MEDICAL BOTANY:
SYSTEMATIC AND GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS,
‘Plates of all the Medicinal ‘lants,
CATALOGUES OF THE MATERIA MEDICA,
AS PUBLISHED BY THE
ROYAL COLLEGES OF PHYSICIANS OF LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND DUBLIN;
TOGETHER WITH THE PRINCIPAL MEDICINAL PLANTS NOT INCLUDED IN THOSE PHARMACOPGIAS.
ACCOMPANIED WITH A CIRCUMSTANTIAL DETAIL OF THE MEDICINAL EFFECTS, AND OF THE DISEASES IN
WHICH. THEY HAVE BEEN MOST SUCCESSFULLY EMPLOYED.
BY
WILLIAM WOODVILLE, M.D. F.LS.
THIRD EDITION,
IN WHICH THIRTY-NINE NEW PLANTS HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED.
THE BOTANICAL DESCRIPTIONS ARRANGED AND CORRECTED BY
DR. WILLIAM JACKSON HOOKER, F.R.S. L. S. &c.
Who has uddded on Index following the ‘Arteaga of Jasin
THE NEW MEDICO-BOTANICAL PORTION SUPPLIED BY
G. SPRATT, ESQ. aurHor oF THE FLORA MEDICA,
Under whose immediate Inspection the whole of the Plates have been coloured.
IN FIVE VOLUMES.
VOL. V.
LONDON :
PUBLISHED BY JOHN BOHN, 17, HENRIETTA STREET.
1832.
ePeneus balsamea
C Spratt dee.
ORD. I. CONIFER.
PINUS BALSAMEA. BALM OF GILEAD FIR.
SYNONYMA. Abies taxi fclio, odore balsami Gileadensis. Du Hamel,
Arb. v. 1.3... Pinus balsamea. Willd. v. 4. p.504; Lin. Sp. Pl. 1421 ;
Ait. Kew. Ed. 2. v. 5. p.319; Lambert. 48. t.31. Abies balsamifera. Mich.
Boreal-Amer. v. 2. 207; Mich. Arb. For. v. 1. 145. .14.
Class Monoecia. Ord. Monadelphia. Nat. Ord. Conifer. Linn. Juss.
Gen. Char. Male flower in a catkin, naked. CalyxO. CorollaO. Stamens
numerous, on a common stalk.
Female flower in a catkin or cone of close, rigid, two-lipped, two-flowered
scales; Seeds, two to each scale, winged.
Sp. Char. Leaves solitary. flat, imperfectly two-ranked. Cones eylindsical,
erect, with sharp seis scales. Crest of the anthers pointless. ,
THIS species of pine forms a very beautiful tree, rising to the height of
about forty feet: the trunk, which measures from twelve to fifteen inches in -
diameter, is straight, and covered with a smooth, whitish grey bark. The
leaves are very fragrant, disposed on either side of the branches, like the
teeth of a comb; they are solitary, flat, linear, short, not exceeding eight
lines in length, and pointed ; of a bright green on their upper surface, paler
No. 1. B
2 ORD. I. Coniferz. PINUS BALSAMEA.
beneath, and marked with whitish lines. The male catkins are ovate; the
crest of the anthers kidney-shaped, pointless, or furnished with short spines,
but never bifid; the females with numerous ovate, notched, pointed bracteas.
The cones, which stand erect upon the branches, are large, nearly cylindri-
cal, and when full grown, of a beautiful, deep, glossy, purple colour, inclining
to black, and exuding a great quantity of transparent resin, which gives
them a very beautiful appearance. Figure (a) represents a female catkin,
(2) a male catkin, (c) scales of a catkin, (d) its bracteole, (e) the anthers, (/)
scale of a cone.
The Pinus balsamea is a native of the coldest regions of North America,
growing abundantly in Canada, Nova Scotia, New England, and the other
northern provinces. It has been cultivated in this country since 1698, but
our climate does not appear to be congenial to it, for although it attains a
considerable height, it seldom survives above twenty years.*
The fine turpentine of the shops, or what is commonly called Canada bal-
sam, is yielded by this tree. It exists in great quantity, in the vesicles be-
tween the wood and bark; being collected by making incisions in the trunk
of the tree, through which it exudes. It is imported into this country in
casks, weighing about one cwt. each.
Sensible and Chemical Properties, Sc. Canada balsam, or turpentine, has
a strong, but rather agreeable odour; its taste is somewhat bitter, and re-
sembles the other turpentines; its colour is pale yellow, with a greenish
tinge, transparent, and has the consistence of honey fresh from the comb.
Distilled with water, it yieldsa limpid, colourless, essential oil, and leaves
a solid resin, resembling the common yellow resin. Distilled by itself, it
yields, first, a clear oil, in appearance like that obtained by distillation with
water, but which gradually changes to yellow, and then red, and leaves a
black resin.. During the operation of distillation, succinic acid also rises.
It is insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol and ether, also in the volatile
and drying oils; it is soluble in alkaline leys and the strong acids; the sul-
phuric and nitric acids convert it into artificial tannin. The essential oil,
or spirit of turpentine, as it is commonly called, has a strong penetrating
* Some of the largest and oldest trees are said to be on the estate at Warwick Castle,
and at Woburn, the seat of the Duke of Bedford.
+ Annales de Chim. xxi. 328.
PINUS BALSAMEA. ORD. I. Coniferex. 3
odour, and a hot, pungent, bitterish taste. Itis perfectly limpid and colour-
less, light, volatile, inflammable, and burns with a very vivid, crackling
flame. It is soluble in six parts of sulphuric ether, very sparingly soluble
in cold alcohol, one hundred parts unite with twenty of alcohol; if the
alcohol be heated, the oil readily combines with it, but will be separated
again as soon as the spirit cools. A stream of oxymuriatic gas passed through
it, converts it into a yellow resin. Distilled with four times its volume
of water, it becomes lighter and brighter.
Medical Properties and Uses. Canadianbalsam possesses similar medicinal
properties to the other turpentines, which have been fully described under
the article Pinus sylvestris, Pinus abies, Pinus picea, and Pinus larix, in
Vol. L. of this work. We have, therefore, only a few observations*to make
on the use of the oil of turpentine as a remedial agent, more especially for
the expulsion of tenia. It was first recemmended by Dr. Fenwick as an
anthelmintic * of very considerable powers. The Doctor prescribed it in
doses of two ounces, and repeated it in ounce doses till it had the desired
effect; purging is in general produced, and the worm is usually evacuated
lifeless.t+ Turpentine, when given in large doses, by acting as a cathartic,
seems to prevent its absorption; hence its action on-the urinary organs be-
comes obviated, and stranguary, which so frequently accompanies the inter-
nal use of small doses of turpentine, is not to be apprehended ; not only for
the expulsion of tenia, but for other worms, (especially the dwmbrici) it has
been administered with equal success. Dr. Copeland { strongly recommends
the oil in the hemorrhagie, particularly in atonic epistaxis, also in epilepsy,
in the last stages of puerperal fever, and in the convulsions of infants, when
arising from a disordered state of the alimentary canal. It is also a power-
ful emmenagogue, thence useful in chlorosis. We are told by Dr. Copeland,
that in some cases of ovarian dropsy, its effects were such as to recommend
its employment in the incipient stages of that disease, and also in other
dropsies. Externally, the oil of turpentine is used with much advantage as
a primary application to scalds and burns. Dr. Kentish was the first who
* Vide Med. Chir. Trans. vol. ii. +Vide Med. & Phys. Jour. v. xlvi-p. 185 & seq.
{ The action of oil of turpentine appears to differ from every other medicine that has
been administered for the expulsion of tenia, by killing the worm; for we are told, that
every worm that has been ejected by the oil of turpentine, generally had a livid hue, and
was lifeless
B2
se ORD. I. Conifere. PINUS BALSAMEA.
introduced its use* and subsequently his practice has been confirmed and
adopted by many surgeons of skill and eminence. It is also topically ap-
plied as a discutient to indolent tumours, and as a rubifacient, in chronic
rheumatism, sciatica, lumbago, &c.
* Vide Essay on burns.—To those who are unacquainted with the importance of tur-
pentine oil, as an application to burns, we would recommend a perusal of Dr. Kentish’s
Essays, and Medical and Physical Journal, vol. iii. p. 262.
ORD. I. AMENTACEZ.
QUERCUS INFECTORIA. STAINING OAK.
SYNONYMA. Quercus infectoria. Willd. Sp. Pl. v. 4. p. 436: Olivier.
Voy. dans ? Empire Othoman, Ate.t. 14,15. Farber Eiche. Nom. Triv. Wilid.
Class Monoecia. Order Polyandria.
Nat. Ord. Amentacee. Linn. et Juss.
Gen. Char. Male flowers in a catkin. Calyx of several segments. Corolla
none. Stamens five to ten. 3
——s Calyx double, the outer inferior, scaly, undivided; the inner su-
perior, of six deep segments. Corolla none. Styleone. Nut coriaceous,
surrounded at the base by the persistent calyx.
f
Spec. Char. Leaves oblong, mucronate-dentate, glabrous on both sides. -
THE Quercus infectoria is a native of Asia Minor, and to be met with
from the Bosphorus as far as Syria, and from the coast of the Archipelago
to the frontiers of Persia. Olivier seems to have been the first who ascer-
G. Spratt ae.
QUERCUS INFECTORIA. ORD. II. Amentacez. 5
tained this species of guercus to be the one which produces the galls of com-
merce.* Weare told by General Hardwicke, in the narrative of his journey
to Sirinagur, that he found this guercus growing in the neighbourhood of
Adwaanie.t The greater part of the galls found in the Indian Bazaars are
said to be brought from Persia by the Arab merchants.
This species of oak has a crooked stem; it seldom exceeds six feet in height,
and more frequently assumes the character of a shrub than of a tree; the
leaves, which are deciduous in Autumn, are on short petioles, glabrous, ob-
long, with three or four teeth on each side; the teeth oblong, obtuse, mucro-
nate, as is the blunted apex, the base rounded, and generally unequal, of a
bright green colour on both sides, but paler beneath. The fruit or acorn is
solitary, elongated, smooth, twice or thrice as long as the cup, which is nearly
sessile, in a slight degree downy and scaly. The gal/ appears upon the shoots
of the younger branches, and soon acquires from four to twelve linesin dia-
meter; the insect which produces it is the Cynips Quercus-folii of Linneus
(Diplolepsis Gallz-tinctoriz of Geoffroy) a small hymenopterous insect, or fly,
with a fawn-coloured body, dark antenne, and the upper part of its body
of a shining brown. The insect punctures the tender shoot with its spiral
sting, and deposits its eggs, which attain their full size in a day or two,
before the larva is hatched. The eggs grow with the gall, and it is by the ir-
ritation which they keep up, (not, as has been supposed, by the maggot feed-
ing on the juices of the plant) that the morbid excitement is maintained in the
vessels of the part, sufficient for the production of this kind of vegetable wen.
Figure (a) on the drawing represents the insect magnified, (natural size,
about half an inch from-the tip of one wing to the other,) (6) the larva, (¢) a
different sort of gall said by Olivier to grow on the same oak. —
The sensible qualities of galls, and their medical properties and uses,
have already been detailed under the article Quercus Robur, (see Vol. I. p.
25-27) we have therefore only to enlarge upon their Chemical Properties.
From the analysis of Sir H. Davy, we learn, that 500 grains of Aleppo
galls yielded to pure water by lixiviation, 185 grains of solid matter, of which
130 were tannin; mucilage and matter rendered insoluble by evaporation,
12; gallic acid, and a little extractive, 31; saline and earthy matter, 12.
The soluble part of galls is taken up by about forty times its weight of boil-
ing water, the residue is tasteless. The watery infusion reddens tincture of
* Vide Olivier’s Travels, (translation) p.41. + Asiatic Researches, v. 6. p. 376.
6 ORD. II. Amentacex. QUERCUS INFECTORIA
litmus, and forms precipitates with solutions of the following substances :—
isinglass, lime-water, subcarbonate of potass, acetate of lead, sulphate of
copper, nitrate of silver, sulphate of iron, nitrate of mercury, tartrate of anti-
mony, and the infusions of Columbo root, Cusparia bark, and Cinchona
bark. The muriate of mercury renders the infusion milky and opaque; but
no precipitate is formed. Nitrous acid, sulphate of zinc, infusion of quassia,
ammonia, and infusion of saffron, occasion no precipitate. A saturated de-
coction of gall,.on cooling, deposits a copious pale yellow precipitate, which
appears to be. purer tannin than can be got by any other process. Alcohol
takes up nearly seven parts out of ten, and ether five. Newmann obtained
from 960 grains of coarsely powdered galls, 840 watery extract, and after-
wurds 4 alcoholic ; and inversely, 760 alcoholic, and 80 watery. The ethe-
real tincture, when evaporated on water, leaves on the side of the glass an
_opaque pellicle, and on the surface of the water small drops of an oily resin-
ous-like matter, while the substratum of water becomes charged with tannin
and gallic acid. The alcoholic tincture reddens litmus, and forms precipi-
tates with the re-agents as the watery infusion. To what principles these
precipitates are owing, remains to be ascertained. It is observed by Vauquelin,
that the infusions of nut-galls and cinchona, agree in precipitating both ge-
latine and tartrate of antimony, and that they precipitate each other. We
are told by Dr, Duncan, that, in his experiments, “ a saturated mixture of
the infusions of nut-galls and cinchona still precipitate gelatine; but infu-
sions, separately saturated by gelatine, do not act on each other.” Hence
it appears, that the action of the infusions on each other, depends on prin-
ciples contained in each, compatible with the presence of tannin, but re-act
ing on each other, and that gelatine precipitates the principles, along with
the tannin. It has been generally asserted, that the precipitate of tannin -
and gelatine is insoluble in water, either cold or hot; but I find, that in
boiling water, it not only becomes soft and viscid, but a certain portion is
dissolved, which separates again when the solution cools.”* M. Braconnot
has discovered in nut-galls a new acid, which he has named Ellagic.t This
acid is in the form of a white powder, with a slight tinge of red, itis insipid,
inodorous, and insoluble in boiling water; combined with nitric acid, and
gently heated, the mixture acquires a deep red colour. Galls also yield, by
distillation with water, a small portion of a concrete, volatile oil.t .
* Edin. New Dispensatory. + Ann. de Chim. et Phys. t. ix. p. 187. + Phil. Mag.
C. Spratt aed.
SALIX CAPREA. ORD. II. Amentacezx. ee i
SALIX CAPREA. ROUND LEAVED SALLOW.,
SYNONYMA, Salix latifolia inferne hirsuta. Bawh. Hist. p. 215. Raii
Hist. 1422. n.1. Salix latifolio rotunda. Bauh. Pin. 474. Dill. App. 37.
Rati Angl.3.p.449. Salix caprea latifolia. Fl. Lapp. Tab. viii. Fig. 8.
Salix caprea. Lin. Sp. Pl. 1448. § Fl. Suec.n.900. Gmel. Sib. p. 137.
Hoffm. Sal.i.3. With. Arrang. vol. ii. p.74. Willd. Sp. Pl. v. 4. p. 703.
Huds. Fl. Angl. Ed. 2. p. 429. Smith, Fl. Brit. p. 1067. Engl. Bot. t. 1488.
Hook, Fl. Scot. i. p. 286. Smith, Engl. Fl. v. 4. p. 225. Hook. Br. Fi.
p. 425. Salict. Wob. p. 243. t. 122.
Class Dioecia. Order Diandria.*
Nat. Ord. Amentacez, Juss.
Gen. Char. Male. Amentum cylindrical. Calyx a scale. Corolla none.
Gland at the bottom of the lower nectariferous.
Female. Amentum cylindrical. Calyx a scale. Style bifid. Capsule one-
celled, two-valved. Seeds comose.
Spec. Char. Leaves ovate-elliptical, acute, serrated, and waved at the mar-
gin, downy beneath. Stipules semi-cordate. Germens pedicellate, lanceo-
late-subulate, silky. Stigmas sessile, undivided.
THE Salix caprea is indigenous to Britain, it sometimes becomes a mo-
derately-sized tree, no other species of willow requiring so dry a soil; it
blossoms in April, and enlivens the Spring with its numerous yellow flowers.
The trunk rises to a considerable height, and sends off many spreading
branches, which are covered with a smooth ash-coloured bark. The leaves
are petiolate, four or five inches long, and about three broad, obtusely ser-
rated, lanceolate, or ovate-oblong, of a dark green, and smooth or downy on
the upper surface ; beneath, of a bluish grey colour, somewhat cottony, and
_ marked with a network of veins. There are sometimes no stipules, but when
" present, they usually accompany the uppermost leaves, are rounded and ob-
* Class Diandria. Order Monogynia. Withering’s Arrangement of British Plants,
7th Edition.
8 ORD. I. Amentacez. SALIX CAPREA.
seurely toothed. The male catkin is pale, cylindrical, one or two inches
long, and one broad, with ovate, downy scales; stamens two, filiform and
smooth ; nectary composed of two yellow, glandular scales, the larger being
between the stamen and the receptacle, and the smaller between the stamen
and the scale. The female catkins oblong or cylindrical, on foot-stalks,
which have six or seven scales; the germen ovate, supporting two bifid,
erect stigmas; the capsule is ovate, and contains many small seeds. Figure
(a) female flowers, (4) the same magnified, (c) the germen, (d) stigmas, (e) gland,
_(f) male flower, (g) the same magnified, (h) gland, (é) stamens.
The bark* of this speceies has not been chemically examined; its sensible
qualities being however the same as the white willow, it probably contains
similar constituent principles. As a remedial agent, it has been given with
success, as a substitute for the cinchona bark, in the same diseases and under
similar circumstances, in which the bark of the white willow has been ad-
ministered; but the comparative powers of the two have not been defined.
It certainly would be of some importance to ascertain, by a series of experi-
ments, which of the species of willow might be administered with the greatest
advantage. At present the shops are supplied from a variety of different
species. :
* The wood and branches of this species of willow are manufactured into a variety of
useful articles: the bark has been used for tanning leather; bees extract much honey
from its catkins; goats are said to be particularly fond of the foliage and young shoots.
SALIX ALBA. COMMON WHITE WILLOW.
SYNONYMA. Salix. Lob. Ic. 2. p.136. Salix vulgaris alba arborescens.
C. Bauh. Pin. 473. Dill. App. p. 42. Salix maxima fragilis alba hirsuta.
J. Bauh. Hist. p. 212. Salix arborea angusti folia vulgalis. Rai Hist. n.
1419. Salix alba. Lin. Sp. Pl. p. 1449. Fl. Suec. 2. n. 903. Hort. Cliff.
473. Hud. fl. Angl. Ed. 2. p. 430. Light. Fl. Scot. p. 609. Hoff. Sal. i. 7
& 8. Willd. Sp. Pl.v. 4. p. 710. With. Arrang. ii. p. 76. Smith, Fl. Brit..
p- 1071. Engl. Bot. t. 2430. Hook. Scot. 1. p. 287. Smith, Engl. Fl. v. 4.
p. 231. Salict. Wob. p. 271. t. 136. Hook. Brit. Fl. p. 418.
a
> Soralé del
SALIX ALBA. ORD. IL. Amentacezx. 9
Spec. Char. Leaves elliptical-lanceolate, regularly glanduloso serrate, acute,
silky beneath, often so above. Germen ovate acuminate, nearly sessile,
glabrous. . Stigmas sub-sessile, short, recurved, bifid. Scales short, pubes-
cent at the margin.
THE common White Willow is a native of Britain, growing in woods,
hedge-rows, and wet meadow and pasture land; flowering in April and May.
It is a tall straight tree, and attains a very considerable size.* The trunk is
covered with a cracked bark of a greyish colour; the branches are numerous,
spreading widely; the deaves are alternate, on short petioles, sharply and
elegantly serrated; their lower serratures, remote and glandular, shining,
pubescent above, white and silky beneath; the barren catkins cylindrical,
blunt, one and a half to two inches long, four lines broad, on foot-stalks
which are half an inch long. Stamens two; nectaries two, one before the
stamens, and inversely heart-shaped, the other behind them, and oblong.
Fertile catkins slender, cylindrical, two inches long, three or four lines broad,
on foot-stalks near an inch in length: the style is short; the stigmas bipar-
tite, and thick; the capsules are nearly sessile, ovate, smooth, and of a brown-
ish colour. The drawing represents a branch of a male plant, figure (a) a |
single scale of a male catkin, shewing the stamens, &c. (magnified), (6) a
mature amentum of a female plant, (c) a single scale of the natural size, (d)
the germen and stigmas magnified, (e) scale, (f) a seed.
We are told by Withering, that this species of willow prefers an open and
moist situation, where it grows quickly, and bears lopping.t The wood is
light, tough, pliable, and very white ; hence it is much esteemed for many
economical purposes :—viz. for making pails, chests, boxes, and for chips
for willow bonnets, &c.; and also for the purpose of tanning leather.
Horses, cows, and sheep, feed on the leaves and young shoots.
Sensible Qualities and Chemical Properties, &c. The bark is inodorous,
somewhat bitter and astringent; water extracts these qualities: the decoc-
* A willow of this species, grawing at Bury St. Easnuinds, (called the Abbot's wil-
low) measures in height seventy-five feet, in girth eighteen feet six inches, and contains
440 cubic feet of timber.—Vide Streitt's Sylva Britannica.
+ The same author says, that, “ whoever desires to shade a walk with willows, should
set barren plants only ; or they will soon multiply so as to form a thicket, instead of a
walk.”
Nad. c
th Re Ue ater oe ee Fen ron ne gisege
10 ORD. II. Amentacezx. SALIX ALBA.
tion is of a reddish colour; sulphate of iron produces a dark green precipi-
tate; asolution of isinglass throws down a precipitate, at first blue, but
changing to a buff colour; carbonate of ammonia, and potass, and also lime
water, throw down precipitates of the same colour. The watery extract has
a bitter taste, is somewhat brittle, ofa reddish colour, and does not deliquesce.
The alcoholic tincture is of a greenish yellow colour, and is rendered turbid
by the addition of water; when evaporated, it leaves a bright yellow ex-
tract, which melts at a moderate heat, and emits an aromatic odour.* Hence
it appears, that the constituents of the white willow bark are, extractive, bit-
ter resin, gluten, and tannin:
. A. Buchner of Munich+ has lately discovered a bitter principle in the
barks of the salix incana and vitellina, to which he has given the name of
salicine. This substance, we are told by him, belongs to the class of alka-
loids, and it is to this principle M. A. Buchner attributes the febrifuge pro-
perties of the different species of willow. To obtain this principle, he treated
«1 ry | aS he BEETLE | aay | + PS hi 1 4} 4 = 2 ie
7
exhausted it with water acidulated with sulphuric acid: this produced him
a very bitter solution. He then precipitated the sulphuric acid and the co-
louring matter, by acetate of lead ; and afterwards separated the excess of
lead from the liquor, by means of the hydro-sulphuric acid. The liquor was
then treated with the whites of eggs, and animal charcoal (ivory black), to
separate the remaining colouring matter: by these means he obtained a very
bitter solution, nearly colourless. Having boiled the liquor with caustic am-
monia, he volatilized the acetic acid; during which the liquor took a yel-
lowish tinge, the evaporation was continued until he obtained a soft extract,
intermixed with crystals of salicine. Ina second mémoire on the prepara-
tion and properties of salicine.t M. Buchner gives the preference to the
following mode of preparing this substance :—viz. dissolve four parts of the
extract of the bark of common willow] in 24 to 30 parts of water; and add
* Ann. de*Chimie, liv. 290.
+ Vide Extrait du Recueil de Pharmacie, rédigé par M. Buchner 4 Munich. Jour-
nal de Pharmacie, No. X. 15iéme Année, Octobre 1809.
{ Vide Mémoire sur la préparation et les propriétés de la salicine, par A. Buchner.
Journal de Pharmacie, No. IV. 1Giéme Année, Avril 1830.
|| The particular species is not named, but we have every reason to believe that salicine
may be obtained from every individual species of the genus salix.
SALIX ALBA. ORD. IL. Amentacezx. — ll
from 1 to 2 parts of sulphurie acid, weakened with water; immedi-
"ately on shaking this mixture, a flaky precipitate separates, produced by the
tannin; while the salicine is combined with the sulphuric acid: the liquor,
which by this means acquires a straw colour, passes with facility, and per-.
fectly clear, through a filter. To obtain the salicine without combination,
we must separate the acid employed, by carbonate of barytes or of lime, a
process which gives a red tint to the liquor: this, being separated from the
precipitate, is immediately evaporated to the consistence of syrup, and after-
wards treated by six to eight times its weight of alcohol, which determines
the formation of a red, flaky deposit ; it then only remains to filter and eva-
porate the liquor to obtain the salicine.
Salicine, when pure, is in the form of yellowish, shining, transparent,
brittle, crystals; taste extremely bitter, resembling quinine; soluble in water
in all proportions; also in alcohol, but insoluble in ether, and the essential
oils.* We have no doubt but salicine may be used with advantage under
many circumstances, as a substitute for quinine.
Medical Properties and Uses. The bark of this willow, and also that-of
the salix fragilis (crack willow)t and the salix saprea (round leaved sallow),
have been given as a substitute for the cinchona barks, in the cure of inter-
mittent and remittent fevers. The Rev. Mr. Stone, of Chipping-Norton,
Oxfordshire, was the first who drew the attention of physicians to the bark
of the white willow; he gave it successfully in doses of one drachm of the
powder, every two, three, or four hours, between the paroxysms. In quar-
tans, and a few obstinate cases, he occasionally added one-fifth of the Peru-
vian bark.t It has also been administered with success in cases of debility,
and in other diseases, requiring the aid of bitter, astringent medicines.
Willow bark may be given in decoction :—* An ounce anda half of the
dried bark should be first macerated for six hours in two pounds of water,
and then made to boil in it for ten or fifteen minutes. An ounce or two of
this decoction may be given three or four times a day, or oftener.” || For the
cure of intermittents, the bark, in substance finely powdered, may be ex-
hibited in doses of from one to two drachms. ,
* Journal de Pharmacie, No. iv. 1830. p. 247. + Vide vol.i. p. 19 of this Work.
t Phil. Trans. vol. liii. p. 195. —_|| Edin. New Dispens. 11th Ed.
ORD. Ill. COMPOSITA DISCOIDEA.
SOLIDAGO VIRGAUREA. COMMON GOLDEN-ROD.
SYNONYMA. Virga Aurea vulgaris latifolia. Bauh. Hist. v. 2. 1062. f.
Virga aurea. Raii Syn. 176; Camer. Epit. 748, 749, f.f.; Park. 542;
Ger. Em. 430. f.; Matth. Valgr. v.2. 354. f.; Dod. Pempt. 142. f. Soli-
dago, v.69. Hall Hist.v. t.29. Solidago virgaurea. Lin. Sp. Pl. 1235.
Hook. Scot. 244; Stokes, v. 4.219; Fl. Brit. 889; Engl. Bot. t.301; Engl.
Fil. v.3. p.438 ; Hook. Br. Fl. p.362. Small, with broader radical leaves.
S. cambrica Huds.; Willd. v. 3. 2065: Wither. Arrang. of Brit. Pl. v. 4;
Solidago vulgaris. Gray, Nat. Arr. of Brit. Pl. v. 2. p. 465.
Class Syngenesia. Ord. Polygamia Superflua.
Nat. Ord.. Composite, discoidie, Linn. Corymbifera, Juss.
Gen. Char.. Receptacle, naked. Seed, downed, simple. Calyx, imbricated,
with close scales. Florets of the Radius, about five (yellow.)
Sp. Char. Stem slightly zigzag, angular. Clusters, downy, panicled, crowded,
erect. Upper leaves, lanceolate. Lower leaves, elliptico-lanceolate, hairy,
partly serrated. :
THE Solidago Vigaurea is the only species* of the genus that is indigenous
to Britain.t It is a perennial plant, flowering in July and August; inha-
* Withering says that “ these plants are so variable in size and other m
characteristics, that it is difficult to determine species and varieties,”
+ The genus solidago comprises a very numerous tribe of plants ; sixty-six are enu-
merated in Loudon’s Hortus Britannicus, as being cultivated in our gardens, nearly the
whole of which are natives of North America; though Sprengel confines the list of spe-
ore proper
cies to sixty-three.
SOLIDAGO VIGAUREA. ORD. III. Composite Discoidex. 13
‘biting groves and heaths, and flourishing in poor soils on mountainous
situations. The root is woody, and furnished with long simple fibres; the
stem rises from one to three feet in height, erect, slightly zigzag, angular,
solid, downy, branched towards the top. The leaves are elliptic-oblong,
stalked, more or less serrated, rough, clothed with a rigid down, of a dull
_ green.on the upper surface, paler beneath. The stem-leaves are smaller,
more entire, sessile, alternate, downy, and gradually diminishing to lan-
ceolate bracteas. The Jlowers are of a bright yellow colour, in terminal
and axillary panicles, forming dense leafy clusters, which vary much in the
number and size of the flowers; in elevated situations being more dense,
shorter, and less compound, The scales of the calyx are erect, lanceolate,
downy, membraneous at the edges, and finely fringed, within of a silvery
whiteness.* The florets of the disc are numerous, tubular, with five equal
segments: those of the ray from five to ten; elliptic-oblong, three-toothed,
spreading; the filaments are capillary, short; the anthers united into a
cylindrical tube; the seeds are ovate, hairy; their down appearing rough
when magnified; the receptacle is punctated and toothed at the margin.
Fig. (a) represents the lower part of the stem and leaves in outline: (0) the
calyx : (c) a floret of the ray: (d) a floret of the disc: (e) the receptacle.
Qualities, &c. The whole herb, when slightly bruised, has a slight aromatic
odour, and a weak astringent taste: these qualities are extracted both by
water and alcohol: the watery infusion, made ‘with boiling water, has a
slight astringent taste, and strikes a black colour with the sulphate of iron.
We have not learnt that this plant has been chemically examined ; but from
its slight astring gency, it probably contains a small portion of the tannin prin-
cip €.
Medical Properties amd Uses. This plant is astringent, tonic, and slightly
diuretic : formerly it was much employed in calculous and other diseases of
the bladder, and several cases are recorded+ of its beneficial effects. Never-
theless it is seldom employed in modern practice : like many of our other
indigenous plants, it is too common to be held in any esteem.. Old Gerarde,
when alluding to the high. price this plant fetched, till it was discovered
growing in the neighbourhood of London, when it ceased to be held in any
estimation, observes—* This verifieth our English proverbe, ‘ Far fetcht and
- * Withering. + See Gent. Mag. for 1788—and Med. and Phy. Journ. vol. 19.
14 | ORD. III. Compositz Discoideer. SOLIDAGO VIRGAUREA.
deere bought, is best for the ladies.’ Thus much I have spoken, to bring
these new-fangled fellowes back again, to esteeme better of this admirable
plant.” Gerarde, no doubt, overrated the medicinal properties of this indi-
genous herb; but modern practitioners, probably, equally undervalue it.
We feel convinced that many valuable native plants are discarded from our
materie medicz, to gratify the prevailing rage for exotic productions.
ORD. IV. AGGREGATA.
CEPHAELIS IPECACUANHA. TIPECACUAN.
SYNONYMA. Ipecacuanha fusca. Piso, Bras. p.101. Herba Paris Bra-
_ Siliana, Polycoccos. Raii Hist.669. Callicocca ipecacuanha. Brotero,
Linn. Trans. v. 6. p. 137, t. 11. Psychotria ipecacuanha. Stokes, Bot. Mat.
Med. v. i. 364. Cephaélis ipecacuanha. Rich. Hist. Ip. p. 21. t. 2. Reem.
et Sch. Syst. Veg. v. 1. p. 210. St. Hil. Pl. Us. Brazil. v. i. t. 6.
Class Pentandria. Ord. Monogynia.
Nat. Ord. Aggregate. Linn.—Rubiace. Juss. Cinchonacee, Lindley.
Gen. Char. Flowers in an involucred head. Corolla tubular. Prostar
two-parted. Berry two-seeded. Receptacle chaffy.
Spec. Char. Stem simple ascending, somewhat shrubby, sarmentose.
Leaves ovate-lanceolate, somewhat pubescent. Head of flowers terminal,
pedunculated, solitary. Corolla five-cleft, chaffy. piiauniee ee Involucre
tetraphyllous.
THE Cephaélis yes is a perennial plant, native of Brazil, and
found in moist situations in the provinces of Rio Janeiro, Mariannia,
Gphactes preeacuanha
G.Sprate del
CEPHAELIS IPECACUANHA. ORD. IV. Aggregate. Bees
Pernambuqua, Bahia, &c. inhabiting the woods, and flowering from No-
vember to March. The root is simple, or somewhat branched, and furnished
with a few short radicles; it is roundish, three or four inches in length, and
two or three lines in thickness, irregularly bent, externally of a brown co.
lour, and annulated with numerous, prominent, unequal, rings. The stem
is procumbent at the base, rising from five to nine inches in height, round,
the thickness of a hen’s quill; smooth, leafless, of a brownish colour, knotted
at the lower part, and leafy towards the upper: after the first year it throws
out a few knotty runners, from which, about six inches apart, new stems
arise. The inferior leaves are caducous, so that not more than eight gene-
rally remain at the summit of each stem, when it flowers: they are nearly
sessile, opposite, spreading, ovate, pointed at both ends, three or four inches
long, and less than two broad; of a bright green on the upper surface, be-
neath of a whitish green colour, pubescent, veined ; at the base of each pair
of leaves, is a pair of short, fimbriated, withering, stipules, embracing the
stem. The flowers are aggregated in a solitary head, on a round, downy
foot-stalk, terminating the stem; somewhat drooping, and encompassed by a
four-leaved involucre. The florets are sessile, from fifteen to twenty-four in
number, interspersed with little bracteas; the calyx very small ,five-toothed,
superior, and persistent ; the corolla monopetalous ; the border shorter than
the tube, woolly about the throat, swelling upwards, and divided into five
ovate, acute, spreading, segments. The filaments are short, capillary, in-
serted into the upper part of the tube, and bearing oblong, linear, erect,
anthers. The germen is ovate, surmounted by a thread-shaped style, as long
as the tube, surrounded at its base with a short, nectariferous rim, and ter-
' minated by two obtuse stigmas, the length of the anthers. The fruit is a
one-celled berry, of a reddish purple colour, becoming wrinkled and black,
and containing two smooth, oval seeds. Figure (a) represents a flower mag-
nified: (b) the corolla spread open, to show the anthers: (c) the germen,
style, and stigmas: (d) an interfloral bractea: (e) a berry: (f) section of a
berry, shewing the seed.
Although the root of this plant* has been long employed as an emetic, and
* Brown Ipecacuan was first brought into Europe about the middle of the last cen-
tury; but it is impossible to ascertain at what period this root was first known for its
emetic effects in America. Piso published an account of it in 1618.
16 ORD. IV. Aggregate. CEPHAELIS IPECACUANHA.
as otherwise forming a valuable remedial agent in our list of materia medica ;
yet the botanical characters of the plant itself were unknown, till Professor
Brotero of Coimbra, determined the genus to which it ought to be referred.*
According to Decandolle, the term Ipecacuanha, in South America, implies
vomiting-root, and therefore it is applied to the roots of very different plants,
viz. Asclepias currassavica—Cynanchum Ipecacuanha—Viola parviflora—V.
Ipecacuanha—V. Calceolaria—and Cynanchum tomentosum : and sometimes
to the Dorstenia brasiliensis—D. Arifolia—and to the Euphorbia ipecacuanha.t
Two varieties of the root are brought to this country, packed in bales from
Rio Janeiro,—the brown and the white, but whether they be the roots of one
and the same plant, or otherwise, does not appear to be exactly determined.
According to Mutis, the former is the root of the cephaélis, and the latter, on
the authority of M.Gomez, we must suppose to be yielded by the Richard-
sonia Brasiliensis. There is also a third variety, called black Ipecacuan, which
is a native of Peru, and is exported from Carthagena to Cadiz. It is the
root of the psychotria emetica. It is fusiform, striated, articulated, but not
annulated. White Ipecacuan is externally ofa dirty white éolonr, and turns
brownish by drying, is simple, or little blanched, five or six lines thick,
three inches long or upwards, attenuated at the extremities, variously con-
torted, with transverse annular rugosities, but larger than those of the brown
Ipecacuan, its bark is thick, white, internally softer than the brown, the
woody part white, hard, and as fine as a thread. The brown Ipecacuan is
characterized by being contorted, wrinkled, and unequal in thickness, having -
a thick bark, deeply fissured transversely, covering a very small, central,
woody part, so as to give the idea of a number of rings strung upon a thread.
Its colour varies with different shades of brown or grey.
Sensible and Chemical Properties, §c. The root of Ipecacuan is inodorous,
unless when reduced to powder, in which state it has a faint and somewhat
unpleasant smell. The taste is nauseous, bitter, and slightly acrid. Boiling
water takes up eight parts in twenty, proof spirit about six and a half, and
alcohol four parts. Various experiments have been instituted by chemists,
to detect the particular constituent to which Ipecacuanha owes its emetic
* Vide Verses Trans. vol. vi.
+In St. Domingo, several species of Ruellia, which excite vomiting, are denominated
false Ipecacuan. Vide Nouveau Dictionnaire d'Histoire Naturelle, Art. Tpecacuanha.
CEPHAELIS IPECACUANHA. ORD. IV. Aggregate. 17
quality.* M. M. Pelletierand Magendie found that the cephaélis Ipecacuanha,
Viola emetica, and Psychotira emetica, contain a common principle, which
they named emetine; to obtain which, they digested the powdered root in
double its weight of ether, in order to separate any fatty matter; the re-
mainder was heated with four times its weight of highly rectified alcohol,
until it ceased to become coloured, even when aided by heat. The solution
was evaporated to dryness, and re-dissolved in water, acetate of lead being
dropped into the solution; the precipitate, which falls, is to be diffused
through water, and exposed to a current of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. Sul-
- phuret.of lead falls to the bottom, and the emetine remains in solution. The
solution being again evaporated to dryness, the emetine appears in the form
of transparent scales ofa reddish brown colour, nearly devoid ef odour, and
the taste is bitter, but not very nauseous. It is capable of supporting the heat
of boiling water, without undergoing any change, is very deliquescent,
soluble in water, and incrystallizable.
Emetine, as above prepared, is not quite pure. To obtain pure emetine,
_ powder the ipecacuanha, and digest it in ether at sixty degrees, to dissolve
the fatty, odorous, matter. When the powder yields nothing more to the
ether, exhaust it again, by means of alcohol. Place the alcoholic tincture
in a water-bath, and re-dissolve the residue in cold water: it thus loses a
portion of wax, and a little of the fatty matter which still remained. Mace-
rate iton calcined magnesia, by which it loses its gallic acid,—and re-dissolve
it in aleohol. The emetine, thus isolated and rendered less soluble, is pre-
cipitated in combination with the excess of magnesia. This magnesian
precipitate, after being washed by means of a little very cold water, to
separate the colouring matter, which is not combined with the magnesia,
must be carefully dried, and digested in alcohol, which dissolves the emetine.
After the emetine has been separated from the alcohol by evaporation, it
should be re-dissolved in a diluted acid, and blanched by digestion with
purified animal charcoal: it must then be precipitated by a salifiable base.t
Pure emetine is white, pulverulent, and unalterable by the air; although
coloured emetine is deliquescent. It is scarcely soluble in water, but readily
* According to the analysis of M.M. Pelletier and Magendie, the components of
ipecacuanha, are :—Oil, 2: Wax, 6: Gum, 10: Emetine, 16: Starch, 40: Wood, 20:
Loss, 6=100.—Annales de ‘Chimie, iv. 180.
+ Magendie’s Formulary.
No. 3. , D
18 ORD. IV. Aggregate. CEPHAELIS IPECACUANHA.
dissolves in alcohol and ether: its taste is slightly bitter, it restores the blue
of turnsole when reddened by an acid, and is soluble in all the acids, the
acidity of which it diminishes, but without entirely destroying it. Like
veratrine, it forms crystallizable saline compounds with acids. It may be
precipitated from the combinations by the gall-nut, like the alkalies of the
different species of Cinchona.
M. M. Pelletier and Dumas have found the composition of pure emetine
obtained from the Cephaélis emetica, to be as follows :-—
Carbon! Siesqins le igerint, 6 92. fozg 64,57 .
Azote! egs; sien addy bys econcsks 4,00
Hydrogen: adi sxcovtheheosgies 7,77
JORGEN: fonts ay fos eet - 22,95
Emetine .. . 4 99,29
Action of E'metine on the Animal System. This substance, given to dogs
and cats to the extent of from half a grain to two or three grains, produced
vomiting, followed sometimes by long protracted sleep ; but when adminis.
tered to a greater extent, such as ten grains, it produced upon dogs con-
tinued vomiting, accompanied by stupor; in which, the animal, instead of
recovering, as in the other case, commonly died in. the course of twenty-four
hours. On Snes Sones the cause of death was discovered to be a
violent inflammation 0: pulmonary tissue, and of the mucous membrane
of the intestinal canal, from the cardia to the anus,—phenomena, very ana-
logous to those resulting from emetic tartar. Similar effects are produced,
if the emetine be injected into the jugular vein, or absorbed from any part
of the body. ;
Emetine acts on man as it does on animals. In doses of two grains, taken
on an empty stomach, it both vomits and purges, followed by a disposition
to sleep. Sometimes half or a quarter of a grain will excite nausea and
vomiting. In cases of disease, the action of emetine is perfectly analogous,
in addition to which, however, it exerts beneficial effects on catarrhal af-
fections, especially those of a chronic kind.*
* ‘Geo Recherches Chimi
ques et Physiologiques sur lTpecac. par M. M. Macend;
et Pelletier, Paris, 1807 z = ae
CEPHAELIS IPECACUANHA. ORD.IV. Aggregatx. - : 19
Medical Properties and Uses of Emetine. The cases in which Emetine
may be employed, are the same as those in which Jpecacuanha is indicated.*
To produce vomiting, four grains of the impure or coloured emetine, may be
dissolved in two or three ounces of water or any other vehicle, and given in
divided doses, repeated at short intervals; for if the whole be administered
at once, the vomiting thereby excited, would probably expel it altogether
from the stomach, without producing any other effect.
The following formula may also be used :—
EMETINE MIXTURE.
Take of Emetine . . . . 4grains
Weak Orunge-fowee in fialéionn- . . ~' 2 ounces
Syrup of Orange-flower. . . + ounce.
A dessert-spoonful to be given every dulblcaia
In chronic pulmonary catarrhs, whooping-cough, obstinate diarrhceas, &c.
the following lozenges may be advantageously substituted for the common
Tpecacuanha lozenges.
PECTORAL LOZENGES OF EMETINE.
Take of Sugar. wk, Issicesia af; }d ounber
/oloured Brootine, : sin + esenecol ic Sa eiTaiIns,
Mix, and form into lozenges of nine grains each. These lozenges should
be coloured with carmine, or other colouring matter, to distinguish them
from similar preparations of Ipecacuanha. One of these lozenges may be
given every hour; if repeated more frequently, they would excite nausea.
Emetic lozenges may be prepared by using double the quantity of emetine:;
and only half the proportion of sugar. Nine grains of this preparation is
commonly sufficient to make a child vomit, and three or four times the
quantity will produce the same effect in adults.
The following formula may be substituted for the syrup of ipecacuanha.
SYRUP OF EMETINE.
Take of simple syrup - gia ak te sk pO
Coloured Wonsne Pas. sks, 4 te Bee
The action of pure emetine is similar to that of the coloured, but much
* For the medical properties and nsee of Ipecacuanha, our readers will refer to the
article Ipecacuan, in vol. iv. of this work.
D2
20 ORD. VI. Aggregate. CEPHAELIS IPECACUANHA.
more-powerful. Two grains are sufficient to destroy a large dog. M. Ma-
gendie saw vomiting produced by one-sixteenth of a grain, in a man aged
eighty-five : in whom, however, vomiting was readily excited.
M. Magendie recommends the following formula for the exhibitions of
pure emetine :—
EMETIC DRAUGHT OF PURE EMETINE.
Take of Infusion of Lime Flowers . . . 3 ounces
Pure Emetine, dissolved in a suffi-
cient quantity ofnitricacid . . 1 grain
Syrup of Marshmallows ... . 1 ounce.—Mix.
Dose—a dessert-spoonfal every quarter of an hour, until vomiting be
produced.
The following syrup is also a convenient mode of exhibiting emetine.
, SYRUP OF PURE EMETINE.
Take of simplesyrup . . . .. +. - 1 pound
Pure Emetine. . .. . . 4 grains.—Mix.
Dose—one or two tea-spoonsful, according to circumstances.
M. Lerminier, of the Hospital Za Charité, has frequently administered
emetine in the form oflozenges ; and, from his observations, he is enabled to
a sert that ten or twenty grains of the root of ipecacuanha are adequately
represented by one or two grains of emetine, (impure or coloured) so far as
regards intensity of action. The convenient and agreeable form under
which emetine may be administered, gives it a preference over ipecacuanha
in substance.*
~
* Vide Clinique Médicale, &c. par M. Andral, Paris 1823.
7
Cocestlud palnratus.
,. Sprast de
me
ORD. VIII. SARMENTACE.
COCCULUS PALMATUS. PALMATED COCCULUS, OR
: CALUMBA PLANT.
SYNONYMA. Menispermum palmatum. Willd. Sp. Pl. iv. p. 825. Lam.
Dict. iv. p.99. Spreng. Syst. Veg. v. ii. p. 154. Berry, in Asiat. Res. v. x.
p. 385. 2.5. Coeculus palmatus. Curt. Bot. Mag. v.iv. N.S. t. 2970-71
Decand. Syst. Veg. v.i. ‘pp. 522. Ejusd. Prodr. v. i. p. 98.
Class XX. Dioecia. Ord. VI. Hexandria.
