  ;  Jlozccrs  all  fertile,  the  corollas  sprinkled  with  resinous  dots.  Marginal 
florets  terete,  pistillate ;  rays  inconspicuous,  oblique,  3  -  toothed.  Disk  florets 
densely  crowded,  perfect;  corolla  tubular;  border  5-toothed;  anthers  tailless,  with 
broad,  obtuse  tips.  Style  deciduous,  the  branches  truncate  with  obscure,  conical 
tips.  Pappus  a  coroniform,  dentately  5-lobed  border.  .Ikencs  5-ribbed,  with  a 
large  epigynous  disk. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  common  European  plant  has  escaped  from  gar- 
dens in  many  places  in  this  country,  especially,  however,  in  the  more  eastern 
States,  where  it  flowers  from  July  to  October. 

Tansy  has  been  used  in  medicine,  especially  as  a  carminative  tonic,  since  the 
middle  ages,  its  use  at  the  present  time  being  almost  entirely  laic  and  among 
country  folk.  Bergiusf  recommended  a  cold  infusion  of  the  tops  as  a  tonic  in 
convalescence  from  exhausting  diseases,  dyspepsia,  jaundice  and  periodic  fevers. 
A  warm  infusion  has  been  found  to  be  antihysteric,  antiflatulent,  carminative  and 
stimulant,  and  largely  used  in  amenorrhoea,  dysmenorrhoea  and  abdominal  cramps. 
Dr.  Clark  spoke  highly  of  Its  relief  of  gout.;]:  Hoffman  recommended  the  seeds 
in  10  to  40  grain  doses  as  an  anthelmintic  not  inferior  to  cina,  for  which  action  the 
leaves  are  often  applied  to  the  abdomen  as  a  fomentation.     Dr.  Clapp  speaks  of 

*  Altered  from  i^avania,  nthaiiasia,  not  dying ;  the  n.ime  of  a  genus  of  Composit^e  having  the  nature  of  an  "  everlast- 
ing "  plant. 

t  Afat.  Med.,  664.  +  Essays  Phys.  el  I.il.,  j,  ;^S. 


86-2 

the  infusion  as  being  almost  narcotic,  soothing  nervous  restlessness  and  often 
producing  quiet  sleep.*  The  hot  infusion  has  also  been  considered  diuretic  and 
diaphoretic,  and  found  useful  in  dropsy.  A  fomentation  of  the  leaves  is  often 
used  with  salutary  effect  in  swellings,  tumors,  local  inflammations  and  dysmenor- 
rhcea.  The  oil,  in  doses  ot  from  lo  drops  to  a  drachm  or  more,  is  one  of  the 
most  frequently-used  abortives  by  ignorant  people — a  practice  at  all  times  serious 
and  often  dangerous;  even  if  desisted  in,  after  one  or  more  attempts,  the  develop- 
ment of  the  foetus  is  very  liable  to  be  interefered  with ;  hemorrhage  also  often 
occurs — not  so  dangerous  generally  as  that  following  the  use  of  nutmegs,  but 
very  often  serious. 

The  leaves  and  tops  are  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph., — in  the  Eclectic  Materia 
Medica  the  preparation  relied  upon  is  Infnsum  Tanaccti:  it  is  also  a  component 
of  Tinclura  Lands   Co?nposita.-\ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— Equal  parts  of  the  fresh  leaves  and 
blossoms  are  to  be  treated  as  directed  under  Inula  (page  81-2).  The  resulting 
tincture,  after  filtration,  should  have  a  clear  greenish-orange  color  by  transmitted 
light  ;  it  should  retain  the  peculiar  odor  and  taste  of  the  plant  to  a  high  degree; 
and  show  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.—  Oil  of  Tansy.  This  peculiar  yellow,  or 
greenish-yellow  volatile  oil,  possesses  fully  the  odor  and  taste  of  the  plant ;  it 
is  lighter  than  water,  its  sp.  gr.  being  0.952  ;  it  is  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  will  de- 
posit a  camphor  on  standing. 

Tauacctin,  CjjH„.O^.J — This  bitter,  amorphous  principle  is  found  principally 
in  the  flowers  ;  it  is  soluble  both  in  alcohol  and  water — most  readily,  however,  in 
the  latter. 

TanacchiDitannic  Acid,  Q-jH^^Ogj.  —  This  specific  tannin  has  also  been  iso- 
lated by  Leppig ;  §  of  its  characteristics  I  am  unacquainted. 

Leppig  §  also  found  in  this  species:  a  resin  and  gallic,  citric,  malic,  o.xalic  and 
meta-arabinic  acids. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Many  serious,  and  not  a  few  fatal,  cases  of 
poisoning,  by  oil  of  tansy,  are  reported,  among  which  the  following  will  show  the 
sphere  of  toxic  action  held  by  this  drug:  A  young  woman  had  been  in  the 
habit  of  using  tansy  tea,  made  from  the  herb,  at  nearly  every  menstrual  period, 
for  difficult  menstruation.  .  .  On  this  occasion  about  two  and  a  half  drachms 
of  the  oil  was  poured  into  half  an  ordinary  tin  cupful  of  water;  this,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  a  small  portion  of  the  water  containing  about  one-half  drachm  of  the 
oil,  was  taken  at  one  dose.  Convulsions  were  almost  at  once  produced,  and  when 
Dr.  Bailey  was  sent  for  the  patient  was  unconscious,  foaming  at  the  mouth,  and  in 

*  Catalogue,  800. 

t  .See  foot-note,  p.  33-3. 

X  O.  Leppig,  C/iem.  Zeiltmg,  1862,  328  yAm.  Jour.  Phar.,  1885,  28S). 

I  n>id. 


86-3 

violent  tonic  spasms,  with  dilated  inipils,  frequent  and  feeble  pulse.  Constant 
kneading  on  the  stomach  had  produced  partial  emesis,  and  then  ipecac,  mustard, 
and  large  draughts  of  hot  water,  emptied  the  stomach.  Two  drachms  of  magne- 
sia were  then  given,  and  a  full  dose  of  acetate  of  morphine;  consciousness  then 
returned,  no  unfavorable  symptoms  iollowed,  and,  alter  thirt)-six  hours,  with- 
out additional  medication  she  was  entirely  restored. '•' 

A  married  woman  aged  2S,  accustomed  to  taking  5-drop  doses  without  incon- 
venience, took  from  15  to  20  drops.  Shortly  after,  she  complained  of  dizziness, 
agonizing  pain  in  the  head  and  burning  in  the  stomach  ;  a  sense  of  cold  numbness 
crept  over  her  limbs,  increasing  until  it  amounted  almost  to  paralysis ;  convulsions 
followed,  during  which  she  vomited  twice,  freely,  and  finally  uttered  a  shriek  and 
fell  senseless  to  the  floor.  She  continued  in  this  comatose  condition  for  over  an 
hour,  when,  on  again  vomiting,  she  recovered  consciousness.f 

A  woman  took  half  an  ounce  of  the  oil  ;  the  most  violent,  rigid  kind  of  clonic 
spasms  occurred  once  in  about  twelve  minutes,  coming  on  generally  and  instantly, 
and  continuing  about  one  minute.  They  were  attended  with  slight,  if  any  mo- 
tion of  the  arms  ;  it  might  be  called  a  trembling.  The  arms  were  peculiarly  af- 
fected, and  invariably  in  the  same  way;  they  were  thrown  out  forward  of,  and  at 
right  angles  with,  the  body  ;  the  hands  at  the  wrists  bent  at  right  angles,  with 
the  fore-arm  supinated,  the  points  of  the  fingers  nearly  in  contact,  the  fingers 
straight  and  slightly  bent  at  the  metatarsophalangeal  joints.  The  muscles  of 
respiration  were  strongly  affected  during  each  paroxysm  ;  air  was  forced  from  the 
chest  slowly  but  steadily,  and  made  a  slight  hissing  noise  as  it  escaped  from  be- 
tween the  patient's  lips.  During  the  intermission  of  spasm,  the  muscles  were 
perfectly  flexible,  and  the  transition  seemed  very  sudden.  The  jaws  were  the 
only  exception  to  this  rule  ;  they  were,  for  the  first  hour  and  a  quarter,  rigidly 
closed,  and  were  with  difficulty  opened,  but  after  that  were  subjected  to  the  same 
action  as  the  rest  of  the  body — when  the  spasms  were  on  they  were  rigid  ;  when 
off,  they  were  relaxed.  After  the  patient  grew  weaker,  the  spasms  were  more 
frequent,  but  had  about  the  same  severity  and  length.   Death  ensued  in  two  hours. J 

A  young  woman  took  two  tablespoonfuls  of  the  oil  to  procure  abortion,  after 
which,  those  who  saw  her  related,  that  she  suffered  from  symptoms  much  resem- 
bling apoplexy.  Two  weeks  afterward,  the  vaginal  walls  of  the  labia  were  found 
inflamed  to  such  extent  that  one  of  them  resulted  in  an  enormous  abscess  ;  the 
sclerotic  coat  of  the  eye  was  also  so  congested  that  it  had  a  dark  purple,  glassy 
appearance,  and  was  so  badly  swollen  that  the  cornea  seemed  to  be  depressed. § 

A  girl  aged  21  years,  took  11  drachms  of  the  oil  to  produce  an  abortion. 
Total  unconsciousness  soon  followed  ;  at  Intervals  of  5  or  10  minutes  the  body 
was  convulsed  by  strong  spasms,  in  which  the  head  was  thrown  back,  the  respira- 
tion suspended,  the  arms  raised  and  kept  rigidly  extended,  and  the  fingers  con- 
tracted.    After  this  state  of  rigidity  had  continued  for  about  half  a  minute,  it  was 


*  Dr.  W.  W.  Bailey,  in  the  S/.  Lotiis  Courier  of  Medicine,  April,  1885. 

t  A.  D.  Binkerd,  M.D.,  AM.  and  Surg.  Rep.,  1870,  588. 

I  C.  T.  Hildr.-dth,  M.D.,  Med.  Mag.,  1834  (Am.  J.  of  Med.  Sci.,  1S35,  256). 

\  E.  M.  Hale,  M.D.,  West.  Horn.  Obs.,  1S69,  345. 


86-4 

usually  succeeded  by  tremulous  motion  often  sufficient  to  shake  the  room,  to- 
gether with  very  faint  and  very  imperfect  attempts  at  inspiration.  The  whole 
interval,  from  the  commencement  of  the  convulsion  to  the  first  full  inspiration, 
varied  from  a  minute  to  a  minute  and  a  half  Respiration  was  hurried,  labored, 
stertorous,  and  obstructed  by  an  abundance  of  frothy  mucus,  which  filled  the 
air  passages  and  was  blown  from  between  the  lips  in  expiration  ;  the  breath  had 
a  strong  odor  of  Tansy.  Occasionally  the  tongue  was  wounded  by  the  teeth,  and 
the  saliva  slightly  tinged  with  blood.  Immediately  after  a  convulsion  the  counte- 
nance was  very  pallid  and  livid,  from  the  suspension  of  respiration,  and  the  pulse, 
which,  during  the  spasm,  was  quite  forcible,  full  and  rapid,  was  now  exceedingly 
reduced  in  strength  and  frequency.  The  pulse  and  color  then  gradually  returned, 
until  the  next  spasm  came  on.  It  was  very  common,  a  kw  seconds  after  the  ter- 
mination of  a  convulsion,  for  the  head  to  be  drawn  slowly  backward,  and  the  eye- 
lids at  the  same  time  stretched  wide  open,  at  which  times  the  eyes  were  very  bril- 
liant; pupils  of  equal  size,  widely  dilated,  anci  immovable;  and  the  sclerotics  injected. 
A  little  inward  strabismus  was  noticeable,  of  the  right  eye,  as  was,  also,  occasionally 
slow,  lateral,  rolling  motion  of  the  eye-balls.  The  mouth  and  nose  were  at  times 
drawn  a  little  to  the  right  side.  In  the  intervals  of  the  convulsions,  the  limbs 
were  mostly  relaxed,  but  the  jaws  remained  clenched.  The  skin  was  warm,  but  not 
remarkable  as  to  moisture.     The  victim  died  in  three  hours  and  a  half* 

On  Animals. — Dr.  Ely  Van  DeVVarker  records  cases  of  the  action  of  the 
oil  upon  dogs.  In  one  case  two  drachms  were  given,  causing  salivation,  vomiting, 
dilation  of  the  pupils,  muscular  twitchings,  followed  by  clonic  spasms,  and  a  cata- 
leptic condition  from  which  the  animal  recovered.  Recovery  also  followed  a  half 
ounce  after  the  same  class  of  symptoms,  but,  however,  on  repeating  the  dose,  the 
already  poisoned  animal  was  plunged  into  a  long  and  fatal  convulsion  Post- 
mortem examination  disclosed  the  cerebral  veins  and  spinal  cord  itself  highly 
congested,  and  serous  effusions  had  taken  place  in  the  pia  mater.  The  lungs 
were  found  to  be  engorged,  the  left  heart  empty,  and  the  right  distended  with 
dark,  liquid  blood.  Congestion  of  the  kidneys  had  also  taken  place,  and  the 
bladder  was  found  contracted.f 

The  safe  maximum  dose  of  the  oil  is  indeterminable,  a  few  drops  only 
sometimes   proving  serious. 

The  symptoms  occurring  in  a  number  of  cases  of  poisoning  and  experiments, 
were  substantially  as  follows :  Mental  confusion,  loss  of  consciousness  ;  vertigo, 
with  cephalalgia ;  at  first  contraction,  then  wide  dilation,  of  the  pupils,  staring, 
immovable  eye-balls ;  ringing  in  the  ears ;  face  congested ;  roughness  of  the 
mouth  and  throat,  difficult  deglutition  ;  eructations,  nausea,  free  vomiting,  and 
burning  of  the  stomach  ;  sharp  colic  pains  in  the  abdomen  ;  diarrhoea  ;  constant 
desire  to  urinate — urine  at  first  suppressed,  then  profuse  ;  respiration  hurried 
and  laborious ;  pulse  at    first  high,    then   very  low  and   irregular ;    numbness  of 


*  J.  C.  Dalton,  Jr.,  M.D.,  Am.  Jour.  Med.  .SV/.,  1S52,  p.  ij6. 
t  T/ie  Detection  of  Criiiiinal  .Abortion. 


86-5 
the  extremities ;  tonic  and  clonic  spasms,  and  nervous  tremblings ;  drowsiness 
and  cold  sweat.     Death  appears    to  ensue  from  paralysis  of  the  heart  and  luncs. 


Descrii'tion  oi'  Plate  86. 

I.   Summit  of  an  escaped  [jlant,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  July  21st,  1886. 

2.  A  flower-head. 

3.  A  flower-head,  longitudinal  section. 

4.  A  floret. 

5.  Anther. 

(4  and  5  enlarged.) 


87. 


.Ul.adnatdel.etpinxf. 


.j^ 


Artemisia  Vulgaris,  Linr 


N.  ORD -COMPOSITE.  87 

Thbe.-SENECIONIDE/E. 

GENUS.  — A  RT  E  M  I  S  I  A . 

SEX.  SYST.— SV.\UEM:SI.\  SLI'KRILUA. 


ARTEMISIA   VULGARIS 


MUGWORT. 


SYN.— ARTEMISIA  VULGARIS,     LINN.;    A.  HETBROPHYLLUS,   NUTT. ;    A. 

INDICA   CANADENSIS.  BESS. 
COM.  NAMES.— MUGWORT;    (FR.)    COURONNE   DB   ST.  JEAN;    (GBR.)   BI- 

FUSS. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  ROOT  OF  ARTEMISIA  VULGARIS,  LINN. 


Description. — This  perennial  herb  grows  to  a  height  of  from  2  to  3  feet. 
Stem  erect,  furrowed,  paniculately  branched.  Leaves  mostly  glabrous  and  green 
above,  white-woolly  beneath  and  on  the  branches,  the  lower  laciniate,  the  median 
pinnatifid,  the  upper  lanceolate  to  linear;  diz'isions  often  cut-lobed  or  linear- 
lanceolate.  Inflorescence  glomerate,  in  open,  leafy  jjanicles ;  heads  numerous, 
small,  ovoid,  heterogamous ;  floivers  all  fertile ;  involucre  mostly  oblong,  cam- 
panulate ;  brads  scarious,  sparingly  arachnoid,  but  mostly  glabrate.  Corolla 
smooth.  Receptacle  naked.  Otherwise  agreeing  in  minutiae  of  florets  and  sexual 
organs  with  the  following  species,  p.  88. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Common  Mugvvort  is  an  immigrant  from  Europe 
in  most  of  its  situations  here,  but  is  considered  apparently  indigenous  at  Hudson's 
Bay  by  Prof.  Gray.  It  is  naturalized  in  Canada  and  the  Atlantic  States,  where  it 
frequents  old  fields  and  gardens,  roadsides,  and  waste  places,  and  flowers  from 
September  till  October. 

Hippocrates  very  frequently  mentions  Artemisia  as  of  use  in  promoting  uter- 
ine evacuations.  Dioscorides  and  Galen  used  it  as  a  fomentation  for  amenorrh(x-a 
and  hysteria — a  practice  then  in  vogue  among  the  women  of  China.  German 
physicians  have  urged  the  drug  in  epilepsy,  but  it  has  nevertheless  fallen  entirely 
into  disrepute,  being  now  very  seldom,  if  ever,  used  in  any  disease. 

That  torturous,  barbaric  practice,  the  use  of  the  Moxa,  is  closely  related  to 
this  plant,  as  it  was  one  of  the  substances,  in  connection  with  ./.  Cl/lnensis,  used 
in  the  manufacture  of  that  pastile. 

The  Mexican  Pharmacopceia  is  now,  we  believe,  the  only  one  recognizing  this 
druor. 


87-2 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root  is  chopped  and  pounded 
to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp 
thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added. 
After  thorough  succussion,  the  whole  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and 
allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture  thus  prepared 
should,  after  straining  and  filtering,  have  a  deep  yellowish-brown  color  by  trans- 
mitted light;  a  characteristic,  uncomparable  odor — that  of  the  bruised  leaves;  an 
aromatic,  slightly  bitter  taste  ;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — No  analysis  has,  as  far  as  we  are  able  to 
ascertain,  been  made  of  this  plant  since  Baierus  found  that  by  fermentation,  dis- 
tillation, and  mixture  with  water,  a  fragrant  sapid  liquor  was  obtained,  with  a  thin 
fragrant  oil  upon  the  surface. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Mugwort  is  said  to  cause  increase  of  epileptic 
spasms  ;  irritation  of  the  nervous  system  ;  profuse  sweat,  having  a  fetid,  cadaver- 
ous odor,  resembling  garlic  ;  violent  contractions  of  the  uterus  ;  labor-like  pains  ; 
prolapsus  and  rupture  of  the  uterus;  miscarriage;  metrorrhagia;  and  increase  of 
lochial  discharges.'^' 


Description  of  Plate  87. 
I.  A  portion  of  a  panicle,  from  Salem,  Mass.,  August  loth,  1885. 


*  Noak  and  Tvinks. 


F 


^m. 


#1  %^    # 


ad  naldei.et  pinxt 


Artemi'sia  Absinthium, Linn. 


m 


N.  ORD-COMPOSIT^.  88 

Tribe-SENECIONIDE/E. 

GENUS.— ARTEMISIA,*   l.INN. 
SKX.  SVST.— 1'OLVc;AMIA  SUl'ERl'LUA. 


absinthium; 

]] 'OEM  WOOD. 

SYN.— ARTEMISIA  ABSINTHIUM,  LINN. ;  ABSINTHIUM  VULGARB,  PARK.; 

A.  OFFICINALE,  LAM. 
COM.  NAMES.— WORMWOOD  ;    (FR.)  ABSINTHE;   (GER.  i  WERMUTH. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  LEAVES   AND  FLOWERS  OF  ARTEMISIA  ABSINTHIUM,  LINN. 

Description. — This  bitter,  aromatic,  frutescent  perennial,  attains  a  growtli  of 
2  to  4  feet.  Stem  stiff,  almost  ligneous  at  the  base  and  paniculately  branched  ; 
branches  of  two  kinds,  some  fertile,  others  barren.  Leaves  alternate,  2  to  3  pin- 
nately  parted,  finely  pubescent  with  close  silky  hairs,  the  uppermost  lanceolate, 
entire ;  leaflets  oblong  or  lanceolate,  obtuse  and  entire,  sparingly  toothed  or 
incised.  Inflorescence  in  long,  leafy  panicles  ;  heads  numerous,  small,  heteroga- 
mous,  on  slender  nodding  pedicles ;  invohicre  canescent ;  bracts  of  two  kinds,  i  to 
2  loose,  narrow,  herbaceous  ones,  and  several  that  are  roundish  and  scarious ; 
florets  many,  all  discoid,  the  central  hermaphrodite,  the  marginal  pistillate.  Corol- 
las tubular  glabrous;  Ihnb  nearly  entire  in  the  marginal  florets,  5-toothed,  and 
spreading  in  the  central.  Style  2-cleft,  in  the  marginal  florets  bilamellar,  with  the 
inner  surfaces  stigmatic,  in  the  central  bifurcated  with  only  the  tips  stigmatose, 
fringed  or  fimbriate.  Antheis  tipped  with  an  acuminate  appendage,  not  inflexed. 
Receptacle  flattish,  beset  with  long  woolly  hairs;  akenes  obovoid  or  oblong;  pappus 
none. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  European  synonym  of  bitterness  has  escaped 
from  gardens  in  many  places  in  North  America,  especially,  however,  in  Nova 
Scotia,  New  England,  and  at  Moose  Factory,  Hudson's  Bay.  It  blossoms  with  us 
from  the  latter  part  of  July  to  October. 

Wormwood  has  been  used  in  medicine  from  ancient  times.  Dioscorides  and 
Pliny  considered  it  to  be  a  stomachic  tonic,  and  anthelmintic.  Boerhaave,  Linnjeus, 
Haller,  and  all  of  the  earlier  writers  speak  of  its  good  effects  in  many  disorders, 
such  as,  intermittents,  hypochondriasis,  gout,  scurvy,  calculus,  and  hepatic  and 
splenic  obstructions.  Bergius,  in  recounting  its  virtues,  says  it  is  "  antiputredi- 
nosa,  antacida,  anthelmintica,  resolens,  tonica,  et  stomachia."     The  famous  "  Port- 


*  Artemisia,  the  Greek  Diana,  goddess  of  chastity,  as  the  plant  was  thought  to  bring  on  early  puberty.     Pliny  says 
the  name  is  in  honor  of  Artemisia,  queen  of  Mausolus,  king  of  Caria. 

t  "Ai^ii'Sioi',  apsinlhion,  the  classical  name  of  many  species  of  the  genus. 


88-2 

land  powder,"  once  noted  for  its  efficacy  in  gout,  had  this  drug  as  its  principal 
ingredient.  A  decoction  has  ever  been  found  a  most  excellent  application  for 
wounds,  bruises,  and  sprains,  relieving  the  pain  nicely  in  most  cases  ;  every  reader 
will  recall  "wormwood  and  vinegar"  in  this  connection.  Latterly  it  has  been 
found  diuretic,  discutient,  and  antispasmodic  in  epilepsy. 

The  bitterness  of  the  herb  is  communicated  to  the  milk  of  cows  who  may 
browse  upon  it,  and  also  to  mothers'  milk  if  the  drug  be  taken. 

Brewers  are  said  to  add  the  fruits  to  their  hops  to  make  the  beer  more  heady  ; 
and  rectifiers  also  to  their  spirits.  Absinthe  forms  one  of  the  favorite  drinks  for 
those  who  love  stimulating  beverages ;  it  is  compounded  of  various  aromatics  as 
follows:  Green  anise  (Pimpinella  anisi).  Star  anise  (Illicum  anisatum),  Large 
absinth  (Artemisia  absinthium).  Small  absinth  (Artemisia  pontica),  Coriander 
(Coriandum  sativum),  and  Hyssop  (Hyssopus  officinalis);  these  are  distilled  to- 
gether until  the  distillate  comes  over  reddish,  then  the  following  herbs  and  products 
are  steeped  in  the  distillate  to  color  and  flavor  it:  Peppermint  (Mentha  piperita). 
Balm  (Melissa  officinalis).  Citron  peel  (Citrus  medicus),  and  Liquorice  root  (Gly- 
cyrrhiza  glabra). 

The  leaves  and  tops  of  the  plant  are  recognized  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  and  the 
officinal  preparation  is  Vinum  Aromalicwn:^  It  is  officinal  in  the  Eclectic  Materia 
Medica  as  Absinthiiic  and  Infusum  Absynthii. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  young  leaves  and  the  blos- 
soms are  treated  as  in  the  preceding  species.  The  resulting  tincture  is  opaque  ; 
in  thin  layers  it  has  a  beautiful  crimson  color;  its  odor  is  terebinthic  and  pleasant ; 
its  taste  extremely  and  penetratingly  bitter ;  and  its  reaction  acid. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.—  ?Va^//^  Oil  of  Wormwood.  This  oil,  isomeric 
with  camphor,  consists  principally  of  absinthol,  Cj^Hj^O.  It  is  dark  green,  acrid, 
and  bitter,  retains  the  odor  of  the  plant,  boils  at  205°  (401°  F.),  has  a  sp.  gr.  of 
0.973,  3-nd  is  soluble  to  almost  any  extent  in  alcohol. 

Absinthin,  C^^H^gO^. — This  bitter  principle  when  first  extracted  forms  in  yel- 
low globules,  which  soon  crystallize  and  become  a  bitter,  neutral,  inodorous,  friable 
powder,  fusing  at  120°  (248°  F.)  to  125°  (257°  F.).  It  is  soluble  in  alcohol,  slighdy 
also  in  water,  and  forms  no  sugar  on  decomposing  with  a  mineral  acid. 

Succinic  Acid.f  C^H^Oj. — This  acid,  together  with  citric  and  malic  acids,  exists 
in  the  leaves  and  fruit  of  the  plant,  from  which  it  may  be  isolated  in  inodorous, 
moderately  acid,  klinorhombic  prisms,  that  fuse  at  180°  (356°  F.),  boil  at  235° 
(455°  F.),  and  are  soluble  in  alcohol  and  twenty-five  parts  water. 

Potassium  Chloride,  KCl. — This  salt  has  been  determined  in  the  plant,J  from 
which  it  may  be  isolated  in  yellowish  cubes  and  octahedrons. 

*  One  part  each  of  Lavender,  Origanum,  Peppermint,  Rosemary,  Sage,  and  Wormwood. 

t  .A.bsynthic  Acid  of  Braconnot. 

X  Kunsmuller,  Ann.  de  C/iim.,  vi,  35,  from  the  ash;  Claassen,  Am.  Jour.  Sci.,  1882,  323,   from  the  extract. 


88-3 

Braconnot  also  determined  a  green  and  a  bitter  resin,  albumen,  starch,  a 
tasteless  nitrogenized  body,  a  bitter  nitrogenized  body,  and  nitre.* 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— A  druggist's  clerk  took  about  half  an  ounce  of 
the  oil ;  he  was  found  on  the  floor  perfecdy  insensible,  convulsed,  and  foamino-  at 
the  mouth;  shortly  afterward  the  convulsions  ceased,  the  patient  remained  insen- 
sible with  the  jaws  locked,  pupils  dilated,  pulse  weak,  and  stomach  retching.  After 
causing  free  emesis  and  applying  stimulants  the  man  recovered,  but  could  not 
remember  how  or  when  he  had  taken  the  drug.  According  to  Dr.  Legrand,  the 
effects  prominent  in  absinthe  drinkers  are :  Derangement  of  the  digestive  organs, 
intense  thirst,  restlessness,  vertigo,  tingling  in  the  ears,  and  illusions  of  sight  and 
hearing.  These  are  followed  by  tremblings  in  the  arms,  hands,  and  legs,  numbness 
of  the  extremities,  loss  of  muscular  power,  delirium,  loss  of  intellect,  general  paral- 
ysis, and  death.  Dr.  Magnan,  who  had  a  great  number  of  absinthe  drinkers  under 
his  care,  and  who  performed  many  experiments  with  the  liquor  upon  animals,  states 
that  peculiar  epileptic  attacks  result,  which  he  has  called  "absinthe  epilepsy." f 

Post-Mortcni. — Great  congestion  of  the  cerbro-spinal  vessels,  of  the  meninges 
of  the  brain,  extreme  hyper^emia  of  the  medulla  oblongata,  injection  of  the  vessels 
of  the  cord,  with  suffusion  of  the  cord  itself  The  stomach,  endocardium,  and 
pericardium  show  small  ecchymoses.J 


Description  of  Plate  88. 

I.  End  of  a  flowering  branch,  escaped  at  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  loth,  1885. 

2.  A  lower  leaf. 

3.  Flower  head. 

4.  Marginal  floret. 

5.  Central  floret. 

6.  Anther. 

7.  Style  of  central  floret. 
C3-7  enlarged.) 

*  Thomson,  Organic  Chem.,  1838,  864. 

f  Et  supra,  Taylor  On  Poisons,  1885,  652. 

X  Jour,  of  Physiological  Med.,  9,  525;  in  Allen,  Ency.  Mat.  Meii.,  loc.  cit. 


89. 


^m. 


ad  nat.dei.et  pinxt. 


GnAPHAUUM     POLYCEPHALUM,  Michx. 


N.  ORD-COMPOSIT^.  89 

Tnbe.-SENECIONIDE/E. 

GENUS— GN  APHALIUM,*  LINN. 


SEX.   SV.ST.— .SVNGENKSl.V  .SI  TKKl- l.l  A. 


GNAPHALIUM. 


em^:blastta'G. 


SYN.  — GNAPHALIUM     POL YCEPH ALUM,    MICHX. ;      G.    OBTUSIFOLIUM. 

LINN.;    G.   CONOIDEUM.   LAM. 
COM.    NAMES.  — FRAGRANT    EVERLASTING,    LIFE    EVERLASTING,    OLD 

FIELD  BALSAM,  V^HITE  BALSAM,  INDIAN  POSEY,  CAT  FOOT,  SILVER 

LEAF,  NONE-SO-PRETTY;  (FR.  i  IMMORTELLE,  LB  COTONNIERE  ;  (GER.) 

IMMERSCHON  RUHKRAUT. 


A    riNCTURE   OF  THE  WHOLE   PL.'\NT  GNAPHALIUM   POLVCEPHALUM,  MICHX. 

Description. — This  persistent,  annual  herb,  usually  grows  to  a  height  of  from 
I  to  3  feet.  Stem  erect,  terete,  and  floccose-woolly ;  branches  numerous  at  the 
summit,  either  glabrous  or  minutely  viscid-pubescent  when  the  wool  is  off.  Leaves 
alternate,  closely  serrate  or  slightly  amplexicaul,  but  never  decurrent,  somewhat 
aromatic,  thinnish,  all  lanceolate  or  linear,  narrowed  at  the  base,  and  mucronately 
acute  or  acuminate  at  the  tip,  soon  bare  and  green,  or  viscid-puberulent  above  ; 
mar  otitis  entire,  often  finely  undulate.  Inflorescoice  in  terminal -paniculate,  or 
cymose,  glomerules ;  heads  numerous,  ovate-conoidal  before  expansion,  then  obo- 
vate,  all  discoid  and  heterogamous  ;  involucre  woolly  only  at  the  base  ;  brads 
oblong,  obtuse,  thin,  dull  white,  becoming  somewhat  rusty-colored,  pluriserially- 
imbricate,  without  tips  or  appendages ;  receptacle  flat,  chafifless,  and  bractless. 
Floiuers  fertile  throughout,  arranged  in  several  rows;  corona  filitorm-tubular, 
shorter  than  the  style ;  anthers  with  slender  tails.  Hermaphrodite  flozoers,  very 
few;  styles  two-cleft,  the  branches  mostly  truncate.  Akcncs  terete,  lightly  3-  to  4- 
nerved,  smooth  and  glabrous ;  pappus  a  single  row  of  scabrous,  capillary  bristles, 
each  free  at  the  base  and  falling  separately. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  species  is  indigenous  to  North  America,  where 
it  ranges  from  Florida  and  Texas  northward  to  Canada  and  Wisconsin.  It  grows 
upon  old  fields  and  in  quite  open,  dry  woods,  and  blossoms  from  July  to  October. 

The  Everlastings  formed  a  part  of  aboriginal  medication,  and  from  there  they 
descended  to  the  white  settlers,  who,  in  conjunction  with  the  more  or  less  botanic 
physicians,  used  them  about  as  follows :  The  herb,  as  a  masticatory,  has  always 
been  a  popular  remedy,  on  account  of  its  astringent  properties,  in  ulceration  of  the 

*  Vii^aKov,  gnaphalon,  a  lock  of  wool ;  from  the  floccose  appearance  of  any  torn  or  broken  end. 


89-2 

mouth  and  fauces,  and  for  quinsy.  A  hot  decoction  proves  pectoral  and  some- 
what anodyne,  as  well  as  sudorific  in  early  stages  of  fevers.  A  cold  infusion  has 
been  much  used  in  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  and  hemorrhage  of  the  bowels,  and  is 
somewhat  vermifugal ;  it  is  also  recommended  in  leucorrhoea.  The  fresh  juice  is 
considered  anti-venereal.  Hot  fomentations  of  the  herb  have  been  used  like  Arnica, 
fur  sprains  and  bruises,  and  form  a  good  vulnerary  for  painful  tumors  and  un- 
healthy ulcers.  The  dried  flowers  are  recommended  as  a  quieting  filling  for  the 
pillows  of  consumptives. 

Of  Antctmaria  plantaginifolia.  Hook.  (Gnaphalium  plantaginifolium,  Linn.), 
Rafinesque  says:  "For  a  small  fee,  the  Indians,  who  call  this  plant  SiiijacJni,^''^ 
allow  themselves  to  be  bitten  by  a  rattlesnake,  and  immediately  cure  themselves 
with  this  herb." 

Gnaphalium  is  not  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph. ;  in  the  Eclectic  Dispensatory,  the 
preparation  recommended  is :   Infus^im  Gitapkalii. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant,  gathered  when 
the  flowers  are  still  young,  should  be  treated  as  directed  for  the  root  of  Inula.* 
The  resulting  tincture  should  have  a  brownish-orange  color  by  transmitted  light; 
a  pleasant,  slightly  balsamic  odor ;  a  taste  at  first  aromatic,  then  bitter ;  and  an 
acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— No  analysis  to  determine  the  character  of 
the  bitter  principle  has  been  made.  The  herb  contains  a  little  resin,  a  volatile 
oil,  a  bitter  principle,  and  tannin;  and  yields  all  its  sensible  qualities  to  both  water 
and  alcohol. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  symptoms  following  the  ingestion  of  from 
15  drops  to  a  half  ounce  of  the  tincture,  at  the  hands  of  Dr.  Woodbury,-)-  were 
essentially  as  follows :  Slight  abdominal  griping,  vomiting  and  purging;  profuse 
diarrhoea,  dark-colored  offensive  passages.  Experiments  with  small  doses  of  the 
triturated  dry  flowers  and  leaves,  at  the  hands  of  Dr.  Banks,J  corroborated  the 
above  symptoms,  though  the  result  was  less  severe,  and  gave  the  following  symp- 
toms beside :  Giddiness,  especially  on  rising ;  dull,  heavy  expression  of  counte- 
nance ;  diminished  appetite;  rumbling  of  flatus,  increased  urine;  sexual  excite- 
ment ;   intense  sciatic  pain  ;  weakness,  and  languor. 


Description  of  Pl.^te  89. 

Summit  of  plant,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  loth,  1886. 

2.   A  leaf  (from  a  plant  gathered  liy  Chapman  in  Florida). 

•5.  Outer )        ,       r  ■ 

-  \  scale  of  involucre. 

4.  inner  ) 

5.  Floret. 

6.  Stigmas. 

7.  Seed. 

(3-7  enlarged.) 


Page  81-2.  t  Trans.  Mass.  Bom.  So,:  J  TV.  A.  Jotii:  Horn.,  7,  3S3. 


90. 


^m.Bd 


nstdel.etpjnxt. 


ERECHTHItES     HiERACIFOLIA.Rat. 


N.  ORD. -COMPOSITE.  90 

Tribe.-SENEGIONIDE/E. 

GENUS.— ERECHTHITES,*  RAF. 
SE.\.  SVST.— SVNCIENliSI.^  SLl'KKKI.l   \ 


ERECHTHITES. 


FIRE  WEED. 

SYN.— ERECHTHITES  HIBRACIPOLIA,  PREALTA,  AND  ELONGATA,  RAF. ; 

SENECIO  HIERACIFOLIUS,  LINN.;   CINERARIA  CANADENSIS,  WALT. 

COM.  NAMES.— FIREWEED  ;   (FR.i  HERBE  DE  FEU;   (GBR.)  FEUERKRAUT. 

A  TINCTURK  OF    THE  WHOLE  PLANT  ERFCHTHLrES  HIKRACIFOLLA,  RAF. 

Description. —  This  rank,  glabrous,  or  slightly  hairy  annual,  usually  grows 
from  I  to  7  feet  high.  Skin  stout,  erect,  virgate,  sulcate,  and  leafy  to  the  top. 
Leaves  alternate,  sessile,  tender,  and  thin,  all  narrowly  or  broadly  lanceolate 
and  acute;  margins  sharply  denticulate  or  somewhat  pinnately  incised  ;  bases  oi 
the  upper  leaves  somewhat  auriculate  and  partly  clasping.  Inflorescence  in  a  loose, 
terminal,  corymbose  panicle  ;  heads  about  one  half  inch  long,  cylindraceous,  hetero- 
gamous,  and  discoid  ;  involucre  a  single  row  of  erect,  linear,  acute  scales  ;  bracteoles 
few,  setaceous ;  flowers  numerous,  white,  or  ochroleucous,  the  outer  female,  the 
inner  hermaphrodite.  Corollas  2\\  slender  and  tubular.  Female  florets :  corolla- 
tube  filiform,  the  limb  slightly  dilated,  and  2-  4-toothed.  Hermaplirodite  flowers  : 
corolla-tube  filiform,  the  limb  short,  cyathiform,  4-  5-lobed.  Anthers  tailless.  Style- 
branches  narrow,  tipped  with  a  conical  pubescence.  Receptacle  flat  and  naked. 
Pappus  white  and  copious  ;  bristles  soft,  fine,  and  elongated.  Akcnes  oblong, 
somewhat  striate,  tapering  at  the  end. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  coarse,  homely,  indigenous  weed  ranges  from 
Newfoundland  and  Canada  southward  to  South  America ;  it  grows  in  moist,  open 
woods,  upon  enriched  soil,  and  blossoms  in  July  and  September.  Its  vulgarism, 
Fireweed,  is  given  it  on  account  of  its  seeking  newly-burned  fallows,  there  growing 
in  its  greatest  luxuriance. 

The  whole  plant  is  succulent,  bitter,  and  somewhat  acrid,  and  has  been  used 
by  the  laity  principally  as  an  emetic,  alterative,  cathartic,  acrid  tonic,  and  astringent, 
in  various  forms  of  eczema,  muco-sanguineous  diarrhoea,  and  hemorrhages.  The 
oil,  as  well  as  the  herb  itself,  has  been  found  highly  serviceable  in  piles  and  dys- 
entery. 

In  the  Eclectic  Dispensatory,  the  preparations  recommended  for  use  are  : 
Oleum  Frechthiti  and  Infusum  Freeh thiti. 

*  Derived  from  the  ancient  name  of  some  troublesome  groundsel. 


90-2 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  whole  fresh,  flowering  plant  is 
treated  as  recommended  for  the  next  drug.* 

The  resulting  tincture  has  a  clear,  beautiful,  reddish-orange  color  by  trans- 
mitted light ;  a  sourish  odor,  resembling  that  of  claret  wine  ;  a  taste  at  first  sourish, 
then  astringent  and  bitter;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — In  all  probability,  the  principal  virtues  of  the 
plant  reside  in  its  peculiar  volatile  oil,  though  no  analysis  to  determine  other  bodies 
has  been  made. 

Oil  of  Ercchthites. — This  fluid,  transparent,  yellowish  oil,  is  obtained  by  dis- 
tilling the  plant  with  water.  It  has  a  strong,  fetid,  peculiar,  slighdy  aromatic  odor, 
and  a  bitterish,  burning  taste.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  0.927.  It  is  soluble  in  both  alcohol 
and  ether.  According  to  Beilstein,  and  Wiegand,t  it  consists,  almost  exclusively, 
of  terpenes,  boiling  between  175°  and  310°  F.  (79.5°-! 54.4°). 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  symptoms  of  disturbance  caused  by  doses 
of  from  12  to  200  drops  of  the  tincture,  at  the  hands  of  T.  J.  Merryman,|  were  in 
substance  as  follows:  Uneasiness  approaching  nausea;  griping  in  the  bowels,  fol- 
lowed by  three  copious,  yellow,  mushy,  fecal  stools,  followed  again  by  constipation ; 
increased  flow  of  urine,  containing  a  large  amount  of  mucus  ;  stimulation  of  the 
genital  organs,  followed  by  erections ;  and  pains  in  the  extremities. 


Description  of  Plate  90. 

I.  Summit  of  plant,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  27th,  1S86. 

2.  A  middle  leaf. 

3.  A  floret. 

4.  Stamen. 

5.  Stigmas. 

6.  Fruit. 

7.  Akene. 
(3-7  enlarged.) 


*  Senecio,  page  91-2. 

\  Berichte,  1SS2,  2S54 ;   Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  18  S3,  372. 

+  E.  M.  Hale,  Trans.  Horn.  Med.  Soc,  N.  )".,  1S68,  78. 


91. 


^.TU.adnatdeletpifixt^  "      SeNECIO   AUREUS    Linn. 


N.  ORD.  COMPOSITE. 
Tribe.-SENECIONIDE/E. 

GKNUS.— SENECIO,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— SVNGENESIA  SUl'KRl- I.L  A. 


SENECIO. 


goldejy  ragwort. 


SYN.— SENECIO  AUREUS,  LINN. ;  SENECIO  GRACILIS,  PURSH. ;  SENECIO 
FASTIGIATUS,  ELL. 

COM.  NAMES.— GOLDEN  RAGWORT,  GROUNDSEL,  SQUAW-WEED,  LIFE- 
ROOT,  FALSE  VALERIAN,  GOLDEN  SENECIO,  FEMALE  REGULA- 
TOR, FIREWEED,t  UNKUM;  (FR.)  SENE9ON;  (GER.)  GOLDBNES 
KREUZKRAUT. 


A  TINCTURE  GF  THE  ENTIRE,  FRESH,  FLOWERING  PLANT,  SENECIO  AUREUS,  LLNN. 

Description. — This  early  spring  perennial,  usually  attains  a  growth  of  about 
I  or  2  feet.  Root  small,  thin,  horizontal ;  rootlets  numerous,  slender.  Stem  usually 
free  of  woolliness  at  the  flowering  season,  fJoccose  woolly  when  young.  Leaves 
alternate;  radical  leaves  on  long,  slender  petioles,  blade  mostly  rounded  and  un- 
divided, base  somewhat  truncate  or  almost  cordate,  margin  crenate,  under  surface 
pinkish-purple  ;  cauline  leaves,  lowermost  similar  to  the  root-leaves  with  the  addi- 
tion of  2  or  3  lobelets  opposite  along  the  petiole,  blade  subcordate,  crenate,  pink- 
ish beneath ;  middle  leaves  lyrately  divided  and  passing  gradually  to  laciniate- 
pinnatifid,  bases  semi-auriculate,  clasping;  superior  leaves  linear-lanceolate,  lin- 
ear, sessile,  and  lastly  bracteolate.  Inflorescence  numerous  superior-axillary  and 
finally  corymbose,  long-peduncled,  ray-bearing  heads  ;  heads  radiate,  many-flow- 
ered;  receptacle  flat  and  naked.  Ray  florets  8—12,  conspicuous,  ovoid,  pistillate. 
Disk  florets  numerous,  perfect,  tubular;  corolla  5-lobed  ;  lobes  revolute,  obtuse. 
Involucre  of  a  few  lanceolate  scales  arranged  m  a  single  row ;  pappus  of  man)-, 
soft,  capillary  bristles.  'Anthers  tailless.  Style  bifurcated  ;  stigmas  recurved.  Akenes 
quite  glabrous  or  only  microscopically  hairy  on  the  angles,  neither  rostrate  nor 
winged.     Read  description  of  the  order,  under  Eupatorium  purpureum,  78. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Golden  Ragwort  is  common  every.where,  the 
primary  form  mostly  in  swampy  spots  and  on  the  wet  borders  of  streams.  It 
flowers  from  May  until  June. 

Like  many  another  of  our  partially-proven  plants,  the  medical  history  is  very 
superficial.     Senecio  has  been  found  useful  in  Aboriginal   medicine  as  an  anti- 

*  The  old  Latin  name  for  the  plant,  from  senex,  an  old  man,  on  account  of  the  hoary  pappus.  This  large  ami 
widely-distributed  genus  contains  in  North  America  57  species  and  15  varieties,  all  but  3  of  which  are  indigenous;  of  the 
varieties,  6  belong  to  5.  aureus. 

t  The  true  firewecd  is  Erechthiles  hieiacifolia,  Raf.  (90). 


91-2 

hemorrhagic,  abortivant  and  vulnerary.  Later  it  has  been  recommended  as  a 
substitute  for  ergot,  as  an  excellent  drug  to  control  pulmonary  hemorrhage,  gene- 
rally as  a  diuretic,  pectoral,  diaphoretic,  tonic,  and  a  substance  to  be  thought  of  in 
various  forms  of  uterine  trouble. 

The  plant  has  no  place  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  The  officinal  preparations  in  the 
Eclectic  Materia  Medica  are ;  Dccoctiini  Senecii,  Exti-actiiin  Scnecii  Fluidrtni,  and 
Senecii  Olco-resince. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  entire,  fresh,  flowering  plant,  is 
chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of 
alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest 
of  the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole,  pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered 
bottle,  and  let  it  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration,  has  a  brownish-orange 
color  by  transmitted  light,  the  peculiar  odor  of  the  bruised  herb,  a  sweetish  then 
slightly  bitter  taste,  and  a  strong  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Senecin,  an  arbitrary  oleo-resin,  of  unknown 
constitution.     No  analysis  of  the  plant  has  been  made,  as  far  as  I  can  determine. 

Upon  adding  the  tincture  to  water  a  decided  deposit  of  resin  takes  place,  and 
tincture  of  iron  shows  the  presence  of  tannin,  even  in  a  mixture  of  four  drops  of 
the  drug-tincture  in  a  drachm  of  alcohol. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — We  have  several  provings  of  this  drug,  but  its 
action  is  not  determinable  from  them. 

Description  of  Plate  91. 

I.  Whole  plant,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  May  24th,  1880. 

2.  Disk  floret  (enlarged). 

3.  Ray  floret  (enlarged). 


^la.adnat.del.etpinxt  LaPPA   OFFICINALIS  ,var.  MaJOR, Gray. 


N.  ORD -COMPOSITE.  "  92 

Tribe.-CYNARODE/E. 

GENUS.— ARCTIUM,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SYST.— SVNGIiNliSIA  I'oLVG.VMlA  vEQUALIS. 


LAPPA. 


BURDOCK. 

SYN.— ARCTIUM  LAPPA,  LINN.;  A.  MAJUS,  SCHK. ;  LAPPA  OFFICINALIS, 
ALLIONI;  L.  MAJOR,  G^RTN. ;  L.  OFFICINALIS,  VAR.  MAJOR,  GRAY; 
BARDANA  MAJOR,  GBR. 

COM.  NAMES.-COMMON  BURDOCK,  CLOTBUR;  t  BAT  WEED  ;  (FR.)  GLOU- 
TERON,  BARDANE;   (GER.)  KLETTE. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  ARCTIUM  LAPPA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  coarse,  rank,  biennial  emigrant,  grows  to  a  height  of 
about  3  or  5  feet.  Roo/  deep,  sub-cylindrical,  almost  black  externally  and  white 
widiin.  Siciii  stout;  branches  numerous,  widely  spreading.  Leaves  alternate, 
ample,  orbicular-cordate,  unarmed ;  green  and  smooth  above,  whitish  cottony 
beneath,  all  marked  with  prominent,  crimson  veins ;  petioles  stout,  those  of  the 
lower  leaves  deeply  channelled  upon  the  upper  side.  Inflorescence  somewhat 
cymose  or  clustered ;  heads  many  flowered,  homogamous,  tubulifloral,  herma- 
phrodite ;  invohccre  globular,  strongly  imbricate ;  bracts  all  spreading,  coriaceous, 
and  nearly  smooth,  divided  into  three  portions  from  below  upward,  viz. :  base 
dilated  appressed,  with  a  ridge  marking  its  outer  median  line,  the  edges  some- 
what serrated ;  ansta  long,  slender  and  smooth,  the  apex  coverted  into  a  strongly 
incurved  hook  of  a  horny  consistence,  sharp  and  transparent.  Corolla  pink,  equally 
or  somewhat  unequally  five-cleft;  lobes  long,  narrow,  and  acute.  Stamens  exserted, 
united  by  their  anthers  (except  the  tips)  into  a  purple  tube  enclosing  the  style; 
filaments  smooth,  distinct;  anthers  tailed  at  the  base  and  furnished  with  an  elon- 
gated, connate,  cartilaginous  apex.  Style  long,  filiform,  thickened  at  the  apex 
where  it  bifurcates  into  partly  distinct,  slender,  smooth  branches  without  appen- 
dages, and  stigmatic  to  the  apex  on  the  inner  side.  Receptacle  flat  or  convex, 
densely  setose.  Akenes  somewhat  bony,  inversely  pyramidal,  transversely  wrin- 
kled, and  attached  by  the  very  end  of  the  pointed  base ;  pappus  composed  of 
numerous,  short,  rigid,  barbellate  bristles,  which  are  finally  separately  deciduous. 

*  ' \fKTOi,  nrktos  (Celtic  arth),  a  bear,  from  a  fancied  resemblance  in  the  rough,  shaggy,  fruiting  heads, 
t  Kaf^tXii,  tabein,  to  lay  hold  of,  Celtic  llap,  a  hand,  signifying  the  tenacious  hold  the  burr  takes  upon  fabrics  an  1 
the  coats  of  animals.     Ray  says  (//»/.,  232;  Syn.,  196),  Lappa  dici  potest  vel  qto  r»  \a^:iv  prehendere  vel  Aajrrtii'  lambere. 
X  The  clotburs  are  properly  species  of  XaiUhium. 


92-2 

History  and  Habitat. — This  common  weed  is  indigenous  to  Europe  and  Asia, 
growing  there  as  here — about  roadsides  and  dwelhngs.  Since  its  introduction  into 
this  country  it  has  spread  rapidly  westward,  its  seeds  being  numerous  and  readily 
carried  about  by  both  man  and  animals.  It  flowers  from  June  to  October.  The 
herb  is  so  rank  that  man,  the  jackass,  and  caterpillar  are  the  only  animals  that 
will  eat  of  it.  The  young  stems,  stripped  of  their  rind,  may  be  eaten  raw  or  boiled, 
as  a  salad  with  oil,  or  a  potage  with  vinegar.   (Withering.) 

The  previous  uses  of  this  plant  have  been  a  decoction  of  the  root  in  pulmo- 
nary catarrh,  rheumatism,  gout;  and  a  depurant  in  scrofula,  scurvy,  venereal  erup- 
tions, lepra,  and  kindred  affections,  in  which  it  is  even  now  considered  better  in  many 
cases  than  sarsaparilla.  It  is  also  diuretic.  The  powdered  seeds  have  been  used 
as  a  diuretic,  and  application  for  the  cure  of  styes.  Woodville  says*  that  he 
"  never  had  an  opportunity  of  observing  the  effects  of  the  root,  except  as  a 
diuretic,  and  in  this  way  we  have  known  it  succeed  in  two  dropsical  cases,  where 
other  powerful  medicines  had  been  ineffectually  used ;  and  as  it  neither  excites 
nausea  or  increases  irritation,  it  may  occasionally  deserve  a  trial  where  more 
active  remedies  are  improper." 

The  root  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph. ;  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  the 
following  preparations  are  given  :  Infusum  Arctii;  Extractum  Arctii;  and  Synipus 
Aralice  Compositus:\ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  root  gathered  in  Autumn, 
before  the  frost  has  touched  the  plant  deeply,  should  be  chopped  and  pounded  to 
a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  well 
mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  the 
whole  has  been  thoroughly  stirred,  pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle  and  allow 
it  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration,  should  be  clear  and  trans- 
parent. It  should  have  a  slighly  brownish-orange  color  by  transmitted  light,  and  an 
acid  reaction.     This  tincture  gives  no  odor  or  taste  by  which  it  may  be  identified. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Z^Z-Z/^r.— This  peculiar  bitter  principle  was 
discovered  by  Messrs.  Trimble  and  Macfarland.J  and  judged  by  them  an  alkaloid, 
as  it  answered  to  several  of  the  alkaloid  tests.  It  is  described  as  an  amorphous, 
intensely  bitter  body,  with  a  faintly  alkaline  reaction.  Its  solubility  and  peculiar 
physical  properties  are  as  yet  uninvestigated ;  it  cannot,  however,  be  soluble  in 
cold  alcohol  to  any  great  extent,  as  our  tincture  does  not  show  its  presence,  at 
least  to  the  taste. 

Oil  of  Lappa. § — This  fixed  oil  exists  in  the  seeds  in  the  proportion  of  15.4 
per  cent.     It  is  yellow,  bland,  not  soluble  in  cold  alcohol,  and  has  a  sp.  gr.  of  .930. 

*  Med.  Bot.,  i,  34. 

t  Containing  Aralia  Spinosa  and  nud'icaiilis  (loot),  Sassafras  (root  bark),  Runiex  crispus  (root),  Burdock  (root), 
Sambucus  (flowers),  Guaiacum  (wood),  and  Iris  (root). 

%  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1885,  p.  127.  \  Ibid. 


92-3 
Inu/in*  tannin,  a  gummy  extractive,  nitrate  of  potash,-}-  a  resin  soluble  in 
water,  and  another  in  alcohol,  have  been  determined. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. —  The  only  symptom  of  importance  so  far 
recorded  from  the  action  of  this  drug,  is  an  increased  secretion  of  milky  urine, 
with  frequent  desire  and  copious  discharges. 

Description  of  Plate  92. 

I.  A  flowering  branch,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  August  ist,  1884. 
2.  Floweret. 
3  and  4.  Bract 

5.  Seed 

6.  Bristle  of  Pappus. 

7.  A  thoroughly  dried  horn, 
(2-7  enlarged.) 


*  See  under  Inula  Helenium,  Si. 

f  Loudon  says  that  the  mature  green  herb,  when  burnt,  wiBl  yield  fully  oce-thi-rd  hs  quantity  of  a  pure,  white,  all 
line  salt  equal  to  the  best  potash. 


93. 


f 


TU.adnat.deI.et  pinxt. 


CiCHORIUM    lNTYBUS,Linn. 


N.  ORD -COMPOSITE.  93 

S.  ORD.-LIGULIFLORA. 

GENUS.— CICHORIUM,*  TOURX. 
SEX.  SVST.-SYNGENESIA  rOLYGA.MI.\  .EQU.VLIS. 


CICHORIUM. 

CHICCOR  Y. 

SYN.— CICHORIUM  INTYBUS,  LINN.;  CICHORIUM  SYLVESTRE  GIVE 
OFFIC.  BAUH. 

COM.  NAMES.— WILD  OR  BLUB  SUCCORY  OR  CHICCORY,  WILD  EN- 
DIVE; (FR.)  CHICOREE  SAUVAGE;  (GER.)  CICHORIE,  WEGEWART. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  CICHORIUM   INTYBUS,   L. 

Description. — This  partially  naturalized,  branching,  perennial  herb,  grows  to 
a  height  of  from  2  to  4  feet.  Roof  deep,  more  or  less  fusiform,  woody,  branching, 
and  surcharged  with  milky  juice.  Stem  bristly,  hairy  ;  branches  rigid  and  stout ; 
leaves  alternate,  those  from  the  root  runcinate,  the  lower  stem  leaves  oblong-lan- 
ceolate, dentate,  and  partly  clasping,  those  on  the  branches  varying  from  auricu- 
late-lanceolate  to  mere  bracts,  hiflorescence  axillary  and  terminal  heads ;  hearts 
2  or  3  sessile,  several-flowered,  homogamous,  or  single  and  raised  upon  a  hollow 
peduncle.  Involucre  double,  the  outer  row  composed  of  5  short,  spreading  scales  ; 
the  inner  of  8  or  10.  Floivercts  all  ligulate  and  perfect;  ligulcs  5-toothed,  bright 
blue,  becoming  pinkish,  then  whitish,  as  the  day  advances.  Slamens :  filaments 
white,  slender,  and  unconnected  ;  anthers  deep  blue.  Stigmas  2,  circinate,  dark 
blue.  Akenes  turbinate,  striate,  angular,  and  glabrous ;  p.ippiis  composed  of 
numerous  short,  chaffy  scales,  forming  a  sort  of  crown. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  European  emigrant  grows  cliiefly  near  the 
eastern  coast,  from  whence  it  is  spreading  somewhat  inland.  It  flowers  through- 
out the  months  of  July,  August,  and  September.  Its  blossoms  present  a  beau- 
tiful sight  in  early  morning  or  on  cloudy  days,  but  fade  and  wither  during  bright 
sunshine.  The  principal  previous  use  of  this  plant  has  been  that  of  the  root 
as  an  adulteration  of,  or  substitute  for,  coffee.  This  use,  it  appears,  originated 
with  the  Egyptians  and  Arabians,  who  also  used  the  bleached  leaves  as  a  salad, 
the  boiled  or  baked  roots  as  pottage,  and  made  a  flour  for  bread  from  them  when 
dried.  Endive  [Cichoriiwz  Endkna),  so  much  used  in  many  countries  as  salad, 
was  at  one  time  thought  to  be  merely  a  cultivated  state  of  this  species.  The 
specific  names  Endivia  and  Intybus  both  appear  to  spring  from  the  same  Arabic 
word  designating  the  herb,  hcndibch.  As  regards  the  use  of  chiccory,  Dickens  says 
in  his  "  Household  Words  :  "  "  The  great  demand  for  chiccory  has  led  to  its  very 
extensive  cultivation   in  this  country;    considerable  sums  of  money  have    been 

*  The  Latinized  Arabian  name  Chickouryeh. 


93-2 

expended  on  the  kilns  and  machinery  required  to  prepare  it  for  the  markets,  and  a 
large  amount  of  capital  is  profitably  employed  upon  this  branch  of  English  agricul- 
ture. .  .  .  The  bleached  leaves  are  sometimes  used  as  a  substitute  for  endive,  and 
are  commonly  sold  as  an.  early  salad  in  the  Netherlands.  If  the  roots,  after  being 
taken  up,  be  packed  in  sand  in  a  dark  cellar,  with  their  crowns  exposed,  they  will 
push  out  shoots,  and  provide  through  the  winter  a  very  delicate  blanched  salad, 
known  in  France  as  Barbe  de  Capucin.  When  chiccory  is  to  be  used  for  coffee 
the  roots  are  partly  dried,  cut  into  thin  slices,  roasted  and  ground.  The  ground 
chiccory  thus  made  is  used  by  many  poor  upon  the  continent  as  a  substitute  for 
coffee  by  itself  It  has  not,  of  course,  the  true  coffee  flavor,  but  it  makes  a  rich  and 
wholesome  vegetable  infusion  of  a  dark  color,  with  a  bitterish,  sweet  taste,  which 
would  probably  be  preferred  by  a  rude  palate  to  the  comparatively  thin  and  weak, 
and  at  the  same  time  not  very  palatable  infusion  of  pure  coffee  of  the  second  and 
third  quality.  By  the  combination  of  a  little  chiccory  with  coffee  the  flavor  of  the 
coffee  is  not  destroyed,  but  there  is  added  to  the  infusion  a  richness  of  flavor  and  a 
depth  of  color — a  body — which  renders  it  to  many  people  much  more  welcome  as  a 
beverage  than  pure  coffee  purchased  at  the  same  price."  In  times  of  scarcity  chic- 
cory certainly  would  make  a  better  substitute  than  many  other  substances  used,  as, 
for  instance,  during- the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  when — especially  in  the  South — beans, 
peas,  rye,  sweet  potatoes,  corn,  cotton  seed,  pea-nuts,  etc.,  were  utilized. 

The  medical  history  of  chiccory  is  of  little  value  to  us.  A  free  use  of  the  root 
and  leaves  produces,  according  to  Lewis,  a  mild  catharsis,  rendering  aid  in  jaundice 
and  obstruction  of  the  bowels.  It  has  also  been  used  as  a  diuretic  and  detergent 
in  gravel,  and  a  refrigerant  in  hectic  fevers  and  agues.* 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION._The  fresh  root,  gathered  while  the 
plant  is  budding  to  blossom,  is  to  be  treated  as  in  preceding  drug.  The  resulting 
tincture  has  a  clear  orange  color  by  transmitted  light,  an  acid  bitter  taste,  and  acid 
reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— The  activity  of  the  plant,  without  doubt,  lies 
wholly  in  its  milk-juice,  which  has  not  yet  been  investigated. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— We  have  no  record  of  toxical  effects  of  Cicho- 
rium  ;  its  disturbance  of  the  system  is  very  slight,  and  that  appears  to  be  wholly 
confined  to  a  slight  increase  of  glandular  secretions. 

Description  of  Plate  93. 

1.  Part  of  a  flowering  branch,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,t  Sept.  loth,  1SS4. 

2.  A  portion  of  the  main  stem. 

3.  Floweret. 

4.  Akene. 

5.  Stigma. 

6.  Section  of  the  root. 

7.  Pollen  grain,  x  150. 

(3-6  enlarged.) 

*  Rafinesque,  Med.  Bof.,  II,  p.  206.  f  Where  it  has  escaped  to  the  streets  in  many  localities. 


^la.adnat.del.etpinxt  PrENANTHES      SeRPENTARIA  ,  Pupsh. 


N.  ORD -COMPOSITE.  94 

Tribe.-CICHORIACE/E. 

(iKNUS.— PREN  ANTH  ES,-    \  AIl.l,. 
SEX.  SVST.-SVNdKNKSI  A     Kf  HAIIS. 


NAB  ALUS. 


RATTLESNAKE  ROOT. 

SYN.— PRENANTHES  SERPENTARIA,  PURSH. ;  P.  ALBA,  VAR.  SERPEN- 
TARIA,  TORR.;  P.  GLAUCA,  RAF. ;  NABALUS  ALBUS,  VAR.  SERPENTA- 
RIUS,  GRAY;  NABALUS  SBRPBNTARIUS,  HOOK.;  N.  TRILOBATUS, 
CASS,  AND  D.  0. ;  N.  KRAZERI,  D.  C. ;  N.  GLAUCUS,  RAF. ;  HARPALYCE 
SERPENTARIA,  DON.;   ESOPON  GLAUCUM,   RAF. 

COM.  NAMES.— RATTLESNAKE  ROOT,  WHITE  LETTUCE,  LION'S  FOOT, 
GALL-OF-THE-EARTH,  DEWITT  SNAKEROOT,  DROP  FLOWER,  CAN- 
CER WEED;  iFR.)  LAITUE  BLANC,  PIED  D'LEON;  iGER.i  WEISSER 
LATTICH. 

A   TIXCIURE   OF    I'HK   WHOLE   PLANT   PRENANTHES  SERPENTARL\,   PURSH. 

Description. — This  variable  perennial  herb,  grows  to  a  height  ot  from  i  to  3 
feet.  Root  very  bitter,  fusiform,  thickened  or  more  or  less  tuberous;  stem  stout, 
upright,  glabrous  or  a  little  hirsute,  sometimes  purple-spotted  or  splashed.  Leaves 
alternate,  diversely  variable,  dilated,  often  decurrent  upon  the  petiole,  rather  thin 
and  pale  beneath  ;  deeply  sinuate-pinnitihed,  or  3-parted,  and  the  terminal  lobe 
3-cleft  ;  the  margin  a  little  rough-ciliate ;  the  caullne  nearly  all  long,  slender, 
petioled  ;  the  upper  more  or  less  lanceolate  ;  the  lower  and  radical  truncate,  cor- 
date, or  hastate  at  the  base.  Inflorescence  corymbosely  thyrsoid-paniculate  ;  heads 
drooping,  mostly  glomerate  at  the  summit  of  ascending  or  spreading  Horal-branch- 
lets  or  peduncles,  8  to  i  2  flowered;  involucre  cylindrical,  green,  rarely  purplish- 
tinged ;  scales  5  to  14,  in  a  single  row,  with  a  few  small  bracdets  at  their  base; 
receptacle  naked.  Floivcrs  all  perfect,  pendulous,  purplish,  greenish-white  or 
ochroleucous ;  corolla  ligulate  ;  style  long  and  slender;  stigmas  much  exserted. 
Akenes  linear-oblong  or  terete,  truncated,  and  finely  serrate  ;  pappns  sordid,  straw- 
color,  or  whitish.f  composed  of  rough  capillary  bristles. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  botanically  difficult  species,  assumes,  in  its  mode 
of  growth  and  shape  of  leaf,  all  the  forms  from  P.  alba  to  P.  altissima,  including 
two  varieties  {nana  and  barbata)  ;  hardly  two  plants  in  any  one  district  being 
found  with  constant  characters  except,  mayhap,  those  of  the  glomerules  and 
pappus.     Thus,  now,  /^.  serpentaria  includes  in  itself  what  were  once  considered 

*  Vlfi\v<\i, prenes,  drooping;  o-vBt,  anthe,  flower. 

t  As  a  shade  of  color  cannot  be  absolutely  kept  through  sever.il  thousand  copies  in  lithography,  some  of  the  plates 
may  not  represent  the  pappus  correctly. 


94-2 

to  be  17  distinct  species  and  varieties;  and  affords  an  interminable  field  of  work 
for  a  botanist  of  Rafinesquian  tendencies.  The  Rattlesnake  Root  is  indigenous  to 
North  America,  where  it  ranges  from  New  Brunswick  and  Canada,  to  Florida, 
being  especially  abundant  northward.  It  habits  the  sterile  soil  of  open  grounds 
and  hilly  wood-borders,  and  blossoms  in   August  and  September. 

As  Gall-of-the-Earth,  it  has  been  known  in  domestic  practice  irom  an  early 
date,  and  is  said  to  be  an  excellent  antidote  to  the  bite  of  the  rattlesnake  and  other 
poisonous  serpents, — one  who  searches  through  the  domestic  literature  of  medi- 
cinal plants,  wonders  why  the  bite  of  snakes  ever  has  a  chance  to  prove  fatal. — 
As  an  alexlteric,  the  milky  juice  of  the  plant  is  recommended  to  be  taken  inter- 
nally, while  the  leaves,  steeped  in  water,  are  to  be  frequently  applied  to  the  wound  ; 
or  a  decoction  of  the  root  is  taken.  A  decoction  of  the  root  has  been  found  useful 
in  dysentery,  anemic  diarrhoea,  and  as  a  stomachic  tonic. 

Prenanthes  is  officinal  in  none  of  the  pharmacopoeias. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  plant,  gathered  during  the 
flowering  season,  is  treated  as  directed  under  Lappa.*  The  resulting  tincture  has 
a  beautiful  deep-orange  color  by  transmitted  light ;  an  odor  similar  to  that  of  the 
root;  a  bitter,  astringent  taste;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— No  analysis  of  this  species  has  been  made 
to  determine  a  specific  principle.  An  analysis  of  the  root  of  P.  alba — too  nearly 
allied  to  this  species — by  Neri.  B.  \\' illiams.f  showed  the  presence  of  resins,  tannin, 
extractive,  gum,  and  waxy  matters. 


Description  of  Plate  94. 

Inflorescence,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  25th,  icS86. 

2.  A  lower  leaf. 

3.  A  portion  of  leaf-margin. 

4.  Flower. 

5.  Involucral  scales. 
6  and  7.   Floret. 

(3-7  enlarged.) 


*  I'age  92-2.  t  Thesis,  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1886,  117. 


95. 


f 


Tn.a(lnat,iiel.etpinxt         TARAXACUM    DeNS  -  LeCNIS,  Desf 


N.  ORD.  COMPOSITE.  95 

Tribe.-CICHORACE/E. 

GENUS.— TARAXACUM,*  HALLER. 
SEX.  SVST.— SYNGENESI.V    l'ULVc;.\.\II.\    .Kc^UALIS. 


TARAXACUM. 


DAJVDELIOJY. 


SYN.-TARAXACUM  DBNS-LBONIS,  DESF. ;  TARAXACUM  OFFICINALIS, 
WEBER;  TARAXACUM  VULGARE,  SCHR. ;  LEONTODON t  TARAXA- 
CUM, LINN.;  LEONTODON  DENS-LEONIS,  LAM.;  LEONTODON  VUL- 
GARE, LAM.;  LEONTODON  OFFICINALIS,  WITH.;  DENS-LEONIS, 
RAIL;   HEDYPNOIS  TARAXACUM,  SCOP. 

COM.  NAMES.— DANDELION,:  PUFF-BALL ;>^  (ENG.)  PISSABED;  (FR.)  DENT 
DE  LION,  PISSENLIT  COMMUNE;  (GER.)  LOWENZAHN,  PFAFFEN- 
ROHRLBIN. 


A  TINCTURE   OF  THE   FRESH    ROOT   OF   TAR.\X.\CUM   DENS-LEONIS,  DESF. 


Description. — This  vernal,  tufted,  perennial  herb,  springs  from  a  vertical  tap- 
shaped  root,  furnished  with  numerous  short,  thickened  rootlets.  Leaves  radical, 
varying  from  spatulate  to  lanceolate,  pinnatifid,  runcinate,  or  irregularly  dentate. 
Inflorescence  several  many-flowered  heads,  each  raised  upon  a  scape  that  elongates 
during  and  after  anthesis  ;  scape  slender,  naked,  cylindrical,  fistulous,  6  to  i8  inches 
long  in  fruit.  Involucre  double,  the  outer  portion  composed  of  numerous  short 
scales  ;  the  inner  of  a  single  row  of  linear,  erect  scales.  Receptacle  naked.  Akenes 
terete,  oblong,  ribbed  ;  ribs  roughened  by  numerous,  ascending  tubercles ;  apex 
abruptly  conical  or  pyramidal,  prolonged  into  a  slender,  filiform  beak  ;  pappus 
borne  upon  the  summit  of  the  beak,  and  composed  of  copious,  soft,  white,  capillary 
bristles.     Read  description  of  the  order,  under  Eupatorium  purpureum,  78. 

BUstory  and  Habitat. — The  Dandelion  is  a  native  of  Greece,  or,  at  least,  of 
Europe  and  Asia  Minor,  and  has  become  by  introduction  a  common  herb  in  fields, 
pastures,  lawns  and  open  grounds  everywhere  in  this  country,  where  it  blossoms 
in  early  spring  and  fruits  in  the  summer.  The  growth  of  this  plant  furnishes  an 
instance  of  a  beautifully  provisional  Nature.  During  the  expansion  of  the  flower,, 
the  outer  scales  of  the  involucre  reflex,  after  anthesis  the  inner  row  contracts 
until  it  covers  the  forming  pappus ;  then  while  the  fruit  is  maturing  the  beaks 
gradually  extend  by  growth  and  raise  the  pappus,  until  finally  the  inner  involucre 


*  Topii(7ff<ii,  tarasso,  to  disorder,  in  allusion  to  its  action  upon  the  system. 

f  Atoi',  iton,  lion;  (x'0115,  odous,  a  tooth;  from  a  supposed  likeness  of  the  leaf  incisions  to  a  lion's  tooth. 

J  Americanized  from  (Fr.)  Dent  de  lion. 

\  On  account  of  the  separability  of  the  akenes  from  the  receptacle.     The  true  pufr-l)all  is  Lycoperdon  Bavisla. 


95-2 

in  turn  reflexes,  disclosing  the  fruit  as  a  beautiful,  white,  globular,  feathery  head, 
exposing  upon  its  coronate  receptacle  the  ripe  seeds  ready  to  be  dissipated  and 
wafted  to  new  fields  by  the  first  summer  zephyr  that  passes  by. 

Tufts  of  this  plant  are  eagerly  gathered  by  the  poor,  in  early  spring,  and 
cooked,  furnishing  thus  an  excellent  and  palatable  pot-herb;  they  are  also  in  many 
localities  bleached  like,  and  used  in  lieu  of  endive,*  as  a  salad.  The  leaves  are 
eaten  raw  or  cooked  by  the  Digger  and  Apache  Indians,  who  value  them  so  highly 
that  they  scour  the  country  for  many  days'  journeys  in  search  of  sufficient  to  appease 
their  appetites.  So  great  is  their  love  for  the  plant,  that  the  quantity  consumed 
by  a  single  individual  exceeds  belief.-]"  In  many  parts  of  Europe,  especially  in 
Germany,  the  dried  roots  "are  roasted  and  substituted  for  coffee  by  the  poorer 
inhabitants,  who  find  that  an  infusion  prepared  in  this  way  can  hardly  be  dis- 
tinguished from  that  of  the  coffee  berry."  J 

Tara.xacum  has  been  used  in  medicine  from  ancient  times ;  it  is  one  of  those 
drugs,  overrated,  derogated,  extirpated,  and  reinstated  time  and  again  by  writers 
upon  pharmacology,  from  Theophrastus'  a<pdxyi  and  xiy^^opiov  to  the  present  day. 
It  has  been  considered  as  a  mild  detergent,  aperient,  and  diuretic ;  Bergius  recom- 
mends it  in  hepatic  obstruction,  hypochondriasis,  and  icterus ;  and  many  authors 
give  it  repute  in  dropsy,  pulmonic  tuberculosis,  various  skin  disorders,  gastric 
derangements,  biliary  calculi,  incipient  visceral  scirrhus,  etc.,  etc.  Children  often 
play  with  the  scapes  at  making  chains,  bracelets  and  "  curls."  The  curls  are  formed 
as  follows:  A  split  is  started  in  four  directions  at  the  smaller  end  of  a  scape,  into 
which  the  tongue  is  deftly  and  gradually  inserted,  causing  a  slow  separation 
into  sections  that  curl  backward,  revolutely,  being  kept  up  to  their  form  by  the 
tongue,  when  the  scape  is  curled  to  the  end  it  is  drawn  several  times  through 
the  operator's  mouth  and  partially  uncurled  into  graceful  ringlets.  In  its  manu- 
facture a  child  usually  gets  full  benefit  of  the  milky,  bitter  juice,  and,  if  susceptible, 
verifies  the  common  name  of  the  plant  as  applied  in  England :  .  .  .  ^uasi  lectiminga 
et  urinana  hcrba  dici/ur — plus  lotii  derivai  in  vesicant  qitdm  pueruli  retitiendo  sunt, 
prcesei'tun  inter  dormicnduni,  edque  tunc  imprudentes  et  inviti  stragula  permingunt.\ 
Taraxacum  is  officinal   in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  its  preparations   being:    Extractum 

Taraxaci  and  Extractum  Taraxaci  Fluidum.  The  same  preparations  are  offici- 
nal  in   Eclectic  pharmacopoeias,  also  Decoctujn   Taraxaci,  and  Pilules   Taraxaci 

Co7npositcs.\\ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  root,  gathered  in  March, 
July  or  November,  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  pressed  out  in  a  piece 
of  new  linen.  The  expressed  juice  is  then,  by  brisk  agitation,  mingled  with  an 
equal  part  by  weight  of  alcohol.  This  mixture  is  allowed  to  stand  eight  days 
in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  the  above  mass  by  filtration,  should  have  a  light 
orange  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  bitter,  somewhat  acrid  taste,  and  an  acid 
reaction. 

*  Cichorium  etuiiva.  \  Murray,  App.  Med.,  p.  lo;. 

t  Dodge,  U.  S.  Agric.  Rep.,  1870,  p.  423.  I  Raii  Hist.  PL,  p.  244. 

II  Sanguinaria,  Podophyllin,  Taraxacum,  and  Mentha  viridis. 


95-3 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. —  Taraxacin.  This  body,  when  extracted  from 
the  roots  or  milky  juice,  forms  in  a  bitter  amorphous  mass,  sohible  in  alcohol, 
ether,  and  water.  It  was  discovered  by  Polex  in  1839,  and  named  by  Kromayer, 
who  corroborated  the  discovery  in  1861. 

Taraxacerin,  C^  H,^  O. — (Kromayer,  1861).  This  crystalline  principle  is  said 
to  resemble  lactucerin''^     It  is  soluble  in  alcohol,  but  not  in  water. 

Levulin,  Cg  H^^  O^. — (Dragendorf).  This  amylose  principle  has  the  same 
composition  as  inulin,-\  but  differs  in  that  it  is  soluble  in  water  and  devoid  of 
rotary  power. 

Inosite,  Cg  Hj2  O5  (H^  0)2. — (Marme,  1864).  This  hydride  of  glucose  was 
determined  in  the  leaves  and  scapes,  but  not  in  the  root.  It  forms  transparent 
rhombic  crystals,  losing  their  water  of  crystallization  when  exposed  to  the  air.  It 
is  soluble  in  water,  the  solution  having  a  sweet  taste. 

Leontodoniuin\  is  simply,  or  in  great  part,  the  inspissated  juice  of  the  plant, 
and  in  a  measure  the  principles  en  masse.  Mannite,  C,,  Hg  (O  H)g,  has  been  proven 
by  Messrs.  T.  and  H.  Smith  (1849)  to  be  present  only  after  a  sort  of  fermentation 
had  taken  place  in  the  juice. §  This  is  probably  the  change  that  takes  place  to  a 
greater  or  less  extent,  when  the  roots  are  undergoing  the  winter  changes. 

Taraxacum  also  contains,  according  to  many  assayists,||  caoutchouc,  resin, 
gum,  mucilage,  free  acid,  sugar,  wax,  and  the  usual  plant  constituents. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Although  this  plant  has  received  the  attention 
of  scientists  of  all  nations  from  remote  times,  still  I  know  of  no  attempt  having 
been  made  to  determine  its  toxic  action. 

The  symptoms  caused  by  repeated  doses  are,  in  general :  mental  excitement, 
vertigo  and  headache,  blotchy  white  coated  tongue,  nausea  and  colic ;  frequent 
urination;  general  sticking  or  stitching  pains;  sleepiness,  chilliness  and  sweating. 
These  symptoms  point  to  a  peculiar  action  upon  the  liver,  causing  inaction  of  that 
organ.  Its  action  upon  the  skin  in  causing  an  exanthem  seems  to  be  dependent 
greatly  upon  the  amount  of  gastric  irritation. 

Description  of  Plate  95. 

I.   Whole  plant,  Bergen,  N.  J.,  May  14th,  1879. 

2.  Root. 

3.  Ray  floret  (enlarged). 

4.  Disk  floret  (enlarged). 

5.  Fruit. 

6.  Seed  (enlarged). 

7.  Section  of  root  (enlarged). 

*  See  Lactuca,  96. 
t  See  Inula,  81. 
\  Kromayer,  1861. 

\  El  supra,  Fliick.  &  Han.,  Pharmacographia,  in  part. 

II  Sprengel,  Frickhinger,  Squire,  Polex,  John,  Overbrook,  T.  and  II.  Smith,  Dragendorf,  Kromayer,  Marmi,  and 
Widemann. 


J.Tll.Klnstdel.etpinxt 


Lactuca  Canadensis,  unn 


N.  ORD -COMPOSIT/E.  96 

Tribe.-CIGHORIACE/E. 

GENUS.  — LACTUCA,=i=  TOURN. 
SEX.  SYST.— .SVNC.KXESIA  .UOL'ALI.S. 


LACTUCA. 


LETTUCE. 

SYN.-LACTUCA  CANADENSIS,  LINN.;  L.  ELONGATA,  MUHL.  (TYPEi;  L. 

ELONGATA,   VAR.   LONGIFOLIA.   T.  &  G. ;    L.  CAROLINIANA,   WALT.  ; 

L.  LONGIFOLIA.  MICHX. ;  GALATHBNIUM  ELONGATUM,  NUTT. ;  SON- 

CHUS  PALLIDUS,  WILLD. 
COM.  NAMES.— WILD   LETTUCE,   FIRE-WEED,t  TRUMPET- WEED,:;    (FR.) 

LAITUE  DU   CANADA;    (GER.)  CANADISCHE   LATTICH. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE   WHOLE   PLANT,  OF   VARIOUS    SPECIES,   INCLUDING    THIS. 

Description. — This  glabrous,  glaucesccnt  biennial,  grows  to  a  height  of  from 
4  to  9  feet.  Stem  erect,  very  leafy  to  the  top,  and  copiously  supplied  with  milky 
juice.  Leaves  alternate,  mostly  sinuate,  pinnatifid  below,  lanceolate  and  entire 
above,  all  partly  clasping  by  a  sagittate  base,  and  pale  beneath  ;  midrib  naked, 
or  rarely  with  a  few  sparse  bristles  ;  margins  entire  or  sparingly  dentate,  especially 
near  the  base  ;  tertninal  lobe  elongated.  Lifloreseence  in  a  terminal,  narrow,  elon- 
gated, leafless  panicle;  heads  12-  to  20-flowered  ;  floi'.'ers  pale  yellow,  all  perfect: 
involucre  a  half-inch  or  less  high,  cylindraceous,  irregularly  calyculate,  and  slightly 
imbricated  in  two  rows.  Corolla  ligulate  in  all  the  flowers  of  the  head  ;  tube  hairy  ; 
ligules  obscurely,  it  at  all,  notched  at  the  apex.  Receptacle  naked.  ^Ikenes  blackish, 
broadly  oval,  flat,  wingless,  rather  longer  than  the  beak,  obscurely  scabrous-rugu- 
lose,  and  lightly  i -nerved  in  the  middle  of  each  face;  beak  filiform,  abrupt  at  the 
base,  and  expanded  at  the  apex  ;  pappus  of  soft,  silvery-white  hairs,  on  the  dilated 
apex  of  the  beak. 

History  and  Habitat. — Wild  Lettuce  is  indigenous  to  North  America,  where 
it  extends  from  Nova  Scotia  and  Canada  to  Saskatchewan,  and  southward  to 
Upper  Georgia.  It  habits  rich  moist  grounds  along  the  borders  of  fields,  thickets, 
and  roads,  where  it  blossoms  in  July  and  August. 

This  species  has  been  used  in  early  practice  as  an  anodyne,  diaphoretic,  laxa- 
tive, and  diuretic,  in  many  diseases,  principally,  however,  in  hypochondria,  satyria- 
sis, nymphomania,  phthisis  pulmonalis,  ascites,  anasarca,  and  nervous  complaints  in 
general. 

*  I,.itin,  lac,  milk;  on  account  of  the  milky  juice. 

t  Many  plants  have  been  given  this  name  in  diflerent  localities,  on  account  of  their  growing  particularly  on  newly- 
burned  fallows,  Enechlhites  hieracifolius,  Senecio  aureus,  Nieraiiiim  Canadftue,  ,ind  this. 
X  This  name  also  designates  Eupatoriuin  purptireum. 


96-2 

Lactucariiini,  or  Lettuce  Opium,  being  of  the  same  nature,  no  matter  from 
what  species  it  is  obtained,  consists  of  tlie  inspissated  milky  juice  of  various  spe- 
cies of  Lactuca.  The  yield  varies  greatly  with  the  species ;  greatest  in  L.  virosa, 
and  diminishing  as  follows  :  L.  scariola,  L.  altissima,  L.  Canadensis,  L.  saliva.  Dr. 
Coxe,  of  Philadelphia,  was  the  first  to  call  the  attention  of  the  profession  to  this 
substance  as  a  substitute  for  commercial  opium;*  his  reasoning  and  experiments 
were  based  upon  the  product  of  L.  saliva.  Although  Lettuce  has  been  considered 
narcotic  from  ancient  times,  still  it  is  but  slightly  soporific,  and  hardly  deserves  a 
tithe  of  the  rejsutation  writers  have  made  for  it. 

Lactucarium  from  L.  virosa  is  still  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Phar.,  but  will,  without 
doubt,  be  dropped  at  the  next  revision. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant,  just  as  the  blos- 
soms open,  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by 
weight  ot  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it, 
and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the  whole  well,  it  is  poured  into  a 
well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The 
tincture  formed  thus,  after  straining  and  filtering,  has  a  deep  orange-red  color  by 
transmitted  light;  the  odor  of  canned  tomatoes;  a  slightly  bitter  and  astringent 
taste  ;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Laclucarium,  or  Thridace,  as  noted  above, 
represents  in  itself  all  the  active  principles  of  the  plant,  being  a  mixture  of  differ- 
ent organic  and  about  ten  per  cent,  inorganic  bodies.  It  is  not  fully  soluble  in 
any  vehicle,  and  merely  softens  on  the  application  of  heat.  Subjected  to  analysis, 
it  yields : 

Lactucerin.t  Cjo^so^.t — This  compound  body  composes  nearly  half  the  whole 
weight  of  Lactucarium.  It  forms  in  slender,  colorless,  microscopic,  odorless  and 
tasteless  acicular  crystals,  insoluble  in  water,  soluble  in  boiling  alcohol  and  cold 
ether,  and  melting  at  232°  (449.6°  F.). 

Lactucin,  CjjHj.,0.j(H20). — This  body,  which  proves  not  to  be  a  glucoside, 
gives  to  Lactucarium  its  intensely  bitter  taste.  It  forms,  when  purified,  white,  bit- 
ter, pearly  scales,  insoluble  in  ether,  soluble  in  alcohol  and  in  hot  water. 

Lactucic  Acid. — This  very  acid  body,  isolated  by  Pfaf  and  Ludwig,  results  as 
an  amorphous  light  yellow  or  brownish  mass,  only  crystallizing  after  long  standing. 

Lactucopicrin,  Cj^H^.^O.^j. — This  bitter  amorphous  substance  seems  to  be 
formed  by  the  oxidation  of  Laclucin.     It  is  soluble  in  alcohol  and  water. 

Beside  the  above,  Lactucarium  also  contains  a  yellowish-red  tasteless  resin  ; 
a  greenish-red  acrid  resin;  caoutchouc;  gum;  oxalic,  citric,  malic,  and  succinic 
acids  ;  sugar  ;  mannite  ;  asparagin  ;  and  a  volatile  oil. 

*  Trans.  Am.  Phiiosoph.  Socj'.,  1799,387. 

t  Lactucon. 

t  Fluckiger,  C„H5,0  :   Fianchimoiit,  Ci^H^eO. 


96-3 
PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— l.artucarium,  in  large  doses,  causes:  Delirium  ; 
contusion  of  the  brain,  vertigo,  and  headache;  dimness  of  vision;  salivation;  difficult 
deglutition  ;  nausea  and  vomiting,  and  retraction  of  the  epigastric  region,  with  a 
sensation  of  tightness  ;  distension  of  the  abdomen,  with  flatulence;  urging  to  stool 
followed  by  diarrhoea;  increased  secretion  of  urine;  spasmodic  cough,  oppressed 
respiration,  and  tightness  of  the  chest;  reduction  of  the  pulse  ten  to  twelve  or 
more  beats;  unsteady  gait:  great  sleepiness;  and  chills  and  heat,  followed  by 
profuse  perspiration. 


Description  of  Plate  96. 

I.   Whole  plant,  eighteen  times  reduced,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  July  26th,  1885. 

2.  A  portion  of  the  panicle. 

3.  An  upper  leaf. 

4.  Outline  of  a  lower  leaf. 

5.  Flower-head. 

6.  A  floret. 

7.  Anther. 

8.  Fruit. 

(6  and  7  enlarged.) 


97. 


^Hl.ad  naf.dei.et  pinxt 


Lobelia    Cardinalis,  Linn. 


N.  ORD-LOBELIACE^.  97 

Tribe. -LOBEUE/E. 

GENUS.— LOBELIA,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SYST.— PENTANDRIA  MO.N'OGYNIA. 


LOBELIA  CARDINALIS 

CARDIA'AL  FLOWER. 


SYN.— LOBELIA  CARDINALIS,   LINN.;    L.  COCCINBA,   STOKES;   TRACHE- 

LIUM  AMERICANUM,   PARK. 
COM.  NAMES.-CARDINAL  FLOWER,  SCARLET  OR  RED  LOBELIA,  HIGH- 

BBLIA;      (FR.)    LOBELIE    CARDINALS;      (GBR.)    ROTHE    KARDINALS 

BLUME. 

A   TINCTURE  OF  THE   WHOLE   PLANT  LOBELIA  CARDINALIS,   LINN. 

Description. — This  showy  perennial  grows  to  a  height  of  from  2  to  4  feet. 
Sicm  minutely  pubescent  or  glabrous,  commonly  simple.  Leaves  oblong-ovate,  to 
oblong-lanceolate,  tapering  at  both  ends,  sessile,  and  irregularly  serrate  or  serru- 
late. LiJIorescence  a  dense,  terminal,  more  or  less  one-sided  virgate  raceme ; 
flowers  large  and  showy,  intense  red,  or  rose-color,  sometimes  pure  white;  pedicels 
erect  or  ascending ;  bracts  of  the  upper  portion  linear-lanceolate,  of  the  lower, 
leafy.  Calyx  smooth ;  ti(be  short,  hemispherical,  much  shorter  than  the  lobes ; 
lobes  linear-subulate.  Corolla-\  gamopetalous,  tubular;  lube  about  i  inch  long,, 
straight;  limb  bilabiate;  upper  lip  2-parted  to  the  base,  the  cleft  extending  down 
to  the  calyx,  the  lobes  erect,  linear-lanceolate  ;  loiver  lip  j-cleft,  spreading  plane  or 
slightly  recurved,  the  segments  oblong-lanceolate.  Stamens  free  from  the  tube  of 
the  corolla,  monadelphous  almost  to  the  base,  exserted  through  the  cleft  in  the 
corolla  tube,  which  they  again  enter  between  the  two  upper  lobes ;  filaments  red ;. 
anthers  syngenesious,  curved,  blue,  the  two  larger  ones  naked  at  the  tip,  the  other 
three  ciliate.  Capsule  hemispherical,  thin-walled,  2-celled,  and  loculicidally  2-valved 
at  the  summit.  Seeds  numerous,  oblong,  rugulose-tuberculate,  similar  to  those  of 
L.  inflatn. 

Lobeliaceae. — This  large  family,  closely  related  to  Campanulacec€,  is  represented 
in  North  America,  by  7  genera  and  31  species,  characterized  in  general  as  follows: 
Herbs  (when  not  Tropical)  with  acrid,  milky  juice.  Leaves  alternate,  simple ; 
stipules  none.  Liflorescence  racemose ;  flowers  5-merous,  perfect.  Calyx  adnate 
to  the  ovary;  limb  divided  down  to  the  ovary,  or  entire;  lobes  persistent  when 
present.  Corolla  regular  and  perigynous,  inserted  with  the  stamens  just  where 
the  calyx  leaves  the  ovary ;  limb  disposed  to  become  bilabiate ;  lobes  5,  valvate  in 

*  Dedicated  to  M.ithias  de  L'Obel,  a  Flemish  herbalist.  Botanist  to  James  I. 

f  In  describing  this  organ,  I  adopt  the  position  it  stands  in  while  flowering.     See  Lobeliacea. 


97-2 

the  bud,  or  in  some  cases  induplicate,  commonly  deeper  cleft  or  completely  split 
down  between  two  of  the  lobes  (this  cleft  is  generally  upon  the  lower  face  of  the 
corolla  when  the  bud  is  young,  but  becomes  superior,  by  a  twisting  of  the  pedicel, 
during  its  maturation).  S/mnens  5,  epigynous,  as  many  as  the  lobes  of  the  corolla 
and  alternate  with  them,  usually  both  monadelphous  and  syngenesious  ;  filaments 
generally  free  from  the  corolla,  but  not  invariably  so  ;  anthers  2-celled,  introrsely 
dehiscent,  firmly  united  around  the  top  of  the  style.  Ovary  wholly  inferior,  or 
sometimes  half  free,  2-celled,  with  the  placentae  projecting  from  the  axis  (some- 
times r -celled  with  2  parietal  placentae)  ;  ovules  anatropous  ;  style  filiform,  entire; 
stigma  commonly  2-lobed,  and  girt  with  a  ring  of  more  or  less  rigid  hairs,  at  first 
included,  then  exserted.*  Fruit  capsular  and  loculicidal,  or  baccate  and  indehiscent; 
seeds  indefinitely  numerous;  embryo  small  or  narrow,  straight  and  axial;  albumen 
copious,  fleshy. 

Many  species  of  this  order  are  acrid,  narcotic  poisons,  only  a  few  being,  so 
far,  used  in  medicine,  among  which  the  West  Indian  Rebenta  Cavallos  {Hippobro- 
ma  longifolia,  Don.)  is  noted  for  its  poisonous  properties.  If  taken  internally  it 
speedily  brings  on  hypercatharsis,  while  the  juice,  if  touching  the  mucous  mem- 
brane, quickly  causes  acute  inflammation  ;  and  Tupa  Fenillaei,  Don.,  is  said  to 
bring  on  nausea  in  one  simply  smelling  of  its  flowers.  The  three  species  described 
in  this  work  are,  however,  all  that  are  much  used. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Cardinal  Flower  is  indigenous  to  North  America, 
from  New  Brunswick  to  Saskatchewan,  southward  east  of  the  Mississippi  to 
Florida,  and  southwest  to  the  borders  of  Texas.  It  rears  its  magnificent  spike  of 
gorgeous  flowers  along  the  muddy  banks  of  streams,  during  the  early  autumn 
months.  It  was  introduced  into  Great  Britain  from  Virginia,  on  account  of  its 
beauty,  in  1629. 

Shcepf  mentions  the  use  of  the  root  of  this  species,  by  the  Cherokee  Indians, 
for  syphilis  ;  and  Dr.  Barton  speaks  of  their  successful  use  of  it  as  an  anthelmin- 
tic By  some  early  physicians  it  was  considered  fully  equal  to  Spigelia  Marilandica, 
in  this  direction.  This  species  is,  however,  seldom  used  now,  L.  iiijlata  taking  its 
place  entirely.  It  is  considered,  however,  to  possess  marked  anthelmintic,  nervine, 
and  antispasmodic  properties. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  whole  fresh  plant,  gathered  when 
coming  into  blossom,  is  treated  as  in  the  next  species.  The  resulting  tincture  has 
a  clear  yellowish-brown  color  by  transmitted  light ;  a  sweetish,  herbaceous  odor 
and  taste  ;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— No  special  examination  of  this  plant  having 
been  made,  we  can  do  no  better  at  present  than  to  refer  to  the  chemistry  of  L. 
ijiflata,  page  99-3. 

*  See  pp.  98-98-2. 


97-3 


Description  of  Platk  97. 


I.    I'dp  of  a  flowering  plant,  Hinghamton,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  lotli,  iSS6. 

2.  A  middle  leaf. 

3.  Flower. 

4.  Stamens. 

5.  Section  of  the  stamen-tvibe. 

6.  Stigma. 

7.  Open  stigma. 

8.  Fruit. 

9.  Section  of  the  ovary. 

(4-9  enlarged.) 


^ 


'.TU.ail  natdel.etpinxt. 


Lobelia  Syphilitica,  unn 


98. 


N.  ORD -LOBELIACE^.  .98 

(;1;MS -LOBELIA,     LINN. 

SEX.  SYST.— PENT.\NDRI.\   MU.WJGV.MA. 

LOBELIA  syphilitica; 

GREAT  BLUE  LOBELIA. 


SYN.— LOBELIA    SYPHILITICA,    LINN.;    LOBELIA    CCERULEA  ?    LOBELIA 
GLANDULOSA,  L7NDL. ;  LOBELIA  RBFLEXA,  STOKES. 

COM.    NAMES.— GREAT     LOBELIA,    BLUE    LOBELIA,    BLUE    CARDINAL 
FLOWER;   (PR.)  LOBELIE   SYPHILITIQUB ;   (GR.)  GEMBINE  LOBBLIB. 


A  TLNCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE  FRESH  I'L.VNT,  LOBELL\  SYPHILITICA,   LINN. 

Description. — This  erect,  perennial  herb  attains  a  growth  of  from  i  to  3  feet, 
its  conspicuous  racemes  being  generally  Irom  one-third  to  one-ijuarter  the  length 
of  the  whole  plant.  Sfan  simple,  leafy  to  the  base  of  the  raceme,  and  somewhat 
hairy,  especially  upon  its  angles.  Lcaixs  sessile,  ovate-lanceolate,  irregularly 
denticulate-serrate,  acute  at  the  base,  from  2  to  6  inches  long,  and  about  i  inch 
wide  ;  thin,  and  more  or  'less  appressed  hairy.  Injioi-csccnce  supra-axillar)-,  com- 
posed of  a  long,  at  first  leafy,  then  morphologically  bracted,  dense  spike  or 
raceme  ;  pedicels  shorter  than  the  bracts  ;  floivers  light  blue,  nearly  i  inch  long, 
extending  beyond  the  leafy  bracts.  Calyx  five-cleft,  hirsute,  shorter  than  the  lube 
of  the  corolla,  with  reflexed,  conspicuous,  two-cleft  auricles  at  the  sinuses  ;  tube 
hemispherical,  short ;  lobes  one-half  the  length  of  the  corolla.  Corolla  with  a 
straight,  sub-cylindrical  tube,  more  or  less  two-lipped,  having  a  deep  fissure  at  the 
superior  margin  ;  2ippcr  lip  of  two  erect,  slightly  diverging  lobes  ;  lower  lip  spread- 
ing and  three-lobed  by  incision.  Fruit  a  globose  pod,  free  above,  but  enclosed  by 
the  loose,  persistent  calyx ;  two-celled,  opening  at  the  apex ;  seeds  many.  For  a 
description  of  the  Natural  Order,  see  Lobelia  cardinalis,  97. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  great  blue  lobelia  habits  the  borders  of  marshy 
places  and  wet  spots  in  pasture  lands  and  meadows,  pretty  generally  throughout 
the  United  States,  to  which  it  is  indigenous  ;  flowering  from  July  to  September. 
In  some  localities  it  is  called  high  belia,  in  unconscious  pun  upon  its  lowlier  but 
more  frequently-used  companion,  L.  infiata,  or  low  belia,  as  they  term  it.  The 
lobelias  furnish  one  of  the  best  examples  of  the  system  of  cros.s-fertilization  in 
plants.  The  stamens,  especially  their  anthers,  grow  into  a  tube,  enclosing  the 
stigma,  and  apparently  making  self-fertilization  positive.  A  closer  study,  how- 
ever, reveals  the  following  conclusive  points :  Tlie  stigma  is  two-lobed,  the  recep- 


*  Dr.  Hale,  in  his  "  New  Remedies,"  treats  of  this  drug  as  Lobelia  coerulea.  Dr.  Allen  remarks  that — as  there  are 
a  number  of  blue  lobelias,  and  beside  this  the  true  carulea  grows  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  may  yet  be  proven — 
syphilitica  should  always  designate  this  drug. 


98-2 

tion  surfaces in   the  earlier  stages  of  growth  and  while  enclosed  in   the  anther 

tube are  tio-htly  pressed  together  and  fringed  with  close,  bristly  hairs,  all  together 

resemblino-  the  mouth  of  a  full-bearded  man,  with  lips  compressed.  The  tube  of 
anthers  opens  by  a  pore  at  the  tip  and  discharges  the  ripened  pollen  direcdy 
throuo-h  this  pore  when  it  is  irritated  by  the  back  of  any  insect  that  may  creep 
into  the  throat  of  the  c'orolla  after  nectar.  As  the  pollen  is  discharged,  the  stigma, 
by  elongation  of  the  style,  presses  forward,  keeping  up  the  discharge  by  acting  as 
a  swab,  until  the  cell  is  completely  empty;  then,  as  it  projects  beyond  the  pore, 
the  compressed  lips  open  and  roll  back,  standing  ready  to  collect  the  pollen  from 
the  back  of  some  insect  that  has  been  on  a  visit  to  a  neighboring  plant. 

The  former  uses  of  this  plant  were  the  same  as  those  of  L.  inBata,  than  which 
it  is  less  active.  The  natives  of  North  America  are  said  to  have  held  this  plant 
a  secret  in  the  cure  of  syphilis,  until  it  was  purchased  from  them  by  Sir  William 
Johnson,  who  took  a  quantity  to  Europe,  and  introduced  it  as  a  drug  of  great 
repute  in  that  disease.  European  physicians,  however,  failed  to  cure  with  it,  and 
finally  cast  it  aside,  though  Linnseus,  thinking  it  justified  its  Indian  reputation^ 
crave  the  species  its  distinctive  name,  syphilitica.  The  cause  of  failure  may  be 
the  fact  that  the  aborigines  did  not  trust  to  the  plant  alone,  but  always  used 
it  in  combination  with  may-apple  roots  {Podophyllum  pelfatitm),  the  bark  of  the 
wild  cherry  [Prumis  Virginica),  and  dusted  the  ulcers  with  the  powdered  bark 
of  New  Jersey  tea  [Cenothus  Arnericanus).  Another  chance  of  failure  lay  in  the 
voladlity  of  its  active  principle,  as  the  dried  herb  was  used.  It  is  not  officinal  in 
the  U.  S.  Ph.,  nor  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant  is  chopped  and 
pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken, 
the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol 
added.  The  whole,  after  thorough  mixture,  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  botde 
and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture  is  then  sepa- 
rated by  straining  and  filtering.  Thus  prepared,  it  has  a  beautiful,  clear,  light- 
brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  slighdy  bitter  taste  and  tingling  sensation 
upon  the  tongue,  and  a  strong  acid  reacdon. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — The  chemical  properties  of  this  plant  will 
probably  be  found  to  differ  from  those  of  L.  inflata  only  in  quantity.  An  analysis 
by  M.  Boissel  resulted  in  the  separation  of  fatty  and  butyraceous  matters,  muci- 
lage, sugar,  earthy  salts,  and  a  volatile  bitter  principle. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — No  data  upon  this  is  obtainable.  We  will  do 
well,  perhaps,  to  again  consult  L.  intlata,  which,  in  virulence  of  action,  is  the  type 
of  the  genus  in  the  Northern  .States. 

.  Description  of  Plate  98. 

1.  Whole  plant,  once  reduced;    from  Chemung,  N.  Y.,  September  9,  1879. 

2.  Apex  of  receme. 

3.  Flower  (somewhat  enlarged). 

4.  Fruit. 

15    Pollen,  with  end  view  .x  380. 


99 


(r.in.jd  natdel.etpinxi 


Lobelia   Inflata,  Linn. 


N.  ORD.-LOBELIACE.^.  99 

Tribe.-LOBELIE^. 

GEMS —LOBELIA,  LINX. 
SEX.  SYST.— PENTANDKIA  MONOGVNIA. 


LOBELIA  INFLATA. 

IJVniAJV  TOBACCO. 

SYN.— LOBELIA  INFLATA,  LINN.;  RAPUNTIUM  INPLATUM,  MILL. 

COM.  NAMES.— WILD  OR  INDIAN  TOBACCO,  EYE-BRIGHT,*  BLADDER 
POD,t  EMETIC  ROOT  OR  WEED,  PUKE  WEED,  ASTHMA  WEED;  (FR.) 
LOBELIB  BNFLBE  ;  (GBR.)  LOBELIE. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE  FRESH  HERB  LOBELIA  INFLATA,  L. 

Description. — This  well-known  milky,  acrid,  biennial  or  annual  herb,  varies 
greatly  in  its  growth,  generally,  however,  its  height  is  from  8  inches  to  2  feet.J 
Root  slender,  yellowish-white ;  ste?n  erect,  somewhat  angled,  lined  or  winged, 
leafy,  paniculately  branched,  especially  above,  and  divergently  hirsute,  principally 
below;  leaves  sessile,  veiny,  acute,  and  irregularly  or  obtusely  toothed  ;  they  vary 
from  ovate  or  oblong  below  to  foliaceous  or  even  subulate  bracts  above,  longer 
than  the  pedicels,  hifiorescetice  loose,  terminal,  spike-like  racemes;  flowers  small, 
inconspicuous,  irregular.  Calyx  persistent  lo-veined,  not  auriculate  nor  append- 
aged  in  the  sinuses  ;  lobes  linear-subulate,  nearly  as  long  as  the  corolla,  and  spring- 
ing from  a  decided  ring  involving  the  throat  of  the  tube.  Corolla  marcescent, 
about  two  lines  long,  pale  blue  externally,  somewhat  violet  within  ;  lobes  5,  the  two 
upper  lanceolate,  erect,  the  three  lower  ovate,  acute,  and  projecting.  Slainens  5, 
epigynous,  projecting  with  the  style  (which  they  enclose)  through  the  complete 
slit  in  the  upper  median  line  of  the  corolla  tube.  Capsule  2-celled,  oval,  glabrous, 
much  inflated,  longitudinally  lo-nerved  and  roughened  between  the  nerves  by 
transverse  rugae,  they  greatly  exceed  their  pedicels  in  length ;  seeds  numerous, 
oblong,  rough,  of  a  brilliant  brown  color  and  reticulated  with  honey-yellow  inter- 
mixed lines ;  placeiitcc  central.  A  description  of  the  genus  is  incorporated  in  that 
of  Lobelia  Cardinalis,  97. 

History  and  Habitat. — Indian  Tobacco  is  common  in  dry  open  fields  from 
Hudson's  Bay  westward  to  Saskatchewan  and  southward  to  Georgia  and  the 
Mississippi,  where  it  flowers  from  July  to  October,     Linnaeus  first  noticed  this 

*  The  true  eye-bright  is  Euphrasia  officinalis,  L.  (Scrophulariacee). 
t  The  true  bladder-pod  is  Vesicaria  Shortii,  T.  &•  G.  (Cruci/erea). 

J  I  met  many  individuals  this  season  (1885),  scarcely  3  inches  high,  simple  stemmed,  and  in  full  flower  and  fruit. 
I  judge  this  depauperate  form  to  be  the  var.  simplex  of  Rafinesque. 


99-2 

species  in  the  Transactions  of  the  Upsal  Academy  in  1741.^  It  was  introduced 
into  England  in  1859,  and  noticed  medically  by  Schoepf  in  1787,  his  observations 
being  mostly  fonnded  upon  the  use  of  the  plant  by  the  American  aborigines  as  an 
emetic,  and  application  for  "  sore  eyes."  It  afterward  became  in  frequent  use  by 
Botanic  physicians,  and  in  18 13  was  more  or  less  prominently  brought  before 
the  medical  profession  by  the  Rev.  D.  Cutler,  as  a  valuable  remedy  in  asthma.  Its 
use  was  not  carried  into  England  until  1829. 

The  name  Indian  Tobacco  might  have  arisen  either  from  the  peculiar  tobacco- 
like sensation  imparted  to  the  tongue  and  stomach  on  chewing  the  leaves,  or  from 
the  fact  that  the  American  Indians  often  smoked  the  dried  leaves  to  produce  the 
effect  of  the  drug. 

Lobelia  has  been  recommended  and  used  in  the  Botanic  practice  particularly, 
either  alone  or  compounded  with  other  drugs,  for  almost  every  disease  known,  and 
has  proven  curative  in  some  cases,  palliative  in  more,  useless  in  many,  and  a  deadly 
poison  in  more  cases  than  one.  Its  action,  as  will  be  seen  farther  on,  is,  as  in  all 
narcotics,  principally  upon  the  brain,  thus  making  it  anything  but  a  desirable 
emetic,  as  which  it  is  most  frequently  used.  From  the  power  it  exhibits  to  relax 
the  whole  system,  it  has  been  found  very  valuable  in  spasms,  tetanus,  croup, 
strangulated  hernia,  whooping  cough,  and  even  hydrophobia.  Samuel  Thomson 
claims  to  have  discovered  the  virtues  of  the  plant,  though  without  doubt  his  first 
ideas  of  its  emetic  property  were  gathered  from  the  Indians.  He  went  so  far  as 
to  claim  it  curative  in  all  disorders,  giving  it  with  such  a  reckless  hand  that  he 
fatally  poisoned  one  of  his  patients,  a  certain  Ezra  Lovett,  for  which  he  was 
arrested  on  the  charge  of  murder,  escaping  punishment  because  said  Lovett 
was  foolish  enough  to  take  the  prescription  of  a  man  who  claimed  to  carry  such 
potent  (?)  drugs  as  ^' zvell-niy-gristle"  and  "ram-cats." 

Lobelia  Inflata  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  as:  Acetutn  Lobeiics ;  Extractum 
Lobelice  Fluidtivi ;  and  Tinchira  Lobelice ;  and  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  as 
above,  and  as :  Cataplasma  Lobelice  et  Ulmus  ;^  Enema  Lobelies  Composita  ;^  Ex- 
tractum Lobelice  Ehiidum  Compositum  ;*  Linimentum  Stillingice  Compositiim  /' 
Lotio  Lobelice  Composita  /"^  Oleum  Lobelice ;  Pilules  Aloes  Composite^  ■'  Pulvis 
Lobelice  Compositus  ;*  Tinctura  Hydrastis  Composites  ;^  Tinctura  Lobeiics  Com- 
posita ,-^"  Tincttira  Lobeiics  et  Capsici  ;^^  Tinctura  SangtiinaricB  Acetata  Composita  ;'- 
Tinctura  Sanguinarice  Composita,  and  Tinctura  Viburni  Composita}^ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  whole  plant  gathered  in  Septem- 
ber, or  when  the  last  flowers  are  developing  and  the  lower  capsules  are  ripe, 

'  Trims.  Upsal,  1741,  t.  I,  p.  43.  ^  Lobelia,  Elm,  and  Lye. 

3  Tinctura  Lobelia  et  Capsici  gss,  water  gss.       *  Lobelia,  Skunk-cabb.ige,  and  Sanguinaria. 

^  Oils  of  Stillingia,  Cajepul,  and  Lobelia.  *  Bayberry  bark.  Lobelia  leaves  and  seeds,  and  Yellow  Dockroot. 

'  Eoneset,  Mandrake,  Ginseng,  Aloes,  Soap,  Gamboge,  and  Capsicum  and  Lobelia  seeds. 
8  Lobelia,  Blood-root,  Skunk-cabbage,  Ipecac,  and  Capsicum. 
'  Hydra.stis  and  Lobelia. 

'0  Lobelia,  Wild  Ginger  (Asarum  Canadense  ?),  Blood-root,  Skunk-cabbage,  and  Pleurisy-root. 
"  Lobelia,  Capsicum,  and  Skunk-cabbage  root. 
12  Blood-root,  Lobelia,  Skunk-cabbage  root,  and  Vinegar. 

High  Cranberry  bark,  Loljelia  seed.  Blood-root,  Skunk-cabbage  seed,  Capsicum,  and  Stramonium  seed. 


99-3 

should  be  treated  as  in  the  preceding  species.  The  resulting  tincture  shguld  be 
of  a  clear  reddish-orange  color  by  transmitted  light,  and  have  a  very  acrid  pene- 
trating tobacco-like  taste,  a  peculiar  characteristic  odor,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— i><Jt-//;m.'  This  alkaloidal  body  was  discov- 
ered by  Calhoun,'-  though  Procter  was  first  to  isolate  it.^  Bastic,*  working  with- 
out a  previous  knowledge  of  its  discovery,  also  isolated  the  principle.  Lobelina 
exists  after  separation,  especially  when  carefully  sealed,  as  an  oily,  yellowish  fluid 
having  a  decided  alkaline  reaction,  this  is  especially  noticeable  in  its  watery  solution. 
Its  taste  is  acro-pungent,  very  like  that  of  nicotia.  It  exhibits,  even  in  very  small 
doses,  the  poisonous  action  of  the  herb.  It  is  somewhat  volatile,  decomposing 
and  losing  its  acridity  at  a  temperature  above  ioo°  (212°  F.)  either  alone  or  in 
the  presence  of  dilute  acids  or  caustic  alkalies.  It  is  soluble  in  water,  alcohol, 
and  ether.  Lobelina  neutralizes  acids,  and  except  with  acetic,  forms  crystallizable 
salts,  more  soluble  in  water  than  the  alkaloid  itself. 

Lobelacrin. — This  glucoside  (?)  was  discovered  by  Pereira  ''  and  corroborated 
by  Enders."  Lewes  (187S),  who  made  a  thorough  analysis  of  this  drug,  suggests 
that  this  body  may  be  Lobeliate  of  Lobelina,  a  salt  of  lobelina  formed  by  the  free 
acid  in  the  plant  itself.  Lobelacrin,  according  to  Enders,  exists  as  acrid,  brownish, 
verrucose  tufts,  decomposing  rapidly  in  water  at  100°  (212°  P.),  and  resolving 
under  the  action  of  acids  or  alkalies  into  sugar  and 

Lobelic  Acid. — This  acid  is  crystallizable,  non-volatile,  soluble  in  water,  alco- 
hol, and  ether,  and  yields  an  Insoluble  plumbic  and  soluble  baric  salt. 

Lobelianin. — This  body,  so  named  by  Its  discoverer,  Pereira,  Is  now  considered 
to  be  the  volatile  oil,  Lobeiiin,  a  compound  body  isolated  by  Reinsch,  and  now 
considered  Indefinite. 

Oil  of  Lobelia. — This  oil  may  be' extracted  from  the  seeds,  which,  when 
bruised  between  heated  rollers,  generally  yield  about  30  per  cent.  According 
to  Procter  its  specific  gravity  is  0.940,  and  its  drying  quality  and  consistence  quite 
similar  to  that  of  linseed  oil.  Dr.  John  King  states''  that  the  oil  possesses  all  the 
medicinal  qualities  of  the  seed. 

Beside  the  foregoing,  caoutchouc,*"^"  extractive,*""  resin,"'""  and  fat,"  have 
been  determined. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Thanks  to  much  reckless  prescribing  by  many 
so-called  Botanic  physicians,  and  to  murderous  intent;  as  well  as  to  experimentation 
and  careful  provings,  the  action  of  this  drug  is  pretty  thoroughly  known.     Lobelia 


'   Lohelin,  Loheline.  '   Jottrn.  Phil.  Coll.  Pharm.,  300. 

'  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1838,  p.  98;  and  farther  ibid.,  1S71,  p.  I ;  and  1851,  p.  456. 

*  1850.     Ibid.,  1851,  p.  270.  5  Mill.  Med.,  Vol.  2,  part  2,  p.  12. 

•  1871,  in  an  analysis  made  for  the  authors  of  the  Pharmacographia,  1.  c,  p.  400. 

'  Am.  Disp.,  1880,  p.  492.  8  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.,  1817,  Vol.  i,  p.  179. 

"  Reinsch.  ">  Pereira,  /.  c.  "   Procter,  /.  e. 


99-4 

in  large  doses  is  a  decided  narcotic  poison,  producing  effects  on  animals  generally, 
bearincr  creat  similitude  to  somewhat  smaller  doses  of  tobacco;  and  lobeli7ia  in 
like  manner  to  nicoiia.  Its  principal  sphere  of  action  seems  to  be  upon  the 
pneumogastric  nerve,  and  it  is  to  the  organs  supplied  by  this  nerve  that  its  toxic 
symptoms  are  mainly  due,  and  its  "  physiological "  cures  of  pertussis,  spasmodic 
asthma,  croup  and  gastralgia  gained.  Its  second  action  in  importance  is  that  of 
causing  general  muscular  relaxation,  and  under  this  it  records  its  cures  of  stran- 
gulated hernia  (by  enemata),  tetanic  spasms,  convulsions,  hysteria,  and,  mayhap, 
hydrophobia.  Its  third  action  is  upon  mucous  surfaces  and  secretory  glands, 
increasing  their  secretions. 

The  prominent  symptoms  of  its  action  are :  great  dejection,  exhaustion,  and 
mental  depression,  even  to  insensibility  and  loss  of  consciousness ;  nausea  and 
vertigo  ;  contraction  of  the  pupil ;  profuse  clammy  salivation  ;  dryness  and  prick- 
ling in  the  throat ;  pressure  in  the  oesophagus  with  a  sensation  of  vermicular 
motion,  most  strongly,  however,  in  the  larynx  and  epigastrium ;  sensation  as  of  a 
lump  in  the  throat ;  incessant  and  violent  nausea,  with  pain,  heat,  and  oppression 
of  the  respiratory  tract ;  vomiting,  followed  by  great  prostratiort ;  violent  and 
painful  cardiac  constriction ;  griping  and  drawing  abdominal  pains ;  increased 
urine,  easily  decomposing  and  depositing  much  uric  acid  ;  violent  racking  parox- 
ysmal cough  with  ropy  expectoration  ;  small,  irregular,  slow  pulse  ;  general  weak- 
ness and  oppression,  more  marked  in  the  thorax ;  violent  spasmodic  pains,  with 
paralytic  feeling,  especially  in  the  left  arm  ;  weariness  of  the  limbs,  with  cramps  in 
the  gastrocnemii ;  and  sensation  of  chill  and  fever.  Death  is  usually  preceded 
by  insensibility  and  convulsions. 

Post-mortein. — The  stomach  is  found  congested  and  filled  with  fluid,  and  the 
brain  engorged  with  blood. 

Description  of  Plate  99. 

1.  Whole  plant,  Chemung,  N.  Y.,  September  9th,  1879. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Fruit. 

4.  Seed  natural  size  and  magnified  100  diam. 

(2-3  enlarged.) 


100 


.TU.adnatdel.etiiinxt 


ArCTOSTAPHYLOS    UVA-URSI,Spreng. 


N.  ORD.-ERICACE^.  100 

Tribe- ERICINt/E. 

GENUS— ARC  TO  STAPH  Y  LOS,*  A  DANS. 
SEX.  .SVST.— LiECANDKI.V  MOXOC;VM.\. 


UVA-URSI. 


BEARBEliRY 


SYN.— ARCTOSTAPHYLOS  UVA-URSI,  SPRENG. ;  A.  OFFICINALIS,  WILLD. ; 

ARBUTUS  UVA-URSI,  LINN.;   DAPHNIDOSTAPHYLIS  FENDLERIANA, 

KLOT. 
COM.    NAMES.  — BEARBBRRY,   MOUNTAIN    BOX,    RED    BERRY,    UPLAND 

CRANBERRY,    BEAR'S    GRAPE,    RED-BERRIED    TRAILING    ARBUTUS, 

"WHORTLEBERRY, T    HETH,    UNIVERSE;     (FR.)    BUSSEROLLE,   RAISIN 

D'OURS;    (GER.  I  BARENTRAUBE. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE    LEAVES  OF  ARC  TOSTAPHVLOS   UVA-URSI. 

Description. — This  peculiar  boreal  shrub  i.s  seldom  erect  except  that  it  throws 
its  young  shoots  upward  for  from  3  to  8  inches.  Stems  numerous,  depressed  or 
trailing;  branches  various,  the  sterile  from  2  to  3  feet  long  and  compactly  leafy, 
the  fertile  shorter ;  bark  mahogany  color,  scaling  off  in  irregular  patches ;  roots 
thick,  ligneous,  and  creeping.  Leaves  alternate,  coriaceous,  thick,  shining,  and 
evergreen,  turning  mahogany  color  when  aged,  those  of  the  erect  branchlets  more 
or  less  vertical,  all  oblong  spatulate,  entire,  retuse,  and  tapering  to  a  short-petioled 
base.  Inflorescence  in  few-flowered,  terminal  clusters  or  racemes  ;  bracts  and  bract- 
eoles  persistent,  finally  becoming  rigid;  floioers  pale,  rose-colored,  drooping.  Calyx 
reddish,  persistent,  free  from  the  ovary;  lobes  5,  roundish.  Corolla  urceolate,  pellu- 
cid at  the  base,  deciduous;  tiibe  inflated,  hairy  inside,  hypogynous ;  lobes  5,  short 
acute,  recurved.  Stamens  10,  included;  antJicrs  large,  upright,  introrse,  the  cells 
opening  by  terminal  pores  and  appendaged  upon  the  dorsal  surface  by  2  reflexed 
awns.  Ovary  4  to  10  celled;  ovules  solitary  in  each  cell.  Fruit  a  glabrous,  de- 
pressed-globose berry  or  drupe,  about  the  size  of  a  pea  ;  pulp  mealy  and  insipid  ; 
nutlets  5,  when  the  fruit  is  baccate,  or  united  firmly  into  a  5-several  celled  stone 
when  drupaceous;  whether  distinct  or  coherent,  the  nutlets  are  bony  and  i -nerved 
upon  the  dorsal  surface. 

Ericaceae. — This  chiefly  boreal  family  is  represented  in  North  America  by  34 
genera,  135  species,  and  32  recognized  varieties,  thus  producing  half  the  erica- 
ceous  genera  of  the  globe,  but  only  one-eighth  of  the  total  number  of  species. 
The  order  is  characterized  as  follows:  The  growth  comprises  trees,  shrubs,  and 


»  'Aprro,-,  arktos,  a  bear;  <rraiji.Xii,  staphyle,  a  grape  or  berry. 

t  Generally  applied  to  species  of  Vacdiiiiim,  especially  V.  I'itis  Idira,  Linn. 


100-2 

some  perennial  herbs,  all  having  alternate,  simple,  and  undivided  leaves,  and  no 
stipules.  Flo-a'ers  symmetrical,  4-  to  5-merous,  perfect ;  cniyx  imbricated  or  valvate 
in  the  bud.  Corolla  gamopetalous,  or  not  rarely  4-  to  5-petalous,  regular  or  irregu- 
lar, hypooynous  e.xcept  in  I  'accinccc,  imbricated  or  convolute  in  the  bud.  Stamens 
free  from  the  corolla  or  nearly  so,  as  many  or  twice  as  many  as  its  lobes  ;  filaments 
distinct ;  anthers  introrse  or  becoming  introrsely  inverted,  2-celled,  usually  opening 
by  pores  or  chinks,  and  generally  awned  or  somehow  appendaged ;  pollen  usually 
composed  of  4  united  grains.  Ovary  \-  to  lo-celled;  placentce  a.xial,  except  in 
Monotropece  ;  ovules  solitary  or  numerous,  anatropous  ;  style  single;  stigma  entire 
or  merely  lobed,  except  in  Clethra,  where  it  is  3-cleft.  Fi-ti.it  capsular,  baccate,  or 
drupaceous;  embryo  small  or  minute;  albumen  fleshy;  cotyledons  small  or  unde- 
veloped. 

Our  only  proven  species  of  this  order,  except  the  six  represented  in  this 
work,  are :  The  European,  Asiatic,  and  British-American  Labrador  Tea  iyLcdnm 
Paliistre,  Linn.);  and  the  Russian  intoxicant  and  anti-rheumatic  Yellow  Rosebay 
{RJiododendron  chrysanthemum,  Linn.). 

Other  medicinal  species  are :  The  American  Rosebay  {Rhododendron  maxi- 
mum, Willd.),  an  astringent,  and  by  some  accounted  narcotic  and  poisonous;  the 
Swiss  R.ferrugineum,  Linn.,  an  antiarthridc ;  and  the  Persian  R.  ponticnm,  Linn., 
supposed  to  be  one  of  the  plants  whose  nectar  renders  the  honey  of  Trebisond 
poisonous — an  influence  also  said  to  be  contributed  to  by  Azalea  pontica,  Linn., 
of  this  order.  The  North  American  Alpine  Azalea  {Loiseleuria  procumbens,  Desv.) 
is,  like  all  of  the  order,  astringent;  and  Marsh  Tea  {Ledum  lalifolium,  Ait.),  used 
in  dysentery,  diarrhoea,  tertian  ague,  and  in  some  places  to  render  beer  heady, 
thoup-h  it  is  said  to  bring  on  delirium.  The  fruit  of  the  Strawberry  Tree  of  the 
Levant  [Arbutus  Unedo,  Linn.),  when  made  into  wine,  is  said  to  be  narcotic — a 
property  also  ascribed  to  the  wine  of  Whortleberries  [J'accinium  ulignosum,  Linn.), 
which  is  very  intoxicating.  The  leaves  of  the  European  and  North  American  An- 
dromeda polifolia,  Linn.,  are  an  acrid  and  dangerous  narcotic,  and  are  said  to 
kill  sheep  if  browsed  upon. 

Many  species  of  the  order  furnish  our  tables  with  fine  refreshing  berries,  viz.: 
The  Blue  Berry  {Gaylussacia  frondosa,T.  &  G.);  the  Huckleberry  {G.  resinosa, 
T.  &  G.);  the  Blue  Huckleberries  {Vaccinium  Fennsylvanicum,  Lam.,  vacillans, 
Solander,  and  corymbosum,\^\'c^n.):  and  the  Cranberries  {I'acciniujn  macrocarpon,- 
Ait,  and  V.  Oxycoccus,  Linn.);  the  latter  are  also  refrigerant,  and  a  fine  palliative 
dressing  for  acute  erysipelas. 

Among  the  Western  Aborigines  the  Manzanita,  the  fruit  of  Arctostaphylos 
tomcutosa,  Dougl.,  is  extensively  eaten  in  a  fresh  or  dried  state.  When  dried  it 
is  husky  but  sweet,  and  is  often  ground  and  made  into  sun-baked  bread,  or,  mixed 
with  corn-meal  and  cactus  syrup,  fermented  and  drank  ;  the  cranberry  and  blue 
huckleberry  are  also  prized  ;  while  the  smoke-dried  fruits  of  1  'accinium  myrtillus, 
and  V.  stamineum,  Linn.,  are  largely  stored  for  winter  food. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Bearberry  is  indigenous  to  North  America,  where 
it  extends  from  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Wisconsin,  and  Northern  California, 


iOO-3 

northward  to  the  Arctic  Circle.  In  Kurope  it  extends  northwartl  from  North- 
western Ireland,  Yorkshire,  and  Central  Russia ;  in  Asia  also  northward  from 
Lower  Siberia  and  Kamtschatka,  its  northerly  range  includes  Iceland  and  Green- 
lantl.  Its  choice  of  growth  is  barren,  but  healthy  ground,  among  rocks,  where  it 
flowers  in  May. 

The  principal  substitutive  leaves  for  the  Uva-Ursi  of  commerce  are  those  of 
I'acciiiitcm  J'itis  Idcea,  Linn.,  of  which  Mr.  J.  H.  Sears  says  r''  "This  is  the  plant 
that  the  Shakers  gather  instead  of  the  Uva-Ursi ;  they  go  40  or  50  miles  for  it 
when  lU'a-Ursi  is  abundant  in  their  own  ground.  Uva-Ursi  is  common  at  Groton, 
Mass.;  still  the  Shakers  of  that  vicinity  go  to  Danvers,  where  there  is  a  small  patch 
of  \'itis  Idcea,  which  they  gather  instead."  Comparing  the  leaves  of  specimens 
sent  by  Mr.  Sears,  I  find  the  following  distinction  : 

U\a-Uksi.  \'ii:s  Id.ka. 

Bearberry.  Cowberry. 

Zf/rti/^",  oblanccolate  to  ol)long,  never  spatiilatcly  BlaJe.  narrowly  oblanceolate,  seldom,  if  ever, 

narrowed,  as  in  Vitis  Ida;a;  reticulately  broad-  tending  toward  oblong;  very  distinctly  black- 
veined  beneath,  not  dotted.  dotted  and  narrow-veined  beneath. 

The  character  of  the  leaves  being  toward  the 
apex  crenate  and  distinctly  revolute,t  is  not  at 
all  constant,  nor  is  it  distinctive. 

Uva  Ursi  is  an  ancient  astringent,  though  used  but  little  until  the  13th  century 
by  the  "physicians  ot  Myddfai."  Clusius  described  the  plant,  in  1601,  as  the 
"ApxTor  ffra^iv./:  of  Galen,  useful  as  an  hemostatic;  it  was  not  much  used,  how- 
ever, until  about  the  middle  of  the  eighteenth  century,  when  it  began  to  prove,  in 
the  hands  of  De  Haen  and  Gerhard,  an  excellent  remedy  in  nephritic  disorders. 
It  was  admitted  to  the  London  Pharmacopoeia  in  1  763.  From  this  time  it  came  into 
more  or  less  general  use  as  an  astringent  tonic  and  diuretic  in  various  diseases, 
particularly,  however,  in  dysuria,  chronic  vesical  catarrh,  cystitis  with  or  without 
ulceration,  calculous  disorders,  and  kindred  affections,  as  well  as  in  irritations  of 
the  genital  tracts,  such  as  gleet,  gonorrhcea,  leucorrhoea,  blenorrh(xa,  etc.  In  all 
these  disorders,  however,  it  proved  itself  simply  palliative  in  most  cases,  and  many 
times  fell  into  disuse.  Dr.  Bourin,  of  Oxford,  recommended  it  highly  in  phthisis, 
but  it  only  abated  the  hectic  fever  from  reduction  of  the  heart's  action.  In  late 
years  it  has  been  called  attention  to  as  a  uterine  excitant,  very  useful  in  prolonged 
parturition  from  atony;  it  is  claimed  that  it  is  fully  as  sure  as  Secale,  while  the 
contractions  resulting  are  more  prolonged,  while  less  painiul,  and  dangerous  to  the 
child.  The  general  close  in  nephritic  complaints  has  been:  of  the  pow^dered  leaves, 
3ij  to  oj,  and  of  the  decoction,  cock.  mag.  ij  to  iv,  quater  in  die ;  and  in  parturition, 
grs.  XV,  in  infusion,  a  cupful  every  hour,  one,  or  at  most  two  doses,  being  fully 
sufficient. 

The  American  Aborigines  smoke  the  dried  leaves  with  tobacco,  making  a 
mixture  called  Sagack-hovti  in  Canada,  and  Kinikiiiik  among  the  Western  tribes; 
this  is  the  Larb  of  the  Western  hunters. 

*  In  .1  letter  from  IVahocly  .Vcademy  of  Science  to  tlic  nvuliiT. 
t  Ucntley  and  Trimcn,  Med.  PI.,  163. 


iOO-4 

The  leaves  of  Uva-Ursi  are  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  as  well  as  Extractuvi 
Uva-Ursi  Fliudiiin  :  in  Eclectic  practice  the  preparation  is  Decoctinn  Uva-Ursi. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  leaves,  particularly  those  of 
the  sterile  branches,  gathered  in  September  or  October,  are  to  be  chopped  and 
pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  take  two-thirds'  part  by  weight  of 
dilute  alcohol,  add  to  it  the  pulp  with  constant  agitation,  and  strain  the  whole 
through  a  piece  of  new  linen.  The  grainy  menstruum  thus  obtained  should  be 
allowed  to  stand  eight  days,  in  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  in  a  dark,  cool  place, 
before  filtering. 

The  tincture  obtained  by  filtration  should  be  opaque,  and  have,  in  thin  layers, 
a  deep  blackish-brown  color  by  transmitted  light ;  its  odor  should  be  heavily  herb- 
aceous and  slightly  terebinthic  ;  its  taste  extremely  astringent  and  slightly  bitter; 
and  its  reaction  acid. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.  —  According  to  many  observers,  especially 
Prof.  Murray  and  Dr.  J.  S.  Mitchell,  water  is  the  best  menstruum  with  which  to 
extract  the  principles  of  this  plant.  The  large  amount  of  tannin  contained  in  the 
leaves  causes  them  to  be  extensively  gathered  in  Iceland,  .Sweden,  and  Russia  for 
tanning  fine  grades  of  leather. 

\_Ai'bntose''' — Treat  the  mixture  of  several  successive  decoctions  of  the 
coarsely-powdered  leaves  of  Uva-Ursi  with  subacetate  of  lead,  thereby  precipi- 
tating the  tannin  and  extractive  matters.  Decolorize  the  liquid  with  sulphydric 
acid,  and  evaporate  quickly.  This  process  decomposes  a  certain  quantity  of  arbu- 
tin  and  a  sticky  crystalline  mass  is  produced  (Arbutose),  containing  55  per  cent. 
nrbitljn,  35  per  cent,  glucose,  and  10  per  cent,  water.  After  drying  this  body  in 
air  as  far  as  possible,  and  treating  it  with  charcoal,  followed  by  successive  quan- 
tities of  alcohol  and  distilled  water,  crystallized  arbutin  may  be  obtained.] 

Arbutin,f  C„.H,^Oj^.J — This  glucoside,  in  an  impure  state,  was  first  deter- 
mined by  Hughes, §  and  called  by  him  Ursin  ;  Kawalier,  however,  in  1853,  isolated 
the  body  in  a  pure  state,  and  gave  it  the  name  it  now  bears.  Arbutin  crystallizes 
in  handsome,  white,  shining,  radiate  forms,  odorless,  bitter,  and  neutral  ;  they  lose 
water  at  100°  (212°  F.),  fuse  at  160°  (338°  F.),  are  soluble  in  water,  slighdy  sol- 
uble in  alcohol,  and  insoluble  in  ether.  By  heating  the  crystals  with  peroxide  of 
manganese  they  are  resolved  as  follows  : 

.•\rbuUn.  Kinonc.  Foiiiiic  Aciil.  Water. 

Q-H^^P,.,  =  4QHp,  +   CH.O,  +  4H,0. 

Kinoue\\  C|.H^O,. —  This  very  volatile  body  readily  sublimes  in  brilliant  golden- 
yellow  acicular  crystals,  possessing  a  suffocating  smell.  They  are  slightly  soluble 
in  cold,  freely  soluble  in  hot,  water,  in  alcohol,  and  in  ether. 


*  Lewiii,  I'hiirm.  Jour.,  3,  xiv,  490.  jl  j.  C.  C.  Hughes,  in  Am.  Jour.  P/iar.,  1S47,  90. 

t  Kawaher,  CjjH^O,,.     StrecUer,  C,jU,„0..  ||  Qiiiiioiie. 

\  Hlasiwetz  and  Habermann. 


100-5 

Arbutin,  during  its  passage  through  the  body,  undergoes  the  following  change,* 
which  is  also  brought  about  outside  the  body  by  the  action  of  emulsin,  or  by  boil- 
ing with  dilute  sulphuric  acid  : 

Arbutin.  Water.  Glucose.  IlydroUinone.  Metliyl-livdrukiuone. 

Q-H^A,  -  2H.,0  =  C,,H,p,,    f   C„'h,(OH),  -(-  QH,(OH.OCHJ. 

//y(/ro/cifione,f  C^H^O.,. — This  dioxybenzene  forms  in  colorless  rhombic  prisms, 
melting  at  169°-! 72°  (336.2°-34i.6°  F.),  and  subliming,  partly  decomposed,  at 
higher  temperatures. 

In  the  mother-liquor,  after  the  crystallization  of  Arbutin,  the  following  sub- 
stances are  found  : 

Ericolin,  C.^H-gCj. — This  amorphous,  very  bitter  glucoside  results  as  a  yellow- 
ish-brown mass,  softening  at  100°  (212°  F.),  and  resolving,  under  the  action  of 
dilute  sulphuric  acid,  as  follows  : 

Ericolin.  Water.  Glucose.  Ericinol. 

C.3,H,A,  +  4H,0  =  4CoH„0,3  +  Q„H„,p. 

Ericinol,  CjuH^gO,  is  a  yellowish,  or  nearly  colorless  resinifying  oil,  having  a 
peculiar  odor.J  It  also  exists  free  in  the  volatile  oils  of  many  Ericaceae  ;  that  from 
Ledum  having  a  blue-green  color,  a  disagreeable  odor,  a  burning  and  bitter  taste, 
and  boils  at  240^-250°  (464°-482°  F.).  On  boiling  it  with  hydrated  lime  it  yields 
a  hydrocarbon  of  the  composition  C.,yHj,,.§ 

Urson,  C.,„H.,,,0.,.|| — This  colorless,  tasteless,  crystalline  body  melts  at  198°- 
200°  (388.4°-392°  F.),  sublimes  at  higher  temperatures  without  visible  change,  is 
insoluble  in  water,  and  slightly  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether.§ 

Gallic,  or  Trioxybcnzoic,  Acid,  C_H.,0^(OH).,, — This  acid  occurs  in  a  free  state 
in  this  and  many  other  plants,  and,  in  combination  with  tannic  acid,  in  numberless 
others;  it  dissolves  in  100  parts  of  cold  water,  from  which  it  crystallizes  in  fine, 
silky  needles,  slightly  acid  and  astringent.  Gallic  acid  gives  a  deep  blue  color 
with  ferric  salts,  melts  at  200°  (392°  F.),  and  resolves  at  210°  (410°  F.),  as  follows  : 

Gillir  Aci.l  Carbonic  Pyrogallic 

Gallic  AciU.  Dioxide.  Acid. 

C.Hp.,(OH),  =  CO,  +  QH,/>, 

Tannin. — This  glucoside  is  generally  considered  to  have  the  composition 
Cj^HjA,  which  proves  it  an  anhydride  of  gallic  acid,  and  its  true  name  Digallic 
Acid.^  The  difficulty  of  obtaining  tannin  pure  renders  its  composition,  however, 
somewhat  doubtful ;  when  as  pure  as  possible  it  results  as  a  porous,  greenish- 
yellow,  friable  mass,  freely  soluble  in  water,  less  so  in  alcohol,  and  insoluble  in 
ether.  The  tannic  acids,  so  called,  are  a  group  of  bodies  widely  diffused  through 
the  vegetable  kingdom,  the  species  containing  them  usually  lending  a  portion  of 

*  M.  von  Mering,  Arch.f.  d.gesam.  Physiol.  1877,  276.  \  Wittsteiii.  ||  Trommsdorf. 

t  Arctuvin,  Quinhydrone,  Hydroquinone,  Hydrochinone.  Gallic  Acid.        Water.  Tannin. 

X  Gmelin,  Chem.,  xvi,  28.  1  (CjH.OJ,  —  H._,0  =  C„H,„Oj. 


100-6 

their  name  to  specify  the  body  as  found  in  them — (Gi^cc- tannic  Acid,  Oiiino- 
tannic  Acid,  Catec/in-tdLnmc  Acid,  AvV/i^-tannic  Acid,  etc.).  With  gelatine,  these 
tannins  form  an  insoluble  compound  ;  and  with  ferric  chloride  they  yield  bluish- 
black  or  green  precipitates.  They  combine  readily  with  animal  skin,  giving  it  the 
property  of  resisting  putrefaction,  which  forms  part  of  the  process  called  tanning. 

Resin,  gum,  pyrocatechin,'''  extractive  matters,  and  the  usual  plant  constituents, 
are  also  found.-j- 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — .Should  we  prescribe  on  the  palliative  principle, 
and  at  the  same  time  believe  in  disinfection  by  killing  germs,  I  could  hardly 
point  to  a  drug  more  adapted  to  diseases  of  the  kidneys,  bladder,  and  urethra 
than  arbutin,  which  is  changed  in  the  renal  tract  to  hydrokinone,  a  sort  of  phenol, 
which  is  in  itself  a  germicide,  the  arbutin  being  more  or  less  innocuous  and  at  the 
same  time  a  diuretic ;  it  has,  however,  caused  an  eruption  of  the  skin.  J 

Uva-Ursi  itself  causes  vomiting  and  purging,  involuntary  passage,  bloody  and 
green  urine,  and  reduces  the  heart's  action  ;  further  than  this  little  is  known  of  its 
direct  effects. 


Description  of  Plate  ioo. 

1.  End  of  a  flowering  branch. 

2.  Fruiting  branch,  Salem,  Mass.,  Nov.  22,  1886. 

3.  Leaf,  under  surface. 

4.  Flower. 

5.  Longij'i.linal  section  of  flower. 

6.  Pistil. 

7.  Stamen,  front  and  side  view. 

8.  Drupe. 

9.  Pyrenas  consolidated  into  a  stone. 
10.  Transverse  section  of  a  pyrena. 

12.  Longitudinal  section  of  a  seed. 

13.  Horizontal  section  of  a  seed. 

14.  Section  of  ovary. 

15.  Se^-iarate  p}rena. 

(4-15  enlarged.) 

*  See  page  40-2. 

f  Further  bibliography  in  this  departmeiU:  G:'ays  Elei.ients ;  Gmelin,  Chein.,  xv,  419,  xvi,  2S;  Phar.  your.,  3, 
V,  401  ;  Am.  Jour.  Pkar.,  xxvii,  334;  1S73,  197;  1886,  385;  1885,  I  .q  ;  Chem.  Gaz.,  1S53,  61  ;  Wiltstein,  Org.  Cottslit. 
Plants ;   .Scliorlemmev,  Chem.  Carb.  Comp. 

%  Lcwin,  ibid. 


101. 


Gm.ad 


nat.iiel.et  pinxt 


EPIGAA     REPENS,Linn. 


N.  ORD-ERICACE/E.  101 

Tnbe.-ANDROMEDE£. 

(lEXUS.— EPIG/E  A,*  LINN. 

SEX.  SVST.— DECANURI.A.   MtUNC"  .\  NI.V. 


EPIGtEA. 


TRAIL  IMG  ARBUTUS. 


SYN.— EPIG^A  REPENS,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— TRAILING  ARBUTUS,  MAY  FLOWER,  GRAVEL  PLANT, 
GRAVEL  WEED,  GROUND  LAUREL,  MOUNTAIN  PINK,  WINTER 
PINK. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  PL.\NT  EPIG.^A  REPENS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  fragrant  spring  flower,  blossoming  amid  the  verdure  of 
its  previous  year's  growth  is  prostrate  or  trailing'''  from  a  mass  of  perennial 
red-brown,  fibrous  7^oots  thickly  beset  with  a  tangle  of  rootlets ;  the  stem  is 
rounded  and  conspicuously  hairy,  the  bark  and  hairs  having  a  rusty  color. 
Leaves  alternate,  evergreen,  reticulate,  ovate-cordate  and  entire,  from  i  to  2  inches 
long,  and  relatively  one-half  as  wide,  the  edges  and  under  surface  rusty  hairy. 
Inflorescence  apical  or  axillary;  \.\\q floToers  spring  from  dry,  scaly  bracts,  and  have 
a  delicate  pink,  a  deep  rose-color,  or  are  in  some  cases  white,  and  emit  a  fragrant, 
spicy  aroma.  Sepals  5,  dr)-,  nearly  separate,  ovate-lanceolate,  acute.  Coj-olla 
monopetalous,  salver-form,  with  5  ovate,  spreading  lobes,  the  tube  hairy  inside. 
Stamens  10,  shorter  than  the  corolla;  filaments  hairy  at  the  base;  anthers  linear, 
opening  longitudinally ;  pollen  of  compound  grains  as  in  the  preceding,  but 
smaller.  Ovary  globular,  depressed,  5-celled,  many-seeded  ;  style  slender,  form- 
ing a  zone  about  the  minutely  5-lobed  stigma.  Capsule  5-lobed,  5-celled, 
5-angled,  many-seeded,  inclosed  in  the  persistent  caly.x  ;  placentce  large,  2-celled ; 
seeds  ovate. 

History  and  Habitat. — Upon  rich,  damp,  mossy  banks  throughout  the  central 
part  of  North  America  east  of  the  Mississippi,  under  the  shade  and  protection  of 
low  pines  and  hemlocks,  in  the  early  sunny  days  of  spring,  sometimes  even  peep- 
ing from  under  a  snow-bank,  appear  the  sweet-scented  flowers  of  this  much- 
sought-after  little  plant ;  so  closely  do  the  prostrate  spreading  stems  cling  to  and 
mingle  with  the  mosses,  to  which  they  in  their  rusty  hairiness  bear  great  simili- 
tude, that  one  of  its  common  names  in  some  localities  is  Moss  Beaicty.  Epigsea 
flowers  until  ^^ay,  and  ripens  its  fruit  in  July. 

It  is  stated  that  in  lithic  acid  gravel,  and  some  forms  of  nephritis,  cystitis  and 
vesical  catarrh,  its  use  has  often  been  of  greater  benefit  than  uva-ursi  or  buchu. 

*  f  ri,  upon,  yi'i,  the  earth. 


101-2 

Epigsea  has  no  place  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  its  officinal 
preparations  are  Extracium  Epigecc  Fluiduni,  and  Infiisiun  Epigecr :  it  is  also 
the  principal  component  of  Iiifusiim  Epigecr  Covipositiini,  together  with  Eupatorium 
purpureum,  Aralia  hispida,  and  Radix  althaea  officinalis,  this  being  one  of  their 
much  used  diuretics. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  leaves,  or  the  whole  plant 
gathered  when  budding  to  blossom,  being  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and 
weighed,  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  with  one-sixth 
part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  thorough  succussion  the 
whole  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle  and  allowed  to  stand  for  eight  days 
in  a  dark,  cool  place.     The  tincture  is  then  decanted,  strained  and  filtered. 

Thus  prepared  it  is  opaque,  showing  in  thin  layers  a  deep  brown  color ;  it 
has  a  pleasant  woody  taste,  is  slightly  astringent,  and  of  a  decided  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — The  three  glucosides,  7irson,  cricolin,  and 
arbutin  {vide  Uva-ursi,  loo).  Formic  acid  and  a  body  having  properties  similar 
to  gallic  acid  have  been  determined  in  this  plant. 

Tannic  Acid. — The  amount  of  this  body  existing  in  epigsea  is  given  by 
Bowman  as  3.5  per  cent. 

Ericinol. — C,n  H.^^O,  a  pale-yellow,  aromatic  oil,  is  also  present. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Epigjea,  so  far  as  is  determined  at  present, 
shows  no  important  symptoms  of  physiological  disturbance  of  the  system.  The 
provings  are  scanty  ;  the  only  one  so  far  published  was  made  upon  myself  and 
may  be  found  in  the  "Horn.  Physician,"  Oct.,  1881,  vol.  i,  No.  10,  pp.  486-9. 

Description  of  Plate  ioi. 

I.   Flowering  branch,   from  Waverly,  N.  Y. ,  Ajiril  3,   1880. 

2.  Flower  showing  calyx  (enlarged). 

3.  Section  of  flower  (enlarged). 

4.  Stamen  (enlarged). 

5.  Pollen  grains  x  380. 


102. 


J0/ 


(x  lU.adnat.iJeletpinxt. 


GaULTHERIA     PrOCUMBENS,  Linn. 


N.  ORD-ERICACE/E.  102 

Tribe.-ANDROMEDE/E. 

GENUS.— G  A  U  LT  H  E  R  I  A  ,'  LINN. 
.^EX.  SV.ST— DECANDRIA  MONOGYNl.\. 

GAULTHERIA. 

WIJ^TERGREEJ^. 


SYN.  —  GAULTHERIA  PROCUMBENS,  LINN.;  GAULTHERIA  HUMILIS, 
SALISB.;   GAULTIERA  REPENS,  RAF. 

COM.  NAMES.— CREEPING  WINTERGREEN,  CHECKER  BERRY,  PAR- 
TRIDGE BERRY,  BOX  BERRY,  SPICE  BERRY,  TEA  BERRY,  MOUN- 
TAIN TEA,t  JERSEY  TEA.  GROUND  HOLLY,  AROMATIC  WINTER- 
GREEN,  GROUSE  BERRY,  DEW  BERRY,  RED  BERRY.  HILL  BERRY, 
(FR.)  THE  du  CANADA;  (GER.)  BERGTHEE. 


\  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH   LEAVES  OF  GAULTHERL\   PROCUMBENS,  LINN. 


Description. — This  well-known  perennial,  spicy-aromatic  evergreen  grows,  in 
its  upright  height,  from  3  to  5  inches,  the  true  sfon  creeping,  generally  below  the 
surface,  and  resembling  a  root.  The  flowering  branches  upright,  stem-like,  naked 
below  and  leaf)-  at  the  top.  Leaves  alternate,  upon  very  short  petioles,  obovate 
or  oval,  with  a  wedge-shaped  base  and  very  finely  serrate  edges ;  thick,  smooth 
and  shining.  Inflorescence  axillary  ;  ftozcers  usually  single,  sometimes  more,  upon 
nodding,  two-bracted  pedicels  from  the  base  of  the  upper  petioles.  Calyx  five- 
lobed.  Corolla  inflated-cylindrical  or  pear-shaped,  hairy  within,  with  five  small 
revolute  teeth.  Statneus  ten,  included  within  the  tube  of  the  corolla  ;  filaments 
flat,  hairy,  curving  toward  the  style  ;  aiithers  large,  introrse,  two-celled  with  two 
awns  at  the  apex  of  each  cell,  opening  by  a  terminal  pore.  Ovary  smooth,  five- 
lobed,  five-celled,  depressed,  situated  upon  an  hypogenous  disk  ;  placenta  axillary ; 
style  simple,  cylindrical,  thick,  longer  than  the  stamens  ;  stigma  blunt,  apparendy 
endre,  but  in  reality  faintly  marked  into  five  lobes.  Fruit  a  depressed,  five-lobed, 
-celled  and  -valved,  many-seeded  pod,  invested,  when  ripe,  by  the  now  thickened 
and  fleshy  calyx,  thus  forming  a  globose,  bright  red,  edible  berry,  having  a  depres- 
sion at  its  apex,  surrounded  by  crenations  formed  of  the  thickened  calyx  teeth. 
Seeds  situated  upon  the  axis,  minute,  very  irregularly  shaped,  the  average  being 
rounded-triangular,  with  concave  or  convex  surfaces  ;  testa  light-yellow,  with  fine 
he.xagonal  reticulations.  A  description  of  the  Ericacece  will  be  found  under  Uva- 
Ursi,  100. 


*  Dedicated  to  Dr.  Gaultier  of  Quebec.  The  orthography  of  whose  name,  after  passing  througli  botanical  works 
as  "Gaulthier"  and  "Gautier."  was  finally  settled  by  the  records  of  Quebec,  searched  by  I'rof.  Brunct,  as  "Gaultier." 
(Gray  \ 

t  The  leaves  of  this  plant  formed  one  of  the  subsliiutes  for  Thea  Ckinemis  during  the  Revolutionary  War. 


102-2 

History  and  Habitat. — The  wintergreen  is  indigenous  to  tlie  eastern  portion 
of  the  United  States,  growing  from  Maine  to  South  Carolina,  and  westward  to 
Central  Kentucky,  especially  among  the  mountains  in  the  shade  of  pines,  flower- 
ing in  July.  The  strange  fruit  hangs,  and  retains  its  bright  color,  until  the  next 
spring,  then  rots  upon  the  pedicels  or  drops  to  the  ground,  thus  allowing  the 
escape  of  the  seeds.  The  common  names  given  to  Gaultheria  procimibens,  C  Jiiiiia- 
phila  umbellata,  and  Mitchclla  repens  are  very  confusing,  being  interchanged  in 
different  sections  of  the  country.  The  berries  when  fresh,  and  the  young  leaves, 
are  very  pleasant  to  the  palate,  being  esteemed  highly  by  many,  and  forming  an 
article  for  sale  by  hucksters  in  some  localities.  They  form,  especially  among  the 
mountains  of  Pennsylvania,  together  with  those  of  MitcJiella,  the  principal  food 
of  partridges,  grouse  and  deer,  in  the  late  autumn  months. 

Distillation  of  the  oil  of  wintergreen,  for  use  as  a  flavoring  extract — to  which 
its  principal  commercial  value  is  due — is  confined  to  men  of  limited  means,  in 
those  districts  where  its  growth  is  most  abundant.  The  apparatus  used  is  simple 
and  movable,  being  shifted  as  the  supply  of  leaves  gives  out.  It  consists  usually 
of  a  copper  whiskey-still.  This  is  placed  near  some  rivulet  with  a  sufficient  fall  to 
keep  the  cooler  filled.  It  is  entirely  invested  by  brick,  with  the  exception  of  the 
cap,  filled  with  leaves  covered  with  water,  and  heated  by  an  open  fire  beneath. 
The  volatile  oil,  together  with  the  steam,  passes  through  the  condensing"  worm  into 
the  receiver,  which  is  kept  filled  with  water.  The  oil  is  collected  by  a  separating 
funnel,  placed  in  the  bottom  of  the  receiver,  and  the  water  used  over  and  again  to 
economize  the  product.  The  average  yield  is  ten  pounds  from  a  ton  of  the  leaves; 
greater  in  dry  seasons. 

Most  of  the  so-called  oil  of  wintergreen  is  made  from  young  birch  trees 
{Betu/a  lcnt(c),  in  a  similar  manner  to  the  process  described  above.  Mr.  G.  W. 
Kennedy  decides'-'  that  there  is  but  little  variance  between  the  oil  of  wintergreen 
and  that  of  birch.  This,  as  far  as  he  determined  after  many  tests,  consists  only  in 
a  slight  difference  in  the  boiling  point. 

Gaultheria  is  only  mentioned  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  no  officinal  preparation  being 
given.     In  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  it  meets  with  the  same  lack  of  popularity. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  leaves,  gathered  in  summer, 
are  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of 
alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it  and  the  rest 
of  the  alcohol  added.  The  whole  is  then  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle  and 
allowed  to  remain  for  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture  is  then  sepa- 
rated by  straining  and  filtering.  Thus  prepared,  it  is  of  a  deep  brownish  red  color 
by  transmitting  light  through  thin  layers,  or  black  and  opaque  when  in  quantity. 
It  retains  the  pleasant  odor  of  the  plant.  The  taste  peculiar  to  the  plant  is  covered 
at  first  by  its  great  astringency,  but  gradually  becomes  apparent  as  the  natural 
condition  of  the  tongue  returns.      Its  acidity  is  marked. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— The  general  constituents  of  this  plant  are  the 
same  as  those  described  under  Uva-Ursi,  loo,  viz.,  arbutin,  urson,  ericolin  and  tannin. 

*  Am.  Jo„r.  r/mr.,  18S2,  p.  49. 


102-3 

Oil  of  Gaultheria.  This  body  is  a  mixture  of  the  volatile  oil  of  the  plant, 
salic)late  of  methyl,  gaiiltherilene  and  uaulthc-ric  acid,  forminj^^  the  heaviest  of  the 
known  essential  oils,  its  sp.  gr.  being  i.i7,v  Unless  purified  by  macerating  in 
animal  charcoal,  it  has  a  reddish  color,  and  boils  at  200°  (,^92°  F. ). 

Gaultherilene,  C.^H,;,.  This  hydrocarbon  is  one  of  the  constituents  ot  the 
mixed  oil. 

Gaultheric  acid.      Methyl-salicylic  acitl,  C^H^         '     ..'     This   methyl-ether  of 

salicylic  acid,  is  obtained  from  the  oil  of  wintergreen  through  the  agency  of  an 
alkali.  It  crystallizes  in  plates,  melting  at  98.5°  (209.3°  P.).  It  is  isomeric  with 
the  next,  from  which  it  differs  by  being  a  strong  acid.. 

Salicylate  of  methyl,  QH^  ■!     ^  COH       ^'^'^  '^°*^'^  constitutes  the  principal 

part  of  the  compound  oil  distilling  over  after  the  passage  of  the  volatile  body 
when  the  temperature  is  raised  to  222°  (431.6°  F.).  It  exists  as  an  oily  liquid, 
possessing  a  very  pleasant  penetrating  odor  and  a  sweet,  aromatic,  refreshing 
laste.  (Schorlemmer,  Wittstein.)  All  of  the  above  constituents  are  soluble  in 
alcohol. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  following  digest  of  the  action  of  Gaulthe- 
ria is  from  Dr.  T.  J.  Gallaher  {A/e(/.  Ex.,  8,  347)  and  Drs.  W.  E.  Townsend  and 
Hooker  [Rec.  Boston  Soc.  Med.  Imp.],  the  first  from  an  -overdose  of  the  oil,  the 
last  from  large  amounts  of  the  essence  :  Stupidity,  swelling  of  the  tongue  and  very 
active  inflammation  of  the  stomach,  attended  with  a  highly  morbid'desire  for  tood, 
with  a  painful  tenderness  in  the  epigastric  region  and  violent  retching  and  vomit- 
ing whenever  anything  entered  the  stomach  ;  slow,  laborious  breathing,  with  loud 
respiration,  but  no  stertor;  hot  .skin,  high  pulse  and  restlessness. 


Description  of  Pl.^te  102. 

I.   A  branch  in  flower,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  July  2i.st,  1883. 

2.  .\  fruiting  branch  in  October. 

3.  Flower  (enlarged). 

4.  Flower  (section  enlarged). 


ATU.adnaldel.etpinxt. 


KALMIA       LaTIFOLIA,  Linn 


f 


N.  ORD.  ERICACE^.  103 

Thbe.-RHODORE/E. 

GENUS.— KALMIA,*LINX. 
SEX.  SYST.— DECANDRIA  MONOGYNIA. 


KALMIA. 


MOV Jf TALK  LAUREL. 


SYN.— KALMIA  LATIFOLIA,  LINN.;  CISTUS  CHAM^RHODODENDROS, 
ETC.,  PLUK.;  LEDUM  FLORIBUS  BULLATIS,  ETC.,  TREW. 

COM.  NAMES.— MOUNTAIN  LAUREL,  AMERICAN  LAUREL,  CALICO-BUSH, 
SPOONWOOD,  BIG  IVY,  ROSE  LAUREL,  ROUND-LEAVED  LAUREL, 
SHEEP-LAUREL,t  LAMB-KILL,t  WICKE ;  (PR.)  GRANDE  KALMIE ; 
(GER.)  GROSS  KALMIE. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE    FRESH  LEAVES  OF   KALMIA  L.\TIFOLIA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  beautiful  evergreen  shrub  attains  a  height  of  from  4  to 
10  or  more  feet.  Stem  smooth;  branches  more  or  less  terete,  irregular,  and  tor- 
tuous. Leaves  more  or  less  scattered  but  tending  to  alternation,  they  are  thick, 
coriaceous,  glabrous,  dark  and  shining  green  both  sides ;  in  form  they  are  elliptical 
or  ovate-lanceolate,  acute  at  both  ends  and  entire,  hifloresccnce  simple  or  clus- 
tered, naked,  umbel-like  corymbs,  terminal  upon  the  branchlets ;  pedicels  long, 
arising  from  leaf-like  bracts ;  floivers  clammy-pubescent.  Calyx  rotate,  persistent, 
somewhat  smaller  than  the  fruit ;  limb  5-parted  ;  teeth  deltoid.  Corolla  somewhat 
hypocrateriform,  infundibular,  or  campanulate  ;  furnished  with  10  mamm:e,  into 
the  internal  depressions  of  which  the  anthers  are  held  until  irritated;  tube  short; 
liTnb  5-lobed ;  lobes  semi-ovate,  acute.  Stamens  10;  filaments  smooth,  filiform; 
anthers  2-celled,  each  opening  by  a  large  apical  pore  or  chink.  Ovary  globose  ; 
style  terminal,  filiform;  stigma  capitate.  Fruit  a  globose,  5-celled,  pubescent, 
coriaceous  capsule  ;  seeds  many,  oblong ;  testa  thin  and  somewhat  loose. 

History  and  Habitat.— The  laurel  bush  is  indigenous  to  North  America,  grow- 
ing from  Canada  and  Maine  southward  and  westward  to  Ohio,  and  on  the  moun- 
tains as  far  as  Florida.  Its  large  clusters  of  beautiful  flowers,  embosomed  in  the 
rich,  dark  green  foliage  so  characteristic  of  the  plant,  is  one  of  the  most  attractive 
points  of  beauty  of  our  mountain  woods  in  May  and  June.  In  southern  Pennsyl- 
vania, on  the  Alleghanies,  this  shrub  often  attains  the  dimensions  of  a  small  tree, 
sometimes  reaching  as  high  as  30  feet.  The  wood  when  dry  is  hard  and  dense, 
somewhat  like  that  of  the  box  {Buxus),  and  is  used  for  the  manufacture  of 
household  implements,  such  as  ladles,  spoons,  forks,  etc.;  for  the  handles  of  small 
tools,  and  for  cog-wheels  and  the  like. 

*  Peter  Kalm,  a  Swedish  botanist  and  a  pupil  of  Linna;us.  f   More  properly  names  applied  to  IC.  angustifolia. 


•103-2 

The  previous  uses  of  this  plant  in  medicine  were  of  a  very  limited  character. 
A  decoction  was  used  in  domestic  practice  for  various  forms  of  tinea  capitis,  psora 
and  herpes;  also  in  secondary  syphilis.  It  has  been  recommended  in  inflammatory 
fevers  as  a  cardiac  depressor ;  its  astringency  was  utilized  also  by  the  application 
of  the  drug  in  diarrhoeas  and  hemorrhages  of  the  bowels. 

