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VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDICA

OF THE

UNn^ED STATES:

OR,

MEDICAL BOTANY.

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VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDICA

OF THE

UNITED STATES;

OR

CONTAINING

A BOTANICAL, GENERAL, AND MEDICAL HISTORY, OP MEDICINAI-
PLANTS INDIGENOUS TO THE UNITED STATES.

ILLUSTRATED BY

COLOURED ENGRAVINGS,

MADE AFTER DRAWINGS FROM NATURE, DONE BY THE AUTHOR,

BY WILLIAM P. C. ^Rl’ON, M. D.

Surgeon in the Navy of the United States, and of the Hospital for Marines at the Navy-Yard, Philadelphia
Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia ; Member of the American
Philosophical Society ; President of the Phila.
delphia Linnean Society ; and
PROFESSOR OF BOTANY

in the University of Pennsylvania.

SECOND EDITION.

VOLUME I.

PHILADELPHIA ;

H. C. CAREY & I. LEA— CHESNUT STREET.

DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO WIT :

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the twelfth day of August, in the forty-second year
<Sf the Independence of the United States of America, WILLIAM P. C. BARTON of the said Dis-
trict, hath deposited in this Office the title of a Book, the right whereof he claims as Author, in
the following words — to wit: Vegetable Materia Medica of the United States; or Medical Bo-
tany : containing a Botanical, General, and Medical History of Medicinal Plants, indigenous to
the United States. Illustrated by Coloured Engravings, made after drawings from na-
ture, done by the Author. By William P. C. Barton, M. D. Surgeon in the Navy of the Uni-
ted States, and of the Hospital for Marines at the Navy -Yard, Philadelphia; Fellow of the Col-
lege of Physicians of Philadelphia ; Member of the American Philosophical Society ; President
of the Philadelphia Linnean Society; and Professor of Botany in the University of Pennsylvania.
Volume I. “ In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled. An act for
‘ the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the
‘ authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned.” — And also to
‘ the Act, entitled, “ An act supplementary to an Act, entitled, “An Act for the encourage-
* ment of Learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and pro-
‘ prietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned,” and extending the benefits there-
‘ of, to the Arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints.”

D. CALDWELL, Clerk of the District of Pennsylvania.

TO

JOHN SYNG DORSEY, M. D.

MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY; AND OF THE ROYAL DANISH ME-
DICAL SOCIETY AT COPENHAGEN: ONE OF THE SURGEONS OF THE PENN-
SYLVANIA HOSPITAL; ADJUNCT PROFESSOR OF SURGERY, AND
PROFESSOR OF MATERIA MEDICA IN THE UNI-
VERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA.

My dear Sir,

Permit me to inscribe to you the first Volume of this
Work, To no one more properly could it be dedicated.

Should you be enabled to render it subservient to the
interest of that branch of Medicine which it is your province to
teach, 1 feel confident you will not withhold from it your patron-
age.

I avail myself of this opportunity to express for you,
my high consideration and personal regard.

WILLIAM P. C. BARTON.

August 12, 1817.

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ADVERTISEMENT.

In describing the plants enumerated and figured in this work,
the following plan has been adopted :

The first line in large capitals, contains the systematic or bo-
tanical name of the plant ; the second line in smaller capitals, con-
tains the common or most general English or vulgai’ name or names.

The English or vulgar names enumerated after, are those by
which the plant is occasionally known, and recognized in different
sections of our country ; and as these are sometimes quite local,
they are merely noticed for general information.

The paragraph following these names, contains a reference to
the works of different authors who have noticed the plant. Many
have been omitted, because the author had not access to them, and
some, because their works were not scientific.

The generic character follows, together with a reference of the
plant to the natural system of Jussieu ; the natural order of Lin-
neeus’s natural method j and the class and order of the artificial
system of this author.

ADVERTISEMENT.

viii

Immediately in succession, the best specific character known, is
given, with a reference to the author. The synonyms next fol-
low, succeeded by a brief notice of the pharmaceutical preparation
of the plant, its virtues, its effects, medical uses and dose.

The descriptio uberior, or full description, in Latin, is always
supplied for this work by the author, or quoted from his manuscript
copy of the Flora Philadelphica ; though in cases where a good
one has already been given, it will be quoted, with a reference to the
author, as in the case of that of Chimaphila umbelllata.

The text in large type, begins with a general or familiar de-
scription of the plant, calculated for the generality of readers, who,
with this and the plate, will be, it is hoped, at no loss to identify the
plants described. •>

The chemical analysis, when any has been made, follows ; then
a history of the medical properties ; after which the ceconomical
use or uses are notieed ; and the history eompleted by an explana-
tion of the plates, and the dissections of the flowers and fructification
contained in them.

VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDICA

OF THE

UNITED STATES.

PBELIMINAKY OBSERVATIONS.

SINCE the writings of Cullen, Murray, and Woodvdle appeared
in Europe, few authors of any celebrity have written on the Materia
Medica. Consequently few discoveries were published of any note,
or which added any thing very important to the science ; and thirty
years ago the knowledge these authors communicated to the world,
was not enriched by the addition of a single valuable medicine from
North America. About the year 1786, a German physician, named
Shoepf,^ visited our country, and employed himself in collecting ma-
terials for an American Materia Medica. It cannot be supposed that

* Dr. Shoepf, of Erlangen, in Germany, was a botanist, who came to this country
with the German troops during the revolutionary war.

VOL. I. 2

X Preliminary Oiservations.

in a country like ours, rich in the production of new and curious
plants, domestic medicine would be neglected by the natives or in*
habitants ; or that the practitioner who might think proper to em-
ploy indigenous medicinal plants in his practice, would stand in need
of useful remedies. Accordingly we find, that not only the Indians
of our country, and the European inhabitants who emigrated hither,
but the farmers who were scattered over its extensive territory, had
long been in the habit of curing the common diseases incidental to
(heir state of life, by means of indigenous vicinal plants. Many of
the vegetables thus employed had considerable reputation. It is not
unlikely that some were undeservedly praised, while it would be un-
reasonable to suppose that all of those which had acquired repute,
were undeserving attention. Dr. Shcepf, however, set himself as-
siduously to investigate all such plants as were reputed to possess
medicinal powers ; and, satisfying himself, by ocular proof, of the
real species in question, he was enabled, by ascertaining their bota-
nical characters and history, to present us with some certain facts
for future experiment. In 1787, he published the result of his la-
bours in a small work, entitled Materia Medica Americana potissi-
mum Regni Vegetabilis. This performance laid the foundation of all
the information we now possess, concerning our native medicmal
plants. Besides this work, a paper was published in the Amcenitates
Academics, (vol. iv. Dissertatio LXXII. p. 522.) entitled Specijica
Canadensium, in which Coelln, the author, enumerated and described
some few indigenous medicinal plants. On the 21st of February,
1798, the late professor Barton read a paper before the Philadelphia
2

Preliminary Observations,

XI

Medical Society, entitled “ Collections for an Essay towards a Ma-
teria Medica of the United States.” This paper contains a summary
of all that had been done by those who preceded him, relative to
our Materia Medica ; and also an addition of several articles which,
from information received by the author concerning their properties,
he deemed sufficiently important to be ranked among our native
medicines. In the year 1804, the professor published a second pail
of the “ Collections,” containing many additional facts relative to
the plants enumerated in the fii’st part, and a brief notice of some
other important vegetables of active properties. These “ Collec-
tions” are carelessly thrown together ; and it is to be regretted,
without even sufficient method, to render them useful. In this state
they have gone through three editions, making in the last an octavo
of 120 pages. The plants enumerated, are spoken of merely by
their names, and the work is destitute of any kind of description cal-
culated to assist the country physician or botanist.

The travels of Lewis and Clarke led to high expectations in
every branch of science. The observations and inquiries of these
gentlemen, particularly the former, w ere directed, among other things,
to the medicines and aliments of our Indians ; and they have given a
large portion of information of a very interesting nature on these points.
Unfortunately how^ever for science, this information is not communi-
cated in such a way, as to enable the botanist, the physician, or the
agriculturist, to draw' very efficiently upon the extensive sources of

Preliminary Observations.

xii

knowledge they present. A want of accurate descriptions of mixed
medicinal and alimentary plants, deprives us of half the value of their
discoveries.

Except these publications, there has appeared but little on the
Materia Medica, in the United States. In the American Dispensatory,
published by professor Coxe, many of our medicinal vegetables are
incorporated with the foreign articles of medicine. This valuable
work has given considerable importance to the native plants enume-
rated in it ; besides which professor Barton added such as he esteem-
ed most useful, to his edition of “ Cullen’s Materia Medica.”

Dr. Thatcher’s Dispensatory contains also an enumeration of
some of our native medicines, but nothing more than those which
stand in the works of professors Barton and Coxe just mentioned ;
and in the little Pharmacopoeia published by the Massachusetts Medi-
cal Society, a few are noticed. In professor Chapman’s “ Discourses
on the Elements of Therapeutics and Materia Medica” now in the
press, the prominent indigenous articles are, I understand, treated
of ; and the same importance attached to them which that gentle-
man was accustomed to give in his Lectures on the Materia Medica,
to all useful native medicines.

The University of Pennsylvania is annually filled by a nume-
rous train of pupils, many of whom settle and practice physic in the

Preliminary Observations.

xiii

wilds of our country. The author supposed that a work describing
our own medicinal productions, emanating from the school, whither
they resort, would be likely to disseminate a knowledge of the pro-
perties and uses of our native medicines, in those parts of our coun-
try where such knowledge is highly serviceable. From a close at-
tention to our Materia Medica, and from some experiments he has
recently made, he is convinced that not a few of our indigenous
plants are sufficiently important, to be introduced into the daily prac-
tice of physicians. The well known deterioration of many foreign
medicines in common use, renders it still more desirable to super-
sede them by the general employment of native productions. Hi-
therto this has been impracticable, owing to the want of some certain
means nf particidarising those plants, the properties of which are most
valuable. Good medicines have fallen into disrepute, from the re-
semblance of inert to active plants ; and although there is always
something in a plant which distinguishes it from every other vegeta-
ble, yet the discrepancy is occasionally so equivocal, that common
observers are wholly unable to profit by it without a good drawing.
This will not appear surprising, when it is remembered that even
botanists are sometimes perplexed with the close alliances in the
habit and structure of plants.

The exposition of these circumstances is sufficient to show the
importance of presenting the public w ith a w^ork containing a full de-
scription and history of the native medicinal plants which have been

XIV

Preliminary Observations.

introduced by their names, and some few remarks on their properties,
into the works already noticed ; and to enable every one to identify
the precise plants described, good coloured engravings of them are
indispensable.

The author of the following pages has undertaken the task of
drawing and describing all the important plants of a medicinal cha-
racter, native to the United States, which are known ; and also of
figuring and describing many never before noticed for medical pro-
perties. In all the drawings, many of which are already finished,
the greatest accuracy will be studied ; and with a view to render the
work as correct as possible, the author encounters the laborious
task of colouring all the plates with his own hand. Since faithful
colouring is nearly as important in a work of this nature, as correct
drawings, he trusts that the usefulness of the undertaking will be
enhanced by this part of his labour. In the history of the plants no-
thing will be omitted, which can render the work interesting.

Three years have been passed in collecting materials for this
work. The author has already delivered three courses of public lec-
tures to the medical students of the University of Pennsylvania, on
the plants which will be described ; and he announced to the mem-
bers of his class, in May, 1816, his intention of publishing the system
of Indigenous Vegetable Materia Medica, of which he now presents
the first number.

Preliminary Obsei^ations,

XV

As it is probable that country practitioners of medicine residing
in different parts of the United States, are possessed of much useful
information, derived from experience, concerning our native medi-
cines, the author earnestly solicits communications on this subject.
Due credit will always be given for any facts on good authority, com-
municated in this manner.

The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania having recently
purchased forty-two acres of rich and watered land, near to Philadel-
phia, for the establishment of a Botanic Garden : physicians residing
in the different parts of our country, who have it in their power, will
contribute materially to this institution, by transmitting to the author,
seeds or roots of such plants as they have found possessed of active
medicinal virtues.

Philadelphia^ July 1, 1817.

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(CHIMAFlHLIlLiaL TOMBjEiIUL^TAo

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VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDICA

CHIMAPHILA UMBELLATA.

PIPPSIS SE WA. . ..WINTER-GREEN.

Ground Holly — Rheumatism weed. — Herhc de Paigne by the Indians in Canada, and L’Herbe a Pisser by
the Canadians.

Peutch. Das Wintergriin. — HoL Wintergroen. — Pan. Vintergrbn. — S-wed, Vintergrbnae. — French. Py.
role, Verdure d’hiver. — Ital. Pirola.

Doldentragendes Wintergriin. Willd. (German.)

Chimapkila umbellata. FI. Suec. 333, 363. Gmel. Lib. 4. p. 129. n. 18. Pollich. pal. 398. Hoff. Germ.
144. Roth. Germ. I. 151. II. 464. Bauh. pin. 191. Clus. pan. 50r. Houttuyn Pfl. Syst. 6. p. 505.
Pur. PI. Am. 1. p. 300. Mich. FI. Boreali-Am. 1. p. 251. Bot. Mag. SOy. Pluk. Mant. t. 349. f. 4.
Shoepf. Mat. Med. Am. p. 68. Barton’s Collections, &c. ed. 3d. vol. 2. p. 2, 31, 35, 48. Coxe’s Am.
Disp. p. 560. Pers. Syn. PI. vol. 1. p. 483. Barton’s Prodromus, FI. Phil. p. 50. Mitchell’s Inaug
Diss. Willd. Sp. PI. 2. p. 622. Muhlenberg. Cat. p. 44.

CHIMAPHILA.

CHI3UAPHII.A. Mich. FI. Boreali-Am. vol. 1. p. 251. et Pur. FI. Am. No. 364. Cal. 5-partitus. Pet. 5. Stigma
sessile crassum, orbiculatum, germine immerso. Caps. 5-locularis, angulis dehiscens. Sub Pyrola.
Nat. Syst. Juss. Ericce Classis IX. Ordo III.

Ptrola. T. L. * Pyrole. Calix minimus 5-partitus. Corolla. 5-partita, quasi 5-petala connivens petalis
basi latis. Stamina 13 non exserta. Stigma 5-crenulatum. Capsula 5-locularis 5-valvis. Suffru-
tices aut herbs ; folia alterna aut subverticillata, pleraque radicalia ; flores bracteolati terminales
spicati aut rarius umbellati vel solitarii. Gen. PI. de Juss. ed. 1789. p. 161.

Nat. Ord. Lin. .Bicornes.

Classis, Pecandria ; Ord. Monogynia. Lin. Syst. (Sect. Polypetalse Regxdares.)

3

VOL. I.

18

Chimaphila umhellata.

Chimaphiia umbellata : foliis cuneato-lanceolatis basi acutis serratis concolorlbus, scapo corymbifero, fila-
menlis glabrls. Pursh. FI. Am. Sep. 1. p. 300. Flowevs in June and July.

Habitat in Europe, Asisc, et Americas Septentrionalis Sylvis.

SYNONYMA.

Chimaphila corymbosa. Pur. FI. Am. Sep.

Pyrola umbellata. Michaux. FI. Boreali-Am.

P. umbellata. Willd. Sp. PI.

P. pedunculis subumbellatis. FI. Suec. Gmel. Sib. Pollich. pal. Hoffm. Germ. Roth. Germ.

P. frutescens, arbuti flore. Bauh. pin.

P. 3. fruticans. Clus. pan.

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

Radix repens. — Caules subdecumbentes, lignosi, spithamaei. Folia aliquando verticillata, oppo.sita
vel sparsa, subsessilia, in petiolum decurrentia, cuneiformi-lanceolata, obtusa, argute serrata,
supernre lucida viridissima, inferne pallida viresentia. Pedunculi terminales, terni, quaterni sive
quini. Flores formosi, majores quam in pyrola rotundifolia. Calix, perianthemum 5-parti-
tum, exiguum. Petala 5, alba, apicem versus rubicunda. Filamenta 10, filiformia, brevia.
Antherse bicornes. Stigma capitatum, obtusum, magnum. Habitat in sylvis umbrosis America
Septentrionalis. Med. Clii. Tran. vol. 5. p. 357.

Chimaphila umbellata is a plant common to Europe and
America, and is indigenous also to the south of Asia. This species
belongs to a genus recently severed from Pyrola, by Mr. Pursh.
The generic name he has given, is compounded of two Greek words
expressive of one of the most common English appellations,
hyems, and amicus. Injustice to the celebrated author of the
Flora Boreali-Americana, it is proper to remark, that he long since
hinted at the propriety of making a new genus of two of the species
of Pyrola : “ P. maculata et umbellata., forsan constituunt genus a
Pyrola discrepans habitu, stigmate sessili et indiviso, antheris brevi-
2

Chimaphila unihellata. 19

ter rostratis et foramine sub-bivalvi dehiscentibus.”* Mr. Piirsh
therefore has done nothing more than estabhsh the genus, taking
for its characters those proposed by Michaux. Seeing no good
reason for his change of the specific name, I have not thought
proper to follow him further than by adopting the genus. In re-
storing the specific term of uiiibellata, which ought never to have
been laid aside, I am supported by the best usage, in cases where
it becomes expedient to impose a new generic name. Of the genus
as it now stands, there are two species; the C. maculata, and C. um-
bellata ; the latter is correctly figured in the plate. This plant is
nearly allied in botanical affinities to the uva ursi ; and we also find
a corresponding analogy in its medicinal properties and effects.
The root, which is perennial, is long, creeping, and of a yellowish
colour, sending off radicles. When chewed, it imparts to the taste
a degree of aromatic pungency, not disagreeable. When bruised,
it has a strong unpleasant smell. The stems arise, often several to-
gether, from the root, which they nearly resemble in colour at their
lower ends ; the middle and upper portions are reddish or dingy
rose-coloured. They vary in height from six to eight inches ; and,
though generally erect, are not unfrequently found semi-procum-
bent. The leaves have the appearance of being whoiied : and in
general there are two of these whorls on each stem. Sometimes
the leaves are alternate, and irregularly situated. They are lanceo-
late and somewhat wedge-shaped, narrowed towards the base, deeply

* Flora Boreali-Americana, 1. p. 251.

Chimaphila umbellata.

io

sawed on their edges, of a thick coriaceous texture, and of a very
shining sap-green colour. The caUx is small, five parted, and per-
sistent. The corolla consists of five roundish, concave and spread-
ing petals, which are white, tinged with rose-colour; they exhale an
odour remarkably agreeable and spicy. There are constantly ten
stamens; the filaments of which are awl-shaped, and shorter than
the petals. The anthers are purple, large, and nodding, bifurcated,
or two-horned upwards. The germ is globular, angular, of a green
colour, and always covered with a viscid matter ; the stigma is thick
and sessile, and the style persistent. The seeds, which are nume-
rous and chaffy, are enclosed in a roundish five-angled capsule, hav-
ing the five cells gaping at the angles. The seed vessel is persis-
tent through the winter, and is often found on the new plant whUe
it is in flower. C. umbellata is found in great abundance in the
pine forests and woods of our country, from Canada to Georgia.
Pursh restricts its southern range to Virginia, in which he is incor-
rect ; I have myself seen it in the neighbourhood of the Dismal
Swamp in North Carolina, and sparingly in the vicinity of Norfolk,
Virginia. Mr. Nuttall informs me he has observed it further south
than this ; and that he has seen it in Dr. Baldwin’s Herbarium, from
Flint river in Florida. It delights in a loose sandy soil, enriched by
decayed leaves ; and thrives most luxuriantly under the shade of
trees. It is very abundant in Jersey along the course of the Dela-
ware ; but also common in almost all the woods near to the city of
Philadelphia. It is in full flower in Juncv

Chirnaphila umhellata.

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS.

From the chemical analysis of this plant, made by Dr. John
Mitchell,* it appears that the decoction strikes a black colour with
the sulphate of iron ; and that there is little or no difference in the
quantity of astringency in the leaves and in the stalks. The pro-
portions of gum and resin contained in the plant, are, according to
Dr. Mitchell’s experiments, as follow: 1. Upon adding alcohol to
half an ounce of the dried leaves, and suffering the mixture to stand
for twenty-four hours exposed to a moderate temperature, then fil-
tering and evaporating to dryness, a residuum weighing eighty-six
grains was obtained. By the addition of water to this residuum,
nineteen grains of gum were procured. 2dly. Upon adding water
to half an ounce of the powdered leaves, and letting the mixture re-
main quiescent for twenty-four hours, exposed to the same degree
of heat as in the first experiment, and then filtering the infusion, and
evaporating it to dryness ; a residuum was obtained, weighing forty-
eight grains. By the addition of alcohol, twenty-two grains of resin
were procured from this remaining powder.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.

This plant is principally entitled to the attention of physicians,
for its diuretic property ; for which it is now sought and used by

* Inaugural Dissertation, Un. Penn. 1803.

22

Chimaphila umbellata.

many of the physicians of Great Britain.^ Dr. William Somerville
of the English army, deputy inspector of military hospitals, has
published the result of his trials of it, in the Medico-Chu’urgical
Transactions of London, vol. 5. p. 340. It appears from this paper
that Mr. Carter, a Surgeon who had charge of the hospital at William
Heniy, in Canada, had used a strong infusion of the plant in a case
of ascites, with good effect. The patient had been taking digitalis,
crystals of tartar, and other diuretics, without any success. The
diuretic effect of the infusion in this instance, was manifest and con-
siderable. It induced Dr. Somerville to try the medicine in the case
of Sir James Craig, the governor of Canada, who laboured under
general dropsy, and whose system was cachectic. He tells us that
the benefit of the herb was not durable, though while it lasted, it was
very considerable ; that its effects upon the kidneys were perceptible
in two days ; and that the medicine also produced a decided effect
on the stomach, increasing the appetite. Sir James was directed to
begin by taking a strong infusion of the whole plant, in the quantity
of a pint in twenty-four hours. The same patient took the plant in
various forms, with benefit. Dr. Somerville says that another pa-
tient for whom he prescribed it, remarked, that an agreeable sensa-
tion was produced in the stomach soon after taking the medicine,
followed in some instances by extraordinary increase of appetite ;
and he justly observes that this circumstance gives it a very great
advantage over other diuretics, none of which are agreeable to

* A druggist in Philadelphia received a drawing and description of this plant
from Dublin, and an order to send thither a large quantity.

Chimaphila umbellata.

23

the stomach, and most of them very offensive to it. Sir Walter
Farquhar, it appears from Dr. Somerville’s paper, had also used
the Pippsissewa in the case of a lady labouring under ascites. In
the detail of this case the diuretic effects are very striking. The
urine seems generally to imbibe the colour of the infusion of the
herb, which resembles the infusion of common green tea. Dr. So-
merville says he has generally observed the good effects of the
plant on the stomach, and that as far as his experience or informa-
tion extended, no circumstance had occurred to forbid its use in
any form, or to render it expedient to limit the dose. He further
remarks, that, “ the extract was prescribed in three hopeless cases
of ascites, accompanied wdth unequivocal marks of organic visceral
derangement ; the patients were private soldiers : in two instances
the kidneys were stimulated powerfully, and in the third the patient
complained of sickness at the stomach, and did not persevere in
taking the medicine.” He says the surgeon of the East York
militia was cured of dropsical symptoms, by the extract of chima-
phila. Dr. Marcet found “ striking effects” from the plant which
he tried at Guy’s hospital, in doses of fifteen grains of the extract
thrice a day. Dr. Satterley likewise corroborates the accounts of
the diuretic effect of this vegetable, by tw o cases which came under
his care ; and I am happy to have it in my power to add, that since
perusing Dr. Somerville’s paper, I have prescribed the infusion of the
plant in four cases at the Marines’ hospital under my care at the
navy-yard of this city. TL’he strong infusion was given combined with
flax-seed tea in two cases, and with treacle or molasses and water, in

24

Chimaphila mnhellata.

the other two, to the extent of a pint in twenty-four hours. In all,
the diuretic effects are cAudent ; and in one, where strangury was
produced in an old man, by a large blister which had been applied
for an affection of the side, the good effects of the infusion were
evident in the speedy evacuation of water. Dr. Somerville says that
“ an ounce of the dried plant including root, stalk and leaves, cut
small, and macerated twelve hours in two pints of cold water, then
boiled till it yielded one pint of strained liquor, was found to act
with gi'eater energy than the infusion.” Mr. Carter found that
thirty-four pounds avoirdupois of the recent herb, yielded four
pounds of extract. Of this extract Dr. Somerville says he gave five
scruples in twenty-four hours. The extract may be given in pUls,
or dissolved in a small quantity of boiling water. It appears that the
Hurons and other Indian nations, are well acquainted with the ef-
fects of this plant upon the kidneys. They have long been in the
habit. Dr. Somerville tells us, of using it “ in all disorders which
they ascribe to a diminished secretion of urine, and which they be-
lieve will be cured by an increase of that secretion. They use it in
gravelly complaints very commonly. It is, indeed, said to be one of
the principal articles of the Materia Medica of the Indians ; and in a
paper by the late professor Barton, published in the 7th volume of
the Medico-Chirurgical Transactions of London, he intimates that
the knowledge the whites have of the use of this article in calculous
affections, was derived primarily from the savages of our country.
The professor says in the same paper, that, “ all his trials and inqui-
ries respecting this plant had convinced him that it is an important

Chimaphila wnbellata.

25

antilithick, not less so than the uva ursi.” The tonic property be-
longing to this plant, noticed by Dr. Somerville, while it seems to
enhance its value as a diuretic, has led to the use of the plant in in-
termittents and other similar affections. Dr. Mitchell relates some
cases of its success in these fevers. In one of them the diuretic
operation was noticed. The urine, which was considerably increased
in quantity, was of a dark or black colour. This is an interesting
fact, though inexplicable. Dr. Heberden has recorded a case of a
similar colour being produced by the uva ursi. The Indians use a
strong and warm decoction of the Pippsissewa, in rheumatism and
fever. Its use in the first disease has led to one of its English
names, rheumatism-weed. I'hey employ the whole plant, and the
decoction is taken in large quantities. It is probable that the relief
they find in this mode of employing the plant, is owing to the perspi-
ration induced by it. Professor Barton says he has been “ assured
on good authority, that it was very extensively employed, and with
excellent effect, in many cases of typhus fever, which, under the ap-
pellation of ‘ camp-fever,’ prevailed among the American troops, and
carried off great numbers of them, during the time of the revolution-
ary war.”* A decoction of the plant, he tells us, was used, and he
was of opinion that it did good by exciting copious perspiration.
Pippsissewa is a topical stimulant,! and the bruised leaves are said
sometimes to induce redness, vesication, and desquamation of the

♦ Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, Vol. 7.

■{■Barton’s Collections towards an Essay on the Materia Medica — 3d ed. part 2. p. 31,

4

VOL. I.

26

Chimaphila umbellata.

skin. This effect of the plant, as it is remarked to occur but seldom,
has been said by the author of the “ Collections,” not to be particu-
larly worthy of attention ; yet it seems to derive some more impor-
tance from an observation of Dr. Somerville, in the paper already
quoted. He informs us, that “ in a case of acute rheumatism, in Ca-
nada, he saw the leaves of a plant which he supposed to have been
the pyrola umbellata, applied as a cataplasm to the shoulder affected :
the bruised leaves of the recent plant held to the fire till they were
as hot as they could be endured, were applied to the part in a warm
towel, for three hours. The application produced great heat, irri-
tation, and redness in the part, followed by such sharp pain, that
profuse perspiration over the whole body ensued, which was kept up
in bed by warm drinks and clothing, for six hours.” Dr. Mitchell
relates the case of a gentleman of Philadelphia, who used the Pipp-
sissewa during an attack of rheumatism ; the bruised leaves moist-
ened with brandy, were laid on the affected part in the evening : the
next morning complete vesication was produced, but the pain was
not alleviated. A decoction in vinegar has been said to be useful as
an application to bruises. It follows from these facts, that the plant
may not be unworthy the attention of physicians, or at least that it
may be serviceable in domestic medicine, as a topical stimulant.

It appears from the preceding observations, that the Pippsisse-
wa is chiefly entitled to a place in the Materia Medica, by reason of
its diuretic property. In justice, it must be observed, that we are
indebted to the experiments and observations of Europeans, for the
2

Chimaphila umbellata.

27

discovery of this very general effect of the plant. And if future and
more extensive trials of it in dropsical affections, should confirm the
high character given to this plant by Dr. Somerville, we have much
reason to congratulate ourselves on the accession to the Materia
Medica, of so powerful a diuretic ; one, not only divested in its in-
troduction to the stomach of any nauseating or other unpleasant
consequences, like those of digitalis and squill ; but actually exerting
a roborant effect upon that organ, manifestly increasing the appe-
tite, and producing very agreeable feelings in the patient, soon after
it is taken. Bearing in mind the good effects ascribed to uva ursi, in
dropsy, by Dr. Ferriar, of Manchester, we may, from the facts now
within our knowledge, together with the circumstance of the affinity
of the plant to uva ursi, not hesitate to recommend the decoction
of Pippsissewa as a valuable remedy in this disease, at least in con-
junction with the use of the lancet. Its reputed efficacy in nephri-
tic affections, if it does not rest on as broad a foundation as the diu-
retic virtue of the plant, should not be despised ; and as a topical
stimulant it is worthy of further investigation, particularly as one
species of the genus to which this plant lately belonged, Pyrola ro-
tundifolia, has been said to be esteemed by the Indians for its
blistering property.^ This plant is likewise used in many parts
of the United States, in cancerous affections ; but it is entitled to no
attention in such cases.f It is somewhat remarkable, that Mr.

• Remarks on the bite of the rattle snake, by professor Barton, Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. Vol. 3. p. 103.

fl have been informed by Dr. Hewson, the professor of comparative anatomy, that upon showing
the C. umbellata to Csesar A. Rodney, Esq. of Delaware ; it was recognised as a plant known in that state by

28

Chimaphila umhellata.

Piirsh^ has mistaken, in a medical point of view, the other species of Chi-
maphila, viz. C. maculata, for that which is the subject of the foregoing
remarks; and he has quoted the Indian name incorrectly, calling it Si-
psissewa ; so far as I know, this appellation is never given. That in
relation to the medicinal virtues he has confounded these two plants
with each other, is evident, from his attributing active properties to
Chimaphila maculata, which is not at this time known to possess any.
He says he has himself been a witness of a successful cure made by
a decoction of the plant, in a very severe case of hysteria ; and re-
marks, “that it, (the C. maculata,) is a plant eminently deserving the
attention of physicians.” I am inclined to think Mr. Pursh has been
misled in this instance by the name of Pippsissewa, which is applied
in common to both species ; for the experiments of Dr. Mitchell go
to prove, that the species so highly commended by him is wholly in-
ert, though it is worthy of remark, that the Indians are said to call
this species poison Pippsissewa, in contradistinction to the C. umbel-
lata, which they call simply, Pippsissewa, Besides this, Shcepf says
of C. maculata, which he enumerates among his medicinal plants :
“ infusum foliorum, ante annos aliquot, sub nomine Pippsisseva, fre-
quentissime ad Febres intermittentes, exhibeatur in Pennsylvania.”!

the name of “ King-cure and he infonned the doctor it was a popular remedy for scrofula. The fact is
only mentioned here, with a view to give all the Information on the subject I am possessed of. Certainly we
are warranted, from our knowledge of the real virtues of the plant, to believe that its exhibition in this com-
plaint, is strictly empirical.

* Flora America Septentrionalis

t Mat. Med, Am. p. 68,

Chimaphila umbellata.

29

Pursh is altogether silent respecting the medical properties of C.
umbellata ; but after all, it is not unlikely that the C. maculata will
turn out to be an active plant. It is not only very like the other in
habit, but it may readily be confounded with it, on a slight view. It is
most easily distinguished from the C. umbellata, by its leaves, which
are of a dark olive green colour, and conspicuously maculated or
veined with greenish-white ; while in the Pippsissewa which is the
subject of this article, the leaves are of a shining green hue, without
any spots or veins. In the C. maculata, too, the leaves which are
lanceolate, inclining occasionally to ovate, are broad at their bases,
and taper to their apexes ; they are also deeply sawed on them
edges. Those of the C. umbeUata are narrow^ed at their bases,
broadest towards their ends ; the serratures are not quite so deep,
and are nearer together. It must be confessed, that the aspect of
the Chimaphila maculata is strikingly indicative of active properties,
and the plant is worthy of further investigation.

tECONOMICAL USE.

I have been informed by Judge Peters, that it is a common
practice in the country, to give a bucket full of the decoction of the
C. umbellata, to horses that are unable to stale, with the view, and
uniformly with the effect, of relieving them. This is a strong fact in
corroboration of the diuretic virtue of the plant, as described in the
foregoing pages ; and it is also an interesting one to farmers, or other

30 Chiinaphila umbellata.

persons who keep horses, and reside in the neighbourhood where
the Pippsissewa grows.

TABLE I.

Fig. 1 . represents the Chimaphila umbellata of the natural size.
Sometimes two stems supporting a corymbus or kind of umbel of
flowers, proceed from the upper whorl of leaves ; and not unfre-
quently the persistent capsules of the last year, supported on the
dried stem, remain on the flowering plant.

Fig. 2. the persistent capsules, by which and the leaves, the-
plant may be recognised when out of flower.

Hi ii|i|iim I'C “ '

.Igii^ y.

■||ihii|i[ ' -■ ■•■■

llll§((ll^

<ililli^^ ,

■■:' .

Y'- . -•■ ,

SAErGlTOLSrAMm CAmaJOKWSIS,

(Blo®(ii-ir”0(£iit . lPiiacco©im.)

V - " ^

SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS.

BLOOD-ROOT.. ..PUCCOON.

Indlan-paint. Red-root. Turmeric.

Sakguinahia Canadensis. Lin. sp. pi. 723. Amoen. acad. 4. 515. Gronov. virg. 57. ed. nov. 80. Cold, novebpi;.
126. Corn. Canad. 212. Shoepf. Mat. Med. Ame. p. 85. Dill. elth. t. 252. Ait. Hort. Kew. ed. 2d. vol.
3. p. 286. Pers. Syn. Plant, vol. 2. p. 61. Bot. Mag. 162. Mich. fl. Boreali-Am. 1. p. 309. Willd. sp. ph
Tom. 2. p. 1140. Coxe. Am. Dispen. ed. 2d. p. 549. Thatcher. Am. Dispen. ed. 2d. p. 331. ed. 1st.
p. 201. Pharm. Mass. Med. Soc. p. 29. Downey’s Inaug. Diss. Barton’s “ Collections,” &c. ed.
3. vol. i. p. 28, 55. Vol. ii. p. 39, 52. Muhl. Cat. PI. Am. Sep. p. 51. Barton’s Prod. fl. Philad. p. 57.

SANGUINARIA.

Gen. Plant, ed. Schreb. n. 878.

,^ANGUiNABiA Lin. Cal. 2-phyllus. Pet. 8. Caps, ovata, 1-Iocularis.

Nat. Syst. Juss. Papaveracesc — Classis XIII. Ordo II.

Sanguinabia L. * Beithabnosia, T. ♦ Petala 8. Stigma capitatum, bisulcum persistens. Capsula ovata
oblonga, apice attenuate, bivalvis valvis replo biscapo utrinque seminefero persistent!, appositis
caducis. Folium unicum radicale,- scapus 1-Jlorus ,• succus hematodes. Gen. Plan, de Juss. ed. 1789.
p. 236.

Nat. ord. Linnsei. Rhoedex.

Classis. Polyandria, Ordo. M.onogyrda, Lin. Syst.

■Sanguinabia Canadensis : folio subreniformi sinuato-lobato, scapo unifloro. Willd. Sp. pi. 2. p. 1140 et
Pur. %.

Var. /3. stenopetala; S. petalis linearibus. Pur. fl. Am. Sep. 2. p. 366.

32

Sanguinaria Canadensis.

SYNONYMA, &c.

SAsetriNARiA. Hol’t. cliff. 202. Gron. virg. 57. Mill. Diet. n. 1. Giseck. ic. fasc. 1. n. 13.

S. minor, flore simplici. Dill. elth. 355. t. 252. f. 326.

Chelidonium majus Canadense acaulon. Com. Canad. 212. Moris, hist. 2. p. 257. s. 3. t. 11. f. 1.
Kaj. hist. 1887.

Ranunculus Virginiensis albus. Park, theat. 327. Rai. suppl. 314.

|3. Sanguinaria major, flore simplici. Dill. elth. 335. t. 252. f. 325.
y. Sanguinaria major, flore pleno. Dill. elth. 335. t. 252. f. 326.

Houttuyn Lin. Pfl. Syst. 7. p. 185.

Canadisches Blutkraut. Willd. (German.)

Habitat in America Septentrionali.

Folium radicale tenerrime in sinu fovet, et amplectitur infantiam floris, more Osmundae Lunariae
et est folium unicum cucullatum et scapus uniflorus e singula gemma radicis bivalvi. Stamina meae
vix habuere polliniferas ; an dioica? Lactescens succo fulvo Chelidonii. Willd.sp.pl.

p. 1140.

Habitat in nemoribus Canadae et Floridae.

Pharm. Sanguinariae Radix et semina.

Qual. Succus saturate aureus, acris corrodens. Flavo tingit; Spirit. Vini colore rubro grato inficit.
Vis : emetica, purgans.

Usus: Rad. decoct, tenue Gonorrhoea; morsura serpentum ; morbi biliosi ; — Succ. veruccae. icterus,
rad. pulv. Ji. in cerevisia. Shoep. Mat. Med.

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

Planta pulcherrima. Radix praemorsa, fulva, magna et carnosa, succo fulvo exudans Chelidonii.
Foliis radicalibus, sub floratione parvulis, subtus glaucis, sanguineo-venosis, circa scapum et florem
convolutis. Post florationem folia sunt magna, cordata et profunde sinuato-labata, subtus glauca
et fulvo-venosa. Scapo constanter uniflora. Florum petala alba vel roseo-striata, perquam varians
numero et magnitudine ; frequenter 8. calix evanescens sive caducus. Capsula longa in medio in-
flata, apice et basi attenuata. Semina plurima rotunda et acuminata. %. Florens Martio et April!.

Barton’s Flora Philadelphica, M.S.

Sanguinaria canadensis is a plant peculiar to North Ame-
rica. Its systematic name, as well as its English and German ap-
pellations, are expressive of the peculiar reddish, or rather orange-
coloured juice which pervades every part of it. It is one of the

Sangiiinaria Canadensis.

83

most beautiful and delicate vegetables of our country. It is parti-
cularly interesting from its flowering at a season when there is little
or no general verdure, and scarcely any thing in bloom, except trees,
the inconspicuous florescence of W'^hich does not render them in
general very attractive. It is also one of the most abundant plants
of our states, growing plentifully from Canada to Florida.

The root of Puccoon is perennial, and of no definite size. It
varies in thickness from a quarter, to a half, or sometimes three
quarters of an inch in diameter ; and in length, from two to foui'
inches. It is generally about the size and length of a finger ; fleshy,
round, and abruptly terminated ; being for the most part tolerably
straight in the middle, with a curvature at each end. It is common-
ly of the shape represented in the plate, though not unfrequently,
particularly in the new plant, shorter, and contorted or bent up-
wards. Occasionally a number of roots are connected together,
principally by no closer attachment than that produced by a fascicu-
lation of the numerous fibres originating from the main body. The
external colour of the root is brownish, inclining to copper; but
being cut, it appears of a red hue, and a bright orange-coloured juice
is abundantly discharged. The end always has the appearance of
having been cut off by a dull instrument, or broken in removing it
from the ground. The scape, which is uniformly terminated by a
single flower, proceeds from one end of the root, and rises perpen-
dicularly to the height of six or eight inches. In the early part of
the season, that is, about the last of March or first of April, it flowers
much under this height ; and not unfrequently the flow'ers are ex-

VOL. I.

34

Sanguinaria Canadensis.

panded at these periods, when the scape has just appeared above
ground. The leaf-stalks, which are thicker than the scape, are long,
and arise from the same part of the root. This has relation to a
plant in the state of forwardness represented in the plate. In com-
mon, by the time the flower is expanded, the leaf-stalk is not more
than half the length of the scape ; and it then supports a small con-
voluted leaf, with its lower lobes embracing this part. Both the
leaf-stalks and scape, which are encircled at their origin from the
root, by a common sheath, are of an orange colour, deepest towards
their junction with the caudex, and becoming paler near to the leaves
and flowers, where it is blended with green. When broken or
squeezed, they emit a coloured liquor like that of the root, but
paler. The stain made by this fluid on paper, is a faint yellow.
When this plant first comes up, the young leaf is rolled round both
scape and flower-bud ; and not unfrequently, the flower is opened
immediately over the convoluted leaf. The under side of this leaf
is glaucous, the disk pale yellowish green, and on both sides the
orange-coloured veins are very conspicuous. In favourable situa-
tions the plant has often one or two expanded leaves like that in
the plate ; and these are also of a pale green colour on their upper
surface, and glaucous or bluish-white underneath, interspersed on
either side with numerous orange-coloured veins. The whole plant
becomes much increased in size after the flowering is passed about
a month ; frequently attaining at this period, the height of fifteen
inches, but commonly not exceeding twelve. The leaves are then
enlarged to twice or thrice the size of that in the plate, are heart-

2

Sanguinaria Canadensis.

35

shaped, and deeply lobed. The number of lobes is mostly live or
seven, and their edges have many small unequal indentations. On
each lobe, one large fibre of a bright yellow colour may be seen, run-
ning from the leaf-stalk, and sending off* many smaller ones. The
flowers are white and spreading; and have two deciduous calix
leaves. Michaux says there are three, which I believe is an error.
The calix is so exceedingly fugacious, that it is common for them to
fall off* before the flower is expanded ; hence they are rarely seen.
The petals, which for the most part are pure white, are often tinged
on their under side, and sometimes on their upper, with a delicate
rose colour. The flower-bud is generally faint rose-coloured. The
petals vary exceedingly both in size and number. I have in many
flowers counted from seven to fourteen ; the common number is
about eight. The stamens are numerous, the anthers simple, and
orange-coloured. The filaments are simple, shorter than the corolla,
and of a yellow colour. The pistil is reddish green; the germ
oblong and compressed. Style none. Stigma thich, two furrow-
ed, with a stria the height of the stamens, and permanent. The cap-
sule, or as Willdenow designates it, the siliqua, is oblong, swelling
in the middle, acute at both ends, and two-valved. The seeds are
numerous, round, and pointed.

I'he variety described by Mr. Pursh, as having linear petals, I
have never seen. Mr. Nuttall informed me, that it was also collected in
Georgia by Mr. Lyon. The medicinal properties are in all proba-
bility the same, as the variety does not differ except in the flower.

36

Sanguinaria Canadensis.

The tendency of Puccoon to multiply its petals in favourable situa-
tions, renders it likely that culture would readily produce a double
variety ; and indeed the variety marked v- Sanguinaria major
jiore plena, by Dillenius, as quoted under the Synonyma, proves
that such a change has been effected in it. As these double
flowers are admired by the florists, the plant is worthy of being in-
troduced in our gardens, where it thrives extremely well. Some
roots planted in my garden in 1815, in very uncongenial soil, came
up the succeeding year, and bloomed luxuriantly; the roots were
again transplanted last Autumn, as well as last Spring, (1817,) and
are yet alive.

Sanguinaria Canadensis inhabits a rich loose soil, on the decli-
vities of hills, and the exposed borders of shady woods. Pursh says
it generally delights in fertile soil. A large quantity of it grows on
the side of a hill at the end of the Botanic-Garden of our Uni-
versity, where the soil is sandy and almost inclining to arid.

In auspicious seasons, Puccoon flowers in Pennsylvania in the
last days of March; and even in the common weather of spring-
months, it may always be found in bloom about the first of April.

Dr. Thatcher has given the Indian name, as Puuson. After
many enquiries I believe this to be incorrect, and a mere corruption
of the true aboriginal name, Puccoon, as given at the head of this
article.

Sanguimria Canadensis,

37

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS.

From the chemical analysis of Puccoon made by Dr. Dow-
ney, it appears, that there is a gum, a resin, and a saponace-
ous or extractive matter in the root ; and that the gum is in the
greatest abundance. It results also from the same experiments,
that the active principle of the plant resides chiefly in the gum and
extractive matter, but especially in the former.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.

This plant is emetic and purgative in large doses ; and in
smaller quantities is stimulant, diaphoretic and expectorant ; but it
is here presented to physicians principally for its emetic power. It
is a powerful medicine, and has produced dangerous effects when
incautiously administered. Dr. Shcepf mentions the emetic and pur-
gative virtue of the root. Fifteen or twenty grains of the pulverized
root produce powerful emesis ; but the medicine must be given in
the form of pills, as the powder creates great irritation of the fauces.
A decoction or extract will perhaps answer better. The root of
this plant when exhibited as an emetic, has been found to dislodge
worms from the stomach.* This hint of the anthelmintic property
of this part may not, perhaps, be unworthy of notice, though other
emetics have sometimes produced the same effect. Dr. Shcepf has

. • Barton’s Collections, &c. part 2. p. 52.

38

Saiiguinaria Canadensis.

also mentioned that a weak decoetion of the root was used in go-
norrhcea, against the bites of serpents, and in bilious diseases ; that
the juice was employed against warts ; and, (on the authority of
Golden,) that the powder of the root in the dose of one drachm, was
exhibited in jaundice. Dr. Dexter of Cambridge, Massachusetts,
says, that in some trials he made with the plant, it proved efficacious
as a stimulant and diaphoretic, in doses of one grain of the pow der-
ed root, or ten drops of the saturated tincture.* I have never used
this plant with a view to its emetic effects, but from the experi-
ments of Dr. Downey it would seem, that the dose recommended
by Golden and Shcepf, is much too large. Neither have I much
faith in the efficacy of this medicine in jaundice. If it has done
good in this disease, it must have acted by its emetic power alone 5
and in all probability other emetics woidd do as well. Combined
however with calomel, it is not improbable that it would be service-
able. Dr. Thatcher mentions the reputed efficacy of this root in
removing jaundice, and says it is believed to be the chief ingredient
in the quack medicine known by the name of Rawson^s Bitters.f
A spirituous tincture of the root is said to be frequently used in
New England, in various diseases, as a tonic bitter.f This is the
only form in which I have used the plant. I prepared some of the
tincture from the recent roots, last spring. It is intensely bitter,
approaching in its permanent impression on the tongue, to acerb.
I have used this preparation of the plant in three cases, and with

• Dr. Thatcher’s Disp. p. 202. f New Am. Dispensatory, p. 202.

t Barton’s Collections, &c.

