.vv.,./ •. . 'Ml # £&* ROSA. COMMON ROSE. FROiNTISPIECE Vol hi. THE AMERICAN PRACTICE OF MEDICINE; BEING A TREATISE ON THE CHARACTER, CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, MORBID APPEARANCES, AND TREATMENT OP THE DISEASES OP MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN, OF ALL CLIMATES, ON VEGETABLE OR BOTANICAL PRINCIPLES: AS TAUGHT AT Cfeeftefermet) J&etifcal Collegesfn tf)c SftmteU States: CONTAINING ALSO A TREATISE ON MATERIA MEDICA AND PHARMACY, OR THE ▼ ARIOOS ARTICLBS PRESCRIBED, THEIR DESCRIPTION, HISTORY, PROPERTIES, PREPAitATION, AND OSES ; WITH AN APPENDIX, ON THE CHOLERA, ETC. ILLUSTRATED BY NUMEROUS PLATES AND CASES. THE WHOLE PRECEDED BY PRACTICAL RULES FOR THE PREVENTION OF DISEASE AND THE PRESERVATION OF HEALTH. BY W BEACH, M.D. t * • President of the Reformed Medical Society, aud founder of the Reformed Medical Colleges of the United States; Licentiate ol the Medical Society of the State of New York; Member of the Medical Society of the City and County of New York; Professor of Materia Medica, Pharmacy, Theory and Practice of Physic and Surgery in the New-York Reformed Medical Colltg., and Principal Physician and Surgeon of the United States Infirmary. IN THREE VOLUMES.........VOL. Ill, NEW YORK: IETTS & ANSTICE, OPPOSITE ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. K DCCC XXXIII f 6 36-ra. 1233 v. 3 {yJ^H v\sQ W^IL \Xf~ r> 3 Entered according to the Act of Congi\_*<, in the year \tZ:, by W. BEACH, M.D. in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United Stales for the Southern District of New York. >, ■ ■ ■■■ ■ ,......r "■ ,f PART VII. MATERIA MEDICA. ---- I ■ ' £ PART VII. MATERIA MEDICA. SECTION 1. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. By the term Materia Medica, we understand that part of medical science which treats of the nature, composition, and relation of the Various substances which are employed in the prevention, cure, and mitigation of diseases: also the effects of chose substances on the hu- man body. It embraces Botany, Chemistry, and Natural History. Order or Arrangement. It is generally customary, in treating on this branch of medi- cine, \o divide the various remedies, or agents, into classes. But as every plant possesses several or many properties, and cannot be classed into any definite medical order, but belong to several at the same time ; the alphabetical arrangement is adopted in preference. The following is the order which are adhered to in this work. 1st. Articles are treated of which are purely vegetable, such as medicinal plants, roots, bark, &c. 2nd. Minerals, certain salts, &c. Season of Collecting Vegetable Medicines. 1st. Roots.—Roots must be collected in the spring, before the sap begins to rise, or in the fall after the top is dead. 2nd. Barks.—Barks may be stripped from the tree or shrub any time when the sap prevents it from adhering to the wood. The exte- rior portion must be shaved off; the bark then cut thin, and dried in the shade. 3rd. Medicinal Plants.—Medicinal plants should be collected while in blossom, and also dried in the shade; their virtues, however, are not essentially diminished any time before frost appears. A 4 Materia Medico. 4th, Flowers and Seeds.—Flowers and seeds should be collected when they are fully ripe, and likewise dried in the shade. All veget- ables after having been dried should be kept from the air, and preserved air tight, or in a dry place. In this way they may be preserved for many years, without losing any of their medicinal properties. The me- thod adopted by the society of Shakers, is admirably adapted to pre- serve them. They press roots, plants, &c, after having been properly dried, by means of a screw, into cakes, which are very handsome, and their flavour and virtues remain unimpaired. On the Preparation or Composition of Articles. It Is scarcely possible to administer remedies in the same state as furnished by nature; their form, volume, hardness, their state of impurity, &c. prevents it. It is consequently necessary to submit them to certain preparations, either in order to change their state, or develope and render more sensible their virtues, or finally to impart to them some new properties by combining these articles with others. It is by means of comminution, extraction, solution, mixture, tincture, and combination, that these objects are attained. ECTION 1L OF THE PROXIMATE PRINCIPLES OF VEGETABLES. The ultimate analysis of the vegetable substances belonging to the Materia Medica is seldom of utility, since we can scarcely ever discover any relation between the composition and the medicinal powers of the substance analysed. The application of chemistry, therefore, to the vegetable substances belonging to the Materia Medica, is, in a great measure, confined to the discrimination of their vegetable proximate principles. These principles are numerous and of very different kinds. They are not all to be met with in every vegetable, or in every period of vegetation; some exist only in certain plants, and that only in their state of vigor or maturity; at other times, they are to be found only in particular organs; others are diffused through the whole substance of the vegetable j and mixed more or less intimately with all its parts • and some are nearly peculiar to certain vegetables, while others are common to almost every plant. Those only need here be pointed out which are connected with medicinal properties. These principles are the products of vegetation from a common juice or sap, which circulates freely through every part of the vegetable rystem, being supplied by absorption from the soil, and, perhaps from the atmosphere. It varies in its qualities, particularly according to the season, and the progress of the plant to maturity : frequently too, it has an intermixture of the proper juices; it always contains the usual elements of vegetable matter, with generally saline substances, having principally lime for their base. Materia Medka. 6 Gum.—The first transition of the 6ap appears to be into mucilage, or gum, one of the proximate principles contained in'greatest abun- dance in vegetables. Gum is the name given to the principle when it is obtained in a concrete state ; Mucilage is the name given to it as expressed in a liquid state, or extracted by maceration in water. This principle is found in all young plants, in a greater or less quantity; and is often so abundant in the plant as to be discharged by sponta- neous exudation. It abounds also in their roots, stalks, and leaves, and especially in their seeds ; it is an inodorous, insipid, and glutinous substance, soluble in water in every proportion, and forming with it a thick viscid solution, which, by evaporation, affords a tenacious mass, that when dried again is soluble, and very brittle. Exposed to heat, it is neither fusible nor volatile. It is not inflammable; for although, when heated in contact with atmospheric air, it combines with oxygen; it emits no flame. Gum is usually obtained either by spontaneous exudation, or by incisions made in the trunks and branches of trees. It is more or less pure as it is obtained from different plants. Its exist- ence in vegetables is detected by boiling gently the vegetable sub- stance with water; the water dissolves the gum, and if much of that principle be present, the solution is glutinous. It may be allowed to remain till the impurities have subsided ; if it then be allowed to evaporate to the consistence of thin syrup, the addition of three parts of alcohol will separate the whole of the gum in flakes. Pure gum is not an active substance, considered with respect to its effect on the living system. In medicine it is only used for its lubricat- ing quality ; and so little activity does it exert, that it has often been taken for a considerable time as an article of food. In pharmacy, it is used as a medium to combine balsams, resins, and oils with water. Though pure gum is inactive, yet the virtues of many vegetables depend on a gummy or mucilaginous matter. Fecula, is a principle approaching in several of its characters to gum. Like it, it is soluble in hot water, and forms a viscid glutinous solution ; but it is at once distinguished by being perfectly insoluble in cold water. It exists principally in the tuberoze roots and grami- neous seeds. It is extracted by beating the dried root or seed with a large quantity of water : the liquid soon becomes milky from the diffusion of a white powder through it. On being poured from the remaining vegetable matter, and allowed to remain at rest, this powder is deposited, and when washed and dried is the Fecula of the plant. It is generally mild and insipid, of a white colour, with a peculiar kind of brilliancy, and is soft to the touch. Starch is the fecula of wheat, andjis the most abundant part of that grain. Fecula is insoluble in alcohol; it is highly nutritive, and is usually contained in those plants which serve as food. It is sometimes employed in its pure state in medicine, on account of its nutritive quality and from being easy of digestion ; Sago and Sallop are substances of this kind. Gluten.—This principle is usually associated with fecula, and is obtained in the process in which the fecula is separated. It then appears as a viscous, elastic, and fibious-like substance, which, from its resemblance to the animal product, named Gluten, has been deno- minated Vegetable Gluten. It U obtained from the Sour of wheat in & Materia Medica. greatest abundance ; the flour is made into a paste with water, which being compressed by the hand, while a stream of water falls upon it; the fecula is carried off in the state of powder ; the mucilaginous and saccharine parts of the grain are dissolved by the water, and there remains 'a tenacious ductile mass forming the gluten. It has scarcely any taste, is of a greyish colour, and when dried is semi-transparent. It is insoluble in water; and is dissolved in very small quantities by alcohol. It contains a larger proportion,of nitrogen than any vegetable product does, and it is supposed to render those vegetables in which it is present highly nutritive. Saccharine Matter.—This exists in many vegetable substances, especially in their fruits and roots, but often intimately united with their mucilaginous and extractive matter. When freed from these its taste is sweet, without any peculiar.flavour; it is soluble in water and in alcohol. By the action of nitric acid, it is converted into oxalic acid. Oil is a common proximate principle of vegetable matter; it is of two kinds, expressed or fat oil, and distilled, volatile or essential oil. These have the common qualities of unctuosity and inflammability ; but they also possess peculiar properties by which they are distin- guished as species. The expressed, fat, or fixed oils,rare thick and unctuous, insipid and inodorous. They congeal on exposure to cold, are lighter than water, and insoluble in that liquid; they are likewise insoluble in alcohol, except in minute quantity; and they combine with the alkalies, forming soap. They are not volatalized at the temperature of 212 deg.: some require to be raised 600 deg. to make them boil, and the condensed oil is changed in its properties. These oils are contained in the seeds and fruit of vegetables, at the period of their maturity. They are extracted by expression or decoction with water; they are frequently impreg- nated with part of the extractive, mucilaginous, or resinous parts, which the seed or fruits contain ; from which they derive colour, and, in many cases a peculiar taste and odour, and even, perhaps, certain medicinal powers. They are mild and emollient, and ure Used, princi- pally for their qualities. They are rendered mixablc with water by the medium of gum or sugar, or by the addition of a small quantity of an alkali. Volatile, or essential oils, have characteristic properties different from those of expressed oils. They are volatile at a low temperature and are entirely and quickly converted into a vapour at the heat of boilino- water without being decomposed ; they are soluble in a small propo£ tion in water, and hence the taste and flavour which water receives from many vegetables by distillation. In alcohol they are completely soluble ; they are generally odoriferous, pungent, and even acrid • they are more highly inflammable thau the fixed oils. ' Resin.—This principle is in some measure connected with essential oil, and in plants, is of en united with ii, r.s well as with other princi- ples. Some vegetables, however, exude juices which concrete into a matter entirely resinous, and it is from these that thr character' the substances belonging to this genus are tak:n. The distinguishing properties of a resin, are its existing in a solid state, being insoluble hi water, but soluble in alcohol, ether, and oil; the solution in ether or Materia Medica-. 