Kalmia  is  not  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph. ;  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  its 
preparations  are:  Decoctum  Kalmice ;  Tinctiwa  Kahnics ;  and  Syrupus  Phytolacca 
Coviposiins'^ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  leaves,  gathered  while  the 
plant  is  in  blossom,  are  treated  as  in  the  preceding  species.  The  tincture  thus 
prepared  is  opaque  ;  in  thin  layers  it  has  a  deep  brownish-orange  color;  it  retains 
the  peculiar  odor  of  the  bruised  leaves,  has  an  extremely  astringent  and  somewhat 
bitter  taste,  leaves  a  slightly  scalded  sensation  upon  the  tongue,  and  has  a  strong 
acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— A  special  active  principle  has  not  as  yet  been 
determined  in  this  plant.  The  analyses  of  Bigelow.f  Bullock, J  and  Kennedy,§ 
resulted  in  the  determination  oi  Arl>utiti,\\  tannic  acid.fj  resin.fj  fat.J  gum,fj  wax,| 
an  acid  body  uninvestigated,^  extractive,!  yellow  coloring  matter.J  a  mannite,J  and 
the  usual  plant  constituents. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Laurel  leaves  have  always  been  deemed  poi- 
sonous, especially  by  the  Indians  and  the  laity.  Their  action  upon  sheep, 
especially  lambs,  has  given  two  of  its  vernacular  names,  Sheep-laurel  and  lamb-kill. 
Catesby  says  :^  "  deer  feed  upon  its  green  leaves  with  impunity ;  yet  when  cattle 
and  sheep,  by  severe  winters  deprived  of  better  food,  feed  on  the  leaves  of  this 
plant,  a  great  many  of  them  die  annually."  And  Kalm  gives  the  following:** 
"  The  leaves  are  poison  to  some  animals,  and  food  lor  others ;  experience  has 
taught  the  people,  that  when  sheep  eat  of  these  leaves,  they  either  die  immediately, 
or  fall  very  sick,  and  recover  with  great  difficulty.  The  young  and  more  tender 
sheep  are  killed  by  a  small  portion,  but  the  older  ones  can  bear  a  stronger  dose. 
Yet  this  food  will  also  prove  mortal  to  them  if  they  eat  too  much  of  it.  The  same 
noxious  effect  it  shows  in  regard  to  calves,  .  .  .  they  fall  very  sick,  swell, 
foam  at  the  mouth  and  can  hardly  stand.  The  sheep  are  most  exposed  to  be 
tempted  with  these  leaves  in  winter,  .  .  .  being  greedy  of  all  greens ; 
especially  if  snow  still  lies  upon  the  ground.  Horses,  oxen,  and  cows,  which  have 
eaten  them,  have  likewise  been  very  ill  after  the  meal."  He  farther  adds  that 
these  leaves  form  a  winter  food  for  stags,  and  if  killed  during  the  time  of  feeding 
and  the  entrails  given  to  dogs  to  eat,  they  "  become  quite  stupid,  and,  as  it  were, 
intoxicated,  and  often  fall  so  sick  that  they  seem  to  be  at  the  point  of  death ;  but 
the  people  who  have  eaten  the  venison  have  not  felt  the  least  inconvenience." 
Dr.  Bigelow  states,  as  do  other  observers,  that  it  is  a  common  belief  that  the  flesh 

*  Phytolacca,  Ampelopsis,  Cimicifuga,  and  Kalmia.  f  Am.  Med.  Bot,  ,vol.  i,  p.  136. 

+   Am.  Jour.  P/iar.,  1848,  p.  264.  §  Am.  your.  Phar.,  1S75. 

II   Kennedy  (see  Uva  Ur>i,  loo).  <[  Op.  cit.,  p.  137. 
**    Travels  in  North  Aineriea,  vol.  I,  p.  335. 


103-3 

of  the  Partridg-e,  after  feeding  upon  the  leaves  and  fruits,  becomes  of  itself  poi- 
sonous ;  this  Wilson  the  ornithologist  denies  on  trial,  though  other  observers 
declare  it  a  fact.  Dr.  Bigelow  judges  that  the  illness  caused  in  animals  is  due  to 
the  indigestibility  of  the  plant ;  other  authors  think  that  those  persons  made  ill  by 
eating  the  flesh  of  the  partridge  under  the  circumstances  mentioned,  are  made  so 
from  a  decomposed  state  of  the  meat.  Beck*  appears  to  deem  the  flesh  poisonous 
from  eating  the  berries  as  above. 

From  the  experience  of  nearly  all  persons  who  have  experimented  upon 
themselves  with  a  tincture  or  decoction  of  the  leaves,  it  is  obvious  that  the  effects 
produced  on  cattle  after  grazing  on  the  leaves,  and  on  persons  eating  of  "  poisoned  " 
partridges,  are  due  to  the  plant  itself,  not  to  indigestion  or  putrefaction.  Dr. 
Bigelow's  later  observations,t  agree  in  toto  with  our  provings.  He  gives  the 
following  as  its  action  :  "The  flesh  of  the  bird  impairs  the  functions  of  the  brain 
and  acts  directly  as  a  sedative  poison,  secondarily  affecting  the  digestive  and 
circulatory  organs."  The  symptoms  arising  in  those  proving  the  drug  are : 
Vertigo  and  headache ;  almost  complete  loss  of  sight ;  pale,  somewhat  livid  coun- 
tenance ;  salivation  and  difficult  deglutition ;  thirst,  nausea  and  vomiting,  with 
oppression  and  pressure  in  the  region  of  the  stomach;  difficult  respiration  with 
great  palpitation  and  fluttering  of  the  heart,  followed  by  an  irregular,  feeble, 
and  slow  pulse;  weakness,  weariness  and  pains  in  the  limbs;  coldness  of  the 
surface  and  great  prostration. 

Description  of  Plate  103. 
I.  End  of  flowering  branch,  Waverly,  N.  Y.,  June  isth,  1880. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Pistil. 

4.  Stamen. 

5.  Pollen  X  200. 
(3  and  4  enlarged). 

Kalmia  Angustifolia,  Linn.,  seems  from  the  experience  of  others  to  be  the 
most  poisonous  species,  its  habitat  is  the  same  as  that  of  K.  latifolia.  It  may  be 
the  confusion  of  species  that  causes  so  much  doubt  upon  the  questions  of  toxi- 
cology. It  is  stated^  that  a  few  drops  of  a  saturated  tincture  of  the  plant  caused 
the  death  of  a  rattlesnake  when  poured  upon  it.  We  cannot  be  certain  that  our 
preparations  and  those  of  the  provers  were  made  from  K.  latifolia  alone  ;  therefore  I 
append  a  differentiation  for  future  reference  in  experimentation,  judging  that  a 
thorough  revision  and  re-proving  of  the  two  species  separately,  would  be  vastly 
important  to  us. 

KALMIA. 

K.    I.ATIFDI.IA.  K.  ANGUSTIFOLIA. 

(Calico-bush,  Mountain  I.aurcl.)  j                                 (Shcep-laurel,  I.anibkill.) 

Height  4  to  30  feet.  |   Height  2  to  4  feet. 

Leaves  alternate  or  scattered,  ov.itc-lanceolate   or  elliptical.  Leaves  opposite  or  in  whorls   of  three,  narrowly  oblong, 

acute,  bright,  rich  green  both  sides.  obtuse,  light  green  above,  pale  to  whitish  beneath. 

/«/?<)/«c^»<-^  terminal,  clammy,  pubescent;  /?ojw«  pink  to  Lnjlorescence   lateral,   slightly  glandular;  Jiotvers   red,  and 

nearly  white.  nearly  two-thirds  smaller. 

Fruit  a  depressed  glandular  capsule.  Fruit  a  depressed  smooth  capsule,  upon  a  recurved  pedicel. 

*  Medical  Jurisprudence,  p.  864.  f  Nearly  40  years  after  the  publication  of  his  Am.  Med.  Bol.,  quoted  above. 

X   Hy  Dr.  Barton. 


fm. 


104.. 


ad  nat.dei.et  pinxt. 


ChIMAPHILA     UMBElLATA.Nutt. 


N.  ORD-ERICACE/E.  104 

S.  ORD.-PYROLE/E. 

GI:NL  S— c  H  I  M  A  PH  I  L  A,     I'URSH. 

SKX.  SVST.— DElANDRIA   MDNOCIVNIA. 


CHIMAPHILA. 


PIPSISSEWA. 


SYN.- -CHIMAPHILA    UMBELLATA,    NUTT.,    CHIMAPHILA    CORYMBOSA, 

PURSH.,     PYROLA     UMBELLATA,     LINN.,     PYROLA    FRUCTICANS, 

PARKINSON. 
COM.    NAMES.-PIPSISSEWA,    WINTERGREEN,    PRINCE'S    PINE,    BITTER 

WINTERGREEN,      GROUND      HOLLY;      (FR.)    PYROLE     OMBELLEE ; 

(GER.)  DOLDENBLUTHIGES  HARNKRAUT,   ODER  WINTBRGRUN. 

A    TINCTURE  OF   THK  FRESH  PLANT   CHIMAPHILA,  Kri'HKR   UMBELLATA  OR 

MACULA TA,  OR  BOTH,  AS  THE  PROVINGS  HAVE  BEEN  MADE 

WITHOUT  DISCRIMINATION. 


Description. — This  small,  sliohtly  woody,  nearly  herbaceous  evergreen  pe- 
rennial, springs  from  a  long,  cylindrical,  creeping,  yellowish  root,  about  one-eighth 
to  one-quarter  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  giving  off  numerous  fine  rootlets,  and 
sending  up  many  branches,  which  terminate  in  leafy  and  flowering  stems  alter- 
nately. Stem  simple,  or  sometimes  branched  at  the  base,  3  to  6  inches  higji  beiore 
the  flowering  season.  Leaves  mosdy  in  several  imperfect  whorls,  or  sometimes 
scattered  about  the  upper  portion  of  the  stem  ;  they  are  dark  green  above,  paler 
below,  thick,  shining,  wedge-lanceolate,  acute  at  the  base,  sharply  saw-toothed, 
amaculate,  short-petioled,  and  from  one  and  a  half  to  two  inches  long,  by  one- 
quarter  to  one-half  an  inch  broad.  Peduncle  from  3  to  6  inches  long,  erect, 
smooth,  terminating  in  from  4  to  7  pedicels  covered  with  a  very  fine  down, 
nodding  in  flower,  erect  in  fruit,  and  forming  a  loose  umbel  or  corymb.  Calyx 
much  smaller  than  the  corolla  ;  sepals  five,  blunt,  persistent,  slighdy  hairy.  Corolla 
of  ^v it  petals  rounded,  concave  and  spreading.  Stamens  ten,  free,  inserted  under 
the  pistil ;  filaments  at  first  convex,  obovate,  fleshy,  then  concave,  filiform  and 
hairy;  anthers  large,  extrorse  in  the  bud  but  becoming  inverted  in  flower,  more  or 
less  conspicuously  2-horned,  4-celled,  and  opening  by  two  pores  ;  pollen  grains 
white,  compounded  of  four  more  or  less  globose  granules.  Ovaries  5,  connected 
about  a  fleshy  receptacle  in  such  a  manner  as  to  form  a  depressed  globose  mass, 
surrounded  at  its  base  by  a  glandular  zone;  ovules  many,  small,  anatropous;  style 
very  short,  rounded  and  wedge-shaped,  the  apex  entering  into  the  summit  of  the 
substance  between  the  ovaries;  stigma  broad,  convex,  discoid,  faintly  marked  by 


^  X^i/ia,  winter,  ipiXiu,  to  love. 


-104-2 

5    crenations.     Pod  depressed-globose,  5-lobed,   5-ce!led   and   5-valved,  loculicidal 

from  the  apex  downward  ;  seeds  innumerable,  minute. 

Chimaphila  Maculata,  Pursh. — This  species  differs  from  the  foregoing  as 
follows;  Peduncles  from  i  to  5  flowered.  Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  obtuse  at  the 
base,  the  edges  widely  toothed,  their  upper  surface  white-maculate.  A  description 
of  the  natural  order  will  be  found  under  Arctostaphylos  Uvaursi. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  hardy  little  plant  seeks  the  deep  shaded  portion 
of  woodlands,  where  it  flourishes  best  in  the  loamy  formations  of  rotted  leaves. 
It  abounds  throughout  the  central  pordon  of  North  America,  the  forests  of 
Siberia  and  the  Northern  countries  of  Europe.  It  blossoms  here  in  June  and 
July,  fruiting  in  September.  It  is  used  among  the  aborigines  of  this  country  as.  a 
tonic  and  diuretic,  as  well  as  for  rheumatic  and  scrofulous  disorders,  and  latterly 
as  an  application  to  scrofulous  and  other  open  sores.  Chimaphila  is  still  retained 
in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  as  Extractum  CJiiinaphilff  Fliiidiiin.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia 
Medica  its  officinal  preparation  is  Deeoetuni  Cliimaphilce ;  it  is  also  a  component 
of  Syrupus  Stillingier  Compositus. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  plants  while  in  flower  are 
chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of 
alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest 
of  the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the  whole  well  it  is  poured  into  a  well- 
stoppered  bottle  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The 
tincture  is  then  decanted,  strained  and  filtered. 

Thus  formed  it  is  opaque ;  thin  layers  have  a  deep,  rich,  reddish-brown 
color  ;  it  is  decidedly  bitter,  slightly  astringent,  and  has  an  acid  reaction  to  litmus. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — The  chemistry  of  this  plant  corresponds 
with  that  of  Arctostaphylos  Uva-ursi  (vide  Uva-ursi,  plate  100),  differing  probably 
little  except  in  also  containing  the  following  principle,  determined  by  Fairbank : 

Chimaphilin. — On  the  aqueous  distillation  of  the  stems  in  a  retort,  a  deposit 
of  golden-yellow,  odorless,  tasteless  crystals  takes  place  upon  the  neck,  the 
chemical  nature  of  which  has  not  yet  been  determined;  their  physical  features 
are;  a  slight  solubility  in  water,  and  a  free  solution  in  alcohol.  The  percentage 
of  tannin  in  this  plant  is  somewhat  less  than  in  Uva-ursi. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Here  again  Uva-ursi  should  be  consulted. 
Chimaphila  does  not  cause  nausea  and  vomidng  to  the  extent  of  Uva-ursi,  while 
its  diuretic  action  is  greater.      Its  physiological  action  as  such  is  undetermined. 

Description  of  Pl.i^te  104. 

1.  Whole  plant  in  fruit. 

2.  Flowering  stem,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  June  26,  1S83. 

3.  Stamen  (enlarged). 

4.  Fruit  (enlarged). 

5.  Seed  (enlarged). 


N.  ORD -ERICACE^.  105 

5.  ORD.-MONOTROPE/E. 

GENUS.— MO  NOT  RO  PA,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SYST.— DEC.A.NDRIA  MONOGYNIA. 


MONOTROPA. 

IJVDIAJy  PIPE. 

SYN.— MONOTROPA  UNIFLORA,  LINN.;  MONOTROPA  MORISONIANA, 
MICHX. ;    MONOTROPA  MORISONI,  PERS. 

COM.  NAMES.  — INDIAN  PIPE,  TOBACCO  PIPE,  PIPE  PLANT,  CORPSE 
PLANT,  ICE  PLANT,  BIRD'S  NEST,t  NEST  PLANT,  PIT-ROOT,  CON- 
VULSION-ROOT, OVA-OVA;    (GER.)  EINBLUTHIGE  MONOTROPA. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE  FRESH  PLANT  MONOTROPA  UNIFLORA,  L. 

Description. — This  strange  waxy  or  bluish-white,  fleshy,  inodorous,  semi-para- 
sitic herb,  grows  from  2  to  8  inches  high.  Rootlets  very  numerous,  forming  a  ball 
of  densely-matted  fibres.  Stems  several  from  each  clump  of  rootlets,  simple,  sub- 
cylindrical  and  smooth.  Leaves,  none ;  their  place  supplied  below  by  numerous 
small  triangular  scales,  which  gradually  enlarge  and  become  ovate-spatulate  folia- 
ceous  bracts  toward  the  summit  of  the  stem,  where  they  pass  into  the  inflorescence, 
composed  of  a  single,  terminal,  declined  flower,  which  becomes  horizontal,  then 
inclined  as  it  performs  its  life-work,  and  rigidly  erect  in  fruit.  Flower  slightly 
pubescent,  entirely  devoid  of  color  except  where  the  yellow  anthers  and  flesh- 
colored  pistil  are  disclosed.  Sepals  replaced  by  2  to  5  bracteolate,  irregular, 
lanceolate,  caducous  bodies ;  petals  5,  erect,  gouge-shaped,  saccate  at  the  base, 
marcescent.  Stamens  10,  shorter  than  the  petals,  each  alternating  at  the  base 
with  a  short,  recurved,  nipple-like  process  of  the  base  of  die  ovary  ;  filatnents  awl- 
shaped,  pubescent ;  anthei's  horizontal,  reniform,  becoming  one-celled  and  opening 
by  transverse  chinks ;  pollen  simple,  showing  i  to  2  translucent  depressed  spots.J 
Style  columnar,  short  and  thick ;  stigma  naked,  discoid,  obtusely  5-angled,  with  a 
funnel-form  depression  in  the  centre.  Fruit  an  erect,  ovoid,  8-  to  lo-grooved,  4-  to 
5-celled  loculicidal  pod  ;  place^itce  large  and  sarcous  ;  seeds  very  numerous,  minute, 
subulate ;  testa  loose,  cellular,  translucent.  A  description  of  the  Ericaceee  will  be 
found  under  Uva  Ursi  100. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Indian  pipe  grows  in  deep,  rich,  shady  woods — 
especially  those  in  which  the  beech  abounds — from  Florida  to  Mississippi,  and 
thence  northward,  flowering  in  July  in  the  North  and  from  August  to  September  in 
the  South.    This  curious  herb  well  deserves  its  name  oi  corpse  plant,  so  like  is  it  to 

*  MoMij  monos ;  rpno^^  tropos ;  one  turn,  from  the  facing  of  the  flower. 

f  More  applical)le  to  Daucus  carota,  on  account  of  the  resemblance  of  the  fruiting  umbels  to  that  structure. 

X  The  pollen  of  Monotropa  uniflora  bears  a  striking  resemblance  in  this  regard  to  that  of  PcndUularis  Canadensis. 


105-2 

the  general  bluish  waxy  appearance  of  the  dead ;  then,  too,  it  is  cool  and  clammy 
to  the  touch,  and  rapidly  decomposes  and  turns  black  even  when  carefully  handled. 
The  whole  plant  when  wounded — especially,  however,  the  floral  envelope — emits 
a  clear  glutinous  fluid.  Attempts  to  preserve  it  in  alcohol  turn  it  a  bluish-black, 
and  tinge  the  preservative  a  deep  reddish-violet  hue,  while  the  drying  process 
turns  it  jet-black,  leaving  very  little  semblance  to  its  natural  appearance.  The 
medical  history  of  the  plant  begins  with  its  use  by  the  American  Aborigines  as  an 
application  in  "sore  eyes;"  they  valued  a  mixture  of  the  juice  with  water  highly 
as  a  soothing  and  often  curative  measure.  Of  this  property  Dr.  Kunze*  says  in 
corroboration :  "  This  is  a  drug  very  highly  recommended^  for  overcoming  ner- 
vous irritability,  epilepsy,  chorea,  etc.,  when  used  in  large  doses — inwardly,  of 
course — and  for  ophthalmic  as  well  as  other  inflammations  of  delicate  mucous  sur- 
faces outwardly  applied,  either  in  its  fresh  state  or  the  preserved  juice.  I  have 
myself  used  it  very  much  in  ordinary  cases  of  inflamed  eyes,  both  chronic  and 
acute,  and  have  never  seen,  or  even  before  heard  any  evil  effects  following  the 
most  indiscriminate  use.J  Have  applied  it  to  the  eyes  of  infants  when  only  three 
days  old,  in  Ophthalmia  purulenta  infantum,  as  well  as  in  old  age  in  every  variety 
of  so-called  constitutions,  and  even  where  not  successfully  employed  no  ill  effects 
have  ever  been  observed  thereafter."  He  farther  on  describes  an  incidental  cure 
which  is  of  interest  botanically  and  medically  :  "  Fourteen  years  ago — it  was  in  the 
early  part  of  July — I  went  woodcock-shooting  with  two  friends,  near  Hackensack, 
N.  J.,  and  while  taking  some  luncheon  in  a  beech  grove  along  the  course  of  Saddle 
River,  I  found  a  large  patch  of  ground  literally  covered  with  Monotropa  uniflora 
in  full  bloom  ;  it  covered  a  space  some  five  feet  wide  by  nine  feet  long,  a  beautiful 
sight  of  snow-white  stems  and  nodding  flowers.  Being  in  need  of  some  just  then, 
I  proceeded  to  fill  my  game-bag,  and  to  the  question,  what  it  was  used  for, 
answered:  'Good  for  sore  eyes;'  little  thinking  that  the  party  addressed  was 
suffering  from  a  chronic  inflammation  of  the  eye-lids,  the  edges  of  which  had  a 
very  fiery-red  appearance.  No  sooner  said  than  he  proceeded  to  take  in  his 
game-bag  a  supply  also,  and  he  made  very  good  use  of  it,  as  I  ascertained  after- 
wards. His  inflamed  lids  were  entirely  cured  in  four  weeks'  time,  and  he  has  had 
no  further  trouble  since,  by  applying  the  fresh  juice  of  the  stems  he  obtained  while 
it  lasted."  Dr.  King  mentions  the  drug§  as  "  tonic,  nervine,  sedative  and  antispas- 
modic." The  former  uses  of  the  herb  in  spasms  of  children,  epileptiform  and 
chorea-like,  gave  it  the  popular  names  so  characterizing  it.  Dr.  Stewart  claimed 
that  the  dried  herb  was  an  excellent  substitute  for  opium,  "  easing  pain,  comfortino- 
the  stomach,  and  causing  sleep."  In  spasmodic  affections  the  usual  dose  is  a  tea- 
spoonful  of  the  dried  root  in  powder;  to  this  is  often  added  the  appropriate  dose 
of  valerian. 

No  mention  is  made  of  this  drug  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  and  no  officinal  preparation 
appears  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica. 

*  Bot.  Gaz.,  1878,  -Vol.  iii,  No.  6,  pp    53,  54. 

f  In  King's  Am.  Disp.,  and  Howard's  Botanic  Medicine. 

\  This  clause  he  uses  in  discussing  Mr.  A.  H.  Young's  case  of  poisoning,  which  I  shall  quote  under  the  proper  rubric. 

\  American  Dispensatory,  18S0,  p.  530. 


105-3 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  whole  fresh  flowering  plant  is 
treated  as  in  the  preceding  drug.  The  resultant  tincture  has  a  brilliant  orage-red 
color  by  transmitted  light,  a  bitterish  odor,  a  decidedly  sweet  taste,  and  a  slightly 
acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— No  analysis  of  this  plant  has,  as  far  as  I  am 
able  to  determine,  been  made.  The  European  species,  also  found  here,  Monotropa 
hypopitys,  a  tawny,  many-flowered  form,  yields  a  volatile  oil  and  Salicylate  of 
Methyl.'' 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  only  account  of  poisoning  by  this  plant  is 
that  of  Mr.  A.  H.  Young.-j-  This  case  was  discussed  by  Dr.  R.  E.  Kunze,  as  before 
mentioned,  who  was  of  the  opinion  that  in  the  gathering  the  young  lady  handled 
RJms  toxicodcndro7i ;  Mr.  Young  then  again  consulted  the  patientj  and  found  that 
she  was  not  susceptible  to  Rhus  poison,  and  farther,  that  she  had  not  personally 
gathered  the  plant,  but  met  with  her  ill-fortune  while  examining  it  at  home.  As  Mr. 
Young  had  the  identical  plant  in  his  herbarium,  he  searched  for  rootlets  of  Rhus 
tox.  clinging  to  the  plant,  but  found  none,  and  states  it  as  his  conviction  that  the 
case,  though  standing  alone,  is  veritable.  He  says  :  "  During  the  month  of  Sep- 
tember a  young  lady  brought  me  a  plant  which  she  said  had  poisoned  her,  and  she 
desired  its  name.  With  some  surprise,  and  perhaps  I  should  have  had  none  after 
considering  its  fostering  food  and  close  resemblance  to  the  Fungi,  I  found  the  plant 
to  be  Monotropa  uniflora.  The  circumstances  of  the  case  are  as  follows :  The 
young  lady  while  examining  the  plant,  accidentally  crushed  the  stem,  and  some  of 
the  juice  was  driven  upon  her  lips.  The  mucous  portions  which  were  somewhat 
chapped  became  very  much  irritated,  and  began  to  inflame  and  swell  consider- 
ably, while  in  two  or  three  places  upon  the  epidermal  skin  of  the  lip  small  ulcerous 
sores  were  formed.  The  effect  remained  some  four  or  five  days  and  then  gradually 
healed.  The  whole  effect  was  very  much  like  a  mild  case  of  poisoning  with  Rhus 
toxicodendron!'  As  we  have  no  proving  of  this  drug,  we  cannot  as  yet  corroborate 
this  case  ;  there  is,  however,  no  plant  in  our  country  that  promises  so  good  results 
from  provings. 

Description  of  Plate   105. 

(.  Whole  plant,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  July  21st,  1884. 

2.  Flower  with  petals  removed. 

3.  Petal. 

4  and  5.  Anthers. 

6.  Pollen,  X  300. 

7.  Pistil. 

8.  Bird's-eye  view  of  stigma. 

9.  Longitudinal  section  of  pistil. 

(2-9  enlarged.) 

*  See  Gaultheria,  p.  102-3.  t  ^°'-    G"')  1878,  Vol.  iii,  No.  1,  p.  37.  %  Ibid.,  No.  9,  \>.  "9. 


106. 


4 


^' 


.TU.idnatdel.etpinxl. 


Ilex     VeRTICILLAtA,  Gray. 


N.  ORD.-AQUIFOLIACE^.  106 

GENUS.  — ILEX,*  LINN. 
SEX.  .'^VST.— HliX.WDKI.X   MOX(  H.VNI.V. 


PRINOS. 


BLACK  ALDER. 


SYN.— ILEX  VBRTICILLATA,  GRAY;  PRINOS  VERTICILLATUS,  LINN.;    P. 

GRONOVII,  MICHX. ;   P.  CONFERTUS,  MCEN. 
COM.  NAMES.— BLACK  ALDER,  FEVER  BUSH,  WINTERBERRY,  VIRGINIAN 

WINTERBERRY ;   (FR.  i  APALACHINE  A  FEUILLES  DE  PRUNIER ;  f  GBR.  i 

VIRGINISCHE  WINTERBEERE. 


A   TINCTURE   OF  THE   BARK   AND  FRUIT  OF  ILEX   VERTICILLATA,  GRAY. 

Description. — This  upright  or  ascending,  much-branched  shrub,  usually 
attains  a  growth  of  from  4  to  8  feet.  Leaves  thin  and  deciduous,  not  spiny,  in 
form  obovate,  oval,  or  cuneate-lanceolate,  acute  at  the  apex  and  base,  uncinately 
serrate,  and  downy  upon  the  veins  underneath;  petioles  about  one-quarter  the 
length  of  the  blade.  Inflorescetice  dioecious;  floicers  all  short  peduncled,  white, 
appearing  with  the  leaves.  Sterile  floivers  in  small  axillary  umbels ;  calyx-lobes 
ciliate  ;  petals  mostly  4  to  6 ;  stamens  6  to  7  ;  ovary  abortive.  FeiHile  flowers 
aggregated  or  solitary ;  petals  mostly  5  to  8  ;  ovary  conical,  about  6-celled  ;  stigma 
4-  to  6-lobed.  Fruit  a  globose,  bright  vermilion  berry,  about  the  size  of  a  large 
pea,  crowded  upon  the  branches  so  as  to  appear  whorled  ;  nutlets  about  6,  smooth 
and  even,  or  dorsally  furrowed  or  ridged.    Embryo  minute,  nearly  globose. 

Aquifoliaceae. — This  small  order,  to  which  Prinos  is  but  lightly  wedded,  and 
represented  in  North  America  by  but  2  genera  and  14  species,  is  characterized  as 
follows:  Shrubs  or  trees  with  their  leaves  simple,  mostly  alternate,  and  generally 
coriaceous  and  evergreen.  Flozoers  small,  axillary,  4-  to  8-merous,  white  or  green- 
ish, often  polygamous  by  abortion.  Calyx  minute,  free  from  the  ovary,  4-  to 
9-toothed.  Stamens  as  many  as  the  divisions  of  the  corolla  and  alternate  with 
them,  the  filaments  attached  to  their  very  base  ;  anthers  adnate,  opening  length- 
wise. Coi'olla  hypogynous,  rotate,  or  almost  or  quite  4-  to  8-parted,  imbricated  in 
the  bud.  Ovary  4-  to  8-celled  ;  ovules  anatropous  ;  stin^mas  4  to  8  or  united  into  i, 
nearly  sessile.  Fruit  a  baccate  4-  to  8-seeded  drupe  ;  seeds  solitary  in  each  cell, 
suspended  ;  embryo  minute  ;  albumen  fleshy. 

Our  only  other  proven  species  in  this  order  is  the  South  American  Mate,  or 
Paraguay  Tea  {Ilex  Paraguayensis,  St.  Hil.),  the  leaves  of  which  are  used  like 
Chinese  tea,  and  are  considered  slightly  nervine,  diaphoretic,  and   diuretic.     In 

*  The  ancient  nair.e  of  the  holly  oak. 


106-2 

general  medicine  the  following  species  are  more  or  less  useful :  The  English  Holly 
{Ilex  aqui/oliiiiu,  Linn.),  and  the  American  co-species,  /.  opaca.  Ait.,  have  been 
considered  nearly  equal  to  Peruvian  Bark  in  intermittent  fevers  and  jaundice. 
The  Cassena  of  the  American  aborigines,  /.  Cassette,  Linn.,  and  /.  Dahooti,  Walt., 
are  emetic,  and  enter  into  the  ceremonies  of  the  natives  as  holy  plants,  which 
the  males  only  were  allowed  to  use  as  purifiers  of  the  body.  The  Carthaginian 
Myginda  Uragoga,  Swartz.,  is  said  to  be  a  most  powerful  diuretic.  The  juice  and 
leaves  of  the  Indian  Monetia  Barleroides,  Linn.,  are  considered  by  Hindoo  doctors 
to  be  anti-catarrhal  and  anti-asthmatic ;  and  the  unripe  fruit  of  the  Brazilian  Ilex 
macoucoua,  Linn.,  are  so  rich  in  tannin  as  to  be  used  as  a  substitute  for  galls. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Black  Alder  is  common  in  thickets  at  the  margins 
of  pools  and  marshy  places,  from  western  Florida  northward  ;  during  its  flower- 
ing season,  in  April  and  May,  it  is  hardly  distinguishable,  to  those  who  are  not 
well  acquainted  with  it,  from  the  surrounding  bush  ;  but  when  the  autumnal  frosts 
have  deprived  all  vegetation  of  its  leaves,  then  the  fruiting  plant  stands  out  like  a 
flaming  spot  in  the  dreary  waste,  striking,  even  to  the  most  careless  observer,  in 
its  beauty. 

This  is  another  of  the  growing  list  of  plants  handed  down  to  us  by  the 
aborigines,  who  used  the  bark  both  internally  and  e.xternally  as  a  tonic,  astrin- 
gent, and  antiseptic,  and  is  probably  as  well  known  to  domestic  practice  as  any 
indigenous  shrub.  In  intermittent  fever  it  has  often  proved  as  generally  appli- 
cable as  Peruvian  Bark,  and  in  such  low  typhoid  forms  associated  with  diarrhoea, 
and  in  later  stages,  where  ulceration  and  hemorrhage  are  present,  it  is  a  very 
valuable  agent.  In  general  debilitated  conditions  of  the  system  after  long  fevers, 
and  where  the  body  is  depleted  by  exhausting  discharges,  it  is  also  very  useful,  as 
well  as  in  gangrenous  affections  and  jaundice.  Certain  forms  of  chronic  herpetic 
eruptions  and  ulcers  are  also  benefited  by  its  use  as  an  external  application.  The 
berries  are  purgative  and  vermifuge,  forming  one  of  the  pleasantest  adjuvants  in 
children's  remedies,  for  the  expulsion  of  lumbrici.  Shoepf  first  noted  the  plant  as 
having  the  above  field  of  utility,  and  also  mentioned  its  usefulness  in  anasarca. 

The  bark  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph. ;  in  the  Eclectic  Dispensatory  the  prepa- 
ration recommended  is  DecoctiiDi  Prinos. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  bark  and  fruit,  gathered 
before  the  first  autumnal  frost,  are  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed. 
Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with 
one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  The  whole  is  then  poured 
into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place, 
being  shaken  thoroughly  twice  each  day.  After  decanting,  straining,  and  filtering, 
the  resulting  tincture  has  a  greenish-brown  color  by  transmitted  light;  an  herba- 
ceous odor;  a  bitter  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Beside  a  bitter  principle,  the  nature  of  which 
has  not  yet  been  determined,  this  species  contains  about  4.8   per  cent,  tannin  ;  a 


106-3 

resin  soluble  in  alcohol,  another  insoluble  in  alcohol ;   coloring-inatter ;    albumen; 
gum,  and  sugar.* 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  berries  caused  nausea,  vomiting,  and 
purging,  in  two  children  who  ate  of  them,  but  whom  I  had  no  further  chance  to 
watch.  In  a  case  reportedf  of  the  effects  attending  the  ingestion  of  about  twenty- 
five  berries,  the  following  symptoms  supervened:  Sensation  of  nausea  in  the 
stomach  not  amounting  to  real  sickness  nor  interfering  with  the  appetite  ;  vomit- 
ing of  bile  without  retching;  profuse  evacuation  of  the  bowels,  consisting  of  their 
natural  contents,  diluted  with  an  immense  quantity  of  greenish  liquid,  attended 
-with  no  pain  or  uneasiness;  another  similar  but  less  profuse  evacuation  followed 
in  about  half  an  hour,  after  which  the  patient  felt  remarkably  well,  but  as  though 
he  had  lost  ten  or  twelve  pounds  in  weight.  Following  this,  his  appetite  and 
dio'estion  seemed  much  better  than  usual. 


Description  of  Plate  io6. 

I.   End  of  a  flowering  branch,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  May  5th,  18S6. 

2.  Under  side  of  leaf-margin. 

3.  Flower. 

4.  Calyx. 

5.  Stamen. 

6.  Pistil. 

7.  Fruiting  branch. 

8.  Nutlet. 

(  2-6  and  S  enlarged.) 


Til.len  analysis,  Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  vol.  i,  \.  S.,  329.  f  ^oi^l-  '^^ed.  and  Surg.  Jour.,  1S33,  3S3. 


^f  A 


.TQ..i(lnai(lel.etpinxt. 


Plantago  Major,  unn. 


N.  ORD -PLANTAGINACE^.  107 

GENUS.— PLANTAGO,*  LINN. 

SEX.  SVST.— TETRANDRIA  MONOGVNIA. 


PLANTAGO. 


SYN.— PLANTAGO  MAJOR,  LINN.;  PLANTA  GOVULGARIS,  GER.;  Ap'^6rlionaov, 
DIOSCOR. 

COM.  NAMES.— PLANTAIN,  BROAD-LEAVED  PLANTAIN,  RIB-GRASS,  RIB- 
WORT, WAY-BREAD  (WAY-BRED);  (FR.)  PLANTAIN  ORDINAIRE; 
(GER.)  GROSSER  WEGETRITT. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE  FRESH  PLANT,  PLANTAGO  MAJOR,  L. 

Description. — This  cosmopolitan  immigrant  varies  greatly  in  its  growth,  some 
individuals  only  attaining  a  height  of  2  inches,  others  18.  Root  perennial,  fascicu- 
late. Leaves  all  radical,  broad,  ovate,  ovate-cordate  or  oblong,  sometimes  slightly 
toothed,  5  to  7-ribbed;  petioles  deeply  channelled,  smooth  or  slightly  hairy.  Inflor- 
escence 1  to  several  long  and  slender,  bracted,  densely  floral,  sub-cylindrical  spikes, 
each  raised  upon  a  naked  scape  ;  flowers  all  alike  and  perfect.  Sepals  4,  imbri- 
cated, persistent,  membranaceous,  and  margined.  Corolla  whitish,  thin,  mar- 
cescent ;  lobes  reflexed  after  flowering.  Stamens  4,  rarely  2,  much  exserted ; 
filaments  long  filiform,  lengthening  suddenly  when  the  anther  is  ripe ;  anthers 
2-celled,  early  deciduous.  Pistil  dichogamous,  ije.,  protruding  from  the  flower 
tube  before  the  anthers  are  ripe  ;f  ovary  2-celled  ;  stigma  more  or  less  unilateral, 
fringed.  Frtiit  a  2  to  i6-seeded  pyxis,  opening  by  a  complete  transverse  fissure, 
the  top  falling  off  like  a  cap,  and  the  thin  partition  escaping  with  the  seeds ;  seeds 
somewhat  fusiform  ;  albtmien  sarcous  ;  onbryo  straight,  enclosed. 

PLANTAGINAOEjE. — This  small  anomalous  family  of  low  acaulescent  herbs 
is  principally  represented  by  the  genus  Plantago.  Its  members  are  characterized 
by  having:  Leaves  2}\  radical  and  ribbed.  Floivers  spiked  upon  a  simple  scape; 
calyx  4-cleft,  persistent;  corolla  tubular  or  hypocrateriform,  scarious  and  veinless. 
Stame?ts  4,  inserted  upon  the  tube  of  the  corolla  alternate  with  its  lobes  ;  filaments 
persistent,  long  and  weak.  Ovary  2-celled ;  ovules  amphitropous ;  style  single, 
long,  and  stigmatose.  Fruit  a  membranaceous  pyxis  ;  dehiscence  circumscissile  ; 
seeds  i  to  several  in  each  cell  ;  embryo  large,  mostly  straight ;  albumen  sarcous. 

The  mucilaginous  principle  of  the  seeds  of  Plantago  renders  them  somewhat 
valuable  in  medicine.  The  Indian  plantain  Plantago  Isphagula  {P.  decumbens, 
Forsk)  furnishes  seeds  from  which  a  mucilaginous  drink  is  prepared  and  used  as  an 
emollient ;  this  species  is  mentioned  in  the  native  Materia  Medica.     The  seeds  of 

*  The  ancient  Latin  name.  \  A  help  in  cross-fertilization. 


1107-2 

the  European  and  Barbarian  P.  Psyllhmi,  the  Hungarian  P.  areiiaria,  and  the 
South  European  P.  Cynops,  are  spoken  of  by  Lindley  as  a  good  substitute  for  lin- 
seed and  marsh-mallows.  The  leaves  and  roots  of  the  common  rib-grass  P.  lan- 
ceolata  are  considered  expectorant  and  vulnerary;  the  Scottish  Highlanders  attach 
great  value  to  this  plant  as  a  healing  application  to  fresh  wounds. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  common  plantain  grows  in  rich,  moist  soils,  in 
Europe,  India,  and  America,  where  it  is  considered  truly  indigenous  north  of  Lake 
Superior.  It  flowers  throughout  the  summer  months,  fruiting  as  it  flowers.  It  is 
said  that  the  American  Indians  gave  this  plant  the  name  of  "  White  Man's  Foot," 
in  allusion  to  its  method  of  introduction,  and  its  trait  of  accompanying  the  civilizer 
and  literally  growing  in  his  footsteps.  This  character  also  gave  rise  to  the  vul- 
garism "  way-bred." 

The  previous  medical  uses  of  plantain  are  chiefly  those  of  a  general  vulnerary 
and  demulcent;  thus  it  became  in  great  demand  in  the  coughs  attending  various 
pulmonary  and  bronchial  diseases  as  well  as  an  application  to  recent  wounds  and 
chronic  sores.  The  seeds  were  used  in  the  former  instance,  the  leaves  in  the  latter. 
A  decoction  of  the  roots  was  recommended  by  Bergius  in  tertian  intermittents, 
one  ounce  to  four  being  taken  when  the  chill  came  on.  An  infusion  of  the  seeds 
in  milk  has  been  much  used  by  the  laity  to  check  various  hemorrhages  from 
mucous  surfaces,  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  and  leucorrhoea.  The  fibrous  strings  in  the 
petioles  have  been  extolled*  as  an  almost  certain  cure  for  aching  carious  teeth,  if 
placed  in  the  ear  on  the  affected  side.  It  is  said  that  these  fibres  turn  black  if  the 
pain  is  relieved,  but  remain  green  if  not.  Boerhaave  says  that  in  his  own  experi- 
ence he  has  found  that  plantain  leaves  placed  upon  the  feet  will  ease  the  pain  and 
fatigue  engendered  by  long  walks.  Plantain  has  also  been  highly  praised  as  an 
antidote  to  the  effects  of  bites  of  venomous  reptiles  and  insects;  it  is  stated  by 
Duncan-j-  to  be  one  of  the  principal  ingredients  in  the  remedy  of  the  negro  Caesar, 
for  the  discovery  of  which  he  received  a  large  reward  from  the  Assembly  of  South 
Carolina.  To  complete  this  review  of  the  uses  of  this  herb  no  better  expression 
could  be  used  than  that  of  M^rat :%  "  En  fin,  on  a  port^  la  racine  des  plantains  en 
amulet  pour  guerir  on  pr^venir  une  multitude  des  maladies." 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  plant,  gathered  when  coming 
into  flower,  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by 
weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-tenth  part  of  it, 
and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole,  pour  it  into  a 
well-stoppered  bottle,  and  let  it  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration  is  opaque,  in  thin  layers  it 
has  a  deep  reddish-brown  color  by  transmitted  light.  It  retains  the  peculiar  odor 
of  the  plant,  has  a  sourish  astringent  taste  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— J/?<«7«^^-^.— This  substance  exists  plentifully 
in  the  seeds  of  all  species,  from  which  it  may  be  extracted  by  water,  and  pre- 

*  Dr.  Reutlinger  to  Dr.  E.  M.  Hale,  New  Rem.,  p.  500.  f  New  Edinburgh  Dispensatory. 

X  Diet,  de  M.  Med.,  Supplement,  1846,  p.  567. 


107-3 

cipitated  from  its  watery  solution  (impure)  by  alcohol.  Dry  pure  mucilag-e  is  a 
yellowish,  tough,  opaque  body,  swelling-  upon  the  addition  of  water,  and  finally 
dissolving  into  a  ropy  mass.  The  vegetable  mucilages  vary  in  their  behavior 
toward  reagents  according  to  the  plant  from  which  they  are  extracted ;  they  all, 
however,  break  down  under  the  action  of  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  first  into  gum,  then 
sugar. 

The  whole  plant  has  not  been  analyzed. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  principal  symptoms  caused  by  this  drug 
are,  according  to  Dr.  F.  Humphreys:  headache;  excessive  digging,  boring  pain  in 
carious  teeth  ;  severe  dryness  of  the  fauces  and  pharynx ;  colic  ;  urging  to  urinate, 
with  copious  discharges  ;  looseness  of  the  bowels;  weakness  and  oppression  of  the 
chest ;  restless  sleep  ;  and  a  strong  fever,  with  a  high  pulse  which  finally  becomes 
weak  and  intermittent. 

Description  of  Plate  107. 

1.  Whole  plant  once  reduced,  Bergen,  N.  J.,  July  iSth,  1879. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Pistil. 

4.  Stamen. 

5.  Pollen,  X  250. 

(2-4  enlarged.) 


108. 


4 


2     / 


\  i 


K 


<F- 


HI  .ad  nat.dei.et  pinxt 


Anagallis  Arvensis,  l 


inn. 


N.  ORD -PRIMULACE^.  108 

Tribe.-PRIMULE/E. 

GENUS.  — ANAGALLIS,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SYST.— PENTANDRI.A  MONOGVMA. 


ANAGALLIS, 


PIMPERNEL. 


SYN.— ANAGALLIS  ARVBNSIS,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— COMMON    SCARLET   OR  RED    PIMPERNEL,   POOR    MAN'S 

WEATHER-GLASS,    RED    CHICKWBED ;    (GER.)    HUHNERDARN;    (FR.j 

MOURON. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE   WHOLE  PLANT  ANAGALLIS  ARVENSIS,   LINN. 

Description. — This  low,  spreading  or  prostrate  annual  herb,  grows  from  6  to  20 
inches  in  length.  Stejn  square,  glabrous,  branching ;  leaves  opposite,  entire,  ovate, 
and  sessile,  dotted  upon  the  under  surface.  Inflorescence  axillary ;  flo-i^'crs  ranging 
on  different  plants  from  scarlet  to  white  through  the  shades  of  blue  and  purple  ; 
peduncles  &i\{oxm.,  longer  than  the  leaves,  i -flowered,  bractless.  Calyx  5-parted  ; 
lobes  lanceolate-subulate ;  margins  rough.  Corolla  rotate,  5-parted,  longer  than 
the  calyx ;  tnbc  little  or  none ;  lobes  broad,  obovate,  obtuse,  fringed  with  stipitate 
glands.  Stamens  5,  inserted  upon  the  base  of  the  corolla;  filaments  purple,  bearded; 
anthers  broadly  oblong.  Ovary  free  from  the  calyx  ;  oviUcs  amphitropous.  Fruit  a 
globular,  membranaceous,  circumcissile  capsule  or  jDyxis  ;  seeds  many,  somewhat 
triangular;   testa  rough  with  minute  verucca;. 

Primulacese. — This  small  family  of  herbs  is  represented  in  North  America  by 
1 2  genera,  comprising  38  species  and  1 5  varieties  ;  it  is  characterized  as  follows  : 
Leaves  simple,  alternate,  opposite,  or  whorled.  Floi<.<ers  regular,  symmetrical,  and 
perfect;  perianth  hypogynous.  Calyx  persistent.  Corolla  rotate,  hypocrateriform, 
or  campanulate.  Stamens  of  the  same  number  as  the  lobes  of  the  corolla  and 
opposite  them ;  filaments  inserted  upon  the  tube  of  the  corolla  ;  anthers  introrse. 
Ovary  i -celled,  free  from  the  calyx;  style  columnar,  undivided  ;  stigma  undivided  ; 
ovules  sessile  on  a  free  central  placenta.  Seeds  numerous;  albumen  copious,  fleshy; 
embryo  straight,  small. 

The  only  other  plant  of  this  order  in  our  Materia  Medica  is  the  European 
Sow-Bread  {Cyclamen  Europccum,  Linn.).  In  general  and  household  practice  the 
flowers  of  the  European  Cowslip  [Primula  ofiUcinalis,  Jacq.)  have  been  used  as  a 
sedative,  and  placed  in  wine  to  render  it  soporific. 

*  'Avayt\aa,  anagt'/iio,  to  laugh ;  from  its  supposed  quality  of  c.iusing  hilariousness. 


108-2 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Pimpernel  is  naturalized  in  this  country  from 
Europe,  and  has  established  itself  along  both  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  coasts  in 
dry,  sandy  soil,  where  it  blossoms  from  June  to  August. 

Anagallis  formerly  held  a  place  in  the  pharmacopoeias  of  Great  Britain  as  a 
detergent,  vulnerary,  and  cephalic ;  and  was  much  prized  by  the  ancients  in  gout, 
gravel,  convulsions,  and  the  plague.  Gelin  and  many  others  considered  it  highly 
anti-hydrophobic,  and  reported  many  cures  of  this  dire  malady  by  its  use,  even 
alter  dangerous  symptoms  supervened.  The  plant  also  enjoyed  much  reputation 
at  one  time  as  an  anti-epileptic,  sudorific,  and  diuretic  in  dropsy;  it  has,  however, 
entirely  passed  out  of  the  minds  of  general  practitioners.  Pliny  and  Dioscorides 
thought  highly  of  the  Pimpernel  in  the  removal  of  intestinal  and  hepatic  obstruc- 
tions ;  and  it  was,  most  probably,  from  the  happier  condition  of  the  mind  following 
such  action,  that  the  latter  called  the  plant  drdyeXdu. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  whole  fresh,  flowering  plant  (the 
scarlet-fiowered  form)  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp,  enclosed  in  a  piece  of 
new  linen,  and  subjected  to  pressure.  The  expressed  juice  is  then  briskly  agitated 
with  an  equal  weight  of  alcohol,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool 
place.  The  tincture,  prepared  by  filtering  the  above  mass,  has  a  slight  olivaceous 
color  by  transmitted  light;  a  sweetish  somewhat  nauseous  herbaceous  odor;  a 
nutty  and  slightly  astringent  taste  ;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— 0''"'''"'"'«.  C,gU,p^.,.  This  glucoside  forms 
in  small  white  crystals,  or  in  an  amorphous,  lustreless,  friable  mass  ;  it  is  very 
acrid,  has  a  rancid  taste,  and  a  neutral  reaction.  Cyclamin  is  not  volatile,  is  sol- 
uble in  water  and  alcohol,  but  not  in  ether.  Its  aqueous  solution  is  quite  sapona- 
ceous.    This  glucoside  breaks  down  under  the  action  of  mineral  acids  as  follows  : 

Cyclamin.  Glucose.  Cyclamiretin.       Water. 

C,,H,0,,  =  C„H,p,  +  Q,H,„0,  +  H,0. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  whole  plant  is  acrid  and  poisonous,  as  the 
following  experiment  of  Orfila  shows  : 

"  At  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning,  three  drachms  of  the  extract  of  pimpernel, 
dissolved  in  an  ounce  and  a  half  of  water,  were  introduced  into  the  stomach  of  a 
robust  dog.  At  half-past  twelve  he  had  a  motion.  At  six  in  the  evening  he  was 
dejected.  At  eleven  sensibility  appeared  diminished.  The  next  morning  at  six 
he  was  lying  upon  the  side,  and  appeared  to  be  dead ;  he  might  be  displaced  like 
an  inert  mass  of  matter.  He  expired  half  an  hour  later.  The  mucous  membrane 
of  the  stomach  was  slightly  inflamed;  the  interior  of  the  rectum  was  of  a  bright 
color  ;  the  ventricles  of  the  heart  were  distended  with  black  coagulated  blood  ;  the 
lungs  presented  several  livid  spots,  and  their  texture  was  preternaturally  dense. 
Two  drachms  of  the  same  extract,  applied  to  the  cellular  texture  of  a  dog's  thigh, 
produced  death  in  twelve  hours  ;  and  the  heart  and  lungs  presented  the  same 
appearances  as  in  the  other."  The  following  symptoms,  recorded  by  Schreter, 
show  the  character  of  its  action  upon  man  :   Lively  mood  with  extra  mental  vigor  ; 


108-3 

stitching  headache  with  sticking  pains  in  the  eyeballs;  dryness  of  the  throat;  tick- 
ling, prickling  along  the  urethra,  causing  desire  for  coition  ;  prickling  in  the  chest; 
general  drawing  rheumatic  pains;  sleeplessness;  trembling  and  shivering;  and 
trembline  of  the  heart. 


Description  of  Plate  io8. 

I.    Whole  plant,  Saltm,  Mass.,  July  25th,  1875. 

2.  Fruit. 

3.  Same,  showing  dehiscence. 

4.  .Seed. 

(  2-4  enlarged.) 


109. 


^^^vi^^fc:^' * 


f 


UVadnat.deletpinxl. 


CATALPA     BIGNONIOI'DES,  Walt. 


m 


N.  ORD-BIGNONIACE/E.  109 

(II'.NI'S.— CATALPA/^^  MNN. 

SICX.  SVSr.— liIANDRIA   MONOCIVMA. 


CATALPA. 


ij^diajY  beam. 


SYN.— CATALPA    BIGNONIOIDES,   WALT.;    BIGNONIA    CATALPA,    LINN; 
CATALPA  SYRINGJEFOLIA,  SIMS ;  CATALPA  CORDIFOLTA,  DUHAM- 

COM.  NAMES.— CATALPA,  INDIAN  BEAN,  BEANTREE. 


A  TINC  TURK  OF  EQUAL  PARTS  OF  THE  FRESH  INNER  BARK  AND  LEAVES  OF 
CATALPA  BIGNONIOIDES,  WALT. 


Description. — This  magnificent  umbrageous  tree,  beautiful  in  blossom,  pictur- 
esque in  fruit,  attains  a  height  of  from  20  to  40  feet,  its  short  trunk  and  spreading 
branches  making  it  one  of  our  finest  shade  trees,  noted  for  the  persistence  of  its 
fruit,  the  pods  often  hanging  until  new  ones  are  formed.  The  stem  is  deliquescent, 
and  has  a  fine  gray  corrugated  bark,  more  or  less  glossy  and  warty ;  the  ivood 
commercially  has  but  little  value,  though  it  is  light,  fine-textured,  and  capable  of 
taking  a  fine  polish.  The  branches  are  large  and  very  irregular  in  their  mode  of 
growth.  Leaves  large,  opposite  or  in  whorls  of  three,  long-petioled,  simple,  entire, 
heart-shaped  and  pointed ;  they  are  smooth  above  and  downy  beneath,  especially 
upon  the  midrib.  Inflorescetice  open,  compound,  showy  panicles,  of  large,  striking 
flowers,  upon  the  ends  of  the  branches.  Calyx  deeply  2-lipped  or  2-parted,  the 
segments  being  ovate,  scaphoid,  and  blunt-pointed.  Corolla  monopetalous,  cam- 
panulate,  inflated,  deciduous ;  the  repand  five-lobed,  divergent  border,  irregu- 
lar and  2-lipped.  Stamens  sometimes  didynamous  with  a  rudimentary  fifth,  but 
more  frequently  with  only  one  fertile  pair;  filaments  incurved,  as  long  as  the  tube 
of  the  corolla  and  inserted  upon  it ;  anthers  with  two  diverging  cells ; /t^//^«-grains 
compounded  of  many  globular  bodies  all  united  in  the  form  of  a  globe.  Pistil 
compound;  ovary  2-celled,  free,  upon  a  fleshy  discoid  base;  style  single;  stigma 
capitate,  or  consisting  of  two  lips  or  plates.  Fniit  a  woody,  subcylindrical, 
slender  pod,  from  4  to  1 2  inches  long,  pendulous  and  persistent,  2-celled,  the 
septum  contrary  to  the  valves  ;  seeds  numerous,  densely  packed  and  superimposed, 
flattened  by  compression,  membraneous,  with  fringe-tipped  alse ;  embryo  flat,  al- 
bunioi  none. 

History  and  Habitat. — Catalpa,  like  all  the  other  genera  of  this  order  of 
plants,  is  tropical ;  its  most  northern  range  is  Kentucky,  where  it  grows  in  many 
places  spontaneously,  flowering  in  July,  and  fruiting  in  October.  It  is  cultivated 
in  many  places  in  the  Middle  and  Eastern  States,  attaining  a  full  growth  and  ap- 

*  The  Indian  name. 


109-2 

parently  as  healthy  and  perfect  as  in  its  own  climate.  Its  uses  as  a  drug  have 
been  but  slight,  its  provings  as  yet  show  nothing  of  great  importance,  a  mild 
cathartic  action  being  the  only  result  of  large  doses  of  a  decoction  of  the  inner 
bark.  It  has  been  used  as  an  anthelmintic.  Catalpa  has  no  place  in  the  U.  S.  Ph., 
nor  Eclectic  Materia  Medica. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  inner  bark  and  leaves  are 
chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of 
alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest 
of  the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the  whole  well,  and  pouring  it  into  a  well- 
stoppered  bottle,  it  is  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tinc- 
ture is  then  separated  by  decanting,  straining  and  filtering.  Thus  prepared,  it  has 
a  clear  orange-brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  bitter  astringent  taste  and  an 
acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — The  bark  of  this  plant  contains  an  amor- 
phous bitter  principle,  the  chemistry  of  which  has  not  been  determined  ;  it  has  a 
nauseous  taste,  and  is  soluble  in  alcohol.  Beside  this,  sugar  and  tannin  are 
present  in  small  amount.  The  plant  seems  to  impart  all  its  properties  to  hot 
water  and  to  alcohol. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Unknown.  It  has  been  said  that  it  is  danger- 
ous to  long  inhale  the  odor  of  the  tree,  which  however  is  false,  at  least  in  this 
locality  the  emanations  cause  no  symptoms  whatever. 

Description  of  Plate  109. 


I.   Panicle  from  a  specimen  in  DeWitt  Park,  Ithaca,  N.  Y. 

June  12, 

1880 

2.   Medium-sized  leaf. 

3.   Pistil  (enlarged). 

4.   Stamens  (enlarged). 

5.   Medium-sized  fruit. 

6.   Seed. 

7.   Pollen  X  3S0. 

.in. ad  natdei.etpinxt. 


VERBASCUM     ThAPSUS  ,  Linn. 


N.  ORD-SCROPHULARIACE^.  110 

Tribe.-VERBASCE/E. 

GENUS.— VERB  ASCUM,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SYST.— PENTANDRI.V  .MuN\)GVM.\. 


VERBASCUM. 


MULLEIjY. 

STN.— VERBASCUM  THAPSUS,  LINN. ;  TAPSUS  BARBATUS,  GER. 

COM.  NAMES.— COMMON  MULLEIN;  HIGH  TAPER;  COW'S  LUNG  WORT; 
FLANNEL  PLANT  ;  (PR.)  MOLENB,  BOUILLON-BLANC  ;  (GER.)KdNIGS- 
KBRZB,  WOLLKRAUT. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE  FRESH  HERB,  VERBASCUM  THAPSUS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  densely  woolly,  pale  green  biennial  weed,  grows  to  a 
height  of  from  3  to  6  feet  or  more.  Stem  stout,  simple,  and  very  straight ;  leaves 
alternate,  crowded,  oblong,  acute,  entire  or  nearly  so,  and  so  far  decurrent  at  the 
base  that  the  stem  appears  winged.  Inflorescence  a  simple,  dense,  terminal, 
cylindrical  spike,  from  i  to  2  feet  in  length.  Floivers  ephemeral,  closing  during 
sunshine.  Calyx  5-parted ;  lobes  lanceolate,  acute.  Corolla  open  or  concave, 
somewhat  rotate,  the  tube  scarcely  apparent ;  lobes  5,  broad,  acute,  nearly  equal. 
Sf alliens  5  ;  filaments  curved,  the  lower  two  longest  and  naked,  the  lateral  pair 
longer  than  the  upper  one,  and  the  latter  three  bearded;  anthers  5,  i -celled  by 
confluence.  Style  cylindrical,  curved;  stigma  capitate,  or  merely  a  stigmatose 
dilation  of  the  apex  of  the  style.  Pod  globular,  septicidally  2-valved;  valves 
2-cleft;  seeds  numerous,  wrinkled. 

Scrophulariaceae. — This  large  family  of  herbs,  or  rarely  small  shrubs  and 
trees,  is  noted  for  its  many  narcotic-poisonous  species.  In  its  general  character  it 
bears  some  resemblance  to  the  Labiateae,  but  is  separated  from  that  order  by 
many  intervening  families.  It  is  characterized  as  follows :  Leaves  either  opposite 
or  alternate,  sometimes  whorled ;  stipules  none.  Inflorescence  various ;  primary 
centripetal ;  secondary  centrifugal  when  present ;  flowers  perfect,  more  or  less  irreg- 
ular and  bilabiate ;  calyx  and  corolla  5-merous,  the  former  persistent,  the  latter 
personate ;  sometimes,  however,  they  are  4-merous,  but  all  four  stamens  are  not 
always  present,  and  in  one  genus  (Synthyris)  the  corolla  is  entirely  wanting. 
Stamens  didynamous  or  diandrous,  rarely  5  and  perfect  {yerbasctmi),\i\i^n  any  are 
abortive  it  is  usually  the  superior  one ;  filaments  inserted  upon  the  tube  of  the 
corolla.      Ovary  2-celled  ;  placentce  axial ;  ovules  several  to  numerous,  rarely  one, 


*  Altered  from  Barbasctim,  the  old  Latin  name,  signifying  the  bearded  pubescence. 


liO-2 

anatropous  or  amphitropous ;  s/j'/e  single  and  undivided;  stigma  usually  entire, 
sometimes  2-lobed  or  2-lipped.  Fruit  generally  capsular,  2-celled.  Seeds  small, 
rarely  winged  ;  embryo  usually  small  and  straight ;  albumen  copious,  sarcous. 

Beside  the  six  genera  represented  in  this  work,  we  have  provings  of  two  im- 
portant members  of  this  Order,  viz. :  the  European  Fox-glove  {Digitalis purpurea, 
Linn.),  remarkable  for  its  accumulative  power  in  the  system,  and  its  action  upon 
the  heart ;  and  the  European  Hedge  Hyssop  [Grafiola  officinalis,  \Jirm.),  v^hose 
active  principle  so  nearly  resembles  that  of  Veratrum. 

The  following  species  are  more  or  less  noted  in  medical  literature  as  secondary 
plants:  the  tropical  Indian  anti-rheumatic  Herpestes  Monniera,  H.B.K.  ;  the 
Peruvian  tonic  and  febrifuge  Tumpu  [Cilceolaria  trifida,  Vahl.),  and  emetic  and 
purgative  C.  pifinata,  Linn.;  the  Guayanian  Bitter  Blain  [Vandellia  diffii^sa,  Linn.), 
highly  valued  by  the  natives  as  an  emetic  and  purgative  in  malignant  fever  and 
dysentery;  and  the  Malabar  specific  for  gonorrhoea,  Torenia  Asiatica,  Linn. 
Several  other  species  of  Digitalis  are  said  to  possess  the  full  action  of  D.  purpu- 
rea, d^mong  which  the  following  are  prominent:  The  Swiss  Digitalis  avibigua, 
Murr. ;  the  Levantine  D.  oricntalis.  Lam.;  the  German  D.  purpurascens.  Roth.;  and 
the  Italian  D.  ferruginea,  Linn.  The  European  Water-Betony  [Scroplndaria 
aquatica,  Linn.)  is  noted  in  France  as  the  Jierbe  die  siege,  from  its  having  been  the 
sole  support  at  one  time  of  the  garrison  of  Rochelle  during  the  celebrated  siege 
by  Cardinal  Richelieu  in  162S. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  common  Mullein  is  a  native  of  the  Isle  of 
Thapsos,  now  found  in  most  parts  of  Europe.  In  North  America  it  has  become 
thoroughly  naturalized,  principally  though,  in  the  Eastern  United  States,  where 
it  frequents  waste  grounds  and  dry  fields.  It  flowers  throughout  the  summer 
months,  its  fruit  being  fully  ripe  in  October. 

Verbascum  has  been  known  as  a  medical  plant  from  ancient  times.  The 
$/l6^og  of  Hippocrates  and  other  ancient  writers  is  supposed  to  be  this  species, 
though  Sibthorp  states  that  it  is  the  male  Aevxyj  ^"Xo^oq  ;  Sprengel  judges  that  the 
emale  is  the  mullein  and  the  male  the  V.  zindtclatum''\ 

The  principal  use  of  this  herb  in  medicine  has  been  as  an  anodyne-pectoral, 
and  remedy  for  catarrhal  coughs  and  diarrhoeas.  Dr.  Home^j-  concludes  upon 
trial  that  it  "  is  useful  in  diminishing  or  stopping  diarrhoea  of  an  old  standing,  and 
often  in  easing  the  pains  of  the  intestines."  RafinesqueJ  sums  up  its  uses  as  fol- 
lows :  "  Leaves  soft,  like  velvet ;  equal  to  flannel  in  rheumatism  for  frictions  ;  for- 
merly thought  to  cure  agues  ;  emollient  in  poultice  ;  good  discutient  to  reduce 
swelled  and  contracted  sinews.  Tea  sub-astringent,  bitterish,  used  for  diarrhoea; 
strong  decoction  in  wash  for  piles,  scalds,  and  wounds  of  cattle.  Blossoms  better 
than  leaves,  anodyne,  antispasmodic,  repellant,  pectoral,  make  a  perfumed  tea 
useful  for  coughs,  hemoptysis,  hemorrhage  and  proctalgy."  The  flowers  placed 
in  a  bottle  and  set  in  the  sunshine  are  said  to  yield  a  fatty  matter  valuable  as  a 
cure  for  hemorrhoids.     The   plant   is  just   now  being  introduced   as   a  valuable 


*  Hamilton,  Flora  Horn.,  II.,  218.  f  WoodviUe,  Med.  Bol.,  II.,  203.  J  Med.  Flora,  II.,  273. 


110-3 

remedy  in  pulmonary  phthisis,  articles  appearing  from  time  to  time  in  various  med- 
ical and  scientific  periodicals  upon  this  point.  Dr.  F.  J.  B.  Ouinlan  regards  the  plant 
as  having  a  distinct  weight-increasing  power  in  early  cases  of  pulmonary  consump- 
tion. The  hot  decoction,  he  claims,  causes  a  comfortable  sensation,  which,  patients 
who  have  taken  it,  experience  a  decided  physiological  need  of.  "  It  eases  phthisical 
cough,  some  patients  scarcely  requiring  cough  medicines  at  all  "  who  use  this 
remedy.  "  Its  power  of  checking  phthisical  looseness  is  very  marked,  and  it  also 
gives  great  relief  to  the  dyspnoea.  It  is,  however,  useless  in  advanced  cases,  and 
has  no  effect  in  checking  night  sweats."*  The  leaves  are  considered  to  be  diuretic, 
demulcent,  anti-spasmodic,  and  anodyne ;  and  the  seeds  are  said  to  pass  readily 
and  rapidly  through  the  intestinal  canal,  thus  proving  useful  for  the  removal  of 
obstructions. 

X'erbascum  plays  no  part  in  the  U.  S.  Ph. ;  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  its 
preparation  is  Cataplasuia  Vcrbasci. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION — The  fresh  plant,  gathered  in  July,  when 
coming  into  blossom,  should  be  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed. 
Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with 
one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the 
whole  well,  pour  it  into  a  closely-stoppered  bottle,  and  allow  it  to  stand  eight  days 
in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture  separated  by  filtration  should  be  opaque,  in 
thin  layers  it  has  a  deep  reddish-brown  color  by  transmitted  light.  It  should  have  a 
sweetish,  herbaceous  odor,  a  smoothish  astringent  taste,  and  decided  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— An  analysis  of  the  flowers  by  Morin  yielded 
a  yellow  volatile  oil,  a  fatty  acid,  free  malic  and  phosphoric  acids  and  their  -ate 
salts  of  lime,  a  yellow  resinous  coloring  matter,  and  the  general  plant  constituents, 
including  an  uncrystallizable  sugar.     The  leaves  contain  mucilage. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Many  of  the  symptoms  caused  by  from  30  to 
40  ounces  of  a  tincture  of  the  fresh  leaves  daily,  are  characteristic  of  the  action  of 
this  drug.  In  Hahnemann's  experiments  the  following  prominent  effects  are 
noted ;  Vertigo  on  pressing  the  left  cheek  with  the  hand  ;  dull  pressure  at  the  left 
infra-maxillary  condyle,  with  painful  tearing  and  drawing  in  the  ear  ;  sensation  as 
if  the  temporal  eminences  were  crushed  with  pincers  ;■}"  numbness  in  the  left  ear, 
with  a  sensation  as  if  the  ear  would  be  drawn  inward;  severe  drawing,  pressure, 
and  numbness  of  the  left  malar  bone,  temple  and  zygoma  ;  root  of  tongue  coated 
brown  ;  urging  to  urinate,  with  decreased  secretion  ;  constrictive  and  pressive 
pains  in  the  bones  and  muscles,  and  weakness  of  the  lower  limbs.     The  action  of 


*  Am.  your.  Phar.,  1883,  268;  from  Bril.  Med.  Jour. 

f  I  judge  from  my  own  experiments  with  plants,  that  the  pains  similar  to  crushing  ofljones  with  excruciating  tearing 
sensation,  is  due  to  the  Malic  acid  contained  in  them.  I  have  never  noted  the  symptom  as  arising  from  experiments  wiih 
drugs  not  containing  this  body.  The  minor  symptoms  of  disinclination  to  work,  sleepiness  after  dinner,  general  shiftless- 
ness,  etc.,  of  Verbascum  arose  also  in  my  experimentation  with  the  .VZ/cc/  sorrel  {O.xalis  strieta,  Linn.),  which  contains 
Malic  among  other  vegetable  acids. 


110-4 

Verbascum  seems  to  be  a  somewhat  peculiar  irritation  of  the  temporo-facial  branch 
of  the  seventh  pair  of  cranial  nerves  and  a  somewhat  narcotic  action  upon  the 
brain. 

Hahnemann  observes  that  the  narcotic  effects  of  the  drug  wore  off  in  about 
two  hours  in  his  experiments.  The  seeds  of  Verbascum  Lychnitis  and  Thapsus 
have  often  been  employed  to  stupefy  fish. 

Description  of  Plate  iio. 

X.   Upper  portion  of  a  young  plant,  Pamrapo,  N.  J.,  June  29th,  1S79. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Pistil. 

4.  Anther  of  beardless  stamen. 

5.  Bearded  stamen. 

6.  Pollen,  X  2  50. 

7.  A  ])ortion  of  the  root. 

(3-5  enlarged.) 


111. 


^.m.ailnatdel.etpinxt 


LinAria  Vulgaris,  Mill. 


N.  ORD-SCROPHULARIACE.t.  11 

Tribe.-ANTIRRHINE/E. 

(;ENUS.-LI  N  ARIA  ,*  TOURN. 

SEX.  SVSr.— DIDVNAMIA  AM.lDSl'KRMIA. 


LIN  ARIA. 


TOAD  FLAX. 

SYN.— LINARIA  VULGARIS,  MILL. ;   ANTIRRHINUM  LINARIA,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— TOAD  FLAX,  FALSE  FLAX,  YELLOW  FLAX,  RANSTED, 
JACOB'S  LADDER,  CONTINENTAL  WEED,  BUTTER  AND  EGGS; 
(GER.)  FRAUENFLACHS,  LEINKRAUT,  LOWENMAUL ;  (FR.)  LINAIRE 
COMMUNE. 

.\    I'lNCrURE  OF  THE  FRESH  PLANT  LINARIA  VUI.C.ARIS,  MILL. 

Description. — This  too-common  roadside  weed  grows  to  a  height  of  from  i  to 
3  feet,  from  a  perennial  root.  Roof  woody,  creeping,  white  and  fibrous.  Sfcni 
erect  and  simple.  Leaves  pale  green,  glaucous,  arranged  alternately,  or  more  or 
less  scattered  or  whorled  upon  the  stem  ;  sesile,  linear-lanceolate,  with  an  acute 
tip,  and  vary  from  i  to  3  inches  in  length.  LnJIorescejicc,  a  terminal,  densely- 
riowered,  spiked  raceme ;  fiowers  i  inch  long,  bright  yellow,  with  a  chrome- 
colored  palate.  Calyx  five-parted,  shorter  than  the  spur  of  the  corolla.  Corolla 
tubular,  masked  with  a  projecting,  bifid  palate,  that  nearly  closes  the  ringent 
throat.  Upper  lip  two-cleft.  Loiver  lip  trifid,  the  middle  lobe  smallest.  Spur 
awl-shaped,  situated  upon  the  lower  side  of  the  base.  Stamens  four,  didynamous. 
Anthers  two-celled.  Pollen  grains  oval,  with  a  deep  sulcus  and  induplicate  edges. 
Fruit  a  thin,  two-celled  ovoid  capsule,  opening  by  two  slits  below  the  apex.  Seeds 
numerous,  flattened,  with  a  nearly  complete  winged  margin.  For  description  of 
the  natural  order  Scrophulariaceae,  see  Verbascum  Thapsus,  1  10. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  pernicious,  widely-spreading  weed,  doubtless  has 
its  origin  in  Europe.  It  is  now  but  too  thoroughly  naturalized  here;  its  injurious- 
ness,  However,  being  somewhat  mitigated  by  its  choice  of  ground,  growing  as  it 
does  only  in  waste  places,  dry  sandy  fields,  and  along  the  embankment  of  rail- 
roads and  roadways.  It  blossoms  through  the  summer  months,  fruiting  as  it  fiowers. 
Linnceus  states  {Flor.  Suec.)  that  a  decoction  of  this  plant  in  milk  was  used  as  a  fiy 
poison.  Its  previous  medical  uses  were  internally  for  jaundice  and  anasarca,  and 
externally  for  hemorrhoids,  but  it  has  dropped  out  of  use  entirely,  except  with  us. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant,  gathered  when 
in  full  fiower,  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts 
by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of 
it  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.     The  whole  is  then   poured    into  a  well-sto]> 

*  The  leaves  of  some  species  reseiTil)Iing  those  of  flax  [Liniiiii). 


ill-2 

pered  bottle  and  allowed  to  stand  for  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The 
tincture  is  then  separated  by  straining-  and  filtering.  Thus  prepared,  it  has  a  very 
deep  brownish-red  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  taste  at  first  cooling  and  sour, 
then  like  weak  tea,  and  a  very  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — I  am  unable  to  find  any  chemical  data  regard- 
ing this  plant,  with  the  exception  of  the  flowers;  they  have  been  analyzed,  but 
show  nothing  of  the  active  principle,  which  probably  lies  in  its  acid. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  true  action,  physiologically,  of  this  plant  is 
not  known.  The  provings  have  been  carefully  made,  and  show  symptoms  of 
some  importance,  but  are  not  sufficient  to  determine  its  sphere. 

Description  of  Plate  hi. 

I.   Upper  part  of  a  plant  from  W.  Brighton,  S.  I.,  July  5th,  1879. 
2-4.   Flowers. 
3.  Section  of  flower. 

5.  Root. 

6.  Pollen  X  380. 

7.  Seed  (enlarged). 


112. 


^Tn..aiinat.ilel.et  pinxt. 


SCROPHULARIA    NODOSA,  Linn. 


N.  ORD.-SCROPHULARIACE/E.  112 

GENUS.  — SCROPHULARIA,*  TOURN. 


SEX.  .SVST.— niDVN'.AMI.V  .\NGIOSrERMIA. 


SCROPHULARIA 


FIG-  WORT. 


SYN.— SCROPHULARIA  NODOSA,  LINN.;  SCROPHULARIA  MARILAND- 
ICA,  LINN.;  SCROPHULARIA  NODOSA,  VAR.  AMERICANA,  MICHX.; 
SCROPHULARIA  LANCEOLATA,  PURSH. 

COM.  NAMES.— FIG-WORT,  SCROFULA-PLANT,  HEAL-ALL,  HOLMES- 
WEED,  SQUARE-STALK,  CARPENTER'S  SQUARE ;  (FR.)  SCROPHU- 
LAIRE ;  (GER.)  KROPPWURZ,  SCROPHELNPFLANZE. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE  FRESH  PLANT  SCROPHULARIA  NODOSA,  LINN., 
OR  VAR.  MARILANDICA,  GRAY,  OR  BOTH. 

Description. — This  rank  perennial  herb  grows  to  a  height  of  from  2  to  4  feet. 
Stoii  clearly  quadrilateral,  with  slight  obtuse  ridges  at  the  angles,  glabrous  through- 
out. Leaves  opposite,  ranging  from  oval  below  to  lanceolate  above,  doubly  serrate, 
and  cordate  or  nearly  so  at  the  base.  Inflorescence  a  primarily  nodding  terminal 
panicle,  of  loose,  3  to  6-flowered  cymes  ;  flowers  small,  lurid,  brownish-  or  greenish- 
purple.  Calyx  deeply  5-cleft  into  ovate,  equal  lobss.  Corolla  globose,  contracted 
at  the  throat,  and  furnished  with  a  two-lipped  border;  petals  5,  the  upper  lip  of 
two  erect,  equal  lobes,  the  lozoer  lip  composed  of  a  lateral  equal  pair,  shorter 
however  than  those  of  the  upper,  and  a  lower  reflexed,  spreading  lobe,  closely 
appressed  to  the  tube.  Stamens  4,  curled  inward  with  the  anthers  closely  sur- 
rounding the  ovary ;  they  become  erect  when  ripening,  and  fmally  decline.  The 
rudiment  of  a  fifth  stamen  forms  a  protuberance  at  the  summit  and  in  the  throat 
of  the  corolla-tube.  Filaments  pubescent,  broader  above  than  below  ;  anthers 
with  two  confluent  cells,  opening  transversely  at  the  apex.  Fruit  a  2-celled, 
ovoid,  septicldal,  many-seeded  pod;  seeds  black,  rough,  and  dotted  with  minute 
pits.      Read  description  of  the  N.  Order  under  \'erbascum,  iio. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Fig-wort  grows  along  the  borders  of  woods  and 
dry  roadsides,  from  Utah  eastward  throughout  the  United  States  and  Canada, 
flowering  from  June  to  September.  The  European  Scrop/iitlaria  nodosa  and  our 
var.  Marilandica  seem  to  differ  but  slightly  in  their  parts  and  properties  from  the 
species  under  consideration.  This  herb  is  said  to  serve  as  a  soothing  poultice  to 
inflamed  tumors,  suppurating  mammae,  ulcers,  burns,  hemorrhoids,  etc. ;  it  is  also 
used  alone  and  as  a  component  of  salves,  for  itch,  various  eruptions,  and  "scabs" 

*  On  account  of  its  repute  in  scrofula. 


112-2 

in  swine,  as  well  as  a  tonic  and  deobstruent  in  hepatic  and  glandular  disorders.  All 
parts  of  the  plant  have  a  heavy,  rank  odor  when  bruised,  resembling  that  of  the  elder 
[Sauibucus) . 

Scrophularia  is  not  mentioned  in  the  U.  S.  Ph. ;  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Med- 
ica  it  is  officinal  as  Dccoctum  Scrophularics,  and  as  a  component  of  Synipus  Riune- 
cis  Conipositus,  and  Tinctura  Corydalis  Coiiiposita. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant,  gathered  just 
before  flowering,  should  be  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then 
two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  should  be  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one- 
sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole, 
pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle  and  let  it  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 
The  tincture,  separated  by  straining  and  filtering,  should  have  a  beautiful  deep 
crimson  color  by  transmitted  sunlight,  a  rank,  acrid  odor  and  taste,  and  strong 
acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Scrophularin  ;  this  principle,  the  chemistry 
of  which  has  not  yet  been  determined,  was  extracted  from  a  decoction  of  the 
fresh  plant  by  Walz.*  It  crystallizes  in  bitter  scales,  soluble  in  both  alcohol  and 
water. 

Scrophularosmin ;  this  stearoptene  was  also  discovered  by  Walz  in  an  aque- 
ous distillate  of  the  plant. 

Walz's  analysis  also  yielded  acetic  acid,  C,  H^O,;  propionic  acid,  C3  H,,  O., ; 
pectin,  C3.,  H^j,  O3., ;  and  a  red  coloring  matter. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — According  to  Dr.  Blakely,t  this  drug,  in  re- 
peated doses  of  from  20  drops  to  a  teaspoonful  of  the  tincture,  causes :  Fullness 
of  the  head,  and  vertigo  ;  free  bleeding  of  the  gums  ;  salivation  ;  increased  appe- 
tite ;   colic  ;  general  weariness  ;   sleepiness  ;  and  sallow  skin. 

In  this  experimenter  the  drug  seemed  to  expend  its  force  upon  the  liver. 

Description  of  Plate  112. 

1.  Panicle. 

2.  Second  pair  of  leaves  from  panicle. 

3.  Flower,  under  side. 

4.  Corolla  opened  to  show  sexual  organs. 

5.  Ripe  stamen  (enlarged). 

6.  Pollen,  X  250. 
Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  June  Sth,  1884. 


*  Mayer  in  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1863,  p.  295.  +  N.  k.  fouv.  Horn.,  1866,  p.  iS 


Y-nLadnatdeletpinxr. 


Chelone  Glabra,  Linn. 


N.  ORD.-SCROPHULARIACE^.  H3 

Tribe.-CHELONE/E. 

GENUS— C  H  E  LO  N  E  ,*  LINN. 

SEX.  SVST.— DIDVXAMIA  ANGIOSPER.MIA. 

CHELONE  GLABRA. 

TURTLE-HEAD. 

SYN.— CHELONE   GLABRA,  LINN.;   CHELONE   OBLIQUA,  LINN. 

COM.    NAMES.— TURTLE-HEAD,    SNAKE-HEAD,    SHELL-FLOWER,     BAL- 

MONY,    SALT-RHEUM    WEED;      (PR.)    CHELONE;     (GBR.)    GLATTE, 

CHELONE. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  PL.-\NT  CHELONE  GLABRA,  LINN. 


Description. — This  beautiful  swamp  herb  grows  to  a  height  of  from  2  to  6  feet, 
from  a  creeping  perennial  root.  The  slcm  is  smooth,  upright,  somewhat  obtusely 
four  angled,  and  branching  laterally,  particularly  near  the  top.  It  is  a  question 
though,  whether  it  is  really  a  branching  herb,  or  whether  the  .so-called  branches 
are  merely  elongated  peduncles  of  the  lateral  axillary  flower  spikes.  The  leaves 
are  opposite,  either  sessile  or  very  short  petiolate,  broadly  lanceolate,  serrate  and 
pointed,  ranging  from  2  to  4  inches  in  length  and  of  various  breadths.  The 
jiijloirseenee  consists  of  a  dense,  bracted  spike,  terminal  upon  the  stem  and  its 
branches?;  the  flowers  are  sessile,  closely  imbricated  with  concave,  rounded-ovate, 
sharp-pointed  bracts  and  bractlets.  Calyx  of  five  deeply  parted  or  distinct 
imbricated  sepals.  Corolla  tubular,  with  either  equal  or  unequal  lateral  inflations, 
the  mouth  either  a  little  open  or  widely  gaping;  upper  lip  broad-arching,  keeled  in 
the  middle,  and  either  entire  or  notched  at  the  apex  ;  lotcer  lip  3-lobed  at  the  apex, 
the  middle  lobe  narrow  or  sometimes  smallest.  Slainens  consisting  of  four 
didynamous,  included,  fertile  or  complete  ones  and  one  sterile  or  rudimentary; 
filaments  flat,  woolly,  the  rudimentary  fifth  much  smaller  than  the  other  four; 
anthers  heart-shaped,  acuminate,  completely  connected  in  pairs  by  the  adhesive 
cottony  wool ;  pollen  more  or  less  cylindrically  "  hat-shaped,"  the  sulcus  being 
between  the  crown  and  the  rim.  Pistil  as  a  whole,  projecting  beyond  the  stamens  ; 
ova7'y  2-celled,  ovoid  ;  style  long,  slender  and  cylindrical ;  stigma  small  and  blunt. 
Emit  a  2-grooved,  2-celled  ovoid  capsule,  opening  by  dehiscence  through  the 
partition,  each  half  carrying  a  section  with  it  bearing  the  placenta;.  Seeds 
numerous,  winged  and  margined.  A  description  of  the  natural  order  may  be 
found  under  Verbuscum  thapsus,  iio. 

*  xtXi*;),  toitoisc,  from  the  resemblance  of  the  corolla  to  the  head  of  that  reptile. 


113-2 

History  and  Habitat. — This  strikingly  erect  plant,  native  of  Canada  and  the 
United  States,  grows — though  not  in  great  abundance  in  any  one  locality — about 
the  margins  of  swampy  places  and  along  the  wet  edges  of  open  woods,  flowering 
from  August  to  September.  The  flowers  are  large  and  without  odor,  they  vary 
from  white  to  cream,  rose  or  purplish ;  varieties  have  been  at  different  times 
named  both  on  account  of  the  color  of  the  flowers  and  the  mode  of  growth,  but 
they  are  too  indistinctly  separate  to  afford  a  place  and  name.  C.  alba ;  C.  rosea  ; 
C.  purpurea  ;    C.  lajiccolaia  ;  and   C.  obliqua. 

Balmony  has  for  years  been  a  favorite  tonic,  laxative  and  purgative,  among 
the  aborigines  of  North  America  and  Thomsonian  physicians  ;  without  sufficient 
reason  however  as  a  tonic,  in  the  doses  usually  employed. 

Chelone  has  no  place  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  it  is 
officinal  as  Decochim  Chelonis. 

PART  USED,  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  herb  as  a  whole,  is  chopped 
and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol 
are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the 
alcohol  added.  After  thorough  stirring,  and  pouring  the  whole  into  a  well- 
stoppered  bottle,  it  is  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The 
tincture  is  then  separated  by  straining  and  filtering.  Thus  prepared,  it  has  a  clear 
orange-brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  bitter  taste  and  highly  acid 
reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— No  analysis  has  been  made  of  this  plant ;  all 
parts  of  it  are  very  bitter,  and  as  it  yields  this  property  to  alcohol  and  water,  we 
may  consider  at  least,  that  the  active  body  is  soluble  in  these  liquids. 

Description  of  Plate  113. 

I.  Whole  plant  five  times  reduced,  from  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  August  15th,  1882. 

2.  Apex  of  stem  in  flower. 

3.  Pistil  (enlarged). 

4.  Fertile  stamen  (enlarged). 

5.  Rudimentary  stamen  (enlarged). 

6.  Pollen  X  380. 


Q;lQ.aiinal.del.et  pinxt 


8  ;v    m      ^9        ^ 

Veronica  Virginica,  Linn 


N.  ORD -SCROPHULARIACE^.  114 

Thbe.-SIBTHORPIE/E.  VERONICE/E,  etc. 

GENUS.  — VERONICA,*  LINN. 

SEX.  SYST.— DIAXDRIA   M(i\(K_;VNIA, 


LEPTANDRA, 

CUL  VER'S  PHYSIC. 

SYN.- VERONICA  VIRGINICA,  LINN.;  V.  PURPUREA,  STEUD.;  V.  SIBI- 
RICA,  LINN. ;  V.  JAPONICA,  STEUD. ;  LEPTANDRA  VIRGINICA,  NUTT. ; 
P^DEROTA  VIRGINICA,  TORR. ;  CALLISTACHYA  VIRGINICA,  AND 
EUSTACHYA  ALBA.  RAP. 

COM.  NAMES.— CULVER'S  ROOT  OR  PHYSIC,  BLACK  ROOT,  TALL  SPEED- 
WELL, HIGH  VERONICA.  WHORLY  WORT,  QUINTEL,  HINI;  (PR.) 
VERONIQUE   DE   VIRGINIE ;    (GER.)    VIRGINISCHBR  EHRENPREIS. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE   FRESH   ROOT  OF  VERONICA  VIRGINICA,    LINN. 

Description. — This  graceful  perennial  herb  grows  to  a  height  of  from  i  to  7 
feet.  Root  horizontal,  blackish,  sometimes  branched,  scarred  upon  its  upper  sur- 
face by  the  previous  growths,  and  giving  off  from  the  nether  numerous  long  and 
fibrous  rootlets.  Stem  simple,  strict,  and  glabrous.  Leaves  whorled  in  numerous 
clusters  of  from  3  to  9  ;  short  petioled,  lanceolate,  acute,  tapering  at  both  ends, 
finely  serrate,  and  often  downy  beneath  especially  upon  the  veins.  Inflorescence 
in  from  i  to  9  terminal,  panicled,  spike-like,  densely-flowered  racemes ;  floivers 
small,  nearly  sessile ;  bracts  very  small,  subulate.  Calyx  4-parted,  persistent ; 
sepals  lanceolate,  acute.  Corolla  salver-form,  pubescent  within,  the  tube  much 
longer  than  the  4-parted  limb,  and  gready  exceeding  the  calyx  ;  lobes  erect,  acute, 
the  upper  broadest,  the  lower  narrowest.  Stamens  2,  far  exserted  ;  filaments  hairy, 
inserted  low  down  upon  each  side  of  the  upper  lobe  of  the  corolla  and  about  twice 
its  length  ;  anthers  rather  large,  2-celled  ;  cells  confluent  at  the  apex.  Ovary  supe- 
rior, 2-celled  ;  style  columnar,  entire,  exserted,  persistent;  stioma  solitary,  capitate. 
Fruit  an  oblong-ovate,  2-celled  pod,  not  notched  at  the  apex  nor  much  flattened ; 
dehiscence  by  4  apical  teeth,  at  length  becoming  somewhat  loculicidal;  seeds  numer- 
ous, black,  oval,  and  terete ;  testa  minutely  reticulated. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  most  graceful  and  attractive  of  all  American 
Veronicas,  habits  moist  wooded  banks  from  Canada  and  the  valley  of  Winnipeg, 
to  Georgia,  Alabama,  and  Missouri.  It  blossoms  contemporaneously  with  Cimi- 
cifuga  early  in  July,  and,  when  viewed  at  a  distance,  the  two  plants  appear  to  be  the 
same,  while  either  has  a  beauty  and  grace  which  would  render  it  poetically  suitable 
for  a  fairy's  wand.     The  species  also  grows  in  Japan  and  Eastern  India,  and  varies 

*  Dedicated  to  St.  Veronica ;  or,  perhaps,  a  play  upon  Betonica. 


somewhat  in  color  of  anther  and  perianth  in  different  locaHtles.  Culver's  Physic 
was  introduced  into  English  gardens  in  1714,  and  has  been  somewhat  planted  in 
this  country. 

This  is  one  of  the  many  American  Aboriginal  remedies  handed  down  by  them 
to  the  botanies,  and  extensively,  therefore,  used  in  domestic  practice  from  our 
earliest  settlements.  In  a  fresh  state  the  root  gained  a  great  reputation  as  a 
drastic  purge  and  abortivant,  but  its  action  was  too  uncertain  and  severe;  in  this 
state  it  was  also  frequently  employed  in  intermittents,  and  was  thought  to  be  a 
prophylactic  against  future  attacks.  The  use  of  the  fresh  drug  has,  however, 
almost  ceased  in  general  practice,  giving  place  to  the  dried  root,  and  an  extrac- 
tive called  Leptandriii.  Doses  of  from  20  to  60  grains  of  the  powdered  root  have 
been  used  as  a  stomachic  tonic,  laxative,  and  antiperiodic  ;  in  dyspepsia,  torpidity 
of  the  liver,  debilitated  conditions  of  the  alimentary  tract,  typhoid  and  intermittent 
fever,  and  some  forms  of  dysentery  and  diarrhoea.  Speaking  of  the  drug  in  the 
light  of  sixty  years  ago,  Rafinesque  says:*  "The  root  alone  is  medical ;  it  is  bitter 
and  nauseous,  and  is  commonly  used  in  warm  decoction  as  purgative  and  emetic, 
acting  somewhat  like  the  Eupalor-iuni  and  Verbena  hastata ;  some  boil  it  in  milk 
for  a  milder  cathartic,  or  as  a  sudorific  in  pleurisy.  A  strong  decoction  of  the  fresh 
root  is  a  violent  and  disagreeable,  but  effectual  and  popular  remedy  in  the  Western 
States,  for  the  summer  bilious  fevers." 

The  officinal  preparations  of  the  U.  S.  Phar.  are :  Exlractum  Leptandrcs  and 
Extractum  Leptandrcs  Fluidiun.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  the  same  prepa- 
rations are  recommended,  and  the  following  also  advised  :  Extractimi  Leptandr-a 
HydroalcohoUciwi  and  Tinctura  Leptandrce. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root  of  the  second  year, 
gathered  after  fruition,  should  be  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed. 
Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  to  be  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed 
with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the 
whole  well,  transfer  it  to  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allow  it  to  macerate  eight 
days  in  a  dark,  cool  place,  shaking  twice  a  day. 

The  tincture,  prepared  from  this  mass  by  pressing  and  filtering,  has  a  deep 
reddish-orange  color  by  transmitted  light ;  a  somewhat  earthy  odor ;  no  character- 
istic taste  ;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Z^//«;/rt';'/«6'.t  This  bitter  principle,  sepa- 
rated by  Wayne,J  retains  the  characteristic  odor  of  the  root.  It  is  crystallizable 
when  free  from  coloring-matter,  and  is  soluble  in  water,  alcohol,  and  ether. 

Tannin,  gum,  resin,  volatile  oil,  and  mannite,§  a  volatile  alkaloid,  citric  acid, 
and  a  saponin-like  body  having  a  glucosidal  nature,||  have  also  been  determined. 

*  Med.  Flora,  2,  22. 

t  This  name  is  proposed,  that  the  substance  may  not  be  confounded  with  ''Lep/anJrin,"  the  extract  of  the  tincture 
now  on  the  market. 

J  Froc.  Am.  Phar.  Assoc,  1S56,  34. 
\  Wayne,  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1859,  557. 
II  Mayer,  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1863,  298. 


114-3 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Full  doses  of  the  recent  root  of  Leptandra 
cause  dimness  of  vision,  vertigo,  vomiting,  and  purging  of  bloody  or  black,  tarry, 
papescent  feces.  Dr.  Burt's  experiments  with  from  i  to  40  grains  "  Leptandrin  " 
and  20  to  160  drops  of  the  fluid  extract  gave  the  following  symptoms:  Headache, 
smarting  of  the  eyes  and  lachrymation  ;  yellow-coated  tongue ;  nausea,  burning 
and  distress  in  the  stomach  ;  severe  abdominal  pains  with  great  desire  for  stool ; 
profuse  black,  fetid  discharges  from  the  bowels  ;  general  lassitude  ;  hot,  dry  skin  ; 
and  sleepiness, 

Leptandra  proves  itself  to  be  a  severe  irritant  to  the  gastric  and  intestinal 
mucous  surfaces,  and  a  stimulant  to  the  absorbent  system. 


Description  of  Plate  114. 

I.   Whole  plant,  6  times  reduced,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  July  27th,  18S5. 

2.  Summit  of  single-racemed  plant. 

3.  Third  whorl  of  leaves  from  top  of  No.  i. 

4.  Limb  of  corolla. 

5.  Flower. 

6.  Calyx  and  pistil. 

7.  Stamen. 

8.  Anther. 

9.  Bract  and  calyx. 

10.  Fruit. 

11.  Horizontal  section  of  ovary. 

12.  Seed. 

(4-12  enlarged.) 


115. 


(p.m.ii(inat(lel.etpinxt.  EUPHRASIA     OFFICINALIS  ,  Linn. 


N.  ORD-SCROPHULARIACE^.  115 

Tiibe.-EUFHRASIE/E. 

GENUS.  — EUPHRASIA,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SVST.— DIUY\AMI.\  AXGIOSI'ERMr.V. 


EUPHRASIA.. 

EYEBlilGET. 

SYN.— EUPHRASIA  OFFICINALIS,  LINN.;  E.  CANDIDA,  SCHCEN. ;  EUPHRA- 

GIA  ALBA,  BRUN. 
COM. NAMES.— EYEBRIGHT, EUPHRASY;  (FR.)  EUPHRAISB  ;  (GBR.iAUGBN- 

TROST. 

A  TINCTURE   OF  THE   HERB  EUPHRASIA  OFFICINALIS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  low  annual  only  grows  to  a  height  of  a  few  inches.  StcDi 
erect,  hairy ;  branches  o]iTj)o?,\\.e.  Z^^i'^j  opposite,  varying  from  roundish-ovate  to 
oblong ;  margin  incisely  dentate,  that  of  the  upper  or  floral  leaves  with  strongly 
setaceous  teeth ;  in  the  lower  leaves  tending  more  to  crenate.  Inflorescence 
spicate ;  bracteoles  none ;  flozvers  small,  whitish.  Calyx  tubular-campanulate, 
4-cleft;  lobes  acute,  pointed.  Corolla  purple-striped,  dilated  at  the  throat,  bilabiate, 
the  lips  subequal ;  upper  lip  erect,  barely  concave,  2-lobed,  the  sides  revolute ; 
lobes  emarginate  ;  lower  lip  external  in  the  bud,  spreading,  3-lobed ;  lobes  emar- 
ginate,  the  middle  one  largest  and  yellow.  Stamens  4,  didynamous,  rising  under 
the  upper  lip  of  the  corolla ;  anthers  2-celled  ;  cells  equal,  distinct,  each  mucronate 
at  its  base.  Style  filiform  ;  stigma  entire.  Fruit  an  oblong,  flattened,  loculicidal 
capsule ;  seeds  numerous,  pendulous,  oblong,  and  longitudinally  sulcate. 

History  and  Habitat. — Euphrasia  is  indigenous  to  Europe  and  North  America- 
VVith  us  its  growth  is  depauperate  and  its  stations  few.  It  ranges,  here,  from  the 
north-eastern  coast  of  Maine  over  the  alpine  summits  of  the  White  Mountains 
and  Adirondacks  ;  thence  northward  and  westward  along  the  upper  shore  of  Lake 
Superior  to  the  Aleutian  Islands.  In  many  of  these  locations  a  dwarf  form,  with 
very  small  flowers,  is  found.     It  flowers  in  July  and  August. 

Though  this  herb  has  always  been  known  under  a  name  of  Greek  originl 
still  no  mention  of  the  plant  is  made  by  Dioscorides,  Pliny,  Galen,  or  even  by  the 
Arabian  physicians.  F.  Bauhin  says  that  it  was  known  as  a  remedy  for  the  eyes 
about  the  year  i38o.t  Arnoldus  Villanovanus,  who  died  in  131 3,  was  the  author 
of  "  Vini  Eiiphrasiati  tantoperc  celebrati."  How  long  before  him  Euphrasia  was 
in  repute  for  eye  diseases,  is  impossible  to  say;  but  in  Gordon's  '' Liticium  Medt- 
cince,"  published  in  1305,  among  the  medicines  for  the  eyes  Euphragia  is  one,  and 
is  recommended  both  outwardly  in  a  compound,  distilled  water,  and  inwardly  as  a 

*  Eu^par/a,  euphrasia,  cheerfulness  ;   as  to  its  effect  upon  the  spirits  through  its  benefit  to  the  sight, 
t  Phy'.op.,  442 


115-2 

syrup.*  Euphragia  is  not  mentioned  in  the  Scho/a  Salernitana,  compiled  about 
I  lOO.  Tlie  earliest  notice  of  Euphrasia,  as  a  medicine,  is  in  the  works  of  Tragus.f 
It  was  employed  as  a  remedy  in  diseases  of  the  eyes,  by  Fuschius,  Dodonaeus, 
Haller,  and  others,  and  has  been  a  vulgar  remedy  in  these  diseases  from  time 
immemorial,  throughout  the  whole  of  Europe.  Fuschius  recommended  it  in  suf- 
fusions and  cataracts.  The  Highlanders,  of  Scotland,  make  an  infusion  of  it  in 
milk,  and  anoint  the  patient's  eyes  with  a  feather  dipped  in  it.  Hoffman  employed 
it  in  jaundice  ;  Villanova  and  Velebt,  in  weakness  of  the  eyes.  In  1836,  Krameh- 
feld|  employed  it,  with  success,  in  rheumatic  and  catarrhal  inflammation  of  the 
eyes  and  their  lids  ;  in  cough,  hoarseness,  earache,  and  headache,  which  have  suc- 
ceeded catarrhal  affections;  and  glandulous,  catarrhal,  and  scrofulous  blephar- 
ophthalmia.§ 

Woodville  says:||  "  Euphrasia  derives  its  name  from  its  reputed  efficacy  in  vari- 
ous disorders  of  the  eyes,  for  which  it  was  used  both  externally  and  internally,  and 
has  long  been  so  much  celebrated  as  to  be  considered  almost  in  the  character  of  a 
specific,  the  'veriim  oculorttm  solamen!  But  as  there  cannot  possibly  be  a  general 
remedy  for  all  diseases  of  the  eyes,  the  absurd  and  indiscriminate  recommendation 
of  Euphrasia  as  such,  must  receive  but  little  credit  from  those  who  practice  medi- 
cine on  rational  principles.  It  must  be  acknowledged,  however,  that  some  authors 
have  stated  peculiar  complaints  of  the  eyes,  in  which  the  use  of  this  plant  was 
thought  more  remarkably  evident ;  and,  judging  by  these,  we  should  say  that  eyes, 
weakened  by  long-continued  exertion,  and  those  that  are  dim  and  watery,  as  in  a 
senile  state,  are  the  cases  in  which  Euphrasia  promises  most  advantage;  nor  are 
old  people  to  despair,  for  according  to  Hildanus  and  Lanzonus,  several,  at  the  age 
of  seventy  and  eighty  years,  were  recovered  from  almost  entire  blindness."  He 
further  remarks  that  the  Icelanders  are  in  the  constant  habit  of  using  the  juice  of 
the  plant  in  all  affections  of  the  eyes  ;  and  adds  that,  "though  the  great  reputation 
which  Eyebright  formerly  supported  for  several  ages,  must  have  induced  some 
practitioners  to  have  used  it ;  yet  we  do  not  find  a  single  instance  of  its  efficacy 
recorded  in  modern  times.  How  far  this  remark  ought  to  invalidate  the  positive 
testimonies  in  its  favor,  we  leave  others  to  determine." 

Dr.  John  King  remarks ^y  that  four  fluid  ounces  of  the  infusion  morning  and 
night,  upon  an  empty  stomach,  has  cured  epilepsy. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.  —  The  whole  fresh  flowering  plant, 
above  the  root,  gathered  from  barren,  sunny  spots,  should  be  treated  as  directed 
for  Verbascum,  Scrophularia,  and  Chelone  (ante,  pp.  110-2,  112-2,  113-2).  The 
resulting  tincture  has  a  deep  brownish-red  color  by  transmitted  light ;  a  pleasant, 
vinous  odor;  a  bitter,  astringent  taste;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— ^?^//w'«.y/«-7^a;/;//V  Acid,  C„Hj„Oj,.  —  This 
peculiar  tannin  gives  a  dark-green  precipitate  with  ferric  salts,  and  is  only  obtain- 
able by  combination  with  lead.  It  is  precipitable  by  glue,  and  tartrate  of  antimony 
(Wittstein). 

*  Allsion,  Mat.  Med.,  7,  IJ9.  J  Ozann's  Journal.  ||  Med.  Bot.,  2,  369. 

f  Spiengel,  op.  cit.  \  Hamilton,  Flor.  Horn.,  I,  275.  1[  Am.  Disp.,  loc.  cit. 


115-3 

The  volatile  oil,  and  acrid  and  bitter  principle,  liave  not  as  yet  b(X'n  chemically 
analyzed. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  symptoms  caused  by  doses  varying  from 
I o  to  60  drops  of  the  tincture,  observed  by  several  German  experimenters*  were 
substantially  as  follows:  Confusion  of  the  mind  and  cephalalgia;  violent  pressure 
in  the  eyes  with  lachrymation  and  itching,  redness  and  swelling  of  the  margins 
of  the  lids,  violent  burning  of  the  lids,  dimness  of  vision,  sensation  as  though  the 
eye  were  covered  with  mucus;  weakness,  and  photophobia  r  sneezing  and  fluent 
coryza  ;  odontalgia  ;  nausea  ;  constipation  ;  hoarseness,  violent  cough,  with  profuse 
expectoration,  and  difficult  breathing  ;  yawning  and  sleeplessness  ;  profuse  secre- 
tion of  urine;  and  sweat. 


Description  of  Plate  115. 

I.   Whole  phint,  once  enlarged,  Kearsarge,  N.  H.,  July  24tli,  iSS^. 

2.  Calyx. 

3.  Flower.  ' 

4.  Stamen. 

5.  Seed. 
(2-5  enlarged.) 

*  See  Alleti's  Encyc,  4,  254. 


116. 


(Ein..ailnat.ilel.elpinxt. 


Mentha  Piperita, Linn. 


N.  ORD-LABIAT/E.  116 

Tribe.-SATUREI/E. 

GENUS.— MENTHA,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— DIDYNAMIA  G VMNOSPERMIA. 


MENTHA   PIPERITA. 


PEPPERMIJyT. 

SYN.— MENTHA  PIPERITA,  SMITH,  VAR.  OFFICINALIS,  KOCH ;  M.  VIRIDI- 
AQUATICA,  SHULTZ ;  M.  OFFICINALIS  AND  HIRCINA,  HULL ;  M.  PALUS- 
TRIS,  RAIL 

COM.  NAMES.— PEPPERMINT;  (FR.)  MBNTHE  POIVREE ;  (GER.)  PFEFFER- 
MtJNZE. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  WHOLE   PLANT  MENTHA  PIPERITA. 

Description.  —  This  glabrous  or  somewhat  hairy,  pungent,  perennial  herb, 
grows  to  a  height  of  from  i  to  2  feet.  Rootstock  creeping,  spreading,  and  multi- 
plying ;  stent  suberect.  Leaves  ovate-oblong  to  oblong-lanceolate,  sharply  serrate, 
acute,  and  rounded  at  the  base ;  petioles  distinct.  Inflorescence  in  numerously 
glomeruled,  terminal  and  superaxillary,  leafless,  and  at  last  interrupted,  ovate 
spikes;  flowers  small,  distinctly  pedicellate;  bracts  hispid,  mostly  longer  than  the 
verticillasters,  the  upper  linear.  Calyx  campanulate,  naked  in  the  throat ;  li7ub 
5-toothed ;  teeth  hispid.  Corolla  4-lobed,  hardly  irregular,  except  that  the  upper 
lobe,  though  never  galeate  nor  concave,  is  broader  than  the  others  and  emarginate; 
liibe  short,  inclined.  Stamens  4,  included,  similar  and  nearly  equal,  erect,  straight, 
and  distant ;  anthers  2-cened  ;  cells  parallel,  without  a  thickened  connective.  Style 
long,  exserted. 

Labiatae.  —  This  large  family  of  square -stalked  aromatic  herbs,  and  low 
shrubs,  represented  in  North  America  by  50  genera,  comprising  231  species  and 
45  recognized  varieties,  is  characterized  as  follows  :  Stems  square  ;  leaves  opposite, 
or  sometimes  verticillate,  simple,  and  usually  dotted  with  immersed  glands  filled 
with  volatile  oil ;  stipules  none.  Inflorescence  thyrsoidal ;  the  general  evolution  of 
the  clusters  in  the  axils  of  leaves  or  primary  bracts  centripetal ;  that  of  the  cymes 
or  glomerules  centrifugal ;  the  leaves  being  opposite  and  the  clusters  nearly  or 
quite  sessile,  a  whorl-like  appearance  is  made  (verticillaster) ;  floiocrs  perfect ; 
hypogynous  disk  usually  present,  or  represented  by  i  or  4  gland-like  lobes.  Calyx 
tubular,  gamosepalous.  Corolla  irregular  and  more  or  less  bilabiate;  lobes  imbri- 
cated in  the  bud,  the  posterior  or  upper  exterior,  the  middle  lower  innermost. 
Stamens  didynamous  or  diandrous,  borne  upon  the  tube  of  the  corolla,  distinct  or 

*  Mfrtf/?,  Minthe,  daughter  of  Cocytus,  whom,  through  jealousy,  Proserpine  changed  into  one  of  these  plants. 


116-2 

rarely  monadelphous  ;  the  fifih,  or  anterior,  and  in  diandrous  species  the  adjacent 
pair  also,  rudimentary  or  sterile ;  rarely  the  four  fertile  stamens  are  equal.  Pistil 
dimerous,  each  carpel  deeply  2-parted  or  lobed ;  ovary  4-parted  or  lobed ;  lobes 
uniovulate;  ovul  s  mostly  amphitropous  or  anatropous  and  erect;  style  filiform, 
mostly  2-cleft  and  2-stigmatose  at  the  apex.  Fruit  4  akene-like  nutlets,  surround- 
ing the  base  of  the  stigma,  in  the  bottom  of  the  persistent  calyx  ;  nutlets  smooth 
or  barely  roughish.  Embryo  straight  except  in  Scutellarinecs ;  cotyledons  plane  or 
plano-convex  ;  radicle  inferior ;  albumen  slight  or  none. 

The  proven  plants  of  this  order,  besides  the  six  treated  of  in  this  work,  are : 
the  Mediterranean  Germander  [Teiicriiun  JMariun,  Linn.),  a  noted  feline  aphro- 
disiac ;  the  European,  West  Asiatic,  and  North  African  Pennyroyal  [Mentha 
pulegiziin,  Linn.),  which  is  deemed  emmenagogue,  and  antispasmodic;  the  South 
American  Alfavaca  [Ocimiim  canum,  D.  C),  which  is  used,  in  Brazil,  as  a  sudorific, 
especially  in  diseases  of  the  kidneys,  bladder,  and  urethra;  the  East  Indian 
Ocimum  Basilicum,  Linn.,  used  by  the  natives  as  a  palliative  for  the  pains  of  par- 
turition ;  Sweet  Marjoram  {Origanum  Marjorana,  Linn.),  a  cultivated  form  of  O. 
vidgare ;  the  Cape  Plectrantkus  frnticoszis,]^.  ]r{e.nt.;  the  Mediterranean  Rose- 
mary (7?ci.yOT«/-7'«z^.f  t^^^/wfl/Zi-,  Linn.),  an  an  tihysteric  and  emmenagogue;  and  the 
European  and  Siberian  Betony  [Stac/iys  Betonica,  Benth.),  a  sternutatory,  emetic 
and  purgative. 

A  large  number  of  species  of  this  order  have  figured,  more  or  less,  in  general 
and  domestic  practice,  as  stimulant,  antispasmodic,  carminatives,  and  jucunda  for 
unpleasant  drugs.  A  few  of  them  only  will  be  mentioned  here,  that  the  order 
may  be  well  understood.  The  European,  Asiatic,  and  African  Lavender  [Laven- 
dula  vera,  D.  C),  a  carminative,  antihysteric,  and  antiflatulent.  The  European 
Spearmint  [Mentha  viridis,  Linn.),  which  is  also  considered  stomachic;  the  Euro- 
pean, Asiatic,  and  African  Marjoram  {Origanum  vulgare,  Linn.),  a  mild  tonic, 
diaphoretic,  and  emmenagogue;  and  the  Mediterranean  Thyme  {Thymus  vidgaris, 
Linn.),  lauded  as  a  local  stimulant  and  rubefacient,  in  carious  teeth,  rheumatism, 
sprains,  etc.  The  leaves  of  the  Mediterranean  Sage  {Salvia  officinalis,  Linn.),  are 
well  known  as  a  light,  bitter  tonic,  anti-emetic,  diaphoretic,  and  astringent.  The 
American  Horsemint  {Monarda  punctata,  Linn.),  is  considered  diaphoretic,  em- 
menagogue, diuretic,  and  rubefacient.  The  European  and  West  Asiatic  Catmint, 
or  Catnip  {Nepeta  Cataria,  Linn.),  so  well  known  in  all  country  households,  has 
been  used,  from  time  without  date,  as  a  stimulant,  antispasmodic,  and  emmena- 
gogue, in  chlorosis,  amenorrhoea,  and  various  low  type  female  disorders.  Like 
Marum  Verum  it  is  a  feline  aphrodisiac.  The  European  Horehound  {Marubium 
vidgare,  Linn.),  is  diaphoretic,  diuretic,  pectoral,  and  emmenagogue,  and  much 
used  in  confections,  for  asthma,  phthisis,  tussis,  night-sweats,  as  well  as  in  uterine 
and  visceral  affections.  The  South  European  Hyssop  {Hyssopus  officinalis,  Linn.) ; 
Balm  {Melissa  officinalis,  Linn.)  ;  Summer  and  Winter  Savories  {Satureia  hortcn- 
sis,  and  f?iontana,  Linn.)  ;  and  Dittany  of  Crete  {Origanum  Dictamnus,  Linn.),  are 
all  considered  antiflatulent,  antihysteric,  antispasmodic,  emmenagogue,  etc.,  and 
are  used  in  chlorosis,  amenorrhoea,  hypochondriasis,  and  kindred  affections.     The 


iiG-3 

European  and  Asiatic  Motherwort  [Leo/mrus  Cardiaca,  Linn.),  which  has  but 
lately  been  brought  before  us,  as  Homoeopaths,  has  been  esteemed  much,  as  the 
above  species,  beside  being  valued  in  Russia,  as  a  remedy  in  rabies.  The  East 
Indian  Anisomeles  jMalabarica,  R.  Br.,  is  an  excellent  diaphoretic.  The  American 
Dittany  [Cuiii/a  mariana,  Linn.),  was  used,  by  the  Aborigines,  as  an  antiperiodic 
and  ale.\iteric.  The  genus  Ociinmn  furnishes  plants  of  various  properties;  the 
Sierra  Leone  viridc,  Willd.,  and  Indian  sanctiini,  Linn  ,  are  febrifugal  ;  the  Japanese 
crispHS,  Thunb.,  antirheumatic,  and  the  Indian  suave,  Willd.,  useful  in  infantile 
catarrh. 

A  number  of  the  above  species,  and  a  multitude  of  others,  are  better  known 
to  the  housewife  and  perfumer  than  to  us  as  physicians. 

History  and  Habitat. — Peppermint  is  nowhere  considered  truly  indigenous, 
though  probably  its  native  haunt  is  the  basin  of  the  Mediterranean.  It  grows  as 
an  escaped  plant  in  all  European  countries,  as  it  does  with  us,  in  ditches  and 
along  brooks ;  there  is  nothing  to  prove  that  it  is  not  a  cultivated  variety  of  ]\I. 
vi7'idis,  into  which  it  is  said  to  revert  if  not  properly  reset.  It  was  first  said  to  be 
found  in  England  about  the  year  1700,  by  Dr.  Eales.  The  cultivation  of  the  plant 
was  begun  in  Great  Britain  about  1750,  and  on  the  Continent  in  1770;  it  was 
afterward  quite  extensively  planted  in  Surrey,  Cambridgeshire,  Lincolnshire,  and 
Hertfordshire,  in  England;  Sens,  in  France;  CoUeda,  in  Germany;  and  New  York, 
Ohio,  and  Michigan,  in  the  United  States.  The  yield  of  oil,  for  which  alone  the 
plant  is  cultivated,  is  from  .5  to  1.5  per  cent,  of  the  production  (from  8  to  16  lbs. 
per  acre)  ;  and  the  annual  product  of  the  world  is  estimated  at  about  90,000  lbs.* 

Peppermint  began  its  usefulness,  in  medicine,  at  about  the  same  period  of  its 
cultivation,  and  was  then  considered  specific  in  renal  and  vesical  calculus,  dyspep- 
sia, and  diarrhoea;  being  considered  a  stomachic,  tonic,  stimulant,  antispasmodic, 
and  carminative.  It  was  found  useful  in  bowel  troubles,  especially  those  associated 
with  flatulency,  colic,  retching,  vomiting,  spasmodic  actions,  and  hysteria.  Its 
rubefacient  action  is  intimately  associated  with  what  may  be  considered  anodyne 
properties,  when  the  trouble  is  neuralgic  or  rheumatoid,  and  the  affected  nerves 
or  muscles  are  somewhat  superficial.  Facial  and  sciatic  affections  are  greatly 
relieved  by  fomentations  of  the  leaves,  or  rubbing  the  oil,  or  menthol,  directly 
over  the  course  of  the  nerve  itself;  the  action  is  temporary, but  decidedly  happy. 

The  principal  use  of  the  essence  or  oil  is  as  a  flavoring  for  confections,  and  a 
jucund  ingredient  of  prescriptions  containing  nauseous,  and  especially  griping 
drugs. 

The  leaves  and  tops  are  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  as  well  as  Spiri/us  McnlJia 
Piperitce,  and  Vinum  Ai-oniaticiim:\  In  Eclectic  practice,  the  preparations  are : 
Aqua  MentJics  Piperilce,  Extractiim  Rhei  Flnidiim,\  Infusuin  Mentha  Piperita:, 
Mistura  Camphors  Composita,\  Mistura  Cajeputi  Composita,\\  Oleum  Menthce 
Piperitce,  Pulvis  Rhei  Compositus,^  Tinctura  Olei  Menthce  Piperitce. 

*  Todd,  Proc.  Am.  Fharm.  Assoc.  1876,  828.  \  Camphor,  Opiuin,  Peppermint,  and  .Spearmint. 

t  Lavender,  Origanum,  Peppermint,  Rosemary,  Sage,  and  Wormwood.     ||  Cajeput,  Cloves,  Peppermint,  and  Anise. 

X  Rhubarb  and  Peppermint.  \  Rhubarb,  Bicarbonate  Potash,  and  Peppermint. 


116-4 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh,  flowering  plant  is 
chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alco- 
hol are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest 
of  the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the  whole  well,  and  pouring  it  into  a  well- 
stoppered  bottle,  it  is  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  pressure  and  filtration,  should  have 
a  clear  orange-brown  color  by  transmitted  light;  retain  the  odor  of  the  plant; 
have  an  oily  feel ;  a  bitterish,  slightly  astringent,  mint-like  taste ;  and  an  acid 
reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— (9//  of  Peppermint.  This  essential  oil  of  the 
leaves  is  either  colorless,  pale  yellow,  or  greenish,  turning  brown  with  age.  It  is 
liquid,  has  a  sp.  gr.  of  0.84-0.92,  boils  at  i88°-i93°  (37o.4'^-379.4°  F.),  has  a  strong, 
agreeable  odor,  and  a  powerful  aromatic  taste,  at  first  biting,  then  cold,  especially 
upon  strong  inhalation  of  air  over  the  tongue ;  this  effect  is  followed  by  a  peculiar 
numbness  characteristic  of  this  product.  The  oil  is  soluble  in  water  and  in  alcohol. 
It  consists  of  a  solid  and  liquid  portion,  and  contains  from  0.5  to  5  per  cent,  of 
a  hydrocarbon  (Cj^H^^ -|- or— O),  which  is  said  to  prevent  the  crystallization  of 
menthol. 

The  oil  of  commerce  is  often  adulterated  with  that  of  pennyroyal,  with  intent, 
or  that  of  Mentha  arvensis,  Erigeron  Canadense,  or  Erechthifes  liicracifolia,  by 
carelessness.  The  tests  for  the  oil  are  given  by  the  Oil  and  Drug  News  as  fol- 
lows: On  the  addition  to  the  oil  of  an  equal  part  of  a  mixture  of  two  parts  chloral- 
hydrate,  dissolved  in  one  part  of  C.  P.  sulphuric  acid  and  a  drop  or  two  of  alcohol, 
a  cherry-red  coloration  follows  if  the  oil  is  pure;  but,  if  pennyroyal  is  present,  a 
dark  olive-green  color  ensues  ;  and  D.  Reagan  says*  that  the  pure  oil  is  but  slowly 
absorbed  by  blotting  paper,  but  when  the  three  plants  above  mentioned  are  mixed 
with  it  the  absorption  is  rapid. 

If  the  presence  of  the  hydrocarbon  above  mentioned  is  very  slight,  the  oil 
cooled  to  — 4  (+  24.  8°  F.)  will  deposit. 

Fipinent/iol,-\  C^^H.,^0,  a  stearopten  of  the  exquisite  odor  of  Peppermint,  com- 
posed of  fine  hexagonal  crystals,  melting  at  36°  (96.8°  F.),  and  boiling  at  210° 

(410°  v.).x 

\J\IenthoL — Under  this  name  is  understood  the  Chinese  Oil  of  Peppermint, 
which  is  distilled  from  Mentha  Javanica,  Bl,  which  is  so  pure  that  it  almost  wholly 
yields  this  product.  Chinese  menthol  is  very  like  that  of  other  countries,  but  differs 
essentially  in  melting  at  42°  (107.6°  F.),  and  boiling  at  212°  (413.6°  F.).  The 
import  of  this  substance  in  1884  was  4000  lbs.,  since  when  it  has  gready  increased.] 

Menthene,  Cj^,Hjj. — On  distilling  menthol  with  phosphorous  pentoxide,  this 
body  results  as  a  levogyrate  liquid,  boiling  at  163°  (325.4°  F.). 

An  almost  odorless  resin,  and  tannin,  have  also  been  determined. 

*  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1885,  600.  f  Peppermint  Camphor.  %  Henry  Trimble,  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1883,  486. 


116-5 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  symptoms  of  disturbance  caused  in  Dr. 
Demeures'  experiments  are  substantially  as  follows :  Headache,  with  confusion  ; 
shooting  pains  in  the  region  of  fifth-nerve  terminals ;  throat  dry  and  sensitive ;  dry 
cough  on  inspiration  ;  and  external  muscular  soreness  of  the  neck.  Dr.  Demeures 
judges  that  this  drug  is  to  dry  cough  what  arnica  is  to  bruised  and  strained 
muscles. 


Description  of  Plate  ii6. 

I.   End  of  an  early  flowering  plant,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  July  26th,  1SS5. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Section  of  calyx. 

4.  Section  of  corolla. 
(2-4  enlarged.) 


^  14  f^ 

^8      TTg       \    10 

^Tn.adnat.del.etpinxt.  LYCOPUS     ViRGINICUS,  Linn. 


N.  ORD-LABIAT^.  117 

Tribe -SAW REIE/E. 

GENUS.  — LYCO  PUS,*  LINN. 
.SEX.  .SV.ST.— DI.VNDKI.V  MdNoGVNIA. 


LYCOPUS. 


BUGLE -JVEUD. 


SYN.-LYCOPUS  VIRGINICUS,  LINN.;  L.  UNIPLORUS,  MICHX. ;  L.  PUMI- 
LUS,  VAHL. ;  L.  MACROPHYLLUS,  BENTH. ;  L.  VIRGINICUS,  VAR.  PAU- 
CIFLORUS,  BENTH. ;   L.  VIRGINICUS,  VAR.  MACROPHYLLUS,  GRAY. 

COM.  NAMES.  — BUGLE -WEED,  WATER  HOREHOUND,  GIPSY -WEED, 
GIPSY -WORT,  PAUL'S  BETONY,  WATER  BUGLE;  (FR.)  LYCOPE  DE 
VIRGINIB;   (GER.)  VIRGINISHER  WOLFSFUSS. 


A  TINCTURE   OF  THE   WHOLE   HERB   LYCOPUS  VIRGINICUS,    L. 

Description. — This  common  perennial  weed  usually  attains  a  growth  of  from 
6  to  24  inches.  Sfem  erect,  obtusely  angled,  stoloniferous,  and  glabrous  or  very 
slightly  pubescent ;  stolons  long,  filiform,  often  tuberous  at  the  apex,  produced  from 
the  base  of  the  summer  stems.  Leaves  ovate  or  oblong-lanceolate,  coarsely  ser- 
rate especially  in  the  middle,  acute  at  both  ends,  and  tapering  at  the  base  into  a 
short  petiole.  Lnflorescence  in  sessile,  axillary,  capitate-verticillastrate  glomerules  ; 
bracts  very  short,  resembling  the  calyx-teeth ;  flmoers  whitish  or  tending  toward 
purple.  Calyx  campanulate,  only  slightly  shorter  than  the  corolla,  and  naked  in 
the  throat;  teeth  4  to  5,  ovate  or  lance-ovate,  obtuse  or  slightly  acutish,  3-nerved. 
Corolla  bell-shaped,  small,  short,  and  hardly  irregular;  lobes  4,  nearly  equal,  the 
upper  entire  and  broader  than  the  others,  but  neither  galeate  or  concave.  Sta- 
mens inserted,  straight,  erect,  equidistant,  only  two  furnished  with  anthers;  anthers 
with  two  parallel  cells.  Style  bulbous  at  the  base,  bifurcating  at  the  apex,  the  inner 
surfaces  of  the  lobes  stigmatic.  Fruit  composed  of  4  3-sided  nutlets,  truncate  at 
the  top  and  acute  at  the  base,  the  lateral  margins  thickened,  the  superior  4-cre- 
nated  ;  areola  basal,  small. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  V'irginian  Bugle-weed  is  indigenous  to  North 
America,  where  it  ranges  from  Labrador  to  Florida,  Missouri,  and  northwestward 
to  British  Columbia  and  Oregon.  It  grows  in  low,  damp,  and  shady  grounds,  and 
blossoms  from  July  to  September.  This  is  one  of  the  species  that  caused  Rafin- 
esque  to  vagarize,  he  disported  with  it  to  such  an  extent  that  it  was  forced  to 
yield  him  5  new  species  and  16  varieties  "  some  of  which  might  even  be  deemed 
species." 

*  A(i«o;,  Lykos,  wolf:  ^ovi, pous,  foot;  from  suppositional  resemblance. 


117-2 

The  medical  history  of  this  species  seems  to  hang  upon  the  laurels  of  L.  vul- 
garis of  Europe.  It  was  first  mentioned  by  Schoepf,*  but  Drs.  Pendleton  and 
Rogers t  first  presented  it  in  tangible  form  as  an  agent  in  incipient  phthisis  with 
hemoptysis.  RafinesqueJ  thought  exceeding  well  of  its  general  properties,  and  as 
a  means  of  producing  diaphoresis  without  debility;  he  judged  it  a  tonic  sedative,  and 
found  it  very  useful  in  hemoptysis,  and  internal  inflammation  ;  he  further  claims 
that  it  acts  somewhat  like  Digatalis,  lowering  the  pulse,  without  producing  any 
bad  effects,  nor  accumulating  in  the  system.  Dr.  Williams  speaks  of  the  plant§  as 
being  "  one  of  the  most  valuable  styptics  (hemostatics  ?)  we  possess  in  our  vege- 
table Materia  Medica.  Most  writers  accept  the  idea  that  the  plant  is  narcotic  ; 
we,  however,  inter,  both  from  our  own  experience  and  that  of  others,  that  it  is 
only  sedative  in  that  it  rem.oves,  by  checking  hemorrhage,  that  nervous  excita- 
bility and  mental  fear  always  accompanying  such  conditions.  It  is  certainly  an 
excellent  hemostatic,  very  useful  in  generous  doses,  striving  for  its  primary  effect 
in  epistaxis,  hemoptysis,  hematemesis,  and  menorrhagia.  But  two  days  have 
passed,  at  this  writing,  since  we  checked  one  of  the  most  serious  cases  of  epistaxis 
in  our  practice  by  the  exhibition  of  teaspoonful  doses  of  the  tincture,  one  drachm 
to  the  ounce  of  water,  ten  minutes  between  doses ;  three  doses  alone  were  suffi- 
cient, after  two  hours  of  hemorrhage  and  the  patient  (a  healthy  man)  greatly 
reduced.  Dr.  King  says,§  Lycopus  is  decidedly  beneficial  in  the  treatment  of 
diabetes,  having  cured  when  other  means  were  useless,  and  has  been  of  service 
in  chronic  diarrhoea  and  dysentery. 

This  valuable  remedy  was  dismissed  from  the  U.  S.  Phar.  at  the  last  revision  ; 
in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  the  officinal  preparation  is  Infusum  Lycopus. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  whole  fresh  flowering  herb  is 
treated  as  in  the  preceding  drug.  The  resulting  tincture  has  a  clear  brown  color 
by  transmitted  light ;  an  herbaceous  odor ;  an  astringent  and  slightly  bitter  taste  ; 
and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— The  analysis  of  the  Tildens||  determined  the 
presence  of  a  peculiar  bitter  principle,  insoluble  in  ether,  another  soluble  in  ether, 
the  two  forming  more  than  ten  per  cent,  of  the  whole  solid  extract;  tannin,  and  the 
usual  plant  constituents.  The  plant,  according  to  the  observations  of  myself  and 
others,  contains  also  a  volatile  oil.  The  properties  of  the  plant  are  given  up  to 
water,  and  all  seem  to  remain  on  drying  except  the  last. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  symptoms  caused  in  the  human  body  by 
doses  varying  from  ten  drops  to  three  drachms  of  the  tincture,  and  of  a  wineglass- 
ful  of  the  infusion  •[  all  point  to  the  drug  as  increasing  the  tonicity  of  the  capillaries 
and  diminishing  the  vis-a-tergo  in  the  larger  vessels  and  the  action  of  the  heart 
itself.     The  symptoms,  other  than  those  of  circulation,  were  :   Nausea  ;  flatulence. 


*  N.   Y.  Meti.  and  P/iys.  Jour.,  I,  lyy.  \  Am.  Disp.,  1870,  494. 

t  Med.  J-lor.,  II,  20.  II  Jour.  0/ Mat.  Med.,  vol.  I,  N.  S.  1S59,  326. 

X  Am.  Med.  Assoc,  1S49,  902.  "J  .\llen,  Eiicyc.  Mat.  Med.  VI,  69. 


117-3 

griping,  and  diarrhoea;  decrease  of  sp.  gr.  of  urine  to  as  low  as  icx)4,  with  dimin- 
ished quantity,  causes  deposits  of  mucus,  but  no  albumen  ;  fleeting  rheumatic 
pains,  and  pleurodynia:  sensations  of  cardiac  constriction;  slight  fever;  and 
sleeplessness. 

Description  of  Plate  117. 

I  and  2.   Whole  plant,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  July  31,  18S5. 

3.  Flower. 

4.  Face  of  corolla. 

5.  Stamen. 

6.  Pistil. 

7.  Fruit. 

8.  (  outer  view. 

9.  Akene,  J  inner  view. 
10.  (^lateral  view. 


=-H= 


118. 


^TQ..adnat.ilel.et  pinxt 


HEDEOMA     PULEGIOIDES  ,  Peps. 


N.  ORD-LABIAT^.  118 

Tribe.~SATUREIE/E. 

GENUS.  — HEDEOMA,=i=  PKRS. 
SEX.  SVST.— I)I.\XDRIA  MONdGVNI.V. 


HEDEOMA. 


AMERICAJ^  PEJYjYYRO  YAL. 

SYN.— HEDEOMA  PULEGIOIDES,  PBRS. ;  MELISSA  PULEGIOIDES,  LINN.; 
CUNILA  PULEGIOIDES,  LINN. ;   ZIZIPHORA  PULEGIOIDES,  R.  &  S. 

COM.  NAMES.— MOCK  PENNYROYAL,  TICK-WEED.  SQUAW  MINT,  STINK- 
ING BALM;  (FR.)  POULIOT  D'AMERIQUE;  !GER.)  AMERIKANISCHER 
POLEY. 

A  TINCTURP:  of  THK  WHOLK    PL.'\NT  HEDK0M.\   PULEGIOIDES,   PERS. 

Description. — This  common,  annual  herb,  grows  to  a  height  of  from  6  to  1 2 
inches.  Sicrii  erect,  minutely  pubescent,  branching  ;  hairs  retuse.  Leaves  oblong- 
ovate,  obscurely  serrate,  the  floral  similar,  all  narrowed  at  the  base  into  a  slender 
petiole.  Inflorescence  in  loose,  few-flowered,  axillary  whorls,  often  having  the 
appearance  of  terminal  racemes  ;  flozvers  very  small,  pedicillatc.  Caly^-'  ovoid  or 
tubular,  gibbous  at  the  base,  13-nerved,  bearded  in  the  throat,  and  more  or  less 
two-lipped  ;  upper-lip  3-toothed,  broad  and  spreading ;  (ect/i  triangular ;  loivcr-lip 
2-cleft,  divisions  setaceous-subulate,  and  hispid-ciliate.  Corolla  bluish,  pubescent, 
scarcely  exceeding  the  calyx;  tube  naked  within  ;  limb  2-lipped,  the  throat  evenly 
open  ;  npper-lip  erect,  flat,  and  notched  at  the  apex  ;  loiocr-lip  spreading,  3-cleft. 
Stamens  4,  the  inferior  (fertile)  pair  the  longer;  fertile  filaments  ascending  parallel 
and  under  the  upper-lip;  sterile  tipped  with  a  litde  head,  destitute  of  cells  or  pollen. 
Anthers  of  fertile  stamens,  2-celled.  Fruiting  calyx  ovate-campanulate,  strongly 
gibbous,  the  throat  closed  with  a  ring  of  villous  hairs.  Nutlets  4,  ovoid,  brown, 
slightly  coni])ressed. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  species  is  indigenous  to  North  America,  where  it 
ranges  from  Canada  to  Iowa,  and  southward.  It  grows  upon  the  most  arid  spots 
of  open  woods  and  fields,  and  blossoms  from  July  to  September. 

The  American  Pennyroyal  differs  largely  from  the  European  Moitha  pulc- 
gium  in  its  botanical  characters,  but  its  action,  as  a  medicine,  is  very  like  it.  Our 
species  is  extensively  used,  in  domestic  practice,  as  an  aromatic  stimulant  and  car- 
minative in  colic  of  children  ;  a  diaphoretic  in  the  beginning  of  colds  (Pennyroyal 
Tea);  and  in  large  doses  of  a  hot  infusion,  together  with  the  pediluvium,  in  amen- 
orrhoea.  In  the  latter  trouble,  if  of  recent  occurrence,  it  will  often  bring  on  the 
menses  nicely;  and,  combined  with  a  gill  of  brewer's  yeast,  it  frequently  acts  w(;ll 

*  *H(^'tf«T/ioi',  heiivcsmon,  from  n<'»,-,  heiiys^  sweet:  »<Ji^n,  oame^  smell. 


118-2 

as  an  abortivant,  should  the  intender  be  not  too  late  with  her  prescription.  The  oil 
is  anti-emetic,  anti-spasmodic,  and  rubefacient  in  rheumatism  ;  with  raw  linseed 
oil,  it  makes  an  excellent  dressing  for  recent  burns.  The  oil  has  been  recom- 
mended as  an  ointment  to  keep  off  gnats,  ticks,  fleas,  and  mosquitoes  ;  many  w'ho 
have  camped  in  the  northern  woods,  have  anointed  their  hands,  neck,  and  face 
with  this  body,  to  guard  against  the  pests  of  that  region,  but  with  only  partial 
success. 

The  herb  and  Oleum  Hedcomes  are  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  ;  in  the  Eclectic 
Dispensatory,  the  oil  and  Decoctum  Hedcomce  are  recommended. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  whole  fresh  plant,  at  the  flower- 
ing period,  is  treated  as  described  for  the  root  of  CoUinsonia.*  The  resulting 
tincture  has  a  deep  orange  color  by  transmitted  light ;  retains  the  odor  and  taste 
of  the  plant  to  a  high  degree  ;  and  has  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— (:W^///^-ft'tw«^.— This  body  is  easily  obtain- 
able by  distilling  the  fresh  herb  with  water.  It  results  as  an  almost  colorless,  light- 
yellow  liquid,  becoming  darker  with  age.  It  retains  the  odor  and  taste  of  the  herb, 
is  neutral,  has  a  sp.  gr.  of  0.941, f  and  is  readily  soluble  in  alcohol. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— A  case  of  poisoning  by  the  oil  is  reported  by 
Dr.  Toothacker,;j:  of  a  woman  who  took,  at  intervals,  doses  of  a  teaspoonful  of  the 
oil ;  she  presented  the  following  symptoms  :  Severe  headache  ;  difficult  deglutition  ; 
great  nausea,  severe  retchings,  but  inability  to  vomit;  intolerable  bearing  down, 
labor-like  pains,  with  tenderness  of  the  abdomen ;  constipation  ;  dyspnoea ;  semi- 
paralysis  of  the  limbs  ;   nervous  weakness,  and   prostration. 


Description  of  Plate  iiS. 

I.   Whole  plant,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  July  21st.  1SS5. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Calyx. 

4.  Mouth  of  corolla. 

5.  Pistil. 

6.  Fruiting  caly.x. 

7.  Nutlet. 
(2-7  enlarged.) 


Page  119-2.  f  The  sp.  gr.  of  tlie  oil  of  Mentha  pulegium  is  0.925.  J  Phil.  your,  of  Horn.,  2,  655. 


^m.adnat.del.etpinxt,  COLLINSONIA    CANADENSIS,  Li 


nn. 


N.  ORD.-LABIAT^.  119 

Tribe-SAJUREIE/E. 

GENUS.— COLLINSONIA,*  LINN. 


SEX.  SYST.— DIANDRIA  MuNoGVNIA. 


COLLINSONIA. 

STOA'E-ROOT. 

SYN.-COLLINSONIA    CANADENSIS,    LINN.;    C.    DECUSSATA,    MCEN.;    C. 

OVALIS,   PURSH. 
COM.    NAMES.— STONE-ROOT,    HORSE-WEED,    HORSE-BALM,    OX-BALM, 

KNOT-ROOT,    KNOB-ROOT,    GRAVEL-ROOT,  RICH-WEED,t  RICH-LEAF, 

HEAL-ALL,t  HARDHACK;?   (PR.)   BAUME   DB   CHEVAL ;   (GER.l  CANA- 

DISCHE   COLLINSONIE. 

A  TINCTURE   OF  THE   ROOT  OF   COLLINSONIA  CANADENSIS,   LINN. 

Description. — This  glabrous  perennial  herb  grows  to  a  height  of  from  2  to  4 
feet.  Root  nodular,  depressed,  and  very  hard  and  stone  like ;  sfeni  erect,  some- 
what 4-angled.  Leaves  opposite,  petioled,  ample,  thin,  varying  from  broadly  ovate 
to  oblong,  tapering  at  the  base,  pointed  at  the  apex,  very  veiny,  and  coarsely, 
sharply,  and  irregularly  serrate.  Inflorescence  a  naked,  terminal,  racemose,  gland- 
ular-puberulent  panicle ;  floioers  lemon-yellow  and  lemon-scented.  Calyx  ovate, 
short,  lo-nerved,  lengthened  in  fruit,  bearded  midway  in  the  throat,  and  containing 
a  little  honey-gland  that  partly  surrounds,  and  is  larger  than,  the  two  upper  nut- 
lets ;  lips  2,  the  upper  flattened  and  3-toothed,  the  lower  2-parted.  Corolla  elon- 
gated, somewhat  infundibuliform,  and  having  a  bearded  ring  at  the  insertion  of  the 
filaments  ;  lips  2,  the  lower  larger,  pendent,  irregularly  fimbriate,  and  bearded  down 
the  inner  median  line.  Stamens  2  (the  posterior  pair  wanting),  much  exserted,  not 
declined,  and  spirally  coiled  in  the  bud ;  filaments  long  and  straight,  somewhat 
divergent ;  ant/iers  introrse,  2-celled,  the  cells  divaricate  and  contiguous.  Style 
long,  filiform,  protruding  toward  one  or  the  other  stamen,  and  bifurcated  at  the 
ape.x  into  unequal  lobes.     Seeds  triticose,  carunculate. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Stone-Root  is  indigenous  to  North  America,  where 
it  ranges  from  Canada  to  Wisconsin,  and  southward  to  Florida,  being  particularly 
abundant  in  the  North,  and  along  the  Allegheny  Mountains.  It  habits  rich  woods, 
and  flowers  from  July  to  September.  The  original  specimen  of  this  plant  was  sent 
to  Peter  Collinson,  a  promoter  of  science  in  England,  by  John  Bartram,  in  1735  ; 
he  afterward  forwarded  it  to  Linnaeus,  who  named  the  species  in  his  honor. 


*  In  honor  of  I'eter  Collinson,  F.L.S.     (See  "  History  and  Habitat." 

f  The  true  Rich-weed  is  PiUa  pumila.  Gray  (Urtic.icea;). 

X  Properly,  Brunella  vulgaris,  Linn. 

\  This  vulgarism  denotes  Spirea  toinenlosa.  Linn.  (Koseacese). 


119-2 

Collinsonia  was  first  introduced  as  a  medicine  by  Schoepf,  who  praised  its  vir- 
tues in  lochial  colic,  snake-bites,  rheumatism,  and  dumb  ague.  Rafinesque  states 
that  the  Aborigines  used  the  plant  as  a  vulnerary,  and  that  Dr.  Mease  claimed  to 
cure  dropsy  with  an  infusion  of  the  root  in  cider;*  he  further  states  that,  "in  the 
mountains  of  Virginia,  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  and  Carolina,  this  genus  is  considered 
as  a  panacea,  and  used  outwardly  and  inwardly  in  many  disorders ;  it  is  applied 
in  poultice  and  wash  for  bruises,  sores,  blows,  falls,  wounds,  sprains,  contusions, 
and  taken  like  tea  for  headaches,  colics,  cramps,  dropsy,  indigestion,  etc."  Drs. 
A.  French  and  Beers  speak  highly  of  it  in  pains  of  the  bladder,  ascites,  and  dropsy 
of  the  ovaries ;  also  as  a  powerful  tonic  in  putrid  and  malignant  fevers,  and  in 
leucorrhcea.  Dr.  Hooker  judges  the  principle  so  volatile  that  all  infusions  should 
be  made  in  a  tight  vessel.  Dr.  Scudder  speaks  highly  of  the  plant  in  chronic 
diseases  of  the  respiratory  tract,  and  says  that  it  relieves  pulmonary  irritation,  and 
acts  as  a  stimulant  expectorant.  "  In  irritation  of  the  pneumogastric  nerve,"  he 
says,  "  heart  disease,  and  that  peculiarly  distressing  asthma  simulating,  and  some- 
times attending,  phthisis,  it  has  a  superior  influence  in  quieting  irritation,  giving 
increased  strength  to  the  patient.  In  hemorrhoids,  where  there  is  rectal  irritation, 
with  the  feces  in  part  scybalous  and  part  semifluid,  no  constipation  being  present, 
it  cures  in  doses  of  from  one  to  two  drops  of  the  tincture  in  water,  three  or  four 
times  a  day." 

The  officinal  preparations  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  are :  Iiifusinn  Col- 
linsoncE  and  Tinctura  Collinsonce. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  root  is  chopped  and  pounded 
to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp 
mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added. 
After  stirring  the  whole  well,  it  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allowed 
to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture  so  prepared  is,  after  strain- 
ing and  filtering,  of  a  brilliant  reddish-orange  color  by  transmitted  light;  has  no 
characteristic  odor ;  a  ligneous  taste  ;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

OHEMICA.L  CONSTITUENTS.— An  analysis  of  the  root  and  leaves  of  this 
species,  by  C.  N.  Lochman,-!'  resulted  in  the  separation  of  a  resin  soluble  in  ether 
and  partly  in  alcohol,  wax,  tannin,  mucilage,  and  starch.  A  volatile  oil  is  also 
present.  The  collinsonin  of  the  pharmacies  is  the  solid  matter  of  the  root,  com- 
bined with  chloride  of  sodium — not  a  specific  principle,  as  might  be  supposed. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Dr.  Dowle's  experiment,^  in  which  he  took  a 
teaspoonful  and  a  half  of  the  powder,  gave  the  following  symptoms :  Numbness 
of  the  face  and  arms,  with  a  sensation  of  enlargement  of  the  parts  ;  nausea  ;  faint- 
ness  and  giddiness ;  an  exhilaration  something  like  that  of  whiskey ;  increased 
urine  ;  and  scybalous  stool.  Dr.  E.  M.  Hale's  provings  add  to  the  above  the  fol- 
lowing effects :  Headache  with  throbbing ;  yellow-coated  tongue;  vomiting;  colic 
with  desire  for  stool  ;  and  copious  yellow  bilious  stools  with  tenesmus. 

*  Dr.  Mease's  account  of  the  drug  is  set  forth  in  his  Enclyclop<edia,  vol.  II,  177. 
t  Am.  Jow.  Phar.,  1885,  228.  %  U.  S.  Med.  Investigator. 


119-3 

Collinsonia  appears  to  act  as  an  irritant  to  the  pneumogastric  and  vaso-motor 
nerves,  and  to  mucous  membranes  in  ireneral,  increasing  the  secretions  of  the  latter, 
and  causing  inflammatory  action  to  follow  the  congestion  excited  by  its  action. 


Description  of  Plate  119. 

I.  Top  of  a  flowering  plant,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  July  2d,  tf 

3.  Under  surface  of  a  flower. 

4.  Upper  surface. 

5.  Anther. 

6.  Stigmas. 

7.  Calyx  in  section. 

8.  Seed. 

(-5-8  enlarged.) 


-4-= 


1?     v_ 


l.m.adnatdeletpinxt.  SCUTELLARIA     LATERIFLORA ,  Linn. 


N.  ORD-LABIAT/E.  120 

Tribe.-STACHYDE/E. 

GENUS.— SCUTELLARIA,*  LINN. 

S1-:X.  SVST.— niDVNAMI.V   (;VMN(lSrERMI.\. 


SCUTELLARIA. 


SKULL  CAP. 


SYN.— SCUTELLARIA  LATERIFOLIA,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— VIRGINIAN  SKULL  CAP,  MAD-DOG  SKULL  CAP,  HOOD- 
WORT,  MAD-WEED,  MAD-DOG  WEED,  BLUE  PIMPERNEL;  iFR.)  SCU- 
TELLAIRB;    (GR.)  HELMKRAUT. 


A   TINCTURE   OF  THE   WHOLE  PLANT  SCUTELLARLA    LATERIFOLIA,   LINN. 

Description. — This  common  perennial  herb  grows  to  a  height  of  from  i  to  2 
feet.  Root  fibrous  ;  stem  4-sided,  smooth,  except  upon  the  softly  pubescent  angles, 
upright,  and  much  branched  or  simple.  Leaves  opposite,  ovate -lanceolate  or  ovate- 
oblong,  pointed,  closely  serrate,  and  rounded  or  somewhat  cordate  at  the  base  ; 
petioles  about  one-fourth  the  length  of  the  blade.  Inflorescence  in  opposite,  axil- 
lary, unilateral,  leafy  racemes ;  leaves,  first  pair  similar  to  those  of  the  stem,  the 
rest  gradually  reduced  to  bracts ;  flowers  small,  blue,  single,  in  the  axils  of  the 
floral  leaves.  Calyx  in  anthesis  campanulate,  2-lipped  ;  lips  entire.  Corolla  bi- 
labiate, erect;  tube  elongated,  curved  upward,  dilated  at  the  throat,  and  naked 
within ;  lips  short,  equal  in  length,  the  upper  arched  and  having  two  lateral 
divisions  connected  with  its  basal  sides,  the  lower  spreading,  convex,  notched  at 
the  apex.  Stamens  4,  parallel,  ascending  under  the  upper  lip,  the  superior  pair 
shorter;  anthers  approximated  in  pairs,  ciliate,  those  of  the  lower  pair  i -celled  by 
abortion,  the  upper  2-celled  and  cordate.  Style  2-forked,  the  upper  arm  wanting 
or  very  small.  Frttiting  calyx  closed,  the  upper  lip  with  a  helmet-like,  and  at 
length  concave  and  enlarged,  appendage  on  the  back,  the  whole  splitting  at  matu- 
rity, the  upper  lip  usually  falling  away.  Nutlets  4,  wingless,  depressed,  tubercular, 
and  situated  upon  a  slightly  elevated  and  bent  gyno-base,  inclining  the  fruit  to  the 
upper  sepal;  seed  transverse;  embryo  curved;  radicle  short,  incumbent  upon  one 
of  the  cotyledons. 

History  and  Habitat. — Scutellaria  is  indigenous  to  North  America,  where  it 
ranges  from  Canada  to  Florida  and  westward  to  British  Columbia,  Oregon,  and 
New  Mexico  ;  it  habits  the  borders  of  wet  places,  and  flowers  during  July  and 
August. 


*  Scutella,  a  saucer  or  shallow  dish,  alluding  to  the  fruiting  calyx. 


120-2 

About  the  first  introduction  of  this  plant  into  medicine  was  the  experiments 
of  Dr.  Vandesveer,  in  1772,  who  claimed  to  have  found  it  curative  and  prophy- 
lactic in  canine  rabies,  his  reported  cases  being  fourteen  hundred  ;  this  seems  a 
large  number  to  fall  to  the  lot  of  one  physician  ;  his  son  after  him  claimed  the  cure 
of  forty  cases  more  in  three  years.  On  account  of  the  apparently  slight  properties 
inherent  in  this  species  by  physical  examination  its  worthiness  was  greatly  doubted 
and  the  plant  much  railed  against,  even  by  many  who  never  tried  it.  Following 
Vandesveer,  many  empirics  and  regulars  used  the  remedy  with  success,  while 
many  others  wrote  essays  against  its  being  relied  upon  as  an  antihydrophobic. 
Dr.  White,  of  Fishkill,  assured  Rafinesque  that  the  plant  preserved  him  from 
rabies  after  being  bitten  by  a  dog  from  whose  bite  others  died.  Rafinesque 
states  his  full  belief  in  the  prophylactic  prowess  of  the  plant,  and  adds  that  many 
laymen  and  physicians  claim  that  the  plant  never  fails  to  ward  off  or  cure  the 
disease.  The  dose  given  was  a  gill  of  the  infusion  four  times  a  day,  and  the  plant 
applied  to  the  wound.  Dr.  S.  W.  Williams,  whose  cry  of  "  charlatan"  and  "  quack" 
was  always  raised  upon  the  slightest  pretext,  lends  his  support  to  the  probable 
virtue  of  the  plant.  Mr.  Youatt,  a  distinguished  veterinary  surgeon,  spoke  highly 
of  its  virtues  in  this  direction,  but  omitted  it  entirely  from  his  treatise  on  canine 
rabies.  The  natural  order  Labiatse  yields  species  of  many  of  its  genera  that  are 
valued  by  the  aborigines  of  countries  in  which  they  grow  as  antihydrophobics. 
Some  value  should  at  least  be  considered  under  these  circumstances,  as  native 
medication  is  always  the  result  of  long  and  more  or  less  successful  experiment. 

The  plant  has  proved  itself  a  useful  antispasmodic,  nervine,  and  tonic  in 
chorea,  convulsions,  tetanus,  tremors,  delirium  tremens,  wakefulness  in  chronic 
disorders,  and  many  other  diseases  when  a  tonic  combining  nervine  powers  might 
be  deemed  necessary  ;  it  is  also  considered  diaphoretic  and  diuretic. 

Scutellaria  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  as  Extracturn  Scutellarice  Fluidum ; 
in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  it  is  recommended  in  the  same  preparation  as  well 
as  Extrachim  Scutellarice  Alcoholic7im,  Infusiun  Scutellarice,  Extractuni  Scutellarice 
Coniposita*  and  Filulcc  I  'alcriauce  Composites. ■\ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  blossoming  plant, 
gathered  in  August,  when  fruiting  is  well  advanced,  is  treated  as  in  the  preceding 
species. J  The  resulting  tincture  is  opaque.  In  thin  layers  it  has  a  deep  brown 
color  by  transmitted  light :  its  taste  is  extremely  bitter  and  very  astringent ;  and 
its  reaction  acid. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — According  to  the  analysis  of  Cadet,  this 
species  contains:  a,  a  greenish-yellow  fixed  oil,  soluble  in  ether;  /i,  an  essential 
oil ;  y,  a  bitter  principle,  soluble  in  water,  alcohol,  and  ether ;  h,  a  peculiar  volatile 
matter ;  e,  a  peculiar  astringent  principle ;  £,  albumen  ;  rj,  a  sweet  mucoid  body ; 
and  the  usual  plant  constituents. 

*  Scutellaria,  Cypripetliuni,  Humulus,  and  Lactuca. 

t  Scutellaria,  Valeriana,  Chamomilla,  Eupatorium,  Quinine,  and  Ca;isicum. 

X  Page  llg-2. 


120-3 

\_ScHtcllariiie:'^ — This  unclassihable  substance  is  a  precipitate;,  by  alum,  of  the 
evaporated  tincture  made  with  76  per  cent,  alcohol,  alter  dilution  with  several 
times  its  bulk  of  water.  It  results  as  a  neutral  non-resin,  in  the  form  of  a  green- 
ishf-brown,  gritty,  resinous  powder,  insoluble  in  water,  and  partly  soluble  in  alco- 
hol and  ether.     It  is  said  to  retain  the  activity  of  the  plant  as  far  as  known.] 

PHYSIOLOGrlOAL  ACTION. — Gordon's  experiments  with  from  10  to  60  drops 
of  the  tincture  resulted  substantially  as  follows:  Mental  confusion  and  stupor  ; 
headache  and  vertigo;  photophobia  with  dilated  pupils;  scanty  urine,  with  diffi- 
cult micturition;  variable  pulse  with  final  reduction  of  the  heart's  action  from 
70-72  to  52  with  intermission  ;  general  languor  and  tremulousness  ;  followed  by 
wakefulness  and  restlessness. 


Description  of  Plate  120. 

I.   Upper  portion  of  plant,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  July  31st,  1S86. 
2.   Flower. 


3.  Lower  "I 

4.  Upper  J 


5.  Calyx. 

6.  Fruiting  cal}x. 

7.  Fruiting  calyx,  showing  fruit. 
8  and  9.   Nutlets. 

(2-9  enlarged.) 


*  Scutelline,  so  called,  is  valueless.  \  Chlorophyll. 


5         6 

Lamium  Album, Linn. 


'^f 


Z  2 


n 


m 


7         Vi 


T        V'9 


N.  ORD.-LABIATyE.  121 

Tribe-STACHYDE/E. 

GENUS.  — LAM  lUM,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SXST.— DIDYNAMIA  GYMNOSPERMA. 


LAMIUM. 


DEAD  Js'ETTLE. 


SYN.— LAMIUM  ALBUM,  LINN. 

COM.    NAMES.  — DEAD    NETTLE,    WHITE    ARCHANGEL;    (PR.)    L'ORTIE 
BLANCHE;    (GBR.i  WEISSE   TAUBNESSEL,   WEISSBIENENSANG. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  LEAVES  AND  FLOWERS  OF  LAMIUM   ALBUM,   LINN. 

Description^ This  more  or  less  erect,  hairy,  and  very  leafy  perennial  herb, 
grows  to  a  height  of  i  foot  or  more.  Stem  decumbent  at  the  base.  Leaves  ovate, 
acuminate,  coarsely  and  doubly  serrate,  with  a  cordate  or  truncate  base ;  petioles 
manifest  upon  the  upper,  and  long,  upon  the  lower  part  of  the  plant.  Inflorescence 
in  several  axillary  whorls  ;  floivers  large.  Calyx  tubular-campanulate,  about  5- 
nerved ;  teeth  5,  nearly  equal,  very  slender,  and  awl-pointed,  but  not  spinescent. 
Corolla  white,  about  i  inch  long;  tube  curved  upward  from  an  obliquely-contracted 
base,  having  a  ring  of  hairs  inside  ;  throat  rather  narrow  ;  upper  lip  oblong,  forni- 
cate, narrowed  at  the  base  ;  lateral  lips  small,  broadened  down  to  the  throat,  and 
each  bearing  upon  its  upper  margin  a  spur-like  appendage  that  appears  like  a 
projection  from  the  throat ;  loivcr  lip  spreading,  3-lobed,  the  middle  lobe  notched 
at  the  apex,  and  contracted  into  an  almost  stipitate  claw  at  the  base.  Stamens  4, 
ascending  under  the  galeate  upper  lip  of  the  corolla,  and  not  deHexed  after  anthe- 
sis,  the  anterior  (inferior)  pair  longer,  both  pairs  parallel  and  fertile  ;  anthers  hir- 
sute, approximate  in  pairs ;  cells  2,  divergent,  opening  lengthwise.  Style  filiform, 
forked  at  the  apex  into  2  divergent,  stigmatose,  pointed  lobes.  Ntitlets  somewhat 
triquetrous,  sharply  3-angled,  truncate,  and  hollowed  out  at  the  apex. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Dead  Nettle  comes  to  us  from  Great  Britain, 
France,  and  Germany,  where  it  grows  in  waste  places  and  along  hedges;  with  us 
it  is  becoming  naturalized  in  Eastern  New  England,  where  it  takes  up  its  usual 
habitat,  and  blossoms  in  July  and  August. 

The  very  unpleasant  odor  and  bitter  taste  of  diis  species  causes  it  to  be 
exempt  from  use  by  grazing  cattle  ;  yet  Linnjeus  says  that  in  Sweden  it  is  gath- 
ered by  the  peasants  and  cooked  as  a  pot-herb,  the  process  of  boiling  dissipating, 
in  the  most  part,  the  principles  of  the  plant. 

*  Anf/io;,  Inimos,  the  throat,  .-illudiiij;  to  the  ringent  comlla;  or  lamia,  a  witch,  hag,  or  demon,  to  which  the  flower 
is  likened  in  appearance. 


121-2 

Although  this  plant  has  been  used  from  ancient  times,  and  is  mentioned  by 
Dioscorides  and  Pliny,  yet  it  has  received  but  little  thought  or  experiment.  The 
principal  uses  as  a  drug  are  all  mentioned  in  a  few  words  by  Gerarde,  who  says  r^' 
"Archangel,  stamped  with  vinegar,  and  applied  in  manner  of  a  pultis,  taketh  away 
Wens  and  hard  swellings  ;  the  King's  Evill,  inflammation  of  the  kernels  under  the 
ears  and  jawes,  and  also  hot  fierie  inflammation  of  the  kernels  of  the  necke,  arm- 
holes,  and  flanks.     It  is  good  to  bathe  those  parts  with  the  decoction  of  it 

The  later  Phisitions  thinke  that  the  white  flowers  do  staie  the  whites,  and  for  the 
same  purpose  divers  do  make  of  them  a  conserve." 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION— Two  parts  of  the  fresh  leaves,  and  one 
part  of  the  fresh  blossoms  are  to  be  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp,  enclosed  in 
a  piece  of  new  linen,  and  subjected  to  pressure.  The  expressed  juice  should  then 
be  thoroughly  mixed  with  an  equal  part  by  weight  of  alcohol.  After  allowing  the 
mass  to  macerate  eight  days  in  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  in  a  dark,  cool  place,  the 
tincture  may  be  separated  by  filtration.  This  tincture  should  be  opaque.  In  thin 
layers,  it  has  a  reddish-brown  color  by  transmitted  light;  its  odor  is  sourish  and 
herbaceous,  reminding  one  of  old  buckweat  honey-comb ;  its  taste  very  like  its 
odor,  and  followed  by  a  bitterishness ;  and  its  reaction  strongly  acid. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Lamium  contains  a  bitter  principle  and  a 
volatile  oil,  but  neither  have  as  yet  been  isolated. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Little  is  known  of  the  action  of  this  plant,  the 
provings  of  Hahnemann  and  others  giving  few  characteristic  symptoms.  Its  action 
seems  to  be  spent  upon  the  mucous  membranes  in  general,  and  upon  the  female 
generative  organs  in  particular,  where  it  causes  a  sort  of  inflammatory  excitement. 


Description  of  Plate  121. 

1.  Top  of  plant,  from  Salem,  Mass.,  Aug.  6th,  1S85 

2.  A  leaf,  under  surface. 

3.  Flower. 

4.  A  portion  of  the  corolla,  showing  the  appendage. 
5  and  6.   Anthers. 

7.  Stigma. 

8  and  9.  Carpels. 

(3-9  enlarged.) 

*  Herhall,  p.  56S. 


K     A 


^m.jdnatdeleipinxt.  HYDROPHYLLUM     ViRGIniCUM  ,  Linn. 


N.  ORD-HYDROPHYLLACE^.  122 

Tribe.-HYDROPHYLLE/E. 

OEMS.— HYDROPHYLLUM,*   TOURN. 
SEX.  SVST.— l'ENT.\.\"URI.\  MOM  IGVM.-K., 


HYDROPHYLLUM. 


WATERLEAF. 


SYN.— HYDROPHYLLUM  VIRGINICUM,  LINN, 

COM.  NAMES.  —VIRGINIAN  WATERLEAF,  BURR  FLOWER. 


A  TLNCTLRE   OF    THE   WHOLE    FRESH    PLANT    HYDROPHYLLUM   VIRGL\ICUM, 

LINN. 


Description. — This  smoothish  perennial  herb  grows  to  a  height  of  from  i  to  2 
feet.  Rootstock  creeping,  scaly-toothed  by  the  withered  sheathes  of  previous  stems. 
Stems  generally  simple,  sometimes  2-forked ;  leaves  ample,  pinnately  divided,  and 
conspicuously  petioled ;  leaflets  5  to  7,  ovate-lanceolate  or  oblong  in  general  out- 
line, sharply  and  irregularly  cut-toothed,  the  lower  pair  mostly  2-parted,  the  upper 
three  confluent,  all  acuminate  or  acute.  Inflorescence  in  terminal  and  upper  axil- 
lary cymose  clusters  :  floicers  pinkish-white ;  peduncles  forked,  longer  than  the 
petioles  of  the  leaves  from  whose  axils  they  spring.  Calyx  deeply  5-parted,  naked 
at  the  sinuses ;  teeth  narrowly  linear,  bristly  ciliate.  Corolla  campanulate,  5-cIeft, 
the  lobes  convolute  in  the  bud;  tndc  furnished  with  five  adnate  appendages  fixed 
to  the  midrib  of  each  petaloid  lobe,  the  incurved  free  margins  approximated  by 
interlocked  hairs,  thus  forming  a  sort  of  nectariferous  tube.  Stamens  exserted  ; 
fllatncnts  long,  filiform,  bearded  about  the  middle  by  a  few  long  hairs  ;  anthers 
linear,  versatile.  Ovary  bristly  hairy,  i -celled;  ovules  amphitropous,  enveloped  by 
the  dilated  fleshy  placentae.  Style  exserted,  bifurcated  at  the  summit;  stigmas  2, 
capitate,  minute.  Fruit  a  spherical,  loculicidal  capsule  about  the  size  of  a  pea. 
Seeds  4,  or  generally  fewer  by  abortion  ;  testa  pitted  or  reticulated ;  albumen 
cartilaginous. 

Hydrophyllaceee. — This  large  and  innocent  family  of  commonly  hairy  herbs 
is  represented  in  North  America  by  14  genera,  comprising  115  species,  and  17 
recognized  varieties.  Leaves  mostly  alternate  ;  stipules  absent.  Inflorcscoice  in 
more  or  less  unilateral,  mostly  bractless  cymes  or  scorpioid  racemes ;  flozcers 
regular.  5-merous  and  5-androus,  blue  or  white.  Calyx  sometimes  with  nearly 
separate  sepals,  the  sinuses  often  appendaged.  Stametis  borne  on  the  base  of  the 
corolla  and  alternate  with  its  lobjs.     Ovary  entire,  i -celled,  or  sometimes  2-celIed 

*  iVio/.,  hudor,  water;  -lifyUv,  pliyUon,  leaf;  the  application  douhlfiil. 


122-2 

by  union  of  the  placentae  in  the  axis  ;  placentce  2,  parietal ;  ovules  amphitropous 
or  anatropous,  pendulous  or  nearly  horizontal.  Styles  2,  or  single  and  2-cleft. 
Fruit  a  2-valved,  2  to  many-seeded  capsule;  ^^^rt'jr  pitted  or  reticulated;  embryo 
small ;  albumen  copious. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Waterleaf  is  indigenous  to  North  America,  where 
it  ranges  from  Canada  southward  to  the  mountains  of  North  Carolina  and  north- 
ward to  Alaska,  seeking  moist,  shady  grounds,  and  flowering  from  June  to  August. 
The  young  leaves  serve  in  some  localities  as  a  salad,  called  Shawanese  Lettuce, 
and  are  eaten  as  a  potage  in  other  places,  under  the  name  of  John's  Cabbage. 
We  have  no  previous  medical  history  of  this  plant,  or  any  other  species  of  the 
order. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  flowering  plant  is  chopped 
and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are 
taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the 
alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the  whole  well,  it  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered 
bottle,  and  allowed  to  macerate  for  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture 
thus  formed  after  filtration  has  a  deep  crimson-brown  color  by  transmitted  light, 
a  peculiar  bitterish  odor,  an  astringent  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  only  account  of  the  action  of  this  plant  is 
that  furnished  by  Dr.  P.  B.  Hoyt,'^'  who  records  the  following  symptoms  caused  in 
himself:  Dull  headache;  burning,  smarting,  and  itching  of  the  eyelids  with  pro- 
fuse lachrymation  ;  agglutination  of  the  lids  in  the  morning;  injection  of  the 
sclera,  and  photophobia. 