Nat. Ord. Sarmentacee, Linn. Menispermee, Juss.
Gen. Char. Sepals and petals arranged in a double series, very rarely in a
triple series. Stamens six, free, opposite to the petals. Carpels from three
to six. Fruit drupaceous, reniform, rather compressed, oue-seeded Uoty
ledons distiutt.
| Spec. Char. Leaves cordate, five to seven-lobed. odes entire, acuminate
somewhat hairy on both sides. Stem and germen clothed with glandular
hairs.
THIS species of Coceulus is a native of the eastern part of southern Africa ;
it has been ascertained to grow naturally, and in great abundance, from
fifteen to twenty miles inland, in the thick forests about Oibo and Mosam-
_bique, on the Zanguebar coast. Formerly it was erroneously supposed, that
the plant which produced the calwmba-root of commerce, was a native of the
island of Ceylon, and that its name was derived from Columbo, the principal
town of that island. We are indebted to M. J. F. Fortin, a French gentle-
22 ‘ORD. VIII. Sarmentacez. coccULUS PALMATUS.
man, for the discovery of the true plant, which produces this valuable root ;
who, when at Mosambique, procured an entire offset, of a larger size than
usual, (from the main root). This he brought with him to Madras in 1805,
from which a male plant was raised in Dr. Anderson’s garden; and from
this individual, Dr. Berry’s figure and description were made. The female
plant had not been described at that period, but it was ascertained to belong
to the natural order—Menispermex. The root is perennial, composed of a
number of fasciculated, fusiform, somewhat branched, fleshy, curved, and de-
scending tubers, of the thickness of an infant’s arm, clothed with a thin,
brown, epidermis, marked, towards the upper part especially, with transverse
warts; internally they consist of a deep yellow, scentless, very bitter flesh,
filled with numerous parallel, longitudinal fibres or vessels. |The stems are
annual, herbaceous, one or two proceeding from the same root, about the
thickness of the little finger, twining, simple in the male plant, branched in
the female, rounded, green; in the full grown plant, below thickly clothed
_ with succulent longitudinal hairs, which are tipped witha gland. The leaves
are alternate, the younger ones thin, pellucid, bright green, generally three-
lobed; older ones remote, a span in breadth,'nearly orbicular in their cir-
cumscription, deeply cordate, five to seven-lobed, the lobes entire, often de-
flexed, wavy on the surface and margin, dark green above, paler underneath,
hairy on both sides, with prominent nerves, and supported on round, hairy,
foot-staiks, about as long as the leaves.
In the male plant, the racemes are axillary, solitary, or two together,
drooping, about as long as the petioles, compound, clothed with glandular
hairs, and having at the base small deciduous bracteas. The calyx is smooth,
consisting of six ovate, acute, nearly equal, leaves, arranged in a double
series, The corolla is pale green; consisting of six oblong, free, petals, with
involute margins, and recurved apices, arranged round a central, orbicular,
disc or gland, in a single series. The jilaments are six, thick, shorter than
_ the petals, with terminal, truncated, four-celled anthers ; \ the cells opening
internally, and filled with linear, oblong grains of yellow pollen. In the
Female plant, the racemes are also axillary, solitary, simple, patent, shorter
than those of the male. The pedicels are furnished with minute, caducous,
bracteas. ‘The sepals, or leaves of the calyx, are six, in two series ; three in-
fenior, smal vt, ovate acute, subpatent, plane, glabrous. The petals are six,
rarely eight, green, glabrous, shorter than the germens, and recurved at the
COCCULUS PALMATUS. ORD. VEIL. Sarmentacex. . 23
extremity. ‘The pistils are three, free, of which two are generally abortive,
ovate, acuminate, glanduloso-pilose, and containing one ovule. The style is
very short, and the stigma has several spreading points. The frwit is drupa-
ceous, or berried, about the size of a hazel nut, densely clothed with long
spreading hairs, which, at their extremity, are tipped with a black gland.
The seed is subreniform, clothed with a thin black shell, transversely striated.*
Figure (a) the pistils, (6) a female flower, (c) a stamen and petal, (d) a male
flower, (e) a seed.
Calumba root is the staple export of the icicures from Mosambique ;
and, from the quantity exported, it is not a little remarkable that its place
of growth should have so long remained unknown, or doubtful to the rest of
Europe. The roots are dug up in March, but the offsets only are taken.
Soon after they are dug up, they are cut into slices, strung on cords, and
hung up to dry in the shade; when they are sufliciently dry, they break
short, and are then deemed good; but when they are soft, and of a dark co-
lour, their quality is considered bad, and not marketable. ‘The dried root
is brought to this country, packed in bags or cases. It is in transverse sections,
- generally about one third of an inch in thickness and from one to two
inches in diameter.t |
“The late Sir Walter Farquhar was very anxious to introduce into Eng-
land the calumba-root in a living state ; and for that purpose, he desired his
son, Sir Robert Farquhar, Governor of Mauritius, Bourbon, and their de-
pendencies, to procure the plant from its native soil in Africa, and forward
it to London. Sir Robert lost no time, after assuming his government at
the conquest of the French Islands, in applying to the Governor of Mosam-
bique for growing plants ; and was repeatedly assured that these should be
sent to him at the proper season. The promises, however, were never ful-
filled ; although renewed by the several succeeding officials of the Portu-
guese possessions on the East coast of Africa, ever since the year 1811.
Dr. Wallich also took much pains for effecting the same object, and sent to
Governor or the —— made at Calcutta of a male plant of the
* The above Ff is ‘transcribed from that Pees by Dr. Hooker in the
Botanical Magazine for March 1830.
+ We are told that the root of white pias tinged with the tincture of calumba, has
been not unfrequently substituted for this roo
_: ers ORD. VIII. Sarmentacex. CocCULUS PALMATUS
calumba-root, whith had been brought to the Botanic garden there by Mr.
Berry. Copies of this drawing were distributed to the different ships of
war, and captains of merchant vessels, trading to the eastern coast of Africa,
that they might be enabled to distinguish the plant, and bring it to the
Mauritius; since there had been an evident unwillingness on the part of
the Portuguese authorities to permit this precious vegetable to be taken
away in any other state than what it bears in commerce, when deprived of
vegetative power by passing through the oven.
“All the attempts resulting from these means, proved fruitless; until
aptain William Fitzwilliam Owen, commanding the surveying squadron
of His Majesty’s Navy, on the East African coast, undertook the task. The
extensive influence he had acquired by his intercourse with the native
chieftains and tribes, enabled him to procure living plants ; while his bo-
tanizal knowledge secured him against the mistakes committed by others,
who had been misled by the local settlers in their search, and imposed on
by the substitution of other species, instead of the true Calumba root. Cap-
tain Owen, in the year 1825, brought away, in His Majesty’s ship Leven,
from Oibo, a great number of cases, filled with growing roots of male and
female plants, laid down in the sandy loam, which appears to be their
favourite soil. No time was lost by him in forwarding a great portion of
these to M. Telfair, at Mauritius, planting some also at Mahé, an island in
the Seychelles Archipelago, and sending to Bombay several cases, in order
to multiply by dispersion, the chances of success in naturalizing them in
different climates. .
“The roots that were brought to Mauritius, were partly transmitted to
England, New Holland, and America ; but the greater number were dis-
tributed among the various districts of Mauritius and Bourbon. Many of
these plants blossomed at Mauritius in the course of a,year, but the flowers.
all proved male. The roots, however, had, during that period, multiplied to
- twenty or thirty times the original quantity ; and thus an opportunity was
given for distributing them still more extensively. The female plants
flowered at Seychelles, and Mr. G. Harrison, the Government agent there,
transmitted some of these roots to Mr. Telfair, in whose garden of Bois
Chéri in the Mauritius, they have flowered, and being fecundated by Pro-
fessor Bojer, who touched them with the pollen of the male blossom ; they
bore seeds. From these individuals, the drawings by Professor Bojer have
been taken, which give a delineation and dissection of every part.”
‘
COCCULUS PALMATUS. ORD. VIII. Sarmentacex. 25
Sensible and Chemical Progerties, §c. Calumba root is bitter and slightly
aromatic; it breaks with a starchy fracture, and is easily pulverised; exter-
nally, of a brown wrinkled appearance; internally, yellow. The woody
part of the root should be of a light yellow colour, somewhat solid and _
heavy. Its smell is weak, with a slight aromatic odour. Boiling water
takes up about one-third of its weight; the infusion has the sensible qualities
of the root ; it is not altered by sulphate of iron, nitrate of silver, corrosive
sublimate, nor by emetic tartar; but it is copiously precipitated by, acetate
of lead, tincture of nutgalls, lime-water, and yellow cinchona bark. It gives
out its properties also to alcohol and proof spirit ; but the latter is the best
menstruum. It affords an essential oil, by repeated distillation with water ;
the remaining decoction yields malate and sulphate of lime. M. Planché
obtained from this root one-third its weight of starch ; a yellow, bitter, resin ;
a small quantity of volatile oil; salts of lime and potass; oxide of iron;
silex; and a large proportion of a substance, which resembled animal
matter.* We are told that a spurious calwmba root is met with in France,
which is imported from the states of Barbary. It is known by its not con-
taining starch ; hence it is easily detected by the agency of iodine, which
does not alter its colour; by its changing black with sulphate of iron, and
by its infusion reddening turnsole paper.
Medical Properties and Uses. Calumba root is considered a powerful
antiseptic and tonic, and also possessed of some astringent properties ;
thence it is recommended in diarrhcea,t cholera morbus, general debility,
and in the last stages of phthisis pulmonalis, and in hectic fever; it has
_ been found to check colloquitive diarrhea, to allay nervous irritability, and
to impart some degree of vigour to thestomach. It has also been considered
useful in allaying the distressing nausea and vomiting which accompany
pregnancy, and in the low stage of puerperal fever.{ It is also an excellent
remedy in dyspepsia. Calumba root may be given in powder in doses of
from fifteen to thirty grains, and repeated once in four or six hours. It is
* Bull. de Pharm. iij. 289.
+ By the natives of Mosambique, and also by those at a remote distance, this root is
considered almost a specific for every disorder of long standing ; but more especially for
dysentery and venereal disorders.
t Vide Denman’s Introduction to Midwifery, vol. ij. 524.
No. 1. E :
26 ORD. VIII. Sarmentacez. coccULUS PALMATUS,
usually, however, taken in the form of infusion, either alone, or in combina-
tion with neutral or alkaline salts, aromatics or opiates, according as cir-
cumstances may indicate. Off. The Root. Off. pp. Infusum calumbe, L.E.
Tinct. Calumbe. L. E. D.
ORD. XIV. RUBIACEZ.
CINCHONA. | PERUVIAN BARK.
Class Pentandria. Ord. Monogynia.
Nat. Ord. Rubiacee, Juss. Cinchonacex, Lindley.
THE entire genus of this valuable tribe of plants is indigenous to the New
World; growing for the most part among mountainous regions, difficult of
access, and in other respects affording but little encouragement to the
mane traveller: To this cause we = soceibe oieis Seis genes want of
tl ate
ting ONC Of THE
Lae 5S i bs 8 the vegetable
world has jets ‘offered to mankind. Readie events, added to the valuable
labours of: pharmaceutical chemistry, and the present enterprise and im-
provement in that science, will, it is hoped, soon bring us better acquainted
with the’ botanical characters of those species of cinchona, to which medicine
is so much indebted. We believe the fact to be pretty well established,
that there are many species of this tree, which yield a bark partaking more
or less of the properties that distinguish the peruvian bark of commerce,
although the distinctive characters of these species are still a desideratum
in our botanical works: Ruiz and Pavon. have: described.. atteon species,
&
CINCHONA. ORD. XIV. Rubiacex. Bs 27
natives of Peru and Chili, and seven have been found by Mutis,* in the
neighbourhood of Santa Fé. It is probable that very many more remain
undescribed. The Edinburgh College formerly enumerated three varieties
of the Peruvian, viz. the common or pale bark, the red, and_ the yellow ; but
it has been long since ascertained by the Spanish botanists, that these barks
not only belong to distinct species, but that, probably, each of them is
taken indiscriminately from several different species. The first of these is
now generally referred to the cinchona lancifolia of Mutis; the second, to
the cinchona cordifolia of the same botanist, (under which he includes the
cinchona purpurea and micrantha of the flora Peruviana, and the cinchona '
ovata of Ruiz;) and the third to. the eehone oblongifolia of Mutis; the
_magnifolia of Ruiz and Pavon.
CINCHONA LANCIFOLIA.+
THE cinchona lancifoliat grows to a great height and bulk, particularly
before the great demand for the cinchona bark led to the destruction
* Mutis was a native of Cadiz, who went to Santa Fé in 1760, as physician to the
Viceroy, Don Pedro Misia de la Cerda. He discovered the Cinchona, in the forests be-
tween Gauduas and Santa Fé, in 1772; although the credit of this discovery was at-
tempted to be wrested from him by Don Sebastian José Lopez Ruiz; who, however,
from his own documents, (transmitted by his brother to Baron Humboldt, to prove the
priority of his discovery) appears to have known the Cinchona about Honda, only since
1774.
+ We refrain from giving any synonyms under this species, because they are involved
in such great obscurity. Lambert, in his Illustrations of the Genus Cinchona, published
in London, 1821, considers the Cinchona lancifolia of Mutis, together with the Cinchona
lanceolata of Ruiz and Pavon, Cinchona nitida, Cinchona angustifolia, and Cinchona
cucumefolia (MSS.) of the same authors, to be identical with the Cinchona Officinalis
ef Linneus; and finally, as being the Cinchona condaminea, Humb. § Bonpl. PI.
ZEquinoct. v. i. p. 43. t. 10. under which name Mr. Lambert adduces the following spe-
cific character :—Cinchona Condaminea. Leaves ovato-lanceolate, acute, glabrous, and
as well as the branchlets, very shining; panicle brachiate, much branched, and smooth ;
calycine teeth, ovate acuminate ; segments of the corolla linear-lanceolate ; stigma emar-
ginate ; capsules ovate, ribbed.
+ The bark of this species was formerly described under the vague name of Cinchona
oficinalis.
x8
28 ORD. XIV. Rubiacezx. CINCHONA.
of so many full-grown trees, by stripping them of their bark; after which,
it is said, they always die.* It is chiefly found in the neighbourhood of the
village Ayavaca, in the woods of Caxanuma, Uritusinga, Monge, and. Villo-
naco. This species of cinchona usually grows singly ; whereas most of the
others are usually found in groups. This handsome free rises to the height
of thirty or forty feet ; its trunk is erect, and measures from fifteen to twenty
inches in diameter, and is covered with a rough, blackish-brown, or ash-
. coloured bark, which exudes when wounded, a yellow, astringent juice:
the branches are round, in opposite pairs, erect, brachiated, the younger ones
obscurely quadrangular at the joints: the eaves are about four inches long,
ovate, lanceolate, of a bright shining green, having a little depressed gland
in the axils of the nerves on the under side, which is filled with an astringent
aqueous fluid, having its orifice shut with hairs; they stand on fvotstalks,
about one-sixth of their length, flat above, convex below, and of a purple
colour :+ the stipules are two,—supra-axillary, acute, silky, contiguous, and
caducous : the flowers are odorous, of a very pale rose-colour, and furnished
with small bracteas ; they are produced in terminal, brachiated, trichotomous,
lealy, panicles, supported upon round peduncles and pedicels, which are pow-
dered and silky: the calyx is of a globular bell-shape, five toothed, powdered
and silky, like the peduncles, with the teeth very short, ovate, acute, con-
tiguous, and purplish: the corolla is somewhat salver-shaped, with linear,
lanceolate segments, much shorter than the tube: the anthers are twice the
length of the free portion of the filaments, and the free parts are two-thirds
shorter than the adherent :{ the germen is globular: the capsule woody,
ovate, longitudinally ten-striated, two-celled, many-seeded, oppositely twice
furrowed, opening from the apex to the base with two valves, and crowned
with the permanent calyx.|| 5
* Condamine however asserts, that the young trees do not die by losing their bark,
but send out fresh shoots from the base.
+ The leaf is said to vary in form, according to the altitude at which the tree gTOWS ;
particularly before it comes into blossom.
{t Humboldt. :
| This species of Cinchona will be found figured under the name of Cinchona offici-
nalis, in vol. ij. ¢.91. of this Work.
(7 "ho ge , 2-7 Ze, ;
(ipchona cordifolia.
G Spraéé adel
CINCHONA. ~ ORD. XIV. Rubiacez. : 29
CINCHONA CORDIFOLIA.*
The cinchona cordifolia is a native of Peru, where it grows in great abun-
dance, on a long chain of mountains that extend to the north and south of
Loxa. The soil in which it thrives best, is generally a red clay or rocky
ground, and particularly on the banks of small rivers, descending from the
mountains,t flowering from May to September.
The stem is of no great thickness, erect, round, and covered with a smooth
bark, externally of a brown grey colour; the branches are spreading, the
younger ones quadrangular, smooth, leafy, sulcated, and tomentose; the
leaves are opposite, spreading, about nine inches long, entire, and varying
much in form, being oblong, ovate, or cordate; of a shining green on their
upper surface, ribbed and pubescent underneath, and standing upon pur-
plish footstalks, which are plain on one side, and roundish on the other:
the flowers are produced in terminal, leafy, panicles, supported on long
tetragonous flattish peduncles: the calyaz is of a dull purple colour, downy,
and five-toothed: the corol/a is internally tomentose, white above and
purplish below; its segments spreading with reflected lips; the tube of a
pale red colour: the filaments are short, and support linear, bifid anthers :
the germen is tomentose: the capsule narrow, oblong, about an inch and a
half in length, of a reddish-brown colour, and crowned with the permanent
calyx. Fig. (a) the corolla spread open: (6) the calyx and style: (¢) an
anther: (d) the style and stigmas. Our figure was copied from that given
in the Flor. Peruv. tom. ij. 52. t. 193: :
* If this plant be the Cinchona cordifolia of Mutis, and of Mr. Lambert, the follow-
ing is the specific character given by the latter author :—
' Cinchona cordifolia. Leaves roundish ovate, acute, heart-shaped, or attenuated at
the base; beneath, as well as the branches, somewhat hairy; above, glabrous and shin-
ing ; panics brachiate, diffuse, pubescent; calycine teeth broadly rounded, mucronulate ;
stigma two-lobed ; capsules oblong-ovate, cylindrical, without ribs.
Mr. Lambert considers this to be the true cordifolia of Mutis, MSS. of Rohde, Mo-
nogr. eS Humb. Nov. Gen. v. iii. p. 401. (but excluding the synonyms there adduced,
of the Flora Peruv. Linn. Vahl. & Lambert).
+ Phil. Trans. vol. xl. p. 83.
30 ORD. XIV. Rubiacez. ' CINCHONA.
CINCHONA OBLONGIFOLIA.*
This ¢ree rises to a considerable height; its stem is (single?) round, and
erect, with a smooth, brownish, or ash-coloured bark; the older branches are
smooth, round, and of a rusty colour; the younger ones obtusely quadran-
gular, leafy, and of a reddish colour; the /eaves, when full-grown, from one
to two feet long, of an oblong-oval shape, and stand opposite, supported on
semi-round petioles of a purple colour; the stipules are supra-axillary, inter-
foliaceous, opposite, contiguous, united at the base, and ofan obovate figure ;
_ the flowers are produced in large, erect, compound, terminal, panicles, and
placed upon long, brachiated, many-flowered peduncles ; the calyx is small,
five-toothed, and of a purple colour ; the corolla white, and odorous ; the ji-
laments are very short, inserted into the tube of the corolla; anthers oblong,
bifid at the base, and situated below the middle of the tube of the corolla ;
the capsules large, oblong, obscurely striated, somewhat curved, and crowned _
‘by the calyx.+ This tree is found on the Andes, growing in woods, on the
banks of mountain streams, and particularly abundant at Chinchao, Rio-
bamba, and Cuchero, flowering in June and July. Figure (a) the corolla,
spread open, shewing the anthers, (4) the-pistil, (c) the calyx.t wy he
Chemical Properties. The recent discoveries of the French chemists, MM.
Caventou and Pelletier supersede all the previous researches, so far as
medicine is concerned, into the nature of the cinchonas. Vauquelin ascer-
_ tained that there were three, if not four, classes of cinchona-bark, differing
essentially in their chemical constitution. The first class precipitates astrin-
* The Cinchona oblongifolia is thus characterized by Mr. Lambert :—
Cinchona oblongifolia. Leaves oblong or cordate; on both sides, as well as the
pp rough with dense hairs; panicle between britallinte and corymbose, rough
airs; segments of the hairy corolla linear, stamens and‘siyle included ; anthers
Mi the length of the filaments ; stigma bipartite ; capsules ovate.
To this Mr. Lambert refers tite cNoki oblongifolia of Mutis, MSS. Humb. in Magaz.
Rohde, Monogr. Humb. Nov. Gen. p. 401. (exelading the —_— of “Fl. Peruv. &
Ruiz. Quinolog.)
+ Flora Peruvian, ij. 33—196.
{ For our figure and — we are indebted to bi ii. of the Fl. Peruv.
CINCHONA. ORD. XIV. Rubiacez. $1
gents, but not gelatine; the second precipitates gelatine, but not astringents ;
the third precipitates both gelatine and astringents; and lastly, there are
some barks which precipitate neither gelatine nor astringents: but these he
did not consider as properly belonging to the genus cinchona, Each of the
three first classes was thought capable of curing intermittents,
It had been long a desideratum among pharmaceutical chemists to dis-
cover in the barks the particular substance to which the febrifuge property
might be ascribed; and in pursuit of this object, MM. Laubert of Paris,
Strenss of Moscow, and Gomez of Lisbon, published, about the same time,
the result of their observation ; unfortunately, however, they did not agree
in their conclusions.. The French chemists were more successful; they ob-
tained a substance, which they recognized as that to which M. Gomez had
given the name of cinchonine, and they further discovered that it was an al-
kaline.
The cinchonine was obtained by operating on the cinchona nd nc sat
or Grey-bark of the French botanists. The cinchona cordifolia, (the cinchona
officinalis of our Colleges, the yellow-bark of the French), was next subjected
to analysis,t and from this was obtained an alkali, in many points resembling
the cinchonine, but still differing in many important ones, sufficiently to pre-
vent their being confounded : this new alkali was called Quinine. The ex-
amination of the red-bark (cinchona oblongifolia) followed ;{ and “it was an
interesting question,” says M. Magendie, “to determine whether this species,
* According to the analysis of MM. Caventou and Pelletier, the Cinchona Conda-
minea yield the following constituents :—1! cinchonine united with Kinic acid (the cin-
chonine forming 0 ,2 per cent. of the whole bark); 2 green fatty matter ; 3 red colouring
matter, very sparingly gages 3 4 red colouring matter, soluble (tannin); 5 yellow co-
louring matter ; 6 Kinate of lime; 7 gum ; 8 fecula; and 9 ligneous fibre.
+ The Cinchona ee yielded, according to M. M. Pelletier and Caventou :—
1 yellow, odorous, adipocire ; 2 yellow colouring matter ; 3 tannin, which turns iron of
a green colour; 4 red of cinchona, more abundant than in the red bark; 5 Kinate of
quinine, with very little einchonine (the quinine forming 0,9 per cent. of the bark, but
according to Voreton, 1,4); 6 fecula; 7 woody fibre ; and 8 Kinate of lime.
t The Cinchona oblongifolia consists of :—1 adipocire; 2 yellow colouring matter
3 aces 4 red of cinchona, in a large proportion ; 5, Kinates of cinchonine and quinine
_ (100 parts of the bark, yielding 0,8 of cinchonine, and 1,7 of sinbiias 6 fecula; 7
woody fibre ; 8 Kinate of lime. Magendie, Formulaire. 4
32 ORD. XIV. Rubiacez. CINCHONA.
considered by many medical men as eminently febrifuge, contained quinine,
cinchonine, or a third variety of alkali. The result was, that they obtained,
not only a treble quantity of cinchonine, (in all respects like that obtained
from the grey-bark) but also nearly twice as much quinine as the same quan-
tity of yellow-bark had yielded. From ulterior experiments, made on large
masses, it appears that guinine and cinchonine exist in all three species of
bark, but the cinchonine is in greater quantity than the quinine in the grey-
bark ,whilst in the yellow-bark, the quinine greatly predominates.”*
The mode of obtaining the quinine and cinchonine is thus given by Ma-
gendie :—‘ Boil the bark in alcohol, until it loses all its bitterness ; evapo-
rate the decoction to dryness in a water bath ; dissolve the extract thus ob-
tained in boiling water, strongly acidulated with hydrochloric acid ;+ add an
excess of calcined magnesia; which, after boiling a few minutes, fixes the
red colouring matter, and leaves the liquid clear: when cold, filtrate, and
wash the magnesian precipitate with cold water, dry it on a stone, separate
all the bitterness by repeated digestion in boiling alcohol, mix the alcoholic
liquors, and the cinchonine will crystallize as the fluid cools.’’t
The cinchonine and quinine may be obtained by one operation, as follows.
Having obtained the sulphate of quinine by the above process (operating on
the cinchona cordifolia) decompose the mother waters, and the washings of
that operation, (which hold in solution the sulphate of cinchonine) by mag-
nesia or lime; dissolve the quinine and cinchonine contained in these li-
quors, by digesting the magnesian precipitate when washed and well dried,
in boiling alcohol: if the spirit be sufficiently charged, the cinchonine which
predominates will crystallize; if it de not, further concentration is necessary.
The cinchonine thus obtained, must undergo a re-crystallization to purify it;
this is done by dissolving it in a sufficient quantity of boiling alcohol. The
following process of M. Henry, Jun. for obtaining the sulphate of quinine, is
much more cheap and expeditious. He digests the bark repeatedly in hot
water, acidulated by sulphuric acid, blanches the liquors by means of hot
lime, and washes the precipitate to separate the excess oflime; this precipi-
tate he repeatedly digests, when well drained, in alcohol at 36° (837); he
* Magendie, Formulaire. + Mnuriatic acid of former chemists.
t M. Magendie here speaks of the grey-bark, Cinchona condaminea ; for if the Cin-
chona cordifolia be subjected to the same process, quinine is obtained, or rather, the
sulphate of quinine.
CINCHONA. : ORD. XIV. Rubdiacex. 33
then obtains, by distillation, a brown viscid matter, which becomes brittle
when cold, and is very bitter; this matter he digests in hot water, acidulated
by sulphuric acid; and the liquor, when cold, gives pure sulphate of qui-
nine, in the form of perfect white crystals. These crystals are soluble in
boiling water, especially if it be weakly acidulated ; they are but little solu-
ble in cold water, without the addition of an acid. We are told by Dr.
Paris, that five or six drachms of the sulphate* may be obtained from two
pounds of bark, by boiling it for half an hour, in sixteen pints of distilled
water, acidulated with two fluid ounces of sulphuric acid. The quantity of
lime necessary to be used is half a pound, or sufficient to render the solution
of a dark brown, and to produce a reddish brown precipitate.+
Chemical Properties of Cinchonine and Quinine. Cinchonine is white, trans-
lucent, crystallizable in needles, and soluble only in seven hundred parts of
cold water. If dissolved in alcohol or an acid, its taste is powerfully bitter,
and resembles that of the grey-bark. . Itis dissolved in very smal] quantities
by the fixed or volatile oils, and sulphuric ether. _ With acids it forms salts
which are more or less soluble. According to the analysis of Mr. Brande,
cinchonine consists of about—
CAsOON ee ee ee 80,20
Nitroget oS ra ee eee
Hiyvatogen. 2 re re ee ee
99,90
Quinine is white, incrystallizable ;{ it is as little soluble in water as cin-
chonine, much more bitter to the taste, as are also most of its salts, which
* Eight grains of which are equal to an ounce of bark.
+ M. Robiquet, by adopting a somewhat different mode of aoudinis: obtained a sul-
phate of quinine, the characters of which are different from those we have described. He
obtained a sulphate, in solid transparent prisms, of a flattened, quadrangular form, and
soluble even in cold water: by comparative trials he found also, that this difference arose
from the prismatic sulphate being acid, and the other alkaline. He is satisfied of the
stability of the characteristics ; for the salts preserve them without alteration after several
crystallizations, although the sub-sulphate lost each time a small portion of its acid.
t MM. Pelletier and Dumas have succeeded in giving to quinine a crystalline form
by Sbatibaiens it to a state of fusion in vacuo, and allowing it to cool in a slow manner.
Under this treatment, instead of preserving its resinous aspect and transparency, it con-
tracts, becomes opaque, and forms at its surface centres of — which radiate
on all sides ; the fracture of the mass is crystalline.
VOL. V. r
34 ORD. XIV. Rubiacez. CINCHONA.
are distinguished by a pearly appearance. It is very soluble in ether, while
cinchonine is very little so; this difference serves as well to distinguish their
bases, as to separate them when united. Quinine likewise differs from cin-
chonine in containing oxygen, and that in nearly as large a proportion as
hydrogen. According to Mr. Brande, its ultimate components are nearly as
follows :—
Carbon: vir Seicderls: oA te aedenth 778RO
PEE oe eet ie fon & bee
a = NRE Seon eee EK
WEVRO0 ee ys pa i
100, 0
Quinine, when melted, becomes idio-electric, and acquires the resinous |
electricity with much intensity when rubbed with a piece of cloth.
M. Robiquet, in the Journal of Science, has given an analysis of the two
sulphates of quinine, but he found that the sub-sulphate lost a portion ofits
acid during’ each crystallization; he has given the composition of this salt,
both after the first and third crystallization, as follows :—
100 parts of acid sulphate of quinine contain—
MONE: ice et ec i 2 ee
Quinine: 3 5 4.34 5 ee 5
82.6
100 parts of sub-sulphate, first crystallization, contain—
BOR SS eee ee ee Ee
Quinine <j 526 fg wi ae ogy
| 90,3
The sulphate of Quinine, when exposed to the temperature of 100° (212°
Fah.) becomes luminous, especially when subjected to slight friction. This
remarkable property was first remarked by M. Callaud d@Annecy. “MM.
Dumas and Pelletier exposed about two or three ounces of the sulphate, en-
closed in a glass flask, which they kept in a sand-bath for half an hour, to
the temperature of boiling water, when it exhibited, on friction, a tolerably
intense white light. On passing through the cork of the flask a metallic
rod, ending in a point at the internal extremity, and by a ball at the oppo-
site one, and applying it to the ball of the rod by a voltaic electroscope, shak-
ing the flask before each contact, these gentlemen obtained the greatest se-
CINCHONA. ORD. XIV. Rubiacez. 35
paration of which the rods of the electroscope are susceptible : the electricity
was always vitreous. The sulphate of cinchonine possesses the same phos-
phorescent property, but in a less degree, and the electric faculty in the same
ration ¥ oe Ss . :
The Medical Properties and Uses of Peruvian Bark will be found under
the article cinchona officinalis, in Vol. IL. of this Work. We have, therefore,
only to notice in this place the medical properties and formularies for the
exhibition of the cinchonine and quinine. M. Magendie says—‘“A sufficient
number of cases induce me to believe that these two alkalies (cinchonine
and quinine) possess the medical properties of the cinchonas, and may be
substituted for them on all occasions.” In the twelfth volume of the Medi-
co-Chirurgical Transactions, Dr. Elliotson has sufficiently established. the
febrifuge efficacy of both simple quinine, and of the sulphate, which is fur-
ther confirmed by Dr. Dickson of Clifton, in the Edinburgh Medical and
Surgical Journal for October 1823. But indeed it is needless now to insist
upon the value of these preparations; since, in the ague counties of Eng-
“and, their use is become general, and seldom fails to effect a cure. As a
general tonic, both the cinchonine-and. quinine may be successfully exhibited,
in all cases wherein the cinchona would be indicated. M. Magendie says—
“The sulphates are the preparations most commonly employed ;” and he
recommends “from one to eight grains to be given in the twenty-four hours.t
Some physicians,” he adds, “have thought it necessary to carry the dose
much higher, but in general the result has not answered their expectations,
and several patients have experienced severe symptoms, such as great agita-
tion, with strong cerebral excitement."t) 0 =
Cinchoniné is thought to possess the febrifuge properties in a less degree
than quinine; ‘the sulphate of the latter is the preparation now generally
employed in England, and the following seems to be the best mode of exhi-
biting it. Dissolve the sulphate in a little lemon-juice, and then add a suf-
ficient quantity of pure water, or of cinnamon or peppermint water, to make
a draught. In this way two grains may be given for a dose, and repeated
three or four times a day. The following formularies for the exhibition of
* Appendix to Formulary, by R. Dunglison, p. 25,
+ According to Paris, eight grains of the sulphate is equal to one oz. of bark.
+ In large doses it often occasions severe nausea.
F 2
36 ORD. XIV. Rubdiacez. CINCHONA.
the cinchonine and quinine, are given by M. Magendie, as adopted by the
French apothecaries.—
TINCTURE OF QUININE.
Take of sulphate of Quinine . . . . . . 6grs. (gr. 4. 92 troy.)
Alcohol of 34° (847) . . . . « loz. (7dr. 52. 5 gr. troy.)
We are told that the sulphate is to be preferred to the pure quinine, in
this case; because, when the tincture is made by using alkali not saturated
by an acid, a precipitate is formed on adding it to aqueous liquors.
WINE OF QUININE.
Take of good Madeira Wine*' . . . 1litre (oz. 22. 104 troy.)
Sulphate of Quinine . . . 12 grains (gr. 9. 84 troy.)
SYRUP OF QUININE.
Take of simple syrup . » 2 pounds (31 oz. 4 dr. 2 gr. troy.)
Sulphate of Cuisine; . 64 grains (gr. 52. 48 troy.)
M. Magendie has proposed the following formule for the exhibition of
Cinchonine :—
SYRUP OF CINCHONINE.
Take of simple syrup . . - . 1 pound (15 0z. 6dr. 1 gr. troy.)
Sulphate of Cinchonine . 48 grains (gr. 39. 36 troy.)
TINCTURE OF CINCHONINE.
Take of sulphate of Cinchonine . . 9 grains (gr. 7. 383 troy.)
Alcohol at 34°(847) . . . 1 ounce (7 dr. 52. 5gr. troy.)
WINE OF CINCHONINE.
Take of Madeira Wine. . . . . litre (oz. 31. 104 troy.)
Sulphate of Cinchonine. . 18 grains (gr. 14. 76. troy.)
The above preparations of cinchonine may be given in equal doses, and
ander the same circumstances with the preparations of quinine.
_ * Any other white wine may be substituted.
ttttttt-.
LO BY ge
Gc Spratt aed
ORD. XVII. BICORNES.
PYROLA UMBELLATA. UMBEL-FLOWERED WINTER-GREEN.
SYNONYMA. Pyrola 8 fruticans. Clus. Stirp. Pann. 507. Hist. p. 117.
Chimaph. umbellata. Brown in Herb. Banks. Pyrola fruticans arbuti
folio. C. Bauh. Pin. 191; Tournef. Inst. 256; Moris. Hist. 3. sect. 12.
t.10. f.5. Pyrola folio arbuti. Riv. Pent. t. 139. f. 2. Chimaphila um-
bellata. Bart. Veg. Mat. Med. U.S. v. 1. t. 1. 17. Pyrola umbellata.
Lin. Sp. Pl. p. 568; Willd. 2. p.622; Pollich. Palat. n. 389; Hoffm.
Germ. 144; Krocker Siles.2. p. 14; Roth. Germ. 1.151. v.2. 464; Lam.
Encycl. 5. p. 744; Persoon. Synop. 1.483 ; Mich. Amer. l. p. 251; Bigel.
Med. Bot. t. xxi. Bot. Mag. t.778. Chimaphila corymbosa. Pursh. Amer.
Sept. 1. p. 300.
Class X. Decandria. Ord. I. Monogynia.
Nat. Ord. Bicornes, Linn. Ericee, Juss. Monotropee, Nuttall.
Gen. Char. Calysx in five deep segments. Petals, five. Capsule, superior,
five-celled, bursting at the angles. Anthers, opening by two pores.
Sp. Char. Leaves, wedge-shaped, lanceolate, serrated. Flowers, somewhat
umbellate. Stamens, smooth. Style, immersed.
THIS beautiful species of winter-green is a native of the United States of
America, and is also to be met with in many parts of the north of Europe
and Asia. It is chiefly found growing in shady woods, where it is protected
from the solar rays, and nourished by a soil formed from the decomposition
of leaves and other vegetable matter. In the northern parts of America,
38 ORD. XVII. Bicornes. PYROLA UMBELLATA.
where it is a very common plant, it is known under several appellations,
viz. ground holly, winter-green, pippissewa ; and by the native Indians, Herbe
de Paigne. Yn Canada, it is known by the name of Z’Herbe a Pisse. The
genus Pyrola comprises about fifteen species, of which five are indigenous
to Britain.* The Pyrola umbellata was introduced into this country about
fifty years ago; but it is only within the last few years that it has excited
the attention of the profession as a remedial agent. We are told by Mr. Don
that in “ the temperate zones the various species of Pyrola are chiefly met
with in mountainous situations; some of them, such as uniflora and secunda,t+
extending to considerable elevations. In the frigid zones, on the contrary,
they are only to be found in the lowest and narrowest plains, adjacent to
the sea, and are never met with in those regions, beyond the limits of trees.
Most of the species extend across the continents of Asia, Europe, and
America. There are specimens of secunda and uniflora in the Banksian
Herbarium, from the islands on the north-west coast of America. The
Pyrola picta of Smith is found on the north-west coast of America, and in
mountainous situations in Japan. Some species, however, are of more
limited diffusion: thus, Pyrola asarifolia, maculata, and elliptica, have only
been detected in North America. The Pyrola dentata, Menziesii, and occi-
dentalis are still more confined, being only found in particular districts.’’t
The root of the Pyrola umbellata is perennial, creeping, and long, sending
up at various distances several woody, somewhat angular, erect, or slightly
procumbent stems, which rise about a span in height: the leaves are pro-
duced in irregular whorls, of which there are mostly two or three on each
stem; they are wedge-shaped, lanceolate, serrated, smooth, supported upon
short petioles, and are of a deep shining green. The inflorescence consists
of a small corymb, generally of five Lace ed on aS sithpls, sorte shai
the calya is inferior, and consists of much
shorter than the corolla; the petals are five, sonndish: concave, spreading, ofa
cream colour, with a tinge of crimson at the base: the ten filaments are aw]-
shaped, curved, and supporting large two-celled anthers, of a purple colour ;
each cell opening by a short, round, tubular orifice, at the summit: the
style is cylindrical, half the length of the germen, and concealed by the
* See Smith’s English Flora. + Both these are natives of Britain—Smith.
+ Vide Monograph of the Genus Pyrola, in the Memoirs of the Wernerian Natural
History Society; tiy Ds Dan; Lib! Lin: Soc:
PYROLA UMBELLATA. ORD. XVII. Bicornes. 89
stigma, which is large, peltate, covered with a viscid matter, and obscurely
five-rayed. The capsules are orbicular, depressed, with five valves, and five
cells, and five partitions, from the central column: the seeds are very minute,
of an oval figure, each contained in a membranous tunic, elongated at both
ends. Fig. (a) the seed ; (b) the anthers.
Sensible and Chemical Properties. The whole plant has a moderately
warm pungent taste, somewhat between bitter and sweet: when bruised, it
exhales a strong, and rather unpleasant odour. Both water and alcohol
extract its virtues, but the latter most completely. The watery infusion of
the dried plant is of a brownish colour; the decoction is of a deeper colour,
and both strike a black with the sulphate of iron. According to the experi-
ments of Dr. Wolf,* 100 parts of Pyrola umbellata contain about 18 of a
bitter extractive principle, 2,04 of resin, 1,38 of tannin, a slight portion of
gum; the rest, fibrous matter and earthy salts. The resin is adhesive,
brownish, readily soluble in ether and alkalies, burning with flame and a
resinous odour, and leaving a white cinder.
Medical Properties and Uses. The Pyrola umbellata is diuretic and tonic;
externally stimulant. It has lately been introduced into practice as an effi-
cacious diuretic in dropsy, and from the favourable testimonies of physicians
who rank high in their profession, we are warranted in recommending it to
general practice, as a remedial agent, possessing very considerable diuretic
and tonic powers. The diuretic properties of the Pyrola wmbellata seem to
have been fully illustrated by Dr. W. Somerville, in a paper on this vegetable
published in the fifth volume of the London Medieco-Chirurgical Transac-
tions. The facts presented by this physician afford satisfactory evidence of
the power of this medicine to promote the urinal excretion, and to afford
relief to patients afflicted with dropsy in its various forms. The most dis-
tinguished case presented by him is that of Sir James Craig, the British
Governor of Canada, who was labouring under general dropsy, which, in
its progress, had assumed the forms of hydrothorax, anasarca, and ascites,
and which was combined with different organic diseases, especially of the
liver. After having tried, with little or temporary success, almost every
variety of diuretic and cathartic medicines, and submitted twice to the
' operation of tapping, the patient had recourse to a strong infusion of Pyrola,
* See a Dissertation, “ De Pyrola umbellata,” published at Gottingen, in 1817.
AO ORD. XVII. Bicornes. PYROLA UMBELLATA.
in the quantity of a pint every twenty-four hours. Although the case was
altogether an unpromising one, yet the plant gave relief, not only in the
first, but also in the subsequent instances of its use. It increased the
urinal discharge, and, at the same time, produced an augmentation of
strength, and an invigorated appetite. Several other cases of dropsy are
detailed in Dr. Somerville’s paper, in which the Pyrola was administered
by himself and by other practitioners with decided advantage. Dr. Somer-
ville found his patients remark that an agreeable sensation was perceived
in the stomach soon after taking the Pyrola, and that this was followed in
some instances by an extraordinary increase of appetite. He considers it
as having, in this respect, a great advantage over other diuretics, none of
which are agreeable to the stomach, and most of them very offensive to it.
He further states, that no circumstance had occurred within his own expe-
rience or information, to forbid its use in any form, or to limit the dose.
Sir Walter Farquhar, it appears, also used the Pyrola wmbellata in the case
of a lady labouring under ascites, in which case the diuretic effects were
very striking. Dr. Barton, author of “The Vegetable Materia Medica of
the United States,” also corroborates the accounts of the diuretic effects of
this vegetable, by four cases which came under his care at the Marines’
Hospital, Philadelphia, in which a strong infusion was given with the most
decided advantage.* Drs. Satterley and Marcet are also among those who
have added their observations to the testimonies in its favour. Dr. Wolfhas
given one very satisfactory case of the utility of the Pyrola in ascites: he
also found it to alleviate altogether the ardor urine attendant on gonorrhea.
Dr. Bigelow says: “I have administered this plant on various occasions,
and attended to its mode of operation. In a number of dropsical cases,
when first given, it made a distinct and evident impression on the disease,
communicating an increased activity to the absorbents, followed by a great
augmentation of the excretion from the kidnies. The benefit, however, with
me, has been most frequently temporary, and it was found better to omit
the medicine for a time, and to resume it afresh, than to continue it until
the system had become insensible to its stimulus. After suspending it for
* The Pyrola wmbellata appears to act on animals the same as on man; for it is
said to be the practice in many parts of America to give a bucketfull of the decoction to
horses that are unable to stale, with the view, and uniformly with the effect, of relieving
them.
‘PYROLA UMBELLATA. ORD. XVII. Bicornes. 41
a week or two, the same distinct operation took place on returning to its
use, as had been manifested in the first instance. It proved, in almost
every case, a very acceptable medicine to the patient, and was preferred
both for its sensible qualities and its effects on the stomach, to other diuretics
and alteratives which had been prescribed. Asa tonic, the Pyrola umbellata
has been employed in intermittents, scrofula, and other diseases where this
class of remedies are indicated. Dr. Mitchell, an American physician,
relates some cases of its success in those fevers. In one of them, the urine,
which was considerably increased in quantity, was of a dark brown colour.
Dr. Heberden has recorded a case of a similar colour being produced by the
wa ursi. We are told, the Indians administer a strong and warm decoc-
tion of this plant in rheumatism and fever: they employ the whole plant,
and take it in large quantities. As an external remedy, it has been used
as a cataplasm, and with apparent success in various chronic indurated
swellings. It acts as a topical stimulant, and, when long continued, we
are told, it often vesicates. Tumours of long-standing, have, in several
instances, disappeared under its use. It has also been employed in the
form of fomentation to ill-conditioned ulcers, and with good effects.*
The Dublin College directs the following method of preparing the decoc-
tion of Pyrola as recommended by Dr. Somerville.
R. Pyrole umbellate . . . + + Zi
Aqua mensura . . . . - ~ = Ibij
Macerate for six hours, then bruise and return the Pyrola to the liquor, and
reduce the mixture by evaporation, when strained and expressed to lbj by
measure. Dose from one ounce to three, three or four times a day.
'* Another species of the genus Pyrola, the Pyrola rotundifolia, is said to be used by
Indians in North America, as a topical stimulant, and vesicant. And Mr. Pursh says of
the nearly-allied Pyrola, (Chimaphila) maculata, that it is held in high»esteem for its
medicinal properties by the native Canadians, who call it sip-si-seua. He has himself
witnessed a successful cure, effected by a decoction of this plant, in a very serious case
of hysterics. According to Dr. Torrey, the Pyrola umbellata is also called pip-si-sewa,
or sip-si-sewa. In all probability the properties of the two species of Chimaphile are
identical. — ie :
#
VOL. V. G
ORD. XX. PERSONAT/.
SCROPHULARIA NODOSA. KNOBBY-ROOTED FIGWORT.
| SYNONYMA. Serophularia. Matt. 1130.; Lob. Obs. 289—1, and Je. i.
533. 2.; Park.610: 1. Scrophularia nodosa. Tourn. 74. Hook. Fl. Scot.
i. p. 189. Sm. Engl. Fl. v. iti. p. 187. Hook. Br. Fl. p. 288. Willd. Sp. Pl.
iii. 269. Smith, Flora Brit. 663. Eng. Bot. t. 1544.
