UWIVtHSIlY OF PITTSBIIHSH

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

Uarlington JVl,eniorial l^ibrary

INAUGURAL DISSERTATION

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM

LINN^US.

BY ANDREW ANDERSON, A. B.

MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL AND SLUGICAt SOCIETY OF THB
UMVEHSITY OF NEVV-YORK.

NEW-YORK:
PRINTED BY C. S. VAN WINKLE,

No. 122 Water-fetieet.

1813.

V

H

AN
INAUGURAL DISSERTATIOiN^

ON THE

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM :

SrEMITTED

TO THE PUBLIC EXAMINATION

OF THE

TRUSTEES OP THE COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEON*.
IN THE STATE OF NEW-YORK,

SAMUEL BARD, M. D. PRESIDENT,

FOR THE

Degree of Doctor of Medicine,

On the 4th day of May, 1313.

. JAMES ANDERSON,

THIS

DISSERTATION IS INSCRIBED,

AS

A TESTIMONY

OF

FILIAL RESPECT AND GRATITDDE,

BY HIS SON.

TO /

DAVID HOSACK, M. D.

F. L. S. LONDON ;

Professor of the Theory and Practice of Physic and Clinical
Medicine in the University of New-York; Fellow of the
American Philosophical Society, and of the College of
Physicians at Philadelphia ; Member of the Literary and
Philosophical Society of Preston ; Corresponding Member
of the Medical Society of London, &c. &c.

Sir,

I DEDICATE to you this the first fruits of a medi-
cal education commenced under your care. If I were
indebted to you for none other than the ordinary atten-
tions of a preceptor toward his pupil, the obligations
thence incurred would not be very great, nor the debt
of gratitude perhaps difficult to be discharged. But I
feel the case to be very different. Ever since I placed
myself under your direction, I have witnessed in you the
most anxious endeavours to facilitate my progress in my
professional studies, and it would be unjust to pass over
in silence the many advantages I have enjoyed in your
private medical school. For tiiese, and for other fa-
vours, I feel myself greatly indebted, and take the
liberty thus publicly to express to you my grateful
acknowledgments.

A. ANDERSON.

TO

JOHN W. FRANCIS, M. D.

Lecturer on the Institutes of Medicine andthe Materia Medica
in the College of Physicians and Siirgeons in the Univer'
sity of New-York, Member of the Society for the Promo-
tion of Useful Arts in the State if New-York^ &c.

Sir,

I HAVE prefixed your name to this dedication, be-
cause, by your assistance, I have been materially aided
in the course of my medical studies. It would be im-
proper here to mention the many acts of friendship I
have experienced at your hands ; but be assured they
have caused the deepest impression on my mind, and
that the recollection of them will not readily. 'ie ob-
literated.

THE AUTHOR.

PREFACE.

The object of the following Dissertation is to ascer-
tain the medical virtues of one of the 'indigenous pro-
ductions of this country, and thus to increase the ma-
teria medica of the United States. For this purpose
the writer made choice of the Eupatorium Perfoli-
ATUM, one of the most common of our vegetable pro-
ducts, and which for a considerable time has been em-
ployed as a domestic remedy in the rnanagement of
certain diseases. The subject seemed to divide itself
more particularly into three general heads, and accord-
ingly it has been considered, first, as to its botanical
description ; secondly, as to its character as ascertain-
ed by chemical analysis; and, thirdly, as an article of
medicine. Under the first head, little more has been
said than to offer to the reader a concise botanical ac-
count of the plant. As to the second head, with a view
of distinctly ascertaining its chemical properties, a se-
ries of experiments was instituted. These have been
detailed with as much brevity as was thought consistent
with perspicuity ; and, with the observations made
upon the experiments, the component parts of this vege-
table, as far as ascertained by analysis, are given. On
this part of his subject, it would be injustice in the

12 PREFACE.

writer not to state the obligation he is under to Mr.
George Chilton^ of this city, for the many pure and
delicate tests with which he furnished him, and by which
he was materially aided. In the third division of
the subject, the application of the Eupatorium Perfoli-
atum as an article of the materia medica is considered*
Its utility in this respect, it is hoped, Jias not been ex-
aggerated, as nothing has been asserted that experiment
did not seem to warrant ; and beside, the opportunities
which the writer enjoyed of witnessing its effects in the
treatment of various diseases, during his attendance at
the Alms-house of this city, fully confirm, in his opi-
nion, all that has been said of its medical virtues.

New- York, May 3, 1813.

A

DISSERTATION

OV THE

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM

LINN^US.

The genus Eupatorium, according to the
artificial system of Linn^us, is arranged under
the class syngenesia, order polygamia sequa-
lis, and is described in the following manner :

Cal. Communis oblongus, subcylindricus :
imbricatus : squamis lineari-lanceolatis,
erectis, inaequalibus.

Cor. Composiia umfoimist tubulosa: Corol-
lula. hermaphroditae, aequales.
3

14 DISSERTATION ON THE

Propria monopetala, infundibuliformis : Urn,'
ho quinquefido, patulo.

Stam. Filamenta quinque, capillaria, bre-
vissima. Anthera cylindracea, tubulosa.

Pist. Germen minimum. Stylus filiformis,
longissimus, ad stamina usque bifidus, rec-
tus. Stigmata tenuia.

Per. nullum. Calyx immutatus.

Sem. solitaria, oblonga. Pappus capillaris
s. plumosus, longus.

Rec. nudum.*

In his natural orders, Linnaeus has placed
the eupatorium among the composite^ discoi-
d(B. In the Ordines Naturales of Mons. Jus-
siEU, the eupatorium is arranged in his tenth
class, the character of which is dicotyledones
monopetalse, coroUse epigynse, antherae con-
natse. Order the third corymbiferae.

This genus of plants appears to have been
known at a very early date. In the writings

^ Genera Plaotarum, No. 1272.

KUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 15

©f AvicENNA, mention is made of the eupato-
rium ; but from the imperfect account which
he has ojiven, and from the obscurity which
pervades the descriptions of the older botani-
cal writers, it is impossible to determine its
precise character. By some, however, the
eupatorium of Avicenna is supposed to be the
eupatorium cannabinum of Casper Bauhin.
The celebrated Willdenow, in his enumera-
tion of the species of this genus of plants, has
placed under the name of eupatorium canna-
binum, this species of Casper Bauhin, which
FuscHius has noticed as the eupatorium adul-
terinum. In the Historia Plantarum Univer-
salis of John Bauhin we are furnished with a
description, at some length, of the eupatorium
adulterinum. This species has been consider-
ed, by some, as belonging to the genus eupa-
torium ; but this arrangement has been reject-
ed by Professor Willden©w,

Miller enumerates forty-nine species of
this genus of plants ; and in the late work of
Willdenow seventy-one species are given, of

16 DlSSfiRTATION OlSr THE

which sixteen are indigenous to the United
States. Persoon, whose enumeration is still
more complete, has, in his Synopsis Specierum
Plantarum, seventy-five species ; of these, se-
venteen are considered as the products of this
country. The species to which the writer
more particularly intends to confine his atten-
tion, on the present occasion, is the eupatori-

UM PERFOLIATUM of LiNNiEUS.

This species is thus designated :

E. Perfoliatum, foliis connato perfoliatis

tomentosis. Liuf
E. Virginianum. Morris Hist.
E. Virginianum. Pluk. Aim.
E. Connatum. Mich. Flor. Bor. Amer.

