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PLATE

I., loltnson . Del.

PODOPHYLLUM PELTATUM.

H. HKKf'Kr-

Plate I — {Front'/iipwrf.) Podophyllum peltatum.

Fig. 1.— Flowering stem and rhizomt', natural size.
Fig. 2. — Pistil and stamen, natural size.
Fio. 3. — Fruit, half grown.

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■*••

Decembkk

MANUAL

OF THE

MEDICAL P)OTx\NY OF ^■ORTH AMERICA

BT

LAURENCE JOHNSON, A.M., M.I).,

LECTtrnER ON MEDICAL nOTANY. MEDICAL DKI'aRTMENT OF THE. rNIVEIlSITY OP THE CirY OF NEW

tohk: fellow op the new york academy of medicine, and of the new youk acad-
emy OF sciences ; member of the committee of revision of the PHARMACOI'CLIA
OF THE UNITED STATES, MEMBER OF THE TORItEY BOT.. MICL CLUB, ETC.

NEW YORK
WILLIAM WOOD S: COMPANY

56 & 58 Lafayette Place
18S4

COPTRIOHT, 1884,
By WILLIAM .,00D & COMPANy

TBOWQ

PnrNTINQ AND BOOKBINOINC COMPMn,

NE* VOBK.

PBEFACE.

Fob many years medical botany lias had no place in most Ameri-
can medical schools; and no text-book on the subject has issued from
the American press during a generation.

As a result of this neglect, I believe that vegetable materia mediea
is taught at a great disadvantage, and often imperfectly. Plants bear
lelations to each other no less definite than those of the chemical com-
pounds of inorganic substances ; and a knowledge of these relations
should, in my opinion, precede all attempts at classilication of plants
as therapeutic agents.

furthermore, much of the credulity evinced regarding so-called
new reined ies of vegetable origin is directly traceable to ignoi-ance of
plantb in general, and of their relations to each otlicr. Let the most
extravagant assertions be made concerning the therapeutic activity of
any hitherto unused ])lant — or of one used and long- forgotten — and ex-
perimenters immediately busy themselves Avith it, no matter if other
closely allied species arc known to be inert. And yet, the different
species of a genua are so closely related that when one is demonstrably
useless, as a rule, wc need not expect much from the others.

As a teacher of medical botany I have been much embarrassed by
the want of a text-book suited to the needs of American students — one
combining a brief sketch of general botany Mith descriptions of medi-
cinal plants — and, in this volume, have endeavored to supply that want.

In the first part, or Elements of Botany, I have sketched the life-
history of plants from germination to reproduction, explaining the
technical terms commonly employed in botanical descriptions and the
plan of classification in general use at the present day.

IV PREFACE.

In tlie 800011(1 part, or ^fodicinal Plants of North Amorioa. I have
presented a sjHtoinatic arranf^eniont and description of most of the
medicinal sjieoies, hoth indigenous and n; 'iii'alizod, whicii grow upon
this continent. 1 liave not, however, endeavored to make the list
complete, hut ratlior to exercise a judicious discrimination in selecting
the most important. Very nmny species have heen noticed merolj to
condeirni them ; still these often serve a useful ptn-pose as examples of
orders or genera.

I'lider the title, CharcwUr of the Oi'<lct\ ai'o given the prominent
and characteiistic features of the order as a whole; and under the
title, Character of the Genus, the distinguishing characteristics of the
gemis. In case only a single species of a ;.'cnns is descrihed, the chai'-
acter of the latter is omitted.

Following the Deserijition of a species are its llahitat, or place of
growth, the Part used medicinally. Constituents, Prejxirations, and
a brief account of its Medical Projpertles and Uses.

The M'ords, United States Phar'mac,o])a'ia, following the names of
parts used, or of preparations, signify that such parts or prcjtarations
are oflRcial ; and official, throughout the work, signifies directed by the
Pharmacopcein,, the only recognized authority.

Everywhere brevity and conciseness have been aimed at, but no-
where more than in the notes upon the medical properties and uses.
Here I have paid little attention to traditiojis, except when I could
trace them to a substantial foundation, believing that, in such matters,
a judicious scepticism is wiser than blind credulity. In general, I have
summarized the opinions of authors whom I consider most reliabloj
and have also drawn freely from the records of my own experience
and observation.

In the botanical part of the volume, I have followed no author ex-
clusively. Among those whoso works I have most frequently con-
sulted are Baillon, Barton, Bentham, Bontley and Ti-imen, Bigelow,
Chapman, Figuior, Gray, Griffith, Lindley, Michaux, Porcher, Pursh,
Ilafinesque, Torrey and Gray, and Woodville. I scarcely i. ?ed add
that I have had constant access to specimens, both recent and dried ; the
latter either in my own herbarium or in that of Columbia College.

The colored plates and a fe.w of the illustrations on wood are from

PREFACE.

my own draM-ings and pliotograplis ; but for most of the wood-cuts I
am indebted to Baillon [I[idol,'e des Plantcs), Figiiier {HlHtoire (/cm
P/anfes), and Woodvillo {ILdical Bofan>/\ Those of (Jleinat'iH Yli-
ijiniana and Anemone 2^(itcns, var. AnttalUana, were kindly plaeed
at my disposal by Professor J. U. and JMr. C. (1. J.loyd {Drugs an J
Medicines of North Anterica, now in course of publication).

To my friend Dr. N. L. liritton, of Columbia College, T am mucli
indebted for valuable suggesticms, and for affording me every assist-
ance r/3quired in consulting the extensive herbarimn of that institution :
and to my friends Dr. Thomas F. AVood, Wilmington, X. C, and Dr.
II. II. Ilu.sby, Detroit, Mich., I extend my thanks for recent specimens
recpiired to illustrate the Mork.

L. J.
333 West 27Tir St., Xew Yokk.

December, 1884.

CONTENTS.

Intkoduction \^ ' ''*°f

General Privciples of Veoktarle Guowth and RKi-RontirTioN 2

The Roo*, 4 ; Functions of Roots, 8 ; The Stem mid branches, !) ; Functions
of the Stem iiii.l Branches, l(i : Bu.ls and Leaves, 17 ; Functions of the
Leaves, 24 ; TJio Flower, 25 ; Funptions of tlie Flower, ;J8 ; The Fruit,
40 ; Tlie Seed, 44 ; Classification of Plants, 40.

Glossary or Dictionary of Botanical Terms 49

MEDICINAL PLANTS OF NORTH AMERICA.
PIL-ENOGAMOrs OR FLOWERIKG PLAKTS.

CLASS L —DICOTYLEDONOUS OR EXOGENOUS PLANTS.
Division I— Polypetalous Exogenous Plants.

RANUNCULACEilS ^^

Clematis-Virgin's-Bower. 58 ; Anemone -VVind-Flower, 59 ; Hepatica-Liv-
envort, «1 ; Ranunculus-Crowfoot, Buttercup, (il ; Coptis, 64 ; Hydras-
tis, 64 ; Xanthorhiza, 66 ; Act;ea— Baneberry, 09.

Maonoliace/e

71

Magnolia, 71 ; Liriodendl-on, 73.
MENIKPERMACE/E

Menispermum— Moonseed, 75.

Berreridace.i?

Berberis -Barberry, 76 ; Caulophyllum-Blue Cohosl.', 78 ;" 'jeffersonia'-Twin-
Leaf, 79 ; Podophyllum— May-Apple, 80.

NYMPn^ACK^E „j,

NymphnBa— Water-Lily, 83.

Sarraceniaoe/E

„ . X,. , ' 84

Sarracenia— Pitcher-Plant, 84.

Papaverace.i;: ^a

Sanguuiana-Bloodroot, 86; Chelidonium -Celandine, 88.

Vlll CONTENTS.

I'AdK
FUMAHlAf'R.T.; ; 8S)

DictMitra, 8!) ; Funiuiiii--Fumitory, 'JO.

CitucTPEK/i'; 93

Nasturtium, IW ; Brassica — Hinapis, !)■") ; Capsella, itii.

Vroi.ACE.K !)7

Viola— Violet, 08.

ClSTACK.K !)!)

Ileliantliemum — Ilock Rose, 100.

DUOSEHACnC/K 1 loi

Drosera— Simdow, 101.

IlYPEniCAC'E.K 10'^

Ilyporiciun — St. John's Wort, 103.

Cauyoimiyi.lace.k 10!J

Saponaria— Soapwort, 103 ; Sileuo— Catch Fly, 104.
Mat-vacE/K 104

Althpea— Marsh-Mallow, 105; Miilva— Mallow, 100 ; Gossypium— Cotton, 107.

LiNACE/K 108

Linnm — Flax, 109.

GeraniacE/K 110

Goraniuni, 110; Oxalis— Wood-Sorrel, 114.

RUTACE/K IIT)

Xanthoxyhun -Prickly Ash, 115; Ptolea -Shrubby Trefoil, IIG.

Anacaudiace/e 117

Rhus— Sumao, 117.

RlIAMNACE/E 123

Rhaiunus— Biu'kthorn, 133; Ceanothus — Now Jersey Tea, 12:5.
Cei,astu.\ce.« 134

Celastrus — Staff Tree, 124 ; Euonymus— Spindle Tree, 125.
SapintiacE/K 120

.flisculus — Horse-Chestnut, Buckeye, 120.
POLYCALACEyE 128

Polygala— Milkwort, 128.

Leguminos.e 130

Papilioiiacea?, 180; Melilotus— Melilot, 130; Psoraleii, 131 ; Robini it — Locust
Tree, 133 ; Teplirosia — Hoary Pea, 133 ; Baptisia — False ludigo, 133 ;
Cassia-rSenna, i34.

ROSAOE/K 135

Amygdalra), 135; Prunus— Plum and Clierry, 135; Rosacere, 137; Spirnea —
Meadow-Sweet, 137; Gillenia— Indian Physic, 138; Agrimonia— Agri-
mony, 13fl ; Genr.i — Avens, 140; Potentilla — Cinque-Foil, 140 ; Rubus —
Bramble, 141.

S-VXlFRAOACEvE 143

IlydrangetB, 143 ; Hydrangea, 143 ; Saxifragea>, 144 ; Heuchera — Alum-Root,
144.

Hama^iei.ac E.E 144

Hamamelis— Witch-Hazel, 145; Lquidambar -Sweet Gum Tree, 140.

CONTENTS. IX

PAOK
0XAORArK.T5 148

Epilobium— Willow Herb, 148 ; Oiinothfra— Evening Primrose, 148.

Umbkllifeu^ 14!)

Sanicula— Sanicle. 150; Eryngium— Eryngo, loO ; Dauciis— Carrot, ITil ; Ile-
racleiun— Cow-Parsnip, 152 ; Arcliangeliea, 153; Cicuta — Wator-IIuiulock,
513 ; Coniiim— Poison Hemlock, 154.

AUAMACE-'E !<'>•»

Aralia, 155. '

CoiiN ACK.W 1 58

Cor-.us — Cornel, Dogwood, 158.

Division II. — Monopetalotjs Exooenous Plants.

Capuifoltace.e IGl

Diervilla — nush-TToneysuckle, 1(12 ; Triostoum — Feverwort, 102 ; Sambucns —
Elder, Hi;j ; Viburnum — Arrow-wood, 1U3.

RUWACE/E 1G7

Galium— Bodstraw,Clcavers, 1G7 ; Ceidialanthus— Button-Bush, 1(58 ; Mitcli-
ella— Partridge-Berry, KJS.

COMPOSIT/K ■ Ki!)

Liatris— Button Snakeroot, 170 ;Eui)atoriuni — Thorougliwort, 172 ; Tussilago —
Coltsfoot, 17;} ; Erigeron — Fleabane, 174 ; Solidago — Golden-Rod, 175 ;
Grindelia, 170 ; Inula— Elecamjiane, 177 ; Ambrosia— Rag-Weed, 178;
Ilelianthus — Sunflower, 17!) ; Helenia — Sneeze-Weed, 180; Maruta — May-
Weed, 180; Anthemis— Chamomile, 181 ; Achillea — Y.irrow, 181 ; Tan-
acetum — Tansy, 182 ; Artemisia — Wormwood, 183 ; (Inaplialium — Cud-
Weed, 183; Ereclithites — Fire-Weed, 184; Senecio— Groundsel, 184;
Lappa — Burdock, 185 ; Cichorium — Chicory, 180 ; llieraeium — Hawk-
Weed, 187 ; Nabalus — Rattlesnake-Root, 187 ; Taraxacum — Dandelion,
188.

LOBKLIACE/K 188

Lobelia, 189.

Erkack.e 190

Vacciniea; — Ericineic— Pyrolere — Monotropene, 190 ; Sub-order Ericineaj, 191 ;
Arctostapliylos— Bearherry, 191 ; Epig;ea — Trailing Arbutus, 192 ; Gaul-
tlieria — Aromatic Wintergreen, 192 ; Andromeda, 193 ; Oxydendron —
Sorrel Tree, 194 ; K.almia— American Laurel, 194 ; Ledum — Labrador
Tea, 190 ; Chimaphila— rii)sissew.a, 197.

AqXTIFOLTACEyK 197

Ilex— Holly, 198.

ElJENACEyE 199

Diospyros — Persimmon, 199.

Plumhaginace^: 200

Statice — Marsh -Rosemary, 200.

BiGNONIACE/E , 201

Bigiionia, 201 ; Catalpa, 201.

OPOnANCHAOE.E , 202

Epiphegus— Beech-Drops, 202 ; Conopholis— Cancer-Root, 203 ; Aphylloii—
Naked Broom-Rape.

i

X CONTENTS.

VAOE

SCBOPIIULAniACR/K 203

Verbasciim— Miilloin, ?04 ; Rcroplmlaria— Figwort, 205 ; Chelono — Turtle-
Head, 205 ; Veronica— Speedttoll, 205.

Labiat^k 207

Teucriura — Germander, 207 ; Mentha— Mint, 207; Lycopus— Water Ilore-
hound, 20!); Cunila— Dittany, 210; Pycnantlieniuni— Mountain Mint,
210 ; Iledeoniii — Mock Pennyroyal, 211 ; Collinsonia— Horse-Balm, 211 ;
Monarda— Korse Mint, 212 ; Nepeta— Catmint, 212 ; Scutellaria— Skull-
cap, 213 ; Marrubium — Horehound, 214; Leonurus— Motherwort, 215.

CONVOLVULACK/K 215

IponKL'a, 215.

SOLANACE.I-: 216

Solanum — Nightshade, 21(i ; Physalis — Ground Cherry, 217 ; Hyoscyamus —
Henbane, 218 ; Datura, 21!).

Gentianace/K 220

Sabbatia — American Centaury, 221 ; Frasera— American Columbo, 221 ; Gen-
tiana— Gentian, 223 ; Menyanthos— Buckbean, 223.

LOOANIACE/K 224

Golseminm — Yellow Jessamine, 224 ; Spigelia -Pinkroot, 227.

Apocynace/K 228

Asci.EPrADACE^ 22!)

Asclepias — Milkweed, 230.

OleacE/K 231

Fraxinus — Ash, 231.

Division III. — Apetalous Exogenous Plants.

AUI8TOLOCIIIACE.15 233

Asarum — Wild Ginger, 232 ; Aristolochia — Birthwort, 233.

PlI YTOLACCACE/K 234

Phytolacca — Pokeweed, 234.
CUENOPOniACR^ 235

Chenopodium— Goosefoot, Pigweed, 235.

POI4YGONAI E/E 33()

Polygonium — Knotweed, 23G ; Ruraex — Dock, 237.

Lauuace.f, 238

Sassafras, 239 ; Lindera— Spice Bush, 240.

EupiiORiuAC'E^: 240

Euphorbia— Spurge, 241; Stillingia, 243.
Uhticace/k 243

Ulmus— Elm, 243 ; Morns— Mulberry, 244 ; Urtica— Nettle, 244 ; Cannabis—
Hemp, 245 ; Humulus — Hop, 240.
Juolandacea 248

Juglans— Walnut, 248.

CUPULIFEIl/E 249

Quercns — Oak, 249 ; Castanea — Chestnut, 250.

Myuicace/K 250

Myrica — "'.ayberry, 250 ; Comptonia —Sweet-Fern, 253.

CONTENTS.

Zl

•S

■a'

'*>

Betulace.k ^*!:'

Betula— Birch, 253 ; Ahuis— Alder, 253.

Salicace.*: ,

Salix— Willow, 25:$ ; Fopulus— Poplar, 254.

Conipp:i:,k ^^^

Abietinefc, 2r>r> ; Pimi3-Pine, 250; Abies-Spruce, 257; Laiix-Urcli, 259 ■ " '
, Cupre.ssine.-B, 2G0; Thuja-Arbor Vite, 200 ; Juniperns-Juniper' 2G1 •'

Taxus-Yew, 202.

CLASS II.-MONOCOTYLEDOXOUS OR ENDOGENOUS PLANTS.

Au.VCE/K

0(53

Arisasma-LKiian Turnip, 203 ; Symplocarpus-Skuiik Cabbage, 204- Acorus
—Sweet Flag, 204.

Al,IHM.\CE,K

AlLsrua— Water Plantaiu, 205

OaCHIDAC'E.K

Corallorhiza -Coral-Root, 200 ; Cypripedium -Lady's Slipper,' 200.
ILkmodouace.k

Aletris— Star-Grass, 209.
lurn.vcE^E

Iris— Blue Flag, 270.

LiLIACE/K

205
206
209
270

070!

Trillium-Three-leaved Nightshade, 272; Veratrum -False Hell, bore 273 •
Cham.-elirium-Devil's Bit, 274; Convallaria-Li:y of the Valley' "75 •
Polygonatum -Solomon's Seal, 275; Erythronium-Dog's-Tooth Violet,'

CRYPTOGAMOUS OK FLOWERLESS PLANTS.

FiLicEs— Fkuns

I Pol^ium-Polypod;; V77 \ ' A^iikiuum-Maidenhdr;' 277 ;' P^Jn^-Bmke;

278; Asplen.um-Spleenwort, 278 ; Scolopendrium-IIart'sTongue 379-
Aspidmra-Shield-Fern, 279 ; Osmunda-Flowering Fern, 280. '

Lycopodiacr.t;

Lycopodium— Club-Moss, 383. ^^^

277

I

I

ELEMENTS OF BOTANY.

I INTliODUCTIOX.

Botany is the science which treats of the vegetable kirifi^doin.
A science so comprehensive, iuchiding everything which relates to
plants, from the life liistory of those low organisms on the border Hue
between the animal and the vegetable world to that of the giant oak which
endures for centuries, must of necessity be divided for the convenience
of students. Accordingly general botany comprises many well-recognized
departments, one of which, devoted to the history of medicinal plants, is
, known as medical botany.

But medical botany is also a comin'ehensive science, for the list of
plants possessing greater or less medicinal activity is long, and the plants
are, in many instances, so remote and inaccessible that their study is
beset with many difricultios. The obstacles, however, in the way of the
student who would acquire a knowledge of tlie medicinal plants of his
own country are neither numerous nor formidable. Especially is this true
of the medical botan}' of North America ; for tnough this continent, with its
broad extent of territory, varied surface, and extremes of temperature, sup-
■ ■ ports an extensive and interesting flora, the number of medicinal species is
surprisingly small, and these are so distributed as to be generally accessible.
The medical botany of North America, then, treats of all plants grow-
ing on the continent without cultivation which possess, or are supposed
I to possess, medicinal activity. It treats of them as living, organized
I bodies, classifying them according to their structural affinities, and not as
I they are treated of in the Materia Medica, as mere drugs, arranged ac-
I cording to their real or supposed therapeutic effects.

-I It will be seen, liowever, that this classiflcation of plants according to
. their structural affinities may often afford valuable hints as to the thera-
peutic properties of alhed species. As the comparative anatomist and
__ physiologist, kno:\ing the structure and habits of a single animal of a
family, may deduce the habits of an allied species whose structure only is
known, so may the medical botanist, knowing the physiological or thera-
peutic effect of a single species of a genus, draAv a reasonable inference re-
garding the properties of an alhed species iu advance of expeiimentation.

ELEMENTS OF BOTANY.

|M|

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF VEGETABLE GROWTH
AND REPRODUCTION.

A knowledge of the general princii'les of vegeLable life maj' be aeqinrsd
by carefully studying the history of any plant, however humble, from the
germination of its seed upward through the various stages of its develop-
ment to the formation and perfection of its fruit.

Take, as a familiar and often-used illustration, a common garden bean
(Fig. 1). This seed, we know, is capable, under favorable circumstances,

Fui. 1. l''i(}. 2. Fill. 3. I'w. -1.

Fig. 1. — A Uiiin. Fio. 2. — The suinc, with Roed-coat removoil. Fio. 3. — The Banic, with ouu st'od-lcaf re-
move,., showing uinbryo leaves. Fio. 4.— A beiin after germination.

of developing into a plant like its parent, though its external appearance
affoi'ds no hint of such hidden possibilities. Externally it is covered by a
coating of horny hardness, everywhere smooth and glistening save at one
point on its slightly concave side, where it was attached to the pod in
which it grew. This point of former attachment is marked by a scar,
termed the hilum, and, as will be shown later, is strictly analogous to the
umbilical scar of animals.

Removing now this external coating, the seed is seen to comprise two
similar, symmetrical parts, joined bj' a small body of like texture, which is
folded down along their line of apposition (Fig. 2). A more minute mi-
croscropical and chemical examination would demonstrate other features
of interest, biit foreign to our present purpose.

Protected from moisture a bean may be preserved for years without
change, and giving no sign of vitality, but planted in damp earth it speed-
ily undergoes changes which are interesting and instructive. As it absorbs
moisture the external coaling is ruptured, the two parts of the seed sepa-
rate along their margins, and the small body joining them elongates
(Fig. 4). Moreover, this elongation is always in a downward direction,
whatever may be the position of the seed in the gi-ound. There is, how-
ever, growth upwai-d at the same time, and soon the seed appears above

VEGETABLE GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION^.

3

frround, its two parts tliverfirin{^ and oxliibiting between tlicni a bud, which
develops a pair of green leaves with im intervening bud (Fig. 5). This
bud develops other leaves, and so on, the further upward growth of the
plant being but a repetition of the process. In the axi's of the leaves
buds are also developed, and these grow in a manner similar to that of the

juuiu hteni, so that the
plant assumes a more or
less symmetrical spread-
ing appearance.

Returniug now to that
portion of the seed which
elongates downward, we
observe that it branches
rapidly as it grows, but iu

Fill, 5. — A lienii witli its first pair of true loaves,
bearing the Kted-leavch above f^roiiiul.

Fid. 6. Fi(i. 7. Fi(i. 8. Fio. 9.

Fio. (i —A kernel of Indinn corn, Bhowing tlie embryo. Fio. 7. — Tho same. rovcrMs side. Fia. 3. — The
same after germination. Fia. 9. — Imlian corn with its first leaves.

an irregular, unsymraetrical manner, differing widely in this respect from
the ascending portion, whose branches are axillary and regular. We
note also tlie absence of buds and green color.

Tlie downward growth of the plant keeps pace, to a certain extent,
with its upward development. Apart from the physiological functions of
the roots, the mechanictd suppoi-t which they yield to the steifl requires
that their develojmient should be proportionate to its growth.

Taking a kernel of Indian corn as another example, we shall find that

4 ELEMENTS OF BOTANY.

it too has nil extcinial coating similar to that of tho boan. I^onioving this,
the sf'cd is fpiuid coiuiiosod of a single body, marked on one side by a
longitudinal el(;vation (I'ig. <!), instead of two similar parts as in the bean.
Buried in tho earth, a kernel of corn absorbs moisture, the little f^lcvntion
on its side begins to elongate in an upward and downward direction (Fig. 8),
one extremity producing a cluster of roots, the other leaves (Fig. !)), the
seed itself rv juaining in the ground, and not borne above it as in the case
of the bean.

"Without tracing the history of these plants further, enough has been
shown to demonstrate that a seed is an embryo plant, as fully fitted for an
independent existence when placed under proper circuuistances as is the
infant mammal when it issues from its mother's wondj. Tlu; re(]iusite
circiuustauces arc in the one case, first of idl, air to bnxxthe, in tho other,
moisture and seclusion from light.

Having seen how a plant starts on its course of development from the
seed, we will noAV proceed to study the organs by means of which its various
functions ai'e performed.

THE ROOT.

The root of a plant is its descending axis. In the vast majority of in-
stances it fixes the plant in position and gives support to the stem, but
not in all, for there arc many aquatic plants whose roots are suspended in
the water, taking no hold upon the soil at the bottom. But even here
they give a certain amount of steadiness to the plant, and assist it in main-
taining a comparative equilibrium Avhen the surface of the water is dis-
turbed by waves or currents.

Eoots present themselves in many different forms, and as these are
often made use of in botanical descriptions, it is necessary for the student
to familiarize himself with, at least, the leadin^, ones.

The simplest fbrm of the I'oot is that which gi'ows directly downward
from the embrj'o, giving off but few lateral branches, and these of com-
paratively small size ; this is known as a tapTOOt. The beet, turnip
(Fig. 10), carrot, and radish, among herbs, are familiar examples in which
the tap-root attains a great develoj^ment while its lateral branches are in-
significant. In many forest trees the main root penetrates the earth to a
considerable depth before lateral branches of important size are given off.
Such trees, however, never have tap-roots of as proportionably great size
as many herbaceous plants, for two reasons : plant food is more almndant
near the surface, and the greater the depth the more compact the soil and
the more difficult for the roots to penetrate. Hence it occurs that most
forest trees which start in life with strongly marked tap-roots have, at a
later period, lateral roots of a greater size than the main descending axis.

Iia very many plants, instead of a single root growing downward from

THE ROOT.

a

the root-end of the embiyo, the? arc pvoiluccd a chi ^ter of roots at once,
as in the Intliiiii ccn-n : such are ;nniiuiiat('il fascicled roots. T(j this
class belong tiie grasses ami very many licrbaceuiis plants whose rapid
growth depends largely upon their abundant roots.

Such are the two main forms of primary roots — that is, roots gi'owing
directly from the seed ; but of course they are subject to many moditi-
cations. We are to consider the beet, turnip, and carrot, as presented U)
us in cultivation, only as exaggerated forms of tap-roots, due chitlly to

rmmm X

\

Fig. 10. — A turnip— tap-root.

Fio. 11.— A ilnhlia— thickened fascicled roots.

natural habit but largely also to man's intelligent propagation. A some-
what similar exaggeration of fascicled roots is seen in tlio common dahlia
(Fig. 11). This plant starts on its course with a fascicle of roots which,
later on, become thickened for some distance below their junction with
the stem.

As will be seen later, these various modifications of the primary forms
of roots have an important bearing upon plant life, and, incidentally,
often sei-ve as the storehouses from which are drawn valuable medicinal
agents.

In addition to the primary roots growing from the seed, nature has en-

6

KLKMENTS OF HOTANY.

tlowod mnwy i)lmitH willi flio power of jjuttin^' fortli roots ns occasion may
require from uuy part of the stoin, or cvon, in nonio iustanceH, from tho
loaves, tliUH f^'iviii^ tlicm a (loul)l(' liold on lifo : such are dcnominatod
secondary or adventitious roots. The common Htra\vi)crry of onr
gardens will servo as an illustration of on(( kind of adventitious roots.
This i)lant 2irodiicos "runners,"' which put forth roots at the point where
they touch ground, then a cluster of leaves, and a new jjlant is formed.
The stems of the rnuning Mackherry (/lulniti ( '(inatlensis L. ) often root freely
also, and form a netting for the feet of the nnwary. Very many illustra-
tions of plants endowed with tlun power might be found anywhere about

Fig. ]2.--Conimon ivy (lledera Ifellsi-), with nilvoiUitioua roots.

lis, bnt it remains for the skilful gardener to develop it to its fullest er-
tent, as his cuttings of roses, geraniums, and indeed of almost all his rarest
and most beautiful l)looming plants abundantly testify.

Such ad'ventitious roots are, however, true roots, which perform the
ordinarv functions of such organs. There are other adventitious roots of
an entirely ditYerent character. The stem of the poison ivy (lihus Toxicoden-
dron L.), when growing beside some object to which it can cling, puts
forth roots in innumcr.iblo numbers which do not contribute in any de-
gree whatever to the nourishment of the plant, but merely aftbrd mechan-
ical sui)port. Moreover, these roots appear to be produced in response to

I

THE ROOT. 7

the stimulation of contnct with a Hupportiii^' Hurfaco, in tho samo manner
us tlie ailvcntitiouH (true) roots of the straw! )t!rry riniiicr aro called forth
by contact with the damp earth. Of this kind of mlvcnlitious roots many
illustrationH mi<,'ht also be adduced ; one more will suffice, the common
ivy {Hedera IMix L.) (Fit?. 12).

Some plants produce a kind of adventitious roots by which they attach
themselves to other herbs or shrubs and draw tlieir nourishment from
them. The common dodder (Fig. lU) will serve as un illustration. Tho

P10..I3.— DcxUlnr (Cm« «to), parasitic upon another plant.

seeds of this plant germinate in the ground ; the stems grow until some
suitable support is reached, then twine about it and put forth a s:ort of
rootlets by means of which nourishment is drawn from the supporting
plant. Then direct communication Avith tho earth is cut off by the death
of the stem below the adventitious rootlets, and the plant thenceforth lives
as a true parasite.

The general structure of the root does not differ greatly from that of
the stem. In both there is bark, woody tissue, and pith, though the last-
named is seldom very distinct in the root. In their modes of growth
there is, however, considerable difference. As already shown, the stem
branches according to a fiixed and regular plan, and, as will be seen later,
while still young elongates between the branches. In the root, on the
contrary, branches issue irregularly and elongation is limited to the grow-
ing extremity. In other worda, a root of a given length, once laid in the

ELEMENTS OF BOTANV.

Roil, never olonp.itos by intorcfllnl'ir gvowtli, but only incrrnacs its lenpftli
!)}• iidditioiiH to its j^i'owiii}^ extroinity. Uh incrcuyo in tliiimoter is uccum-
plislied in the Hiuuo inixiintT as that of tho-Htom.

Without onteriuf,' too ininutcly into the Htnicture of
tlic growing,' extremity of the root, it in neccswiry to ob-
Hcrvc that this is luado up of a iiianH of colls which nuil-
liply rapidly inul are cunstuntly building- up tissue (Fij,'. li)
in a forward direction. Tlmy are, nion.'over, endowed with
the power of rapid al:)Horptiou, and are, in faet, the innu-
merable moutli!^ which feed the growin<» i)lant. In order to
increase the absorbinjif surface of the roots, the youuf^'er
v)ues ar(! pi'ovided with elonpjated cells, commonly called
root-hairs. Thou<?h of microscoi)ic siz(!, these are pro-
duced in such infinite iuunl)ers as to be of immense ser-
vice. .As, however, they are only required durinjjj the pe-
riod of active <?rowth, they are not evident in autumn after the season's
work is accomplished.

FifJ. M.-Th(.
(TTovvinti rxtri'inity
iif a runt, with riM)t-
liiiirs. MiikiiIIUhI.

FUNCTIONS OF ROOT.S.

Tlio mechnnical functions of the roots in supportinp^ the stem have
already been alluded to. We have now to consider their other imiwrtant
ollices.

As animals feed upon plants, so plants feed upon minerals. And as
they are not pro dded with organs for the mastication of their food, they
nuist necessarily receive it in a strte of subdivision suited to their needs
and powers of absorption. In this foi'm tlujy find it in tin; damp earth
wliich their roots penetrate. Every rootlet is a seeker for f()r)d and every
<j[rowin<:j cell is hun^-ry. Water, with <,'ases and mineral salts in solution,
is <>reedily sucked up and carried toward the suidi;^ht for elaboration.

Roots are, moreover, endowed, to some extent, with the power of se-
lecting the proper nourishment for the plant which they feed, and they
will take this or notliing. The most careless farmer has learned that he
cainiot successfully raise the same crop on a field year after j-car without
fertilizers. The explanation is simple. Suppose corn be planted year
after year in the same ground. The roots of each succeeding crop liud
less and less nourishment, until finally partial or complete starvation re-
sults. And this occurs, too, while there may be still plenty of food lit for
other plants.

Hence the rotation of crops, a princii:)lo at the foundation of successful
farming, depends upon the selective powers of roots.

But all plants are not fixed in the soil and do not draw their nourish-
ment from it. Many aquatic plants float in the Avater ; these find their
j)roper food iu that element. Others are parasitic upon the stems or roots

STEM AND BUANCIIES.

9

of other pknts, tlioir roofs ponotriitin<? tlio bark and siirkinpf \ip the juiccii
nh'oady tliiboriitid for their ikhmIs. To this class belong' tlio bi'ich-(h'oj)s
[I'Jliiphrijns I'i I'lji iiiunu liiirUm), i)av[iHii'n: upon the roots of the beech, and
American niistletoo {I'l'.urailtnidroii Jlavescnin Nuttall), a woody ijarasito
iipon the branches of forest trees, common in tlio Southern States.

Still other plants arc mainly nourished by roots which lianj* in the air.
These, called air-plants, arc almost exclusively inhabitants of warm, moist

regions.

Another important oflico of some roots is to servo as storehouses of
nourishment for the future needs of the plant. The great mass of plants
are annuals, living at a single season, during which they germinate from
the seed, attaii: th( n full development, flower, produce fruit, and die.
These hive no n:'(>l for a reserv-e store of nourishment, iieiice their roots
are iibrous and not thickened.

]iut many plants, termed biennials, gorminate from the seed in
spring, i)ro;luco a cluster of radical leaves, and develop a very large t;.^)-
root during the lirst season. The next spring, drawing upon the store of
nourishme.'.t laid up in the root, they send up vigorous llowei'-stems, pro-
duce seed, and die. ^^fany such roots, as the beet, carrot, and turnip, are
of great importimeo as articles of food.

Plants which endure for several years, termed perennials, not un-
frequently have roots of the same character. These thickened njots in
many instances contain the active medicinal principles of the plants.

THE STEJI AND BRANCHES.

We have seen that the stem is the ascending axis of a plant ; that it
grows upward toward the light at the same time that the root is develo^v
ing in an opposite direction. Wo have now to consider more particularly
its mode of growth md some of its more common forms.

In the case of the bean it was observed that riitcr ih.o seed-leaves came
a pair of green leaves (Fig. 5) ; jjfter these another pair, and so on. The
points where these leaves appear are termed nodes or joints, and the
spaces between them internodes. Now,* duiing the earlier stages of
growth the internodes increase both longitudinally and in diameter also
by cell-proliferation, so that though two nodes of a growing shoot may,
when their leaves first unfold, be quite close together, in the end avc find
them separated by an interval of i^erhaps several inches. In this particular,
as stated above, the gi'owth of the stem ditTers greatly from tliat of the
root.

Again, it w ..^ noted that in the axils of the leaves were buds which nor-
mally developed into branches subject to the same laws of growth as the
main stem. We have now only to suppose that these axillary buds keep
pace with the development of the main stem, and every oi^posite-leaved

10

ELEMENTS OF UOTANY.

plant woulfl assume a rogular, symmetrioal shape. But practically tho
vast iniijority oi' kucL i)lants arc unsyuiiiietricai, iiiairly because the ter"
minal bud — that is, tlie bud terminating^ tho main stem — is so much more
vigorous than the others, that having the start in the beginning it keeps
it and leaves the branches with comparatively little nourishment. In many
plants tho growth of tlie terminal bud is so vigorous that the axillarj' buds
never unfold and the stem remains always simple — that is, not branched.

But suppose some accident destroys the terminal bud : then the ax-
illary buds, especially those nearest the seat of the injiu'y, are quickened
into activity, and a plant whose atem is naturally simple becomes branched.

Fio. 15. — Solomon'h-sonl — n subterrnncan Btem [rhinome). Lraf parallel-veined.

Again, some plants in germination ^have not one or two seed-leaves
only, but a cluster of them ; in these the branches normally assume aver-
ticillate character. Tliis is the rule in the pine f;)n!ily {(Jonifcnr). Others
still which start with their leaves in pairs, at a later stage produce them
alternatel}' ; here the branches are also alternate. And some plants have
forking branches, the growing Inxd ceasing activity at a certain point and a
pair of forking branches starting from the axils of the last developed leaves.

This brief view of the growth of the stem and branches demonstrates
sufficiently that every plant in its development obeys a fixed law of its
being. Yet from a few primary forms arises endless divei ty !

Many of the forms of stems have received distinctive names, which are
made use of in botanical descriptions, as simple, not branched ; erect,
growing straight up; ascending, arishig oblic^uely ; twining, climbing

STEM AXD BllANOIIES.

11

1

■a

by twining nhout some support ; prostrate, Ij'ing flat on the grouncl ;
trailing, runninpj alonf:^ over the surfaee of tlie <:jroiiii(l or other i)liiiits, etc.
Til us far we have studied the stem us it ordinarily appears to us al)ove
ground, but there are stems of vast importance which are wholly subter-
ranean and are commonly spoken of as roots. That of Solomon's-scal
(Fig. 15) will serve as an illustration of one form of such stems. Placed just
beneath the surface in a horizontal position, it "npears as a thickened, fleshy,
root-like body, bearing numerous I'ootlets, a terminal scaly bud at its
anterior extremity, and sending up a flower-stem, behind which are seal's
left by the falling awa^' of previous ones. Each year a new joint is added,
while commonly the oldest one rots away ; hence the stem is slowly, year by
year, creeping forward. Such au underground stem is called a rhizomei

Fio. Ifi.— nviipinth l)nlb.

FiO. 17. — Vorticnl scotion of a livarinth bulb.

Rhizomes present many different forms. They are simple or In-anched,
horizontal or ascending, fleshy, etc., and are perennial. Podophyllum,
sanguiuarii, ami iris are among our active medicinal plants which have
stems of this chai'actei".

In general, rhizomes contain the more active principles of the plants,
and in the greatest proportion. As such plants st<-re away a great amount
of nourishment in their fleshy stems for the succeeding year's needs, they
commonly make vigorous growth early In spring, and are mostly early
bloomers.

Another common form of subteiTanean stem is the bulb ; that of thq
hyacinth (Fig. IG) affording a good illuatratiou. A vertical section (Fig. 17)

12

ELEMENTS OF BOTANY.

Fio. 18. — Vertical section of an onion.

explains its character pcrfec* ly. It is made up of floshj' scales (reduced
leaves), arranged in regular order, which gradually take on the form of
true leaves toward the centre and enclose the tlower-stem. The onion
(Fig. IH) has a similar structure.

Bulbs tdso i^resent themselves in diverse forms, as the scaly and fleshy.

One form, 'vhich is solid and of more or
less homogeneous structure, not made up
of scales, is termed a corm. That of the
Indian turnip {Armenia triphi/llum Tor-
rey) is of this character.

Many of these imderground stems
multiply by division or otlshoots. The
hyacinth, for example, forms bulblets in
the axils of its scales, which develop into
new plants. And niany creei)ing rhi-
zomes send up aCrial stems from nearly
every joint. It should not be forgotten,
however, that all such plants grow from
the seed originally, in the same manner
as those having only aerial stems.
The common potato furnishes a curious example of a i^lant with aerial
and imderground stems, both well developed ; for the jjotato, termed a
tuber, is really a thickened portion of u subterranean stem, and tach of
its so-called eyes a bud capable of developing into a new plant.

Stems, like root.s, are annual, biennial, ov ■perennial. Naturally all an-
nual roots support only annual stems, but all subterranean .-iems send up
annual flowering stems and leaves. Perennial plants are spoken of as
herbaceous, suffruticose, or woody, according to wnether they have
annual stems, those that are partly woody and do not die entirely down to
the 'ground, or those of Avood suiiiciently vigorous to resist the winter.
Woody plants tinder about twenty feet in height are called shrubs ; when
of greater heiglit they are known as trees. This distinction is, of course,
somewhat arbitrary, and a given specimen may be spoken of as a shrub or
small tree.

In stnictnre stems are composed of bark, wood, and pith ; and the
manner in which these three are arranged, with their relations to each
other, serve as the basis of the division of flowering plants into two great
classes, namely, the exogenous and the endogenous.

Exogenous plants have their bark, wood, and pith each distinct, as
shown in the cross-section of the stem of an oak (Fig. 19), in which the cen-
tral stell'ite portion is the pith, the external dark zone the bark, and the
intermediate pi ' * the wood. Tlie proportions of the three vary greatly in
dift'crent plants, but their relative positions are always the same in exogen-
ous stems.

STEM AND BRANCHES.

13

Their structure deserves more attention than we can give in this place,
but must receive at least a passing glance.

Pith is but an aggregation of thin-walleJ cells, originally spherical in

Fig. 10. — Cross-seci.1^ A the Ptem of an oak.

Fig. 2'J.— Cellular tis.sue (pitli). Mngiiified.

Fio. 21.— Ol)li(tuo
Bcctiou of line year-
old stem of nilanthus.

shape but become polyhedral by mutual compression (Fig. 20). In other
word.s it is merelv cellular tissue, with feeble vitality and short-liv(>d.
Tlxough active in the young and growing shoot, it soon becomes inert, and
not unfrequently decays long before the
plant reaches its term of existence. It
is commonly more abuiulant proi^oi'tion-
ately in herbs and suflfruticosc plants
than in woody perennials. In some
rapidly growing woody perennials, how-
ever, the young stems have a very largo
proportion of pith, as seen in the ailan-
thus (Fig. 21). As it exists in most
exogenous stems, it might very properly
be viewed solely as a relic of their in-
fancy.
During the stage of its active growth, the pith of
some plants abounds in mucilaginous principles, that
of the young shoots of sassafras being especially marked
in this respect, and being considerably used in medicine
on this account.

Wood also possesses a cellular structure, but the
cells are of a differ nt shape from those of the pith, and
are differentl}' arranged. TLey are commonly elongate-
cylindrical, tapering at each end, placed side by side,
and overlapping at the ends (Fig. 22) in such manner
as to form more or less tough, strong fibres. In early
youth they have trausparei t walls, and thus permit the ready ingress and

Fio. 32.— WofHl-cells.
Mttgmrted.

14

ELEMENTS OF BOTANY.

egress of liquids hy osiuose. Later tlieir walls become thickened by the
deijositiou uf celliiloso, etc., iind lose their transparency. The wood-cells
of some plants are of a characteristic form, ■which may serve, as in the
conifene, for the identification of the order.

But inspection of a cross-section of almost any exogenous stem will
show tha< the woody tissue is not unif(jrnily solid throughout, Init is trav-
ersed by many small canals (Fig. 215). In souie stems, as that of the grape-
vine, these are so large that one can readily draw water through them by
suction with the lips. These canals are called ducts or vessels, and are
formed from large cells placed end to end, the cell- walls at their point of
contact afterward being absorbed.

!imtini,.:;'iii:-t-aa.if;,jji.yAA

Fio. 23. — Horizontal and vertical section of the stem of a maplo. Magnified.

Nor is this all. A longitudinal section of many stems shows glistening
l^lates of tissue traversing the wood from the pith toward the bark ; these
plates, called medullary rays, are formed, like the pith, of cellular tis-
sue, and serve as a means of communication between the pith and the ex-
ternal growing surface of the stem (Fig. 24). The medullary rays of oak
and sugar-maple are highly developed, forming the so-called satin grain of
the wood.

Inspection of a ci-oss-soction of any exogenous stem of a few years'
growth will show that the Avood is made up of concentric rings
(Fig. 19). These rings represent annual accessions to the wood previously
formed, each one comprising the gi'owth of a year. Each is complete in
itself, and, though more or less sti'ongly adherent to the one which it encir-
cles, evidently is, at the time of its growth, the only grcnving part of the stem.
Once formed, these rings afterward undei'go but slight changes in char-
acter, and never any in volume. As years pass by they become more dense,
and generally more or less deeply colored by the deposition of coloring
matters. Hence, after a few years' growth most exogenous stems present

STEM AND BRANCHES.

15

in cross-section a central colored portion, termed hcai't-wood or duramen,
surrounded by a lighter zone of sap-wood or alburnum, the latter de-
rivin"- its name from the fact that the sap still circulates through it, while
the former no longer possesses vital activity, and like the pith may, and
often does, decay without impairing the vigor of the plant.

From tlie foregoing it becomes evident tliat the proliferation of wood-
ceJls is only to be found in 2)rogres8 ui)on the outside of the wod already
formed, just underneath the bark. As aggregated here, these young gi'ow-
ing cells form what is termed the cambium layer. This layer is com-
monly of a mucilaginous character, and during the period of its greatest
activity permits the bark to be readily separated from the stem.

Fio. 2-1. — Vortionl section of the stem of a niiipk', sliowiiiK' the iiKdullaiy my.). Ma;-rnifiO(l.

I

The bark is the protective covering of the stem. At first composed,
like the pith, wholly of cellular tissue, it later develops wood-cells, par-
ticularly on its inner surface, and is divisible into an inner and an outer
layer. The inner bark is commonly composed of long wood-cells, termed
bast'Cells, united into fibres often of great strength and toughness, as
in flax and hemp. The outer bark is composed largely of cellular tissue,
and presents two layers, the inner green, the outer corky ; the latter
being covered when young with a delicate epidermis. Like the wood which
it covers, the bark increases in thickness each year, but in a reverse
manner. That is to say, while the wood increases by growth iipf)n its
outer surface, the bark thickens by deposition of new material ui)on its
inner side ; and while the wood is continually dying from witliin out-
ward, the b.'irk is as constantly dying and exfoliating from without in-
ward. INIoreover, as the stem increases in size the outer bai'k, being only
moderately elastic, is split and broken, and commonly assumes a rugose
appearance. In young and very vigorous trees not unfrequently the wood
grows so rajiidly that the bark cannot keep pace with it, and is conse-
quently split down to the fibrous layer, or even in some instances to the
wood itself.

10

ELEMENTS OF BOTANY.

In annual exogenous i)lants, though the relative positions of the bark,
wood, and jjith are the same as described above, the pith is relatively large,
the woody tissue is arranged ^^ ith less unif orniity, often in wedge-shaped
bundles, and the bark ha.s no distinctly corky layer.

Endogenous plants have no central mass of pith entirely free from
woody libres, no concentric rings of wood, and no separable bark. Their

wood is in bundles or fibres inter-
mingled with the cellular tissue,
and new bundles are continually
being formed in the midst of the
old during the j^criod of growth.
Toward the external surface of
the stem the wood becomes con-
densed and hard, and serves, in-
stead of bark, as a protective cov-
ering to the more tender parts
within (Fig. 25).

Take, as an illustration famil-
iar to all, a stalk of Indian corn,
and view it in botli longitudinal
and cross-section. There will ap-
pear an abuadance of cellular tissue (pith), but with numerous strong
woody fibres interspersed ; and though it appears to be covered with bark,
this cannot be sei^aratcd as in the case of an exogenous plant, since it is
only condensed woody tissue and shades oft' gradually into the less com-
pact structure within.

Endogenous plants very commonly have simple stems, though branch-
ing ones are not unusual. In teiiiperate regions thej* are chiefly small
plants — the grasses, sedges, and cat-tails are familiar examples — but from
their immense number form a very imjDortant part of the vegetation. In
the tropics many of them, chiefly palms, attain the stature of tall trees.

Fig. 2.J, — Cross-se.Uuu of tho stem of a palm. Tho
outer circle is conilcnsud wrjody tissue; within, tho
dots represent bundles of woody tissue inibeilded in jtith.

FUNCTIONS OF THE STEM AND BRANCHES.

The most important function of the stem and branches is to serve as a
means of comnumicatiou between the roots, leaves, and reproductive or-
gans, for to this one function all others are subsidiary.

We may safely assume that a plant's whole energies are bent towai'd the
reproduction of its species. When this is accomplished the annual and
the biennial die ; the perennial goes a step farther and prepares for a
repetition of the process the next year, and then it ceases labor for the
season.

The stem and branches, then, supply the channels by which the nour-
islunent collected by the roots is transmitted to the leaves for elaboration

BUDS AND LEAVES. 17

W and to tlie reproductive organs for their needs, receiving back merely
what is required for their sustenance and growth.

BUDS AND LEAVES.

We have nh-eady seen how the stem and branches elongate by the un-
folding of the Inul, the expansion of leaves, and the lengthening of the
spaces between the latter, and have noted that the bud exists in the em-
bryo. From this time forward it always is the growing point of the plant.
Examined in vevtical section, it is shown to be a eolleciion of embry-
onic leaves, diminishing in size from without inward. In the growing
season the bud is green like the exjianded leaves, though of a more tender
shade, but as the end of the season approaches the outer leallets undergo
more or less change, including both color and texture, and are not unfre-
qnently coated with resinous or gummy matters to protect them against
^1 cold and moisture during the jieriod of the plant's rest. Such altei'ed
leallets are termed scales.

We have already seen how leaves ai'e produced. We will now consider
their structure, varied forms, and functions.
% Leaves, like stems, consist of woody and cellular tissue, the former col-
lected in bundles or fibi'es which form a skeleton whose interstices are
filled up with the latter.

Upon the form of the skeleton, of course, dejiends the shape and gen-
rS eral character of the leaf.

'f The larger and more iirominent fibres of the skeleton are termed
veins, the smaller ones veinlets. In leaves having a large central vein,
with less jirominent lateral branches, the central one is termed the mid"
vein or mid-rib. Indeed, in botanical descriptions the prominent fibres
of the leaf skeleton are spoken of as veins, ribs, or nerves indiscrimi-
nately, as for example, a leaf is feather-veined, slronglij ribbed, or triiile-
. nerved. Little confusion, however, need arise from this misuse of terms if
) the student but remember that though these fibres bear some analogy to
veins and ril)s, they bear none whatever to nerves.

A leaf may commonly be distinguished into two parts : an expanded
portion, termed the lamina or blade, and a stalk by which this is at-
tached to the stem, termed the petiole or footstalk. In case there be
no petiole, the blade being attached directly to the stem, the leaf is said
to be sessile.

Through the petiole, if there be one, or, in its absence, directly into
the base of the blade, pass the woody fibres whose ramifications make up
the leaf-skeleton. The manner in which the veins ramify is termed the
venation of the leaf.

In endogenous plants these fibres commonly divide at or near the base
of the blade into a number of nearly equal branches, which pursue a paral-

18

ELEMENTS OF BOTANY.

lei or slightly divorgont course toward the margin or apex (Fig. 15). Such
leaves are teriued parallei'veined ; and here is found cue of the disthic-
tious between endogenous and exogenous plants.

In exogenous plants the venation is extremely varied and gives rise to
many different forms. In oufl particuhir, however, there is uniformity :

FlO. 26.— Slrtipln, pinnately voincrt loaf of chestnut. Margin Rcrrnto.

the ultimate ramifications of the veins produce a net-work ; hence such
leaves are termed net-veined, and are thereby distinguished from the
parallel-veined leaves of endogenous plants.

One of the commonest forms of exogenous leaves is that in which the
mid-^-ein pursues a direct coarse from the base to the apex, giving off, at
regi:lar intervals, lateral branches which extend parallel with each other
to the margin. Such leaves are denominated pinnately or feather-
veined. The leaves of the beech and chestnut (Fig. 2G) are familiar ex-
amples of this form.

Via. 27.— Simple, palmatcly veined leaf of castor-oil plant {Bicinus comviunis).

Another common form of net-veined leaves is that in which there is no
stron ^ly marked mid-vein, but instead a number of large veins pursue a
diverj^ent course from the base to the margin of the leaf. There may be
thrc ;, four, seven, or nine of these veins, diverging like the fi-ngers of an

BUDS AND LEAVES.

19

outstretcliod hand or the toes of a l)ir 1 ; hence such leaves are said to bo
palmately, digitately, or pedately veined. Thv leaves of the maplo,
Kjcanioro, and Ci.stoi-oil plant (Fij,'. 27) will nerve as illustrations.

Between these two widely dillerent forms of venation in exogenous
plants are other connecting ones, as when a leaf has both a mid-vein with
more or less strongly marked lateral branches and largo diverging, palmate
])ranches also.

Again, upon the venation of loaves depends, to a very great extent, thoir
lOarginal sliai)e. In parallel-vcincd leaves the niargui is commonly entire
— that is, not notched or indented ; the common grasses, cat-tails, and
iris are familiar examples. In verj' many feather-veined leaves the mai-gin

I

FlO. 28.— Marftinal sliajjes of leaves. Beginning at the right, tlic first is sorrtito, Bccond dcntnte, third be-
tween dentate nnd crenatc, fourth cronate, fifth sinuate-toothed, sixth sinuate. ' Traced from nature,

is also entire, as for example the magnolias, laurel, and flowering dogwood,
but more commonly they are variously notched or indented. Leaf mar-
gins so indented are characterized in botanical descriptions by technical
terms which ai'o, for the most part, self-explanatory ; as for example (Fig.
28), serrate, saw-toothed ; dentate, toothed, but with teeth less regular
than the preceding, and not pointing forward like them ; crenate, scal-
loped ; repand, undulate, or wavy, when the margin makes a wavy
line; sinuate, more strongly wavy or sinuous; incised, cut, jagged,
etc. Again, when the margin is deeply cut into a definite number of di-
visions, the leaf is said to be lobed, as throe-Iohed, fice-luhcd, or sseven-lobed.
When cut more deeply than half way to the centre or base, the leaf is said
to be cleft, and hence the terms ihree-clcft, Jive-deft, or trifld, qui7iquefid.

20 ELEMENTS OF BOTANY.

etc, Wlion flic inoisionH arc carriod Htill dcopor, tlio frrm parted is UHcd ;
ami when tlioy cxteml to the mid- vein or biiHc of the bliulo, tho leaf is naid
to be divided.

In general outline leaves present a miiltiiilicity of forms, Avhich are,
however, siitlicicntly characterized in non-technical language. Such terms
as linear, hino'olnle, oblon(j, elliplical, oval, ovoid, and orbicular are often
employed, and recpiire no exi)liination. Ohlanci'olalc signifies a grnerid
lance-shape, but somewhat widened toward the apex, like a lance Avith its
point turned downward ; obomte, an ovate form also with its wider por-
tion toward tho apex ; spafidntc, like a spatula ; cnnecUc, wedge-shaped, ta-
liering from above downward.

Then, too, the base and apex present a variety of forms. The base
may be eordalr, or heart-shaped, reni/orm or kidney-shaped, aiiriciihif
or eared, i<(i(jil/ul<! or arrow-shaped, hmlale or halberd-shai^ed, jfjcZ/w/tf or
shield-shaped.

The ajiex may be acuminate or taper-pointed ; acute when ending with
an uouu! angle and not tapering ; obtuse, blunt ; truncate, appearing as if
cut off; rctuse, slightly notched at the extremity ; rmarginate, more deeply
notched or indented ; olwordate, inversely heart-shaped ; cuxpidate, armed
with a small cusp or tooth ; m ucrovatc, armed with a very small sharp
point ; or aridate, with a bi istle-like point.

Thus far we have considered the leaf in its simplest form — that is, when
consisting of a single blade, however deeply it may be cut or divided.
All such leaves are termed simple (Fig. 29), in contradistinction witli
compound leaves (Fig. 30), which are made \\\) of two or more, often
manj' bLides, supi)orted by a common petiole. Yet this distinction of
leaves iiito simple and compound is, to some extent, arbitrary, for in leaves
which are jmrted — that is, divided to the base or mid-vein — the lobes be-
(!ome as essentially separate blades as if they were supported upon sepa-
rate petioles : still, such leaves are commonly considei-ed simple. Some
writers simplify the matter by drawing the line at a. aculation with tlie
petiole, considering those only compound which ai*e so articulated and all
others simple. ]>y articulation is meant the joint at which the leaf sepa-
rates when it falls from the stem. But even this division is not com-
pletely satisfactory, for there are leaves — for example, tho lemon — con-
sisting of a single entire blade which is articulated with its petiole, and
hence would under this definition have to be considered a compound leaf.

A compound leaf, then, is made up of two or more blades, termed leaf-
lets (Fig. 30), borne upon a common petiole, with which they may or may
not be articulated.

Compound leaves are of two principal forms, the pinnate, in which
the leaflets are arranged like the pinnate veins of a simple feather-veined
leaf, and the palmate, in which tliey are arranged palmately.

Pinnately compoimd leaves are equally pinnate when they have

BUDS AND LEAVES.

21

their leaflets in pairs; unequally pinnate (Fig. 30) when they havo
tlicin in pairs sunnountod by an odd tcnuinal one.

Hut often the division of pinnately conipound leaves is carried still
farther, and the phu-e of tlie leaflet is taken by another i)etiolo bearing'
leaflets ; the leaf is then termed bi-plnnate (Fig. lU) ; a step farther still,
and it becomes tri- pinnate. In these cases the primary divisions are
termed pinnae, the secondary pinnules, though the bladea are always
called leallets.

Fig. 29.— Simple leaf of bass-wood.

Flo. .'JO. — ComponnJ leaf of locnst {RoMnta
PHettdamia). Uneciimlly pinnate, the separate
blades (leiyleCs) beiiia in pairs, with anoild terminal
one.

Palmately compound leaves are also frequently divided and subdivided
in like manner, and may become bi" or tri-palmate, ternate, etc.
Wlien the subdivision is carried to an extreme point the leaf is termed
decompound.

The same terms are used in the characterization of the general oiitline
of compound leaves and their leaflets and the marginal features of the lat-
ter as are applied to simple leaves.

22

i^LKMENTS OF BOTANY.

Bosidos fiimplo and conipouiid leaves, there arc other abnormal forniH,
Huch HH tendrils, spines, and pitchers, to which wo cun barely alliuh.
Tendrils (Fi<^'. '>V2) and Hpiiiea arc but reduced IcavcH, while pitchcrH an
leaves which have underjj[()ne ehan<^eH of structure; to tit them for Hpecial
purposes, ua for exuniijle, the eutrappiug of inisects.

Fio. 81.— A bi-plnnate'.y compound leaf.

Fio. 82.— Compound leaf of pea, with the tcmiinnl
leaflotH chantifud to toiulrlls. The expanded leafletfi at the
bux(! nro foliaccouH stipu.^tH.

As remarked above, a leaf may or may not have a distinct petiole. In
the latter (!ase the base of the blade is attached directly to the stem, with
or without an articulation. In all deciduous plants — that is, those whose
leaves fall away at the end of the growing season — the articulation is pres-
ent whether there be a petiole or not. In endogono is plants the articu-
lation is absent, the leaves, at the end of the growin-^ season, dying away
gradually.

Li some cases where the jjetiole is absent, the base of the leaf encircles
or clasps the stem. Occasionally the leaf appears as though perforated by

MUDS AND LEAVES.

2n

Ihp stem ; it \h then dcnominfttod perfoliate. In other cases ft pair of
loaves have thfir busub united about the stum ; such leaves uro termed
connate.

Fio. ;U,— Lcnf of tnliptree with dccIJuous

hli|illll«.

Fio. ni. — Loiif ot i^.-<o wiUi |)orir.uui!iit foll-
at'couB Rtipulos.

The petiole is often furnished at its base with a p.iir of f(»liaceous or
membranous appeurhijjfes, termed stipules. Very often these servo as
bud-scales and fall away after the leaf expands (Fig. 33) ; sometimes, how-

frTTnnnnnnrnPr=Tit

_ _ _ _ .p- iTy 1^. j — ' ^

QDCT

iipii

Fio. SB. — Vertical Bection through a bronth-
liiR-piiro of ,1 loaf, Rhowiun the arrangemont of
thu epidermal cells. MngnifleJ.

FiQ. an. — Vertical section of a leaf, showing cells
of epidermis imd parenchyma, and intercellular
spaces. Magnified.

ever, they form a conspicuous j^ai't of the leaf and remain until it falls
(Figs. 32 and 34).

24 ELEMENTS OF UOTANY.

We have already seen thah leaves arc eonipoHed of cellular and woody
tifisi:.., and have considered the latter in its raniilications whi(;h make up
the leaf-skeleton. We will now briefly examine the cellular tissue.

Unlike the cellular tissue of the stem,
this is a gretiii pulp closely reseniLling the
greou layer of the Lark. It is made u\i of
cells somt^Lat loosely arranged, with oi)en
spaces or air-passages between them (Fig.
35). These cells ovvo their green color to
minute grains of a peculiar green coloring
matter, termed chlorophyll, which they
contain. Externally th(> entin; leaf is covered
with a thin, transparent membrane, termed
V^"^'^''"^— epidc mis (Fig. 3G) ; this is perforated
Pig. .-jr-Riirf.ioo of a loaf, (.howhiK Kt,. y^^.{^]^ numerous openings, termed stomata

nmta (bi-iiilliinfri.i>rL's). Magnitiud. i • ,

(iMg .W), winch iK'rmit the external an- to
have free access to the interccUuhu" air-passages. The stomata arc nuich
more numerous on the under than the upper side of the leaf, and here
also the air-passages ax'e most abundant.

FUNCTIONS OF THE LEAVES.

Leaves have often been compared with the lungs of animals, since it is
their office to aerate the vital fluids of plants. The nourishment collected
by the roots is transmitted through the stem to the leaves, and here, ex-
posed to contact with the «'L', it becomes elaborated and fitted for the
plant's further use. Through the multitude of stomata, or breathing-pores,
the air has free access to the interior of the leaf, where the cells take from
it carbonic acid and yield up their superfluous moisture, or absorb oxygen
and water as may be required. Li sunlight leaves absorb carbonic acid
and give out oxygen ; in darkness the process is reversed and carbonic
acid is exhaled. But as plants are much more active in daylight than in
darkness, the amount of carbonic acid taken from the atmosphcx is many
times groater than that which is exhaled ; and as nearly all the carl)onic
acid absorbed is decomposed, the carbon alone being retained while the
o\ygen is returned to the air, it at once becomes evident that plants are
continually purifying the air which animals breathe. Animals, on the other
hand, are as constantly renewing the supply of carbonic acid in the air,
and thus better fitting it for the sustenance of plants, so that there is an
intimate interdejiendence of veget!d)ic and aniuial life. Both probably
liad their advent u]ion earth at the same time, and progr(>ssed upward
from the lowest to the highest forms, side by side, with equal stei)a.

So far the leaves anj analogoiis to the lUngs of animals, but their func-
tions do not cease with the mere absorption of cai'bonic acid and '.he ex-

THE FLOWER. 25

halation of oxygen. In tlieir green cells— and in other green parts of
plants — are carried on the functions of digestion and assimilation and the
manufacture of the nnillitude of principles Avhicli give to plants their
peculiar properties. Wherever these principles may be stoi'ed up, whether
in the roots, the sten), the bark, the fruit, or in the leaves themselves,
they ai'e the product of the green cells, which attain tlieir greatest develop-
ment in the expanded leaves.

THE FLOWER.

Having studied the organs hy which plants develop and exist as individ-
uals, we have next to considfU' those engaged in the process of reproduction.

At a.' established period in <!very llowering plant's life, the terminal or
axillary buds cease to produce leaves, their leaflets undergoing a transfor-
mation by which they become reproductive orgais. A bud in this trans-
formed condition is termed a flower-bud, and when fully expanded be-
comes a flower.

We have iih-eady seen that leiif-l)u<ls are )iot scattered hap-liazard along
the stem, but are arrangfid in a iix.ed, determinate manner ; now, as Jlower-
buds are but transformed leaf-buds, we ai'e prepared to find them also oc-
cupying fixed positions. This arrangement of flowers is termed inflo-
rescence, and demands a brief examination before jiroceeding to the
consideration of the structure oi the flower.

In some plants only the buds terminating the main stem and branches
are transformed into flowers ; in others, only the axillary ; in others still,
but much more rarely, the flowers are both axillary and terminal.

When the flowers are all terminal the infloresct ace is termed deter ■
mir^ate; wlien they are all axillary it is termed Indeterminate, because
so long as the terminal bud continues to produce leaves with buds in their
axils, flowers follow as a matter of course, and their nuniljer is indefinite.

The organs of inflorescence ai'o bracts, peduncle, pedicel, and
receptacle.

B racts are altered leaves from the axils of which the floral axes spring ;
they may be foliaceous, membranous, scarious, or petaloid (colored). Sec-
ondary bracts — that is, those at the base of secondary divisions of a floral
axis — are termed bractlets.

A peduncle is a branch directly terminated by a flower ; and its ex-
tremity, ixsually more or less enlarged, upon which the floral organs projier
are seated, is the receptacle.

A pedicel is a secondary pednncle, or in other words, the stalk npon
which an individual flower of a branching inflorescence is situated.

Indeterminate inflorescence presents five well-marked forms,
termed the raceme, corymb, umbel, spike, and head, each of which
is subject to various modifications.

26

ELEMENTS OF BOTANY.

A raceme is an inflorescence in which nearly equal secondary axes
rise along the primary one ; it is simple when the secondary axes tenni-
uate in a single liower (Fig. 38) ; compound when they branch before

Fig. 38. — Simiile nicemo of the red currant.

Fig. 39. — Corymb of a cherry.

flowering. A con^Moiiud raceme is tenned a panicle. A panicle of an
ovoid shape, havi ig the central pedicels longer than the outei", is called a
thyrse.

Fig. 40. — A compound corymb.

A corymb resembles a raceme, but has its lower pedicels longer than
the upper ones, thus bringuig the flowers upon a level with each other. It
may be simple (Fig. 39) or compoimd (Fig. 40).

An umbel has its secondary axes diverging from the same point, like

':V,

THE FLOWER.

27

FiQ. 41. — A simple umbel.

^\

li\

m

FiQ. 42.— A compound umbel.

Fio. 43.— A Rlmplc Fio. 44. — A eompound
tpiko. gpike.

2o

ELEMENTS OF BOTANY.

the ribs of an umbrellfi. It is simple wlien the secondary axes bear
flowers (Fig. 41) ; compound when tbe;y divide before flowering (Fig. 42).
Jn the latter case the ultimate clusters of flowers are termed umbel lets,
or partial umbels.

In compound umbels the bracts at the base constitute the involucre,
and those at the base of the umbellets the involucel, or partial in*
volucre.

FiQ. 45.— A panicle.

A spike is an inflorescence in which the flowers are sessile on the
primary axis (Fig. 43). It is compound when secondary axes rise from the
primary one and bear sessile flowers (Fig. 44). In many cases these pedi-
cels are long and form panicles (Fig. 45).

Catkins (Figs- 4(5 and 47) and cones are forms of spikes in which
the flowers ai'e incomplete, as will appear later.

A. head is an inflorescence in which the primary axis is depressed

THE FLOWER.

29

vertically, being at the same time hroaflened, and having the flowers more
or less thickly crowded together upon a common receptacle, which, in fact,
tl;? depressed jiiimaiy axis becomes. Here the 'juter bracts, commonly
numerous, constitute the involucre, and the inner ones — that is, those
ubout the individual flowers— are reduced to chaffy scales or bristles.

Fio. 10. — St-xinin.iti; catkin of willow.

FlQ. 47.— Pistillate catkin of willow.

In all these forms of inflorescence the lower or outer flowers expand
first, and the upper or inner last. There is, therefore, a movement from
the circumference toward the centre, and hence the inflorescence is
termed centripetal.

Fig. 40.— Vertical scotlon of same.

I'"io. 4S.— Ahead (compound flower).

Determinate inflorescence is much simpler and presents fewer
different fomis. It comprises the cyme, fascicle, and glomerule.

A cyme is commonly a flat-topped flower-clustei', like a corymb, only
it is produced in a different manner (Fig. 50). It presents several different
forms.

30

ELEMENTS OF BOTANY.

The primary axis may terminate in n single flower, from whose axils
two secondary axes proceed, each terminating in a flower, with other
tertiary axes, and so on. This is a dichotomous (forked) cyme.

Again, the primary axis terminating in a flower, subtended by a single
bract, from its axil proceeds a secondary axis terminating in like manner ;
from its axil a tertiary, and so on. In this manner is produced the
scorpoid cyme or raceme, which seems to unroll as flowering pro-
ceeds (Fig. 51).

Fin. 50.— A cyme.

Fio. 51.— A Boorpokl cyme or raceme.

In other cases still the cyme assumes a spicate or umbellate form.

Both the fascicle and glomerule are of a cymose character. In the
former the axes are somewhat lengthened and are regularly distributed ;
in the latter they are almost suppressed and very irregular.

In determinate inflorescence the central flower always expands first, and
tlie outer or lower flowers follow in regular succession, so that there is a
movement from the centre toward the circumference ; hence this form of
inflorescence is termed centrifugal.

THE FLOWER.

31

Mixed inflorescence is that in which both the clcterrainate and
inflctorniiuate appear. In labiate plants the general intiorcs(!ence is inde-
terminate, while the separate heads are axillary cymes or fascicles.

There are other aHogether irregular forms of inflorescence, which,
however, do not require our attention.

The floral organs comprise those which are essential to reproduction,
namely, stamens and pistils, and those which enveloi> the essential
organs, namel}', calyx and corolla. All these organs are enfolded in the
hud, each kind in a sepai'ate whorl or circle by itself.

The calyx is the external envelope of the flower. It is commonly
gi'een, like the leaves, though occasionally colored {petaloid), and is com-
posed of from two to six or more leaflets, termed sepals, each separate
and distinct or all more or less united.

Fio. 52. — A polyscpnlous calyx.

Fio. 53. — A mono- or gamo-
sepaloug ciilyx.

Fio. 54. — IrreRiilnr (pptnloid)
calyx of aconite.

When the sepals are distinct the calyx is termed polysepalous (Fig.
52) ; when they arc united it is termed mono- or gamosepalous (Fig.
53). The monosepalous calyx is commonly more or less cut or divided
from the mai'gin downward ; in such cases the undivided portion is termed
the tube, the free border the limb, and the point where these meet the
throat. The separate portions of the limb are often spoken of as lobes,
or teeth. It should be borne in mind, however, that in the earl}' stage of
the development of the calyx the sepals are always distinct ; hence a
gamosepalous calyx is one in which the sepals have grown together, in
whole or in part, its teeth or lobes alone remaining to show the number of
the original sepals.

The calyx is regular when its sepals are all alike (Figs. 52 and 53) ;
irregular when some of them are different in form from the others (Fig.
54). It is deciduous when it falls away after the fertilization of the
flower ; caducous when it falls as the flower expands ; persistent when
it remains until the fruit matures.

Tlie corolla is the inner floral envelope. It is commonly colored,
and in this respect is in strong contrast with the calyx. Its separate
leaflets are termed petals, and, like the sepals, they may be more or less

32

ELEMENTS OP BOTANY.

nnmeroxis, and ench separfitc and distinct, or all may bo who'ly or partly
united.

When the petals arc distinct the corolla is termed polypetalous
(Fifif. 55); when they ai'o united it is termed mono" or gamopetalous
(Fig. 5(!). In the gamopetalous corolla there is the same distinction of
tube, throat, limb, and lobes as in the gamoscpalous calyx, and it is de-
veloped ill the same manner — by the fusion of originally distinct leaflets.
It may likewise be regular (Figs. 55 and 5()) or irregular (Figs. 57 and 58),
and though commonly deciduous, it is sometimes withering-persistent
— that is, withering but not falling away f'-om the maturing fniit. In
short, the corolla is very like the calyx, save that it is much more delicate
in structure, more beautiful in foi'm, and often most exquisitely colored.

Pio. B5. — Polypetalous corollii of a wild rose.

Fio. 50.— Mnnopotnlous
corolln and mouo.sopalous
calyx of tobacco.

Fio. 57. — Irrogiilnr co-
rolla of aconite.

It is not unfrequently absent ; then the flower is called apetalous. In
this case the calyx is often colored like a corolla, and therefore well sup-
plies its place. But in many plants both calyx and corolla are wanting ;
then the dowers are termed naked.

Tlie essential floral organs, as remarked above, are the stamens and pis-
tils. The stamens are variable in number, and commonly form a circle
within the corolla if this be present, or in its absence within the calyx.
Iiiey are the fertilizing organs, or, according to the former ideas of the
sexuality of plants, they supply the male element in the process of repro-
duction.

A stamen consists of two parts, an anther and a stalk or filament
iipon which this is supported (Fig. 59). The anther is the only essential
part, and this may be and often is sessile. It consists of two cells, di-
vided from each other vertically by a septum, each opening at maturity and
yielding a cellular, powdery substance — the pollen, which is the fertilizing

THE FLO WE It.

33

clomont. Antliera aro extremely viiricd in form in dilTerent pliiuts, and aro
attached to tlioir tilaincnts in a variety of Avays.

An auMiev is innate wLien attached by its base to the apex of the
filament; adnate ^vhen attaclied by one face to the side of the tilament ;
versatile wlien attached at its middle point so as to turn easily ; wlien it
is lixed to th(i side of the tihuuent wliicli looks toward the pistil it is
introrse ; and when lixed to the other side it is extrorse.

As intimated above, the tilament is of minor hnportance. It is varied
in size and lenj^th, and is not unfrequently absent alto<i;cther.

The stamens may also be each separate and distinct, or tliey may be
more or less united. They are monadelphous when united by their fila-
ments into one set; diadelphous in two sots; polyadelphous in
several sets; and syngenesious when united into one set by their
anthers, as in the 6'ym/josite (Figs. GO and Gl).'

Fig. 58.— Irregular flower of sage. Enlarged.

FiC. 69.— Common forms of stamens anil anthera.

The pistils are the organs which are fertilized and boar the seeds.
Their position is in the centi'o of the flower ; like the other floral organs,
their number is variable — there may be one or many.

A pistil may commonly be distinguished into three parts, namely, the
ovary, the style, and tlie stigma (Fig. G2). Of these the first and last
are always present, but the style may be absent, in which case the stigma
is sessile upon the ovary.

The ovary, as its name indicates, is the organ which contains the
ovules or rudimentary seeds ; the stigma is the part upon which the pol-
len is deposited ; and the style the intervening portion.

The pistil exhibits an almost endless variety of forms ; hence it is diffi-
cult to characterize it in such general terms as we are obliged to employ
in this place.

' For further details regarding compound flowers, see CompositcB,
3

84

ELEMENTS OF BOTANY.

Bearing in mind, however, tlmt all the lloral or^j^ans are but trans-
formed Iciith'ts of k'at'-buds, it in not difficult to understand the Htructure
of the jnstil. Let us take, for example, a jjea-pod, which is only a siniiile
pistil that has been fertilized and undergone subsequent doveloi)ment,
■without any essential chanpfo of form. Si)Ut it open on the side to which
the seeds arc attached and Hproa<l it out as nearly flat aspossil)le. We ob-
serve, then, that it has the general form of a leaf witli a stalk like a petiole
and a inid-vein which continues to the apex, while on the margins are i:)laced
the seeds. Now this pod is but nn altered leaflet, which was folded in-
ward and united at the margins, and had developed along this line of

Flo. Cl.— A ray florot < f a head
(compound flower).

;W

Fio. 62.— A pistil.
o "H tlio ovnry, »///.
tlic i-tjle, atig. tlio
stigiim. The ovnry
rests upon the ro-
ct'ptnclo (>•), which
teniiinateB llie po-
diincio (p).

Pio. f)0.— A disk or tiibulnr floret of a hend (compound flower), showing the ixnthcrs iinitL>d into one set
(syngeiu'sions). Mafrnilieil.

union a number of ovides. At the apex the stigma was placed, and
through this fertilization was effected, as will be seen later. Such is the
general plan upon which the simple pistil is constructed ; but as the
leaves of plants exhibit an endless variety of forms, so naturally would the
leaflets Avhose transformations produce pistils, and hence the pistils also.
Again, the pistils are very often compound — that is, made up of from two to
many simple ones growm together. Suppose, for example, a circle of five
leaflets stand in the centre of a bud, which are to be transfonned into a
compound pistil. The margins of each Avould be folded in and united, to
form simijle pistils ; then the sides of each, coalescing with those of its

THE FLOWER.

35

neighbors, would result in n, compound five-ccllod ovary. Suppose them
united to each other from bnse to npex, and one common 8tiy;niii miyjht do
for all ; let union talce place only half way up, and there would be a com-
pound ovary, but witli five Htyles and live stipmas. The pistils of fetid
hellebore (Fig. 03) are united at the base only, and are considered Hiiuplo
by some, comi)()und by others.

Of the pollen and ovul(!S little need bo said hero, save that they have a
strict analogy with the fertilizing element and the ovule of animal repro-
duction. Both exhibit a great variety of forms.

Flo. (!?.— Pi'.tlls of fotid hellebore
nil i till lit the base.

Pio. (I'l. — -A lily. VfiTt* (if the flower in threes (l-merons).

Having thus bi'iefly considereJ the organs which compose the flower,
we will now examine their numeri'ml disposition and their arrangement
upon the receptacle.

In exogenous plants the parts of the flowers are commonlj' in ficof or
four.% or in multiples of those numbers ; and however much they may
differ in this respect, the^' are never completely in threes. In endogenous
plants, on the contrary, the habitual arrangement is in threes. This
should be borne in mind, since it is another prominent and characteristic
mark of difference between these two great divisions of flowering plants.

In HiJcaking of a flower in respect to the numerical arrangement of its
parts, it is said to be 3-merous, 4-merous, or 5-merous (Figs. 04,
C5, and 06).

But here, as elsewhere in plant life, there is endless diversity. A strictly
5-merous flower should Imve five sepals, five petals, five stamens, and five
pistils, or multiples of this number. Now, in reality such a flower is rare.
It would be much easier to find one with five sepals, five petals, ten sta-

30

KLKMKNTS OF HOT A NY.

xnons, nr<l ono 5-rollo(l ovnry ; or a 4-niov()UH flower with two sopalH,
four potalH, Hixtcc'ii to twouty-four BtaineiiH, ami a l-cellcd ovary. In fact,
in oxopfenouH 2)lants tbo numerical arran-jfenient, though commonly in Iivch
or fours, proHcnts almost innumerablo exceptions — some, indeed, in whicli
the exact plan is scarcely dis(!ernil)le ; hut, he it rcniend)ere(l, it is never
eonipl(4cly in threes. In (^ndoij^eiKHis planis, li()W(^ver, Ihe arran<jemejit by
threes is much more uniform and the excej)ti()ns niU(!h more rare.

Fio. 05. — A 111 WIT of tlio coniinon lilac —
4-nicrous.

Fin. r(J. — rivo-mcrouB flower of a geranium.

Wo have seen that Iho ealyx and corolla may 1)C rej^ular or irregular,
and that hoth stanuiiis and pistils are subject to variations also. Another
form of irregularity recjuires attention.

In many plants there is an imperfection in the flowers, some of them
being without stamens, others without pistils. These imperfect flowers
may be npon the sanui plant, or upon difterent individuals of the same
species (Figs. 4G and 47). The common ailanthus, so largely used as a

PiQ. 67.— riMil (if thfiv. .ith hypocynouB
gtnmoiiB. Tho ciuollii and culyx (also hypogy-
Douh; romovcd. Kiilnrgrd.

Fio. 68.— Superior ovary of tho poppy.

shade-tree, has flowers with stamens only (stamwate) on one individual,
and those with pistils only (pistillale) on another. Such plants are termed
dioecious; while those Avith both kinds upon the same individxial are
termed nioncecious. Still others have not only perfect flowers — that is,
those with both stamens and pistils — but these imperfect staminate and
pistillate flowers also ; such plants are termed polygamous.

THK rJ.oWEIl.

a:

To sum up tlio irro;?ulai'iticw ot flowers !is tlioy actiially exist, lot altiiost
Miy one bt( coinpiired with ii tvpifiil flower, wliit^h is perfecti liiiviiifjf both
kiiuls of csHcntiiil orgiiiis ; complete, hiiviiij,' all liif soils of or.i^uiiH
>viiieh any flower jjossesscs, niiiiiily, calyx, corolla, staiiieiis, and pistilH ;
regular, all i)arls of each set being alike ; symmetrical, with the Hanio
inuiil)er of ])arts in each wet

Tlie arrangement of the floral organs upon the I'eceptaclo next demands
attention.

^ The calyx is commonly attached to the lower border of the receptacle ;

.-C^kf^k

Fio. (59. — Pi'ri.i.'vniinK stnmonH and petals
uf Ihi: poui^h.

Flo. 70.— rcTiyyiioUh itaincns aiul pctnl«of Iho

wild IMM'.

the corolla next above, its petals alternate witli or oi)posito the sepals ;
above the corolla are the stamens, and above these the pistils. lu such an
orderly arrangenient as this the organs beneath the pistils arc said to be
hypogynous, and the pistil, in relation to them, is said to be superior
(Figs. G7 and 68). All tlio organs in this case arc inserted on the re-
ceptacle.

In other cases the calyx and pistil only have direct relat'' a with the
receptacle, the corolla and stamens being inserted on the former ; they are
then said to be perigynous (Figs. GU and 70). Again, the calyx may be

FiQ. 71.— Calyx— superior. Fig. 79.— Calyx— hnlf-Hiiperlor.-

coherent with the pistil in -whole or in part ; in these cases the calyx is
said to be superior or half-superior (Figs. 71 and 72), while the corolla
and stamens are, as before, perigynous. In Cit.->e the tube of the calyx
ends at the summit, of the ovary, its lobes as well as the petals and sta-
mens appearing as if inserted on the ovary, they are termed epigynous.

38

ELEMENTS OF BOTANY.

FUNCTIONS OF THE FLOWER.

The only function of the flower which requires our attention is the re-
production of thG species.

T'le manner in -which this is accomplished is sufliciently simple, and, to
one acquainted with the phenomena of reproduction in animals, readily
understood.

As the flower expands the anthers expel tlieii* pollen through pores or

Flo. 73. — An nnthnr opon-
ing by i)ores of chiuk.i at
the top.

, FlQ. 71.— An nnthor op'in-
ing by viilves

Fio. 75.— Anthrr- rtcnoslt! r poHen directly on tho Btigmo, through
which the pollen-tubes are seen pauKlng to the ovules.

valves openea for this pui-pose (Figs. 73 and 74). The pollen is either shed
directly on the stigma or is carried there by the wind or by insects, and
once there it is retained by a glutinous secretion of the stigma (Fig. 75).

Frc^.n each pollen-cell (Fig. 70) is then protruded a minute tube, the
poUen-tubc, which insinuates itself through the stigma, and coutiuuiug its

FUNCTIONS OF THE FLOWEIJ.

39

r^rowtli until it reaches an ovule, penetrates tliis at a minute pore j^repared
for its reception, and there de^jOSits its conteutH (Fign. 77 and 78) ; I'erti-
Uzation is then an accoinplished fact, and the pollen and pollon-tubo wither
away -while the ovaiy and ovule continue their growth until the fruit is
matured.

Even the most careless observer of plants must ' -/e noticed that in

mm-..

Fig. 70.— DifTercnt forms of pollen. MnRiiiflod.

many of our common species the fruit often contains abortive or imperfect
seeds. Pea-pods, for example, ai'o often seen with only a single perfect
seed ; and ears of Indian corn with half the kernels imperfect are exceed,
ingly common. In these instances and in all others of like character the
ovules, r(>presented by the imperfect se(;ds, have failed to be reached by
the fertilizing pollen-tube. Not unfrequently, also, dicjecious plants, of

Fio. 77. — VertlcBl Bcction of an ovule before
fui'tilizntiim. M.i^nilieil.

Flo. 7S. — Vortical Hec'ioii of an orule p.fter fortlH-
zatiun, wilh pollen-lube in situ. MngniHed.

the pistillate kind, and hence naturally fertile, bear flowers year after year
without producing fruit, much to the bewilderment of their owners. The
cause is not far to seek. Such plants are remote from individuals pro-
ducing staminate flowers, and must o* necessity remain barren until this
fault be remedied.

Another point of interest in this connection is the production of
hybrids, by the crossing of related species or varieties.

40

ELKAIENTS OF BOTANY.

Every farmer knows tlmt if two varieties of com, say yellow and wbite,
be planted side by side, the result will be a great many ears of speckled
corn, those with both white and yellow kernels interniingled. Is'ow, corn
is a monoecious plant, the pollen being produced in vast quantities by the
tassels (stamens), while the silk of the ears represent the exposed portions
of the pistils. Naturally two varieties growing side by side will have their
showers of pollen intermingled by the wind, and grains of eacli falling
upon the silk of the same ear will produce a mixture of ditlerent colored
kernels, for the pollen will determine the chai-acter of the kernel produced
by the ovule which it fertilizes.

Again, the pumpkin and squash are closely related species, and cannot
be grown side by side without hybridizatit)n. But, as in the animal king-
dom, the production of hybrids is limited to closely related species or
varieties, and cannot be effected by the crossing of in-
dividuals of widel3- different genera. Strictly speaking,
the hybrid is the product of the crossing of related
species, but in a wider sense it may, without impro-
priety, be applied in plant life to the crossing of varie-
ties, as in the instance of corn.

THE FRUIT.

The frait is the fertilized and matui'ed ovar\^ en-
closing the seeds, capable of reproducing the plant.
Not unfrequently, also, it comprises the remaining
parts of the pistil, more or less altered, or the enlarged
and variously modified calyx and receptacle.

Fi'uits arc distinguished as f^invplc or compovvd.
A simple fruit consists of a single matured pistil,
Avhetlier this be simple or compound, together with its
enclosed seed or seeds, the seed-vessel, termed peri-
carp, being the matured ovary, and the seed the ferti-
lized and matured ovule.

Tlie pericarp is distinguished into three layers,
namely, epicarp ((niter layer), endocarp (inner
layer), and mesocarp (middle layer). In many fruits
the mesocarp is very thick and flesh}', and is then
known as the sarcocarp.
There are three principal kinds of simple fruits, fleshy fruits, stone-
fruits, and dry fruits.

In fleshy fruits the whole pericarp thickens and becomes soft in ripen-
ing. Of this kind are the berry, pepo, and pome.

In the berry the flesh is uniformly soft throughout, as in the cur-

Fio. 79.— Currants—
berries.

THE FltUIT.

41

rant (Fig. 79), huckleherrv, tomfifo, and gi-ape. Tlie strawliprry, black-
berry, ami raspbeiTv avo not, botanically, berries, as will api)ear later.

Tlie pepo is the kind of fruit f(^und in the gourtl family ; it in com-
monly hard without and softer within.

The pome finds its type in the apple, in which the mass of tissue is
comjiosed of the thickened, adherent calyx, the thin pods containing the
seeds being the only representatives of the pistil.

The stone-fruit is technically known as a drupe. It comprises an
outer fleshy portion enclosing a stone or putameHi containing the seed
(Figs. 80 and 81).