Sangumaria Canadensis.

39

the manifest effect of increasing the appetite and tone of the
stomach. It was used in the same way as wine bitters. I can rea-
dily believe that in this form it has done good, at least as a prophy-
lactic, in those low marshy grounds of the southern states, where
the inhabitants are said to use it to guard them against intermit-
tents, and what the country people call “inward fevers.” The
dose of the saturated tincture of the root, is from 30 to 80 drops
twice a day, increasing or decreasing the number as circumstances
may require.^ I have found 20 drops thrice a day, a good average
dose. A decoction of the root has been recommended in the treat-
ment of old and indolent ulcers ; and the powdered root applied a
few times in some cases of ill-conditioned ulcers, with callous edges
and an ichorous discharge, produced a healthy state of the sores.f
I have also heard of the application of the powdered root to a fun-
gous tumor within the nostril, with the effect of producing detumes-
cence, and bringing away frequently, small pieces of the fungus,
which in the first instance impeded the progress of air through the
nostril, and was supposed to be a polypus. A decoction of Puccoon
has been employed with very good effect in that form of sore-throat,
called by Dr. Darwin peripneumonia trachealis.% The medicine
proved emetic. From this case Dr. Barton believes that “ it pro-
mises to be an useful medicine, particularly on the foundation of its
emetic and expectorant effects, in cases of cynanche maligna, or
ulcerous sore-throat, in cynanche trachealis, or hives, and other

• Thatcher’s Dispensatory, p. 202.
t Barton’s Collections, part 2. p. 40.

t Downeys Inaiig. Diss. Phil. 1803.

40

Sanguinaria Canadensis.

similar affections. Its properties,” continues the Doctor, “ seem to
be considerably allied to those of Seneca snake-root, which has been
so beneficially employed in the same cases.”^ Dr. Israel Allen, of
Sterling, and others, have had recourse to this medicine as a sub-
stitute for digitalis, in coughs and pneumonic complaints ; and on
some occasions it is said that it proved as efficacious as Fox-glove,
when administered with the same care ; and it was found less de-
bilitating than this medicine.f

The leaves and the seeds of Puccoon, are, according to Dr.
Barton and Dr. Downey, evidently deleterious. The latter produce
effects similar to those brought on by the seeds of Stramonium, or
thorn-apple. The experiments of the last-named gentleman were
made with the unripe seeds, and he says they exerted “ a very con-
siderable influence over the pulse, and a stupifying narcotic
quality.”! They therefore may be considered as incitants ; and in
common with other articles of that class, they are said sometimes
to act as diaphoretics and diuretics.

The best time to collect this plant for medical purposes is,
when the seeds are ripe, which is about the beginning of May.

OECONOMICAL USES.

The juice of the root of Puccoon makes a fine dye of an
orange colour, and is used by the country people for staining flan-

• Barton’s Collections, &c. part 2. p. 40. f Thatcher’s Disp. p. 202. t Inaug'. Diss.

Sanguinaria Canadensis.

41

nels and woollen cloths. The Indians paint themselves with it, and
use it as a dye for their baskets and articles of ornament; hence one of
its vulgar names, Indian-paint. From the experiments made by Dr.
Downey, with a view to find a suitable mordant to fix this dye, it ap-
pears, that the colour of flannel and silk stained with the juice, could
never be entirely washed out ; that the sulphate of alumine, or
alumine alone, and the murio-sulphate of tin, are tolerable good
mordants for flannel, cotton, silk, and linen. Murio-sulphate of tin,
was the only mordant that fixed the colour on cotton and linen. I
have heard that this plant is employed as a dye in the wooUfen-cloth
manufactory near Wilmington, Delaware. If success has been ob-
tained in fixing the colour permanently, there can be no doubt that
the dye obtained from Puccoon will become a highly important ar-
ticle in domestic manufactures.

It is said that in Maryland, the farriers give the root of Sangui-
naria to horses, to induce sw eating ; and to promote the shedding
of their old coats of hair.

TABLE II.

Fig. 1. Represents the Sanguinaria Canadensis of the natural
and most common size, in the early part or middle of April. During
the heat of the day, the petals are more horizontal than they can be
well represented in a drawing ; towards evening they converge ; and
at night they are wrapped up.

VOL. I.

42

Sanguinaria Canadensis.

Fig. 2. The capsule or seed vessel, about half mature. As the
plant, unless sought after with some care at the period of its inflores-
cence, will seldom be met with in flower, the capsule and large
leaves of the advanced plant, may serve to identify it.

7adk 3.

(D®]R^I[J§ ]FI.®JR]nO!A»

( jD wgwoodl-)

CORNUS FLORIDA.

D 0 GTVO OD.

Lai’ge-flowered Cornel; Dog-tree; Box-tree; New-England Box-wood; in the United States. — Great-
flowered Dogwood ; Florid Dogwood ; Male Virginian Dogwood ; in England. — Mon-ha-
can-ni-min-schi ; and Hat-ta-wa-no-min-schi, of the Delaware Indians.

CoHNus florida, Lin. Sp. PI. p. 171. Hort. Cliff. 38. Hort. Ups. 29. Cold. Noveb. 16. Wangenh. Amer.
p. 51. t. 17. f. 41. Shcepf, Mat. Med. Am. p. 14. L’Herit. Corn. n. 3. p. 4. Ait. Hort. Kew. ed. 2d
vol. 1. p. 261. Marshall, Arbust. p. 35, 36. Bartram’s Trav. p. 401. Walk. Inaug. Dis. Barton’s Col-
lections, ed. 3d. vol. 1. p. 12, 47. vol. 2. p. 17. Mich. FI. Boreali-Am. 1. p. 91. Mich. f. Hist,
des Arb. Fores, vol. 3. p. 138. Catesb. Car. t. 27. Pur. FI. Am. sep. 1. p. 108. Schmidt, Arb.
t. 62. Bot. Mag. 526. Pers. Syn. vol. 1. p. 143. Willd. Sp. PI. p. 661. Roy. Lugdb. 249. Gron.,
Virg. 17. Kalm. it. 2. p. 321. et. 3. p. 104. Mill. Diet. n. 3. Du Eoi Harbk. tom. 1. p. 167. Pluk,
Aim. 120. Clayt. n. 57. Walt. Car. p. 88. Piet. Reg. 43. p. 3349. Basseporte. Muhl. Cat. Am.
Sep. p. 17. Bart. FI. Virg. p. 45. Coxe’s Am. Disp. p. 290. 2d ed. 286. Thatcb. Disp. p. 114.
Pharm. Mass. Med. Soc. p. 13. Barton’s Prodr. FI. Phil. p. 26. Elliot, Car. &e. p. 207. Nuttall,
Genera of American Plants, p. 96,*

CORNUS.

Gen. Plant, 194.

CoiiNtrs. Cal. Superus, 4-dentatus, deciduus. JJnipa nuce 2-bilocularis.

Nat. Syst. Juss. Caprifolia. Classis XI. Ordo III.

Consrs. T. L. • Cornuiller. Calix 4-dentatus. Petala 4 parva, basi latiora. Stamina 4 iisdem alterna ;
antherae incumbentes. Stylus 1; Stigma 1. Drupa parva, non coronata, foeta nuce 2-loculari
2-sperma. Arbuscula aut fructices ; folia opposita basi nuda, in unica specie alterna ; flores in

44

Cornus Jiorida.

aliis corymbosi terminales foliis tai’diores, in aliis prxcociores umbellati aut capital! involucro com-
muni 4-pliyIlo, interdum magno colorato. Corculum seminis longum, perispermo carnoso invo-
lutum. Gen. PI. Juss. p. 214. ed. 1789.

Nat. Ord. Lin. SteUatee.

Classis Tetrandria. Ordo Monogyniar Lin. Syst.

CoRNTJS florida, foliis ovalibus, acuminatis, subtus albicantibus ; floribus sessiliter capitatis ; involucro tnax-
imo, foliis apice deformi quasi obcordatis; fructibus ovatis, rubris. Mich. fil. Hist, des Arb.
Forest. Am. vol. 3. p. 138. et Mich. FI. Bor. Am. 1. p. 91.

CoBNus florida : arborea ; foliis ovatis acuminatis, subtus albicantibus ; involucro maximo, foliolis obcorda^
tis; drupis brevi-ovatis, coccineis, apice nigris. Bart. FI. Virg. Gron. 'p. 45.

CoRiTDS florida: arborea; foliis ovatis acuminatis, involucris magnis quasi obcordatis, drupis ovatis. Willdl-
Sp. PI. 1. p. 661.

SYNONYMA.

CoRirus arborea involucro maximo, foliolis obcordatis. Lin. Cliff. 38. Spec. 171.

Cornus mas Virginiana, flosculis in corymbo digestis a perianthio tetrapetalo albo radiatim cinctis. Pluk.
Aim. 120. t. 2. f. 3. Catesb. Car. 1. 1. 27.

Cornus mas floribus quasi in corymbo digestis, perianthio albo e quatuor foliis composito radiatim expanse
cinctis. Clayt. n. 57.

Houttuyn Lin. Pfl. Syst. 1. p. 237.

Schbnbluhender Hartriegel. Willd. (German.)

Habitat in Sylvis Sep. Am. ■

Fharm. Corn! floridse Cortex, (caulis et radicis ;) Gemmae ; Flores.

Qwal. Amara. tonica.

Vis. Adstringens. Gemmar. carminativa.

Usus. Febres intermittentes. Ligni usus mechanicus.

Decoct. Corni, a decocto corlicis peruviani gustu vix discernendum ; Intermittentes aeque certo
curat ac Cort. Peruv. Vires addita Serp. Virg. acuuntur. Rad. Sassaf. et Cort. Corni aa^vj.
Coqu. cum aquae libris viii. ad remanetiam lb. i. ad ulcgra cancrosa, maligna tepide et frequenter
applicata, prodest. Shoepf. Mat. Med. Am. p. 14.

Arbor parva, conspicua involucris florum maximis coloratis. Fructibus rubri. Ineunte frondescentia
floret. L’Hert. Cor. 3.

Dogwood is so common throughout the United States, that it is
well known to most people. It is the largest tree of its genus, and
indeed attains such an height, that it is described by Michaux the

Cornus Jiorida.

4^

younger, in his elegant work on the forest trees of North America.
Its wood, its flowers, and its bark, the latter entitling it to a place in
this work, render it an extremely interesting tree. The name by
which it is generally known throughout the United States, is that of
Dogwood ; it is recognised less frequently by that of Boxwood. But
it is also known in different states, and even in different parts of the
same state, by the various other names enumerated at the head of
this article. Michaux f. in the work alluded to, informs us, that in
the state of Massachusetts, between the 42d and 43d degrees of lati-
tude, the Dogwood is first observed ; and that it is afterwards found
without interruption in all the eastern and western states, as well as
in the Floridas as far as the Mississippi. He remarks that in all this
tract of country, it is the most abundant of all the arborescent vege-
tables ; but that it is comparatively most plenty in New Jersey, Penn-
sylvania, Maryland and Virginia, wherever the soil is new, unequal
and gravelly. More to the south, in the two Carolinas, Georgia,
and the Floridas, it is only seen on the borders of marshes, and not
in the pine-barrens, where the soil is too sandy and arid for it to
grow. In the more fertile portions of Kentucky, and the eastern sec-
tion of Tennessee, it does not grow abundantly among the forest
trees, but is only found where the soil is stony and indifferent.^ Ac-
cording to Michaux, the Cornus florida sometimes attains the height
of 30 and 35 feet, and ^ diameter of 9 and lo inches. It is usually,

• Michaux, fil. Arbres Foi^est.

46

Corniis Jlorida.

however, 18 or 20 feet high, by 4 or 5 inches in diameter. The
trunk is strong, invested with a rough blackish bark, which is toler-
ably thick, and very much separated into fissures or cracks. The
branches are numerous, spreading, and disposed regularly ; being
sometimes opposite to each other, and occasionally arising by fours.
Michaux remarks, that the younger branches take a semicircular di-
rection upwards. The leaves are about three inches in length ; op-
posite, oval, entire, acuminated, slightly glaucous or whitish under-
neath, and presenting on their upper surface many conspicuous
ridges. Towards the end of summer they become speckled with
black dots, and on the approach of winter turn to a dull red colour.
Michaux informs us, that in the states of New York and New Jersey,
the flowers of this tree are fully opened about the tenth or fif-
teenth of May, at which time the leaves only begin to be developed.
In Pennsylvania the tree is in full bloom about the 15th of May, in
ordinary seasons. It flowers very regularly ; so much so, tliat it is
said by the late Professor Barton,* that formerly “ some of our south-
ern tribes were accustomed to name the spring season from its flow-
ering.” The flowers are terminal on the little branches. They are
small, of a greenish yellow colour, and aggregated in numbers. They
are garnished with an involucre from three to four inches large, which
surrounds them. This involucre is composed of four large obcor-
date folioles, of a fleshy or coriaceous texture. They are white,
sometimes tinged with violet. The outer extremity of each foliole
is notched, having the appearance of disease or injury. I'he notches

* “ Collections,” &c.

Cornus florida.

47

are purplish, or dusky rose coloured. I have understood that
there is an individual variety of this tree in the woods near Philadel-
phia, having bright red or rose coloured involucres. This variety,
which I have not seen, must be an exceedingly magnificent tree, and
highly ornamental. It is to the large involucres that the fiowers of
this cornel owe their character for elegance. When Dogwood is in
full flower, it is a strikingly beautiful tree, and very ornamental to
the forests; the more so from the early period of its flowering.
The calix is monophyllus, small, and four-toothed. It is deciduous,
never continuing until the berries are ripe. The corolla is compos-
ed of four petals. The stamens are four in number, and equal.
Pistil one, consisting of a roundish germ, beneath. The style fili-
form, and nearly the length of the corolla. Stigma obtuse*

The flowers are succeeded by oblong berries, of a rich, shining,
crimson or carmine colour ; always collected together to the num-
ber of three and four, as has been remarked by Michaux, and as I
also have often observed. They are ripe about the middle of
September ; and are then eagerly devoured by different birds, such
particularly as the Turdus migratorius, or Robin ; the Turdus rufus,
or Thrush; and I have sometimes seen the rare bird called Wood-
thrush, Turdus minor, employed busily in eating them. It must be
a food peculiarly gi^ateful to this melodious little songster, to induce
it to leave its favourite and almost constant haunts, the summits of
the tallest forest trees.

Cornus fiorida.

4S

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS.

From the chemical investigation of the properties of the cornels,
made by Dr. Walker,* it appears : that upon distilling equal quantities
of the pulverised bark of the root of Cornus florida and sericea, and of
red Peruvian bark, a fluid was obtained from the latter, differing
from that procured by the two former in no respect, but in possess-
ing a flavour, not aromatic, but peculiar to the bark. The fluid was
clear and transparent. It appears further, that upon subjecting these
materials to a second distillation, the fluids obtained had a more dis-
agreeable smell than those from the first, and a taste somewhat
acerb. The fluid yielded by the Corni acquired a lemon colour;
that from the Peruvian Bark was tinged with red. The following
results are given by Dr. Walker, of the changes which took place
upon testing these different fluids :

The fluid distilled from

With litmus paper.

r Corn. flor. Red.
theJ Com. seri. Red.
I^Cort. Peru. Red.

Oxy-sulphate. Ace, Lead,

Black. Precipitate.
Black. Precipitate.
Brown. Precipitate.

Carb. Alumen.

Effervescence.

Effervescence.

Slight Effervescence.

* Inaugural Dissertation, p. 24 and 25.

Cornus jiorida.

49

The inference deduced from this experiment is, that gallic acid
is contained in the three substances used, and that it exists in greater
quantity in the Corni than in the Bark. The gallic acid also comes
over in distillation, in an uncombined state. A decoction of the
bark of the root of Cornus florida, yields by evaporation, a gum-like
mass. Two drams of this gum were obtained by Dr. Walker, from
seven and an half ounces of the decoction. With a view to ascer-
tain the constituent parts of this mass, the doctor “ macerated two
drams in successive quantities of alcohol, until the last portion
ceased to be changed in colour and taste ; this, like the former por-
tions, was separated from the gum by the filter ; after the gum was
dried upon the filter it was collected, and weighed only half a dram.
The dried gum was then dissolved in a small quantity of water.
I’he solution was imperfect, not transparent, nor bright coloured ; it
possessed no particular taste, which might not be ascribed to its vis-
cid consistence ; and it produced no change of colour with a solu-
tion of the oxy-sulphate of iron.” Suspecting, from the want of
transparency, that there might be some mucilage in the solution, the
doctor “ added in small portions, diluted sulphuric acid to the solu-
tion ; a precipitate slowly fell to the bottom in a coagulated form.
When the precipitation had ceased, it was separated from the solu-
tion by the filter, and evaporated to dryness, at the same time with
the solution. By weighing each residuum, the mucilage w as detect-
ed in the proportion of three to five ; that is, eighteen grains of gum,
and twelve of mucilage.”* Observing the solution to turn dark by

♦ Inaugural Dissertation, p. 24 and 25.

VOL. I. 7

50

Cornus jiorida.

the addition of the acid, Dr. Walker inferred that the want of trans*
parency in the gummy solution, was not entirely owing to the pre-
sence of the mucilage ; but “ to the line powder of the medicine,
which the viscidity of the fluid suspended and concealed ; and pro-
bably the change of colour noticed above, was owing to the carbona-
tion of these particles by the acid.”* The Cornus florida contains
more extract and gum, than the Peruvian bark, and is more soluble in
water ; while the latter, containing more resin, is more easily soluble
in alcohol. The powder of the bark of Cornus florida is more m_is-
cible in water than that of the Cinchona, for the same reason.f

It appears from a summary of Dr. Walker’s experiments, that
the Dogwood and Peruvian Bark possess the same ingredients :
gum, mucilage, and extract ; and that the last contains the gallic acid,
and tannin, though in different proportions. The Dogwood possesses
most of the gum, mucilage and extract; and the Peruvian Bark,
the most resin. The extract and resin possess all their active vir-
tues ; the extract all their tonic power. The resin when separated
from the extract is stimulant only ; and probably the tonie power of
the extract is increased, when combined with a portion of the resin,
as in the spirituous tincture.^

medical properties.

The similarity between the Dogwood and the Peruvian bark, in
their sensible qualities, their chemical analysis, and their action on

* Inaugural Diss. p. f 5. t Ibid. p. 28. i Ibid. p. 29.

Gornus Jiorida.

51

the incised and dead fibre, (as shot\ii in the experiments of Dr.
Walker,) sufficiently proves an identity in their medicinal effects.
And actual experience with the bark of the Cornus florida, by many
physicians, entitles it to be ranked among the best tonics of our
country. As early as the year 1787, Shcepf was acquainted with
the medicinal virtues of this tree ; and he speaks of it as a bitter and
a tonic, as well as of its use in intermittent fevers. The bark is like-
wise astringent. Dogwood is also a stimulant ; for according to
Dr. Walker’s experiments, the internal use of it always rendered the
pulse quicker than natural, and often fuller and stronger.^ Profes-
sor Barton remarks, speaking of the two cornels ; “ I can add but lit-
tle from my own experience concerning the application of these
two species of Cornus to the cure of diseases. I believe, however,
that it may, with entire safety, be asserted, that as yet we have not
discovered within the limits of the United States, any vegetables
which have been found so effectually to answer the purpose of the
Peruvian bark, in the management of intermittent fevers, as the
Cornus florida and Cornus sericea.”f It appears from the account
given by the late Dr. Amos Gregg of Bristol, of the use of the Dog-
wood in decoction, that it produced pain in the bowels, which how-
ever was readily relieved by a few drops of laudanum. He believed
this property of inducing pain was confined to the article in its recent
state ; and he further observes, that he never found it to disagree
with the stomach, by exciting cathartic or emetic effects, after it was

* Inaugural Diss. p. 46.

f “ Collections,” &c.

52

Cifnius jiorida.

a year collected. Dr. Gregg says he “ used the Dogwood twenty-
three years, during wdiich time he found its virtue such as to con-
vince him it w as not inferior to the Peruvian bark in curing inter-
mittents, nor inferior as a corroborant, in all cases of debility.”* He
gave the powder in doses of thirty-five grains. This quantity he
found equal to thirty grains of the Peruvian bark. In some cases
he combined the Dogwood w ith the Virginian snake-root, in the pro-
portion of thirty grains of the former and six of the latter ; repeated
every half hour for two days. He concludes his communication to
Dr. Walker w ith this observation : “ I have often used the Dogwood
joined wdth Gentian, Colombo, Chamomile, and with Aromatics in
bitters, and have found it equal to the Peruvian bark, and therefore
conclude it is a valuable medicine.”f Dogwood has also been used
in combination with the bark of the Liriodendron tulipifera, or tu-
lip-tree, both in decoction and in substance. The bark of the root,
stem, and smaller branches, is used. That of the root is by some
thought most efficacious. An infusion of the ripe berries in spirit
has been used in intermittent fevers. We learn that our Indians
use an infusion of the flowers for the same purpose ; hence we may
infer, that these are possessed of the same tonic property as the
bark. This infusion of the flowers has been recommended in flatu-
lent colic ; and Dr. Barton says he has used it as a tea.J The Pro-
fessor also mentions from the information of the Rev. Dr. Nicholas

* Walker’s Inaugural Diss. p. 49.
■ Barton’s Collections.

I Inaug. Diss. p. 49.

Cornus jiorida.

53

Collin, of Philadelphia, that in an intermittent fever which prevailed
in West Jersey, about thirty years ago, the bark of the Dogwood was
found more useful than the Peruvian bark. It was used in decoction.
Dr. Barton upon this subject makes this remark : “ I must candidly
confess, however, that I have heard of more instances of the failure
of this cornel than of the Peruvian bark. But has any vegetable,”
he continues, “ so completely prevented the recurrence of the parox-
isms of intermittents as the last mentioned one.”^

Michaux in his work on the forest trees of North America, has
noticed the medicinal properties of this tree. He speaks of the liber
or inner bark being a fine bitter, and very useful in intermittent fevers.
The taste of Dogwood, like that of the other medicinal species, is
“ a more simple and agreeable bitter than the Peruvian bark ; it has
nevertheless considerable austerity combined with it ; the decoction
possesses most of the latter, and the hot triturated infusion the next.
The decoction and hot infusion are less elegant preparations. The
hot menstruum holds in suspension some of the fine powder, which
is not entirely deposited by cooling, nor in passing through the fil-

ter.’^t

From all the information I can collect on this subject, and no
indigenous plant has excited more attention, I am disposed to be-
lieve: that as a tonic, the powdered bark of Cornus florida, is weU en-

* “ Collections,” &c.

t Walker’s Inaug. Dlss. p. 23^.

54

Cornus jlorida.

titled to the notice of physicians ; and it certainly may be safely re-
commended as a good substitute for the cinchona, particularly as that
which now fills the shops, is seldom genuine, but adulterated by oak-
bark, and frequently altogether a fictitious acticle. I have never
used the Dogwood, in any form as a medicine, and therefore call the
attention of our physieians to it, entirely on the authority of those
who have written on the article, and frequently employed it. I know
it is much used in different parts of the United States, and I have
uniformly heard its virtues commended. Its superior miscibility or
solubility in water, to the Peruvian bark, may occasionally render its
use more convenient than this last substance.

CECONOMICAL USES.

The wood of the Cornus florida is of a very fine texture, hard,
compact, heavy, exceedingly durable, and susceptible of a beautiful
polish. Hence it is much used by cabinet-makers and joiners, for
ornamental inlaying. The sap is white, and the heart chocolate
colour. This wood answers very well for plane-stocks, squares,
two-foot rules, mallets, and for the handles of gimlets, 'gauges,
hand-chissels, and other light tools. Indeed its properties so nearly
resemble those of box-w^ood, that it may be profitably substituted
for it in almost all its common uses ; and in these it is improved in
appearance by a faint stain of yellow dye. This gives it the exact
resemblance of box. I have no doubt, that if it were felled at the
proper time, and well-seasoned, it would answer extremely well for

Cornus jiorida.

55

flageolets, fifes, childrens’ whistles, and all the humbler kinds of
wind-instruments. Michaux remarks that for whatever purpose it
may be destined, it should not be worked up till thoroughly diy ;
otherwise it is apt to split; I'he moderate size of the tree will al-
ways circumscribe the employment of its wood, to the various uses
I have mentioned. Michaux, who has so industriously inquired in-
to the (economical uses of the wood of our forest trees, says some
farmers make the teeth of their harrows, and the fastenings of the
collars of their horses, of this wood. That the young shoots, four or
five years old, are used for light hoops on little kegs ; but its use in
this latter way he says is very limited. That in the middle states
they use the wood in mills, for the cogs of the wheels; and in
many parts of the country the peasantry make forked collars for
their hogs, to keep them from penetrating beyond the fences which
enclose the cultivated fields, of the Dogwood, the branches of which
are naturally scattered. The wood is excellent for burning, he re-
marks, but its small size does not render it saleable for this purpose
in the large cities.*

The wood of the Cornus florida is much used by Dentists, in
the insertion of artificial teeth ; and 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 Vir-

* Arbres Forest-.

56

Cornus Jlorida.

ginia, in great numbers, are in the constant practice of substituting
the Dogwood twigs, for a West India shrub, in cleansing their teeth.
The striking wliiteness of these, which I have frequently observed,
is a proof of the efficacy of the practice.i(jiThe application of the
juice of these twigs to the gums, is also useful in preserving them
hard and sound.

The powdered bark of Dogwood makes a good ink, which was
used by Dr. Walker, in writing his thesis. I'he following is the for-
mula.

1 oz. Pulv. Cort. Cor. flor. ^

2 dr. Sulph. Iron.

2 sc. Gum. Arab. ^

16 oz. Aqua font.

Mixed together.

The ripe berries infused in spirit or brandy, afford an excellent
wine-bitter, for common purposes,^ and as a morning bitter. A de-
coction of the bark of Dogwood has been employed with good ef-
fect in a malignant fever, called the “ yellow water,” “ Canada dis-
temper,” ^c. which, within the last twelve years has carried off a
great number of horses in the United States.f

• Barton’s Collections.

t Ibid.

Corms jlonda\

57

TABLE II.

Fig. i . Represents a flowering twig of Dogwood, at which time
the young leaves are small.

Fig. 2. The fruit and leaves of autumn.

Fig. 3. A single flower, with stamens, petals, and calix.

Fig. 4. The calix and pistil.

VOL. I. 8

'A :* * :t

#■« ¥ ■ %'

.,1^^ lit

r^*

i >r

yj ^ '. .iv/'-' '■

,

/■?^>^ “{jm.Mt’t# #)

«'l f)tt£ ‘1tf!^i -Jfi'i''' -S': .

.y'*itoi\ ‘il\i'ii^ /; '■^-' ■

L.j h.^r:/Hiih> ■f',':#? .

C f-V , .

Table

Tajre 5g.

TOM stibium: IPKlRTFOILmTOM,.

(Red

(FKVJEIRWOiRH*.) j

ftoweredL fever- ro<®tl;..) J

TRIOSTEUM PERFOLIATUM

FEVERWORT.... RED-FLOWERED FEVER-ROOT.

Fever-root. Gentian. Bastard Ipecacuanha. Wild-Coffee. Dr. Tinker’s weed. False Ipecacuaii
White Gentian. Sweet-Bitter. Cinque. Perfoliate Fever-root.

Tkiosteum PERroLiATUM. Lin. sp. pi. 250. Amoen. acad. 4. p. 516. Dill. elth. 394. t. 293. f. 378. Mill,
Diet. n. 1. Vahl. Symb. 3. p. 37. Gron. virg. ed. n. 31. Cold, noveb. 244. Willd. Sp. pi. Tom. i. p,
990. Shoepf. Mat. Med. Am.p.23. Pers. vol. 3. p. 214. Ait. Hort. Kew. ed. 3. Vol.i. p. 381. Mich Fl,
Boreal. Am. vol. i. p. 107. Muhl.cat. Am. Sep. p. 23. Pur. fl. Am. Sep. vol. i. p. 162. Barton’s “ Col-
lections,” &c. vol. i. p. 29. Coxe’s Am. Disp. ed. i. p. 679. ed. 3d. p. 634. Barton’s Prod, fl
Phil. p. 31. Elliot, fl. car. &c. Nuttall, Genera Am. Plants.

TRIOSTEUM.

Thiosteum. Lin. Cor. monopetala, subaequalis. Cal. longitudine corallae. Bacca 3-locularis, 1-sperma,
infera.

Nat. Syst. Juss. Caprifolia. Classis XI. Ordo III.

Tiuosteum. L.* Calix 5-fidus, laciniis lanceolatis persistentibus, basi bracteatus. Corolla vix calice Ion-
gior, tubuiosa 5-loba in^qualis. Stamina 5, non exserta. Stigma crassiusculis. Bacca coronata
obovata 3-locularis, 3-sperma. Herbx erectx foliorum petioli infra juncti ; Jlores plurimi axillares
sessiles. Gen. Plant, de Juss. p. 211.

Classis Pentandria. ' Ordo Monogynia. Lin. Syst.

Tiuostecm Pebfoliatum. T. foliis ovalibus aenminatis, basi abrupte angustatis, latius angustiusve conna-
tis: axillis uni-plurifloris : corolla obscure purpurea. Mich. Fl. Boreal. Am. sub. synon. T. maji.

SYNONYMA.

Tkiosteum majus. Mich. Fl. Boreali-Am. Vol. i. p. 107.

Tkiosteum foliis connatis, floribus sessilibus verticillatis. Vahl. symb. 3. p. 3f.

Tkiosteum floribus verticillatis sessilibus. Mill diet. n. 1.

60

Triosteum perfoliatum.

Triosteospekmum, latiore folie, flore rutilo. Dill. elth. 394. t. 293. f. ST’S.

Ilouttuyn Lin. PS. Syst. 5. p. 612.

Breitblattriger Dreystein. Willd. (German.)

Habitat in America Septentrionali. 5^.

Folia perfoliata. Willd. Sp. pi. Vol. i. p. 990.

Pharm. Triostei Radix.

Qual. amara. odor. pi. nauseosus ; sapor herbaceous.

■Vis. emetica.

Usus : febres intermittentes, pleuritis. Shocpf, Mat. Med.

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOK.

PtANTA bi vel tri-pedalis, aliquanto rara, et tota interdum purpurascens. Radix perennis, horizontalis, elon-
gata. Caules multi, simplices, erecti, cylindrici. Folia magna, oblongo-ovalia, acuminata et fere
connata, in basi panduriforma terminata. Versus apicem, basi attenuata et amplexicaules ; om-
nes subtus dense pubescentes, cum nervis et costis conspicue prominentibus. Folia in summitate,
sub florescentia, minora sunt, et convoluta ; postquam magna et purpurascentia. Flores in
axilis foliorum, venlicillat* appai-entes. Corolla vix calice longior, tubulosa, curvata, basi gibbosa,
et apice in quinque lobis auriculatis, incisa ; lacinix cordatx et clausse. Stamina quinque, in tubo
corolla: tecta : Pistillum ultra corollam ; stigma crassiusculum. Lacinise calicis quinque, persistentes,
lineares, ciliatse, et omnino plerumque purpurascentes. Germen inferius, uno-bracteatum. BaO
cae coronatae, obovatae, purpureo-coccineae, tri-loculares, et semina tria dura complectens.

Barton’s Flora Philadelphica, MS.

The root of Triosteum perfoliatum is perennial, horizontal,
about eighteen inches or two feet long, three quarters of an inch in
diameter, and nearly of an uniform thickness from the extremity to
within two or three inches of the origin of the stems. At this place
it is contorted, tuberculated, or gibbous, and of a brownish colour.
The colour of the horizontal caudex is yellow ochre without, and
whitish internally; and the fibres which proceed from it, are of an
ochroleucous hue. These are sometimes so large that they may be
considered rather as branches or forks of the main root. The plant

Triosteum perfoliatum.

t>l

is from two to three feet high, and bushy, several stems arising from
the same root. In favourable situations I have seen it near four feet
tall. The stems are about 3-8ths of an inch in diameter, simple, erect,
cylindrical, pubescent, and of a gi'een colour. The leaves are large,
oblong-oval, acuminate, somewhat panduriform towards their base,
where they become suddenly narrowed. I'hey are mostly connate,
until they approach the fourth pair from the top ; these upper ones
are more attenuated at their bases, and rather amplexicaule. The
under surface of all the leaves is covered with a soft, dense, bluish-
white pubescence, conspicuously apparent on the middle rib and
nerves. On their upper surface, though the pubescence cannot be
observed readily by the naked eye, it is discernible by the glass,
more sparse than below. The nerves are numerous, and com-
monly alternate, as respects their union with the costa. The two
uppermost pairs of leaves are small and closely convoluted, while
the plant is in flower. After the florescence is past, they are deve-
loped to the full size of the others, or become ratJier broader at theiu
middle, and assume a brownish purple colour. I have sometimes
observed the whole plant of this hue, though in general it is confined
to the upper portion. The flowers are axillary, sessile, and ar-
ranged in triplets round the stem, appearing whoiied. The coroUa
is reddish purple above, striated below with lake, blended into white,
and every where covered with a dense pubescence. It is tubular,
curved, and widest at the top, where it is divided into five auricu-
lated segments or lobes ; the lacinise being cordate and closed on
each other. The lower end of the tube terminates in an abrupt

62

Triosteum perfoliatum.

gibbosity, which is articulated with the germ. The stamens are five
in number, mclosed within the corolla, and alternate with the lobes
or lacinise. The pistil is somewhat longer than the stamens, and
appears conspieuously above the corolla. Stigma oblong. The calix
is composed of five linear segments obscurely ciliated on their mar-
gins, of a dark purplish colour, and half an inch long. The germ
to which they are articulated, is beneath; and garnished with a single
green bract, longer and broader than the calix leaves, and proceed-
ing from its base. The berries succeed to the flowers, generally in
the number of six to each axil ; sometimes there are but three, but
occasionally nine, in luxuriant plants. They are ovate, of a dark
purple colour, with three divisions, and contain three hard seeds.
They ripen in September.

This plant is somewhat rare, though I have seen it on the rocky
limestone hUls a little beyond the Maryland line, on the York and
Baltimore road, in gi'eat quantities. It is also very frequent in the
hilly woods bordering the Conestogo Creek, near Lancaster in Penn-
sylvania ; and remarkably abundant in a thicket about one mile from
the town of Lancaster, on the seat of Charles Smith, Esq. In the
vicinity of Philadelphia it is very rare. Indeed I have only found it
in a wild state, on the Schuylkill, near Lemon-hill. It delights in
rich limestone soil, on rocky or stony ground, preferring the shade ;
but is often found in different situations. Its range is, from the
northernmost state of New England to Carolina ; and probably fur-
ther south. Flowers in June.

Triosteum perfoliatiim.

63

MEDICAL. PROPERTIES.

Triosteum perfoliatum is a mild cathartic, and it is for this vir-
tue that the plant is here noticed. I am aware that Shoepf speaks
of it as an emetic only, and alludes to its use in intermittent fevers
and pleurisy. One of the common vulgar names also. Bastard Ipe-
cacuanha, indicates the well-known emetic power which in unques-
tionably possesses. But it is only in large doses that vomiting is
produced. In the quantity of twenty or thirty grains it is a good
cathartic. It has been said on some occasions to operate as a diu-
retic;* but Professor Barton who observed this effect, justly re-
marks that this may have been only an accidental circumstance,
j'hubarb having been known by C. Piso, to produce the same effect.!
The part of the plant used for medical purposes, is the cortex, or
bark of the root. When the root is dry, it is brittle, and is pulverised
easily. Perhaps it is not necessary to separate the bark from the
ligneous part; for in all likelihood the whole. root is endued with
the same medicinal property. The Autumn is the proper time to
collect the plant for use.

(ECONOMICAL USE.

I learned from the late Rev. Dr. Muhlenberg, that the dried and
toasted berries of this plant, were considered by some of the Ger-

* Barton’s " Collectioris.”

t Ibid.

Triosteum perfoliatum.

d4

mans of Lancaster county, as an excellent substitute for coffee, when
prepared in the same way. Hence the name of wild coffee, by
which he informed me it was sometimes known.

TABLE IV.

Fig. 1. Represents the upper portion of the plant of the na-
tural size.

Fig. 2. A flower with the calix and bract.

Fig. 3. The corolla separated.

Fig. 4. The same opened, showing the situation and insertion
of the stamens and pistil.

Fig. 5. A ripe berry. With the crown formed by the persistent
calix.

aTOLlKMI^ TRIFOMATA^

( ]|]nuiii.fflini-p]h,ysi<c.)

GILLENIA TRIFOLIATA.

INDIAN PHYSIC.

Ipecacuanha. Beaumont-root. Ipecacuan. American Ipecac. Three-leaved Spirsea. Indian hippo.
Meadow-sweet. Dropwort. Bowman’s-root.

Giiienia trifoliata. Lin. Sp. PI. 702, Amoen. Acad. 4. p. 523. Hort. Cliff. 191. Hort. Ups. 131. Roy.
Lugdb. 277. Gron. Virg. 55. Pluk. aim. 393. t. 236. f. 5. Raj. Suppl. 330. Moris. Hist. 3. p.
323. Gron. Virg. ed. n. 77. Cold. Noveb. 117. Mill. Diet. n. 7. Mcench. Meth. Suppl. p. 286.
Bot. Mag. 489. Mill. ic. 256. Coxe’s Am. Disp. ed. 3d. p. 569. Thatcher’s Disp. p. 343. Pers.
Syn. PI. vol. 2. p. 47. Barton’s Cullen, vol. 2. p. 335. Chapman’s Elements of Mat. Med. &c.
vol. 1. p. 111. Shoepf. Mat. Med. Am. p. 80. Mich. FI. Boreali-Am. vol. 1. p. 294. Willd. Sp.
PI. Tom. 2. p. 1063. Ait. Hort. Kew. ed. 3d. vol. 3. p. 257. Pursh FI. Am. Sep. vol. 1. p. 343.
Muhl. Cat. Am. Sep. p. 23. Barton’s Collections, &,c. ed. 3d. vol. 1. p. 27. vol. 2. p. 39. Barton’s
Prod. FI. Phil. p. 55. Nuttall, Gen. Am. Plants.

GILLENIA, (Mcench.)

Cal. Inferus, campanulatus, seu campanulato-tubulosus, 5-fidus. Pelala 5. Styli 5. Caps.

5-locularis, polyspermsc.

Nat. ord. Lin. Senticosie.

Nat. syst. Juss. Sosacea. Classis XIV. Ord. X.

Classis Icosandria. Ord. Pentagynia. Lin. Syst.

GittENiA trifoliata. G. herbacea : foliis trifoliatis ; foliolis lanceolatis : floribus laxe subpaniculatis, peftta-
gynis : calice tubuloso campanulato. Mich. FI. Bor. Am. sub. synon. Spirsae trifoliatse.

VOL. I.

66

Gillenia trifoliata.

G. foliis ternatis lanceolalis serratis subaequalibus, stipulis linearibus integris, florlbus terminalibus
laxe paniculatis 5-gynis, calice tubuloso campanulato. Pur. FI. Am. Sep., sub. synon. Spirseae
trifoliatjc.

SYNONYMA,

SpiBffiA trifoliata. Lin. Sp. PI.

WiUd. Sp. PI. vol. 2. p. 1063.

Mich. FI. Boreali-Am. vol. 1. p. 294.

Pursh FI. Am. Sep. vol. 1. p. 343. et aliorum Auctorum.

Spirsa foliis ternatis serratis subxqualibus, floribus subpaniculatis. Sp. PI. T'02. Mill. Diet. n. 7, et
ic. t. 256.

Filipendula foliis ternatis. Hort. Cliff. 191. Hort. Ups. 131. Roy; Lugdb. 277. Gron. Virg. 55.

Ulmaria major trifolia, flore amplo pentapetalo, vir^niana. Pluk. Aim. 393. t. 236. f. 5.
Raj. Sup. 330.

Ulmaria virginiana trifolia, floribus candidis amplis longis et acutis. Moris. Hist. 3. p. 325.

Houttuyn Lin. Pfl. Syst. 7. p. 137.

Dreyblattrige Spierstaude. Willd. (German.)

% . Willd. Sp. PI. tom. 2. p. 1063.

Pharm. Gillenice trifoUatte Radix.

Vis. Emetica purgans. dos. ^ij - aeque tuto operantur ac unquam ipecacuanha. Shoepf
Mat. Med. Am. p. 80.

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

Radix perennis. Caulium plurium, versus summitatem ramosarum, et plerumque rubicundarum. Folia ter-
nata ; foliola supra lanceolata, serrata, sub-aequales : infra obtusata in acumine abrupte terminata,
et interdum in unico laterali lobo incisa. Stipulis linearibus, et nonnunquam subulatis. Flori-
bus formosis, terminalibus, in laxa panicula disposilis. Petala lineari-lanceolata, obtusiuscula, et
ubi cum calice juncta, sub-unguiculata. Colore sunt alba, rariter albido-rosea. Calix tubuloso-
campanulatus, ventricosus, in basi attenuates. Stamina inclausa brevia ; antheris parvulis. Capsula
5-locularis, polysperma. Habitat in umbrosis sylvis montosis, plurimum humidis soliis gaudens.
Floret Junio. Barton’s Flora Philadelphica, MS.

The root of Gillenia trifoliata is perennial. It is composed of
numerous, long, brown, slender caudexes, radiating from a thick

Gillenia trifoliata.

67

tuber. Some of these are knotted for a considerable portion of
their length, like one or two of those represented in the plate. The
number of stems proceeding from the root varies. Sometimes
there is only a single one, and occasionally many arise from the
same root. The stems are branched above; about two and an
half, or three feet high ; round, and commonly of a reddish colour.
The leaves are universally ternate. The leaflets are lanceolate,
serrate, and nearly equal. The lower ones, broad towards the apex,
and terminating m an abrupt acumination, with occasionally a deep,
lateral incisure forming a lobe, like the out-line leaf represented in
the plate. The stipules are linear, occasionally on the smaller
branches, subulate, and always entire. The flowers are terminal,
forming a loose pannicle. They are composed of five linear-lanceo-
late petals, somewhat obtuse, and bent nearly in a right angle, at the
distance of an eighth of an inch from their insertion. The calix is
tubular, campanulate, ventricose, tapering at the base, and terminat-
ing in five pointed segments. Stamens 20 in number, short. An-
thers small. I'he capsule is 5-locular, and contains many seeds.
This species of Gillenia inhabits shady woods, on mountains and
hiUs, from Canada to the high gravelly banks of the Ohio, in a
southwestward direction. It is then superseded by its congener, G.
stipulacea. Pursh says it is found as far as Florida, in shady woods
and on bogs. It is found plentifully in the neighbourhood of Phila-
delphia, in hilly woods, and sometimes on the borders of rivulets.
It is in full flower in June.

68

Gillenia trifoliata.

Gillenia trifoliata may be readily propagated by seeds, or by
transplanting roots. The seeds should be sown in a shady border,
soon after they are ripe ; for if they are sown in the spring, they
will not come up till the year after, and frequently fail. When the
plants appear, they must be kept clean from weeds, but must not be
removed till autumn, when their leaves begin to decay. They may
then be either transplanted where they are destined to remain, or into
a marshy bed, where they may grow a year or two, to get strength
before they are finally disposed of. The plant delights in a shady
situation and a moist soil.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.

Gillenia trifoliata has justly obtained a place in the Dispensato-
ries of our states, under the head of Emetics. In many respects, it
has been compared to the officinal ipecacuanha. It appears that its
medical virtues were not unknown to Linnseus, who speaks of its re-
puted powers, as somewhat extraordinary in a plant belonging to
his natural order senticosce. “ Spir2eam trifoliatam ipecacuanham vo-
cant et vomitum facere dicunt, quod sane singidare esset in hoc
ordine,” (alluding to the Senticosce.*) Though the stem and leaves
of this plant, as well as the root, are reputed to possess emetic pow-
ers, it is the root alone which has been used by the different physi-

• Carol! a Llnne, M. D. Prselectiones in Ordines Naturales Plantanim. Edidit P. D, Giseke, p. 449.
Hamburg!: 1792.

Gillenia trifoliata.

69

cians who have employed it. It has been said that the cortex of the
root exclusively, is endued with emetic virtue, and the powder of
this part has accordingly been uniformly recommended for use.
The ligneous portion is reputed to be inert. Probably the idea of
inactivity in this woody part, has been carried too far. Shcepf, in
his account of the medicinal virtues of Indian-physic, is silent on
this point. It is said to possess a tonic power, with its eme-
tic virtue,* and hence has been thought peculiarly beneficial in the
intermittent fever. I have but little reliance on this opinion, and it
is indeed of secondary importance. The dose is thirty grains of the
powder for an adult. In this quantity it is a safe and efficacious eme-
tic. It is said the country people have frequently used the plant so
incautiously, as to be under the necessity of resorting to medical
aid. This proves nothing but its activity. Shcepf says, in doses,
from two scruples to a drachm, it operates as safely and as effectually
as ipecacuanha. The roots should be collected in September.

(ECONOMICAL USE.

It is said that the Indian-physic is often given to horses to mend
their appetite,f and to remove their dyspeptic symptoms. Of this I
know nothing myself, neither have I ever heard the manner in which
it is administered to these animals.

* Barton’s Collections.

f Barton’s Collections.

Gillenia trifoliata.

TABLE y.

Fig. 1. Represents a portion of Gillenia trifoliata of its natural
size.

2. The root.

3. An outline of one of the lower leaves.

4. A flower separated from the peduncle.

5. The calix.

6. The same opened, showing the stamens.

7. The pistil.

8. The same showing the five styles.

-Vts -■

1 - •

' -

. v>. ;

■%,:■ V':'v

. # ,‘r- > i. - . .

..., ^ y ..■■■ •■ ,.;.■•

. ■ ■- • ■■ \. ■ ■ .'4^./.-l-- •■• ■■

'•••'•. . ..■••;.■■ } ** ’••••’

GILLENIA STIPULACEA.

SMALL-FLOWERED INDIAN-PHYSIC.