This plant is familiarly known throughout
the United States, and is distinguished by a
great variety of n^mes; such as thorough-
wort, Indian-sage, cross-wort, bone-set, vege-
table antimony, &c. It is indigenous to this
country, and may be found from Canada to
the Floridas: it naturally delights in stand-

EUPATORIUM PERFOLlAtUM. 17

ing waters and in low marshy situations, and is
sometimes seen to flourish near salt water.
In the state of New- York it is found very
abundantly, and grows from three to six feet
in height.

Root, horizontal, fibrous, perennial.

Stemy upright, hairy.

Leaves, opposite, united at their base, ser-
rated, glowing narrower at their points,
rough, downy underneath, slightly de-
current.

Foot stalk of the floiversy opposite, axilla-
ry, long, hairy.

Flowers, compound, terminal, white.

Seeds, oblong, feathery.

This plant makes its appearance in the
neighbourhood of this city in May, it flowers
in July, and produces seed in September.

The eupatorium perforatum has for some
time been well known to possess very active
medicinal virtues; though its use has been

18 DISSERTATION ON THE

limited principally to the domestic prescrip-
tions of families remote from our principal
cities. It has long been employed by many
of our Indian tribes, as a successful remedy,
ill the treatment of intermitting and remitting
fevers ; and such is supposed to have been its
efficacy in the cure of these diseases, that it
acquired the name of ague-weed. It has also
been employed in other diseases, in which
emetics and sudorifics were indicated ; and
in certain preparations, recourse has been
occasionally had to it as a tonic. In the
treatment of the yellow fever, as it has pre-
vailed in different parts of the United States,
and in other febrile disorders, its efficacy, as
an active sudorific, has been acknowledged
by many respectable writers. AVith a view,
however, of ascertaining more particularly
the peculiar properties of this plant, and its
virtues as an article of the materia medica,
the following experiments were instituted.
Its application in the treatment of diseases,
as deduced from these experiments, with the
opportunities which the writer has enjoyed

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 19

of witnessing its effects, will be considered
in a subsequent part of this dissertation.

EXPERIMENTS.

Decoctions were made of the flowers,
leaves, and roots: to an ounce of each of
these parts of the plant, bruised and put in
separate glass vessels, was added one pint of
distilled water. After having been subjected
to the heat of a sand-bath, and boiled for one
hour, it was filtered through paper. The
decoction of the leaves had the least colour ;
that of the flowers was somewhat darker;
that of the roots presented the darkest co-
lour. They all exhibited shades of brown.
To the taste they were bitter; but this sen-
sation was most produced from the leaves,
and least from the root.

20 DISSERTATION ON THE

EXPERIMENT I.

A decoction of the flowers, prepared in the
above manner, with an infusion of litmus form-
ed a red colour ; a solution of sulphate of iron
changed it to a dark green; an infusion of
galls formed a very slight precipitate; with mu-
riate of tin recently prepared, it caused a pre-
cipitate of a brownish yellow colour ; the ni-
trate of mercury formed a precipitate ; with
muriate of barytes a precipitate was formed ;
oxalate of ammonia produced a turbidness,
which was followed by a white precipitate ;
sulphuric acid formed a precipitate ; a solution
of tartarised antimony had no effect ; with pure
ammonia it acquired a green colour ; pure pot-
ash caused a brownish precipitate ; gelatin
produced a trifling precipitate ; a solution of
nitrate of silver formed a precipitate ; chromic
acid produced a copious olive green precipi-
tate ; the acetate of lead caused a light green ;
the nitrate of lead induced a slight precipitate ;
with the carbonate of potash a precipitate also
was formed.

teUPAtORlUM PERFOLIATDM. 2]

EXPERIMENT II.

The following re-agents were then tried with
the decoction of the leaves ; An infusion of
litmus formed a red colour; with an infusion
of galls no precipitate was formed ; muriate of
tin caused a brownish yellow precipitate, but
not so copious as in the first experiment ; oxa-
late of ammonia produced a copious white
precipitate; pure potash formed a greenish
precipitate ; with gelatin a copious precipitate
was induced ; pure nitrate of silver caused a
copious whitish precipitate ; the acetate of
lead formed a yellowish precipitate; nitrate
of lead produced an abundant precipitate.
As in the decoction prepared from the flowers,
a solution of the sulphate of iron, nitrate of
mercury, muriate of barytes, sulphuric acid,
tartarised antimony, pure ammonia, chromic
acid, carbonate of potash, produced effects
similar to those mentioned in experiment the
first.

4

22 DISSERTATION ON THE

EXPERIMENT III.

The deGoction of the root subjected to ex-
perimeDt produced the following results : An
infusion of litmus induced a red colour ; a so-
lution of the sulphate of iron changed it to a
green, but not so dark as in the two last expe-
riments ; an infusion of galls, like that prepared
from the leaves, caused no precipitate ; with
muriate of tin, a copious precipitate was form-
ed y nitrate of mercury formed a copious white
precipitate ; oxalate of ammonia formed a tur-
bidness ; pure potash produced a brownish
green colour, and in both these respects was
similar to those obtained from the flowers.
With gelatin no precipitate was evident ; ni-
trate of silver caused a copious whitish pre-
cipitate, similar to that produced from the de-
coction of the leaves; acetate of lead formed
a slight greenish precipitate ; nitrate of lead
induced quite a copious precipitate : with the
muriate of barytes, sulphuric acid, tartarised
antimony, pure ammonia, chromic acid, carbo-

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 23

nate of potash, appearances and precipitates
were produced nearly in every respect the
same as those related in experiments the first
and second.

EXPERIMENT IV.

A decoction of the flowers prepared as in
the former experiments, was evaporated to
the consistence of syrup. A portion of very
pure alcohol was poured upon it, and after
infusing twenty-four hours, was poured off.
Fresh alcohol was then added, and this was
suffered to stand for twenty-four hours, and
again decanted. This process was repeated,
until the alcohol exhibited no change of co-
lour whatever. After all the alcohol had
been decanted and mixed, it appeared of a
brown colour, and had a bitter taste. It pro-
duced the following results : with an infusion
of litmus, it formed a red colour ; with acetate
of lead a light green ; no precipitate was
caused by tartarised antimony ; barytic water
formed a light yellow ; with sulphate of iron

24 DISSERTATION ON THE

it produced a green precipitate ; with distilled
water no precipitate.

EXPERIMENT V.

A decoction of the leaves, treated in the
same manner as in experiment the fourth, ex-
hibited the following appearances: An infu-
sion of litmus formed a red colour ; a solution
of the acetate of lead formed a copious light
green ; with distilled water a precipitate was
formed ; carbonate of potash caused a copious
brown precipitate ; nitrate of lead produced a
copious light green precipitate ; nitrate of
mercury induced a copious white precipitate ;
barytic water formed a dense copious precipi-
tate. The effects produced by tartarised an-
timony, and with the sulphate of iron, were in
no respects different from those mentioned in
the last experiment.

EXPERIMENT VI.

A decoction of the root was also prepared
in the same manner, and the action of the same

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 25

re-ag;ents was in nowise different from those
noticed in experiment the fourth. With the
carbonate of potash, however, which was now
employed, an ochre yellow was produced.

EXPERIMENT VII.

The brownish matter, not taken up by the
alcohol in the last three experiments, was dis-
solved in distilled water in separate vessels ;
a portion of a dark brown substance was left
from each. These watery solutions, after hav-
ing been evaporated to dryness, left a hard
brittle extract, of a brown colour, which, upon
being re-dissolved, possessed a sweetish taste.