- Didynamia. Order Angiospermia.
Nat. Ord, Personate, Linn. Scrophularine, Juss.
Gen. Char. Calyx five-cleft. Corolla — resupinate. fae two-
celled.
Spec. Char. Leaves heart-shaped, acute, deeply serrated, glabrous, three-
ribbed at the base. Stem rather obtusely four-angled. Root tuberous.
THE genus Scrophularia commarings a pretty numerous family of plants,
natives of almost every climate; near thirty species are cultivated in our
botanic gardens, of which number, four, (including the one under considera-
tion) are natives of Britain. The scrophularia nodosa is a perennial plant,
frequenting groves and hedges, flowering in July.*.
The root this species of scrophularia is tuberous, much granulated or
knobbed, from which circumstauce it has derived its specific name.t The
* We are told by Withering that it is supposed to yield much honey, and =e wasps
resort greatly to its flowers. Goats eat it; but horses, cows, and sheep, re
+ The knobs are said to disappear as the plant advances to maturity.
e Yerpeduucle reat ./ VS cs
oe
a Sorat del
SCROPHULARIA NoposA. ORD. XX. Personatex. ; 43
stem rises from two to three feet in height, is erect, simple, quadrangular,
smooth and leafy ; the leaves are placed opposite on the stem, supported on
short petioles, heart-shaped, acutely pointe:, unequally serrated, smooth and
veined; the flowers are produced in terminal panicles; the calyw is a peri-
anth of ‘one leaf, divided into five rounded segments; the corolla is mono-
petalous, of a dull green colour, its limb cleft into five obtuse segments, the
two uppermost of which are the largest, and of a livid purplish colour ; the
stamens are four, two long and two short ; the germen is somewhat conical ;
style tapering, crowned by a bluntish stigma ; capsule conical, pointed, two-
celled, and containing many small seeds. Figure (a) represents the corolla,
spread open, (8) the pistillum, (c) the calyx, (d) the capsule, (e) a seed. :
Sensible Qualities, &c. The leaves of figwort have a rank, fetid smell,
somewhat like elder leaves, and a disagreeable bitter taste, both of which
they partly lose by drying. The root has a very nauseous odour, and a
sweetish, but somewhat acrid taste. The root and leaves yield their quati-
ties to water and proof spirit; the watery infusion is of a pale yellowish co-
lour, and precipitates sulphate of iron brown. We have not learned that.
this plant has been chemically analysed.
Medical Properties and Uses. Figwort is considered diuretic and sedative,
but it is seldom employed in practice ; although, from its good effects in
scrophula, it is supposed to have derived its generic name. It has also been
used with good effect as a topical application* (in the form of fomentation) to
piles, ulcers and cutaneous eruptions,t and to promote suppuration in malig-
nant tumours.{ There is no officinal preparation of this plant, and never
having prescribed it, we can say nothing of the doses in which it should be
taken; but, from its reputed good effects in scrophula, &c. we should deem it
worthy of further trials.
_ Off. The herb. .
" * We are told by Gerarde that “ divers do rashly teach, that if it be hanged about
the necke, or else carried about by one, it keepeth a man in health.’
_ + Swine that have-the scab are cured by washing them with a decoction of the leaves.
_ { Among the uninformed people in some parts of the country it is held in great es-.
timation, both as an internal remedy, and externally applied, as a fomentation, to ulcers:
bruises, &c.
G2
ORD. XXIV. PAPILIONACE.
PTEROCARPUS ERINACEUS. AFRICAN PTEROCARPUS, OR
KINO TREE.
SYNONYMA. Pterocarpus erinaceus. Lam. Dict. v. p. 728.: Illustr. t.
602. 7. 4.; Decand. Prodr. v.2.p.419. Pterocarpus Senegalensis ; foliis
pinnatis, foliolis ovalibus, fructibus lunato-orbiculatis, pubescentibus.
Hook. in Gray's Travels in Western Africa, p. 395. t. D.
Class Diadelphia. Order Decandria.
Nat. Ord. Papilionacee, Linn. Leguminose, Juss.
Gen. Char. Calyx five-toothed; legume falcate, leafy, with tumid veins,
bordered with a wing, not bursting ; seeds somewhat solitary,
Spec. Char. Leaves pinnate; leaflets alternate, elliptical, obtuse, smooth
above, reddish and pubescent beneath ; legume with a very short straight
point.
THIS species of Pterocarpus is a middling-sized tree; the branches are
spreading, and covered with an ash-coloured bark. The leaves are decidu-
ous, pinnated ; deqfiets are alternate, ovate, obtuse, entire, somewhat larger
at the base, thin, smooth above, pubescent, and of a reddish tint beneath,
and placed on short foot-stalks. The flowers are produced in compound ter-
aminal racemes, supported on short, curved pedicels, with a pair of small,
lanceolate bracteas at the base of each pedicel. The calyx is bell-shaped, un-
equally toothed, pubescent, and furnished with a pair of small awl-shaped
bracteas. The flowers, which are numerous, soon fall off; the corolla is of
ce Sprad. adel.
PTEROCARPUS ERINACEUS. ORD. XXIV. Papilionacezx. 45
a yellow colour, papilionaceous, and consisting of a roundish, heart-shaped,
spreading vexillum, or standard, with a waved margin and short claw, two
lanceolate wings, and a short carina. The filaments are alternately longer,
connected at the base, and supporting roundish yellow anthers. The germen
is oblong, pubescent, with a curved, thread-shaped, style, and simple stigma.
The fruit is a compressed, orbicular pod, with a leaflike edge, covered at
_the sides with white bristles, containing a single kidney-shaped seed. Fig,
(a) represents the calyx, (6) the stamens, (c) the pistil, (d) standard, (e) one of
the wings, (f) the carina, (g) the legume, (/) a leaflet,—all the figures more
or less magnified.
This tree is a native of Senegal, and is described by Lamarck under the
specific name of erinaceus, in the Encyclopédie Méthodique* The plant
loses its Jeaves in the month of November, and the flowers appear in Decem-
ber.t The officinal kino of commerce is the inspissated juice of several dif-
ferent plants. The London College considers the best sort of kino to be the
product of the tree we have here described. The Edinburgh College, how-
ever, has inserted kino as the inspissated juice of the Eucalyptus resinifera,
or brown gum-tree of Botany Bay ; while the Dublin College (on the author-
ity of Dr. Roxburgh) has named the Butea frondosa, as the plant which fur-
nishes the kino of the shops. Besides these, it seems there are several other
plants which produce this substance, or substances bearing a great resem-
blance to it.t Hence it appears, that the products of several trees, have, at
various periods, been imported into this country, under the specific name of
kino; and that the chemical properties of these different kinds vary consi-
derably.
Kino is attained by incisions made in the branches of the tree, when the
juice flows out, at first of a pale red colour; but as it concretes, becoming of
a deep blood red, eee so extremely brittle, that it requires much care in
collecting.
Qualities and Chemical 5) Lnapestint Botany Bay Kinol| is inodorous, some-
* Vol. v. p.808.
+ A specimen of this tree was sent home by Mungo Park in his last journey, and
io tas eat to Sir Joseph Banks; and we believe it is still in the Banksian Herbarium.
t Cocoloba uviferd (or sea-side grape), Nauclea Gambir, Swietenia Mahagoni.
i This kind of Kino, we are told by Dr. A. Duncan, “is certainly obtained from the
Eucalyptus resinifera, or brown Gum-tree of New South Wales, by allowing the juice,
which either flows from it spontaneously, or is procured by wounding the tree, to harden
46 | ORD. XXIV. Papilionaceer. PYTEROCARPUS ERINACEUS.
what bitter to the taste, accompanied with a considerable degree of astrin-
gency; it is usually met with in large fragments, very brittle, breaking with
a glassy fracture; of a chocolate hue, and affording a brown-coloured pow-
der: but it is not uniform in appearance, some of the fragments being of a
palerhue. Water, at 60° dissolvesnearly one half, aud the infusion is of a brown
colour, and transparent. Alcohol takes up rather more than two-thirds of
its weight, forming a dark brown tincture. Ether dissolves about one-twen-
tieth, and forms a brownish straw-coloured tincture; which, when evapo-
rated on water, leaves a resinous pellicle, scarcely perceptible; a little ex-
tractive is also deposited. The watery solution throws down a copious pre-
cipitate of a pink colour, by gelatine; a deep brownish black, by a solution
of oxy-sulphate of iron; a copious and quickly-formed olive black, by nitrate
of silver ; a reddish precipitate, by oxy-muriate of mercury ; anda floogulent
brown precipitate, by acetate of lead.
Jamaica Kino,* which is now seldom to be met with, we are told by Dr.
. A. T.Thomson, “is, in bitterness and roughness, nearly equal to the last
variety (Botany Bay Kino); but these qualities are accompanied with a
slight degree.of acidity. It is in brittle fragments of an almost black co-
lour, having a shining fracture, in which appear small air-bubbles : the
powder is of a dark reddish brown colour.” Water dissolves a large portion
of this kino; the infusion is clear, and of deep reddish hue; it forms preci-
pitates with gelatine, acetate of lead, nitrate of silver; oxy-sulphate of iron,
and oxy-muriate of mercury, and also by potass and the mineral acids.
African Kino} is inodorous, and insipid when first taken into the mouth ;
but after some sime, it imparts a degree of roughness, with a very slight im-
pression of sweetness, feels gritty between the teeth when chewed, and does
in the sun. Some specimens of it, in its fluid state, have even reached this country. —
oe New Dispensatory, 11th Ed.
* Dr. Duncan says, “although this has been the longest known in commerce in this
citv, I have not been able to trace the place of its origin. . It is evidently an extract.’—
It is also scarcely to be distinguished from the extract of the Swietenia Soymida sent
home by Dr. Roxburgh.
+ This sort of Kino is esteemed the best, and is considered, as we have before ob-
served, to be the product of the Pterocarpus erinaceus; but among the variety of resins
and extracts, which (in commerce) have been denominated Kino, it is a matter of ex-
treme difficulty to decide which is, or is not, the product of any specific plant, and the
subject appears, altogether, involved in no little obscurity.
PTEROCARPUS ERINACEUS. ORD. XXIV. Papilionacee. 47
not colour the saliva. It is in very small fragments, irregularly shaped,
shining, of a deep reddish brown colour, and intermixed with small twigs,
portions of dried leaves and other extraneous matter. When reduced to
powder, it is of a dark chocolate red. Water at 60° dissolves the greater part
it; alcohol about two-thirds, and ether little more than one-third. ‘The
ethereal solution, which is of a fine claret colour, when evaporated on the
surface of water, leaves a, pellicle of brittle brown resin; while a red-coloured
extractive matter, having a sweetish taste, remains dissolved in the water.
The watery solution affords precipitates, with potass and the mineral acids,
also with solutions of nitrate of silver, acetate of lead, oxy-sulphate of iron,
and oxy-muriate of mercury.* All the different sorts of Kino contain a large
proportion of tannin: hence, they cannot, with propriety, be ranked among
the resins or gum-resins. We are told by Dr. Thomson, that all the varieties
dissolve in solution of pure potass, and of ammonia; and no precipitation
takes place on the addition of water. Some chemical change, however, 1s
effected, and the astringent property of the kino is completely destroyed ; a
fact which ought to be kept in remembrance in prescribing this remedy.*
Medical Properties and Uses. Kino was first introduced itito practice by
Dr. Fothergill, as a powerful astringent,+ and has been much employed
in obstinate chronic dysenteries and diarrheas; in all passive he-
morrhages, from the uterus and intestines; also in fluor albus and
diseases arising from the laxity of the solids. By some it is supposed to be
an inferior astringent to catechu, and less certain in its effects. This want
of uniformity, probably, may be owing to the difference in the quality of
the kino itself. It is said to increase the power of cinchona-bark. Externally,
it has been applied as a styptic, to diminish the discharge of sanious matter
from ill-eonditioned ulcers, and to check he#morrhages from wounds and
ulcers. It is given internally in substance; in doses of from ten to: thirty
grains; or in the form of watery infusion or tincture: the former in doses
of one or two ounces; the latter of one or two draclims.
_Off.._pp. Tinetura Kino, L. E. D.
* Vide London Dispetiaataty; 4th Ed. p.509. ; + Ibid. p. 508.
+ Medical Observations and Inquiries, y a Society of Physicians’ in x Saree ;%
238, 243.
ORD. XXV. LOMENTACEA.
MYROXYLON PERUIFERUM. | SWEET-SMELLING BALSAM
; | TREE.
SYNONYMA. Cabureiba. Piso. Bras. 57. 119. Toluifera Balsamum.
Linn. Sp. P1549. Hoitziloxite, Hernandez Nova Plant. §c.; Mexican Hist.
fol. 51.f. Myroxylon peruiferum. Linn. f. Suppl. p. 233 ; Willd. Sp. Pl. v.
2. 546 ; Stokes, v.2. p.471; Lambert. Illust. of the, Genus Cinchona, p. 92.
Myrospermum peruiferum. De Cand. Prodr. v.2. p. 95.
Class X. Decandria. Ord. I. Monogynia.
Nat. Ord. Lomentacex, Linn. Leguminose, Juss. -
Gen. Char. Calyx, bell-shaped, five-toothed. Petals, five ; the upper one
larger than the others. Germen, longer than the corolla. Legume with
one seed only at the extremity. Leaves, corriaceous, persistent, and, as
well as the branches, glabrous. Legumes with the wing thick on one
side, veinless on the other. Style deciduous. De Cand. (Character of
M. Peruiferum in Mutis, Humboldt, and Decandolle.) ;
Spec. Char. Leaflets pointed, emarginate.
THIS is a very handsome ¢ree ; the trunk rises to a considerable height,
is straight, smooth, and covered with a compact, coarse, heavy, bark, exter-
nally of a grey colour, internally of a pale yellow, and abounding with a
very fragrant resin, which also pervades every part of the tree ; the branches
extend almost horizontally, and are covered, like the trunk, with coarse
bark ; the eaves are alternate and abruptly pinnate: the leaflets nearly op-
L ¢
gece Roe cea |
Spratt dade,
MYROXYLON PERUIFERUM. ORD. XXV. Lomentacex. 49
posite, petiolate, ovate, lanceolate, with the apex somewhat obtuse and
emarginate, entire, very smooth, shining; the midrib on the under surface
pubescent: the common petiole is round and pubescent: the leaflets vary in
number, from two to four or five pairs; the flowers are produced on axillary
erect racemes, longer than the leaves: the peduncles are slender, roundish,
and pubescent; each accompanied by a very small, erect, ovate, concave
bractea: the pedicels are erect: the calyzx is bell-shaped, dark green, and
divided into five small, nearly equal, segments; but one of them so far
separated, as to be found under the germen: the corolla consists of five
white petals, four of which are narrow, equal, lanceolate, and larger than
the calyx ; the fifth reflexed, broad, and more than double the size of the
others; stamens inclined, and’ inserted into the calyx, bearing elongated,
sharp-pointed, suleated anthers: the germen is oblong, pedicellated: the
style short, subulate, crooked, and crowned with a simple stigma: the peri-.
carp is of a straw colour, club-shaped, somewhat curved and pendulous,
globular near the top, and terminated by the curved style: in the cell formed
at the curved part, it contains a single seed, which is crescent-shaped, and
projects from the cell. (a) the capsule; (b) the calyx and germen; (c) an
anther.
The Peruvian Balsam-tree is a native of South America; inhabiting the
warmer regions of that continent; growing on the mountains of Panatalmas,
in the forests of Paxaten, Muna, Cuchero, and Puzuzu, and in some of the
warm situations near the river Marafion; flowering from August to Sep-
tember. This tree was first discovered by Mutis, about the year 1781, who
sent a specimen of it, both in fruit and flower, to the younger Linneus. The
natives inhabiting the countries where this tree grows, call it Quinquino ;
they use the bark as a perfume. The Peruvian Balsam and the Balsam of
Tolu of the shops, are both the product of this tree: formerly, it was sup-
_posed that the latter balsam was the product of a different tree from that
which yields the former, but it has been ascertained that both balsams are
the produce of the Myroaylon Peruiferum. We are told by Ruiz, that the
balsam is procured by incision at the beginning of the spring, when the
showers are frequent, short, and gentle: it is collected into bottles, where it
keeps liquid for some years, in which state it is called white liquid balsam.
But when the Indians deposit the liquid in mats or calabashes, which is
commonly done in Carthagena and in the mountains of Tolu, after some
VoL.
50 ORD. XXV. Lomentacez. MYROXYLON PERUIFERUM.
time it condenses and hardens into resin, and is then denominated, Dry
white balsam, or balsam of Tolu, by which name it is distinguished in the
druggists’ shops. M. Valmont de Bomare says, in his Dictionary of
Natural History, that if an extract be made from the bark, by boiling it in
water, it remains liquid, and of a blackish colour, known under the appella-
tion of black Peruvian balsam.*
Sensible and Chemical Properties. Genuine Peruvian balsam is of a deep
reddish brown colour, very viscid, and of the consistence of honey when first_
taken from the comb; it has a warm, aromatic, and slightly bitter taste, and
when swallowed leaves a somewhat acrid sensation in the throat; its odour
is very fragrant. Distilled with water, it yields a small quantity of reddish
limpid oil, and benzoic acid sublimes in the neck of the retort; the remaining
matter is resin: when boiled with water, the liquid becomes acidulated,
reddens vegetable blues, and deposits on cooling, crystals of benzoic acid.
It dissolves completely in ether, and also in alcohol, but the latter requires
to be in considerable quantities. The alkalies and their carbonates, form
with it thick masses, which, on the addition of sulphuric acid, lets fall a
resinous matter, and benzoic acid, crystallizes. Treated with nitric
and muriatic acids, the presence of prussic acid is detected, benzoic acid
sublimes, and the residual matter is artificial tannin. Mr. Hatchett found
that when this is heated with sulphuric acid, artificial tannin is also formed,
and the charcoal remaining amounts to no less than 0,64 of the original
weight of the balsam.t At 550° the balsam begins to boil when exposed
to heat in a water-bath, and some gas is discharged. At 594° the oil mixed
with a little water, comes over pretty fast. Lichtenberg kept four ounces
of balsam at the temperature of 617° for two hours, and obtained two ounces
of a yellowish oil, and a crystallized mass of benzoic acid ; which, together
with the water, weighed six drachms and a half. The gas obtained amounted
to fifty-eight ounce measures, thirty-eight being carbonic acid; the rest
burnt like oleifiant gas. From the analysis of Stoltze, 1000 parts of balsam
consist of 24 of brown, nearly insoluble resin, 207 of soluble resin, 690 of a
peculiar kind of volatile oil, 64 of benzoic acid, and 6 of extractive matter.
Tolu Balsam. This balsam was formerly supposed to be the produce ofa.
* A fictitious composition, a mixture of resin, and some volatile oil, scented with ben-
zoin, is often sold for the genuine Peruvian balsam, and the fraud is not readily detected.
+ Hatchett. Phil. Trans. 1806.
MYROXYLON PERUIFERUM. ORD. XXV. Lomentacee. 51
different tree from that which yields the Peruvian Balsam, but as we have
before observed, it has been satisfactorily ascertained that both balsams are
the produce of the species of Myroxylon above described. The Tolu balsam
is, as we noticed, the white balsam of Peru hardened by exposure to the at-
mosphere. It comes to this country in gourd-shells, or calabashes ; its
odour is extremely fragrant, somewhat resembling that of lemons; its taste
aromatic and somewhat sweetish ; of a reddish-brown colour, and of a thick
tenacious consistence, becoming brittle by age. In distillation with water,
it yields a small portion of volatile oil, arid impregnates the water with its
odour; if the process be continued, a quantity of benzoie acid sublimes. It
is soluble in alcohol and ether, and also in the alkalies.. We are told by |
Mr. Hatchett, that when dissolved in a very small quantity of the solution
of potass, its odour is lost, and it acquires the smell of the clove pink. When
digested in the sulphuric and nitric acids, a considerable quantity of pure
benzoic acid sublimes, and with the latter some trace of prussic acid is also
evolved.
Medical Properties and Uses. Peruvian balsam is simulating and tonic,
and has also been regarded as expectorant: hence, it has been recommended
as an efficacious remedy in obstinate coughs, chronic asthma, and other
pulmonary diseases, when attended with an increased secretion of mucus ;
but from its heating and stimulating qualities, it is improper in those cases
which are attended with inflammation. In chronic rheumatism, gleets,
seminal weaknesses and leucorrhea, as well as in some other cases of de-
bility, its tonic powers appear to have proved efficacious. It has been re-
commended to be dropped into the ear, combined with ox-gall, in the pro-
portion of one part of the former to three of the latter, in foetid discharges
of that organ. Formerly it was much used as a local application to foul
ulcers, especially those of an indolent kind; and in the hands of the late
Mr. Whateley, it appears to have been a very successful application. Peru-
vian balsam may be taken in doses of from 30 to 60 drops, in any proper
vehicle, and repeated at intervals, according to circumstances. Tolu balsam
possesses similar qualities to the former, and is applicable to the same
diseases ; but these have been already treated of under the article Toluifera
balsamum, (see p. 607, vol iii of this work.)
Off. pp. Syrupus Tolutanus, L.E.
Tinctura Toluifere Balsami, E. D.
ORD. XXVI. MULTISILIQU.
DIOSMA CRENATA. CRENATED DIOSMA.
SYNONYMA. Diosma crenata. Lodd. Bot. Cab. t.404.* De Cand. Prodr.
v.i. p. 714. Thunb. Prodr. v.i. p. 43? Fl. Cerp. v. ii. p. 146? Linn. Aman.
— v. iv, p. 308? Wildd. Sp. Pl. v. i. p. 1188? Hartogia betulina. Berg.
Cap. 67.
Class V. Pentandria. Ord. I. Monogynia.
Nat. Ord. Multisilique, Lin. Rutaceze, Juss.
Gen. Char. Petals five. Nectary of five scalescrowning the germen. Cap-
sules three or five, connected. Seeds in an elastic, bivalved arillus.
: Spec. Char. Leaves ovate acute, dotted, with glands beneath, and at the
serrated margins. Pedicels solitary, single-flowered, somewhat leafy.
_ THIS species of Diosma forms a slender branching shrub. Its branches
are smooth, rounded, or somewhat angular, and of a purplish colour ; the
leaves are opposite, ovate, acute, crenated, of a dark bright green on the upper
surface, paler on the under, and there full of small pellucid punctures, par-
*The species of the genus Diosma are still involved in much obscurity, and none more
so than the present individual; in eonsequence of the very imperfect characters given by
its early describers. We have adopted the plant of Loddiges and De Candolle; the
latter author very justly doubting if that of Linneus and Thunberg can be the same,
since they describe the leaves as scattered, not opposite. Sprengel, again, though doubt-
fully, unites the Linnzan Diosma crenata with the Diosma senatifolia of Antis, a | to~
tally different plant from ours, and the Barosma serratifolium of Willdenow.
at ODTTULL- Crenain.
G. Sprattda
DIOSMA CRENATA: ORD. XXVI. Mudtisilique. 53
ticularly at the edges between each tooth. The flowers are solitary, on short
pedicels, and arise from the ends of short, opposite, lateral, leafy shoots.
The calya consists of five deep, ovate, acute, permanent, segments; the co-
rolla is composed of five delicate, elliptic-oblong, slightly spreading, petals,
of a pale reddish tint, or white. The mecturies are five linear-lanceolate
scales. Filaments five, awl-shaped, supporting ovate, incumbent anthers ;
the germen is superior, turbinate; style erect, the length of the stamens
crowned with a simple stigma. The capsule is ovate, containing an oblong,
solitary seed, inclosed in an elastic arillus.
The crenated Diosma is a perennial shrub, native of the Cape of Good
Hope, in this country blossoming about March, and requiring the protection
of a green-house in winter. If ourplant be the same as that of Ait. in Hort.
Kew. ed. 2. v. ii. p. 32. 1t was first introduced into this country by Mr. Francis
Masson, in the year 1774.
Sensible and Chemical Properties, §c. The whole of this plant has a very
strong and peculiar odour, and a slightly bitter, mucilaginous taste. By
distillation with water, it affords an essential oil, with the odour and flavour
-of camphor and rue. It yields to water, on long continued boiling, a con-
siderah*e quantity of mucilage. The essential vil imparted to boiling water
by infusion, is dissipated by decoction. The leaves of this plant have been
analyzed by M. Cadet, Junior, and yielded the following products : Essential
Oil 0.665, Gum 21.17, Extractive 6.17, Chlorophylle 1.10, Resin 2.151.*
Medical Properties and Uses. This plant has been lately introduced into
the Dublin pharmacopeia as an officinal drug,t and esteemed to be an ex-
cellent stomachic, and an efficacious diuretic. From the experience of several
eminent physicians in Dublin, it appears to possess very considerable powers
on the urinary organs, and to have proved a very powerful remedial agent
in chronic inflammations of the bladder and urethra, arising from stricture
of the urethra, calculi, diseased prostate gland, &c. &c. Dr. M‘Dowall has
given many cases of these kinds, in which it has proved eminently success-
ful.t It has also been administered with beneficial effects in chronic rheuma-
tism. For many years it appears to have been successfully prescribed in
* Journ. Chim. iii. 44.
+ Dr. Reece of Bolton Row, we believe, was the first to excite the attention of British
practitioners to the Diosma crenata.
t Vide Dublin Medical Transactions.
54 ORD. XXVI. Multisilique. DIOSMA CRENATA.
Holland, for inflammatory affections of the membranes, particularly of the
urethra, bladder, prostate gland,* rectum, &e.
Off. Prep.—Inf. Diosmz crenate. D.
* It is probable the Dutch derived their knowledge of the medicinal properties of this
plant from the natives of the Cape, who, we are told, are partial to a spirit distilled from
its leaves, in the dregs of wine, which they regard as a sovereign remedy for many acute
and chronic diseases of the stomach, intestines, and bladder. We are also informed by
Burchell, (vide Travels in Africa) that the Hottentots apply a decoction of the leaves t
fresh wounds, and use them as a cosmetic.
- RANUNCULUS FLAMMULA. __ LESSER SPEAR-WORT
_ CROWFOOT.
SYNONYMA. Ranunculus longifolius, aliis flammula. Bauh. Hist. v. 3.
848. f. Ranunculus flammeus minor. Raii Syn. 250. Ger. Em. 961. 8.
Ranunculus. n. 1182. Hall. Hist. v.2. 78. Ranunculus flammula. Linn.
Sp. Pl. 772; Willd. v. 2. 1307 ; Hook. Scot. 174. ; Stokes, Bot. Mat. Med.
v. 3.258; Bull. Fr. t. 15; Curt. Lond. fase. 6, t. 87; Fl. Brit. 58°; Eng.
Bot. v. 6. t. 387; Hook. Brit. Fl. p. 265.
Class Polyandria. Ord. Polygynia.
Nat. Ord. Multisilique, Linn. Ranunculacee, Juss.
Gen. Char. Calyx five-leaved; petals five or more, with nectaries in their
claws; seeds numerous, naked
Spec. Char. Leaves linear-lanceolate, nearly entire, bluntish, stalked, the
lower’ ones ovato-lanceolate; stem reclining at the base, and rooting ;
_ seeds smooth. ;
THE root of this species of ranunculus is perennial, and consists of many
long simple fibres, some of which issue from the lower joints of the stem.
The stem is about a foot, or a little more in length, reclining, partly decum-
bent at the base, branched, leafy, round, hollow, smooth, of a pale green,
slightly tinged with purple. The radical leaves are ovato-lanceolate, pointed
'
C6 Spradt del.
RANUNCULUS FLAMMULA. ORD. XXVI. Multisiliquz. 55
at both ends, supported on long foot-stalks, which are hollow on one side,
and flattened; the stem leaves are lanceolate, alternate, and stand upon
shorter foot-stalks, which are dilated and sheathing at the base ; the upper-
most, and those next the flowers, are linear, all of them smooth, more or less
toothed, but sometimes entire. The flowers are terminal, opposite the
leaves, and are placed on round, erect stalks, without bracteas. The corolla
is of a bright yellow colour, composed of five roundish, somewhat concave,
heart-shaped petals, with short claws, and very minute nectaries. The calyx
consists of five ovate, obtuse, slightly villous, concave, deciduous, leaves ofa
yellowish colour. The stamens are numerous, not half the length of the pe
tals, with oblong anthers. The germens are collected into a head, each fur-
nished with a small reflected stigma, without any style. The seeds are lenti-
cular, smooth, with a small, slightly curved, point. Figure (a) represents a
single petal, (b) the calyx, (c) the germens, (d) a stamen.
This species of crowfoot is indigenous to Britain, flowering in the months
of June, July, and August ; it is also a common plant throughout Kurope,
delighting in watery situations, yet found abundantly in the wet and marshy
places on heaths and commons. We are told by Mr. Lightfoot, that in gra-
velly soils it degenerates to a trailing, divarfish size, with small linear leaves,
and that in some states it differs very little from the ranunculus lingua, (great
spear-wort crowfoot.) The genus ranunculus forms a very numerous tribe of
plants,* the greater number of which possess acrid qualities. The indigenous
species that are most common, and also the most poisonous, are, the ranun-
culus acris, ranunculus sceleratus, ranunculus bulbosus, ranunculus arvensis,
and ranunculus flammula. The former species will be found figured in
Vol. Ill of this work. Andas the sensible qualities, poisonous effects, medi-
cal properties, and uses, of these several species of ranunculus, are nearly the
same, we must refer our readers, for information on those subjects, to that
article. The ranunculus flammula has obtained a place in the Materia Medica
of the Dublin College; and without doubt with the intention of being em-
ployed as a vesicatory, for which purpose it was formerly much used; but
since the introduction of cantharides, this acrid plant has been nearly laid
aside; but we are told that it vesicates with much less pain than the Spanish
* Sixty-one species are enumerated by Willdenow, in the fourteenth edition of his
Systema Vegetabilium : one hundred and fifty-nine by Decandolle, in his Prodromus.
Fifteen species are natives of Britain. (See Smith’s English Flora.)
56 ORD. XXVI. Multisilique. RANUNCULUS FLAMMULA.
flies, and has this decided warentnge in many cases, that it does not affect
the urinary passages.
The acrid principle of this plant, rises in distillation with water, which,
taken into the stomach, acts almost instantaneously asa vomit.* Dr. Wither-
ing says, “I feel myself authorized to assert, that,in the case of poison being
swallowed, or other circumstances occurring, in which it is desirable to make
the patient vomit instantaneously, itis preferable toany medicine yet known,
and does not excite those painful contractions of the upper part of the sto-
mach, which the white eis sometimes does, ther oby defeating the intention
for which it was given.”
* Some years ago a man travelled through several parts of England, administering
vomits, which operated almost the instant they were swallowed. The distilled waters of
the ranunculus flammula proved to be his medicine.
- Me CUCL cays Lt .
baa Lf i
6 Spradé ael
ORD. XXIX. HESPERIDEZ.
MELALEUCA CAJUPUTI. : LESSER CAJEPUT TREE.
SYNONYMA. Melaleuca Cajuputi. Roxb. Cat. p.59. Melaleuca minor.
Sm. in Rees. Cycl. n.2. Decand. Prodr. v.3. p.2i2. Arbor alba minor.
- Rumph. Amb. v. 2. p. 76. t.17. (f.1. Roxb. et forsan f.2. Decand.)
Class XVIII. Polyadelphia. Ord. IIT. Icosandria.
Nat. Ord. Hesperidez, Linn, Myrti, Juss. Myrtacee, Decand.
Gen. Char. Calyx five-parted, semi-superior ; corolla five-petaled ; stamens
(about forty-five) very long, conjoined in five bodies ; style rig i capsule
three-celled ; seeds numerous.
Spee. Char. Branchlets pendulous ; leaves alternate, shortly petioled, ellip-
tic-lanceolate, three and five-ribbed ; spikes terminal and axillary, comose,
villous ; dracteas lanceolate, three-flowered ; young branches and germens
downy.
THIS very elegant tree is a native of the Molucca Islands; it is of a small
size, seldom attaining a greater height than twenty feet. The ¢runk is tole-
rably erect, but crooked, and slender, when considered in reference to the
age* of the tree; the dark is of a very light or whitish ash colour, soft, thick,
and spongy, pretty smooth on the surface; the exterior lamina peels off
from time to time in thin flakes, like the birch tree, whilst the interior bark
* When twenty years old the thickest part of the tree not exceeding the circumference
of a man’s leg.
VOL, V. I
58 ORD. X XIX. Hesperidex. MELALEUCA CAJUPUTI.
may be separated into numerous laminz, like the leaves of a book. Branches
scattered, with slender twigs, often drooping as those of the weeping willow ;
they are rounded and smooth, their young shoots sericeous. The leaves are
alternate, and point in every direction, narrowly lanceolate, shortly petioled,
and, while young, sericeous; but, when full-grown, glabrous, deep green,
three or five-nerved, sometimes slightly faleate; their entire length is from
three to five inches, and from half to three quarters of an inch broad. On
being bruised, they smell powerfully of the substance they yield: yet the
cells which contain this aromatic fluid, are scarcely visible in the fresh
leaves. The flowers are produced in terminal spikes, and from the extreme
axils, downy ; while the flowers are young, there is a scaly cone at the apex,
which soon advances into a leafy branchlet. Bracteas solitary, lanceolate,
sericeous, three-flowered, caducous. Flowers ternate, sessile, small, white, in-
odorous. Calyx urceolate, semi-superior, sericeous, margin of five semi-lunar
segments. Petals five, orbicular, short-clawed, white, much longer than the
segments of the calyx. Filaments from thirty to forty, united into five seg-
ments at the base, three or four times longer than the petals, and with
them, inserted into the large, villous, five-lobed rim of the calyx, alternate
with its segments. Anthers ovato-cordate, with a yellow gland on the apex.
Germen ovate, united to the calyx, three-celled, with numerous ovules in
each, attached to an elevated receptacle in the inner and lower angle of each
cell. Style rather longer than the stamens. Stigma obscurely three-lobed.
Capsule completely enveloped in the thick, fleshy, gibbous, permanent tube
of the calyx, three-lobed, three-celled, three-valved. . Valves thin, hard, and
elastic, opening from the apex ; partitions contrary; receptacles triangular,
thin, flat, lodged in the inner and lower angle of the cell. . Seeds numerous,
regularly wedge-shaped. Figure (a) the flower, (8) the germen, style and
stigma, (c) section of the germen.
- The beautiful green essential oil of commerce, known by the name of ca-
juput oil, was formerly supposed to be the produce of the Melaleuca leuco-
dendr on (Linn. Mant.); butit appears, from the specimens of the tree yield-
ing the true cajuputi, sent home by Mr. Christopher Smith, that the species
is different, and referable to Table 17 of Rumphius’s Herbarium Amboinense
(vol. ii.) and not to that author’s arbor alba, t.16. After the careful exami-
nation of specimens in the Linnean Herbarium, by Sir James E. Smith, and
in Sir Joseph Banks’s and other collections, by Dr. Maton, we are authorized
MELALEUCA CaJuPUTI. ORD. XXIX. Hesperidex. 59
to consider the tree which yields the genuine cajuput-oil as a distinct species,
and from the name of its medicinal product, to call it Melaleuca Cajuputi,;*
as Dr. Roxburgh has termed it in his catalogue of the Calcutta Botanic
gardens. (3
The following account of the propagation, &c. of this plant, we transcribe
from the Transactions of the Medico-Botanical Society of London, from the
description furnished to the Society by Thomas Henry Colebrooke, Esquire,
E.R.S, from the MS. of Dr. Roxburgh :—“ During my absence at the Cape
of Good Hope, in 1798, Dr, John Fleming had charge of the Botanic garden ;
at the same time, Mr. Smith, the nurseryman, was employed on the Molucoa
Islands, collecting plants for the garden, consequently an excellent time for
obtaining growing plants of these trees. Dr, Fleming, therefore, gave Mr.
Smith strict orders to be very careful to get the proper sort (two or. three
being mentioned by Rumphius) from which the best oil was obtained. This
commission Mr. S. executed to our satisfaction, many thriving plants having
been sent to the garden by the close of the year, where they grow freely ;
and in six or seven years they began to blossom at various times of the year,
which they have hitherto continued to do, and to ripen their seeds perfectly.
From them, numerous plants have been reared, and not only distributed over
many parts of the continent of India, but sent to various other parts of the
world. It is from the original young trees, now (1811) thirteen years old,
that the botanical description and accompanying figures are taken.+ This
species of Melaleuca may be cultivated either by seed or root ; when by the
latter, slender pieces of the root are cut into small bits, and laid horizontally
in the earth (this is done in the rainy season) when they readily produce roots.
The oil is obtained by distillation from the dried leaves. In the island of
Banda large quantities are prepared, ‘and sent to Holland in copper flasks,
from whence it is imported into this country.
Qualities, &c. The oil of cajuputi, as it comes to us, has a pungent taste,
like that of camphor; its odour is very powerful, resembling a mixture of
* We are told by Dr. Ainslie, that this species of Melaleuca appears to have owed its
specific name to its colour, Cajuputi, or Kayu-puti, in the Malay language signifying
white wood, It is also known in the Malay countries under the names of Galam, Daun
Ketsjil, &c.—Materia Medica, vol.i. p. 261. >
+ Our drawing was copied from the one published by the Medico-Botanical Society
of London, from the original drawing, furnished to that Society by T. H. Colebrooke,
Esq. F.R.S. Ed.
12
60 ORD. XXIX. Hesperidee. MELALEUCA CAJUPUTI.
camphor and oil of turpentine, but gradually becomes more fragrant. It is
transparent, and of a beautiful bluish green colour; when dropped on the
surface of water, it diffuses itself over it, and very rapidly and completely
evaporates : this is said to be a test of its purity.* When ignited, it burns
rapidly, without leaving any residue. When pure, it is entirely soluble in
alcohol, and partly so in water. Its green colour is said by some to be de-
rived from the copper vessels in which it is imported, but by others this is
denied ; in confirmation of which, we are told by Mr. Brande, that none of
the samples which he examined contained copper.
For the Medical Properties and Uses of this tree, we refer our readers to
Vol. III. page 547 of this work. 3
* Cajuputi oil is said to be frequently adulterated with a mixture of fine oil and oil
of turpentine.
ORD. XXXII. GRUINALES.
QUASSIA EXCELSA. LOFTY, or ASH-LEAVED QUASSIA.
SYNONYMA. Quassia excelsa. Swartz in Stockh. Trans. For 1788, p. 302,
#.8; Prodr. Ind. Oceid. v. 2,742; Willd. Sp. Pl. v. 2. p- 569. Simaruba
excelsa. De Cand. in Ann. du Mus. v. 17, p. 424; Prodr.v.\. p. 733;
Unchte Quassie, Nom. Triv. Willd. Quassia Polygama. Trans. Roy.
Soc. Edin. v. 3. p. 205. t.6. :
Class, Decandria. Ord. Monogynia.
Nat. Ord. Gruinales, Linn. Magnoliz, Juss. Simarubex, Rich. De Cand.
Gen. Char. Calyx, fiveleaved. Petals, five. Nectary, composed of five
seales. Drupes, five, distant, bivalved, placed on a fleshy receptacle.
Spec. Char. Flowers, polygamous. Stamens, five.
: Leaves, pinnate.
Leaflets, opposite, petioled ; common stalk naked.
Atttdsdst "0 A neoukios :
—
QUASSIA EXCELSA. ORD. XXXII. Gruinales. 61
The Quassia excelsa is a very large and lofty tree, frequently rising to the
height of 100 or more feet, and measuring from eight to ten feet in circum-
ference: the trunk is straight, tapering, and sends off many branches
towards the top; both trunk and branches are covered with a smooth, ash-
coloured, or grey ark ; the wood is of a pale yellowish colour, tough, but
not very hard, and takes a good polish: the /eaves are pinnated, composed
of from four to eight pair of pinnz, with a terminal one; the pinne aré
nearly opposite, elliptical, pointed, firm, entire, smooth, from two to four or
five inches in length, and standing on short footstalks: the ribs are of a
reddish colour, and the young leaves are covered with a fine brownish down.
The flowers are produced in clusters, or panicles, from the lower part of the
last shoot before the leaves. The male and hermaphrodite flowers are in the
same cluster: the male flowers are similar to the hermaphrodite, excepting
that they have the rudiments only of a style, and no stigmas: the calyx is
very small, and consists of five, equal, ovate, pointed, segments; the corolla
of five, small, equal, lanceolate, yellowish-green petals: the jilaments are
mostly five (sometimes four to six) -a little longer than the petals, downy,
and supporting roundish anthers: the germen is ovate, bearing a slender
style, with a trifid stigma: the fruit is a small, round, smooth drupe, about
the size of a pea, when ripe, of a blackish colour ; these drupes are one, two,
or three together, attached sideways to a round, fleshy receptacle. It
flowers in October and November, and the fruit is ripe in December. Fig.
(a) represents the ripe fruit ; (6) a male flower; (c) an hermaphrodite flower ;
(d) a stamen—(these three last somewhat magnified ;) (e) a transverse section
of the fruit.
This lofty species of Quassia is a native of Jamaica and the Caribbean
Islands. Dr. Wight, in his account of the medicinal plants growing in
Jamaica, notices this species of Quassia under the title of Picrania amara :
it is also mentioned by Mr. Brown and Dr. Patrick Brown, in their histories
of Jamaica, by the names Xylopicrum, Xylopia glabra, bitter-wood or bitter-
ash. But we are indebted to Mr. John Lindsay, Surgeon, of Jamaica, for
an accurate account of this tree, which he published, accompanied with a
figure, in the third volume of the Transactions of the Royal Society of
Edinburgh. :
Sensible Qualities and Chemical Properties, &c. The wood comes to us in
billets of various sizes, which are reduced to chips or shavings by the
62 ORD. XXXII. Gruinales. QUASSIA EXCELSA.
druggists. Quassia-wood is inodorous, its taste intensely bitter: both water
and alcohol take up its bitterness. The watery infusion, evaporated by a
low heat to dryness, leaves a brownish yellow, somewhat transparent, .
intensely bitter substance, which continues ductile for some time, but by
degrees becomes brittle. This substance has been regarded as a vege-
table constituent sui generis, by its discoverer, Professor Thomson, of
Glasgow, who has named it Quassine.* Quassine possesses the following
properties :—When heated it softens, swells, and blackens ; then burns away
with but little flame, and leaves a small quantity of ashes: it is very soluble
in alcohol and water: it does not change the colour of the infusion of litmus.
The alkalies produce no alteration in the diluted solution of the bitter
principle. Lime-water, barytes-water, and strontian-water, occasion no
precipitate ; neither is any precipitate thrown down by silicated potass, alu-
minated potass, or sulphate of magnesia. Oxalate of ammonia occasions
no precipitate, neither does “corrosive sublimate, nor nitrate of mercury :
nitrate of copper and the ammoniacal solution of copper leave it unaltered;
but muriate of copper gives a white precipitate, which falls when this liquid
salt is dropped into water. Nitrate of silver renders the solution muddy,
and avery soft, flaky, yellow precipitate falls slowly to the bottom. Sul-
phate and permuriate of iron occasion no change. Muriate of tin turns the
solution muddy, but occasions no precipitate unless the solution is concen-
trated ; in that case a copious precipitate falls. Acetate of lead occasions a
very copious white precipitate, but the nitrate of lead effects no alteration.
Nitrate of bismuth produces no change ; though, when the salt is dropped
into pure water, a copious white precipitate appears. Tartar emetic leaves
it unaltered; but when the muriate of antimony is used, the white precipi-
tate appears, which always falls when this salt is dropped into pure water.
Muriate and arseniate of cobalt, arseniate of potass, tincture of nut-galls, and
gallic acid, produce no effect. The little action of the different re-agents is
remarkable ; nitrate of silver and acetate of lead being the only substances
which throw it down.t These properties Dr. Thomson remarks, are suffi-
cient to convince us that the bitter principle differs considerably from all
other vegetable principles.
* Vide Thomson’s Chemistry, 4th edit. v. 32.
+ Hence nitrate of silver and acetate of lead are incompatible in formulz with it.
A
1 eon
a oe
8 AVLECLLPIE,
ECLA OE
. os
See
G prac del.
QUASSIA EXCELSA. ORD. XXXII. Gruinales. 63
Medical Properties and Uses. Quassia excelsa is a simple and powerful
bitter ; hence it is considered tonic, and has been employed under the same
circumstances, and for the same diseases in which the Quassia amara has
been found useful ;* it is, therefore, unnecessary to enlarge upon the subject .
here. It is usually exhibited in the form of infusion, combined with mineral
acids or neutral salts, according to circumstances: it may be given in
substance, in doses of from ten to thirty grains, repeated three or four times
a day; but it is an inconvenient form for administering quassia, as it cannot
be reduced to a fine powder; hence. its bulk and extreme bitterness render
it excessively nauseous when exhibited in substance.
Off. Prep. Infusam Quassie, L.E.
Tinctura Quassie Excelse, E.D.
* Vide Quassia amara, vol. iii. p. 573—574 of this work.
LINUM CATHARTICUM. PURGING FLAX, OR MILL-
MOUNTAIN.
‘SYNONYMA. Linum pratense, flosculis exiguis. Bauh. Pin. 214. Linum.
n. 839. Hall. Hist. v.i. 374. Chamzlinum Clusii flore albo, sive linum
sylvestre catharticum. Park. 1336. Linum sylvestre catharticum. Raii ~
Syn. 362; Ger. Gm. 560.7. Linum catharticum. Linn. Sp. Pl. 401;
Willd. v.i. 1541; Sm. Fl. Brit. 844; Eng. Bot. v. vi. t. 382; Curt. Flor.
Lond. fase. 3. t.19. Hook. Flor. Scot. 97; Stokes, v.ii. 188. Br. #1. p. 147.