7 alcohol, is decomposed by water: resins are in general odorous and sapid, though neither of these qualities is essential to a pure resin; they are inflammable, and burn with much smoke ; at a temperature nearly that of boiling water they melt; but they cannot be volatilized without being decomposed. The existence of a resin in a vegetable is discovered by infusing it in alcohol: this dissolves it if any is present, and it can then be precipitated from the solution by the addition of water. Balsams are resinous juices with an intermixture generally of essential oil, and containing always a portion of the acid named Ben- zoic acid. They are usually thick and tenacious, becoming by age concrete. They are odorous and pungent, principally from the essen- tial oil they contain. A principle of considerable importance in the phamaceutic rela- tions, which is supposed to constitute the acting matter of many vegetables, is what has been named, extract or extraction matter. Its leading character is, that it is soluble equally in pure water and in alcohol. By this property it is distinguished both from gum and resin, the one being insoluble in water, the other in alcohol. This principle is supposed to be the base of what are named extracts of plants, preparations formed by boiling vegetables in water, and eva- porating the clear liquid to a thick consistence. Tannin.—The important medicinal property of astringency, ap- pears to be dependent, in vegetable substances, on a peculiar principle called Tannin. This principle exists in all the powerful vegetable astringents. It is extracted by maceration with water, and is de- tected in the infusion by a peculiar test, that of the animal principle denominated gelatine. If a solution of gelatine is adapted to the in- fusion, it become turbid, and a precipitate is thrown down, composed of the tannin and gelatine in combination. Vegetable Acids.—The acid formed in the juice and otherparts of plants, is not always the same. Not less than seven acids, different from each other, are of vegetable original, viz: Gallic, Oxalic, Malic, Citric, Tartaric, Benzoic, and Acetic. Camphor.—Is a proximate principle found in some vegetables, similar in many of its properties to essential oil. It is a solid sub- stance, of a white colour, semi-transparent, having a strong peculiar smell, and a penetrating taste. It is very sparingly soluble in water, but is abundantly soluble in alcohol, from these solutions it is precipitated by water. Wax.—Though wax is a substance formed by the bee, yet it is always a produce of vegetation. It is yielded by the leaves and fruit, and it is sometimes intimately mixed with resin, gum, or extrac- tive matter of plants. It is insoluble in water, and is soluble in very small quantity, by the aid of heat in alcohol: it combines with the fixed oils and melts at a moderate heat in oil. Albumen—This principle has been supposed to exist in vegetables, and has been called albumen, from its resemblance to the animal principle of that name. It ig soluble in cold water; its solution 8 Materia Medica. being coagulated also by heat. Like gluten it is liable to pwtrefac tion, and furnishes a large quantity of ammonia by distillation. This principle has, however, been regarded, and perhaps justly, as a variety of gluten. A few more competent parts might he named, but it is deemed unnecessary. SECTION III. TERMS OF CLASSIFICATION. In the arrangement of subjects in this work, the alphabetical order has been adopted, as the most convenient for reference, rather than the pharmaceutical division of simples from compounds, or the more common arrangement by classes, adopted in various works on the Materia Medica. The alphabetical order enables'us to concentrate in > one view, all that is said on a medicine and its principal pre- parations. It may be expected, however, that a treatise on Materia Medica should contain some explanation of the mode in which medicines are most commonly arranged; and it is necessary to give definitions, at least of such general terms as continually occur among writers on medical science. Various terms have been introduced into medicine, as indicative both of general and particular kinds of operation, either in health or disease; and those medicines which produce similar operations, have been placed in the same classes or orders. The fol- lowing are the classes, and the definitions generally given: Narcotics Are substances which diminish the actions and powers of the sys- tem, without occasioning any sensible evacuation. They have the effect of producing sleep. Antispasmodics Are medicines which have the power of allaying irritation and spasms. Tonics Are those articles which increase the tone of the animal fibre, by which strength is given to the system. Astringents Are articles which have the power of binding ot contracting the fibres of the body. Emetics Are medicines which excite vomiting, independent of any effect arising from the mere quantity of matter introduced into the stomach. Purgatives or Cathartics. Medicines which increase the peristaltic motion of the intestines and thereby produce a preternatural discharge. Materia Medica. 9 Emmenagogues Are those medicines which are capable of promoting the menstrual ■discharge. Diuretics Are those medicines which increase the urinary discharge. Diaphoretics Are those medicines which increase the natural exhalation by the skin, or promote moderate perspiration. Sudorifics Are those medicines which produce copious exhalations, or sweat. ing. Expectorants Are those medicines which increase the discharge of mucus from the lungs. Sialgogues Are those medicines which excite a preternatural flow of saliva. Errhines Are those medicines which increase the secretion from the nose and head, and excite sneezing. Epispastics, or Blisters Are those substances which, when applied to the surface of the body, produce a serous or puriform discharge, by exciting a previous state of inflammation. Rubefacients. Substances, which, when applied to the skin, stimulate, redden, or inflames it. Refrigerants, Medicines which allay the heat of the body or of the blood. Antacids, Remedies which obviate acidity in the stomach. Lithontriptics, Medicines which are supposed to have the power of dissolving urinary concretions in the bladder. Escharotics, or Caustics, Substances which corrode or dissolve the animal solids. Anthelmintics, Medicines which have the effect of expelling worms from the intes- tines. Demulcents, Medicines which obviate and prevent the action of stimulating and B* 10 Materia Mediea. acrid substances, by involving them in a mild and viscid matter, which prevents their action on the body. Diluents, Those medicines which increase the fluidity of the blood. Emollients, Substances which soothe and relax the living fibre. Alteratives. This term is applied to substances which are found to promote a change in the system favourable to recovery from disease, but not with certainty referable to any other class. SECTION IV. CLASSIFICATION OF ARTICLES. The various articles composing the Materia Medica may be classed, or divided as follows : 1st. ] Medicin al Plants. 2nd. k Roots. 3rd. k Flowers. 4th. ii Seeds. 5th. u Extracts. 6th. n Barks. 7th. u Gums. 8th. ii Oils and Balsams. Sth. ii Salts. 10th. " Minerals. 11th. " Earthy Substances A GLOSSARY OP BOTANICAL TERMS USED IN THIS WORK. A Abortive. Defective. Not arriving to perfection. Abrupt. Terminating suddenly, so as to appear as if a part was cut or bitten off. A pinnate leaf is abrupt when it does not terminate with an odd leaf. Acuminate. When any part terminates suddenly in a point which is inclined to one side. Acute. Terminating in a sharp point. Adnate. Adhering or growing together. Aggregated. Crowded together in one receptacle without united an- thers, as in compound flowers. Alternate. On opposite sides of the stem, and at different distances from its base: this relation repeated at nearly regular intervals. Ament. A simple peduncle bearing numerous chaffy scales, which serve as calyces. The chesnut is an example. Angiispermla. The seeds inclosed in a capsule. The name of the second order of the thirteenth class. Angular. Having angles. Annual. Springing up, perfecting fruit, and dying the same year. Anther. The top part or knob of the stamen which contains the pollen. Apex. The point end opposite the place of insertion. Approximate. Growing near each other. Arboreous. Tree-like. Ascending. Rising gradually between a horizontal and perpendicular direction. Aion. A short slender process proceeding from the top or back of glumes. Aionless. Devoid of awns. Axil. The hollow or angle formed by the meeting of thejaetiole with the stem, or a branch with the main stem. Axillary. Growing from the axils. 12 Glossary. B Barren. Producing no ripe seed. Base. The part nearest the point of attachment. Beaked. Terminated by a process resembling a bird's 1.1- Beard. Parallel hairs. Bell-form. Swelling out at the base in the form of a bell. Biennial., Springing up from the seed, one year comes to perfection, bears seed, and dies the next. Bifad. Divided into two parts. Bract. A floral leaf. A thin leaf-like appendage to some flowers, lying under or interspersed in the flowers ; it is generally different in co- lour and shape from the true leaves of the plant. Branchlet. A twig. Bulb. Fleshy and roundish, as the onion. C Cadueus. Any part of a plant which falls off earlier than is usual for similar parts in most of plants. Calyx. The external covering of the flower surrounding the corol; it is mostly green. Campanulale. See bell-form. Capitate. Growing in heads. Capsule. That kind of pericarp which opens by valves, and when ripe becomes dry : not including siliques, nor legumes. Caulescent. Having a stalk or stem besides the peduncle or scape. Cauline. Belonging to the stem. Cell. The cavity of a pericarp or anther. Chaffy. Having or bearing chaff. Ciliate. Edged with parallel hairs resembling eye-lashes. Class. The highest division in natural history. Classes are divided into orders, orders into genera, genera into species. Linnaus divided plants into twenty-four classes, but since his day botanists have reduced them to twenty-one. Clasping. A sessile leaf with the two lobes partly surrounding the stem. Claio. The lower and narrow parts of a petal, by which it is attached to the receptacle or calyx. This can exist only in polypetalous corols. Climbing. Ascending by means of tendrils or rootlets. It differs from twining. Coloured. Any colour except green ; as, in botanical language, green is no colour. Common. That part which serves to include or sustain several parts similar among themselves. Compound Flowers. When several florets are comprised within one receptacle, each having united anthers. Compound Leaves. When several lcafets grow en one petiole. Compressed. Flattened. Conglomerate. Consisting of a number of small heads. Glossary. IS Conical. In the shape of a cone. x - Connate. Opposite leaves with their bases growing together, so as to appear but one leal'; as the Eupatorium Perfoliatum. Connivant. Bending towards each other. Converging* Zordate. Heart-shaped, with the lobes at the base. Coriaceous. Leathery. Corol. The inner delicate covering of the flower, which generally con- stitutes its principal ornament. Corymb. The general appearance is like an umbiliferous flower, from which it differs by having its peduncles springing up at different distances down the main stem ; as the Yarrow. Creeping. Running along in a horizontal direction, sending off rootlets. Crenate. Scolloped on the margin: the notches point neither to the apex nor ba.-e. Crenulate. Finely crenate. Crested. Having an appendage similar to a cock's comb in shape. Croxoned. Having hairs, feathers, or some other appendage on the top of the seeds ; as the dandelion, (Leontadon). Cruciform. Having four petals disposed in the form of a cross. Criptogamia. The name of the twenty-first class. This includes those plants whose stamens are not manifest even by the aid of the mi- croscope. Cuculate. When the edges meet in the lower part, and expand above, so as to form a hood or sheath. Cuneate. Wedge-form. Cylindrical. Shaped similar to a cylinder. Cyme. The general appearance is like an umbiliferous flower, with which it agrees by having the stalks springing from a common cen- tre ; but disagrees in having those stalks irregularly subdivided.