Description  of  Plate   122. 

I.  End  of  flowering  plant,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  June  ist,  i{ 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Petal  and  appendage. 

4.  Stamen. 

5.  Nectary. 

6.  Pistil. 

7.  Style  and  stigmas. 

8.  Leaf. 

(3-7  enlarged.) 


*  Am.  Horn.  0/is.,  xi,  loi. 


123. 


<P 


lU.adnat.del.et  pinxt. 


C0NV6lVULUS    ARVENSIS,  Linr 


N.  ORD -CONVOLVULACE^.  123 

Tribe-CONVOLVULE.^. 

CENUS— CON  VOLVULUS,*  LINN. 


SEX.  SV.ST.— IT.NT.\M)KI.\   MoNi  KiV.N  l.\. 


CONVOLVULUS. 


SYN.— CONVOLVULUS  ARVENSIS,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— BINDWEED ;  (FR.)  LE  LISERON;  (GER.  i  DIE  WINDE. 

A   TINCTURK   OF  THE   WHOLE   PLANT  CONVOLVULUS  ARVENSIS,  L. 

Description. — This  low  perennial  attains  a  growth  of  from  2  to  5  feet.  Root 
deeply  and  extensively  creeping ;  stem  nearly  glabrous,  procumbent  or  twining 
over  surroundings  ;  leaves  ovate-oblong,  sagittate  tending  to  hastate,  entire,  the 
basal  auriculate  lobes  acute.  Inflorescence  axillary;  peduncles  mostly  i -flowered 
flmi.<ers  matinal,  white  tinged  with  rose;  bracts  remote  from  the  flower,  subulate. 
Calyx  naked  at  the  base  ;  sepals  equal,  rounded.  Corolla  about  three-quarters 
of  an  inch  long,  open  infundibuliform,  more  or  less  plicate  at  the  sinuses  and 
obscurely  5-notched.  Stamens  yncXud&d;  fl laments  dilated  at  the  base.  Ovary 
entire:  style  single,  persistent;  stigmas  2,  filiform,  mostly  spreading  or  revolute. 
Fruit  a  2-celled  globose  capsule.     Seeds  2  in  each  cell ;  cotyledons  broad,  foliaceous. 

Convolvulaceae. — This  large  and  well-distinguished  family  of  mostly  tropical 
or  subtropical  plants,  is  rej^resented  in  North  America  by  8  genera,  containing  in 
all  "JT)  species  and  i  7  recognized  varieties.  The  order  is  composed  of  herbs  or 
shrubs  with  stems  that  generally  twine  or  trail.  Leaves  alternate,  petioled  (absent 
in  Cuscuta):  stipules  none.  Inflorescence  truly  axillary,  the  peduncles  i -flowered 
or  cymosely  3-  many-flowered  ;  floiccrs  regular  and  perfect,  5-merous  or  rarely 
4-merous.  Calyx  persistent ;  sepals  mostly  distinct,  imbricated.  Corolla  with  an 
entire  or  lobed  limb.  Gynivciuin  generally  2-carpelled.  Stamens  as  many  as  the 
lobes  of  the  corolla  and  inserted  low  upon  its  tube.  Hypogytious  disk  evident, 
annular.  Ovary  2-  to  6-celled  ;  style  single,  sometimes  divided  ;  stigma  terminal 
or  introrse.  F7'uit  capsular  or  fleshy ;  seeds  cornparatively  large ;  embryo  filling 
the  testa;  albumen  mucilaginous,  surrounding,  or  surrounded  by,  the  embryo. 

In  this  order  our  proven  plants  are:  The  Oriental  Scammony  [Conzvhulus 
Scammonia,  Linn.),  whose  root  yields  an  irritant  but  nearly  tasteless  purgative, 
often  given  to  children  as  an  anthelmint*ic  on  account  of  the  smallness  of  the 
requisite  dose  for  purging  ;  jalap,  the  dried  tubercules  of  the  Mexican  Exogonium 
Purga,  Benth.,  is  a  certain,  powerful,  and  speedy  drastic  purgative  used  as  above  ; 

*  From  convolvuh,  to  twine. 


-123-2 

it  has  a  griping  effect,  however,  making  it  less  pleasant  than  Scammony ;  and 
Convolvulus  Duartinus,  the  common  Morning  Glory  {Ipoimea  Bona-7io.\\  Linn,), 
a  native  of  the  tropics,  so  extensively  planted  north  as  an  ornamental  "  vine." 

Many  other  genera  furnish  plants  more  or  less  used  in  general  medicine,  viz.: 
The  North  African  Ipomcea  Nil,  Roth.,  whose  seeds,  in  50-grain  doses,  prove  pur- 
o-ative,  and  in  action  greatly  resemble  Jalap  ;  the  East  Indian  Ipomcra  Tjirpctlnim, 
R.  Br.,  the  Jamaican  /.  (uberosa,  Linn.,  and  the  St.  Domingo  /.  cathartica,  Poir., 
are  all  used  in  their  countries  as  purgatives,  though  the  latter  is  generally  too 
strong  in  its  action  to  be  safely  given.  The  leaves  of  the  Madras  Argyreia  bract- 
caia,  Wall,  are  used  by  the  natives  in  decoction  as  fomentations  for  scrofulous 
enlargements.  The  root  of  the  tropical  Batatas  paniculata,  Chois.,  is  cathartic  ; 
while  those  of  the  East  Indian  B.  ediilis  are  wholesome,  and,  as  cultivated  in  the 
warmer  climates,  form  an  article  of  commerce  known  as  Sweet  Potatoes.  Our 
common  Bracted  Bindweed  {Calystegia  sepium,  R.  Br.)  has  a  purgative  root,  as 
has  also  the  European  C.  Soldanella,  Rom.  &  S.  Oil  of  Rhodium,  a  bitter  essential 
oil,  used  to  attract  rats  and  mice  to  traps,  also  to  adulterate  oil  of  roses,  is  distilled 
from  the  sternutatory  wood  of  Convohnilns  (Breweria,  Rhodoriza)  scopariiis,  Linn. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  too  common  European  plant  has  become  natural- 
ized in  the  North-eastern  United  States,  where  it  flowers  in  June.  It  is  said  to  be 
a  sure  indication  that  the  soil  is  dry  in  all  localities  that  it  chooses  as  its  habitat. 

This  plant  has  been  used  much  like  Jalap  and  Scammony,  in  40-grain  doses 
of  the  jointed  and  vermiculate  roots,  as  a  diuretic  and  gentle  laxative. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  flowering  plant,  in  a 
slightly  wilted  condition,  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then 
two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one- 
sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole 
well,  it  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  botde,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in 
a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  pressing  and  filtering,  has  a  deep 
reddish-brown  color  by  transmitted  light ;  a  somewhat  nauseous  odor ;  a  slightly 
astringent,  tea-like  taste  ;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. —  Couvohulin.  This  so-called  resinoid,  obtained 
from  the  roots  of  this  species,  is  as  yet  of  doubtful  chemical  nature.  It  remains 
to  be  determined  whether  it  contains  the  principles  found  in  Jalap,  Scammony,  etc. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  few  symptoms  so  far  determined  in  this 
drug,  point  to  it  as  an  irritant  to  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  alimentary  tract, 
and  a  stimulant  to  the  neighboring  secretory  glands.  Convolvulus  causes  eruc- 
tations, flatulent  colic,  and  liquid  stools  very  similar  to  those  following  Jalap. 

Description  ok  Pl.xte  123. 

].   End  of  flowtring  plant,  Salem,  Mass.,  July  20th,  iS?5. 

2.  Anther. 

3.  Pistil. 

4.  Section  of  ovary. 
(2-4  enlarged.  ) 


I24-. 


Of' Ul.adnat.deI.etpinxt. 


SoLANUM   Dulcamara,  Linn. 


N.  ORD -SOLANACE^.  124 

GENUS.  — SOLANUM,*  TOURN. 

SKX.  SVST.— I'ENTANDRIA   MONOGVNIA. 


DULCAMARA. 


BITTERSWEET. 


SYN.— eOLANUM     DULCAMARA,     LINN.        DULCAMAEA    FLEXUOSA, 
MOENCH.      RAMUS    NOVELLUS,   L. 

COM.  NAMES.-BITTERSWEET,  WOODY  NIGHTSHADE,  VIOLET  BLOOM; 
(FR.)  DOUCE-AMERE;    (GER.)  BITTERSUSS. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE    FRESH  GREEN    BR.'\NCHES  ABOVE    THE  WOODY  STEM,  OF 
SOLANUM  DULCAMARA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  beautiful  and  falsely  dreaded  ^hrubbj-  herb,  seldom 
reaches  a  length  of  more  than  5  feet,  unless  well  supported  in  a  hedge  or  by  a 
wall;  it  then  may  extend  to  various  lengths,  in  some  cases  reaching  18  feet  or 
more.  Root  woody,  irregularly  creeping  and  branching,  pale  yellow.  Stem 
herbaceous  or  shrubby,  flexuous,  pubescent,  scarcely  climbing.  Branches  many, 
weak,  flexuous  and  somewhat  angular,  with  a  dull  green  bark,  destitute  of  thorns 
or  spines.  Leaves  alternate,  petiolate,  from  2  to  3  inches  long,  the  upper  surface 
smooth,  the  under  usually  pubescent ;  the  lower  few  leaves  are  either  ovate  or 
ovate-cordate,  the  upper  vary  from  hastate  to  auriculate,  all  entire.  E.'o7C'crs 
drooping,  on  lateral,  branching,  extra -axillary  peduncles,  forming  a  loose  spreading 
corymb  with  bractless  pedicels.  Ca/j'.v  small,  5-parted.  Corolla  plaited,  and 
valvate  or  induplicate  in  the  bud;  when  expanded  it  is  wheel-shaped,  5-cleft,  with 
the  acute-lanceolate  lobes  reflexed,  each  with  two  green  ovate  spots  at  its  base. 
Stamens  exserted,  mosdy  equal,  their  filaments  inserted  upon  the  tube  of  the 
corolla.  Filaments  short,  more  or  less  triangular.  Antliers  large,  erect,  blunt, 
bright  yellow,  converging  into  a  cone  about  the  style,  and  opening  by  two  pores  or 
chinks  at  the  apex.  Pollen  grains  minute,  ovoid  and  induplicate.  (9z'a;-jj' rounded, 
2-celled,  containing  many  ovules  upon  the  axis.  Ovules  curved  (campylotropous), 
sometimes  merging  into  the  amphitropic  form.  Style  simple,  filiform,  protruding 
beyond  the  tube  formed  by  the  anthers.  Stigma  single.  Fruit  di  2-celled,  bright 
scarlet,  oval,  translucent,  thin-skinned,  bitter  and  juicy  berry.  Seeds  numerous, 
whitish,  somewhat  [)lano-convex,  their  surlaces  minutely  pitted. 

History  and  Habitat.— This  very  common  plant  prefers  moist  banks,  old 
fences  and  hedges,  the  slightly  higher  ground  on  the  margins  of  swampy  spots, 
and  disused  ground  about  old  dwellings ;  blossoming  in  June  and  July.    Its  place 

*  Derivation  unknown. 

•f-  Dulcis,  sweet ;    ainaius,  bilier. 


124-2 

among  American  plants  is  doubtful ;  by  some  authors  it  is  considered  indigenous, 
by  others  as  advanced  from  Europe;  judging  from  its  locations  here,  I  am 
inclined  to  favor  the  latter  idea.  It  is  found  in  the  greater  part  of  Europe,  in 
North  Africa,  and  Asia  Minor,  and  the  northern  parts  of  India  and  China.  The 
genus  Solanum  is  very  interesting,  containing  as  it  does  some  of  our  most  useful 
table  vegetables,  noxious  weeds,  and  excellent  remedies.  Notably  among  the 
edible  vegetables  are  the  potato,  Solanum  iuberostun,  the  tomato,  Solanum  lyco- 
persicon,  and  the  e.gg  plant,  Solanum  melongena,  all  extensively  cultivated  and 
having  their  origin  doubdess  in  the  tropical  regions  of  South  America.  From 
the  common  names,  Bittersweet  and  Nightshade,  confusion  has  often  arisen 
among  the  laity  in  mistaking  it  for  Belladonna  (Deadly  Nightshade),  and  Cclastrus, 
the  staff-vine,  often  called  Bittersweet ;  but  Belladonna  does  not  grow  sponta- 
neously in  this  country,  and  Celastrus  is  too  widely  different  to  be  confused  with 
Dulcamara  except  in  name. 

Dulcamara  is  still  retained  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  as  Extraclnm  Dulcamara 
Fluidum.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  its  preparations  are  Dccoctum  Solani 
and  Extractmn  Dtilcamara. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh,  green  branches  that  are 
still  pliant,  and  their  leaves,  should  be  gathered  just  as  the  plant  is  budding  to 
blossom,  and  chopped  and  pounded  into  a  pulp,  inclosed  in  a  piece  of  new  linen 
and  pressed.  The  juice  thus  expressed  should,  by  brisk  succussion,  be  mingled 
with  an  equal  part  by  weight  of  alcohol.  This  mixture  should  then  be  allowed  to 
stand  at  least  eight  days  in  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  in  a  dark,  cool  place,  and 
filtered  before  using. 

Thus  prepared  it  is  by  transmitted  light  of  a  pale  chestnut  color,  having  at 
first  a  decidedly  bitter,  then  sweet  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.- Solania,  C,,  H,^  NO,,,,  fully  described  under 
Solanum  nigrum,  125,  is  undoubtedly  also  a  separate  principle  in  this  species. 
Wittstein  claims  it  to  be  easUy  obtainable  from  the  young  shoots  of  the  plant. 

Dulcamarin.*— C22  W^^  0,„.  This  glucoside,  extracted  from  Wittstein's  so- 
called  alkaloid  Dulcamarin,  C^j  H^^^  N^  Ojg,  is  in  the  form  of  a  permanent,  slightly 
yellow  powder,  odorless,  with  at  first  an  exceeding  bitter,  then  a  lasting  sweet 
taste.  It  melts  with  heat,  decomposing  at  205°  (401°  P.),  and  is  soluble  in  water, 
alcohol  and  ether,  insoluble  in  chloroform  and  benzol.  Dulcamarin  readily  .sepa- 
rates in  boiling  with  a  mineral  acid  into  dulcamaretin  (C,,.  H,,,.,©),  and  glucose. 

Pfaff's  analysis  of  100  parts  of  the  dried  stems  resulted  as  follows: 

Dulcamarin 21.817       |       Resin  containing  Benzoic  Acid, 2.74 

Vegeto-animal  matter, 3125              Gum,  .Starch,  and  Salts  of  Lirtie, 200 

Gummy  extractive, 12.029              Extractive  and  Lnne  .Salts, 4.00 

Gluten  and  green  wax, 1.4           i       Woody  Kibre 62.00 

(Excess, 911 ') 

*  Picrogljcion,  Dulcarin. 


^24-3 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.-'riie  tirst  action  of  this  druj,^  is  somewhat 
narcotic,  but  of  short  duration  in  this  sphere.  Upon  the  circulation  the  action  is 
quite  marked,  it  causing  venous  contjestion,  attendetl  with  great  pain,  heat, 
nausea  and  vomiting",  and  sudden  prostration.  The  liead  droops  and  oscillates 
forth  and  back,  the  patient  is  o-iddy,  the  heart  palpitates,  tlu;  mouth  and  fauces 
become  hot  and  dry,  and  the  face  and  ears  cyanotic.  Post  mortem  :  the  medulla  is 
found  as  to  its  substance  healthy,  though  there  is  great  injection  of  the  blood- 
vessels above  and  below  it.  One  clearly  defined  case  of  poisoning  by  the  berries 
of  this  plant  is  reported  in  the  Lancet  of  June  28th,  1856,  p.  715,  in  which  the 
identity  ot  the  plant  seems  to  have  been  certain,  and  that  the  berries  of  Solanum 
nigrum,  which  are  much  more  poisonous,  took  no  part,  resulted  jn  the  death  of  a 
boy  aged  4.  The  following  symptoms  were  noted:  after  eleven  hours,  during 
which  no  symptoms  of  importance  were  observed,  he  was  attacked  with  vomiting, 
purging  and  convulsions,  which  continued  throughout  the  day,  the  child  being 
insensible  during  the  intervals.  He  died  convulsed  in  about  24  hours.  The 
vomited  matters  were  of  a  dark  greenish  color,  and  of  a  bilious  character. 

Notwithstanding  numerous  cases  reported  of  poisoning  by  this  plant  it  can- 
not justly  be  considered  as  generally  poisonous,  as  most  animals  and  persons 
who  have  eaten  of  it  or  its  fruit,  show  no  serious  symptoms. 

It  is  to  be  deplored  that  the  berries  were  not  incorporated  in  the  tinctures 
proven,  as  they  seem  to  be  the  most  to.xic  part  of  the  plant. 


I.  Flowering  branch. 


Description  of  Plate  124. 

Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  May  31,   1880. 

2.  Flower  (enlarged ). 

3.  Pistil  (enlarged ). 

4.  Stamens  (enlarged). 

5.  Section  of  Ovary. 

6.  Pollen  grains  x  380. 


Fruit  added  later  in  the  season. 


ujtn.adnat.dei.et  pinxt. 


SOLANUM     NIGRUM,  Linn. 


N.  ORD -SOLANACE^.  125 

GENUS.— so  LA  NUM. 

SEX.  .SVST.— rEXTAXlJRI.N.  .MONuGVNI.\. 


SOLANUM    NIGRUM 


BLACK  NIGHTSHADE. 


SYN.— SOLANUM  NIGRUM,  LINN.;  S.  PTEROCAULON,  DUNAL. ;  S.  CRE- 
NATO-DENTATUM,  PTYCANTHUM,  AND  INOPS,  D.  C. 

COM.  NAMES.— COMMON  OR  GARDEN  NIGHTSHADE,  BLACK  NIGHT- 
SHADE, DEADLY  NIGHTSHADE;  (PR.)  MORELLE  NOIR ;  (GER.) 
SCHWARZER    NACHSCHATTEN. 


A  TINCTURE   OF  THE   WHOLE   HERB  SOLANUM   NIGRUM,   LINN. 

Description. — This  low,  weedy,  annual  herb  grows  to  a  height  of  from  i  to  2 
feet.  Stem  angular,  glabrous,  pubescent  when  young,  diffusely  spreading  or 
branching,  and  more  or  less  rough  on  the  angles ;  branches  mostly  twisted. 
Leaves  ovate,  cuneate,  somewhat  obtusely,  acutely,  or  acuminately  tipped,  and 
usually  much  perforated  by  insects  ;  margin  varying  from  coarsely,  crenately,  or 
irregularly  toothed,  to  entire.  Inflorescence  in  small,  pedunculate,  lateral,  and 
extra-axillary,  umbel-like,  drooping  cymes ;  flowers  quite  small,  white  or  whitish. 
Calyx  much  shorter  than  the  corolla,  merely  spreading  in  fruit ;  teeth  ovate,  acut- 
ish.  Corolla  wheel-shaped,  5-parted,  valvate  in  the  bud ;  petals  oblong-lanceolate, 
reflexed,  closely  studded  with  minute  papilla;  upon  the  upper  surface.  Stamens 
exserted ;  filaments  very  short,  more  or  less  hairy  inside ;  anthers  large,  connivent 
around  the  style,  blunt,  opening  by  two  terminal  pores.  Ovary  globular,  2-celled  ; 
style  columnar,  mostly  included,  hairy  at  its  base  ;  stigma  capitate.  Fruit  a  small 
cluster  of  blue-black,  globular  berries,  each  about  the  size  of  a  large  pea.  Seeds 
numerous,  flattened  ;  embryo  slender,  curved  ;  cotyledons  semiterete,  not  larger  than 
the  radicle. 

Solanaceae. —  1  his  large,  well-known  order,  whose  representatives  grow  mosdy 
in  tropical  and  subtropical  regions,  furnishes  North  American  botany  with  14  genera, 
loi  species,  and  24  recognized  varieties.  The  order  is  characterized  as  follows: 
Herbs,  shrubs,  or  even  trees,  commonly  rank-scented,  and  having  a  watery  juice. 
Leaves  alternate,  never  truly  opposite,  though,  being  often  unequally  geminate 
they  have  the  appearance  of  being  opposite  ;  stipules  none.  Inflorescence  properly 
terminal  and  cymose,  but  variously  modified,  sometimes  scorpioid-racemiform  ; 
pedicels  not  bracted,  or,  if  bracted,  then  not  in  the  axils.  Flozuers  perfect  and 
mostly  regular,  5-  4-merous.      Corolla  with  its  lobes  induplicate-valvate,  plicate, 

*  Belladonna  alone  answers  to  this  name :  it  does  not  grow  wild  in  this  country. 


125-2 

or  very  rarely  imbricate  in  the  bud.  Ovary  wholly  free,  normally  2 -celled  ;  p/a- 
centce  axillary  ;  ovules  indefinitely  many,  anatropous  or  amphitropous  ;  style  un- 
divided ;  stigma  entire  or  sometimes  bilamellar.  Fi-iiit  either  capsular  or  baccate ; 
e^nbryo  terete  and  incurved  or  coiled,  or  sometimes  almost  straight ;  albumen  fleshy; 
cotyledons  rarely  much  broader  than  the  radicle.* 

This  order  furnishes  our  Materia  Medica  with  twenty  drugs,  which  are,  beside 
the  five  here  described:  The  European  Belladonna,  or  Deadly  Nightshade  {Atropa 
Belladonna,  Linn.);  the  Tropical  Cayenne  Pepper  {Capsicum  Annuum,  Linn.);  the 
Pacific  coast  Tree  Stramonium  [Datura  arborea,  Linn.);  the  Chinese  Datura  [D. 
ferox.  Linn.),  probably  the  most  poisonous  species  in  the  family;  the  Indian  Datura 
(/?.  nietel,  Linn.)  ;  the  Tropical  American  Tomato,  or  Love-apple  [Lycopersicum 
esculenttcm,  Mill.)  ;  the  true  Mandrake  of  Southern  Europe  [Atropa  mandragora, 
Linn.)  ;  the  South  Brazilian  Arrebcnta  Cai'allos  [Solatium  Rebenta,  Veil.)  ;  the 
Southern  and  West  Indian  Apple  of  Sodom,  or  Nipple  Nightshade  (.S".  mammo- 
szim,  Linn.)  ;  the  Brazilian  yuquerioba,  or  Gyqjiirioba  [S.  oleracezmi,  Veil.)  ;  the 
European  Jerusalem  Cherry  [S.  psejcdo-capsicicm,  Linn.)  ;  the  common  Potato  [S. 
tuberosum,  Linn.)  and  its  diseased  state  [S.  titberosum  oegrotans\,  due  to  the  growth 
of  a  fungus  known  as  Peronospora  infestans ;  the  Peruvian  Floripondio  [Datura  san- 
guinea,  R.  et  Pa  v.) ;  the  Australian  Corkwood  Tree  [Duboisia  viyoporoides,  R.  Br.), 
and  Pituri  [D.  Hopiuoodi,  Von  M.). 

Numerous  drugs,  still  unproven  but  used  in  general  practice,  belong  to  this 
order,  notably,  the  Indian  Guinea  Pepper  [Capsicum  fastigiatum,  Blume),  which, 
with  the  Indian  Goat  Pepper  [C.  frutescens,  Linn.),  is  a  much  more  powerful  stim- 
ulant than  Cayenne,  and  often  produces  violent  pain  and  purgation.  The  genus 
Solanum  further  furnishes  to  medicine  the  Indian  expectorant,  S.  Jacquiri,  Willd.  ; 
the  West  Indian  astringent,  S.  Bahamense,  Linn.  ;  the  Brazilian  active  cathartic 
and  vulnerary,  Juripcba  [S.  paniculatum,  Linn.)  ;  the  South  American  sudorific, 
S.  ceruuum.  Veil. ;  and  many  other  species  used  in  their  native  countries  as  pur- 
gatives, diuretics,  deobstruents,  and  vulneraries.  The  fruit  of  the  West  Indian 
Calabash  Tree  [Crescentia  Cuj'eie,  Linn.)  yields  a  pulp  that  is  considered  at  once 
vulnerary  and  pectoral.  In  the  south  of  Europe  the  White  Henbane  [Helleborus 
albus,  Linn.)  is  considered  much  more  active  than  H.  iiiger;  and  Arabia  yields, 
according  to  Foreskal,  a  species,  H.  Datura,  used  by  the  natives  to  produce 
intoxication,  and  supposed  to  be  the  nepenthes  of  Homer.  The  genus  Ccstnim 
contains  many  active  species,  those  especially  notable  being,  the  South  African 
C.  vencnatinn,  Thursb.,  used  by  the  Hottentots  as  a  poison  for  their  spears,  and 
to  poison  their  bait  for  wild  beasts  ;  C  macrophylhim.  Vent.,  and  C.  nocturnum, 
Lam.,  are  also  toxic,  and  have  been  used  with  some  effect  in  chorea  ;  while  C 
Hediimda,  Lam.,  and  C.  auriculatutn,  L.  Her.,  are  febrifugal.  Many  species  of 
Physalis  are  valuable,  especially  the  South  European  P .  flexuosus,  Linn.,  which 
is  said  to  be  narcotic,  diuretic,  and  alexiteric ;  and  the  Winter  Cherry,  P.  Alke- 
kengi,  Linn.,  which  has  been  considered  an  excellent  diuretic  from  the  days  of 
Dioscorides  ;  Ray  considered  it  also  anti-podagric.    The  bitter  leaves  of  the  Peru- 


*  Description  of  Prof.  Asa  Gray,  in  Synop.  Flora  of  N.  A.,  vol.  ii,  pt.  i,  p.  22 ;. 


125-3 

vian  Saracha  iimhcUata,  Jacq.,  are  used  as  an  anodyne  emollient.  In  New  Grenada 
the  Matrimony  Vine  {Lyciiun  umbrosnm)  is  adjudged  an  excellent  remedy  in  ery- 
sipelas ;  and,  lastly,  the  South  American  HwierantJms  tmcinahis  is  esteemed  by 
the  natives  as  an  aphrodisiac,  stimulating  the  ingester  to  venery. 

History  and  Habitat. — Black  Nightshade  is  a  cosmopolite;  in  this  country  it 
grows  in  damp  and  shady  waste  grounds,  generally  throughout  the  eastern  sec- 
tion, where  it  Bowers  from  July  to  frosty  weather. 

This  species  has  been  used  in  general  practice,  especially  as  a  resolvent,  from 
A.  D.  54  (Dioscorides)  to  within  a  few  years.  The  principal  use  of  the  plant  has 
been  in  dropsy  ;  gastritis  ;  glandular  enlargement ;  nervous  affections ;  general 
inflammations  of  mucous  membranes  ;  herpetic,  scorbutic,  and  syphilitic  eruptions  ; 
and  as  a  narcotic.  The  Arabs  use  the  bruised  leaves,  with  adeps,  as  an  applica- 
tion to  burns,  bullae,  and  felons.  In  Dalmatia  the  root  is  used  to  cure  hydrophobia, 
and  is  fried  in  butter  and  eaten  to  produce  sleep ;  while  in  Bohemia  the  blossom- 
ing plant  is  hung  over  the  cradle  of  infants  to  act  as  an  hypnotic.  Orfila  claims  the 
extract  equal  in  power  and  energy  to  lactucarium.  In  Spain  patients  are  often 
said  to  be  cured  of  phthisis  by  burying  them  up  to  the  neck  in  garden  loam,  then, 
after  removal,  rubbing  the  body  thoroughly  with  an  ointment  of  the  leaves  of  this 
species. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  whole  plant,  gathered  when,  in 
early  autumn,  it  is  in  both  flower  and  fruit,  is  treated  as  in  the  preceding  species. 

The  resulting  tincture  has  a  brownish-orange  color  by  transmitted  light,  no 
distinguishing  odor,  a  slightly  astringent  and  woody  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.-6'^A?;««,*  QjH.iNO,^.  This  peculiar  body, 
having,  according  to  all  observers  up  to  date,  both  alkaloidal  and  glucosidal 
reactions,  needs  much  careful  investigation  before  either  its  chemical  or  physical 
nature  can  be  fully  understood.  It  is  readily  obtainable  from  all  species  of  the 
genus  Solanum,  but  is  especially  prevalent  in  this.  According  to  Wittstein,  it  crys- 
tallizes in  white,  flat,  quadrangular  prisms  of  mother-of-pearl  lustre,  or  results  as  an 
amorphous  powder  of  like  appearance ;  it  is  inodorous,  and  has  a  bitter,  disagree- 
able, long-lasting,  rancid,  and  acrid  taste.  It  is  soluble  to  only  a  slight  extent  in 
water,  its  solution  becoming  frothy  on  agitation  ;  readily  dissolves  in  alcohol ;  and 
is  insoluble  in  ether.  It  shows  a  decided  glucosidal  nature  by  breaking  down  under 
the  action  of  heat  and  hydrochloric  acid,  as  follows : 

Solanin.  Water.  Glucose.  Solanidine.f 

C,,H,jNO,,+  (H,0)^  =  (C;H,A)3  +  Q5H41NO. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.  —  Numerous  cases  of  poisoning  have  been 
reported,  among  which  the  following  will  serve  to  show  the  action  of  the  plant  : 

Three  children  who  had  eaten  the  berries  complained  of  headache,  vertigo, 
nausea,  colic,  and  tenesmus.     There  was  copious  vomiting  of  a  greenish-colored 

*  Discovered  in  the  plant  in  1821  by  M.  Desfosses,  Jour,  de  Pharmacie,  vi,  374,  anil  vii,  414. 
f  This  body  is  a  very  strong  b.ase,  and  crystallizes  in  long  needles  (Schorlemmer). 


125-4 

matter,  thirst,  dilated  pupils,  stertorous  respiration,  convulsions,  and  a  tetanic  stiff- 
ness of  the  limbs.  Death  followed  in  all  cases  but  one  only  during  the  acute 
symptoms.* 

A  boy,  after  eating  the  berries,  suffered  horrible  symptoms,  dilation  of  the 
pupil,  burning  in  the  stomach,  delirium,  agony,  trembling  of  the  limbs,  cold  sweat, 
and  death.f 

GatakerJ  commenced  his  experiments  with  the  drug  by  giving  a  grain,  which 
acted  o-ently  as  an  evacuant  by  sweat,  urine,  and  stool ;  on  increasing  the  dose 
until  it  was  quite  large,  it  produced  vomiting,  profuse  perspiration,  or  too  copious 
urination  or  diarrhoea,  and  sometimes  dimness  of  vision  and  vertigo. 

A  family,  having  eaten  of  the  leaves,  were  attacked  with  swelling  of  the  face, 
accompanied  by  burning  heat,  and  followed  by  gangrene.§ 

A  boy,  aged  eight  years,  ate  some  of  the  black  berries  of  this  plant,  which 
induced  a  state  of  stupor  and  coma,  attended  with  fever.  He  complained  of  great 
pain  in  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  and  was  harassed  with  nausea  and  retchings.|| 

A  litde  girl  ate  some  of  the  berries.  She  was  found  entirely  insensible,  lying 
in  a  deep,  apoplectic  stupor,  all  the  muscles  relaxed,  the  face  flushed  and  the  pulse 
full  and  irregular.  She  continued  in  this  state  about  six  hours,  then  gradually 
recovered.iy 

Four  of  the  ripe  berries  caused  deep  sleep  in  a  child  (age  not  given).** 

Two  boys,  aged  two  and  three  years,  having  eaten  of  the  berries,  had  con- 
vulsions and  spasms;  they  stretched  their  hands  during  the  spasms,  as  if  they 
would  grasp  something,  carrying  their  hands  to  their  mouths,  chewing  and  swal- 
lowing, etc.f^t" 

Thus  Solanum  Nigrum  acts  as  an  irritant  to  the  brain  and  spinal  cord,  and 
secondarily  upon  the  circulation  through  the  vaso-motor  system;  the  irritation 
seems  greatest  upon  the  sensory  nerves  and  less  upon  the  motor.  Its  action  upon 
the  brain  is  quite  parallel  with  that  of  Belladonna,  but  evidently  greater  than  Stra- 
monium or  Hyoscyamus.  Its  action  upon  the  eye  is  more  like  that  of  Stramonium 
than  Belladonna,  and  direcdy  opposite  to  that  of  Gelsemium. 


Description  of  Plate  125. 

I.   Part  of  a  fruiting  and  flowering  branch,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  ist,  if 

2.  A  petal. 

3.  An  effete  stamen. 

4.  Pistil. 

5.  Horizontal  section  of  the  ovary. 

(2-5  enlarged.) 


*  Orfila.      Taylor  on  Poisons,  p.  648.  II  Alibert,  Nouveatix  Elements  de  Therapeutique. 

t  K.  Ch.  Grelin.  Florce  bedensk,  p.  520.  '^  Eberle,  Therapetilics. 

X  Versuch.  u.  Bemcrk.  des  Edin.,  pp.  95  and  98.  **  Ibid. 

\  Rucker,  De  effect,  Solani  in  Commerc,  Morci.,  p.  372.  ft  Journal  de  Clinic  Medical. 


126. 


HyOSCYAMUS      NiGER,  Linn. 


^s 


N.  ORD-SOLANACE^.  126 

(lENUS.— H  YOSC  YAMUS,-  TOURN. 
SEN.  SVST.— I'KNl'ANDKIA   Mi  )N(  )■  ;V.\1  \. 


HYOSCYAMUS. 

SYN.-HYOSCYAMUS  NIGER,  LINN. ;  H.  FLAVUS,  FUCHS. ;  H.  PALLIDUS, 
KIT.;   H.  VULGARIS,  RAIL;  H.  LBTHALIS,  SALISB.;   H.  AGROSTIS. 

COM.  NAMES.- BLACK  HENBANE,  HOGBEAN,  STINKING  NIGHTSHADE, 
POISON  TOBACCO;  iFR.)  JUSQUIAME  NOIR;  iGER.)  BILSENKRAUT. 

.■\    TINCTURE    OF   THE    WHOLE   HERB   HVOSCY.AMUS   NIGER,  LINN. 

Description. — This  annual,  or  biennial,  heavy-scented,  viscid-pubescent,  or 
villous  herb,  usually  attains  a  growth  of  from  i  to  2  feet.  Root  fusiform  ;  siem 
rigid.  Leaves  oblong,  acute,  the  lower  large,  spreading  upon  the  ground,  sinuate- 
toothed  and  angled,  the  upper  more  or  less  amplexicaul  and  partly  decurrent,  the 
uppermost  tending  to  be  entire  and  bract-like,  subtending  the  flowers.  Injioj-es- 
ccncc  in  secund,  scorpioid,  leafy  spikes;  flozocrs  numerous,  sessile.  Calyx  large, 
tubular-campanulate  or  urceolate;  border  5-cleft,  spreading ;  /^tV/^  equal,  broadly 
triangular,  acute.  Corolla  oblique,  funnel-form,  dull  yellowish,  strongly  reticulated 
with  anastomosing  purple  veins  :  limb  spreading,  inclined  to  be  unequally  5-lobed 
and  plaited  ;  lobes  shallow,  rounded,  and  more  or  less  acute.  Slarncns  5,  declined, 
all  perfect,  and  slightly  exserted ;  filaments  inserted  upon  the  cOrolla-tube  near 
its  base  and  continuing  attached  for  about  half  their  length,  where  they  are  also 
hairy  ;  anthers  purple,  turned  upon  their  backs,  and  opening  by  a  longitudinal 
chink.  Style  filiform  ;  stigma  dilated-capitate.  Capsule  membranaceous,  2-celled, 
enclosed  by  the  persistent  calyx,  which  is  now  many-costate  and  reticulate-veiny; 
dehiseenee  by  an  apical  circumscissile  line,  the  top  falling  away  like  a  lid.  Seeds 
very  numerous,  roundish-oval,  slightly  hollowed  upon  each  side  ;  testa  conspicu- 
ously reticulated;  embryo  much  curved,  axile  ;  albumen  copious. 

History  and  Habitat. — Henbane  is  indigenous  to  Europe  and  Western  Asia, 
from  whence  it  was  introduced  into  this  country  by  the  English  settlers,  in  the 
seventeenth  century.  It  grows,  with  us,  near  dwellings  and  settlements,  from  Nova 
.Scotia  and  Canada,  southward  to  the  environs  of  New  York  City  and  Brooklyn, 
where  it  blossoms  from  June  to  August.  The  seeds  are  notably  tenacious  of  life; 
hence  the  plant  is  often  found  in  localities  after  having  disappeared  years  before.f 

*  "Y,-,  vii,  //us,  kyos,  a  hog;   s'la/io;,  iyamos,  a  bean ;   because  it  does  or  docs  not  poison  swine — an  open  question. 

t  Dr.  Bigelow  says:  "About  ten  years  since  (1807),  a  drain,  which  intersects  the  Common  in  Boston,  was  optned 
for  the  purpose  of  repairs.  In  the  following  season  a  distinct  row  of  very  luxuriant  plants  of  Henbane  covered  the  whole 
of  this  drain,  allhough  none  of  iheni  had  been  observed  to  grow  in  the  vicinity  the  preceding  year.  The  seeds  which 
produced  these  pl.ints  had  probably  been  buried  for  more  than  fifteen  years." — Am.  A/kI.  RoI..  I,  161. 


126-2 

Hyoscyamus — principally  H.albus,  Linn. — was  medicinal  among  the  ancients, 
and  the  ToaxvaiKK  (leWac,  of  Dioscorides,  who  rejected  H.  nigcr  as  being  too  highly 
poisonous  for  use.  The  white  species  is  also,  according  to  Sprengel,  described  by 
Hippocrates.  Pliny  speaks  of  Henbane,  as  follows  ■^'■'  "  Moreover,  unto  Hercules 
is  ascribed  Henbane,  which  the  Latins  call  Appollinaris  ;  the  Arabians,  Altercum 
or  Altercangenon  ;  but  the  Greeks,  Hyoscyamus.  Many  kinds  there  be  of  it,  the 
one  beareth  black  seed,  flowers  standing  much  upon  purple,  and  this  herbe  is  full 
of  prickes  ;  and  in  very  truth  such  is  the  Henbane  that  groweth  in  Galatia.  The 
common  Henbane  is  whiter,  and  brauncheth  more  than  the  other,  taller  also  than 
the  poppie.  *  *  *  All  the  sort  of  these  alreadie  named  trouble  the  braine,  and 
put  men  besides  their  right  wits  ;  besi'des  that,  they  breed  dizziness  of  the  head. 
As  touching  the  fourth,  it  carieth  leaves  soft,  full  of  down,  fuller  and  fatter  than 
the  rest:  the  seed  also  is  white,  and  it  groweth  by  the  seaside.  Physicians  are  not 
afraid  to  use  this  in  their  compositions,  no  more  than  that  which  has  red  seed. 
Howbeit,  otherwiles,  this  white  kind  especially,  if  it  bee  not  thoroughly  ripe, 
prooveth  to  be  reddish,  and  then  it  is  rejected  by  the  physicians.  For,  otherwise, 
none  of  them  all  would  be  gathered,  but  when  they  bee  fully  drie.  Henbane  is 
of  the  nature  ot  wine,  and  therefore  offensive  to  the  understanding,  and  troubleth 
the  head.  Howbeit,  good  use  there  is,  both  of  the  seed  it  selfe  as  it  is  in  sub- 
stance, and  also  of  the  oile  or  juice  drawne  out  of  it  apart.  And  yet  the  stalk,  leaves, 
and  roots  are  employed  in  some  purposes.  For  mine  owne  part,  I  hold  it  to  be 
a  dangerous  medicine,  and  not  to  be  used  but  with  great  heed  and  discretion. 
For  this  is  certainly  knowne,  that,  if  one  take  in  drinke  more  than  four  leaves 
thereof,  it  will  put  him  beside  himself.  An  oile  (I  say)  is  made  of  the  seed  thereof 
which,  if  it  be  but  dropped  into  the  eares,  is  ynough  to  trouble  the  braine.  But, 
strange  it  is  of  this  oile,  that,  if  it  be  taken  in  drinke,  it  serveth  as  a  counter  poison. 
.See  how  industrious  men  have  been  to  prove  experiments,  and  made  no  end  of 
trying  all  things,  insomuch  as  they  have  found  meanes,  and  forced  very  poysons  to 
be  remedies."  The  Arabian  physicians  also  rejected  //.  iiigcr  as  a  medicinal 
drug ;   but  in  later  years  it  gradually  took  the  place  of  the  white. 

In  Europe,  the  history  of  Henbane  is  remote.  It  is  spoken  ot  by  Benedictus 
Crispus  (A.  D.  68i)  ;  Macer.  Floridus  (loth  Cent.)  ;  in  Anglo-Sa.xon  works  (i  ith 
Cent.);  "Physicians  of  Myddvai  (13th  Cent.):  and  Arbolayrc,  a  French  herbal 
(15th  Cent.)  ;  from  which  time  it  fell  into  disuse,  until  brought  again  to  the  notice 
of  physicians,  in  1762,  by  Baron  Stcirck.-j- 

Hyoscyamus  is  now  quite  generally  used  by  physicians  of  all  schools,  pre- 
scribing in  the  so-called  physiological  manner,  as  a  sedative  in  various  affections, 
such  as  epilepsy,  hysteria,  mania,  febris  nervosa,  angina  pectoris,  etc.  ;  as  an 
anodyne  in  rheumatism,  arthritis,  podagra,  neuralgia,  gastralgia,  colica  pictorum, 
cephalalgia,  etc.;  as  an  anti-spasmodic  in  asthma,  croup,  pertussis,  phthisical  coughs, 
and  irritable  conditions  of  such  organs  as  are  mostly  supplied  with  involuntary 
muscular  fibres,  as  the  diaphragm,  heart,  lungs,  uterus,  bladder,  and  urethra  ;  and 
as  an  hypnotic  in  all  cases  where  opium  would  be  used,  did  it  not  disagree.     It  is 

*  Hollaiiifs  Trans.,  1601.215.      (H:imilt(in.)  f  Fliickiger  and  ILinliury,  P/i<in)uuvi;rnp/iia,  463. 


^26-3 
also  claimed,  in  this  connection,  that  Hyoscyamus  rather  tends  to  keep  the  bowels 
open,  than  to  constipate  like  opium.  Hyoscyamus  leaves  are  often  used  as  fomen- 
tations or  cataplasms  for  painful  swellings,  such  as  irritable  ulc(;rs,  indurated 
glands,  and  tumors,  as  well  as  in  severe  chordee,  orchitis,  etc.  The  doses  given, 
are:  lo  grains  of  the  powdered  leaves;  5  to  10  grains  of  the  extract;  one-half 
to  I  drachm  of  the  tincture;  or  very  small  doses  of  Hyoscyamine. 

The  laity  have  often  used  the  smoke  of  the  smouldering  leaves  in  odontalgia, 
by  directing  it  into  the  caries  by  means  of  a  paper  funnel ;  but  as  convulsions, 
delirium,  and  other  frightening  symptoms  have  followed  in  some  cases,  this  practice 
is  now  seldom  resorted  to. 

The  following  preparations  and  Ilyoscyaini  Folia,  are  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph. : 
Abslractum  Hyoscyavii ;  Extracta  Hyoscyaini  Alcoholiciun  and  Fluidum,  and  Tinc- 
Uira  Hyoscyaini.  Hyoscyamincp.  Sulphas  is  also  recommended.  In  the  Eclectic 
Dispensatory,  a  tincture  and  the  two  extracts  are  mentioned. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  herb,  gathered  just  before 
flowering,  or  after  the  seed  pods  are  well  formed  and  the  summit  of  the  plant  is 
still  flowering,  is  treated  in  the  manner  laid  down  for  Dulcamara.'-'  The  resulting 
tincture  has  a  clear  brownish-orange  color  by  transmitted  light;  the  strong,  heavy 
odor  of  the  plant;  an  unpleasant,  slightly  bitter  taste;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— //)wo'«w/;/t',tC,,H,,NO,,J  This  noted,  my- 
driatic, highly  poisonous  alkaloid,  was  first  detected  by  Brandes;  Geiger  and  Hesse 
procured  it  in  an  impure  state  from  the  herb  in  1833,  but  it  was  not  isolated  in  a  pure 
state  until  1871,  when  Hohn  extracted  it  from  the  seeds,  which  are  richer  in  this 
principle  than  the  herb.  It  is  described  as  an  oily  liquid,  concreting  later  into 
verrucose-tufted  crystals,  which  Duquesnel  has  succeeded  in  crystallizing  into 
stellately  grouped,  acicular  prisms.  The  crystals  fuse  at  90°  (194°  F.),  and  are 
soluble  in  ether,  chloroform,  alcohol,  and  water.  Hyoscyamine  is  decomposed  by 
caustic  alkalies;  and  in  aqueous  solution,  when  boiled  with  Baryta,  it  splits  into  the 
two  following  bodies: 

Hyoscine,  C,.Hj,N.—  This  volatile,  oily  liquid,  of  an  alkaline  reaction,  having 
a  narcotic  odor,  is  now  claimed,  by  Ladenburg,  to  be  identical  with  Trophic 
(Belladonna)  ;  and  that  Hyoscine  proper  is  a  second  alkaloid  of  Hyoscyamus, 
yielding  different  salts  than  either  Hyoscyamine  or  Tropinc :   and 

Hyoscinic  Acid,  C,,HjfjO.. — This  crystalline  body,  melting  at  105°  (221°  F.), 
is  isomeric  with  Tropic  Acid  (Belladonna)  and  may  yet  be  found  to  be  identical 
with  it. 

Oil  of  Hyoscyamus. — This  thin,  inodorous,  greenish-)  ellow  liquor,  is  obtain- 
able from  the  seeds  by  pressure.  It  has  a  sp.  gr.  of  0.913,  and  is  soluble  in  60 
parts  of  alcohol. 

*  Page  124-2.  f  Hyoscyaitiia,  Duboisin.  J  Hohn  and  Reichardt ;   other  authorities,  C,jHjjNO,. 


126-4 

Potassium  Nitrate,  KNO... — Crystals  of  this  salt  were  isolated  from  this  plant 
by  Attfielcl* 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — All  parts  of  this  plant  are  poisonous;  the 
seeds,  however,  are  the  most  active,  the  root  next,  and,  lasdy,  the  leaves  and 
flowers.  The  effluvium  arising  from  the  cut  and  bruised  leaves  has  been  known 
to  cause  of  itself,  vertigo,  stupor,  and  syncope. 

On  Animals. — Orfila  states  that  the  drug  acts  upon  dogs  much  the  same  as 
upon  man,  producing  dilation  of  the  pupils,  weakness  of  the  posterior  extremities, 
staggering,  and  insensibility.  Moirond  states  that,  given  in  large  quantities  to 
horses,  it  causes  slight  dilation  of  the  pupils,  spasmodic  movements  of  the  limbs, 
and  increased  heart's  action.  On  cats  it  acts  much  the  same  as  upon  dogs. 
Upon  gallinaceous  birds  it  is  supposed  to  have  a  baneful  action  ;  while  cows,  sheep, 
goats,  rabbits,  and  many  other  animals  are  said  to  be  but  slighdy  affected. 

On  Man. — The  action  of  Hyoscyamus  upon  man,  is  that  of  a  powerful  nar- 
cotic poison,  a  severe,  cardiac,  and  cerebral  stimulant,  and  tends  to  produce  general 
-paralysis  of  the  nervous  system.  Of  the  delirium  produced.  Dr.  Harley  remarks 
— as  Dioscorides  had  before  him — that  it  greatly  resembles  that  produced  by 
alcoholic  intoxication. 

The  symptoms  in  general,  resulting  from  taking  the  drug,  are:  Lively,  wild, 
or  busy  delirium,  tending  more  to  the  grotesque  than  to  the  harmful  type  ;  the 
patient  laughs,  talks,  gesticulates,  dances,  etc.,  and  carphologia  is  often  noticed ; 
vertigo  and  confusion  ;  eyes  red,  wild,  and  sparkling,  with  dilation  of  the  pupils  ; 
insensibility  of  the  retina,  and  illusions  of  sight;  redness  of  the  face;  dryness  of 
the  mucous  membranes  of  the  mouth  and  fauces ;  paralysis  of  the  tongue ; 
difificult  degluddon ;  nausea  and  vomiting ;  tympanidc  distention  of  the  abdomen  ; 
diarrhoea,  and  involuntary  passages;  paralysis  of  the  bladder,  and  retention  of 
urine  ;  dry  cough  ;  rapid,  irregular  heart's  action  ;  trembling  of  the  upper  limbs, 
weakness  of  the  legs  ;   convulsions  ;   insomnia  ;   chill,  fever,  and  sweat. 

The  following  cases  of  poisoning  by  this  drug,  will  serve  to  show  its  method 
of  action :  Nine  persons,  having  eaten  the  roots  of  Hyoscyamus,  were  seized  with 
alarming  symptoms :  "  Some  were  speechless,  and  showed  no  other  signs  of  life 
than  by  convulsions,  contortions  of  their  limbs,  and  the  risus  sardoniciis ;  all  hav- 
ing their  eyes  starting  out  of  their  heads,  and  their  mouths  drawn  backwards  on 
both  sides  ;  others  had  all  the  symptoms  alike  ;  however,  five  of  them  did  open 
their  mouths,  now  and  then,  but  it  was  to  utter  bowlings.  The  madness  ot  all  ol 
these  patients  was  so  complete,  and  their  agitations  so  violent,  that,  in  order  to 
give  one  of  them  an  antidote,  I  was  obliged  to  employ  six  strong  men  to  hold  him 
while  I  was  getting  his  teeth  asunder,  to  pour  down  the  remedy.  Upon  their 
recovery,  all  objects  appeared  to  them  as  scarlet,  for  two  or  three  days." — (Dr. 
Patouillat,  Phil.  Trans.,  40,  446.) 

*  Phiirm.  Jour.,  1S62,  447.  For  authorilies  upon  the  Chemistry  of  Hyoscyamus,  ninl  fuither  study,  see  Bililio- 
graphical  Imlex,  in  the  Appemlix. 


126-5 

Seven  persons  ate  broth,  in  which  the  leaves  of  Hyoscyamus  had  been  boiled; 
symptoms  of  intoxication  soon  followed:  "I  saw  them  about  three  hours  after 
having  eat  it ;  and  then  three  of  the  men  were  become  quite  insensible,  did  not 
know  their  comrades,  talked  incoherently,  and  were  in  as  high  a  delirium  as  people 
in  the  rage  of  a  fever;  all  of  them  had  low,  irregular  pulses,  slavered,  and  fre- 
quently changed  color;  their  eyes  looked  fiery,  and  they  catched  at  whatever  lay 
next  them,  calling  out  that  it  was  going  to  fall." — (Dr.  Stednian,  Phil.  Trans.,  1 750.) 

Wepfer  relates  that  several  monks  made  a  repast  on  the  roots  of  wild  endive 
(Cichorium  Intibus),  among  which  were  mixed,  by  mistake,  two  roots  of  Henbane. 
In  a  lew  hours  some  experienced  vertigo,  others  a  burning  of  the  tongue,  lips,  and 
throat ;  severe  pains  were  also  felt  in  the  iliac  regions,  and  in  all  the  joints.  The 
intellectual  faculties  and  the  organs  of  vision  were  perverted,  and  they  gave  them- 
selves up  to  actions  which  were  mad  and  ridiculous.  In  other  cases,  a  haggard 
countenance,  dilation  of  the  pupils,  difficulty  of  breathing,  small  and  intermittent 
pulse,  loss  of  speech,  trismus,  and  temporary  loss  of  intellect  have  been  the  prin- 
cipal symptoms  ;  while  the  extremities  have  been  observed  to  be  cold  and  nearly 
paralyzed. — (Orfila  2,  135.) 

A  woman,  a;t.  34,  swallowed,  in  mistake  for  a  black  draught,  an  ounce  and  a 
half  of  the  tincture  of  Hyoscyamus,  made  apparently  from  the  biennial  plant,  and 
resembling  the  pharmacopoeial  tincture.  (The  annual  plant  is  said  to  make  a 
weaker  tincture.)  In  ten  minutes  she  had  a  hot,  burning,  pricking  sensation  in 
the  hands,  feet,  and  legs ;  became  giddy  and  delirious,  and  complained  of  great 
dryness  in  the  throat.  Shordy  after,  in  attempting  to  get  out  of  bed,  she  found 
her  legs  were  powerless.  A  purplish  rash  appeared  over  the  body,  particularly 
about  the  neck  and  face,  which  were  much  swollen.  The  draught  was  taken  at 
5  .\.  M.  At  9  A.  M.  Dr.  White  found  her  almost  insensible  and  unable  to  speak. 
The  tongue  was  swollen,  brown,  and  dry,  and  put  out  with  difficulty;  the  face 
swollen  and  scarlet ;  the  pupils  were  so  dilated  that  the  iris  was  a  mere  thread- 
like ring ;  the  skin  hot  and  dry.  The  poison  had  been  taken  on  an  empty  stomach. 
There  was  no  sickness.  In  three  hours  she  passed  a  motion  smelling  strongly  of 
this  drug,  but  the  odor  was  not  perceived  in  the  urine.  She  could  not  see  distinctly. 
All  motion  in  the  extremities  was  lost,  and  their  sensibility  was  diminished.  At 
4  I'.  M.  she  was  delirious,  and  there  was  a  sickness  ;  1 1  i'.  m.,  shivering  and  coldness 
of  the  skin.  At  9  a.  m.  the  next  day  she  could  see  and  articulate  better.  The  iris 
was  half  a  line  in  breadth.  Brandy,  opium,  ammonia,  and  other  remedies  were 
used,  and  she  gradually  improved.  It  was  si.x  days  before  she  acquired  a  partial 
use  of  her  legs,  and  could  not  then  stand  without  being  supported  on  both  sides. 
She  had  cjuite  lost  her  memory,  and  talked  in  a  rambling  manner.  She  was 
unable  to  remember  for  a  minute  a  single  sentence  or  word  she  hatl  uttered  or 
read. — (Dr.  White,  Lancet,  July  5,  1873,  p.  8.) 

Two  men  ate  the  young  shoots  of  the  plant.  The  first  effect  was  that  the 
earth  seemed  to  pass  suddenly  from  under  them  ;  the  tongue  became  paralyzed, 
and  their  limbs  were  cold,  torpid,  paralyzed,  and  insensible  ;  the  arms  were  in  a 
state  of  spasmodic  action  ;   the  pupils  were  dilated,  the  look  was  fixed  and  vacant ; 


126-6 

breathing  difficult;  the  pulse  small  and  intermittent.  Beside  these  symptoms, 
there  was  the  spasmodic  grin  {risits  sardonicus),  with  delirium  ;  and  the  jaws  were 
spasmodically  closed.  Under  treatment  the  men  recovered  in  the  course  of  two 
days. —  (Orfila,  4eme  ed.,  vol.  2,  p.  264.) 

A  woman  collected  in  a  field  a  quantity  of  the  roots  by  mistake  for  parsnips. 
They  were  boiled  in  soup,  of  which  nine  persons  in  the  family  partook  without 
remarking  any  particular  taste.  Very  shortly  afterward  the  whole  of  these  per- 
sons felt  uneasy,  and  complained  of  a  bitter,  acrid  taste  in  the  mouth,  with  nausea. 
The  pupils  of  the  eyes  were  dilated,  and  there  was  indistinctness  of  vision.  These 
symptoms  were  followed  by  great  resdessness,  convulsions,  and  continued  delirium. 
The  patients  successively  lost  the  power  of  vision,  hearing,  and  voice,  and  were 
affected  with  stupor  and  insurmountable  somnolency. — [Ed.  Med.  and  S.  J.,  Oct., 
1844,  p.  562.) 

Post-Mortem. — Orfila  quotes  a  case  of  fatal  poisoning  by  the  roots,  and  Wib- 
mer  one  by  the  leaves.  The  appearances  were  those  of  general  congestion  of 
dark-colored  liquid  blood  in  the  venous  system,  such  condition  being  found  in  the 
luno-s  and  brain.  There  are  commonly  found  no  traces  of  irritation  or  infiammation 
in  the  stomach  or  bowels. 

"The  differential  diagnosis  of  the  three  mydriatics  in  the  treatment  of  head 
affections  is  fairly  stated  by  Dr.  Phillips.  In  cases  of  cerebral  hypera;mia,  the 
severer  forms  are  removed  by  Belladonna,  while  Hyoscyamus  proves  its  value 
when  there  is  litde  or  no  congestion,  but  much  excitement.  So  in  the  case  of 
delirium  ;  the  forms  of  this  disorder,  for  which  Hyoscyamus  is  adapted,  are  the 
milder  and  less  inflammatory  ones,  whereas  the  severer  cases  are  better  dealt 
with  by  Belladonna  and  Stramonium.  Hyoscyamus  is  specially  useful  again  in 
those  cases  of  delirium  with  hallucinations  which  are  accompanied  with  little  or  no 
cerebral  congestion,  but  where  there  is  great  excitability  of  the  nervous  system, 
and  where  there  is  reason  to  fear  that  the  operation  of  opium  would  prove 
injurious." — (Hughes,  Phannacodynamics,  p.  414.) 


Description  of  Plate  126. 

I.    A  flowering  and  fruiting  branch,  from  near  lioston,  July  27th,  1884. 

2.  (Jpened  corolla. 

3.  Stamen. 

4.  Opened  calyx,  showing  pistil. 

5.  Horizontal  section  of  the  ovary. 

6.  Fruiting  calyx. 

7.  Fruit. 

8.  Longitudinal  section  of  fruit. 

9.  Dehiscent  fruit. 

10.  Seed.  )  _        ,. 

T         •.   J-     1        .■  c        J    '  ^  S°  cnameters. 

11.  Longitudinal  section  of  seed  J 

(2-9  enlarged.) 


natdel.et^inxt 


Datura  Stramonium, Linn. 


N.  ORD -SOLANACE^.  127 

Tribe.-HYOSCYAME/E. 

GENUS.— DATURA,*  LINN. 


SEX.  SVSr,-rENT.'\NORl.\  MONOGVNI.V. 


stramonium; 

THORJf-APPLE. 

SYN.— DATURA  STRAMONIUM,  LINN. ;  STRAMONIUM  SPINOSUM,  GER. ;  S. 
FCETIDUM,  SCOP. ;  S.  VULGATUM,  GABRT. 

COM.  NAMES.— THORN-APPLE,  DEVIL'S  APPLE,  MAD  APPLE,'  APPLE  OP 
PERU.  JAMESTOWN  OR  JIMSON  WEED,  STINK-WEED;  (PR.)  POMMB 
EPINEUSE  OU  L'ENDORMIB  ;  (GER.j  STECKAPPEL. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  RIPE  SEED  OF  D.\TURA  STRAMONIUM,  L. 

Description. — This  rank,  glabrous,  annual,  bushy  berb,  grows  to  a  height  of 
from  2  to  4  feet.  Rooi  tapering,  somewhat  branched.  Stem  very  smooth,  subcylin- 
drical,  green  and  succulent,  at  first  bifurcating,  then  dichotomously  branching. 
Leaves  alternate,  and  at  times  opposite,  upon  the  same  plant,  in  reality  more  or 
less  scattered  ;  all  more  or  less  cordate  at  the  base,  but  in  many  instances  unequal, 
in  this  case  one  side  of  the  base  is  prolonged  decurrently  along  the  upper  side  of 
the  petiole.  In  outline  the  leaves  are  ovate,  very  irregularly  sinuate,  and  laciniately 
toothed  or  angled  ;  they  are  smooth,  deep  green  above,  pale  beneath,  and  all  the 
older  ones  are  plentifully  perforated  by  the  ravages  of  worms.  InfloresceJice  soli- 
tary in  the  forks  of  the  branches ;  flowers  erect,  2  to  4  inches  long,  raised  upon  a 
short  rigid  peduncle.  Calyx  tubular,  prismatic,  half-persistent,  circumscissile,  /.  e., 
separating  transversely  above  the  base,  the  upper  portion  falling  away,  the  lower 
remaining  persistent  and  forming  in  fruit  a  peltate  border  to  the  under  side  of  the 
capsule  ;  limb  5-toothed.  Corolla  infundibuliform,  delicate,  creamy  white,  convo- 
lute-plicate in  aestivation ;  limb  plaited,  larger  and  spreading,  5-toothed  ;  sinuses 
long  subulate-pointed.  Slatnejis  5,  included  ;  filaments  long  and  filiform,  inserted 
upon  the  tube  of  the  corolla  ;  anthers  adnate,  oblong  and  pointed.  Style  slender, 
longer  than  the  stamens,  but  not  exserted  ;  stigma  clavate,  2-lipped.  Fruit  an 
erect,  globose-ovoid  and  more  or  less  quadrilateral,  divergently  echinate,  2-celIed 
pod;  pericarp  coriaceous;  valves  4;  placentce  2,  thick,  projected  from  the  axis  into 
the  middle  of  each  cell,  where  each  division  becomes  somewhat  expanded  into  two 
placentiferous  lines  at  the  middle,  thus  rendering  the  pod  in  reality  4-celled,  except 
at  its  apex.  Seeds  very  numerous,  rather  large,  laterally  flattened  horizontally,  and 
somewhat  reniform;  /^.f/a  crustaceous,  scrobiculate-rugose  ;  embryo  much  curved. 

*  The  Arabic  name  Tatorah  (Indian  Daturo),  given  to  D.fasluosa,  Linn, 
t  Srpiixw/ioi'iwK,  sirychnomanikon,  referring  lo  ils  causing  madness. 


127-2 

History  and  Habitat. — Stramonium  is  judged  by  De  Candolle  to  be  indige- 
nous to  the  Old  World,  probably  to  the  borders  of  the  Caspian  Sea  and  the  adja- 
f  ent  regions.  It  is  one  of  the  many  Solanaceous  plants  whose  origin  is  exceedingly 
doubtful.  This  species  is  now  only  found  near  the  habitations  of  man,  and  then 
generally  in  garbage  heaps  where  the  soil  is  loose  but  rich,  being  in  reality  a  true 
weed  of  civilization,  scattered  throughout  almost  all  of  the  temperate  and  warmer 
regions  of  the  globe.  It  was  at  one  time  seriously  maintained  that  America  was 
its  birthplace,  but  in  no  locality  here  does  it  at  all  approach  a  situation  that  has  the 
semblance  of  a  natural  site;  so  thoroughly  does  it  cling  to  waste  heaps  that  the 
American  Aborigines  named  it  The  White  Maiis  Plant  in  allusion  to  its  only 
place  of  growth,  i.  e.,  near  the  homes  of  the  civilized.  With  us  in  the  North,  it 
blossoms  from  July  to  October, and  ripens  its  capsules  from  September  to  November. 

The  first  notice  of  Stramonium  is,  in  all  probability,  that  of  Fuchsius  (1542), 
who  states  that  it  was  introduced  into  Germany  from  Italy.*  Gerarde  (who 
received  some  of  the  seeds  from  Lord  Zouch,  who  sent  them  from  Constantinople, 
about  the  end  of  the  i6th  century),  cultivated  the  plant  in  England. 

Baron  Storck  was  first  to  introduce  the  plant  into  medicine,  to  any  extent. 
He  used  it  internally  in  mania  and  epilepsy.  "  If,"  he  says,  "  Stramonium  produces 
symptoms  of  madness  in  a  healthy  person,  would  it  not  be  desirable  to  make 
experiments  in  order  to  discover  whether  this  plant,  by  its  effects  on  the  brain  in 
changing  the  ideas  and  the  state  of  the  sensorium  (/.  e.,  of  the  part,  whatever  it 
may  be,  which  is  the  centre  of  action  of  the  nerves  upon  the  body) — should  we 
not,  I  say,  try  whether  this  plant  would  not  restore  to  a  healthy  state  those  who 
are  suffering  from  alienation  of  mind  ?  and  if  by  the  change  which  Stramonium 
would  cause  in  those  who  suffer  from  convulsions,  by  putting  them  into  a  contrary 
state  to  that  in  which  they  were,  would  it  not  cause  their  cure?"  Bergius  states -j- 
that  he  frequently  saw  maniacs  restored  to  saneness  of  mind,  which  they  never 
afterward  lost,  by  the  continued  use  of  the  extract  of  Stramonium  ;  and  that  by  the 
same  means  he  effectually  cured  the  delirium  so  often  attendant  upon  child-birth. 

In  general  practice  Stramonium  has  been  used  as  a  narcotic,  soothing  drug, 
in  chorea  (Wedenberg)  ;  epilepsy  (Odhelius)  ;  neuralgia ;  and  tic-douloureux  ; 
and  as  an  ointment,  for  the  same  purpose,  in  recent  burns  and  scalds,  nympho- 
mania and  rheumatism.  One  of  its  principal  uses,  however,  has  been  that  of  the 
dried  leaves,  smoked  as  cigarettes,  during  the  spasm  of  asthma,  a  practice  highly 
recommended  by  Dr.  Bigelow. 

The  officinal  parts  of  this  plant  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  are :  Strainoiiii  Folia  and 
Stravi07iii  Semen;  of  the  latter  the  preparations  are:  Extraction  Strainonii ; 
Extractum  Stramonii  Fluidjcm,  and  Tinctnra  Strainonii.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia 
Medica  the  following  preparations  are  recommended:  Cataplasma  Stramonii ; 
Extractum  Stramonii  Alcoholicum ;  Tinctrira  Stramonii ;  Ungucntnm  Stramonii. 
The  drug  also  plays  a  part  in  their  Tinctnra  Viburnii  Composita  and  Unguentum 
Stramonii  Compositum  .\ 

*  Sprengel,  Hist.  Rei.  Herb.,  ii,  326.  f  ^"l^-  <f"  Plantes  Vl-n.  et  Siisp.  de  Fr.,  i,  38;  and  Mat.  Mi;/.,  1.  c. 

X  Dulcamara,  Stramonium,  Cicuta,  Belladonna,  Rumex,  and  Oleum  Terebinthinse. 


127-3 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  ripe  seeds  are  powdered  and  cov- 
ered in  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  with  five  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol,  and  allowed  to 
stand  for  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place  ;  vigorously  shaking  the  vial  twice  a  day. 

The  tincture  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration  is  clear,  and  has  a  beautiful 
brownish-orange  color  by  transmitted  light.  The  slight  odor  it  exhales  is  not 
characteristic ;  it  has  no  peculiar  taste,  but  leaves  a  numb  feeling  upon  the  tongue 
very  similar  to  that  caused  by  carbolic  acid.     Its  reaction  is  acid. 

Should  the  bottle  be  left  longer  before  filtration,  the  tincture  will  become 
stronger  each  day  until  it  is  opaque.  Then  in  thin  layers  it  exhibits  a  beautiful 
orange-red  color  by  transmitted  light,  and  when  looked  down  upon  presents  a 
brilliant  iridescent,  crrass-oreen  film,  which  does  not  chance  durincj  atritation, 
although  it  appears  like  a  stratum  separable  from  the  rest  of  the  preparation. 
This  last  preparation  is,  of  course,  unofficinal,  but  is  mentioned  simply  to  show 
that  our  tincture  does  not  represent  the  full  strength  of  the  seed. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Da/nj-a-A/ro/y/^ic  or  £>a/nri/!c.— This  body 
was  discovered  in  Stramonium  by  Geiger  and  Hesse  in  1833.  A.  von  Planta  in 
1850  proved  it  identical  with  Atropine*  not  only  in  solubility  and  fusibility,  but 
also  in  its  chemical  composition  (Cj-Hg^NO^),  and  many  physical  properties.  It 
differs,  however,  sufficiently  to  suggest  to  Herr  Schmidt  that  we  should  distinguish 
the  two  products  by  prefixing  the  name  of  the  plant  from  which  each  is  derived. 
Ledenburgf  says,  doubtless  Daturine,  Hyoscyamine,  Atropine,  and  Duboisine  are 
identical. 

The  following  points  of  difterence  are,  however,  distinguishable  between  the 
two  alkaloids:  The  crystals  are  said  to  differ  somewhat  in  form  ;J  datura-atropine 
is  levogyrate,  while  atropa-atropine  is  non-rotary ;  §  platinic  chloride  precipitates 
atropa-atropine  salts,  but  not  salts  of  datura-atropine,  and  picric  acid  precipitates 
datura-atropine,  but  not  atropa-atropine  ;  ||  atropa-atropine  is  said  to  be  twice  as 
poisonous  as  datura-atropine;^  and  it  is  claimed  that  datura-atropine  is  thrice  as 
powerful  a  dilatant  of  the  pupil  as  its  isomer,  and  that  the  dilation  lasts  longer.** 

Atropa-atropine  or  atropine,  Cj-H.^^O^  as  purified  after  its  extraction  from  the 
flowering  Belladonna,  forms  prisms,  having  a  nauseous,  bitter  and  burning  taste, 
and  causing  a  dryness  of  the  mouth  and  fauces,  widi  constriction  of  the  throat. 
Even  in  very  small  doses  it  produces  congestive  headache  and  dilatation  of  the 
pupil.  It  is  readily  soluble  in  alcohol,  less  so  in  water;  its  solubility  is  increased 
in  each  by  the  addition  of  heat.  It  fuses  at  90°  (194°  F.) ;  and  at  140''  (284°  F.) 
it  breaks  down,  the  greater  portion  being  destroyed ;  by  farther  heating  on  plati- 
num-foil it  bursts  into  a  flame,  and  the  slight  residue  soon  vanishes. 

Stramonin. — This  chemically  uninvestigated  body  was  separated  from  the  tinc- 
ture of  the  seeds,  by  Trommsdorf.f-j-  It  is  described  as  a  white,  tasteless  powder  ; 
sparingly  soluble  in  alcohol,  insoluble  in  water  and  fusing  at  150°  (302°  F.). 


*  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  XXIII.,  38.  t  Berichie.  dtr  Ckim.  ges.,  1880,  380.  J  Erhard,  l865. 

\  Poehl,  I'etersb.  Med.  Wochrnsch.,  1877,  No.  20.  ||  Poehl,  1.  c.  \  Schroff. 

**  Jobert,  Ann.  de-Therap.,  1863,  28.  ft  Wittstein,  I.  c. 


127-4 

Brandes,  In  his  analysis  of  the  seeds,  extracted  a  fixed  oil,  fat  oil,  fatty  matter, 
wax,  resin  insoluble  in  ether,  red  extractive  matter,  uncrystallizable  sugar,  gum, 
gummy  extractive,  malic  acid,  and  various  uncharacteristic  bodies. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Datura  Stramonium  acts  very  powerfully  upon 
the  cerebro-spinal  system,  causing  a  line  of  symptoms  showing  it  to  be  a  narcoto- 
irritant  of  high  degree.  The  symptoms  collated  from  many  cases  of  poisoning  by 
this  drug  are  :  Vertigo,  with  staggering  gait,  and  finally  unconsciousness  ;  stupor 
and  deep  sleep,  with  stertorous  breathing ;  mania,  with  loquaciousness  or  melan- 
cholia ;  hallucinations  of  terrifying  aspect,  the  patient  bites,  strikes  and  screams, 
and  throws  the  arms  about,  or  picks  and  grasps  at  unattainable  objects ;  con- 
gestive headaches,  with  dull  beating  and  throbbing  in  the  vertex.  The  pupils 
are  dilated,  and  the  patient  suffers  from  photophobia,  diplopia  and  hemeralopia ; 
the  eyes  are  wide  open,  staring,  and  set,  or  are  contorted,  rolling,  and  squinting. 
The  face  becomes  red,  bloated,  and  hot,  the  mouth  spasmodically  closed,  and  the 
tongue  dry  and  swollen  ;  the  patient  suffers  greatly  from  thirst,  but  the  sight  of 
water  throws  him  into  a  spasm  and  causes  great  constriction  of  the  throat,  foaming 
at  the  mouth,  and  other  symptoms  similar  to  those  of  hydrophobia.  There  is  often 
nausea,  but  seldom  vomiting.  The  sexual  functions  are  often  excited,  more  espe- 
cially in  women,  in  whom  it  causes  nymphomania.  Spasms  of  the  muscles  of  the 
chest  are  of  frequent  occurrence  ;  inspiration  is  slow  and  expiration  quick. 
Paralysis  of  the  lower  limbs  and  loss  of  speech,  with  twitchings  and  jerkings  of 
muscles  often  mark  a  case.  Its  action  will  be  seen  to  be  similar  to  that  of  Bella- 
donna, yet  differing  in  many  respects. 

A  few  of  the  many  cases  of  poisoning  by  this  plant  will  serve  to  show  its 
mode  of  action  : 

Beverly  states*  that  some  of  the  soldiers  sent  to  Jamestown  to  quell  the 
rebellion  of  Bacon,  gathered  the  young  sprouts  of  Stramonium  and  ate  them  as  a 
potage,  "  the  effect  of  which  was  a  very  pleasant  comedy,  for  they  turned  natural 
tools  upon  it  for  several  days.  One  would  blow  up  a  feather  in  the  air,  another 
would  dart  straws  at  it  with  fury  ;  another,  stark  naked,  was  sitting  up  in  a  corner 
like  a  monkey,  grinning  and  making  maws  at  them  ;  a  fourth  would  fondly  kiss 
and  paw  his  companions,  and  smile  in  their  faces  with  a  countenance  more  antic 
than  any  in  a  Dutch  droll.  A  thousand  simple  tricks  they  played,  and  after  eleven 
days  returned  to  themselves  again,  not  remembering  anything"  that  had  passed." 
J.  R.  Dodge  statesf  that  "  Datura  mcteloides  grows  abundantly  on  the  Colorado 
River,  in  Arizona,  and  that  the  Mohave  Indians  gather  the  leaves  and  roots,  bruise 
and  mix  them  with  water,  and  after  being  allowed  to  stand  several  hours,  the  liquid 
is  drawn  off.  It  is  a  highly  narcotic  drink,  producing  a  stupefying  effect,  which  is 
not  very  easy  to  remove.  The  Mohaves  will  often  drink  this  nauseous  liquid,  as 
they  are  very  fond  of  any  kind  of  intoxication."  The  California  Indians  use  a 
decoction  of  this  species  to  stimulate  young  females  in  dancing.  The  Pah-Utes 
call  the  plant  Alain-oph-wcep ;  they  ferment   in    the   sun  a  watery  infusion   of  the 


Hist,  of  Virginia,  121.  \  U.  S.  Agric.  Rep.,  1S70,  423. 


127-5 

bruised  seeds,  and  drink  die  liquor  for  the  purpose  of  intoxication.*  Dr.  Schlesier 
met  a  casef  in  which  the  subject,  a  boy,  aet.  4,  mistook  the  fruit  of  Stramonium  for 
poppy  heads,  and  ate  a  quantity  of  them.  "  Soon  afterwards  his  face  was  flushed, 
his  eyes  were  glistening  and  in  constant  motion,  the  pupils  much  dilated,  and  the 
countenance  was  that  of  an  into.xicated  person.  He  sat  up  in  bed  quite  uncon- 
scious, but  continually  babbling  and  occasionally  starting  up  suddenly,  his  hands 
apparently  directed  at  imaginary  objects  in  the  air.  His  pulse  was  very  slow ; 
there  was  no  fever,  but  intense  thirst  and  violent  perspiration  from  incessant 
motion."  Dr.  Turner;};  describes  the  effects  upon  two  children  who  had  eaten  the 
seeds:  "In  an  hour  and  a  half  they  were  fully  under  the  influence  of  the  poison. 
They  were  lying  on  their  backs,  eyes  bright,  pupils  widely  dilated  and  insensible 
to  light,  conjunctiva  injected,  faces  deeply  suffused,  and  of  a  dark-crimson  color; 
difficulty  of  breathing,  inability  to  articulate,  and  in  a  state  of  complete  insensi- 
bility, broken  occasionally  by  a  paroxysm,  during  which  they  would  utter  some 
indistinct  sounds  and  throw  their  hands  about,  as  if  trying  to  ward  off  some  threat- 
ening evil.  They  then  fell  into  a  comatose  state,  but  were  easily  roused  into  a 
state  of  violent  excitement;  they  grasped  at  imaginary  objects;  there  was  picking 
of  the  bedclothes,  with  paroxysms  of  excessive  laughter." 

The  Thugs,  a  society  of  stealthy  fanatic  murderers  of  India,  often  employ 
D.  fastuosa  and  alba  to  render  their  intended  victims  unconscious. 

On  Animals. — Orfila  found  that  half  an  ounce  killed  a  dog  within  twenty-four 
hours  ;  and  a  quarter  of  an  ounce  applied  to  an  open  wound  in  another,  killed  him 
in  six  hours.  The  symptoms  in  each  case  showed  that  the  effects  were  produced 
upon  the  nervous  system  in  general. 

Post-mortem. — The  blood  was  found  to  be  semi-fluid  throughout  the  body, 
the  few  coagula  that  are  met  with  in  the  auricles  and  large  veins  are  very  thor- 
oughly formed  and  easily  broken  down.  A  slight  injection  of  the  mucous  mem- 
brane of  the  larynx,  pharynx,  and  upper  portion  of  the  oesophagus  was  observed. 
The  rima  glottidis  was  thickened  and  very  turgid.  The  alimentary  tract,  however, 
was  found  absolutely  normal. § 

From  the  symptoms  caused  by  this  drug,  its  homoeopathic  adaptability  to 
hydrophobia  will  be  at  once  evident.  There  is  no  drug  so  far  proven  that  deserves 
as  thorough  and  careful  a  trial  in  this  dread  disease  as  Stramonium.  The  following, 
from  a  letter  written  by  the  Catholic  Bishop  of  Singapore  to  the  Straits  Tunes,  has 
just  come  to  my  notice.  This  bishop  says  he  thinks  it  his  duty  to  publish  the 
remedies  used  in  the  missions  in  Tonquin  for  the  cure  of  hydrophobia.  These,  he 
says,  consist  first,  in  giving  as  much  star-aniseed  as  may  be  contained  on  a  cent 
piece ;  and  secondly,  in  making  the  patient  take  some  water  in  which  a  handful  of 
the  leaves  of  stramony,  or  thorn-apple,  or  pear-apple,  is  infused.  These  will  cause 
an  access  of  the  convulsions  or  delirium,  during  which  the  padent  must  be  tied  ; 
but  on  its  abatement  he  will  be  cured.     If  the  remedy  act  too  violendy,  either  by 

*  Dr.  Edward  Palmer  in  Am.  Nat.,  1878,  650.  f  Canstatt's   Jahrbtieh,  1844,  297. 

J  Am.  Jour,  of  Med.  Sci.,  1864,  552.  \  Mr.  Duffin's  case  (his  youngest  daughter),  Lancet,  1845,  195. 


127-6 

too  much  being  administered,  or  on  account  of  there  being  no  virus  of  real  hydro- 
phobia, the  consequences  may  be  ameliorated  by  making  the  patient  drink  an 
infusion  of  licorice  root,  a  most  precious  antidote  against  poisoning  by  stramony. 
In  1869,  the  bishop  relates,  a  very  honorable  member  of  the  clergy  of  Paris  was 
bitten  by  a  pet  dog,  which  died  thirty  hours  afterwards  with  the  most  charac- 
terized convulsions  of  rabies.  The  following  day  he  felt  the  first  symptoms  of  the 
dreadful  disease,  and  these  augmented  in  intensity  every  day.  The  priest,  how- 
ever, applied  at  once  all  sorts  of  known  remedies,  ancient  and  modern,  and  even 
employed  a  very  small  dose  of  stramony.  Each  time  he  used  the  latter  the  pro- 
gress of  the  disease  ceased  for  some  hours,  even  days,  and  then  continued  its 
ravages  with  greater  intensity  than  before.  When  the  fatal  issue  was  at  hand, 
just  at  the  crisis  of  the  disease,  when  the  paroxysms  had  attained  the  greatest 
violence,  the  patient,  with  almost  superhuman  energy,  began  chewing  a  pinch  of 
dried  stramony  leaves,  swallowing  the  juice.  The  effect  was  not  long  in  making 
itself  felt.  In  half  an  hour  the  disease  had  attained  its  height,  the  patient  being 
delirious  during  the  convulsions  ;  but  on  the  following  clay  he  was  perfectly  cured. 
"The  same  remedy,"  concludes  the  bishop,  "is  used  in  India,  and  is  always  suc- 
cessful." 

Description  of  Plate  127. 

I.   End  of  a  flowering  branch  and  portion  of  the  main  stem,  Jersey  City,  N.  J.,  July  loth,  1884. 

2.  Stamen. 

3.  Ovary. 

4.  Stigma. 

5.  Pollen  X  200. 
,                                                                               (2-4  enlarged.) 


I-^l! 


V-  s\  .(".  •''  1  - 


&( 


m 


>^ 


^!i^ 


/<. 


Gm.adnai.del.ttpinxt. 


NiCOTIANA     TABACUM,Linn 


N.  ORD-SOLANACE^.  128 

Tribe.-NICOTIANE/E. 

GENUS— NICOTIAN  A,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SYST.— PENTANDRIA  MONOGYNIA. 


TABACUM. 

TOBACCO  A 


SYN.— NICOTIANA    TABACUM,    LINN.,    NICOTIANA    MACROPHYLLA, 

SPRBNGBL,  LEHM.,  HYOSCYAMUS  PERUVIANUS,  GERARD. 
COM.  NAMES.— TOBACCO;  (FR.)  TABAC  ;  (GER.)  TABAK. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  LE.WES  OF  NICOTIANA  TABACUM,  L.     A  TINCTURE  OF 
THE  ALKALOID  NICOTINUM. 


Description.— This  largely  cultivated,  rank,  acrid,  annual  herb,  the  base  of  the 
most  wide-spread  of  all  narcotic  habits,  grows  to  a  height  of  from  4  to  6  feet  at 
its  flowering  season.  Root  long,  fibrous  and  tap-shaped.  Stem  erect,  simple, 
cylindrical,  solid  and  viscid-pubescent.  Leaves  alternate,  bright-green  upon  the 
upper  surface,  paler  beneath,  those  of  the  base  more  or  less  petioled,  large  and 
broad,  ovate  and  from  one  and  one-half  to  two  feet  long,  by  from  10  to  18  inches 
broad ;  those  of  the  upper  part  of  the  plant  more  or  less  amplectant,  oval-oblong 
or  oval-lanceolate,  all  entire  acute  and  glandularly  pubescent.  Inflorescence  a 
terminal  spreading  panicle  of  rose  colored  or  white  flowers  ;  bracts  lanceolate,  acute. 
Ca/yx  inflated-tubular  or  campanulate,  5-cleft,  viscid-hairy;  teeth  narrow-lanceolate, 
acute.  Corolla ;  lube  funnel-form,  clammy-pubescent,  from  one  and  one-half  to 
two  inches  long;  lh7ib  salver-form,  plaited,  5-cleft,  the  lobes  acute  and  broadly 
triangular.  Stamens  5,  equal  or  nearly  so ;  filaments  inserted  upon  the  base  of 
the  corolla  and  nearly  as  long  as  the  tube  ;  anthers  small,  opening  longitudinally. 
Ovary  ovate,  2-celled  ;  style  slender,  about  equal  in  length  to  the  filaments  ;  stigma 
capitate,  2-lobed.  Fruit  a  2-celled  ovate  capsule,  situated  in  the  cup  of  the  per- 
sistent calyx;  dehiscence  ?,&'^\az\6.?\  from  the  apex;  valves  2,  becoming  at  length 
separated;  pericarp  papyraceous,  thin.  Seeds  innumerable,  minute,  subcylindri- 
cal ;  testa  sinuously,  raised-reticulate. 

History  and.  Habitat.— There  seems  to  be  little  doubt  that  tobacco  is  a  native 
of  some  i)ortion  of  South  or  Central  America,  where  it  appears  to  have  been  used 
by  the  natives  as  a  narcotic  from  prehistoric  times.  The  first  intimation  history 
gives  of  its  use,  is  the  account  of  the  .Spaniards  with  Columbus,  who,  upon  landing 
at  St.  Domingo,  in  1492,  discovered  the  natives  smoking  cylinders  of  the  dried 
leaves,  which  they  called  cohiba.     In  1498  its  use  was  again  noted  by  them  upon 

*Jean  Nicot,  vide  History  and  Habitat,  p.  128-2.  f  Origin  somewhat  doubtful,  vide  idem. 


12S-2 

the  British  West  Indian  Island  of  Tobago.  It  was  either  from  this  island,  or  from 
the  native  word  meaning  pipe,  lobcxco,  that  the  specific  name  was  derived.  Tobacco 
was  quite  extensively  used  by  the  Spaniards  in  Yucatan  as  early  as  1520,  and 
from  there  its  use  was  introduced  into  Spain  by  Hernandez  de  Toledo  in  1559; 
about  this  time  also,  it  was  first  grown  in  Europe,  at  Lisbon,  and  from  there  in 
1560,  Jean  Nicot,  ambassador  to  France,  sent  seeds,  mentioning  them  as  the 
germs  of  a  medicinal  plant  of  great  value.  From  this  circumstance  Linnaeus 
honored  him  with  its  generic  name,  Nicofinna.  In  15S5  its  use  by  the  Canadian 
Indians  was  discovered,  and  in  1586  it  was  brought  to  England  by  Sir  Francis 
Drake  and  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  and  his  companions.  About  the  year  1  6co  the 
plant  was  introduced  into  Java,  Turkey,  India  and  China,  though  some  historians 
feel  confident  that  the  Chinese  had  used  the  leaves  long  before  this  period,  attempt- 
ing thus  to  more  fully  substantiate  the  theory  often  promulgated  that  the  Chinese 
had  visited  the  western  shores  of  America  long  before  the  discovery  of  the  eastern 
coasts  by  the  Spaniards.  The  rapidity  with  which  this  plant  has  traveled  from  one 
extremity  of  the  temperate  and  torrid  zones  to  the  other,  notwithstanding  the  act 
of  English  Parliament,  the  Popish  bull,  the  Russian  knout  and  death,  the  com- 
mands of  the  priests  and  sultans  of  Turkey  and  Persia,  and  the  edict  of  the 
hwang-ti  of  China,  is  almost  incredible,  the  very  opposition  that  attended  its  first 
introduction  into  all  countries  seemed  only  to  urge  its  onward  rush,  until  it  has 
gained  to-day  a  prominence  greater  than  any  other  known  plant. 

Besides  the  true  Virginian  tobacco  [N'icoliana  Tabaciini,  L.)  for  which  the 
genus  was  composed,  the  following  species  and  varieties  have  been  determined  : 
A^.  rtistica,  L.,  a  species  with  greenish-yellow  flowers,  cultivated  in  Mexico,  India, 
Syria,  and  Turkey  (Zrt;^^z/&/«),  and  found  escaped  in  the  northern  United  States; 
I\F.  Tcibaciim,  v:ir.  undidata,  Sendtmr,  found  in  Brazil;  N.  quadrivahis,  var.  miilti- 
valvis,  Gray,  a  relic  of  aboriginal  cultivation  in  Oregon  ;  N.  Paliucri,  an  Arizo- 
nian  species  (Palmer);  N.  Clevelandi,  a  Californian  species  (Cleveland);  N.  Plinn- 
baginifolia,  I'iv.,  a  Mexican  species  (Berlandier);  N.  fruciicosa,  L.,  a  beautiful 
species  with  sharply  pointed  capsules  ;  N.persica,  Lindl.,  cultivated  as  the  fragrant 
Shiraz  or  Persian  tobacco  ;  N.  rcpanc/a,  IVilld.,  furnishing  the  fine  Havana  and 
Cuban  leaves  ;  N'.  quadrivalvis,  Pursh.,  used  by  the  Indians  along  the  Missouri 
river,  and  called  by  them  nonrhaxi'\  N.  nana,  Lindl.,  the  plant  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tain tribes ;  N'.  cliincnsis,  as  cultivated  in  China  and  Japan ;  N.  trigonophylla, 
Duiial,  N.  Bigclovii,  Watson,  and  ^V.  attemiata,  Torrcy,  the  leaves  of  all  of  which 
being  used  by  the  Indians  of  Utah,  Arizona,  New  Mexico  and  Southern  Califor- 
nia, and  said  to  be  stronger  than^the  cultivated  plants  (Palmer);  N.  lancifolia, 
Willd.,  and  N.  Vbarrensis,  HBK.,  to  which  Prof.  Asa  Gray  refers  the  Yaqui 
Tobacco,  cultivated  in  Arizona  (Palmer);  and  "H.  pctiolata,  a  variety  of  cultivation 
in  the  United  States. 

The  tobacco  plant  flowers  in  temperate  regions  from  June  to  August,  varying 
with  the  locality  and  season. 

Tobacco  can  be  raised  in  its  proper  soil  at  almost  any  point  between  the 
equator  and  the  50th  degree  N.  or  S.  latitude,  the  better  grades  however  not 
above  the  35th  degree,  and  the  best  between   the   15th  and  35th  degrees,  north. 


128-3 

The  production  of  this  narcotic  for  its  specihc  use  as  liefore  intimated  is  enor- 
mous, and  increasing-  rapidly  from  year  to  year,  the  United  States  alone  raising 
472,061.175  lbs.  in  1880,  or  nearly  double  the  product  for  1870.  The  estimated 
annual  production  of  the  globe  is  placed  at  about  3,000,000  tons!  which,  taking 
the  world's  population  at  present  (1882)  to  be  1,433,887,600,  would  furnish  each 
individual,  without  regard  to  age,  sex,  or  condition,  with  over  4^  lbs. 

As  an  habitual  narcotic  its  modes  of  use  are  various.  I  place  them  here  in  the 
order  of  their  harmfulness:  Chewing  without  e.xpectorating,  inhalation  of  the 
smoke,  chewing  and  e.xpectorating,  insufflation  of  snuff,  and  smoking  without 
inhalation.  The  leaves  are  prepared  for  use, — after  passing  through  processes 
which  tend  slightly  to  militate  against  the  poisonous  properties, — in  the  form  of 
twists  soaked  in  molasses  or  liquorice,  for  chewing,  called  plugs ;  shredded  leaves 
more  or  less  pure,  for  chewing  or  smoking,  called  yf«^-«^^;  finely-broken  leaves, 
sometimes  bleached,  for  smoking,  tarmed  gra?iu/aied  tobacco  ;  rolled  into  cylindri- 
cal forms,  either  pure  or  saturated  with  nitre,  as  cigars  and  cheroots ;  rolled  into 
small  cylinders  and  wrapped  in  paper,  as  cigarettes ;  pulverized  and  kept  dry  or 
damp  for  insufflation  or  chewing,  as  sfitiff ;  and  many  other  minor  forms. 

Its  exhibition  internally  as  a  drug,  must  be  conducted  with  the  greatest  care 
and  watchfulness  according  to  the  susceptibility  of  the  patient  and  the  potence  of 
the  preparation.  It  was  formerly  quite  esteemed  as  an  anthelmintic,  emetic,  anti- 
spasmodic, cathartic,  and  sialagogue.  Externally  its  forms  of  application  were 
many  in  hemorrhoids,  various  skin  diseases  of  man  and  beast,  spasma  glottidis, 
rheumatism,  ulcers,  tumors,  and  kindred  affections. 

Its  officinal  form  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  is  now  simply  Folia  Tabaci ;  its  former  officinal 
preparations  were  dismissed  at  the  6th  revision,  1S82.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia 
Medica  the  preparations  are  Injustun  Tabaci,  Oleum  Tabaci  and  Unguenttivi 
Tabaci. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  generic  effects  of  Nicotiana  being 
almost,  if  not  quite  identical  in  each  species,  and  as  the  physiological  effects  have 
been  gathered  from  all  sources,  varieties,  and  uses,  the  leaves  of  any  fully-developed 
plant  may  be  used.  Place  the  dried  and  finely-cut  leaves  in  a  bottle,  cover  them 
with  five  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol,  and  allow  them  to  stand  at  least  eight  days, 
well  stoppered,  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture  may  then  be  pressed  out  and 
filtered.  If  prepared  from  Havana  leaves,  which  contain  the  smallest  percentage 
of  nicotia,  it  presents  a  clear  orange-brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  the  charac- 
teristic penetrating  odor  and  taste  of  the  plant,  and  only  a  slight  acid  reaction. 

Nicotinum.— A  Solution  of  one  part  by  weight  of  the  volatile  alkaloid  nicotia 
in  99  parts  of  absolute  alcohol. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Nicotia,=-=  C,„  H,.,  O,.  This  volatile  alkaloid 
exists  in  the  leaves  and  seeds  of  all  species  of  the  genus  nicotiana,  from  which 
it  may  be  extracted  by  aqueous  or  alcoholic  distillation.  The  process  best  calcu- 
lated to  extract  the  full  amount  is  Laiblin's  modification  of  that  of  Schloesing.f 


*Nicotina,  nicotin,  nicotylia,  nicotine,  tabacine.  ^  Annal.  d.  cAem.,  vnl.  196,  p.  130. 


substantially  as  follows :  The  cut  leaves  and  stems  are  placed  in  some  convenient 
apparatus,  covered  to  a  good  depth  with  water,  and  allowed  to  digest  24  hours  or 
more,  then  heated  by  means  of  superheated  steam  for  half  an  hour,  filtered  and 
pressed.  The  mass  is  again  dealt  with  in  the  same  way,  and  the  resultant  liquids 
united  and  evaporated  to  one-third.  Ten  per  cent,  of  the  original  weight  of  the 
tobacco  of  slaked  caustic  lime  is  now  added,  and  the  whole  subjected  to  distillation 
by  steam,  until  the  disgusting  odor  of  nicotia  is  no  longer  perceptible  from  the 
still.  The  distillate  is  now  neutralized  by  a  known  weight  of  oxalic  acid  and 
evaporated  to  a  thin  syrup,  the  requisite  amount  of  potassa  to  neutralize  the 
known  quantity  of  acid  is  now  added,  which  causes  a  separation  of  the  crude 
nicotia  ;  this  is  collected  and  the  menstruum  treated  with  ether  to  extract  the  re- 
maining alkaloid.  Boih  resultants  are  now  mixed,  purified  by  distillation  with 
hydrogen,  solution  in  ether,  shaking  with  powdered  oxalic  acid,  solution  again  in 
ether,  decomposing  with  potassa  and  redistillation  in  hydrogen.  The  distillate 
(Nicotia)  is  a  colorless  pure  liquid,  having  a  peculiar  repulsive  acrid  odor  not 
resembling  tobacco,  a  burning  taste,  strong  alkaline  reaction,  turning  brown  when 
exposed  to  light  and  air,  and  a  specific  gravity  of  1.048  at  0°  C.  (32°  F.).  It  boils 
at  250°  C.  (482°  F.),  is  soluble  to  any  quantity  in  water,  alcohol  or  ether,  and  com- 
pletely saturates  acids. 

The  question  as  to  the  presence  of  nicotia  in  tobacco  smoke,  a  point  quite 
necessary  to  determine,  seems  still  unsettled,  many  chemists  of  note  having  failed 
to  detect  its  presence,  while  others  find  it  in  considerable  quantity  without  appar- 
ent trouble.  Vohl  and  Eulenberg  (1871)  conclude  that  nicotia  is  completely 
decomposed  in  the  process  of  smoking,  while  Kissling  (1882)  in  a  comprehensive 
essay*  criticises  their  process,  and  judges  that  their  analysis  was  incorrect.  He 
also  criticises  the  analyses  of  Heubel,  LeBon  and  Pease,  who  found  nicotia,  and 
reports  its  presence  in  his  own  analysis.  The  smoke  contains,  according  to  Vohl 
and  Eulenberg,  who  have  made  careful  analyses,-}-  pyridine,  Q  H^  N  ;  piccoline, 
C„  H_  N  ;  lutidifte,  C,  H,  N  ;  colli  dine,  C,  Hj^  N  ;  parvoline,  Cg  H^^  N  ;  cori- 
dine,  Cj,,  H^,,  N  ;  rubidinc,  C,^  Hj„  N  ;  and  viridine,  Cj^  H^^  N  ;  all  of  which  are 
bases  occurring  in  coal-tar,  and  in  Dippel's  oil  [Olctim  Aninialc  Dippelii), 
a  product  of  the  dry  distillation  of  bones  and  other  animal  matter.  Besides 
these  another  hydrocarbon,  Q,  H^^;  carbonic  anhydride;  hydrocyanic  acid;  sul- 
phuretted hydrogen  ;  acetic  anhydride ;  formic,  propionic,  butyric,  valeric  and 
carbolic  acids  ;  creosote  ;  several  hydrocarbons  of  the  acetylene  group  ;  ammonia; 
methane  and  carbonic  oxide  were  found  present. 

Oleum  Tabaci.— This  empyreumatic,  tarry  liquid  doubtless  contains  many  of 
the  hydrocarbons  mentioned  above,  and  mixed  with  nicotia  is  in  great  part  that 
subsidence  found  in  the  smoker's  pipes. 

Nicotianin.— Tobacco  Camphor. — Q^  Hj^  N.^  O3.  Hermbstadt  (1823)  ob- 
served floating  separate  upon  the  surface  of  an  aqueous  distillate  of  tobacco 
leaves,  white  laminae,  to  which  he  gave  the  above  name.  Nicotianin  consists  of 
white,  scale-like  crystals,  having  a  bitter  aromatic  taste,  soluble  in  water,  alcohol 
and  ether,  and  emitting  a  tobacco-like  odor. 

♦Quoted  in  Jour.  Chem.  5or.,  Augu.-t,  1882. 

t  Vierleljahrssclir.  f.  gd-'uhll.  und  offc-nll.  Metiicin,  N.  ed.,  Vul.  14,  p.  249. 


1128-5 

Nicotinic  Acid.— C,  H^  N,  CO.OH,  was  first  discovered  by  Huber,  who  sub- 
sequently recognized  it  as  carbopyridcnic  acid.  Weidel  afterward  separated  this 
principle  from  nicotia  by  the  use  of  nitric  acid,  and  deemed  his  product  identical 
with  that  of  Huber;  he  gave  it  the  formula  Cj^H.N,  O.,.*  Laiblin,  however, 
( 1 879)1  after  successive  tests  favors  the  formula  of  Huber.  This  acid  forms 
colorless,  sublimable  crystals,  possessing  a  strongly  acid  taste. 

Oil  of  Nicotiana  Tabacum.— The  fixed  oil  of  the  seeds,  according  to  Witt- 
stein,  is  golden-yellow,  mild  and  inodorous,  having  a  density  of  0.917.  A  corre- 
sponding or  identical  oil,  Cj^  H,„  0,„  is  found  (Zeise)  in.  Oleum  Tabaci. 

Tabacose.— The  presence  of  this  tobacco  sugar  has  been  determined  by  Prof. 
AttfieldJ  in  amounts  varying  in  different  samples,  from  about  5-10  per  cent. 
The  precise  nature  of  this  saccharose  body  is  not  yet  known. 

Besides  the  above  the  plant  contains  gum,  mucilage,  tannin,  and  from  15  to 
30  per  cent,  of  inorganic  matters,  salts  of  potassium,  calcium  and  magnesium,  as 
sulphates,  phosphates,  malates,  nitrates  and  probably  citrates,  these  latter  differing 
in  quantity  according  to  the  nature  of  the  soil  in  which  the  individual  grows,  and 
showing  it  to  be  a  very  exhaustive  crop. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  important  question  of  whether  the  use  of 
tobacco  in  moderation  is  harmful  or  not,  has  been  decided  in  the  negative  by 
many  of  the  highest  authorities.  It  would  seem  that  he  who  can  use  it  at  all, 
and  who  notes  no  symptoms  from  its  moderate  exhibition,  is  not  particularly  in- 
jured. In  this  as  with  all  other  drugs,  it  must  be  remembered,  that  what  is 
moderation  in  one  individual  is  often  excess  in  another,  and  that,  therefore,  the 
dose,  whether  taken  as  a  remedy  or  otherwise,  must  in  all  cases  be  suited  to  the 
particular  individual  under  consideration.  Concerning  the  many  essays  that  are 
written  upon  this  subject,  the  fact  that  all  of  them  show  to  a  careful  reader 
whether  the  writer  is  a  user  or  not,  renders  them  very  unsatisfactory  and  more  or 
less  faulty  through  partisanship. 

Chronic  eflfects.— It  is  almost  an  impossibility  to  gain  a  systematic  knowledge 
of  the  chronic  effects  of  tobacco  poisoning,  though  the  sources  of  information 
upon  this  subject  would  seem  at  first  to  be  excellent.  The  effects  produced  upon 
smokers  are  almost  useless  in  the  study  of  the  drug  itself,  and  it  is  only  in  that 
class  of  chewers  who  swallow  the  juice,  that  positive  data  could  be  looked  for;  still 
here,  as  well,  we  are  at  a  loss  to  determine  facts,  for  in  manufacturing  the  narcotic 
processes  are  used  which  alter  the  product  greatly ;  nevertheless  some  few  symp- 
toms seem  to  be  more  or  less  common  to  all  who  have  been  for  protracted 
periods  subjected  to  the  drug.  Mental  anxiety  and  irritability,  with  at  times  con- 
fusion of  ideas  ;  dilation  of  the  pupils  ;  ringing  in  the  ears  ;  increased  secretion  of 
saliva ;  uncertainty  of  speech ;  dryness  of  the  throat ;  at  times  weakness  of  the 
stomach  and  nausea  ;  increased  secretion  of  urine  ;  dry  cough  especially  at  night ; 
prsecordial  oppression  with  palpitation  of  the  heart  and  at  times  an  irregular 
pulse ;   trembling  of  the   extremities    when  held  long  in  one  position ;  general 

*  Laiblin,  Jour.  Client.  Soc,  October,  1879,  quoted  from  Liebig's  Annalen.  1 1'^'''- 

\  Ph.irm.  your.  Trans.,  Jan.  12,  quote!  in  Am.  your.  Phar.,  18S4,  p.  147. 


i28-6 

anaemic  condition  of  the  blood  ;  spasmodic  contractions  or  jactation  of  single 
muscles  ;  sensations  of  exhaustion  and  especially  lassitude  ;  sleepiness  ;  profuse 
perspiration,  and  sensitiveness  to  cold. 

It  would  seem  to  be  a  fact,  that  in  habitual  users  of  this  or  any  other  toxic 
drug,  the  drug  acts  more  or  less  as  its  own  antidote,  for  immediately  upon  discon- 
tinuance of  its  use  the  preponderance  of  its  symptoms  arise. 

The  effects  of  tobacco  or  its  alkaloid  nicotia  in  toxic  quantities,  when  taken 
into  the  stomach,  injected  into  the  rectum,  or  applied  to  a  denuded  surface  are  : 

Ante-mortem. — Faintness,  vertigo  and  trembling,  with  extreme  nausea,  torpor, 
stertorous  breathing,  weak  irregular  pulse,  relaxation  of  the  muscles,  and  vomiting ; 
followed  by  severe  spasms  or  paralysis,  advancing  coldness  of  the  extremities, 
collapse  with  cold  sweat,  and  death. 

Post-mortem.— Excessive  cadaveric  rigidity,  a  general  contraction  and  con- 
gestion of  all  hollow  organs ;  the  heart,  stomach,  intestines,  kidneys  and  bladder ; 
a  congestion  of  the  cerebellum,  liver,  portal  and  mesenteric  veins,  and  mucous 
membranes  either  as  a  whole  or  only  in  patches.  The  blood  is  found  everywhere 
very  dark  and  liquid. 

On  Animals.— Johnston  states*  that  the  Hottentots  are  said  to  kill  snakes  by 
placing  a  drop  of  the  empyreumatic  oil  of  tobacco  upon  their  tongues.  Death 
follows  instandy  as  by  an  electric  shock,  or  a  dose  of  hydrocyanic  acid.  The 
action  of  nicotia  upon  small  species  seems  to  be  in  general  almost  as  instantane- 
ous as  above ;  especially  upon  the  carnivora,  where  its  action  seems  more 
intense. 

Tobacco,  then,  from  the  foregoing  facts,  acts  as  a  severe  irritant  to  the  gan- 
glionic centers,  producing  thence  an  action  at  first  paralytic,  then  spasmodic,  affect- 
ing the  sympathetic,  motor  and  vaso-motor  systems. 

Description  of  Plate  128. 

I.  Whole  plant,  eight  times  reduced,  from  a  cultivated  specimen.  Chemung,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  11,  1879. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Fruit. 

4.  Seed  (somewhat  enlarged). 

5.  Section  of  fruit. 

*Chem.  of  Com.  Life,  Vol.  II.,  p.  28. 


129. 


% 

3 


^m.ad 


natdel.etpinxt. 


MENYANTHES    TRIFOLIATA,Linn. 


N.  ORD-GENTIANACE^.  129 

Tribe.-MENYANTHE/E. 

GENUS.— MEN  Y  A  NTH  ES,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SYST.— PENTANDRIA  MONOCIVNIA. 


MENYANTHES. 


BUCK  BEAJV. 


SYN.— MENYANTHES  TRIFOLIATA,  LINN. ;  MENYANTHES  VERNA,  RAF. ; 
TRIFOLIUM  PALUDOSUM,  GBR. ;   TRIFOLIUM  FIBRINUM,  G.  PH. 

COM.  NAMES.— BUCK  BEAN,  BOG  BEAN,  MARSH  TREFOIL,  MARSH  CLO- 
VER, WATER  SHAMROCK,  BITTER  ROOT;  (FR.)  MENYANTHE  TREFLE, 
TREFLE  D'EAU;  (GER.)  BACHSBOHNE,  BITTERKLEE,  FIEBBRKLEE. 


A   TINCTURE   OF   THE   WHOLE   FRESH    PLANT   MENYANTHES   TRIFOLIATA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  beautiful  bog  perennial  is  characterized  as  follow.s :  Root- 
stalk  horizontal,  creeping,  long,  thick,  sub-cylindrical,  and  conspicuously  marked  by 
the  remains  of  the  sheaths  of  previous  petioles  ;  roots  long,  at  first  stout  and  sim- 
ple, then  attenuated  and  greatly  branched.  Leaves  alternate,  trifoliate,  midribs 
very  prominent  and  conspicuously  pale ;  petioles  long  and  thick  at  the  base,  where 
they  are  surrounded  by  large  membranaceous  sheathing  bracts;  leaflets  oval  or 
oblong,  situated  at  the  summit  of  the  petiole;  margins  entire,  or  sometimes  slightly 
crenate  or  obscurely  serrate.  Infloresceiiee  a  simple,  terminal,  pyramidal  raceme ; 
scape  naked,  arising  from  the  axils  of  the  previous  year's  leaves ;  bracts  ovate, 
membraneous,  obtuse,  shorter  than  the  pedicels ;  flowers  lo  to  15,  white  or  pinkish. 
Calyx  persistent,  much  shorter  than  the  corolla ;  litnb  5-parted,  the  segments 
oblong-obtuse.  Corolla  deciduous,  infundibuliform  ;  limb  5-parted,  spreading,  its 
whole  upper  surface  densely  bearded  ;  crstivation  induplicate.  Statueiis  scarcely 
one-half  the  length  of  the  corolla;  antJiers  oblong,  sagittate.  Style  slender,  per- 
sistent, somewhat  exserted  ;  sti 0711a  capitate,  2-lobed.  Fniit  a  i -celled,  ovoid  cap- 
sule ;  pericarp  thin,  pale  brown  ;  dehiscence  irregular,  but  more  or  less  loculicidal ; 
placentce  in  the  middle  of  the  valves.  Seeds  numerous,  minute  ;  testa  hard,  rough, 
and  shiny. 

Gentianaceee. — A  large  order  of  smooth  herbs,  having  a  colorless,  bitter  juice, 
and  scattered  throughout  all  portions  of  the  globe.  Leaves  generally  opposite, 
sessile,  and  entire  (Exc.  Menyantheee) ;  stiptdes  wanting.  Inflorescence  solitary, 
cymose  or  racemose  ;  flozuers  regular  and  showy.  Calyx  persistent ;  corolla  mar- 
cescent,  funnel-  or  salver- form.  Stamens  as  many  as  the  lobes  of  the  corolla,  and 
inserted  upon  its,  tube.    Styles  united  or  absent ;  stigmas  2-lobed.     Ovary  i -celled 

*  .M>|i'iiii'8>);,  /iiji-f),  nieiif,  month;  uk8o,-,  anthos,  flower;   fioni  its  reputed  power  in  promoting  niensiruation. 


129-2 

or  imperfectly  2-celled ;  placenta  2,  parietal,  or  sometimes  the  whole  inner  surface 
of  the  ovary  placentiferous.  Fruit  a  2-valvecl  capsule  ;  dehiscence  septicidal.  Seeds 
small,  anatropous  ;  embryo  minute,  straight,  and  axial  ;  albumen  sarcous. 

Besides  Menyanthes,  this  order  furnishes  our  Materia  Medica  three  other 
proven  species,  viz.:  The  Chilian  Centaury  or  Canchalagua  [Erythrcea  Ckiicnsis, 
Pers.) ;  the  Austrian  Cross-wort  [Gcntiajia  cniciata,  L.) ;  and  the  European  Yellow 
Gentian  {Gentiana  liiiea,  L.). 

Many  other  species  are  used  in  medicine,  principal  among  which  are  the 
following  species  of  Gentiana,  which  often  figure  as  substitutes  for  G.  lutea  :  The 
North  American  G.  Catesbaci,  Walt.  ;  and  the  European  G.  amarclla,  L.  ;  campes- 
tris,  L.  ;  purpurea,  L. ;  pannonica,  Murr. ;  and  punctata,  L.  The  Indian  Gentiana 
Kurroo,  Royle,  is  used  in  its  country  in  a  similar  manner  to  G.  lutca  in  Europe. 
The  Nordi  American  Columbo  [Frazera  Carolinensis,  Walt.)  has,  when  fresh, 
properties  quite  similar  to  G.  lutca ;  as  have  also  the  European  Centuary  {Ery- 
thrcsa  Centaurium,  Pers.),  and  Chlora  perfoliata,  L.  The  Indian  Chiretta  [Ophelia 
Chirayta,  Don  )  is  bitter,  tonic,  and  febrifuge,  and  is  used  by  English  physicians 
in  India  as  a  substitute  for  Cinchona.  The  East  Indian  Cicendia  hyssopifo'ia, 
Wright  &  A.,  is  tonic  and  stomachic.  The  American  Centaury  {Sabbatia  ani^zi- 
laris,  Pursh.)  is  a  bitter  tonic  and  febrifuge,  often  employed  in  remittent  and  inter- 
mittent fevers.  The  South  American  Lisianthus  purpurasccns,  Aubl.,  pendulus. 
Mart.,  grandijlorus,  Aubl.,  and  amplissimus.  Mart.,  are  claimed  to  be  e.xtremely 
bitter  tonics,  esteemed  as  febrifuges  and  anthelmintics,  as  are  also  the  European 
Villarsia  nymphceoidcs,  Vent.,  and  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  V.  ovata,  D.  C.  The 
Guianian  Coutoubea  spicata,  and  C.  ramosa,  Aubl.,  are  bitter  tonics,  much  used 
as  emmenagogues,  anthelmintics,  and  for  the  removal  of  intestinal  obstructions. 
Limnanthemum  Indica  is  accounted  a  holy  plant  by  the  Chinese,  in  consideration 
of  its  many  virtues  ;  L.  nymphoides  is  febrifugal ;  while  the  leaves  of  L.  peltata  are 
eaten  in  Japan  as  a  potage. 

A  peculiar  property  pervades  the  whole  of  this  natural  order — the  species 
when  fresh  are  all  emetic  and  cathartic,  and,  when  dry,  tonic  and  stomachic  in 
varying  degrees. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Buck  Bean  is  a  native  of  the  temperate  regions 
of  the  Northern  Hemisphere,  from  Alaska  throughout  the  northern  portions  of 
North  America,  south  of  Greenland,  Iceland,  Scotland,  Norway,  Sweden,  Russia, 
and  eastward  to  the  confines  of  Siberia.  In  the  United  States  it  extends  south- 
ward as  far  as  Wisconsin  in  the  west  and  Pennsylvania  in  the  east.  It  habits  fresh- 
water bogs,  marshes,  and  ditches  which  retain  water  throughout  the  summer  season, 
and  blossoms  in  May  and  June. 

The  previous  uses  of  the  dried  plant  in  medicine  were  all  dependent  more  or 
less  upon  its  so-called  tonic  action  ;  while  in  a  fresh  state  it  was  used  as  an  ener- 
getic cathartic.  As  early  as  161 3  a  Swedish  writer,  Johannes  Franckenius,  states 
that  a  decoction  of  the  herb  removes  all  visceral  obstructions,  acts  as  an  emmena- 
gogue  and  diuretic,  kills  intestinal  worms,  and  is  an  efficacious  remedy  in  scrofula. 
Besides  its  use  in  amenorrhoea,  Menyanthes  was  considered  valuable  in  the  treat- 


129-3 

ment  of  atonic  dyspepsia,  and  derangements  of  the  digestive  tract,  as  well  as  a 
useful  remedy  in  remittent  and  intermittent  fevers. 

Cullen  speaks  of  the  root  as  efficacious  in  obstinate  cutaneous  affections  of  a 
seemingly  cancerous  nature  ;  Boerhaave  claims  to  have  relieved  gout  in  his  own 
case  by  drinking  the  juice  of  the  plant  in  whey.  Dr.  Alston  remarks  "that  this 
plant  has  remarkable  effect  in  the  gout  in  keeping  off  the  paro.xysms,  though  not 
to  the  patient's  advantage."  The  general  use  of  Menyanthes  has  been  mosdy  as  a 
substitute  for  gentian  and  columbo. 

In  Sweden  the  leaves  are  often  used  in  brewing ;  two  ounces  of  which  are 
said  to  equal  a  pound  of  hops,  for  which  they  are  substituted.  Linnaeus  notes  that 
in  Lapland,  in  times  of  scarcity,  the  dried  and  powdered  roots  have  been  used, 
mixed  with  meal,  in  bread-making;  he,  however,  characterizes  the  result  as  "amarus 
et  detestabilis,"  which  one  can  readily  imagine,  as  neither  dryness  nor  heat  removes 
the  bitterness  of  the  roots. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant,  gathered  when 
budding  to  blossom,  is  to  be  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp,  enclosed  in  a  piece 
of  new  linen  and  subjected  to  pressure.  The  expressed  juice  is  then,  by  brisk 
agitation,  mingled  with  an  equal  part  by  weight  of  alcohol.  This  mixture  should 
then  be  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a 
dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture,  separated  from  the  mass  by  filtration,  should  be 
opaque,  and  in  thin  layers  present  a  deep  olive-green  color  by  transmitted  light. 
It  should  have  a  strong  herbaceous  odor,  a  lasting,  extremely  bitter  taste,  and  a 
strong  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Menyanthin,  QgHj^O,,.*  This  uncrystallizable 
glucoslde  is  derivable  from  the  whole  plant;  when  pure  it  exists  as  a  white,  bitter 
powder  that  is  freely  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol,  but  insoluble  in  ether.  Meny- 
anthin softens  at  6o°-65°  (i40°~i49°  F.),  becomes  liquid  at  115°  (239°  F.),  and 
carbonizes  at  higher  temperatures. 

Menyanthol,  CgH^O. — This  body,  together  with  a  brown  resin  and  glucose, 
is  formed  by  the  destruction  of  Menyanthin  with  dilute  sulphuric  or  muriatic  acid. 
It  results  as  an  oily  liquid,  possessing  a  burning  taste  and  a  penetrating  odor, 
similar  to  that  of  oil  of  bitter  almonds. 

Menyanthic  Acid. — When  Menyanthol  is  exposed  to  the  air  for  some  time  it 
is  oxidized  to  a  white  crystalline  mass  of  unknown  chemical  composition,  which  is 
at  present  provisionally  known  by  this  name. 

The  analysis  of  Trommsdorff  resulted  in  the  separation  of  albumen,  resin, 
malic  acid,  "a  peculiar  matter  precipitated  by  tannin,"  gum,  inulin,  and  a  bitter 
principle,  which  BrandesJ  succeeded  in  gaining  as  an  amorphous  mass  of  mostly 
yellowish-white  grains  (impure  Menyanthin).  Tilden's  analysis§  corresponds  with 
that  of  Trommsdorf,  but  does  not  specify  the  amylose  body  found  as  inulin. 

*  Kromayer  and  Froehde,  P/iar.  your.,  ser.  2,  vol.  iii.,  579. 

t  /Inn.  de  Chim.,  Ixxii.,  191. 

I  Phar.  your.,  ser.  I,  vol.  ii.,  660. 

I  your.  Mat.  Med.,  N.  S.,  vol.  ii.,  90.  • 


129-4 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Large  doses  of  the  root  of  this  plant  cause 
profuse  vomituig  and  purging,  together  with  exhausting  diaphoresis.  Smaller 
doses  cause  confusion  and  vertigo,  pressive  headache,  dimness  of  vision,  contrac- 
tion of  the  pupil,  twitching  of  the  facial  muscles,  a  sensation  of  coldness  in  the 
stomach  and  oesophagus,  followed  by  nausea,  distension  and  fulness  of  the  abdo- 
men, with  griping,  constipation,  frequent  desire  to  urinate  with  scanty  discharge, 
oppression  of  the  chest  with  increased  respiration  and  accelerated  pulse,  cramps 
in  the  legs,  sleeplessness,  coldness  of  the  extremities,  followed  by  fever  without 
thirst,  and  extreme  weakness  of  the  whole  body. 


Description  of  Plate  129. 

I.  Whole  plant,  Appalachin,  N.  Y.,  June  2d,  li 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Petal  and  stamen. 

4.  A  hair  of  the  corolla. 

5.  Stamen,  with  open  anther. 

6.  Anther,  showing  under  surface. 

7.  Pistil. 

8.  Stigma. 

9.  Fruit. 

10.  Seed,  natural  size  and  enlarged. 
(2-8  enlarged.) 


^.m.adnatdel.etpinxt  GELSEMIUM     SEMPERVI  RENS,  Alton. 


N.  ORD -LOGANIACE^.  _  130 

GENUS— G  E  LS  E  M  I  U  M  ,*  JUSS. 

SEX.  SYST.— PENTANURIA  DIUVNIA. 


GELSEMIUM. 


YELLOJJ'  JESSAMIJVE. 

SYN.— GELSEMIUM  SEMPERVIRENS,  AIT. ;  GELSEMIUM  LUCIDUM,  POIR.  : 
GELSEMIUM  NITIDUM,  MICHX. ;  GELSEMIUM  SEU  JASMINUM  LUT. 
ODOR.  ETC.,  CATESBY;  BIGNONIA  SEMPERVIRENS,  LINN. ;  ANONY- 
MOS  SEMPERVIRENS,  WALT;  LISIANTHUS  SEMPERVIRENS,  MILL. 

COM.  NAMES.— YELLOW  JESSAMINE  OR  JASMINE,  FALSE  JASMINE, 
WILD  JESSAMINE,  WOODBINE;!  (FR.)  JASMIN  JAUNE ;  (GER.)  GEL- 
BER  JASMIN. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  GELSEMIUM  SEMPERVIRENS,  AIT. 

Description. — This  beautiful,  evergreen,  woody,  twining  plant,  often  attains 
great  heights,  its  growth  depending  somewhat  upon  its  chosen  support.  Root 
long,  ligneous,  varying  from  nearly  two  inches  in  diameter  to  a  few  lines  ;  looi- 
bark  of  a  cinnamon-brown  color,  and  about  two  lines  in  thickness  ;  ivood  light- 
yellow.  Stems  branching,  at  first  with  a  more  or  less  smooth,  light  slate-colored 
bark,  then  smooth  and  purplish.  Leaves  opposite,  persistent,  on  short  petioles ; 
shining,  lanceolate  or  ovate-lanceolate,  bright  green  above  and  pale  beneath  ; 
stipules  inconspicuous.  Inflorescence  small  a.\illary  clusters  ;  Jlowers  sweet  scented, 
on  scaly  bracted  pedicels.  Calyx  small  ;  lobes  5,  imbricated,  nearly  distinct,  ovate 
and  acute.  Corolla  large,  from  1  to  i^  inches  long,  open  funnel-form  ;  lobes  5, 
nearly  equal,  rounded  and  imbricated.  Sta/uens  5,  inserted  on  the  base  of  the 
corolla-tube  ;  filaments  equal ;  anthers  long,  sagittate,  adnate,  and  extrorse. 
Ovary  elliptical,  smooth,  compressed,  2-celled  ;  ovtiles  several  in  each  cell,  ascend- 
ing ;  style  long  and  slender  ;  stigjuas  2,  each  bifurcated,  the  lobes  linear  and  equal. 
Fruit  an  ovoid  oblong,  beaked,  pendent  capsule  ;  pericarp  papyraceous,  splitting 
septicidally  into  two  scaphoid  valves.  Seeds  many,  imbricated,  light-brown,  sur- 
rounded by  a  thin,  flat,  membranous  border,  which  is  prolonged  at  one  extremity 
into  a  slightly  wrinkled  wing. 

Loganiacese. — This  order  is  composed  of  herbs,  shrubs,  or  trees,  and  forms 
a  connective  between  the  orders  Geulianacecs,  Apocytiacece,  Scrophulai'iaccce,  and 
Rtibiaccce.  Its  distinguishing  characteristics  are :  Leaves  opposite  and  entire  ; 
stipules  present  or  represented  by  a  stipular  line.  Flowers  regular  and  perfect,  4- 
5-merous  and  androus.      Ovary  free  from  the  calyx. 

The   Loganiaceae   of  our   Materia  Medica  are  :    Ignatia    {Strychnos  Ignatii, 

*  Gelsemino,  the  Italian  for  Jessamine.  f  Not  GelsemiHum. 

t  The  only  woodbine  in  this  country  is  Lonicera  grata.  Ail.  (Caprifoliaceoe). 


130-2 

Berg.)  ;  Nux  {Strychnos  Nux-Voniica,  Liim.)  ;  Indian  pink  [Spigdia  Marilandica, 

Linn.),  and  Spigelia  [Spigdia  anthdmia,  Lifin.). 

History  and  Habitat. — The  yellow  jessamine  of  the  southern  United  States 
grows  from  Virginia  southward,  extending  into  Mexico.  It  flowers  in  March  and 
April,  and  some  years  a  second  time,  at  least  I  am  given  to  understand  that  such 
is  the  case  in  the  State  of  Georgia.  Although  its  support  somewhat  regulates 
the  extent  of  the  growth  of  this  climbing  vine,  still  it  extends  beyond  the  limits  of 
the  support  in  such  a  manner  as  to  form  beautiful  trails  and  fringes;  this  occurs 
even  above  trees  that  are  over  50  feet  high.  The  beautiful  yellow  flowers,  the 
odor  of  which  is  said  to  be  narcotic,  yield  a  delightful  perfume,  which  may  be  ex- 
tracted by  a  process  similar  to  that  used  for  procuring  oil  of  rose  (Porcher). 

The  medical  history  of  this  plant  is  quite  modern,  having  been  brought  into 
notice,  according  to  Dr.  King,  by  a  Mississippi  planter,  for  whom  in  his  illness  the 
root  was  gathered  in  mistake  for  that  of  another  plant ;  after  partaking  of  an  in- 
fusion serious  symptoms  arose,  so  alarming  in  their  character  that  his  friends  ex- 
pected his  death ;  upon  his  revival,  however,  it  was  apparent  that  the  attack  of 
bilious  fever  from  which  he  had  been  suffering  had  disappeared.  This  accidental 
cure  came  to  the  knowledge  of  a  pretender,  who  prepared  a  proprietary  nostrum 
from  the  plant,  called  the  "  Electric  Febrifuge."  Dr.  Porcher,  of  South  Carolina, 
noting  the  use  of  gelsemium  in  the  works  of  Elliott  and  Frost,  brought  it  again 
into  notice  through  the  mediumship  of  a  report  on  the  medical  botany  of  his  state, 
made  to  the  Am.  Med.  Ass'n,  in  1849.  The  first  provings  were  made  by  Dr. 
Henry  (1852),  whose  work  was  followed  by  many  provers,  the  principal  among 
them  being  Dr.  E.  M.  Hale,  whose  "  Monograph  on  Gelsemium"  has  been  a  most 
efficient  help  to  the  true  knowledge  of  this  valuble  American  addition  to  our 
medicamentae. 

Gelsemium  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  as  Extractnni  Gdsemii  and  Tinchwa 
Gelsemii,  and  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  as  Tinchira  Gdsemini. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — Under  this  rubric  it  should  be  borne 
in  mind  that  "  root-gatherers  "  often  mingle  with  Gelsemium  root  that  of  a  similar 
twiner  growing  in  like  manner  and  localities  ;  this  plant  is  known  as  White  Jessa- 
mine  or  White  Poiso7i  Vine.  The  following  comparison  will  suffice  to  distinguish 
them : 


Yelloxv  yessamine. 

Flowers  yellow. 

Stern-bark  Smooth  and  uniformly  gray. 

Tendrils  wanting. 

Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  acute  at  both  extremities. 

Petioles  (leaf-stalks)  short. 

Root  fibrous,  in  section  showing  a  yellowish  wood. 

Taste  pleasantly  bittgr. 


While  yessamine. 
Flowers  dirty-white. 

Stem-bark  maculate  and  striate  with  white. 
Tendrils  present  on  the  lower  stem. 
Z^ae'Movate, taper-pointed,  heart-shaped  at  the  base. 
Petioles  (leaf-stalks)  long. 

Root  not  so  fibrous,  in  section  showing  white  wood. 
Taste  bitter  and  nauseous. 


PREPARATION. — .Small  sections  of  the  fresh  root,  cut  from  where  the  whole 
diameter  is  not  greater  than  that  of  a  goose-quill,*  are  to  be  chopped  and  weighed. 

*  The  woody  portion  of  the  root  contains  none  of  the  alkaloid;  this  fact  was  determined  by  Eberle  (1869),  and 
corroborated  by  Gerrard  (1883). 


130-3 

Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  chopped  root  mixed  thoroughly 
with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred 
the  whole  well,  allow  it  to  stand  in  a  well-stoppered  bottle  for  at  least  eight  days 
in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration,  should  have  a  clear, 
slightly  brownish,  orange  color  by  transmitted  light,  an  odor  like  that  of  an  en- 
raged honey  bee,  a  pleasantly  bitter  taste,  and  a  slightly  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Gelsemine,*  Q^  H^,  NO^.  This  alkaloid,  ex- 
tracted from  an  alcoholic  percolate  of  the  powdered  root,  was  determined  by 
Kollock  (1855). t  Sonnenschein  (1876)  gave  it  the  formula  Qj  Hjg  NO^,  but  Ger- 
rard  (1883)^  judges  that  the  alkaloid  used  by  him  must  have  been  impure,  as  his 
careful  determinations  result  in  the  formula  given  above.  Gelsemine,  according 
to  Gerrard  and  others,  is  a  colorless,  bitter,  odorless,  amorphous,  brittle,  trans- 
parent body,  without  definite  crystals,  fusing  into  such  mass  at  a  little  below  200°  C. 
(392°  F.).  It  is  soluble  in  alcohol,  slightly  also  in  boiling  water,  forms  crystalline 
soluble  salts  with  acids,  and  gives  no  color  reactions  with  sulphuric  or  nitric  acids. 

Gelsemic  Acid.§ — C^^  Hg^  Oj^,.  Sonnenschein  (1876)  claimed  that  this  body 
was  identical  with  the  glucoside  (ssculiii\\  but  Wormley  (i882),^[  after  careful 
chemical  and  physiological  analyses,  determines  that  it  is  similar  to,  but  not  iden- 
tical with,  that  body.  According  to  the  latter  observer  gelsemic  acid  is  readily 
crystallizable  into  needles,  but  slightly  soluble  in  Avater,  and  soluble  in  alcohol, 
ether,  and  chloroform.  Kollock**  determined,  beside  gelsemine,  a  dry  and  a  fatty 
resin,  volatile  oil,  and  a  yellow  coloring  matter. 

PHYSIOLOGrlCAL  ACTION. — Many  cases  of  poisoning  by  the  inadvertent 
use  of  this  drug  are  reported,  from  which,  together  with  the  experiments  of  Worm- 
ley.ff  we  glean  the  following  rationale  of  its  action  : 

The  following  symptoms  are  entailed  by  doses  of  from  one  drachm  to  an 
ounce  of  the  fluid  extract :  Nausea,  with  ineffectual  attempts  to  vomit ;  dimness 
of  vision  or  diplopia,  especially  on  turning  the  head  to  one  side  ;  congestion  of  the 
face  ;  spasms  of  the  larynx  and  pharynx ;  restlessness  ;  great  prostration  ;  feeble, 
irregular,  and  intermittent  pulse ;  irregular  and  slow  respiration  with  gasping  ;  loss 
of  muscular  power,  with  incoordination  ;  extremities  at  first  hot  and  dry,  then  cold 
and  moist;  dilated  pupils  insensible  to  light;  eyes  fixed  and  protruding;  inability 
to  raise  the  eyelids.  Death  follows  without  previous  loss  of  consciousness  or 
convulsions. 

Post-Mortem. — Venous  congestion  ;  collapsed  lungs  that  are  otherwise 
natural  ;  the  adipose  tissue  is  found  suff'used  with  bile  ;  blood  dark,  grumous,  and 
enfibrinated  ;  the  brain  and  spinal  cord  are  found  pale  and  anaemic.  By  this  it 
will  be  seen  that  there  are  no  characteristic  post-mortem  appearances. 

*   Gelsemina,  gelsemia,  gtUeminia.  t  ^'>'-  Jo»r.  Phar.,  1855,  p.  203. 

J  A.  W.  Gerrard,  y4/«.  yo«r.  /"//«>-.,  1883,  p.  256.        \    Gelstminic  acid.      ||   See /Esculus  Hippocastanuni,43. 
If  T.  G.  Wormley,  Ant.  Jour.  Phar.,  1882,  p.  357.     **  Ibid.  ft  ^'"-  J""''-  P^'"'-,  J*"-.  '870. 


130-4 

Gelsemium  then  lowers  the  rate  of  the  action  of  the  heart  and  lungs,  thus 
reducing  the  bodily  temperature  ;  dilates  the  pupil  by  paralyzing  the  motor  oculi 
(differing  here  from  Belladonna,  which  also  dilates  the  pupil,  but  does  so  by  irri- 
tating terminal  filaments  from  the  carotid  and  cavernous  plexuses  of  the  sympa- 
thetic system).  Its  action  on  the  motor  oculi  causes  also  a  loss  of  accommodation, 
and  paralysis  of  the  epicylia  ;  this  paralysis  is  gradually  followed  by  a  general 
paralytic  action  until  the  animal  becomes  impassive,  but  remains  conscious  until 
death.  Gelsemium  seems  to  act  exactly  opposite  to  Conium,  the  former  destroy- 
ing all  reflex  action  from  the  centre  to  the  periphery,  the  latter  from  the  periphery 
to  the  centre.  The  natural  antidote  to  this  drug  seems  to  be  black  coffee  rather 
than  opium  ;  alcoholic  stimulants  and  heat  should  also  be  plied. 

Description  of  Plate  130. 

I.   End  of  flowering  stem,  Augusta,  Ga.,*  May  23d,  1883. 

2.  A  portion  of  the  stem. 

3.  Calyx  and  bracts  (enlarged). 

4.  Stamens  (enlarged). 

5.  Pistil  (enlarged). 

6.  Section  of  the  ovary  (enlarged). 

7.  Fruit. 

*  From  one  of  a  number  of  living  specimens,  kindly  sent  mn  together  with  the  fruit,  by  Miss  Mary  C.  Cuthbert 


=-4-= 


131. 


ATU.adnstiltl.ctpinxt. 


SPIGELIA      MARILANOICA,  Linn. 


N.  ORD-LOGANIACE^.  131 

GENUS— SPIGELIA,*  LINN. 

SEX    SVST.— rENTANDKIA  MdXoCVMA. 


SPIGELIA   MARILANDICA. 


PIJ\'K  ROOT. 


SYN.— SPIGELIA  MARILANDICA,  LINN.;   S.  OPPOSITIFOLIA,  STOKES;   S. 

AMERICANA,   MONRO;    LONICBRA  MARILANDICA,   LINN. 
COM.  NAMES.— MARYLAND  PINK    ROOT,    INDIAN    PINK,  WORM   GRASS, 

PERENNIAL    WORM   GRASS,   SNAKE  ROOT.   CAROLINA    PINK    ROOT, 

STAR  BLOOM;    (FR.)  SPIGELIA  DE  MARYLAND;    (GER.)   NORDAMERI- 

KANISCHER   SPIGELIE. 

A   TINCTURE   OF   THE    FRESH  ROOT  OF  SPIGELIA    MARILANDICA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  Southern  perennial  herb  usually  grows  to  a  height  of  from 
I  to  2  feet.  Root  fibrous,  twisted ;  stems  several  from  the  same  root,  simple, 
4-angled  and  glabrous.  Leaves  opposite,  membranaceous,  ovate  to  ovate-lan- 
ceolate, acuminate,  closely  sessile  by  a  rounded  base,  entire,  one  or  two  pairs  of 
veins  basal,  the  rest  more  or  less  pinnate  ;  stipules  small,  interpetiolar.  Inflores- 
cence in  a  terminal,  sometimes  branched,  unilateral,  scorpioid  spike  ;  flozoeis  showy, 
erect ;  pedicels  single  or  geminate ;  bracts  minute  and  subulate,  or  wanting ; 
peduncle  short  and  naked.  Calyx  5-parted ;  lobes  very  slender  and  narrow. 
Corolla  scarlet  without,  yellow  within,  elongated-tubular,  15-nerved;  tube  some- 
what clavate ;  lobes  5,  ovate-lanceolate,  about  one-quarter  the  length  of  the  tube. 
Sta7nens  5,  inserted  above  the  middle  of  the  corolla-tube  ;  filaments  short,  slightly 
exserted ;  anthers  erect,  linear-oblong,  2-celled  at  the  base.  Ovary  superior, 
smooth,  compressed  ;  ovules  numerous  ;  placenta  peltate,  stipitate  ;  style  long,  the 
lower  portion  Battened,  the  upper  cylindrical,  the  two  parts  articulated,  and  the 
lower  persistent,  farther  exserted  than  the  stamens  ;  stigma  simply  the  somewhat 
inflated  hairy  end  of  the  style.  Capsnle  didymous,  compressed  contrary  to  the 
partitions,  circumcissile  above  the  cupule-like  base,  the  two  carpels  somewhat 
loculicidally  2-valved.  Seeds  few,  peltate,  closely  packed,  and  angled  by  mutual 
pressure;  embryo  short  and  straight;  albumen  fleshy. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  beautiful  plant  is  indigenous  to  North  America, 
where  it  extends  trom  Southern  New  Jersey  to  Wisconsin,  and  southward  to 
Florida  and  the  borders  of  Te.xas  ;  it  is,  however,  rare  north  of  central  X'irginia. 
It  grows  in  rich  soil  on  the  borders  of  woods,  and  blossoms  from  May  to  July, 
according  to  its  station. 

*  In  honor  of  Adrian  Spiegel,  the  probable  originator  of  Herbaria. 


131-2 

Among  the  Aborigines,  even  before  the  discovery  of  America,  this  plant  was 
valued  as  an  anthelmintic  ;  the  colonists  of  the  South  received  their  information 
concerning  its  properties  from  the  Cherokees,  who  called  it  unstcctla,  and  from 
the  Osages,  who  used  it  also  as  a  sudorific  and  sedative,  under  the  name  of  niikaa. 
It  was  first  introduced  to  the  notice  of  physicians  by  Dr.  Garden,  who  wrote 
several  letters  concerning  its  properties  in  1763-6  to  Dr.  Hope.  Drs.  Lining  and 
Chalmers,  about  this  period,  also  contributed  largely  to  its  introduction.  These 
physicians,  and  many  others,  have  lauded  the  effects  of  the  root  upon  lumbricoids, 
but  all  agreed  that  its  efificacy  was  only  certain  when  sufificient  fresh  root  was 
taken  to  cause  purgation  ;  therefore,  if  such  an  effect  did  not  take  place,  calomel 
or  rhubarb  were  given  to  gain  such  action.  This  caused  many  others,  who  failed 
with  the  drug,  to  demean  it,  and  search  for  its  vaunted  effects  in  the  accessory 
drugs  given  ;  Spigelia,  however,  rose  above  all  protests  as  an  eflficient  vermifuge. 
Bergelius  found  it  useful  also  in  convulsions ;  and  Ives  and  Barton  considered  it 
a  valuable  drug  in   encephalic  forms  of  fever  in  children. 

The  root  and  Extractiini  Spigclice  Fluiduni  are  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph. ;  and 
in  the  Eclectic  Dispensatory,  Extractnm  Splgelice  ei  Sennce  Fhiidu?n,  and  Infusum 
Spigelia. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  root,  gathered  just  before 
the  flowers  expand,  is  treated  as  directed  under  Gelsemium  (page  130-2).  The 
resulting  tincture  has  a  clear  and  beautiful  reddish-orange  color  by  transmitted 
light;  no  characteristic  odor ;  an  astringent  and  slightly  bitter  taste,  and  an  acid 
reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.  —  Many  analyses  have  been  made  of  this 
species  —  none,  however,  that  show  the  characteristics  of  the  active  principle. 
The  following  constituents  of  importance  have  been  determined:  An  uncrystal- 
lizable,  bitter  substance,  having  alkaloidal  characters,  called  by  some  Spigeline,  an 
acrid  resin,  fi.\ed  and  volatile  oils,  extractive  matter,  and  a  peculiar  tannin.'"'  The 
properties  of  the  root  seem  to  be  much  greater  than  those  of  the  herb,  and  also 
appear  to  be  well  extracted  by  either  water  or  alcohol. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Dr.  Barton  saysf  Pink  Root  induces,  occa- 
sionally, violent  narcotic  effects,  such  as  dimness  of  sight,  giddiness,  dilated  pupils, 
spasmodic  motions  of  the  muscles  of  the  eye,  and  even  convulsions.  Dr.  Chalmers 
attributes  the  loss  of  two  children  by  convulsions  to  this  drug.  Dr.  Thompson 
found  large  doses  to  produce,  in  himself,  acceleration  of  the  pulse.  Hushed  face, 
drowsiness,  and  stiffness  of  the  eyelids. 

Bureau  J  found  that  the  drug  acted  as  an  acrid  narcotic  poison  upon  rabbits 
and  other  animals. 

Dr.  Hedge  Thompson, §  above  referred  to,  found  the  following  symptoms  to 
be  produced  upon  man,  after  the  ingestion  of  varying  doses,  all  considered  large : 

*  See   Proc.  Am.  Pkar.  Assoc,  1857,  132;    Jour,  dt   P/uii:,  ix,  197;    Am.  Jour.  P/mr.,  1857,  51 1  ;    P/iar.  Join:, 
i,  V,  354;    .4m.  Chem.  Jour.,  i,  104;  and  Am.  Jour.  P/iar.,  18S4,  570. 
t   I'eg.  Mai.  Med.,  ii,  80. 
\  De  la  famillie  des  I.oganiacees,  130. 
\  Exp.  diss,  on  the  Spigelia  Marilandiea,  1802. 


131-3 

Acceleration  of  the  heart's  action,  followed  soon  by  a  notable  reduction  and 
irregularity  :  nausea  ;  inllammation  of  the  palpebral,  followed  by  a  sensation  of 
stiffness  therein  ;  languor,  and  drowsiness. 

Dr.  Spalsbury-''  records  the  effects  of  three  doses  of  an  infusion  as  follows: 
A  peculiar,  wild,  staring  expression  of  the  eyes,  giving  the  countenance  a  very 
singular,  in  fact,  ludicrous,  appearance;  strabismus  of  the  right  eye;  great  dilation 
of  the  pupils;  face,  especially  about  the  eyes,  including  the  lids,  much  swollen; 
tongue  pointed  and  tremulous;  pulse  no  and  irregular;  on  attempting  to  rise  a 
general  tremor  came  on,  which  passed  off  in  a  few  seconds,  leaving  the  patient 
apparendy  quite  exhausted;  and  the  skin  hot  and  dry.  Lining  states  that  the 
only  muscles  ot  the  eye  affected,  according  to  his  experience,  were  the  adductors 
and  abductors. 

These  symptoms  point  to  the  drug  as  an  irritant  to  the  inhibitory  nerves, 
especially  the  thoracic  plexus,  and  give  no  farther  narcotic  symptoms  than  the 
natural  counter- effect  of  such  irritation. 


Description  of  Plate   131. 

Top  of  ]jlant  in  flower,  from  near  Charleston,  S.  C,  June  7th,  18S6. 

2.  t'alyx. 

3.  Opened  corolla. 

4.  Stamen. 

5.  Section  of  lower  portion  of  corolla-tube. 

6.  Style  and  stigma. 

7.  Section  of  ovary. 

8.  Fruit. 

9.  Seed. 

(2-9  enlarged.) 


Bost.  Meil.  and  Sttrg.  Jour.,  lii,  72. 


i 


^m.jdnatdel.etpinxt         APOCYNUM      ANDROS/tMIFOLIUM ,  Linn. 


N.  ORD -APOCYNACE/E.  132 

CENLIS— APOCYNUM,*  I, INN. 

S1-:X.  SVST.— n^NTANDRIA   DICYNIA. 

APOCYNUM 
ANDROS^MIFOLIUM. 

DOG'S  BAA'E. 

SYN.— APOCYNUM  ANDROS^MIFOLIUM,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— DOG'S  BANE,  BITTER  ROOT,  INDIAN  HEMP,  MILK  WEED, 
FLY-TRAP,  HONEY  BLOOM,  "WANDERING  MILK  WEED,  CATCH- 
FLY,  SPREADING  DOG'S  BANE,  AMERICAN  IPECAC,  BLACK  IN- 
DIAN HEMP. 

TINCTURE  OF    THE   FRESH   ROOl'  OF  APOCYNUM  ANDR0.S^:MI FOLIUM,  LINN. 


Description. — This  upright  perennial  shrub-Hke  herb,  grows  from  2  to  4  feet 
in  lieight,  branching  profusely,  and  emitting  when  wounded  in  any  part  a  milky 
juice.  The  7-ooi  is  long,  more  or  less  cylindrical,  with  a  diameter  of  from  one- 
eighth  to  three-quarters  of  an  inch,  sparsely  branched,  and  covered  with  a  quan- 
tity of  fine  fibres.  It  is  light-brown  externallv,  wrinkled  throughout  its  length, 
and  transversely  fissured ;  the  bark  is  thin,  amorphous,  the  wood  somewhat 
porous,  white  and  tasteless  ;  the  milky  juice  permeates  its  whole  substance.  Stern 
smooth,  at  first  simple,  then  divergently  branched,  and  forked.  Leaves  opposite, 
smooth  and  green  above,  paler  and  more  or  less  whitish  pubescent  beneath; 
tlie)-  are  ovate,  acute,  mucronate,  from  2  to  3  inches  long,  and  about  1  inch 
broad.  Petioles  about  one-quarter  of  an  inch  in  length.  Inflorescence  upright 
or  nodding  paniculate  cymes  at  the  ends  of  the  branches,  and  in  the  axils  of  the 
terminal  leaves.  Pedicels  from  2  to  3  lines  long,  with  minute  subulate  bracts 
at  their  bases.  Calyx  entirely  free  from  the  ovaries,  five-parted,  with  ovate- 
lanceolate,  acute  lobes,  much  shorter  than  the  corolla,  not  glandular.  Corolla  con- 
volute, and  sinistrally  twisted  in  the  bud,  monopetalous,  bell-shaped,  white  tinged 
with  red,  five  cleft ;  limb  spreading ;  lobes  ovate,  obtuse,  reflexed,  each  bearing 
at  its  base  a  triangular  nectariferous  scale,  free  only  at  the  tip.  Stamens  five, 
inserted  at  the  base  of  the  corolla,  alternate  with  the  glands ;  filaments  distinct, 
very  short,  ligulate,  pubescent  inside  ;  anthers  sagittate,  with  an  acute  hyaline  tip, 
sometimes  slightly  coherent,  and  adhering  by  their  faces  to  a  zone  or  ring  at  about 
the  middle  of  the  stigma,  2-celled,  the  cells  opening  longitudinally.  Pollen  granu- 
lar.     Ovaries  2.  oblong,  generally  distinct,  rarely  united  ;  stigma  sessile  or  nearly 

*  .An  ancient  name  of  the  dog's  haiie  compo>ed  of  into,  from,  kvuv,  a  dog ;  as  it  was  thought  to  be  poisonous  to 
this  animal. 


132-2 

so,  ovoid,  obtuse  and  obscurely  2-lobed.  Follicles  2,  from  2  to  4  inches  long,  cylin- 
drical, slender,  and  pendant ;  generally  remaining  united  by  their  apices  until  fully 
ripe.  Seeds  numerous,  crowned  with  a  long  silky  coma  at  their  summit.  The 
apocynaceae  are  chiefly  tropical,  acrid,  poisonous  plants,  represented  in  the  gar- 
dens by  the  Oleander  and  the  Periwinkle,  and  wild  in  the  northern  United  States 
by  Amsonia,  Forsteronia  and  Apocyvum. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  rather  common  plant  is  found  from  Canada  to 
Georgia,  and  Missouri.  It  grows  along  fences,  and  over  old  fields,  flowering  in 
June  and  July,  the  pods  forming  well  before  the  blossoms  have  all  fallen. 

The  names  catch-fly  and  fly-trap  are  derived  from  the  fact  that  the  flowers 
of  both  this  and  A.  cannabinum  have  a  power,  without  special  utility,  of  imprison- 
ing insects.  Dr.  Darwin  supposed  this  quality  to  be  due  to  an  irritability  of  the 
internal  organs,  but  upon  careful  observation  it  is  plainly  seen  that  the  capture  is 
entirely  accidental,  the  flower  and  plant  remaining  neutral.  In  consequence  of 
the  convergence  of  the  anthers  and  their  adherence  to  the  zone  of  the  stigma,  a 
narrow  fissure  is  formed,  very  contracted  at  the  apex,  the  insect  in  search  of  honey 
from  the  nectaries  at  the  base  of  the  corolla,  inserts  its  proboscis  between  the 
short  filaments  of  the  stamens,  thus  when  about  to  leave  its  feast  the  proboscis 
is  sometimes  caught  in  this  fissure  ;  once  fast,  the  greater  the  insect  struggles  the 
more  firmly  is  it  wedged,  until  its  self-deliverance  becomes  impossible.  Thus 
mosquitoes,  gnats  and  small  flies  may  frequently  be  found  dead  in  the  flower- 
tubes. 

The  only  previous  use  of  this  herb  is  said  to  be  that  of  the  Indians,  who  em- 
ployed it  in  syphilis.  Rafinesque  says  :  "  From  its  stem  may  be  obtained  a  thread 
similar  to  hemp,  which  can  be  woven  into  cloth  ;  from  its  pods,  cotton  ;  from  its 
blossoms,  sugar."  The  quantity  of  the  last  two  articles  is  small,  it  is  true,  but 
might  serve  in  an  emergency. 

This  drug  has  been  dismissed  from  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  on  account  of  lack  of 
knowledge  of  its  action.  With  the  Eclectics  it  is  used  as  Decocliim  Apocyni ; 
Extractum  Apocyni  Alcoholicum ;  and  Apocynin  their  so-called  alka-resinoid. 

For  obvious  reasons,  when  desired  as  a  tonic,  diaphoretic  or  la.xative  agent, 
a  decoction  prepared  as  follows  is  the  most  effectual :  Take  a  suitably  sized  earthen 
or  porcelain-lined  vessel  and  place  in  it  one  oz.  of  the  sliced  plant,  roots,  stems 
and  leaves,  to  which  add  one  pint  of  pure  cold  water ;  place  the  vessel  in  a  pot  of 
water  and  let  it  come  to  a  boil,  and  remain  so  for  at  least  an  hour,  replenishing  as 
fast  as  it  evaporates,  with  hot  water,  then  strain  the  decoction  from  the  inner 
vessel  before  it  cools.  It  should  be  covered  with  a  tight  lid  while  heating,  and 
after  bottling  should  be  always  kept  tightly  corked  ;  even  then  it  is  worthless  after 
standing  a  few  days.      Dose,  a  tablespoonful  three  times  a  day. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root  is  chopped  and  pounded 
to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  and  after 
thoroughly  mixing  the  pulp  with  one -sixth  part  of  it,  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  is 
added.     After  having  stirred   the  whole,  pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle  and 


132-3 
let  it  stand  eight  clays  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture  is  then  separated  by 
decanting',  straining  and  filtering. 

Thus  prepared,  it  has  a  light  reddish-brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  very 
bitter  taste,  and  a  slight  acid  reaction  to  litmus. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Very  litde  is  known  of  the  constitution  of 
this  plant,  it  not  having  been  very  thoroughly  analyzed.  According  to  Bigelow  it 
contains  : 

Red  coloring  matter,  soluble  in  water,  slightly  soluble  in  alcohol. 

A  bitter  principle,  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol. 

Volatile  oil,  caoutchouc  and  fi.xed  oil. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Here  also  investigation  has  been  neglected. 
Apocynum  A.  is  an  emetic  without  causing  nausea,  a  cathartic,  and  quite  a  power- 
ful diuretic  and  sudorific;  it  is  also  expectorant  and  considered  antisyphilitic. 

Description  of  Plate  132. 

I.   Part  of  plant,  I'rom  McLean,  N.  Y.,  June  15th,  1880,  showing  the  mode  of  branching. 
2.   End  of  branch  in  flower. 
3    Follicles. 

4.  Seed. 

5.  Flower  (enlarged). 


(fia.adnafdeletpinxt  APOCYNUM    GANNABINUM     Linn. 


N.  ORD-APOCYNACE^.  133 

GENUS.  — APOCYNUM,  TOURN. 
SEX.  SYST.— PENT.WDRI.V   UIGYNI.V. 

APOCYNUM  CANNABINUM. 

caj^adiajy  hemp. 


SYN.— APOCYNUM  CANNABINUM,  LINN.;  APOCYNUM  HYPERICIFOL- 
lUM,  AIT.;  APOCYNUM  SYBERICUM,  JACQ. ;  APOCYNUM  PUBES- 
CENS,  R.  BR. 

COM.  NAMES.— AMERICAN  INDIAN  HEMP,*  DOG'S  BANE,t  OLD-AMY 
ROOT,  GENERAL  MARION'S  "WEED,  SNAKES'  MILK,  CANADIAN 
HEMP,  AMERICAN  HEMP;  J  (CANADIAN)  HOUATTE  ;  (FR.)  CHANVRE 
DU  CANADA;  (GER.)  CANADISCHE  HANP. 

A   TINCTURE   OF   THE    FRESH    ROOT   OF   APOCYNUM    CANNABINUM,  LINN. 

Description. — This  species  attains  a  height  of  from  2  to  4  feet.  Stem  erect, 
glabrous,  or  downy  pubescent ;  branches  upright  or  ascending,  leafy  to  the  top. 
Leaves  varying  from  nearly  oval  to  oblong  and  sometimes  even  lanceolate  ;  base 
rounded,  obscurely  cordate,  or  acute;  petioles  usually  present,  short,  but  .some- 
times wanting.  Inflorescence  terminal,  erect,  many  and  densely  flowered,  cymes, 
shorter  than  the  leaves  ;  flaivers  smaller  than  those  of  the  preceding  species. 
Calyx:  lobes  lanceolate.  Corolla  greenish-white;  tube  not  longer  than  the  calyx 
lobes ;  lobes  nearly  erect,  not  reflexed.     Follicles  from  3  to  5  inches  long. 

In  this  description  only  the  more  distinctive  and  differential  points  are  given  ; 
the  generic  description  is  embodied  in  that  of  the  preceding  species.  As  these 
two  plants  are  so  often  classed  as  one  by  collectors  in  general,  and  as  their  action 
is  quite  different,  I  append  a  differentiation  : 

A.  androsivmifolium. 

1.  Stem  divergently  branching  or  bifurciting. 

2.  Root :  hark  dark  brown ;  wood  white,  tenacious, 
fibrous ;  pith  of  about  the  diameter  of  the  thickness  of 
the  bark,  sometimes  greater.^ 

3.  Leaves  ovate,  distinctly  petioled  ;  those  at  the  bases 
of  the  branches  like  those -upon  them — ».  e.,  an  opposite, 
petioled  pair.||     (Plate  132,  Fig.  I.) 

Inflorescence  loose,  spreading  cynics;  y?oa/^« greenish- 
white,  with  rose-colored  macuKitions  or  strict,  or  full  pale 
rose-color ;  \  corolla  :  tube  longer  than  the  caly.x  lobes ; 
lobes  reflexed  or  spreading. 


A   cannabinum. 

1.  Stem  assurgently  branching,  not  bifurcating. 

2.  Root:  bark  grayish-brown;  wood  yellowish,  soft, 
porous;  pith  minute  or  not  evident.^ 

3.  Leaves  ranging  from  ovate  to  nearly  lanceolate, 
sometimes  sessile  or  neatly  so ;  those  at  the  bases  of  the 
branches  single,  sessile,  and  larger.||    (Plate  133,  Fig.  2.) 

Inflorescence  close,  erect  cyines ;  flowers  greenish- 
white,  smaller ;  corolla:  tube  nol  longer  than  the  calyx 
lobes ;   lobes  erect. 


*  This  plant  is  often  termed  Indian  hemp,  a  name  only  applicable  to  Cannabis  Indica,  as  it  designates  that  plant 
alone.  American  Indian  hemp  might  possibly  apply,  if  we  consider  the  first  two  words  a  compound  word,  and  write  it 
American-Indian  hetnp. 

t  Dog's-bane  as  properly  belongs  to  A.  androscemifolium,  as  Canadian  hemp  does  to  this  species. 

J  American  hemp  and  American  Indian  hemp  (so  written)  refer  to  Cannabis  Indica  as  cultivated  in  America. 

\  Manheimer,  in  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1881,  p.  354. 

II  A  purely  distinctive  point,  no  mention  of  which  appears  in  any  of  the  works  I  have  examined. 

\  The  author  regrets  that  a  misinterpretation  occurred,  causing  the  lithographer  to  alter  his  originally  rose-colored 
flowers  to  green  in  Fig.  2,  Plate  132. 


^33-2 

Apocynaceas. — This  family  of  chiefly  tropical  plants  of  poisonous  nature,  has 
the  following  characteristics  :  Trees,  woody  shrubs,  or  herbs,  exuding  when 
wounded,  a  milky,  acrid  juice.  Leaves  entire,  feather-veined,  arranged  alter- 
nately, oppositely,  or  in  whorls ;  stipules  wanting.  Inflorescence  terminal  or  axil- 
lary cymes,  or  panicles;  flozuers  5-merous  and  5-androus,  perfect  and  regular. 
Calyx  free  from  the  ovary,  persistent.  Corolla  gamopetalous ;  lobes  convolute 
or  twisted  in  the  bud.  Stamens  equal  in  number  to  the  corolla  lobes  and  alter- 
nate with  them  ;  anthers  distinct  or  nearly  so,  encircling  the  stigma  and  sometimes 
adhering  to  it,  2-celled,  introrsely  and  longitudinally  splitting  ;  filavients  distinct, 
inserted  upon  the  tube  of  the  corolla;  pollen  of  loose  grains,  sometimes  glutinous. 
Ovaries  2,  united  or  distinct,  biplacentiferous  ;  ovules  numerous  or  few,  anatro- 
pous  or  amphitropous  ;  style  single,  common  to  both  ovaries  ;  stigma  single,  capi- 
tate, the  receptive  surface  consisting  of  a  ring  encircling  the  under  surface  of  the 
stigma.  G?;'/67.y  2,  distinct  or  united  ;  i'^^rt'i- numerous,  comose  or  acomose  ;  albu- 
men sparse ;  embryo  straight  and  comparatively  large. 

This  family  contains  in  North  America  9  genera,  21  species,  and  2  varieties. 
Beside  the  two  under  consideration,  the  following  species  have  a  place  in  the 
Homoeopathic  Materia  Medica :  Dita  bark  [Alstonia  scholaris)  ;  Oleander  [Nerium 
oleander);  Tanghinia  [Tanghinia  Madagascariensis,  Pet.  Th.  ;  T.veneni/era,  Poir; 
Cerbera  tanghina.  Hook.)  ;  the  Antillesian  Ahovai-baum  [1  hevetia  nercifolia,  Juss.  ; 
Cerbera  thevetia,  Linn.)  ;  Toxicophlcea  [Toxicophlcea  Thtinbergi)  ;  Upas  {Stryc/mos 
tieute)  ;   Periwinkle  [Vinca  minor,  Linn.)  ;  and  Echites  {Eclutes  subcrccta,]a.c(\.). 

History  and  Habitat. — The  habitat  of  both  indigenous  species  is  generally 
given  as  the  same — i.  e.,  sandy  soils  and  the  borders  of  old  fields  and  open 
woods.  I  have  noticed  that  A.  androscsmijoliiim  answers  well  to  this  habitat,  but 
that  A.  cannabimim  is  found  much  more  abundant  in  marshy  places  and  on  the 
banks  of  rivers,  particularly  where  they  are  subjected  to  submergence  during 
high  water.  Their  geographical  range  is :  from  the  Canadas  southward  to  Geor- 
gia and  Florida,  and  westward  to  California,  A.  cannabinum  extending  the  farther 
south  of  the  two.  The  two  species  blossom  together  in  June  and  July,  fruiting  as 
they  flower. 

This  species  yields  the  better  and  tougher  "  hemp  "  of  the  two,  and  is  more 
utilized.     Porcher  quotes*  the  Rural  Cyc.  as  follows: 

"  This  plant  has  been  proved  by  Prof.  Thouin,  of  Paris,  to  possess  a  stronger 
fibre  than  that  of  hemp ;  and  is  used  by  the  American  Indians  for  making  cordage, 
fishing-nets,  and  coarse  cloth."  He  further  states:  "The  decoction  affords  a  per- 
manent dye,  brown  or  black,  according  to  the  mordant  used." 

In  general  and  domestic  practice  this  species  has  been  used  and  lauded  as 
an  excellent  diuretic.f  also  as  an  hydragogue  cathartic,  emetic,  and  diaphoretic, 
in  proper  relative  dosage. 

The  root  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  the 
preparation  is  :    Tinctura  Apocyni. 

*  Resources  of  the  Southern  Fields  attd  Forests,  p.  484. 
f  See  page  IJ2-2,  concerning  decoction. 


133-3 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  preparation  is  made  from  the  root 
in  the  same  manner  as  that  of  the  preceding  species.  The  resulting  tincture  has 
a  deep  reddish-orange  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  rank  odor,  an  extremely  bitter 
and  penetrating  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.  —  Apocynin.  This  pardy  crystalline,  bitter 
principle  has  been  isolated  by  both  Dr.  Knapp  and  Dr.  Griscom  ;  its  chemical 
nature  has  not  yet  been  determined.  It  is  not  a  glucoside,  but  for  the  present 
is  supposed  to  hold  a  place  in  close  relation  to  that  class  of  bodies.  It  is  insol- 
uble, or  only  slightly  soluble,  in  water. 

Apocynein. — This  amorphous  glucoside  greatly  resembles  saponin  in  its 
physical  properties.*  It  is  fully  soluble  in  water.  Its  chemical  nature  is  only 
slightly  known. 

Beside  the  two  bitter  principles.  Dr.  Griscom  (1832)  found  in  the  root,  tan- 
nic and  gallic  acids,  gum,  resin  and  wax. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Apocynum  cannabinum  has  long  been  noted 
for  its  hydragogue  properties,  the  results  obtaining  in  this  direction  through  its 
peculiar  action  upon  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  intestinal  canal.  What  its 
action  may  be  upon  serous  membranes  is  still  to  be  determined.  Its  action  in 
causing  diuresis  and  diaphoresis  (the  latter  only  present  when  it  causes  emesis), 
is  another  point  in  the  dark,  concerning  which  more  light  is  greatly  to  be  desired. 
When  nausea  and  vomiting  occur,  the  action  of  the  heart  is  greatly  diminished, 
and  a  sense  of  mental  depression  and  oppression  of  the  chest  almost  naturally 
result.  Apocynum  apparently  acts  simply  as  an  evacuant,  and  affects  the  organic 
trouble  causing  the  dropsical  condition  for  which  it  is  usually  given,  little,  or  not 
at  all. 


Description  of  Plate  133. 

End  of  fruiting  and  flowering  branch,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  July  zzd,  li 
2-   Part  of  stem,  showing  mode  of  branching. 

3.  Flower  (enlarged). 

4.  Flower  after  removal  of  the  perianth  (enlarged). 

5.  Flower  after  removal  of  the  stamens  (enlarged). 

6.  Side  view  of  stamen  (enlarged). 

7.  Seed. 

8.  Section  of  the  root. 

*  Am.  Jour.  Phar.  1883,  p.  368. 


134. 


Mm. 

4       ^^ 


(Bin.adnat.del.etpinxt. 


ASCLEPIAS  CORNUTl,  Decaisne. 