Dry fruits are those in which the pericarp retains an herbaceous text-
ui'c during its devt' .neiit, and results in a membranous or liardencd
coating to the seed. In some of these the pericarp opens at maturity and

Fig. so. — Cheirios. Example of a

Via. 61. — Verlicoi section of
n cherry.

I'lo. S"J. — .\chenium of a com-
posite plant.

permits the seeds to escape ; such fruits are termed dehiscent. In others,
as well as in all fleshy and stone-fruits, the pericarp remains closed ; these
are termed indehiscent.

Of indehiscent dry fruits a common form is the acheniunn, or
akene, a 1-socded fruit, apix'aring like a seed, but being covered closely
by the pericarp. Of this kind are all the fruits of the vompodla; (Fig.
82) and many of the ranuncidacea\ The real botanical fruit of the straw-
berry is also an achenium, for each of the so-called seeds is an achenium
innnersed in the fleshy, edible receptacle (Fig, 88). In the raspberry and
blackberry each grain is a minute berry or stone-fruit surrounded by a
fleshy mass, in the one case separable from the receptacle, in the other
fused with it (Figs. 81 and 85).

The achenia of the compositte are commonly crowned with a tuft of
bristles or hairs, termed the pappus (Fig. 82), designed to favor their

42

ELEMENTS OF BOTANY.

distribution by the wind. That of the dandelion will serve as an illus-
tration.

The utricle is au achenium with a loose, bladdery pericarp.

Fio. K!.— ;V sIijiuIh rry, t^tunvinp;
the H(!LMl8 (iiclicniuj iiuiiiLTtieil iu thu
llcsliy rt'coptiiulu.

„ .--llAx

''•.Ja ~ "Sail vt ^'I'l

■"■'■?■■ A" s
Fig. 84 — A rusi)bc'rr3'.

Fig. 85. — A blockbcrry.

The caryopsis has the pericarp incorporated with the seed, as in
wheat, rye, ami Indian corn.

A nut is a dry indehiscent fruit with a hard woody or bony shell, as
in the acorn, chestnut, and cocoanut. The acorn rests in a cup-shaped in-
volucre, termed the cup, or cu pule ; the chestnut in a prickly bm\

Fig. 86.— Samiira of tho maplo.

Fio. 87.— Samara of
the nilanthns.

FlQ. 88.— Follicle
(if acohito.

A samara, or key-fruit, is either a nut or an achenium, or any other
dry fruit furnished with a wing to favor its distribution by the wind. Of
this kind are the fruits of the maple (Fig. 8G), elm, tulip tree, and ailau-
thus (Fig. 87).

THE FRUIT.

43

Capsule, or pod, is the general name for dry scod-vessols which spUt
open at maturity in some regular maimer. It presents many dillereut
forms.

The follicle is the fruit of a simple pistil which splits along its inner
suture — that is, the suture formed by the united edges of the leatlet which
formed the pistil (Fig. 88).

The legume splits along both sutures, as we see in the bean and pea
(Fig. 89). It is common to a large order of plants, the lerjuminume.

The true capsule is the product of a compound pistil. It may be one
or mauy-cellod, and may discharge its seeds through chinks or pores, as in

Ua

Fia. 80.— LcRume ol

Fio. no.— Capsule of poppy.

Fio. ill.— a siUque,

the poppy (Fig. 90), or burst irregularly, or, as is most common, open by
valves.

Dehiscence by valves is locullcidal when the pod splits down the back
of each cell ; septic idal when the cells first sepai-ate from each other
through their partitions and then open along their inner margin.

The silique is the pod found in the cracifera;. It is divided into two
colls by a false partition, and generally opens by two valves from below
upward (Fig. i)l).

The silicle is a short, broad silicj[ue, like that of the shepherd's piu'se.

44

ELEMENTS OF BOTANY.

Tho pyxis is a pod which opeus transversely, the upper portion form-
ing a H(l or cover (Fig". 'J2).

Compound fruits are those rosiilting from many blossoms aggregated
into one mass. The most common form is tho strobile, or cone, the
fruit of the comfe.rce.

The cone is composed of open pistils, commonly in the form of flat
S(!ales, regularly overlying each other, and all pressed together into a coni-
cal tjhape (Fig. 1)3). Each scale bears one or two seeds on its inner sur-

Fio. 92.— Pyxis of hcnlmnc.

Pig. !)."!. — A pine coup.

face. When mature and dry the scales diverge and permit the seeds to
escape.

In some plants the scales forming tlie cone become fleshy and more
or less united to each other, so as to form a fruit resembling a berry ; of
such a character are the cones of juniper, commonly known as juniper
berries.

THE SEED.

Ovules which have been fertilized and undergone subsequent develop-
ment become seeds.

The seed consists of a kernel covered by an integument. The integu-
ment or seed-coat is divisible into two layers, an external often hard and
crustaceous, termed the testa, and an internal one, "which is thin and
delicate.

The testa sometimes fits the kernel closely, as in the bean ; again, it
is expanded into a wing (Fig. 94) or is tufted with long, soft hairs, as in

THE SEED.

43

the milk- wood, or with nioro doliciito libros, as in (cotton (Fi<^. 05). Somo
seeds have an additional covering, more or less exi)andod in i'onn, termed
an arillus, or aril; of such character is the mace of nutmeg and the
scarlet pulp enclosing the seeds oi the woody bitter-sweet [Cduiitrus scaii-
dcns), so nuxch used fov winter decoration.

All tlie expansions of the external seed-coat are evidently designed to
favor the distribution of the seeds.

The scar loft where the seed-stalk separates is termed the hilum ; the
minute orifice through which the pollen-tube entered, now closed up, is
termed the micropyle.

Tlie kernel is tlio essential part of the seed. In many seeds it is all
embryo — that is, a minute folded-up plantlet ; in others it comprises not

-'" .-

FlQ. 91. — Winged sccil of tlio pino.

Fin. O.'i. — C.jttoii ficed.

only the embryo, but a mass of nourishing matter in which this is im-
bedded, termed the albumen.

The albumen is composed of stai'ch, gluten, oily matters, etc., and is
designed to nourish the young plantlet during the early stages of its de-
velopment, before its roots have taken firm hold of the soil. It should be
borne in mind that this ditVers in every essential particular from animal
albumen.

The embryo, or germ, is the embryo plantlet whose development we
have studied in the bean and Indian corn. It is distinguishable into throe
parts, namely, (1) the radicle, called also and more properly the caulicle,
or rudimentary stem, to one end of wliioli are attachetl (2) the cotyle-
dons, or seed-leaves, between which is the rudimentary bud termed the
(3) plumule, while the other end becomes the descending axis.

And here we leave this branch of our siibject, having outlined, in a gen-
eral way, the history of flowering plants from their germination in the seed
to their reproduction in seed again.

From this history that of flowerless or cryptogamous plants
fliffers in many essential particulars, but most of all in their earliest and
latest stages, in germination, and in reproduction. This subject cannot be

40 ELEMENTS OB' BOTANY.

entcrerl into in dctiiil lioro, for however nctivo cryptogamous plants may
be in the causation of diseaso — and Hurcly tliis is a vexed qucstioii just
now — they are not, as a rule, particularly eiiicacious in its cure, at least
so far as our present knowledge goes.

Of the lowest orders we shall say nothing save that their life history is
similar to that of the lowest orders of the animal kingdom, being, in fact,
nothing but the history of single cells.

The highest orders, termed acrogenous cryptogams, have a dis-
tinct axis, growing from its apex only, containing woody tissue and vessels,
and usually with some foliage. They are destitute of true flowers, but i)ro-
duce, instead of seeds, minute bodies termed spores. From these spores
are produced new plants, but in a manner altogether diflerent from the
germination of the seed of a flowering plant. In the first place, from the
spores are developed oi'gans analogous to stamens and pistils ; the latter
being fertilized by the former, a new plantlet is the result. In other
words, reproduction is not finally accomplished by the parent plant,
though the materials for its accomplishment are fully prepared.

To this class Ijelong very few medicinal species, male fern {Af<pidii(m
Filix-ma>^), shield fern {A^indium marginalc), and club-moss [Lycopodiam)
being the only ones indigenous to North America.

CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS.

Tlio unit of classification in vegetable as in animal life is the species ;
and a knowledge of all known species would, in one sense, comprise the
knowledge of the whole vegetable kingdom. But as species indicates a
rclationshij:) of individuals, so different sjiecies bear relationship to each
other, and groups of sj^ecies relationshiiis to other groups, and so on until
the entire vegetable kingdom is included.

An illustration will best serve to define a species. Take, for example,
2:>eppennint. We have here a plaiit of a certain aspect, with stem, leaves,
flowers, and fruit to a certain extent peculiar to itself. The seed of one
individual or of a thousand will produce plants of essentially the same
character, year after yeai*, generation after generation. We might plant
beside this another of somewhat similar aspect, sj)earmint, and this would
also reproduce itself generation after generation without change. There
would never be an intermingling of the two ; the seed of the one would
never produce the other, but each would always reproduce itself. Now,
then, all the individual jieppei'mint plants existing are the direct descend-
ants of others which preceded them, and those of others still, and we can
reasonably trace the chain backward to one common ancestor. The sania
with spearmint. To express this history of a plant we use the term
species, signifying all individuals descended from a common stock.
Hence the species peppermint comprises all the individuals having its pe-

CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS. 47

cnliar cliaractoristics, and the species spenrmint nil the individual mints of
this kind.

But tliese two species bear an evident relationship to each other, as
evinced by their square stems, opposite leaves, peculiar flowers and seeds,
as well as in their similar but distinct aromati(! in-operties. This relation-
ship is expressed by the term genus, which signifies n group of relatejd
species.

J^it if we investigate a little further we shall find nuuiy other plants
having a general reseniblance to these two mints in their manner of
growth, mode of flowering, etc. Take catnip, for example. Her(> we find
the squai'e stem, opposite leaves, and a similar mode of flowering, but still
some well-marked ditt'erences which have placed it in another genus. But
these two genera have still marks of relationship wliicsh pl;u;e them, to-
gether with many other genera, in a still greater group termed an order.
Nor do we stop here, for we have seen that a plant may have i)olypetalous,
gamopetalous, or apetalous flowers, and obviously orders of polypetalic are
more nearly related to each other than to gamopetahe or ai)etahe ; hence
oi'ders are grouped in divisions. And again, the three divisions of poly-
petakc, gamopetahe, and apetahe, being found in exogenous plants, are
more nearly related to each other than to endogenous plants ; hence
tlie distinction of classes. But the two classes of flowering plants are
yet more neai'ly related to each other than to flowerless plants, and an-
other term, Sub-kingdom, is required to express that fact.

To express tliis grouping of i)lants in a natural way we have : Sub"
kingdom. Class. Division. Order. Genus. Species.

In this system of classification the order, genus, and species has each its
distinctive name. Names of orders are often derived from some well-
marked characteristic of the plants composing it, as JaJiiaUr, an order
characterized by labiate flowers ; Icr/uminoxd', having fruit in the form of a
legume ; crucifern', having flowers in the form of a cross. Often, again,
they are derived from that of some genus which they include whose name
was established before this classification was introduced, as magnoliacece,
from magnolia ; rainmculacece, from ranunculus ; rosacea;, from rose ; sola-
naci'cn, from solanum, etc.

The generic name is in many instances of ancient origin ; in other in-
stances it has been derived from names of individuals or from some
structural peculiarity, etc.

The specific name most commonly characterizes some structui'al feature :
Gentiana quinquc flora {Jive-fioiocred G.), G. criidta {fringed G.), etc. It not
unfrequently commemorates some individual or coixntry, as Gentiana An-
drewHii {Andrews gentian), Comas Canadensis, etc., and is then commonly
written with an initial capital.

To illustrate the manner in which these names are employed, we will
make use of a single example. The order GEXTUNACEiE includes all plants

48 ELKMKNTS OF BOTANY.

in flio Icnnwn wcirM liaviiif? tlio pfpiicral Htrnctiivfi of a pontiaii, conipriHing
many ^ciuM'a, as t/cnlidiiii, fdhlxili'i, J'nist'ra, vtc.

Tlio f^fonns cjentiana iucludfcH all the gentiauH, nud their names are
•written thus :

Gontiana quiiuincflnra Laniarch — Five-flowored gentian.

(Jcntiana criiiita Frnclich- Fringed gentian.

(lentiana Antlrewsii (Irisebach — Aiidrows' gentian, etc.

Th(! words Fianian-k, Froelieh, and (Irisebach being the names of the
botanists who described the plants and gave them their si)e('itic names.

Such is a l)rief outline of the classiticjation of plants at present em-
ployed. It is variously modified to suit circmnstances, but these modifi-
cations do not recpiire our attention here. There is, however, one point
which re(|uires a passing glance. T^ speaking of species, these were
treated of as being absolutely distinctive. Now, in reality this is far from
the fact, for often species — as described — are diflicult to distinguish one
from anothei'. Again, the same sjjeciea may present plants of, in some re-
spects, dillerent aspects ; as for example, a plant whose flowers are habitu-
ally blue may produce individuals with white Dowers. Now when such
variations from the spcn-itic standard tend to rejjrochice themselves year
after year, they are termed varieties ; hence we not unfrequently see the
specific name f(jllowed by the word variety and another name, as Anemone
patens Linne, var. NitttaUiava Gray, signifying that the plant is a varietj' of
anemone i)atens as characterized by Linm', which variety was named for
Nuttall and descril)ed by Gray.

The i)lants of any region or coinitry arranged systematically according
to this — or any other — system of classification is termed the flora of that
region or country, and such a flora is of immense service to the student
who wishes to familiarize himself with the plants about him. AVith this
flora before him and an unknown plant in his hand, he is enabled to trace
out analytically, stej) by step, the relationship of the unknown with the
known, and finally to fix the plant's specific location.

We will suppose him with a flowering plant in his hfind, but one which
he has never seen before. He begins by ascertaining whether it be ex-
ogenous or endogenous ; if exogenous, whether polypetalons, gamopeta-
lous, or apetalous ; and then whether it bear evident relationship to plants
of any order with which he is familiar. If not, he must search through
the characters of orders until he can fix its ordinal location, then its ge-
neric place, and finally its specific name. For facilitating such analyses arti-
ficial keys are supplied in most published fioras.

A medical flora, such as is attempted in the second part of this volume,
is an orderly arrangement of the medicinal plants of any region or country.
Obviously a key cannot readily be availed of in such a work, for, to be of
any service, it must be capable of application to all the plants which the
territory includes.

(} L O S S A li V

OK

DKmONARY OF BOTANICAL TERMS.

(COMBINED WITH AN INDEX.)

AcnuleHrmt, witliont an appariMit stem —

tlio U-\w loaf and llowur-boaring stem

biiing short or subtorrani'an.
Achenhua (or akeno), a dry 1-st'«deil fruit,

Fig. H3, p. 41.
yl( 'ciddi; noodlt.'-sliapod.
Acrof/c.noiis, growing only from th(> sum-
mit, as the stems of foriis and mosses.
Aculeate, armed witli prickles.
Acuminate, tapor-i)ointed.
Aciite, sharp-jiointed.
Adnate (anther), attached by one face to

tlie side of tlie filament, \). 'X\.
Adccntitwus roots, p. G.
Adventitimts roots of parasitic phiiits, Fig.

1:5, p. 7.
Air-j)lants, those nourished by aerial roots,

p. 9.
Akene (or achenium\ a dry 1-seeded fruit.

Fig. 83, p. 41.
Alatc, winged.
Albumen^ p. 4.5.
Alburnum, sap-wood, p. 15.
Alternate, one after another, as alternate

leaves.
Alreolatc, like honoyeomb.
Andrn'cium, a collective name for the

stamens.
Annual, a plant which germinates from

the seed, produces flowers and fruit, and

dies the same season, p. 9.
Annual rings (,o{ wood). Fig. 19, p. 14.

I Anther, tlio essential part of tlie stam.on,
j Figs. 59, 7:5, 74, p. M.

AjH'tidoHx, without a corolla, p. ',Vi.
j Ajihyllous, destitute of leaves.
1 Appressed, in close contact but not united.

Arh(ireotts{m arborescent), tree-like.

AriUiis (or aril), a fleshy, false coating to
the seed, p. 4r».

Aristate, armed with a hrisllo-like jioint.

Artioddtion, the joint at which a part se])a-
rates, as the petiole from the stem, p.
20.

Ascending 8t£m, one which arises obliquely,
p. 10.

Assnrgent, ascending.

Aim, a bristle-like appendage.

A.ril, the angle on the upper side between
the leaf and stem.

Axillary hud, a bud placed in the axil of a
leaf. Axillary buds often remain dor-
mant indeliniti^ly ; when they begin to
grow they become terminal buds, i.e.,
buds terminating growing branches, p.
10.

Baccate, like a berry.
Barbate, bearded.
Bark, p. 15.

Bast-cells, the long wood-cells of bark, p. 15.
Beaked, ending in a beak or narrow tip.
Bean, its structure and gerrainatiou, Figfl.
1-5, p. a.

50

OLOSSAKY OU DICTIONARY OF KOTANICAL TEIIMS.

Berry, a fruit inilpy or juicy througliout,

l-ig. 71», J.. 4(».
Jhi'tiriuitU', two-ktu'lod.
Jtulfiddte, with tvvd teeth.
liirnvitil, a iiltmt wliieli trerminatefl from

the Hecil (Hie M'uson iiiul proiluct'8 llowora

ami fruit iinil dies tiie nuxt, p. U.
liijiil, twitcieft.
BifMite, with two It- atlets,
Jhldhiiiff, tw(>-li]ii)e(l.
Biloriiliir, two-celled.
Jiipitrtitf, two-piirtod.
JUpiniiiilc, twico jiinnato, Fig. HI, p. 21.
limrniti', (h)ubly serrate, us when the tooth

of u serrate leaf are tluMuselveH scrrato.
Blade (or lniniuii\ tlie oxpandod portion

of a leaf, ]). 17.
Bnift^, tin; leaves of iuHoreHronno, p. 25.
BrnrHctH (or bracteoles), Becoudary bracts.
TritnrhrH (and stem), p. 9.
Biida (iiitl Irtinn, p. 17.
Bull), a short, usually snaly and si'bter-

ranoau stem, Figs. lG-18, p. 11.

Cadunoim, falling off quickly, p. 31.

C'rrspitoKc, growing in tufts.

Culi/x, the external lloral envelojio, p. 3i

Cainbiuni Uii/cr, p. 1.^.

Cnnalkuhitfiy channelled.

Cnnrelliitc, rest>nil)Iiiig lattice-work.

Cdnenmif, grayish-wliite, hoary.

Capitate, hoad-liko.

Capsule (or pod), a dry seed-vessel whiidi

splits open in a regular manner, p. 43.
Carina, a keel.
Carinate, keeled.
Carpel, a simple pistil or one division of a ! Cuxpidnte, armed with a small cu.«p, or

compound pistil. | tootli.

CaniTirle, an excrescence at the scar of i Cyme, a sort of flat topped flower-cluster,

some seeds. | Fig. f)0, p. hi).

Cai'yopsis, a fruit having the pericarp in- ,

Clami (of plants), p. 47.

(.'litnnijlealioii of jdanlH, p. 40.

Clair, tho narrow, Btulk-liko base of Boine
petals.

Ct*'ft, out more than half-way to tho base,
p. 19.

Cliiiibiiiij, rising by clinging to other ob-
jeutH. I'liintH climb in many ilitferent
ways: by twining, by means of adven-
titious roots, by tendrils, by the petioles
of tlio leaves. • Ic.

Column, tliii united stamens, or stamens
and pistils of sonu> plants.

Compute, ^flower), having calyx, corolla,
stamens, and jdstils, p. 37.

CumjMund leaf, I'"ig. 31), p. 20.

CompreHHed, flattened on opposite sides.

Coui'eiitrir. ri/ii/K {<t( wiWil), l"ig. lil, p. 14.

Cone, tho friut of tlie Coni^mf, Fig. 93,
p. 44.

Connate, leaves united about tho stem, p.

Oontraefril, narrowed or shortened.

Ooi'-iaceoii.i, leathery.

Conn, a fleshy bulb, p. 12.

Corolla, the inner floral envelope, p. 31.

Cortical, pertaining to the bark {eorte.r).

Con/ml), a sort of flat or convex flower-
cluster, Figs. 39, 40, p. 2(i.

Cotyledons (or seed-leaves), tlui first leaves
of the embryo. Figs. 1-3, pp. 2, 4.").

Orenate, scalloped, Fig. 28, p. 19.

Cri/ptot/anioiis (or flowerlt3s)^>/(;/)Ai, p. 45.

Cuneatt, wedge-shaped.

Cup (or cupule), the involucre in which
an aecrn rests, ]>. 42.

corporated with the seed, p. 42.
Catkin (orament), Figs. 4fi, 47, p. 28.
Cav,dat.e, tailed.
CaulMe (or radicle), tho stem part of the

embryo, p. 45.
Caxdine, belonging to the stem, as cauline

leaves.
Chlorophyll, the green coloring matter of

plants, p. 24.
Cinereous, ashy-gray.
Circinate, rolled inward from the top.

Decandrons, with ten stamens.

DecidiioiiH, falling off, as loaves which fall
in autumn, p. 22.

Declined, turned to one side.

Decompound, several or many times com-
pounded or divided, p. 21.

Decurrent (leaves), prolonged down the
stem.

Dejinif^, a fixed number.

Dehiscent (fruits) ; opening at maturity,
p. 41.

GLOSSAUY on mCTIONAUY OF BOTANICAL TKUMS.

51

Ikuta1t\ tootliod, Fii<. 2«, p. 10. :

/h/iirsMrit, tliittt-'iii'd v«'rti(!ivlly. '

Ihli'i'iitniiitf iiijloniiirni't , j>. VJ5.
/Hii(li//i/i<niH (.stiiiiit'iiHi, iiuiti'd liy tlmlr ,

lllairuMitH into two Hotm, p. iVi,
/)/,itulroiis, hiiviiit,' two stiinicns. 1

llirliotoinoim, fdrkt'd.
Jh'ih/iininona, liaviiig fo>ir Htaincns in two

pairs, one of which is sliortiT thiin liiu

otiliT.
Diijililtdjf ri'itii'if, p. 19. 1

Dif/j/noiin, liiiviiii; (wo pistils or HtyU'c. '

IHivcuniH (pliiiits), tl»ox<> whirii liavc stam-

iiiiito and i)istillat« (Iowimh on difTcrcnt

individuals, Fi.L,'H. 4(1, 47, p. !l(J.
Dixnqyiinenh, tlic partitions of an ovary or

I'ruit.
IHiided, cut to tlic base, p. 20.
Dimion 'of iilants). p. 47.
J>ni)H', 11 stoui-t'riiit, p. 41.
l)u.ds (or vesselfl\ Fig. 2;{, p. 14.
JJurunien, lieart-wood, j>. 15.

Kehimnte, armed with prickles.

Knuir<iiii(ft<\ notclu'd at tli(> apex.

Eiiihi'j/o (or goriii), the rudimentary plant-
let in the seed, p. 4"i.

KiKlociirp, the inner layer of the pericarp,
p. 40.

Eiifhii/oiotin pliDitH, without distincrtiou of
bark, wood, and pith, I'ig. 25, p. 10.

Eiixiform, sword-shaped.

Eutiri', the margins not toothed or indent-
ed.

Epfmrp, the outer layer of the pericarp,
p. 40.

FjiiiiJermis, the outer covering or skin.

h'lii(/l/iioii^'<, upon the ovary, p. U7.

Ktpuilly piniKitc, with leaflets in pairs, p.
20.

Erect sfcD), one growing straight up, p.
10.

h'rosr, eroded, appearing as if gnawed.

A'Ksentidl Jhrtil orrjanit, those necessary to
reproiuietion, namely, stamens and pis-

lii.s, p. ;n.

liny le nous plmifs, with hark, wood, and
pith, each distinct, Fig. 10, p. 12.

KrMipnlatc, witho)it stipules.

KrtrorKe (anther), fixed to the side of the
filament wliich looks away from the pis-
til, p. 03.

FalTAite, Hcytlie-Hhaped
Juiaciiif, a (do.se elusti-r, j). IlO.

FiiHcirttil nx'tx, tiu)se wliich grow in a l>uu-
dlo or cluster, p. 5.

FihimfiU, the part of the Btanu-n winch
supports tlie anther, p. ;12.

J^lan.Hanf, yellowish, ur turning yoilow.

h^cithy J'ni itK, ]). 40

I'loni, the plants o'" a district or cmiutry,
or a systematic arra'iijumentand descrip-
tion of them.

Florid ori/diiM, p. 81.

Floirrr. ]). 2ri.

Floircr-l>ii<l, p. 25.

/'7f>»rfr^/i« (or cryptogamous) ?>' n;^^, p. 15.

Folinrroiis, leaf-1 i ke.

Fiillirl(\ a fruit whiidi opens along its inniT
suture, Fig. 88, p. 4;{.

Foolxtillk (or petiole"), the stem of a leaf,
p. 17.

Foredtr, deeply pitted.

Fruit, ]). 40.

Fuiirtioii.H of h'dcn, p. 24.

Fnnrliona of rootn, p. 8.

FiuirtioHS of stent, and hrnnrhrfi, p. Hi.

FnnetionH of t/icjlomr, p. .18.

FiiHiforni, spi mile shaped.

Giilfute, helmet-shaped.

OaTHO]Mtiil.oiis, monojietalous, p. ■52.

GamosepnlouH, nionosepalous, j). ;U.

GenirnlAilr, heut like a knee.

Gcnns, p. 47.

Qprm (or embryo'), the rudimentary plant-
let in the se(»d, p. 45.

Ghtbrous, smooth.

Olanils, small cellular organs which secrete
oily, resinous, or other products.
; (llniiroiiH, covered with a bloom- a fine
white powdery coating which rubsoJf, iw
the bloom of a grape.

Glomeruli', adeusi; head-lik(! cluster, p. HO.

Gtpunosperinons, nakedsee<l(!d.

GyruBcium, a collective luvme for the pis-
tils.

Gynanilrous, with stamens and pistils
united.

IlnUtat, the situation in wliich a plant

grows without cultivation.
Ilnirs, liair-like appendages on the surface

of i)lant3.

52

GLOSSARY OR DICTIONARY OP BOTANICAL TERMS.

JIalf-siiperior (calyx\ partiiilly enclosing

till) oviirv, Fig. 7,v, j>. 'M.
Jfmtdte, lialbcrd-sliiipcil.
Jfmd, tin? iiiliorL'siiciico of tli( so-called

C()ini)()iiiHl flowers, \i}g**. 48, 41), jj. 2S.
IJcart-iraoil (or duramiMi). the oldi-r, ofton

colored wood of exoi^'ciioiis stems.
Ih'.rh, a j)l;iiit wliicli dies altogotlnfr, or

down to the ground, after niatiirini; its

fruit.
JkrhdrcoHH, having the textur(> of an herb,

i.e., with little woody tissue p. 13.
Jlilnni, the ,s(;ar on tiie seed niaiking its

former attachment to the seed-vessel,

pp. 3, 45.
JFoanf, grayish-while.
Jforri, a spur or other like appondaLtt;.
Jfi/I)7'i'l, a cross-breed, ]i. lilt.
Jh/pofji/non.'i, inserted h(>Iow tlu! pistils,

I'ig.s. (>7, ()8, p. oT.

ImhricMc, overhqipiu!,' one anotlier.
Impan-inruKitr, une(|uaily i)innate.
Tnr^nnii.t^ boai'v with white pubi'S('(>nco.
liixJcfiniti', not uniform iu number, or very

numerotis.
IiiflcJu'srciif (fruit), not opening at maturity,

p. 41.
Iiu/ctenninnte iyifloresc^vrc, p. 3.").
Indian rmvi, its structure andgermimition,

Figs. <!-», J). ;}.
TudigenoiiH, native to lh(> country.
fnduplirate, with edges turned inward.
IiiJhreHc.cni'e, the. arrangement of (lowers,

p. 2.".
fiifiindihiiliform, funnel-shaped.
Innate (antlier), attaclied by its ba.se to

the apex of tlu fihunent, p. :?;?. 1

Litsrnodi', the space b(>twe(Mi two nodes or

joints, p. 0. ;

TntrovKi' (anther\ fixed to the side of tbo

lilaiuent which looks toward the pistil, !

p. «;?. I

In-olnrii, the bracts at the base of a partial '

umbel, p. 38. |

Inrdu.re, a whorl of bracts about the base

of a single llower, an umb(>l or a head.
Inrd>itr, roll<>il inward from the edges.
Irrrrfiilar, with like parts dissimilar, as an

irregular corolla, one with some of its

jH'tals unlike the others.

Joint (or node)) that part of a stem from
wliicli a leaf or heaves spring.

Keel, a projection like the keel of a boat.
Kernel, p. 44.

Liihdlam, the o(Ul petal of orchidaceous
plants.

Lui'invite, slashe<l or cut into narrow lobes.

laniif/ino'ia, cotlouy or woolly.

Liniiiiia (or bladt.'), the expanded portion
of a leaf, p. 17.

f.ciijli f.i, the separate blades of a com-
pound leaf. Fig. '.W, p. 30.

Legninc, a pod which opens along both su-
tures,, Fig. Hil, p. 4:5.

TA'ntir'.liir, lens-shaped. '

lAhcr, the inner, fibrous bark of exogenous
])lai>ts.

Liiinlr, the strap-shapcid corolla of many
uomposita).

Liuib, the free border of a nionosei)alous
caly.x or nninopetalo.is co.'oUa, pp. !jl, l!3.

Liiiiiir, narrow and Hat.

L/p, the priiu'ijial lobes of a bilabiate calyx
or corolla.

Lolic, a prominent division, as of a leaf, p.
1!).

/<t»/v^//(YV/(;^ (dehiscence), opening down the
ba.^k of each cell, p. 4:5.

Lyrate., lyre-shaped.

Medullary rayn, cellular tissue connecting
the pith and growing surface of the stem,
Fig. 34, p. 14.

Menorarp, the middle layer of the per carp,
p. 40.

Micrapyle, the closed orifice of the seed, p.
45.

md-vih, p. 17.

Mid-irin, p. 17.

Mired inforemrnre, p. 31.

Monndelphmis (stamens), united by their
lilanients into one set, p. 33.

Mou(nidrn(x (flower, having but one
stamen.

Moniliform, necklace-shaped.

Monm'ioiiH (plant', one with staminate aTid
pistillate flowers on the samo individ-
ual, ]) 30.

MonogynotiK, having but one pistil.

GLOSSARY OR DICTIONAUY OF BOTANICAL TERMS.

53

MonopfUihiiK, with pi;tal.s more or less
imituil, Fig. no, p. •'>'2.

MoiiosepalouH, with sepals more or less unit-
ed, Fig. fj;{, p. ;5I.

JJucronate, armed with a small sharp
yoiiit.

Mi'Hiioculdr, many-celled.

Nahul, destitute of both ealjx and corolla,

p. ;«.
JSicrocn (of leaves), p. 1 7.
Net-mined leacen, common to exogenous

plants, p. 18.
Ao(ie (or joint), that part of tho stem from

which a leaf or leaves .spring, p. U.
Numerical arrangement (llower), Figs. 04-

00, p. 155.
Nut, a dry indehiscent fruit having a

woody or bony shell, p. 43.

Ochroleucov , j v ''owish-white.

Order {oi plants), j). 47.

Ocary, the organ which contains the ovules,

Figs. (!3, 75, p. ',)'■>.
Oimlc, the rudimentary seed, Figs. 75, 77,

78, p. 33.

Palmately mmpoimd, j). 20.

Palmately reined, Fig. 18, p. 19.

PanicL, a compound racemo, p. 20.

J'appiis, a tuft of bristles o'- hairs crowning
the achenia of the CoiiqwHitU!., Fig. 8;2,
p. 41. ^

Piirallel-reined. lea rex, common to endo-
genous plants, p. 18.

Parietal (placenta3), attached to the walls
of the ovary.

Piirted, deeply cut, p. 20.

Pedately veined, p. 19.

Peduu'l, a secondary peduncle.

Pedunde, a branch terminated by a llower,
p. 25.

Pentar/ynoitH, with five pistils or styles.

PeutandroiiK, with live stamens.

Pepo, the fruit of the gourd family, p. 41.

Peremiial, a plant which lives several or
many year.", p. 9.

PerfeH ;',->wer), having both kinds of es-
sentii' t,rgr.Ms, p 37.

Perfoliate, a, leaf which appears to be per-
forated by the stem, }). 23.

Perianth, the Uoral envelopes.

Perirarp, tho matured ovary, or seed-ves-
sel, p. 40.
PeriiiynoHK, petals and stamens inserted

upon the calyx, Fig.-s. 09, 70, p. 37.
PcUdoid, like a jietal or j)etals, as a peta-

loid calyx.
Petalx, the separate leallets of the corolla,

p. 31.
Petiole (or footstalk;, tho stem of a leaf, p.

17.
Piloxe, hairy.
Piniuv, 'nimary branches of a bii)innat<!

or tripi.iuate leaf, p. 21.
Plnnatcly eoiiiponiid, p. 20.
Pinnately (or feather) reined. Fig. 2(i, p.

18.
P/nniileK, secondary branches of a hipin-

nate or tripinnalo leaf, p. 21.
Pistil, the organ which is fertilized and

bears the seeds. Fig. 02, p. 33.
Pistillate (llower), one with pistils, but

without stamens, Fig. 47, p. 30.
Pitclicr, p 22.
l^'ith, the central mass of cellular tissue of

exogenous stems. Figs. 20, 21, p. 13.
Plicate, plaited.
Plumose, feathery.

Plumule, the rudimentary bud of the em-
bryo, p. 45.
PoUen, the fertilizing element. Fig. 70,

pp. 32, 38.
Pollen-tube, Figs. 75, 78, p. 38.
Polyadelphous (st.araens!, \inited by their

filaments into several sets, p. 33.
Polygamous (plants', having staminate,

pistillate, and perfect flowers on the

sam(! individual, )). 30.
Polypetalous, with petals di?'anct. Fig. 55,

p. 32.
PdlysejHilous, with sepals distinct. Fig. 52,

p. 31.
Pome, the apple, pear, and similar fruits,

! P- 41.

Priclies, sharp elevations of the bark.

Primary roots, p. 5.
; Prostrate stem, one which lies flat on the
I 8;round.

I /•?'' -nt, hairy or downy with soft hairs.

I Pu'hii.ite, dotted.

I Pu,t4imen, the stone of stone-fruits.

Py.ris, a pod which opens transver iely, Fig.
92, p. 44.

54

GLOSSARY OR mCTIONARY OF BOTANICAL TER'^'S.

Raceme, an infloresconce with nearly tMiual
secondary axes along tlio ju'lniary one,
Fig. ;i8, p. ;2(i.

Radiate, I'urii'shcd with ray-llowers.

limliail, proceeding from tho root, as radi-
cal leaves.

7iV (Zj't'fc (or cauliclo), the s' n part of tlio
embryo, ]). 41.

R<i>l, tho marginal ilowers of a head, when
• lignlate or different from tho others.

lieceptarlc, the axis or suj)port of a llower,
p. 25.

lieyular (llower), with all jiarts of each set
alike, p. IST.

Jlpdiii!, wavy-margined, l^. 19.

Itetiixe, blunted aTid s^omewhat indented.

IIImcIUx, the axis of a spike or other body.

Jihaoiiu! {or rootstoeki. a creeping subter-
ranean stem. Fig. 15, p. 11.

Jiibs (of leaves), p. 1 7.

Jiiiii/< iif, gaping open.

Root, pp. 4, 7.

Jioot-hairs, Fig. 14, p. 8.

Jtootiitork (or rhizome), a creeping subter-
ranean stem, Fig. 15, p. 11.

JlotilniU', beaked.

Rotation of cropn, p. 8.

Jiuncinaie, coar.sely saw tootlicd.

Runner, a slender jirostratu branch, root-
ing at the end or joints.

Hanui rit. (pv key -fruit), a winged achenium,

Figs. 80,87, p. 4:2.
f!aivor(irj>, a thick, fleshy mosocarp, p.

40.
Scabroiifi, rough to the touci..
S(ktles, reduced leaves, p. 17.
Scemdent, climbing.
Snipe, a i)edunclo rising from the ground

or near it.
Scarious, thin, dry, and membranous.
San'poid ei/ine (or raci'UKM, Fig. 51, p. 30.
Scutellate, saucer-shaped.
Heeondanj rcotK, p. (!.
Secand, one-sided, as a one-sided raceme.
tked, p. 44.

Sepidx, tlie separate leaflets of the calyx.
Sepfie/did. (deliiscence), cells first se[)arating

from each other, then opening along

their inner margin, p. 43.
Set wo II H, silky.
Serrate, saw-toothed, Fig. 28, p. 19.

Sexsde, without a stalk, as a sessile leaf,
one without a i)etiole, p 17.

Setaceous, bristle-form.

Sheathimj, wrapped aljout the stem.

Shrulix, woody jilants under about twenty
feet in height, p. 12.

Silie.le, a short, broad silique, p. .3.

Siliipie, the pod of the Crucifrra; Fig. 91,
p. 43.

Sim,pU leaf. Fig. 29, p. 20.

Simple ston, one without branches, p. 10.

Sinuate, strongly wavy, Fig. 28, p. 19.

Spatlw, a bract which enfolds an inflo-
rescence.

Species, p. 40.

Spike, an inflorescence with flowers sessile
on tho primary axis. Figs. 43, 44, p. 28.

Spine, a thorn.

Spores, p. 40.

S<juarrose, with thickly set scales, leaves,
or other a])pendages, siireading widely
from the axi.s.

<Sto»i(?rt, Fig. 59, p. 32.

Stain inn fe (flower), one with stamens but
without jiistils. Fig. 4(), p. 30.

Standard, the upper petal of i papilionace-
ous flower.

Stem (and brunches), p. 9.

Stifjina, the part of the jiistil on which tho
pollen is deposited. Figs. 02, 75, p. 34.

Stipe, the stem of a pistil when it has
any.

Stipulate, furnished with stijuiles.

Stijiiiles, appendages at tho base of certain
leaves. Figs. 32-34, p. 23.

Stomata (stoma, singular), the breathing-
pores of leaves. Figs. 36, 37, p. 24.

Stone fruit, p. 41.

Strict, close an<l narrow.

Strobile, a multiple, cone-shaped fruit, like
that of the common hop.

Sti/le, the jiortion of the jiistil between the
ovary and stigma. Fig. 62, p. 34.

Sidi-h-inijdoin (of plants), p. 47.

Succulent, juicy.

Suffruticose, slightly woody, i:>. 13.

Superior (calyx), enclosing the ovary, Fig.
71, p. 37.

Sijni metrical (flower), with the same num-
ber of parts in each set, p. 37.

Sj/nf/enesious (stamens), with anthers unit-
ed -tito one set, Figs. 00, 01, p. 33.

GLOSSARY OR DICTIONARY OF BOTANICAL TERMS.

OD

J\i])-rot>f, a root with a stout tapering body,
Fig. 10, p. 4.

Teginen^ tho iiiuer seed coat.

Tendril, a modified branch or leaf xisedfor
climbing.

Teriniiial bad, tlio bud terminating the
main stem or a growing brancli, p. 10.

Ternate, in threes.

Tc^ita, tlie external seed-coat, p. 44.

TetriulynanwuH, having six stamens, two
of them shorter tliaii tlie otlua-s.

Thickened fuscicled tou/k, Fig. 11, p. 5.

Throat, the point where the tube and limb
of a monosepalous calyx or monopetal-
ous corolla meet, pp. 31, 32.

Thi/VKC, an ovoid panicle, p. 26.

Trading skin, one which runs over tho sur-
face of the ground or other objects.

Trees, woody plants of a greater height
than twenty feet, p. 12.

Tri-pinndte, thrice pinnate.

Truncate, cut off.

Tvbe, the undivided portion of a mono-
sepalous calyx or monopetalous corolla,
pp. 31,32.

Tuber, a thickened, bud-bearing portion .it
& subterranean stem, p. 12.

Twining stem, one which climbs by twin-
ing about some support, p. 10.

Umbel, an \imbrella - like inflorescence.
Figs. 41, 42, p. 20.

UnibclU't, a secondary umbel, p. 28.

Uncinate, hook-shaped.

UneqaaUy pinnati; with leaflets in pairs
surmounted by an odd terminal one,
Fig. 30, p. 21.

Uugnicidate, furnished with a claw.

Unisexiud, having stamens or pistils only.

Utricle, an achenium with a loose, blad-
dery pericarp.

Valnite, opening by valves.

Vain; one of the parts of a dehiscent pod

or similar body which ojx'ns.
Varietiis (of plants), p. 47.
Veinlets (of leaves), p. 17.
Veins (of leaves', p. 17.
Venation, the veining of leaves, p. 17.
Ventricose, inflated on one side.
Verrucose, warty.
Versatile (anther), attached at its middle so

as to turn easily, p. 33.
VerticU, a whorl.
Vertieillate branches, p. 10.
Vessels (or ducts), Fig. 23, p. 14.
Vcnllnm, the standard of i)apiliouacoou.-j

flowers.
Villosc, shaggy with long, soft hairs.

Wood, Figs. 22, 23, p. 13.

'Woody, having the texture of wood, p. 12.

MEDICINAL PLANTS

OF

NOliTlI AMERICA.

PH^NOGAMOUS OR FLOWERING PLANTS.

CL.iSS I. — DICOTYLEDONOUS OR EXOGENOUS PLANTS.

Stems with bark, wood, and jntli tlistinct ; wlien perennial, increasing
in size by the annual addition of a layer of wood outside that already
formed. Leaves net-veined. Parts of the flower commonly in lives or
fours. Embryo with two cotyledons, or seed-leaves, rarely with several in
a whorl.

Division I. — Polypetalous Exogenous Piants.

Flowers with both calyx and corolla, the latter absent in only a few
genera and species. Petals each separate and. distinct.

«

RANUNCULACE/E.

Gharacler of the Order. — Calyx : sepals 3 to 6, generally 5, distinct,
usually deciduous, and, except in clematis, imbricated in the bud. Corolla :
petals 3 to 15, occasionally irregular or deformed, and som(;timcs absent.
In the latter case the sepals are usually colored, and petal-like. Stamens
indefinite, distinct, very rarely few and definite. Ovaries numerous, rarely
few or solitary, distiiict. Ovules solitary or several, inverted. Fruit either
achenia, seed-like, dry follicles, or berries ; seeds solitary or several. Em-
bryo minute, at the base of fleshy or horny albumen.

Herbs, rarely shrubs, occasionally shrubby climbing plants. Leaves
alternate, opposite in clematis, variously divided, without stipules.

Ahnost the entire order is characterized by a colorless, acrid, and often
poisonous juice. The acrid principle is, however, generally volatile, and

58

liANUNCULACE^.

is often entirely diHsipatrd in the process of (Irving. Occasionally, as in
aconite, the active principle is stored up more abundantly and permanently
in a tuberous root.

Though the ranunculacejc ai'e represented in the United States by a
comparatively large number of genera and species, few of these have as yet
been found worth}'^ a place in the Pharmacopcoia. Doubtless fuither care-
ful investigation in this tield may yield important results.

CLEMATIS. — ViKGiis'ti-BowER.

Char zr of the Genu^'. — Calyx : sejials 4, rarely more, colored, pctaloid,
the val\..te margins turned inwai-d in the bud. Corolla none, or, if
present, the petals small. Stamens indefinite in iiundK'r, distinct. Ova-
ries numerous, distinct. Acheuia in a head bearing the persistent styles
as naked, hairy, or plumose tails.

Pex'ennial, herbaceous or slightly Avoody plants, generally climbing by
means of their leaf-stalks ; occasionally low and erect. Leaves opposite.
Clematis Viorna Linne.' — Lculhcr-F/ower.

Lh'Hcripiion. — Cah'x ovate, at length bell-shaped, the purjilish sepals

very thick and leatheiy, tipped with
short recurved points. Corolla wanting.
The long tails of the fruit very plumose.
An herbaceous climber. Leaves
l)innate ; leaflets 3 to 7, ovate or oblong,
soujetimes slightly cordate, 2- to 3-lobed
or entire ; the uppermost often simple.
Peduncles bearing single, large, nod-
ding flowers, which appear from May to
August.

JlabihU. — 1\\ rich soil from Pennsyl-
vania to Ohio and southward.

Clematis VirginianaLinne. — Com-
mon Vi7'gin\s-Boivnr.

I)esc7'ij}lk»i. — Flowers polygamo-di-
oecious. Cnlvx: sepals small, obovate^
spreading, white. Corolla wanting. Fruit
with conspicuous feathery tails. An her-
baceous perennial. Stem crlimbing and
running freely over shrubs, fences, etc. Leaves ternate ; leaflets ovate,
acute, cut or lobed, somewhat cordate at the base. Flowers in axillary
panicled clusters, appearing in August.

Habitat.— On the alluvial banks of streams and along fences; common
from Canada to Florida.

''^^s!^,

Pio. 9f).— CloniatiK Virginiana.

ANEMONE — WIND-FLOWER. 59

Parts Vscd. — The fresh leaves, flowers, and stem — not official.

Cu nut Uuc Ills, — Tlio above-described species of clematis, as well as many
others, both iudigeuous and foreign, jjossess an acrid principle whose ex-
act nature is as yet undetermined. It is of a volatile character, however,
and is dissipated by heat, and in the process of drying the jjlants.

PrcparatioHH. — Alcohol is a solvent for the active jjrincipki of clematis,
and an alcoholic tincture of the fresh plant the best lireparation.

Medical PropcrtifH and t'scs. — Clematis appears to be little more than
an acrid irritant. Applied externally, the leaves of some species strongly
irritate and even vesi(!ate the skin. Administered internally, in small
doses, it may produce diuresis and diaphoresis ; in large doses, active
purgation. It has been employed in syphilis, scrofula, chronic rheuma-
tism, etc., but without ever attaining an established reputation. It is used
at i^resent almost exclusively Ijy homoeopathic practitioners.

ANEMONi;.— WiND-Fi.owEB.

Character of the GenuK — Calyx : sepals many, distinct, petaloid. Corolla
none, or with petals resembling abortive stamens. Stamens numerous,
distinct. Ovaries numerous, distinct. Achenia pointed or tailed, llat^
teued, not ribbed.

Perennial herbs, with radical leaves, those of the stem two or three
together, forming an involucre some distance below the flower.

Anemone patens Linne, var. Nuttal liana Gray. — Patiquc-Floiver.

l)c!icrij)lion. — Calyx: sepals 0, purplish or white, l.V in(^h long, spread-
ing. Stem simple, erect, naked except the involucre, bearing a single ter-
minal llower which develops in advance of the leaves. Leaves ternately
divided, the lateral divisions 2-parted, the middle one stalked, S-j^arted,
the .segments deeply once or twice ch 't into narrowly linear and acute
lobes. Lobes of the involucre like those of the leaves, united at the base
into a shallow cup. The entire plant is villous Avith long silky hairs. It
blooms in March and April.

Habitat. — In prairie regions from Illinois westward and northward.

Part U>-:('d. — The herb — United States Pharmacopami. The official name,
PaUatilla, includes the herb not only of this plant but of .1. pulmlilla and
A. ■pratenf^i.H also.

Cunxtiluejds. — All parts of the fre.sh plant are extremely acrid ; applied
to the skin it causes irritation and even vesication. This acrid property
in diminished or wholly lost by drying and long keeping ; hence to be effi-
cacious it should be used as fresh as possible, or at least jjreparations made
from the recent plant should be employed. The acridity of pulsatilla is
due to the presence of aneninnin, a crystalline substance which is exceed-
ingly liable to change and is destroyed by heat.

Preparations. — None are official. An alcoholic tinctui-e of the fresh
l)lant is reliable.

60

BANUNCULACEyE.

Medical Properties and Uaes. — Pulsatilla is an acrid irritant wlncb, in
lurj^o closes, has often produced serious and ularniing ellects. In safe
luedicinul doses, however, its effects are by no means so Avell known. At
various times and by numei'ous authors it has been highly praised as u
remedy in diseases of the eye, in rheumatism, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoia,
et(!. In this country it has been employed chielly by homoeoi^athic prac-
titioners, and usually in very nuuute doses. IMuny of the residts claimed
for it under such circumstances are at leiist doubtful. Certain it is that
other practitioners have not been able to cunlirm them. A few years since

Pio. 97. — Anemone patens, var. Nuttnlliana.

it was highly recommended as a remedy in gonorrhocal epididymitis, and
many cases were recorded tending to prove its eflicacy, but subsequently
cases treated without medicine were shown to make quite as satisfactory
progress. The author has employed it in a immber of cases of this affection
but without any apparent effect. He has also employed it in numerous
cases of dysmenorrhea, generally of hysterical subjects, and though he has
frequently observed decided relief from pain during one or two menstrual
pei'iods, he is moi*e inclined to attribute this to the mental and moral effect
of a new remedy given with the positive assurance that relief w ould follow.

RANUNCULUS — CIIOWFOOT — BUTTERCUP. Gi

than to tlio mrdicinal effect of tlic drug. For in some instances, after
Pulsatilla had lost its ell'oct, a new dni<^ — it has appeared to matter little
jtist which one — has again given temporary relief.

As a remedy in rheumatism, dropsy, paralysis, etc., pulsatilla does not
ro(juire serions attention. That its acrid and irritating properties might
be made available in stimulating excretion is possible, but our knowledge
is at present too limited to establish the point, and other better known
agents are always at hand.

IIEPATICA.— LrvEUWoiiT.

Character of the Genus. — Involucre of 3 leaflets placed close to and
enveloping the flower bud, but becoming more distant after expansion by
the growth of the intervening portion of the scape ; otherwise similar to
anemone, of which genus many t)otanists consider this only a section. The
name hepatica has, however, become so well known that it ought to be re-
tained for sentimental, if not for scientific! reasons.

Perennial herbs, with a short rootstock and numerous strong fibrous
rootlets. Leaves all radical, of a thick leathery texture, persisting through
the winter, the new ones appearing after the flowers, the old ones then
withering away. The mature leaves have a dark brownish color, variegated
with irregular lightci'-colored spots, somewhat resembling that of the liver,
whence the connnon name. Flowers numerous, on slender hairy scapes,
each bearing a single one. They appear early in spring, soon after the
snow is gone.

Hepatica triloba Chaix. — Ronnd-lohed ITejMica.

Deacription. — Sepals G to 9, white, purplish, or blue. Leaves with 3
rounded, obtuse lobes ; leaflets of the involucre also obtuse.

Ifahitut. — In ujjland woods ; common botli liere and in pjurope.

Hepatica acutiloba De Candolle. — Sharp-lobed Hepatica.

Desci'iption. — Sepals 7 to 12, white, pinkish, or pale purple. Leaves with
'i) acute or pointed lobes ; occasionally 5-lobed ; leaflets of the involucre
also acute.

Habitat. — Widely distributed, like the preceding, but less common.

Pai'l Used. — The leaves — not oflicial.

Condiluents. — Common vegetable principles, such as mucilage, sugar,
tannin, etc.

PrejMi'ations. — Used in decoction and syruji.

Medical Propertic-i and Cses. — As a medicine hepatica is wholly inert,
and unworthy a place in the materia medica.

^_ . ^ RANUNCULUS. — CuowFOOT.— Buttercup.

Character of the Genus. — Calyx: sepals generally 5, sometimes but 3.
Corolla : petals generally 5, sometimes moi'e, occasionally but 3. Stamens

G2 TIANUNCULACE.E.

ooinmonly ninnorons, oooaslouiilly few, always distinct. Ovaries numer-
ous, distinct.. Ac^luMiia a<j;;^"rej^!it(Hl in a head.

Annual or pcrciuiial li(!rhs, with alternate stem-leavca Flowers solitary
or corynibed, generally y(;llow, soinetinies white.

All the ranunculi possess an acrid principle of a volatile nature ; few of
them have been used medicinally.

Ranunculus bulbosus Lmm''.— Ihdhnn.-^ Cronfoot or linffi'rcup.

Drwn'plioii. — Cilyx : scpids 5, smaller than the jx'tals, relloxed. Co-
rolla: petals 5 to 7, round, wedf^e-shaped V)elow, witli a small scale at the
base, deep, shining yellow. Aehenia with a short beak, collected in a
globular head.

A perennial herb growing erect from a bulbous base ; leaves and stem
haiiy. Radical leaves ternately divided, the lateral divisions sessile, the
terminal stalked and H-partod, the divisions wedge-shaped, cut, and tooiliod.
Flowers solitary, large, on long furrowed peduncles ; they aj^pear through-
out tlie summer.

Ilahifat. — A native of Eurojie ; naturalized in the Northern Atlantic
States, growing in meadows and pastures.

Ranunculus repens Linm'-. — Cn-cpiiu/ (Jroufonf.

Ih'^ivriiilion. — C'alyx : sepals 5, spreading, smaller than the petals.
Corolla : petals 5, obovate, witli a small scale at the base, bright yellow.
Carpels strongly margined, pointed by a stout, nearly straight beak, col-
lected in a globidar head.

A low perennial, hairy or nearly smooth, with the stem ascending, or
creeping along the groiind. Leaves ternately divided, the divisions mostly
stalked, wedge-shaped or ovate, unequally 3-cleft or parted, and variously
cut. Peduncles furrowed. It blooms throughout the summer.

Ilahital. — In wet shadj^ places ; common.

Ranunculus acrls Linm'.— 7)/// Crowfoot.

Ddicriplion. — Calyx : sepals 5, spreading, shorter than the jietals, yel-
lowish-green. Corolla : petals 5, nearly as large" as those of 11. bn/hosuft,
with a scale at the base, bright yellow. Carpels ovate, comi^ressed, smooth,
in a globidar head.

A perennial herb. Stem erect, 2 to 3 feet high, hairy. Leaves mostly
stalked, deeply divided into 3, 5, or 7 palmate segments, which are cut
into lanceolate or linear acute lobes. Peduncles round, not furrowed. It
blooms in summer.

Habitat. — A native of Euroi^e ; naturalized here, and common in mead-
ows, pastures, and waste places.

Ranunculus sceleratus Linne.— Citr.sccZ Croxcfoot.

DcHcriptio)}. — Calyx : sepals 5, small. Corolla : petals 5. Scarcely
larger than the sepals, pale yellow. Caz'pels numerous, in oblong cylin-
drical heads.

A smooth perennial herb. Stem erect, 1 foot high, thick, hollow.

RANUNCULUS — CROWFOOT — BUTTEIICUP. 03

Lower leavci=? potiolcd, dividod into .T or more obtusely toothed or lobed
segments. It blooms duriiifjf Hiimmer.

Halntcl. — 111 pools mid ditches ; eoininon both liero and in Europe.

The 111/ n'e-doscribed species of ranunculus are the most important oi
the genus, though many others possess nearly identical pnjperties.

Part Used. — The luu-b — not official.

Constituents. — Tlie ranunculi arc all more or less acrid, some of them
extremely so. Little is known of the acrid principle, savt; that it is
volatile, and is diiiiinishctl or entirely lost by drying and long keeping.

Preparations. — Used only in the fresh state.

Mcdiral I'ropei'tie.H and Uses. — The ranunculi are too acrid to render
their internal use either desirable or safe. Most of them are avoided by
domestic animals ; one may often see II. arris, for example, growing lux-
uriantly in pastures where almost every blade of grass is cropped close.
Their acrid properties have, however, led to their employment externally as
rubefacients or vesicants in cases where other and perhaps better agents
were not at hand, or were for any reason contra-indicated. As is well
known, cases of idiosyncrasy occur in whicli cantharides arc inadmissibL
on account of their effect upon the urinary organs. In some such cases
ranunculus has been used with good eti'ect. One of the faults of this agent
is its extreme violence. The fresh plant, bruised and applied to the skin,
may vesicate in an hour or hour and a half, and may possibly produce au
ulcer not easy to heal. It is, therefore, far less safe as a rubefacient than
mustard, and, as a rule, much less desirable as a vesicant than cantliarides.
It has been emplo^'ed to some extent in European (tountries us an external
application in chronic rheumatism, neuralgia, etc., but never sufficiently to
have obtained a place in the pharmacoijceias. In this country it is used
still less, and is little more than mentioned in works on materia medica.

An interesting observation regarding the possible eftect of li. acris on
pregnant cows was reported to the author by his brother, Mr. F. 'SI. John-
son. In a herd of cows pastured for years in succession in an old field
thickly beset with this weed, abortion was frequent and troublesome. As
soon, however, as this pasture was broken up and the herd moved to an-
other part of the farm in which the plant did not grow, abortion dis-
appeared. Now although, as stated above, domestic animals avoid tliis
plant, yet when feeding where it is very al)undant, they must occasionally
swallow it accidentally ; and though there is no positive proof that the abor-
tions were due to the plant in question, the facts as stated are interesting
and significant. It is at least possible that ranunculus exerts an influence
upon the reproductive organs like that which is claimed by some for
Pulsatilla.

04 llANUNCULACE.i:.

COi'TlH,

Coptis trifolia Salishnry. — (Inhllhrcad.

JtrKiripliun, — Calyx: sopiils T) to 7, potal-lilco, wliito, dopiduous. Corolln :
l)etiils 5 to 7, sniiillor than tlio sopjils, cliib-sliapcd, yullow at the baso, liullow
at tho npox. StainnuH 15 lo 25, liypogynouH. PintilH !} to 10, on hIcikIci-
HtallvH. Cai)suU),s stcllatoly divorf^in^', stalked, obloiijjf, coinprossed, acu-
miiiato with tho porsistoiit style, 4- to 8-seodod. Soeds obloiijjf, 1)lack,
Hiiiooth, and Hhiniii^.

A small poroiiiiial, with cvorj^roou loaves arisiiijjf from a horizontal rhi-
zome; which sends oil" in every direetion lon<^ slender libres of a bright
yellow color, wheneo the common name of (johUhrcad. Leaves Kmootli,
voiTiy, somewhat coriaceous, all radical, on lon{» petioles, ternately divided,
tho leaflets about an inch long, romidish, acute at tho base, lobed and
<'renato, the crenaturos acuminate. Scape slender, round, bearing one
starry-white flowei", about two-thirds of an inch in diameter, and a minute
ovate, acute bi-act some distance below it. Blooms in May.

Habitat. — Swamps and bogs from Canada and the Northeni United
States southward along tho mountains to ^laiyland.

Part.-f L'si.v/. — The whole plant may be employed, but the rhizomes and
rootlets are chiotlv used. Formerlv official, it has been discarded from the
United States Pliarmacopoiia.

Constituentti. — Goldtln-ead has a strongly bitter taste, tniattended with
astringency. Its most important constituent is bcrherina ; another alka-
loid, coptiiia, exists in small proportion. The latter appears to bear some
analogy to In'drastia. It contains neither tannic nor gallic acid.

J'ri'pardfioux. — Tiiere are no otHcial preparations of this plant. It
yields its virtues to alcohol and to water. Tho alcoholic tincture is of a
beautiful yellow color, and in cases where alcohol is not contra-indicated,
may be employed as fully representing the drug. An infixsion is also
efficient.

Mrdival Propertia^ and fTxcs. — Analysis proves goldthread to be a pure
and simple bitter. Clinically it acts like calumba, quassia, and other
drugs of this class. It was formerly much used as a wash for aphthous
isOJ'e mouth, exerting in this instance an influence like that of hydrastis.
As ft tonic during convalescence, and in weakened condition of the di-
gestive organs, it may be substituted for calumba, quassia, etc., as oc-
casion requires.

HYDRASTIS.

Hydrastis Canadensis Linnc. — Golden Seal, Yellow-Root, Yelloxo
Puocoon,

Description. — Calyx : sepals 3, small, petal-like, of a pale I'ose-color,
falling away soon after the flower expands. Corolla absent. Stamens

IIYDKASTIS. G5

vory mnnorous, liypn<»ynoua, linciir-Hpatulato ; authors (wal, iniiatp. Ova-
ries 12 or mure, 'J-ovulod ; styles sliort, Hti^nuus diluted, 'J-lippud, iudupli-
ciito. Fruit ;i crimson head of l)ivcciito 1- or 2-seodod carpels, siicculout,
unci resembliny; a largo raspberry. Seeils obovato ; testa crustaceoiis,
nearly blaek, shining, lined with a thin membranaceous togmen.

An herb.iccoiis perennial, with a hori/oiital rhizome, from whieh is sent
up in (tarly sprin;^ a simphi hairy stem (5 to 12 inches high, bearing two
leaves, and, at its summit, a singh) llower. There is gcsnerally also a single
radical leaf on a long petiole. The leaves are palmately JU to .T-lobed, the
lobes acute, unequally serrate ; the lower caulino leaf petiolate, the upper
sessile. The leaves, at the time of Howering, are small and not fully ex-
panded, but subsocpiently they increase much in size, ultimately attaining
a width of 5 to (5 inclu^s.

The rhizome is one-half inch to 2 inches in length, from one-eighth to one-
half inch in diameter, simple, or with a few short brancihes, terminated by
a broad scar, longitudinally wrinkknl, annulate from leaf scars, and bearing,
especially below, mimerous small iibrous roots. Both rhizome and roots
are of a yellow color, and have an intensely bitter taste, without astvingcuicy.

Ilabitct. — Canada to Carolina and westward. Hare east of the AUe-
ghanies, more commou along these mountains and west of them. Grows
in rich moist woods.

Partii Used. — The rhizome and rootlets — UnUed Sfatoi Pharinacopma.

CoHslitiicnts. — The most important constituents of hydrastis are two
alkaloids, viz. : (1) iLijdrai'lia, a white crystalline body, tasteless at tirst,
but eventually imparting an acriil sensation to the tongue and fauces —
not bitter, as sometimes erroneously stated ; (2) bcrberina, which is in yel-
low needle-shajiod crystals and has an intensely bitter taste. The latter
alkidoid is found in numerous plants of the orders Jicrhcridacen', llanan-
cidaccic, Jrimix2)('>'inartw, etc. B3Hides these alkaloids, hydrastis contains
starch, sugar, etc., and traces of a third alkaloiil, which, however, exists in
such small proportion as to be of no practical importance. The article long
known as hi/drastm, and extensively used, chielly by eclectic practitioners,
is an impui'e hydrochlorato (muriate) of berbei'ina. Both hydrastia and
berberina unite with acids to form salts, and it is in the form of salts that,
they are usually employed.

Prejxiralioiis. — Extractum hydrastis fluidum — fluid extract of hydras--
tis ; tinctura hydrastis — tincture of hydrastis. — L'aited Stales Pliannaco'-
piela. In certain cases where it is desirable to employ large doses, the
alkaloids or their salts are more eligible.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Numerous and diverse properties have
been attributed to hydrastis, so much so, indeed, that there is little agree-
ment among different authors upon the subject. That it is a i^owerful
tonic all admit, and it is probable that to its tonic action alone are due the
many widely diliereut eiTects observed by those who have written upon.

66 KA:^ UNCULACEyE.

the drug. It has been used successfully as a substitute for quinine in the
treatment of intorniittcnts, in convalescence from acute disease, and in
general where a vegot.'d)le tonic is indicated. This fact is wortlij of vf..
membrance, since there are numerous instances in which quinine is indi-
cated but (tannot be employed on account of idiosyncrasy. It is not,
however, as a substitute for <juinine that hych'astis has been most em-
ployed or has g.dned its greatest reputation. It seems to exert an es-
pecially .onic iuHuenco iipoa mucous surfaces, and has been tniploytnl
bcnvjlicially in a great variety of catarrhal aflbctions. Prior to its use in
scientihc medicine it had been employed by the aborigines as a topical ap-
plication in catan-hal alfections of the eyea and as a stimulant to old
ulcers. It is still used with benefit in such cases, lU'd in chronic coryza,
in gonorrluiv.i, leucorrhoea, hemorrhoids, and prohipsus an' Tha+, it
exerts an intluence upon the liver seems well demonstrated, and it has
been used with benetit in tori)id conditions of this organ, and in catarrhal
inflannnation of the gall-bladder and gall-duct. Though not directly
cathartic in its action, in certain cases of habitual constipation it jjroduces
a laxative ett'ect. It has been employed beneficially in glandular swell-
ings, luidoubtedly tlu'ough its general tonic power, and hence has prol>
ably derived its undeserved reputation as a remedy for cancer.

XANTHORHIZA.

Xanthorhiza apiifollaL'Heritier. — Yelhic-Root, Shrub Ydloio-Poot.

l)t;Mrii>li()ii. — Calyx: sepals 5, petal-like, deciduous, spreading, ovate-
acuminate, brownish-purple. Corolla : petals 5, very small, 2-lobed, ele-
vated upon a claw, coloied like the sepals. Stamens 5 to 10, hypogynous,
filaments thick, purple, anthers adnate. Ovaries 5 t(» 15, each bearing two
pejidulous ovules attached to the middle. Pods l-iieeded, oblong, the style
becoming lateral during development.

A sLruljby perennial, 1 to 3 fecc high, with a large rootstock and numer-
ous round, sliglitly bi'anched stems.. Outer bark gra\-, smooth, and shin-
ing ; witliiu bright yehow. Leaves alternate, unequally 1- to 2-piunaTe, on
long stalk?. Leaflets in two pairs with an odd terminal oiie, 2 to 3 inches
long, rhondjoid-ovate or lanceolate, tapering at the base, sessile, incisely
lobed and dentate, smooth, dai'k green above, lighter beneath Flowers
polygamous, in long, droo')ing compound racemes, appearing from April
to June. The rootstocl is from 3 inches to 1 foe or more in length, from
one-eighth to one-half inch in thickness, i^ore or less branched, yelloAvisb-
brown externally, internaUy of r. deep yellow, aul ha\'ing an exceedingly
oitter taste.

HahiidL — Central New York (one station only) to the middle and upper
districts of the Caroliuas and Georgia, cluefiy along the uLouutaius and
highlands.

XANTIIORIIIZA.

67

Parts Used. — The rliizome and roots. Formerly official, it has been
cliscarded from the United States Pharmacopdiia.

(Jo)istifueiits. — No exact analysis seems to have been made of this plant,
though it has been shown to contain berhcrina in small proportion, and
probably to this it owes, in a great measiu'e, its bitterness and tonic prop-
erties.

Prcjyarations. — There are no official prepavarions of yellow-root. It
yields its virtues to both water and alcohol, and may he employed in tinct-

Fia. 98.— Xanthorhiza apiifolla.

lU'o, decoction, infusion, or even in powder, tliough in the latter fonn it
would bo difficult to adminioter it in efficient doses.

Medical Properties and f'scs. — Liko hydrastis and copt"s, both of which
it resembles in respect to constituents, xanthorhiza possesses simple
bitter tonic properties. It has, liowever, a much smaller pcrcentafre )f
borberina than either of them, and so far ap, this alkaloid goes, should
tliorofore be less efficient when aduijiistered in like doses. It has been
employed chietly as a domestic remedy, but some comijetent observers
esteem it more highly than either gentian or calumba.

C8 KANUNCULACEiE.

Cimicifuga racemosa Elliott {Actcm racemosa Linne, Macrolys ser-
penlaria Eatou). — JilacL SnaLerovt, Jllavlc Cohosh, Jhujbane, Squaw Moot.

DfHcriptioi). — Calyx : .sepals 4, iu Duirs, the inner pair smaller, white,
falling soon after the flower expands. Corolla : petals 4 to G, small, stamen-
like, ou claws, 2-hornecl at the apex. Stameus numerous, Avith slender white
liliuneuts, hyi)Ogyiious ; anthers adnate. Ovary solitary, Hask shaped, 1-
celled, with about 10 sessile ovules iu two rows, no style, stigjiia sessile,
forming a dry pod in fruit.

An herbaceous perennial, with a short, thick, horizontal rootstock, from
w'hich sjiring several simple stems, 4 to 8 feet high, bearing, about midway,
large, decompound leaves, and at the sunmiit long, wand-like tracemes.
Leaves 2 to 3, the lower very large, the upper smaller, alternate, on strong,
round, partially clasping petioles, ternate, the primary divisions l)i-j)innate ;
leaflets 1 to l5 inches long, cut-serrate, the terminal one largest, and more
or less 3-divided, thin, smooth, of a bright green color. Flowx>rs vei'y
numerous, about one-half inch in diameter, in simple or sparsely branched
racemes, 8 to 12 inches long ; pedicels about one-fourth inch long, bracts
subulate, rachis pubescent. The plant flowers early in July in the latitude
of New York, and continues in bloom during some weeks, ripening its
fruit iu Scptend)er. Ehizome 2 to (5 or more inches in length, one-half
to 1 inch thick, horizontal, somewhat flattened, irregularly corrugated and
knotted, simple or brauched, thickly beset above with the scars and stumps
of fallen stems, and laterally and beneath with long, strong roots, one-
twelfth to one-eighth inch iu diameter. Scattered irregularly among the
stumps of pi'evious stems are a number of terminal buds prepared for the
next season's stems. The rhizome and roots of r(,'cent growth are of a
dark reddish-brown color, the older portion of the rhizome almost black ;
its odor is earthy and unpleasant, and its taste bitter and nauseous.

Ilab il at. - -Co\\\n\.oi\ eveiy where from CJanada to Geoi-gia, growing in
rich open woodlands and upon hillsides, but avoiding very wet or reeky
places. When in bloom its long and graceful racemes form a conspicuous
feature of the localities where it grows.

Parts Used. — The rhizome and rootlets — Unit 'id Stales rharrnacopwia.
Official name : Cimicifuga — Black Snn.keroot.

Condiluents, — Numerous analyses have been made of this plant with-
out, however, yielding any very satisfactory result when considered froia
n therapeutic standpoint. In addition to the common plant constituents
lil;e starch, gum, tannic and gallic acids, mineral salts, etc., a small pro-
portion of volatile oil, having the peculiar odor of the fresh drug, was de-
tected by one analyst, besides two resins of different character. Another
analyst found no volatile oil, but isolated a crystalline substance, probably
a neutral principle, whose alcoholic solution has an intensely acrid taste.
That the fresh drug po.ssesses some active volatile i)rincip]e would seem
probable from the fact that it certainly deteriorates by keeping, and all

I

ACTyEA BANERERRV. (50

observers wlio have had exjierience in the matter agi'ee that it is thera-
peutically much more active when fresli than when long kept.

rreparatioiiK. — Extractum cimicifuf^ie Huidum — fluid extract of ciuii-
cifuga ; tinctura ciniicifugit — tincture of cimicifuga. — L'liid'd Slates riiar-
■mrii-npii'ia. Of the unofficial preparations, the one most emjjloyed is an
impure resin termed ciniicifiigin or macrolin, obtained by precipitation
from an aktoholic tincture with water. The drug may also be adminis-
tered in substance or in decoction, though the latter form is objectionable
since water does not completely extract its virtues.

Medical Properties and T'svix. — In small or moderate doses cimicifuga is
iitonif^ which may be usefully employed in a great variety of atlections, as
enfeebled condition of the digestive system due to alcoholism, fevers,
plithisis, bronchitis, etc. It has been employed also in acute and chronic
rheumatism, amenorrlujea, dj'smenorrhaia, and in cai'diac disease, wliere it
nets like, but less efficiently than, digitalis. It has been used as an aid to
parturition instead of ergot, and after delivery to relieve after-pains, in
puerperal mania and convulsions, and as a remedy for choi'ea, especially
when of rheumatic origin. In very large doses it produces a decided
sedative effect, causing vertigo, dilatation of the pupil, and a tendency to
somnolence. "To obtain curative efifects from cimicifuga, it must be ad-
ministered in sufficiently large doses to produce some of its cerebral ef-
fects,"— Barlholuw.

ACT^A. — Banebeury.

Character of the Genu!<. — Sepals 4 to 5, falling when the flower expands.
J .als 4 to 10, small, flat, spatulate, on slender claws. Stamens numerous,
hypogynous, with slender white filaments. Ovary solitaiy, stigma sessile.
Fvuit a many-seeded berry ; seeds compressed, smooth, horizontal. Per-
ennial herbs, with bi-ternately divided leaves, and flowers in a thick termi-
nal raceme.

Actsea spicata Linno, var. rubra Michaux. — lied Banebein/.

Description. — Calyx : sepals 4, ovate, greenish. Corolla : petals often
8 to 10, white, oval, acute, nuich shorter than the stamens. Stamens im-
merous ; filaments filiform. Ovary smooth, white ; stigma oval. 2-lobcd,
recurved at the ends. Berries red, sliining, about l(!-seeded, on long
pedicels about one-fourth tlio size of the conmion peduncle. ,

Stem roundish, smooth, about 2 feet high, with bi- or ti'i-ternately di-
vided leaves, on long smooth petioles, partly sheathing at the liase ; leaflets
ovate, shai'ply cut, and toothed. Racemes ovate or hemispherical, api:)enr-
ing in April and May. Rhizome closely resembling that of cimicifuga,
which see.

Haltitat. — Tfich woods from Hudson's B:iy to P'Muisylvania and westw-ard
to the Rocky Mountains. Less conunon than the following.

70

llANUNCULACE^.

Actaea alba Bigelow. — While Baneberry.

Description. — Calyx : sepals 4, oblong, white. Corolla : petals 4 to 8, as
long as the stamens, slender, mostly truncate at the ends, stamen-like,
white ; filaments shorter than in the preceding species. Ovary and stigma
like those of the preceding. Berries white, tipped with red, about 8-seed-
ed, on thickened, red pedicels the size of the common peduncle. Stem and
leaves larger and rather smoother than the preceding. Ithizome similar.

Fro. "J!).— Actaea nlba.

Racemes oblong, the flowers appearing a week or two later than those of
the otliGi" species.

Habitat. — Rich woods from Canada to Georgia and westward to the
Mississippi.

Parts Used, — The rhizome and roots — not official.

Gonslituents. — Nothing definite is known as to the composition of these
plants, though they are supposed to possess proijerties similar to those of
cimicifuga.

rreparations. — There are no commercial pre^^arations of the American

MAGNOLIA.

71

species of act.iea. From the apparent similarity of the plants to cimicif uga,
they might safely he administered in like manner.

Medical I'l'dijcrtics and U>>es. — As already remarked, tlie chemical con-
stituents of act;ea are supposed to be similar to those of cimicifuga, and
therefore tlie former miglit Ije substituted for the latter in case of necessity,
though such ne(!essity is scarcely to be supposed. As d(nnestic remedies
both species have been employed, though rarely. Li scieutitio medicine
they have seldom been mentioned.

MACNOLIACE^.

Character of the Order. — Trees or shrubs with alternate, coriaceous leaves,
and convolute stipules which cover the buds and are deciduous. Sepals
usually ;} to (!, deciduous ; petals 8 or more, imbricated ; stamens numerous,
distinct ; anthers adnate ; carpels 1-eelled, nimierous, on an elevated re-
ceptacle, in fruit forming a sort of fleshy or dry cone.

The order comprises about a dozen geiiera and more than seventy
species, very few of which, however, are indigenous to North America.
The liowers of many species are fragi'ant and ornnmental. As a whole the
mugnoliaceie are characterized by aromatic tonic properties.

MAGNOLIA.

Character of the (lenvs. — Sepals 3 ; petals C) to 12. Stamens numerous,
imbricated, with short filaments, and
long anthers, the latter opening inward.
Pistils numerous, crowded upon the
elongated torus, cohering, and in fruit
forming a fleshy and somewhat woody
conical mass. Carpels dehiscent upon
the back, 1- or 2-seeded, the seeds at
maturity being suspended from the open
capsules by an extensile thread of sj iral
vessels. Trees or shrubs. Leaves al-
ternate, or clustered at the sunuuit of
the branches. Flowers large, solitar)',
terminal. Stipules large, adnate to the
])etioi ', decidiious.

Mr^nolia glauca Linnr. — Small
or Laurel ^[agnolia.

Ik'scriptio)}. — Calyc : sepals 3, mem-
I'ranaceous, spatulate, concave, resem-
l)ling petals but much h-ss delicate. Co-
rolla : petals 9 to 12, ovate, narrowed at
the base, concave, erect, arranged in circles of three. Seeds obovate, scarlet.

A shrub 5 to 20 feet high, with divaricating branches and smooth, gray-

Fio. 100.- Mnunolln glniioa.

72 MAGNOLIACE.E.

isli bark. Loaves ohloiifif or oval, oLtuse, coriaceous, of a doop j'ollowish-
grcc'U above and glaucous or bluish-wliite beneath. Bark of yoinig twigs
smooth, bright green. Flowers globular, about 2 inches in diameter, creamy^
white, and very fragrant. Cone of the fruit oval, 1 to l.V inch long, greenish.

Habllat. — In swamps from Cape Ann north of Boston, south to Florida
mostly near the coast, though occasionally found some distance iidand.
North of Southern New Jersey it is not very common, nor does it attain
any considerable size. In its northern stations the lejives are deciduous,
but southward they become persistent. In the latitude of New York it
blooms in !May and June, and at this season the flowers are collected in
large quantities for sale in the cities. It is known by a variety of local
names, as Sa-cii Bcnj, While Ihuj, Sicamp Sasi^(i/ra.-<, JJeaver Tree, etc.

Magnolia acuminata Linne. — (Jucambcr Tree.

Description. — Calyx : sepals 3. Corolla : petals 6 to 9, oblong-ovate,
scai'cely expanding, glaucous-green tinged with yellow. Fruit cylindrical,
about <i inches long ; Avhen green somewhat resembling a 3'oung cucum-
ber, whence the common name.

A large tree, 00 to 8U feet high and 4 to 5 feet in diameter at the base.
Leaves scattered, oblong, acuminate, 0 to 9 inches long, green al)Ove, slightly
pubescent beneath, deciduous. Flowers 3 to 4 inches in disimetcr, slightly
fragrant, appearing in May and June.

lliibilat. — From Western New York south to Georgia and west to Ohio,
in rich woods. In the Southern States it is confined io mountainous dis-
tricts. The wood somewhat resembles bass-wood [Tilia), though it is more
compact, and is applied to the same uses.

Magnolia Umbrella Lam. (J/, tripetala Jj.). — Umbrella Tree.

Description. — Calyx : sepals 3. Corolla : petals 9, oblong-lanceolate,
acute, Avhite. Fruit oblong, 4 to G inches long, rose-colored.

A small tree, 25 to 35 feet liigh, with irregular branches. Leaves clus-
tered at the summit of the branches, oblong-lanceolate, 12 to 18 inches long,
pointed at both ends, downy beneath, soon becoming smooth, deciduous.
Flowers 4 to G inches in diameter, white, of an impleasaut odor, appearing
in May and June.

TIal)il(it. — From Pennsylvania southward and westward, in deep, rich
soils and shady locations.

Part Used. — The havli.— United States Pharmacopoeia. Official name,
Magnolia.

Constituents. — Both the root and stem bark of the above-desciibcd
species of magnolia "(.ntain an ai'omatic and a bitter principle : the former
being volatile is diminished by desiccation and entirely lost when the bark
is kept for a length of time. The bitter principle is permanent, but has
not been isolated ; it is not associated with any astringent. A crystalline
pi'inciplo has been discovered in some of the species, but its therapeutic
action, if it have auv, has not been demonstrated.

iSi:

LIRIODKNDUON'. 73

Preparaliortf!. — There nro no official jiropai'ations. The bark yiokls its
vii'tues readily to diluted alcohol, and a tincture prepared by means of
this menstruum is an eligible form in which to administer the drug. It
may also be given in powder or inTiision, thongli in the latter forni the
aromatic property is gr(;atly diminished. A tincture of the seeds is also
said to be an efficient preparation.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Magnolia is an aromatic bitter tonic.
If administered freely it may induce diaphoresis and thus be useful in
febrile aifections. It is said to exert an antiperiodic inrtuence in inter-
mittent and remittent fevers, and has long been a favorite domestic
remedy for those diseases in regions where the bark is readily acciessible.
Even in full doses it produces none of the disagreeable cephalic etTects
of cinchona, and therefore is woi'thy of trial when from any reason the
latter or its alkaloids cannot be borne. It has been used with asserted
benefit in both acute and chronic rheumatism. In some forms of dysjiep-
sia it is also commended.

LIRIODENDROX.

Llriodendron Tullpifera Limio. — Tidip Tree.

Description. — (.'alyx : sepals 3, oblong, obtuse, concave, spreading,
petal-like, deciduous. Coi'oUa : petals G, in two rows, oblong, obtuse,
concave at the base, 2 inches long, greenish-yellow marked with orange,
slightly spreading, forming a bell-shaped flower. Stamens numerous,
In'pogynous, shorter than the petals, inserted iijion a conical receptacle ;
antliers liueai', opening outward. Pistils numerous, flat, long and nar-
row, imbricating and cohering together, forming an elongated cone.
Fruit cone-shaped, made vip of numerous inibricated, 1-celled, 2-seeded,
indehisccnt, samara-like seed-vessels, which are in form lanceolate, com-
pressed, and at the base triangular and tumid. The entire mass of seed-
vessels is coherent until maturity, when they fall fx'om the stems in a
body or separate from each other and fall singly.

A large tree, often attaining the height of 100 feet, with a diameter
at the base of 4 or 5 feet. In very favorable circumstances it has been
known to grow much larger, attaining a height of 140 feet, with a diam-
eter of 8 or 9 feet. The trunk is neai'ly sti-aight, the brandies some-
what scattered, an<l, compai*ed with the size of the tree, rather small below
liut larger toward the top. When growing in the forest the stem for
thirty or forty feet is, in general, free of branches, but under other circum-
stances the lowest branches are much nearer the ground. The leaves are
alternate, on long foot-stalks, and when fully growai are from 4 to 8 inches
in length, !)y about the same in breadth, somewhat cordate at tne base ami
more ov less dee])ly 4-lobed, two of the lobes being at the base and two at
tlie apex, the latter separated from each other by a broad and shallow

I

74 JIAGNOLIACE.E.

liot(!h, which gives the 1( af tho apponranro of having Loon cut off. Abnvo
tho loaves arc siiiootli and sliining, of a dark yolluwish-groon ; iindornoalh
much lighter, and strongly veined. The flowers are 2 to JJ inches in di-
ameter, beautifully tinted, resembling some vai'ieties of the tulip, avIh ncc
the common name, and, as they are jn'oduccd in immense numbers, add
greatly to the beauty of this majestic tree duiing tlui period of its intlo-
rescence. The flowers ajtpear, in the latitude of New York, about the iir&t
of June, when tho tree is in full leaf. •

Habitat. — From Canada to Florida and westward to Eastern Kansas,
growing more luxiu-iantly in rich moist ground, though occurring not un-
frocpiontly in elevat(!d and dry situations. Under the name of white wood
it is extensively used in cabinet work, in the inner wood-work of houses)
for carriage panels, etc. Li some sections of the country it is known as
ichile pnithir, in (j'uors yellow poplar ; both unfortunate appellations, since
it in no way resembles the true poplars, but is, on the contrary, a tree tsui
gcjicriii, 1 f'ing tho only siiccios of its genus in the known world.

Part rs('(/. — Tho bark, taken indiscriminately from the root, trunk, or
branches — not otlicial.

Const it lauits.' — The bark of the tulip tree has a pungent, aromatic, bitter
taste, and (o analysis yields a crystalline principle, termed liriodeuilriit,
having *ho same sensible properties. Whatever medicinal effects may bo
attributed to tho drug are doubtless duo to this princijjle. It may bo
obtained in a crvstalline form from tho alcoholic tincture, or as an amor-
puous powder from the infusion. It exists in greater proportion in tho
fresh bark than in that which has been long kept.

Preparationf^. — There are no ofJicial preparations, nor is the active
jninciple prepared in connnorcial quantities. The tlrug may bo adminis-
tered in powder, or in the form of infusion or tincture. The earlier
writers, from whom most of our knowledge of this subject comes, lireferred
to administer it in substance.

Medical Properties and Usea. — Like magnolia, the tulip tree possesses
aromatic, bitter tonic properties. Some of the earlier writers upon Anjor-
ican mediciufd plants considered it nearly, if not altogether, as elHcacious
as cinchona in the tvoatmcut of intermittent fevers. It was, however,
administered in comi .nation with flowering dogwood (Cui'nus Jlorida),
probably a much more efficient drug. It has also been xised as a stimu-
lant diaphoretic in both acute and chronic rheumatism, and as a simple
tonic in dyspeptic ailments, and in convalescence from acute dysentery
and other acute diseases. At present it can scarcely be said to hold a
place in scientific medicine, and even as a domestic remedy it is prob.'il)ly
seldom employed.

PLATE

!I'

• liil\i\son. Del.

LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA.

M rIKNCKf'.I.l rl*. N '

I

Plate ll—Llrlodendron tullpifera.

rn. 1. -Flowering bnincli, oue-lmlf natural size.
Fio. a.-Matnro fruit, one half natural
Frci. 3._Singlo seed-vessel, uuturul size.

size.

4'-^

-.tu

.J^. -^^

0%.

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

m

z m

I.I

Ui

1.25

2.2

2.0

1.8

U 111.6

07>

Photographic

Sciences

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33 WES1 .V MN STREET

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V

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\

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MENISPERMUM — 3I00NSEKD. 75

MENISPERMACE/C.

Character of the Order. — Shrubby climljing vinos, with alternate, pal-
mate, or peltate leaves, on slender petioles, without stipules ; ilovvers small,
(lieecious or polygamous, in axillary rocemes or panicles ; se^jals and pet-
als similar, iu three or more rows, imbricated in the bud ; stamens G or
more, liypogynous ; ovaries 3 to 6 ; fruit a 1-seeded drupe with a long curved
embryo in scanty albumen.

An order comprising about sixty genera, mostly tropical, three only, and
of each but a single species, being natives of the United States. Of exotic
species, Calumba {Ja'eorrhiza calumba Miers), Pareira ( Chondodendron to-
mentosum Ruiz et Pavon), and Cocculus Indicus (Anamir la panic ulata Cole-
brooke) are among the best known and most important.

MENISPERMUM. — Moonseed.

Menlspermum Canadense Jjiunv.— Canadian Moon.-iccd.

Description. — Calyx : sepals 4 to 8, ovate-oblong, greenish-yellow. Co-
rolla : petals G to 8, much smaller than the sepals, orbicular, obtusely cuneate
at the base. Stamens 12 to 20 in the sterile flowers, as long as the sepals ;
anthers of 4 spherical lobes. Pistils 2 to 4 in the fertile flowers, raised on a
short connnon receptacle. Fruit a stipitate, globular drupe, about one-
tliird of an inch in diameter, nearly black, the pixlp small in quantity.
After flowering the pistil in development becomes incurved, so that tlie
mark of the stigma is :iear the base of the drupe, and the stone, laterally
compressed, forms an almost complete ring, or is lunate, whence the com-
mon name.