Gilienia stipulacea. Willd. enuin. plant. Pursh. fl. Am. Sep. vol. i. p. 343.

Giieenia stipulacea. G. folUs ternatis lanceolatis inciso-serratis subsequalibus, stipulis foliacels ovatls inci-
so-dentatls, floribus terminalibus laxe paniculatis 5-gynis, calice campanulato. (Willd. enum. et
Pursh. fl. Am. sep. sub nomine Spirseae stipulaceae.)

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOK.

PiANTA simillima Gilleniac trifoliatae, tarn radice quam habitu. Discrepantia notissima in stipulis foliaceis,
et foliis inferis est. Caules plures, supra ratnosi ; colore fulvi aut rubicund!. Foliis ternatis; fo-
liolls versus apicem lanceolatis, profunde inciso-serratis, plerumque, !cqualibus; infra pinnatifidis, et
tripartitis, colore fulvis. Stipulse magnse foliaceze, ovatac, acuminatae, profunde serratae, basi inac-
quales. Serraturae stipularum ramorum, irregulariter incise. Serraturae stipularum caulium, magis
regulares. Floribus minores quam in Gillenia trifoliata. Pedunculis sub-setaciformibu^longis.
Calix simpliciter campanulatus, basi abrupte terminatus in quinque segmentibus divisus. Stami-
na et pistillum ac in G. trifoliata. Habitat in calcareis montibus Ohioensibus, et hinc ad Floridam
usque; floret Junio. B.

I AM indebted to Mr. Nuttall for the pleasure I experience in
presenting the medical world, with a figure of this interesting plant.
The drawing has been made with much care, from fine specimens

72

Gillenia stipulacea.

received from him, which he collected in the vicinity of Cincinnati
in Ohio. To botanists I trust the figure will be acceptable, since
this second well characterised species, fully establishes the validity
of Moenich’s genus, Gillenia, and will justify me in restoring it.
Neither Michaux nor Muhlenberg has noticed the plant ; it was first
described by Willdenow, whom Pursh has quoted. The late Pro-
fessor Barton observes in his “ Collections,” speaking of the Spiraea
trifoliata, “ it is said that there grows in the state of Kentucky an-
other species, which is still more valuable, as an emetic, than the S.
trifoliata.”* The plant here figured, is, without doubt, the one
alluded to by Dr. Barton. That this is the fact, sufficiently appears
from the account Mr. Nuttall gives of it; and also from a rude
sketch evidently of the stipulacea, now in my possession, made with
a pen, by the late Rev. Dr. J. P. Campbell of Lexington, Kentucky,
who has added the English name, Indian-physic, and called the plant
spiraea trifoliata. There is no doubt that the two species have
been heretofore generally confounded under the specific appella-
tion trifoliata, by the American botanists, and indiscriminately used
by physicians in the country ; though it would seem by Dr. Barton’s
remark, that the circumstance of another species existing in the
Western States, had been communicated to him, with the assurance
that this was the more valuable. Their strong resemblance to
each other, may readily account for the indiscriminate use of
both, under one common name.

« Vol. 2. p. 39.

Gillenia stipulacea.

73

Gillenia stipulacea has a root, according to Dr. Campbell’s
sketch, corroborated by Mr. Nuttall’s description of it, precisely
similar to the root of G. trifoliata represented in table 5, fig. 2;
and what has been said of the root of that plant in the preceding
article, may be applied to this one. It is of course perennial. Mr.
Nuttall informs me that the whole plant is much taUer, and more
bushy than G. trifoliata; and sends up a vast number of stems from
each root. The stems are brownish, branched at the top, and bear
the flowers on long slender peduncles, in the form of a lax corym-
bose panicle. The upper leaves of the stems, and those of the
branches, are ternate, lanceolate, cut-serrate, and nearly equal.
Those approaching the bottom are deeply incised, and the segments
cut-serrate ; the lowest leaves are pinnatifid, and of a reddish-
brown colour. The stipules resemble leaves; are ovate, acumi-
nate, deeply serrate, and unequal at the base. The serratures of
the stipules of the branches, are more deeply, and more irregularly
cut than those of the cauline stipules. The flowers are smaller
than those of G. trifoliata, and the calix is simply campanulate, being
abruptly terminated at its union with the peduncle, and not inflated
in the middle, nor attenuated at its base, like the calix of G. tri-
foliata.

The following account of the geographical range of this species
of Indian-physic, T quote from a memorandum given me by Mr
Nuttall :

VOL. I.

10

74

Gillenia stipulacea.

“Gillenia stipulacea begins to appear south-westward on the
high gravelly banks of the Ohio, soon after passing the confluence
of the Muskingum. Here we no more meet with the G. trifoliata
of the mountains and the eastern states, which it so much re-
sembles, as to be almost uniformly confounded with it by most of the
western botanists ; continuing along the whole course of the Ohio
we also find it, occupying the soils and situations of G. trifoliata
throughout the Illinois, Indiana, and Louisiana, where I first became
acquainted with it, in the neighbourhood of St. Louis. It does not,
however, continue far up the Missouri. Its medicinal properties
are, it may be presumed, very similar to those of the G. trifoliata ;
and it is probably the only species made use of by the western phy-
sicians.”

The G. stipulacea, according to, the remarks on the sketch
made by Dr Campbell, is found in “Virginia, most abundantly in the
woods wxst-south-west of Parkersburg. Fifteen miles west of Ma-
lietta, on the Athens road, it commences, and abounds in company
with a great abundance of Colombo 5” (I presume, Frasera verticil-
lata,) “also at Bellville.”

G. stipulacea flowers in June.

The variety marked incisa by Pursh, and which he describes
“foliis ternatis, foliolis pinnatifidis inciso-dentatis,” I strongly sus-
pect to be nothing more than the lower portions of our plant ; and

Gillenia stipulacea.

75

I venture this opinion, from an accurate examination of the speci-
mens from which I made the figure. No. 2, the lower portion of the
plant, evidently fits the above description of the supposed variety.
In all probability, the tendency of the leaves to become pinnatifid,
occasionally extends further: and I should not doubt, that when
there exists such amorphous shapes- in the foliage, the whole plant
would sometimes partake of the character of the lower leaves repre-
sented in the plate.

There is but little doubt that this plant is sufficiently hardy to
endure transplanting; and it might readily be propagated, I should
suppose, by a separation of the roots. It wUl be of some consequence,
however, in cultivating it, to bear in mind its natural soil, as noticed
in the preceding page. Both this, and the other species of Gillenia,
are important medicinal plants ; and as one or the other is found in
almost every state in the union, physicians and apothecaries in the
country, would find it to their advantage to collect it for use, as
well as for sale in the shops.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.

What has been said by Schoepf, Barton, and others who have
quoted them, concerning the virtues and doses of Spiraea trifoliata, is
applicable to the G. stipulacea, for reasons above given. The bark
of the root is used; and the roots should be collected in September,

76

Gillenia stipulacea.

after the tops have died. The dose is the same as that of G. trifoli-
ata j though perhaps a smaller quantity would answer.

TABLE VI.

Fig. 1. Represents the upper portion of Gillenia stipulacea.

2. The lower portion.

3. The calix.

4. The same opened, showing the stamens.

5. A petal, with a view to show its shape.

6. The pistil, showing the five styles.

2hble. J.

MAGNOLIA GLAUGA

SMALL 3IAGNOLIA.

■VVliite-bay, Swamp-Sassafras. Beaver-tree. Castor-wood. Beaver-wood. Sweet-flowering
Sweet-Magnolia. Sweet-bay. Elk-bark. Indian-bark. White Laurel. Gach-hach-gik,
of the Delaware Indians.

Butch. Die eisengraue Magnolie; Die meergriine Magnolie; Der Blberbaum.

French. Le Magnolia glauque ; Le Magnolier bleu ; Le Magnolier des marais ; L’arbre de Castor.

Japan. Kobus, Kobusi, Kobuks, Konsusi, Mitsmata, side kobasi, sini. Variet. Mockkwuren ; Fo no ki.
German. Graue Magnolia. (Willd.)

Ein 15 bis 20 Fuss holier Strauch, in Virginien, Carolina, und andern Nordlichen theilen von America;

wachst auf feuchtem Boden, und an den Bachen; der geruch der Blumen ist angenehm, aber so
stark, das er sich auf ain viertel einer deutschen Meile erstrecken, und in der niihe Kopfweh
erregen soil ; die Amerikaner legen den samen in rum, um ein magenstarkendes getrank davon
zu erhalfen ; die liinde ist eine vorzugliche naprung fUr die Biber, auch kbnnen selbige am
leightenten damit gefangen werden.

Magnolia glauca, L. Sp. Pi. 755. Mill. Diet. n. 1. Du Roi Harbk. 1. p. 399. Wangeiih. Amer. 60. t. 19.
f. 46. Willd. Arb. 189. a. latifolia. Hort. Kew. 2. p. 251, ed. 2. vol. 3. p. 329. Hort. CllflT. 222.
Gron. Virg. 61. Kalm. it. 2. p. 324. Dill. elth. 207. t. 168. f. 205. Catesby, Car. 1. p. 39. t. 39.
Trew. ehr. t. 9. Pluk. aim. 379. t. 68. f. 4. Raj. Hist. 1690, et 1798. n. 4. /3. longifolia. Ait. I. c.
Lin. Pfl. Syst. 2. p. 77. Shoepf. Mat. Med. Am. p. 91. Muhl. Cat. PI. Am. Sep. p. 53. Willd.
Sp. PI. p. 1256. Mich. FI. Boreali-Am. vol. 1. p. 327. Pursh, FI. Am. Sep. vol. 2. p. 381. Mich,
fil. Hist, des Arbres Forest, vol. 3. p. 77. Barton’s Collections, &c. part 1. p. 13, 47. part 2.
p. 20. Barton’s Prodr. FI. Ph. p. 59. Nuttall, Gen. Am. Plants.

A

i8.

Magnolia glaiica.

MAGNOLIA
Gen. Plant. 942.

Masnolia, L. Cal. 3-phyllus. Cor. 9-petala. Caps, glomeratae, 2-valves. Sem. pendula.

Nat. Syst. Juss. Magnolia. Classis XIII, Ordo XV.

Magsoiia, L. * Magnolier. ’Calix 3-phyllus corollaeformis deciduus, bractea cinctus membranacea hinc
fissa et fugaciore. Petala 9. Antherae numerosae longae, filamentis utrinque adnatae. Germina
numerosa axi central! clavato imposita ; totidem styli brevissimi et stigmata villosa. Capsulae totl-
dem in strobilum dense compactx persistentes compress* acutx 2-valves J-loculares 1-spermx ;
semina ossea, baccata seu arillata, ex dehiscente capsula filo pendentia. Jlrhores ; folia magna ;
fores axillares maximi odori Juss. Gen. FI. p. 281. ed. 1789.

Cal. Perianth inferior, of three ovate, equal, concave, petal-like, deciduous leaves. Cor. of six,
nine, or more oblong, concave, obtuse, petals, narrower at the base. Stam. Filaments numerous,
short, incurved, pointed, compressed, and two-edged, inserted into the common receptacle of
the pistils below the germens ; anthers terminal, linear, of two cells, bursting longitudinally at the
inner side. Pist. Germens numerous, ovate-oblong, imbricated upon a cylindrical or ovate re-
ceptacle ; styles recurved, very short ; stigmas longitudinal, downy. Peric. Capsules numerous,
sessile, crowded, coriaceous, compressed, wedge-shaped, of one cell and two valves bursting out-
wards, permanent. Seeds one or two in each cell, roundish-oblong, pulpy, coloured, at length
hanging by a tliread-llke stalk, out of the capsule. Ess. cha. Calix of three leaves. Petals six to
twelve. Anthers bursting inwardly. Capsules of two valves, crowded into the form of a cone.
Seeds pulpy, pendulous. Ency.

Nat. Ord. Lin. Coadunata.

Classis Polyandria. Ord. Polygynia, Lin. Syst.

Magsolia glauca. Foliis ellipticis, obtusis, subtus glaucls petalis obovatis basi attenuatis. Willd. Sp.
PI. 2. p. 1256.

«. latifolia foliis deciduis ovali-oblongis obtusiusculis. Ait. Kew. 2. p. 251.
g,. longifolia foliis perennatibus ellipticis utrinque acutis. Ait. 1. c.

In swamps covered with wood : New Jersey to Carolina. H. Georgia and Florida \i May — July.
Pursh.

2

Magnolia glauca.

79

SYNONYMA.

Magnolia, foliis ovato-lanceolatis. Hort. Cliff. Gron. Virg. Kalm it.

M. laurifolia subtus albicante. Dill. elth. Catesb. Car. Trew. er.

Tuliplfera Virginiana, laurinis foliis aversa parte rore cceruleo tinctis, cOni-baccifera. Pluk. Aim.
Laurus tulipifera, baccis calyculatis. Raj. Hist.

Habitat in Nova Caesarea, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Carolina et Georgia. Florens Maio et Junio,

Pharm. Magnolias glaucae Cortex, Semina, Carbones.

Qual. Amaro-aromatica.

Vis. Subadstringens, tonica, antifebrilis. Sem. Stomachica, pectoralis.

Usus : Decoct. Cort. Diarrhoea, Tussis, Phthisis, Febres, Haemorrhois, Aestus febrilis, Dolores
intern! ; — Decoct, ramor. junior. Catarrhus, Coryza. Semina: Tussis et alii morbi pectoris.
Carbonum Unguent. Cum Axungia porcin. Ulcera.

Comp. Sem. infusum spirituosum. (Shoepf. Mat. Med.)

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

Arbor parva, rariter ultra 30 pedales. Ramis fasti^ato-divaricatis. Folia magna, ovalia, subtus glaucis seu
abido-coerulescentia. Flores magnes, terminales, maximi odori ; petalis obovatis, basi attenuatis ;
Anthers numeross longs. Capsuls persistentes acuts 2-valves, 1-loculares, 1-sperms. Semina
pendentia ex capsula file. Habitat in uliginosis et umbrosis locis, florens Maio et Junio. B.

Most persons are well acquainted with the fragrant flowers of
the Little Magnolia ; and notwithstanding the many fine trees of this
superb genus, the present species is by far the most general favou-
rite. The generic name was given by Plumier, in honour of Peter
Magnol, Botanical Professor at Montpelier.

80

Magnolia glauca.

The Magnolia glauca, though in general only a small tree,
sometimes attains the height of forty feet ; and a diameter of twelve
or fourteen inches. It is in the southern states, particularly the Ca-
rolinas, that it reaches this, its greatest elevation. Its most common
height is from t^A enty to thirty feet, and in the vicinage of Philadel-
phia, on the Jersey side of the Delaware, it is a much lower tree,
frequently flowering luxuriantly, when it has reached a height of five
or six feet. Michaux, f. says that this is also the case in the envi-
rons of New York. I have no where seen it producing mature flowers
at so humble a stature, as it does near Christiana, or as it is vulgarly
called, Christine, on the road from Philadelphia to Baltimore ; where
I have observed clusters of this Magnolia in full flower, the largest
individual among which, did not exceed four feet in height, and all
of them much more deserving the appellation of bushes or shrubs
than trees. The variation in the height of this species, is much in-
fluenced by local exposure and peculiarity of soil. I have seen trees
of the greatest discrepancy in stature, but precisely alike in respect
to the size of the leaves, flowers, and fruit, occupying almost the
same ground. The difference in these instances, appeared merely
owing to accidental situation ; the small ones occupying the shady
thickets, and the taller trees, the skirts of woods.

The trunk is covered with a smooth grayish bark ; is tortuous,
and much divided into divaricating branches. I’he wood is whitish,

• This species appears to have been the first of its genus introduced into the gardens of England,
having been cultivated by Bishop Compton, at Fulham, in 1688.

Magnolia glauca.

81

and vei'y light. It is not, so far as I know, employed for any useful
purpose. It is known sometimes by the name of castor-wood, or
beaver-tree, which indicates that the beaver makes use of it in some
way. In all probability it is employed by those sagacious animals,
for posts in the construction of their dikes, on account of its levity,
which enables them to carry it to convenient places ; and from its
softness, they can fell it without difficulty. The bark serves them
for food during the winter, in times of scarcity, or the prevalence
of severe weather or high floods, either of which coniines them to
their habitations.

The leaves of this tree are five or six inches long, and alter-
nately disposed on the branches. They are of a long oval form,
entire, thick, opaque, of a deep yellowish-green colour on their upper
surface, and glaucous or bluish- white underneath. This agreeable
green, relieved by the frequent presentation of the blue under side,
exhibits a pleasing contrast in the leaves. Though at all times the
foliage of this tree is comely, it appears to much more advantage dur-
ing the inflorescence, from the harmony of colouring produced by
the handsome cream-coloured flowers. The leaves fall in the
Autumn of every year, and are reproduced in the Spring, at which
season they are of a much lighter tone of colour than when further
advanced.

The flowers are terminal, and solitary ; and about the size and
shape of half a goose’s egg. They are composed of many oval, con-

82

Magnolia glauca.

cave cream-coloured petals ; and exhale a subtile, bland, and to most
persons, delicious odour. This renders them so universally agree-
ble, that at the period of their maturity, the women and children in
the neighbourhood of Philadelphia and New York, resort in great
numbers to the swamps where they grow, and cull them to vend
in the markets. The flowering twigs are put up in bunches, and sold
for a cent or two cents each, and are eagerly purchased to decorate
the mantels and chimney-places, in the houses of all ranks of people.
The market-places are perfumed at this season, with the spicy scent,
for which these flowers are so remarkable. They are familiarly
known in our market, by the name of Magnolia, and rarely by the
appellation of Small Magnolia. The emanation from the flowers
is extremely penetrating. To some persons it is rather unpleasant,
and to a few, insupportable ; producing uneasiness in the chest, and
a tendency to fainting. The late Dr. Barton imputed to this odour,
the power of increasing the pain of inflammatory gout, and occa-
sioning an exacerbation of a diurnal fever. I cannot help suspect-
ing this opinion to have been much influenced by the imagination,
though I by no means deny these sweet flowers a considerable de-
gree of activity ; and perhaps in a close room they might produce
slight headache in delicate persons, or even occasion fainting where
idiosincrasy exists in the constitution. I really believe, however, that
these flowers are frequently accused of effects which they have had
no share in producing: and the almost universal estimation in which
they are held, sufficiently proves their general innocence.

Magnolia glaiica.

83

The flowers are succeeded by little fleshy squamous cones,
about an inch in length, and three-quarters of an inch in diameter.
1'hey are of a green colour, with occasionally a tinge of red, as re-
presented in the plate. Each cone is composed of numerous cells,
of about twelve or eighteen lines in length. They contain the
seeds, which are of a bright scarlet colour. I'hey force their way,
when matured, by rupturing, longitudinally, the sides of their cham-
bers, and thus escape. Previously to falling, they are suspended for
some days, by a delicate white filamentous thread, w hich allow s them
to hang just below the base of the cone ; and by their beautiful con-
trast with the green scally strobile, produce a very pleasing effect.
The seeds are about the size of a grain of Guinea-corn, irregularly
roundish, and somewhat narrowed above.

There are two varieties of this tree. One called the broad-
leaved Magnolia, with deciduous oval-oblong, and somewhat obtuse
leaves ; the other denominated the long-leaved Magnolia, having
persistent, elliptical, long and narrow leaves, acute at the apex and
base. This last is a taUer tree than the fii’st variety, and the
branches are more upright, Pursh says it is this variety which is
known by the names of Swamp-Sassafras, Sweet-Bay, Swamp-Lau-
rel, and Beaver-wood. It is the broad-leaved variety which is indi-
genous in our vicinity. The other is more common to the south.
I have heard the Magnolias in the vicinity of this city discriminated
by the two appellations of Upland Magnolia, and Lowland Magnolia;
and it is currently believed, that the variety designated by the latter

84

Magnolia glaiica.

epithet, will not bear transplanting into our gardens. • I suspect the
fancied dilference is nothing more than one existing perhaps in the
constitution, (if I may be allowed such an expression,) of the indivi-
dual trees, arising from accidental situation in a dry or moist soil.
Those found thriving in a comparatively dry spot, will in all proba-
bility stand the best chance of living after transplantation. The fact
is, however, that this species of Magnolia, is shy of cultivation ;
and the frequent failure of attempts to cultivate it, while at the
same time some individuals are occasionally found to thrive, induces
people to seek for the cause, in a difference of species, or in a
variety.

The northernmost range of the Small Magnolia, is Cape Anne,
in the State of Massachusetts, in latitude 45° 50'.* It is pretty fre-
quent in the lower part of New Jersey, but more abundant further
south. According to Michaux, f. this tree is the most common in-
habitant of all the lower maritime parts of the middle states, as
well as of Florida and the lower portion of Louisiana. It is never
met with at any considerable distance in the interior ; and it is not
seen in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, more
than thirty or forty miles beyond the cities of New York, Philadel-
phia, and Baltimore.f In the Carolinas and Georgia, its range is
restricted to the geographical limits of the pines, as indicated by
Michaux, who remarks, that he never remembers to have seen it in

• Michaux, Arbres Forest.

f Idem.

Magnolia glaiica.

85

the upper parts of these states, nor in those situated to the east
of the mountains. In the lower portions of New Jersey, and
Pennsylvania, and more to the south, the Magnolia glauca is never
seen except near marshes, bogs, and sphagnous swamps, which are
for the greater portion of the year so full of water as to be impass-
able. Its common companions in these places are, Vaccinium
frondosum and Vaccinium amoenum, or swamp whortleberry bushes;
different species of Andromeda or bilberry, as A. caliculata, A. Mari-
ana and A. paniculata; Cupressus thyoides, or white cedar, and
Vaccinium occycoccos, or American cranberry. The swamps con-
taining this last plant, will seldom be found destitute of the small
Magnolia. In the great morasses bordering the rivers of the Caro-
linas and Georgia, this tree is seldom met with ; while on the other
hand, in those extensive marshes which reach in all directions across
the pine forests, it constitutes, with the Laurus Caroliniensis, or red-
bay, and the Gordonia laysianthus, or loblolly-bay, the body of trees
which fills these swamps. The miry black soil of these places, which
is superincumbent to a stratum of sand, is peculiarly suited to the
growth of this tree.

In the cities and neighbourhood of Philadelphia and New York,
the Magnolia glauca is best known, as has already been hinted, by
the names of Magnolia and Small Magnolia. It was formerly re-
cognised by the appellations of swamp-sassafras, and beaver-wood,
or beaver-tree ; the latter of which was introduced by the Swedish

VOL.

12

86

Magnolia glauca.

emigrants who first settled in tins country. I’hese names are now
disused, and very properly. That of swamp-sassafras is not only
incorrect and inappropriate, but leads to confusion. As it is the
smallest tree of its genus, it seems to me, the best and most discri-
minating appellation by which we can designate it, is Small Mag-
nolia. It may not be amiss to notice, that the name of elk-bark
arises from the circumstance of its being eaten by the Cervus Wapiti,
(of Barton,) or American elk. The name of Indian bark, which is very
rarely applied to this tree, arises in all probability from the use the
Indians make of it in medicine.

MEDICAL. PROPERTIES.

The Magnolia glauca belongs to the class of tonic bitters, and
is far from being an unimportant article of this useful set of medi-
cines. The bark of the roots of this tree have an aromatic odour
and a bitter taste ; and a decoction is said to have been very useful
in rheumatic affections.^ It is sometimes infused in brandy, by the
peasantry, and they use the tincture in rheumatic affections. It is
considered by them as a light sudorific. I'he inhabitants of thp
lower part of Jersey, are accustomed also to infuse the cones and
the fruit, in rum and whiskey. The liquor of this infusion imbibes
a very bitter taste, and is considered as a good prophylactic against

2

♦Barton’s Collections. Shocpf’s Mat. Med.

Magnolia glauca.

87

autumnal fevers. The bark of the tree and branches, forms, by pul-
verization, an agreeable aromatic tonic-bitter medicine, which has
been used in intermittents. It is celebrated among the western In-
dians, as a remedy for rheumatism and fevers, and they resort to the
river Kanhaway, where this Magnolia grows in great abundance, for
the purpose of collecting vast quantities of the bark for these uses.*
A decoction proves gently cathartic, and terminates its operation by
acting as a sudorific. A cold infusion and tincture of the bark, are
much used in intermittents. Dr. Barton mentions, that in a case of
inflammatory rheumatism it seemed to produce considerable relief,
by its sudorific effect, after blood-letting. Shoepf says a decoction
of the bark is useful in “ dian^hoea, cough, phthisis, fever, hsemorr-
hois, autumnal fevers, and internal pains ; that a decoction of the
young branches is effectually employed in catarrh and coryza; the
seeds in cough and other affections of the breast ; and finally, an oint-
ment made of the carbonized wood and hog’s-lard, is good for
ulcers.”t It will readily be perceived, from this detail of the vir-
tues of our plant, that Shoepf was in some measure favourably bias-
ed by the prevalent high estimation in which this species of Magno-
lia was held ; and he doubtless imputes more medical power to it, than
the truth will justify. Yet if his encomiastic account shows on
one hand, that he is too lavish of his commendation of its medical
virtues, it proves on the other, that as an article of domestic medi-

* Barton’s Collections.

t Mat. Med. Am. p. 91.

88

Magnolia glaiica.

cine, it is very variously and very generally employed. This I have
also other reasons to believe to be the case. Its almost universal
use among the countiy people who dwell where it grows, as a reme-
dy for autumnal fevers, and other affections, as already mentioned,
evinces the probability that it is frequently found efficacious. There-
fore it is, that I have assigned it a place in this work, and invite the
attention of practitioners to the subject. The dose is about one
drachm of the powdered root ; and this quantity may be repeated
three or four times in a day. The decoction or infusion, may be
taken to any extent that the stomach will bear. The extracts may
prove useful in medicine. That produced from the tincture of the
bark of the twigs, is soft, dark-coloured, bitter, and gum-resinous.
The tincture of the roots yields a soft, dark-coloured, resinous ex-
tract, of a bitter, pungent, and resinous taste. A decoction of the
bark of the trunk, affords a hard, black, friable, gummy, resinous
extract.

(ECON031ICAL USE.

Like most vegetables endued with aromatic bitter properties,
the Small Magnolia is employed in the preparation of morning
bitters. The practice of taking what is called a morning dram
is too common among the labouring peasantry of our states ; and
among the different articles they use for this purpose, no one is

Magnolia glauca.

89

more likely to act healthfully than this. The cones and seeds are
sometimes used ; but the seeds alone form the most elegant and
pleasant bitter. They should be infused in good old spirit, or old
rye-whiskey, and digested in the sun for a day or two. It is said
that the root is used as a bait to catch the beaver, that animal
being fond of it as food. The wood burns indifferently, and of
course is never felled for this purpose. The tree may be propagat-
ed by seeds ; and it is said, I know not with what foundation, that
those sent from this country to Europe, will not vegetate without
being passed through the alimentary canal of the turkey.

TABLE VII.

Fig. 1. Represents a flowering twig of the Magnolia glauca, of
its natural size.

2. The cone, showing two seeds which have escaped from their
cells, and are suspended in the common way, previously
to dropping.

« ‘ '' ' “ II"/'.. 'i*^ ii'jii'. ‘

I' . • ■■ *" Vr -' -:,V?»^^-.> ' >. t <1^ ^vyjltiii^iggl

S)l - - . X //.'*« ■

■■* ' , 5. A<.i\ ■' ^ -. • „’ ■

' '■ ' '?> . ■■•■.■S' ' ;' - V • ' ■■■' ;. ’-:i£^

»

JLiIMKOIDEKIDmOM Tnur^IlPIFIBMA »

( Tujlip - l icee, )

LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA.

TUIilP-TREE. POPLAR.

Poplar-tree; White Poplar; Yellow Poplar; White-wood; American Poplar. American Tulip-tree
Tulip-bearing Poplar. The Old-wife’s shirt. Sometimes in New England, Cypress-tree,

Lyre tree of America. Len-nik-bi, of the Delaware, and Tse-u, or Tae-u,*
of the Cheerake Indians.

Deuteh. Der Tulpinbaum.

HoU. Tulpboom.

Sioed. Kanoetrad ; Knutrad. Knutrse. Kahn.

French. Le Tulipier ; L’arbre aux tulipes. Boisjaune,

Portug. Tulipeiro. ^

German. Virginisher Tulpenbaum. (Willd.)

Ein prachtiger baum, mit schbnen tulpenartigen blumen, und schbenera laube ; in Nordamerika; wird
auch seit langer zeit in Europaischen garten gezogen ; das holtz wird in Amerika zu allerley
Schreinerarbeiten benutzt, wiewohl es den fehler hat, dass es sich bey trocknem wetter stark
zusammenzieht, und bey seuehtem wetter wieder stark ausdehnt, und in fallen leicht ritzen
bekommt ; die wilden hbhien die stamme aus, und brauchen selbige zu ihren Kanoes.
Libiodendrojt tulipifera. L. Sp. Plant. 755. Amoen. academ. 4. p. 517. Cold. Noveb. 130. Hort Cliff.
223. Hort. Ups. 154. Gron. Virg. 60, ed. n. 83. Roy. Lugdb. 494. Kalm. it. 2. p. 322. Trew,
ehr. t. 10. Buttr. cun. 229, Du Roi. harbk. 1. p. 374. Wangenh. Amer. 32. t. 13. f. 32. Willd.

• Tseu is the Chinese name for Musa Paradisiaca, or Plantain tree. This is one of the coincidences in
language, which is worthy the attention of the natural historian of America. There are many vestiges of
the languages of the Chinese and Tartars, among the tribes of North American Indians. See Barton’s
“ New Views,” and Rogers’s Inaug. Diss.

92

Liriodendron tulipifera.

arb. 173. Willd. Sp. Plant, p. 1254. Mill. Diet. Herm. Lugdb. 612. t. 613. Pluk. Aim. 379. t. 117.
f. 15. et t. 248. f. 7. Catesb. Car. 1. p. 48. t. 48. Raj. Hist. 1798. Du Ham. arb. tom. 2. t. 102.
Pluk. Aim. 379. t. 68. f. 3. Houttuyn. Lin. Pfl. Syst. 2. p. 70. Bot. Mag. 275. Schmidt arb. 1. p.
48. Mich. Fl. Boreal. Am. vol. 1. p. 326. Mich. f. Arbres Forest, vol. 3. p. 202. Pursh, Flor. Am.
Sep. vol. 2. p. 382. Muhl. Cat. Plant. Am. Sep. p. 53. Barton’s Collections, &c. part.l, p. 14, 47.
Coxe’s Disp. ed. 3d. p. 400. Thatcher’s Dlsp. ed. 2. p. 257. Shoepf. Mat. Med. Am. p. 90.
Art. Hort. Kew. ed. 2d vol. 3. p. 329. Barton’s Prodr. Fl. Ph. p. 59. Nuttall, Gen. Am. Plants.

LIRIODENDRON.

Gen. Plant, ed. Sclireb. n. 941.

Cal. 3-phyllus. Pei. 9. Samara imbricat* in strobilum. Caps. l-2-sperm3e, non dehiscentes.

Nat. Syst. Juss. Magnolia. Classis XIII. Ordo XV.

LiEiODEiTDHoir, L. * TuUpiev. Calix 3-phyllus corollseformis deciduus, bractea 2-phylIa decidua cinctus.
Petala 6 in campanam conniventia. Antherse numerosae longse, filamentis utrinque adnat*. Ger-
mina numerosa, in conum digesta ; stigmata totidem globosa, stylis nullis. Capsulac totidem, basi
tumidae 1-2-spermae non dehiscentes, apice in squamam planam lanceolatam attenuatae, supra axim
subulatum dense imbricatae deciduae. Jlrbores ; folia magna, in L. Tulipifera 3-loba, lobo medio
truncato ; stipula latiores, tardius decidua ; fores solitarii terminales, tulipaformes.

Juss. Gen. Plant, p. 281. ed. 1789,

Cal, Perianth inferior, of three oblong, obtuse, concave, spreading, equal, petal-like, deciduous leaves.

Cor. Bell-shaped, regular, of six oblong, obtuse, equal petals, concave at the base. Siam. Filaments
numerous, inserted into a conical receptacle, shorter than the corolla, linear, erect, of two cells,
bursting longitudinally at the outer side. Pist. Germens numerous, disposed in the form of a
cone : styles none ; stigmas all crowded together, obtuse. Peric. Cases numerous, imbricated in
the form of a cone ; lanceolate, compressed, leaf-like, triangular and tumid at the base, each of
one cell, not bursting. Seeds two, ovate. Ess. Cha. Calix of three leaves. Petals six. Anthers
bursting outwardly. Seed-cases lanceolate, imbricated in the form of a cone.

Nat. Ord. Lin. Coadunata.

Classis Polyandria. Ordo Polygynia. Lin. Syst.

Liriodendron tulipifera.

Liriosendbon tulipifera, foliis trilobis, lobo medio truncato. Mich. f.

L. tulipifera, foliis abscisso-truncatis 4-lobatis, calice triphyllo. Willd. Sp. PI. 2. p. 1254.
a. acutiloba, lobis acutis acuminatisque. Mich. fl. Amer. 1. p. 326.

/3. obtvsiloba, lobis, rotundato obtusisimis. Mich. 1. c.

Habitat, «, a Canada ad Virginiam et a Carolina ad Floridam,

/3. in Pennsylvania. Mich. Fl. Am.
a. Fertile grounds, Canada to Florida. Pursh.

/!. in Pennsylvania. Pursh.

SYNONYMA.

T citpiFEBA Liriodendron. Mill. Diet.

Tulipifera arbor Virginiana. Herm. Lugdb.

Tulipifera Virginiana, tripartite aceris folio : media lacinia velut abscissa. Pluk. &c.
p,. Tulipijeha Caroliniana, foliis productioribus magis angulosis. Pluk. Aim.

Arbor Tulipifera Virginiana. Raj. Catesb. et Clayton.

Pharm. Liriodendri Radix, Cortex, Semina.

Qual. Rad. flavescens, acriuscula, fragilis.

Vis. Rad. febrifuga ; Cort. anthelmintica ; Sem. aperientia.

Usus: Cort. radicis spiritu vini infusus: Febres intermittentes, Rheumatismus, Arthritis.

Folia contusa indigen* front! Cephalalgi* medendi causa imponunt-Unguentum e gemmis ad
Inflammationem et Ganerrsnam.

Shoipf. Mat. Med,

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

Arbor exaltata magnifica, nonnunquam altitudine 100 pedales, et in circulo 30; plurimum vix ultra TO
seu 80 pedales proceritate. Ramis irregulariter contortis. Folia magna in lobis lateralis dis-
secta, basi velut cordata, et apice truncata. Petiola longitudine digiti. Flores numerosissim*,magn*
formos*, sed odori omnino destitute. Calix duplex; sistens involucri proprii, et perianthemi. ,n-'
volucrum foholarum duarum: foliola triangulata et decidua. Perianthemum triphyllum, petaloi-
VOL. r. 13

94

Liriodendron tulipifej^a.

deum, oblongum, concavum et deciduum. Corolla 6-9 petala, campanulata; petalis oblongis, ob-
tiisis, spathulatis, flavo rubro, et virlde variegatis. Staminae numerosse longae ; filamentis line-
aris, corolla brevibus ; antherse linearse filamentis adnatae. Pistilla numerosa quasi strobili dispo-
sitis; stylus nullus ; stigma globosa. Seminis numerosis in squama lanceolata terminatis, et omnis
in conum imbricatis. Habitat a Canada ad Louisianam usque, et ultra. Florens et Maio et Junio.

Barton’s FI. Phil. MS

This magnificent tree* may be considered not only as the
pride and ornament of the American forest, but as the most superb
vegetable of the temperate zones. It is equally remarkable for its
great height, its beautiful foliage, its superb flowers, and its hand-
some wood. The latter is used for an infinite variety of cecono-
mical purposes.

The generic name is composed of two Greek words, or

a lily, and a tree, from the resemblance of the flowers,

to a lily or tulip.

In the Atlantic states, at some distance from the sea, the Tulip-
tree not unfrequently attains the height of 70, 80, and 100 feet, and
not uncommonly from 18 inches to three feet in diameter. Accord-
ing to Catesby, it sometimes measures 30 feet in circumference.

• This tree “was cultivated by Bishop Compton, at Fulham, in 1668, and is now not unfrequent in
England, though seldom flowering till an advanced age. We have however known it blossom when about
16 years old. The first which produced blossoms in this country, is said to have been at the Earl of Peter-
borough’s, at Parson’s Green, Fulham. There were several, early celebrated for their size and beauty,
at Waltham Abbey, one of which remained lately, and perhaps still flourishes.” Ency.

2

Liriodendron tulipifera.

95

Michaux the elder, measured one tulip tree, which at live feet from
the earth, was twenty-two feet six inches in circumference, and
from 120 to 140 feet high. This account has since been cor-
roborated by his son, to whose history of the poplar in his splen-
did work on our forest trees, I am much indebted in this article.
It is, confessedly, the largest and thickest tree of North America
with deciduous leaves, except the Platanus occidentalis, or Plane-
tree. It rises with a straight or upright trunk, in general to the
height of more than 40 feet. The branches are not very numerous.
Those of one summer’s growth are of a shining blue colour, and are
pithy ; those two seasons old, have a smooth brown bark. When
broken, they emit a strong but rather agreeable odour. The bark of
the young trees is tolerably smooth, but in old ones it is broken into
deep furrows or fissures.

When the leaves have attained their full growth in the spring,
they are generally from six to eight inches in length ; frequently,
however, only from four to five long, and as many broad. I'hey
are supported by footstalks of a finger’s length, and are disposed
alternately on the stems. They are a little fleshy, of a glossy dark
yellowish-green, and singularly formed, being somewhat heart-
shaped at their base, horizontally truncated at the top, and notched
in the middle down to the middle rib. They are divided into three
lobes, those of the sides being rounded off or pointed. This re-

96

Liriodendron tulipifera.

markable shape of the leaves, to which there is no exact resemblance
in any other vegetable, will always distinguish the tree from all
others, at first sight. Their upper surface is of a darker colour than
the lower, and smooth ; underneath, the veins are prominent and
conspicuous. The leaves fall early in autumn. The buds of the
ensuing year’s shoots begin soon after to dilate, and they increase so
rapidly, that by the end of December they are an inch long and half
an inch broad.

The young leaves are enfolded in elliptical, obtuse, decidu-
ous stipules.

The flowers are singularly beautiful, being variegated with yel-
low, orange, and lake-green ; and are fully expanded, in common
seasons, about the 20th of May. They are exceedingly numerous
on a single tree, and are supported by peduncles which grow from
the extremities of the branches. Catesby compares them to the
flowers of the Fritillaria imperialis, or crown imperial: but they have
a more palpable resemblance to those of the tulip. This likeness,
indeed, has given rise to the specific name. Though destitute of
odour, their extreme beauty, together with the smgular foliage, ren-
ders them, like the Small Magnolia, general favourites; and like
them, they are brought in profusion to our markets, and vended in
bunches at a cent or two cents each, for decorating our cliimney-

Liriodendron tulipifera.

97

hearths, They are very generally purchased by all sorts of
people, for this purpose.

The calix is two fold ; consisting of a proper involucrum of two
leaflets, which are triangular, plane and deciduous; and a triphyl-
lous perianth, the leaves of which open and fall back as the flower
expands ; they are petal form, oblong, concave, and deciduous.

The corolla is bell-shaped, composed of six, seven, and some-
times more, oblong, obtuse, spathulated petals, spotted towards the
top with green, and towards the claws with red, orange and yellow.
They are open and variegated with different delicate tints, of which
yellow predominates. Near the attachment of the petals to the re-
ceptacle, is the nectary, and the flowers secrete a vast quantity ol
honey. The bees are observed to resort to them in great numbers.
It is calculated that the flowers of a single tree, may produce seve-
ral gallons of excellent honey.

The stamens are numerous; the filaments are linear, shorter
than the corolla, and inserted into the receptacle. The anthers are
linear, and connected longitudinally, to the sides of the filaments.

The pistils are numerous ; the germs are disposed in the form
of a cone, destitute of a style, and the stigmas globose.

98

Liriodendron Tulipifera.

The fruit is formed of numerous, long, narrow, thin scales, at-
tached to a common axis, and imbricated in the form of a cone, vary-
ing from two to three inches in length, and pointed at the sum-
mit. When the cones are well fiUed, each one is composed of sixty
or seventy seeds, only one-third part of which are capable of vegeta-
tion, and in certain seasons, not more than seven or eight.*

It is observed also, that in the course of the first ten years after
the tulip tree has begun to produce fruit, almost the whole of the
seeds are infertile; and that the largest trees with the highest branches
are the best and most prolific.

There are two varieties of this tree as mentioned by Pursh ;
one having leaves with acute lobes, and the other having the lobes
obtuse. One of these varieties is figured by Plukenet, in his Phy-
tographia, t. 68. f. 3, and it differs much from the common kind,
having four slight lobes instead of two great ones at each side of the
leaf. It is remarked that in the gardens in England, the leaves occa-
sionally have divided side lobes. There are, however, differences
in the colour and quality of the wood ; but whether either variety
in the leaves, is constantly accompanied by one of these different
kinds of wood, I am not prepared to say. Perhaps not. If I were

• Mich. f. Arbres Forest.

Liriodendron tulipifera.

99

disposed to venture an opinion on the subject, it would be, that the
varieties in the leaves and in the colour and quality of the wood, are
wholly independent of each other.

The Liriodendron tulipifera in many parts of the United States,
and particularly where it is the most abundant, is known by the name
of Poplar. In New York and New Jersey, it is called White-wood
and Canoe-wood. It is known by another and more appropriate
name, though not so generally received — that of Tulip-tree, from
the resemblance of its flowers to the tulip, when less expanded than
represented in the plate. By this name, Mr. Michaiix informs us,
the tree is recognised every where in Europe where it has been in-
troduced ; and it were much to be wished, that the common but
faulty name of Poplar could be disused, for the current adoption of
one founded on so manifest a resemblance. The tree has, moreover,
no characters in common with the poplars ; consequently this name
is calculated to create confusion. The French inhabitants of Louisi-
ana and Canada, give it the name of Yellow-wood. It is also recog-
nised in some parts of Pennsylvania by this appellation.

It is said that the milk of cows which have eaten of the buds,
acquires a bitter and disagreeable taste.

100

Liriodendron tidipifera.

Tliis tree is the favourite haunt of the Oriolus Baltimore, or Balti-
more oriole. It is found, according to Catesby, in almost every part
of the northern continent of America, from the cape of Florida to
New England. To the northward of latitude 42 it is rather rare,
and of inconsiderable stature. According to Michaux, f. the lower
extremity and north of Lake Champlain, which corresponds to the
45th degree of north latitude on one part, and the river Connecticut,
which runs parallel to the 72d of longitude, on the other, may be
considered as the natural limits of the Tulip-tree in this di-
rection ; and he informs us that it is not frequently met with in the
forests, neither does it acquire a very great height, before leaving the
river Hudson, which runs nearly two degrees more to the east, and
below the 43d of latitude. In Connecticut and Vermont the cold
seems, in some degree, to check its growth. In the eastern states,
in the upper parts of Carolina and Georgia, but particularly in Ken-
tucky, this tree is most abundant. It is comparatively much more
rare in the lower and maritime parts of the two Carolinas and of
Georgia, as well as in the two Floridas and the lower part of Louisi-
ana. It grows on fertUe ground.^

*Tlie following is the account given of the method of raising the Tulip-tree in England. —
Plants of this kind may be raised by sowing the seeds, imported annually from America by the seed-
dealers, in spring, either in the full ground, in beds of rich light earth, in a warm situation, placing the
seed lengthwise, and covering it nearly an inch deep : or in pots or boxes, plunging them in a gentle hot-
bed. When the young plants appear, they should be well screened from the sun, and have free air.

Liriodendron tulipifera,

101

It is generally found mixed with other trees, as the different
species of Juglans, the common hickory-nut, black-walnut, and
butter-nut trees ; the Gymnocladus Canadensis, or Kentucky coffee-
tree ; the Cerasus Virginiana, or Virginian cherry-tree, 65c. Yet some-
times it forms extensive woods by itself, as was observed by Mi-
chaux the elder, in travelling in Kentucky, on his route to Louis-
ville.

They 'usually come up the same season ; when in the former method, water should be given them in dry
weather ; and if the bed be covered over with hoops, to have occasional shade from the mid-day sun in
scorching weather, it will be beneficial to the germination of the seeds and growth of the young plants ;
continuing the waterings with care occasionally during the summer ; and in winter, sheltering them with
mats in frosty weather to preserve their tops, which are sometimes a little tender the first year, and apt to
suffer in this way.

“ When the plants are two years old, they should be set out in spring in nursery rows, two feet dis-
tant, and a foot asunder in the rows ; to remain a few years, till from three to six or eight feet high, when
they may be planted where they are to remain.

“ But they are raised best in the open ground, where the beds are prepared of good mellow, rich
earth, blended with old rotten cow-dung, sifting over the seeds fine turf-mould, mixed with fine sea or pit-
sand. And they succeed best afterwards in a light soil, not too dry. They should have their roots and
branches as little pruned as possible.

“ This is a plant that grows so large as to become a tree of the first magnitude in its native situation ;
and it is generally known by the title of Poplar ; of late there have been great numbers raised from seeds
in this country, so that they are become common in the nurseries, and there are many of the trees in differ-
ent parts which annually produce flowers.

“ At Allerton Hall, the seat of William Roscoe, Esq. there is a very large tree of this kind, which flowers
well.

“ These trees are highly ornamental in large plantations, among others of simlar growth ; and have
a fine effect when planted out singly in large openings, kept in short grass, in pleasure grounds, or other
situations, when they flower in any full manner.”

voi,. I. 14

102

Liriodendron tulipifera.

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS.

We are indebted to Dr. Rodgers, for the chemical analysis of the
Tulip-tree, which he has given in his excellent Inaugural Disserta-
tion on this tree.* He informs us, that the distilled water produced
from the bark, though not altogether insipid, possessed, only faintly,
the peculiar flavour of the bark ; that it was somewhat acid in the
fauces ; and that its odour was exceedingly agreeable, being consi-
derably impregnated with the grateful aroma of the vegetable. It
neither precipitated iron from its solutions, nor affected in the
shghtest manner, the blue colour of vegetable substances. Upon the
application of a higher degree of heat to this distilled water, the
liquor which came over, had an acid and very astringent taste. It
changed blue vegetable substances red, and precipitated iron black ;
consequently the result was, an essential oil, with aroma in great
abundance ; and an acrid astringent acid.