N.  ORD-ASCLEPIADACE^.  134 

Tribe.-ASCLEPIADE/E. 

GENUS— ASCLEPIAS,*   1.. 

SEX.  SYST.— rENTANDRIA   DIC.VNIA. 

ASCLEPIAS  CORNUTI. 

COMMOJ^  MILKWEED. 

SYN.— ASCLEPIAS  SYRIACA.f  LINN.    A.  CORNUTI,  DEC. 

COM.  NAMES.-COMMON  MILKWEED,  SILK"WEED,  WILD  COTTON, 
VIRGINIAN  S'WALLOW-'WORT ;  (FR.)  ASCLEPIADE  A  LA  SOIB, 
HERBE  A  LA  OUATE ;  (GER.)  SCH"WALBENWURZEL,  SEIDEN- 
PFLANZE. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  ASCLEPIAS  CORNUTI,  DEC. 


Description. — This  stout,  upright,  perennial  herb,  grows  from  4-5  feet  high,  is 
leafy  to  the  top,  and  bears  superior  lateral  as  well  as  terminal  umbels  of  dusky 
red  flowers. 

The  ?'Oot  extends  horizontally  to  a  length  of  from  1-2  feet,  is  externally  of  a 
grayish-brown  color,  somewhat  branched,  and  from  one-quarter  to  one  inch  thick, 
giving  off  a  few  scattered  rootlets,  or  is  marked  by  their  scars  ;  it  is  often  knotty 
from  branches  that  have  failed  to  develop.  It  has  no  specific  odor,  but  is  decidedly 
bitter  to  the  taste.  It  breaks  with  a  short  fracture  when  dry,  disclosing  a  soft, 
porous,  yellow-tinged  wood,  with  broad  medullary  rays  and  a  thin  white  bark.  The 
stem  is  simple,  or  nearly  so,  cylindrical,  stout  and  smooth,  emitting  when  wounded 
a  copious,  white,  mucilaginous  juice  which  soon  congeals.  The  /eaves  are  about 
4-8  inches  in  length,  oppositely  arranged  upon  the  stem,  oval-oblong,  entire, 
slightly  pointed  and  short  petioled  ;  they  are  ot  a  dark  rich  green  color  above,  pale 
and  minutely  downy  beneath.  Inflorescence,  many-flowered  umbels,  upon 
long,  drooping,  downy  peduncles,  from  the  base  of  the  petioles  of  the  upper 
leaves.  The  calyx  and  corolla  are  deeply  5-parted,  reflexed,  and  spreading, 
the  former  persistent,  the  latter  deciduous.  The  croivn  consists  of  5  hooded, 
fleshy  bodies  (termed  nectaries  by  Linna;us),  situated  upon  the  stamen  tube,  each 
containing  an  incurved  horn.  .Specifically  these  hoods  are  ovate,  obtuse,  having 
a  tooth  or  lobe  upon  each  side  of  the  horn,  which  is  short  and  claw-like. 
Stamens  5,  inserted  upon  the  base  of  the  corolla ;  filaments  united  into  a  tube  in- 
closing the  pistil ;  anthers  adherent  to  the  stigma  (forming  a  distinguishing 
feature  of  this  large  order  of  plants,  of  which  Asclepias  is  the  type)  ;  they  are 
composed  of  two  vertical  cells,  tipped  with  a  membrane-like  appendage,  each  con- 
taining a  flattened,  pear-shaped,  waxy,  pollen-mass.      Ovaries  2,  tapering  into  two 

*  The  Greek  name  of  .Esculapius,  to  whom  it  is  dedicated. 

t  Syria;  but  as  this  is  a  purely  American  species,  we  should  use  the  name  l)y  Decaisne. 


134-2 

very  short  slyics.  surmounted  at  their  apices  by  a  large,  depressed,  5-angled,  fleshy 
mass,  which  takes  the  place  of  a  stigma  common  to  the  two,  having  five  cloven 
glands  upon  its  angles.  Po//eu-masses  of  adjacent  anther-cells,  extricated  by  the 
agency  of  insects,  form  pairs,  which  hang  by  a  fine  prolongation  of  their  summits 
from  the  glands  of  the  stigmatose  body,  ejecting  copious  pollen-tubes  into  its  junc- 
tion with  the  styles.  Follicles  2,  one  of  them  often  abortive,  ovate,  soft,  woolly, 
and  covered  with  weak  spines.  Seeds  anatropous,  margined,  flat,  furnished  with 
long  silky  hairs  at  the  hilum  ;  all  imbricated  downward  over  the  large  placenta, 
which  separates  from  the  raphe  when  mature.  Einbryo  large,  the  thin  albumen 
containing  broad  leaf-like  cotyledons. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  very  common  herb  grows  in  rich  or  sandy 
ground,  along  roadsides  and  in  waste  places  everywhere  in  Canada  and  the  United 
States,  flowering  during  the  summer  months.  Few  genera  are  more  beautiful  or 
complex  in  their  structure  than  this,  still  the  plants  of  this  order  are  so  peculiar 
that  even  the  youngest  student  of  botany  will  recognize  them  at  a  glance.  That 
they  are  so  plentiful  cannot  appear  strange  after  an  examination  of  the  seeds, 
whose  silky  coma  when  expanded  forms  them  into  veritable  parachutes  ;  balanced 
by  the  pendant  seeds,  they  mount  gracefully  to  immense  heights,  whence  they  are 
wafted  far  and  wide  by  the  lightest  zephyr  until,  dampened  by  dew  or  rain,  they  fall 
to  the  ground.  The  young  sprouts,  just  as  they  appear  above  the  ground  in 
spring,  are  highly  esteemed  among  housewives  as  a  pot-herb,  being  cooked  simi- 
larly to  asparagus,  for  which  they  are  an  excellent  substitute.  The  juice  when 
appliecf  to  the  skin  forms  a  tough,  adhesive  pellicle  ;  this  has  led  to  its  use  by  the 
laity  as  a  covering  for  ulcers  and  recent  wounds  to  promote  cicatrization.  In  a 
memoir  on  the  cultivation  of  this  plant,  by  J.  A.  Moller,  in  Tilloch's  Magazine, 
vol.  viii,  p.  149,  may  be  found  the  following:  "Its  chief  uses  were  for  beds,  cloth, 
"  hats,  and  paper.  It  was  found  that  from  eight  to  nine  pounds  of  the  coma  of  the 
"  seeds  occupied  a  space  of  from  five  to  six  cubic  feet,  and  were  sufficent  for  a  bed, 
"coverlet,  and  pillows.  The  shortness  of  the  fibre  prevented  it  from  being  spun 
"and  woven  alone,  it  however  was  mixed  with  flax,  wool,  etc.,  in  certain  stuffs  to 
"  advantage.  Hats  made  with  it  were  very  light  and  soft.  The  stalks  afforded 
"  paper  in  every  respect  resembling  that  obtained  from  rags.  The  plant  is  easily 
"propagated  by  seeds  or  slips.  A  plantation  containing  thirty  thousand  plants 
"yielded  from  six  to  eight  hundred  pounds  of  coma." 

This  plant,  together  with  many  other  excellent  drugs,  has  been  dismissed  sine 
acn'i  from  the  U.  S.  Ph.  The  Eclectic  Dispensatory  recommends  its  use  in  a  fluid 
extract,  dose  from  10  drops  to  a  fluidrachm  ;  in  amenorrhcca,  dropsy,  retention  of 
urine,  asthma,  dyspepsia,  cough,  dyspncea,  etc. 

The  use  of  the  Asclepiadeae  in  general  in  pleurisy  is  not  well  proven,  though 
their  action  upon  the  nerves  might  lead  to  empirical  use  in  pleurodynia. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  root,  already  described,  is 
gathered  when  in  full  vigor,  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then 
two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  and  after  thoroughly  mixing  this  pulp 
with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  is  added.     After  having  stirred  the 


134-3 
whole,  pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle  and  let  it  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark 
cool  place.     The  tincture  is  then  separated  by  decanting,  straining  and  filtering 

Thus  prepared  it  has  a  light  orange-yellow  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  bitter 
and  slightly  astringent  taste,  cjuite  similar  to  half  ripe  butternuts,  and  a  slightly 
acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Asclepione,^^=  C,„  H^^  O,.  This  resinoid  prin- 
ciple was  determined  by  List  in  the  juice  of  the  plant;  also  by  W.  L.  Hinchman 
(Am.  Jour.  Phar.  1881,  p.  433)  in  the  roots  ;  as  white,  verrucose,  odorless,  tasteless, 
iridescent  crystals;  decomposing  at  194°  (219.2°  F.),  and  volatilizing  at  higher 
temperatures.  They  are  soluble  in  chloroform,  ether  and  alcohol ;  insoluble  in 
water.  The  roots,  according  to  the  latter  authority,  contain  asclepmie,  caoutchouc, 
fixed  oil,  tannin,  glucose,  a  bitter  principle  not  isolated,  g2im,  starch,  and  volatile 
oil.  The  milky  juice  of  the  whole  plant  contains  the  same  bodies  found  in  the 
root.  The  acid  of  the  plant  seems  to  be  in  close  relation  with  the  undetermined 
bitter  principle. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — A.  cornuti  is  diuretic  (increasing  the  solid 
constituents  as  well  as  the  watery  portion  of  the  urine)  and  diaphoretic,  not  by 
stimulating  but  by  lowering  the  action  of  the  heart.  It  is  thought  to  act  directly 
upon  the  vaso-motor  system,  often  in  this  sphere  lessening  local  congestions.  Its 
minute  action  can  best  be  studied  in  the  published  provings.  Anodyne  properties 
have  been  attributed  to  this  drug,  but  this  is  totally  unsupported  at  present. 

DEhCKU'iioN  OF  Plate  134. 

1.  Upper  part  of  plant,  from  Binghams,  N.  Y.,  June  21st,  1880. 

2.  A  cluster  of  follicles. 

3.  .\  flower  (enlarged). 

4.  Seed  (somewhat  enlarged). 

*  There  seems  to  be  a  similarity  between  this  body  and  L.ictiiceiin,  viilt:,  96. 


135. 


^m.ad 


nat.dei.et  pinxt. 


ASCLEPIAS   TUBEROSA,  Linn. 


N.  ORD.  ASCLEPIADACE^.  135 

Tribe.-ASCLEPIADE/E. 

GENUS.— ASCLEPIAS,  LINN. 
SEX.  SYST.— rENT.\Nr)RI.\  DIGVNI.X. 


ASCLEPIAS  TUBEROSA. 


PLEURISY-ROOT. 


SYN.— ASCLEPIAS  TUBEROSA,  LINN. ;  ASCLEPIAS  CAULE  ERECT.  DIVAR. 
VILLOS.,  ETC.,  HORT.  CLIFF.;  APOCYNUM  NOV^  ANG.  HIRSUT. 
ETC.,  HERM.  LUGDR 

COM.  NAMES.— PLEURISY-ROOT,  BUTTERFLY  WEED,  ORANGE  SWAL- 
LOW-WORT, ORANGE  MILK-WEED,  ORANGE  APOCYNUM,  WIND 
ROOT,  WIND  WEED,  COLIC  ROOT,  WHITE  ROOT;  (FR.)  ASCLEPIADB 
TUBEREUSE ;  (GER.)  KNOLLIGE  SCHWALBENWURZ. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  ASCLEPI.A.S  TUBEROSA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  attractive  plant  grows  to  a  height  of  from  i  to  2  feet. 
Root  large,  sarcous,  fusiform  and  branching.  Stems  numerous,  erect  or  oblique, 
roughish  hairy,  branching  superiorly,  and  leafy  to  the  top  ;  they  form  an  exception 
to  Asclepiadeae  in  general  by  being  almost  or  entirely  devoid  of  milky  juice. 
Leaves  numerous,  scattered,  some  falling  opposite ;  they  may  vary  from  linear  to 
linear-  or  oblong-lanceolate,  be  sessile  or  very  short  petioled,  hirsute,  mosdy 
acute  or  subacute,  and  undulately  wrinkled  along  the  margin.  Inflorescence 
terminal  cymose  or  corymbose  clusters  of  short  peduncled  umbels  ;  floivers  showy, 
greenish-  or  orange-chrome.  Calyx  much  smaller  than  the  corolla ;  sepals  re- 
flexed,  subulate,  hidden  under  the  lobes  of  the  corolla.  Petals  or  divisions  of  the 
corolla  oblong,  at  first  extended  then  reflexed.  Crown  elevated  conspicuously 
above  the  base  of  the  corolla;  hoods  or  cncnlli  erect,  narrowly  oblong,  sessile, 
somewhat  broadened  at  the  base,  and  about  twice  the  length  of  the  column  ;  horns 
subulate,  slender,  nearly  erect.  Column  short.  Anthers  shorter  than  the  cuculli ; 
taings  truncate,  broadest  at  the  base.     Pods  lanceolate,  acuminate,  hoary. 

Asclepiadacese. — This  large  family  differs  mainly  from  the  preceding,  and 
all  Exogens,  in  the  arrangement  of  the  essential  organs  and  fecundating  element. 
It  consists  of  shrubs  and  herbs  having  acrid,  bitter,  milky  (exc.  Asclepias  tuberosd) 
juice,  containing  caoutchouc.  It  answers  in  general  to  the  characters  of  leaf,  flower, 
and  fruit  exhibited  in  the  Apocynaceae  {vide  ante,  p.  ijj-2). 

Leaves  destitute  of  stipules ;  their  place  generally  supplied  by  hairs.  In- 
florescence terminal,  axillary  or  somewhat  racemose  clusters  of  cymose  or  umbelli- 

*  In  executing  this  plate  with  the  stem  and  leaves  natural  size,  it  became  necessary  to  remove  two  flower  clusters, 
which  greatly  diminishes  its  value  to  the  botanist,  though  the  representation  is  still  characteristic  of  A.  tubtrosa. 


135-2 

form  flowers;  bracts  minute.  Corona^'-  consisting  of  5  parts  or  lobes  (lioods), 
usually  present  and  situated  between  the  corolla  and  the  stamens,  adnate  to  the 
one  or  the  other.  Disk  (hypogynous)  wanting  ;  stamens  mostly  monadelphous, 
their  tube  forming  the  column;  anthers  introrse,  2-  or  incompletely  4-celled,  in 
Asclepias  flattened,  opening  lengthwise  (c.  Fig.  6),  and  surmounted  by  a  small 
membranous  appendage  (d.  Fig.  6).  Styles  2,  generally  distinct  as  far  as  the  stig- 
matic  body  ;  stignui  or  stigniatose  disk  fleshy,  consisting  of  a  central  portion  or 
body  common  to  both  styles,  from  which  are  produced  5  corpuscles  or  glands, 
alternate  with  the  anthers  (e.  Fig.  6).  Pollinia  (Fig.  4)  waxy  masses  of  coherent, 
granular,  compressed  hexagonal,  pollen  cells.  Each  of  the  masses  is  furnished  with 
a  fine  prolongation,  these  meet  in  pairs,  the  point  of  juncture  being  tipped  with  a 
minute,  black,  coriaceous  appendage,  sharply  cleft  at  its  inferior  edge,  the  sides 
prolonging  like  the  barbs  of  an  arrowhead  ;  this  appendage  is  situated  between 
the  apices  of  two  contiguous  anthers,  and  is  connected  with  the  stigmatic  glands. 
Thus  when  the  pollen  is  withdrawn  two  anthers  yield  a  cell's  contents  each  to  the 
mass.  Friiita  pair  of  follicles  except  when  aborted  ;  seeds  few  or  many,  compressed, 
imbricate,  generally  margined,  and  furnished  with  a  soft  coma ;  embryo  straight ; 
cotyledons  foliaceous  ;  albtwien  thin.  A  general  description  of  Asclepias  is  incor- 
porated in  that  of  A.  cornutum,  134. 

A  word  in  regard  to  cross-fertilization  in  Asclepias.  While  drawing  figure  2, 
plate  135,  holding  the  flower  by  its  peduncle,  a  large  blue-bottle  fly  alighted  upon 
the  crown,  as  he  did  so  one  of  his  legs  slipped  down  between  two  hoods, — which 
neatly  curve  to  such  a  shape  that  the  foot  of  an  insect  is  guided  directly  into  the 
crevice  between  two  adjacent  anther  cells — and  upon  attempting  to  withdraw  it  he 
was  unable  to  do  so.  Noting  this,  I  teased  him  into  many  strong  tugs  and  pulls, 
but  the  more  he  struggled  the  tighter  his  foot  became  wedged,  until  finally  after 
about  ten  minutes'  hard  work  he  flew  off  with  a  little  yellow  spot  attached  to  the 
extremity.  I  caught  him,  plucked  off  the  leg,  and  examined  it  under  a  lens  ;  the 
claws  were  firmly  wedged  into  the  little  cleft,  before  mentioned  as  existing  in  the 
coriaceous  appendage  of  the  pollen-masses.  I  afterward  examined  numerous  heads 
of  Asclepias  cornuti,  nearly  always  finding  many  captive  insects,  especially  Muscce, 
some  dead  and  others  struggling  ;  and  watched  many  more  fly  off  with  the  fecun- 
dating element  trailing  after  them.  Others,  too,  arrived  with  pollen-masses,  and 
by  the  same  interesting  procedure  as  described,  left  their  burdens  in  the  crown, 
thus  executing  without  design  the  will  of  Nature. 

The  plants  of  this  order  that  are  of  particular  interest  to  us,  beside  the  two 
under  consideration,  are:  Cundurango  {Gotiolobus  Cnndnratioo),  the  Spanish  Mata- 
perro  (the  plant  that — being  announced  and  lauded  as  a  cure  for  cancer — caused 
such  a  furor  in  medical  and  general  circles  in  1871  ;  now  considered  worthless  in 
cancer  or  any  other  disorder  by  those  who  were  foremost  in  its  advancement  and 
use);  and  the  curled-flowered  Calatropis  [Calatropis  giganted),  a  native  of  the 
East  Indies.  The  other  prominent  medicines  in  this  order  are :  The  Indian  emetic 
Secamone  emetica,  and  purgative  S.  Thimbergii.     The  acrid  juice  of  Syrian   Peri- 

*  Crown,  nectary,  lepanthium. 


135-3 

ploca  {Periploca  Gracca)  has  been  used  as  a  stimulating  application  for  ulcers,  and 
in  Greece  as  a  wolf  poison.  Lindley  states*  that  the  East  Indian  Tylophora  asth- 
matica  is  either  emetic  or  purgative  in  the  proper  dosage,  and  constitutes  a  valu- 
able Indian  remedy.  Many  species  of  Gonolohus  act  as  drastic  purges,  and  some 
are  used  by  the  Aborigines  as  arrow  poisons.  The  Ceylon  Indian  or  Country 
Sarsaparilla,  Hcviidcsnuis  Inc/iciis,  is  spoken  of  by  Lindleyf  as  being  quite  as  effi- 
cient in  its  usage  as  the  American  root,  and  adds  :  "  A  great  deal  of  it  is  consumed 
in  London  and  considered  a  fine  sort."  The  genus  Cynajichum  affords  several 
purgatives,  one  of  which,  the  Syrian  Cynanchum  erectiim  {Marsdenia  erectd),  is 
stated  to  be  very  poisonous,  and  used  by  the  natives  as  a  means  of  murder  or 
suicide;  Arghel  {^Cynanchum  Argel)  is  often  used  to  adulterate  Alexandrian 
Senna,  and  to  this  Lindley  ascribes  the  griping  and  other  unpleasant  effects  of  the 
commercial  Senna;  while  the  leaves  of  the  East  Indian  Cyiianchuin  cxtcnsnm 
{Daemia  extensd)  are  employed  as  an  anthelmintic,  and  the  juice  in  asthma.  Thus 
throughout  the  order  almost  all  species  are  used  in  the  practice  of  their  native 
countries  ;  while  to  the  arts  some  yield  excellent  fiber  for  the  manufacture  of  rope, 
and  others  (especially  Cynanchum  ova/i/olium),  caoutchouc  in  good  quantity  and 
of  fine  quality. 

History  and  Habitat. — Asclepias  tuberosa  is  common  from  Canada  south- 
ward ;  growing  at  first  near  the  coast  on  sandy  fields,  but  spreading  Inland  as  the 
soil  o-rows  drier  and  less  rich.  It  flowers  northward  during  the  earlier  months  of 
summer,  and  fruits  in  September.  The  procumbent  form,  more  common  south- 
ward, formerly  classed  with  this  species,  is  now  recognized  as  var.  decumbens,  Pursh. 
The  Western  Indians  boil  the  tubers  for  food  ;  prepare  a  crude  sugar  from  the 
flowers,  and  eat  the  young  seed-pods  after  boiling  them  with  buffalo  meat.  Some 
of  the  Canadian  tribes  use  the  young  shoots  as  a  pot-herb  after  the  manner  of 
asparagus.^ 

The  pleurisy-root  has  received  more  attention  as  a  medicine  than  any  other 
species  of  this  genus,  having  been  regarded,  almost  since  the  discovery  of  this 
country,  as  subtonic,  diaphoretic,  alterative,  expectorant,  diuretic,  laxative,  eschar- 
otic,  carminative,  anti-spasmodic,  anti-pleuritic,  stomachic,  astringent,  anti-rheumatic, 
anti-syphilitic,  and  what  not  ?  It  has  been  recommended  in  low  typhoid  states, 
pneumonia,  catarrh,  bronchitis,  pleurisy,  dyspepsia,  indigestion,  dysentery,  helmin- 
thiasis, and  obstinate  eczemas,  in  doses  of  from  20  to  40  grains  of  the  powdered  root. 

Schoepf  first  brought  it  before  the  medical  profession,  followed  by  Drs.  Bar- 
ton, Chapman,  Eberle,  and  Parker,  each  of  whom  found  it  often  reliable,  especially 
in  cases  where  an  expectorant  or  diaphoretic  seemed  requisite.  In  colic  and  rheu- 
matic pains  its  exhibition  met  with  much  success.  Dr.  Chapman  states§  that  it  is 
distinguished  by  great  certainty  and  permanency  of  operation,  and  is  well  suited 
to  excite  perspiration,  etc.  Prof  Barton  esteemed  it  as  one  of  the  most  important 
of  our  indigenous  remedies.  Dr.  Benj.  Parker  says:||  "The  powdered  root  fre- 
quently acts  as  a  mild  purgative,  but  it  is  particularly  valuable  for  its  virtues  as  an 

*  Flor.  med.,  p.  542.  t   /</"«,  P-  544-  I  ]■  R-  Dodge  in  U.  S.  /I^ru:  Rep.,  1870,  p.  405. 

J  Elementary  TherafeutUs,  Vol.  I.  p.  351.  ||    ThaUher  Disf.  in  Barton's  Veg.  Mat.  Med.,  Vol.  I,  p.  247. 


135-4 

expectorant,  diaphoretic,  and  febrifuge."  "  From  the  successful  employment  of 
the  pleurisy-root  for  twenty-five  years,  he  has  imbibed  such  confidence  that  he  ex- 
tols it  as  possessing  the  peculiar  and  almost  specific  quality  of  acting  on  the  organs 
of  respiration,  powerfully  promoting  suppressed  expectoration,  and  thereby  re- 
lieving the  breathing  of  pleuritic  patients  in  the  most  advanced  stage  of  the  dis- 
ease ;  and  in  pneumonic  fevers,  recent  colds,  catarrhs,  and  diseases  of  the  breast 
in  general,  this  remedy  has  in  his  hands  proved  equally  efficacious."  Dr.  Griffith 
concludes*  that  "  from  all  that  can  be  gathered  on  the  subject,  it  may  be  deemed 
one  of  the  most  useful  of  our  native  articles,  and  deserves  a  full  and  unbiassed 
trial."  Other  and  more  recent  writers  as  usual  have  looked  with  doubt  upon  all 
its  given  qualities,  except  mayhap  its  utility  as  an  expectorant  and  diaphoretic. 
The  provings,  however,  point  to  it  as  a  valuable  remedy  in  certain  forms  of  dry 
coryza,  indigestion,  colic,  diarrhoea,  dry  coughs,  pleurisy,  general  rheumatic  pains, 
and  certain  skin  affections.  In  one  case  only  in  my  own  practice  have  I  seen  the 
indications  for  its  use,  that  a  case  of  chronic  indigestion,  accompanied  by  dry  cough 
and  intercostal  rheumatic  pains  ;  it  acted  promptly  and  efficaciously,  bringing  relief 
within  a  few  hours,  and  immunity  of  the  disorder  within  a  month. 

The  root  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  Its  preparations  in  the  Eclectic  Materia 
Medica  are:  Exiractum  Asclepidis  A/coholic7im,  ?ind  Fliiiduni ;  htfiisum  Asclepi- 
dis ;  Ftdvis  Asclepice  Co7iipositus  ;'\  Pulvis  IpccacuanlicB  Composihis  ;|  Tinchira 
Lobelice  Cofnposiia  /§  and  Asclepidin  or  Oleo-Resina  Asclepidis. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  tincture  is  prepared  from  the  fresh 
root  in  the  same  manner  as  that  of  the  preceding  species.  It  has  a  brownish- 
orange  color  by  transmitted  light,  darker  therefore  than  that  of  A.  cornuli ;  a 
slightly  bitter  taste  ;  preserves  the  characteristic  odor  of  the  root,  and  has  a  de- 
cided acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— An  analysis  of  the  root  by  Alton  Clabaugh|| 
resulted  in  the  separation  of  a  fixed  oil  saponifiable  by  caustic  alkalies ;  a  pecu- 
liar odorous,  crystalline,  sublimable  stearopten  melting  at  i6o°  F.,  and  soluble  in 
alcohol,  ether,  and  chloroform  ;  a  bitter  principle  insoluble  in  alcohol ;  another 
yellowish-brown  bitter  principle  soluble  in  alcohol ;  a  yellowish-white  body  pos- 
sessing the  taste  of  the  drug,  soluble  in  alcohol ;  together  with  starch,  gummy  and 
coloring  matters,  and  a  resin,  thus  corroborating  the  former  analysis  of  Elam 
Rhodes. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  following  symptoms  occurring  after  taking 
doses  of  from  20  to  50  drops  of  the  tincture,  are  recorded  by  Thos.  Nichol.^ 
Deficient  appetite,  with  pain  and  weight  in  the  pit  of  the  stomach  ;  soreness  and 
colic,  followed  by  flatulence  ;  soft  foetid  stools,  preceded  by  rumbling  in  the  bowels  ; 
dry,  hard,  hacking  cough,  with  painful  respiration  ;  sharp,  shooting  pains,  espe- 

*  Med.  BoL,  p.  455.         f  Pleurisy-root,  Spearmint,  Sumach  Berries,  Bayberry  Bark,  Skunk  Cabbage,  and  Ginger. 
J  Pleurisy-root,  Ipecacuanha,  Blood  Root,  and  Nitrate  of  Potassa.  §  See  foot-note  to  Lobelia  inflata,  99. 

II  Am.  Jour.  P/iai:,  1S82,  p.  5.  T[   Hale,  New  Remedies,  2d  Ed. 


135-5 

cially  between  the  ribs  and  about  the  lieart,  aggravated  by  deep  inspiration  and 
by  motion  of  the  arms  ;  darting,  shooting  pains  in  the  extremities,  followed  by  a 
sense  of  languor  and  debility. 

From  this  it  is  evident  that  A.  tnbcrosa  has  a  decided  action  upon  the  body, 
especially  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  alimentary  tract.  Just  what  this  action 
is,  is  as  yet  undeterminable. 


Description  ok  Plate  135. 

End  of  flowering  plant  with  two  clusters  removed,  Jamaica,  L.  I.,  July  17th,  1884. 

2.  Flower,  somewhat  enlarged. 

3.  Hood  and  horn  (enlarged). 

4.  Pollen-masses,  showing  connective  (x  25). 

5.  Stigmatic  body  (enlarged). 

6.  A  portion  of  the  column,  showing  : 

a.  The  connective  of  the  pollen-masses. 

/'.   Cleft  between  the  anther  cells. 

I.   Anther. 

,/.   Membranous  appendage. 

e.   Stigmatic  lobe. 


136. 


11' 


1 

h¥  ■ 

,A 

% 

^        % 

^m.adnatdel.et 

pinxt 

ChionAnthus  Virgin 

N.  ORD.-OLEACE^.  136 

Tribe.-OLEINEJE. 

GENUS.— C  HIONANTHUS,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— DECANDRIA  MONOGVMA. 


CHIONANTHUS. 


FRIJVGE  TREE. 


SYN.— CmONANTHUS  VIRGINICA,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— FRINGE  TREE,  SNOW  FLOWER,  POISON  ASH.  OLD  MAN'S 

BEARD,    SNOWDROP    TREE;    (FR.)    CHIONANTHE ;    (GER.)    SCHNEE- 

BAUM,   ODER  SCHNEEBLUME. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH   B.\RK   OF  CHIONANTHUS  VIRGINICA,  LINN. 


Description. — This  beautiful  southern  shrub  grows  to  a  height  of  from  6  to  lo 
feet,  and  maybe  characterized  as  follows:  Leaves  smooth  or  downy-pubescent, 
oblong-  or  ovate-lanceolate,  and  narrowed  into  a  petiole ;  margin  entire.  Inflor- 
escence loose,  axillary,  leafy-bracted  panicles,  appearing  with  the  leaves,  than  which 
they  are  longer;  flozvers  delicate,  more  or  less  arranged  in  threes,  each  on  a 
drooping  pedicel.  Calyx  small,  4-cleft,  persistent ;  lobes  linear-lanceolate.  Coi'olla 
wheel-shaped,  4-cleft;  lobes  long,  linear,  and  almost  separate.  Stamens  2,  included, 
inserted  just  at  the  base  of  the  corolla ;  anthers  larger  than  the  young  pistil,  2- 
celled  ;  filaments  no  longer  than  the  anthers.  Style  short ;  stigma  4-notched.  Fruit 
an  ovoid,  blackish,  fleshy  drupe,  covered  by  a  delicate  bloom  ;  seeds  i  to  3. 

Oleaceae. — A  small  family  of  trees  or  shrubs,  represented  in  North  America 
by  6  genera,  29  species,  and  7  varieties.  Leaves  opposite,  simple  or  pinnate,  exti- 
pulate,  deciduous.  Flowers  perfect,  polygamous  or  dioecious.  Calyx  4-toothed, 
sometimes  obsolete.  Corolla  4-lobed  or  petaled,  sometimes  wanting ;  cestivation 
valvate.  Stamens  2  or  abnormally  more.  Ovary  2-celled,  with  2  suspended  ovules 
in  each  cell;  style  single  or  none.  Fruits,  1-2  seeded  samara,  berry,  or  drupe. 
Embryo  straight ;  albumen  hard,  sometimes  wanting. 

The  only  proven  plant  in  this  order,  beside  those  here  considered,  is  the 
White  Jessamine  {jfasminum  officinale,  Linn.),  the  authority  for  the  use  of  which 
I  am  unable  to  determine.  Prominent  in  this  order  stands  the  Levantine  and 
South  European  Olive  [Olea  Europcea,  Linn.),  which  yields,  beside  its  valuable 
fruit  and  oil,  a  bark  that  is  highly  spoken  of  by  De  Candolle  as  a  substitute  for 

*  xi"!-,  chion,  snow ;  uvSos,  ani/ios,  flower. 


136-2 

Cinchona,  and  a  crummy  substance  much  esteemed  as  a  vulnerary.  The  South 
European  Flowering-  Ash  [Fraxinus  Oniiis,  Linn.)  e.xudes  from  its  branches  a 
dulcamarous  substance  called  Alainia,  a  gentle  laxative,  useful  in  cases  of  genito- 
urinary affections  attended  by  constipation  ;  it  has,  however,  the  usual  drawback 
of  causing  flatulent  colic*  Calabrian  manna,  considered  by  Fothergill  to  be  of 
even  better  quality  than  the  last,  is  a  product  oi  F.  excelsior,  Linn.;  F.  rotiindifolia 
is  also  manniferous.  The  fruit  of  the  Persian  Lilac  [Syringia  vulgaris,  Linn.-|-)  is, 
according  to  Curveiller,  a  remarkably  good  tonic  and  febrifuge  when  extracted. 

The  leaves  of  the  South  European  Phyllyrca  latifolia  have  been  found  to 
relieve  headache,  when  soaked  in  vinegar  and  applied  with  a  compress  ;  the  leaves 
of  the  British  Privet  {Ligiistriim  vulgare)  are  often  used  in  the  same  manner;  both 
are  astringents. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Fringe  Tree  is  indigenous  to  the  United  States, 
where  it  ranges  from  the  southern  portions  of  Pennsylvania  southward  to  Florida 
and  Texas.     It  habits  rich  woods  along  the  borders  of  streams,  flowering  in  June. 

The  previous  use  of  the  bark  of  this  shrub  as  an  astringent  vulnerary,  and 
the  bark  of  the  root  as  a  tonic  after  long  and  exhaustive  diseases,  is  one  that  has 
a  great  merit.  The  bark  in  infusion  is  a  remedy  that  was  too  often  neglected  for 
foreign  drugs  in  the  treatment  of  typhoid  forms  of  fever  and  intermittents,  espe- 
cially those  of  bilious  character.  This  bark  has  often  also  proved  itself  a  trust- 
worthy diuretic,  and  Prof.  Griffith  deems  it  possessed  of  acro-narcotic  properties. 
Rafinesque  claims  that  the  root  makes  a  cataplasm  that  will  cause  the  healing  of 
wounds  without  suppuration.  Dr.  F.  S.  Smith,  of  Lock  Haven,  Pa.,  who  has  used 
the  fluid  extract  of  the  bark  in  his  practice,  judges  it  one  of  the  best  remedies  at 
his  command  in  certain  forms  of  bilious  sick  headaches ;  and  Dr.  E.  M.  Hale  is 
of  the  opinion  that  in  all  the  diseases  mentioned  above  Chionanthus  will  often 
prove  to  be  the  similimum. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  bark,  including  that  of  the 
root,  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight 
of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the 
rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  The  whole  is  then  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle, 
and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  pressure  and  filtration,  has  a  beau- 
tiful, slightly  orange-red  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  bitterish  barky  odor,  a  bitter 
taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— According  to  Drs.  Lawsche  and  Scudder,  the 
symptoms  following  the  ingestion  of  this  drug  are  substantially  as  follows :  Severe 
frontal  headache,  bruised,  sore  sensation  in  the  eyeballs  ;   nausea,  bitter  eructa- 

*  Armenian  manna  is  derived  from  Quercus  Persica,}.  &  S.,  and  Qucrcus  vallonea,  Kat  (Cupuliferfe);  Australian 
nianra,  from  Eucalyptus  viminalis.  Lab.  (Myrtacese);  Tamarisk  manna,  Tamarix gallica,  Linn.  (Tamiricace^) ;  Persian 
manna,  from  Alhagi  camelorum,  Fisch.  (Leguminosce) ;   and  Brianpon  manna,  from  Pinus  Larix,  Linn.  (Coniferte). 

t  Our  common  purple  Lilac  is  var.  violacca,  and  the  white,  var.  alba,  both 'natives  of  Persia. 


^36-3 

tions  and  retelling',  followed  by  pressure  to  stool  ;  tongue  coated  greenish-yellow  ; 
uneasy  sensations  throughout  the  alimentary  tract;  vomiting  of  ropy,  i)ittcr, 
dark-green,  bilious  matter ;  blackish  evacuations  of  the  bowels;  slow  pulse  ;  cold 
perspiration,  and  great  general  weakness.* 


Description  of  Plate  136. 

1.  End  of  a  flowering  branch,  Landisville,  N.  J.,  June  ytli,  1885. 

2.  A  flower. 

3.  A  flower  with  broken  petals,  sliowing  essential  organs. 

4.  Stamen. 

5.  Pistil  and  calyx. 

(2-5  enlarged.) 

Dr.  Scudder  in  Ectedlc  Med.  Jour,  M.iy,  1S76;   Dr.  Lavvche  in  N.  A.  your,  of  Horn  ,  1883.  p.  6i2. 


=>^= 


i3r. 


^m.adnatdeletpinxt  FrAXINUS    AmERICANA  ,  Linn 


N.  ORD.-OLEACE^.  137 

Tribe-FRAXINE/E. 

C.KNUS.— FRAXINUS,"   TOURN. 
SEX.  svsT.— i)iiia:iA  diandria. 


FRAXINUS, 


WHITE  ASE. 

SYN.— FRAXINUS  AMERICANA,  LINN. ;  F.  ACUMINATA  AND  JUGLANDI- 
FOLIA,  LAM. ;  F.  EPIPTERA,  MICHX. ;  F.  DISCOLOR,  MUHL. ;  F.  CANA- 
DENSIS, GAERTN.;   F.  ALBA,  MARSH. 

COM.  NAMES.— AMERICAN  WHITE  ASH;  (FR.)  LE  FRENE  BLANC;  (GER.) 
WBISSE  ESCHE. 

A  TINCTURE  OF   THE   FRESH   BARK  OF  FR.^XINUS  AMERICAN.'\,  LLNN. 

Description. — This  beautiful  timber  tree  usually  attains  a  growth  of  from  40 
to  60  feet  or  more ;  Iritnk  generally  naked  for  about  half  the  whole  growth ;  hark 
gray,  furrowed,  and  transversely  fissured  with  great  regularity;  branchlets  gray 
and  glabrous;  (5«r/.>- rust-colored,  i^mt'tvf  opposite,  odd-pinnately  compound,  and 
over  a  foot  in  length  ;  leaflets  7  to  9,  short-stalked,  varying  from  ovate  to  oblong- 
lanceolate  ;  all  acuminate,  entire  or  sparsely  denticulate,  pale  or  whitish,  and  often 
pubescent  beneath,  especially  upon  the  mid-rib ;  petioles  glabrous.  Inflor-esccncc 
densely  paniculate,  especially  in  the  male — all  developed  from  special  buds,  from 
the  upper  axils  of  the  previous  year's  growth  ;  Floxocrs  dioecious,  apetalous  ;  Male 
floivers :  Calyx  minute,  campanulate,  with  4  sharp  teeth,  or  sometimes  obsolete  or 
wanting;  stamens  2  to  4;  filaments  shorter  than  the  large  anthers  ;  anthers  linear- 
oblong,  mucronate.  Female  fiowers :  Gz/ija' small,  persistent;  stamens  &-ven,  dhor- 
tive  ones  rarely  present;  style  evftct;  stigma  2-\ohed,  lodes  revolute;  ovary  2-ce\\ed, 
ovules  a  pair  from  the  summit  of  each  cell,  one  usually  abortive.  Frnit  a  dry 
samara  about  an  inch  and  a  half  long;  body  oblong,  cylindraceous,  terete,  barely 
acute  at  the  base,  merely  i-nerved,  not  margined,  about  one-half  as  long  as  the 
lanceolate  or  oblanceolate,  slightly  emarginate,  apical  wing.  Seed  oblong,  filling 
the  cell  ;  cotyledons  elliptical ;   radicle  slender. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  White  Ash  abounds  in  rich  or  moist  woods  from 
Canada  southward  to  Florida,  and  westward  to  Louisiana,  where  it  flowers  on  the 
appearance  of  the  leaves.  It  was  introduced  into  English  gardens  in  1723,  but 
does  not  flourish  there  as  here  in  its  native  climate. 

The  wood  is  very  tough,  fine-grained  and  elastic,  and,  were  it  not  for  its 
weight,  would  make  fine  cabinet  material.  It  weighs  35  lbs.,  10  oz.  per  cubic  foot, 
and  has  a  sp.  gr.  of  .570.  Ash  furnishes  material  for  the  most  strained  parts  of 
wagons,  as  well  as  for  all  the  heavier  agricultural  implements. 

*  't'fialii, p/iraxis,  separation;  as  tlie  wooil  splits  with  facility. 


137-2 

An  infusion  of  White  Ash  bark  has  been  much  used  in  cases  where  an  astrin- 
gent tonic  was  deemed  necessary  ;  it  also  proves  cathartic,  and  has  been  found 
useful  in  constipation,  especially  of  dropsical  subjects.  It  has  received  much 
praise  in  mastitis,  and  enlargement  of  the  spleen,  as  well  as  in  some  forms  of 
eczema,  and  in  gouty  affections.  There  is  a  belief  extant  in  the  South  that  the 
seeds  prevent  accumulation  of  fat. 

Dr.  Porcher  quotes  some  unmentioned  author  as  follows:  The  leaves  of  this 
plant  "are  said  to  be  so  highly  offensive  to  the  ratdesnake,  that  that  formidable 
reptile  is  never  found  on  land  where  it  grows  ;  and  it  is  the  practice  of  hunters 
and  others,  having  occasion  to  traverse  the  woods  in  the  summer  months,  to  stuff 
their  boots  or  shoes  with  White  Ash  leaves,  as  a  preventive  of  the  bite  of  the  rattle- 
snake." My  father  relates  that,  among  the  settlers  of  Orange  Co.,  N.  Y.,  it  was 
always  asserted  that  the  Aborigines  used  to  defend  themselves  from  this  snake  by 
carrying  White  Ash  leaves  about  their  persons.  How  much  dependence  might  be 
placed   in  this  prophylactic,  it  is  hard  to  tell. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  bark  of  the  young  twigs, 
as  well  as  that  of  the  root,  is  treated  in  the  same  manner  as  that  of  the  previous 
species.* 

The  tincture  has  a  clear,  beautiful,  reddish-orange  color  by  transmitted  light; 
an  odor  resembling  that  of  arnica  tincture  ;  an  astringent,  then  very  bitter,  taste  ; 
and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — There  is,  as  yet,  considerable  doubt  concern- 
ing the  principles  constituting  this  bark,  yet  the  experiments  of  H.  M.  Edwards,-)- 
J.  M.  Bradford,!  Jos.  C.  Roberts,§  and  especially  Edward  Kremers,||  point  to,  at 
least,  a  great  similarity  between  this  species  and  Fraxiniis  excelsior  and  nigra, 
which,  in  part,  yield  the  following : 

Fraxin,  C^.jHg^O,,,,. — This  glucoside  is  found  also  in  the  bark  of  .Esctiliis. 
Fraxin  forms  in  tufts  of  white,  lustrous,  acicular  forms,  slightly  bitter  and  acrid, 
losing  water  at  iio°  (230°  F.),  fusing  at  320°  (608°  F.)  and  decomposing.  It  is 
sparingly  soluble  in  cold  water  and  alcohol,  the  aqueous  solution  giving  a  beau- 
tiful  blue  fluorescence.      Dilute  acids  resolve  the  body  as  follows: 

c.H,AnT(Hp),  =  (QhIa),  +  (cJha). 

Maiiiiite*'^-  C,.Hg(OH),,. — This  saccharose  body,  found  in  many  plants,  as 
noted  on  page  136-2,  was  identified  in  this  species  by  Kremers  and  others.  It 
may  be  extracted  from  manna  by  boiling  that  substance  in  alcohol,  from  which  it 
crystallizes  in  tufts  of  long,  rhombic  needles,  possessing  a  pleasant,  sweetish  taste. 
The  crystals  from  our  species  were  found  by  Kremers  to  fuse  at  i62°-i63° 
(323.6°-325.4°  F.),  and  decompose  at  higher  temperature,  taking  fire  and  leaving 

*  Page  136-2.  g  //,/,/.,  18S5. 

t  -Am.  your.  Pilar.,  1882,  pp.  99,  283.  ||  Cctilrih.  Pharm.  Univ.  Wis.,  No.  2,  1S66,  p.  19. 

X  Ibid.,  p.  2S2.  •[  A  crystalline  body,  as  yet  uninvestigatefl,  having  a  slightly  acerb  taste. 

**  The  Fra.xinin  of  Keller. 


137-3 

a  black  residue,  whicli  finally  volatilized.  Maniiite  from  F.  onius  crystallizes  as 
above,  loses  no  weight  at  120°  (248°  F.),  fuses  at  i65°-i66°  (329°-330.8°  F.), 
boils  at  200°  (392°  F.),  a  portion  volatilizing  ;  another  losing  two  atoms  of  the 
compound  radical  OH,  and  becoming  a  syrupy  mass  of  inaiinitau  (C|,H,0(OH)^), 
which,  if  left  to  itself,  reverts  to  mannite  by  its  hygroscopic  power;  the  rest 
remaining  unchanged;  if,  however,  the  temperature  is  raised  to  250°  (482°  F.), 
the  mass  swells  up  and  is  destroyed.  This  body,  as  isolated  from  our  species,  is 
soluble  in  cold  water  and  boiling  alcohol,  and  insoluble  in  ether,  which  is  also  true 
of  the  old-world   product. 

Oil  of  Fraxiims. — A  small  quantity  of  this  volatile  body  has  been  isolated  or 
noted  by  all  experimenters  upon  the  bark.  It  is  described  by  Roberts  as  some- 
what aromatic,  bland,  and  having  a  yellow  color.* 

Fraxilaniiic  .Icid,  Cj,H,,.0.. — This  body,  extracted  by  Gintl  and  Reinitzer.f 
from  the  leaves  of  F.  excelsior,  has  not  been  proven  in  the  bark  ot  our  species, 
but  the  analyses  made,  except  that  of  Edwards,  seem  to  point  to  its  existence.  It 
is  described  as  an  amorphous,  yellow-brown,  brittle  body,  soluble  in  alcohol  and 
water,  and  precipitable,  like  other  tannins  on  saturation  with  common  salt,  but 
not  by  tartar  emetic. 

[An  alkaloid  is  suspected  by  Edwards,  Roberts,  and  Kremers,  but  remains 
to  be  proven  a  separate  principle  from  Fraxin.] 

An  acrid  and  a  neutral  resin,  starch,  gum,  etc.,  have  also  been  determined  by 
the  above  experimenters. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.  —  The  experiments  of  Dr.  Wright;!:  gave  the 
following  effects  from  four  ounces  and  a  half  of  the  tincture  taken  in  three  days: 
Vertigo  and  headache,  followed  by  fever;  fever  sores  upon  the  lips  ;  constipation; 
scanty  urine:  pedal  cramps;  and  wakefulness. 


Description  of  Plate  137. 

I.  .\  female  flowering  spray,  Binghamton,  N.  V.,  May  ist,  1S86. 

2.  Female  flower. 

3.  Section  of  ovary. 

4.  Fruit. 

(  2  and  3  enlarged.) 


*  That  from  the  leaves  of  F.  excelsior  has  the  odnr  of  syringia  flowers,  boils  at  175°  (237°  F.),  and   has  the  com- 
position CioH.jgO,.— .l/u«/rti//.  Chem.,  iii,  745-762,  from  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1883,  371. 
t  Ibid'. 
X  L-  S.  Me,l.  Inveslig.,  1875,  326. 


^lU.adnatdeletpinxt        ARISTOLOCHIA  SERPENTARIA.Linn 


N.  ORD.-ARISTOLOCHIACE^.  138 

GENUS.— A  Rl  ST  O  LOG  HI  A,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SV.ST.— C.VN'.'WDRI.^   HEX.VNDKI.^. 


SERPENTARIA. 


riR  GIA'IAJV  SA'JKE-R  O  0  T. 


SYN.— ARISTOLOCHIA  SERPENTARIA,  LINN.;  A.  SERPENTARIA,  VAR.  BARTONII, 

DUCH. ;  A.  OFFICINALIS,  NEBS. ;  A.  SAGITTATA,  MUHL. ;  A.  HASTATA,  NUTT.; 

ENDODECA  SERPENTARIA  &  BARTONII,  KLOT. 
COM.  NAMES.-SNAKB-ROOT,T  OR  WEED;     SBRPENTARY  ROOT,  BIRTHWORT, 

SNAGREL;     (FR.i    SERPENTAIRE    OU    COULBUVRBE    DE   VIRJINIE;     (GBR.) 

SCHLANGENWURZEL. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  DRIED  ROOT  OF  ARISTOLOCHIA  SERPENTARL\.  L. 

Description. — This  small,  aromatic  perennial  herb,  grows  to  a  height  of  from 
8  to  1 5  inches.  Root  somewhat  horizontal,  more  or  less  knotty,  giving  off — princi- 
pally from  its  under  surface — a  multitude  of  long,  fibrous,  branching  rootlets,  its 
dorsum  showing  the  scars  of  previous  stems.  Sfcuis  tew  or  single,  erect,  flexuous, 
pubescent,  branching  at  the  naked  or  nodular  and  bracteolate  base.  Leaves 
petioled,  thin,  ovate,  ovate-lanceolate,  or  nearly  halbred-shaped,  entire,  acuminate; 
base  cordate,  or  auriculate.  Stipules  none.  Inflorescence  single,  terminal,  upon 
bracted,  flexuous  peduncles,  arising  from  the  base  of  the  stem  ;  floivcrs  apetalous, 
irregular.  Calyx  tubular,  sigmoid,  pubescent,  and  adherent  to  the  ovary ;  tube 
somewhat  dumb-bell  shaped,  /.  e.,  dilated  at  the  apex,  gibbous  at  the  base  above 
the  ovary,  and  narrowly  constricted  in  the  throat ;  limb  flat,  more  or  less  obtusely 
3-lobed,  the  opening  looking  obliquely  upward.  Stamens  6  ;  anthers  i  2  (contigu- 
ous in  pairs,  appearing  but  6),  sessile,  adnate  to  the  back  of  the  stigma.  Style 
very  short  and  thick  ;  stigma  short  and  sarcous,  divided  into  3  to  6  flattened  lobes, 
with  a  thickened  apical  margin.  Fruit  a  naked,  somewhat  cylindrical,  slightly 
6-angled,  6-valved,  septicidal  capsule ;  pericarp  smooth,  dark  brown,  and  papyra- 
ceous;  seeds  several  in  each  cell,  somewhat  flattened-pear-shaped,  carunculate 
about  the  fundus,  and  channelled  upon  the  upper  surface,  where  the  rap/ie — a 
white,  thick,  fleshy  body — runs  along  its  centre. 

Aristolochiacese. — A  small  family  of  twining  shrubs,  or  low  herbs,  principally 
natives  of  South  America,  but  having  a  few  scattering  species  in  the  warmer  parts 


*  Api$'o,-,  aris'os,  excellent;  ^ox^s,  lochos,  a  parturient  female;  from  the  medical  (|ualilies  of  A.  CUmalitis,  which  is 
sai<I  to  hasten  the  delivery  of  the  placenta,  and  accelerate  lochial  discharges. 

t  The  American  .Snake-roots  are,  beside  this  species,  Black  Snake-root  (Sanicula  Canadensis,  and  Marilandica, 
\.\nn  ),  Umbtlli/eiic;  White  Snake-root  (Etipatorium  agerntoidfs,  Umn),  Comfositir ;  Seneca  Snake-root  {Polygala 
Senega,  Linn.),  Polygnlacete ;  and  Button  Snake-root  (various  species  of  Liatiis  (Compositx),  and  Eringiiim  Yucca- 
folium,  Michx.,  Umbellifera;.     These  do  not  include  the  Rattlesnake  roots. 


138-2 

of  both  hemispheres.  Leaves  alternate,  petioled,  generally  cordate,  entire,  and 
deciduous  ;  stipules  opposite  the  leaves,  or  wanting.  Aestivation  valvate  ;  floiucrs 
brown  or  lurid,  perfect,  and  usually  solitary.  Calyx  tubular,  conspicuously  peta- 
loid,  coherent  with  the  ovary;  limb  coriaceous,  regular  or  irregular.  Stamens  6  or 
12,  somewhat  united  with  the  style,  or  more  or  less  distinct,  inserted  upon  an 
epigynous  ^\sV\  filaments  short,  or  wanting;  anthers  adnate,  extrorse,  2-celled ; 
dchisceiice  longitudinal.  Ovary  6-celled  ;  style  short  and  thick,  or  wanting  ;  stigmas 
radiating,  more  or  less  lamellate.  Frnit  a  3-  to  6-celled,  dry  capsule,  or  succulent 
berry.  Seeds  numerous,  rounded  or  angular,  anatropous  ;  raphe  prominent  and 
fleshy  ;  embryo  minute,  basal ;  albumen  sarcous. 

The  only  plant  of  this  order,  outside  the  genus  AristolocJiia,  in  our  Materia 
Medica,  is  the  European  emetic,  cathartic,  diuretic,  and  sternutatory  Asarabacca 
{Asarum  Europaum,  Linn.).  The  American  Wild,  or  Indian  Ginger  {A.  Cana- 
dense,  Linn.),  though  not  exhibiting  the  action  of  the  European  species  to  any 
great  extent,  except,  mayhap,  the  errhine  power,  will,  without  doubt,  soon  be  added 
to  our  medicaments. 

History  and  Habitat. — Serpentaria  Is  indigenous  to  North  America,  ranging 
from  the  State  ol  Connecticut  to  Indiana,  and  thence  southward.  It  grows  in  rich, 
shady  woods,  and  blossoms  in  July.  The  flowers  of  this  plant,  like  those  of 
Asarum,  are  usually  hidden  beneath  the  dry  leaves  and  loose  top-mould  of  its 
chosen  localities. 

Strange  as  it  may  seem,  almost  all  the  species  of  this  large  genus  are 
esteemed,  by  the  natives  of  the  countries  in  which  they  grow,  as  remedies 
against  the  poisonous  effects  of  snake  bites  (Alexiterics)  ;  this  use  being  fully 
known  to  each  nation  without  previous  communication  with  each  other.  Only  one 
species  has  been  proven  beside  Serpentaria,  viz. :  The  Brazilian  Snake-root 
Aristolochia  (Milhomens)  [A.  cymbifera,  Mart.),  which  was  formerly  considered 
alexiteric,  antiparalytic,  antiperiodic,  and  aphrodisiac.  Among  the  more  or  less 
prominent  species  are:  The  Texan  or  Red  River  Snake-root,^,  retieidata,  Nutt., 
the  chemistry  of  which  has  been  proven  by  Wigand*  to  be  nearly  identical  with 
that  of  Serpentaria;  the  North  European  A.  elematitis,]J\nx\.,  once  noted  for  its 
emmenagogue  and  febrifugal  properties;  the  South  European  A. pistolochia,  having 
properties  similar  to  those  of  Serpentaria,  and  A.  longa,  Linn.,  A.  ba-tiea,  Linn., 
and  A.  rotimda,  Linn.,  used  in  Germany  as  emmenagogues,  antiarthritics,  and  stim- 
ulants. The  South  American  A.  trilobata,  Linn.,  is  said  to  be  superior  in  quantity 
and  quality  of  action  to  Serpentaria,  it  being  an  energetic  sudorific  in  doses  of  6 
to  20  grains.  The  Brazilian  A.  anguieida,  Linn.,  is  thought,  by  Humboldt  and 
Lindley,  to  be  the  source  of  the  celebrated  alexiteric  gicaco  of  the  Colombians  ; 
it  is  stated  that  a  few  drops  of  the  juice  of  this  plant,  placed  in  the  mouth  of  a 
snake,  will  stupefy  it,  and  a  larger  dose  cause  its  death.  The  East  Indian  Gardi- 
gavapoo  {A.  braeteata,  Retz.),  is  anthelmintic  and  antipsoric ;  and  A.  Iiidiea,  Linn., 
emmenagogue,  antiarthritic  and  stomachic.    Other  alexiterics  are  A.bilobata  (Brazil), 

*  Am.  your.  Phar.,  xvi,  lo. 


^38-3 

A.sci?ipen'irciis,  Linn.  (Colombia),  A.  fraorautissiuia,  Ruiz.  (Peru),  A.  grandifloi-a, 
Swartz  (Jamaica),  A.  viacronra.  Gomez  (Brazil),  A.  toiiicntosa,  Sims  (U.  S.),  A. 
hirsula,  Muhl.,  and  A.  Sip/io,  L'Her.  (N.  A.). 

The  medical  history  of  Serpentaria  begins  with  Cornutus'  first  notice  of  the 
plant  in  1635,*  augmented  by  Parkinson  in  1640.  These  authors,  together  with 
Dale  (1693)  and  Geoffroy  (1741),  speak  in  high  terms  of  its  alexiteric  properties. 
Tlie  root  was  admitted  into  the  London  Pharmacopoeia  in  1650. 

Serpentaria  has  been  classed  among  the  diuretics  and  warm  stimulating  tonics 
and  diaphoretics,  and  used  with  some  success  in  die  treatment  of  low  forms  of 
fevers,  especially  those  of  a  septicemic  type,  this  use  resulting  from  its  alexiphar- 
mic  properties.  It  was  also  used  in  intermittents  and  remittents  before  Quinine 
had  been  isolated  from  bark.  Of  this  use  Sydenham  says  if  "To  cure  tertians 
i)i  poor  people  ivJio  are  not  able  to  bear  the  charge  of  a  long  process  (Ital.  ours),  take 
of  Virginia  Snake-weed,  finely  powdered,  one  scruple,  of  white  wine,  three  ounces, 
mingle  them;  let  the  sick  take  it  two  hours  before  the  fit,  and  being  well  covered 
with  clothing,  let  him  sweat  three  or  four  hours,  and  let  it  be  repeated  twice  as 
the  fit  approaches."!  Serpentaria  was  also  often  given  in  mi.xture  with  Peruvian 
Bark,  thus  rendering  the  latter  more  active,  and  at  the  same  time  preventing  the 
ill  effect  of  bark  upon  the  stomach  ;  of  this  Dr.  Chapman  says,§  that  "  in  some 
patients  such  is  the  irritability  of  the  stomach,  that  bark,  in  substance,  cannot  be 
retained  even  in  the  smallest  dose.  In  such  cases  we  resort  to  it  in  decoction  or 
compounded  with  Serpentaria,  which,  I  think,  renders  the  mixture  quite  as  pleasant 
to  the  taste,  as  would  cloves  or  cinnamon,  as  comfortable  to  the  stomach,  and  per- 
haps more  efficacious.  Combinatuvis  too  of  this  sort  zuill  cure  intermittents  ii.<ltcn 
the  bark,  alone,  fails"  (Ital.  ours).  Serpentaria  was  also  used  in  bilious,  typhoid, 
and  typhus  fevers,  small-pox,  erysipelas,  pneumonia,  amenorrhcea,  and  in  fact 
wherever  a  stimulating  diaphoretic  was  deemed  advisable.  It  was  also  considered 
a  stimulating  and  antiseptic  poultice  for  open,  indolent  wounds,  ulcers,  etc.;  of 
this  use  Dr.  Porcher  wisely  remarks  :||  "This  antiseptic  power  of  certain  vegeta- 
bles should  be  compared  with  their  medicinal  effects  when  prescribed  internally." 

The  officinal  preparations  of  this  drug  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  are:  Extractum 
Serpentaricc  Fliiiduni ;  Tinctura  Serpcntarice  and  Tinctnra  Cinchoi.  ce  Coinposita.*\ 
The  Eclectic  preparations  are:  Lifusnm  Serpentarice ;  Extracttun  Scrpentarice 
Fliddnni ;  and  Tinctnra  Serpentaria  ConipositaJ^'* 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  dried  root,  coarsely  powdered,  is 
covered  by  five  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol,  and  kept  eight  days  in  a  well  stoppered 
bottle,  in  a  dark,  cool  place,  being  shaken  thoroughly  twice  a  day. 


*  Canadiinium  Pliin/anim  //istoria.  I.e. 
t  1679- 

J  Did  Sydenham  already  know,  by  experience,  that  the  general  exhibition  of  Peruvi.Tn   Bark  in   fevers  was  only 
applicable  to  the  wealthy  who  could  stand  the  cost  of  a  long  attendance  ? 
J  JiUment.  T/ier.,  ii,  411. 
II   Resources  Sozit/i,  Field  ami  Forests,  I.e. 

\  Cinchona  rubra.  Citrus  medicus,  and  Aristolochia  serpentaria. 
**  jVristolochia  serp.,  Ipecacuanha,  Crocus  sat.,  Camphora,  and  Opium  or  Cypripediu  m. 


138-4 

The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  decantation,  pressure,  and  filtration, 
should  have  a  beautiful,  deep  reddish-orange  color  by  transmitted  light.  Its  odor 
should  be  decidedly  terebinthic,  resembling  exactly  that  of  the  root  before  extrac- 
tion ;  its  taste  warm,  camphoraceous,  terebinthic,  and  at  last  very  penetratingly 
bitter ;  and  its  reaction  acid. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— .^/vVA'^r/^//^.  This  amorphous  yellowish  body 
has  a  bitter  and  slightly  acrid  taste,  and  is  soluble  both  in  water  and  alcohol.^ 

Oil  of  Serpentaria. — This  yellowish  brown  oil  is  obtained  by  aqueous  distilla- 
tion of  the  roots.  It  is  lighter  than  water,  and  has  an  odor  and  taste  resembling 
a  mixture  of  valerian  and  camphor.^ 

Aristolochia-camphor. — This  body,  greatly  resembling  pure  camphor,  is 
deposited  upon  the  cool  sides  of  the  receiver  of  the  products  of  an  aqueous 
distillation  of  the  roof' 

Gum,'-"  coloring  matter,'' bitter-principle,' ^*  oil,*  ^  resin,^ -'•' extractive,' -  and 
the  volatile  oil,"'*  have  been  determined  in  this  species. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Jo-rg  determined  as  a  result  of  his  experiments* 
that  Serpentaria  caused  an  excitation  of  the  alimentary  tract  with  subsequent 
determination  of  blood  to  all  the  abdominal  viscera,  more  frequendy  followed  by 
flatulence  than  mucous  secredon.  The  symptoms  usually  following  doses  of  from 
2  to  5  scruples  of  the  root  were :  Copious  salivation  ;  eructations ;  great  nausea, 
and  vomiting ;  a  sense  of  weight  in  the  stomach  ;  distention  of  the  abdomen,  with 
colic  and  borborygm,  frequent  expulsion  of  flatulence,  tenesmus  and  solid  stools, 
with  itching  at  the  anus  ;  a  sensation  of  heat,  and  weight  in  the  head  followed 
by  cephalagia ;  violent  and  frequent  desire  to  urinate  with  greatly  increased 
discharges  of  pale,  watery  urine. 

Description  of  Plate  13S. 

1-2.   Whole  plant  from  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  June  iSth,  1885. 

2.  Root,  and  one  full  length  rootlet. 

3.  Face  view  of  flower. 

4.  Longitudinal  section  of  calyx. 

5.  Style,  stigma  and  stamens. 

6.  Fruit. 

7.  Seed. 

(5  and  7  enlarged.) 


'  Tilden's  analysis,  Jour,  of  Mat.  Med.,  ii,  N.  S.,  203. 

^  Buckholz. 

'  Chevallier,  Jour,  de  P/iar.,  1S20,  565. 

*  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bol.,  iii,  85. 
'  Lewis,  ibid. 

*  Ma/ei-ialien  zu  einer  Kihif/igen  Heihiiitlellehre,  1825. 


^m.adnatdelefpinxt        PHYTOLACCA   DECANDRA   Linn  .      / // 


N.  ORD -PHYTOLACCACE^.  139 

GENUS.— PHYTOLACCA,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SVST.— DECAXDRI.V  DEC.\c;V\I.\. 


PHYTOLACCA. 

POKE  WEED. 

SYN.— PHYTOLACCA  DECANDRA,  LINN.;  P.  VULGARIS,  DILL.;  P.  AMERI- 
CANA, BOERHA. ;  BLITUM  AMERICANUM,  MUT. 

COM.  NAMES.— POKE  WEED  OR  ROOT,t  SKOKE,  GARGET,  CROWBERRY.t 
PIGEON-BERRY,  JALAP,  CANCER-ROOT. §  AMERICAN  NIGHTSHADE, 
POCAN  OR  COKAN  (Vh-nnn.u,  fn7„y),  COCUM  {Xnr/hmi  trihr.'^),  CHONGRAS, 
(L„i,isi,,,„f) ;  (FR.)  MORELLE  A  GRAPPES,  HERBS  DE  LA  LAQUE;  (GER.) 
AMBRIKANISCHE  SCHARLACHBEBRE  OR  KERMESBEERE. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH   ROOT  OF  PHYTOLACCA  DECANDRA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  smooth,  purplish  stemmed  perennial,  grows  to  a  height  of 
from  4  to  lo  feet.  J^ool  large,  fleshy,  fusiform,  verrucose,  and  variously  branched, 
the  apex  or  head  showing  the  scars  of  the  previous  stems  ;  the  body  is  easily  cut 
or  broken,  its  section  being  white,  marked  by  annular  rings  and  distinct  radii, 
and  the  bark  very  thin,  almost  papyraceous.  S^em  stout,  cylindrical,  hollow  and 
branching;  pii/i  sectioned  by  numerous  discoid  septa,  thin  in  the  centre,  but  so 
thickened  at  the  edges  as  to  cause  the  interspaces  to  be  fusiform.  Leaves  alter- 
nate or  scattered,  ample,  ovate-lanceolate,  acute  at  each  end ;  petioles  thick.  In- 
florescence terminal,  many  flowered  racemes,  which  become  lateral  and  opposite 
the  leaves  as  the  growth  proceeds;  peduncles  ascending;  pedicels  divaricate,  usually 
three-bracted,  sometimes  branched.  Calyx  white  ;  sepals  5,  petaloid,  ovate-obtuse, 
concave  and  incurved.  Corolla  none.  Stamens  10,  somewhat  shorter  than  the 
lobes  of  the  calyx  ;  filaments  subulate  ;  anthers  elliptical,  2-lobed.  Ovary  green, 
composed  of  10  carpels  closely  united  into  a  ring;  styles  10,  short,  separate,  recurved 
at  the  apex ;  stigma  simply  a  stigmatose  surface  on  inner  aspect  of  the  recurved 
portion  of  the  style.  Fruit  a  deep  purple,  depressed-globose,  juicy,  lo-celled 
berry,  marked  with  10  slight  furrows  ;  seeds  10,  one  in  each  cell,  vertical ;  embryo 
curved  in  a  circle  around  the  albumen  ;  cotyledons  linear;  albumcfi  farinaceous. 

PhytolaccacesD. — The  special  characters  of  this  small  family  are  embodied  in 
the  above  description  of  its  principal  and  typical  genus.  The  order  differs  little 
from  the  next  (Chenopodiacese),  mostly  in  having  alternate  entire  leaves,  a  several 
celled  ovary,  compounded  of  as  many  carpels  united  into  a  circle,  and  forming  a 
berry  in  fruit. 

*  'bvTov, phylon,  plant ;  lac,  lake;  from  the  coloring  properties  of  the  berries. 

t  A  perversion  of  the  Indian  name.  J  The  true  crowberry  is  Empetrum  nigrum,  Linn.  (Empetraceic). 

\  This  name  properly  designates  the  American  species  of  Epiphegus  and  Conopholis  [Orobiiitche),  both  of  which 
are  memben;  of  the  Orobanchacea:,  and  are  now  being  proven. 


139-2 

Five  other  species  of  Phytolacca  are  more  or  less  used  and  have  properties 
similar  to  ours,  viz. :  the  Mexican  and  West  Indian  P.  octandra,  the  berries  of  which 
are  used  in  lieu  of  soap  ;  the  African  P.  Abyssinica  ;  the  recurved  leaved  P.  dode- 
candra  ;  the  East  Indian  P.  icosandra  ;  and  the  South  American  tree-like  P.  dioica. 

History  and  Habitat, — The  poke  is  indigenous  to  North  America,  where  it 
is  common  in  light,  rich  soils,  and  flowers  throughout  the  summer  months.  It  has 
become  a  common  weed  in  all  the  countries  bordering  upon  the  Mediterranean 
sea,  both  north  and  south,  undoubtedly  introduced  from  America. 

The  medical  uses  of  poke-root  were  handed  down  to  domestic  and  botanic 
practice  by  the  aborigines,  who  valued  the  plant  not  only  as  an  emetic,  but  also 
as  an  efficient  remedy  in  gonorrhoeal  and  syphilitic  rheumatism. 

Phytolacca,  among  the  earlier  American  writers  upon  medicinal  plants,  was 
considered  fully  equal  to  Ipecacuanha  as  an  emetic ;  its  use,  however,  often  caused 
narcotic  effects,  very  injurious  to  the  system.  Its  emetic  action  usually  followed 
doses  of  lo  grains  of  the  powdered  root;  both  emesis  and  catharsis  were  effected 
by  from  20  to  30  grains.  The  serious  difficulties,  however,  in  its  employment 
were  a  slowness  to  begin  its  operation,  and  also  to  suspend  its  catharsis  when 
once  begun  ;  it  became  often  necessary  to  check  its  action  upon  the  bowels  with 
some  preparation  of  opium.  It  was  considered,  howev^er,  to  be  the  proper  cathar- 
tic to  use  in  partial  paralysis  of  the  bowels. 

The  root  with  lard  was  found  to  be  an  excellent  ointment  for  the  cure  of 
many  forms  of  skin  diseases,  notably :  psoriasis,  eczema  capitis,  and  tinea  cir- 
cinata  ;  also  as  a  stimulant  vulnerary  in  syphilitic  ulcers,  and  a  softening  applica- 
tion in  mastitis,  as  well  as  scrofulous  swellings  of  glands  in  general.  It  was  also 
considered  an  excellent  poultice  to  cause  rapid  suppuration  in  felons. 

A  tincture  of  the  berries  was  found  to  be  often  curative,  or  at  least  in  some 
cases  palliative,  of  syphilitic  and  gonorrhceal  rheumatism,  as  well  as  non-specific 
chronic  forms  of  that  disease. 

As  an  inevitable  result  of  its  uses  as  above,  it  was  experimented  with  as  a 
cure  for  cancer  and  malignant  tumors,  but  its  success  in  the  cure  of  these  terrible 
maladies  never  became  notable. 

I  noted  in  my  readings  several  years  ago  that  the  berries  had  been  used  for 
pies  by  frugal  housewives,  and  often  since  have  half  determined  to  try  poke-berry 
pastry  ;  discretion  has,  however,  always  overruled  valor,  and  the  much-thought-of 
pie  is  still  unmade  and  uneaten.  The  young  shoots,  however,  make  an  excellent  sub- 
stitute for  asparagus,  and  I  much  prefer  them,  if  gathered  early  and  discriminately. 

The  officinal  forms  of  Phytolacca  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  are :  Phyiolacrce  Bacca  and 
Phytolacae  Radix.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  we  find  Calaplasma  Phyto- 
lacctz ;  Decoctum  PhytolacccB ;  Extrachmi  Phytolacc(E  ;  Pilulce  Phytolaccce  Com- 
posite ;*■  SyriLpus  PhytolacccB  Compositus ;-\  Tinctura  Phytolaccce;  Tinctiua  Ciniici- 
fiigce  Coinposita ;    Unguentum  Phytolaccce ;   and  Vinum  Phytolaccce   Cmnposiium.X 

*  Phytolacca,  Stillingia,  and  Stramonium.  f  Phytolacca,  Ampelopsis,  Cimicifuga,  and  Kalmia. 

X  Phytolacca  and  White  turpentine. 


139-3 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  root  gathered  in  Autumn,  is 
chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alco- 
hol are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of 
the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the  whole  well,  it  is  placed  in  a  well-stoppered 
botde  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture  separated  from  the  above  by  filtration,  should  have  a  clear,  light 
yellowish-orange  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  bitterish  odor  and  taste,  and  a  very 
slight  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— P/ipo/ardue.  Although  an  acrid  principle  was 
deemed  present  by  all  previous  analysts  of  the  root  of  this  plant,  it  seems  to  have 
remained  in  some  doubt  prior  to  the  analysis  of  Edmond  Preston.*  His  analysis 
yielded  small  crystals,  almost  white  when  purified,  giving  precipitates  with  the 
four  alkaloidal  reagents — phosphomolybdic  acid,  tannin,  iodohydrargyrate  of  potas- 
sium, and  auric  chloride,  and  were  entirely  dissipated  when  fused  and  subjected  to 
further  heat  upon  platinum  foil.  They  proved  entirely  soluble  in  alcohol,  moder- 
ately so  in  water,  and  fully  in  nitric,  sulphuric,  and  hydrochloric  acids,  giving,  how- 
ever, no  characteristic  color  test.  He  also  found  the  hydrochlorate  salt,  as  nearly 
colorless,  strongly  acid,  acicular  crystals,  moderately  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  fully 
so  in  water. 

Phytolaccic  Acid. — There  seems  to  be  litde  doubt  that  A.  C.  Erhard's  analysis 
determines  such  an  acid  to  exist  in  the  root.f  Its  crystals  were  in  his  analysis, 
however,  combined  with  potassium.  A.  Terrell  |  found  the  same  acid  salt  of  potas- 
sium in  an  alcoholic  extract  of  the  berries.  Isolated,  it  was  amorphous,  yellowish- 
brown,  transparent,  non-deliquescent  and  very  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol. 
An  analysis  of  the  berries,  however,  by  Cramer,  elicited  no  acid  answering  to 
the  above,  but  instead,  one  proving  itself  to  be  malic.§  Concerning  this  acid  M. 
Braconnot  says:||  The  alkali  of  this  plant  is  neutralized  by  an  acid  having  con- 
siderable affinity  to  the  malic,  but  with  a  few  shades  of  difference.  With  lime  and 
lead  malic  acid  forms  flocculent  precipitates,  very  easily  soluble  in  distilled  vinegar  ; 
but  those  with  "dcxit  phytolaccic  acid  are  insoluble.  He  farther  judges  this  peculiar 
acid  to  be  probably  a  body  between  malic  and  oxalic  acids,  or  an  oxygenized  malic. 

Beside  the  above,  potash  exists  in  such  large  per  cent,  that  some  thought  has 
been  devoted  to  the  advisability  of  its  manufacture  from  the  roots.  Starch,  tannin, 
gum,  sugar,  resin,  and  fixed  oil  have  also  been  determined.^ 

The  coloring  matter  of  the  berries  has  been  largely  experimented  upon,  with 
a  view  to  its  utility  as  a  dye.  No  mordant,  however,  is  found  that  will  fix  its 
color.  With  alum,  it  is  somewhat  fast  but  not  permanent;  with  urine,  it  dyes 
blue  :  and  alone,  it  is  very  fugitive,  although  very  brilliant  at  first.  M.  Braconnot, 
in  his  experiments  with  the  juice  of  the  berry,  turned  yellow  by  the  addition  of 
lime-water,  found  it  to  be  one  of  the  most  delicate  tests  for  acids :  four  times  as 


*  Am.  your.  Phar.,  1884,  567.  -f-  New  Reme,iies,  1879,  258. 

X   Coiiipl.  rend.,  xci.,  pp.  856-8;   Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1S81,  325. 

\  Waller  Cramer,  Am.  Jour.  Phar  ,  iSSi,  598.  ||  Aunals  de  Chimie,  vol.  I.XXll. 

1  Donnelly,  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1S43,  165;   Pape,  Ibid.,  18S1,  p.  579;   Preston,  1.  c. ;   Erliard,  I.  c. 


139-4 

sensitive  as  an  infusion  of  litmus,  but  its  use  limited,  as  freshness  of  the  juice  is 
absolutely  necessary. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  principal  primary  action  of  Phytolacca  is 
upon  the  stomach  as  an  emetic;  this  action  is  remarkably  slow,  it  being  from  an 
hour  to  two  hours  after  its  ingestion  before  emesis  occurs.  The  next  effects  noticed 
are  upon  the  nervous  system.  The  toxic  symptoms  from  an  overdose  are  :  more  or 
less  nausea,  violent  vomiting  and  purging,  great  thirst  and  discomfort  in  the  epi- 
gastric region,  feeble  pulse,  dimness  of  vision,  vertigo,  drowsiness,  great  prostra- 
tion and  coldness  of  the  periphery,  followed  by  convulsion,  and  in  one  case,  death. 

The  grated  fresh  root  applied  to  the  skin  causes  a  sensation  of  heat  and 
smarting,  followed  by  redness  and  finally  vesication. 

On  animals.  Dr.  Schultz  found  that  the  juice  of  the  root  in  repeated  trials 
resulted  only  in  emesis,  catharsis,  and  drowsiness. 

Compiling  the  symptoms  occurring  in  various  cases  of  poisoning,  voluntary 
and  involuntary,  the  most  prominent  and  duplicating  effects  are  as  follows :  mental 
indifference  and  stupor,  dullness,  giddiness,  and  vertigo;  severe  pressive  headache 
with  soreness ;  dilation  of  the  pupil,  with  dimness  of  vision  and  photophobia ; 
paleness  of  the  face  ;  tongue  white-coated,  with  a  very  red  tip  ;  it  feels  rough  and 
blistered,  and  great  pain  is  produced  at  its  root  on  swallowing;  profuse  salivation, 
redness  and  soreness  of  the  throat,  followed  by  a  collection  of  thick  white  or  yel- 
lowish mucus  about  the  fauces ;  the  throat  feels  full  and  constricted,  almost  to 
suffocation,  associated  with  a  sense  of  suffocation  also  in  the  chest;  every  attempt 
to  swallow  atten4ed  with  terrible  shooting  pains  through  the  ears  ;  nausea,  cramps, 
and  violent  vomiting,  followed  by  epigastric  tenderness;  griping  pains  in  the  ab- 
domen, with  flatulence  ;  violent  purging,  continuing  until  the  passages  become 
mucus  and  blood,  and  the  desire  constant;  dryness  of  the  larynx,  dry  hacking- 
cough,  and  shallow  breathing;  feeble  pulse;  stiffness  of  the  neck,  and  in  general, 
where  lymphatic  glands  abound ;  constant  dull,  heavy  aching  in  the  lumbar  region 
and  sacrum,  with  painful  weakness  and  stiffness  of  both  the  upper  and  lower 
limbs ;  general  sense  of  soreness  and  prostration,  with  drowsiness  and  coldness, 
followed  by  profuse  cool  perspiration. 

As  Homoeopathists,  this  account  of  the  action  of  Phytolacca  at  once  impresses 
us  with  its  certain  value  in  diphtheria,  when  a  like  condition  exists,  as  it  often  does. 
Its  numerous  secondary  symptoms  in  various  organs  noted  in  the  provings,  make 
it  a  valuable  remedy  in  many  forms  of  disease.  On  the  whole,  this  remedy  is  one 
of  the  most  important  of  the  purely  American  plants. 

Description  of  Plate   139. 

I.  End  of  a  flowering  branch,  Pamrapo,  N.  J.,  August  2d,  iSyg. 

2.  Root. 

3.  Horizontal  section  of  root. 

4.  Fruit. 

5.  Flower. 

6.  Section  of  ovary. 

(1-4  once  reduced.) 


140. 


ivmfi  vfM 


^TU. 


ad  nal.dei.et  pinxt 


9  ^^  ^^"  j.y  2 

ChENOPODIUM    AnTHELMINTICUM,  Linn. 


N.  ORD-CHENOPODIACE^.  140 

GENUS.— CHENO  PODIUM,*   LINN. 


SEX.   SVST.— I'liNT/VNDRI.V   DICV.MA. 


CHENOPODIUM 
ANTHELMINTICUM. 


WORMSEED. 


SYN.— CHENOPODIUM  AMBROSIOIDBS,  VAR.  ANTHELMINTICUM,  GRAY ; 
C.  ANTHELMINTICUM,  LINN.;  C.  SUFPRUTICOSUM,  WILLD. ;  AMBRINA 
AMBROSIOIDBS,  SPACH ;   ORTHOSPORUM  ANTHELMINTICUM,  R.  BR. 

COM.  NAMES.— AMERICAN  WORMSEED,  JERUSALEM  OAK,t  STINK- 
WEED;  (FR.)  CHENOPODE  ANTHELMINTIQUE,  L' ANSERINE  VER- 
MIFUGE; (GER.)  WURMSAAMEN  GANSEFUSS,  AMERICANISCHER 
WURMSAAMEN. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE    SEEDS  OF  CHENOPODIUM   AMBR05I0IDES,  VAR.    ANTHEL- 
MINTICUM,  GRAY. 


Description.  —  This  smoothish,  more  or  less  viscid-glandular,  and  pleasantly- 
aromatic  annual,  grows  to  a  height  of-  about  2  feet.  Stem  erect,  stout,  angular, 
and  grooved.  Leaves  slightly  petioled,  oblong-lanceolate,  repand-toothed  or  some- 
times the  lower  almost  lobed,  the  upper  entire  and  tapering  at  both  ends.  Inflor- 
escetice  in  numerous  simple,  slender,  elongated,  more  or  less  leafy  or  leafless 
spike-like  racemes ;  flozoers  sessile,  glomerulate,  perfect,  and  bractless.  Calyx 
5-cleft ;  lobes  ovate,  pointed,  not  appendaged  nor  keeled.  Stamens  5  ;  filame?its 
filiform  ;  anthers  globular,  2-celled.  Ovary  covered  on  the  top  with  small  oblong 
stalked  glands ;  styles  2  to  3,  stigmatic  by  a  fringed  inner  surface.  Fruit  perfectly 
enlosed  in  the  calyx,  obtusely  angled ;  seed  lenticular,  smooth  and  shining ;  testa 
crustaceous.  Embryo  forming  about  three-fourths  of  a  ring  around  the  mealy 
albiunen. 

Chenopodiaceae. — This  large  family  of  homely  and  more  or  less  succulent 
herbs  furnishes  to  North  American  Botany  15  genera,  comprising  90  species  and 
15  varieties.  Leaves  mostly  alternate,  exstipulate,  and  bractless.  Floioers  minute, 
greenish ;  calyx  free,  imbricated  in  the  bud.  Stamens  as  many  as  the  lobes  of  the 
calyx  or  sometimes  fewer ;  filaments  inserted  opposite  the  calyx-lobes  or  upon 
their  base.  Ovary  i -celled;  styles  or  stigmas  2,  rarely  3  or  5.  Fruit  a  i -celled 
urticle  or  rarely  an  achenium.  Embryo  coiled  into  a  ring,  conduplicate  or  spiral  ; 
albumen  mealy  or  sometimes  wanting. 

*  X^x,  chen,  a  eoose ;  roSf,  pons,  a  foot;  from  a  fancied  resemblance  in  the  leaves, 
t  This  name  belongs  to  C.  Botrys,  Linn. 


140-2 

The  only  other  proven  plant  in  this  Order  is  the  European  Stinking  Goosefoot 
{Cheuopodiujn  z'uharia,  Linn.),  which  in  general  practice  is  considered  antispas- 
modic and  emmenagogue.  General  medical  practice  notices  the  following :  The 
Egyptian  Chenopodium  baryosnwn,  Rom.,  a  fetid  emmenagogue ;  the  European 
and  Asiatic  Jerusalem  Oak  (C.  Bofrys,  Linn.),  a  French  expectorant;  and  the 
American  Mexican  Tea  (C  anibrosioides,  Linn.),  which  is  considered  nervine, 
anthelmintic,  and  emmenagogue,  and  used  in  chorea.  The  seeds  of  the  European 
Atriplex  angustifolia.  Smith,  are -emetic,  as  are  also  those  of  the  Tartarian  Garden 
Orache  (A.  Jiortensis,  Linn.).  The  European  and  Asiatic  Salsola  Kali,  Linn.  ;  the 
.Spanish  6".  sativa.  Loft. ;  the  Mediterranean  S.  Soda,  Linn. ;  and  the  Mediterranean 
and  Caspian  5".  tragus,  Linn.,  yield  the  finest  Alicant  Soda.  The  European  Salt- 
wort (Salicornia  annua.  Smith)  is  another  source  of  salsoda. 

Among  the  esculent  plants  of  this  order  the  most  prominent  are  :  The  com- 
mon Garden  Spinach  of  the  Levant  [Spinacia  olcracea,  Linn.)  and  the  Beet  {Beta 
vulgaris,  Linn.).  The  young  and  tender  plants  of  the  Lamb's  Quarter  {^Chenopo- 
dinni  album,  Linn.)  "are  collected  by  the  Navajoes,  the  Pueblo  Indians  of  New 
Mexico,  all  the  tribes  of  Arizona,  the  Diggers  of  California,  and  the  Utahs,  and 
boiled  as  herbs  alone,  or  with  other  food.  Large  quantities  also  are  eaten  in  the 
raw  state.  The  seeds  of  this  plant  are  gathered  by  many  tribes,  ground  into  flour 
after  drying,  and  made  into  bread  or  mush.  They  are  very  small,  of  a  gray  color, 
and  not  unpleasant  when  eaten  raw.  The  peculiar  color  of  the  flour  imparts  to 
the  bread  a  very  dirty  look,  and  when  baked  in  ashes  it  is  not  improved  in 
appearance.  It  resembles  buckwheat  in  color  and  taste,  and  is  regarded  as 
equally  nutritious.     The  plant  abounds  in  the  Navajo  country."* 

History  and  Habitat. — American  Wormseed  is  indigenous  to  Mexico  and 
South  America,  but  has  become  quite  thoroughly  naturalized  as  far  north  as 
Missouri  and  New  England,  where  it  grows  in  waste  places  about  dwellings  and 
in  manured  soils,  and  blossoms  from  July  to  September.  It  was  introduced  into 
England  in  1732.  The  American  Aborigines  used  the  whole  herb  in  decoction  in 
painful  menstruation,  especially  of  the  older  women,  but  its  principal  use  has  been 
the  leaves  and  seeds  as  a  vermifuge  ;  as  such  it  was  noticed  by  Kalm,  Clayton, 
and  Schoepf,  and  is  to-day  considered  one  of  the  best  expellants  of  lumbricoids 
known.  1  he  principal  method  of  administration  is  doses  of  from  three  to  ten 
drops  of  the  oil  on  sugar,  three  times  a  day  for  several  days,  the  last  dose  being 
followed  by  a  cathartic.  The  plant  is  also  considered  antispasmodic,  antihysteric, 
emmenagogue,  and  a  useful  remedy  in  chorea. 

The  fruit  and  Oleum  chenopodii  are  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Phar.,  and  in  the 
Eclectic  Materia  Medica,  where  it  is  also  a  compound  of  Mistura  Chenopodii  Corn- 
posit  a-\  and  Mistura  Olei  Composita.\ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  seeds  are  ground  to  a  pulp 
and  weighed.     Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  with 

*  J.  R.  Dodge,  in  U.  S.  Agric.  Rep.,  1870,  419. 

f  Castor  Oil,  Wormseed  Oil,  Anise  Oil,  and  Tincture  of  Myrrh. 

X  In  this  preparation  Oil  of  Turpentine  is  useil  in  place  of  the  Myrrh. 


140-3 

one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  The  whole  is  then  poured 
into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 
The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration,  has  a  reddish-brown  color 
by  transmitted  light ;  a  characteristic  repugnant  odor ;  a  bitter,  astringent  taste ; 
and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.—  I  'olatile  Oil  of  Wormsced.  This  light  yellow 
oil  has  a  peculiar,  strong,  and  quite  offensive  odor,  and  a  pungent,  bitterish,  dis- 
agreeable but  aromatic  taste.  Its  sp.  gr.  when  fresh  is  0.908.  It  is  freely  soluble 
in  alcohol,  and  boils  at  190°  (374°  F.).* 

No  analysis  has  yet  been  made  to  determine  other  principles  in  this  species. 

PHYSIOLOGrlCAL  ACTION. — The  symptoms  in  a  man  who  took  about  half 
an  ounce  of  the  drug  were  those  of  a  narcotico-acrid  poison,  affecting  the  brain, 
spinal  cord  and  stomach.  He  was  insensible,  convulsed,  and  foamed  at  the 
mouth.f  A  man  aged  thirty  took  an  ounce  and  a  half  of  the  oil  and  thirty  drops 
of  turpentine  ;  the  following  symptoms  came  on  :  Nausea  ;  vertigo ;  deafness  to 
human  voice,  hearing  acute  for  louder  and  more  distant  noises  ;  aphasia ;  inability 
to  control  the  muscles  as  desired  for  any  continued  eftort,  and  fatigue  from 
attempting  so  to  do ;  hilarity  at  his  futile  attempts  at  talking ;  repeats  his  actions 
like  a  drunken  man;  convulsions  and  finally  paralysis  of  right  side;  involuntary 
urination  ;  apoplectic  breathing;  frothing  at  the  mouth;  drenching  sweat;  opisthot- 
onos ;  icterus  ;  and  death  during  a  comatose  state  followed ;  this  on  the  fifth  day 
from  the  ingestion  of  the  drue.t 


Description  of  Plate  140. 

I.   Top  of  plant,  Rawlinsville,  l^a.,  Aug.  i8th,  i{ 

2.  Leaf. 

3.  Portion  of  leaf,  showing  glands. 

4.  Male  flower. 

5.  Sepal. 

6.  Stamen. 

7.  Pistil. 

8.  Fruit  and  cal\'\. 

9.  Seed. 

TO.   Longitudinal  section  of  seed. 
1 1.   Female  flower. 

(3-11  enlarged.) 


*  G.arrimies,  in  Am.  Joiir.  Phar.,  xxvi,  405. 

t  Phar.  Jour.,  1 862,  .530. 

X  T.  R.  Brown,  M.D.,  in  Marylaiul  MeJ.  Jour.,  \..v.  187S,  20;    Allen,    F.iicyc.  .\f,t/.  Med.,  x,  457. 


AlU.adnatdel.etpinxt. 


Polygonum   Acre.h.b.k. 


N.  ORD.-POLYGONACE^.  141 

GENUS— POLYGONUM, =••  LINN. 


SEX.  SV.ST.— OCTAXDRI.\  TRIGVXI.V. 


POLYGONUM. 


WATER  SMARTWEED. 


SYN.— POLYGONUM  ACRE,  H.  B.  K. ;    P.  HYDROPIPEROIDES,  PURSH.  (NOT 

MICHX.);  P.  PUNCTATUM,  ELL. 
COM.    NAMES. -WATER    PEPPER,    SMARTWEED,    BITING    KNOTWEED ; 
(GER.)   KNOTERICH. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE   WHOLE   FRESH   PLANT   POLYGONUM  ACRE,  H.  B.  K. 

Description. — This  punyently  acrid,  perennial  herb  grows  to  a  height  of  from 
2  to  5  feet.  Rootstock  creeping,  Hgneous;  roots  fibrous.  Stem  simple,  smooth,  or 
nearly  so,  rooting  at  its  decumbent  base  ;  sheatJis  cylindrical,  bristly  fringed.  Leaves 
larger  and  longer  than  those  of  P.  hydropiper,  L.,  taper-pointed.  Injioresccncc  in 
axillary  and  terminal,  erect,  slender,  filiform,  loosely-flowered,  spike-like  racemes. 
Statnens  8.  Style  mosdy  3-parted  ;  stigmas  capitate.  Achenia  sharply  triangular, 
smooth  and  shining.  Cotyledons  acumbent,  slender ;  embryo  in  a  groove  on  the 
outside  of  the  albumen,  and  curved  half-way  around  it;  albumen  hard  and  horny. 

Polygonacese. — This  large  family  of  herbs,  furnished  with  watery  acid  or  acrid 
juice,  is  represented  in  North  America  by  15  genera,  comprising  165  species,  the 
truly  western  genus,  Erigonium,  alone  having  112  species  and  10  varieties.  The 
order  is  characterized  as  follows :  Leaves  alternate,  entire  ;  stipules  in  the  form  of 
sheaths  ( Ochrece),  and  placed  above  the  usually  swollen  joints  of  the  stem.  FUnvcrs 
mostly  perfect;  calyx  more  or  less  persistent,  3-  to  6-parted.  Stafuens  4  to  12. 
Ovary  i -celled;  styles  or  stigmas  2  or  3.  Fruit  dry  and  grain-like;  seed  single, 
erect,  and  orthropous ;  embryo  curved  or  straightish,  on  the  outside  of  the  albu- 
men, rarely  in  its  centre ;  radicle  pointing  from  the  base  to  the  apex. 

The  only  proven  plant  of  this  family,  beside  the  four  treated  of  in  this  work, 
is  the  Thibetan  Rhubarb  {Rheum  officinale,  Baill).  The  rhubarbs  used  in  general 
practice,  either  in  lieu  of  the  above  species  or  individually,  are  :  Chinese  or  Rus- 
sian Rhubarb  (A',  pahnatum,  Linn.)  ;  English  Rhubarb  {R.  raponticnm,  Linn.)  ; 
R.  Webbiamim,  Royle,  R.  etnodi,  Wallich,  from  China ;  R.  spiciforme  and  R.  moor- 
croftiamim,  Royle,  from  the  West  Indies;  A',  hnicorrkiziim,  Pal.,  from  the  mountains 
of  Dolenkara ;  R.  undulatu;n,  Linn.,  from  China  and  Siberia ;  R.  capsicum,  Fisch., 

*  \\n\\\  poly,  many;  yaw,  gonii,  knees;  from  tlie  jointed  stems  of  many  species. 


141-2 

from  the  Altaic  Mountains  ;  R.  covipactum,  Linn.,  from  Chinese-Tartary ;  and  R. 
crassinervuim,  Fisch.,  whose  nativity  is  doubtful. 

Other  medicinal  plants  of  the  order  are :  The  Seaside  Grape  of  the  West 
Indies  {Cocco/oba  iivifera,  Linn.),  a  powerful  astringent,  whose  decoction,  evapo- 
rated, is  known  as  Jamaica  Kino  ;  the  fruit  of  this  plant  is  edible  and  pleasant, 
forming  an  article  of  commerce  in  the  native  markets.  Of  the  genus  Polygonum 
many  species  are  astringent,  particularly,  however,  Bistort,  the  rhizome  of  P.  Bis- 
torta,  Linn.,  which  is  highly  esteemed  in  diarrhoea,  leucorrhcea,  gleet,  and  kindred 
affections  ;  the  European  P.  amphibutm,  Linn.,  is  said  to  resemble  sarsaparilla  in 
its  qualities,  and  has  been  substituted  for  it;  P.  barbatum,  Linn.,  of  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope,  is  considered  diuretic;  the  fruit  of  the  Knob  Grass  [P.  avicnlare, 
Linn.)  is  said  to  be  emetic  and  cathartic;  while  P.  hydropipef,  Linn.,  is  a  vesicant 
and  powerful  diuretic  when  fresh. 

The  Western  Indians,  and  especially  those  of  Alaska,  use  the  leaves  of  the 
Round-leaved  Sorrel  [Oxyria  digynia,  Campd.),  chopped  with  those  of  the  Water- 
cress and  fermented,  as  a  salad  ;  the  Indians  along  the  Colorado  River  gather  the 
abundant  seeds  of  a  species  of  Rwncx,  which  they  call  Yerba  Colorado,  which  they 
grind  and  make  into  bread;'-'  while  the  domestic  use  of  Buckwheat  [Fagopyi'uvi 
esailentum,  Moen.)  as  a  flour  for  breakfast  cakes  is  truly  national. 

History  and  Habitat. — Water  Smartweed  is  indigenous  to  the  United  States, 
where  it  is  common,  especially  southward  ;  it  habits  ditches  and  waste  places  where 
the  soil  is  wet  and  rich,  and  flowers  from  July  to  September.  The  use  of  Smart- 
weed  among  the  laity,  who  include  P.  hydropiper,  Linn.,  is  very  general  and 
extended,  especially  as  a  fomentation  in  ammenorrhcea,  dysmenorrhoea,  enteritis, 
and  mastitis,  and  internally  in  the  same  troubles  and  in  coryza.  The  fresh  leaves, 
bruised  with  those  of  the  Mayweed  [Martifa  Cotula,  CompositEe),  and  moistened 
with  a  few  drops  of  oil  of  turpentine,  make  a  speedy  vesicant,  and,  as  such,  are 
highly  esteemed  ;  so  quick  is  the  action  of  Smartweed  in  this  direction  that  it  has 
received  among  boys  the  merited  but  unpleasant  name,  Ass-smart.  A  cold  infu- 
sion has  been  found  very  serviceable  in  nursing  sore-mouth,  mercurial  ptyalism, 
gout,  and  dysentery,  and  externally  as  a  wash  lor  indolent  ulcers  and  painful 
hemorrhoids.  In  Mexico  the  infusion  is  used  as  a  diuretic,  and  put  into  the  baths 
of  persons  afflicted  with  rheumatism. 

The  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  recommends  its  use  in  the  following  forms  : 
Infusiim  Polygoiii,  Extracttun  Polygoni  Fluidum,  Extractiun  Polygoni,  Tinctnra 
Polygoni,  and  makes  it  a  component  of  Pilul<^  Polygoni  Compositce,-^^  and  Tinctnra 
Caulophylli  Composita.\ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant  is  chopped  and 
pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken, 
the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol 
added.     After  having  stirred  the  whole  well,  it  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered 

*  J.  R.  Dodge,  in  U.  S.  Agric.  Xefit.,  1870,  422. 

f  Sulphace  of  Iron,  Resin  of  Cimicifuga,  Oleo-resin  of  Iris,  and  Extractum  Polygoni. 

X  Caulophyllum,  Ergot,  Polygonum,  and  Sabina. 


141-3 

bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture,  pre- 
pared from  this  mass  by  pressure  and  filtration,  has  a  beautiful  carmine  color  by 
transmitted  light ;  no  characteristic  odor  or  taste  ;  and  an  acid  reaction.  A  pene- 
trating biting  sensation  is  noticed  upon  the  tongue  a  short  time  after  tasting  this 
tincture. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— /Vj|/^'V7;/zV  Acid:--  This  doubtful  body  is  said 
to  form  in  green,  deliquescent  crystals,  having  a  bitter  and  acrid  taste,  and  a 
strong  acid  reaction,  and  to  be  soluble  in  alcohol,  choloroform,  and  ether.  Messrs. 
Trimble  and  Schuchard  decidef  that  this  body  is  simply  a  mixture  of  impure  tan- 
nic and  gallic  acids,  together  with  chlorophyll ;  and  failed  in  their  analysis  of  this 
plant  to  isolate  a  stable  active  principle  ;  a  volatile  principle  was,  however,  appre- 
ciable, which  gave  the  pungency  of  the  plant  to  all  preparations  made  without  the 
application  of  heat. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  following  essentially  enumerate  the  symp- 
toms noted  from  ingestion  of  doses  of  from  lo  to  60  drops  of  the  tincture:  Dizzi- 
ness, fullness  of  the  head,  and  pulsating  pain  ;  itching  and  burning  of  the  eyes  ; 
irritation  of  the  pituitary  membrane  and  frequent  sneezing;  heat  in  the  mouth 
and  throat,  with  burning  and  dryness  of  the  fauces ;  increased  appetite  and  great 
thirst;  nausea  and  burning  of  the  stomach  ;  rumbling  of  the  abdomen  attended  by 
colic;  great  and  ineffectual  urging  to  stool ;  diarrhoea  ;  urging  to  urinate  ;  smarting 
of  the  urethra,  and  greatly  increased  pale  urine  ;  sharp  stitching  or  pulsating  pains 
throughout  the  body ;  a  general  feeling  of  weakness  and  debility ;  alternate  heat 
and  coldness  ;  and  profuse  perspiration  trom  moderate  exercise.  These  symptoms 
point  to  an  irritant  to  the  mucous  membranes  of  high  value  in  the  treatment  of 
enteritis,  gastritis,  cystitis,  and  other  inflammatory  diseases  of  these  tissues. 


Description  of  Plate  141. 

I.   Stem  in  fruit,  from  Rawlinsville,  Pa.,  Aug.  27th,  1SS5. 

2.  A  portion  of  the  base  of  the  plant. 

3.  Seed. 

4.  Longitudinal  section  of  seed. 

5.  Horizontal  section  of  same. 

(3-5  enlarged.) 

Dr.  C.  J.  Rademaker,  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1 87 1,  490.  f  Ibid.,  1S85,  21. 


142. 


^ 


la.adnafdeletpinxt  FAGOPYRUM    ESCULENTUM    Moench. 


N.  ORD.-POLYGONACE^.  142 

GENUS.— F  AGOPYRUM,*  TOURX. 
SEX.  SVST.— OCTANDRIA  TRUIVMA. 


FAGOPYRUM. 


BUCKWHEAT, 


SYN.— FAGOPYRUM  ESCULBNTUM,  MOENCH. ;  POLYOGNUM  FAGOPY- 
RUM, LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— BUCKWHEAT.t  BEECH-WHEAT ;  (FR.)  LE  BLE  NOIR,  LB 
BLB  SARRASIN;  (GER.)  BUCHWEIZEN,  HBIDEKORN. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  MATURE  PLANT,  FAGOPYRUM  ESCULENTUM,  MOENCH. 

Description. — This  annual  herb  grows  to  a  height  of  from  eighteen  inches  to 
three  feet.  The  stem  is  sub-cyhndrical,  dehcate,  smoothish,  juicy,  erect,  and 
branched.  The  leaves  are  triangular-cordate,  cordate-sagittate,  or  halberd-shaped, 
acute  at  the  tip;  the  sheaths  or  ochrecB  semi-cylindrical.  Inflorescence  terminal, 
and  axillary,  corymbose  racemes,  or  panicles  ;  flowers  octandrous,  white,  pinkish, 
or  greenish.  Calyx  petaloid,  equally  5-parted,  persistent,  withering  in  fruit.  Sta- 
mens 8  ;  filaments  filiform,  arising  from  between  the  8  honey-bearing  glands ; 
anthers  innate,  introrse,  composed  of  2  nearly  separate  cells.  Styles  3,  short,  more 
or  less  persistent  ;  stigmas  3,  capitate.  Seed  acute,  entire,  triquetrous,  longer  than, 
and  situated  in,  the  cup  of  the  calyx  ;  albumen  copious  ;  embrvo  large,  dividing  the 
albumen  into  two  equal  parts  ;  cotyledons  broad,  foliaceous,  plicate,  and  twisted. 
Read  description  of  the  N.  Ord.  imder  Polygonum,  141. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  buckwheat  plant  is  a  native  of  Northern  or  Cen- 
tral Asia;  it  was  introduced  into  Europe  about  the  year  1440,  and  cultivated  in 
England — according  to  Gerarde — in  1597.  In  the  United  States  it  is  largely  cul- 
tivated for  fattening  poultry,  and  for  use  as  flour  in  breakfast-cakes  ;  the  produc- 
tion in  1880  was  estimated  at  14,617,535  bushels,  fully  one-third  of  which  was 
raised  in  New  York  State  alone.  Although  buckwheat  is  far  removed  from  the 
cereals,  yet  in  the  composition  of  its  seed  it  is  strikingly  similar  to  them.  Its 
nutritive  value,  however,  is  low  as  compared  to  the  more  important  of  the  cereals, 
not  quite  half  its  weight  being  fecula,  while  wheat  yields  nearly  three-fourths  its 
weight.  The  seed  is  said  to  be  employed  in  some  parts  of  Germany  in  the  manu- 
facture of  beer. 

*  'I'l)"',',  rhegos,  the  beech  ;  T"t>>i,  fyros,  wheat;  the  seed  being  shaped  similarly  to  the  nut  of  the  beech  [fagus 
ftrruginea^  Ait.). 

\  From  the  Scottish  word  "  buck,"  the  beech  ;  and  the  English  "  wheat." 


142-2 

A  field  of  buckwheat  at  the  prime  of  its  flowering  season  is  very  odorous,  and 
attractive  to  bees,  who  gather  a  large  store  of  honey  from  the  glands  at  the  bases 
of  the  stamens  ;  this  honey,  though  very  dark  in  color,  and  not  as  fine  in  grain 
and  taste  as  that  from  clover,  is  greatly  esteemed.  Again,  buckwheat  is  very- 
valuable  to  the  farmer  as  a  reclaimer  of  soil,  both  on  account  of  its  "weeding" 
properties,  and  its  value  as  a  fertilizer  when  plowed  under.  A  crop  of  this  plant 
will  thoroughly  kill  off  weeds,  even  the  Canada  thistle,  by  its  quick  growth  and 
ample  shade.  Escaping  from  cultivation  it  has  become  naturalized  in  many  locali- 
ties, flowering  from  June  to  September,  and  fruiting  as  it  flowers. 

The  medical  history  of  this  plant  is  not  extensive,  the  only  previous  uses  of 
importance,  as  far  as  I  can  determine,  are  those  of  an  infusion  of  the  herb  in 
erysipelas,  and  an  application  of  the  flour,  made  into  a  paste  with  buttermilk,  as  a 
poultice  to  bring  back  the  flow  of  milk  to  the  breasts  of  nurses. 

The  plant  is  officinal  in  none  of  the  Pharmacopoeias  except  the  Homoeopathic. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh,  mature  plant  and  its  seed 
is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of 
alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the 
rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole  well,  pour  it  into  a  well- 
stoppered  bottle,  and  let  it  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture, 
separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration,  should  have  a  deep  crimson  color  by  trans- 
mitted light,  and  a  slightly  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Many  analyses  of  the  ash  of  this  herb  have 
been  made,  but  so  far  none  to  determine  an  active  principle.  The  following 
analyses  will  serve  to  show  the  general  constituents  of  the  plant : 


Straw 
(Wolf). 


Carbonic  acid,  . 
Silica, 

Sulphuric  acid,  . 
Phosphoric  acid. 
Lime,  .      .     .     . 


5-5 

5-3 

II. 9 

1S.4 


Seed 
(S.-ilisb'y). 

trace 
1-95 
1-55 

48.95 
3.01 


Seed 
I  Wolf). 


48.0 

3-3 


Magnesia, 
Potash, 
Soda,    . 
Chlorine,  . 
Organic  acids 


Straw 
(Wolf). 

3-6 
46.6 

2.2 
7-7 


Seed 
(Salisb'y). 

15.84 

21   27 

2.32 

■30 

2-75 


Seed 
(Wolf). 

134 
23.1 
6.2 

1-7 


Mr.  Salisbury's  proximate  analyses'^-  of  the  seeds  gave:  Starch,  42.47,  sugar 
and  extractive  matter,  6.16,  gum,  1.60,  a  light-gray  matter  insoluble  in  water  and 
hot  alcohol,  10.10,  a  matter  insoluble  in  water  and  soluble  in  alcohol,  2.66,  and 
other  common  constituents  of  plants. 


Indican.t — This  glucoside  has  been  determined  in  small  percentage  (Witt- 


stem) 


PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Although  we  have  a  good  proving  of  this  drug 
by  Dr.  Dexter  Hitchcock,  we  have  no  record  of  the  effects  of  the  substance  in 


*  Nat.  Hist.  State  N.  Y.,  Part  V,  Agric,  p.  274. 


f  See  Baptisia  tinctoria,  42. 


142-3 

quantity.  Many  individuals  cannot  partake  of  breakfast-cakes  made  from  the 
flour  of  the  seeds  without  experiencing  a  severe  itching,  especially  observed  about 
the  large  joints  ;  a  peculiarity  of  this  itching  is  that  it  occurs  particularly  after  re- 
moval of  the  clothing,  and  when  first  retiring  at  night.  The  eruption  incident  to, 
and  following  this  itching,  takes  the  form  of  vesicles,  which  degenerate  into  dry, 
dark-colored,  tedious  scabs.  Another  symptom  arising,  is  a  glutinous  condition  of 
the  otherwise  natural  feces,  making  expulsion  quite  difficult.  Increased  urinary 
discharge  is  also  present  in  many  cases. 

Description  of  Plate  142. 

I.  Top  of  plant;  Chemung,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  3d,  1879. 

2.  Flower  (enlarged"). 

3.  Fruit  (slightly  enlarged). 

4.  Section  of  the  seed  (enlarged). 


VpTH.adnat.del.et  pinxt 


RUMEX      CrISPUS,  Linn. 


N.  ORD-POLYGONACE^.  143 

GENUS.— RUM  EX,*  I.INX. 

SEX.  SVST.-1U:X.\NDRI.\    TRUiVM.X. 


RUM  EX. 

YELLQ-iVDOCK. 

SYN.— RUMEX   CRISPUS,  LINN. 

COM.    NAMES.— YELLOW    DOCK,    CURLED    DOCK,    GARDEN    PATIENCE, 

NARROW  DOCK,  SOUR  DOCK;  (PR.)  PATIENCE  FRISEE  ;    (GER.)  KRAU- 

SBR  AMPPER. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE   FRESH   ROOT  OF  RUMEX  CRISPUS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  smooth,  perennial  herb,  grows  to  a  height  of  from  2  to  4 
feet.  Root  deep,  large,  spindle-shaped,  and  yellow  without  and  within  ;  stem  erect, 
silicate,  smooth,  paniculately  branching  above.  Leaves  all  lanceolate,  acute,  and 
wavy-curled  on  the  margins,  the  lower  large,  tufted,  and  more  truncate  than  cor- 
date at  the  base,  the  upper  lanceolate,  acute  at  both  ends  ;  petioles  present  with  all 
the  leaves,  but  very  long  in  the  lower.  Itiflorescence  in  prolonged,  wand-like  racemes, 
somewhat  leafy  below ;  floivers  crowded  in  whorls  along  the  rachis ;  pedicels  fili- 
form. Valves  prominently  reticulate,  rounded,  cordate,  obscurely  denticulate  or 
entire,  mostly  all  of  them  grain-bearing.     Achcnia  acuminate,  brown,  and  shining. 

Rumex. — This  genus  of  coarse,  homely  herbs  is  characterized  as  follows : 
Leaves  alternate,  none  of  them  halbred-shaped ;  petioles  somewhat  sheathing  at 
the  base,  hifloresccncc  in  crowded  whorls,  along  panicled  racemes ;  floioers  small, 
greenish,  perfect  or  monoeciously  polygamous  ;  pedicels  jointed  near  the  base. 
Calyx  of  6  herbaceous  sepals,  the  3  outer  reflexed,  sometimes  united  at  the  base, 
spreading  in  fruit,  the  3  inner  (valves)  larger,  veiny,  somewhat  colored,  increasing 
after  flowering,  and  converging  over  the  fruit,  often  bearing  a  grain-like  tubercle 
upon  the  dorsal  surface  of  the  midrib  near  its  base.  Stamens  6,  inserted  in  pairs 
opposite  the  external  sepals ;  anthers  erect.  Ovary  triquetrous  ;  ovule  sessile ; 
styles  3  ;  stigmas  tufted.  Fruit  a  3-angled  achenium  ;  embryo  slender,  slightly 
curved,  and  lying  along  one  side  of  the  farinaceous  albumen  ;  cotyledons  narrow, 
incumbent;  radicle  pointing  upward. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Docks  are  some  of  our  most  troublesome  weeds 
imported  from  Europe.  The  Yellow  Dock  grows  in  cultivated  ground,  and  along 
roadsides,  everywhere  in  the  eastern  section  of  the  United  States  ;  where  it  flowers 
from  May  until  August,  and  ripens  its  copious  seeds  from  August  to  October. 
The  root  has  been  used  in  medicine  from  ancient  times,  as  a  mild  astringent  tonic, 
laxative,  and  depurant,  its  use  being  similar  to  that  of  rhubarb  and  of  sarsaparilla. 
A  decoction  of  the  root  has  been  found  useful  in  dyspepsia,  gouty  tendencies, 

*  Derivation  unknown. 


143-2 

hepatic  congestion,  scrofula,  syphilis,  leprosy,  elephantiasis,  and  various  forms  of 
scabby  eruptions.  An  ointment  of  the  powdered  root  with  lard,  or  a  cataplasm 
with  cream,  has  been  considered  a  specific  for  the  cure  of  itch,  and  a  useful  appli- 
cation to  cancers,  as  well  as  a  discutient  for  indolent  glandular  tumors.  Whatever 
use  the  root  may  have  in  these  latter  troubles  must  reside  in  the  peculiar  acid 
contained  in  it.  Rumex  is  also  considered  an  excellent  dentifrice,  especially  where 
the  gums  are  spongy.  As  a  pot-herb  the  young  root-leaves  of  the  Narrow  Dock 
are  well  known  in  all  country  localities. 

The  officinal  preparation  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  is  Extractum  Rumicis  Fluidiim  ;  in 
the  Eclectic  Dispensatory  the  following  are  recommended :  Decoctum  Rumicis  ; 
Extr-actuni  Rumicis  AlcoJiolicum  ;  Syrupus  Riimicis  Compositus  ;  '^'  Tinctura  Cory- 
dalis  Composiius:\ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root,  gathered  after  the  fruit 
is  ripe,  but  before  frost  has  touched  the  plant,  is  treated  as  directed  under  the  herb 
Polygonum.!  The  resulting  tincture  has  a  clear  madder  color  by  transmitted 
light;  a  peculiar  sour,  mousy  odor,  that  I  have  also  noted  in  Oxalis  ;  a  sourish, 
astringent,  and  slightly  bitter  taste ;  and  a  strong  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.-  Chrysophanic  Acid,  or  Rumicin,  C^^U^^O^. 
This  dioxyanthraquinone  was  discovered  by  Rochelder  and  Heldt  (1843)  in  the 
yellow  lichen  {Parmelia  parictind),\  and  afterward  recognized  as  such  in  rhubarb  || 
by  Schlossberger  and  Dopping  (1844).  It  has  since  been  found  also  in  Rumex,^ 
Cassia  bijuga,  and  goa  powder  ^Andira  Araroba)**  It  crystalizes  in  tasteless, 
golden-yellow  needles  or  tablets,  fuses  at  162°  (323.6°  F.),  and  sublimes  with  little 
change  on  careful  heating.  It  is  slightly  soluble  in  hot  water,  also  in  alcohol,  and 
dissolves  quite  readily  in  ether.  This  acid  acts  as  a  rubefacient  and  discutient, 
and  is  a  valuable  agent  for  destroying  parasites  of  the  skin. 

The  plant  also  contains  sugar,  gum,  albumen,  and  tannin. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Rumex  causes  nausea ;  watery  brown  move- 
ments of  the  bowels,  urging  liquid  passages;  urging,  copious  urination;  dry, 
spasmodic,  irritating  cough  ;  sore,  burning,  aching,  and  sticking  pains  in  the  chest ; 
increased  heart's  action;  restlessness;  itching  of  the  skin  ;  sleeplessness;  chills, 
fever,  and  perspiration. 

Description  of  Plate  143. 

I.   End  of  a  fruiting  branch,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  .\\ig.  20th,  1SS6. 

2.  Outline  of  a  lower  leaf. 

3.  Fruit. 

4.  Valve. 

5.  Achenium. 

(3-5  enlarged.) 


*  Yellow  Dock,  Celastius,  Ampelopsis,  and  Scrophulavia. 
f  Corydalis,    Podophyllum,   Rumex,   Scropliularia,  and  ||   Rhein,  Rheic  Acid,  Rhabarbariu,  Rhabai'baric  Acid, 

X  Page  141-2.  [Alnus  rubra.  ^  Rumic  Acid,  Rumicin,  Lapathin.  [Rhaponticin. 

I  Parietin,  Parietinic  .^cid.  **  Chrysarohin,  Chrysarobic  Acid. 


i'i 


^■^^^^ 


^.m.jdnatdel 


RUMEX'    OBTUSIFOLIUS  ,  L 


fM.  m im. 

¥i         7  8 


N.  ORD -POLYGONACE^.  i44 

CJENUS  — RUMEX,  LINiN. 


.HE\.\XI)RIA  TRKiVXIA. 


LAPATHUM. 


BITTER  hoc  Is:. 

SYN.-RUMEX  OBTUSIFOLIUS,  LINN.;  R.  DIVARICATUS,  ELL.;  LAPA- 
THUM ACUTUM. 

COM.  NAMES.— BITTER  DOCK,  BLUNT-LEAVED  DOCK;  (GER.)  GRIND- 
WURZ. 

.\  TINCTURE   OF    THE   ROOT  OF   RU.MEX  OBTUSIFOLIUS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  roughish  perennial  weed  is  of  similar  growth  to  the  pre- 
ceding .species.  Root  brownish,  thick,  and  branching  ;  stem  angular  and  sulcate. 
Leaves  rather  downy  upon  the  veins  underneath  and  somewhat  wavy  margined ; 
the  lower  ovate,  cordate,  mostly  obtuse  ;  the  upper  lanceolate  and  acute  at  both 
ends.  Flowers  in  loose  and  distant  whorls  below,  more  crowded  above  ;  pedicels 
recurved.  Valves  ovate-hastate,  strongly  reticulate,  with  a  few  sharp,  awl-shaped 
teeth  at  the  base,  one  of  them  principally  grain-bearing.  (Read  description  of 
Rumex,  page  143.) 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Bitter  Dock  is  in  Europe  a  domestic  weed  of  the 
worst  description — a  trait  that  well  characterizes  its  naturalized  state  here,  where 
it  has  rapidly  spread  wherever  man  has  settled,  defacing  his  fields,  gardens,  and 
lawns.  It  is  much  harder  to  exterminate  than  R.  crispus,  on  account  of  its  branch- 
ing roots,  which,  like  the  star-fish,  will  increase  and  multiply  the  faster  if  broken, 
cut,  or  bruised.  It  flowers  a  month  later  than  the  yellow  dock,  and  fruits  at  the 
same  period. 

The  use  of  this  species  in  medicine  is  not  so  prominent  as  that  of  R.  crispus, 
though  it  is  more  bitter,  and,  if  anything,  more  common.  "A  decoction  of  bitter 
dock  root  is  highly  efficacious  in  obstinate  cases  of  the  kind  of  skin  disease  called 
ichthyosis ;  and  when  taken  in  large  quantity — as  well,  indeed,  as  the  decoction 
of  any  ot  the  fusiform  dock  roots — it  acts  as  a  purgative,  in  the  same  manner  as 
the  powder  or  tincture  of  Turkey  rhubarb."'^' 

The  following  European  and  American  species  of  the  genus  manifest,  with 
R.  obtusifolius,  a  certain  line  of  generic  usefulness:  Water  Dock  (7?.  aquaticiis)  ; 
Yellow  Water  Dock  (7?.  Britannica)  ;  and  Sharp  Dock  (/v.  acutus).  The  common 
Horse  Sorrel  (7?.  acefocclla)  is  refrigerant,  diuretic,  and  antiscorbutic — characters 
which  also  pervade  R.  acetosa,  which  yields,  in  Switzerland,  part  of  the  Oxalic  Acid 
of  commerce.     R.  acetosa  is  also  highly  esteemed  in  many  districts  as  an  esculent, 

*  Wilson's  Rural  Cyc. 


144-2 

than  which,  however,  R.  saltans  is  much  more  dehcate ;  both  are  unhealthy 
if  used  to  excess.  In  France  R.  patientia  is  considered  tonic,  stomachic,  and 
depurant;  while  the  Alpine  Dock,  or  Monk's  Rhubarb  {R.  alpinns)  is  the  most 
active  of  all  species,  possessing  qualities  very  like  those  of  Rlieiun  R/iapoiitictim, 
for  a  variety  of  which,  indeed,  Linnaeus  mistook  it,  adding,  however,  to  his  obser- 
vations, " easdcm  esse  species  nulhts  qiiidciii  neget,  qui  structiiraiii  plantce  titriusgiic 
inspexerit!' 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root,  gathered  and  prepared 
as  in  the  preceding  species,  yields  a  tincture  having  a  dark,  reddish-brown  color 
by  transmitted  light;  a  sourish  odor;  a  bitterish  astringent  taste,  and  an  acid 
reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Zrt-/.?//^/;/,  a  body  identical  with  Chrysophanic 
Acid,  as  described  under  R.  crispus  ;  a  resin  ;  albumen  ;  sugar;  gum  ;  starch  ;  and 
sulphur,  have  been  determined  in  the  root  of  this  species. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  symptoms  caused  during  the  experiments 
of  Dr.  Widenhorn*  are  substantially  as  follows:  Pressive  headache;  epistaxis  ; 
distension  and  pressure  in  the  stomach  and  abdomen,  with  flatulence  ;  pain  and 
pressure  in  the  kidneys  ;  weariness  and  bruised  pains  in  the  limbs  ;  and  excessive 
coldness  of  the  feet. 


Description  of  Plate  144. 

I.   End  of  a  flowering  branch,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  20th,  1886. 

2.  Outline  of  a  lower  leaf. 

3.  Flower,  showing  calyx. 

4.  Face  of  flower. 

5.  Stamen. 

6.  Pistil. 

7.  Frin't. 

8.  Grain-bearing  valve. 

9.  Seed. 

10.   Horizontal  section  of  seed. 
(3-10  enlarged.) 


'■■  tirdiiv.  dc  la  Med.  Hon,.,  1835,  30j 


145. 


fiu. 


ad  nst.dei.et  pinxt. 


Li'ndera  Benzoin,  Meisner. 


N.  ORD.  LAURACE^.  145 

GENUS.— LIN  DERA,*  THUxN. 
SEX.  SVST.— ENNEAXDRIA  MOXOGVNIA. 


BENZOIN. 


SPICE-BUSH. 

SYN.— LINDERA  BENZOIN,  MEIS. ;  LAURUS  BENZOIN,  LINN.;  BENZOIN 
ODORIFERUM,  NEBS;   LAURUS  PSEUDO-BENZOIN,  MICHX. 

COM.  NAMES.— COMMON  SPICE-BUSH,  ALLSPICE-BUSH,  BENJAMIN- 
BUSH,  WILD  ALLSPICE,  FEVER-BUSH,  SPICE-BERRY;  (FR.)  LAURIER 
BENZOIN;  (GER.)  BENZOELORBEER. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  YOUNG  TWIGS  OF  LINDERA  BENZOIN,  MEIS. 

Description. — This  aromatic  shrub  grows  to  a  height  of  from  6  to  18  feet. 
Brandies  smooth  and  maculate.  Leaves  deciduous,  nearly  glabrous,  thin,  pale 
beneath,  oblong-ovate  and  acute  at  both  ends.  Inflorescence  lateral,  nearly  sessile, 
umbel-like  clusters,  composed  of  umbellets  of  4  to  6  flowers ;  involucre  formed  of 
4  deciduous  scales  surrounding  the  flowers ;  flowers  numerous,  polygamous- 
dicecious,  prefolial.  Calyx  open,  honey-yellow,  6-parted,  membraneous.  Sta^nens: 
sterile  flowers  9,  in  3  rows ;  fllaincnts  of  the  inner  row  dilated  and  i  to  2  lobed, 
bearing  at  the  base  a  reniform  and  more  or  less  peltate  gland  (Fig.  4)  ;  the  ex- 
ternal 6  simple  ;  anthers  2-celled  and  -valved,  opening  upward  to  the  apex  ;  fertile 
flowers :  stamens  15  to  18  rudimentary,  some  filiform  and  pointed,  others  more  or 
less  spatulate.  Oz'^;;;' globular  or  globose-ovoid;  style  short;  stigma  capitellate. 
Fruit  a  scarlet,  ovoid  drupe. 

Lauraceae. — A  family  of  aromatic  trees  or  shrubs  widely  distributed  over  the 
temperate  and  tropical  portions  of  the  globe.  Leaves  alternate,  simple,  entire  or 
sometimes  lobed,  mostly  having  pellucid  dots.  Flowers  clustered ;  (estivation  im- 
bricate in  2  rows ;  calyx  regular,  free  from  the  ovary;  sepals  4  to  6,  petaloid,  mostly 
fewer  than  the  stamens.  Anthers  opening  by  2  to  4  uplifting  valves.  Ovary  i- 
celled,  i-ovuled;  j-Zj'/^  single.  Fruit  z.  i -seeded  berry  or  drupe  ;  i-^^flf  anatropous, 
suspended  ;  albtimen  wanting  ;  embryo  large  amygdalaceous. 

We  derive  but  two  other  remedies  from  this  order,  viz. :  Camphor,  the 
Chinese  and  Japanese  Laurus  camphorifera  (^Cinnamomum-  Camphora,  Camphora 
oflicinarunt) ;  and  Cinnamon,  the  Ceylon  Cinnatnomum  Zeylandicum  {Laurus  On- 
namomum).  The  other  products  of  this  order  are :  Cassia  buds,  the  dried,  un- 
developed flower  buds  of  the  cinnamon  tree;  Cassia  bark  {Cinnatnomum  aroma- 

*  John  Linder,  a  Swedish  botanist  of  the  1 8th  century. 


145-2 

ticuni)  ;  Sassafras  [Sassafi^as  officinale,  Lmirus  Sassafras)  ;  and  Sweet  bay  {^Laurus 
nobi/is),  so  celebrated  by  poets  for  its  fragrance  and  beauty.  The  genus  Oreo- 
dapJine  yields:  Jamaica  sweetwood  (6>.  exaltatd)  ;  Canary  Island  Til  [O.  fa;lens)  ; 
Isle  of  France  Cinnamon  {O.  cupulans)  ;  a  Brazilian  discutient  {O.  opifera)  ;  and 
a  native  species  much  used  by  the  Californian  Indians  in  cephalalgia,  and  destined 
to  become  one  of  our  valuable  remedies  (O.  Calif ornica).  The  genus  Nectandra 
affords  the  much-vaunted  substitute  for  Ouinia,  sulphate  of  Berberia,  a  product  of 
N.  rodiai,  now  falling  into  disuse ;  Santa  Fe  Cinnamon  {^N.  cinnamonoides)  ; 
Orinoko  Sassafras  [N.  cymboruni)  ;  the  Brazilian  Pichurim  bean  (tV.  puc/nify)  ; 
and  the  Sassafras  nuts  of  the  London  markets  {N.  piuhury  mittor).  Among  all 
the  products  of  this  varied  family  one  only  is  really  edible,  viz. :  the  West  Indian 
Avocado  Pear  [Persea  gratissima) . 

History  and  Habitat. — The  spice-bush,  so  well  known  among  the  laity  on 
account  of  its  aromatic  buds,  bark,  and  berries,  inhabits  low  marsh  spots  upon  the 
banks  of  streams  from  Canada  southward  to  Florida.  It  blossoms  in  March  or 
April,  before  the  leaves  appear. 

The  economical  use  of  this  shrub  has  given  it  many  of  its  vulgar  names. 
During  the  war  of  the  Revolution  the  Americans  used  the  powdered  berries  as  a 
substitute  for  allspice  (Barton).  During  the  war  of  the  Rebellion  the  people  of 
northern  South  Carolina  used  the  leaves  as  a  substitute  for  tea,  they  affording  a 
pleasant  antipyretic  and  aromatic  drink  (Porcher)  ;  and  the  berries  as  before 
mentioned.  In  domestic  practice  the  bark,  leaves,  and  berries  have  been  used  in 
decoction  to  produce  diaphoresis  and  act  as  a  febrifuge ;  they  were  considered 
also  as  tonic,  stimulant,  antiperiodic,  and  anthelmintic.  The  oil  of  the  berries  was 
often  used  as  an  embrocation  in  neuralgic  and  rheumatic  pains. 

There  are  now  no  preparations  in  use  officinally  except  the  Homoeopathic 
tincture. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh,  young  twigs  gathered  before 
the  buds  have  burst  in  the  spring,  are  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed. 
Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  thoroughly  with 
one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the  whole 
well,  pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered  vial,  and  allow  it  stand  for  eight  days  in  a  dark, 
cool  place. 

The  tincture  separated  from  the  above  mass  by  filtration  has  a  light-brown 
color  by  transmitted  light,  an  aromatic  odor  and  taste,  and  a  slight  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Three  analyses  have  been  made  of  this  plant* 
to  determine  its  active  principle,  resulting  in  the  separation  of  a  volatile  oil,  tannin, 
an  essential  oil,  a  tasteless  resin,  together  with  other  unimportant  and  general  plant 
constituents.  Its  medicinal  properties,  in  all  probability,  lie  in  the  oils,  one  being 
cinnamyl  compound,  the  other  a  substitution  product  of  benzene. 

*  A.  Brockenbrough,  Jun.,  "An  Experimental  Botanico-chemical  essay  on  Two  Native  Species  of  Laurus,"  1S04; 
American  Journal  of  Pharmacy,  1873,  J.  M.  Jones;   1875,  P-  M.  Gleim. 


^45-3 

Description  of  Plate  145. 

Flowering  branch  from  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  May  3d,  1S84. 

2.  End  of  branch  in  leaf. 

3.  A  flower  in  section. 

4.  A  stamen  of  the  outer  row. 

5.  Pistil. 

6.  Pollen  X  380. 

(3-5  enlarged.) 


(pHl.adnat.del.et  pinxt. 


DiRCA      PALUSTRIS  ,  Linn. 


N.  ORD.-THYMELEACE^.  146 

GENUS.— Dl  RCA,*  LINN. 
SEX.  .SVST.— OCTANDRI.\  MONOGYNIA. 

DIRCA  PALUSTRIS. 

LEATHERWOOD. 


SYN.— DIRCA  PALUSTRIS,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.  — LEATHERWOOD,   MOOSEWOOD,   WICOPY,  ROPE    BARK, 

SWAMP  WOOD,  THONG   BARK,    AMERICAN  MEZBRBON;    (FR.)   BOIS 

DE  PLOMB;t   (GBR.)  LBDERHOLZ. 

A  TINCTURE    OF  THE  FRESH    INNER  BARK  OF  DIRCA  PALUSTRIS,   LINN. 

Description. — This  yellowish,  largely-branching  shrub,  attains  a  height  of 
from  3  to  6  feet.  Stcjn  erect ;  zvood  white,  soft  and  brittle ;  bark  remarkably 
tough  and  fibrous  ;  branchlcts  jointed  ;  buds  made  up  of  3  or  4  large,  oval, 
sometimes  persistent,  dark  hairy  scales,  from  which  spring  the  flowers,  leaves, 
and  shoots  of  the  season.  Leaves  alternate,  oval-obovate  or  ovate-lanceolate, 
deciduous,  short  petioled,  villous  when  young  and  smooth  when  old.  Inflor- 
eseencc  terminal  ternate  clusters,  those  not  terminal  at  the  flowering  season 
become  so  by  the  extension  of  the  young  shoots ;  floivers  pendent,  honey-yellow, 
slightly  sweet-scented,  preceding  the  leaves.  Calyx  petaloid,  funnel-form ;  limb 
truncate,  cren^te  or  nearly  4-toothed.  Stamens  8,  exserted,  alternately  longer, 
inserted  upon  the  edge  of  a  disk  that  encircles  the  calyx-tube  at  its  point  of  in- 
flation, and  furnished  with  alternate,  small,  subulate  appendages  at  their  insertion ; 
filaments  long  and  slender.  Ovary  ovoid  ;  style  lateral,  filiform,  more  than  twice 
the  length  of  the  stamens  ;  stigma  capitate.  Fruit  a  cluster  of  three,  reddish,  ovoid, 
mucronate,  baccate  drupes  ;  seeds  large  ;  albutnen  papyraceous. 

ThymeleacesB. — This  small  family  consists  of  shrubs  having  an  acrid,  tough 
and  fibrous  bark.  Leaves  entire ;  stipules  wanting.  Flowers  perfect.  Calyx  regu- 
lar, petaloid,  free  from  the  ovary  ;  limb  4-  rarely  5-lobed,  imbricate  in  aesti- 
vation. Stamens  usually  twice  as  many  as  the  lobes  of  the  calyx.  Ovary  i -celled  ; 
style  single,  lateral,  rarely  terminal.  Fruit  a  baccate,  i -seeded  drupe;  seed  sus- 
pended, anatropous  ;  embryo  large  ;  albumen  thin  or  wanting. 

The  only  genus  of  this  family  that  is  of  special  interest  to  us,  besides  the  one 
under  consideration,  is  Daphne,  of  which  we  use :  mezereon  (Daphne  mezereum, 
Linn.),  and  the  sweet-scented  spurge  laurel  [Daphne  Indica,  Litm.).  The  economi- 
cal history  of  this  order  is  nevertheless  interesting,  from  the  varied  uses  of  the 
species,  principally  on  account  of  their  tough  bark.  They  are  mostly  indigenous 
to  northern  India,  South  America,  and  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.     The  family  fur- 

*  Ai()<.i,  Dirke ;  the  name  of  a  Thebian  fountain;  probably  on  account  of  the  habitat  of  the  plant, 
t  Lead  wood,  on  account  of  its  flexibility. 


146-2 

nishes  a  yellow  dye  for  woolens  [Passcriiia  tinctoria),  a  pulp  for  manufacture  Into 
paper  i^Dais  Madagascariensis),  a  lace-like  material  for  ropes  in  the  West  Indies 
{Lagctia  lintcayia),  and  in  Madagascar  {Gnidia  daphnoidcs).  Medically  It  furnishes 
a  Javanese  purgative  {Dais  octandnd),  a  Cayenne  laxative  {Hcrnandia  Guiancnsis), 
an  Indian  purgative,  depilatory,  and  antidote  to  poisons  [Heniatidia  sonord),  and 
an  edible  nut  {hiocarpus  cdnlis)  in  the  South  Sea  Islands,  said  to  be  similar  in 
taste  to  the  chestnut ;  this  latter  is  an  exception,  as  the  fruits  of  the  thymeleacese  are 
generally  deleterious.  In  general  the  fresh  bark  Is  possessed  of  a  caustic  acridity, 
and  when  applied  to  the  skin  acts  as  a  painful  vesicant. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Leatherwood  is  indigenous  to  North  America, 
growing  In  swampy  or  springy  woods  from  Canada  to  Georgia,  east  of  the  Alle- 
ghany Mountains;  It  flowers  with  the  maples  in  April,  before  the  appearance  of 
the  leaves.  The  fibrous  bark  afforded  material  for  ropes,  thongs,  cordage,  and 
baskets,  to  the  American  aborigines. 

The  medical  history  of  this  drug  is  slight,  the  only  reference  to  its  use  Is  that 
of  the  Indians  as  a  masticatory  for  aching,  carious  teeth. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  inner  bark  of  the  twigs  is 
'chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of 
alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the 
rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  careful  mixture  the  whole  is  poured  into  a  well- 
stoppered  bottle  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  the  above  mass  by  filtration,  has  a  clear,  green- 
ish, orange-brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  retains  the  peculiar  odor  of  the  bark, 
has  a  sourish  then  burning  taste,  and  a  neutral  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — The  only  attempt  at  an  analysis  of  this  plant, 
as  far  as  I  am  able  to  determine,  is  that  of  Dr.  Bigelow  and  his  pupil,  Dr.  Locke. 
They  found  that  the  acridity  of  the  fresh  bark  was  not  retained  In  a  distillate  or 
decoction,  and  determined  the  presence  of: 

A  bitter  reslnoid,  soluble  in  alcohol ;  and  an 

Acrid  principle.  This  body  is  apparently  fully  retained  In  the  tincture  pre- 
pared as  above. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Dr.  Locke  observes  that  the  powdered  root 
causes  emesis  and  catharsis,  and  that  the  bark  causes  vesication  ;  other  observers, 
who  have  carried  this  application  farther,  find  that  sores  follow  that  are  difficult 
to  heal.  Dr.  Perkins  notes  a  case  of  poisoning  with  the  fruit  in  which  vertigo, 
nausea,  stupor,  insensibility,  and  dilatation  of  the  pupils  occurred.*  The  bark 
when  chewed  produces  ptyalism,  burning  in  the  fauces  and  stomach,  and  some- 
times paresis  of  the  tongue.  Dr.  Spooner's  proving  of  the  drugf  substandates 
the  above,  and  leads  us  to  the  conclusion  that  DIrca  acts  as  an  Irritant  to  the 

*  Bigelow,  Med.  Bot.,  vol.  ii,  p.  157. 

f  Allen,  Ency.  Pure  Mat.  Med.^  vol.  iv,  pp.  161-7. 


i46-3 

mucous  membranes  of  the  gastro-intestinal  tract  and  bladder,  as  well  as  to  the 
nerves.  This  proves  the  drug  to  be  quite  similar  to  mezereum.  It  is  to  be 
deplored  that  the  unripe  fruits  are  not  included  in  the  preparation  of  the  tinc- 
ture; farther  provings  with  a  tincture  thus  prepared  would  add  a  valuable  remedy 
to  our  store. 


Description  of  Plate  146. 

Flowering  branch,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  April  20,  1880. 

2.  A  flower  cluster  (enlarged). 

3.  Half  of  flower  (enlarged). 

4.  Bract. 

5.  Branch  in  leaf  and  fruit. 

6.  Section  of  seed  (enlarged), 

7.  Seed- 


147. 


(ElU.adnat.fJel.et  pinxt. 


Euphorbia   HYPERiciFOUA.Linn. 


N.  ORD -EUPHORBIACE^.  147 

GENUS.— EUPHORBIA,*  I.INN. 


SEX.  .SV.ST.— DODECANDRI.V  TRICVXI.X. 


EUPHORBIA 
HYPERICIFOLIA 

COMMOX  SPURGE. 


SYN.-EUPHORBIA  HYPERICIFOLIA,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.  — LARGE   SPOTTED   SPURGE,   BLACK  OR  MILK  PARSLEY 

OR    PURSLANE,    SPOTTED    EYBBRIGHT;    (GER.)    JOHANNESKRAUT- 

BLATTRIGE    WOLFSMILCH. 


A  TINCTURE   OF  THE   WHOLE    PLANT  EUPHORBIA    HYPERICIFOLIA,   LINN. 

Description. — This  inconspicuous  annual  herb,  attains  a  growth  of  from  8  to 
1 8  inches.  Stefii  ascending  or  erect,  smooth  or  with  scattered  hairs,  divergently 
branching  and  forking.  Leaves  ovate-oblong  or  linear-oblong,  sometimes  falcate, 
oblique,  or  slighdy  cordate  at  the  base,  acute,  serrate,  and  short-petioled ;  stipules 
triangular,  dentate.  Inflorescence  in  loose,  leafy,  terminal  cymes  ;  pedimcles  longer 
than  the  petioles ;  Jioiocrs  numerous.  Involnci-al  appendages  4,  large  and  white  or 
small  and  red.  Ovary  3-celled,  each  cell  i -seeded.  Fruit  a  glabrous,  obtusely- 
angled  pod  ;  seeds  blackish,  ovate,  obtusely  4-angled,  wrinkled,  and  tuberculated  ; 
caruncle  none. 

Euphorbia. — This  genus  consists  of  herbs  or  shrubs  with  a  milky  juice.  Leaves 
alternate,  or  in  a  few  cases  opposite  or  scattered,  the  floral  usually  verticillate. 
Peduncles  terminal,  often  umbellate-clustered.  Flozcers  monoecious,  included  in  a 
cup-shaped,  4-  to  5-lobed  involucre,  resembling  a  calyx  or  corolla,  and  generally 
having  large  thick  glands  at  its  sinuses;  glands  with  or  without  petaloid  margins  ; 
sterile  flowers  numerous,  lining  the  base  of  the  involucre,  each  from  the  axil  of  a 
little  bract,  and  consisting  of  a  single  stamen  jointed  on  a  pedicel-like  filament ; 
anthers  with  globular  cells ;  fertile  floivers  solitary,  in  the  centre  of  the  involucre, 
soon,  however,  protruded  upon  a  long  stipe,  and  consisting  of  a  3-lobed,  3-celled 
ovary  with  no  calyx  ;  styles  3,  each  2-cleft ;  stigmas  6.  Fruit  a  compound  capsule 
of  3  carpels,  each  of  which  splits  elastically  into  2  valves.  Seeds  often  caruncled, 
and  closely  invested  in  a  membraneous  axil. 

Euphorbiaceae. — This  vast  family  of  mostly  tropical  plants  is  represented  in 
North  America  by  18  genera,  171    species,  and   15  varieties,  and  is  characterized 

*  Euphorljus,  jihysician  t )  Juba,  king  of  M.iuritani.i. 


147-2 

as  follows:  Herbs,  shrubs,  or  trees,  with  milky,  acrid,  and  mostly  poisonous  juice. 
Leaves  commonly  simple  ;  stipules  present.  Inflorescence  various  ;  Jloiuers  monoe- 
cious or  dioecious,  sometimes  achlamydeous,  often  with  scaly  or  gland-like  append- 
ages. Calyx  3-several  cleft  or  wanting.  Petals  mostly  wanting.  Stamens  one  or 
many,  distinct  or  monadelphous  ;  anthers  2-celled.  Ovary  free,  usually  3-celled  ;. 
ovules  usually  single,  sometimes  two,  hanging  from  the  summit  of  each  cell ;  stig- 
mas as  many  or  twice  as  many  as  the  cells  of  the  ovary.  Fruit  generally  a  3-lobed 
capsule ;  carpels  separating  elastically  from  the  persistent  axis,  and  elastically 
splitting  into  two  valves.  Seeds  anatropous ;  embryo  straight,  axial ;  albumen 
fleshy  and  oily. 

Beside  the  five  species  treated  of  in  this  work,  we  have  provings  of  sixteen 
other  plants  of  this  order,  viz.:  The  Indian  Cupameni  [Acalypha  Indica,  Linn.)  ; 
the  European  and  Asiatic  Box  {Bu.vus  sempervirens ,  Linn.)  ;  the  Spanish  Casca- 
rilla,  the  bark  of  Croton  Eleuteria,  Bennett ;  Cassada,  the  root  of  the  Brazilian 
JatropJia  manihot,  Linn. ;  Croton  Oil,  a  product  of  the  seeds  of  the  India  and  Cey- 
lon Croton  Tiglium,  Lam.;  the  English  Spurge  {Euphorbia  amygdaloides,  Linn.); 
the  Cypress  Spurge  of  England,  E.  cyparissias,  Linn. ;  the  British  Petty  Spurge 
[E.  Peplus,  Linn.)  ;  Euphorbium,  the  resinous  exudation  of  the  North  African 
E.  rcsinifera,  Berg.;  Assacu,  the  juice  of  the  Brazilian  Hura  Braziltensis,  VVilld.  ; 
the  Cuban  Physic  Nut  [yatropha  Curcas,  Linn.)  ;  the  Brazilian  Stinging  Physic 
Nut  (y.  urens),  considered  to  be  the  most  poisonous  plant  known  ;  the  European 
Dog's  Mercury  {Mercurialis  perennis,  Linn.)  ;  the  West  Indian  Manzanillo  {Hip- 
pomanes  Manzinella,  Linn.),  under  the  shade  of  which  men  are  said  to  die;  and 
Castor  Oil,  the  expressed  oil  of  the  seeds  of  Eicinus  co^nmunis,  Linn. 

Among  the  numerous  other  plants  of  the  order  used  in  general  practice,  the 
following  will  prove  of  special  interest:  The  Oriental  Kamela  {Mallotus philippen- 
sis,  Mull.),  a  purgative  noted  as  a  tsenicide  ;  the  Indian  sudorific  and  cathartic, 
Cicca  disticha,  Willd. ;  and  Emblica  officinalis,  Gaertn.  The  root  and  leaves  of  the 
Indian  and  South  American  Phyllanthus  Niriiri,  Linn.,  are  considered  deobstruent 
and  diuretic,  a  decoction  of  the  leaves  and  seeds  is  said  by  Martins  to  be  con- 
sidered a  specific  cure  for  diabetes  in  Brazil ;  the  Indian  P.  urinaria,  Linn.,  is  also 
a  powerful  diuretic  ;  while  P.  virosus,  Willd.,  of  the  same  country,  is  used  to  intoxi- 
cate fish.  The  seed-coat  of  the  Indian  Cluytia  collina,  Roxb.,  is  claimed  to  be 
powerfully  toxic;  and  the  bark  of  C.  spinosa,  Roxb.,  is  astringent  and  vermifugal. 
Turnsole  is  a  purple  dye  procured  from  the  Mediterranean  acrid  and  corrosive 
drastic  Croton  tinctorium,  Linn. ;  Mexican  Cascarilla,  or  Copalchi,  is  the  bark  of 
Croton  Psetido- China,  Schl.  ;  the  Indian  C.  Pavana,  Hamilt.,  is  used  as  a  producer 
of  Croton  Oil,  and  is  supposed  to  be  the  original  Tilly-seed;  one  of  the  finest  kinds 
of  Dragon's  blood,  is  derived  from  the  Mexican  C  Draco,  Schl. ;  this  substance  is 
also  obtained  from  the  New  Granadian  C.  hibiscif alius,  H.  B.  K.,  and  C.  sangui- 
foliiis,  H.  B.  K.,  of  New  Andalusia ;  several  other  cathartics,  or,  more  properly, 
purgatives,  are  derived  from  this  genus,  of  which  the  Ceylon  C  lacciferum,  Linn.^ 
and  C.  suberosum,  H.  B.  K.,  of  Peru,  are  prominent ;  in  Brazil  C.  campestris,  C. 
antisyphiliticum,  and  C.  pardicipes,  St.  Heil,  are  used  in  syphilis  ;  and  C  origani- 
folius  is  said  to  yield  a  balsam  that  greatly  resembles  Copaiva. 


147-3 

The  seeds  of  the  Tropical  AiiK^rican  yatropha  multifida,  Linn.,  are  an  excel- 
lent emetic  and  purgative  ;  the  juice  of  the  Indian  J.  glandulifera,  Roxb.,  is  said 
to  be  used  by  the  Hindoos  as  an  escharotic  to  remove  films  from  the  eye  ;  and  the 
oil  ot  the  seeds  of  y.  glauca,  Vahl.,  is  used  as  an  application  in  rheumatism. 

The  flowers  of  the  East  Indian  Cahiriis  spiciflorus,  Linn.,  are  said  to  be,"  a 
specific  in  diarrhoea.  The  seeds  of  the  Brazilian  Aiic/a-agti  {Anda  Gomesii,  A.  de  J.) 
act  as  a  very  powerful  but  safe  purgative.  The  Guayanian  Hovca  Guiajiensis,  Aubl., 
furnishes  Demerara  and  Surinam  Caoutchouc.  The  roots  of  the  Indian  Traga 
invohicrata,  Linn.,  are  said  by  Ainslie  to  be  used  by  the  Hindoo  doctors  to  remove 
old  syphilitic  cachexias.  The  juice  of  the  Ganges  Sapiuvi  Indicum,  Willd.,  is  highly 
poisonous  ;  while  that  of  5".  acupariiun,  Willd.,  is  really  venomous,  its  exhalations 
causing  erysipelatous  inflammation.  The  Tropical  American  Sandbox  [Hura  crepi- 
tans, Linn.)  yields  a  juice  that  is  exceedingly  posionous  ;  it  is  said  to  produce  blind- 
ness in  a  few  days  after  application  to  the  eyes  ;  the  seeds  are  a  dangerous  purga- 
tive. .  Another  plant,  similar  in  its  action,  is  the  Indian  Exccpcaria  Ayallocha,  Linn., 
of  which  Rumphius  says  that  sailors  who  were  sent  ashore  in  Amboyna  to  cut 
wood,  sometimes  became  furiously  mad  from  pain  produced  when  the  juice  of 
this  plant  spattered  in  their  eyes,  and  that  some  cases  of  blindness  resulted.  The 
Cochin-China  Comniia  Cochinchiiioisis,  Lour.,  yields  an  emetic  and  purgative  gum; 
and  the  West-Indian  Jew-bush  {Pedilanthus  tithymaloides,  Poit.)  is  used  in  venereal 
complaints,  amenorrhoea,  and  in  lieu  of  Ipecacuanha. 

The  genus  Euphorbia,  the  type  of  this  order,  is  one  of  the  largest  purgative 
genera  known,  many  of  its  species  being  dangerous,  and  all  more  or  less  active. 
The  Indian  E.  Tirucalli,  Linn.,  is  a  violent  and  dangerous  cathartic,  used  also,  in 
small  doses,  as  an  antisyphilitic  :  the  Cape  E.  heptagona,  Linn.,  is  said  by  \'irey  to 
be  used  by  the  Ethiopians  as  an  arrow-poison  ;  E.  iribuioides,  Linn.,  of  the  Canary 
Islands,  is  said  to  be  sudorific,  and  E.  Cmiariensis,  Linn.,  to  act  much  like  Gum 
Euphorbium  ;  the  Indian  E.  ligtdai'ia,  Roxb.,  is  claimed  to  be  alexiteric,  and  E. 
nerei/o/ia,  Linn.,  diuretic;  the  European  E.  esida,  Linn.,  is  a  dangerous  poison, 
E.  Gerardiaua,  Lacq.,  emetic  and  cathartic,  E.  falcata,  Linn.,  purgative,  and  E. 
Peplis,  Linn.,  of  like  action  ;  the  Indian  E.  tliymifolia,  Linn.,  is  anthelmintic,  while 
the  juice  of  the  Brazilian  E.  linearis,  Retz.,  is  said  to  cure  wounds  of  the  cornea 
directly  it  is  applied. 

Although  we  have  found  this  order  so  highly  active  and  so  many  of  its  species 
veritably  toxic,  especially  the  seeds,  still  it  produces  one  of  the  finest  of  all  edible 
nuts— the  Tropical  American  OtnpJialea  triandria,  Linn. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Common  Spurge  is  indigenous  to  North  America, 
its  typical  form  being  found  in  the  West  Indian  Islands.  It  grows  generally 
throughout  the  country  in  dry  fields,  cultivated  grounds,  and  on  hillsides,  where 
it  flowers  from  July  to  September. 

This  species  was  probably  first  introduced  in  medicine  by  Dr.  Zollickoffer, 
who  spoke  of  it  as  astringent  and  slightly  narcotic,  and  recommended  its  use  in 
menorrhagia,  leucorrhoea,  cholera  infantum,  diarrhcca,  and  dysentery ;  Rafinesque 
adds  to  this  that  the  plant  is  also  purgative.  Martius  claims  that  the  plant  is 
valuable  in  syphilis  and  ulcerations  of  the  cornea. 


147-4 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant  is  chopped  and 
pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken, 
the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol 
added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole  well,  it  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered 
bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration,  has  a  deep  orange-red 
color  by  transmitted  light ;  a  sweetish  vinous  odor  ;  an  acrid,  astringent,  and  slightly 
bitter  taste ;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — No  analysis  of  this  species  has  been  made 
that  identified  a  special  principle.  The  constituents  of  the  Euphorbias  of  this  coun- 
try are  probably  much  alike  in  all  species,  and,  therefore,  refer  to  E.  Ipecac7ianh(s, 
page  149-2. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Dr.  True,=^-  who  took  a  half-pint  of  an  infusion 
of  one-half  an  ounce  of  the  dried  herb  in  a  pint  of  water,  experienced  the  following 
effects:  Headache  with  frontal  fulness  and  heat;  heat  about  the  eyes;  languor  and 
drowsiness ;  oppression  of  the  stomach ;  and  constipation.  The  juice  applied  to 
the  eyes  causes  severe  irritation,  with  smarting  and  burning,  lachrymation,  and 
momentary  blindness ;  this  we  have  experienced  twice  while  gathering  the  plant. 
It  is  supposed  that  this  species  causes  the  affection  in  horses  called  "  slabbers." 

The  Euphorbias  in  general  are  severe  irritants  of  mucous  membranes,  upon 
which  they  act  as  acrid  poisons. 


Description  of  Plate  147. 

1.  Portion  of  a  branch  in  fruit,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  6tii,  1885. 

2.  A  portion  of  the  stem,  showing  method  of  branching,  stipuiti-,  and  petick 

3.  A  leaf,  showing  obliquity. 

4.  A  falcate  leaf. 

5.  Fruit. 

6.  Horizontal  section  of  fruit. 

7.  Seed. 

(S-7  enlarged.) 


Ec.  M(ii.  Jour.,  1S75,  260. 


Y^-adnatdel.ei  pinxi 


EUPH6RBIA     COROLLATA.  Linn. 


^E9I 


N.  ORD-EUPHORBIACE^.  '  148 

GENUS— EUPHORBIA,*^  LINN. 
SEX.  .SVST.— MONtECIA   MoNADEl.l'H  l.\. 

EUPHORBIA  COROLLATA. 

FLOWERING  SPURGE. 

SYN.- -EUPHORBIA  COROLLATA,  LINN.;   TITHYMALUS  MARINUS,  PLUK. 

COM.  NAMES.-FLOWERING  SPURGE,  BOWMAN'S  ROOT,  BLOOMING 
SPURGE,  WANDERING  MILKWEED,  SNAKB'S-MILK,  INDIAN  PHY- 
SIC, LARGE  FLOWERED  SPURGE,  WILD  HIPPO,  WILD  IPECAC;  (FR.) 
EUPHORBE  A  GARNDES  PLEURS ;  (GER.)  GROSSBLUTHIGE  WOLFS- 
MILCH. 

TLMCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  EUPHORBIA  COROLLATA,  LINN. 


Description. — This  erect  perennial  herb  attains  a  growth  of  from  2  to  4  feet, 
appearing  to  an  observer  at  a  distance  to  be  a  member  of  the  umbelliferae.  The 
root  is  large  and  branching,  sending  up  a  number  of  simple  rounded  stems 
glabrous  or  sometimes  sparingly  hairy.  Leaves  ascending,  those  of  the  stem 
alternate,  of  the  pedicels  opposite,  and  whorled  only  at  the  base  of  the  inflores- 
cence ;  all  ovate-lanceolate  or  linear,  entire,  obtuse,  equal  at  the  base,  sessile  or 
nearly  so,  smooth  above,  slightly  hairy  beneath,  from  one-half  to  two  inches  long, 
and  one-quarter  to  one-half  inch  wide.  There  are  always  as  many  leaves  to  the 
inflorescence  as  there  are  peduncles  or  pedicels,  and  situated  at  their  bases. 
Stipules  none.  Peduncles  generally  5,  sometimes  fewer;  pedicels  and  their  branches 
many,  all  forming  a  compound  umbel-like  bi-sexual  inflorescence.  Involucres 
(floral)  numerous,  each  with  5  showy,  obovate,  petal-like  false  lobes  ;  the  true  lobes 
minute,  inflexed,  alternate  with  the  false,  and  cut  into  2  deep,  narrow,  lanceolate 
lacinia;.  Fertile  flowers  solitary,  one  to  each  umbellet,  at  length  protruding 
beyond  its  corolla-like  involucre.  Ovary  stalked,  3-lobed,  3-celled,  each  cell  i- 
seeded.  Style  3-branched.  Stigmas  6,  a  pair  to  each  branch  of  the  style.  Sterile 
flowers  numerous,  their  many  stamens  successively  developing  singly,  or  in  pairs 
or  trios.  Filaments  stalk-like,  surmounted  by  twin  anthers  with  globular  cells. 
Fruit  a  smooth  3-carpelled,  6-valved  pod.  Seeds  thick,  ashen,  with  a  nearly  even 
surface.     The  natural  order  is  described  under  E.  hypericifolia,  147. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  flowering  spurge  is  a  favorite  medicine  among 
the   aborigines    of    America,    being    used    as    a    purgative ;     its    action    as    such 

*  Euphorbus  (physician  to  King  Juba),  who  introduced  Euphorbia. 


148-2 

fully  warranting  the  favor  it  has  received.  The  milky  juice  that  flows  freely 
from  the  wounded  plant  is  an  active  irritant,  causing  vesication  soon  after  its 
application  to  the  skin.  The  plant  grows  rather  sparsely  in  dry  meadows  and 
open  woods  in  Canada  and  central  United  States,  blossoming  from  June  to 
September.  E.  corollata  has  been  dismissed  from  the  U.  S.  Ph.  (1882);  in 
Eclectic  practice  use  is  made  of  the  powdered  bark  of  the  root,  in  doses  of  from 
4  to  30  grains. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root  gathered  in  the  fall, 
is  chopped  and  pounded  into  a  pulp  and  weighed,  then  two  parts  by  weight  of 
alcohol  are  taken  and  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it  and  the 
rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole  well,  pour  it  into  a 
well-stoppered  bottle  and  allow  it  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The 
tincture  is  then  separated  by  decanting,  straining  and  filtering. 

Thus  prepared  it  has  a  clear,  light-yellow  color  by  transmitted  light,  no 
distinguishing  odor,  a  sweetish  or  mawkish  taste,  leaving  a  sensation  of  fuzziness 
upon  the  tongue,  and  a  decided  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — At  the  present  we  can  do  no  better  than  to 
refer  to  E.  hypericifolia,  147,  for  the  chemistry  of  this  plant,  for  so  far  only  the 
generic  qualities  have  been  determined,  no  distinct  and  specific  analysis  having 
been  made. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  action  of  the  Euphorbias  generically  will 
be  found  under  147,  the  specific  physiological  action  of  E.  corollata  is  so  far  little 
investigated.  The  minute  effects  can  best  be  determined  by  consulting  the  prov- 
ings  contained  in  the  Encyclopjedia  of  Materia  Medica,  by  Dr.  T.  F.  Allen,  vol.  iv., 

p.  244- 

Description  of  Plate  148. 

I. —  la.   Whole  plant  from  the  banks  of  the  Chemung  River,  its  principal  habitat  east.     Elmira,  N.  Y., 
July  19,  1879. 

2.  Stamen  (enlarged). 

3.  Sterile  flower  (enlarged). 

4.  Pistil  (enlarged). 

5.  Fruit  (enlarged). 


149 


natdel.etpinxt. 


EUPH6RBIA     IPECACUANH;C,Linn 


N.  ORD -EUPHORBIACE^.  149 

GENUS.— EUPHORBIA,   LINN. 
SE.\.  SYST.— DODEC.-VNDRIA    TKIGVXIA. 

EUPHORBIA 
IPECACUANHyE. 

AMEBIC  A  jY  ipecac. 

SYN.— EUPHORBIA  IPECACUANHA,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— AMERICAN  IPECAC,*  WILD  IPECAC,!  CAROLINA  IPECAC, 
IPECACUANHA  SPURGE,  CAROLINA  HIPPO;  (FR.)  BUPHORBB  VOMI- 
TIVE;  (GER.)  BRBCHWOLPSMILCH. 

A  TINCTURE   OF   THE  WHOLE   FRESH    ROOT   OF   EUPHORBIA   IPECACUANH.^,  L. 

Description. — This  tufted,  shrub-like  perennial  grows  to  a  height  of  from  6 
to  1 2  inches.  Root  long,  perpendicular,  thick,  subcylindrical,  branching ;  stetns 
many  from  the  same  root,  erect  or  more  frequently  diffusely  spreading,  diver- 
gently forking  throughout ;  leaves  opposite,  entire,  glabrous,  varying  from  obovate- 
oblong  to  narrowly-lanceolate,  all  very  short  petioled,  and  varying  in  color  from 
shining  green  to  brilliant  red.  Inflorescence  on  long  peduncles  arising  from  the 
forks ;  invohccres  4  to  5  lobed ;  lobes  ovoid ;  glands  5,  obtuse,  somewhat  reniform, 
exappendiculate.  Fruit  a  long  pedicelled,  obtusely  angled,  nearly  smooth  pod ; 
seeds  ovate,  white,  sparsely  pitted  with  impressed  dots ;  caruncle  none.  Read  the 
description  of  Euphorbia  and  Euphorbiaceae  under  E.  hypericifolia,  147. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Ipecac  Spurge  is  indigenous  to  the  low  sandy 
soils  of  the  Atlantic  seaboard  from  Florida  to  Mississippi,  and  northward  to  Long 
Island.  This  very  singular  and  extremely  amorphous  plant  represents  in  itself 
seven  "  Rafinesquian  species,"  so  greatly  does  it  vary  in  form,  color,  inflorescence, 
and  leaf. 

The  emetic  property  of  this  root  was  well  known  to  the  Aborigines,  but  the 
first  experiments  with  it  in  practice  were  those  of  Prof.  Hewson  and  Dr.  J.  R.  Bar- 
ton, though  the  first  mention  of  its  emetic  properties  is  that  by  Dr.  Puihn.  Shoepf 
adds  nothing  to  what  was  already  known  ;  nor  does  Prof  Barton  in  his  Collections. 
Prof.  W.  C.  P.  Barton  considered  it  equal  if  not  superior  to  imported  Ipecacuanha.^ 
Dr.  Bigelow  observes,§  from  his  own  experiments  and  those  of  Dr.  McKeen  at 
his  instigation,  that  the  species  is  an  active  emetic,  safe  when  prudently  adminis- 
tered, but  injurious  to  the  nervous  system,  and  wanting  in  the  mildness  that 
characterizes  officinal  Ipecacuanha.  The  dose  of  the  powdered  root  is  from  10  to 
20  grains  for  its  emetic  action,  which  also  at  times  proves  cathartic,  thus  making 
it  more  active  than  Ipecacuanha  in  proportion  to  the  amounts  used.    The  American 

*  A  name  also  applied  to  GilUnia  stipulacea,  Nutt.     (Rosace;«.) 
t  Also  applied  to  Gitienia  trifoliata,  Moen.     (Rosaceoe.) 
X  Am.  Med.  Bot.,  3,  117. 
J  Veg.  Mat.  Med.,  i,  217. 


149-2 

Ipecac  acts  as  a  hydragogue,  expectorant,  diaphoretic  or  emetic,  according  to  the 
size  of  the  dose. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root,  treated  as  directed 
under  E.  hypericifolia,  yields  a  tincture  having  a  clear,  light  lemon-yellow  color  by 
transmitted  light,  a  sweetish  odor,  an  acrid  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— No  analysis  yet  made  of  this  species  has 
resulted  in  the  separation  of  the  glucoside  it  seems  to  contain.  Dr.  Bigelow's 
analysis  separated  caoutchouc,  resin,  and  mucus;  to  which  Mr.  Cullen  adds,  by 
analysis,  coloring-matter  and  starch. 

Euphorbon,  QgH^O.,.* — By  evaporating  the  tincture  to  an  extractive  mass, 
dissolving  in  alcohol  containing  caustic  potash,  evaporating,  and  neutralizing  the 
residue  with  dilute  acetic  acid,  a  brown  body  was  precipitated  (Euphorbic  acid). 
On  digesting  the  menstruum,  separated  from  this  precipitate,  in  ether,  and  evapo- 
rating spontaneously,  crystals  were  obtained;  these  recrystallized  frequently,  and, 
boiled  in  a  slightly-colored  solution  of  permanganate  of  potash,  resulted  as  taste- 
less, colorless,  imperfect  crystals,  insoluble  in  water,  slightly  soluble  in  alcohol, 
readily  soluble  in  ether,  benzol  and  chloroform;  melting  at  241°  (116.1°  C.)  ;  and 
answering  to  the  tests  for  the  Euphorbon  of  Fliickiger. 