Stem shrubby at the base, or entirely herbaceous, 8 to 15 feet or
more in length, slender, springing from a long and freely rooted rhizome.
Loaves 3 to 4 inches in length and of somewhat greater breadth, peltate
near the edge, 3- to 7-angled or lobed, pubescent on the veins, dark green
a1)ove, glaucous beneath ; petioles about as long as the leaves. The flowers
appear in June and July ; tlie fruit ripens in September, is covered with a
bloom, and resembles small clusters of frost grapes. In addition to its
common name of moonseed, it also bears that of yellow mrxupardla, and
tjelloio parilla, the latter evidently a contraction of the former. At one
time it was introduced into commerce as Texas sarsaparilla, and was em-
ployed to some extent as a substitute for time sarsaparilla {Smilax offici-
nalis).

Habitat.— In moist woods and along the banks of streams, from Canada
to the Carolinas and westward ; common.

Parts Vied. — The rhizome and rootlets — United Slates Pharmacopreia.

Constituents. — In an analysis of moonseed made Ly Professor Maisch
there was found a small quantity of berberiua, and a larger proportion of

76 BEI1I5EH1DACE/E.

a white alkaloid, soluble in ether and alcohol, and sjiaringly in water. Its
other coustituents were not detetniined, but are probably unimportant.

Preparaiion.i. — There are no ofKcial preparations of inoonseed. It
yields its virtues to water and alcohol, and may be administered in decoc-
tion or tincture.

Medical J'ropertim and Uses. — Moonseed is said to be tonic, alterative,
and diuretic. If these reputed projierties depend to any considerable ex-
tent upon the bcrberina present in the drug, they must, of necessity, be
of a feel)le character, since the jjvoportion of this alkaloid is small. The
tlierapeutic activity of the white alkaloid has not been demonstrated. As
stated above, moonseed was at one time emploj'ed as n substitute for sarsa-
parilla, to which it was, by some observers, pronounced suix'rior as an al-
terative. Inasmuch, however, as the medicinal virtues of sarsaparilla itself
are of a rather doubtful character, this recommendation of moonseed is not
particularly convincing. It is probable that the plant, by virtue of its bit-
terness, which it shares with calumba and other species of the menisper-
macepc, and which is due, at least in jiart, to berberina, possesses feeble
tonic powers, and that whatever effects it may cause, or seem to cause,
are due merely to its tonic action. Taking this view of the subject, one
can readily see how it might occasionally be beneficial in scrofulous, cuta-
neous, arthritic, rheumatic, syi^hilitic, and mercurial diseases, for all of
which it has been recommended.

BERBERIDACE/E.

Chnmcler of the Order. — Shrubs or herbaceous perennials with alter-
nate or radical, compound, often spiny leaves ; sepals and petals in two
or more rows of 2 to 4 each, imbricated in the bud, deciduous ; stamens
as many as the petals, and opposite them, hypogynoiis ; anthers 2-celled,
opening upward by valves hinged at the top ; ovary solitary, 1-celled ;
fruit a berry or capsule, 1- or many-seeded.

Podophyllum and Jeffersonia differ in some respects from the general
structure of the order, both being many-seeded, the former having more
stamens than petals and the latter having the sepals in one row.

The order comprises about a dozen genera and more than one hundred
species. Seven genera are represented in the United States, and four of
these comprise species of medicinal value. In general they possess acrid
and bitter properties.

BERBERIS. — B AtiBEnnv.

Character of the Genus. — Sepals 6, orbiculai*, with 2 to 6 bractlets out-
side. Petals 0, obovate, concave, shorter than the sepals, with two glan-
dular spots inside above the short claws. Stamens G, irritable. Stjde

EEU15EKIS — HARBERRY.

< 4

short ; stigma oireuLar, depressed. Fruit a 1- to O-scodod berry ; seeds
erect, Avith a cnistaceoiiH integument.

Shrubs with yellow inner bark and wood, bristly serrate, often spiny
1- t( D-foliate leaves. Yellow flowers in drooping racemes, and acid fruit.

Berberis vulgaris Liune. — Common Barber ri/.

Description. — Flower and fruit as in the generic description above.
Leaves on the young shoots mostly reduced to shf.rp triple or branched
spines ; on older branches they are produced in clusters or rosettes, and
are ovate-oblong, with sharp bristly teeth. The flowers, iu long di'oopiug
racemes, are produced from the axils
of these leaves. The berries are ob-
long, 2 seeded, scarlet, and possess a
gi'atefully acid and somewhat astrin-
gent taste.

A shrub, 4 to 8 feet in height,
diffusely branched at the top, with a
whitish or light gray, shining bark
on the young shoots, and a much
darker gray on the old stems. Flow-
ers in May and June and matures its
fruit iu autumn.

Habitat. — Common barbeny is a
native of Europe, but has become
naturalized and grows wild in some
sections of New England. It is com-
mon in cultivation all over the country
us an ornament; d shrub.

Berberis Canadensis Pursh. —
A nwrican Jkirberri/.

Description. — Flowers and fruit as
in the generic description above.
Petals notched at the apex. Leaves
: 1 pandly toothed, and less l)ristly
l)ointed than in preceding species,
llacemes fewer flowered. Berries oval.

A shrub from 1 to 3 feet in height,
l)otanists a mere vanity of J}, vulgarity. Flowers in May and June.

Habitat. — Mountainous regions from Virginia to Georgia.

Berberis Aquifolium Pursh. — Holhj-h'.aved Jhrberry.

Description. — Calyx : sepals suborbiculai", mendn'anaceous. Corolla :
petals connivent, the innermost bitid at the apex. Berries dark pui-ple.

A shrub from 2 to 5 feet in height, with evergreen, pinnate leaves ;
leaflets in 3 to G pairs, with an odd terminal one, coriaceous, ovate-lanceo-
late or elliptical-oblong, inecjuilateral or slightly cordate at the base, repaud

Fic. lul.— Borlicris vulpraris.

Formerly considered by many

78 3?EUJ{KI11DACE^E.

with thorn}- or Hpiiiy teoth, rcsembHng those of holly, -whcuce tlie specific
uaine.

Iluhilat. — Western coast of North America, from Orer^on southward.

rarlH Used. — The bark of the stem and root, and the berries — not
official.

Confitihicntif. — The most important constituent of barberry is undoubt-
edly berberina, Avhich, however, is present in only small proportion — much
smaller than in hydrastis. Another principle, oxycanthin, sometimes called
berberia, is present, also in small proportion. This is a white alkaloid,
soluble in ether, alcohol, and chloroform, nearl}' insoluble in water, and
has a bitter taste. The other constituents of the bark are unimportant.
The berries are pleasantly acid, but have no constituents of special value.

Pn'pai'atioifi. — There are no official preparations. The bark yields its
virtues to alchol and water, and may bo administered in tincture or in-
fusion.

Jledical Properties and Uses. — Whatever therapeutic effect may be pro-
duced by barberry is undoubtedly due to its most active in'incijjlo, ber-
berina. As this is present in but small proportion, the bark cannot be a
very active agent. The European species, J>. vitlyarii^, has been used to
some extent as a tonic, chiefly in domestic practice. The American species
have also been experimented with, but are not much esteemed. The berries
are sometimes used toprei^are a cooling and refreshing drink in fevers, etc.

CAULOPHYLLUM.— Blue Cohosh.

CaulophyMum thalictroides Michaux. — Blue Cohosh.

Description. — Calyx : sepals" G, ovate-oblong, greenish-yellow-, with 3
small bracts at their base. Corolla : petals G, reniform or hooded, thick
and gluud-like, with short claws, much shorter than the sepals, and oppo-
site them. Stamens 6, hypogynous, opposite the jietals, with short, thick
filaments ; anthers ovate or oblong, opening upward by two valves hinged
at the top. Pistil solitary, gibbous ; style short ; stigma minute and
unilateral. The ovary bursts soon after flowering by the development of
the seeds, wliich are thus left naked on their thick stalks, and, having a
blue, fleshy integumeit, tijcy look like drupes.

An herbaceous perennial, with a nearly horizontal, somewhat branched
and knotty rhizome, from which springs a simple smooth and glaucous
stem, 1 to 2\- feet in licight, bearing at its summit a small raceme or pani-
cle of greenish-yellov/ flowers, and a little below a large, s(!ssile, triternately
compound leaf. Leaflets 1 to 2^ inches long, about half as broad, ob-
ovate wedge-shaped, 2- to 3-lobed, the lateral ones sessile, the terminal
petiolulate. A smaller triternate leaf is sometimes situated at the base of
the panicle.

The flowers appear in April or May, while the leaf is yet small ; the fruit

JEFFEHSONIA — TWIN-LEAF. 79

maturpf, in Angni?t. The plant is known in vaviouf* sections of the country
p:- i^appoose I'out, S(pta}ii Hoof, and Jihudicrrtj Hoot.

Habitat. — In rich, moist woods from Canada to South Cai'oUnaand west-
ward. A very common plant, and (luite widely distributed.

Parts Used. — The rhizome and rootlets — United States^ Pharmncopnia.

Constituents. — In addition to the ordinary constituents of jjlants, such
as allmmen, gum, starch, mineral salts, etc., there have been found in
caulophyllum two rosins, and a principle analogous to saponin. The resins,
in an imiwre condition, are obtained by prccipi*^ation from the concentrated
alcoholic tincture with water. The precipitate, Avhich amounts to twelve
per cent, of the root employed, is known as canlophyllin. It has a sweetish-
hitter and afterward somewhat acrid taste, similar to that of the root,
and probably represents whatever activity the plant is possessed of.

Preparations. — There are no official jjreparatious of caulophyllum. A i
tae I'oot yields its virtues to alcohol, it may be administered in tincture, oi
in the form of the so-called caulophylliu, a commercial article readily ob-
tainable.

3Iedi(al Properties and Uses. — Antispasmodic, demulcent, diaphoretic,
diuretic, cmmenagogue, and parturient properties have been attributed to
this plant, but upon what evidence it is difficult to decide. Rafinesque
sa3's that " as a powerful emmenagogue it promotes delivery, menstruation,
and dropsical discharges," and that it was \ised " by the Indians and their
imitators for rheumatism, dropsy, colic, sore throat, ci-amp, hiccough, epi-
lepsy, hysterics, inflannnation of the vterus, etc." It would seem that
many authors, in writing upon this plant since the time of Ra^nesque, have
repeated his assertions in one form or auothei", not only without question
but generally without ci'edit also. At any rate, little seems to have been
added to, while nuich has been sul)tracted from, the estimated value of the
plant as a remedy since Rafinesque's time. King, however, says {American
Dispe.isatorii) : "In decoction, blue cohosh is preferable to ergot for expe-
diting delivery in all those cases whore the delay is owing to debility or
want of uterine nervous energy, or is the result of fatigue." This state-
ment will be taken cum grano salis by those who, like the author, have
made an experimental comparison — or rather contrast — of the two.

JEFFERSONIA.— Twin-Leaf.

JefFersonia diphylla Persoon. — Triin-Leaf, Rheumatism Root.

Desci'iption. — Calyx : sepals 4, petal-like, fugacious. Corolla : petals 8,
oblong, flat. Stamens 8, shorter than the petals ; anthers linear-oblong,
on slender filaments. Ovary solitary, ovoid, soon becoming gibbous ;
stigma 2-lobed, nearly sessile ; ovules 5 or G, attached to one side of the
ovary below the middle. Fruit a somewhat stipitate cajisule, opening by
a transvei'se, semi-lunar slit near the summit. Seeds numerous, crowded

80 BERBERIDACE^E.

in several rows on n lateral placenta, with a flcsliy lacerate aril on one
side.

An herbaceous perennial, with a thick, somewhat fleshj', horizontal,
fihrous-rootcd rliizome, from which arises a simple l-Howcred scape, and a
tuft of long-petioled, bil'oHato, or deeply 2-parted radical loaves, with ob-
long, foliaceous sheaths at their base. Leaves glaucous beneath ; lamina
parted into 2 semi-ovate segments, appearing like a pair of leaves (whence
the name twin-leaf), eav-h 3 to 4 inches king, nearly 2 inches wid(>, obscurely
toothed or sinuate. Flowers white, about 1 inch in diametei', appearing
in April or May. The fruit matures in July.

Habitnt. — In rich, shady woods, on limestone soils, from New York to
Tennessee. Not very common.

rarls Uxcd. — The rhizome and rootlets — not official.

Constituents. — In addition to the common plant constituents, one analyst
has discovered in Jeflfersonia a bitter i)rinciple and an acrid acid analogous
to that existing in Pohjcjala Senega, termed polygalic acid, having the acrid
and nauseous taste of the root, and capable of producing persistent nausea
and vomiting, Anotlier analyst found a small quantity of berberina and a
lai'ger proportion of a white alkaloid.

Prepurulion.s. — Tl. "re are neither ofHcial nor commei'cial preparations
of this plant. Its virtues are yielded to boiling water, and it may therefore
be administered in decoction or infusion.

Medical rropcrties and Uses. — Jeffersonia is said to be alterative, anti-
spasmodic, diuretic, diaphoretic, and expectorant. That it may possibly
proikice an alterative efl'ect tlu'ough the tonic inlluence of its alkaloid ber-
bei'ina is not unlikely, but the other elTects attributed to it are probably
largely duo to its mode of administration rather than to its specific proper-
ties. Being rather nauseoiis, large quantities of it in decoction might
readily induce antispasn^.odic, diaphoretic, or expectorant eftects. It has
been used as a substitute for senega, to which it bears some analogy as
shown by analj'sis, and in chronic rheumatism, secondary syphilis, nervous
affections, etc., chiefly in domestic practice. Eatiuesque thought it wortliy
of investigation.

PODOPHYLLUM. — May-Apple.

Podophyllum peltatum Linne. — ]\[aii- Apple, Mandrahe.

Description. — Calyx : sepals G, unequal, obtuse, imbricate, pale green,
caducous, with 3 small, fugacious braetlets at their base. Corolla : petals
G to 9, obovate, twice the leugth of the sepals, white. Stamens 12 to IS,
twice the nund^er of the petals, hypogynous, with short, slender filaments ;
anthers linear-oblong, about the length of the filaments, 2-celled, open-
ing longitudinally, and not upward by valves as is the rule with the order.
Ovary ovoid, 1-celled, with many ovules ; stigma sessile, large, thick, and

PODOPIIYLLFM — MAY-API'LE. 81

midulato or Idliod. Fruit a succulent herry as lartife as a medium-sized
plum, smooth, yellowish-green wlien ripe, of a mildly acid taste and, to
man\' people, an aj^reeable llavor. Seeds 12 or more, eoveriii;^' the large
lateral placenta, in several rows, each seed enclosc.'d in a pulpy aril, the
whole forniin'T a soft mass which tills the cavitv of tlu! fruit.

An herbaceous perennial having a creeping, librous-rooted rhizome,
1 to 6 feet in length, from which arise in early spring both flowering and
flowerless stems about 1 foot in height. The flowerl(>ss stem is tcrmi-
nated by a single, large, round, 7- to !)-lobed loaf, centrally peltate, the
lobes oblong, wedge-shai>ed, somewhat toothed or lobed at the ap(!x. The
flowering stem bifur(%ites G to 8 inches above the ground, and each
Immch bears at its summit, about 4 inches above the bifurcation, a single
one-sided leaf, the stalk fixed near the im.'er edge, lobed and toothed in a
manner similar to the leaves of the barren stems. At the bifurcation
is situated a single white flower about 2 inches in tliameter, upon a short,
curveil peduncle.

The plant blossoms in Miy and ripens its fruit in August and Sep-
tember.

HahUat. — This is a very common plant in rich, moist soil along the bor-
ders of woods and streams from Canada to T'lorida. Its l)eautil'ul foliage,
and still more beautiful flowers, render it an object of interest entirely
apai't from its medicinal importance. It is, moreover, very hardy, and
flourishes along the fences of cultivated fields long after many of its more
tender natural associates have been exterminated. In view of its medic-
inal importance this is inde k1 gratifying, since it is a fact that many of
our valuable indigenous medicinal plants will soon be completely eradi-
cated by the progress of the very civilization which has recognized and
utilized their virtues. Their natural habitat is the vii'gin soil of the un-
broken foi'est, and once this is turned by the plow they disappear for-
ever.

Paris Ufied. — The rhizome and rootlets — United Sfatex rhnrmacopcria.
The leaves partake of the properties of the root, but are not employed.
The fruit, on the contrary, is entirely innocuous, and may be eaten, in any
reasonable quantity, with impunity.

Cunslituents. — Podopiiyllum hasa bitter, aci'id taste, somewhat similar to
thai of other plants of the order. Its active properties reside in a resinous
substance which is obtained by precipitation from a concentrated alco-
holic tincture by means of water acidulated with hydrochloric acid. This
has long been used and sold under the incorrect name podophnUin. It
consists of two resins, one soluble in both ether and alcohol, the other
in alcohol only, and is a mixture of the active and some of the inert
principles of the root. The ultimate composition of these resins is still
a matter of dispute among analysts. In addition to the resin, there
also exist in the root the ordinary vegetable principles, but, as demon-

82 NYMPir.EACE.Ii;.

strated by ProfosHor Miiisch mid others, neither bci'berina nor any other
alkaloid.

J'/rparofif)}}!^. — Aliatractum po lophylli — abstract of podophylhim ; ex-
tractuin podophvlli — extrat^t of podophyllum ; extraetum podopliylli llii-
idiim lluid extract of podophylluin ; resina podophvlli — renin of podo-
phyllum (incorrectly termed jjodophi/lli))). — United Slatm I'harmacopivia.

Medical Properties and Unei<. — Podophyllum is an active cathartic, in-
creasing the intestinal secretions and producinj^ cojiious and somewhat
watery stools, rcHend)liiipr jalap in its mode of oporatior thon;^h its elVects
are produced nuich more slowly. Its ac^tion is attended with considerable ■
f,'ripin}jf, and sometimes nausea, which, however, may be, to a great ex-
tent, obviated by administering it in combination with other cathartics or
with sedatives. In over-doses it produces violent emeto-catharsis, and has
not imfroiiucntly caused fatal prostration. That it exerts a special in-
fluence ui)on the functions of the liver seems to have been al)un(lantly
demonstrated by clinical experience ; and in those cases of inactivity of
this organ so frequently met with in the condition vaguely but ex-
pressively termed " biliousness," fe>v remedies act as satisfactorily. As an
aid to overcoming the habit of constipation, administered alone or in
judicious combin;itions, few drugs ecpial and fewer still surpass it in
cfiicacy. Thus, though analogous to jalap in some resi)ects, it has a
wid(H' range of tisefulness. It is used by eclectics as a substitute for mer-
cury in the treatment of syphilis, and has even been denominated " vege-
table calomel," on account of its sujii^osed efficacy as an alterative. There
is little reason, however, for sn])p()sing that it exerts any direct or spe-
cific etfect upon svphilis, or that its alterative inlluence extends beyond the
mere increasing the hepatic and intestinal secretions. It w'ould, therefore,
be extremely unwise to relj' upon it to the exclusion of mercury and the
iodides in the treatment of so grave a disease as syphilis.

NYMPH/EACEyE.

, Character of the Order. — Aquatic perennial herbs, with horizontal rhi-
zomes and peltate or cordate fleshy leaves, either floating on the surface
of the water or borne above it upon long petioles. Sepals usually 4,
sometimes confounded with the numerous petals, and these often passing
gradually' into stamens ; stamens indefinite in number, inserted in the
torus above the petals, with petaloid filaments, and adnate, introrse
anthers, opening by two longitudinal clefts ; torus lai'ge and fleshy, sur-
sounding the ovary, which is many-celled and mai.y-ovuled, with radiat-
ing stigmas. Fruit many-celled, indihescent ; seeds very numerous, borne
on the sid<^s or back of the cells, and not on the ventral suture.

An order comprising five genera in North America, namelj', Brasenia,
Cabomba, Nelumbium, Nuphar, and Nympheea, and these are represented

NYMPIl^A — WATER-LILT. 88

hy only a few species, none of which are very important, modicinally.
They are generally UHtrhigont and Honiewhat demulcent. The i)lant de-
scribed below, Nipnpha^a odorata, is the most imjiortaut medicinally,
though species of the genua nuphar possess similar properties but to u
more limited extent.

NYMPlIillA.— Wateu-Lii.y.

Nymphaea odorata Alton. — Sweel-acenlcd Water- LiUj.

DeKcriplion. — Calyx : sepals 4, green outside, white within, nearly fi'co,
withering but not falling away. Corolla : petals numerous, in many rows,
gadiially p issing into stamens, imbricate, inserted upcni the ovary. Sta-
mens iiidcfinit(!, inserted upon the ovary al)ove the petals, the outer ones
with dilated, petal-like tiLuuents. Ovary 18- to 3()-cellfil, the concave sum-
njit bearing at its centre a tubercle, from which the stigmas, equal in num-
ber with the cells, radiate lik(! the spokes of a wheel, projecting and in-
curving at the margin, forming a scalloped border. . Fruit depressed-
glol>ular, many-celled, many-seeded, covered with the bases of the decayed
petals.

A perennial aquatic herb, having a rough, knotty rhizome as largo as a
man's arm, from which proceed flower- and leaf-stems, 1 to G feet in length,
varying in this respect according to the depth of water in which the
specimen grows. Leaves orbicular, conlate-deft to the base of the petiole,
Avliieh is insertcul about the centre, (! to 10 inches wide, tlu* margin entire,
the upper surface dark, glossy green, repelling water, the under lighter
green tinged with crimson or purple ; petioles in section nearly semicir-
cular, very flexible, porous, the pores filled with air to buoy the leaves up
and permit them to float easily upon the surface of the watei*. Flower-
stems round, otherwise resembling the petioles, retracting after flowering,
so tliat tlie fruit matures under water. Flowers solitary, 3 to 5.^ inches
in diameter, white, rarely pink or rose-c!olored, very sweet scented, open-
ing enrly in the morning and closing in the aiternoon for several days
in succession. The season of flowering extends throughout the summer,
from June to September.

Habitat. — The margins of lakes, ponds, and slow-flowing streams with
muddy bottoms fror!i Can ida to the (xulf of Mexico, often covering the
surface of the water for acres in extent, and presenting a scene of rare
loveliness. Indeed, there is only one other aciuatic plant indigenous to
North America (Nelumbiuin hitcinii — Water GhiiHinepin) at all compar-
able to this in beauty. The latter belongs to the same order and grows
in similar situations, but is rare and local east of the Alleghanies.

Part Used. — The rhizome — not official.

Constitiientii. — The rhizome of the water-lily has an extremely astrin-
gent and bitter taste, the astringency being due to the presence of tannio
and gallic acids, which are its only medicimd constituents.

84

SAUIIACKNIACE.E.

Prrparnllima. — Tlirrn nro ncitlicr oHicijil nor roitimorrial propfirnlions ;
niid cvfu the rlji/.omc ituclf is stiduiii kept by the .-ipotlRcurit'S.

jMt'iiical I'rnpi'iiics uml Txcs,— llcconlH of the eiiiployment of tliis
pliiiit uri' oxti'emt'ly meag^rc in njciliciil literature. It lias been used as au
nstrinj'ent in dysentery, diarrlio-.i, and calarrlial alVections, in the hist-
nanied caHes botli infernally and loeally. It has also been enii)l()yed
iojiically as a disctitient, and as an astringent ])onltieo to suppurating- ul-
eers. As it depends for its etheaey upon the tannie and {jjallie aeids wliieh
it contains, it is hardly worthy of consideration when a clioice of remediea
is to bo made.

SARRACENIACE/E.

Cliarncler (>/' tin- Ortler. — Perennial bog or marsh plauts, with hollow,
pitcher-like, or trumpct-,shap(Hl radical leaves and hypogyuous, polyau-
drouH flowers.

A small and iininiportaiit though curious oi-der of plants, conip,rising
but three g(>nera, of whi(;h two, Sarracenia and Darlingtouia, are indigenous
to North America.

SARRACENIA.— PiTCUEa-rLANT,

Character of the Ckixns — Sepals 5, witli 3 bractlets at tlieir base, col-
orf<l. persistent. Petals 5, oblong or obovate, inenrvful upon the ovar}',
colored, deciduor.s. JJoth sepals and petals arc imbric^ate in ieijtivati(»

Stamens indeiinite in number, hypogynous ; anthers
oblong, aduate, 2-celled, bursting internally and longi-
tudinally. Ovary solitary, 5-celled, many-ovuled ; style
short, expamled at its summit into a large, 5-angled,
lunbrella-sliaped lamina, with a small, incurved stigma
at each angle. Capsule, crowned by the persistent
style, 5-celled, each cell opening by a locuiicidal valve.
Seeds very numerous, minute, attached to 5 2:)lacenta3
which project from the axis into the cavity of the cells.
Perennial herbs, witli short, tilirous-roolod rhizomes,
radical, hollow, pitcher-like, or trumpet-shaped leaves,
and naked scapes, bearing each a si^igle nodding flower.
Sarracenia purpurea Linne. — Fitcher -Plant, Side-
saddli' F/oirer.

Defieripfion. — Calyx : sepals 1 inch long, half as wide,
brcnvnish-red or purplish externally, greenish within.
Corolla : petals longer and narrower than the sepals,
contr.icted toward, dilated at, the base, lighter in
color externally than the sepals, still lighter within, folding inward, and
nearly concealing the expanded style. Stamens numerous, completely
covered by the style, which is 1 inch or more wide, light grayish-

Fio. l02.~SaiT.ic('niii
pni'imria.

SAUIIACKNIA — riTCIIKU-PLANT. 85

grctii ; niipjlos cmargiiuitp, tho siimll, hooked sti^^mas projecting down-
Wfvril from the angles of tho notches. S;?apo siniijle, sniootli, about 1 foot
liigli, surrounded at its base by a cluster of about half si dozen leaves,
wliich are pitclier-liko in form, upon short clasping jx-tiolcs, dilated
al)ov<', and tciMuinated by an erect, round, heiirt-shaped hood, lined with
still' bristly hairs, pointing downward. The openings of the le;ues are di-
rected upward in such manner as to (lollec^t rain-drops, and thdr cavities
nre generally about full of Avatcr. A fnlly developed leaf will contain a
half ounce or more of liquid. Owing to the downward direction of tho
hairs lining tho mouths of the pitchers, insectts falling into them aro
unable to get out, and it has been contended by some that the i)Luit
derives a part of its nourishment by a sort of digestion of insects thus caj)-
turod and drowned. The Howers are proi]uced v.i June.

IMtiiat. — In cold bogs and marshes, from Hudson's Bay to Florida.
Quite common about the margins of ponds in tamarack swamps,

Sarracenia fluVa Linne. — Traiiipii-lraf, Waldn'x.

JJcacriptioii. — Leaves erect, 2 to '>\ feet long, trumpet-shapod, narrowly
Avinged ; lamina 3 to -4 inches wide yellow, erect, orbicular, slender-
pointed, tomentose ■within, leddish at tho base, or reticulated with purple
veins. Scapes as long as tho leaves. Flowers 4 to 5 inches wide, yellow,
appearing in April and May. — Cluipman.

Sarracenia variolaris Mkhmw. —Spoiled Trumpci-Lcaf.

De.srriptUm. — Loaves erect, trumpet-shaped, broadly winged, sjiotted
with white near tho yellowish summit ; lamina ovate, concave, an^hing
over tho oritico of the tube, hairy and reticulated with purple veins
Avithin. Flowers 2 inches Avide, yellow, on sc'apes shorter than the leaves,
api)earing in IM-iy.— Cluipman.

Ilubitrif. — The two species of j'clloAv-ilowcrod sarracenia grow in low,
wet pine barrens, from North Carolina to Florida and Avestward.

Parts Used. — The rhizom'^ and rootlets — not official.

Consfifni-nts. — Analyses of these plants by ditlerent chemists have
yielded ditforent results. Professor U. C. Shop ird found " an acid f)r au
acid salt, and also an astringcuit property, due neither to tannic nor gallic
acid, and a salt of some alkal )id, related perhaps to cinchonia, Avhich,
should it prove uoav, may be called sarraceniu " (Porcher). Stan. Martin
obtained a bitter alkaloid, sarraccniiia, Avhose sulphate is crystalliziible, and
F. Schmidt isolated an acid yellow coloring matter, sanwu'nic acid. So
far as ascertained, the proximate principles obtained by analysis have not
been subjected to therapeutic experimentation.

Preparationii. — There are neither official nor commercial pi'eparations.
The powdered root may be administered in substance, or a tincture or in-
fusion may be employed.

Mddicnl Prnpertii'!^ and Use.^. — According to Dr. Porcher, sarracenia is
used to a considerable extent in the Southern States as a bitter tonic and

86 PAPAVERACE^

Btomo,chic in dyspeptic aflfectionn. In over-doses it produced in his own
person some corebnil disturbance, which he atti'ibuted to the presence of
a narcotic princi2:)le. And to this narcotic principle lie attributed also
some of the rehef obtained by use of the plant in painful indigestion.

PAPAVERACEiE.

Character of the Order. — Annual oi ijerennial herbs, with a thi<'k colored
or milky juice; regular flowers, the parts in twos or fours, luimerous hy-
pogynous stamens, n,iid a 1-celled ovary, with 2 or more jiarietal placenttc.
Sepals usually 2, rarely 3, falling when the bud opens. Petals 4 to 12,
rarely moro, spreading, commonly crumpled in the bud, and of short du-
ration. Fruit a dry capsule or pod, containing numerous small, oily seeds.
Leaves altcriiate, without stipules ; commonly covered with a bloom. Pe-
duncles geiierallv 1-flcwcred.

A fami'.y of plants represented in the United States by about a dozen
genera, comprising altogether a not much greater number of species, of
■which but t,wo are of any medicinal importance. Indeed, the entire order
as distributed over the globe is, with a few notable exceptions— chiefly pa-
paver and sanguinaria — coniparatively unimportant, either medicinally or
e(!onomically. They generally possess acrid and more or less narcotic
properties.

SANGUIK ARI A. — BLOonnooT.

Sanguinaria Canadensis Linne. — Bloodroot.

Descriplion. — Calyx : sepala 2, light green, falling as the bud opens.
Corolla : petals 8 to 1.2 or more, one-half to 1 inch long, oblong-spatulate,
spreading, white or slightly rose-tinted, increasing in size for two or three
days after the bud opens, and then falling away. Stamens about 24, in
several rows, much shorter than the petals, those in the inner rows long-
est ; anthers naiTow, opening longitudinally. Ovary linear-oblong, 1-
celled ; style short, stigma 2-grooved. Capsule oblong, pointed at both
ends, tipped with the style, 1-celled, 2-valved. Seeds numerous, roundish,
smooth, with a prominent ridge along the raphe.

An herbaceous pei'ennial, having a thick, fleshy, fibrous-rooted rhizome,
1 to 3 inches long, from whicii are sent up in early spring one or more simple,
round scapes, each bearing a single flower, which exponds in advance of
the unfolding of the leaf enc^losing it as it emerges from the ground. The
leaves, all radical, are, when first unfolded, about 7-lobed, but become,
later in the seasoii, broadly reniforra, and attain a breadth of (> to 7 inches.
They are borne upon long channelled petioles, are dark shining green above,
grayish-green and strongly reticulated beneath. The rhizome is reddish-
brown externally, paler within, and pours out, when wounded, an abun-
dance of i-eddish oraug'^-colored juice, whence the common name of the

PLATE

■loll 11 son. Del.

SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS.

H HKWi-Kn,,.,

Plate Ill.-Sanguinaria Canadensis.

Fig. l.-Flow.ring plant, l.alf luitural si.e.
Fio. 2. -Pistil and stamens, natural size.
P-o. 3.-Cross.section of rhizome, natural size.

i

SANOUII!^ARIA BLOODKOOT. 87

plant. Nor is thr colored juice cliiinioteristic of the root only ; it occiu-h
in tlie leaves and ilowers as well.

Habitat. — In rich, open woods from Canada to Florida and westward to
the Mississippi. Formerly very connnon, it is becoming rapidly scarcer,
and in the cultivated parts of the Atlantic States will ere long be consid-
ered comparatively rare. In the latitude of N(!\v York it blooms about
the middle of April, and, like many of our early l)loon ing plants, is of
short duration. I;i favorable localities the first blossoms are (piickly suc-
ceeded by myriads, so that the ground is almost white with them, jn-e-
senting a most charming aspect. ,

Fart Cffd. — The rhizome — United Sfatex Phannacofyocia.

Constitnents. — Sanguinaria has a bitter, acrid taste, which persists for
some time, accompanied by a sensation of constriction and irritation in the
throat. This is most evident in the fresh rhizome, but does not disappear
from the dried drug, which in powder is exti'emely irritating to the res-
piratory tract if inhaled. These irritant properties appear to reside
mainly in an alkaloid, Hamjainarinu, which possesses them to an intense
d^'gree. This, when pure, is in white verru(!ose or needle-shaped crystals,
soluble in botli alcoliol and ether, and, with acids, forms salts of a bright
red color. Two other alkaloids and a peculiar acid have also been found
in the drug, but sanguinarina appears to bo the chief medicinal, as it is
the only connnercial, constituent.

Pir.paralionx. — Acetuni sanguinariso — vinegar of sanguinaria ; extrac-
tum sanguiuariixj tluidum — thiid extrac^t of sanguinaria ; tinctura sangui-
naria;— tincture of sanguinaria. — ('iiilcd Statcti riuinnacopd'ia.

Medical Propeiiieft and C-^ex. —In very small doses sanguinaria exerts a
tonic influence, promoting gastro-intestinal secretion iuid tlms aiding di-
gestion. It is sometimes employed in this manner in dyspcjjsia, with
asserted benefit. It is not, however, as a tonic that it exerts its greatest
influence, but as an expectorant in diseases of the resjnratory organs.
In these cases it is employed in much larger doses than when its tonio
effects are desired. In still larger doses it is emetic, and both too power-
ful and violent to be employed with safety. In over-doses it produces
excessive prostration, insensibility, irregularity and feebleness of the pulse,
and even fatal collapse. The dry powder is sometimes nsed as a sternuta-
tory in chronic nasid catarrh, and it Avas formerlv employed as a topical
application to ulcers to repress fungous granulations or to excite indolent
sores to greater and more healthy activity.

That sanguinaria Avas formerly highly esteemed by the medical profes-
sion -inerally, will become evident to the reader of our past and even
present literature ; that it is comparatively little used here in tlie East now
is none the less apparent and true. Whether this is to be atti-ibute<l to a
mere change in therapeutic fashions or to a prefei'ence for exjiectoranta of
a milder character, is not easy to decide. At any rate, sanguinaria ap-

88

I»APAVERACE^.

pears to have followed antimony and aciuill into comparative and probably
unmerited disuse.

CIIEIilDONIUM.— Celandine.

Chelidonium majus lAnne.— Celandine.

Dcticriptioii. — Calyx : sopiils 2, ovate, yellowish, caducous. Corolla :
petals 4, sub-orbicular, contracted at the base, yellow, early deciduous.
Stamens indefinite in number, hypogyuous, shorter than the jjctals ; an-
thers 2-lobed. Ovary elongated, cylindrical, slightly bent, composed of 2
carpels separated by an incomplote partiliou, many-ovuled ; stylo veiy short,
the 2-lobed stigma appai-ently sessile upon the ovary. Fruit a dxv jjod, lin-
ear, 2-valved, the valves opening from below
upward, becoming detached and leaving the
dissepiment persistent iijion the stem.

An herbaceous perennial, with a fusiform
root, ei'ect, branching, somewhat hairy stems,
1 to 2 foot 1 1 igh, alternate, pinnatoly divided
or bi-pinnatitid leaves, and small flowers in
small jicdunculate umbels at the summits
of the brivuches. Leaflets 3 to 7, the lobes
incised, crcnale, petiohdate, or decurrent
upon the common petiole, glabrous above,
glaucous undeinioath. The flowers are pro-
duced throughout the summer. All parts
of the plant are pervaded with an acrid,
saflfron-colored juice.

Habitat. — A native of Europe, celandine
has become fully naturalized here, growing
about old buildings and fences and along roadsides.

Part Used. — The entire jilant — United States Pliarniacopoeia.
ConiititHent>(. — Celandine has a rather unpleasant odor, and a persistent,
aciid, bitter taste, which is stronger in the root than in the leaves. The
juice possesses the same sensible properties, though to a more intense de-
gree. The odor is lost in drying, but the taste remains. An analysis of
the plant by Probst yielded a peculiar acid, chelidonia, two alkaline jjrinci-
ples, the one, chelerythrine, forming salts with acids, the other, cheledonine,
uniting with acids without neutralizing them, and finally a neutral crj's-
tallizable, bitter principle termed chelido.ranthin. Chelerythrine is said to
be an acrid narcotic poison, while cheledonine has been shown to be iden-
tical with mn(juinarine, the most important constituent of bloodroot.

Preparations. — Tliere are no official preparations. The expressed juice
is very active, and affords a convenient mode of administration when ob-
tainable. Tlie dried root or herb may be administered in substance, de-
coction, or infusion, or a watery extract may be employed.

Fio. 103.— Chelidonium majus.

DICENTIIA. ■ 80

Medical Properties and Vse^. — In medicinal dosos celandine is diapho-
retic, diuretic, expectorant, and purgative ; in over-doses it is an acrid nai--
cotic poison, producing not only excessive jnirgalion but great cerebi'al
disturbance. It bears, therefore, a close analogy in its action to sangui-
}iaria. In both, the acrid-properties are nnich more apparent than the nar-
cotic, so that fatal effects may bo pi'odu(!ed boforn narcotic synij)tonis bo-
come very e^•ident. In this rcspe(^t they are in marked contrast with tho
poppy, a member of the same order of plants, whose stimulating properties
are of secondary importance compared with its narcotic influence.

Celandine is a remedy which has (!ome down to us from the fathers of
medicine, and is interesting chiefly on acc^ount c^f its historical associations,
for it is seldom employed at tho present day. Its action, asoiitlined above,
suffices to intlicato tho classes of cases to which it is ajjplicable, but a cata-
logue of the diseases in which it has been employed woidd be formidable.
As a drastic purgative it was formerly used in dropsy ; and it was espe-
cially esteemed in jaundice, an idea which, as Woodville remarks, probably
had its origin in the absurd doctrine of signatures, thf)ugh there can bo
little doubt that it miglit, through its stimulant properties, be of occasional
benefit in this condition. Tlie fresh juice has been used as a topical aj)-
plication to corns and warts and in the squamous stages of various skin
diseases. It requires to be employed with caution, for it is extremely irri-
tating.

FUMARIACE/E.

Character of I Jin Order. — Herbs with brittle stems, watery juice, alter-
nate, dissected, exstipulate leaves, and irregular, unsymmetrical flowers.
Sei^als 2, deciduous. Petals 4, cruciate, irregular, one or two of them saccate
or spurred, and the two inner ones often cohering at the apex so as to in-
clude the anthers and stigma. Stamens 6, in two sets of three each, placed
opposite the larger petals, hypogynous, the filaments oft(;n united ; the
middle anther of each set 2-celled, the outer ones 1-celled. Ovary 1 -celled ;
style fiUform ; stigma with 2 or more points. Fruit a 1-celled pod, either
1-seeded and indehiscent or several-seeded with two parietal placentse.

An unimportant though interesting oi'der of plants, closely allied to
the impaiKraceiv. in general structure, but having watery instead of milky
juice. Tliere are but three strictly North American genera, namely, Adlu-
mia, Corydalis, and Dicentra. Fumaria, though fioiu'ishing here without
cultivation, is not indigenous, but has been introdrced from Evu'ope.

•

DICENTRA.

Dicentra Canadensis De Candolle {Corydalis formosa Pursh). —
Squirrel Corn, Tiirkei/ Corn. •

Description.— Coiiy}!. : sepals 2, small and scale-like, deciduous. Corolla :

_!^E_„.

90 FITJrARIACE.E.

petals 4, sli.Li^liily pnlioront, llio two outer oqtmlly si-inrrod, tlio spiirs short,
roiiiulod, obtuse, Kli<^fhtly iiuuirved, f^iviiifjj the whole ii sojiicwhiU hoiirt-
Hhixped outline ; inner petulswitha iirojeeting, couHpicuouH crest. Htuniens
in two sets, with tiluinents united. Stigmas 2-crcsted and somewhat 2-
horned. Tod 10- to 2()-seeded.

A low, sniootli, stemleKsperciinial, whose tuider<^i"ound shoots bear small
vellow tubers, resenil)luig pi as or kernch of Indian corn, whence the com-
mon names. Leaves all radical, 10 to 12 inclies high, bi-ternate, the leaf-
Icts d(Hply pinnatitid, the lobes linear-oblong, sub-glaucous. Scape f! to
10 inches high, simple, smootli. Flowers 4 to 10, nodding, fragrant,
greenish-white tinged with rose-color, appearing in May and June.

Jfahilnl. — In rich woods from Canada to Pennsylvania, Kentucky and
westward ; most comnuju northward.

Part C}<>'(1, — The rhizome — not oflicial.

Conslitueiiffi. — Dicentra has a faint, peculiar odor and a characteristic
slightly bitter taste, Avhich is quite persistent, and for some time greatly
increases the flow of srdiva. It has yielded to analysis an alkaloid termed
cori/dali}), together with a pecidiar acid, a volatile oil, a tasteless and an
acrid resin, bitter extractive, and ordinary vegetable constituents. A com-
mercial article, improperly termed corydaUn, in considerably used by eclec-
tic practitioners, and is said to fairly represent the medicinal constituents
of the plant. It is pi-ejiared from the alcoholic tinctiire by precipitation,
and is an impure resinous sid)stance.

Pirjiaratioiiti. — None are official. It may be administered in infusion,
tinctui'e, or extract, or in the fonn of the so-called corydalin.

Medical ProperticH and i'si'^;. — Dicentra is said to be tonic, diuretic, and
alterative. As a tonic King considers its action similar to gentian and
colond)o, or other pure bitters ; and its alterative properties "in syphilis,
especially in the constitutional form, Avhen occurring in debilitated or
bi'oken-down constitutions . . . not equalled by any other agent."
Not, however, because "it exerts any real influence as an antisyphilitic,
properly so called," but simply in the office of an alterative tonic. Though
the evidence in favor of its efficacy as a remedy must necessarily be col-
lected chiefly from eclectic sources, there is enough of it to justify the
conclusion that dicentra is not inert, but, on the contrary, is worthy of
more cax-ef ul examination than it has hitherto received.

FUMARI A. — FuMiTonv.

Fumaria officinalis Linne. — Common Fmnitori/.

DeRc.r>i)lion. — Calyx : sejDals 2, ovate-lanceolate, acute, sharply toothc(',
shorter than the corolla, caducous. Corolla : petals 4, the upper one of
the outer pair spurred at the base, the lateral pair cohei'ing at their tips
and forming a quadrangular mouth. Stamens 6, in two sets of three each.

FUMARIA — FUMITORY.

91

Ovjxry oval ; sty • filiform, nl)out nw k)n<j; ns the stamcna, deciduous. I'od
roiuidisli, some at heart-sliaijcd, l-Hood(!d, iudt'luHocnt.

A small, leafy, murh-bviincluHl annual, about 1 foot hi^li. Loaves Li-
pinuato, tlio pinuulu' mostly IJ-lolunl, of a pale green color. Flowers
small, reddish-purple, in dense spikes (r racemes.

J/dhifat. — A native of Europe but natuvfilizeil hero, <j;ri)wiug in waste
places about dwellings aud in
cultivated grounds.

J'urt i'scd. — The herb — not
official.

C'onsfituenln. — Fumitoi*yhas
a bitter, disirgreeablo taste,
strongly marlied in the fresh
herb aud still more so in the
dried specimen. It has yielded
to analysis a peculiar crystal-
lizablo acid, tei'uied fnma7'w
acid, and. an alkaloid, also
crystiiUiue, termed faniarine.
Tliese arc supposed to be the
active constituents of the plant,
but experiments in support of
the supposition appear to bo
lacking.

rrepnrations. — None are of-
ficial. The expressed juice of
the fresh plant is an efficient
l)reparation ; the decoction and
infusion are also eligible forms
of administration.

3[t'dical ProDerties and Use/'.
— Fumitory was highly es-
teemed by the ancients as a blood purifier, and was also believed to exert
a special influence upon the eyes. In more recent times it has been re-
garded as tonic and depurative, and as being si)ecially beneficial in dis-
eises of the skin. At one time or another it has, therefore, been em-
ployed with asserted benefit in a great variety of cases. Cullen found it
more beneficial in skin diseases thnn in any other class of cases. Others
have used it in scrofulous and scorbutic affi3ctions ; others as a vermifuge,
though as Cazin remarks, it is no more anthelmintic than other bitters.
It is sometimes employed externally in cutaneous affections, in the form
of a decoction made by boiling the plant in milk.

Fio. lO'l.- Funiarin oflficinnlia.

99

CUUCIFKIliE.

CRUCIFER^.

Charndrr of Ihe Order. — Hrrl)S with altornnto, pxstipulute leftvos, cnici-
forin Howei-H iii tennimU racemeH oi* corymbs, iind a pun^eut, acrid, watery
juice. Sepals 4, deciduouH. Petaln 4, liyijopfynoiw, placed ojjposite eacii
other ill pairs, their liiubs si^rcadiug und lonniii}^- a cross. Stamens (Ji
four of c([nal lenfj^th placed in pairs oppoHito each oth(;r, the remaining
two, shorter, placed beneath tliem and opjjosite each other. Ovary of 2
united carpels, witli 2 parietal 2)lacentie, separated by a membranaceous
partition ; stylo short or absent, often persistent ; stigmas 2, opposite the
placenta?. Fruit a siliipie or silide, usually 2-celled, rarely 1-celled 1- to
many-seeded, dehiscent by the separation of the valves from the persistent

placenta', ov occasionally
indehiscent, and either
lomentaceous or nucu-
mentaceoiis. Seeds cam-
pylotropous, gene ra lly
pcndnlous, attached in a
single row to each side
of the placenta. Embryo
with cotyledons variously
folded on the radicle.

This is a very natural
and easily recognized fam-
ily of plants, the cruciform
flowers (Fig. 105) and pe-
culiarly arranged stamens
(Fig. lOG) sening for im-
mediate identification of the order. Tlio identitication of the genera is,
however, quite another matter. Here the characters are taken from the
pods and seeds, and in some instances are, to the beginner at least, very
pei'plexing.

All the cn'.ifers possess, to a greater or less extent, acrid and instat-
ing properties, but none of them are positively poisonous. The acrid
principle is usually of a volatile character, somewhat dissipated in drying
and entirely so l)y boiling. Though generally present in all jiarts of the
plant, it is often most concentrated in the seeds, and may be obtained
from many of them by distillation in the form of a volatile oil. Whatever
of medicinal importance the order may have is imdoubtedly due to the
acrid pi'inciple present, and this appears to act merely by virtue of its
stimulant and irritant properties. Hence all statements attributing spe-
cific \artues to any plant of the order should be viewed with suspicion.
There is no one order in the vegetable kingdom of more strongly mai'ked

Fio. ir5. — form of (lowrr com-
mon tu tlio Cniciferio.

Fio. 106. — Arranf'o-

mrnt of stuuuMis tom-
niouto Um Criioircrii".

NAHTUUTIUM.

93

clmrnctoristios, both of or<]fanu' Htniotiiro and rlipmioal composition, than
this; and honco to know a singUi plant of th(^ family will — lor example,
nuiHtard — is to know tlu-m all. Many of them — for instance, the ('al)ba<.(e
and turnip — havo been modified to a considerable extent by long cultivo-
tion, and havo become valuable articles of food.

NASTURTIUM.

Character of the Oeyius. — Pod a silicjue or silicde, liucar-oblonpf or glob-
ular, nearly or quite roinid. Seeds small, nunjcrous, marginlcss, in two
irregular rows in each cell. Cotyledons accund)cnt. Annual, biennial, or
perennial herbs, aquatic or growing in marshes and wet i)laces, with Avhito
or yellow ilowers, and com-
monly smooth, shinin;,', pin-
nate or pinnatifid leaves.

Nasturtium officinale
Itobert IJrown. — Walcr-crcfis.

Description. — Calyx : se-
pals ovate, caducous. Co-
rolla : petals white, twice the
length of the sepals. Siliques
one-half to two-thirds inch
long, bending upward, more
or less, on divergent, ascend-
ing pedicels, of nearly the
same length. Root biennial,
long, and creeping. Stem
spreading and rooting.
Leaves pinnate ; leaflets 3 to
11, roundish or oblong, near-
ly entire, the terminal one
largest.

Habitat. — Introduced from
Euroi^e, -where it has long been cultivated as a salad. Escaping from cul-
tivation hero, it has become estal)lished in brooks and ditches.

Nasturtium Armoracia Fries {Gochlearia ArmoracialAimd). — Horse-
radish.

Description. — Calj'x : sepals ovate, obtuse, caducous. Corolla : petals
white, twice the length of the sepals. Style very short, persistent. Pod
nearly globular, about 4-seeded, seldom attaining perfection here or in
Britain. Root perennial, large, tapering, (5 to 12 inches long. Stem erect,
2 to 3 feet high. Radical Jeaves long and large, crenate, seldom pinnat-
ifid : stem-leaves smaller and narrower than the radical, the lower ones
7

FiQ. 107. — N.isturtiuni offlcinalo.

Dl

ClllTllKIl.K.

often (looply fnntliod or pinnntil'ul, tlm upper Innrrnlato, sparsrly toothed.
Flowers KiiiiiU, in minieroiis raceiues, forming i\ toniiiiml piiuicle,

//(ihitaf. — lutro.iiu'od from Europo and cultivate!^ chielly as a roiidi-
ment. Kscaj)in}j; from cultivation, it has become, to Homo extent, natural-
ized. It ^'rows best in d'-ep, iid\, moist Hoil, and when once well estab-
IihIumI is dinicult to eradicate.

Two wtriclly indin;enouH HperioH of this f^emis, namely, N. jxihtxtvr Do
Caudolle — Jlur^h-crciiti, and iV. lacualrc Oniy — ArMorvtxx, possess pi-opcriicH

similar to those deseribed
above, but as they ax'o sel-
dom, if ever, employed, their
dchcription is omitted.

i'ar/x L 'st'd. — Water-eress,
the herb ; horseradish, the
leaves and root. Neither is
ofheial.

(.'(mxlilumls. — 'Water-cress
distilled with wat(r yields a
volatile oil, probably i(le}itieal
with volatile oil of mustard ;
horseradish, treated in like
manner, yields a similar oil,
havin<^ the same ehemical
composition as volatile oil of
mustard, but a Hli^^litly ditVer-
ent odor. This oil does uot
pre-exist in the plant, livt is
fornu'd durin;;' the process of
distillation, as is the case with
many other volatile oils. It is
intensely acrid and imtating.
Prcparalions. — None are
official. The exjjressed juice
of water-cress has been ad-
ministered. Horseradish is
generally employed in infusion, though there is an official {British I'har-
maco])(via) preparation, Sjm'itus armoracice compositus — compound spirit cf
horsci'adiiih.

Medical Pmpcrh'cs and Vnc?. —"Water-cress, though used chiefly as a
stimulating salad to sharpen the appetite and aid digestion, possesses mild
antif:coi"l)utic properties, and is used in domestic practice as a " blood
purifier " in the spring of the year. It probably acts simply as a stimulant
to the functions of digestion and assimilation. Externally it is sometimes
employed os a counterirritant. Horseradish possesses properties similar to,

Fio. lOS. — Nnptiirtinm Crnchlcnrln) Annorncla.

nRASSICA — SIN APIS. 95

but more intcnso than tlioHo of wdtcr-cnss. It is oliiofly used as a stimn-
latin;^' coinliinciit. K/tcrimlly llio bniisetl root, or inoro frequently the
leaves are used as a ('ounterirritant.

Tlie acrid principles of tlieso plants ap])ear, clinically, to be eliniiiiatetl
by the kidneys, and lience, incidentally, they produce a decided diuretic
ert'ect. The urine is not only increased in (piantity, but partakes also of
the acrid character of the phuit employed. In one case that canio under
the author's observation the individual, thouj^di in perfect health so fin- as
tlie {^'cnito-urinary tract was concerned, sutVered extremely from vesical
pain and irritation for hours after using horseradish as a condiment.

imASSICA.— SiNAl'iH.

-hnrarfrr of thn Oaius. — Pod linear, cylindrical or nearly' so, smooth
or with stilt" hairs, more or less beaked at th(! top, the beak consisting' of
the persistent style alone, or includinj^' a portion of the pod and a sinj^do
seed. Heeds f:?lobose, in a single row ; the cotyledons folded longitudi-
nally over the radicle.

Annual or biennial herbs, smooth or bristly, the lower leaves generally
deeply })innat(; or lyrate, tlie upper sometimes entire. Flowers yellow, in
axillary and terminal racemes.

No i)lants of this getuis are indigenous to North America, but several
foreign species have become naturalized, the most important of which a-;o
described below,

Brassica alba Boissier {Siiin])i!< a/ha Linne). — ^Vhill^ Jfuslajyl.

Pr.-'cri'ptloii. — Flowers rather large, ab()i;t one-half inch in diameter.
Pods three-fourths to one inch long on divergent ascending jiedicels, mor'o
than half the length occupied by the stout, llatteued, often curved, 1-seeded
beak ; the valves and lower part of the beak covered with stitl', bristly hairs,
rftem 1 to 2 feet liigh, smooth or with stitV hairs. Leaves pinnately lobed
or divi.led, the h^bes ovate or obloug, coarsely toothed, the terminal one
largest.

Ilab'dat. — Introduced from Eiu'opo and sparingly naturalized in culti-
vated grounds.

Brassica nigra Koch (Sinapis nigra Linne). — BlacJc Jfustard.

Dc^cripliim. — Flowers smaller than in white n nstard. Pods about one-
half inch long, on short, apprcsscd pedicels, smooth, slightly conical at the
base, the apex tipped with the short, persistent style. Stem 2 to 3 feet
high, erect, freely branched. Lower leaves deeply divided, with one large
ovate or oblong terminal lobe and smaller lateral ones ; upi)er leaves often
entire.

Habitat. — Introduced from Europe. Better established than white mus-
tard.

Part Ui^ed. — The seed. Official name : Sinapis alba — white mustai'd ;
Siuapis nigra — black mustard. — United States Pharmacopoeia.

96

CRUCIFEIl^E.

Conslitucn'it. — The white mustarcl-sccd is about oiic-twclfth of a. - ch
ill diuuietcv, ulinost globular, and of a yellowish color ; the black mustard-
seed one twenty-tifth of an inch in diameter, similar shape, blacldsh-
broAvii. Both yield a yellow powder, and both contain a considerable
percentaoe of fixed oil, which is bland, inodorous, and non-diyiiig. Thtir
active irritating constituents are, however, though similar, far from identi-
cal, that of black mustard being
a volatile oil, while that of white
mustard cannot be obtained by
distillation. In neither case
docs the acrid principle pre-ex-
ist in the seed, but is formed by
chemical reaction or fermen-
tation of existing principles
when brought into contact with
each other in the presence of
water. The reaction dift'cring
so widely in results in the two
cases is thus explained : Black
mustard has as one of its constit-
uents a crystallizablc substance
termed sinnigi'ui, which in the
i:)rcsencc of another constituent,
myrosin, an albuminous body,
and water, is deconiposed, yield-
ing sugar, bisulphate of potas-
sium, and the volatile oil of
mustard. White nmstard, on
the other hand, though contain-
ing miji'osin, has instead of sinnigrin a similar complex substance, termed
sinciUnn, which is decomposed by mijrosin in the presence of water, yield-
ing sugar, sulphate of sinapin, and sulphocyanate of acrinyl, the latter
being the acrid principle.

Prqwi'adons. — Of Avhite mustard, none ; of black mustard, Charta
sinapis — mustard paper, — United States Pharmacopccia.

Medical Properties and Uses. — These are too well known to require
more than mere mention. As an aid to digestion it is used in every
household. As a prompt and efficient emetic it is almost always at hand
and the first to be employed in emergencies. As a rubefacient its sphere
of usefulness is practically unlimited.

CAPSELLA.

Capsella Bursa-pastoris Moench [Thlaspi Bursa-pastoris Liune),—
Shepherd's Purse.

Tio. 10!). — niassica (sinapis) nigra.

CAPSELLA.

07

Description. — Flowers small, white. Pods obcordate-triangular, flat-
tened at right angles to the iiartition, wingless, each valve 10- to 12-.-ieoded,
in long, loose racemes. Cotyledons incumbent.

A small ainiual, with an erect, hairy stem
and a long, tapering root, lladical leaves
clustered, pinnatitid or toothed, rarely entire ;
stem-leaves oblong or lanceolate, entire or
toothed, clasping the stem with projecting
auricles. It flowers from early spring until
winter.

Habifat. — A native of Europe or West-
ern Asia, it has followed man into almost
every extra-tropical region and become one
of the commonest weeds known.

I'avl 6>cv/.— -The herb — not official.

Conditnents. — Shepherd's purse has a
pungent, bitter taste, and on dis'tillation
yields a volatile oil identical with oil of mus-
tard.

Prrparations. — There are none. The ex-
pressed juice or infusion may be employed.

Medical Properties and Uses. — This plant
has been used as a tonic, astringent, and
antiscorbutic. There is perhaps more tes-
timony in support of its efficacy as an as-
tringent in hemorrhages from the lungs,
kidneys, bladder, uterus, etc., than for any other purpose, but even this
testimony is incomplete and unsatisfactory. Once highly esteemed, it
has fallen into entire — and pi ^bably merited — neglect.

FiQ. 11(1. — Capsclla Bm sa-postorla.

VIOLACE^.

Character of the Order. — Perennial, rarely annual, herbs, with simple
alternate or radical stipulate leaves and nodding flowers, either solitary
or in cymes, racemes, or panicles. Calyx of 5 persistent sepals. Corolla
somewhat irregular, 1-spurred, of five unequal petals, imbricated in the
bud. Stamens 5, hj^iogynous, their filaments projecting beyond the an-
ther cells and converging over the pifstil. Ovary 1-celled, with 3 parietal
placenta; ; style club shaped ; stigma ■^'mple, turned to one side. Fruit a
3-valved, many-seeded capsule, the valves, after opening, folding longitu-
dinally and projecting the seeds. Seeds comparatively large, auatropous ;
cotyledons flat.

An order of plants more remarkable for their beauty and fragrance —
many of them lack the latter quality — than for any medicinal or economic

98 VIOLACE^

properties. Kepresentecl in North America by two penern, namely, lonid-
ium [Solea) and Viola, the former comprising thi-ee and the latter about
thirty species. Very few plants of the order have been experimented
with therapeutically, and these have yielded no very important results.

VIOLA.— Violet.

Character of the Gcnnsi. — Sepaln extended into auricles at the base,
and aiipearing as though joined at their sides. Petals somewhat unequal,
the lower one siim-red at the base. Stamens closely embracing the ovar}',
si' .(htly coherent, the two lower bearing spurs which project backward into
the spurred petal.

In addition to the conspicuous colored flowers, several of the species
bear, later in the season, other flowers, on short peduncles, which do not
o^jcn but become fertilized in the bud, and develop their capsules at or
near the surface of the ground ; these are much more fruitful than the
colored blossoms, and are both curious and interesting. Most of the spe-
cies are stemless perennials.

Viola cucullata Alton. — Common Ithie Violet.

Description.- — Calyx : sej^als as in the character of the genus. Corolla :
petals variable as to size and color, generally comparatively large, pale or
deep violet-blue or purple, sometimes variegated or nearly white, the two
lateral and often the lower one bearded ; spur short and thick.

A stemless perennial. l\}uzome thickly beset with fleshy teeth,
branching and forming compact masses. Leaves upright 0:1 long petioles,
cordate with a broad sinus, varying to reniform or triangular, smooth or
pubescent, the bases rolled inward when young. 8ca}ies simple, 3 to 10
inches high, 1-flowered, produced in profusion. Flowers inodorous or
nearly so, appearing in April or May and continuing to be produced
throughout the sunnner.

JJabilat. — This most common and most variable species is abundant in
wet places from the xirctic regions to the Gulf of Mexico.

Viola pedata Linne. — liird-Foot Violet.

Description. — Calyx : sepals as in the preceding. Corolla : jDctals large,
beardless, pale or deep lilac-pui'ple, or blue.

A stemless perennial. Rhizome erect, short, thick, abrvipt. Leaves
all 3- to o-divided, lateral divisions 2- to 3-parted, linear or spatulate, some-
times 2- to 3-tootlied or cut at the apex. Flowers 1 inch broad, in masses
fragrant, appearing in Slay and, occasionally, another croji later in the
season.

Habitat. — In sandy soil ; nearly as widely distributed as the preceding,
but far less common.

Viola tricolor Linnu. — Pansy, Heart's ease.

Description. — Calyx : sepals as in the jn-ecediug. Corolla : petals large,
variegated with white, yellow, blue, purple, etc.

VIOLA — VIOLET. 91)

Annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial, with short vootstock and
erect, angular, branching, leafy stem. Leaves narrowly oblong, ovate or
cordate, obtuse, slightly crenate ; stipules large, leaf-hke, deeply divided
into several linear or oblong lobes.

HabUal. — A native of Europe, the pansy has long been cultivated here
as an ornamental plant, and is familiar to every one as a florist's flower. It
has escaped from cultivation and become, to some extent, naturalized. In-
deed, some authorities believe that a variety of the species is indigenous.
When growing without cultivation it rapidly deteriorates in size but gains
as regards its medicinal activity, and hence the uncultivated plant only is
official.

Favts Used. — Of Viola tricolor, the herb. — Tainted Slates Fharmacopceia.
The other species are not official, though V. pedata was so at one time, the
rhizome being employed.

Co^^Htituents. — Very little is known of the constituents of the species
of ts here described. An allied species, V. odorata, of Eurojie, has

yielux. . to analysis an alLaioid — viuUii — analogous to emelin.' All the
species are mucilaginous and emollient, but beyond this, and the fact just
stated regarding V. odorata, their constituents are 3'et to be investigated.

Frepamtions. — None are official. They are chiefly employed in decoc-
tion, though there is a commercial fluid extract of V. tricolor.

Medical Properties and Uses. — All species of the violet subjected to ex-
periment appear to be emetic and cathartic when administered in consider-
able doses. Their nauseating properties jn'obably depend upon the pres-
ence of violin ; and to this and the mucilaginous property' also existing
is doubtless due their expectorant effect when administered in bronchial
and pulmonary affections. At present, however, little use is made of them.
The sweet violet of Europe is employed there in the preparation of a syinip,
which is used chiefly as a vehicle on account of its beautiful color and
agreealjle ( doi\

Quite recently Dr. Piffiird called attention to the value of viola tricolor
as a remedy in criista lactea, for which it was much used in Europe years
ago. Owing to his recommendation of the plant many other physicians
have subjected it to experiment, among them the writer, who, though less
enthusiastic in his praise of it than Dr. Piffiird, feels sure that it exerts a
remedial influence upon this troublesome disease.

CISTACE/E.

Cha icter of the Order. — Shrubs or herbs, often viscid. Sepals 5, un-
equal, persistent, the outer two often small and bract-like, sometimes want-
ing • the inner thr:^e larger and somewhat twisted in the bud. Petals 5,
equal, hypogynous, very fugitive, crumpled in the bud, and twisted in a

' See Raliuesque, vol. ii. , p. 275.

1 00 CISTACE^.

direction opposite to that of the sepals. Stamens indefinite, distinct,
liypogynous ; filaments slender ; anthers innate. Ovary distinct, 1- to
many-celled, few- or many-ovuled, the ovules with a foramen at their apex ;
style single or none ; stigma sim)>le. Fruit a capsule, usually 8- or ^-valved,
occasionally 10-valved, either 1-celled or imperfectly 5- to lO-celled.

Leaves simple, usually entire, the lower opposite, the upper alternate,
stipulate or exstipnlate.

A small and unimportant order, comprising in North America three
genera, namely, Heliantheraum, Hudsonia, and Lechea, the first-named
only being represented by medicinal species.

IIELIAXTIIEMUM.— Rock Rose.

Character of the Genus. — Sepals and petals as in the character of the
order. Ovary 1-celled ; stylo short or none. Most North American species
bear two crops of flowers, of widely different aspect. The early flowers are
few in lunuber, solitary or in terminal corj'mbs, have large yellow petals,
and produce manj'-seeded c.ipsules, while tlio later ones are in axillary
clusters, the petals small and inconspicuous or absent altogether, and the
capsules few-seeded.

Helianthemum Can ad en se Michaux. — Frostweed, Rock Rose.

Description. — Calyx : sepals 5, the outer two small. Corolla : petals of
the early flowers 5, large and showy, opening but once, in sunshine, and
falling the next day. Expanded flower about 1 inch broad.

Stem erect, hairy, pubescent, (5 to 18 inches high, at first simple, ulti-
mately branching. Leaves alternate, entire, lanceolate-oblong, pubescent,
about 1 inch long. Early flowers solitary ; secondary flowers in axillary
clusters. Period of flowering, June to August.

Habitat. — In dry, sandy soil from Canada southward ; common.

Helianthemum corymbosum Michaux.

Description. — Like the preceding, excejjt that the flowers are in terminal
corymbs, the showy ones becoming stalked, Avliile the others are sessile,
and the whole plant being more pubescent.

Ilabitat. — In pine barrens from New Jersey to Florida, along the coast.

Fart Used. — The herb— not official.

Constituent.^. — The only constituent of therapeutic activity thus far dis-
covered in tliese plants is tannin.

Freparations. — There are various commercial preparations.

Medical Froperties and Uses. — Frostweed is a mild astringent, and prob-
ably nothing more, though it is not without advocates among those who
appear to think every plant must, of necessity, possess therapeutic virtues.
Of course such persons value it highly in scrofula, etc.

DUOSERA — SUNDEW.

101

DROSCRACE^.

Character of the Order. — Low, glandular-hairy herbs, with tufted radi-
cal leaves, and flowers in naked 1-sided racemes, growing in bogs and
marshes. Sepals 5, equal, imbricate, persistent. Petals 5, hypogynous,
withering. Stamens distinct, hypogynous, equal in number with the
petals, and alternate with them, or two to four times as many. Ovary
single, 1-oelled, many-ovuled, with 3 or 5 parietal placenta' ; styles 3 or 5,
deeply bifid, appearing like G or 10. Capsule 3- or 5-valved, many-seeded.

An order represented in North America by two genera, namely Drosera
and Dionjea, together comprising eight species.

DROSERA.— Sundew.

Drosera rotundifolia Linne. — Round-leaved Sundew.

Description. — Calyx : sepals as in the character of the order. Corolla :
petals oblong, white. Styles very short, bifid. Seeds linear, with a
loose, membranaceous coat. Lc;i\( . or-
bicular, spreading, abruptly narrowed to
a long, hairy petiole. Scape erect, smooth,
4 to 10 inches high, 5- to 10-flowered.
The long, glandular hairs are tij^ped with
minute drops of glutinous material which
in sunshine look like dew-drops, whence
the common name, sundew. Annual or
biennial, flowering from June to August.

Habitat. — In sphagnous swamps and
bogs from the Arctic I'egions to the Gulf
of Mexico ; also in corresponding lati-
tudes of the Eastern hemisphere.

Fart Used. — The herb — not official

Constituents. — The juice of sundew ia
bitter and acrid, but its chemical constit-
uents are unknown.

Preparations. — The exjiressed juice and ^w^^^^^^
an alcoholic tincture of the recent plant '^^if^^Pp
have been employed.

Medical Properties and Uses. —The ther-
apeutic virtues of this plant are alto-
gether problematical. It is said to have
been used with good effect in pulmonary phthisis, but as the same state-
ment has been made regarding almost eveiy plant known, the reader, in
the absence of positive evidence, may draw his own conclusions. The
juice, employed topically, is said to cure warts and corns.

Fia. 111. — Drosera rotnntlifolin.

102

IIYPEKICACEiE.

HYPERICACE4E.

Character of the Order. — Herbs or shrubs, with opposite, entii'e, dotted
leaves, aud coinmouly yellow flowers. Sepals 4 or 5, distinct or eoLeriuf,
unequal, dotted, persistent. Petals 4 or 5, Lypogynous, generally oblique
and twisted in the bud, often dotted. {Stamens indefinite, liypogynous,

collected in three or more
dusters. Ovary single ;
styles several, rarely uni-
ted ; stigma simple, occa-
sionally capitate. Fruit a
capsule, many-valved,
many-seeded ; juice acrid
aud resinous.

A comparatively large
order, but represented in
North America by only
three genera, namely, As-
cyrum, Hypericum, and
Elodcs.

.1^

iiyrERicu^r.— St.

WOIIT.

John's

Fio. 112. — nyporicum perfomtuin.

Hypericum perfora-
tum Linne. — Si. John's
Wurt.

Description. — Calyx : se-
pals 5, nearly equal, erect,
acute, persistent. Corolla :
petals 5, oblique, convolute
in the bud, ovate, twice as
long as the sepals, deep yel-
low with black dots. Sta-
mens very numerous, in 3 or 5 cliisters ; anthers dotted like the petals.
►Styles 3, separate, commonly diverging. Capsule 3-celled, many-seeded.

An herbaceous perennial weed, with a ligneous root and an erect
branching stem, 1 to 1^ foot high. Leaves opposite, entire, sessile, el-
liptical-oblong or oblong-linear, beset with numerous pellucid dots re-
sembling perforations, whence the specific name. Flowers numerous, in
open leafy cymes, appearing throughout the summer.

Hal)itat. — St. John's wort is a plant of Eastern origin which has become
naturalized in all temperate regions, and is to the farmer a most per-
nicious weed and one very difficult to ei'adicate.

SAPONARIA — SOAPWOllT. * 103

Part Ut^ed. — The flowerinj^ tops — not officiiil.

Cdiii^lifut'nL^. — St. John's wort has as yvi yielded to analysis nothing
more interesting than a peculiar red coloring matter, and nothing what-
ever to inspire contidence in its therapeutic activity. "

IWparalions. — There are no official preparations. The flowering tops,
digested with olive or linseed oil, yiekl a yellowish-red product, termed
oleum hi/penci, or red oil, which is a prei^aration considerably used in do-
mestic practice.

Medical Properties and Uses. — In ancient times, when nature unaided
v.'ps supposed to ha incompetent to heal a cut- or cure a contusion, St.
John's wort was very highly esteemed, and, it may be added, it is still
esteemed by those who hold the same opinions of nature's powers. In
scientitic medicine, however, it holds no pltice, having become obsolete
long ago. One author only of comi)aratively recent date considers " the
saturated tinctui-e nearly as valuable as that of ai'nica for bruises, etc."
As tincture of arnica, however, apart from the alcohol which it contains,
is of doubtful elHcacy in these cases, the above statement does not tend to
inspire faith in St. John's wort.

CARYOPHYLLACE/E.

Character of the Order. — Herbs, with stems swollen at the joints, op-
posite, entire leaves, and regular flowers. Sepals -4 or 5, distinct or coher-
ing, persistent. Po:tal3 4 or 5, with narrow claws, sometimes Avanting.
Stamens distinct, not more than twice the number of the sepals, hypogy-
nous or perigynous. Ovary solitary, often supported on a stalk, commonly
1-celled, occasionally 3- to 5-celled, with a free central placenta ; styles 2
to 5, sometimes united into one. Fruit a 1-celled, many-seeded capsule,
opening by 2 to 5 valves or by teeth at the apex.

Fev/ strictly North American species of this large order are known to
possess medicinal virtues. Indeed, plants of this order ai'c everywhere
characterized by blaudness and an absence of active or ii-ritating properties.

SAPOX ARI A. — SoAi'woiiT.

Saponaria officinalis Linue. — Soaptcort, Bouncing Bet.

Dexcriplion. — Calyx : sepals united, forming a cylindrical tube, divided
at the apex into five pointed teeth. Corolla : petals 5, limb somewhat
cordate, claw long and angular with an appendage at the top. Stamens
10, longer than the calyx. Styles 2. Capsule short-stalked, 1-celled, 4-
toothed, many-seeded.

A perennial herb, strongly rooted, with erect stem 1 to 2 feet high.
Leaves oval, entire, pointed, 3-ribbed, connate. Flowers in axillary and
terminal clusters, pale rose-colored or nearly white, often double, appear-
ing from July to September.

104 MALVACEvE.

Habitat. — A native of Europe, sonpwort has escaped from pfardens and
is often met with fully ostabliahcd in waste places and along roadsides.

Part Used. — The root — not ofHcial.

Const ilucnti<. — Soaowort has a sweetish, glutinous, and somewhat l)itter
taste, followed by a certain degree of acrimony. Its only important con-
stituent is saponin, which causes decoctions of the root, upon agitation, to
produce a saponaceous froth.

Preparations. — There are none. It may be emi)loyed in decoction.

Medical Properties and Uses. — A hundred years or more ago soai)wort
was believed to be a vahiable alterative, and was employed in syphilis,
gout, rheumatism, etc., with effects similar to those attributed to sar^a-
parilla. Little has been added t(/our knowledge of the plant since then.
As it, in common with quilLiia [soapi-hark-), contains saponin, it might rea-
sonably be employed for the same purjioses as the latter. That saponin,
the active principle of these plants, is physiologicall}' active is beyond
question, but its therapeutic eft'ects require further investigation.

SILENE.— CJatcii Fi,y.

Silene Virginica Linne. — Fire Pink, Catch Fly.

Description. — Calyx : sepals united, forming an oblong-cylindrical
tube, 5-toothed at the apex, viscid-pubescent. Corolla : petals 5, oblong,
limb 2-cleft, 1 inch long. Stamens 10, longer than the calyx. Styles 3,
rarely 4. Capsule 1-celled, 3- or G-toothed at the apex, many-seeded.

A viscid -pubescent perennial herb, 1 to 2 feet high. Leaves thin, the
lower sj)atulate, upper oblong-lanceolate. Flowers few, large, deep crim-
son, peduncled, in loose cymes, appearing from June to August.

Habilat. — In rich, open woods from Canada to Georgia and westward to
the Mississippi. Rare in New York and New England.

Part Used. — The root — not official.

Constituents. — Unknown.

Preparations. — There are none. It has been used in decoction.

Medical Properties and Uses. — From Barton we learn that this plant
was used in Virginia as an anthelmintic, but ho seems to have had no
personal experience with it ; and since his time we have no record of ex-
periments to test its efficacy.

MALVACE/E.

Character of the Order. — Herbs or shrubs, with alternate, stijiulate, pal-
mately veined leaves and regular tlowers. Sepals 5, united at the base,
valvate in the bud, persistent, often bearing an involucre of bracts outside,
forming a kind of external calyx. Petals 5, convolute in the bud, often large
and showy. Stamens indefinite, hypogynous ; filaments coherent, forming

ALTII.EA — MARSH-MALLOW.

105

a column and united at tlioir base with the claws of tlio potals ; anthers
roiiifonn, nponino- alon<:j the top. Ovary comijound, formed by the unii)ii
of several carpels around a coinuioii axis ; styles as many as the carpels,
distinct or united. Fruit a niany-valved and usually many-seeded capsule.
A largo order of mostly tropical and sub-tropicul plants, many of which
are cultivated for (n*namental or econojuic purposes. In general they are
nuicilaginous and have no active or deleterious properties. There are,
however, some exceptions. The species indigenous to North Amci'ica
have not been investigated to any considerable extent, but from what is
known of the order as a whole, there is little reason for believing that such
investigation would yield very important results.

ALTH/EA.~Mausu-M.vm,()W.

Althaea officinalis TjumC^—Mirsh-MnUoir.

lh'!<friiition. — Calyx : sepals united at the base, the free segments nar-
rowly triangular, acute ; involucre of 7 to 10, erect, subulate, triangular
segments half as long ars the calyx ;
both calyx and involucre dens(!ly
])ubescent, persistent. Corolla :
petals obcordate, wedge-shaped,
coherent at their bases, pale rose-
color, twisted in the bud. Sta-
mens as in the character of the
order. Ovary roundish, flattened,
many-celled, each cell containing
a single ovule ; styles mnnerous,
coherent at the base, free above,
stigmatic on the inner side. Fniit
flattened-spherical, composed of
luimerous dry, round, flattened,
indehiscent carpels attached to,
and radiating from a central axis,
separating from each other at ma-
turity.

An herbaceous perennial, with
a large, long, fleshy, tapering root,
and numerous erect, stiff stems,
2 to 4 feet high. Leaves on long
petioles, the lower roundish-ovate,
the upper triangular-oval or some-
what 3- to 5-lobed, irregularly cut,
acutely serrate, finely pubescent ; stipules narrowly triangular, caducous.
Flowers 1 to 2 inches wide, in axillary clusters of 2 to 4 each, and termi-
nal, leafy iJanicles, appearing in August and September.

Fio. 113.-AlthaDa omolnalis.

f

106 MALVACEAE.

JJnhifnt. — Indipfonous to Einopo, l)ut niituralizGil in salt marshes along
the coast of New JMigland, Now York, and New Jersey.

J'arl (mL—TUe root — UnUcd SlalrA J'hdrinucopd'ia. The root of tlio
cultivated plant is commonly employed, and, as occurring in commerce, is
deprived of its bark.

Confilititeutfi. — The dried root contains as its most important couKlitn-
ents about twenty-tivo per cent, ouch of starch and nuicilaoe. There are
also present pectin, asparagin, sugar, phosphate of calciiun, cellulose, and a
nttle fatty oil.

Prfpnrndonii. — Syrupus altlurro — syrup of alth.nnn. — United Slatea Phar-
macopain. Tliis is made by dissolving sugar, without lieat, in a cold in-
fusion of the root, and is therefore practically free from starch, boiling
water be'ng necessary to extract all the soluble constituents wliile the
mucilaginous properties arc readily inijiarted to cold water. The j)ow-
dered root is often used to imjiart a proper consistence to soft pill masses,
and also in the preparation of emollient poultices.

jift'dical Properties and Cftes. — Tho constituents of marsh-mallow indicate
clearly enough its therapeutic ai)plication. It is emollient and demulcent,
and may be us(;d freely in inllammatory ati'ections, either interu'illy or
topically as occasion re(]uires. Being nutritious also it is, in certain cases,
superior to many demulcents in common use. As a topical application it
has a wide range of usefulness.

MALVA. — Mai.i.ow.

Malva rotundifolia Linne. — Common Malloio.

Description. — Calyx with a 3-lcaved involucre ; otherwise as in alth.^n.
Corolla, stamens, ovary, styles, and fruit similar in structure to those of
altha>a.

A small biennial herb, with a long, tapering root and prncinnlient
stems. Leaves round, heart-shaped, some^ ' ,t plaited, crenate, smooth,
bluish-green, on long petioles. Flowers sc" .^, whitish, appearing through-
out the summer.

Habitat. — One of the commonest weeds in door-yards and waste places
about d"\vellings. A native of Europe, it follows civilized man most persist-
ently and takes root whei'evcr he establishes himself.

Part rticd. — Tlie herb, including the root — not official.

Conntitucuts. — It possesses mucilaginous properties similar to those of
marsh-mallow.

Preparat ionsi. — The decoction is employed in domestic practice. Tho
fresh herb, bruised, is employed topically.

Medical Properties and Uses, — Similar to those of marsh-mallow.

GOSS YPIUM — COTTC) X.

107

G0S8YPIUM.— Cotton.

Gossypium herbaceum Liniu'.— Co//y« Plant.

I)i:<cflliliiin. — C'lily.v tubiiliir-cumimnuliito, dhscnrcly G-toothod, iiinch
Hliortor thim tho tpii-aly.x. of 'A Lirj^'o, cordiito, dufply iucisinl iiiul tootlieil
loavGH. Corolhi : petals large, couvoluto in the bud, sprcadiu;,' when ox-
iwnded, iiTegiilai'ly ubovate-truucatc, wodged-shaped at the base, yellow,
with a 2)uri)lo spot changing to reddish-brown. Stamens niuuei'ous, uni-
ted and forming a long tubt;, connected at the base with tlie claws of the
])otals. (3vary conical, IJ- to n-celled, muny-ovulod. Style simple, longer
than the stamens • stigma clavate, slightly 3- to o-lobed. Fruit a 3- to 5-

Fio. lit. — riocsypinm liprbaconm. Tlnwcr nml fruit.

celled capsule, opening nt maturity through the middle of the cells and
exposing numerous seeds covered with the white filaments so well Iniown
as cotton.

A stout herbaceous plant, with an erect, branching, leafy stem, al>ont 5
feet high, natur.illy perennial but cultivatetl as an annual. Leaves large,
3 to 0 inches long, 3- to 5-lobed, with a single gland below, strongly veined,
the lobes acuminate and mucronate ; petioles about as long as the blade,
stitr and angular. Lower leaves often 2- or S-lobed. Flowers large, 3
inches broad, alternate, opposite the leaves ; pedicels similar to the
petioles but shorter.

ITahilat. — The cotton plant has been cultivated for so gi-eat a length of
time that its natural habitat is uncertain. It flourishes within the limits
of 30° north and south of the equator. Though scarcely naturalized, the
extent to which it is cultivated in the Southern States entitles it to a place
among N<n-th American plants.

Part Ut^eih — Tlic bark of the root: Gossypii radicis cortex — cotton-
root bark. Gossypium — cotton— T/f/Vcr/ Stat>'>^ Pharmavopana.

Constituent. — Of cotton it is only necessary to state that the article

\{)6 LINAGE.*:.

(lirortcd by tlio Plinrmacoprria is tho Ho-ciillod nhf^nrhont mllon, propnretl
by I'roi'iiij^' tbc liltiuieutH I'roiii ipipuritios mid ftitty niiittcr.

Cottoii-root bark eontuiuH, in iiddition to stmrh, fj;luco8o, luid othrr
coinmou vcf^ctiiblo i-oiiHtitucutw, ii roHinouH l)()dy avIioho exact ohavactor in
as yet not fully eHtablislied, but to which tlio niedicinal virtneH of tho drug
are attributed.

J'n'paniluiiis. — Of cotton-root back : Kxtnicfum f^'osHyj)!! r.idicis lluiduiu
— fluid extract of cotton root. Of cotton: I'yroxylinum — pyroxylin {<ji(ii-
coUnii). — United Statc-i riiarinacojxi'Ui.

Mi'dical Pr<)j)ei'lien and f «t's. — Cotton root was introduced to profes-
Bional notice as a Hpecifi(! uterine tonic after hiiviii}^- long been \v.:va\ among
tli(! negroes of the Southern States as an alxn-lifacient. Its action upon
the uterus is similar to that of ergot, and it is used instead of the lutter in
cases of uterine inertia during parturition, and in umenorrlui^a, dysmen-
orrluea, and scanty menstruation. AVlu'tlier its action upon tho Hysteni
at largo bo also similar to that of ergot is unknown but worthj- of inves-
tigation.

The fact that tho bar/,' of cotton root should be jio'^sesscd of such active
properties is an interesting and suggestive one, for it alVords the oidy in-
stance of specific virtues attributed to a plant of tho order malmcea\ It
will be n(jted that it is only the bark of the root that possesses these prop-
erties, all other parts of tho i)lant partaking of the bland character of the
order, the seeds especially — which not unfrequently possess the most
active principles of plants in this instance yielding a bland oil which
is largely used as an adulterant of olive oil. Now in an order of plants
of such strongly marked characteristics as the vtalvacecv, the discovery of
striking properties in any individual shoidd stimulate investigation of
other related individuals, for it i nay reasonably be assumed that investi-
gation whic-h starts with a rational clue will be more fruitful in results
iht'ai if conducted entirely in a haphazard manner.

LINACE/E.

Character of the Order. — Herbs, Avith entire, alternate, opposite or vorti-
cillate, exstipulate leaves, and regular, symmetrical, hypogynous floAvers.
Sepals 3 to 5. imbricate. Petals 3 to 5, convolute in the bud. Stamens
3 to 5, usually with intermediate abortive ones, united into a short tube at
the base. Pod having twice as many cells as there are styles, each 1-seeded.

A small order, represented in North America by the genus Linum, com-
prising no indigenous species of medicinal or economic impoi'tance. The
species described below, thoiigli introduced, has been under cultivation so
long that it requii'es brief notice.

LINUM — FLAX.

109

LINUM.— Flax.

LInum usitatissimum Limi<''. — Common Flax.

VeHcripdon. — Ciilyx : Hcpnlw oviitc, iiciito. CoroUii : petals larpfo, with
a broud liinb and short daw, dot'p violet-bhio, fuf^acious. StatiieiiH 5, al-
t(M"ii!iliii«jf with fho abortivo ()!U's, all united at the base, foriiiiii<j a short
tube ; anthers small, versatile, deep blue.
Ovary tlask-shaiuHl, n-ceUcd at the base,
each cell 2-()vuled ; st/los 5, distinct.
Fruit an imperfectly iO-celled capsule.

An ei'ect annual, 1 to 2 feet hi^h.
Stem commonly solitary, stitT", smooth,
round, branchin<^ near the toj). Leavers
alternate, sessile, linearlancc.'olute, acu-
mina^'i, entire. Flowers solitary, at the
ends of the branches.

Hahitat. — Flax has been cultivated
from time immemorial, ao that its na-
tive home is indoiown. In all countries
where culllvated it becomes spaiingl;
naturaliz'jd, occurrinn- spcnitancously iiii-
der favoral)lo circumstances.

Part UxccL — The seed. Official name,
Linum — Uniled Stales I'ltarmacopd'ia.

CouKlihients. — The most important
constituents of flaxseed are fixed oil and
mucilage — both too well known to re-
quire conunent.

Preparations. — Oleum lini — oil of flaxseed.
Tiie seed, unground, is employed in decoction ; gi-ound, under the name
oi Haxseed mml or ground Jlaxaced, in the preparation of poultices, etc.

■ Medical Properties and Uses. — Flaxseed tea is largel}' employed as a
demi/njent in febrile and inflanunatory affections, and toincally as m\ in-
jection in diseases of the bladder, rectum, and vagina. The seed has also
been recommended as a substitute for cod-liver oil, on account of the nu-
tritious material which it contains. Flaxseed poultices are all but uni-
versally emploj'ed in cases requiring emollient applications. Flaxseed —
or, as it is commonly termed, linseed — oil is less iised in medicine and
pharmacy than formerly. As a topical agent it is often objectionable on
account of its drying properties. It was formerly used in the official Linn-
mentiim calcis — lime liniment — U. S. P. {carron oil), but has been displaced
by cotton-seed oil, because the latter is not possessed of drying properties
and hence does not impart to surgical dressings the inconvenient and
disagreeable stiffness so generally experienced with the old preparation.