Two pints of the cold watery infusion of the bark, afforded by
evaporation, three drachms of a dark-coloured gummi-resinous ex-
tract. During the early part of the evaporation, two scruples of pure
fecula were deposited. On submitting three scruples of the extract

• Un. Penn. 1802.

Liriodendron tulipifera.

103

to the action of alcohol, nearly one scruple was dissolved ; and the
solution was somewhat bitter. An infusion of a pound of the coarse
bark in a gallon of rain water was made, and submitted to chemical
operations, for the detail of which the reader is referred to Dr.
Rogers’s Dissertation. Two pints of this infusion afforded by evapo-
ration, three drachms of a dark-coloured gummi-resinous extract.
During the early part of the evaporation, three scruples of pure
fecula were deposited. Upon subjecting three scruples of the
extract to the action of alcohol, filtering, ^c. the following result
took place :

Fecula, about 4 parts in 20
Gum 10

Gum mucous 5
Resin sV.

A pound of the coarse powder of the bark was next infused in
half a gallon of boiling water. At the end of twelve hours, this in-
fusion was decanted, and an equal quantity of boiling water again
affused on the bark. This was repeated four times. I'he first in-
fusion was bitter, aromatic, and astringent. The second less bitter
and aromatic ; its astringency scarcely to be detected. The third
was not in the least astringent, nor did it possess any perceptible
bitterness. In the last affusion, the bark gave out neither bitterness
nor astringency. A portion of the last-mentioned liquor was evapo-
rated. It deposited a little feculent saccharine matter, which was
nearly insoluble in cold water, but readily diffusable in hot. Re-

104

Liriodendron tulipifera.

dissolved, and tested by the oxalic acid, it afforded a white precipi-
tate, denoting the existence of lime. The alcohol of galls detected
in it the presence of iron, in a very small quantity. The several
infusions were mixed and evaporated to the consistence of a firm
extract, weighing three ounces and an half. Upon one ounce of this
was poured six ounces of pure alcohol, which took up two drachms.
A gum blended with fecula and sugar was left behind. The spirituous
solution contained about eighteen grains of resin, and five scruples
of gum mucous. The alcohol of galls detected iron, and the nitrate of
silver, muriatic acid, in this solution. The gummy matter exhibited
as it dried, a great number of small shining crystals. A solution of
these crystals was divided into several portions, and treated as fol-
lows : The nitrate of silver was added to one ; it produced a preci-
pitate, which upon filtration proved to be the muriate of silver. To
another portion the tincture of litmus was added, and the mixture
became red. The precipitate of lime produced, in the third, a blue
tint which soon became greenish. Upon adding the tincture of galls,
no change of colour was perceivable.

Result. Gum about 1 1 parts, or scruples in 24,

Gum mucous 6
Resin nearly 1
Fecula nearly 6

Muriatic acid, perhaps in combination,

Iron,

Calcareous earth,

A muriatic or essential salt.

Liriodendron tulipifeim.

105

Five parts only of gum mucous, had been taken up from the
extract by the alcohol. A strong mucilage was formed of the resi-
due, to which a large proportion of spirit was added. This dissolv-
ed one part more of the gum mucous, leaving the other principles
curdled at the bottom of the vessel. The alcoholic tincture of the
bark yielded

Gum mucous 30 grains.

Resin 16

A muriatic or essential salt 3.

The bark yielded, after ignition, potash, iron, and calcareous
earth. Four pounds of the bark infused in a gallon of boiling water,
and exposed to fermentation, yielded upon analysis, spirit of wine,
vinegar, and oil. A decoction of four pounds of the recent bark,
afforded five ounces of a black, or dark brown extract.

Two quarts of the tincture of the recent bark were analysed,
and the following result obtained :

Impure gum, 3 drachms 10 grains,

Gum mucous, 5 drachms nearly,

Pure resin, 2 drachms, 2 scruples,

A muriatic or essential salt in very small quantity.

The distilled water from the bark of the root, was found to be
limpid, odorous, nearly insipid on the tongue, and somewhat acrid on
the fauces. The colour of the infusion from which it had been

106

Liriodendron tulipifera.

drawn off, was pale yellow. An extract obtained by evaporating
two pints of the infusion of the bark of the root, weighed half an
ounce. To this, four ounces of spirit of wine were added. One
(irachm was dissolved. I'he portion taken up by the spirit consisted
of one part resin and nine parts gum mucous ; the residuum was
impure gum. The infusion made with boiling water, is a much
stronger bitter, than that made with cold ; but not so intensely bit-
ter as the spirituous tincture. The hot infusion differs from the
cold in colour ; the latter is pale yellow ; the former a dark orange,
inclining to red. The same difference of colour exists in the cold
and hot infusions of the bark of the root.

The following statement is quoted from a paper by the late Dr.
Rush, in the Transactions of the College of physicians of Philadel-
phia :

“ 1. Two pounds of fresh root boiled in half a gallon of water,
gives a strong bitter extract, equal in my opinion, to the extract of
gentian.

“ 2. Four ounces fresh bark infused, cut into small pieces, in
a quart of proof spirit, give a tincture simply bitter, and of a pecu-
liarly mild nature.

“3. One ounce of the dried bark in a pint of water, for
twenty-four hours. The infusion was bitter.

Liriodendron tidipifera.

107

“4. In endeavouring to reduce the dried bark to powder, I
found it broke into small fibres, so that little powder was obtained
from it. Upon toasting it a little over a slow fire, it was pulverised
without difficulty. The powder was strongly impregnated with a
bitter taste.”

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.

The Tulip-tree belongs, as has been noticed at the head of
this article, to Jussieu’s natural family of Magnoliee ; and with the
magnolias, it is arranged under Linneeus’s natural order, Coadu-
natse. We may therefore expect to find a similarity in the medical
virtues of the I’ulip-tree and the different species of Magnolia, par-
ticularly the M. glauca. This is the case. The bark of the Tulip.-
tree is considerably stimulant ; yet its properties do not entitle it to
a place under the head of stimulants. It is more properly consider-
ed as a tonic, and for its roborant effects I notice it here. It some-
times acts as a sudorific, and hence its usefidness in chronic rheu-
matism. Its powerful diaphoretic effects are certainly produced by
its stimulant power ; and therefore it is absolutely inadmissible, as a
medicine in acute rheumatism. Those who employ it in the coun-
try will do well to bear this in mind. Like most diaphoretic medi-
cines, it acts occasionally as a diuretic ; but though I think it neces-
sary to mention this circumstance here, it is not intended to intimate

108

Liriodendron tulipifera.

that the bark is at all useful for this virtue. Indeed it is to be
regretted, that the secondary effects of medicines should have so
much importance attached to them as frequently is the case. In
dwelling upon these effects, writers are too apt to lose sight of the
prominent virtues of the plants of which they treat. There is some
slight degree of astringency also, united with a portion of bitter-
ness and aroma. The bark of the root is simply tonic in its effects.
It is a strong bitter, containing a small portion of a warm aromatic
property, and an essential oil. It has long been employed by phy-
sicians in the United States as a tonic ; and, united with the Cornus
florida, or Dogwood, and the Prinos verticillatus, or winter-berry, it
has been highly commended for the cure of intermittents. It has
even been said to be equal to the Peruvian bark. The late Dr. Rush
mentions his having prescribed a large quantity of the powder of the
root, “ with as much satisfaction as any of the common bitters of the
shops.”* It is said that this bitter has been found particularly bene-
ficial in the last stage of dysentery.f The powdered root has been
used combined with steel dust in disorders of the stomach, with
success.^ Dr. Barton mentions that the bark is used in gout and
rheumatism. I have already said that it can only be safely adminis-
tered in the chronic state of the last disease ; and I confess myself
sceptical of its curative power in the former. In a letter^ addressed

• Transactions of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 1793.

I Thatcher’s Dispensatory, 2d ed. p. 529, and Coxe’s Disp. 3d ed. p. 400. Also Shccpf’s Mat. Med.
and Barton’s Collections.

+ Ibid.

§ Carey’s American Museum, vol. 12.

Liriodendron tidipifera.

109

to Governor Clayton of Delaware, in 1792, by Dr. J. T. Young, then
of Philadelphia, he says, “ I have prescribed the poplar bark in a va-
riety of cases of the intermittent fever ; and can declare from expe-
rience, it is equally efficacious with the Peruvian bark, if properly
administered. In the phthisis pulmonalis, attended with hectic fe-
ver, night sweats, and diarrhoea, when combined with laudanum, it
has frequently abated these alarming and troublesome symptoms. I
effectually cured a Mr. Kisei*, lifty years of age, who was afflicted
with a catarrh and dyspeptic symptoms for five years, which baffled
the attempts of many physicians and the most celebrated remedies,
by persevering in the use of the poplar bark for two weeks.

T can assert from experience tliere is not in all the Materia
Medica, a more certain, speedy, and effectual remedy in the hysteria,
tlian the poplar bark, combined with a small quantity of laudanum. I
have used no remedy in the cholera infantum, but the poplar, after
cleansing the primse vise, for these two years. It appear to be an
excellent vermifuge. I have never known it fail in a single case of
worms which has come under my observation. 1 prescribed it to a
child when convulsions had taken place. After taking a few doses,
several hundreds of dead ascarides were discharged with the stools.
The dose of the powder to an adult, is from a scruple to two
drachms. It may likewise be used in tincture, infusion, or decoction ,*
but its virtues are always greatest when given in substance.”

15

VOL. I.

110

Liriodendron tidipifera.

In answer to the foregoing, the Governor replies : During the

late war, the Peruvian bark was very scarce and dear. I was at that
time engaged in considerable practice, and was under the necessity
of seeking a substitute for the Peruvian bark. I conceived that the
Poplar had more aromatie and bitter than the Peruvian, and less as-
tringency. To correct and amend those qualities, I added to it
nearly an equal quantity of the bark of the root of Dogvsmod, (Cornus
florida or Boxwood,) and half the quantity of the inside bark of the
white oak tree. This remedy I prescribed for several years, in every
case in which I conceived the Peruvian bark necessary or proper,
with at least equal if not superior success. I used it in every species
of intermittent, gangrenes, mortifications, and in short in every case
of debility. It remains to determine whether the additions of those
barks to the poplar increases its virtues or not ; this can only be
done by accurate experiments in practice.”

Mr. Lawson, in his history of North Carolina, speaks of a dis-
ease allied to syphilis, which occasionally destroys the nose, as ex-
isting among the savages of that country j and he tells us that the
“juice of the Tulip-tree is used as the proper remedy for this disr
temper.”

The bark of the root of the Tulip-tree can be given in extract,
dissolved in water, in infusion and in decoction ; but its vwtues are
most decided when administered in substance. Should it act on the

2

Liriodendron tulipifera.

Ill

bowels, or should the stomach be too weak to bear it in this form,
a few drops of laudanum should be combined with it. The dose of
the bark for an adult, is from a scruple to two drachms. In Virgi-
nia the country people infuse equal parts of the bark of the roots of
the Tulip-tree, and that of the trunk and stems of the Cornus florida,
or Dogwood, in brandy : they suffer the infusion to digest for eight
days, and give the tincture in the dose of two wine glasses a day, in
intermittents.

The proper time for collecting the bark of the Tulip-tree for
medical purposes, is in the month of January or February,

(ECONOMICAL. USES.

If the Tulip-tree is particularly admired for its splendid appear-
ance, and is useful as a medicine, it is not less interesting from the
various (economical purposes to which its wood is applied. Perhaps
no native tree is more serviceable, or more extensively used. The
tree belongs to the class of light woods. Notwithstanding its levity,
however, it possesses some counterbalancing advantages, which ren-
der it an important species of lumber. The true wood is nearly of
a lemon colour, and is surrounded with white sap. The yellow
colour of the heart is more or less deep; having sometimes a green-
ish hue, and not unfrequently shaded with violet. It is not so light,

112

Liriodendron tidipifera.

as the common species of poplar. Its grain is pretty fine and com-
pact, admitting of an excellent polish, and easily worked. It is ex-
tremely durable, when well seasoned and deprived of the blea. I
have heard of some uncommon instances of the durability of this
wood. In altering lately in Lancaster, a log house, which had
been built upwards of eighty years, the logs which were made of
this poplar, being cut transversely, had all the appearance of
new timber, although they had been exposed to the weather. It is
said that the worms never attack this wood. In Virginia it is em-
ployed for the shafts of large miU-wheels ; and it is said to be better
suited to this purpose than any other kind of wood, because it
withstands the perpetual moisture to which it is exposed in these
situations. The great defect in the timber of this tree, is said to be,
its liableness to be affected by the vicissitudes of the weather, when
used in long beams out of doors. The easiness with which it is
worked, particularly when quite dry, has caused it to be used in the
construction of small cabinet-ware. It works freely in the lathe, and
hence is much used for all kinds of turned utensils ; such, for ex-
ample, as bowls, trenchers, ladles, rolling-pins, and many other cu-
linary vessels. The figured stamps on the butter brought to our
markets, are made by carved blocks of this wood; it is also
employed for dead-eyes, blocks, ^c. and other articles in ship-
chandlery. 1'he trunks of the largest trees are often hollow, and
are made into pettiaugers, and canoes of sufficient capacity to hold
many people. From its being appropriated to the latter purpose,

Liriodendron tulipifera. 113

it takes the name of canoe-wood. The Indians esteem it the fittest
kind of lumber for these boats. It is also used for coach pannels.

The nature of the soil is believed to have some influence on
the shade of yellow, and upon the quality of the wood of this tree.
Indeed this is very commonly remarked by those who are in the
habit of working the wood. They distinguish the two kinds by the
names of white poplar and yellow poplar; and say there are external
signs by which these varieties can be designated ; indeed I have heard
some workmen pretend to know, whether the wood was white or
yellow, previously to examining it. Not being satisfied with the
answers of these people, it rests as yet in my mind, very proble-
matical, whether there are really any external discriminating cha-
racters. It is said, however, that in general, the Tulip-trees which
grow on elevated and gravelly situations, have white wood. Whe-
ther the reverse is uniformly the case, in those that grow in low and
moist grounds, I am not prepared to say. The negroes and
white inhabitants of Virginia, give strong decoctions of the root of
the tree to horses that are troubled with worms. This practice is
said to be efficacious in removing them. And according to Dr. Bar-
ton, the Cheerakes and probably other Indians, administer an infu-
sion of the bruised inner bark to these animals, when bitten by the
crotalus horridus, or rattle-snake. The professor does not say with
what effect this practice has been followed ; and the fact is here
mentioned only on his authority.

114

Liriodendron tulipifera.

Michaux* informs us that some persons at Paris make a spiri-
tuous table liquor, possessing an agreeable taste and flavour, from
the fresh bark and roots of the Tulip-tree, adding a suflicient quan-
tity of sugar to render it palatable. Of the precise mode of making
this beverage, he does not tell us ; but it is presumable the materials
are brewed, and afterwards rendered more agreeable by the addition
of sugar.

TABLE VIII.

Fig 1. Is a drawing of a flowering twig of the Liriodendron Tu-
lipifera, of the natural size, having also a flower bud, as
often happens.

2. A seed separated from the imbricated cone.

3. A reduced outline of the obtuse-lobed leaf mentioned in

page 98.

• Arbres Forest.

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-

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SMmiCEA,

{ Swairaap -’i3Log'’W'mo<S . )

CORNUS SERICEA.

SWAMP DOGWOOD.

Eed-Willow. ftose-WIllow. New England Dogwood. Female Dogwood. Silky-leaved Dogwood. Ame-
rican Red-rod Cornel : — Blue-berried Dogwood ; and Blue-berried Comus, in England.

CoRNtis sericea, L. Sp. Plant. 1. p. 663. Gron. Virg. ed. n. 20. Cold. Novebor. 17. Shoepf. Mat. Med.
Am. p. 14. L’Herit. Corn. n. 6. t. 2. Willd. Arb. 75. Syst. Veg. 134. Mant. 199. Mill. Diet,
n. 5. Du Roi. Harbk. 1. p. 165. Wangenh. Amer. 90. Ehrh. Beitr. 4. p. 15. Pluk. Aim. 121.
t. 169. f. 3. Lin. Pfl. Syst. 1. p. 242. Willd. Sp. PI. p. 663. Bart. FI. Virg. Gron. p. 46. Pursh. FI.
Am. Sep. vol. 1. p. 108. Mich. FI. Boreali-Am. vol. 1. p. 92. Walker’s Inaug. Diss. Thatcher’s
Am. Disp. 2d ed. p. 200. Coxe’s Am. Disp. ed. 3d. p. 286. Pharm. Mass. Med. Soc. p. 13. Bar-
ton’s Collections, part 1. p. 12. part 2. p. 17-20. ed. 3d. part 1. p. 12. part 2. p. 17. Ait. Hort.
Kew. ed. 2d. vol. 1. p. 262. Bay’s Letters, 171. Jungh. Plant. Ic. cent. 1. t. 23. Barton’s Ele-
ments of Botany, part 3. p. 16. Lin. Mantis. 199. Syst. Veg. 134. Gmelin, Syst. Nat. 11. p. 257.
Forster. FI. Am. Sept. p. 6. Marshall. Arbust. p. 36. Bartram’s Travels, p. 321. Barton’s FI.
Phil. p. 26. Walter’s Carol, p. 88. Clayton, No. 23. Cold. Noveb. 17. Elliot’s Sketch, FI. Car.
et Georg, p. 207. Muhl. Cat. Am. Sep. p. 17. Pers. Syn. Plan. vol. 1. p. 143. Nuttall, Gen. Am.
Plants, p. 98.

CORNUS.

(For generic character, see Comus florida, p. 43, with this addition, “Corculum of the seed long, involved
in a carneous perisperm.” — Nuttall.)

Consns sericea, ramis patulis : ramulis lanuginosis, foliis oyatis, acuminatis, subtus ferrugineo-pubescentibus,
cymis depressis lanuginosis. . Willd. Sp. Plant. 1. p. 663.

116

Cornus sericea.

CoRNTJs lanuginosa, patula ; ramulis lanuginosis : folils ovalibus acumlnatis, plerisque basi subrotundata
obtusis, subtus manifeste pubescentibus : cymis confertioribus, lanuginosis. Obs. folia inferiora in-
terdum subcordata. \ . Mich. FI. Boreal. Am. vol. 1. p. 92.

SYNONYMA.

Cornus arborea, cymis nudis, foliis subtus sericeis. Syst. Veg. et Mantis.

C. Amomus, arborea, foliis ovatis petiolatis, floribus corymbosis terminalibus. Mill. Diet. Du Roi.

Harbk. Wangenh. Am. et Shoepf. Mat. Med. Am.

C. foemina, floribus candidissimis umbellatim dispositis, baccis coeruleo-viridibus, ossiculo duro
compresso biloculari. Cold. Noveb. et Gron. Virg.

C. rubiginosa. Ehrb. Beitr.

C. Americana sylvestris domesticac similis, bacca coerulei coloris elegantissima. Pluk. Aim.

C. sanguinea. Forster, FI. Am. Sep. Marshall. Arbust. and Bartram’s Travels.

C. sanguinea : arborea, cymis nudis, ramis rectis subrubris, drupis coeruleis. Walt. Car.

Pharm. Conti Sericeae, cortex.

Qual. Baccarum parenchyma viride amaro-adstringens.

Usus; folia Indigense Tabaco admiscent. Ligni us. mechan. Shcepf. Mat. Med.

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

Frutex biorgyalis. Radix lignosa, ramosa, dilute grisea, odore quasi Glycyrrhizac proximo : radiculis subfus-
cis. Caulis erectus, teres, ramosus, griseus. Rami oppositi, teretes, patuli, obscure purpurascen-
tes. Turiones teretes, annulati, subimmaculati et atropurpurascentes, ut in C. sanguined, juniores
plus minusve pubescentes. Folia opposita, petiolata, ovata s. ovato-lanceolata, acuminata, Integra,
nervosa, subvenosa: costa nervisque infra elevatis, supra exaratis; subtus villosa ferruginea inpri-
mis ad nervos, nunc nudiuscula, patentia, plana, juniora lateribus subconniventia, 3 poll. long.
18. lin. lat. Petioli hinc teretes, inde unisulci, folio quater breviores, villosi, purpurascentes.
Cymx terminales, pedunculatse, erectae, depressae, vix convexae, tri-quadripartitae flore solitario in-
termedio, ylllosae, 2 pol. lat. Flores pedicellati, horizontales, albi disco primum albo post anthesin
fusco, odori, 4-5 lin. lat. Calh, Rerianihium superum, monophyllum, quadridentatum, villosum :
denticuUs linearibus, acutis, patentibus j persistens, vix. 2 lin. lat. Corolla. Pelala 4, epigyna, line-
aria, acuta, patentia, mox revoluta, coronam germinis cingentia, calice majora. Stamina. Fila-

Cornus sericea.

117

menta 4, epigyna, erecto-divergentia, corolla vix longlora, infra coronam germinis uti petala in
serta. Anthem oblongiuscul<e, biloculares, incumbentes, peltatse, lutes. Pistillum. Germen inferum
globoso-urceolatum, villosum, coronatum nectario receptaculiformi, plane. Stylus fillformis, sta
minibus vix brevior. Stigma capitatum, pubeseens. Pericarpiura. Dntfa bacciformis, globosa
calice umbilicata, basi excavata, carnosa, demum aquosa, elegantercsrulea, intus alba, unilocularis
3 lin. lat. Semen. J\Tux subrotunda, compressa, nervosa, bilocularis, 18 lin. lat.

L’Herit. Corn. 6.

The Cornus sericea is a shrub, seldom attaining more than 12
feet height. Its most common stature is from six to eight feet. The
stems are numerous, straight, and covered with a shining reddish
bark. The root is ligneous, branched, of a light grayish colour, and
smells somewhat like liquorice-root ; the radicles are reddish. The
stem is erect, cylindrical, and branched. The branches are op-
posite, roundish, spreading, and of a dingy-puiqile colour. The
young shoots are round, ringed, nearly without spots, and of a
dark purple colour; the very young ones more or less pubescent.
The leaves are opposite, petiolated, ovate, pointed, entire on their
margins, nerved, and somewhat veined ; having the middle rib and
nerves projecting underneath, and sunk above. The under surface
of the leaves, particularly near the costa and nerves, is covered with
a dense, brownish, villous coat. The young leaves are doubled by
the approximation of their sides ; when full grown they are plane,
as represented in the largest leaf of the plate. They vary in size ;
but in general when mature, are three inches long and an inch and
an half broad. The petioles are one-fourth the length of the leaves,
round below, with a slight furrow above, villous and purplish. The

VOL. r. 16

118

Cornus sericea.

flowers are borne in cymes, which are terminal, pedunculated, erect,
flat above, or occasionally a little convex. The expanded flowers of
each cyme are not very numerous. Calix monophyllous, four-
toothed, villous; the teeth are linear, acute, spreading, persistent,
about two lines broad. The corolla consists of four linear, acute,
spreading petals, larger than the calix. Stamens; four erect, di-
verging fllaments, scarcely longer than the corolla ; anthers peltate,
oblong, and of a yellow colour. Pistillum ; germen below, globose-
pitcher-shaped, and villous. Style filiform, hardly shorter than the
stamens. capitated and pubescent. The fruit consists of

a collection of berry-formed globular, fleshy drupes, of a beautiful
coerulean blue colour. Each berry is excavated at the base, white
within, 1 -locular. Seed; a roundish, compressed, nerved, 2-celled
nut.

I'he geographical range of the Swamp-Dogwood is extensive.
It inhabits moist thickets, the borders of swamps, rivers, creeks, and
rivulets. Its common companions are Cephalanthus occidentalis,
Vibernum dentatum, V. acerifolium, V. nudum, Cornus alba, and C.
stricta. The last mentioned shrub it resembles exceedingly, and
may easily be confounded with it unless carefully examined. It
flowers in June and July, and ripens its berries in September. In
England, where it was cultivated before 1683, by Bishop Compton,
it blooms as late as August.

Cornus sericea.

119

CHEMICAL. ANALYSIS.

Under this head, in the article on the Cornus florida, will be
found Dr. Walker’s analysis of the Cornus sericea. His compara-
tive experiments, of the properties of the Peruvian bark and these
two species of Cornus, are extremely interesting, and have produced
results highly favourable to these articles, as medicines.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES. '

The medicinal virtues of the Swamp-Dogwood, are the same
as those of the common Dogwood ; and both are allied in their ef-
fects to the Peruvian bark. The Cornus sericea is therefore a
stimulant and tonic, and may be used in powder, or in tincture
with proof spirit. About a scruple and an half, and from that
quantity to a drachm of the former, may be given at a dose, and
repeated three or four times a day. The usual proportion of the
spirituous tincture may be used. I am inclined to think that the

120

Co7mus sericea.

pulverised bark of the Swamp-Dogwood, is not so much used by
country practitioners as that of the Dogwood, but it is certainly
not less deserving the attention of physicians ; particularly as the
difficulty of procuring genuine Pemvian bark is well known.

(ECONOMICAL USE.

The young stems and branches of this species of Cornus are
very straight, and when recently cut, quite flexible. They are
used in making baskets of a coarse kind, such as the large fish-
baskets used in the New Fish Market of Philadelphia ; most of
these are made of this shrub. They are worked up most easi-
ly when the bark is left on them. The bark is mixed with to-
bacco, and smoked by the Indians of our country. This fact is
mentioned by Shoepf, and afterwards by Dr. Barton. The latter
tells us that some of these savages of the Delaware stock, call the
mixture Kin-ni-ha-nick. The bark of this Cornus is a favourite
article of winter food of the Castor fiber, or American beaver.
The ripe berries are greedily eaten by the common domestic fowl.
From the bark of the more fibrous roots of this shrub, the Indians
obtain a good scarlet colour, which they use in dyeing some parts
of their dress. (Barton’s Med. and Phys. Jour.)

Cornus sericea.

121

TABLE IX.

Fig. 1. A portion of the Cornus sericea, taken in flower in the
month of June.

2. A full grown flower, in front view.

3. A back view of the same.

4. The same without petals.

5. A petal.

6. A stamen showing the oblong pelate anther,

7. The pistil.

8. The berries.

All the figures of the size of natui’e.

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§¥MFir^®CAMFiIT§ FiSSTIIPiN »

SYMPLOCARPUS FCETIDA.

SKUNK CABBAGE.

Swamp -Cabbage. Skunk-weed. Stinking Pothos. Polecat-Weed. Itch-weed. Hellebore. Ellebore
Irish Cabbage. Poke. Cow-Collard. Polecat-Collard. Byorn-blad, (or Bear’s Leaf,) and
Byorn-retter, (Bear’s-foot,) of the Swedes who settled in North America.

Beerenwortel. Bonsemkruid, (according to Shccpf.)

Stinkende Zehrwurtz. Germ. (Willd.)

Anhangsel ; Roll. Hangbast ; Eine gattung pflanzen, deren arten in beyden Indien einheimisch sind j fol-
gende sind zu bemerken : a) scandens; Appendix arborum Rumph; Das Anhangsel der Baume ;
Boll. Aanhangzel der boomen ; Ceilan. Potha; Malab. Ana-parua ; Cochinch. Cay Ray leo ; Mit
den dickeren ranken steigt dies gewachs die baume hinauf, und lasst die Ubrigen ranken herab,
hangen ; tragt kleine, rothe, saftige, essbare beeren ; Die Indianer nennen diese und andre An-
hangsel der baume ; Tapanaiva ; b) acaulit ; Planta innominata Plum ; Auf Martinique, wo sie
von den Einwohnem Qucilc de rat genannt wird ; c) pinnata ; Appendix laciniata Rumph.

Praeeordia ; a) Die sammtlichen Eingeweide der Brust ; Griech. Phrenes ; b) Die Gegend der Herzgrube ,
Die vordere Gegend des Oberleibes ; c) Die Gegend unter den kurzen Rippen und dem schwerd-
fbrmigen Knorpel des Brustbeins. (Polyglot. Lexicon.)

SYMPtocanpus foetida, Salisbury. Lin. Sp. PI. p. 1372. Willd. Sp. PI. vol. 2. p. 288. Shocpf. Mat. Med.
Am. p. 133. Castiglioni, viagg. 2. p. 238, 239. Gmelin. Syst. Nat. vol. 2. p. 596. Thornt. Ulus.
Mich. FI. Boreal. Am. vol. 2. p. 186. Cold. Noveb. 214. Lin. Amcen. II. p. 362. Catesb. Car.
II. t. 71. Clayt. n. 17. Ait. Hort. Kew. vol. 3. p. 319. ed. 2d. vol. 1. p. 268. Bot. Mag. 836. Bar-
ton’s FI. Virg. Gron. p. 60; Elements of Botany, part 3. p. 128, 130. Pers. Syn. PI. vol. 1. p. 147.

124

Symplocarpus foetida.

Kalm. it. 3. p. 47. Gron. Virg. 141, et 186. Houttuyn. Lin. Pfl. Syst. 10. p. 151. Pursh.FI. Am.
Sep. vol. 2. p. 398. Nuttall, Gen. Am. Plants, p. 105. Barton’s Prodr. FI. Ph. p. 26. Thatcher’s
Disp. ed. 2d. p. 150. Coxe’s Disp. 3d. ed. p. 210.

SYMPLOCARPUS.

(Salisbury.)

Spatha ventricose-ovate, acuminate. Spadix roundish, covered with hermaphrodite flowers. Calix deeply
4-parted, persistent, segments cucullate, truncate, becoming thick and spongy. Petak 0. Style
pyramidal, 4-sided ; Stigma simple, minute. Seeds solitary, immersed in the spongy receptacle.

Nuttall.

Cal. Communis, Spatha atro-purpurea, acuminata, ad basin, convoluta, citissime marcescens et contabes-
cens. Partialis quadriphyllus, foliolis crassis succulentis, fuscis, brevibus, acuminatis, excavatis,
inflexis, longitudine styli, persistentibus.

Cor. nulla. Spadix ovato-orbiculatus, pedunculatus, spatha dimidio brevior, staminibus foliolisque calicis
undique obsitus, per maturitatem in limbum procumbens.

Stam. Filamenta quatuor, erecta, longitudine styli persistentia. Anther* flav* erect*.

Pht. Germen rotundum infra stylum in spadice reconditum. Stylus fuscus, conicus. Stigma obtusum,
vix perceptibile.

Sem. Bacca unica, carnosa, globosa, monosperma, extus fusca: in medulla fungosa spadicis plerumque
octo vel novem inveniend*. (Bart. FI. Vir.)

SYMPiocABPtts fcetida ; acaulis ; foliis ovatis cordatis, spadice, subgloboso. Mich. FI. Bor. Am. 2. p. 186.
“ Stemless and subaquatic ; leaves very large, strongly veined and entire, preceded by conspicuous
sheathing stipules ; scapes radical, appearing before the leaves ; spatha discoloured ; calix, style,
and filaments persistent, enlarging with the spongy receptacle. Root verticillately fibrous, trun-
cate. Leaves smooth and green, ovate, cordate, enlarging, protected by large glaucous, spathulate-
linguiform, veinless bractes. Spatha ovoid, roundish, cucullate, obliquely acuminate, point coarc-
tate, plaited, involutely aurlculate at the base, thick and spongy, livid purple, blotched and spot-
ted with pale-green. Spadix pedunculate, simple, almost spherical. Bractes none. Flowers
tessellately imbricate, adnate. Calix 4-parted, divided to the base, segments cucullate, compres-
sed at the apex, emarginated, at length becoming very thick. Petals none. Stamina 4, opposite
tlie divisions of the calix ; filaments subulate, flat ; anthers exserted, short, oblong-oval, 2-celled.
Style thick, quadrangular, acuminated ; stigma minute, pubescent, shorter than the stamina.

Symplocarpus foetida. 125

Germ immersed, 1-seeded. Seed naked, large, round, inclosed in the common receptacle. Cor-
culum small, involute, erect, umbilicately attached to a large, solid, carneous perisperm.” Nuttall.
Classis Tetrandria, Ordo Monogynia. Lin. Syst.

SYNONYMA.

Dbaconticm foetidum. Willd. et Lin.

D. foliis subrotundis concavis. Cold. Noveb. Kalm. it. et Gron. Virg. 141.

D. fostidum, foliis subrotundis. Gmelin. Syst.

Calla aquatilis, odore allii vehemente prsedita. Gron. Virg. 186.

Arum Americanum betae folio. Catesb. Car.

Pothos Putorii. Barton’s FI. Virg. Gron.

Pothos fetida, foliis cordatis, spadice subgloboso. Ait. Hort. Kew. ed. 1. vol. 3. p. 319.

Pharm. Dracontii Radix.

Qual. Acris, alliacea, nauseosa.

Vis. Incidens, calefaciens, expectorans.

Usus : fol. contrita ad vulnera recentia et ulcera. Tussis consumptiva. Scorbutus et alii morbl
radix Ari oilicin. utilis. Colden. Shcepf. Mat. Med.

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

Planta fatidissima acaulis, et sub floratione aphylla, seu eo tempore folia vix inchoans. Radix perennis
sistens radicularum verticillarum. Radiculse cylindricae longse, albo et fusco annulato-variegatse.
Folia qux post florationem crescunt, magna cordato-ovata sunt, subtus venis conspicue prominenti-
bus ; supra quasi exaratis. Costa succulenta infra prominens. In basi foliarum sunt bractes spathu-
lato-ling^iformes, glaucse. Spatha ovala, basi auriculato-attenuata, et apice obliquo-acuminata, de-
pressa, cucullata, prorsus pui’pureo, flavo, et viride picta. Spadix pedunculatus simplex sub-globo-
sus j floribus adnatis. Petala nulla. Calix 4-partitus, profunde divisus et persistens, segmentibus
cucullatis, apice compressis et emarginatis. Stamina 4 ; filamentis subulatis persistentibus. An-
thers exserts, breves, oblongo-ovales, duarum loculorum sistens. Stylus crassus, quadran-

17

VOL. I.

126

Symplocarpus fcetida.

gulatus, acuminatus persistens ; stignia minimum staminibus breve. Semina nuda, magna, velut
rotundata, purpureo et flavo variegata, in receptaculo spongioso immersa. Habitat a Canada ad
Georgiam tenus, in uliginosis et ad ripas rivulorum. Barton’s FI. Ph. MS.

Not many persons are unacquainted with the Skunk-Cabbage ;
though few perhaps, have noticed its singular inflorescence. The
multitude of large, rank, foetid leaves, which grow from a single
root, together with the gregarious habit, (if I may use such an ex-
pression,) of the plant, attract the notice of every one who passes
near the swamps and meadows where it grows ; but at the pe-
riod these are conspicuous, the flowers have disappeared.

I have followed Mr. Nuttall, in adopting the generic term Sym-
plocarpus, imposed by Salisbury;^ but not having had access to the
volume of the work containing the paper of this gentleman, I have
had no opportunity of profiting by the characters on which it was
founded.

Symplocarpus fcetida is a subaquatic plant, flowering and leaf-
ing from the root. The flowers appear before the leaves ; or at
least when these make their appearance at this time, they are closely
convoluted, as represented in the plates. The leaves are preceded
by coloured sheathing stipules ; and about the end of April or be-
ginning of May, are fully developed, when they are very large.

• Linnean Transactions.

2

Symploca7yus foetida.

127

They are commonly twelve, fifteen, and eighteen inches long ; and
nine or ten broad. I have seen them, in favourable situations,
more than two feet long and twelve inches broad. They are ob-
long-ovate, heart-shaped at the base, smooth, strongly veined, and
have a large succulent middle rib, projecting below, llie root con-
sists of a vast number of verticillate cylmdrical thick fibres, many of
which are near a fourth of an inch in diameter. They diverge from
their point of cincture, and penetrate the earth or mire, to the depth
of two feet, and sometimes more. The fibres are whitish, coloured
with brownish-red rings.

The flowers are concealed in a singular spongy ovoid spatlie,
acuminated and depressed obliquely at the apex, and auriculated at
the base; variegated with spots of livid-pui’ple, yellow, lake-green
and red. These spathes may not be unaptly compared to some
kinds of shells. Upon opening them, the flowers are found situ-
ated upon a globose pedunculated spadix. They are destitute of pe-
tals ; have a 4-parted calix, divided at the base. Segments hooded,
flattened, and notched at the apex. There are four stamens, situat-
ed opposite to the divisions of the calix, having flat awl-shaped
filaments, with short oblong anthers. The style is thick and four-
sided ; stigma shorter than the stamens. The seeds are numerous,
large, naked, irregularly roundish, and speckled with purple and
yellow. They are immersed in a large spongy receptacle near to
the surface, as shown in the section, (fig. 4. plate lo.)

128

Syinplocarpus foetida.

Every part of this curious plant, even the seeds, is strongly
imbued with the peculiar alliaceous odour, which has given rise to
the various vulgar names enumerated at the head of this article, ex-
pressive of the obnoxiousness of the plant. I think the odour
emanating from the broken spathe and the bruised seeds, resembles
exceedingly, the smell of assafoetida. The leaves have, perhaps, a
more disagreeable smell than any other part of the plant. Their
odour has been compared to that thrown off by the skunk or
pole-cat ; and, like that, it may be perceived at a considerable dis-
tance. The smell from the spathe and flowers, is pungent and very
subtile. Experience leads me to believe they possess a great share of
acridity j having been seized with a very violent inflammation of my
eyes, (for the first time in my life,) which deprived me of the use of
them for a month, by making the original diwings of these plates.
The pungency of the plant was probably concentrated by the close-
ness of the room, in which many specimens were at the time shut up.
In the open air, however, the Skunk-cabbage has certainly no per-
nicious effect ; and the tales of its deadly influence on those who
approach it, published by Dr. Thornton, in his gorgeous folio, have
no better foundation than those of the Upos tree of the East.*

* It has been reserved for oiir countryman, Dr. Horsefield, to obliterate from the page of Natural
History, the ridiculous fables concerning this tree, which the wickedness and credulity of the world had
combined to make current.

Symplocarpiis foetida.

129

According to the observations of Mr. Nuttall, “ the seed of the
Symplocarpus does not appear to possess any thing like a proper
cotyledon, the embryo formed in the exact posture of the growing-
plant, (with the radical downwards,) differs not from it in any par-
ticular but that of size. In place of a cotyledon there is a sheathing-
stipule similar to that which is ever after produced ; in fact it is vi-
viparous. The embryon is seated in a small umbilical or hemis-
pherical depression, in the upper end of what may be called a vitel-
lus rather than a perisperm, judging from its functions this callus,
or seminal tubercle is roundish and turbinate, nearly as large as a
filbert nut, very solid and carneous, possessing in a high degree the
alliaceous faeter of the grown plant ; the mutual point of attachment
subsisting betwixt this body and the embryon is at first a minute
and nearly central funiculus which enlarges and becomes more
distinct during the progress of germination ; but what appears to be
most singular in it, is the length of time which it continues attached
to the growing plant, apparently inert at the base of the caudex for
twelve or eighteen months.”

The Skunk-cabbage is exclusively a native of America,* and
grows in boggy woods and meadows, in swamps, on the margins of
brooks and rivulets, and other moist places. Extreme humidity and

• It was introduced into England by Peter Collinson, Esq. in 1755. It flowers there in March and
April, as it does in this country.

130

Symplocarpus fmtida.

a rich soil, are necessary to its luxuriant growth; and it appears
also to delight in shade. It seldom appears sporadically. Where
found at all, it is generally in abundance.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.

The sensible properties of Symplocarpus foetida, indicate its
place in the Materia Medica. Every part of the plant is powerfully
antispasmodic, and it is of course referrible to that class of medicines.
Hitherto the employment of this article has been too much limited ;
for it seems entitled, from its virtues, to the general attention of phy-
sicians. Shcepf long ago mentioned the medicinal powers of the
root of the Skunk-cabbage. He speaks of it as an expectorant, and
as useful in phthisical coughs. At this time, too, this plant is much
used for the same pui’pose in many parts of the United States ; and
it is said that great alleviation of the cough is produced by the ju-
dicious use of the medicine. The Rev. Dr. Cutler, and others, have
given it considerable reputation as a palliative in the paroxysms of
asthma ; in which it is reputed to have afforded relief, when other
means had failed. I'hiity or forty grains of the dried pulverised
roots, are recommended to be given during the paroxysm, and
repeated as often as circumstances may require. After the fit has
gone off, it is necessary to persevere in the use of the medicine ;

Symplocarpus fcetida.

131

its continuance is recommended, till the patient be entirely cured.
This practice is said to be imitated from that of the Indians, in the
treatment of this complaint.* Dr. Thatcher relates, on the testimo-
ny of a correspondent, one case of violent hysteria, in which two tea-
spoonfulls of the powdered root, given in spudt and water, pro-
cured immediate relief. Musk, and other antispasmodics, had been
ineffectually tried in this case. On repeating the use of the medi-
cine, it afforded more lasting relief than any other remedy had
given. The same writer mentions, on the authority of this corres-
pondent, that when administered in cases of parturition, it relieves
the spasms which frequently affect the abdominal muscles. The
instances mentioned by Dr. Thatcher of the curative virtue of our
plant in chronic and acute rheumatism, deserve further attention ;
but those dropsical cases hinted at, which he says were relieved by
two tea-spoonfulls of the powdered root, are not, I think, of
importance. Indeed, I much doubt whether the cure of ^opsy has
in any instance been effected by this ; neither do its pro-

perties justify, for one mom^^? belief. The seeds are said to
afford more *^:lier in asthmatic cases than the root ; and tliis I be-
lieve very probable, for they are remarkably active, pungent, and, as
has before been mentioned, exhale the odour of assafoetida.

• Thatcher's Disp.

132

Symplocarpus foetida.

The bruised leaves are frequently applied to ulcers and recent
wounds, and it is said with good effect. They are also used as an
external application, in cutaneous affections ; and I have heard of
the expressed juice being successfully applied to different species
of herpes. The leaves are used in the country to dress blisters,
with the view of promoting their discharge. For this purpose they
are slightly bruised, by being laid on a flat board, and having a rolling-
pin passed a few times over them. This is necessary to reduce the
projecting middle rib, nerves, and veins, so as to enable every part
of the leaf to come in contact with the surface of the blister. Col-
den recommends the Skunk-cabbage in scurvy, as well as in all
other diseases in which the officinal wake-robin, (Arum maculatum,)
has been found useful. I have had a good deal of experience in this
disease ; and though I have never used the subject of this article in
the treatment of it, I have no hesitation in declaring my disbelief of
its usefulneas in this distressing complaint. I have not had any ex-
perience with this piam £ar medical purposes, except with the leaves,
as above-mentioned, to dress blisters. For this purpose I can re-
commend them, where it is desirable to promote a largo and speedy
discharge, and no stimulating ointment is at hand. But it is only on
the authority of those whom I have quoted, that I invite the notice
of physicians to the plant, in the treatment of consumptive cough,
asthma, and hysteria. In the latter complaints, its antispasmodic
virtues seem to promise some good.

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SYMPLOCARPUS ANGUSTISPATHA.

NARROW SPATHED SKUNK-CABBAGE.

(Symplocarpus. Nat. Syst. Juss. Aroideac.)

Sympiocarpits angustispatha : spatha lanceolata, apice lineari-attenuata ; spadice globoso longe pedun-
culalo. Stipulis et foliis inchoatis, purpureo striatis. B.

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

Planta similliraa Symplocarpo foetida, et forsan vix ultra varietateix), perquam spatha discrepans. Spatha lan-
ceolata, in longum acumen terminens ; colore atro-purpurea non maculata. Spadix longe peduncu-
latus, minor quam in altera specie, et in colore et forma non idem. Folia inchoata virido et pur-
pureo striata; stipulis virido-purpureis. Habitat cum S. foetida, idem tempore florens. B.

The above variety of the common Skunk-cabbage, ( discovered
near this city ; and I figured the only two specimens found. One
of these is represented in the plate, and one of the spathes of the
other. It is needless perhaps to remai’k, that it has an exceedingly
close resemblance to the S. foetida. It differs, however, in so many
particulars, that I have no hesitation in giving it to the public as
a decided variety. It yet remains to be proved by future examina-
tions, whether it can form a legitimate species.

18

VOL. I.

134

Symplocarpus angustispatha.

The whole plant is more slender than the common one. The
root is somewhat smaller. The spathe is long, narrow, purple,
entirely without specks or spots, and of a beautiful shining dark
purple colour. The spathes of the specimen not here figured,
were narrower than those of plate 1 1 ; and the smallest of them is
separated in fig. 8, plate 11. The young convoluted leaves and sti-
pules are deeply tinged with purple, and somewhat striped with
this hue. The spadix is supported by a very long peduncle; is
half the size of that in the S. fcetida, and of a light umber colour ;
in the common one it has an ochroleucous hue. The flowers are
also smaller than in the Skunk-cabbage. The fruit I have not yet
seen.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.

This vai’iety has the same rank, alliaceous odour as the com-
mon Skunk-cabbage ; and its sensible properties are the same. Con-
sequently its medicinal virtues will be found not to differ.

TABLE X.

Fig. 1. Is a representation of Symplocarpus fcetida in flower. The
drawing made from a specimen procured in the first week
of April.

Symplocarpiis angustispatha. 135

Fig. 2. The spadix covered with flowers, brought into view, by
cutting away the spatlie.

3. A flower magnified, showing the calix, stamens, and pistil.

4. The fruit divided in half, longitudinally, bringing into view

the seeds immersed in the spongy receptacle.

TABLE XI.

Fig. 5. The external half of the globose pericarp, or spongy re-
ceptacle.

6. A seed.

7. The variety described, page 133, and there called Symplo-

carpus ,3. angustispatha.

8. A spathe severed from the other specimen of this variety

which was found with fig. 7.

9. The spadix of fig. 7, covered with flowers.

All the figures of the natural size except fig. 3, plate 10, which,
as already mentioned, is magnified.

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T

• *

CA^glA' MAmaibAMPICA.

CASSIA MARILANDICA.

AMERICAN SENNA.

Wild-Senna. Maryland-Cassia. Senna.

Marilandische Cassie. Germ. (Willd.)

Cassia. Greek. Kassia, kasie.

Beutsch. Cassia, Kassien.