Euphorbic  Acid.f — This  amorphous,  brown  body,  obtained  as  above,  was 
slightly  acrid,  very  bitter,  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol,  and  capable  of  neutralizing 
slightly  alkaline  solutions. 

The  two  bodies  resulting  as  above  were  too  small  in  quantity  for  experimen- 
tation in  this  analysis,  as  I  had  but  little  of  the  root  in  my  possession.  They  are 
without  a  doubt  identical  with  the  bodies  under  which  names  I  have  described 
them,  as  given  by  experiments  upon  Gum  Euphorbium  from  Euphorbia  resinifera, 
Berg. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Euphorbia  acts  as  an  irritant  to  the  mucous 
membranes  throughout  the  alimentary  tract,  not  only  by  its  presence,  but  after 
the  powder  taken  is  all  evacuated ;  vomiting  once  commenced  is  associated  with 
vertigo,  dimness  of  vision,  flashes  of  heat  and  thirst ;  when  the  vomiting  ceases, 
purging  commences  and  lasts  some  time,  often  followed  by  prostration  and  cold 
sweat.J 

Description  of  Plate  149. 

I  and  2.  Flowering  stems,  Landisville,  N.  J.,  June  8th,  1885. 

3.  Flower  and  involucre. 

4.  Styles  and  stigmas. 

5.  Stamen. 

6.  Disk  and  fruit. 

7.  A  portion  of  the  root. 

(3-6  enlarged.) 

*  Fliickiijer.  |  Buchheim.  \  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.,  loc.  cit. 


InatdeI.eipinxt. 


Euphorbia  Lathyris,  Linn. 


N.  ORD-EUPHORBIACE/E.  150 

GENUS.  —  E  U  P  H  O  R  B  I  A  . 

SEX.  .SV.ST.— ]">I>KC.\XI)RIA   .M(  lNi.)C;VXlA. 


EUPHORBIA   LATHYRIS. 

CAPER  SPURGE. 

SYN.-EUPHORBIA  LATHYRIS,   LINN.;    TITHYMALUS  LATHYRIS,   KL.   & 

GAR. 
COM.    NAMES.-GARDBN    SPURGE,    CAPER    SPURGE,    MOLE    PLANT    OR 

TREE;    (GER.)  PURGIENKORNER. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE   WHOLE   PLANT  EUPHORBIA  LATHYRIS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  glabrous  annual  or  biennial  plant  attains  a  growth  of  from 
2  to  3  feet.  Stan  erect,  stout,  and  cylindrical.  Leaves  entire,  opposite,  decussate 
or  strongly  sessile,  thick,  linear-  or  oblong-lanceolate,  pale.  Injlorescenee  umbelli- 
form  ;  uiiibc/s  4-rayed,  then  forking ;  leaves  ovate,  long  pointed,  and  somewhat  cor- 
date at  the  base  ;  htvoiucral  lobes  deeply  cleft  into  two  pointed  divisions  ;  glaiids 
lunate,  2-horned  ;  Iiorns  orange  colored,  obtuse.  Filaniental peduncles  hairy :  abor- 
tive shmnens  ligulate,  hairy  at  the  base.  Stigmas  recurved.  Fniit  a  large,  3-car- 
pelled  capsule,  red  in  the  sulci  when  immature,  black  throughout  when  ripe; 
carpels  obtusely  3-angled  ;  seeds  carunculate. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  nativity  of  the  Caper  Spurge  is  doubtful ;  it  is, 
however,  probably  indigenous  to  Eastern  Europe  and  Great  Britian.  It  is  adven- 
tive  in  this  country,  especially  in  New  Jersey  and  Eastern  Pennsylvania,  where  it 
grows  in  dry,  sterile  places,  and  blossoms  from  July  to  September.  Several  of  the 
European  Spurges,  brought  to  this  country  as  garden-plants  on  account  of  their 
use  as  purges  and  their  peculiar  foliage,  have  run  wild  in  many  places.  Three 
years  ago  we  discovered  in  X'estal,  N.  Y.,  two  large  patches  of  the  Mediterranean 
E.  Niccensis  (not  before  reported  in  this  country) ;  it  still  grows  there,  and  is 
spreading  luxuriantly  as  if  thoroughly  satisfied  with  its  new  home.  E.  cyparissias 
has  escaped  in  many  places  in  Broome  County,  N.  Y.,  and  Hourishes  finely  wherever 
it  grows. 

The  Caper  Spurge  is  the  Catapntia  minor  of  old  pharmacopoeias,  and  is  one 
of  the  plants  that  Charlemagne  ordered  grown  in  every  garden  in  France.  The 
laity  in  England  are  said  to  use  one  capsule  to  cause  catharsis,  and  the  women, 
several  to  produce  abortion.  The  oil  of  the  seeds  was  probably  first  used  by 
Calderini,  in  doses  of  from  six  to  eight  drops,  as  a  cathartic ;  he  was  followed  by 
Gounaud,  and  later  by  Bally;  Frank  suggested*  its  employment  in  ascites,  hys- 
teralgia,  and  tccnia.     Mr.  Scattergoodf  tells  us  that  the  manufacturer  of  the  oil 

*  your,  de  Phar.,  xi,  273.  t  I'l'H-  Join:  P/uir.,  1S33,  124. 


150-2 

at  Crosswick,  N.  J.,  claimed  small  doses,  repeated  If  necessary  at  hourly  intervals, 
act  as  a  pleasant  cathartic  ;  but  says  that  in  his  own  experiments  doses  of  from 
six  to  twelve  drops  invariably  produced  nausea  and  vomiting.  The  bark  of  the 
root  has  been  found  to  produce  emesis  and  catharsis.  Rafinesque  states  that  the 
pickling  of  the  capsules  as  a  substitute  for  capers  in  England  was  due  to  mistaking 
them  for  Capparis  spinosa,  the  true  caper;  other  authors,  however,  claim  that  the 
use  of  the  fruit  in  this  manner  is  intentional,  and  that  the  substitution  is  a  passable 
one. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  plant,  when  half  is  in  fruit,  is 
treated  as  in  the  preceding  species.  The  resulting  tincture  is  bistre  by  transmitted 
light ;  it  has  an  odor  somewhat  resembling  spoiled  oysters ;  a  sweetish  then  bitter- 
ish, nauseous  taste ;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — No  analysis  has  yet  been  made  of  this  species 
that  isolated  an  active  principle.  The  seeds  are  said  to  yield  about  44  per  cent, 
of  a  clear,  yellowish,  heavy  oil,  that  deposits  a  crystalline  mass  on  standing.  The 
activity  of  the  oil  seems  to  vary  much  with  the  locality  in  which  the  plant  grows, 
it  being  far  more  active  from  seeds  produced  in  this  country  than  from  those  of 
England  or  France. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  following  symptoms  occur  after  ingestion 
of  a  number  of  the  seeds  :  Brilliant,  staring,  wide-open  eyes,  dilated  pupils  ;  death- 
like pallor  of  the  countenance;  retching  and  vomiting;  violent  purgation,  stools 
frequent,  copious,  and  in  some  cases  bloody;  irregular  pulse;  whole  body  cold 
and  rigid,*  followed  by  heat  and  perspiration.  MM.  E.  Sudour  and  A.  Caraven- 
Cachin  statef  that  emesis  always  precedes  purgation,  and  that  the  seeds  have  an 
irritating  action  upon  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  intestinal  canal,  principally  in 
the  larger  intestines.  They  divide  the  effects  into  three  stages :  a,  the  cold  stage, 
including  vomiting  and  diarrhoea  ;  /i,  the  stage  of  excitation,  including  nervous- 
ness, vertigo,  and  delirium  ;  y,  the  stage  of  reaction,  including  heat  and  copious 
sweat. 

Description  of  Plate  150. 

I.   A  portion  of  the  inflorescence  in  flower  and  fruit,  from  near  a  garden,  Sept.  27th,  1885. 

2.  Summit  of  stem  at  the  base  of  the  inflorescence. 

3.  Involucre  and  contents. 

4.  Outer  view  of  an  involucral  lobe. 

5.  Inner  view  of  same. 

6.  Abortive  stamen. 

7.  Sterile  floret. 

8.  A  stamen. 

9.  Fruit. 

10.  Under  surface  of  a  capsule  separated  from  the  axis. 

11.  A  carpel. 

12.  Longitudinal  .section  of  a  seed. 

13.  Horizontal  section  of  a  seed. 

*  Bennewitz,  A.  H.  Z.,  7,  257  :  Jacob,  Am.  J.  Med.  Sc,  Jan.,  1845  !  Pl'-^r.  Jour.,  1861,  435 ;  from  Allen,  Ency.  Mat.  Med. 
t  Rep.  de  Phar.,  1881,  pp.  526-7;   Maisch,  in  A.  J.  Phar.,  1882,  p.  72. 


InatdeI.etpinxt. 


STILLI'NGIA     SYLVATICA,Linr 


N.  ORD -EUPHORBIACE^.  151 

GENUS.— STILLINGIA,*  GARDEN. 
SEX.  SVST.— MONCECr.V  MONADEI,PHI.\. 


STILLINGIA. 

QUEEJTS  BELIGIJT. 

SYN.— STILLINGIA  SYLVATICA,  LINN.;  SAPIUM  SYLVATICUM,  TORREY. 
COM.   NAMES.— QUEEN'S    DELIGHT,    YAW-ROOT,    MARCORY,    COCKUP- 
HAT,  QUEEN'S  ROOT;  (FR.,  GBR.)  STILLINGIE. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  ROOT  OF  STILLINGIA  SYLVATICA,   LINN. 

Description. — This  herbaceous  perennial  grows  to  a  height  of  from  i  to  3 
feet.  Stems  clustered,  glabrous,  upright,  and  umbellately  branched  ;  juice  milky  ; 
root  cylindraceous,  thick,  and  ligneous,  extensively  creeping.  Leaves  alternate, 
crowded,  almost  sessile,  varying  in  form,  from  ovate  and  obovate,  to  oblong  and 
lanceolate,  all  thick  and  fleshy,  and  acute  at  the  tip  ;  margin  crenate-serrulate,  with 
a  gland  in  each  serrature  ;  stipules  minute,  setaceous.  Inflorescence  a  dense,  ter- 
minal, monoecious  spike  ;  flmocrs  destitute  of  petals  or  disk-glands.  Sterile  floioers 
in  dense  clusters  of  5  to  10,  arranged  about  the  spike  for  nearly  its  whole  extent, 
each  cluster  in  the  axil  of  a  deltoid,  scarious-margined,  acute  bract,  and  laterally 
enclosed  by  two  peculiar  scutellate  glands  attached  to  the  rachis  by  their  centres ; 
calyx  cup-shaped,  membranaceous,  with  a  2-cleft  margin,  the  divisions  imbricated 
in  the  bud ;  stamens  2,  greatly  exserted ;  filame7its  filiform,  attached  for  nearly 
half  their  length  below;  anthers  ctqcI,  2-lobed,  adnate  and  extrorse.  Fertile  floioers 
few,  situated  at  the  base  of  the  spike  in  the  axils  of  bracts  similar  to  those  of  the 
sterile  flowers ;  calyx  3-lobed ;  style  thick,  articulated  below,  stigmas  3,  simple, 
diverging.  Fruit  a  roundish,  roughish  capsule,,  composed  of  3  i -celled,  i -seeded, 
2-valved,  carpels;  seeds  globose,  roughish,  carunculate. 

History  and  Habitat. — Stillingia  is  indigenous  to  the  United  States,  where  it 
grows  in  light,  sandy  and  dry  soil,  from  East  Virginia  southward  to  Florida,  and 
westward  to  Louisiana  and  Texas,  flowering  from  April  to  September. 

For  many  years  before  its  introduction,  in  medicine,  by  Dr.  T.  Y.  Symons,f  as 
an  alterative  in  syphilis,  it  had  been  used  in  the  South,  by  the  laity,  as  an  emetic, 
cathartic,  and  alterative ;  indeed  it  was  and  is  still  considered,  in  Southern  States, 
an  absolute  specific  in  syphilis,  entirely  superseding  the  use  of  mercury.  It  was 
also  used  as  an  expectorant  in  pulmonary  disorders;  a  purgative  in  hepatic  trou- 
bles ;  an  alterative  in  scrofulosis ;  and  was  said  to  greatly  add  to  the  usefulness  of 
sarsaparilla.     Dr.  Porcher  says:  J  "This  plant  exudes  a  milky  juice,  very  pungent 

*  In  honor  of  Benjamin  Stillingfleet,  M.D.      \  Am.  Med.  Rec,  1828,  312.       J  Resources  Southern  Fitld  and  Forest,  :2i 


151-2 

to  the  taste,  and  flowing  in  great  abundance  from  the  bruised  surface.  It  is  used 
to  some  extent  in  this  State  (South  CaroHna)  as  an  alterative  in  scrofula,  in  syphi- 
lis, in  cutaneous  diseases,  in  chronic  hepatic  affections,  and  in  the  composition  of 
diet  drinks.  We  are  informed  by  a  physician  residing  in  this  State  that  he  has 
treated  syphilis  successfully  with  it.  It  is  believed  to  be  possessed  of  valuable 
properties,  and  greater  attention  should  be  paid  to  it  by  those  living  in  the  coun- 
try, where  it  is  easily  obtained.  A  tincture  is  made  with  the  root  two  ounces, 
diluted  alcohol  a  pint.  Dose,  a  fluid  drachm.  A  decoction  is  made  of  the  bruised 
root  one  ounce,  water  one  and  one-quarter  pints ;  boil  to  one  pint.  Dose,  one  or 
two  fluid  ounces  several  times  a  day."  The  use  of  the  drug  in  the  North  has 
not  been  as  successful  as  it  might  have  been,  as  the  active  properties  of  the  plant 
deteriorate  in  aged  roots  or  preparations.  It  is  said  that  a  drop  of  the  oil  of  the 
plant  placed  upon  the  tongue,  four  times  a  day,  has  proved  successful  in  severe 
croup. 

The  officinal  preparation  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  is  Exti-achmi  Stillingics  Fluidiim 
from  the  root ;  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  the  following  preparations  are 
recommended  :  Extractum  StillingicB  AlcohoHcum,  Extraciiim  Stillingics  Fluidum  ; 
Liniinenlum  SUllingice  Compositmn  ;*  Pilulce  Phytolaccce  Composite^  ;-\  Syrjipus 
Stillingics  ;    Tinctiira  Stillifigics ;  Syrnpus  Stillingice  Co7nposiius.\ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.  —  The  fresh  root,  gathered  after  the 
fruiting  season,  is  treated  as  all  Euphorbiaceous  roots. §  The  resulting  tincture  is 
nearly  opaque ;  by  transmitted  light,  in  thin  layers,  it  has  a  brilliant  crimson  color. 
It  retains  the  odor  and  taste  of  the  root;  is  quite  astringent;  and  has  an  acid 
reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— 5'/'///m^/;/<?.—Harman son  II  (1882)  procured 
the  sulphate  of  an  alkaloid,  for  which,  after  special  isolation,  Bichy  (1885)  proposed 
the  above  name;  very  little,  however,  is  known  of  the  body.  Bichy  describes  it 
as  follows :  "  An  amorphous  powder,  entirely  volatilizing  by  heat,  whose  sulphate 
exists  as  fine  scale-like  crystals."^ 

Oil  of  Stillingia. — The  only  product  that  I  have  examined,  claimed  to  be  this 
body,  was  certainly  not  a  pure  oil,  but  appeared  like  a  resinous  oily  mixture;  it 
had  a  burning,  acrid,  slightly  bitter,  and  astringent  taste,  and  the  odor  of  the  root ; 
it  was  of  a  deep  brown  color,  and  contained  brownish  particles  insoluble  in  water 
and  alcohol.  On  adding  it  to  water  a  resin  was  precipitated.  Alcohol  dissolved  all 
but  the  particles  mentioned.  The  root,  however,  does  contain  both  a  fixed  and  a 
volatile  oil,  as  shown  by  Harmanson  and  Bichy. 

The  root  also  contains  gum,  starch,  and  coloring-matter. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Stillingia,  in  generous  doses,  causes  the  follow- 
ing disturbances  in  the  system  :  Depression  of  spirits  ;  vertigo  ;  burning,  smarting, 
and  stinging  in  the  mouth,  fauces,  and  stomach ;  nausea  and  vomiting ;  diarrhoea 

*  Page  99-2.  \  Page  139-2. 

\  Stillingia  Root,  Corydalis  Root,  Iris  Root,  Sambucus  Flowers,  Chimaphila  Leaves,  Coriander  Seeds,  and  Xan- 
ihoxylum  Berries. 

I  Page  147-2.  II  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1882,  386.                        \  Am.  Jour.  P/iar.,iSSs,  530. 


d51-3 


attended  with  colic  and  burning  tenesmus;  bilious  and  dysenteric  stools  ;  increased 
urine  attended  with  burning  along  the  urethra  ;  short,  hacking,  dry,  and  spasmodic 
cough:  weak,  irregular  pulse  ;  aching  and  sharp  pains  of  a  rheumatoid  character 
in  the  arms  and  legs ;  burning  itching  of  the  skin,  followed  by  a  general  herpetic 
eruption:  languor:  sleepiness:  perspiration:  and  a  general  feeling  of  malaise. 


Description  of  Plate  151. 

I.   End  of  a  fruiting  bram  li,  from  which  most  of  the  ripe  fruits  have  fallen.     St.  Augiustine,  Fla., 

Aug.  2ist,  18S6. 
2,  3,  4  and  5.   Leaf-forms. 

6.  A  portion  of  the  male  inflorescence. 

7.  A  male  flower. 
S.  A  fruiting  caly.x. 
9.   Fruit. 

10.   Horizontal  section  of  fruit. 
II  and  12.  Seeds. 

(6-12  enlarged.) 


151. 


ixV    i\ 


^m. 


ad  flat.del.et  pinxt. 


CELTIS   OCCIDENTALIS.Linn 


N.  ORD -URTICACE^.  152 

5.  ORD.-ULMACE/E. 

GENUS.— CELTIS,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— PdLYGAMIA  MONCECIA. 


CELTIS. 


HACKBERRY. 

SYN.— CELTIS  OCCIDENTALIS,  LINN.;   C.  AUDIBERTIANA,  SPACH. 
COM.  NAMES.— HACKBERRY  TREE,  AMERICAN  NETTLE   TREE.  SUGARBERRY, 
BEAVER- WOOD;   (FR.)  SUCRE  BATE;   (GER.)  ZUCKERBBERE. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  INNER  BARK  OF  CELTIS  OCCIDENTALIS,  L. 

Description. — This  medium-sized  tree  grows  to  a  height  of  30  to  50  feet. 
Trunk  very  straight,  about  8  or  10  inches  in  diameter;  wood  soft;  bark  very  rough 
and  corky,  easily  detached.  Leaves  petiolate,  reticulated,  ovate  or  ovate-lanceolate, 
smooth  and  scabrous  above,  downy  pubescent  beneath;  base  oblique  or  sometimes 
cordate;  margin  sharply,  and  plentifully  or  sparingly  serrate,  especially  toward  the 
tip,  at  the  base  often  entire;  stipules,  caducous.  Infiorescence  moncEciously  polyg- 
amous, somewhat  racemose  along  the  upper  shoots  of  the  season.  Flozoers 
appearing  with  the  leaves  and  before  they  are  developed;  sterile  flowers  grouped 
in  twos  and  threes  along  the  lower  and  leafless  portion  of  the  young  shoots; 
fertile  or  polygamous  flowers  racemosely  arranged  at  the  leafy  end  of  the  shoot, 
the  peduncles  in  the  axils.  Calyx  5-6  parted,  persistent  in  the  female;  lobes  more 
or  less  ovate-lanceolate,  acute.  Stamens,  as  many  as  the  lobes  of  the  calyx  and 
opposite  them;  Jilaments  curved  inward  and  downward,  inserted  at  the  base  of  the 
calyx  lobes;  anthers  large,  sagittate,  versatile  and  introrse,  two-celled,  with  a 
longitudinal  dehiscence.  Ovary  i -celled;  ^'j'z^/^  anatropous ;  stigmas  2,  sessile  or 
nearly  so,  being  in  fact  merely  two  lobes  of  the  style  divergently  spreading  and 
stigmatose  upon  the  inner  (now  upper)  surface.  Fruit  a  dark  purple,  sweet  and 
edible,  globular  drupe,  of  about  the  same  appearance  and  size  as  a  wild  cherry; 
peduncles  about  twice  the  length  of  the  petioles;  exocarp  coriaceous,  divided  into 
two  equal  parts  by  a  prominent,  circumvallating  ridge.  Nutlet  spherical,  about 
the  size  of  a  cherry-stone,  pointed  at  the  end  and  divided  into  four  equal,  rugose, 
portions  by  as  many  prominent  ribs;  embryo  curved,  almost  completely  enclosing 
the  gelatinous  albumen. 

Urticaceae. — This  large  family,  now  including  the  Ulmaceee,  Artocarpeie  and 
Cannabinese,  consists  of  trees  furnished  with  a  milky  juice,  and  shrubs  and  herbs 

*  The  ancient  Greek  name  for  the  Lotus-berry,  the  fruit  of  the  Lote  (C.  australis,  Linn.),  supposed  to  have  been  the 
food  of  the  Lotophagi.    (See,  however,  under  Leguminosse,  p.  4-62.) 


152-2 

havino-  a  watery  juice,  inhabiting  principally  the  warmer  portions  of  the  globe. 
Stoiis  and  leaves  various,  many  furnished  either  with  stings  or  rigid  hairs;  stipules 
persistent,  caducous  or  wanting.  Inflorescence  spicate,  amentaceous,  racemose  or 
capitate;  flowers  monoecious,  dioecious  or  polygamous.  Calyx  regular.  Corolla 
none.  Stamens  definite,  as  many  as  the  calyx  lobes,  and  opposite  them,  or  fewer. 
Ovary  simple,  free  from  the  calyx,  i -celled,  rarely  2-celled;  ovules  i  to  each  cell, 
anatropous  or  orthotropous;  styles  single,  or  two-lobed  at  the  apex,  the  lobes  stig- 
matose.  Fridt  an  achenium,  samara,  urticle,  or  often  rendered  baccate  by  the 
persistent  and  now  fleshy  calyx.  Albumen  not  always  present;  radicle  pointing 
upward. 

The  sub-order  Ulmace.e,  or  Elm  Family,  furnishes  us  this  remedy  only;  the 
other  species  used  in  medicine  are:  The  East  Indian  Celtis  oricntalis,  formerly 
used  in  epilepsy;  and  the  European  Lote  Berry  Tree  (C  australis,  Linn.),  the 
bark  of  which  is  astringent,  and  is  used  in  gonorrhoea  and  dysentery.  The 
European  Ulmus  campcstris,  Linn.,  is  considered  to  be  diuretic  as  well  as  an 
astringent  tonic;  U.  effusa,  Willd.,  was  at  one  time  used  as  a  substitute  for 
sarsaparilla;  and  the  American  Slippery  Elm  {U.  fulva,  Michx.)  is  a  well-known 
demulcent,  and  anti-herpetic,  and  is  considered  by  many  anti-syphilitic. 

The  sub-order  Artocarpe^  or  Bread  Fruit  Family,  yields  several  esculent 
fruits,  while  many  of  its  members  afford  highly  poisonous  juices,  and  some  a  nour- 
ishing milk.  The  South  Sea  Island  Bread  Fruit  is  a  product  oi  Artocarpus  incisa, 
and  the  Jack  Fruit  of  A.  integrifolia.  The  South  American  Cow  Tree,  so  aptly 
named  on  account  of  the  nourishing  milky  juice  that  freely  exhudes  from  the 
wounded  trunk,  is  a  species  of  Bromisum,  and  the  Jamaica  Bread  Nuts  are  the 
fruits  of  B.  alicastrum.  The  Asiatic  Fig,  the  fruit  of  Ficus  carica,  Linn.,  of  this 
sub-order,  highly  esteemed  in  all  countries  as  a  laxative  dessert  fruit,  is  also 
useful,  when  roasted,  as  an  application  to  hasten  suppuration  in  small  circum- 
scribed formations  of  pus;  the  bark  of  the  East  Indian  Banyan  Tree  {F.  Indica, 
Linn.),  whose  immense  growth  is  famous,  is  used  by  the  Hindoos  as  a  tonic  and 
anti-diabetic;  it  also  yields  a  gum  known  as  Gum  Lac,  and  a  juice  useful  as  an 
application  for  aching  teeth;  the  Indian  India-rubber  Tree  {F.  elastica,  Roxb.)  and 
the  South  American  F.  radula,  elliptica,  and  prinoides,  yield  a  fine  quality  of 
caoutchouc;  the  East  Indian  F.  raccmosa,  Linn.,  yields  a  bark  that  is  a  powerful 
tonic,  useful  in  hematuria  and  menorrhagia;  the  wood  of  the  African  F.  syca- 
morus  is  imperishable,  and  was  used  by  the  ancient  Egyptians  for  mummy 
cases;  F.  septica  is  emetic,  and  the  Indian  F.  dceniona,  Vahl.,  and  toxicaria,  Linn., 
yield  extremely  virulent  juices.  The  Brazilian  Caapeba,  or  Caa-apia,  a  product  of 
Do7'stenia  Braziliensis,  Linn.,  the  Mexican  D.  contrayerva,  Linn.,  and  D.  Houstoni, 
Miller,  are  all  supposed  to  contribute  more  or  less  to  the  commercial  Contrayerva, 
which  is  a  gentle  stimulant,  diaphoretic,  and  nervine,  as  well  as  an  alexipharmic, 
and  has,  in  a  great  measure,  supplanted  serpentaria.  Cecropia  peltata  is  astringent 
and  was  once  much  valued  in  the  treatment  of  chronic  intestinal  catarrh,  and 
Musanga  cecropioides,  a  powerful  emmenagogue.  The  Mulberries,  including  the 
Levantine  Morus  Nigra,  the  American  M.  rubra,  and  the  Chinese  M.  alba,  yield 
edible  fruits,  while  their  barks  are  considered  cathartic  and  anthelmintic;  Fustic  is 


^52-3 

the  bark  of  M.  tinctoria.  In  concluding  this  varied  sub-order,  we  are  brought  to 
that  terrible  Javanese  tree,  the  deadly  Upas  [Aniiai-is  toxicana,  Lesch.),  under 
which  most  animals  die;  the  toxic  properties  of  this  tree  are,  without  doubt, 
greatly  exaggerated,  as  all  are  not  effected  by  its  effluvia,  still  it  is  justly  dreaded. 

The  sub-order  Ukiice.e,  or  Nettle  Family,  contains  many  plants  that  are 
furnished  with  more  or  less  toxic  stings.  Of  this  order  we  have  provings  of 
three  species,  viz.:  "  The  European  Stinging  Nettle,  Urtica  Urens,  Linn.;  the 
Bengalese  U.  crcmtlnta,  Roxb.,  whose  sting  is  said  to  be  as  poisonous  as  the  bite 
of  a  venomous  serpent;  and  the  Australian  Stinging-Tree  (U.  gigas).  The 
Timoor  U.  urcntissa  is  probably  the  most  virulent,  its  effects  are  said  to  last  a  year, 
and  in  some  cases  to  have  been  followed  by  death;  the  Javanese  l\  stitmtlans  is 
also  very  venomous.  Our  common  nettle  U.  dioica  is  diuretic  and  astringent;  the 
Egyptian  U.  incmbranacca  emmenagogue  and  aphrodisiac;  and  it  is  claimed  that 
the  smooth  species  U.  piimila  relieves  inflammation,  erysipelas,  and  is  a  soothing 
application  to  the  skin  after  Rhus  poisoning.  The  Brazilian  BochniaHa  caudata, 
Swartz,  is  useful  for  the  relief  of  hemorrhoidal  tumors;  and  Pilea  muscosa,  of  the 
same  country,  is  found  to  be  an  excellent  remedy  in  dysuria.  ParictajHa  officinalis 
is  considered  diuretic  and  anti-arthritic;  and  P.  erecta  and  diffusa  are  said  to  con- 
tain more  sulphur  than  any  other  known  plants. 

The  sub-order  Cannabine.k,  or  Hemp  Family,  contains  our  proven  species. 
Cannabis  sativa  and  Humulus  Lupulus. 

History  and.  Habitat. — The  hackberry  tree  is  indigenous  to  the  Canadas  and 
United  States,  as  far  south  as  the  Carolinas.  It  habits  more  or  less  rich  but  rocky 
woods  along  the  borders  of  streams,  where  it  flowers  just  as  the  leaves  appear  in 
spring.  It  is  often  transplanted  as  a  lawn  shade,  in  such  open  situations  it  is 
much  shorter  in  its  growth  and  more  umbrageous. 

The  only  previous  use  of  this  species  is  that  credited  to  the  Aborigines,  who 
are  said  to  have  given  a  decoction  of  the  bark  with  good  effect  in  syphilis.  This 
decoction  being  astringent,  was  sufficient  for  its  employment  by  the  laity  and 
Botanies  as  a  "  tonic  "  in  various  forms  of  alimentary  and  hematic  trouble,  though 
success  in  its  use  was  of  doubtful  occurrence. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.  — The  fresh  inner  bark  should  be 
gathered  when  the  tree  is  in  full  foliage,  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp,  and 
weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  should  be  taken,  the  pulp 
thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added. 
The  whole  is  then  to  be  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand 
for  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by 
decanting,  pressing,  and  filtering,  will  have  a  deep,  seal-brown  color  by  transmitted 
light,  and  a  strong  acid  reaction.  This  preparation  has  neither  a  distinctive  odor 
nor  taste. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Dr.  J.  S.  Wright,  in  his  experiments  with  this 
drug,*  found  it  capable  of  causing  a  soreness  of  the  muscles  on  pressure;  sharp 

*   U.  S.  Med.  Invest.,  1879,  339. 


d52-4 

pains  through  the  lungs;  aching  in  the  bones;  swelling  of  the  face,  and  afterwards 
of  the  whole  body,  with  turgid  blood-vessels;  and  sharp  stitching  pains  generally 
throughout  the  system. 

Description  of  Plate  152. 

I.  End  of  flowering  branch,  the  fruiting  female  flowers  alone  showing,  Binghamton,  N.Y.,  May  17,  1885. 

2.  A  polygamous  flower. 

3.  Stamen  and  calyx  lobe. 

4.  Anther,  showing  dehiscence. 

5.  Section  of  pistil. 

6.  End  of  branch  in  fruit. 

7.  A  fruit. 

8.  Seed. 

(2-5  enlarged.) 


153. 


(^m. 


ad  nat  del  et  pinxt. 


4  5 

URTIcA      URENS  ,  Linn. 


N.  ORD.-URTICACE^.  153 

Thbe.-URTICE/E. 

GENUS.  — URTICA,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SYST.— MONCECIA  TETRANDRIA. 


URTICA   URENS. 

STIXGIJVG  JVETTLE. 

SYN.— URTICA  URENS,  LINN.;   U.  DIOICA,  HUDS.  (NOT  LINN.). 
COM.  NAMES.— STINGING  NETTLE,  DWARF  NETTLE,;  (FR.)  L'ORTIE;  (GBR.) 
BRENN-NESSEL. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE   WHOLE    PLANT  URTICA   URENS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  stinging  annual,  grows  to  a  height  of  from  i  to  2  feet. 
Stem  erect,  4-angled  and  branching;  bark  tough  and  fibrous;  stings  sparse  but 
very  virulent.  Leaves  opposite,  elHptical  or  ovate,  petiolate,  5-nerved,  and  fur- 
nished with  a  few  scattered  stings ;  margin  deeply  serrate,  with  long,  spreading, 
and  more  or  less  blunt  teeth  ;  dasc  truncate  or  sometimes  slightly  cordate  ;  stipules, 
distinct,  lanceolate,  reflexed.  Inflorescence  in  loose,  axillary,  drooping,  racemose 
spikes,  2  in  each  axil;  flowers  androgynous.  Sterile floivers :  sepals  4;  stamens  4, 
inserted  around  the  rudimentary  pistil;  filaments  transversely  wrinkled  and  inflexed 
in  the  bud,  spreading  elastically  when  the  flower  opens.  Fertile  flowers :  sepals  4, 
in  pairs  ;  the  two  outer  small  and  spreading,  the  two  inner  concave,  in  fruit  mem- 
branaceous and  enclosing  the  akenium  ;  stigma  sessile,  capitate,  and  penicillate ; 
ovary  i -celled  ;  ovule  erect,  orthotropous.  Fruit  a  straight,  erect,  ovate,  flattened, 
shining  akene  ;  embryo  straight,  axial ;  albnnien  present. 

History  and  Habitat This  European  immigrant  has  established   itself  in 

many  places  eastward  and  southward  near  the  coast,  in  damp,  waste  grounds, 
where  it  flowers  in  July  and  August. 

The  most  ancient  use  of  the  Netde  is  flagellation  or  urtication,  a  practice  of 
whipping  paralyzed  limbs,  to  bring  the  muscles  into  action.  This  practice  extended 
also  to  a  stimulation  of  impotent  organs,  and  to  bring  into  action  dormant  energies. 
It  was  also  resorted  to  in  apoplexy,  general  cerebral  and  portal  congestion,  to 
bring  the  blood  to  the  surface  and  thus  relieve  the  more  vital  organs ;  in  exanthe- 
matous  fevers,  to  bring  out  the  eruption  ;  and  for  various  affections  where  a  power- 
ful rubefacient  w-as  considered  necessary. 

The  Nettle  was  afterward  found  to  be  styptic  and  anti-hemorrhagic,  both  topi- 
cally and  internally,  and  proved  itself  very  beneficial  in  menorrhagic,  epistaxic, 
and  post-partum  hemorrhage,  hematemesis,  and  hematuria.  Their  decoction  was 
found  to  be  diuretic,  and  thus  beneficial,  in  urinary  calculus,  scurvy,  dropsy,  gout, 
jaundice,  etc. 

*  Latin,  uro,  to  burn. 


153-2 

The  seeds  were  given  in  goitre,  corpulence,  glandular  enlargements  and 
scrofulosis,  and  were  also  considered  anthelmintic  and  hypnotic ;  while  verrucae 
were  said  to  entirely  disappear  in  a  fortnight,  under  daily  application  of  the  juice. 

The  young  shoots  are  considered  excellent  "  greens,"  on  their  appearance 
in  spring;  and  in  Russia  and  Siberia,  the  stalks  afford  a  tough  fiber,  not  inferior 
to  hemp  for  the  manufacture  of  cloth,  paper,  nets,  and  ropes.  A  strong  decoction 
of  the  plant,  salted,  is  said  to  coagulate  milk  very  quickly,  and  the  product  to 
prove  devoid  of  any  unpleasant  taste. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant  is  treated  as  in 
the  preceding  drug  (page  152-3).  The  resulting  tincture  has  a  deep  brown 
color  by  transmitted  light ;  an  odor  resembling  chocolate ;  an  astringent  herba- 
ceous taste;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— /^(;;-w/V  Add,  H^CO,.  This  volatile  acid  is 
found  in  a  free  state  in  the  stings  of  this  species ;  it  is  also  found  in  the  poison- 
bags  of  the  red  ant,  the  hairs  of  a  species  of  caterpillar  [Bombyx  processionea),  in 
pine  needles,  turpentine,  and  in  many  plants.  Formic  Acid  was  first  obtained  by 
Samuel  Fisher,  by  distilling  red  ants,  since  which  time  it  has  been  proven  quite 
widely  distributed.  When  pure,  this  acid  is  a  colorless  liquid,  solidifying  at  +1° 
(33.8°  F.),  in  the  form  of  shining  plates,  and  boiling  at  100°  (212°  F.).  It  pos- 
sesses a  sour,  pungent  odor,  something  like  acetic  acid,  a  very  acid  taste,  and  is  so 
corrosive  to  the  skin  that  its  blisters  are  very  like  those  resulting  from  burns. 
It  is  freely  soluble  in  both  water  and  alcohol,  as  are  also  its  salts. 

As  the  effect  of  Nettle  stinging  differs  considerably  from  that  of  Formic  Acid, 
and  as  the  distillate  of  the  plant  savors  of  ammonia,  as  well  as  of  carbonic  dioxide, 
another  principle,  alkaloidal  in  its  nature,  will  probably  be  found  in  the  species. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  following  case  of  poisoning,  by  two  cup- 
fuls  of  a  hot  infusion  of  two  ounces  of  the  herb,*  shows  well  the  action  of  this  drug; 
The  skin  of  the  face,  arms,  shoulders,  and  chest,  was  affected  with  extremely  dis- 
tressing, burning  heat,  with  formication,  numbness,  and  violent  itching.  The  lips, 
nose,  and  ears  were  swollen,  and  the  lids  swollen  and  cedematous,  so  that  they 
could  scarcely  be  opened.  After  a  while  all  the  upper  parts  of  the  body,  down  to 
the  navel,  were  frightfully  swollen,  pale  and  oedematous,  rather  than  inflamed. 
A  large  number  of  small  transparent  blisters,  filled  with  serum  and  looking  like 
sudamina,  developed  and  became  confluent;  on  account  of  these  the  skin  assumed 
a  peculiar  wrinkled  appearance.  There  was  no  other  remarkable  disturbance, 
either  of  circulation  or  respiration.  The  patient  complained  neither  of  headache, 
nor  of  sensitiveness  of  the  stomach  and  abdomen.  The  look  of  the  patient  was 
monstrous,  the  lids  completely  closed,  forming  transparent,  and  here  and  there 
bluish  swellings,  as  large  as  hen's  eggs.  The  upper  lip,  nose,  and  both  ears  were 
frightfully  swollen.  On  the  third  day  the  face  became  free,  but  the  chest  and  arms 
remained  affected  with  an  eruption,  which  itched  so  violently  that  the  patient 


*  Dr.  Fiarcl,  Acad,  de  Med.,  Paris,  A.  H.  Z.,  S,  8i,  .\llen,  Ency.  Mat.  Med.,  x,  49. 


i53-3 

scratched  off  the  bhsters,  which  exuded  a  large  amount  of  serum.  The  woman, 
who  had  had  no  children  for  three  years  and  a  half,  and  had  nursed  none  of  her 
children,  had  at  first  excessive  swellings  of  the  breasts,  which  discharged  at  first 
serum,  afterwards  perfect  milk  ;  a  very  copious  secretion  of  milk  lasted  for  eight 
days.  The  secretion  of  urine  was  at  first  suppressed,  and  in  spite  of  all  diuretics 
and  other  remedies,  not  a  single  drop  was  secreted  for  eight  days.  During  the 
whole  illness  there  was  a  constant  distressing  itching.  On  the  sixth  day  everything 
disappeared,  with  desquamation. 


Description  of  Plate  153. 

I   Top  of  a  flowering  plant,  Salem,  Mass.,  July  8th,  1885. 

2.  Male  flower. 

3.  Stamen. 

4.  Female  flower. 

5.  Fruit,  with  cal)^x. 

6.  Seed. 

7.  Sting. 

(2- J  enlarged.) 


INSERT  FOLDOUT  HERE 


N.  ORD -URTICACE^.  154 

Tribe.-CANNABINE/E. 

GENUS.  — CANNABIS,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SYST.— DICECIA  TENTANDRIA. 


CANNABIS. 


HEMP. 


SYN.-CANNABIS  SATIVA,  LINN. ;   CANNABIS  INDICA,  LAM. 
COM.  NAMBS.-INDIAN  HEMP;    (FR.)  CHANVRB;  (GER.)  HANP. 

A  TINCTURE   OF  THE  TOPS  OF  AMERICAN -GROWN  CANNABIS  SATIVA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  tall,  roughish  annual,  usually  grows  from  3  to  10  feet 
high.  Stem  erect,  striate,  roughish,  ligneous  at  the  base,  simple  or  sparingly 
branched;  inner  bark  tough  and  fibrous.  Leaves  digitately-compound,  the  lower 
opposite,  the  upper  alternate  ;  leaflets  3-5-7,  linear-lanceolate,  coarsely  and  sharply 
serrate,  attenuate  at  both  ends  ;  finely  scabrous,  and  dark-green  above,  pale  and 
downy  beneath ;  petioles  long,  slender,  and  scabrous ;  stipules  linear,  acute.  In- 
florescence dioecious.  Sterile  flowers  in  axillary  compound  racemes,  or  panicles  ; 
sepals  5,  nearly  separate,  reflexed-spreading,  nearly  equal,  oblong  and  downy  ;  sta- 
me7is  5,  opposite  the  segments  of  the  calyx  ;  filaments  short,  drooping,  not  inflexed 
in  the  bud  ;  anthers  large,  pendulous,  2-celled.  Fertile  flowers  in  axillary,  spiked 
clusters,  leafy  below;  flowers  i-bracted  and  sessile;  calyx  of  a  single,  5-veined, 
hirsute  sepal,  enlarging  and  cordate  at  the  base,  acute  at  the  apex ;  ovary  i -celled  ; 
ovule  single,  erect,  orthotropous ;  style  not  evident ;  stigmas  2,  elongated,  hairy, 
protruding  far  beyond  the  perianth.  Frnit  a  glandular  achenium,  enwrapped  by 
the  persistent  sepal ;  pericarp  membranaceous,  indehiscent,  but  easily  separable 
by  pressure  into  two  valves.  Seed  ovoid,  smooth,  brown,  and  veiny;  embryo  simply 
curved  ;  albumen  slight,  oleaginous. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  native  of  the  temperate  portions  of  Asia — a  plant 
of  ancient  cultivation — grows  readily  in  this  country,  in  waste  places  and  culti- 
vated grounds,  where  the  cleanings  of  bird  cages  have  found  their  way.  It 
thrives  well,f  blossoming  in  July  and  August. 

The  plant  in  its  travels  westward  is  supposed  to  have  reached  Italy  during 
the  Roman  period,  from  whence  it  has  spread-  in  all  temperate  regions  of  the 
globe.     It  does  not  seem  to  have  been  known  to  the  ancient  Egyptians  as  having 

*  Kai/i-apif,  /Cannabis  ;  an  Oriental  name  of  unknown  meaning,  probably,  however,  derived  from  the  Arabian  name 
of  the  plant  ganeb. 

t  A  thrifty  female  plant,  nine  feet  high,  grew  last  year  in  a  farm-house  yard  near  Binghamton;  and  several  of  both 
sexes,  fully  seven  feet,  at  Union,  N.  V. 


d54-2 

narcotic  properties.  Herodotus  terms  the  plant  KdwaStg  >7.ufpo$,  stating  that 
the  Thracians  made  a  kind  of  cloth  of  it.  The  seeds  were  also  thrown  upon 
red-hot  stones,  and  their  perfumed  vapor,  so  obtained,  used  for  a  fume  bath, 
which  excited  from  those  enjoying  it,  cries  of  exultation.  Dr.  Royle  considers 
it  the  Nepenthes  of  Homer,  "the  assuager  of  grief,"  given  by  Helen  to  Telemachus 
in  honor  of  Menelaus  ;  she  is  said  to  have  received  the  plant  from  an  Egyptian 
woman  of  Thebes.  Dioscorides  recommends  the  herb  in  the  form  of  a  cata- 
plasm for  inflammations,  and  to  discuss  tumors.  Paulus  ^gineta  says  the  seeds 
are  carminative  and  desiccative,  and  the  juice  of  the  fresh  plant  useful  for  pain 
and  obstructions  of  the  ears.  In  India,  the  plant  is  known  by  names  which  trans- 
lated mean,  "Grass  of  Fakirs,"  "Leaf  of  Delusion,"  "  Increaser  of  Pleasure," 
"Exciter  of  Desire,"   "Laughter  Mover,"   and  "Cementer  of  Friendship." 

The  true  Indian  Hemp,  /.  e.,  that  which  contains  to  the  fullest  extent  the 
narcotic  properties  of  the  herb,  grows  at  altitudes  of  6000  feet  and  over,  prin- 
cipally in  the  Himalayas  above  Calcutta,  and  in  Thibet.  These  plants  differ  in 
nowise  botanically  from  those  that  grow  at  lower  levels,  but  medically  the  varia- 
tion is  wide.  It  is  certainly  admissible  here  to  mention  the  products  of  the  more 
active  form  which,  for  convenience,  we  will  retain  as  Catmabis  Indira.  The 
principal  commercial  form  of  the  Indian  plant  is  called  Giinjah,  Ganja,  or  in  Eng- 
land Guaza.  It  is  this  form  that  reaches  the  American  markets  through  London, 
and  from  which  our  tincture  of  C.  Iiidica  should  be  made.  It  consists,  according 
to  a  fine  specimen  kindly  given  us  by  Shifflein  &  Co.,  of  New  York,  of  the  dried, 
flowering  tops,  compressed  into  small,  ovoid  masses,  cohering  by  the  natural 
resin  contained,  and  composed  of  small  floral  leaves,  female  flowers,  and  unde- 
veloped seed.  Each  separate  mass  exhales  a  small  portion  of  the  stemlet  upon 
which  it  grew,  and  exhales  to  a  high  degree  the  odor  peculiar  to  the  plant.  This 
Gunja  yields  an  excellent  extract,  which,  when  at  a  temperature  of  65°  F.,  is  thick, 
and  only  runs  when  held  a  long  time  at  a  sharp  angle;  it  is  of  so  dark  a  green 
color  as  to  appear  jet  black;  has  a  strongly  narcotic,  peculiar,  and  not  unpleasant 
odor ;  is  very  adhesive,  insoluble  in  water,  and  fully  soluble  in  alcohol,  its  solution 
having  a  brilliant  green  color.  When  placed  upon  the  tongue  no  taste  is  at  first 
noticed  on  account  of  its  very  slow  solubility  in  the  natural  secretions  of  the  mouth, 
but  after  a  few  moments  the  taste  is  a  counterpart  of  the  odor,  and  when  the  solu- 
tion reaches  the  base  of  the  tongue  an  agreeable  bitter  is  notable.  This  extract 
was  formerly  used  for  our  tincture.  Other  forms  of  the  plant  sold  in  India  and 
Arabia  are,  a.  Bhang,  Subjee,  or  Sidhee,  which  consists  of  the  dried  leaves  broken 
into  coarse  powder  with  which  are  intermixed  a  few  seeds.  This  form  is  used  for 
smoking,  and  is  the  narcotic  ingredient  of  the  confection  called  Majiin.  (3.  Cliaras, 
or  Churrus,  consisting  of  the  natural  resin  of  the  tops  and  leaves,  mixed  with  bits 
of  the  plant  and  much  dirt.  This  form  is  usually  procured  by  natives  who  pass 
among  the  plants,  wearing  a  leathern  apron  to  which  the  resin  adheres  ;  in  the  mean 
time  the  plant  tops  are  rubbed  with  their  hands,  and  afterward  the  hands  and 
aprons  scraped  to  gather  the  product,  y.  H.ishisch,  Hashish,  or  Hashash.  I'hese 
are  the  Arabian  names  for  hemp.    The  product  consists  of  the  dried  flowering  tops 


154-3 

gathered  before  the  fruits  are  formed.  Tlie  famous  heretical  sect  of  Mohamme- 
dans, who,  by  murderous  attacks  upon  the  Crusaders,  struck  their  hearts  with 
terror,  derived  their  name  Hashashin  from  the  drug,  and  from  that  our  word 
assassin  is  derived,  h.  Hemp.  This  textile  is  produced  principally  by  those 
plants  whose  narcotic  powers  are  least  marked  ;  those  that  grow  in  the  lower 
altitudes  producing  the  best  article.  This  product  is  made  into  ropes  and  coarse 
cloths,  e.  Hemp  Seed.  The  seeds  of  this  plant  are  considered  fattening,  and 
egg-producing  when  fed  to  birds.  Cage-birds  are  particularly  fond  of  them,  but 
on  account  of  their  limited  chances  for  e.xercise  only  a  few  per  diem  are  usually 
allowed  them.  ^.  Oil  of  Hemp  Seed.  The  seeds  yield  about  25  per  cent,  of  their 
weight  of  a  limpid,  almost  colorless  oil,  that  makes  a  fine  burning-fluid,  and  is  used 
in  the  arts  for  mi.xing  colors,  and  as  a  varnish. 

In  general  practice  the  drug  is  used  wherever  an  anodyne,  hypnotic,  or  anti- 
spasmodic is  judged  necessary;  the  various  diseases  where  it  proves  effectual 
are  hardly  mentionable,  as  the  benefit  is  almost  always  homoeopathic,  therefore, 
each  disease  should  be  individualized.  Surgical  tetanus,  gonorrhoea,  leucorrhoea, 
inflammation  of  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  bladder  and  urethra,  dysuria,  de- 
lirium, and  melancholia  may  be,  however,  mentioned  as  the  diseases  in  which  our 
Old  School  brothers  usually  get  the  most  decided  effects  from  this  drug. 

Cannabis  Americana,  i.  e.  the  tops  of  American-grown  plants,  are  officinal  in 
the  U.  S.  Ph.  The  plant  is  mentioned  in  the  Eclectic  Dispensatory,  but  no  prepa- 
ration is  given. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  flowering  tops  of  the  Ameri- 
can-grown plants,  both  male  and  female,  are  treated  as  directed  under  Celtis.* 
The  tincture,  after  straining  and  filtering,  is  opaque ;  has  an  herbaceous  odor ;  a 
sweetish  mucoid  taste,  followed  by  slight  bitterness  ;  and  an  acid  reaction.  The 
two  tinctures  of  this  plant  may  be  compared  as  follows  : 

Cannabis  Sativa. 


Americana. 
Domestic  Growth. 
linclure. 
Appearance,  in  bulk,  deep  opaque  brown. 
Twenty  drops  in  a  drachm  of  alcohol  give  an 
orange-brown  color  by  transmitted  light. 

Ten  drops  in  two  drachms  of  water  quickly 
show  the  difference  in  the  amount  of  resin. 

This  tincture  shows  only  slight  opalescence; 
while 


J/iJica. 
Indian  Growth  at  6000  Feet. 
Tincture. 
Deep  opaque  greenish-brown. 
A  slight  greenish  tinge  only  is  noticeable  ;   the 
two  solutions  nearly  correspond. 


this   gives    a    completely   opaque,    heavy,    dirty 
cream-colored  mass. 
In  this  the  odor  is  plainly  distinguishable. 


In  this  tincture  the  peculiar  pungent  and  heavy 
narcotic  odor  of  Gunja  is  faintly,  if  at  all,  notice- 
able. 

As  the  narcotic  power  of  the  drug  lies  mostly  in  the  resin  of  the  plant,  the 
activity  of  the  two  states  of  the  plant  is  readily  understood  by  the  above  compari- 
son, simple  as  it  is. 

«  Page  152-3. 


P54-4 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— As  far  as  I  can  determine,  the  American  plant 
has  not  been  analyzed,  but  as  it  at  least  contains  a  small  amount  of  the  resinoid 
principle  of  the  Indian  plant,  it  may  be  well  to  glance  at  the  chemistry  of  Grmja, 
as  it  stands  at  this  date.  There  is  great  uncertainty  concerning  the  active  princi- 
ple of  this  drug,  as  the  Cannabin  of  the  Smiths  fails,  so  far,  to  answer,  at  the  hands 
of  other  chemists,  to  the  characteristics  claimed  for  it  by  them.  Worden  and 
Waddle  find  the  nicotia-like  alkaloid  of  Preobraschersky,  but  in  their  hands  it 
proves  inert;  and,  though  Siebold  and  Bradbury  found  a  volatile  alkaloid  {Canna- 
bimne),  they  claim  that  it  is  unlike  nicotia,  though  they  have  not  tested  its  action 
upon  animals.  Merck  isolated  a  glucoside,  which  he  combines  with  tannin  and 
calls  Camiabin  Tannin,  and  from  which  Bombelon  obtained  a  body  he  terms  Can- 
nabinum ;  this  tannin  compound  often  proves  inert.  Matthew  Hay  reports  an 
alkaloid,  forming  in  acicular  crystals,  and  having  a  tetanic  action  upon  frogs,  which 
he  calls  Tetano- Cannabin,  and  considers  as  a  secondary  principle.*  This  is  about 
the  condition  of  the  chemistry  of  this  drug  to-day ;  which  the  following  digest  will 
farther  explain : 

Cannabin. — This  body,  extracted  from  Gunja,  by  Messrs.  T.  and  H.  Smith,f 
and  considered  much  purer  than  Gastinel's  Hashascin,  results  as  a  brown,  amor- 
phous, solid  resin,  which  burns  with  a  bright  flame,  leaving  no  ash,  and  is  soluble 
in  alcohol  and  ether.  It  is  claimed,  by  its  discoverers,  to  be  very  potent,  two-thirds 
of  a  grain  proving  decidedly  narcotic,  and  one  grain  causing  complete  intoxication. 
Personne  claims  that  the  activity  of  this  body  is  due  to  the  volatile  oil,  but  his 
method  of  extracting  the  body  was  sufficient  to  render  it  inert,  rendering  his  claim, 
therefore,  inadmissible.     Bolas  and  Francis^  obtained  from  this  body : 

Oxycaniiabin,  Q.^^.^^^.^,  which  resulted  in  large,  neutral  prisms,  from  its 
solution  in  methylic  alcohol.  These  crystals  melt  at  176°  (348.8°  F.),  and  evapo- 
rate without  decomposition.  Fliickiger  failed  to  obtain  this  body  from  purified 
resin  of  Charas.§ 

Oil  of  Cannabis. — This  volatile,  pale  yellow  oil,  was  discovered  in  the  tops 
by  Personne,||  who  claimed  it  to  be  the  active  principle  of  the  plant,  and  to  cause, 
in  those  who  inhaled  its  effluvium,  shuddering,  and  desire  for  locomotion,  followed 
by  prostration  and  sometimes  syncope.  Bolig  obtained  this  oil  from  the  fresh  tops 
of  the  Arabian  plant,  and  found  its  effects  to  be  similar  to  those  claimed  for  it  by 
Personne,  and  further  stated  that  it  contained  oxygen.  Personne  succeeded  in 
separating  the  oil  into  two  hydrocarbons:  Cannabi7ie,  QgH^^,  and  Cannabine 
Hydride,  C^H^j,  the  latter  being  a  solid  composed  of  platy  crystals. 

Other  unessential  bodies  have  been  determined,  to  none  of  which  the  activity 
of  the  drug  can  be  assigned. 

*  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1SS5,  264;  from  Pliar.  Jour,  and  Trans.,  1S85,  574. 

t  Phar.  Jour.,  1847,  i?'- 

X  Clietit.  News,  1871,  77. 

2  Pharmacographia,  549. 

II  Jour,  de  Phar.,  1857,  48;  Canstatt's  Jahres.,  1857,  28. 


154-5 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Carefully  excluding,  as  far  as  possible,  symp- 
toms that  may  have  arisen  from  the  Indian  product,  the  following  will  give  some 
idea  of  the  action  of  the  herb  of  low  altitudes,  collated  from  the  experiments  of 
Drs.  Schreter,  Knorre,  Wibmer,  VVirk,  and  Lembke  with  the  tincture,  in  doses  of 
from  5  to  70  drops,  and  the  infusion  :*  Depression  and  absent-mindedness  ;  confu- 
sion, vertigo,  and  congestion,  followed  by  cephalalgia ;  earache ;  toothache ;  dry- 
ness of  the  mouth,  throat,  and  lips ;  loss  of  appetite ;  nausea,  and  vomiting  after 
coffee;  slight  inflammation  of  the  meatus  urinarius,  and  diminished  urine;  sexual 
excitement  without  desire;  oppression  of  the  chest,  and  palpitation  of  the  heart; 
weakness  of  the  limbs ;  itching  of  the  skin  ;  and  dreaminess  during  sleep. 


Description  of  Plate   154. 

Drawn  from  plants  growing  at  Union,  N.  Y.,  July  26th,  18S6. 

1.  A  portion  of  male  inflorescence. 

2.  Sterile  flower. 

3.  A  portion  of  female  inflorescence. 

4.  Female  flowers. 

5.  Male  flower-bud. 

6.  7,  8.  Stamens. 
9.  Female  flower. 

10.  Calyx  of  female  flower. 

1 1 .  Ovarj. 

12.  Section  of  ovary. 

13.  Styles. 

14.  15,  16.   Fruit. 
17,  18,  19.  Seed. 

20.  Longitudinal  section  ]     . 

TT     •  ,         •  ,•  of  a  seed. 

21.  Horizontal  section      J 

22.  Embryo. 

(2  and  4-22  enlarged.) 


*  Allen,  Ency.,  2,  492,  ei  seq. 


155. 


(h.TU.adnatdel.etpinxt. 


HUMULUS       LUPULUS,  Linn. 


N.  ORD -URTICACE^.  155 

S.  ORD.-CANNABINE^. 

GENUS.  — HUM  ULUS,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— DICECIA  PEXTANDKIA. 


LUPULUS. 


HOP.f 


SYN.— HUMULUS  LUPULUS,  LINN.;   H.  AMERICANUS,  NUTT. 
•       COM.  NAMES.-COMMON  HOP,  NORTHERN  VINE;    (FR.)  HOUBLON;   (GER.) 
HOPFEN. 

A  TINCTURK  OF  THE  STROBILES  OF  HUMULUS  LUPULUS,  LINN. 

Description. — This  rough,  twining  perennial,  grows  to  a  height  of  20  feet  or 
more.  Roots/aik  large,  thick,  and  branching ;  stems  several  from  the  same  root, 
slender,  solarly  voluble,  almost  prickly  downward.  Leaves  longer  than  the  petioles, 
mosriy  opposite,  and  cordate,  the  upper  neither  lobed  nor  cleft,  the  lower  palm- 
ately  3-  to  5-lobed,  all  coarsely  serrate,  sharply  pointed,  and  very  rough,  the 
roughness  most  resistant  from  the  periphery  inward ;  stipules  at  first  erect,  then 
reflexed,  ovate,  persistent,  interpetiolar,  the  adjacent  ones  of  each  opposite  pair 
confluent  at  their  bases.  Flotvers  dioecious.  Fertile  Jlozccis  in  short  axillary  and 
solitary,  sessile  catkins;  bracts  ovate,  acute,  smoothish,  foliaceous,  and  imbricated, 
each  2-flowered  ;  calyx  of  a  single  sepal  embracing  the  ovary  ;  ovary  ovoid,  smooth, 
I -celled;  ovules  solitary,  pendulous;  styles  2,  very  hairy,  much  longer  than  the  ovarj'. 
Sterile  floivers  in  lax,  divaricate,  axillary  panicles;  sepals  5,  oblong,  obtuse;  stamens  5, 
opposite  the  sepals ;  filanients  very  short ;  anthers  erect,  oblong,  linear,  and  apicu- 
late,  opening  by  two  terminal  slits.  Fruit  (!)  a  membranaceous,  cone-like  catkin 
or  strobile,  consisting  of  the  whole  female  inflorescence  now  enlarged  and  scale- 
like ;  achenium,  or  true  fruit,  seed-like,  subglobular,  invested  with  a  large  scalaceous 
calyx  (the  enlarged  bractlet) ;  the  true  fruits  and  calices  sprinkled  with  yellow, 
resinous,  globular,  and  top-shaped  grains  (Lupulin).  Seeds  solitary,  pendulous; 
testa  thin  ;  e?nb?'yo  coiled  in  a  flat  spiral. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Hop  is  found  wild,  and  is  indigenous  throughout 
Europe,  except  its  most  northern  country,  from  whence  it  extends  eastward 
through  Central  Asia  to  the  Altai  Mountains.  In  North  America  it  is  without 
doubt  indigenous  northward  and  westw^ard,  where  it  grows  in  alluvial  soils,  blos- 
soming in  July,  and  fruiting  in  September. 

*  Frjm  humus,  damp,  the  habitat  being  alluvial  soils. 
t  Anglo-Saxon,  hoppati,  to  climb. 


155-2 

The  cultivation  of  Hops  in  Central  Europe — where  their  economic  growth 
undoubtedly  began — dates  from  about  the  middle  of  the  eighth  century.  Their  cul- 
ture was  introduced  into  England  from  Flanders  in  1 524,  but  they  were  not  used  in 
brewing  until  1530,  during  the  reign  of  Henry  VIII,  though  they  were  indigenous 
to  the  British  Islands  at  that  time.  The  use  of  Hops  in  brewing  is  to  add  a  whole- 
some bitterness,  as  well  as  to  preserve  the  resulting  product;  this  is  the  principal 
object  of  its  culture,  although  the  young  shoots  are  often  cooked  and  eaten  in  lieu 
of  asparagus,  and  were  once  an  article  of  hucksterage  for  that  purpose.  In  keep- 
ing, Hops  often  become  brown  and  acquire  an  unpleasant  odor  from  the  formation 
of  valerianic  acid;  this  is  removed  by  bleaching  them  with  sulphuric  oxide.  The 
use  of  the  bleached  hop  caused  an  edict  to  be  issued  by  Henry  VIII  that  in  his 
household  no  hops  nor  brimstone  must  be  put  into  the  ale.  Gerarde,  in  speaking 
of  the  hop  as  used  "  to  season"  the  ale,  says  that  they  "  rather  make  it  a  physical 
drinke  to  keepe  the  body  in  health,  than  an  ordinary  drinke  for  the  quenching 
of  our  thirst." 

The  medical  use  of  hops  was  at  first  confined  to  their  tonic,  stomachic,  and 
sedative  properties ;  the  latter  was  often  doubted,  but  proved  itself  in  many  ways. 
During  the  illness  of  George  III,  in  1 787,  a  pillow  filled  with  hops  was  used  instead 
of  opiates  to  promote  sleep  ;  this  practice  is  held  to  the  present  day.  The  princi- 
pal use  now  is  as  a  fomentation  in  painful  swellings  and  suppurations,  though  their 
internal  use  in  tincture,  infusion,  and  powder,  as  an  alterative,  tonic,  stomachic, 
diuretic,  antirheumatic,  antilithic,  febrifuge,  and  anthelmintic  is  quite  extensive. 
Hops  are  said  to  be  not  only  a  nerve  sedative,  but  also  to  have  the  same  influence 
upon  the  heart's  action. 

The  use  of  Lupulin — /.  c,  the  grains  naturally  found  in  the  strobile — is  prin- 
cipally due  to  the  experiments  of  Dr.  A.  W.  Ives,  who  first  brought  into  notice 
the  economy  in  bulk  attainable  by  its  use ;  and  who,  after  naming  the  product  as 
above,  proved  that  most,  if  not  all,  the  virtues  of  the  hop  lay  in  this  product. 

The  strobiles  are  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Phar.,  as  well  as  Lupulin,  the  first 
under  the  name  Humulus,  the  second,  Liipnlinurn ;  the  preparations  are  :  Tinctui'a 
Huvmli ;  Extractum  Liipulini  Fluidiim  ;  and  Olcoresina  Lupidini.  In  the  Eclectic 
Materia  Medica  the  preparations  are :  Extractum  Luptilini ;  Iiijusuni  Huimdi ; 
Tinctura  Lupulini ;  and  Unguentiim  Hiuiiuli. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  ripe  strobiles  are  treated 
like  all  the  drugs  of  this  order,  as  described  under  Celtis,  page  152-3.  The 
resulting  tincture  has  a  clear  orange  color  by  transmitted  light ;  retains  the  odor 
of  the  strobiles  to  a  high  degree ;  is  very  bitter;  and  has  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Z7^/////V  Acid;^  Cj^H.^,.  This  body  was  first 
determined  by  Payen,f  and  afterward  more  or  less  purified  by  Lermer,J  who  called 
it  Bitter  Acid  of  Hops,  and  isolated  it  as  large,  odorless,  brilliant,  rhombic  prisms, 

*  Lupulin,  Lupulite,  Humulin,  Lupulina. 
t  Ann.  de  C/iim.  et  de  Phys.,  1822,  311. 


155-3 

of  extremely  bitter  taste,  soluble  in  water;  in  this  view  he  was  corroborated  l)y 
Etti.*  Bungener,-|-  however,  disclaims  the  solubility  and  purity  of  the  product  on 
account  of  the  potash  used  in  its  isolation,  and  describes  the  body  as  follows:  Hop 
Bitter  Acid,  C.H^-O,.  This  "acid  aldehyde"  results  in  beautiful  prismatic  crystals, 
melting  at  92°-93°  (197.6°-! 99.4°  F.),  soluble  in  alcohol  and  chloroform,  not  sol- 
uble in  water,  and  having  a  bitter,  acid  taste.  On  exposure  to  air  it  turns  yellow 
and  oxidizes  like  the  oil,  forming  valerianic  acid  in  part. 

[Lupuline. — This  body,  claimed  as  a  liquid,  volatile  alkaloid,  having  the  odor 
of  Conia,  was  isolated  by  Griessmayer ;  J  no  other  analyst  seems  to  have  met  with 
the  product.] 

Choline,  C-Hj-NO^. — This  principle,  found  in  the  bile,  brain,  and  yolk  of  eggs, 
was  discovered  in  the  hop  by  Griessmayer  and  Harrow.§ 

Trimethylamine,  CjHjiN. — This  nitrogen  base  of  methyl  was  discovered  in 
the  hop  by  Griessmayer.  It  boils  at  -\-  9.3°  (+  48.5°  F.),  has  a  nauseous  odor, 
resembling  that  of  herring  brine,  in  which  in  fact  it  is  found,  and  is  soluble  in 
water  and  in  alcohol. || 

Humulo-Tannic  Acid,1|  C.-H.^Oj,. — This  body  forms  in  a  whitish  amorphous 
mass,  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol,  but  not  possessing  the  power — general  in 
tannic  acids — of  precipitating  gelatine;  however,  on  heating  the  mass  at  130° 
(266°  F.),  it  parts  with  one  molecule  of  water,  and  is  transposed  as  follows: 

Hiimulo-Tamiic  .\cid.     Water.         Phlubaphine. 

This  pJilobapliine  results  in  a  red  amorphous  substance  which  readily  precipitates 
gelatine.** 

Oil  of  Humulus,  Cj„H,g  +  Cjf,Hj,.0  (Wittstein). — This  oil,  obtained  from  the 
strobiles,  results  as  a  greenish-  or  reddish-brown  body,  according  to  the  ripeness 
of  the  cones.  It  is  thin,  neutral,  hot  tasting,  and  slightly  bitter,  has  a  density  of 
0.910,  distills  at  I25°-I75°  (257°-347°  F.),  and  hydrates  at  210°  (410°  F.).  It 
resinifies  when  exposed  to  the  air,  and  develops  valerianol  (C.H^jO),  which  after- 
ward passes  into 

Valerianic  Acid,  C.Hji.O^. — This  body,  obtained  from  the  roots  of  I'alcriaua 
officinalis,  was  determined  by  M^huff  to  also  exist  in  Lupulin  in  the  proportion 

*  Am.  Jour.  PHar.,  1879,  27;   from    Jour.  Chem.  Socy.,  1878:  from  Ding.  Polyt.  Jotir.,  727,  pp.  354-7. 
t  Am.  Jour.  P/iar.,  1S84,  p.  427 ;  from  Phar.  Jour,  and  Tran.i.,  1884,  1008. 
X  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1874,  360. 

I  C/iem.  News,  1885,  149. 

II  Griessmayer,  ibid. 

f  Lupulo-Tannic  Acid;  but  this  name  is  not  appropriate,  as  Dr.  Bigelow  appear^  to  prove  that  there  is  no  tannin 
in  Lupulin,  unless  some  other  portion  of  the  hop  dusts  into  this  product. 
**  Etti,  1826-8,  and  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1879,  27;  before  quoted. 
\\  These,  Monlpelier,  1867,  in  Fluck.  and  Han.,  Pharmaeographia. 


155-4 

of  O.I  to  0.17  per  cent,  though  other  analysts  claim  that  only  in  stale  and  spoiled 
hops,  oxidized  Lupulic  Acid,  and  the  resinified  oil  on  account  of  an  admixture  of 
that  acid,  can  the  body  be  found.  Valerianic  Acid  is  a  thin  oily  liquid,  having  a 
sour  smell  of  rotten  cheese,  and  boiling  at  175°  (347°  F.). 

Resins. — Etti  determined  two  resins — a,  white  and  crystallizable  ;  /i,  brown 
and  amorphous. 

["Hopeine." — This  so-called  narcotic  alkaloid,  claimed  to  be  extracted  from 
hops  by  Williamson  and  Springmuehl,  of  London,  is  proven  by  Dujardin-Beaumetz 
to  be  a  commercial  fraud.  The  product  claimed  a  high  price,  as  it  was  said  to  be 
only  obtainable  at  great  expense  from  American  Wild  Hops,  and  consisted  of 
morphine  and  some  aromatic  oil.] 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Hops  are  truly  sedative  in  many  nervous 
troubles,  and  to  the  heart's  action,  though  probably  not  at  all  narcotic.  In  large 
doses  they  cause  colic  and  constipation.  The  following  symptoms,  compiled  from 
various  doses  of  the  drug,  show  it  to  be  an  irritant  to  the  vaso-motor  system  and 
the  inhibitory  nerves.  The  symptoms  were:  Vertigo  and  confusion  of  the  head; 
cerebral  and  arterial  congestion  ;  dilation  of  the  pupils  ;  thirst,  nausea,  loss  of 
appetite  and  vomiting;  diarrhceic  stools  with  great  urging;  burning  pain  along 
the  urethra  with  increased  urine  ;  respirations  deep,  almost  stertorous,  and  rapid  ; 
decrease  of  the  pulses;   with  high  temperature  and  profuse  perspiration.''' 


Description  of  Plate  155. 

I.   End  of  a  fruiting  branch,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  27th,  if 

2.  A  medium-sized  leaf. 

3.  Male  flower. 

4.  Female  catkin. 

5.  A  female  bract. 

6.  Enlarged  fruiting  bract. 

7.  Achenium  enveloped  in  its  persistent  calyx. 

i\  Achenium,  with  calyx  removed. 

q.   Vertical        )  ■         ^  ,,  , 

^  .  '.section  of  the  seed. 

10.   Horizontal  ) 

(3-10  enlarged.) 


*  Allen,  Ency.  Mit.  Med.,  v,  625. 

f  By  an  error,  the  prickly  points  011  the  stem  were  omitted  below  the  fruits  in  ihe  drawing. 


I 


10.  .ad  naf.dei.et  pinxt. 


JUGLANS      CiNEREA,  Linn. 


N.  ORD.-JUGLANDACE^.  156 

GENUS.  — JUG  LANS,"  LINN. 
SEX.  SYST.— MONCECIA  I'OLY.VNURI.A.. 


JUGLANS    CINEREA. 


BUTTERJVUT. 


SYN.— JUGLANS    CINEREA,    LINN.;     JUGLANS    CATHARTICA,    MICHX.; 
JUGLANS  OBLONG  A,  MILL. 

COM.  NaImES.— BUTTERNUT,    OIL-NUT,  WHITE   WALNUT;    (FR.)   NOYER 
GRIS;  (GER.)  WALLNUSS. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  YOUNG    INNER  BARK  OF   JUGLANS  CINEREA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  oblate  tree  usually  attains  a  height  and  breadth  of  from 
25  to  40  feet.  Stem  early  branching,  deliquescent ;  bark  strongly  aromatic  and 
resinous,  smoothish  when  young,  and  of  a  grayish  color ;  zvood  brown,  somewhat 
lighter  in  color  and  texture  than  that  of  the  black  walnut,  its  specific  gravity  varies 
from  ,376  to  .487,  and  its  weight  from  22  to  30  lbs.  per  cubic  foot.  Leaves  alter- 
nate, compound,  odd-pinnate,  about  one  foot  long  when  mature ;  petioles  long, 
densely  clammy-pubescent;  leaflets  opposite,  or  nearly  so,  in  from  7  to  10  pairs, 
and  the  terminal  one,  each  oblong-lanceolate,  sharply  serrate,  rounded  at  the  base, 
.  pointed,  and  downy  beneath,  hiflorescence  terminal  on  the  branches  ;  flowers 
monoecious,  ih&Jertile  ones  in  a  cluster  of  from  3  to  5,  amid  the  new  leaves  of  the 
season  ;  the  sterile  many,  hanging  in  catkins  [aments)  from  the  leaf  scars  of  the 
previous  year.  FetHile  floivers :  calyx  regular,  4-toothed,  clammy-pubescent; 
corolla  consisting  of  4  m\r\\\Xj&  petals  in  the  sinuses  of  the  calyx.  Style  very  short 
and  comparatively  thick ;  stig7nas  2,  long,  and  densely  fringed  with  blunt  papillae 
upon  their  inner  surfaces.  Sterile  flowers :  stameiis  projecting  from  the  rachis  of 
the  ament  in  sufficient  numbers  to  cover  it  throughout  its  entire  length ;  calyx 
an  irregular,  horizontal,  flat,  bracted  scale,  furnished  with  a  terminal  and  from  3  to 
5  lateral  teeth;  staincns  8  to  14  or  more,  irregularly  suspended  from  the  under 
surface  of  the  bract ;  filaments  very  short  and  thick ;  anthers  ovate-oblong, 
2-celled,  furnished  with  a  short  abrupt  point.  Fruit  oblong,  pointed,  2  to  3  inches 
long  and  i  to  i^^  inches  in  diameter  when  green;  epicarp  fleshy,  fibrous,  and 
densely  covered  with  a  sticky  pubescence  ;  when  dry,  coriaceous,  indehiscent ;  endo- 
carp  thick,  bony,  sculptured  with  deep  rough-edged  sinuses;  r.nt  t -celled  above, 
2-celled  below. 

*  The  classical  name  of  the  walnut,  Juglans  regia  ;  a  contraction  from  Jovis  glans,  Jupiter's  nut. 


156-2 

JUGLANDACE^. — A  small  family  of  very  useful  trees.  Wood  hard  and 
dense.  Leaves  alternate,  pinnate,  astipulate.  Flowers  monoecious,  the  fertile  ones 
single  or  in  a  small  cluster  or  spike ;  calyx  adherent  to  the  ovary,  regular,  3  to  5 
lobed  ;  petals  sometimes  present ;  the  sterile  flowers  in  long  catkins  ;  calyx  bracted 
and  irregular,  overlapping  the  stamens  like  a  hood.  Ovary  somewhat  more  than 
I -celled,  containing  a  single  orthotropous  ovule,  the  walls  become  thick  and  fleshy, 
affording  thus  a  covering  {epicarp)  for  the  nut.  Fricit  a  dry  drupe,  furnished  with  a 
bony  endocarp,  splitting  into  2  valves  in  germination,  and  enclosing  a  large  4-lobed 
seed ;  albumen  none  ;  embryo  2  large,  lobed,  corrugated,  sarcous,  oily  cotyledons. 

The  following  fruits  or  nuts  of  this  family  are  greatly  esteemed  on  account  of 
their  rich  oily  "meats":  The  black  walnut  {yuglans  nigra,  Lin7i),  the  butternut 
[yuglajis  cinerea,  Linn.),  the  Maderia  nut  or  English  walnut  {/uglans  regia,  Linn.), 
a  native  of  Persia  and  the  Himalaya,  and  cultivated  in  England  and  along  the 
Mediterranean,  the  hickory  or  mocker-nut  [Carya  iomentosa.  Null,  and  var. 
maxima,  NutL),  the  shell-bark  or  shag-bark  hickory  [Ca7ya  alba,  Nutt.),  the  .west- 
ern shag-bark  hickory  {^Carya  sulcata,  Nutt.),  and  the  pecan-nut  [Carya  olivce- 
formis,  Nutt.). 

History  and  Habitat. — The  butternut  is  a  common  tree  throughout  the 
Eastern,  Middle,  and  Western  States,  and  from  the  Canadas  southward  along  the 
mountains,  growing  in  rich  woods  along  river  banks,  flowering  from  April  to 
May,  and  ripening  its  fruit  in  September.  The  wood,  as  before  mentioned,  is 
valuable  on  account  of  its  lightness,  durability,  and  freedom  from  worm  infestations  ; 
the  fruit,  when  half  formed,  makes  a  fine  pickle,  and  when  ripe  an  article  of 
hucksterage  ;  the  sap,  gathered  in  its  season,  forms  on  boiling  a  fine  sugar  equal 
if  not  superior  to  that  of  the  maple  ;  the  leaves,  bark,  and  unripe  fruit  afford  a 
dye  of  a  chocolate-brown  color  for  woollen  goods,  which,  with  that  of  the  black 
walnut,  was  used  in  the  South  to  great  e.xtent  during  the  rebellion  as  a  dye  for  the 
uniforms  of  the  soldiers.  The  use  of  a  decoction  of  the  inner  bark  in  medicine 
has  been  of  some  importance,  especially  as  a  mild  cathartic  ;  it  acts  thus  without 
colic,  and  is  said  to  leave  none  of  the  constipating  effects  so  frequently  following 
general  cathartics ;  in  diarrhoea  and  even  dysentery  it  receives  many  encomiums 
from  botanic  physicians.  The  powdered  leaves  act  as  a  rubefacient  and  vesicant, 
and  have  been  used  as  a  substitute  for  cantharides. 

The  inner  bark  of  the  root  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  as  Extractum  ytig- 
landis  ;  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  the  same  preparation  is  recommended. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  inner  bark  of  young  stems  and 
roots,  collected  in  May  or  June,  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed. 
Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  is  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one- 
sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole 
well,  it  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a 
dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  procured  by  straining  and  filtering,  should  be  opaque  in  layers  of 
*any  quantity ;  in  thin  layers  it  should  have  a  deep,  rich,  reddish-brown  color  by 


156-3 

transmitted    light.      It  lias  an  astringent,  bitter    taste,  and  an  exceedingly  acid 
reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Juglandin.  This  body,  extracted  by  Mer- 
rell,  is  spoken  of  as  an  impure  resin  ;  it  probably  contains  the  following  principle, 
to  which  its  action  is  doubdess  due. 

Nucin:*  this  acid,  acrid  body,  was  first  discovered  in  the  green  epicarps  of 
Juglans  regia.  Wittstein  represents  it  as  forming  reddish-yellow,  glossy,  brittle 
needles,  dissolving  copiously  in  alkalies  and  ether,  less  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  but 
slightly  in  water.  Nucin  gives  a  beautiful  purple  color  with  the  borates  and  phos- 
phates of  alkalies,  and  with  subacetate  of  lead.  Tannin,-j-§  resin,J§  volatile  oil,f§ 
fixed  oil, J  glucose.J  and  a  volatile  acid,§  have  also  been  determined. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Juglandin,  the  extract  of  butternut,  acts,  ac- 
cording to  Paine,  as  a  drastic  purge,  producing  irritation  and  inflammation  of  the 
mucous  lining  of  the  intestines,  and  if  continued,  its  exhibition  is  followed  by  an 
exanthematous  eruption  much  resembling  the  flush  of  scarlatina.  It  causes  also  a 
congestion  of  the  portal  circulation,  and  subsequent  watery  evacuations  of  the 
bowels. 

Description  of  Plate  156. 

I.   End  of  flowering  branch,  with  larger  leaves  removed  ;  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  June  2d,  1884. 

2.  Female  flower  (enlarged). 

3.  Male  flower  (enlarged). 

4.  Stamen  (enlarged). 

5.  Section  of  ovary  (enlarged). 

6.  Hair  of  pubescence  (x  50). 

7.  Pollen  (x  200). 

8.  Half-grown  leaf. 

9.  Fruit. 

»  Juglandic  add  {"Vcixeoi.wA).  \  Thiebaud.  J  S.  Witherill.  \  E.  S.  Dawson. 


V    i:    tt 


^m.ad 


natdei.etpinxt 


Carya     Alba  ,  Nutt. 


N.  ORD -JUGLANDACE^.  157 

GENUS.— C  A  R  Y  A,*  NUTT. 


SEX.  .SVST.— MONd'XlA  l'OL\  ANU1<I.\. 


CARYA  ALBA. 


HICKORY 


SYN.— CARYA  ALBA,  NUTT. ;  CARYA  SQUAMOSA,  BART. ;  JUGLANS 
SQUAMOSA,  >:iCHX.  ;  JUGLANS  ALBA,  LINN.;  JUGLANS  COM- 
PRESSA,  WILLD. 

COM.  NAMES.— SHAG-BARK  OR  SHELL-BARK  HICKORY,  WHITE  HICK- 
ORY, KISKYTOM. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  RIPE  "MEATS"  OF  THE  NUTS,  CARYA  ALBA,  NUTT. 

Description. — This  valuable,  rapid-growing  tree,  furnishing  the  best  hickory 
nuts  of  the  markets,  attains  a  height  of  from  30  to  80  feet,  and  a  breadth  of  from 
20  to  50  feet.  S/em  erect,  deliquescent,  from  9  to  20  inches  in  diameter  ;  bark 
smooth  when  young,  but  after  the  twelfth  to  fifteenth  year  it  exfoliates  in  strips  or 
wide  lamina;  from  i  to  4  feet  long,  and  one-eighth  to  a  quarter  inch  thick  ;  this 
without  injury  to  the  life  of  the  tree.  The  bark  is  brownish-gray  externally,  cin- 
namon color  internally,  very  oily  and  inflammable,  producing  on  combustion  a 
great  heat.  Wood  white  internally,  yellow  near  the  bark,  very  valuable  in  the  arts, 
and  as  firewood  ;  it  is  dense,  tough,  and  elastic,  its  specific  gravity  .760,  and  weight 
47i/<  lbs.  per  cubic  foot.  Notwithstanding  its  hardness  it  rots  easily  when  sub- 
jected to  moisture.  Leaves  3  or  4  compound,  odd-pinnate,  appearing  with  the 
flowers  ;  leaflets  5,  taper-pointed,  sessile,  or  nearly  so,  finely  serrate,  the  three  ter- 
minal obovate  or  obovate-lanceolate,  the  two  nearest  the  short  petiole  much 
smaller,  oblong-lanceolate.  Sterile  floivcrs  in  pendent  catkins,  branched  to  the 
form  of  a  trident,  situate  on  a  common  peduncle  arising  from  the  base  of  the  shoot 
of  the  season,  in  the  axis  of  the  large,  conspicuous,  tardily  deciduous,  scaly,  leaf 
buds  ;  calyx  naked,  clinging  to  its  bract,  irregularly  2  to  3  parted.  Sta7)icns  3  to 
8  or  more,  suspended  from  the  bract-like  calyx  ;  filaments  short  and  inconspicuous 
or  wanting ;  anthers  4,  downy  pubescent.  Fertile  fioivers  2  to  3  or  more  in  a 
pedunculated  cluster  or  spike  amid  the  young  leaves,  and  terminal  on  the  growth 
of  the  season  ;  calyx  with  a  4-toothed  limb ;  petals  wanting ;  stigmas  2  to  4,  large, 
sessile,  papillose,  and  persistent.  Fruit  a  globular  or  depressed-globose,  some- 
what four-sided  nut;  epicarp  thick,  fleshy,  and  fibrous,  splitting  into  4  equal  valves 
when  dry ;  cndocarp  bony,  smooth  between  the  rounded  ridges,  and  tipped  with  a 
sharp  point,  somewhat  2-celled  above  and  4-celled  below;  cotyledons  zorvwgSLittdL, 
rich,  and  sweet.     Read  description  of  Natural  Order  under  Juglans  cinerea,  156. 

*  An  ancient  name  of  the  walnut,  /topua,  karya. 


157-2 

History  and  Habitat. — The  shag-bark  hickory  is  indigenous  to  the  Atlantic 
States  of  North  America  from  Maine  to  the  Carolinas,  growing  in  rich  woods 
and  along  streams.     It  blossoms  in  May  and  ripens  its  fruit  in  October. 

The  bark  of  the  hickory  affords  with  copperas  an  olive,  and  with  alum  a  green, 
dye  for  woolens  ;  the  ash  yields  a  very  fine  lye,  and  the  "  meats  "  an  excellent  oil 
for  burning.  The  wood  is  valuable  for  the  handles  of  most  light  and  heavy  im- 
plements, for  barrel-hoops,  sail-rings,  hand-spikes,  and  pins,  but  is  useless  for  any 
purpose  in  which  it  would  be  subjected  to  alternate  wettings  and  dryings.  In 
medicine  I  can  find  no  account  of  its  use  prior  to  the  provings,  which  so  far  are 
slight.     Carya  is  not  mentioned  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  nor  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  ripe  cotyledons  are  finely  pow- 
dered, covered  with  five  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol,  and  kept  for  eight  days  in  a 
tightly-stoppered  bottle,  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture  obtained  by  decanting  and  filtering,  has  a  light-canary  color  by 
transmitted  light,  an  odor  and  taste  of  the  nut,  and  a  neutral  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — I  am  unable  to  find  record  of  any  analysis 
of  this  plant  or  its  seed.  On  evaporating  the  tincture  under  the  addition  of  water 
until  the  alcohol  entirely  passed  off,  a  light  and  a  heavy  oil  separated,  both  liquid 
at  ordinar)'  temperatures.  The  heavy  oil  separated  in  greater  quantity,  and  solidi- 
fied at  7°  (44.6°  F.)  ;  both  retained  the  peculiar  odor  and  taste  of  the  nut.  No 
specific  principle  was  yielded  by  farther  analysis. 

Description  of  Plate  157. 

I.  End  of  flowering  branch  ;  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  June  3d,  1884. 

2.  Female  flower  (enlarged). 

3.  Male  flower  (enlarged). 

4.  Nut. 

5.  Longitudinal  section  of  the  nut. 

6.  Horizontal  section  of  the  nut. 

7.  Section  of  the  ovary  (enlarged). 

8.  Trunk  of  tree  (diminished). 

9.  Pollen  (3  views  x  200). 


^lU.adnaldel.etpinxt.  CASTANEA  VESCA,var.Amencana,IV|ichx. 


N.  ORD-CUPULIFER^.  158 

Tribe.-QUERCINE/E. 

GENUS.— C  A  S  T  A  N  E  A  ,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SVST.— Mt)NH'.Cl.\   I'OLV.^NDRI.X. 


CASTANEA  VESCA. 


CHESTJVUT. 


SYN.-CASTANEA  VESCA,  LINN. ;  CASTANEA  VESCA,  VAR.  AMERICANA. 
MICHX. ;  CASTANEA  EDULIS,  GAERTN. 

COM.  NAMES.-CHESTNUT;  (FR.)  CHATAIGNIER;  (GER.)  KASTANIB. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  LEAVES  OF  CASTANEA  VESCA,  VAR.  AMERICANA. 

MICHX. 


Description. — This  forest  tree,  highly  esteemed  for  its  timber  and  edible  nuts, 
attains  a  growth  of  from  40  to  80  feet  in  height.  The  stem  is  deliquescent,  from 
2  to  4  feet  in  diameter,  and  covered  with  a  thick,  corrugated  bark,  smoothish  upon 
the  corrugations  ;  branches  thick,  very  irregular,  and  contorted.  The  wood  com- 
mercially, is  light  and  porous,  having  a  sp.  gr.  of  404,  and  weighing  but  25  lbs.,  4 
oz.  per  cubic  foot;  on  account  of  its  durability  it  is  valued  principally  for  fencing. 
The  leaves  are  petiolate,  oblong-lanceolate,  coarsely  serrate,  pointed  at  the  tip  and 
acute  at  the  base,  from  4  to  9  inches  long,  and  from  2  to  4  inches  wide ;  they  are 
particularly  noticeable  on  account  of  their  straight  pinnate  veins.  hiflorcsceJice 
cream-colored,  monoecious,  a.xillary  upon  the  ends  of  the  branches,  and  appearing 
after  the  leaves.  Sterile  floiuers  in  irregularly  placed  clusters  upon  naked,  subcyl- 
indrical  aments,  that  vary  from  3  to  6  inches  in  length.  Calyx  generally  6-parted. 
Stamens  8  to  20;  filaments  slender;  anthers  2-celled.  Fertile fioxvers  few,  usually 
from  2  to  3  closely  crowded  in  an  involucre.  Involucres  in  a  cluster  at  the  base  of 
the  aments,  ovoid,  thickly  covered  with  spines.  Calyx  tubular  with  a  bell-shaped 
6-lobed  border,  encircling  the  ovary  in  the  form  of  a  crown.  Ovary  3  to  6-celled; 
ovules  6  to  14  ;  stionias  awned,  equal  in  mmiber  to  the  cells  of  the  ovary.  Stamens 
5  or  more,  rudimentary,  rarely  perfect,  longer  than  the  calyx.  Fruit,  a  large 
hard,  thick,  echinate,  4-valved  bur,  enclosing  from  i  to  3  or  more  nuts,  laterally 
flattened  by  compression,  in  shapes  depending  upon  the  number  in  die  bur. 

Cupuliferae. — Trees  or  shrubs  with  white,  and  generally  firm,  hartl  wood. 
Stipules  caducous;  leaves  alternate,  pinnately  veined.  Infiorescence  upon  the  ends 
of  the  branches;  y/OTf^ri-  moncccious;  sterile  floivers  in  catkins  (except  Fagus) ; 
fertile  floivers  solitary,  grouped  or  spiked,  furnished  with  a  scaly  or  echinate  cup 
or  bur  forming  a  receptacle  for  the  nuts:  calyx  adherent  to  the  ovary,  the  border 

*  KdcTi'nvn  or  KaffSauoia,  a  city  of  Pontus,  noted  for  ils  clle^lmll  irtes. 


158-2 

forming  a  ring-  or  crown  about  its  summit.  Slainens  of  sterile  flowers  either  equal 
in  number  to  the  calyx  lobes  or  two  or  three  times  as  many,  usually  exserted; 
rudimentary  stamens  often  present  in  the  fertile  flowers.  Ovary  generally  more 
or  less  2-  to  7-celled;  ovules  anatropous,  one  or  more  in  each  cell;  all  of  the 
ovules  and  cells  except  one  aborting,  to  form  a  i -seeded  nut.  Seeds  mosdy  edible, 
forming  among  others  the  following  nuts:  Sweet-acorn  [Quercus  alba).  Chestnut 
[Castanea  vesca  and  var.  America),  Chinquapin  (Casta?iea  piiniila).  Beech-nut 
{Fagus  ferruginea).  Hazel-nut  {Coiylns  Americana,  C.  ros/ra/a),  and  Filbert 
{Corylus  avellana).  Albumen  none;  embryo  formed  of  two  thick,  sarcous  coty- 
ledons and  a  short  or  retracted  radicle,  filling  the  whole  nut. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  variety  is  indigenous  to  the  L'nited  .States  from 
southern  and  middle  parts  of  Maine  to  Michigan  and  southwards,  especially  along 
the  hills  and  mountains;  flowering  in  June  and  July,  fruiting  in  October.  The 
chestnut  tree  is  remarkable  both  for  its  size  and  longevity;  there  is  a  specimen 
on  the  Neversink  Highlands,  New  York  Harbor,  called  the  "elephant,"  which  is 
said  to  be  fully  five  hundred  years  old;  Case's  Bot.  Index,  April,  1S80,  mentions 
an  individual  near  .Seymour,  Ind.,  measuring  22  feet  in  diameter  two  feet  from  its 
base,  and  70  feet  to  the  first  branch.  The  nuts  when  dry  are  sweet  and  whole ^ 
some,  forming  an  article  of  merchandise.  The  best  chestnuts  of  France,  the  mar- 
rons,  a  large  variety  of  C.  vesca,  are  much  esteemed  when  boiled,  and  form  almost 
as  prominent  an  article  of  hucksterage  as  the  common  roasted  peanut  does  here. 
In  the  south  of  France  and  north  of  Italy  the  harvest  is  very  large;  here  the  nuts 
are  largely  used  as  a  substitute  for  wheat  flour  and  potatoes.  The  leaves  are 
officinal  in  the  U.  .S.  Ph.  as  Extractum  Castancce  Fluidum. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  lea\'es,  gathered  in  Septem- 
ber while  still  green,  are  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then 
two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it 
and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the  whole  well  and  pouring  it 
into  a  well-stoppered  botde,  it  is  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 
The  tincture  is  then  separated  by  decanting,  straining  and  filtering.  Thus  pre- 
pared, it  has  a  deep-brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  an  odor  like  that  of  the 
leaves,  an  astringent  taste,  and  highh-  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— The  only  analysis  of  this  plant  is  one  of  the 
leaves,  conducted  by  L.  J.  Steltzer  (Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1880,  p.  292).  He  determines 
the  consdtuents  to  be:  tannin  9  per  cent ,  gum,  albumen,  a  soft  yellowish  resin, 
fat  and  extracdve ;  together  with  salts  of  K,  Ca,  Mg,  and  Iron.  When  assaying 
for  an  alkaloid,  he  obtained  negadve  results. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— I  am  unable  to  find  any  data  upon  this.  The 
leaves  in  decoction  have  been  used  for  whooping-cough.  The  provings  by  Dr. 
Houghton  show  no  pardcular  action  upon  the  air-passages.  Castanea  is  claimed 
to  have  a  sedative  action  upon  the  nerves  of  respiration. 

Description  oi-  Plaie  i5<S. 

1.  End  of  branch  in  flower,  Binghamton,  N.  V.,  July  26tli,  1882. 

2.  A  nut,  representing  the  form  when  two  are  enclosed  in  the  bur. 


159. 


/  J  U 


2         3 


'.TU.adnatilel.etpinxt. 


OSTRYA    VlRGlNICA,Willd. 


N.  ORD.-CUPULIFER.^.  169 

Tnbe.-CARPINE/E. 

GENUS.— O ST  R  Y  A  ,*  MICHKLI. 

SEX.  SYST.— MONCECIA   rOLYANDRI.V. 


OSTRYA. 


HOP-HORJVBEAM. 


SYN.~  OSTRYA  VIRGINICA,  WILLD. ;  CARPINUS  OSTRYA-AMERICANA ; 
MICHX. ;   G.  OSTRYA,  MICHX.  f. 

COM.  NAMES.  —  AMERICAN  HOP -HORNBEAM,  IRON-WOOD,t  LEVER- 
WOOD;    (GER.)  HOPFBNHAINBUSCHE. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  HE,\RT-WOOD  OF  OSTRYA  VIRGINICA,  WILED. 

Description. — This  small  forest-tree  seldom  attains  a  growth  of  over  30  feet 
in  height  and  a  diameter  of  8  inches.  Bark  of  the  younger  trees  birch-like,  of  the 
older  ones,  much  resembling  that  of  the  white  oak,  although  its  furrows  are  nar- 
rower. Buds  acute,  their  leaves  plaited  upon  the  veins.  Leaves  ovate-oblono-, 
taper-pointed,  pinnately-veined,  smooth  above,  and  downy  beneath  especially  upon 
the  veins ;  margin  sharply,  doubly  or  irregularly  serrate.  Inflorescence  dioecious, 
the  flowers  appearing  with  the  leaves ;  sterile  flozvcrs  in  drooping,  cylindrical 
aments,  consisting  of  several  stamens  in  the  axil  of  each  bract,  and  terminatino- 
the  branches  of  the  previous  year's  growth;  fertile  flotocrs  in  short  catkins,  a  pair 
under  each  deciduous  bract,  and  terminating  the  short  shoot  of  the  season  ;  invol- 
iicral  sacs  brisdy  hairy  at  the  base.  Calyx  of  the  fertile  flowers  adherent  to  the 
ovary;  li7nb  bearded.  Stamens  8  to  10  or  more;  filaments  short,  once  irregularly 
forked  ;  anthers  i -celled,  one  on  each  branch  of  the  fork  (a  single,  divided,  2-celled 
anther?),  hairy  at  the  apex.  Ovary  incompletely  2-celled  and  2-ovuled,  enclosed 
in  a  tubular  bracdet ;  style  short;  stigmas  2,  long  and  linear.  Friiit  an  oblono-- 
ovoid,  pendulous,  strobile-like  cluster  of  several  membraneous  involucral  sacs,  each 
enclosing  a  smooth,  achenious  nudet.  Read  the  description  of  the  natural  order, 
page  158. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Hop-Hornbeam  is  indigenous  to  Eastern  North 
America  from  Florida  northward.  It  is  commonly  found  in  rich  woods  anywhere 
within  its  limit,  and  flowers  in  April,  its  peculiar  fruit  being  fully  ripe  in  Auc>-ust. 
The  other  American  Iron-wood,  Carpinus  Americana,  need  never  be  confounded 
with  this  species,  as  it  is  much  more  like  a  beech. 

*  The  classical  name,  from  oirrpeoi/,  ostreon,  a  scale,  alluding  to  the  peculiar  fruit. 
f  Also  applied  to  the  hornbeam,  Carpinus  Americana,  Michx. 


159-2 

A  decoction  of  the  heart-wood  of  this  tree  has  long  been  used  by  the  laity  as 
an  antiperiodic  in  intermittent  fever,  and  as  a  tonic  and  alterative  in  scrofulous 
dyscrasias  and  dyspepsia. 

The  wood  is  very  hard,  dense  and  tough,  weighing  48  lbs.  1 1  oz.  per  cubic 
foot,  and  of  .779  sp.  gr.  It  is  very  valuable  to  the  farmer  as  a  "  binder  "  for  heavy 
loads,  and  for  use  as  levers.  In  the  manufactories  it  has  often  furnished  fine  cog- 
wheels and  excellent  handles  for  tools. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  heart-wood,  in  coarse  pow- 
der, is  covered  with  five  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol,  and  allowed  to  remain  eight 
days  in  a  well-stoppered  bottle  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture  then  separated 
by  filtration  should  have  a  clear,  brilliant  orange-red  color  by  transmitted  light,  a 
slightly  aromatic  odor,  a  peculiar  astringent  and  bitterish  taste,  and  an  acid 
reaction. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  heart-wood  in  powder  or  decoction  causes 
headache,  loss  of  appetite,  nausea,  flatulent  colic,  bilious  defecation  with  great 
tenesmus,  aching  extremities,  general  debilitated  condition,  and  diaphoresis. 

Description  of  Plate  159. 

I.  End  of  sterile  flowering  branch,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  May  i6th,  1S85. 

2.  Superior  view  of  staminate  bract. 

3.  Under  view  of  same. 

4.  Stamen. 

5.  End  of  fruiting  branch. 

6.  An  involucrate  scale  of  fruit. 

7.  Under  view  of  same. 

(2-4  and  6-7  enlarged.) 


160. 


(tUl.adnat.del.et  pinxt. 


MYRJCA     CeRI'FERA  ,  Linn. 


N.  ORD -MYRICACE^.  160 

GENUS.— MY  RICA,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— DICECIA  TETR.\NDRIA. 


MYRICA. 


BAY BERRY 


SYN.— MYRICA  CERIFERA,  LINN. 

COM.  NAMES.— BAYBERRY,   WAX    MYRTLE,    CANDLE-BERRY,    TALLOW 
SHRUB;    (FR.)  ARBRB  A  SUIF;   (GER.)  WACHSBUSCH.  WACHSGAGLE. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE    FRESH    ROOT   B.ARK  OF  MYRICA   CERIFERA,   LINN. 

Description. — This  somewliat  fragrant  shrub  attains  a  growth  of  from  3  to  8 
feet.  Branches  numerous,  especially  at  the  summit  of  the  plant ;  bratichlets  pubes- 
cent. Leaves  somewhat  preceding  the  flowers ;  they  are  oblong-  or  cuneate- 
lanceolate,  narrowing  at  the  base,  shining  or  resinous  dotted  on  both  sides  and 
pubescent  underneath ;  apex  obtuse  ;  margin  entire,  or  with  a  few  wavy  or  short, 
sharp  serratures  near  the  ape.x.  Inflorescence  dicEcious,  amentaceous,  solitary,  from 
under  the  axillary  scale-buds  of  the  previous  years'  \&2iwe?,;  flozcers  destitute  of  calyx 
or  corolla,  and  furnished  with  a  pair  of  wedge-shaped  naked  bractlets.  Sterile  cat- 
kins oblong  or  cylindrical;  bracts  rhombic;  stamens  2  to  8,  usually  4,  longer  than  the 
bracts  ;  filaments  somewhat  united  below  ;  anthers  large,  2-celled.  Fertile  catkins 
ovoid,  smaller  than  the  sterile  ;  ovary  furnished  with  2  to  4,  usually  3,  ciliate, 
rounded,  obscurely  3-lobed  scales  at  its  base  ;  stigmas  2,  thread  like.  Fruit 
scattered  groups  of  small,  globular,  bony,  and  naked  nutlets,  having  numerous 
minute  black  grains  upon  its  surface  that  are  incrusted  with  wax. 

Myricacese. — A  small  family  of  monoecious  or  dioecious  shrubs  or  small  trees, 
found  in  both  Americas,  India,  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  one  species  in  Europe. 
Leaves  alternate,  simple,  resinous  dotted,  and  often  fragrant ;  stipules  present  or 
absent.  Inflorescence,  both  kinds  in  short  scaly  aments  ;  invohure  none.  Flowers 
destitute  of  both  calyx  and  corolla ;  fertile  catkijis  in  an  ovoid  or  cylindrical  head  ; 
ovary  i -celled,  situated  in  the  axil  of  a  bract,  and  surrounded  at  the  base  by  several 
hypogynous  scales ;  ovule  single,  erect,  orthotropous ;  styles  2,  filiform,  subulate, 
or  dilated  and  petaloid.  Sterile  catkins  with  2  to  10  stamens  in  the  axil  of  a 
squamous  bract ;  filaments  free  or  partly  united  ;  anthers  1-  to  4-celled  ;  dehiscence 
longitudinal.  Fruit  a  dry,  drupaceous,  indehiscent  nut ;  albumeyi  none  ;  cotyledons 
sarcous  ;  radicle  short,  superior. 

*  Miip<j,  myro,  to  flow,  as  the  plant  grows  near  water.  The  ancient  name  of  the  Tamarisk,  /ivpiitii,  myrike,  from 
/fupi^cj,  myrizo,  to  perfume,  does  not  apply. 


160-2 

The  plant  under  consideration  is  the  only  one  of  the  family  represented  in 
our  Materia  Medica ;  several  other  species,  however,  are  sometimes  used  as 
remedies,  especially  in  domestic  practice,  viz.:  The  American  and  European 
Sweet  Gale  {^Myiica  Gale,  Linn.),  whose  berries  in  infusion  are  said  to  be  an 
efficient  remedy  for  itch,  and  a  vermifuge ;  the  leaves  are  said  to  be  substituted 
for  hops  in  Sweden,  in  the  manufacture  of  beer.  The  other  six  American  species 
of  the  genus  Myrica  are  often  substituted  for  the  species  ccTifera  in  domestic 
practice.  The  fruit  of  the  Nepaul  M.  sapida  is  said  to  be  pleasantly  acid  and 
edible ;  while  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  M.  cordifolia  yields  a  wax,  said  by  Thun- 
berg  to  be  eaten  by  the  natives.  The  American  Sweet  Fern  {Comptonia  aspleni- 
folia,  Ait.)  is  in  constant  domestic  use  in  some  localities  for  checking  diarrhoea, 
and  as  a  fomentation  in  rheumatism  and  bruises. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Wax  Myrtle  grows  in  thickets  near  swamps  and 
marshes  in  the  sand-belt  along  the  Atlantic  coast  from  Florida  northward,  also  on 
the  shores  of  Lake  Erie  ;  it  is,  however,  rare  in  the  interior.  It  flowers  from  April 
to  May,  according  to  locality.  In  the  South  it  is  a  small  evergreen  tree  ;  in  Dela- 
ware and  Southern  New  Jersey,  a  tall,  semideciduous  shrub;  and  in  the  North, 
dwarfed  and  deciduous. 

Both  the  wax  and  root-bark  have  been  used  in  medicine,  the  action  of  each 
being  quite  different,  though  both  are  astringent  and  stimulant  to  weakened 
mucous  membranes. 

The  Bark. — Dr.  Charles  A.  Lee*  sums  up  the  uses  of  the  bark  of  the  root: 
"  Bayberry  bark  possesses  tonico-astringent  properties  which  entitle  it  to  a  very 
respectable  rank  among  our  indigenous  astringents.  Reduced  to  a  powder,  it  is 
acrid  and  styptic  to  the  taste,  and  in  doses  of  one  drachm  causes  a  sensation  of  heat 
in  the  stomach,  followed  by  vomiting  and  purging,  and  sometimes  by  diuresis.  A 
decoction  has  been  long  used  in  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  uterine  hemorrhage,  dropsies 
succeeding  fevers,  and  as  a  gargle  in  affections  of  the  throat  and  fauces."  When 
chewed  it  acts  as  a  sialagogue,  useful  in  toothache  and  to  stimulate  tender,  spongy, 
or  bleeding  gums.  In  the  Eclectic  practice  bayberry  bark  is  a  noted  remedy  in 
scrofulous  sores  and  ulcers,  used  as  a  poultice;  and  for  jaundice,  especially  the 
form  termed  black  jaundice.  In  the  Botanic  practice  bayberry  bark  and  lobelia 
constituted  almost  a  complete  materia  medica. 

Myrica  Wax. — The  use  of  this  substance  in  medicine  was  first  published  by 
Alexandre  (1722),  who  mentions  a  wax  which  he  describes  and  says  is  used  in 
Louisiana  by  the  colonists  in  the  manufacture  of  candles ;  and  farther  adds  that 
the  water  in  which  the  wax  has  been  "tried,"  when  boiled  to  an  extract,  is  a  certain 
cure  for  the  most  violent  cases  of  dysentery.  Dr.  Wm.  Fahnestock  considered 
the  wax  to  be,  in  direct  proportion  to  its  viridity,  astringent  and  plainly  narcotic, 
and  claims  to  have  been  eminently  successful  in  treating  with  this  substance  many 
severe  cases  of  typhoid  dysentery.     In  Eclectic  practice  this  wax  ("  Myricin  ")  is 

*  Jour.  Mai.  Med.,  N.  S.,  vol.  i,  257. 


Meltinc  Point. 

Cent. 

Fahr. 

3°°-35° 

86-91.4° 

38°-4o° 

ioo.4°-io4.o° 

37°-4S° 

98.6°-ii3.o° 

47°-49° 

Il6.6°-I20.2° 

52°-53° 

i25.6°-i27.4° 

S8° 

1364° 

62°-63° 

i43-6°-i4S-4° 

79° 

174.2° 

?0°-82° 

i76°-i79.6° 

82.5° 

180.5° 

83.s°-84° 

iS2.3°-i83.2° 

97° 

206.6° 

i60-3 

held  to  be  serviceable  in  aplithous  affections  of  the  mucous  surfaces,  such  as 
stomatitis,  nursing-  sore  mouth,  ulcerated  fauces,  bowels  and  stomach;  also  in 
leucorrhoea,  etc.,  etc. 

Produclion  and  Chemistry. — Vegetable  wax  is  a  compound  substance  furnished 
by  many  plants  either  naturally  or  from  their  juices  through  the  agency  of  insects. 
The  following  table,  including  all  those  that  are  produced  in  a  sufficient  quantity 
to  be  available,  will  be  of  interest: 

N-\MK.  Source. 

Cacao,  Chocolate  Butter,  Theobroma  cacao,  L., 

Koya  Wax,  Cinnamomuin  peduinulattim,  N.  ab  E., 

Chinese  Vegetable  Tallow,        Stillingia  sebifera,  Mart., 

Myrica  Wax,  Myrica  cerifera,  L., 

Japan  Wax,  Rhus  succedeanea,  L., 

Cow  Tree  Wax,  Galactodendron  utile,  Humb., 

Bees'  Wax  Apis  mellifica,  etc., 

Chinese  Wax,  Coccus  ccriferus, 

Ibota  Wax,  Lingustrum  Ibota,  Sieb., 

Sela  Wax,  Fraxinus  Chinensis,  Roxb., 

Carramba  Wax,  Copernicia  cere/eta,  Mart., 

Brazil  Wax,  Unknown, 

Palm  Wax,  Ceroxylon  andico/a,  Humh.,  100°  212.0° 

The  production  of  myrica  wax,  or  bayberry  tallow,  has  been  carried  on  to  a 
somewhat  large  extent,  mostly  for  the  manufacture  of  candles  and  soap,  generally 
as  described  by  Toscan  in  a  work  &t\t\t\e.d  L'Ami  de  la  Natwc.  This  describes 
the  method  employed  in  an  early  day.*  Candles  made  from  this  wax,  though 
quite  brittle,  are  less  greasy  in  warm  weather,  of  fine  appearance,  slightly  aro- 
matic, and  smokeless  after  snuffing,  rendering  them  much  more  pleasant  to  use 
than  those  made  of  either  wax  or  tallow.  Soap  from  this  wax  makes  an  aromatic 
and  very  softening  shaving  lather,  and  a  fine  body  for  surgeons'  soap  plasters. 

Myrica  wax,  QHj„0,f  is  harder  and  more  brittle  than  beeswax.  Its  specific 
gravity  varies  from  1.004  ^'^  1.006,  and  its  melting  point  from  47°-49°  (ii6.6°- 
120.2°  F.j.  Four-fifths  of  the  wax  is  soluble  iri  hot  alcohol,  leaving  a  residue  not 
soluble ;    boiling  ether  dissolves  more  than  one-quarter  of  its  weight,  of  which, 

*  "  Towards  the  end  of  autumn,  when  the  berries  are  ripe,  a  man  leaves  his  house,  together  with  his  family,  lo  go 
to  some  island  or  bank  near  the  ■seashore  where  the  wax-trees  grow  in  abundance.  He  carries  with  him  vessels  to  boil 
the  berries,  and  a  hatchet  to  build  a  cottage  where  he  may  find  shelter  during  his  residence  in  this  place,  which  is  usually 
three  or  four  weeks.  While  he  cuts  down  trees  his  children  gather  the  berries.  A  very  fertile  shrub  will  afTord  nearly 
seven  pounds.  When  these  are  gathered  the  whole  family  employ  themselves  in  procuring  the  wax.  They  throw  a  cer- 
tain quantity  of  the  berries  into  the  kettle,  and  then  pour  a  sufficient  quantity  of  water  on  ihem  so  as  tu  cover  them  to  a 
depth  of  about  half  a  foot.  They  then  boil  the  whole,  stirring  the  grains  alout  and  rubbing  them  against  the  sides  of  the 
vessel  in  order  that  the  wax  may  more  easily  come  off.  In  a  short  time  it  flo.its  on  the  water  like  fat,  and  is  collected  with 
a  spoon  and  strained  through  a  coarse  cloth  to  separate  it  from  any  impurities  which  might  be  mixed  with  it.  When  no 
more  wax  can  be  obtained  they  lake  the  berries  out  with  a  skimmer  and  put  others  into  the  same  water,  but  it  must  be 
entirely  changed  the  second  or  third  time,  and  in  the  meantime  boiling  water  must  be  added  as  it  evaporates,  in  order  to 
avoid  retarding  the  operation.  When  a  considerable  quantity  of  wax  has  been  obtained  by  this  means,  it  is  laid  on  a  cloth 
to  drain  off  the  water  with  which  it  is  still  mixed.  It  is  then  melted  a  second  time,  and  it  is  then  formed  into  masses. 
Four  pounds  of  berries  yield  about  one  of  wax;  that  which  is  first  obtained  is  generally  yellow;  but  in  later  boilings  it 
assumes  a  green  color  from  the  pellicle  with  which  the  kernel  of  the  berry  is  covered." 

•)■  Levy,  Handw'drterbuch  der  Clitmie,  v,  413. 


160-4 

however,  nearly  all  is  deposited  on  cooling;  at  a  moderate  heat  turpentine  dis- 
solves about  six  per  cent.*  The  wax  saponifies  readily  with  a  solution  of  caustic 
potash,  yielding  a  fragrant  soap,  fully  soluble  in  water,  and  breaking  down  under 
the  action  of  sulphuric  acid  into  a  mixture  of  fatty  acids.  Myrica  wax,  according 
to  G.  E.  Moore,f  is  composed  of  about  one-fifth /«/;«///«,  the  remaining  four-fifths 
being  free  palmitic  and  /auric  (myristic  ?)  acids. 

Myrica  has  no  place  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.;  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  its  prepara- 
tions are:  Cataplasma  Myricce,  Decoctiim  My  rices,  Extractum  Myricce,  Lotio  Lobelics 
Composita,\  Pulvis  Asclepice  Coinpositus\  and  Pulvis  Myricce  Coinpositus.\\ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  bark  of  the  root  is  chopped 
and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are 
taken,  the  pulp  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added. 
After  having  stirred  the  whole  well,  pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  let 
it  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture  separated  from  this  mass  by  pressure  and  filtration  should  have 
a  deep  crimson  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  peculiar  vinous  odor,  a  very  astrin- 
gent taste,  and  strong  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Myricinic  Acid.  This  body,  of  unknown 
composition  (bearing,  however,  great  resemblance  to  myristic  acid,  Cj^H^jO.^,  from 
Myi'istica  fragrans,  Houtt.),  may  be  obtained  from  the  alcoholic  extract  of  the  root- 
bark  by  extracting  with  ether  and  washing  in  hot  absolute  alcohol.  The  acid  then 
deposits  as  a  granular,  acrid  mass,  producing  a  dense  froth  on  agitation  with  water. 
It  fuses  at  53.6°  (128.4°  F-)>  ^""^  i^  soluble  in  absolute  alcohol.' 

An  acrid  resin  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether  ;^^  an  astringent  resin  soluble  in 
alcohol  ■}  -  volatile  oil  ■}  ^  tannic,'  '^  *  and  gallic  acids  ■}  ^  *  starch  ;'  ^  gum  ;'  -  ^  and  a 
red  coloring-matter,' "  have  also  been  determined  in  the  bark  of  the  root. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Myrica,  in  frequent  doses  of  the  extract,  causes 
dizziness;  headache;  smarting,  burning,  and  soreness  of  the  eyes;  burning 
catarrhal  condition  of  the  nostrils ;  yellowness  of  the  countenance ;  heat  and 
dryness  of  the  throat;  hunger;  heat  and  nausea;  distension  of  the  stomach  and 
abdomen,  with  griping  and  passage  of  very  offensive  flatus ;  diarrhoea,  followed 
by  total  absence  of  stool ;  incresed  secretion  of  urine,  followed  by  diminished 
secretion,  and  even  to  scantiness ;  increased  heart's  action  ;  general  languor  and 
depression  ;  sleepiness  ;  chilliness  and  sensations  as  of  fever. 

Description  of  Plate  160. 

I.   End  of  female  branch,  retaining  one  of  the  previous  year's  leaves,  Landisvilie,  N.  J.,  May  29th,  1885. 

2.  Female  flower. 

3.  Male  catkin. 

4.  Portion  of  a  fruiting  branch. 

(2  and  3  enlarged.) 

*  Bostocli,  Nicholson's  Jour.,  vol.  iv,  130.  +  Am.  Jotir.  Sci.  and  Arts,  vol.  xx.\iii,  313. 

\  Bayberry  bark,  Lobelia  leaves  and  seed.  Yellow-dock  root,  and  vinegar. 

1  Pleurisy  root,  Spearmint,  Sumach  berries,  Bayberry  bark.  Skunk  Cabbage  root,  and  Ginger. 

II  Bayberry  bark  and  Bloodroot.  1  G    M.  Hambright,  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1863,  193. 

2  Tilden's  Analysis,  Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  N.  S.,  vol.  i,  260.  '  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot  ,  vol.  iii,  34. 


/ 


^¥^ 


161. 


^m.idflafdeletpinxt.  SAUX    PURPUREA  ,  Linn. 


N.  ORD-SALICACE^.  161 

GENUS— SALIX  *  TOURN. 


SEX.  SVST.— DK.ECIA   DIANDRIA. 


SALIX   PURPUREA. 

PURPLE  JriLLOJV. 


SYN.— SALIX  PURPUREA,  LINN.;   S.  HELIX,  LINN.;   S.  MONANDRA,  EHR. ; 

S.  LAMBERTIANA,  PURSH. 
COM.  NAMES.— BITTER  PURPLE   WILLOW,   RED   WILLOW;    (GER.)   PUR- 

PURISHE  WEIDE. 


A  TINCTURE   OF  THE   BARK   OF  SALIX   PURPUREA,  L. 

Description. — This  species  only  attains  a  growth  of  from  6  to  lo  feet.  Branches 
terete  and  hthe  ;  tiuigs  oHvaceous  or  reddish  ;  ba7-k  very  smooth  and  bitter.  Leaves 
partly  opposite  on  some  branches,  alternate  on  others,  all  oblanceolate,  pointed, 
smooth,  minutely  and  sparingly  toothed.  Lnflorescence  in  lateral,  sessile  aments 
appearing  before  the  leaves  ;  catkins  cylindrical,  bracted  at  the  base  ;  scales  entire, 
round  and  concave,  very  black,  more  or  less  hairy,  and  persistent.  Sterile  flowers  : 
stamens  2  \  fllanients  united  into  one,  and  having  a  litde  gland  at  their  base  ;  anthers 
double,  4-celled,  reddish.  Fertile  floivers :  ovary  sessile  or  nearly  so,  downy,  with 
a  little  flat  gland  on  the  inner  side  of  the  base ;  stigmas  2,  nearly  sessile,  or  more 
properly  i,  and  emarginate. 

Salicacese. — This  small  order  is  composed  of  but  2  genera,  both  of  which  are 
represented  in  North  America  by  a  total  of  51  species  and  29  varieties.  Its  species 
are  all  of  the  temperate  and  frigid  zones,  [Salix  ai-ciica,  Pal.)  being  found  farther 
north  than  any  other  known  woody  plant.  The  order  is  characterized  as  follows  •. 
Trees  or  shrubs  with  a  bitter  bark.  Leaves  alternate,  undivided ;  stipules  scale-like 
and  deciduous,  or  leaf-like  and  persistent.  Lnflorescence  amentaceous,  the  aments 
from  under  each  bract ;  floivers  dioecious  ;  perianth  wanting.  Sterile  flowers  with 
from  2  to  1 2  or  more  stamens,  sometimes  monadelphous.  Fertile  flowers  of  a 
single  I-  or  imperfectly  2-celled  ovary  ;  style  very  short  or  none.  Fruit  a  2-valved 
pod ;  placentcB  2.  Seeds  numerous,  ascending,  provided  with  a  long  silky  down  ; 
cotyledons  flattened  ;  albumen  none. 

Beside  the  two  species  here  represented,  there  are  a  few  others  used  in 
medicine,  viz.:  The  European  >Srt//.f /?z/.f.$-^///««rt!.  Smith,  which  was  considered  by 
Sir  James  Smith  to  be  the  most  highly  therapeutic  of  the  genus;  the  European 
S.  alba,  Linn.,  is  the  usual  pharmacopoeial  species  ;  the  Sweet  Willow  of  Europe 

*  Celtic,  ja/,  near;  lis,  water. 


161-2 

{S.  pentandria,  Linn.)  is  sometimes  preferred  in  decoction  on  account  of  its  inherent 
aroma ;  while  S.  Caprea,  Linn.,  is  officinal  in  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia.  The  leaf- 
buds  of  the  European  Black  Poplar  {Popuhis  nigra,  Linn.)  are  frequently  used  in 
the  form  of  Unguentum  Popidewn  as  a  vulnerary;  the  Lombardy  Poplar  {P.  dila- 
tata)  is  somedmes  used  as  a  substitute  ;  and  the  buds  of  the  Tacmahac  Poplar 
{P.  balsamifera,  Linn.)  are  considered  diuretic  and  andscorbutic. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Purple  Willow  is  adventive  in  this  country  from 
Europe.  It  has  become  scattered  here  in  many  places,  on  wet  meadows,  probably 
by  basket-makers,  and  blossoms  in  April  and  May.  If  the  amount  of  salicin  in 
the  willows  depends  upon  die  bitterness  of  the  bark,  this  species  should  probably 
furnish  more  than  any  other;  we  will,  therefore,  give  the  general  action  and  history 
of  willow  under  this  species,  in  default  of  specific  literature. 

As  a  bitter  tonic  and  astringent  this  genus  has  been  used  from  the  time  of 
Dioscorides,  but  has  attracted  more  attention  among  medical  men  since  the  year 
1763,  when  it  was  brought  forward  as  a  remedy  for  fevers  of  an  intermittent  char- 
acter. The  bitterness  of  the  bark  makes  it  an  excellent  stomachic  tonic,  but  its  con- 
trol over  fever  was  never  very  satisfactory.  Its  principal  utility  has  been  found  to 
be  as  an  astrino-ent  tonic  in  convalescence  from  protracted  diseases,  atony  of  the 
digestive  tract,  chlorosis,  chronic  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  leucorrhoea,  and  kindred 
affections.  Salicin  itself  appears  to  have  a  more  thorough  and  effective  action 
than  the  bark,  but  still  cannot  cover  the  generality  of  cases  like  quinine;  it  is, 
however,  very  useful  in  such  cases  of  hectic  fever  and  of  diarrhoea  where  irritation 
and  inflammation  precludes  the  use  of  quinine. 

The  bark  of  Sali.\  (various  species)  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  as  is  also 
Salicin. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  bark,  gathered  during  the 
budding  season,  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts 
by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of 
it,  and  the  rest  of  die  alcohol  added.  The  whole  is  then  poured  into  a  well-stop- 
pered botde,  and  allowed  to  macerate  for  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture  thus  prepared  is,  after  straining  and  filtering,  opaque.  In  thin 
layers  it  has  a  deep  crimson  color ;  its  odor  is  sweet  and  balsamic ;  its  taste 
extremely  astringent,  snuff-like,  and  bitter ;  and  its  reaction  acid. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Salicin,  Cj^H^gO,.  This  glucoside  of  the  aro- 
matic group,  is  found  in  the  young  bark  of  all  species  of  this  order,  as  well  as  in 
Castoreuni,  the  preputial  follicles  of  the  beaver  [Castor  Fiber,  Linn.).  It  was  dis- 
covered by  M.  Buchner  in  1828,'==  and  two  years  afterward  detected  by  M.  Leroux.f 
thouo-h  its  first  isolation  from  this  species  was  by  M.  Becker.J  Pure  salicin  crys- 
tallizes in  colorless  prisms  melting  at  198°  (388.4°  F.),  and  decomposes  at  higher 
temperatures,  yielding  a  resin,  water,  and  salicylous  acid.  It  possesses  a  bitter 
taste,  and  is  soluble  in  28  parts  of  cold  water  and  in  30  parts  of  alcohol. 

*  your,  de  P/iar.,  xvi,  242.  f  Ann.  de  Ckiiii.  et  de  P/iys.,  xliii,  440.  J  Ann.  der  P/tai:,  iv,  3;^. 


161-3 

Saligenin,  or  Oxybcnzyl  AlcohoL  C-Hj,()„  Is  obtained  by  actini^  upon  an  aque- 
ous solution  of  salicin  at  80°  (176.0°  F.)  with  saliva  or  emulsion  : 

Saliciii.  Waicr.         Cilucose.  Saligenin. 

C„H,p.  +  H  ,0  =  C,H,,p,  +  C,H,0.,. 

Saligenin  results  in  small,  brilliant  rhombic  plates,  that  melt  at  82°  (179.6°  F.) 
and  sublime  above  100°  (212°  F.).      It  is  soluble  in  alcohol  and  in  hot  water. 

Saliretin,  Q^Hj^j,  one  of  the  o.xybenzyl  compounds,  is  formed  by  heating 
salicin  with  hydrochloric  acid.      It  results  as  a  yellowish  amorphous  powder. 

Helecin,  Cj,|Hj,0-. — This  glucoside  may  be  obtained  by  oxidizing  salicin  or 
saligenin  with  dilute  nitric  acid.     It  results  as  crystals,  having  a  slightly  bitter  taste. 

Salicylous  Acid,  or  Salicylaldehyde,  C„H,.()„  e.xists  naturally  in  the  leaves  of 
the  Meadow-sweet  {Spirea  Ulmaria).  It  can  be  obtained  from  salicin  by  distilla- 
tion with  dilute  sulphuric  acid  and  potassium  dichromate.  It  results  as  a  fragrant, 
colorless,  oily  liquid,  having  an  odor  similar  to  that  of  almond  oil,  and  a  burning 
aromatic  taste;  it  boils  at  196°  (384.8°  F.) ;  congeals  at  20°  (-4°  F.)  into  a  trans- 
lucent crystalline  mass  ;  has  an  acid  reaction  to  litmus  ;  and  is  soluble  in  water  and 
alcohol. 

[Salicylic  acid,  C.Hi.Oj,  is  a  by-product  of  the  above  distillation,  and  only 
differs  chemically  trom  salicylous  acid  in  having  one  atom  more  of  oxygen  in  its 
composition.]      [Et  supra,  Schorlemmer,  Wittstein,  Thomson.) 

Tannin,  resin,  gum,  sugar,  and  other  general  plant  constituents  are  also  present. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  symptoms  caused  in  Dr.  Duncan's  experi- 
ments with  the  drug  are  concisely  as  follows  :*  Nervousness  and  irritability;  giddi- 
ness;  swelling  of  right  parotid  gland;  painful  flatulence;  diarrhoea;  pain  in  right 
hip ;  feeble  pulse ;  sleeplessness ;  and  alternate  heat  and  coldness  followed  by 
morning  perspiration. 


Description  of  Pl.^te  161. 

1.  End  of  a  leafing  hranih. 

2.  A  twig  in  flower.  Ithaca.  N.  Y.,  May  loth,  18S6. 

3.  Scale  and  stamen. 

4.  Stamen. 

5.  Double  anther. 

(3-5  enlarged.) 


*  Tnuis.  Horn.  Mai.  Socy.,  N.  Y.,  1870,  328. 


162. 


(^Ta.adnat.det.etpinxt.  POPULUS    TREMULOIDES   ,  Michx 


N.  ORD -SALICACE/E.  i62 

GENUS.— POPULUS,*  TOURN. 


SEX.  SVST.— DKKCI.'V  OCIWXDRIA. 


POPULUS. 

AMERIQAM  ASPEJST. 

SYN.— POPULUS  TREMULOIDES,  MICHX. 

COM.  NAMES.— AMERICAN  ASPENt  OR   POPLAR  ;t    UPLAND   OR  WHITE 
POPLAR;?   POPLE;    (GER.)  PAPPEL. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH    INNER   B.\RK  OF  POPULUS   TREMULOIDES,   MICHX. 

Description. — This  upland  tree  seldom  reaches  a  height  of  over  40  feet. 
Bark  smooth  and  greenish-white,  except  that  of  the  old  trunks ;  branches  some- 
what angular ;  b?icls  large,  scaly,  and  covered  with  a  reddish-brown  resinous 
varnish.  Leaves  orbicular-cordate,  mostly  broader  than  long,  smooth  and  dark- 
green  on  both  sides,  and  tipped  with  a  short,  sharp  point ;  serrations  small,  nearly 
regular ;  margin  downy ;  petiole  long  and  slender,  laterally  compressed  to  such 
extent  as  to  make  it  nearly  ancipital.  This  position  of  the  flattened  petiole  at 
right  angles  to  the  leaf-blade  accounts  for  the  agitation  of  the  leaf  during  the 
slightest  zephyr.  Inflorescence  dioecious,  the  male  and  female  flowers  in  long, 
axillary,  drooping,  loosely  imbricated  aments,  appearing  before  the  leaves ;  scales 
oblong,  cuneate,  laciniate-lobed  ;  lobes  3  to  4  linear,  pointed,  the  margins  fringed 
with  long  cilia  ;  floivcrs  one  to  each  scale,  springing  from  a  calyx-like  urceolate 
torus,  which  is  obliquely  truncated  anteriorly.  Stamens  about  \z;  filaments  ^\^- 
tinct,  capillary ;  anthers  large  and  drooping,  more  or  less  quadrangular  in  form. 
Style  none  ;  stigmas  2,  elongated,  sessile,  each  bifurcating  into  linear  lobes. 
Fruit  ^n  oblong  or  oblong-ovoid,  pointed,  i -celled  capsule,  distincdy  raised  upon 
a  peduncle  ;  seeds  ovate,  numerous,  minute,  covered  with  a  copious  wool. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  beautiful  white-trunked  forest-tree,  whose  leaves 
have  become  the  synonym  of  trembling,  is  indigenous  to  most  parts  of  North 
America,  where  it  is  common  on  hillsides  and  in  open  forests.  It  blossoms  in 
March  or  April,  and  fruits  before  the  leaves  are  developed  in  May.  Its  wood  is 
light  and  of  an  inferior  quality,  except  for  the  lighter  household  utensils  and  the 
manufacture  of  certain  chip  hats.  The  Cree  Indians — according  to  Mr.  Walter 
Haydon,  who  has  resided  for  some  time  in  the  Hudson  Bay  territory — esteem  the 

*  The  ancient  name,  Arbor  Popiiti,  from  its  having  been  planted  to  shade  the  public  walks ;  or,  according  to  Bullet, 
because  the  constant  motion  of  the  leaves  resembles  that  of  the  populace, 
■j-  Or  asp,  from  the  German  espe,  a  generic  vulgarism. 

J  Sometimes  applied  to  the  Yellow  Poplar  or  Tulip  tree,  Liriodendron  tulipifcra  (Magnoliacece). 
\  The  white  poplar  is  properly  the  British  Abele,  Populu$  alba,  Linn. 


162-2 

inner  bark  (which  they  call  Metoos)  for  food  in  early  spring,  considering  it  also  as 
a  gentle  laxative  and  remedy  for  coughs.  Mr.  Haydon  says  he  has  eaten  pounds 
of  it  without  ill  effects.  It  is  very  tender  and  sweet,'  and  has  a  pleasant  flavor,* 
The  leaves  and  young  shoots  of  Poplar  are  said  to  be  gathered  in  Sweden  and 
kept  for  sheep  fodder  in  winter — a  practice  as  old  as  the  time  of  the  Romans. 
In  Kamtchatka  the  inner  bark  is  used  for  making  into  bread  in  times  of  scarcity. 
The  previous  uses  of  Poplar  bark  in  medicine  are  all  embodied  in  the  fol- 
lowing paragraph  from  Dr.  C.  A.  Lee's  article  on  "  Indigenous  Tonics  .-"f  "  The 
therapeutical  properties  of  the  Poplar  are  supposed  to  be  nearly,  if  not  quite, 
identical  with  those  of  the  willow.  As  an  anti-periodic,  it  has  been  used  success- 
fully in  the  treatment  of  intermittents,  and  also  as  an  ordinary  tonic,  where  such 
remedies  are  indicated.  We  have  good  reason  for  believing  that  its  tonic  prop- 
erties are  considerably  superior  to  those  of  salix  ;  especially  its  anti-periodic  power, 
and  that  there  are  few  indigenous  tonics  superior  to  it  in  a  certain  class  of  cases, 
especially  intermittents.  As  a  stomachic  tonic,  the  tincture  has  been  extensively 
used  in  domestic  practice,  and  with  satisfactory  effects  ;  also,  as  a  vermifuge.  It  is 
thought  by  many  to  possess  decided  alterative  properties,  and  those  who  have 
watched  its  effects  closely,  consider  it  diuretic,  diaphoretic  and  a  general  depurant. 
It  has  been  strongly  recommended  in  jaundice,  and  in  suppression  and  retention 
of  urine." 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  inner  bark,  gathered  as  the 
leaves  are  falling,  is  treated  as  in  the  preceding  drug.  The  resulting  tincture  is 
opaque  in  layers  of  an  inch  or  more.  In  thin  layers  it  is  of  a  beautiful,  deep, 
brownish-crimson  color  by  transmitted  light ;  its  odor  is  rich  and  woody  ;  its  taste 
extremely  bitter  and  astringent,  the  sensation  lasting  a  long  time  without  losing 
its  intensity ;  and  its  reaction  acid. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— P^/wAw,  C,,H,,0,(H,0) .  This  aromatic  glu- 
coside  was  determined  by  Braconnot  in  1830.J  It  exists  in  company  with  salicin 
in  the  bark  and  especially  the  leaves,  from  which  it  may  be  separated  by  precipi- 
tating it  with  the  carbonate  of  potassium  from  the  aqueous  solution.  Populin 
crystallizes  in  very  light,  white,  satiny,  voluminous  needles,  having  a  bitterish- 
sweet  licorice-like  taste.  It  loses  all  its  water  of  crystallization  at  100°  (212°  F.), 
fuses  at  180°  (356°  F.),  and  decomposes  at  higher  temperatures,  yielding  benzoic 
acid.  The  crystals  are  only  slightly  soluble  in  water,  more  so  in  alcohol,  and 
readily  in  dilute  mineral,  and  acetic  acids.  Upon  boiling  with  baryta  water  it 
breaks  down  into  salicin  and  benzoic  acid,  and  in  dilute  sulphuric  acid  into  ben- 
zoic acid,  glucose,  and  saliretitt.  This  body  is  very  similar  in  its  properties  and 
reactions  to  salicin,  from  which  it  seems  to  differ  only  in  being  in  intimate  com- 
bination with  benzoic  acid. 

Salicin.  Benzoic  Acid.  Populin. 

*  Holmes,  in  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1884,  p.  619.  f    The  Jour,  of  Mat.  Med.,  Vol.  II,  N.  S.,  i860,  p.  364. 

X  Ann.  de  Cliiin.  et  de  Phys.,  Vol.  XLIV,  296. 


162-3 
Oil  of  Populus. — This  body,  obtained  by  aqueous  distillation  of  the  leaf  buds, 
is  colorless,  lighter  than  water,  and  has  a  pleasant  balsamic  odor.  The  name 
Tacamahaca  has  been  improperly  applied  to  this  product,  to  which,  however,  it 
bears  no  resemblance  except,  mayhap,  in  its  odor.*  The  name  was  probably  applied 
here  on  account  of  the  oil  having  been  extracted  from  the  buds  of  the  Balsam 
Poplar  or  Tacamahac  [Populus  balsaniifera,  Linn.). 

Sa/icin;\  starch,  resin,  and  gum  have  also  been  determined. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Very  few  symptoms  have  as  yet  been  creditctl 
to  this  drug,  our  experience  with  it  being  mostly  clinical.  Poplar  bark,  however, 
causes  increased  secretion  of  urine,  nausea  and  vomiting,  slight  purging  of  bilious 
matters,  and  burning  in  the  stomach. | 

Description  of  Plate  162. 

I.   A  branchlet  with  half-ripe  fruits,  from  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  May  5,  1S85. 

2.  A  scale. 

3.  Pistil. 

4.  Fruit. 

5.  End  of  leafy  branch. 

6.  A  leaf. 

(2-4  enlarged.) 


*   Tacamahaca  is  a  solid  resinous  product  of  the  South  American  Elaphriuin  loiiicniouun,  Jact].     (Burceraceoc.) 
f  See  preceding  plant,  l6l.  \  Dr.  Hale,  N.  Am.  Jour.  Horn.,  1S67,  p.  391. 


163. 


3    '— ^   T 


■■^"lit 


00, 


%     %4?^i5 


tt 


^* 


<F- 


TQ..ail  nat.del.et  pinxt. 


Abies   Nigra,  Poir. 


N.  ORD. -CONIFERS.  163 

S.  ORD.-AbietinecB. 

GENUS.— ABIES,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SV.ST.— MONCECIA   MON.VUELPHIA. 


ABIES  NIGRA. 


BLACK  SPRUCE. 


SYN.— ABIES  NIGRA,  POIR. ;  PINUS  NIGRA,  AIT. ;  ABIES  DENTIGULATA, 

MICHX. ;   PINUS  RUBRA,  LAMB. 
COM.  NAMES.-BLACK  SPRUCE,  DOUBLE  SPRUCE  ;   (GER.)  SCHWARTZ- 

TANNB. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  GUM  EXUDATION  OF  THE  TRUNK  OF  ABIES  NIGRA,  POIR. 


Description. — This  beautiful  evergreen  tree  attains  a  growth  varying  between 
30  and  70  feet  in  height,  and  1 5  to  50  feet  in  breadth  at  the  base.  Leaves  acerose, 
short,  quadrilateral,  very  dark  green,  and  projecting  in  all  directions.  Anthers 
tipped  with  a  rounded,  recurved  appendage;  pollen  similar  to  that  oi  Pinus — t.  e., 
of  three  united  grains.f  Cones  ^  to  i^  inch  long,  ovate  or  ovate-oblong,  mostly 
recurved,  persistent,  hanging  from  or  near  the  ends  of  the  branches  especially  at 
the  summit  of  the  tree ;  scales  thin,  rigid,  persistent  on  the  axis ;  edges  generally 
eroded ;  seeds  and  their  wings  about  two-thirds  the  length  of  the  scale. 

Abies. — This,  the  genus  Abies  of  Linnaeus,  Tournefort  and  others,  is  synony- 
mous with  Picea  of  Link,  but  not  with  the  genus  Picea  of  Linnaeus.  It  is  character- 
ized as  follows  :  Buds  scaly ;  leaves  short,  persistent,  all  of  one  form  and  foliaceous, 
scattered,  or  more  or  less  2-ranked,  never  fascicled.  Flowers  monoecious.  Fertile 
catkins  lateral  or  terminal  on  the  branches  of  the  preceding  year ;  sterile  catkins 
scattered,  or  sometimes  clustered,  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves  of  the  previous  year's 
grovvth.  Cones  pendent,  at  the  base  of  the  new  growth  of  the  season  ;  scales  or 
fiat  open  carpels  imbricate,  thin  and  even  (not  prickly-tipped  nor  thickened),  situ- 
ated in  the  axil  of  a  bract ;  bracts  subtending  the  scales,  very  small.  Seeds  2,  inverted, 
adhering  to  the  base  of  each  scale ;  foramen  looking  downward ;  testa  smooth, 
coriaceous  or  ligneous ;  zuing  membranaceous.  Embryo  in  the  axis  of  the  albu- 
men ;  albumen  sarcous  or  oleaceous ;  cotyledons  2  to  15. 

Coniferae. — This  superb  and  wide-spread  family  is  composed  of  evergreen 
(Ex.  Larix)   trees  or  shrubs,  with  branching,  generally  excurrent,  trunks,  rich  in 

*  The  classical  Latin  name. 

f  Or  a  single  grain  with  bulged  extremities,  sometimes  described  as  two  grains  with  a  curved  connective. 


163-2 

gummy  or  resinous  juice.  Wood  somewhat  intermediate  between  woody  fibre  and 
vessels,  and  marked  in  circular  disks.  Leaves  scattered  or  fascicled,  sometimes 
opposite,  linear,  awl-shaped  or  acerose,  rigid,  and  generally  evergreen.  Inflores- 
cence amentaceous ;  Jioivers  monoecious  or  dioecious,  destitute  of  calyx  or  corolla. 
Fertile  flowers :  pistils  absent,  or  represented  by  an  open  scale  or  metamorphosed 
leaf;  sterile  flowers  consisting  of  one  or  more  stamens;  stamens  generally  mona- 
delphous,  situated  upon  an  axis,  thus  forming  a  loose,  deciduous  catkin  or  spike. 
Fruit  varying  greatly  in  the  different  tribes,  from  a  hard,  bony  nut  with  an  edible 
"  meat,"  to  a  soft,  edible  drupe.  Carpels  either  wanting  or  represented  by  an  open 
scale  ;  ovules  orthotropous,  naked,  not  enclosed  in  an  ovary  ;  embryo  consisting  of 
a  pair  of  opposite,  or  several  whorled  cotyledons. 

This  family  of  plants  is  one  producing  many  valuable  drugs,  useful  exuda- 
tions, varied  woods,  and  ornamental  trees.  Of  the  drugs,  exudations,  and  con- 
stituents, the  turpentines,  balsams,  and  pitches  rank  highest.  They  are  in  general 
as  follows:  The  common  European  and  Russian  turpentines,  Terebinthina  vul- 
garis, are  derived  from  Pinus  sylvestris,  Linn. ;  the  common  American  turpentine, 
Terebinthina  vulgaris,  together  with  common  frankincense,  77^?/^'  Americana,  a 
concrete  oleo- resin,  and  Oleum  Tercbintliina,  from  Pinus  atistralis,  Michx.  {P. 
palustris.  Mill.),  and  Pinus  Tesda,  Linn.  ;  Canada  balsam  and  Terebinthina 
Canadensis,  from  Abies  balsamea.  Marsh.  {A.  balsamifera,  Michx. ;  Pinus  balsamea, 
Linn. ;  Picea  balsamea.  Loud.),  and  from  Pinus  Frazeri ;  while  Canada  pitch,  Pix 
Canadensis,  is  yielded  by  Abies  Canadensis,  Michx.  Austrian  turpentine  is  derived 
from  Pinus  Laricio,  Poir.  ;  Bordeaux  turpentine,  or  galipot,  from  Pinus  pinaster. 
Ait.  (/*.  maritima,  DC.)  ;  Strasburgh  turpentine,  Terebinthina  argentoratensis,  irom 
Pinus  Picea,  Linn.  [Abies  Picea,  Lindl. ;  Abies  pectinata,  DC.)  ;  Venice  turpen- 
tine, Terebinthina  Veneta  or  laricinia,  from  the  European  Abies  Larix,  Lam.  [Pijius 
Larix,  Linn.,  Larix  Europcea,  DC.)  ;  Pacific  coast  turpentine  from  Abies  Jlfen- 
ziesii,  Lindl. ;  Damarra  turpentine  from  Damarra  austi'alis ;  and  the  Chilian  Dom- 
beya  turpentine  from  Dombeya  excelsa.  Hungarian  balsam,  Balsamum  Hungari- 
cum,  is  a  product  of  Pinus  Piimilio,  Willd. ;  and  Carpathian  balsam  of  Pimis 
Cembra,  Linn.,  and  Pinus  pinea.  Burgundy  pitch,  Pix  Burgundica,  is  derived 
from  Abies  excelsa,  DC.  [Firms  Abies,  Linn.)  ;  while  Pix  Nigra  or  Arida, 
together  with  Pix  Liquida,  otherwise  known  as  Archangel  or  Stockholm  tar,  are 
obtained  upon  destructive  distillation  of  various  coniferous  roots,  but  especially 
those  of  Pinus  sylvestris,  Linn.,  and  Pinus  Ledebourii,  Endl.  [Larix  Sibirica, 
Ledeb.).  Rosin,  Resin  or  Colophony,  is  the  residue  after  the  distillation  of  volatile 
oil  from  the  turpentine  of  Pinus  palustris,  Mill.,  and  other  species.  Juniper  tar, 
Pyroleum  Oxyccdri  or  Oleum  Cadinnm,  is  a  product  of  the  Cade  [yicniperus  oxy- 
cedrus,  Linn.).  Morocco,  or  Barbarian  Sandarach,  is  obtained  from  Callitris  quad- 
rivalvis.  Vent.  Rich.  [Thuja  articulata,  Desf)  ;  Gummi  Orctiburgense  and  Manna 
of  Brian^on  from  Abies  Larix,  Lam.  ;  Oil  of  Savin  from  Juniperus  Sabina,  Linn.  ; 
and  Fructus  yuniperiixom.  Junipei'us  Virginiana,  Linn.  Edible  nuts  are  produced 
by  Pinus  pinea,  Pimis  Cembra,  and  Pinus  Lambertiana  ;  edible  drupes  by  Taxus 
baccata,  and  beverages  by  Abies  nigj'a,  in  America,  and  Dacydinm  taxifolium,  in 
New  Zealand. 


163-3 

We  have  provings  in  the  Homceopathic  Materia  Medica  of  the  Scotch  fir, 
Pinus  sylvcstris  ;  the  sugar-pine,  Pinus  Lmnhcrtiana  ;  savin,  Jimiperus  Sabina,  and 
of  Cuprcssxis  anstmlis,  besides  those  members  of  the  order  treated  of  in  this  work. 

History  and  Habitat.  —  Abies  nigra  is  a  native  of  the  Northern  States  of 
America,  as  far  west  as  Wisconsin,  and  of  the  Canadas  and  British  America, 
where  it  flowers  in  early  spring  and  matures  its  fruit  in  autumn.  The  black 
spruce  greatly  resembles  the  Norway  spruce  [Abies  cxcelsa,  Lindl.)  in  its  growth, 
and  is  judged  by  many  prominent  arborists  and  arboriculturists  to  be  much  more 
graceful  in  the  drooping  curves  of  its  branches  and  the  lu.\uriance  of  its  foliage  ; 
its  twin  species,  the  white  spruce  [Abies  alba,  Michx.),  is  certainly  one  of  the  very 
finest  of  all  evergreens. 

Concerning  the  uses  of  this  tree,  and  other  American  spruces,  Rafinesque 
says,*  "The  bark  of  spruce  trees  is  sudorific,  and  in  extensive  use  for  tanning 
leather.f  also  to  dye  of  a  brick-red  color.  The  inner  bark  is  used  by  empirics,  in 
powder  and  tea,  for  bowel  and  stomach  complaints,  rheumatism,  and  gravel.  The 
timber  is  valuable  for  masts  and  spars,"  in  fact  the  most  valuable  we  have  for  use 
in  this  direction.  "The  resin  exuding  from  the  trees  is  nearly  like  frankincense. 
Josselin  says  that  it  is  very  good  in  powder  over  wounds  to  reproduce  the  flesh. 
Spruce  beer  is  an  American  beverage,  made  by  the  Indians  with  twigs  and  cones 
of  spruces,  boiled  in  maple  syrup.  Now  it  is  chiefly  made  with  molasses  and 
yeast ;  when  no  spruce  is  put  in,  it  is  only  molasses  beer.  The  proper  spruce  beer 
is  a  palatable  and  healthy  drink,  powerfully  antiscorbutic.  The  discoverers  of 
Canada  were  cured  of  the  scurvy  by  it,  since  which  it  has  become  in  common 
use  in  Canada,  the  Northern  States,  and  even  in  Europe.  The  essence  of  spruce  J 
is  an  article  of  exportation,  used  as  naval  stores ;  spruce  beer  may  be  made  by  it 
in  a  short  time,  and  anywhere. "§ 

Abies  nigra  has  no  officinal  recognizance  in  the  Pharmacopceias. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — Take  two  parts  by  weight  of  the  gum, 
dissolve  in  nine  parts  of  95  per  cent,  alcohol,  and  filter.  This  tincture  has  a  beau- 
tiful orange  color  by  transmitted  light,  the  full  odor  and  taste  of  raw  spruce  gum, 
and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — The  resin  of  this  species  is  scanty  and  insuf- 
ficient to  produce  pitch  or  turpentine  in  marketable  quantity.  The  ''  essence  of 
spruce,"  before  mentioned,  probably  contains  an  essential  oil.  The  tincture  con- 
tains a  large  quantity  of  resin  ;  more  in  fact  than  that  of  Abies  Canadensis.  The 
specific  chemical  bodies  and  properties  are  unknown. 

*  Medical  Flora,  vol.  2.  p.  183. 

t  Abies  Canadensis,  Michx.,  Hemlock  spruce. 

\  A  concentrated  aqueous  decoction  of  the  young  twigs. 

J  Spruce  beer  may  be  made  from  the  extract  as  follows:  Take  one  part  of  essence  of  spruce  and  seventy-six  parts 
of  water,  boil,  strain,  allow  to  cool,  and  add  ninety-six  parts  warm  water,  seven  parts  molasses  and  one  part  of  yeast. 
Allow  the  mixture  to  ferment,  and  bottle  strongly  while  fermenting. 


i63-4 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Our  proving  of  this  drug  by  Dr.  Leaman  * 
though  exhibiting  a  few  quite  specific  symptoms,  does  not  afford  an  insight  into 
the  primary  action  upon  the  system. 


Description  of  Plate  163. 

1.  Distant  view  of  tree,  Binghamton,  N.  Y. 

2.  Branch-tip,  with  winter  cones. 

3.  Seed. 

4.  Outer  aspect  of  scale. 

5.  Inner  aspect  of  scale,  one  seed  gone. 

6.  End  of  branch,  with  female  catkin. 

7.  Male  catkin. 

8.  Fertile  flower  from  female  catkin. 

9.  Face  view  of  ruptured  anther-cell,  with  its  scale  (enlarged). 

10.  Profile  of  same  (enlarged). 

11.  Pollen  X  150. 

*  Ohio  Med.  and  Surg.  Rep.,  I. 


IfrJ.. 


1 

'"1 

^m.id 


.idnatdcLetpinxt. 


Abies  Canadensis, Michx. 


N.  ORD.  CONIFERS.  164 

S.  Ord.-ABIETINE/E. 

GENUS.— ABIES,  TOURN. 
SEX.  SYST.— MONCECIA    MONAI).ELrHI.\. 


ABIES  CANADENSIS. 


HEMLOCK. 


SYN.— ABIES    CANADENSIS,    MICHX. ;     PINUS    CANADENSIS,    WILLD. 

LINN.;   PINUS-ABIES   CANADENSIS,   MARSH. 
COM.    NAMES.— HEMLOCK,    HEMLOCK-SPRUCE,    HEMLOCK-FIR;     (GER.' 

CANADISCHE  EDELTANNE. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE    FRESH    BARK  AND  YOUNG   BUDS   OF   ABIES   CANADENSIS, 

MICHX. 

Description. — This  evergreen  forest  tree  attains  a  height  of  from  60  to  80 
feet,  and  a  width  of  40  to  60.  Trunk  2  to  3  or  more  feet  in  diameter,  excurrent 
but  tending  to  dehquescence ;  zvood  coarse  and  poor,  it  weighs  23  lbs.  per  cubic 
foot  and  has  a  sp.  gr.  of  .384 ;  branches  horizontal,*  the  uppermost  pendulous  at 
their  apices.  Leaves  stiff,  short,  flat,  linear,  obtuse,  irregularly  crowded,  but  mostly 
spreading  in  two  directions,  thus  appearing  2-ranked ;  they  are  dark,  rich,  glossy 
green  above,  and  whitish  by  a  single  silvery  line  each  side  of  the  midrib  under- 
neath, making  a  branch  upturned  by  the  wind  appear  silvery-white ;  petioles  short 
and  slender.  Sterile  aments  small,  globose,  composed  of  a  few  stamens,  and  sur- 
rounded at  the  base  of  the  column  by  a  few  erect,  brownish  scales;  filaments 
short;  anthers  capitate,  with  an  apiculate  crest;  cells  2,  confluent;  dehiscence 
transverse ;  pollen  simple,  saucer-shaped.  Cones  ovoid,  persistent,  small,  yi  to 
I  inch  long,  pendent  on  the  ends  of  the  declined  branchlets  of  the  preceding 
year;  scales  few,  thin,  markedly  imbricate,  obtuse,  ligneous,  with  a  coriaceous 
edge;  longer  than  the  bracts  and  persistent  on  the  axis;  bracts  broadly  ovate, 
truncate.  Seeds  with  a  long,  thin,  membranaceous  wijio-,  greatly  resembling  in 
outline  that  of  the  fly.     Read  Abies  and  Coniferae,  under  the  preceding  drug. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  common  native  tree  is,  when  young,  the  most 
graceful  of  our  evergreens.  It  is  hardy,  yet  delicate  in  its  outline,  its  feathery- 
tipped  branches  reminding  one  of  the  plumose  ends  of  a  bouquet  of  pampas 
grasses.  When  old  it  grows  more  rugged  and  sombre,  but  increases  in  the  pic- 
turesque. Its  foliage  is  soft  to  the  hand,  beautiful  in  sunshine  and  shadow,  and 
rests  the  snow-blinded  eye  with  that  peace  that  verdure  resplendent  in  light  and 

*  My  father,  an  excellent  artist  and  etcher,  kindly  sketched,  at  my  instigation,  the  trees  in  Plates  164  and  165.  In 
this  figure  he  unfortunately  allowed  his  ide.is  of  the  picturesque,  to  somewhat  supersede  mine  of  the  horiiontality,  of  the 
branches. 


1164-2 

shade  alone  can  give.  Hemlock-spruce  abounds  in  the  northern  United  States, 
the  Canadas  and  British  America,  extending  a  little  farther  south  than  the  black- 
spruce,  with  which  it  forms  immense  forests  in  the  north.  It  flowers  in  May  and 
ripens  its  cones  in  autumn. 

Hemlock  bark  is  largely  used  in  tanning ;  though  inferior  to  oak,  its  greater 
abundance  predominates  in  its  favor  in  this  country.  The  timber,  as  before  hinted, 
is  very  coarse-grained  and  poor,  yet  in  thoroughly-protected  places  it  is  very  dur- 
able ;  in  carpentry  it  is  used  extensively  for  joists,  scantling,  girders  and  sub- 
flooring. 

The  stimulating  effect, of  hemlock  is  well  known  and  greatly  utilized.  A 
tired  hunter  arises  fresh  and  invigorated  from  his  bed  of  hemlock  boughs,  and 
the  patient  of  the  city  physician,  seeking  health  in  our  northern  interiors,  finds 
supreme  comfort  in  a  bath,  in  which  hemlock  leaves  have  been  slowly  steeping 
for  some  hours  before  his  ablution,  and  quiet,  refreshing  slumber  awaits  him  upon 
his  couch  of  soft  branches.  A  strong  decoction  of  hemlock  bark  has  received  the 
praise  of  empirics  and  the  laity  as  an  astringent  enema  in  diarrhoea  and  injection 
for  leucorrhoea,  prolapsus  uteri,  etc. ;  the  oil  as  a  liniment  in  croup,  rheumatismus 
and  other  disorders  requiring  its  stimulant  action  ;  and  the  essence  as  a  diuretic 
and  a  remedy  to  allay  gastric  irritation  and  colic,  and  to  correct  acidity  of  the 
stomach.  A  decoction  of  the  bark  has  been  used  to  produce  abortion  with  dan- 
gerous effects,  tending  toward  serious  peritonitis.  Pregnant  ewes  are  said  to  lose 
their  lambs  from  gnawing  the  bark  of  the  hemlock. 

The  officinal  part  of  this  species  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  is  Pix  Canadensis ;  its 
preparation  Eniplastnini  Picis  Cattadcnsis. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  bark  and  young  buds  are 
pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken, 
and  after 'mi.xing  the  pulp  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  the  rest  of  the 
alcohol  is  added.  After  stirring  the  whole  well,  it  is  poured  into  a  well-stop- 
pered bottle  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture, 
separated  by  filtering,  should  be  opaque  in  quantity,  and  show  a  deep,  reddish, 
orange-brown  color  in  thin  layers  ;  it  should  retain  the  exact  odor  and  taste  of 
the  bruised  leaves  and  branches,  and  exhibit  a  strongly  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— /'/.v  Canadensis  (Hemlock  pitch,  Hemlock 
gum,  Canada  pitch).  This  substance,  the  prepared  resinous  exudation  from  the 
trunk  of  the  hemlock,  is  hard  and  brittle  in  cold  weather,  soft  and  conforming  in 
the  warmer  seasons,  and  melts  at  198°  (388.4°  F.).  It  is  of  a  dark  yellow-brown 
color  when  fresh,  but  oxidizes  and  becomes  almost  black  on  exposure.  It  con- 
tains a  resin,  and  a  volatile  oil,  uninvestigated,  but  supposed  to  be  similar  to  the 
turpentine  obtained  from  Abies  balsaniea. 

Oil  of  Hemlock*  (oil  of  spruce).  This  essential  oil  is  obtained  on  distillation 
of  the  leaves,  a  process  carried  on  to  a  large  extent  in  some  portions  of  the  State 
of  New  York. 

*  Ut  supra,  Fliick.  &  Ilan.  Pharmacographia. 


164-3 

As  far  as  I  can  determine,  this  tree  has  not  been  specifically  examined  as  to 
its  constituents. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.  —  Abies  Canadensis  causes,  according  to 
Gatchell,'^'  vertigo  and  weakness;  great  hunger,  with  burning  and  distention  of 
the  abdomen  ;  thirst ;  increased  heart's  action  ;  restlessness  and  chilliness ;  the 
urine  is  increased  and  of  a  straw-color.  The  drug  appears  to  cause  a  torpor 
of  the  liver,  resulting  in  a  diminished  secretion  of  bile,  pain  in  the  right  shoulder- 
blade,  and  constipation. 

Description  of  Plate  164. 

1.  Tree,  Binghamton,  N.  Y. 

2.  A  winter  spray  in  fruit. 

3.  Leaf,  under  surface. 

4.  Seed  (slightly  enlarged). 

5.  Inner  face  of  a  scale,  with  one  seed  removed. 

6.  Outer  view  of  a  scale. 

7.  Male  catkin  (enlarged). 

8.  Stamen  (enlarged),  showing  the  dehiscence  of  the  anther-cell. 

9.  Pollen,  two  views,  x  200. 

*  Hale,  New  Rem.,  4th  ed.,  pp.  17  and  18. 


165. 


^ 


Id 


10     n 


■^ 


5      4     6     7 


>C 


4» 


r% 


_-Jv/- 


i      .~w 


^"*: 


-.^H^f&kiQ^^if'^  '   ■' 


ffiTn..a(inat.(lel.et  pinxt 


Thuja   Occidentalis,  Linn. 


N.  ORD. -CONIFERS.  165 

S.  ORD.~CUPRESSINE/E. 

GENUS.— T  H  U  J  A  ,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SVST.— MONCECI.V  MONADEI.l'HIA. 


THUJA. 


AMERICAJ^  ARBOE  VIT.E. 


SYN.-THUJA  OCCIDENTALIS,   LINN.;    CBDRUS  LYCEA,   GER. 

COM.  NAMES.— AMERICAN  ARBOR  VIT^,  WESTERN  ARBOR  VIT.^,  TREE 

OF    LIFE,  WHITE    CEDAR.t    HACKMATACK,:    THUJA;    (PR.)   THUIA 

DU   CANADA;    (GER.)  LEBENSBAUM. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  YOUNG  TWIGS,  LE.WES,  AND  BLOSSOMS  OF  THUJA 

OCCIDENTALIS,  LINN. 


Description. — This  spiry  evergreen  attains  a  heiglit  of  from  20  to  50  feet, 
though  generally  not  above  40,  and  a  diameter  of  about  10  to  20  feet  through 
the  greatest  breadth  of  foliage.  Sprays  or  brancJdels  very  flat,  spreading,  and 
ancipital.  Leaves  small,  appressed,  tightly  imbricated  in  4  rows,  persistent.  They 
are  of  two  kinds  on  alternate  or  separated  branchlets  ;  one  form  is  awl-shaped  ; 
the  other  short,  squamose,  and  obtuse ;  both  forms  have  a  small  flattened  dorsal 
gland,  filled  with  a  thin  aromatic  turpentine.  Inflorescence  minute,  terminal,  ovoid 
aments  ;  flowers  monoecious  on  different  branchlets  ;  fertile  aments  composed  of 
a  few  imbricated  scales.  Filaments  forming  scale-like  connectives,  bearing  4  con- 
cave anther-cells.  Cones  nodding,  ovoid  before  ripening,  spreading  or  gaping 
when  mature ;  scales  blunt,  arranged  in  three  rows  of  two  scales  each,  attached 
to  the  rhachis  by  their  bases,  the  outer  pair  seedless ;  rhachis  composed  of  three 
nearly  separate  metamorphosed  scales,  each  tipped  with  a  rounded  stigma-form 
body  (Fig.  7).     Seeds  6,  double-winged,  2   in  each  of  the  second  pair  of  scales, 

*  Concerning  the  etymology  of  Thuja,  Dr.  Mayrhofier  says  (Essay  on  Thuja  occidentalis,  Metcnifs  Proving!, 
N.  v.,  1853):  "  In  the  time  of  p'rancis  I,  king  of  France,  this  tree  was  imported  into  France  from  Canada.  The  first 
specimen  was  seen  by  Clusius  in  the  royal  garden  of  Fontainebleau,  and  a  tolerably  correct  figure  and  description  of  it 
were  furnished  by  him  under  the  n.ime  of  ardor  vita.  (Caroli  Clu>ii  Rarior.  Planar.  Histor.,  1601.)  The  Greek  name 
Siia,  also  iitia  or  Hia,  from  ^titii',  iuffre,  to  fumigate,  points  to  a  resinous  tree,  and  is  first  seen  in  Theophrastus  Lesbius,  a 
disciple  of  Aristotle.  In  his  work,  'Tipi  (/1..T0)/  lirropm;,'  he  describes  a  tree  resembling  the  cypres^;,  and  called  iiav  (iirlp-iv) 
or  S«<i  {iha,  species).  Roman  authors  Latinized  the  word  5ia,  changing  it  to  Thya,  Thuya,  Thuia,  Thuja,  as  3v;,  gen. 
Mro;,  was  changed  to  thus,  gen.  Ihuris,  and  the  word  leiwapmcos,  to  cuprcsstis.  The  native  region  of  the  Thuja  of  Theo- 
phrastus, according  to  his  account,  is  the  territory  of  Cyrene,  in  Africa,  and  especially  the  region  in  which  the  temple  of 
Jupiter  .\mmon  was  situated ;  whereas  our  Thuja  is  a  native  of  North  America."  It  would  seem  by  this  that  the  Thuja 
of  Theophrastus  is  Thuja  arliculata,  Vahl.,  a  native  of  Barbary. 

f  The  true  white  cedar  is  Cupressiis  Ihyoides,  Linn. 

\  The  hackmatack  is  Larix  Americana,  Michx. 