Fio. i.."). — Llnum nsltntiscimum.

■United T'l/f's Pharmncopaia.

110 GERANIACE.E.

Linscocl oil lins also been recommeiuletl as a substitute for cod-liver
oil, but us such has not bonie the test of cliuical experience in a manner
to inspire faith in its efficacy. So far as the mere elements of nutrition
are concerned, there appears to be no great difference between the two,
but thure are other factors to be considered in the case of cod-liver oil.
The traces, slight though they be, of iodine, bromine, phospho '.'us, et' , pres-
ent in this oil are certainly of therapeutic importance, and servo to make it
not, as some have claimed, a mere fatty food, but a strongly medicinal
food, for which we cannot reasonably expect to find a complete svbstitute
in the vegetable kingdom.

CERANIACE/E.

Character of the Order. — Annual or perennial herbs, or, in some exotic
species, low shrubs, with swollen joints, opposite or alternate, commonly
palmately veined leaves, with or without stipules. Flowers commonly 5-
merous, regular and symmetrical, hypogynous ; sometimes 3-merous ; oc-
casionally unsymmetrical, especially as regards the calyx and corolla. In
the most characteristic genera the arrangement is as follows : sepals 5,
imbricate, persistent ; petals 5, convolute in the bud, deciduous ; stamens
5 or 10 — when of the latter nund)er the alternate ones shorter or abortive ;
ovary 5-colled, each cell 2-ovuled, arranged about an elongated axis, to
which the styles are adherent ; fniit 5-celled, each cell 1-seeded, separating
at the base when mature, curling upward, and when detached leaving the
dry axis persisting.

The order is difficult to characterize as a whole, some of the unsym-
metrical individu! is being very perplexing ; as these, however, are of no
medicinal importance they need not receive oiu' attention. There are al-
together half a dozen North American genera, namely, Erodium, Floerkia,
Geranium, Impatiens, Limnanthes, and Oxalis.

GERANIUM.

Geranium naculatum Jjinud.— Spotted Geram.jv, Wild Crane.^bill.

Description. — Calyx : sepals lanceolate, pointed, haiiy, persistent.
Corolla : petals broadly obovate or rounded, pale purple, becoming lighter
after expansion, fugacious ; claw short, bearded. Stamens 10, all with
perfect anthers, the five lon';er ones with small glands at their base alter-
nate with the petals ; antbers versatile, 2-celled, purple. Ovary 5-celle(l ;
pistils adherent to the axi-i, free at the summit and recurved, with stigmatic
surfaces inward. Fruit composed oi 5 dry, hairy, 1-seeded carpels, sepa-
rating at the base when mature, and curving upward elastically, the inner
surface smooth.

An herbaceous i)erennial. Rhizome cylindrical, 2 to 3 inches long,

PLATE IV.

lohnsoii.Del.

GERANIUM MACULATUM,

M. MBNCKR I ITI*. W Y

Plate IV.— Ceranium maculatum.

Fio. l._r]owering plant (young), natnral size.
Fig. 3.-Flower, dopriwed of corolla ; natural .size.

GEUANIUM. 113

one-half inch thick, more or less branched, pale reddish-brown, with nuuier-
ous tibrous rootlets. Stem erect, 1 to 2 feet hij,'h, somewhat branched
dichotomously, hairy. Kadical leaves largo, on long hairy petioles, deeply
cut into 5 or 7 segments, which are cuneate or clsloug, and lobed and cut
at the end ; stem-leaves similar in shape but nmch smaller, opposite,
placed at the forks of the stem, sessile or on short petioles. All the leaves
are at first green, but as they grow old become more or less blotched with
whitish spots. The llower-stalks arise from the forks of the stem, each
bearing two flower.s, one inch in diameter, on short pedicels. The flowers
are produced from May till July.

Habitat. — Spotted geranium is one of the commouest plants in open
woods from Canada to Florida, and dming its period of blooming is con-
spicuously beautiful. Though its flowers are less showy than those of
many of the exotic garden geraniums (pdargonium), to the lover of nature
they are far more intei-esting when seen displayed in lavish profusion in
their native home, the woods.

I'art Csed. — The rhizome — United Statea PJim'inacojyaia.

Constituents. — Geranium root has a simple astringent taste, due to a con-
siderable percentage of tannic and gallic acids, which appear to be its only
important constituents, though there are also present gum, starch, pectin,
resin, coloring matter, etc.

rreparations. — Extractum geranii fluidum — fluid extra(;t of geranium.
— United Slates Pharmaco-pivia. As geranium imparts its virtues i-eadily to
both water and alcohol, it may be administered in decoction or tincture.
In many cases to which the drug is applicable the decoction is by far the
most eligible preparation.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Geranium is justly considered one of our
best indigenous astringents — one, however, whose virtues are not fully ap-
preciated by the profession at large. Though active and efficient, it is still
mild and unirritating and devoid of all impleasant or otYensive properties.
It is therefore particularly suited to the later stages of diarrhtea and dysen-
tery, especially in children. In such cases a decoction in milk has been
found very serviceable. It has also been employed internally in a variety
of hemorrhages, with asserted benefit. As a topical astringent it has a still
wider field of usefulness, and may be employed in any case to which this
class of remedies is applicable, such as catarrhal inflammations and hemor-
rhages from nuicous surfaces. As an injection in gonorrluea, gleet, and
leucorrluea, the decoction is miich more serviceable than a simple solution
of tannin, doubtless from the fact that there is present nuicilagiuous ma-
terial which exerts a soothing influence. In fine powder the drug may bo
employed as a styptic in bleeding from the nose and from the gums after
the extraction of teeth.

Finally, geranium, though possessing no properties of a specific char-
acter, is undeniabl}' a valuable astringent, and since the cases to which it

I

114

GERANIACEiE.

is applicable are so numerous and the plant everywhere so common, one
is led to wonder that it is not more generally employed.

OXALIS.— WOOD-SOUHEL.

Character of the Genux. — Sepals 5, distinct or united at the base, im-
bricate, persistent. Petals 5, sometimes united at the base, witheriuff.
Stamens 10, more or less united at the base, those opposite the petals
longer than the others ; anthers versatile. Ovary of 5 united carpels, not

beaked ; styles distinct. Fruit a
5-celled, 5-angled cai)sule opening
by as many valves, each cell 2-
seeded.

Herbs, either annual or with a
tuberous or creeping perennial rhi-
zome. Leaves alternate or radical,
palmately trifoliate.

Oxalis Acetosella Linnu.—
Wood-Sorrel.

Descriplion, — Calj'x : sepals
small, ovate, obtuse. Corolla : pet-
als obovate, unguiculate, one-half
inch long, white Avith reddish
veins. Cajisule ovoid. Pereimial.
Eoot-stock creeping slender, scaly
toothed. Leaves all .adical on long
petioles ; leaflets broadly obcor-
date. Scapes 2 to 5 inches long,
l-Howered, appearing in June.
ITabital. — In cold Avoods from the Alleghanies northward ; also in
Northern Europe and Asia.

Oxalis strlcta Linne. — YeUow Wood-Sorrel, Slweji-Sorrel.
l>rs<Tii)ti<n). — Flowers similar in structure to the preceding, but smaller
and borne upon 2- to G-tlowered, axillary peduncles, yellow. Capsules elon-
gated. Annual, or by means of subterranean shoots, perennial. Stem erect,
leafy. Flowers appear throughout the summer.

Habilat. — Connnon in waste and cidtivated grounds.
Part Used. — The leaves — not official.

Constilncnts. — All plants of this genus have, to a greater or less extent,
an agreeable acidulous taste due to the presence of binoxalate of potash,
their only important constituent. This salt was formerly extracted from
certain species of oxalis and was sold imder the name of salt of sorrel, but
it is now prepared from oxalic acid and potash.

Preparations. — There are none, save the commercial binoxalate of pot-
ash, and, as above stated, this is no longer prepared from the plant.

Fig. 110.- -Oxalis AcetoBClla.

XANTIIOXYLUM — PRICKLY ASH. 115

Medical Proprrfifft and Uses. — Oxalis ia reputed to be useful in scurvy
and scorbutic affections generally. As, however, binoxalate of potasli has
been shown to act more efficiently and more certainly than the plant, the
lattei' may be considered obsolete. An infusion is refrigerant, and may be
employed as a cooling drink in febrile allections.

RUTACE/E.

Character of the Order. — Herbs, shrubs, or trees, ■with alternate or op-
posite, exstipnlato, simple or compound leaves, dotted with pellucid
glands, containing aromatic volatile oil. Flowers perfect or unisexual,
regular, hypogyuous, 3- to o-merous. Stamens as many or twice as many
as the sep.als ; ovary of 2 to 5 cells, distinct or united, each cell 1- to 2-
ovuled ; sityles usually coherent ; fruit a ca^Dsule or berry.

A large and widely distributed order, represented in North America
by eight genei'a, two of which, namely, Xauthoxyluui and Ptelea, comprise
species of medicinal value.

XANTHOXYLUJI.— PuRKi.v Asii.

CJiaracfrr of the dentiH. — Flowers direcious. Hejials i or 5, in one
species wanting. Petals 4 or 5, indjricate in the bud. Stamens 4 or 5, in
the sterile flowers alternate with the petals. Pistils 2 to 5, distinct, but
with styles conniving or more or less united. Carpels sessile or stipitate,
2-valved, 1- to 2-seeded.

Trees or shrubs, with alternate unecpially pinnate leaves, the leaflets
punctate with pellucid dots ; stems and leaf-stalks commonly armed with
prickles. Flowei's small, greenish.

Xanthoxyliim Americanum Miller (A', fraxineum Willdenow). —
Northern Pricliy Ash, IhothacJie Tree.

Description. — Calyx absent. Corolla : jietals .'5. Pistils 3 to 5, dis-
tinct ; styles slender. Capsules stipitate, dotted, varying from green to
red, 2-valved, 1-seeded.

A shrub, 5 to 10 feet high. Leaflets in about 5 jDairs, with an odd ter-
minal one, nearly sessile, ovate, acute, slightly serrate, somewhat downy
underneath. Both leaves and flowers in axillary clusters, the latter ap-
pearing in Ai:)ril or May, before the former are expanded.

Habitat. — In rocky woods and on river banks from Virginia northward
and westward ; not common east of the Hudson River.

Xanthoxylum clava Herculis Linur (A'^ CaroHnianum Lam). —
Soutliern Prickly Ash, Toothache Tree.

Descriptior. — Calyx: sepals 5. Corolla: petals 5. Pistils 3; styles
short. Capsules 3, nearly sessile.

A small tree, with branches armed with long sharji prickles. Leaflets

1 i 0 EUTACE^.

ill 3 to 5 pairs niul an odd terminal one, ovt. te-lanceolate, crenate-senoi-
lato, oblique, shining above. Flowers in a teriuinul cyme, appearing in
June after the leaves are expanded.

Ihibilal. — In di-y soil near the coast, from Florida to North Carolina
and westward.

Fart U^t'd. — The bark of hoth speeies — United States PharmacopnUi.
The fruit is also used to some extent, Init is not official.

Const it Koitfi. — Prickly ash has a taste which is at tirst aromatic, then
bitter, and finally persistently acrid. It contains volatile and fixed oils,
resin, gum, coloring matter, and berberiue, the latter being probably its
most important constituent.

VrepurutionH, — Extractum xanthoxyli flnidum — fluid extract of xanthox-
ylum. — L'niled Stales /'hnrniacopada. It yields its virtues readily to boil-
ing water and to alcohol, and may therefore be administered in decoction
or tincture. The fruit is used in like manner.

Medical ProperlicH and Uses. — Prickly ash is stimulant and diapho-
retic, and has long enjoyed a certain degree of popularity as a remedy for
chronic rheumatism. It powerfully stimulates secretion from nnicous sur-
faces, causes a sensation of warmth in the stomach, and luidoubtedly exerts
an eliminant inlluence. Hence it has 1)een used with benefit in constitu-
tional syphilis. As a tonic it is manifestly inferior to its alkaloid, ber-
beriue, but as an alterative and eliminant much superior. It is employed
topically in domestic practice as a remedy for toothache and as a counter-
irritant, and has been recommended as a local ai)iilication in chronic
pharyngitis characterized by dryness of the nuicous membrane.

PTELEA.— SnuuHBY Tuefoil.

Ptelea trifoliata Linne. — Shrulihy Tir/uU, Hop Tree.

Jh:.<cripli()i). — Calyx : sepals 3 to 5, small. Corolla : petals 3 to 5, im-
bricated in the bud, much longer than the sepals. Stamens 3 to 5, alter-
nate with the petals ; filaments densely villous below the middle, longer
than the style in the sterile flowers, shorter in the fertile ones. Ovary
2-celled, each cell 2-ovuled ; styles short or absent ; stigma 2-lobed. Fruit
an orbicular samara, 2-celled, 2-seeded, nearly one inch in diameter.

An iniarmed shrub, 8 to 12 feet high. Leaves tri£t)liate, on petioles
about 2 inches long ; leaflets 2 to 4 inches long, oval or ol)long, mostly
acute, obscurely crenate-serrate, the lateral ones somewhat oblique, pubes-
cent when 3'oung. Flowers polygamous, small, greenish-white, in com-
pound terminal cymes, appearing in May and June, and having a disagree-
able odor.

Habitat. — In rocky places from Pennsylvania to Florida and west-
wai'd.

Farts Used. — The fruit, leaves, and bark of the root — not official.

, RHUS — SUMAC. 117

Gonslituenlii.—Tho leaves cont.aiii tannic find pfiillio ficida, tho fruit ii
soft acrid resiu, and the biirk a peculiar resin and tlie alkaloid berberiuo.

/'raparutioiift. — None are oilicial. The lluid extract and tincture occur
as connnercial articles and allbrd eligible modes of ailinini.stration. It
may also be employed in infusion.

Medical Pi'opaHie.-i and Uses, — Ptelea owes what little importance it
possesses to its bitter tonic properties, and these are doubtless owin<^ in a
tj;Teat measure to the berberine present. Moreover, as this alkaloid exists
in the bark of the root in but small percenta<40, the dru<4" cannot bo con-
sidered very active. The (jtlier constituents of the plant, though somewhat
aromatic, are probably of little medicinal value.

Like nearly all bitters, ptelea has been employed with success in inter-
mittents, but no one at the present day would think of relying upon it in
sucli cases. In convalescence and in atonic dyspepsia it luay do tho same
service as many other fo'cble tonics, by increasing the appetite and stinui-
lating the digestive functions.

ANACARDIACE/E.

Charadcr of the Order. — Trees or shrubs, with a resinous or milky, often
caustic and poisonous juice, alternate, dotle.ss, exstipulate leaves, and small,
inconspicuous, regular, pentandrous llower.s, with a 1-celled ovary, bearing
a single suspended ovule, and having 3 styles or stigmas.

An order of strongly marked characteristics, comprising aljout one
luuidrcd species, mostly indigenous to the tropics, llepresented in North
America by three genera, namely, Pistacia, Scliiuus, and Ithus, the last-
named aloue comprising medicinal species.

RHUS.— Sumac.

Character of the Genus. — Sepals 5, small, united at the base, persistent.
Petals 5, ovate, spreading, inserted under the margin of a flattened orbicu-
lar disk at the bottom of the calyx. Stamens 5, inserted in or under the
disk. Styles 3, distinct or united ; stigmas 3. Fruit a small dry drupe.

Shrubs or small trees, with alternate, unequally pinnate leaves, and small
yellowish or greenish-whito polygamous or polygamo-diipcious Howers.

Tlie genus may be divided into two sections, well-marked both as to
their structure and their properties.

§ 1. Non-2Joi>ionnus Species — Flowers polygamous, in a terminal thyr-
soid panicle. Fruit clothed with a dense coating of crimson hairs ; stone
smooth. Leaves unequally pinnate. .__. — . -------

Rhus glabra Linne. — Smooth Sitmac.

Description. — A smooth shrub, 2 to 12 feet high, tho stem having a
large pith and a thin, white, woody layer. Leaflets in 5 to 15 pairs, with

lis ANACARmACE.E. ,

an odil terminal one, lanceolate-ohlong, pointed, serrate, Rinooth and glau-
cous above, whitinh beneath. The flowers ajjpcar in Juno ; the fruit ripens
in September.

Jlahildl. — III dry, rocky, and rather barren places throughout the United
States and Canada.

Rhus typhina humi'.—Slarjhorn Sumac.

Ih'i^criptinn. — A large; shrub or small tree, 10 to 30 feet high, the young
bi'anehes as well as the leaf- and flower-stalks densely coated with soft vel-
vety hairs. L(!afl()ts in 5 to 15 pairs, with an odd terminal one, oblong-
lanceolate, point('<l, serrate. The flowers appear in June ; the fruit ripens
in September. ]\ruch more robust than the preceding species. The pith,
though large in the young branches, is surrounded in later years by a thick
layer of rather dense yellow Avood.

Ilaliilal. — In rich uplands, United States and Canada.

Rhus COpallina Linnr. — Dirarf Siuikic.

Di'ftrn'iilloi). — A small shrub, 1 to 7 feet high, with straggling branches
and running roots. Branches and stalks downy. Petioles wing-mar-
gined ; leaflets in 4 to 10 pairs, with an odd terminal one, oblong or ovate-
Luiccolate, oblique, sinooth and shining above, pubescent beneath.

Ilabilat. — In barren and rocky situations. United States and Ciuiada.

i'rtr/.s Um'cL — Of lihus glabra, the fruit — United Sfulcs Flun'niardjMvut.
The fruit of both E. ti/phina and II. vopuUina is possessed of in'operties
identical with those of the official plant, and may bo substituted as occa-
sion recpiires. The leaves and bark of all the species have been eniplo^-ed
but nre not official.

ConslUwntx. — Svnnac berries, as they are called, have a pleasant acid,
astringent taste, due to the presence of malic acid in the dense crimson
pubescence which covers them. This acid is present both in a free state
and in combination as malate of calcium, and is associated with tannic and
gallic acids, coloring matter, etc.

Sumac leaves are comparatively rich in tannic and gallic acids, so much
so, indeed, as to be of economic importance in the tanning of leather.
Excrescences, or galls, are produced upon them which are said to be hardly
inferior to the galls of commerce. The bark is also possessed of astringent
properties, but to a more limited extent than the leaves.

I'reparation^. — Extractum rhois glabra) fluidum — fluid exti'act of rhus
glabra, — United Stafex Fhnrmacop(eia. Of the other species there are no
official preparations. The berries of all the species are frequently em-
ployed in infusion, and when they can be obtained in good condition this
form is undoubtedly the most eligible one to use, either topically or inter-
nally. The leaves may l)e employed in infusion or decoction.

Medical Pi'oprrties and Uf<es. — Sumac berries are astringent and refrig-
erant. An infusion has long been used in domestic practice, internally
for refrigerant eflect in febrile and inflammatory atiections, and topically

TMIUS — SUMAC.

ll'.J

as n gnrpflo for soro throat. Nor lias its use been cnnfinod entirely to do-
inostic! practice, for nmny excellent practitioners, esiiecially those resident
hi tlie country \vher(; the fruit is readily accessible, employ it habituallv
as a coolinj,' drink and, either Jilone or as a basis, for <;ar<jfl('s.

The leaves and bark owe Avhatcver of medicinal activity they possess to
the pi'esenco of tannit^ and gallic acids, and may be employed as simple
vegetable astrin<;ents wherever such remedies are indicated.

Fia. 117.— Rhus Toxicodendron. A lloweiiiig brunch, out lialt naturnl size.

§ 2. I\)isouoiiK S2)ecies. — Flowers polypfamous, in loose and slender ax-
illary panicles. Fruit olobular, glabrous, whitish or dun-colored ; stou'i
striate. Leaves unequally pinnate or trifoliate.

Rhus Toxicodendron Limu'. — Poison Ivi/, FoiKon Oak.

Descriptiun. — A low shrub or tall climber, according to the circum-
stances in which it is placed. Leaflets 3, rhombic-ovate, entire, or vari-
ously cut and lobed, smooth and shining above, downy beneath. Panicles
snnJl, tioNvers minute, fruit about the size of small peas, greenish.

rjO ANAC'AUDIACE.E.

TliiH pommon and, by many people, nmch-droatlod plant opeurs in two
rather (liHtinct lornis, which were formerly coiisiilereil sep.irate species,
but are now rceojjjiiized as Hpecitically identical, their ditterenceH beii^' duo
entirely to the circuniHtances of their growth. A plant growing in an open
Hpace with no convenient support near has the habit of a low Hhrub ; while
one rooted at the base of a tree or beside u rock puts forth innumerable
adventitious rootlets, and 1,'y means of these climbs u^jward vigorously,
never stopping, under favorable cireumshuices, until it has reached the
highest point attainable. Another curious feature in the growth of the
plant as a clindjer is that the increase in the thickness of the stem takes
place almost entirely upon the side next the sui)port, whether this be a
rock, tree, or any other ol'ject, so that the pith is eccentric. As the root-
lets bring no nourishment to the stem, and as they are put forth in <|uantity
only when there is something near to lix themselves to, it ap2)ears jjrobable,
as the author endeavcn'ed to show some ye.'irs ago, that they are i)roduced
by the mere stimulation of contact ; and also that the increased growth
Ij on the side of the stem next the support is induced in the same mannei-.

The climbing plant was formerly denominated 11. i-aiUcans, a name, of
course, now discarded.

Iluhilat. — Common everywhere from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and
westward.

Rhus venenata Dc CandoUe. — Poison Sumac, Poison Elder.

l)(:<(rii)tion. — A vigorous shrub, G to 18 feet high, with sniooth, pale
gray bark. Leaflets in 3 tob G pairs, with an odd terminal one, obovate-
oblong, entire, r-uiicles larger than in the preceding species ; fruit also
larger, greenish-yellow or greeni.sh-white.

Habitat. — Conimon in swamps and wet places fi'om Canada to Floi'ida
and westward.

Tart Used. — The fresh leaves of Rhus Toxicodendron — United. Slates
Pharmaeopa)ia. The leaves of It. venenata possess similar properties.

Constituents. — Tlieso species of rims, together with li. diccrsiloba Tor-
rey and G ->* the Pacific Coast and II. pumila Michaux of the Southern
States, r the poisonous members of the genus indigenous to North

Am'' . cir poisonous properties, though dittering in degree, are es-

sei .vtentical in quality. 11. pamda is said to be the most poisonous

of tilt; group, while /'. venenata occupies a second place, being itself con-
siderably more violent in action than 11. toxicodenaron or It. diversilolm ;
the two last-named resendjling each other very much both in habit of
growth and in their efleots. The poisonous constituent of these plant.s,
though considerably investigated, has not been as yet thoroughly charac-
terized. That it is volatile is well known, and that it is an acid principle
has also been demonstrated ; but beyond this nothing is definitely known.
Though volatile and capable of producing its peculiar etTects upon verj'
suscej^tible individuals, even at some distance from the growing plants, it

RHUS — SUMAC. 121

nmy l>o prrsorvcd iti i)ropor Mdlvciits for a grrat length of time. Tho
author himself Iiiis cxiu'vicncrd jjoisonoits cit'cctH from a tincture <:i li.
vcnciia/d i)re[)iir(Ml thirty _v( arH before, wliich was aiJiilied by way of exppin-
iiient. Peetiliar as the principle in, it finds its parallel in tho well-known
fact that only certain persons are Husccptiblo to its influence. This sus-
ceptibility nmy exist in all tlio members of a family, or in one f)r two only,
tho others enjoying complete immunity. And again, tiiere are gn^at dilYor-
onces in tlie degree of the snsce])tibility of dilVereiit individuals. One may
}>o violently poisoned by tho emanations from a growing plant, while an-
other may re(iuirf( actual contact to produce oven slight manifestations.
The poisonous principle is present in all parts of these plants, but is most
concentrated in tho milky j;;ico. Tlio other constit>ients are unimportant
and inert, being only the ordinary vegetable prineipl'S.

yVcyw/v^/t'oNs. -None are othcial. Tho fresh loiives of A'. Toxii'ixlcinlroa
were admitted into tho Pharmacopceia with the idea that the prescril)er
would order a tincture made fx'oin thoni according to the fornnila provided
*'">r tinctures of fresh herbs. The other species are susceptible to similar
t; ^atmont. There can be no doubt tliat an alcoholic tinc^turo kept tiglitly
corked is tho best moans for preserving the drug in at^tivity.

Medical I'roprrtii'.-i aitd fVcs-. — Here we are altogether in tho dark.
Cases ai*e reported of jiersons sut!oring from various cutaneous eruptions
having been permanently cured by accidental rhus-poisoning. Cases are
now and then reported also of paralytics having been restored liy strokes
of lightning, yet paralytics, as a rule, Avould prefer not to undergo such
heroic treatment. Granting that it may l)o possible to cure certain skin
diseases by this substitutive action, the first thing to decide in a given case
would be the susceptibility of the i^ationt to the remedy, and the second,
how to Umit its action within reasonal.*. bounds. In endeavoring to settlf,
the first by exjieriment, gi'oat risk would bo run of going beyond tho sec-
ond altogether ; for as no man Ii'vs yet discovered anything like an infallible
remedy for rhus-poisoning, thougii palliatives are numerous, no one is
likely to be able to prescribe limits for it when used as a remed)'. Certain
it is that rhus will never be very popular as an external application with
patients who' like the writer, have experienced its poisonous etfects. Re-
garding its use as an internal remedy, still loss need be said. Nearly all
the testimony to its value when used in this manner comos from sources
discredited in scientific medicine. It is claimed, of course, that it exerts
specific eifects in certain cases, even when administered in infinitesimal
doses ; but when we consider that personal susceptibility is the first requi-
site for any effect whatever, we may well doubt the specific eflfect of even
minute doses upon humanity, or disease, at large. Finally, admitting the
potency of rhus as a cane j of disease, we have yet to learn its power and
mode of use as a remedy.

122 KIIAMXACE.E.

RHAMNACE>E.

Character of the OrrZcr.— Shrubs or small trees, witli simple, alternate
leaves, often thorny branches, and small polygamous or dujecious Howers.
Calyx with 4 or 5 short deciduous teeth or sepals, valvate in the bud. Petals
■4 or o, vexy small, folded inward in the l)ud ; sometimes "wanting. Stamens
as many as the sepals and alternating with them, inserted with the petals
on a disk which lines the tube of the calyx. Ovary 2- to 5-celled, each cell
1-ovuletl ; style very short ; stigmas 2 to 5. Fruit a small berry or drupe
enclosing 2 to 5 one-seeded nuts.

A \\idely distributed older of more than forty genera, about a dozen
of which are rcpx'esented in North America — two, llhamnus and Ceauothus,
comprising medicinal species.

RHAMNUS. — BucKTiiouN.

Character of the Genus. — Calyx 4- or 5-cleft, cup-shaped, lined with a
thin disk. Corolla : petals as many as the teeth of the cidyx, small, short-
clawed, notched at the end, folded about the stamens ; sometimes wanting.
Ovary free, 2- to 4-celled. Drupe or berry containing 2 to 4 nutlets..

Shrubs or small trees. Leaves smooth, feather-veined. Flowers small,
greenish, in axillary clusters. Fruit black.

Rhamnus cathartica Linne. — Co))r,:'oi) Ihichihom.

JJescrlpl it'll. — Calyx 4-cleft. Corolla : ])( trJs very narrow, not longer
than the teeth of the calyx. Fruit about the size of a pea.

A smooth shrub, G to 15 feet high, with spreading branches, the smaller
ones often ending in a stout thorn. Leaves 1^ to 2 inches long, tvro-thirds
as wide, ovate, acuminate, serrate, with a few prominent, obliquely diverg-
ing veins. Flowers ditocious, thickly clustered in the axils of the leaves,
appearing in May and June.

JIal)itat. — A native of Europe and Asia, but sparingly naturalized in the
Northern Atlantic States.

Rhamnus Purshiana Do Candolle. — Calfornia Buckthorn, Sacred
Bark.

Dciicr'ptior - -Calyx 5-cleft. Corolla : petals 5, two-lobed. Styles
rather short, t ad to the summit ; stigmas 3. Fruit turbinate, 3-seeded,
the size of a If ^e pea.

A shrub or small tree, 10 to 20 feet high, with a trunk sometimes 8 or
n inches in diameti r. Leaves 3 to 5 inches long, \\ to 2 inches in diam-
eter, sometimes slightly cordate at the base, rarely acute or with a slight
acumination ; the lower surface strongly pubescent, the lateral veins prom-
inent. Flowers umbellate, in clusters of 10 to 20.

Habitat. — On the Pacilic Coast from California northward.

CEAXOTHUS — NEW JERSEY TEA. 123

Parts Used. — Of Illiainiius catliartica, the fruit — not official ; of K.
Piirsliiaua, the bark — not official.

CoiislUucnU. — The berries of common buckthorn are pulpy and contain
a deep green juice, having a faint unpleasant odor, a bitterish, acrid, nau-
seous taste, and possessing active purgative properties. Various analyses
have demonstrated the jn-esence of a peculiar principle termed rhamnora-
tharliii, to which the berries owe icir activity. The bark of the plant is
also actively purgative.

An analysis of the bark of R. Purshiana lade by Professor A. B. Prescott
yielded a bitter brown lesin, a I'cd resin, a light yellow resin, tannic, malic,
and oxalic acids, a neutral crystallizable substance, and a volatile oil, but
experiments have not been made to ascertain which of these possesses the
therapeutic properties of the bark.

J^n'paralions. — A syrup of buckthorn made from the juice of the ber-
ries is official in Britain, France, and Germany. Of R. Purshiana there are
commercial fluid exti'acts and elixirs in profusion, but no officiid prepara-
tions.

3Ic(lical Propcr/irs and Uses. — All the species of rhamnus thus far sub-
jected to experiment possess purgative properties of greater or less activity.
In general their action is harsh and violent. Nausea and vomiting, as well
as severe griping pains, not unfrequently attend their purgative action.
For this reason JL cafharlica and R Urangula {Frangula ourk) have never
found much favor in this countiy, and even in Europe they are commonly
administered Anth aromatics and correctives in order to diininish the vio-
lence of their action. Some years since It. Par.-^Juana was introduced to
professional notice in this country under the absurd and fanciful title of
cascara sagrada, and most energetic eftbrts were made to gain for it an en-
tirely unmerited reputation as a remedy f(n constipation, etc. Even when
administered in pleasant-tasting elixirs — of, to the prescribe!-, unknown
composition — its action is not unfrequently attended with nausea and grip-
ing. There is little reason for considering it as essentially dillerent from
or more valuable than frangula bark or common Ijuckthorn, and hence its
popularity, being forced and fictitious, will be short-lived.

CEANOTIIUS.— Nkw Jeuskv Tea.

Ceanothus Americanus Linne. — New Jersey Tea, Red Root.

Description. — Calyx bell-shaped, 5-cleft, the lobes white, incurved ; the
lower part with a disk cohering with the ovary, the ujjper finally sep-
arating transvarsely. Corolla : petals 5, hooded, on slender claws longer
tlian the calyx, white. Stamens exscrted ; anthers ovate, 2-celled. Ovary
3-cclled ; styles 3, united to the middle, diverging above. Fruit bluntly
triangular, dry, coriaceous, separating into three carpels when mature.

A freely branching shrub, 2 to 4 feet high, the younger branches jjubes-

124 CELASTRACE/E.

cent. Root dark red. Leaves 2 to 3 inches long, ovjite or oblong-ovate,
obtuse or sliji,lit]j acuminate, 3-ribbed, serrate, pubescent beneath ; ''ouie-
times slightly cordate at the base. Flowers in axillary clusters, ajipearing
in July.

llabUat. — Common in dry woodlands fi*om Canada to Florida and west-
ward.

Parh Uiicd. — The leaves and root — not official.

Constifiii-iits. — Both the loaves and root are astringent and contain a
considerable percentage of tannin.

Preparations; — None are officiiil. There are commercial fluid extracts
fairly representing the plant ; the decoction is most commonly used.

Medical Prnpprt ii'.H and Usen. — The leaves were used during the Revolu-
tion and also to some extent during the late Civil AVar as a substitute for
tea, and both leaves and root have been employed internally and topically
as astringents.

CELASTRACEiC.

Character of the Order. — Shrubs or small trees, with alternate, rarely
opposite, simple leaves. Flowoi's in small axillary cymes, small, green,
white, or purple ; sepals and petals 4 or 5, imbricate in the bud ; stamens
■i or 5, alternate with the petals, inserted on a large disk which surroxmds
and encloses the ovary. Fruit 2- to-5 celled, capsular or drupaceous ; seeds
arilled. f

An order jomprising thirty-five genera. Represented in North Amer-
ica b}' seven — two only, Cel.istrus and Euonymus, comprising medicinal
species.

CELASTRUS. -Staff Tree.

Celastrus scandens Linnc. — Woody 'Jlilfrrsweef.

Bei^cription. — C;ilyx turbinate, 5-cleft. Corolla : petals 5, ovate or ob-
long, sessile. Stamens inserted into the margin of the fleshy disk. Ovai'y
surrounded by the disk, 3-celled ; styles 3, united. Fruit a globular cap-
sule, orangc-coloi'ed, 3-celled, 3-valved, the valves at maturity opening and
folding backward, exposing the seeds enclosed in a fleshy, crimson aril.

A twining shrub, often climbing trees to the height of twenty or thirty
|i feet. Leaves ovatc-obloug, finely serrate, pointed. Flowers polygamo-

dicecious, inconsjiicuous, ai:)pearing in June. Fruit very ornamental, and
often gathered for household decoration.

Ilalnlat. — Borders of Avoods and streams and along old fences, from
Canada to Carolina and w'estward.

Part Used. — The bark — not official.

Con.tlitnents. — The bark has a sweetish, nauseous taste. Its chemical
constituents are unknown.

EUONYMUS — SPINDLE THEE. 125

Preparalions. — Nono fire official. Commonly used in docootion.

Medical I'rupertiea and Uses. — Climbing bittersweet is said to be dia-
phoretic, diuretic, alterative, and somewhat narcotic, but its reputation is
chiefly in domestic practice, wliero the el't'ects of large draughts of warm
water arc often attributed to some really inert substance which has been
boiled with it. At any rate, if this plant really possesses valuable medic-
inal proj)erties the fact is yet to be demonstrated.

Climbing or woody bittersweet should be carefully distinguished from
the solanaceous plant (Sulanuni Dulcamara), also known as bittersweet, or
herbaceous bittersweet.

EUONYMUS— Spindle Turk.

Euonymus atropurpureus Jacquin. — Wahoo, Bumiufj Ihoih.

iJc-iirqif Ion.- -C.dyx : sepals commonl}' 4, united at the base. Corolla :
petals as many as the sei)als, rouudish-obovate. Stamens as many as the
sepals, inserted in the broad, flat, fleshy disk ; filaments short. Ovary
half enclosed by the disk ; styles united. Fruit a 4:-lobed, 4-celled cap-
sule, each cell 1- to 2-seeded, the seeds nearly enclosed in the bright-red,
Bucculent aril.

A shrub, G to 12 feet high, with somewhat quadrangular, straight
branches. Leaves petiolate, ovate-oblong, pointed, finely serrate. Flowers
dark purple, on p(>dunck'S 1 to 2 inches long, 5- to 7-flowei'ed, ajipearing
in June. The fi'uit matures in Octobci*.

Habitat. — In shady woods from Canada to Florida and westAvard.

Part Caed. — The bark — United Stutc-i I'liarmacoijuda.

Constituents. — To analysis euonymus has yielded, besides resins, starch,
glucose, etc., a peculitu" bitter neutral principle termed (nto»//mm, whose
therapeutic propci'ties have not been investigated. The so-called euonij-
inin of the eclectic practitioners is an impure resinous bod}', prepared by
precipitating the alcoholic tincture by the addition of water.

1 're par at ions. — Extractum euonymii— extract of cnowyiwn^.— United
States Pilar macopmia. This is an efficient preiiaratif)n. The bark imparts
its virtues to both alcohol and water, and may be employed in tincture or
decoction.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Euonymiis is a mild and somewhat un-
certain purgative, having probably some cholagogue action. Though
chiefly employed in empirical i)ractice, it is well thought of by many regu-
lar practitioners. There is little evidence, however, of its possessing prop-
erties of sufficient value to place it in rank with many other cathartics and
purgatives of established reputation, and the efforts now being made to
push it into popular favor are to be viewed as purely busiueas enterprises,
having little reference to the actual value of the drug.

120

SAPINDACEiB.

SAPINDACE/E.

Character of the Order. — Trees or shrubs, with alternate or opposite,
simple or compound leaves. Flowers commonly irregular and unsymmet-
rical ; sepals 4 or 5 ; petals 4 or 5, sometimes wanting ; stamens 5 to 10,
perigynous or hypogynous, inserted upon a fleshy disk ; ovary 2- or 3-celled,
each cell 1- or 2-ovuled.

A large order, chiefly tropical. Represented in North America l)y about
a dozen genera only, one of which, yEsculus, comprises species of medicinal
importance.

^SCULUS.— HonsE-CuESTNUT, Buckeye.

Character of the Oenu>^.~ -Calyx campanvdate,. 54obed. Corolla : i:)etals
4 to 5, expanded, .more or less unequal. Stamens G to 8, commonly 7 ;
filaments long and slender, often unequal. Ovary 3-celled, each cell

•-'•.J

Via. lis. — /"Esculus Hippocaptanum.

2-ovuled ; style single. Fruit a large, smooth or prickly capsule. Trees
or shrubs, with oj^posite, digitate leaves. Flowers in a terminal thyrse or
dense panicle, often polygamous, most of them sterile.

>Esculus Hippocastanum Linne. — Ilorfte- Chestnut .

De)<cripf ion. —Ciiiyx obtusely 5-t()othed. Corolla : petals oblong, un-
guiculate, fringed and wavy, white with a small red or yellow spot above

yESCULUS — IIOUSE-CIIESTNUT, BUCKEYE. 127

the claw. Stamens shorter than the petals, declined. Capsule roundish,
prickly, 3-valved, 1- to 3-celledj coutaiuiuy 1 to 3 large, oblong, chestnut-
brown seeds.

A medium-sized tree. Leaflets 7, obovate-lanceolate, acuminate, irreg-
ularly serrate. Flowers beautiful and showy, on jointed pedicels, appear-
ing in June.

Habitat. — Introduced from the East and commonly cultivated for orna-
ment ; scarcely naturalized.

/Esculus glabra Willdenow. — Ohio Buckeye.

Description. — Corolla : petals l, unequal, spreading, with claAvs as long
as the calyx, pale yellow. Stsunens 7, curved, nuich longer than the jietals.
Fruit nearly 1 inch in diameter, prickly.

A small, ill-scented tree. Leailets 5, oval or oblong, acuminate, serrate.
Flowers small, in loose thyrsoid panicles, appearing in May and June.

Habitat. — River banks in Western Peimsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, and
Kentucky.

/Esculus Pavia Lhnu'. — Red Jhui-ci/e.

Description. — Calyx tuljular. Corolla : petals 4, very unequal, coimiveut,
red. Stamens G to 8, about as long as the petals. Fruit smooth.

A shrub or small tree. Leaflets 5 to 7, oblong-lanceolate, cuneate at
the base, slightly acuminate. Flowers large, in loose thyr.soid racemes,
ai)poaring in April and May.

Hiihitnt. — Mountains of Virginia to Georgia and westward. ^Nlost com-
monly' a shrub, 3 to 10 feet high, but near the mountains a small tree.

I'a7'ts Used. — Tiie bark and the seeds — not official.

Constituents. — The most important constituent thus far disoovei'ed in
any plant of tliis genus is a priiKtiple termed <i:\^culin, which was obtained
fronx the bark of the horso-chestnut. The rind of the seeds also contains
some ;i;sculin. The seeds of all the species abomid in starch, mixed, liow-
ever, with a Intter and acrid substance, which can only bo removed by long
washing. In the case of the red buckeye this has been shown to be a
glucoside, possessed of poisonous properties.

Preparations. — None are official. The virtues of the liark are impart-
ed to both alcohol and water. A commercial article erroneously termed
(csculin is prepared liy precipitating the alcoholic tincture witli water. It
is said to be an efficient preparation.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Horse-chestnut bark is tonic and astrin-
gent, and formerly had some reputation in Europe as an antiperiodic. It
has been used successfully in some cases of intcrmittents wliich had jire-
viousl}' resisted quinine, but in general it is far less efficacious than the
latter. It is probable that the bark of all species of the genus possesses
similar properties, difiering only in degree. The poisonous glucoside
found in the seeds of the red buckeye is also likely to be present in those
of other species. It is of a narcotic character and said to be about one-

128

POLYGALACEyE.

third of the strength of opium. In the Southern States the seeds of this
species, crushed to a pulp, are employed to stupefy fish and thus render
their capture easy, in the same manner as the seeds of Coccukxs ludicus are
\ised for hlce purposes.

POLYGALACE/E.

Character of the Order. — Plants witli alternate or ojiposite, exstipulate
leaves. Flowers very irregular ; sepals usually 5 ; petals 3 ; stamens 4
to 8, monadelphous or diadclphous ; antliers 1-celled, opening by a pore
at the top ; ovary 2-eellcd, each cell 1-ovuIed. Fruit 2-celled, 2-s(!eded.

An order of few genera but many species. ReiDresentod in North
America by three genera, only one of which comprises medicinal species.

POLYG AL A. — M 1 LK wouT.

Cliaracfcr of the Gr.nus. — Calyx: sepals 5, persistent, luiequal, the
three outer smaller, the two inner (lateral) larger and petaloid. Corolla :

2ietals 3, unequal, the middle (anteri-
or) one larger, and usually crested at
the aj^ex ; all of thorn more or less
united. Stamens 8, rarely G, their
filaments united below into a split
tube or into two eqiial sets, and more
or less cohering with the claAvs of the
petals also. Ovary 2-celled, each cell
1-ovuled ; style elongate, curved.
Fruit a small 2-seuded pod ; seeds
carunculiitc.

Small herbs, in temperate cli-
mates, with alternate or whorled
leaves. Many of the North Ameri-
can species arc supposed to possess
medicinal virtues, but only one — I'ohj-
gala Sene(/a— has an established repu-
tation. The genus as a whole prob-
al)ly deserves further investigation.

Poly gal a Senega Linne. — Sene-
ca Siialcroot, Scu('(ja, Sene/ra.

Better ij)! ion. — Calyx : the two in-
ner sepals, or Avings, roundish-ovate,
white, slightlj' veined. Corolla small, closed, lateral petals obtuse, the ante-
rior, or keel, crested. Capsule obcordate, compressed, invested with the
persistent calyx.

A small herbaceous perennial. Root with a hard, knotty crown and
1, ioxtuous branches. Stems several, 6 to 12 inches high, smooth, simple,

Fifi. 119.— rolj-gnla Senega.

rOLYGALA — MILKWOUT. l'2d

occasionally tinpjod witli red. Loaves nnmerons, alternate, lanceolate or
obloiig-liinceoliito, 1 to 2 inclies Ion},', with rou};h nuirgius. ilowers in
dense spikes, 1 to 1| inch lon<if, appearing in May and June.

Ildhilal. — In dry, rocky woods from "Western New England to North
Carolina and Avestward ; most abundant in the South and AVest.

Polygala polygama AValter (/'. jv(te//a Willdenow). — liUU'.r Pohjgala.

Jk'.-^crip'inii. — Calyx : wings broadly obovate, spreading, longer llian the
petals. Corolla : keel conspicuously crested. Capsule ()l)loiig, eniarginate.

A small biennial. Stems numerous, mostly simple, leafy, (i to i* inches
high. Leaves alternate, oblanceolate or oblong, 1 inch long. Flowers in
terminal racemes, deep rose-color or puiplish. There are also produced
radical racemes of inconspicuous but fertile flowers, which are prostrate
upon the ground, or subterranean.

JIahUal. — Dry, sandy soil from Canada to Florida and westward. Very
common.

J'arta Uacd. — The root of P. Senega is ofTicial under the name of senega
— United States Fhannaevixvia. Both the root and \\Gvh oi 1\ polijgama
(P. 1-nhella) were formerly ofKcial, but have been discarded.

C'o)i.tlifucnfs. — Senega has a peculiar odor, and a tastes which is, at first,
sweetish but afterward pungent and acrid. Its most important constitu-
ent is a peculiar acrid principle termed senecjUi, or pulijijulic acid, which is
believed to be closely analogous to saponin, a principle existing in Sapon-
aria olfivinalia and Quillaia bark. From P. polygama (P. rubella) has been
obtained a crystalline compound termed piihi'iahwmrin, which has a very
bitter taste, and foams considerably when agitated with water, in this re-
spect resembling saponin.

IWparationH. — Of senega : Abstractum senegre — abstract of senega ; ex-
tractum senegic fluidum — lluid extract of senega' ; syrupus scnegic — syrup
of senega ; a constituent of syrupus scilla; con)positus — compound syrup of
squill. — Culled Sidles Phar)iia(yp(eia. Of P. i)olygama there are no olliciul
preparations. Both species yield their virtues to water and to diluted
alcohol.

JlFedical Properties and Uses. — Senega in small or medium doses is dia-
phoretic, diuretic, and expectorant ; in largo doses, emetic and cathartic.
In practice it is cliiefly used as a stimulating expectorant in the later
stages of bronchial and inilmonary alTections after active inllanuuatory
symptoms have been subdued. Its emetic and purgative action has been
foiuid useful in rheumatism and dropsy, but other agents ai'e more eligible.
It has also some reputation as an emmenagogue.

Of P. polygama there is little to be said. It is believed to jjossess prop-
erties similar to those of /•'. ainara of Europe, but as this plant is no
longer oIKcial there its properties cannot be considered of much value.
All species of the genus are more or less bitter, and probably possess, if
nothing else, mild toDic properties.
9

130

LEaUMINOS.E.

LECUMINOS/E.

Cliaracter of the Order. — Herbs, shruhs, or trees, with alternate, stipu-
late, generally compound leaves. Flowers pai)ilionaeeoU8, sometimes regu-
lar ; calyx G-parted, the odd segment inferior ; petals 5, the odd one supe-
rior ; stamens 10, rarely 5 or indciinite, monadelplious or diadclphous,
sometimes distinct, commonly perigyntjus ; ovary simpl(>, 1-cellcd, 1- to
mauy-ovuled. Fruit a 1- to many-seeded legume.

A very large order of plants, occurring in all parts of the globe, but most
abundantly in the tropics. It has been divided ir^to three sub-orders,
namely, I'lipUionaceie, Ca'Holpiiiiea', and Jlimosca:. To the iirst-named sub-
order belong nearly all important leguminous plants of temperate regions,
and, with the single exception of Castiia — belonging to the sub-order
CtMnutpiniac — all North American species of mediciuid importance.

PAPILIONACE^.

Character of the Sub-Order. — Flowers i)apilionaccous ; sepals 5, more or
less Tinited, often unequally so ; petals 5, irregular, imbricate, the upper
one larger than the others and u"ually enclosing them in the bud ; stamens

10, rarely 5, inserted with the petals, mona-
delphous, diadclphous, or sometimes dis-
tinct ; when diadelphous, usually Avith nine
in one set and one in the other. Ovary nor-
mally 1-celled, sometimes becoming 2-celled,
or transversely many-celled by development
of partitions after tiowering. Flowers per-
fect, solitary and axillary, or in spikes, ra-
cemes, or panicles.

MELILCTUS. — Melilot.

Character of the Genii!^. — Calyx 5-toothed.
Corolla : petals free from the stamen- tube,
deciduous, the keel blunt. Stamens dia-
delphous, the ui)per one free. Pods short,
straight, thick. 1- or few seeded, indehiscent.
Annual or biennial herbs, with trifoliate
leaves, and flowers in spiked racemes.

Melilotus officinalis Willdenow, —
Yelloiv Melilot.

Descriptiou.^-'Flov.orfi numerous, 2 to 3
lines long, bright yellow, in long axillary ra-
cemes. Pod oval, 2 lines long, obtuse or pointed.

An erect annual or biennial, 2 to -i feet high, branched, glabrous. Leaves

Fro. 150.— Jlclilotns offlclnalis.

PSOUALEA. I'M

scattered, on lonfr petioles ; leaflets of the lower leaves nearly orbicular, of
the upper narrow, often linear.

Habitat. — Cultivated and waste places. Introduced from Europe.

Melilotus alba Lambert. — While Mi'libil.

JA'scripliuii. — Very closely resembling the preceding, except that it has
white flowers and is a somewhat larger plant.

Ilabitat, — Cultivated and waste places. Introduced from Europe.

J*art Used. — Tlie herb — not official.

Constituents. — These plants in drying have a fragrant odor, due to the
presence of cuuinarin — the important constituent of Tonka beans ; and they
are only interesting on this account.

J'n'iiarations. — There are none.

Medical J^rojjerties and Use.^. — Yet to be determined. That coumarin
exerts a decided influence upon the heart is well known, and hence all
plants in which this jirinciple is found are not Avithout interest, especially
those which are or are likely to be \ised as adulterants of smoking tobacco.
There is good reason for believing that many of the ill elYccts of cigarette-
smoking, so common among our boys and young men, are duo, not to tlie
tobacco, but to the presence of adulterants containing coumarin. (JSee also
Lialris odui'atissinia.)

P.SORALEA.

Character of the Genus. — Calyx deeply 5-cleft, the lower lobe longest.
Stamens diadelphous, or occasionally monadelphous. Pod about the length
of the calyx, indehiscent, 1-seeded, sometimes beaked.

Shrubs or herbaceous perennials, commonly dotted with prominent
glands or points. Leaves 3- to 5-foliate. Flowers in spikes or racemes,
white, blue, or purple.

Psoralea melilotoldes Michaux.

Description. — Calyx : teeth triangular-ovate. Pod orbicular, trans-
versely wrinkled. Herbaceous, sparingly pubescent, glandular, 1 to 2
feet high. Leaves 3-foliate ; leaflets ol)long-lanceolate, dotted, about 2
inches long. Spikes oblong, on peduncles three to foiu- times as long as
the leaves ; flowers one-fourth inch long, usually in pairs on short pedicels,
ajjpearing in ^lay and June.

Habitat. — Dry soil, Ohio, Illinois, and westward.

Psoralea esculenta Pursh.

Uescription. — Calyx : teeth lanceolate, a little shorter than the corolla.
Pods beaked. Herbaceous, hairy, about 1 foot high. Koot thick and fusi-
form, about the size of a walnut. Leaves 5-foliate, slightly dotted ; leaflets
lanceolate. Spikes dense, on long peduncles ; flowers pale blue, one-half
inch long, appealing in June or July.

Habitat. — High plains from Wisconsin westward.

J*arts Used. — The leaves and root — not official.

132

LEOUMINOS^E.

Comlituents. — Rosin and volatile oil.

IWparaliomt. — None iiro olliciul. Alcohol extracts the most important
constituents of the plants.

Medical J^ro'pcrticK and Uxes. — The nhove-doHcribcil, as well as several
other indigenous specdes of the genus, have been used to ii limited extent
as remedial agents, but not sufficiently to establish their character. All of
them have a pungent, bittei', and somewhat aromatic taste, and an; doubt-
less entitled to a place among the feebler aromatic l)itter tonics. The fusi-
form root of /*. cscidcnld is somewhat farinaceous, and was formerly eaten
by the Indians ; when roasted, Pursh says, they are similar to yams. The
early Canadian voyuyeio's gave the plant the name ijumme de prairie or
pomme blanche.

ROBINIA.— Locust Thee.

Robinia Pseudacacia Limic. — Common LocuKt.

Dei^cription. — Calyx short, 5-toothed, slightly 2-]ipi)ed. Corolla :

standard large, rounded, re-
flexetl ; wing and keel nearly
as long. Stamens diadelphous.
Pod about 3 inches long, llat,
5- to ()-sceded.

In its native habitat a large
tree, 70 to 80 feet high and 8
to 4 feet in diameter ; farther
north it seldom attains half
this size. Leaves unecjually
pinnate ; leaflets i) to 13, ses-
sile, oval, thin, smooth and
shining. Flowers numerous,
in loose i:)endulous racemes,
white, and very fragrant ; they
appear in June.

Hahilat. — Southern Penn-
sylvania to Illinois and south-
ward. It is cultivated for
ornament and for its valu-
able timber in all parts of the
country, and is also largely grown in Europe.

Parts Used. — The leaves, flowers, bark, and root — not official.

Constituents. — The bark has yielded to analysis asparagin and a peculiar
glucoside tenned rohinin.

Preparations. — The bark has been employed in decoction, the leaves in
powder, and the flowers in the form of a syrup.

Medical Properties and Uses. — These are altogether problematical. The

Fig. 121.— Ilobini:i rccndncicia.

BAPTISIA — FALSE TNDIOO. lo3

bark is said to 1)p tonic, emetic, and cathartic ; tlio loaves eniotic ; and tlic
flowers mildly narcotic. Poisonous etVects have been produced in children
from eating' tho root, the symptoms resembling those of bc^Uadonna. The
flowers, to the author's own knowledge, are often eaten with impunity.

TRPTIROSIA.— HoAiiY Pea.

Tephrosia Virginiana Porsoon. — Goal'fi hue, Turk-ei/ Pea, Catgut.

VeHcription. — Calyx about ecpially 5-clcft. Corolla : standard large,
rounded, reflexed ; keel petals broad. Stamens monadelphous or diadel-
phous. Pods about 2 inches long, Hat, several-seculed. An herbaceous p(>reu-
nial. Stems numenms, erect, simple, leafy at the top, silky pubescent.
Leaves luiequally pinnate ; leaflets 17 to 20, linc^ar-oblong, mucrouiite.
Flowers large ftiid numerous, in dense oblong racemes, yellowiiih-whito
marked with purple, appearing in June or July.

Jlahilnl. — Dry, sandy soil, Canada to Florida and westward.

J'uft Usi'd. — The root — not ofKcial.

Conxlit uoitK. — Unknown.

IWparations. — Used only in decoction.

Medical Properties and Uses. — The root of this plant is said to have
been used by the Indians as a vermifuge before the settlement of tho
country by the whites, and it is no.v used in some ])arts of the United
Stat(;s for the same puqiose. Its action is said to resemble that of spigelia
and to be quite as eflicient.

TJAPTISIA.— False Inuioo.

Baptisia tinctoria Robert Brown. — Wild Indigo.

Dc.-icriplion. — Calyx 4- to 5-toothed. Corolla : standard not longer than
the wings, reflexed ; wings and keel petals straight. Stamens distinct.
Pods oval-globose, on a stalk longer than the calyx, several-seeded. An
herbaceous perennial. Stems smooth and slender, freely bx-anched, 2 to li
feet high. Leaves palm:itely trifoliate ; leaflets rounded, obovate-wedge-
shapcd, three-quarters of an inch long. Flowers yellow, in short terminal
I'acemes, appearing from June to August.

Habitat. — Dry, sandy soil, Canada to Florida and westward.

Part Used. — The root— not official.

Gonstituenls. — The most recent analysis of this plant demonstrates the
pi'esence of a peculiar alkaloid, as yet unnamed. Tlie so-called baptixiv of
the eclectics is an impure resinous substance obtained from the alcoholic
tincture by precipitation with water.

l\ej)arations. — None are ofiicial. A tincture and a fluid extract occur
as commercial preparations, and are said to be efficient. The author has
employed a tincture made from the fresh bai"k of the root.

134 LKCI'MINOSiE.

Midical Prnporli''>^ nnd T'hcx. — Early in this century Dr. Tlmrher hi}?hly
rocommondctl un infusion or decoction of thiH plant an an antiHcptic appli-
cation to ill-conditioned ulcers, and as a parj^le in nuvli^'uant and Hcarla-
tinal sore throat. Other physicians considered its intci-nal use eflicacious
in typhus (typhoid ?) and niidignant scarlet fevers. In more recent times
it has gaineil a great reptitation among honujL'opathic and eclectic practition-
ers, especially in typhoid fever. Some years ago the author expcrimLnted
with it in this disease, with what he believed to be satisfact'^i-y results.
(See "Trans. Med. Soc. State ot New York," 1880.) Further experinionta
have not altogether justified the conclusions then arrived at ; still the drug
does in some instances appear to exert a favorable iuHueuce, and is worthy
of further investigation.

CASSIA.— Senna.

Cassia Marilandica Linnc. — American Snt^ia.

Jh'scrip/iuii. ~ Cii\\\ : sepals 5, scarcely united at the base, colored, de-
ciduous. CoioUa : petals 5, nearly equal, spreading. Stamens 10, rarely 5,
distinct, t)io three upper commonly abortive ; anthers oi)euing by two pores
at the tci). I'od 2 to 4 inches long, linear, compr(>sscd, slightly ciu'ved,
at first hairy, ultimately nearly glabrous, many-celled with iransverse par-
titions, niany-socded.

An herbaceous perennial. Stems erect, branching, 3 to 4 feet high.
Leaves alternate, equally pinnate ; leaflets in (5 to 9 jKiirs, ovate-oblong,
mucronate, 1 to 2 inches long, one-half inch wide. Flowers bright orange-
yellow, in short axillary racemes, on the upper part of the stem ; they are
produced during July and August.

Hahital. — Common in alluvial soil from New England and New York
southward and westward.

Part Used. — The leaflets — formerly official ; dropped from the last
edition of the United Sinfes Pharmacopoeia.

Coiislifi«;)its. — A satisfactory analysis of this jilant is yet to be made.
One analyst has found in it, in addition to the ordinary vegetable prin-
ciples, a complex substance resembling the so-called calhartln of imijorted
senna.

J\'eparationfi. — None are official. It yields its virtues to water, and is
commoidy administered in infusion.

Medical J'vnperiies and ^ w's. — The action of American senna is similar to
that of the African drug, though it is much less efficient, a dose one-thi'd
or one-half larger being required to produce the same eflect. On thxs
account the imported article is generally preferred.

Other species of cassia, indigenovis or introduced, are said to possess
medicinal activity, but are not sufficiently employed to require further
notice here.

PRUNU8— PLUM AND CIIEiJllY. 135

ROSACEiC.

Character nf (he Order. — Herbs, Hhnihs, or trees, with nltorimto, stipuliito
leaves and re^'ulivr flowers. Sepals ooimaouly 5, rarely less or more,
united at tlio base, often appeariuj- double by a row of bract lots outside ;
petals as many as the sepals, rarely waiitin;j, inserted with the stamens
upon the calyx ; stamens numerous, rarely few ; ))istil 1 or many, <listinet,
or in the pisar tribe united and combined with the calyx-tube. I'ruits ex-
ceedingly varied.

A very large and important order, represented iu all parts of the globe.
Very many of the species produce valuable fruits, an«l but few are pos-
sessed of deleterious properti(rs. Autliorities (blfer widely as to the jtroper
limitati(}ns of the order Torrey and Gray ("Flora of North America") in-
clude in it four sub-orders, namely : Ckri/suhitluned', Ami/i/f/a/<'(i% Jiasacea;
aud Fomete. The tirst-namod sub-order comprises no medicintd species.

AMYGI)ALE/E.

Character of the Snti-Ordcr. — Calyx entirely free from the (usually)
solitary ovary, deciduous. Stylo terminal or neaily so. I'ruit a drupe
(stone-fruit), 1 seeded or rarely 2-seeded. Trees or shrubs, with simple
leaves, the bark exuding gum, aud the bark, leaves, and kernels yielding
the peculiar llavor of prussic acid (Gray). This section comprises all
the plants of the order which possess noxious or poisonous properties,
and iu all the poisonous principle is the same — prussic acid — not existing
as such in the leaves, bark, and kernels, but produced, as will l)e seen
later on, by infusion in waL'r. It is represented in North America by the
genus

PRUNUS.— Pl.UM AN-n CUEUUY.

Character of the Gen an. — Calyx 5-cleft, urn-shaped, bell-shapod, or
tubular-obconical, deciduous after liowcring. Petals 5, di,.inct, spread-
ing, inserted with the stamens upon the calyx-tube. Stamens 1.") to 20.
Ovary solit;iry, 2-ovuled. Fruit fleshy, with a bony stone. Connnonly
small trees or shrubs, with edible fruit.

Prunus serotina Ehrhart(6VrasHS serollna Lol,«eleur, Cerasus Virgin-
iaua Michaux, Prunus Virgin iana Miller). — Wild Clicrrg, Wild lUuck Cherrij.

Dcfivriplion. — Petals small, ohovate, (]uickly d(Mndu(>us. Fruit about the
size of a pea, nearly black when ripe, and of a slightly bitter taste.

In favorable locations a large forest tree. Leaves 5 to G inches long,
lanceolate-oblong, acuminate, serrate with short incurved teeth, some-
what coriaceous, tlark shining green. Flowers in long terminal racemes,
appearing in June after the tree is in full leaf.

Habitat. — Canada to Florida and westward ; very common.

136

ROSACEiE.

w&

Prunus Virginlana Linnu {Prunus Canadensis Marshall, Primus
serutlna Poir, Ccrusus Vinjiuiaaa Loiseleur, Cerasus seroUna Hooker). —
Choke- Cher r I/.

Description. — Petals roundish. Fruit about the size of a pea, dark red
when fully ripe, and of an extremely astringent taste.

A shrub or small tree, Avilh a grayish bark. Leaves thin and mem-
branous, 2 to 3 inches long, broadly ovjd, oblong or ovate, abruptly

pomted, ver}' sharijl}- and often doubly
serrate. Flowers in loose, short ra-
cemes terminating the branches, ap-
pearing in May after the leaves are
considerably developed.

Habitat. — From Canada to the Gulf
of Mexico and westward ; everywhere
common.

I'art used. — The bark of Prunus
serotina Ehrhart — official name, Pru-
nus Virghiiaua — wild cherry — Cniled
t-jlates Pliarmacopcviu. The bark of the
other species is said to be fully as ef-
ficient. As will be seen by reference
to the synonomy of the two species,
theiu has been groat confusion among
botanists in their nomenclature ;
hence the wild cherry of the Pharmr'-
copoeia bears as its official name the
projier, and at present generally ac-
cepted, title belonging to choke-
cherrj'.

Gonstitui nts. — Wild cherry bark
contains tarn 'ic and gallic acids, resin,
starch, and other common vegetable
principles, and by distillation j-ields
a peculiar volatile oil resembling the
volatile oil of bitter almonds, con-
taining hydrocyanic acid. The acid does not pre-exist in the bark, but
is formed by the action of a proteid upon amygdalin, an amorphous
or crystidliue principle present in all plants of this sub-order. Amyg-
dalin is not poisonous itself, nor is the proteid substance. Moreover,
the latter is, coagulated by heat and thus rendered inert; hence ii
order to obtain hydrocyanic acid from wild cherry, the biu'k nmst first I (.
subjected to the action of cold water. A peculiar bitter principle is also
present in wild cherry to which certain of the medicinal properties of the
biu'k are tlue.

Fig 122.-

-rninns snrotiiia l'.hrh;'.rt (Cerasu
kerotina)

SPIU.E A MEADOW-SWEET. 1 o 7

Preparations. — Extractum pruni virginianjo fluidum — fluid extraot of
wild cherry ; iufusum pruni virgiuiaiiiu — infusion of wild cherry ; syrupus
pruni virginiauiu — syrup of wild cherry. — United States Piiarmacopnia.

Bleiiml Properties and Uses. — "W'ild cherry is tor'c, astrin<^ent, and
sedative. Its tonic virtues doubtless reside in the bittor principle ini^n-
tioned above, and its astringent properties are due to the tannic and gal-
lic acids which it contains, while its sedative influence depends entirely
upon the liydrocyaiiic acid generated by its infusion in water. It is em-
ployed chietly in pulmonary consumption, and riot tin frequently with very
beneficial effects. Undei its use the ap2)etite improves, and both the cough
and expectoration are diminished. As the percentage of hydrocyanic acid
present in the infusion is very small, the dose, to produce a decided seda-
tive effect, must necessarily be quite large, but as its bitterness is also of a
mild character, large doses are generally borne withoiifc inconvenience. It
is sometimes en^ployed in conditions of simple del)ility and in convales-
cence, but here chieHy for its tonic effect. Tlio infusion, made with cold
wafer, is by far the best form of administration.

E0SACE.T5.

Character of the Sal)- Order. — Calyx entirel}- free from the ovaries, though
sometimes enclosing them in its tube, commonly persistent. Stamens few
or many. Pistils few or many, distinct, rarely solitary.

This section, the largest of the order, ^'ompriscs many of the small
fruits in common cultivation, as well as numenMis plants cultivated for
ornament. Many plants of the sub-order possess astringent properties.

SPIR.'EA.— aiEADQW-SWEET.

Spiraea tome ntosa Linne. — Hardhack, Steeplehush.

Description. — Calyx 5-cleft, short, persistent. Corolla : petals 5, obo-
vate, imbricate in the bud. Stamens lU to 50. Pistils 5, distinct. Pods
few-seeded.

A suKiU shrub, 2 to 3 feet high, somewhat branched, brittle, clothed
with a woolly pubescence Avhich easily rubs off". Leaves 1 to "2 inches long,
ovate, unetpiall}' serrate, deep green above, thickly coated with a nasty pu-
bescence beneath. Flowers small, numerous, rose-colored, rarely white,
in a beautiful elongated panicle, appearing in July and August.

Iluliitut. — In low grounds and swampy places fi'om Canada to Georgia
and westward.

Parts U.-ied. — Th ives and bark of both the ste.' and the root — not
official. -

Constituents. — Tannic and gallic acids.

Preparations. — None are olficial. A decoction is usually employed
Solid aud fluid extracts occur as commercial articles.

ins

ROSACEA.

Medical Proiyerties and Uses. — Hardback and other species of spirrea,
l)otli iiulifj^eiioiis and exotic, have been used considerably as astringents,
both internally and topicallj'. Their action appears to diU'er in no way
from ^hat of other simple vegetable astringents.

GILLEXIA.— Indian Physic.

G i 1 1 e n ia tr ifo I iata Moonch. — Indian Phi/sic.

l)(vrripit<m. — Calyx tubular-canipaniilatc, 5-toothed, the teeth some-
what reflexed. Corolla : petals 5, unequal, hnear-lanceolate, the two upper

somewhat separated from the three
lower, inserted in the throat of the
calyx. Stamens 10 to 20, included.
Pods 5, included, 2- to 4;-seeded.

An herliaceous perennial.
Stems severrd from one root, 1 to
2 feet high, erect, slender, flexuous,
smooth, commonly tinged with red,
and considerably bivmched. Leaves
alternate, trifoliate ; leaflets ovate,
lanceolate, acuminate, shiu-ply sei*-
rate. The upper leaf is often sin-
gle. Flowers few, nodding, rose-
colored or white, forming a loose
paniculate corymb, appearing in
July.

Habitat. — Canada and Western
New York to Georgia.

jPart Used. — The root — not of-
ficial.

Coustitiients. — In addition to
the ordinary vegetable principles,
such as starch, gum, resin, tannin,
etc., gillenia possesses a jjeculiar
bitter principle, termed (jillenin, to
which its therapeutic properties are due. Gillenin has been obtained in
the form of a whitish powder, soluble in water, alcohol, ether, and dilute
acids. It has a very bitter taste and is an active emetic.

rrepamtions.—'i^onG are official. The root is commonly administered
in powder. A lluid extract occurs as a commercial article.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Gillenia was formerly used, especially in
domestic practice, as r.i: emetic. It is said to act like ipecacuanha, though
less efficienth'. In very small doses it is said to exert a tonic influence
upon the stomach similar to that of ipecacuanha when used in like manner.

Fio. rM.— anicniii trifoUtita.

AGRIMONIA — AGRIMONY.

139

OiUenia sfipiilacenj Nuttall, a species closely resembling the preceding,
and growing in similar situations, is possessed of identical projierties.
Both species were formerly oflicial, but have been dropped from the Phar-
macopceia, since they are, at best, but poor substitutes for ipecacuanha.

AGRDIONI A. — AoniMONY.

Agrimonia EupatoriaLinne. — Agrimony.

Duscriptiori. — Calyx turbinate, contracted at the throat, 5-cleft, armed
with hooked bristles. Corolla : petals 5, twice as long as the calyx, yellow.

Tia. 124.— Aiirimonin Knp!\li(kia.
Flower euliirgutj.

Fio. 130.— Asr'monin Kiiimtorln,

Fia. 125. —Agrimonia Eupntoria,
Flowers nnturnl eizo.

Stamens 12 to 15, inserted with the petals in the throat of the calyx. Ova-
ries 2 ; styles terminal. Fruit 2-achenia inclosed in the persistent, indu-
rated calyx.

An herbaceous perennial, 2 to 4 feet high. Leaves interruptedly pin-
nate : leaflets 5 to 7, with minute ones intermixed, obloug-obovate, coarsely

140 . IlOSACEyE.

toothed. Flowers in slender, spiked racemes, appearing from July to
September.

Habitat. — Borders of woods from Canada to Florida and westward.
Common in Europe also.

Fart Used. — The whole plant — not official.

Cons-'tittioiilx. — The only constituent thus far discovered in agrimony of
therapeutic importance is tannin, which exists in the projjortion of less
than five per cent.

JWpamlion.^. — None are official— a decoction or infusion is efficient.

Mi'dical Propcrth'M and C^c.^. — Agrimonia has been used considerably
in domestic practice in cases requiring simple vegetable astringents.

GEUM.— AvKNS.

Geum rivale Linne. — Water J/v??.?.

J>cscripli.i>i). — C:ilyx deeply 5-cleft, the segments erect or spreading,
jxirplish. Corolla : petals 5, broadly obovate, emarginate, abru2)tly nar-
rowed into a claw about as long as the calyx, ligbt purplish-orange. Sta-
mens numerous. Achenia mimerous, gathered in a head upon a dry, coni-
cal receptacle ; styles articulated and bent in the middle, the upper part
plumose, the lower glabrous.

An herbaceous perennial. Stems nearly simi^le, 1 to 3 feet high, re-
trorsely pubescent. 11 idical leaves lyrate and interruptedly pinnate ; those
of the stem trifoliate or trilobed. Flowers few, large, nodding, api^earing
in ]\Iay and June.

Halfitat. — Bogs and wet mcadoAvs from Pennsylvania northward and
westward. Commo)i in Europe also.

J\irtH Uise.d. — The rhizome and rootlets — not official.

Conxtituenti^. — This jilant has not been analyzed, but it is believed to
possess constituents similar to those of Geian urbanum, a closely allied
European jilant, which contains volatile oil, tannin, and a bitter principle.

Preparations. — None are official. Boiling »ater extracts its virtues.

M'dical Properties and Vse.^. — Water avens is tonic and astringent. It
has been used chielly in relaxation of the mucous membranes.

rOTENTILL A. — CiNQUE-FoiL.

Potentilla Canadensis Linne. — Common Cinque-Foil, Five-Finger.

I)e.<vrii)tton. — C.dyx Hat, deeply 5-cleft, with 5 bractlets alternating
with the segments, thus appearing 10-cleft. Corolla : petals 5, longer than
the calyx, broadly obovate or obcordate, yellow. Stamens numerous.
Achenia numerous, gathered in a 1 nd on a dry receptacle.

A small annual or biennial, with decumbent, prostrate, or creejoing stems,
producing runners in summex'. Leaves u-foliate ; leaflets obovate-wedge-

KUmS — BRAMBLE. 141

shaped, cnt-toot1iP(l at tho ajiex. Flowers solitary on lon<]f axillary pednn-
clcH, appearing throurfliout tho snniinor.

IJabiUU. — In dry soil from Canada to (icorgia ;nid -westward ; every-
where coniraon.

I'art Used. — Tlu; whole plant — not oificial.

ConslUacnls. — Unknown.

JWparations. — None are official or ooramoreial. Usually udministercil
in decoction or infusion.

Medical Pruper/ies and U.^es. — Cinque-foil and several other si)ecies of
the genus possess mild astringent properties, and have been \ised, chiefly
in domestic i)ractice, in diarrho'a, dysentery, h'Ucorrha>a, etc.

RIJBUS. -BRA^rnI.E.

Character of the flennH. — Calyx 5-parted, without hractlets. Petals .",
deciduous. Stamens numerous, inserted into th<! border of i\\v disk.
Achenia numerous, pulj^ty and (h-ujiaceous, aggTogated upon a conical or
cylindrical spongy or succulent receptatde, persistent or deciduous.

Perennial shrubby or suft'ruticose plants, with erect or procumbent,
mostly prickly and l)ienniul stems. Leaves pinnately ov pedately com-
pound, or simple.

Rubus viliosus Aitun. — Common If Lg]i Blackherrij.

Description. — Calyx : teeth linear-acuminate. Corolla : petals obovate-
oblong, spi'eading, much longer than the calyx, Avhite. Fruit, composed
of aggregated drupes, not separating from the succulent, elongated re(tep-
taclc, one-half to 1 inch lung, one-fourth to one-half inch in diameter, blaid;,
sweet, and juicy. •»

A shrubby perennial. Stems numerous, 1 to (» feet high, \ipright or
reclining, furrowed, armed with strong recurved i)rickles. Leaves 3-foliato
or pedately .'j-fohate ; leaflets ovate or oblong-ovate, mostly acuminate,
doubly or unequally sei'rate, tho terminal one somewhat cordate, petio-
late. Flowers racemose, numerous, appearing in 3 Lay and June ; the
fruit ripens in August and September.

Jfahifat. —Comiiioix everywhere along the borders of woods, old fences,
and in clearings. The bushes vary greatly in size and general iippearancc,
according to the circumstances of their growth. The fruit also is variable^
in respect of size, succulence, and flavor.

Rubus Canadensis Ijinnc.-— Loir Blackherry, linnning lUackhemi,
l>eioherrij.

Hcscriplion. — Calyx: teeth mucronate. Coi-olla : petals twice tho
length of the calyx, white. Fruit similar to tho preceding but shorter and
thicker, the individual drupes being much less mnncrous but lai'ger.

A low, trailing shrubby jilant. Stems at first ascending but ultimately
trailing, and rooting when long in contact with the earth, less prickly

142 RO.SACE.E.

than the preceding. Leaves 3-foliate, or pedately 5- to 7-foliate ; leaflets
oval or ovate-laneeolato, mostly acuininato, thin, nearly smooth, sharjjly
(;ut-.serrate. Flowers racemose, appearing in May ; the fruit ripens in July
and August.

llubUal. — Rocky hills, and old, neglected fields. "Widily distributed,
l)ut much less common than the preceding.

Rubus trivialis Michaux. — Luic-JiKsk Jllackbcrry.

Dcticriplion. — Cdyx : teeth retlexed. Corolla : petals hroadly obovate,
more than twice the length of the cal^'x, white. Fruit large.

Stem shrubby, procumbent, armed with bristles and prickles. Leaves
3-foliate or i)edately ^-foliate, evergreen, coriaceous, nearly glabrous ; leaf-
lets ovate-oblong or lanceolate, sharply serrate. Peduncles 1- to 3-flow-
ered ; flowers large, appearing in March ; the fruit ripens in 3Iay.

Jlabilat. — In sandy s(nl from Virginia to Florida and westward.

Rubus strigosus Michaux. — lied L'asjjberry.

Jh'.scription. — Cdyx spreading. Coi'oUa : petals erect, about as long as
the calyx, white. Fruit an aggregation of drupes, which falls from th'
sj)ongy, conical rece})tacle at maturity ; light red, sweet and juicy.

Stems biennial, ujiright, armed with still' bristles. Leaves 3- to 5-foliate ;
leaflets oblong-ovate, acuminate, cut-serrate, whitish-downy imderneath.
Peduncles axillary and terminal ; the flowers appear from June forward,
and the fruit riiiens throughout the sunuuer.

Jlabilat. — Common everywhere aloui;' the borders of woods and in old
fields.

Rubus occidentalis Liim^'. — lilach Rmpbcrry, Thlmbleberry.

Description. — Calyx : teeth reflexed. Corolla : i:)etals shorter than the
sepals, white. Fruit similar to the preceding, but composed of smaller
drupes, purple-black, sweet and juic}-.

Stems biennial, recurved, armed with hooked prickles. Leaves 3-foli-
ate, rarely 5-foliate ; leaflets ovate, acuminate, doubly serrate, Avhitish-
dowuy underneath. Flowers in axillary and terminal clusters, ai^ijearing
in May ; the fruit ripens in June and July.

i7«/;i7«/. — Common along old fences and in clearings from Canada to
Georgia and westward.

l\irl!i Uticd. — The bark of the root of It. villosus, It. Canadensi-^, and It.
trivialis: — official name : Rubus — United Slale.^ Pharmacopoeia. The fruit of
It. strigosus and E. occidenlalis is permitted by the Pharmacopoeia to be used
instead of that of the official species. It. Id<mis Linne.

Con^lituentx. — Blackberry root contains tannin as its chief and most
important constituent.

Paspberries and blackberries are among the most important of indigen-
ous small fruits. Though possessed of no strictly medicinal virtues, the
former are used in the preparation of a syrup which is employed as a pleas-
ant vehicle.

HYDRANGEA. 143

Proparnlions. — Of hlackhcrry root : Extr.aotnm ml)i fliiidum — fluid ex-
tract of rulnis ; syrupiis rubi — Kyruj) of rubiis. Of Ilubvis Idauis (or It.
.slrigofius or It. vcculcn(alix) : Syrupua rubi iduci — syrup of raspljerry. —
United Slalca IViai'macojicsia.

Medical /Properties and Usei<. — Blackberry in used as n mild astringent
chiefly in the diarrluras of infants and young children. It is generally
well borne by the stomach, and though less eflicicnt than many other
drugs which are used for the Hame purposes, may often be employed with
excellent results.

Rispberries, in the form of the official syrup, are used only as a vehicle.

SAXIFRACACE/E.

A largo order of herbs, shrubs, or trees, whoso limits are not alto-
gether settled. As the medicinal species of tho order indigenous to
North America are few in number and belong to diff"crent, well-charac-
tei'ized sub-orders, it is more convenient to study them under the latter
tlian to attemjit, from the few sjiecics examined, to characterize the entire
order.

HYDRANGEA.

CJiaracfer of th'i Sah-Order. — Shrubs or trees, with opjiosite, simple,
exsti2)idate leaves. Flowers in cymes, the central ones complete, the
outer ones with large petals, and often biu'ren. Calyx more or less adher-
ent to the ovary, 4- to fi-toothed. Petals 4 to G, deciduous. Stamens
8 to 12, in two rows, or numerous, attached to tho calyx. Ovary of 2 to 5
cai'pels united ; styles 2 to 5. Fruit a many-seeded capsule, crowned with
the persistent L..yles.

ITYDllAXGEA.

Hydrangea arborescens Linne.-n'iW Ilijdrangea.

Z)esen)j<to».— Calyx-tube hemisplie:ical, 8- to 10-i'ibbed, coherent Avith
the ovary, the limb 4- to 5-toothed. Petals ovate, valvate iu the bud.
Stamens 8 to 10, filiform. Capsule 2-celled, many-seeded, crowned with
the persistent styles.

A shrub, 4 to 8 feet high. Leaves 3 to G inches long, ovate, rarely cord-
ate, acuminate, serrate, green both sides. Cymes flat ; the marginal flow-
ers usually sterile and radiant, consisting of a llat, dilated, and colored
calyx ; sometimes all fertile.

Iluhilat. — Rocky banks from New Jersey to the mountains of Georgia
and westward to Illinois.

I^art Used. — The root — not official.

Gonalituenis. — Analysis has not as yet yielded any results which throw
light upon the asserted therapeutic properties of this plant. •

144 IIAMAMELACEif}.

Proparalinnn. — None are official A fluid extract occurs as a commoi'-
(dal article.

Medical J^'niwrlios and ^>'s. — Hydranrjeii m said to exert a sjiecific! ac-
tion upon the bladder in cidculons atltectionH in their earlier Hta^ea, eft'ect-
inp; the removal of the deposits and nioderatinf^ the pain incident to their
paHsage — all of which may he true, but further evidence is desirable.

SAXIFRA(iE/E.

Character of the Suh-(h'drr. — Herbs, -with alternate, or rarely opposite,
oxstipulate leaves. Calyx 4- to 5-toothed. I'etals imbricated, or rarely
(convoluted in the bud, deciduous or witherinf^-persistent. Stamens as
many or twice as many as the lobes of the calyx. Ovaiy more or less ad-
herent to the calyx-tube. I'ruit diy, capsular, or follicular.

IIEUCHER A. — Ai.TTM-RooT.

Heuchera Americana JAmxv.— Alum-Root.

Description. — Calyx b(!ll-shaped, the tube adherent at the base to the
ovary, 5-clel't. Corolla : petals 5, spatulate, as \o\\f^ as the lobes of the
calyx, purplish or white. Stamens 5. Styles 2, slender. Pod 1-celled,
Avitli 2 parietid placentie, many-seeded, 2-beaked, oiicning between the
beaks.

An herbaceous perennial. Leaves nearly all radical, roundish-cordate,
somewhat 7- to 9-lobed ; the lobes short and rounded, dentate-crenate, with
short and broad mucronato teeth. Scapc^s 2 to 3 feet high, glandular, and
moi-o or less hirsute with short hairs, rarely with one or two small leaves.
Panicle loose, many-flowered, the flowers appearing in May and Jiuie.

Habitat. — In woods and rocky places from Connecticut to Wisconsin
and southward.

J'art Used. — The root— not official.

Constitaeuts. — Alum-root confjiins from eighteen to twenty per cent, of
tannin.

/'reparation. — None are official. — It is generally employed in decoc-
tion.

Medical Properties and- Uses. — Alum-root, though formerly official, is
seldom employed except as a domestic remedy. It is chieliy used, in
decoction, as a topical astringent in sore throat, leucorrhrea, menorrhagia,
etc. Other species of heuchera possess similar properties.

HAMAMELACE/E.

Character of the Order. — Shrubs or trees, with alternate simple leaves
and deciduous stipules. Flowers in heads or spikes, often jiolygamoiis or
monoecious. Calyx adherent to the base of the ovary. Petals narrow,

IIAMAMIOLIS — WITCH-IIA/.KL.

14;

;>

valviitc or involute in tlio bud, inserted upon the calyx ; bomctinu'.s want-
ing. Stunioutt twic(! lis many hh the iietiiln, the iilteniate ones sterile ; soiao-
tiines numerous. Ovary 2-eelled, each cell l-ovuled. J'Vuit a 2-celled, 2-
hcaked, woody pod, each cell containing a single bony seed.

The fertile flowers of Liquidambar consist of numerous coherent 2-
celled, many-ovulcd ovaries.

IIAMAMELIS.— Win ii-ITa/.ki,.

Hamamelis Virginica Ijumv.— U'iiih-ffazti.

Description. — Calyx 4-parted, with 2 or IJ bractlets nt the base. Co-
rolla : petals 4, long and narrow, strap-shaped, sinrally involute in the
bud, and considerably contorted when expanded, yellow. Stamens tS, tlie

Fio. 127. — Ilamamclis Vlrpinica.

four alternate ones imperfect and scale-like. Ovai'y of 2 pistils united at
the base ; styles short. Pod opening loculicidnlly from the top, the outer
coat separating from the inner, which encloses the single large, bony seed
in each" cell, but soon bursts elastically into two pieces.

A large shrub, 8 to 12 feet high, with flexuous branches. Leaves al-
ternate, on shoi't petioles, obovate or oval, repandly sinuate-crenate, Tin-
equal or obli([uely sub-cordate at the base, scabrous witli minute elevated
spots beneath. The flowers are in nxillary clusters, appearing from Sep-
tember until late in the fall, the fruit maturing the next year.

Habitat. — Li moist woods from Canada to Florida and westward ; veiy

common.

10

146 llAMAiMKLACEiE.

Paris FsPtL — Tho loaves, nnd tlio bark of the young branclica Tlio
Unitcid Stales I imnimcoiHiiii dirocts tliat tlio loaves collected in antuinn
ulono bo useil. In the opinion of tho author tliis is a nnstake, for from
personal experience ho beliovea tho bark of tho young branches to be more
ellicient.

('(iiisliliicn/!': Chemieal analysis has as yet thrown little light upon tho
thorapouti<' activity of witch-ha/cl. Tho only constituent lluis far discovered
of known elliicacy is tannin, which was found in the bark in the proporiion
of 8.10 per cent.

./'rcpinyttions. — Extractuni hamanielidislluiduiu — fliiid extract of hania-
raelia.— Cnited States J'hurmacopwia. A so-called extract of witch-hazel,
said to be prepared by distillation, is largely \ised as a popidar remedy. A
saturated tincture of the l)ark lias yielded tho author more satisfactory re-
sults than any otlier pi-eparation ho has emi)loyed.

Medical J'l'operlias and C'sck. — Hamanuilis until recently has been little
employed except by honuoopathic practitioners and by the laity. That it
possesses therapeutic activity will be doubted by few who have employed
it carefully and intelligenlly ; and that its acitivity is greater than can bo
reasonably attributed to tlio percentage of tannin it contains will bo con-
ceded by most unprejuilit'cid observers. As stated by Dr. Pii'l'ard : " ' Tho
sphere of action of hamamelis is mainly confined to tho vascular system and
to the venous rather than the arterial ; in fact, its influence on tho former
is as decided as that of aconite on the latter. There is no evidence, how-
ever, to show that it in any way intluences vessels of the viscera, but, so
far as yet known, limits its eftects to vessels distributed to the skin and
mucous membranes. It covers a portion only of the ground occupied by
ergot in this respect, but within its own proper field it does not yield to
this latter in etftcacy." '

It is employed internally in hcmoiThago from the lung.s, bowels, uterus,
etc., and topically in hemorrhoids ami varicose veins, bruises, sprains, etc.

LIQUIDAMBAIi.— Sweet Gum Tree.

Liquidambar Styraciflua Linne. — Sweet Gum Tree.

I'>es<ri2>f'on. — Flowers usually monoocious ; sterile without calyx or co-
rolla, arranged in a conical cluster, stamens numerous ; fertile, also nal ed,
consisting of numerous 2-celled ovaries collected in a globular head. Fruit
a spherical, woody head, made up of tho cohering ovaries, each of whose
cells opens at maturity between its two beaks. Ovules in each cell nu-
merous, but only one or two of them perfecting.