Class Vv. Pentandria. Ord. V. Pentagynia.
Nat. Ord. Gruinales, Linn. Linew, Decand.
Gen, Char. Calyx five-leaved ; petals five; capsule five-valved, ten-celled ;
seeds solitary:
Spec. Char. Leaves opposite, obovate-lanceolate ; stem dichotomous ; petals
acute.
64 ORD. XXXII. Gruinales. LINUM CATHARTICUM.
THE root of this species of Flax is small, tapering and woody, and sends
up several slender, smooth, straight stems, which rise to the height of six or
eight inches, and are branched towards the upper part; the leaves are small,
lanceolate, elliptical, smooth, sessile, and stand opposite in pairs ;* those to-
wards the lower part of the stem are rounded at the extremity ; the flowers
are small, and stand upon long peduneles, at the end of the branches; the
calyx is composed of five permanent, lanceolate leaves, serrated and’ one-
ribbed; the petals are white, ovate, pointed, and slightly united at the base ;
the germen is ovate, triangular, and crowned with yellow stigmas; the fila-
ments are ranged in a circle round the germen, and support yellow anthers ;
the capsule is globular, about the size of a pea, ten-celled and ten-valved,
each cell enclosing an oblong, glossy, pointed seed. Figure (a) the capsule,
(d) the stamens, (c) the valyx, (d) the germen and styles,
is small, delicate species of flax is indigenous to Britain. It is a very
common plant throughout the kingdom, on hilly situations, particularly
where the soil is chalky ;+ flowering from June to August, and it is some-
times found in meadows.
Sensible Qualities, §c. Purgingflax, when well dried, is of a green co-
lour. It is nearly inodorous, whether in its recent or dried state. Water ex-
tracts the virtues of this plant, which communicates to the menstruum a
yellowish-brown colour (resembling an infusion of tea); with sulphate of iron
it strikes a black colour. Macerated in sulphuric ether, it affords a fine green
tincture, which deposits, when evaporated upon the surface of water, a green,
bitter resin, and an extractive matter, on which, probably, the virtues of the
plant depend.
Medical Properties and Uses. This species of flax was highly extolled,
both by Lewis and Gerarde, as a purgative ; the former of whom states that
it occasionally acts as a diuretic. It operates chiefly, however, as a gentle
cathartic ; the watery infusion, made with two drachms of the dried plant
to one pint of boiling water, and taken to the quantity of two ounces, once
or twice in the day, usually keeps the bowels pretty well open. The watery
infusion also forms a convenient vehicle for salts, rhubarb, &c. Like most
* It belongs to the second section of the genus Linwm, from having opposite
leaves.
+ It grows in great abundance on the waste ground, opposite the chalk-pits, at
Greenhithe. ; ;
c. Spract dea.
LINUM CATHARTICUM. ORD. XXXII. Gruinales. 65
other aperients, it occasionally produces a little griping ;* which may be ob-
viated by the addition of a drop or two of some essential oil. We are told
by Dr. A. T. Thomson, that “it possesses no particular advantages, and only
swells unnecessarily the list of purgatives ;” but we cannot agree with him
in this opinion, feeling that a preference should bé given to our indigenous
plants, rather than to those of foreign growth.
Off. The Herb.
* We are told that Mr. Houlton has prepared an extract, which operates somewhat
violently*in doses of ten grains,
ORD. XXXIV. CALYCANTHEM.
LYTHRUM SALICARIA. LOOSE-STRIFE, OR PURPLE
WILLOW HERB.
SYNONYMA. Lysimachia altera. Matth. Valgr.v.ii. 299. f.; Camer.
Epit. 687. f. Lysimachia spicata purpurea. Bauh. Pin. 246. Salicaria.
Hall. Hist. v.i. 378. Lythrum salicaria. Linn. Sp. Pl. 640. Willd. v. 11.
865; Curt. Lond. fasc. iii. t. 28; Hook. Scot. 147. Fl. Brit.510; Eng. Bot.
v. xv. t.1061; Hook. Br. Fl. 217.
Class XI. Dodecandria. Order I. Monogynia. ;
Nat. Ord. Calycantheme, Linn. Salicarie, Juss.
Gen. Char. Calyx twelve-toothed, inferior; petals six, inserted into the
calyx ; capsule two-celled, with many seeds.
Spec. Char. Leaves opposite, lanceolote, heart-shaped at the base ; flowers
in whorled leafy spikes ; stamens twelve.
Vou. Vo: K
66 ORD. XXXIV. Calycantheme. LYTHRUM SALICARIA,
THIS species of Lythrum rises to the height of three or four feet. The
root is woody, branched, spreading, and furnished with many fibres ; the
stem is erect, leafy, quadrangular, (but, towards the lower part,. often hexa-
gonal) smooth or downy, and of a reddish colour. The deaves vary in length,
are opposite, sessile, lanceolate, entire, cordate at the base, smooth on their
upper surface, and somewhat pubescent beneath ; the flowers arise from the
axills of the leaves, and terminate the stem in a spike of whorls; calyx in-
ferior, cylindrical, striated, downy, and divided at the margin into twelve
segments ; of which six are long, awl-shaped, and erect ; the others smaller, .
ovate, concave, and bent inwards: the petals are six, of a reddish purple
colour, elliptic-oblong, and undulated; the twelve filaments are thread-
shaped, alternately shorter, and inflected, inserted above the base of the ca-
lyx, bearing roundish anthers ; the germen is ovate-oblong, the style simple,
supporting a capitate stigma. The capsule is small, elliptical, two-celled,
“inclosed in the tube of the calyx, and containing several small seeds. Fig.
(a) the calyx, spread open to shew the stamens, (4) the germen, style and |
stigma, (c) the calyx, (d) the capsule open, (e) the capsule, (/) seeds.
This species of Zythrum is an indigenous, perennial plant, flowering from
July to September. It is found wild on the banks of rivers and ponds, and
other moist situations, in almost every country of Europe.
Qualities, §c. The dried herb has little or no odour ; its taste is herbace-
ous and sub-astringent. Its active matter is dissolved equally by water and
alcohol; the watery decoction is mucilaginous, and strikes a black colour
with sulphate of iron; hence it appears to consist chiefly of extractive mat-
ter, combined with a small portion of tannin.
Medical Properties and Uses. Loose-strife is astringent and tonic ; it has
been chiefly celebrated as a remedy in diarrhea, for which disorder it has
long been a very popular and favorite medicine in Ireland. Stork, De Hean,
and other continental practitioners, have also prescribed it with much suc-
cess, in laxity of the intestines, chronic dysentery, and intermittent fever.
In dysentery it has often been found useful; but in most cases it is proper to
give some aperient previous to its exhibition. It has been administered ge-
nerally in the form of decoction, made by boiling two ounces of the dried
herb in a quart of water, down to one pint. Of this, two or three ounces
may be taken twice or oftener in the day; the powder may be sivan in doses
of one drachm, night and morning. Off. The Herb.
Khus LOLMOAETRALOW.
G. Spratt. dee
ORD. XXXVII. DUMOSA:,
RHUS TOXICODENDRON. PUBESCENT. POISON-OAK,
, SUMACH.
SYNONYMA. Hedera trefolia virginiensis. Park. Theatr. 679.5. Arbor
trifolia venenata virginiana, folio hirsuto. Raii. Hist. 1799. Rhus radi-
cans. Linn, Sp. Pl. 381. Wild. Sp. Pl. I. p. 1481 ; Kalm. Trav. v. 1. 67.
177. Ait. Hort. Kew. ed. 2. v. 2. p. 163. Bigel. Med. Bot. Rhus. Toxicoden-
dron. Sept.205; Linn. Sp. Pl.381. Willd. 1. 1481. Bot. Mag. v. 43. t.
1806; Mich. Bor. Am.1.p.183. Ait. Hort. Kew. ed. 2. v. 2. p. 164. t. 43.
Pursh. Fl.Amer.
Class V. Pentandria. Ord. II. Digynia.
Nat. Ord. Dumose, Linn. Terebintacee, Juss.
Gen. Char. Calyx, five parted. Petals, five. Berry, one—seeded.
Spee. Char. Leaves, ternate. Leaflets, petioled, often angled, pubescent
Stem, frequently rooting.
4 te
THIS species of sumach is a small shrub; seldom exceeding three feet in
height. The root is woody, fibrous, and horizontal. The stems, which are
many, divide into slender branches, covered with a greyish brown bark. The
leaves arise alternately upon the branches, supported upon long petioles,
composed of three broadly, and almost cordate-ovate, pointed leaflets, entire,
or lobed and angled, about threeinches long, and two broad; the terminal leaf-
let is considerably larger than the two lateral, which last are nearly sessile, of
a deep shining green colour above, glabrous, or sometimes downy beneath.
K2
é
68 ORD. XXXVII. -Dumose. RHUS TOXICODENDRON.
The fructification is dioecious; the male flowers are produced in close short
spikes, and arise from the sides of the stalks ; the calya: is composed of five ovate,
smooth, caducous leaves ; the corolla consists of five greenish petals, twice as
long as the calyx; the stamens are shorter than the petals, attachedto the recep-
tacle, and support yellow ovate anthers, excavated by a longitudinal groove.
The female flowers are produced in loose panicles; the pistil is composed of
a roundish hairy germen, supporting a thick, short, smooth style, crowned
with three sessile stigmas, one of which is usually larger than the rest; the
fruit is a striated berry, containing one seed. Fig. (a) a male flower, (6) the
fruit, (c) an anther magnified, (d) the pistillum.
This species of swmach is a native of North América, and very frequent in
Carolina ; it is also a common tree, in fields and hedges, from Canada to
Georgia, flowering in June and July. Botanists have not agreed if this be
a distinct species from the Rhus radicans of Linneus: Michaux and Parsh, |
who had extensive opportunities for observation, consider the Tosicoden-
dron and radicans as mere local varieties: on the other hand, Nuttall and
Elliott agree in opinion with Linnzus, who founds his specific distinction
on the leaves of the latter being naked and entire, while they are pubescent
and angular in the former. Professor Bigelow, who had opportunities of
seeing the plants in every stage, states that, “ among the plants which grow
abundantly round Boston, I have frequently observed individual shoots,
from the same stock, having the characters of both varieties. I have also
observed that young plants of Rhus radicans frequently do not put-out
rooting fibres until they are several years old; and that they seem, in this
respect, to be considerably influenced by the contiguity of supporting
objects. The radicans is indeed said to be a smaller shrub, with smooth
and slender shoots, roots entire, leaflets smaller, and standing upon shorter
and more slender footstalks: but, as far as we can judge from the specimens
in our own Herbarium, from various parts of North America, there is no
specific distinction between the two.
Sensible and Chemical Properties, 8c. The leaves of this plant have no
_ odour, their taste is mawkish, and slightly acrid; they give out their virtues
completely to water and proof spirit, but only partially to alcohol: the
watery infusion reddens litmus paper, and yields a precipitate with gelatine :
sulphate of iron produces a black precipitate, and nitrate of silver a brown.
We are told by Professor Bigelow that “if a leaf or stem of this plant be
RHUS TOXICODENDRON. ORD. XXXVIL. Dumose. hee
broken off, a yellowish milky juice immediately exudes from the wounded
extremity ; after a short exposure to the air, it becomes of a black colour,
and does not again change. This juice, applied to linen, forms one of the most
perfect kinds of indelible ink; it does not fade from age, washing, or
exposure to common chemical agents. I have repeatedly, when in the
country, marked my wristband with spots of this juice; the stain was at
first faint, and hardly perceptible, but in fifteen minutes became black, and
was never afterwards eradicated by washing, but continued to grow darker
as long as the linen lasted.”*
Poisonous Effects. An acrid poison exists in the juice of the Toxicodendron,
and in many other species of the Rhus genus.+ The symptoms commonly
produced are violent itching, redness, tumefaction of the face and other parts
affected; succeeded by vesications, great swelling, heat, pain, and fever.{
The symptoms often begin in a few hours after the exposure, and when the
disease is at its height, the skin becomes covered with a crust, and the
swelling is so great, as in some instances to close the eyes, and almost to
obliterate the features of the face. The celebrated Fontana relates, that
having touched at three different times, and at the interval of several days,
some leaves of the Toxicodendron, he experienced some serious symptoms :
some days after, the eye-lids, the extremities of the ears, and almost every
part of the face became tumefied, and filled with an aqueous fluid; the
spaces which separate the fingers, became red, and were covered with small
vesicles, full of transparent humour; the epidermis came off in little scales,
and he felt a terrible smarting for the space of a fortnight, and an insup-
portable itching for a longer period. The disease produced by this poison
requires the general antiphlogistic treatment, viz. rest, low diet and evacua-
tions: if the symptoms be very violent, bleeding may be occasionally re-
quired, and the usual means resorted to in erysipelatous disorders.
Medical Properties and Uses. The leaves of this plant are narcotic, stimu-
lant, and somewhat aperient. It appears to have been introduced into prac-
* Some attempts have been made with a view to ascertain the nature of this colour-
ing principle, and the means of fixing it on stuffs, but without success; the reason of
this appears to be that the colouring principle does not reside in the sap, but in a pecn-
liar secretion or suceus proprius of the plant, and is wholly insoluble in water: hence,
some other medium becomes necessary for its solution.
+ Viz. Rhus pumilum, R. typhinum, R. vernix, &e.
+t This disease appears to be of an erysipelatous nature.—Ep.
70 ORD. XXXVII. Dumose. RHUS TOXICODENDRON.
tice by Dufrenoy, a physician at Valenciennes, about the year 1788. His
attention was drawn to this subject, by finding that a young man, who had
a dartre on his wrist, of six years standing, was cured by accidentally be-
coming poisoned with this plant. It was first brought into notice in this
country by Dr, Alderson of Hull, as a remedy for paralysis; and under his
direction, it appears to have proved an efficacious remedy. Dr. Alderson
relates several cases in which it perfected a cure, and others in which it
proved of very considerable benefit. The first symptom of amendment was
always a feeling of pricking and irregular twitching in the paralytic limbs;
these effects were soon followed by a gradual return of voluntary motion,
and feeling in the affected parts.* Dufrenoy administered an extract of
this plant in several cases of palsy, four of which, he says, were cured by it.
Dr. Givesius relates five cases of paralysis, four of which were cured, by
taking the dried leaves of this plant, in doses of one-fourth of a grain twice
a day.t The good effect of this medicine, however, in paralysis, does not
appear to be generally confirmed; we have pushed it in some cases to a
considerable extent without deriving any benefit; and we are told by Dr.
_ A. Dunean, “ that he gave it in larger doses, without experiencing the same
success; but that it in general operated as a gentle laxative, notwithstand-
ing the torpid state of the bowels in such patients.” We are also told by
Dr. Alderson, that this plant has been frequently employed in cases of
dyspepsia and atonic gout, and with more success than any other tonic; and
he further says, “ I could easily adduce, from my own practice, and that of
several of my friends, a variety of cases of stomach complaints, where it
has been highly serviceable.” Dr. ieee adenineresd a strong infusion
of the plant, in doses of a teacupful, to a patients.
It appeared to act as an immediate iaesieast to the stomach, producing
some uneasiness in that organ, also promoting perspiration and diuresis.
From variety of constitution, and those peculiarities which are called
idiosyneracies, (which experience alone can fully inform us of) no one ean -
pretend to say to what extent such a medicine as the Toaicodendron ouglit
to be administered at first; and as convulsions and other untoward symp-
toms have been brought on by a too rapid increase of quantity, it is neces-
sary to employ caution in the exhibition of this plant. This uncertainty ‘of
* Vide Essay on the Rhus Toxicodendron, by J. Alderson, M.D. 4th edit.
‘+ Bulletin des Sciences Medicales, Sept. 1825.
Ki COHOTL Tiglium
G Spratt a ed
RHUS TOXICODENDRON. ORD. XXXVII. Dumose. 71
effect however, though a considerable objection to the employment of
Toxicodendron, is not peculiar to it, as all the other vegetable poisons are
liable to the same inconvenience. The dried leaves have been given in
powder, beginning with half a grain for a dose, repeated three titmes a day,
or every four hours, gradually increasing the dose to six, or even more
grains, according to the effects produced. We are told by Dr. Alderson,
that in some instances the leaves of Toaicodendron have lost five-sixths of -
their weight in drying, in others, four-fifths : hence, the active properties of
the powder must vary very considerably. It has also been given in the
form of tincture* and extract.
* In the Medical and Surgical Journal for July 1825, p. 82, a case is related, of the
good effects of the tincture in palsy; a drop night and morning, increasing the dose to
“ten drops.
ORD. XXXIX. TRICOCCA.
CROTON TIGLIUM. PURGING CROTON.
SYNONYMA. Pinus indica. Bauh. Pin. 492. n. 11. — Ricimoides indica.
Flor. Zeyl. 343.—Ricinus indicus arborescens. Chom. i. 61.—Croton Tig-
lium. Linn. Sp. Pl. 1426. Wiild., iv. 543. Sp. 36.
Class 21 Monoecia. Ord. vit. Monadelphia.
Nat. Ord. Tricocce, Linn. Euphorbiacew, ddr. de Juss.
Gen. Char. Male. Calyx cylindrical, five-toothed. Corolla of five petals.
Stamens ten to fifteen.
72 = ORD. XXXVIII. Tricocer. CROTON TIGLIUM.
Female. Calyx polyphyllous. Corolla 0. Styles three, bifid. Capsule
triocular. Seed, one.”
Sp. Char. Leaves ovate-acuminate, serrated, glabeous, with two glands at
the base. Petioles shorter than the leaves. Racemes terminal. Stem
arboreous. |
THIS species of Croton is a native of Asia, growing in many parts of
India, China, the islands of Ceylon, Java, &c. It is a tree of a middling
size, seldom exceeding the height of fifteen or twenty feet: the trunk and
larger branches are covered with a soft bark, ofa blackish colour; the younger
branches green, with a reddish tinge. The leaves are alternate, ovato-acu-
minate, serrated, smooth, and of a bright green colour when old; downy
- with stellated hairs while young, standing upon petioles about one-fourth
their length, with two glands seated at their base. The flowers are in erect,
simple, terminal racemes, with downy pedicels. Calya in the male flower,
_eylindrical and five-toothed; the corolla composed of five straw-coloured
petals, very hairy in the drawing in the possession of the East India Com-
pany; the stamens from ten to fifteen; in the female flower the calyx is
divided into many obtuse segments, which are reflected under the downy
germen; there is no corolla; the styles are three and bifid; the capsule
rather bigger than a hazelnut, trilocular, smooth, and containing three
seeds. Fig. (a) represents a raceme of male flowers ; (6) a capsule ; (c) a sec-
tion of the capsule ; (d) a seed.
The genus croton contains upwards of 150 species, of which the Tiglium
is the only one possessing purgative qualities. In Europe, the seeds have
been long known under the names of Grana Molucca and Grana Tiglit; the
former of which names, seems to have been derived from the Molucca’
islands, whence the seeds were formerly exported into Europe. It appears
that the natives of the Eastern nations have for centuries past been well ac-
quainted with the purgative effects of the seeds; and in Europe they were
formerly prescribed as a drastie purge, but fell into disuse on account of the
very violent somptoms and untoward accidents frequently produced by their
‘use. In this country, the fixed oil, expressed from the seed, has been lately
brought into general use, thr mene the exertions of Drs. Conwell and Nimmo,
Mr. Frost, and others.* ©
* The oil of Croton was introduced into Europe in the year 1630, and employed in-
ternally with success by several physicians. In 1632, Artus Gyselius extolled it in dropsy.
CROTON TIGLIUM. ORD. XXXIX. Tricocce. 73
QUALITIES AND CHEMICAL PRoPERTIES, &e. Oil of Croton is of an
orange or deep yellow colour, with a peculiar odour, swi generis; and an ex-
tremely acrid and pungent taste. Dr. Nimmo of Glasgow, found 100 parts
of this oil to consist of 45 percent. of an acrid purgative principle, soluble
in volatile and fixed oils, alcohol and sulphuric ether; and 55 per cent. of a
bland oil, (resembling oil of olives) insoluble in alcohol. According to the
experiments of Mr. Frost,* one hundred grains of the seeds consist of thirty-
two shell, sixty-eight kernel. On digesting one hundred grains of the seeds
in three drachms of sulphuric ether, sp. grav. seventy-one, afforded twenty-
five grains of fixed oil. Thirty-two grains of the oil were put into a Florence
flask, containing some alcohol previously digested on olive oil, to prevent the
spirit from dissolving any of the oil of the Croton Tigliwm seed. The mixture
was now agitated, and then passed through a filter containing carbonate of
ammonia; the filtered solution was then evaporated without heat, and
yielded—active matter, (soluble in alcohol and ether) combined with a very
small portion of fixed oil, 8—5 grs., inert fixed oil, 23.5,— 32 grs.
It appears the Croton oil of commerce is usually very much adulterated,
either with the oil of olives or castor, and differing in strength ten-fold ; the
consequence of prescribing a medicine of such unequal powers must be ob-
vious. Dr. Nimmo has made some experiments, for the purpose of detecting
this fraud. Dr. Nimmo digested the suspected oil in alcohol, which will dis-
solve a less proportion of the Croton oil, if adulterated with olive oil; and a
larger proportion if mixed with castor oil; but it is evident, the test must fail,
if the adulteration be with a combination of both.
Mepicau Prorerries AND Uses. Every part of the Croton Tiglium
tree is said to possess medical properties. We are told, that in the Eastern
nations,t it is valued for its purgative, diaphoretic, and diuretic properties ;
the roots, as well as the seeds, are powerfully cathartic, and used in Batavia
and other parts as a specific for dropsy ; the wood of the trunk and branches,
in small doses, acts upon the skin and kidneys; and the leaves, in powder,
In the Herbarium Amboinense of Rumphius, published at Amsterdam, 1750, by Bur-
mann, a description of the Croton is given; the seeds of which, we are told, yield, on
expression, an oil, which, when taken in the dose of one drop in Canary wine, was, at
that time a common purgative.
% See Observations on the properties and effects of the seeds of Croton Tiglium.
+ Vide Ainslie’s Materia Indica of Hindostan.
Vou. V. | L
74 ORD. XXXIX. Triceocce. CROTON TIGLIUM:
are used by the Japanese, as a topical remedy for the bites of serpents. In
this country, the expressed oil is the only part medicinally employed, and
when genuine, generally proves powerfully cathartic, in doses of from one to
two minims; its effects are commonly very rapid, often supervening at the
expiration of half an hour; and in cases of obstinate constipations, when
other medicines have failed, it will be found a valuable remedy. In using
this oil, the greatest caution will be required, and we would by no means re-
commend a repetition of the dose, for at least some hours. The safest way
of administering the Croton oil, is in combination with other aperients.
Where patients are incapable of swallowing, a drop or two, let fall upon the
tongue, will in general operate powerfully ; and we are told, that a few drops
rubbed round the umbelicus, have produced purgative effects.* The follow-
ing we have found an useful formula for the exhibition of this oil :—R. Ol.
Tiglii, m. ij; Pilul. Colocynth. 9ij. Ft. massa et divid. in pilul. decem.
From two to three of these pills may be given every two, three, or four hours,
until the desired effect is produced.+
Off. Oil of Croton or Tiglium.
* Ainslie’s Materia Medica.
+ One of the best modes of exhibiting the Ol. Tiglii, is in combination with the Ol.
Papav. or Ol. Amygdal. in the proportion of one drop of the former to an ounce of éither
of the latter ; the mode recommended in Hufeland’s Journal der practischen Heilkunde,
for making artificial castor oil.
EUPHORBIA OFFICINARUM. OFFICINAL EUPHORBIUM, OR
SPURGE.
LG CS A SS
SYNONYMA. Euphorbii tenella planta. Lob. Ic. ii. t. 25, Advers. v. ii. t.
28. Euphorbium. Tabern. 104. Raii Hist. 872; Bauh. Pin. 387. Blackw.
Trew. Cent. iti. t. 340. f. 2. | Euphorbium polygonum spinosum cerei ef-
figie. Isn. Act. Acad. Scien. 1720. p. 385. n. iv. t. 10. Euphorbia officina-
trum. Linn, Sp. Pl. 647. Willd. v. ii. 884. Ameen. Acad. iii. p-107. Plenck.
Icon, t.365. Decand. Pl. Grasses,t.79. Ait. Hort. Kew. ed. 2. v.ii. p. 157.
G Spratt aed
bf +
ag FEMME .
t “yf thor ben
EUPHORBIA OFFICINARUM. ORD. XXXIX. Tricocce. 75
Class XXI. Monoecia. Order I. Monandria. (Dedecandna, Trigynia, Lin.)
Nat. Ord. Tricocce, Lin. Euphorbie, Juss. Euphorbiacexr, Adr. Juss.
Gen. Char. Involucre, of one piece, including several barren flowers, and
one fertile. Barr. Fl. A single stamen, without calyx or corolla. Fert. Fl.
A single pistil, without calyx, (or, rarely, a very minute one) or corolla.
Germen three-lobed ; styles three-cleft ; capsule three-seeded.
Spec. Char. Aculeated, naked, many-angled ; prickles in pairs, spreading,
equal.
THE stem of this plant rises four or five feetin height, simple, or branched
towards the top, erect, angled, or furrowed with eight or more longitudinal
fissures ; the branches go offfirst horizontally, and then ascend ; they are more
distinctly angled than the stem, the angles notched, and furnished with
prickles, which are every where in pairs ; these branches are every where des-
titute of leaves. The involucres are sessile, and arise at the extremities of
the branches, in the axils of the spines. The involucre is monophyllous,
bell-shaped, persistent, and divided into eight or ten teeth or segments, of
which the four or five outer are thick, yellow, obtuse, spreading; four or five
alternate and inner ones, smaller, obtuse, entire, and directed inwards.
Barren or male flowers about twelve, each consisting of a single capillary
filament, which supports a globular, two-lobed anther. Fertile or female
flower, a Single naked pistil; the germen roundish, three-lobed, supporting a
short, simple style, crowned with three spreading obtuse stigmas, The cap-
sule is tricoccous, elastic, and contains three roundish seeds. Figure (@) re-
presents the flower, (4) the germen and styles,
The genus Euphorbia comprises a very numerous tribe of singular plants.
Upwards of 200 species are described by authors, and 120 are cultivated in
our Botanic gardens.* The Euphorbia officinarum is a perennial, shrubby,
and very succulent plant; a native of Africa, where it grows in great abun-
dance. It is the Aévépor cipopBioy of Dioscorides, and derived its appellation
‘from Euphorbius, physician to Juba, king of Lybia, who named it in honour
of his physician.+ This plant was first cultivated in Britain about the year
* Fourteen species of this genus are natives of Britain.
+ Antonius Musa and Euphorbus were brothers; the former, physician to Augustus
Cesar, the latter to Juba, king of Lybia. Czsar raised a statue to Musa—Juba named
L2
76 ORD. XXXIX. Tricocce. EUPHORBIA OFFICINARUM,
1597. The officinal euphorbium of the shops is the concrete juice of this plant, -
obtained by making slight incisions in the branches with a knife, from which
a milky juice exudes, which by exposure to the air soon becomes solid. The
recent juice is so corrosive as to erode the skin wherever it touches, and the
people employed to gather it are obliged to tie a cloth over their mouths
and nostrils, to protect them from the acrid dust of the withered branches.
We are told by Bruce, that “ when the tree grows old, the branches wither,
and in place of milk, the inside appears to be full of powder, which is so
pungent, that the small dust which he drew upou striking a withered branch,
seemed to threaten to make him sneeze to death; and the touching the
milk with his fingers, excoriated them, as if scalded with boiling water.”
In the lower regions of Mount Atlas the inhabitants collect the gum-resin,
(which they call furbiune) in September; the quantity yielded is so consid-
erable that they are cut only once in four years, the produce then obtained
being sufficient to supply all Europe for that space of time: the concrete
juicé imported into Europe, however, is the produce of several species of this
genus, many of which furnish a similar acrid juice to the officinarum ; among
whichare, the Euphorbia antiquorum and Euphorbium canariensis of Willde-
now. Euphorbium is brought to this country immediately from Barbary,
in packages containing from 100 to 150 Ibs. weight.
Sensible and Chemical Properties. This concrete juice is in the form ofsinall
drops of an irregular shape, externally of a pale yellow colour, but whitish
within, and breaks readily between the fingers. It is inodorous, and when
first chewed, has little taste, but soon gives a very acrid, burning sensation
to the mouth and fauces, which is very permanent. When triturated with
water, it renders it milky, but only one part in seven of the Euphorbium is dis-
solved. It is soluble in ether, alcohol, oil of turpentine, oil of almonds, and
partially so in acids and alkalies. Aleohol takes up one part in four, and
forms a clear, straw-coloured solution, which is rendered milky by the addi-
tion of water. When the ethereal tincture is evaporated on water, it leaves
on the side of the glass a pellicle of transparent resin, resembling an offici-
nal plaister. When ignited, it burns with an agreeable odour and a bright
flame. Its specific gravity is 1,124. According to Braconnot, 100 parts of
Euphorbium contain 37,0 of resin, 19,0 wax, 20,5 malate of lime, 2,0 malate
of potass, 5,0 water, 13,5 woody matter, and 3,0 loss.
this plant after Euphorbus.—“Ubi jam Muse statua? Periit! evanuit ! Euphorbi
autem perdurat, perennat, nec unquam destrui potest.”"—Crit. Bot. 89.
EUPHORBIA OFFICINARUM. ORD. XXXIX. Tricocce. 77
Poisonous Effects. Euphorbium is ranked by toxicologists among the ac-
rid poisons, and when taken inwardly, it produces the general effects of this
class of vegetable poisons,—viz. violent vomiting and purging, accompanied
with great pain in the stomach and bowels, strong and frequent pulse, quick
and difficult respiration, appearance of intoxication; pupil of the eye fre-
quently dilated, insensibility and death. Orfila made many experiments on
dogs, to ascertain the effects of Euphorbium on the animal economy, and
from them has drawn the following conclusions : — First, that Euphorbium
exerts a local action extremely violent, capable of producing acute inflam-
mation. Secondly, that its fatal effects depend rather on sympathetic irita-
tion of the nervous system, than on its absorption. Thirdly, that it acts on
the human species as on dogs.*
Many other species of Euphorbia are equally violent in their effects as the
officinarum— viz. Euphorbia Antiquorum, palustris, hyberna, amygdaloides,
2 ], typhy , verrucosa, canariensis, it neriife olia, exigua, and Esula. .
We are told by Scopoli that the Huphorbia Esula produced death in a wo-
man, in half an hour after she had swallowed thirty grains of the root; and
also that he witnessed gangrene and death to follow the application of the
same plant to the abdomen. . a
Medical Properties and Uses. Euphorbium is powerfully cathartic, emetic,
and errhine; formerly it was given asa hydragogue in anasarcous and other
disorders requiring the aid of powerful remedies; but its effects are so vio-
lent, even when exhibited in small doses, that it is now seldom prescribed
as an internal medicine. When used as an errhine, it requires to be diluted
with starch or some other inert powder; for if taken alone, its action is so
violent as to produce inflammation and hemorrhage; but when properly di-
.
CUuereee (ts
* In the Philosophical Transactions for 1760, the following case is recorded, of a
Mrs. Willis, who took by mistake two ounces of the tincture of Euphorbium, prepared
with two drachms of camphor and two of Euphorbium to two ounces of rectified spirit.
Immediately after, she experienced a violent suffocation, attended with a burning heat™
in the mouth and stomach ; large draughts of warm water were immediately exhibited,
which produced copious vomiting ; the burning pain at the stomach continuing, she was
ordered to drink oil and water alternately ; the vomiting continuing, an ounce of ipecac-
uanha wine was administered, which caused copious evacuations from the stomach and
bowels; after which, an opiate and mild diluents soon produced tranquillity. ‘The vio-
lent effects produced by the tincture of Euphorbiwm in this case, must be partly attri-
buted to the camphor.
78 ORD. XXXIX. Tricocce. EUPHORBIA OFFICINARUM.
luted, it has been found efficacious in lethargy, paralysis, amaurosis, deafness,
&e. Several other species of Euphorbia have also been used medicinally,
with good effect. The Euphorbia coroliata is a pretty certain purgative, in
doses of from ten to five grains; double the quantity proves emetic, and
generally acts without much violence. The Euphorbia Ipecacuanha is also
emetic, in doses of fifteen or twenty grains. The seeds of the Euphorbia
Lathyrus are also both emetic and cathartic, and have been proposed as a
substitute for Ipecacuanha. The juice of the Euphorbia helioscopia is an
useful escharotic for destroying warts. Officinal, Euphorbium. 3
STALAGMITIS CAMBOGIOIDES. THE GAMBOGE TREE.
: eer ese ERASERS
SYNONYMA. Stalagmitis cambogioides. Murry App. Med. iv. 645.
Plenck, Icones Plant. Med. t. 421; Willd. Sp. Pl. iv. 980; De Cand.
Prodr. v.1. p. 562.
Class. Polygamia. Ord. Monecia.
Nat. Ord. Tricoccae, Linn. Guttifere, Juss.
Gen. Char. Calyz, Ginn iaved: Corolla, four-petaled. Stamens, thirty,
inserted into a fleshy, four-cornered receptacle. Style, thick. Stigma,
four-lobed. Berry, one-celled, crowned by the style and stigma.
Spec. Char. O.
THE Stalagmitis cambogioides is a middling-sized tree ; branches opposite
and divaricated: the leaves are opposite, ovate, entire, smooth, coriaceous,
rigid, and supported on short petioles: the flowers are hermaphrodite and
male; the hermaphrodite flowers are in axillary or lateral whorls: the male
Stowers are either in distinct clusters or mixed with the hermaphrodite; the
calyx in the male flowers consists of four ovate leaflets, the two exterior of
which are smaller than the two interior; the petals are four, spreading,
coriaceous, with ciliated margins, and of a yellow colour: the stamens are
about thirty, and placed upon a quadrangular, fleshy, receptacle: the anthers
amboguedtas :
OO ie (74
‘
SS,
G. Zé al
STALAGMITIS CAMBOGITOIDES. ORD. XXXIX. Tricocce. 79
are club-shaped ; sometimes there are rudiments of a style, and an unequal,
sterile, stigma: the calyx, corolla, and stamens of the hermaphrodite flowers,
resembling those of the male: the germen globular, and supporting a short
style, crowned with a three or four-lobed stigma, the lobes of which are ob-
cordate and persistent: the fruit is a smooth, globular, yellow, berry,
crowned by the style and lobes of the stigma, and containing several long,
trianglar seeds. Fig. (a) section of the fruit ; (8) a seed.
This tree is a native of the kingdom of Siam and Ceylon, where it is known
by the names of Ghokata, Gokkata, or Gohlata. Koenig, who resided many
years at Siam, clearly ascertained that the Stalagmitis is the tree that affords
the genuine Gamboge. But this tree is not the only plant which yields that
substance, 14] gl wi: Rie ict as 4 woe
is the product of that tree. The Gambogia gutta, Garcinia eelibica, Hyperi-
cum pomiferum, and many other plants, yield a yellow gum-resin, resembling
in every respect the gamboge of the shops.
Gamboge is obtained by wounding the bark of the tree with sharp stones,
or by breaking off the leaves and‘young shoots; the former mode is usually
practised in Ceylon, and the latter at Siam. It is said to be first collected
in cocoa-nut shells, and thence poured into the joints of the bamboo (which
gives it the cylindrical form) or into earthen vessels, where it remains until
it becomes sufficiently dry to be rolled into masses, when it is wrapped up
in leaves, the state in which it is usually imported’ Gamboge was first
brought to Europe about the middle of the seventeenth century: it comes»
packed in cases or boxes.
Sensible and Chemical Properties, &c. Gamboge has little or no odour,
and scarcely any taste; when pure,* it is of a golden yellow colour, opaque,
and breaks with a vitreous fracture; its specific gravity is 1,221; exposed
to heat, in a ladle, it slowly softens, but does not smoke, nor melt, but by
degrees grows black, and changes into a soft, toughish, black mass. When
applied to the flame of a candle, it takes fire, and burns with a bright,
crackling, sparkling, flame, with smoke ; at first it softens, then partly melts
and drops, and the remainder grows black, swells, and is changed into a
shining, friable charcoal. Gamboge, when macerated in water, forms a fine
turbid yellow solution, and about two-thirds of its substance is dissolved ;
(Se a ees 4 eat
preovavre (Hes tcatel partor § ;
* It is generally, more or less mixed with sand and other impurities.
80 ORD. XXXIX. Triccocce. STALAGMITIS CAMBOGIOIDES.
the solution is not precipitated by alcohol; but rendered transparent: oxy-
sulphate of iron strikes with it a pale olive brown, but causes no precipitate,
nor is it affected by solutions of any of the other metallic salts. Alcohol
dissolves about 90 per cent; the solution, after settling for some time, be-
comes transparent and deep yellow; water renders the tincture cloudy and
bright yellow, but it is long before any precipitation takes place. Ether
dissolves 60 per cent.; the solution is transparent, and of a deep golden
colour : when evaporated on water, it leaves an orange-coloured resin, which
does not colour water. In strong solutions of ammonia and potass, it forms
with them deep red solutions, which are not rendered turbid by the addition
of water ; with weak acids, yellow precipitates are produced, which are taken
up again by adding the acid to excess. Gamboge was separated by Bra-
connot into one part cerasine or tragacanthine, and four of a reddish brittle
resin, which dissolves in spirit of wine and the alkalies; these experiments,
however, do not throw any light upon the cathartic property of gamboge.
Medical Properties and Uses. Gamboge is a drastic cathartic, acting
powerfully upon the alimentary canal: even when administered in small-
doses, it often produces vomiting, hypercatharsis, and other untoward symp-
toms. Orfila has given it a place amongst the acrid poisons, and infers,
from his experiments made on animals, that it occasions death by the
powerful local action which it exerts, and by the sympathetic irritation of
the nervous system.* When administered with due caution, gamboge often
proves a successful hydragogue in dropsy, either alone, or in combination
with cream of tartar or jalap; it has also been given with. success for ex-
pelling teniz, and is probably the active ingredient in most nostrums sold
for that purpose. For destroying the tape-worm it has been given to the
extent of fifteen or twenty grains, combined with an equal quantity of
vegetable alkali: this dose is ordered to be taken in the morning, and if the
worm be not expelled in two or three hours, it may be repeated a second or
third time with safety, and often with efficacy. It is also frequently ad-
ministered with success in cases of obstinate costiveness, either alone, or
combined with calomel, jalap, or rhubarb.
Off. The Gum Resin.
Off. PP. Pilulea Cambogie Composite, L.E.
* Orfila’s Toxicology, vol. ii. p. 24.
C. Spratt del.
ORD. XL. HOLERACEA.
RHEUM UNDULATUM. ? WAVED-LEAVED, or CHINESE
RHUBARB
SYNONYMA. Acetosa montana. Messerch.m. in Am. Ruth. 226. Rheum
sinense. Amm. Herb. 206. Rheum Rhabarbarum. Linn. Syst. Veg. 385;
—Pallas, It. 2. 559. Rheum undulatum. Linn. Sp. Pl.531; Ameen. Acad.
3. p.212, t.4; Willd, 2. 489; Hort. Kew, ed. 2. v. 2. p.430; Plenck. Ic.
t. 321.
Class. Enneandria. Ord. Trigynia.
Nat. Ord. Holeracee, Linn. Polygonea, Juss.
Gen. Char. Calyx, O. Corolla, six-cleft, persistent. Seed, one, three-
sided
_ Spec. Char. Leaves, villous, wavy ; the sinews dilated at the base. eels,
flat above, with an acute edge.
THIS species of Rhubarb is a native of China, Siberia, and Tartary; and
was supposed by Boerhaave to be the plant which yields the true Chinese
and Turkey Rhubarb.* The root of this plant is divided into a number of
* Another species of this genus, the Rheum compactum, a native also of Tartary, pos-
sesses similar medicinal properties, and the roots resemble those of the Rhewm undula-
tum; hence, it is most probable, that the markets are supplied indiscriminately from
both.species. The Rheum Australe, described by Don,—Prodr. Fl. Nepal. p.75, and
figured by Sweet in the British Flower Garden, is now considered by many to be the
true Officinal Rhubarb.
Vou. V. M
82 ORD. XL. Holeracezx. RHEUM UNDULATUM.
thick fibres, which run deep into the soil and are of a bright golden yellow
colour internally: the leaves, which appear early in the spring, are numerous,
large, oblong, somewhat tapering, villous above, much waved at their edges,
strongly veined beneath, and supported upon moderately thick footstalks,
which are furrowed on their under side, and plane on the upper. The flower.
stem is of a pale brownish colour, about four feet high, and dividing into
several loose panicles of white flowers; these are succeeded by triangular
seeds, which ripen early in the season: the other parts of the fructification
resemble those of the Rheum palmatum. Figure (a) a flower, (b) the seed,
@ the pistil.
e Rheum undulatum and Rheum palmatum* have both been successfully
grown on a large scale in this country. We presume the following account
of the culture of so valuable a drug will not be uninteresting to our readers.
‘The seeds are sown in March or April, or during the Autumn, in August or
September; the former to be transplanted in Autumn, the latter in Spring.
Instead of placing the seedling plants where they are to remain, as is usually
recommended, beds should be prepared, resembling those which are made
for asparagus, of fine mould, from twelve to eighteen inchesdeep. When the
young plants are four or five inches high, and have thrown out as many
leaves, transplant them upon those beds, at eight inches asunder; selecting
first the largest, carefully drawing them out, so as neither to destroy, nor even
scarcely to disturb the fibres. Watering the bed previously to the removal,
will greatly facilitate the operation.”
In the culture of rhubarb, the whole difficulty consists in bringing the
plants through the first season ; if the weather be hot and sultry, they must
be shaded, and at all events, aoutindsilly watered. For transplanting, a wet
or cloudy day should be preferred; and if the weather should continue wet
for two or three days successively, not more than four or five in a hundred
will probably be lost. In a month the roots will have made fresh shoots,
and new leaves will have succeeded the former, which commonly, notwith-
standing all our care, will wither away. The plants may now remain till
the ensuing Spring ; or if the Summer be favourable, and the land intended
for the plantation be well trenched, three feet deep, the removal may be com-
pleted without delay. It is a good way, to sow the ground with carrots; the
* This species of Rheum will-be found figured in Vol. IV. of this work.
RHEUM UNDULATUM. ORD. XL. Holeracee. 83
surface by this means being preserved from weeds, and rendered finer by re-
peated hoeings, and the bottom kept light and open.*
In the choice of situation, the aspect is not very material, provided it be
not too much towards the south or west. The indispensable points are, the
depth and quality of the soil, which should be light, loamy, and:rich, but
not too much so, lest the roots should be too fibrous ; it cam scarcely be too
dry, for more evil is to be expected from a superabundance of moisture, than
from any actual want of it. A declivity is. very eligible for the plantation.
When a plantation does not possess this: material adyantage, narrow beds
and deepened trenches are among the-artificial means that should he adopted;
but most situations will require some care to prevent the ill effects of water
remaining on the crowns of the plants; therefore, when the seed-stalks are
cut off (which ought always to be done on the withering of the radical leaves)
they should be covered with mould in the form of a hillock. This will an-
swer two good purposes,—that of throwing off the rain, and keeping open
the trenches, by taking the earth from them.
Mr. R. Davis, Jun. of Minehead, recommends the seeds to be sown in a
very gentle hot-bed during March, and when the roots are about the size of
a crow’s quill, they should be drawn up carefully, to preserve the tap-root,
and planted in a fine rich earth in a deep soil; if the weather proves dry,
they must be watered. When the plants are once in a growing state, all
further care and trouble are at an end, but that of keeping them free from
weeds. The distance between the plants should be eight feet. Weare told
by Mr. Salisbury of the Fulham Road, Middlesex, that “ Rhubarb grows
well in light, loamy soils; it blooms at the age of three years, and ripens
abundance of seeds, by which the plants are raised. The propagation, re-
quiring particular care and-attention; should be considered more the work
of a nurseryman than that of the farmer; and if a sale were found for a
quantity, they could be raised, fit for planting out, at five shillings per hun-
“ The land intended for this crop should be trenched as deep as it will
bear, without throwing up a bad. under-soil, and the plants set at exact
squares, three feet apart; so that 4,840, will just plant: an English acre.
During the Summer season the land must be frequently hoed, and at the
Autumn or Wiuter it should be every season dug, and particular care paid
* Trans. Art. 15, 167.
M2
84 ORD. XL. Holeracex. RHEUM UNDULATUM.
to throw thé mould up to the roots. By observing this plan during the Win-
ter, and raking off in Spring, the growth will be much encouraged. Unless
it be necessary for the purpose of saving seeds, none of the plants should be
allowed to throw up blooming stems, which, on their first appearance,
should be cut down ; otherwise the plants are weakened at the root.
“ The crop must stand seven years on the land; and, in fact, experience
proves that the roots will keep increasing in size till a much older date, so
that it might be taken up after that period, at such time as best suited the
-market, or the proprietor’s pleasure.” The quantity in weight of the roots,
at the end of seven years, will consequently vary according to circumstances ;
but from’an experiment made this present Autumn, the writer is warranted
in the supposition, that from one acre, jive thousand pounds’ weight may at
least be expected of prime Rhubarb, besides a quantity that would find sale
for inferior purposes to the druggists—as extract, tincture, &c. The labour
attending this crop, from the distance which the plants are apart, is very
trifling, and would require less expense, than in crops where the plants
stood thicker, as in madder, &c. where the hoeing and weeding is more tedious.