Hoi. Kassie.

Ban. Cassie.

Schuied. Cassie.

En^l. The Cassia.

French. La Casse, le Gassier.
lial. &c. Cassia.

Cassia Marilandica, L. Hort. Cliff. 159. Hort. Upsal. 100. Roy. Lugdb. 467. Mill. Diet. n. 6. Kniph. cent.
12. n. 22. Du Roi llarbk. 1. p. 133. Willd. Arb. 54. Dill. Elth. 351. t. 260. f. 339. Gron. Virg. 65.
Mart. cent. 23. t. 23. H^ttuyn Lin. Pfl. Syst. 3. p. 520. Willd. Plant, tom. 2. part 1. p. 524.
Mich. FI. Boreali-Am. vol. 1. p. 261. Pursh, FI. Am. Sep. vol. 1. p. 306. Muhl. Cat. PI. Am.
Sep. p. 42. Barton’s Prodr. FI. Ph. p. 49. Barton’s Collections, 3d ed. part 1. p. 31. Coxe’s
Am. Disp. 3d. ed. p. 248. Shojpf. Mat. Med. Am. p. 63. Thatcher’s Disp. 2d ed. p. 177. Pers.
Syn. PI. vol. 1. p. 458. Ait. Hort. Hew. 2d ed. vol. 3. p. 29. Chapman’s Elem. Thera. &c. vol. 1,

138

Cassia Marilandica.

CASSIA.

Gen. Plant, edit. Schreb. n. 700.

Cal. 5-phyllus. Petala 5. Antherte supremae 3, steriles ; infimae 3, rostratae. Lomentum. (Wllld.)

Cal. 5-phyllus. Pet. 5. subaequalia, Anth. supremae 3, steriles, infimae 3, rostratae, in filaraentis longiori-
bus incurvis. Legumen. membranaceum 2-valve. (Pursh.)

Nat. Syst. Jus. Leguminos<e. Classis XIV. Ordo XI.

Cassia, T. L. * Senna, T. * Casae, Sene. Calix 5-partitus coloratus deciduus. Petala 5, quorum inferiora
majora. Staminum hlamenta 10 distincta, 3 inferiora longiora antheris longis arcuatis, 4 lateralia
antheris brevibus, 3 superiora brevia antheris effoetis. Germen pedunculatum. Legumen ob-
longum 2-valve dissepimentis transversis multiloculare loculis 1-spermis, nunc planum membrana-
ceum siccum, latius & breve, aut longum & angustius, nunc subcylindricum lignosum intus ssepe
pulposum vix dehiscens. Arbusculse aut suffrutices ; folia pinnata, opposite 1-12-juga aut rarius
multijuga, petiolo communi ad basim aut et inter foliola saepe glanduloso ; flores axillares spicati
aut rarius subsolitarii. An ratione fructus dividendum genus in Sennam legumine membrana-
ceo & Cassiam legumine pulposo ? Juss. Gen. Plant, p. 348. ed. 1789.

Cal. Perianth five-leaved, (five-cleft, Gsert. Juss.) lax, concave, coloured, deciduous. Cor. Petals five,
roundish, concave ; lower ones more distant, more spreading, larger. Siam. Filaments ten, de-
clined ; the three inferior ones longer ; three inferior anthers very large, arcurate, beaked, opening
at the tip ; three lateral ones without a beak ; three upper ones very small, barren. Pist. Germ,
somewhat’ cylindrical, long, pedicelled ; style very short; stigma obtuse, ascending. Peric. Le-
gume oblong, with transverse partitions. Seeds several, roundish, affixed to the upper suture.

Calix 5-leaved. Petals five ; three upper anthers barren ; three lower ones beaked. Fruit a
legume.

Obs. Tournefort divided the genus into two ; cassia with oblong legumes, entire partitions, and
generally pulpy cells; and senna, with gibbous, indexed, and very thin partitions. Gscrtner has
adopted his two genera with the following essential characters :

Senna. Calix five-cleft, deciduous. Cor. Petals five, lower ones larger. Stamens ten, separate ;
three upper anthers barren, the rest fertile ; three lower ohes arcuate. Legume membranous,
many-celled. Seeds albuminous. Embrio straight.

Cassia. Flo-wer as in senna. Legume long, cylindrical, woody, not opening by valves, many-celled ;
cells filled with pulp. Seeds albuminous ; albumen with a chink on each side. Embrio straight.

Nat. Ord. Lin. Lomentacece.

Classis Becandria. Ordo Monogynia.

Bncy.

Cassia Marilandica.

139

Cassia Marilandica. C. foliis octojugis ovato-oblongis aequalibus, glandula baseos petiolorum. Wllld.

C. glabriuscula ; foliis 8-jugis lanceolato-oblongis mucronatis subsequalibus, glandula petiolari obova-
ta, racemis axillaribus et paniculato-terminalibus, leguminibus-linearibus arcuatis glabrls. Pursh.
C. Marilandica. Herbacea, glabriuscula ; foliis 8-jugis, sublanceolato-oblongis, utrinque obtusiuscu-
lis; glandula petiolari obovata: spicis axillaribus et paniculato-terminalibus: antheris atro-fuscis.
Obs. Foliola mucronata. Legumen angustoJineare, arcuatum, glabrum. Mich. FI. Bor.

SYNONYMA.

Cassia mimosae foliis, siliqua hirsuta. Dill. Elth.

C. foliis octo sjepius parium ovato-oblongis *qualibus, glandula supra basin petiolorum. Gron. Virg.

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

Planta herbacea 3, aut 4 pedalium proceritate ; undique prseter basin petiolum et fructum, glabriuscula.
Radix perennis, lignea, contorta, nigra; nunc horizontalis, nunc in terra profunde immersa; radicu-
lis pluribus, extus atris intra flavis. Caules multi, erecti, teretes ; ramis subhorizontalibus tanquam
•cum cardine articulatis. Folia 8-juga, ovato-oblonga, velut mucronata. Glandula petiolari obovata.
Flores in racemis axillaribus siti. Petala obovata, 5, quorum inferioi'a majora. Staminum fila-
menta 10. Germen pedunculatum albido-villosum. Legumen lineari-longum arcutatum sparse
hirsutum. Habitat in arenosis locis prope rivos, a Novo-Eboraco ad Carolinam, Augusto florens.

Barton’s FI. Ph. MS.

I'koe generic name of this plant is of Asiatic origin, and was
brought into Greece along with the commercial article which it de-
noted, by the Phoenician merchants.^ The specific appellation was

“ It is the n;t'Yp, ketsieh, of the Hebrews and other orientals. In the books of
the Old Testament it occurs, indeed, only once, and that in the plural number. “Thou
lovest righteousness and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed
thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. All thy garments smell of myrrh and

140

Cassia Marilandica.

given by Linnseus, in conformity with a common custom, of which
later discoveries have shown the impropriety : that of naming a new

aloes, and cassia.” — Ps. xlv. 7, 8. This psalm, we apprehend, may be referred without
hesitation to the reign of Solomon. The plural termination was probably adopted by
the Hebrews, on account of the small detached pieces into which the bark was usually
divided when it came into the hands of the merchants ; but the seventy, in conformity
with the general usage of Greek writers, give it in the singular number, and with a single
<r, which appears to be the original orthography. But though the Phoenicians communi-
cated the name to the Greeks, they did not themselves adopt that by which this precious
commodity was known in its native climate. In the Hebrew language of which the
Syro-Phoenician is only a different dialect, the verb yxp signifies to strip any thing of
its covering ; and thence was naturally applied in a substantive form to denote the bark
of a tree separated from the trunk : and the high value which was set on the aromatic
bark brought from the remotest regions of the then known earth, might as naturally
cause it to be called bark by way of eminence; in the same manner as another kind of
bark is thus distinguished in modern times. The word cassia occurs in two other
passages of our common translation of the Old Testament: Exod. xxx. 24. Ezek.
xxvii. 19; but in these the original mp, which the septuagint in Exodus render tpn,
in Ezekiel appear not to have had in their copies. It was probably somewhat different
from cassia ; but from its connection in the book of Exodus with myrrh, cinnamon and
sweet calamus, appears to have come from the same countries, and to have possessed
similar properties.

“ This oriental aromatic is the cassia of modern cookery, but not of modern botany.
We must therefore refer for its character and history to the article laurus, under which
genus it is now placed.

“ The naturalist has often reason to lament that travellers and merchants have given
the name of one thing long known to another recently discovered, on account of a real
or fancied resemblance in a single particular, although in every other respect it is en-
tirely different. Such has been the fate of cassia. The Romans used the word with

Cassia Marilandica.

141

species of any genus, from the particular place whence it was
sent to him. Though the first specimens of Cassia Marilandica were
transmitted to Linnseus from the state of Maryland, the plant is now
known to be extremely common in almost every state of the Union,
south and westward of New York. Inappropriate as the specific
name is, however, it still does, and always ought to stand, un-
changed.

considerable latitude. When Virgil, extolling the simple fare of the husbandman,,
Says,

“ Nec casia liquid! corrumpitur usus olivi,”

he cannot be supposed to speak of the cassia which he mentions in his second eclogue,
as interwoven with the flowers of the violet, poppy, narcissus, and sweet smelling anise
in the garland made for Alexis by the naiad. In the former passage he undoubtedly
alludes to the aromatic bark which the luxurious citizens of Rome infused in their table
and culinary oil to give it a grateful smell and flavour. In the latter he must have in-
tended some odoriferous herb or shrub which is a native of Italy ; but by what name
it is now known, cannot easily be determined.

“ In the middle ages, the Arabian and Greek physicians, as appears from the writings
of Avicenna and Myrepsus, acknowledged two kinds of cassia ; one cassia aromatica, a
native of India, the cassia of the ancients ; the other, cassia solutiva, a native of Egypt,
totally different in its general appearance, botanical characters, and medical qualities ;
and which appears to have been honoured with the same name as that which from time
immemorial had distinguished the precious oriental spice, merely on account of its
pleasant smell ; for we are informed by Alpinus, that when he was in Egypt, in the latter
part of the sixteenth century, the natives took great delight in walking early in the morn-
ing in the spring season near plantations of this kind of cassia, and regaling themselves
with the fragrance of its flowers. To this species, and its numerous congeners, the term
cassia, as a generic appellation, is confined by modern botanists.” Ency.

19

VOL. I.

142

Cassia Marilandica.

The wild senna* is a beautiful plant. It is about three or four
I’eet high, with stems rising erectly from the root. The root
is perennial, mostly horizontal, but sometimes perpendicular ; con-
torted, irregularly shaped, woody, black, and covered w ith a multi-
tude of fibres also of a deep black colour externally, and yellow
within. The stems many, often simple, herbaceous, cylindrical,
either entirely smooth, or furnished with a few hairs. The leaves
are alternate, rather long, green above, and pale underneath. Leaf-
lets in eight pairs, ovate-oblong, equal, and yellow on the margin ; a
gland at the base of the petioles. Flow ers bright orange-yellow, in
short axillary racemes, on the upper part of the stem. Legumes
three or four inches long, a little curved, mucronate, bordered with
conspicuous joints, and a few scattered reddish hairs.

I'his plant is pretty common from New York to Carolina ; and
where met with, is generally abundant. Though it sometimes is
found remote from water, it will always, I think, appear on examina-
tion, that such situations are exsiccated swamps or meadows. It de-
lights in a low", moist, gravelly or sandy soil, prefering the borders
of rivers, creeks, and such w^atery places, to any other situations ;
and flowers from the last of June to the last of August.

■* The Cassia Marilandica was introduced into England in 1733, by Peter Collinson,
Esq. It flowers there in August and October.

2

Cassia Marilandica.

143

MEBICAL PROPERTIES.

Wild senna is now well known to be a valuable cathartic of
the milder class. It is little, if at all inferior, to the senna of the
shops j* and is doubtless one of the most important of our indige-
nous medicines. Professor Hewson of Philadelphia, informed me
that he had used it occasionally, and with the same good effect as

* It appears by the researches of Mon. Hippoiite Nectoux, that botanists and writers
on the Materia Medica, have hitherto been mistaken in supposing the true senna of the
shops, to be the leaves and follicles of the Cassia senna of Linnaeus. This intelligent
and industrious inquirer instituted, in Egypt, a series of investigations respecting the
senna, which resulted in the singular fact, that Cassia senna, L. which had always been
considered as the true senna, is in reality a weed^ with which the real senna is adulterat-
ed in Egypt, to augment the quantity produced hy the annual growth of the other two
plants which constitute the senna. As the work of Mons. Nectoux is rare in this
country;* and the facts so satisfactorily stated in it, very interesting, I shall here
subjoin a brief summary of his discoveries.

Mr. Nectoux informs us that his first object after landing in Egypt, was the senna.
The commonly received name of Alexandrian Senna, led him to the expectation of
finding it in the vicinity of the city whence the drug takes its name. He did not, how-
ever, find it, after a considerable search, either at Alexandria or at Rosetta, Damietta, or
Cairo. He informs us that not a stalk of senna grows in the Delta ; and that the name
Alexandrian, is given, and currently adopted, merely because that city is the entrepot
whence it is exported to Europe. At Cairo he saw the process of preparing the senna

♦ The only two copies of this splendid "work I believe, which have come to this country, were presented
by Mr. Michaux, of Paris ; the one to Dr. Hosack, and the other to myself.

144

Casua Marilandica.

common senna ; and I have had some experience with it in my own
practice. At the Marine hospital of the Navy-yard, I have for

for the European market. It consists in separating the leaves and follicles from the
stalks, and packing them in round bales, weighing in gross weight from 560 to 640 lbs.
Here he first observed that there were different kinds of pods, and that their characters
indicated two different species of plants. While at Cairo, a specimen of the growing
senna was brought to him by a native, who found it at Bassa-Tine, a village situated at the
entrance of the valley of Egarement, and called it Sena-belledy. Belledy is the term
by which the Egyptians designate their indigenous plants, in contradistinction to exotics,
which they denominate arahy. In passing through the provinces of Bene-Souef, Fay-
oum, Minie, Siout, Girgai, and as far as Carnak, he did not meet with any of the
species of senna. Around the ruins of Carnak and Luxor he observed some few stalks of
the same species of senna that he had received from Bassa-Tine. On entering the valley
it was found in great abundance, particularly on the right bank of the Nile, opposite to
Hermuntis. The Fellachs or peasants, called it also sena-belledy, or wild senna. It
grows naturally with holcus sorghum. The fellachs after gathering in the holcus, make
two crops of senna, in which, however, they take no great care. At Esnech, Mr. Nec-
toux caused a number of bales of senna to be opened. On inspecting them he was
much surprised to find some of them contained only a species of cynanchum, dif-
ferent from any he had before seen. It was called sena-mekky, senna of Mecque.
The cheick who superintended the entrepot at Esnech, told him it was also called arguel ;
that it possessed the same properties as the senna, and that the guellaps, or slave-
merchants, who brought it from the country of Barabras, sold it for senna. By paying
a trifle, Mr. Nectoux obtained permission to inspect a number of senna bales, brought in
a caravan which arrived at Darao. In some of them he found senna with large beans,
which was called by the merchants sena guebelly, senna of the mountains ; others con-
ftiined only arguel ; and some a mixture of the two plants. When the sena-belledy
was shown to them, they recognised it by that name, and added, that it was wild or weed
senna j and that it occasioned whisks or gripes. They said, as did those at Esnech,

Cassia Marilandica.

145

some months past substituted it for Alexandrian senna, and frequent-
ly employed it. I have also, in a single instance, used it in my

that the senna of the mountains and the arguel, were found growing three days’ ride
from Sienne. Mr. Nectoux sought fruitlessly at this place, for some few plants of
senna and arguel ; but he only discovered the senna of Thebai'd. At the island of Phille
he olfered rewards to those who should show him the senna ; but here, as at Sienne, his
exertions proved of no avail. He found only a single stalk of the plant, in the environs
of a ruined village. Its appearance wa^ different from that of the sena-belledy, which
grew by its side. Upon comparing it with the imperfect specimens he procured at Si-
enne, and finding the stems and leaves similar, he was confirmed in his discovery of a
new plant. After further researches he learned, that the neighbourhood of Sienne pro-
duced senna and arguel in abundance. He met with it in the valley of Darao, and in the
vallies among the mountains situated a short distance from the city. He constantly re-
marked that the antelopes, &c. which browsed on other plants, never touched the arguel
or senna. Mr. Nectoux visited Nubia, which is known in Egypt by the name of the
valley or country of Barabras. It is a narrow valley through which the Nile flows. The
view is confined on the two sides, alternately, by a lofty chain of granitic mountains.
Senna and arguel are the chief productions of this country. They are not the objects
of particular cultivation, but grow naturally on the sides of the hills and in the ravines.
Each person has the privilege of gathering what grows in his district. Two crops are
annually made, the productiveness of which depends on the duration of the rains which
fall periodically every year. The first and most fruitful is gathered at the termination
of the rains, which commence at the summer solstice, and end in August or the begin-
ning of September. The second crop is gathered in April, and is small. No expense
attends the preparation of these plants, which consists in cutting and spreading them
on the rocks to dry. This process in that warm climate only occupies a single day.
The senna and arguel are put up in small bales, weighing about a quintal each, and
are conveyed by camels to Sienne and Darao. They are sold for 300 to 340 parats,
{eleven or twelve francs,) each. They are afterwards earried to the farmer general, at

146

Cassia Marilandica.

family. In all these trials I have had reason to confirm the high cha-
racter of the plant, which it has long maintained. The leaves alone

Cairo, who purchases them at eleven or twelve pataques, (thirty to thirty-three francs,) and
sold by him to the European factors for thirty or thirty-three pataques, (one huhdred and
six francs,) the quintal. Mr. Nectoux was informed on good authority, that the produce
of the two crops varies annually, from seven to eleven hundred quintals ; one-third of
which is arguel. The demand from Europe is generally from fourteen to fifteen hundred
quintals ; and never less than twelve. The Egyptian merchants therefore mix from
three to four hundred quintals of the sena-belledy , or wild senna, (cassia senna of Lin-
naeus,) with that brought from Nubia. This adulteration is made at the entrepots of
Kene, D’Esnech, Darao, and Sienne ; around which places the sena-belledy grows
abundantly. Mr. Nectoux concludes by inviting the attention of his government to the
introduction and culture of senna, (cassia lanceolata of Lamark,) and arguel, (cynanchum
oleaefolium of Nectoux,) in its colonies, with the view to avoid this adulteration.

The following are the descriptions given by Mr. Nectoux of the three different
plants known in commerce as senna:

“ The sena-belledy, or wild senna, is the cassia senna of Linnaeus, cassia foliis sex-
jugis subovatis, petiolis eglandulatis. La Casse d’ltalie, Lamark, Encyclopedic Method.
Botan. p. 646; Sena Italica, sive foliis obtusis, C. B. p. 397 ; Tourn. 618, Rai. Hist.
1747; Moris. Hist. 2. p. 200, sec. 2. tab. 24, fig. 2; sena, Dod. pempt. 361. lob. ic.'
p. 88; Sena Italica foliis quinque jugatis cordatis obtusis. Mill. Diet. No. 2 ; cassia,
Burman. Flora Indica, p. 96. tab. 23. f. 2.

“ The sena-guebelly or sena-mekky, mountain-senna, is the cassia lanceolata,
Lamark. Encyclopedic Method. Bot. p. 646 ; cassia lanceolata, foliis quinque
jugis; Forskall Flora Egyptiaca, p. 85, No. 58t^ Sena-Alexandrina sive foliis acutis,
Bauh. pin. 397. Moris. Hist. 2. pi. 201. sec. 2. tab. 24. f. i. ; Tourn. 608; Rai. Hist
1742 : Mill. Diet, No. 2 ; Sena B, 377 ; Sena orientalis, Tabern. Herb. p. 2. f. 220.

“ Linngeus has confounded this plant with Italian senna.

Cassia Marilandica.

14T

have commonly been used ; but I have made use of the dried leaves
and follicles, carefully rejecting the leaf-stalks, and beg leave to re-
commend this manner of employing the plant for medical purposes.

I believe the best time for collecting it would be when the pods are
ripe, which is about the last of August. ^

The affinity of wild senna to two of the articles which consti-
tute the senna of commerce, renders it probable, that these foreign

The arguel, called also Sena-Mekky, though very little is found in the senna which
is brought into Egypt by way of Suez, is not described by any author. It is a new spe-
cies, to which Mr. Nectoux has given the name of Cynanchum Oleaefolium. It has all
the characters of the genus Cynanchum, but possesses the same medicinal properties as
the true senna, and some even say it is preferable as a medicine. It is easily distin-
guished by its stalk, which supports itself ; by its oval-lanceolated leaves, covered with
long down, as is also its stem and calixes ; and by its long dichotomous peduncles, bear-
ing at the end of their division, five or six small flowers disposed in an umbel, sur-
rounded with narrow leaflets. It is not climbing as the greater part of the species of
this genus are. Its branches are single, flexible, in considerable numbers, and spread-
ing from the stem.”

In the manuscript of Lyppi on the Egyptian plants, there is one designated under
the name of Asclepias Africana foliis Olese. It is not accompanied with either a descrip-
tion or drawing ; neither does it exist in any herbal. There is of course, some doubt
respecting the identity of this and the plant described by Mr. Nectoux.

It has been stated erroneously, that the follicles or beans of senna are not used in
Egypt. Mr. Nectoux states that they are found in all the shops of the Egyptian drug-
gists, both mixed with and separate from the leaves.

I have found all the leaves and follicles, as figured by Nectoux, in the senna of our
shops, and exhibited them to my class in verification of his observations. The folli-
cles of Cynanchum appear to be most rare.

148

Cassia Manlandica,

plants might be cultivated without difficulty, and with gi’eat profit, in
our southern states. I have understood that the Alexandrian senna
has been cultivated in North Carolina with success.

Since it appears that we do not obtain pure senna from Egypt ;
and that the adulterating plant, or Cassiasenna is much inferior to
our native species, it cannot be doubted, that the cultivation of the
Cassia lanceolata, and the Cynanchum Olesefolium, and mixing them
with the Cassia Marilandica, would afford a much purer senna than
we now' use ; and at one-fourth the cost of the imported article.
These facts and hints are certainly not unworthy the attention of
our southern planters and physicians.

TABLE XII.

Tig. 1. Represents the upper portion of a stalk of the Cassia Mari-
landica of the natural size.

2. A side view of a flower.

8. A front view of the same.

1. The same, the petals being removed ; showing the calix,
stamens, and pistil.

'5. A stamen.

6. The pistil.

7. The seed pod. The legumes are often more bow-shaped

than this one.

(Snpotted CiraTO'es-TbiLll. )

GERANIUM MACULATUM.

SPOTTED CRANE’S-BILL.

Common Crane’s-bill. Alum-root. Racine a Becquet. Sometimes in Lancaster-county (Penn.)
and in Kentucky, Crow-foot.

GENUS GERANIUM.

Germ. Der Storchschnabel ; das Schnabel kraut. Gefleckter Storchschnabel.

Dutch. Oijevaarsbek ; Kraanhals.

Dan. Storkensb.

S-wed. Storknaf.

Emgl. The crane’s bill.

Fran. Le geranion ; la geraine ; bee de grue, ou de cicogne,

Ital. Gt ranio ; becco di gru.

Span. Jerenio ; pico de ciguena ; hierba del pico ; pico de grulla ; aguja ; (pamplilla).

Port. Geranio; agulha ; Bico de groii ; bico de c^gonha.

Russ. Schuratelinei nos.

Pol. Pychawiec, zorawie nozki.

Bohem. Capjnusek, capu nos.

Ukrain. Karvamozenzel.

Hung. Daru orru fu. '

Gzbakium Maculatum. L. Sp. PI. 955. Gron. Virg. 101. Brnm. Geran. 17. Mill. Diet. n. 14. Cavan.
Diss. 4. p. 213. t. 86. f. 2. Dill. Elth. 158. t. 131. f. 159. Houttuyn Lin. Pfl. Syst. 8. p. 415. Mich.
Fl. Boreali-Am vol. 2. p. 38. Bigelow. Med. Bot. p. 84. Muhl. Cat- PI. Am. Sep. p. 62. Pursh.

150

Geranium maculatum.

Fl. Am. Sep.vol. 2. p. 448. Barton’s Collections, &c. part 1. p. 8, 45. part 2. p. 1. Barton’s
Prodr. Fl. Ph. p. 69. Nuttall, Gen. Am. Plants. Coxe’s Am. Disp. ed- 3d, p. 343. Thatcher’s
Disp. ed. 2d. p. 224. Ait. Hort. Kew. ed. 2d. vol. 4. p. 188. Willd. 8p. Plant, tom. 3. part 1.
p. ro5.

GERANIUM, (Toum. L’her. Vent.)

Gen. Plant, ed. Schreb. n. 1118.

Cal. 5-phyllus. Cor. 5-petaIa regularis. JTect. glandulae 5-melllferae, basi longlomm filamentorum adnatse.
Arilli 5-monospermi aristati ad basin receptaculi rostrati ; aristis nudis simplicibus (nec spiralibus
nec barbatis).

Nat. Syst. Juss. Gerania. Classis XIII. Ordo XIII.

Geraniceac, St. Hillaire.

Gebasitjm, T. L. * Pelargomum, Burm. * Geranion, Geraine. Calix 5-phyllus aut 5-partitus. Petala 5
jequalia aut in-aequalia. Staminum fllamenta 10, basi in urceolum aut tubum coalita, nunc omnia
antherifera, nunc qusedam sterilia. Germen modo basi 5-glandulosum, modo pedicello insidens
fistuloso intra florem hinc hianti. Fructus dehiscens in capsulas 5, ovatas aut basi acutas, 1-2-
s'permas, aristatas aristis stylo persistent! adnatis, a basi ad apicem dehiscentibus una cum capsu-
lis ; corculum lobis a medio reflexis. Herbse aut suffrutices ; folia alterna, aut opposita; pedun-
culi florum 1-2-flori aut multiflori. Corolla in Europjeis speciebus regularis admittit calicem
5-phyllum aut 5-partitum, germen basi 5-glandulosum, glandulas petalis alternas, caulem herba-
ceum, folia saepius opposita & pedunculos axillares, in 1-2-floris stamina omnia fertilia & capsulas
ovatas aristis supra revolutis, in multifloris stamina 5 sterilia & capsulas basi acutas aristis tortili-
bus. Corolla in Africanis irregularis quasi papilionacea, petalis 2 superioribus erecto-reflexis,
intra calicem 5-partitum non polyphyllum, profert germen non basi glandulosum, staminum
fllamenta 7 aut pauciora antherifera caeteraque sterilia, capsulas basi acutas aristis tortilibus
barbatis, pedicellum floris hinc fistuloso-cavum intra petala & extra stamina apertum, caulem saepe
suffrutescentem, folia plerumque alterna, peduncidos saepius multifloros & foliis oppositos. Nu-
merosissimas D. Cavanilles in accurata Monographia nitidis e.xpressas iconibus recensuit species
generis in posterum dividend!, Africanis ad Pelargonium Burmanni rejectis. Ex ipso congener
Grielum L. 5-stylum, praeterea simillimum Europaeis : an idem posthac restituendum ?

Juss. Gen. Plant, ed. 1789. p. 268.

Nat. Ord. Lin. Gruinales.

Class Monadelplda. Oi'do. Bccandria- Lin. Syst.

Geranium maculahm.

15i

Gen. Ch. Cal. Perianth inferior, of five ovate, acute, concave, permanent leaver. Cor. regular, of five
large, obovate or obcordate, equal, spreading petals. Nectary five glands at the base of the ger-
men, alternate with the petals. Siam. Filaments 10, awl-shaped, recurved, united at the base into
a small cup, five alternate ones longest, all shorter tlian the petals; anthers oblong, versatile, five
of them occasionally abortive. Pist. Germen superior, with five furrows, beaked ; style central,
awl-shaped, longer than the stamens, permanent ; stigmas five, oblong, reflexed. Peric. Capsules
five, aggTegate, membranous, globose, lateral, separating at their inside, each attached upwards
to a long, linear, flat, pointed, rigid, smooth awn, at length elastically recurved, adhering by its
point to the summit of the style. Seeds solitary, lateral, roundish, their surfaces smootli or
dotted.

Ess. Ch. Calix of five leaves. Petals five. Nectariferous glands five. Fruit beaked, of five ag>-
gji'egate capsules, each tipped with a long, recurved, naked awn.

Obs. This genus, as above defined, contains only the Gemma columbina of Linnaeus, or what are
commonly called European Cleraniums, or Crane’s-bills, bearing but one or two flowers on a stalk.
(See Erodium.) Thus it is adopted by Willdenow, who has 39 species, 13 of which are natives of
Britain. They are tolerably naturally distributed into three sections. Ency.

Gekakium maculatum, erectum, retrorsum pubescens, caule dichotomo, foliis oppositis 3-5 partitis incisis;

summis sessilibus, pedunculis elongatis bifloris, petalis obovatis. Wifid. Sp. pi. 3. p. 705.
dERANiuM maculatum, perenne, retrorsum pubens: caulibus erectis, opposite diphyllis: foliis 3-5 partitis ;
pedunculis elongatis, bifloris-- petalis obovalibus. Mich. FI. Boreali-Am. vol. 2. p. 38.

SYNONYMA.

Gehanium Noveboracense, Coelln Amren. Acad. vol. 4. p. 522.

Geranium caule erecto herbaceo, foliis oppositis quinquepartitls incisis, summis sessilibus, petalis integer-
rimis rotundatis. Cavan. Diss.

Geranium batrachioides Americanum maculatum floribus obsolete coeruleis. Dillenius elth.

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

Herba tota hirsuta. Radix gibbosa, horizontalis, perennis. Caules erecti sub-bipedales, furcati seu dicho-
tomi, pilis deflexis. Folia profunde quinquepartita, undique pilosa, lobis irregulariter inciso-

15S

Geranium maculatum.

dentatls ; radicalia longe petiolata ; caulinia nonnunquam sessilia. Stipulse membranaces. Pe-
dunculi elongatl biflores. Flores magni purpureo-rosei petalis obovatis non emarginatis. Callces
sparse pilosi margine ciliati et abrupte aristati. Capsiilae hirsute, pilis patentlbus. Habitat in
sylvis umbrosis, et sepibus ; etiam inter segetes, et ad margines agi'orum ; florens Junio et Julio.

Barton’s FI. Phil. MS.

The generic term Geranium, is derived from the Greek word
a crane, from the fancied resemblance of its permanent style,
to a crane’s bill. The old genus contained a very extensive as-
semblage of plants. L’Heritier divided it into three different ge-
nera, viz. Erodium, Pelargonium^ and Geranium, the latter charac-
terised by the marks, mentioned at the head of this article, under
the generic character.

Of the North American species of the genus, the maculatum
is much the most common. This extremely pretty plant is much
more worthy of cultivation than many of the exotic species of the
same genus, so universally nurtured in our green-houses. The
root is perennial, irregularly gibbous, and horizontal ; and commonly
of the size represented in the plate. It is brownish, mottled with
green externally, and greenish-white within, becoming brittle or
friable upon siccation ; and then easily pulverisable in the mortar.
From the root arise generally one stem and from four to eight root-
leaves, supported by petioles from eight to ten inches in length.
The stem is erect, terete ; and this, as well as its divisions and pedun-
cles, is of a sage-green colour, and thickly beset with reflexed

Geranium maculatum.

153

hairs. At the height of six, eight, or ten inches from the ground,
the stem becomes forked ; and at the point of division is garnished
by a pair of large leaves supported on petioles, less than half the
length of those of the radical leaves. The leaves at the fork are
commonly much the largest, and are frequentl)' inverted from their
upright position either by a reflexion of the petiole, or a convolution
of it, as represented in the plate. Those situated on the upper
part of the stem, are furnished either with short petioles, or are
entirely sessile. The peduncles arise from the dichotomous divi-
sions of the stem, and uniformly bear two flowers, on short pedicels.
The first fork or division of the stem, is furnished with four lanceo-
late, ciliate, membranaceous stipules, of a salmon colour. The up-
per stipules are linear, but also ciliated and of the same colour.
The calix consists of five oval-lanceolate, ribbed, cuspidated seg-
ments, plumously ciliated on their outermost margins, and membra-
naceous on the other edges — occasionally three of the segments are
ciliated on either edge, and the other two have membranaceous
margins. Petals five in number, obovate and without notches at the
apex. Stamens always ten, having glands at the base, and oblong
convex deciduous anthers of a purple colour. Germ egg-shaped —
style the length of the stamens at first, but afterwards becoming
elongated, and persistent — stigmas five. The capsule contains five
seeds, which, wlien matured, are scattered by the elasticity of the
awns arrayed along the permanent style. The plant is ex-
tremely common in many parts of the United States, having a very

154

Geranium maculatum.

extensive geographical range. It is abundant in the neighbourhood
of this city, and I have found it equally common in Jersey, tlie
Counties of Lancaster and York, in Pennsylvania, and in the neigh*
bourhood of Baltimore. But it will be found plentifully from Ca-
nada to the southern boundary of the United States. It inhabits
copices, hedges, the borders of damp woods, and the skirts of fields,
generally preferring low grounds, though I have seen it on high
hills. Its common height is from twelve to eighteen inches : but in
very favourable situations it grows to the stature of two and an half
feet, and is then one of the most beautiful of our native plants.

MEDICAL. PROPERTIES.

The medicinal virtues of Geranium maculatum, reside, ex-
clusively, in the root, and these entitle the plant to be ranged under
the head of Astringents, in the Materia Medica. After saying thus
much, it may seem unnecessary to enter into a detail of the par-
ticular diseases in which it has been recommended. The encomi-
astic and sometimes ill founded accounts of the medical virtues of a
plant, which may have become the particular object of the favour or
partiality of an individual physician, too frequently savour of em-
piricism ; and in fact the exaggerated reports of the specific powers
nf medicines have not only done much harm, but never fail to
bring into actual disrepute, the subject which they were designed

Geranium maculatum.

155

to offer to favourable notice. To no one of our native plants is
this remark more applicable, and of none more true, than the sub-
ject of this article. Not content with substantiating the claim which
our native species of Geranium has to a rank in the Materia Medica.
as a powerful astringent, those physicians and others who have
been particularly led to the employment of it in the cure of
diseases, have assigned to it specific powers, which it certainly does
not possess. Having thus premised my opinion of the real and re-
puted virtues of this plant, I shall proceed to state the different dis-
eases in which it has been recommended.

In the fourth volume of the Amcenitates Academicse, Coelln
first mentioned the medical virtues of this plant; and he there tells
us, on the authority of Cadwallader Golden, that it was used in
dysenteries. “ Geranium Nov-eboracense (maculatum) ; decoctum
“ radicis hujus plants ad dysenteriam nostratibus in usu est.* ” And
Shoepf says: “ Radix leniter adstringens, vulneraria habetur etad Dy-
‘‘ senteriam laudatur.”

'I he practice of using a decoction of the Geranium in dysentery,
is still very common among the inhabitants of our western moun-
tains ; and this is done upon a knowledge of its astringency, for it is
in that part of our country that the plant is known familiarly by the
name of Alum-root ; and a decoction in milk was recommended by

* Specifica Canadensium, No. 30.

156

Geranium maculatum.

the late Professor Barton, in cholera infantum. Whether the prac-
tice of using the astringent decoction in dysentery, can ever be ad-
missible, is, I think, extremely doubtful; and whether it has ever
actually done good in that complaint, is not less problematical. It
is not unlikely that in diarrhsea it may be useful : and this disease is
not unfrequently called by the vulgar, dysentery. In all proba-
bility the powers ascribed to it of curing this last complaint, have
been shewn by its exhibition in such cases of common diarrhoea as
are cured by the use of astringents. Of its use in cholera infantum
I know nothing, not having ever employed it in that complaint. But
I am informed by Dr. Eberle, who is a native of, and has practised
in, the county of Lancaster, that the common people of that county
use it extensively in the treatment of diarrhsea and cholera infan-
tum. And he tells me that he has himself used it in some cases of
looseness of the bowels with as much efficacy as other astringents.
The western Indians are said to esteem it as the most effectual of
all their remedies for syphilis ; and here too, probably, the mild local
disease which we know can be cured by astringents, has been con-
founded under the name of the constitutional disease. An aqueous
infusion of the root has been used as an injection for gonorrhoea,
and probably with success. I have used it in some few cases
last summer, and I must confess with as much success as is usual
with astringents ; though I ought not to conceal, that in those
cases, (as in all that come under my care,) I used general depletion
extensively, that is, by repeated purging with neutral salts. Dr.
Barton hints that a saturated tincture, combined with white vitriol

Geranium maculatuin.

loT

might be advantageously administered in cases of gleet. Surely
however, this practice does not promise any great advantage. The
common means of managing those obstinate discharges, seem much
more likely to be efficacious — and should they not prove so, there
is little reasonable expectation of doing good by the plant in ques-
tion.

Dr. Barton’s suggestion that this plant is entitled to the at-
tention of physicians in the treatment of nephritis, is not, perhaps,
entitled to much weight. This suggestion was principally grounded
on the supposed efficacy of Geranium Robertianum (Herb Robert)
in that complaint.^ Even admitting that this plant has performed
all the effects attributed to it, it does not follow that the species
under consideration would prove similarly beneficial ; for the Gera-
nium Robertianum, besides being an astringent, is obviously endued
with other virtues, — it is powerfully diuretic.

It is said that Geranium maculatuin has been collected in Ken-
tucky, where it is called Crow-foot, for Tormentil (Tormentilla
erecta) and vended in the shops of druggists there, for that article ;
whether fraudulently or from ignorance I know not, but most pro-
bably the latter, since the geranium bears no kind of resemblance

* In North Wales this plant has acquired celebrity, as a remedy for nephritic
complaints. A handful of the dried leaves is recommended to be infused as tea, and a
tea-cup full taken occasionally. Mr. Watt. Wm. Withering, Esq.

VOL. I. 21

158

Geranium rnaculalum:

to the tormentiL The fact I Iiere mention must rest on the autho-
rity whence I derived it-*

In apthous affections of the mouth, a decoction of the root of
Crane’s-bill, is a very useful and not unpleasant remedy. For this
purpose I can confidently recommend it from my own experience,
and the corresponding testimony of my friend Dr. Eherle, lately of
Lancaster. He has informed me that in many cases he has used
it with decided good effect. “ I have frequently used a strong de-
•' coction of the root of the Geranium mac. in cynanche tonsilaris,
“ and sometimes with evident advantage. As a gargle, in uclers of
the tongue and fauces, I have found it highly useful. — In a chro-
“ nic and very obstinate case of apthaous ulceration of the mouth,,^
“ after various articles had been used, by other physicians and myself,
unsuccessfully, the patient was relieved by the use of gargles made
” of the root of this plant. ”f The plant may be exhibited in tinc-
ture, decoction, infusion, in substance (powdered) and in extract.
'Fhe dose is from two to four drachms of the tincture ; from fif-
teen to twenty-five, or even thirty five, grains of the powder ; from
twelve to fifteen grains of the extract : and when given in decoc-
tion, about one ounce, or an ounce and a half, may be boiled with
half a pint of water. Of this decoction, one or two table spoonfuls
may be given at a time. Of the infusion, a proportionate quantity.

’2

* Barton’s Collections.

I Mem. by John Eberle, M. D.

Geranium maculatmu.

159

TABLE XIII.

1. Represents the lower portion of the plant.

3. The upper portion, cut asunder at the asterick ; a similar
part belonged in the specimen figured, to each of the cut
stems.

3. The calix, stamens, and pistil, as they appear when the

petals have fallen.

4. A petal separated.

5. The germ, pistil, and stamens, as they appear in the full

blown flower.

6. The column of capsules and persistent style. When the

fruit is mature, each capsule spontaneously separates
from the others, and by the elasticity of the columnar
supporting part, scatters the seeds.

■0 m

J']', , ^ ^.r.i uq 'y jii'i' ..j

.rj i'iiii riiii' y[-wy:;

. • .Oyjfi'iJiqyy A .y

!.V. . ; , ,' . ■‘■yy: ■£ ^rC^^:.{::' ‘ f:i: i .^-n :’i fnVf .4

' ' ■ .'i’J /TOfi HY/oid

■y.i; j^d'117 '.of/le ftnn 8^fyrqj33 'io iif/niiu.;) i>dT

5U)^q:^3 rl jGD ^^yiiyh'jn m fiint ..
Yf-arnylo^ odr lo ^ r!;''i'Jnjo oid mc/i

.•■sbDsa 3ilj Fardhyos

li.'

ANTHEMIS COTULA.

WILD CHAMOMILE. MAY-WEED.

Stinking Chamonule. May-flower. (In England) Mathen. Dog’s Fennel.

ANTHEMIS COTULA.

Germ. Die stinkende Kamille, die StinkkaTnille, Hundskamille, Hundsbloom, Hundsdill, Ki'dtendill,
Kuhdill, Hundsromey, Streichblume, Heilige Dille, Gansekopf.

Dutch. Stinkende Kamille ; Paddebloem.

Dan. Koedild, Hundekameelblomst, Hundeurt, Gaasedlld, Baldersbraa, Bakerblom.

Siurguld, Gaaseguld, Gaasedill.

S-wed. Surkullor j Hundkamiller.

W. Mannl. Surtuppor.

Upland. Surkullor.

Dalen. Hviteteja.

Skan. Ballensbro.

Engl. The Stinking Camomile, or May-weed ; the Dog’s Fennel.

Welsh. Llygad yr ych.

Fren. La Camomile puante ;

•vulg. la maroutte ; oil de vache.

Ital. Camomilla fetida, cotula fetida.

Span. Manzanilla fetida, cotula fetida.

Port. Macella fetida, cotula bastarda,

Suss. Solotucha (trava).

Mthemis Cotiila.

I6g

Pol. Psi rumien ; Ruiiaieniec smierdzacy.

Bohm. Psy rmen.

Hung. Eb kapor ; Budbske ar.

Lettonia. Sunnisclii, Sirgu kummelis (i. e. horse-chamomile.)

Eston. Kannapersed ; Kanna perse hein.

Hat einen stai-ken, unangenehmen Geruch, sonst aber viel Aehnlichkeit mit der Ackerkamille. Sie ist
officinell. — Die Krbten lieben sie, wie andere stinkende Gewachse, ungemein, daher sie auch
Krbtendill genannt wird. Den Bienen hingegen ist ihr Geruch unertraglich. Man soli auch die
Flbhe damit vertreiben kbnnen. (Polyglot. Lex.)

Anthemis cotula, L. Sp. Plant. 1261. Amoen. Acad. 4. p. 522. Mat. Med. 530. Huds. 373. With. 738.
ed. 5th. vol. 3. p. 910. Hull. 188. ReUi. 323. Sibth. 259. Abbot. 186. Curt. Lond. Fasc. 5.
t. 61. Rail Syn. 185. Bauh. Hist. v. 3. 120-36. Robson, 186. FI. Dan. 1179. Eng. Bot.

1772. Lob. Abs. 447. 1, and ic. 1. 773. 2. Germ. ed. 757. 1. Park. 87. 9. H. ox. vi. 12. 8.

Fuchs. 583. I. B. iii. a. 121. 1. Gars. 216. St. Hilaire. Germ. Plant, vol. 1. part 2. p. 409.
Brunf. Herb. v. 1. 255. Germ. em. 757. Pet. H. Brit. t. 19. f. 11. Smith. FI. Brit. vol.

2. p. 906. Gron. Virg. 127. Shoepf. Mat. Med. Am. p. 125. Willd. Sp. PI. Tom. lU. pars

iii. p. 2181. FI. Suec. 703 ; 767. Mat. Med. 190. Dalib. Paris. 263. PaU. it. 1. p. 46.
PoUich. pal. n. 817. Blackw. t. 67. Hoffm. Germ. 303. Roth. Germ. I. 368. n. 354. Roy.
Lugdb. 172. Hall. Helv. n. 104. Bauh. Pin. 135. Houttuyn. Lin. Pfl. Syst. 9. p. 509. Pers.
Syn. PI. pars. 2. p. 466. Suter. FI. Helv. vol. 2. p. 195. Lam. ill. gen. t. 683. f. 3. Ait. Hort.
Kew. ed. 2d.vol. 5. p. 107. Scopoli. FI. Cam- n. 1092. Dod. Pempt. 258. Bege. FI. Bost. p. 202.
Pursh. FI. Am. Sep. vol. 2. p. 562. sub nomine Anthemis arvensis. Bart. Prod. FI Ph. p. 88.
Purton’s British Plants, vol. 2. p. 397. -Smith. Compend. FI. Brit. p. 126. Curt. FI. Lon.

ANTHEMIS.

Gen. Plant. 1312.

Recept. Paleaceum. Pappus submarginatus. Cal. Hemisphsericus, squamis subaequalibus. Flosc. radii
plures quam 5, oblongi. (Sm. Fl. Brit.)

Recept. Paleaceum : paleis planis, apice acuminatis, rigidis. Pappus nullus s. margo membranaceus.
Flores radii plures quam 5. Cal. hemisphaericus, subsequalis. (Pursh. Fl. Am. Sep.)

Jinthemis Cotula.

163

accept. Paleaceuni. Pappus nullus. Cal. hemisphaericus. (Willd. Sp. PI.)

Nat. Syst. Jussieu Corymhiferic. Classis X. Ordo. III.

.\xTHEMis, L. * Chamsmelum, T. * Bupthalmum, T. * Cotula, T. * Camomille. Flores radlati, ligulis lanceo-
latis numerosis. Calix imbricatus subsequalis hemisphsericus. Folia ssepe multifida ; flores sjepe
in ramulis terminales ; ligulae albse aut luteae, raro nuUx. A Matricaria discrepat receptaculo
paleaceo. Calix A. Arabic® quasi bracteis obovallatus. Juss. Gen. PI. p. 185.

Nat. Ord.Linnsi. Compositie radiatne. Adanson, Co?n/>oOTt<r.

Classis, Syngenesia. Ord. Polygamia Superjlua, Lin. Syst.

The general characters of Anthemis are, that it has a calix common, hemispherical, consisting of numerous
linear subequal scales ; corolla compound, radiate ; florets in the disk hermaphrodite and tu-
bular, those in the radius female, and more than five ; the former are funnel-shaped, five
toothed, erect, the latter ligulate, lanceolate, and sometimes three-toothed. In the hermaphro-
dite florets the filaments are five, capillary, very short, supporting cylindrical tubular antherx.
Germen oblong, style filiform, stigmata two, reflex ; seeds solitary, receptacle chaffy, convex.