A large, beautiful tree ; stem straight, freely brancihod above, with a
gray, corrugated bark, that of the young branches, especially in young

' Materia Medica and Therapeutics, p. 212. By Charles D. F. Phillips, edited by
n. G. riffard. New Yirk, 1879.

LKiUIDAMIlAU — SWKKT GUM TIIKi:.

14'

treeH, with elevated corky ritlf:fPH. Leaves roumlod in f^'oneral outline,
deeply 5- to T-lobed, Hinootli and Hhininf,', j^'lundular-sciTntc, the lobes
pointed. They become deep criiiison in autumn, and thus give the tree a

Fia. 128.— lilquiJambnr Rtyraciflun.

strikingly beautiful appearance. The flowers are produced in Ajiril, tlio
fruit maturing in autunui and ])ersisting upon tli(; tree until late in the
season.

AVhen wounded the bark exudes a sweetish, resinous gum resembling
storax, and possessing similar pi'operties. Storax itself is produced by an
exotic species of the same genus, Liquidamhar orioi/nlis Miller.

Habitat. — In moist woods from Connecticut to Illinois and southward.

]\irt Used. — Tlie gum — not ofHc-ial.

CouKtitnnit.^. — Sweet gum, as it exudes, is a
thick lifpiid of a syrupy consistence, but hardens
upon exposure and finally becomes solid. It has
a pleasant balsamic odor and a sweetish, bal-
samic taste, followed by a sensation of pungency.
It contains cinnamic arid, .''ti/rnci)!, and an aro-
matic oily hydro-carbon having the properties of
H]irol. These are the essential constituents of
storax also.

Preparation^^. — None ai'e official. A syrup of
sweet gum, prepared according to the official
formula for syrup of tolu, is said to be an eligi-
ble preparation.

Medical Propertie.'i and Uses. — Like storax, sweet gum is used chiefly in
catarrhal aft'cctions, especially those of the respiratory and urinary raucous

Fig. 129.-

Liniiiciiimbur Styriicifliia
(Truit).

146 ()Naokacj:j:.

membmnes, hh clmdiii^ bronchitis, cystitiH, pyelitiH, <,'()norrlif)nn, and plcct.
J'iXtorrmlly, in tin; l'(»nii of jni ointinciit, it lui.s boon oniployod HUccobHfully
in bctibioa, buriiM, iroht-bitcs, uikI in<lulent iilcorn.

ONACRACEyE.

Chnroi'/cr (if llir Order. — ^■Hcil)s, witli nin^plo leaves ami commonly 4-
iiiorouH llowcrH. Culyx tubnliu', cohorinfj^ with tlio 2- to 4-(!olk(l oviiry, the
limb nsufiUy 4-cloi't, its loboH valviit*! in the bud. Potjils convoluto in
the bud, ()c:c:isionally \viintin<j;. Stiimcns iis many, or t\vi(!o iis many, us
the lobos of the calyx, and inserted uj^jon tlio calyx-tube. Style single.
Fruit succulent or capsular.

An or(hr rcjM'csontod in North Aniorica by fifteen j^enera and one hun-
dred and forty-five species, mostly unimjiortant plants.

EPILOBIUM. --Willow Heub.

Epilobium angustifolium Linnc. — (,'rcat Willoio Herb.

DeHcrlptioa. — Calyx-tube not prolonged beyond the ovary, the limb 4-
cleft, deciduous. Corolla : petals 4, obovate, unj^aiiculate, pink-purple.
Stamens H. Capsule linear, 4-sided, 4-celled, 4-valved, many-seeded, the
seeds with a tuft of long hairs at the end.

An herbaceous pcremiial. Stem erect, 4 to 7 feet high, simple, mostly
glabrous. Leaves sessile, lanceolate, nearly entire, or with slightly uu(hi-
late margins. Flowers large and showy, in a long spicate raceme, ajipear-
ing from July till September.

llubllal. — From the mountains of North Carolina northward and west-
ward. Very common from I'ennsylvania and New York northward,

J 'arts Uncd. — The leaves and root — not oliicial,

Constiluents. — Unknown.

I^i'eparatioHH. — There are none. The plant is said to yield its virtues
to water or alcohol.

Medical Propertifs and Vi^ea. — Willow herb is said to be " tonic, astrin-
gent, demulcent, and emollient. An infusion of the leaves will be found
beneficial in chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, leucorrhooa, menorrhagia, and
uterine hemorrhage, and forms an excellent loc:d ajjplication for ophthal-
mia, ulcerations of the mcmth aftd throat, and leucorrhcea. The leaves in
poultice are a valuable remedy for foul and indolent ulcers " (King). If
the plant be really so valuable ns tlie above statement would indicate, it is
rather remarkable tliat its virtues are not better known and ajipreciated.

Several other indigenous species of ejiilobium have been used medic-
inally, but without acquiring any reputation. „.,„. .,4

(KNOTUKUA KVKNIN(> IMlIMItOSK. Hi)

(ENOTHEUA.— EvKNiNci ruiMHOSE.

(Enothera biennis Liniu'. — Eccinurj Primroxc

I h'ai'nitliiin. — (Juh x-tuhc prolorif^ctl bcyoiul tlio oviirv, (IccidiiouH, tlift
liiiil) i-crlcrt, the lobes reilexcd. Coiollii : jxtiils 1, obcurihitc, liglit yclluw.
Stiiiiu'MH 8. CiipHuloH oblouf,'. 4-viilv(j(l, niiuiy-set'iU'd.

All iiiiiui.il itr bu'imiiil hcrl). Stiiiii erect, commonly Imiry, 1 to H
foet liij^h. Leaves oviite-laiuM'olate, uciito, obscurely toothed. Flowers in
11 teriniiiiil spike ; I hey expand late ill the afternoon or in the; eveniiifjf and
wither next day. Th(> 2)laiit oivairs in niiinerous varieties, ditVerin^' in re-
Hi)eet to size of llowers, etc.

Habitat. — III fields, ^vasto places, along fences and roadsides ; common
everywhere.

J*nrt)i Uacd. — The baric, leaves, and the young branches — not oiKcial.

('()iiditiicntr<. —Unknown.

Prepartil.Kin.^, — A decoction has be<;n reconiniended.

Mi'diral /'roperlicH and I'fics. — Dr. (irillith recommends tho decoction
as a local application "in infantile eruptions," of Avliat character, however,
he does not state. Its virtu(>s, if it have any, are yet to be ascertained.

UMBELLIFER/E.

Character I >f the Onlrr. — Herbs, with alternate, mostly compound leaves,
and flowers in umbels. Calyx wholly adherent to the ovaiw ; limb obso-
lete or minutely 5-toothed. Petals 5, small, imbricate in tho bud, or vul-
vate, with tho point iiiflexed, inserted, together with the 5 stamens, upon
tho disk which crowns tho ovary. Ovary 2-c(!lled, each cell 1-oviiled ;
styles 2. Fruit coniposod of 2 soed-liko cjirpels, which during develop-
ment are closely adherent to each other, but at maturity separate and an;
usually susi)endcd from the summit of a prolongation of the axis. Each
carpel, commonly though erroneously denominated a seed, is marked lon-
gitudinally by 5 primary and 5 alternate secondary ridges, betwo<'n which
are minute tubes, called vdlir, containing essential oil. Seed jM'opcr sus-
l)ended from the summit of tho cell, with a minuto embryo in hard albu-
nieii. Stems usually hollow. Leaves with dilated or clasping petioles.
Umbels generally compound, the seco'ndary ones being termed umbellets.

A very large and well-characteinzed order, comprising many species
of medicinal or economic importance. Many of them jiossess agreeable
aromatic properties ; many others, on tho other hand, are actively poison-
ous. In general the poisonous meml)ers of the order grow in wet places,
so that an umbellate plant found in such a situation should bo viewed
with suspicion until its character has been ascertained. The flowers of all
l)lants of tlu! order bear a close similarity to each other, and are therefore

150 UMBELLIFER^.

of little use in doteruiining the genera, -which must ho studied by the
fruits, loaves, etc.

The (H-dor is represented in North America by forty-five genera com-
prising one hundred and sixty-eiglit species, few of which are of medicinal
importance.

•

SANICULA.— Sanui.k.

Sanicula Marilandica Linno. — Sanidc, Iliad: Smkoroot.

Ih'^vriptioii. — Calyx-teeth persistent. Petals obovate, erect, connivcnt,
with a long inllexed point, greenish or yellowish. Styles elongate- 1 and
conspicuous, recurved. Fruit globular, the cari:)els not separating at ma-
turity, without ribs, thickly set 'th hooked prickles, and having each 5
oil-tubes.

A perennial herb, 2 to 3 feet high. Leaves digitately 5- to 7-parted, the
segments incisely and nuicronately serrate, the radical ones long-petioled.
Umbels iri-egidur or compound, tlie llowers capitate in tlie und)ellets, most
of them perfect but with many staminate ones intermingled, the latter on
slender pedicels. Fruits several in each umbellet.

JIahifat. — "^^'oods and copses, Canada to Carolina and westward ; every-
where common.

I'art Usrd. — The root — not official.

Const ituoits. — Un known.

T'rcparafions. — It is administered in powder or decoction.

Medical Properties and Uae.^. — Perhap" it would be Avell to state that
the medical properties of sanicde, if it have any, are, like its constituents,
uidvuown, thouj'h various and contradictoiy properties have been ascribed
to it ; as, for instance, that it is nervine, anodyne, and astringent, and tluit
it h.as been used with advantage in intermittent fever, sore thiv^at, cynanche
ti'achealis, erysipelas, some &kin diseases, chorea, gonorrhoea, dysentery,
passive liemorrhages, and leucorrhcea, Until further evidence be adduced
in its favor, one may reasonably remain skeptical regarding its virtues.

ERYXGIU; i .— EiivNGO.

Eryngium yucccefolium Miclinxix.—Jlattlesnak'c's jMaster, Button
Snakerodt.

D' script ii i». — Calyx-teeth persistent. Petals oonnivent, ol )long-obovate,
emirgiuate, a itli a very h g inllexed point. Styles filiform. Carp'ds
semi-tere^^a without ^ lbs or oil-tubes.

A perennia' herb, 1 to G feet high. Leaves broadly linear, w^'th
strai, ht, simplo parade! veins, remotely cill. ^e with soft spines. Flowers
sessile, in dorse globose or cylindi'ical heads, appearing in -Tuly or August.

Habitat. — Dry or damp pine barrens or prairies from New Jersey to
Wisconsin and southwf'd.

DAUCUS — CARllOT.

151

Pari Ui^ed. — The root — not official.

ConslUuenls. — Unknown.

J 'reparations. — Administered in decoction.

Med'''nl Properties and Uses. — Button snakeroot is one of the ijumerous
plants reputed to cure the bite of the rattlesnake. It is diaphoretic, di-
uretic, expectorant, and in large doses emetic.

Other indigenous species of this genns probably possess similar prop-
erties.

DATJCUS.— Cauuot.

Daucus Carota Linne. — Garrut.

Description. — Calyx 5-toothjd. Corolla, petals obovate, emarginato
with an iullexed point, the exterior ones larger than the others, deeply 2-

Fm. 1"0 — Danons Ciirotn.

cleft Fruit ovate or oblong ; the carpels nitL 5 primray slender bristly
ribs, of wb' h. lU'ee ave on the back and two on the flattened surface, and
4 secondary ribs, each with a single row of bristles, and uuderjieath it an
oil-tube.

152 UMBELLIFEILE.

A biennial lierb, witli a fusiform root. Loavos 2- to ,1-pinnato, or pin-
luitely dividcil. Uiii])els concave, with an involucre of severul trilitl or
pinnatitid leaflets. Flowers white or cream-colored, the central one of
each umbellet abortive and dark purpls ; they are produced throughout
the summer.

Ifuhitat. — A native of the Eastern continent but naturalized throughout
the United States, an<l in many places lias become a vei-y troublesome
weed. The cultivated varieties produce large fleshy roots of great eco-
uomic value.

I'(>.rl Used. — The fruit — not officdal.

ConHiUaenta. — Carrot fruit contains a small percentage of aromatic vol-
atile oil, to which it owes its medicinal activity.

J'rcixiralions, — It is commonly administered in powder.

Medical rroperUes and Cf^ct-: — Carrot fruit is stimidant, diuretic, and
somewhat aromatic. Like many other remedies of similar proi)erties, it
has been used to stimulate menstruation and for the relief of strangury.
The root of the cultivated plant boiled and reduced to a pulp forms an ad-
mirable poultice.

IIERACLEUM.— Cow-PAKSNir.

Heracleum lanatum Michnnx. — Jl[at<tcru'orf, Coic-Parsnip.

J)r>'cripli()}i. — Calyx-teeth minute or obsoh.-te. Corolla : petals obcor-
date with an inflexed point, those of the outer flowers often larger and
radiant, appearing deeply 2-cleft. Fruit compressed on the back, with a
broad flat margin ; ribs, :{ dorsal and (([ui-distant, 2 lateral near (he di-
lated margin ; oil-tubes shorter than the fruit, 1 in each iijier\al a' lisu-
ally 2 in the commissure.

A large pei'ennial herb. Stem 4 to 8 f(>et high. Leaves hii>.(., ti'^'nately
divided, the segments 4 to 10 inches in diameter, unequally Irued, the
loues acuminate, nearly glabrous above, pubescent beneath. Umbels
widely spreading, (5 to 10 inches or more in diameter ; involucre of 0 to 10
oblong-lanceolate, caducous leaflets. Flov^ers white, appearing in June.

IlubilaL — In rich wet ground from Labrador to Pennsylvania and west-
ward.

Vmi Used. — The root — not official.

(Joriditucnls. — Unknown.

Preparalions. — Used in infusion.

Mcduvl Properlies and Vsru. — "When fresh, the leaves or root placed in
contact with the skin cause irritation and inflammation.. The root is said
to be stinnilant, antispasmodic, and carminative. Though recommended in
epilepsy and a variety of other nervous disorders, little is known of its efti-
cacy. That it is active, even poisonous, seems well established, but its
therapeutic uses are yet to be ascertained. - ^

CICUTA WATEIMIEMLOCK. 15.'}

ARCHANGELICA.

Archangelica atropurpurea Hoffiiinn. — Great Angelica.

Dexcrijjiion. — Calyx- toetli short. Corolla: petals olliptical, entire, with
an inflexed i)oint. Fruit somewhat dorsally coiiipi'essod, Knio(>th ; earpols
■with ii rather thiek earinatcd dorsal ribs, and with lateral ribs dilated into
marginal wings ; seed becoming loose in the pericarp, and having numer-
ous oil-tubes which adhere to its surface.

A large perennial herb. Stem 4 to 0 feet high, smooth, striate-snloate,
dark pui'i^le. Leaves usually with large inflated petioles, 3-parted, the
divisions bipinnateh' divided ; segments of the secondary divisions ft to
7, shar])ly cut-serrtite, acute. L'nd)els somewhat globose after flowering,
(5 to 8 inches in diameter ; flowers greenish-white, appearing in May and
June.

Hahilal- -Low river banks, Peinisylvania to Wisconsin and northward.

J'art Used. — The root — not olHcial.

Confitifncnl.'^. — Unknown, but probably similar to tliose of Eui'ojjean an-
gelica, namely, a volatile oil, a somewhat acrid resin termed (iiiydiciii, aud
eonnnou vegetable principles.

Preparations. — None are ofHcial. The drug is administered in powder
or infusion.

j\le(iic(d /'rapcrtie.^ ana Uses. — Angelica is aromatic, stimulant, diapho-
"ctic, and in large doses emetic. It has been empk)yed with benefit in
(ihronic bronchitis, chronic rheumatism and gout, intermittent fevei", etc.
Like many other remedies of similar properties, it is used in domestic
practice to promote the menstrual discharge.

CICUTA.— Wati:u-IIi:.m].ock.

Cicuta maculata Linne. — American Waler-IIe.mlock, Spotted Cow-
f)ane, .irnsqnasli Hoot.

Description. — Calyx-teeth minute. Corolla : petals obovate with in-
flexed points, Avhite. Fruit, sub-gloliose, laterally contracted ; cai-jjels wiili
;■) flatfish, strong ribs, the int(n'vals each with an oil-tube.

A stout perennial herb, with tuberous roots. Stem 1 to H feet high,
finely striate Avith green and piu'ple, and sometimes spotted. Leaves
thrice pinnately or tcniately compound, the lower oiu s on long petioles ;
leaflets lanceolate or oblong, serrate, acuminate, with veins appearing to ter-
minate in the notches ; close observation, however, shows that they are con-
tinued along one side to the points of the teeth. Umbels without an invo-
lucre or with one of 1 or 2 leaflets. The flowers are produced in July aud
August.

Habitat. — In swamps and wet places ; common everywhere.

154

UiMBKLLIFElJyE.

Water-licmlock, thougli an energetic poison, is not used mctliciually.
It is introduced liere niorely that it nux}' be distinguished from Conium
viacidutum, described behow, for the two are not infrequently confounded
by the superticial observer.

CONIUM.— Poison IlEMiiOCK.

Conium maculatum Linnc. — Poison Hemlock.

JJcscriplioii. — Calyx-teeth obsolete. Corolla : petals obcordatc, with a
short inflexed point, white. Fruit ovate, laterally comi^ressed ; carj^els
•with 5 prominent, wavy ribs, the intervals Avithout oil-tubes ; seed gi'ooved
on its face.

A biennial herb, with a fusiform root. Stem 2 to 5 feet high, round,
branched, glabrous, often spotted Avitli purple. Leaves decompound ;

ultimate segments ovate or lan-
ceolate, deeply cut. Umbels ter-
minal, not large for the size of
the plant ; involucre and involu-
cels ;5- to 5-leaved, the latter uni-
lateral. The flowers appear in
July.

Iluhilat. — Conium is indige-
nous to Europe and Asin, but has
hecome naturalized here and if?
common in waste places in the
Northern and Middle States.

Part U><('.d.—1\w. fruit, gath-
ered Avhile yet green — United
Slates Pharniaropicin. The juice
of the fresh plant — SuecH.^co)iii —
was formerly oflicial, but has
been dropped because of its un-
reliability. The leaves are also
eilicient, though no longer of-
ficial.

(Jonstituenlt. — The most im-
portant constituent of coniun. '>*
the alkaloid conia. This is a vo-
latile, colorless, inflammable, oily
liquid, specific gravity 0.88, having a strong alkaline reaction and a dis-
agreeable, tobacco-like odor, resend)ling that of the fresh plant. The
therapeutic virtues of conium reside in conia, its other constituents being
unimportant.

iVc;para<ions. —Abstractum couii— abstract of conium ; extractum couii

Fig. 131. — Cotiiuni nmculatnn;;.

AllALIA, 1

no

aleoliolicu'.n — alcoholic! extract of couium ; cxtractum conii fluidum — tluid
extract of conium ; tiuctura coiiii — tiucture of couium. — United Slulc^i
Pharmacopam.

Mcdival ProiM'.rties and Uses. — The literature of few drugs is more lui-
satisfactory than that of coniura, cliiellj because iueificieut or wholly inert
preparations have been so largely employed. The active principl(> is }iot
only volatile, l)ut also subject to cliemical decomi){)sition ; honest* tlie li'aves
and fruit rapidly deteriorate Avheu carelessly preserved, and hence, also,
preparations are not infrequent!}' either spoiled during the i)rocess of
manufacture or ruined by want of care in keeping. From these causes
have resulted many of tlie conflicting statements regarding the therapeutic
activity of the drug. Those oljservcrs who, reasoning fi'om the physiolog-
ical action of conium, have deduced the indicriions for its use as a remedy,
mainly agree in recommending it in cases of undue muscular excitement,
as in acute mania and chorea, where it is desirable to lessen the wear of
the system, and in diseases of a spasmodic character, as asthma, Avhooping-
cough, laryngismus strididus, and tetanus. This deduction is exceedingly
jjlausible, since conium exerts its most decided effects iipon the motor
nerves, and probably has no direct action upon the sensory lilamenls. IJut
those observers who have rested their ojiinions upon clinical experience
rather than theoretical deductions, assert quite as positively that conium
exerts an alterant and deobstruent influence upon a variety of glandular
enlargements and tumors, and that it is capable of relieving the pains
of cancer and those of other painful ailections. Willi gi-eater care in the
selection of efHcient r reparations, these differences of oinniou will proba))ly
grow rapidly less, and soon the true place of the drug will be found.

ARALIACEiC.

Character of tlw Order. — Herbs, shrubs, or trees, having the general
characteristics of the Umbelliferie, but differing in respect to the fruit,
wliich always consists of more than two carpels and is in the form of a
drupe. Tiie order is represented in North America by two genera, name-
ly, Aralia and Fat.sia, the former comprising medicinal species.

ARALIA.

Character of tlic Genus. — Calyx-tube adherent to the ovary, the limb
5-toothed, or entire and almost obsolete. Corolla : petals o, inserted on
tlie margin of the epigynous disk. Stamens 5, alternating with the petals,
jpigynous. Stylos 2- to o, mostly distinct, or, in the sterile flowers, slio?'t
and united. Ovary 2- to 5-celled, with a single pendulous ovide in each
cell. Fruit a drupe, with as many seeds as there are cells in the ovary.

H(!rbs, shrubs, or trees, with compound or decompound leaves. Flow-
era more or less polygamous, white or greenish, in umbels.

15() AUALlACEvK.

The genns comprises two svib-genora, Araliu proper niul Ginseiir>;
{I'ana.v Lima').

Avidia. — Flowers monfjDciously polygaiuous or perfect. Styles and
(u)lls of the ovary 5. Fruit black or dark ijurj)!*'.

Aralia spinosa Liimc. — Anydica Tree, Ikrciiles Club.

DeHcrijdion. — A shrub or low tree. Stem and ^letiolcs jirickl}'. Leaves
bipinnafely compound ; loatlets ovate, Herrate, acuminate, glabrous above,
glaucous beneath. Umbels in a very large, much-branched panicle.
Flowers white, ajipearing in July and August.

Ifahildl. — In damp woods on river-banks from Pennsylvania to Florida
and westward.

Aralia racemosa 'iimw.—Sp'drmiril.

/h'scrip/ioii. — An herbaceous pei'ennial. Stem :> to .5 feet high, divari-
cately braiiched. Leaves ternately or cpiiuately decompound ; leaflets cor-
date-ovate, dfnibly serrate, acuminate, slightly imbescent. Umbels small
and numerous, in large doubly compound racemose panicles. Flowers
small, greenish-\vhite, appearing in July. The roots are large and fleshy,
and have, as well as the whole plant, an aromatic but not altogether
agreeable odor.

I/iihilaf. — In rich woods from Canada to Georgia and westward.

Aralia nudicaulis Linne. — 117^/ SarHapariUa.

Description. — An herbaceous perennial. Hoot or rhizome long, jn-os-
trate, creeping just beneath the surface of the ground. Stem very short,
hearing a single long-stalked leaf and a shorter scape. Petiole 3-cleft,
(Mcli division pinnafcly 5-foliate ; leaflets oblong-ovat(\ or oval, serrate,
acuminate. Scape with 2 to 7 umbels of greenish-white flowers. Fruit
I)ui'plish-black. The flowers appear in -May and June.

IJahiUtL — Li rich moist woods from Canada to the inountains of the
Southern States.

(Hii.-fciKj [I'iiDii.i: Linn/')- -I'lowers diiuciously polygamous. Styles and
cells of the ovary 2 or M. Fruit ixmI or reddish.

Aralia quinquefolia Decaisne and Planchon — (Panax quinqui'folium
Linne). — Ginsen;/.

De.icriijtion. — An herbaceous perennial. Root large and spindle-shaped.
Stem 1 foot high, bearing at its sunnnit a whorl of three i)almately 15- to 7-
foliate leaves and a single umbel ; leaflets obovate-oblong, acmninate.
Peduncle naked, slender, about as long as the petioles ; flowers yellowish-
green, ai)pearing in July.

Ikihitat. — In rich upland woods from Canada to the moimtains of the
Soutliern States.

Pin-t.-f Vs-fcl. — Of A spinosa, the bark ; of A. racemosi, A. nudicaulis, and
A. quinquefolia, the root. None of the plants are official.

Co)if<tituents. — In the bark of A. spinosa have been found two acrid res-
ins, a volatile oil, and what is thought to be an uncrystallizable alkaloid.

All A LI A.

ir)7

besiik's coiuinon vegetable pnuciplea The ronstituenta of the other spe-
cies iiro unknown.

PrcparaUouH. — Whatever viriues any of these phmts jiossess are yieltled
to boUing water. Fhiid extracts of two or three of them occur as commer-
cial articles.

Mcdlrid Vropniics and Ukci^. — All these plants possess, to a ja^reater or
less extent, aromatic and .stimulant properties, and probably no others,
thoujjfh many diverse virtues have been attributed to them. A. spinosa
is apparently the most active. A. nudicaulis, as its common name {wild
mrmpardla) indicates, was formerly supposed to partake of the virtues of

Sh^^mi

Via. l.'!2 — Arnliii quinfiuofolin.

true sarsaparilla, but as the latter plant is at present little esteemed, the
reputed virtues of the former are not worthy of much attention. A. (piin-
quefolia (ginncittj) is at present oniy esteemed by the Chinese, who consider
it a panacea. \

As remarked above, all these plants are aromatic and stinudant.
Given iu warm infusicm tliej' are capable of inducing" dia])h()resis, and in
this manner acting- bonelicially in certain eases, as cln-onic i-heuniatism and
various cutaneous eru})tions. Doubtless tlu^ manner in which tlie drug is
.'ulministered has quite as much to do with the eti'ect produced as any
medicinal pi'operty of the dru^- itHelf. Hence the alterative properties
formerly attributed to these plants have littlo fouudatiou in fact.

158 coiiNACE^:.

CORNACEiC.

Character of the Order. — Slirul)H or trees, with opposite or r.iterimte,
Him])lo leaves. Cnlyx-tube iulliercnt to the ovury, its liinbl-tootlied. i'etals
4, vjilviite in the bud. Htiiineus 4, inserted witli tlie petals on the margin
of !in epigynoiLS disk. Style single ; ovary 1-celled, each cell with u sii.gle
sus])ended ovule. Fruit a 1- to 2-seedod drupe.

A small order, represented in North America by three genera, n.'imely,
Coruus, Garryu, and Nyssa, the tirst-numed alone comprising medicinal
species.

CORNUS.— CoKNKi-— DouwooD.

Character of the Genus. — P.arts of the tlower as in the chai'acter of the
order. Fruit a small drupe, with a 2-ceUed, 2-seeded stone. Leaves op-
posite except in a single species. Flowers small, in open naked cymes,
or in close heads surroundtnl by a corolla-like involucre.

CornilS florida Linne. — FUm-crui<j Dixju-ond.

lh;'<cripli(>ii.—Y\i)\\i'Yv, small, greenish-yellow, in a close head or
cluster, which is surrounded by a showy 4-leaved involucre. Drupes
bright red.

A tree, 10 to 30 feet high. Leaves opposite, ovate, pointed, acute at
the base. Leaves of the involucre 1 to 1,^ incli long, white or pinldsh, ob-
cordate, or with a callous notch at the apex. The iiowors appear in Miu^--
and June, before the leaves are fully develoijed, and with their showy in-
voluci-es render the tree a very striking object.

JfubUal. — Li woods and low grounds from Canada to Florida and west-
ward ; everywhere common.

Cornus circinata ISViov.- - J^ound-lmvcd Dogirood.

Detfcn) il ion. —YlowL'VH white, in open, s^jreading cymes, without an in-
volucre. Drupes light blue.

A shrub, (J to 10 feet high. Leaves opposite, broadly oval or orbicular,
abruptly acuminate, 4 to o inches long, 2 to 5 inches bi'oad, tomentose
ben(vith. The c\ynies are rather small, but niuiicrous ; the flowers apjjear
in J I je, after the leaves are pi'c>tty wiill dcncloped.

JIubitut. — Shady banks of streams from Canada to the mountains of
Virginia and westward.

Cornus sericea JAum^.—Simmp Dogwood, Sdky Cornel

Description. — Flowers white, in open, spreading rhymes, without an in-
volucre. Drupes light l^hie.

A shrub, 0 to 10 feet high, the bark greenish-2)urplo or brownish-
purphi. Leaves ovateor ellii)tical, cons])i(aiously pointed, the lower surface,
as well as the petioles and smaller branches, silky-i)ubescent. Cymes close ;
the flowers appear in May and June.

PLATE V.

'■ 'olinson, Del.

CORNUS FLORIDA.

M HRMCKK , 1,1 ni N Y

I
Plate V — Cornusflorida.

Fia. 1.— Flowering bninch, natural aizo.
Fio, 2.— Single flower, enlarged.

I

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

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Photographic

Sciences
Corporation

33 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, NY. 14S8C

(716) 872-4503

CORNUS — CORNEL — DOGWOOD. IGl

Huhilat. — In wot places, Canada to Georgia and westward.

l^art Used. — The bark of the root of Cornus llorida — United States
Phnrmaroprcia. The hark of all the species is employed, though that of
the root is said to be most efficient.

Constituents. — The bark of the official species has a bitter, astringent,
and slightly aromatic taste. Besides the ordinary vegetal)le principles, it
contains a peculiar bitter principle, termed cornin, or comic acid, to which
its medicinal virtues are probabl}', in a great measure, due. Its astringency
is due to a small percentage of gallic and tannic acids. The other species
of cornus sa'e believed to contain similar principles.

J^'epnrations. — Extracitum cornus fluidum — fluid extract of cornus. —
United States Fharmacopana. The decoction is also said to be an efficient
preparation, though Professor Maisch observed that the bitter jirincijile,
when in aqueous solution, is altered and destroyed by exposure to air
and heat. The bark is also administered in powder. A commercial ar-
ticle occurs, erroneously termed cornin, which is prepared by evaporating
an aqueous extract or by precipitating an alcoholic tincture with water ;
it is said to be much less efficient than the official fluid extract.

Medical rroperties and Uses. — Dogwood is tor ic, astringent, and slightly
arom" .ic. It is believed to be the best indigenous substitute for cinchona
bark, and in early days was used with considerable success in the ti-eat-
ment of miasmatic fevers. As a mild tonic in convalescence, in simple loss
of appetite, and in debility of the digestive organs, it is also said to act
favorably.

Division II. — Mono pet alous Exogenous Plants.

Plants with both calyx and corolla, the latter composed of petals more

or less united, and hence termed monopetalous.

«

CAPRIFOLIACE/C.

Character of the Order. — Shnxbs or small trees — rarely herbs — with op-
posite, simple or compound leaves. Calyx-tube adherent to the ovary, its
limbs 4- to 5-cleft or lobed. Corolla tubular, urn shaped or wheel-shaped,
equally or unequally 4- to 5-lobed. Stamens as many as the lobes of the
corolla — sometimes one less — inserted upon its tube. Ovary 2- to 5-celled ;
style filiform, somewhat capitate, sometimes absent, when the 2 to 5 stig-
mas are sessile. Fruit n berrj', drupe, or pod, 1- to many-seeded.

An order represented in North America by seven genera, four of which
comprise medicinal species.

162 CAPRIFOLIACEyE.

DIERVILLA.— BuHii-HoNKYSUCKi.E.

Diervilla trifida Muenchausen. — Bush- Honey suckle.

Deacriplion. — Calyx4ube attenuated at the summit, its limb 5-partecl,
the lobes linear or awl-sliapetl, persistent. Corolla funnel-formed, the limb
5-cleft, regular, or slightly 2-lipped, greenish-yellow, about three-fourths
of an inch long. Stamens 5. Ovary 2-celled ; stigma peltate-capitato. Pod
ovoid-oblong, pointed, 2-celled, 2-valved, septicidal, many-seeded.

An upright shrub, 2 to 4 feet high. Leaves 2 to 4 inches long, oblong-
ovate, acuminate, serrate, on short petioles. Peduncles axillary or ter-
minal, 1- to 3-flowered. The Howors appear from June to August.

Habitat. — Pioclcy woods from Canada to the mountains of North Caro-
lina.

Farts Used. — The root, leaves, and twigs — not official.

Constituents. — Unknown.

Preparations. — It is commonly employed in infusion.

Medical Properties ana Uses. — Said to be diuretic, astringent, and altera-
tive, and to have been used successfully in nephritic and calculous affec-
tions, in gonorrhoia, and inflammation of the bhidder with gravelly deposit.
If it were not alsc said to be curative in syphilis, one might possibly have
some faith in its medicinal virtue. As, however, the latter statement is just
as authci'itative as the former, the whole subject is left in doubt.

TRIOSTEUM.— Feverwort. •

Triosteum perfollatum Linno. — Feverwort, Horse- Gentian, Wild
Ipecac.

Description. — Calyx-tube ovoid, its limb 5-parted, the segments linear-
lanceolate, leaf-like, persistent. Corolla tubular, somewhat gibbous at the
base, almost equally 5-lobed, about as long as the calyx, bipwnish-purple.
Stamens o. Ovary commonly 3-celled, with a single suspended ovule in
each cell ; style slender. Fruit a rather dry drupe, 3-angled, 3-seedcd.

An herbaceous perennial, with a thick, fleshy root. Stem 2 to 4 feet
high, stout, simple, softly hairy. Leaves opposite, cuneate at the base, 4
to 7 inches long, 2 to 4 inches wide, oval or ovate, acuminate, abruptly
narrowed below, hairy above, velvety-pubescent beneath. Flowers axillary,
sessile or nearly so, solitary or clustered, appearing in June.

Habitat. — In rich woodlands from Canada to the mountains of North
Carolina and westward.

Part Used. — The root — not official.

Constituents. — Unknown.

Preparations. — Triosteum yields its virtues to water and alcohol, and
may be administered in infusion or tincture.

VIBIRNUM ARROW- WOOD. 1(').'^

Medical Prnperlies^ and Uses. — The voot lias a clisapji'ocable odor and a
bitter, nauseous taste. It is cathartic and in large doses e.netic ; rarely
used.

SAMBUCUS.— Eloku.

Sambucus Canadensis Linne. — Common Elder.

Dexcviplion. — Calyx niinutc.ly 5-toothed, the teeth at length ohsolete.
Corolla urn-shaped, the lobes obtuse, widely spreading. Stamens 5.
Stigmas 3, Fruit a juicy, berry-like drupe, containing 3 small seed-like
nutlets.

A shrvibby plant, with numerous stems. 5 to 10 feet high, with a com-
paratively large pith. Leaves unequally pinnate ; leailets 7 to 11, oblong
or oval, acuniiniite, serrate. Flowers numerous, white, in compound
cymes, appearing in June. Fruit small, dark 2)urple or black, edible,
though having a taste which is, to most people, rather disa<^i'eeable.

H(d)ilat. — In thickets and along neglected fences from Cannda to Flor-
ida and westward ; everywhere common.

Part U^ed. — The flowers — United Slalea rharmacopma. The berries,
the inner bark of the stem, and the bark of the root are also employed, but
are not official.

Constituents. — Of the flowei-s : they have a peculiar, sweetish odor and
a bittei'ish taste. Upon distillation with water they yield a peculiar vola-
tile oil of a butyraceous consistence. Of the berries : saccharine matter
and malic acid. Of the bark : an acid identical with valerianic acid, be-
sides common vegetable principles.

Preparations. — None are official. An aromatic water, prepared by dis-
tillation from the flowers of a European species, is official with the Bi'itish.
The insjjissated juice of the berries has been employed medicinally, and a
wine made by fermenting the fresh juice is considerably i^scd in some
parts of the country. The bark is commonly employed in infusion.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Elder-flowers are said to be slightly sudor-
ific ; in the form of the distilled water, their only use is as a fragrant vehi-
cle. The berries are sometimes used in preparing cooling drinks ; they
appear to have no special medicinal activity. The br.rk and root are
actively cathartic and were formerly vised as hydragogues.

VIBURN UM. — Auuow-wooD

Character of the Genus. — Calyx 5-tootlied. Corolla rotate, deeply 5-
lobed. Stamens 5. Ovary 1- to 3-celled ; one of the cells containing an
ovule, the others abortive ; stigmas 3. Fruit a 1-celled, 1-seeded drupe*
with a thin pulp and a crustaceous, somewhat flattened stitne.

Shrubs or small trees, with simple, undivided, or lobed leaves. Flowers
white, in flat, terminal, compound cymes ; the marginal flowers sometimes
sterile or radiani

10-i CAPRIFOLIACEyE.

Viburnum prunifolium Tjumi-.—Jilnrk Ilnn.

Dc^cripliiH). — I'lowerH all iilikc, fertile. Fruit oblong-ovoid, compressed,
bluisli-l^liick, gliiucous, swcot.

A shrub or small tree, 8 to 20 feet bigli. Loaves roundiAli-oval, ovate
or obovate, obtuse or abruptly pointed, finely and sharply serrate, l)riglit
green, glabrous. Cymes numerous, sessile, ajipoaring in May.

Jfiil)il(if. — In dry woods and tiuclvcts from Connecticut to Illinois and
soutliward.

Viburnum Opulus Linn,'. — Granbemj Tree, IHijh Granhcrry, Cramp-
Hark.

Desicription. — ]Marginid flowers of the cymes without stamens or pistils,
but with cv^rollas nuich lai-ger than those of the fertile flowers. Fruit
nearly spherical, half an inch long, bright red, of a pleasant acid taste, re-
sendjling that of cranberritis, for whicli it is sometimes sidjstituted.

A shrub, 3 to 10 feet high, with spreading branches. Leaves 3-lobed,
3-ribbed, the lobes acuminate, toothed. Cymes 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
The flowei'S appear in May and June. A cultivated variety of this species,
the common garden snow-ball bush, has all its flowers st(!rile.

Ilabilnl. — In swani])S and ah)ng streams from Pennsylvania northward ;
less common than the preceding.

Part Used. — Tlie b:u-k of V. prunifolium — United States Pharmacopcpia.
The bark of V. Opulus has also been employed, and is said to act like that
of the ofiicial species.

(JondUticnix. — Analysis of V. prunifolium has shown the pi*escnce of a
brown resinous b(Kly of a very bitter taste, a greenish-yellow resin, or neutral
principle, aloo bitter, termed vUmrnin, valerianic acid, tannin, and other
unimportant vegetable constituents. V. Opulus probably possesses similar
constituents.

Preparation!^. — Extractum viburni fluidum — fluid extract of viburnum. —
United States Pharniacopa;ia. There are commercial fluid extracts of V.
Opulus.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Both these species of vibunuim are said
to be antispasmodic, nervine, astringent, and tonic, and to act specifically
upon the uterus. V. prunifolium is especially praised as a uterine sedative,
and is considered by many very efficient in threatened abortion and in
dysmenorrluea. The author has experimented with it to a considerable
extent, but with very unsatisfactory results. He has employed it in many
cases of threatened abortion, enjoining at the same time absolute rest in
the recuml)ent position, but never with any good effect Avliich could be
fairly attributed to the drug. He has never been able to discover that it
restrains hemorrhage or abates any of the ordinary symptoms of threat-
ened abortion. He has observed, however, that to many patients it is in-
tensely disagreeable, not nnfrequently exciting nausea and vomiting, and
thus directly contributing to bring about the result which it was intended

PLATE VI.

I. .lohnson.Del.

VIBURNUM PRUNIFOLIUM.

■H. HKtti'KK I.tTM. W.T.

Plate VI.— Viburnum prunifolium.

Fio. 1.— Flowering branch.

Fig. 2.— Calyx and pistil

Fig. 3 —Corolla and stamens— all natural size.

O ALl UM — BKDSTRA W — CLE A VKUS. 1 (5 7

to avert. With its use in (lystnonorrhoa ho has havl loss oxporionpo, Imt,
so far as it goes, tentlinf^ only to confirm him in the opinion tliat viburnum,
as a uterine seJative, has been much overrated.

RUBIACE^.

Character of the Orrfer.— Shrubs or herbs, with opposite leaves con-
nected by stipules, or with loaves in whorls without apparent stipules.
Calyx adherent, to the ovary. Corolla 3- to o-lobed, insort(^d, to<:;ether with
the same uund)ur of stamens, upon the calyx-tubo. Ovary 2- to -l-cellod.
Fruit various.

A larjifo oi'der, coniprisin<^ many inijjortant jjlants, amonj^ them tho
coffoo and cinchona trees, but represented in North America by only a few
comparatively unimportant genera. ,

GALIUM.— Bi:nsTUAw.—Ci,KAVK»s.

Character of the Genus. — Calyx-teeth obsolete. Corolla commonly 4-
parted, rarely o-parted, whecl-shaj^jed, valvato in the bud. Stamens as many
as the lobes of the corolla. Styles 2. Fruit globular, dry or fleshy, sepa-
rating at maturity into two iudehiscont, seed-like carpels, each containing
a single .seed.

Slender herbs, wdth square stems, whorled leaves, and smtdl axillary
or terminal cymose flowers. Tho roots frequently contain red coloring
matter.

Galium Aparine Linnc. — Clcai-em, Hoot^e-OnD^n.

DcHeriplltm. — Flowers axillary, on 1- to 2-llowered peduncles, white.
Fruit large, bristly with hooked prickles.

An annual herb, with a weak, reclining stem, bristly with recurved
prickles. Leaves in whorls of about 8, lanceolate, tapering at the base,
short-pointed, rough on the margins and mid-rib. It flowers from May or
June forward.

Ilabilat. — Common in shady thickets and margins of woods. Tlie
plant is indigenous to Europe, but whether introduced or indigenous hero
is not known.

Galium triflorum IMichaux. — Sweet-scented Bedt^traw.

Description. — Flowers axillary, on 3-flowei'ed peduncles, greenish.
Fruit hispid with hooked bristles.

An herbaceous perennial Stem reclining or procuinbent, bristly or
hispid backward iipon the angles. Leaves in whorls of (>, elliptical-
lanceolate, bristle-pointed, 1-veined, the margins commonly roughened.
It flowers in Juno and July.

Ilabilat. — Moist and rich woodlands throughout the United States and
Canada.

168 RuniAciLE.

Part Vaed. — Tlio herb — no*- official, Tlio roots of sovornl specios of
p;ii]iiuu wcio UHfid by tlio aliorii^'incs iih (lyo-KtulfH.

diDislilimnfi*. — TliOHO and w^vcral otlicr species of <^aliiiiu contain oitlici"
finlihiniiic or asprrfainiif acid, tofj^othcr with other orj^anic, acids, a bitter
l)rin(!ii)lo, and connuon vegetable principles. G, trilloruni contains also cou-
niarin, to wliioh its fragrant odor is diK;.

Prepm'atioiis. — There are commercial lluid extracts of some of tlio
species, but when nsed at all the })lanis are commonly administered in
decoction or in the form of the recently expressed jnice.

Medical / 'roper tict^ and rws. — Galium Aparine is diuretic and refrig-
erant. It has been used in many diseases of th(! urinary organs, in scaly
atl'ections of the skin, and in cancer, with asserted benefit-, (r. tritloriun
acts in a similar manner, but as it contains coumarin, it might also be ex-
j)ected to exert some intluence upon the nervous system.

CEPIIALANTIIUS.— BiiTTON'-Bi'SH.

Cephalanthus occidentalis Linne. — nutl()n-P>ui<h.

Description. — Calyx-tiil)0 inversely pyramidal, the limb 4-toothed.
Corolla tubular, slender, its limb -l-cleft, the lobes erect, imbricate in the
bud. Stamens •!, stylo filiform, exserted ; stigma capitate. Fruit dry,
inversely pyramidal, "1- to 4-celled, separating from the base to the summit
into 2 to \ closed, 1-seeded portions.

^. shrub, 3 to 10 feet high. Leaves opposite or ternate, oval or lancec
late, pointed, 3 to 5 inches long. Flowers densely aggregated in close glo-
bose heads, axillary or terminal, appearing in July and August.

Habit a I. — Alargins of swamps and in wet places, Canada and the
United States.

l*art Used. — The bark — not official.

Const iluent!^. — Ceplialantlius contains tannin, an uncr^'stallizable bitter
principle, a principle analogous to saponin, two resins, and common veg-
etable principles.

Pre^xiralionii. — Tlie virtues of the bark are yielded to water and alcohol,
and heuce it may be administered in infusion or tincture.

3[edical J'roperlies and fs^'.s. — Like nearly all vegetable substances pos-
sessing bitterness, this has been employed Avith asserted success in inter-
mittent and remittent fevers. It has not, however, attained an established
reputation, and its medicinal virtues are altogether problematical.

MITCHELL A.— PAnTmnoE-BEnRV.

Mitchella repens Linne. — Partridge-Jierr)/, Squaw-Berry.

Description. — Flowers in pairs with ovaries united. Calyx 4-tootlied,
Corolla funnel-formed, with a slender tube, its limb 4-lobed, the lobes
spreading, densely bearded inside with white hairs. Stamens 4, inserted

MITCHELLA — PAUTUIDOE-HEUUY. 10!)

in tho tlu'oat of tlio corollii. Htylo filiform ; Hti<,'nms 4. Fruit, Imcciitc,
bright rod, (■()iii[M)H(tl of tlu! imitc'd oviirics of both flowers, tacli of which
coiitiiiuH 4: biuull homy, l-soodod nutlets. It is edible but insipid.

A small creeping, evergreen herl). Stems slender, u it) 12 inche-s long,
brunching luul rooting iifc tho joints und beeoming niatted upon tho sur-
face of the ground. Leaves one-half inch long, opposite, roundisli, diirk
green and shining, jjfonorally niarkcnl with a central longitudinal line of a
ligiiter color, of a coriaceous t«'xture. I'lowei's of two kinds, one v,ith
stamens oxserted and style included, the otiier with style exserted and
stamens included ; these difVerent kinds of flowers oc(;ur in dilVerent jjlants.
Tho Howors are white, about one-half in(;h long, and though generally with
their parts in fours, n(<t imfrecpiently have them in five", or even in sixes ;
they aro produced in June. The whole plant turns black in drying.

Ilahilal. — In moist woods, about the roots of trees, often forming u
vivid greon matting, variegated in autumn by the bright red berries, the
latter often p(n'sist:ng till spring. Evcrywhero common.

I'avl L'scd. — Tiio herb — not official.

Const il.iunilM. — Uidcnown.

J'n'iH;riilioiif':---lt is administei'cd in infusion ov decoction.

Mrdiral /'I'operticH and l.'iif.i. — The medical i)i"opcrties of this plant aro
altogether problematical. It is said to bo astringent, diuretic, and partu-
rient. Squaws are said to us" a decoction of it for som(^ weeks jjn^vious
to their parturition, in order to i-endcr th(,'ir delivery safe and easy ; white
women Homctimos use slippery (^Im for the same piui)ose, and probably
with about tho same amount of benefit.

COMPOSIT/E. 9

Gharnctcr of ihe Order. — Flowers, relatively small, collected in a dense
head \\\}o\x a common receptacle and surrounded by an invcjlucre of bracts,
the whole resembling a single flower, and termed l)y the older botanists
compound. The separate tlowei's : calyx-tube coherent with the ovary, its
limb, termed pappus, composed of bristles, plumose hairs, scales, or even
minute leailets, though sometimes absent entirely or reduced to a mere
margin. Corolla usually composed of Ij united petals, either ligulate or
tubulai'. Stamens 5, rai'ely fewer, their anthers linear and united into a
tube, sometimes with an apiiendage at the top or at the base. Ovary 1-
celled, 1-ovuled ; style in the fertile flowers 2-cleft, tho lobes often fur-
nished with hairs for collei^ting pollen, the stigmatic surfaces in the form of
elevated lines along the inner margins. Fruit an acheuium crowned with
the pappus.

A veiy largo order of hei'bs, rarely shrubs or trees, comjirising about
one-tenth of the flowering plants of the world. The flowers occur in man_y
diil'erent forms. When all of them are perfect the head is said to be

170 COMPOSITE.

homogamou!^ ; when the marginal ones are pistillate or neuter and the
others are perfect or staniinate, the head is termed hderoyainous. The
flowers with a strap-shajied (liyulalc) corolla are termed rays, or ray-Jlow-
ers ; and when these are present the head is termed radiate. A head
composed entirely of tubular Uowers is termed discoid, and tubular
flowers occupying the centre of a radiate flower make what is called the
disk. In some case:: the staniinate and T)istillato flowers fire ujion difl'erent
individuals — then the plant is diuxuuus. Tlie receptacle is ^w/mceows or
chq//'y when covered with membranaceous scales, and naked when destitute
of them.

To indicate, even in the most general way, the medicinal character of
such an immense orderof plants is well-nigh impossible. It will sutKce to
say that very many of tlunu possess tonic properties, few are aromatic,
most are disagreeable, and iioriO are poisonous.

LIATRIS. — Button Snakeuoot.

Character of the Genus. — Heads few- or many-flowered ; flowers all
tubular, perfect. Scales of the involucre few or many, imbricate, ap-
pressed. Ksceptacle naked. Corolla 5-lobed, the lobes usually elongated.
Branches of tlie style much exserted, roundish or sonaewhat flattened, ob-
tuse. Achenia round, slender, tapering to the base, 10-ribbed. Pappus
of 10 to 40 plumose or barbellate bristles.

Perennial herbs, with simple stems and tuberous roots. Leaves alter-
nate, usually lanceolate or liueiu', entire, with a rigid margin, often resin-
ous-dottod. Heads in an elongated sjiikc or raceme, sonietimcs panicu-
late, rarely cymoso ; flowers showy, rose-jmrple, rarely pale or white.

Liatris spicata Wiiklenow. — Button Snakeroot, DeciVs Bit, Colic Root.

Description. — Heads 8- to 12-flowered, one-fourth to one-half inch long,
sessile, in an elongated spike ; involucre cylindrical-campaiuilate, obtuse
at the base, the numerous scales appressed, obtuse, punctate, and with
narrow, scarious, purplish margins, the inner ones oblong, the outer ovate
or oval. Pappus densely barbellate ; achenia hairy.

biem erect, 3 to 5 feet high, smooth, leafy, proceeding from a roundish
corm or tuber. Leaves very numerous, hairy on the veins beneatli. punc-
tate, those of the stem linear, diminisliing in length from below upward,
the radical ones also linear, but very long.

Hibilal. — In moist ground from Southern New York to Wisconsin and
southward. .

Liatris odoratissima "Willdenow. — Vanilla Plant, Deer's Tongue.

JJescriplion. — Heads small, 4- to 10-flowered, in a panicle or corymb ;'
scales of tlu; involucre f(!W, slightly imbricated, spatulatc-obhrng. Corolla-
lobes short, ovate. Pappus minutely barbellate, not plumose.

Stem simple or branched above, 2 to 4 feet higli, fi*om a short rhizome,
not tuberous. Leaves thic'v, somewhat glaucous, the radical ones obovate-

LIATHIS. — BUTTON SNAKEUOOT. 171

spatulato, taperinf; at the base, often Klightly and obtusely toothed, the
upper ones oblong, clasping. The flowers are bright purple and appear in
September and October.

Hahilal. — In pine barrens from Virginia southward.

Tliese two species are described, since they represent the marked char_
actei'istics of the genus. Several other species are or have been employed
medicinally, but they do not dift'er materially in ell'ect from L. spicata.

Farts Used. — Of L. spicata, tjio root — not olHcial ; of L. odoratissima,
the leaves— not official. . |

C'onslituenls. — The rhizomes contain volatile oil and resin. The leaves
of L. odoratissima contain couinarin. ij

Preparations. — Fluid extracts and tinctures of L. spicata occur aa com-
mercial articles, ■while L. odoratissima is employed in substance only.

Medical Properties and Uses. — L. spicata is one of the numerous
" snakeroots " or remedies for snake-bites. It probably possesses no anti-
dotal properties whatever, and the beneficial eft'ects attributed to it are
doubtless due to the diaphoresis induced by the admiiiistx'ation of large
quantities of hot decoction. As the drug iwsscssos stimulating properties
a diaphoretic efl'ect is readily induced in this mannci", but there is every
reason to doubt its efficacy in cases of venomous snake-bites.

L. odoi'atissima deserves much more attention from the fact that it is -

largely used as an adulterant of smoking tobacco, than from any demon-
strated medicinal virtues. There is abundant evidence to show that the
leaves of this plant enter largely into the manufacture of many grades of
smoking tobacco, especially those employed in our domestic cigarettes.
And the author is convinced, from personal experience and observation,
that the dcdeterious el't'ects produced by smoking tobaiico thus adulterated
are much greater than those produced by the consumption of pure tobacco
in even great excess. The inhalation of a few whiti's of tlie smoke from
a cigarette made of this adulterated material, provided the iidialations ai"G
made in cfliick succession, produces a ti'ain of cerebral sensations of an
intoxicating character as much different from any eli'ect of tobacco alone
as could be imagined ; and prolonged use of such cigarettes invariably
produces great derangement of the digestive organs, very little resembling
the dyspepsia induced by excessive use of tobacco, together with cardiac
symptoms often of a disjtressing character. And again, the habit of smok-
ing coumarin in this form ajipears to become more inveterate, more ex-
acting, than that of the use of tobacco alone, so that the unhappy victim —
for such he should be called — is never comfortable except when indulging.
Hence it happens that cigarette-smoking in this country, in its ellec^ts
upon adolescents especially, is assuming the jjroportions of a great na-
tional evil, and is pi'oducing far more deleterious effects than in otlier
countries where it is practised to a greater extent but with ditTereut ma-
terial.

172 COMPOSIT K

EUPATORIUM.— TiiououoinvouT.

Character of the Genus. — Heads few- or manj' flowered ; flowei-s all tu-
bulir, perfect. Involucre cylindrical or cauipaimlate, the scales imbri-
cated in two or more series, or sometimes nearly equal in a single scries.
Receiitade flat or slightly convex, naked. Corolla 5-toothed. Authei's
included. Branches of the style mostjj' exserted. Aclionia a-angled.
I'appus a single series of capillary bristles, scabous or minutely serrulate.

Perennial herbs, with opposite, rarely alternate or whorled leaves.
Heads genex'ally corymbose ; flowers purple, blue, or white. Leaves and
flowers often resinous-dotted.

Eupatorium perfoliatum Limic — Tlioroiujhu-orl, Boneset.

Deacri'plwn. — Heads 10- to 15-flowered, Avhite, in a large compound
corymb. Scales of the involucre 12 to 15, very pubescent, glandular, im-
bricated ; the iimer ones linear-lanceolate, with scjarious tips. Achenia
glabrous or minutely glandular.

Stem stout, 2 to 4 feet high, very pubescent or hirsute, corynibosely
branched above. Leaves lanceolate, opposite, united at the base about the
stem so as to appear perfoliate, tapering to a slender point, obtusely ser-
rate, veiny, wrinkled, the lower .surface tomentose-pubescent and resinous-
dotted. It flowers late in summer.

IlahUul. — In low grounds, United States and Canada ; everywhere
common.

Eupatorium purpureum LiunL'. — Joe-Pi/e Weed, Trumpet-Weed,
O ravel-Root,

Description. — Heads cylindrical, 5- to 15-flowered, purple, in a dense
compound corymb. Scales of the involucre numerous, purplish, obtuse,
slightly striate, closely imbricated in several series, the outer short.
Achenia glabrous and more or less glandular.

Stem stout, 3 to 7 or more feet high, simple, pubescent or' glabrous.
Leaves 3 to 6 in a whorl, oblong-ovate or lanceolate, pointed, veiny,
scabrous or glabrous above, somewhat pubescent beneath, serrate, resin-
ous-dotted. It flowers from July forward.

Habitat. — In low gi'ounds, United States and Canada ; everywhere
common.

These two species fairly represent the medicinal activity of the genus ;
many other species possess similar proijerties.

Parts Used. — Of I'l perfoliatum, the leaves — United States Pharniacn-
pceia ; of E. purpureum, the i-oot — not official.

Constituents. — The official species contains a large percentage of a pecu-
liar bitter extractive, to which its therapcuitic eflects are attributed, but
whose chemical character is as yet undetermined. The constituents of E.
puroureum have not been ascertained.

TUSSILAGO — COLTSFOOT.

17a

.Preparations. — Of E. iiorfoliatum : Estractuni cupatorii fluidum— lluid
extract of eupatoriiim~t'/u7L.v/ States Pliarmacopivia. The iiii'usiou uiul
decoction are efficient preparations, and are )uost comniouly eiiii)loy('d.
Of E. purpureum there are coinTnercial flnid extracts, but, as with the other
species, it is most commonly adniinistei'ed in decoction or infusion.

Medical Properties and Ufies. — Of domestic remedies few are better
kno\ra or more largely used than boneset. It is tonic, diaphoretic, emetic,
and cathartic, the ditierent ellects dependinij; largely upon the size of the
dose and mode of administra-
tion. The infusion, taken cold
in moderate doses, is tonic, and,
is employed in debility of tho
digestive organs and in conva-
lescence. Taken warm in lai'ge
doses, the infusion or decoction
produces copious diaphoresis,
and is cmiiloycd in the acute
stages of catarrhal aflections and
in fevers, especially those of an
intermittent or remittent type.
In still larger doses the warm
infusion or decoction i^roduces
cmesis or catharsis ; these effects
are, however, selch^m sought.

E. purpureum, or gravel-root,
is said to be diuretic and to have
been employed in urinary aiiec-
tions, but it has not attained an
established reputation and is
seldom used.

TUSSILAGO.— Coltsfoot.

Tussilago Farfara Linne.
—ColtxfooL

7A'.vc/vyj<io».— -Heads radiate, many flowered ; ray-llowers jiumerous,
narrowly ligulate, pistillate, fertile, in many rows, bright yellf)w ; tubular
disic-flowers few, staminate. Scales of the involucre oblong, obtuse, nearly
in a single row. Receptacle flat, naked. Style abortive in the disk-flow-
ers, 2-cleft in the ray-flowers, the branches neai'lv round. Achenia of the
raj'-flowers fiyliudrical-oblong, smooth ; in tho disk, abortive. Pappus
capillary, copious in the ray-flowers, in a single series in the disk.

A perennial herb, with a rathev thick rhizome. Stems simple, often
growing in tufts, erect, about 6 inches high, woolly and scaly, 1-flowered.
Leaves all radical, appearing after the flowers, cordate, angular-toothed,.

FlO. 133. — Tussilago I'uifur.i.

174 COMPOSIT.E.

petioled, 3 to 5 inclios in diameter when fully gi'own, smoothisli above,
wliitish and tomentose beneath. Heads of flowers solitary, about three-
quarters of an inch in diameter, appearing in INIarch and April.

Ilahilnl. — In wet places and along brooks. New England, New Yorlc,
and Pennsylvania, Introduced from Europe.

J\irt i'se(/. — The entire plant, l»ut chiefly the leaves — not official.

Const i'lufiit.'<. — Bitter and nuicilagiiio.is princnples,

I'reimmtums. — It is commonly rmployed in decoction.

Metfical /Properties and U>ies. — Coltsfoot is demulcent and slightly tonic.
It has been emj^loyed chiefly in chronic pulmonary diseases.

ERIG ]]ROX. —Flea hane.

Chamcter of the Order. — Heads radiate, many-flowered, mostly hemi-
spherical ; ray-flowers A'ery numerous, usually in more than one series, pis-
tillate ; disk-llowers tubular, perfect, the outer ones sometimes filiform and
truncate, pistillate. Scales of the involucre narrow, nearly equid, slightly
imbricated, in a single or double scries. Receptacle flat, naked. Achenia
flattened, usually pubescent, and with 2 lateral nerves. Pappus a single
series of capillary bristles, often with smaller ones intermingled, or with
an outer series of mimxte bristles or chally scales.

Herbs, with entire, toothed or lobed leaves. Heads solitar}', corj-mbose
or i^aniculate. Disk-flowers yelL w ; rays Avhite, blue, or puri)le.

Erigeron Philadelphicum rAnno {E. jjurjiureuni Alton). — riuladel-
2)Jiia Flcahuie, Common Fleabane.

Dciicription. — Heads rather small, coi'ymbose ; rays vei'y numerous and
verj' narrow, pale reddish-pui*ple or flesh-color, more than twice the length
of the involucre, Achenia minutely hairy ; pappus simple.

Stem hairy, slender, 1 to 3 feet high. Leaves numerous, thin, the
lower spatulate, crenate-dentate, the upper obhmg, clasping, and mostly
cordate at the base, entire or slightly serrate. It blooms in summer. A
(piite variable sjiecies.

Habitat. — Woodlands and fields ; common everj'where.

Erigeron anniium Persoon [E. heterophyllnm Muhlenberg, E. stri-
goaum Bigelow). — f/aisij Fleabane, Sweet Seabioux.

Dei^criplion. — Heads corymbose ; rays very numerous, nearly or quite
in a single row, narrow, white or tinged with purple, not twice the length
of the involucre. Pappus double, the outer a series of chaffy scales, the
inner of scanty capillaiy bristles which are deciduous, or sometimes want-
ing in the rays.

An annual or biennial herb. Stem stout, 3 to 5 feet high, corymbosely
bi'anched above, hairy. Leaves coarsely and sharply seiTate, the lower
ovate, obtuse, tapering into a margined petiole, the upper ovate-lanceolate,
acute and entire at both ends. It blooms in summer.

Ilabitat. — Fields and waste places ; everywhere common.

SOLIDAOO — OOLDEN-ROD. 175

Erigeron Canadense Linm'. — Canada Flenbane, Ilorse-Weed, Jintler-
Weed.

Description. — Heads voiy nnmei'ons, small, cylindrical, jianicled ; rays
numerous, inconsincuous, shorter than the involucre. Pappus simple.

Stem erect, 3 to 5 feet high, panicled above, hispid or sometimes nearl,\
glabrous. Leaves lanceolate-linear, mostly entire, liispidly ciliate ; radical
leaves cut-lobed. It blooms from July till late in the artumn.

Ifabitat. — A common and unsightly weed, widely ditt'used over the
world.

These three species fairly represent the whole genus, though several
others have been employed medicinally.

Parts Used. — The leaves and tops — not official, though they were for-
merly.

Constituents. — All these species of erigeron when distilled with water
yield volatile oil, E. Canadense producing a gi'eater jiroportion than the
others, and an article of slightly different character. Among their other
constituents are tannic and gallic acids and bitter extractive.

Preparations. — Among the commercial preparations are solid and fluid
extracts. The plants are most commonly administered in decoction or in-
fusion.

Medical Properties and Uses. — There is probably little difference in the
kind of effect produced by the different sjjecies of erigeron, but it is gen-
erally admitted that E. Canadense is most active. This is considered diu-
retic, tonic, and astringent. It has been used beneficially in diseases of the
urinai'y organs and in drojisies. The oil is said to be useful in uterine,
pulmonary, and other internal hemon-hages-.

SOLID AGO. —G oi.DEN-RoD.

Solidago odora Alton. — Sweet-scented Golden-Rod.

Description. — Heads few- flowered, radiate ; rays 3 or 4, rather large,
oblong, obtuse, pistillate ; disk-flowers tubular, perfect. Scales of the in-
volucre oblong, acute, destitute of foliaceous tips, the outer ones shorter
and imbricating the othei'S. Receptacle small, not chafiy. Achenia many-
ribbed, somewhat terete. Pappus simple, of numerous scabrous capillary
bristles.

Stem slender, 2 to 3 feet high, smooth or slightly pubescent below,
pubescent above. Leaves linear-lanceolate, entire, reticulate-veiny, but
only the mid-vein distinct, rough on the margin, otherwise smooth and
shining, pellucid-dotted. Heads in racemose, one-sided panicles, appear-
ing in September.

Habitat. — In the margins of thickets and in old fields, in sandy soil,
from Maine and Vermont to Kentucky and southward.

Parts Used. — The leaves and tops — not official.

170 COMPOSITE.

Co)ii<lihir)i/x. — A fnifjvfut volatile oil.

Frepamlioiis. — Infusion, decoction, nml volatile oil.

Medical Prifperliefi and Uaes. — Goldeu-rod is gently stimulant, diapho-
retic, and carminative. The decoction and ^;ann infusion are used in do-
mestic practice to produce diaphoresis, to relieve colic, and to promote
menstruation. Tlu^ oil is used for similar purjjoses.

Other sj)ecies of solidago have been employed medicnual^", but iione of
them ai'e as agreeable as this.

GRINDELIA.

Charnctn' of the Genus. — Heads many-flowered ; rays jMstillate, in a
single series ; disk-flowers tubular, perfect. Involucre hemispherical or
sub-globose, the numerous scales imbricated in several series. Iiecei)tacle
flat, minutely pitted. Corolla of the ray elongated ; of the disk, tubular-
infundibuliform, 5-toothed. Achenia obovate or oval, somewhat angled,
glabrous. Pappus of 2 to 8 rigid brisLlcs or awns, which are early de-
ciduous.

Perennial or biennial herbs (rarely suft'ruticose), Avith branching stems.
Leaves entire or serrate, somewhat jjelkicid- or reticulate-punctate ; the
radical ones usually spatulate, cauline, sessile or joartly clasping. Heads
solitary at the summit of the branches ; flowers yellow. The heads, in-
(duding the involucres, are commonly thickly coated with a glutinous or
resinous varnish.

Grindelia robustaNuttall.

Description. — Heads large, manj'-flowerod. Involucre leafy at the base,
the scales jtroduced into recurved-squarrose, subulate-linear appendages ;
piippus of 2 to 5 bristles.

Stem stout, 1^^ foot hi^ii, branching. Leaves oblong, obtuse, coarsely
serrate, cordate-clasjiiug, 1^ to 2 inches long. The entire phmt glabrous.
A variable species.

Habitat. — Common along the Pacific coast.

Grindelia squarrosa Dunal.

Descvipfion. — Heads smaller than the preceding ; the involucre about
one-half inch in diameter. Scales with rccui'ved-squaiTOse or mostl}' cir-
cinate, subulate tips ; pappus of 2 to 4 bristles.

Stem rather slender, 10 to 20 inches high, corymbosely branched.
Leaves oblong-lanceolate, or spatulate, finely serrate, the upper entire,
somewhat clasping.

llal)itat. — Cojnmon on the dry plains west of the Rocky Mountains.

Several other species of grindelia resemble those above described in
general appearance and probably in constituents also.

Parts Used. — The leaves and flowering tops of G. robusta — official
title, Grindelia — United States Pharmacopceia. G. squarrosa is believed to

INULA — ELECAMPANE.

1

i i

be nearly if not quite as efficacious as the official species, and the two are
often found mixed in coniniex'ce.

(hnditne.nl^. — As remarked above, tlio flower-heads of plantw of tliis
genus are commonly coat(!d with a glutinous or resinous Niuuish. Tlie
same substance is more or less diffused in the stems and leaves, and con-
tains the active principles, namely, a peculiar volatile oil of a terebinthi-
nate odor, reshi, and a cry.stalline body having an alkaline reaction,

Vreparaliom. — Extractum grindeliic lluidum — fluid extract of grindelia.
— Uni/t'd Stall's I'liarinacopd'ia.

Medical Prupertiea and tV.s. — TIio therapeutic effects of grindelia ap-
pear, in many respects, to bear a striking resemblance to those of turpen-
tine. In moderate doses it stinuilatcs the mucous mend)ranes, and liiis
been found very beneficial in chronic catarrhal atVections, especially those
of the respiratory tivict and ininary oi'gans. Very lf#ge doses have occa-
sioned renal irritation. It also acts to some extent as an antispasmodic,
and has proved efficacious in spasmodic asthma and in whooping-cough,
especially when complicated Avith bronchitis.

Externally the fluid extract of G. srpiarrosa has been recommended as
a cure for rhus-poisoning, but the author, from personal experinuMit, has
become convinced that it acts hero merely as a protective coating to the
skin by virtue of its resin, and that it possesses no directly curative prop-
erty. The fluid extract of the official species is (piite as efficacious, as is
also any other resinous var- v ' r\

nish which has no acrid prop- ^ MJ\^<:>^^ls^ /f '

erties. Such a] t]ilications are,
however, unpkasant to the
patient, since they discolor
the skin and limit the motion
of the parts affected.

INULA. —Elecampane.

Inula Helenium LirnKj.
— Elecampane.

Descriptio n. — Heads
large, many-flowered, radi-
ate ; rays numerous, in a sin-
gle series, pistillate, some-
times sterile ; disk-flowers
tubular, perfect. Scales of
the involucre ind)ricate in Fm. lai-muu Heienium.

several series, the outer broadly ovate, foliaceous ; the inner obovate-spatu-.
late, ol)tuse. Receptacle flat, or somewhat convex, naked. Achenia 4-
sided, glabrous. Pappus simple, of capillary, slightly scabrous bristles.

178 COMPOSIT.E.

A stout perennial, 3 to 5 feet high. Leaves large, velvcty-tomeutose
heneath, denticulate, the radical ones ovate, tapering to a petiole, the cau-
line ones partly clasping. Heads solitary at tln^ summit of corymbose pe-
duncles, yellow, appearing late in sunnner.

JIabilat. — A native of the Eastern Continent, but natiiralized here,
growing along roadsides and in waste places.

.''arf Uficd. — The root — Uiutcd Slalea I'har nacojxria

Cvnstiluenlx. — A little volatile oil, an acrid resin, a bitter principle,
waxy matter, and inulin, the last-named being a substance somewhat re-
sembling starch.

Frcparaliom. — It is generally administered m decoction, though there
ai"e commercial extracts, etc.

Medical Properties and d^ci*. — Elecampane was formerly considered
diaphoretic, diuretio^^expoctorant, and emmenagogue, but at present it is
little esteemed except among the laity. It is probably stimidant and tonic,
and given in hot decoction cajiable of producing some of the effects attrib-
uted to it.

AMBROSIA.— Rao-Weed.

Character of the Genus. — Sterile and fertile flower's in different heads
upon the same plant, the former in spikes or racemes and the latter in the
axils of the leaves or at the base of the sterile racemes or si^ilccs. Sterile
heads of 5 to 20, funnel-form, staminate flowers ; involucre flattish or top-
shai)ed, of 7 to 12 scdes united into a cuj). Fertile flowers : involucre
globose-ovoid, oblong or turbinate, closed, pointed, usually armed with 4
to 8 tubercles or horns in a single series, 1-flowered. Achenia ovoid ; paj)-
pus absent.

Herbs, or rarely shrubby plants, with opposite or alternate, lobed or
dissected leaves, and inconspicuous greenish or yellowish flowai's.

Ambrosia triflda Linm'. — Gi'eat liag-Weed.

Description. — Sterile heads in single or panicled racemes or spikes, the
involucre regular, 3-ribbed. Fruit with a conical-pointed apex, G-ribbed,
the ribs terminating in cristate tubercles.

Stem stout and hairy, 4 to 12 feet high. Leaves rough and hairy,
deeply 3-lobed, the lobes oval-lanceolate, serrate, acuminate. An annual,
blooming in August or September.

Habitat. — In low rich grovmds and along streams from Canada to Geor-
gia ;tnd westward.

Ambrosia artemisiaefoliaLinm'. — Bag-Weed, Hog-Weed.

Description. — Sterile heads like the preceding, but with the involucre
not ribbed. Fertile flowers solitary or clustered toward the base of the sterile
spikes or racemes, or in the axils of the upper leaves. Fruit globose or
obovoid, nearly glabrous, pointed, armed with G short acute spines or
teeth.

HKLIANTIIUS — aUNFLOWKU. 1 7i)

An jinnual l)raiu'luii<^ herb 1 to 3 foct high, hairy or roup^hiHli-pulK's-
ceut. LoavoH b' iimatilul, the lippeiino.st. simply piiinatifid, siaoothish or
plabrous above, Aw or whiiiwh bo'iioatb.

Habitat. — In waste places every where ; a niont pestiferous ■weed.

Parts Uned. — The leaves and tops — not oliicial.

Constifucnts. — Both species have a disagvoeablo odor and an aromatic
bitter taste. The leaves of ^1. trijida are readil} eaten l)y si)me of the do-
mestic animals, but the other species appears to bo too disa^'reeable. Their
constituents have not been ascertained.

Preparations. — They arc commonly used in decoction.

Medical Properties and Uses. — These plruts are said to be stimulant,
tonic, and astringent. A decoction has been us(h1, chiefly in domcf tic prac-
tice, as a topical astringent in chronic catarrhal atl'ections.

Of late years A. artemiaia'fulia has attracted considerable attention on
account of its real or assumed agency in the production of hay-fever. The
plant produces pollen in groat abundance, which is extremely irritating to
the air-passages of many people, and is callable of exciting asthmatic at-
tacks in Huscei)tiblo pei'sons. Now as the weed is so very abundant, and
its time of flowering coincident with the greatest development of hay-fever,
the relation of cause and efltect has been asserted by many writers. Tliat
it may be so in a certahi proportion of cases is cpiite probable, but that its
influence in this direction has been overrated is still more probable. The
pollen of all plants is irritating to the air-passages of sensitive people, but
probably little more so than any other dust of an oi-ganio character ; and
the proportion which rag-weed pollen in the air of any specitied locality
bears to that of all other plants combined must be very small indeed.
Much less still must its proportion be to other pollen and organic dust
in the air of cities, where this allection has become endemic — and fashion-
able.

HELIANTHUS. —Sunflower.

Helianthus annuus Linne. — Common /Sunflower.

Description. — Heads lai'ge, many-flowered, radiate ; the raj'S numerous,
neutral, yellow ; the disk-flowers brownish, perfect. Scales of the invo-
lucre with foliaceous tips, imbricated in 3 or more series. lle(X'ptacle
broad and flat, with persistent chatf which embraces the 4-angl'id, flattened
achenia. Pappus very deciduous, of 2 chafiy scales on the principal
angles of the achenium, often with two or more smaller intermediate ones.

A tall rough annual herb, in common cultivation. Leaves alternate,
triple-ribbed, ovate, or the lower cordate.

Habitat. — The sunflower is a native of tropical America, but has long
been cultivated here and is sparingly naturalized in waste places.

Many of the indigenous sijecies of helianthus are but little less strik-
ing than this in appeai'ance, and possess similar properties.

180 COMPOSIT.E.

Part Var.d. — Tlio Rocd— not oflRrial.

(Joiis/ifuentH. — A \nv<^(' percentage of blftiiil fixed oil.

Prt'iHiraliom. — Tlio oil.

}fcilii'(d Pi'opcrlwn and Ukuh, — Sunflowoi" seeds are said to 1)0 diuretic
and oxpoctoranl, but there is little reason for believing them actively
medicinal.

IIELENTUM.— Snke/.k-Wkki).

Helenium autumnale Linm''. — Siicc:c-Wc<-d.

JJencriijlion. — Heads uiany-flowertHl, radiate ; the raj'S several, in a
single series, 11- to ij-cloft at tho suiniuit, fertile, yellow, reficxod noon
after expansion. Involucre small, reilexed, the scales lini^ir or awl-shuped,
in 2 series. Receptacle convex, globose, or oblong, naked. Acheniu .op-
shapcnl, ril)bed. Pappus of C to 8 inembx'anous, 1-uerved scales.

An erect, nearly smooth jierennial herb. Stem 1 to 3 feet high, angled,
brariching. Leaves laiuieolate, toothed, deciiuTent on the stems and
branclies. Heads corymbed, sliowy, api)earing in Septend)(>r.

HabUal. — In moist places along streams ; connnon everywhere.

Parta Utted. — The leaves and flowers — not official.

CoiiiitUuent>i. — Unknown.

PiriianUions. — Used in powder or decoction.

Medical Propci'lit'.-^ and ('■■o'x. — The common name of the plant indicates
the popular estimation of it. The jJOwdenMl llowers particularly have been
used as an errhiue, and a decoction is said to be tonic and diaphoretic.

MARUTA.— May-Weed.

Maruta Cotula De Candolle. — Ufajf-Weed, Wdd Chamomile.

Dei>eriplinn. — Heads many-flowered, radiate ; rays neutral, white, soon
I'eflexed ; disk-tlowers tubular, pei-fect. Involucre hemispherical, the
scales imbricated, shorter than the disk, with whitish mai'giiis. Recepta-
cle conical, clially throughout, or only at the summit. Achenia obovoid,
ribbed, glabrous. Pappus none.

An annual, one-half to one foot or more in height. Leaves tripin-
nately divi<led, the ultimate segments very narrowly linear. Heads solitary,
terminating the branches. It flowers from midsunnner till late in autumn.

Ilulntat. — Connnon everywhere in waste places.

Part Used. — The herb — formerly official ; it was drojjped from the
Pharmacopoeia in 1880.

ConstiliientH. — Volatile oil, tannic, valerianic, and oxalic acids, bitter ex-
tractive, etc.

Preparnliomt. — Commonly employed in infusion.

Medical Properties and Uxes. — ^[ay-weed has a very disagreeable odor,
and, when fresh, a bitter, acrid taste. Therapeutically it acts like chamo-
mile but is nauch less agreeable. It is seldom used except by the laity.

ACIIILLKA YARKOW.

181

ANTUEAII8.— ClIAMOMILK.

Anthemis nobilis Linm'. — (Ihnmomile.

P'-scriplinii. — HcikU iiml HowfTiH lis in mfiniffi, rxropt, tliaf. tho ravfJ nro
liistillato. Actliouiii toruto, slriatc, or smootli. l'ai)puH nonv., ur a miimtc
ci'own.

A perennial, somewhat downy licil). Loaves 1- to '2-piiinatcly dividcil,
the uUiniat(! Hcj^nients as in niariita hut fewer and more compact.

Iftihi/til. — Cliamomilc, a iintivo of Europe, has heeii h)n^' cuUivated in
panh'uslien!, and has beccimo iiaturahzed to a very hmitcd ext(;nt in New
Jersey and l)(!laware.

J'art f'sed. — The flowers —official name, Anthemis — United States I'har-
macopa'ia.

Const it aentx. — Volatile oil, a bitter principle, and common vegetable
constitnonts.

/'rrpitralions. — None arc official. It is most commonly employed in
infusion or decoction. The volatile oil and
an extract are official in IJritain.

Medical Pntpcrtiea and f'»es. — Chamomile
is a mild stimulant and tonic, and one jnir-
ticidarly suited to debility of the di^^estive
orj^'ans. The warm infusion is frequently
used as a diaphoretic, and, in large doses,
ns an emetic. Fomentations of chamomile
are employed as a soothing application in
sprains, braises, colic, abscesses, and local
pains generally.

,.-.if^

ACHILLEA.— YAiinow.

■Yar-

Achillea Millefolium Linm'
row, Milfoil.

DeHcription. — Heads many-flowered, ra-
diate ; the rays 4 or 5, fertile, white, rarely
rose-colored. Involucre oblong, the scales
imbricated. Receptacle chaffy, ffattish,
Achenia oblong, flattened, margined. Pap-
pus none.

A perennial herb, 1 to 3 feet high.
Leaves oblong or linear in outline, bipin-
nately parted, the ultimate divisions 3- to .5-cleft, crowded. Heads in a
compound, flat-topped corymb, appearing throughout the summer.

IJabilat. — Fields and waste places ; everywhere common.

Part Used. — The herb — not oiiicial.

Fio. 13,5.— Achillea lliUcfolium.

182

composi'im:

Co)inliturnts. — A voliitilo oil, a bitter jjiiiiciplo termed aihiUein, nnd
coiuniou vej^ctiiblc coiiHtitucntH.

J't'c^tanUioiin. — Iiifiisiou, cxpreHssd juice, mul volatile oil.

MedU-al J'roperlies and i'ncH. — Ytirrow is said to be "luulani, touii;, nnd
Hstrint^out, and to exert a Hi)eciiil iiifliicnco upon the iiflvic orj^iuiH. It
1ms been employed in di' stive disonlers, in menstrual iire^'uliirities, in
heniorrbages duo to rolaxoil conditions of mucous nicndjrancs, in catarrhal
uH'cctious, utc.

TAN ACKTUM. —Tansy.

ff'/r^

Tanacetum vulgare Linnc. Tun.-^i/.

Jh'scriplioii.— Ht'adH many-flowored, nearly discoid, all fertile ; the mar-
ginal flowers in a single sciies, 'A- to 4-tootlied. Scales of the involucre
imbricated, dry. lloceptaclo convex, naked. Achenia angled or ribbed

with a large epigynoiis tlisk.
Pappus minute or none.

An lierbaceous perennial, 2
to 3 feet high. Ijcaves nearly
glabrous, bipinnaiely parted,
the segments cut - toothed.
Heads yellow, in a dense cor-
ymb, appearing in summc.'r.

llabUut. — Indigenous to
Europe, but freely natiu'alized
about dwellings and in waste
places.

I'arls Uticd. — The leaves
nnd tops — United tStales Vhar-
macopu'ia.

Conslititents, — A volatile oil,
n bitter principle teiined tan-
acrlin, and common vegetable
constituents.

J^rcparatioiiti. — The infusion

Fio. 130.— Tnnncotiim VulRarc. nnd volatile oil.

Medical ProperticH. — Tansy baa a peculi.tr strong fragrant odor and a
warm, bitter, somewhat acrid and aromatic taste. It is commonly em^;ioyed
in domestic practice to stimulate menstruation. The oil appears to be
largely used as an abortifacient, and there are upon record numerous cases
in which it has been used for this purpose with fatal etfect. The bruised
leaves are often applied locally for the relief of colic pains, bruises, sprains,
etc. A spirituous infusion is bometimes employed in domestic practic^e in
internr.itteiit fever.

ONArilALlUM — OUD-WKKI). 18ii

AUTEMISIA.— WouMWOOD.

nmracfflr of thn (Imu!*. — Hcmls indny-doworoil, discoid ; flowors nil
tubiiliir, tlio in:irjj[iiiiil ones pistilbh^, thou;^'li soiuotimcH nil lu-o jxtIVcI.
Si'iik'S of tlio iiivoliuiro iinhriciitcd, with Hlij^htly Hciirioiis luiii-^'iiiH lio-
foptiu^lo smuU, naked. Acheuia obovutc, rounded or muuow ut tho top ;
i)iil)pus none.

Herbs or shrubs, with snmll heads in pnniclod spikes or racemes ; flow-
ers yellow or jtu' j)lish.

A <^(!nu.s eon.prisinj^, in North Americu, ii lar^'o number of .species, tew
cf whi'''i, liowevcsr, Imvo been employed medieiimlly. All of them possess,
to !i gr tor or less ext(!nt, bitter and aromatic pro2)erties. The species
descnooil below, though not indiy;ent)us, well represents tho medicinal
virtuert of the n'eiius.

Artemisia Absinthium Llnue. — Wormwood.

/ffMriiilinii, — ]Miu';jfiiiiil llowers pistillate; the others -H-rfect. Heads
innuerous, densely clustered, hemispherical, noddiii;^, yellow. Stem some-
what shrubby, 2 to 4 feet higli, branching, silky-hoar^'. Leaves 2- to 3-
pimiately parted, the lobes lanceolate, obtuse.

J/dhitul. — Indigoiious to the Eastern Conliueiit, but long cultivated and
Hi)aringly naturalized here.

J\irt>> i'aed. — The leaves and tops — United Statat Pharmacopdna.

Const it uenls. — Volatile oil, a bitter princijile termed almintliin, and eoui-
mon vegetable constituents such as tannin, starch, gum, etc.

Pn'i>(if(itiioiH. — AVormwood enters into the official Vinioii Aromnticnm,
but there are no othiual preparations of the plant itself. It is generally
employed in infusion.

Medical Properties and Uses. — "Wormwood is stinndatit and toni(\ It
has been employed chiefly in debility of the digestive organs, as atonic and
flatulent dyspepsia. The volaiile oil of wormwood in large doses produces
great cerebral disturbance with epileptiform convulsions, and maj' even
cause death. It is seldom or never employeil medicinally, but enters into
the composition of a Frenc^h liipieur called almnthc

Externally fomentations of wormwood are often used in bruises,
sprains, etc.

GN API! ALIUM. — Cui>Weed.

Gnaphallum polycephalum Michaux. — Common Everlasting.

Description. — Heads many-flowered, all tubular ; the outer pistillate,
very slender, generallj in several series ; the central perfect. Scales of tlie
i>' volucro ovate and oblong, rather obtuse, whitish. Receptacle Ihit, naked.
Achenia terete. Pappus a single seriea of rough, capillary bristles.

An erect, woolly herb, 1 to 2 feet high. Leaves lanceolate, tapering at

184 compcsityE.

tilt! Imso, with uudiilate margins, nearly glabrous above, woollj' tome, j^ 5
beneath. Heads clustered at the summit of the pauioulate-corymbose
brandies, ovate-conical before expansion, then obovate ; corolla whitish or
yellowish. It flowers in August and September, the mature heads remain-
ing a long time on the stem. The whole plant is fragrant.

Ilabitut. — In wo(m1s and old fields ; everywhere common.

l\ui>^ f'scd. — The Howers and tops — not official..

CuiislUunnlti, — A bitter principle and a little volatile oil.

I'lvparaliuns.— Used in infusion.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Said to be tonic. Used in catarrhal af-
fections.

Several other indigenous and exotic species possess similar properties.

ERECHTIIITES.— FiKK-WKEn.

Erechthites hieracifolia Rafinesque. — Fire-Weed.

Jjcacriplinii. — Heads many-llowered ; flowers all tul)ular and fertile, the
oviter pistillate, slender, the inner pcu'fect. Scales of the cylindrical invo-
lucre in a single series, linear, acute, with a few bracteoles at the l)ase.
Ileceptacle naked. Achenia oblong, striate, tapering to the apex. Pappus
coi)ious, of tine capillary bristles.

An erect, coarse, and often hairy annual, 1 to 5 feet high. Leaves alter-
nate, lanceolate-oblong, acute, uneqiially and sharply cut-toothed, sessile ;
the upper often auricled at the base. Heads corymbose ; Howers whitish,
appearing from July to September.

Hahilid. — Common in recent clearings, often covering ground which
has been burned over almost to the exchision of other plants.

Fart Used. — The flowering tops — not official.

i7<mxti/ue))ls. — Fire-weed has 1 peculiar ai'omatic and somewhat dis-
agreeable odor, and a pungent, bitterish taste. It yields a volatile oil of
similar odor and taste, upon which its medicinal vii'tues are believed to
depend.

Preparations. — Volatile oil and infusion.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Fire-weed is said to be tonic, astringent,
and alterative, and to exert a special influence upon the mucous surfaces.
It has been highly praised as a remedy for dysentery.

SENECIO. — GiioUNDSEL .

Senecio aureus Linne. — (Inlden Ragvort, Squaw-Weed.