165-2 

I  in  each  of  the  inner  pair;*  loing's  lateral,  equal  ;  apparently  emarginate,  but  on 
close  inspection  it  will  be  seen  that  one  wing  is  attached  to  the  seed  on  a  higher 
plane  than  the  other  (Fig.  ii).  Cotyledons  2.  Read  description  of  Coniferee, 
under  Abies  nigra,  163. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  beautiful  native  tree  abounds  in  the  upper  zones 
of  North  America,  from  the  State  of  Pennsylvania  northward,  where  it  often  forms 
what  are  commonly  known  as  cedar-swamps.  It  grows  upon  the  rocky  banks  of 
rivers  and  in  low,  swampy  spots,  blossoming  from  May  until  June,  and  maturing 
its  fruit  in  autumn.  The  Arbor  Vitae  assumes  a  conical  form  with  such  true  lines 
as  to  appear  "clipped,"  thus  forming  one  of  our  most  valued  high-hedge  trees. 
Its  use  in  this  direction  is  enhanced  by  the  fact  that  it  bears  the  shears  well, 
and  remains  in  full  foliage,  and  beautiful,  in  any  form  to  which  it  may  be  cut. 
The  wood  is  light  and  soft,  but  extremely  durable  ;  it  is  seldom  used,  however, 
on  account  of  the  smallness  of  the  trunk  affording  lumber  of  no  useful  size.  There 
are  four  other  species  of  this  genus  out  of  cultivation,  viz. :  the  Chinese  Thuja 
orientalis,  the  Javanese  Thuja  dolabrata,  the  Barbarian  Thuja  articulata,  and  the 
Thuja  cupressoides  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

Concerning  the  previous  medical  uses  of  this  plant,  Rafinesque  covers  it 
almost  fully  in  stating  if  "Ointment  of  fresh  leaves  with  bear's  fat,  excellent  for 
rheumatism  ;  decoction  useful  in  coughs,  fevers,  caccehyma,  scurvy,  gout,  etc. ; 
distilled  water  for  dropsy  ;  poultices  of  the  cones  and  polypodium^  in  powder  with 
milk,  remove  the  worst  rheumatic  pains."  Farther  uses  are  given  in  later  works. 
The  most  striking  to  us  as  homoeopaths  is  that  of  an  application  of  the  tinc- 
ture to  venereal  warts  (condylomata),  which  it  removes  in  from  three  to  four 
weeks.  This  is  especially  proven  by  Hahnemann,  who  says:§  "The  following 
list  ot  the  pure  symptoms]]  caused  by  this  powerful  plant  furnishes  to  the  homoeo- 
pathic physician  the  means  of  applying  it  with  advantage  in  the  treatment  of  cer- 
tain serious  diseases  for  which  no  remedy  has  hitherto  been  found.  He  will  see,  for 
example,  that  the  juice  of  the  Thuja  should  cure  specifically  'condylomes  vene- 
riens,'  when  not  combined  (or  complicated)  with  other  diseases;  and  experience 
proves  that  it  is  the  only  effectual  means  to  employ  against  this  affection." 

Thuja  was  added  to  the  U.  S.  Ph.  at  the  last  revision.^ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  branchlets,  leaves,  and  flow- 
ers are  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two-thirds  by  weight 
of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly  mixed  with  it,  and  the  whole  strained 
through  a  piece  of  new  linen,  and  allowed  to  stand  eight  days,  in  a  well-stoppered 

*  Dr.  Torrey,  in  his  Flora  of  the  Stale  of  New  York,  says,  "  Seeds  2  (or  by  abortion  I)  under  each  scale."  Prof. 
Asa  Gray  says,  in  his  Lesions  in  Botany,  1874,  .  .  .  "each  bearing  2  erect  ovules."  I  examined,  upon  this  point,  from 
twenty  to  thirty  cones,  taken  separately  and  carefully  from  different  branchlets  on  each  of  a  dozen  or  more  trees,  to  cor- 
roborate the  st.atement  made  as  above.     All  cones  examined  answered  the  description  I  have  given. 

t  MeJical  Flora,  vol.  2,  p.  268. 

X  Polypodiiim  vulgare,  the  common  polypody  or  female  fern.  Dr.  John  King,  in  his  American  Dispensatory, 
makes  this  read  Podophyllum.     It  matters  little. 

I  Mat.  Med.  J'lira,  article  Thuja. 

I|  Loc.  cit.  ^  That  great  process,  which  added  Sapo  Viridis,  while  it  dismissed  .Arsenicum. 


165-3 

bottle,  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mixture  by  filtra- 
tion, has  a  deep  orange-brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  an  odor  of  the  bruised 
leaves,  a  bitter  and  astringent  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— 77«//V«.  C,„  H,,  O,.,.  This  glucoside  occurs 
in  the  green  parts  of  the  plant.  It  forms  glistening,  lemon-yellow,  minute  crystals, 
having  an  astringent  taste,  and  soluble  in  both  water  and  alcohol. 

Thujetin.* — C.,,  H.,,  0,„.  When  thujin  is  heated  with  a  dilute  mineral  acid, 
it  breaks  down  into  glucose,  and  this  new  crystalline  body,  soluble  in  alcohol, 
insoluble  in  water: 

Thujin.  Water.  Glucose.  Tliujetiii. 

(Qo  H,,  0,,),+  (H,  0),=  (Q  H,,  0„),,+  (C,,  H,,0,),. 

Thujenin,  C,,  H,,^  O,^.  If,  however,  hydrochloric  acid  is  used  and  the  heating 
less  prolonged,  another  crystalline  body  is  yielded,  having  the  composition  above 
given,  and  differing  chemically  from  thujetin  by  its  containing  (H.O),  less.  ^  Its 
solubility  is  the  same  : 

Thujin.  Water.  GUicose.  Thujetin. 

(Qo  H,,  O,,).,  +  {H,  O),  =  (C„  H,3  O,),  +  (C„  H,,  0,),_. 

Thujetic  acid,  C^  H,,  Ojj.  When  thujin  is  dissolved  in  baryta  water,  it  takes 
up  one  molecule  of  water,  leaves  its  glucose  in  the  menstruum,  and  forms  a  yellow 
solution,  which,  on  boiling,  deposits  orange-yellow  crystals  of  this  acid,  having  the 
same  solubility  as  the  preceding  resultants  :-|- 

Thujiu.  W.iter.  Ghicose.  Thujetic  acid. 

(Qo  H,,  O,,).,  +  H,,  O  =  (C,  H,,  oj,  +  q,  H,,  0,3. 

Pinipicrin,  Q.,  H^^  0,^.  This  glucoside  has  been  extracted  from  the  young 
leafy  branchlets  of  this  tree  as  well  as  from  the  needles  of  Hnns  sylvcslris.  It 
forms  a  yellow,  bitter,  amorphous,  hygroscopic  powder,  .soluble  in  both  water  and 
alcohol,  and  becoming  liquid  at  100°  (212°  F.).  Like  all  glucosides,  it  breaks 
down  under  the  addition  of  water,  when  heated  with  dilute  mineral  acids.  In  this 
instance,  boiling  with  dilute  sulphuric  acid  converts  this  body  into  glucose  and 
ericinol :  \ 

Pinipicrin.  Water.  Glucose.  Ericinol. 

Q,  H,„  O,  -f  (H,  O),  =  (Q  H,,  0„),  +  C.„  H,„  O. 

Oil  of  Thuja. — This  colorless  or  greenish-yellow  volatile  oil,  has  a  camphor- 
aceous  odor  and  taste,  is  soluble  in  alcohol,  has  a  density  of  0.925,  boils  at  190° 
(374°  F.),  and  for  the  greater  part  at  193°  to  197°  (3794°  to  386.6°  F.).  It  is  a 
mixture  of  two  oxygenized  oils.     (Wittstein.) 


*  Thujogenin,  T/titjigenin. 

t  Fownes's  Elementary  Chemistry,  p.  58^. 

t  See  under  Ericaceae,  100. 


J  See  under  Ericaceae, 


165-4 

Pino-tannic  acid,*  C,  H^  O^.  This  acid  may  be  extracted  from  the  green 
portions  of  the  tree.  It  results  as  a  brownish-yellow  powder,  becomes  soft  and 
glutinous  at  ioo°  (212°  F.),  and  dissolves  readily  in  both  water  and  alcohol. 
(Wittstein.) 

Kawalierf  determined,  beside  the  oil,  thujin,  pino-tannic  acid,  and  pinipicrin, 
a  gelatinous  compound,  sugar,  tannin,  and  two  uninvestigated  resins. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — "  The  pathogenesis  of  Thuja  was  published  by 
Hahnemann  in  the  fifth  volume  of  the  Reiiie  Arzneimittcllehrc. 

"The  Austrian  provings,  which  are  entirely  confirmatory  of  Hahemann's,  show 
that  the  main  action  of  Thuja  is  on  the  genito-urinary  organs,  with  the  anus,  and 
on  the  skin.  It  causes  copious  and  frequent  urination ;  burning  in  several  parts 
of  the  mucous  tract;  pains  of  various  kinds  in  the  penis;  inflammation  of  the  pre- 
puce and  glans ;  ulcers,  tubercles,  and  other  excrescences  on  the  sexual  organs, 
with  itching  and  profuse  sweating ;  and,  in  the  female,  leucorrhoea.  The  sexual 
appetite  was  depressed,  and  the  catamenia  retarded.  Burning,  itching,  swelling, 
and  mucous  discharge  occurred  at  the  anus ;  and  on  the  skin  generally,  but  espe- 
cially in  the  ano-genital  region,  tubercles  and  warts  were  developed.  In  the  neigh- 
boring mucous  membranes  similar  phenomena  appeared,  but  naturally  of  moister 
character."  J 

The  action  of  the  drug  in  causing  great  flatulence  and  distension  of  the  abdo- 
men, with  rumbling  and  colic,  leads  us  back  to  Bocclerus,  who  says,§  ''Folia  {t/uijcc) 
resolvunt,  exsiccant,  flatus  pellunt,"  etc. ;  while  the  excessive  chilliness,  heat,  and 
profuse  sweat,  point  to  a  remedy  often  indicated  in  intermittent  fevers.  The 
peculiar  action  of  this  drug  is  one  difficult  of  explanation. 


Description  of  Plate  165. 

1.  Distant  view  of  tree;  Binghatnton,  N.  Y. 

2.  A  winter  branch  in  fruit. 

3.  A  cone. 

4.  Scale  of  outer  row. 

5.  Scale  of  2d  row. 

6.  Scale  of  inner  row. 

7.  Centre  scales  or  rhachis. 

8.  Male  catkin  (enlarged). 

9.  Female  catkin  (enlarged). 

10.  Inner  view  of  outer  scale. 

11.  Seed  (enlarged). 


*  Pini-tannic  acid.  %  Hughes,  Pliarmacodynaniics,  1876,  p.  745. 

f  Chetn.  Gaz.,  1859,  pp.  61  and  88.  \  Cynosura  Materia  Mediae  Pauli  Hcnmanii,  edilio 


169. 


# 


■^r^is*^^ .;;;  ''v  l< 


U/.TU.ailnatdel.etpinxt. 


JUNIPERUS  VIRGINIANA.  Linn 


N.  ORD.-CONIFER^.  166 

Tribe.-CUPRESSINE/E. 

GENUS.— JUNIPERUS,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— DlLECIA  M0X.\1)ELI'111.\. 


JUNIPERUS  VIRGINIANA. 


RED  CEDAE. 


SYN.  — JUNIPERUS    VIRGINIANA,    LINN.;    JUNIPERUS    SABINA,    HOOK. 

(NOT  LINN.). 
COM.  NAMES.— RED  CEDAR,  JUNIPER,  OR  SAVIN;  PENCIL  CEDAR;  i±-R.) 

CEDRE  DB  VIRGINIB;  (GER.)  VIRGINISCHE  CEDER,  ROTH  CEDER. 


A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  TWIGS  OF  JUNIPERUS  VIRGINIANA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  evergreen  species  often  attains  a  growth  of  from  60  to  90 
feet  in  the  East,  though  in  the  West  it  seldom  grows  much  larger  than  a  full-sized 
shrub.  /rWrt' very  durable  and  compact,  odorous,  and  of  a  reddiidi  color.  Branches 
more  or  less  horizontal.  Leaves  small,  usually  opposite  in  pairs,  not  articulated, 
connate-decurrent  upon  the  stems,  awl-shaped,  flattish,  and  scalaceous ;  upon  the 
young  branches  acute,  flattish,  appressed  imbricate,  and  often  furnished  with  a 
dorsal  resin-gland ;  midrib  or  nerve  none.  Inflorescctice  small  catkins  terminating 
lateral  branchlets  ;  flowers  dioecious,  or  in  some  cases  monoecious.  Fertile  catkins 
ovoid,  scales  3  to  6,  scarious,  coalescent,  each  ovuled,  and  all  uniting  in  fruit  to 
form  a  berry.  Sterile  catkins  formed  of  3  to  6  peltate  scales  ;  anther-cells  at  the 
base  of  the  scales.  Fruit  a  small,  roundish-ovoid,  berry-like  drupe,  erect  upon  its 
pedicel-like  branchlet  and  covered  with  a  bluish  bloom.  Seeds  i  to  3,  bony,  wing- 
less ;  the  lower  portion  covered  with  a  scarious  membrane,  smooth ;  the  upper 
traversed  by  a  smooth  ridge,  dividing  it  into  two  verrucose  parts ;  cotyledons  two. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Red  Cedar  is  common  in  sterile,  dry  soils  in  nearly 
all  portions  of  North  America,  Japan,  and  the  West  Indies,  flowering  in  May. 

This  tree  is  noted,  above  all  others  in  this  country,  for  the  durability  of  its 
wood,  no  matter  how  exposed  to  changes  of  weather ;  many  of  the  houses  along 
the  Jersey  shore  of  New  York  Bay,  built  in  the  early  days  of  the  present  century 
and  shingled  with  cedar,  have  roofs  still  in  excellent  condition,  and  many  posts  for 
the  support  of  outbuildings  still  stand  stanch  and  firm.  The  highly-colored  and 
fragrant  heart-wood  is  largely  used  in  the  manufacture  of  lead-pencils,  pails,  tubs, 
and  various  household  utensils  subjected  to  wettings.     Boxes  made  of  the  wood 

*  Celtic,  jfeneprus,  rough,  from  the  scaly  foliage. 


166-2 

are  useful  for  the  preservation  of  woollens  and  furs,  it  being  an  excellent  insectifuge  ; 
for  this  purpose,  also,  many  people  scatter  the  chips  in  their  closets,  trunks,  etc. 

Sir  W.  Hooker  considers  Juniperus  Virginiana  identical  with  the  European 
J.  Sabina,  the  only  true  point  of  distinction  being  in  the  fruit  (Figs.  6  and  8) ;  that 
of  J.  Virginiana  being  erect  and  somewhat  ovate,  while  that  of  J.  Sabina  is  pendent 
or  at  least  pendulous,  larger,  and  more  spherical.  The  leaves  of  J.  Virginiana  are 
much  less  rich  in  oil,  the  yield  being  nearly  eighteen  times  less  from  this  species 
than  from  Sabina. 

The  leaves  of  the  Cedar  are  used  by  the  Cree  Indians  as  a  diuretic;*  they 
also  form  a  good  epispastic  when  made  into  a  cerate  ;  the  berries,  in  decoction,  are 
diaphoretic  and  emmenagogue;  the  oil  is  largely  used  as  an  application  in  arthritic 
and  podagric  affections,  rheumatic,  rheumatoid,  traumatic ;  and  the  excrescences 
(cedar  apples),  often  found  upon  the  branchlets,  are  quite  extensively  used  in 
domestic  practice,  in  doses  of  from  ten  to  thirty  grains  every  four  hours,  as  an 
anthelmintic. 

In  reference  to  the  Western  Juniper,  J.  occidentalism  Mr.  J.  R.  Dodge  says:f 
"The  fruit  of  this  tree  is  a  large  and  tuberculated  berry,  sweet  and  nutritious, 
especially  when  it  is  first  ripe  ;  nevertheless  it  has  a  resinous  taste,  similar  to  that 
of  all  Junipers.  It  is  largely  consumed  by  the  Indians  of  Arizona  and  New 
Mexico,  who  gather  great  quantities  for  winter  store.  When  dried  and  ground 
into  flour,  mixed  with  water,  kneaded  into  a  hard  mass,  and  dried  in  the  sun,  it 
has  a  chaffy  look,  a  brownish-yellow  color,  is  very  light,  easily  digested,  and  not 

offensive Mexicans  consume  this  fruit  in  large  quantities,  and 

it  constitutes  an  article  of  trade  among  them." 

Juniperus  Virginiana  is  not  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia 
Medica  the  preparations  are  :  Oleum  yiinipcri  I'irginiancce  and  Linamentiini  0[ei.\ 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  young  twigs,  gathered  in 
May,  are  dealt  with  as  in  the  preceding  drug.  The  resulting  tincture  has  a  deep 
reddish-brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  strong  balsamic  odor,  a  bitterish, 
astringent  and  pleasant  terebinthic  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— G-^/Y//,  Cj,H2,.§  This  aromatic  body,  having 
no  camphoraceous  odor,  a  specific  gravity  of  .948,  and  boiling  at  237°  (458.6°  F.), 
may  be  obtained  from  the  liquid  portion  of  the  oil  that  distils  over  at  264°-268° 
(507-3°-5i4-4°  F-)'  ^y  redistillation  over  metallic  potash. 

Oil  of  Cedar. — This  aromatic  oil  is  obtained  from  the  wood  by  distillation, 
one  bushel  of  chips  yielding  about  a  half  pint.  When  extracted,  it  results  as  a 
soft  white  crystalline  mass  at  2"]^  (80.6°  F.),  having  a  peculiar  aromatic  odor; 
when  dry  it  distils  almost  entirely  at  282°  (539.6°  F.).  Cedar  oil  has  a  more 
feeble  odor  than  that  of  Sabina,  and  a  different  polarity. 

*  Haydon,  E.  M.  Holmes,  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1884,  619. 

t  Food-products  of  the  N.  A.  In  Hans,  U.  S.  Ag.  Kep.,  1870,  411. 

J  Oils  of  Cedar,  Cajeput,  Cloves,  and  Sassafras. 

\  Gerhardt  (Wittstein). 


166-3 

Cedren-Camphor,  Cj-H„|.0. — This  aromatic,  almost  tasteless  body,  may  be 
extracted  from  the  oil  from  which  it  results  as  satiny  needles,  soluble  in  alcohol, 
and  fusing  at  79°  (174.2°  F.). 

A  bitter  extractive,  gum,  fatty  matter,  resin,  and  tannic  acid,  have  also  been 
separated  from  the  plant.* 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — Dr.  C.  A.  Lee  records  a  case  of  a  woman  who 
took  an  ounce  of  the  oil  to  produce  an  abortion.  Her  symptoms  were:  Rigors; 
fever ;  thirst ;  raving  while  in  fever,  exhausted  when  out ;  vomiting  of  black  then 
green  matter;  griping  pain  in  the  bowels;  great  difficulty  in  passing  urine  ;  uterine 
hemorrhage,  accompanied  with  labor-like  pains ;  great  purging,  with  stupor  with- 
out being  able  to  regain  consciousness,  and  death.  Many  other  cases  of  poisoning 
by  the  oil  taken  in  doses  of  from  one  drachm  to  an  ounce,  for  the  purpose  of 
abortion  or  as  an  emmenagogue,  show  Juniperus  Virginiana  to  cause  severe  venous 
congestion  throughout  the  body.  The  class  of  symptoms  are  in  general  as  follows  : 
Raving  or  quiet  delirium,  followed  by  stupor;  pupils  dilated;  veins  of  face,  head, 
and  neck  fully  distended  ;  face  swollen  and  livid,  or  lurid ;  great  thirst,  nausea,  and 
vomiting;  abdomen  swollen,  hot,  and  very  painful;  great  heaving  of  the  chest  in 
effort  at  inspiration,  with  stertor  and  a  general  appearance  of  impending  apoplexy  ; 
slow  pulse  ;  and  violent  convulsions. 


Description  of  Plate  166. 

1.  End  of  fruiting  branch,  Ithaca,  N.  Y. 

2.  End  of  fertile  branchlet. 

3.  Sterile  flower  head. 

4.  Scale  of  staminate  rachis,  showing  unopened  anthers. 

5.  Same,  with  anthers  open. 

6.  Fruit. 

7.  Seed. 

8.  Fruit  o{ Juniperus  Sabina. 

9.  Distant  view  of  tree. 

(2-5  and  7  enlarged.) 

*  Jenks,  Am.  your.  Pkar.,  xiv.,  235. 


PLATES   167  TO  178. 


SERIES 


PH^NOGAMIA. 


Plants  producing  true  flowers  and  seeds. 


CLASS 


MONOCOTYLEDONS. 


Plants  whose  stems  exhibit  no  distinction  as  to  bark,  wood 
and  pith ;  the  woody  fibre  and  vessels  being  in  bundles 
and  scattered  in  the  cellular  tissue.      Leaves  gener- 
ally parallel-veined  and  entire.     Embryo  con- 
taining a  solitary  cotyledon. 


[To  precede  plate  167.] 


1G7. 


Oj.TTl.ailnatdel.etpinxt. 


ARISytMA    TrIPHYLLUM,  Torn 


N.  ORD -ARACE/E.  167 

GENUS.  — A  R  I  S  /EM  A,*   MAR  1'. 
SEX.  SV.Sr.— MON(i:cl.\   I'OIAANDRI.V. 


ARUM  TRIPHYLLUM. 


IjYDIAJ^  tuejvip. 


SYN.  —  ARIS^MA    TRIPHYLLUM,    TORE.  ;    ARUM    TRIPHYLLUM,    LINN. ; 
ARISuEMA   ATRORUBENS,    BLUME. 

COM.  NAMES.— INDIAN  TURNIP,  JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT,   MEMORY-ROOT; 
(FR.)   GOUBT  A  TROIS  FEUILLES;    (.GER.)  DREIBLATTIGER  ARON. 


A   TINCTURE   OF   THE    FRESH    CORM    OF   ARIS.'EMA   TRIPHYLLUM,    TORR. 


Description. — This  excessively  acrid,  almost  caustic,  erect  herb,  grows  to  a 
height  of  from  8  to  20  inches.  Jioo^  a  coarsely  reticulated  or  wrinkled  corm, 
giving  off  numerous  branched  rootlets  from  its  juncture  with  the  stalk.  S^ii/k 
composed  of  the  united  petioles  and  scape,,  sheathed  below  by  a  few  long  mem- 
braneous scales.  Leaves  one  or  two,  on  long  petioles,  ternately  divided  ;  leaflets 
elliptical-ovate,  pointed.  Seapc  central,  smooth,  surmounted  by  a  single  spadi- 
ceous  flower.  SpatJie  convoluted  below,,  expanded  and  forming  an  incurved  arch 
above,  covering  the  opening  of  the  tube,  green  externally  and  brownish-purple 
within  {^A.  atronibens  ?)  ;  or  green  without  and  within  (^A.  (riphyllum?).  Spaiiix 
elongated,  club-shaped,  obtuse  and  naked  above,  longer  than  the  tube  of  the 
spathe,  constricted  below  and  bearing  the  flowers  at  its  insertion  in  the  base  of 
the  spathe.  Flowers  monoecious  or  sometimes  androgynous  by  abortion.  (Out 
of  over  five  hundred  specimens,  green  and  purple,  examined  this  spring  (1884) 
only  one  androgynous  spadix  was  found.  In  this  the  sterile  flowers  were,  as 
usual,  above  the  fertile.)  Sterile  flowers  composed  of  a  cluster  of  closely- 
appressed  anthers;  fllameiit  very  short  and  comparatively  thick;  anthers  2-4 
celled,  opening  at  their  summits  by  a  pore  or  chink  ;  pollen  globular,  transparent, 
the  outer  coat  closelj'  and  regularly  beset  with  minute  knobs.  Fertile  flozi.'ers 
densely  crowded  in  rows  upon  the  lower  portion  of  the  spadix,  like  corn  upon 
its  cob,  each  flower  consisting  of  a  single  pistil;  ovary  globular,  i -celled;  style 
just  apparent ;  stigma  capitate,  fringed ;  ovules  orthotropal,  standing  erect  from 
the  base  of  the  ovary.  Fruit  after  the  decay  of  the  spathe  and  extremity  of  the 
spadix,  composed  of  few  or  man)-  4-  to  6-seeded  scarlet  berries;  embryo  in  the 
centre  of  the  albumen. 


*  'Apou,  (iron,  and  n/io,  sema  ;  marked  arum,  in  allusion  to  the  marked  spathe.     Arisarum,  Tour 


i67-2 

Aracese. — This  order  is  composed  of  plants  having  fleshy  corms  or  rhi/omes, 
or,  in  the  tropics,  sometimes  woody  cHmbers,  an  acrid  or  pungent  volatile  juice,  and 
monoecious  flowers  situated  upon  the  same  spadix,  destitute  of  floral  envelopes, 
their  place  being  generally  filled  by  a  spathe ;  their  fruit  is  a  berry,  the  seeds  of 
which  abound  in  mealy  albumen,  or  the  embryo  large  and  fleshy.  The  leaves  are 
generally  compound,  with  sheathing  petioles,  and  more  or  less  reticulate  veined. 
The  genera  are  mostly  tropical.  Besides  the  genera  Arisaema  and  Symplocarpus, 
finding  representation  in  this  work,  the  following  members  of  this  family  are  of 
interest  to  us  :  Caladium  scguinum  and  esai/entiwi,  DicffciibacJiia  segiiitia,  one  of 
the  most  virulent  of  vegetable  poisons,  and  Arum  dracunailus,  Italiciim,  and 
luacitlaium. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Indian  Turnip  grows  plentifully  about  boggy  spots 
in  deep,  rich  woo  Is.  It  is  indigenous  to  most  portions  of  the  United  States  and 
Canadas,  flowering  in  May  and  fruiting  in  September.  The  corms,  when  fresh, 
especially,  and  all  parts  of  the  plant,  have  a  severely  acrid  juice,  imparting  an 
almost  caustic  sensation  to  the  mucous  membranes,  and  swelling  of  the  parts  when 
chewed.  This  action  upon  the  mouths  of  school-boys,  who  often  play  the  trick 
of  inviting  bites  of  the  corm  upon  each  other,  gave  rise  to  the  common  name, 
"  memory-root,"  as  they  never  forget  its  effects.  This  acridity,  however,  is  dissi- 
pated by  heat  or  drying,  the  roots  then  becoming  very  nutrient  and  palatable,  the 
fecula  of  the  corm  forming  an  excellent  "arrow-root."  The  yield  of  nutrient  mat- 
ter is  said  to  be  about  one-fourth  the  whole  substance  of  the  corm.  This  point  is 
fully  appreciated  by  the  Indians  of  this  country,  who  consider  the  roots  a  delicacy, 
either  roasted  or  boiled,  I  have  roasted  them  myself,  when  a  boy,  and  enjoyed 
a  repast  ve.y  pleasing  to  an  empty  stomach.  Slices  of  the  fresh  root,  frequently 
laid  upon  the  skin,  are  said  to  cause  vescication. 

Arum  triphyllum  is  not  ofiicinalJy  recognized  in  either  the  U.  S.  Ph.  or  Eclec- 
tic Materia  Medica. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.-The  fresh  root,  gathered  before  the 
expansion  of  the  leaves,  should  be  carefully  bruised  in  a  covered  mortar  and 
weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  with 
one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring  the  whole 
well  it  should  be  placed  in  a  well-stoppered  bottle  and  allowed  to  stand  at  least 
eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture,  separated  by  straining  and  filter- 
ing, should  have  a  pale-brownish-yellow  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  slightly 
sweetish  taste,  entirely  devoid  of  acrimony,  and  a  neutral  reaction  to  test-paper. 

In  order  to  preserve  the  acrimony  of  the  root.  Dr.  E.  M.  Hale  recommends 
rapid  trituration  in  ten  parts  by  weight  of  coarse  sugar-of-milk,  and  keeping  the 
preparation  in  hermetically-sealed  jars,  protected  against  heat  and  light.  The 
provings  were  made  with  dilutions. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.-The  acrid  principle  of  this  plant,  as  before 
intimated,  is  rapidly  dispersed  by  heat.  Dr.  Bigelow  states  that  this  body  escapes 
as  an  inflammable  gas,  slightly  explosive  when  mixed  with  air.     The  extreme  vola- 


167-3 

tility  of  this  body  has  precluded  die  determination  of  its  chemical  characteristics. 
No  other  active  body  has  been  determined,  though  some  principle  other  than  the 
acrid  body  seems  to  reside  in  the  corms.  Starch,  gum,  and  sugar  have  been 
isolated. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.  -From  personal  observations  and  the  literature 
upon  this  plant,  its  action,  when  fresh,  seems  to  be  quite  similar  to  that  of  strong 
liquor  ammonia,  causing  as  it  does  an  irritation  and  burning  of  mucous  mem- 
branes and  acceleration  of  secretions.  The  provings  have  developed  a  train  of 
symptoms  very  characteristic,  and  therefore  useful,  but  not  belonging  under  this 
rubric. 

Description  ok  Plate  167. 

I.  Young  plant,  from  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  May  27,  1884. 

2.  Corm. 

3.  Female  spadix. 

4.  Fertile  flower — /.  e.,  pistil  (enlarged). 

5.  Sterile  flower — /.  e.,  stamen  (enlarged). 

6.  Pollen  X  200. 


t68 


,/  ,^, 


^m.ad 


natdei.etpinxt. 


5 
ARISfeMA  DRACbNTIUM.SchoH 


N.  ORD.  ARACE.^.  168 

GENUS.  — ARIS/EMA,   MART. 

SEX.  SVST.— MiiNa':CI.\  l'(iI,V.\NDRI.\. 


ARUM    DRACONTIUM. 


GREEJ^'  DRAGOJ\''. 


SYN.— ARIS^MA   DRACONTIUM,  SCHOTT ;   ARUM   DRACONTIUM,  LINN. 
COM.  NAMES.— GREEN  DRAGON,  DRAGON  ROOT;  (PR.)  GOUET  A  DRAGON; 
(GER.)  DRACHEN  ARON. 


A  TINCTURE   OF  THE   CORM   OF  ARIS^MA  DRACONTIUM,  SCHOTT. 

Description. — This  peculiar  herb  usually  attains  a  growth  of  from  i  to  2  feet. 
Conns  clustered,  wrinkled,  but  not  so  markedly  reticulate  as  in  the  preceding 
species ;  stems  (if  so  they  may  be  called)  numerous  from  the  same  fascicle  of 
corms.  Leaf  usually  solitary,  pedately  compounded  of  from  7  to  13  oblong- 
lanceolate,  pointed,  and  entire  leaflets.  Inflorescence  in  a  mostly  androgynous 
but  sometimes  polygamous  spadix  that  tapers  to  a  long,  exserted,  and  more  or 
less  contra-curved  point;  spathe  green,  scaphoid,  open  along  the  inferior  surface, 
and  more  or  less  convolute,  especially  about  the  apex  of  the  floral  portion  of  the 
spadi.x.  Fertile  flowers  numerous,  inferior,  each  composed  of  a  single  turbinate 
or  quadrangularly  compressed  pistil ;  style  peltate  over  the  summit  of  the  ovary ; 
stigma  a  nipple-like  projection  at  the  summit  of  the  style;  ovules  6  to  8,  erect. 
Sterile  floioers  superior,  each  composed  of  a  single  4-celled  stamen  ;  fllament 
short  and  thick.  Fruit  a  globular  head  of  orange-red  berries  ;  rachis  flat ;  seeds 
I  to  3  in  each  berry.     Read  description  of  Aracese,  under  the  preceding  plant. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Green  Dragon  is  indigenous  to  the  United  States 
from  Florida  northward.  It  grows  along  the  banks  of  rivers,  where  it  flowers  in 
May  and  ripens  its  brilliant  fruit  in  September. 

This  plant  was  introduced  into  English  gardens  in  1 749.  It  has  gained  no 
medical  history  whatever,  its  little  employment  having  been  in  connection  with 
A.  triphyllum  without  distinction. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.  —  The  fresh  corms,  gathered  before 
flowering  or  after  the  fruit  has  fallen,  are  treated  as  in  the  preceding  species. 
The  resulting  tincture  has  a  slight  straw  tint  by  transmitted  light,  no  distinguish- 
ing odor,  a  cold,  biting  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  symptoms  caused  in  the  prover,  Dr.  C.  P. 
Hart,-^-  by  doses  of  from  hfteen  grains  to  one  drachm  of  a  mixture  of  one  oz.  of  the 

*  Am.  Horn.  Oh.,  1875,  p.  537. 


168-2 

expressed  juice  of  the  corms  with  nine  ounces  of  sugar  of  millc,  were  quite  similar 
to  those  caused  by  A.  tryphillum :  Priclvling  pains,  dryness,  then  catarrhal  secre- 
tion from  the  larynx  and  bronchial  tubes,  hoarseness ;  great  prostration  ;  increased 
heart's  action  ;  dyspnoea  ;  rattling  of  mucus  on  expiration  ;  muco-purulent  expec- 
toration, composed  mostly  of  thick,  heavy,  yellowish  pus  ;  and  increased  urination. 


Description  of  Plate  i68. 

I,  2,  and  3.  Whole  plant,  Pittsburgh,  Pa..  June  loth,  1875. 
2.   Leaf  (four  times  reduced). 

4.  Spadix. 

5.  Sterile  flower. 

6.  Fertile  flower. 

7  and  8.   Sections  of  the  pistil. 
(4-8  enlarged.) 


169. 


(ElU.adnat.del.etpinxt. 


SyMPLOCARPUS    FETIDUS.Michx. 


N.  ORD-ARACE.^.  169 

( lENUS— S  YMPLOCARPUS  ,*  SALISH. 

SEX.  SVST.— TETRANDRIA   MONOC.YNI A. 


P  O  T  H  O  S . 

SKUJVK  CABBAGE. 


SYN.— POTHOS  FCBTIDA,  MICH.;  ICTODES  FGETIDUS,  BIGEL. ;  DRACON- 
TIUM  FCBTIDUM,  L. ;  SYMPLOCARPUS  FGETIDA,  SALISB. ;  (?)  ARUM 
AMERICAN UM,  CATESBY. 

COM.  NAMES.-SKUNK  CABBAGE,  SKUNK  "WEED,  POLECAT  WEED, 
MEADOW  CABBAGE,  FCETID  HELLEBORE,  (PR.)  POTHOS  FETIDE, 
(GER.)  STINKBNDE  DRACHBNWURZEL. 

TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  DRACON'I'IUM  FCETIDUM,!  L. 

Description. — A  low-spreading  ill-favored  weed;  growing  profusely  in  swamps 
and  on  bottom  lands.  Root  perennial,  from  3  to  5  inches  long,  and  about  2  inches 
thick,  of  a  reddish-brown  color  externally,  terminating  abruptly  where  it  gives  off 
numerous  crowded  rootlets,  which  penetrate  the  boggy  earth,  its  habitat,  to  a 
depth  of  from  6  inches  to  2  feet  or  more.  Stem  none.  Leaves  numerous,  not 
appearing  until  the  ovules  are  fertilized  ;  they  are  large,  ovate,  entire,  smooth, 
longitudinally  furrowed  by  the  thick  pale  ribs,  cordate  at  the  base,  with  an  acute 
tip,  and  spring  from  the  root  on  long  petioles,  deeply  grooved  on  their  upper  aspect, 
and  sheathed  at  their  lower  juncture.  The  flowers  are  enclosed  by  the  spathe,  a 
fleshy,  ovate,  shell-form,  swelling  body,  generally  about  4  inches  long,  by  from  2 
to  3  inches  in  the  greatest  diameter;  this  hood  has  an  auriculate  base,  an  acute  tip 
and  infolding  edges,  which  are  at  length  coalescent.  The  spadix,  fully  sheltered 
in  the  basal  cup  of  the  spatlie,  is  ovoid-globose,  about  i  inch  long  by  one-half  to 
three-quarters  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  situated  upon  a  short  peduncle,  and  com- 
pletely invested  by  the  perfect  tetrandrous,  purplish  flowers.  Calyx  composed  of 
four  fleshy,  wedge-shaped  sepals,  whose  inflected  tips  and  edges  match  so  perfecdy 
those  of  the  neighboring  flowers  as  to  completely  cover  the  spadix,  making  a 
solid  body  of  perianths.  Stamens  four,  situated  opposite  the  sepals,  which,  with 
their  subulate  filaments,  they  fully  equal  in  length.  Anthers  oblong,  extrorse, 
with  two  parallel  cells.  Pollen  grains  quite  small  considering  the  size  of  the 
plant,  and  greatly  resembling,  under  the  microscope,  pointed  grains  of  wheat. 
Ovary  one-celled,  with  a  single  suspended  anatropous  ovule.  Style  four-angled, 
pyramidal.  Stigma  minute,  pubescent.  Fruit  compound,  consisting  of  the 
enlarged  fleshy  spadix  together  with  the  perianths,  making  in  all  a  spongy,  soft, 
gludnous,  uncann)-,  ill-smelling  mass,  inclosing  near  the  surface  the  ovoid,  bullet- 

*  From  avurrMKt/,  connection,  and  xaprrdg,  fruit,  alluding  to  the  coalescence  of  the  ovaries  into  a  compound  fruit. 

t  The  name  un  ier  which  the  plant  was  proven,  see  first  synonym. 

I  Using  the  name  as  applied  by  the  "  Am.  Horn.  Phar.,"  see  third  synonym. 


169-2 

like  seeds ;  destitute  of  albumen,  but  containing  a  large,  fleshy,  globular  embryo, 
several  plumules  and  a  radicle.  A  general  description  of  the  class  and  order  will 
be  found  under  Arum  triphyllum. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  is  our  only  species  of  the  genus;  still  it  is 
regarded  by  the  laity  as  one  too  many,  on  account  of  its  very  offensive  and 
penetrating  odor,  which,  though  individualizing  this  plant,  is  still  not  peculiar  to  it 
alone,  as  the  fruit  of  some  of  our  wild  currants,  especially  Ribes  rigens,  when 
crushed,  emit  a  scent  very  similar  to  it. 

In  earliest  spring,  by  carefully  examining  boggy  grounds,  one  may  notice  the 
points  of  many  spathes  just  appearing  above  the  soil,  from  which  they  soon  arise 
and  mature  before  the  leaves  expand.  The  fruit  ripens  in  September,  usually 
after  the  leaves  have  all  decayed.  The  rapidity  with  which  this  plant  matures  is 
so  great  that  in  some  seasons  a  second  appearance  of  the  spathes  is  made  in 
November. 

This  is  one  of  the  plants  often  wrongly  classified,  being  a  kind  of  broken 
link  in  the  chain  of  Araceae.  The  genera  Pothos  ;  Arum  ;  Dracontium  ;  Symplo- 
carpus  (without  affinity)  and  Orontium,  to  which  it  has  been  successively  assigned, 
will  not  admit  it;  we,  therefore,  must  agree  with  Dr.  Bigelow's  observations 
and  accept  his  expressive  name,  Ictodes  ftetidus.'^'  Concerning  the  cross-fertili- 
zation of  this  plant  I  have  noted  the  following;  the  pollen  when  mature  falls 
from  the  anthers  in  such  large  quantities  that  the  cup-like  base  of  the  spathe  is 
covered  to  a  depth  of  a  line  or  more;  wallowing  about  in  this  fertilizing  element 
may  be  found  numerous  carrion  beedes  attracted  hither  by  the  odor  of  the 
plant,  which  undoubtedly  misleads  them  in  their  search  for  food.  In  this  way, 
through  their  wanderings  to  and  fro,  fertilization  is  produced  by  their  apparently 
aimless  crawling  about  over  the  spadix  and  base  of  the  spathe.  They  are 
prevented  from  spending  valuable  time  upon  the  inner  walls  of  the  spathe,  by  its 
varnished  smoothness  and  perplexing  curves,  which  keep  them  up  to  their  work. 
Those  that  visit  the  interior  of  a  spathe  before  the  pollen  is  discharged,  are 
compelled  to  remain  until  the  anthers  are  ripe,  for  it  is  not  until  then  that  the 
trap-like  formation  opens  sufficiently  at  the  base  to  permit  easy  exit.  Much 
pollen  is  lost  by  being  devoured  by  the  numerous  slugs  that  crawl  into  the 
spathe. 

The  skunk  cabbage  is  not  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  having  been  dismissed. 
In  the  Eclecdc  Materia  Medica  the  use  of  this  drug,  especially  compounded  with 
others,  is  considerable. 

Tincltira  Symplocarpi,  Pulvis  Lobelias  Composiius,  Piilvis  Asclepiir  Coiupositiis, 
Tnicttira  Lobelia  Composita,  Thichira  Lobelia:  et  Capsici,  Tinciura  Sangninancv 
Cotnpositus  and  Acetata,  Tinciura  Vibur?iii  Composita. 

The  fresh  or  dried  fleshy  fruits,  divested  of  the  seeds,  and  mashed  with  an 
equal  pordon  of  Indian  meal,  have  been  used  in  this  neighborhood  (Central  New 
York)  to  great  extent,  and  with  excellent  success,  as  a  poultice  for  caking 
mammae,  prompdy,  in  many  instances  coming  under  my  notice,  dissipating  the 
hardness  and  restoring  the  glands  to  health. 

*iX'"'fi  viverrn,  ofu,  o.'eo.  Skunk  oil. 


169-3 
PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  Iresh  root  and  rootlets  s^ratliered 
ill  the  spring-  are  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts 
by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  and  after  thoroughly  mixing  the  pulp  with  one- 
sixth  part  of  it,  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  is  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole, 
pour  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle  and  let  it  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 
The  tincture  is  then  separated  by  decanting,  straining  and  filtering.  Thus 
prepared  it  is  of  a  light  brown  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  slightly  acrid  taste, 
and  neutral  to  litmus  papers. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — The  properties  of  this  plant  have  not  as  yet 
been  determined  by  analysis,  but  may  doubtless  be  referred  to  a  principle  volatile 
in  its  nature,  as  drying  for  any  length  of  time  dissipates  both  the  odor  and 
acridity,  and  heat  applied  rapidly  removes  all  its  active  properties.  An  analysis 
reported  by  Mr.  J.  M.  Turner  in  "American  Journal  of  I^harmacy,"  vol.  2,  p.  i, 
seems  to  prove  the  above  to  be  the  case.  He,  however,  obtained  from  his  assay 
a  volatile  fatty  body,  a  small  amount  of  volatile  oil,  resin,  fixed  oil,  wax,  starch, 
sugar  and  gum. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  root  when  chewed  produces  irritation  of 
the  mouth  and  fauces,  acting  also  as  a  stimulant  to  the  secretory  glands  of  the 
mucous  membrane.  Taken  into  the  stomach  it  causes  vertigo,  nausea,  sometimes 
vomiting  and  temporary  blindness.  Its  volatile  properties  probably  suggested  to 
palliative  practice  its  use  in  hysteria  and  spasmodic  asthma,  though  the  provings 
do  not  show  it  curative  yet  in  those  disorders. 

Deslru'TIon  ok  Plate   169. 

1.  Whole  i)lant  four  times  reduced. 

2.  Spathe;  Bergen,  Jersey  City,  N.  J.,  March   ist,  1880. 

3.  Stamen  (enlarged),  inner  view. 

4.  Ditto,  outer  view. 

5.  Pistil  (enlarged). 

6.  Spadix. 

7.  Seed. 

8.  Section  of  Rootstock. 

9.  Roots. 

10.    Pollen  "rains  x  -jSo. 


f. 


.TH.ailnat.del.etpinxt. 


CYPRIPEDIUM      PUBESCENS,Willd. 


N.  ORD.-ORCHIDACE^.  170 

GENUS.— C  YPRIPEDIUM,*  LINX. 


SEX.  .SVST.— GYN.VNDRI.\    IJI.ANDRI.A. 


CYPRIPEDIUM   PUBESCENS. 


YELLOW  LADY'S  SLIFFER. 


SYN.— CYPRIPEDIUM  PUBESCENS,  WILLD. ;  CYPRIPEDIUM  LUTEUM, 
AIT.(?) 

COM.  NAMES.  — LARGER  YELLOW  LADY'S  SLIPPER,  MOCCASIN 
FLOWER,  AMERICAN  VALERIAN,  YELLOWS,  NOAH'S  A.RK,  YEL- 
LOW UMBIL,  NERVE-ROOT;  (FR.)  SABOT  DE  VENUS  JAUNE,  CY- 
PERIPEDE   JAUNE;   (GER.)   GELBFRAUENSCHUH. 


A   TINCTURE   OF   THE    FRESH    ROOT   OF    CYPRIPEDIUM    PUBESCENS,  WILLD. 

Description. — This  beautiful,  pubescent  herb,  grows  to  a  height  of  from  i  to 
2  feet.  Root  horizontal,  cylindrical,  thickly  beset  with  fibrous  rootlets.  Stem 
simple,  erect,  leafy  to  the  top.  Leaves  large,  ovate,  or  ovate-lanceolate,  pointed, 
prominently  many-nerved,  plicate,  and  sheathing  at  the  base.  Inflorescence  ter- 
minal ;  flowers  single  or  in  pairs,  scentless.  Sepals  3,  two  of  which  are  united 
under  the  lip,  elongated  lanceolate,  brownish  or  purplish,  pointed,  and  spreading. 
Petals  lanceolate,  undulate  and  twisted,  brownish  or  purplish,  pointed,  narrower 
than  the  sepals  ;  sac,  lip,  or  labellum  roundish,  shorter  than  the  sepals  and  petals, 
much  inflated  above,  horizontal,  laterally  compressed,  convex,  pale  yellow.  Column 
short,  declined ;  stamens  3,  the  two  fertile  ones  situated  each  side  of  the  column. 
The  body  that  answers  to  the  stamen  in  other  orchids  is  but  rudimentary  in  this 
genus ;  and  situated  on  the  upper  side  of  the  column,  covering  the  whole  style. 
It  is  dilated-triangular  or  heart-shaped  and  pointed  ;  filaincnts  short ;  anthers  2- 
celled,  opening  by  the  face  of  the  cells  becoming  filmy  and  glutinous,  causing  it 
to  be  ruptured  when  touched;  pollen  mealy-pulverent,  adhering  to  the  detached 
portions  of  the  cell-face.  Style  a  broad,  terminal,  obscurely  3-lobed,  roughish,  moist 
disk. 

OrchidacesB. — This  vast  order  of  striking  and  strangely  beautiful  plants 
is  characterized  as  follows  :  Herbs  of  varied  aspect,  often  epiphytes.  Roots  often 
tuberous  or  tuber-bearing.  Leaves  alternate,  parallel  veined.  Flozvers  irregular, 
each  subtended  by  a  bract,  and  assuming  such  varied  forms  as  to  often  resemble 
birds,  insects,  etc. :  perianth  of  6  parts  (calyx  3,  corolla  3)  ;  one  of  the  petals,  the 
upper  one,  is  termed  the  labellum  or  saccate  lip  ;  this,  by  the  twisting  of  the  ovary 
or  axis,  becomes  generally  anterior.  A  column,  composed  of  the  united  filament 
and  style,  renders  the  essential  organs  gynandrous.     Stamen  single  (Ex.  Cypripe- 

*  Kuirpij,  Kypris,  Venus,  itUiav , podion,  a  sock  or  buskin;  Venus's  slipper. 


170-2 

dium),  fertile;  filatnent  combined  in  die  column;  anther  2-celled,  sometimes 
deciduous ;  dehiscence  sometimes  opercular,  sometimes  accomplished  by  a  disinte- 
gration of  the  face  of  the  cell ;  pollinia  composed  of  one  or  two  masses  of  pollen- 
grains  in  each  anther-cell ;  pollen  waxy  or  mealy-pulverent.  Ovary  inferior, 
I -celled,  6-ribbed,  sometimes  twisted;  placc7it(s  3,  parietal;  style  forming  a  part 
of  the  column  ;  stigma  a  viscid,  concave  disk  in  front  of  the  column.  Seeds 
minute,  innumerable  ;  testa  reticulate. 

It  would  seem  an  almost  essential  feature  of  Orchidaceae  that  some  part  or 
organ  of  each  plant  should  be  twisted. 

Our  materia  medica  contains  but  one  drug  from  the  family,  besides  the  one 
under  consideration,  viz.,  the  European  lady's  tresses  [Spiranthes  aittiininalis, 
Rich.). 

Two  other  members  are  well  known — vanilla  {Vanilla  planifolia,  Andrews), 
and  the  mucilaginous  nutritive  Salep,  a  preparation  of  the  tubers  of  several 
species  of  the  genera  Orchis  and  Enlopliia.  A  few  other  species  are  sometimes 
referred  to  in  medicine — a  West  Indian  stomachic  [Bletia  vereciinda,  R.  Br.),  a. 
Guinean  purgative  and  Tortolan  anthelmintic  {Epidcndriun  bifidnni,  Aubl.),  an 
Indian  vermifuge  and  diuretic  [Epidendrnni  auriculainm),  a  reputed  American 
remedy  for  scrofula  {Goodyera  piibescens,  R.  Br.),  and  a  masticatory  in  toothache 
[Arethusa  bulbosa,  Linn).  There  are  also  three  genera  whose  tubers  yield  an 
excellent  glue :  the  South  American  Catasetwn  and  Cyrtopodmrn,  and  our  Aplec- 
trum.  Rafinesque  says:*  "The  orchidaceous  plants  which  have  long  roots,  like 
the  cypripedium,  appear  to  have  different  properties  from  those  which  have  round 
or  oval  tubercles." 

History  and.  Habitat. — The  Larger  Yellow  Lady's  Slipper  is  indigenous  to 
the  lower  parts  of  Canada,  and  the  northern  and  western  United  States,  grow- 
ing in  bogs  and  wet,  shady  woods,  where  it  blossoms  from  May  until  June.  This 
plant  was  introduced  into  medical  literature  by  Rafinesque,  who  says:f  "Of  this 
beautiful  genus,  all  the  species  are  equally  medical ;  they  have  been  long  known 
to  the  Indians.  .  .  .  The  most  efficient  is  the  C.  luteum.  .  .  .  They  are 
sedative,  nervine,  antispasmodic,  etc.,  and  the  best  American  substitute  for 
valerian  in  almost  all  cases.  They  produce  beneficial  effects  in  all  nervous 
diseases  and  hysterical  affections,  by  allaying  pain,  quieting  the  nerves  and  pro- 
moting sleep.  They  are  also  used  in  hemicrania,  epilepsy,  tremors,  nervous  fever, 
etc.,  .  .  .  having  no  baneful  nor  narcotic  effects.  The  dose  is  a  teaspoonful 
of  the  powder,  diluted  in  sugar-water,  or  any  other  convenient  form."  The  above 
uses  of  the  powdered  root  have  been  corroborated  fully  in  domestic  practice. 

Cypripedium  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  as  Extractutn  Cypripedii  Fluidiini,  from 
both  Cypripedium  pubescens,  Willd.,  and  C.  parviflorum,  Salisb.  The  preparations 
in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  are :  Extractum  Cypripedii  Alchoholicum,  Extrac- 
tutn Cypripedii  Eluidicm,  and  Tinctura  SerpentaricB  Coniposita.\ 

*  Med.  Flora,  vol.  i,  p.  145. 

t  Ibid.,  pp.  143-4. 

%  .\ri5tolochia,  Ipecacuanha,  Crocus,  Camphora,  and  Cypripedium  or  Opium. 


170-3 
PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  root,  gathered  in  early 
spring,  or  in  autumn,  is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  fine  pulp  and  weighed. 
Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  with  one-sixth  part 
of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  a  thorough  mixture  is  made,  pour 
it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  let  it  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration,  should  have  a  beautiful 
crimson  color  by  transmitted  light,  a  nauseous  fecal  odor,  a  taste  somewhat  simi- 
lar to  that  of  the  black  walnut,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— An  analysis  of  the  root  by  H.  C.  Blair='= 
resulted  in  the  separation  of  a  volatile  oil  and  acid,  tannic  and  gallic  acids,  two 
resins,  and  the  usual  plant  constituents. 

Cypripcdin.-\  The  body  sold  under  this  name  is  simply  a  mixed  mass  of  all 
the  constituents  of  the  root  not  soluble  in  water. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Cypripedium  acts  as  a  sedative  to  the  nerves 
in  general,  causing  a  sense  of  mental  quiet  and  lassitude,  and  subduing  nervous 
and  mental  irritation.  It  seems  also  to  quiet  spasms  of  voluntary  muscles,  and 
hysterical  attacks,  especially  in  women.  This  is  one  of  our  drugs  that  has  not 
been  sufficiently  thought  of  by  provers.  It  merits  a  full  proving,  and  would,  with- 
out doubt,  prove  more  useful  if  the  preparation  be  made  of  the  whole  plant,  thus 
bringing  in  its  action  upon  the  skin,  which  as  yet  seems  to  be  little  known. J 


Description  of  Plate  170. 

1.  Upper  part  of  plant  in  flower,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  June  2ci,  1884. 

2.  Lower  portion  and  root. 

3.  Bird's-eye  view  of  flower  (somewhat  reduced),  showing  the  third  or  abortive  stamen. 

4.  Column  (enlarged),  inner  view. 

5.  Column,  outer  view,  after  removal  of  the  abortive  stamen. 


*  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1866,  p.  494. 

f  Oleoresina  Cypripedii. 

X  See  Hale's  "  New  Remedies,"  art.     Cypripedium. 


Gm.adnat.del.et  pinxt 


LaCHNANTHES     TiNCTORIA,EI 


N.  ORD -Hy^MODORACE^.  171 

GENUS.— LACHNANTHES,*   UNN. 


-TRI ANURIA  MONOGYNIA. 


LACHNANTHES. 


RED  ROOT. 


SYN.— LACHNANTHES  TINCTORIA,  ELL. ;   HBRITIERA  GMELINI,  MICHX. 

DILATRIS  TINCTORIA,  PURSH. ;  D.  HERITIERA,  PERS. 
COM.  NAMES.— RED  ROOT,  SPIRIT  WEED,  DYERS'  DILATRIS. 


A  TINCTURE   OF  THE   WHOLE  PLANT  LACHNANTHES  TINCTORIA,  ELL. 

Description. — This  perennial  herb  grows  to  a  height  of  from  i  to  2  feet. 
Rhizome  more  or  less  horizontal,  cylindrical,  ligneous ;  rootlets  fibrous,  deep 
orange-red,  mostly  springing  from  the  head  of  the  rootstock.  Stem  erect,  simple, 
hairy  above  the  last  leaf.  Leaves  equitant,  sword-shaped,  mostly  clustered  at  the 
base  of  the  stem,  those  evident  on  the  stem  remote,  small,  and  sheathing  at  the  base. 
hifloj-escence  a  dense,  terminal,  compound,  leafy-bracted  cyme  ;  fiozvers  dingy  yel- 
low ;  perianth  woolly  externally,  6-parted,  the  three  inner  divisions  larger,  the  outer 
three  linear.  Stamens  3,  opposite  the  larger  lobes;  filaments  dilated  below;  anthers 
exserted,  linear,  versatile,  2-celled,  opening  longitudinally.  Ovary  globular,  3-celled, 
wholly  adherent  to  the  caly.x-tube  ;  ovules  amphitropous  ;  style  filiform,  exserted, 
declined,  deciduous  ;  stigma  evident,  capitate.  Fruit  a  globular,  3-angled  capsule  ; 
placenter  fleshy ;  seeds  few  in  each  cell,  discoid,  concave,  fixed  by  the  middle. 

Hsemodoraceae. — This  small  family  of  herbaceous  plants  belongs  chiefly  to 
South  Africa  and  Australia,  only  3  genera  and  4  species  being  found  in  the  United 
States.  The  order  is  characterized  as  follows :  Roots  fibrous,  spreading ;  stem 
scape-like,  leafy ;  leaves  mostly  equitant,  sword-shaped.  Floioers  regular  and  per- 
fect, 3  to  6  androus ;  pcriatitJi  tubular,  woolly,  or  mealy  outside,  6-lobed,  and 
coherent  with  a  portion  or  all  of  the  ovary ;  sepals  and  petals  undistinguishable. 
Stamens  inserted  upon  the  tube  of  the  perianth  ;  anthers  introrse.  Ovary  3-celled  ; 
ovules  anatropous  or  amphitropous,  and  attached  to  central  placentae  ;  style  single 
and  deciduous  or  3-partible  and  persistent ;  stigma  single,  or,  when  3,  then  alter- 
nate with  the  cells  of  the  ovary.  Frnit  a  3-celled,  loculicidal  capsule,  crowned  bj- 
or  enclosed  within  the  persistent  perianth  ;  seeds  3-many  ;  embryo  small ;  albumen 
hard  or  fleshy,  surrounding  the  embryo. 

The  only  proven  plants  of  this  order  are  those  treated  of  in  this  work.  The 
roots  of  several  south-tropical  species  are  tonic,  bitter,  and  astringent,  while  several 

*  Kixvn,  lachne,  wool ;   a,»oi,  anthos,  flower :  from  the  resemblance. 


171-2 

Australian  species  have  roots  that,  though  acrid  when  in  a  recent  state,  form  a 
nutritious  food  for  the  natives  when  roasted. 

History  and  Habitat. — Lachnanthes  is  indigenous  to  the  United  States,  grow- 
ing in  sandy  swamps  from  Florida  to  New  Jersey  and  Rhode  Island  along  the 
coast,  where  it  blossoms  from  June  to  September,  according  to  locality.  It  was 
introduced  into  England  as  a  green-house  perennial  in  1812,  and  then  propa- 
gated from  seed. 

The  root  was  esteemed  as  an  invigorating  tonic  by  the  Aborigines,  especially 
the  Seminoles,  in  whom  it  is  said  to  cause  brilliancy  and  fearless  expression  of  the 
eye  and  countenance,  a  boldness  and  fluency  of  speech,  and  other  symptoms  of 
heroic  bearing,  with,  of  course,  the  natural  opposite  after-effects.  A  tincture  of  the 
root  has  been  recommended  in  typhus  and  typhoid  fevers,  pneumonia,  various 
severe  forms  of  brain  disease,  rheumatic  wry-neck,  and  laryngeal  cough. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  whole  fresh  plant,  while  flowering, 
is  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of 
alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the 
alcohol  added.  After  thorough  stirring  the  whole  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered 
bottle,  and  allowed  to  macerate  for  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  pressure  and  filtration,  has  a  bril- 
liant carmine  color  by  transmitted  light ;  no  distinguishing  odor ;  a  slightly  bitter 
and  ligneous  taste;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— The  roots  yield  a  fine  red  dye  and  a  bitter 
resin,  but  no  analysis  has  yet  been  made  of  the  plant  that  determines  the  nature 
of  its  specific  constituents. 

PHYSIOLOGrlCAL  ACTION. — Lachnanthes,  in  doses  varying  from  a  few  drops 
to  a  drachm  of  the  tincture,  causes:  Mental  exhilaration  followed  by  ill-humor  ; 
vertigo  and  headache;  brightness  of  the  eye  with  dilation  of  the  pupil  followed 
by  dullness,  pressive  pains,  and  impaired  vision  ;  tearing  in  the  ears ;  hectic  red- 
ness of  the  cheeks ;  dryness  of  the  throat ;  rumbling  of  flatus  in  the  abdomen  ; 
fullness  and  heat  in  the  chest ;  increased  heart's  action  ;  pain  and  stiffness  of  the 
neck  and  shoulders;*  restlessness;  sleeplessness;  and  coldness  and  fever  followed 
by  sticky  sweat.  The  action  of  this  drug  appears,  as  far  as  proven,  to  be  quite 
similar  to  that  of  Pulsatilla. 


Description  of  Plate  171. 

I  and  2.  Whole  plant,  Landisville,  N.  J.,  July  iSth,  1SS5. 
3.  Section  of  flower. 
4  and  5.  Anther. 
(3-5  enlarged.) 


*  I  have  found  Lachnanthes  an  excellent  remedy  for  rheumatic  stiffness  of  the  neck  and  shoulders,  with  inability 
tto  turn  the  head  without  severe  pain,  especially  where  the  trouble  seemed  to  be  first  a  neuralgia  of  the  fifth  nerve  then 
ransferred  to  the  neck  and  shoulder. 


172. 


Gj.TU.ailnatdel.etpinxt. 


AlETRIS    FARINOSA.  Linn 


N.  ORD.-H^MODORACE^.  172 

GENUS.— A  LET R I  ^,*  LINN. 


-SEX.  SVST.— IIEX.AXDRIA  MONOGVNIA. 


ALETRIS. 

STAR  WORT. 

SYN.-ALETRIS  PARINOSA,  LINN. ;  A.  ALBA,  MICH. 

COM.  NAMES.— STAR  WORT,  STAR  ROOT,  AGUE  ROOT,  AGUE  GRASS, 
ALOE  ROOT,  BITTER  GRASS,  BLACK  ROOT,  BBTTIE  GRASS,  COLE 
ROOT,  CROW  CORN,  FALSE  UNICORN  ROOT,  UNICORN  ROOT,t  DEVIL'S 
BIT,:  COLIC  ROOT,?  STAR  GRASS,!|  BLAZING  STAR;1  (FR.)  ALETRIS 
FARINEUX;    (GBR.)  MBHLIGE  ALETRIS. 

A  TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  ALETRIS  FARINOSA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  prostrate,  perennial,  spreading  herb  is  characterized  as 
follows :  Root  cylindrical-tuberous,  more  or  less  horizontal,  giving  off  numerous 
fitres  from  its  lower  surface.  Stem  none;  leaves  stellate-rosulate,  all  smooth,  flat, 
thin,  coriaceous,  pale,  sessile  and  lanceolate  acute.  Inflorescence  in  a  wand-like, 
crowded  raceme  terminating  a  long,  nearly  naked,  terete  and  rigid  scape,  that 
arises  from  the  axis  of  the  leaf-cluster ;  flozvers  nearly  sessile,  creamy  white  ; 
perianth  tubular-cylindrical,  somewhat  campanulate,  persistent,  and  cohering 
below  with  the  base  of  the  ovary ;  linib  6  cleft ;  lobes  lanceolate-triangular,  some- 
what spreading.  Stamois  6,  equal ;  filaments  short,  inserted  at  the  base  of  the 
lobes  of  the  perianth ;  anthers  included,  sagittate,  instrorse.  Ovary  globular, 
2-celled  ;  ovules  anatropous  ;  style  subulate,  3-cleft  at  the  apex ;  stigmas  small, 
minutely  2-lobed.  Fruit  an  ovate-tapering,  coriaceous  capsule,  enclosed  in  the 
persistent  floral  envelope  ;  dehiscence  loculicidal ;  carpels  3.  Seeds  numerous,  ovate, 
ribbed;  embryo  minute,  roundish,  situated  near  the  hilum  ;  albumen  fleshy  and 
oily. 

History  and  Habitat. — Aletris  is  indigenous  to  North  America,  where  it 
frequents  the  borders  of  wet,  sandy  or  swampy  woods  from  Florida  northward, 
especially  at  the  seaboard. 

This  plant  furnishes  one  of  the  many  examples  of  the  uncertainty  attending 
the  use  of  vulgarisms  in  reference  to  plants,  no  less  than  half  its  common  names 
being  also  used  to  designate  another  plant,  our  Helonias  {Chamcsliriutn  luteum), 
which  it  no  more  resembles  than  a  cucumber  does  a  pumpkin,  except  mayhap  in 
the  root  when  separate  from  the  rest  of  the  plant ;  the  root  of  Helonias,  however, 

*  'AXtrpi'f,  Aletris,  a  female  slave,  who  grinds  corn ;   from  the  mealy  appearance  of  the  perianth. 

f  The  Unicorn  is  Martynia  proboscidea,  GIox.  (Bignoni.aces;). 

J  The  name  usually  designates  Chamsliriiim  luteum.  Gray  (LiliaceLC). 

\  More  properly  a  vulgarism  oi  Diosiorea  villosa,  Linn.  (Dioscoreacen;;). 

II  This  name  should  only  indicate  Hypoxys  erecia,  Linn.  (Amyrillidacex). 

\  The  true  Blazmg  Star  is  Liairis  squarrosa,  Willd.  (Compositae). 


172-2 

always  shows,  on  section,  holes  in  its  cortex,  throngh  which  the  fibrous  rootlets 
pass  (see  figure,  Plate  177)  ;  this  is  not  so  in  Aletris  root,  and  will  always  serve 
as  a  distinguishing  point  between  them. 

Aletris  was  held  in  high  repute  by  the  Aborigines  as  a  stomachic,  bitter  tonic, 
and  emmenagogue ;  from  them  it  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  laity  and  herbalists. 
Probably  the  first  printed  notice  of  the  plant  appeared,  unnamed,  in  1730.*  It 
was  introduced  into  England  in  1768,  but  received  little  attention  except  for  its 
extreme  bitterness.  Pursh  speaks  of  the  benefits  obtained  from  this  drug  in  colic ; 
Dr.  Cullen  recommends  it  in  rheumatism,  and  Dr.  Thacher  in  anasarca.  Dr.  Bige- 
low  judges  that  it  probably  will  prove  a  tonic  bitter  of  value,  remarking  at  the 
same  time  that  he  knows  of  no  plant  which  surpasses  it  in  genuine,  intense,  and 
permanent  bitterness.  Rafinesque  claims  that  it  relieves  flatulent  and  hysteric 
colic,  speedily  avails  in  fevers,  is  too  powerful  for  bitters,  and  in  large  doses  is 
narcotic.  The  first  notice  given  of  its  action  upon  the  female  organs  of  repro- 
duction is  in  Eclectic  practice,  where  it  receives  consideration  in  chlorosis,  dys- 
menorrhoea,  engorged  uteri,  amenorrhoea,  and  prolapsus. 

The  officinal  preparation  in  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  is  Extractum  Alctri- 
dis  Alcoholicitm. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root  is  chopped  and  pounded 
to  a  pulp,  and  treated  as  in  the  preceding  drug.  The  resulting  tincture  has  a  clear 
orange  color  by  transmitted  light,  no  characteristic  odor,  a  very  bitter  taste,  and 
an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— No  analysis  has  yet  been  made  to  determine 
the  properties  of  the  bitter  principle  of  this  species,  which,  however,  proves  more 
soluble  in  alcohol  than  in  water.  The  Tilden's  analysisf  determines  a  large 
proportion  of  a  bitter  extractive,  resin,  and  coloring-matter,  besides  the  usual 
constituents  of  plants. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Aletris  proves,  when  used  in  the  fresh  state, 
emetic,  cathartic,  and  somewhat  narcotic;  this  mostly  disappears  on  drying.  In 
smaller  doses  it  produces  vertigo,  stupefaction,  colic  in  the  hypogastrium,  and 
heaviness  in  the  uterine  region.  The  drug  deserves  a  very  thorough  proving,  as, 
from  clinical  results,  it  seems  especially  adapted  to  many  forms  of  uterine  trouble 
that  appeal  to  our  utmost  care. 


Description  of  Plate  172. 

I.  Whole  plant,  Landisville,  N.  J.,  July  3d,  1SS5. 

2.  Flower. 

3.  Perianth,  opened. 

4.  Stamen. 

5.  Pistil. 

6.  Horizontal  section  of  ovary. 

(2-6  enlarged.) 


*  Clayton,  LonJ.  Philosoph.  Trans.,  333.  -j-  Jourii.  Mat.  Afe^L,  N.  S.,  2,  231. 


173. 


UJ.Hl.sdnatdel.etpinxt. 


Iris   Versicolor. Linn. 


N.  ORD -IRIDACE^.  ^13 

GENUS.  — IRIS,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— TRI.\NDKIA  MONOGYNIA. 


IRIS  VERSICOLOR. 


LARGER  BLUE  FLAG. 


SYN.— IRIS  VERSICOLOR,  L.,  IRIS  AMERICANA  VERSICOLOR,  DILL. 

COM.  NAMES.— BLUE  FLAG,  FLOWER-DE-LUCE,  FLA G  LILY,  LIVER  LILY ; 
(FR.)  GLAIEUL  BLEU;  (GER.)  VERSCHIEDENFARBIGE  SCHWBRT- 
LILIB. 


TINCTURE  OF  THE  FRESH  ROOT  OF  IRIS  VERSICOLOR,  LINN. 


Description. — This  beautiful  perennial  bog  plant  attains  a  height  of  from  2  to 
over  3  feet.  Root  fleshy,  thickened,  horizontally  creeping,  giving  off  from  two  to 
four  lateral  branches,  the  under. surface  especially  about  the  annual  joints  is 
thickly  beset  with  simple  fibrous  rootlets.  The  joints  vary  from  i  to  4  inches  in 
length,  are  flattened  upon  the  upper  surface,  and  from  three-quarters  to  one  and 
a  quarter  inches  in  breadth.  The  root  is  annulated  by  the  scars  of  previous 
leaves.  The  stem  is  terete,  angled  on  one  side,  rounded  on  the  other,  flexuous, 
simple  or  sometimes  branched.  Leaves  sword-shaped,  striate,  erect,  clasping  at 
the  base,  one  to  one  and  one-half  feet  long,  and  one-half  to  one  inch  wide.  F/ozu- 
ers  2  to  6  on  each  plant,  spathacious,  large  and  attractive,  peduncles  short,  flat- 
tened on  the  inner  side.  Calyx  tube  funnel-form,  prolonged  more  or  less 
beyond  the  ovary,  shorter  than  the  three  divisions  [sepa/s)  which  are  reflexed  or 
spreading  and  destitute  of  beard  or  crest ;  the  three  inner  divisions  of  the  peri- 
anth [petals)  are  erect,  and  shorter  than  the  sepals.  Stamens  3,  distinct,  their 
anthers  oblong-linear,  hidden  under  the  petaloid  branches  of  the  style.  Ovary 
obtusely  triangular  with  flattened  sides,  3-celled,  each  containing  numerous  ana- 
tropous  ovules.  Pollen  grains  large,  much  resembling  date  stones  in  form. 
Style  mostly  connate  with  the  tube  of  the  perianth,  its  three  branches  petal-like, 
crenate,  and  more  or  less  reflexed  at  the  tip,  each  branch  bearing  a  true  stigma 
as  a  thin  lip  or  plate,  on  the  under  surface  of  its  apex.  Pod  leathery,  3  to  6 
angled,  3-valved.  Seeds  triangularly  depressed-flattened.  Embryo  straight  in 
the  hard  fleshy  albumen.  Iridace.e  is  represented  in  gardens  by  the  Crocus, 
Gladiolus  and  tiger-flower  [Tigridio),  and  wild  in  the  United  States  by  Iris, 
Pardanthus  and  Sisyrinchinm. 

*  'I(j '{,  rainbow  deified,  applied  by  the  ancients  on  account  of  tiie  briglit  ami  diversilieil  colors  in  the  blossoms  of 
this  jjenus. 


173-2 

History  and  Habitat.— This  beautiful  flower  abounds  througliout  the  United 
States  in  wet  places,  blossoming  from  May  to  June.  Iris  was  highly  esteemed  by 
the  Aborigines  of  this  country,  as  a  remedy  for  gastric  disturbances,  and  also  by 
laymen  as  a  domestic  remedy,  when  ptyalism  was  considered  necessary. 

The  fresh  root  pounded  to  a  pulp  is  considered,  and  justly,  one  of  the 
best  poultices  that  can  be  applied  to  a  felon,  often  quickly  relieving  the  pain,  even 
when  suppuration  is  far  advanced.  It  will  generally  too  discuss  the  aff'ection,  if 
applied  early  in  its  development. 

Iris  is  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  as  Extractum  Iridis  and  Extracluvi  Iridis 
Fhddnm.  In  the  Eclectic  Materia  Medica  it  is  used  as  above,  and  as  Tinciura 
Iridis.     It  is  also  a  component  of  Syritpiis  Stillingia:  Composihis. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  root.  The  rhizome  of  Iris 
is  so  often  confounded  by  laymen  with  that  of  calamus,  that  a  comparison  might 
be  considered  in  place. 


Iris  (Blue-flag). 

Root  horizontal,  its  sections  flattened  aljove.  Annu- 
lar hy  the  scars  of  leaf-sheaths.  The  scars  of  the  root- 
lets crowded  mostly  near  the  larger  end,  on  the  round- 
ed side.  When  dry  it  is  grayish  brown  externally,  and 
grayish  or  brownish  internally,  having  a  nucleus  sheath 
enclosing  a  number  of  scattering  bundles  of  woody 
fibres.     No  specific  odor,  acrid  and  nauseous  to  the  t.iste. 


Calamus  (Sweftflag). 

Root  horizontal,  nearly  cylindrical.  Leaf-sheath 
scars  obliquely  transverse.  The  scars  of  the  rootlets 
upon  the  under  surface  are  quite  regularly  arranged 
in  single  or  double  lines  that  branch  alternately,  first  to 
one  side  then  to  the  other.  Pinkish  or  pale-red  inter- 
nally, wood  bundles  scattered  irregularly.  An  agreeable 
aroma  and  a  pleasant  taste  characterize  it. 


The  fresh  root,  gathered  late  in  autumn  or  early  in  spring,  is  chopped  and 
pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  and 
after  thoroughly  mixing  the  pulp  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  the  rest  of  the  alcohol 
is  added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole,  pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle, 
and  let  it  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture  is  then  separated 
by  decanting,  straining,  and  filtering. 

Thus  prepared  it  has  a  light  straw-color  by  transmitted  light,  at  first  a 
stinging,  soon  followed  by  a  decided  bitter  taste,  and  a  .very  slight  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. -Several  analyses  of  the  root 'of  Iris  have 
been  made,  and  all  without  success  as  regards  the  true  and  specific  active  princi- 
ple. D.  W.  Cressler  (Jour.  Phar.  1881,  601)  arrives  at  the  conclusion  that  very 
probably  an  alkaloid  exists  in  the  roots ;  he  also  succeeds  in  extracting  a  volatile 
matter,  starch,  gum,  tannin,  and  fixed  oil. 

Irisin  or  Iindin,  an  acrid  resinoid  body,  results  as  a  constant  factor  in  all  the 
analyses  so  far  made.  It  occurs  as  a  dark  red-brown,  viscid  liquid,  with  an  odor 
and  taste  resembling  that  of  the  root. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— Iris  acts  powerfully  upon  the  gastro-intestinal 
tract,  the  liver,  and  especially  the  pancreas  ;  causing  burning  sensations  and  a  high 
state  of  congestion,  as  proven  by  post-mortem  examinations  of  animals  after  the 
exhibition  of  the  drug. 

It  is  an  excitant  of  the  salivary  and  biliary  secretions,  being  therefore  an  ex- 
cellent remedy  to  be  thought  of  in  ptyalism  and  obstinate  constipation. 


173-3 

The  gastro-intcstinal  effects  are:  profuse  acid  vomitings,  and  frequent  watery 
evacuations,  the  latter  accompanied  by  severe  coHc  and  burning.  Upon  the  nerv- 
ous system  its  action  is  marked,  as  shown  by  the  severe  toxic  neuralgias  of  the 
head,  face,  and  limbs. 

Description  of  Plate  173. 

1.  Flower. 

2.  A  branch  of  the  style. 

3.  Stamen. 

4.  Whole  plant  three  times  reduced,  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  May  31st,  1880. 

5.  Fruit. 

6.  Seed. 

7.  Pollen  grains  x  200. 


^ICl.adnat.dei.etpinxt. 


DiOSCOREA    ViLLOSA,  Linn 


N.  ORD-DIOSCOREACE^.  174 

CENUS.— DIOSCOREA,*  PLUM. 
SEX.   SVST.— DKIXIA   HEXANDRIA. 


DIOSCOREA. 


WILD  YAM. 


SYN.— DIOSCOREA  VILLOSA,  LINN. ;   D.   QUATBRNATA,  WALT. ;   D.  PANI- 

CULATA,  JACQ. 
COM.    NAMES.— WILD -YAM    ROOT,   COLIC  ROOT,   RHEUMATISM  ROOT,t 

DEVIL'S  BONES;    (FR.i   IGUAME  INDIGENE;    (GER.i  WILDE  YAM. 


A   TliNCTURE  OF   THE   ROOT  OF  DIOSCOREA  VILLOSA,  LINN. 

Description. — This  herbaceous,  never  villous  twiner,  usually  attains  a  growth 
of  from  5  to  15  feet  over  fences,  bushes,  and  undershrubs.  Root  horizontal; 
stems  solarly  voluble,  slender.  Leaves  variously  arranged,  those  at  the  base  of  the 
plant  sometimes  in  fours,  those  of  the  middle  section  nearly  opposite,  while  the 
upper  are  alternate;  blade  ovate,  7- to  11 -ribbed,  more  or  less  downy  and  grayish 
beneath ;  base  cordate  ;  viargin  entire  or  wavy ;  apex  conspicuously  pointed ; 
petioles  nearly  the  length  of  the  blade  and  dilated  at  the  base.  Lifloi-eseence  in 
drooping,  axillary  racemes  and  panicles  ;  flowsrs  very  small,  dioecious,  pale  green- 
ish-yellow. Sterile  flowers  in  elongated  panicles  ;  peria^ith  6-parted  ;  lobes  oval ; 
stamens  6,  situated  at  the  base  of  the  lobes,  included  ;  ovary  abortive,  minute ; 
filaments  terete;  anthers  introrse;  cells  roundish,  distinct.  Fertile  flowers  in  simple 
racemes  ;  perianth  tubular ;  limb  cut  into  6  rounded  segments  ;  stamens  6,  abor- 
tive ;  ovary  oblong,  sharply  triangular,  3-celled ;  ovides  i  to  2  in  each  cell,  pen- 
dulous, anatropous  ;  styles  very  short,  bifid.  Fruit  an  oval,  3-celled,  3-winged, 
membranaceous  pod  ;  dehiscence  loculicidal  into  3  valves  by  splitting  through  the 
winged  angles.  Seeds  winged,  plane,  semi-conoid,  2  in  each  cell ;  rw^n'c' somewhat 
pyriform,  compressed. 

Dioscoreacese. — This  small  natural  order  is  represented  in  North  America  by 
this  species  only,  7  genera  and  about  150  species  being  all  the  representatives 
known  upon  the  globe,  and  those  are  mosdy  tropical.  The  plants  in  general  are 
known  by  the  following  characters:  Stejus  twining;  roots  usually  tuberous,  large, 
or  sometimes  horizontal  and  knotted.  Leaves  with  a  few  conspicuous,  parallel 
ribs,  otherwise  closely-netted,  veined;  petioles  always  present.  Inflorescence  usually 
in  axillary  racemes  or  racemose  panicles.     Fhnvers  regular.      Male  flo^^'ers :  peri- 


*  Dedicated  to  Pedacius  Dioscorides,  the  Greek  physician  and  naturalist. 

t  Rheumatism  Root  generally  alludes  to  Jrffersonia  dipliylla  (Berberidace.x-). 


174-2 

anth  6-cleft  and  calyx-like  ;  stamens  3  or  6,  perigynous  ;  filainents  subulate  ;  anthers 
cj-lobose,  introrse,  2-celled.  Female  flowers :  periavtii  tubular,  3-margined,  6-cleft, 
adherent  to  the  ovary ;  ovary  3-celled ;  ovules  anatropous,  i  to  2  in  each  cell ; 
styles  3,  segregate  or  nearly  so ;  stigmas  linear,  spreading.  Fruit  sometimes  bac- 
cate, but  usually  a  membranaceous,  3-angled  or  margined  pod.  E?nbiyo  minute  : 
albumen  cartilaginous. 

No  other  species  are  used  in  medicine,  but  a  few  are  worthy  of  mention  here 
on  account  of  their  roots,  which,  when  fresh,  are  juicy,  irritant,  and  vesicating,  but 
after  prolonged  boiling  are  rendered  more  or  less  pleasant,  and  always  nutritious, 
from  an  abundance  of  starch.  Of  all  the  Yams  yielded  by  this  order,  the  pleas- 
antest  is  the  East  Indian  Sweet  Yam  {Dioscorea  saliva,  Linn.),  next  to  which  ranks 
the  White  Negro- Yam  of  India  [D.  alata,  Linn.),  which  often  reaches  a  weight  of 
30  pounds,  and  the  Prickly  Yam  {D.  aenleata,  Linn.),  which  is  the  most  generally 
cultivated  form.  The  Ceylon  White  Yam  {D.  btilbifera,  Linn.) ;  the  Japanese  Yam 
[D.  Japoiiiea,  Linn.)  ;  and  the  Indian  Yam  [D.  trifida,  Linn.),  are  also  pleasant  and 
edible.  The  East  Indian  Buck  Yam  {D.  triphylla,  Linn.),  and  the  Tropical  Devil's 
Yam  (/^.  damona)  remain  nauseous,  even  after  prolonged  boiling,  yet  are  eaten 
by  the  natives  in  times  of  need.  The  Yam  is  largely  cultivated  for  food  in  Africa, 
East  and  West  Indies,  and  the  Southern  United  States,  especially  for,  and  by,  the 
negroes.  The  roots  grow  often  to  a  large  size,  are  farinaceous,  and  considered  to 
be  easily  digested ;  they  are  in  general  palatable,  and  are  considered  not  inferior 
to  any  root  at  present  in  use.  They  are  eaten  in  lieu  of  bread,  boiled  or  baked, 
or  dried  and  ground  into  flour  for  bread  and  puddings. 

The  Cape  Hottentots'  Bread  {Testndinaria  clcphantipcs,  Burch)  is  often,  in 
times  of  scarcity,  eaten  in  lieu  of  Yams,  but  is  a  poor  substitute.  The  root  of  the 
European  Black  Bryony  [Tamus  comnmnis,  Linn.),  is  used  as  a  stimulating  poul- 
tice; internally  it  is  an  acrid  purgative,  an  emetic  and  diuretic,  yet  the  young 
shoots  are  used  in  lieu  of  asparagus  ;  and  the  Candian  (  T.  Crctica,  Linn.),  is  very 
similar  in  its  properties. 

History  and  Habitat. —  Dioscorea  is  indigenous  to  North  America,  where  it 
ranges  from  Canada  and  New  England,  to  Wisconsin  and  southward:  it  is  common, 
however,  only  in  the  South. 

The  root  of  Dioscorea  Villosa,  as  it  appears  in  commerce,  is  of  two  kinds,  so 
obviously  different  that,  for  many  years,  one  sort  was  thrown  out  by  druggists  as 
spurious.  This  discrimination  so  affected  the  gathering  of  the  roots  that  what  was 
considered  the  true  root  could  no  longer  be  procured  in  sufficient  quantity. 
Diggers  finally,  on  their  side,  protested  and  claimed  that  the  two  roots  came  from 
almost  identical  plants,  and,  in  order  to  supply  the  trade,  the  wholesale  druggists 
were  compelled  to  accept,  although  under  protest,  the  product  as  sent  by  the 
gatherers.  Mr.  C.  G.  Lloyd  finally  examined  carefully  into  what  made  the  differ- 
ence in  the  rhizoma,  and  his  decision  created  a  new  variety  of  the  species  which 
he  called  var.  glabra.     The  differentiation  is  as  follows  :* 

*  Am.  Disp.,  Siipp!.,  82,  plate  vii. 


174-3 

DiOSCOREA    VlI.LOSA,  LiNN.  DiOSCOREA  ViM.OSA.  \  AK.   (iLAlIKA,    I.I.OMI. 

True  Wild-  Yam  Root.  False  il  'il.l-  Yam  Root. 

Plant,   under  general  inspection,    smaller  tlian  Larger;  growing  in  dense  (lumps, 
the  ncxl  ;    isolaud. 

Leaves  more  sharply  pointed,  almost  aristate  ;  Sharply  pointed  ;  absolutely  glabrous, 
densely  short  pubescent  beneath. 

Rhizome  horizontal,  about  J.4  inch  in  diameter,  'I'liis  rhi/.ome  resembles  greatly  that  of  Collin- 
o\al,  flattened  above  and  below,  seldom  branched,  sonia  Canadensis.  It  is  found  in  thick,  matted, 
but  decidedly  tubcrcled  by  small  protuberances  rough  clumps,  the  main  portion  contorted  by  the 
that  appear  like  abortive  attempts  to  branch  ;  the  procession  of  branches,  which  are  in  themselves 
upper  surface  is  marked  at  intervals  of  about  an  knotty  and  of  the  full  diameter  of  the  rhizome- 
inch  with  the  scars  of  previous  years'  stems.  axis  itself;  these  branchings  issue  at  an  acute  angle 

forward,  and  themselves  bear  for  the  most  part  the 
cup-shaped  scars  of  former  stem-growths. 

My  herbarium  contains  three  female  and  four  male  plants  in  flower,  and  one 
fruiting^  specimen,  representing  the  States  of  New  York,  Pennsylvania,  Ohio,  Vir- 
ginia, and  Georgia, — all  sent  to  me  by  botanists,  who  designated  each  as  D.  villosa; 
according  to  the  above  differentiation,  two  of  the  females  and  one  male,  as  well  as 
the  fruiting  specimen,  are  var.  glabra,  Lloyd. 

Dioscorea  has  held  a  place  in  domestic  and  general  practice  for  a  long  period 
as  almost  specific  in  certain  forms  of  bilious  colic,  in  which  it  is  promptly  effica- 
cious ;  it  is  also  considered  diaphoretic,  emetic,  and  expectorant.  As  a  visceral 
antispasmodic,  and  remedy  for  intestinal  irritations,  it  has  proved  itself  a  valuable 
remedy  in  cholera  morbus,  spasm  of  the  diaphragm,  spasmodic  asthma,  dysmenor- 
rhoea,  and  kindred  afflictions. 

Although  the  leaves  of  the  chestnut  are  officinal  in  the  U.  .S.  Ph.,  the  root  of 
this  valuable  plant  is  not.  In  Eclectic  Practice,  the  following  preparations  are 
used  :  Decociitiii  Dioscorees,  and  Extractiuii  Dioscorecr. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  root  of  either  form,  that  of  the 
first  year  preferred,  is  gathered  in  September,  and  chopped  and  pounded  to  a  pulp 
and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken,  the  pulp  thoroughly 
mixed  with  one-sixth  part  of  it  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added.  After  stirring 
the  whole  well,  it  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand  tor 
eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool,  place. 

The  tincture  separated  from  this  mass  by  straining  and  filtering,  should  have  a 
deep  amber  color  by  transmitted  light  ;  a  cherry-like  odor:  a  taste  at  first  woody, 
then  bitter,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS. — Dioscorea  roots  contain,  without  doubt,  an 
acrid  principle,  resin,  and  starch,  but  as  yet  they  have  not  been  isolated.  Dios- 
corciti  is  not  a  principle,  it  being  simply  an  extract  embodying  the  solid  constitu- 
ents of  the  fluid  extract  of  the  root. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— The  experiments  of  Drs.  Gushing  and  Burt, 
with  doses  of  from  5  drops  of  the  tincture  to  200  drops  of  the  fluid  extract,  gave 
essentially  the  following  symptoms  of  disturbance  :  Vertigo  and  dizziness ;  heavi- 
ness and  aching  of  the  head  ;  smarting  and  soreness  of  the  eyes ;  irritation  and 


174-4 

congestion  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  nostrils  ;  tongue  brown-coated,  dry, 
and  stifT;  dryness  of  the  mouth,  followed  by  salivation  ;  throat  dry  and  sore  ;  bitter 
and  sour  eructations  and  belchings ;  nausea,  with  burning  distress,  bloating,  and 
cramps  of  the  stomach,  which  becomes  sore  and  feels  raw ;  hard,  dull,  or  sharp 
pains  in  the  hepatic  region;  severe,  dull,  cutting,  and  griping  pains  in  the  umbili- 
cal region  ;  severe  abdominal  pain,  with  much  flatulent  distention  ;  very  severe 
colic,  with  passage  of  large  quantities  of  flatulence ;  itching  of  the  rectum,  with 
prolapsed  hemorrhoids  ;  profuse  yellow  diarrhoeic  stools  ;  great  sexual  excitement, 
followed  by  loss  of  desire  and  nocturnal  emissions  ;  irritation  of  the  bronchi  and 
lungs ;  great  lumbar  pain  and  weakness ;  weakness  of  the  extremities  ;  general 
tired,  weak,  and  faint  feelings ;  itching  of  the  skin  ;  sleeplessness  and  chilliness. 

Dioscorea  proves  itself  an  irritant  of  the  mucous  membranes  in  general,  but 
especially  those  of  the  intestinal  tract,  and  causes  congestion  and  inflammation  of 
those  tissues  if  persisted  in. 


Description  of  Plate  174. 

I.   Portion  of  a  fruiting  stem,  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  Aug.  20th,  1S85. 

2.  Female  flower. 

3.  Male  flower. 

4.  Seed. 

(2-3  enlarged.) 


=4= 


175. 


^m.adnatdel.etpinxt  Tr(LLIUM   ERECTUM    Van  ALBUM    Pursh. 


N.  ORD -LILIACE^.  175 

Tribe.-TRILLIDE/E. 

GENUS— TRILLIUM,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SYST.— HEXANDRIA   TRIGVNIA. 


TRILLIUM. 

BETH  ROOT. 


TRILLIUM  BRBCTUM,   LINN. 

SYN.  — TRILLIUM  RHOMBOIDEUM,  VAR.  ATROPURPUREUM,  MICHX. ; 
TRILLIUM  ATROPURPUREUM,  BOT.  MAG.,  TORRE Y ;  TRILLIUM 
ERECTUM,  VAR.  ATROPURPUREUM,  PURSH. ;  TRILLIUM  FCETI- 
DUM,  SALISB. 
COM.  NAMES.— PURPLE  TRILLIUM,  BETHROOT,  BIRTHROOT,  LAMB'S 
QUARTER,  GROUND  LILY,  RATTLESNAKE  ROOT,  WAKEROBIN,  IN- 
DIAN BALM,  THREE-LEAVED  NIGHTSHADE,  INDIAN  SHAMROCK; 
(PR.,  GER.)  TRILLIUM. 

TRILLIUM  ERECTUM,  VAR.  ALBUM,  PURSH. 

SYN.— TRILLIUM  PENDULUM,  AIT.,  "WILLD. ;   TRILLIUM  RHOMBOIDEUM, 

VAR.  ALBUM,  MICHX. 
COM.  NAMES.— (NOT  SPECIFIC.) 

A   TINCTURE   OF   THE    FRESH    ROOT   OF  TRILLIUM    ERECTUM,   LINN. 

Description. — Trillium  erectum. — This  common  species  of  the  genus  is  char- 
acterized as  follows :  Leaves  just  sessile,  rhomboid,  dilated,  nearly  as  broad  as 
long;  base  cuneiform  or  acute.  Flower  nodding,  dull  purple,  raised  upon  a 
peduncle,  and  having  a  disgustingly  fishy  odor;  peduncle  i  to  3  inches  long, 
inclined.  Petals  plane,  ovate,  acutish,  spreading,  and  caducous.  Sepals  acute,  a 
little  shorter  than  the  petals. 

]'ar.  Album. — Leaves  not  so  abruptly  taper-pointed  as  in  the  species,  broader 
and  more  fully  sessile.  Flower  odorless,  and  averaging  smaller ;  peduncle  strongly 
curved.  (The  flower  in  the  plate  is  constrainedly  elevated  to  show  the  markings 
upon  the  petals  and  the  color  of  the  ovary)  ;  petals  plane,  greenish-  or  creamy- 
white,  the  veins  and  veinlets  either  green  or  purple.f  Ovary  deep,  dull  purple. 
Stigmas  yellow. 

Trillium. — This  genus  is  composed  of  low,  perennial  herbs.  Roots  prsemorse, 
tuber-like,  circularly  wrinkled,  and  giving  off  numerous  long,  primarily  wrinkled, 
then  smooth  and  branching,  fibrous  rootlets.  Stems  simple,  smooth,  stout,  naked 
below,  enlarged  at  the  base,  and  furnished  with  several  large,  membranaceous, 
lanceolate,  acute  scales.     Leaves  3,  in  a  single  whorl  at  the  summits  of  the  stems, 

*  Trilix,  triple,  Ihe  parts  of  the  plant  being  in  threes. 

f  In  Trillium  erythrocarpum,  Michx.,  the  puri^Ic  markings  upon  the  petals  are  situated  at  their  bases,  and  are 
broad,  gradually  narrowing,  to  cease  in  the  middle.     Petals  wavy-edged. 


175-2 

broad  and  netted  veined !  Inflorescence  single,  terminal,  sessile,  or  pedunculated  ; 
flowers  large,  white  or  purple,  sometimes  marked.  Petals  3,  larger  than  the  sepals, 
withering;  5<?/a/i- 3,  foliaceous,  lanceolate,  and  spreading,  persistent.  Stamens  6; 
filaments  short ;  anthers  elongated,  linear,  adnate  and  introrse  ;  cells  2,  opening 
by  a  lateral,  longitudinal  fissure ;  polleii  more  or  less  globular,  echinated.  Ovary 
pyriform,  3-6  angled ;  styles  3,  distinct  down  to  the  ovary,  awl-shaped,  recurved 
or  spreading,  persistent,  stigmatic  upon  their  faces.  Fruit  baccate,  3-celled.  Seeds 
horizontal,  a  number  in  each  cell,  ovoid,  with  a  tumid  raphe  ;  embryo  minute  ;  atbic- 
men  dense,  sarcous. 

Rafinesque,  in  his  Medical  Flora,  made  a  grand  revision  of  this  genus,  naming 
no  less  than  19  species,  and  68  varieties,  including  14  other  species,  and  consti- 
tuting 3  sub-genera ;  but  Prof.  Gray,  in  his  Lessons  and  Matuial,  allows  but  8 
species  and  2  varieties  in  the  Northern  States. 

LELIACELffi. — This  large  order  of  beautiful  plants  has  representatives  in  all 
portions  of  the  globe.  It  consists  of  herbs  or  sometimes  woody  plants  springing 
from  bulbs,  tubers,  or  a  fascicle  of  fibrous  roots.  Leaves  simple,  clasping  at  the 
base.  Pej'ianth  not  glumaceous,  free  from  the  ovary ;  flowei^s  6-androus,  regular, 
and  symmetrical ;  sepals  and  petals  generally  colored  alike  (Exc.  Trillium) ;  sta- 
mens 6,  one  at  each  division  of  the  perianth  ;  anthers  2-celled,  introrse.  Ovary 
3-celled,  free ;  styles  united  {Exc.  Trillium) ;  stigmas  generally  3-lobed ;  ovules 
anatropous  or  amphitropous.  Fruit  a  capsule  or  berry ;  seeds  few  or  many  in 
each  cell ;  embryo  minute  ;  albumen  sarcous. 

This  important  family  has  been  divided  by  botanists  generally,  into  three, 
viz.,  Melanthace^,  Liliacea,  and  Smilacece ;  other  divisions  have  also  been  made. 
It  will,  however,  answer  best  for  us  to  speak  of  the  drugs  and  useful  plants  here, 
under  the  headings  as  tribes  or  suborders,  to  agree  with  the  general  plan  of  the 
work  as  begun — i.  e.,  according  to  Prof.  Gray's  North  American  Botany.  The 
useful  plants  of  the  Melanthacece  are:  The  European  white  hellebore,  Veratrum 
album,  Linn. ;  the  Mexican  and  West  Indian  Sabadilla,  Veratrum  Sabadilla,  Retz. 
[Asa  Grace  officinalis.,  LindL,  Schcenocaulon  officinale.  Gray);  the  Mexican  Helonias 
officinalis,  Don  [Veralnan  officinale,  Schl.),  spoken  of  as  a  plant  also  furnishing 
cebadilla  seeds,  is  accounted  by  Fliickiger  and  Hanbury  to  be  synonymous  with 
V.  Sabadilla.  The  root  of  the  poisonous  savoeja  of  the  Mexicans,  Helonias  frigida, 
Lindl.  {Veratrum  frigida,  Schl.),  appears  to  exactly  resemble  that  of  V.  album;* 
the  rhizomes  of  Veratrum  nigrtmi,  Linn.,  an  Austrian  species,  are  said  to  be  sub- 
stituted for  white  hellebore.f  The  narcotic  poison  Helofiias  erythrosperma,  Michx. 
{Melanthium  musccetoxicum,  Walt.),  is  said  to  be  used  in  the  Southern  States  as 
an  insecticide.  Concerning  this  property,  Porcher  says,J  the  insects  are  only  stupe- 
fied, and  are  generally  burned  in  that  state  by  housewives.  The  Indian  cucumber, 
Medeola  Virginica,  Linn.,  has  been  used  as  a  diuretic ;  Melanthium  Virginicum, 
W.,  is  an  irritant  poison,  formerly  used  as  an  application  in  itch.     The  meadow 


*  Fliick.  &  Han.  Pharmacogrnphia,  p.  695. 

t  Ihid. 

X  Resourc.  South.  Fit  Id  and  For.,  p.  527. 


175-3 

saffron,  Colchicinu  aiitiiniualc,  Linn.,  is  also  a  member  of  this  section.  Veratrum 
viride,  Helonias  dioica  and  Trillium  are  represented  in  this  work.  Liliacecs  proper. 
Under  this  head  are  classed  the  Aloe,  Squillce,  Allia,  etc.  Squills,  Sqiiilla  and 
Scilla  maritima,  Stein.,  Linn.,  come  to  us  from  the  Mediterranean  coasts;  a  milder 
form,  Sqiiilla  Pancration,  Stein.,  thought  to  be  the  Pancration  of  Dioscorides.  is 
found,  with  the  previous  form,  especially  at  Malta.  Other  forms  of  squills  are  the 
South  African  Urginca  allissiiua,  Baker,  the  North  African  Scilla  Indica,  Roxb., 
and  the  Abyssinian  Scilla  Indica,  Baker.  Nearly  allied  forms,  with  varied  proper- 
ties, are  the  Cape  Itch-bulb,  Driinia  ciliaris,  Jacq.,  and  the  Indian  emetic,  Crinum. 
ioxicarimn,  Roxb.  The  common  or  Barbados  Aloe  is  the  North  African  Aloe 
vulgaris.  Lam.  {A.  Barbadensis,  Mill.).  The  Socotrine  Aloe  is  a  product  o^  Aloe 
Socoli'ina,  Lam.  [A.  vera,  Miller),  growing  upon  the  southern  shores  of  the  Indian 
Ocean,  Red  Sea,  and  Island  of  Socotra.  Cape  Aloes  are  said  to  be  derived  from 
Aloe  ferox,  Linn.,  Aloe  A/ricana,  Mill.,  Aloe  spica/a,  Thun.,  Aloe  linguceformis, 
Aloe  arboresceiis.  Mill.,  Aloe  Comj7ielini,  Willd.,  and  Aloe  piirp2irasccns.  Haw. 
Allium  sativujii,  Linn.,  the  common  garlic,  is  of  uncertain  nativity  ;  Alliwn  ccpa, 
Linn.,  the  common  onion,  is  a  native  of  Egypt ;  other  allied  species  are  the  Leek, 
Allium  porrwn ;  the  Echalotte,  Allium  ascalonicum ;  Chives,  Allium  schcsJio- 
prasum ;  Rocambole,  Allium  scodoprasum ;  the  Southern  Wild  Garlic,  Allium 
Caroliuianum ;  and  the  Meadow  Garlic,  Allium  Canadcnse.  The  dog's-tooth 
violet,  Erythronium  Americanum,  Ker.,  was  offered  by  Bigelow  as  a  substitute 
for  Colchicum  ;  the  Indian  Erythronium  Indicum  is  used  against  equine  strangury 
(Ainslie) ;  and  the  bulbs  of  the  European  Erythronitun  Dens  canis  as  a  food  in 
Siberia  (Pallas).  The  Lily  of  the  Valley  {Convallaria  tnajalis,  Linn.),  a  plant  whose 
reputed  value  in  some  forms  of  cardiac  diseases  is  at  present  before  the  profession, 
belongs  to  this  section.  The  bulbs  of  Tulipa  gesneriana,  like  many  other  liliaceous 
bulbs,  are  used  for  cataplasms  ;  those  of  Tulipa  sylveslris  are  emetic  (Poiret) ;  those 
oi Fritillaria  imperialis,  and  Gloriosa  superba,  are  violent  poisons;  while  those  of 
Calochortus  elcgans  and  various  species  of  the  genus  Lilium,  form  nutritious  foods. 
The  North  American  Indians  use  as  foods  the  following  species  under  this  order: 
Kamass  root  {Cammassia  esculenta)  is  eaten  raw  or  cooked;  in  the  latter  form  it 
is  said  to  resemble  the  potato.  These  roots  also  yield  a  very  good  molasses  when 
boiled  in  water,  and  are  greatly  esteemed  by  the  Nez  Perces,  Pitt  River,  and  Cape 
Flattery  Indians.  Spanish  bayonet  [Yucca  baccata):  This  spinous-leaved  plant 
yields  a  fruit  that  nearly  resembles  in  size  and  shape  the  West  Indian  banana. 
The  Indians  of  Arizona,  Utah,  and  New  Mexico  are  very  fond  of  these  fruits,  which 
they  either  eat  fresh,  or  dry  and  preserve  when  ripe,  and  roast  when  green 
together  with  the  young  flower  buds.*  African  hemp  is  a  product  of  several  spe- 
cies of  Sanseviera  (Griffith),  and  New  Zealand  hemp  oi  Phorimum  lenax.  Dragon's- 
blood,  an  as.tringent  resin,  long  used,  is  a  product  of  that  famous  East  Indian  tree, 
Draccena  Draco.  Various  pot-herbs  are  found  in  this  family,  the  principal  ones 
being  Asparagus  officinalis,  Asparaous  acutifolius,  and  the  South  Sea  Island  TI- 
plant,  Cordyline  terminalis.     The  Smilacece  yield  Jamaica  sarsaparilla,  Smilax  offici- 


*  J.  R.  Dodge,  in  U.  S.  Agric.  kep.,  1870,  pp.  408,  418. 


175-4 

nalis,  Kunth. ;  Vera  Cruz  or  Honduras  sarsaparilla,  Smilax  medica,  Schl.  &  Cham. ; 
and  Brazilian  sarsaparilla,  Smilax  syphilitica,  Willd.  (Pereira).  Many  other  so-called 
sarsaparillas  are  derived  from  various  species  scattered  throughout  the  more  tropi- 
cal regions  of  the  world.  The  Javanese  China-root,  Smilax  China,  Linn.,  is  a  noted 
alterative  ;  its  substitutes  and  supposed  analogues  are  :  the  Brazilian  China  branca 
e  rubra,  Japicanga  or  Ihapeca^iga,  Smilax  glauca.  Mart. ;  the  Sylhetian  Smilax 
glabra,  Roxb. ;  the  Indian  Smilax,  lancecefolia,  Roxb. ;  the  sweet-tea  of  New  Hol- 
land, Smilax  glycyphylla.  Smith ;  and  the  American  China-root,  Smilax  Pseudo- 
China. 

History  and  Habitat. — Trillium  erectum  is  one  of  our  common  indigenous 
plants,  ranging  from  North  Carolina  northward.  It  grows  in  damp,  rich,  well- 
shaded  woods,  and  flowers  in  the  month  of  May.  The  variety  album  is  not  com- 
mon eastward ;  it  habits  the  same  localities,  and  flowers  a  little  later. 

Concerning  the  properties  of  this  genus,  Rafinesque,  who  claims  to  introduce 
it  into  Materia  Medica,  says:*  "Almost  all  the  species  may  be  used  indifferently, 
although  the  Indians  have  a  notion  that  those  with  red  blossoms  (which  they  call 
male)  are  the  best,  and  those  with  white  blossoms  (called  female)  are  best  for 
women's  complaints.  The  species  most  commonly  used,  because  most  common, 
are  the  T.  nutans  {i.  e.  T.  erectutn),  T.  pictum  [T.  erythrocarpum),  T.  grandiflorum, 
T.  medium,  {T.  cernuum),  etc.  They  are  all  astringent,  restringent,  pectoral,  tonic, 
antiseptic,  alterative,  etc.  They  are  employed  internally  in  hematuria,  uterine 
hemorrhage,  metrorrhagia,  hematemesis,  etc.  The  Indians  of  Canada  and  Mis- 
souri value  the  roots  much  in  leucorrhoea,  menorrhoea,  and  as  a  restringent  after 
parturition."  The  use  of  the  tubers  as  an  external  application  in  ulcers,  inflamed 
swellings,  sores,  etc.,  is  similar  to  that  of  the  liliaceae  in  general.  On  account  of 
the  acridity  of  the  roots  they  have  been  used  to  promote  ptyalism,  and  are  claimed 
to  check  epistaxis  when  a  newly-cut  root  is  held  to  the  nose  and  the  acridity 
inspired. 

Trillium  is  not  officinal  in  the  Pharmacopoeias. 

Pharmacy. — Considerable  doubt  exists  among  our  authors  and  pharmacists 
concerning  which  species  of  this  genus  should  be  used  for  our  tincture.  I  there- 
lore  consider  it  full  time,  and  this  the  place,  to  setde  upon  the  most  proper  source 
of  the  drug.  Dr.  Minton,  the  original  prover — whose  MS.  is  printed  in  the  En- 
cyclopedia, under  Trillium  cernuum f — informs  me  that  he  procured  his  tincture 
for  proving  "  from  a  botanic  physician,  long  since  dead ;"  the  species  used  and  the 
mode  of  preparation  are  uncertain.  The  Americati  Homceopathic  PharmacopoeiaX 
directs  the  use  of  T. pendulum.  Ait.,  and  describes  no  distinct  species,  but  approaches 
nearer  T.  certtuum  than  any  other.  Dr.  E.  M.  Hale  says:§  "From  the  remarks 
of  Dr.  John  King,  in  the  Eclectic  Dispensatoiy,  we  learn  that  it  is  a  matter  of  indif- 
ference which,  or  how  many,  species  of  Trillium  go  to  make  up  the  preparations 

*  Medical  Flora,  1830,  pp.  102-3. 

t  Encyclopedia  of  Pure  Mat.  Med.,  Allen,  vol.  x,  p.  637. 

\  Second  edition,  p.  442. 

\  Hale's  New  Remedies,  4th  ed.,  vol.  i,  p.  629. 


175-5 
in  use  in  that  school.  It  is  my  conviction  that  no  reliable  knowledge  can  be 
gained  by  using  a  preparation  made  in  this  loose  manner.  For  use  in  disease, 
some  definite,  reliable  tincture,  made  from  a  single  species  should  be  used.  I  am 
satisfied,  however,  from  my  inquiries,  that  none  of  the  tinctures  or  triturations  now 
in  use  by  homreopathists  is  prepared  from  the  Trillium  pendulum  alone.  We 
must  adopt  one  of  two  methods — either  one  species  exclusively,  or  several  com- 
bined in  exact  proportions." 

On  account  of  its  wide  range,  prolific  growth,  acridity  and  evident  strength,  I 
deem  Trilliiun  ereciuvi,  Linn.,  the  common  purple  Trillium,  the  proper  species  for 
homoeopathic  use.  In  this  I  am  upheld  by  Dr.  T.  F".  Allen  and  others  of  our 
most  thorough  botanically  educated  physicians.  I  am  assured  also  that  our  most 
important  pharmacies  in  the  East  use  this  species,  under  the  label  T.  pendulnni ; 
one  phm-macy  only  using  T.  pendulum.  Ait. 

In  regard  to  the  frequency  of  the  species  of  Trillium  in  this  State  (New  York), 
taking  T.  grandifloruni  to  be  the  most  common,  and  giving  it  the  value  lo,  the 
value  in  occurrence  of  the  other  species  in  proportion — according  to  my  personal 
observations — would  be  : 

T.  erectimi  9,  T.  cernuiun  6,  T.  pendulum,  Ait.,  3,  T.  erythroca7'pum  2,  and 
T.  sessile  I. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  tubers  should  be  chopped 
and  pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken, 
the  pulp  mi.xed  thoroughly  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol 
added.  After  having  stirred  the  whole  well,  pour  it  into  a  well-stoppered  botde, 
and  allow  it  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place. 

The  tincture,  separated  from  this  mass  by  filtration,  should  have  a  light, 
slightly  brownish-orange  color,  by  transmitted  light,  no  disdnguishing  odor  nor 
taste,  an  acid  reaction,  and  should  raise  a  soap-like  foam  on  shaking.  This 
tincture  will  deposit  a  heavy  cream-colored  sediment  on  standing,  which  can  be 
filtered  off  without  detriment  to  it.  This  sediment,  when  dried,  forms  an  amor- 
phous mass,  without  odor  or  taste,  and  answers  to  none  of  the  starch  tests.  It 
is  insoluble  in  water,  alcohol,  ether,  alkalies,  or  acids  to  any  extent;  melts  at 
249°  (480.2°  F.),  and  burns  at  a  higher  temperature  with  a  bright  yellow  flame, 
leaving  no  ash. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— r;77//;/r.  Prof  E.  S.  VVayne='=  separated  from 
a  tincture  of  Trillium,  a  dry,  whitish,  amphorous,  pulverable,  powerfully  acrid  mass, 
soluble  in  alcohol,  and  forming,  when  shaken  with  water,  a  permanent,  opaline, 
frothing,  soap-like  mixture.  A  tincture  of  this  body,  spread  thinly  on  glass,  formed 
a  bright  glistening  scale. 

He  also  separated  a  volatile  oil,  gum,  resin,  extractive,  tannic  acid  and  starch. 

I  have  followed  his  line  of  procedure  and  corroborated  his  analysis  in  full, 
having,  however,  too  small  quantities  of  the  resultants  to  further  experiment  upon. 
I  shall,  next  season,  analyze  the  tubers  of  Trillium  erectum  and  other  species,  to 


Am.  Jour.  P/iar.,  1S56,  p.  512. 


175-6 

better  settle  upon  the  qualities  of  this  genus,  and  determine,  if  possible,  its  most 
representative  species. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.— We  have  a  careful  proving  of  Trillium  by  Prof 
Henry  Minton,  as  before  mentioned,  and  some  excellent  clinical  experience;  the 
full  action,  however,  is  not  yet  determinable  from  these.  This  certainly  is  a  drug 
deserving  full  and  careful  study  and  proving,  and  I  promise  the  fraternity  to  do 
my  share  as  fully  and  promptly  as  time  and  material  shall  render  possible. 


Description  of  Plate  175. 

Trillium  erectum,  var.  album. 

TRILLIUM  PENDULUM.  AIT. 

Upper  portion  of  plant,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  May  12th,  i{ 

2.  Lower  portion  and  root. 

3.  Stamen  (enlarged). 

4.  Pollen  X  280. 

5.  Pistil  (enlarged). 

6.  Ovary  in  horizontal  section  (enlarged). 


176. 


Inatdel.eipinxt. 


VERATRUM     VfRIDE.Ait. 


N.  ORD.-LILIACE^.  i76 

Tribe.-MELANTHIE^. 

GENUS.  — VERATRUM,*  TOURN. 
SEX.  SYST.— rOI.YGAMIA  MONCECIA. 


VERATRUM  VIRIDE. 

AMERICAN  WHITE  HELLEBORE. 


SYN.— VERATRUM    VIRIDE,    AIT.;    V.    ALBUM,    MICHX.    (NOT   LINN.);    V. 

ALBUM,    VAR.  I?)   REGEL;     V.   PARVIPLORUM,    BONG.   (NOT    MICHX.); 

V.  BSCHSCHOLTZII,    GRAY;    HBLONIAS  VIRIDIS,  BOT.  MAG.  1096. 
COM.    NAMES.— AMERICAN    WHITE    HELLEBORE,    FALSE    HELLEBORE, 

INDIAN  POKE,  MBADOVT  POKE,  SWAMP  HELLEBORE,  ITCH  WEED, 

INDIAN  UNCUS,  PUPPET  ROOT,   BARTHGALL,   CROW    POISON;    (FR.) 

VBRATRB  VERT;   (GER.)  GRtJNBR  GERMER. 


A   TINCTURE   OF   THE   FRESH    ROOT  OF  VERATRUM  VIRIDE,  AIT. 

Description. — This  pubescent  perennial  grows  to  a  height  of  from  2  to  5  feet. 
Root  coarse,  thick,  fleshy,  and  more  or  less  horizontal ;  the  lower  part  throwing 
off  numerous  white  fibres.  Stem  erect,  simple,  stout,  and  leafy  to  the  top.  Leaves 
3-ranked,  broadly  oval,  and  strongly  pointed,  plaited,  clasping  by  a  sheathed  base, 
and  gradually  decreasing  in  size  upward  to  mere  lanceolate  bracts,  hiflorescence 
a  terminal  pyramidal  panicle,  8  to  18  inches  long,  composed  of  dense,  spike-like, 
spreading,  loosely  floral  racemes ;  flozuers  monoeciously  polygamous,  greenish  or 
olivaceous  green.  Sepals  6,  ovate-oblong,  moderately  spreading,  separate,  con- 
tracted at  the  base,  clawless  and  glandless,  and  entirely  free  from  the  ovary. 
Stamens  6;  filaments  free  from,  and  shorter  than,  the  sepals,  recurving;  anthers 
extrorse,  reniform,  confluently  i -celled  at  the  apex.  Ovules  ascending,  anatro- 
pous  ;  styles  none ;  stigmas  3,  ligulate,  separate  down  to  the  ovary,  recurved.  Fruit 
a  3-horned  and  carpelled,  septicidal  capsule  ;  seeds  8  to  10  in  each  carpel,  flattish- 
oblong,  with  a  broad  membranaceous  margin  and  an  acute  ape.x ;  embryo  oval  ; 
albnmen  sarcous. 

Although  much  like  the  V.  album  of  Europe  in  its  minor  points,  yet  our  species 
is  strikingly  different  in  general  appearance.  The  American  species  has  a  much 
more  pointed  leaf  and  its  panicle  looser  and  more  compound ;  the  racemes  of  V. 
album  being  compact,  and,  as  a  whole,  cylindrical ;  while  those  of  V.  viride  are 
scattered,  compounded,  and  scraggly. 

History  and  Habitat. — Veratrum  viride  is  indigenous  to  North  America, 
where  it  habits  low  grounds  from  Canada  southward  to  the  mountain  meadows 
of  Georgia,  flowering  in  the  north   in  July,  and  in  the  south  in  April  or  May. 

*  Vere,  truly ;  atrum,  black. 


176-2 

There  are  four  other  North  American  species  of  Veratrum,  all  of  which  may  be 
compared  with  the  species  under  consideration. 

The  first  account  we  have  of  the  use  of  this  plant  is  that  of  Josselyn*  (1638), 
who  speaks  of  the  use  of  the  root  as  an  ordeal  by  the  young  Aborigines  in  the 
selection  of  their  tribal  chiefs — "he  whose  stomach  withstood  its  action  the  longest 
was  decided  to  be  the  strongest  of  the  party,  and  entitled  to  command  the  rest." 
Kalm  (1749)  statesf  that  at  the  time  of  his  visit  here  the  people  used  a  decoction 
of  this  plant  externally  in  the  cure  of  scorbutic  affections,  and  to  destroy  vermin. 
He  also  states  that  corn  was  soaked  in  a  strong  decoction  of  the  root  before 
planting,  to  protect  it  against  birds,  and  observed  that  birds,  after  eating  of  this 
corn,  became  attacked  with  vertigo,  and  in  their  blind  struggling  frightened  away 
the  balance  of  the  flock  ;  those  who  ate  of  the  grain,  however,  recovering  from  its 
effects.  The  first  prescriber  of  the  drug  in  regular  practice  was  probably  Dr.  John 
Ware,J  who  used  it  in  the  Boston  Almshouse  in  cases  of  tinea  capitis.  Dr.  Bigelow 
states§  that  during  the  Revolutionary  War,  when  K  album  could  not  be  procured, 
various  gouty  patients  used  the  American  plant  with  success,  not  finding  a  point 
of  difference.  It  is  doubtless  right  to  give  Dr.  Norwood,  of  South  Carolina,  the 
credit  of  establishing  the  proper  method  of  administering  the  drug,|l  and  it  was 
through  his  use  in  part  that  its  employment  began  in  England  in  1862.  Although 
Dr.  Ware  was  probably  the  first  to  experiment  with  this  drug  to  gain  an  idea  of 
its  physiologicrjl  action,  Drs.  Tully  and  Ives  (1830)  were  the  first  to  investigate  its 
therapeutic  action  as  well.  Dr.  Charles  Osgood,  who  studied  under  Professor 
Tully — modestly  giving  the  professor  most  of  the  honor  of  learning  its  properties 
— wrote  an  excellent  essay  upon  the  drug  in  1835.^  Little  attention,  however, 
seemed  to  follow  this  essay  until  Dr.  Norwood's  paper  appeared  in  1851,  from 
which  time  the  drug  gained  gradually  the  prominence  it  now  holds,  principally 
through  the  efforts  of  Prof.  Samuel  Percy  in  1856,  Drs.  Miller,  Belden,  Cutter, 
Richard  (1858),  Ingalls,  and  Prof.  M'Gugin  of  Iowa  (1861). 

The  principal  uses  of  the  drug  were  as  a  depressor  of  the  heart's  action 
wherever  it  was  deemed  necessary,  and  an  application  and  internal  remedy  in 
arthritic  troubles  of  all  kinds  ;  its  officinal  preparations  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  being 
Extractum  Veratri  Viridis  Fluidiun  and  Tinctura  Veratri  Viridis. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  root,  gathered  after  the 
leaves  have  fallen  in  autumn,  is  treated  as  in  the  preceding  drug,  excepting 
that  dilute  alcohol  is  used. 

The  resulting  tincture  has  a  brilliant,  slightly  orange,  madder  color  by  trans- 
mitted light;  a  peculiar  rich  odor  and  taste  ;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Dr.  Chas.  Osgood*  *=  and  Thos.  A.  Mitchelli-f 
were  the  first  to  suspect  by  analysis  that  the  alkaloid  commonly  known  as  Vera- 
trine  existed  in  the  species  viride,  and  H.  W.  Worthington  JJ  the  first  to  assert  the 

*  Neiv  England  Rarities  Discovered,  Lond.,  1672,  p.  46;  Account  of  Two   Voyages  to  New  England,  1674,  pp.  60-76. 
t  Travels  in  North  America,  vol.  ii.                         J  Comnnmication  to  Dr.  Bigelow.  I  Am.  Med.  Bot.,  loc.  cit. 

I  5  to  8  drops  of  the  tincture,  as  advised  in  this  work.  \  Am.  Jour.  Med.  Sci. 

**  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  vol.  i,  series  2.  ff  Ibid.,  vol.  ix.  JJ  Ibid.,  vol.  x,  p.  no. 


176-3 

fact.  From  this  time  the  chemistry  of  the  plant  became  a  great  study  by  many, 
principally  G.  J.  Scattergood  (1862),*  Chas.  Bullock  (i865t  ^nd  1879),!  Prof 
G.  B.  Wood,  E.  Peugenet  (1872),  C.  L.  Mitchell  (1874),  Robbins  (i877),§  and 
Wright  and  Luff  (1879). ||  The  results  of  these  studies  show  a  similarity  in  this 
species  to  l'.  albwn  oi  Europe;  tabulated  from  the  observations  of  Wright  and 
Luff,  as  follows.     One  kilogramme  of  the  roots  of  each  species  yielded : 

V.  album.  y.  viride. 

Jervia,  1.30  0.20 

Pseudojervia,  0.40  0.15 

Rubijervia,  0.25  0.02 

Veratralbia,  2.20  traces 

Veratria,  0.05  0.004 

Cevadina,  (?)  0.43 

4.20  0.804 

Jervia,  C^gH^^NO.,.— This  amorphous  alkaloid  (the  viridia  of  G.  B.  Wood) 
forms  an  almost  insoluble  sulphate,  crystallizing  with  two  molecules  of  water, 
melting  at  239°  (462.2°,  F.),  and  giving  with  sulphuric  acid  almost  the  same 
coloration  as  the  next. 

Pseudojervia,  C2jH^3NO,. — A  snow-white  base,  crystallizing  anhydrous  from 
alcohol,  melting  at  299°  (570.2°,  P.),  and  giving  a  yellow  solution  with  sulphuric 
acid,  gradually  turning  green. 

Rubijervia,  C^^H^^NO,,  — A  base  forming  a  readily-soluble  sulphate  and  well- 
crystallized  salts  in  general.  It  melts  at  237°  (458.6°,  F.),  and  resembles  in  many 
ways  the  preceding ;  it,  however,  gives  with  sulphuric  acid  a  red  coloration. 

Veratralbia,  C,gH^.5N05. — This  base  gives  a  red  coloration  with  sulphuric 
acid,  and  greatly  resembles  cevadina  and  the  veratria  of  other  authors. 

Cevadina,  C^.H^^jNCj. — An  amorphous  mass,  greatly  resembling  the  vera- 
tralbia of  V.  album,  and  termed  the  sternutatory  property  of  V.  viride. 

The  above  digest  of  Wright  and  Luff's  analysis  is  anything  but  satisfactory, 
and  is  open  to  much  criticism  as  regards  its  solution  of  the  problem  still  before  us. 
The  following  latest  analysis  of  the  Veratrine  of  V.  a/bum,  by  Dr.  Emil  Bossetti,^f 
will  serve  to  throw  some  light  upon  the  complex  nature  of  the  principles  of  this 
genus.  First:  he  claims  that  veratrine  is  a  homogeneous  mixture  of  two  isomeric 
alkaloids  ;  these  he  designates  as  insoluble 

Veratrine,  Cj^H^igNO^j. — A  crystallizable  alkaloid  (the  cevadina  of  Wright  and 
Luff),  insoluble  in  water,  which  decomposes  on  boiling  with  an  alcoholic  solution 
of  barium  hydrate,**  into  angelic  acid,  CjHgO,,,  and 

Cevadine,   C-H^.NO,,. — An   amorphous,  yellowish-white    powder,  having  an 
alkaline  reaction  and  a  peculiar  sweetish  taste. 
The  other  isomer  soluble  veratrine,  or 

*  Am.  Phar.  Assoc,  Aug.,  1862,  p.  226.         \  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1865,  p.  321.  J  Ibid.,  1879,  p.  337. 

\  Am.  Phar.  Assoc,  1877,  pp.  439,  523.  ||  Phar.  your,  and  Trans.,  May  31,  1879.         T[  Arch,  der  Pharni.,  21,  p.  81. 

Veratrine.  Water.    Angelic  Acid.     Cevadine. 

*»  C3,H,3NO,  +  (H,0),  =  C5H/X  -I-  C.„H,,NO<,. 


176-4 

Veratridine,  C3„H^,,NO,,. — An  uncrystallizable  alkaloid  (the  soluble  veratrine 
of  Weicrelin  and  E.  Schmit),  soluble  in  water,  and  decomposing  when  boiled  with 
an  alcoholic  solution  of  baryta  water*  into  veratric  acid,  and 

Veratroine,  C^.H^^N^Oj^. — A  body  forming,  after  dehydration  and  trituration, 
a  yellowish-white  powder,  the  dust  of  which  causes  coughing  and  sneezing.  It  is 
sparingly  soluble  in  water,  but  readily  soluble  in  chloroform,  ether,  amylic  alcohol, 
benzol,  and  carbon  bisulphide  ;  therefore  answering  fully  to  C.  L.  Mitchell's  vera- 
troidia  as  obtained  from  V.  viride,  to  which  Tobien  gave  the  formula  CgjH^gN^Ojg. 

Veratric  Acid,  CjHj|,0^,  crystallizes  in  colorless  needles,  losing  their  water 
of  crystallization  on  heating,  and  sublimes  completely  at  high  temperatures.  This 
body  is  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol,  and  insoluble  in  ether. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — On  Animals. — Dr.  Percy's  experiments  upon 
dogs  and  frogs  show  finely  the  action  of  the  drug.  From  his  prize  essay  from  the 
Atn.  Med.  Assoc,  1863,  I  have  selected  two  of  the  more  prominent  cases : 

"Experiment  VII. — Into  the  cellular  tissue  of  the  right  lumbar  region  of  a 
mongrel  dog  weighing  sixteen  pounds  was  passed,  by  Wade  and  Ford's  hypo- 
dermic syringe,  ten  minims  of  the  concentrated  tincture.  The  pulse  at  the  time 
v.'as  1 10.  The  movements  soon  became  uneasy  and  unsteady.  In  eighteen  minutes 
the  dog  vomited,  and  the  pulse  was  reduced  to  63.  In  thirty-four  minutes  the  dog 
staggered,  lay  down,  and  was  unable  to  rise,  the  retching  continuing  frequent.  In 
thirty  minutes  the  dog  lay  completely  on  its  side,  and  the  saliva  flowed  very  freely 
from  his  mouth.  The  eye  was  dull,  the  pupils  widely  dilated,  but  fixed ;  but  the 
eye  closed  if  the  cornea  was  touched.  The  limbs  were  very  flaccid,  the  pulse  32. 
Ten  minims  more  of  the  same  tincture  were  now  injected  into  the  left  lumbar 
region.  In  forty-five  minutes  from  the  first  injection,  the  heart  was  beating  14  in 
the  minute,  and  very  irregular;  the  saliva  continued  to  flow  freely  from  the  mouth, 
being  almost  as  limpid  as  water.  The  dog  was  perjectly  insensible  to  pain.  The 
respirations  were  slow  but  full.  At  one  hour  from  the  first  injection,  the  heart 
merely  fluttered  ;  the  dog  could  be  moved  in  any  way  without  the  slightest  volun- 
tary motion.     The  urine  and  feces  were  passed  involuntarily. 

"  Experiment  I. — Ten  minims  of  a  solution  containing  1/3  gr.  of  the  alkaloid 
veratria  made  from  veratrum  viride,  by  Mr.  George  Scattergood,  of  Philadelphia, 
were  given  to  a  large  dog  weighing  about  thirty  pounds,  in  gelatine  capsules; 
great  care  was  taken  that  none  of  it  escaped  into  tlie  mouth. 

3-35  P-M- 

4  "  salivation  very  profuse. 

4.05  "  vomited. 

4.20  "  vomiting  very  frequently. 

4.45  "  vomiting  viscid  mucus  and  bile. 

5.20    "  prostration  very  great,  unable  to  stand. 

5.45  "  pupils  widely  dilated,  eyes  fixed. 

6  "  prostration  great,  profuse  salivation. 

9  "  walking  about,  but  sober  and  dejected. 

Veratridine.  Water.        Veratric  Acid.     Veratroine. 

*  (C3.,H,,N0,1,  +  (H.,0),  =  C,H,„0,  +  C5.H<„N,0,< 


Pu 

se 

150 
148 

140 
128 
122 
122 

Intermittent 

' 

1 12 

176-5 

"  Three  days  afterward  the  same  dose  was  again  given  to  the  same  dog,  with 
very  similar  resuks.  With  this  animal,  the  pulse  was  not  much  depressed,  the 
prostration  was  very  great,  and  there  was  almost  total  loss  of  power  of  the  volun- 
tary muscles. 

"  During  the  months  of  July  and  August,  1857,  I  tried  thirty-one  experiments 
upon  dogs  with  the  alkaloid,  made  by  myself  from  veratrum  viride,  and  with  the 
commercial  veratria  made  by  Merck,  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  if  they  were 
alike  in  their  therapeutic  action. 

"  From  these  experiments  I  learned  that  the  alkaloid  from  the  viride  was  more 
sedative  in  its  effects  upon  the  pulse  than  the  commercial  veratria ;  that  it  was  less 
irritant,  seldom  causing  an  increase  in  the  number  of  pulsations,  which  the  com- 
mercial veratria  frequently  did  ;  that  it  produced  vomiting  and  prostration  in  about 
an  equal  degree  ;  that  when  a  large  dose  was  given,  and  prostration  induced,  there 
was  most  generally  a  dilatation  of  the  pupils,  but  this  effect  was  not  produced  by 
small  doses ;  that  purging  was  but  seldom  produced  by  either  when  given  by  the 
mouth,  but  nearly  always  when  given  by  hypodermic  injection  ;  that  large  doses 
of  either,  amounting  to  two  grains  at  a  time,  might  be  given,  producing  alarming 
prostration,  and  most  painful  and  protracted  vomiting,  without  causing  death,  if 
brandy,  brandy  and  morphia,  or  tincture  of  cantharides  was  administered ;  and 
that  in  every  instance  the  animal's  life  might  be  saved  by  proper  attention. 

"  In  those  instances  where  death  took  place  from  these  alkaloids,  it  was  caused 
by  repeating  the  dose,  and  not  by  a  dose  of  two  grains  administered  at  one  time. 
Upon  post-mortem  examination,  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  stomach  was  much 
inflamed,  and  in  some  instances  the  inflammation  extended  more  or  less  throuo-h 
the  whole  intestinal  tract,  and  was  always  seen  at  the  rectum  ;  the  kidneys  were 
in  a  state  of  congestion,  and  the  heart  filled  with  dark  blood. 

"  Both  alkaloids  produced  a  sedative  effect  upon  the  pulse,  but  the  commercial 
veratria  did  not  to  the  same  extent  as  that  from  the  viride,  and  neither  of  them  to 
the  same  extent  as  the  pure  resinoid,  or  the  tincture  made  from  veratrum  viride. 

"The  prostration  was  more  complete,  alarming,  and  prolonged,  and  the  vomit- 
ing was  more  painful  and  continued  from  the  effects  of  the  alkaloid  than  from  the 
other  preparations  named." 

Dr.  Percy's  experiments  upon  frogs,  meanwhile  watching  their  circulation 
with  the  aid  of  a  microscope,  are  very  interesting.  After  the  injection  of  the  tinc- 
ture, the  course  of  the  blood  through  the  capillaries  "may  be  watched  until  the 
circulation  is  so  regular  and  sluggish  that  the  blood-globules  may  be  counted  as 
they  course  through  the  smaller  vessels,  and  the  difference  between  the  white  and 
red  disks,  and  their  position  in  the  larger  capillaries,  may  be  easily  discerned. 
Sometimes  the  circulation  would  almost  entirely  cease  in  the  web,  but  would 
return  again  in  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  if  the  frog  upon  the  plate  was  placed  in 
fresh  running  water. 

"  It  was  always  interesting  to  watch  the  cessation  of  the  circulation  and  its 
recommencement. 

"  When  large  doses  of  the  veratrum  viride  were  given  by  the  stomach,  the 
cessation  of  the  circulation  never  occurred  suddenly.     There  would  be  intermis- 


176-6 

sions  of  longer  or  shorter  duration  ;  after  each  one,  the  current  of  blood  when 
re-established  would  be  slower  than  before,  and  after  a  while  would  cease.  After 
It  had  ceased  there  would  be  an  occasional  throb,  which  would  cause  a  general 
movement,  but  upon  the  subsidence  of  the  impetus,  the  blood-disks  would  be  in 
about  the  same  situation  as  before. 

"The  occurrence  of  this  throb  was  the  first  notice  given  of  the  return  of  the 
circulation  ;  it  would  be  repeated  at  shorter  intervals,  sometimes  a  minute  elaps- 
ing, and  then  several  of  such  pulsations  would  occur  in  a  minute.  Then  a  short 
but  general  movement  would  take  place  of  the  blood-disks,  at  each  pulsation, 
ceasing  upon  cessation  of  the  vis  a  tergo,  and  again  renewed,  until  the  circulation 
was  entirely  established  in  a  slow  but  steady  current." 

On  Man. — Veratrum  viride  causes  slight  or  temporary  delirium  ;  vertigo, 
especially  when  in  an  erect  position;  dimness  and  unsteadiness  of  vision,  which 
compels  a  horizontal  position  ;  dry  mouth  and  lips  ;  tongue  coated  at  base  and 
sides,  with  a  red  streak  down  the  centre ;  dryness  of  the  throat  and  numbness 
of  the  fauces ;  excessive  and  painful  singultus,  profuse  salivation,  with  severe 
spasms  of  the  superior  portion  of  the  oesophagus,  and  great  nausea,  vomiting  and 
cold  sweat;  vomit  composed  of  mucus,  bile,  and  dark-colored  blood;  pain  and 
soreness  of  the  lower  abdomen;  urine  clear  and  scant;  convulsive,  suffocating 
breathing ;  pulse  slow,  weak,  small,  and  soft,  reduced  even  to  almost  imperceptl- 
bility ;  very  profound  prostration,  the  patient  is  unable  to  rise  or  to  walk  ;  profuse 
cold  sweat,  with  chills  and  coldness  of  the  surface  of  the  body. 

The  action,  then,  is  that  of  an  arterial  and  nerve  sedative ;  it  paralyzes  both 
the  voluntary  and  involuntary  muscles ;  it  increases  all  secretions  through  its 
influence  in  paralyzing  the  vaso-motor  system  of  nerves,  allowing  thus  a  great 
dilation  of  the  capillaries. 

Description  of  Plate  176. 

I.  Whole  plant,  6  times  reduced,  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  July  7th,  1885. 

2.  A  small  raceme,  from  the  lower  portion  of  the  panicle. 

3.  Under  surface  of  flower,  showing  bract. 

4.  Sepal. 

5.  Stamens. 

6.  Pistil. 

7.  Longitudinal  section  of  ovary. 

8.  Horizontal  section  of  ovary. 

(3-8  enlarged.) 


177. 


^     r 


I 


hi 


6:\  ^ 


^i'k 


#^4 


M3 
GlU.adnat.deI.et  pinxt. 


CHAM^tLJRIUM     LUTEUM,Cray. 


N.  ORD-LILIACE^.  177 

Tribe.-MELANTHIE/E. 

GENUS— C  HAMAELIRIUM,*  WILLD. 
SEX.  SYST.— HEXANDRIA  TKIUVNIA. 


HELONIAS. 


DEVIL'S  BIT. 


SYN.— CHAMAELIRIUM  LUTEUM,  GRAY;  C.  CAROLINIANUM,  WILLD.; 
HELONIAS  DIOICA,  PURSH. ;  H.  PUMILA,  JACQ.;  H.  LUTEA,  AIT.; 
VERATRUM  LUTEUM,  LINN.;  MELANTHIUM  DIOICUM,  WALT.;  M. 
DENSUM,  LAM.;  OPHIOSTACHYS  VIRGINICA,  DEL.;  ABALON  ALBI- 
FLORUM,   RAP. 

COM.  NAMES.— DEVIL'S  BIT,  BLAZING  STAR,  UNICORN  PLANT,  DROOP- 
ING STARWORT,  FALSE  UNICORN  ROOT,  STARWORT,  COLIC  ROOT.t 


A  TINCTURE   OF  THE   ROOT  OF  CHAMAELIRIUM   LUTEUM,   GR.\Y. 

Description. — This  smooth  perennial  herb  attains  a  growth  of  from  i  to  3 
feet.  Stein  wand-Hke,  leafy.  Rootstock  thick,  abrupt,  light  colored,  and  furnished 
with  many  long  roots  from  the  base  of  the  stem,  and  a  number  of  fibrous  rootlets 
from  Its  thickest  portion.  Leaves  alternate,  parallel  veined,  those  of  the  upper 
stem  small,  lanceolate,  and  sessile,  increasing  in  size  toward  the  root,  where  they 
tend  toward  spatulate  and  are  tapered  into  a  petiole.  Inflorescence  dioecious,  both 
kinds  in  long,  terminal,  virgate,  spike-like  racemes,  the  fertile  nearly  erect,  the 
sterile  more  or  less  curved ;  pedicels  spreading  in  the  male,  erect  in  the  female, 
all  bractless.  Perianth  in  both  sexes  composed  of  6,  spatulate,  spreading,  mar- 
cescent  sepals.  Stamens  6,  unequal,  longer  than  the  sepals  in  the  male  flower, 
short  and  rudimentary  in  the  female ;  filaments  thread-shaped  ;  anthers  yellow, 
2-celled,  roundish  oval,  and  extrorse.  Ovary  green,  usually  wanting  in  the  sterile 
flowers  ;  styles  3,  linear-clavate,  spreading,  separate  down  to,  and  nearly  as  long 
as,  the  ovary;  stigmas  simply  the  inner  surfaces  of  the  styles.  Fruit  an  ovoid- 
oblong,  3-celled  pod,  loculicidally  3-valved  from  the  apex.  Seeds  numerous,  linear- 
oblong,  winged  at  each  end. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  Devil's  Bit  is  indigenous  to  North  America,  where 
it  ranges  from  Western  New  England  westward  to  Illinois  and  southward  ;  it  habits 
rich  woods,  and  flowers  in  June. 


*  xa/iai,  cliamai,  on  the  ground ;  Xtipioi',  Ifi/ion,  lily, 
f  'EXof ,  /lelos,  marsh  ;  as  some  species  frequent  bogs. 
J  For  amlysis  of  the  common  names,  see  foot-n  ite  and  history,  under  Aletri 


177-2 

On  account  more  of  the  similarity  of  vulgarisn-.s  than  aught  else,  this  plant 
and  Aletris  are  gathered  as  the  same  in  various  localities,  or  are  interchanged.  The 
root  of  Helonias,  however,  is  too  characteristic,  even  when  thoroughly  dried,  to 
be  mistaken  for  that  of  any  other  plant  known  to  me.  When  this  root  is  cut 
across  it  will  be  plainly  noticeable  that  the  fibrous  rootlets  pierce  the  cortex 
through  ample  foramina,  in  which  they  are  found  to  be  freely  movable,  like  a 
thread  in  the  eye  of  a  needle  (Fig.  9)  ;  this  character  is  constant  and  specific.  It 
is  said  that  there  is  an  aboriginal  legend  to  the  effect  that  the  bad  spirit,  angered 
that  this  root  should  cure  all  disorders — as  was  then  supposed — bit  off  a  portion 
of  it  to  curtail  its  usefulness,  whence  the  name  Devil's  Bit. 

The  previous  medical  history  of  this  plant  dates  from  the  aboriginal  use  against 
colic,  worms,  and  fevers.  In  domestic  and  botanic  practice  it  is  considered  tonic, 
diuretic,  emetic,  sialagogue,  emmenagogue,  vermifuge,  and  antiscorbutic.  Rafin- 
esque  says  that  its  mere  application  to  the  skin  causes  diuresis.  Dr.  B.  S.  Barton 
thought  that  its  relief  of  colic  was  on  account  of  some  narcotic  power.  Dr.  Ives 
used  it  as  a  tonic,  and  commends  it  for  checking  nausea  and  vomiting.  Dr.  Bra- 
man*  had  the  utmost  confidence  in  the  root  in  the  cure  of  leucorrhcea.  The 
Indian  squaws  employed  the  root  to  check  miscarriages,  and  chewed  the  root  to 
relieve  coughs.  Helonias  proves  itself  very  useful  in  atony  of  the  generative  organs 
of  both  sexes,  especially  when  associated  with  colic  and  severe  lumbar  pains. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.— The  fresh  root,  gathered  after  the 
fruits  have  bursted,  is  treated  as  directed  under  Trillium.f  The  resulting  tinc- 
ture has  a  beautiful,  clear  orange  color  by  transmitted  light;  no  distinguishing 
odor;  a  pleasant,  but  very  bitter,  taste;  and  an  acid  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.—  Chamcslirin.  Dr.  Green  succeeded  in  iso- 
lating this  glucoside  from  the  root,  and  suggests  the  name.  Like  many  prin- 
ciples of  the  lily  tribe,  this  body  is  saponaceous  in  its  alcoholic  and  aqueous 
solutions,  and  insoluble  in  other  general  solvents.  He  describes  the  body  as  an 
amorphous,  neutral,  bitter  powder,  splitting,  through  the  agency  of  dilute  acids, 
into  glucose  and  an  uninvestigated  body  that  is  insoluble. 

The  Tildens'  analysis  J  resulted  in  the  determination  of  an  oleo-resin,  a  bitter 
principle,  extractive,  gum,  starch,  and  other  bodies  not  essential. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  symptoms  caused  in  several  experimenters 
from  the  ingestion  of  varying  doses  of  the  tincture  and  of  helonin,  are  in  substance 
as  follows:  Mental  depression  ;  headache,  fulness,  and  vertigo  ;  dimness  of  vision  ; 
dryness  of  the  mouth  and  fauces  ;  irritation  and  burning  of  the  stomach  ;  colic  ; 
slight  purging  followed  by  scyballa  ;  burning  in  the  region  of  the  kidneys  "like 
two  bags  of  hot  water;"  profuse  urination  followed  by  uncertainty  of  the  sphinc- 
ter vesicae;  uterine  hemorrhage,  and  burning  of  the  pudenda;   lowering  of  the 

*  Bost.  Med.  and  Surg.  Jour.,  xl,  416.  f  Pa^e  I7S-5-  I  Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  N.  S.,  ii,  122. 


177-3 

frequency  of  the  pulse  ;   severe  lumbar  pain  ;  languor,  chilliness,  and  flashes  of 
heat.''' 


Description  of  Plate  177. 

I  and  2.   Whole  male  plant,  Port  Crane,  N.  Y.,  June  29th,  18S5. 

3.  A  male  flower. 

4.  Sepal. 

5.  Stamen. 

6.  Anther. 

7.  Female  flower. 
S.  A  style. 

9.   Horizontal  section  of  the  rootstalk. 

10.  Fruit. 

11.  Horizontal  section  of  the  fruit. 

(3-8  and  lo-ii  enlarged.) 


*  Allen,  Ency.  Mat.  li/ed.,  iv,  565-72 ;   mostly  from  Dr.  Samuel  A.  Jone«.'  experiments, 


178. 


^TO.adnaideletpinxt.  LILIUM      S  UPERBUM  ,  Linn. 


N.  ORD-LILIACE^.  i78 

Tribe- LI  LI  E/E. 

GENUS.  — LI  LIU  M,*  LINN. 
SE.\.  SVST.-HEXANDRI.^  MONOGYNIA. 


LILIUM  SUPERBUM. 


TURK'S- CAP  LILY. 


SYN.— LILIUM  SUPERBUM,  LINN. ;   L.  CAROLINIANUM,  MICHX.   (?) 
COM.  NAMES.— TURK'S-CAP  LILY,  SUPERB  LILY,  MEADO"W  LILY,  ^WILD 
TIGER  LILY. 


A  TINCTURE   OF  THE   FRESH   BULB   OF  LILIUM  SUPERBUM,   LINN. 

Description. — This  beautiful  perennial  herb  attains  a  growth  of  from  3  to  7 
feet.  Bulb  scaly;  stems  simple,  erect,  glabrous,  rounded.  Leaves  sessile,  the 
lower  in  whorls  of  from  5  to  7,  the  upper  scattered,  all  3-nerved,  lanceolate, 
pointed,  and  smooth.  Inflorescence  a  terminal  pyramidal  raceme ;  floioers  3  to 
40,  nodding  ;  perianth  open  campanulate,  its  divisions  somewhat  coherent  at  their 
bases.  Sepals  6,  sessile,  strongly  revolute,  deciduous,  bright  orange  with  numer- 
ous dark  purple  spots  inside,  and  a  honey-bearing  furrow  at  the  base.  Statnens  6, 
shorter  than  the  style,  hypogynous  ;  Jilajjtents  dilated  and  somewhat  adherent  at 
their  bases,  from  which  they  taper  to  a  very  fine  apex  at  the  point  of  fixture  of  the 
anther;  anthers  linear,  versatile,  at  first  included  then  projecting,  opening  by  a 
lateral  or  slightly  introrse  line.  Ovary  3-celled ;  ovtiles  anatropous.  Style  elon- 
gated club-shaped  ;  stigma  apical,  3-lobed,  the  receptive  surface  velvety.  Fruit 
an  oblong,  subtriangular,  3-celled,  loculicidal  capsule,  each  cell  containing  two  rows 
of  seeds.  Seeds  numerous,  horizontally  flattened  by  compression;  testa  soft ;  embryo 
small,  axial ;  albnmen  fleshy. 

History  and  Habitat. — This  beautiful  lily  is  indigenous  to  North  America  from 
the  Carolinas  northward  to  Canada  and  westward  to  the  Rocky  Mountains,  where 
it  habits  rich  low  grounds,  and  flowers  from  June  through  July. 

This  species  has  no  medical  history,  its  congener,  L.  tigrinn^n,  of  China,  cover- 
ing all  that  is  known  concerning  this. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. — The  fresh  bulbs  are  treated  in  the 
same  manner  as  those  of  Trillium  (p.  175-5).  The  resulting  tincture  has  a 
beautiful  orange  color  by  transmitted  light ;  no  distinguishing  odor  ;  a  bitter  and 
astringent  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction. 

*  The  classical  Latin  name,  from  the  Celtic  li,  or  the  Greek  \tifmv,  leirion,  white. 


178-2 

In  preparing  the  tincture  in  further  provings,  the  flowers,  when  in  full  sexual 
power,  should  be  included,  thus  extending  its  therapeutic  usefulness. 

PHYSIOLOGrlOAL  ACTION. — The  only  account  of  the  action  of  this  drug  is 
that  of  Dr.  E.  Reading,*  who  records  the  following  effects :  Mental  exhaustion  ; 
headache;  dullness  of  the  eye  ;  epistaxis  ;  paleness  and  sickly  expression  of  coun- 
tenance; bitter  taste  in  the  mouth;  burning  of  the  mouth  and  oesophagus;  increased 
appetite  ;  splenic  discomfort ;  constipation  ;  oppression  of  chest ;  acceleration  of  the 
pulses;  weakness  of  the  extremities;  languor;  debility,  prostration,  and  restlessness. 


Description  of  Plate  i  78. 

I.   Upper  portion  of  flowering  plant,  Elmira,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  nth,  i{ 

2.  Section  of  mid-stem. 

3.  Stamen. 

4.  Stigma. 

5.  Young  fruit. 

6.  Section  of  ovary. 
(3,  4,  and  6  enlarged.) 


*  Allen,  Encyc.  Mat.  Med.,  X,  572. 


PLATES  179  AND  180. 


SERIES 


CRYPTOGAMIA. 


Plants  without  flowers ;   /.  e.  destitute  of  the  essential  organs 

stamens  and  pistils,  and  producing  m  lieu  of 

seeds,  numerous  microscopic  bodies 

capable  of  germination, 

called  spores. 


CLASS 


ACROGENS 


Cryptogams  with  distinct   stems  and    branches,   exhibiting 

woody  tissue  and  xessels,  and  generalK'  with 

some  sort  of  foliage. 


[Td  precede  plate  179.] 


179. 


/.TU.aiJnatdel.etpinxt. 


EpUISETUM      HYEMALE.Linr 


N.  ORD.-EQUISETACE^.  179 

GENUS.— EQUISETUM,*  LINN. 
SEX.  SVST.— CRVI'TOCAMIA  KIl.ICES. 


EQUISETUM. 


GREAT  SCOURIJYG  RUSH. 


SYN.— EQUISETUM  HYEMALE,  LINN. 

COM.    NAMES.— SCOURING    RUSH,    DUTCH    RUSH,    SCRUBBING    RUSH, 

SHAVE-GRASS,  WINTER  HORSETAIL  ;  (FR.)  PRELE  ;  (GER.)  SCHACH- 

TELHALM. 


A   TINCTURE   OF   THE    WHOLE   FRESH    PLANT   FJ^UISETUM    HYEMALE,  LINN. 

Description. — This  erect,  arrow-like  plant  grows  to  a  height  of  from  i  to  3  or 
4  feet.  Root  perennial,  horizontal,  jointed  like  the  stem,,  putting  off  from  the  sec- 
tions, at  their  middle,  numerous  moss-like  rootlets.  S/em  simple,  rarely  incon- 
spicuously branched,  sub-cylindrical  from  root  to  spike,  hoUo'W,  evergreen,  sur- 
viving the  winter;  ridges  17  to  27,  very  rough;  tubercles  in  two  more  or  less 
distinct  lines  on  the  ridges,  constituting  the  roughness  of  the  stem.  Sheaths 
elongated,  closely  appressed  to  the  stem  at  each  joint,  and  furnished  with  a  black 
zone  at  their  bases  ;  liiitb  black,  composed  of  as  marty  teeth  as  there  are  ridges 
upon  the  stems ;  teeih  linnear,  narrow,  each  with  a  keel  at  its  base,  appearing  as 
a  prolongation  of  the  ridge  below  ;  the  awned  points  deciduous.  Epidermis  abound- 
ing in  silex  ;  stoniata  disposed  in  two  lines,  one  on  each  side  of  the  groove.  Spike 
apical,  ovate,  armed  with  a  sharp,  rigid,  black  tip;  scales  with  a  dark,  brownish- 
black  face. 

Equisetaceae  and  Equisetum.— This  family  of  flowerless  plants  is  very  charac- 
teristically distinct,  consisting  of  one  genus  only,,  the  Equiscla,  immediately  recog- 
nized after  once  examined.  They  consist  of  fertile  and  sterile  stems,  often  branched, 
and  always  jointed,  hollow,  and  rough.  The  root,  in  its  solid  portion,  is  composed 
from  centre  to  circumference  of  the  following  layers :.  strong  cellular  tissue  ;  a 
circle  of  air-canals,  each  surrounded  by  a  zone  of  vascular  bundles  ;  a  circle  of 
vascular  bundles  composed  of  annular  ducts ;  a  parenchyma  traversed  by  air- 
canals  ;  a  circlet  of  parenchymatous  cells ;  and  the  cuticle.  As  the  rhizome 
approaches  the  stems  it  becomes  hollow  through  the  loss  of  the  central  cellular 
tissue  and  the  modification  of  the  other  layers.  The  jointed  stems  and  branches 
are  hollow  and  bridged  by  a  thin  membranous  diaphragm  at  each  joint.     The 

*  Eguus,  a  horse;  sfta,  a  hair  or  bristle. 


179-2 

fruiting  head  is  somewhat  cone-shaped,  composed  of  a  central  axis  as  a  prolonga- 
tion of  the  last  joint  of  the  stem,  upon  which  are  situated,  like  growing  toad-stools, 
numerous  groups  of  t/iercr  or  sporanges,  joined  by  their  bases  to  a  central  axis,  and 
looking  inward,  so  that  only  the  somewhat  hexagonal  flattened  cap  is  seen  exter- 
nally. These  sporanges,  as  they  ripen,  separate  from  one  another,  and  finally 
burst  longitudinally,  allowing  the  escape  of  the  spores.  The  sfiores  are  very  strange 
bodies,  unlike  any  other  form  of  vegetable  matter.  They  are  ovoid  in  shape,  and 
composed  of  two  coats,  the  outer  splitting  spirally,  thus  forming  four  thread-like 
bodies,  thicker  at  their  free  ends,  called  claiers,  which,  from  what  follows,  will  be 
seen  to  be  very  useful  in  scattering  the  seed.  While  the  spores  are  crowded  in 
the  sporangia,  or  when  they  are  damp,  these  elaters  are  tightly  coiled  around  the 
spoce  ;  but,  as  soon  as  the  theca  bursts,  or  the  spores  become  dry,  the  elaters  un- 
coil with  force,  causing  the  propulsion  of  the  spore  to  quite  an  extent.  This  may 
be  seen  by  placing  a  few  spores  under  the  microscope  and  breathing  upon  them  ; 
the  exhaled  moisture  causes  the  elaters  to  coil  up  immediately;  by  quickly  placing 
the  eye  at  the  tube  a  curious  sight  is  witnessed  as  drying  commences.  If  the  dry- 
ing is  slow,  the  spores  roll  and  twist  about  like  spiders  in  pain  ;  while,  if  the  drying 
is  quick,  they  will  skip  from  the  field  of  view  like  grasshoppers.  ^\\^  germination 
of  the  spore  is  quite  similar  to  the  process  of  multiplication  in  the  rod-bacteria. 
A  bud-like  process  puts  out  from  the  spore  and  soon  becomes  cut  by  a  septum  ; 
this  grows  on  and  multiplies  in  all  directions  until  a  tuft  is  formed,  from  the  centre 
of  which  arises  arche^onia  and  anthcridia,  in  distinct  bodies.  After  fertilization  of 
an  archegonium,  the  germ-cell  developes  like  an  embryo.  At  the  present  day  the 
Equiseta  are  all  comprised  in  one  genus,  but  paleontology  shows  many  species  of 
great  size  and  more  varied  features. 

History  and  Habitat— The  Scouring  Rush  grows  on  wet  banks,  in  open 
woods,  especially  northward,  fruiting  in  early  spring.  From  the  abimdance  of 
silex  in  the  cuticle,  the  stems  have  been  variously  used  for  scouring  purposes; 
this  use  has  contributed  largely  to  its  vocabulary  of  vulgarisms.  It  is  gathered 
into  bundles  by  many  housewives  and  used  to  brighten  tins,  floors,  and  wooden- 
ware,  and  in  the  arts  for  polishing  woods  and  metals.  Rafinesque  says:  "This 
plant,  and  allied  species,  furnish  good  food  for  cattle  in  winter."  He  speaks  of  a 
tall  species,  called  Nebratah  by  the  Missouri  Indians,  used  in  the  manufacture  of 
mats,  and  of  a  species  which  he  names  E.  tuberostun,  the  roots  of  which  are  used 
as  food  by  the  Indians. 

This  plant  is  not  mentioned  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.,  and  not  officinal  in  the  Eclectic 
Materia  Medica. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION. -The  whole  fresh  plant  is  chopped  and 
pounded  to  a  pulp  and  weighed.  Then  two  parts  by  weight  of  alcohol  are  taken, 
the  pulp  mixed  well  with  one-sixth  part  of  it,  and  the  rest  of  the  alcohol  added. 
After  thorough  mixture  the  whole  is  poured  into  a  well-stoppered  bottle  and 
allowed  to  stand  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place.  The  tincture  thus  formed,  after 
straining  and  filtering,  should  have  a  light  greenish-brown  color  by  transmitted 
light,  a  woody  taste,  followed  by  a  slight  tobacco-like  burning  of  the  tongue,  and 
an  acid  reaction  to  litmus-paper. 


179-3 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS,  Silicia,  SiO,.— This  oxide  of  silicium  is  present 
in  the  plant  in  large  quantities,  ranging,  according  to  different  authorities,  from 
7.5  to  41.2  per  cent,  of  the  whole  herb. 

Equisetic  Acid,  Aconitic  Acid,  C,.H„0„. — This  acid  was  determined  in  E.  flu- 
viatilc  as  magnesium  aconitate  by  Braconnot,  who  considers  it  present  in  the  other 
species  of  the  genus.  It  forms  in  highly  acid  klinorhombic  prisms,  fusing  at  about 
130°  (266°  F.),  and  soluble  in  both  water  and  alcohol.  This  acid  has  also  been 
called  "  mallic,"  because  it  is  formed  upon  the  destructive  distillation  of  mallic 
acid;  but  it  fails  to  answer  to  the  properties  of  that  acid,  as  well  as  to  its  com- 
position, QH^O^. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION.-Dr.  Hugh  M.  Smith  states*  the  following  symp- 
toms arising  in  persons  taking  from  50  to  150  drops  of  the  tincture:  Greatly 
increased  appetite  ;  severe  sharp  pain,  with  soreness,  in  the  lower  abdomen  ;  pain, 
tenderness,  and  distention  of  the  bladder,  with  frequent  urging  to  urinate ;  sharp 
pain  along  the  urethra,  burning  and  aching  in  the  penis  and  testicles  when  urinat- 
ing, with  soreness  of  the  testicles  and  spermatic  cord  ;  dull  pain  and  soreness  in 
the  back,  with  prostration. 

It  is  said  that  where  cattle  have  been  given  too  large  quantities  of  an  infusion 
as  a  diuretic,  it  has  caused  the  voidance  of  blood. 

Description  of  Plate   179. 

1.  Lower  portion  of  stem. 

2.  Upper  portion  of  stem. 

(Two  feet  of  stem  between  Nos.  i  and  2  left  out.) 

3.  Fruiting  head  (enlarged.) 

4.  Sporangia,  outer ;    5.   inner  viesv. 

6.  Damp  spore  .\  200. 

7.  Dry  spore  x  200. 

8.  Stoma  x  200. 

From  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  May  i,  1884. 

*  Thesis,  N.  Y.  Horn.  Med.  Coll.,  1876;  Allen,  Ency.  Pure  Mat.  Med.,  vol.  iv.,  pp.  204-210. 


180. 


(p'm.ad  nat.delet  piiwt.  LYCOPODIUM      ClAVATUM  ,  Linn. 


N.  ORD.-LYCOPODIACE^.  180 

GENITS  —  L  Y C  O  P  O  D I  U  M  , '    LINN. 

SEX.  svsT.— cRvrn ic.vmi.v  i.va U'Odixe.k. 


LYCOPODIUM. 


CLUB  MOSS. 


SYN.— LYCOPODIUM  CLAVATUM,  LINN.;  L.  TRISTACHYUM,  PERS. ;  L. 
INTBGRIPOLIUM,  HOOK. 

COM.  NAMES.— COMMON  CLUB  MOSS,  GROUND  PINE,  HOG'S  BED,  SNAKE 
MOSS,  STAG'S  HORN,  WOLF'S  CLAW;  (PR.)  PIED  DE  LOUP;  (GER.) 
KALBBN-MOOS,  GEMEINES  BURLAPP.  THE  SPORES:  VEGETABLE 
SULPHUR;  (FR.)  LYCOPODE,  SOUFRE  VEGETAL;  (GBR.)  BURLAPP- 
SAMEN,  BLITZ  PULVER,  WURM  MEHL,   HEXBN  MEHL. 


A   TRITURATION   OF  THE   SPORES   OF   LYCOPODIUM   CLAVATUM.  LINN. 

Description. — This  evergreen  perennial  extends  to  a  length  of  30  feet  or 
more.  Stem  tough,  flexible,  terete,  and  very  leafy,  creeping  extensively  and  strik- 
ing root  at  varied  intervals;  >-oots  light  yellow,  wiry,  solitary  and  straight;  branches 
ascending,  similar  to  the  stems,  but  short  and  subdivided,  the  fertile  terminated  by 
a  fruiting  peduncle.  Leaves  crowded,  homogeneous,  equal  and  many-ranked,  all 
linear-awl-shaped,  incurved,  spreading,  light  green,  and  tipped  by  a  long,  incurved 
capillaceous  bristle.  Peduncle  of  the  female  branches  erect,  strict,  4  to  6  inches 
long,  and  bearing  from  i  to  4,  but  usually  2,  spikes  ;  bracts  sparse,  somewhat 
appressed,  tipped  with  a  fine  bristle  ;  spikes  linear,  cylindrical,  blunt,  erect,  mostly 
in  pairs,  each  composed  of  an  axis  and  many  closely  appressed  scales  ;  scales 
ovate-triangular,  closely  imbricated,  membranaceous,  erosely  denticulate,  pedicelled 
and  tipped  by  a  filiform  point.  Spore-cases  (pheca)  all  of  one  kind,  situated  in  the 
axils  of  the  scales,  all  more  or  less  flattened-reniform,  coriaceous,  i -celled,  and 
opening  by  a  trans-marginal  line  down  through  even  the  pedicel,  leaving  each 
valve  a;i  individual  stalk.  Spores  copious,  very  minute,  together  forming  a  very 
mobile,  sulphur-yellow  powder,  which  is  described  further  on. 

Lycopodiaceae. — This  family  of  low,  moss-like  plants,  is  represented  in  North 
America  by  2  genera  and  13  species  ;  its  general  characteristics  are:  stems  herba- 
ceous or  ligneous,  simple  or  branched,  and  usually  prostrate  and  extensively  creep- 
ing. L^eaves  usually  crowded,  linear,  simple,  sessile,  persistent,  i -nerved,  and  more 
or  less  appressed.  Frncfiji cation  axillary  or  spiked  ;  spore  cases  quite  large, 
2-valved  ;  spores  generally  copious  and  minute. 

*  \i<o;.  lykos.  a  wolf;  -o!i.-or'o^.  pons,  /-udos,  a  foot;  from  a  fancied  resemblance. 


180-2 

This  peculiar  order  furnishes  but  few  drugs,  but,  contrary  to  their  general 
appearance,  they  have  high  medicinal  qualities.  The  West  Indian  Lycopodimn 
cerminiu,  Linn.,  is  diuretic,  and  recommended  as  a  specific  for  certain  iorms  of 
dysentery;  the  Peruvian  L.  cafharticiim.  Hook.,  is  a  violent  purgative,  valued  by 
the  natives  in  leprosy  and  elephantiasis  ;  the  East  Indian  L.  pldegmaria,  and  L. 
hygroinetriciiin,  L.,  are  considered  aphrodisiac,  especially  the  latter,  which  is  noted 
for  its  qualities  in  this  direction  ;  and  the  European  and  American  L.  Selago,  Linn., 
an  active,  narcotic  poison;  emetic  and  cathartic  in  small  doses,  but  dangerous  in 
large,  bringing  on  violent  purgation  and  convulsions  ;  it  is  also  strongly  counter- 
irritant  when  applied  to  the  skin,  being  used  to  keep  blisters  open,  and  to  kill  lice 
upon  animals. 

History  and  Habitat. — The  common  Club  Moss  is  indigenous  to  North 
America,  Northern  Europe  and  Asia,  as  well  as  like  countries  of  the  Southern 
Hemisphere.  It  occurs  in  this  country  in  dry  woods,  where  it  is  common  north- 
ward, fruiting  in  July  and  August. 

Under  the  names  Ahiscus  terreslris,  or  Mzisciis  clavalus,  this  plant  was  used  as 
a  whole,  by  ancient  physicians,  as  a  stomachic  and  diuretic,  though  the  powder 
does  not  appear  to  be  used  alone,  until  about  the  17th  century.  L.  Selago  was 
employed,  by  the  Druids,  as  an  active  cathartic  and  deobstruent. 