Ency.

Anthemis Cotula, receptaculo conico, paleis setaceis, seminibus muticis, foliis bipinnatifidis glabriusculLs.

Smith. FI. Brit.

Anthemis Cotula, receptaculis conicis, paleis setaceis, seminibus nudis, foliis bipinnatis foliolis subulatis
tripartitis. Willd. Sp. PI.

Anthemis Cotula, recepticle conical, its scales bristle-shaped; seeds naked; leaves doubly pinnatifiid,.
somewhat smooth. Sm.

SYNONYMA

Ca.i.M2BMEi.i7M fcctldum. Rail. Syst.

C. fcEtidum, sive Cotula foetida. Bauh. Pin.

C. foliis glabris, &c. HaU.

Cotula foetida. Brumf. Herb.

Cotula alba. Dod. Pempt.

Anthemis Noveboracensis. Calln. Amoen. Acad.
Pbarm. Cotula foetida Herba, Flores.

164

Jlnthcmis Cotula.

Qual, FcEtida, amara. Inusitata, exhnia.

Vis : Anodyna' pellens, repellens.

Usus : Hysteria ! Epilepsia, Hydrops, Scrophula, Asthma, Infiis. Rheuraatismus, contust-
nnes. ■ Shojpf. Mat. Med.

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

Planta annua. Radix tortuosa. Caulis ramosissimus, erectus, foliosus, multiflorus, g-laber.. P’olia bipin-
natifida, plana, incisa, laete viridia, vix pilosa. Calix pilosus, minus scariosus. Discus aureus,
convexus. Flosculi radii albi, tridentati, patentes, noctu deflexi. Semina obovata, sulcata,
ommino mutica, interdum tuberculato-scabra. Receptaculum cylindraceo-conicum ; palese om-
nino setacese, flosculis breviores ; florens Julio et Augusto. Sm. FI. Brit.

Herba, et prjecipue flores, ingrati odoris. Variat flore pleno. Dill.

The generic name Anthemis, is supposed to be derived from
Avflfa;, Jloreo, having an abundance of flowers. It designates a
family of plants of the Chamomile kind, all the species of which are
strikingly alike in habit. The species now under consideration is
a common weed found every where in the neighbourhood of habi-
tations, and rather repulsive from its peculiar and disagreeable
smell.

The whole plant is slightly covered with adpressed woolly
hairs or down, perceptible to the naked eye, but very conspicuous
under a lens. The root is annual, simple, or sometimes con-
torted, fibrous. Stalk from one to two feet high, irregularly an-
gular, finely furrowed, or sometimes only striated, erect, and very

Mthemis Cotulu.

165

much branched down to the bottom. The leaves are alternate,
sessile, flat, doubly pinnated j the mid-rib keeled underneath.
Flower-stalks upright, finely grooved, naked, thickening towards
the top, Calix common to all the florets, hemispherical, imbricated,
hairy, scarious, or rough ; the scales narrow, slightly margined, of
a pale green colour. Flowers pure white, with the centre bright
yellow. In favourable situations they are of the size represent-
ed in the plate, but not uncommonly somewhat smaller ; yet I
have occasionally seen them, in unmolested places, something
larger. The disk is of a bright golden-yellow colour, consisting of
numerous, tubular, hermaphrodite, live-toothed florets.

The ray florets are female, lanceolate, inclining to ovate, two-
ribbed, one, two, or three toothed (more or less deeply) at the
apex. They are reflexed from sunset till morning, but spreading
horizontally during the day. They are pure white, slightly tinged
with greenish-yellow at the base. The tubular part of the floret,
as well as the germen, is garnished with transparent glands, visible
without a glass, but more conspicuously apparent and beautiful
under one. Stigma bifid, with the segments reflexed. Recepta-
cle conical, or nearly cylindrical, surmounted by rigid, bristle-shaped
palese or chaff*. Seeds, obovate, bluntly four-cornered, sulcated,
sometimes roughly tuberculated, and of a brownish colour. Found
growing every where in wastes, near to habitations, among rubbish,
and on dirty way sides, all along calcareous turnpike roads, where it

VOL. I.

166

Jinthemis Cotula.

seems to delight, shooting up among the stones. It grows plen-
tifully in the streets, along the gutters, and on the vacant lots of the
suburbs of Philadelphia and Baltimore ; and every where through
the streets of Germantown, Frankfort, Lancaster, and York, and I
presume in other similar places in the United States. It ranges
extensively over our states, and is universally known by the name
of wild chamomile. It flowers from midsummer till late in the au-
tumn ; and I have often seen it luxuriantly blooming in November
and December, in the navy yard of this city.

This plant is very active, and is said by Curtis* to blister the
skin of reapers and children in England, who gather it. It is there
so common in corn-fields, as to diminish the crops occasionally. It
is also said to be fond of soil well manured. This circumstance,
together with the fact of its vesicating property, which our plant
does not, 1 think, possess ; and also some discrepancies in the habit
and structure of the plant, induced me to entertain doubts whether
the Anthemis Cotula of Europe, and the plant designated by that
name in this country, were identical. Not being however so fully
satisfied as to make up my mind on the subject, 1 leave it for the fu-
ture investigation and scrutiny of botanists to determine. Dille-
nius describes a double-flowered variety, which Withering, Smith,
and others inform us is to be found in different parts of England. I

2

* Flora Londinensis.

Mthemis Cotiila.

j67

have never seen the American plant even approximating to this
duplication of its flowers. Pursh has most surprisingly mistaken
this plant for Anthemis arvensis, the figure of which in English
botany, he refers to. I cannot conceive how he has fallen into this
palpable error ; for the arvensis is strikingly unlike the A. Cotula.
“ Toads are said to be fond of this plant. It is very ungrateful and
“ displeasing to bees. Goats and sheep are not fond of it. Horses,
“ cows, and swine refuse it,”^

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.

The medical virtues of May-weed have long been spoken of,
but still have been imperfectly known. Few of our common plants
have been more extensively employed in domestic medicine, and
by empirics, than this, and yet scarcely is a physician to be
met with who speaks decidedly of its virtues. Extensive enqui-
ries have led me to a knowledge of the fact of its common, nay
daily use, by the vulgar ; and induced me to make some trials of
it in cases in which it was reputed useful, it may be first proper to

* Lin. Withering, and Purton.

168

Aiithemis Cotula.

state the general reputation of this plant, as a medicine in certain
diseases, and then mention the result of my own experience with
it. Shcepf who speaks particularly of it, describes it as a fetid
bitter, being anodyne, and rej)ellant ; and says that it is used in
hysteria, epilepsy, dropsy, scrofula, and asthma j and also that an
infusion is useful in contusions and for rheumatism. Here we evi-
dently see that at the period when Shcepf wrote his work (in 1787)
great powers were imputed to the plant, and that it was extensive-
ly and variously employed. I have reason, from the observation
and enquiries I have made, to believe that this undue reputation is
still attached by the vulgar of this country to the plant in question,
and that it is, consequently, still much resorted to for medical re-
lief. Decoctions of it are said to be used in cases of hysteric suffo-
cation, and in common cases of what are called hysteric fits, as a
bath or fomentation. In the same form it has also been applied to
lijemorrhoidal swellings and pains, and to all sorts of contusions.
It appears to be more generally employed externally, than by in-
ward administration. Yet both decoctions and infusions are not
unfrequently given internally, in fevers and colds. The notion
that it can cure scrofula, is not confined to the work of Dr. Shoepf :
Curtis quotes Mr. Ray as mentioning “ that a decoction of the herb
“ has by some (in England,) been given internally, with success, in
“ scrofulous cases.”^ It is not, I presume, necessary for me to
say, that 1 give no kind of credit to the reputed powers of this plant

^ Flora Londinensis.

Jlnthemis Cotula.

169

in curing scrofula ; and the accounts above mentioned, are given
with no other view than to communicate all 1 have been able to
learn relative to it.

William Withering, Esq. editor of the .5th edition of his father’s
work on British plants, says, “ the whole plant yields a strong aro-
“ matic odour.”^ This seems remarkable, because the British plant
is represented as being extremely fetid. That of the United States
differs some little, though perhaps not specifically, from the foreign
vegetable, and is certainly not fetid, though possessed of a peculiar,
and, to most people, a disagreeable odour. The smell has nothing
aromatic in it. I have heard that the flowers (in which the aroma
resides, if there be any in the plant) have been collected, dried, and
mixed with the common chamomile of the shops, for sale.

From the experience I have had with this plant, I am induced
to believe, that it can be made useful as a bitter only ; and it is in-
deed a strong and active bitter. Like some other articles of this
class, as the common chamomile, a strong decoction, given in the
dose of a tea-cup full, will produce copious vomiting and sweat-
ing. This circumstance induced me to use it as an assistant ope-
rative drink, after the administration of an emetic. A^nd in tliis
way I have found it extremely beneficial, uniformly encouraging

Vol. 3. p. 910.

170

Anthemis Cotula.

and promoting the action of an emetic ; and obviously in a more
powerful manner than warm water operates.

Its popular use, and reputed efficacy in rheumatism, undoubt-
edly is owing to its sudorific effects, which are very considerable.
A weak infusion taken to a moderate extent, nauseates the stomach,
and produces a determination to the skim

TABLE XIV.

Fig. 1. The upper portion of the Anthemis Cotula.
S and 3. Parts of a floret of the ray.

4. A floret of the disk.

0. The bifid stigma.

GAULTHERIA PROCUMBENS.

MOUNTAIN-TEA. TEA-BERRY.

Trailing Gaultheria. Partridge-berry. Winter-green. Tea-berries. Berried-tea. Grouse-beny. Deer-
berries. Ground-holly. Ground-ivy. Spice-berry.

Germ. Niederliegende Gaultheria.

Swedish. Thebuske.

Etiff. The trailing Gaultheria.

Canada. (By the Indians) PoUom.

Eine kleine Staude, mit rothen Beeren; In Canada trinket man die Blatter wie Thee, daher der
Schwedische Name Thebuske. Kalm hat sie Gaultheria genannt, nach einem Franzbsischen
Arzt in Canada, namens Gualthier, oder Gaulthier, dessen Kenntnisse in der Botanick erruhmt,

(Polyglot. Lex.)

Gaultheria procumbens. Kalm. Aman. Acad- 3. p. 14. Duham. Arb. 1. p. 286. t. 113. Mill. Diet.
Wind. Arb. l25. Tournef. inst. 608. Cold. Noveb. 98. Houttuyn Lin. Pfl. Syst. 3. p. 573. Lin,
Sp. PI. 565. Shoepf. Mat. Med. p. 67. Willd. Sp. Pi. Tom. II. pars I. p. 616. Bot. Repos.
Pursh. FI. Am. Sep. vol. 1. p. 283. Mulil. Cat. p. 44. Bart. Prod. FI. Ph. p. 49. Big. Florula
Bost. p. 101. Mich. FI. Boreali-Am. vol. 1. p. 249. Pers. Syn. PI. vol. 1. p. 482. Lin. Gen. 220.
Schreb. 295. Ait. Hort. Kew. 2d. ed. vol. 3. p. 56. Mart. Mill. Diet. v. 2. Lamark. Illust,
t. 367. Gxvt. t. 63. And. Repos. 1. 116.

if 2

Gaultheria procmibens.

GAULTHERIA. (Kalm.)

Gen. Plant, ed. Schreb. n. 749.

Cfl/. exterior 2-phyllus ; interior 5-fidus. Cor. ovata. JVectarium mucronibus 10. Caps. 5-locularis, ves"
tita calyce interiore baccata. (Willd. Sp. PI.)

Gal. 5-fidus, basi bibracteatus. Cor. ovata. Caps. 5-locularis, vestita calyce baccato.

(Pursh. FI. Am. Sep.)

Nat. Syst. Juss. Erica. Classis X. Ordo. III.

GAtrLTHEniA, Kalm. L. * Vitis idea, T. * Calix campanulatus 5-fidus, extus 2-squamosus. Corolla ovata,
limbo sub-5-fido revoluto. Stamina 10, imse corollae inserta, filamentis hirsutis, antheris apice
2-coniibus ; squamulje 10, filamentis interjectae minimae, germen cingentes. Capsula 5-locularis
5-valvis, tecta calice baccato, supra pervio. Suffrutex htmillmus ; folia altema aut fasciculata ;
fores axillares subsolitarii, Juss. Gen. Plant, p. 161.

Nat. Ord. Lin. Bicornes.

Classis, Decandria. Ord. Monogynia, Lin. Syst.

Gen. Ch. Cal. Perianth inferior, permanent, of one leaf, five-cleft, bell-shaped, its segments half-
ovate. Cor. of one petal, ovate, slightly five-cleft; limb small, revolute. Nectary of ten awl-
shaped, erect, very short bodies, surrounding the germen between the stamens. Siam. Filaments
ten, awl-shaped, incurved, shorter than the corolla, inserted into the receptacle ; anthers with
two cloven horns. Fist. Germen superior, roundish, depressed ; style cylindrical, the length
of the corolla ; stigma obtuse. Peric. Capsule roundish, obtusely pentagonal, depressed, of five
cells and five valves, opening at the top in five places, clothed all round with the perianth, be-
come a roundish, coloured berry, open at the summit. Seeds numerous, nearly ovate, angular,
bony.

F.ss. Ch. Calyx inferior, five-cleft, permanent. Corolla ovate. Nectary of ten awl-shaped points. Cap-
sule of five cells, clothed with the pulpy calyx. Eney.

Gattithehia procumbens, foliis oblongo-obovatis mucronatis dentatis confertis, caule procumbente.

Willd. Sp. Pi.

Gaulthebia procumbens, caule procumbente, ramis erectis, inferne nudis, superne confertim foliosis,
obovatis basi acutis tenuissime ciliato-dentatis, floribus paucis terminalibus nutantibus.

Willd. in Pursh. Fl. Sep, Am.

Gaultheria procumhens.

irs

SYNONYMA,

Vitis Idaea Canadensis, pyrolae folio. Tournef.

Anonyma pedunculis arcuatis. Cold. Noveb.

Pharm. Gaultheriae folia.

Qual. Fol. amaro-aromatica ; Fr. sapore et odore dulci, grato.
Usus. Foliorum infusum theiforme. Shapf. Mat. Med.

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOE.

Fructiculus spithamaeus, sempervirens. Radix repens. Folia ovalia, vel obovata, glabra, coriacea caulem
terminantia ; serraluris aristatis. Flores plemmque solitarii, axillares, pedunculis arcuatis nutan-
tibus. Calix basi bi-bracteatus. Corolla alba. Fructus ex calice facta ; baccseformis sub-rotun-
da, coccinea, esculenta. Planta in montlbus et montosis gaudens. Habitat a Canada ad Flori-
dam usque, solo arido, sterili, arenoso. Floret Junio. Bart. Fl. Ph. MS.

Tfiis pretty little evergreen shrubby plant, is very generally
known by the country people, among whom it is much esteemed
for its agreeable aromatic flavour, and extensively used, in the
way I shall presently mention.

It belongs to a small genus dedicated by Kalm to D. D. Gautier,
a physician formerly of Canada, and an excellent botanist. How
the letters I and h have crept into the word, it is not easy to learn,
23

VOL. I.

Gaultheria procumhens.

17-i

since the real name of the physician whom it was designed to ho-
nour, was Gautier, unless by latinizing the French Gauoier, which is
Gualtherius. In the Am. Acad, there is a paper by L. J. Chenon, en-
titled in which the plant now under conside-

ration is described, and it is there said that it is called after Dr.Gaul-
thier. As the genus is now universally spelled Gaultheria^ it is not
expedient to alter its orthography: but as in Pursh’s plate of Gaulthe-
ria Shallon, in Shoepf’s Materia Medica, and in some other botani-
cal works, the different orthography Gualtheria has been used, it
is proper to notice it in this place. The specific appellation
is not very appropriate ; for though the stems frequently are bent
in the manner of one or two represented in the plate, thereby having
the appearance, among dead leaves and loom, of being procum-
bent, yet the upright position of the stem, as shewn in the other
examples of the figure, is equally common.

The root is creeping, horizontal, and very long, sending up at
short distances, one, and sometimes two, stems. The stem seldom
exceeds a span in height ; is round, of a reddish colour, and termi-
nated by a few evergreen oval, smooth, shining, coriaceous leaves,
paler underneath, and somewhat spreading. They have a few
acuminated or aristated serratures, and short red petioles. They
vary in size, as represented in the drawing. The flowers are ge-
nerally solitary, seldom exceeding 3 or 5 on a stem, and supported
by curved drooping peduncles, of a yellowish-green hue. Calix
five-toothed, furnished with two bracts at the base, which have by
2

Gaulthena procumbens. 17»

some been considered as an exterior calix. The corolla is ovate,
monopetalous and terminated at its apex by five, toothed indentures,
which are seldom open or spreading in shady woods, though this
sometimes happens in sunny and exposed situations. The pistil
is short, simple above ; dilated into a flat button at bottom ; and sur=
rounded by ten citiated or plumous stamens. Both filaments and
anthers are of a delicate rose colour. The flowers are succeeded by
small capsules contained in a roundish, berry-form, fleshy substance,
of a carmine colour, produced by an enlargement of the calix. It
possesses an aromatic peculiar flavour, and is extremely grateful to
the taste.

This plant is found throughout the United States in shady, hilly
woods, delighting in a sand}- or loose soil. It is particularly abun-
dant in the pine barrens of New Jersey, and frequent on the hilly
woods bordering the Wissahickon creek, near this city. The time of
flowering is in June and July. It is brought to the Jersey market of
this city in the months of November and December, tied up in little
bunches, which are sold for a cent each ; and from the avidity with
which they are bought up I infer that the plant is in general use
among the common people, it being such only who buy it.

Gaultheria procumbens is a hardy plant, and is said to be easily
cultivated in tngland,* by placing it in a light sandy loam, with a mix-

* It was cultivated in that country as early as 1762, by Ph. Miller.

i 70 Gaultheria procumhens.

ture of peat earth ; and that it flowers and bears fruit in that country
most part of the year.

An interesting fact has been mentioned to me by Joseph Bail,
Esq. of this city, which merits further enquiry. It is, that the deer
are extremely fond of the berries of this plant, and that they eagerly
devour them wherever they are found. He further informs me,
that it is a common opinion among the country people, to whom
this fact is well known, that the peculiar and delicate flavour of ve-
nison is owing to this favourite food of the animal. Upon adverting
to the geographical range of the Gaultheria, I find that it is one of
the commonest plants in those sections of our country where the
deer are found ; and one of the common names of the plant through-
out the United States, Deer-berry, is sufficient evidence of the fact,
that it is a favourite article of food for that animal. It might not
be uninteresting to try the effect of these berries, as food, upon sheep,
or other animals prepared in their young state for our tables. It is
now, I believe, not doubted, that the peculiar delicacy of the flesh of
the Anas vallisneria (of Wilson), or the common canvass-back duck,
is owing to its feeding upon the Vallisneria Americana (or channel-
weed) for when so situated as to be deprived of the opportunity of
feeding on this article, the flesh loses that delicious flavour for which
it is otherwise so remarkable.

Gaulthena proctmbens.

177

MEDICAL niOPERTIES.

Mountain-tea is one of the most favourite indigenous medicinal
articles among the peasantry of those parts of our country where it
is abundant. In common with many popular remedies, its virtues
are frequently overrated, and its use injudiciously resorted to. This
circumstance in other vegetables as well as in this, arises from
an ignorance of the real powers or effects of the plant, which is
supposed by vague rumours to be endued with virtues to which it
has no claim. Hence appears the usefulness of an exact appreciation
of the qualities of reputed medicinal plants. The name, mountain-
tea implies, that the plant under notice is used in infusion like com-
mon tea ; and actual inquiries through various sections of our coun-
try have convinced me, that it is extensively employed as a medici-
nal tea, and with decided good effect. The whole plant is en-
dued with an aromatic flavour, combined with some astringency.
It is a stimulant and anodyne. Shoepf says that the leaves have an
aromatic bitterness ; but this bitterness, if any, is very inconsiderable.
The astringency of the hot infusion is certainly not greater than
that of strong green tea. I have heard many vague accounts of the
efficacy of the infusion as a palliative in asthma j but though they con-

178

Gaultheria procumbens.

vinced me that it was frequently employed in this complaint, they
never appeared sufficiently well founded to warrant much attention.
Dr. Barton seemed to think that this plant was one of the principal
articles in the materia medica of some of our Indian tribes. But it
is not known for what purpose they use it, nor what virtues they
attribute to it. The professor speaks of having used a strong in-
fusion of the plant, but does not say particularly what was his
success with it. The country people are in the constant habit
of taking strong infusions of this tea, after great fatigue and undue
exposure to heat or cold ; and the relief they find from it under these
circumstances, arises doubtless from its stimulating and anodyne pro-
perty. As it is a very grateful beverage, though not very active in
its effects on the system, it will no doubt always prove a useful me-
dicinal tea, when its use is limited to those cases of depression of the
system, from the fatigue of long journies, labour, or any other cause,
in which stimulating and refreshing beverages maybe advantageous-
ly employed. But as I have known it to be given in the commence-
ment of violent inflammatory fevers, where the increased action of
the system rendered it improper and even hurtful, it may be prudent
to caution those who are partial to the use of the plant, against a
practice capable of so much injury.

Gaultheria procumbens.

179

(ECONOMICAL USE.

The berries of this plant are, as has been already mentioned,
exceedingly aromatic and grateful to the taste. Joseph Ball, Esq.
has informed me that it is a common practice in Jersey to infuse
them in brandy or spirit, for the purpose of making a beverage which
is taken in small quantities in the same way as common bitters.
The same gentleman has also informed me, that during the Ameri-
can revolution, when China tea was scarce, or not procurable, it
was a common practice to make a tea of the recent or dried leaves of
the Gaultheria, and after being sweetened with sugar and softened
with milk or cream, it was drank by many families at breakfast and
supper, in lieu of common tea or coffee. He says also that it is at
this time frequently used by the country people in Jersey, in the
manner just mentioned.

180

Gaultheria procumbens.

TABLE XV.

Fig. 1. Represents tlie Gaultheria procuiTibens of its natural size.

and in the common manner of its growth from a long
creeping root.

3. The germ, pistil, and stamens aggregated in their common
form.

3. A stamen.

4. The pistil.

5. The fleshy, berry-like fruit.

]L OmiBILJLA- ISTFILATA »

Fig: '2.

Iwad-luMocool

LOBELIA INFLATA.

WILD TOBACCO. INDIAN TOBACCO,

Emetic \Teed. Bladder-podded Lobelia. Eye-bright.

Aufgeblasene Lobelie. Germ. (Willd.)

Lobilia inflata, L. Hort. Ups. 2r6. Act. Ups. 1741. p. 23. 1. 1. Gron. Virg. 134. Mill. Diet. n. 5. Horti
cuff. 500. Roy. Lugdb. 528. Houttuyn Lin. Pfl. Syst. 10 p. 69. Willd. Sp. PI. 1. p. 946. MiclL
Fl. BoreaU-Am. vol. 2. p. 152. Muhl. Cat. p. 23. Big. Florul. Best p. 55. Thatch. Disp. 2d ed.
p. 258. Bart. Prodr. Fl. Ph. p. 30. Shoepf. Mat. Med. 128. Barton’s Collections, part 1. p. 37, 58.
Pers. Syn. PI. vol. 2. 213. Elliot. Sketch. Georg. &c. p. 266. Ait. Hort. Kew. ed. 2. vol. 1. p.
359. Coxe. Disp. ed. 3d. p. 401.

LOBELIA.

Gen. Plant. 1363.

Cal. 5-fidus. Cor. 1-petala, irregularis, saepius fissa. Caps, infera, 2-3-locularis.

Nat. Fam. Juss. LobeUacete. (Ann. du Mus.)

'Gen. Ch. Cal. Perianth of one leaf, surrounding the germen, in five deep, nearly equal, withering seg-
ments ; the two superior ones most directed upwards. Cor. of one petal, irregular, slightly rin-
gent : tube cyUndrical, longer than the caUx, divided lengthwise at the upper side ; limb in five
deep lanceolate segments, of which the two uppermost are smallest, most reflexed, and most
deeply separated, constituting the upper Up ; the three lowermost more spreading, and. generally

183

Lobelia injlata.

largest. Siam. Filaments five, awl-shaped, the length of the tube of the corolla, united upwards ;
anthers united into an oblong, somewhat oblique and curved, cylinder, separating into five parts at
the base. PtsJ. Germen more than half inferior, pointed ; style cylindrical, the length of the sta-
mens ; stigma obtuse, hispid. I^eric. Capsule ovate, or roundish, of two or three cells, and two or
three valves, bursting at the top, encompassed by the calix j the partitions contrary to the valves.
Seeds numerous, minute, smooth. Receptacle conical.

Ess. Ch. Calix in five segments, crowningthe germen. Corolla of one petal, irregular. Anthers cohering,
incurved. Capsule half inferior, of two or three cells. Ertcy.

.Lobelia inflata caule erecto, foliis ovatis subserratis pedunclo longioribus capsulis inflatis.

Wmd. Sp. PI.

Lobelia inflata, erecta, ramosa, hirsutissima ; foliis ovatis serratis, racemis foliosis, capsulis inflatis.

Pursh. FI. Am.

Pharm. Lobelite inflata Herba, folia, capsulse, Semina,
Qual : Lactescens, acris, nauseosa.

A''is : Emetica drastica.

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

Planta biennis, pedalis et ultra. Radix quasi fibrosa ; albida, acris et gustu nauseosa. Herba lactescens,
acris. Caulis semper solitarius, erectus ramosus, foliosus, obsolete angulatus, pubescens et inter-
dum hirsutus. Pubescentia versus apicem ramorum, sub-nuUa. Folia sparsa, seu altema, ovalia,
sessilia, subamplexicaulia, denticulato-serrata. Racemi terminales multifloi’i. Flores brevius
pedicellati. Corolla coerulea, interne sub-violacea. Calicis foliola subulata, longitudine corolljc.
Semina numerosissima minuta, in capsulis vesiculato-inflatis contenta. Habitat in arvis presertim
requietis ; et ad vias, solo lutoso ; florens Augusto et ad finem Octobris.

Bart. FI. Ph. MS.

Father Plumier dedicated a genus of plants to Mathias de
Lobel, or de L’Obel, author of a history of plants in 1576. The
plant to which he originally applied the name of Lobelia, is now the
2

Lobelia infiata.

183

Sctevola of Linnaeus. When this botanist was convinced by Jacquin,
that under the name of Lobelia, a vast number of plants generically
distinct from the original plant, were confounded with it, and
that these plants were better known than the true Lobelia, by
that name ; he judged it proper to correct the error by retain-
ing this name for them, and giving a new one to the genus of
Plumier. This is the origin of the term Lobelia for the genus as it
now stands.

The Lobelia infiata is a biennial inelegant plant, about one foot
and from that to two feet high. The root is fibrous, yellowish-white,
of an acrid taste, resembling that of tobacco. Stem upright, always
solitary, angular, leafy, very pubescent, sometimes hirsute, and
very much branched about mid way. Branches axillary, shorter than
the stem, which rises for six or ten inches above the top of the
highest branches, as represented by fig. 3. The leaves are irregu-
larly scattered and alternate, sometimes crowded, oval, generally
sessile, with the margins unequally indented with tooth-like serra-
tures. The flowers are numerous, situated on terminal, leafy ra-
cemes, and supported on short axillary peduncles. The corolla is
monopetalous and labiate ; the lower lip three, and the upper two-
toothed, is of a pale blue colour externally, and delicate violet within.
The calix leaves are awl-shaped, and the length of the corolla.
Seeds numerous, very small, and contained in egg-shaped inflated
capsules, which have given rise to the specific appellation of the

Lobelia injlata.

plant. It is extremely common throughout the United States, grow-
ing on the way sides, in clayey or sterile soils ; in neglected fields ;
and not unfrequently in moist grounds, and on the margins of ditches
and field-drains. It is found in every road running from the city of
Philadelphia to the neighbouring country, and is particularly abun-
dant about Darby, and in the roads running through Belmont woods.
It commences flowering in the last days of July, and continues in
bloom till the end of October, and even as late as the first week of
November. On the eighth day of last November, whilst travelling
from Washington to Baltimore, I observed many specimens in full
bloom along the road sides, and I subsequently saw a few flowering
individuals on the I6th of November, in the roads through Belmont
woods.

The Lobelia inflata is supposed by some to be an annual ; by
others a biennial ; and Mr. Elliot, in his Southern Flora, says it is
a perennial plant. LinnsBUS, Willdenow, Pursh, and other foreign
botanists, have set it down in their books as an annual. I have al-
ways considered it a biennial, and have therefore so called it at the
head of this chapter.

This plant has been accused in New England and elsewhere of
producing the slavers in horses. It seems to be a matter of consi-
derable importance to the farmers, to ascertain the real plant which
thus affects their horses, if indeed it be any one particular plant. I

Lobelia iiijlata.

180

am aware that the same effect on these animals, has been ascribed to
the Euphorbia hypericifolia (not E. maculata, which is a small pro-
cumbent or adpressed plant, and does not grow in cultivated
grounds) — to the Hypericum perfpliatum, or common St. John’s wort,
and other plants. The Indian tobacco is more likely, from its sensi-
ble properties, to produce the disease mentioned, than either of the
other vegetables.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.

Lobelia inflata is decidedly one of the most active of our native
vegetables. It might perhaps be said with truth, that the United
States do not yield a plant of more powerful and unequivocal ope-
ration on the human system. And since poisons are generally,
under judicious use, good medicines, the Indian tobacco seems to
have an undoubted claim to a place in the Materia Medica. It is
possessed of an emetic, sudorific, and powerful expectorant effect i
but is chiefly remarkable for the first of these operations on the sys-
tem. When given with a view to empty the stomach, it operates ve-
hemently and speedily ; producing, however, great relaxation, debi-
lity, and perspiration. Like other active emetics, it sometimes

186

Lobelia infata.

operates on the bowels ; but its cathartic effect is seldom observ-
able unconnected with its emetic operation. I have not, in va-
rious trials with the plant, found it in any instance to affect the
alimentary canal, as a primary seat of its operation j yet it is said
by some that large doses operate in this way, without producing
emesisc It does not appear to be possessed of any particular diure-
tic property, as was supposed by the late Professor Barton, would be
found to be the case.

The first notice I can find in print, of the medicinal virtues
of Indian tobacco, is simply a brief remark by Shoepf, that the
“ root is astringent, and used in opthalmia.” He seems to have had
little knowledge on the subject, and from the manner in which the
plant is mentioned by him, it may reasonably be suspected that a
vague rumour only of its medical properties had reached him. The
next accounts we have of it as a medicine, are by the Rev. D. Cutler,
and the late Professor Barton. The latter does not speak from ex-
perience, but remarks that it has been found useful in leucorrhcea ;
and that it will probably be found diuretic. He is altogether silent
respecting its emetic power, though he seems to have suspected
that this was the species of Lobelia called in New-England Emetic-
weed. Since the accounts of these gentlemen were published, the
Lobelia has gained admittance into our dispensatories, and Dr.
Thatcher has given along and satisfactory account of its virtues,

Lobelia infiata.

187

Every portion of this species of Lobelia is endued witli the same
acrid, pungent, and finally, nauseating taste. On chewing the root,
the leaves, the stem, or one of the capsules, the first impression on
the palate is not very decided : but on continuing the chewing, a sense
of heat or biting is perceived in the back part of the tongue, and in
the fauces. At this time the taste of the plant is similar to that of
tobacco, seneka, or tartar-emetic ; but if the mastication be perse-
vered in, slight giddiness and increase of saliva come on ; and if the
quantity of the article in the mouth be sufficient, and be swallowed,
nausea and excessive vomiting supervene, succeeded by great relax-
ation of the muscles, perspiration, and prostration of strength. One
or two capsules, in the recent state, will produce full vomiting in most
persons. From this account, which is faithfully given from the rela-
tions of those who have taken the Lobelia by my directions, as well
as in part from my own feelings, it is evident that it is very stimu-
lating to the mouth and first passages. This, together with its sub-
sequent effects when taken extensively, would indicate that it is con-
siderably narcotic. It is manifest also from these effects, that the
plant is sufficiently deleterious to create dangerous consequences to
the system, if administered without great caution. Not only horses
and cattle have been supposed to be killed by eating it, but a remark-
able instance of its deleterious effects on the system, is related in the
report of a trial for murder of a notorious empiric in Massachusetts,
who used this Lobelia to a pernicious extent as a nostrum. This
daring and ignorant man is said to have “ usually prescribed it, and

188

Lobelia injlata.

frequently with impunity, in the dose of a common tea-spoonful of
the powdered seeds or leaves^ and often repeated.* If the medicine

* William Rawle Esq. has put into my hands the report of this trial; and it may
not be without a useful tendency to insert it here. In a medical and civil point of view
it is equally interesting :

“ COMMONWEALTH versus SAMUEL THOMPSON.

“ At the beginning of this term (Nov. 1809), the prisoner Thompson was indicted
for the wilful murder of Ezra Lovett, jun. by giving him a poison called Lobelia on the
ninth day of January last, of which he died on the next day. On the twentieth of De-
cember, at an adjournment of this term, the prisoner was tried for this offence, before
the chief justice, and the judges Sewall and Parker.

“ On the trial it appeared in evidence, that the prisoner, some time in the preced-
ing December, came into Beverly, where the deceased then lived ; announced himself
as a physician ; and professed an ability to cure all fevers, whether black, grey, green,
or yellow : declaring that the country was much imposed upon by physicians, who were
all wrong if he was right. He possessed several drugs, which he used as medicines,
and to which he gave singular names. One hp called coffee; another well-my-gristle ;
and a third ram-cats. He had several patients in Beverly and in Salem, previous to
Monday the second of January, when the deceased, having been for several days con-
fined to his house by a cold, requested that the prisoner might be sent for as a phy-
sician.

“ He accordingly came, and ordered a large fire to be kindled to heat the room.
He then placed the feet of the deceased, with his shoes off, on a stove of hot coals, and
wrapped him in a thick blanket, covering his head. In this situation he gave him a
powder in water, which immediately puked him. Three minutes after he repeated the
dose, which in about two minutes operated violently. He again repeated the dose,
which in a short time operated with more violence. These doses were all given within

Lobelia injiata.

I8y

does not puke or evacuate powerfully, it frequently destroys the
patient, and sometimes in five or six hours.”* The testimony of

the space of half an hour, the patient in the mean time drinking copiously of a warm
decoction, called by the prisoner his coffee. The deceased, after puking, in which he
brought up phlegm, but no food, was ordered to a warm bed, where he lay in a profuse
sweat all night. Tuesday morning the deceased left his bed, and appeared to be com-
fortable, complaining only of debility : and in the afternoon he was visited by the
prisoner, who administered two more of his emetic powders in succession, which
puked the deceased, who, during the operation, drank of the prisoner’s coffee., and com-
plained of much distress. On Wednesday morning the prisoner came, and after causing
the face and hands of the deceased to be washed with rum, ordered him to walk in the
air, which he did for about fifteen minutes. In the afternoon the prisoner gave him two
more of his emetic powders, with draughts of his coffee. On Thursday the deceased
appeared to be comfortable, but complained of great debility. In the afternoon the
prisoner caused him to be again sweated, by placing him with another patient, over an
iron pan with vinegar heated by hot stones put into the vinegar, covering them at the
same time with blankets. On Friday and Saturday the prisoner did not visit the
deceased, who appeared to be comfortable, although complaining of increased debility.
On Sunday morning, the debility increasing, the prisoner was sent for, and came in the
afternoon, when he administered another of his emetic powders with his colfee., which
puked the deceased, causing him much distress. On Monday he appeared comfortable,
but with increasing weakness, until the evening ; when the prisoner visited him, and
administered another of his emetic powders, and in about twenty minutes repeated the
dose. This last dose did not operate. The prisoner then administered pearl-ash
mixed with water, and afterwards repeated his emetic potions. The deceased appeared

* Thatcher’s Disp. 3d ed# p. 402.

35

VOL. I,

190

Lobelia iiiflata.

Dr. Drury of Marblehead, and the Rev. Dr. Cutler, have brought the
Indian tobacco into notice, for the cure and relief of asthma.^ In-
to be in great distress, and said he was dying. The prisoner then asked hint how far
the medicine had got down. The deceased, laying his hand on his breast, answered
here : on which the prisoner observed that the medicine would soon get down, and un-
screw his navel : meaning, as was supposed by the hearers, that it would operate as a
cathartic. Between nine and ten o’clock in the evening, the deceased lost his reason,
and was seized with convulsion fits ; two men being required to hold him in bed.
After he was thus seized with convulsions, the prisoner got down his throat one or two
doses more of his emetic powders ; and remarked to the father of the deceased,
that his son had got the hyps like the devil, but that his medicines would fetch him
down ; meaning, as the witness understood, that it would compose him. The next
morning the regular physicians of the town were sent for, but the patient was so com-
pletely exhausted, that no relief could be given. The convulsions and the loss of reason
continued, with some intervals, until Tuesday evening, when the deceased expired.

“ From the evidence it appeared that the coffee administered was a decoction of
marsh-rosemary, mixed with the bark of bayberry bush, which was not supposed to
have injured the deceased. But the powder which the prisoner said he chiefly relied
upon in his practice, and which was the emetic so often administered by him to the
deceased, was the pulverized plant, trivially called Indian tobacco. A Dr. French, of
Salisbury’, testified that this plant, with this name, was well known in his part of the
country, where it was indigenous, for its emetic qualities ; and that it was gathered
and preserved by some families, to be used as an emetic, for which the roots, as well as
the stalks and leaves, were administered ; and that four grains of the powder were a
powerful puke. But a more minute description of this plant was given by the Rev.

* For a detailed account of their cases the reader is referred to Thatcher’s
Dispensatory’.

Lobelia wjiata.

19

duced by their accounts, and the obvious expectorant etfects of the
plant, I administered it to a domestic in my family, who was dis-

Dr. Cutler. He testified that it was the Lobelia Inflata of Linnaeus that many years
ago, on a botanical ramble, he discovered it growing in a field not far from his house in
Hamilton : that, not having Linnaeus then in his possession, he supposed it to be a non-
descript species of the Lobelia : that by chewing a leaf of it, be was puked two or three
times : that he afterwards repeated the experiment with the same effect : that he en-
quired of his neighbour, on whose ground the plant was found, for its trivial name.
He did not know of any ; but was apprized of its emetic quality, and informed the
doctor that the chewing of one of the capsules operated as an emetic, and that the chew-
ing more would prove cathartic. In a paper soon after communicated by the doctor to
the American Academy, he mentioned the plant, with the name of the lobelia medka.
He did not know of its being applied to any medical use until the last September, when,
being severely afflicted with the asthma, Dr. Drury of Marblehead informed him that
a tincture of it had been found beneficial in asthmatic complaints. Dr. C. then made
for himself a tincture, by filling a common porter bottle with the plant, pouring upon it
as much spirit as the bottle would hold, and keeping the bottle in a sand heat for three
or four days. Of this tincture he took a table spoonful, which produced no nausea, and
'had a slight pungent taste. In ten minutes after he repeated the potion, which pro-
duced some nausea, and appeared to stimulate the whole internal surface of the stomach.
In ten minutes he again repeated the potion, which puked him two or three times, and
excited in his extremities a strong sensation like irritation : but he was relieved from a
paroxysm of the asthma, which had not since returned. He has since mentioned this
tincture to some physicians, and has understood from them, that some patients have
been violently puked by a tea.spoonful of it : but whether this difference of effect arose

“ * Lobelia. Class Pentandria. Order Monogynia. Capsule 2 or 3 celled : corol. irregular, cloven ;
anthers united : stigma simple. Species. Inflata : stem erect ; leaves ovate, slightly serrate, longer than
the peduncle : capsules inflated. Turt. Lin. voL 4. pp. 259. 330.”

i92

Lobelia injiata.

tressingly affected with spasmodic asthma. She is a female of nar-
row and depressed thorax ; and for years past has been subject to

irom the state of the patients, or from the manner of preparing the tincture, he did not
know.

“ The Solicitor General also stated that, before the deceased had applied to the
prisoner, the latter had administered the like medicines with those given to the deceased,
to several of his patients, who had died under his hands j and to prove this statement
he called several witnesses, of whom but one appeared. He, on the contrary, testified
that he had been the prisoner’s patient for an oppression at his stomach — that he took
his emetic powders several times in three or four days, and was relieved from his com-
plaint, which had not since returned. And there was no evidence in the cause, that
the prisoner, in the course of his very novel practice, had experienced any other fatal ac-
cident among his patients.

“ The defence stated by the prisoner’s counsel was, that he had for several years,
and in different places, pursued his practice with much success ; and that the death of
the deceased was unexpected, and could not be imputed to him as a crime. But as the
court were satisfied, that the evidence produced on the part of the commonwealth did
not support the indictment, the prisoner was not put on his defence.

“ The Chief Justice charged the jury : and the substance of his direction, and
of several observations, which fell from the court during the trial, are for greater con-
venience here thrown together.

“ As the testimony of the witnesses was not contradicted, nor their credit im-
peached, that testimony might be considered as containing the necessary facts, on which
the issue must be found.

“ That the deceased lost his life by the unskilful treatment of the prisoner, did
not seem to admit of any reasonable doubt ; but of this point the jury were to judge.
Before the Monday evening preceding the death of Lovett, he had by profuse sweats,
and by often repeated doses of the emetic powder, been reduced very low. In this
state, on that evening, other doses of this Indian tobacco were administered* When

193

Lobdia injlata.

this complaint. During one of the paroxysms I directed her to take
a tea-spoonful of the brandy tincture every two hours. After taking

the second potion did not operate, probably because the tone of his stonaach was de-
stroyed, the repetition of them, that they might operate as a cathartic, was followed
by convulsion fits, loss of reason, and death.

“ But whether this treatment, by which the deceased lost his life, is or is ncft a
felonious homicide, was the great question before the jury.

“ To constitute the crime of murder, with which the prisoner is charged, the kill-
ing must have been with malice, either express or implied. There was no evidence to
induce a belief that the prisoner, by this treatment, intended to kill or to injure the de-
ceased ; and the ground of express malice must fail. It has been said, that implied
malice may be inferred from the rash and presumptuous conduct of the prisoner, in
administering such violent medicines. Before implied malice can be inferred, the jury
must be satisfied that the prisoner, by his treatment of his patient, was wilfully regard-
less of his social duty, being determined on mischief. But there is no part of the evi-
dence, which proves that the prisoner intended by his practice any harm to the deceased.
On the contrary, it appears that his intention was to cure him. The jury would con-
sider whether the charge of murder was, on these principles, satisfactorily supported.

“ But though, innocent of the crime of murder, the prisoner may, on this indict-
ment be convicted of manslaughter, if the evidence be sufficient. And the Solicitor
General strongly urged, that the prisoner was guilty of manslaughter, because he rashly
and presumptuously administered to the deceased a deleterious medicine, which, in his
hands, by reason of his gross ignorance, became a deadly poison.

“ The prisoner’s ignorance is in this case very , apparent. On any other ground
consistent with his innocence, it is not easy to conceive, that on the Monday evening be-
fore the death, when the second dose of his very powerful emetic had failed to operate,
through the extreme weakness of the deceased, he could expect a repetition of these
fatal poisons would prove a cathartic, and relieve the patient : or that he could mistake
convulsion fits, symptomatic of approaching death, for an hypochondriac affection.

A 9 4 Lobelia injlafa.

the second spoonful, she was immediately relieved. In a subse-
quent attack, the experiment was repeated, increasing the dose to a

“ But on considering this point, the court were all of opinion, notwithstanding
this ignorance, that if the prisoner acted with an honest intention and expectation of
curing the deceased by this treatment, although death, unexpected by him, was the con-
sequence, he was not guilty of manslaughter.

“ To constitute manslaughter, the killing must have been a consequence of some
unlawful act. Now there is no law, which prohibits any man from prescribing for a
sick person with his consent, if he honestly intends to cure him by his prescription.
And it is not felony, if through his ignorance of the quality of the medicine prescribed,
or of the nature of the disease, or of both, the patient contrary to his expectation should
die. The death of a man, killed by voluntarily following a medical prescription, cannot
be adjudged felony in the party prescribing, unless he, however ignorant of medical sci-
ence in general, had so much knowledge, or probable information of the fatal tendency
of the prescription, that it may be reasonably presumed by the jury, to be the effect of
obstinate wilful rashness at the least, and not of an honest intention and expectation to
cure.

“ In the present case there is no evidence that the prisoner, either from his own
experience, or from the information of others, had any knowledge of the fatal effects of
the Indian tobacco, when injudiciously administered ; but the only testimony produced
to this point, proved that the patient found a cure from the medicine.

“ The law thus stated, was conformable, not only to the general principles which
governed in charges of felonious homicide, but also to the opinion of the learned and ex-
cellent lord chief justice Hale. He expressly states that if a physician, whether licensed
or not, gives a person a potion, without any intent of doing him any bodily hurt, but
with intent to cure, or prevent a disease, and contrary to the expectation of the physician,
it kills him, he is not guilty of murder or manslaughter.

“ If in this case it had appeared in evidence, as was stated by the solicitor gene-
ral, that the prisoner had previously, by administering this Indian tobacco, experienced

Lobelia wjlata.

195

tea-spoonful every hour, and with the same effect ; the patient de-
claring; that she never found such immediate and entire relief from
any of the numerous medicines she had previously taken for this
complaint. She complained of dizziness, nausea, and some debility,
after taking the second spoonful ; and told me she suspected the me-
dicine administered was tobacco. Not having since had any attack
of the disease, 1 have had no opportunity of giving the medicine a
further trial with a view to radical relief. I prescribed it also in
a case of asthmatic cough at the naval hospital of this place ;
and with much relief to the patient. Dr. Samuel Stewart of this city,
has prescribed both powdered leaves, and tincture, in a severe case

its injurious effects, in the death or bodily hurt of his patients, and that he afterwai'ds
administered it in the same form to the deceased, and he was killed by it, the court
would have left it to the serious consideration of the jury, whether they would presume
that the prisoner administered it from an honest intention to cure,or from obstinate rash-
ness, and fool-hardy presumption, although he might not have intended any bodily harm
to his patient. If the jury should have been of this latter opinion, it would have been
reasonable to convict the prisoner of manslaughter at least. For it would not have been
lawful for him again to administer a medicine, of which he had such fatal experience.