The expense would be in Ireland as follows :—First year
Rent of one acre, or 160 perches 2
Five thousand plants at 50s. . . =: 12
Trenching, at 5d. PS rood ; ere
Plantin 1
Hoeing three times, Aa 7s. per acre Seach ae 1
SomooR
ig i178
Second year—
Rent PRE oN 200
Digging, (a man) the plants at od. pet sd b 658
oeing three times . kit
: Ditto for five following years ....- ... = .+-:-% 2
Trenching land to take up crop at 1s. per perch
pairing & drying the crop, at 2d. per lb.—5000lbs. 2016 8
_. Tithe, seven years, at 8s, : 2160
RHEUM UNDULATUM. ORD. XL. .Holeracezx. 85
From the above calculation, we may readily estimate the profitable re-
turn to the cultivator of a rhubarb crop—fine specimens of English Rhubarb
fetching from five to six shillings per pound. We are informed that the
London market is chiefly supplied from Banbiary. English rhubarb is
equally purgative as the foreign, but less astringent and tonic.
Chemical Properties, §c. Boiling water dissolves about 40 per cent. of
Turkey Rhubarb, the infusion is limpid, of a deep yellow or orange colour,
changing to a greenish black with sulphate of iron, and yields a scanty pre-
cipitate with lime-water, solution of acetate of lead, and oxymuriate of mer-
cury. Spirit of wine takes up 27 per cent. ; the solution is of a golden yel-
low, not altered by adding water, but changing to dark olive green by sul-
phate of iron. Ether dissolves 15 per cent.; the tincture is of a gold yellow
colour, and on evaporation, leaves a yellow resin. East India Rhubarb is
bitterer to the taste than that from Turkey, its grain is more compact and
smooth, and when powdered, it is of a deeper colour. Water dissolves 50
per cent.; the infusion is thick, and affords more precipitate, on adding a
solution of isinglass, than that of Turkey Rhubarb; it also yields a copious
precipitate with lime-water, solutions of corrosive sublimate, or sugar 0
lead.* Alcohol takes up 40 per cent.; the solution is clear, of a brownish
yellow, is rendered slightly turbid by the addition of water, and yields a co-
pious dark green precipitate with sulphate of iron. Ether dissolves only 2
per cent. . By digesting the remains of the infusion in muriatic acid, and
afterwards adding spirit of sal-ammoniac, oxalate of lime is precipitated.
Turkey Rhubarb yields about 48,3 per cent., and East India 30, of this
oxalate.
The following constituents were obtained from one hundred parts of fine
Turkey Rhubarb :—
Resin : = ‘ i : oo aes
Gum ; : 31,0
Extract, tei, ind pallic acta d : 26,0
Phosphate of lime . : ; 2,0
Malate of lime . : ; ; 2 6,5
Woody fibre 16,3
Water ‘ ‘ 8,2
* Grey’s Elements.
86 ORD. XL. Holeracex. RHEUM UNDULATUM.
It is generally supposed that Rhubarb contains some oxalate of lime ;—
Mr. Brande, however, has never succeeded in obtaining oxalic acid from it,
but he has obtained an uncrystallizable acid, having the characters of the
malic acid. M.de Lassaignes, however, imagines, that the acid termed
rheumic by Mr. John Henderson,* is the oxalic acid.
The following tables, by Dr. Anthony Todd Thomson, show the effects of
various re-agents on the aqueous infusions of the two varieties of rhnubarb.—
* Annals of Philosophy.
4
TABLE I.—Precipitates formed by Acids, Alkalies, and Neutral Salts.
dyir tia Sulphuric | Nitric Muriatic | Oxymuriatic | Solution of oeution of Time |Muriate of | Silicated
cag. acid acid acid Pot tio Palen Water Baryt Pot
Blader : : ‘ “_ of Potass . arytes. otass.
None, but Scant
Copious (Scanty, floc-| Scanty, very =? hy None, but
Russian. |} greenish post pale| slowly formed sy) bead Prati en sha? fgg dite orikes a ee Poa on,| , Strikes a
yellow. P : ea Pencil Breed doep brown.
but ren- | Copious
Mor copi- \Scanty,quickly Nofp, piovss (Less scanty! None, but
Chinese. lous brigerituhl pale ae Yformed fam joi esa Hehain aed ee it oe & qeeky orange strikes a
yellow. y ish yellow. Bey fee Nag ane Oia = Gehan w rae yellow. |deep brown.
Tase II.—Precipitates formed by Solutions of Metallic Salts.
Variety | . Solution of Solution of babes of Solution of Solution of Solution of Solution of
0 Oxysulphate of | of Nitrate of Nitrate of Nitrate o Muriate o Acetate of Tartarized
wyrurne
Rhubarb. iron. ile Mevdhes lead. Mercury. Antimony
‘ : , pra uickl :
: Copious, nearly Copious, olive | Scanty, iy = : y Scanty, greenish} Scanty, slowl
Russi black. Scania peal aie. yellow. fatihed yellow. ned hry ellow. formed, whitish.
. yer Scanty, slowly | Copious, slowly Scanty, still
Chinese. ees oe ome hia Sean rellow? formed, Sea ale | Copious yellow. | more slowly
yellow formed.
For the Medical Properties and Uses of Rhubarb, see Rhewm Palmatum, Vol. 1V. of this work.
ss 3 ORD. XL. Holeracex. LAURUS CASSIA.
LAURUS CASSIA. CASSIA. TREE.
SYNONYMA. Laurus Cassia. Linn. Sp. Pl.p. 528. Wild. Sp. Pl. p. 477.
- Burm, Ind. p. 91. Lam. Encyel. 8. p. 441. Illustr. t. 821. f.2. Bot. Mag.
t. 1636. Laurus Canella, Mill. Dict. n. 12. Cinnamonum perpetuo florens,
s tenuiore acuto. Burm. Zeyl. p. 63. t: 28. Cassia lignea. Blackw. Herb.
391, Cinnamonium, seu Canella Malabarica, seu J avanensis. Bauh.
oe 409. Carua. Hort. Mal. v. 1. p. 107. t. 59. Persea Cassia. Spreng.
Syst. Veg. v. 2. p. 267.
Class, Haivenhdri Ord. Monogynia.
Nat. Ord. Holeracee, Linn. Lauri, Juss.
Gen. Char. Calyx, O. Corolla, resembling a calyx, six parted. Nectary of
three two-bristled glands, surrounding the germen. Interior filaments,
glanduliferous. Drupe, one-seeded.
' Spec. Char. Leaves, ovato-lanceolate, three-nerved, acute, the younger ones
coloured ; peduncles trichotomously panicled and very spreading.
THIS species of Laurus is a native of Malabar, Sumatra, Java, and Ceylon:
it is a lofty éree, rising to the height of fifty feet, and gives out numerous
large branches, which spread horizontally ; the trunk and branches are covered _
with a greyish brown bark; the leaves are ovate lanceolate or elliptical,
entire, smooth, from four to six inches long, longitudinally nerved, of a
bright green colour on the upper surface, paler beneath ; when young of a
delicate red colour; the flowers are produced in axillary clusters, six together,
on slender flower-stalks; the corolla is monopetalous, small, white, and
divided into six stellated teeth; the fruit is an ovate, oblong, black berry,
with a mucronate apex, it contains a somewhat bitter pulp, and when dried
is insipid and without smell.
CLAAII ALT.
Seateris
al
&. Seradt wed,
LAURUS CASSIA. ORD. XL. Holeracex. 89
The cassia tree arrives at its greatest perfection in exposed situations, on
a high altitude and dry soil. The dark of those trees which grow in moist
and shady situations is said to be of an inferior quality ; the larger branches
and the trunk, we are told, are the parts of the tree from which the bark is
taken, and the cuticle only appears to be scraped off; and from the larger —
branches it is thick, of a spongy texture, and full of slimy mucus. We are
informed by Mr. Marshall, (Annales de Phil. vol. x. p. 245.) that the cassia-
buds of commerce are not the produce of the cassia tree, but the fleshy recep-
tacle of the seed of the Laurus Cinnamomum, and that they are not prepared
at Ceylon, but come chiefly from China, through Madras, Calcutta, or Bom-
bay. Cassia is imported into this country in packages, denominated chests,
half-chests, or quarter-chests. The inferior or third sort of cinnamon pre-
pared in Ceylon, is said to be imported into England and sold as cassia.
Qualities, $c. Cassia bark has a pleasant, fragrant odour, very much re-
sembling that of cinnamon, but less powerful ; its taste is pungent, aroma-
tic, and somewhat sweet, appearing slimy when much chewed, of a reddish-
brown colour, in pieces more or less quilled, but much less so than cinna-
mon ; about one-tenth of an inch in thickness, internally of a fine, smooth
texture, externally of a paler colour, and somewhat spongy. The watery
infusion is reddish coloured, has the odour of the bark; taste sweetish. and
somewhat astringent; sulphate of iron changes it to a deep brown; the
spirituous solution is of a deep red-brown colour, and yields an aromatic ex-
tract by distillation. The distilled water is fragrant, aromatic, and slightly
astringent. Cassia, by distillation with water, yields an essential oil, simi-
lar tothat of cinnamon, on which its qualities depend; it requires a strong
heat to carry it over, and separates very slowly from the distilled water. The.
buds of cassia yield an oil similar to the bark, which is often sold for the oil
of cinnamon ; one pound of cassia bark, or buds, yields from one to two
drachms of oil.
Medical Properties and Uses. The bark and buds of cassia are stomachic,
tonic, and cordial, and may be used as a substitute for cinnamon bark,* in
doses of five grains to one scruple, in all cases in which cinnamon may be
indicated.
* In pharmacy, the druggists apa! employ cassia bark, or buds, in the preparing
tinctures, extracts, cinnamon-water, Sc ‘
Vou. V. N
ORD. XLI. SCABRID/.
HUMULUS LUPULUS. THE HOP.
SYNONYMA, Lupulus salictarius. Fuch. 144; Plin. Hist. Nat.1. 21. n.
xv. Ger. Em. 885. Lupulus. Camer. Epit. 933-4; Dod. Pempt. 409, 1.;
n. 1618. Hall. Hist. Lupulus, mas. et femina. Bauh. Pin. 299. 1, 2;
Raii Hist. 156. Lupulus, seu sativus, seu sylvestris. Park. 176; Trag.
812, Humulus Lupulus. Linn. Sp. Pl. 1457; Willd. v.iv. 769; Eng.
Bot. t. 427; Flor. Brit. 1077; Sm. Engl. Fl. v. iv. p. 240; Hook. Fl. Scot.
1. p. 288; Hook. Br. Fl. p. 436. '
Class Dioecia. Order Pentandria.
Nat. Ord. Scabride, Linn. Urticer, Juss.
Gen. Char. Male. Calyx five-leaved; corolla 0; anthers with two pores.
Female. Scales of the catkin, large, concave, oblique, entire.; corolla O;
- styles, two; seed, one, within a leafy calyx.
Spec. Char. OQ.
THE Hop is an indigenous, perennial plant, growing in hedges, flower-
ing in June and July, and ripening its seeds in September. Sir J, E. Smith
considers the hop as truly wild in England, notwithstanding the old distich—
“ Turkeys, carp, hops, pickerel, and beer,
_ Came into England all in one year.”
This is supposed to have been in Henry VIII’s reign, a, perhaps, hops
were first used for making beer, and (as has been the case with some other
+ Hemelis Casfeecleed ;
ed Spratt adel,
HUMULUS LUPULUS. ORD. XLL Scabride. 91
plants) might be imported from abroad, though really wild at home. The
female plants are very abundantly cultivated in the counties of Kent, Surry,
Suffolk, and Essex, for the use of the brewers, who consume large quantities
of the strobiles in the brewing of malt liquors.
There is but one species of the genus Humulus; the male and female
flowers are on separate plants. The roots are branching, from which arise
many long, twining, rough, angular, flexible stems, which support themselves
by twining round bodies that may be placed near them. The deaves are op-
posite, in pairs, petiolate, cordate or entire, serrated, of a dark green on the
upper disc, paler beneath; both the leaves and petioles are scabrous, with
minute prickles, and at the base of each leaf-stalk are two interfoliaceous,
entire, reflected, smooth stipules. The flowers are axillary or terminal, and
furnished with bracteas ; the males are in drooping panicles of a pale green-
_ish-yellow colour; the calyx consists of five oblong, concave, minutely ser-
rated leaflets. The filaments are five, capillary, and supporting oblong an-
thers, which open at the apex by two pores. The female flowers are in
solitary, pendulous, ovate cones or strobiles, composed of membranous scales
of a pale greenish colour; tubular, from being rolled in at the base, and
containing the germen, which is small, supporting two short, subulate |
styles, tipped with awl-shaped, downy stigmas. The seed, which is enclosed
“in the tubular part of the scale, is round, flattish, truncated, and of a bay
brown colour. Figure (a) female flower, (6) the germen and styles, (c) male
flower, (d) back of an anther magnified, (¢) front of an anther, shewing the
pores by which they open at top.
The hop is not confined to Britain, but is found in many parts of Europe,
~ and also in America. ‘The culture of this plant was introduced into Eng-
land from Flanders, about the year 1524, and the strobiles were first used for
preserving malt liquor in the latter part of the reign of Henry VIII.; but
the prejudice against them continued for a long period, as the citizens of
London, a century afterwards, petitioned Parliament to prevent their use.*
At the season when the strobiles are sufficiently ripe, the plants are cut,
a foot or two from the ground, and the poles on which they were supported,
pulled up. The strobiles are then cautiously picked off, care being taken to
* 'The prejudices of the present times are probably as great as those in former days, for
the brewers are now subject to severe penalties, who use any other bitter for preserving
malt liquor, although many others are equally wholesome.
N2
92 ORD. XLI. Scabridz. HUMULUS LUPULUS.
separate those that are defective from those that-are sound ; both kinds are
carried to the kiln (for the purpose of drying) as soon as possible after they
are gathered. The heat of the kiln requires to be regulated with great
nicety, to prevent their being dried too rapidly. To obviate this occurrence,
many kilns have two floors, on the uppermost of which the greener hops are
laid, and gradually dried, before being brought to support the heat of the
lower floor. Charcoal is usually employed, as the other kinds of fuel are
said to injure the flavour of the hops. The strobiles are considered suffici-
ently dried when they become crisp; but they acquire some degree of te-
nacity and toughness, from lying in heaps on the floors of the store-houses,
previous to their being bagged.
Sensible and Chemical Properties. The dried strobiles have a peculiar
fragrant odour, and a very bitter, somewhat aromatic, and slightly astrin-
gent taste. New hops are of a pale, greenish-yellow hue, and appear like
thin, transparent leaves; by long keeping their colour changes to a yellow-
ish-brown. The watery infusion has a pale straw colour, is rendered muddy
by the mineral acids; alkalies deepen its colour; it strikes an olive with
sulphate of iron, is precipitated by solutions of nitrate of silver, tartarized
antimony, superacetate of lead, and alcohol: and when rubbed with mag-
nesia, or lime, a rod dipped in muriatic acid discovers the presence of am-
monia. By distillation in water, an essential oil is obtained. The virtues
of hops are extracted by alcohol, ether, and boiling water; by long boil-
ing the aromatic properties are dissipated. :
From the experiments of Dr. Ives of New York, it appears, that the active
properties of hops reside in a powder, which may be readily separated from
the strobiles, by merely sifting in a fine sieve. This substance forms about
one-sixth part of their weight, and to it Dr. Ives has given the name of Ju-
' pulin. According to Dr. Ives’ analysis, 120 grains of lupulin contain about
—of tannin 5 grains, extractive 10, bitter principle 11, wax 12,.resin 36,
lignin 46. The extractive matter is soluble in water only; the bitter prin-
ciple is soluble in alcohol and water; the wax soluble only in the alkalies
and boiling ether ; the resin soluble in ether and alcohol; the aromatic and
bitter properties of the lupulin are more readily and completely imbibed by
alcohol than by water, and much sooner by both when hot than when cold ;
about fiye-eighths of lupulin are soluble in water, aleohol, and ether, three-
eighths being vegetable fibrous matter. M. Payer, and A. Chevalier have
HUMULUS LUPULUS. ORD. XLI. Scabridez. -. 308
confirmed Dr. Ives’ opinion, that the properties of the hop reside in the lu-
pulin, or the yellow grains which are scattered over the membranous scales
of the strobiles. They also discovered a volatile oil in lupulin, which is si-
milar in odour to the hop, bnt much more penetrating. The following pro-
cess has been practised by M. Planche, for purifying lupulin :—
“ To separate the sand from the lupulin—put it into water, shake it for a
few minutes, decant that which is held in solution by the water, and a dark-
coloured sand is deposited: repeat the process several times, and spread the
lupulin, which is insoluble in water, on bibulous paper; let it drain, and
then dry it in the air, neither exposed to the sun, nor to a temperature above
76° Fahrenheit. It should be prepared yearly, and this cleansing process
must be quickly conducted, or it will undergo a change.”
Medical Properties and Uses. Hops are narcotic, tonic, and diuretic. We
are told by Dr. Maton, that, besides allaying pain and producing sleep, the
preparations of hops reduce the frequency of the pulse, and increase its firm-
ness in a very decided manner. One drachm of the tincture, and four grains
of the extract, given once in six hours, reduced the pulsations from ninety-
six to sixty in twenty-four hours.* He found the extract very efficacious in
allaying the pain in articular rheumatism, in which disease we have fre-
quently administered both the tincture and extract with much benefit to our
patients. As a narcotic it is very far inferior to opium; but under certain
circumstances, where opium disagrees, (which is not unfrequently the case)
it will generally procure undisturbed and refreshing sleep. Dr. Ives ob-
serves, “ with regard to the medicinal efficacy of hops, every accurate obser-
ver must acknowledge, that they possess little merit if administered according
to the directions given in our pharmacop@ias. The quantity of proof-spirit
which enters into the tincture would produce stimulating effects, indepen-
dent of any properties which it imbibes from the hops; and, although its
action may be modified by their combined agency, so as, in some measure,
to increase the cordial and invigorating influence of the alcohol, it is diffi-
cult to conceive, that the tonic or narcotic virtues of the hop should be sufhi-
ciently concentrated to produce much remedial benefit. It is otherwise with
the pharmaceutical preparations of the lupulin, which I have been accus-
tomed to prescribe. Pretty extensive observation has confirmed my former
opinion, that diseases which are the consequence of exhausted excitability,
» Observations on the Humulus Lupulus, Sc. by A. Freake.
94 ORD. XLI. Scabride. HUMULUS LUPULUS.
or, more directly, of a deranged state of the stomach and bowels, are certainly
much relieved by this medicine. It frequently induces sleep, and quiets
nervous irritation, without causing costiveness, or impairing, like opium, the
tone of the stomach, and merely increasing primary disease. The prepara-
tion most commonly used in this city, is the tincture prepared by digesting
3ij of the lupulin in Oj of aleohol—dose, from 3i to 3ij. Inquietude and
watchfulness, connected with excessive irritability in all its gradations, from
the restlessness consequent upon exhaustion and fatigue, to the most uncon-
trollable paroxysm of delirium tremens, are more frequently allayed by this
remedy than any other in ordinary use. Another eligible mode of exhibit-
ing, the lupulin, is in pills. From two to four pills, each containing three
grains of the powder, may be given at a dose. Dr. Desroches, who pub-
lished a dissertation on the hop in 1803, supposed that its narcotic principle
resided in the essential oil; but is it not more than probable that this was a
conjecture, arising from the imaginary soporific virtues of the hop-pillow?
It requives much experience, and accurate observation to speak confidently
upon this subject; but, from having frequently used the lupulin collected
from old hops, in which little aroma seemed to remain, and also the extract,
prepared by decoction, by which process the essential oil is chiefly dissipated, -
[ am still of opinion, that its narcotic properties reside in the resinous ex-
tract.” Externally, an ointment compounded with the powder of the hop
and lard, is reeommended by Mr. Freake as an anodyne application to can-
cerous sores, and a decoction, used as a fomentation, affords much relief in _
painful tumefactions. A cataplasm, made of an infusion of the strobiles has
been applied to ill-conditioned ulcers, with decided benefit,
Off. pp. Extractum Humuli. L
Tinctura Humuli. L. E.
Mode of employing Lupulin. Lupulin may be ‘administered in form of
extract, tincture, pills, powder, or syrup. . The Extract may be prepared
either with the aqueous infusion, or with the decoction; when prepared
with the latter, it is equally bitter, but less aromatic—dose, from five to ten
ains,
Pills of Lupulin. Bruise the lupulin strongly,* and divide into pills of
two or three grains each, of which from two to four may be taken for a dose.
* This substance becomes converted into a ductile mass, which renders
it unnecessary
to add any excipient,
6. Sprad. dee.
HUMULUS LUPULUS. ORD. XLI. Scabridz. 95
Powder of Lupulin. Take of powdered lupulin one part, powdered loaf-
sugar two parts. Mix—dose from ten to twenty grains.
Tincture of Iupulin. Take of bruised lupulin one ounce, alcohol two
ounces,—digest for six days in a close vessel ; strain, press strongly, filter,
and add a quantity of alcohol, so as to make three ounces of tincture—dose,
from thirty drops to one or two drachms.*
+ Mr. Nicholas Mill affirms, that from forty to sixty minims of the saturated tincture
of lupuline act as an anodyne, and have a powerful effect in allaying great nervous irri
tation ; whilst.that stupidity which often wie eects the use of opium is never induced
by Shia medicine.
‘ORD. XLIV. PIPERIT-.
PIPER CUBEBA. _ CUBEBS, or JAVA PEPPER.
SYNONYMA, Piper caudatum. Ger. Em. 1540; Bauh. Hist. 2,185.
Cubebe. Raii Hist, 1813; Park. Theatr. 1583 ; Clus. Exot. 184 ; Piper Cu-
beba. Walla. Sp. Pl. 1. p.159; Gertn. de Fruct. 2. p.67. t. 92. Vahl. En.
n. 61.
Class UW. Diandria. Ord. III. Trigynia.
Nat. Ord. Piperite, Linn. Urtice, Juss. Piperacee, Kunth.
Gen. Char. Calyx O. CorollaO. Berry, one-seeded, coriaceous, smooth.
Joints of the stem tumid.
Spec. Char.’ Leaves, elliptico-lanceolate, smooth, five-ribbed, unequal at the
base. Spike, solitary, on a peduncle opposite to the leaves. Berries on
partial stalks,
THIS species of pepper is a native of Java, where it is called cumac: it
grows in great luxuriance in the woods of Tuntang; it also inhabits Sierra
96 : ORD. XLIV. Piperite. PIPER CUBEBA.
&
Leone, Batavia, Guinea, and the Isle of France. The stems are round,
_ smooth, long, creeping and rooting. The leaves are from one to two inches
in length, mostly elliptic-lanceolate, or cordate, entire, solitary at each joint
of the stems, and supported on channelled footstalks, about half an inch in
length. ‘Che flowers are small, and produced in crowded, solitary, terminal,
spikes. The fruit is a smooth, fleshy, globular, one-celled berry, on a short
stalk, of a deep red colour at first, but changing to brown and coriaceous
when dried, containing a single roundish seed.* Fig. (a) section of the fruit ;
(6) a seed ; (c) the embryo.
Sensible and Chemical Properties, &c. The berries (the officinal part of
this plant) are of a grayish brown colour when dry; they have a strong
aromatic odour, and a hot, spicy, pungent taste: when chewed, they heat
the mouth, but leave a cool sensation on the palate. If dried with much
heat previous to pulverisation, they are said to lose a considerable portion
of their active properties. According to the analysis of M. Vauquelin,t
cubebs contain a coloured resin, a thick volatile oil of a reddish colour,
nearly concrete ;{ a resin analogous to that of balsam of copaiba, coloured
gummy matter, extractive, analogous to that of the Leguminose, and various
saline substances. The watery infusion of the powdered berries is of a
reddish brown colour, cloudy, with the odour and flavour of the drug: its
colour is not altered by sulphate of iron, but a precipitate falls. The pow- |
dered berries should be kept in close-stopped bottles, as it quickly loses its
active properties, if exposed to the atmosphere.
Medical Properties and Uses. Cubebs are diuretic and gently aperient :
_by the Indian practitioners they are used as a grateful stomachic and car-
minative ; and we are told the Arabs also use them asa condiment. Cubebs
were introduced into this country a few years ago as a remedy for gonor-
rhea, in which they were said to moderate the inflammation and discharge;
and in the majority of cases cut short the disease in less tine than any
medicine previously made use of. Mr.Jefferies, who published an essay on this ©
subject a few years since, considers it not only as a very safe remedy, but, in
the generality of cases, infinitely more useful and expeditious than any
* The figuré accompanying the above description was made from an original drawing,
- copied from dried specimens in the Museum of the Hon. East India Company.
+ Journ. Pharm. vi. 309. ;
; Two pounds and a half have been found to afford about two ounces of oil.
al
PIPER CUBEBA. ORD. XLIV. Piperitz. 97
which has ever yet been introduced into practice. It possesses what may
be justly called a specific power in most constitutions, especially when ad-
ministered in the early and acute form of the disease. It moderates the
inflammation and most painful symptoms, and suppresses the quantity of
the discharge in a shorter time, and with more certainty, than any other
remedy with which I am acquainted.
We are told by Mr. Crawford (see Edinburgh Medical and Physical
Journal for January, 1818) that “the pepper, well pounded, is exhibited in
a little water, five or six times a day, in the quantity of a dessert-spoonful,
or about three drachms.” The ardor urine ceases, the discharge grows
ropy, commonly in 48 hours, and frequently in less time, and the disease
ceases altogether soon after. These, of course, are the most successful effects
of the medicine. Iu some cases the cure is slower; in a few it has been
said to produce swelled testicle; and in a still smaller number it has been
found altogether ineffectual. The sensible effects of this remedy are ex-
tremely mild. It occasions, (though not always) a slight purging: it im-
parts to the urine its own peculiar odour, and promotes its quantity. Now
and then it occasions a flushing of the face and a burning heat in the palms
of the hands and soles of the feet. Mr. Marley says, “In cases of a recent
nature, I think it may be called specific. The head and stomach are always
more or less affected during the exhibition of cubebs, and there is generally
a tendency to constipation.”*
Dr. Trail of Liverpool states, that as far as his opinion goes, it is most
useful in old and obstinate blenorrheea, and also that it is highly beneficial
in the last stage, or when the discharge is of a gleety nature. Mr. Adams,
from his experience of the eflicacy of cubebs, says, they are not a specific for
gonorrhea, but that they may be considered a valuable remedy when fresh,
of good quality, and finely powdered. We have been told by scme respect-
able surgeons that they have not found it of any service whatever, that it
has invariably produced some untoward symptom, which has obliged them
to discontinue its use; viz. deep-seated pain in the head, distressing diar-
rhea, hemorrhoids, hematuria, urticaria, violent nausea, &e.t From our
* Vide Medical and Physical Journal for June, 1821.
+ Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, for 1820.
{ Dr. Fosbrooke has commended cubebs in cases of inflammation of the mucous
membrane of the intestines, and also in cases of chronic inflammation of the xsophagus.
This is rather at variance with the opinion that it induces hemorrhoids and hematuria.
Von ¥: 1)
98 ORD. XLIV. Piperitz. PIPER CUBEBA.
own experience, we can confidently recommend cubebs as the most effica-
cious medicine we are acquainted with: that it will cure every case, is not
to be expected, but, from numerous trials we have had, we are of opinion
that more reliance may be placed on it than any other medicine that has
hitherto been recommended for the cure of gonorrhea., Many of the
~ untoward symptoms said to be occasioned by its use, we believe to have been
caused by over-doses, too frequently repeated: we have seldom gone beyond
one drachm, and usually combined it with the mucilage of acacia: we
have more frequently found it open the bowels than induce constipation, as
stated by Mr. Marly.
Cubebs are usually given in powder, either in milk, mucilage of gum-
arabic, or barley-water, or administered in the form of tincture, made by
macerating two ounces of powdered eubebs in one pint of proof spirit, for
fourteen days. Dose—from ten drops to sixty, in any proper vehicle.
ORD. XLVI. LILIACEA.
ALOE VULGARIS. YELLOW-FLOWERED ALOE.
SYNONYMA. Andén, Dios. lib. iii. cap. 25. Aloe. Trag. Hist. 932; Fuchs.
Hist. v. ii. 160; Camer. Epit. 430; Matth. Vaigr. v.ii. 45-6. Aloe vul-
garis. Ger. Em. 507; Fl. Gree. Sibth. v. iv. p. 34. t. 341. Bauh. Pin. 286.
Tourn. Inst. 8366; Decandolle, Pl. Grasses, 27, cum icone; Ait. Hort. Kew.
ed. 2. v. ii. 292. Aloe perfoliata =, vera. Linn. Sp. Pl.458. Aloe pertfo-
diata \, vera. Willd, Sp. Pl. v. ii. 186. Aloe barbadensis. Haworth, in
Trans. Linn. Soe. v. vii. 19.
Class Hexandria. Order Monogynia.
Nat. Ord. Liliacee, Coronarize, Linn. Asphodeli, Juss.
Prembed: dy & £ Madatey
c. Sorat del
ALOE VULGARIS. ORD. XLVI. Liliacex. | 99
Gen. Char. Corolla tubular, border spreading, six-cleft, nectariferous at the
base. Filaments inserted into the receptacle. Capsule superior, oblong,
three-celled. Seeds several, angular.
_ Spec. Char. Leaves sword-shaped, toothed, upright. Stem branched.
Flowers yellow, in a dense panicle.
THE stem of this species of aloe* is short, thick, shrubby, and branched.
The leaves are nearly erect, or somewhat spreading, upwards of a foot in
length, and about four inches broad at their base, lanceolate, acute, smooth,
succulent, concave above, of a bright sea-green colour, (but when young, often
spotted with white,) sessile, and crowded on the lower part of the stem.
The flower-stem rises about three feet in height; it is round, thick, erect,
smooth, of a purplish colour, branched at top, and terminated by a loose,
slender spike of bright yellow flowers. The flowers are numerous, and stand
on short, smooth foot-stalks, each flower: being accompanied by a single
bractea. The bracteas attached to the flower-stems are triangular, membra-
naceous, and of a deep brownish colour. The corolla is monopetalous, cy-
lindrical, oblong, and divided at the margin into six deep segments ; the
outer segments are larger than the inner, ovate, blunt, and spreading at the
border. The filaments are thread-shaped, as long, or somewhat longer than
the corolla, inserted into the receptacle, and furnished with oblong, incum-
bent anthers. The germen is oblong-ovate, angular, bearing a style nearly
the length of the stamens, crowned with a small, simple stigma. Figure (a)
represents the pistil, with the base of the corolla, (6) the same, with the sta-
mens. . }
The whole plant abounds with a clammy, bitter, fetid, yellowish juice.
This plant is a native of the Levant and Barbary; it is also very common
in the West India Islands, and generally known under the name of Barba-
does aloe; which, probably, has urisen from its being commonly cultivated
in the island of Barbadoes, for the purpose of obtaining the aloes of the
shops, known by the name of hepatic aloes. The different methods em-
ployed for collecting the juice, and preparing the various kinds of aloes, and
also their medical properties and uses, have been explicitly detailed in Vol.
* Itis the addy of the ancient Greeks, and was found by Dr. Sibthorpe, growing
spontaneously in the island of Cyprus.
100 ORD. XLVI. Liliacez. ALOE VULGARIS.
IV. of this work: we have, therefore, a few observations only to make on
the chemical properties of the hepatic, or Barbadoes aloes: which, as we
have before observed, are the product of the aloé vulgaris.
Hepatic aloes have a peculiar strong odour, somewhat aromatic, but less
so than the Socotrine aloes. The taste is nauseous and intensely bitter.
The pieces are of a dull brown colour, glossy, and when broken, the splin-
" tered edges appear rather blunt, and of a dull yellowish hue. It becomes
soft by the heat of the hand, and is adhesive ; when reduced to powder, it is
of a dull yellow brown. All kinds of aloes yield a small portion of vegetable
mucus, resin, and a peculiar extractive matter. Braconnot* found aloes to
consist chiefly of a peculiar bitter matter, which he has termed the resinous
bitter principle (dmer résineua).+ The odour, taste, and medical virtues of
aloes, reside chiefly in the extractive. Boiling water dissolves nearly the
whole of any of the kinds, but least of the hepatic or Barbadoes. | Proof-
spirit takes up 86 parts in 100; the alkalies and their carbonates greatly as-
sist in promoting the solution of aloes. _ By boiling aloes in water, the ex-
tractive is altered, and rendered insoluble in water, and approaches to the
nature ofa resin. _ Socotrine aloes yield, upon distillation, a small portion
of volatile oil; but none is obtained from the hepatic.
* Annales de Chimie, lv. 152.
+ According to the analysis of Vogel, and Bouillon la Grange, aloes contain 32 parts
resin, and 68 extractive.
t This circumstance forms a test, which iectctahe hepatic aloes from the other
ahs andependantly. of sensible properties,
G
ORD. LI. GRAMINA.
TRITICUM HYBERNUM. WINTER, orn LAMMAS-WHEAT.
SYNONYMA. Siligo spicd mutica, Lod. Ic. 25; Triticum spicd mutica,
Ger. Em. 65. f.1; Park. Theatr. 1120, f.1. Triticum hybernum aristis
carens, Bauh. Pin. 21; Mor. Hist. 3. t.11. 7.1. Triticum hybernum, Linn.
Sp. Pl. 126; Willd. v.1.477; Ehrh. Pl. Offic.n. 151; Ait. Hort. Kew,
ed, 2. v.2. p.130. Triticum vulgare, Host. Gram. Austr. v. 3. p. 18. t. 26.
Class III. Triandria. Ord. I. Monogynia.
Nat. Ord. Gramina, Juss. Graminee, Br.
Gen. Char. Calyx, two-valved, many-flowered ; its valves opposite, trans-
verse; the sides, (not the back,) of one of them directed to the rachis,
nearly equal. Cor. Two-valved; its valves lanceolate; ext. one acumi-
nate or awned at the extremity ; int. bifid at the point.
Spec. Char. Calyx, four flowered, tumid, smooth, imbricated, slightly
awned. ;
THE root of Lammas, or Winter-Wheat, consists of numerous downy
fibres.* The stems are from three to four feet high, jointed and terminated
by the inflorescence, which consists of long spikes, with the flowers arranged
in four rows, and imbricated. The chaff or calyx is composed of two con-
cave, oblong, keeled, smooth, nearly equal, valves, the outer terminated by
* This plant has two sets of roots; one set proceeding directly from the seed, and the
other from the corona of the plant, about two inches above the first; the latter do not shoot
till the Spring of the year, and they collect more nutriment than the seminal roots.
102 ORD. LI. Gramina. TRITICUM HYBERNUM.
very short awns, which distinguish the Lammas from the Spring wheat (Tri-
ticum sativum) which has awns three inches long: they contain from three
to four florets, three of which are usually productive. The outer valve of
* the corolla is concave and pointed, the inner one flat, blunt, and two-toothed ;
The filaments are capillary: anthers, linear and forked: the germen turbi-
nate, bearing a short style, crowned with feathery stigmas ; the seed or grain
is oval or elliptical, with a narrow channel along the upper side. Fig. (d)
the germen and calyx, magnified ; (e) the flower expanded and magnified.
The native country of this valuable grain is entirely unknown: it has,
however, been conjectured from the nature and habits of wheat, that it may
have been originally a native of Asia; but it is pretty certain that Sicily
was the part of Europe where it was first cultivated, It will not vegetate
beyond the 62° of northern latitude, nor will it often form an ear below the
~ elevation of 4,500 feet, or ripen at above 10,800 feet under the equator.
In England, wheat is chiefly cultivated in the counties of Essex, Kent,
Norfolk, Suffolk, Herefordshire, Hampshire, and Berkshire. Wheat thrives
best in rich clays, and heavy loams, and in favorable seasons, on good lands, —
the bashel of grain will weigh from 60 to 62 pounds. Several varieties of
wheats are grown in this country; but the Winter or Lammas is the most
productive, and hence most esteemed by agriculturists.
Chemical Properties, &c. Flour, or the farinaceous part of the seed, is
separated from the husk or bran, after the operation of grinding, by means
of sieves of various degrees of fineness. Flour, when good, is insipid, and
nearly inodorous, and constitutes more than two-thirds the weight of the seed.
Wheat-flour consists principally of gluten, starch, albumen, and a sweet
mucilage. Its constituents may be separated by forming the flour into a
paste with a little water, and washing this paste with fresh quantities of
water, until it runs from it colourless. What remains, is the gluten, which,
if not the same, is very analogous to, the fibrine of animal substances.
From the water with which the paste is washed, a white powder (Amylum)
separates on standing: thealbumen and sweet mucilage may be obtained:
by total evaporation. It is the presence of gluten which characterises
By some botanists, Spring and Winter-wheat are considered as varieties only, not as
distinct species. The latter is the most productive, and is generally cultivated on that
account, for there is no material difference between the grains they produce, either che-
mical or medicinal—hence they are indiscriminately ecpeherel for every purpose.
TRITICUM HYBERNUM. ORD. LI. Gramina. 108
wheat-flour, and on a due admixture of it with the constituents, depends
the superiority of wheat-flour for making bread.
Bread is made by working the flour into a paste with warm water, a
quantity of ferment, such as yeast, and a little muriate of soda to render it
sapid, allowing the paste to stand until a certain degree of fermentation
takes place, and then baking it in an oven, heated to about 488°. During the
fermentation, a quantity of gas is formed, and as it is prevented from escap-
ing by the toughness of the paste, and dilated by the heat of the oven, the
bread is rendered light and spongy. In this process, the nature of the con-
stituents of the flour is altered; for we are not able to obtain either gluten
or starch from bread. Water, in which flour has been macerated, acquires
a sweetish taste and an opaline colour, and affords precipitates with infusion
af galls and the strong acids. According to Vogel, 100 parts of flour con-
_ tain—gluten, 24; saccharine-gum, 5; fecula, 68; albumen, 1,50.
-Starch* is a fine white powder, generally concreted in friable hexagonal
columns, smooth to the feel, and emitting a peculiar sound when compressed.
It has neither taste nor odour, is decomposed by heat, is not soluble in cold
water or in aleohol. Warm water, at about 190° Fah. converts itinto a kind
of mucilage, which, on cooling, assumes a gelatinous consistence. This
jelly, when dried by heat, becomes brittle and transparent like gum, but is
not soluble in cold water. At 78° Fah. its watery solution ferments with the
addition of yeast. By roasting, it becomes soluble in cold water, and it is
converted by three or four hours boiling with sulphuric acid, into a saccha-
rine liquid. Alcohol precipitates starch white and tough from its solutions;
acetate of lead and infusion of galls also throw it down, but the precipitate
formed by the latter is redissolved by heating the liquid to 120°. Both
acids and alkalies combined with water, dissolve it. The strong acids de-
compose it, especially the sulphuric and nitric acids; the latter converting
it into malic and oxalic acids. When exposed to a moderate heat, it begins
to swell, and is gradually chenged into a brownish substance, which is used
* Searels is found in many vegetables, combined with different substances: — 1. with
gluten or fibrin, as in wheat, rye, and other similar seeds; 2. with extractive, asin beans,
peas, lupins, &c.; 3. with mucilaginous matter, as in unripe corn, the potatoe, and in
many other roots ; 4. with saccharine matter, in beet-root, and in corn, after it has begun
to germinate ; 5. with an acid principle, as in the root of the Burdock, Jatropha Mani-
hot, Arum, i other tuberous roots.
104 | ~ ORD. LI. Gramina. TRITICUM HYBERNUM.
by the calico printers, and commonly called British gum. The most delicate
test of the presence of starch is iodine, which renders its solution in water,
even when largely diluted, of a beautiful blue colour. From the products
obtained by distilling starch per se, it appears to be a ternary compound of
oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. According to the analysis of MM. Gay
Lussac and Thenard, 100 parts of starch consist of 49,68 oxygen, 43,55
carbon, 6,77 hydrogen.
In this country, starch is manufactured exclusively from wheat-flour and
potatoes; in .the West Indies, from the Jatropha Manihot, which is the
well known substance, called arrow-root.* Starch is not absolutely identi-
cal, as obtained from different vegetables. | According to M. Planche, the
specific gravity of flour-starch to potatoe-starch is as 62 to 84, and this diffe-
rence is not unimportant in pharmacy, as the former serves admirably to
suspend camphor, and the latter is unfit. Gluten is a tough, fibrous, elastic
substance of a greyish colour; it is almost tasteless, and bears a considerable
resemblance, both in its properties and composition, to the peculiar animal
principle, named jfibrine. When dried, it becomes semi-transparent, and
somewhat resembles glue. It is dissolved by the alkalies and acids; the
latter, when strong, decomposing it at the same time.
M. Jaddei has “ ascertained, that the gluten of wheat may be separated
into two distinct proximate principles, which he has distinguished by the
names gliadine and zimome. They are obtained by kneading newly prepared |
gluten, in successive portions of alcohol, until it is no longer rendered milky
by the addition of water. The alcoholic solution being allowed to evapo-
rate spontaneously, a small portion of gluten is at first deposited, and the
gliadine remains behind, of the consistence of honey, and mixed with a little
yellow resinous matter, from which it may be freed by digestion in sulphuric
ether. The portion of the gluten not dissolved by the aleohol, is the zimome.”
Gluten appears to be one of the most nutritive of vegetable substances; hence
the superiority of wheat to all other grains as an article of nourishment.
Medicai Properties, &c. Bread, as a remedial agent, is only used as -an’ex-
ternal application in the form of poultice, or as a medium to increase the
bulk, and give form to very active medicines—as in pills. When toasted,
i. Sago, Tapioca, Salep, and Cassava, are all varieties of starch ; the former is obtained
from the pith of some species of palms, and from Cycas circinalis. Salep is prepared from
the bulbs of the orchis mascula; Tapioca and Cassava from the Jatropha Manihot.
TRITICUM HYBERNUM. . ORD. LI. Gramina. 105
and infused in water, it imparts a pleasant flavour to the fluid, and renders
it more acceptable as a beverage in febrile diseases and dyspeptic complaints.
Starch is considered demulcent; hence it forms the principal ingredient in
an officinal lozenge: the vaisallnge prepared from it, administered in the
form of enema, is used with much advantage for ee irritation of the
intestines in diarrhcea and dysentery.
Off. pp. Mucilago Amyli. L. E. D.
HORDEUM DISTICHON. COMMON BARLEY.
SYNONYMA. Hordeum Distichon. Willd. Sp. Pl. v, i. p. 473, Host.
Gram. Austr. v. iii. t, 36. Proem. et Sch. Syst, Veget. v. ii. p. 793.
Class III, Triandria. Order IT. Digynia.
Nat. Ord. Gramina, Linn. Graminee, Br.
Gen. Char. Calyx lateral, two-valved, one-flowered, ternate, central, floret
perfect, lateral ones mostly imperfect (having often, at the back of the in-
- ner valve, a bristle or abortive floret). Outer valve of the corolla awned.
Fruit incorporated with the corolla. "
Spec. Char. Spike distichous, awns of the hermaphrodite florets appressed,
the lateral ones (male) awnless.
THE Hordeum distichon is an annual plant; its native country has no
been satisfactorily ascertained: by some it is said to be a native of Tartary,*
and also to have been found wild in Russia and Sicily. It has been long
extensively cultivated in almost every country of Europe.
* Linnzus says that it is a native of Tartary, but without adducing sufficient proof.
Vou. V P
106 ORD. LI. Gramina. HORDEUM DISTICHON.
The stem of this plant rises from two feet to two and a half high, termi-
nated by the ear or spike, which is flat, with a double row of defective, or
male florets, on each flat side; and a single row of fertile florets on each ridge.
' The valves of the calyx are linear, and one half shorter than the corolla, or
inner chaff, which terminates in a straight serrated awn or beard, sixteen
times its own length. When ripe, the husk is coriaceous, angular, and con-
tinues closely attached to the grain, which is ovate, oval, acute at both ends,
and angular. Figure (c) a flower, largely magnified.
Chemical Properties, §c. Barley has little: or no taste, and is inodorous.
According to the analysis of Fourcroy and Vauquelin, it contains a large pro-
portion of starch, an animal substance partly soluble in water, and partly
forming glutinous flocculi, phosphate of lime, and magnesia; silica, iron,
a small portion of unctuous, coagulable oil, and a little acetic acid.
Pearl-barley is prepared by grinding off the husk of the rough grain, by
means of machinery; it is afterwards rounded in a mill, which at the same
time gives the granules a polish. In this state, barley consists almost solely
of amylaceous matter.
Economical Uses, §c. Barley cannot be considered as a medicine, nor is
it ever used as such im substance. A decoction of pearl-barley, properly
acidulated, is one of the best beverages in acute and febrile diseases. Bar-
ley, as an article of food, is less used than it was formerly. It is chiefly cul-
tivated in this country for the purpose of converting into malt, for making
beer, and for the distillation of ardent spirits. Pearl-barley, when boiled,
forms an excellent article of nourishment.
Off. Prep. Decoctum Hordei, L. E. D.
S MOR -Hordei Compositum, L. D.
AVENA SATIVA. ORD. LI. Gramina. 107
AVENA SATIVA. | COMMON OAT.
SYNONYMA. Avena. Camer. Epit. 191; Fuchs. Hist. 185. Avena sativa.
Linn. Sp. Pl.118; Willd. Sp. Pl. v,i. p. 446, Proem. et Sch. v. ii. p. 668.
Host. Gram. Austr. v.ii. t. 59.
Class III. Triandria. Order IT. Digynia.
Nat. Ord. Gramina, Linn. Graminee, Br.
Gen. Char. Panicle lax. Calyx two-valved, two-flowered. Corolla of two
lanceolate valves, firmly enclosing the seed, exterior one bearing a twisted
dorsal awn. Upper florets often imperfect.
Spec. Char. Panicle equal, spikelets somewhat two-flowered. Filorets
shorter than the calyx, one or more of the upper ones imperfect and awn-
less, their base naked, root fibrous, annual.