Description. — Heads many-flowered, radiate ; I'ays 8 to 12, pistillate,
golden yellow ; disk-flowers perfect. Scales of the involucre in a single
series, Avith a few bracteoles at the base. Receptacle flat, naked. Achenia
glabrous. Pappus of numerous soft and slender capillary bristles.

LAPPA — BURDOCK.

185

A perennial lierli, 1 to 2^ feet high. R;i(li'"il leaves orbicular or round-
ish-ovate, mostly cordate, crenatc-serrato, petiolate ; the lower t;auliiu!
lyrate, the upper lanceolate, cut-i)innatilid, sessile or partly clasping.
Heads in an umbel-like corymb, appearing in May and June. A very va-
riable species.

Habitat. — In swamps, marshes, and wet places ; common everywhere.

Part C'fied. — The entire plant — not official.

(JondU lie Ills. — Unknown.

rirpamtiimn. — Commonly employed in decoction. There are commer-
cial fluid extracts and a so-called senecin.

Medical Properties and Use/f. — Said to be diaphoretic, diui-etic, tonic, and
emmenagogue. Considerably used and praised — by eclectics.

Several other sjiecies of senecio are said to possess similar properties.

LAPPA.— BuuDocK.

Lappa officinalis Allioni. — Burdock.

DeacriptioH. — Heads many-flowered; the flowers all tubular, pei*fect,
the corolla regularly S-ch'ft, 10-
nerved. Involucre globular, the
imbricated scales coriaceous and
ajjpressed at the base, subulate
and sjireading above, tipped
with a hooked appendage. Ito-
ccpiacle flat, flosliy, and some-
what 1)ristly. Achenia oblong,
compressed, glabrous, wrinkled
transversel}'. Pai)ims of numer-
ous short rough bristles, not
united at the base, deciduous.

A coarse, ill-scented, bien-
nial herb, 1 to 4 feet high.
Lower leaves v(?ry large, cor-
date, slightly undulate on the
margins, more or less tomen-
tose beneath, smoother above ;
the upper ovate. Heads rela-
tively small, solitary or some-
what corymbose ; flowers pur-
ple, varying to white, appear-
ing from July to autumn.

Habit at
where.

Parts Used.— The root— United States Pharmacopoeia.
also employed, but are not official.

}'\ '- '^-'■'•'iff'-

'Pia. 137— Lappa onicinaliB.

Introduced from Europe ; common in waste places every-

The seeds oi'e

18G

COMPOSITiE.

Comttituents. — Inulin, a bitter principle, and common vegetable con-
stituents.

Prepa7'ation.% — Commonly employed in decoction.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Burdock, though chiefly used by the
laity, is highly esteemed by some of the profession as a diuretic and altera-
tive. It is, perhaps, more frequent! v used in rheumatism than in any
other disease, but is also recommended in chronic cutaneous diseases, ca-
tarrhal affections, syphiUs, and scrofula. In the form of an ointment or
liniment it is used as an application to burns, ulcers, etc.

CICHORIUM.— CmcouY.

Cichorium Intybus Linn6.— C7aVor?/, Succory.

Dcxi ripf ion. —Heads several-flowered ; the flowers all ligulate, perfect.
Involucre double, the inner of 8 to 10 scales, the outer of 5, half as long,

spreading. Achenia oblong, smooth
or slightly ribbed. Paj^pus of numer-
ous short chaffy scales forming a
crown.

A branching perennial herb, 2
to 3 feet high, with a large deep root.
Leaves alternate, oblong or lanceolate,
partly clasping, the lo\ver lyrately run-
cinate ; those of the rigid flowering
branches minute. Heads sessile, 2
or 3 together, axillary and terminal.
Flowers bright blue or puri)le, ajipear-
ing from July to October.

Habitat. — Indigenous to the East-
ern Continent, but naturalized here,
growing along roadsides and m waste
places.

Part Used. — The root— not official.
Constituents. — Inulin, a bitter prin-
ciple, and ordinary vegetable constit-
uents.

Preparations. — Commonly used in
infusion.
3Iedical PropQrties and Uses. — Chicoi-y is said to increase the appetite
and aid digestion. Though formerly used medicinalh', it is of importaiace
now merely as an adulterant of coffee. For this purpose the root is roastec;
and g )und in the same manner as coffee, with which it is afterward mixed
in large proportion. When thus treated chicory in infusion has a bitter-
ness, possibly somewhat resembling that of coffee, but it is wholly desti-

Fio. 138.— Cichorinm Intybns.

NAB ALUS — RATTLESNAKE-l^OOT. 187

tute of tlie aromatio flavor of the latter ; and, moreover, infusion of ehicory
does not prodnee the agreeable stimulation of coffee, and altogether .sex'ves
as a very poor substitute for it.

HIER ACIUM. —Hawk-Weed.

Hieracium venosum Linne. — Rattlesnake- Weed.

Det'cription. — Heads small, about 20-flo\vered ; the flowers all lij^ulate,
perfect. luvolacro cylindrical, the inner scales in a single series, tlu; outer
few and short. Achenia linear. Pappus a single series of tawny, fragile,
and rough capillary bristles.

A perennial herb. Stem or scape 1 to 2 feet high, naked or with a
single leaf, smooth and slender, forking above into a diffuse corymb.
Radical leaves obovate or sj^atulate-oblong, entire or obscurely denticu-
late, slightly petioled, smooth and pale, often puritlish and glaucous be-
neatli ' 'itli purplisL- voins, the margins and often tlu; under side of the
mid- hairy. Flowers yellow, appearing from May to July.

huouat— -In dry soil, es^^ecially in pine regions ; common.

Part Ui^ed. — The entii-c plant — not ofHcial.

Constituents. — Unknown.

Preparations. — Infusion and expressed juice.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Said to l)e tonic, astringent, and ex-
pectorant, and to be an antidote to the bites of poisonous seri)ents. Little
of a positive character is known of it.

NAB ALUS. — Rattlesnake-Root.

Nabal US al bus Hooker. — White Lettuce, Ratllesnake-lloot.

Description. — Heads (5- to 12-flowered ; the flowers all ligulato and
perfect. Involucre of about 8 scales, purplish. Achenia short, lineai*-
oblong, striate. Pajipus copious, of cinnamon-coloi'ed, rough capillary
bristles.

A perennial herb. Stem smooth and glaucous, 2 to 4 feet high, corym-
boso-panicled at the summit. Leaves angulate or triangular-halberd-form,
sinuate-toothed, or 3- to 5-cleft ; the uppermost oblong and undivided.
Flowers pendulous, greenish-white or purplish, appearing in autumn. The
whole plant abounds in a milky juice.

Habitat. — Open grounds and borders of woods ; common in the North-
ern States and Canada.

Part Used. — The entire plant — not official.

Govitituenls. — Unknown.

Pnj^arations. — Infusion and expressed juice.

Medical Properties and Uses. — The entire plant has a bitter taste, which
is most intense in the root. On this account it has been em])loyed as a
tonic in domestic practice. The fresh juice is considered vulnerary and has
been applied to wounds, especially to snake bites.

188

LOBELIACEiE.

TARAXACUM Dandelion.

Taraxacum Dens-leonis Desfontainos. — Dandelion.
Dei^criplion. — Heads many-flowered ; flowers all ligulato, perfect. In-
volucre double ; the outer of small short scales, rcflexed ; the inner of

longer erect scales, lleceptacle naked.

Achenia terete, oblong, ribbed,
the apex jirolonged into a slen-
der beak. Pai)puH copious, of
long, white, cajiillary bristles.
A biennial or jierennial
herb, with a long, deep root.
Leaves all radical, oblong or
lanceolate, nearly entire, or
sinuate-toothed or runcinate.
Scapes slender, hollow, bearing
a single head of yellow flow-
ers. It blooms throughout the
spring and sunnner.

J/uhilat. — Common every-
where.

J 'art. rsed. — Thc root—
United States Pharmacopoeia.

Co7istituenls. — Abittev prin-
ciple termed turaxacin, inulin,
resin, sa(!cliarine matter, and
common vegetable constitu-
ents.

Preparations. — Extractum
taraxaci — extract of taraxa-
cum ; extractum taraxaci flu-
idum— fluid extract of taraxacum. — United Stales Pharmacopma. The ex-
pressed juice and decoction are also employed.

Medical Projierties and Uses. — Taraxacum is slightly tonic, diuretic, and
aperient. It is supposed to act especially upon the liver, and is used chiefly
in dyspepsia associated with torpor of this organ.

Fio. 130. — Taraxacum Dens IConia.

LOBELIACE>E.

Character of the Order. — Herbs, with milky juice, and alternate, exstip-
ulate leaves. Calyx adherent to the ovary, commonly 5 lobed. Corolla
irregularly 5-lobed, often deeply cleft. Stamens 5, free fi'om the corolla,
and united into a tube, commonly by their filaments, but always by their
anthers. Style 1 ; stigma often fringed. Fruit capsular, 1- or more-celled,
opening at the top ; seeds numerous.

LOBELIA.

ISl)

An order comprisinj::^ many plants possessed of acrid and narcotic prop-
erties, lleprcseutod in >iortli America by tlio genus

LOBELIA.

Character of fho. Oenm^. — Calyx 5-cleft, witli a short, variously shaped
tube. Corolla-tnbe slit along the upi)er side ;• the liinl) divided into '2
lips, the ni)per Avitli 2 erect lobes, the lower s^jreading, 3-cl(ft. Two of
the anthers bearded at the top. Pod 2-celled, many-seeded. Annual or
perennial herbs. Flowers axillary or in bractcd racemes.

Lobelia inflata Linne. — fndkm Tobacco.

JJcscrijilion. — Calyx" ■without auricles at the sinuses. Corolla small, pale
blue. Pod inflated.

An annual or biennial herb. Stem angled or striate, paniculately
branched, 9 to 18 inches high, pubes-
« cent. Leaves ovate or oblong, the
iil>per ones diminishing into leaf-like
bracts. Flowers small, in racemose
spikes, appearing from midsummer
to autumn.

Jfabi'aL — Common along road-
sides and in old fields, generally in
dry soil.

Lobelia syphilitica Linne. —
Gi'cat Lobelia.

Description. — Cilyx hairy, Inlf
the length of the corolla, the sinuses
auriculate, its tube hemispherical.
Corolla much larg'cr than in the pre-
ceding species, blue, varying to white.

A perennial herb. Stem simple,
1 to 3 feet high, somewhat hairy,
leafy to the top. Loaves thin, acute
at both ends, irregularly serrate.
Flowers crowded in a dense spike or
raceme, appearing late in smnmer.

Habitat. — In moist places ; common.

Lobelia cardinalis Linne. — Cardinal Flonrr.

Description. — Flowers similar in form to the preceding but of an in-
tense scarlet coloi*.

A perenniid herb. Stem smooth or slightly pubescent, simple, 2 to
4 feet high. Leaves lanceolate, denticulate. Flowers showy, in an elon-
gated, somewhat one-sided raceme, appearing lato in summer.

Habitat. — In swampy places ; common.

Fig. MO.—LobcUa syphilitica.

lUO EIJICACE/E.

Of tlio tlivco spooios (lo?!cribc(I ubove, the first-i.iiinod in I lie only one
Avhifh is mediciually importaut. Tljo otlierH, thoiiyh Ktrildugly bouutit'ul,
L. cardiiiiilis ospccially ho, aro of little iutorost.

Paris Used. — The leaves and tops of L. iuflata — United Slates .Pharma-
copoiia.

Const it Heuts. — Lobelia has an acrid and iiTitatinf:^ taste, Homewhat rt •
Kombling that of tobacco, and a sliglitly irritatin;^' odor wiion bruised or
powdered. It contains an odorous volatile principle, a i^'cndiar alkaloid,
termed lobeline, lobelie acid, and coi'inion vegetable principles.

J'rqjaralions. — Acetuni lobeliie — vmegarof lobelia; extractuni lobeliic
lluiduin — tluid extract of lobelia ; tinctura lobeliie— tincture of loljelia,
— United Stales rhnt'macopann.

Aledical I'roperticsan/I Uses. — In full doses lobelia produces severe nau-
sea, obstinate vomiting, and great prostration. lu overdoses the pros-
tration becomes extreme, there is failure of voluntary motion, followed by
stupor, coma, and not iinfreqnently convulsions and death. Though for-,
mcrly much used for emetic eifect by empu'ics, dangerous eflfects were so
often produced that it is now soldoni employed in this manner. It is
chieily employed in spasmodic ail'ections of the air-passages, as spasmodic
laryngitis and spasmodic asthma. In the latter disease it often produces
the happiest efi'ects.

ERICACE/E.

Character of the Order. — Shrubs, rarely herbs, with opposite, alternate
or whorled, commonly evergreen leaves. Flowers regular or nearly so ;
calyx 4- to .'j-lobed, free or adherent to the ovary ; corolla 4- to S-lobed,
rarely with distinct jictals ; stamens as many or twice as many as the lobes
of the corolla, free from but inserted with it ; anthers 2-celled, commonly
appendaged or opening by tenninal chinks or pores ; style 1 ; ovary 3- to
10-cclled. Fruit various.

A large order, comprising many plants of n^edicinal and economic im-
portance. Of the medicinal species, some possess valuable diuretic prop-
erties, others aro more or less poisonous, and their therapeutic applications
are not yet definitely known, so that, in the present state of science, it is
not possible to formidate, in general terms, the medicinal in'ojiertics of the
order as a whole.

As represented in North America; the order comprises four well-marked
sub-orders, namely :

VaCCINIE/E — ErICINE/K — PyROLE.E— MoNOTUOPEiB,

the second and third alone comprising medicinal species.

AltrTOSTAPIIYLOS — BEArvBElIIlY.

W

SUB-OUDKU ERICINR/K.

Character of the Suh-Order. — Caly* free from the ovary. Corolla niono-
petalous or sometimes polypotulous, hypogynous. Shrubs or small trees.

ARCTOSTAPIIYLOS.— BRAKnrnRY.

Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi Spreugel. — Uva-nrfti, Benrherr;/.

Description. — Calyx G-parted, persistent, the lobes roundish. Corolla
ovate, urn-shaped, rose-color, pellucid at the base, hairy inside, >vith u
short, aouto, recurved teeth.
Stamens 10, included ; anthers
large, with 2 pores at the sum-
mit, laterally 2-awned, the
awns reilexed. Ovary sur-
rounded with 3 fleshy scales.
I'ruit drupaceous, depressed-
globose, the size of a large pea,
red, with a meal}' insipid jiulp,
*-nd containing 5 seeddike
nuts.

A small trailing shrub.
Hoot thick, wood}', creeping.
Stems numerous, ti'ailing and
spreading, the sterile branches
often 2 to 3 feet long. Leaves
evergreen, scattered, cuneate-
obovate, three-fourths of an
inch long, variable in breadth,
entire, coriaceous, shining.
Flowers droopiufj: in small
terminal racemes, appearing
in April and jNIay.

Habilal. — Dry sandy soils, rocks and bare hills, from New Jersey to
Wisconsin and northward. Found also in Northern Europe and Asia.

Parts Used. — The leaves— official name, Vva-ursi— Cn it ed Slate.^ I'liar-
macopceia.

Oniditnents. — Tlu'ee crystalline j^rinciples, namely, arhuli)), erirnli.n. and
ursolic, have bern found in uva-ursi and in other ericaceous plants. In
addition to these principles there occur gallic and tannic acids and other
connnon vegetable constituents.

Preparations. — Extractum uv?e-ursi fluidum — fluid extract of uva-ursi.
— United States Pharmacoptaia. In many cases the di'ug is best adminis
tered in infusion.

Pro. 141. — Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi.

102 KRICACE^.

Mt'diral Properties and Usm. — Uva-ursi is astrinpfont and tonic, and ia
gonemlly credited with a Kpec.'itic action upon the urinary tract. In a con-
dition of hcultli it produces no diuretic eiT'ect, thouf^h it is said to do so in
c(>rtiiin cases of disease During its administration tlie urine ac(|uires a
dark color and a pe<;uli.u* odor. It is cliielly used in chronic urinary dis-
eases, as jiyehtis and cj'sti'is, calculous aftections, jjjleet, and incontinence
of urine. It has also been used advantafreously in leucorrlmni, diarrhcea,
chronic bronchitis, and in passive hcmorrha<3'es.

EPICRA.— Thatmno AniJUTUs.

Epigaea repens Linno. — Trailinrj Arbutus, Ground Laurel, May-
I'loivcr.

Dcxrrvpliov. — Calyx deeply 5-parted, colored, -with three bracts at tlie
base ; the lobes ovate, acute, smooth. Corolla tubular, salv(!r-i'orin, rose-
color or nearly Avhite, the limb 5-parted, somewhat sineadinji; ; the lobes
ovate, obtuse, very hairy inside toward the base. Stamens 10, shorter
than the corolla ; tilanienta hairy at the base ; anthers linear, opening longi-
tudinally. Style straight ; stigma obtusely S-lobed. Capsule d(>pressed-
globular, obtusely 5-angled, 5-celled, many-seeded, covered with the per-
sistent calyx.

A prostrate or trailing shrubby perennial. Stem woody, spreading on
the groiuid, and often rooting at the joints, clothed, as are the petioles also,
with stiff l)rownish hairs. Leaves evergreen, coriaceous, 1 to 2 inches long,
cordate-ovate, entire, obtuse or with a short mucronate jioint, sprinlcled or
fringed with hairs. Flowers in short dense axillary anil terminal fascicu-
late racemes, conspicuously bracteate, very fragrant and ornamental, ap-
l)earing in April and May.

Hatntat. — In dry sandy woods, and on hill-sides, especially in pine re-
gions.

Part Uxrd. — Tiie leaves — not official.

Constituents. — Similar to, if not identical with those of uva-ursi, which
see.

Preparations. — Decoction and infusion.

Medical Propertier, and Uses. — This plant has been used as a substitute
for uva-ursi, and, it is claimed, with satisfactory results.

G AULTHERI A. —A uom atic Winteiigreen.

Gaultheria procumbensLinne. — Wintergreen, Fart ridge-Berry, Tea-
Perry, ('herkerberry.

Desrrij^tion. — Cah^x 5-lobed, becoming fleshy and baccate, and then cov-
ering the capsule. Corolla cylindrical-ovoid, white, 5-toothed. Stamens
10, shorter than the corolla ; anthers 2 lobed, opening longitudinally, 2-

AN DUO. Mi: DA. ID.'J

awnod ftt tlio sun unit. Stylo liliform ; stip^nm nndividod, obtuse. Ciip-
sule deproHscd-j^loIjuIiir, 5-colled, mauy-secilod, coinplotoly euclosed in ii
livrj,'f! rod, biTiy-liko calyx.

A small, ('rc('i)inp;", shrubby, or almosfc horbac'cous porcnnial. Stem
crcopin<^ oxtcnsivoly just bcni-atli the surface of the; yiound, and scndiii|^
up erect branches 3 to 5 iimhes hi;^'h. Leaves nlternate, everf^rocn,
coriaceous, 1 inch lon^, obovate, cuneate at the base, remotely and seta-
ceously denticulate!, 3 to (5 placed near the sununit of each branch. Flowers
axillary, on pedicels nearly half an inch Ion;,', with 2 bracti'oles near the
flower, mostly solitary, nodding, appearing in summer. Fruit edible, but
rather dry.

Ilabilal. — In woods, and rather dry sandy swamps; conunon.

Part Used. l^\\f leaves — Cinled States Pharmacopd'ia.

C())is/ilitciil><.—T\n'iv most important constituent is a highly aromatin
volatile oil ; tlioy also contain taimiu, and the crystalline principle found
in uva-ursi, which s(;e.

Freparatiom. — Oleuiu gaultheriio— oil of gaulthoria {oil of ivintcrfjrem).
Spiritus gaultheriic — spirit of gaulthoria (tr.sse»c'e (*/' icintergreen). — United
Stales I'harmacopa'ia.

Medieal Propcrlies and I'srs. — Until recently, wintcrgreen was usetl
only as an aromatic stinuilant, or as a llavoring agent. Since the introduc-
tion of salicylic acid as a remedy for rheumatism, however, the oil of win-
tergreon, which contains a largo i)ercentage of tills iicid, has been used
medicinally in the same disease. In some cases the results have been grat-
ifying, but. in general, the acid itself, or some of its salts, are much moro
oilicient. From a somewhat limittjd experienco, the author finds tliat fre-
quent doses of the oil often become insupportable, owing to its high flavor,
anil hence he has found it difticult to persist in the use of the remedy long
enough to secure permanent curative effects.

ANDROMEDA.

Andromeda Mariana Linne. — Stafjger-Bush.

Description. — Calyx deeply .'i-partod, the segments acute. Corolla
ovoid-cylindrical, about one-half inch long, white, or pale-rose coloi-, .5-
cleft. Stiuuons 10 ; filaments linear, lanceolate, doubly recurved, hairy ;
antliors oblong, awnless, the colls oj^oning by a largo oblicpio terminal ori-
fice. Style shorter than the corolla, tapering ; stigma obscurely lobed.
Capsule conical, somewhat contracted at the base, .'j-cellcd, 5-anglod,
many-seeded ; the sutures very prominent, at length sop;) rating from the
valves.

A shrub 2 to 3 feet high, with a few erect branches ; bark gray, sprin-
kled witli black dots. Leaves 2 to 3 inches long, oval or ol)l()ng, often
obtuse at the apex, acute at the base, entire, coriaceous, sprinkled with
13

10-4 ERICACE.K.

bluck dots undcrncntlj, dceidiKnis. I'Iowovh large and showy, nodding,
from axilliiry Hoiily biidH, often forming elongated racemes ; the fascicles
4- to l()-llo\v('r( (1 ; tlicy iipiicar in June and Jnly.

llabital. — In low sandy soil, from llliodo Island southward, along the
coast.

This, and some other indigenous sj^ecics of andromeda, are said to be
poisonous to land)S and calves, i)rodu(;ing symptoms termed stafjfjers. The
jtlaiitH iiro interesting from this fact, and from their being apparently anal-
ogous to KuUnia, which see,

OXYDENDllON.— SouuEn Tube.

Oxydendron arboreum De CandoUe {Andromeda arhorea Linne). —

SoD'i'l J'ri'i; Suit)' Wood.

JJn/icnption. — Calyx without l)ractlets, very deeply 5-cleft, the segmcnta
valvate in the bud. Corolla ovate, 5-toothed puberulcnt. Stamens 10 ; an-
thers lineal', awnless ; the cells tapering upward, and opening by a long
chink. Capsule ol)loiig-pyi'amidal, 5-celled, 5-valved, many-seeded.

A tree 15 to 50 feet high. Leaves alternate!, ol)l(»ng-lanceolate, reumi-
nate, seri'ulate, at tir.st downy, then smooth, on slender petioles, deciduous.
FlowiU's in long one-sided racemes, clustered in an open panicle, terminat-
ing the branches of the season ; they appear in June and July.

llnhital. — In rich woods from Pennsylvania to Georgia and Avestwai'd.
Though ('omn)only u small tree, ]\[iehaux states that in the fertile valleys at
the foot of the lofty mountains of North Carolina he measured specimens
which were 50 feet high and 12 or 15 inches in diameter.

Part Used. — The leaves — not official.

ConstUueids. — Unknown.

Frcpnndunifi. — Infusion and decoction.

Medival Properties and f^ses. — The leaves of this tree have a pleasant
acidulous taste, and are said to be tonic, ref^' "craut, and diuretic. They
are used in doriiestic i^rac^tice, i)i the form . infusion or decoc'ion, as a
refrigerant drink in fevers.

KALMIA. — American Lauuel.

Kalmia latifolia Linne. — (hJicolinxh, Mountain Laurel, Spoon-Wood.

Deseription. — Calyx small, 5-parted, persistent, with oval, acute seg-
ments. Corolla-tube short, cylindrical, the limb spreading, and terminating
in an erect, 5-parted margin. Stamens 10 ; anthers lodged in dcin-essions
in the corolla in such a manner that as the flower exjjands the filaments
are bent strongly outward ; when tlie flower is fully expanded the anthers
are releastnl, and the filaments recoil elastically, throwing the anthers over
upon the stigma. Pod globose, S-valved, 5-cellcd, many-seeded.

KALMIA — AMKUICAN LAlIiKL. lU.I

An evergreen shrub, 4 to 20 foot lii}j;b. Louvoh nioHtly ultoruato, cori-
nceouH, Ijright greou both sidoH, ovato-l.uiceohito or elliptioiil, tiiporiiig to
eacli end, pctiolcd. Flowers very showy, in tornunal, numy-tlowereil, uni-
bol-liko forynibs, varying Ironi deep rose-color to nearly white ; thoy aj)-
pcar in IMay and June.

y/(i/^(7r//. -Canada to Florida and westward; in the; Xortliorn States ti
low shrnl), farther south it is larger, and often i'cjrius very dense thickets.

J'art Cavxl — The leaves — not olKcial.

Conxtiliii'iits. — Analysis, as yet, has thrown little light upon the snp-
l)Osed properties of this plant. Besides the ordinary [(rineiple of plants,
there have been found in it an acrid principle, and (irliiUin, the hitter one
of the conslil H-nts of uva-ursi, and other ericaceous plunts.

PreparufioHx. — Kahnia imparts its virtues to boiling water and uknihol;
it may be administered in decoction or tincture.

Mcdii-al J'ropi'iiics and Uses. — The leaves of the i)lant ns also those
of Kahiiiii angustifolia {Sha'p-Ldiircl, Lni)th-/,'ill) are said to be poisonous
to sheep und calves ; and cases are reported of men being jjoisoned by
eating the llesh of partridges whi(.'h had fed upon the buds autl berries.
On tho other hand, "Wilson, the ornithologist, ate freely of the flesh of such
birds without any ill elVect whatcv(;r ; and deer feed upon tho leaves in
winter, not only witliout ill eft'ect upon themselvcis, but also without ren-
dering tlieir llesh unwholesome to man. And yet the common oiunion is
that the leaves are very poisonous. Tho writer himself was cautioned by
an old Massachusetts farmer against meddling with A'. anrjiiMi folia because
of its j)oisouous nature ; disregarding the advice, he ate several leaves in
the presence of the farmer, without, however, convincing the latter, not-
withstanding no ill eiVectH were experienced. • That persons have been poi-
soned seriously l)y eating the llesh oi partridges in winter cannot be de-
nied ; that these birds may have fed upon kalmia buds and berries is also
probable, but that their tlesli is thus rendered poisonous does not seem as
yet fully established. Some experimenters have reported elTfects produced
in their own persons by strong decoctions of the leaves, similar to those of
partridge poisoning ; others quite as worthy of credence have failed to
observe any sensible elVect from them. Taking those contradictory s'^ate-
ments in connection with the negative results of the chemical analyses thus
far made, one may reasonably conclude either that the poisonous charactter
of these plants has been greatly exaggerated, or that the energy of the
poison, wliatever it may bo, is greatly intluenced by the personal idiosyn-
crasy of the individual experimented with.

RogardinL-- the therapeutic application of kalmia, there exists the same
confusion. It is said to be " antisyphilitic, sedative to the heart, and some-
what astringent." How truly antisyphilitic it is may be conjectured from
the following case reported by King : " Some time since I treated a case
of syphilis of five weeks' standing, which had not received any kind of

100 KUICACE.'E.

troiitinent iliiritif^ tlint period. Tlio pulicnt, ni Ui(> time I (irst snw him,
liiul HCiveral clmucroH, tlw Hurfaco of tin* liody iind hciitl was covcnMl with
HiiiiiU vvi] piinploH, t'U)Viit(.'(l ubovo n jiuuKhccd wkin, iiiid ho was in a very
(h-bilitatcd coikHHoh. I aihiiiiiiHlcrcd a Haturalcd tiiictjiro of tlu- h'avcH of
kaliiiia, and toiiclicd Hie chaiid'cs witli a tinctiiic of iimriatc of iron, and
ellli'(^t('d a ciiro in four wcckH, rt-niovin;^' tlic jauinUct! at tlic .sanif time."

The bnuHod U'aves, and a dococtiou have been uwed topically in Homo
skin diseases with asserted benefit.

It would seem from the fore^oiiif,' that there is mueli uneertainty in wliat
has been wi-itten of kalmia, from the (ime of Kalm to the present day, luid
that the plant requires further investigation.

IiEI)UM.--LAnuAr)(>u Tka.

Ledum latifolium Alton. — Labrador Tea.

iJrscriplion. — Calyx n-tootho I, very r.midl. Corolla : petals 5, obovate,
spreadinj>[, distinct. Stamens 5, occasionally 0 or 7 ; anthers ojx'ninj,' by
terminal pores. I'od oblony, 5-celled, many-seeded, splitting from beh)W
ujjward.

A shrub 2 to 5 feet high. Leaves alternate, elliptical or oblong, entire,
the margins n-volute, rusty-woolly beneath, cori uteous, persist,((nt. Flowei'S
white, smill, in terminal umb.'l like clusters, from larg(! scaly buds, a]>
poaring in June.

IfahUat. — In cold bogs and mountain woods from Pennsylvania to AVia-
cousin and northward.

Ledum palustre Linno. — Mm-sh Tea.

Dt',i<cripU(n}. — Like the preceding, but with uniformly 10 stamens, oval
pods, and linear leaves.

IIaI)itat. — In swamps nnd wet places in British North America, and also
in northern Europe and Asia,

Farl)i Used. — The leaves of both species — not official.

OonstUueiits. — The leaves of marsh tea have a balsamic odor, and an
aromatic, camphoracoous, bitter taste ; they contain a i)eculiar tannin,
termed /tv/i7K/i;(tV' acif/, and a pungent aromatic volatile oil, besides com-
mon constituents of plants. The constituents of Labrador tea are sup-
posed to bo similar.

.Prcparntionn. — Commonly used in decoction.

Mcdind ProperficH and Unex. — Mu'sh tea is said to be acro-narcotic,
jiroducing, in large doses, headache, restlessness, dilatation of the pu2)il,
and a sort of intoxication, accompanied witli increased secretion of urine,
saliva, and perspiration. Its sphere of therapeutic application is not
definitely settled, though it has been used in spasmodic croup, whooping-
cough, gout, rheumatism, and various skin diseases. A strong decoction
is used externally to destroy cutaneous parasites in domestic animals, and.
the fresh leaves are placed in woollen cloths to protect them against moths.

CIIIMAIMIILA — PIPSISSKWA. 11)7

Labrador tea fippparw to bo loss urtivo than tlio otli(>r spoficH, Imt
otliorwiso not (UlVrniit t'l-oii: it. It, is aaicl to have buou iwinl ilurinj^ the
llovulution ii8 u Bubstittito foi* tea.

CHIMAl'IIILA.— Pii'HiMrtKWA.

Chimaphila umbellata Nut tall — /V//ur'.>< Pine, Pipst'usnra.

J)i;.<('n)ihi>ii. — C.ily\ a p.uUil, Inu i'l'oiii tlic ovarv, piir.sistoiit. Corolla:
petals 5, concave, orbicular, widcly-Hpreadiut,', distinct. Stamens 10 ; lil-
ttuients enlarj^dd and hiiry in the middle ; anthers more or less 2-horiu'd
lit the baH(!, which, by inversion, becomes the apparent apex. Styles very
short, invev.-iely (ionical, nearly immers(Hl in the depressed summit of the
jflobular ovary ; stijjfma disk-shaped, the border 5-crinate. I'od depressed-
globular, fi-celled, i")-v;dved, splitlin;^ from the apex <lo\vn\vard.

A low, nearly herijuceous, evergreen plant, with long ruiuiing under-
ground stems, and short, ascending, leafy braiKihes, 4 to 10 inches high.
Le, . '38 evergreen, thick and shining, cuneatedanceolate, acute at the base,
sharply serrate, whorled or scattered. Flowers white cu" purplisli, fra-
grant, coryndied or luubc^lled on a terminal jjeduncle, appearing in June.

ILihitdl. — In dry woods ; conjmon.

Chimaphila maculata Pursh. — Spotted Wintenjreen.

Dene •iplion. — Headily distinguished from the preceding by its leaves
alone, which are ovate-lanceolate, obtuse at the base, remotely toothed, and
have the upper surface; variegated wi'h white.

Uabllut. — Dry woods ; less connnon than the preceding.
Part Uiml. — Tlie leaves of C nmbellata — Uiuted StalfK Pliarmacopw.ia.

CoN.s7t/aej</.s. ~-Cliemi(!al analysis, as yet, has thrown little light upon
the therapeutic, activity of chimaphila. Besides the common eonstituei ^s
of plants there have been foiuid in it a i)ecu];ar crystalline substance,
termed chhiKipliHiii, which, however, does not ai)peiv'' to be the active prin-
ciple ; the latter has not been isolated.

JVeparalions. — Extractum chimaphiLe tluidum — fluid extract of chi-
maphila.— United Stales l'harmaco2)(xia. A decoction is also elKcient and
sometimes preferable.

Medical Propniie.-< and f^(!.s. — Cliimaphila, in its action, closely resem-
bles uva-ursi, and is used for like purpO!::'^s. Its tonic properties are saiil
to render it especially u.seful in scrofulous aftections. Like uva ursi it is
beneficial hi cltronic affections of the urinary organs. C. maculata is said
to resemble it both in constituents and in therapeutic activity.

AQUIFOLIACEiC.

Character of the Order. — Shrubs or trees with simple, mostly alternate
leaves, and 4- to 8-raerous flowers. Stamens as many as the lobes of the
corolla, alternate with them, and inserted upon their base. Ovary free,

198 AQUIFOLIACE^.

fonuiii}^', ill fruit, a i- to 8-sceded drupe ; stigmas 4 to 8, or united into
one, nearly sessile.

A small and comparatively unimportant order. In general, plants of
this order ai'e possessed of emetic properties.

ILEX.— Holly.

Charade)' of the Gcwis. — Calyx -i- to G-toothed. Corolla : petals 4 to G,
separate or united at the base. Stamens 4 to (5, alternate with the petals.
Ovary 4- to G-celled ; stigmas sessile. Fruit a berr^^-like drupe with 4 t'^ 6
seed-like nutlets. Shrubs or trees with simple, mostly alternate leaves.
Flowers more or less dia;ciously polygamous.

Ilex opaca Aitou. — Auwrimn J/nll;/.

Jh'.iciiplloii. — Farts of tluwer commonly in fours. Fruit red, its luitlets
ribbed and veiny.

A tree 20 to 40 feet higl.. Leaves evergreen, oval, flat, the wavy
margins with scattered s^nny teeth. Flowers in loose clusters along the
base of the young branches, and in the axils, appearing in June.

JlahUat. — In woodlands and open places from Maine to Florida and
westward ; more common and of large size southward.

Ilex CassiriG Walter. — Casscna, Yaupon.

iMicr/plion. — Flowers and fruit like the preceding. A shrub 8 to 12
feet high, slender, the short spreading branches often spine like. Leaves,
evergreen, 4 to 1 inch h)ng, ov-d or oblong, obtuse, crenate. Flower-
clusters very numerous, se> die or jiearly so, appearing in April.

lluhitat. — In light sandy soil along the coast from North Carolina to
Florida.

Ilex Dahoon Walter. — Dahoon IIoUij.

iA>c?'//>^/'>n. —Flowers and fruit as in the preceding. A shrub or small
tree. Leaves evergreen, 2 to 3 incli.es long, varying from ohovate io ob-
long-linear, acute or obtuse, mucronate, entire, or sharply serrate above the
middle, on short petioles ; their under siirfacje, as well as the younger
braiiclu>s and flower-clusters, pubescent. Sterile peduncles many flowered,
the fertile ones shorter, mostly 1-tlowered ; the flowers appear in Api-il
and ]M IV.

Varhiy 3[yrtif')lia {Ilex inijrtifolia Walter) has small leaves, ^ to 1
inch long, linear-oblong, entire, or on young branches, sharply 2- to 4-
toothed toward the apex.

Habifaf. — ^Margins of swamps. North Carolina to Florida and westward.

ParU Used. — The leaves and fruit — not otHcial.

CoiiNliluentn. — The leaves o' Europctui holly {Ile.>; Aqiiifulinni Linm')
have been more carefully examined than those of any Nortli American
species. They contain a bitter principle, iliriu, a yellow coloring sub-
stance called ile.miUhin, and a peculiar acid, ilicic acid. Some of the
American species coutaiu cad'cina.

DIOSPYUOS — PEKSIMMON. 109

Preparatloni^. — Alniinistcred in powder or infusion.

Medical I'roperlii's a)ul Cscs. — Holly 1ms bcoii much more usetl in
Europe than in this country. Its bitterness led to its use in intermittent
fever, but careful observation has prov d it worthless in this disease. In
largo doses the leaves produce nausea and vomiting, while the berries, ad-
ministered in like manner, cause both vomiting and purging. Possessing
such irritating properties, they may, of course, be used in such manner as
to cause diaphoresis, and hence probably their asserted efficacy in rheu-
matism. I. opaca is said to be somewhat demulc&nt, and has been used in
puhnouary atlections to allay cough ami jwjinote expecttoration. I. cassine
is said to be used considerably in the South as a substitute for tea ; as it
contains caffeina, its use in this manner is much more rational than that of
several other plants which have nothing in their composition analogous to
the constituents of tea.

EBr:NACE/E.

Character of the Order. — Trees or shrul)s with alternate entire leaves,
and dicecious or polygamous, regular Howers. Calyx persistent, foliaceous.
Corolla monopetalous, hypogynous. Stamens at least twice or tlirice as
many as the lobes of the corolla, and inserted on its tube or base. Ovary
several-celled, with one or two ovules in each cell. Fruit a berry, matur-
ing in one or more l)ony-coated seeds.

A small order, comprising 15 genera and 180 species, chielly tropicid.
Represented in North America by the genus

DIOSPYROS. — Pf.usimmon.

Diospyros Virginiana Limu*. — lermnmon, Dale Plain.

Det^cription. — Calyx 4:-loI)ed, increasing in size with the development of
the fruit. Corolla 4-lobed, between bell-shaped and urn-shaped, greenish-
yellow, thickish, glabrous. Stamens 1(1, in pairs, pubescent ; the sterile
ones of the fertile flowers 8. Ovary 8-celled ; styles 4, 9-lobed at the
apex. Fruit plum-like, 1 inch in diameter, 4- to 8-seeded. Yellow when
ripe.

A tree 20 to 70 feet high. Loaves 2 to 5 inches long, ovate or oblong,
more or less pubescent when young, at length nearly or (piite smooth.
Fertile llowers commonly solitary in the axils ; sterile ones in threes.
Fruit exceedingly astringent while green, but when ripe, after frost, very
sweet and luscious. -- r

Habitat. — Tn woods and old fields from Iihod(^ Island to Iowa, and
southward. E:ist of the Alleghanies it is most conunon along the coast.

Part fWd. — The unripe fruit. It was formerly otficial, but was dropped
from the Pharmacopuna in 1880. The bark is also employed.

Gonstituetits. — Tannic and malic acids, sugar and pectin.

200 PLUMBAGINACEJi.

Preparations. — Infusion aud vinous tincture.

Medical Proijaiicti and Uses. — Tlie unripe fruit and inner bark are as-
trinj^x'ut and bitter. Tannin ajipears t(^ be llieir cnly constituent of thera-
peutic importance. Like other drug's containing tannin, persimmon has
been enipk)yed in chi-onic and subacute catarrhal aliections, utid in hem-
orrhages, but many other articles are much more eligible aud eliicacious.

PLUMBACINACE/E.

Cliaiartrr of tin'. Order. — Herbs, rarely woody, "svith leaves alternate or
clustered at the root. Flowers rt!gular, .^-merous. Cidyx tubular, plaited,
persistent. Petals united at the base, or distinct. Stamens oi^jjosite the
l)etals or lobes of the corolla. Ovary 1-celled, free from the calyx, 1-
ovuled.

An order i:xhiil)iting the sea-shore or salt marshes, mostly in temperate
regions, llcpresented in North America by three genera, only one of
Avhich comprises medicinal species.

STATICE. — Mausii-Rosemau Y.

Statice LimoniumLinnc'. — Ifirsh-Iioseinary, Sea Lavender.

Deseriiilio — Calyx funnel-i'orm, dry, mend)ranaceous, persistent. Co-
rolla : petals 5, distinct, or united below, with long claws. Stamens 5,
united to the bases of the petals. Styles 5, rarely 3, distinct. Fruit mem-
branaceous, indehiscent.

A perennial herb, with a thick, reddish, woody root. Leaves all radi-
cal, thickish, oblong, spatulate, or obovate-lanceolate, tapering into a
rather long petiole. Scapes 1 to 2 feet high, loosely paniculate, the flow-
ers in one-sided spikes on the branches, 2- to y-bracted, appearing late iu
summer.

Habdat. — In salt marshes along the coast, and, in various forms,
throughout the world. Onr plant is var. Carohniana Gray, while the fonn
found on Ihe Pacific coast is car. Californica Gray.

Part Used. — The root — not official.

ConsfduenlK. — IMarsh -rosemary contains, as its most important constitu-
ent, about twelve per cent, of tainiin.

JWjjarations. — Decoction jind infusion.

Medical JVopertiea and Uxe.-^. — Containing, as it does, a large percent-
age of tannin, this pl-uit is powerfully astringtnt. In the early part of
this century it was largely used for the same purjioses as are catechu and
kino now. At present its dec^oction is cljiefly used as a domehtic remedy,
often as a gargle in sore throat, and as an astringent to bleeding aud ulcer-
ated surfaces.

CATALPA. 201

BICNONIACE^.

Character of the Order. — Ti-ees, climbing or twining shrubs, rarely
herbs, with opposite, rarely alternate, simple or compound leaves and
showy, often trumi^et-shaped flowers. Calyx 2-lipped, 5-cleft or entire.
Corolla usually irregulai", 4- to 5-lobed, deciduous. Stamens 5, unoqiial,
one or two of them often abortive, inserted upon the corolla. Ovary free ;
style long ; stiuina 2-lipped. Fruit a 2-valved, often pod-like capsule, di-
vided by an expansion of the placeutie. Seeds generally numerous and
winged.

An order of chiefly tropical plants, comprising few medicinal siiecies,
and these possessed of no very striking properties.

BIGNONIA.

Bignonia capreolata Linne. — Bignonin.

Description. — Calyx somewhat bell-shaped, the margin wavy or slightly
5-toothed. Corolla irregular, bell-shaped, 5-lobetl, and rather 2-lippcd,
orange color, two inches long. Stamens unecpial, 2 long, 2 short, and 1
rudimentary and sterile. Pod 2-celled, flattened parallel with the valves
and partitions. Seeds in two rows, and provided with a mendjranous
wing.

A shrubby climber, often ascending tall trees. Wood so arranged in
the stem as, in transverse section, to show a cross. Leaves of 2 oblong
or ovate loallcts and a brandling tendril, often with a pair of accessory
leaves in tlio axils, r(>sembling stipules. Flowers clustered, the peduncles
l-llowered, appearing in April.

Habitat. — In rich soil from Virginia to Southern Illinois and south-
ward.

Part Used. — Tiie root — not official.

Constituents. — Unknown.

Preparations. — Used in decoction.

Medical Properties and Uses. —Bignonia is said to have been used as a
substitute for sarsaparilla. If it have active medicinal properties, tliey
are yet to be ascertained.

CATALPA.

Catalpa bignonioides Walter.— C«/r//y)«7, Indian Honn.

Description.— Ciih' ■ 2-lipped, corolla bell sliaped, inflated, the border
spreading, 4- to 5-lobed, irregular, somewliat 2-lipped, \\uite, tinged with
violet, aud dotted with purple and yellow on the throat. Fertile stamens,
2 or 4 ; sterile and rudimentary, 1 or 3. Pod one foot long, slender,
nearly cylindrical, 2-celled.

202 OllOBANCIIACE.E.

A tree twenty to tifty feet liigli. Leaves mostly opposite, large, cor-
date, pointed, pubescent, at least beneath, long-petioled. Flowers in large,
sliowy, terminal iianicles, apj^earing in summer.

Jlabllat. — Native of the S(jutheru States, but common in cultivation in
New England and New^ York.

Farl/^ Uxi'd. — The bark and seeds — not official.

ConKlifaciifx. — In the bark have been found tannin, an amori)hon8
bitter principle, a bitter, nauseous crystalline body, besides common vege-
table constituents.

I'lrparaliouK — A decoction.

Mfdicid Propcrlii^H and i'se;^. — Regarding the medicinal pi'operties of
catalpa, there is little to be said, for little of a detinite character is known.
It i^^ said to bo emetic and vormifuge, and to have been nsed in bronchitis
and asthma with beneficial effect. PiU'cher states that the honey col-
lected from the flowers is somewhat iioisonous.

OROBANCHACE/E.

Character of the Order. — Low, fleshy herbs, parasitic upon the roots of
other plants, destitute of green foliage, bearing scales instead of leaves.
Calyx 4- to ^-toothed or parted. Corolla m(>nopetalons, tubular, .^)-lobed,
more or less 2-lipped, withering-persistent. Stamens 4, inserted in pairs
upon the tube of the corolla. Ovary free ; style long, curved at the apex ;
stigma large. Pod 1-celled, 2-valved. Soeds numerous.

A small order of unimportant plants. In general they possess bitter
and astringent pr'^perties.

EPIPIIKGUS.— BF.F.cn-DuoPH.

Epiphegus Virginiana ly.wton.—J'cech-Ih'ops, Canrcr-Tinot.

Dn^rriptiou. — Calyx .^-toothed. Corolla of the upper flowers long,
tubular, curved, 4-toothed, whitish and purple ; of the lower flowers,
short, seldom expanding, but being forced from its base by the growth of
the pod. Po.I 2-valved at the apex, but with 2 partial partitions in each
valve.

A slender much-branched herb, G to 12 inches high, purijlish or yel-
lowish-brown, with small scattered scales. Flowers racemose or spiked,
the upper sterile, the lower fertile, appearing late in sunmier.

Jlabilat. — Parasitic upon the roots of beech-trees ; very common.

Pari Used. — The entire plant — not official.

ComlltuentH. — Unknown.

Preparations. — Administered in decoction or powder.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Beech-drops has a disagreeable bitter
and astringent taste, which is much more pronounced in the recent than
in the dried specimen. It has been employed both topically and internally

APIIYLLON NAKED BUOOM-RAPE. 203

as fin astrinpfpnt. Doubtless its eflfect when \pplie(l to ill-conditioued ulcers
led to the absurd notion that it is curative of cancer.

CONOPIIOLIS. — Canceu-Root.

Conopholis Americana "Wallroth — ^'qitav-lioot, Cnnrrr-Tlnnt.

Dcf'cription. — Calyx irregularly 1- to 5-toothed. Corolla tu1)ular at the
base, 2-lipped, the upper lip 2-lobed, the lower 3-parted, spreading. Pod
2-valved, with 2 jAacentie on each valve.

8tem 4 to 7 inches hi<fh, thick, simple, covered with ovate-lanceolate,
aciite scales, regularly inil)ricat(!d like the scales of a pine cone : tlie upper
scales forniiii;'' bracts to the ilowers. Flowers in a tliicjk scaly spike, ap-
pearing in ]\Iay and June. The entire plant is chestnut-colored or yellow-
ish.

IfahUat. — In oak woods.

J^arls Uf^ed. — The entire plant — not official.

Couxfifucnls. — Unknown.

JWparcUion.^. — Used in decoction or powder.

Medical Properties and L'^ch. — Like those of Beech-Drops, which see.

APHYLLOX. — Xakkd Bkoom-Rape.

Aphyllon uniflorum Torrey and Gray. — XaLed Broom-Ttopc.

Description. — Calyx 5-cleft, regular. Corolla v.ith a long curved tube,
the border 2-lipped, the upper lip deeply 2-cleft, the lower 3-cleft, pur-
plish-white. Stamens included. Cipsulo 2-valved, each valve with 2
placentie.

Stem subterranean or nearly so, scaly, often branched, each branch
sending up 1 to 3 slender, l-ilo\vei'ed scapes, ;i to 5 inches higli. Flow-
ers and scapes glandular-pubescent ; they appear in April and jMay.

Habitat. — In dry woodlands ; common.

I'lirlx l^rd. — The entire plant — not olHcial.

(JonstitLU'ul.-<. — Unknown.

Preparations. — Used in decoction or powder.

Medical Properties and i'sct<. — Like those of Beech-Drops, which see.

SCROPHULARIACE/E.

Character of the Order. — Herbs, rarely shrubs or trees, with opposite or
alternate, exstipulate leaves, and irregular, mouopetalous flowers. Calyx
5-lobed, rarely 4-lobed, persistent. Corolla 5-lobed, rarely i-lobed, often
2-lii)2Ded or more or less irregular. Stamens 2 or 4, sometimes 5. inserted
on the tube of the corolla. Ovary free, 2-celled ; style 1, undivided ; stig-
ma entire or 2-lobed. Pod 2-celled, many-seeded.

A large and widely distributed order. iMost of the species are bitter,

204

RCHOI'nULAlIIACE.E.

some of thorn acrid, and ()th(?rs possess narcotic properties, ho that it ia
difficult to characterize them in general terms.

VERBASCUM.— Mullein.

Verbascum Thapsiis Linn6. — Common Mullein.
Ih'ncriplion. — (Jalyx o-partcd. Corolla slightly concave, whoel-shnped,
5-lobed, the 1(;1)(!H slij^htly irregular. Stamens 5, three of them with -woolly

lilameuts, the others glabrous.
Style Hattened at the apex. Pod
globular, many-seeded.

A stout, erect biennial, simple
or bran('h('(l above, 2 to 4 feet
liigh, densely clothed 'with soft
woolly hairs. Leaves oblong,
pointed, slightly toothed, nar-
rowed at the base into two wings
which run tlown the stem ; the
lower ones nt'ten petiolate, and 6
to 10 inches long. I'lowers yel-
low, in a dense, woolly, terminal
spike, appearing throughout the
sununer.

JlabUat. — Nattiralize( fiom
Europe ; common everywnere.

I'orL^ i'si'il. — The leaves and
flowers — not official.

Conslitucnts. — Both leaves and.
flowers contain mucilage ; the
flowers yield also a small amount
of yellow volatile oil.

Preparations. — Of the leaves :

Fio. 1 12. — Vorbasciim Thapsiis.

an infusion ; they are also employed in the preparation of poultices. Of
tiH' flowers : an infusion in oil is a popular preparation in some parts of
Continental Europe.

Mcilical PrntH'rti('i< and Usci;. — The chief, if not the only medicinal con-
stituent of mullein is its mucilage. This being admitted, the indications
for the therapeutic use of the plant are plain. It may be employed in all
cases requiring demulcents, and, if not as agreeable as some other agents
of this class, it will proljably be of equal efficacy. The infused oil of the
flowers is probalily no more active than oil in which flowers have not been
infused ; it is used as an embrocation in sprains and bruises.

VERONICA — SPEEDWELL. 205

RCROPIIUL ARI A. — Fio wonT.

Scrophularia nodosa Lhnu'. — Fiywort.

DcHcriplion. — Calyx deeply 5-piirto(l, the lobes roundetl. CoroUn-tube
Homewliiit globular, twice the length of the calyx, the margin 5-lobeil, the
2 upper lobes longer than the 2 lateral, the lower spreading. Stamens 4,
turned downward ; a fifth rudimentary ntameu is situated at the summit
of the corolla-tube. Capsule 2-cclled, 2-valved, many-seeded.

A coarse, erect perennial herb, 2 to 3 feet high. Stem quadrangular.
Leaves opposite, large, broadly ovate, or cordate, pointed, doubly crenate
or serrato. Flowers greenish-piu'ple, in loose cymes, forming a terminal
panicle ; they appear in summer.

Habitat. — In damp woods ; common. Found also in Europe and Asia.

Parts Used. — The leaves and root — not official.

Constituents. — A peculiar principle, ticrophularin, and the common con-
stituents of plants.

J'trparatitms. — Infusion and decoction.

.Medical Properties and Use.^^. — This plant derives its generic name from
its supposed efficacy in scrofula, a sui^positiou long since proved to be
without foundation. If it have any active medicinal virtue, the fact is yet
to be ascertained.

CHELOXE. — Tuktle-IIead.

Chelone glabra Linne. — Turtle-Head, liabnony.

Description. — Calyx : sepals 5, distinct, hnbricated. Corolla inflated-
tubulai', Avith the mouth but little open, 2-lipped, white ; the ujiper lip
arched, keeled in the middle, notched at the apex ; the lower lip 3-lobed,
woolly in the throat, the middle lobe smallest. Stamens, 4 perfect, woolly,
and a fifth smaller, sterile. Capsule ovate, manj'-seeded.

A smooth perennial. Stem upright, branching. Leaves opposite,
lanceolate, serrate, acuminate, narrowed at the base into a very short
petiole. Flowers white, or tinged with rose-color, in sessile spikes or
clusters, appearing from July till autumn.

Habitat. — In wet places ; common.

l*art Used. — The herb — not official.

Constituents. — A bitter principle which has not been isolated.

Preparations — A decoction.

3Iedical Projjerties and Uses. — Bahuony is laxative or purgative, accord-
ing to the dose administered. Its therapeutic limitations are, as yet, in-
definite.

VEROXICA. — Si'KEDWEI.L.

Character of the Genus.— Calyx 4-parted. Corolla rotate or salverform,
4-parted, the lateral lobes or the lower one narrower than the upper.
Stamens 2, one each side of the upper lobe of the corolla, exserted. Style

20G SCUOPIIULARIACEiE.

entire. Capsule compressed, often obeordate, 2-ccllod, few- or many-
seeded.

Herbs, rarely shrubs, Avith opposite or wliorlcd leaves. Flowers soli-
tary, axillary, or in racemes, blue, llesh-colored, or white.

Veronica Virginica Linnu {Lcplandm ]'hy/tnica Nuttall). — ('iilnrs-
Itoot, Cidrcr'K-Ph ysic.

Description. — Tube of the corolla longer than its limb, and much longer
than the calyx. Both calyx and corolla sometimes 5-partcd. Pod oblong-
ovate, not notched, opening by 4 teeth at the summit, many-seeded.

A perennifd herb. Stem simple, erect, smooth, 2 to 5 feet high. Leaves
in whorls of 4 to 7, lanceolate, ^jointed, finely serrate. Flowers white, in
dense terminal sjiicate panicled racemes, appearing in July and August.

Ilahitut — In rich, open woods, from Vermont to Wisconsin and south-
ward.

Part Vxcd. — Tlie rhizome and rootlets Official name : Leptandra —
United Sifdcs Pliarmnropiria.

Veronica officinalis Linne. — Common Speedwell.

Descrijdion, — Corolla with a very short tube, the limb rotate, the lower
segment narrowest. Capsule obovate or obcordate, many-seeded,

A low perennial. Stem perennial at the base, nuich branched, c)*eejiing
and rooting at the jiodcs. ■ Leaves opposite, short petioled, obovate-elliptical
or wedge-oblong, serrate, hair}'. Flowers in axilhuy racemes, nearly ses-
sile, rather small, pale blue, rarely flesh-colored, appearing in midsummer.

Hahitid. — On dry hills and in oj)eu woods ; common both in this coun-
try and in Europe and Asia.

Part Uacd. — The herb — not official.

These two species of vei'onica, dilToring very widely in habit, represent
the medicinal characters of the genus. Y. virginica stands, as it were,
alone, all other species resembling each other to a greater or less extent.

Constituents. — Leptandra contains, in addition to the ordinary constitu-
ents of plants, a peculiar crystalline principle, leplandrin, having the bitter
and nauseous taste of the crude drug. Speedwell also contains a bitter
principle, but whether similar to, or identical with that of leptandra has
not been determined.

Preparalionx. — Of leptandra: Extractum leptandra? — extract of lep-
tandra ; extractum leptandra; fluidum — fluid extract of lejitandra. —
United Slates Phnrmacopceia. There is also a commercial preparation, er-
roneously called leptandrin, prepai'cd by pi*ecipitation from the alcoholic
tincture. Si^eedwoll is commonly administered in infusion or decoction.

Medical Properties and Uses. — When fresh, leptandra acts as a violent
emeto-cathartic, too violent, indeed, to be used with safety. W^ien dried,
its drastic jiroperties are much modified, and in this condition it is said to
be laxative and cholagogue. It is used in disorders of the digestive sys-
tem, especially when accompanied by hepatic torpor.

MENTHA — MINT. 207

Speedwell has been considered diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, etc.,
but is seldom employed, and probably possesses very little medicinal
virtue.

LABIATE.

CJiaractcr of Ihe Order. — Herbs, rarely luidershrubs, -with Rqtiare stems,
and opposite, exstipulate leaves. Calyx tubular, 5- to lO-tootlicd or 2-
lipped, persistent Corolla more or less 2-lipped ; the upper lip 2-l()bod, or
sometimes entire ; the lower 3-lobed. Stamens 4, didynamous, or by abor-
tion 2, inserted on the tube of the corolla. Ovary deeply 4-lobed ; style 2-
lobed at the apex. Fruit 4 seed-like nutlets or achenia, enclosed in the
calyx.

Foliage commonly dotted witli glands containing aromatic volatile oil.
Flowers axillary, chiefly in cymose clusters, and these frequently aggre-
gated in terminal spikes or racemes.

A very large order of aromatic plants, wholly destitute of deleterious
or i:)oisoiious properties. Very many of them have been cultivated for
culinary or medicdnal purposes from time immemorial, hence a large per-
centage of the valuable species at present inhabiting North America have
been introduced.

TEUCRIUM.— Gkumanoeu.

Teucrium Canadense Linnc. — American Germander, Wond-Sar/e.

Description. — Calyx oblicpK*, unequtilly 5-toothed. Corolla Avith the 4
upper lobes nearly e<iuid, oblong, turned forward ; the lower much larger.
Stamens 4, exserted from a cleft between the two upper lobes of the corolla.

An herbaceous perennial. Stem erect, 1 to 3 feet high. Leaves ovate-
lanceolate, acute, serrate, rounded at the base, petiolate ; the upper ones
scarcely longer than the c;dyx. Both stem and leaves hoary-pubescent.
Flowers pale purple to white, in whorls of about 0, crowded in a long sim-
ple raceme ; they tipjiear about midsummer.

Habitat. — In low ground from Canada to Florida.

Parts Used. — The herb — not official.

Constituents. — A vf)latile oil, a bitter principle, and tannin.

Preparations. — Commonly employed in infusion.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Germander, both American and European
species, possesses the stimulant and aromatic properties of labiate plants
generally, and has been emijloyed as a diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue,
etc. _ . _.— ^ - -

MENTHA.— Mint.

Character of the Genus.— Calyx 5-toothed, regular or nearly so. Corolla
"bell-shaped, with a short tube, the margin nearly equally 4-lobed. Stamens
4, erect, equidistant

208

LABIAT.E.

Perennial herbs witli flowers ii\ dense wliorls, aiTnnp;ecl in terminal or
axillary heads or spikes. Corolla pak' i)uri)le or whitish.

Mentha piperita Linne. — Peppermint.

DescTiption. — Smooth. .Stem crcet, 1 to 2 feet hiffh. Leaves ovate-ob-
long, and lanceolate, serrate, pctiolate. Lifloresceuce mostly terminal, in
interrupted heads or si)ikes.

Fio. 1-1.3.— Mentha piperita.

Fig. M't.— Mentha virldla.

JTahitaf. — Naturalized from Europe ; gi'owing in low grounds and wet
places. It is extensivelj' cultivated in some sections of the country, nota-
bly in Wayne County, New York, for the sake of its volatile oil. It multi-
plies rapidly by means of underground shoots.

Mentha virldis Linuo. — Spearmint.

Deitcription . — Nearly smooth. Stem erect, 1 to 2 feet high. Leaves
J oblong-lanceolate, acute, unequally serrate, nearly sessile. Inflorescence
terminal, in naiTow, intemipted spikes. .,

Habitnl. — Naturalized from Europe ; growing in damp soil along road-
sides and in waste places.

Part^ Vsed. — The leaves and tops of both species — United States
Pharmacopoeia.

Constituents. — The only important constituent of mint is its volatile
oiL

LYCOPUS — WATEIl IIOIIEIIODND. 209

Preparalioni^. — Of poppormint : A((Ufi inonthm jiiporitm — popporinint
water ; oleum mcntlifi) piiMirihu — oil of peppenniut ■ spiritus iiienthto
pipcritjc — spirit of ])('pperiuiiit ; trochisci iiiciitliir pipi-ritin— troches of
poi)permint. Of Hpearmint : Aipiio luontliie viridis — Hpcarniint ■svator ;
oleum menthii) viridis — oil of spearmint ; spiritus luentliie viridis — si)irit
of spearmint. — United Slates Pharmacojxeid. Both species are also fre-
quently used in infusion.

Medical Prupcrlies and (Tn^'x. — The aromatic, stimulant, and carminativo
properties of pcppcu'mint and spearmint render them useful in a great va-
riety of gastric and intestinal disorders characterized by colic pains. Tho
only dill'ereuce between them is one of degree, spearmint acting nuich
more mildly than peppermint, and its flavor being to some people more
agreeable.

LYCOPUS.— Wat Kit IIouKiiouNn.

Character of the Genus. — Calyx -4- to 5-toothed. Corolla nearly equally
4-lobed, about the length of the calyx. Stamens 2, with nidiments of 2
more. Achcnia truncate at the apex.

Perennial herbs resembling mints, but wanting their aroma, and having
but 2 perfect stamens.

Lycopus Virginicus Ijhmv.—Jiugleiceed.

Description. — Calyx-teeth 4, ovate, obtuse, without a spine, shorter
than the achenia. Stem G to 18 inches high, obtusely 4-i)ngled. Leaves
broadly-lanceolate, serrate, tapering at both ends, short petioled. Entire
plant smooth, often purplish. Flowers very small, in small capitate clus-
ters, appearing in midsummer.

Habitat. — In v et places ; common.

Lycopus F jropaeus Linne. — Water Ilorehoand.

JJescripfioi . — Calyx-teeth 5, triangular-lanceolate, rigid and jiointed,
longer than the achenia. Stem 1 to 2 feet high, sharply 4-angled. Leaves
oblong-lanceolate, cr lance-ovate, aciite, sinuate-toothed or pinnatitid,
more or less petiolate. Flowers small and very numerous, in dense axil-
lary Avhorla. A very variable species.

Haljital. — In wet places ; common both here and in Europe.

Farts Used. — The herb of both species — not olHcial.

Constituents. — These plants probably possess the ordinary constituents
of the labiatiT), though there is evidently much less volatile oil than in
many plants of the order, and more bitterness.

Preparations. — Commonly administered in infusion.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Bugleweed is said to be sodiiiive, tonic,
astringent, and narcotic, but upon what authority it is difficult to deter-
mine. Water horehouiid is said to be remedial in intermittent fever, but
the authority for the statement is doubtful. By virtue of their bitterness,
both these plants may probably produce tonic effects ; and through their

210 LA HIATAL.

voliitilo oil tliey may relievo oolie pniiiH, aH do the labiatm generally, but
tliat cither of them is directly uarcotio, sedative, or Bpecitic, in extremely
improbable.

CUNILA.— Dittany.

Cunila Mariana Linm'. — THllany.

JJfscriidiun. — Calyx equally .l-toothed, the throat densely hairy. Co-
rolla twice as lon^jf as the calyx, 2-lipped ; the upp(!r lip erecrt, lint, einarj^i-
iiuto ; the lower U-clet't, spreading. .Stamens 2, erec-t, exserted, distant.

A perennial herb. Stems iut'ted, 1 to 2 h'et hif^h, mucli branched, pur-
plish. Leaves ovate, serrate, subsessile. Flowers jiurplish, in corymbed
cymes or clusters, appearin<j in midsummer.

Iltibilal. — In dry, o2)en woods, ivom Now York to Illinois and .southward.

VarU Cxnt. — The herb — not oflicial.

('oiislUaciUis. — A very fraj^'raut volatile oil, and ordinary coubtitueuta of
the labiatii'.

rreparalioHX. — Commonly used in infusion.

Medical rropcrlieti and t's(,'.«<.— Dittany acts, in every essential particular,
like the mints, and is used for the same puiposes.

PYCNANTIIEMUM.— Mountain Mint.

Character of the Geini.^. — Calyx tubular 10- to ■'.5-nei'ved, equally 5-
toothed or with the 3 upper teeth more ov less united. Corolla 2-lipi)ed ;
the upper lip nearly entire ; the lower tritid, the middle lobe longest, all
of them ovate, obtuse. Stamens 4, distant, the lower pair longer.

Erect, rigid, perennial herbs, corymbosely branched above. Flowers'
luunerous, in dense whorls, usually forming terminal heads or close cymes.

Pycnanthemum incanum Mic.hnnK.—Moinitain 3Ii)it.

Dexcriptioit. — Calyx 2-lipped, the teeth, together with the bracts, awl-
shaped, and bearded Avith spreading hairs.

Stem erect ^ +o 4 feet high. Leaves oblong-ovate, acute, remotely
toothed, dow" 3 and hoaiy-tomentose beneath, the floral ones whit-

(>ned botl .'lowers pale red, dotted with purple, in dense, flattened,

comijoi ^es, appearing in July and August.

Ilabii.. —Rocky woods and barrens from New England to IVtichigau
and south ,vard. •

Pycnanthemum linifolium Pursh. — Virginia Thyme.

Description. — Calyx equally 5-toothed, the teeth pointed. Corolla veiy
short.

Stem erect, 1 to 2 feet high. Leaves narrow, sessile, entire, rigid,
crowded and clustered in the axils. Flowers whitish, collected in dense,
globular, often fascicled heads, crowded in terminal cymes, appearing in
August.

COLLINSONIA — HOUSK-BALM. 211

IFabilnf. — ^IfiHaachuHotts to Illinois mid HoutUwanl.

J'artfi L'.stv/. — Tho licrlj — nut olliciul.

Constituenln. — Mountuiu-mint has a tiwto intcnuoiliato between thui. ui
pcnuyroyal ami Bpearuiint, duo to it« volatile oil, its only important (;on-
htituent. Virginia thynio has much lesH aroma, and luoro bittt.'rness ; it
contaiurt volatile oil, tannin, a bitter prinfii)le, etc.

l'rci>ar(th'oiis. — Used in infusion.

Medical l'ri>in;rlicK and I'si's. — Tiic abovo-described species of pycnan-
theuuini, together with several others oi similar properties, have been used
medicinally to a limited extent, for the same puqioses as other labiate
plants are employed. As they are less agreeable than many others of the
order in coninion use, and are certainly no mure etlicieut, tlu;y do not de-
mand serious attention.

lll':i)I':(JMA.— Mock PicNNYUovAf..

f edeoma pulegioides Persoon. — American Penny royal

V 'svripliixn. — (Jalyx KJ-ncrved, gibbous at the base, 2-lippcd, the
throat bearded; the upper lip ;{-toothed ; the lower 2-clcft and spined.
Corolla 2-lipped ; the ui)i)er li^) erect, flat, notched at the a[)ex ; the louver
31obed, spreading. Stamens 2 iertilo and 2 rudimentary.

A low annual. .Stem erect, (5 inches high, branching. Leaves oblong-
ovate, obscurely serrate, petiolaie. Flowers bluish, in few llowered, axillary
whorls, appearing throughout the summer.

Ilahilal. — In (b'y fields and open woods ; everywhere (iommon.

Parts lT»ed. — The leaves and tops. — Ciiiled Slate.s Pharmacupoma.

GouHtitueMx. — Its chief and only important constituent is an aromatic
volatile oil.

PreparaLiun!^.—0\i}\\\\\ hedeoma? — oil of hedeonia (o/7 i>f penmiroifd). —
Cniled Stales Pliarmaeopfvia. li'iK often administered in infusion.

Medical Properties and f^ses. — Pennyroyal is an aromatic^ stimulant,
long used in flatulence, and to stinmlate menstruation. In the latter case
it is not to be considered as exerting, in any sen.se, a specific action, but
simply as stimulating the secretions through its general stimulant proper-
ties, and not through any special action upon the organs engaged in the
function of menstruation.

COLLINSONIA.— Hokse-Bai.m.

Collinsonia Canadensis Linm'. — Horse-Balm, Stone-Root.

Description. — Calyx 2-lipped ; the upper lip IMootlied, the lower 2-cleft.
Corolla greenish-yellow, somewhat 2-lipped, the throat expanded ; the
upper lip nearly equally idobed, the lower much larger, the margin
fringed. Stamens 2, rarely 4, much exserted.

212 LABIATE.

A perennial herb. Stem 2 to 3 feet liigli, somewhat branching above.
Leaves 3 to 8 inches long and 3 to 4 inches broad, ovate, serrate, acumi-
nate, tlio lower on long petioles, the upper almost or quite sessile. Flowers
racemose, the racemes disposed in a large panicle ; they appear in summer
and early autumn.

Ilabilal. — In rich, moist woods ; common.

Purls l^!H!d. — T\ic root and herb — not official.

Conslitiienlff. — "When bruised this plant has a strong, somewhat dis-
agreeable odor, faintly suggestive of a lemon or lime. Like other labiates
its chief important constituent is a volatile oil. The constituents of the
root have not been ascertained.

IWpanif ions;.— Fjin-ployed in infusion and tincture.

Medical J'ropo'tics and l^sex. — Htone-root is said to be diuretic and
tonic, and its name implies, useful in calculous aUcctions. It cer-

tainly possesses stimulant properties similar to those of many other labiate
pi. *s, but whether anything beyond this is, as yet, a matter of conjecture.
The leaves doubtless owe all their efficacy to thei»' volatile oil.

MOXARDA.— Hoi{,sE-MiNT.

Monarda punctata Linnc. — Horse-Mint.

DcKcri2)lion.— Gi\\.ys.i\\\m\iW, elongated, somewhat curved, nearly equally
5-toothed, hairy in the throat. Corolla elongated, strongly 2-lipi)ecl, upper
lip erect, linear, the lower sjjreading, 3-lobed, ilie lateral lobes ovate, ob-
tuse, the middle one narrower. Stamens 2, inserted in the throat of the
corolla, not longer than its upper lip.

A perennial lierb. Stem 2 to 3 feet high, branching, whitened by a fine
pubescence. Leaves lanceolate, tapering to a point, petiolate. Flowers
yellowish, the upper lip spotted with purple, in a few dense whorled
heads, surrounded with bracts ; they apjiear late in sunnuer.

Habitat. — In sandy soil from New York to Illinois and southward.

Part Used. — The herb— not official.

Constituents. — A pungent volatile oil.

Preparations. — Oleum monardic — oil of monarda. Formerly official.
It is also employed in infusion.

3[cdiral Properties and Uses. — Horse-mint is, like other labiates, stimu-
lating and ai'omatic. Like them also it is employed to relieve colic pains,
and in hot infusion to induce diaphor-^sis, and to stimulate the menstrual
function.

NEPET A. —Catmint.

Character of the Oemis. — Calyx tubular, 15-nerved, obliquely 5-toothed,
<^he upper teeth usually longest. Corolla dilated in the throat, 2 lipped ;
the upper lip erect, slightly concave, notched or 2-lobed, the lower spread-

SCUTELLARIA — SKULLCAP.

213

ing, 3-lobecl. Stamens i, in pairs under the nppcr lip, the upper j^air
longer.

Nepeta Cataria Linm'. — Catnip, Catmint.

Di'srrijjlioit. — A perennial herb 1 to 2 feet liigli. Leaves ovate-cordate,
acuminate, coarsely serrate, petiolate. whitish downy underneath. Flow-
ers whitish, dotted with pur-
ple, in compact cymes, form-
ing short, oblong spikes at
the ends of the branches;
they appear in sununer and
autumn.

Hahitat. — In waste places
about dwellings ; naturalized
from Europe.

Nepeta Glee ho ma
Bentham. — Groniul Icy, iUll-
over-the-ground.

I)ei>cripiion. — A more or
less hairy perennial herb,
creeping and rooting at the
base. Leaves orbicular or
reniform, crenate, petiolate,
green both sides. Flowers
blue, in axillary whorls of
about G, appearing early in
sining and summer.

llaliilal. — In Avaste places
about dwellings ; naturalized from Europe.

Part Ui^ed. — The herb of both species — not official.

Constitiientf'. — Tlieir only important constituents are their volatile oils.

Medical Proiicrlioft and ll^es. — Catnip is chiefly iisod for its .stimulant
effect in the flatulent colic of infants, and, in hot infusion, to pn)moto
menstruation. Ground ivy fornuu'ly had some reputation in catarrhal
affections and in pulmonary consumption, but Avithout substantial founda-
tion, for there is no evidence to support the idea that it possesses prop-
erties e.-isentially dill'erent from those of the labiatuo generally.

145.— Nopeta Glechomo.

SCUTELL A11L\. —Skullcap.

Scutellaria lateriflora Linne.— .S'/-«//c(7p.

Description. — Calyx bell-shaped, 2-lipped, the lips entire, the upper
one with a helmet-like appendage on the back, and closed after flowering.
Corolla 2-lipped, the upper lip vaulted, the lower dilated, sjireading, con-
vex, notched at the apex. Stamens 4, ascending under the upper lip.

214 LABIATiE.

A perennial herb. Stem erect, mucli branched, nearly smooth, 1 to 2
feet high. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, serrate, petiolate. Flow-
ers small, blue, in axilbuy and terminal, one-sided racemes, aj^pearing
late in summer.

liabilat. — In wet, shady places ; common.

Part Used. — The herb — United Slates Fharmacopam.

Constitnenls. — Skullcap has less volatile oil and more bitterness than
most other labiate plants, but possesses no constituents essentially difter-
ent from th(;m.

I'r('pumtioiif<. — Extractum scutollari-e fluidum — fluid extract of Scu-
tellaria,— United States Pharmacopada. Conunonly used in infusion.

3Iedical Properties and Uses. — This and several unofficial species of
skullcap have at various times been esteemed of medicinal value, but on
what would appear to be doubtful testimony. They are almost or quite
destitute of aromatic projierties, so common in labiates, and hence, one
would sujipose, less efficient than many other plants of the order whose
medicinal virtues reside in their essential oils. Again, the diseases in
which Scutellaria has been found most efficient, namely, hysteria and
hydrophobia, add not a little to one's scepticism. Hysteria we know is
quite as often amena1)le tv) moral treatment as to drugs ; and much of the
hydrophobia which has been cured has been undoubtedly of a purely
imaginary character. If, then, these plants do really possess any valuable
medicinal properties, the fact is yet to be demonstrated.

MARRUBIUM.— IIoREiiouND.

Marrubium vulgare Linnc. — Tlorehonnd.

Description.— CwXy-ii. tubiilar, 5- to 10-nerved, 5- to 10-toothed, the
teeth spinj', the alternate ones shorter. Corolla 2-lipped ; upper lip erect,
flattish or concave, notched ; the lower spreading, 3-lobed, the middle
lobe broadest. Stamens 4, included in the tube of the corolla.

A perennial herb. Stem ascending, hoary-pubescent, branching at the
base, 1 to 2 feet high. Leaves roundish ovate, creuate, petiolate. Flowers
white, in capitate whorls, appearing late in summer.

IIul)ilat. — In Avaste places ; naturalized from Euroi)e.

Parts Used. — The leaves and tops — United States Pharmacopam.

Constituents. — Volatile oil, a peculiar bitter principle, marrubiin, and
connnon vegetable principles.

Preparations. — Commonly administered in infusion, or syrup.

MeiUiral Properties and C'sf.s. — Horehound is stimulant, tonic, and
slightly laxative. In warm infusion it produces diaphoresis, and is often
used in this manner in the early stages of colds ; while its tonic influence,
when taken cold, has beeji found serviceable in cln'onic pulmonai'y dis-
eases.

IPOMCEA. 215

LEONURUS. — MoTiiEuwonT.

Leonurus Cardiaca Linne. — Molhenoort.

Description. — Calyx 5-nerved, 5-tootlied, the teeth when old stiff and
prickly. Corolla 2-lipped ; the upper lip erect, concave, entire ; the lower
y-Iobed, spreading. Stamens 4, ascending under the upper lip of the co-
rolla.

A perennial herb. Stem erect, slightly hau-y, 2 to 4 feet high. Leaves
long-petioled ; tlie lower rounded, paluiately lobed ; the upper cuneate at
the base, 3-cleft, the lobes lanceolate. Flowers ptdo purple, in close axil-
lary whorls, appearing in summer.

^^"H Used. — The herb — not official.

Const ituenls. — Volatile oil, a bitter princijile, and common vegetable
constituents.

Preparations. — Commonly administered in infusion.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Motherwort is stimulant and slightly
tonic. In warm infusion it is occasionally used to promote diaphoresis.

CONVOLVULACE/E.

Character of the Order. — Chielly twining or trailing herbs, rarely
fihrubby, with alternate leaves or scales. Calyx of 5 imbricated sepals.
Corolla mouopetalous, 5-plaited or 5-lobed, convolute in the bud. Sta-
mens 5, inserted in the tube of the corolla. Ovary free, 2-, rarely 3-celled
or sometimes -l-celled by a false partition. Fruit a 2- to G-seeded capsule.

A large order of mostly tropi(uil plants, many of which are cultivated
for ornament, and several, as jalap and scammony, possess important me-
dicinal properties.

IPOJUEA.

Ipomoea pandurata Meyer — 117/(^ Potato-Vine, 3Ian-nf -the- Earth.

Description. — Calyx: sepals ovate-oblong, obtuse, smooth. Corolla
open funnel-form, 3 inches long, white, the tube tinged with purple. Sta-
mens included. Capsule 2-celled, 4-seeded.

An herbaceous perennial with a very large thick root. Stems long and
stout, trailing or twining. Leaves cordate, entire, somewhat acuminate, on
long petioles. Peduncles longer than the petioles, 1- to o-tlowered. The
flowers arc produced during summer.

Habitat. — In sandy fields from Connecticut to Illinois and southward.

Part Used. — The root — not official.

Coni<titudnts. — The fresh root, when wounded, emits a milky, resinous
juice which probably contains its active principle.

Preparations. — It has been administered in powder and in infusion.

Medical Properties and Uses. — This plant, generically alhed with jalap

216

SOLANACEyE.

{Tpomrra Jalapa), possesses similnr proportios, litit of a mitcli less active
character. It has bc^on used to a hiiiitod extent only, for it is much lesa
eflicieut than jalap and many other common purgatives.

SOLANACEiC.

Character of the Order. — Herbs, rarely shrubs, with colorless juico and
alternate leaves. Flowei-s generally regular, 5-merous, on jiedicels without
bracts. Calyx commonly persistent. Corolla monopetalous, valvate or con-
volute in the bud, often plaited. Stamens inserted in the tube of the
corolla, e(iual in number to, and alternate with its lobes. Ovary free,
2-celled ; style and stigma single. Fruit a ben-y or pod.

A lai'ge order of chiclly tropical plants. In general they contain

narcotic principles ; a few of
them, as the potato, tomato,
and egg-plant, aiVord impor-
tant articles of food. Very
)i\& I >^^T^ fe^y of the strictly North

American species deserve
mention ; those described be-
low, though mostly intro-
duced, are so widely diffused,
and most of them so impor-
tant, that they may well be
considered, for our purposes,
as indigenous.

SOLANUM. —NiGHTsuAnE.

Solanum Dulcamara

Linni'. — Jiiller.^icect.

Descripliun. — Calyx per-
sistent, 5-lobed, the lobes ob-
tuse, purple. Corolln. ro-
tate, 5-lobed, the lobes acute,
reflexed, piirph;, with two
green spots at the base ; the
tube very short. Stamens 5, short, black ; anthers yellow. Berry small,
ovoid or globular, red, several-seeded.

A somewhat shrubby perennial. Stems flexuous, trailing or climbing,
often several feet in length. Leaves petiolate, ovate or ovate-lanceolate,
2 to 8 inches long, the lower entire, the upper often Avith a small lobe or
segment on each side, glabrous or downy. Flowers rather small, in loose
cymes on lateral peduncles shorter than the leu/es, appearing in midsum-
mer ; they have a heavy nai'cotic odor.

FlO. M6.— Solnnum Dulcaniarti.

PUYSALIS — GUOUND CIIEKKY. 217

Habitat. — In moist situations ; common. Litroduced from Europe.

Parts C'stv/. — The young In-anches — i'niled States J'harmacopada.

Constilacnts. — As its common name indicates, this phint has n taste
which is first bitter, then sweet. Its only important constituent thus far
discovered is a peculiar principle termed dalcamarin ; this has, to an intense
degree, the taste of the plant.

l\ep(irations. — Extrac^tum dulcamara-, fluidum — fluid extract of dul-
camara.— United States I'harmacojMua. The i)lant is frecpiently adminis-
tered in decoction.

3Zedicat Properties and Uses. — Bittersweet, in full doses, produces a
certain amount of cei'ebral disturbance of a narcotic character, together
with dryness of the throat, and sometimes an erythematous eruption of the
skin, with a tendency to diai)horesis. It has been employed witli benefit in
a variety of cutaneous eruptions, in nmscular rheumatism, and in chronic
bronchial and jiulmonary affections.

This plant shoixld be carefully distinguished from Wood// Bittersweet
{Celastras scandens), which see.

Another species of this genus, S. nigrum Linno {Btaeh Xifjhtshadr), also
introduced, and very common in waste places around dwellings, is said to
possess similar properties.

PIIY8ALIS.— GuOUND CirERHY.

Chnrader of the Genus. — Calyx 5-clcft, persistent, enlarging after flower-
ing, and at length enclosing the berry. Coi'olla wheel-shaped or bell-
shaped, with a very short tube, the margin 5-lobed. Stamens 5, enclosed
in the tube of the coi'oUa. Fruit a succulent, 2-celled beiTy. Annual or
perennial herbs.

Physalis Alkekengi Linnc. — Strawberry Tomato, Winter Cherry.

Description. — Calyx-teeth awl-shaped ; fruiting calyx much inflated,
membranaceous, turning red at maturity. Corolla-tube very short, cover-
ing the stamens. Berry globular, bright red, edible.

A perennial herb. Stem 1 to 1} foot high, sparingly branched, more or
less pubescent. Leaves large, broadly ovate, pointed, somewhat narrowed
at the base. Flowers solitary, axillary, greenish-white, appearing late in
summer.

Habitat. — Introduced from Europe ; cultivated, and naturahzed in waste
places.

Physalis Pennsylvanica Linne.

Description. — Calyx-lobes variable ; fruiting cah'x conical or globular-
ovate, pointed, with an impressed base. Corolla 5-angled or barely 5- to
10-toothed ; the tube marked with five concave spots. Berry red.

A perennial herb. Stem 1 foot high, erect or diffuse, minutely pubes-
cent or nearly glabrous. Leaves ovate, oblong, or oblong-lanceolate and

218

SOLANACEyE.

tapering at the base, entire or sparingly repancl-tootbetl. Flowers solitaiy,
axillary, greenish-yellow, darker in the centre, ai:)pearing late in summer.

Habitat. —In dry or sandy soil, from Pennsylvania to Florida and west-
ward.

I'ai-ts Used. — The herl> and fruit of C. Alkekengi — not oflicijj.
Conditiu'.nlsi. — The herb contains a i^cciuliar bitter priiicii)le termed
physRliii ; the berries sugar and citric acid.

rrcparulions. — The herb has been employed in powder, decoction, and
vinous tinctui'e ; the fruit, fresh, or dried and powdered.

Midical Properties and Uses. — Physalis appears to be entirely destitute
of acrid and nai'cotic properties, so common in the solanaccio. Alkekengi,
by virtue of its bitter principle, appears to bo tonic and febrifuge. It has
been employed in Europe in intermittents with satisfactory results. The
berries are pleasant to the taste, and are cultivated for the same purposes
ns other small fruits of the garden. They have been employed medicinally

in urinary diseases, and in gout,
but, considering their constitu-
ents, one would not naturally
expect them to be very active.

The indigenous species above
described probably possesses
similar properties. Several
other North American species
might also be included in the
same statement.

HYOSC Y AMUS. — H kn iian ic.

Hyoscyamus nigerLinne.

— Ueiihanc.

Description. — Calyx b e 11 -
shaped or urn-shaped, 5-lobed,
persistent, the lobes broad, stitT,
almost jirickly. Corolla funnel-
form, about 1 inch long, the
border 5-lobed, and more or less plaited. Stamens declined. Capsule
glolnilar, enclosed in the persistent and enlarged calyx, 2-celled, many-
seeded, opening by a lid at the top.

An annual or biennial herb, erect, 1 to 2 feet high, more or less hairy
and viscid, with a fetid, nauseous smell. Leaves rather L-uge, sessile ; the
upper ones clasping, ovate, irregularly pinnatifid. Flowers sessile, in one-
sided leafy spikes ; corolla pale dingy -yellow, with purplish vines.
Habitat. — Introduced from Europe ; naturalized in waste places.
Parts Used. — The leaves collected from pltmts of the second years'

Fio. 117. — nyoscyamns nijfpr.

DATURA.

219

growth — Uhited Slaleft Phnrmacopma. The seeds are also employed, and
were formerly official.

Conxlitucidff. — The only really inii)ortant conatituent of henbane ai>
pears to be the alkaloid hyosci/aniia.

Prcparnliona. — Abstractum hyoscyarai — abstract of hyoscyamus ; ex-
tractum hyosoyan^i alcoliolicum — alcoholic extract of hyoscyamus ; ex-
tractum liyoscvaini fhiidinn — fluid extract of hyoscyamus ; tinctura hyos-
cyami — tincture of Lyoscyanuis ; hyosc^'aminic sulphas— sulphate of liy-
oscyamine. — United Statca Phnrmacopccia.

Medical. Projyerlies and f.V.s-. — Hyoscyamus is anodyne and liy2)notic,
and is used in a great variety of cases requiring a soothing elt'ect upon the
nervous system. In general terms, it may be said to have been employed
formerly in nearly the same class of cases in wliich chloral and the bro-
)nides are at present so largely used. As an anodyne it is much less power-
ful than opium, but has the advantage of being laxative rather than con-
stipating, and of producing no unpleasant after-eilects. As a hypnotic it
is less efficient than chloral,
but also less dangerous, and
much less likely to lead to
the pernicious habit of tak-
ing sleeping potions.

Much of the uncertainty
attributed to hyoscyamus is
doubtless duo to inefficient
preparations, made from old
and inert specimens of the
drug. Even hyoscyamia, the
active principle, is rather
unstable and unreliable.
Hence it is desirable tliat
preparations should be made
from the recent herb if pos-
sible.

DATURA.

Datura Stramonium

Linnc. — Stramonium, Tliorn-
Apple, Jamestown Weed.