EXPERIMENT VIII.

A portion of the alcoholic solutions men-
tioned in the fourth, fifth, and sixth experi-
ments, was evaporated nearly to dryness ; a re-
sinous matter was left of a yellowish brown
colour, an extremely bitter taste, and com-
pletely soluble in warm water. These watery

26 DISSERTATION ON THE

solutions were examined, and exhibited the
following habitudes, with re-agents. The so-
lution obtained from the flowers with car-
bonate of potash caused a brown colour; it
foniied a precipitate with barytic water ; with
an infusion of litmus, a faint red appearance ;
both the acetate and nitrate of lead formed a
precipitate ; a solution of the sulphate of iron
caused a green precipitate ; tartarised an-
timony had no effect, nor the nitrate of silver ;
gelatin produced no change ; alcohol formed
a precipitate ; muriate of tin formed a reddish
brown precipitate.

EXPERIMENT IX.

The solution of the resinous matter obtain-
ed from the leaves exhibited the following ap-
pearances : With the carbonate of potash it
formed a brown precipitate; with barytic wa-
ter an abundant precipitate was induced ; with
litmus no change was discernible ; the acetate
of lead caused an abundant yellowish white
precipitate ; with nitrate of lead a precipitate

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 27

of a whitish yellow colour, and in large quan-
tity, was induced ; with a solution of sulphate
of iron an abundant dark green precipitate
was formed; tartarised antimony formed a
greenish brown precipitate; nitrate of silver
formed a copious whitish yellow precipitate ;
a reddish brown precipitate was readily pro-
duced by the muriate of tin.

EXPERIMENT X.

The solution of the resinous matter obtain-
ed from the root was likewise subjected to the
. operation of the same re-agents. With carbo-
nate of potash no effect was visible ; barytic
water formed a slight precipitate : an infusion
of litmus, as in the leaves, caused no change :
with the acetate of lead a slight precipitate
was formed ; nitrate of lead produced scarcely
any turbidness ; the sulphate of iron induced
a green precipitate ; tartarised antimony had
ho effect ; the nitrate of silver formed a trifling-
precipitate; no precipitate was visible from
gelatin, though readily produced by the action

28 DISSERTATION ON THE

of alcohol ; the muriate of tin formed a trifling
precipitate.

In the following experiments, by means of
the cold infusions, which were next instituted,
one ounce of the flowers, the same quantity
of the leaves, and of the roots, bruised, was
put in separate glass vessels, and a pint of dis-
tilled water added to each. They were suf-
fered to infuse for twenty-four hours, and then
filtered through paper. The infusion of the
root possessed the darkest colour, that of the
leaves was considerably lighter, while that of
the flowers was still lighter. In all a bitterish,
taste was perceptible.

EXPERIMENT XI.

An infusion of the flowers, prepared in the
manner just mentioned, produced the follow-
ing appearances. With re-agents an infusion
of litmus formed a red colour; a solution of
the sulphate of iron formed a green precipi-
tate ; an infusion of galls induced no precipi-

fiUPATORlUM PERFOLIATUM. 29

tate; muriate of tin recently prepared caused
a precipitate ; nitrate of mercury formed a co-
pious white precipitate ; with muriate of ba-
rytes a slight turbidness was formed ; oxalate
of ammonia likewise caused a precipitate ; by
sulphuric acid a slight turbidness was discerni-
ble; neither tartarised antimony, nor pure
ammonia produced any sensible effect ; with
pure potash a greenish brown colour was ef-
fected ; gelatin formed no immediate precipi-
tate ; a solution of nitrate of silver formed
a whitish precipitate ; chromic acid caused a
copious precipitate of a greenish brown co-
lour; the nitrate of lead formed a very co-
pious precipitate ; a solution of the carbonate
of potash produced a brown colour-

EXPERIMENT XII.

An infusion of the leaves produced the

following appearances with re-agents. A red

colour was induced, by an infusion of litmus;

a solution of the sulphate of ii'on formed a

5

30 DISSEKTATION ON THE

very dark green precipitate; oxalate of am-
monia caused an immediate and copious pre-
cipitate; sulphuric acid formed a slight tur-
bidness ; pure ammonia foi;'med a greenish
colour ; gelatin formed a precipitate ; nitrate
of silver formed a very copious precipitate;
carbonate of potash formed a brown precipi-
tate; with the infusion of galls, muriate of tin,
nitrate of mercury, muriate of barytes, tartari-
sed antimony, pure potash, chromic acid, and
the nitrate of lead, effects similar to those
enumerated in experiment the eleventh were
produced.

EXPERIMENT XIII.

With an infusion of the root, prepared
after the manner of the two preceding ex-
periments, the following effects were pro-
duced. With an infusion of litmus, a red
colour vi^as formed ; nitrate of mercury form-
ed a greyish precipitate ; muriate of barytes
formed a precipitate ; oxalate of ammonia
formed no precipitate ; pure ammonia caused

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 3 1

no change; gelatin had no effect; nitrate of
silver caused the same change as in experi-
ment the eleventh ; nitrate of lead formed a
precipitate, though not so copious as with the
infusion of the flowers or leaves : neither the
carbonate of potash, nor muriate of ammonia
produced any sensible alteration. The effects
caused by the sulphate of iron, infusion of
galls, muriate of tin, sulphuric acid, tartarised
antimony, pure potash, and chromic acid, were
in no respects different from those already
stated in experiment the eleventh.

EXPERIMENT XIV.

Infusions of the flowers, leaves, and of the
root, prepared as in the last three experi-
ments, were put in separate retorts and dis-
tilled. After nearly one half had come over,
the receivers were changed, and the other
part in like manner distilled off. The first
three portions of the distillation were then
examined by a number of re-agents, without
the least sensible change being apparent.

32 DISSERTATION ON THE

The last three distillations were then exa-
mined. That obtained from the infusion of
the flowers formed a red colour with the
infusion of litmus : with the sulphate of iron
no effect was visible, nor with the acetate of
lead. I also tried a number of other tests,
without producing any particular alteration.

EXPERIMENT XV.

The product of the distillation from the in-
fusion of the leaves exhibited the same appear-
ances as in the last experiment,

EXPERIMENT XVI.

The product of the distillation from the in-
fusion of the root occasioned the same appear-
ances as in the two last experiments.

EXPERIMENT XVII.

After the distillation of the infusion of the
flowers, of that from the leaves, and also of

EUPATORIUM perpoliatum. 33

that from the root, which was continued to
dryness, an extract was left in the retorts of a
dark colour and of a very bitter taste. Upon
the addition of solid caustic soda, fumes resem-
bling burning sugar were disengaged, and in a
few minutes after the smell of ammonia was
very evident.

EXPERIMENT XVIII.

The flowers, leaves, and roots that were used
in the cold watery infusions, after having
been repeatedly washed, were put in separate
retorts, and a quantity of distilled water add-
ed to each. They were placed in a sand bath,
and distilled ; after nearly one half had come
over, the receivers were removed, and fresh
receivers luited to the retorts. The first part
of the distillations appeared clear, had no
taste, and but very little smell. The follow-
ing re-agents had no effect upon them ; viz.
the infusion of litmus, a solution of the sul-
phate of iron, carbonate of potash, nitrate of
silver, and acetate of lead.

34 DISSERTATION ON THE

EXPERIMENT XIX.