“ It is to be exceedingly lamented, that people are so easily persuaded to put con-
fidence iri these itinerant quacks, and to trust their lives to strangers without knowledge
or experience. If this astonishing infatuation should continue, and men are found to
yield to the impudent pretensions of ignorant empiricism, there seems to be no adequate
remedy by a criminal prosecution, without the interference of the legislature, if the
quack, however weak and presumptuous, should prescribe, with honest intentions and
Expectations of relieving his patients. — The prisoner was acquitted.’’'’

Tyng’s Reports, vol. 6. p. 134.

196

Lobelia injlata.

6f spasmodic asthma; ^ and from his own observations, and the tes-
timony of his patient, the doctor is decidedly of opinion that the re-
putation of Indian tobacco in similar cases, as given by Thatcher
and others, is well grounded. Dr. Stewart used the tincture made
according to the formula established by the Essex District Medical
Society, and administered it in doses similar to those used by Dr.
Cutler.

Dr. Thatcher relates a case of hydrophobia effectually cured, in
its last stage, by the Lobelia inflata. As the doctor gives us this
account at second-hand, and not from a medical man ; and as the
supposed fact is in itself improbable, he will excuse me in ven-
turing to question whether the case alluded to, was really one of
hydrophobia. The accounts of hydrophobic cases too frequently
originate in the ignorance of the common people of the real disease
designated by that name, aided by fears, and exaggerated by itera-
tion. Yet the peculiar effects of Indian tobacco on the mouth,
fauces, and throat, and indeed the excessive relaxation of muscu-
lar energy which it produces, when extensively used, may, perhaps,
afford some relief in this shocking disease, if timely adminis-
tered.

* Mr. Potter, booTcbinder, Carter’s alley ; who informed me be had been essen-
tially relieved.

Lobelia infiata.

197

I have given the tincture in doses of twenty drops every hour,
to two children (one four and the other three years old) labouring
under whooping cough ; and my success in those cases, has encou-
raged me to resort freely to the use of this medicine, as a pectoral
and antispasmodicin this disease. Dr. Thatcher says, “ as a pectoral
“ it has been found useful in consumptive coughs depending on mu-
“ CHS accumulated in the bronchial vessels, by exciting nausea and
“ expectoration.” Of its use in such cases I know nothing from ex-
perience. He continues, “ from its very speedy operation as an
“ emetic, and its stimulating effects on the mouth and fauces, bene-
“ ficial results might be expected from its use in croup and whoop-
“ ing cough ; and on some trials our expectations have been re-
“ alized in this respect.” Of its efficacy in croup I cannot speak
from experience, but the following case related to me by Dr. Eberle,
whom I have already mentioned, sufficiently justifies the belief, that
in this alarming complaint it may be resorted to with probable sue-
cess, if not with confidence. All who have had occasion to use the
common antimonial and other emetics in croup, have seen cause to
lament their occasional want of activity ; and the plant in question
really seems well entitled to the notice of physicians, as an emetic,
antispasmodic and expectorant, in that complaint.

“ Feb. 16, 1818. — -About two months ago I was called to see a
child aged eight years, of the Rev. Mr. Endress in Lancaster, affected
in a most violent degree with croup. I immediately bled the patient
26

VOL. I.

198

Lobelia ivjlata.

largely, without however affording much relief. The child was
nearly strangulated when I saw it first ; tlie bleeding relieved it some-
what, but it still laboured excessively in breathing. From the sud-
denness of the attack of the disease, and its immediate great
violence, I looked upon the case as spasmodic croup. Having seen
in other cases the great relaxing effects of the Lobelia inflata, I de-
termined to give to the child that emetic. I took about half a drachm
of the dried plant, and infused it in half a pint of water. The child
took one table-spoonful ; in about ten minutes afterwards the dose
was repeated. This induced a very great degree of nausea ; a little
more of the infusion was given which brought on vomiting. The
disease from this moment disappeared ; not the least hoarseness or
difficulty of breathing remained. The nausea continued for more
than three hours.”

Dr. Ebeiie has also furnished me with an account of its use,
by injection, instead of tobacco, in a case of strangulated hernia.
The efficacy of the injected decoction in this instance, derives pecu-
liar importance from the speedy relief occasioned by it, and the
strong evidence it affords of the value of botanical knowledge to a
physician, particularly one practising in the country.

“ In September, 1816, I was called to Mr. Bowman, ten miles
south of Lancaster, for the purpose of reducing a strangulated scrotal
hernia ; after having used a variety of means for the reduction of the
2

Lobelia infiata.

199

protruded parts unsuccessfully, I resolved on trying the tobacco in-
jection ; on making inquiry, however, I found that there was none
in the house. A person was immediately sent to a neighbouring
house for the purpose of procuring some. In the mean time, how
ever, I gathered some of the Lobelia, and made a strong decoction
of it. I injected half a pint of this decoction. In about twenty minutes
the patient began to feel very sick, and made some efforts to vomit j
I now endeavoured to reduce th& hernia, but did not succeed. As
the sickness did not proceed to a very great degree of prostration,
I ventured to inject about one gill more. Almost immediately a
very profuse perspiration broke out, over all his body ; the sickness
became extremely distressing; and every part of the body seemed in
a perfect state of relaxation. The hernia was now readily returned.
The sickness continued for nearly one hour after the last injection
was given.”

The wild tobacco should be plucked up by the roots, in the
month of August or September, while in flower at the top of the
branches, and full of the inflated capsules below. The whole plant
should be then carefully dried for use, pulverised, or made into tine-
ture. I have used both the tincture made from the recent plant, and
from the dried leaves and capsules ; and think the former was most
active. From five to fifteen, and sometimes twenty grains of the-
powdered leaves, will produce emesis in an adult ; but as it is a
powerful plant, the dose should be small and repeated. The satua-

200

Lobelia inflata.

ted tincture may be given to an adult, to the extent of one, rarely
two table spoonfuls every three hours ; it is proper however to com-
mence by a pap or tea-spoonful, and increase the dose. Ten drops
of this tincture will be a sufficient dose for a child under twelve
months ; and over one, and under three years, from twenty to forty
or fifty drops, as the circumstances may require, or the patient may
seem to bear. A child of five years will bear eighty or ninety
drops, without any distressing effect. If given in cases of croup, it
will, perhaps, be necessary to use larger doses than these. I cannot
conclude this article, without earnestly calling the attention of the
physicians of our country to the plant under consideration. It is
common every where in the United States, and easily recognised or
identified.

TABLE XVI.

[ Fig. 1. Is a representation of the lower portion of Lobelia inflata,
of the natural size, having about three inches of the
stem near the root, cut off.

2. Is the upper portion of the same plant, severed from fig. 1,
at the asterisk.

Lobelia injiata.

201

3. A flower.

4. The corolla opened.

5. The vesicular, nerved capsule.

6. The corolla removed, shewing the calix, column of five

stamens, and pistil.

7. The incipient capsule and pistil.

8. A stamen separated.

FMJDS-o^ »

(■KrAeiv-lbeTncv.i

PRINOS VERTICILLATUS.

WINTER-BERRY.

Black-Alder. Whorled Winter-beny. Virginian Winter-berry.

Germ. Die Wortelfdrmige Winterbeer. Virginische Winterbeere, (Willd.)

English. Deciduous Winter-berry, or Service-bush.

French. Apalanche (Apalanchine) a feuilles de pnmier.

Prinos verticillatus, L. Sp. Pi. vol. 1. p. 471. Munt. Phyt. 213. t. 51. Duham. Arb. 1. p. 62. t. 23. Mill.
Diet. n. 1. Du Roi Harbk. 2. p. 157. Wangenh. Amer. 97. Willd. Arb. 236. Willd. Sp. Pi.
tom. 2. par. 1. p. 225. Gron. Virg. 39. Houttuyn. Lin. Pfl. Syst. 1. p. 430. Pers. Syn. PI. vol. 1.
p. 387. Mich. FI. Boreali-Am. vol. 2. p. 236. Coxe. Am. Disp. ed. 3. p. 519. Barton’s Collec-
tions, part 2. p. 5. Pursh. Fl. Am. Sep. vol. 1. p. 221. Bart. Prodr. FI. Ph. p. 44. Big. Florula
Bost. p. 79. Shoepf. Mat. Med. Am. p. 50. Smith’s Insects of Georgia, t. 86. Ait. Hort. Kew.
ed. 2. vol. 2. p. 312. Willd. Enum. 394. Muhl. Cat. Fl. Am. Sep. p. 36. St. Hilaire, Germ, des
plant, vol. 2. p. 269.

PRINOS.

Gen. Plant, ed. Schreb. n. 594.

Cal. 6-fidus. dor. 1-petala, rotata. JSacca 6-sperma. (Willd. Sp. PI.)

Cal. inferus, 6-fidus. Co?\ 1-petala rotata, 3-7-fida. £ac. 6-sperma. Eiokus. (Pursh. fl. Am. Sep:)

204

Prinos verticillatus.

Nat. Syst. Juss. Rhamni. Classis XIV. Ordo XIII.

Prinos, L. ApalacUne. Calix minimus 6'fidus. Corolla 6-partita plana. Stamina 6, filamentis subulatis,
antheris oblongis. Stylus brevis ; stigma 1. Bacca subrotunda, foeta, 6 nucibus 1-spermis. Arbus-
culse aut frutices ; folia alterna, in quibusdam sempervirentla ; pedunculi axillares multiflori ;
floras parvi, interdum 5-7-8-fidi 5-7-8-andri 5-7-8-spermi. Juss. Gen. Plant, p. 379.

Nat. Syst. St. Hilaire. JVep'un^es.

Nat. Ord. Linnael, Dumosee.

Classis Hexandna. Ordo Mxmogyma. Lin. Syst.

Gen. Ch. Cal. Perianth inferior, of one leaf, six-cleft half way down, flat, very small, permanent. Cor. of
one petal, wheel-shaped ; tube none ; limb flat ; deeply cloven into six ovate segments. Siam. Fi-
laments six, awl-shaped, ei’ect, shorter than the corolla ; anthers oblong, obtuse. Pist. Germen
superior, ovate, terminating in a style shorter than the stamens ; stigma obtuse. Peric. a round-
ish berry, six-celled, much larger than the calix. Seeds solitary, bony, obtuse, convex on one
side, angular on the other.

Obs. The chief difference between this and Ilex consists in its being hexandrous ; but the parts of
fructification, according to Jussieu, agree occasionally with that genus in number. Prinos is some-
times dioicious.

Ess. Ch. Calix inferior, six cleft. Corolla of one petal, wheel-shaped, from three to seven cleft. Berry of
six seeds. Ency.

Prinos Gronovii ; foliis ovalibus, serrulatis, acuminatis : fasciculis florum masc. axillaribus, umbellati-foimi-
bus ; floribus foemineis aggregatis ; utrisque 6-partitis. Mich. FI. Boreali-Am.

(in Dioecia-Hexandria.)

Prinos verticillatus, foliis deciduis ovalibus serratis acuminatis subtus pubescentibus, fasciculis florum
masc. axillaribus umbelluliformibus ; foemineis aggregatis utrinque 6-partitis.

Willd. Sp. PI. et Pursh Fl. Am. Sep.

SYNONYMA.

Alcanna major latifolia dentata. Munt. Phyt.
AauiFOLiuM fohis deciduis. Duham. Arb.
Prinos Gronovii. Mich. Fl. Boreali-Am.
Prinos padifolius. Willd. Enum.

Prims verticillatus.

205

Pliarm. Frini verticillati Cortex (et Bacca).

Vis : Antiseptica (et tonica).

UsiB : Gangrena, Icterus. Shoepf. Mat. Med.

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

I'Vutex fructu formosus. Rami horizontales, patuli, cinerei. Folia decidua, ovalia, serrata, acuminata,
basi attenuata, brevius petiolata nervibus subtiis pilosiusculis. Flores minimi, axillares. Corolla
alba, monopetala, plerumque 6-partita. Baccse formosse, coccinese, amarse. Habitat in paludibys,
et umbrosis humidis ; floret Junio et Julio. Bart. FI. Ph. MS.

One of the most beautiful ornaments of the swamps of our
country, in the autumn and winter, is the Winter-berry. The ele-
gant colour of the berries, aggregated in numbers of two and three
on the small branches of the shrub, together with their multitude,
afford a pleasing contrast to the fading vegetation. The generic
name Prinos, is of very ancient origin, having been used by Theo-
phrastus and Dioscorides ; and it is supposed to be derived from the
Greek verb to saw j and to have been applied to this genus by
Linnseus, on account of the strong serratures of the leaves in some
of the species.

Prinos verticillatus is a shrub, of from eight to ten feet in height,
found growing in and near swamps, on the borders of rivulets and
ditches, and in damp woods with moist bottom, every where from
27

VOL. I.

206

Prims vertidllatus.

Canada to Georgia. It flowers in the month of June, and at this
time it has a very ordinary appearance; but when its berries are
full ripe, which is in the last part of October, and beginning of No-
vember, is strikingly beautiful. At these periods the leaves remain
on ; but even after they have fallen, the appearance of the shrub,
from its multitude of rich crimson, and sometimes scarlet berries,
is exceedingly handsome.

The stem is shrubby, and branched all the way up. The
branches are alternate, horizontal, spreading, and of a bluish grey or
ash-colour ; the extremities, or new shoots, being greenish. The
leaves are oval, tapering at their base, ending in a long point ; and
sawed on their edges. They are of a dark, oi\somewhat olive-green
colour, and smooth above, but downy on the nerves and veins be-
neath. They are alternately arranged along the branches, and are
supported by short foot-stalks. The flowers are often dioicous ;
small, and white, and grow together in axillary and lateral groups of
from three to four in number, rarely solitary. The corolla is mo-
nopetalous, rotate ; and six, sometimes seven cleft. The stamens
are generally six in number. The berries are globular, and vary a
little in size, as represented in the plate, but are generally of the
magnitude of a marrowfat pea. As winter advances, they become
of a more purplish colour. That the plant may be easily identified
when sought after for medical purposes, I have represented it both
in flower and fruit ; but while in the latter condition, it should be

Prims verticillatus.

207

chosen for medical use. This plant was introduced into England
in 1736, by Peter Collinson.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.

Prinos verticillatus, is, perhaps, as well known among country
physicians (who call it Black-Alder) as any indigenous medicinal plant
of the United States. It is universally and justly celebrated as a medi-
cine. Shoepf first publicly noticed its virtues. He says it is an “ an-
tiseptic, and is used in gangrene and jaundice.” This is all he has
on the subject ; and the verity of his observation is proved by the fact,
that at this time it is successfully employed by country practitioners
and others, as an antiseptic, in cases of foul ulcers and mortifica-
tion. The bark is astringent, bitter, pungent, and not very disagree-
able. The first of these virtues has probably led to its use in diar-
rhoea, which disease Mr. Abbot says it is useful in curing. It has
been, and continues to be, much used, and efficatiously, instead of
Peruvian bark, in intermittent fevers and other complaints. In cases
of great debility, unattended by fever, it has been highly extolled ;
and both its sensible properties, and well-known effects, render
it probable that its reputation in such cases is merited. It has also
been, used and praised, as a corroborant in anasarca and gene-

SOS

Prinos verticillatus.

ral dropsy ; and as an antiseptic and tonic in cases of incipient gan-
grene.^ In these cases it is given internally, and employed at the
same time, externally, as a wash. The berries participate in all the
virtues already enumerated, as appertaining to the bark ; and brandy
infusions or tinctures made of them, are in general use in the coun-
try, in all cases where bitter tinctures are indicated. Country prac-
titioners combine the bark, with the root of sassafras (Laurus sassa-
fras) with white-oak bark, and other things, and make a decoction of
the mixture, which is much commended by them as a wash in foul
ulcers, and gangrene.

Upon the whole, the Prinos verticillatus may be confidently
recommended to the notice of physicians, as a plant possessing in
an eminent degree, the properties of vegetable, astringent, and
tonic medicines. And if, added to these, we take into view the
antiseptic powers it is reputed to possess, it will be found deserving
of no ordinary commendation. Of the last mentioned property, in-
deed, from experience, 1 know nothing j but having used both bark
and berries on several occasions, it is with no little satisfaction that
I bear testimony to its deserved claim to those commendations
which have been bestowed on it for the other virtues.

The bark may be used either in substance or in decoction. To
the latter it readily yields its virtues as it also does to vinous or

* Barton’s Collections.

Prims "verticUlatm,

209

gpiritous meiistruuins. From one drachm to three, of the powdered
bark, may be administered in the course of twenty-four hours. An
ounce of the bark, added to a pint and an half of water, and boiled
down to a pint, will make a useful decoction, which may be taken
in the dose of a gill every two hours. A saturated tincture is a con-
venient and useful w*ay of extracting the virtues of the plant ; and
this tincture may be made by mixing the bark and berries together,
and letting them digest for a few days.

It may be proper to caution those who gather the Prinos or
Black-Alder, for medical use, against mistaking for it the Candle-
Alder, or Swamp-Alder, which names are applied to a species of a
very different genus, the Betula serratula. The name Black-Alder
may lead to a further mistake, since it is appropriated also to an-
other species of Prinos, the P. ambiguus, and to the Ilex delicula-
ta of Barton (Ilex Canadensis). It is not improbable, however, that
other species of Prinos, besides that under notice, will be found pos-
sessed of similar medical virtues. This it would be important to
inquire into.

Prims verticillatus.

SIO

TABLE XVII.

Fig. 1. Is a delineation, of the natural size, of a portion of Prinos
verticillatus in fruit, culled on the 14th of October. A
week or two after this time, the leaves fall off, and the
berries are left.

3. A little piece of a flowering branch, plucked in the middle
of June, with the leaves out when they begin to widen.

3. A group of flowers, consisting of three, as is common, with

the scale-like bracts at the union of the peduncles.

4. The pistil.

5. A back view of the calix.

nthit-jh.

lann^. '

Vrawn. ffvTn Nature hy WI'. C. Barton

( ^iei"ican Tpec-ivcixaiiKa . )

EUPHORBIA IPECACUANHA.

AMERICAN IPECACUANHA.

Ipecacuanha Spui’ge. Wllld. Ipecac.

Germ. Brecheranachende Wolfsmilch. (Willd.)

Ecphoebia Ipecacuanha, L. Sp. PI. p. 653. Willd. Sp. Pi. tom. IL pars 2. p. 900. Gron. Virg. 58. ed;
n. 75. Amoen. Acad. vol. 3, p. 117. Houttuyn Pfl. Syst. 7. p. 55. Mich. Fl. Boreali-Am. vol. 2.
p. 212. Muhl. Cat. Pi. Am. Sep. p.47. Pursh. Fl. Am- vol. 2- p. 606. Bart. Prod. Fl. Ph. p. 53.
Pers. Syn. PI. vol. 2. p. 14. Shoepf. Mat. Med. Am. p. 74. Puihn. Mat. Venenaria. 99. Drake’s
Plot. Cin. p. 87. Barton’s Collections, part 1. p. 26.

EUPHORBIA.

Gen. Plant, ed. Scheb. n. 823.

Cor. 4-s. 5-petala, calyci insidens. Cal. 1-phyllus, ventricosus. Caps. 3-cocca.

Nat. Syst. Juss. Ikiphorbix. Classis XV. Ordo 1.

Euphorbia, L. * Tithymalus, T. * Tithymaloides, T. * Euphorbium, Isn. * Titimale, Euphorbe. Hermaphro-
dita. Calix 1-phyllus (corolla T.) turbinatus, limbo 8-10-dentato, dentibus alternis inflexis, alter-
nis exterioribus (petala L.) forma variis, crassiusculis, glandulseformibus aut petaloi'deis, nunc sim-
plicibus, nunc 2-3-fidis aut rarius multifidis. Stamina indefinita 12 aut plura, rarius pauciora ;

Euphorbia Ipecacuanha,

filamenta receptaculo inserta, medio articulata, diverse tempore erumpentia ; anthers dldymK.
Paleae autsquamulae (petala staminibus interjectae, definitas aut saepiils indefinitae, simplices

ant saepius ramosac vel fimbriatae. Germen inter stamina centrale stipitatum 3-gonum j styli 3 ;
stigmata 6. Capsula stipite reflexo extra calicem nutans 3-cocca, 3-spenna.

Juss. Gen. Plant, p. 385.

Nat. Ord. Lin. Tricoccx,

Classis Dodecandria. Ordo Trigynia. Lin. Syst.

Gen. Ch. Cal. Perianth inferior, of one leaf, inflated, somewhat coloured, with four, in some instances,
five, marginal teeth, permanent. Cor. Petals, or Nectaries, four, sometimes five, turbinate, gib-
bous, thick, abrupt, unequal in situation, alternate with the teeth of the calyx, inserted into its
margin by their claws, permanent, bearing plenty of honey. Siam. Filaments numerous, 12 or
more, thread-shaped, jointed, longer than the corolla, inserted into the receptacle, coming to ma-
turity at different periods, separated by bristly scales : anthers roundish, of two distinct lobes.
Pist. Germen superior, roundish, three-sided, elevated on a stalk above the margin of the calix ;
styles three, cloven ; stigmas obtuse. Peric. Capsule stalked, roundish, three-lobed, of three
cells, and three valves which separate elastically. Seeds solitary, roundish.

Obs. The petals or nectaries are for the most part four, in some flowers five, which often happens
on the same plant, such flowers being furnished with stamens only, without a pistil, and coming
forth earlier than the rest. In many the petals are glandular, in others crescent-shaped, or tooth-
ed ; in some few thin and membranous ; they are commonly situated as it were on the outside
of the calix. The capsule is either smooth, or hairy, or warty.

Ess. Ch. Calix of one leaf, inflated, inferior. Nectaries four or five, inserted into the calix. Cap-
sule stalked, three-lobed. Ency.

Euphohbia Ipecacuanha, perennis, procumbens, pumila, glabra : foliis oppositis, sessilibus, obovalibus, ob-
longisve, integris ; pedunculis solitariis, 1-floris, elongatis. Mich. FI. Bor. Am.

Tithymalus, flore exiguo viridi apicibus flavis, antequam folia emittit florens. Gron. Virg.
Ecphorbi4- protulacoides ? Auctorum.

Euphorbia Ipecacuanha,

213

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

Flanta varia ; rubra vel pallido-vlrldis. Radix perennls, elongata, tuberculata : extra colore flava,
interne albida. Caules numerosissimi dichotomi, geniculato-procumbentes, seu erectiusculi spi-
thamaei. Folia opposita, (uno alterove ex infimis alterno) ovaba interdum lanceolata, rarius lineari-
lanceolata, laevia, integerrima ; nonnunquam emarginata. Pedunculi solitarii axillai-es, uniflori,
longitudine foliorum dum florent,- dein fructiferi duplo longiores. Calix crassus. Habitat in
arenosis arvis, et sabulosis, florens Maio. Bart. Fl. Ph. MS.

The genus Euphorbia, is the of Dioscorides ; and it was

so named after Euphorbus, physician to Juba, king of Lybia.

The very singular species which is now to be described, is ex-
clusively a native of the United States, It is extremely amorphous ;
varying so much in the shape of its leaves, their colour, and in fact,
in the whole appearance of the plant, that in its different states it
might be mistaken by those unacquainted with it, for several distinct
species of the same genus * The root is perennial, from three to
seven feet in length, and generally about three quarters of an inch,
an inch, or an inch and an half in diameter. It is tuberculated, and
of a yellowish colour ; sending off towards its upper end, numerous

* It is full of a milky juice, which by siccation between the fingers, is convert-
ible into cauoutchouc.

VOL. I. 28

214

Euphorbia Ipecacuanha.

smaller roots, generally about the thickness of a crow or goose-quill,
and sometimes larger. The stems are numerous, dichotomous,
white under the earth or sand, and red, pale-green, or yellow above.
The stipules are heart-shaped and small. The leaves are opposite,
sessile ; and are generally oval, sometimes obovate, and occasionally
lanceolate, as represented in fig. 5, and not unfrequently even linear.
They are always entire on their margins, but sometimes, when obo-
vate, are emarginated or notched at the apex. While the plant is in
flower, in May, the leaves are very small, as in fig. l and fig. 2 ;
when it grows older, they become much increased in size, as
in fig. 3 and fig. 4. The flowers are situated on solitary one-
flowered axillary peduncles, varying in length from three quarters
of an inch, to three inches. The seeds are three in number, en-
closed in a triangular-like capsule.

This plant is said by Michaux, to grow from Pennsylvania to
Carolina. It will, I presume, be found on the sandy shores of our
sea-board, from Jersey to Georgia. I have found it (in the year
1810) in the sand, near the light-house at Cape Henry in Virginia.
It grows in the greatest abundance in the sandy fields of Jersey, op-
posite to Christian street, (of Philadelphia) and about half a quarter
of a mile from the Delaware. It grows also in similar situations,
along the course of the Delaware, for ten or fifteen miles below this
city, and probably further. It delights in a loose, moist, sandy soil ;
and is often found growing in beds of sand only. As the root alone is

Euphorbia Ipecacuanha,

2i5

used, it may be collected for medical purposes, at any time. I have
found it equally efficacious, dug up in April and September.

The Euphorbia portulacoides, described byKalm, and Linnseus and
others on his authority, as growing “ in Philadelphia,” is, I strong-
ly suspect, nothing more than the oval-leaved variety of the E. Ipe-
cacuanha. I am the more inclined to this belief, from the circum-
stance of LinnsBUs, Willdenow, Kalm, and others, having described
the E. Ipecacuanha, with only lanceolate leaves. This, we know,
is rather a rare variety in the leaves of our plant. But further, I do
not learn that any American botanist is acquainted with the plant
termed E. portulacoides.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.

It is not without great satisfaction that I now present the medi-
cal profession, with a figure and history of an indigenous plant, which
promises to yield a medicine, equal in importance, if not on some
accounts superior, to the common Ipecacuanha of the shops. That
the Euphorbia Ipecacuanha is possessed of virtues entitling it to
supersede the use of the imported Ipecacuanha, my own extensive
experience with it, corroborated bythe numerous trials of thamedi-

S16

Euphorbia Ipecacuanha.

cine by Professor Hewson, my brother, Dr. John Rhea Barton,* of the
Pennsylvania hospital, and others, all embolden me to declare. Pre-
viously to the experiments instituted by myself, and, at my request,
by Dr. Hewson and others, little more was known of the American
Ipecacuanha, than that it was possessed of emetic properties. The
dose in which it operated, had not been ascertained, and indeed all
who wrote of it, merely mentioned it as an emetic. The earliest
printed notice of this plant that ! can find is in the work of Dr.
Puihn,t published at Leipsic in the year 1783. He simply notices
it thus : “ Euphorbia Ipecacuanhse Americje septentrionalis in-
colse ut emetico utuntur.” And Shoepf (who seems only to have
seen the variety with lanceolate leaves) remarks, that this plant is
called “ Ipecacuanha,” and observes, “ A nonnullis, precipue incolis
Borealibus temere ad vomitum ciendum interne usurpatur. ClayV’.^
The late Professor Barton seems not to have known more of the
Euphorbia than what he learned from Shoepf. He says in his Col-
lections, “ it is employed as an emetic by some of the country
people. I do not know the dose. I suppose it is small, for it be-

* The trials of the medicine made by ray brother, on the patients of the hospital,
were instituted with a design of making this plant the subject of his Inaugural Dis-
sertation. This intention was however abandoned, in consequence of learning that an.
other gentleman had chosen the same subject.

j “ Materia Venenaria Regni Vegetabilis,” p. 99.

j: Mat. Med. Am. p. 74.

Euphorbia Ipecacuanha.

2i7

longs to the head of drastic emetics. I am not certain that it would
be a valuable addition to the materia medica; but perhaps it
would.”*

Induced by the sensible properties of the plant, and the re-
marks just quoted, 1 last year determined to give a fair and exten-
sive trial to the medicinal virtues of this species of Spurge. A por-
tion of the dried root was finely pulverised, and administered with
caution to various patients. I at first commenced with small doses,
of three, four, and five grains. In this quantity the powder nause-
ated, and produced a determination to the skin, as small doses of
Ipecacuanha do. On increasing the number of grains to ten, vomit-
ing was produced, with occasionally an operation on the bowels.
Fifteen grains I found sufficient to produce full vomiting in most
cases ; and in a single instance, having given the powder to the ex-
tent of twenty-five grains, I had reason to be alarmed at the violent
cathartic effect which ensued, and continued for fourteen hours, at-
tended by distressing sickness of the stomach.

I have tried this species of Euphorbia in Dover’s powders, in-
stead of the Ipecacuanha ; and in various other combinations into
which the latter article enters as a part ; and can confidently assert,
that in all the instances, it has been equal, if not superior, to the

* Part 1. p. 26.

213

Euphorbia Ipecacuanha,

foreign Ipecacuanha, It has indeed some advantages which the
imported article does not possess. It is not unpleasant, either
in taste or smell ; and it is well known that to some persons
the officinal Ipecacuanha is so disagreeable that they cannot take it
at all. Upon the whole, the attention of physicians may be con-
fidently called to our native Ipecacuanha, as possessed of virtues
equal, and in some respects superior to imported Ipecacuanha. Its
occasional cathartic effect is no more than what follows the use of
the foreign medicine, on some occasions. This view of the sub-
ject derives peculiar importance from the well known fact, that the
Ipecacuanha of the shops (at least in this country) is rarely good —
perhaps seldom genuine. I'his is not the proper place to inquire
into the eause of this palpable adulteration, or whether it takes place
before the article is sent to us. It is a common complaint among
physicians, that it now takes twice the quantity of Ipecacuanha that
was formerly necessary, to produce a full vomiting. The chemical
analysis has been deferred, owing to the want of the sufficient quan-
tity of the root. But it shall appear in the appendix, with the fourth
number.

Euphorbia Ipecacuanha.

219

TABLE XVIII.

Fig. 1. Represents an entire plant of the crimson variety (E.

Ipecac.) with a portion of the root. The specimen from
which this figure was drawn (taken in May) had a root of
the thickness of the lowest part, five and an half feet
long. Where the stems are red, they appeared above
the sand.

2. A portion of a specimen of the green variety, also culled in

May.

3. A leaf of the variety, fig. 1, from the advanced plant.

4. Ditto of the variety fig. 2.

5. The variety with lanceolate leaves.

6. A flower with its peduncle.

7. The same with fruit.

• .4/

COMIPTT©^]!^ ^§]PILlE:K'IF©lL]ri^..
( Sweet -fern.)

COMPTONTA ASPLENIFOLIA,

SWEET-FERN.

Sweet-Ferry. Sweet Fem-bush. Spleenwort-leaved gale. Shrubby 5weet-Fem.

Germ. Streifenfarrenblattrige Comptonia. (Willd.)

CoMPTONiA asplenifolia. Ait. Kew. 3. p. 334. Syst. Veg. 860, Sp. PI. 1418. Willd. Sp. PI. 4. p. 320.
Pursh. Am. Sep. 2. p. 635. Mich. Am. 2. p. 203. Duham. Arb. 1. p. 366. Hort. Cliff. 456.
Gron. Virg. 153. Cold. Noveb. 224. Petiv. Mus. 775- Pluk. Aim, 250. t. 100. f. 67. Houttuyn
Lin. Pfl. Syst. 2. p. 346. Coxe. Disp. 3d ed. p. 399. Big. Floru. Bost. p. 219. Bart. Pr. FI. Ph
p. 88. Shoepf. Mat. Med. Am. p. 141. Amoen. Acad. 4. p. 522. Barton’s Collec. part I- p. 10.-

COMPTONIA.

Gen. Plant, ed. Schreb. n. 1764.

JIasculi : Amentum. Cal. squama. Cor. 2-petala. Fil. bifurca.

Feminei : Amentum. Cal. squama. Cor. hexapetala. Styli 2. J^ux ovata.

Nat. Syst. Juss. Amentacex. Classis XV. Ordo IV.

Nat. Ord. Linnaei. Amentacee.

Classis Monoicia. Ordo Triandria.

Gen.Ch. Male fo~.oers. Caiib'n cylindrical ; loosely imbricated all round with concave, kidney-shaped,
acuminate, caducous, one-flowered scales. Cal. Perianth two-leaved; leaves equal, boat-shaped,

29

VOL. I.

Comptonia asplenifolia.

S2S

shorter than the scale. Cor. none. Siam. Filaments three, shorter than the calix, forked ; anthers
six, two-valved. Female Jlov/ers. Catkin egg-shaped, closely imbricated with scales similar to
those of the male. Ca/. Perianth six-leaved; leaves opposite, in pairs, filiform, membranous at
the base, many times longer than the scale. Cor. none. Fist. Germ roundish ; styles two, ca-
pillary. Peric. none. Seed Nut-oval, one celled, without valves.

Ess. Ch. Mde flowers in a catkin. Calix two-leaved. Corolla none. Anthers forked. Female flowers
in a catkin. Calix six leaved. Corolla none. Styles two. Nut oval.

Comptonia asplenifolia, foliis longo-lineaiibus alternatim crenato-pinnatifidis. Willd. et Pursh.

SYNONYMA

LianiDAMBAn peregrinum. Syst. Veg. 860.
Liq,T7Idambab asplenifolium. Sp. PI. 1418.
Mvbica. Gron. Virg. 155. Cold. Noveb. 224.
Gale Mariana asplenii folia. Petiv. Mus. 773.

DESCRIPTIO UBEUIOR.

Frutex 3-ped. Caules fructicosi, ramosi, hh*ti. Folia longo-lanceolata, profunde altemato-sinuata.

Ament. Mas. laterales, erecti, seu sub-arcuati. Ament, focmin. rubr. Nux ossea, lenticularis,
nuda, obsolete striata, nitida. Habitat in sylvis, florens Martio et initio Aprilis. B.

The only North American species of a genus, dedicated by
Dr. Solander to the Right Rev. Henry Compton, Lord Bishop of
London. It is a shrubby plant, having leaves resembling the As-
plenium or Spleen-wort, and hence the specific name. It is much

Comptonia asplenifolia.

S23

branched, and attains the height of two, and from that to three, very
seldom four feet. The stems are slender, branched, somewhat
hairy, and are crowded with a profusion of lanceolate leaves, about
three or four inches long, and half an inch broad ; deeply cut into
roundish notches, down nearly to the middle-rib. The male cat-
kins are about an inch or an inch and a quarter long, lateral, some-
times erect, but most frequently horizontally curved, as represented
in the plate. The female catkins are situated lower on the stems
than the male, and seldom exceed half an inch in length ; are ovate,
of a red colour.

I'he fertile flowers produce little nuts of an ovate shape, flat-
tened and margined at the base, obscurely striped, of a shining yel-
lowish colour at the top, and nearly white towards the bottom.
These nuts are sessile, and nearly concealed by the persistent seg-
ments of the corolla, which by this time are elongated and crowd-
ed, and gives to the fruit the appearance of a burr. The root is
ligneous, long, and horizontal, and often extending to the length of
three or four feet.

The whole plant is possessed of a strong, peculiar, resinous,
and spicy scent, particularly observable when the leaves are bruised
or pressed in the hand, or between the fingers.

The Sweet-fern is very common throughout the United States.
Bose remarks, that in Carolina the branches generally died at the

Comptonia asplenifulia.

end of the third year, the new wood then succeeding to the old, as
in the rubi ; and that it was also seldom found in fruit, though it
flowered abundantly. The latter circumstance 1 liave observed as
regards the plant in this neighbourhood, where it is abundantly
found, particularly on the high woody banks of Wissahickon creek,
and in woods, and along their margins, in Jersey. It flowers very
early in April, or the last of March ; and unless sought for at this
early season, will seldom be found flowering ; that state of the plant
continuing but a very short period.

Under the names of Sweet-fern, and Sweet-ferry, this shrub is
brought in great quantities to our market, particularly by the coun-
try people, who put it up in large bunches which are sold for a few
cents. My enquiries in the market for two or three years past, re-
sult in the belief that the Sweet-fern is much used, medicinally, in
family practice. It is always for this purpose that it is pur-
chased.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.

Sweet-fern has been introduced into this work, principally be-
cause it is so much used in domestic practice. It is an astringent
and tonic, and hence its usefulness in diarrhoea j for it is in this

Comptonia aspknifolia.

225

<lisease that it is so much employed. I frequently used it in my
practice last summer, in the form of a weak decoction. It is re-
lied on almost exclusively, by many persons, for the cure of cholera
infantum ; but from my trials of the plant in looseness of the bowels,
in children, I do not think it ought to be so much depended on ;
though I have known instances in which, aided by proper regimen,
it effected a cure. The decoction sweetened, forms an extremely
grateful drink for children in the summer complaint ; and from its
moderate astringency, and bracing and tonic effect on the bowels, it
will always be found to be an useful auxiliary in the treatment of this
disease. I gave it last summer to one of my children, in this
complaint, and with encouraging success. The other virtues as-
cribed to it by Shoepf, are not, perhaps, entitled to much considera-
tion.* Neither is the common practice in Jersey, of using the de-
coction as a fomentation in rheumatism and contusions, likely to
result in much relief.

* “ Infusum foliorum in rhachidite, debilitate febrili, utile. Radix masticata
sanguinem sistit. Colden.’’’’ Shcepf. Mat. Med. p. 142.

Cornptonia asplenifolia.

TABLE XIX.

fig. I. Eepresents a flowering twig of Cornptonia asplenifolia, culled
in April. x\t this time the dead leaves of the preceding
year are frequently found on the stems ; and the buds of
the new leaves, only begin to appear. The long aments
are the male, the short red ones, the fem.ale.

3. A branch of the plant in fruit, with the perfect leaves.

3. A stipule.

4. A collection of nuts cleared of the surrounding invest-

ment.

5. A single nut.

(All of the natural size.)

TPMI]LAEi>]Eir^Fin[ClIIM.

SCABIOUS.

ERIGERON PHILADELPHICUM,

SCABIOUS.

Skevish. Philadelphia Flea-bane<

Eeigehon Pliiladelphicum, L. Sp. PI. 1211. Houttuyn. Pfl. Syst. 9. p. 325. Willd, Sp. PI. tom. 3. pars 3,
p. 1957. Mich. FI. Boreali-Am. vol. 2. p. 123. Pursh. FI. Am. Sep. vol. 2. p. 532. Coxe. Disp.
3d ed. p. 314. Big. Fl. Bost, p. 194. Pers. Syn. Pi. vol. 2. p. 430. Ait. Hort. Kew. ed. 2.
vol. 5. p. 32. Muhl. Cat. PI. Am. Sep. ed. 2. p. 76. Barton’s Collections, part 2. p. 46. Bart
Prod. Fl. Ph. p. 79.

ERIGERON,

Recept. nudum. Pappus pilosus. Cor. radii capillares (coloratse).

Nat. Syst. Juss. Corymbiferte. Classis X. Ordo III.

Ebioeron, L. * Virga aurea, T. * Aster, T. * Flores radiati ligulis linearibus numerosis. Calix oblongusim-
bricatus inaequalis. Pappus pilosus. Ligulac in aliis albidse aut purpurascentes ; lutese in aliis,
quarum insuper antherae nonnunquam basi 2-setos* Inulas indicant.

Nat. Ord. Lin. Composite discoidea.

Classis Syngenesia. Ordo. Superjiua. Lin. Syst.

Gen. Ch. Common calix oblong, cylindrical, imbricated; scales awl-shaped, erect, gradually longer,
nearly equal in breadth. Cor. compound, radiated ; Jlorets of the disk all perfect, tubular, fun-

Erigeron Philadelphicum.

nel-shaped, with an equal five-cleft limb ; those of the radius female, ligulate, linear, awl-shaped,
erect, for the most part entire. Stam. (in the tubular florets) Filaments five, capillary, very-
short : anthers forming a cylindrical tube. Pist. (in the tubular florets) Germen minute, crowned
with hairs longer than its own corolla ; style thread-shaped, the length of the hairs ; stigmas two,
oblong, revolute j the female or ligulate florets differ in having their corolla about as long as
the hairs, and very slender stigmas. Peric. none, except the closed pemanent calix. Seeds in
the florets of the disk as well as of the radius oblong, small. Boivn long, capillary. Recept.
naked, flat.

Obs. Dillenius observes that the innermost or central florets of the disk are generally males. One
species has those of the radius destitute of a corolla.

Ess. Ch. Receptacle naked. Down simple. Florets of the radius linear, very narrow, numerous,
Calix imbricated. Ency.

Ehigeroit Philadelphicum, pubescens ; folils cuneato-oblongis rariter inciso-dentatis, caulinis semi-amplex-
icaulibus, caule debili simpliei superne corymbose, pedunculis elongatis unifloris, radiis capil-
laceis calyce hemisphaerico duplo longioribus. Willd. Mich, et Pursh.

DESCKIPTIO UBBRIOR..

Folia oblonga lanceolata basi cordata amplexicaulia subserrata, margine tenuisslme clUlata. Corollx
purpureas capillares longitudine disci. WiUd. p. 1958.

The genus, of which two species are now to be described, is the
of the ancient Greeks, from the springy and yipm, an old
man, because the plants which gave rise to the name were hoary
in the spring.

The Erigeron Philadelphicum is an herbaceous perennial plant,
two or three feet in height, much branched at the top. The root is

Erigeron Philadelphicum,

22&

branched, somewhat fibrous, and of a yellowish cast. The branches
are pubescent. Radical leaves, ovate-lanceolate, on long petioles,
and occasionally having one or two serratures. Upper leaves lan-
ceolate, entire sessile, and somewhat amplexicaule. Flowers nume-
rous, erect, situated on a large diffuse pannicle. Calix hemispheri-
cal. Florets of the ray capillary, whitish, or blue ; sometimes
purplish. It grows in the greatest profusion in all the fields near
Philadelphia ; and it ranges extensively throughout the United States,
in similar places. It begins to flower in July, and continues bloom-
ing through the month of August. It should be collected for me-
dical use while in flower.

VOL. I.

30

, . , -v: yi,

: S'. ■

.*• \\isr?u^\'yyi&\y'' -

■r •;/ -.^-i '

• ’iH rsi'

H^W>t

'■,^1 ''r»»\ 9;i , .

..

^V*‘ ’•

';s >a|r.'. ,H->‘' ";l ’I _

;-^n;;:;n

./•t '

■i.

. K-:’:

^1

■M,

Oi;

f ■

X>raym, fhom Moure ^ W^T". C.^arCon

'lenETlEffiCDlPMTILIL'lIIM .

[ Sweet Scabious. ]

ERIGERON HETEROPHYLLUM,

SWEET-SCABIOUS,

Various-leaved Flea-bane,

Germ. Verschiedenblattrlges Berusungskraut. (Willd.)

Jahrige Sterneblume. (Willd.)

EniGEKON heterophyllum. Muhlenb. inlitt. Willd. Sp. Pi. tom. 3. pars 3. p. 1956. WUld. Sp. Pi. tom. 3-.
pars 3. p. 2041. Ait. Kew. 3. p. 209. Hort. Cliff. 409. Hort. Ups. 262. Roy. Lugdb. 169.
MUl. Diet. n. 28. FI. Dan. 486. Hoff. Germ. 297. Roth. Germ. I. 367. U. 357. Moris. Hist. 3.

p. 122- Cor. Canad. 193. t. 194. Houttuyn Lin. Pfl. Syst.9. p. 386. Muhl. Cat. Am. PI. p. 76.
Pursh. Fl. Am. Sep. vol. 2. p. 534. Pers. Syn. PI. vol. 2. p. 431, Bart. Prod. FI. Ph. p. 79.
Suter. Fl. Helvetica, vol. 2. p, 185.

Erigebon heterophyllum, foliis radicahbus subrotundo-ovatis profunde dentatis petiolatis, caulinis laucsp-
latis acutis medio subserratis corymbo terminali. Willd. Sp. PL p. 1956.

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

Folia radicalia longe petiolata subrotundo-ovata profunde et grosse dentata, petiolo subalato bldentato ;

inferiora caulina bipoUicaria sessilia ovata acuta utrinque serraturis profundis tribus notata triplin-
ewia ; superiora lanceolata acuminata vel integerrima, vel seiTaturis binis acuminatis utroque la-

Erigeron heterophylhim.

tere instructa, ut radlcalia etinferiora glabra atque marglne tantum setis rigidis clliata. Covym-
bus terminalis fastigiatus. Corollic radii albw filiformes copiossc. PUi in caule breves paten-
tes. Wind. Sp. PI. tom. 3. 1956.

Erigeron heterophyllum is a plant common to Europe and
North America. It is the Aster annuus of Linnseiis, and is twice de-
scribed by Willdenow, in his Species Plantarum ; under the different
names of Aster annuus and Erigeron heterophyllum. There remains
no doubt, however, at this time, of the identity of these two plants.

Sweet-Scabious is as common a plant in the United States, as
its companion, the Philadelphia Flea-bane, and is always found
growing with it. Its geographical distribution, therefore, throughout
our States, is the same as that of the E. Philadelphicum. By the
common people, the two plants are distinguished by the names Sca-
bious and Sweet-Scabious, for what reason cannot be satisfactorily
learned. The vulgar epithet Skevish, is sometimes applied to the
species under consideration, as well as to the E. Philadelphicum.

The root of Sweet-Scabious is like that of the preceding spe-
cies. It sends up from three to five stems, which are very much
branched above, and attain the height of two or three feet. The
stems are roundish, striated, pubescent, and about the thickness be-
low, of a pipe-stem, gradually tapering towards the top, where it is
divided into numerous spreading branches. The primary branches

Erigeron hetei 'ophyllu m.

233

are considerably shorter than the secondary, and flower first. The
radical leaves are ovate, acute, deeply toothed, and supported by
broad winged petioles, half the length of the leaves. The stem-leaves
are sessile, lanceolate, acute, deeply sinuated, or remotely serrate-
toothed in the middle. The leaves of the branches are lanceolate,
entire, and closely sessile. All the leaves, except those from the
root, are ciliated at and near the base, as represented in the plate.
The flowers are borne in terminal, rarely lateral, corymbs ; are nu-
merous, and resemble those of E. Philadelphicum. The florets of
the disk are bright yellow, and the ray-florets capillary, numerous,
white, pale-blue, and sometimes pale-purple. The whole plant is
of a dark or deep-green colour, in which circumstance it strikingly
differs from the preceding species. It grows, as has been already
mentioned, with its congener, just described j and in the neighbour-
hood of Philadelphia, it is nearly as abundant.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES OF ERIGERON PHILADELPHICUM AND
ERIGERON HETEROPHYLLUM.