Description. — Calyx tubular, 5-toothed, the upper part falling off after
flowering, while a small portion remains as a circular rim about the base
of the capsule. Corolla funnel-form, spreading, plaited, about 3 inches
long, white, the margin 5-toothed. Fruit a globular, very prickly capsule,
4-valved, 2-celled, each cell incompletely divided into 2 others by a false

Fio. MR.— Datura Stramoniiiin.

220 GENTIANACE^.

partition extending nearly to the top. Seeds very numerous, rather large,
Hut.

A coarse glabrous ammal. Stem erect, 1 to 3 feet high, with spread-
ing, forked branches, green. Leaves rather largo, ovate, with irregular,
angular, or pointed teeth or lobes. Flowers solitary, on short peduncles,
in the forks or at the ends of the branches ; they have a sickening odor.

A plant diirering from this only in being rather more robust, and in
having a purplish stem and pale violet-purple flowers, is recognized by
some authors as a distinct species under the name Datum Tulula Linnc.

JIahiliif. — Connnon in waste places. D. Stramonium is a native of
Asia ; U. Tatula is rather doubtfully .attributed to tro^jical America.

Farla Cued. — The leaves and seeds of D. Stramonium — Cniled Stales
Pharmacopwia. D. Tatula is just as efficient.

Conslitusnts.—lUXiG most important constituent of stramonium is the al-
kaloid daluria, whicli is found in all parts of the plant. Daturia produces
ctlects similar to those of atropia, and is said by some chemists to be a
mixture of atropia and hyoscyamia.

rrq>aralioii!<. — Of the leaves — no official preparations. Of the seeds :
extractum stramonii — extract of sti'amcnium ; extractum stramonii iluidum
— fluid extx'act of stramonium ; tinctui'a stramonii — tincture of stramo-
nium ; unguentum stramonii— stramonium ointment. — Un'Ued States I'Jiar-
macojxvia.

Medical Properties and I'ses. — In its effects upon the human system in
a state of health, stramonium closely resembles belladonna ; therapeuti-
cally, however, each of the two seems to have a sphere of its own. Stra-
monium is employed chiefly in spasmodic diseases, particularl}' those aft'ect-
ing the resj^iratory organs. It is probably more used in .spasmodic asthma
than in all other diseases taken together. Here it is not only emplo3ed
internally, but the leaves are often smoked, the smoke being iidialed, with
the happiest effect. It has also some reputation in whooi)ii]g-cough, dys-
menorrhea, renal colic, etc. Externally the freshly bruised leaves and
ointment are often employed in rheumatism and other painful afiections.

CENTIANACE^.

Character of the Order. — Herbs with opposite, entire, simple, usually
ribbed leaves, without stipules. Calyx divided, persistent. Corolla wither-
ing-persistent, convolute, rarely imbricate or valvate in the bud. Stamens
of the same niimber as the lobes of the corolla, alternate with them, and
inserted on its tube. Ovary 1-celled, with 2 parietal iilacentfc, or with
nearly the whole inner face of the ovary bearing ovules ; style 1 ; stigmas
2. ' Fruit commonly a 2-celled, many-seeded pod.

A large order of plants, generally possessing bitter tonic properties.

FUASERA — AMKUICAN COLl MliO. 221

SAliBATIA.— Ameuican Crntaiiry.

Sabbatia angularis Pnrsli. — Amirican Ccnlauri/.

DeHcnplion. — Ciilyx dt'cply r)-i)arted. CoroUji deeply 5-p.artcd, tlioovul
lobes twice the lenjjjth of the calyx. Stiiuieus 5, inserted on the sliort
corolla-tiibo ; anthers ohloiipf, soon recurved. Stylo lonj^er than the sta-
mens, declined ; Htigmas '2. Capsule 1-celled, 2-vHlved.

A smooth biennial. Stem erect, 1 to 2 feet high, squant, the angles
winged ; brancdies axillai'v, opposite. Leaves ovate, entire, somewhat cor-
date and clasping at the base. Flowers numerous, large and showy, rose-
pink, forming a large corymb ; they appear late in summer.

llabUal. — In rich dry soil from New York to Illinois and southward. -^

Part Ufitnl. — The herb — not otHcial.

Cornet it lumt f^.—Thifi, and probably all other species of sabbatia, contains
a bitter principle which has not, as yet, been isolated, to which their medi(^i-
nal virtue is due.

I'rcpfiralions. — Commonly administered in infusion.

Medical Prop^rlias and I'scs. — American ('(nitavay is a simple Ijitter
tonic. It was, in early days, used in intermittent and remittent fevers,
and probablj', like other agents of the same class, sometimes with curative
etlfect. At present it is seldom employed, thougli it might doubtless be
occasionally beneficial as a promoter of the appetite, and an aid to diges-
tion in ciises of debility and in convalescence. Several other indigenous
species are said to possess similar or identical properties.

FRASERA. — Amkuican Columbo.

Frasera Carolinensis Walter. — American (hlnmho.

Dt'.Kvriplion. — Calyx 4parted, persistent. Corolla rotate, 4-parted, the
lobes oblong, niucrouate, each with a depressed fringed gland on the upper
face. Stamens 4, alternate with the lobes of the corolla. Style persist(>nt ;
stigmas spreading. Capsule oval, compressed, 1-celled, 2-valved ; seeds
few, largo, borne on the margins of the valves.

A smooth perennial herb, with a large sjnndle-shaped root. Stem cylin-
drical, erect, 3 to 8 feet high, with leaves and branches mostly in whorls
of four. Leaves sessih^ lance-oblong, the lowest spatulate. Flowers
greenish-yellow, dotted with puri^le, in cymes disposed in a large pyram-
idal panicle, appearing in naidsummer.

JIabital. — In I'ich dry soil, from Southern New York to Georgia and
westwai'd.

Pari Used. — The root — foi'merly official, but dropped from the Pharma-
copoeia in 1880.

Constituents. — Gentisic acid, and gentiopicrin, both of which are found

222 OENTIANACE^E.

nlso ill {,'ciiti;m, the latter bciii'j^ a bittfr principlo, and apparently the most
iniportimt iiu'cliciiial constituent of tlio plants.

J 'reparations. — Coniinonly adnunistercil in iiifunion.

Medical I'roperlie.ii and CVx. — In the recent Htate, American colunibo
iH said to be emetic, and cathartic, but when dried it appoarH to possess
only bitter tonic properties similar to those of gentian. In the recent
state, it has been employed as a subHtitute for rhubarb, but it is, at l)est,
a poor one ; wliile, as a tonic, the dried drug is much inferior to gentian
or true columbo.

GENTIANA— Gkntian.

fVifirarfer of the. Gents: — Calyx 4- to H-cleft. Corolla 4- to 5-lobed,
usufdly with intermediale smalhu" segments. Stamens 4 to /). Ovary
1-celled ; stylo short or absent ; stigmas 2, persistent. Fruit a 1-celled,
2-valved, man}' seeded capsule.

Perennial herbs with opposite, ribbtnl leaves. Flowers solitary or
cymose, commonly blu(>, though sometimes white, yellow, or even red,
appearing late in summer or in autumn.

All gentians are more or less bitter, and all possess medicinal activity,
though few indigenous species have been subjected to experiment. Those
described below we selected more as common representatives of the genus
as found in dirt'orent sections of the country than because of their reputa-
tion as therapeutic; agents.

Gentiana crinita Froel. — Fringed Gentian.

Description. — Calyx 4-cleft, the lobes unequal, ovate and lanceolate, as
long as the tube of the corolla. Corolla funnel-form, deeply 4-partod, the
lobes obovate, wedge-shapod, the summit tinely and beautifully fringed.
Stamens 4 ; filaments as long as the corolla-tube. Pod sliort-stalkcd.

Stem erect, smooth, 1 to 2 f<>et high. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, some-
what cordate or rounded at the base. Flowers solitary on long peduncles,
terminating the stem or simple branches. Corolla 2 inches long, sky-blue,
showy.

Tfafjitnt. — In low grounds from New England to Wisconsin and south-
ward. A common and very beautiful species.

Gentiana ochroleuca Froel. — Yiilon-ixlMrhife Gentian.

Description. — Calyx 5-parted, the lobes linear, unequal, erect. Corolla
bell-shaped, Avith plaited appendages between the lobes, one-third or oue-
half longer than the calyx. Antliers erect, separate.

Stem ascending ^ to 1 foot high, mostly smooth. Leaves oblong or
obovate-oblong, narrowed at the base, the upper ones narrower and acute.
Flowers in a dense terminal cluster, and in axillary clusters. Corolla
open, 1 to IJ inch long, greenish-white, striped with green and purple
veins within.

HaJntat.-^ln dry grounds from Southern Pennsylvania southward.

MKNYANTIIE.S. 22.'i

Gentiana Andrewsii CJrisebuclj. — Closed Gentian.

Ifcticriplion. -Ciih'K .l-piirtcd, llic loln-s i>viito, rcciirvotl, Kliortor tliim
ilic tiil)('. ('oi'ollu intlatcd club-slmixMl, dosed iit the nioutli, tlu! broiid,
short, rounded lolxs reiiminiiifj; in iippositiou und coneeiilin}^ tin; intoriiu!-
(liiite friufjfed appondiij^'es. Authera connivcut. Pud at length projecting
from the iJorsiHtent corolla.

Stem creet, Hinooth, simple or sparingly hranflicd, 1 to 2 feet high.
Leaves ovate-lanceolato, acute, narnnved at the base. Flowers in terminal
aud axillary clusters ; corolla 1 to l.\ inch long, pale blue, sometimes white.

Halnlal. — Iii rich moist situations ; the most common spocics north-
ward.

Gentiana puberula ^riclmux {(1. Catrsfxf/ Elliott). — Illun Gentian.

Dcxcripdon. — Caly.x 5-parted, the lobes lanceolate, about as long as the
t\ibe. Corolla large, open, thv' lobes ovate, spreading, 2 to 4 tunes as long
as the eut-toothed appendages. Anthers connivent.

Stem erect or ascending, 1 to l.V foot high, rough or slightly pubes-
cent. Leaves lanceolate or linear-LuK^eolate, rough-margined. Flowers
in axillary and terminal clusters ; corolla bright blue, lined with yellow and
deeper 1)lue.

Uuhitat. — Dry ijraiiics and barrens from Ohio to Wisconsin and south-
ward.

Part Vi^fd. — Tlie root — not official. That of the last described species
was formerly official, but was dropped from the Pharmacopona in IHHO.

ConslifucntK. — Nothing of a positive nature is known of the chemical
constituents of these i)lants, thougli they are supposed to be identical witli
those of the otlicial species, G. Inlca.

Preparations. — Water extracts the bitter principle of these plants, hence
they may be employed in infusion or decoction.

Medical Properties and Cxes. — There is probably no other difl'erence
than of degree between the therapeutic elfect of tluiso and the otlicial
si)ecies, aud they may be employed for like purposes.

MENYANTIIES,

IVIenyanthes trifoliata Linne. — /iud-beat), Jlfar.'^h Trefoil.

Dct^cription. — Calyx 5-j3arted, the lobes obtuse. Corolla rotate or short
funnel-form, more than twice as long as the calyx, 5-parted, deciduous,
the ujiper surface white bearded, the lobes valvate in the bud with the
margins turned inward. Stamens 5, as long as the corolla. Style slender,
persistent ; stigma 2-lobed. Capsule 1-celled, many-seeded, bursting ir-
regularly.

An herbaceous perennial with a long, round, jointed, liorizonital rhi-
zome, with numerous fibrous rootlets. Leaves trifoliate, iipon long sheath-
ing petioles, which proceed from the end of the rhizome ; leaflets oval or

224 LC(»ANIACE.E.

oblonpf, ontiro o; Muntly driiticulftto, ftmootli. Floworft rnpomoso on ft
naked Hoapc 1 ' lot liirh, wliitd or reddish, a|ii)<'iiriii}^' in 3[iiv or .lunc.

llnbilat.— A 1 !)g8 .rum Now England to Pennsylvania, WisconKin, and
northward.

I'arix IWd. — Tlio rhizomo and loavcH — not oflloial. ^[

(\n)Klilii(')dx. — ^V hitter principle, termed mc>nja)ill,i,i, appoarn to he
the oidy active constituent.

I'ycpnralionx. — Infusion, decclion, and alcoholics tinctiu'e.

Mfiliral IVojx-rlu'x and ^ w«. — Buckhean posHesses the hitter tonie
])roperties common to the j^entianaceas and also has some cathartic power,
hence it may bo used in cases rociiiirinj? a tonic ajid laxative eft'cct.
>■

LOCANIACE^.

Owraolcr of iho Order. — Herbs, shrubs, or trees, with opposite, entire,
stipulate leaves. Calyx \- to ^-parted. Corolla 4- to 5-clet't or parted, con-
volute, valvate, or imbricate in the bud. Stamens 4 to /), not always of
tlie same nuPiber as the lobes of the corolla. Ovary free from" calyx. I'Vuit
a capsule ov berry.

An oi'der of plants inhabiting the tropics chietly, generally possessing
active poisonou'* properties. Strychnos, Celscmium and Spigelia are well-
known examples.

rJELSEMIUM.— Yellow Jers-^mink.

Gelsemium sempervirens Alton. — YpUoio .h'smminp.

/)rs(ription. — Calyx small, 5-parted, the lobes lanceolate, acute. Corolla
funnel-form, J to 1\ inch long, the margin 5-lobed, the lobes imbricated
in the bud. Stamens 5, half as long as the corolla, upon which they are
inserted ; anthers oblong, sagittate. Style longer than the stamens ; stig-
mas 2, cacli 2-partcd. Pod elliptical, flattened contrai"}' to the partition,
2-celled, 2-valved, many-seeded.

A smooth, twining, slnnibby perennial. Leaves opposite, entire, ovate
or lanceolate, pctiolate, smooth and shining, nearly evergreen. Flowers
showy and fragrant, in short axillary clusters ; pedicels with scaly bracts.
The flowers ajipear in !March and April.

HahHaL — In low groiinda fi'om Virginia to Florida ; often cultivated for
ornament.

Parts Used. — The rhizome and rootlets — United States- Pharmarnjnrui.

Covs^tifurnf.'i. — In addition to common vegetable principles, there exist
in gelsemium a peculiar alkaloid, geheminia and gelsemvuc acid, the latter
being identical with (esridiu. a principle found in the horse-chestnut.

rrejiaration?. — Extractum gelsemii fluidum — fluid extract of gelsemium ;
tinctura gelsemii — tincture of gelsemium. — United Slates Phwmacopii^ia.

PLATE VII

•lohHsoiiOf 1,

GELSEMIUM SEMPERVIRENS.

M.Hr,r«<-KK. I.ITH N T

1i

;

PLATE Vll.-celsemium sempervirens.

Fui. 1.— A flowering bnuich.

Fi(i. 2.— Ciiljx iiiul pistil.

Fia. 3.-Corollu witl. stamen«-all natural size.

I!

SPIGELIA — PINKUOOT. 227

Medical rrojyerlies and Uaes. — Golseinium is a very powerful drug
whoso therapeutic hmitatious are uot, as yet, accurately cletiued. In toxic
doses — aud, unfortunately, these have been only too i'r('(|uoutly adminis-
tered— it produces paralysis of both motion anil sensation, without, how-
ever, greatly atlecting the mind, except in rare instances. In fatal cases,
after motion is entirely destroyed, the respiration becomes progressively
more aud more labored, and finally ceases from paralysis of the respiratory
muscles. Occasionally death is preceded by convulsions and coma, but
usually the mind is clear nearly to the last. These severe cH'ects of the
drug, moreover, have not always borne a definite relation to th-^ size of
the dose administered. In other words, there seems to be an amount of
uncertainty about the action of the di-ug which, on the one hand, adds to
its dangei', and on the other, detracts from its value as a therapeutic agent.
In some cases, quite nnexpcctedly, poisonous effects have followed doses
supposed to be far within the limits of safety ; in others, much larger doses
have failed to 2:»roduce the therapeutic eiit'ects desired and expected. Re-
garding its therapeutic applications, rejecting, as we reasonably niiiy, all
its claims to specitic etlect in certain diseases, there seems to remain no
other just place for it except in febrile and inflammatoiy afVections of a
decided sthenic typo. That in such cases it n}ay moderate or subdue
febi'ile action, through it* powerfully depressant ellects, is very evident ;
but that the desired results can be obtained more readily and more snl'ely
by this drug than by several other better known and more certain agents,
certainly rerpiires demonstration. Itleanwhile the judicious physician will
suspend judgment, or, at least, expeximent with great caution.

SPIGELIA.— PiNKUOOT.

Spigelia Marilandica Linne. — Pinkront.

Description. — Calyx deeply 5-parted, the lobes very slender, pointed,
persistent. Corolla live times as long as the calyx, tubular funnel-fovm,
somewhat inflated toward the summit, the border with 5 acute, spreading
segments. Stamens 5, very short, inserted in the mouth of the corolla
and alternate with the segments. Ovary small, ovate, free ; style longer
than the corolla, slender, jointed near the middle, hairy above. Capsule
double, consisting of 2, cohering, 1-celled, few-seeded carpels which sepa-
rate at maturity, and open loculicidally.

An herbaceous perennial, with a short rhizome, beset with nunu.rous
fibrous rootlets. Stems several from the same rhizome, erect, ^ to H foot
high, simple. Leaves opposite, sessile, ovate, acuminate, entire, smooth,
with the margins and veins somewhat pubescent. Flowers spiked, in one-
sided cymes ; the sjiikes simple or forked, short, appearing in June and
July. The corolla is 1^ inch long, scarlet or mnison without, yellow
within, and very showy.

228

APOCYNACE/E.

Habitat. — In rich woods from Peuusylvciniii to' Wisconsin and south-
ward.

Furls L'aed. — Tho rhizome and rootlets — United Stales I'hurmacopdm.

Coudi.luents. — A pecuHur bit-
ter ])rinciple, volatile oil, resin,
tiumin and other common vege-
table principles. Upon which
of its choniical constituents its
thenipeutic virtues depend is
not known.

Preparations. — Extractum
spigelia lluidum— Huid extract
of spigelia. — United States Vhar-
iiiaenpa'ia. It is most commonly
administered in infusion or de-
coction.

Medical Prvjxjiies and Uses.
— Spigelia enjoys a high reputa-
tion among the laity as a I'cmedy
for lumbricoid worms, l)ut, as it
is commonly administei'ed with
senna, there is a diflerence of
opinion as to which of the drugs
is the more active agent iy tlic
destruction of the worms. How-
ever this may be, spigelia is certainly entitled to a share of the credit. It is
even capable of producing toxic efYects upon the human subject, such as
drowsiness, muscular tremor, strabismus, and convulsions, hence the jDrac-
tice of administering it in large and often-repeated doses to young chil-
dren, upon the bare suspicion of the presence of worms, cannot be too
strongly condennied.

APOCYNACE/E.

Character of the Order. — Plants with opposite, rarely alternate, exstipu-
late leaves, and generally an acrid, milky juice. Calyx 5-parted. Corolla
H-parted, the lobes convolute in the bud. Stamens .5, inserted on the co-
rolla ; filaments distinct. Ovaries 2, distinct, but with styles united. Fruit
a pod.

A large order of chiefly tropical plants, represented in North America
by only a few genera.

APOCYNUM.— DouKAN-.

Character of the Genus. — Calyx 5-parted, smud, the lobes acute. Co-
rolla 5-cleft, bearing 5 triangular scales in the throat opposite the lobes.

Tic. 110. — SpiKPlia Mnrilandica.

APOCYNUM — DOGIJAXE. 220

Stamens 5, inserted on the base of the eoroUa ; lilaiaents flat, shorter than
the saj^ittate anthers. Style none ; stigma larf^o, slightly 2-lobe(l. Fruit
eonsists of 2 loiiy, (roriaceous pods ; seeds numerous, ovoid, with u long
tuft of silky down at the apex.

Perennial herljs with upright, bi'anehing stems, opposite, inucronatc-
pointed leaves, tough fibrous bark, and small, pale, terminal or axillary
flowers, on short pedicels.

Apocynum androscemifolium Linne. — Dogbane

JM<i-rij)liiJii. — Stem 2 to IJ feet high, smooth, often pnii^lish, with
forked branches above. Leaves ovate, petiolate, smooth or somewhat
downy. Flowers in loose spreading cymes ; corolla bell-shaped, the lobes
revolute, the tube longer than the ovate, pointed segments of the calyx,
pale rose-color, appearing in June and July.

llahilid. — In copses, and borders of -woods ; common.

Apocynum cannabinum Linnr. — Indian. I/<:inp.

lh'f<cri.p/i(ni. — Stem and branches erect or ascending, 2 to 8 feet high,
smooth. Leaves oblong or oblong-lanceolate, obtuse or rounded, or the
uppermost acute at both ends, petiolate. Flowers smalk'r than in the pre-
ceding, in close, many-flowered cymes ; corolla-lobes nearly erect, the tube
not longer than the lanceolate .segments of the calyx, greenish-white, ap-
pearing in July and August. A sonnnvhat variable species.

Ifabildf. — In shady places ; (!ommon.

/\ni I'sed. — The root of A. cannabinum — United Slalom Phcn'macofcia.
The root of the other species is also used.

CuHHlitaenlii. — The active principles of these plants have not been iso-
lated.

rr('pa7'a(ion><. — They ai"e usually employed in decoction.

Medical Properties and Uses. — A. cannabinum is diajjlioretic, diuretic,
emetic, and cathartic. It has been used chiefly in dropsy, and is said to
possess some advantages over many hydrogogues in that it acts not only
upon the bowels but powerfully also upon the skin and kidneys. The
other species possesses similar properties, but is believed to be less active.

ASCLEPIADACE/E.

Character of (lie Order. — Plants with opposite or whorled, rai'ely scat-
tering, exstii)ulate leaves, and a milky juice. Calyx u-jjarted. Corolla 5-
parted, the lobes commonly valvate in the bud. Stamens 5, inserted in
the corolla ; iilaments commonly united into a tul)e which encloses the
pistil ; anthers adherent to the stigma ; pollen cohering into graimlar or
wax -like masses. Fruit a pod.

A large order of chiefly tropical plants, represented in North America
by only a few comparatively unimportant {genera.

230 ASCLKPIADACE.E.

ASCLEPIAS.— Mir.KWEKn,

Charndcr of (ha Genus. — Calyx ^-parlcd, persistent, ilio lo1)os small,
spread iu}^". Corolla deeply 5-parted, the lubes b(!iit downward toward the
stalk ; within the petals are 5 hooded processes, each with an incurved
horn, forming what is called the crown, and enclosing the stamen-tube.
Stamens ~), inserted in the base of the corolla ; lilaments united into a tube
wliich em-loses the pistil ; anthers adherent to the stigma, each with "2
vertical c(;lls, each cell containing a flattened pear-shaped mass of pollen.
Ovaries 2 ; styles united ; stigma 1, fleshy, H-angled. Follicles 2, one of
them often aboi'tive, ovate or somewhat curved, Bi)indle-shaped ; seeds nu-
' erous, tufted with soft silky hairs.

Perennial herbs with thick, deep-growing roots. Flowers terminal or
lateral in sini[)le, many-flowered umbels.

Ascleplas cornuti Decaisne {A. Si/riaca Liime). — Milhiveod, Silkweed.

Description. — Hoods of the crown ovate, obtuse, with a lobe or tootli
on each side of the short and stout horn. Pods ovate, woolly, and rough,
with soft spines. Stem simple, erect, stout, 3 to 4 feet high. Leaves op-
posite, oblong-ovate, with short petioles, smooth above, minutely downy
beneath, pale green. Umbels many-flowered, terminal and lateral in
pedicels shorter than the leaves ; flower.s greenish-j)urple, appearing in
midsummer.

JIahilat. — Common everywhere.

Asclepias incarnata Limie. — Swamp Milkivml.

J)cscripli(jn. — Hoods of the crown scaiT.ely iis long as the slender,
pointed horn. Pods conunonly smooth and glabrous. Stem erect, brand-
ing, 2 to 3 feet high, leafy to the top. Leaves opposite, oblong-lanceolate,
acute or pointed, obtuse or obscurely cordate at the base, with short pcti-
oles. Umbels numerous, erect, mostly terminal, often in opposite pairs ;
flowers roso-purple, appearing in midsummer.

A somewhat variable species, sometimes more or less haiiy-pubescent,
again nearly smooth.

Habilat. — In wet, swampy places ; common.

Asclepias tuberosa Linne, — Ihaierjhiiceed — Pleurisy-Pioot.

Jh'xcriptio)). — Hoods of the crown narrowly oblong, scarcely longer than
the nearly erect, slender, pointed horns, bright orange ; corolla lobes
greenish-orange. Pods lanceolate, hoary. Stems numerous from a large
fleshy rhi/ome 1 to 2 feet high, very leafy. Leaves numerous, scattered,
some of them opposite, oblong-lanceolate or linear, sessile or short-petioled.
Umbels corymbose at the summit of the stem and branches ; flowers very
showy, ajipearing late in summer.

Ilnbilat. — In dry lields, and along roadsides ; common southward.

Part Used. — The root of A- tuberosa — United States Pharmacopceia.
The roots of A. incarnata and A. cornuti were formerly official, but Avero

FKAXINUS — ASII. 231

(Hfimisscd from tlio Pliarmacopa'ia in 1880. Thoy are probably little lesa
eflicicut than the oflicial specie's.

Coiisliliicnltt. — A. tuberosu has yielded to analysis, besides common
vegetable principles, two resins, and a peculiar i)rinciple jjossessing tho
taste of tho root. The other species have been analysed with somewhat
similar residts.

PirpnratioDs. — None are official. Thoy are commonly administered in
decoction. Extracts and oleo-resinous preparations occnr as commercial
articles.

Medical ProperUas and Uiieii. —Tho various species of asckpias have
been employed with diuretic, diaphoretic, expectorant, emetic, and even
purj^ativc eii'ect. They have also been credited, thou;^h on iiistifficicnt
grounds, with specific action in certain diseases. Their diuphovetic
effects have been found useful in acute pulmonary aitd bronchial affections
and in rheumati >iu.

OLEACE^.

Character of tlie Order. — Trees or shrubs with opposite, sim])le or com-
pound leaves, and perfect or unisexual ffowers. Calyx -l-tileft, sometimes
ob.solete. Corolla -i-cleft, or of 4 separate petals, sometimes wanting.
Stamens 2, rarely 8 or 4, Ovary free, '2-colled, commoidj' 2-ovuled.
Fruit drupaceous, baccate, capsular or samaroid.

An order, taking its name fi'om the olive (Olea Eitropam), Avhich com-
prises about 20 genera and 150 species, mostly natives of temperate regions.
Its most important representatives in North America are found in the
genua

PRAXINUS.— Asm

Fraxinus Americana hhmc.— White Axk.

Vcscrii'iion. — Calyx minute, 4-toothed, pen'sistent. Corolla wanting.
Stamens 2, rarely 3 or 4. Style single, stigma 2-cleft. Fruit a samara, flat-
tened, winged at the apex, 1- to 2-seeded.

A large tree, CO to HO feet high, with gray furrowed bark, smooth gray
branchlets, and rusty-colored buds. Leaves 12 to 14 inches long, un-
equally pinnate ; leaflets 7 to 9, ovate or lauce-oblong, pointed, entire,
rarely denticulate, light-green above, pale and either smooth or pubescent
underneath. Flowers di(ccious, in crow-ded jwinicles or racemes, from the
axils of the preceding year's leaves. Fruit terete below, expanded above
into a lanceolate, oblanceolate, or wedge-linear wing.

Halritat. — Kiver banks and margins of sv^amps from Canada to I'lorida.

Part Uf<ed. — The inner bark — not official.

Constituents. — Unknown.

Prcpa rations. — It has been used in infusion and vinous tincture.

232 AlllSTOLOCIIIACK.E.

Mt'dicnl Properties and Vsuft. — The bark of white jish has heen used
witli asserted boncfit in dysinenorrhaia, but as so many other drugs have
attaiuetl a sliort-Uved reputation in tliis atiectiou, only to fall into disre-
pute Avhen Hul)j(!cted to more extended experiments, this one may be ex-
pected to follow them. Still it appears desirable that the American ashes
be invest i<j;ated, since at least two European species arc possessed of valu-
able medicinal i)roperties, one of them, K onms Linne, furnishin','' the
manna of couimerce, Stsveral of our s2)eci(!S have been used to some ex-
tent, both iu domestic and regular practice, but the results lU'e as yet iu-
deliuite.

Division ILL — Apetalotts Exooknous Plants.

C!orolla wanting, the calyx l)eing tlu! only floral envelope ; sometimes
even tliis is absent, and then the llower is uaked.

ARISTOLOCHIACE/E.

Character of the Order. — Low herbs or twining jjlants with apetalous,
perfect Howcrs. Calyx valvate in the bud, and coherent with the (i-colled
ovary. Stamens (5 to 12, more or less united witli the style. Fruit a G-
celled, many-seeded pod or beriy.

A small order of chietly tropical plants, rejwesented in North America
by two genera, namely Asaruiu and Aristolochia, both comprising medici-
nal species.

ASARUM.— Wild Ginger.

Asarum Canadense Linne. — Wild Ginger.

JJescripfion. — Calyx bell-shaped, 3-parted, the lobes pointed, abruptly'
spreading, dull puri)lo inside ; at each sinus is usually a small awl-shaped
appendage. Stamens 12 ; filaments slender, united Avith the base of the
styles, the latter united into one, (J-lobed at the summit, with G radiating
stigmas. Fruit a flesh}', globular pod, bursting irregularly.

A low, steuiless, perennial herb with a creeping rhizome. Leaves a
single pair, radical, membranaceous, reniform, more or less pointed, 4 to
5 inches wide when full-grown, on long petioles. Flower solitary, on a
short i^etiole, appearing early iu spring.

Habitat. — In rich upland woods ; common northward.

Parla U.sed. — Tiic rhizome and rootlets. Formerly official but dropped
from the Pharmacopona in 1880.

Constituents. — An aromatic volatile oil and an acrid resin, besides com-
mou vegetable principles. ,::-;-^ -•-

AUISTOLOCIIIA — niUTIIWOUT.

233

Prf^>rirnf!n)}K. — Commonly fulministorod in infusion.

Medical, /^•opniir^ and I'sfs. — "Wild f^inj^'or ]i;is ji peculiar, punji^rnt, aro-
matic tiistc, and is an aromatic stimulant. In hot infusion it produces
diaphoresis, and may relieve the pains of colic. It is, however, less aji^rco-
able to most persons than many other drugs of its class, and scarcely de-
serves to rank as a medicinal agent.

ARIHTOLOCIIIA.— BiRTiiwouT.

Aristolochia Serpentaria Limu'. — Viir/inin Snalrmot.

Description. — Calyx tubular, contorted, bent in the shape of the letter
.S', dilated at both extremities, the limb 5-lobed, and stjmewhat 2-lipped.
Stamens (5, the sessile anthers ad-
herent to the ;5-lobcd sigma. Pod
G-valved, (J-angled, many-seeded.

A percmnial herb. Stems f?cv-
eral, from a short, fibrous-rooted
rhizome ; they are simple or
slightly branched, llexuous, some-
what swollen at the joints, about
one foot high, often tinged with
red, especially near the base.
Leaves alternate, ovate or oblong,
cordate or halberd-shaped at the
base, pointed, entire, petiolate.
Flowers near the root, axillary,
on short peduncles, of a stiff
leathery texture and a dull brown-
ish-purple color, aiipeariug in mid-
simnner.

Ifabifnt. — In rich woods from
Connecticut to Indiana and south-
ward ; most common along the
Alleghanies.

l^artu I'scfl. — The rhizome and rootlets. Official name : Serpentaria —
United States Pliarmaeopwia.

Const it nerdii. — A small i^roportion of volatile oil, an amorphous bitter
principle, and common vegetable constituents.

Preparations. — Extractura serpentarire fluidum — fluid extract of ser-
pentaria ; tinctura serpentarije — tincture of serpentaiia. One of the
constituents of tinctura cinchona) composita — compound tincture of cin-
chotia. — United States Pharniacopn'ia. An infusion was formerly official.

Medical l\operties and Uses. — Serpentaria is a stimulant tonic, but may
also produce diaphoretic, diuretic, or emetic effects, according to the doge

Fig. l.'iO. — Aristolochia Scrpcnturia.

234 riFYTOLArcACK.i:.

ami manner of mliiiiniHtmtioii. It was formerly employed in fevers of a
typhoid clmractor, but is now little used, except in bronchiid and pulmo-
Jiary airoctions of an adynamic character.

PHYTOLACCACE/E.

('hnractcr of Iha Orthr, — Herbs or uiidorsluMibs mu(!h resemblinj:f the
foUowiujjf order — (Ihcnopodiacou,' — but havinj^' a many-celled, many-ovulcd
ovary, which in fruit forms a berry. Itepresontod in North America by
the genus

PHYTOLACCA.— PoKKWRKi).

Phytolacca decandra Linn«'. — Pohvwrcd, Scokeici'cJ, Garget, /*igcnn-
bcrry.

JJewription. — Calyx : sepals 5, rounded, white, petaloid. Corolla ab-
sent. Stamens 10, rather shorter than the sepals. Ovary of 10 carpcsls
united in a ring ; styles 10, short, recurved. Fruit a depressed-globose
berry, dark puri)le, 10-seeded.

A smooth, stout perennial herb with hollow stems and large Heshy
roots. Stem mui;h branched, JJ to 8 feet high, at first green but becoming
purplish with age. Leaves scattered, ovate-oblong, entire, acute, smooth
lioth sides, petiolate. Flowers in long racemes ojiposite the leaves, ap-
pearing in summer. The bciTies ripen in autumn, and are filled with
crimson juice.

Ilab'dal. — Common everywhere.

Parts VHeiJ. — Phytolaccic bucca — phytolacca bcny ; phytolaccro radix —
Phytolacca root — Vnite.d Stales Pharmacopeia.

Condilucntfi. — Tlie active principk; of poke has not yet been isolated.

Pri'irirations. — None are official. Both tli(> berries and root have been
employed in decoirtion and in tincture, and the root has been used also in
the form of an ointment.

Medical P'opcrties and f n^.v. — All parts of the plant possess acrid and
somewhat nai'cotic pi'operties. The juice of the fresh plant, or a strong
decoctif)n of the root, applied locally, may strongly irritate the skin, esjiec-
ially if tender or abraded. Taken internally it produ(!es nausea, vomiting,
and purging, and, in overdoses, aero -narcotic jjoisoning. It has been em-
ployed with more or less satisfactory resxilts in a great variety of cutaneous
allections, and in rheumatism, especially wlien chronic or of a syphilitic
origin. There is little doubt that, in view of the uncertainty which at pres-
ent exists regarding it, this plant would well repay further careful experi-
mentation.

ClIEXOl'ODIUM — GOOSKFOOT, I'Ki WKKI). 'J.'^.")

CHENOPODIACE^.

Cliaractcr nf the Order. — ("liidly licrbH, r.-ircly undoralirubs, with mostly
ultonuitc, oxHtipiiliitc leaves. {'aly\ deeply tlivided, snmetiiiics tiilmlnrat
the base, persistent, coiiinioiily eiiclosiii;.;' the Iniil. Stuineiis ^-eiiei'ully of
tiie sanio nuiuher as the lobes of the calyx, and inserted o])i)osite them or
on their base. Ovary free, l-eellod, with a sinj^dc; ovule attaclied tn its
base ; styles or stigmas 2, rarely IJ to 5, Fruit a thin utriele, i-arely an
aehenimn.

A larjjje order, comprisimj many common weeds, and a few plants, as
the beet, spinach, and chonopodiuni of eccjuomic importance.

CIIEXOPOniUM.— GOOHKKOOT, Picwkkd.

('hnradcr of llir (icini^. — C;i]y\ 5-cleft, rarely 2- to 4-cleft or parted,
more or less envolopinfjf the fruit. Stamens commonly 5. Stylos 2, rarely
;{. SetTd roimd, llalteiied.

Coarse, weedy plants, usually somewhat succulent, and with a white
mealiness, or viscid glandular. Flowers small, greenish, numerous, sessile,
in clusters collected in terminal spikes.

Chenopodium ambrosioides Luiuu (Var. Anthelminticum
(Iray). — Wormnecd.

Ih'scrqdioii. — Flowers mostly in leafless spikes. Stem erect, angular,
sparingly branched, 1 to 8 feet high. Leaves ovatc.-oblong, acute, nar-
rowed at the base, petiolate, deeply sinuatt; scrrat(>, tlie lower sometimes
almost laciniate, pinnatifid, thin, smoothish, destitute of mealiness, glandu-
lar beneath, bright green. Tiie whole plant has a strongly aromatic
odor.

Habitat. — Introduced from Tropicial America ; common southward, in
waste places.

Chenopodium album Jjhnn''. — 7 'igwccd, Lamb's (^)nartcrff.

DeHcription. — Flowers in dense or loose, nearly leafless racemes.
Stem ei'ect, sulcate-striate, loosely branched, 1 to 5 feet high. Leaves
varying from rhombic-ovate to lanceolate or linear above, all or only the
lower more or less sinuate-toothed, mostly with a pale mealiness. A very
variable species.

Habitat. — A very common weed in cultivated grounds and about farm
buildings.

Of these two species the first is introduced on account of its medicinal
importance, and the second because it typifies a number of closely reLited
species of common weeds, diSeriug from the official plant in being mealy
instead of viscid glandular.

J*art Used. — The fruit of C. ambrosioides Linn6, var. anthelminticum
Gray. Official name : Chenopodium — United States Pharmacopoeia.

230 pot.yoonack.t:.

Const il II r))f.% — ItH only important coiiHtituout in a voliitilc oil.

Pi't'itarnlionx. — Olnim clicnopoilii — oil of j'hcnopodiimi. — I'nllitd Slali'A
Phnnnnvopdia, Tho bniiHod weeds nro HoiiH'tiincs luliiiiiiiHtered in ,siil»-
slni'.ce or dccioctioii.

Mi-ilnal /'nij'-'iiii's mid I'srx. — Chciiopoilium is used solely lis iiii uii-
thelmintic for liuiibrieoul worniH.

POLYCONACEIiC.

(linrni'U'r afllir Orh'r. — Herbs with iUtenmIe, eoiniiioiily entire leaves,
and stipules in the i'onii of meiid>raiiiice()us slieatlis iibovo the swollen
joints of the stem. Flowers coniinoiily perfect, ('alyx IJ- to (J-clefi, more
or less persistent. Stamens l to 12, inserted on the ba.sc of the calyx.
Ovary free, 1-ceiled ; styles or sti«^niaH 2 or H. Fruit a seeddikc nutlet,
eonunonly trial m'uliir.

All order comprising fewNortli American {^'enera, and these are lar^icly
represented by coiiimou weeds, many of them possessing more or less
acrid proi)erties. The most imjiortant plants of the order ai"0 buckwheat
(Fatjopi/rum) and rhubarb {liheiiiii).

POL YG ON U M. — Knot WRKD.

Chnracfor <>f Ihr (tcmix. — Calyx commonly r»-pavted, tho lobes often
petaloid, withering or persistent. Stamens 4 to !). Styles or stiymas 2 or
M. Fruit a lenticular or triangular achenium, surrounded by the erect lobes
of the calyx.

Polygonum Hydropiper Linm'. — Smarhrced, Water- Pepper.

J)es(ripti.oii.—F\n\veYH niostl}' greenish, in nodding spikes, usually short
or interruiited. Stamens (5. Style 2- to 3-parted. Achenium dull, minutely
striate, Hat or obtusely triangular. A smooth aimnal, 1 to 2 feet high.
Leaves lanceolate, tapering to both ends, minutely pellucid-punctate.

llahilal. \\\ damp i)laces ; very common.

Polygonum acre H. B. K. {I', pu net/dam Elliott). — Wafer Smarlioeed.

Description. — Flowers whitish or flesh-colored, in erect spikes. Sta-
mens 8. Style mostly 8-parted. Achenium smooth, shining, sharply tri-
angular. A nearly smooth perennial. Stem ascending, rooting at the de-
cumbent base, 2 to 5 feet high. Leaves larger and longer than in the
preceding species.

ITalntat. — In wet places ; common, especially southward.

Polygonum Bistorta Linm'.— 7?/.stor^

Description. — Flowers pink or white in a dense oblong or cylindrical
spike, 1 to 2 inches long. Styles 3. A perennial with a thick, cylindrical,
somewhat flattened i-ootstock. Stem erect, simple, 1 to 2 feet high, ter-
minating in a llower spike. Leaves mostly radical on long petioles, ovate-

RUM EX — DOCK.

237

Iftticeolftfo or pordato, 5 to 0 inchcH loiiff ; Htem Icnves muph Rinallrr niul on
hliortcr prtiolcs.

Ildhiliif. — III tlio Hocky Mouutiiiu region and uortliwurd; conuuon ulao
in Nortlurii Kiiropo and Aniii.

J'artH i'»(nl—i)i V. Ijistortii tho root ; of tho otlitr species, tlic horb —
nono arc ofHciid.

Consliliiciils. IJistort contaitiH a ]nr>^o ]iorcontap;o of tannic and ^'allic
acids, ^\lltor ix'ppcr and water Kinartweod |)ossc'S!i an acrid principle
termed pdhjf/onir arid, to wliicli
tlioy owe tlicir iuedi(;inal virtncs.
This acid is also present in many
otlu;r species of the genus, in a
greater or less percentage.

J'n'pai'dtioiis. — liistort is ad-
ministered in powder, decoction, or
extract. Water pepper and water
smartweed are (lonimonly a<lminis-
tered in decoction, l)iit as their ac-
tive princii)l(! is dissipated by heat
or long keeping, an alc<)holic tinc-
ture, made from the fresh plant,
is the best form in which to pre-
serve them for any grciit lengtli
of time. In the country th(!y are
gathei'ed and dried annually ivv
domestic use, and do not seem to
lose much of thcdr elTiciency dui*-
iug tho few months that they are
kept.

Mcdicul I'i'opniicx and L'sca. —
Bistort is used both tojiically and
internally as an astringent, in tho same manner as many other drugs rich in
tannin. Water smartweed and water pepper have a burning, biting taste,
inflame the skin when rubbed ujjou it, and possess somewhat acrid stinui-
latiug properties. Tliey are employed in domestic jjiactice, externally as
counter-irritants, and internally to promote the menstrual flow, to induce
diaphoresis in acute inliannnatory affections, ettr.riu the same manner as
other acrid and stimulating drugs are used. •

RUMEX.— Dock.

Character of the Genus. — Calyx of G sepals in two series of 3 each ; the
outer series herbaceous, the inner larger, somewhat colored, increasing in
size after flowering, and converging over the triangular achenium. Stamens
6, styles 3 ; stigmas tufted. Herbaceous plants, many of them pestiferous

Fio. 151 .—Polygonum Bistorta.

2;iS • lauiiaceyE.

wgccIh in cultivated ficldH, with small, homely, mostly greenish flowei-H iu
close pniiiclod rat'cmcs.

Rumex crisp us Ijiune. — Curled Dock, Yellow Dock.

Descripliun. — Flowers iu >vhorls, crowded iu loug, waud-like, leafless
rncemes. luuer scjjhIs cordate, obscurely deuiiculale or entire, and coiu-
■-louly bearing a grain-like tubercle on tlie liack.

A smooth perennial, with a deej^, spindle-shaped, yellow root. St(!m
erect, 2 to 4 feet high, ^vith lew conunonly ei-ect branches. Leaves curled
and wavy on the margins, lanceolate, acute, the lower truncate or obs<!urely
cordate at the base, the upper smaller, narrower, and gradually passing into
ni(>re bracts.

Hid Hat. — Naturalized from Europe ; conunon in cultivated and waste
grounds.

Rumex orbiculatus Gray (//. nqinilicini Pursh?) — (Ircal Witlcr-Dork.

Dci<rrii)li()i}. — Flowers in whorls crowded in upright, almost leafless ra-
cemes, wliicli an; ai ranged in a large, compound piaiicle ; pedicels cajiillary,
nodding, about twice tlie length of tlie fruiting calyx; inner sepals orbicu-
lar or round-ovate, obtuse, obscurely cordat(> at tlie base, inend)ranaceous,
tineh' reticulated, entire or repand-denticulate, each of them bearing a
grain-Vlke tubercle on the back.

A smooth perennial, wilh a deep, yellow root. Stem stout, erect, 5 to
(I feet high. Leaves smootli, not wavy on lh(! margins, oblong-lanceolate,
rather acute at both ends, the lowest, including the ])etiole, 1 to 2 feet
long.

JiahitaL — In wet places ; common, espec/ally northwai'd.

J'art iW'l. — The root of runjex crispus and (v' other species of rumev
— I'liited S/alcK Plninndfn^ni'iiK Several odier sj:ecies may be employed,
but those above described sufliciontly represent the medicinal properties
of the genus.

I'reparaliou!^. — Extractmn rumicis fluidum ; f^uid extract of rumex. —
Viulcd Skill's IViurmacopirid. It is also employed in the foriri of decoction
and syrup.

(\)ii^fl(n('vff>. — Yellow dock closely resembles rhul)arb in chemijal ccm-
position, but is more astringent.

Medical Propcrfici^ and f'sY'.s. — Yellow dock is tonic, astringent, and

slightlv laxative, ^'"l.ese properties rend • it useful iu a variety of chronic

alTections, such as scrofula, ob'.«ina'a cutaneous diseases, dys])e2)sia, syi)h-

•llis, etc., in ^^hich an alterawive and depurative effect may be desired for a

long time.

LAl'TACE/E.

Clinracter of the Ora'-r. — Trees o" shrub,? with simple, alte.nata, exstip-
ulate, ino'tly pellucid-dotted leaves Flowers often di(ecious. Calyx of
4 or G sepals in t>vo rows, htameua 8 to 12, ir. two or more rows, the

SASSAFllAS.

2;39

^ m* 4 iiincrmnsi, nsually aliortive ; aiitliors npcninpf by 2 or 4 npliftod
valves. Ovary ] -celled, l-ovuled ; style solitary. Fruit a 1 seeded beny
or drupe.

A lar<j;e order of aromatic plants, cliicHy tropicid, represented in North
America by only about bait a dozen species. Of the tropical species the
most iiin)ortant are (Janqihara (/ificiiiavuii), which yields ^uni-caniphor,
and the various s])ecies of C'iiiiKnuoDitcn, from Avhich are derived the ciu-
namon and cassia of commerce.

SASSAFUAS.

Sassafras officinale Necs.- -.sV/W/y/.s'.

/><:<criii/ii>ii. — Flowers di(ecious. Calyx fi-parted, spreadiu'jf. Sterile
ilowers with 9 stamens i'.i \i rows, Ihe iii'ier row with a pair of stalked

^■m \lk

■^ "¥.

I' Hi, l.Ti. — i<usHiifnis otnciiiulo.

glands at the base of each ; anthers 4-celled, 4-valved. Fertile flowers with
G rudimentary stai ons ntid an ovoid ovary. Fruit a blue, ovoid drupe,
raised npon a reddish jjcdicel, which is tlii<'kcned and cup shaped at its
extremity.

Northwaid comn^^nly a tall shrub or s.nall tiee, 10 to 2o feet liicrh ;
further south, an- especially in rich soil, it often attains a height of 40
t(i fiO feet, with a dianiete. of 2 to ;J feet. Leaves 4 to 5 inches long, ovate
I'.nd entire, or variously lobed ; some of tliein re'jfularly i^ lobed, others
n:itten-shaped. Flowers gn.'enish-yelhjw, naked, clustered in peduneled

240 EUriI0UBIACEJ3.

corymbose racemes at tlic oiidn of the last year's branches, unfolding with
the leaves in April and May. 'I'iio twigs and young branches have a
smooth yellowish-green bark, while that of the trunk is grayish and
deeply furrowed. • ■».

J lalnUU.— From Canada to Florida ; common.

/'aria IJ.vd. — The bark of the root — t)fficial name, Sassafras; the pith
of tlie young blanches — official name, Sassafras medulla — L'liilcd States
I'haniiacojxi'ia.

CondUaciifs. — Of the bark of the root, an aromatic volatile oil and the
common v-onstituents of plants. Of the pitli, gummy matter, which is
readily imparted to water, forming a limpid nnicilage.

I'ri'iiainliiiit.". — ^Of the bark of the root : Oleum sassafriis — oil of sassa-
fras. Of the pith : Mucilago sassafras medulke — mucilage of sassafras
pith. — United States I'hurniacopwia.

Medical Properties and Uaes. — Sassafras is an aromatic stimulant. Its
chief use is, howevei*, in the form of the oil, as a flavoring agent. Muci-
lage" of sassafras j)ilh is used as a demulcent in acute febrile and inflam-
matory affections.

LINDERA.— SriCE-Busu.

Lindera Benzoin Meisner — Spice-Jiu^h, Wild Allsjyire, Fever-Bush.

lk'.-<cripti()ii. — Flowers polyganious-dittM-ious. Calyx G-parted, spread-
ing. Sterile flowers witli 9 stamens in 3 rows, the inner row bearing
glands at the base ; anthers 2-celled, 2-valved. Fertile flowers Avith 15 to
18 rudimentary stamens ; ovary globular. Fruit a i"ed, obovoid drupe.

A shrub (5 to 15 feet high. Leaves oblong-obovate, entire, smooth.
Flowers yeJlow, in nearly sessile clusters, each of 4 to 6 flowei's, appearing
in ]\Iarch oi' April before the leaves.

I lab Hal. '-hi danip woods and copses; common.

P(Z/Vs Used. — The bark and fruit — not otlticial.

Constilaents. — A volatile oil, and common vegetable principles.

rre2)arafi()nfi. — The oil jiossesses all the medicinal virtues of the plant.
A deco(!tion of the bark or fruit is most commonly employed.

jilcdiral Properties. — The bark of the spice-bush has a warm spicy taste,
and in suflicient doses acts as a vascular stiniulu'nt. It has been employed
to produce diaphoresis in acute inflanunatory and felnile attections. Tiie
fi'uit has been employed as a substitute for allspice, and, medicinally, for
the same purposes as the bai'k. The aroma of the plant is less pleasant
than that of sassafras. ,

SUPHORBIACE^. '

Character of the Order. — Plants with opposite or alternate, often stipu-
late leaves, commonly an acrid milky juice, and moncecious or diaMuous,
aiietalous, sometimes naked flowers. Perianth, when present, lobed, and

EUPirOHBlA — SPURGE. 241

with glandular, scaly, or potaloid appendages. Stamens few or many,
sojiarate or united into one or more bundles. Ovary free, usually I3-cclled,
eaoli coll with a single or souietinies a pair of suspended ovules ; stigmas
or branches of the style as many or twice as many as the cells. Fruit usu-
.•illy a 3-lobed pod, the lobes or carjiels separating elastically fi'om a i)cr-
sistent axis ; seeds often arillate.

In the tropics a very large and important order, containing many acrid
and poisonous plants. Represented in North America by only a few gen-
era, comprising a small number of medicinal species.

EUPHORBIA. - Si'U KGB.

Charadcr of Ihc dcnnx. — Flowers moneecious, colh^cted into heads, sur-
rounded by a 4- tx» 5-]<)bed involucre, which resembles a calyx or corolla.
Within the involucre an; a number of stamens surrounding a stalked
ovary, the whole resembling a single Howcr ; but as each stamen is jointed
on a pedicel, and proceeds from the axil of a bract, it is considered as a
separate flower, hence each involucre includes a number of staminate
flowers, each consisting of a single stamen, surrounding a solitary, stalked
jjistillate llower. Oviuy JMobinl, 3-celled ; styles .■{, each 2-cleft. Pod
3-lobed, si)litting .'lastically lato \\ one-seeded, 2-valved carjjels.

A very large genus, represented in North America by numerous herba-
ceous species. All of them are characterized by a more or less acrid, milky
juice.

Euphorbia corollata Linne. — Largo.-Fhuvnituj S/nnr/c

y)('.svT/};//o//.— Stems several from a lurge branching root ; erect, nearly
simple, 2 to ;} feet high, glabi'ous or sometimes sparingh" hairy. Leaves
ovate, lanceolate, or linear, entire, obtuse, only the uppermost or Horal
ones whorled or opposite. Flowers in 5- to 7-rayed umbels, the rays 2- to
H-forked ; involucres white, petaloid, showy, on long peduncles. Pod
smooth, on a slender pe(lic(il.

Ilahital. — In rich or sandy soil from New York to "Wisconsin and south-
ward.

Euphorbia Ipecacuanhee Jimnb.—Tpecamianha Spimje,

Des^cription. — Stems niunerous from a long, deep i)erennial i*oot, erect
or dilVusely spreading, 5 to 10 ini^hes high, branching dichotomously from
near the base. L(>aves obovate, oblong, or nai'rowly linear, nearly sessil(>,
glabrous, all or only the up[)er ones opposite. Peduncles axillary, elongated.
Involucre pet vloid, 4- to il-lobed, with the same number of obtuse glands.
I'od long-pedicelled, obtusely angled, nearly smooth.

Habitat. — In sandy soil near the coast from New Yoi'k southward.

Several other indigenous species of e'phorbia have been used medici-
nally, but those described above are believed to well represent the j^enua
as found in North America.

242 3:upii{)iir.iACE.i:.

Part Used. — The root of both si)ecies. Fonuorly official, but dismissed
from the PharmacoiJUiia in 1880.

Coiis/ilKi-iil.i. — A ijorfectly siitisfactory analysis of these plants is }ct to
be made. That they contain an emetic principle is very evident, but it
has not yet been isi)hited.

J'n'iHini/ioiis. — Commonly adndnistered in powder.

Mi'iliml rroportiea and fVrx.— Both species possess similar if not quite
identical properties, being actively emeto-(%athartic ; in small doses, diapho-
retic. More pleasant \o the taste than ipecacuanlia ; either of them may
be substituhnl for it in cases where emesis is desired, and cathartic action
is not objectionable.

STILLIX(iIA.

Stillingia sylvatioa Linnc. — SiUUngi'i, (jwcn'.'^ Ihutl.

J>ri«-ni)tu>ii. — Flowers mon(e(ri()us, collected in a terminal spike. Cah'x
2- to 3-cleft or parted. Corolla absent. Stamens, 2 to 3 ; anthers adnatc,
e.\trorse. Style sinj^le ; stigmas !}, diverging. Pod IJdobed, iJ-celled, o-
seeded. Seed caruncnlate.

An herbaceous perennial. Stems 1 to 8 feet high, erect, smooth, fnnii
a very large tapering root. Leaves alternate, oblong-lanceolate, senixlate,
nearly sessile, eonunonly with two glands at tlie base. Fertile flowers few,
at the base of a dense sterile spike. The flowers are produced in sunmier.

/fiihi/if. — In sandy soil from Virginia southward.

/'//•/ r.-^fd. — The root — (uilcd Shdfs I'lmrDxicdixria.

('i)/is/ilii 'ulx. — stillingia has a strong disagi'eeablc odor, which is les-
sened l)y drying, and a bitter, acid, and i)ungent taste, which persists even
when tlie dried root ])as been exposed to the air for a long time. It has
yielded to analysis a volatile oil possessing the odor and taste of the crude
drug, and a resinous l)ody whi(!h also appears to possess medicinal activity.
The so-called oil <//' slilliin/id, occuning as a commercial article, is said to
be an ethereal extract, not without medicinal properties, bnt in no way
resend)ling the true volatile oil.

VrrpuraHiDtx. — Extractum stillingia^ fluidum — fluid extract of stillin-
gia.— i'liih'd Sillies PlKtniKico^tii'ii, It is also adndnistered in decoction
and syrup.

Medical rropriiics (iitd Cses. — Stillingia, in large doses, is an active
emeto-catharti(; ; in small doses, alterative. By that class of practitioners
who reject mercury in the treatnunit of syphilis, stillingia is very largely
emiiloycd as a substitute. In scroful.i, chronic cutaneons and hepatic dis-
order.s, it is also stud to act beneflcially. In general twrns, it may be said
to have earned its present reputation and standing ns a remedy iu those
cas(\s which, in former times, were considered most amenable to sarsapa-
rilla. Whether its rejiutation rests u]ion a moi-e secure foinidation than
did that of sarsaparilLi, is a question not easy to decide. One thing, how-

ULMUS — ELM. 243

ever, must he conceded — stillingia is certainly not without activity. Nov/,
while it is not claimed to act specifically in syphilis, the fact seems well es-
tablished that in certain cases, hy stimulating the secretory functions, it
exerts a very beneticial intluence. The same may be said of its action in
s(!rofulous and cutaneous ail'ections. It luidoubtedly dosciTes more care-
ful examination than it has hitherto had, in order that its sphere of use-
fidness may be more accurately defined. •

URTICACE/E.

Chnmrtrr of (he Onh'r. — Plants Avith alternate or opposite, stipulate
leaves, and moncecious, dicjecious or, rarely, perfect tlowers. Calyx regu-
lar, monosepalous, or with 2 to 5 or more divisions. Stamens as many
as the segments of the caWx, aiid opposite them. Ovary free, 1-celled, 1-
ovuled, rarely 2-celled ; stylo or stigma simple. Fruit 1-seeded.

A very large order of cliiefly tropical plants, comprising several well-
characterized sub-orders. Not very well represented in North America.

ULMUS.— Elm.

Ulmus fulva INIichaux. — Slipper;/ Ebn, Red Elm.

Drscnplion. — Flowers polygamous. Calyx bell-shaped, 7- to D-lobed.
Stamens 7 to 'J, with long, slender filaments. Ovary 2-C(!lle(l, each cell 1-
ovuled ; styles 2, diverging. Fruit a 1-celled, 1-seeded, membranaceous
samara.

A medium-sized tree, 20 to GO feet high, 1 to 2 feet in diameter, with
a rough, light-gray bark and reddish wood. Leaves alternate, 4 to N
inches long, ovate-oblong, taper-pointed, doubly serrate, i-ough aUn'e, solt-
downy beneath. Flowers reddish, pubescent, in lateral cluster.s, preced-
ing the leaves in March and April.

Habitat. — In rich, rather dry soil, from Western New England to Lake
Superior and southward.

Fart Cficd. — Tiie inner bark — official name, Ilnnis — I'ltitcil Statrfi Phar-
■tnaropd'ia.

('(mstituentt<. — The only important constituent of slipper}' elm bark is
an abundance of mucilage.

Prrparationt^. — ]Mucilago idmi — mucilage of elm. — I'mlrd Sfatr.-i Pltar-
macopa'ia. This is merely an infusion of the slicetl bark in boiling water.

Medical Properlie.x and Cxes. — Slippery elm is demulcent and slightly
nutritious. It is used lai'gely in acute intlainmatory and febrile allections.
either alone or .slightly acidulated with lemon-jp.ice, and is one of the most
valuable agents of its class, seldoni or never deranging the stomach. Ex-
ternally it is often employed in the form of a poultice, being first gi'ound
or torn into shreds, and made into a mass of proper consistence with ijoil-
ing water. It h;is also been employed, in the form of tints, to dilate tho
neck of the uterus and fistulous tracts.

244

URTICACE^.

MORUS.— MiiLHRnRY.

Morus rubra Linn(''. — Jlcd Mulherrii.

Description.— YlowevH mouax-iouH or dioecious. Staminate flowers in
drooping axillary spikes ; ealyx 4-parted ; stamens 4. Pistillate flowers
in dense, ovate, erect spik(>s ; calyx of 4 sepals ; ovary 2-cellc'd, one of the
cells disappearing during the develoi)ment of the fruit ; styles 2, liliforin.
When ripc! each ovary is an achoniuni covered by the succulent calyx, the
whole fertile spike becoming a dark-purple, juicy fruit resembling a black-
berry.

A small tree 20 to 30 feet high. Leaves alternate, ovate, cordate,
pointed, serrate, rough above, downy beneath ; those of the young shoots
sometimes 2- to 3-lobed. The flowers appear in May ; the berries are ripe
in July ; they are about an inch long, and have an agreeable sweetish and
acidulous taste.

Ilabiiat. — Li rich woods from New England to Illinois and soutlnvanl.

Part. /«v/.— The fruit-
not official.

Constituents. — G 1 u c o s e,
free acid, and nuicilaginous
matter.

IM'parations. — Commonly
used in the form of a s^-rup
or exjiressed juice.

jMcdica/ Proprrlies and
Uses. — -Mulberries are slight-
ly laxative, and their mildly
acid properties render them
cooling and refreshing. They
are chiefly employed in the
preparation of refrigerant
(liinks in acute febrile and
inflammatory affections.

URTIOA.— Nettle.

Charnctcr of thr. Genus. —
Flowers niouceciousor difjeci-
ous, in axilLu-y clusters or
si)ike.s. Stamhiate flowers ;
stamens 4, inserted around the rudiment of a pistil. Pistillate flowers ;
sepals 4, in pairs, the outer pair smaller, spreading, the inner, in fruit, en-
closing the achenium.

Annual or perennial herbs, with stinging hairs. Leaves opposite, stip-
ulate. Flowers greenish.

Fio. 153.— LTrUca diolca.

CANNABIS HEMP. 245

Urtica dioica Luiru-.—Owimon XcUle.

Stem cYcx'.i, 2 to 4 foot hi'j^]\, very bristly. Loavoa ovato, oovdafo,
pointed, siroiigly sonnto, mostly smooth above, downy midonicatli.
Flower spikes much branched.

IMnktt. — lu waste j^laces, especially about dwellings ; introduced from
Europe.

Urtica urens Linm'. — Dwarf NrUh'

Stem erect, 8 to 12 inches hijj;h, less bristly than the preceding.
Leaves elliptical or ovate, coarsely and deeply serrate. Flower clusters 2
in each axil, the staminate and pistillate flowers intermingled.

flahUaf.. — In waste places ; introduced from Exu'ope. Less common
than the preceding.

Wood Nellie. {Laporlea ('ana(f(^)h'<i!< Gaudichand), an indigenous jilant,
closely related to the gouus urtica, also possesses stinging jiroperties, and
is prol)ably hardly less efiicient.

/'(iii!< (',<('( I. —The seed, leaves, and tops — not official,

Coiisf.it ii('itfi<. — The stinging liairs of nettles contain free formic acid,
but as their ellect upon the skin difters sensibly from that of pure formica
acid, it is inferred that there is* present also some othei' irritating substance.

Pirparalioiiit, — The ex^jressed juice, decoction, and the bruised leaves.

Medical Prnperliei^ and Uses. — Flagellation of the skin with frcsli net-
tles was formerly employed for counter-irritnnt etTect in jjaralysis, and
in coma whether produced bj- disease or by alcohol or opium. Internally
the drug has been used with asserted iKMief'it in hemorrhages from the
nose, lungs, uterus, etc., and in catirrhal alYtn'tions.

CANNABIS.— IlKMP.

Cannabis csativa Linm'. — Tfcmp, American TTrmp.

lJe.<criptioii. — Flowers dio'tdous. Staminate flowers with 5 sepals, and
5 drooping stamens. Pistillate flowers with a calyx of one sepal which
is fold e I around the ovary ; ovary roundish, 1-ovuled ; stigmas 2, lilil'orm,
glandnlar. Achenium ovate, 1-seeded.

A coarse, pubescent, somewhat viscid annual. Stem erect, 3 to G feet
high, angular, branclung. Leaves alternate or opposite, on long weak
petioles, digitate, with 5 to 7 linear-Lmceolate, sharply serrate segments.
Flowers in axillary clusters ; staminate clusters lax, drooping, leafless at
the base; pistillate, erect, leafy at the base.

Habitat. — In waste places. Largely cultivated in some of the Western
and Southern States. Introduced from Europe. .

Part>< Uxc.d. — The flowering tops. OfTicial name. Cannabis Americana —
Amei'ican Cmnabis — Ignite 1 Stales I'harmacopivia.

This plant is specitically identical with tliat affording the Cannabis
Indica {Indian Hemp, Hashish) of commerce, and has X'eceived the above
pharmacopa>ial name simply for identification.

24G

UIlTICACEiE.

' 'miKfitui'Jita. — Tlio constitucuts of Amoric.'in ciiiinabis do not dilTcr
from those of Indiiin cuiumbis save, pcrlmpH, in dejifi-eo ; authors pretty
j^'cnerallv (MMisidcr the latter more active than the foriiier. The active
properties of caniiH])is appear lo reside chiefly in n resin which has re-
ceived tlie name *vn(//f/i'>/// ; but there is also found a small proportion of
volatile oil possessing the characteristio odtn' and taste of the plant, and
producing;- nav(;otic eflects. Its remaining constituents are medicinally
unimportant.

I'rfpan/liDiis. — There are no otruMal preparations of American cannabis.

mm mm^^-

/Its

m.

Fic. l.-)l.--C:iniiiibis sntiva.

It may be employed in the same maimer as Indirfn cannabis, namely, in
extract, fluid extract, or tincture.

Mt'dkvl Propi'rtii'ft ainl Txcs-. — Cannabis, when fresh, has a peculiar
narcotic odoi', which is said to be capable of producing lieatlache and
other cerebral symptoms. Tliis propc^rty is considerably diminished by
drying and long keeping, hence the drug shoidd be used as fresh as pos-
sible. Indeed, there is little doubt that much of the uncertainty of can-
nalns is dept lent ujjon a want of care in this respect. Cannabis is a
powerful ]iarcotic, causing, first, exhilaration and delirious liallucinations,
generally of a pleasurable character, and afterward drowsiness and stu-
pni-. Though much less certain than opium, it has none of the unpleasant
after-effects of the latter, and is often used instead to relieve })ain, aliay
spasm, and produce sleep.

ITi'MULUS.— IIoi'.

Humulus Lupulus Ijumv.—FTop.

Description, — Flowers ditecious. Staminate flowers with 5 sepals, and
5 erect stamens. Piatillate flowers with a single sepal, which embracea

nuMULHs — HOP.

247

the ovaiT, grows with it after .lowering, and covers the achenium at nui-
turity,

A perennial plant, with annual, anj^ulur, rouf>;h, twinin<>^ stems, which
climb to the lu'ij>ht of many feet. Leaves mostly ojipoHito, on lonp;, wind-
ing petioles, the smaller ones cordate, the larger 15- or fj-lobed, serrate,
veiny, and very ro\igli. Stii)ules, 2 or 4 Ixitween the petioles, cvate, re-
flexed, persistent. Stanunate flowers in loose, axillary panicles ; pistillate
in catkins of niunerous foliaceous,
indjricated, concavci l)racts (>at'h 2-
rtowered, formin.Lr. in fruit, mem-
branaceous strobiles. The achenium,
fruiting calyx, etc., are covered with
yellow resinous grains, called hiim/iii.

Habit (if. — The eommou hop is
widely distributed t)ver most tem-
])(>rate regions, growing in thickets
without cultivation. It is indigen-
ous to North America, being espe-
cially conunon in the northern and
western portions of the United States.
In some sections of the country it is
extensively cultivated for use ia brew-
ing ale, beei', etc.

Jarfx Cscd. — The strol )iles — of-
ficial name, Humulus — Hops. The
glandular powder separated from the
strobiles — otHcial name, Luimlinum
— Lupulin. — L'niU'tl Slates J'haytna-
copam.

Constiliienti^. — Hops have a pecu-
liar ai'omatic, somewhat narcotic odor,
and an aromatic, bitter, astringent taste. These properties are more strongly
markecl in lupulin that in the strobiles after this h;is been separated from
them. Lupulin constitutes from one-tenth to one-sixth the weight of hops,
and contains, as its most imi^ortant constituents, volatile oil, a peculiar
bitter principle, and an alkaloid having an odor scnnewhat resembling that
of conia. The scales of hops from which the lupulin lias been separated
possess the same active principles but in smaller proportions.

IWpnrntumi^. — Of hops : Tinc+ura huniuli — tuictuiv of hops. Of lu-
l)uliu : Extractum lupulini fluidum — fluid extract of lupulin ; oleoresina
hipulini — oleoresin of lupulin. — United Statrs Phnrmacopd'ui. An infusion
of hops is also etiRcient and is often employed.

Mi'diral J'ropertieti and Uses. — Hops are tonic and sliglitly narcotic.
Their tonic influence has been found useful in debiliiy of the digestive

Fro. ir)5. — Humuhis Lupiilus

248 JUGLANDACEA.

orj^aiiH, while tlieir imrcotio and soilativo effect's seem most prononnrevl in
irritable conditions of the genito-urinary tract. A pillow of liops is ou)
of tlie standard remedies among the laity for sleeijlessness, and is often
used willi (he hapi)iest clltH^ts. Hop fojiiciitations are frrquontly ein])loy(d
to relieve tlie [):iin of abscesses and inllanunations, and form an excelknt
application for the purpose.

JUCLANOACEA.

Chararter of the Order. — Trees with alternate, pinnate, oxstipulato
leaves. Flowers momccious, the staminate in catkins, witli an irrogular
calyx adnale to the bract ; the fertile solitary or in smuU clusters or
spikes, with a regular 3- to 5-lobed calyx adherent to the incompletely 2-
to 4-cellod, l-ovnl(!d ovary. Fruit a dry, bony-shelled drupe, containing
a largo 4-lobed, oily seed.

A small order of trees of gi'eat economic importance. Among its most
importuit representatives in North America are the butternut, black-
walnut and hickory,

JITGLANS.— W.\LNUT.

Juglans cinerea Limu'. — lUdtcmxt.

DcscripUo)!. — Staminate Howers in long, simple, lateral catkins from
the wood of the preceding year ; calyx unequally 3- to G-cleft. Stamei>s 12
to 40 ; lilaments free, very short. Pistillate Howers solitary or clustered on
a pediUK^le at the end of the branches ; calyx 4-toothed, with 4 minute
petals at the sinuses. Sivles 2, vei'y short ; stigmas 2, club-shapod, slightly
fringed. Fruit oblong, with, a clammy, tibrous-flcshy epicarp, and a very
liard, irregularly and deeply-furrowed endocarp, or nut-shell.

A tree 20 to 50 feet high, with gray bark and widely spreading branches.
Leaves long, unequally pinnate ; leaflets 15 to 17, the lateral sessile, the
terminal petiolate, oblong-lanceolate, rounded at the base, acuminate,
finely serrate, downy, especially beneath, the petioles and branchlets
downy with clammy hairs.

IM)Uaf.~l\\ rich woods and in fields ; everywhere common.

Part Uml. — The inner bark of the root — United Staten f'hnrmacopma.

ConatitaentH. — Tlie most important constituent thus far isolated from
butternut bark is a volatile acid, called by its iWficovevev jiiqlandir arid, but
believed by other chemists to be identical witli nxiciih previously found in
the pericarp and leaves of Jur/lans rer/ia Linne. To this substance is
doubtless due the greater part of the activity of the bark.

Preparations, — Extractum juglandis — extract of juglans. — United Stales
Pharmnropri'ia.

Medical Properties and Uses, — Butteniut is a miltl cathartic, resembling

QUEUCUS — OAK. 240

rhubuil) in the inikliu'ss of its iiction ami frooilom from irritating pi'opor-
lius. ll iiiis been used with beat ellect iu ImbiLuul coustipatiuu.

CUPULIFERiC.

Clmradcr «f the Ordr. — TreoH (ji- shrubs with alternuto, Kinii^lo, feat iter-
vohiocl loaves, funuHhetl with vciy deciduous stipules, foniiin<,' tlio bud-
Healos. Flowers uionaicious ; the stauiinate in ea' dns ; the pistillate sol-
itary, chistcrod or spiked, andprovidi;d with an invcjlucre which forms a cnp-
lik(! receptacle, or an entire coverin;^' to the l-celhul, 1-seeded nut. C'alyx
adherent to the ovary, the nanute teeth erowniny its snmmit. Ovary nioro
or less 2- to 7-cclled, each cell 1-ovuled, only one of which maturea. Seeds
comparatively large, thick and lieshy, often edible.

An oi'd(;r of few genera, but comprising many valuable species. The
oak (^,>Mr'/v(/,s), chestnut (CWrt/ica), and beech (I'li'jns), are among the most
important.

QUKRCUS.— Oak.

Querciis alba Linne. — I17/(7r Oa/,:

/>('xr/v'y<//oy/.— Staminate llowers in long, slender, pendulous catkins ;
stamens 5 to 12, surroundetl by narrow scales which are sometimes united
into an irregular perianth. Pistillate th)W( rs s(rattei"ed or clustered ; peri-
anth more or less (i-lobed, adherent to the ovary, which is about i]-celled,
tlie whole enclosed by a scaly, bud-like involucre which becomes a hard,
woody cup about the base of the rounded nut oi* acorn.

A large tree, sometimes growing to the height of 70 to 80 feet, with a
diameter of G to 7 feet. Loaves ovate or obovate-oblong in general out-
line, obliquely and deeply cleft into 8 to i) oblong, obtuse lobes. When
young they are reddish above, whitish and downy beneath, but at matu-
rity bright green above, and smooth, pale, or glaucous beneath. Cup
hennspherical-saucer- shaped, rough or tuberculated at maturity, naked,
nuich shorter than the ovoid or oblong (1 inch long), sweetish, edible
acorn. The bark is very light-colored, whence the specific name of the tree.

Hohilaf.— -From Canada to Florida and westward; conunon.

Dirt f'svY/.— The bai-k, deprived of the corky layer — official name,
Quercus alba. — United Stalrfi I'liarmacopaua.

Coiixtilnrnlx. — The only important constituent of oak bark is tannin.

Prepamlkmit. — There are no official preparations. It is usually em-
ployed, whether internally or topically, in decoction.

Medical ProjM'rtics and Uxrs, — Oak bark is astringent by virtue of its
tannin, and is used for the same purposes as other vegetable astringents.
The decoction is sometimes employed exteruiilly to prevent the formation
of bed-sores.

Many other indigenous species of oak possess essentially similar prop-
erties. .

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250 MYHICACE^.

CASTANEA. — Cuestnut.

Castanea vesca Limu'. — Chestnut.

D(i.<criptlon. — Staiaiii'ite flowers clustered upon long, pendulous cat-
kins ; calyx commonly G-parted ; stamens 8 to 20. PisLlUute flowers few,
usually three together in a scaly, prickly involucre, which encloses tiiem,
and at maturity opens by J: valves ; calyx witli a (5-lobed border which
crowns the 3- to 7-celled, G- to 11-ovuled ovary ; stigmas as many as the
cells of the ovary, and surrounded by 5 to 12 rudimentary stamens. Nuts
coriaceous, ovoid, flattened, 1 to 3 in number, sweetish, edi' i

A large tree, 30 to 50 feet in h'.'ght, with a diameter ui 3 to G feet.
Leaves G to 7 inches long, 1^ to 2 inches wide, oblong-lanceolate, acumi-
nate, sharply serrate, very regulai'ly feather- veined, when mature, smooth
and yellowish-green both sides. It blooms in June ami July and matures
its fruit after frost, when the burrs open and the nuts fall.

Habitat. — In rocky and hilly places, and in alluvial or sandy soil ;
widely distributed, and often associated with oak and pine.

Fart C.ft'd. — The leaves, collected in September or October while still
green. Official name — Cistanea. — United States^ riiarmaroiHeia.

Coi)^iitue)its<. — Nothing save common vegetable i)rincii)les have as yet
been detected in chestnut leaves.

Preparations. — Extractum castancic fluidum — fluid extract of castanea.
— United States Pharmacojxvia.

Jiuiii.ul I roperties and, Uses. — Thore is much doubt regarding the medi-
cinal activity of chestnut leaves. Introduced as a remedy for whooping-
cough, the drug was considerably lauded for a time, but its slight popu-
larity seems already waning. In absence of anytliing to establish the
presence of a therapeutically active i)rinciple, or of physiological experi-
ments to prove its activity, the mere statement that it exerts a controlling
influence upon a disease of such uncertain course as whooping-cough may
well be received with caution.

MYRICACEyE.

(Jliaracter of the Order. — Monoecious and dia3ciou3 shrubs, with both
staminate and pistillate flowers in short scaly catkins. Leaves alternate,
resinous-dotted, and often fragrant.

A small order having few representatives in Nortlf America. In general
they possess, to a greater or less degree, aromatic, astringent, and stimu-
lant properties.

M YRICA. ~B AYnRTiUY.

Myrica cerifera Linnc. — I>a;/f)err!/, Wa.r-Mijrth'.

Deseriplion. — Flowers mostly dicecious. Staminate catkins oblong,
scattered ; pistillate ovoid, from scaly, axillary buds. Btjth kinds destitute

COIIPTONIA SWEET-FERX. 251

of calyx and corolla, the solitary flowers Lcint,' placed each under a scaly
bract, with a pair of bractlets. Stamens 2 to 8. Ovary with 2 to 4 scales
at its base ; stigmas 2. Fruit an ovoid nut or drupe, covered with whitish
wax.

A shrub, 3 to 8 feet high. Leaves oblong-lanceolate, narrowed at the
base, entire or somewhat toollied toward the apex, shining and resiijous-
dotted both, sides, fragrant, appearing late in Ajjril before the flowers.
Nuts scattered or clustered along the last year's branches, sometimes per-
sisting for two or three years.

Ilabltut. — In sandy or rocky places on or along the coast.

Parts Used. — The bark and wax — not otticial.

ConstUnenlx. — Besides common vegetable jn-inciples, there arc in bay-
berry bark an acrid resin, an astringent resin, and a peculiar aciid aeid,
termed vu/ru-iNic acid. Myrtle wax in mass, after separation from the
fruit, is greenish-gr!;y in color, with a consistence intermediate between
that of bees.wax and tallow. It burns with a white flame and a fragrant
odor.

IWparafioDfi. — There are no official preparations. Tlie bark has been
used chiefly in powder and in decoction.

3Iedical I'ropaiica and Uses. — Bayberry bark is an acrid stimulant
and astringent. In moderate doses it produces a sensaticni of heat in the
stomach ; in large doses, nausea and vomiting. The pcwder is very irri-
tating to the nasal macous membranes, a^nl produces violent sneezing. It
has been employed to some extent in a great variety of diseased conditions,
but without acujuiring rciiutation in any. Bigolow stated, sixty years ago,
as the result of his investigations, that it is " more interesting iu a chemi-
cal than a medical point of view ; " and his statement, in the present state
of our knowledge, scarcely requires comment or revision.

COMPTONI A. — Sweet-Fehn.

Comptonia asplenifolia Alton.— /S'^tr^T-lTrt,

Description. — Flowers monrocious and diajcious. Staminate flowers iu
cylindrical catkins with imbricated, concave, reniform, acuminate, 1-flowered
scales ; stamens 3 to G. Pistillate flowers in egg-shaped, biuT-like catkins ;
ovary surrounded by 8 long, linear, awl-shaped scales, which are persistent
around the ovoid-oblong, smooth, l-se(>ded nut.

A low shrub, 1 to 3 feet high, slender, branched, somewhat hairy.
Leaves alternate, linear-lanceolate, 3 to 4 inches long by lialf an inch broad,
deeply pinnatilid with many roiuided lobes, resend)ling those of a fern.
This resemblance, together with the fragrance of the leaves, has given the
plant the popular name of .'<ircii-ft'rn.

Ifabildt. — In dry sterile or sandy soil irim Virginia to Wisconsin and
northward.

252 BETULACE.E.

Paris used. — The leaves and tops — not official.

CunstUuenls. — The most important constituents are volatile oil and tan-
nin.

rrcparalions. — Commonly Ubed in decoction.

Medical Properlies and Uses. — Sweet-forn is stimulant and astringent.
It is occasionally employed as a domestic remedy in diarrhcea, colic, etc.

BETULACE>E.

Giarnctcr of the Order. — Trees or shrubs with simple, alternate, stipu-
late leaves, often strongly fenther-veined. Flowers luonojcious, in scaly
catkins, 2 or 3 imder each bract, and without a perianth. Ovary 2-celled ;
stijrmas 2. Fruit a dry, 1-collcd, 1-seeded, often winged init.

A small order inhabiting chiefly the northern temperate regions.

^. BETULA.— Birch.

Betula lenta Linno. — Sweet, Black, or Cherry Birch.

Desc7'ipl' >n, — Staminate flowers 3, under each scale of the catkin, each
with 4 sli jrt stamens. Pistillate flov.ers 2 or 8 under each scale of the
catkin, each consisting of a uakeu ovary which, in fruit, becomes a winged
nutlet or samara.

A mediu!n-sized tree with brownish-red, cherry-like bark. Leaves
ovate or oblong-ovate, cordate, acuminate, sharply serrate, smooth and
shining above, glabrous beneath. Sterile catkins long and drooping, ter-
minal and lateral, formed iii sunniier, and expanding the following si)ring.
Fertile ».:atkins oblong-cylindrical in fruit, usually terminal on short lateral
branches of the season. lUirk, of the younger branches especially, aro-
matic, having the odor and taste of gaultheria. When wounded the stem
yields a saccharine juice.

Habitat. — In moist woods from New England to Illinois northward, and
along the Alleghanies southward.

Farts Used. — The bark, leaves, and saccharine juice — not official.

Constituents. — The bark and leaves, by distillation, yield a volatile oil
identical in composition with tliat obtained from gaultheria, and, it is said,
frequently sold for the latter. ^

Preparations. — Commonly usi^d in decoction. The oil evidently i)os-
sesses all the virtues of the drug, and is therefore the most efficieiit prepa-
ration.

Medical Properties and Uses. — The white birch of Europe [Betida alba
Linnc) and the related American species, Betida alba, var. Populi/uliaiipaGh.,
and Betula lenta L., have been considered i^urifiers of the blood, and have
been eiff^jloyed as domestic remedies in rheumatism, gout, cutaneous affec-
tions, etc. Whatever virtues they possess are i)robably due to their vola-

iMA^i^iHkUU

SALTX — WILLOW. 253

tile oil, and aa this is identical with that of gaultheria, their therapeutic
effects must necessarily be similar.

ALNUS.— Alder.

AInus ssrrulata Alton. — Black Alder, Tar/ Alder.

Deatcriplion. — Staminate flowers 3, rarely G, under each scale of the
catkin ; calyx 3- to 5-parted ; stamens as many as the lobes of the calyx,
with short filaments. Pistillate flowers 2 to 3 under each scale of the cat-
kin ; calyx of 4 small scal'^'s, adherent to the scales of the catkin.

A slender shrub, (5 to 12 feet high. Ijcaves obovato, acute at the base,
rounded or blunt at the apex, shai*ply serrate, somewhat coriaceous, green
both sides, smooth or downy beneath. The flowers appear early in spring
before the expansion of the leaves, the staminate ones in long drooping
catkins, the pistillate, in short erect ones, which, in fruit, are ovate, and
persist for a long time upon the stem.

Ilabital. — Common in swamps and along the marshy borders of streams,
from Southern New England to Wisconsin and southward.

Part Used. — The bark — not official.

Constituents.— The only important constituent of alder bark thus far
discovered is tannin.

Preparations. — Commonly used in decoction.

Medirul Properties and Uses. — Alder bark is alterative and astringent.
It is said to have be^n used in diarrhoea, and hipmaturia. In some sec-
tions of the country it is largely employed in domestic practice as a puri-
fier of the blood, both for the human subject and domestic animals. The
author has seen it employed many times in persons afflicted with succes-
sive crops of boiL^ wi'h the happiest eiTect. E-v-idently such effects could
nol have been produced by the tannin which it contains, hence there is
probably present some other principle of an active character which has not
as yet been isolated.

Other species of alnus, both indigenous and exotic, possess similar
properties.

SALICACE^.

Character of the Order. — Trees or shrubs with alternate simple, stipu-
late leaves. Flowers dicecious, in catkins, one under each bract, entirely
destitute of a floral envelope. Fruit a 1 -celled, 2-valved, many-seeded pod,
the seeds provided with long silky down.

A small order compi'ising two genera, namely, Salix and Populus. All
of them pc^jess, to a grtater or less extent, bitter tonic properties.

SALIX.— Willow.

Character of the Genus. — Scales of the catkin entii-e. Staminate flowers
of 2 to 10 distinct or united stamens, with 1 or 2 small glands. Pistillate
flowers with a small, flat gland at the base of the ovary.

2.j4 saltcace.e.

A verj' large genus of slirubs ami trees, growing cliiefl} along water-
courses in the northern temperate zone, but some inhabit high mountain",
and one is found nearer tlie nortli pole than any other shrubby j)l!i';.. All
known sjiecies are bitter, and contaiii xalicii) in a greater or 1(!S' proportion.
The one in which this principle is most abundant, and which has therefore
been chiefly employed medicinally, is :

Salix alba Linne. — Mltilc Willow.

JJr.-iCj'ip/ion. — Catkins long, loose, pedunculate, borne on the summit of
the lateral leafy branches of the season. Scales entire, greenish-yellow,
more or less hairy, falling before the pods are ripe. Stamens mostly 2 ;
filaraents hairy below. Ovary short-stalked or nearly sessile, glabrous ;
stigmas thick, recurved.

A tr e, 50 to 80 feet high. Leaves lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate,
pointed, somewhat toothed, clothed more or less with white, silky hairs,
esi^ecially beneath.

Habitat. — Iuh\.Juced from Euroj)e, but naturalized and very eommon
in moist situations.

The indigenous species of willow are very numerous, and many of them
are very common, but, as few of them have ever been employed medicinally,
they need not occnjn- our attention here.

Part Used. — Tlie bark of salix alba and of other species of salix. —
United States Pharmacoixxda.

Constituent.^. — Willow bark contains as its most important constituent,
salicin. This, as remarked above, has been found in all species which have
been examined. On this account the Pharmacopa'ia recognizes not only
salix alba, but "other species." The bark also contains considerable tan-
nin, and common vegetable princij^les.

Preparation f>. — None ai'e official. It has been employed in powder, de-
coction, and infusion. The active principle, salicin. is the most eligible
and efficient form in which to employ it.

lledical Properties and Uses. — Willow bark is tonic and antiperiodic. It
has been used in intermittents, and as a tcniic in dyspepsia, debility, and
convalescence. Eecently salicin has been employed with asserted benefit in
rheumatism.

I'OI'ULUS.-Popi.ATi.

Cliaractcr of the Genus. — Si'alcsof the catkins j igged or iiregularly cut-
lobed at the apex. Flowers in a cup-shaped disk ; the staminate with 4 to
150 stamens ; the pistillate of a single pistil. Trees with broad, more or
less cordate leaves, the petioles often compressed laterally, thus occasion-
ing a tremulous motion when the least agitated. Catkins long and drooj)-
ing, appearing before the leaves,

Populus tremuloides Michaux. — American Aspen.