The  spores  have  been  used  as  a  diuretic  in  dropsy;  a  drastic  in  diarrhoea, 
dysentery,  and  suppressions;  a  nervine  in  spasms  and  hydrophobia;  an  aperient 
in  gout  and  scurvy;  and  a  corroborant  in  rheumatism.  Externally  they  are  largely 
used  as  a  dusting  powder  for  various  skin  diseases,  and  in  excoriations  of  infants, 
to  prevent  chafing;  and  are  considered  the  most  efficacious  application  to  plica 
poloiiica.  In  pharmacy,  they  form  the  best  powder  for  keeping  pills  and  lozenges 
from  cohering  with  each  other.  They  are  very  inflammable,  so  much  so  as  to 
flash  with  a  hissing  noise  when  ignited.  This  property  has  determined  their  use  in 
pyrotechnics,  and  for  imitating  the  lightning's  flash  in  theatrical  performances. 

The  spores  are  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Ph.  :  in  the  Eclectic  Dispensatory  the 
plant  is  not  mentioned. 

PART  USED  AND  PREPARATION.  — The  spores,  en  masse,  form  a  very 
fine,  odorless,  tasteless,  mobile,  light-yellow  powder,  adhering  to  the  fingers,  but 
exhibiting  a  repulsive  force  for  water.  If  shaken  with  water  a  portion  sinks,  with 
alcohol  it  is  readily  miscible ;  it  is  tinged  brown  by  iodine;  and  sulphuric  acid, 
when  hot,  instantly  penetrates  the  spores,  rendering  them  transparent,  but  not 
rupturing  their  coat.  Individiially,  under  a  strong  lens,  the  spores  are  seen  to  be 
blundy  tetrahedral,  one  surface  (the  base)  being  convex,  the  others  triangularly 
pyramidal,  their  apices  not  fully  meeting,  but  leaving  a  three-armed  space.  They 
show  a  surface  finely  reticulated  by  minute  ridges,  that  are  more  elevated  at  their 
junctions,  and  enclose  pent-  or  hexagonal  spaces,  the  floors  of  which  are  occupied 
by  a  transparent,  but  astonishingly  tough  membrane,  which,  when  ruptured,  allows 
the  escape  of  globules  of  an  oily  nature. 


^80-3 

Sop/iistifation. — The  pollen  of  some  plants,  such  as  the  cat-tail  (  TypJia  lati- 
folia)  :  pine  (various  species  of  Pinns)  ;  spruce  {Abies),  and  hemlock  {Abies 
Canadensis),  are  often  mixed  fraudulently  with  the  powder,  the  microscope  alone 
being  able  to  detect  the  imposition.*  Starch,  when  incorporated  with  the  powder, 
ma)-  be  detected  by  iodine  ;  and  talc,  gypsum,  and  chalk  may  be  discovered  by 
throwing  the  powder  into  water,  or  bisulphide  of  carbon  ;  boxwood  powder  may 
be  separated  by  the  use  ot  a  fine  sieve  that  will  allow  the  spores  to  pass  and 
retain  the  wood.  However,  the  Lycopodium  of  commerce,  which  is  mostly  gath- 
ered in  Russia,  Germany,  and  .Switzerland,  is  usually  quite  pure. 

To  obtain  an  efficacious  tincture  of  Lycopodium,  a  previous  severe  trituration 
for  hours,  first  dry  and  then  with  the  addition  of  sufficient  alcohol  to  form  a  paste, 
is  necessary  ;  then  five  parts,  by  weight,  of  alcohol  is  added,  the  whole  poured  into 
a  well-stoppered  bottle,  and  allowed  to  stand  for  eight  days  in  a  dark,  cool  place, 
being  thoroughly  shaken  twice  a  day.  The  tincture,  separated  by  straining  and 
filtering,  has  a  clear  straw-color  by  transmitted  light :  an  oily  odor  and  taste  ;  and 
a  neutral  reaction. 

CHEMICAL  CONSTITUENTS.— Analyses  made  by  Buchholtz  and  Cadet 
determined  the  presence  of  fat  oil  6.0,  sugar  3.0,  gum  1.5,  pollenin  89.5,  this  last 
being  a  mixed  body.  Stenhouse  determined  the  presence  of  volatile  bases,  which 
were  corroborated  by  Fluckiger,  who  also  determined  that  the  ash  was  not  alka- 
line, and  contained  alumina  and  phosphoric  acid. 

Oil  of  Lycopodium. — This  bland  liquid,  of  which  Buchholtz  found  only  6  per 
cent.,  was  determined  by  Fluckiger  to  exist  in  large  amount  (47.0  per  cent.)  when 
the  spores  are  ruptured.     It  does  not  solidify,  even  at  —  15°  (-1-  5°  P.). 

\Lycopodine,  C3.,H.„N„03. — This  alkaloid,  isolated  by  K.  Boedeckerf  from  an 
aqueous  solution  of  the  alcoholic  extract  of  L.  complanativn,  Linn.,  may  prove  to 
exist  also  in  this  species.  He  describes  it  as  a  bitter,  crystalline  body,  melting  at 
I  14°  (237.2°  P.),  and  freely  soluble  in  many  liquids,  including  alcohol  and  water.]  J 

PHYSIOLOGICAL  ACTION. — The  experiments  with  this  drug  by  Dr.  Arnold, 
of  Heidelberg,  with  the  tincture,  and  by  Prof  Martin,  of  Jena,  and  six  of  his  pupils, 
gave  the  following:  The  general  symptoms  were  those  of  excitement,  quickened 
circulation,  headache,  increased  appetite,  more  frequent  evacuations,  and  stronger 
sexual  desire.  The  chief  local  affinity  manifested  was  for  the  urinary  organs. 
There  was  frequent  and  sometimes  painful  micturition  ;  and  the  urine  was  cloudy 
and  sedimentous,  occasionally  charged  with  mucus  and  even  blood.  This  mosdy 
covers  the  so-called  physiological  action,  though,  when  long-continued  doses  of  the 
more  highly  potentizcd  drug  are  taken,  the  scope  of  this  remedy  is  immeasurably 
enlarged. § 

*  See  Fig.  ii,  Plate  163,  ami  Fig.  9,  Plate  164. 

f  Ann.  de  Chim.,  208,  363. 

+  Am.  Jour.  F/iar.,  1882,  77. 

I  Consult  .lUm's  Encyclopedia  of  Pure  Materia  Medica,  vol.  6,  pp.  1-69. 


180-4 

Description  of  Plate  i8o. 

I.  A  portion  of  a  stem  after  fruition,  from  Wenliam,  Mass.,  Nov.  23d,  1S86. 

2.  A  section  of  a  stem. 

3.  Leaf. 

4.  A  bract,  outer  view. 

5.  A  bract,  inner  view,  showing  theca. 
6  and  7.  Two  views  of  a  spore  X  250- 

(2-5  enlarged.) 


APPENDIX. 


GLOSSARY. 


A.  when  beginning  a  Greek  derivative,  signifies  a  want  of  something,  or  a  negative  (^rcaii 

lescent — without  a  stem). 
Abnormal,  contrary  to  the  usLial  order  of  tilings. 
Aboriginal,  truly  original. 

Aborigine,  in  this  work  means  the  American  Indian. 
Abortion,  an  imperfect  formation,  or  the  non-formation,  of  some  part. 
Abortive,  imperfect  or  rudimentary  (the  stamen,  plate  1 13,  fig.  5). 
Abrupt,  suddenly  terminating  ;  as 

Abrnptlj/  pinnate,  without  an  odd  leaflet  at  the  end.     (Plate  35,  fig.  10.) 
Acaulesccnt,  apparently  stemless.     (Plate  19,  fig.  i.) 
Accnuibent,  lying  against  a  thing. 
Acetabuliforin,  saucer-shaped. 

Acheninni,  pi.  achenia,  a  one-seeded,  seed- like  fruit.     (Plate  95,  fig.  6.) 
Aehlainydeous,  without  floral  envelopes. 
Acicitlar,  needle-shaped. 
Acinaciforin,  scimitar-shaped. 

Acrogenoiis,  growing  from  the  ape.K.     (Plate  179,  fig.  2.) 
Aerogens,  or  acrogenoiis  plants,  the  higher  cryptogamous  plants. 
Aculeate,  armed  with  prickles.     (Plate  33,  fig.  i.) 
Aciilcolate,  s\\g\\t\y  'pnckXy  (the  stem  of  fig.  i,  plate  155). 
Acuminate,  taper-pointed  (the  leaves  of  fig.  6,  plate  152). 
Acute,  merely  sharp  pointed  (the  leaves  of  fig.  8,  plate  156). 
Adelphous,  said  of  stamens  when  joined  in  a  fraternit)'. 

Adherent,  sticking  to,  or  growing  fast  to,  another  body  (caly.x  to  ovary,  fig.  3,  plate  70). 
Adnate,  said  of  an  anther  when  fixed  by  its  whole  length  to  the  filament.     (Plate  80,  fig.  8.) 
Adventitious,  out  of  the  usual  place. 

Advcntive,  said  of  foreign  plants  when  sparingly  introduced — not  really  naturalized. 
.■Equilateral,  equal  sided. 

^Estivation,  the  arrangement  of  the  parts  in  the  flower  bud. 
Akeniuni,  or  akene.     See  achcnium. 

Ala,  pi.  ake,  a  wing;  the  side  petals  of  a  papilionaceous  corolla.     (Plate  46,  fig.  3,  /'.) 
Alate,  winged;   as  the  seeds  of  the  ash.     (Plate  137,  fig.  4.) 

Albumen,  a  vegetable  product  stored  with  the  embryo  in  the  seed.     (Plate  142,  fig.  4.) 
Albuminous,  furnished  with  albumen. 
Alexipharmic,  that  which  obviates  the  effects  of  a  poison. 
Alexiteric,  something  that  thwarts  the  action  of  venom. 

Alternate,  said  of  leaves  when  arranged  one  after  the  other.     (Plate  81.  fig.  I.) 
Ament,  a  catkin.     (Plate  156,  fig.  i.) 
Amorphous,  without  definite  form. 
Amphitropous,  an   ovule   attached   by  the  middle   of  one   side,  /.  c.  the  raphe  truly  lateral. 

(  Plate  9,  fig.  4.) 
AinpUetant.  embracing. 


4  APPENDIX. 

Amplcxicaid,  clasping  the  stem  by  the  base  (as  the  leaves  of  fig.  2,  plate  68). 
Amylaceous,  starchy. 

Anastomosing ,  forming  a  net-work,  like  the  veins  in  a  leaf 
Anatropous,  an  ovule  bent  back  upon  its  stem.     (Plate  22,  fig.  6.) 
Ancipital,  two-edged  (as  the  petioles,  fig.  5,  plate   162). 
Andrcecium,  the  stamens  collectively. 

Androgynous,  having  both  male  and  female  flowers  in  the  same  cluster. 
Angiospermous,  plants  with  their  seeds  formed  in  an  ovary. 

Annual,  said  of  a  plant  that  flowers  and  fruits  the  year  it  is  raised   from  the  seed,  then  dies. 
Annular,  in  the  form  of  a  ring. 
Annulate,  marked  by  rings.     (Plate  139,  fig.  3.) 

Anther,  the  essential  part  of  a  stamen,  which  contains  the  pollen.     (Plate  152,  fig.  4.) 
Antherifcrous,  having  an  anther.     (Plate  1 13,  stamen  4,  in  contradistinction  to  stamen  5.) 
Anthesis,  the  act  of  expansion  of  a  flower. 
Atithrocarpous,  multiple  fruits,  like  the  blackberry. 
Apetalous,  destitute  of  petals.     (Plate  33,  figs.   3  and  4.) 
Apex,  the  terminal  point  of  a  bod\-. 

Aphyllous,  destitute  of  leaves.     (Plate  179,  figs,  i  and  2.) 
Apical,  belonging  to  the  apex. 

Apiculate,  tipped  with  an  abrupt  point.     (Plate  5,  fig.  5.) 
Appendage,  any  superadded  part  (as  seen  on  the  sepals,  plate  25,  fig.  5). 
Appcndiculate,  provided  with  appendages. 

Appressed,  brought  into  contact,  but  not  united.     (Plate  9,  fig.  3.) 
Aquatic,  growing  in  water. 
Arachnoid^  cobwebby. 

Arboreous,  arborescent,  tree-like,  both  in  size  and  form. 
Areola,  the  scar  of  attachment  (seen  on  the  root,  plate  1 1,  fig.  2). 
Anllate,  furnished  with  an 

Aril,  or  arillus.  a  fleshy,  false  coat  to  a  seed.     (Plate  13,  fig.  6.) 
Aristate,  see  Awned. 

Arroiv-sliaped,  same  as  Sagittate,  which  see. 
Articulated,  furnished  with  joints. 
Ascending,  rising  obliquely  upwards. 

Aspergilliform,  shaped  like  the  brush  used  to  sprinkle  holy  water.     (Plate  82,  fig.  6.) 
Assurgent,  see  Asc^  nding. 
Atropous,  see  Orthotropous. 

Auriculate,  ear-shaped  (as  the  bases  of  the  leaves,  plate  138). 
Awl-shaped,  sharp  pointed  from  a  broader  base.     (Plate  i,  fig.  5.) 
Awn,  a  bristle-like  appendage  (as  seen  on  anther,  plate  100,  fig.  7). 
Axd,  the  angle  on  the  upper  side  between  a  leaf  and  the  stem. 
Axile,  belonging  to  the  axis,  or  occupying  the  axis  (the  placenta  in  fig.  3,  plate  70). 
Axidary,  occurring  in  an  axil  (the  flowers  of  plate  130). 

Axis,  the  central  line  of  any  body  ;  the  organ  around  which  others  are  attached  (as  that 
portion  of  the  stem  occupied  by  the  flowers,  plate  172). 

Baccate,  berry-like  (fruit  of  plate  124). 

Barbate,  h(tard>id  in  lines,  .spots,  or  tufts   (fig.  4,  plate  122);  not  when  the   whole  surface  is 

hairy— then  the  part  is  truly  bearded. 
Barbellate,  beset  with  short,  stiff  hairs,  as  is  often  the  case  with  the  pappus  bristles  in  Com- 

positiU.     (Plate  92,  fig.  6.) 


GI.OSSARV.  5 

Bark,  the  outside  covering  of  a  w  ood)-  stem. 

Basal,  attached  or  belonginij;  to  tlie 

Base,  that  end  of  a  body  that  is  attached  to  its  support. 

Beaked,  surmounted  by  a  long  and  narrow  tip.     (Plate  4,  fig.  5.) 

Bearded,  covered  with  a  giowth  of  fine  hairs.     (Plate  i,  fig.  8.| 

Bell -shaped,  see  Campanulatc. 

Berry,  a  fruit  that  is  juic)'  or  pulp\'  throughout,  as  a  grape. 

Bi,  or  Bis,  twice ;  as 

Biaurieulate,  two-eared  (the  leaves  of  plate  138). 

Bicipital,  two-headed. 

Biconjugate,  twice  paired  (stigmas,  fig.  5,  plate  130). 

Bidentate,  two-toothed  (as  the  ligule,  fig.  5,  plate  80). 

Biennial,  of  two  years'  existence,  /.  c.  growing  from   the  seed  one  season  and  from  the  root 

the  next,  then  bearing  fruit  and  dying  entirely. 
Bifid,  cleft  to  about  the  middle,  into  two  parts.     (Plate  150,  fig-  4) 
Bifoliate,  a  leaf  composed  of  two  leaflets. 
Bifurcate,  forked  into  two  branches.     (Plate  132,  fig.  i.) 
Bijitgate,  see  Biconjugate. 

Bilabiate,  two-lipped  (as  the  corolla,  fig.  3,  plate  121). 
Bilamcllate,  of  two  plates — lamella  (the  style  of  fig.  2.  plate   152). 
Bilobed,  two-lobed  (as  the  gland,  fig.  5,  plate  150). 
Bilocular,  two-celled  (as  the  anther,  fig.  3,  plate  125). 
Bipinnate,  twice  pinnate. 

Bipinnatifid,  pinnatifid  with  the  lobes  again  pinnatifid. 
Biserrate,  doubly  serrate  (the  leaf  margins,  fig.  2,  plate  69)- 

Biternate,  the  principal  divisions  three,  each  bearing  three  leaflets.     (Plate  4,  fig.  2) 
Bladdery,  inflated  and  thin,  like  the  pod  of  Lobelia  inflata.     (Plate  99,  fig.  3.) 
Blade  of  a  leaf;  the  e.xpanded  portion. 
Boat -shaped,  see  Scaphoid. 
Bract,  a  small  leaf  or  scale  of  the  axil   from   which  some  other  part  of  the  plant   grows. 

(Plate  146,  fig.  I.) 
Bractlei,  a  bract  seated  upon  the  pedicel  of  a  flower.     (Plate  172,  fig.  2.) 
Branch,  a  woody  division  of  a  stem  or  root. 
Bristles,  stiff,  sharp  hairs  (on  the  leaves  of  plate  62). 
Bud,  a  branch  in  its  undeveloped  state. 
Bulbous,  bulb-shaped. 

Caducous,  dropping  ofl"  \-ery  early,  like  the  sepals  of  Podophyllum,  which  fall  as  the  flower 

expands. 
Ceespitosc,  growing  in  tufts  like  turf. 
Calceolate,  slipper-shaped. 

Callose,  hardened,  or  having  callosities  (hardened  spots). 
Calyculate,  having  an  accessory  calyx  outside  of  the  true.     (Plate  31,  fig-  3  ) 
Calyx,  the  outer  (usually  green)  set  of  floral  leaves.     (Plate  128,  fig.  2) 
Cavipanulate,  bell-shaped  (said  of  a  flower  when  like  fig.  4,  plate   102). 

Campy lotropons,  said  of  an  ovule  or  seed  when  bent  upon  itself,  like  that  of  fig-  8,  plate  14. 
Canaliculate,  channeled  with  a  longitudinal  groove. 
Cancellate,  latticed-     (Plate  99,  fig.  4-) 
Capillaceous,  capillary,  hair-like  in  sha])e. 


6  APPENDIX. 

Capitate,  having  a  globular  apex,  like  a  pin's  head  (fig.  4,  plate  i),  or  forming  a  head  (as  the 

inflorescence  of  plates  62  and  76). 
Capitulate,  diminutive  of  capitate  (the  apices  of  fig.  7,  plate  122). 
Capriolate,  bearing  tendrils.     (Plate  40,  fig.  2.) 
Capsuh\  any  dry,  dehiscent  pod.     (Plate   104,  fig.  4.) 
Capsular,  relating  to  a  capsule. 

Carina,  a  keel  ;  the  two  anterior  petals  of  a  papillionaceous  flower.     (Plate  56,  fig.  3  c.) 
Carinate,  keeled  ;  furnished  with  a  ridge  on  one  sidj.     (Plate  61,  fig.  6.) 
CariieoHS,  flesh-colored. 
Carnose,  for  this  work  see  Sarcoiis. 
Carpel,  a  simple  pistil.     (Plate  57,  fig.  5.) 

Carpellary,  having  the  appearance  of  a  carpel,  or  pertaining  to  such. 
Carpophore,  the  stalk  of  a  fruit  within  the  flower.     (Plate  149,  fig.  6.) 
Cartilaginous,  firm  and  tough  ;  cartilage-like. 
Caruncle,  a  warty  excrescence  upon  a  seed.     (Plate  151,  fig.  12.) 
Cariinculate,  having  a  caruncle. 

Catkin,  a  scaly,  deciduous  spike  of  flowers.     (Plate  162.) 
Caudate,  having  a  tail.     (Plate  i,  fig.  8.) 
Caulescent,  obviously  stemmed.     (Plate  Si,  fig.  i.). 
Cauline,  belonging,  or  pertaining,  to  the  stem      (In  plate  171,  fig.  i,  the  upper  leaf  is  cau- 

line;  the  lower,  radical.) 
Cell,  a  cavity  more  enclosed  tlian  a  pit. 

Centrifugal,  said  of  anything  that  is  produced,  or  extends,  from  the  center  outward. 
Centripetal,  the  opposite  of  Centrifugal. 
Cernuous,  nodding  at  the  summit  (the  flower  of  plate  19). 

Chaff,  small,  membranous  scales  found  upon  the  receptacle  of  some  Composita;. 
Chaffy,  having  chaff,  or  a  chaff"-like  texture. 

Channeled,  hollowed  out  like  a  gutter,  like  the  petioles  of  the  plantain.     (Plate  107.) 
Characteristic,  a  trait,  or  form,  belonging  to  individuals. 
Chartaceous,  papery,  or  parchment-like  in  character. 
Chloropliyl,  the  green  coloring  matter  of  plants. 
Cicatrix,  the  scar  left  by  the  fall  of  some  portion  of  a  growth. 
Ciliate,  having  a  fringe  like  eye-lashes  [cilia)  upon  the  margin.     (Plate  122,  fig.  2.) 
Cinereous,  having  an  ashy  hue. 

Circinate,  rolled  inwards  from  the  top.     (Plate  51,  fig.  5.) 
Circumscissile,  dividing  by  an  equatorial  line.     (Plate  108,  fig.  3.) 
Clathrate,  see  Canecllate. 

Clavate,  club-shaped;  narrower  below  than  above.     (Plate  167,  fig.  3.) 
Claw,  the  narrow,  stalk-like  base  of  some  petals.     (Plate  51,  fig.  4.) 
Climbing,  rising  by  the  help  of  some  other  object. 
Club-shaped,  see  Clavate. 

Clustered,  aggregated  in  a  bunch  (as  the  leaves  of  plate  15). 
Coalescent,  growing  together  (as  the  filaments,  fig,  2,  plate  50). 
Cochleariform,  spoon-shaped. 
Coherent,  growing  together  from   first  to  la.st,  /.  r.,  their  whole   length   (the  styles,   fig.   5, 

plate  69). 
Columella,  the  axis  to  which  the  carpels  of  a  compound  fruit  are  attached.    (Plate  32,  fig.  5). 
Column,  the  united  stamens  and  pi.stils  of  an  orchid.     (Plate   170,  fig.  4.) 
Columnar,  column-like  (the  style  of  fig.  4,  plate   102). 


GLOSSARY.  7 

Coma,  a  tuft. 

Comose,  bearing  a  tuft  of  hairs.     (Plate  134,  fig.  4.) 

Coimitissiirc,   a   line   of  junction   (as  seen  in  fig.   7,  plate    168;  fig.    11,  plate   150;  fig.  8, 

plate  152,  etc.). 
Compound  leaf,  fig.  2,  plate  69;  compoiimi  pistil,  fig.  5,  plate   30;  coinpoinui  umbel,  fig.  i, 

plate  63. 
Compressed,  flattened  upon  opposite  sides  (the  seeds,  fig.  12,  plate  1 1). 

Condnplieatc,  folded  upon  itself  on  its  longest  diameter,  like  a  double  sheet  of  note  [japer. 
Cone,  a  dry,  compound  fruit,  like  that  of  the  pine.     (Plate    164,  fig.  2.) 
Confluent,  blended  together.     See  Coherent. 
Conjugate,  coupled  in  single  pairs.     (Plate   149,  fig.  4.) 
Connate,  see  Coherent. 

Connective,  that  portion  of  the  anther  that  connects  its  cells.     (Plate  i,  fig.  6.) 
Connivent,  brought  close  together  (the  styles,  fig.  2,  plate  13). 
Contorted,  twisted  together. 

Contracted,  either  narrowed  or  shortened  (corolla,  fig.  4,  plate  i  38). 
Convolute,  rolled  up  lengthwise,  one  edge  over  the  other. 
Cordate,  heart-shaped  at  the  base.     (Plate   109,  fig.  2.) 
Coriaceous,  leather)-. 
Conn,  a  solid  bulb.     (Plate  168,  fig.  3.) 
Corneous,  horny. 

Corniculate,  bearing  a  small  horn-shaped  appendage  (the  lateral  lobe  of  fig.  4,  plate  121). 
Corolla,  usually  the  inner  flower  leaves,  generally  showy  in  form  or  color.    (Plate  i  28,  fig.  2.) 
Corona,  a  crown-like  appendage,  or  group  of  the  same.     (Plate  134,  fig.  3.) 
Coronate,  crowned  (the  achenium  of  fig.  4,  plate  93). 
Corymb,  a  flat,  or  convex,  flower -clu.ster  where  the  peduncles  or  pedicels  do  not  all  issue 

from  the  same  point  upon  the  stem. 
Corymbose,  like  a  corymb  in  form.     (Plate  30,  fig.  2.) 
Cotyledons,  the  leaves  of  the  embryo — as  the  oil)-  meats  of  the  butternut,  w  hich  consist  of 

the  cotyledons  only,  joined  by  their  connective. 
Crateriform,  shaped  like  a  goblet. 

Creeping,  growing  horizontally  upon,  or  beneath,  the  ground.     (Plate  104,  fig.  i.) 
Cremocarp,  the  double  achenium  of  the  Umbelliferse.     (Plate  68,  fig.  7.) 
Crenate,  scalloped  upon  the  edge  with  rounded  teeth.     (Plate  158,  fig.  2.) 
Crested,  bearing  an  elevated  appendage  like  a  crest.     (Plate  45,  fig.  4.) 
Crinite,  furnished  with  long  hairs  (calyx  and  leaf  bases  of  plate  31). 
Crown,  see  Corona. 

Cruciate,  or  Cruciform,  shaped  like  a  cross.     (Plate  58,  fig.  3.) 
Crustaceans,  hard  and  brittle. 

Cryptogamous,  said  of  plants  that  bear  no  flower — as  mosses,  ferns,  and  lichens. 
Cucullate,  hood-shaped  (fig.  6,  plate  45,  the  stigma). 
Cuneate,  Cuneiform,  wedge-shaped  (the  leaflets  of  plate  48). 
Cup- shaped,  Cupuliform,  wine-glass-shaped  (the  corolla,  fig.  3,  plate  79). 
Cuspidate,  tipped  with  a  sharp,  stiff  point  (the  ape.x  of  fig.  2,  plate  179). 
Cut,  see  Incised. 

Cyathiform,  shaped  like  a  wine-glass. 
Cylindraccous,  approaching  to  a 

Cylindrical  form,  as  stems  that  are  round  and  gradually  tapering.     (Plate  179,  fig.  2.) 
Cyme,  a  centrifugal  inflorescence.     (Plate  75,  fig.  i.) 
Cymose,  having  a  cyme-like  character. 


8  APPENDIX. 

Dccn,  ten  ;  when  preceding  Greek   derivatives. 

Dccagynoiis,  ten-pistiled,  or  ten-styled. 

Deciduous;  falling  later  than  caducous,  i.  c.,  before  the  formation  of  fruit. 

Declined,  turned  downwards,  or  to  one  side  (as  the  stamens,  fig.  3,  plate  43). 

Decompound,  more  than  once  compounded  or  divided  (the  leaves  of  fig.  i,  plate  64). 

Decumbent,    reclined  upon  the  ground,  the  summit    tending    to    rise    (the   root -stock   of 

plate  104). 
Decurrent,  said  of  leaves  that  are  pnjlonged  down  the  stem  beyond  their  point  of  insertion 

upon  it.     (Plate   163,  fig.  2.) 
Decussate,  a  successive  arrangement  of  pairs  which  cross  each  other  (the  leaves  of  plate  79). 
Definite,  of  a  uniform  number. 

Deflexed,  bent  downward  at  an  angle  (as  some  of  the  leaves  in  plate  140). 
Deflorate,  beyond  the  flowering  state — as  an  anther  after  the  pollen  is  discharged. 
Dehiscence,  the  method  of  bursting  or  splitting  open  (as  seen  in  fig.  4,  plate  104). 
Dehiscent,  a  regular  mode  of  splitting. 

Deliquescent,  branching  so  that  the  stem  is  lost  in  the  branches.     (Plate  132,  fig.  1.) 
Deltoid,  shaped  like  the  Greek  letter  J. 
Dentate^  toothed  (the  leaf  margins  of  plate  153). 
Denticulate,  the  diminutive  of  Dentate  (the  leaf  margins  of  plate  55). 
Depauperate,  starved  or  impoverished. 

Depressed,  flattened  from  above  downward  (as  the  seeds  in  fig.  12,  plate  1 1). 
Descending,  bent  gradually  downward  (as  the  fruiting  a.\is  of  plate  69). 
Dextrorse,  turned  to  the  right. 
Di-,  two  ;  in  Greek  compounds,  as 

Diadelplious,  said  of  stamens  when  united  in  two  sets  by  their  filaments.     (Plate  50,  fig.  2.) 
Diandrous,  having  but  two  stamens.     (Plate  i  ig,  fig.  3.) 
Dichogainous,  said  of  the  styles  when  protruding  from  the  bud. 
Dichotomous,  two-forked. 

Dicotyledonous,  having  a  pair  of  cotyledons — as  in  the  butternut. 
Didynanioiis.  having  two  pairs  of  stamens — the  one  shorter  than  the  other.     (Plate    109, 

fig.  4-) 
Diffuse,  widely  and  irregularly  spreading. 
Digitate,  said  of  a   compound   leaf  when  the   leaflets   are  given   off  from  the  apex   of  the 

petiole.     (Plate  44,  fig.  i .) 
Digynous,  having  two  pistils  or  styles.     (Plate  68,  fig.  6.) 
Dimorphous,  of  two  forms. 

Dia-cious,  when  the  stamens  are  in  separate  flowers  on  different  plants  (as  in  plate  154). 
Dipetalous,  two-petaled  ;  diphyllous,  two-leaved  ;  dipterous,  two-winged. 
Disciform,  or  Disk-shaped,  flat  and  circular.     (Plate  164,  fig.  9.) 
Disk,  the  face  of  any  flat,  circular  body  ;  the  central  part  of  a  head  of  flowers— as  in  the 

sunflower. 
Disk- floret,  the  flower  of  a  disk  in  Compositic. 

Dissected,  cut  deeply  into  many  divisions  (as  the  leaves  of  plate  86). 
Dissepiments,  the  partitions  of  an  ovary  or  a  fruit  (as  seen  in  fig.  5,  plate  173). 
Distinct,  not  in  combination  with  each  other  (as  the  styles,  fig.  5,  plate  30). 
Divaricate,  straddling  wideh-  apart  (as  the  branches  of  plate  149). 
Divided,  cut  into  divisions  that  extend  almost  to  the  mid-rib  (leaf  2,  plate  4). 
Dodeca,  twelve. 
Dorsal,  pertaining  to  the  back  (dorsum). 


GLOSSARY.  9 

Double  -fiowcrs,  so-called  ;  when  the  petals  are  unduly  multiplied. 

Downy,  clothed  with  a  coat  of  soft  hairs. 

Drupe,  a  stone  fruit — like  the  plum,  peach,  cherry,  etc. 

Drupaceous,  partakintj  of  the  nature  of  a  drupe. 

Ducts,  closed  channels. 

Duiiiose,  bushy. 

Divarf,  low  in  stature. 

E  or  Ex,  when  beginning  compound  words,  signifies  an  absence  of;  as,  edentate,  toothless; 

cxstipulate,  destitute  of  stipules. 
Ebracteate,  without  bracts. 
Echinate,  armed  with  prickles  (the  pod  of  .Esculus   Hippocastanum,  plate  44.).     Echinuhitc, 

a  diminutive  of  it.     (Plate  93,  fig.  7.) 
Effete,  past  bearing  (as  the  anther  of  fig.  4,  plate  1 10). 

Elaters,  the  erectile  appendages  of  the  spores  of  Equisetum.     (Plate  179,  fig.  6.) 
Elliptical,  oval  or  oblong,  with  the  ends  regularly  rounded.     (Plate  61,  fig.  i.) 
Einarginate,  notched  at  the  ape.K  (the  white,  involucral  lobes  of  plate  71). 
Embryo,  the  rudimentary  plantlet  in  the  seed.     (Plate  140,  fig.  10.) 
Endocarp,  the  inner  layer  of  the  walls  of  a  fruit. 
Endogenous,  when  the  stem  exhibits  no  distinction  as  to  bark,  wood  and  pith,  the  wood}- 

fibre  and   vessels  being   in  bundles  and  scattered  in   the  cellular  tissue,   /.  e.,  "  inside 

growing.  " 
Endosperm,  the  same  as  Albumen,  which  see. 
Enneandroiis,  having  nine  stamens. 
Ensiform,  sword-shaped  (as  the  leaves  of  plate  173). 
Entire,  when  the  margins  of  an  organ  are  not  at  all  toothed,  cut,  or  divided,  but  perfectly 

even  (as  in  the  leaves  of  plate  170). 
Ephemeral,  lasting  a  day  or  less. 
Epi-,  upon  ;  as 

Epicarp,  the  exterior  layer  of  a  fruit. 
Epidermis ,  the  covering  of  an  organ — its  external  skin. 
EpigcEous,  growing  close  upon  the  ground. 
Epigynous,  upon  the  ovary  (as  seen  in  fig.  2,  plate  61). 
Epipetalous,  borne  upon  the  petals  (as  the  filaments  in  fig.  3,  plate  172). 
Epiphyllous,  borne  upon  a  leaf. 

Equal,  of  the  same  number  or  length,  as  the  case  may  be,  of  the  body  in  comparison. 
Equitant,  riding  astraddle  (as  the  bases  of  the  leaves,  plate  171). 
Erase,  as  if  gnawed. 
Essential  Organs  of  the  flower,  those  absolutely  necessary  to  fertilization,  i.  e.,  the  stamens 

and  pistils. 
Estivation,  see  .Estivation. 

Evergreen,  keeping  its  leaves  until  replaced  by  others,  or  even  longer. 
Exalbuminous,  without  albumen. 

Excurrent,  said  of  a  tree  when  the  trunk  is  traceable  to  the  very  top.     (Plate  163,  fig.  I.) 
Exogenous,  plants  with  stems  composed  of  bark,  wood  and  pith,  i.  e.,  "  outside  growing." 
Explanate,  spread,  or  flattened  out.     (Plate  25,  fig.  9.) 
Exserted,  protruding  out  of;  said  of  stamens  and  pistils  when  surpassing  the  floral  envelope 

(see  figs.  3  and  4,  plate  33). 
Exstipulate,  destitute  of  stipules. 


lO  APPENDIX. 

Extra -axillary,  said  of  anything  a  little  out  of  the  axil  (as  the  prickles  on  fig.  i,  plate  33). 
Extrorse,  turned  outward;  said  of  an  anther  whiin  it  opsns  away  from  the  pistil.     (Plate  72, 
fig-   2.) 

Falcate,  scythe  -  shaped.     (Plate  147,  fig.  4.) 

Family,  a  collection  of  closely  related  genera. 

Farinaceous,  mealy  in  texture.     (Plate  172,  fig.  2.) 

Fascicle,  a  close  cluster. 

Fascicled,  growing  in  a  bundle;  Fasciculate  (the  leaves  of  plate  15). 

Fastigiate,  upright,  close  and  parallel.     (Plate  69,  fig.  5.) 

Faveolate,  honey-combed. 

Feather-veined,  see  hinnate. 

Female  flozvers,  those  having  pistils  but  no  stamens.     (Plate  i^,  fig.  4.) 

Fenestrate,  pierced  with  one  or  more  large  holes. 

Ferrugineoiis,  resembling  iron  rust. 

Fertile,  capable  of  producing. 

Fertilication,  the  process  by  which  the  pollen  causes  the  embryo  to  become  fertile. 

Fibrous,  composed  of  fibres. 

Filament,  the  slender  portion  of  a  stamen  supporting  the  anther  (fig.  3,  plate  34),  or  any 

thread-shaped  appendage. 
Filamentous,  formed  of  threads. 

Filiform,  thread-shaped,  long,  slender  and  cylindrical.     (Plate  1 1 3,  fig.  3.) 
Fimbriate,  fringed  (as  seen  between  the  stamens  of  fig.  3,  plate  1 19). 
Fistulose,  hollow  and  cylindrical.     (Plate  68,  fig.  2.) 
Flavcscent,  yellowish. 
Fleshy,  see  Sarcous. 

Fleshy  Plants,  those  containing  a  great  deal  of  substance  (as  that  of  plate  61). 
Flexuous,  gently  bending  in  opposite  directions.     (Plate  124,  fig.  1.) 
Floccose,  bearing  tufts  of  long,  soft  hair. 
Flora,  an  aggregation  of  the  plants  of  any  certain  district. 
Floral,  pertaining  to  the  blossom. 

Floral  Envelope,  the  leaves  of  the  flower;  includes  either  calyx  or  corolla,  or  both. 
Floret,  a  diminutive  flower  (only  used  when  several  flowers  are  in  the  same  head). 
Flower.     This  word  comprises  the  organs  of  reproduction  and  their  envelope.     (Plate  128, 

fig.  2.) 
Foliaceous,  leaf-like. 
Foliole,  leaflet. 

Follicle,  a  simple  pod,  opening  down  the  inner  suture.     (Plate  50,  fig.  4.) 
Follicular,  like  a  follicle. 

Foramen,  a  hole  or  orifice  (as  in  the  anther-cells  of  fig.  3,  plate  104). 
Fornicate,  arching  over  (as  in  the  upper  lobe  of  the  corolla,  fig.  3,  plate  121). 
Foveate,  or  Foveolate,  deeply  pitted.     (Plate  105,  fig.  6.) 
Free,  not  united  with  any  other  parts  of  a  different  kind. 

Fringed,  having  a  margin  beset  with  slender  appendages.     (Plate  109,  fig.  6.) 
Fructification,  the  state  of  fruiting. 

Fruit,  the  matured  ovary  and  everything  connected  with  it.     (Plate  104,  fig.  4.) 
Frittcscent,  somewhat  shrubby. 
Fruticose,  shrubby. 
Fugacious,  quickly  falling  or  perishing. 


GLOSSARY.  II 

Fulvous,  tavviiy. 

Funiculus,  the  stalk  of  a  seed  or  ovule. 

Funnel -form,  gradually  expanding  upwards  (the  corolla,  plates  127  and  130). 

Furcate,  forked. 

Furfuraceous ,  branny. 

Furrowed,  marked  by  longitudinal  grooves.     (Plate  63,  fig.  2.) 

Fusiform,  shaped  like  a  spindle  (the  pod  of  fig.  7,  plate  22). 

Galeatc,  helmet-shaped  (the  upper  petal,  fig.  3,  plate  1 21). 

Gaviopctalous,  see  Monopctalous. 

Ganioscpalous,  see  Moiioscpalous. 

Geminate,  twin  (the  flowers  of  fig.  2,  plate  'j'j'). 

Gemmation,  the  budding  state. 

Geniculate,  bent  abruptly,  like  a  knee.     (Plate  54,  fig.  7.) 

Genus,  a  group  of  like  species. 

Germ,  the  point  of  beginning  of  a  growth. 

Germination,  the  development  of  an  embryo  into  a  plantlet. 

Gibbous,  swollen  at  one  place  or  on  one  side  (base  of  style,  fig.  6.  plate  i  17). 

Glabrate,  almost  glabrous,  or  becoming  so  with  age. 

Glands,  small  organs  which  secrete  some  oily  or  nectariferous  product  of  the  part,  or  any 

small  swelling,  whether  it  secretes  or  not  (see  base  of  petal,  fig.  5,  plate  15). 
Glandular ,  furnished  with  glands. 
Glaucescent ,  slightly  glaucous. 

Glaucous,  covered  with  a  fine,  white  powder  that  rubs  off;  as  the  bloom  of  the  grape. 
Globose,  spherical,  or  nearly  so  (ovary  of  fig.  4,  plate  125). 
Globular,  nearly  globose  (base  of  style,  fig.  6,  plate  1 17). 

Glomerate,  closely  aggregated  into  a  dense  cluster  (the  fruits  of  fig.  i,  plate  143). 
Glomerule,  a  dense,  head-like  cluster.     (Plate  94,  fig.  i.) 
Granular,  composed  of  grains. 
Granule,  a  small  grain. 
Guttatc,  spotted   as  if  by  colored  drops  (the  petals  of  Hypericum,  as  represented  by  fig.  8, 

plate  30). 
Gymnospermous,  naked-seeded  (as  seen  in  fig.  5,  plate  163). 
Gynandrous,  where  the  stamens  are  borne  on  the  pistil.     (Plate  170,  fig.  4.) 
Gyncecium,  name  for  the  pistils  when  taken  altogether. 
Gynobase,  a  special  support  for  the  pistils  (as  seen  in  fig.  4,  plate  146). 

Habitat,  a  situation  in  which  a  wild  plant  grows. 

Halberd-shaped,  see  Hastate. 

Halved,  when  a  body  appears  as  if  one  half  were  taken  away.     (Plate  169,  fig.  3.) 

Hastate,  shaped  like  a  halberd  (see  leaves,  plate  123). 

Head,  an  aggregation  of  florets  more  or  less  globose  (see  plate  76). 

Heart-shaped,  of  the  shape  a  heart  is  commonly  drawn.     See  Cordate. 

Hemi-,  half;  in  Greek  derivatives,  as 

Hemicarp,  half-fruit.     See  Mericarp. 

Hemitropous,  nearly  the  same  as  Amphitropous,  which  see. 

Hepta-,  seven  ;  in  Greek  derivatives,  as 

Heptagynous,  having  seven  pistils  or  styles. 

lleptandrous,  seven-stamened. 


12  APPENDIX. 

Herb,  a  plant  that  dies  down  to  ground  in  autumn. 

Herbaceous,  like  an  herb. 

Hermaphrodite,  same  a.s  Perfect,  which  see. 

Heterogamous,  bearing  two  sorts  of  flowers  as  to  their    stamens  and  pistils,  as  in  many 

Composita;. 
Hetcroinorplious,  having  more  than  one  shape  (the  leaves,  figs.  2,  3,  4,  5,  plate  151). 
Hexa-,  si.v  ;  in  Greek  derivatives;  as,  hexagonal,  six-angled. 
Hexagynous,  having  six  pistils  or  styles. 
Hexandrous,  six-stamened. 

Hilum,  a  scar  of  attachment  of  a  seed.     (Plate  43,  fig.  5.) 
Hirsute,  hairy. 

Hispid,  beset  with  stiff  hairs. 
Hoary,  greyish-white. 

Hotnogauious,  when  the  flowers  are  all  of  one  kind  in  the  head. 
Homogeueous,  all  of  one  kind. 
Homotropous,  curved  one  way. 
Hood,  see  Galea. 
Horn,  a  spur  or  like  appendage. 
Hybrid,  a  cross  between  two  allied  species. 
//)'/o«7rA7'//(?;-w,  salver-shaped  (the  corolla  of  plate  loS). 
Hypogynous,  inserted  under  the  pistil  (as  the  stamens,  fig.  3,  plate  69). 

Icosandrous,  when  twelve  or  more  stamens  are  inserted  upon  the  calyx. 

Imbricate,  -ed,  or  -ive,  placed  like  shingles  upon  a  roof  (as  the  scales  of  the  cones,  plate  163). 

Imparipinnate,  pinnate,  with  a  single  leaflet  at  the  apex  of  the  common  petiole  (as  in  fig.  5 , 
plate  50). 

Imperfect floii'crs,  wanting  one  or  the  other  of  the  essential  organs  (as  in  figs.  3  and  4, 
plate  33). 

Incised,  deeply  and  irregularly  cut  (the  leaves  of  plate  95). 

Included,  when  of  the  parts  in  question  some  do  not  project  beyond  others. 

Incomplete  jloivcrs,  tliose  in  which  the  caly.x  or  corolla  is  wanting. 

Incumbent,  leaning  or  resting  upon,  as  anthers  when  looking  inwards. 

Incurved,  curving  inward.     (Plate  67,  fig.  5.) 

Indefinite,  too  numerous  to  mention,  or  when  the  parts  are  not  uniform  in  different  in- 
dividuals. 

Indchiscent,  said  of  a  fruit  that  neither  splits  nor  bursts.     (Plate  37,  fig.  6.) 

Indigenous,  a  native  of  the  country  in  which  it  is  found. 

Individual,  different  plants  of  the  species. 

Induplicate,  with  the  edges  turned  inward  (the  top  leaves  of  plate  74). 

Inferior,  grown  below  some  other  organ  (as  the  ovary,  fig.  3,  plate  70). 

Inflated,  puffed  out  like  a  bladder.     (Plate  99,  fig.  3  ) 

Inflexed,  bent  inward  at  an  angle. 

Inflorescence,  the  arrangement  of  flowers  on  the  stem. 

Infra-axillary,  beneath  an  axil. 

Infundibuliform,  see  Funnel-shaped. 

Innate,  said  of  an  anther  when  attached  to  the  very  tip  of  its  filament.  (Plate  58,  figs.  4 
and  5.) 

Insirtiou,  the  point  at  which  an  organ  or  part  of  an  organ  is  attached  to  another. 

Introrse,  facing  inward. 


GLOSSARY.  13 

Inverse,  ox  Inverted,  in  a  position  opposed  to  an  original  direction.     (Plate  104,  fig.  3) 
Involitcel,  a  small  involucre. 

Involucre,  a  set  of  bracts  around  a  flower  (plate  i),  umbel  (plate  148),  or  head  (plate  62). 
Involute,  grown  inwards  from  the  edges  (the  upper  leaves  of  plate  74). 

Irregular  floivers.    This  name  is  given  when  members  of  the  same  sort  as,  for  instance,  the 
petals  are  unlike  in  shape  or  size  (fig.  3,  plate  46). 

Jointed,  separate  or  separable  at  one  or  more  places  into  pieces  (the  stamens,  fig.    2,  plate 
14S;  the  plant,  plate  61). 

Keel,  see  Carina. 

Kidney -shaped,  resembling  a  kidney  in  general  outline.     (Plate  61,  fig.  6.) 

Labiate,  lipped.     (Plate  97,  fig.  7.) 

Laeiniatc,  slashed  into  deep  narrow  lobes  (the  leaves  of  plate  95). 

Lactescent,  milky,  or  producing  a  milky  juice. 

Lamellar,  consisting  of  flat  plates. 

Lanate,  woolly. 

Lanceolate,  lance-shaped  (leaves  of  plate  114). 

Lanuginous,  cottony. 

Lateral,  pertaining  to  one  side. 

Lax,  the  opposite  of  crowded. 

Leaflet,  one  of  the  divisions  of  a  compound  leaf. 

Legume,  a  simple  pod  that  splits  into  two  pieces — like  that  of  the  pea. 

Leguminous,  pertaining  to  legumes,  or  the  order  LeguniinoscE. 

Lenticular,  lens-shaped.     (Plate  152,  fig.  8.) 

Ligneous,  woody. 

Ligulate,  having  a  ligule. 

Ligule,  the  strap-shaped  limb  of  the  corolla  of  many  Compositiv.     (Plate  81,  fig.  5.) 

Limb,  the  border  of  a  monopetalous  corolla. 

Linear,  flat  and  narrow,  with  parallel  margins,  as  the  leaves   of  the  hemlock.      (Plate    164, 

fig  3.) 
Lineate,  marked  with  parallel  lines. 
Lip,  the  principal  lobes  of  a  bilabiate  corolla  or  caly.x  (plainly  seen  in  the  flowers   of  plate 

1 13) ;  also  the  peculiar  petal  of  the  orchids.     (Plate  170,  fig.  3.) 
Lobe,  any  division  of  a  leaf  or  other  organ. 

Loculicidal,  splitting  through  the  middle  of  the  dorsum  of  each  cell.     (Plate  23,  fig.  5.) 
Lunate,  crescent-shaped. 
Lyrate,  lyre-shaped.     (Plate  24,  fig.  2.) 

Maculate,  spotted  or  blotched.     (Plate  68,  fig.  2.) 

Male  flower,  having  stamens  but  no  pistils.     (Plate  n,  fig.  3.) 

Mammce,  teat-like  projections.     (Plate  103,  fig.  2.) 

Marccscent,  withering  without  falling  off  (as  the  petals  of  plate  30). 

Marginal,  belonging  to  the  edge. 

Masked,  see  Personate. 

Medium,  pertaining  to  the  middle. 

Medullary,  having  the  nature  of  pith. 

Membranaceous,  membrane-like  (as  the  sheaths,  fig.  2,  plate  168). 


H 


APPENDIX. 


Mcricarp,  one  carpel  of  an  umbillifcrous  fruit.     (Plate  36,  fig.  9.) 

Midrib,  the  main  rib  of  a  leaf. 

Monadelphoiis,  .said  of  stamens  when  united  by  their  filaments  into  one  set.    (Plate  46,  fig.  4.) 

Monandrous,  having  only  one  stamen. 

Aloniliforin,  necklaced,  i.  e.,  contracted  at  intervals.     (Plate  23,  fig.  5.) 

Monocotyledonous,  having  only  one  cotyledon. 

Moncecions,  having  stamens  or  pistils  only.     (Plate  33,  figs.  3  and  4.) 

Monogynous,  having  but  one  pistil  or  style.     (Plate  102,  fig.  4.) 

Monopcialous,  when  the  corolla  is  united  into  one  piece.     (Plate  102,  fig.  3.) 

Monoscpalons,  when  the  sepals  are  united  into  one  body  (as  in  the  flower  of  plate  127). 

Monospcrinous,  one-seeded. 

Mucro)iati\  tipped  with  a  short,  abrupt  point.     (Plate  179,  fig.  3.) 

Midtifarious,  in  many  rows. 

Midtifid,  many-cut. 

MtdtUocidar,  many-celled. 

Miiricatc,  beset  with  short,  hard  points.     (Plate  44,  fig.  5.) 

Napiform,  shaped  like  a  rounded  turnip. 

Naturalised,  an  introduced  plant  that  has  run  thoroughly  wild,  and  perfects  its  seed. 

Nectar,  honey,  or  honey-like  secretions. 

Nectariferous,  bearing  honey,  or  having  a  nectary. 

Nectary,  a  cavity  or  gland  that  secretes  nectar. 

Needle-shaped,  see  Acerose. 

Nerve,  used  to  distinguish  leaf-ribs  or  veins  when  parallel,  and  more  or  less  straight. 

Netted-vcined,  when  the  veins  branch  and  anastomose,  forming  a  net-work. 

Nodding,  said  of  an  organ  when  the  summit  hangs  downward. 

Nodose,  nubby. 

Normal,  in  a  usual  way,  according  to  rule. 

Nuciforvi,  nut-shaped. 

Nut,  a  hard,  bony,  mostly  one-se2ded  fruit.     (Plate  43,  fig.  5.) 

Nutlet,  diminutive  of  nut;  the  stone  of  a  drupe. 

Ob-,  a  prefix  signifying  inversion  or  opposition  ;  as 

Obcordate,  heart-shaped,  with  the  notch  upward,  and  the  point  of  fixture  or  support  at  the 

apex.     (Plate  25,  fig.  9.) 
Oblanceolate,  lance-shaped,  with  the  point  downward  (the  leaves  of  plate  104). 
Oblique,  applied  to  organs  having  unequal  sides.     (Plate  lA.j,  fig.  3.) 
Oblong,  much  longer  than  broad  (as  the  brown  leaf,  plate  160). 
Obovate,  ovate,  with  the  broade.st  end  uppermost.     (Plate  151,  fig.  3.) 
Obtuse,  blunt-ended  (the  apex  of  leaf  3,  plate  51). 
Ochroleucous,  dull  cream-color. 
Octo-,  eight,  in  Greek  derivatives;  as 
Octogynous,  eight-pistiled. 
Octandrous,  eight-stamencd. 

Offset,  a  branch  given  off  near  the  ground  and  taking  root. 
Opposite,  said  of  leaves  when  their  petioles  are  exactly  opposite  each  other  upon  the  stem. 

(Plate  132.) 
Orbicular,  circular  in  outline.     (Plate  iS,  fig.  2.) 
Organ,  any  member  of  a  plant— as  a  petal,  stamen,  leaf,  branch,  etc.,  etc. 


GLOSSARY.  15 

Ortliotropous^  said  of  an  ovary  wlien  its  point  of  attachment  is  at  its  base  and  the  apex  is  in 

direct  line  with  it.     (Plate  28,  fig.  6.) 
-osL\  as  a  suffix  means  like  whatever  root-word  precedes  it;  as,  racemose — like  a  raceme. 
Osseous,  bony. 

Oval,  broadly  elliptical.     (Plate  151,  fig.  2.) 

Ovary,  that  portion  of  the  pistil  that  contains  the  ovules.     (Plate  28,  fig.  5.) 
Ovoid,  a  solid  oval.     (Plate  28,  fig.  6.) 
Ovule,  that  organ  that  is  destined  to  become  a  seed  (plainly  seen  in  fig.  5,  plale  125). 

Palea,  pi.  Palea,  the  chaff  of  composite  receptacles. 

Paleaceous,  chaffy. 

Palmate,  when  the  organs  in  question  radiate  more  or  less  from  the  point  where  some  other 

organ  is  attached  (the  veins  of  the  leaf,  plate  18;  the  leaflets,  plate  40  (digitate);  and 

the  lobes  of  the  leaf,  fig.  2,  plate  8). 
Palniately,  in  a  palmate  manner,  as  above. 

Panicle,  an  open  cluster  (the  arrangement  of  the  flowers,  fig.  i,  plate  1 19). 
Papery,  see  Papyraceous. 

Papilliottaccous,  spreading  like  a  butterfly.     (Plate  50,  fig.  i.) 
Papilla,  pi.  Papilkz,  small  mammae  (as  seen  on  the  corolla,  fig.  3,  plate  79). 
Pappus,  thistle-down.     (Plate  81,  fig.  3.)     In   Compositae  this,  with  chaff,  teeth,  or  scales, 

represents  the  caly.v  in  this  order. 
Papyraceous,  of  the  texture  of  writing  paper. 
Parenchytiia,  the  pulp  of  plants. 

Parietal,  attached  to  the  walls  (as  the  ovules  in  fig.  5,  plate  7). 
Parted,  cleft  almost  to  the  base.     (Plate  4,  fig.  4.) 

Paiici-,  means  few  when  prefixed  to  root  words.     {Paueiflorous,  few-flowered.) 
Pear-shaped,  solid  obovate. 

Pedate,  palmately  cleft,  with  the  lobes  again  cleft.     (Plate  i,  fig.  2.) 
Pedicel,  the  individual  stalk  of  each  flower  in  a  cluster.     (Plate  104,  fig.  2.) 
Peduncle,  the  main  stalk  of  a  flower  cluster  (fig.  2,  plate  104),  or  the  flower  stalk    when  the 

plant  is  one-flowered  (as  seen  above  the  leaves  in  plate  175);  or  when  the  flowers  are 

single  (as  in  plate  2).     The  same  distinctions  pertain  to  the  stalk  of  heads  and  clusters 

(as  in  plates  62  and  70). 
Peltate,  shield-shaped  (the  style  of  fig.  3,  plate  19);  said  of  a  leaf,  no  matter  what  its  shape, 

when  the  petiole  is  attached  anywhere  within  its  margin  (as  in  plate  18). 
Pendent,  hanging  (the  fruit  of  fig.  3,  plate  15). 
Pendulous,  somewhat  hanging  (the  flowers  of  plate  49). 
Penicillate,  like  a  painter's  pencil.     (Plate  97,  fig.  6.) 
Penta-,  five,  in  Greek  derivatives;  as 
Pentagynous,  having  five  pistils  or  styles. 
Pentandrous,  five-stamened. 
Perennial,  growing  on  year  after  year. 
Perfect,  a  flower  having  the  essential  organs. 

Perfoliate,  passing  through  a  leaf,  or  appearing  so  (the  leaves,  plate  79). 
Perforate,  pierced  with  holes,  or  having  transparent  dots  giving  that  appearance.     (Plate  30, 

fig-  7-) 
Perianth,  the  leaves  of  the  flower,  especially  when  they  cannot  be  distinguished  as  to  calyx 

or  corolla. 
Pericarp,  a  ripened  ovary;  or  the  fruit  walls. 


,6  APPENDIX. 

Pcrigyniinn,  arranged  around  the  pistil. 

Pcrigynous,  when  the  petal.s  and  stamens  are  borne  on  the  calyx.     (Plate  55,  fig.  2.) 

Periphery,  the  outside  of  an  organ. 

Persistent,  remaining  beyond  the  usual  time. 

Personate,  the  throat  of  a  bilabiate  corolla  when  masked  by  some  projection  (as  seen  in  the 

flowers  of  plate  in). 
Petal,  a  leaf  of  the  corolla;  usually  bright-colored. 
Petaloid,  when  any  other  organ  is  petal-like. 
Petiole,  the  stem  of  a  leaf. 
Petioled,  Petiolate,  possessing  a  petiole. 
Petiolnlate ,  said  of  leaflets  when  having  their  own  petioles. 

Pliccnogavioas,  Pheenogams,  PJicener ogams,  plants  bearing  flowers  and  producing  seeds. 
Pilose,  clollicd  with  fine  soft  hairs. 
Pinna,  the  petiole  of  a  pinnate  leaf. 
Pinnule,  a  secondary  pinna  of  a  bipinnate  leaf. 
Pinnate,  feather-form;  said  of  a  compound  leaf  when  its  leaflets  are  arranged  along  the  main 

petiole  (as  in  plate  50)- 
Piniiatijid,  cut  until  pai taking  of  the  nature  of  a  pinnate  leaf.     (Plate  96,  fig.  4.) 
Pistil,  the  female  organs  of  a  flower  (usually  central),  takc-n  as  a  whole  (fig.   5,   plate    130: 

the  lowest  portion  is  the  receptacle;   ne.xt  above,  the  ovary;  next,  the  style,  and  at  the 

apex,  the  stigmas). 
Pistillate,  said  of  a  flower  having  pistils  and  no  stamens.     (Plate  33,  fig.  4.) 
Pith,  the  central  portion  of  exogenous  stems. 
Pitted,  having  small  depressions  upon  the  surface. 
Placenta,  that  surface  or  part  of  an  ovary   to   which   the  ovules  are  attached.      (Plate    25, 

fig.  10.) 
Placentiferoiis,  having  the  nature  of  a  placenta,  or  having  placentae. 
Plaited,  arranged  like  a  fan  that  admits  of  closure. 
Plane,  flat. 
Plicate,  see  Plaited. 
Plumose,  feathery.     (Plate  i.fig.  9.) 
Pliiri-,  in  composition,  several ;  as 
Plurifoliate,  many-leaved. 

Pod,  any  kind  of  capsule.    (Plate  1 1 ,  fig.  1 1 ;  plate  22,  fig.  7 ;  plate  24,  fig.  3 ;  plate  1 32,  fig.  3.) 
Pollen,  the  fertilizing  agent  of  a  plant,  formed  in  the  anther  cells.      It  is  varied  in  form,  but 

usually  granular.     (PLite    107,  fi:j.  5;  plate   i,  fig.  7;  plate  16,  fig.  8;  plate  22,  fig.  9; 

plate  27,  fig.  5;  plate  47,  fig.  5;  plate  68,  fig.  8;  plate  83,  fig.  8;  plate  93,  fig.  7;   plate 

loi,  fig.  5;  plate  163,  fig.  11 ;  plate  164,  fig.  9;  plate  167,  fig.  6;  plate  103,  fig.  5;  plate 

105,  fig.  6  ;  plate  109,  fig.  7  ;  plate  169,  fig.  10,  and  plate  175,  fig.  4.) 
Pollen-mass,  applied  when  the  grains  cohere  into  a  mass.     (Plate  135,  fig.  4.) 
Poly-,  many ;  in  Greek  derivatives  ;  inulti  in  Latin,  as 

Polyadelphous,  when  stamens  are  united  by  their  filaments.     (Plate  50,  fig.  2.) 
Polyandrous,  many-stamened,  more  than  twenty. 

Polygamous.,  having  perfect  and  separate  flowers  upon  the  same  plant. 
Polygonal,  many-angled. 
Polygynous,  many-pistilled  or  -styled. 
Polymorphous,  of  varying  forms. 
Polypctalons,  when  the  petals  are  separate  or  distinct  (whether  few  or  many).     Opposed  to 

Alonopetalous. 


GLOSSARY.  17 

Polyscpaloiis,  same  as  the  above  when  applied  to  the  calyx.    Opposed  to  Monoscpaloiis. 
Porous,  full  of  holes. 

Prcefloration,  same  as  .-Estivation,  which  see. 
Pnefoliation,  same  as  Vernation,  which  see. 
Praniorse,  ending  abruptly  (the  root  of  plate  177). 
Prickles,  short,  angular  thorns.     (Plate  33,  fig.  i.) 

Prismatic,  having  three  or  more  angles  bounding  flat  or  hollowed  sides. 
Process,  a  superficial  projection. 
Procumbent,  trailing  upon  the  ground. 
Prostrate,  lying  flat  upon  the  ground. 
Puberulent,  covered  with  an  almost  in\'isible  down. 
Pubescent,  downy. 

Pulvercnt,  see  Glaucous ;  or  if  the  powder  is  only  such  in  appearance. 
Punctate,  see  Perforate. 
Pyramidal,  shaped  like  a  pyramid. 

Pyrene,  Pyrena,  the  nutlet,  especially  said  of  a  drupe  when  small. 

Pyxis,  Pyxidium,  a  pod  opening  by  a  circumscissile  line;  the  top  falling  off  like  a  lid,   (Plate 
108,  fig.  3.) 

Quadri-,  four;  in  Latin  derivatives. 
Qudrangular,  four-angled. 
Quadrifid,  four-cleft. 
Quaternaie ,  in  fours. 
Quinate,  in  fives. 

Raceme,  where  one-flowered  pedicels  are  arranged  in  succession  along  a  general  peduncle. 

(Plate  II,  fig.  I.) 
Rachis,  see  Rhachis. 
Radiate,  pertaining  to  the  ray. 
Radicle,  the  stem  part  of  the  embryo. 
Raphe,  see  Rhaphe. 
Rciy,  the  marginal  flowers  of  a  composite  head,  especially  when  different  from  the  rest,  and 

diverging.     The  pedicels  of  an  umbel  (seen  in  the  flowers  of  plate  84,  and  th.e  umbel, 

plate  68). 
Receptacle,  the  support  of  a  flower,  i.  £'.,  the  thickened   upper  surface  of  the   ape.K  of  the 

peduncle  or  pedicel  (fig.  4,  plate  i);  particularly,  however,  the  place  of  attachment  of 

the  flowers  of  a  head. 
Recurved,  curved  outward  or  backwards  (the  styles,  fig.  5,  plate  130.) 
Reflexed,  bent  outward  and  downward.     (Plate  134,  fig.  3.) 
Regular,  when  the  parts  are  all  similar. 
Reniform,  see  Kidney-shaped. 
Repand,  wavy-margined.     (Leaves  of  plate  39.) 

Repandly-toothed,  rounded-toothed  (the  margins  of  the  leaves,  plate  7). 
Repent,  creeping  along  the  ground  by  successive  rootings. 
Reticulated,  formed  into  a  net-work,  or  rather  appearing  as  if  covered  by  a  net.    (Plate  99,  fig.  4 ; 

plate  167,  fig.  2.) 
Retrojlexed,  same  as  Reflexed,  which  see. 
Retuse,  so  blunt  at  the  apex  as  to  be  slightly  indented. 


l8  APPENDIX. 

Rcvoliitc,   rolled  backward  ;   usually   said   of  margins  of  organs  or   their  extremities  (both 

phases  are  apparent  in  the  petals,  fig.  2,  plate  71). 
Rhachis^  back-bone  ;  the  axis  of  a  spike. 

Rhaphi\  the  prolongation  of  a  seed  stalk  along  the  side  of  an  ovule.     (Plate  22,  fig.  6.) 
Rhisoma,  the  main  root. 

Rib,  the  main  and  largest  pieces  of  the  frame  work  of  a  leaf. 
Ringcnt,  gaping  open  (the  flowers  of  plate  1 1 3). 
Rootlets,  small  branches  of  a  rhizome.     (Plate  138,  fig.  2.) 

Rootstock,  that  portion  of  the  stem  where  it  joins  the  root.     (Plates  20  and  167,  fig.  2.) 
Rostrate,  bearing  a  beak.     (Plate  4,  fig.  5.) 
Rosulate^  forming  a  rosette  (as  the  leaves,  fig.  i ,  plate  29) 
Rotate,  wheel-shaped  (the  corollas  of  plate  108). 
Rotund,  having  a  roundish  outline  (the  leaves,  fig.  i,  plate  Jj). 
Rudimentary,  imperfectly  developed. 
Rugose,  wrinkled  (as  the  corm  of  plate  16S). 
Runner,  a  slender,  postrate  branch,  rooting  at  the  end  or  joints.     (Plate  17,  fig.  2.) 

Sac,  a  closed  membrane. 

Sagittate,  shaped  like  an  arrow-head. 

Salver-form,  when  the  limb  of  the  corolla  .spreads  at  right  angles  from  a  slender  tube. 

Samara,  a  winged  fruit.     (Plate  35,  fig.  9.) 

Sarcous,  (in  this  work)  fleshy. 

Saiv -toothed,  see  Serrate. 

Scales,  small  bracteate  rudiments  of  leaves,  or  bodies  of  that  nature  (as  on  the  base  of  the 

stem,  fig.  I,  plate  105). 
Scandent,  climbing. 

Scape,  a  peduncle  when  starting  from  near  the  ground  (as  in  fig.  2,  plate  19). 
Scaphoid,  boat-shaped. 
Scarious,  thin  and  dry. 

Scorpioid,  circinate  at  the  end  (as  the  unilateral  racemes,  plate  57). 
Scurf,  dandruff-like  superficial  scales. 

Scutellate,  platter-shaped  (seen  upon  the  racliis,  fig.  6,  plate  151). 
Segment,  one  of  the  subdivisons  of  any  cleft  body. 
Segregate,  see  Separate. 
Semi-,  half;  in  Latin  derivatives. 
Semiconoid,  depressed- conoidal. 
Sempervirent,  see  Evergreen. 
Sepal,  a  lobe  of  the  calyx.     (Plate  128,  fig.  2.) 
Sepaloid,  having  the  appearance  of  a  sepal. 
Septa,  partitions  (seen  in  fig.  5,  plate  173). 
Septicidal,  said  of  a  pod  that  splits  through  its  partitions. 
Seriaceous,  silky. 

Serrate,  having  teeth  like  a  saw  (leaf  margins,  plates  40,  69,  yo,  etc.). 
Serrulate,  diminutive  of  the  last. 
Sessile,  said  of  organs  that  have  no  individual   stem  (as  the  lea\'es  of  plate.^  28  and  30;  the 

anthers,  fig.  5.  plate  138,  etc.). 
Seta,  a  bristle. 
Sheathing,  wrapped  around  a  stem  (the  bases  of  the  leaves,  plates  31   and  167;  the  stipules, 

plates  64,  68,  etc.). 


GLOSSARY. 


19 


Shii/d shaped,  sec  Peltate. 

5///VA',  a  pouch,  or  short  pod.     (Plate  25,  fig.  9.) 

Siliquc,  a  long  pod  of  the  mustard  family.     (Plate  23,  fig.  5.) 

Simple,  of  one  piece. 

Sinistrorse,  turned  to  the  left. 

Sinuate,  said  of  a  leaf  when  its  margin  waves  out  and  in.     (Plate  143,  fig.  2  ;  plate  ig,  fig   i.) 

Sinus,  the  recess  between  two  parts  of  an  organ  (as  the  re-entering  angle  in  the  fruits  of 

plate  174). 
Solitary,  unassociated  with  its  kind. 

Solarly,  with  the  sun  ; — solarly  voluble,  turning  daily  to  keep  face  to  the  sun. 
Spadix,  a  fleshy  spike  of  flowers.     (Plate  167,  fig.  3  ;  plate  169,  fig.  6.) 
Spatlie,  a  large  bract  covering  an  inflorescence.     (Plate  169,  fig.  2.) 
Spatulate,  shaped  like  a  spatula.     (Plate  105,  fig.  3.) 
Species,  the  individuals  of  a  genus  having  special  characters  belonging  to  themselves  and  no 

other  known  plant. 
Spicatc,  belonging  to  or  disposed  like  a 
Spike,  an  arrangement  of  flowers  similar  to  a  raceme,  but  the  flowers  are  ses.s.-:!e  (as  in  plate 

107). 
Spine,  a  thorn  (as  seen  on  fig.  i,  plate  61). 
Spindle-shaped,  see  Fusiform. 

Spinescent,  degenerating  into  a  thorn  (as  the  end  of  the  branch,  plate  41). 
Spinose,  thorny.     (Plate  15,  fig.  i.) 
Spore,  the  reproducing  grains  of  cryptogams. 
Squamate,  Squamose,  scaly.     (Plate  105,  fig.  I.) 

Squarrose,  where  scales,  leaves,  or  other  appendages,  spread  widely  from  the  axis. 
Stalk,  a  stem. 

Stamen,  the  male  organ  of  a  flower  (usually  arranged  around  the  pistil,  and  appearing  gener- 
ally like  those  seen  in  fig.  2,  plate  10.     In  fig.  3,  plate  34,  an  enlarged  stamen  is  depicted  ; 

the  stem  part  is  the  filament;  the  head,  the  anther). 
Standard,  the  upper  petal  of  a  papillionaceous  corolla.     (Plate  46,  fig,  3  ct.) 
Stellate,  disposed  in  a  star-like  manner. 
Sterile,  incapable  of  producing  its  kind. 
Stigma,  the  highest  point  of  a  pistil  (see  Pistil);  the  receptive  portion  of  the  female  organs 

of  a  plant.     (Plate  1 78,  fig.  4.) 
Stigmatose,  that  portion  of  a  style  resembling  a  stigma   in   being  capable  of  receiving  the 

pollen. 
Stipe,  the  stalk  of  a  pistil,  or  ovule  when  present.     (Plate  149,  fig.  6) 
Stipel,  the  stipule  of  a  leaflet. 

Stipitate,  being  possessed  of  a  stipe  (as  the  ovule,  fig.  6,  plate  28). 
Stipulate,  having  stipules. 

Stipules,  the  appendages  at  the  base  of  certain  leaves  (seen  in  plate  151). 
Stoloniferous,  producing  stolons  or  rooting  shoots. 
Stomata,  the  breathing  pores  of  leaves.     (Plate  179,  fig.  8.) 
Strap-shaped,  long,  flat  and  narrow. 
Striate,  marked  with  longitudinal,  slender  grooves. 
Strict,  straight. 

Strobile,  a  multiple,  cone-shaped  fruit.     (Plate  159,  fig.  5;  plate  155,  fig.  i.) 
Style,  that  portion  of  the  pistil  that  unites  the  stigma  to  the  ovary  (see  description  of  pistil*. 
Sub-,  almost;  as,  subcordate,  nearly  heart-shaped. 


20  APPENDIX. 

Subulate, — Awl-shapcd,  which  see. 

Succulent,  pulpy,  or  juicy. 

Stiffrutescent,  slightly  shrubby. 

Sulcate,  deeply  channelled. 

Supra-axillary ,  growing  above  an  axil. 

Suspended,  hanging  down  (as  the  ovule,  fig.  3,  plate  12). 

Suture,  a  line  of  junction  when  parts  are  grown  together. 

Sivord-shaped,  see  Ensiforin. 

Symmetrical flozuer,  one  whose  parts  are  equal  in  number,  each  kind  with  the  other,  or  in 

multiples  (flower  of  plate  175). 
Syngenesious,  said  of  stamens  when  united  by  their  anthers. 

Taper-pointed,  tapering  gradually  to  a  point.     See  Acuminate. 

Tap-root,  a  stout  root  with  a  tapering  body.     (Plate  63,  fig.  7.) 

Tawny,  dull  brownish-yellow. 

Terete,  long  and  round;  same  as  cylindrical,  only  may  taper.     (Plate  132,  fig.  3.) 

Terminal,  belonging  to  the  summit. 

Ternate,  arranged  in  threes. 

Testa,  the  external  seed  coat. 

Tetra-,  four;   in  Greek  composites;  as, 

Tetradynamous,  when  having  six  stamens,  two  of  them  shorter  than  the  rest.     (Plate  21, 

fig.  2.) 
Tetragonal,  four-angled. 
Tetragynous,  four-pistilled  or  -styled. 
Tetrandrous,  four-stamened. 
Theca,  a'  case. 
Thorn,  see  Spine. 
Thread-shaped,  see  Filiform. 
Throat,  the  opening  of  a  tubular  corolla,  a  little  below  the  ring  where  the  limb  joins  the 

tube. 
Thyrsus,  a  compact  pyramidal  panicle.     (Plate  43,  fig.  i.) 
Tomentose ,  woolly. 

Toothed,  furnished  with  sharp  projections  on  the  margin  that  do  not  point  forward. 
Top-shaped,  cone-shaped,  the  apex  downward. 
Torus,  the  receptacle  of  the  flower.     (Plate  i,  fig.  4.) 
Tn-,  three ;  as 

Triadelphous,  said  of  stamens  when  united  by  their  filaments  into  three  bundles. 
Triandrous,  three-stamened. 
Trifid,  three-cleft. 
Trifoliate,  three-leaved. 
Trifoleolate,  of  three  leaflets.     (Plate  48.) 
Trygynous,  having  three  pistils  or  styles.     (Plate  56,  fig.  3.) 
Trilobed,  having  three  lobes  (the  leaves  of  plate  2). 
Triquetrous,  sharply  three-angled — like  a  beechnut. 
Triternate,  three  times  ternate,  /.  e.,  divided  into  threes  three  times. 
Triticose,  shaped  like  a  grain  of  wheat.     (Plate  1 10,  fig.  6.) 

Trumpet-shaped,  tubular,  enlarging  toward  the  summit  (the  flowers  of  plate  130). 
Truncate,  as  if  cut  off  at  the  apex. 
Tubercle,  a  small  excrescence. 


GLOSSARY.  2] 

Tuhcrchd ,  pinipl)'. 

Tubular,  elongated  and  hollow. 

Tumid,  swollen  at  one  portion. 

Turbinate,  top-shaped. 

Turgid,  swollen  throughout. 

Turnip-shaped,  broader  than  high,  /.  e.,  narrowed  below. 

Twin,  see  Geminate. 

Twining,  see  Voluble. 

'Typical,  embracing  all  the  characteristics  of  a  species,  genus,  or  family. 

Umbel,  said   of  an  arrangement  of  peduncles  when  like  the  ribs  of  an   umbrella,  bearinc 

flowers  in  a  flat  or  convex  canopy  (as  in  plate  63). 
Umbellet,  a  small  umbel,  formed  upon  the  apex  of  a  division  of  an  umbel  (as  in  plate  67). 
Umbilicate,  depressed  in  the  centre,  like  one  end  of  an  apple.      (Plate  139,  fig.  4.) 
Unarmed,  destitute  of  spines,  prickles,  or  like  appendages. 
Uncinate,  hooked.    (Plate  92,  fig.  4.) 
Undulate,  see  Wavy. 
Utii,  one;  as  unicellular,  one-celled. 

Unisexual,  having  stamens  or  pistils  onl)'.     (Plate  14,  figs.  3  and  7.) 
Urccolate,  urn-shaped. 
Urticle,  a  small,  thin-walled,  one-seeded  fruit.     (Plate  153,  fig.  5.) 

Valve,  one  of  the  pieces  into  which  a  pod  splits.     (Plate  173,  fig.  5.) 

Valvate,  said  when  parts  meet  each  other  by  their  edges,  without  over-lapping. 

Vascular,  containing  vessels. 

Vaulted,  see  Fornicate. 

Veins,  the  small  ribs  forming  the  frame-work  of  leaves,  or  other  organs. 

Veiny,  said  when  the  veins  are  evident. 

Veinlets,  diminutive  of  veins. 

Venation,  the  method  of  arrangement  of  veins. 

Ventral,  the  opposite  of  dorsal. 

Vermicular,  worm-like. 

Vernation,  the  methodical  arrangement  of  leaves  in  their  buds. 

Verrucose,  warty.     (Plate  72,  fig.  6.) 

Versatile,  attached  by  one  point,  with  ability  to  swing  to  and  fro.     (Plate  178,  fig.  3.) 

Vertex,  the  same  as  Apex,  which  see. 

Vertical,  perpendicular;   at  right  angles  to  the  plane  of  the  ground. 

Verticil,  a  Whorl,  which  see. 

Verticillaster ,  a  whorl  of  small  flowers,  as  in  many  mints. 

Verticillatc,  whorled. 

Vesicle,  a  little  bladder.     (Plate  153,  fig.  7.) 

Vexillum,  the  standard  of  a  papillionaceous  flower.     (Plate  46,  fig.  3^/.) 

Villose,  shaggy,  with  long,  soft  hairs. 

Virgate,^z.n<\-\\\iQ.     (Plate  114,  fig.  i.) 

Viscid,  having  a  glutinous  surface. 

VittcB,  the  oil-tubes  of  Umbelliferous  fruits. 

Voluble,  twining  (as  the  stem  of  plate  130). 

Wavy,  when  the  margin  is  alternately  convex  and  concave  (as  the  leaves  of  plate  19). 


22  APPENDIX. 

Wedge-shaped,  see  Citneaie. 

Wheel-shaped,  see  Rotate. 

Whorl,  Wiiorled,  arranged  in  a  circle  around  the  stem  (as  tiie  leaves  of  plates  78  and  1 14). 

Winged,  having  a  membranous  expansion  (see  Alate). 

Woolly,  clothed  with  entangled,  soft  hair. 


=-§-= 


BIBLIOGRAPHY. 


Allen,  Encyc. — The  Encyclopedia  of  pure   Materia  Medica.     A  Record  of  the  positive  Effects 

of  Drugs,  Etc.      lo  vols.     Timothy  F.  Allen,  A.M.,  M.D.     Phila.,  1877-1879. 
Am.  Disp. — The  American  Dispensatory.     John  King,  M.D.     Cincinnati,  1&70. 
Am.  Disp.  Suppl. — Supplement  to  the  American   Dispensatory.     John  King,  M.D.,  and  J.  U. 

Lloyd.     Cincinnati,  1S80. 
Am.    Hom.    Phar. — The   American    Homoeopathic    Pharmacopieia,    2d    Edition.      Joseph    T. 

O'Connor,  M.D.     Phila.,   1883. 
Am.  Jour.  Pharm. — The  American  Journal  of  Pharmacy,  Philadelphia.     58  vols,  to  date. 
Bart.  Flora.— x\  Flora  of  North  America.     William  P.  C.  Barton,  M.D.     Phila.,  1820. 
Bart.  Med.  Bot. — Vegetable  Materia  Medica  of  the  United  States  :  or  Medical  Botany.      2  vols. 

William  P.  C.  Barton,  M.D.,  1817-1S18. 
Bent,  and  Trim. — Medicinal  Plants.     Descriptions  and  Original  Figures  of  the  Principal  Plants 

Em])loyed  in    Medicine.     4  vols.     Robert  Bentely,  F.L.S.,  and  Henry  Trimen,  M.B.,  F.L.S. 

London,  1S80. 
Berberidaceae. — The  Constituents  of  the  Berberidacene.     J.  U.  and  C.  G.  Lloyd. 
Bigel.,  Am.  Med.   Bot,  —  American  Medical  Botany.     A  collection  of  the  Native  Medicinal 

Plants  of  the  United  States.     Jacob  Bigelow,  M.D.     3  vols.     Boston,  181  7-1820. 
Bot.   Gaz. — The  Botanical  Gazette;  a  paper  of  Botanical   Notes.     John   M.  Coulter  (in   part). 

Crawfordsville,  Ind.     8  vols.    187&-1884. 
Brock.,  Essay. — A  Botanico- Chemical  Essay  on  Two   Native   Species  of  Laurus.     .A.    Brock- 

entirough.     Phila.,  180 1. 
Chap.,  Flora. — Flora  of  the  Southern  United  States.     A.  W.  Chapman,  M.D.      New  York,  i860. 
Chem.   Carb.  Comp. — A  Manual   of   the   Chemistry  of  the  Carbon  Compounds  ;  or  Organic 

Chemistry.     C.  Schorlemmer,  F.R.S.     London,  1874. 
Church.,  Med.  Bot.— Medical  Botany.    J.  Churchill.     London,  1S27. 
Clapp,  Cat. — A  Synopsis;  or  Systematic  Catalogue  of  the  Indigenous  and  Naturalized  Medicinal 

Plants  of  the   United    States.      A.  Clappv   M.D.      Transactions  American   Medical  Associa- 
tion, 1852. 
Darl.,   Ag.  Bot. — .Agricultural   Botany.      Useful  Plants   and  Weeds.      Wm.   Darlington.   M.D. 

Phila.,  1S47. 
Darl.,  Am.  ^A^eeds. — American   Weeds  and  Useful  Plants,  being  a  2d  Edition   of  the  above. 

New  York,   1S59. 
Drugs  and  Med.  of  N.  A. — Drugs  and  Medicines  of  North  America.     Vol.   i,  Ranunculacea: ; 

and  to  date.     J.  U.  and  C.  G.  Lloyd.     Cincinnati,  1S84-7. 
Dungl.,  New  Rem.— New  Remedies,  3d  Edition.     Robley  Dunglison,  M.D.     Phili.,  1S41. 
Erig.  Can.,  De  Puy. — An  Inquiry  into  the  Botanical  History,  Chemical  Properties,  and  Medici- 
nal Qualities  of  the  Erigeron  Canadense.     Cornelius  E.  De  Puy,  M.D.      1815. 
Flor.  Med.— Flora  Medica.     A   Description,   etc.,  of  the   Medicinal   Plants;  Admitted    into   the 

London,  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias.    G.  Spratf,  Surgeon.    2  vols.    London,  1829. 
Fliick.  and  Han.— Pharmacographia.     A  History  of  the   Principal   Drugs  of  Vegetable  Origin, 

Met  with  in   Great  Britain  and  British   India.     Friedrich  A.  Fliickiger  and  David  Hanbury, 

F.L.S.     London,  1879. 
Good,  Bot.— A  Materia  Medica  Botanica.      Peter  Good,  M.D.     New  York,  1846. 
Gray,  Bot.  Text.— The  Botanical  Text-Book,  an  Introduction  to  Scientific  Botany.     Asa  Gray, 

M.D.      New  York,  1850. 


24 


APPENDIX. 


Gray,  Contrib. — A  Contribution  to  the  Flora  of  North  America.     American  Academy  of  Arts 

and  Sciences.     Asa  Gray,  M.D.,  1883. 
Gray,  Flora,   N.   A. — Synojitical   Flora  of   North  America.     Asa  Gray,  LL.D.      2  vols.     New 

York,  TS7S  and  1884. 
Gray,    Genera. — Genera  of  the   Plants  of  the  United   States.     Asa  Gray,  M.D.     2  vols.     New 

York,   1848. 
Gray,   Man. — Manual   and   Lessons  in   Botany  and  Vegetable  Physiology.      Asa  Gray.     New 

York,   1874. 
Griff.,   Med.   Bot. — Medical  Botany;    or  Descriptions  of   the  more  Important  Plants  used  in 

Medicine,  Etc.     R.  Griffith,  M.D.     Phila.,  1847. 
Hale,  New  Rem. — The  Special  Symptomatology  of  the  New  Remedies.     Edwin  M.  Hale,  M.D. 

Phila.,  1S77. 
Hamilt.,  Flor.  Horn.  —  The   Flora  HomoeDpathica  ;  or  Illustrations    and   Descriptions   of  the 
Medii  inal  Plants  used  as  Homoeopathic  Remedies.     Edward  Hamilton,  M.D.,  F.L.S.,  F.Z.S. 
2  vols.     London,  1S52. 
Hughes,   Phar. — A  Manual  of  Pharmacodynamics.     Richard   Hughes,  L.R.C.P.     3d  Edition. 

I^ondon,   1876. 
J.    and   G.  Phar. — New  Homceopathic   Pharmacopceia  of  Jahr,   Buchner  and   Gruner.      C.   J. 

Hempel,  M.D.     New   York,  1850. 
Johnson,  Med.  Bot. — A  Manual  of  the  Medical  Botany  of  North  America.     Laurence  Johnson, 

A.M.,  M.D.     New  York,  1884. 
King,  Am.  Disp. — The  American  Dispensatory.     John  King,  M.D.     Cincinnati,  1866. 
Lindley,  Flor.  Med. — Flora  Medica.     A  Botanical  Account  of  all  the  more  Important  Plants 

used  in  Medicine.     John  Lindley,  Ph.D.,  F.R.S.      London,  1838. 
Loudon,  Encyc. — An  Encyclopedia  of  Plants.     J.  C.  Loudon,  F.L.S.,  H.S.     London,  1836. 
Mich.,  Man.   Weeds. — A  Manual  of  Weeds;   or  the  Weed  Exterminator.     E.  Michener,  M.D. 

Phila.,  1872. 
Park,  Derm.  Ven.— Dermatitis  Venenata,  or  Rhus  Toxicodendron  and  its  Action.  R.  Park,  1879. 
Peck,  Blk.  Spruce. — The  Black  Spruce.     Albany  Institute,  1875.     Chas.  H.  Peck,  A.M. 
Percy,  Verat.  Vir.— An   Inquiry  into  the  Properties  of  Veratrum  Viride.      Transactions  Amer- 
ican Medical  Association.     S.  R.  Percy,  M.D. 
Pliigge.— Die  Wichtigstein   Heilmittel  in  ihrer  Wechselnden  Chemischen  Zusammensetzung  und 

Pharmokodynamischen  Wirkung,  &c.     Dr.  P.  C.  Pliigge.     Jena,  1886. 
Porch.,  PI.  S.  C— Report  on  the  Indigenous  Medicinal  Plants  of  Sauth  Carolina.     Francis  P. 

Porcher,  M.D,     Transactions  American   Medical  Association,  1849. 
Porch.,    Resourc.   South. — Resources  of  the  Southern   Fields   and    Forests.       Francis    Peyre 

Porchtr,  Surgeon  P.A.C.S.,  Richmond,  1863. 
Raf.,   Med.   Flor.— Medical   Flora  ;  or  Manual  of  the  Medical  Botany  of  the  United  States  of 

North  America.      2  vols.      C.  S.  Rafinesque,  A.M.,  Ph.D.     Phila.,  1828. 
Read,  Stram.— On  the  Use  of  Datura  Stramonium  in  Certain  Diseases.    Alex.  Read,  M.  D.,i8i6. 
Smithson.    Inst. — Smithionian    Institute    Publications,    especially    No.    258.     Washington,   D. 

C,  1878. 
Spratt,  Tox.— A  Comjiendium  of  Toxicology  of  the  Principal  Indigenous  and  Exotic  Plants.    G. 

Spratt,  Surgeon.     London  (no  date). 
Strong,  Am.  Flor.— The  American  Flora.     A.  B.  Strong,  A.B.     2  vols.     New  York,  1848. 
Taylor,  Tox.— On  Poisons  in  relation  to  Medical  Jurisprudence  and  Medicine.     Alfred  Swaine 

Taylor,  M.D.,  F.R.S.     3d  Am.  and  Eng.  Edition.     Phila.,  1875. 
Thomp.,  Exp.  Diss. — An  Experimental  Dissertation  on  the  Spigelia  Marilandica  or  Indian  Pink. 

Hedge  Thompson.     Phila.,  1802. 
Thom.,  Org.  Chem. — Chemistry  of  Organic  Bodies.    Thomas  Thomson,  M.D.     London,  1838. 
Torr.,  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.— NUural  History  of  the  State  of  New  York.     Part  2,  Botany.     John  Tor- 

rey.  M.D,,  F.L.S.      2  vols.     1843. 
Torr.,  Bull.— Bulletin  of  the  Torrey  Botanical  Club.      7  vols,  and  to  date.     New  York,  1.S87. 


BIBLIOGRAPHY.  25 

U.  S.  Ag.  Rep. — United  States  Agricultural  Reports,  especially  1870. 

U.  S.  Phar. — I'harmacopteia  of  the  United  States,  6tli  revision.     New  York,  1882.. 

Warder,  West.  Catalp. — The  Western  Catalpa;  a  Memoir  of  the  Shavanon.  John  A.  War- 
der, M.D.    Journal  American  Agricultural  Association,  188 1. 

Wats.,  Bib. — Bibliographical  Index  to  North  .\merican  Botany.  Polypetahu.  Soreno  Watson. 
Washington,   1878. 

\Vats.,  Contrib. — Contributions  to  American  Botany.  Soreno  Watson.  Proceedings  American 
Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences,  XXI.     1886. 

Wigand. — Lehrbuch  der  Pharmikognosie.     Albert  Wigand.     Berlin,  1879. 

Williams,  Med.  Bot.  Mass. — Report  on  the  Indigenous  Medical  Botany  of  Massachusetts. 
■   Stephen  W.  Williams,  M.D.     Transactions  American  Medical  Association,  1849. 

Wittstein. — The  Organic  Constituents  of  Plants  and  Vegetable  Substances,  and  their  Chemical 
Analysis.     G.  C.  Wittstein,  M.D.     Melbourne,  1878. 

Wood,  Class  Book. — Class  Book  of  Botany.     Alphonso  Wood,  A.M.      New  York,  1868. 

Woodv.,  Med.  Bot.  —  Medical  Botany,  2nd  edition.  William  Woodville,  M.D.  4  vols. 
London,  1810. 

And  numerous  Pamphlets,  Brochures,  Essays,  Letters,  Journals,  and  Works  on  Botany,  Medi- 
cine, Travel,  and  Chemistry,  acknowledged  in  the  text. 


BIBLIOGRAPHICAL  INDEX 


THE  WORKS   CONSULTED   IN   GENERAL 


Abbreviations. 

cf.  colored  figure.  If.  leaf  figured. 

ct.  colored  plate  full  size  of  page.  rf.  root  figured. 

/  figure.  sf.  fruit  figured. 

ff.  flower  figured.  /.  full  size  plate. 


Pulsatilla  Nuttalliana,    \. 

Bot.  Gaz.,  1884,  yj\  Am.  Horn.  Phar.,  382; 
Allen  Ency.,  8,  242  ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  271  :  Drugs 
and  Med.  of  N.  A.,  i,  t.  4,  25;  Clapp  Cat, 
689;  Am.  Disp.,  110;  Hale  New  Rem.,  539; 
Wood,  202  ;  Gray  Man.,  36. 

Anemone  Hepatica,  2. 

Griff  Med.  Bot.,  f.  48,  81  ;  Raf  Med.  Flor  , 
I.  f.  48,  231  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  874; 
Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  26  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South., 
17;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  558;  Am.  Horn.  Phar., 
249;  Gray  Man.,  38;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  I, 
10;  Clapp  Cat.,  717;  Porch.  PL  S.  C,  684; 
Aing.  Am.  Disp.,  483  ;  Loud.  Ency.,  f.  7935, 
480;  U.  S.  Phar.,  444;  Drugs  and  Med.  of  N. 
A.,  t.  5,  37  ;  Am.  Disp.,  421. 

Ranunculus  scelcratus,  3. 

Spratt  Tox.,  32;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  f.  212, 
148 ;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass.,  874 ;  Porch. 
Resourc.  South.,  18;  Raf  Med.  Flor.,  2,  74; 
Woodv.  Med.  Bot,  3,  483  ;  Clapp  Cat.,  719; 
Lond.  Ency.,  486;  Drugs  and  Med.  of  N.  A., 
I,  ff.  22,  58;  Hamilt  Flor.  Horn..  2,  119; 
Allen  Ency.,  8,  270;  Am.  Hom.  Phar,  387  ; 
U.  S.  Phar.,  445  ;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  13; 
Gray  Man.,  42. 

Ranunculus  rcpcns,  4. 

Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  ^9 ;  Clapp  Cat.,  718; 
Porch.  PI.  S.  C,  686 ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i.  14  ; 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  19;  Am.  Hom.  Phar., 
386;  Allen  Ency.,  8,  270;  Gray  Man.,  43. 

Ranunculus  bulbcsus,  5 . 

Hamilt  Flor.  Hom.,  2,  Ct.  49,  109;  Bigel 
Am.  Med.  Bot,  3,  ct.  47,  61  ;  Darl.  Am. 
VVeed."?,  f.  1-2,  25  ;  Clapp  Cat.,  719  ;  Torr.  Bot. 
S.  N.  Y.,  I,  16;  King  Am.   Disp.,  781;  Am. 


Hom.  Phar.,  385  ;  Allen  Ency.,  8,  257;  Loudon 
Ency.,  f  8055,  486;  Mich.  Man.  Weeds,  2  ; 
Drugs  and  Med.  N.  A.,  t.  7,  54. 

Ranunculus  acris,  6. 

Spratt  Tox..  cf.  4,  16;  Griff.  Med.  Bot  f. 
50,  83  ;  Raf  Med.  Flor.,  2,  f  80,  72  ;  Woodv. 
Med.  Bot,  3,  t.  172,  482  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot 
Mass.,  874;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  t.  3-6,  29; 
Lindl.  Flor.  Med..  5  ;  Clapp  Cat.,  719  ;  Porch. 
PI.  S.  C.  685;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  14; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  3S5  ;  Allen  Ency.,  8,  256; 
Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  147  ;  Gray  Bot.  Text.,  f  476 
-9,  376;  Gray  Man.,  43  ;  Ludon  Enc}'.,486. 

Caltlia  palustris,  7. 

Wats.  Bib.,  8;  Gray  Man.,  44;  Clapp  Cat, 
720;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  144;  Drugs  and  Med. 
N.  A.,  f.  26,  74;  Raf  Med.  Flor.,  2,  202; 
Allen  Encyc,  2,  421;  Bot  Gaz.,  1883,  316; 
Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass.,  874;  Darl.  Am. 
Weeds,  80  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  18  ;  Torr. 
Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  I,  17  ;  Ludon  Encyc,  f.  8089, 
490. 

HcUcborus  vindis,  8. 

Am.  Journ.  Phar.,  1883.  367:  1882,  303; 
Raf  Med.  Bot,  2,  227  ;  Wigand,  rf.  91  ;  Lou- 
don p;ncy.,  f  8081,  488  ;  Wood  Bot,  209  ; 
Gray  Man.,  45  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  19: 
Fluck.  and  Han.,  2;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  7; 
Griff  Med.  Bot,  87  ;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  565  ; 
Clapp  Cat,  721  ;  Plugge,  70;  Chem.  Carb. 
Comp.,  465  ;  Wittstein,  104-5. 

Hydrastis  Canadensis,  9. 

New.  Rem.,  1879,  17,  109,  21  [  ;  Am.  Journ. 
Phar.,  1879,  II  ;  Griff.  Med.  Bot,  f  49,  82; 
Porch.  PI.  S.  C,  685  ;  Clapp  Cat,  722:  Lindl. 
Flor.  Med.,  3  ;    Raf   Med.  Flor.,  i,  f  51,  251  ; 


28 


APPENDIX. 


Torn  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  25;  U.  S.  Phar.,  i8i  ; 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  18;  Kincr  Am.  Disp., 
496:  Wittstein,  26,  106;  Chein.  Carb.  Comp., 
480;  Am.  Horn.  Phar.,  250;  Hale  New.  Rem., 
355;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  613;  Gray  Man.,  47; 
Hughes  Phar.,  406;  Williams'  Med.  Bot. 
Mass.,  872 ;  Wigand,  92  ;  Bart.  Veg.  Mat. 
Med.,  2,  Ct.  26,  17  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  8091, 
490;  Drugs  and  Med.  of  N.  A.,  i,  t.  8,  76. 

Actcea  alba,  10. 

Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  186;  Griff.  Bot.,  94; 
Wats.  Bib.,  2;  Allen  P2ncyc.,  i,  45  ;  Clapp 
Cat.,  12;  Wigand,  rf.  92  ;  Am.  Homceopath, 
1883,  289;  Am.  Journ.  Phar.,  1884,  619; 
Pluck,  and  Han  ,  3  ;  Gray  Man.,  47  ;  Loudon 
Ency.,  f.  7650,  460  ;  Drugs  and  Meds.  of  N. 
A.,  i,t.  18,  232. 

Cimicifnga  racanosa,  1 1 . 

New  Rem.,  1879,  19;  Griff.  Med.  Bat,  f. 
55,  9;  Raf.,  Med.  Flor.,  i,  f.  16,  85  ;  Bent,  and 
Trim.,  Ct.,  8  ;  Torn  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  ct.  4,  22  ; 
Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  914 ;  Darl.  Am. 
Weeds,  i}, ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South,,  19  ;  Allen 
Encyc,  3,  296;  Am.  Horn.  Phar.,  175  ;  Gray 
Man.,  48;  Porch.  PI.  S.  C.,  686 ;  Clapp  Cat., 
723;  Am.  Journ.  Phar.,  1884,  459  ;  Am.  Disp., 
227;  Wats.  Bib.,  9;  U.  S.  Phan,  78;  Fluck. 
and  Han.,  16;  Dugl.  New  Rem.,  144;  Hale 
New  Rem.,  200;  Hughes  Phan,  60;  Drugs 
and  Meds.  of  N.  A.,  i,  t.  21,  244. 

Magmilia  glauca,  12. 

Torn  Bui.,  1880,  loi  ;  Bigel.  Am.  Med. 
Bot.,  2,  Ct.  27,  67;  Torn  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  ct. 
5,27;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  34;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  36;  Gray  Bot.  Text,  f.  486-9,  377; 
Bart  Med.  Bot,  ct.  7,  -]■]  ;  Journ.  Mat  Med., 
2,369;  Gray  Man.,  49;  Allen  P^ncy.,  6,  142; 
U.  S.  Phan,  215  ;  Lindl  Med.  Bot,  144;  Griff. 
Med.  Bot,  f.  56,  97  ;  Am.  Disp.,  507  ;  Lindl. 
Flon  Med.,  23  ;  Am.  Horn.  Phan,  300. 

Asu)iina  triloba,  13. 

Torn  Bot.  S  N.  Y.,  i,  30  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds, 
36;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  41  ;  Gray  Bot. 
Text,  f.  490-4,  ^8  :  Wats.  Bib.,  30  ;  Gray 
Man.,  50;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  loi  ;  Lindl.  Flon 
Med.,  27;  Clapp  Cat,  727;  Am.  Hom.  Phan, 
106;  All;n  luicy.,  i,  598;  Am.  Disp,  843; 
Loudon  Ency.,  f.  7930,  480. 

Msiiisptriiiinn  Canadcnse,  14. 

Raf  Med.  Flon,  2,  242 ;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  376 ;  Gray  Bot.  Text,  f.  495-502,  379 ; 
Am.  Joun  Phan,  18S4,  401;  Ludon  Encyc, 
f.  13,  997,  844  ;  Hale's  Monograph,  Ct. ;  Joun 
Mat  Med.,  2,  362  ;  Allen  Ency.,  6,  177  ;  Hale 
New  Rem.,  438;  Am.  Di.sp.,  522;  Am.  Hom. 
Phan,  306;  Gray  Man.,  51  ;  Torn  Bot.  S.  N. 
Y.,  I,  31. 

Berberis  vulgaris,  i  5. 

Barberidacese;  Griff   Med.  Bjt,  f.  64,  212; 


Hamilt  Flon  Hom.,  ct.  10,  88;  Lindl.  Med. 
Bot,  If.  154,  104;  Torn  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  32'; 
Woodv.  Med.  Bot,  3,  t.  219,  618  ;  Gray  Man.", 
52;  Clapp  Cat,  728;  Lindl.  Flon  Med,  63; 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  5  i  ;  King  Am.  Disp., 
166;  Wittstein,  26,  165  ;  Chem,  Carb.  Comp., 
480-1;  Am.  Hom.  Phan,  119;  Hale  New 
Rem.,  98;  Gray  Bot  Text,  f.  503-5,  380; 
Fluck.  &  Han.,  36;  Allen  Ency.,  2,  139; 
Hughes  Phan,  189  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass., 
878  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f  p.  ly  ;  Wigand,  rf. 
50;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  4922,  286. 

Catdophvlluni  thalictroidcs,  16. 

Griff  Med.  Bot,  f  65,  1 14;  Raf  Med.  Flon, 
f.  19,  97;  Am.  Hom.  Phan,  157;  Williams 
Med.  Bot  Mass.,  879;  Berberidaceas,  9;  Gray 
Man.,  53;  Hughes  Phan,  253;  Hale  New 
Rem.,  163;  Allen  Ency.,  3,  34;  Am.  Disp., 
198;  Clapp  Cat,  729;  Wats.  Bib.,  35;  U.  S. 
Phan,  68  ;  Torn  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  33  ;  Loudon 
Ency.,  f.  4914,  286. 

Podophyllum  pcltatum,  17. 

New  Rem.,  1879,  43,  262:  1881,47;  Am. 
Joun  Phan,  1879,  543,  580:  1882,  108;  Bot 
Gaz.,  1881,  178;  Bull.  Torn  Club,  1884,62; 
Gray  Bot,  54;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  38;  Raf. 
Med.  Bot,  2,  t.  73,  59  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South., 
21.  77,  577;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  f.  66,  115;  Clapp 
Cat.,  730;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  13;  Torn  Bot 
S.  N.  Y.,  I,  35  ;  U.  S.  Phan,  260;  Allen  Ency., 
8,  130;  Bent.  &  Trim.,  Ct.  17;  Wittstein,  76; 
Am.  Hom.  Phan,  377;  King  Am.  Disp.,  731  ; 
Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot.,  2,  t:  23,  h;  Barton 
Med.  Bot,  2,  Ct.  25,  9;  Fluck.  &  Han.,  36; 
Wigand,  384;  Hughes  Phar.,  647;  Loudon 
Ency.,  f  7652,  460. 

Nyniphica  odorata,  18. 

Am.  Joun  Phan,  1883,  96;  Bot.  Gaz.,  1881, 
266  ;  Raf  Med.  Bot.,  2,  f.  67,  44  ;  Bigel.  Am. 
Med.  Bot.,  3,  Ct.  55,  134;  Gray  Man.,  56;  Griff. 
Med.  Bot,  1 19;  Lindl.  Flon  Med.,  20;  Porch. 
Resourc.  South.,  35;  King  Am.  Disp.,  630; 
Porch.  PI.  S.  C,  693 ;  Clapp  Cat,  732;  Am. 
Hom.  Phar.,  344;  Hale  New  Rem.,  445  ;  Lindl. 
Med.  Bot,  f.  453,  265-8,  383;  Torn  Bot  S. 
N.  Y.,  I,  39;  Allen  Encyc,  7,  127;  Williams 
Med.  Bot  Mass.,  876;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  7678, 
462. 

Sarraccnia  purpurea,  1 9. 

New  Rem.,  1879,  h6  ;  Bot.  Gaz.,  1883,  192: 
1 88 1,  242;  Torn  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,Ct.  6,41 ;  Gray 
Bot,  If  224,  383;  Wigand,  93,  211  ;  Therap. 
Gaz.,  vol.  5,  547  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  7676,  462; 
Am.  Disp.,  752;  Hale  New  Rem.,  573;  Wat- 
son Bib.,  40;  Hughes  Phar.,  683;  Allen  Ency., 
8,  574;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  402  ;  Gray  Man.,  58. 

Arcrciiioiic  Mcxicana,  20. 

Griff.  Med.  Bot,  129;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot.  f. 
222,  154;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  sf.  19,  41;  Porch. 


BIBLIOGRAPHICAL     INDEX. 


29 


Resourc.  South.,  28  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  7672, 
462;  Man.  Weeds,  5;  Am.  Jour.  Piiar.,  1885, 
506;  Wigand,  16;  Gray  Man.,  59;  Wittstein, 
142;  Allen  Ency.,  10,  324;  Rdf.  Med.  Bot.,  2, 
195;  Am.  Horn.  Pliar.,  192. 

Clielido)iiiiui  luajiis,  21. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  18S2,  251  ;  Griff.  Med.  Bot., 
129;  Spratt  Tox.,  cf.  17,  18;  Raf.  Med.  Flor., 
2,  207;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.,  2,  t.  140,  388; 
Gray  Man.,  60;  Torn  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  44; 
Clapp  Cat.,  734;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  17;  U.  S. 
Phar.,  74;  King  Am.  Disp.,  221  ;  Hale  New 
Rem.,  178;  Wittstein,  42-3;  Chem.  Carb. 
Comp.,  283,  480;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  162; 
Lindl.  Med.  Bot  ,  f.  221,  153  ;  Allen  Ency.,  3, 
127  ;  Hughes  Phar.,  263;  Williams  Med.  Bot. 
Mass.,  875;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.  20,  41  ; 
Wigand,  207;   Loudon  Ency.,  f.  7653,  460. 

Sa)igiii)iaria  Canadensis,  22. 

New  Rem.,  vol.  11,  163;  Am.  Jour.  Phar., 
1881,473:  1879,  171;  Griff.  Med.  Bot.,  f.  72, 
127;  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  f.  83,  78;  Bigel.  Am. 
Med.  Bot.,  I,  Ct.  7,  75;  Bent,  and  Trim.,  i,  ct. 
20;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot.,f.  223,  125  ;  Gray  Man., 
60;  Gray  Bot.,  f.  519-21,  384;  Lindl.  Flor. 
Med.,  16;  Porch.  Cat.  PI.  S.  C,  6S9 ;  Clapp 
Cat.,  734;  U.  S.  Phar.,  287;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  30;  King  Am.  Disp.,  835;  Chem. 
Carb.  Comp.,  480;  Good.  Bot.,  ct.  2;  Hale 
New  Rem.,  557;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  400;  Witt- 
stein, 42;  Allen  Ency.,  8,  481  ;  Hughes  Phar., 
462;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  875;  Loudon 
Ency.,  f.  7651,  460;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  42; 
Barton  Med.  Bot.,  Ct.  2,  31. 

Sinapis  alba,  23. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1883,  370:  1882,  404: 
1 88 1,  121  :  1883,551;  Raf.^Med.  Flor.,  2,  263; 
Flor.  Med.,  i,  ct.  2,  6;  Bent,  and  Trim.,  i,  ct. 
23;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  f.  75,  135;  Darl.  Am. 
Weeds,  47;  Loudon  p:ncy.,  f.  9269,  554;  U. 
S.  Phar.,  292;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  139;  Gray 
Man.,  70;  Fluck  and  Han.,  68  ;  Lindl.  Flor. 
Med.,  92  ;  Allen  E;icy.,  9,  40. 

Sinapis  nigra,  24. 

Bent,  and  Trim.,  i,  ct.  22;  Woodv.  Med. 
Bot.,  3.  t.  146,  403;  Grav  Man.,  71;  Griff 
Med.  Bot,  f.  74,  135;  Williams  Med.  Bot 
Mass.,  876;  Darl.  Man.  Weeds,  47;  Porch. 
Resourc.  South.,  72;  Loudon  P2ncy.,  f.  9256, 
554;  Allen   Ency.,  9,  46;  Am.   Hom.   Phar., 

413- 

Tldaspi  Biirsa-Pastons,  25. 

Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.  26,  5  1  ;  Porch.  Re.sourc. 
South.,  70;  Gray  Bot.,  f.  232-3,  386;  Loudon 
Ency.,  f.  9104,  546;  New  Rem.,  1879.  83; 
Man.  Weeds,  7;  Am.  Disp.  Suppl.,  t.  5,  55; 
Torn  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i.  65;  Gray  Man.,  73; 
Hale  New  Rem.,  465;  Am.  Hom.  Phan,  438; 
Clapp  Cat.,  739. 


Raplianiis  raplianistruin,  26. 

Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass,  876;  Darl.  Am. 
Weeds.f.  29,  53;  Loudon  p:ncy.,f.  9303,556; 
Allen  t;ncy.,  8,  277;  Torn  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i, 
66;  Lindl.  Flon  Med.,  93  ;  Gray  Man.,  75; 
Wood  Bot.,  240. 

Viola  tricolor,  27. 

Am.  Joun  Plian,  1882,  10;  1883,490;  New 
Rem.,  11,37:  1880,  146;  Bot  Gaz.,  1880,  13; 
Spratt  Tox.,  28 ;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot..  2,  t.  90, 
254 ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  76 ;  Wigand, 
206;  Gray  Man.,  "j"] ;  Grav  Gen.,  i,  185  ;  Torr. 
Bot.  S.  N.  Y..  2,  75  ;  Griff.  Med.  Bot,  140; 
Clapp  Cat,  741  ;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  97;  Raf. 
Med.  Flon,  2,  375;  U.  S.  Phan,  379;  King 
Am.  Disp..  969;  Wittstein,  225  ;  Am.  Disp., 
861  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phan,  454  ;  Gray  Bot.  Text., 
387;  Hughes  Phan,  768;  Watson  Bib.,  88; 
Allen  Ency.,  10,  136;  Loudon  Ency.,  186. 

Hclianthcniuni  Canadense,  28. 

Raf.  Med.  Flon,  2,  209 ;  Gray  Man.,  80 ; 
Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  917;  Loudon 
Ency.,  470  ;  Watson  Bib.,  78  ;  Allen  Ency.,  3, 
333:  Gray  Bot  Text,  f.  546-52,  360;  Am. 
Disp.,  416;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  178;  Torr.  Bot. 
S.  N.  Y.,  1,77. 

Droscra  rotundifolia,  29. 

Bot,  Gaz.,  1880,  148;  Am.  Joun  Phan,  1885, 
106;  Raf.  Med.  Flon,  2,  217;  Hamilt  Flon 
Hom.,  I,  ct.  30,  256;  Williams  Med.  Bot 
Mass.,  889 ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  "j"] ;  Lou- 
don Ency.,  f.  3941,  232;  Am.  Disp.,  339; 
Wittstein,  8;  Hughes  Phan,  252;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  207;  Thom.  Org.  Chem.,  109;  Chem. 
Carb.  Comp. ,448;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  170;  Torr. 
Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  I.  81. 

Hypericum  perforatum,  30. 

Raf  Med.  Flon,  2,  229;  Strong  Am.  Flon, 
i,cf.  25,  55;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  f.  227,  158; 
Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  3,  t.  208,  587  ;  Darl.  Am. 
Weeds,  fig.  50-53,  55  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South., 
78 ;  Gray  Bot.  Text.',  f.  553-6,  391  ;  Wiegand, 
20s;  Ludon  Ency.. f.  11023,658;  Mich.  Man. 
Weeds.  7  ;  Joun  Mat.  Med.,  i.  232  ;  Gray  Man., 
85  ;  Torn  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  86;  Allen  Ency., 
5,  53  ;  Griff.  Med.  Bot,  157  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phan. 
252;  Am.  Disp.  437;   Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  117. 

Lychnis  Githago,  31. 

Am.  Joun  Phar.,  1879,  129;  Torn  Bot  S. 
N.  Y.,  I,  102  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass.,  890; 
Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.  34-5,  56;  Griff  Med. 
Bot,  158;  Ludon  Ency.,  f.  6535,  386;  Witt- 
stein, 7;  Mich.  Man.  Weeds,  10;  Wats.  Bib., 
104;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot.,  120;  Chem.  Carb. 
Comp.,  465  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phan,  60;  Gray  Man., 
90;  Gray  Bot  Text.,  391;  Chap.  Bot.,  52; 
Allen  Ency.,  i,  132. 

Geranium  nuiculatum.  32. 

Bigel.   Am.  Med.   Bot.,  i.Ct.  8,  84.;  B.-nt 


APPENDIX. 


and  Trim.,  ct.  42  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass  , 
888 ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.  49-50,  72  ;  Porch. 
Rcsourc.  South.,  138;  Gray  Bot.  Text.,  f. 
632-8,  399;  Watson  Bib.,  151  ;  Allen  Ency., 
4,  407  ;  Gray  Man.,  107;  Good  Bot.,  Ct.  22  ; 
Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  221  ;  Porch.  PI.  S.  C.,  731 ; 
Clapp  Cat.,  748  ;  Griff.  Med.  Bot.,  209  ;  Raf. 
Med.  Flor.,  i,  f.  42,  215;  U.  S.  Phar.,  169; 
King  Am.  Disp.,  i ,  45  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  233 ; 
Witt.stein,  90;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot.,  120;  Bart. 
Med.  Bot.,  ct.  13,  150;  Loudon  Ency.,  f. 
9656,  580. 

Xaiil/io.xvlmn  Aincricanuin,  33. 
Griff  Med.  Bot.,  f.  103,  195  ;  Raf.  Med. 
Flor.,  2,  f.  96,  113;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot.,  3, 
Ct.  59,  156;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  911  ; 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  136;  Darl.  Am. 
Weeds,  f.  53-5,  75  ;  Gray  Bot.  Text.,  f.  639- 
46,  402  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  13896,  834;  Torn 
Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  I,  132;  Gray  Man.,  no;  Allen 
Ency.,  10,  169;  Watson  Bib.,  155  ;  Lindl.  Flor. 
Med.,  216;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  458  ;  Am.  Disp., 
871  ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  379. 
Ptclca  trifoiiata,  34. 

Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  4,  290;  Loudon  Ency.,  f. 
1764,  100;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  381  ;  Gray  Man., 
110;  Am.  Disp.,  680;  Allen  Ency.,  8,  177; 
Hale  New  Rem.,  526;  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,254; 
Hale's  Monograph,  1869,  ct.;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N. 
Y.,  I,  133;  Ciapp  Cat,  753;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med., 
215. 

Adavtiis  glandiilosus,  35. 

Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  76;  Loudon  Ency.,  f. 
14310,  866;  Am.  Di.sp.  Suppl.,  20;  Am.  Jour. 
Phar.,  1885,  600;  Gray  Man.,  in;  Hale  New 
Rem.,  28;  Allen  Ency.,  i,  133;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  60. 

Rhus  glabra,  36. 

Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  256;  Strong  Am.  Flor., 
I,  cf.  46,  97  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  91 1  ; 
Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.  56-8,  78  ;  New  Reme- 
dies, 1880,  370;  Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  i,  195; 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  202  ;  Loudon  Ency., 
226;  Mich.  Man.  Weeds,  15;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  390;  Wats.  Bib.,  182;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N. 
Y.,  I,  129;  U.  S.  Phar.,  283;  Am.  Disp.,  707  ; 
Allen  Ency.,  8,  329 

Rlius  venenata,  37. 

Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot,  i,ct.  10,  96;  Porch. 
Resourc.  South.,  206;  Loudon  Ency.,  226;  Am. 
Disp.,  709  ;  Gray  Man.,  1 1 1  ;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med., 
284;  Allen  Ency.,  8,  378;  Hale  New  Rem., 
546;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  130;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  392. 

Rims  Toxicodendron,  38. 

New  Rem.,  1880,  370:  2,  208;  Med.  Coun- 
-sellor,  516,  522;  Bot.  Gaz.,  1880,  42:  1879, 
211,219:  1878,53;  Hamilt  Flor.  Hom.,  2,Ct. 
51,  1 30 ;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot,  3,  ct.  42  (Radi- 


cans?),  19;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  9n  ; 
Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.  60,  80 ;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  200,  201,  273;  Wigand,  198;  Park 
Derm.  Ven. ;  Ludon  Ency.,  f.  3801,  226  ;  New 
Rem.,  1879,  199,  240;  Mich.  Man.  Weeds,  16; 
Griff.  Med.  Bot ,  372 ;  Hale  New  Rem.,  506 ; 
Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  3,  402  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar., 
390;  Wats.  Bib.,  183;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i, 
130;  U.S.  Phar.,  283;  Am.  Disp., 709;  Allen 
Ency.,  8,  330. 

RIius  aromatica,  39. 

Am.  Nat,  12,  597;  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1881, 
2C9;  Loudon  Ency.,  226;  Am.  Hom.  Phar., 
183;  Wats.  Bib.,  181 ;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i, 

Ainpclopsis  qttinqucfoha,  40. 

Bot   Gaz.,  1883,  201  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y., 
I,  148;    Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  ff.  65,  If.  64,  85 
Loudon  Ency.,  f.  2868,  176;  Gray  Man.,  113 
Am.   Hom.  Phar.,  75  ;  Allen   Ency.,  10,  290 
Am.  Disp.,  100;  Clapp  Cat,  759. 

Rliaiitnus  catliarticus,  41. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1885,  496;  Torr.  Bot  S. 
N.  Y.,  I,  143;  Am.  Disp.,  697;  Fluck.  and 
Han.,  157;  Flora  Med.,  ct.  129,  128;  Bent 
and  Trim.,  i,  ct.  64;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  f.  234, 
164;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot,  3,t.  210,  503  ;  Darl. 
Am.  Weeds,  86;  Loudon  Ency.,f.  2874,  176; 
Gray  Man.,  n4;  Allen  Ency.,  8,  301  ;  Griff. 
Med.  Bot,  216;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  167;  Clapp 
Cat,  758. 

Enonynius  atropiirpurciis,  42. 

Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  141  ;  Gray  Man., 
116;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  293,  214;  Wats.  Bib., 
162;  U.  S.  Phar.,  99;  Clapp  Cat,  758;  Am. 
Jour.  Phar.,  1883,  367;  Therap.  Gaz.,  1885,39; 
Griff.  Med.  Bot  f.  112,  219;  Ludon  Ency., 
178;  New  Rem.,  1880,  80;  Raf.  Med.  Flor., 
I'.  195  ;  Jour.  Mat  Med.,  2,  406. 

ALsculiis  Hippocastanuni,  4^ 

Griff  Med.  Bot,  f.  109,^212;  Raf.  Med. 
Flor.,  2,  219;  Flor.  Med.,  i,  ct.  44,  n3; 
Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  f.  152,  102;  Gray  Man., 
n7;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot,  3,t.  217,  614;  Darl. 
Am.  Weeds,  88;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  138; 
Allen  PZncy.,  i,  48;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  57; 
Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  124;  Hale  New  Rem.,  20; 
Fluck.  and  Han.,  541  ;  U.  S.  Ag.  Rept,  1870, 
405  ;  Dugl.  New  Rem.,  269 ;  Ludon  Ency.,  f. 
5057,  296  ;  Am.  Disp.,  69 ;  Chem.  Carb.  Comp., 
461,  465  ;  Tomp.  Org.  Chem.,  809  ;  Wittstein, 
6,  84,  201. 

Aiscidus  glabra,  44. 

Ludon  Ency.,  296;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  57  ; 
Allen  Ency.,  1,48;  Gray  Man.,  118;  Wats., 
Bib.,  178;   Hale  New  Rem.,  19. 

Polvgala  Senega,  45. 

Flor.  Med.,  2,  Ct.  106,  62  ;  Hamilt  Flor. 
Horn.,  2,  Ct.  58,  176;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot, 


BI  B],IOGRAPHICAL    INDEX. 


31 


2,  Ct.  30,  97  ;  Bent,  and  Trim.,  1 ,  ct.  29  ;  Lindl. 
Med.  Bot.,  f.  148,  100;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.,  t. 
162,452;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  92  ;  Porch.  Re- 
sourc.  South.,  85  ;  Wiegand,rf.  43;  Bart.  Med. 
Bot.,  2,  ct.  36,  113;  Loudon  Kncy.,  f.  10005, 
602;  Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  i,  237;  Gray  Man., 
122;  Clapp.  Cat.,  760;  Tomp.  Org.  Chem., 
820;  Am.  Di.sp.,  659;  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  64; 
Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  125;  Griff.  Med.  Bot.,  f. 
114,  225 ;  Am.  Horn.  Phar.,  409 ;  Hughes 
Phar.,  693  ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  291  ;  Fluck.  and  Han., 
■j-j;  Torn  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  151  ;  Allen  Ency., 
8,  586. 

Genista  tinctoria,  46. 

Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  223  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds, 
96;    Wigand,  fFol.,  197;    Loudon  Ency.,  610 
Gray    Man.,    126;    Lindl.    Flor.    Med.,    238 
Wats.  Bib.,  221  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  185 
Allen  Plncy.,  4,  403. 

Trifoliiim  pratcnsc,  47. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1883,  194;  Darl.  Am. 
Weeds,  ff.  74-5,  97  ;  U.  S.  Agric.  Rept.,  1864, 
322:  1880,151;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  177; 
Loudon  Ency.,  f.  10802,  642 ;  Torr.  Bot.  S. 
N.  Y.,  I,  168;  Am.  Disp.,  832;  Gray  Man., 
127;  Allen  Ency.,  10,  22;  Am.  Hom.  Phar., 
441  ;  Wats.  Bib.,  265. 

Trifoliiim  re  pens,  48. 

Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  886;  Darl.  Am. 
W'eeds,  98  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South ,  177 ; 
Ludon  Ency.,  f.  10787,  640  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N. 
Y.,  I,  169;  Gray  Man.,  127;  Allen  Ency.,  10, 
22  ;  Wats.  Bib.,  266. 

Melilotus  officinalis,  49. 

Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  886 ;  Darl.  Am. 
Weeds,  299;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  176; 
Ludon  Ency.,  f.  10771,  640;  Gray  Man.,  128; 
Allen  Ency.,  6,  176;  Am.  Disp.,  832  ;  Griff 
Med.  Bot,  231;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  304-5; 
Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  170. 

Robinia  Pseudacacia,  50. 

Am.  Nat.,  12,6;  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  258; 
Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  loi  ;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  188;  Loudon  p:ncy.,  f.  10460,  626; 
Gray  Man.,  131  ;  Allen  Ency.,  10,628;  Am. 
Disp.,  712;  Griff.  Med.  Bot,  238;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  392;  Clapp  Cat.,  761  ;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N. 
Y.,  I,  165. 

Phaseolus  vulgaris,  5  i . 

Bot  Gaz.,  1883,  194;  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2, 
251;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  107;  U.  S.  Agric. 
Rep.,  1870,422;  Ludon  Ency.,  614;  Thom. 
Org.  Chem.,  887;  Allen  Ency.,  7,  334;  Witt- 
stein,  112,  171;  Chem.  Carb.  Comp.,  492; 
Allen  Ency.,  7,  334. 

Baptisia  tinctoria,  52. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1879,  577  ;  Bot.  Gaz.,  1880, 
94;  New  Rem.,  1879,  143;  Griff  Med.  Bot, 
f.  119,  231  ;  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,   f.  14,  79;  Darl. 


Am.  Weeds,  108;  Porch.  Resourc.  South., 
175;  Gray  Man.,  143;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y., 
I,  187  ;  Allen  Ency.,  2,  31  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar., 
1 14;  King  Am.  Disp.,  i6o  ;  Porch.  PI.  S.  C, 
739;  Clapp  Cat.,  761  ;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med., 
237;  Bart.  Med.  Bot..  2,  Ct.  29,53;  Wats. 
Bib.,  205  ;  Am.  Disp.,  154;  Ludon  pjicv.,  f. 
5691,  342. 

Gyninocladiis  Canadensis,  53. 

Bull.  Torr.  Club.,  1882,  130;  Raf.  Med. 
Flor.,  2,  226;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  iio;  Loudon 
p:ncy.,  f.  13987,  842;  Am.  Disp.,  407  ;  Gray 
Man.,  145  ;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  519  ;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  243  ;  W^ats.  Bib.,  222  ;  Hale  New  Rem., 
336;  Ton-.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  191. 

Gcum  Rivalc,  54. 

Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.  82,  121  ;  Torr.  Bot. 
S.  N.  Y.,  I,  203  ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  185  ;  Raf. 
Med.  Flor.,  1,221;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  226; 
Gray  Man.,  152;  Am.  Disp.,  387;  Wats.  Bib., 
384 ;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  7626,  454. 

Frac^aria  vcsca,  55. 

Griff.  Med.  Bot.,  f.  140,  277  ;  Raf  Med. 
Flor.,  i,f.  38,  189;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass., 
884;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.  83,  123;  Porch. 
Resourc.  South.,  144;  Gray  Man.,  156;  Torr. 
Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  I,  212;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  365  ; 
Wats.  Bib.,  282  ;  Porch.  PI.  S.  C,  733  ;  Am. 
Hom.  Phar.,  229;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot.,  184; 
Gray  Bot  Te.xt,  f.  677-9,412;  Am.  Disp., 
365  ;  U.  S.  Agric.  Rept,  1870  ;  Loudon  Ency., 
f.  7566,452. 

Pirns  Americana,  56. 

Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  134;  Perch.  Resourc. 
South.,  167  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N  Y  ,  i,  224;  Gray 
Man.,  161  ;  Allen  Ency.,  10,  623  ;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  383  ;  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  265  ;  Griff. 
Med.  Bot,  293  ;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  234;  Clapp 
Cat,  769;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  183. 

Penthorum  scdoides,  57. 

Loudon  Ency.,  f.  6460,  384 ;  Torr.  Bot  S. 
N.  Y.,  I,  253;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  361  ;  Am. 
Disp.  Suppl.,  1 19;  Allen  Ency.,  7,  301  ;  Gray 
Man.,  171. 

Hamamclis  Virginian  a,  58. 

Griff  Med.  Bot,  f.  165,  351  ;  Raf.  Med. 
Flor.,  I,  f.  45,  227  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass., 
882;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  144;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  58;  Ludon  Ency.,  f.  1814,  104;  Gray 
Man.,  173;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  1,270;  Wats. 
Bib.,  355  ;  Am.  Disp.,  411  ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  124, 
174;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  244;  Allen  ELncy.,  4, 
528;  Clapp  Cat.,  775. 

EpUobiuvi  palustrc,  59. 

Wats.  Bib.,  366;  Gray  Man.,  177 ;  Am.  Di.sp., 
340;  Loudon  Elncy.,  f.  5487,  320;  Torr.  Bot 
S.  N.  Y.,  I,  233;  Chap.  Bot,  140;  Wood 
Bot.,  351  ;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  204. 


APPENDIX. 


QLiiothcra  biennis,  60. 

Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  247 ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds, 
136  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  55  ;  Gray  Man  , 
178  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  234  ;  Allen  Ency., 
7,  137;  Am.  Horn.  Phar.,  346;  Griff.  Med. 
Bot,  304;  Porch.  PI.  S.  C,  706;  Clapp  Cat, 
771  ;  King  Am.  Disp.,  633  ;  Hale  New  Rem., 
446;  Barton  Flora,  t.  6,  21;  Am.  Homoeo- 
path, 1883,  317;  Wats.  Bib.,  nj  \  Loudon 
Ency.,  318. 

Opiintia  vulgaris,  61. 

Am.  Jour.  JPhar.,  1884,3;  Bull.  Torr.  Club, 
1883,  79;  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,247;  Lindl. 
Med.  Bot,  f.  237,  244;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  66  ;  Gray  Man.,  185  ;  Allen  Ency.,  7, 
237  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  6884,  412  ;  Am.  Horn. 
Phar.,  353;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  245. 

Eryngiuni  yncavfoliuni ,  62. 

Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  218;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  43  ;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  213  ;  Gray  Man., 
100;  Hale  New  Rem.,  290;  Am.  Horn.  Phar., 
212  ;  Clapp  Cat,  776  ;  Am.  Disp.,  345  ;  Wood 
Bot,  378;  Griff.  Med.  Bot,  315  ;  Chap.  Bot, 
160. 

Pastinaca  sativa,  63. 

Raf  Med.  Flor.,  2,  251  ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot, 
f.  348,  254  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  147  ;  Loudon 
Ency.,  f.  3724,  222  ;  Gray  Man.,  191  ;  Allen 
Ency.,  7,  291  ;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  278. 

Archangelica  atropnrpurea,  64. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1883,469:  1882,159:  1885, 
339  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  322  ;  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2, 
192  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  276  ;  Loudon  En- 
cy.. 221;  Man.  Weeds,  26;  Allen  Ency.,  i, 
344;  Gray  Man.,  193  ;  Am.  Disp.,  in. 

^■Etlnisa  Cynapiinn,  65. 

Spratt  Tox.,  78 ;  Church.  Med.  Bot.,  ct.  8  ; 
Hamilt  Flor.  Hom.,  i,  ct.  2,  15  ;  Bent,  and 
Trim.,  2,  ct.  125  ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  f.  333, 
247  ;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  274  ;  Darl.  Am. 
Weeds,  sf.  23-5,  151  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  f  3666 
218  ;  Man.  Weeds,  28  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.  58  ; 
Clapp  Cat,  778;  Allen  Ency.,  i,  59;  Witt- 
stein,  63  ;  Taylor  Tox.,  71 1 ;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med., 
40;  Gray  Man.,  193;  Wood  Bot.,  386. 

Thaspiuvi  aureuni,  66 

Gray  Man.,  194;  Allen  Ency.,  10,  234- 
Wats.  Bib.,  433  ;  Torr  .Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  271  •' 
Hale  New  Rem.,  616  ;   Raf  Med.  Flor.,  2,  267! 

Cicnta  viaculata,  67. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1882,491  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot 
f.  154,  316 ;  Raf  Med.  Flor.,  i,  f.  22,  107  :  2 
209;  Bigel.  Am.    Med.   Bot,  i,  ct.   12,    I'-'c'' 
Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  sf.  106-7,  152;   Porch.  Re- 
sourc. South..  44;  Loudon   Ency.,  f.    3608 
216;  Man.  Weeds,  29  ;  Biegl.  Am.  Med.  Bot.' 

4,  181  ;  Allen  Ency.,  3,  281  ;  Gray  Man.  196- 
Wats.  Bib.,  416;  Clapp  Cat,  778  ;  Torr.  Bot' 

5.  N.  Y.,  I,  267. 


Coniiun  niacitlatnm,  68. 

Am.  Journ.  Phar.,  1882,  359;  1885,  247; 
Bull.  Torr.  Club,  1881,  9  ;  Griff.  Med.  Bot,  f. 
160,  339  ;  Spratt,  Tox.,  cf.  24,  44  ;  Church. 
Med.  Bot  ,  ct.  13  ;  Griff.  Med.  Bot,  f.  160, 
339;  Raf  Med.  Plor.,  i,  f.  25,  118;  F'lora 
Med.,  i,ct.  53,  143;  Hamilt  Flor.  Hom.,  i, 
ct.  26,  219  ;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot.,  i,  ct.  11, 
113;  Bant,  and  Trim.,  2,  Ct.  118;  Lindl.  Med. 
Bot.,  f.  232,  247  ;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.,  i,  t.  42, 
104;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.  108-11,  154;  Wie- 
gand,  211;  Loudon  Ency.,f.  3609,  216;  Am. 
Hom.  Phar.,  187;  Clapp  Cat,  779;  U.  S., 
Phar.,  85  ;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  57;  Gray  Man., 
197;  Chem.  Carb.  Comp.,470;  Wittstein,  55- 
6;  Am.  Disp.,  283;  Fluck.  and  Han.,  299; 
Taylor  Tox.,  698  ;  Hughes  Phar.,  317;  Man. 
Weeds,  29;  Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  4,  49;  Allen 
Ency.,  3,  519. 

Arcilia  racciuosa,  69. 

Bot  Gaz.,  1882,  122;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y., 
I,  284;  Gray  Man.,  198;  Williams  Med.  Bot 
Mass.,  870;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  51  ;  Griff. 
Med.  Bot,  346 ;  Gray  Bot,  425  ;  Loudon 
Ency.,  230  ;  Wats.  Bib.,  436  ;  Hale  New  Rem., 
53;  Am.  Disp.,  124;  Clapp  Cat.,  779;  Raf. 
Med.  F"lor.,  2,  195;  Darl.  Am.  W^eeds,  156; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  90;  Allen  Ency.,  10,323. 

Aralia  quinqucfolia,  70. 

Griff  Med.  Bot,  f.  162,  342,  344 ;  Raf  Flor. 
Med.,  2,  f.  71,  52;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot,  2, 
Ct.  29,  82  ;  Bart.  Med.  Bot,  2,  ct.  45,  191  ; 
Woodv.  Med.  Bot,  i,  t.  58,  149;  Williams 
Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  870  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  1 56  ; 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  48  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  f. 
14391,  872;  New  Rem.,  1880,  227;  Gray 
Man.,  199  ;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  415  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S. 
N.  Y.,  I,  286;  Clapp  Cat,  781;  Am.  Disp., 
596;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  59;  Wittstein,  166; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  234. 

Cornus  florida,  71. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1879,  390;  Bull.  Torr. 
Club,  1880,  121;  Jour.  Mat  Med.,  3,  284: 
I,  294:  4,40;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  f.  164,  347; 
Raf  Flor.  Med.,  i,  f.  28,  131  ;  Bigel.  Am. 
Med.  Bot,  2  Ct.  28,  Ji ;  Bent,  and  Trim..  2, 
Ct.  126;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass.,  910; 
Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.  112-13,  158  ;  Porch.  Re- 
sourc. South.,  59  ;  Bart.  Med.,  Ct.  3,  43  ;  Lou- 
don Ency.,  f.  1793,  102  ;  Am.  Disp.,  298  ;  U. 
S.  Phar,  87;  Allen  Ency.,  10,  492  ;  Hale  New 
Rem.,  242  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  191  ;  Torr.  Bot 
S.  N.  Y.,  I,  290;  Wats.  Bib.,  439  ;  Gray  Man.. 
200;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  81  ;  Gray  Bot,  425  ; 
Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  259;  Wittstein,  59;  Chap. 
Bot,  168. 

Cornus  circinata,  72. 

Am.  Journ.  Phar,  1880,  433;  Raf  Med. 
Flor,  I,  135;  Griff.  Med.  Bot,  139;  Loudon 


BIBLIOGRAPHICAL    INDEX. 


33 


Ency.,  f.  1798,  io2;  Wats.  Bib.,  438;  Gray 
Man.,  200 ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i ,  289 ;  Am. 
Horn.  Phar.,  191  ;  Hale  New  Rem.,  243  ;  Am. 
Disp.,  297;  Allen  Ency.,  3,  565. 

Contiis  sti-icca,  y^. 

Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  i,  135  :  2,  213  ;  Griff.  Med. 
Bot.,  349 ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  62  ;  Bart. 
Med.  Bot.,  ct.  9,  115;  Am.  Joiirn.  Phar.,  1884, 
618;  Good  Bot,  ct.  19;  Loudon  Ency.,  f. 
1797,  102;  Gray  Man.,  200;  Am.  Disp.,  299; 
Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  290;  Clapp  Cat.,  782; 
Allen  Ency.,  10,  493  ;  Am.  Horn.  Phar.,  192. 

TriosUiim  pcrfo/iatinn,  74. 

Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  269 ;  Bigel.  Am.  Med. 
Bot.,  I,  ct.  9,  90  ;  4,  181  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot. 
Mass.,  911;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  161  ;  Porch. 
Resourc.  South.,  407  ;  Bart.  Med.  Bot.,  ct.  4, 
59;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  2802,  170;  Gray  Man., 
205  ;  Gray  Flor.  N.  A.,  12;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N. 
Y.,  I,  301  ;  Am.  Disp.,  834;  Allen  Ency.,  10, 
25  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  352  ;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med., 
445  ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  446  ;  Am.  Horn.  Phar.,  443. 

Saiiibiiciis  C(i)iadciisis,  75. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1881,382,  553;  Raf  Med. 
Flor.,  2,  260;  Bent  and  Trim.,  2,  ct.  138; 
Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  162 ;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  408 ;  Good  Bot.,  ct.  39  ;  Loudon  Ency., 
f.  3731,  224;  Gray  Flor.  N.  A.,  9;  Allen 
Ency.,  8,  476;  Chap.  Bot,  171;  Gray  Man., 
205  ;  Am.  Disp.,  740;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i, 
303  ;  Fluck.  and  Han.,  334  ;  Am.  Horn.  Phar., 
399 ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  ySj. 

CephalnntliHS  ocadcntalis,  76. 

Griff.  Med.  Bot,  f.  169,  356;  Raf  Med. 
Flor.,  i,f.  20,  100;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass., 
910;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  405  ;  Gray  Bot. 
Text,  f.  751-3,  430;  Gray  Man.,  211;  Allen 
Ency.,  10,  456;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  1,313; 
Porch.  PI.  S.  C,  788  ;  Clapp  Cat,  788 ;  King 
Am.  Disp.,  214;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  159;  Am. 
Disp.,  205  ;  Loudon   Ency.,  f.  1677,  96. 

Mite  he  Ha  re  pens,  J  J. 

Allen  Ency.,  6,  373  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  320; 
Porch.  PI.  S.  C,  788  ;  Clapp  Cat,  788  ;  King 
Am.  Disp.,  600;  Hale  New  Rem.,  441;  Raf 
Med.  Flor.,  2,  243  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  1758, 
100;  Bull.  Torr.  Club,  1883,  i;  Williams 
Med.  Bot  Mass.,  910  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South., 
405  ;  Gray  Man.,  201  ;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i, 

314. 

Eiipatonuni  piirpureuiii,  78. 

Raf  Med.  Flor.,  i,  179;  Williams  Med. 
Bot.  Mass.,  874;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  412; 
Loudon  Encyc,  688;  Porch.  PL  S.  C,  790; 
Am.  Disp.,  351  ;  Gray  Flora  N.  A.,  95  ;  Gray 
Man.,  225  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  216;  Torr.  Bot. 
S.  N.  Y.,  I,  326;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  237. 

Eiipatonum  pcrfoliatuin,  79. 

Torr.  Bot  S.N.  Y.,  i,  329;  Am.  Disp.,  350; 


Gray  Flora  N.  A.,  99  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  215  ; 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  410;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med., 
45  I  ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  99;  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1880, 
-,92  :  1879,  342  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot.,  f.  180,  390  ; 
Raf  Med.  Flor.,  i,  f.  36,  174;  Bigel.  Am. 
Med.  Bot,  I,  t.  2,  33  ;  Bart  Med.  Bot,  2,  Ct. 
37,  125;  Bent  and  Trim.,  3,  Ct.  147;  Darl. 
Am.  Weeds,  170;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  11536, 
688;  Man.  Weed.s,  35;  Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  2, 
243;  241  ;  Hale  New  Rem.,  294;  Gray  Man., 
226;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  329;  Allen  Ency., 

4.  234. 

Engeron  Canadcuse,  80. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1883,  372  ;  Raf  Med.  Flor., 
2,218;  Bent  and  Trim.,  3,  ct.  149;  Darl. 
Am.  Weeds,  f.  116-17,  192;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  415-16  ;  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1884,  619; 
Loudon  Ency.,  704;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  211; 
Gray  Man.  236;  Gray  Flora  N.  A.,  221; 
Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  353  ;  Am.  Disp.,  343  ; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  211;  U.  S.  Phar.,  236. 

Inula  Helcniuiit,  81. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1881,469;  Raf  Med.  Flor., 
2,  231  ;  Flor.  Med.,  i,  Ct.  40,  106;  Strong  Am. 
Flor.,  i,ct.  19,43;  Bent,  and  Trim.,  3,  ct.  150; 
Woodv.  Med.  Bot.,  i,  t.  26,  64;  Williams 
Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  896  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  176  ; 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  417;  Wiegand,  68  ; 
Loudon  Ency.,f.  12147,714;  Allen  Ency.,  5, 
112;  Am.  Disp.,  444;  Wiltstein,  104,  112; 
Gray  Man.,  246;  U.  S.  Phar.,  185  ;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  255. 

Ambrosia  ai-tcviisicefolia,  82. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1885,  341  ;  Allen  Ency., 
10,  285  ;  Gray  Flor.  N.  A.,  249 ;  Gray  Man., 
251  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  470;  Raf  Med.  Flor., 
2,  190;  New  Rem.,  1879,  239;  Torr.  Bot.  S. 
N.  Y.,  I,  376;   Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  419. 

Heliantlius  annniis,  83. 

Raf  Med.  Flor.,  2,  226  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds, 
181;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  422;  Loudon 
Ency.,  730;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  246;  Gray 
Man.,  255;  Wittstein,  104;  Am.  Disp.,  416; 
Allen  Ency.,  4,  545  ;  Gray  Flora  N.  A.,  272. 

Antlienns  no/>i/is,  84. 

Griff  Med.  Bot,  f.  184,  404  ;  Flor.  Med.,  i, 
ct.  28,  7^;  Strong  Am.  Flor.,  i,  cf.  55,  119; 
Bent  and  Trim'.,  3,  Ct.  154;  Lindl.  Med. 
Bot,  f.  310,  231  ;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.,  i,t.  19, 
47;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  12324,  724;  Allen 
Ency.,  I,  358;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  81;  Lindl. 
Flor.  Med.,  59;  Wood  Bot,  457;  Gray  Man., 
265  ;  Gray  Flora  N.  A.,  363  ;  Fluck.  and  Han., 
384;  Chem.  Carb.  Comp.,  269;  Wittstein, 
141  ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  37  ;  Am.  Di.sp.,  1 12. 

Achillea  Millefolium,  85. 

Am.  Nat,  12,  651  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  403  ; 
Raf  Med.  Flor.,  2,  185  ;  Bent,  and  Trim.,  3, 
ct.  153;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  ff.  306,  229;  Torr. 


34 


APPENDIX. 


Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  I,  392;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.,  i,  t. 
15,  36 ;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mas.s,,  896 ;  Darl. 
Am.  Weeds,  187;  Porch.  Resourc.  South., 
424;  Loudon  Ency.,  726;  Am.  Disp.,  25; 
Wittstein,  3,  140  ;  Chem.  Carb.  Comp.,  487  ; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  319;  Clapp  Cat,  800  ;  Allen 
Ency.,  6,  366  ;  Gray  Flora  N.  A.,  363  ;  Gray 
Man.,  265. 

Tanacetitm  vulgare,  86. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1882,  288,  493  ;  Am.  Nat, 
13,  572  ;  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  266;  Flor.  Med., 
2,  Ct.  131,  132  ;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot,  i,  t.  27, 
66;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  896;  Porch. 
Resourc.  South.,  425  ;  London  Ency.,f.  11680, 
696;  Therap.  Gaz.,  1885,  215,  342;  Allen 
Ency.,  9,503;  Gray  Man.,  266;  Clapp  Cat., 
800  ;  Gray  Flora  N.  A.,  366  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N. 
Y.,  I,  393  ;  Chap.  Bot,  242;  Wood  Bot.,  458; 
Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  464;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot.,  229; 
Thorn.  Org.  Chem.,  478  ;  Am.  Disp.,  823  ;  U. 
S.  Phar.,  331  ;  Am.  Horn.  Phar.,  432;  Griff. 
Med.  Bot.,  406. 

Artemisia  vulgaris,  87. 

Griff.  Med.  Bot.,  406 ;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y., 
I,  395  ;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.,  i,  t.  23,  57;  Wie- 
gand  rf.  71  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  698  ;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar,  loi  ;  Gray  Man.,  267;  Allen  Ency.,  i, 
558;  Gray  Flora  N.  A.,  372. 

Artemisia  Absinthium,  88. 

Griff  Med.  Bot.,  405  ;  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2, 
183;  Flor.  Med.,  i,  cf.  38,  96;  Bent  and 
Trim,,  3,  ct.  156  ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot.,  f.  308, 
230  ;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot,  t.  22,  54  ;  Am.  Jour. 
Phar.,  1882,  310;  New  Rem.,  11,  64;  Darl. 
Am.  Weeds,  190;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass., 
895  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  698  ;  Therap.  Gaz.,  1886, 
239;  Taylor  To.x.,  651;  Allen  Ency.,  i,  2; 
10,  242 ;  Clapp  Cat.,  802 ;  Gray  Man.;  267 ; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  31  ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  i  ;  Wittstein, 
2;  Chem.  Carb.  Comp.,  218;  Lindl.  Flor. 
Med.,  464;  Am.  Disp.,  135;  Thorn.  Org. 
Chem.,  864;  Gray  Flora  N.  A.,  370. 

Gnaphatium  polycephalum,  89. 

Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  224;  Williams  Med. 
Bot.  Mass.,  894;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  191; 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  426;  Therap.  Gaz., 
1884,  547;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  237  ;  Gray  Flora 
N.  A.,  234  ;  Am.  Di.sp.,  399 ;  Allen  PZncy.,  4, 
456;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  396  ;  Gray  Man., 
268  ;  Wood  Bot.,  461  ;  Chap.  Bot.,  243  ;  Hale 
New  Rem.,  331  ;  Clapp  Cat.,  802. 

Ercchthitcs  hieracifolia,  90. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1883,  372;  1885,  107; 
Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  191  ;  Man.  Weeds,  50; 
Hale  New  Rem.,  278;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  210; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  211  ;  Am.  Disp.,  342  ;  Chap. 
Bot,  244;  Wood  Bot,  462  ;  Gray  Man.,  270  ; 
Gray  Flora  N.  A.,  398;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i, 
400 ;  Clapp  Cat.,  803. 


Senccio  aureus,  9 1 . 

Raf  Med.  Flor.,  2,  262  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds, 
193;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  427;  Torr.  Bot. 
S.  N.  Y.,  1,  402;  Gray  Man.,  271;  Allen 
Ency.,  8,  582  ;  Giay  P"lora  N.  A.,  391  ;  Am. 
Disp.,  767;  Hale  New  Rem.,  578;  Hughes 
Phar.,  692  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  408  ;  Clapp  Cat., 
803  ;   Loudon  Ency.,  706. 

Lappa  officinalis,  92. 

Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  195  ;  Griff.  Med.  Bot, 
41 1  ;  Flor.  Med.,  2,  Ct.  138,  152  ;  Strong  Am. 
Flora,  I.  ct.  14,  33  ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  f.  313, 
233;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot,  i,  t.  13,  32;  Wil- 
liams Med.  Bot.  Ma.ss.,  893  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds, 
209;  Wiegand,  rf.  Ji;  Therap.  Gaz.,  1884, 
552;  Good  Bot,  ct.  11;  Am.  Jour.  Phar., 
1885,  127;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  11345,  680; 
Man.  Weeds,  59;  Allen  Ency.,  10,  571  ;  Hale 
New  Rem.,  55  ;  Gray  Flora  N.  A.,  397  ;  Gray 
Man.,  275  ;  Am.  Disp.,  126;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N. 
Y.,  I,  408  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  91  ;  U.  S.  Phar., 
189. 

Cichorium  Intybus,  93. 

Raf  Flor.  Med.,  2,  208 ;  Griff.  Med.  Bot,fiF. 
179,  388;  Strong  Am.  Flora,  i,  cf.  44,95; 
Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  r.  and  ff.  314,  235  ;  Woodv. 
Med.  Bot,  I,  t.  29,  70;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f. 
135-6,  201  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  431  ; 
Wiegand,  rf.  76;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  11336, 
678;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  1,411  ;  Am.  Di.sp., 
226 ;  Clapp  Cat,  805  ;  Gray  Man.,  275  ;  Gray 
Flora  N.  A.,  412  ;  Allen  Ency.,  3,  181. 

Prenanthcs  Scrpentaria,  94. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1886,  117;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  327  ;  Allen  Ency.,  6,  444 ;  Gray  Man., 
278;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  415  ;  Raf  Med. 
Flor.,  2,  253;  Gray  Flora  N.  A.,  434;  Clapp 
Cat,  806;  Wood  Bot,  472;  Chap.  Bot,  251  ; 
Am.  Disp.,  543. 

Taraxacum  Dcns-Leonis,  95. 

Church.  Med.  Bot,  Ct.  5  ;  Raf  Med.  Flor., 
2,  f.  58,  18  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  f.  186,  414  ;  Flor. 
Med.,  I,  Ct.  23,  59;  Strong  Am.  Flora,  Ct.  3, 
9;  Hamilt  Flor.  Horn.,  2,  ct.  62,  198;  Bent, 
and  Trim.,  3,  ct.  159  ;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot,  i, 
t.  16,  39;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass.,  893; 
Porch.  PI.  S.  C,  799;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f. 
137-40,  204;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  428; 
Wiegand,  rf.  75  ;  Clapp  Cat.,  806 ;  Gray  Flora 
N.  A.,  440;  Wittstein,  112;  Chem.  Carb. 
Comp.,  278;  Fluck.  and  Han.,  392;  Lindl. 
Med.  Bot,  234  ;  Darl.  Ag.  Bot,  99 ;  Hughes 
Phar.,  738  ;  Allen  Ency.,  9,  539;  Lindl.  Flor. 
Med.,  469;  King  Am.  Disp.,  928;  Am.  Disp., 
824;  Torr.  Bot'S.  N.  Y.,  1,417;  Gray  Man., 
280;  U.  S.  Phar.,  331  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  432; 
Loudon  Ency.,  f.  lll54,  690. 

Lactuca  Canadensis,  96. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1883,  593  ;  Raf  Med.  Flor., 


BIBLIOGRAPHICAL    INDEX. 


35 


2,  234;  Bent,  and  Trim.,  3,  ct.  160,  161  ;  Wil- 
liams Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  893  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds, 
205  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  435  ;  Loudon 
Ency.,  668  ;  Wiegand,  330  ;  Gray  Man.,  280  ; 
Torn  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  418;  Am.  Disp.,  472; 
Clapp  Cat,  806;  Thorn.  Org.  Chem.,  159,  587; 
Wittstein,  117;  Fluck.  and  Han.,  396;  U.  S. 
Phar.,  189;  Gray  Flora  N.  A.,  442;  Allen 
Ency.,  5,487;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  285. 

Lobelia  cardinalis,  97. 

Griff  Med.  Bot.,  420  ;  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  26 ; 
Bart.  Med.  Bot.,  2,  Ct.  43,  178;  Torr.  Bot.  S. 
N.  Y.,  ct.  64,425  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass., 
892  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  207  ;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  404;  Loudon  Ency.,  166;  Allen  PLncy., 
5,  609 ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  292 ;  Gray  Flora,  3  ; 
Wood  Bot,  476;  Chap.  Bot,  254;  Lindl.  Med. 
Bot.,  224;  Clapp  Cat.,  807 ;  Am.  Disp.,  494; 
Hale  New  Rem.,  416. 

Lobelia  svphilitiea,  98. 

Spratt  tox.,  Cf.  18,  20;  Griff  Med.  Bot, 
420;  Raf.  Flora  Med.,  2,  25;  .Strong  Am. 
Flora,  I,  Ct.  18,  41  ;  Bart.  Med.  Bot.,  2,ct.  47, 
207 ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  i ,  Ct.  62 ;  Woodv.  Med. 
Bot,  2,  t.  88,  249  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South., 
403  ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  224;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med., 
403  ;  Clapp  Cat,  807 ;  Porch.  PI.  S.  C,  786 ; 
Gray  Flora,  4 ;  Loudon  Ency.,  166 ;  Wood 
Bot,  476;  Chap.  Bot.,  254;  Allen  Ency.,  5, 
618. 

Lobelia  inflata,  99. 

Raf  Med.  Bot,  2,  f.  60,  22 ;  Strong  Am. 
Flora,  2,  ct.  7,  15  ;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot,  I, 
ct.  19,  I  y-j  ;  Bent,  and  Trim.,  3,  Ct.  162 ;  Lindl. 
Med.  Bot.,  f.  301,  224;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  ct. 
63, 423  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  892  ;  Darl. 
Am.  Weeds,  f.  141-3,  206;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  401  ;  Wiegand,  229;  Bart  Mat  Med., 
ct.  16,  181  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  166;  Allen  Ency., 
5,611;  Gray  Man.,  2S3  ;  Gray  F"lora,  7  ;  Am. 
Disp.,  491  ;  Taylor  To.x.,  735  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot., 
f.  188,  418;  Hale  New  Rem.,  422;  F"luck.and 
Han.,  399;  Wittstein,  122;  U.S.  Phar.,  211; 
Hughes  Phar.,  503  ;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  403  ; 
Wood  Bot.,  477  ;  Chap.  Bot,  254. 

Arctostaphylos  Uva-UrA,  100. 

Am.  Jour.' Phar.,  18S4,  51  ;  1885,  139;  Griff 
Med.  Bot.,  f.  191,  425  ;  Raf  Med.  Flor.,  i,  f. 
9,  57  ;  Flor.  Med.,  i,  ct.  45,  115;  Bigel.  Am. 
Med.  Bot,  I,  Ct.  6,  67  ;  Bent  and  Trim.,  3,  ct. 
113;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot ,  f.  158,  106;  Torr.  Bot 
S.  N.Y.,  430;  Woodv.  Med.  Bjt,  2,  t.  100, 
287;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Ma.ss.,  915  ;  Darl. 
Am.  Weeds,  211;  Wiegand,  229;  Therap.  Gaz., 
1884,  553-4;  Loudon  Y.ncy.,  f.  5967,  360; 
Therap.  Gaz.,  1885,  311  ;  Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  2, 
224;  I,  137;  Allen  Ency.,  10,56;  Am.  Disp., 
126;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  382;  Clapp  Cat.,  810; 
Gray  Man.,  293  ;  Wood  Bot.,  486  ;  Gray  Flora, 


27  ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  372  ;  Fluck.  and  Han.,  401  ; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  447;  Wittstein,  16,  75,  76; 
Chem.  Carb.  Comp.,  293,  340,  460,  465. 

lipigica  rcpciis,  loi. 

Hale  New  Rem.,  278;  Gray  Flora,  29;  Gray 
Man.,  293 ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  210;  Am.  Disp., 
340;  Clapp  Cat,  811  ;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i, 
482  ;  Wood  Bot,  485  ;  Chap.  Bot.,  261. 

Gaultheria  prociniibeiis,  102. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1882,49;  '879,439;  1883, 
197  ;  Raf  Med.  Flor,  i,  f.  40,  202  ;  Griff.  Med. 
Bot,  f.  190,  424;  Raf  Med.  Flor.,  2,  222; 
Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot.,  2,  t.  22,  27  ;  Bent  and 
Trim.,  3,  Ct.  164;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Ma.ss.. 
915;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.  l45,  212;  Porch. 
Resourc.  South.,  380  ;  Barton  Med.  Bot,  i,  Ct. 
15,  171;  Loudon  P^ncy.,  f.  5962,  360;  Am. 
Disp.,  377  ;  Gray  Man.,  293;  Gray  Flora,  30; 
Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  433  ;  Chem.  Carb.  Comp., 
91,  368-9;  Wittstein,  199;  U.  S.  Phar.,  168; 
Allen  P^ncy.,  4,  384;  Wood  Bot,  486;  Chap. 
Bot,  261. 

Kali  Ilia  latifolia,  103. 

Griff  Med.  Bot.,  f.  192,428  ;  Raf  Med.  Flor., 
2,  f.  57,  16;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot,ct.  13,  133; 
Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass.,  915;  Darl.  Am. 
Weeds,  214;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  381  ; 
Gray  Flora,  38;  Gray  Man.,  298;  Torr.  Bot. 
S.  N.  Y.,  I.  440;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  380;  Clapp 
Cat,  813  ;  King  Am.  Disp.,  534;  Chem.  Carb. 
Comp.,  51;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  279;  Allen 
Ency.,  5,  388;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  107;  Fluck. 
and  Han.,  402;  Hughes  Phar.,  173;  Am.  Jour. 
Phar.,  1884,  619;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  5915,  356; 
Am.  Di.sp.,  465. 

Chiiiiaphila  iimbellata,  104. 

Am.  Disp.,  214;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  165  ;  U. 
S.  Phar.,  74 ;  Gray  Man.,  303  ;  Gray  Flora,  45  ; 
Allen  Ency.,  3,  181  ;  Clapp  Cat,  815;  Chap. 
Bot,  267;  Wood  Bot,  494;  Griff  Med.  Bot., 
f.  189,  421  ;  Strong  Am.  Flora,  cf.  36,  81  ; 
Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot,  2,  ct.  21,  15  ;  Bent  and 
Trim.,  3,  Ct.  165;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  If.  156; 
Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  Ct.  70,  455;  Darl.  Am. 
Weeds,  215;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  378; 
Wiegand,  228;  Barton  Med.  Bot,  Ct.  1,  13; 
Good  Bot,  Ct.  10. 

Moiiotropa  iiiiijlora,  105. 

Bot  Gaz.,  1878,37,  53,  79;  Raf  Med.  Flor., 
2,  243  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  892  ;  Porch. 
Resourc.  South.,  378;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  5911, 
356;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  i,  456;  Chap.  Bot, 
268;  Am.  Disp.,  530;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  321  ; 
Gray  Flora,  49;  Clapp  Cat,  816;  Gray  Man., 
304;  Allen  P2ncy.,  10,  585. 

Ilex  verticillata,  106. 

Raf  Med.  Flor.,  2,  253;  Bigel.  Am.  Med. 
Bot.,  3,Ct.  57,  141  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass., 
913;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  217;  Barton  Med.  Bot, 


APPENDIX. 


I,  ct.  17,  203;  Good  Bot.,  Ct.  14;  Loudon 
Ency.,  f.  4916,  286;  Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  1,329; 
Allen  Ency.,  8,  155  ;  Griff.  Med.  Bot.,  434; 
Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  394;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot.,  193  ; 
U.  S.  Phar.,  271  ;  Am.  Di.sp.,  677  ;  Torr.  Bot. 
S.  N.  Y.,  2,  3;  Chap.  Bot.,  270;  Wood  Bot., 
498;   Gray  Bot.,  307;  Brock.  Essay,  160. 

Plantago  major,  107. 

Sci.  Am.  Suppl.,  1883,  6627  ;  Woodv.  Med. 
Bot.,  I,  t.  33,  81  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass., 
892;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.  148,  218;  Porch. 
Resourc.  South.,  436  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  96  ;  Raf. 
Med.  Flor.,  2,  252;  Am.  Hom.  Phar., 370;  Hale 
New  Rem.,  497  ;  Gray  Bot.  Text.,  441 ;  Lindl. 
Flor.  Med.,  473;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  14; 
Gray  Flora,  388  ;  Am.  Disp.,  651  ;  Fluck.  and 
Han.,  490;  Clapp  Cat.,  820;  Gray  Man.,  310. 

Anagallis  arvciisis,  108. 

Church  Med.  Bot.,  Ct.  16 ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot. 
f.  269,  198;  Torr.  Bot,  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  12;  Porch 
Resourc.  South.,  384;  Loudon  Ency.,  128 
Gray  Flora,  62  ;  Gray  Man.,  316;  Am.  Disp, 
106;  Allen  Ency.,  329;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  78 
Wittstein,  62  ;  Chem.  Carb.  Comp.,  466. 

Catalpa  Bignonioidcs,  109. 

Bot.  Gaz.,  1880,70;  1S83,  191;  Raf.  Med. 
Flor.,  2,  205  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  460, 
45  ;  Allen  Ency.,  10,  453;  Clapp  Cat,  823; 
Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  25;  Gray  Man.,  321  ; 
Wood  Bot,  513;  Chap.  Bot,  285. 

Verbascimi   Tliapsjts,  1 10. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1883,  267  ;  Sci.  Am.  Suppl., 
1883,6625;  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  273 ;  Hamilt 
Flor.  Horn.,  2,  Ct.  66,  218  ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot, 
f.  and  sf.  293,  216;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot,  2,  t.  75, 
202  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass.,  902  ;  Darl. 
Am.  Weeds,  224;  Porch.  Resourc.  South., 
463  ;  Gray  Man.,  325  ;  Gray  Flora,  250;  Al- 
len Ency.,  10,  114;  Griff.  Med.  Bot.,  517; 
Clapp  Cat,  824;  Lindl.  F"lor.  Med.,  507  ;  Torr. 
Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  30  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar..  450  ; 
Loudon  Ency.,  132;  Man.  Weeds,  64 ;  Hughes 
Phar.,  766  ;  Am.  Disp.,  855. 

Liiiaria  vulgaris,  1 1 1 . 

Lindl.  Med.  Bot.,  ff.  sf.  290,  214;  Woodv. 
Med.  Bot,  2,  t.  136,  371  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds, 
f.  150,  225  ;  Wiegand,  226 ;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N. 
Y.,  2,  32  ;  Gray  Bot,  326  ;  Clapp  Cat,  825  ; 
Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  505  ;  Raf  Med.  Flor,  2, 
238;  Gray  Flora,  251;  Loudon  Ency.,  526; 
Allen  Ency.,  5,  587. 

Scrophularia  nodosa,  1 1 2. 

Bull.  Torr.  Club,  i88i,  133;  Raf  Med. 
Flor.,  2,  262  ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  ff.  289,  2 14  ; 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  465  ;  Am.  Disp.,  757  ; 
King  Am.  Disp.,  854;  Griff.  Med.  Bot,  518; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  405  ;  Wittstein,  202  ;  Lindl. 
Flor.  Med.,  503  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass., 
326;  Torr.  Bot   S.  N.  Y.,  2,  31  ;  Gray  Flor., 


258  ;  Gray  Man.,  327  ;  Wood  Bot.,  520  ;  Chap. 
Bot,  289  ;  Allen  Ency.,  8,  546. 

Cluionc  glabra,  113. 

Griff  Med.  Bot.,  f.  224,  519;  Raf  Med. 
Flor.,  2,  f.  97,  117  ;  Strong  Am.  Flora,  i,  cf. 
54,  III;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  900 ; 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  465  ;  Loudon  Ency., 
516  ;  Gray  Man.,  327  ;  Hale  New  Rem.,  198  ; 
Chap.  Bot,  289;  Wood  Bot,  520;  Torr.  Bot 
S.  N.  Y.,  2,  34.   _  . 

Veronica  I  ^irgtnica,  1 1 4. 

Bent,  and  Trim.,  3,  ct.  196  ;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  467;  Loudon  Ency.,  14;  Jour.  Mat. 
Med.,  2,  155  ;  Allen  Ency.,  5,  556  ;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  289 ;  Gray  Man.,  332  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N. 
Y.,  2,  44  ;  Gray  Flora,  286  ;  Am.  Disp.,  479  ; 
U.  S.  Phar.,  199;  Clapp  Cat,  827  ;  Hughes 
Phar.,  500  ;   Raf  Med.  Flor.,  2,  f.  57,  20. 

Euphrasia  officinalis,  115. 

Hamilt.  Flor.  Hom.,  i,  ct.  33,  275  ;  Woodv. 
Med.  Bot,  2,  t.  135,  368  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  f. 
8753,  526;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  254;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  218  ;  Am.  Disp.,  358  ;  Gray  Flora,  305  ; 
Wood  Bot.,  533  ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  215  ;  Griff. 
Med.  Bot,  617  ;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  506;  Gray 
Man.,  336;  Wittstein,  81. 