After all the fluid that was left in the re-
torts in the last experiment had come over, and
the materials were left completely dry, the dis-
tilled fluid exhibited a milky appearance, with
some films floating in it ; there was scarcely
any appearance of oil on the surfaces. It had
a vegetable smell : upon being subjected to
experiment, with an infusion of litmus, it ac-
quired a red colour. Neither a solution of the
sulphate of iron, tartarised antimony, carbon-
ate of potash, acetate of lead, muriate of mer-
cury,' chromic acid, or nitrate of lead, produ-
ced any alteration.

EXPERIMENT XX.

Finding there rvaa- nothing but an acid ob-
tained from the distillation of the matei'ials,
and suspecting it to be the acetic, I took the
product of the distillation made with the
leaves, and saturated it with pure potash. Af-

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 35

ter it was evaporated, a crystalline mass was
obtained, upon which sulphuric acid was pour-
ed. Fumes like aromatic vinegar arose.

EXP miMENT XXI.

To the flowers, leaves, and roots that were
employed in experiment the eighteenth, a
quantity of very pure alcohol was added :
they were suffered to infuse for twenty-four
hours, and the infusion then decanted. The
appearance of the alcoholic infusion of the
flowers was of the colour of Madeira wine,
and possessed a bitter taste and an aromatic
flavour. With the infusion of litmus, it form-
ed a red colour ; a solution of sulphate of iron
produced a dark green ; barytic water formed
a brownish yellow ; nitrate of lead created a
slight precipitate; with the acetate of lead it
caused a brown precipitate ; carbonate of pot-
ash formed a slight brown precipitate; tar-
tarised antimony and gelatin had no effect
upon it ; distilled water formed a precipitate.

36 DISSERTATION ON THE

EXPERIMENT XXII.

The alcoholic infusion of the leaves was of a
brown colour, and like that obtained from the
flowers, was of a bitter taste and aromatic
flavour. With re-agents this infusion exhibit-
ed the following appearances : carbonate of
potash formed a dark brown precipitate ;
tartarised antimony produced a brownish
precipitate; nitrate of silver caused a light
colour; with the acetate of lead an ochre
yellow precipitate was formed ; nitrate of
mercury occasioned an olive green precipi-
tate ; barytic water also formed an olive
green ; muriate of mercury caused a slight
precipitate ; a light green colour was induced
by nitrate of copper ; pure potash created a
brown colour ; oxalate of ammonia produced
a white precipitate ; with gelatin a precipitate
was formed ; a solution of sulphate of iron,
litmus, and distilled water, produced effects
similar to the same re-agents, in experiment
the twenty-first

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 37

EXPERIMENT XXIII.

The alcoholic infusion of the root also ac-
quired a dark colour, but did not possess the
bitter taste nor aromatic flavour. It produced
the following effects : with carbonate of pot-
ash a copious dark precipitate was formed;
the acetate of lead caused a slight brown
precipitate; the infusion of litmus, sulphate
of iron, nitrate of lead, barytic water, and
tartarised antimony effected changes similar
to those detailed in experiment the tw enty-
first.

EXPERIMENT XXIV.

A portion of the alcoholic infusion of expe-
riment the twenty-second was distilled. It was
of a very clear appearance ; had no aromatic
smell nor bitter taste ; an infusion of litmus,
a solution of the sulphate of iron, and a num-
ber of other re-agents were tried, without
producing any change.
6

38 DISSERTATION ON THE

EXPERIMENT XXV.

A part of the alcoholic infusion of the leaves
had recourse to in experiment the twenty-se-
cond, was evaporated to dryness. A yellow
resin-like thick varnish covered the bottom of
the capsule, and was of an extremely bitter
taste. Repeated affusions of warm water se-
parated a part of it, leaving the remainder of
a deep transparent red colour. These watery
portions, when added together, were of a yel-
low^ colour; on standing they soon became
opaque, and deposited the resin which, by
means of the heat, they had taken up.

EXPERIMENT XXVI.

To the leaves that were used in experiment
the twenty-first, a quantity of very pure alco-
hol was added, and the mass distilled to dry-
ness : upon the infusion of litmus being pour-
ed upon the product of the distillation, a red
colour was formed; a solution of the sulphate

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 39

of iron, gelatin, and a number of other re-
agents were tried, but without causing any
evident alteration.

OBSERVATIONS

THE EXPERIMENTS.

From the introductory remarks, preceding
the experiments, it will be perceived, that a
great part of the virtues of the eupatorium
perfoliatum are readily obtained by means of
a simple decoction. Were we to judge from
the colour produced from a decoction of each
part, we might conclude that the root possess-
ed the most active properties ; but from the
bitter taste, and from other circumstances,
hereafter to be mentioned, as deduced from
the experiments, it is abundantly evident, that

40 DISSERTATION ON THE

they reside in greatest quantity in the leaves,
and least in the roots.

Experiment the first, with the flowers, proves
the presence of a free acid, as is evinced
from the infusion of litmus forming a red co-
lour. The action of the sulphate of iron may
arise from some modification of the gallic
acid. Though it is stated, that the infusion of
galls formed a very slight precipitate, yet as
this efiect was not produced until several
hours had elapsed, and as I was imahle to
effect the same experiment a second time,
either with the flowers or any other part, by
means of the same re-agents, no satisfactory
conclusion can be deduced as to the presence
of cinchonin. The extractive matter was readi-
ly evinced, from the brownish precipitation
caused by the muriate of tin, and from the
precipitate induced by the nitrate of mercu-
ry : the extractive principle was also shown
by the muriate of barytes. Tlie turbidness
produced with the oxalate of ammonia was
conjectured to contain linie ; and as, in a

ETJPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 41

subsequent experiment, we found it in an
alcoliolic solution, it is probably united with
acetic acid. The sulpliuric acid proved the
presence of extract. The effect of the alka-
lies proves the presence of extract. The
tannin principle was proved by the gelatin.
The precipitate formed by the nitrate of sil-
ver was ow^inof to extract. The changes pro-
duced by chromic acid, and the olive green
precipitate formed, may probably be account-
ed for by the deoxidation of the acid itself,
from the action of extract. The acetate and
nitrate of lead also afforded tannin and extract.
Tannin was also made evident by the action of
the carbonate of potash.

From experiments second and third, it was
ascertained, that the extractive matter is in
less quantity in the leaves than in the flowers,
and that it may be obtained abundantly from
the roots. More of lime was proved to exist
in the leaves, than in either the flowers or
roots. Judging from the precipitate formed
by pure alkali, there would seem to be little

42 DISSERTATION ON THE

difference in the proportion of tannin and of
extractive matter in the flowers and roots.
Most tannin is also shown to reside in the
leaves. From the nitrate of silver we have
proof that the extractive* principle resides
especially in the root. That the leaves pos-
sess the greatest quantity of tannin is like-
wise shown from the action of gelatin.

The extract obtained after the manner
detailed in experiment the fourth, evidently
possessed properties similar to those found
in the decoction. The free acid was mani-
fested by the infusion of litmus, and modified
gallic acid by the sulphate of iron. No
change being caused by distilled water, the
total absence of any resinous material may
be inferred. That the leaves possessed more
or less resinous matter, was proved by the
fifth experiment. The presence of tannin

* Though I have here and elsewhere denominated this
principle, obtained from the root, the extractive, yet it ap-
pears to unite the characters both of extract and gum.