— The Elder is an example. D Decandria. Ten males. Ten stamened. The name of the tenth class, which includes all perfect flowers with ten distinct stamens. It is also the name of the tenth order, in those classes in which the cha- racters of the first twelve classes are taken for orders. Deciduous. Falling off in the usual season ; for similar parts to fall off. Not perennial. Declined. Curved downwards. Decompound. Doubly-compound. Decurrent. When two edges of a leaf proceed down the stem below the points of insertion, and become projecting wings, it is termed decur- rent. Dentate. Having projections of its own substance, which are neither serratures nor crenatures. Denticulate. Having very small teeth. Diadhelphia. Two brotherhoods. The name of the sixteenth class, which includes those flowers that have their stamens united by their filaments into one or two sets, and have papilionaceous corols. Diandric. Two males. Two stamened. The name of the second 14 Glossary. class, which comprises all those plants whose flowers are perfect; having two^stamens not growing in the pistil. It is also the name of the second order in those classes in which the characters of the first twelve classes are taken for orders. Dickotomous. Forked in pairs. Didynamia. Two overpowering others. The name of the thirteenth class ; it includes all those plants, which have perfect flowers, with four stamens, two longer than the other two, and the corols labiate. Didynamous. Approaching to the class Didynamia. Digynia. Two females. Having two pistils. The name of the second order of such of the first twelve classes, known by the flower having two pistils. Dicecia. Occupying two houses. The name of the twentieth class ; the plants belonging to this class have imperfect flowers, the male and female flowers grow on different plants of the same species. Disk. The whole surface of a leaf, or the top of a compound flower, in opposition to margin or periphery. Diverging. Branches proceeding from the stem, so as to form nearly right angles with it. Doubly-pinnate. The general petiole with a second range, bearing pin- nate leafets arranged on each side of them. Doubly-ternate. When the petiole is ternate, and each one has three leaves. Doubly-toothed. Having the teeth dentate. Drupaceous. Bearing drupes. Drupe. That kind of a pericarp which is a thick, fleshy or cartilagin- ous coat, covering a nut or stone. E Egret. The down remaining on the top of the seed. Eliptic. In the form of anelipse. Emarginate. Notched at the termination of the midrib. Enneandria. Nine males. Nine stamened. The name of the ninth class. It includes all those plants whose flowers are perfect with nine stamens in each. The number of stamens are very variable in many of the plants belonging to this class. Ensiform. In the shape of a sword. Entire. Continued without interruption. Undivided. Erect. Upright, not drooping. Exsert. Standing or protruding out. F Fascicle. It, differs very little from the corymb, except the flower stalks are much shorter : the Sweetwilliam is an example. Female. See Pistillate. Ferruginous. The color of iron rust. Fertile-flow tr. Pistillate. Bearing seed. Filament. That part of the stamen which extends from its insertion to the anther, supporting the latter. When this part is wanting the anthers are sessile. Glossary. " 15 Filices. Theftrst order of the twenty-first class ; it includes all ferns. The plants belonging to this order bear ther fruit on the leaves. Filiform. Thread-like. Fleshy. Thick and pulpy. Flexuous. Binding. Floral. Relating or belonging to a flower. Floret. A little flower. One of the number which constitutes a com- pound flower, whether it be large or small. Foliaceous. Having abundance of leaves. Follicle. A pericarp with one valve which opens longitudinally, as the asclepias. Funnel-Form. In the form of a funnel. G Genus—Includes a number of plants which agree with each other in the structure of the flowers and fruit. Genera are divided into species. Germ. The part of the pistil which, after the reception of the pollen, soon enlarges, and contains the rudiment of a young plant or more. The whole substance finally becomes the pericarp and seed. Gibbous. Swelled out. When one or both sides are swelled out. Glabrous. Sleek, having no pubscence. Gland. A roundish appendage, which serves for secretion and trans- piration. Glaucous. Covered with a greenish mealing, which is easily rubbed off. Globose. Spherical. Glume. Chaffy scales which surround and inclose the stamens and pistils of the flowers and grasses. Gymnospermia. The name of the first order of the thirteenth class ; it includes those plants which have naked seeds. Gynandria. Stamen and pistil united. The name of the eighteenth class ; it comprises all those plants which have their stamens insert- ed on the pistil, separate from the base of the corol. H Halbert-shaped. A leaf, having acute processes proceeding from each margin at the base, as the sorrel leaf. > Head. Flowers heaped together in a roundish form, having either very short or no peduncles, as the clover. Hemispherical. Semi-globular. Herbaceous. Not woody. Perishing annually. Hermaphrodite. A perfect flower. Hexandria. Six males. Six stamened. The name of the sixth class; it includes all those plants which have perfect flowers, with six sta- mens, neither situated on the pistil, united by their filaments into one or two sets, nor have four stamens always longer than the other two. it is also vie name of the sixth order of those classes which taice tha chsjracwr of tee first twelve classes for orders. Hfriuie. Covered with stiffhairs. 16 Glossary. Hoary. Having a whitish colour, arising from bein^Lgovered with mealy scales. v . Horizontal. Parallel to the horizon, as the Blood-root, (Sangulnaria.) Horn. An elongated process from the base, or near it, of the calyx, corol or nectary; the Larkspur is an example. I—J Jagged. Irregularly divided, cut or torn. Iconsandria. The name of the eleventh class ; which includes all plants bearing perfect flowers, with the number of stamens exceeding ten, and inserted on the calyx, as the apple, pear, rose, &c. Imbricate. Leaves, scales, &c, lying over each other, as the shingles of a house. Incurved. Bent inwards. Inferior. When a calyx, or a corol, comes out below the germ, it is inferior. Inflated. Appearing as if blown up with air. Interrupted. When a spike has leaves or small flowers interposed at different intervals. Involucrum. See Involucre. Involucre. A kind of leafy calyx, coming out some distance below the flower, and never enclosing it like a spathe. K Kidney-form. Hollowed out at the base with roundish lobes at the end3. L Labiate. Having lips. Lamina. The upper broad part of a petal of a polypetalous corol. Lanceolate. Lance-form. When the length greatly exceeds the breadth, with a gentle taper from the base to the apex. Leqfiet. One of the constituent leaves of a compound leaf. Lezume. A pod, without a partition running lengthways, and having the seeds attached to one edge only. Ligulaie. That kind of flower which consists of a strap-like petal which is tubular at the base only. Linear. Maintaining the same breadth throughout the whole length. Lipped. Having lips. Lobe. A division which is parted off by a rounded or curved incision. Longitudinally. Lengthways. M. Male. Staminate. Margin. The circumference, or border. Midrib. The middle rib of a leaf, running from the peticle to the apex. Monadelphia. One brotherhood. The name of the fifteenth class • it comprises all plants having perfect flowers, with their stamen* Glossary. 17 united by their filaments into one set, and their flowers not papilion- aceous. Monandria One male. Having one stamen. The name of the first class; it includes all those plants which have perfect flowers, with one stamen each, not situated on the pistil. It is also the name of the first order in those classes, which take the character of the first twelve classes for orders. Monoecia. Occupying one house. The name of the nineteenth class; it includes those plants which have imperfect flowers: but the sta- mens and pistils grow on the same plant in different flowers. Monogynia. One female. One styled. The name of the first order in the first thirteen classes; it includes all plants belonging to those classes whose flowers have one style. Monopetalous. Having only one petal Mucronate. Having a rounded end, terminated by a prickle, which re- sembles the continuation of the midrib. Muricate. Covered, or armed with prickles. N Nectary. That part of the flower which secretes honey. Nerves. Rib-like fibres, running from the base of the leaf towards the apex. Nectariferous. Bearing nectaries. Producing honey. Nodding. Whatever is applied to droops, or hangs down. 0 Obcordate. Cordate, with the point attached to the petiole : as in the common sorrel. Oblong. Having the length about double the breadth, and the side nearly parallel. Obovate. Ovate, with the base smallest. Obsolete. When teeth, serratures, &c, are nearly obscure, and appear as if worn out. Obtuse. Having the apex rounded. Blunt. Octandria. Eight males. Eight stamened. The name of the eighth class ; it includes all those plants which have perfect flowers, with eight stamens to each, not growing on the pistil; nor united into one or two sets by their filaments. It is also the name of the eighth order in those classes, in which the characters of the first twelve classes are taken for orders. Orbicular. Nearly circular. Order. The division of a class. Oval. The length exceeding the breadth, having the heads equal, and rounded similar, and the sides curved the whole length. Ovate. Egg-shaped, with the base largest. P Palmate. Deeply divided, and spreading, so as to resemble a hand with the fingers spread. e* I.- Glossary. Panicled. In panicles. Panicle. When the peduncles along the main peduncle of a raceme are divided, and the flowers hang loose, it is named a panicle: Oats are an example. Papilionaceous. Butterfly-form. Resembling a butterfly in shape: as the peaflower. Pedate. With narrow divisions, which run down almost to the stem, and resemble the hand, with spread fingers, or a bird's foot, from the latter it derives its name. Pedicel. A foot stalk. A partial peduncle. Pediceiled. Having a pedicel. Ptdii.-n-:ed. Having a peduncle. Peduncle. A flower stalk, which does not spring up naked from the root. Pedunctdous. Partaking of the character of a peduncle. Peltate. Having the petiole, or style, attached to the underside of the leaf, or stigma, instead of the margin. Pcn.'ugynia. Five males. Five styled. The name of the fifth order of the first twelve classes ; it includes all plants belonging to these orders which have, five pistils. Petandria. Five males. Fi e stamened. The name of the fifth class, which comprises all perfect flowers that have five stamens not grow- ing on the pistil. Perennial. Continuing longer than two years. Perfectfiower. Hermaphrodite. Having both pistils and stamens. Perfoliate. Perforating a leaf. Pericarp. Any kind of a seed vessel, or substance containing seed. Permanent. Any part of a plant, which hangs on longer than is usual for similar parts in most of plants. Persistant. Any part of a plant, which remains longer than is usual for similar parts in most of plants. Directly opposite to Caducous. Petal. A coloured leaf of a coiol. PetalluK Having petals. Petiole. The foot stalk of a leaf. Petioled. Having petioles. Peliolate. Having a petiole. Pinnate. Having distinct leaflets arranged along the opposite sides of a simple petiole. Pinnatifid. This differs from pinnate, by segments of leaves, instead of leaflets', arranged along the midrib. Pistil. The female genital organ of plants ; it'is situated in the centre of a perfect flower. It consists of the germ' style, and stigma : but the style is frequently wanting : then the sligma is sessile. Pistillate. Having pistils, without stamens. Plaited. Folded somewhat similar to a fan when nearly full spread Pollen. A yellow mealy substance, contained within the cells of the anthers. Polyaadria. Many males. Many stamened. The name of the twelfth class. Comprising all those plants whose flowers are perfect havino- more than ten stamens placed in the receptacle. Also the name of the twelfth order in those classes in which the character of the first Glossary. 19 twelve classes are taken for orders. And those plants which are very variable in regard to the number of their stamens. Polygamia AZgualis. The first order of the seventeenth class. The florets of the disk and of the ray are all perfect. Polygamia Superfi.ua. The second order of the seventeenth class. The florets of the disk are perfect, those of the ray, pistillate. Polygamous. Inclining to the class Polygamia. This class, however, is abolished. Polygynia. The name of the thirteenth order. It includes those plants belonging to the first twelve classes, whose styles or sessile stigmas, exceed ten, Polypelalous. Having more than one petal. Pome. A pulpy pericarp, without valves, containing the capsule,: as the apple, pear, and quince. Pubescent. Hairy. Having hair or down. Punctate. Dotted. a Quadrangular. Having four corners or angles. Quinate. Having five leaflets on one petiole. R Raceme. That manner of flowering, wherein the floret.? are arranged on pedicels along the side of a general peduncle : as in currants. Radiatmg. Spreading out from around the margin. Radical. Proceeding directly from the root. Ray. The outer margin of a compound flower. Receptacle. The end of the peduncle, in which is inserted the other parts of the flower. Refiexed. Bent back, so as nearly or quite to touch the stem or pe- duncle. Reniform. Kidney-shaped. Repand. When bordered by teeth separated by small segments of cir- cles. Waved. Repent. Creeping. Retuse. See Emorginate. Reversed. Bent back towards the base. Revolute. Rolled back. Applied to a leaf when the opposite margins are rolled back till the rolls meet at the midrib. Rugose. Wrinkled. Runcinate. Pinnatifid, with the divisions pointing backwards Saggitate. Shaped like an arrow head; differing from Cordate, by having its lobes acute. Salver-form. A monopetalous corol, having a flat spreading limb pro- ceeding from the top of the tube. Scabrous. Covered with elevations, which are not percepitble to the eye, but are harsh to the touch. 