Description. — Scales of the catkins in 3 or 4 linear divisions, fringed

POP 'LUS — POPLAK. 255

witli long hairs. A tree, 20 to 50 feet high, with smooth, grccnish-whito
bark. Loaves roiiuiUsli-cordute, acuiuinate, serrate, sniootli both sitles,
downy on the margiuH ; i)etioleH long, slender, laterally compressed, so
that the gentlest breeze suffices to keep the leaves constantly agitated.

Habitat. — lu woods and copses ; common.

Populus balsamifera Liunt'. — Ikttffum Poplar, Tarmahnn.

Dcscrqifion. — Scales of the catkins dilated, slightly liairy. A tree, 40 to
80 feet high. Loaves ovate, acuminate, sei-rate Avith ai)prcssed teeth,
smooth both sides, green above, white and reticulate-veiny beneath. In
spring the buds arc covered with an aromatic resin.

Habitat. — In moist soil, Northern New England to Wisconsin and nortli-
ward.

A variety of this species (/'. caudicans Aiton — P>nhn of Cilcad) differs in
having the leaves l^roader and somewhat cordate ; it is common in cultiva-
tion as a shade tree.

Pa?Vx (W(1. — Of P. tremuloides, the bark ; of P. balsamifera the resin-
oua exudation of the buds — neither is official.

ConxtitHi'.nti<. — The bark of all si)ecies of pojilar contains a crystalline
principle; termed popitJin, closely resembling salicin. The resin of the
balsam poj)lar does not dift'er materially in composition from other aro-
matic resins.

r reparations. — Poplar bark is commonly administered in decoction or
infusion. The resin of the balsam poplar is readily separated from the
buds by boiling them in water ; it may then be dissolved in alcohol, and
administered in this form, or a tincture of tlie entire buds may be em-
ployed.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Poplar bark is a bitter tonic, acting like
willow-bark, and i^ossessing feeble antiperiodic properties. It is little
used.

Poplar balsam is reputed tonic and stimulant. It was formerly used
to a limited extent in pharmacy, to prevent ointments becoming rancid.

CONIFER/E.

CJiaracfer of the Order. — Monoecious, rarely dioecious, trees or shrubs ;
flowers in catkins, destitute of calyx and corolla ; stamens inserted on the
axis of the catkin under the scales, or the anther-cells are sessile on the
scales themselves ; ovules and seeds naked. Leaves mostly awl-.shaped or
needle-shaped. Juice commonly resinous.

A large order, dispersed over all parts of the globe, most al)undant
in temperate regions, but extending also to the tropics and friqid zones.
It comprises three well-mai"ked sub-orders, namely : Abietinede, Pine
Family; Cupressineae, Cypress Farnihj ; Taxineae, Yew Family.

256 CONIFEU^.

ABIETINE^.

Character of the Svh-Ord(rr. — Ovules 2, inverted, in the axil of a scale or
bract ; bracts imbricated, in fruit forming a woody cone.

PINUS.— Pine.

Character of the Genus. — Steiile catkins clustered about the base of the
young current-year shoots ; the fertile at the apex, and maturing the fol-
lowing year. Leaves 2 to 5 in a cluster, sheathed at the base by thin, chaff-
like persistent scales.

Trees of a gregarious habit, often forming largo forests ; found only
in the Northern hemisphere.

Pin US austral is Michaux {P. jmlutitris Linno.) — Lotuj-leaved or Yellmo
Pine.

Description, — Cones 6 to 10 inches long, cylindrical or conical-oblong,
the thick scales armed Avith a short recurved sjiiue. Leaves in clusters of 3,
10 to 15 inches long, with long sheaths, crowded at the summit of thick
and very scaly braTicLes. A tree 60 to 80 feet high, with thin-scaled l)ark
and very i-esinous wood, dividing near the summit into a number of spread-
ing branches.

Habitat. — From Southern Virginia soutliAvard, growing in sandy soil,
and often forming forests many miles in exten*^^.

Pin US Tseda Linne. — LohloUij or Old-field Pine.

Description. — Cones 3 to 5 inches long, elongated-oblong, tapering, the
scales tipped with a stout incurved spine. Leaves in clusters of 2 or 3, G to
10 inclips long, with long sheaths. A tree oO to 100 feet high, with very
thick, furrowed b.irk, and sparingly resinous wood ; when growing in fields
it is low, with spreading branches.

Habitat. — In light soil, from Delaware southward ; often establishing
itself in fields exhaust jd by cultivation, hence called old-field pine.

The above-described species may be taken as fairly representing the
medicinal trees of the genus, though many others possess similar or identi-
cal properties. Recognizing this fact, and that the medicinal derivatives
of pine are procured from a variety of species, the United States Pharma-
copoeia mentions by name only the most important, Pinus australis, but
adds, "other si^ecies of pinus."

Parts Used. — The medicinal virtues of pine reside in its oleo-resin.
Tliis exudes in greater or less quantity from all species when wounded,
most abundantly, however, from P. australis, and is official under the
name terebinthina—turpentine. From it are procured oil of tui-pentine
and resin, while from the wood itself tar is obtained by the process of de-
structive distillation.

Constituents. — Turpentine, as it exudes from the tree, is a yellowish,

AlilES — SPRCCE. 257

viscid, snmowhat opfilesront liquid, of an fip;rcral>le odor and a pinigent,
bitterisli taste. ]'!xiK)se(l to tlio air for a k'n<4lli of tiiiio it c«ncrt'tt'8, and
forms a tou^li mass wliicli is brittle when cold. It consists of volatile oil
and rosin. The former is sei)aratcd by distillation, and is the spirit of
turpentine of commerce, while the latter is the non-volatile residue, com-
mercially known as rosin. Tar is an cniiiyreumatic oleorcsin of very com-
plex composition, containing acetic acid, methylic alcohol, creasote, car-
bolic acid, etc.

I'rcparnlioiifi. — Of turpentine : Oleum terebinthina' — oil of turpentine,
resina — resin. Preparations of oil of turpentine : Linamentum canthan-
dis — cantharides liniment ; linamentum terebinthinic— turpentine lini-
ment. Preparations of resin : Ceratum resinm — resin cerate ; emplastrum
r(!sin!r — rosin plaster. Preparations of tar : Sj-rupus picis liquiihe — synip
of tar ; unguentum picis liquicUe — tar ointment.— ('////crZ Stales riianua-
copci'ia.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Crude turi^ontine is seldom or never
used internally at the present daj-^ ; since its virtues are believed to reside
chiefly in its essential oil, this is almost universally employed instead. Oil
of turpentine is stimulant, diuretic, anthelmintic, and in lai-ge doses, catliar-
tic ; externally it is rubefacient and mildly vesicant. In hduvU, frequently
repeated doses it stimulates the kidneys, augments the secretion of ui-ine,
and occasionally produces stranguiy and luematuria. In large doses it
produces \ertigo, nausea, and often brisk catharsis. It is used in a great
variety of cases. Like other terebinthinate medicines it is often employed
in the later stages of gonorrho'a, and in other catan-hal ailections. In
typhoHl fever, and in other iili'ections whore tynqutnites is a jn-ominent and
disti'cssing symptom, it often aftbrdi^ great relief ; and, indeed, in low ty-
phoid conditions generally its employment is commonly very satisfactory.
Its controlling influence in passive hemorrhages has also long been recog-
nized and made use of. As a vermifuge it often enters into tho conqwsi-
tion of draughts for the expulsion of taniia. Externally, alo' or in com-
bination, it is largely employed as a rubefacient.

Resin is employed as an ingredient of plasters and cerates, to which it
gives consistence and adhesiveness, without adding sensibly to their ac-
tivity.

The medicinal properties of tar are similar to those of turpentine,
modified, however, to some extent by the puiely empyreumatic bodies
which it contains. It is used internally and by inhalation in chronic ca-
tai-rhal ati'ections, and externally in a variety of cutaneous diseases.

ABIES.— SmucE.

Charnrtcr of the Genus. — Sterile catkins scattered or clustered in the
axils of the leaves of the preceding year ; fertile catkins lateral or terminal
on the branches of the preceding year ; both appearing in spring, the cones

258 CONIFKR.E.

mJitnrinf,' in Hip mitunm of tlio Kivnu! ycnv. Scales of tlio oonra tliiii, not
tip[KHl, as in. t lie \niH\ with a thickened spiiio. Loiivcs rigid, foliaceous,
Hcattcj'id, not, rasciculiite, i)(r.sistcnt. for two or three years.

Abies balsamea JMiushall.— y;»/.sa»( Fir.

Dfftrriijlioii, — Cones cylindricul, 2 to 4 inclies long, erect on the upjicr
side of the spreading branches; scales mostly decidiions from the persist-
ent axis at malin-ity. Leaves ^ to 4 inch long, narrow, flat, rigid, bright
green ai)ove, silvery beneath, mostly sessile on horizontal f>rancheH, and
spreading in two direetio'is so as to seem 2-i'anked,

A slendei", tapering tree, rarely more than 40 feet high ; branches dimin-
ishing in length in proportion to their height from the ground, forming,
luider favorable circumstances, a perfectly regular pyramidal head. Bark
rather smooth. l)eariiig rewin in V(>sicles.

JJahilnl. — In cohl damp wockIs and swamps from New England to Penn-
sylvania, Wisconsin, and northward ; common in Canada, not foriuing for-
ests but dissemumtod among other trees.

Abies Fraserl Pursh.— /V«.s(.';-'.s or Southern liaJmm Fir.

Dcs'criftlion. — Cones oblong-ovate, 1 to 2 inches long, otherwise much
like the preceding. A small tree.

Iluhital.-— Ill tho mountains from Pennsylvania to North Carolina.

Abies Canadensis Micliaux. — Ih'mlvch; Hv.mlwk Spruce.

Description. — Cones oval, -^ to J int^h long, hanging on tho ends of the
branches of the preceding year, persistent ; scales not falling away from
tho axis. Leaves linear, obtuse, \ inch long, scattered, somewhat 2-ranked,
dark green above, paler beneath. A largo tri'- often 70 to 80 feet liigh,
with a diameter of 2 to 3 feet ; in forests, with spreading branches at the
to]). Bark rougli and deeply-fuiTowcd ; wood light, cojv, "e-grained, but
comparatively strong, largely used for fences and outbuildings.

J/ahitnt. — In hilly and rocky soil. In many n^gion.s it ioi-ms forests of
considerable extent, especially on west hillsides. Most common north-
ward. It is approaching extinction in many sections of tho Northern
United States, since it does not flourish as a second-growth tree.

J*ari,H L'sed. — The resinous exudation of a[[ species. That procured
from A. balsamea is otKcial under the name Terebinth ina Canadensis —
Canada turpentine, or Canada balsam. It is contained in l)listers or vesi-
cles upon the bark and is collected by puncturing these and jiressing out
their contents. A. Fiaseri yields a balsam of identical character. The
resinous exudation of A. Canadensis is official under the name Pix Cana-
densis— Canada pitch or hemlock pHch.

C()nstituenf.'<.- -Cimiiila tunitntine is a yellowish or faintly greenish,
tran.-ipr.rent, viscid li(|uid, of an agreeable terebitithinate odor, and a bitter-
ish, slightly acrid taste. Exposed to the air it slowly concretes, and forms
a mass which is brittle when cold. It is composed of volatile oil and
resiu.

LARIX — LARCir. 259

Canada pitcli is in opaque, rcddiHli-brown inaHSPH, hard and lirittlo at
ordinary tcnipcratureH, but readily softoniii*? by tho application of litUo
heat. It contains rosin, and a ndniite proportion ol .olatiU^ oil.

I'rcjHirdliiiiis, — Of Canad.'i turpentine: n tne. Of(!anatla pilch: Ein-
plastruni picis Canadensis —Canada pitch pUister. — L'nUcU jSlulci I'hunuuco-
pwia.

Medical Propcrficft and ^'sc.s. — Canada turpentine duos not dirt'er mate-
rially in action fioni connnon turpentine, and is seldom eni]iloyed medici-
nally. Canada [)itch, api)lied externally in tlm form of a plaster, pro<luces
mild rnbefaction, by virtue of its volatile oil. It is emi)loyed to some extent
as a substitute for liurj^imdy pitcli, the product of .1. vjvc/su of Europe.

Thn bark of A. Canadensis is very astriu'^ent and is lar^^ely used in
tannin;^. An extract prepared from it occurs as a <-onimcrcial article and
has lu'cn emplo^'ed to some extent an a topical astriuf^cnt. It appears to
Lave uo advantages over other common vegetable astringents.

LAllIX.— LA.air.

Larix Americana Michanx. — Aineriivii f/irch, Tamarmi:

I>t'.<ci-i/i/i(iii. — Catkins tciininuting shiu'l liilcral branches of the preced-
ing year, the sterile from leafless Ixids, the f(.'rtile mostly with leaves below ;
cones ovoid, ^ to [^ i:ich long; scales few, rounded, not tliickened. Leaves
needle-shaped, soft, fasciculate, deciduous. A tall, slender tree, Avith hori-
zontal branches, and thiu scaly bark, from ■which exudes an aronuitic resin.

Ifdhilat. — In swamps and marshy borders of small lakes and ponds from
New England to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin ; most connnon northward.
It attains its greatesr perfection in peat swamps; indeed, an abunda. .t
growth of this tree in a swamp is almont certain evidence of a deposit of
}Deat.

Pinix T^xcd — Tli(! iimer bark and the resinous exudation — not oflicial.

CoiiKfifiicHli^,— It does not appear that an analysis of the bark of the
American larch has yet been made. The bark of an allied European
species A>. Kiivopn'a contains tannin of a peculiar character, and another
acid princii)le allied to pyrogallic acid and pyrocatechu. The resinous
exudation contains resin and a small quantity of volatile oil.

Preparations. — The bark is commonly employed in decoction. The
resinous exuilation, is an article of commerce under the name of tamarack,
or spruce gum. It is prepared, gen(>rally b}' sophistication with other
cheaper substances, for use as chewing-gum.

Medieal Propertien and Uses. — Little is known of the therapeutic prop-
erties of tamarack bai'k, though it is said to be laxative, tonic, diui'etic,
and alterative. Tamarack gum has no inherent medicinal properties.
Being chewed, it stinudates the salivary secretion, and to some dyspep-
tics alFords a certain amount of relief ; but whether this is because of the

260 CONIFERiE.

iiiorraHod flow of flftliva, or that tlio ftct of chewing kcopa thoir mindH off
ilu! Hubjoct of (li}j;('Hti()ii, whicli conHocinoiitly jj^och on luons sinootlily, lire
(lUcstiouH not ('(VHily iviiswcretl. Tlmt houh! dyHpoptics arc rdioviMl by the
priKtticH! iH cortiiiii. Ami yet, it may Ihj well to ndd, taiiianick gum is
chiclly chowcil, uot for mciliciual puri)OHt'H, but simply as a liabit.

curuEssiNE.1':.

Character of the. Suh-Ordrr. — Fertile flowers, couHistiuf? of '^. few carpel-
Inry Kcalew, Avithr.ut bracts, bearing single or several erect ovules ou their
face, forming a closed strobile, or a sort of drupe in fruit.

THUJA.— Auiioii ViT/K.

Thuja occidentalis Linue. — American Arbor VUm, Yellow Cedar,
While Cedar.

J)et<rrii>li(>ii. — Flowers mostly moiKecious on ditVerent branchis, in
SJiiall, terminal, ovoid (ratluns. Stamens with 4 anther cells. Fertile
catkins, with a few ind)ricated scales, eaeh bearing two ovules. Cones
small ; scales smootlx, not tliickened ; seeds winged all around. Leaves
appresseil, closely inr. bricated in 4 rows ou the 2-cdged brauchlets, per-
sistent, evergreen, shining.

A tree, JJO to 50 feet high, with a rapidly tap. ng trunk, and horizon-
tal or declinate bx'anche.s, often from base to summit. Wood light, some-
what resinous, very durable.

Ifuhitdt. — In deep, cold swamps, often associated with tamarack, and on
wet, rock}' banks ; common.

J\irfs U)^ed. — The fresh topf (small brauchlets with their covering of
imbricated leaves) — I'nited. States PJiarmaeoiueiu.

CoiititittientK. — Thuja has a balsamic, .iomewhat terebinthinate odor, and
a pungeutly aromatic, camplioraceous and bitter taste. It has yielded to
analysis volatile oil, a peculiiir crystalline principle termed thiijin, and
common vegetable principles.

Preparations. — There are no official pi'eparations. Fluid extracts and
tinctures occur as ct)nunercial articles. These should be made from the
fresh drug.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Thuja possesses stimulating jirojierties
similar to those of terebinthinate drugs genei'ally, but is probably more
nearly allied to savine in its action than to any other remedy of the class.
It has been employed in amenorrhoea, catarx-hal affections, jjassive hemor-
rhage, etc. Externally it is useful in repressing fungous granulations,
removing warts, etc.

Thuja should be carefully distinguished from Cupressus thyoides, also,
and more properly called, white cedar.

JUNIPEKUS — JUNirER.

20 1

JUNIPKIIUH.— .IiNii-KK.

Charactrr of the CiciiKs. — Flowers diiJ'ciouH, occiiHioimlly niouajciouH,
in V017 Hinall lateriil ciitkiriH. AiitherH ',\ to 6, ono-ccUed, iiiscrtoil in tliti
lower e«l{^o of the scales. F(!rtile flowers few in a small ovoid catkin, of
51 to 0, llosliy coalesccnt scales, each one-ovuled. Fruit bcrry-Hko, thouffh
ill reality a reduced llesliy cone, with scaly bracts iit the base, black with a
whitish bloom.

Everj^rcen slnnibs or trees with small, scale-like leaves.

Juniperus communis Linn<!'. — Common Jmnpir.

]>erries f,'l<)bular, one-third inch in diameter, durk-purplish, uiid covered
with a whitish bloom. Leaves iirtic-
ulated, in whorls of l{. with a slender
prickly point, one-hidf to three-four! lis
of an iniih loncf, bright green below,
gkiucous-white above.

A low shrub, 4 to (5 feet high, as-
cending or Sj)reading on the ground.

//iihilaf. — On dry sterile hills ;
common. It is abundant also in Eu-
rope, where it fruits more freely than
here.'.

Juniperus VirginianaLume. —
liril Cellar.

Dcxcriplion. — Berries smalha" than
in the preceding. Leaves of two dif-
ferent formf- ; the younger ones small,
ovate, acute, scale-like, ind)ri(!ate in
four rows upon the sub-divided
brauclilets ; the older, awl sliaped,
loose, one-half inch long. The latter
form is common in young plants,
making theni rcsend^le, to some ex-
tent, the preceding species.

A shrub or small tree in the East, but westward often attaining a height
of 60 to 90 feet.

JIabitaf. — In sterile or rocky soil ; common. '

Parts Used. — Of J. connnunis : the fruit — Uniled States Pharmncojya'ia.
Of J. Virginiana : the tops — formerly official, but dropped from the Phar-
macop(jeia in 1880.

Const it uenlti. — Juniper berries contain a small percentage of fragrant
volatile oil, a peculiar principle termed Jimipenn, and common vegetable
principles. Eed cedar contains volatile oil, resin, and common vegetable
principles.

Fio. 1!>Ci. -Juniperus commiinin.

263 CONIFEKiE.

PrqiaralimiK. — Of juniiicr Lorries: Olexim junipori — oil of jnnippr ; spir-
itus juiiiperi — spirit of juniper ; spiritus juiii[)(ri coinpositus — conipouud
spirit of juniper. — L^nilcd Slalcx I'luirnuH'opii'iu.

Keil cotlar has been most commonly employed in infusion or decoc-
tion. Tlie berries jjossess properties similar to tliose of conniion juniper,
and hfive been employed in the same manner.

3/('ilic(d PropcrUcii and 6«6\s.— Juniper borrioH are stimulant, diuretic,
carminative and emmenaf^of^-uo, imparting- to tlic urine the odor of violets,
and sometimes producing irritation of the urinary passages. They ai'e
chieily employed as an adjuvant to other more active medicines.

Bed cedar resembles savine in action, but is seldom used.

TAXUS.

Taxus baccata Linne var. Canadensis Gray. — American Yeio,
Ground Hexdock.

Description. — Flowers dioecious or monrecious ; the sterile in small
globular catkins ft)rmed of a few naked stamens ; fertile solitary, consisting
of an erect ovule with an annular disk, becoming in fruit pulpy and berry-
like, globular and reil, encli)sing a single nut-like seed. Leaves evergreen,
one-half to three-fourths inch long. Hat, mucronate, rigid, 2-ranked, much
resembling those of the hemlock spruce, but larger. A low, difl'usely-
sj)reading shrul).

llabUut. — In dark shady places, often under other evergreens, flourish-
ing equally well in cedar swamps, uplands, and rock}' goi-ges ; very com-
mon evervwhei-e. In some sections wrcmu'lv called poison hemlock.

This plant, a variety only of the European yew, cannot be said to have,
as yet, a place among medicines. It is believed, however, to possess poi-
sonous properties, and is perhaj^s woi'thy of investigation. Regarding the
poisonous properties of the berries, the author can state that he has •eaten
them without deleterious etfect, but whether l)ecause the quantity was in-
sufHcient or not, is an open question. Cases of fatal poisoning from eating
the berries of the European yew are oji record, and therefore our variety
is certainly open to suspicion.

CLASS n.— :\rON0C0TYLEDON0US OK ENDOGENOUS PLANTS.

Steins with no distinction of bark, wood, and pith, their fibrous and
cellular tissue being irregularly conuningled. When perennial, such stems
do not increase by the deposition of annual layers outside the wood
alre.idy formed, but by new material deposited wthin, whence the term
endogenous, that is, growing within. Leaves conuuonly parallel-veined,
sheathing at the base, and not articulated vrith the stem. Parts of the

ArJS.EMA INDIAN TL'UXIP.

203

flower in threes. F.iuhryo with a aiuglc cotyledon (ox seed-leaf), Avheuce
the term mouocotyledoiious.

ARACCM.

*

Character of the Order. — Plants with au acrid or pungent juice, simple
or compound alternate leaves, and How-
crs ou a spadix which is commonly
surrounded l)y a spatlio. Floral enve-
lopes absent, or of 4 to G sepals. Fruit
usually a berry.

A large order of chiefly tropical
plants. In general they possess acrid
and irritating properties.

ARISzEMA. — Indian Tuunip,

Ariseema triphyllum Torrry. —

fndian 2'ui nip.

Description. — Flowers inoncecious
or by abortion dioicious, crowded upon
the bas(! of au elongated, clid>shaped
spadix, which is surrounded and cov-
ered by a flattened, inciu'vod, hoodetl
spathe ; both spathc and spadix, tlu' for>
mer es2)ccially, often variegated with
dark purple spots and stripes. Floral
envelope absent. Sterile flowers above
tlie fertile, each of a cluster of 2- to 4-
cellcd anthers ; fertile flowers, consist-
ing of a single 1-celled, 5- to G-ovuled
ovary, forming in fruit a scarlet, 1- to 5-
seeded berry. Leaves mostly two, di-
vided into >) elliptical-ovate, entire, pointed, veinj- leaflets.

A low perennial herb, with a wrinkled, turnip-shaped, farinaceous corm.
It blooms in April aiid ^lay.

Iliilnlut. — In rich woods, everywhere.

Fu)is Used. — The corm — not official.

Constituent.^. — Indian turnip contains an intensely acrid principle which
has not yet been isolated. It is evidently veiy volatile, being jiartially lost
in drying, and c utirely so by long keeping.

Friparatioiu^, — It has been employed in substance and in syrup.

Medical Propertieii and Usen. — In the recent state Indian turnip, applied
to the skin, may vesicate ; being chewed it leaves in the mouth an acrid

Fio. J5T. — Ai-isitma tripliylhim.

264 AUACE.E.

impression which persists for hours. It has beon emploj'ed chiefly in
domestic iiraciico, as a Htimulating expectorant, and to lolieve flatulent
colic. Topically it has been emjiloyed in aplitlious sore mouth, as a
stimulant to indolent ulcers, and in cutaneous ati'ections.

SYMPLOCARPUS.— Skunk Cabbage.

Symplocarpus foetidus Salisbury. — Skunk Cabbage.

Description. — Flowers perfect, thickly crowded upon a globular, short-
stalked spadix, which is surrounded and covered by a fleshy, hooded spatlie ;
the latter striped and spotted witli puri)le. Sepals 4, hooded. Stamens
4, opposite the sepals. Ovary l-(,'elled, immorsed in the fleshy receptacle ;
Style 4-angled ; stigma small. Fruit a globular mass, 2 to 3 inches in
diameter, composed of the enlarged fleshy spadix enclosing the seeds just
below the surface,

A perennial herb, with a thick descending root-stock, and numerous
strong fibrous roots. Leaves all radical, 1 to 2 feet long when fully grown,
ovate, cordate, entire, short petioled, smooth and shining green. It blooms
very early in spring, sometimes even in winter when the weather is mod-
erate ; the fruit matures about September.

Hahilat. — In bogs and wet places, often associated with veratrum vi-
ride ; common.

Parts Use.i. — Tlie rhi/omc and roots. Formerly official under the name
drarontiuin, but diopped from the Pharmacopujia in 1880.

Constituenl:<. — All parts of this plant have a strong odor like that of
the skunk. Tlie root has an acrid, pungent taste, and possesses an acrid
principle of a volatile character which has not been isolated. This prin-
ciple is dissipated in drying or by heat, and is entii'ely lost Dy long keep-
ing.

Preparations. — It has been employed in infusion, tinctui'e, and in sub-
stance.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Skunk cabbage has been used chiefly in
spasmodic att'ections, its disgusting odor having jn-obably first attbrded
the suggestion. It is said to have produced happy effiects in spasmodic
asthma and in hysteria. In the latter it probably acts quite as strongly
ii])on the mind as upon the body of the patient, possibly more so. As its
activity is diminished or lost b}' long kecjiing, it is essential that the drug
be used as fresh as possible, or at least that the preparations employed be
made from the fresh plant.

ACORUS. — SwRRT Flag.

Acorus Calamus Linne. — Sweet Flag, Calamus.

Description. — Flowers perfect, thickly crowded upon a cylindrical
spadix which emerges from the side of a simple, 2-edged, leaf-like scape.

ALISMA WATER PLANTAIN. 2(55

Sepals G, concave. Stamens 6; filaments linear; anthers reniform.
Ovary 2- to 3-cellea, oach cell several-ovuled ; stigma minute. Fruit at
length dry, gelatinous inside, 1- to few-seeded.

A perennial herb with thick, creeping rootstocks, from which are sent
up 2-edged leaves and scapes. It flowers early in summer.

Hahilat. — In wet places ; eommoi' both here and in Europe.

Part Used.—ThQ rhizome. Official name: Calamus— 6vtiM States
Pharmacopipia.

Constituents.— Ciilamiis has a pungent, bitterish and aromatic taste, and
a strong fragrant odor. It contains a small percentage of volatile oil, a
bitter princijile, and common vegetable constituents.

Pi'e2)arations.—ExtraGimn calami fiuidum— fluid extract of Calamus.

United States Pharmaef/pceia.

Medical Properties and Uses.— Ci\hmuH is an aromatic which excites a
sensation of warmth in the stomach, improves the appetite, and a-'ds diges-
tion. It is used chiefly as an adjuvant of other more powerful remedies.

ALISMACE/E.

Marsh herbs with scape-like flowering stems, and perfect or monoe-
cious flowers. Sepals and petals 3, distinct. Stamens G, hypogynous.
Ovaries 3 to many, distinct or partly so, and, if united, separating at matu-
rity into three 1- or 2-SGeded pods or achenia.

An order comprising two sul)-order3, only one of which, Alismea; has
medicinal sj)ecies.

ALISMA.— Water Plantain.

Alisma plantago Linno (var. Americanum Gfray).— Water Plan-
tain.

Description.— FlowevB perfect, numerous, on compound paniculate
scapes. Sepals 3, green, persistent. Petals 3, involute in the bud, Avhite,
deciduous. Stamens commonly 6. Ovaries many, in a simple circle on a
flattened receptacle, forming obliquely-ovate, coriaceous achenia, which are
dilated, and 2- to 3-keeled on the back.

A perennial herb. Leaves ovate, oblong or lanceolate, pointed, mostly
rounded or cordate at the base, 3- to 9-nerved, on long petioles.

Habitat. — In shallow water ; common.

Parts Used. — The root and leaves. Not official.

Constituents. — Unknown.

Preparations. — It has been employed in infusion.

3Iedical Properties and tses.— Little can be said on this subject. It
has been employed with asserted benefit in hydrophobia, and for diuretic
effect in nephritic and calculoua affections.

2G6 OKCIIIDACE^.

Vrt HIOACE^.

Character of the Order. — Hcrhs v/it'i perfect, iiTegiilar flowers. Peri-
anth of (5 divisions, in 2 sets ; the th" e outer (sepals) commonly petaloid ;
of the three inner (petals) one is commonly more or less ditt'erent in form
from the others, and is called the Inlyellam. Dr lip ; it is commonly directed
fonvard. Tn fiont of the lip is the column, composed of a single stamen,
or in Cypripediriu, of two, with the rudiment of a third, coherent with, or
borne npon the thick fleshy style or stigma ; anther 2-celled, each cell con-
taining one or riore masses of pollen. Stigma a broad glutinous surface,
excejjt in Cypripedium. Ovary 1-celled, with innumerable ovules on 3
parif ial placentiS. Fruit a 1-cclled, 3-valved jiod, with innumerable very
small seeds.

Perennial herbs, with alternate leaves, often tuberous roots, and showy,
irregular, often singularly-shaped flowers. A very large order of chiotly
tropical plants. The North American species are in genei'al of little medi-
cinal importance.

CORAl-LORIIIZA.— CoKAL-RooT.

Corallorhiza odontorhiza Nuttall. — Coral-Root.

Da^cripfio)!. — Pei-iajith somewhat ringent, obscurely spurred nt '^n
base ; sepnls ii'id petals nearly alike, the upper arching ; lip entire or ..ni-
ticulate, 1 oadly ovate or obovate, abruptly contracted at the base. A.1-
ther termii 1 ; pollen masses 4. Pod at first acute at the base, at len/dii
oval.

Alight-brown or purplish plant, with scales instead of IcavciS, 0 to "'«
inches high, with bulbous, coral-like I'oots, probably parasitic. Flowors
6 to 10, on slender pedicels, whitish, ajipearuig from ]\Iay to July.

Habitat. — In rich woods from New York to Michigan and southwai'd.

Fart UxeiL — The root — not official.

Constituents. — Unknown.

Preparations. — Commonly employed in infusion.

3[edical Froperlies. — Coral-root is said to be a prompt oud efficient
diaphoretic.

CYPRIPEDIUM.— L.VDY's SLirPER.

Cypripedium pubescens Willdenow.— FiiZ/v rnrJj/s ,%'pper.

Description. — Calyx: sepals elongated-lanceolalii, spreading, wavy,
brow'nish, 2 of them united into one piece below tlie Up. Corolla : lateral
petals elongated-lanceolate, brownish or yellowiHli-gi-eon, wavy or more com-
monly twisted ; lip slipper- or moccasin-shaped, much inflated, 1 to 2 inches
long, yellow Avithout, spotted within with lirown. Column declined, with
a fertile stamen on each side ; on the upper side is an abortive stamen iu

PLATE VIII.

I.Jolinsoiv.Del.

CYPRIPEDIUM PUBESCENS.

H.BISNITKK. I.ITII-H.T.

PLATE Vlll.-Cypripedium pubescens.

Fig. 1.— Flowering plant— natural size.
Fig. 2. -Side view of the column aud style.
Fig. 3. -Front view of the abortive stamen.

ALETUIS — STAR-GRASS. 209

the Hhapo of a triangfular, greenish-yellow, spotted body, corresponding
with tlio fertile Ktamen of other orchidH, and covering the Humniit of the
style ; ntigm.: tenuinal, broad, obscurely li-lobed, moist, not viscid,

A perennial, 3 to 2 feet high, with a horizontal rhizome, tufted
fibrous '-ootlets, and ntrongly ribbed, Blightly pubescent leaves ; stem also
pubescent, 1- to 2-tlowered.

Another species, G. parmfhmun, Salisbury, is very similar," if not iden-
tical with this ; at least it is extremely difficult to distinguish on(! from
the other.

Jfabilal. —Id bogs, swamps, and low woods ; sometimes in mountain
woods. Widely distributed, and, in some regions, common. Tlie vary-
ing conditions und'3r which it will llourish are rather remarkable. The
author, while seeking plants to illustrate Hiis woi-k, found it in a dry situ-
ation on th^ Oi'ango Mountains, N, J., and again in AVestern New York,
in a deep, and almost impassible swamp, where it grew upon moss-covered
logs, surrounded ])y water.

Parts Used. — The rhizome and rootlets of C pubescons and C. i)arvi-
florum — United Stafeti Pharmacopada.

(]imditaents.—\. minute quantity of volatile oil, volatile acid, resin,
and common vegetable princii)les.

J'n'nanifionx. — Extractum cypripedii lluidum — fluid extract of Cy-
pripedium. — United States Pharniacopwla.

Medical Properties and L'sw.— Cypripediuni is a mild nervous stinui-
lant and anti-spasmodic, acting fiomewhat like valerian, but less efficiently.
Its use is almost entirely restricted to hysterical affections, though it is
said to have been employed successfidly in epilepsy, neuralgia, and other
nervous diseases.

H/EMODORACE>E.

Cfiaracter of the Order. — Perennial herbs with fibrous roots, ensiform,
equitant leaves, and bearing woolly hairs or scui'f on their stems and flow-
ers. Perianth 0-cleft at the summit, cohering with the whole surface;, or
with the base only of the ovary. Stamens 3 to 0, inserted at the base of
the lobes of the perianth. Ovary 3-celled ; style single, often 8-cleft.
Pod crowned or enclosed by the persistent perianth, 3-celled, 3- to many-
seeded.

A small order of mainly unimportant plants.

ALETRIS. — Stah-G n A8S.

Aletris farinosa Linno. — Star-Gra.'is, Colic-Root.

Description. — Perianth oblong-tubular, G-cleft, not woolly, but wi-inkled
and roughened, cohering wif i the base of the ovary, white. Stamens G.

270 JltlDACE^E.

Style awl-Hlmpod, 3-cleft. Potl ovate, cuc1ohc<1 in the permsteut perianth ;
Heeds numerous.

A perennial herb with a horizontal vhizonio and fibrouH rootlets.
Leaves all radical, in a cluster, thin, tiat, lanceolate. Flowers sniall, in a
wandlik(! racenio terminating a naked scape, 2 to W feet high. It blooms
in Jul^ and August.

Habitat.- -\i\ sandy and grassy woods ; widely distributed.

PuHh Used. — The rhizome and rootlets — foi'merly c'licial.

Contilitnciiln. — Star-gi'ass contains a bitter princii)le, not yet isolated,
slurch, and other common ve;.'etal)le constituents.

J'rrpiirdluiii!^. — Commonly used in infusion or decoction. The bitter
principle, however, seems to be more soluble in alcohol than in water, and
hence a tincture wovdd undoubtedly bo more eificient. It has also been
employed in powder.

Medical J'roprriics and Uses. — Star-grass probably possesses no me-
diciuiil properties other than those of simi)le bitters generally, though
otliers have been ascribed to it ; and as remedies of this class jjroduco
dillerent etl'ects, dejiending largely upon the manner of administration, so
this may bo employed as a tonic, diaphoretic, emetic, etc.

IRIDACE/E.

Character of the Order. — Herlis with corma, rhizomes, or fibrous roots,
equitant, 2-ranked leaves, and flowers from a sheath of 2 or more leaves or
bracts. Perianth G-parted, in 2 rows, sometimes irregular, the tube cohe-
rent with the Ij-celled ovary, and 3 distinct or monadelphous stamens, alter-
nate with the inner •divisions of the perianth and opposite the stigmas.
Pod 3-celled, many seeded.

A lai'ge order in tropical regions, but represented in Morth Ameiica
by few species. They are generally characterized by acrid properties.

IRIS.

Iris versicolor Linne. — Blue Flag.

Descrijdion. — Perianth deeply G-parted, the 3 outer divisions reflexed,
the 8 iniier smaller, erect ; the tube prolonged beyond the ovary, but
shorter than the lobes. Stamens distinct, covered by the petaloid stigmas.
Ovary and pod obtusely triangular.

An herl)aceous perennial with a tortuous, thickened root-stock. Stem
stout, 1 to 3 feet high, angled on one side, branching, leafy. Leaves eflsi-
form, three-fourths inch wide, G to 8 inches long. Flowers large and
showy, 2i to 3 inches long, violet-blue variegated with greenish, yellow,
and white, with pu)i)le veins, appearing in May and Juno.

Habitat. — In marshes and wet places ; one of the commonest and most
beautiful of wild dowers.

IRIS. 271

Paris Ui^rd. — Tho rhizomo and rootlets. Official name : Iris — I'niled
States I'harmacopd'in.

Con.^tUurnts. — Besides coinmon vegotahlo priiiciplea iris coutaiusi an
acrid retin, upou which its medicinal activity depeud«.

Fio. 158.— Iris vciKicoIor.

Prepnrntions. — Extractum iridis — extract of iris ; extractum iridis flui-
dum — fluid extract of iris. — United Stales Pharmacopam. A saturated
tiucture made from the fresh rhizome is an excellent preparation.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Iiis, in full doses, is an active emeto-
cathartic, ojierating with violence, and producing; considerahle prostration.
Its effects upon the liver appear to be analogous to those of podophyllum.
In sick headache dependent upon indigestion, small doses, frequently re-
peated, often act most happily. It has been largely used by eclectic prac-

272 LILIAOE.E.

iitionrrH, and i.s lu{,'lily CHtoonird l»y tliom as a hj'dragoguo cathartic, an
iiltcrativo, Hiulagoguc, ver'nifuge, ami diuretic.

LiLIACE^.

(Diarartcr of fhr Order. — Horbs, rarely woody plants, with bulbs, corms,
viiizomcH, or fibrnuH rools, simple, Hliciifliiii^' or clasping loavf.s, and regu-
lar llowcr.s. I'orianth colored, of (i divi.sions or (l-deft ; staniens (i ; ovary
;{-(!cllcd ; Htylt! single ; stigma himplo or 3-lobed. Fruit 3-colled, capsular
or Hucculonl.

A very largo order in temperate and tropical regions. Many of them
are actively emetic, cathartic, etc., while otluors, as the onion and garli".
arc edible.

TUILLIUM.— TnuEK-i.K.vvEn NuiiiTHUAnE.

Character of the Genutt. — Divisions of the jx^rianth in 2 scries, the
outer 3 (sepals) lanceolate, spreading, often loUacecms, jiersistent ; the
inner 3 (petals) liu'ger, colored, withering. Anthers on short iilaiuoits, ad-
nate. Styles or sessile stigmas 3, separate down to the ovary, persistent.
Ovary 3- to fi-angled. Fruit an ovate, 3-celled, many-seeded berry.

Perennial herbs with a simple stem rising from a short thick rhizome,
and be:iring a whf)rl of 3 leaves and a single terminal llower.

Trillium erectum Linne. — Jldhroot, Jliilhrnul, Widr-Hohin.

Desrnplioii. — Flower on a slender, erect or inclined pedunc^le, 1 to 3
inches long. Petals ovate, acutish, dark purple, spreading, withering, a
little longer than the sepals. Leaves dilated-rhoniboidal, about as broad
as long. It blooms in May.

A variety of this species [mr. albniii Pursh — T. i)ctulalum Alton) has
the petals greenish-white Oi' yellowish.

Ilahi/al. — In rich woods ; common. The variety is found in similar
locations.

Trillium grandiflorum Salisbury. — Large While Wale-Robin.

Descrl/tli(\ji. — Flower on a slender erect or inclined peduncle, 2 to 3
inches long. Petals obovate, spreadixig, 2 to 2\- inches long, much longer
than the sepals, white, changing to rose-color and finally withering.
Leaves rhomboid-obovate, longer than broad. It blooms in June.

Hahilat. — In rich woods from Vermou' to Kentucky, Wisconsin and
northward.

The above described species of trillium will serve to illustrate the ge-
nus. There is probably littk; diflercnce in the activity of any indigenous
species, and all are collected indiscriminately.

Parts 'Used. — The rhizome and rootlets — not official.

Constituents. — In addition to common vegetable constituents, as starch,

VKUATKUM — FALSK lIKLLKHuUK.

27.'t

tannin, etc., trilliiim contains a potMilifti* iicrid priiiciplo wliich rcciuircH
further iiivcHli^iitinii.

J'n'i)(traliuii.-<. — Uwcil in powder nnd in infuHion.

Mi'diad J'i'oprii it's and I'kcx. — Trillium is said to 1x3 aHtriiijj;ont, tonic,
and alterative. From its suppoHcd action upon the uteruw it derived tho
name birth-root. It lias been enipU)yed to (^heck ]ieniorrha<,'e9, as opiH-
taxis, hieino})tyKis, and nicnorrliar^ia, and as an aHtrin^cut and siiinulalinfjf
ii])plication to ulcers, etc. It is little used except by eclectic practitionera.

VKRATUUM.— Falsi; IIki.m-.iiokk.
Veratrum viride Alton. — American Ilcllnboiv.

Fio. 169. — Veratnmi viriclc.

Description. — Flowers monoeciously polygamous. Perianth of 6, sepa-
I'ate, spreading, yellowish-green, persistent sepals. Stamens free from, and

274 LILIACE^E.

shorter than the sepals, recurved. Ovary 3 celled, free from the perianth ;
styles 3, diverging. Pod 3-lobed, of 3 raenibx "eoui. carpels, united in
the axis, but separating when mature, several-seeded.

A stout herbaceous ^'fii'ennial, 2 to 4 feet high. Stems simple, fi-om a
thickened rootstock, bosct --.vith numerous strong, fibrous rootlets. Leaves
broadly oval, pointed, sheathing at the base, strongly plaited, the lower
large, the upper very much reduced. Flowers in dense spike-like racemes
arranged in a large, leafy panicle, appearing in June and July.

Ilabilal. — In swamps and low grounds ; everywhere common, often as-
sociated with skunk-cabbage.

ParU Csed. — The rhizome and rootlets ; official name, Veratrum viride
— United State.H Pharmaroixcia.

Covdifuenls. — The active princii^les of veratrum viride appear to be of
a rather comi)lex character. In 1SG5 tAvo alkaloids were discovered in the
drug, which received the names viridia and veratroidia. The first-named
was afterward shown to be impure Jcrvia, Avhile verafroldia, upon inves-
tigation, yielded a number of proximate principles. None of these princi-
ples, however, have been separated in commercial (juantities. At most
only a trace of verairina (vendrine) lias been discovered in veratrum viride,
this alkaloid being procured for medicinal purposes from the seed of
Amgra^a officinali'i Lindley ( Veratrum mbadUla Schlecht).

Preparations. — Extractum veratri viridis fluidum — fluid extract of vera-
trum viride ; tinctura veratri viridis — tincture of veratrum viride. — United
States Pharmacopoeia.

Medical Propertien and Uses. — Veratrum viride is a powerful irritant
whether employed externally or internally. The powdered drug, when
snuifed up the nostrils, even in minute quantities, causes violent sneezing ;
moistened and applied to the cutaneous surface, it jn'oduces redness and
burning. Taken internally, it reduces the fulness and frequency of the
pulse, and, if the dose be large, or long-continued, excites nausea, vomiting,
and purging and causes great prostration. It is used chiefly in inflamma-
tory affections of a decidedly sthenic type, particularly tho.se of the respira-
tory organs. Many practitioners rely upon it almost to the entire exclusion
of other agents in the earh' stage of pneumonia, claiming that, b}' control-
ling the heart's action, it limits the inflammatory process. Its action is,
however, rather diflicult to gauge properly, for at the very moment of pro-
ducing ito happiest eft'ects upon the heart, distressing nausea and vomiting
may occur and reduce the patient to a dangerous degree. It is plainly con-
tra-hidicated in cardiac del)ility and in all asthenic conditions of whatever
nature.

CHAM^LIRIUM.— Devil's Bit.

Chamaelirium luteum Gray (Helonias lutea Alton). — Blazinrj-Slar,
Devil's Bit, Stancorl

Description. — Flowers dioecious. Perianth of G, separate, spatulate-

POLYGOXATUM SOLO:MON's SEAL. 275

linear, spreading, white, withering-persistent sepals. Stamens longer than
the sepals ; anthers yellow. Pistillate flowers with rndimentary stamens ;
styles 3, revolute. Pod ovoid-oblong, membranaceous, 3-valved, mauj'-
seeded.

An herbaceous perennial. Stem simple, wand-like, 1| to 2 feet high,
from a short, thick rootstock with numerous fibrous rootlets. Leaves flat,
lanceolate, the lowest spatulate, tapering into a petiole. Flowers in a ter-
minal spicate raceme, 4 to 9 inches long, appearing in June.

Hah'at. — In low grounds from New England to Illinois and southward.

I^arls Used. — The rhizome and rootlets — not official.

Co)ii<(i(uerits. — A bitter neutral principle, termed chamcelirin, and com-
mon vegetable constituents.

Prcpardlimm. — Commonly used in infusion or tincture. An iini)ure
resinous substance, termed Jichmin, is considerably employed by eclectics.
It is prepared by precipitation from the alcoholic tincture.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Blazing-star is said to be tonic and an-
thelmintic ; it is probably little more than a simple bitter.

CONVALLARIA.— Lily of the Valley.

Convallaria majalis Linn«' — Lih/offhe VaUey.

Description. — PeriaJith bell-shaped, (5-lobed, white, deciduous. Stamens
G, shorter than the perianth and inserted on its base. Ovary 8-celled ;
style simple, stout ; stigma triangular. Fruit a red, few-seeded berry.

A low, stemless perennial, with slender, running rootstocks, and fibrous
rootlets. Leaves two, oblong, their long petioles rolled one within the
other. Scape somewhat angular, having a one-sided raceme of beautiful,
fragrant flowers, which appear in Ma}'.

Habitat. — On high mountains from Virginia southward ; si:ccifica,lly
identical with tlie common flower of gardens of the same name which was
introduced from Europe.

Pi is Used. — The rhizomo and rootlets — not official.

Constituents. — Two glucosides, termed vonvallarin and convallamarin,
besides the common constituents of plants.

Prcf .-ations. — It is commonly employed in the form of fluid extract.

Medical Properties and L^•ex. — Convallaria has been recently reintro-
duced as a remedy, and is being considcral)ly experimented with as a
cardiac tonic. In action it somewhat resembles digitalis. Its sphere of
usefulness is not, as yet, accurately defined.

FOLYGONATUM.— Solomon's Seal.

Charactf of the Grnns. — Perianth cylindrical, fJ-lobed at the margin.
Stamens (5, inserted about the middle of the tube of the perianth, included.
Ova/j' 3-celled, each cell 2- to fi-ovuled ; style slender, jointed ; stigma ob-
scurely 3-lol)ed. Fruit a globular, black or blue, 3- to G-seeded berry.

276 LILIACEiE.

ft

Herbaceous perennials, with thick, knotted rootstocks. Steins leafless be-
low, leafy above, and bearing small axiUary flowers, which appear in early
summer.

Polygonatum biflorum Elliott. — Smaller Solomon's Seal.

Description. — Flowers greenish, one-half inch long, on 1- to 3-, com-
monly 2-flo\vere(l i)eduncles, nodding. Stem glabrous, 1 to 3 feet high, re-
curved. Leaves alternate, ovate-oblong, or lance-oblong, nearly sessile,
nommonly min "^Dly piibescent above, glaucous beneath.

liahilat. — In rich woods ; common.

Polygonatum giganteum Dietrich, — Oreat Solomon's Seal.

DeHcription. — Flowers like the preceding but larger and on 2- to 8-
flowered peduncles. Entire plant glabrous. Stem stout, 2 to 8 feet high,
recurved. Loaves ovate, somewhat clasping, 5 to 8 inches long, the upper
oblong, nearly sessile,

Haldlat. — In rich alluvial soil.

Parts Used. — The rhizome and rootlet of both species — not official.

Constituents. — Unknown.

Preparations. — Commonly used in decoction or infusion.

Medical Properlies and Uses. — Solomon's seal has a sweetish, mucilagi-
nous taste, followed by a faint sense of bitterness, and appeal's to owe what
little virtue it possesses to its mucilage. In decoction it ip emi)loyed as a
domestic remedy to allay irritation of mucous surfaces, ar d in rhus poison-
ing, where it acts by protecting the inflamed parts from the air in the same
manner a? other agents of like character.

The rhizomes of several indigenous species of Smilacina, a closely allied
genus, possess similar properties and are used for the same purposes.

ERYTHRONIUM.— Doc's Tooth Violei\

Erythronium Americanum Smith. — Adders Tonf/ue, Dog's Tooth
Violet.

Description. — Perianth of (5 distinct, petaloid sepals, in 2 series, re-
curved or spreading above, deciduous ; the outer series greenish-yellow
without, yellow within, inner series all yellow. Stamens G, awl-shaped.
Style club-shaped ; stigmas united into one. Pod 3-valved, many-seeded..
A low stemless perennial, sending up in early spring, from a deeply buried
corm, a pair of clasping elliptical-lanceolate, pale green leaves, commonly
mottled with purplish, and a smooth scape bearing a single nodding flower.

Habitat.- In damp i:)laces in woods ; common.

Part Used. — The corm — not official.

Gonstit nents. — Unknown.

Preparations. — It has been employed in powder and in infusion.

Medical Properties and Uses.— T>oq'h iooi\i violet in full doses acts as
an emetic, but its iiritant properties are lost in drying, so that it becomes
bland and even edible. It has never been much used.

ADIANTUM MAIDENHAIR. 277

CRYPTOGAMOUS OR FLOWERLESS PLANTS.

Plants which produce directly without the intervention of flowers, in-
stead of seeds, minute bodies of homogeneous structure, termed sijores,
whi(di do not contain an embryo or plantlet previous to germination.

Cryptogams are divided into two great classes, Thallogens and Acho-
GENS, the latter comprising those liaving a distinct axis, that is, a stem or
stem and branches, growing froni the apex only, containing woody fibre
and vessels, and commonly with some sort of foliage. To this class be-
long the few cryptogams described in this work.

FILICES-FERNS.

Character of the Order. — Plants with leaves, called fronds, all j'adieal,
on stalks, called stii^es, rising from a root or roostock, circinate in the bud,
and bearing the fruit variously arranged in 1-celled spore-cases on their
un'^er surface. The North American si^eciesare all herbaceous perennials.
Few of them are medicinally important.

POLYPODIUM— Poi.vi'ODT.

Polypodium vulgare Linm'. — Common Poli/pofh/.

Description, — Fruit-dots round, comparatively hu'ge, naked, placed
half-way bet'veen the midrib and margin, commonly in a row, but some-
times scattered. Eoot-stock creeping, branched, often forming a tangled
mass, covered with brownish chaffy scales. Fronds evergreen, oblong or
lanceolate in general outline, smooth both sides, 4 to 10 inches high, sim-
ply and deeply pinnatifid ; the lobes linear-oblong, obtuse, entire or ob-
scurely toothed.

Habitat, — On rocks and fallen trees ; common both here and in Europe.

Parts L'sed. — '2he rhizome and rootlets — not official.

Constituents. — Unknown.

Preparations, — Commonly used in decoction.

Medical Properties and Uses, — Common polypody has a sweetish, some-
what nauseous taste. In the recent state, large doses produce mild pur-
gation. Highly esteemed by the ancients, it has fallen into entire disuse.
Owing to the ease with which it may be administered in milk, it has been
recently recommended as a purgative for young childrea.

ADIANTUM. — Maiuknii AIK.

Adiantum pedatum Linne. — Maidenhair.

Description. — Fi-uit>-dots marginal, short, slightly crescentic, covered
by an indusium formed of the reflected border of the lobe. Fronds erect

278 FILTCES — FERNS.

on (lark-pnrple or black polisliod stipoH, (i to 15 inclios hipli ; tlioso fork at
the summit, and each Iji-nncli gives off on its upi)or side simple branches 3
to 9 inches long, wliicli are thi(!kly and regularly clothed ■\vitli alternate, tri-
angular or rhomboidal short-stalked pinnrc ; these are entire and vein-bear-
ing on their lower mai'gin, while their upper boi'der is lobed, and fruit-
bearing. The plant as a whole is extremely delicate and beautiful.

IlahUaf. — In rich moist woods ; common.

Pari ^ «■(/.— The leaves — not official.

Cnnstitiumfs. — Unknown.

Prrparafio}!,^. — Used in decoction and syrup.

Medical Properlies and Uses. — Maidenhair has a bitterish, aromatic
taste, and has been esteemed demulcent and pectoral. An allied K2)ocies,
A. CapithiK-l'cncris, indigenous to Europe, and also found in Florida, was
formerly much used in chronic catarrhal atfoctious.

rTEllIS.— BliAKK.

«

Pteris aquilina Limie. — Common P.ralv.

Descriplion. — Fruit in a continuous line along the margin of the fertile
frond, and covered by its retlexed border. Fronds erect, on a stout stipe
2 to 3 feet high, ternate, the wide-spreading branches bijiiunate ; pinnre
oblong-lanceolate, the tipper undivided, the lower often deeply pinnatifid.

Hahilal. — In dry situations along the border of woods ; common.

Part U/^cd. — The entire plant — not ofHcial.

Consliluents. — Unknown.

Preparalions. — Used in decoction or infusion.

Medical Properties and t'srw. — Brake is reputed astringent and anthel-
mintic, but is seldom used. Another indigenous species, P. atropin-purea
{Rock Brake), a much more delicate plant, possesses similar proj^erties.

ASPLEXIUM. — Spleenwout.

Asplenium filix-foemina Bernhardt.

Dei^cription. — Fruit-dots short, variously cuiTed, at length confluent ;
often the fertile vein bears two sporangia, back to back, the delicate indu-
sium crossing the vein and covering both. Fronds luunerous, clustered,
from an ascending scaly rootstoek ; they are 1 to 3 feet high, ovate-oblong
or broadly lanceolate, bipinnate ; pinujc lanceolate ; pinnules confluent
upon the secoudaiy rachis by a narrow margin, oblong and doubly serrate
or elongate and incisely cut-toothed. A variable and beautiful species.

ITahifat. — In moi.st shady places ; common.

Part Vi^ed. — The rhizome — not oflTicial.

It is supposed to possess properties, similar to those of male fern [As-
pidiiim fdix-ma>i), which see.

Several other indigenous species of asplenium, oi widely difterent ap-
pearance, are supposed to possess medicinal properties.

ASPIDIUM — SIIIELD-FERN.

279

SCOLOrEXDRIUM.— IlAiiT'sToNc.tTR.

Scolopendrium vulgare Smith. — Ilart's-ToiHpic

DcHcriplion. — Fruit-dots linear, one-fourth to ono-hfilf inch \o\\^, con-
tiguous by twos, covered by a delicate indusiuna which is torn away at
maturity, and, the two coalescing, appear like a single one. Frond oblong-
lanceolate, auricled at the base, wavy on the margins, f! to IS inches long
by 1 to 2 inches wide, smooth and shining, bright green' on stipes 3 to 4
inches long.

Ifuldlat. — In a few shaded limestone ravines near Syracuse, N. Y.,
and sparingly in the Lake
Superior region of ]?ritish
America ; very common in
Europe.

J'arls Used. — The fronds
— not official.

CotD^tifucntx. — INFucilagi-
nous and astringent princi-
jilcs.

IM'jjaraliuns. — Used in
decoction.

7ifedical Properties and
Uses. — Scolopendrium is one
of the unimportant remedies
much used by the ancients.
It is considered diui'etic and
slightly astringent.

ASPIDIUM.— SnrELU-FF.ux.

Chnracfer of the Genus. —
Fruit-dots I'ound. Indusium
flat or ilattish, scarious, or-
bicular and peltate at the cen-
tre, or somewliat rcniform,
fixed at thecent.ro or the sinus, and opciiiii';-
persistent, not articulated with tlie rootstuck.

Aspidium Filix-mas Swartz. — Mule Fern.

Desrriiifion. — Fruit-dots rather large, nearer the mid-vein than the mai'-
gin, and usually confined to the lower half of the fei'tile pinnules. Fronds
lanceolate, 1 to 3 feet high, bijiinnate, the upper pinnules confiuout,
some of the lower pinnatitid-toothed ; pinnules oblong, obtuse, serrate at
the apex. Stipes cliafiy at the base. The rootstock is from 3 to (5 inches
long, ^ to 1 inch thick, or with the stijie-remnants 2 to 3 inches in diam-
eter, densely covered with glossy bx jwn chaffy scales.

Fid, KU). — Aspiilium Filix-iims.

all around ; stijie withering-

280 FILICKS — FERNS.

Hahval. — Li rocky woods, from Lake Hujicrior wc^fward ; common in
Euroi5(\

A' .dium marginal e Swartz. — Mcmjwal Shi(id-J''rn.

D.. ripliori. — Fruit-dots similar to the preccdiii<^, but placed close to
the I lar 'in of the fertile pinnules. Fronds evergreen, almost coriaceous,
ova. ;-ol)long, 1 to 2 feet high, bii)innate, the pennin lanceolate, broadest
at the base ; pinnules oblong or oblong-soythe-shapcd, obtuse, entire or
jbscurely cronately toothed. Stijies chafty at the base. Rootstock similar
tt the pi'eccuiiig.

J/alutat. — On rocky hills ; common.

J'aj't Uacd. — The rhizome of both species. Official name : Aspidium
— United Siuli'.a lliai'Diacnpiria.

Gondii nnilt<. — Proximate analysis of male-fern has yiidded different ro-
f»ults to dift'erent chemists. For practical purposes it is sufficient to k;; .\v
that its active principles reside in an oleo-resin, and that its other consti-
tuents are unimportant.

Pri'para'ions. — Oleo-resina aspidii — oleo-resin of aspidium. — Um'fr'
Sfalas PharniacoiHvic .

Mi'dlral Propcrtir-i jvd C'se-S'. — Oleo-resin of male-fern is one of t' ^
best known remedies for tapeworm, and also one of the most ctrudctit.
Doubtless much of the disappointment experienced with it is attributable
to inefficient j)rep: ligations. Since, however, it has been demonstrated
that A. marginale is <niite as efficient, and, as Ihis species is very ab. ;,-
dant, there is now no good reason why reliable preparations should net
be the rule rather than, as heretofore, the exci>2)tion.

m

OSMUNDA.— Flowkiunc; Feiin.

Osmunda regalis Linne. — Flou-crhuj Po-ik

Ihvcription. — Sporangia naked, globular, short-pedicclled, densely ag-
gregated along the margins of the very much contra(;ted upper pininiles of
the frond, the whole appearing to the casual observer Tike a mass of minute,
tawny flowers. Fronds 2 to 5 feet high, clustered, very smooth, pale green,
bipinnate ; sterile pinnules, 13 to 25, oblong-oval, or lance-oblong, mi-
nutely serrulate, occasionally crenately-lobed at the base.

Habitat. — In swamps and wet places ; common both here and in
Europe.

Part Used. — The rhizome— not official.

Cojistituoits. — Mucilaginous and astringent prin('i2)les..

Preparations. — Used in decoction.

Medical Properties and Uses. — Flowering fern was at one time consid
ered efficacious in rachitis, but it is now believed to be nearly inert, and
is rai'ely if ever employed medicinally.

PLATE IX.

^. .Fohnson.nel.

ASPIDIUM MARGINALE.

H.UKRCKK. L.rTtl.rf.Y.

Plate IX.-Aspidlum marglnale.

Frn. l._A small Iroud, sliowing tlio upper side.

Fi". 2.-A similar o„<., „nder side, showing tlie fruit-dots.

Fio. a. -A fruit-dot (»/w««^m;//) -enlarged.

LYCOroDIUM — CLUB-MOSS. 283

LYCOPOOIACE^E.

Character of the (),v/<r. -Plants of a moss-like nspoct haviug 8,)ore
Cttsew in tlio h.mIh of their Hiniplo, coninmnly iiwl-Hlmped loaves.
A small order of comparatively unimportant plants.

Ly(.'01'01)IUM.-Ci.uii.M<)Ns.

Lycopodium clavatum Lmm-.—Cmmon Vh,l,.Mfm,

Z>mr/y>//o/..--Spore-eaHes reniform, coiiaceous, 1-ceUed, 2-valvcd in
spikes nt the summit of the branches.

A low perennial. Stem creeping extensively, with numerous short as-
cendn^^ bnuiclies ; these are thickly beset with linear-awl-shaped leaves
tipped with a bristle. The fertile branches are terminated by a short
peduncle bearing 2 or 8 linear-cylindrical fruit in- sj.ikes.

IMitat.—ln dry woods ; common both here a"nd in JCuiope.

I'art Umf. -The sporules. Officitd name : Lycopodium.- f nited States

J harDiaropo'ia.

C,W//.s/,/,„v,/..-Lycopodium is a fine, pale-yellowish, inflammable powder
Avithout odor or taste. It contains fixed oil and a minute proportion of

sugar.

Jjlclical Properties and 6^.x.-Lycopodium is used as a dusting powder
for irritated and excoriated surfaces, and by apothecaiies to prevent newly
made piUs from adhering together.

/

I N D K X .

in ™;i^r^l!^s,"::,^:-zr:s; !;;£-.•'-■"■- —■.»-".

Abies, 257

UalfiaraeH, 208
CanadntiHiR. 258
FriiHcri, 2.'j.S
Aiiri:ri.\K.i;, 2."").'>
Achillfiv .Millololiiiin. 181
Acorus (.'aiiunus, 204
Actii-ii, (i!)
.ilba, 70
raffunosit, (IS
fipicita. vav rubra, Gfl'
Adder's tongnr, 27(i
Adiiiiitiiin piiilr.tuiii, 277
/K^ouliis, 12(>
jrlalmi, 127
Ifippoeastanura, 130
Pavia, 12r
Ajrrinionia Kiipiitoria, 1.'!!)
Afjrimony, IJJO
Alder, 2.');$
Alei ris farinosa, 200

Alisniu iilantatro— var. Aniorcanum 3G5
Amm.mack.i.;, 2;ir)
Alnus serrulata, 25:?
Alti.asa otlicinali.s, 105
Almii-root, 144
Aiiibro-iia. 178

art misiajfolia, 178
tiilida, 178
American oentanry, 221
coluiubo, 221
hellebore. 27o
hemp, 245
holly, U)8
larch, 259
senna, 1:54
Amyodalk.k, i;j5

ANACAKinAOE.R, 117

Aiidroineda iirborea,, 104 •

JIariana, 103
Anemone, 59

patens, var. Nuttalliana, 50
Aiiffolioa, 15:!
Aii-jj-elioa-tree. 15G
Anthemia iiobilis, 181

Apr-talons Exofj^enoiis Plants, 233
Afiliyllon unillormii, 2():{
Anx VNACK.K, 22s
Apooyiiiiin, 228

aMdrosamiifoIhim, 229

caniiabiiiiim, :."J!)
A(iirK<)i,iA( lo.K, 197
AuA(i:,K, 2(i;j
Aralia, 15(i

iiudioanlis, 15(>

quiu(iiief()liji, 100

racemosa, 150

KpuioHa, 15(J
AUAI.IACK.K. 155
Arhor-vitiu. 2(>()

Arclianj,'elica atiopiirpnron. 15:>
Arctostaplivlos uv;i-iii-si, 1!)I
Arisu'm 1 triphyllum. 2i;;i
AriKtolochia Sorpentaria, 233
Akistoi,()(iiia( 10.10, 232
Arrow-woo,!, l(!:i
Artemisia Absinthium, 183
Asarum Canadensci. 2;{2
As(W,I01'IAI)A('K.K, 220
Asclepias, 2:j()

cornuti, 2;J0

incirnata, 2;j()

tAiberosa, 230
Afjpcn, 254
Aspiduim, 279

Filixmas, 270

marji^inale. 2S()
Aspleniiini Filixfmniina, 278
Avcns, HO

Balm of Gilead, 255
Balmoiiy. 205
Balsam fir, 258
popbir, 255
Baneberry, '19
P>a|)tisia tinotoria, 133
Barherrj', 7(i
Bayberry, 250
Bcarberry, 101

28(5

1N1>KX.

Boavcr-trco, 73
Heilstraw, 1(57
IJeech -drops. ^'03
Ukkhkiudack/K, 7fi
l!erl)oriH, 70

Aquifolimn, 77

Ciiiuideiifiis, 77

vulgaris, 77
Bctliroot, 273
Butula lenta, 202
BirruLACK^K, 2r)3
Hignonia capreohita, 2(il

UKiNONIACli/K, 201

Birch, 252

Birthroot. 272
Birtlnvort, 233
Bistort, 23(i
Bitter Polygala, 129
Bittersweet, 21.(5
Black aliler, 253
Blackberry, J 41
black birch, 253

cohciL'., 08

haw, 104

mustard, 95

rasi)bi;rry, 143

snakerfot. (58. 150
Bluzini^-star, 274
liloudroot, S()
lilue cohosh, 78

flag:, 270

gentian, 233
Blueberry Root, 70
Boncset, 172
Bouncinfj: Bet, 103
Urake. 37H
Uramjle, 141
Brassica, 95

iilba, 95

nigra, 95
Br..oni-rai)(?, 303
Bnckbcan, 3-23
i>uckeyo, 12(5
15ucktliorn, 123
Bngbane. 08
l5ugUi-weed, 309
Burdock, 185
Biirnin'4'-bupb. 135
Busli-honey.snckle, 103
Jiiiito!caj>, ()1
Uutterlly weed. 330
Muttern'ut. 348
Hutter-weed, 175
Buttoa-bnsli, 1()8
Button snake-root, 150, 170

Calamus, 304
(Jalio-biisli. i;)4
California buckthorn, 132
Canada (lenbiine. 175
('unadian nK;nr\sepd, 75
Cancer root. L'(i2. 303
Cannabis Anieiicana, 315
saliva, 345

CAlMUl'OLIAVli.K, 101

Capsella Rnrsa-pastoris, 06

Cardinal llowcr, 189

Carrot, 151

Cauyoi'Iiym.ack.k, 103

Cassenn, 198

Cassia Marilandica, 134

Castiinea vcsca, 350

Catalj^a bi^noionides, 201

Catch tly, 104

Cat^nt, 133

Catmint, 213

Catnip, 213

Cauloi)liyllum thalictroides, 78

Ceanothus A'nericanus, 123

Cedar, 2(50

Celandine, 88

Gei.astuace/K. 124

Celastrus .soandeus, 134

Centaury. 331

CcphalanthuH Occident di-i, 1G8

CevasuH nfvolina, 135

Virninidihi. 135
Chama;lirium lutcnm, 274
Chamomile, 181
Checkcrberry, 1!)3
Chelidoninni majus, 88
ChcJone glabra, 305
ClIKNlPOniACK/K. 335
Chenopodium, 335

album, 335

ambrosioides. 335

var. authehniuticum, 235
Cherry, 135
Chestnut, 350
Chicory, 180
Chiniaphila maculata, 197

umbellata, 197
Choke-cherry, 130
Cichorium Intybns. 186
Cicuta muculata. 153
Cimicifuga racmnosa, OB
Cinfiue-i'oil, 140

CiSTACE/E, 99

Cleavers, 167
Cleniati.-i, 58

Viorua. 58

Virginiana, TiS
C'lub-uioss, 383
Cochiatrvi Armoracin \ 93
Colic-rooi, 170, 3(19
CoUinsonia Canadeu'-is, 311
Coltsfoot, 173

COMI'OSIT.K, 109

Comjitonia asplenifolia, 351
(3oMFKlt.E, 355
Conium maculatum, 154
Cotiopholis Americana. 203
Convallaria majalip. 375

CONVOIAULACE^E, 215

Coptis. 04

tri folia, 04
Corallorhiza edontoihiza, 260
Coral -root. 300
CouNACE^:, 158
Cornel, 158

INDEX.

287

Cornus, 158

circinata, 158

Florida, 108

sericea, 158
GoyydaUs fornwm, bO
Cotton-plant, 10?
Covv-paranip, \'yl
Cramp-bark, l(i4
Cranberry-tree, 104
Crowfoot, Gl
ClllICIKKU.K, 92
Cryiitog-aiiioua Plants, 277
Cucuniber-treo, 72
Cul-weed, 183
Culver's physic, 206
Culver's root, 200
Cunila Jlariana, 210
ClIPUKSSfNK.K, 2(i0
CU1'UMI.'RK.K, 249

Curlf^d dock, 2;J8
Cypripedium paiviMorura, 209
Cypripediuiu pubescens, 20(>

Daisy fle ibai e, 17-1
Dandelion, 188
Date plum, 109
Datura Stramonium, 219
Daucus Carota, I .■> 1
Deer's-tong-ue, 170
Devil's-bit, 170, 271:
Dewberry, 1-11
Dicentra Canadensis, 89
Dicotyledonous Plan's, 57
Diervilla, 102
Diospyros Virgiuiaua, 109
Dittany, 210
Dogbane, 229
Doj-'s-tooth violet, 276
Dogwood, 158
DUOSICKACK/K, 101
Drosora rotundifo' i, 101
Dwarf sumac, 118

Ebenack.e, 199

Elder, l(i;j

Elecampane, 177

Elm, 24:}

Epi<ra3a repens, 192

Epilobiiun angu'^tifolium, 148

Epiphegus Virginiana. 202

Erechthites hieracifolia, 184

EHiCACi<;/i!;, 190

Ericink^k, 190

Erigeron, 174

annuum, 174

Canadensis, 175

lu.terophy'bim, 174

Philadelphioum, 174

purpnrcum, 174

stnrjosnin, 174
Eryngium yuccrefolium. 150
Eryngo, 15()

Erythronium Americanum, 276
Euonymus atropurpureus, 125
Eupatorium, 172

Eupatorium perfoliatum, 172
pur|)ureum, 1,2

Euphorbia, 241
corollata, 241
Ipecacujinluu. 241

EuPlIOUHIACKvK, 240

Svening primrose, 149

Everlasting. 18;{

Exogenous Plants, 57

False hellebore, 274

Ferus, 277

Fever-bush, 240

Fever- wort, 102

Figwort, 205

KrLiCES, 277

Fire pink, 104

Fire-weed, 184
Five-finger, 140
Flax. 109
Fleabane, 174
Flowering dogwood, 153
Flowering fern, 280
Flowering Pltmts, 57
Flowerless Plants, 277
Frasera Carol inensis, 221
Fraxiuus Americana, 2ol
Fringed gentian, 222
Frost- weed, 100
FUMAIUACK.K, 80

Fumaria officinalis, 90
Fumitory, 90

Galium, 107

Aparine, 167

trillorum, 107
Garget, 2;>4

Gaultheria procunibens. 192
Gelsemium serapervirens 224
Gentian, 222 '

Gentiana, 222

Andrewsii, 223

eatcHbui, 22;{

crinita, 22:3

ochroljuca, 223

puberula, 223

GRNTIANAtK.E. *"3l)
GnUANfACE.K, 110

Geranium maculatum, 110

Germander, 207

Geum rivale. 140

Gillenia trifobatn, 1.18

Gill-over-the ground. 213

Ginseng, 150

Gnaph.alium polycephalum, 183

Goat's rue, 133

Golden raewort, 184

Golden rod. 175

Golden .seal. 04

Goldthread. 04

Goosefoot, 235

Goose-grass. 107

Gossypium herbaneum, 107

Gravel-roo.,. 172

Grind:lia, 170

288

INDEX.

Grirulolia robusta, 17G

.s(iuun'osa, 17()
Grouiiil cliuiry, 217

hemlock, )H}2

ivy, 2V,i

laurel, j92

Hi13MOtJ()R.\CE/K, 2G!>

IIamamiclack/K, 1 44
Hiinmiiuilis Virgiuica, 145
Hiirclliaclv, l;!7
llait's-tDiigiie, 279
Hiiwk-weed, 187
HoJeoma »)iilegioides, 211
llelenium uutuinujile, IbO.
llelitiiitheinnin. 100

Caiuwlense, 100

coryinbosuin, 100
Ilcliiinthus jiiiiiuns, Kft
Helonias liUea, 274
Hemlock, 2'>H

spruce, 258-
Ileni]), 245
IlenlKinc, 218
lloiiatica. (il

acutiloba, (il

trilulia, (II
Heracleuiu lanatuin, IflS
Hercules' club, 1.">(i
Ileucliern Aniericma, l-M.
Ilieraciuni veuosum, 1B7
High crauberry, 104
Hoary ])ea, V><i
Hog-weed, 178
Holly, 108
Hop, 240
Hop-tree, 116
Horehouud, 214
Horse-bulni, 211
Horse-chcstuut, 126
Horse-geutian, 102
Horse-mint, 212
Horseradish, !);5
Horse-weed, 175
Humulus Lupulus, 246
Hydrangea, 1 lo
Hydrangea arliorescens, 14S
Hydrastis Canad(!iisis, 04
llyoscyamus niger. 218
HvriouicAcr.K, 102
Hypericum perforatum, 103

Ilex, t08

Cassine, 108

Dahoou, 198

opaca, 198

var myrtifolia, 198
ludian bean. 201

hemp, 229

physic, i:i8

tobacco. 189

turnip. 20-5
Tmila Holcniuni. 177
Ii)ocucuauha spurge, 241

Ipomooa pandurata, 2l5
lUIOACK.K, 270
iris versicolor, 270

Jamestowu weed, 219
Jcflersonia dipliylla, 79
Jessamine; 224
Joe-Pye-weed, 172
JuaLANUACICK, 248
Juglans cinerea, 248
•luuiper, 201
Juniperus, 201

comuuuiis, 201

Virginiaua, 201

Kalmia angustifolia, 195

latlfolia, 194
Knotweed, 230

Lahiat.k, 207
Labrador tea, 190
Lady's .clipper. 200
Lake-cress, 94
Lainb-kill, 195
Lamb's (piarters, 2;'5
Lajjpa oOicinalis, 185
Larcli, 2.VJ

Larlx Americana, 2.19
Laukacio/K, 238
Laurel, 194

magnolia, 71
Leather-llower, 58
Leilum latifolium, 19G

l)alustre, 190
Lkou.minos.k, i;i0
Leouurus Cardiaca, 215
Jjt'pttindra Viryinka, 20G
Liatris, 170

odoratissima, 170

sjiicata, 170
LiLiArK.i:, 272
Lily of the valley, 275

Ll.NACICyK, 108

Lindcra Benzoin, 210
Linum usitatissimuin, 109
Liiiuidambar Styracitlua, 14G
Liriodendron Tulii)ifera, 73
Liverwort, 01
Lobelia, 189

cardiualis, 189

inllata, 189

syphilitica, 189
LoHKiaACK.i:, 188
Loblolly pine, 256
Locust tree, 132

LOOANIACE/K, 224

Long-leaved pine, 256
LYcoPoniACE.K, 283
Lycopodium clavatura, 283
Lycopus, 209

Europffius, 209

Virgiuicus, 2u9

Mnrj'otiiH nfirpcntaria, G8
Magnolia, 71

INDEX.

I'Si)

Magnolia acumiuata,
g-lauca, 71

tri))etal(t,

'^o.

Umbrella, 73
Maonoliace.i:, 71
Maiaeiihair. L'77
M:ile fern, 2?9
l^Iallow, 10(J

MUAAIK.K, 104

Miilva rotun .ifolia, 100
Mandrake, (SO
Mau-of-thoearth,-2!.')
i^Iargiiml shield-fein, 280
Marrubium vulgare, 211
Marah-cres.s, 04
Marsh-mallow, lO.T
iMarah-rosoniury, 20D
Marsh-tea. IDO
Marsh-Lrefuil, 221}
Mariita cotula, ISO
Masterwort, 152
May-apple, 80
May-llower, 193
May-weed, 180
Meadow-sweet, 1;;7
Molilot, 1:50
Melilotus, l;iO
alba, l;U
oflicinali.s, 1J?0
Memsi'kumack.e, 75
Menispermum Cauadense, 75
Mentha, 207

piperita. 208
viridis, 208
Menyamhes trifoliata, 223
Milfoil, 181
Milkweed. 2:50
Milkwcit, i;^8
Mmt, 207

Mitchella repens, 1(!8
Mouarda piiuctata, 212
Monocotyledcmous or Endogenous Plants,

Monopetalous Exogenous Plants, 101

Monotropea3. IDO

Moonseed, 75

Morus rubra, 244

Motherwort. 215

Mountain laurel, 104

mint, 210
Mulberry, 244
Mullein, 204
Musquash root, 153
Mustard, 05
Myuicaok/M, 250
Myrica cerilora, 250

Nabalus albus. 187
Nasturtium, id

Armoracia, D3

laeiistre, 04

officinale, 93

pal istre, 94
Nepeta, 212

Cataria, 2\'.i i

19 '

Nepeta Glcchoma, 213

Nettle, 244

New Jersey tea, 123

Nymi'h.kack.k, 82
Nyuiplnua odorata, 83

Oak, 249

Oenothera bienni' , 149
Ohio buckeye, 12<
Old-lield i)iue, 250
Olkack/K, 231
OXAaKACEiE, 148
OUCIIIDACE/E, 200
OuonANCUACE.K. 203
Osmunda regalis, 280
Oxalis, 114

Aoctosella, 114

stricta, 114
Oxydendron arboreum, 194

Panax qninquefoKim, 150
Pai>avi;uaci;.k. 80
Pai'ii,i<)na(;e.k, 130
Pajipoose root, 70
Partridge -berry, 108, 193
Pasque-flower, 50
Pennyroyal, 211
Peppermint, 208
P(U'simmon, 100
Phtenogamous Plants, 57
Philadelphia fleabane, 174
Physalis, 217

Alkekengi, 217

Pennsylvanicft. 217
Piiytolaccace.e, 234
Phytolacca decaudra, 234
Pigeonberry, 234
Pigweed, 235
Pine, 250
Pink-root, 227
Pinus australis, 250

piili/ntris. 250

Taida, 250
Pipsissowa, 197
Pitcher-plant, 84
Pleurisy-root, 230
Plum, 135

Px.umjjaginace/e, 200
Podophyllum peltatum, 80
Poison elder, 120

hemlock, 154

ivy, 119

oak, 119

sumac, 120
Pokeweed, 334
Polygala, 127

polygama, 120

Senega, 138
Poi,YaAl.ACE/E, 128
Por.YGONACE.K, 230

Polygonatura, 275

bitlorum, 270

giganteum, 270
Polygonum, 230

acre. 230

290

INDEX.

rolygonum Bistorta, 230

Ilydropiper, 2;i(i

))UucJ(ituin, 2'M
Polypotalous Exogeiiouh I'lants, 57
Polypodium viilgare, 377
Polypody, 277
Poplar, 254
Populus, 254

balsamifcra, 255

var. candioans, 255

troinuloideH, 254
Potentilla Canadensis, 140
Prickly ash, 115
Prince's pine, 1!)7
Prunus, l!i5

Canadennis, 130

serotina, 135

Virginiana, 136
Psoralea, 131

osculenta, 131

melilotoidea, 131
Ptelea trifoliata, 1 10
I'teris aquilina, 278
Pycnanthomum, 210

incanum, 210

linifoliuni, 210
PyuolE/K, 1!)0

Queen's-root, 242
Quercua alba, 249

Rag-weed, 178
Ranunculace.k, 57
Ranunculus, 01

acris, 02

bulbosus. 03

repens, 02

sceleratus, 62
Raspberry, 142
Rattlesnake-root, 187
Rattlcsnake-woed, 180
Rattlesnake's master, 150
Red baneberry, 09

buckeye. 127

cedar, 201

elm, 243

mulberry, 244

raspberry, 143
Red-root, 123
RnAMNACK.K, 123
Rhamnus, 122

cathartica, 123

Purshiana, 122
Rheumatism-root, 79
Rhus, 117

copallina, 118

diversiloba, 120

glabra, 117

pumila, 120

Toxicodendron, 119

typhina, 118

venenata, 120
Robinia Pseudacacia, 132
Rock rose, 100
Rosacea, 135

RonnJlcaved dogwood, 158

RUIUACE.K, 107
Rubus, 141

Canadensis, 141

occidoutalis, 143

strif^osus, 14.2

trivialis, 142

villosus, 141
Rumex, 237

aquatlcn.t, 238

crispus, 238

orbiculatus, 238
Running blackberry, 141
RUT' KvK, 115

Sabbatia augularis, 221
Sacred bark, 122
St. John's-wort, 103

SAliTCACK.K. 253

Salix. 253

alba, 254
Sanibucus Canadensis, 103
Sanguinaria Canadensis, 80
Sauiclc, 150

Sanicula Marilandica, 150
Saimndace.k, 12()
Saponavia officinalis, 103
Sarracenia, 84

ilava, 85

purpurea, 84

variolaris, 85
Sauua( kniacr.k, 84
Sassafras officinale, 339
Saxikkagack/E, 143
Saxikuage.k, 144
Scokeweed, 234
Soolopendrium vulgare, 279
ScKoriiri.AUiACK.K, 2(13
Scropbularia nodosa, 205
Scutellaria lateriflora, 213
Sea laveiidci", 200
Seneca snakoroot, 138
Senecio aureus, 184
Senega. 128
Serpentiuia, 233
Sheep-laurel, 195
Sheep-sorrel, 114
Shepherd's purse, 90
Shield-fern, 279
Shrubby trefoil, 110
Slirub yellow-root, (iO
Side-saddle llower, 84
Silene Virgiuica, 104
Silky cornel, 158
Sinapis alhn, 95

iiiijra, 95
Skullcap. 213
Skunk cabbage, 364
Slippery elm, 243
Smartweed, 330
Smooth sumac, 117
Sneeze-weed, 180
Soapwort, 103
Sot-anace.e, 810
Solauum Dulcamara, 216

INDEX.

291

Soliddgo odora, 1 75

Solomon's seal, 275

Sorrol-tree, 104

Sour-wood, 194

Spoiirmint, 2()H

Speedwell, ^(Ki

Splce-bush, 2-10

Spigelia Marilandica, 227

Spik(>nard, 150

Spindle-tree, 125

Spirica toiiieiitosa, 137

Spleenwort. 278

Spoon-wood, ]'J4

Spotted cowbane, 153
geranium, 1 }0
tru in pot-leaf, 85
wiiiterirreeu, 197

Spruce, 2")7
Spurge, 241
Squaw-berry, 108
Squaw-root, 08, 79, 203
Squaw-weed, 184
Squirrel corn, 89
Staff -tree. 124
Stiig.^^er-bush, 193
Kiaghorii sumac, 118
Star-grass, 209
Starwort, 2i4
Statiue Liuionium, 200
Steei)lebush, i;>7
Stillingia sylviitica, 242
Stone-root, 211
Stramoiiiinn, 21!)
Strawberry tomato, 217
Succory, ISO
Sumac, 117
Sundew, 101
Sunflower, 179
Swamp dogwood, 158
milkweed, 230
sassafras, I'Z
Sweet bay, 72
Sweet-fern, 251
Sweet-flag, 204
Sweet-gum tree, 140
Sweet Scabious, 174
Symplocarpus foctidus, 204

Tacu\aliac, 255

Tag alder, 253

Tamarack, 259

Tanacetum vulgare, 182

Tansy, 1S2

Taraxacum Dens-Ieonis, 188

Taxus baccata, var. ( 'anadeusis, 203

Tea-berry, 192

Tephrosia Virginiana, 133

'leucrium Canadonse, 207

Thimbleberry, 142 -

T/ilaspi Ii>ivs,t-pn,sto7'is, 90

Thorn- Apple, 219

Thoroughwort. 172

Three-leaved nightshade, 273

Tlnija occidentalis, 200

Toothache-lrce, 115

Trailing arbutus, 192

Trillium, 272
ere-itum, 272
grandilloru.n. 272

Trio.iteum ptrloliatuin, 163

Trumpet-leaf, 85

Trumpet-weed, 173

Tulip-tree, 73

Turkey corn, 89
pea, 133

Turtle-head, 205

Tussilago Farfara, 173

Twin-leaf, 79

Ulmus fulva, 243

U.MUIOM.IFEU.K, 149

Umbrella-tree, 72
Urtica, 244

dioica, 245

urens, 245
UuTiCAci;^.;, 213
Uva-ursi, 191

Vaccinieai, 190
Vanilla-plant. 170
Veratrum viride, 273
Verbascum Thap.sus, 204
Veronica, 200

officinalis, 207

Virginica, 207
Viburnum, 103

Opulus, I(i4

prunifolium, 104
Viola, 98

cucullata, 98

pedata, 98

tricolor, 98
Vior.ACK/K, 97
Violet, 98
Virginia .snakeroot, 233

thyme, 210
Virgin's -bower, 58

Wahoo, 125
Wake-robin, 272
Walnut, 248
Watches, N5
Water aven.s, 140
Water-cress, 93
Water-dock, 238
Wiiter-hemlock, 153
Water-hprehound, 209
Water-lily, 83
Water-popper, 230
Wax-myrtle, 250
White baneberry, 70

bay,

79!

ced.ar, 200
lettuce, 187
'- melilot. 131
mustard, 95
oak, 249
willow, 254
Wild allspice, 240
cranesbill, 110

0()0

Wild di.amomilo, 180
chen-y, l."i~»
gin-ror, a;!3
Ijydr.ingea, 143
indi<,'o, i;i.'{
ipociU!. Kia
putiito-viuo, 5315
Rarsai).irilla, 15(j

Willow, 2r,:;

Willow-heib. 148

VVind-Hower, 5!)

Winter cherry, 217

WiiitergTfoii, ]U2

Witch-hazel, IJij

Wood-.saj,'-e, 2()7

Wood-.sorrel, 114

Wootly bittersweet, 124

Wormwood, Ibli

Xanthorhiza apiifolia, 68

INDEX.

Xan thoTt/hnn, 1 1 .T
Amorionnum, 115
Carol iiiidniini, 115
Clava-IIerculiis, 115
fv(t.rineum, 115

Yarrow, 181
Yaiipoii, 1!»S
Yellow cedar, 200

dock, 2;!8

jessamine, 234

liidy'.s Hlipjior, 200

melilot, j;jO

pa rill a, 75

pine, L'.-jO

puccoon, ()4
Yellow-root. 04, GO
Yellow sarKaparilla, 75

wood-sorrel, 114
Yew, 203