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 43

and extract is also proved. From the sixth
experiment we obtain the same results as in
the preceding. The ochre colour which the
solution acquired by the carbonate of potash
was owing to extractive. Little need be said
of experiment the seventh ; it showed the pre-
sence of gum united to extract and tannin.

From experiment the eighth a principle was
obtained which was soluble in alcohol and in
water. VAuauELiA, in his examination of
the Peruvian bark, also discovered a similar
material, which he is inclined to believe a new
principle ; he calls it a resiniform matter.*

* From the re-agents employed in this experiment, a con-
clusion might perhaps be drawn, that this principle approach-
ed to the nature of that denominated by Dr. Thomson, in his
system of chemistry, artificial tannin, or the second species
of bitter principle. Mr. Chenevix procured this principle
from a filtered preparation of digested unburned coffee, in
water; and, though I had not an opportunity of making use
of all the re-agents that he employed in his examination, yet
it seems to be highly probable that the eupatoriura contains
a material very analagous to that found in coffee. From
the experiments of Lagrange, it appears, that a substance

44 DISSERTATION ON THE

All the re-aojerits had recourse to in experi-
ments the ninth and tenth established the evi-
dence of the resiniforni matter of Vauquelin,
and that it is to be obtained most abundant-
ly from the leaves, and least from the roots.

From the effects of tartarised antimony, in
experiment the ninth, it would appear to con-
tain a principle which Dr. Duncan calls cin-
chonin.*

similar to this second species of bitter principle exists in the
flowers of the arnica montana. Dr. Thomson thinks, that
bitter principle, which characterizes the worm- wood, sabine,
rue, milfoil, and chamomile, belonj^s to this second species.
It will hereafter appear, that the virtues of the eupatorium
perfoliatum, as an article of medicine, are very similar to
those for which these plants are distinguished; more par-
ticularly those of the anthemis nobilis. See Thomson's
Chemistry, vol. v. p. 95 : see also experiments on the
various species of cinchona, by M. VAvauELiN, in Ni-
cholson's Journal, 8vo. vol. 19, p. 204.

* See Dr. Duncan's experiments on the Peruv. bark, in
Nicholson's Journal, 8vo. vol 6, p. 225.

KUPATORIUai PERFOLIATUM. 45

It is scarcely necessary to remark, that the
virtues of the eupatoriiim are extracted in a
considerable degree by means of the cold wa-
tery infusion. From what has been stated, it
will be recollected, that the infusion of the
root of this plant, like the decoction made of
the same part, afforded the darkest colour ;
and that while the decoction of the flowers
was darker than that made with the leaves,
that the infusion of the leaves w^as considera-
bly deeper than that prepared from the flowers.

Experiment the eleventh was instituted for
the purpose of ascertaining how far its active
properties were imparted to the cold infusion.
The same re-agents as were employed with the
decoction were tried with the infusion of the
flowers. The results were nearly similar ; the
presence of an acid, of tannin, and of extrac-
tive matter was proved, though the astringent
principle was not so abundant. Experiments
twelfth and thirteenth fully evince that in the
leaves reside the most active properties of the
plant ; the dark green precipitation caused by
7

46 DISSERTATION ON THE

sulphate of iron, and the precipitation induced
by gelatin, manifested the existence of tannin
and modified gallic acid in the leaves, while,
with the same re-agents, the root was ascertain-
ed to be nearly destitute of it. The oxalate of
ammonia, by the immediate and copious preci-
pitate which it caused, while it convinced us
that the leaves also possessed lime, in no small
degree, it rendered it no less certain, in our ex-
periments with the root, that from this portion
of the plant, this ingredient was not to be ob-
tained, at least in any sensible quantity. By
the other tests it is also proved, that the vir-
tues of the root, while they differ in quality,
are also less in quantity.

I have stated the results of the simple de-
coction, and of the simple infusion. With
the view of ascertaining more satisfactorily
the properties of the plant, as taken up by this
last preparation, I subjected the infusion itself
to the process of distillation. After the pro-
cess had been continued until nearly one half
had come over, upon examination, nothing but

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 47

pure water was ascertained to be in tlie re-
ceiver. The rennaining portion being distilled
over into other receivers, I employed the
usual re-agents. This last product, obtained
from the distilled infusion of the tiowers,
showed a free acid; that it was not the gallic
acid was certain from the inaction of the sul-
phate of iron : of its being the acetic acid,
there could be little doubt, both on account
of the difficulty with which it was volatilized,
and from the result of experiment twentieth.
On experiments fifteenth and sixteenth it is
unnecessary to make any particular remarks.

From experiment the seventeenth, a dry
extractive matter, similar to that obtained
from the decoction, was produced. From
the operation of the caustic soda we infer the
existence of azote. Experiments eighteenth
and nineteenth tend to corroborate the results
of the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and
twentieth experiments. From the nineteenth
experiment acetic acid was produced, which
was probably modified by the presence of oil.

48 DISSERTATION ON THE

The twenty-first, twenty-second, and twenty-
third experiments prove, that pure alcohol
extracts all the active principles which exist
in the decoction and infusion ; and in addition,
also a resinous matter. It will be perceived,
that alcohol takes up tannin from the leaves,
and that this constituent of the plant is not
extracted from the other parts by this men-
struum. Experiment the twenty-fourth proves
that the acid is not volatilized in the tempera-
ture of boiling alcohol. From experiment the
twenty-fifth, we have the resin more pure than
heretofore, and, comparatively speaking, in
liberal quantity. A portion of the resinous
matter was dissolved in warm water, and was
easily precipitated upon cooling. From the
last experiment we learn, that in the distilla-
tion of the plant with pure alcohol, the free
acid only is extracted.

From the experiments which were institu-
ted, and the results which I have attempted
to deduce from them, it seems to be satisfac-
torily proved, that the eupatorium perfoliatum

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 10

contains, firstly, a free acid ; secondly, tannin ;
thirdly, extractive matter; fourthly, a o:umiiiy
matter ; fifthly, a resin ; sixthly, azote ; se-
venthly, lime, probably the acetate of lime;
eis^hthly, gallic acid, probably modified ; ninth-
ly, a resiniform matter, soluble in water and in
alcohol, and which seems to contain a bitter
principle. That the free acid may be obtain-
ed from all parts of the plant : that tannin is
obtained in much the largest quantity from
the leaves, and least from the roots : that the
extractive and gummy matter resides chiefly
in the roots : that the leaves and flowers also
contain a larger proportion of resin than the
roots : that azote exists in the flowers, leaves,
and roots.

I have stated the presence of gallic acid ;
whether it depend upon the combination of
a free acid with tannin, or whether it is to be
ascribed to the existence of extractive mat-
ter, an opinion which Dr. Thoimson main-
tains, I do not pretend to determine: that
lime, a constituent of Peruvian bark, was also

50 DISSERTATION ON THE

liberally procured from every portion, though
it abounded in the leaves, is also apparent.
Hence we are warranted in the conclusion,
that this plant possesses active medicinal pro-
perties ; that many of them are similar to those
which characterize the cinchona officinalis,
the anthemis nobilis, and other valuable arti-
cles of the materia medica ; but that these vir-
tues reside in greatest quantity in the leaves.*

As pharmaceutical preparations of this spe-
cies of the eupatorium, the following seem
to be more particularly deserving of recom-
mendation. The decoction of the flowers and
of the leaves ; infusions of the same parts ;
the leaves in substance, pulverized ; and a tinc-
ture of the flowers and of the leaves, prepar-
ed with proof spirits. This last form is the
most pleasant and convenient, and at the same

* A contrary opinion is expressed by Dr. Barton, who
maintains, that the floAvers possess the most active proper-
ties ; but it is unnecessary to enter into a refutation of thie
point after the analysis which has been given.