20 Glossary. Scape. A peduncle, springing'immediately from the root, and devoid of leaves. Segment. The parts into which a leaf, corol, petal, &c, is divided or cut. Serrate. Having the margin notched, appearing as if cut, and pointing towards the apex. Serrulate. When a serrate leaf has its teeth serrate again ; it is also applied to leaves with extremely small serratures. Sessile. When a leaf or a flower, &c. is destitute of a petiole or pedun- cle, &c, it is sessile. Sqtaceus. Resembling a bristle in proportion and size. Silicle A Silique, whose length and breadth are nearly equal. Siliculosa. The name of the first order of the fourteenth class; it includes those plants which have a silicle, whose length is never double its breadth. Silique. That kind of a pod which has a longitudinal partition, to which the seeds are attached alternately at each edge. Simple. Undivided. Sinuate. Having the margin hollowed out by rounded incisions: as the oak leaf. Solitary. Standing alone. Spadix. An elongated receptacle, proceeding generally from a spathe or sheath. In the Arum Triphyllum it emerges from the spathe ; but in the Acorus Calamus the spadix is destitute of a sheath. Spathe. The kind of calyx which first incloses the flower, but after it expands it is left at a distance below it. Species. The lowest division in the vegetable kingdom. Spike. Having florets arranged along the sides of a general peduncle or receptacle, with either very short or no peduncles. Spiked. In spikes. Spine. A thorn. Stamen. The male genital organ of plants ; in perfect flowers it is situated next to the pistil. It generally consists of a filament and an anther ; the latter contains the pollen. Staminate. Having stamens without pistils. Staminiferous. See Staminate. Stigma. The top of the pistil. Siip/'Iar. Having connection with, or formed of stipule. Stipule. A leaefli or scale, near or at the point of insertion of the petiole. Striate. Marked or grooved with small lines. Strobile. An ament, with woody scales: as the fruit of the pine. Style. The part of the pistil between the germ and the stigma. ' Sub-cordate. Somewhat heart-shaped. Sub-dentate. Somewhat toothed. Sub-globidar. Somewhat roundish. Sub-radical. Somewhat radical. Sub-serrulate. Somewhat serrulate. Sub-sessile. Nearly sessile. Subulate. Linear at the base, and becoming sharp and more or le curved to one side at the point. Succulent. Juicy ; also applied to pulpy leaves. Glossary. 21 Superior. When a calyx or a corol comes out from the upper part of the germ, it is superior. Syngenesia. Anthers growing up together in an united tubular set. The name of the seventeenth class, which comprises all those plants whose flowers are compound, having the anthers (which are five in number in each floret,) adnate, so as to form a tube. T Terminal. Proceeding from or occupying the extremity of a branch or twig, &c. Ternate. In threes. Tett-adynamia. Four stamens in superiority over the other two. The name of the fourteenth class, which comprises all plants whose flowers uniformly have six stamens with four longer than the other two, and cruciform coroJs. Telrandri'i. Four males. Four stamened. The name of the fourth class, which comprises all perfect flowers which have four stamens distinct, and not two long and two short ones. Throats. The internal part of a ringent corol, where the tubular part begins to open into lips. Tomentose. Covered with down matted together. Tootht d. See Dentate. Tooth-serrate. Partaking of the nature of a serrate and dentate leaf. Triandria. Three males. Three stamened. The name of the third class. It includes all those plants which have perfect flowers, with three stamens each, not "growing on the pistil, Triangular. In the form of a triangle. Three cornered. Trichotomous. Three-forked. Tricuspidate. Three-pointed, each point ending in a bristle or prickle, or a straight simple point. Trified. Divided into three parts. Trigynia. Three styled. The name of the third order in the first twelve classes ; it includes all the plants belonging to those orders which have three pistils. Truncate. The end appearing as if cut off: as the end of the Tulip- tree. Tuberous. Roots, which are thick and fleshy, but not of a regular globular form : as the potato. Tvlndnus. The corol of a compound flower which forms a tube, not a hgulate floret. Twining. Ascending by winding around: as the Heamulus Lupulus, (Hop). U Umbel. That manner of flowering, in which the flowering stems diverge from one common centre, like three braces of an umbrella; if these stems be again subdivided, a partial umbel'is formed Umbiliferous. Bearing umbels. 22 Glossary. Unarmed. Having neither thorns nor prickles. Undulate. Waved. V Veined. Having ribs or tendinous fibres, variously branched. Ventricose. Inflated. Bellied out. Vexillum. The upper petal of a papilionaceous flower. Villose. Covered with soft whitish hairs. W Wheel-shaped. Wheel-form. A monopetalous corol, with a spreading border, and having an extremely short tube. Whorl. Leaves or flowers disposed in a circular manner around a stem. Whorled. Surrounding the stem at intervals. No. 1. ASOLEPIAS TUBEROFA. PLEURISY ROOT. No 1. ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA. The Root. English Name—Orange Swallow-Wort. Vulgar Names—Pleurisy Root, Butterfly-Weed, Flux-Root, Wind-Root, White-root, Silk-weed, Canada-Root, &c. Botanical Character.; Class V.—PETANDRIA. Order II.—DIG YNIA. Gewws—Asclepias—Follicles 2 : Corol, 1 petalled, inferior: reflect- ed : nectaries 5, ovate, concave ; each putting out a little horn. Species,— Tubekosa—Leaves alternate, oblong, lanceolate, sessile ; umbels forming a terminal corymb ; stem erect, hairy, spreading at the top of flowers ; a bright orange colour. Description. Root perennial, large fleshy while of variable form, fulsiform, crook- ed or branched ; many stems, either erect, ascending, or procumbent; round, hairy, green, or red. Leaves scattered, sessile, or on short foot stocks ; very hairy, pale beneath, entire or undulate, oblong or lanceo- late, or nearly linear, obtuse or acute ; the flowers are received by long slender pods, containing the seed, to which is attached a kind of silk ; flowers erect, and of a bright orange colour. History. This plant is easily known by its bright orange-coloured flowers b ossoming in July and August ; it is a very ornamental plant' although inodorous. All the Asclepias are milky, but this is less than the others. They all produce a fine glossy and silky down which has been used for beds, hats, cloth, and paper. Locality. It is found throughout the United States, but it grows more abun- dantly in the Southern States ; it prefers open situations, poor and gravelly soils, along gravelly streams, and on hills ; but is rarely to be met with in rich and loamy soils. Quality. The root when dry, is brittle, and easily to be reduced to powder • it is somewhat bitter, but not unpleasant ; it contains a bitter extract' ivc and fecula, both soluble in boiling water. When fresh, the root, as well as the whole plant, is rather unpleasant, sub-acrid, and nau- seous. 24 Materia Medica and Medical Botany. Medical Properties. Subtonie, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Diuretic or Astringent, Laxative Carminative, Antispasmodic, $c. It is a valuable popular remedy, and a mild sudorific, acting safely, without producing any stimulating effect upon the body. Its action is specifically upon the lungs, to assist suppressed expectoration, and to relieve the difficult breathing of patients labouring under Pleurisy. It appears, likewise, to exert a sort of mild tonic effect, as well as sti- mulant power over the excretories. It relieves difficulty of breathing and pains in the chest. It sometimes acts as a mild cathartic, suitable to the complaints of children. In low stages of Typhus and other febrile diseases, it has been known to excite perspiration when other sudorifics have failed ' Dr. Bigelow, in support of the remediate properties of this article, says, " I am satisfied of its utility as an expectorant medicine, and have seen no inconsiderable benefit arise from its use as a palliative in phthisis pulmonalis (consumption)." Dr. Ebeiie, of Philadelphia, in his Therapeutics, speaks very favorably of this article > " having wit- nessed its good effects," says he, " in pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs, and phthisis pulmonalis, (consumption) and injone case of acute rheumatism, I prescribed it with much apparent benefit." It restores the tone of the stomach and digestive powers. It has been given in Asthma, Syphilis, and for Worms. Dr. Burgon, of Bucks' county, Pennsylvania, speaks highly of it in the fever, diarrhoea, and other distressing symptoms accompanying dentition ; he recommends the following mode of administering it:— " Boil two drachms of the root, in a pint of fresh milk, down to three gills ; an ounce of this is to be given two or three times in twenty-four hours. It very seldom fails to produce copious perspiration, and at the same time proves gently laxative." The same Physician recommends it also in the cholera infantum, or the summer complaint, and marasmus. It is also very servicable in flatulent colics. Employment. The doses are from twenty to thirty grains of the powder of the root three times a day, qr about a gill of the strong decoction may be taken as often. A vinous and aqueous infusion are sometimes recommended ; it enters into the Diaphoretic Decoction of our Pharmacy, and used principally for Pleurisy; also into Smith's Colic Powders. I have given a strong tea, or infusion, in Chronic Dysentery, with success. No. 2. ANTIIEMIS NOBILIS. CAMOMILE. Medical Botany. °i9 No. 2. CAMOMILE. The Flowers. Latin Name—Anthemis Nobilis. English Name—Camomile. Botanical Character. Class XVII.—SYNGENESIA. Order II.—POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA. Genus—Anthemis—Receptacle chaffy; florets of the disk herma- phrodite, of the margin female ; all fertile ; seeds generally crowned with a slight border; calyx hemispherical; florets of the ray more than five, oblong. Species—Nobilis—Leaves doubly pinnate; leaflets 3-parted; linear subulate, a little downy. Description. This plant rises near a foot in height. Stem slender, trailing, hairy, of a pale green. Flowers compound, in the centre yellow, in the ray white, standing singly, terminal. Flowers in the ray usually eighteen, strap-shaped, ending in three sharp teeth. Locality. Camomile is a perennial plant, indigenous in the south of England, but cultivated in our gardens for medicinal purposes. History. Camomile flowers in July and August. The flowers have a strong, not ungrateful, aromatic smell, and a very bitter nauseous taste. Their active constituents are bitter extractive, and essential oil. To the latter are to be ascribed their antispasmodic, carminative and diapho- retic effects; to the former their influence in promoting digestion. Properties. Camomile flowers are antispamodic, carminative, tonic, dec. They enter into one of our pectoral preparations ; also into our restorative cordial. The flowers are useful in phthisis pulmonalis, in hysteria, in spasmodic and flatulent colics, in the vomiting of puerperal women, in gout, in intermittents and in typhus fevers. No bitter is more common in the derangement of the stomach and digestive organs. We are told by Dr. Cullen, that Dr. Pitcairn was of the opinion that their powers in intermittents were equal to those of the Peruvian bark. Hoff- man seems to have thought them very effectual, and at the same time a safer remedy. The infusion is used to assist the action of emetics; Camomile flowers boiled down with milk, and applied to Mrs. H.'s neck, cured her of a painful glandular swelling, proceeding from cold. Employment. These flowers may be given in infusion, or tea, which may be drank warm, to promote the action of emetics. It may be taken in wine, in cases of debility, and in the form of tea in pulmonary complaints, and, boiled in vinegar, may be used as a fomentation in painful glandular swellings. They give out their virtues both to water and spirit. Vol. III. D 26 Materia Medica No. 3. WILD CAMOMILE. Latin Name—Anthemis Cotula. English Name—Wild Camomile. Vulgar Names—Mayweed, Dogs-fennel, Dilly, Dilwbep, Fieldweed, &c. Botanical Character. Genus—Anthemis—Flowers compound, radiate. Pefianthe he- mispherical, imbricate; rays above five, female ; phoranthe conical, chaffy; seeds naked. Species—Cotula annual, pubescent, stem angular, furrowed, braced ; leaves bipinnatifid, sessile, carinate ; pirmles, linear, acute. Pe- duncles grooved, naked, thicker above ; chaff bristly; seeds obovate, 4-sided, furrowed. Description. Root annual, crooked, fibrous ; stem and leaves covered with short oppressed woolly hairs ; stem from one to two feet high, erect and very much branched, irregular, angular and striated ; branches corym- bose ; leaves alternate, sessile, flat doubly pinnatifid, or almost pin- nate ; carinate beneath, in the middle; pinnules flat unequal, linear, acute, entire or trifid ; flowers marly, forming a terminal corymb, each on a naked peduncle, erect, grooved and thicker upwards. The central florets of the disk are numerous and of a bright yellow ; those of the rays are Hnguiform, from seven to twelve, and white. Seeds brown, obovate, 4-sided, grooved and tuberculated. History. It blossoms from June to November, affording a profusion of flowers in succession, of the size of camomile, but never double. The whole plant has a strong smell, but not fetid. Locality. Our plant is indigenous, and not naturalized, as mentioned by some botanists. It is spread all over the United States, from Maine to Louisiana, but confined almost everywhere to open fields. It is never found in woods, but delights in the sun, road sides, stony places, old fields, &c. Qualities. Graveolent, bitter and nauseous. The smell of the plant resides in a volatile oil, of a strong graveolent aroma, and diffused throuohout the whole plant, but more concentrated in the flowers. This *oil is bitter, and communicates a bitterish acrid taste to the whole plant Medical Properties. The properties of this article are similar to the common camomile but weaker, and less pleasant to the taste. It may be substituted f ' it with safety. As a tonic, it may be used in all cases where tonics No. 1. ALOE S PIC ATA. aloi:. Medical Botany. 