THE root of this plant is annual, and consists of many fibres; the stem or
culm rises about two feet in height, glabrous and smooth. The leaves broadly
linear, rough, especially at the margins. The inflorescence is produced in a
- loose panicle, with the subdivisions on long pendulous peduncles; the two
- glumes of the calyx are marked with lines, pointed, unequal, and longer
than the flower. There are two or three flowers in each calyx, of which one
is usually imperfect ; they are alternate, conical, the smaller ones awnless,
the larger puts forth a strong, two-coloured bent awn, from the middle of
the back. Seeds oblong,downy. Figure (a) a magnified flower, (4) the ger-
men and anthers magnified.
The Avena sativa has been long cultivated in many countries in Europe,
but it has never been satisfactorily ascertained if it be a native, or a natural-
ized production.* In the north of Europe many varieties of this plant are
* It was found by Commodore Anson growing wild upon the island of Juan Fernan-
dez, on the coast of Chili.
P2
108 ORD. LI. Gramina. AVENA SATIVA.
cultivated ; and in the northern parts of England, Scotland, Sweden, Siberia,
and Norway, oats form the chief part of the vegetable diet of the inhabitants.
In England, that which is called the potatoe oat is considered the best.
Qualities, §c. Oats are inodorous, taste very slightly bitter; they are
chiefly composed of fecula, or starch,* combined with a portion of saccharine
matter, bitter principle, and fixed oil. ee found in the ashes of oats,
phosphate of lime, and silica.
Medical Properties and Uses. Oats can scarcely be considered as a medi-
cine, but when freed from their cuticles, they are denominated grits, and are
much used for making gruel or decoctions, which preparations are esteemed
demulcent, cooling, and nutritive; hence they are much used in all inflam-
matory and febrile diseases. The grits, ground to gross powder, and boiled
in water to a proper consistence, form an excellent suppurative poultice.
* For the chemical properties, &c. of starch, see Triticum Hybernum.
ORD. LIV. ALGA.
ROCCELLA TINCTORIA. DYERS’ LICHEN, ROCK-MOSS, OR
3 ORCHAL.
SYNONYMA. Parmelia Roccella. Achar. Meth. Lich. 274. Lichen
Roccella. Linn. Sp. Pl. 1622; Dicks. Crypt. fase. 3.19; Eng. Bot. v.3.
¢. 211. Rocecella tinctoria. Achar. Lichenogr. Univ. 430 ; Syn. Lich.’
p.243 ; Hook. Br. Fl. p.458. Corraloides corniculatum fasciculare tine.
etethii, fuci teretis facie. Dillen. Muse. 120. t.17. f. 39.
Class. Cryptogamia. Ord. Algze.
Nat. Ord. Algzw. Linn. Lichenes, Achar.
ROCCELLA TINCTORIA. ORD. LIV. Algz. 109
Gen. Char. Frond between coriaceous and cartilaginous, rounded or plane,
branched. Fructifications orbicular, adnate with the frond: seed-bearing
portion a plano-convex disc, circumscribed by a margin of the same sub-
stance as the frond, and covering a’black, compact, lentil-shaped, mass,
immersed in the frond. . :
Spec. Char. Frond rounded, glaucous-green, branched, and nearly erect.
Fructifications scattered, elevated, with the disc plane, glaucous, and
pruinose, even with the margin which is formed by the frond.
THIS species of Lichen is the \ynv of Dioscorides, and the Phycos Tha-
lassion of Pliny. It is an indigenous plant to our own country, growing on
the maritime rocks of the south of England, particularly in Portland Island ;
but it is not found in any great abundance. It grows very plentifully in
the Levant, Canary Islands, &c. from whence it is chiefly collected to supply
the markets. The Canary Islands alone are said to produce two thousand
six hundred quintals annually, and it is from this abundance of Orchall
that the ancients gave them the name of the Purple Isles.* Mr. Macintosh
of Glasgow, who is, perhaps, the largest consumer of this plant in Europe,
reckons the kind brought from the Canaries as by far the most valuable ;
for while much of that imported from other countries is not worth
£30. per ton, the best canary-weed (as it is called) fetches upwards of £200.
per ton. From this Lichen is prepared the Argol or archil, so much used
as a dye-stuff. ‘The Roccella tinctoria is a small species of lichen, from two ~
to four and even six inches in height, firmly fixed to the rocks by a solid
base, from which rises a tuft of small, round, smooth, acutely pointed stems,
more or less branched, of a whitish gray or brownish hue, and studded
‘towards their upper part with scattered tubercles,+ replete with a white
powder, which some consider to be the true fructification, but the real
fruit, as described by Acharius, is of a much darker colour and rarer
occurrence.
* Mém. de I’Acad. des Inscriptions, iv. p. 457.
4+ Gertner considers them as a peculiar sort of germs or buds, which opinion has
been established by Acharius. Lichens are now ranked as gemmiparous plants, propa-
gated only by bud-knots, or gongyli.
110 ORD. LIV. Alge. ROCCELLA TINCTORIA,
The preparation of the Archil from this species of lichen was long kept a
secret by the Dutch, who manufactured it into a paste, called by them
lacmus or litmus ; and the persons by whom it was formerly prepared, with
a view to engross the manufacture, gave it the name of tincture of turnsole,
pretending that it was extracted from the turnsole, (Heliotropium europeum).
This substance (Litmus) was sold in square, hard brittle masses, about an
inch in length, and half an inch in breadth and thickness. Archil is
now prepared in this country, and large maufactories of it are carried on in
London and Liverpool. The lichen, after being dried and cleaned, is re-
duced to powder in a mill; itis then mixed in a vat, with one half its weight
of pearl-ash, and moistened with human urine: fermentation soon ensues,
and is kept up by stirring, and by successive additions of urine, until the co-
lour of the mass changes, first to red and then to blue. _In this state it is
mixéd with a third of its weight of good ‘potass, and spread out to dry.*
Chalk is sometimes added to it, but with no other view than to increase its
weight, but we are told that it is sometimes mixed with the lichen fucifor-
mist It is usually sold in the form of cakes, but sometimes in that of moist
pulp.
Sensible Qualities, $c. of Archil. Prepared Archil has a violet odour,
which is said to be derived from a certain quantity of Orris-root, with which
it is always more or less mixed; its taste is mawkish, with some degree of
pungency. It communicates both to water and to alcohol a beautiful violet
colour, which changes to red by the addition of any acid; this red colour is
again destroyed, and replaced by the violet, by adding a portion of any of
the alkalies. Hence, it is used in chemistry as a delicate test, to detect the
presence of acid or alkaline substances. Paper which has been dyed with
litmus, changes to red by acids, and has its blue colour immediately restored
by an alkali : the oxygen of the air, also, in a short time, destroys stuffs dyed
blue with archil. By the addition of a little solution of tin, archil gives a
durable dye of a fine scarlet colour. It is least liable to change when red-
dened by an acid, and kept in close vessels.
* Nicholson’s Journal, vol. ii. p.311.
+ This species is said to vie in richness of colouring-matter with the common Orchal,
while the plant attains a much larger size; this lichen occurs very sparingly on the rocks
of the south of Europe, but it is said to abound in the East Indies, especially on the
shores of Sumatra.
G. Spratt det.
ROCCELLA TINCTORIA. ORD. LIV. Algz. — 111
Medical Properties and Uses. As a remedial agent, the Roccella tinctoria
has very little, if any efficacy, although it was formerly celebrated as a spe-
cific in disorders of the lungs.* In the present day, it is chiefly used for
preparing the Archil, used as a chemical test or dye-stuff, as above stated.
* Many species of Lichen have at different times been employed; not only in do-
mestic economy and the arts, but in medicine; viz. Lichen caninus, deriving its spe-
cific name from its supposed specific effects in preventing or curing hydrophobia; Lichen -
pullus, esteemed astringent, and administered in asthma and coughs ; Lichen pyxidatus,
much used in whooping-cough and other complaints of the lungs; Lichen sazratilis,
considered astringent and employed in hemorrhages ; Lichen pustulatus, which may be
substituted for all-spice; also dyes a fine red ; and Lichen aphthosus, a drastic vermifuge.
Some of the above, and many other species, are also used as dye-stuffs.
FUCUS VESICULOSUS. BLADDER-FU: CUi S. BLADDER-
“sere meneeromeralerm enm
SYNONYMA. Fucus sive Alga marina latifolia vulgatissima, Raii Syn
p-40.”.4. Quercus Marina. Gel. Hist. Fuc. p.60. Alga sive Fucus,
Quercus marina, dictus. Baster, Op. Subs. 2. p. 4, 116. ¢.11. 7.2. Fucus
vesiculosus. Linn. Sp. Pl. v. 2. p. 1626; Eng. Bot. v.15. t.1066; Wither.
Bot. Arr. v. 4. p.84; Esper. Icon. Fuc.1. p. 38. t.12; Hook. Scot. P. II.
p.94; Turner, Hist. Fue. v.2. p. 44. t.88; Hook. Br. Fl. p. 459.
Class XXIV. Cryptogamia. Ord. III. Alge.
Nat. Ord. — Alge.
Gen. Char. Seeds mixed with jointed fibres, produced: in clustered tuder-
cles, which burst at their summits.
Spec. Char. Frond coriaceous, flat, linear, dichotomous, entire; with a
central rib; vesicles innate, in pairs; receptacles, distinct, terminal,
turgid, mostly elliptical.
112 ORD. LIV. Alge. _FUCUS VESICULOSUS.
THE root of this plant is black and woody, forming an expanded callous
disc ; the frond is smooth, glossy, flat, linear, winged, from one to four or
five feet long, and from half an inch to two inches wide, forked near. the
root, and afterwards repeatedly dichotomous, of a dark olive-green colour,
becoming paler near the apices, and, when dry, black and dull. All the -
branches are nearly of an equal height, with the apices rounded, often
notched, with the margin entire. The substance of the frond is coriaceous,
tough and flexible; (when dried brittle) and furnished with a midrib. In
the membraneous part of the frond, throughout its whole length, are found
immersed spherical vesicles, varying in size from that of a small pea to a
hazel-nut, externally smooth, and containing in their cavity a quantity of
air. The fructification consists of compressed, turgid receptacles, solitary or
twin, placed at the end of the branches, varying in form, but mostly ellip-
tical, from one-fourth of an inch to two inches Iong, and perforated with
very minute pores, under which lie embedded spherical tubercles, composed
of short jointed fibres, mixed with seeds of an elliptical form, surrounded
with a pellucid limbus, and appearing under a powerful microscope, to con-
tain six or seven roundish grains; the receptacle is filled with a tasteless
and colourless mucus, through which passes anastomosing fibres. Its fruc-
tification is produced in spring. Fig. (a) part of a receptacle magnified ;
(6) horizontal section of a receptacle ; (c) longitudinal section of a vesicle ;
(d) seeds ; (e) tubercle.
The Fucus vesiculosus* is a perennial plant, growing abundantly on
rocks and stones, or cast up on the beach every where on the British shores,
and well-known by the popular name of sea-weed. In Scotland the name
Wrack is applied to this and other species of Fuci which are gathered on
the shores, for the manufacture of kelp.t+ When the plant is dried in the
usual manner, it becomes brittle and of a dull blackish colour; and is often
: :
_ * The ancients were unacquainted with this plant, which was first. described by Clu-
sius, under the name of Quercus marina.—Hist. i. 21. :
+ Kelp is a very impure carbonate of soda, containing muriate and sulphate of soda,
charcoal, and other impurities ; and is manufactured chiefly in Scotland, in the months
of July and August. It is obtained by burning sea-weed in a kiln, until it becomes a
compact mass, which, when cool is broken to pieces, and packed for use. Several kinds.
of sea-weed are used for this purpose, but chiefly the Fucus vesiculosus, serratus, and
FUCUS VESICULOSUS. ORD. LIV. Alge. 113
covered with a saline efflorescence: but if the fresh plant be immersed in
boiling water before drying it, the colour remains as vivid as in the fresh
plant.
Qualities. Its taste is nauseous and somewhat like that of soda; its
odour peculiar but slight. When fused, it yields charcoal, soda, and iodine.
Medical Properties and Uses. The'burnt plant is considered deobstruent ;
and has been exhibited in diseases of the glands (particularly goitre and
scrofula) with much success. Dr. Russell found the mucus in the vesicles
of the plant to be an excellent resolvent when externally applied, in dis-
persing scrofulous swellings. He recommends the patient to rub the tu-
mout with these vesicles bruised in the hand, and afterwards to wash the
part with sea-water. It appears that: the beneficial effects produced by the
external exhibition of this plant, may be chiefly attributed to the iodine it
contains.
Iodine is a simple body, discovered by M. Curtois in the mother-waters
formed in the preparation of soda from sea-weed.* These waters are ob-
tained by burning the different fuci which grow on the sea-shores, lixiviating
the ashes and concentrating the liquor. The name iodine is derived from
the Greek word ‘wénc, on account of the blue colour of its vapour. At the
ordinary temperature, iodine is a solid substance, inthe form of small greyish
crystals, which have but a weak tenacity, and the aspect of plumbago. It
fuses at 170° c. (838 Fah.) and volatilizes at 175° (347° Fah.) forming a very
beautiful violet-coloured vapour. This vapour, when enclosed in a receiver,
re-condenses into crystalline scales. It has a pungent odour, an acrid taste,
and stains the skin of a brownish-yellow colour. It is soluble in alcohol
and ether (the latter taking up more or less, according to its degree of rec-
tification) but sparingly so in water: its solutions have an orange-brown
tint, destroying the vegetable colours. Iodine forms, with oxygen, the todic
acid, and with chlorine the chloriodic acid. It has much affinity for hy-
drogen, and takes it from a great number of bodies. It absorbs it in a
gaseous state when the temperature is elevated ; and forms with this gas the
hydriodic acid, which is composed exclusively of iodine and hydrogen.
* Jodine has ben obtained from a great variety of marine plants; as the Fucus
saccharinus, serratus, vesiculosus, Filum, nodosus, palmatus, digitatus ; Ulva umbili-
calis, Pavonia, §c. It has also been procured from sponge, by Dr. Fyfe, and M. Straub
of Hofwyl
Vou. V. Q
114 ORD. LIV. Algez. FUCUS VESICULOSUS.
*
This acid presents itself under the form of a colourless gas, which has a
very strong taste, a very penetrating odour, powerfully reddens the tincture
of turnsol, and extinguishes burning bodies. This gas is very rapidly ab-
sorbed by water, and is very largely dissolved in it. It gives out white
fumes in the air by uniting with the aqueous vapour contained in the
atmosphere.
Starch is the most delicate test of iodine, forming a compound of a rich
blue colour, when added to any solution which contains it in an uncom-
bined state. The specific gravity of iodine is 4,941, and that of its vapour
8,678 ; 100 cubic inches weighing about 270 grains.
Preparations of Iodine. Wollaston was the first who gave a precise for-
mula for preparing it; he dissolved the soluble part of kelp in water, and
after evaporating it as long as it continued to afford crystals, he added a
little more sulphuric acid to the remaining liquid than was necessary to
neutralize the free soda which it contained, and after all action had ceased,
he added as much black oxide of manganese to the clear liquor which re-
mained, and on the application of heat, iodine was disengaged. Dr. Ure
recommends the following formula to beadopted. “Take eight fluid ounces
of the brown liquid which drains from the salt which the soapmakers use, who
‘employ kelp, boil up and evaporate to dryness; heat it to 230° Fah. and
add one fluid ounce of sulphuric acid diluted with its own bulk of water.
When the mixture cools, separate the crystals of the salts which will form in
it, by filtration through a woollen cloth, and add to the fluid poured into a
matrass, 830 grains of black oxide of manganese in powder. A glass globe
is then to be inverted over the mouth of the matrass, and the heat of a char-
coal-chaffern being applied, iodine will sublime in great abundance.
“Tt must be washed out of the globe with alcohol, then drained and dried
on plates of glass, and purified by a second sublimation from dry quick-lime.”
Medical Properties and Uses of Iodine. M.Coindet, a physician of Ge-
neva, was the first who used iodine in medicine ; suspecting, from analogy,
that this substance was the active principle in sponge, he was induced to
try it in those cases for which burnt sponge was administered, and his treat- _
ment of goitre was remarkably successful. These trials were repeated by
several practitioners in France, Italy, and in our own country, with undi-
minished benefit; and their observations would seem to prove that we now
possess a powerful remedy for the removal of a disease which has been
FUCUS VESICULOSUS. ORD. LIV. Alge. 115
hitherto cured with great difficulty. Several instances are recorded, in which
hard, old, and very large goitres, have yielded to this remedy: nevertheless,
success is most commonly to be expected in recent cases, and in individuals
who have not arrived at maturity. Iodine has been also employed for the
cure of scrofula, and with seemingly equally beneficial results. M.Coindet
recommends it as a powerful emmenagogue ; it has also been recommended
in laryngeal phthisis,leucorrheea,* syphilitic enlargements, tabesmesenterica,
chronic dysentery,+ scrophulous opthalmia, heemoptoe supervening to sup-
pressed menstruation, and to hasten the cicatrization of venereal ulcers,} &c.
The late Mr. Haden reports a case of phthisis supposed to have been cured
by iodine.
Preparations, and Mode of prescribing Iodine :—
TINCTURE OF IODINE.
Take of, Alcohol at 35°. . . lounce (7 dr. 52. 5 gr. troy)
Iodine . . 46 grains (gr. 39. 36 troy) Mix.|
Dose ten drops, three times a day, in a wine-glass full of sugared water, and
gradually increased to twenty drops. Four cases of Bronchocele are said by
Mr. Rickwood to have been cured or relieved by the tincture of iodine ad-
ministered as above,§ and Mr. Calloway of the Borough has employed it with
great success, in several cases of scrophulous enlargement of the glands, not
only of the surface, but of the mesentary.
; SOLUTION OF HYDRIODATE OF POTASS.
Take of Hydriodate of Potass . 36 grains (gr. 29. 52 troy)
Seis Distilled water . . - lounce (7 dr. 52. 5gr.troy) Mix.
This solution may be given in the same manner as the tincture, and for
the same disorders. Dr, Gairdner, however, prefers this preparation to the
tincture. | He usually begins with ten drops, and gradually augments the
dose to twenty, and rarely to.twenty-five. _ By the use of this solution a soft
bronchocele will be discussed in a month or six weeks; but those which are
hard and of long standing, require a longer period. Weare told by Dr.
Wagner, that he has employed with considerable success, an ointment com-
posed of 18 grains of the hydriodate of potass to six drachms of lard, in tu-
* M. Gimele. + Professor Brera. t Dr. Costor of Paris.
|| Twenty drops contain about one grain of iodine.
§ London Medical and Physical Journal, August, 1823.
q 2
116 ORD. LIV. Alge. FUCUS VESICULOSUS.,
mours of the bronchocele kind, and in a cancerous tumour of the maxillary
region.
OINTMENT OF HYDRIODATE OF POTASS.
Take of Hydriodate of potass . . . 4 gros.*
Hog’s lard. . . . . : l$ounce. Mix.
A small piece, (about half a arabia of this ointment may be rubbed,
morning and evening, upon enlarged glands, and the quantity may be gra-
dually increased, according to the age of the individual, and circumstances _
of the tumour. In very obstinate cases, it is necessary to give some prepa-
rations of iodine internally, during the external application, the treatment
by friction alone not being sufficient. It must not, however, be concealed,
that very untoward effects have not unfrequently accompanied or followed
the injudicious use of this powerful medicine. We are told by Dr. Gairdner,t+
that the symptoms usually produced, are, a peculiar, great, and persevering
anxiety and depression of spirits, which are very different from hypochon-
driasis, inasmuch as they dwell principally on the present, and have no re-
ference to the future. The emaciation and cholera produced by it, are also
stated as frequently extending to a dangerous, and even fatal result. When
the patient is under the full influence of iodine, Dr. Gairdner has found a
degree of tremor to come on, which he considers as a good guage of the ex-
tent of the nervous excitement which has taken place, and is seldom or never
absent, when that excitement has proceeded to any considerable degree. In
the cholera induced by iodine, Dr. Gairdner has observed sedatives, such as
hyoscyamus, opium, §c. to be more beneficial than any other class of medi- |
cines; purgatives are said invariably to do harm. Iodine frequently stimu-
lates the arterial system so much that it is necessary to discontinue its use ;
and if it be administered in doses too large, or too often repeated, it is apt
to produce inflammation of the stomach, attended by nausea, &c. We are
told that it not unfrequently causes a remarkable wasting of the testes and
mamme.
* The gros is 59 grains.
+ Essay on the Effects a Iodine, &e, by W. Gairdner, M.D. 1824.
~
e CS, isiablbcs serrata.
tance
G, Spratt del
ORD. TEREBINTHACE/:.
BOSWELLIA SERRATA. SERRATED BOSWELLIA, or GUM-
OLIBANUM TREE.
ML
_SYNONYMA. Boswellia serrata. Colebrooke in Asiat. Res. v. ix. p. 377.
Class X. Decandria. Order I. Monogynia.
Nat. Ord. Terebinthacez. Trib, IV. Burseracez, Decand.
Gen. Char. Calyx inferior, five-toothed. Corolla of five petals. Nectary
a crenulated fleshy cup, surrounding the lower part of the germen, with
stamens inserted on the outside. Capsule three-sided, three-valved, three-
celled. Seeds solitary, membranous, winged.
Spec. Char. Leaves pinnate. Leaflets obtusely serrated, villous. Racemes
simple, axillary. Petals ovate. Filaments inserted on the exterior mar-
gin of the nectary.. “Stack. extr. bruce. p. 19. t. iii.” Decand. Prodr. v.
ll. p. 76.
THE Boswellia serrata is a native of the mountainous parts of India, in-
habiting the forests between the Sone and Nagpar.* It is a large tree, with
its foliage crowded at the extremities of the branches ; the leaves are impari-
pinnate, consisting of ten pairs of sessile leaflets, each about an inch, or an
inch and a half in length, obliquely-ovate, oblong, obtuse, serrated, villous,
‘ and supported upon short, downy petioles: the flowers, which are numerous,
are produced in axillary racemes, shorter than the leaves, and accompanied
' * Asiatic Researches, Vol. ix.
118 ORD. Terebinthacez. BOSWELLIA SERRATA.
by minute bracteas; the calyx is monophyllous, five-toothed,* and downy ;
the corolla composed of five oblong, spreading petals, of a pale pinkish co-
lour, externally downy ; the nectary is a fleshy, crenulate, coloured cup, ad-.
hering to the calyx; the ten stamens are alternately shorter, and support ob-
long anthers; the pistillum consists of an ovate germen, cylindrical style, and
trilobate stigma; the capsule is smooth, three-sided, three-valved, three-celled, .
each cell containing one perfect seed only, which is broad, cordate, and
winged. Figure (a) the capsule, (4) transverse section of the same, (c) a seed
magnified.
The gum which exudes from this tree was noticed by Mr. D. Turnbull,
(surgeon to the Residency at Nagpur) who accompanied Mr. Colebrooke (on
his journey to Barar, in the year 1798); the former gentleman judged it to
be olibanum, and so did several intelligent natives; “but,” says Mr. Cole-
brooke, “the notion prevalent among botanists, that olibanwm is the produce
of a species of juniper, left room for doubt.”+ I now learn from Mr. Turn-
bull, that, since his return to his station at Mirzapar, he has procured .con-
siderable quantities of the gum of this tree, which he has sent to Europe at
different times; first; without assigning the name of olibanwm, and more
lately, under that designation. It was in England recognized for olibanum,
though offered for sale as a different gum; and annual consignments of it
have been since regularly vended at the East India Company’s sales.t The
olibanum of commerce is chiefly imported into Europe from India, but is
also brought from the Levant in casks and chests. “It distils from incisions
made in the bark of the tree during the Summer months, _
Sensible and Chemical Properties, Se. " Olibanum i is a ae brittle
* «© The fructification is remarkably diversified on the same plant. I have found, even
on the same raceme, flowers, in which the teeth or lobes of the calyx varied from four to
ten; the number was generally five, sometimes six, rarely seven, more rarely four, and
very rarely ten; petals as many as divisions of the:calyx ; stamens twice as many ; cap-
sule generally three-sided, sometimes four, rarely five-sided, with: as many cells and as
many valves; seeds generally solitary. : the dissection of the germen does indeed exhibit
a few in each cell, but only one is usually mature fees Vide Dr. eat Description,
Asiatic Researches, Vol. ix. p- 380.
- + Asiatic Researches, Vol. ix. p. 381.
~ { Formerly, this gum was supposed to be the produce of a species of juniper, (Juni-
peris Lyeia, vide Vol. i. p. 16. of this work) but Mr. Colebrooke has — proved
an the tree we have described produces the olibanum which comes from Indi
BOSWELLIA SERRATA. ORD. Terebinthacezx. 119
substance, of a pale yellow or reddish colour ; it consists of grains of various
sizes, from that of a pea to a chesnut, and is generally covered with a whit-
ish powder, produced by the friction of the grains against each other. It has
a bitterish and somewhat pungent taste, and when chewed, sticks to the
teeth, and renders the saliva milky. It is not fusible, but inflammable, burns
brilliantly, with an agreeable odour, and leaves a whitish ash, composed of
sulphate, carbonate and phosphate of lime, with muriate and carbonate of
potass. Olibanum forms a milky solution, when triturated with water, and
a transparent fluid with alcohol. When distilled alone, it affords a small
portion of volatile oil; but distilled either with water or spirit, no oil comes
over. Ether dissolves nearly three-fourths, and when evaporated on water,
leaves a very pure transparent resin, while the part undissolved becomes
white and opaque, and the greater part of it is soluble in water, forming a
milky solution. Neumann got from 480 grains, 346 alcoholic, and 125 watery
extract; and inversely, 200 watery, and 273 alcoholic. According to the
analysis of Braconnot, 100 parts of olibanum contain 8 parts of a fragrant
volatile oil, (which resembles that of lemons both in odour and colour) 56
resin, 30 gum, and 5,2 of a matter resembling gum, but insoluble in water
or alcohol,
The Medical Properties and Uses of Gum Olibanum have already been de-
tailed under the article Juniperis Lycia; it is, however, now seldom em-
ployed, but as a perfume to fumigate the apartments of the sick.
ORD. RUTACE.
BONPLANDIA* TRIFOLIATA, THREE-LEAVED BONPLANDIA.
SYNONYMA. Bonplandia trifoliata. Willd. Act. Berol. An. 1802. p. 24.
Humb. et Bonpl. Pl. Aquin. v. ii. p. 57. t. 96. Bonplandia angostura.
Rich. Mem. de U Instit. An. 1811. p.82. t.x. Spreng. Syst. Veget. v. i. p.
780. . Bonplandia a trois feuilles. Rocg. Phytogr. Medic. v. ii. t. 148.
Galipea officinalis. Hancock, in Trans. Med. Bot. Soc. v.i. t. 2. Galipea
cusparia. St. Hil. Decand. Prodr. v. i. p. 731. Cusparia febrifuga. Humb.
Tabl. Géogr. des Plantes. Angostura cuspare. Proem. et Sch. Syst. Veget.
v. iv. p. 188. :
Class V. Pentandria. Order I..Monogynia,
Nat. Ord. Rutacee, Div. IJ. Cuspariew, Decand.
Gen. Char. Calyzx five-partite. Petals five, somewhat cohering at the base.
Nectaries ten, squamiform. Some of the stamens sterile. Anthers spurred.
Capsule five-valved, one-seeded, Spr.
Spec. Char. Leaflets ovato-lanceolate, entire, glabrous, dotted with glands.
Flowers panicled, bearded. Spr.
THIS elegant evergreen éree rises to the height of from sixty to eighty
* Of Willdenow, not Cavanille’s, Botanists are not yet agreed as to the genus in
which the present plant should be placed, as may be seen by the subjoined synonyms ;
but St. Hilaire is decidedly of opinion, that both Bonplandia (Willd.) and Cusparia of
Humboldt, should be united to Galipea.
G Spradé del
Lpenfilandea tifoliata
BONPLANDIA TRIFOLIATA. ORD. Rutacez. , 121
feet.t The trunk is cylindrical, branching towards the top; the branches
numerous, alternate, and the upper ones spread nearly horizontally; both
trunk and branches are covered with a grey-coloured bark. The leaves arise
alternately on the branches, are about two feet long, independent of the pe-
tiole, and composed of three oblong, ovate leaflets, pointed at each extremity,
and attached toacommon petiole, from ten to twelve inches inlength,and chan-
nelled. The flowers are produced in terminal racemes, composed of alternate
peduncles, bearing from three to six flowers each. The calyz is inferior,
persistent, five-toothed, and tomentose ; the corolla funnel-shaped, composed
of five petals, so united below, as to appear to form one tube, with a five-
cleft, spreading border ; the nectary consists of five glandular bodies, cover-
ing the base of the germen; the stamens are shorter than the petals; the
filaments are white, and support yellow anthers; the pistil is formed of five
oval, hairy germens, with a single style, supporting five, fleshy, green stigmas.
The fruit consists of oval, bivalved capsules, each containing a single seed.+
Figure (a) represents the corolla spread open, (c) the style and stigma, (d) an
anther, (e) the calyx and bractea, (g) the germen and style, (f) the germens
further advanced to maturity, (2) a capsule, (é) a capsule open, (7) the elastic
arillus, from a dried specimen, collected by Dr. Hancock.
The Bonplandia trifoliata is a native of South America, growing abun-
dantly in the woods, near the eastern bank of the Carony, at the foot of the
hills that surround the Missions of Capassui, Alta Grecia, and Upata; it
also grows west of Cumana, in the Gulph of Santa Fé, and Neuva Barcel-
lona. The bark of this tree has been long known in commerce, under the
names of cusparia and angustura ; the latter of which is derived from Angos-
tura, and the former, probably, from Capassui, where it is collected. |
* Pr. Hancock, who traversed repeatedly, and resided during several months, in the
Missions of Carony, where he had an opportunity of seeing many thousands of the trees
which produce the Angustura bark, says, “ that it seldom or never exceeds the altitude
of twenty feet; the usual medium being about twelve or fifteen feet. The diameter of the
trunk, which is tolerably erect, is from three to five inches. The parts of fructification
also differ very materially from Humboldt's description.”"—Vide Transactions of the
Medico-Botanical Society of London, Vol. i. parti. p- 17.
+ Weare told by Dr. Hancock, that the seeds are enclosed in an “ uncommonly
This appendage is so elastic, that it is difficult to preserve the
strong and horny arillus.”
ens.—Transactions of the Medi-
seeds, the capsule always bursting in the dried specim
co-Botanical Society of London, Vol.i. part i. p. 25.
Vou. V. R
122 ORD. Rutacez. BONPLANDIA TRIFOLIATA.
Cusparia, or Angustura bark, was formerly supposed to be the product of
a tree growing in Africa, or the Spanish West Indies, and the first parcels
of bark were imported from St. Domingo; but the recent travels and dis-
coveries of Baron Humboldt and Bonpland* have led to the knowledge of
the true place of its growth. :
Sensible and Chemical Properties, &c. Genuine Angustura bark,} as it
comes to market, has a bitter, and somewhat aromatic taste, which is rather
permanent, and when chewed, leaves a sense of heat and pungency in the
mouth and throat: its odour is peculiar, but not very powerful. Externally,
_ the pieces are covered with a greyish, wrinkled epidermis; internally, their
surface is smooth, and of a yellowish brown colour: it breaks with a close,
short, resinous fracture, and is easily pulverized. . The bark, when powdered,
and triturated with lime or calcined magnesia, emits a smell of ammonia.
It yields its active properties both to hot and cold water; the watery infusion
precipitates infusion of galls and yellow cinchona, and is precipitated by,
sulphate of iron, tartarized antimony, sulphate of copper, acetate of lead,
oxymuriate of mercury, and pure potass; but it does not precipitate gelatin.
Sulphuric acid gives the infusion a brown. colour, and gradually a lemon-
coloured precipitate is deposited; nitric acid deepens the colour of the infu-
sion to a blood-red, and, after some time, produces a lemon-yellow precipi-
tate: the muriatic acid does not affect it, Sulphuric ether takes up one part
from ten of the powder, and when evaporated on water, leaves a greenish-
yellow, acid resin, and renders the water milky. The alcoholic tincture red-
dens litmus paper, and becomes milky on the addition of water. By distil-
lation with water, the bark yields a small portion of a white essential oil ;
hence we may conclude that Angustura bark contains resin, a peculiar va-
niety of extractive, carbonate of ammonia, and essential oil: A species of
Angustura bark, in some respects resembling the genuine bark, has lately.
been introduced on the Continent. The plant which affords it has not yet
been ascertained ; at one time it was supposed to be the produce of the Bru-
cea ferruginea, @ common tree in-Abyssinia: this, however is not the fact,
as, instead of coming from the neighbourhood of the Red Sea, it is brought
* The generic name given to this tree was imposed by Willdenow in honour of Bon-
pland, and since adopted by Humboldt; but again, by the latter, changed to Cusparia.
+ The London College, in their Materia Medica, retain the name given to this tree
by Humboldt, viz, Cusparia febrifuga.
BONPLANDIA TRIFOLIATA. ORD. Rutacex. 123
from South America. _Planche, who chemically examined it, named it An-
gustura ferruginea. This bark is possessed of very deleterious properties ;
when chewed, it excites a highly acrid sensation, and Jeaves an extremely
nauseous bitter taste in the mouth and throat. From experiments made by
Orfila (Vide Toxicology, vol. ii.) on animals, it appears to be one of the most
energetic of the vegetable poisons. The deleterious property of this bark is
said to reside in a peculiar alkali (called Brucine). This bark may be dis-
tinguished from the genuine Angustura bark, by its greater thickness and
weight, and by the epidermis being warty and of a brownish olive colour.
By macerating the powder in diluted muriatic acid, it becomes of a very
beautiful green, owing to the iron contained in the cuticle of the bark.
Medical Properties and Uses. Genuine Angustura bark is a valuable tonic
and stimulant. It was originally introduced as a febrifuge in intermittents,
and was supposed to be superior to the Peruvian barks; but subsequent ex-
perience has proved it greatly inferior to the latter for the cure of intermit-
tents, in this coudtry at least: it is, nevertheless, a medicine possessed of
very considerable powers, and may be exhibited in most diseases where a
general tonic is indicated. We are told by Dr. Hancock, that, “in the years
1816 and 1817, there prevailed, in the district of the Orinoko, and particu-
larly at St. Thomas de Angustura, a malignant bilious intermitt t fever, which
proved fatal to great numbers of the inhabitants, as well as to foreigners. In
the latter, it assumed the form in many cases, of the true yellow fever, with vo-
mito prieto. In March 1817, the mortality increasing, our stock of cinchona
was expended, and we had no other resort but to the Quina de Carony
(Angustura hark) of which there was a large supply in the town. It was
prepared nearly as prescribed by those who were then termed Curiosos, or
the native doctors.
“Into a large jug, containing about six gallons, we put one pound of
coarsely-powdered bark, with an equal quantity of brown sugar, filled it
nearly with boiling water, and added about four ounces of wheaten bread to
hasten fermentation. It was then stopped close, placed in the sun, and
shaken frequently. As soon as fermentation began, it was considered fit for
n the quantity of from four to six ounces in a dose,
use, and administered i
three or four times a day.”
In the month preceding the adoption of the cortex Angusture, fifty-three
persons died of fever; the month following, there were but fourteen, and
R2
f
124 ORD. Rutacez. BONPLANDIA TRIFOLIATA.
several of these were in a dying state when they began to use the bark. The
Doctor further observes—“ I am fully convinced, from ample experience of
the virtues of this bark, that it is one of the most valuable febrifuges we
possess, being adapted to the worst and most malignant bilious fevers; while
the fevers in which cinchona is chiefly administered are simple intermittents,
for the most part unattended with danger.”
Angustura bark is also a valuable tonic, in debilities of the stomach and
intestinal canal, in chronic diarrhcea, dysentery and dropsy. It is best ex-
hibited in powder or infusion ; of the former, the dose may be from twenty
to sixty grains three or four times in the twenty-four hours: when given,
however, in large doses, it is apt to produce nausea, in whatever form it may
~ be exhibited.
Off. The Bark.
Off. Pp. Infusum Cusparie, L.
Tinctura Cusparie, E. D.
ORD. DIPTEROCARPEA,
DRYOBALANOPS CAMPHORA. CAMPHOR DRYOBALANOPS,
or CAMPHOR TREE.
SYNONYMUS. Dryobalanops Camphora. Colebr. in Asiat. Res. v. xii.
- p. 539; Malay. Miscel.i. p. 5.
Class X11. Polyandria.. Ord. Monogynia.
Nat. Ord. Dipterocarpee,* Blume.
* This Order has been established by Blume, and includes Dipterocarpus of Gertner
as well as Dryobalanops ; if indeed this latter genus be really distinct. The individuals
which compose it are described as graceful trees, inhabiting ths Indian Archipelago, and
: Dayota ta = cam pheora
CG Serate ded
DRYOBALANOPS CAMPHORA. ORD. Dipterocarpex. 125
Gen. Char. Calyx of one leaf, permanent, the border divided into five long,
ligulate, reflexed wings. Corolla five-petaled. Capsule superior, one-
celled, three-valved.. Seed solitary. Embryo, inverse, without perisperm.
Spec. Char: Leaves superior, alternate, inferior ones opposite, elliptical, ob-
tusely acuminate, entire. Petioles short. Stipules in pairs, subulate,
caducous. -
‘The Dryobalanops Camphora is a native of Sumatra and Borneo.* We
are told by Mr. Prince} that it is to be found in great abundance in the
forests, from the back of Ayer Bongey, as far north as Bacougan, a distance of
two hundred and fifty miles. It is classed among the tallest and largest trees
that grow on the coast, frequently measuring from six to seven feet in
diameter, but they are many years of age before they acquire that size. The
following description we have from Mr. H. T. Colebroke’s scientific paper
on this subject in vol. xii. of the Asiatic Researches. He says: “The de-
scription I shall offer of it is unavoidably imperfect, as the flower has not
yet been seen by any botanist.” The trunk rises to a great height, is arbor-
eous, and covered with a brownish bark; the leaves are from three to seven
inches long, and from one to two broad, elliptical, obtusely acuminate, en-
tire, parallel-veined, smooth, and standing upon short petioles, with subulate
caducous stipules, in pairs; the lower leaves are opposite, the upper ones
alternate; the perianth is persistent, one-leaved, divided at the border into
five foliaceous, spathulate, rigid, reflexed wings; the capsule is superior,
ovate, woody, fibrous, finely streaked with longitudinal furrows, embraced
at the base by the calycine, hemispherical cup of the perianth, and sur-
rounded by its enlarged Jeaflets ; one-celled and three-valved ; the seed is so-
litary, conforming to the cavity of the capsule, and has a strong terebintha-
abounding in resinous juice. The leaves, in all, one-petioled, alternate, entire, veined in
a pinnated manner, jointed upon the stem with an involuted estivation. Oblong séi-
pules are present, which are circumvolute about the young leaf, as in the fig-tribe, and
deciduous, leaving a circular scar, which indicates their pre-existence. Peduncles ra-
cemose and axillary near the extremity of the branches, or rarely constituting a terminal
panicle.— Blume, Flora Jerve.
* This tree is not known to exist in any other part of the world.
+ Asiatic Researches, Vol. xii.
126 ORD. Dipterocarpex. DRYOBALANOPS CAMPHORA,
ceous fragrance.** Figure (a) the perianth and capsule, (6) transverse section
of the capsule, (c) horizontal section of the same, (d) the embryo magnified.
It has been supposed that the greater part of the camphor of commerce is
the product of the Lawrus camphora.t Keempfer, indeed, had long ago re-
marked, that the camphor which is found in a concrete state, and which oc-
cupies large portions in the trunk of a tree, growing in the islands of Bor-
neo and Sumatra, is not produced by the Lawrus camphora; but we are in-
debted to Mr. H. T. Colebroke for the discovery of the species which yields it.
The camphor yielded by the Dryobalanops camphora, is found occupying
portions of about a foot, or a foot and a half, in the heart of the tree. The
natives, in searching for the camphor, make a deep incision in the trunk,
about fourteen or eighteen feet from the ground, with a billing or Malay
axe; and when it is discovered, the tree is felled, and cut into junks ofa
fathom long. The same trees yield a liquid, or oily matter, which has nearly
the same properties as the camphor, and is supposed to be the first stage of
its formation. The precise age when this tree begins to yield camphor, has
not yet been satisfactorily ascertained, but the young trees are known to
yield only oil. The method of extracting the oil, is by making a deep inci-
sion, with a small aperture, into the heart of the tree, and the oil (if any)
immediately gushes out, and is received in bamboos, &e. The product of a
middling-sized tree is about eight China catties, or about eleven pounds,
and a large tree will yield nearly double that quantity. It is said that trees
which have been cut (for the purpose of extracting the oil) and left standing
in that state, will often produce camphor in eight or ten years after;{ but it
is of an inferior quality.
* Specimens of the flowers were sent by Mr. Prince to Sir Stamford Raffles in 1 1819,
from which a description was drawn up and published by Mr. W. Jack, in No. I. of the
Malayan Miscellanies. According to Mr. Jack, the flowers are terminal and axillary,
forming a kind of panicle at the extremity of the branches; the calyx is monophyllous,
with five linear-lanceolate, spreading segments ; the corolla is five-petaled, longer than
the calyx ; the petals ovate-lanceolate ; the stamens are numerous, and have their fila-
ments united into a ring ; in which particular it differs from the genera most nearly al-
lied to it; the anthers are nearly sessile on the tube of the filaments, conniving into a
conical head round the style, and terminating in membranous points; the germen is su-
perior, ovate, with a eGR filiform style, longer than the stamens, and crowned by a
capitate stigma.
+ Vide vol. IV. p. 681, of this work. t+ Asiatic Researches, vol. xii.
DRYOBALANOPS CAMPHORA. ORD. Dipterocarpez. 127
The camphor which is the produce of this tree, is little known in Europe :
the greater part is said to be carried to China, where it fetches a very high
price. Camphor is imported into this country in casks and chests, chiefly
from Japan, and comes in small granular, or friable masses, which are after-
wards purified by sublimation. | a tp
Chemical Properties, &c. of Camphor. Pure Camphor has a strong, pecu-
liar, fragrant and penetrating odour, and a bitter, aromatic, pungent taste,
accompanied with a sense of coolness; it is white, pellucid, unctuous to the
touch, and friable; breaking with a shining, foliated fracture, which dis-
plays a crystalline texture; notwithstanding its friability, it is extremely
difficult to be pulverised, requiring, for this purpose, to be slightly moistened
with alcohol. It is not altered by exposure to the atmosphere, but if it be
not kept in well stopped vessels, especially during warm weather, it evapo”
rates completely. It is lighter than water, (sp. gr. 0,9887) and nearly inso-
luble in that fluid, but communicatés to it a certain portion of its odour.*
It melts at a temperature of 88°, (Fah.) boils at 400°, and sublimes in close
vessels, crystallizing unchanged in hexagonal plates; or, according to Mr.
W. Philips, into flat octohedrons. It readily ignites, burning with a brilliant
flame, and giving out much smoke. Alcohol, ether, the sulphuric and nitric
acids, a little diluted, and the muriatic, strong acetic, and fluoric acids, dis-
solve camphor, as also the fixed and volatile oils: it is separated unchanged
- from these solutions, by the addition of water. It is decomposed by the con-
centrated sulphuric acid, forming artificial tannin ; and by repeated distilla-
tion with nitric acid, it is converted into camphoric acid. It unites with the
hardest resinous substances, converting them into soft, tenacious masses.
The alkalies have but little action on camphor; when mixed with clay, and
distilled in close vessels, it is decomposed into a volatile oil and charcoal ;+
from this, it would appear to differ from the essential oils, only in containing
a larger proportion of carbon. Dr. Thomson gives its component parts as
follows :—carbon 6,875; hydrogen 1,250; oxygen 1,000.
Camphor was for some time supposed to be a resin, and was so designated
by the Dublin College ; but chemists have now agreed that itis a vegetabl
* According to Cadet, one French pint of water dissolves about 16 grs. of camphor,
which are again precipitated by pure potass.—Ann. de Chimie, \xii. 132.
+ According to Bouillon la Grange, 45,856 of volatile oil, and 30,571 of charcoal.
128 ORD. Dipterocarpe. DRYOBALANOPS CAMPHORA.
principle, swi generis; and the researches of modern chemists have ascer-
tained that it is a principle found in many trees and shrubs, besides those-
from which the camphor of commerce is obtained: viz. from the roots of
galangale, zedoary, ginger, and the cinnamon, cassia, and sassafras laurels ;
and from many of the verticillate tube of plants, as sage, rosemary, lavender»
hyssop, &c.
Zea describes a variety of camphor, procured from a tree in South Ame-
rica, termed Caratte by the natives, the botanical characters of which are not
known, and from the bark of which the camphor exudes in the form of*
tears.*
For the Medical Properties and Uses of camphor, see pages 686 to 694,
Vol. iv. of this work.
* An artificial camphor may be prepared by passing muriatic acid gas through oil of
turpentine.
. hMiameun Fuandra.
C. Spratt ded. J:
SE
&
ORD. POLYGALEZ.
-* KRAMERIA TRIANDRA. TRIANDROUS, or PERUVIAN
| , : MERIA. .,
KRA
SYNONYMA. Krameria triandra. Ruiz. Fl. Peruv. t.i. Icon. 93. Decand.
Prodr.v,i. p. 341. Mem. Reg. Acad. Matrit. v.i. p. 364.
Class TV. Tetrandria. Order I. Monogynia.
Nat. Ord. Polygalex, Juss.
Gen. Char. Calyx of four, rarely of five leaves, silky without, coloured with-
in. Petals three; two orbicular, the third formed of two or three clawed
petals, united at their base. Stamens three or four, somewhat, monadel-
phous at the base. Anthers opening with a double pore. Fruit globose,
indeluscent, aculeated with bristles, one-celled, one-seeded. Embryo
straight, in the centre of a fleshy albwmen.—Decand.