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 51

time the most powerful ; for proof spirits was
ascertained to be the best menstruum.

On the use of the Eupatorium Perfoliatum as
an article of the Materia Mcdica.

Of the value of the eupatorium perfoliatum,
as an article of medicine, there can be no he-
sitation to offer an opinion. Though the wri-
ter has forborne to institute a comparison be-
tween the chemical properties of this plant, as
deduced from experiment, and of those which
are ascertained to belong to the Peruvian bark,
yet the inference can be readily drawn, that,
in very many respects, these two products of
the vegetable kingdom are exactly similar.
Indeed, it may readily be asserted, that, for
its active medicinal virtues, particularly as a
sudorific and as a tonic, it will not suffer by
comparison with any of the articles drawn

52 DISSERTATION ON THE

from the vegetable kingdom. Of its modus
operandi in the treatment of diseases, it will
be unnecessary particularly to dwell; this
will be sufficiently well understood in con-
nection with the circumstances that will be
given when its employment in various disor-
ders is considered. Many of the remedies
procured from the class of vegetables which,
from repeated experience, have been found
particularly useful in the treatment of diseases,
doubtless produce their salutary effects, by
operating in the same manner as this species of
the eupatorium. Such may be considered the
marubium vulgare, the anthemis nobilis, &;c.

From the opportunities which I have enjoy-
ed of witnessing the employment of this plant,
in different diseases, in the New- York Alms-
house and from the observations and experi-
ence of several distinguished practitioners,
particularly of Dr. Barton and of Dr. Ho-
SACK, T am led to believe it an important and
efficacious remedy in the treatment of most
febrile disorders, particularly in intermitting

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 53

and remitting fevers, yellow fever, and in other
disorders of specific contagion; in many cuta-
neous affections, and in diseases of general
debility.

Let us first consider its use in intermitting
and remitting fevers. The great efficacy of
eupatorium perfoliatum in this class of diseases
has been long known, as the facts communica-
ted by Dr. Barton fully prove.* The fol-
lowing cases are inserted for the purpose of
showing that these diseases may as effectually
be cured by this indigenous product of our
own country as by the bark of Peru. Perhaps
it may be necessary to mention, that its ope-
ration depends, in a very great degree, upon
the particular form in which it is administer-
ed. If it be exhibited as a warm decoction, it
often proves emetic, and acts especially upon
the skin, in producing diaphoresis : if it be
given in the form of a cold infusion or decoc-

Collectioos towards a Materia Medica of the United States.
8

54 DISSERTATION ON THE

tion, or in substance, it acts as a powerful
tonic. In order to evince its tonic effects, it
was given in these cases of

Intermittent Fever.

Case I. Francis C y, born in Ireland,

aged forty-nine, was admitted in the New-
York Alms house, Oct. 1, 1812: is naturally
of a fair complexion ; at present is very much
debilitated, and affected with a quartan inter-
mittent, which generally attacks him at four
o'clock in the morning, and continues until
eleven o'clock, a. m. ; complains of considera-
ble pain in his extremities ; pulse rather fre-
quent ; bowels regular ; tongue furred ; appe-
tite very bad.

These attacks began eight weeks since, but
have always put on the appearance of a regujar
quartan, and have varied but little in the time
of attack. He was employed on a farm in
Westchester, in a marshy situation; has not
as yet taken any medicine for his complaint.

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 55

Ordered, Pulv. ipecac, grs. xv.
Tart, antim. grs. ii. M.

Oct. 2. The emetic operated very well, and
brought a quantity of bilious matter from his
stomach, by which he feels somewhat better.
Put him upon the use of the

Pulv. fol. eupat. perfol. grs. xx.

one to be taken every two hours in syrup,
during the intermission of the fever. Oct. 4.
This day the fever ought to have come on at
or about four o'clock : experienced some sen-
sations of chilliness, and a slight degree of fever,
but these left him in a short time; says the
medicine sets well on his stomach : pulse
natural ; bowels regular ; tongue a little fur-
red ; skin moist : let him continue in the use
of the powders. Oct. 7. This morning escaped
the paroxysm ; says he feels much better ; ob-
serves his urine is increased in quantity: let
him continue in the use of the eupatorium.

Oct. 10. This morning felt some coldness

56 DISSERTATION ON THE

about the time of attack, but no chill or fever ;
does not complain of the taste of the powders :
let him continue in the use of the medicine.
Oct. 11. Does not feel so well this morning,
and is at times inclined to vomit : let him
increase the dose of his medicine, and take
pulv. fol. eupat. perfol. grs. xxv. every two
hours. Oct. 13. Had no attack of fever this
morning, but as he complains of his bowels
being costive, a gentle cathartic was given
him. Oct. 16. The purge given operated
but once; has not taken any of the powders
since the last report; had another attack of
fever this morning. The chill came on about
eight o'clock, but was very soon checked, by
giving a strong decoction of the flowers of the
eupatorium : it operated as an emetic, and was
followed by a copious secretion from the skin :
ordered him to continue in the use of the pow-
ders, increasing the dose to sfs. every two
hours, while free from fever.

Oct. 19. Has not had any fever since the last
report ; pulse full ; bowels regular ; skin moist ;

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 57

tonojue clean ; appetite better : has taken half
an ounce of the medicine since the last report :
let him continue in the use of the powders.

Oct. 22. C y still continues free from fe-
vers ; takes at least 3fs. of his powders every
two hours: is gaining strength rapidly: let
him continue in the use of the eupatorium.
Oct. 29. Our patient has not had any fever
since the sixteenth instant; has regained his
appetite and strength, and wishes to be dis-
charged ; accordingly took his discharge from
the house this morning.

Nov. 18. Accidentally saw our patient;
informs me he has not had any return of his
disease since.

Case TI. Catharine H y, born in New-
York, aged thirty-six, is affected with a tertian
intermittent, which generally attacks her at
eleven o'clock in the evening, and continues
with great violence until three or four o'clock
in the morning. Pulse natural ; bowels rather
alow ; tongue furred ; appetite much impaired.

58 DISSERTATION ON THE

The first attack she had, was on the night of
the twenty-ninth of Sept. at eleven o'clock.
Let a strong decoction of the flowers of the
eupatorium be given.

Sept. 30. The decoction operated as an
emetic, and brought a considerable quantity
of half formed bilious matter from her stom-
ach : ordered, pulv. fol. eupat. perfol. grs. xx.
in syrup, every two hours, while free from
fever. Oct. 2. Our patient had another
attack of fever last evening ; let her continue
in the use of the medicine. Oct. 4. She has
escaped from her fever last night, does not
complain of the taste of the powders, and has
taken them regularly since the last report:
pulse natural; bowels regular; skin moist;
urine increased in quantity ; appetite better :
let her continue in the use of the powders.
Oct. 6. Still continues free from fever, since
the first instant.

Oct. 15. H y still continues free from

fever. It is two weeks since she had an
attack of the disease. Discharged, cured.