27 are indicated. It is sudorific, stimulant, anodyne, emetic, &c. The external use in fomentations is proper, in white swellings, rheumatism, hysteric fits, suffocations, piles, pains and contusions. It acts always as a sudorific, promoting copious swer. ing, and is very beneficial to assist the action of emetics. In large doses it is emetic, but in small ones it is diaphoretic and gently tonic. It is highly prized by country people, to promote perspiration in many incipient complaints. / Employment. A tumblerful of the infusion may be given three or four times a day; and, to promote perspiration, it may be freely drank, and warm. No. 4. ALOE—Inspissated Juice of the Leaves. Latin Name—Aloe Spicata. English Name—Aloe. Botanical Character. Class VI.—HEXANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYN1A. Genus—Aloe—Corolla erect, inferior, 6-cleft, with an expanded mouth, and a nectariferous base ; calyx 0 : filaments inserted on the receptacle. Species—Spicata—Caulescent; leaves flat, ensiform, toothed ; flowers spiked, campanulate, horizontal. Cafe, the best aloes is prepared from this species. Description. Root fibrous; stem or scape two or three feet high, covered with sharp scales; leaves thick, succulent, from eight to ten inches long, of a green glaucous colour, crowded at the base of the stem ; flowers red, in an elongated spike, hanging, tubular; calix cylindrical; six stamina adherent to the base of the calix; stile terminate with a trilobed stigma. Locality. The aloes is a perennial plant, of which there are many varieties, which grow in the south of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. But Thunberg says, and the Dublin College agree with him, that the finest aloes are prepared from the Aloe Spicatas the second species of Willdenow, which grows at the Cape of Good Hope. Qualities of the Inspissated Juice. In the chemical composition of this article, there appears to be some obscurity : M. Braconnot (Ann. Chim. t. Ixviii.) conceives it to be a substance, sui generis, which he terms " bitter resin," while others regard it as composed of resin, gum and extractive, the proportions of which are supposed to vary in the different species; but that their peculiar virtues reside in the extractive part. 28 Materia Medica. Medical Properties. There are three kinds of aloes in commerce, viz. the socotorine, the hepatic, and the cabaline or horse aloes : this last is used only for horses. The first is the kind generally made use of by physicians. It is a warm stimulating purgative, operating with peculiar force upon the large intestines, and particularly upon the rectum, and by empty. ing the uterus, often producing piles, if given alone. It should never be administered to pregnant women, or persons subject to the hoemor- rhoides, nor to women who are menstruating ; neither in leucorrhoea, or when there is any discharge from the womb. It is good in habitual costiveness, and in obstruction of the menses. It warms the habit, and quickens the circulation. Given in small doses, of from one to two grains, it acts as a tonic upon the alimentary canal, promotes digestion, and assists the regular peristaltic action of the intestines. It has proved effectual in expelling small worms in children. Aloes has been employed externally in the weakness of the eyes, as well as in opacities of the cornea. It enters into one of our formulas for dyspep. sia; "the Anti. Dyspeptic Pills." It is the basis of many noted nos- trums. Employment. It is given in substance, in tincture, or in combination with other articles. In substance, it is given in doses of from five to fifteen grains. The best form of administering it, is in that of pill, combined with other articles. No. 5. ARCHANGEL— The Root, Stern and Seed. Latin Name—Angelica, Archangelica. English Name—Garden Archangkl. Botanical Character. Class V.—PENTANDRIA. Order II.—DIGYNIA. Genu*—Angelica—Flowers tubulous, all fertile ; umbels globular • corols uniform; petals incurved ; styles reflected ; seeds solid, round! ish, 3-winged. Species—Archangelica—Leaves pinnate; the terminal leaflet- 3-lobed. ' ' Description. Stem cylindrical, large, branched, striate and hollow ; leaves very large, bi or tnpmnate ; flowers white, in large and numerous umbels • involucrum composed of several leaflets; the partial involucrum of about eight foholes ; petals slightly curved; two divergent stvles • fruit ovoidal membranous on the edges, with five longitudinal and sahant parallel lines; root large, fleshy, fusiform, gray and wrinkled % No. G. ACIEA RACEMOSA BLACK SNAKE-ROOT. Msdisal Botany. History. This plant flowers in June and July, and the seeds are ripe in August. Locality. This is a biennial plant, and indigenous to the southern parts of Franco, but is cultivated in our gardens. Qualities. Every part of this plant has a warm and bitter taste, and a very pleasant smell. The whole plant, and the root and seeds more espe- cially, contain an essential oil, resin, and an extractive matter. Medical Properties. Angelica possesses very powerful, stimulant and conservative pro- perties, which may be administered with advantage in all diseases in which an excitant may be required. It is administered with advan- tage in disorders arising from flatulence, and debility of the stomach and digestive organs. It is recommended in nervous headach pains, in tremors of the limbs, chlorosis, hysteria, &c. It has been exhibited in the last stage of chronic catarrhs of the lungs with success, in order to facilitate expectoration, and to restore the tone-to;the mucous mem- brane. We use it in the form of infusion or tea, for flatulence or wind ; and for clysters or injections in that species of dropsy, called Tympanites. It may be given also for pain in the breast. No. 6. BLACK SNARE-ROOT. Latin Name—Actea Racemosa. English Name—Black Snake-Root. Vulgar Names—Squaw-root, Rich-weed, Rattle-weed, Rattle Snake-root, Black Cohash. Botanical Character. Class XII.—POLYANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Act^ia—(Synom. Macrotys) calyx, about 4-leaved ; be- • coming coloured before expanding, caducous ; corol, many minute petals, very caducous or wanting ; stigma sessile; berry 1-celled; seeds flat, placed in a row. Species—Racemosa—Leaves decompound, 7-leaflets, oblong-ovate, gash toothed ; racemas very long; capsules ovate ; fruit dry. Description. Root perennial, blackish, thick, with long fibres; stem simple, straight, and rises from three to six feet in height, smooth, angular fur- rowed, and often crooked ; leaves few, and alternate, tri-pinnate; flowers in a long terminal raceme, from one to three feet long, rn»n 30 Materia Medica. with one or two short ones at its base. This raceme is cylindrical, white, always bent or crooked at first: the flowers are scattered, often germinate or fasciculate on short peduncles. Capsule blackish and dry ; seed many and flat. History. The American species has an extensive range, and was used by all the Indians. It blossoms in June and July; its seeds are ripe in August. The whole plant, and even the flowers, are possessed of medicinal properties. Locality. Found all over the United States, from Maine to Florida, Louisiana and Missouri, Canada and Texas ; common in open woods, rich grounds, and on the sides of hills ; not so common in rocky mountains and sunny glades ; very scarce in moist and swampy soils. Qualities. The root and plant have rather an unpleasant smell, and a disagree- able nauseous taste. Schoepf considers it as nearly poisonous, and to be used with caution ; yet powerful and heroic. According to Dr. G. W. Mears' analysis, it contains tannin, extractive matter, a bitter principle, gallic acid, resin, gum and starch. Medical Properties. > Astringent, diuretic, alterative and emmenagogue, dec. It is an article much used by the Indians in rheumatism, and to accelerate parturition, whence it bears the name of Squaw-root. When exhibited in large doses, it produces great prostration, and excites nausea, vomiting, vertigo, anxiety, and pains in the extremities, dec. It is astrin- gent, and therefore is pronounced an excellent remedy in bowel com- plaints, and especially those of children. A strong decoction mixed with slippery-elm bark, makes a good poultice for every kind of in- flammation. A decoction is also used for the purpose of arresting haemorihage or bleeding. A syrup made of the root is good for coughs. It also makes an excellent gargle for the quinsy. Dose. Tincture, from twenty to thirty drops, several times a day. As an astringent, give a strong tea or infusion. As a gargle, any quantity. No. 7. ARCTIUM LAPPA. F'.riiDOCK. Medical Bolany. 31 No. 7. BURDOCK. The Root and Seed. Latin Name—Arctium Lappa. English Name—Burdock. Botanical Character. Class XVII.—SYNGENESIA. Order I.—POLYGAMIA ^QUALIS. Genus—Arctium—Receptacle chaffy ; calyx globular ; the scales ending in an incurved hook; seeds crowned with chaffy bristles ; flowers in heads. Species.—Lappa—Cauline leaves, condate, peticled, denticulate ; calyx smooth ; flowers pale blue. Description. This plant rises three feet in height. Stem large, and purplish ,- branches alternate. Leaves also alternate, heart-shaped, veiny ; above, of a dark-green ; beneath, whitish ; lower leaves large, stand- ing upon long foot-stalks, grooved like the stem ; flowers numerous, purplish, generally ending in pairs; seeds triangular ; root long, fibrous, fusiform, brownish externally, yellowish internally. History. This plant flowers in July and August, and is well known by the burs or heads, which stick to the clothes; the seeds ripen in Septem- ber. Locality. This plant is indigenous to Europe, and naturalized in America. It grows abundantly in damp places, and along the sides of roads and around old buildings. Qualities. This substance, of which no accurate analysis has yet been made, seems to contain sulphur in a free state, some oxalate of lime, starch, and some extractive principles, soluble in water. Medical Properties. It is used as an alterative. The seeds or the root occasionally enter into the alterative syrup of our pharmacopoeia. It is administered in the formof a decoction, in salt-rheum, herpes, ulcers and rheumatism, and in all diseases of the skin. Thqrnton recommends the use of this article in dropsy, where more active articles cannot be used, " having known it to succeed in two dropsical cases, where other powerful medicines had been ineffectually used." The leaves, applied to the feet and forehead, are useful in febrile diseases. Employment. The root or seeds may be given in the form of a decoction or infu- sion, which is made by boiling two ounces of the fresh root in three pints of water to two; which, when intended as a diuretic, should be drank in the course of two days. The root enters into a medical beer, which is good to purify the blood. 32 Materia Medica. No. 8. ASARABACCA. Latin Name:— Asarum Canadense. English Name—Broadleaf Asarabacca. Vulgar Names—Wild Ginger, Indian Ginger, Canada Snake- root, Heart Snake-root, Colts-foot. Botanical Character. Class XVIII.—GYNANDRIA. Order X.—DECANDRIA. Genus—Asarum—Calyx 3-clefl, superior, somewhat bell-form : corol 0; anthers proceeding from the middle of the filiaments ; capsule coraceous, 6-celled, crowned with the calyx ; stigma, 6-cleft. Species—Canadense—Leaves 2, broad kidney-form ; calyx woolly, 3-parted; divisions reflexed. Description. Roots perennial, long, creeping, fleshy, cylindrical, jointed, with scattered fibres, brown outside, white inside. The leaves resemble the foot of a horse, or colt, from which it derives its name. Flowers solitary between the two leaves, on a curved foot stalk, downy, purple, darker inside; capsule round, 6-sided, crowned, and with many small seeds. History. This is an humble stemless plant; the flowers are nearly concealed in the ground. There are many varieties of this plant, with large and small leaves, rounded, spotted, and unspotted ; the flowers vary also in colour, from greenish-purple to dark-purple. They blossom in May and June. Locality. This plant is indigenous to Europe ; but is found from Canada to Carolina, and Missouri, in shady woods and in clay soils ; more abun- dant in hills, valleys, and moist soils. Qualities. The whole plant, but more particularly the root, has a warm aro- matic bitterish taste, resembling that of ginger. The smell is spicy and strong. The chemical composition of this article consists in a volatile oil, possessing the smell of the plant, likewise a red and bitter resin, both soluble in alcohol, besides much fecula and mucilage. Medical Properties. Aromatic, stimulant, diaphoretic, subtonic, errhine, and pectoral. It has been used with success in intermittent fevers. The pulverized leaves make an excellent errhine, and enter into Henry's celebrated cephalic snuff. It is excellent for colds, coughs and pulmonary dis. eases generally. Employment. The dose of this must be small, as it is apt to excite vomiting. It may be given in the form of syrup or infusion, in all deep seated coughs. No. 8. ASARUM CANADENSE. BROADLEAF ASARABACCA. Medical Botany. 33 No. 9. DEADLY NIGHTSHADE. The whole Plant Latin Name—Atropa Belladonna. English Name—Deadly Nightshade. Botanical Character. Class V.—PENTANDRIA. Order I.