These two plants are introduced into this work, on account
of their diuretic qualities. The E. Philadelphicum has been known
for some years, as a diuretic ; and it has been much used and com-

a 3-4

Erigeron heterophyUum.

mended in gravelly and gouty affections.^ I have been informed by
Mr. Samuel Hazard, that his father, the late Ebenezer Hazard, of this
city, was in the constant practice, for years before his death, of
using the decoction of the plant, on the commencement of an at-
tack of gout, and with much relief of its pains, as well as of some
gravelly syniptoms to which he was subject. It has been much
praised for its remediate virtues in calculus ; and has been used in
some few instances of dysurybyDr. Physick. He informed me that in
a case of this kind, attended with great pain and irritability of the blad-
der, the patient found much relief by taking decoctions of the plantfor
a few weeks. Scabious has also been prescribed in cases of hydro-
thorax combined with gout ; in ascites, and in general dropsy ; and
those who have given the medicine in these cases, report the most
beneficial effects to have been produced. In a consultation letter
from the late Dr. Wistar to Dr. Eberle, put into my hands by the
latter gentleman, it appears that the doctor recommended the Sca-
bious in the case of the late Judge Yates, of Lancaster, who was
affected with gout and general dropsy, attended with distressing-
pain in the bowels, and so disordered a state of the stomach, that
the squill could not be administered ; yet it was necessary to give
some active diuretic. “ 1 once attended a gentleman,” says Dr.
Wistar, “ who suffered with gout and hydrothorax ; the squill pro-
duced great disturbance and pain of the stomach, and thus did

^ Loureio says it is commended for its emenagogue virtues, by the people of
Cochinchina, who call it cay con hat.

Erigeron heterophyllum.

235

more harm than good. This gentleman was greatly relieved by the
infusion of Scabious, which he took very freely. Dr. Eberle ac-
cordingly administered the decoction in this instance, and he in-
forms me with great relief to the Judge. He was, from this circum-
stance, subsequently induced to prescribe it to a patient f affected
with anasafca, who found the most essential relief from the medi-
cine.

On learning from Dr. Physick that he procured the plant at
the Friends’ alms-house of this city, I found, by examining the herbs
vended by the inhabitants of that place, under the name of Scabious,
that they were the two species just described ,* and that they were
sold indiscriminately for one article. At the same time I was in-
formed that one (the E. heterophyllum) was commonly known, and
brought to them by their herb-collectors, under the name of Sweet-
Scabious. In consequence of this information I made many trials of
the last mentioned species, and found it possessed of active diuretic
and sudorific virtues, like the E. Philadelphicum. I have every

* Dr. Wistar sent a box full of this Scabious to Dr. Eberle, for the use of the
judge; and as Dr. Wistar had informed me that he procured the plant whenever he
thought proper to prescribe it, at the Friends’ alms-house, it is probable that the
quantity sent to Lancaster was procured there. Consequently it was composed of two
species, as may be seen in a subsequent part of the text.

I The late Paul Zantzinger, Esq. of Lancaster.

2BG

Erigeron heterophyllum.

reason to believe, that both plants are deserving the attention of
physicians, for the medicinal powers which have given them a place
in this work ; and there is great probability, from the similarity of
the two plants, that the Erigeron heterophyllum has a just right to
participation, in the reputation bestowed on the other species. They
have certainly been confounded with each other by all but bo-
tanists ; and used indiscriminately under one common name, and of
course with the same object in view.

These plants should be gathered for medical use, while in
flower, and carefully dried in wrapping paper. They should be
used in decoction to the extent of a pint or two, in the course of
twenty-four hours. Mr. Hazard’s case, and the encouraging relief
met with by Dr. Physick in the case above mentioned, as well as
the one alluded to by Dr. Wistar, justify me in strenuously recom-
mending the plants to the notice of physicians. My own expe-
rience with both species enables me to bear testimony to their di-
uretic virtues. If they be not among the most powerful medi-
cines of this class, they have the estimable property of being inno-
cent to the stomach. This organ will not reject the decoction of
these herbs when it is so disordered and irritable as to render the
squill, digitalis, ^c. intolerable. I have used a strong decoction of
the two plants, in a case of nephritis, at the Naval Hospital ; and
with great relief of the difficult and painful micturition so con-
s-tantly attendant on tliis disease. My success, in the instance alluded

Erigeron heterophyllum.

237

to, far exceeded my sanguine expectations, and emboldens me,
with some degree of confidence, to recommend the Scabious in si-
milar cases, for the relief of this distressing and troublesome symp-
tom.

TABLE XX,

Fig. 1. Is a figure of the upper portion of Erigeron Philadelphicum,
of the natural size, in flower. The blue variety is here
represented, because of the greater facility of figuring
blue than white flowers ; at least of such a form as these.
The white variety is more common.

2. The lower portion of the same, cut asunder at the asterisk.

VOL. I.

31

S38

Engeron heteropkyllum.

TABLE XXI.

Fig. 1. Represents the upper portion of Erigeron heterophyllum,
of the size of nature ; the primary branch just past
flowering, the secondary, or external branches, in full
bloom. The ray -florets are rarely pure white, generally
of the colour represented ; and from this, gliding imper-
ceptibly into purple.

S. The lower or radicle portion of the same, having had, be-
tween this and the upper part, twelve inches of the
stem cut away.

I/iMe2Z

ASCILEIPIAS nnUlBlEMOSA,

Bultprfly -Treed. )

ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA,

BUTTERFLY- WEED.

Pleurisy-root. Flux-root. Wind-root. White-root. In England, Tuberous-rooted Swallow-wort.
Orange Apocynum.

Germ. Knollige Schwalbenwurz. (Willd.)

Asclepias hiberosa. L. Sp. PI. 316. Hort, Cliff. rS. Roy. Lugdb. 411. Herm. Lugdb. 646. t. 647. Dill.
Elth.35.t. 30. f.34. Houttuyn Lin. Pfl. Syst. 5. p.791. Willd. Sp. PI. tom. 1. part 2. p. 1273.
Pursh. FI. Am. Sep. vol. 1. p. 183. Walt. FI. Car. Ait. Hort. Kew. ed 2d, vol. 2, p. 80. Mich.
Fl. Boreali-Am. vol. 1. p. 117. Muhl. Cat. Pi. Am. p. 28. Big. FlorulaBost. p. 63. Bart. Prod.
FI. Ph. p. 35. Thatcher’s Disp. p. 154. Coxe’s Disp. 3d. ed. p. 214. Chapman’s Elem.
Therap, 8cc. vol. 1. p. 346.

ASCLEPIAS.
den. Plant. 429.

FoLticrEi 2. Sem. papposa. Cor. rotata, plerumque reflexa. J^'ectar. 5. ovata, concava, cornlculum ex-
serentia. Anther, comes, longitudinaliter dehiscentes. Willd.

Nat. Syst. Apodne^e. Classis VIII. Ordo XIV.

Asclepias, T. L. * Apocinum, T. ♦ Calix 5-fidus, parvus persistens. Corolla obtuse 5-partita, plana aut
reflexa ; squams 5-ejusdem laciniis altems, staminum tubo extus inserts, genitalibus appressje,

Asdepias tuberosa.

a40

in cucullum convolutae, 8c e medio cucullo corniculum exserentes. Staminum filamenU coadu-
nata in tubum ci'assum 5-gonum, germina arete involvens, ex ima corolla enatum, supra clausum
stigmate truncato, 8c ipsi quasi continuum, in angulis 5-sculcatum, in faciebus 5-antheriferum ; an-
therae subsessiles medio tubo extiis insertae erectse 2-loculares, polline vaeuw, apice membran-
aceae, corolla laciniis alternac. Stylus 0 ; stigma peltatum 5-gonum, tubo supradicto impositum,
ex foveolis 5-angularibus emittens corpuscula 5 ovata minima, antheris alterna, et ideo corollse la-
ciniis opposita, 2-valvia, valvis latere productis, infra 2-cornia ; cornua hsec exUia propendentia
basi subulata, medio geniculata, ultra spatulata 8c granulata (ex concrete polline facta ?) ; horum
singulum in proximo vicinioris antherse loculum immersum, unde 1 corpusculum antheris 2 com-
mune 8c 1 anthera corpusculorum 2 particeps. Folliculi oblongi acuminati, ssep^ ventricosi; se-
mina papposa. Juss. Gen. Pl. p. 147.

Nat. Ord. Linnsei. ContorU.

Class Pentandria. Order Pig-ynia. Lin. Syst.

Gen. Ch. Cal perianth five-cleft, sharp, very small, permanent. Cor. Monopetalous, flat or reflex, five-
parted ; divisions ovate-acuminate, slightly bending with tlie sun ; nectaries five, growing to the
tube of the filaments, fleshy or cowled ; a sharp horn protruding from the bottom, bending in-
wards. Siam, filaments five, collected into a tube, swelling at the base ; anthers oblong, upright,
two-celled, terminated by an inflex membrane lying on the stigma, having a reversed wing on each
side ; the pollen is collected into ten corpuscules, inversely lanceolate, flat, hanging down into
the cells of the anther by short threads, which are annexed by pairs to five cartilaginous twin
tubercles, each placed on the tip of the wings of the anthers, adhering to the angles of the stigma,
between the anthers. Pist. germs two, oblong, acuminate ; styles two, subulate ; stigma common
to both, large, thick, five-cornered, covered at the top by the apexes of the anthers, umbUicate
in the middle. Per. follicles two, large, oblong, acuminate, swelling, one-ceUed, one-valved.
Seeds, numerous, imbricate, crowned with down j receptacle membraneous, free.

Ess. Gen. Char. Contorted ; nectaries five, ovate, concave, putting forth a little horn.

Asclepias tuberosa, caule, erectiusculo summitate divaricato-ramoso, hirsutissimo, foliis sparsis oblongo-
lanceolatis hirsutis, umbellis subcorymbosa-terminalibus. (Willd. and Pursh.)
li decumbens. A. caule decumbente, foliis sublinearibus hirsutissimis umbellis lateralibus. (Willd.)

Asclepias tuherosa.

S41

SYNONYMA.

A. Caule erecto divaricato villosa, &c. Hort. Cliff.

Apocynum novsa Anglise hir§utum, &c. Herm. Lugdb.

Pharm. AsckpiaiUs tuberosce Radis.

Qual. Leniter adstringens.

Vis : Diaphoretica 5*

Usus : Colica, pulv. radic. Hysteria. Hsemorrhagiae ; decoct, aquos. Dysenteria, decoct,
vinosum ! Shoepf. Mat. Med.

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

Planta pulchra. Radix perennis quasi tuberosa. Caules varii, plerumque erecti, pilosi, rubri, circitet
duobus pedibus alti. Folia numerosa, brevius petiolata, altema, semper pilosa, lanceolata-ovalia,
lanceolata ; in varietate /3 decumbente, lanceolata-linearia. Flores corymboso-terminales, nume-
rosi, colore Aurantii nitentes. SUiqu* longse, seminibus planiusculis refertse. Semina dum ma-
turescerint, cumque siliquse dehiscere cseperint, pappo coronato, ventoque afflata, avolant. Ha-
bitat in arvis, floret Julio. Bart. FI. Ph. MS.

The genus to which this superb plant belongs, takes its name
from jEsculapius, the god of medicine. It contains an assemblage
of some of the most beautiful productions of the vegetable king-

242 Asclepidas tuberosa.

dom ; and the A. tuberosa, is, perhaps, one of the most elegant
plants of our country. ^

The root is large, and somewhat irregularly tuberous, sending
up many erect, and sometimes decumbent hairy stems, branching
at the top. The stems are round, very hairy, and of a reddish
colour. The leaves are scattered, and supported on petioles little
more than the eighth of an inch in length ; varying in being lanceo-
late-oval, long-oval, lanceolate, and in the variety ^ decumbens,
linear-lanceolate, and repand on the margin. They are of a deep
rich green above, much paler underneath, and very hairy. The um-
bels are terminal and somewhat in the form of a corymb ; in the va-
riety <2 they are lateral. The bracteal involucre is composed of
numerous narrow-linear, nearly subulate membranaceous leaves, of
a salmon colour. The flowers are situated in terminal corymbose
umbels, and are of a brilliant reddish-orange colour. The fruit is
a long narrow roundish pod, pointed at each end : and the seeds,
like the rest of the genus, are furnished with a long silky appen-
dage. The plant continues for a long time in bloom, at which time
its rich green leaves contrasted with its gorgeous inflorescence,
render it an universal favourite. Its geographical distribution is
extensive, being found from the northern states to the southern
boundary of the Union ; but it is most abundant in the Garolinas
and Georgia. In the neighbourhood of Philadelphia it is somewhat
rare ; but is more frequent in Jersey. It is generally found in

Asclepias tuherosa.

343

fields, sometimes in meadows ; and fiowers in the months of June
and July. The root alone is used for medical purposes.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.

So many estimable qualities are usually attributed to this very
favourite plant and popular medicine, that it is not easy to assign
it a proper place in the Materia Medica, If the butterfly-weed is
deserving of half its reputation, it is richly entitled to a distinguish-
ed rank in this work ; and so numerous and respectable are the
authorities in support of its celebrity, that it is with consider-
able diffidence I venture to lessen, in the least degree, its ele-
vated character as a medicine, by the intimation of any doubts
of its just claim to its present undisputed reputation. My own
experience with it is confined to a few trials in cases in which
it is reputed to be peculiarly beneficial ; and these have resulted
in an opinion, that there is some foundation for the encomiastic
accounts of this medicine. It may be safely, nay confidently recom-
mended to physicians, as a mild cathartic, particularly suitable to
the complaints of children, as it leaves the bowels in a tranquil
condition ,* and as a certain diaphoretic, attended with no inconsider-

Asclepias tuherosa.

^44

able expectorant effect. But a regard for truth obliges me to
state that the virtues of this plant are, as far as my experience
extends, considerably exaggerated, there being ascribed to it a
multitude of powerful, extraordinary, and almost inestimable pro-
perties, to which its virtual character affords no substantial claim.
It must be remembered, however, that these remarks are not in-
tended to stigmatise the Pleurisy-root as worthless, for I deem it a
valuable article ; my only object is to endeavour to present to the
public its prominent virtues, divested of what, in my own opinion, is
an aggregation of imputed but unreal qualities. A gentleman of
Virginia who, judged by his own writing, is evidently not a regular
physician, first brought this plant into very general notice, as a cure
for the pleurisy. He has been quoted by the late Professor
Barton, and subsequently by the compilers of the American dis-
pensatories ; and thus have his exaggerated accounts been ex-
tensively diffused throughout our country, without any other good
effect, perhaps, than that of bringing a plant into general notice,
which really possesses medicinal virtues, though not of the na-
ture and number specified in those accounts. To the gentle-
man alluded to, however, is not to be imputed the discovery of the
remediate effects of pleurisy-root. Dr. Shcepf mentions the plant,
and specifies the property for which it seems to me most probable,
it will become useful ; its effect in inducing diaphoresis. He says it
is a diaphoretic in the dose of one drachm ; that it is slightly astrin-
gent ; that the powdered root is useful in cholic ; an aqueous de-
coction, in hysteria and menorrhagia j and a vinous decoction in

Asclepias tuherosa.

dysentery. This account by Dr. Shcepf, of the “ Asclepias tuherosa,”
a» he calls it, inadvertently escaped the attention of the late Pro-
fessor Barton, else he would, it is presumable, have quoted this
author, when speaking of the plant in question. Under the names
“Butterfly-root, Pleurisy-root,” Shcepf also speaks of the use of
some plant, in pleurisy and febrile diseases ; and then tells us, on
the authority of the late Rev. Dr. Muhlenberg, that the name of
Pleurisy-root was applied to the Asclepias tuherosa, and that a de-
coction of it was esteemed a certain remedy for pleurisy.* The
late Profesor Barton informs usf that the root of this plant “ is said
to possess a remarkable power of affecting the skin, inducing gene-
ral and plentiful perspiration, without greatly increasing the heat of
the body” — that “ it is much employed by practitioners of medicine
in some parts of the United States, particularly 1 believe, in Virginia,
as a remedy in certain forms of fever, in pleurisy, and other affec-
tions. The root is used both in powder and in decoction. Some-
times it is used in combination with antimonials.” He further says

* Biitterjly-root ; Pleurisy -root. Hoc nomine in Terra Mariana Radix qusedam
insignitur, alba, crassitie digiti auricularis, cujus virtutes incolae in Pleuritide, aliisque
morbis febrilibus, magni faciunt. Plantam non vidi ; nomen vero, illam ad Diadel.
phiam pertinere, suadet. — Sapor est mucilagineo-dulcescens, amaricans.

In Pennsylvania nomine Pleurisy-root. Radix Asclepiadis tuberosae venlt, cujus
particula, dimidium pollicem magnitudine aequans, decocta pro remedio certissimo ad-
versus Pleuritidem habetur, ut nuper e literis Y tn,' Muhlenbergii didici.

Mat. Med. p. 160.

f Collections.

VOL. I.

32

Asclepias tuberosa.

that the decoction “ often induces perspiration when other medicines
have failed to produce this effect,” and on the authority of a cor-
respondent^, that in the low states of typhus fever, it induced per-
spiration when other sudorifics failed. In a letter which 1 have re-
ceived from a physician in Wrightstown, f it appears, that the As-
clepias tuberosa is in frequent use by the regular practitioners, as
a gentle cathartic in difficult dentition, and as a diaphoretic. To
produce the latter effect the writer of the letter gives the follow-
ing as a proper recipe :

Rad. asclep. 5ii ^

Lac recens ixviii 5

boiled down to ixii. One ounce of the decoction to be given twice
or thrice in twenty -four hours, which excites a copious perspira-
tion, and proves at the same time gently cathartic.

It may be said with truth, that the Asclepias tuberosa is a cer-
tain, and of course an useful diaphoretic ; whether it acts in this
way, as it is said to do, without increasing the force of the circula-
tion or augmenting the heat of the body, I am not prepared by any
extensive use of the plant, to aver ; at the same time it must be
confessed, that in the few instances in which my employment of
this medicine has presented to me a view of its effects, the plant has

2

* Dr. Charles Everett, of Milton.
I Stephen Burson, M. D..

Asclepias tuherosa.

343^

supported its reputed character in this respect. And the multitude,
respectability, and strength of evidences in favour of this very de-
sirable quality, leave no room to suppose that the plant has re-
ceived, so far, any undue encomiums. Its expectorant effect in
pneumonia and catarrha, is substantiated by a multiplicity of
corroborative facts, the relation of >vhich is derived from phy-
sicians of undoubted respectability. The late Professor Barton
esteemed the Asclepias tuberosa, as one of the most important
of our indigenous medicines ; and he says the powdered root is
escarotic. When taken internally, the dose is from 30 to 30 grains
of the powder. This article may be concluded with the fol-
lowing quotation from Thatcher’s Dispensatory. The extensive
experience of the gentleman there alluded to, with the plant un-
der consideration, is entitled to great attention ;

“ The powdered root frequently acts as a mild purgative,
but it is particularly valuable for its virtues as an expectorant, dia-
phoretic, and febrifuge, and in this respect its efficacy is amply con-
firmed by the testimony of Dr. Benjamin Parker, of Bradford, Mas-
sachusetts, from his own observation during an extensive practice
for many years in Virginia. From the successful employment of
the Pleurisy-root for twenty-five years, this respectable physician
has imbibed such confidence, that he extols it as possessing the pe-
culiar, and almost specific quality of acting on the organs of respi-
ration, powerfully promoting suppressed expectoration, and thereby

348

Asclepias tuberosa.

relieving the breathing of pleuritic patients in the most advanced
stage of the disease ; and in pneumonic fevers, recent colds, ca-
tarrhs and diseases of the breast in general, this remedy has in
his hands proved equally efficacious. He directs it to be given in
the form of strong infusion, a tea-cup full every two or three
hours. By many families in the country this root has long been
esteemed as a domestic medicine, resorted to for the relief of pains
of the stomach from flatulence and indigestion ; hence the vulgar
name of Wind-root, by which it is known in some parts of the coun-
try, and from its colour it is by some called White-root. It is said
that by a perseverance for several weeks in the use of about one
drachm of the powdered root every day, the lost tone of the
stomach and digestive powers has been restored.”

TABLE XXII*

Fig. 1. A branch of Asclepias tuberosa, of the natural size.
3. A flower.

3. The Nectary.

4. The calix and germ.

•#

( Kd<Ue-leavpd Biiid-w«f*(l , )

CONVOLVULUS PANDURATUS.

FIDDLE-LEAVED BIND-WEED.

Wild-Rhubaib. Mechamech of the Indians. Mecoacanna. Wild Potatoe. Hog Potatoe — In Virginia
Wild Potatoe vine ; {the root, Kussauder, or Kassader, in the state of Delaware.) Virginian
Bind-weed, in England.

Germ. Geigenblattrige Winde. (Willd.)

CoNVOLVcivs panduratus. L. Sp. Pi. 219. Gron. Virg. ed. n. 28. Shoepf Mat. Med. Am. p. 21. Barton’s
Collections, part. 1. p. 30, 56. part 2. p. 49. Dill. Elth. 101. t 85. f. 99. Houttuyn Lin. Pfl. Syst.
5. p. 523. Pui’sh. FI. Am. Sep. vol. 1. p. 144. Mich. FI. Boreali-Am. vol. 1, p. 138. Pers. Syn.
PI. vol. 1. p. 178. Bart. Prod. Fl. Ph. p. 29. Coxe, Am. Disp. ed. 3. p. 284. Ait. Hort. Kew. ed.
2, vol. 1. p. 327.

CONVOLVULUS.
Gen. Plant. 287.

Caps. 2-3-locularis. Cor. Campanulata, 5-plicata.

Stigm. 2 fUiformia. Cal. nudus aut bibracteatus.

Nat. Syst. Juss. Convolvuli. ClassisVlH. Ordo IX-

250

Convolvulus Panduratus.

Coirroi:.vPLirs, T. L. * Liseron Calix 5-partitus. Corolla campanulata aut rarius infundlbuliformis, Mmbo
5-plicato saepius integro angulato, angulis acutis aut dentatis. Stamina inxqualia, filamentis ap-
proximates. Germen glandulae hypogynae semi-immersum ; stylus 1 ; stigma 2-fidum. Capsula
saepe 3-locularis, rard 24-locularis, loculis 1-2-spermis, quibusdam interdiim abortivis. Herbae
lactescentes, plurimae volubiles ; pedunculi axiUares aut terminales, 1-flori 2-bracteati, aut multi-
Hori. Species paucissimae fructiculosae. Juss. Gen. Plant, p. 134.

Nat. Ord. Vent. Convolvulacex.

Jfat. Ord. Lin. Campanacea.

Classis Pentandria. Ordo Monogyrda.

Gen. Ch. Cal. perianth five-cleft. Cor. monopetalous, bell-shaped or funnel-shaped, plaited ; border
generally spreading, more or less five-lobed. Stam. filaments five, awl-shaped, shorter than the
corolla, approximating at the base. Fist, germ superior, roundish j stile filiform ; stigma sim-
ple or bifid. Peric. capsule surrounded by the calix, roundish ; one, two, three, or four-celled ;
one, two, three, four, or many-valved. Seeds one or two in each cell.

Ess. Ch. Five-cleft. Corolla bell or funnel-shaped. Stigmas one or two. Pericarp a capsule, or dry
berry. Seeds one or two in each cell.

Obs. Authors often call the calix five-leaved, when it is very deeply five-cleft. Ency.

Convolvulus panduratus, volubilis, pubescens ; foliis lato-cordatis integris lobatisve panduriformibus, pe-
dunculis longis, floribus fasciculatis, calicibus glabris muticis, corollis subulato-campanulatis.

SYNONYMA.

Convolvulus megalorhizus. Dill. Elth.

C. foliis cordatis integris panduriformibus, calicibus Isevibus. Sp. PI. 219.

C. fohis inferioribus cordatis, superioribus trilobis, cahcibus pedunculis petiolisque glabris, caule
rubescente. Gron. Virg. 141.

Pharm. Convolvuli pandurati. Radix.

Convolvulus panduratus.

25i

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR,

Radix perennis, elongata, cyllndrica. Caulis herbaceus volubilis, pubescens, teres. Folia longe petlo-
lata, lato-cordata seu lobata, lobis rotundatis obsoletloribus, Integra acuminata. Pedunculi folio
longiores, teretes. Flores fasiculati. Corolla magna campanulata, alba, fundo rubro-purpuras-
cente. Bractae vix ullae, sed saepe squamae 2 obsolete. Stamina longitudine tubi, alba. Pistil-
lum album, vix longitudine staminum ; stigma capitatmn, album. Habitat in arenosis arvisj
florens Junio et Julio. Bart. FI. Pli. MS.

The genus Convolvulus, (so called a convolvendo^ because
many of the species are twining) contains a vast number of species^
of which about sixteen are natives of this country. The one
under present notice, derives its specific appellation from the shape
of its leaves, which are frequently panduriform, or fiddle>shaped.

The root is perennial, very large, cylindrical, and full of longi-
tudinal fissures. It is generally about the thickness represented in
the plate, and about two or three feet long, branched at the bottom ;
of a yellow-ochre colour. I have seen specimens, however, of
greater dimensions. The stem is twining, often procumbent on the
earth, and not unfrequently climbing round fence-posts. It is round,
of a greenish-purple colour. The leaves are broad, heart-shaped,
entire, lobed, panduriform, somewhat acuminate, (deep green
above and lighter underneath) situated on long petioles. Flowers

252

Convolvulus panduratus.

in fascicles ; calix smooth, awnless, corolla subulate-campanulate,
white, with the tube purplish-red at the base, both externally and
within. The peduncles and petioles have a common origin, and
are arranged in pairs. The flower-buds are of a purplish-red hue
at first, and when further advanced, are straw-colour. The plant
flowers from June to August. It will be found every where in
sandy fields, and by fences, from Canada to Florida.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.

The root of this plant, in larger doses than jalap, is mildly ca-
thartic. Its operation is somewhat like that of rhubarb. But it
has not obtained a place in the American dispensatories, for its
cathartic property ; and, it must be confessed, it is doubtful whe-
ther it possesses this virtue to any such extent, or in any such pe-
cuhar manner, as to entitle it to particular notice on this account.
It is for its reputed power as an antilithic, that I have introduced it
here. The plant has certainly acquired no inconsiderable repute,
as a remedy for calculous affections. A decoction is said to have
been used with great success, by a physician of New Jersey,* who

* Dr. Harris— see Barton’s Collections.

Convolvulus panduratus.

S53

was enabled, by its use, to pass calculous granulse with facility. It
appears also, that in Virginia, and some other parts of the United,
States, the root of this plant, taken either in powder or decoc-
tion, has been recommended in cases of gravel.^ Perhaps it
is diuretic. Hitherto it has received but little attention among re-
gular practitioners of medicine. It has, however, been employed
among empirics, but for what purpose it is not easy to learn. I
have seen it collected for their use, but, as may be supposed, any
enquiries as to the object for which it was procured, resulted in no
certain information. The constant habit of secrecy observed by
these impostors, screens from the view of the profession, occa-
sionally, active and useful articles. Of the medical virtues of the
plant in question, I know nothing from experience, having never
used it in any form.

Shoepf informs us that it grows plentifully round Bethlehem,
(Penn.) where its root is collected and sold for Mechoacanna, and
that it has the same virtues and appearance as that article.!

* Barton’s Collections.

f Mat. Med. Am. p. 21.

VOL. I,

33

Convolvulus panduratus.

TABLE XXIII,

A representation of a portion of Convolvulus, with a portion of
the root, of its common size. The whole of the root is
buried under the ground.

I

If

>/

im

(

SABBATIA ANGULARIS.

CENTAUEY.

American Centauiy. Centoiy. Centiy. Angular-stalked Sabbatia.

Gmn. Eckige Chironie. (Willd.)

Sabbatia angularis, Adanson, Farad. Lond. t. 32. L. Sp. PI. 272. Houttuyn Pfl. Syst. 5 p. 701. Willd,
Sp. PI. tom. 1. p. 1067. Shoepf, Mat. Med. Am. p. 27. Pursh, FI. Am. Sep. vol. 1. p. 137.
Barton’s Collections, part 2. p. 15. Mich. Fl. Boreali-Am. vol. 1. p. 146. Pers. Syn. PI. vol. 1.
p. 282. Thatch. Disp. ed. 2d. p. 180. Coxe Disp. ed. 3d. p. 259. Bart. Prod. FI. Ph. p. 32.
Muld. Cat. PI. Am. Sep. 23.

SABBATIA.

Adanson. Farad. Lond. t. 32.

Caps. 1-locularis. Cor. tubo urceolato, limbo 5-12-partito. Stigm. 2-partitum ; laciniis spiralibus. Anth.
demum revoliita.

Nat. Syst. Juss. Gentiarue. Classis VIII. Ordo XIII.

Nat. Ord. Lin. Rosacex.

Classis Pentandria, Ordo Monogynia. Lin. Syst.

Gen. Ch. Cal. Perianth onedeafed, five-cleft, erect, permanent ; segments oblong, acute. Cor. mono-
petalous, salver-shaped, or almost wheel-shaped, regular ; tube scarcely longer than the calix ;
border five-cleft, spreading; segments egg-shaped, open. Siam. Filaments five, short, attached

a56

Sabbatia angularis.

to the tip of the tube : antliers oblong, erect, converging, spirally twisted after shedding the pol-
len. Germ superior, egg-shaped ; style filiform, a little longer than the stamens, decline

ing ; stigma capitate, ascending, Fenc. Capsule or berry egg-shaped, two-celled. Lin. Smith
(one-celled ; Lam. Gsert.) valves inflexed. Smith. Seeds numerous, small, attached to the sides
of the receptacle.

Ess. Ch. Corolla salver-shaped. Stamens inserted into the tube ; anthers finally becoming spiral.
Style declining. Pericarp superior, two-celled ; valves inflexed. Smith.

Ohs. In some of the species the anthers have not been observed to become spiral.

Sabbatia angularis, erecta ; foliis ovatis araplexlcaulibus, pedunculis elongato-corymbosis, calice corollae
semibreviores, laciniis lanceolatis, caule marginato-quadrangulo. Pursh. Fl. Am,,

SYNONYMA.

Chibonia herbacea, caule acutangulo, foliis ovatis amplexicaulibus* Sp. PI.
Chibonia angularis. WlUd. Sp. PI. Mich. Muh. &c.

Pharm. Sabbatiae angularis herba.

Qual. Aromatica, amara.

Usus. Infusum in febribus.

DESCRIPTIO UBERIOR.

Facies Chironise Centaurii. Caulis pedalis, tetragonus : alls membranaceis. Folia ovata (acuta) opposita,
sessilia et semi-amplexicaulia. Flores congest!, ut in Hyperico ; anther* spirales ; stylus bifidus.

Willd. Sp. PI,

The subject of this article is a very elegant plant. It is uni-
versally known by the different names enumerated above, through-

Sabbatia angularis. S57

out the United States, and itds no less valued for its medicinal vir-
tues than admired for its beauty.

The root is annual ; it consists of a few thick yellowish-white
fibres, and sends up a single stem (rarely two) simple below, but
very much and regularly branched above. The stem is herbaceous,
from one foot to eighteen inches high, smooth, four-sided, with
membranous wings at the angles. The branches are axillary, and
of a similar structure. The leaves are opposite, ovate, acute, close-
ly sessile, or nearly amplexicaule, three nerved. They vary, how-
ever, in being longer and narrower. The flowers are very nume-
rous, growing at the extremities of the branehes, in numbers from
two to five ; are of a beautiful rose-red colour above, much paler
and nearly white in the centre underneath, which gives to the buds
a white appearance. In the centre of the corolla there is a defined,
pentangular star, of a rich yellow colour, bordered with green. The
petals are obovate, and vary in being narrower, sometimes nearly
lanceolate-obtuse. The calix consists of five narrow acute, or al-
most subulate segments, little more than half the length of the co-
rolla. The anthers are spiral, of a rich yellow colour. The plant
is in full flower in July.

Sabbatia angularis is a common plant, being extensively dis-
tributed throughout the Union, It is most frequently found in low

258

Sabbatia angularis.

meadow grounds, but not uncommonly on hills, and in neglected
fields. It grows abundantly in the swampy grounds near Woodbury,
New Jersey, and on the high banks of the Schuylkill, and hilly fields,
on the Woodlands, near this city. In the months of August and Sep-
tember, it is brought in vast quantities to our market, by the Jersey
people, and those who come from the neighbourhood of West-
chester (twenty miles from Philadelphia). Near the latter place I
have been informed by the market people, it grows in great profu-
sion ; and indeed this is evident from the quantities they bring of it
for sale. Though the centaury is so much esteemed, and so uni-
versally purchased, it is vended in large bunches at six cents each,
owing to the abundance.

MEDICAL PROPERTIES.

Centaury, like nearly all of the very natural family of Gentianje,
to which the genus belongs, is an intense bitter, every part of the
plant equally partaking of this quality.

Sabbatia angularis.

359

It is justly held in estimation as a valuable tonic bitter ; and
for this property it has received a place in this work. It seems to
differ from the Chironia centaurium, or Lesser-Centaury of Europe,
in the circumstance of the flowers, as well as the other parts of the
plant, being intensely bitter. In every other respect it is very
similar, and equally deserving of extensive use. It has been very
generally administered in febrile diseases throughout the United
States, by regular practitioners ; it is also much used in domestic
practice, as a prophylactic against autumnal fevers. The late Dr,
Barton says it “ was much employed in the year 1793, in certain
stages of yellow fever and the doctor was af opinion that it
was often used with much benefit.*

On the whole, Centaury may be confidently recommended,
for its pure bitter, tonic and stomachic virtues. It ought to have
a place in all the apothecaries’ shops of our country. It readily
yields its active virtues to aqueous and spiritou|- menstrua. But
the infusion, taken cold, is the most common method of using
the medicine. It may also be given in powder, but not, I think,
so advantageously. Perhaps an extract would be an useful prepa-
ration in some diseases this mode of using the plant might have
a just preference to the infusion. I have often prescribed the in-
fusion and spiritous tincture, and have taken both myself. From

* Collections for a Materia Medica of the United States.

S60

Sabbatia angularis.

experience, therefore, I can state, that the plant affords a grateful
and efficacious tonic bitter, quite equal to the European plant,
and much more readily procured. Indeed it is doubtful whe-
ther the Lesser-Centaury can be procured any where in our shops,
in sufficient abundance to be extensively used j whereas the plant
under notice is within the reach of every one.

Sahhatia angularis.

261

TABLE XXIV.

Fig. 1. Represents the upper portion of Sabbatia angularis, of the
size of nature.

2. Front view of a separated flower.

8. The calix and pistil.

4. Back view of a separated flower, shewing the calix and

under side of the corolla.

5. A stamen.

6. The pistil.

The flowers are not unfrequently of the size of the smallest
ones represented in this drawing ; but in specimens
taken from favourable situations they are as large as
figured.

VOL. I.

34

j

APPENDIX.

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF EUPHORBIA IPECACUANHA *

Four drachms of powdered Euphorbia were digested in four
ounces of Alcohol, specific gravity 827, for the space of ninety-six
hours, half of which time it was exposed to a heat between ninety
and a hundred degrees of Farenheit’s thermometer. At the expira-
tion of this time, the alcohol had acquired a pale lemon colour,
which disappeared on the addition of a few drops of nitric acid,
without producing any other phenomenon than the evolution of a
peculiar etherial odour. On the addition of water, slight floculi
appeared, so minute as to elude chemical examination ; they were

* This analysis was made by Mr. Cullen, chemist, of this city ; a gentleman
every way qualified for such investigations. It is extracted from the Thesis of Mr.
Royal, a graduate in our University.

264 Chemical analysis of Euphorbia Ipecacuanha.

redissolved on the addition of aleohol. To another portion of this
alcoholic solution, tincture of galls was added, with no other effect
than changing its colour to a dark brown. A separate portion was
tested by a solution of gelatine, which produced no change what-
ever in its sensible or chemical properties. The non-existence of
cinchonin or tannin, being thus ascertained, the remaining tincture
was submitted to distillation in an alembic, placed in a water-bath,
saturated with muriate of soda. On the application of heat there
ascended a small quantity of pure alcohol. On an elevation of
temperature, there came over a dark brown fluid, bearing a striking
analogy in smell and colour, to highly rectified oil of amber ; the
residuum, when hot, was of the consistence of tar ; but on cooling,
assumed a concrete form, extremely brittle, and when broken, of a
glassy fracture, not unlike kino.

A small quantity of this extract was subjected to distillation,
and afforded carburetted hydrogen and carbonic acid. On another
portion of the extract, distilled water was boiled until it formed a
brown turbid mixture, which deposited, on cooling, small shining
molecules, that resisted the successive action of highly concentrated
ether and alcohol ^ but were converted into oxalic acid on the af-
fusion of nitric acid.

There resides, therefore, in the Euphorbia Ipecacuanha, a
colouring principle, soluble in alcohol, and insoluble in water 5

Chemical analysis of Euphorbia Ipecacuanha. 265

forming with nitric acid oxalic acid, and a peculiar odorant princi-
ple. That it contains resin, may be concluded from water precipi-
tating the alcoholic solution, and alcohol redissolving the precipi-
tate ; and, from the quantity of carburetted hydrogen it evolves
when heated, that its emetic matter differs from that found in the
Callicocca Ipecacuanha, by the French chemists (Messrs. Pelletier
and Magendie), may be inferred by its not forming a precipitate with
the gallic acid, which the other does abunda! tly, nor is its emetic
principle as soluble in acetic acid, as that of the Callicocca ipecacu-
anha.

To ascertain further its constituent principles, the following
experiments were instituted: Four ounces of Euphorbia, finely
powdered, were infused in six ounces of distilled vinegar, specific
gravity 1300.5, water taken at 1000 ; in 72 hours the vinegar had
acquired an increase of fifteen grains in specific gravity, and a light
straw colour, which remained permanent notwithstanding nitric acid
had been poured on it. To be certain that no mistake had been
committed in weighing the vinegar, the residuum, insoluble in
acetous acid, was carefully dried ; when its loss was found to be in
exact ratio to the increased specific gravity of the solution.

All the experiments performed on the alcoholic solution were
repeated, and attended with similar results, except that a quantity of
mucilage was precipitated by the super acetate of lead.

266 Chemical analysis of Euphorbia Ipecacuanha.

In another experiment six drachms of Euphorbia coarsely
powdered were infused in eight ounces of distilled water for the
space of two days, and afterwards boiled for four hours ; the decoc-
tion was mucilaginous, and of a light brown colour, possessing an
odour resembling oat-meal. It afforded similar products with the
preceding ; and was not precipitated or altered in appearance by a
solution of tartar emetic, nitrate of potash, or a watry solution of
opium.

Iodine produced a copious blue precipitate ; thereby indicating
the presence of starch, which precipitate was collected on the filter,
in the form of loduret of starch.

INDEX

TO THE

SYSTEMATIC NAMES AND SYNONYMS.

The synonyms are in Italics.

A

Anthemis cotula,

Aster annuus,
Asclepias tuberosa,
Asclepias decumbens,

c

Chimapbila umbellata,
Cornus florida, -
Cornus sericea,

Cassia Marilandica,

- page 161

- 231
239

- ib.

Comptonia asplenifolia,
Convolvulus panduratus,
Chirania augularis^ -

D

Dracontium fcetidum^

17

44

115

137

E

Euphorbia Ipecacuanha,
Erigeron Philadelphicum,
Erigeron heterophyllum

page 221
249
- 255,

123

- 211
227
- 231

S68

Index to the systematic names and synonyms.

G

P

Gillenia trifoliata,
Gillenia stipulacea, -
Geranium maculatum, -
Gaultheria procumbens,

page 65

- 71
149

- 171

Pyrola umbellata^ -
Pothos foetida, -
Prinos verticillatus,

s

L

Liriodendron tulipifera,
Lobelia inflata,

Liquidumbar asplenifolium, -

Sanguinaria Canadensis,
Spiraea trifoliata^

Spiraea stipulacea, -
Symplocarpus fcetida,
Symplocarpus angustispatha,
Sabbatia angularis,

- 91
181

- 221

M

T

Magnolia glauca,

77 Triosteum perfoliatum,

17

123

203

31

65

71

123

133

255

59

INDEX

TO THE

ENGLISH AND VULGAR NAMES.

A

Box-tree, . . -

. 43

Bastard Ipecacuanha,

59

American Red-rod Cornel,

- page 115

Beaumont-root,

- 65

American Senna,

. 137

Bowman’s-root,

ib.

Alum.root,

149

Beaver-tree,

- 77

American Ipecacuanha,

. 203

Beaver-wood, -

77

American Centaury,

255

Blue.berried Cornus,

- 115

Angular-stalked Sabbatia, .

ib.

Blue-berried Dogwood, -

ib.

American Poplar, -

ib.

Byorn-blad,

. 123

American Tulip-tree,

ib.

Byom-retter,

ib.

Berried-tea,

- 171

B

Bladder.podded Lobelia,

181

Black-Alder,

- 203

Blood-root,

31

Butterfly.weed,

239

VOL. I.

35

270

Index to the English and vulgar names.

C

Cfnque,

Castor-wood,

Cypress-tree,

Cow-collard,

Crow-foot,

Cussada,

Centaury,

Centory,

D

Dogwood,

Dog-tree, -
Dropwort,

Dog’s Fennel,
Deer.berries, -

E

Elk bark, -
Ellebore
Emetic-weed,
Eye-bright,

F

Florid Dogwood, -

2

Fever-wort,

Fever-root,

page 59

- 77
91

- 123
149

- 249
255

False Ipecacuanha,
Female Dogwood, -
Flux-weed,

Fiddle-leaved bind-weed,

G

ib.

43
. lb.

Ground Holly, -
Great-flowered Dogwood,
Gentian,

Grouse. berry,

Ground. Ivy,

65

161

171

- 77

123
. 181

Herb de Paigne,
L’Herb a Pisser,
Hellebore, -
Hog-Potatoe, -

ib.

Indian P^t,
Ipecacuanha,
Ipecacuan,

Indian Hippo, -

H

I

- page 59
. 59

ib.
. 115

239
. 249

- ir.iri

. 43

59
. 171
ib.

17

ib.

123

249

31

65

ib.

ib.

Index to the English and vulgar names.

an

Indian Physic, - . - page 65

Indian Bark, - - -77

Itch-weed, ... 123

Irish Cabbage, - - - ib.

Indian Tobacco, . . 181

Ipecacuanha Spurge, . - 203

K

Kassauder, - . > 249

L

Large.flowered Cornel, » ,43

Lyre-tree of America - - 91

M

Male Virginian Dogwood, - - 43

Meadow-sweet, - - - 65

Maryland Cassia, - - 137

May-weed, - - - 161

May-flower, - - - ib.

Mathen, - - - . ib.

Mountain-Tea, - - - 171

Mecoacanna . 249

Mechameck, - - - ib.

N

New-England Box-wood, - page 43
New-England Dogwood, , 115

Narrow-spathed Skunk-Cabbage, - 133

o

Old Wife’s Shirt, - - - 91

Orange Apocynum, - - 239

P

Pippsissewa, - - - 17

Puccoon, - - - 31

Perfoliate Fever-root, - ,59

Poplar, - - - - 91

Polecat- weed, . - - 123

Poke, - - - - ib.

Polecat collard, , , _ if,.

Purple Skunk Cabbage, - - 133

Partridge-berry, - - - 1 71

Philadelphia Flea-bane, - - 227

Pleurisy-root, . , , 239

373

Index to the English and vulgar names.

R

Rheumatism-weed,

• page 17

Red-root, -

- 31

Red-flowered Fever- root.

59

Red-willow,

- 115

Rose-willow,

ib.

Racine a Bequet,

- 149

s

Sweet-bitter,

59

Small-flowered Indian Physic,

71

Small Magnolia,

- 77

Swamp-Sassafrass,

ib.

Sweet-flowering Bay,

ib.

Sweet Magnolia,

T ib.

Sweet-Bay,

ib.

Swamp Dogwood,

115

Silky-leaved Dogwood,

ib.

Skunk Cabbage, -

123

Swamp Cabbage, -

ib.

Skunk-weed,

ib.

Stinking pothos.

ib.

Senna, - - -

137

Spotted Crane’s-bill,

- 149

Stinking Cammomile,

161

Spice-berry,

- 171

Sweet Fern,

- page 221

Sweet Ferry,

- ib.

Sweet Fern Bush,

ib.

Spleenwort-leaved Gale,

ib.

Shrubby Sweet Fern, -

ib.

Scabious, - - -

- 227

Skevish,

ib.

Sweet Scabious,

- 231

T

Turmeric, - - -

- 31

Tinkers’-weed, -

59

Three-leaved Spiraea,

- 65

Tulip-tree,

91

Tulip-bearing Poplar,

ib.

Tea-berry,

171

Trailing Gaultheria,

ib.

Tea-berries,

171

V

Virginian Winter-berry,

- 203

Various-leaved Flea-bane,

231

w

Winter-green,

17— 171

Index to the English and vulgar names.

273

Wild Coffee, - - - page 59

White Gentian, - - - ib.

White Bay, - ~ - 77

White Laurel, - . . ib.

Wild Senna, - - - 137

Wild Chammomile, - - 161

Wild Tobacco, - - - 181

Winter-berry, ... 203

Whorled Winter-beny", - - ib.

Wild Ipecac,

ib.

White-root,

239

Wind-root,

ib.

Wild Rhubarb, -

249

Wild Potatoe Vine,

. ib.

Y

Yellow Poplar,

- 91

END OF VOL.

TO SUBSCRIBERS.

IN consequence of a hasty reading of some of the proof
sheets of Numbers 1 and 2, and a neglect to see revises till cor-
rect, a number of the errors of the first proof have been left
standing, which were not detected until more than half the im-
pression was worked off. Most of them, however, have been no-
ticed on the covers of the numbers, and the Subscribers are
requested to correct them before the covers are thrown away, in
binding the volume.

In No. 3, page 185, line 4, from the top, for perfoliatum, read
perforatum.

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