Spec. Char. Leaves oblong-ovate, rather acute, clothed with silky hairs,
Pedicel somewhat longer than the leaf, with two bracteas, and forming a
short raceme. Stamens three.
THE roots of this shrub are very long, much branched, and spread in every
- direction; externally of a dark reddish brown, internally red, and having
an intensely bitter, styptic taste; the stem is procumbent, round, and much
branched ; the branches, when young, white and silky; but, as they grow
older, the lower part becomes naked, and acquires a blackish colour, The
leaves are scattered, sessile, oblong-ovate, pointed, entire, and covered with
s
Vou. V.
130 ORD. Polygalez. KRAMERIA TRIANDRA.
a white silky pubescence on both surfaces ; the flowers are terminal, solitary,
and standing upon short peduncles. The calyz consists of four leaves of a
deep crimson colour, the inferior ones somewhat larger than the others ;
they are all smooth and glossy on their internal surface, but sericeous ex-
ternally. The corolla is composed of four petals, the two upper being spa-
thulate, the two lower (or nectaries of Ruiz and Pavon) roundish, concave,
and scale-like. The stamens are three; the filaments flesh-coloured, and in-
serted between the superior leaflets of the nectary and the germen ; the an-
thers are small, urceolate, and terminated with a bundle of very short hairs,
and perforated with two holes at the apex ; the germen is ovate; style awl-
shaped, and of a red colour, supporting a simple stigma ; the germen be-
comes a dry, globose drupe, covered with short, stiff, reddish hairs. Figure
(a) the pistillum, (6) transverge section of the drupe, (c) leaves of the nectary,
(d) a seed, (e) the stamens, (f) ??
This species of Krameria* is a native of Peru, delighting ina dry, argilla-
ceous, or sandy soil. It is found growing in great abundance on the decli-
vities of the mountains, (exposed to the intense heat of a vertical sun) in the
provinces of [arma, Huanaco, Caxtambo, and Huamilies. It was first dis-
covered by Don Hypolito Ruiz, in the ycar 1780, in the provinces of Tarma
and Zanca. Humboldt found it in the province of Guancabunba. It grows
also in abundance near the city of Huanaco, and in the vicinity of Lima. It
flowers throughout the year, but is in the greatest perfection in October and
November.
The roots of this plant are gathered after the rains. As it comes to matr-
ket, it consists of pieces of various sizes, but seldom exceeding half an inch
in thickness. We are told that large quantities of this root are imported
into Portugal, for the purpose of colouring, and improving the astringency
of their red wine; and that a saturated tincture of the root in brandy is
known by the name of wine-colouring. Some of this root and extract, form-
ing part of a Spanish cargo, is said to have been taken by our cruizers, and
afterwards sold in London ; so that Dr. Reece was enabled to enter upon an
investigation of its nature and medicinal qualities: and, in consequence of
the facts which he established, it became a favorite medicine, and was also
admitted into the list of our Materia Medica.
_* The roots are ~~ eens ~ the name of ————- derived from the creeping man-
ner of their growth. _
KRAMERIA TRIANDRA. ORD. Polygalex. 131
x Sensible and Chemical Properties. Rhatany root is somewhat larger than
a goose-quill, it breaks short, and exhibits a woody centre, surrounded with
a fibrous red bark, of considerable thickness. The internal part of the root
is woody, tough, and fibrous, and its flavour insipid and mucilaginous. The
cortical part has a bitter, astringent taste; when first chewed, it is somewhat
nauseous, but leaves a sweetish impression in the mouth. “The watery infu-
sion is of a dark brown colour, with a very astringent bitter taste: sulphate
of iron strikes a black colour, and acetate of lead throws down a pale brown
_ _ «precipitate, leaving the infusion nearly colourless ; pure alkalies change the
colour to a deep claret red. The mineral acids, when added to the infusion,
throw down copious precipitates: but no precipitate is caused by either
acetic, citric, or the oxalic acids.
The cortical part of Rhatany root, when digested in alcohol or ether, yields
a deep, reddish-brown tincture: the latter solution is not of so deep a colour
as the former, which, when poured into water, lets fall a copious, pink co-
loured precipitate. The ethereal tincture, when evaporated on water, leaves
a pellicle of dark red resin on the surface, and a portion of extractive is dif-
fused through the water, giving to it a pale brown colour. According to
Vogel, the constituents of 100 parts of the root, contained 40,00 of a peculiar
principle, 1,50 of mucilage, 0,50 starch, 48,00 fibrine, and 10,00 of water
and loss. The extract of Rhatany root which is prepared in South America,
by the natives, who inspissate the expressed juice of the root in the sun, to
a proper consistence, we are told by Vogel, when heated, swells very much,
and melts; and in this it differs from Kino, which becomes charred by heat,
without producing any change in its form. From the above experiments,
we may couclude that the cortical part of the root contains resin, gum, fe-
cula, some gallic acid, and tannin—but Gmelin could not detect in it any
gallic acid; and Peschier thinks it contains a peculiar acid, which he has
calléd Krameric, and which forms crystallizable permanent salts with alka-
lies. The ashes of Rhatany contain pure lime, carbonate of lime, sulphate
of lime, carbonate of magnesia, and silex.
Medical Properties and Uses. Rhatany root is a powerful astringent; it is
also somewhat tonic, and corroborant, and may be given in many cases in
- which medicines of this class are indicated. In Peru it has been long in
use, and much esteemed as an efficacious remedy in dysentery, diarrheea, &c.
We are told by Alibert, that it has been used with success in France, in
oe s 2
132 ORD. Polygalez. KRAMERIA TRIANDRA.
_ cases of leucorrheea, and Sir Henry Halford has prescribed it with beneficial
effects, in passive uterine hemorrhage. It has also been given with advan-
tage in the advanced stage of typhus fever, also in intermittents, chronic
rheumatism, and many diseases arising from a debilitated state of the diges-
tive organs. As a general tonic it has proved equally beneficial, and often
more speedy in its effects than the peruvian barks; and also where the lat-
ter disagree with the stomach, it will be found a valuable substitute. Asa
styptic, it has been applied to wounds with good effects; it has also been
employed as a detergent in ulceration of the gums, and for fixing the teeth,
when they become loosened by the receding of the gums; and for the latter
purpose, the tincture, diluted with an equal proportion of water, forms an
admirable lotion. As a dentifrice, equal parts of Rhatany root and powdered
charcoal, will be found more efficacious than probably any other in use ; es-
pecially when the gums are in a soft and spongy state. Rhatany root may
be given in substance, in doses of from ten to thirty grains, repeated three
or four times in the day. It may also be administered in decoction or infu-
sion, or in the form of tincture or extract. The tincture (which is the mode
in which it is generally exhibited on the Continent) is prepared by digesting
three ounces of the bruised root, half an ounce of Serpentaria root, one
drachm of hay saffron, and two ounces of orange-peel, in two pints of proof-
spirit: of this tincture, two or three tea-spoonfuls may be taken, diluted
with an equal quantity of water, three or four times a day. The infusion is
prepared by pouring eight ounces of boiling water upon half an ounce of the
bruised root ; of which, from one to two ounces may be taken for a dose, and
repeated every six or eight hours. The decoction is made by boiling two
ounces of the bruised root in one pint of boiling water, and may be given in
doses equal to the infusion, The extract, which is also much used, we have
administered in doses of from ten to twenty grains, with much benefit. Al-
though Rhatany root is not in general use in this country, we are warranted
in saying it is a valuable addition to our Materia Medica.
Off. The root
Fashock, ov Gum AmmoniacHant.
6 Spratt dec
ORD. UMBELLATA.
HERACLEUM GUMMIFERUM. GUM-BEARING HERACLEUM.
Class Pentandria. Ord. Digynia.
Nat. Ord. Umbellate, Linn. Umbelliferz, Juss.
Gen. Char. Fruit elliptical, emarginate, compressed, striated, margined.
Corolla unequal, inflexed, emarginate. Jnvolucre caducous.
THE London and Edinburgh Colleges, on the authority of Willdenow,
have admitted this plant into their Materia Medicas, as the one which affords
the Gum ammoniacum of the shops ; but it is doubtful if it really be the in-
dividual vegetable. Willdenow reared a plant from. seed, found in the
ammoniacum of the shops, and named it Heracleum gummiferum, and
although he could not obtain any of the gum-resin from it, he entertained
no doubt of its being the plant which furnishes the drug.* Mr. Jackson, in
* The root is tapering, a span in length, fleshy, whitish, and twice divided at the apex ;
the stem rises three feet in height, is branched, erect, about an inch thick at the base,
deeply furrowed, and sparingly furnished with hairs. The branches are opposite and
divaricated ; the radical leaves a span in length, cordate, three-lobed, toothed, pubescent
on the under side, and supported on roundish, channelled, furrowed petioles; the stem-
leaves are opposite, somewhat cordate, three or four inches long, toothed, on petioles, the
margin of the base of which is leafy, ventricose, and sheathing. The umbels are large
and faany Foye composed of many-flowered, convex cuthelaciae ; the involucre is poly-
phylious, with linear, lanceolate, deciduous leaflets; the involucels are of the same form
as the involucre, but permanent. The marginal flowers are hermaphrodite and rayed ;
the central hermaphrodite, without the germen : the margin of the calyx is obsolete. The
134 — ORD. Umbellatz. WERACLEUM GUMMIFERUM.
his account of Marocco, informs us that Ammoniacum, called Feshook in
Arabic, is produced from a plant similar to European Fennel, but much
larger. In most of the plains of the interior, and particularly about El
traiche and M’sharrah Rummellah, it grows ten feet high. The Gum am-
,moniac is procured by incisions made in the branches, which, when pricked,
emit a lacteous, glutinous, juice ; this being hardened by the heat of the
sun, falls on the ground and mixes with the red earth below; hence the
reason that Gum ammoniac of Barbary does not suit the London market. It
might, however, with a little trouble be procured perfectly pure; but when
a prejudice is once established against any particular article, it is difficult
to efface it. The gum in the above-mentioned state is used in all parts of
that country for cataplasms and fumigations. The sandy soil which produces
the gum ammoniac, abounds in the north of Marocco. It is remarkable that
neither bird nor beast is seen where this plant grows ; the vulture only ex-
cepted. Itis, however, attacked by a beetle, having a long horn proceeding.
from its nose, with which it perforates the plant, and makes the i incisions
whence the gum ‘oozes out.*
Qualities and Chemical Properties, §c. Gum “alae has a peculiar,
faint odour, and a bitter, sweetish, and somewhat acrid taste, which is re-
tained for'some time in the mouth. It comes to us inthe form of tears, yel-
low externally, and white within; it is brittle, and breaks with a vitreous
marginal flowers have a pentapetalous, unequal corolla; ihe two outer petals being large,
dilated, and somewhat cordate ; and the three inner sities: cordate, aud half the size only
of the others. The central flowers are pentapetalous, equal, with inflex, cordate petals;
the filaments are five, cappillary, with roundish anthers. There is no germen in the
central flowers ; but in the marginal it is oblong, inferior; styles inserted into a glandu-
lar body, crowned with capitate stigmas. The fruit is Shiba. slightly emarginate, con-
sisting of two striated seeds, convex on one side, on the other plane.
* The plant we have figured was copied from Mr. Jackson’s drawing, published in his
account of the Empire of Marocco. It will be seen to differ most essentially from
Willdenow’s account of the Heracleum gummiferu
Mr. Jackson had many opportunities of cede ficntfiad with the plant which yields
the ammoniacum ; but unfortunately (not being a botanist) has neither given a scien-
tific description, nor a correct botanical drawing; but unquestionably, his figure is cha=
racteristic of the plant: hence, preferable to Willdenow’s figure and scientific description
of a plant raised from a seed, as before stated, which might probably be the seed of a to-
= different plant.
HERACLEUM GUMMIFERUM. ORD. Umbellatz. gee by
fracture, is adhesive in the warm hand, softens by heat, but does not melt.
At a candle, it takes fire, softens, some of it drops, and throws out sparkles ;
the flame is bright and smoky. In a ladle, it boils, takes fire from a flame
brought near it, and leaves a hollow, black, shining, dry charcoal. It is
partly soluble in water, the solution is milky, and deposits on standing, a
resin. Alcohol dissolves about 50 per cent.; the tincture is very limpid, and
smells but weakly of the ammoniac; on adding water it becomes milky,
and the odour of the gum becomes more sensible, but very little is precipi- _-
tated. Ether dissolves about 60 per cent. leaving a gum which possesses
the taste of the ammoniac; the solution on evaporation, yields a yellowish-
white, insipid resin. Distilled with water or alcohol, nothing comes over
but the pureliquors. According to the analysis of Braconnot, 100,0 of gum am-
moniac, contain 70,0 parts of resin, 18,4 gum, 4,4 glutinous matter, and 6,0
water, 1,2 parts being lost in the process.* Nitric acid converts the resin
into a yellow matter, which imparts a permanent yellow dye to silk.
Medical Properties and Uses. Gum-ammoniac is deobstruent, antispasmo-
dic, diuretic, and stimulating. In large doses, it is purgative, excites per-
spiration, and increases the flow of urine. As a deobstruent it is efficacious
in visceral obstructions, hysteria, and chlorosis ; in long and obstinate cho-
lies, proceeding from viscid matter lodged in the intestines, this gum has
been administered with decided benefit, after other aperients and carmina-
tives have been used without success. It is prescribed with advantage to pro-
mote expectoration in some pulmonary diseases, especially asthmaand chronic
catarrh; but, on account of its stimulating quality, it must be exhibited
with caution, where any inflammatory action may be present.
As a topical remedy, it is applied to promote the suppuration of hard tu-
mours, and as a discutient in white swellings of the joints. In the form of
plaister, or a solution of it in vinegar, it has been recommended for resolv-
ing schirrous swellings. Internally it may be. exhibited in doses of from
ten to thirty grains, in substance, or diffused in water in the form of emul-
[t may also be given in combination, with ipecacuanha, tartar emetic,
squills, &c. to promote its expectorant powers, as circumstances mag require ;
or joined with bitters, iron, fetid gums, or myrrh, to increase its deobstru-
ent and antispasmodic effects. |
Of. The Gum resin. Ammoniac.
* Thomson’s Chemistry.
sion.
~
STRYCHNOS NUX VOMICA. VOMIC, or POISON NUT.
THE figure of this plant, together with its botanical description, and me-
dicinal properties, will be found in Vol. II. of this work; but the recent va-
luable discoveries of the French chemists, render a particular account of the
analysis of its seeds eminently interesting and important. From the recent
experiments of M. Pelletier, it appears, that the nus vomica contains two
very active alkaline substances, to which the names of Strychnine and Bru-
cine have been given ; and to these —— nux vomica owes its delete-
rious and medicinal properties.
Strychnine. This substance is prepared as follows :—“ Add a solution of
liquid subacetate of lead to a solution in water of alcoholic extract of nux
vomica, until no more precipitate is-thrown down ; Separate the lead by sul-
phuretted hydrogen; filtrate it, and boil with magnesia, which will unite
with the acetic acid, and precipitate the strychnine. Wash the precipitate
in cold water, re-dissolve it in alcohol, to separate the excess of magnesia,
and by evaporating the alcohol, the strychnine is obtained in a state of pu-
rity : if not perfectly white, it must be re-dissolved in acetic acid, or hydro-
chloric acid, and re-precipitated by means of magnesia.”*
When slowly crystallized, it appears under the form of microscopical crys-
tals, forming four-sided prisms, terminated by pyramids, with four flattened
or depressed faces. Crystallized rapidly, it is white and granular ; it is in-
supportably bitter to the taste, has no smell, is not changed by exposure to
the air, is neither fusible nor volatile, is decomposed by a degree of heat in-
ferior to that which destroys most vegetable substances. Exposed to the na-
ked fire, it swells, becomes black, and gives out an empyreumatic oil, a little
_ Water, acetic acid, carbonic acid gas, and carbonated hydrogen; it is scarcely
* Magendie’s Formulaire.
NUX VOMICA. : 187
soluble in water, requiring 2,500 parts of boiling water. The principal cha-
racter of Stryehnine consists in its forming neutral salts when united with
acids; these salts are crystallizable, and for the most part soluble, and are
much more active than the simple substance: it is therefore thought that
when the system is habituated to the action of pure Strychnine, the salts
may be substituted, without increasing the dose.
Sulphate of Strychnine. This salt, if neutral, crystallizes in small trans-
parent cubes, and in needles, if the acid preponderates ; it is soluble in less
than ten parts of cold water, and decomposed by every soluble, salifiable
basis. It consists of, sulphuric acid 9,5, Strychnine 90,5—100.*
Hydrochlorate of Strychnine. ‘This salt is yery soluble, and crystallizes in
needles, which, viewed through a lens, appear to be quadrangular prisms;
when exposed to a temperature at which the base is decomposable, it gives
off muriatic acid.
Nitrate of Strychnine. This salt crystallizes in needles of a pearly aspect ;
it is much more soluble in hot than cold water. It forms very soluble salts
with the oxalic, tartaric, and acetic acids, susceptible of crystallization, es-
pecially if the acid be in excess. The action of this salt (the nitrate) is more
energetic than that of the strychnine itself.
Phosphate of Strychnine crystallizes in four-sided prisms, and can only be
obtained in a perfectly neutral state, by double decomposition.
Subcarbonate of Strychnine is obtained in the form of white flakes. Boiled
with iodine, it forms an iodate and hydriodate. °
BRUCINE. This substance is prepared by following the process already
detailed for the separation of Strychnine; and when care is taken to crystallize
the Strychnine several times in alcohol, it becomes pure, and free from Bru-
cine; which latter being much more soluble in alcohol, remains in the alco-
holic mother waters, from which this substance may then be obtained by
farther evaporation.+
The presence of Brucine in Strychnine, M. Magendie says, is no great in-
convenience ; as the Brucine is possessed of properties similar to those of
Strychnine, only less active. “ In the St. Ignatius’ Bean, and in the Upas,
Brucine bears the same relaticn to Strychnine, that Cinchonine does to Qui-
* According to MM. Dumas and Pelletier, 100 parts of the base saturate, 10,486 of
acid.
+ Brucine had been previously found in the Angustura Spuria.
Vot. V. *
138 NUX VOMICA.
nine in the Cinchonas. The most active Cinchonas contain the most Quinine,
whilst St. Ignatius’ bean and the Upas, which are much more active than
the nux vomica, contain little Brucine, and much Strychnine. The Strych-
nine is almost pure in the Upas.”* Crystallized Brucine is a true hydrate ;
its affinity for water is very considerable, whilst pure Strychnine is not sus-
ceptible of passing into a state of hydrate. Brucine is extremely bitter,
sparingly soluble in water, although more so than Strychnine ; when regu-
larly crystallized, it is under the form of oblique prisms, with parallelogramic
bases; it fuses at a temperature nearly equal to that of boiling water, and
in cooling, assumes the consistence of wax. Like Strychnine, it combines
with acids, and forms neutral salts. By analysis, it appears to consist of—
Carbon) Os Petal eae ee
Azote wielded Je gel Re
Hydrogen ee ee OE
ROM te oo Ade
100
SALTS OF BRUCINE.
Sulphate. i salt —— in long — resembling four-sided
prisms, termi iby extremely delicate pyramids. Itis very soluble in water
and in alcohol; its taste is exceedingly bitter. It is decomposed by soda,
ammonia, potass, baryta, lime, strontian, magnesia, strychnine and mot-
phine. The super-sulphate crystallizes more readily than the. neutral salt,
and is formed of sulphuric acid, 8,84,5, Brucine, 91,16,51,582.
Hydrochlorate. This salt crystallizes in four-sided prisms, terminated by
an oblique surface. It is not acted upon by the air, and is very soluble in
water. It is decomposed by sulphuric acid, nitric acid destroys it. It con-
sists of —Acid, 5,953-—4,575. Brucine, 94,046,72,5.
The phosphate is also erystallizable, very soluble, and slightly efflorescent.
The nitrate forms a mass somewhat resembling gum. The acetate, oxalate,
and tartrate, may also be crystallized.
_ Remedial Effects, Se. of Nux Vomica, and its Preparations —M. Magendie,
having by a series of experimentst ascertained that the whole of the family
of plants df the Strychni amari, had the singular property of acting imme-
diately and powerfully on the spinal marrow, without affecting, except in-
* Brucine is obtained in large quantities from the bark of the Brucea anti-dysenterica,
by a process nearly similar to that directed for the preparation of Strychnine
+ Read before the French Institute in 1809.
ee
NUX VOMICA. 139
directly, the functions of the brain, thought they might be advantageously
applied to the treatment of disease. He soon put his newly discovered re-
medy boldly to the test, and his conjecture, he says, “was verified by nume-
rous experiments made at the bed-side ;’—and he also adds, “I have seen
the best effects follow the employment of the alcoholic extract of the nux
vomica, not only in cases of both partial and general paralysis, but also in
many other states of weakness of the constitution, both general and partial.”*
Dr. Fouquier of the Hépital de la Charité at Paris, has tried the nux vomica
very extensively, and in many cases, he says, with perfect success. He gives
it in the form of powder or alcoholic extract; four of the former, or two of
the latter, from two to six times a day. In half an hour after administration,
the paralysed muscles have, in some cases, begun to evince contraction;
sometimes, however, it produces a tremulent effect, stupor and a sense of
intoxication—and when pushed too far, general tetanus, and other distress-
ing symptoms. Dr. Good says, “like all other powerful medicines, in their
first and indiscriminate application, the mua vomica appears sometimes to
have been highly beneficial, sometimes mischievous, and sometimes to have
produced violent effects upon the nervous system, without an important
_ change of any kind.”+ A grain of the alcoholic extract, absorbed from any
part of the body, or mixed with food, destroys a dog of considerable size,{
by inducing paroxysms of tetanus, which, by their continuance, stop the re-
spiration, being enough to produce asphyxia; when the dose is much
stronger, the animal appears to perish entirely, from the action of the sub-
stance on the nervous system.|| The action of this extract on the healthy
human body is precisely the same, and if the dose be sufficiently large, death
soon follows with the same symptoms.{ The traces of the asphyxia, which
* M. Magendie gives the following direction for preparing the extract :—‘Take a de-
terminate quantity of rasped nwa vomica, exhaust it by repeated maceration in alcohol of
40° Baume, sp.gr. 817 British, and evaporate it slowly to the consistence of an extract.”
+ Good’s Study of Medicine.
t The vomic nut, however, does not appear to be equally poisonous to all animals.
Loss informs us, that a hog may eat a considerable quantity of the nuts, without suffering
in the smallest degree. Desportes gave two very large doses of it to a goat, without doing
it any harm. || Magendie’s Formulaire.
§ Marcet, in his Memoir on the action of poisons on vegetable substances, informs
us, that a bean plant, watered with a solution of extract of nux vomica, was killed in a
day and a half.—Journal of Sciences, Literature, and the Arts, No. xxxix. p. 194.
T2
140 ; NUX VOMICA.
caused death, are alone observable on dissection. On-man, when affected
with paralysis, the effect is the same; but it is particularly manifested in
the paralysed parts: it is there the tetanic symptoms occur, with a creeping
sensation, which announces the action of the remedy. A local perspiration
also breaks out im the same parts. In cases of hemiplegia, the halves of the
body exhibit astriking contrast, one side being at rest whilst the other is
violently agitated; tetanic shocks soon succeed, and an abundant perspi-
ration breaks out.
In one female, the affected side was covered with a peculiar eruption,
when the opposite shewed no trace of it; a decidedly bitter taste was like-
wise perceived on one side of me tongue, eh no such i occurred
on-the other. Whenal th fthe body participate un-
equally in the tetanic effect, so that the patient is sometimes thrown out of
» bed by the violence of the paroxysm. When given in very small doses, the
extract has not any perceptible effect immediately, and some days elapse be-
fore its advantageous or noxious properties can be appreciated.* M.Magen-
die says that this extract may be given in all diseases attended with debility,
local or general, also in cases of weakness of the genital organs, incontinence
of urine, sluggish digestion, and in states of extreme debility, attended by
an irresistible disposition to sleep..
The extract is administered in the form of pills, containing a grain each ;
one or two may at first be given daily, and gradually increased until the de-
sired effect is produced; the medicine must then be discontinued to prevent
accidents, and if it has been suspended for some days, it is necessary to re-
commence with the smaller doses, gradually increasing them as before.
When it is wished to produce only slow effects, one grain, or a grain and a
half in the day, is sufficient. The action of strychnine on man and animals
is exactly like that of the alcholic extract of nux vomica, but it is much
more active.
One-eighth of a grain is sufficient to kill a large dog; and one fourth of
a grain often produces very marked effects on the human body when in
health. M. Andral says that the action of strychnine is so violent, that it
ought not to be employed, except with the greatest precaution ; its effects,
likewise, he found to vary very considerably ; in one case, one-twelfth of a _
grain was sufficient to produce serious symptoms, whilst i in another, more
* Magendie’s Formulaire.
NUX VOMICA. 14)
than a grain was given almost with impunity. Weare told by M. Magendie,
that strychnine may be used in all cases where the resin of nux vomica would
be serviceable. When employed in cases where paralysis is connected with
an inflammatory condition of the brain or spinal marrow, it may probably
aggravate the symptoms; we think, however, that it is one of those danger-
ous and even uncertain remedies, which ought not to be resorted to except
in the most desperate cases. It is said to be more especially useful in that
kind of paralysis, the cause of which cannot be referred to any injury of the
_ nervous centres; particularly to that species, to which persons are liable
who meddle with preparations of lead. Some cases of cure by the use of
Strychnine and Brucine, under these circumstances, are recorded.—Brucine
appears to possess the same properties as Strychnine, but in a much milder
degree; so that it may be given to the extent of two or three grains for a
dose, in the same cases where Strychnine would be indicated. M. Magendie
relates two cases of atrophy, in which he administered Brucine with suc-
cess; one of the leg, and the other of the arm: the patients took six pills
in the day, of one-eighth of a grain each. | :
Mode of employing Strychnine and its Preparations.—
_ PILLS OF STRYCHNINE.
Take of very pure Strychnine . . . .~. . 2 grains
Conserve of Roses’ 0.20500 2 gros
Mix, and divide into 24 very equal pills. —
MIXTURE OF STRYCHNINE.
Take of Distilled Water. . . . . . . . ounces
PRG NCRIUNO ows ane lig (47 A grmin
UE ng i a ee
Acetic Acid . . . 2 drops
Mix.—Five grammes, or a dessert spoonful, to be taken morning
and evening. :
TINCTURE OF STRYCHNINE.
Take of Aléohol at 36°... 20. 22.0... 1 oumee
Strychnine 7 7°. ee er pe Mix.
Dose from six to twenty-four drops, in draughts, or common drink, avoid-
142 NUX VOMICA.
ing acidulated drinks, as Strychnine, united with acids, forms soluble salts,
which are more active than Strychnine itself.
The preparations of Brucine are similar to those of Strychnine : but as
the former is more powerful than the latter, the preparations of Brucine
may be exhibited in larger doses.
ATROPINE.
THIS substance was discovered by Brande, in the Atropa Belladonna,
and it is in this peculiar substance, that he considers the medicinal and
deleterious properties of the Belladonna to reside.* To obtain this principle,
M. Brande boiled two pounds of the dried leaves of the Atropa Belludonna
in a sufficient quantity of water, pressed out the decoction, and boiled the
leaves again in some more water. The decoctions were mixed, and some
sulphuric acid was added in order to throw down the albumen and similar
bodies: the solution was thus rendered thinner, and passed more readily
through the filter. The decoction was then supersaturated with potass; by
which he obtained a precipitate, weighing, after having been washed with
pure water, and dried, 89 grains. It consisted of small crystals, from which,
by solution in acids, and precipitation by alkalies, Atropine was obtained in
a state of purity.t Or Atropine may be obtained by digesting the decoction
ef the herb of the Atropa Belladonna with magnesia; boiling the precipitate
in alcohol, and filtering: the Atropine OS heres on cooling, in needles 0 or
colourless transparent prisms.{
* The Atropa Belladonna, on analysis, yielded the following constituents :—Wax
0,7; resinous chlorophylle 5,84; acid malate of atropine 1,51; gum 8,03; fecula 1,25;
woody fibre 13,7; phyteumacolle 6,9; a matter analogous to osmazome, with malate of
atropine, oxalate, hydrochlorate, and sulphate of potass, 16,05; soluble albumen 4,7;
hard albumen 6; ammoniacal salts and acetates, malate of atropine, oxalate, malate sul-
phate, hydrochlorate, and nitrate of potass; oxalate malate (?) and phosphate of lime,
and malate and phosphate of magnesia 7,47; water 25,8; loss 2,05. The ashes contain
oxide of copper.—Brande and Vauquelin.
Ure’s Chemical Dictionary, Art. Atr
{ Chimie Organique, par Léopold Gmelin, édition de Virey, p. 398.
ATROPINE. 143
Properties of Atropine. According to M. Brande, Atropine varies in ap-
pearance, depending on the method by which it is obtained, crystallizing
only when perfectly pure. It is in the form of white crystals, more soluble
in hot than incold alcohol ; almost insoluble in water, insoluble in ethera nd
the oils. It forms, with acids, neutral crystallizable salts.
Action of Atropine on the Animal Economy. When M. Brande was ex-
perimenting on the alkali, he was obliged to desist, in consequence of the
violent head-aches, pains in the back, and giddiness, with frequent nausea,
which the vapour of the salt occasioned. It had, indeed, so injurious an
effect upon his health, that he has entirely abstained from further experi-
ments, and no one has hitherto repeated them. He once tasted a small
quantity of the sulphate of.atropine; the taste was not bitter, but merely
saline: there soon followed, however, violent headache, shaking in the
limbs, alternate sensations of heat and cold, oppression of the chest, diffi-
culty of breathing, and diminished circulation of the blood. The violence
of these symptoms ceased in halfan hour. The vapour even, of the various
salts of atropine, produces vertigo. When exposed for a long time to the
vapours arising from a solution of nitrate, phosphate, or sulphate of Atropine,
the pupil of the eye becomes dilated. This occurred frequently to M.Brande;
and when he tasted the salt of Atropine, the dilatation followed to so great
a degree, that it continued for twelve hours, and was not influenced by the —
different shades of light* We have not learnt that the salts of Atropine
have been employed medicinally. M. Brande has also succeeded in ob-
taining from the seeds of the Hyoscyamus niger and the Datura stramonium |
two alkaline principles of a similar nature to Atropine; to these he had
given the names of Hyosciamine and Daturine. His account of these prin-
ciples, however, is acai but on them the active properties of the plant
depend.
* Schweigger’s Journal, 28.i; Report. de Buchner, xi. 71; Ure’s Dictionary of Che-
mistry, 1823; and Formulary of several new Remedies, by J. Haden, p. 119.
VERATRINE.
iris by this substance that almost all the individuals of the family of
Veratrum exert their common action over the animal frame. For this dis-
covery we are indebted to those indefatigable chemists, MM. Pelletier and
Caventou, who, having observed that the whole tribe of plants belonging to
this genus possess a very acrid taste, and produce similar effects, concluded
that these properties depended upon a peculiar substance pervading them
They first analysed the seeds of the Veratrum Sabadilla, which con-
firmed their conjectures. ‘They isolated an acid alkaline principle, which
they called Veratrine, from the name of the family to which it belonged.
_ They ultimately discovered it in the root of the Colchicum autumnale, and in
that of the white Helebore, (Veratrum album). The latter yielded to MM.
Pelletier and Caventou—1, a fatty matter, composed of oil, adipocire, and an
acid similar to the sevadic, but incrystallizable; 2, yellow extractive colour-
ing matter ; 3, acid gallate of Veratrine ; 4, gum ; 5, fecula; 6, woody fibre—
ashes containing carbonate of potass and lime, sulphate of lime and silica.
The analysis of the Veratrum Sabadilla furnished the following constitu-
ents :—1, a fatty compound, composed of oil, adipocire, and cevadic acid ; 2,
wax ; 3, yellow extractive colouring matter; 4, Veratrine, forming with gal-
lic acid an acid salt ; 5, gum: 6, woody fibre. The ashes, which were small
in quantity, were almost wholly composed of the carbonate and phosphate
of lime, with some traces Ao the hydrosulphate and carbonate of potass, and
silica.
The rootsof the Colchicum autumnale yield on analysis—1, a fatty matter,
composed of oil, adipocire, and a volatile acid; 2, yellow extractive matter ,
8, acid gallate of Varatrine; 4, gum; 5, Soule: with Inuline and woody
fibre. It yields very few ashes.*
* Pelletier and Caventou.
VERATRINE. , ‘ 145
Preparation of Veratrine. They repeatedly digested the seeds of the Ve.
ratrum Sabadilla in boiling alcohol. These tinctures, filtrated whilst almost»
boiling, deposited, on cooling, whitish flakes of wax. They re-digested the
matter which remained dissolved, after evaporating it to the consistence of
‘an extract, in cold water ; a small quantity of fatty matter now remained on
the filter. The solution was slowly evaporated, and it formed an orange
yellow precipitate, which possessed the characteristics of the colouring mat-
tet found in almost all the woody vegetables. On adding a solution of ace-
tate of lead to the liquor, which was still deeply coloured, a new and very
abundant yellow precipitate was immediately formed, which was separated
by means of the filter. The liquor, now nearly colourless, still contained,
amongst other substances, the acetate of lead, which had been added in ex-
cess; a current of hydrosulphuric acid was used to separate the lead. The
liquor was then filtrated and concentrated by evaporation, treated by mag-
nesia, and again filtrated. The magnesian precipitate was digested in boil-
ing alcohol. The alcoholic liquors yielded, on evaporation, a pulverulent
substance, which was extremely acrid, and possessed all the properties of the
alkalies. This substance was at first yellowish; but by solutions in alcohol,
‘and subsequent precipitations, caused by pouring water into the alcoholic
solutions, it was obtained in the form of a very white and perfectly inodorous
powder.*
Chemical Properties of Veratrine. Veratrine is scarcely at all soluble in
cold water; boiling water, however, dissolves one-thousandth part of its
weight and becomes sensibly acrid. It is very soluble in ether, and still
inore so in alcohol. It is insoluble in the alkalies, and soluble in all vege-
table acids. It saturates all the acids, and forms with them incrystallizable
salts, which, on evaporation, take the appearace of gum. The sulphate alone
affords rudiments of crystals, when its acid is in excess.
Nitric acid combines with Veratrine; butif added in excess, especially when
concentrated, it does not produce superoxidation, as in the cases of morphine
and strychnine ; but very rapidly resolves the vegetable substance into its
% M.Meissner, who discovered the Veratrine nearly at the same time as MM. Pelle-
tier and Caventou, recommends the seeds of the Ceradilla to be treated with undiluted
aleohol, the alcoholic infusion to be evaporated, the residuum treated with water, the li-
quor filtered, and the Veratrine to be precipitated by the carbonate of potass ; it then only
remains to wash the precipitate with water.—Chimie Organique de Gmelin, p. 400.
VoL.¥. U
146 VERATRINE.
elements, and gives birth to a yellow, —"'s matter, sae to the
bitter of Welther.
Veratrine restores the blue of turnsol paper, when reddened by abide, Ex-
posed to the action of heat, it liquifies at a temperature of 50° (122° Fahr.)
above zero, and has then the appearance of wax; on cooling, it forms an
amber-looking mass, of a translucent appearance. Distilled on the naked
fire, it swells up, becomes decomposed, and produces water, much oil, &c.
A voluminous, carbonaceous mass remains, which, when incinerated, leaves
only a very slightly alkaline residuum.*
Action of Veratrine on Animals. A very small quantity of acetate of Ve-
ratrine, thrown into the nostrils of a dog, instantly provokes violent sneez-
ing, which sometimes continues for nearly half an hour. One or two grains
(gr. 0.82 or 16,4 troy) placed in the gullet, immediately occasion copious sa-
livation, which continues for some time.
If a small qnantity be thrown into any part of the intestinal canal, and the
body be opened to observe the effects, the intestine is found to become much
indurated, and to relax and contract alternately for a certain time. The part
of the mucous membrane which comes in contact with the Veratrine, is in-
flamed ; the irritation spreads, and vomiting and purging are produced.
In much larger doses, the substance induces a very great acceleration of
the circulation and of respiration, which is soon followed by tetanus and
death. The effects are still more rapid, if one or two grains be thrown into
the pleura, or into the tunica vaginalis. In less than ten minutes death oc-
curs, preceded by tetanic convulsions. The same quantity, thrown into the
jugular vein, also induces tetanus and death in a few seconds. Dissection
shews, even in this case, that the Veratrine has produced an effect on the
intestinal canal; for the mucous membrane is found to be highly injected.
The lungs also present signs of inflammation and of engorgement.
_ Action of Veratrine on Man, in a state of health and disease. The effects
of Veratrine in a large dose have not been observed on man; they would,
however, doubtless be the same as those which are noticed in animals.
The taste of Veratrine is very acrid, but without bitterness; it excites a
very copious salivation, however small the quantity may be which is put
into the mouth. Though Veratrine is absolutely inodorous, it is inconveni-
ent to smell at it too closely, when in a state of powder ; for even this small
* Magendie’s Formulaire, 4th edition.
VERATRINE. . 147
quantity which is thus carried into the nostrils, is often sufficient to produce
violent sneezing, which may become dangerous.
A dose of a quarter of a grain (gr. 0,205 troy) rapidly induces very abun-
dant alvine evacuations. If the dose be augmented, more or less violent
vomiting is occasioned. M. Orfila lately gave it in the dose of two grains
(gr. 1,64 troy) in the twenty-four hours, without producing too mapy alvine
evacuations. The subject of this case was an old man, who had been struck
with apoplexy some time previously. This circumstance forms an additional
proof of the influence. which the nervous system possesses over the mode of
action of medicines. After having cautiously tasted the mixture which con-
tained the two grains (gr. 1,64 troy) of Veratrine, M. Orfila experienced, for se-
veral hours, an almost insupportably acrid sensation in the mouth and pha-
rynx, the impression of which had not entirely disappeared on the following
day. ‘The patient felt no such inconvenience.
Medical Properties of Veratrine. ‘Veratrine produces the same effects as
the plants from which it is extracted ;* hence, it may be very advantageously
substituted for them, because it permits the active substance used to be esti-
mated, which the others do not.
Veratrine is particularly applicable in cases where itis necessary to excite
_quickly a strong action of the bowels, When given with this intention, it
has answered very well in the case of old people, where an enormous accu-
mulation of feces existed in the large intestines.
* Vide Veratrum Album, vol. ii, p. 757 & seq.
GENTIANINE.
For the discovery of this alkali we are indebted to MM. Henry and Ca-
ventou.* Gentian root, according to the analysis of the above-named gentle-
men, contains—l, a very fugacious, odorous principle , 2, a yellow, crystal-
line, bitter principle (gentianine); 3, a matter identical with bird-lime; 4,
a fixed oil; 5, a greenish substance ; 6, a free organic acid; 7, incrystalliz-
able sugar; 8, gum; 9, a yellow colouring matter; 10, woody fibre.+
Preparation of Gentianine. Digest powdered gentian-root in cold ether,
which, at the expiration of forty-eight hours, furnishes a greenish-yellow
tincture ; this being filtered, poured into an open vessel, and exposed to heat,
(if the liquor be sufficiently concentrated,) upon cooling, settles into a yellow
crystalline mass, possessing a decided smell and taste of gentian. This mass
is to be digested in alcohol, until it ceases to give a lemon colour; the wash-
_ings are to be added together and exposed to a slight heat: the yellow crys-
talline mass then re-appears, which, towards the end of the evaporation, be-
comes solid, This mass is very bitter. If re-digested in more weak alcohol,
the whole will be re-dissolved, except a certain portion of oily matter.
This last spirituous solution, besides the bitter principle of the gentian,
contains an acid substance, and its odorous matter also.
* A singular circumstance attended the discovery of this substance, which deserves to
be recorded. Both these gentlemen were employed at the same time in this pursuit,
without being aware of the coincidence. Their results were so identical, that it almost
appeared as if they had acted in concert ; they therefore agreed to publish their labours
conjointly—“A remarkable fact,” says M. Magendie, “ first, because it proves how per-
fect the means of analyzing vegetables have recently become: and secondly, because it
shows the change which the progress of science has made in those who follow scientific
pursuits. One hundred years ago, such a coincidence would have produced a violent
quarrel, whilst now it only induces a feeling of joy in those who find their discoveries
confirmed by others.”
+ Schrader discovered a resinous and narcotic principle in it; M. Planche also as-
serts that he found the latter.
GENTIANINE. 149
Upon evaporating this liquor to dryness, washing the residue in water,
adding a little well-washed calcined magnesia, boiling and evaporating in a
water-bath, the greater part of the odorous matter of the gentian is driven
off ; the bitter acid is also taken up by the magnesia, and the yellow bitter
principle remains partly free, and partly combined with the magnesia, to
which it gives a fine yellow colour. The greater part of the bitter principle
may then be obtained pure and isolated, by boiling the magnesia in ether,
_and evaporating the solution. If it be wished to separate the greater part
of the bitter principle which remains in the magnesia in a fixed state, and
which could not be taken up by the ether, we may treat it with oxalic acid,
in a quantity sufficient to produce slight acidity. The acid unites with the
magnesia; and the bitter principle, which is left free, may be obtained by the
means pointed out above. 5
Properties of Gentianine. This substance is yellow, inodorous, possessing
very strongly the aromatic bitter taste of the gentian, which is much increased
by solution in an acid. It is very soluble in ether and in alcohol, and may
be separated from them by spont 1s evaporation, in the form of very small,
yellow, needle-like crystals. It is much less soluble in cold water, which,
nevertheless, it renders extremely bitter; in boiling water it is more readily
dissolved. Diluted alkalies deepen its colour very much, and dissolve rather
more of it than water will alone.
Acids weaken its yellow colour very sensibly ; its solutions in the phos-
phorie and sulphuric acids, are even almost colourless. Those with the
weaker acids, as the acetic, are yellowish. Concentrated sulphuric acid car-
bonizes it, and destroys its bitterness. Exposed in a glass tube to the heat of
boiling mercury, Gentianine sublimes in the form of small, yellow, crystalline
needles, and is partially decomposed. It has no sensible effect on turnsol,
either when blue, or reddened by acids. It appears to be neutral.
Action of Gentianine on the Animal System. M. Magendie has ascertained
by experiments that this substance has no poisonous quality: Several grains
injected into the veins produced no sensible effect. M.Magendie himself
swallowed twograins dissolved in alcohol, and was merely sensible of the ex-
treme bitter taste, and a slight sensation of heat in the stomach.
Medical Employment. M. Magendie prefers the tincture for general pur-
poses, prepared according to the following formula :— :
150 GENTIANINE.
awe of Alephol: at 249.08. t. 6 caccsi) eile. pl Onn
Gentianine . . . 5 grains
This may be substituted for the tincture 2 eran of the pharmacopeias.
SYRUP OF GENTIANINE.
Take of Simple Syrup. .°. . . . . . . Ipound
Gentianine . o Welley sol6-prains :: Mix;
This is probably one of the best bitters that can be = in scrophu-
lous affections.
Se DELPHININE or DELPHINE.
Tuts vegetable alkali was discovered in 1819, by MM. Feneulle and Las-
saigne, in the seeds of the Delphinium Staphisagria, (savesacre) who named
it Delphine, from a supposition that the acrid properties of the whole tribe
depended upon this principle. We have not learnt, however, that any other
species of Delphinium have been chemically examined.
To obtain the alkali, boil the seeds of the staphisagria, cleared of their
husks and ground to a fine paste, in a little distilled water; pass the decoction
through a linen cloth, and filtrate it. Add very pure magnesia, and boil for
some minutes; filtrate again; wash the residue carefully, and digest in highly
rectified alcohol. On evaporating the solution, Delphine is obtained in the
form of a white powder, which affords some points of crystallization. It may
be obtained also by acting with diluted sulphuric acid on the seed, unshelled,
but well bruised: the solution is to be precipitated by subearbonate of potass,
and the precipitate acted on by alcohol; but when obtained by this process,
it is very impure.
Properties of Delphine. Delphine, when pure, is in the form of a white
powder, which, when wet, is crystalline, but becomes opaque on exposure to
the atmosphere. It is inodorous, and has a bitter, acrid taste. Alcohol and
' ether dissolve it very = The alcoholic solution acts powerfully in turn-
DELPHINE. : 151
ing the syrup of violets green, and restores the blue of turnsol paper, when
reddened by acid. Delphine forms, with nitric, oxalic, acetic, hydrochloric,
and sulphuric acids, very soluble neutral salts, the taste of which is extremely
acrid and bitter. Alkalies precipitate it in the form of a white jelly. Del-
phine exists'in the seeds of the Stavesacre, in combination with malic acid,
and in company with the following principles:—1, a brown bitter matter,
precipitable by acetate of lead; 2, volatile oil ; 3, fixed oil; 4, albumen; 5,
animalized matter; 6, mucus; 7, saccharine mucus; 8, yellow bitter prin-
ciple, not precipitable by the acetate of lead; 9, mineral salts.—Annales de
Chimie, xii. p. 358.
Action of Delphine on Animals. Orfila has recently made some experi-
ments with this substance. In doses of six grains, (gr. 4,92 troy) it :proves
fatal to dogs. Its deleterious effects are more speedily induced when it is
dissolved in weak acetic acid ; the animal, we are told, in this case, dies in
’ the course of from forty to fifty minutes. It appears to exert its action prin-
cipally on the nervous system. It likewise produces local irritation, giving
rise to inflammation, when death has not immediately followed ; inflamma-
tion, however, does not appear to be a necessary consequence of its noxious
action on the stomach.*
_ Delphine has not been employed medicinally.
* Nonveau Journal de Médecine, x. 38.
SOLANINE.