Mentha  piperita,  1 1 6. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1882,  70,  77,  83  ;  1885, 
429,  484,  515,  600;  Flor.  Med.,  ct.  61,  164; 
Bent,  and  Trim.,  3,  ct.  203  ;  Chap.  Bot.,  313  ; 
Woodv.  Med.  Bot.,  2,  t.  120,  336 ;  Darl.  Am. 
Weeds,  231;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  440; 
W'iegand,  217;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  8229,  500 ; 
Gray  Flora,  352;  Allen  Ency.,  6,  180;  Gray 
Man.,  344  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  56  ;  Am. 
Disp.,  523;  Fluck.  and  Han.,  481  ;  Lindl.  Flor. 
Med.,  487  ;  Griff.  Med.  Bot,  502  ;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  306;  U.  S.  Phar.,  221  ;  Lindl.  Med. 
Bot,  218;  Wittstein,  152  ;  Chem.  Carb.  Comp., 
305. 

Lycopns  \  irginicus,  117. 

Griff  Med.  Bot.,  f.  219,  505  ;  Raf  Flor. 
Med.,  2,  f.  61,  26 ;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass., 
902  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  441  ;  Loudon 
Ency.,  20  ;  Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  i,  326;  Allen 
Ency.,  6,  69 ;  Gray.  Man.,  345  ;  U.  S.  Phar., 
444;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  295  ;  Am.  Disp.,  494 ; 
Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  57;  Clapp  Cat,  829; 
Gray  Flora,  353. 

Hedconia  pulegioidcs^  t  1 8. 

Griff  Med.  Bot,  f.  220,  508  ;  Raf  Med. 
Flor.,  I,  f.  46,  231  ;  Flor.  Med.,  i,ct.  62,  166; 
Bart.  Med.  Bot.,  2,  Ct.  41,  165  ;  Bent  and 
Trim.,  3,  ct.  200  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass., 
902  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  232  ;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  446  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  20 ;  Wood  Bot, 
544  ;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  543  ;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med., 
491  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  66  ;  Gray  Man., 
250  ;  Clapp  Cat.,  801  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  245  ; 


BIBLIOGRAPHICAL    INDEX. 


^7 


Gray  Flora,  361  ;  Cliap.  Bot.,  316;  U.  S. 
Phar.,  175,  217. 

Collinsonia  Canadensis,  \  19. 

Griff  Med.  Bot,  f.  222,  513;  Raf.  Flor. 
Med,  i,f.  23,  III  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2, 
t.  75a,  65  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  902  ; 
Loudon  Eiicy.,  f.  465,  24 ;  Am.  Jour.  Phar., 
1885,  228;  Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  2,  403;  Allen 
Ency.,  10,  476  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  185  ;  Porch. 
Resourc.  South.,  444;  Clapp  Cat.,  831  ;  Gray 
Man.,  350  ;  Am.  Disp.,  278  ;  Gray  Flora,  35  i  ; 
Hale  New  Rem.,  237. 

Scutellaria  lateriflora,  1 20. 

Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  f.  84,  81  ;  Strong  Am. 
Flor.,  I,  Cf.  49,  103;  Williams  Med.  Bot. 
Mass.,  905  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  446 ; 
Bart.  Flora,  Ct.  21,  78  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  512; 
Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  2,  362  ;  Allen  lincy.,  8,  549  ; 
Am.  Disp.  Suppl.,  f.  7,  138  ;  Am.  Disp.,  757  ; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  406;  Gray  Man.,  355  ;  Chap. 
Hot.,  324;  Wood  Bot,  554;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N. 
Y.,  2,  72 ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  291 ;  Clapp  Cat,  835  ; 
Gray  Flora,  378. 

Lamimn  albinii^  121. 

Loudon  Ency.,  f.  8273,  502  ;  Allen  Ency., 
5,  501  ;  Gray  P'lora,  385;  J.  and  G.  Phar.,  148; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  286  ;  Gray  Man.,  359. 

Hydrophyllum  I'irgiiiiciiin,  122. 

Loudon  Ency.,  f.  2129,  132  ;  Allen  Ency., 
5,  19  ;  Gray  Flora,  154;  Gray  Man.,  367  ;  Am. 
Hom.  Phar.,  251. 

Convolvulus  an' en  sis,  123. 

Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  f.  283, 209  ;  Williams  Med. 
Bot.  Mass.,  799 ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.  160, 
247;  Loudon  Ency.,  140;  Man.  Weeds,  76; 
Allen  Ency.,  3,  552  ;  Gray  Man.,  375  ;  Gray 
Flora,  216  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  i88;  Torr.  Bot. 
S.  N.  Y.,  2,  96. 

Solanum  Dulcamara,  124. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1882,  491  ;  Gray  Man.,  380  ; 
Torr.BotS.N.Y.,  2,  i99;SprattTox.,cf.20,66; 
Church  Med.  Bot,  Ct.  17  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  f. 
214, 480  ;  Raf  Flor.  Med.,  f.  86,  86 ;  Flor.  Med., 
i.Ct.  3,  8;  HamiltFlor.  Hom.,  i,ct.  31,26i; 
Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot,  i ,  ct.  18,  169  ;  Bjnt.  and 
Trim.,  3,  Ct.  190 ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  f.  272,  200 ; 
Woodv.  Med.  Bot.,  2,  t.  85,  240;  Williams 
Med.  Bot  Mass.,  900;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds, 
252;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  470 ;  Good  Bot., 
Ct.  37;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  2530,  158;  Am. 
Disp.,  794;  Allen  Plncy.,  4,  178;  U.  S.  Phar., 
91  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  207;  Fluck.  and  Han., 
450  ;  W^ittstjin,  70,  204  ;  Gray  Flora,  228. 

Sola num  ms^ruiii,  125. 

Lindl.  Med.  Bot.,  f.  273,  201  ;  Darl.  Am. 
Weeds,  f.  161-3,  251;  Porch.  Resourc.  South., 
468;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  2539,  158;  Man. 
Weeds,  79  ;  Allen  Ency.,  57 ;  Hale  New  Rem., 
582;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  414;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N. 


Y.,  2,  104;  Gray  Mora,  288;  Gray  Man., 
380  ;  Am.  Disp.,  797  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  482  ; 
Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  511;  Hale's  Monograph; 
Hughjs  Phar.,  204;  Chem.  Carb.  Comp.,  285. 

Hyoscyanius  niger,  1 26. 

New  Rem.,  1880,  138,  139,  205,  364,  365  ; 
1882,51;  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1880,368;  1882, 
226,465;  1884,  284;  Therap.  Gaz.,  1885,  i, 
649  ;  Jour.  Mat  Med.,  i,  7,  39  ;  4,  268  ;  Spratt 
To.x.,  cf.  10,  75  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  f.  215,  484 ; 
Raf  Med.  Flor.,f.  52,  255  ;  Flor.  Med.,  i,Ct.  9, 
22  ;  Hamilt.  Flor.  Hom.,  i.ct.  37,  292;  Bigel. 
Am.  Med.  Bot,  i,  ct.  17,  161  ;  Bent,  and 
Trim.,  3,  ct.  194;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot.,  f.  274, 
202;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot,  2,  t.  76,  204;  Wil- 
liams Med.  Bot  Mass.,  901 ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds, 
257;  Wiegand,  214;  Loudon  Ency.,  136; 
Allen  Plncy.,  5,  25  ;  Wittstein,  109,  150;  Chem. 
Carb.  Comp.,  483  ;  Gray  Man.,  383  ;  Torr. 
Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  102;  Wood  Bot,  580;  Tay- 
lor Tox.,  643  ;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  508  ;  U.  S. 
Phar.,  4.  125,  126,  182,  346  ;  Am.  Disp.,  434  ; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  252  ;  Clapp  Cat,  840;  Fluck. 
and  Han.,  463;  Hughes  Phar.,  412;  Thom. 
Org.  Chem.,  276,  920;   Plugge,  14,  15,  16. 

Datura  Stranwniunt,  127. 

Am.  Nat.,  650;  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1880,  368  ; 
1884,  440;  Spratt  Tox.,  ct.  2,  59;  Church. 
Med.  Bot.  ct.  6  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot,f.  218,  490  ; 
Raf  Med.  Flor.,  f.  31,  1 46 ;  Flora.  Med.,  ct.  48  ; 
125  ;  Strong  Am.  Plor.,  2,  ct.41,  151  ;  Hamilt. 
Flor.  Horn.,  2,  Ct.  61,  188;  Bigel.  Am.  Med. 
Bot.,  i,Ct.  1;  (Tatula),  17;  Bent  and  Trim.,  3, 
Ct.  192  ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot.,  s.  andff  275,  203 ; 
Woodv.  Med.  Bot,  2.  t.  74,  197  ;  Darl.  Am. 
Weeds,  fiF.  166,  258;  Porch.  Resourc.  South., 
474;  Wiegand,  214;  RcadStram.;  U.  S.  Agric. 
Rept.,  1 870, 423  ;  Loudon,  Ency.,  f.  2165,  1 34 ; 
Jour.  Mat  Med.,  i,  153,  173  ;  3,  31  ^  4.  3i3  : 
Therap.  Gaz.,  1885,  692;  Gray  Man.,  383; 
Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass.,  719;  Fluck.  and 
Han.,  459 ;  Am.  Disp.,  323  ;  Gray  Flora  N. 
A.,  I,  240;  Am.  Hom.  Phar,  421;  Lindl. 
Flor.  Med.,  510;  Taylor  Tox.  736;  Torr.  Bot. 
S.  N.  Y.,  2,  loi. 

Nicotiana  Tabacum,  128. 

Am.  Nat,  12,650,  1979,659;  New  Rem 
1879,  208;  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1879,  536;  1880, 
30;  1882,60,491,492;  1883,548;  1884,  147 
Spratt  Tox.,  cf.  1,  62  ;  Raf  Med.  Flor.,  2,  245 
Flora  I\Ied.,  i,  Ct.  73,  195  ;  Strong  .\m.  Flor.,  2 
ct.35, 125;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot.,  2, ct.  47,  171 
Bent  and  Trim..  3,  Ct.  191 ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot. 
ff.  277,  205  ;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.,  2,t.  77,  208 
Clapp  Cat,  840  ;  Porch.  PI.  S.  C,  820 ;  Lindl 
Flor.  Med.,  513  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  493  ;  Porch 
Resourc.  South.,  8,473;  Darl.  Ag.  Bot,  127 
Gray  Man.,  383 ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y..  2,  100 
Wittstein,  467-71-72  ;   Fluck.  and  Han.,  466 


38  APPENDIX. 

Taylor  Tox.,  766;  U.  S.  Phar.,  331;  Gray 
Flora  N.  A.,  1 ,  25  i  ;  Chem.  Carb.  Comp.,  1 38, 
154;  Allen  Ency.,  7,  i  ;  9,  467;  Hughes 
Phar.,  735  ;  King  Am.  Disp.,  626;  Am.  Horn. 
Phar.,  431  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  ff.  167,  259; 
Wigand,  215  ;  Bart.  Flora,  Ct.  25(Ru.stica),9i  ; 
Loudon  Encyc,  f.  2193,  136. 

Menyanthes  trifoliata,  129. 

Bot.' Gaz.,  1882,  147;  Griff.  Med.  Bot,  f. 
209,  464;  R.^f.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  33,  63  (M.  Ver- 
na)  ;  Flora  Med.,  2,  ct.  85,  5  ;  Bigel.  Am.  Bot.. 
3,  Ct.  46,  55  ;  Bent,  and  Trim.,ct.  184  ;  Lindl. 
Med.  Bot.,  f.  266,  196;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot,  2, 
t.  97,  277  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  899 ; 
Wiegand,  213;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  2080,  130; 
Therap.  Gaz.,  1885,  274;  Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  2, 
9D;  Gray  Man.,  390;  Thorn.  Org.  Chem., 
65o,  861;  Hughes  Phar.,  516;  Chem.  Carb. 
Comp.,  465  ;  Wittstein,  130;  J.  and  G.  Phar., 
130;  Am.  Disp.,  525  ;  Lmdl.  Flor.  Med.,  523; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  307  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2, 
114;  Allen  Ency.,  6,  182. 

Gt'lsemiutn  sempervireiis,  \  30. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1882,  337;  1883,  256; 
Bjnt.  and  Trim.,  3,  Ct.  181 ;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  461  ;  Gray  Man.,  S9i  ;  Porch.  PI.  S.  C, 
812;  C'app  Cat,  824;  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2, 
223;  U.  S.  Phar.,  169;  King  Am.  Di.^p.,  436; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  232;  Wittstein,  89;  Allen 
Ency.,  4,  385  ;  Gray  Flora  N.  A.,  i,  107; 
Taylor  Tox.,  487-8 ;  Fluck.  and  Han.,  541  ; 
Hughes  Phar.,  61;  Allen  Ency.,  19,  529; 
Smithson.  Inst,  258,  662;  Am.  Disp.,  378; 
Hile  New  Rem.,  320;  Hughes  Phar.,  372; 
Gray  Bot  Text,  430;  Therap.  Gaz.,  1884, 
548;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  2451,  154. 

Spigelia  Marilandica,  131. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1879,  398;  1883,  631 
1884,  570;  Church.  Med.  Bot,  ct.  7;  Griff 
Med.  Bot,  f.  210,  466;  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  f.  87 
89;  Flor.  Med.,  i,  ct.  19,  51  ;  Hamilton  Flor. 
Horn.,  I,  cf.  45,  93  ;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot.,  i 
ct.  14,  142;  Bent  and  Trim.,  3,  ct.  180 
Thompson  Exp.  Di.sp. ;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot,  i 
t.  69,  178;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.  115,  165 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  481  ;  Bart  Med.  Bot 
2,  Ct.  31,75;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  2173,  134 
Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  2,  373  ;  Allen  p;ncy.,  9,  94 
Gray  Man.,  392  ;  Chap.  Bot.,  182  ;  Wood  Bot 
515;  U.  S.  Phar..  304;  Clapp  Cat,  788 
Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  524  ;  Am.  Disp.,  799  ;  Fluck 
and  Han.,  433  ;  Gray  Flora,  108  ;  Lindl.  Med 
Bot,  193. 

Apocynum  androsainifoljuiii,  132. 

Griff  Med.  Bot.,  f.  '200,  449  ;  Raf.  Med. 
Flor.,  i,f.7,49  ;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot.,2,ct.  46, 
U8;  Torr.  Bot  S.N.  Y.,  116;  Williams  Med. 
Bot  Mass.,  898;  Porch.  Resourc.  South. ,454; 
Lindl.    Flor.    Med.,    534;    Clapp    Cat.,    845; 


Porch.  Cat  PI.  S.  C,  827 ;  Gray  Bot.  Text,  f. 
950-4,  455;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  87;  Loudon 
Ency.,  f.  3200,  194;  Gray  Flora,  82;  Gray 
Man.,  393  ;  Am.  Disp.,  113;  Am.  Disp.  SuppL, 
t.  3,  39;  Allen  Ency.,  i,  424. 

Apocvmnn  caunabinuin,  133. 

Griff'  Med.  Bot.,  f.  201,  450  ;  Torr.  Bot  S. 
N.  Y.,  2,  117;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  898  ; 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  483  ;  Raf.  Med.  Flor., 
I,  51;  Gray  Man.,  394;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med., 
535  ;  Clapp  Cat,  846;  Porch.  PI.  S.  C,  826  ; 
U.  S.  Phar.,  40;  King  Am.  Disp.,  114;  Hale 
New  Rem.,  45  ;  Gray  Bot  Text,  455  ;  Am. 
Hom.  Phar,  88;  Allen  Ency.,  i,  425  ;  Gray 
Flora,  83  ;  Am.  Disp.,  1 14  ;  Am.  Di.sp.  Suppl., 
t.  4,  40;  Hughes  Phar.,  776;  Loudon  Ency., 
194. 

Asclepias  coi-iiuti,  1 34. 

Am.  Jour.    Phar.,   18S1,  433;  Torr.    Bot.  S. 
N.  Y.,  2,  119;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Ma.ss.,  898  ; 
Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.   168-70,  262 ;  Loudon 
Ency.,  196;  Gray  Flora,  91  ;  Gray  Man.,  395 
Am.  Disp.,  141  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  388 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,   105  ;  Allen   Ency.,  i,  590 
Hale  New  Rem.,  64. 

Asclepias  tiibcrosa,  135. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1882,  5  ;  Therap.  Gaz., 
1885,328;  Loudon  Ency.,  198;  Gray  Man., 
397  ;  Gray  F"lora,  89 ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2, 
123;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass.,  898;  Darl., 
Am.  Weeds,  263  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South., 
487 ;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  f.  203,  454 ;  Raf  Med. 
Flor.,  f.  13,  74,  263  ;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot,  2, 
ct.  26,  59  ;  Barton  Mat.  Med.,  Ct.  22,  239  ; 
Am.  Disp.,  142  ;  Hale  New  Rem.,  59  ;  Am. 
Hom.  Phar.,  105;  Clapp  Cat,  847;  U.  S. 
Phar.,  49;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  fif.  278,  206; 
Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  539;  Allen  Ency.,  i,  591. 

Cliioiiantlnts  Virginica,  136. 

Raf  Med.  Flor.,  2,  208  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds, 
266;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  494;  Loudon 
Ency.,  12  ;  Allen  Ency.,  10,  403  ;  Gray  Man., 
401  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  441  ;  Clapp  Cat,  849; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  170;  Hale  New  Rem.,  209; 
Gray  Flora,  JJ  ;  Chap.  Bot.,  369. 

Fraxinus  Americana,  137. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1882,99,282;  1883,371; 
1886,  117,  370;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  t.  89, 
125  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  266;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  494;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  14329,  868; 
Gray  Man.,  401  ;  Univ.  Wis.  Dept  Phar.  F.  B. 
Powers,  19;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  368;  Chap.  Bot., 
369  ;  Am.  Disp.,  367  ;  Gray  Flora,  74;  Wood 
Bot,  597. 

Aristolocliia  Serpeutaria,  138. 

Griff  Med.  Bot,  f.  228,  529,  531  ;  Raf  Med. 
Flor.,  I,  f.  10,  61  ;  Flora  Med..  2,  Ct.  171,  243  ; 
Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot,  3,  Ct.  49,  82  ;  Bent  and 
Trim.,  4,  ct.  246  ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  \.  and  ff. 


BIBLIOGRAPHICAL    INDEX. 


39 


360,  261  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y..  2,  t.  91,  130; 
Woodv.  Med.  Bot,  1,  t.  59,  153;  Darl.  Am. 
Weed.s,  f.  172,  269 ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South., 
355;  Wiegand,  rf.  97;  Barton  Med.  Bot.,  2, 
ct.  26,  41  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  13022,  766; 
Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  2,  201  ;  Gray  Man.,  404; 
Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  341  ;  Fluck.  and  Hin.,  591  ; 
Thorn.  Org.  Chem.,  828 ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  292 ; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar,,4ii;  Am,  Disp.,  132. 

Phytolacca  decaiidra,  1 39. 
Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1881,325,597,599;  1883, 
567;  New  Rem.,  1879,  258,  284,  301,  326; 
Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  ff.  186,  127;  Williams  Med. 
Bot  Mass.,  891  ;  Porch.  PI.  S.  C,  770;  Clapp 
Cat.,  853  ;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  351  ;  Raf.  Med. 
Flor.,  2,251;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot.  i ,  ct.  3,  39  ; 
Barton  Mat  Med.,  2,  Ct.  48,  213  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S. 
N.  Y.,  2,  t.  94,  157;  Gray  Man.,  405  ;  Griff. 
Med.  Bot.f.  230,  535  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South., 
365  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  367  ;  Hale  New  Rem., 
488;  Gray  Bot  Text,  f.  988-96,  460 ;  Allen 
Ency.,  8,  502  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  270 ;  Lou- 
don Ency.,  f.  6575,  390;  Man.  Weeds,  80; 
Beigl.  Am.  Med.  Bot.,  3,  179;  Am.  Disp., 
34;  U.  S.  Phar.,  250;  Jour.  Mat  Med.,  3, 
320. 

Chcnopfldiiiin  antlwlininticimt,  140. 
Griff  Med.  Bot.,  f.  231,  5  37  ;  Raf  Med.  Flor., 
I,  f.  21,  103;  Barton  Mat.  Med.,  2,  Ct.  44, 
183;  Bent  and  Trim.,  3,  ct.  216;  Darl.  Am. 
Weeds,  f.  176,  273;  Loudon  Ency.,  206; 
Jour.  Mat  Med.,  2,  384;  Am.  Jour.  Phar., 
1885,  554;  Allen  Ency.,  3,  180;  10,  457; 
Clapp  Cat.,  85  I  ;  Gray  Man.,  408  ;  Torr.  Bot. 
S.  N.  Y.,  2,  135  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  361  ; 
Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  348  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  163  ; 
Am.  Disp.,  213  ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  74,  235. 

Polygomtm  acre,  141. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1883,195;  1885,21,552; 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  370;  Allen  Ency.,  8, 
136;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  378;  Am.  Disp.,  661  ; 
Gray  Man.,  415  ;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  150; 
Wittstehi,  176;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  547. 

Fagopvriiin  csculcntiiin,  142. 

Griff  Med.  Bot.,  f.  236,  547 ;  Lindl.  Med. 
Bot,  fif.  181,  124;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass., 
891  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  283  ;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  373  ;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  146;  Gray 
Man.,  419;  Allen  FIncy.,  4,  277;  King  Am. 
Disp.,  745  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  219;  Wittstein, 
III;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  5602,  326. 

Rmnex  crispus,  143. 

Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  891  ;  Darl.  Am. 
WeedSj  283 ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  368 ; 
Loudon  Ency.,  f.  4999,  292  ;  Man.  Weeds, 
91;  Allen  Ency.,  8,  417;  Chap.  Bot,  385; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  394  ;  Am.  Disp.,  724 ;  Gray 
Man.,  421  ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  285  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N. 


Y.,  2,  154;  Clapp  Cat.,  856;  Chem.  Carb. 
Comp.,  450;   Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  359. 

Rnincv  obtnsifolins,  144. 

Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  284;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  370;  Wiegand,  rf.  81  ;  Loudon  PIncy., 
f.  5008,  292  ;  Man.  Weeds,  92  ;  Gray  Man., 
421  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  155  ;  Chap.  Bot., 
385;  Allen  Ency.,  5,  504;  Am.  Hom.  Phar., 
287;  Clapp  Cat.,  856;  Am.  Disp.,  724;  Lindl. 
F"lor.  Med.,  359. 

Lindcra  Benzoin,  145. 

Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  236  ;  Brock.  Essay,  35  ; 
Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  879;  Porch.  R  - 
sourc.  South.,  352;  Lindl.  Plor.  Med.,  339; 
Gray  Man.,  423  ;  Allen  Ency.,  10,  385  ;  Torr. 
Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  159;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  553; 
Porch.  PI.  S.  C,  765  ;  Clapp  Cat,  858  ;  King 
Am.  Disp.,  163  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds.  285  ;  Bar- 
ton Mat.  Med.,  2,  Ct.  33,  92  ;  Loudon  Ency., 
f.  5658,  334. 

Dirca  paliistris,  1 46, 

Griff  Med.  Bot.,  f.  244,  561  ;  Raf  Med. 
Flor.,  I,  f.  33,  158;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot,  2, 
ct.  37,  154;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass.,  915; 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  350;  Gray  Man.,  424; 
Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  2.  163  ;  Porch.  PI.  S.  C. 
764  ;  Clapp  Cat.,  858;  King  Am.  Di.sp.,  393  ; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  205  ;  Gray  Bot.  Text.,  f. 
1008-11,  464  ;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  161  ;  Loudon 
Ency.,  f.  5539,  324. 

Euphorbia  hypcricifolia,  147. 

Griff  Med.  Bot,  593  ;  Raf  Med.  Flor.,  i,  183 
-7  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds.  288  ;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  128  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  402  ;  Allen  Ency., 
4,  245  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  175 ;  Gray  Man., 
432  ;  Am.  Hom,  Phar.,  217  ;  Am.  Disp.,  355. 

Euphorbia  corollata,  148. 

Loudon  Ency.,  404;  Grif  Med.  Bot.f.  260, 
592  ;  Raf.  Med.  Flor,,  i,f.  37,  181  ;  Bigel,  Am, 
Med,  Bot,,  3,  t.  43,  119;  Porch,  Resourc, 
South,,  126;  Torr,  Bot  S,  N,  Y,,  2.  t.  99,  175; 
Gray  Bot,  Text,,  f.  344-9,  469  ;  Allen  Ency., 
4,  244;  Am.  Disp.,  353;  Am.  Hom.  Phar., 
216;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  196;  Gray  Man.,433. 

Enpliorbia  Ipccaciianlia,  149. 

Allen  Ency.,  10,  520;  Am.  Disp.,  356; 
Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  195  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y>,  2. 
177;  Gray  Man.,  434;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  592; 
Raf  Med.  Flor.,  i,  132  ;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot, 
3,  ct.  52,  107;  Porch,  Resourc,  South,,  127; 
Bart,  Mat,  Med,,  i ,  ct.  18,  2 1 1  ;  Loudon  Ency,, 
f.  6739,  402, 

Eupliorbia  Latliyris,  150, 

Allen  Ency,, 4,  246;  10,520;  Loudon  Ency,, 
404;  Gray  Man,,  435  ;  Lindl,  Flor,  Med,,  194; 
Am,  Jour,  Phar,,  1882,72;  Dougl,  New  Rem., 
209;  Raf  Med,  Flor,,  i,  187;  2,  219;  Griff 
Med,  Bot,  593  ;  Lindl,  Med,  Bot,  sf.  121, 81  ; 
Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  289. 


40 


APPENDIX. 


StiHiiigia  svlvatica,  151. 

Am.  Jour. 'Phar.,  1882,386;  1885,529;  Raf. 
Med.  Flor.,  2,  265;  Bent,  and  Trim.,  4,  ct. 
241 ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  121  ;  Gray  Man., 
436;  Chap.  Bot.,404;  Wood  Bot,  629;  Allen 
Ency.,  9,  169;  Am.  Disp.,  810;  Clapp  Cat., 
863  ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  312  ;  Am.  Horn.  Phar.,  421. 

Celtis  occidcntalis,  152. 

Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  206;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds, 
f.  184-5,  293;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  312; 
Loudon  Ency.,  f.  14297,  864;  Allen  Ency., 
10,  456  ;  Gray  Man.,  443  ;  Torr,  Bot.  S.  N.  Y., 
2,  167. 

Urtica  tirens,  153. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1883,98;  Woodv.  Med. 
Bot.,  4,t.  241,  708  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.  187- 
9,  298;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  269;  Loudon 
Ency.,  f.  13226,  784;  Gray  Man.,  444;  Torr. 
Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  222  ;  Chap.  Bot.,  412  ;  Wood 
Bot,  636;  Am.  Horn.  Phar.,  445  ;  Am.  Disp. 
Suppl.,  7  ;  Am.  Disp.,  842  ;  Allen  Ency.,  10, 
47  ;  Hale  New  Rem.,  633. 

Cannabis  sativa,  154. 

Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  203  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot.,  f. 
248,  573;  Hamilt.  Flor.  Hom.,  i,  ct.  15,  134; 
Bent,  and  Trim.,  4,  ct.  231 ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot, 
ff.  116,  a.b.,  ■]■]  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  273 ; 
Loudon  Ency.,f.  13908,  834;  Am.  Jour.  Phar., 
1885,  264,  388;  Therap.  Gaz.,  1885,  329; 
Taylor  To.x.,  65  1  ;  Allen  Ency.,  2,  492  ;  Am. 
Hom.  Phar.,  197  ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  64  ;  Gray  Man., 
446  ;   Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  279. 

Huinulus  liipiiliis,  155. 

Ag.  Rep.  U.  S.,  1864,  103  ;  Am.  Jour.  Phar., 
1879,  27;  1884,  427;  1885,323;  Jour.  Mat 
Med.,  4,  310;  Therap.  Gaz.,  1886,  233;  Gnff 
Med.  Bot,  f.  249,  574;  Raf  Med.  Flor.,  i,  f. 
50,  246;  Flor.  Med.,  2,  ct.  112,  80;  Strong 
Am.  F"lor.,  2,  ct.  47,  167;  Bigel.  Am.  Med. 
Bot,  3,t.  60,  163;  Bent  and  Trim.,  4,  ct.  230; 
Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  sf.  117,  77  ;  Williams  Med., 
Bot  Mass.,  887  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  f.  190-94, 
300;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  275;  Loudon 
Ency.,  f.  13909,  834;  Allen  Ency.,  5,625; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  293  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2, 
225  ;  Am.  Disp.,  429 ;  Thorn.  Org.  Chem., 
918;  Wittstein,  123,  151,  219;  Fluck.  and 
Han..  551  ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  175,  211  ;  Lindl.  Flor. 
Med.,  296;  Gray  Man.,  446. 

Juglans  cinerea,  156. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1879,456,  542;  Raf  Med. 
Flor.,  2,  23  ;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot.,  2,  t.  32, 
115;  Bsnt  and  Trim.,  4,  ct.  247;  Williams 
Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  920  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  303  ; 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  317;  Gray  Man.,  447 ; 
Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  l8o;  Allen  Ency.,  5, 
193  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  263  ;  Porch.  PI.  S.  C, 
763;  Clapp  Cat,  864;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  307  ; 
Griff  Med.  Bot,  589;  U.  S.  Phar.,  188;  King 


Am.  Disp.,  528;  Gray  Bot  Text.,  471  ;  Hale 
New  Rem.,  380;  Darl.  Ag.  Bot.,  155;  Am. 
Disp.,  460;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  13377,  794. 

Carya  alba,  i  57. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1879,  542;  Darl.  Am. 
Weeds,  304;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  322 ; 
Allen  Ency.,  3,  17;  Gray  Man.,  448;  Torr. 
Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  181  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  154. 

Castanca  vcsca,var.  A'licricana,  158.   , 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1880,  292  ;  Bot.  Gaz.,  1880, 
70;  1881,  159;  Raf.  Med.  Hon,  2,205;  Lindl. 
Med.  Bot.,  f.  138,  91  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2, 
t.  Ill,  195;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass.,  918; 
Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  318;  Porch.  Resourc.  South., 
238;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  13361,792;  Gray  Man., 
455;  Allen  Ency.,  3,  21  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar., 
153  ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  68. 

Ostrya  llfginica,  159. 

Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  t.  102,  185  ;  Allen 
Ency.,  7,  249;  Gray  Man.,  456;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  356;  Loudon  Ency.,  792  ;  Am.  Disp., 
592  ;  King  Am.  Disp.,  675  ;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South.,  233  ;   Darl.  Am.  VVeeds,  323. 

Myrica  ca-ifcra,  160. 

Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot,  3,  ct.  43,  32;  Wil- 
liams Med.  Bot  Mass.,  925  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds, 
324;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  312;  Loudon 
Ency.,  S30;  New  Rem.,  1879,  326;  Jour.  Mat 
Med.,  I,  259;  Allen  Ency.,  6,  432  ;  Gray  Man., 
457  ;  Porch.  PI.  S.  C,  759;  Clapp  Cat,  868  ; 
Am.  Disp.,  535  ;  Thom.  Org.  Chem.,  446  ; 
Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  197  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar., 
326  ;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  305  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot, 
583;  Chap.  Bot.,  426;  Wittstein,  134,  166; 
Hale  New  Rem.,  445. 

Sa/i.r purpurea^  1 61. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1883,  199  ;  1882,  22  ;  Jour. 
Mat  Med..,  2,  166;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot,  If.  115, 
75  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  335  ;  Loudon 
Ency.,  f.  13727,  822 ;  Allen  Ency.,  8,  475  ; 
Thom.  Org.  Chem.,  239  ;  Chem.  Carb.  Comp., 
460;  Wittstein,  198;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  398 ; 
Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  318  ;  U.  S  Phar.,  286 ;  Gray 
Man.,  463. 

Pop  II I  US  tiriiiiiloidcs,  162. 

New  Rem.,  1879,  235  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot 
Mass.,  910;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  330;  Loudon 
Ency.,  f.  13961,  840;  Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1884, 
618;  Jour.  Mat  Med.,  2,  364;  Gray  Man., 
466;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  214;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  378;  Hale  New  Rem.,  524;  Raf  Med. 
Flor.,  2,  252;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  582;  Am. 
Disp.,  635;  Thom.  Org.  Chem.,  766,  810; 
Wittstein,  177,  156;  Chem.  Carb.  Comp.,  460 ; 
Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  320;  Allen  Ency.,  8,  154. 

Abies  ws;ra,  163. 

Griff.  Med.  Bot,  606;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N.  Y., 
2,  230  ;  Peck's  Bl'k  Spruce ;  Williams  Med. 
Bot    Mass.,   921;    Darl.   Am.  Weeds,    338; 


BIBLIOGRAPHICAL    INDEX. 


41 


Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  507  ;  Am.  Horn. 
Pilar.,  30;  Gray  Man.,  471;  Allen  Ency.,  i, 
2\  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  182  ;  King  Am.  Di.sp., 
19  ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot.,  67  ;  Loudon  pjicv.,  f. 
13533.  806. 

.l/ti'cs  Canadensis,  164. 

Griff.  Med.  Bot.,  606  ;  Bent,  and  Trim.,  4, 
ct.  264;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  230;  Williams 
Alcd.  Bot.  Mass.,  820;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  237; 
Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  506  ;  Gray  Man.,  471 ; 
Clapp  Cat,  874;  Porch.  PI.  S.  C.,  831  ;  U.  S. 
Phar.,  258  ;  Allen  Ency.,  i,  i  ;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  29  :  Hale  New  Rem.,  17  ;  Grav  Bot. 
Text.,  f.  395-401,  307  ;  Eluck.  and  Han',  612; 
King  Am.  Disp.,  15;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  13527, 
804. 

Thuja  occidciitalis,  165. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1883,163;  Hamilt.  Flor. 
Hom.,  2,  Ct.  63,  202 ;  Williams  Med.  Bot. 
Mass.,  922  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  340  ;  Porch. 
Resourc.  South.,  507  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2, 
233 ;  Gray  Man.,  472  ;  Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2, 
263;  Clapp  Cat,  875;  Griff  Med.  Bot.,  i, 
609;  U.S.  Phar.,  332;  Allen  Ency.,  9,  596; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  439;  Am.  Disp.,  830;  Dou- 
gel.  New  Rem.,  474  ;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  13548, 
806. 
Juniper  us  Virginiana,  166. 

Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot.,  3,  ct.  45,  49;  Darl. 
Am.  Weeds,  342 ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South., 
510;  Am.  jour.  Phar.,  1884,  619;  Loudon 
Ency.,  f.  14056,  848  ;  Allen  Ency.,  5,  507  ; 
Gray  Man.,  473  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y..  2,  235  ; 
Wittstein,  151  ;  Fluck.  and  Han.,  628;  Am. 
Disp ,  464  ;  Lindl.  Flora  Med.,  609. 

Arisceina  triplivlliini^  167. 

Griff  Med.  Bot,  f.  276,  616;  Raf  Med. 
Flor..  I,  f.  11,  66  ;  Strong  Am.  Flora,  2,  Ct. 
12,  figures  A.  Maculatiim,  35  ;  Bigel.  Am. 
Med.  Bot,  I,  Ct.  4,  52  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2, 
239  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  909  ;  Porch. 
Resourc.  South.,  540  ;  Gray  Man.,  475  ;  Allen 
Ency.,  I,  561  ;  Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  345  ;  Lindl. 
Flor.  Med.,  601  ;  Clapp  Cat,  877  ;  King  Am. 
Disp.  140;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  102;  Loudon 
Ency.,  f.  13465,  800. 

Arisceni'.a  dracontitini,  168. 

Torr.  BotS.  N.  Y.,2,  t.  123,  240;  Wilhams 
Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  909 ;  Loudon  Ency.,  f. 
13463,  800  ;  Gray  Man.,  476  ;  Allen  Ency., 
10,  363. 

Svmplocarpiis fwttdiis,  1 69. 

Raf  Med.  Flor.,  230  ;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot., 
2,  ct.  24,  43  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot  Mass.,  909  ; 
Darl.  Am.  Weeds,  345  ;  Porch.  Resourc. 
South,,  544;  Barton  Mat.  Med.,  Ct.  10,  123; 
Good  Bot.,  ct.  20;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  1504, 
88  :  Allen  Ency.,  8,  1 54 ;  Gray  Man.,  477  ; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  206 ;  Am.  Disp.,  820. 


Cvpitpcdium pidhSctiis,  1 70. 

Gray  Man.,  512;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  f.  298, 
640;  Raf  Med.  Flor.,  i,  f.  30,  140;  Williams 
Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  906 ;  Porcher.  Resourc. 
South.,  425;  U.  S.  Phar.,  90;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  201  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  286  ;  Fluck. 
and  Han.,  79 ;  King  Am.  Disp.,  375  ;  Am. 
Disp.,  319;  Clapp  Cat,  880;  Loudon  Ency., 
766;   Hale  New  Rem.,  254. 

Laclinantlics  tiiictona,  171. 

Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  522;  Allen  Ency., 
5,  471  ;  Gray  Man.,  514;  Am.  Disp.,  472; 
Clapp  Cat.,  882  :  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  284;  Lou- 
don PLncy.,  f.  751,  44. 

Alctris  farinosa,  172. 

Griff.  Med.  Bot.,  f.  280,  623  ;  Raf.  Med. 
Flor.,  I,  f.  4,  37  ;  Strong  Am.  Flor.,  i,  cf.  29 
(a  poor  representation  of  Hclonias),  67  ;  Bigel. 
Am.  Med.  Bot,  3,  t.  50,  92  ;  Torr.  Bot.  S.  N. 
Y.,  2,310;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  532  ;  Lou- 
don Ency.,  f.  4533,  268  ;  Jour.  Mat  Med.,  2, 
130;  Allen  Ency.,  i,  146;  Gray  Man.,  515  ; 
Am.  Disp.,  78  ;  Am.  Disp.  Suppl.,  t.  1,  23  ; 
Hale  New  Rem.,  39 ;  Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  590 ; 
Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  61. 

Iris  versicolor,  173. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar.,  1881,  601;  Raf.  Med. 
Flor.,  2,  232  ;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot,  i,  ct.  16, 
155;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  523;  Lou- 
don Ency.,  f.  778,  44;  Gray  Man.,  516;  U. 
S.  Phar.,  187;  Am.  Disp.,  456;  Lindl.  Flor. 
Med.,  575  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  625  ;  Am.  Hom. 
Phar.,  260;  Allen  FIncy.,  5,  153. 

Dioscorca  vd/osa,  1 74. 

Raf  Med.  Flor.,  2,  217  ;  Porch.  Re.sourc. 
South.,  539;  Loudon  p:ncy.,  f.  13955,838; 
Allen  Ency.,  4,  123  ;  Gray  Man.,  518  ;  Chap. 
Bot.,  474;  Mood.  Bot,  701  ;  Am.  Disp.  Suppl., 
t.  7,  81  ;  Am.  Disp.,  235  ;  Griff  Med.  Bot, 
659;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  204;  Torr.  Bot  S.  N. 
Y.,  2,  293;  Hughes  Phar.,  351;  Hale  New 
Rem.,  258. 

Trd/iiiin  pendulum,  175. 

Griff  Med.  Bot.,  f.  301,  646;  Raf  Med.  Flor, 
2,  f.  91,  96  :  Williams  Med.  Bot.  Ma.ss.,  908  ; 
Am.  Disp.,  833  ;  Hale's  New  Rem.,  628  ;  Torr. 
Bot  S.  N.  Y..  2,  295  ;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  442 ; 
Gray  Man.,  523;  Clapp  Cat,  885;  Allen 
Ency.,  10,  637;  King  Am.  Disp.,  937 ;  Lou- 
don Ency.,  f.  4974,  290. 

Vcratruni  viride,  176. 

Am.  Jour.  Phar,  1879,  337,  368;  1882,491; 
1883,262;  New  Rem.,  1879,302,303;  Raf 
Med.  Flor,  2,  273  ;  Bigel.  Am.  Med.  Bot,  2,t. 
33,  121  ;  Bent,  and  Trim.,  4,  ct.  286;  Williams 
Med.  Bot.  Mass.,  907  ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South., 
528;  Loudon  Ency.,  f.  14204,  858;  Gray 
Man.,  525;  Percy  Essay;  Clapp  Cat,  890; 
Griff    Med.  Bot.,  644 ;  Torr  Bot  S.  N.  Y.,  2, 


4^ 


APPENDIX. 


317  ;  Am.  Horn.  Phar.,  449;  Fluck.  and  Han., 
695  ;  U.  S.  Phar.,  374;  Am.  Disp.,  852  ;  Allen 
Ency.,  10,  95  ;  Hughes  Phar.,  764. 

Cliavueliriuin  lutcinii,  177. 

Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  182;  Williams  Med.  Bot. 
Mass.,  907;  Porcher  Resourc.  South.,  527; 
Lindl.  Flor.  Med.,  588;  Jour.  Mat.  Med.,  2, 
122,296;  Allen  Ency.,  4,  565;  Am.  Disp., 
418;  Am.  Disp.  Suppl.,  t.  6,  63;  Clapp  Cat, 
891  ;  Terr.  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  318  ;  Gray  Man., 
527;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  247. 

Liluiin  supcrbum,  178. 

Loudon  P2ncy.,  264;  Allen  Ency.,  10,  572; 
Gray  Man.,  532 ;  Torn  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  305. 

Eqnisetiim  liycuiale,  179. 

Raf.  Med.  Flor.,  2,  217  ;  Williams  Med.  Bot. 


Mass.,  924 ;  Porch.  Resourc.  South.,  590  ;  Gray 
Man.,  655  ;  Torn  Bot.  S.  N.  Y.,  2,  482;  Allen 
Ency.,  4,  204;  Am.  Hom.  Phar.,  210;  Clapp 
Cat.,  892 ;  King  Am.  Disp.,  397 ;  Wiegand, 
242  ;  Lindl.  Med.  Bot.,  22  ;  I-oudon  Ency.,  f. 
14631,  890. 

Lycopodiuin  clavatinii,  180. 

Am.  Joun  Phan,  1882,  77;  Raf.  Med.  Flon, 
2,  240;  Hamilt.  Flon  Hom.,  2,  ct.  41,  28; 
Bent,  and  Trim.,  4,  ct.  299;  Loudon  Ency., 
f.  14632,  892  ;  Gray  Man.,  674 ;  Torn  Bot.  S. 
N.  Y.,  2,  510;  Wood  Bot,  811  ;  Lindl.  Med. 
Bot,  23;  Griff  Med.  Bot,  671;  Clapp  Cat, 
896;  Fluck.  and  Han.,  731  ;  Lindl.  Flon  Med., 
621  ;  U.  S.  Phan,  212  ;  Allen  Ency.,  6,  i  ;  Am. 
Hom.  Phar.,  294. 


INDEX. 


Ahalon  albiflonitn  177 
Abies  alba  163-3 

balsaniea  163-2 

balsaiu'ifcra  163-2 
Abies  CanadeDsis  164 

dcnticiilata  1 63 

cxcclsa  163-2 

Larix  163-2 

M:-ii.zicsii  163-2 
Abies  nigra  163 

pictiitata  163-2 

/VV-<-rt  163-2 
Abnts  prccatoriiis  46-6 
Absinthe  88-2 
Absintliin  88-2 
Absinthium  88 

officinale  88 

vulgare  88 
Absinthol  88-2 
Abuta  riifcsceiis  14-2 
Aeacia  Adansonii  46-4 

Arabiea  46-4 

Catechu  46-3 

Iiorrida  46-4 

pycantha  46-4 

^^(Ti'i'rt  46-4 

Senegal  46-4 

Sejal,  var.  Fistula  46-4 

stenocarpa  46-4 
Acalyplia  Indica  147 
Achillea  Millefoliuin  85 

ptanniea  85-2 

set  ace  a  85 
Achillein  85-2 
Acid  Absynthic  88-2 

Acetic  1 12-2 

Achilleic  85-2 

Aconitic  179-3 

Acrylic  19-4 

yEscinic  43-4 

yEsculetinic  43-4 

Angelic  84-2 

Anemonic  1-2 

Anemoninic  3-3 

Rehenic  23-3 

Bitter  of  Hops  155-2 

Brassic  23-3 

Carbopyridenic  128-5 


Acid  Cathartic  46-3 
Chelidonic  21-2 
Chrysarobic  143-2 
Chrj'sophanic  143-2 
Cisso-Tannic  40-2 
Citric  21-2,  56-2 
Conic  68-4 
Cornic  71-3 
Cumaric  49-2 
Equisetic  179-3 
Erucic  23-3 
Euonic  42-3 
Euphorbic  149-2 
Euphrasia-Tannic  115-2 
Formic  153-2 
Fraxitannic  137-3 
Galhc  100-5 
Gallotannic  36-3 
Gaultheric  102-3 
Gelsemic  130-3 
Gelseminic  130-3 
Glycoliic  40-2 
HeHanthic  83-2 
Helleboric  8-2 
Hop  Bitter  155-3 
Humulo-Tannic  155-3 
Hydrocuinaric  49-2 
Hyoscinic  126-3 
Inulic  81-3 
Juglandic  156-3 
Lactucic  96-2 
Lobehc  99-3 
LupuUc  155-2 
Lupulo-Tannic  155-3 
Mahc  21-2,  56-2 
Melilotic  49-2 
Menispermo-Tannic  14-3 
Menyanthic  129-2 
Methylcrotonic  84-2 
Myricinic  160-4 
Nicotinic  128-5 
Nymphjea-Tannic  1 8-3 
Oxyphenic  40-2 
Parasorbic  56-2 
Parietinic  143-2 
Phytolaccic  i  39-3 
PicropodophylHnic  17-3 
Pini-tannic  165-4 
Pino-tannic  165-4 
Podophyllinic  17-3 


Acid  Polygahc  45-3 
Polygenic  141 -3 
Potasso-myronic  24-2 
Propionic  1 12-2 
Rhabarbaric  143-2 
Rhamnotannic  41-3 
Rheic  143-2 
Rhoitannic  38-3 
Robinic  50-2 
Rumic  143-2 
Salicylic  27-3,  161-3 
Salicylous  161 -3 
Sanguinarinic  22-2 
Sarracenic  19-4 
Sinapic  23-3 
Sinapoleic  23-3 
Sorbic  56-2 
Succinic  88-2 
Tanacetumtannic  86-2 
Tannic  100-5 
Tartaric  61-3 
Thujetic  165-3 
Tiglic  84-2 
Toxicodendric  38-2 
Trioxybenzoic  100-5 
Tropic  126-3 
Valerianic  155-3 
Veratric  176-4 
\'iburnic  75-2 
Virgineic  45-3 

Aconitifolius  hunulis  1 7 

Aconitiun  camvianiin  1-2 
fcrox  1-2 
lycoetonuvi  1-2 
napellus  1-2 

Acrid  buttercups  6 

Actsea  alba  10 

Americana,  var.  a  10 
brachypetala,  var.  a  10 
gyrostachya  1 1 
vionogynia  1 1 
orthostaehya  1 1 
pachypoda  10 
raccuiosa  1 1 
spicata,  var.  alba  10 

Adoxa  Moscliatellina  74-2 

^F.cidiiim  Berberidis  15-2 

^■Egle  Martnclos  33-2 

.-Escnletin  43-4 

^Escnlin  43-4 


44 


MS 


^Esculus  Califoniica  43-3 

ccliinata  aa 
-(Esculus  glabra  44 
^sculus  Hippocastanum 
43 

viacrostacliya  4  4. 

Oliiocnsis  44 

pallida  44 

Pai'ia  43-3 
^thusa  65 

Lynapixni  65 
vVfrican  liemp  175-3 
Agati  graiidijlora  46-3 
Agrostemma  githago  3 1 
Agrostemmin  31-2 
Ague  grass  172 

Root  172 

Weed  79 
Ahovai  baum  133-3 
Allan tus  35 
Ailanthus  glaudiilosiis  35 
Alant-camphor  81-2 
Alantin  81-2 

Alcohol,  oxybenzyl  161-3 
Alder  dogwood  72 
Aletris  172 

alba  172 

tarinosa  172 
Alexanders  62-3 
Alfavaca  1 16-2 
Alhagi  mauroriuit  46-5 
Alizarin  29-3 
Alluim  ascalonicum  175-3 

Canadense  175-3 

Carolinianuui  175-3 

cepa  175-3 

pornnn  175-3 

sat IV  inn  17J-3 

scluenoprasHiii  175-3 

scodoprasiim  175-3 
Allspice  bush  145 
^-i  /^^  A  fricana  175-3 

arborcsceiis  175-3 

Barbadciisis  175-3 

Comincliiiia  175-3 

/mu-  175-3 

lingucEformis  175-3 

purpurascens  175-3 

root  172 
Aloes  175-3 
^.W  Socotrina  1 75 -3 

spicata  175-3 

j'^rrt  175-3 

vidgaris  175-3 
Aloexylon  Agallocliiim  46-4 
Alpine  Azalea  100-2 

Dock  144-2 
Alstonia  scholaris  133-2 
Alum  root  32 


INDEX. 

Ainbrina  ambrosioidcs  140 
Ambrosia  absynttufolia  82 
Ambrosia  artemisisefolia  8:; 

i-/(?//(V-  82 

hctcrophylla  82 

panic  ul at  a  82 

//7_)?(/rt  82-2 
American  Arbor-vitas  165 

Aspen  162 

China  root  175-4 

Coffee-bean  53 

Cowslips  7 

Custard  Apple  13 

Herb  Christopher  10 

Hop-hornbeam   159 

Indian  hemp  133 

Ipecac  132,  149 

Ivy  40 

Laurel  103 

Mezereon  146 

Nettle-tree  152 

Nightshade  139 

Pennyroyal  1 18 

Poplar  162 

Pulsatilla  i 

Rosebay  1 00-2 

Spikenard  69 

White  Hellebore  176 

Valerian  170 
Ammoniacum  62-2 
Ampelopsis  4° 

kcdcracea  40 

quiiiqucfolia  40 
Amygdalin  56-2 
Amygdaliis  comimiuis,  var. 

ainara  54-2 
Auiygdalus  comiitiinis,  var. 

dill c  is  54-2 
Auiygdalus  Pcrsica  54-2 
Amyris  cleniifolia  34 

AXACARDIACE/E  36-2 

Anacardiinn  occtdcntale  36-2 

orientate  36  2 
Anacycliis  officinarimi  78-4 
Anagallis  108 
Anagallis  arvcnsis  108 
Anagyris  fwtida  46-4 
A 11  amir t a  panic  11  lata  14 
Anapodopliylliiiii  Canadense  17 
Anda-acu  147-3 
And  a  Gomesii  147-3 
Andira  verniifuga  46-2 
Andromeda  poll  folia  100 -2 
Androsainuiii  officinale  30 
Anemone  flavescens  i 

Hepatica  2 

LudoT.iiciana  i 

iiemorosa  1-2 

Nuttaliana  i 


ARR 

Anemone  patens,  var.  Xuttal- 

liaiia   I 

prat  en  sis  I  -2 

Pulsatilla  i 
Anemonin  1-2 
Anemonol  3-3 
Angelica  64 
Angelicaldehyde  84-2 
Angelica  atropurpurea  64 

iiemorosa  62-3 

Tree  33,  69-2 

triqiiinata  64 
August ura  vera  33-2 
Anise  62-3 

Anisomeles  Malabarica  1 16-3 
Annona  Cherimolia  13-2 

triloba  13 
Anonace.e  13 
Anona  squamosa  13-2 
Anoiiymos  scmpervirens  1 30 
AntJiemis  aurea  84 
Anthemis  nobilis  84 
Antlioxauthnm  odoratum  49-2 
Autiaris  toxicaria  152-3 
Antirrhinum  Linaria  1 1 1 
Ant hy His  Hermannia  46-3 

vidneraria  46-3 
Aphrodaescin  43-4 
Apios  tuber  OS  a  46-5 
Apiiim  gra'veoleus  62-2 
Apocynace.e  133-2 
Apocynein   133-3 
Apocynin  133-3 
Apocynum  androssemifo- 

lium  132 
Apocynum  cannabinum  133 

4)  '/(.v  ■icifolui  m  133 

pubeseeiis  1 3  3 

Sibericum  133 
Apple  of  Peru  127 

Sodom  125-2 
Aquifoliace.e  106 
Arabis  Cliincnsis  23-2 
Akace.e  167-2 
Arachis  Jiypogcea  46-5 
Aralia  Canadensis  70 
Araliace.e  69 
Aralia  hispida  69-2 

nitdieaulis  69-2 
Aralia  quinquefolia  7° 
Aralia  racemosa  69 

spinosa  69-2 

umbellifera  69-2 
Araliin  69-3 
Araliretin  69-3 
Arbor  vitae  165 
Arbutin  100-4 
Arbutose  100-4 
Arbutus  Uncdo  100-2 


ARB 

Arbutus  Uva-ursi  loO 
ArcliangcUca  (itropiirpnrca  64 
Archangel  tar  163-2 
Arctium  Lappa  92 

majus  92 
Arctostapliylos  officinalis  100 

toinentosa  100-2 

Uva-ursi  100 
Arctuvin  100-5 
Arctluisa  Imlbosa  1 70-2 
Argemone  20 

Mcxicaua  20 
Arghel  135-3 
Argyrasscin  43-4 
Argyreia  bractcata  123-2 
Aricinol  sulpho-cyanate  23-3 
Aris(snia  atrorubcns  167 

dracontium  168 

tripliyllum  167 
Aristolocliia  angtdcida  i  38-2 

bilobata  138-2 

ba:tica  138-2 

bractcata  1 38-2 

camphor  138-3 
Aristolochiace.k  138 
Aristolocliia  cleinatitis  138-2 

cyinbifera  138-2 

fragrantissima  138-3 

grandiflora  1 38-3 

has  tat  a  138 

hirsuta  138-3 

Iiidica  138-2 

/<?«^rt  138-2 

niacroura  138-3 

Milhomens  138-2 

officinalis  1 3  8 

pistolochia  138-2 

reticulata  138-2 

rotunda  138-2 

saggitata  138 

senipcrvircns  138-3 

Serpcntaria  138 

Serpentaria,  var.  Bartonii 
138 

^^//w  138-3 

tonicntosa  138-3 

trilobata  138-2 
Aristolochin  138-4 
Arnica  78-4 

niontana  78-4 
Aroniadcndron  clcgans  12-2 
Aromatic  wintergreen  102 
Arrebenta  Cavallos  125-2 
Artemisia  Absinthium  88 

Czwrt  78-4 

Contra  78-4 

lictcrophyllus  Sy 

Indie  a  78-5 

Indica  Canadensis  87 


1  N  D  E  X. 

Artemisia  santonica  78-4 
Artemisia  vulgaris  87 
Arthrolobiuiii  scorpwides  46-3 
Aktocarpe.e  152-2 
Artocarpus  ineisa  152-2 

Integra  152-2 

integrifoha  152-2 
Arum  Ainericanum  169 
Arum  triphyllum  167 
Arum  dracontiumt  168 

dracunculus  167-2 

Italicum  167-2 

maculatum  1 67  -  2 
Asadulcis  62-3 
Asafcetida  62-3 

Thibetan  62-2 
^-iirt  Grcva  officinalis  175-2 
Asarabacca  138-2 
Asaruin  Canadense  138-2 

Europecum  138-2 

ASCLEPIADACE.E    I  35 

Asclepias  cornuti  1 34 

Syriaca  134 

Asclepias  tuberosa  135 

Asclepione  134-3 
Ash,  American  White  137 
Asimina  cainpaniflora  1 3 
Asimina  triloba  13 
Asparagine  50-2 
Asparagus  acittifolius  175-3 

officinalis  1 75-3 
As  per  ul a  odor  at  a  49-2 
Asthma  weed  99 
Astragalus  gummifcr  46-4 

Menaiesii  46-2 
Astrantia  major  62-3 
Atennaria  plantaginifolia  89-; 
Athamanta  62-2 
Athriscus  Cerefolium  62-2 

sylvestris  62-2 

vulgaris  62-2 
Atriplix  angustifolia  140-2 

hortensis  140-2 
Atropa-atropiiie  127-3 

Belladonna  125-2 

viandragora  125-2 
Atropine  127-3 
Aureliana  Canadensis  70 
Austrian  Turpentine  163-2 
Avacado  pear  145-2 
Aya  pana  78-2 
Azalea  pontica  100- 2 


Rabounv  78-5 
Bael  33^2 
Balm  1 16-2 
Balmony  1 13 
Balsamodendron  Africanuin  6:; 


BER 


45 


Balsamodendron  mukul  62-3 
Balsam  of  Peru  46-3 

Tolu  46-3 
Balsams  163-2 

Balsam  urn  Hungaricum  163-2 
Baneberry  (white)  10 
Banyan  tree  152-2 
Bapliia  nitida  46-6 
Baptisia  5  2 

tine  tor  HI  52 
Barba  de  Boi  46-2 
Barbados  Aloes  175-3 
Barbarea  prcccox  23-2 
Barbarian  Sandarach  1 63-2 
Barbarea  vulgaris  23-2 
Barberry  1 5 
Bard  ana  major  92 
Bardiera  divcrsifolia  45-2 
Bar  OS  ma  Bctulina  33-2 

crenulata  33-2 

serratifolia  33-2 
Bastard  Dittany  33-2 

Ipecac  74 

\\'ormvvood  82 
Batatas  edulis  123-2 

paniculata  123-2 
Bat  weed  92 
Bayberry  160 
Bdellium  62-3 

African  62-3 

Indian  62-3 
Bean  51 

Tree  109 
Bearberry  100 
Bear's  Grape  100 
Beaver  poison  67 
:  Tree  12 

Wood  12,  152 
Beech  nut  158-2 

Wheat  142 
Bees'  Wax  1 60-3 
Beet  140-2 
Belladonna  125-2 
Belleisle  Cress  23-2 
/)(•//«  perennis  78-4 
Bengal  Quince  33-2 
Benjamin  bush  145 
Bcnthauiidia  florida  71 

Benzoin  14s 

odoriferum  145 
Berberia  sulphate  145-2 
Bekkekidace.e  15 
Berberin  15-2 
Berberinum  9-2 
Berberis  15 

Canadensis  15-2 

duuictorum  15 

vulgaris  15 
■3         vulgaris,  var.  Canadensis  1 5 


46  BER 

Berberiy  15 
Berbina  14-3,  15-3 
Bcrclicinia  volubilis  41-2 
Beta  vulgaris  140-2 
Bethroot  175 
Betony  1 16-2 
Bettie  grass  172 
Betiila  lentiB  102-2 

tripliylla  39 
Bhang  154-3 
Bibernell  62-2 
Bidens  Cliaysautlicinoidcs  7 

fervid  a  78-4 

tripartita  88-4 
Big  ivy  103 
BigHonia  Catalpa  109 

sevipervirciis  1 30 
Bindweed  123 
Bird's  nest  105 
Birthroot  175 
Birthwort  138 
Bistort  141 -2 
Biting  knotweed  141 
Bitter  Almonds  54-2 

Ash  S5-2 

BarkV6-2 

Blain  1 10-2 

Dock  144 

Grass  172 

Orange  33-2 

Redberry  71 

Root  129,  132 
Bittersweet  124 

Vetcli  46-4 

Weed  82 

Willow  161 

Wintergreen  104 
Black  Alder  41-2,  106 

Bryony  174-2 

Cohosh  1 1 

Henbane  126 

Indian  hemp  132 

Locust  50 

Mustard  24 

Nightshade  125 

Parsley  147 

Poplar  161 -2 

Purslane  147 

Root  1 14,  172 

Snake-root  1 1 

Spruce  163 

Walnut  156-2 
Bladder  Pod  99 
Blazing  Star  172,  177 
Blessed  Thistle  78-4 
Blctia  vcrccuiida  170-2 
Blisterweed  6 
Blitum  Aincricaiimn  139 
Blood  Root  22 


INDEX. 

Blooming  spurge  148 
Blue  Berry  16,  ico  2 
Blueberry  Cornel  73 
Blue  Cardinal  flower  98 

Chiccory  93 

Cohosh  16 

Flag  173 

Ginseng  16 

Huckleberry  100-2 
Blunt-leaved  Dock  144 
Blue  Lobelia  98 
-4  Pimpernel  120 

Succory  93 
Bccluncria  caudata  152-3 
Bog  bean  129 
Bonduc  seed  46-3 
Boneset  79 

purple  78 
Bordeaux  Turpentine  163-2 
Botropliis  actccoidcs  1 1 

scrpcntaria  1 1 
Bowman's  root  148 
Box  147-2 

berry  102 

Tree  71 

wood,  New  England  71 
Bracala  62-3 
Bracliyglottis  rcpcus  78-4 
Bracted  Bindweed  123-2 
Branca  Ursina  62-2 
Brassica  alba  23 

napiis  23-2 

7iigra  24 

oleracea  23-2 

olcracca  var.  Botrytis  23 

Rapa  23-2 

sinapioidcs  24 

Stiiapistrinn  24-2 
Bray  era  anthclniiiitica  54-2 
Braziletto  wood  46  6 
Brazilian  Sarsaparilla  175-4 

Snake-root  1 38-2 
Brazil  wax  160-3 

wood  46-6 
Bread  fruit  152-2 

nut  152-2 

root  46-5 
Brcwcria  scoparius  123-2 
Brewster  12' 

Broinisnin  alicastrum  152-2 
Broom,  European  46-2 

Spanish  46-6 
Brown  Mustard  24 
Bruda  aiitidysciitcrica  33-2 

Suinatrana  33-2 
Buchu  33-2 
Buck  Bean  129 
Buckeye  43,  44 
Buckthorn  41 


CAL 

Buckwheat  142 
Buck  Yam  174-2 
Bugbane  1 1 
Bugle-weed  1 17 
Bulbous  Buttercups  5 

Crowfoot  5 
Bur-clover  47-5 
Burdock  92 
Burgundy  Pitch  163-2 
Burnet  Saxifrage  62-2 
Burning  Bush  42 
Burr  Flower  122 
Bursa  Past  oris  25 
Burwort  6 

Bush  Honeysuckle  74-2 
Butca  frondosa  46-3 
Butter-and-Eggs  1 1 1 
Butter-flower  5 
Butterfly-weed  135 
Butternut  156 
Butter-weed  80 
Button  Snakeroot  62 
Button-bush  76 
Button-wood  76 
Biixus  sciiipervircns  147-2 

G 

Caa-apia  152-2 
Caapeba  152-2 
Cabbage  23-2 

tree  46-2 
Cacao  Butter  160-3 
Cuchrys  odontalgica  62-2 
Cactus  grandifiorus  61-2 

opuntia  61 
Cade  163-2 
Qcsalpinia  Boiiducclla  46-3 

BrarJliciisi  46-6 

cchinata  46-6 

Nuga  46-3 

Sappan  a^Qi-6 
Cainca  76-2 
Calabar  Bean  46-2 
Calabash  tree  125-2 
Caladiinn  cscidcntimi  167-2 

scguimtm  167-2 
Calamus  Draco  46-3 
Calatropis  gi'^aiitca  135-2 
Calceolaria  pinnata  1  10-2 

trip  da  110-2 
Calcium  bimalate  36-4 

glycollate  40-2 
Calendula  officinalis  78-4 
Calico  bush  103 
Calisa}"a  bark  76 
Callistachya  Virgiuica  1 14 
Callistris  quadrivalvis  163-2 
Calochortus  clegans  175-3 
Caltha  7 


CAL 

Caltlia  arctica  y 

palnstris  7 
Calystcgia  sepiutn  123-2 

SotdancUa  123-2 
Camel's  Thorn  46-5 
Ca>iuiiassia  csculcnta  175-3 
Canipaiuila  rapiinciiliis  60-2 
Camphor  145 
Caiiipliora  officinannn  145 
Camwood  46-6 
Canada  Balsam  163-2 

Fleabane  80 

Pitch  164-2 
Canadian  hemp  133 

Moonseed  14 
Cancer-root  139 

weed  94 
Canchalagua  129-2 
^andle-berry  160 
Candytuft  23-2 
Cannabin  154-4 
Cannabine  154-4 

Hydride  154-4 
Cannabinine  i  54-4 
Cannabin  Tannin  154-2 
Cannabinum  154-4 
Cannabis  154 

Americana  154-s 

Indie  a  1 54 

sativa  154 
Caoutchouc  152-2 

Demerara  147-3 

Surinam  147-3 
Cape  Aloes  175-3 

Itch  bulb  175-3 
Caper  Spurge  150 
Caprifoliace.e  74 
Capsclla  Bursa  Past  or  is  25 
Capsicum  Annuum  125-2 
fastigiatum  125-2 

f rut  CSC  ens  125-2 
Caraway  62-2 
Cardaniine  pratensis  23-2 
Cardinal  Flower  97 
Carduus  Bcnedictus  78-4 
Carolina  Hippo  149 

Ipecac  149 

Pink  Root  131 
Carony  bark  33-2 
Carpathian  Balsam  163-2 
Carpenter's  Square  i  1 2 
Carpinus  Ostrya  159 

Ostry  a- Americana  159 
Carramba  Wax  160-3 
Carrot  62-3 

weed  82 
Caruin  Ajowan  62-2 

Carni  62-2 
Gary  a  alba  157 


I  N  D  E  X. 

Carya  olivicformis  1  56-2 

squamosa  157 

sulcata  156-2 

tomcntosa  156-2 

tomentosa,   var.   maxima 
156-2 
Carvophyllace.k  31 
Cascarilla  147-2 

Mexican  147-2 
Casein,  vegetable  51-2 
Cashew  nut  36-2 
Cassada  147-2 
Cassia  acutifolia  46-2 

angustifolia  46-3 

Buds  145 

fistula  46-3 

lanccolata  46-2 

Marilandica  46-3 

oboimta  46-2 
Castalia  pudica  18 
Castanea  edulis  158 
favina  43 

pumila  1 58- 2 
Castanea  vesca  158 

vesca,  var.  Americana  i  58 
Castor  wood  12 
Catalpa  109 

biguonioidcs  109 

cordifolia  109 

syringafolia  109 
Cataputia  minor  150 
Catch-fly  132 
Catechu  46-3 
Cat  Foot  89 
Catha  edulis  42-2 
Cathartin  41-3 
Catmint  1 16-2 
Catnep  1 16-2 
Ca turns  spiciflorus  147-3 
Cauliflower  23-2 
Caulophyllin  16-2 
Caulophyllum  16 

thalictroidcs   \  6 
Cayenne  Pepper  125-2 
Ceanothus  Americanus  4 1  -2 

azure  a  41-2 

discolor  41-2 
Cebadilla  175-2 
Cecropia  peltata  152-2 
Cedar  (Red)  166 
Cedren  166-2 

Camphor  166-3 
Cedron  35 
Cedrus  Lycea  165 
Celandine  21 
Celastkace.i-:  42 
Celastrus  paniculatus  42-2 

scaudens  •i^2-2,  124-2 
Celery  62-2 


CHE 


47 


Celery-leaved  Crowfoot  3 
Celtis  152 

Audibertiaua  \  5  2 

australis  152-2 

occidentalis  i  5  2 

orientalis  152-2 
Cementer  of  Friendship  154-2 
Centaur  ea  Pagan  a  78-4 
Centaury,  American  129-2 

Chilian  129-2 

European  129-2 
Ccphcelis  Ipecacuanha  76-2 
Cephalanthus  76 

occidentalis  76 
Ceratonia  Siliijua  46-5 
Cerbera  tanghinia  133-2 

tlievetia  133-2 
Cercus  Bonplandii  6 1  -2 

serpentinus  6 1  -2 
Ceroxylon  andicola  160-3 
Cervispina  cathartic  a  41 
Ccstrum  auriculatuin  125-2 

Hediunda  125-2 

macrophyllum  125-2 

Hocturnum  125-2 

venetiatum  125-2 
Cevadina  176-3 
Cevadine  176-3 
Chama^lirin  177-2 
Chamiclirium  Carolinianuvi  177 

bit  cum  177 
Chamccmelum  nobile  84 
Chamomilla  78-4 

nobilis  84 
Charas  154-2 
Charlock  26 
Checker-berry  102 
Chelerythrin  21-2 
Chclidonin  21-2 
Chelidonium  21 

majus  2 1 
Chelidoxanthin  21-2 
Chelone  alba  1 1 3-2 

glabra  113 

lanccolata  1 13-2 

obliqua  \  \  3 

purpurea  \  13-2 

rosea  1 1 3-2 
Chenodrodendron  tomcntosum 
14-2 

CllENOPODlACE.E    I4O 

Chenopodium  album  140-2 
andvosioides  140-2 
ambrosioules^  var.  anthel- 
mintieuin  140 
Chenopodium  anthelminti- 
cum  140 
baryosmon  1 40-2 
Botrys  140-2 


48  CHE 

Chenopodiniii  suffniticosiiiii  1 40 

vulvaria  140-2 
Chequerberry  ']'] 
Cherimoyer  13-2 
Cherry  laurel  54-2 
Chervil  62-2 
Chestnut  158 
Chian  Turpentine  36-2 
Chicory  93 
Chickling  Vetch  46-2 
Children's  bane  67 
Ohimaphila  104 

coryuibosa  104 

iitacidata  104-2 

iiinbcllata  104 
Chimaphilin  104-2 
China  branca  e  rubra  175-4 

root  (American)  175-4 
(Javanese)  175-4 
Chinese  Ailanthus  35 

Datura  125-2 

Mustard  23-2 

Sumach  35 

Tallow  160-3 

Wax  160-3 
Chinquapin  158-2 
Cliiococca  raccinosa  76-2 
Chionanthus  136 

/  'irginica  1 36 
Chiretta,  Indian  1  29-2 
Chives  175-3 
Chlora  p erf ol lata  129-2 
Chocolate  Butter  160-3 

root  54 
Choline  23-3,  155-2 
Chongras  139 
Chrysarobin  143-2 
Chrysorhamnine  41-3 
Churrus  154-2 
Cicca  disticha  147-2 
Ciccndia  hyssopifolia  129-2 
Cichorium  93 

hitybiis  93 

syh'i'strc  93 

Cicuta  maculata  67 

iiiacidata.  Lam.  68 
Cicutaria  fatiia  65 

maculata  67 

tenidfolia  65 

vulgaris  68 
Cicuta  virosa  62-2 

vulgaris  major  68 
Cicutina  67 
Cicutoxin  67 
Cimicif  uga  1 1 

raccmosa  \  i 

scrpcntaria  \  \ 
Cimicifugin  i  1-2 
Cina  78-4 


INDEX. 

Cineraria  Canadensis  90 
Cinchona  Calisaya  76 

condannnca,  var.  Chalniar- 
gnera  76-2 

condaminea^  var.  Crispa 
76-2 

cordifolia  76 

lancifolia  76-2 

micrantha  76-2 

officinalis  76 

succirubra  76 
Cinnainommn  aromaticum  145 

Camphor  a  145 

pedunculatum  160-3 

Zeylandicnni  145 
Cinnamon  145 

Santa  Fe  145-2 
Cinque  74 
Cissampelos  ovalifolia  14-2 

Pareira  14-2 

smilacina  14 
Cissus  hederacea  40 

ClSTACE,K    28 

Cistus  28 

Canadensis  28 

Creticus  28-2 

Ladaniferus  28-2 

Ledon  28-2 

Laurifolius  28-2 

ramidijlorum  28 
Citron  33-2 
Litrus  acida  33-2 

Aurantium  33-2 

Bergamia  33-2 

Limetta  33-2 

Limonuin  33-2 

Me  die  a  33-2 

vulgaris  33-2 
Cleavers  76-2 
Clematis  erect  a  1-2 

hirsutissima  i 
Clitoria  tcrnatea  46-^ 
Clotbur  92 
Clover  broom  52 

red  47 

sweet  49 

white  48 

winter  77 
Club  Moss  180 
Cluytia  collina  147-2 

spinosa  \Afj-2 
Clypea  Burmanni  14-2 
Coc cuius  acuminatus  14-2 

Bakis  14-2 

cinerasccns  14-2 

crispus  14-2 

fibraurea  14-2 

Indie  us  14 

platypliyllus  14-2 


CON 

Coccoloba  uvifera  141 -2 
Coehlearia  armor acia  23-2 

officinalis  23-2 
Cockle  31 
Cock-up  Hat  151 
Cocoa  (Brazilian)  43-2 
Cocum  139 
Coffca  Arabica  76-2 
Coffee  76-2 

tree  53 
Cohosh  (black)  i  i 

blue  16 

white  10 
Cokan  139 

Colcliicuni  autumnale  175-3 
Cole  root  172 

seed  23-2 
Colic-root   135,  172,  174,  177 
Collidine  128-4 
Collinsonia  119 

Canadensis  1 1 9 

decussata  \  \  9 

Ot'rt/W    1 1  9 

CoUinsonin  1 19-2 
Colophony  163-2 
Colt's  foot  7,  78-4 
Colt's  Tail  80 
Columbian  bark  76 
Columbo  129-2 

African  14-2 
Colutca  arborescens  46-3 
Commia  Cochinchinensis  147-3 
Common  celandine  21 

Locust  50 
Comocladia  dentata  36-2 
CoMPOsnvE  78-2 
Comptonia  asplenifolia  160-2 
Cone  in  68-4 
Conia  68-4 
Conicina  68-4 

CONIFEK.K    163 

Coniin  68-4 
Conine  68-4 
Conium  68 

macidatum  68 

major  68 
Conot-weed  82 
Continental  weed  1 1  1 
Contrayerva  152-2 
Convallaria  ma j alls  175-3 

CONVOLVULACE/E    I  23 

Convolvulin  123-2 
Convolvulus  123 

arvensis  123 

Duartinus  123 

Scanimonia  123 

scopabius  123-2 
Convulsion  root  105 
Conydrine  68-4 


COP 

Copaifera  bijuga  46-2 

coriacca  46-2 

Guiancnsis  46-2 

Langsdorffii  46-2 

viuliija  46-2 

officinalis  46-2 
Copaiva  46-2 
Copalchi  147-2 
Copcrnicia  ccrifcra  160-3 
Copt  is  trifoliata  15-3 
Coracoa  de  Jesu  78-4 
Cordylinc  tcrminalis  175-3 
Coriander  62-3 
Coriandrum  Cicnta  68 

Cynapiuvi  65 

inaciiLatum  68 

sativum  62-3 
Coridine  128-4 
Corkwood  Tree  125-2 
CoRNACE.E  71 
Corn  Cockle  31 
Cornel  71 

Cornellian  Cherry  71-2 
Corn  Fever-few  84 
Cornin  71-3,  72-2 
Corn  Snakeroot  62 
Cornus  circinata  72 
Cornus  cyiiocarpus  73 
Cornus  florida  7 1 

lanuginosa  73 

mas  71-2 

obliqua  73 

rugosa  72 

sanguinca  71-2 
Cornus  sericea  73 

stolonifera  71-2 

succica  71-2 

tomentulosa  72 
Coronilla  Enicrus  46-3 

I'rtr/rt  46-3 
Corpse  plant  105 
Corvisartia  Hclcniuin  81 
Corylus  Americana  158-2 

avellana  158-2 

rostrala  158-2 
Coryno-caipus  Iccvigatus  36- 
Coumarouna  odorata  46-2 
Coutoubea  ramosa  129-2 

spicata  129-2 
Cowitch  46-2 
Cow-parsnep  62-2 
Cowslip,  European  108 
Cowslips  7 
Cows-lips  7 
Cows-lungwort  1 10 
Cow  tree  i  52-2 
Cow-tree  Wax  160-3 
Crainbc  maritima  23-2 
Cranberry  100-2 


INDEX. 

Cranesbill  32 

Crane  Willow  76 

Crassulace.e  57 

Craicgus  oxyacantha  15-3 

Cratceva  Marmclos  33-2 

Crescent ia  Cujete  125-2 

Creeping  Buttercups  4 
Checkerberry  77 
Crowfoot  4 
Wintergreen  102 

Cresses  23-2 

Crinum  toxicarinm  175-3 

Crithuni  maritiinuni  62-3 

Crocus  (prairie)  i 

Crosswort  79,  129-2 

Croton  antisypluliticum  147- 
campcstris  147-2 
Draco    1 47-2 
Elcutcria  147-2 
hibiscifolius  147-2 
laccifcruni  147-2 
oil  147-2 

origanifolius  147-2 
pardiccps  147-2 
Pavana  147-2 
Pscudo- China  147-2 
sanguifolius  1 47-2 
subcrosuni  147-2 
Tigliuni  147-2 
tinctorium  147-2 

Crowberry  139 

Crow-corn   172 

Crowfoot  32 

Crown  Bark  76-2 

Crow-poison  176 

Crucifer.k  23 

Cuckoo  flower  23-2 

Cuichunchulli  27-2 

Culver's  Physic  1 14 

Culver's  Root  1 14 

Cumaric  anhydride  49-2 

Cuniarin  49-2 

Cumin  62-3 

Cinninuni  Cyniinitin  62-3 

Cundurango  135-2 

Cunila  niariana  116-3 
pu/cgioidcs  1 1 8 

Cupameni  147-2 

Cuprcssus  australis  163-3 

CUPULIFER.E    158 

Cure-all  60 
Curled  Dock  143 
Cursed  Crowfoot  3 
Custard-apple  13-2 
(American)  13 
Cutch  46-3 

Cyclamen  Europu-uui  loS 
Cyclamin  108-2 
Cyclamirctin  ioS-2 
7 


DIA 


49 


Cynanchiim  Arghcl  135-3 

ercctum  135-3 

cxtensum  135-3 

ovalifolium  135-3 
Cynapin  65-2 
Cypripedin  170-3 
CypripcdiiiDi  lutcuin  170 
Cypripedium  pubescens  1 70 
Cytisine  53-2 
Cytisus  Laburnum  46-2,  53-2 

scoparius  46-2 

D 

Dacydium  taxifolium  163-2 
Dcrmia  extensa  1 3 5-3 
Dahlin  81-2 
Z^^r/.s-  Madagascariensis  146  2 

octandria  146-2 
Daisy  78-4 

fleabane  78-4 
Dauiarra  australis  1 63-2 

turpentine  163-2 
Dandelion  95 
Daphne  Indica  146 

Mezereon  146 
Daphnidostaphylis  Fendlcriana 

100 
Datiscin  81-2 
Datura  alba  127-5 

arborea  125-2 

atropine  127-3 
fastuosa  127-5 

/cw-r  125-2 

W(Vt'/  125-2 

metcloides  127-4 

sauguinea  125-2 

Stranioniuni  1 27 
Daturine  127-3 
Daucus  Car  rot  a  62-3 

Gingidum  62-3 

gummifer  62-3 
Deadly  Nightshade  125 

European  125-2 
Dead  Nettle  121 
Death  of  Man  67 
Deer-berry  77 

Delphinium  Staphisagria  1-2 
Z>i'«5  Leonis  95 
Derris  pinnata  46-2 
Devil's  Apple  127 

Bit  172,  177 

Bones  174 

Fig  20 

Scourge  30 

Yam  174-2 
Dew  Berry  102 
Dewitt  Snakeroot  94 
Dhak  46-2 
Diainorphanius  edulis  69-2 


50 


DIA 


INDEX. 


EUP 


DiajitJius  pliiinarius  31-2 
Dictaiuuus  fraxiiiclla  33-2 
Du-ffenbacJiia  scguina  167-2 
Dioiiilla  trifida  74-2 
Digitalis  mubigua  1 10-2 

fcrniginca  1 10-2 

oricntalis  1 10-2 

piirpurasccns  1 10-2 

purpurea  1 10-2 
Dilatris  Heriticra  1 7 1 

tinctoria  171 
Dill  62-3,  62-4 
Dioitca  iiiuscipiila  29 
Dioscorea  174 

aculcata  174-2 

(?/rt/c?  174-2 

bulbifcra  174-2 

DiOSCOREACE.E    174 

Dioscorea  daemona  174-2 

Japonic  a  174-2 

panicu/ata  174 

quaternata   1 74 

sativa  174-2 

trifida  174-2 

triphylla  1 74-2 

villosa  174 

villosa,  var.  glabra  174- 
Dioscorein  174-3 
Dipteryx  odorata  46-2,  49-2 
Dirca  palustris  146 
Dita  Bark  133-2 
Ditch  Stone-crop  57 
Dittany  1 16-3 

of  Crete  1 16-2 
Dock  143,  144 
Doctor's  Gum  36-2 
Doctor  Tinker's  Weed  74 
Dog  Poison  65 
Dog's  bane  132 

Mercury  147-2 

Parsley  65 

Tooth  Violet  175-3 
Dog  tree  7 1 
Dogwood  71 

Jamaica  46-2 

Pond  76 
Dolichos  pniriens  46-2 
Doiiibeya  cxcelsa  163-2 

turpentine  163-2 
Dorcma  Auiiuoniaeutn  62-2 
Dors  tenia  Brasilicnsis  152-2 

coiitraycrva  152-2 

Houstonia  152-2 
Double  Spruce  163 
D races na  Draco  175-3 
Draeontiuni  Fa-tiduut  169 
Dragon-root  168 
Dragon's  Blood  147-2,  1 75-1 

Guadeloupe  46-3 


Driniia  ciliaris  1 75-3 
Drooping  Star-wort  177 
Drop  Flower  94 
Drosera  29 
Droserace/e  29 
Drosera  rotundifolia  29 
Duboisia  Hopivoodi  125-2 

inyroporoides  125-2 
Duboisin  126-3 
Duck's  foot  17 
Dulcamara  124 

Jlexuosa  124 
Dulcamarin  124-2 
Dulcarin  124-2 
Dutch  Mice  46-5 

Rush  179 
Dwarf  Elder  74-2 

Nettle  153 
Dyer's  Baptisia  52 

Broom  46 

Dilatris  171 

Green-weed  46 
Dysentery  bark  35 

Eagle  wood  46-4 
Earthgall  176 
Eehinocactus  Wislizeni  61-2 
Echites  suberecta  133-2 
Egg  Plant  124-2 
EUcodendron  Roxburghii  42-2 
Elder  75 

Bush  75 

European  74-2 
Elecampane  81 

camphor  81-2 
Elecampin  81-2 
Elepliautopus  scaber  78-4 
Elk  Bark  1 2 
Euddiea  officinalis  147-2 
Plmetic-root  99 

-weed  99 
Eniila  s  one  hi/era  78-5 
Endive  93 
Endodeca  Bartonii  138 

Serpentaria  138 
English  Walnut  156-2 
Enula  81 

canipana  81 
Epidcndruni  auriculatnin  1 70- 

bifiduni  170-2 
Epigaea  loi 

re  pens  loi 
Epilobium  59 

angustissiinuni  59 

ciliatuni  59 

leptopliylluni  59 

line  arc  59 

oliganthuin  59 


Epilobium  palustrc  59 

palustrc,  var.  albescens  59 
palustrc,  var.  albifloruvi  59 
palustrc,  var.  line  are  59 
pubcscens  59 
rosmarinifoliuni  59 
tencllum  59 
squaniatuui  59 

EOUISETACE/E    I79 

Equisetum  179 

Jlnviatile  179-3 

Iiyeniale  179 
Erechthites  90 

elongata  90 

Hieracifolia  90 

prealta  90 
Ericacf^  100 
Ericinol  100-5,  101-2 
Ericolin  100-5 
Erigeron  So 

Canadense  80 

licteropliylluin  78-4,  80-2 

paniculatus  80 

Philadelphicum  78-4,  82 

pusilus  80 

strietuni  80 
Eringo,  European,  62-3 
Erva  de  Cobra  78-4 
Eryngium  62 

aguatieuni  62 

campestre  62-3 

viaritinnim  62-2 

yuccafoliuin  62 
Eryngo  62 
Erytlircaa  Centauriuni  129-2 

Chilcnsis  129-2 
Erythroniuin  Aniericanuni  175-3 

Dens-Canis  175-3 

Indicuvi  175-3 

Erythrophlauni  Guinense  46-2 

Eschalotte  175-3 

Esopon  glaucuin  94 

Euchresta  Horsejieldii  46-4 

Euonymin  42-3 

Enonymus  atropurpureus 

4-  .   . 
Carolinicnsis  42 

Enropccus  42-2 

latifolius  42 

:  Eupatorine  79-3 

Eupaioriuni  aroniaticuni  78-2 

ayapana  78-2 

cannabinuni  78-2 

connatuin  79 

faviiculaccuui  78-2 

glutinosunt  78-2 

hyssopifoliuni  78-2 

incarnatmn  78-2 

Icncolcpsis  78-2 


EUP 


INDEX. 


GAY 


Eu[iatonttin  viaciilatiDn  78 

iiiTVosinii  7S-2 
Eupatorium  perfoliatum  79 
Eupatorium  purpureum  78 

rotundifoliiiDi  78-2 

salviicfoliuin  jg 

scssilifolium  78-2 

tcrnifolium  78 

tcucrifolium  78-2 

irifoliatum  78 

vcrticillatuni  78 

/  'ire^inicinit?!!  79 
Euphorbia  aiiiygda/oides  147-2 

Canarknsis  147-3 

EUPHORBIACE/E    1 47 

Euphorbia  corollata  148 

Cyparissias  147-2 
f.y///rt  147-3 
falcata  147-3 
Gcrardiana  147-3 
luptagoiia  147-3 
Euphorbia  hypericifoha 

'■+'■" 
Euphorbia  IpecacuannsB 

149 

Euphorbia  Lathy ris  150 

ligularia  147-3 

linearis  147-3 

ncrcifolia  147-3 

/r///j  147-3 

Pcplus  147-2 

rcsinifcra  1 47-2 

thymifolia  147-3 

Tirucalli  147-3 

tribal  aides  147-3 
Euphorbium  147-2 
Euphorbon  149-2 
Euphragia  alba   1 1 5 
Euphrasia  115 

Candida  1 1  5 

officinalis  1 1 5 
Euphrasy  1 1 5 
Eupurpurin  78-5 
Eustachya  alba  1 1 4 
Evening  primrose  60 
Everlasting  89 
Eve's  Cups  19 
Evodia  fcbrifuga  33-2 
Exnecaria  Ayllocha  147-3 
Exciter  of  Desire  154-2 
Exogoniuni  Piirga  123 
Eyebright  99,  115 

spotted  147 

IF 

Fagopyrum  142 

csculcntuin  142 
Fagus  fcrruginca  158-2 
Faham  leaves  49-2 


False  Flax  1 1 1 
Grape  40 
Hellebore  176 
Indigo  52 
Ipecac  74 
Jasmine  130 
Pareira  Brava  14-2 
Unicorn  177 
Unicorn  Root  172 
Valerian  91 
Wild  Yam  Root  1 74-3 
Female  Dogwood  73 

Regulator  91 
Fennel  62-2 
Fenugreek  46-2 
Ferula  alliaeea  62-3 
Asafa-tida  62-3 
Galbaniflua  62-3 
glauca  62-2 
rubricaulis  62-3 
Scordosma  62-3 
Sunibul  62-2 
iingitana  62-3 
Fetid  Buckeye  44 
Hellebore  169 
Fever  Bush  106,  145 

root  74 
Feverwort  74,  79 
Ficus  carica  1 5  2-2 
dceinona  152-2 
clastica  152-2 
clliptica  152-2 
Indica  152-2 
prinoidcs  152-2 
raccmosa  152-2 
radula  152-2 
septic  a  152-2 
sycaviorus  152-2 
toxicaria  152-2 
Field  Pansy  27 

Strawberry  55 
Fig  152-2 

-wort  1 1 2 
Filbert  1 5 8-2 
Fire  Pink  31-2 

-weed  90,  91,  96 
F"it-root  105 
Five-finger  70 
-leaves  40 
Flag  Lily  173 
Flannel  Plant  1 10 
Flcabane  78-4,  80 
Floripondio  125-2 
Flower-de-luce  173 
Flower  Fence  46-4 
Flowering  Ash  136-2 
Dogwood  71 
Spurge  148 
Fly  Catcher  19 


Fly-trap  132 

Woodbine  741-12 
Fccniculuin  officinale  62-2 
Fool's  Parsley  65 
Foxglo\e  1 10-2 
Fragaria  55 
vesca  55 
Fragrant  Everlasting  89 

Sumach  39 
Fraxetin  137-3 
Fraxin  137-2 
Fraxinin  137-2 
Fraxinus  137 

acuminata  137 

alba  137 

Americana  137 

Canadensis  137 

Chine  nsis  160- 3 

discolor  137 

epiptera  137 

excelsior  136-2 

juglandifolia  137 

ornus  136-2 

rotundifolia  1 36-2 
Frazera  Caroliniensis   129-2 
French  Berry  41-2 
Fringe  Tree  136 
Frit  ill  aria  iniperialis  175-3 
Frost  Plant  28 

weed  28 

wort  28 
Fructus  Ptychotis  62-2 
Fruta  de  Pavao  43-2 
Fustic  152-2 

G- 

Galactodendron  utile  160-3 
Galatheniujit  clongatuvi  96 
Galbanum  62-3 
Galipot  163-2 
Gallinvi  aparine  76-2 

trifloruni  49-2 
Gall-of-the-Earth  94 
Galipea  Cusparea  33-2 
Gambier  76-2 
Ganja  154-2 
Garden  Chamomile  84 

Hemlock  65 

Nightshade  125 

Patience  143 
Gardigavapoo  1 38-2 
Garget  139 
Garlic  175-3 
Gaultheria  102 
Gaultheria  hunnlis  102 

procuinbcns  102 
Gaultherilene  102-3 
Gautiera  re  pens  102 
Gaylussacia  frondosa  100-2 


52 


GAY 


Gaylussacia  rcsinosa  100-2 
Gelsemia  130-3 
Gelsemina  130-3 
Gelsemine  130-3 
Gelseminia  130-3 
Gelsemium  130 

liicidmn  130 

sctitpc)~i'irciis  1 30 

sen  Jasmiiium  1 30 
General  Marion's  Weed  133 
Genista  46 

tinctoria  46 

scoparius  46-2 
Gcntiana  amarella  129-2 

canipcstris  1 29-2 

Catcsbcei  129-2 
Gentianace.'E  129 
Gcntiana  criiciata  1 29-2 

lutca  129-2 

pannonica  129-2 

punctata  129-2 

purpurea  129-2 
Geoffroya  incrniis  15-2 

vcnnifiiga  46-2 
Geraniace/E  32 
Geranium  maculatum  32 
Germander  1 16-2 
German  Pellitory  78-4 
Geum  rivale  54 

iirlmnuni  54-2 
Giant  Fennel  62-2 
Ginseng  70 
Ginseng  Cliinensibus  70 

quinquefoliuni  70 
Gipsy-weed  1 1 7 

wort  1 17 
Githagin  31-2 
Globe  flower  76 
Gloriosa  supcrba  175-3 
Glycyrrliiza  glabra  46-2 
Gnaphalium  89 

conoideunt  89 

obtusifoliuni  89 

plantagiiufolinni  89-2 

polyccpltalum  89 
Gnidia  daplinoides  146-2 
Goat  Pepper  125-2 
God's  Wonder  Plant  30 
Gold  Cups  5 
Golden  Alexanders  66 

Meadow  Parsnip  66 

Ragwort  91 

Seal  9 

Senecio  91 
Gonolobiis  Cundiirango  135-2 
Goodyera  pnbcsccns  170-2 
Goslin  weed  i 
Grass  of  Fakirs  154-2 


INDEX. 

G ratio/a  officinalis  1 10-2 
Gravel  plant  loi 

root  78,  1 19 

weed  loi 
Gray  bark  76-2 
Great  Angelica  64 

Blue  Lobelia  98 

Lobelia  98 

Scouring  Rush  179 
Green  Dragon  168 

Hellebore  8 

Osier  72 

wood  46 
Grindelia  78-4 

squares  a  78-4 
Ground  Pine  180-2 
Grouse  Berry  102 
Ground  Holly  102,  104 

Laurel  10 1 

Lily  175 

Nut  46-5 

Nut,  Sioux  46-5 

Raspberry  9 
Groundsel  91 
Guaco  138-2 
Guao  36-2 
Guarana  43-2 
Guatteria  virgata  1 3-2 
Guaza  154-2 
Guilandica  dioica  53 
Guinea  Pepper  125-2 
Gulancha  14-2 
Gum  Ammoniacum  6-23 

Animi  46-4 

Arabic  in  general  46-4 

Australian  46-4 

brown  Barbary  46-4 

Cape  46-4 

East  India  46-4 

Hemlock  164-2 

Kordofan  46-4 

Lac  152-2 

Mastich  36-2 
Gummi  Ohrenburgense  163- 
Gum,  Morocco  46-4 

red  46-4 

Sassa  46-4 

Senegal  46-4 

Sennaar  46-4 

Suakin  46-4 

Talha  46-4 
Gunjah  154-2 
Gunncra  niacrocephala  69-2 

scabra  69-2 
Gymnocladus  53 

Canadensis  53 
GypsopJiyla  stnitliiiun  3 1  -2 
Gj'quirioba  125-2 


HEL 

Habcelia  yEthioptica  13-2 

aroniatica  13-2 
Hackberry  Tree  152 
Hackmatack  165 
Hisniatoxylon  Catnpcchianuni 
46-2 

H.EMODORACE.E    I7I 

Hamamelis  58 

corylifolia  58 

dioica  58 

niacrophylla  58 

Virginica  58 
Hardback  1 19 
Haricot  51 

Harpalyee  Serpcntaria  94 
Hartshorn  Plant  i 
Hashascin  154-4 
Hashash  154-2 
Hashisch  154-2 
Hashish  154-2 
Hazel  nut  158-2 
Heal-all  1 12,  119 
Heart's-ease  27 
Hedeoma  nS 

pulcgioides  1 1 8 
Hedera  Helix  69 

quinqucfolia  40 

terebinthacca  69-2 

uiiUndlifera  69-2 
Hedge  Hyssop  110-2 
Hcdypnois  taraxacum  95 
Hedysarnni  ildcfonsianuni  46-2 

lagoceplialuni  46-2 
Helleborus  niger  1-2 
Helenin  81-2 
Helecin  161-3 

Helianthemum  Canadense 
28 

corynibosum  28 

raniuliforuvi  28 

rosniarinifoliuin  28 
Helianthus  83 

annuus  83 

tuberosum  78-5 
Helleborein  8-2 
Helleboresin  8-2 
Helleboretin  8-2 
Helleborin  8-2 
Helleborus  alb  us  125-2 

Datura  125-2 
Helleborus  viridis  8 
Helonias  177 

dioica  177 

erythrosperma  175-2 
figida  175-2 

hdea  \JJ 

officinalis  175-2 


HEL 


INDEX. 


IPE 


Hdonias  puinila  177 

viridis  176 
Hemidcsmus  Indicus   135-3 
Hemlock  164 

Dropwort  62-2 

Fir  164 

Gum  164-2 

Pitch    164-2 

Spruce  164 
Hemp  154 

African  175-3 

American  133 

American-Indian  133 

Canadian  133 

Indian  154 

New  Zealand  175-3 
Henbane  126 

Hepar  sulphuris  calcarea  60-2 
Hepatica  2 

Americana  2 

triloba  2 

triloba,  var.  Americana  2 

triloba,  var.  obtiisa   2 
Hcraclcnm  Sphomlylium  62-2 
Herb-Bennet  68 

Trinity  2 
Hcriticra  Gmclini  1 7 1 
Hcrnandia  Giiiancnsis  146-2 

sonora  146-2 
Hcrpestcs  Monniera  1 10-2 
Hctcrameris  Canadensis  28 

Michauxii  28 
Heth  100 
Hickory  157 
High  Angelica  64 

-belia  97 

Cranberry  74-2 

taper  1 10 

Veronica  1 14 
Hill  berry  102 

Himeranthus  uncinatus  125-2 
Hini  1 14 

Hippohroma  longifolia  97-2 
Hippomanes  Manzinclla  147-2 
Hog  Apple  17 
Hogbean  126 
Hog's  Bed  180 
Hog- weed  82 
Holigarna  longifolia  36-3 
Holly  106-2 

Rose  28 
Holmes-weed  112 
Honey  Bloom  132 
Honduras  Sarsaparilla  1 75-4 
Hood-wort  120 
Hop  155 
Hopeine  155-4 
Hop-hornbeam  159 
Hop  Tree  34 


Horehound  1 16-2 
Horse  Balm  1 19 

Chestnut  43 
Horsefly-weed  52 
Horse  Gentian  74 

Ginseng  74 

Mint  116-2 

radish  23-2 

Sorrel  144 

weed  80,  119 
Hottentot's  Bread  174-2 
Houseleek  57 
Ho'i'ca  Giiianensis  147-3 
Ho'i'enia  diilcis  41-2 
Huckleberry  100-2 
Humulin  155-2 
Himiulns  Americanus  1 5  5 

Lupuliis  1 5  5 
Hungarian  Balsam  163-2 
Huntsman's  Cup  19 
Hnra  Braciliensis  147-2 

crepitans  147-3 
Hydrastia  9-2 
Hydrastis  9 

Canadensis  9 
Hydrochinone  100-5 
Hydrocotyle  Asiatica  62-2 
Hydrokinone  100-5 

HVDROPHYLLACE.E    122 

Hydrophyllum  122 

I'irginicum  122 
Hydroquinone  100-3 
Hymenece  Courbane  46-4 
Hyoscine  126-3 
Hyoscyamia  126-3 
Hyoscyamine  126-3 
Hyoscyamus  126 

agrostis  126 

flavus  126 

lethalis  126 

inger  126 

pallidus  126 

Periivianiis  128 

vulgaris  126 
Hypericum  30 

connatum  30 

lanceolatum  30 

laxiusculum  30 

perforatum  30 

pscudopeiforatuin  30 

vulgare  30 
Hyssop  1 16-2 
I/yssopus  officinalis  1 16-2 


Ibcris  amara  23-2 
Ibota  wax  160-3 
Ice  Plant  105 
Ictodes  Fa'tidus  169 


Ignatia  130 
Ihapecanga  175-4 
Ilex  aquifolium  106-2 

Cassene  106-2 

Dahoon  106-2 

niaeoucoua  106-2 

opaca  106-2 

vcrtieillata  106 
Illicium  anisatum  12-2 

floridanum  12-2 
Impcratoria  lucida  €'4 

ostruthium  62-2 
Increaser  of  Pleasure  154-2 
Indian  Apple  17 

Arrow-root  42 

Balm  175 

Bark  12 

Bean  109 

Chocolate  54-2 

Cucumber  175-2 

Datura  125-2 

Dye  9 

Fig  61 

Ginger  138-2 
India  Hemp  154 
Indian  Paint  22 

Physic  148 

Pink  131 

Pipe   105 

Plantain  107 

Poke  176 

Posey  89 
India  Rubber  152-2 

Rubber  Tree   152-2 
Indian  Sage  79 

Shamrock  175 

Tobacco  99 

Turmeric  9 

Turnip  167 

Uncus  176 

Yam  174-2 
Indigofera  anil  46-2 

argcntea  46-2 

tinctoria  46-2 
Indigo  in  general  46-2 

weed  52 
Inocarpus  cdulis  146-2 
Inosite  51-2,95-3 
Inula  81 

Helenium  81 
Inulin  81-2 
Inuloid  8x-2 
Inulol  81-2 
lonidum  Ipecacuanha  27-2 

Itubu  27-2 

mierophyllum  27-2 

parviflorum  27-2 

Poaya  27-2 
Ipecacuanha  76-2 


54 


IPE 


Ipecacuanha  Spurge  149 
Ipecac  (wild)  148 
Ipomma  Bona-iiox  123-2 

Nil  123-2 

tiibcrosa  123-2 

Turpctliuin  123-2 
Iridace.e  173 
Iridin  173-2 

Iris  Americana  versicolor  173 
Irisin  173-2 
Iris  versicolor  173 
Iron  wood  159 
Isatis  tinctoria    46-2,  46-6 
Isolusin  45-4 
Itch-weed  176 
Iva  monopliylla  82 
Ivy  69 
Ivy,  American  40 


Jaborandi  33-2 
Jacea  27 

tricolor  27 
Jack  Fruit  152-2 
Jack-in-the-pulpit  167 
Jalap  139 
Jamaica  Bitterwood  13-2 

Bread  nuts  152-2 

Dogwood  46-2 

Lancewood  13-2 

Nutmeg  13-2 

Sarsaparilla  175-3 

Sweetwood  145-2 
Jamaicin  15-2  • 

Jamestown-weed  127 
Japanese  Yam  174-2 
Japan  Wax  160-3 
Japicanga  175-4 
lasmimtm  officinale  136 
Jatahy  46-4 

Jateorhiza  Coliiniba  14-2 
Jatropha  Ciircas  1 47-2 

glandulifera  1 47-3 

glauca  147-3 

vianihot  147-2 

vudtifida  1 47-3 

urens  XA/j-z 
Javanese  China-root  175-4 
Jersey  Tea  102 
Jerusalem  Artichoke  78-5 

Cherry    125-2 

Oak  140-2 
Jervia  176-3 
Jew-bush  147-3 
Jimson-weed  127 
Jin-chen  70 
Joe-Pye-weed  78 
Johannisbrod  46-5 


INDEX. 

Jointed  Charlock  26 
Jopi-weed  78 

JUGLANDACE/E    I  56-2 

Juglandin  156-3 
Jiiglans  alba  157 

cat  liar  tie  a  156 
Juglans  cinerea  156 

eouipressa  157 

nigra  156-2 

oblonga  156 

regia  156-2 

squamosa  157 
Jujube  paste  41-2 
Juquerioba  125-2 
Juniper  166 

Tar  163-2 
Juniperus  bccidentalis  16  3-2 

oxyce  dries  163-2 

Sabina  163-2 

Sabina,  Hook.  166 
Juniperus  Virginiana  t66 
Juripeba   125-2 

Kale,  Sea  23-2 
Kalmia  103 

angitstifolia  IO3-3 

latifolia  103 
Kamass  Root  175-3 
Kamela  247-2 
Karaka  36-2 
Kentucky  Coffee-tree  53 

Mahogany  53 
Kidney  Bean  5  i 

-wort  2 
King's  Cups  5 
Kinikah  36-3 
Kinnikinnik  yi 
Kino,  African  46-3 

Bengal  46-2 

Malabar  46-3 
Kinone  100-4 
Kiskytom  157 
Knob  Grass  14 1-2 
Knot  Root  1 19 
Kopi-tree  36-2 
Kouse  Root  62-4 
Kousso  54-2 
Koya  Wax  160-3 
Krameria  argentea  45-2 

cistoidca  45-2 

Ixina  45-2 

lanceolata  45-2 

seeiindiflora  45-2 

triandra  45-2 

L 

Labiate/e  1 1 6 
Labrador  Tea  100-2 


LEG 

Laburnum  46-2 

Indian  46-3 
Lachnanthis  171 

tinctoria  \  7  i 
Lactuca  96 

L  aiiadensis  96 

L  aroliniana  96 

elongata  96 

clongata,  var.  loiigifolia  96 

longifolia  96 
Lactucarium  96-2 
Lactuca  saliva  78-5 
Lactucerin  96-2 
Lactucin  96-2 
Lactucon  96-2 
Lactucopicrin  96-2 
Ladanum  28-2 
Lady's  Slipper  170 
Lagetta  lintearia  146-2 
Lamb-kill  103 
Lamb's  Quarter  140-2,  175 
Lamium  121 

album  1 2  I 
Lancifolia  bark  76-2 
Lapathin  144-2 
Lapathum  144 

ae  It  turn  144 

Lappa  92 

major  92 

officinalis  92 

officinalis,  var.  major  92 
Lappine  92-2 
Large-flowering  Spurge  148 

Spotted  Spurge  147 
Larix  Europcea  163-2 

Sibirico  163-2 
Lascrpitium  latifolium  62-2 
Lathyrusa  pliaco  46-5 

Ciccra  /ijci-^ 

sativus  46-4 
Laughter  Mover  154-2 
Laurace^  145 
Laurel  Magnolia  12 
Laurus  Benzoin  145 

campliorifera  145 

Cinnamomiim  145 

nobilis  145-2 

pscudo-Boizoin  1 45 

Sassafras  145-2 
Lavender  1 16-2 
Lavendula  vera  1 16-2 
Leaf  of  Delusion  154-2 
Leatherwood  146 
Leclica  major  82 
Ledum  latifolium  100-2 

palustre  100-2 
Lee-chee  43-2 
Leek  175-3 
Legumin  51-2 


LEG 


INDEX. 


MAY 


55 


Leguminos.e  46 
Lens  esculent  a  46-5 
Lentil  46-5 
Lentisk  36-2 
Lconticc  thalictroidcs  16 
Lcontodon  deiis-lconis  95 
Leontodonium  95-3 
Lcontodon  officinalis  95 

taraxacum  95 

vulgar c  95 
LcontopctaloH  thalictroidcs  1 6 
Leonurus  Cardiaca  1 16-3 
Lcpidiuni  Bonaricnse  23-2 

olcraccinn  23-2 

sativum  23-2 
Leptandra  ti4 

/  'irginica  1 1 4 
Leptandrin  1 14-2 
Leptandrine   114-2 
Lesser  Hemlock  65 
Lettuce  96 
Leucosinapis  alba  23 
Lever-wood  159 
Levulin  95-3 

Levulose  (anhydride  of)  81-2 
Liatris  odoratissima  78-4 

squarrosa  78-4 
Life  Everlasting  89 

-of-man  69 

-root  91 
Lignaloes  46-4 
Ligusticum  Icvisticum  62-3 
Lignstruvi  vulgare  136-2 
L1LIACE.1;  175-2 
Liliunt  Carolinianum  178 
Lilium  supurbum  178 
Lily  of  the  Valley  175-3 
Limes  33-2 
Limnanthcnmm  Indica  129-2 

nymphoidcs  1 29-2 

pcltata  129-2 
Linaria  m 

vulgaris  1 1 1 
Lindera  Benzoin  145 
Lingustrum  Ibota  160-3 
Lion's  Foot  94 
Liquorice  46-2 

Indian  46-6 
Liriodendron  Tulipifera  12-2 
Lisianthus  amplissimus  129-2 

grandiflorus  129-2 

pendulus  1 29-2 

purpurasccns  129-2 

scmpervircns  1 30 
Liver-leaf  2 

Lily  173 

wort  2 
Lobadiuin  aromaticum  39 
Lobelia  (blue)  98 
Lobelia  cardinalis  97 


LOBELIACE.K  97 

Lobelia  coccinca  97 

carulca  98 
Lobelacrin  99-3 
Lobelia  glandulosa  98 

great  98 
Lobelia  inflata  99 
Lobelianin  99-3 
Lobelia  reflexa  98 
Lobelia  syphilitica  98 
Lobeliate  of  Lobelina  99-3 
Lobelina  99-3 
Logwood  46-2 
Loiselcuria  procuinbens  100-2 
Lombardy  Poplar  161-2 
Longan  43-2 
Lonicera  Marilaiidica  1 3 1 

Xylosteum  74-2 
Lopez  Root  33-2 
Lote  41-2 

Berry-tree  152-2 
Lotus  41-2 
Lovage  62-3 
Lupulin  155-2 
Lupulina  i  55-2 
Lupuline  155-3 
Lupulite  I  55-2 
Lupulus  155 
Lus-a-chrasis  71-2 
Lutidine  128-4 
Lychnis  Githago  31 
Lycium  umbrosum  1 25-3 
Lycopcrsicum  esculcntum  125-2 
LvcoPODiACE.E  180 
Lycopodine  180-3 
Lycopodium  iSo 

catharticHui  1 80-2 

ccrnuuni  180-2 

clavatum  180 

complanatum  180-3 

liygrcnnctricum  1 80-2 

integrifolium  180 

phlegmaria  180-2 

Sclago  180-2 

tristachyum  180 
Lycopus  117 

uiaerophyllus  1 1 7 

pumilus  1 1 7 

uniflorus  1 1 7 

Virginicus  1 1 7 

Virginicus,  var.  macrophyl- 
lus  1 1 7 

Virginicus,  var.  paueijlorus 
117 
Lysiphe  Ih-rbendcs  15-2 

im: 

Macrotliyrsus  discolor  44 
Macrotin  1 1-2 


Macrotys  actceoidcs  1 1 

racemosa  1 1 

serpentaria  1  1 
Mad  Apple  127 
Madeira  Nut  156-2 
Madder  76-2 
Mad-Dog  Skull  Cap  120 

weed  120 
Mad  weed  1 20 
Magnesium  aconitate  179-3 

MaONOLIACE-E    12 

Magnolia  fiagrans  12 

Magnolia  glauca  12 

grandiflora  1 2-3 

longifolia  12 

umbrella  12-3 
J  irginica,  a  glauca  1 2 
Magnolin  12-3 
Mallotiis  philippensis  147-2 
Mandrake  17,  125-2 
Mangifera  Lidica  36-3 
Manglieta  glauca  1 2-2 
Mango  36-3 
Manna  136-2 

Biblical  46-5 

of  Briancon  163-2 

Calabrian  136-2 

Egyptian  46-5 
Mannas  in  general  136-2 
Mannitan  137-3 
Mannite  137-2 
Man's  Health  70 
Manzanillo  147-2 
Maple  Vine  14 
Marcory  1 5  1 
Mare  Blebs  7 

Blobs  7 
Marjoram  1 16-2 
Marking  Nut  36-2 
iMarsdcnia  crccta  135-3 
Marsh  Clover  129 

Crowfoot  3 

Epilobium  59 

Marigold  7 

Parsley  62-3 

Tea  100-2 

Trefoil  129 
Marubium  vulgare  1 1 6-2 
Maruta  cotula  78-4 
Maryland  Pink  Root  131 
Mastervvort  62-2,  64 
Mastic  Tree  36-2 
Mata  78-2 
Mataperro  135-2 
Mali  106 
Matico  78-2 

Matricaria  Chamomilla  78-4 
Matrimony  Vine  125-3 
May  Apple  17 

Flower  101 


56  MAY 

May  Flower  (prairie)  i 
Maytensillo  27-2 
Martc?n(s  Chili'iisis  42-2 
Mayweed  78-4 
Meadow  Bloom  6 

Bouts  7 

Cabbage  169 

Garlic  175-3 

Lily  178 

Parsnip  66 

Poke  176 

Saffron  175-3 
Med  cola  Virgiiiica  1 75-2 
Mcdicago  lupulina  46-5 
Melanthace.e  175-2 
Mclantliium  dcnsiiiit  177 

dioicuiii  xyy 

viusccetoxicuin  175-2 

Virginicu  m  175-2 
Mclicocca  hijugis  43-2 
Melilot  49 
Melilotus  49 

alba  49 

Icucantha  49 

officinalis  49 

officinalis,  var.  alba  49 
Melissa  officinalis  1 1 6-2 

pulcgioidcs  1 1 8 
Memory  Root  167 
Menispermace.e  14 
Menispermine  14-3 
Menispermum  14 

aiignlatiiut  14 

Canadcnsc  14 

siuiilacinuui  14 
Menispine  14-3 
Mentha  kircina  1 1 6 

Javanica  1 1 6-4 

officinalis  1 1 6 

palustris  1 1 6 
Mentha  piperita  116 

piperita,  var.  officinalis 

pitlcgiuni  1 1 6-2 

viridi-aquatica  116 

viridis  1 16-2 
Menthene  1 16-4 
Menthol  116-4 
Menyanthes  129 

trifoliata  129 

verna  129 
Menyanthol  1 29-3 
Menyanthin  81-2,  129-3 
Mercurialis  percnnis  147-2 
Mercury  38 
Mesquite  46-5 
Methylconine  68-4 
Methyl-salicylate  102-3 
Mexican  Poppy  20 

Tea  140-2 


INDEX. 

Mezereon  146 

American  146 
Micros plieria  Berheridis  i  5  -: 
Mikania  Guaco  78-4 

officinalis  78-4 

op  if  era  78-4 
Milavvapamule  73 
Milfoil  85 
Milk  Parsley  147 

Purslane  147 
Milkweed  132 

common  134 

wandering  148 
Milkwort  45 
Millefolium  85 
Mimosa  fragifolia  46-4 

liuinilis  46-2 

Unguis  46-4 
Mitchella  77 

repens  yj 

undnlata  yy 
Moccasin  flower  170 
Mocker  Nut  156-2 
Mock  Pennyroyal  118 
Monarda  punctata   1 1 6-2 
Monesin  43-4 
Moiietia  Barleroidcs  106-2 
Moninin  43-4 
Monk's  Rhubarb  144-2 
Monninia  petrocarpa  45-2 

polystachya  45-2 

salicifolia  45-2 
Monodora  myristica  1 3-2 
Monotropa  105 

Morisoni  105 

Morrisoniana  105 

uniflora  105 
Moonseed  14 
Moor  Grass  29 
Moosewood   146 
Morning  Glory  123-2 
116  Morocco  Sandarach  163-2 
Morphia  20-2 
Morns  alba  152-2 

nigra  1 5  2-2 

rnbra  152-2 

tine  tori  a  152-3 
Moschatel  74-2 
Moss  Beauty  101 
Motherwort  1 16-3 
Mountain  Ash  56 

Box  100 

Flax  45 

Laurel  103 

Pink  loi 

Tea  102 
Moxa  87 
Mucilage  107-2 
Muciina  pruriens  46-2 


NIC 

Mugwort  87 

Mulberries  152-2 

Mullein  1 10 

Musanga  eccropioides  \  5  2-2 

Muscus  clavatus  180 

terrestris  180-2 
Musquash  Root  67 
Mustard,  Chinese  23-2 

white  23 

yellow   23 
Myginda  Uragoga  106-2 
Myrica  160 
Myricace/e  160 
Myrica  cerifera  1 60 

cordifolia  160-2 

Gale  160-2 

sapida  160-2 

Wax  160-2 
Myristica  fragrans  160-4 
Myrosin  23-3 

Nabalus  94 

allnis,  var.  Scrpcntarius  94 

Frazeri  94 

glaucus  94 

trilobatus  94 

Serpentarius  94 
Narrow  Dock  143 

leaved  Willow  Herb  59 
Narthex  Asafwtida  62-2 
Nasturtium  officinale  23-2 
Ncctandra  cinnamomoidcs  145-2 

cymbarum  145^2 

pjichury-minor  145-2 

Rodici  145-2 
Nepenthes  125-2 
Nepeta  Cat  aria  116-2 
NepJielium  Litcld  43-2 

Longan  43-2 
Ncrium  Oleander  \t,t,-2 

tine  tor  nut  46-2 
Nerve-root  170 
Nest  Plant  105 
Nettle  Tree  152 
New  England  Boxwood  71 
New  Jersey  Tea  41-2 
New  Zealand  Hemp  175-3 
Nicotia  128-3 
Nicotiana  atteniiata  128-2 

Biglovii  128-2 

Chine  nsis  128-2 

Clevelandi  128-2 

Fructicosa  128-2 

lancifolia  128-2 

inacrophylla  128 

nana  128-2 

Falincri  128-2 

Persica  128-2 


NIC 

Nicotiuiia  pctiolnta  128-2 

pluvibagiiiifolia  1 28-2 

qiuidrk  'all  'is  128-2 

quadrivalvis,  var.  iniiltival- 
vis  128-2 

rcpanda  128-2 

rustica  128-2 

Tabacum  128 

TabaciDii,    var.    uitdiilala 
128-2 

trigoHopliylla  1 28-2 

YbarcHsis  128-2 
Nicotianin  128-4 
Nicotin  128-3 
Nicotina  1 28-3 
Nicotine  128-3 
Nicotinum.  128-3 
Nicotylia  128-3 
Night-Blooming  Cereus  61-2 
Nightshade  125 

(wood)')  1 24 
Night  Willow-herb  60 
Xiiiia  qitassioidcs  35-2 
Nipple  Nightshade  125-2 
Noah's  Ark  170 
None-so-pretty  89 
Northern  Vine  155 
Nosebleed  85 
Nucin  156-3 
Nutmeg  (Jamaica)  13-2 
Nymphace.k,i8-2 
Nymphaea  i8 

alba  iS 

alba  {Ell)  18-2 

lotus  18-2 

odorata  1 8 
Nymphaeo-phlobaphene 
18--, 


Ocymtiiii  Basilicinn  1 16-2 

cantiin  1 16-2 

crisp  us  1 1 6-3 

sanctum  1 1 6-3 

suave  1 16-3 

viridc  1 16-3 
CEiiaiithc  crocata  62-2 
CEnothera  60 

biennis  60 

gauroidcs  60 

parviflora  60 
CEnotherin  60-2 
Ohio  Buckeye  44 
Oil  Nut  46-5,  156 
Oil  of  Achillea  85-2 

^sculus  43-4 

Argemone  20-3 

Anemone  1-2 

Anthem  is  84-2 


I  N  D  E  X. 

Oil  of  Bergamot  33-2 

Birch  102-2 

Cannabis  154-4 

Cedar  166-2 

Conium  68-4 

Cornus  71-3 

Cumin  67 

I'.rechthites  90 

I'>rigeron  S0-2 

Fraxinus  137-3 

Gaultheria  102-3 

Geum  54-2 

Hedeoma  1 18-2 

Hemlock  164-2 

Hemp  Seed  154-3 

Humulus  155-3 

Hyoscyamus  126-3 

Hypericum  30-3 

Lappa  92-2 

Lobelia  99-3 

Lycopodium  180-3 

Nicotiana  128-5 

Peppermint  1 16-4 

Populus  162-3 

Ranunculus  3-3 

Rhodium  123-2 

Rhus  46-3 

Sambueus  75-2 

Savin  163-2 

Senega  45-4 

Serpentaria!  138-4 

Spruce  160-2 

Stillingia  151-2 

Tansy  86-2 

Thuja  165-3 

Tobacco  1 28-4 

Wormseed  140-3 

Wormwood  88-2 

Xanthoxylum  33-4 
Old  Amy  root  133 

Field  Balsam  89 

Man's  Beard  136 
Oleace/E  r36 
Olca  EuroptEa  1 36 
Oleander  133-2 
Oleoresina  Cypripedii  170-3 
Oleum  Cadinum  163-2 

Tabaci  128-4 

Terebinthinre  163-2 

Olives  136 
Oinphalea  triandria  1 47-3 
Onagra  biennis  60 
Onagrace.e  59 
Onagra  chrysaiitha  60 

vulgaris  60 
Onion    1 75-3 
Ophelia  chirata  1 29-2 
Ophiostachys  Mrginica  177 
Opopanax  62-3 
'  8 


PAR 

Opuntia  61 

Canianchico  6 1  -2 

En  gel  ma  ni  61-2 

liumifnsa  61 

liuniifnsus  61 

intermedia  61 

Italiea  61 

maritima  61 

Oeeidentalis  61-2 

Rajinesquii  61-2 

vulgaris  61 
Orachc  140-2 
Orange  Apocynum  135 

Milkweed  135 

Root  9 

Swallow-wort  135 
Orchidace.e  170 
Orchidocarpum  arietinum  1 3 
Oreodaphne  Californiea  145-2 

cnpularis  145-2 

exalt ata  145-2 

fa'tcns  145-2 

opifera  145-2 
Origanum  Dictamnus  1  16-2 

Alarjorana  1 16-2 

vulgar e  116-2 
Onnenis  nobilis  84 
Ormoearpnm  sennoides  46-3 
Orpine  57 
Ortliosporuni  authelminticujn 

140 
Ostrya  159 

I'irginiea  159 
Ova-ova  105 
O.valis  strict  a  32-2 
Ox  balm  1 19 
Oxyacanthin  15-3 
(Xxycannabin  154-4 
Oxyria  diggnia  141-2 

-^ 

Pacific  Turpentine  163-2 
Picderota  1  'irginiea  1 1 4 
Picoiua  officinalis  1-2 
Pale  Bark  76 
Palm  Wax  160-3 
Palsy-wort  7 
Panacon  70 
Panaquilon  70-2 
Panax  Americanum  70 

quinqnefolium  70 
Pancration  175-3 
Pansy  27 
Papavekace.e  20 
Papaver  Rlueas    20-2 

somnifernm  20-2 
Papaw  13 
Pappoose-root  16 
Paraconine  68-4 


57 


58 


PAR 


Paraguay  Tea  io6 
Pareira  Brava  14-2 
Parictaria  erecta  1 52-3 
diffusa  152-3 
officinalis  152-3 
Parietin  143-2 
Parsley  62-2 
Parsnip  63 

Partridge  Berry  jj,  102 
Parvoline  128-4 
Pasque-flower  i 
Passcrina  tinctoria  146-2 
Pastinaca  63 

Opopanax  62-3 
sativa  63 
PauUinia  austmlis  43-2 
c?irnira  43-2 
cutanea  43-2 
pinnata  43-2 
sorbilis  43-2 
Paul's  Betony  1 17 
Pauson  22 
Pavia  alba  44 
glabra  44 
viacrostachya  44 
pallida  44 
Paviin  43-4 
Pawpaw  13 
Pea  46-5 
Peanut  46-5 
Peca  17 

Pecan  Nut  156-2 
Pectin  27-3 

Pedilanthus  tithymaloidcs  147 
Pellitory  33 

German  78-4 

Spanish  78-4 

Pencil  Cedar  166 

Pennyroyal  i 16-2 

American  1 18 
Pennsylvania  Dogwood  72 
Pennywort  62-2 
Penthorum  57 
sedoidcs  57 
Peppermint  1 16 

Camphor  11 6-4 
Chinese  1 16-4 
Pepperwort  23-2 

New  Zealand  23-2 
Perennial  Worm  Grass  131 
Peri  pi  oca  Grceca  135-3 
Periwinkle  133-2 
Persea  gratissiina  145-2 
Persian  Lilac  136-2 
Peruvian  Barks  76 
Petrosclinitm  sativum  62-2 
Pettymorrei  69 
Peucedanuin  ainbiguum  62-4 
grave  ale  ns  62-3 


INDEX. 

Peucedanuin  officinale  62-3 
Oreoselinuin  62-2 
palustrc  62-3 

Phaseolin  51-2 

Phaseolus  5 1 

radiatus  46-4 

trilobus  46-3 

vulgaris  5  I 
Phcllandriuni  aquaticuui  62- 
Phlcuni  pratense  lifj-i 
Phlobaphine  1 55-3 
Phorimuni  tenax  175-3 
Pliyllanthus  Niruri  14J-2 

urinaria  1 47-2 

7'irosus  147-2 
Phyllyrea  latifolia  136-2 
Physalis  Alkckengi  125-2 

Jlexuosus  125-2 
Physic  Nut  147-2 
Pliysostigma  vencnosuni  46-; 
Phytolacca  139 

Abyssinica  1 39-2 

Americana  139 
Phytolaccace/E  139 
Pliytolacca  dccandra  1 39 

dioica  139-2 

dodccandra  139-2 

icosandra  139-2 

octandra  139-2 

vulgaris  139 
Phytolaccine  1 39-3 
Piccoline  128-4 
Pichurim  Bean  145-2 
3  Pickaway  34 
Pierce na  excelsa  35-2 
Picroglycion  124-2 
Picropodophyllin  17-3 
Pigeon  Berry  139 

Weed  69 
Pilea  muscosa  152-3 
Pilocarpus  pcnnatif alius  33-: 
Pimpernel  108 
Pirn  pine II a  Anisum  62-3 

dissect  a  62-3 

magna  62-3 

Saxifraga  62-2 
Pinckneya  pubcns  76-2 
Pinipicrin  165-3 
Pink  Root  131 
Pinus  Abies  163-2 

Abies  Canadensis  164 

australis  1 63-2 

balsamca  163-2 
Canadensis  164 
Cembra  163-2 

Frazeri  163-2 

Lambertiana  163-2 

Laricio  163-2 

Larix  163-2 


POD 

Pinus  Lcdebourii  163-2 

viaritima  163-2 

nigra  163 
palustris  1 63-2 

/■/cTcr  163-2 
pinaster  163-2 

pinea  163-2 

Puuiilio  163-2 

77//;/-rt  163 

sylvestris  163-2 

Tf^rfrt'  163-2 
Pipe  Plant  105 
Piper  Aethiopticum  13-2 
Pipmenthol  1 16-4 
Pipsissewa  104 
Piqucria  trincn'ia  78-4 
Pirus  56 

acuparia  56 

Americana  56 
Piscidia  crythrina  46-2 
Pissabed  95 
Pistachio  nuts  36-2 
Pistacia  Atlantica  36-2 

Lentiscus  36-2 

oleosa  36-2 

terebintJius  36-2 

7r;-«  36-2 
Pisum  sativum  46-5 
Pitcher  Plant  19 
Pitches  163-2 
Pituri  125-2 
Pix  Arida  163-2 

Burgundica  163-2 

Canadensis  164-2 

Liquida  163-2 

Nigra  163-2 
Plantaginace.e  107 
Plantago  107 

arenaria  107-2 

Cynops  107-2 

decumbens  107 

Ispliagula  107 

lanceolata  107 

major  107 

Psyllium  107-2 

vulgaris  107 
Plantain  107 
Plantula  AlarUandica  45 
Plectranthus  fruticosus  1 16-2 
Pleurisy-root  135 
Poaya  da  Praja  27-2 

da  Campo  27-2 
Pecan  139 

Podalyria  tinctoria  52 
Podophyllin  17-3 
Podophylloquercetin  17-3 
Podophyllotoxin  I  7-3 
Podophyllum  17 

hcxandrum  \  7-2 


POD 

Podopliylluui  pcltatuin  \~ 
rodosciadiioit  Ca/iforiiicinn  62-4 
Poinciana  pulcltcrriina  46-4 
Poison  Ash  'if'j ,  136 

Dogwood  37 

Elder  y 

Hemlock  68 

Ivy  38 

Oak  38 

Sumach  37 

Tobacco  126 

Tree  ^j 

Vine  1% 

Wood  37 
Poke  Root  1 39 

Weed  139 
Pole  Bean  5  i 
Polecat  weed  169 
Poly  gala  ainara  45-2 

POLVGALACE.K  45 

Poly  gala  chaiiicvbuxus  45-2 

crotalario'dcs  45-2 

Poaya  45-2 

rubella  45-2 

sanguine  a  45-2 

5r//f^rt  45 

venenosa  45-2 

]'irginiana  45 

z'ulgaris  45-2 
Polygalin  45-4 

POLYGONACE.E    I4I 

Polygonum  14J 

,\/<7V    141 

ainphibiuin  141 -2 

arieulare  141 -2 

barbatum  141-2 

Bistorta  141 -2 

Fagopyruui  1 42 

Itydropiper,  Linn.  141-2 

hydropiperoides,  Pursh  141 

punetatuin  14I 

tine  tori  urn  46-2 
Poinbalia  Itubu  27-2 
Pomme-de-Terre  46-5 
Pond-Dogwood  76 

Lily  (white)  18 
Poor  Man's  Weatherglass  108 
Poplar  162 
Pople  162 
Pop-pea  46-5 
Poppy  20-2 

red  20-2 
Populin  162-2 
Populus  162 

balsainifera  161-2 

dUatata  161 -2 

«/§•;-«  16 1 -2 

trcinuloidcs  162 
Porcelia  trUoba  13 


INDEX. 

Porphyroxin  22-2 
Potassium  Chloride  S8-2 

nitrate  60-2,  1 26-4 
Potato  124-2,  125-2 
Pothos  169 

Fa-tida  169 
Prairie  P'lower  i 

potato  46-5 
Prangos  fabularia  62-3 
Prayer  bead  46-6 
Prcnantlies  alba,  var.  Serpcnta- 
ria  94 

glauca  94 

Scrpcntaria  94 
Prickly  Ash  33 

Pear  6i 

Poppy  20 

Yam  174-2 
Pride-weed  80 
Primrose,  evening  60 

Tree  60 
Primulaec.e  108 
Primula  offieinalis  108 
Prince's  Pine  104 
Prinos  106 

coufcrtus  io5 

Gronovii  106 

verticillatus  106 
Privet  136-2 
Prosopsis  juliflora  46-5 
Prunus  laurocerasiis  54-2 

Persic  a  54-2 

Virginia na  54-2 
Ps  or  ale  a  corylifolia  46-3 

esculent  a  46-5 
Pscudacacia  odorata  5,0 
Pseudo-Jervia  176-3 
Ptelea  34 

trifoliaila  34 

viticifolia  -^^s, 
Pterocarpus  Draco  46-3 

a'ianceiis  46-3 

marsupiuin  46-3 

santalinus  46-6 
Puccina  22-2 
Puccoon  22 
Pueraria  tubcrosa  46-3 
Puff  Ball  95 
Puka-puka  78-4 
Puke-weed  99 
Pu  lie  aria  dysenteric  a  78-4 
Pulsatilla  Nuttalliana  i 

patens  I 

patens, var. W'ol/gangiaua  1 
Puppet  Root  176 
Purging  Buckthorn  41 
Purple  Avens  54 

Boneset  78 

Hemp-weed  y?> 


RED 

Purple  Thoroughwort  78 

Trillium  175 

Willow  161 
Pyrethruni  Parnethiuui  78-4 
Pyridine  128-4 
Pyrocatechin  40-2 
Pyrola  Fructicans  104 

unibellata  104 
Pyroleum  Oxycedri  163-2 
Pyrus  56 
Pyrus,  see  Fir  us  56 

Q, 

Quassia  Bark  35 

Cups  35-2 

Jamaica  35-2 
Queen  of  the  Meadow  78 
Queen's  Delight  151 

Root  151 
Quercitrin  43-4 
Quillagin  43-4 
Quinhydrone  100-5 
Quintel  1 14 

Raccoon  Berry  17 
Radish  26 
Rag-weed  82 
Ramus  noxiellus  124 
Ransted  1 1 1 
Ranunculace.i-:  i 
Ranunculus  acris  6 
Ranunculus  bulbosus  5 

Clintonii  4 

intermedins  4 

lanuginosus,  var.  y.  4 

prat,  erect,  acris  6 

prostratus  4 
Ranunculus  repens  4 
Ranunculus  sceleratus  3 

toinentosus  4 
Rape  Seed  23-2 
Raphanus  26 

Rapliauistrum  26 
Rapuntium  inflatum  99 
Ratanhia,  brown  45-2 

Para  45-2 

red  45-2 

Peruvian  45-2 

violet  45-2 
Rattle-bush  52 

root  1 1 
Rattlesnake  Master  62 

root  II,  94,  175 
Rattle-weed  1 1 
Rebenta  Cavallos  97-2 
Red  Bark  76 

Red-berried  Trailing  Arbutu.- 
100 


59 


6o 


RED 


INDEX. 


SAN 


Red  Berry  70,  100,  102 

Cedar  166 

Chickweed  108 

Clover  47 

Lobelia  97 

Mustard  24 

Osier  Dogwood  71-2 

Pimpernel  108 

Puccoon  22 

River  Snake-root  138-2 

Root  22,  29,  171 

Saunders  46-6 

Willow  161 
Resina  Draconis  46-3 
Rhabarbarin  143-2 
Rhamnace.e  41 
Rhamnegine  41-3 
Rhamnetine  41-3 
Rhamnin  41-3 
Rhamnocathartin  41-3 
Rhamnus  catharticus  41 

Frangiila  41-2 

infectorius  41-2 

sohdivns  41 
Rhatany,  Brown  45-2 

Para  45-2 

Peruvian  45-2 

red  45-2 

violet  45-2 
Rhein  143-2 
Rheumatism  Root  174 
Rlu'um  capsicum  141 

coinpactuui  1 41 -2 

crassiiim  'in in  1 4 1 

cniodi  141 

Icucorrhizu  ni  141 

Moorcroftiainim  1 4 1 

officinale  141 

palmatmn  141 

raponticuin  141 

spicifornic  141 

iindidatuni  1 4 1 

Wcbbianmn  141 
Rhododendron  clirysantlicniuni 
100-2 

femiginicuni  100-2 

iiiaxintinn  1 00-2 

ponticuni  100-2 
Rhodoriza  scopariiis  123-2 
Rhubarb,  Chinese  141 

Dolenkara  141 

English  141 

Russian   141 

Thibetan   141 

West  Indian  141 
Rhus  aromatica  39 

Bnchi-aincla  36-2 

Canadensis  39 
Carolinianuni  36 


Rlins  eoriaria  36 

cotiniis  36 

elegans  36 
Rhus  glabra  36 

hiiunle  38 

Javanica  36-2 

vietopium  36-2 

puniila  36-2 

radicaiis  38-2 

radicaiis,  var.  toxicoden- 
dron 38 

scandcns  38-2 

Sincnse  36-2 

sua-veolcns  39 

si4cccdeanea  160-3 

sjtcccdancjim  36-2 

toxicarimn  38 
Rhus  Toxicodendron  38 

Toxicodendron  var.  Quer- 
cifoliuni  38 

Toxicodendron,  var.  radi- 
cans  38-2 

Toxicodendron,  var.  a  vid- 
gare  38-2 
Rhus  venenata  37 

I'^vvz/.f  36,  37 

verrucosa  38 

Virginicnvi  36 
Ribcs  rigens  169-2 
Rib  Grass    107 
Rib-wort  107 
Rich-leaf  1 19 
Rich-weed  11,  1 19 
Robinia  50 

aniara  46-4 

_/7rt7'rt:  46-4 

Maculata  46-4 

pseud-acacia  50 
Robinin  50-2 
Rocambole  175-3 
Rock  Rose  28 
Roman  Chamomile  84 

Wormwood  82 
Rope-bark  146 
Rorella  rotundifolia  29 
RosACE/E  54 
Rosebay  (American)  100-2 

Yellow  100-2 
Rose  Campion  31 

Laurel  103 
Rosmarinus  officinalis  116-2 
Rosemary  1 16-2 
Rosin  163-2 
Roundheart  66 
Round-leaved  Cornel  72 

Dogwood  72 

Laurel  103 

Sorrel  141- 2 
Round-lobed  Hepatica  2 


RUBIACE.E  /6 

Rubia  tinctoria  76-2 
Rubidine  128-4 
Rubi-Jervia  1 76-3 
Rue  33-2 
Rumex  143 

acetosa  144 

acctocclla  144 

alpinus  1 44-2 

crispns  143 

divaricatus  144 

obtusifolius  144 

patientia  144-2 

scuta  ns  144-2 
Rumicin  143-2 

RUTACE.E   33 

Ruta  gra'i'colcns  ^3-2 

s 

Sabadilla  175-2 
Sabbatia  angularis  \  29-2 
Sabina  163-3 
Sabinea  fiorida  46-4 
Sacacomi  36-3 
Sage  1 16-2 
Salep  170-2 
Salicace/E  161 
Salicin  161-2 
Salicornia  annua  140-2 
Salicylaldehyde  161-3 
Salicylate  of  Methyl  102-3 
Saligenin  161-3 
Saliretin  161-3 
Salix  alba  1 6 1 

Caprea  161-2 

helix  161 

Lambertiana  161 

monandra  161 

pcntandra  161-2 
SaUx  purpurea  161 

Russelliana  1 6 1 
Salsify  78-5 
Salsodas  140-2 
Sal  sola  Kali  140-2 

Saliva  140-2 

5ort'rt  140-2 

tragus  140-2 
Salt-rheum  Weed  113 
Saltwort  140-2 
Salvia  officinalis  1 1 6-2 
Sanabucus  Canadensis  75 

ebulus  74-2 

glauca  75 

humilis  75 

nigra  74-2 

nigra,  Marsh  75 
Samphire  62-3 
Sandarach  163-2 
Sandbox  147-3 


SAN 


INDEX. 


SOC 


6l 


Sanguinaria  22 

Cdlldthlisis  22 

minor  22 
Sanguinarina  22-2 
Saiitoiiiia  fmgmntissiina  78-5 
Sapindace.k  43 
Sapindus  saponaria  43-2 
Sapitun  acupariiDii  147-3 

Indicuvi  147-3 

sylvaticuin  15  i 
Sdpoiinrid  flfficina/is  31-2 
Sapogeniii  43-4 
Saponin  16-2,  43-4 
Sappan  Wood  46-6 
Sarnclin  iiiiibci/ata  125-3 
Sivhiua  g'id/josa  1 9 
Sarracenia  19 
Sakraceniace.k  19 
Sarracenia  purpurea  1 9 
Sarracenin  19-4 
Sarsaparilla,  Brazilian  175-4 

Ceylon  135-3 

country  135-3 

false  69-2 

Honduras  1 75-4 

Jamaica  175-4 

Texas  14 

Vera  Cruz  175-4 

Yellow  14 
Sassafras  145-2 

officinale  145-2 

Orinoko  145-2 
Satureia  liortensis  1 1 6-2 

Montana  1 1 6-2 
Savanilla,  Brazilian  45-2 

Mexican  45-2 
Saville  Orange  33-2 
Savin  (red)  166 
Savoeja  175-2 
Scabbish  60 
Scabious  80 
Scabwort  81 
Scamniony  123 
Secanioiic  Thiinhcrgii  133-2 
Scarlet  Lobelia  97 

Pimpernel  108 
Schinus  36-2 

arceira  36-2 

iitollc  36-2 
Scliniidelia  cdulis  43-2 
ScJianocanlon  officinale  175-2 
S  cilia  Indie  a  175-3 

niaritima  175-3 
Scoparin  46-2 
Scouring  Rush  179 
Screw-bean  46-5 
Scrofula  Plant  1  12 
Scrophularia  1 1 2 

aqnatica  1 1 0-2 


SCROPHULAKIACE.K    IIO 

Scropbularia  laneeolata  i  i  2 

Marilandica  1 1 2 

nodosa  1 1 2 

nodosa  var. Americana  1 1 : 
Scrophularin  1 12-2 
Scrophularosmin  112-2 
Scrubbing  Rush  179 
Scurvy  Grass  23-2,  24-2 
Scutellaria  120 

lateriflora  120 
Scutellarine  120 
Sea  Holly  62-2 

Kale  23-2 
Seaside  Grape  141-2 
Secavionc  emetic  a  135-2 
Scdum  acre  57 

Tclephiuin  57 
Sela  Wax  160-3 
Seinecarpns  Anacardiinn  36-2 
Scmpervivum  tectonim  57 
Seneca  Snakeroot  45 
Senecin  91-2 
Senecio  91 

aitrcns  91 

ciliati/s  80 

fastigialns  91 

gracilis  91 

Hieracifolins  90 
Senega  45 

officinalis  45 
Senegin  45-3 
Sencka  45 
Senna,  Alexandrian  46-2 

American  46-3 

Bladder  46-3 

Tinnivelly  46-3 
Serpentaria  138 

camphor  138-4 
Serpentary-root  138 
Service  Tree  56 
Shag-bark  Hickory  157 
Shave  Grass  179 
Sheep  Laurel  103 
Shell-bark  Hickory  157 
Shell  Flower  1 13 
Shepherd's  Purse  25 
Shrubby  Trefoil  34 
Shumake  36 
Side-saddle  Flower  19 
Sidhee  154-2 
Silenc  Virginiaea  3 1 -2 
Silicea  179-3 
Silkweed  134 
Silky  Cornel  73 
Silver  Leaf  89 
Simaba  Cedron  35 
Simarnha  a  mar  a  35 

SlMAKUBACE.K   35 


Simarnba  versicolor  35-2 
Sinalbin  23-3 
Sinapine  23-3 

sulphate  23-3 
Sinapis  alba  23 

arvensis  24-2 

Chine nsis  23-2 
Sinapis  nigra  24 
Sinigrin  24-2 
Sisson  aiirens  66 

trifoliatum  66 
Slum  Donglasii  67 

latifoliuni  62-2 
Skoke  139 
Skull  Cap  120 
Skunk  Bush  39 

Cabbage  169 

Weed  169 
Slippery  Elm  152-2 
Small  Hemlock  65 

Magnolia  12 
Smart-weed  14 1 
Smilace.e  175-2 
Snnlax  China  175-4 

glauca  175  4 

glycyphylla  175-4 

lanceccfolia  175-4 

me  die  a  175-4 

officinalis  1 75-3 

Psendo-  China  175-4 

syphilitica  175-4 
Smooth  Horse-chestnut  44 

Sumach  36 
Smyrninm  acnminatnni  66 

anreiim  66 

luteum  66 

Olnsatriim  62-3 
Snagrel  138 
Snake  Head  1 1 3 

Moss  180 
Snake  Root  13 1,  138 

Brazilian  1 38-2 

Colombian  138-3 

Jamaica  138-3 

Peruvian  138-3 

Red  River  138-2 
Snakeroots,   in    general    138, 

138-2 
Snake-root,  Texan  138-2 

Virginian  138 
Snake's  Milk  133,  148 
Snake-weed  67,  138 
Snapping  Hazel-nut  58 
Snowball  76 
Snowberry  74-2 
Snowdrop  Tree  1 36 
Snow-flower  136 
Soapwort  31-2 
Socotrine  Aloes  175-3 


62 


SOD 


INDEX. 


TAL 


Soda,  Alicant  140-2 
Solan  AC  E.E  125 
Solania  124-2,  125-3 
Solanidine  125-3 
Solatium  Balianicnsc  125-2 

cernuiim  125-2 

crcnato-dcutatuDi  1 2  5 

Diilcaniara  124 

inops  125 

Jacquiri  125-2 

lycopcrsicon  124-2 

mainmosuui  125-2 

inclongciui  124-2 
Solanum  nigrum  125 

olcraccjuji  125-2 

paniculatuin  125-3 

pseudo-capsicum  125-2 

pterocaulon  125 

ptycantlium  125 

Reboita  125-2 

tuberosum  124-2,  125-2 

tuberosum  cegrotans  125-2 
Sonclius  pallidus  96 
Sopliora  tinctoria  52 
Sorbin  56-2 
Sorb  us  acuparia  56-2 

acuparia,  var.  Americana 

Americana  56 
liumifusa  56 
Soulamea  ainara  45-2 
Sour  Dock  143 
Southern  Garlic  175-3 
Sow  Bread  108 
Spanish  Bayonet  175-3 

Pellitory  78-4 
Sparteine  46-2 
Spartium  junceum  46-6 
Spearmint  1 16-2 
Spice  Berry  102,  145 

Bush  145 
Spigelia  Americana  i  3 1 

antluimia  1 30-2 
Spigelia  Marilandica  1 3 1 

oppositifolia  1 3 1 
SpigeHne  13 1-2 
Spikenard  69 
Spilanthes  oheracea  78-4 
Spina  acida  1 5 
Spinacea  olcracea  140-2 
Spinach  140-2 
Spindle-tree  42 

European  42-2 
Spirant  lies  atitumnalis  170-2 
Spirea  ulmaria  27-3 
Spirit-weed  171 
Spoon  Wood  103 
Spotted  Alder  58 
Cowbane  67 


Spotted  Cranesbill  32 

Eyebright  147 

Geranium  32 

Poison  Parsley  68 
Spreading  Dog's-bane  132 
Spurge  147 

Caper   150 

Cypress  147-2 

English  147-2 

Flowering  148 

Laurel  146 

petty  147-2 
Squilla  maritima  1 75-3 

Pancration  175-3 
Squills  175-3 
Square  Stalk  1 12 
Squaw-berry  "j"] 

Mint  118 
Squaw-root  16 

vine  "J"; 

weed  91 
St  achy  s  Bctonica  1 16-2 
Staff  Vine  42-2 
Stagmaria  verniciflua  36-3 
Stag's  Horn  180 
St.  Anthony's  Rape  5 

Turnip  5 
Star  Anise  12-2 

Bloom  131 

Grass  172 

Root  172 

wort  172,  177 
Stillingia  151 

sebifera  160-3 

sylvatica  1 5  i 
Stillingine  i  51-2 
Stinging  Nettle  152-3,  153 

Physic  Nut  147-2 

Tree  152-3 
Stink  Bush  39 
Stinking  Ash  34 

Balm  118 

Goose  foot  140-2 

Nightshade  126 

weed  68,  127 
.St.  John's-wort  30 
Stramonin  127-3 
Stramonium  127 

fmtidum  127 

spinosum  127 

vulgatum  127 
Strasburgh  Turpentine  1 63-2 
Strawberry  Tree  100-2 
String  Bean  5  I 
Strombocarpus  pubescens  46-  5 
Struthiin  43-4 
Strychnos  Nux-Vomica  130-2 

tieute  133-2 
Stockholm  Tar  1 63-2 


Stone-crop,  European  57 

Stone-root  1 19 

Stork-bill  32 

Subjee  154-2 

Sugar  Berry  152 

Sulpho-sinapisin  23-3 

Sulphur-wort  62-3 

Sumbul  62-2 

Summer  Savory  1 16-2 

Sundew  29 

Sunflower  83 

Supurb  Lily  178 

Suterberry  33 

Swallow-wort  (Virginian)  134 

Swamp  Dogwood  34,  37,  73 

liellebore  176 

Laurel  12 

Sassafras  12,  72 

Sumach  IJ 

wood  146 

willow  59 

Willow  Herb  59 
Sweating  weed  79 
Sweet  Almonds  54-2 

Bay  12,  145-2 

Bed-straw  49-2 

Bitter  74 

Clover  49 

Fern  t6o-2 

Flag  173-2 

Gale  160-2 

Magnolia  12 

Marjoram  1 16-2 

Orange  33-2 

Potatoes  123-2 

scented  Coltsfoot  78-4 

scented  Sumach  39 

scented  Water  Lily  18 

Vernal  Grass  49-2 

Willow  161 

woodruff  49-2 

Yam  174-2 
Symphoricarpus  racemosus  74-: 
Symplocarpus  169 

fectida  169 
Syanthrose  81-3 
Syringia  baccifera  yj 

vulgaris  136-2 

T 

Tabacine  1 28-3 
Tabacose  128-5 
Tabacum  128 
Tacamahaca  162-3 
Tacmahac  Poplar  161-2 
Tall  Buttercups  6 

Crowfoot  6 

Speedwell  114 
Tallow  Shrub  160 


TAM 


I  N  D  E  X. 


TYL 


6; 


Tamarinds  46-3 
Tainarindiis  Iiidica  46-3 
TaiiiHS  toininuiiis  174-2 

Crctica  174-2 
Tanacetin  86-2 
Tanacetum  86 

vulgare  86 
Tanghinia  Madagascariciisis 
133.-2 

vcHcnifcra  133-2 
Tannin  100-5 
Tanno-nymplutin  18-3 
Tansy  86 

Tapstis  ImrlmtKS  1 1  o 
Taraxacerin  95-3 
Taraxacin  95-3 
Taraxacum  95 

Dcns-Lconis  95 

officinalis  95 

vulgare  95 
Tartar-root  70 
Taxus  baccata  163-2 
Tea  Berry  102 
Teplirosia  apollinca  46-2 

purpurea  46-3 

toxicaria  46-4 

Virginiana  46-4 
Terebinthina    argentoratensis 
163-2 

Canadensis  163-2 

laricinia  163-2 

Veneta  163-2 

vulgaris  163-2 
Tcstudinaria  clcpliantipcs  1 74-. 
Tetano-Cannabin  154-4 
Tetterwort  21,  22 
Tcucrium  ntarnin  116-2 
Texan  Snake-root  138-2 
Tliapsia  garganica  62-3 

sylpliiinii  62-3 
Thaspium  aureum  66 
Thcobroma  cacao  160-3 
Tlicvctia  iicrcifolia  133-2 
Thlaspi  Bursa  Pastor  is  25 
Thong-bark  146 
Thorn  Apple  20,  127 

Poppy  20 
Thorough  Wax  79 
Thoroughwort  79 
Three-colored  Violet  27 

leaved  Ivy  38 

leaved  Nightshade  175 
Thridace  96-2 
Thuja  165 

articulata  163-2,  165-2 

cupressoidcs  165-2 

dolabrata  165-2 

occidental  is  165 

oricntalis  165-2 


Thujenin  165-3 
Thujetin  165-3 
Thujigenin  165-3 
Thujin  165-3 
Thujogenin  165-3 
Thus  Americana  163-2 
Thy  lax  fraxinciini  ^t, 
Thyme  1 16-2 

TllVMELEACE.K    I46 

Tliyuius  vulgaris  116-2 
Tick-weed  1 1 8 
Tiger  Lily,  wild  178 
Til   145-2 
Tillow  Tree  35 
Tilly  Seed  147-2 
Timbo-sipo  43-2 
Tinker  Weed  74 
Tinospora  cordifolia  14-2 
Ti-plant  175-3 
Tithy mains  lathyris  1 50 

uiarinns  148 
Tracluiiuin  Aincricanuiii  97 
Tragacanth  46-4 
Traga  involucrata  147-3 
Tragopogon  porrifolins  78-5 
Trailing  Arbutus  loi 
Treenail  50 
Tree  of  Heaven  35 
Tree-of-Life  165 
Tree  Primrose  60 

Stramonium  125-2 

Trefoil  34 
Trefoil  2 
Tricorea  fcbrifnga  33-2 

jasnnnifolia  33-2 
Trifolium  47 

fibrinuin  1 29 

officinale  49 

palndosuin  129 

pratensc  47 
Trifolium  repens  48 
Trigonella     Fctnnnt  -  Grcecuni 

46-2 
Trilline  175-5 
Trillium  175 

atropurpurenni  175 

c  rectum  175 

erectum,  var.  Album  175 

ercctum,  var.  atropurpureum 

175 
fa'tidum  175 

Trillium  Pendulum  175 

rliomboideum,  var.  album 

175 
rhomboidcum,    var.  atro 
pur  pure  um  175 
Trimethylamine  155-3 
Trinity  Violet  27 
Trieste  um  74 


Triosteum  majus  74 

perfoliatum  74 
Tropine  1 26-3 
True  Chamomile  84 

Wild-Yam  Root  174-3 
Trumpet-weed  78,  96 
Toad  P'lax  1 1 1 

Root  10 
Tobacco  I  28 

Cuban  128-2 

Havana  128-2 

Latakia  128-2 

Nonehaw  128-2 

Persian  128-2 

Pipe  105 

Shiraz  128  2 

Virginian  128-2 

Yaqui  128-2 
Tod  da  Ha  aculeata  33-2 

lanccolata  33-2 
Toluifera  balsamum  46-3 

Pereira  46-3 
Tomato  124-2,  125-2 
Tongo  46-2 

Tonka  Beans  46-2,  49-2 
Toothache  Tree  33 
Tore  Ilia  Asiatic  a  1 10-2 
Tormentil  32 
Toxicodendron  pubesccns  38 

vulgare  38-2 
To.xicophlcra  Thunbergi  133-:; 
Tidipa  gesneriana  175-3 

sylvestris  175-3 
Tulip  Tree  12-2 
Tumpu  1 10-2 
Tupa  Feinllaa  97-2 
Turbith  62-2 
Turkey  Pea  46-4 
Turk's  Cap  Lily  178 
Turmeric  22 

root  9 
Turnip  23-2 
Turnsole  147-2 
Turpentine,  Austrian  163-2 

Bordeaux  163-2 

Chian  36-2 

Damarra  163-2 

Dombeya  163-2 

Pacific  163-2 

Strasburgh  163-2 

Venice  163-2 
Turpinia  glabra  39 

pubcscens  39 
Turtle-head  1 1 3 
Tussilago  Farfara  78-4 

fragrans  78-4 
Two-eyed  Chequerberry  77 
Tylophora  asthmatica  1 35-3 


64 


ULM 


TJ 

Ulmace.k  152-2 
Vlinus  campestris  152-2 

effiisa  152-2 

fulva  152-2 

Um  BELLI  FERvT;  62 

Uncaria.  .Gambler  76-2 
Unicorn  Plant  177 

Root  172 
Universe  100 
Unkum  91 
Upas  133-2,  152-3 
Upland  Cranberry  100 

Poplar  162 
Upright  Buttercups  6 

Crowfoot  6 
Urgmea  altissiuia  175-3 
Ursin  100-4 

Urson  100-5 
Ukticace/E  152 
Urtica  crcmdata  152-3 

dioica  1 5  2-3 

dioica,  Hiids.  1 5  3 

gigas  152-3 

meinbraiiacca  152-3 

puiinla  152-3 

stiiiuilans  152-3 
Urtica  Urens  153 

Hiriilissa  152-3 
^  'varia  triloba  1 3 
Uva  Ursi  100 


Vacciniuni  coiymbosiim  100-2 

inacrocarpon  100-2 

myrtUlus  100-2 

Oxy  coccus  100-2 

Pctiiisyhainciim  100-2 

stand nc mil  1 00-2 

jdignosuin  100-2 

vacillans  100-2 

[//'/«  /c/iTrt  100-3 
Valerianol  155-3 
I'andcllia  diffusa  110-2 
Vanilla  170-2 

planifolia  170-2 
Vegetable  Antimony  79 

Sulphur  180 

Tallow  160-3 
Venice  Turpentine  1 63-3 
Venus'  Slipper  170 
Vera  Cruz  Sarsaparilla  175-4 
\'eratralbia  176-3 
\'eratridine  176-4 
\'eratrine  176-3 
\'eratroine  176-4 
]'ci-atr/i!n  album  175-2 

album,  Michx.  176 


INDEX. 

Vcratriim  album,  var.  ?  176 

eschscholtzii  1 76 

lutcum  177 

nigrum  175-2 

officinale  175-2 

parviflorum  176 

Sabadilla  1 75-2 
Veratrum  viride  176 
Verbascum  no 

Ttiapsus  1 10 
Veronia  anthclvnntica  78-4 
/  ^cronica  Japonica  1 1 4 

Sibcrica  1 1 4 

purpurea  1 1 4 

Virginica  1 14 
Viburnum  opulus  74-2 
[7r/rt  ervilia  46-4 

/vzi^rt  46-4 
Victoria  rcgia  18-2 
Mllarsia  nynipha;oidcs  129-2 

(3Z'rt/a  129-2 
Vinca  minor  133-2 
Vinetina  15-3 
f/VVrt'  arvcnsis  27 

bicolor  27 

VlOLACE.E   27 

f/i^/rt  //;/^«  27-2 

odorata  27-2 

pcdata  27-3 
Violaqueritrin  27-3 
/  7(Vc?  tenclla  27 
Viola  Tricolor  27 

tricolor,  var.  an' en  sis  27-3 
Violet  bloom  124 
Violia  27-2 
Violin  27-2 
Violine  27-2 
Virginia  Stone  Crop  57 
Virginian  Skull  Cap  120 

Snake-root  138 

Swallow-wort  1 34 

Waterleaf  122 

Winterberry  106 
Viridine  128-4 
f  7.v;//rt   Guianensis  30 
F//W  hederacea  40 

qiiiuquefolia  40 

"W 

Wa-a-hoo  42 

Wafer  Ash  34 

Walloon  42 

Wakerobin  175 

Wandering  Milkweed  132,  148 

Warneria  Canadensis  9 

Water  Avens  54 

Betony  1 10-2 

Bouts  7 

Bugle  1 17 


WIL 

Water  Cress  23-2 

Cup  19 

Dragon  7 

Dropwort  62-2 

Hemlock  62-2,  67 

Horehound  1 17 

Leaf  122 

Lily  1 8 

Nymph  18 

Parsnep  62-2 

Pepper  141 

Seeker  58 

Shamrock  129 

Smartweed  141 
Wax  Myrtle  160 
Way  Bread,  or  bred  107 
Western  Arbor-vitJE  165 

Hickory  156-2 
Whin  46 
White  Archangel  121 

Ash  137 

Balsam  89 

Baneberry  10 

Bay  12 

Bean  51 

Cedar  165 

Clover  48 

Cohosh  10 

Ginseng  74 

Hellebore  175-2 

Henbane  125-2 

Hickory  157 

Jessamine  130-2,  136 

Lettuce  94 

Man's  Foot  107-2 

Melilot  49 

Mustard  23 

Negro- Yam  174-2 

Poison-vine  130-2 

Pond  Lily  18 

Poplar  162 

Root  135 

Walnut  156 

Water  Lily  18 

Yam  174-2 
Whorly-wort  1 14 
Whortleberry  100 
Wicke  103 
Wickop  59 
Wicopy  146 
Wild  Allspice  145 

Cherry  Bark  54-2 

Chiccory  93 

Coffee  74 

Cotton  134 

Cranesbill  32 

Curcuma  9 

Endive  93 

Geranium  1.2 


WIL 


INDEX. 


ZIZ 


65 


Wild  Ginger  138-2 

Hemlock  68 

Hippo  148 

Indigo  52 

Ipecac  148,  149 

Jalap  17 

Jessamine  130 

Lemon  17 

Lettuce  96 

Pansy  27 

Potato  46-5 

Radish  26 

Strawberry  55 

Succory  93 

Tiger  Lily  178 

Tobacco  99 

Wood-vine  40 

Wormwood  82 

Yam  174 
Willow,  bitter  161 

Herb  59 

herb  (night)  60 

purple  161 

red  161 

sweet  161 
Wind  Root  135 

Weed  135 
Wingseed  34 
]\'iiitci'(i  aroiiiatica  12-; 
Winterberry  106 
Winter  bloom  58 

Cherry  125-2 

CHover  "JJ 

Cress  23-2 
Wintergreen  102,  104 

creeping  102 

winter  104 
Winter  Horsetail  179 

Pink  10 1 

Savory  1 16-2 
Winter's  Bark  12-2 
Witches'  Herb  30 
Witch  Hazel  58 


Woad  46-6 

waxen  46 
Wolf's  Claw  180 
Woodbine  40,  130 
Wood  Strawberry  55 

waxen  46 
Woody  Nightshade  1  24 
Worm  Grass  131 
Wormseed  140 

European  78-4 
Wormwood  88 
Wyethia  78-4 

Hclcuoidcs  78-4 

Xanthopicrit  15-2 
Xanthopuccina  9-2 
Xmitliorrliiza  apiifolia  15-3 
Xanthoxylen  33-4 
Xanthoxylene  33-4 
Xanthoxylin  33-4 
Xanthoxylum  33 

Clava-Hcrcidis  15-2,  3J 

alatuni  33-2 

Amcncaiiuin  },}, 

Avicainc  33-2 

fraxincum  ^^t^ 

fraxinifolum  ^^t^ 

mite  33 

piperita  33-2 

rainifloruin  33 

tricarpuni  33 
Xoxonitztal  78-4 
Xylopia  glabra  13-2* 

longifolia  13-2 


Yam,  buck  174-2 
devil's  174-2 
Indian  174-2 
Japanese  174-2^ 
prickly  174-2 


Yam,  sweet  174-2 

white  174-2 

white  Negro  174-2 

wild  174 
Yarrow  85 
Yaw-root  1 5  i 
Yellow  Broom  52 

Dock  143 

Flax  1 1 1 

Gentian  129-2 

Ginseng  16 

Jasmine  130 

Jessamine  130 

Lady's  Slipper  170 

Locust  50 

Melilot  49 

Mustard  23 

Parilla  14 

Pile-weed  6 

Puccoon  9 

root  9 

Rosebay  100-2 
Yellows  170 
Yellow  Sweet  Clover  49 

Thistle  20 

Umbil  170 

W'ild  Indigo  52 

Wood  33 
Yoloxiltic  78-4 
Youth  root  29 
Yucca  baccata  175-3 

z 

Zallhoy  45-2 
Zcysoum  78-5 
Zizia  66 

aiirca  66 
Zizipliora  pulcgioidcs  1 1 8 
Zizyplius  Jiijuba  41-2 

lotus  41-2 

ccnophila  4 1  -2 

vulgaris  41-2 


,,    u    HILL  LIBRARY 

^•"•"n:.  state  college 


ADDITIONS   AND   CORRECTIONS. 


As  might  be  expected  in  a  work  issued  in  parts,  and  extending  over  a  long  period  of 
time,  many  inequalities  of  treatment  will  be  found.     The  following  corrections  are  some  of  the 
more  noticeable : 
Page     14-2,  line  15,  for  "A.  platyphyUiis"  read  C.  platypliyllus. 

"       15-2,    "      2  from  bottom,  for  "  lava,"  read  Clava. 
23-2,    "    21    for  "  Maritiima,"  read  Maritima. 

"       35"-'    "       5>  ^°^  "Stmaro/tda,"  read  SitnaiKba. 

"       35-2,    "      2   from  bottom,  the  same  correction. 

"       41-3,  foot-note,  for  "  Rhamneitne,"  read  Rhamnetiiie. 

"       46-2,  line    6,  for  " Copiava"  read  Copaiva. 

"       46-2,    "    20,  for  "  Cyticiis"  read  Cytisiis. 

"       46-3,    "     \g,  ior  "  aiigiistifolia,"  rezd  iJiigKStifolia. 

"       46-3,    "     28,  for  "Psoralia"  read  Psoralca. 

"       49-2,    "     16,  for  "Biph'n'x,"  read  Diptciyx. 

"        -j-j,       "       9,  for  "  reeping,"  read  Creeping. 

"       85-2,    "    24,  for  "  Etsupra,"  read  Et  supra. 

"      1 10-2,    ''     13   from  bottom,  for  "  emale,"  read  female. 

"     128-2,    "     12   from  bottom,  for  "(r^///i7«M,"  read  67//«c«.f/>. 

"     129-2,    "     14,  for  "  Centuary,"  read  Centaury. 

"     133,     last  foot-note  is  now  unnecessary. 

"     141,     line  3  from  bottom,  for  "  uioorcrof/iaiiiim,"  read  Moorcroftianum. 

"     134-3,  Description  of  Plate,  for  "A  cluster  of  Follicles,"  read  A  follicle;  and  add,  5.   A 
section  of  the  root. 

"     147-2,  line  17,  for  "  cyparissias"  read  Cyparissias. 

"     160-3,    "     19,  for  "cerefera,"  read  cerifera. 

"     164-2,  foot-note,  for  ''It  supra,"  read  Et  supra. 

Plate  66  should  be  titled  Th.xspium  aureum. 
"      107,  the  spike  of  flowers  is  not  broad  enough;  it  should  have  been  more  fusiform.     As 

it  now  is,  the  plate  nmch  more  resembles  Plantago  Rugclii  than  P.  major. 
"     158,  should  be  titled  Castaxea  vesca,  var.  Americana. 


f^