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 59

Case III. Hannah D n, born in Ireland,

aged thirty-six, is affected with a quotidian
intermittent. The chill comes on at two
o'clock in the afternoon, and continues until
eight o'clock in the evening : was attacked on
the fourth of October. Pulse full and slow ;
bowels costive ; skin cool ; tongue clean ; some
pain in the head : says she lived at Poughkeep-
sie about three months since, and while there
had a disease called spotted fever, of which
she was relieved, but was left in a very debili-
tated state : she removed to New- York, where
she was attacked with a quotidian fever, on
the fourth of October. Ordered,

Pulv. jalap, comp. jfs-
Sub-mur. hydrarg. gi's. vi. M.

After the operation of the powder, let her
take pulv. fol. eupat. perfol. grs. xx. every
two hours. Oct. 6. After the cathartic had
operated, she commenced with the powders,
taking them as above directed : does not
complain of the taste of the medicine ; it sets
well on her stomach. Oct. 8. Had another

60 DISSERTATION ON THfe

attack of fever on the sixth and seventh;
bowels rather loose : let her continue in the
use of the medicine, increasing the dose to
XXV. grs. Oct. 10. Our patient had another
attack of fever on the eighth and on the ninth ;
urine increased in quantity ; appetite better.

Oct 13. D n has not had any regular

attack of fever since the last report, though
at times, slight febrile symptoms have affect-
ed her : let her continue in the use of the
medicine. Oct. 25. It is fifteen days since
our patient has had any fever; has not ta-
ken any medicine these five days past; feels
her strength quite restored, and has a good
appetite. Discharged, cured.

Case 4. Mary H d, born in Ireland,

aged sixty-seven, is very much debilitated, is
affected with a quotidian intermittent, which
attacks her at ten o'clock in the morning, and
continues until about three o'clock in the
afternoon ; pulse small and slow, bowels cos-
tive, tongue furred, appetite bad. These at-
tacks of intermittent began on the tenth of

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 61

Oct. last. After the operation of a dose of the
sulphate of soda ordered the pulv. fol. eupat.
perfol. 3fs. one to be taken every two hours in
wine, while free from fever.

Oct. 12. Yesterday had another attack of
fever, the chill was quite severe ; since the last
report has taken sijfs. of the eupatorium
which sits well on her stomach ; says that im-
mediately after taking a powder she feels some
moisture on her skin : has some dizziness in her
head, yet feels better this morning. The hour
has past in which she expected the attack;
pulse quicker and fuller, tongue a little fur-
red, urine increased in quantity. Oct. 14.

H d has not had any regular attack of

fever since the last report ; continued to take
the powders regularly through the day but

omitted them in the night. Oct. 26. H d

has not had any fever for fourteen days ; is
quite recruited in strength and spirits ; has not
taken any medicine since the nineteenth, appe-
tite still continues quite good. Discharged,

cured.

9

62 DISSERTATION ON THE

Case 5. William C g, born in New-
York, aged five years, is affected with a quo-
tidian intermittent, which generally attacks
him between one and two o'clock in the after-
noon, and continues until evening. Was first
attacked on the seventh of October, and had
regular accessions of fever on the seventh,
eighth, and ninth. On the tenth gave hun a
strong decoction of the flowers of the eupa-
torium. October 11. The decoction vomit-
ed him very freely, and shortened the chill
and fever, by producing perspiration; was
ordered the pulv. fol. eupat. perfol. gr. x. eve-
ry two hours, while free from fever. Oct. 13,
Our patient has not had any fever since the
last report ; has taken the powders regularly,
and is quite fond of taking them ; pulse rather
quick, but full; bowels regular; skin moist;
urine increased in quantity; tongue a little
furred : let him continue in the use of the me-
dicine. Oct. 16. C g still continues free

from fever, since the last report : pulse natu-
ral ; bowels regular ; skin moist ; tongue clean.
Oct. 25. It is now fourteen days since our

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 63

patient had any fever; has not taken any
medicine for six days past. Discharged,
cured.

Case VI. Sarah and Martha B d, the

first aged four, the last two years and six
months : they are effected with tertian inter-
mittents. The first is attacked about nine
o'clock in the morning, and continues until
afternoon : tlie last is attacked about the
middle of the day, and continues until even-
ing: pulse accelerated; bowels loose; tongue
furred ; skin dry ; appetite in both very bad.
The eldest was first attacked about three
weeks since, the youngest about one week;
their mother informs me, that the fever was
regular as to the time of attack. Oct 22.
Ordered, the pulv. fol. eupat. perfol. grs. x.
in syrup, to be given to the eldest, every two
hours, while free from fever; and pulv. fol.
eupat. perfol. grs. vi. for the youngest. Oct.
24. Our patients had each an attack of fever
yesterday ; had each taken four powders, and
did not complain of the taste of the medicine :

64 DISSERTATION ON THE

pulse regular ; bowels still loose ; tongue fur-
red ; appetite not very good. INov. 3. The
patients have continued taking their medicine
until the first instant : the eldest has not had
any fever since the twenty-third ; the youngest
has not had any since the twenty-fifth of last
month : pulse natural ; bowels regular ; tongue
clean ; appetite very good ; urine somewhat
increased in quantity. Both discharged, cured.

To the above cases of intermitting fever*
which were distinctly marked, and which were
effectually cured by the use of the eupatori-
um perfoliatum, given either in decoction or
in substance, the writer might have added very
many others. But to have done this would
have far exceeded the ordinary limits of an
inaugural dissertation. In simple intermit-
tents, admitting of distinct intermission, it is
asserted to have been exhibited with uncom-
mon advantage. That such is the fact with
regard to the medical properties of this species
of the eupatorium was abundantly proved
froni the uniform result of almost every case

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 65

of that type of disease, as it occured in the
New- York Alms-house. Perhaps, too, this
important fact will be the better kept in mind
when I state, that from the very successful
administration of this remedy, in this disease,
in the year 1812, the practice of depending
upon it, to the exclusion of the Peruvian
bark and other ordinary remedies, for the
cure of intermittents, seemed perfectly justifi-
able, and subsequent experience in that ex-
tensive charity has fully confirmed all that was
anticipated.

Remitting Fever.

With regard to the treatment of remitting
fevers and other disorders of a febrile charac-
ter, I am disposed to believe that it will be
found an efficacious medicine. In the man-
agement of remittents, particularly, many op-
portunities occured of testing its value. Asa
sudorific it produced the most salutary effects,
and in those instances in which tonics were
indicated, its administration was attended

66 DISSERTATION ON THE

with equal advantage, when had recourse to
for that purpose. Many cases mio;ht be here
detailed in confirmation of this opinion. A
more extensive employment, therefore, of this
plant in febrile disorders, than Dr. Barton is
disposed to admit, will, I think, be justifiable.

Yellow Fever.

In the treatment of the yellow fever, as it
has prevailed in the United States, and in
other diseases of a contagious nature, whether
depending upon epidemical causes, or upon
the introduction of a specific matter intro-
duced into the system, the eupatorium perfo-
liatum will be found a powerful remedy. As
to the yellow fever, however diversified the
opinions which have been entertained of its
peculiar nature, and however various the
modes of treatment that have been adopt-
ed by different physicians, as the disease has
appeared in different years, in the various parts
of our country, there can be little doubt, that
the sudorific method of cure has, upon the

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 67

whole, been attended with more success than
either the blood-letting or mercurial practice.
During the prevalence of this epidemic in the
city of New-York, in the year 1795, 1797,
1798, and in 1805, great dependence was
placed upon those remedies whose operation
was more immediately evinced by their action
upon the surface of the body : this was parti-
cularly the case, in the treatment of this epi-
demic, when it prevailed with its greatest
mortality in 1798. From the records which
exist of that epidemic, it appears, that, by some
practitioners, recourse was had chiefly to mer-
curial remedies ; that some made liberal use of
blood-letting and other active evacuants, while
others again placed their chief dependence
upon moderate evacuants and sudorifics. But
without enlarging upon this point, I shall
briefly state the opinions of Dr. Hosack and
Dr. Bard, the distinguished President of the
College of Physicians and Surgeons. Having
had the most extensive opportunities of wit-
nessing this disease, and of employing the dif-
ferent methods of treatment, they bear the

68 DISSERTATION ON THE

most unequivocal testimony in its favour. In
the yellow fever of 1798 and 1799, after the
necessary evacuations of the first passages had
been procured, almost exclusive dependence
was placed upon sudorifics.* Of these sudori-
fics, the eupatorium, admininistered in the
form of decoction, was deservedly considered
of great value. Its primary operation was
in promoting the cuticular discharges.