THIS substance has been very recently discovered by M. Desfosses, an
apothecary at Besangon, in two species of the genus Solanum,—viz. Solanum
nigrum, (nightshade) and in the Solanum Dulcamera, (bitter-sweet). It has
been found to exist in both these plants; in the latter, it is evidently con-
tained in the leaves, but the leaves of the former afford no traces of it. It is
found most abundantly in the berries of the nightshade, where it exists in
the state of a malate.
152 SOLANINE,
Preparation of Solanine. To obtain this substance, digest the filtrated
juice of these berries in ammonia; a greyish precipitate falls, which when
washed on a filter, and digested in boiling alcohol, gives, by evaporation,
the Solanine in a state of sufficient purity, if perfectly ripe berries have been
acted upon ; but if green berries have been acted on, the Solanine is mixed
with a certain portion of chlorophylle, or green colouring principle, which
cannot be separated without considerable difficulty.
Properties of Solanine. This substance, when perfectly pure, is in the form
of an opaque, white or pearly powder. It is inodorous ; its taste is nauseous
and slightly bitter; and its bitterness is promoted by solution in acids, es-
pecially the acetic. Its salts are incrystallizable; the solutions by evapora-
tion give gummy, transparent masses, which may be readily powdered. It
unites with acids; even in the cold and perfectly neutral, solutions may be
obtained, if care be used. Its alkaline properties are slightly manifested by
its action on turmeric, and it restores the blue of turnsol paper, when red-
dened by acids. It is saturated by a very small portion of acid. Itis insoluble
in cold water, and hot water dissolves one-eight-thousandth part only.
Action of Solanine on the Animal Economy. From experiments made with
this alkali on animals, it appears that a few grains excite violent vomiting,
followed by a disposition to sleep. Four grains were introduced into the
stomach of a dog, which produced violent vomiting, followed by a sleep of
several hours. Eight grains were insufficient to cause death in a young cat.
After vomiting violently, the animal slept soundly for more than thirty-six
hours. On man, a very small quantity of Solanine occasions great irritation
in the throat, and excites a nauseous bitter flavour in the mouth; which is
more intensé, if the substance be dissolvedin a small quantity of acetic acid.
It appears to resemble opium in producing vomiting and sleep; but whilst
its emetic properties are more apparent than in opium, its narcotic effects
“are evidently much less so. The acetate of Solanine is the only salt which
has been tried on man, nor has it been administered in cases of disease, but
it might probably be used with advantage, where the nightshade or Dulca-.
mera are indicated.
NARCOTINE.
NO vegetable in the Materia Medica has occupied more of the attention
of chemists than the somniferous poppy, and its product, opium. No accurate
chemical analysis of this substance (Opium) was instituted till the year 1803,
when Derosnes, Sertuerner, Seguin, and others, undertook the investigation.*
To Derosnes we are indebted for the discovery of Narcotine. This active con-
stituent of opium, is obtained by exhausting the crude opium in two parts of
boiling ether, and repeating the operation five successive times. The solu-
tion obtained by this process, is then mixed and filtered, and the ether vola-
tilized, until the whole is reduced to three-fourths. The product consists of
two distinct parts; of a saline crust, consisting of Narcotine united with an
acid; and of a brown, bitter, acid liquor, also containing Narcotine; an
acid, and a resin. To obtain the Narcotine from this liquor, it must be sub-
jected to evaporation, the residuum treated with boiling water, and the Nar-
cotine precipitated from the filtered liquor by ammonia. The Narcotine is
afterwards to be separated from the resin and caoutchouc, by treating the sa-
line crust, in which it is contained, with rectified oil of turpentine, and
washing the residuum with cold alcohol. This residuum is then dissolved
in hot alcohol, and the Narcotine precipitated by ammonia. The two pre-
cipitates are then dissolved in the least possible quantity of hydrochloric
acid, and again precipitated by ammonia. The Narcotine thus obtained,
crystallizes in fine needles, or thomboidal prisms. It has no action on vege-
* According to the analysis of Sertuerner, Robiquet, and Derosne, crude opium is
composed of—1, a fixed oil; 2, a matter analogous to caoutchouc; 3, a vegeto-animal
substance, not yet investigated ; 4, mucilage ; 5, feculent matter; 6, resin; 7, vegetable
fibre ; 8, narcotine; 9, meconic acid; 10, another vegetable acid; and 11, morphine.—
Annales de Chimie et Physique, vol. v. p. 276.
Vou. V. =
154 NARCOTINE.
table colours, is without smell or taste, slightly soluble in cold alcohol, while
boiling alcohol dissolves one twenty-fourth of its weight. Hot ether dissolves
it freely, und suffers it to crystallize on cooling. According to M. Magendie
a single grain of pure Narcotine, dissolved in oil, and given to a dog, pro-
duced a state of stupor, but very different from sleep, and death generally
in twenty-four hours. Narcotine, combined with acetic acid, he found to
occasion quite a different effect, twenty-four grains having been given to an
animal without its perishing. While under its influence, he says, they are
agitated by convulsions, similar to those produced by an over-dose of cam-
phor: the same signs of fright, the same incapability of going forward, the
foaming at the mouth, and convulsion of the jaws. The most interesting,
and indeed, the most important experiment related by Magendie, was the
action of the combined substances, morphine and Narcotine, on a dog. He
dissolved a grain of each in acetic acid, and introduced the mixture into the
pleura of the animal, which soon fell asleep; but he says avery remarkable
struggle appeared to go on for an hour between the strangulating effects of
the Narcotine, and the anodyne effects of the morphine; at last the animal
slept, probably under the influence of the morphine. He adds, “ may it not
be inferred from this experiment, which [ have often repeated in various
ways, and with analogous results, that the variable effects of opium are to
be attributed to their containing these so opposite principles?” From these
experiments of Magendie, M. Robiquet was tempted to prepare an extract
of opium which should be entirely devoid of Narcotine. For this purpose,
he macerates bruised opium in cold water, filtrates and evaporates to the con-
sistence of a thick syrup, which he digests in rectified ether, and after fre-
quent shakings, decants the solution; the ether is then separated by distil-
lation. This operation is repeated as long as any crystals of Narcotine ap-
pear as the residue of the distillation. When the crystals can no longer be
discovered, he evaporates the solution to a pilular consistence, which he con-
siders as entirely devoid of Narcotine. !
M. Magendie, in recommending this new preparation of opium to the at-
tention of physicians, says, “I have tried the extract, thus prepared, on ani-
mals ; its action appears to be decidedly narcotic, and entirely like that of
morphine, only weaker.” Mr. Haden, the able translator of Magendie’s
work on these new preparations, very properly observes, that “ the freedom
from Narcotine, which characterizes the extractum opii, (which is aqueous)
NARCOTINE. 155 |
ought to recommend it to medical men, as preferable to the tincture of opium:
which contains narcotine in abundance, on account of its being a spirituous
solution.”* We have ourselves known many persons who could not use any
other preparation of opium but the watery extract; this new preparation of
opium, therefore, deserves the attention of physicians.
MORPHINE.
This substance does not exist in opium in its pure alkaline state, but
united to an acid, to which the name of meconic acid has been given. Ac-
cording to M. Brande, the ultimate elements contained in pure morphine
are— .
CATO... 6: das <a es es
Wisouth os Was ee. OOO
TA art a it co + ce +, 5,50
OMRCOR 55 ces es eee NT
100
Mr. Bussy, chemical operator at L’Ecole de Pharmacie, has also found it
to contain a small quantity of azote, about one-twentieth. M. Robiquet ad-
opted the following method for obtaining morphine :—he boiled a very con-
centrated solution of opium for fifteen minutes with a small quantity of mag-
nesia, in the proportion of ten grains of the latter to one pound of the for-
mer. ‘The greyish deposit produced by this operation, he collected on a fil-
ter, and washed it with cold water. When this precipitate was well dried,
he heated it for some time with weak alcohol, at a temperature below boiling.
By this process, he- separated much of the colouring matter, and a very little
morphine. The precipitate he then filtered, and washed by means ofa little
alcohol ; after which it was strongly boiled in a large quantity of the same
* This extract, however, contains some of Derosne’s salt also, or narcotine, as it is
called; and this is supposed to produce the excitement, which even the aqueous extract
‘ons to its sedative effect. M. Robiquet (Journal de Pharmacie, May, 1821)
of this principle, by agitating the extract as soon as it acquires the con-
sistence of syrup, with ether, and repeating this agitation with fresh portions of ether, as
long as the extract on distillation deposits any crystals of narcotine. The extract thus
prepared, contains only morphia, gum, and extractive.
> &
156 f : MORPHINE.
spirit rectified. The liquor being again filtered, while in a state of ebulition,
the morphine separates as it cools. The colouring matter is afterwards got
rid of by repeated crystallization. Dr. Thompson gives the following, which
he considers an easy method of procuring morphine in a state of purity. He
precipitates a strong infusion of opium, by means of caustic ammonia; this
precipitate he separates by the filter; the infusion is then evaporated to one
sixth its volume, and a new precipitate obtained, by again treating the in-
fusion with caustic ammonia; this precipitate is morphine, mixed with co-
louring matter: when sufficient time has been given for the deposit to form,
he separates it by means of the filter, and washes it with cold water. After ~
it is sufficiently drained, he sprinkles it with aleohol, which passes through
the filter, dissolving and carrying with it a large portion of the colouring
matter, and a little morphine. The remaining morphine is then dissolved
in acetic acid, and any ¢olouring matter removed, by treating the solution
with a little ivory black: the mixture being often shaken during twenty-four
hours, and then thrown on the filter. The liquid passes through perfectly
colourless, and by treating it a third time with the caustic ammonia, the
morphine falls down in the form of a white powder. By dissolving this base
in alcohol, and allowing the solution to evaporate spontaneously, the mor-
phine is obtained in the form of beautiful crystals, each a rectangular, four-
sided prism.* i
Morphine or Morphia, when in a state of purity, is in the form of brilliant
erystals, possessing many characteristic properties of the alkalies; white,
with a silky lustre, greasy to the touch, and friable. Its crystals are tetra-
hedral prisms, whose bases are rhomboids, more rarely single or double py-
ramids; sometimes it is found in slender prisms, collected into bundles. It
is of greater specific gravity than distilled water ; it is inodorous; has an
astringent and bitter taste. It is soluble in acids, ether, and alcohol, but
scarcely so in water, four hundred parts of which, according to Derosnes,+
are required to dissolve one part. It unites with all the acids, except the
carbonic, forming neutral salts. It restores the blue colour of litmus paper,
forms an intense blue with the persalts of iron, and reddens with nitric acid.
It decomposes the salts of mercury and lead, muriate of copper, and the sul-
phate of iron; but forms a triple salt with acetateofcopper. It melts when
heated, and crystallizes in cooling. It burns readily, and’ when heated in
* Vide Annals of Philosophy, for June 1820. + Annales de Chimie, vol. xiv.
MORPHINE. 157
‘
close vessels, gives out carbonate of ammonia; and a solid, black, resinous
kind of matter remains.* :
The salts of morphine are more soluble than morphine itself. The sulphate
and acetate are also generally employed in medicine. Magendie says “I
employed the acetate, the sulphate, and the hydrochlorate of morphine, and
found that these salts afford all the advantages which we can expect to meet
in opium, without any of its inconveniences.” The acetate of morphine,
which has been introduced into the Paris Pharmacopeeia, is prepared as fol-
lows :—Take four parts of morphine, and of distilled water, eight parts; di-
lute the morphine in a porcelain vessel, and add acetic acid of the specific
gravity, 1,075, until turnsol paper is scarcely tinged red; evaporate the solu-
tion, and continue the evaporation until the salt may be collected, and re-
duced to powder. Morphine, as well as its acetate, is prescribed in doses of
from one-eighth of a grain to a grain. In Paris it is usually administered
in the form of a syrup, composed of the acetate and honey.t Dr. Thompson
says, “ the combination of Morphia, its acetate, and citrate, may be used in
the same diseases, and with the same intention, as opium. The result of my
own experience inclines me to regard the acetate as well adapted for cases
of phthisis and in inflammatory affection, where it is of importance to obtain
the sedative effect of the remedy, free from the exciting quality. As the
cordiate is the natural compound of Morphia in opium, it is likely to prove *
still more useful.” { *
* Our readers who may wish for further information on the various methods for ob-
taining morphine, narcotine, and their combinations, and also their effects on the animal
economy ; we must refer them to the essay of M. Derosnes, Annales de Chimie, vol. xiv.
M. Sertuerner, on the same subject, Ann. de Chim. et Phys. vol. v. p. 21; on the action
of morphia and narcotine, by M. Magendie, Journ. de Physiol. Expér.; a paper on the
same subject, by M. Orfila, Ann. de Chim. et Phys. vol. v. p. 288; Report of M. Lodi-
pert, Bulletin de la Société de Phar. vol. i. p. 875 and also to a paper by Dr. Ure in the
Quarterly Journal of Science, for May, 1830.
+ Magendie’s Formulaire. t London Disp.
GENERAL LATIN INDEX
TO :
VOUGV;
A L
; Page. ;
Aloe vulgaris . : ;. . 98 | Laurus. Cassia
Avena sativa . 3 A - 107 | Linum catharticum
nr Lythrum Salicaria
Bonplandia trifoliata . : 120 HES : 4
Boswellia serrata : . 117 | Melaleuca Cajuputi
C Myroxylon paeeierem
Cephaclis Ipecacuanha : Sas Bals P
Cinchona cordifolia . : Te apts Cub ti
Cinchona lancifolia , 27 je tee so ct :
Cinchona oblongifolia - 30] p eb PR er ‘lat inaceus
Coculus palmatus : 2 eT yrota umbeltata
Croton Tiglhum : ‘ ree 5
Quassia excelsa
Pea cee D = eas Quercus Infectoria
Thevabliiegs Camphora ; (7108 * Sesontas Mammal
ES; : Rheum undulat tum.
Euphorbia officinarum ; . 74 | Rhus Toxicodendron .
F ' seville tinctoria
Fucus vesiculosus 2 ; Faas © . Salix alba
Salix caprea .
Heracleum ewp osha é $39 Scrophularia nodosa
Hordeum distichon ‘ - 105 | Solidago Virgaurea
Humulus Lupulus . : - 90 | Stalagmitis Cambogioides
K
Krameria triandra ‘ - 129 | Triticum hybernum
GENERAL ENGLISH INDEX
VOL. V.
A H
Page.
Aloe, yellow-flowered é 98 | Heracleum, gum-bearing
Hop . ‘ :
Balm of Gilead Fir 1 I
Balsam-tree, sweet-smelling 48 | Ipecacuan =
Bark, Peruvian 26 . K
Barley, common 105 | Kino-tree, or African Pterocarpus
Bladderwrack, or Fucus 111 | Krameria, Peruvian, or triandrous
_ Bonplandia, three-leaved 120 . L
— serrated, or, Gum-Olibanum- 119 Loose-strife, or purple willow-herb
“ay Pa 57 Mill-mountain, or purging Flax
Calumba-root, or palmated Soot 2 — 0
Camphor-tre, or Dryabalano 124 | Oak, staining . :
Cassia:tree . gg | Oat, common . :
Senate palmated, or Calumba-root . 22 | Orchal, or Dyer’s Rock-moss .
Croton, in <1
Crowfoot, ae spearwort 54 | Pepper, Java, or Cubebs
Cubebs, or Java-pepper 95 | Poison-oak, or pubescent Sumach
Pterocarpus, African, or Kino-tree
Diosma, crenated 5
Dryobalanops, or Cachinn 6s 124 | Quassia, lofty, or ash-leaved
E R
Euphorbium, officinal or spurge 74 | Rhubarb, Chinese, or waved-leaved
F . Rock-moss, or dyer’s lichen, or Orchal
Figwort, knobby-rooted 42
Fir, Saar ns Seog aa 1 ow, round-leaved
or Mill-m 63 | Spurge, or officinal Euphorbium
vecraidin bce ¢ or Biaddecuinek 111 | Sumach, or pubescent Poison-oak
G
Gamboge-tree 78 | Wheat, ——
Golden-rod, common . 12 | Willow -white
Gum um-tree, or serrated Bos- Willow lasts + soles or Loo
119 | Winter-green, umbel-flowered
&
INDEX,
In which the Latin and English names of all the Plants contained in the
Five Volumes, are arranged according to the
NATURAL METHOD
Of Jessixv, with the improvements of De Canvo.xe, and other succeeding Botanists.
I. RANUNCULACEA, Juss.
Vol, Fab
Clematis recta, Linn.
Virgin’s Bower, upright
Anemone pratensis, Linn. 170
asque-flower, oP Se
Ranunculus flammula, Linn. 6.5.15
Spearwort Crowfoot, lesser :
Ranunculus acris, Linn. 3.4172
Crowfoot, upright meadow :
Helleborus niger, Linn 3 169
Black Hellebore, or Chrismas ah,
Helleborus feetidus, Lin 170
~ Rear’s-foot, or Stinking anes
3 168
Delphinium Staphysagria, Linn. . 5
. Stavesacre, or palmated —
ee Napellus, — 165
s-bane, or Mon
“ih officinalis, me 3 173
Peony, common
ll. MAGNOLIACEZ, sy Gane
Wintera arometica, Sol.
Winter's Bark tree
4s Eee MENISPERMACE, Juss.
Cocculus palmatus, De Cand. 5 7
Calumba root, or wen ane
Cissampelos Pareira, Lam. 1
“Pareira Brava Cissingeles
IV. BERBERIDE, Vent.
Berberis vulgaris, Vent. 3. 219
618
Sinapis nigra, Linn.
Mustard, black
V. PAPAVERACE, De Cand.
Vol. /Fap\, Page.
Papaver somniferum, Linn. Be 5.138) 376
. : i \
Papaver Rheeas, Linn. 2 139 378
Poppy, red, corn
Chelidonium majus, Mill ‘2 140 388
Celandine, greater, or common
VI. FUMARIACEA, De Cand.
Fumaria officinalis, Linn. 3 164
Fumitory, officinal
VII. CRUCIFERA, Juss.
Sisymbrium Nasturtium, Linn. 3 144
(Nasturtium officinale, De Cand.
Prodr. vol. i. p. 137)
Water Cress
Cardamine pratensis, Linn. 3 143
Lady’s-smock, or Cuckoo-flower
Cochlearia Armoracia, Linn. 3 145
Horse-radish —
Cochlearia officinalis, Linn. 3 142
Scurvy-grass, common
Erysinium officinale, Linn, 3. 147
wane el eee De Cand,
p- 191.)
4
Erysinium Alliaria, Linn. 3 145
(Alharia aficinli De a Prody.
1. p. 1
Sauce sin or ees Hedge
Mustard
i 3 146
458
398
396
400
394
406
403
6 and
GENERAL LATIN AND ENGLISH INDEX.
Vill. co abseegearsieimes Ro
Tab.
Capparis spinosa, Linn. * 141 391
Ca
yper-bush, common
IX. CISTINEA, Juss.
Cistus, Creticus, Linn. 3 207
Cistus, Cretan
584
X. VIOLGERIEZ, De Cand.
Viola odorata, Linn. 2.89. 251
weet Violet
Viola Tricolor, Linn. 2. 90 254
Pansie, or three-coloured Violet
XI. POLYGALEA, Juss.
Polygala Senega, Linn. 3 162 452
a ae ae or Milkwort
Krameria tri Rui 129
Pibashanige Triandrous Krameria
XII. CARYOPHYLLEA, Juss.
Dianthus Caryophyllus, Linn. 3 205 579
Clove Pink ;
Saponaria officinalis, Linn. 3 206 581
2 XII. LINEA, De Cand.
Linum Usitatissimum, Linn. 3 202 566
Flax, common
Linum Catharticum, Linn. & 8 6s
Mill-mountain, or Purging Flax
XIV. MALVACEA, Brown.
Malva Sylvestris, Linn. 3 199 554
Mallow, common
Althea officinalis, Linn. 3 198 552
Marsh-mallow
XV. DIPTEROCARPE, Blume.
Dryobalanops Camphora, Gerin. 5 34 124
Camphor-tree
XVI. TERUSTROMIACE, Mirbd.
Thea viridis, Linn. 4 225 641
Tea-tree
XVII. AURANTIACE, aot
Tab. Page.
Citrus Aurantium, Risso ’ 188 523
e-tree
Citrus Medica, Risso 3 189 528
Lemon-tree
XVIII. HYPERICINE., De Cand.
Hypericum perforatum, Linn.
3 208 587
Perforated St. John’s-wort
XIX. GUTTIFERA, Juss.
ser RT Cambogioides, Murr. 5 23 78
Gamboge-tree
Canella alba, Murr.
Canella, laurel- las
XX. HIPPOCASTANE, De Cand.
sculus Hippocastanum, Linn. 3 217 613
Fforse-chestnut, common
XXI. MELIACEAE, Juss.
4 237 694
Swietenia Mahogani, Linn. 3 220 620
Mahogany-tree
XXII. AMPELIDE.E, Humb. et B.
Vitis vinifera, Linn. 1 67 144
Vine, common :
XXIII. TROPADEA, Juss.
Tropezolum majus, Linn. 3 218 616
Nasturtium, or greater tan .
Cress ;
XXIV. OXALIDE, De Cand.
Oxalis Acetosella, Linn. 3.201. 563
Wood-sorrel
XXV. XYGOPHYLLEA, Linn.
Guaiacum officinale, Linn. 3 200
Guaiacum, officinal .
XXVI. RUTACEA, Juss.
Ruta — Linn. 3.174
557
, common
Dietarnmied albus,
Pers. 3 166
—— Dittany, or White Fraz-
GENERAL LATIN AND ENGLISH INDEX.
Vol. Tab. Page.
Diosma crenata, Linn. S14 22
Diosma, crenate
Bonplandia trifoliata, H. § B. 5° 33
120
(Galipea ens wry De Cand. Prod.
i. p. 731.
pee three-leaved
XXVII. SIMARUBES, Rich.
Quassia Simaruba, Linn. 3 203 569°
Simaruba Quassia
Quassia Amara, Linn 3 204 574
Quassia, bitter
Quassia excelsa, Swartz Se. 80
Quassia, lofty, or ash-leaved
XXVIII. RHAMNE, Brown.
Rhamnus Catharticus, Linn. 3 210 594
Buckthorn, purging
XXIX. TEREBINTHACEA, Juss.
Pistecia Leutiscus, Linn. 3
Mastich-tree
Pistachia Terebinthus, Linn. 4 42 20
Turpentine-tree, Chian
Rhus Coriaria, Li 3 213 601
Sumach, elm-leaved t
Rhus Toxicodendron, Linn. 5. 20. 87
Poison-oak, or rane Sumach
Boswellia serrata, Cole 117
Gum Olibanum-tree, or Serrated
Boswellia
Ampyris Gileadensis, Linn. 3 214 603
Balm of Gilead Amyris
XXX. LEGUMINOSA, Juss.
Myroxylon Peruiferum, Linn. 5 13 48
(MyrospermumPeruiferum,DeCand.)
li
607
Toluifera Balsamum, Mill 3 215
Myrospermum Toluiferum, De Cand.
Prodr.)
Balsam of Tolu-tree
Spartium scoparium, Linn 3
(Cytisus Scoparius, De Cand.Prod.)
Broom, common
150 413
¥2
XXXI. ROSACEA, Juss.
3 183
Amygdalus communis, Linn
Almond.
Amygdalus Persica, Linn. « 3 184
(Persica vulgaris, De Cand. Prodr.)
Peach-tree, common
Vol. Tab. Page.
ere Fenum Grecum, Linn. 3 154 426
cumyre
Glycyrthiza glabra, Linn. 3 152 420
Liquorice, commo cae
Astragalus exscapus, Linn. 3 155 428
Milkvetch, stemless
Astragalus T cantha, Linn. 3 149 410
Goat’s-thorn Milkvetch
Dolichos pruriens, Linn. 3 153 422
Cowhage
Pterocarpus erinaceus, Lam. 5 12 44
Kino-tree, or African Pterocarpus
Pterocarpus Santalinus, Linn. 3 156 430
‘aunder’s-tree, red
Mimosa Catechu, Linn 3 157 433
(Acacia Catechu, De Ca ‘and. Prodr.
v. li, p. 458.)
Catechu Mimosa
Mimosa Nitotica, Linn. 3 158 438
(Acacia vera, De Cand. Pr.v.ii.p 461)
Egyptian Thorn, or Mimosa
Geoffroya i inermis, Linn. 151 416
(Andira inermis,
Bastard ab hapesienel or smooth
Geoffroya
HomatoxylonCampechianum,Linn.3 163 455
Lo.
Tamarindus Indica, Jacq. 3 161 448
Tamarind-tree
| Cassia Fistula, Linn. 3 160 445
Cassia, ing
Cassia Senna, Linn. 159 442
(Cassia Lanceolata, De Cand. Prod.
Senna, or Egyptian Cassia .
Copaifera officinalis, Jacq. .3 216 609
Balsam of Copaiva-tree
507
511
GENERAL LATIN AND ENGLISH INDEX.
Vol, Tab. Page.
Prunus spinosa, Linn. 3 186 518
Sloe-tree .
Prunus domestica, Linn. -3. 187. 520
Plum-tree, or common Prune
Prunus Lauro-Cerasus, Linn. 3 185-513
(Cerasus Lauro-cerasus, De Cand.)
Cherry Laurel, common
Geum urb , Linn 3 181 502
Avens, common cre 8
Rubus Ideus, Linn. 3. 176 492
Raspberry-bush Pane
Potentilla reptans, Linn. 3.175 490
Cingue-foil, common
ormentilla erecta, Linn. 3 182 503
(Potentilla Tormentilla, De Cand.)
Tormentil, common, or upright
Septfoi
Agrimonia Kupasataaas tom 3.» 180 500
Agrimony, com
Rosa canina, Linn. Bas 3 177 493
Hep-tree, or Dog-rose
Rosa, centifolia, Linn. - 3.178 495
Rose, Hundred-leaved
Rosa Gallica, Linn. 3 179 498
Rose, red, officinal
tus Cydonia, Linn. 3 182 505
Quince-tree
Reyes vulgaris, De Cand.)
XXXII. LYTHRARIEA, Linn.
Lythrum Salicaria, Linn. & 1D > 65
Loose-strife, or purple willow deck
XX XAT. GRANATER, Slee
Punica Granatum, Linn. 3 190 531
Pomegranate-tree
XXXIV. MYRTARE®.
Melaleuca Leucadendron, Linn. 3 195 544
“ware or Aromatic Leuca-
dendro
Melaleuca. Seared, Roxb. "aG. 36... BF
(Melaleuca minor, De Cand.Prodr.)
Cajeput-tree, lesser
Apium Petroselinum, Linn. 1 45
» Carraway, common agregadas
Pimpinella Anisum, Linn. geo A
Anise
Vol. Tab. Page.
Caryophyllus aromaticus, Zinn. 3 193 539
Clove-tree
Myrtus pimenta, Linn. 3 194 541
(Eugenia pimenta, De Cand.)
Pimenta, Jamaica pepper, or All-
spice
XXXV. CUCURBITACEA, Juss.
Cucumis Colocynthis, Linn. 2 71 189
Coloquintida, or bitter C
Bryonia alba, Linn. 2 73 194
Bryony, white :
Momordica Elaterium, nie 22-72-1192
Cucumber, squirting, wi
XXXVI. CRASSULACE, Juss.
Sedum acre, Linn. 3 196 548
Stone-crop, or wall-pepper
XXXVI. GROSSULARIEA, De Cand.
Ribes rubrum, Linn. 3 191 534
Currant, red
Ribes nigrum, Linn 3 192 536
Currant, black
XXXVI. LAXIFRAGEA, Juss,
Saxifraga granulata, Linn. 3 197 550
Saxifrage, white
XXXIX. UMBELLIFERA, Juss.
Eryngium maritimum, Linn. ee ae
Eryngo, or Sea Holly .
Cicuta virosa, Linn. 1
Sium nodiflorum, Linn.
(Heliociadium nodiflorum,De Can a).
ater-parsnep, creeping
Carum carni, Linn. i
GENERAL LATIN AND ENGLISH INDEX.
Vol.
Sex wes saxifraga, Linn. 1
Burne — age, sma small
Cinan n. 1
pune water-hemlock
Phellandrium aquaticum, Linn. 1
(a Phellandrium, De Cand.)
Water-hemlock TO
Anethum Feniculum, Linn 1
_ rege vulgare, De Cand.)
Fennel, common
Larue Seitalik: Linn. 1
ei a Cand.)
Lova
Asagélica ‘eylveszs, Linn. seuss as
Angelica, wi
Angelica Archangelica, Linn. 1
(Archangelica officin. De Cand.)
Angelica, bee
Pastinaca Opopon 1
(Opoponax Chiihiod Pe Cale )
ponax, or rsnep
Ferula Assafeetida, Linn. 1
Assafetida, or gigantic Fennel
Imperatoria Ostruthium, Linn. 1
er-wort, common
Bubon Galbanum, Linn 1
Bubon, lovage-leaved
Anethum graveolens, Linn. 1
Dill, common
Heracleum’ gumniferum, Willd. 5
(Heraclewm pubescens, De C.iv. 193)
Heracleum,
gum-bearing
Cuminum cyminum, Linn. 1
Cummin
Daucus Carota, Linn 1
Carrot, wild, or Bird’s-nest
Conium maculatum, Linn.
‘emlock, common
Coriandrum sativum, Linn. 1
Coriander, common
Tab. Page.
51
38
37
XL. ARALIACEA, Juss.
Panax quinquefolium, Linn. 1
58
133
92
90
XL. LORANTHACE, Don.
Vol. Tab. ee
Viscum album, Linn. 1° 34
issletoe
XLIT. CAPRIFOLIACEA, Juss.
Sambucus Ebulus, Zinn. 3 212 599
Elder, dwarf
Sambucus nigra, Linn. 3 211 596
Elder, common black
XLIU. RUBIACEA, feng
ee officinalis, Linn OT . 257.
(Cinch ‘ondaminea, DeCi iv. Gast
pss bark, grey
bark, orange 5 27
Cinchona cordifolia, Mutis 5 yD
(Cinchona pubescens, De C. iv. 352)
Peruvian bark, yellow
Cinchona oblongifolia, Mutis 30
(Cinchona cnaeden De C. iv. es
Peruvian-bark,
tex pst ie, ruber 92 267
Coffea Arabica, Linn. 170 ee
Coffee-tree
Cephaclis Ipecacuanha, Juss. ; : xe = :
Ipecacuanha
"Rubia tinctorum, Linn. sts? aes 46"
Madder, dyer’s
Galium Aphrinks List Fr 68176
Cleaver’s, or goose-grass
: >
XLIV. VALERIANE, De Cand.
Valeriana officinalis, Linn. i: ae ee
Valerian, officinal ; ;
XLV. coMPOSIT-®, ome
Cynara Scolymus, 28 «69
(Cynara ee var. Ons
Syst. Veg. iii. aaibe
Artichoke, common
Arctium aes Linn. 1-33.
Burdoek
Centaurea Renedicta, Linn. 1 34
Thistle, holy or blessed
a
GENERAL LATIN AND ENGLISH INDEX.
Vol. Tab. Page. Vol. Tab. Page.
Tussilago Farfara, Linn. 1 18 45 Rhododendron Chrysanthum, Linn. 2) 1
Coltsfoot Rhododendron, yellow-flowered
Tanacetum vulgara, Linn 1 27 66 Pyrola umbellata, Linn. 56 10 37
Tansy, common Winter-green
es. . . j 1 57
ee ee ati XLVI. STYRACER, Rich.
ugwort . . -
Artemisia Santonica, Linn. ESS... Ol Styrax officinalis, Linn. 2 101 291
Southernwood, Tartarian | Storax, officinal
Artemisia maritima, Linn. SO Styrax Benzoin, Dryandr. 2.102 294
Ww 2 Benjamin-tree_
Artemisia Absinthium, Linn. 1 22 54 ; XLIX OLEINE4, Juss
Wi > common : ;
Artemisia Abrotanum, Linn. 1 2 52 Olea Europea, Linn. 2 98 280
hern > common Olive, European
Inula Helenium, Linn. 1 26 64 | Fraxinus Ornus, Linn. 3 209 589
Elecampane ?
Solidago Bs cote Linn. oS oe L. ASCLEPIADE&, Br.
saat gg a8 3 Asclepias Vincetoxi Linn.
pres ‘mon Field £9 a epias ince xicum, Linn. 2 98. 268
7 icin (Cynanchum Vincetoxicum, (Pers.)
Matricaria Parthen m, Linn. 30. 73 ow: ye, om: Lee
(Hein Prthsniuen {Sei sli: » affict
Syst. Veg. iti. 586) LI. APOCYNESA, Br.
Anthemis nobilis Linn. 1 19 47 | Strychnos Nux-vomica, Linn. ; ie vives
yee neti § Spain, or Spanish Vomie or Poison nut
an ie I 1 20 50 LU. GENTIANES, Juss.
Ca » common A ‘ 2 9 273
Achillzwa seeuiiems Linn, Weed Sugguecrcterrmede 3 5 148
Milfoil, or common Yarrow Gentian, yellow
Leontodon Taraxacum, Linn. 1 16 39 | Gentiana purpurea, Linn, 2 94 271
Dandelion, common Gentian,
Lactuca virosa, Linn. 1 31 7 | Chironia Centaurium, Smith 2:06. 275
, wild, strong-scented (Centaurium Erythrea, (Pers.) Spreng.
Cichorium Intybus, Linn. aoe Syst. Veg. i. 579.)
Succory, wild, or blue Ci
Menyanthes trifoliata, Linn. 2 97 277
XLVI. LOBELIACEA, Juss. Water-trefoil, or Buckbean
Lobelia siphilitica, Linn. «2-88 249 — rs ees eee.
- Cardinal-flower, or blue Lobelia Peay Sr pmrenetel rene
XLVII. ERICINEA, Dew. LUI. CONVOLVULUCEA, Juss.
Arbutus uva-ursi, Linn. 2 100 287 | Convolvolus Jalappa, Linn. 2 87 246
Bearberry, or trailing arbutus Jalap Bindweed
GENERAL LATIN AND ENGLISH INDEX.
Lungwort, common
Lithospermum officinale, Linn. 2
Gromwell, common
LV. SOLANE.®, Juss.
Atropa Belladonna, Linn. 2
ele deadly é
Atropa Mandragora, Li 2
(fender ovat ne bert .) Spr.
‘eka
Solanum Dulcamara, Linn. ; m
Nightshade, woody :
Solanum nigrum, Zinn. 2
Nightshade, garden
Physalis Alkekengi, Linn. 2
Winter-cherry, common
Capsicum Annuum, Linn. 2
Guinea pepper or annual Capsicum
Hyoscyamus niger, Linn. |
Henbane, black
Nicotiana Tabacum, Linn. 2
Tobacco, Virginian ,
Datura Stramonium, Linn. 2
Thorn-apple, common
Verbascum Thapsus, Linn. 2
Mullein, great, broad-leaved
LVI. ANTIRRHINE.
Gratiola officinalis, Linn. 2
Hedge Hyssop
Tab.
86
106
Vol.
Convolvulus Scammonea, Zinn. 2
Scammony Bindweed
LIV. BORAQUIE, Juss.
Anchusa tinctoria, Linn. -
Alkanet, or Dyer’s Bugloss
Anchusa officinalis, Linn.
Alkanet, or officinal Bugloss
Cynoglossum officinale, Zinn. ~ 2
tongue, common
Borago officinalis, Linn. 2
age, common
Symphytum officinale, Linn. 2
Comfrey, common
. Pulmonaria officinalis, Linn. 2
82
131
Page.
243
314
Vol.
Scrophularia nodosa, Linn.
Figwort, knobby-rooted
Digitalis purpurea, Linn. 2
Foxglove, com:
Antirthinum Linaria, Linn.
(Linaria vulgaris, (Bauh.) Spreng.
Syst. ii. 796)
-flax, common
Tab. Page.
ll
78
42
218
136 371
LVI. shiNANPACE De Cand.
Veronica Beccabunga, Linn. 2 132 363
Brooklime, speedwell
Veronica officinalis, Linn. 2 133 366
Veronica, officinal, or male Speed-
well
134
117
Euphrasia officinalis, Linn. — 2
Eyebright, common
LVIII. LABIAT A, Juss.
Rosmarinus officinalis, Linn. 2
Rosemary, common
Salvia officinalis, Linn. 2
Sage, garden
Teucrium Marum, Linn.
Herb Mastich, Syrian,or Marum
Germander
Teucrium Chamedrys, Linn, 2
G ', common
Teucrium Scordium, Linn. 2
nder, wa: =
Mentha Piperita, Linn. 2
Peppermint
Mentha Viridis, Linn. 2
Spear-mint
Mentha Pulegium, Linn. 2
Pi int se
Hyssopus officinalis, Linn. - Se
yssop, common
Lavandula Spica, Linn. 2
Lavender, common .
Glechoma hederacea, Linn. 2
Gill, or Ground I
Betonica officinalis, oe 2
Betony, wood oo
Marrubium vulgare, Linn. 2
Horehound, common white
GENERAL LATIN AND ENGLISH INDEX.
Vol. Tab. Page.
2 125 34
Thymus vulgaris, Linn. Tee | 7
Thyme, common garden
Thymus cha Linn. 2 126 350
Mother yme, or wild Thyme
Origanum vag, Linn. 123 344
Marjora
Origanum Majoras, Linn. 2 124 345
Marjoram, sweet
Origanum Dictamnus, Linn. 2 129 356
any of Crete :
Melissa officinalis, Linn. 2.119334
Balm, common
LIX. VERBENACEJ/E.
Verbena officinalis, Linn. 2 133 364
Vervain com
Vitex Agnus-castus, Linn. 2 137 373
Chaste-tree
: LX. PLANTAGINE, Juss.
Plantago major, Linn. | eager: Saba =:
‘aybread, or common Plantain :
LXI. CHENOPODE, Juss.
Salsola Kali, Linn. 4° 227 650
Saltwort, prickly
Chenopodium Vulvaria, Linn. 4 228 656
(Chenopodium olidum, (Sm.) Spreng.
yst. Veg. i.
Orache, or stinking Goosefoot
LXII. POLYGONEA, Juss.
esos Bistorta, Linn. 4 232 668
nake-weed, or greater Bistort =
uines Acetosa, Linn. 230 660
orrel, common
= ee Linn. 4 229 658
ia tes Se Linn.* 4 231 662
Rhubarb, officinal
Rheum undulatum, Linn. 5 81
Rhubarb, Chinese, or wave-leaved
The Rheum Australe, Don. Prodr. Fi.
of "Sweets nip onthe besos contra i. oh “Ahscd = iste is
given) is now ascertained
" Laurus Camphora, Linn.
LXIT. LAURINEA, Juss.
Vol. Tab. Page.
4 235 678
Laurus Hobilis, Linn.
Sweet Bay, com
Laurus Cinnamomun, Linn. 4 233 670
Cinnamon-tree
Laurus Sassafras, Linn.
Sassafras tree
Laurus Cassia, Linn. PO... OS
Cassia-tree
4 236 681
Camphor-tree
LXIV. MYRISTICEA, R. Br.
Myristica Moschata, Thunb. 4 238 698
Nutmeg-tree
“LXV. THYMELEA, Juss.
Daphne Mezereum, Linn. 4 245 717
Mezereon
LXVI. SANTALACE, R. Br.
Santalum album, Burm. 2 99° 280
Sirium my yrlifolium, Linn. Mant. §
Roxburgh.Santalum myrtifolium,
se ae syst. Veg. i. 489.)
Saunders, white or yellow
LXVII. re os USS.
Asarum Europeum, Linn. 170
Asarabacca, c
Aristolochia Serpentaria, Linn. 1, 59.158
irthwort, snakeroot
Aristolochia longa, Linn. 2) 60: 15%
Birthwort, long-rooted —
Aristolochia Clematitis, Zinn. 1 61 159
irthwort, fares.
EUPHORBIACE, ie uss.
Euphorbia ennaicrs Linn.
lutia Eluteria, Linn. 633
Cascarilla Cluti
ascarilla, Linn. ‘x 222 629
Cascarilla, or willow-leaved Croton —
Croton Tiglium, Linn. eDes 22.:,.73
Croton, purging
GENERAL LATIN AND ENGLISH INDEX.
Vol. Tab.
Ricinus communis, Linn. 3 221
Palma Christi tree 4
Siphonia elastica, Pers 4 224
India-rubber, or elastic Resin-tree
LXIX. URTICEA, Juss.
Urtica Dioica, Linn. 4 241
Nettle, common
_ Parietaria officinalis, Linn. 4 239
Pellitory of the Wall
Humulus Lupulus, Linn. 5 26
Hop
Ficus Carica, Linn. 4 244
Fig-tree, common
Dorstenia Contrajerva, Linn 4 240
Contrayerva
Morus nigra, Linn 4 243
Mulberry-tree, common
LXX. PIPERACE.
Piper nigrum, Linn. 4 246
bl.
>
Piper Cubeba, Linn 5 27
Cubebs, or Java pepper
Piper longum, Linn. 4 247
Pepper, long
LXXI. ULMACEA, Rich.
Ulmus campestris, Linn. 4 242
Elm, common
LXXIl. AMENTACE, Juss.
Salix alba, Linn. 5 4
Willow, common white
Salix fragilis, Linn.
(Sir J. E. Smith suspects that this is
the Salix Russelliana of English
Botany, tab. 1808)
0
1 8
te Robur, Willd. Sk ee.
, common
“rie infectoria, Oliv. ~ 5 4
Oak, staining
Page.
624
710
~
Juglans regia, Linn.
Walnut-tree, common
LXXIil. eines oc Juss.
Pinus eyhrestria, Linn. 1
Fir, Scotch
Pinus Abies, Linn. 1 2
Fir, Norway Spruce
Pinus Picea, Linn. ' 1 3,
Fir, silver
inus Larix, 1 4
Larch, common white
Pinus Balsamea, Linn 5 1
Fir, Balm of Gilead
Juniperus communis, Linn, 1 6
Juniper, common
Juniperus Sabina, Linn.
vin, common
Juniperus Lycia, Linn. 1 7
Lycian Juniper, or Cedar
LXXIV. ORCHIDEZ, IR
264
Orchis mascula, Linn.
@~chis, male
LXXV. IRIDEA, Juss.
Tris Florentina, Linn. 4 262
Oris, Florentine Iris
Iris Pseudacorus, Linn. 4 263
Flag, yellow water
Crocus sativus, Linn. 4 269
Saffron Crocus
LXXVI. SCITAMIN EX.
Amonum Zinziber, Linn. 4 250
(Zinziber officinale, (Rosc.) Spreng.
Syst. Veg. i. 12)
Ginger, na eaved
Amomum repens, Sonnerat, vel Car-
damomum, 4 261
255, tab. 4,5. Alpinia Cardam.
(Rozxb.) Spreng. syst. Veg. i. 14)
Cardamom, officinal
Vol. Tab, Page.
1s: 80-220
GENERAL LATIN AND ENGLISH INDEX.
Vol. Tab. Page.
Gessbnk ong, Linn. 4 252 737
Tu ¢, long-rooted &
ites: otatide, Linn, 4 253 740
Zedoary
LXXVIL SMILACEZ, R, Br.
' Convallaria Polygmatum, Zinn. 4 261 774
Solomon’s Seal, common
Smilax Sarsaparilla, Linn. 1 62 161
Sarsaparilla Smilax
Smilax China, Linn. 1 63 164
Smilax, Chinese
Ruscus aculeatus, Linn 166
Butcher's-broom, or Knee-holly
LXXVITI. LILIACEA, De Cand.
Lilium candidum, Linn. 4 254 743
Lily, common white
Allium sativum, Linn. 4 256 749
Garlic, common cultivated
Scilla TE Linn 4 255 745
Squill, officinal, or sea-onion
Aloe seifllata; socotorina, De Cand.4 260 767
(Aloe mia saree ) Spreng. syst. -
g. ii. 73)
Alve, Soco
Aloe sap De Shue 5 28 98
Aloe, com
LXXIX. COLCHICACEA, De Cand.
Colchicum autumnale, Linn. 4° 258 769
Meadow-saffron, common
Veratrum album, Linn. to -
Veratrum, or white Hellebore
LXXX. PALMA, Juss.
Rotang, Linn. 4 265 785
(Calamus petreus, (Loureiro) Spreng
. Veg.
~LXXXtI. AROIDEAS, Juss.
Arum maculatum, Zinn. = 4.249727
Wake-Robin, or common Arum
Vol. Tab.
Acorus Calamus, Linn. 4 248
Sweet-flag, or Acorus
LXXXITI. GRAMINEA. Juss.
Triticum hybernum, Linn. 5 29
Wheat, Lammas, or Winter
Hordeum distichon, Linn. 5-20
Barley, common
Avena sects Linn. 62-329
Oat,
ee at "plisioanen Linn. 4 266
Sugar-cane, éommon
LXXXIIl. FILICES, Juss.
Polypodium vulgare, Linn. 4 268
Polypody, common sft
Polypodium Filix, mas. Zinn. 4° 267
(Aspidium Filia mas. (Sw.) Spreng.
Syst. Veg. iv. 105) ~
Polypody male, or com. male Fern
Asplenium Scolopendrium, Linn. 4 269
-Hart’s-tongue ;
Asplenium Trichomanes, Zinn. 4 270
Spleenwort, or com. Maiden’s-hair
Page.
725
795
799
801
LXXXIV. LICHENES, De Cand.
Lichen Islandicus, Linn.
(Cetraria Islandica, Acharius)
Lichen, eryngo-leaved
Lichen caninus, Linn 4
(Pettidea canina, Acharius}
Liverwort, ash-coloured ground
Roccella tinetoria, Achar. 5° Ss
Orchal, or Dyer’s-moss :
4 271
LXXXYV. FUNGI, De Cand.
Boletus igniarius, Linn. 4 273
Jouchwood Agaric, or Boletus
LXXXVI. ALG.
_ Fucus vesiculosus, Linn. 5
B . .
ch, or Fucus.
FINIS.
272
803,
iil
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