— MONOGYNIA. Genus—Atropa—Corol monopetalous, campanulate ; stamina dis- tant, incurved ; berry superior, globular, 2-celled. Species—Belladonna—Stem herbaceous; leaves ovate, entire ; berries black. Description. Root very thick, whitish, sending forth strong purple coloured stalks of from three to four feet in height; leaves oval, acute, large, of a deep green colour; flowers large, of a tarnished red, solitary and hanging, bell-shaped, furrowed, the border of which is cut into five segments. History. This is a perennial plant, and flowers from June to August. Its fruit is ripe in September, when it is black. Locality. It is found growing in stony and shady places, along old walls and fences, and among old ruins. Qualities. It is possessed of a disagreeable smell, and nauseous and acrid taste. According to Brande, it contains a bi-malate of atropia, gum, starch, resin, chlorophile, lignin, a "matter analogous to osmazome! Borne salts, &c. Water and alcohol take up its active principles. Medical Properties. This article, taken in large doses, acts like a narcotic, acrid poison, and causes death quickly. In small doses it irritates the stomach, and produces heaviness of the head, vertigo, dilatation of the pupils of the eyes, irregularity of the pulse, &c. This plant, notwithstanding its poisonous quality, is used with great benefit externally, in the cure of cancers, and in discussing indolent tumours and schirrhosities in the breasts of females. It enters into the discutient ointment of our phar- macopoeia. But we generally substitute for it the solanum nigrum, which seems possessed of similar properties. Employment. The leaves and roots, either green or dry, may be simmered in soft water, until the strength is extracted ; then the slippery-elm bark may be stirred in till a poultice is formed. It may be applied to boils, and all hard painful glandular swellings. Vol. III. E 34 Materia Medica. No. 10. FENJNEL. The Seed. Latin Name—Anethum Foeniculum. English Name—Sweet Fennel. Botanical Character. Class V.—PENTANDRlW Order II.—DIGYNIA. Genus—Anethum—Seeds ovate, somewhat compressed, striate ; calyx entire ; corol, 5-petalled ; superior petals involute, entire. Species—Foeniculum—Fruit ovate, cauline ; leaves numerous. Description. This is a perennial plant, rising four feet in height; stem ramose, smooth ; leaves, vaginant at their base ; flowers on terminal umbels of a pale yellow, without involucrum or involucellum; three petals, revolute; stamina spreading longer than the corolla; fruit elongated, flattened on the edges. History. This plant flowers in June and July ; fruit ripe in September. Locality. This plant is a native of Spain and Portugal, and is perfectly natu- ralized to this country ; grows principally in gardens. Qualities. The seeds are of a pale-green colour, of a strong aromatic and agreeable smell, of a sweetish and slightly acrid taste. The root is long, of the size of the finger, and almost inodorous. Fennel seeds contain a green essential oil, and a fixed, inodorous and tasteless oil. Water, and especially alcohol, take up their active principles. Medical Properties. Fennel seeds are endowed with energetic properties as a stimu- lant, which appears to consist in the essential oil which they contain. They are principally employed in flatulencies, difficult digestion, such as dyspepsia ; in colic of children. They are useful in pain and weak- ness of the breast. Employment. Of the infusion, or tea, give freely through the day. Medical Botany. 35 No. 11. GARLIC. The Root. Latin Name—Allium Sativum. English Name—Common cultivated Garlic Botanical Character. Class VI.—HEXANDRIA. Orderl.-MONOGYJNIA. Genus—Allium—Corol, inferior, 6-petalled, spreading ; divisions ovate ; spathe bifid ; many flowered ; umbel crowned ; stigma simple. Species—Sativum—Cauline leaves flat; leaves linear ; bulb-bear- ing ; bulb compound ; staminas tricuspidate. Description. This plant rises a foot or more in height. The leaves from the root are numerous ; on the stem few, long, flat, grass-like. Flowers arise between the small bulbs, which terminate the stem in a cluster. The flower is white and commonly abortive. The calyx is a spatha com- mon to all the florets and bulbs. The corolla consists of six oblong petals. The capsule is short, broad, 3-celled and 3-valved, and contains roundish seeds. History. Garlic is a perennial bulbous-rooted plant. Locality. Garlic grows wild in Sicily, but is cultivated in our gardens for culi- nary use. Medical Qualities. The root consists of five or six small bulbs, enclosed in one com- mon envelope of a thin whitish colour. Its strong, disagreeable taste and odour are sufficiently known. It contains a very heavy acrid and yellow volatile oil, albumen, sulphur, a saccharine matter and fecula. Its property depends upon the above acrid and volatile oil. Medical Properties. A poultice of it is a good resolvent in indolent tumours. It is of ■ervice in colds and coughs, united with honey, as an expectorant. As a counter-irritant, it is useful to cause revulsion ; or in the form of draughts, to equalize the circulation. In asthma, both pituant and spasmodic, and in flatulencies, and in hysterical diseases, it has in general a good effect. It is useful, applied externally, in fevers; ap- plied to the feet, it is useful in all inflammatory diseases. Employment. To prepare the syrup, garlic bulb, sliced, one pound ; boiling water, two pounds ; double refined sugar, four pounds ; macerate the garlic in the water in a close vessel, for twelve hours, and add the sugar to the strained liquor. In inflammation of the lungs, give a tablespoonful occasionally. For children, it is very useful in colds and oppression of the chest. 36 Materia Medica, No. 12. GINGER. The Root. Latin Name—Amomum Zingiber. English Name—Ginger. Botanical Character. Class I.—MONONDRIA. Order I.-^-MONOGYNlA. Genus.—Amomum—Calyx 3-cleft, unequal, cylindrical; corol 3-parted, unequal, expanding ; nectary 2-lipped, nearly erect. Species.—Zingiber—Scape naked; spikes ovate; scales ovate; leaves lanceolate, alternate, with a ciliate margin at the tip; corol yellowish-green, with a slender tube. Description. This plant has two kinds of stalks; one of which bears only the leaves, (which resemble those of reeds, common to India, and closely wound round each other at the base,) and rises to a foot or two in height; the other kind bears the flowers, and does not rise beyond ten or twelve inches in height, terminating at the top by a kind of ear of very beautiful colours, formed of membranous scales; amongst which, the flowers proceed, which are composed of five irregular pe- tals, which have somewhat the appearance of being lipped, and are succeeded by a capsule, containing a great number of seeds. Root tubercular, of the size of the finger, flat, knotty, and palmated-like, hard, compact, covered with a grayish epidermis, white or yellowish internally. History. Ginger flowers in September, and is of two kinds, the black and white. The black is thick and knotty; internally of an orange colour, and externally of a yellow colour. The white is less thick and knotty; internally, of a reddish-yellow colour, and externally, of a whitish-gray or yellow. Locality. Ginger is a perennial plant, a native of the East Indies, but is now cultivated in the West Indies, and much like potatoes. Qualities. The root is possessed of an acrid and warm taste, and a very strong Bmell. Ginger, according to the analysis of Morin, contains a resin soluble in ether; a sub-resin insoluble in that menstruum ; a volatile oil of a greenish-blue colour; a matter containing nitrogen; another matter similar to osmazome; some acetic acid, acetate o'fpotassa gum, ligneous fibre, and salts. Water, alcohol, and ether, dissolve a part of its active principles. Medical Properties. Ginger is a warm, stimulating aromatic, useful in cold, flatulent co lies, in laxity, and debility of the intestines, and in some forms of No. 12. AMOMUM ZINGIBER. GINGER. Medical Botany. 37 dyspepsia, proceeding from atonic gout. It promotes the circulation, and relieves pain, particularly in the stomach. It is serviceable in the form of tea, in an habitual coldness of the system. Employment. In flatulence, languid circulation, and a check of perspiration, a strong tea may be taken freely. It is also used in the form of syrup. No. 13. MYRRH. Tree. Latin Name—Amyris Kataf. Eiiglish Name—Myrrh. Description. A botanical specimen of the tree which affords this gum resin has not yet been obtained ; but from the account of Bruce, who says it very much resembles the acacia vera of Linnasus, there can be little doubt in referring it to that genus, especially as it corresponds with the description of the tree given by Diosorides. Good myrrh is of a turbid black-red colour, solid and heavy, of a peculiar smell, and bitter taste. Locality. The tree that affords the myrrh, which is obtained by incision, grows on the eastern coast of Arabia Felix, and in that part of Abys- sinia which is situated near the Red sea, and is called by Bruce Troglodyte. Qualities. Myrrh is composed, according to Pelletier, of resin and essential oil 34 ; gum 68. It is more soluble in boiling water than in alcohol, and, rubbed with one fifth of camphor, it becomes perfectly miscible with water. Properties. Myrrh is used internally as a stimulant, antiseptic, and emmena- gogue ; externally as a detergent wash in foul ulcers, and particularly as an injection in sinous ulcers. Dr. Cullen remarks, that it heated the stomach, produced sweat, and agreed with the balsams in affecting the urinary passages. It has lately come more into use as a tonic in hectical cases, and is said to prove less heating than most other medicines of that class. ' A writer says, that the " tincture of myrrh is recommended inter- nally for warming the habit, attenuating viscid juices, strengthening the solids, opening obstructions, particularly those of the° uterine vessels, and resisting putrefactions. The dose is from fifteen to forty drops, or more. It may, perhaps, be given in these cases with ad- vantage, though it is more commonly used externally, as a stimulant and antiseptic application, for clearing foul ulcers, and promoting the exfoliation of carious bones." 38 Materia Medica. The tincture is used also as a wash, when diluted, for BCorbuti* relaxation of the gums. It enters into the emmenagogue or black powder of our pharmacopoeia. Employment. Of the powder, ten grains to one drachm. The tincture is made as follows : 1. Myrrh, powdered fine, three ounces. 2. Alcohol, twenty ounces. 3. Water, ten ounces. Let them stand together seven days, and then strain it through brown paper. No. 14. INDIAN TURNIP. The Root. Latin Name—Arum Triphvllum. English Name—Three-leaved Arum. Vulgar Names—Indian Turnip, Dragon Root, Dragon Turnip, Pepper Turnip. Botanical Character. Class XIX.—MONGECIA. Order XII.—POLYANDRIA. Genus—Arum—Spathe cuculate 1-leafed ; spadix cylindrical, naked above, bearing the stamina in the middle, and the pristillate flowers beneath. Berry mostly 1-seeded. Species—Triphyllum—Leaves ternate ; leaflets ovate, accumi- nate ; lamina lanceolate, accuminate, as long as the spadix. Description. This plant arises from one to two feet in height; roots perennial, round, flattened, tuberous, with many white fibres around the base ; skin dark, wrinkled and loose ; leaves oval, three on each plant, pale beneath, with regular parallel nerves. The germs, when ripe, be- come berries of a very bright scarlet colour. History. This plant blossoms with us from May to July, and in the summer bears its bright scarlet berries. By long boiling, the seeds and roots may be rendered eatable. They were eaten by the Indians of this country by roasting and boiling. Locality.. It grows all over North America, in woods and low moist soils. All soils and regions appear suited to this plant; but rich and shady grounds appear to suit it better. Qualities. The whole plant, and the root in particular, is possessed of a violent acrid, pungent and even caustic taste, but it does not irritate the skin. No. 14. ARUM TRIPHYLLUM. INDIAN TURNIP. *k Medical Botany. 39 The active principle of this plant is a peculiar substance, aroine, highly volatile, having no affinity to water, alcohol, oils or acids ; be- coming an inflammable gas by heat and distillation. The roots yield one fourth their weight of a pure starchy matter. Medical Properties. Indian turnip, when fresh, makes a powerful, strong, stimulating, acrid remedy. It makes an excellent poultice in scrofulous swell. ings, and, when dried and pulverized, it is a good remedy in coughs, pains in the breast, and, given in teaspoonful doses, it is a valuable remedy in colic. It is said to be very efficacious in cases of low ty- phus fever. I have found it to answer in cases of scrofula, as one of the best poultices in use. Dr. Chapman, of Philadelphia, in speaking of this article, says: "my experience with it is not extensive, though I have seen enough of its use to be convinced that it is among the most active of our expectorants, and so far may be serviceable in old catarrhs and other pituitous cases." The dried root, boiled in milk, is the manner in which he recommends it. An ointment made of the fresh root and lard, is useful, says a writer, in tinea capitis, (scald head.) Employment. The powder, mixed in molasses or milk, and given in teaspoonful doses three or four times a day. For scrofulous swellings, bruise the green root and leaves, and apply. If the root be dry, bruise it, and add water, and boil till soft; then stir in slippery-elm bark, until a poultice of a proper consistence is formed. No. 15. AMERICAN IPECACUANHA. The Root. Latin Name—Apocynum Cannabinum. English Name—American Ipecacuanha. Vulgar Names—Indian Hemp, Indian Physic. Botanical Character. Class V.