In Typhoid Peripneumony.

The disease, called by some practitioners
the petechial or spotted fever, and, by others,
the malignant pleurisy or typhoid peripneu-
mony, and which, within these few years past,
has prevailed to such an extent in different
parts of the United States, more especially in
the eastern districts, and in the northern and

* See Hosack's letter to Dr. Currie, in Dr. Currie's
sketch of the yellow fever, as it prevailed ia Philadelphia io
1 799. See also Stevens's letter on the Bone-set, in Mit-
CHiLL and Miller's Medical Repository, hexade 2. vol. 1.
p. 12.

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 69

western parts of Nevv-Yort, appears, from an
examination of the various accounts that have
been published, to have been more successfully
treated by the class of remedies denominated
sudorifics tlan by any other. The elaborate
and able Report published by the Massacbu-
seUs Medical Society relative to the petechial
fever, as it appeared in 1807 and 1808, is of it-
self sufficiently satisfactory on this point.* But
we may also add, that a similar opinion is
maintained by those who have witnessed this
disease, as it has appeared with no less mor-
tality in the state of New-York. See the re-
spective observations of Dr. Hudson,! of Dr.
]V]ajNN,J of Dr. WiLLiAMSois,^ and of Dr.

* IVledical Papers, communicated to the Massachusetts
Medical Society, vol. 2. pt. 2. p. 146 — 9. Amer. Med. and
Phil. Register, vol 1. p. 240—3.

t Remarks on the Epidemic of New-York, in Amer.
Med. and Phil. Reg. vol. 3. p. 496.

J Observations on the Pneumonia of New- York, in Amer.
Med. and Phil. Reg. vol. 3. p. 497.

§ Remarks on the Malignant Pleurisy of New- York, in
Amer. Med. and Phil. Reg. vol. 3. p. 453.
10

70 DISSERTATION ON THE

HosACK.* In many cases of this epidemic,
which occurred in the city of New- York in
the winter of 1812 — 13, after the proper eva-
cuants had been employed, in some instances
by the lancet, and after the bowels were re-
lieved by mild purgative medicine, among the
remedies which were had recourse to in order
to procure perspiration, such as the infusion of
snake root, wine whey, &c. the eupatorium
also proved highly serviceable. That a remedy
like the eupatorium, possessing such active
properties as a sudorific, should prove useful
in a disease so generally characterized by
symptoms of great debility, can easily be ex-
plained, when we revert to its chemical
analysis, and consider its tonic, and conse-
quently its cordial, properties.

* Observations on the Peripneumonia Typhodes of New-
York, io Amer. Med. and Phil. Reg. vol. 3. p. 448.

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 71

Cutaneous Diseases,

In many of the diseases arranojed under the
class denominated cutaneous,* • whether de-
pending upon a peculiar habit of body, or
arising from specific morbid matter introduc-
ed into the system, we have sufficient evidence
to believe that the eupatorium may be em-
ployed with great advantage. Its general
action upon the secretions, particularly those
of the surface of the body and upon the urinary
organs, presents sufficient proof, that in those
cases in which alteratives are indicated, it will
be productive of very salutary effects ; and
such indeed was found to be the fact' in the
management of a particular and distressing
affection of the herpetic kind, w hich was for-
merly very common in Virginia, and there
known by the name of the James' River ring-
worm ; so called because the disease was espe-
cially prevalent among the inhabitants who

* See Dr. Willan's arrangement of Cutaneous Diseases.

72 DISSERTATION ON THE

resided upon the upper streams of James'
River. Upon tt)e autliority of Dr. Barton,^
we are informed, tl:at in this affection the eu-
patorium perfoliatum was very beneficial.
" The patient," says he, "drank a decoction
of the plant, and continued the use of it for
some time. It sometimes puked, it no doubt
purged, and in all probably it operated as a
sudorific." In treatment of the influensay or
epidemical catarrh which prevailed so gene-
rally in the United States, in the year 1807,
this vegetable, both in the form of a simple
decoction and in that of infusion, proved high-
ly serviceable. In the former preparation it
was useful from its mild emetic qualities, and
from its action upon the skin ; in the L tter its
salutary operation was caused by its cordial
and tonic properties. In the treatment of
other diseases, depending upon epidemical
causes, such as measels, scarlatina, small pox,
^c. this plant will also be found deserving of
attention.

* CoUectioQs towards a Materia Medica.

EUPATORIUM PERFOMATUM. l.i

Diseases of JJehility.

The powerfully tonic effects of this plant
have already claimed our attention when con-
sidering its chemical analysis, and Ihe obser-
vations which were made upon its employ-
ment in the treatment of intermittents, and the
cases of this disease which were effectually
cured by it, present a practical illustration of
what wfis at first advanced. That a remedy
which in one form can arrest the paroxysms of
an intermittent, might in another form possess
tonic properties calculated to do much good
in disorders arising from general debility,
needs no effort of the imagination to conceive.
During the writer's attendance in the New-
York Alms-house in the year 1812, very libe-
ral recourse was had to this remedy in diseases
of this kind. The preparation for the most part
employed, was an alcoholic tincture of the
pulverised leaves and flowers. In general ana-
sarcous affections of the extremities, whether
occurring as symptomatic of other diseases.

74 DISSERTATION ON THE

or depending upon a debilitated habit of body,
this remedy in many cases was a convenient
and salutary medicine. In ascites, when it
may be considered as a disease of debility,
that is, when it does not arise from general
plethora of the system and fulness of the
blood vessels,* the alcoholic tincture may be
safely recommended as an excellent tonic ; and
it is worthy of remark, that in as much as it pos-
sesses, to a considerable degree, in addition to
its tonic effects, the properties of a divu-etic, it
may be the more advantageously employed
in cases of this kind.

* This discrimination between the different kinds of drop-
sy necessarily leads to the most important practical applica-
tion. The eupatorium as a tonic cannot but be pernicious
in diseases depending upon a general fulness of the habit.
And that dropsy depends, in a majority of cases, upon this
cause, is confirmed by the experience of all who have en-
jo}ed opportunities of observation in this disease. In-
deed, there is as good reason for considering dropsies iu
their active and passive stage, as there i§^ for dividing
inflammation into acute and chronic. MS. Notes on Ho-*
sack's Lectures.

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 75

I should be wanting in those feelings of re-
spect which I ought to cherish toward the
university in which I have acquired the ele-
ments of my medical education, did I not now,
when about to receive its honours, present my
grateful acknowledgments to the respective
professors of the college, for the liberal aid
imparted me by their able lectures during the
progress of my medical studies.

FINIS.