—PENTANDRIA. Order II.—DIGYNIA. Genus—Apocynum—Calix very small, 5-cleft; corol campanulate ; anthers converging, saggitate ; nectareous filaments 5, alternating with the stamina ; stigma thick, siibsessile. Species—Cannabinum—Stem erect, branching, herbaceous; leaves oblong-oval, hoary beneath ; cymes lateral, terminal, longer than the leaves. Description. Stems of this plant, from one to several, about two feet in height, branched above, round, and of a reddish colour; leaves numerous, and ovate, hanging on footstalks ; flowers terminal, forming a loose 40 Materia Medica. panicle, whitish, similar to buckwheat, which terminate in seed pods resembling cucumbers, containing seeds ; root composed of nume- rous long, brown and slender branches, radiating from a thick tuber. Locality. This is a perennial plant, indigenous to the United States ; grows in meadows and in low, moist woods. Qualities. The root of this plant consists of a bark and ligneous part. The active property appears to be confined altogether to the bark. Its taste is bitter and nauseous, and its smell nearly resembles that of ipecacuanha. According to Dr. Bigelow, it contains a bitter, ex- tractive matter, a resin, &c. ; and Dr. Staples has ascertained that this root does not contain emetic. Medical Properties. This plant is emetic, cathartic, tonic and diuretic. It has been given with success in dropsy. Dr. Eberle, in his Therapeutics, (vol. i. p. 77.) says ; " From my own experience with this plant, which has not been inconsiderable, I am led to regard it as very little infe- rior to the officinal ipecacuanha as an emetic. Like this latter arti- cle, it is a safe and efficacious vomit." In small doses, it acts as a tonic, given in quantity of from three to four grains at a time in this manner. Dr. Eberle considers it to be useful in dyspepsia, as having been benefited by the use of it while suffering with that disorder himself. Employment. Of the powder, as an emetic, in the dose of about thirty grains. As a tonic, from two to four grains. We use it principally as a tonic, in indigestion, in combination with other articles. It is one of the ingredients which comprises the wine bitters, which is very valuable in dyspepsia. No. 16. MALE FERN. The Root. Latin Name—Aspidium Filix Mas. English Name—Male Shield Fern. Botanical Character. Class XXI.—CRYPTOGAMIA. Order I.—FILICES. Genus—Aspidium—Fructification in roundish, scattered dots, not marginal; involucre umbilicate, opening nearly all around. Species—Filix Mas—Doubly pinnate ; subdivisions oblong, ob- tuse, serrate at the top ; stalk scaly ; fructifications reniform. -* No. IG. ASPIDIUM FILIX MAS MALE SHIELD FERN. 925 �2�06578634638528528 42866852 39963669999999979999 24582482�2 �678684254187359�8 38 56601760 ��.:..//$/:+.C Medical Botany. 41 Description. Root horizontal; has a great many appendages placed close to each other in a vertical direction, while a number of small fibres strike downwards ; leaves large, oval, pinnate ; pinnulae close to each other very long and pinnatifid ; petioles short, of a deep brown colour, and furnished with scales ; fruit kidney form and rounded. Locality. This plant is perrenial, and grows in great abundance in every part of Great Britain, where the ground is not cultivated. It is found also growing on the mountains and among rocks, in New-Jersey. Qualities. This root is nearly inodorous, its taste slightly bitter, sweetish, sub- astringent and mucilaginous. According to M. Morin's analysis, this root contains a volatile oil, a fatty matter, some uncrystallizable sugar, gallic acid, tannin, starch, &c. According to the experiment of Mr. Peschier, an apothecary of Geneva, the anthelmintic properties of this article reside in a peculiar fatty matter. Medical Properties. The male fern appears to have an indifferent action on the animal economy, but appears to be highly deleterious to intestinal worms, and particularly to the tape-worm. This article constitutes the basis of the celebrated specific of Madam Nomer for the tape-worm. This secret was thought of such importance by some of the prin- cipal physicians at Paris, who were deputed to make a complete trial of its efficacy, that it was purchased by the French king, and af- terward published by his order. The method of cure is the follow- ing :—After the patient has been prepared by an emollient clyster, and a supper of panada, with butter and salt, he is directed to take in the morning, while in bed, a dose of two or three drachms of the powdered root of the male fern. The powder must be washed down with a draught of water, and, two hours after, a strong cathartic, composed of jallap and scammony, is to be given, proportioned to the strength of the patient. If this does not operate in due time, it is to be followed by a dose of purging salts ; and if the worm be not expelled in a few hours, this process is to be repeated at proper inter- vals. Of the success of this, or a similar mode of treatment, in cases of taenia, there can be no doubt, as many proofs in this country afford sufficient testimony ; but whether the fern root, or the strong cathartic, is the principal agent in the destruction of the worm, may admit of a question ; and the latter opinion, Dr. Woodville believes, is the more generally adopted by physicians. It appears, however, from some experiments made in Germany, that the taenia has, in several in- stances, been expelled by the repeated exhibition of the root, without the assistance of any purgative. Employment. Of the powdered root, from two to three drachms. Two hours after its administration, a purgative must be given, in order to procure the expulsion of the worms. v Vol. III. F 42 Materia Medica. No. 17. MARSHMALLOWS—Root, Leaves and Flowers. Latin Name—Althaea Officinalis. English Name—Marshmallow. Botanical Character. Class XV.—MONODELPHIA. Order XIII.—POLYANDRIA. Genus—Althaea—Calyx double ; the outermost 6 9-cleft; cap- sules numerous; 1-seeded, disposed in a flat ring. Species—Officinalis—Leaves downy, oblong-ovate ; obsoletely, 3-lobed, serrate. Description. This plant rises from three to four feet in height. Leaves heart- shaped, downy, smooth; flowers of a rose-white colour, large, con- sisting of five petals, heart-shaped inversely, in panicles at the top of the stem; calyx double; the exterior, 9-divided; the interior, 5-divided ; ovary free, rounded ; style simple ; monospermous ; cap. sules united in a circle attthe base of the style. Root fusiform, fleshy, of the size of the finger. History. This is a perennial plant, flowering in June and July. Locality. Marshmallows is a plant indigenous to Europe, and grows plentifully throughout the United States, growing along the banks of rivers and marshy places. Qualities. The marshmallows, such as is found in commerce, is stripped of its epidermis, fleshy, of the size of the finger, of a white colour, ino- dorous, and of a viscous taste. All parts of this plant, and the roots especially, contain a large quantity of gum and fecula. Boiling water takes up its principles. Medical Properties. Emollient and demulcent: good in diseases attended with irritation and pain, especially of the urinary organs ; and in dysentery it is used with great advantage. They relax the passages in nephritic com- plaints, in which last case a decoction is the best preparation. Two or three ounces of the fresh roots may be boiled in a sufficient quan- tity of water to a quart, to which one ounce of gum Arabic may be added. The following is given where it is required that large quan- tities should be used. An ounce of the dried roots to be boiled in water, enough to leave two or three pints to be poured off for use : if more of the root be used, the liquor will be disagreeably slimy. If sweetened, by adding a little more of the root of liquorice, it will be palatable. Very useful in canker of the mouth, as fomentations and injections. No. 17. ALTI1/EA OFFICINALIS. MARolLviALLOW. No. 18. AMYGDALUS COMMUNIS COMMON ALMOND Medical Botany. 43 Employment. Decoction, as above. Marshmallow troches: mallow, two parts; orris-root, one part; sugar, thirty-six parts; gum Arabic, sufficient to form into troches. Made into an ointment, it proves very serviceable in herpatic affections. It is good to allay itching and burning from any cause; and in all disorders of the urinary organs it is serviceable ; also in bowel complaints. No. 18. ALMOND. Latin Name—Amygdalus Communis. English Name^—Common Almond. Botanical Character. Class XL—ICOSANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Amygdalus—Calyx inferior, 5-cleft ; corol 5-petalled; drupe with a nut perforated with pores. Species—Communis—Lower teeth of the leaves glandular ; flowers in pairs, sessile. Description. The almond tree rises twelve, or more, feet in height; flowers of a pate pink colour, which are placed in pairs upon its branches ; the flowers appear before the leaves; the leaves are elliptic, narrow, point- ed at the end, minutely sawed, standing upon short foot-stalks. History. This tree flowers early in the spring, before the leaves have put forth ; and it nearly resembles the peach tree. Locality. This tree originally came from Syria and Barbary; but is now much cultivated in the south of Europe. Qualities. The almond is a flattish kernel, of a white colour, and of a soft, sweet taste, or a disagreeable bitter one. The oil, which is the prin- cipal part used in medicine, is of a greenish-white colour, of a smell analogous to that of sweet almonds. This oil turns rancid with the greatest facility. Its composition does not differ from that of the fixed oils in general. Bitter almonds yield a large quantity of oil, perfectly similar to that obtained from sweet almonds, but the matter remaining after the ex. pression of the oil, is more powerfully bitter than the almond in its entire state. Great part of the bitter matter dissolves by the assistance of heat, both in water and rectified spirit; and a part arises also with both menstrua in distillation. Bitter almonds have been long known to be poisonous to various brute animals; and some authors have 44 Materia Medica. alleged that they are also deleterious to the human species ; but the facts recorded upon this point appear to want further proof. However, as the noxious quality seems to reside in that matter which gives it the bitterness and flavour, it is very probable, that when this is sepa- rated by distillation, and taken in a sufficiently concentrated state, it may prove a poison to man, as is the case with the common laurel, to which it appears extremely analogous. Medical Properties. The oil of almond is serviceable in tickling coughs, hoarseness, &c. It acts likewise upon the urinary organs, in the scalding of urine ; and in the diseases of the kidneys, especially when combined with other remedies, it is peculiarly serviceable. Externally, it is applied against tension and rigidity of particular parts. The milky solutions of al- monds in watery liquors, usually called emulsions, possess, in a certain degree, the emollient qualities of the oil, and have this advantage over pure oil, that they may be given in acute or inflammatory disorders, without danger of the ill effects which the oil might sometimes produce by turning rancid. Employment. It enters into one of our preparations for pulmonary diseases, deno- minated " cough drops," and which we find very useful. Also into one called "diuretic drops," for diseases of the kidneys, urinary organs, &c. No. 19. PARSLEY. Latin Name—Apium Petroselinum. English Name—Rock Parsley. Botanical Character. Class V.—PENTANDRIA. Order II.—DIGYNIA. Genus—Apium—Flowers flosculus; all fertile petals inflected uni- form; involucre 1-leafed ; seeds minute, striate. Species—Petroselinum—Leaflets of the stem linear ; involucels minute. Description. Parsley is a biennial plant; it rises two feet in height. The radical leaves are without foot-stalks, compound, pinnated in threes. The leaflets are smooth, a eined, divided into three lobes, and notched at the margin; flowers small, of a yellow colour, placed on terminal umbels. Locality. This plant is indigenous to the south of Europe ; but is likewise naturalized to our climate, and is generally cultivated for culinary uses, ' J Medical Botany. 45 Qualities. This plant has an aromatic and agreeable smell, and a faint taste. The seeds are of a warmer and more aromatic taste than the plant. Properties. It is a very good diuretic, and there are cases on record, in which it has entirely cured the dropsy. Employment. It is given in tea or decoction, by infusing one ounce of the root in a quart of water, and drank freely. No. 20. STAR GRASS. Latin Name—Aletris Farinosa. English Name—Mealy Starwort. Vulgar Names—Star-grass, Blazing-star, Bitter-grass, Uwi- corn-root, Ague-root, Ague-grass, Star-root, Devils-bit. Botanical Character. Class VI.—HEXANDRIA. Order I.—MONGYNIA. Genus—Aletris—Corol funnel-form, wrinkled superior, some- what 6-cleft; the stamens inserted on the base of the segments; cap- sule 3-celled; cells many-seeded. Species—Farinosa—Stemless ; leaves lanceolate ; flowers alter- nate, farinaceous. Description. Root perennial, small, black outside, brown inside, ramose, crooked. Radical leaves from six to twelve, spreading on the ground like a star, but all unequal in size, sessile, lanceolate, very smooth, with many longitudinal veins ; they are of a pale green ; stem from one to two feet in height, very simple and upright; flowers white, forming a long, slender, scattered spike ; shape oblong, spreading into six acute segments, like a star at the top ; the outside has a mealy rugose appearance. History. A true natural genus, peculiar to North America, and containing two species very similar to each other. It blossoms in June and July. Locality. This plant has a wide range, from New-England to Georgia, and west to Kentucky and Missouri," It is more abundant in the south, and always confined to dry and poor soils, in sunny glades and fields. Quality. The roots of this plant contain an intense bitter emulsive resin, soluble in alcohol, somewhat similar to aloes, but less cathartic. This bitter principle is also partly soluble in water. They contain extrac- live, but very little or no tannin, or gallic acid. 46 Materia Medica. Properties. This root is intensely bitter, like quassia and aloes. It is tonic, stomachic and narcotic. Rafinesque says, that it must be taken in small doses, not over twelve grains at once, as it will nauseate, produce giddiness, or narcotic effects, if taken in large doses. In pains of the breast and flatulencies, it is an excellent remedy: in repeated small doses it invigorates the appetite. The infusion, or decoction, is still better, and may be used as a substitute for quassia. Rafinesque says, that bitters prepared from this article are too powerful; and he re- commends a mild cordial as the best spiritous preparation of this article. Doses, three small wineglasses each day. Employment. In the form of infusion, or in tincture. The tincture may be made by adding an ounce of the root to a pint of proof spirits, of which a tablespoonful may be given three times a day, before eating. No. 21. SPIKENARD. Latin Name—Aralia Racemosa. English Name—Common Spikenard. Botanical Description. Class V.—PENTANDRIA. Order V.—PENTAGYNIA. Genus—Aralia—Umbellets with an involucre ; calyx 5-toothed, superior; corol 5-petalled ; berry 5-seeded. Species—Racemosa—Stem herbaceous, smooth ; leaves decom- pound, branched, alternate; peduncles axillary, branched, umbellat- ed ; umbils terminal, round. Description. This plant rises four or five feet in height; leaves are many, small, ovate, on long foot-stalks; main stalk of the size of the thumb, joint- ed, purplish; flowers inconspicuous, very small, of a bluish colour, producing berries very much resembling those of elder, of a sweet, pleasant, aromatic taste. History. It blossoms in July and August; its berries are ripe in September and October. Locality. Spikenard is found from New-England to Carolina and Indiana but it is more common in the north than in the south; grows in deep woods and good soils. It is generally cultivated in gardens. Qualities. The root of this plant has a balsamic, fragrant, and warm aromatic sweetish taste. ' No. 21. ARALIA RACEMOSA. COMMON SPIKENARD. No. 2-2. ASCLEPIAS SYRIACA. I COMMON SILK WEED. No. 23. ARISTOLOCllIA SERPENTARIA. VIRGINIA SNAKE-ROOT. Medical Botany. 47 Properties. The root of this plant is healing, pectoral, stimulant, cordial and dia- phoretic. This plant is much used by the Indians. The roots, bruised, chew- ed, or pulverized, were used by them in all kinds of sores and ulcers. In colds and coughs, the roots and berries may be used in syrups, cordials and decoctions. Henry 'speaks very highly of the supe- riority of this medicine in gout of the stomach. The manner in which he prescribes this article is, by pouring a pint of brandy on a pint of the fresh berries, and let it stand by the fire for a week, then pour a pint of rain water on them. Dose, a wineglassful, three times a day. This article enters the " restorative cordial1' of our pharmacopoeia, also the pulmonary balsam. Dose and mode of administering. It may be given in infusion, decoction, or syrup. No. 22. SILK WEED. The Root. Latin Name—Asclepias Syriaca. English Name—Common Silk Weed. Vulgar Name—Milk Weed. Botanical Character. Class V.—PENTANDRIA. Order II.—DIGYNIA. Genus—Asclepias—Follicles 2; corol 1-petalled, inferior reflect- ed ; nectaries 5, ovate, concave, each putting out a little horn. Species—Syriaca—Stem simple ; leaves opposite, oval, downy be- neath ; umbels nodding. Description. This plant has a square stalk, rising three feet high ; leaves oval smooth and milky ; flowers yellow, which terminate in pods resem' blmg cucumbers, filled with a silky down; seeds resembling some what the seeds of parsnip. The root is white, and of the size of the finger, about a foot in length. Locality. It grows plentifully throughout the United States, along the sides of roads and in sandy grounds. Properties. The root of this plant is a powerful diuretic; it is said to be emmena. gogue, and has been found beneficial in catarrhal, cachectic scrofu" lous and rheumatic disorders. Boil eight ounces of the root', in six quarts of rain water to three ; strain it for use. For the dropsy, take a gill of this decoction fouf times a day, increasing the dose according to the effect. Those who are troubled with a suppression of urine may take a teacupful of this decoction four times a day, sweetened with honey. ' 48 Materia Medica. Dose and mode of administering. Given in form of the above decoction, or in powder, of from twenty to forty grains, three or four times a day. We use it generally in combination with several other articles, for different species of dropsy. (See Pharmacy.) No. 23. VIRGINIA SNAKE-ROOT. Latin Name—Aristolochia Serpentaria. English Name—Snake-root, Birthwort. Vulgar Names—Virginia Snake-root, Snake-weed, Snagreh- Botanical Character. Class XVIII.-GYNANDRIA. Order VI.—HEXANDRIA. Genus—Aristolochia—Calyx 0; corol l-petalled, tubular, tongue- shaped ; stigmata 6 ; capsule inferior, 6-celled. Species—Serpentaria—Leaves oblong cordate, acuminate, flat; stem weak, flexuous ; peduncles radical. Description. Root perennial, knotty and gibbose, brown and very fibrous ; fibres long, small, yellow, when fresh. Stems round, slender, weak, joint- ed, bearing from three to seven leaves, and from one to three flowers; leaves alternate and petiolate; base heart-shaped, end sharp, surface smooth, of a pale green. Flowers nearly radical and solitary, on foot-stalks curved, jointed, coloured, with some small scales ; germ inferior, perigone, reddish, or purplish ; tube crooked, limb bilabiate ; upper lip notched, lower entire, both short and lobular; 6-sessile; an- thers oblong, obtuse, attached to the sides of a large round sessile stigma ^ capsule oboval, with six angles, six cells and many minute seeds. History. The Virginia snake-root of commerce is collected from half a do- zen species or varieties. All of those plants blossom but seldom, or once in their lives, in May or June. Locality. Found in shady woods, from New-England to Florida and Missouri; but most abundant in the Alleghany and Cumberland mountains; scarce in alluvial and limestone regions. Qualities. f The root has an agreeable, penetrating, aromatic smell, somewhat similar to valerian; and a warm, bitterish, pungent taste. It contains, according to Mr. Chevallier's analysis, an essential oil, to which it is indebted for its odour ; a bitter yellow matter, soluble in water and alcohol, a resinous matter, some gum, albumen, starch, No. 24. BERBERIS VULGARIS. BARBERRY. Medical Botany. 49 some salts of potassa and lime, a small quantity of iron and silica. Its active principles are soluble in water and alcohol. Properties. Diaphoretic, tonic, anodyne, antispasmodic, cordial, antiseptic and a powerful stimulant to the whole system. It was first introduced in the Materia Medica as a remedy against snake bites, from which it de- rives its name, and was used by the Indians for that purpose. The Virginia snake-root possesses very powerful and lasting stimu- lant virtues ; but, besides this general action, it must be observed that it acts also on the skin by stimulating this membrane and increasing perspiration. It is useful in the treatment of typhoid fevers of armies and prisons, and it has undoubtedly produced very good effects in many cases. It is now less frequently employed, although it may be administered with success generally, in all the cases in which it be- comes necessary to promote perspiration. Dr. Chapman, in speaking of the virtues of this article, says, " To remittent fever, serpentaria seems still better adapted, having, in many cases, an indisputable superiority over the bark, inasmuch as it rarely is offensive to the stomach, and may be given in those obscure states of the disease, where the remission is not readily discernible. In that disorder called bilious pleurisy, it has been highly useful. In bilious complaints it checks vomiting and tranquillizes the stomach." It enters into the sudorific drops. Doses and mode of administering. Of the powder, from ten to twenty grains, and gradually to half a drachm. Infusion, four drachms to one pound of water, of which one or two ounces may be given every four hours. No. 24. BARBERRY. Bush. Latin Name—Berberis Vulgaris. English Name—Barberry. Botanical Character. Class VI.—HEXANDRIA. Order I.— MONOGYNIA. Genus—Berberis—Corol 6-petalled, with two glands at the base of each ; calyx 6-leaved ; style 0 ; berry superior, 2-seeded. Species—Vulgaris—Racemes simple, pendulent; leaves obovate, the serratures ending in soft bristles ; branches puncate ; spines mostly in threes ; berries red, acid. Description. This shrub rises from four to eight feet in height, with branches long and bending, having many small thorns, often three together. The leaves are crowded and unequal in each fascicle, oh short leaf Vol. III. G 50 Materia Medica. stalks, smooth and glossy, oboval, obtuse, with small remote teeth. The flowers are on slender and lax racemes, either nodding or pen- dulous ; yellow on long pedicels, and rather small. Berries hang in loose bunches ; they are oblong and red. History. This shrub blossoms in April and May. The berries ripen m June, but they are sometimes abortive. The stamina of the flowers are irritable, and bend with elasticity toward, the pistil when touched. Locality. It is found from Canada to Virginia, in mountains, hills, among rocks, &c. ; common in New-England in rocky fields ; rare in the West, and in rich soils. Qualities. The whole shrub, even the root, is acid. In the berries, this acid becomes very pleasant, and is probably the tartaric acid, but mixed with some astringency. The bark is yellow and bitter. Properties. Antiseptic, acid, subastringent, refrigerant, &c. Added to good hard cider, it is good in jaundice. The berries contain a very acid and red juice, which forms a pleasant and useful drink in fluxes and malignant fevers, for abating heat, quenching thirst, raising the strength, and preventing putrefaction. Prosper Alpinus says, that being attacked with a putrid fever, accompanied with a bilious diar- rhcea, he attributes his recovery entirely to eating the fruit of the barberry. Simon Pauli gives a similar account of the use of the berries. J. Bauhin recommends the same remedy in dysentery. Dose and mode of administering. Made into syrup, infusion or decoction. We add to it hard cider, and give it in jaundice. No. 25. BLACK BIRCH. Latin Name—Betula Lenta. English Name—Common Black Birch. Botanical Character. Genus—Betula—Staminate ; flowers corol 4-parted ; calyx scale of the ament 1 -leafed ; 3-cleft; 3-flowered ; stamens ten or twelve. Petiolate flowers, calyx scales of the ament 1-leafed, generally 3-cleft ; 2 or 3-flowered; styles 2 seeds, 1-winged. Species—Lenta;—Leaves cordate, ovate, sharply serrate acu- minate ; petioles and nerves hairy beneath Urge trees. Description. This tree rises from twenty to forty feet in height, sending out manv No. 26. BAPTISTA TINCTORIA. YELLOW OR WILD INDIGO. Medical Botany. 51 branches at the top ; leaves ovate, the edges notched, upper surface smooth, the under ribbed, and pale coloured. Locality. Grows in woods that are low and swampy. Found all over the LTnited States. Properties. It is tonic and astringent, and enters into one of our preparations for bowel complaints, and is the only case in which we use it. No. 26. WILD INDIGO. Latin Name—Baptisia Tinctoria. English Name—Indigo Broom. Vulgar Names—Wild Indigo, Indigo Weed, Horsefl Weed, Yellow Broom, Clover, Broom, Rattle Bush, Yellow Indigo. Botanical Character. Class X.—DEfcANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Baptisia—(Podalyria Lin.)—Calyx 4 or 5-parted, some- what labiate ; coral papilionaceous, petals nearly equal in length ; vexillum laterly-reflected; stamina deciduous; legume ventricose many-seeded. Species—Tinctoria—Very glabrous and branching ; leaves ter- nate, subsessile ; leaflets, cuneate-obovate, round-obtuse, stipules ob- solete oblong-acute, much shorter than the petioles ; racemes termi- nal ; flowers yellow; the plant becomes black in drying. Description. Root perennial; large, woody, irregular, blackish outside, yellow ish inside; stems two or three feet high, round and smooth, yellow. ish green, with black dots, very much ramified; branches thin, and with small leaves. These leaves are alternate, and with three folioles nearly sessile, obovate, smooth, of a bluish green. Flowers bright yellow, in loose spikes at the end of branches; pea-like stamina, en- closed, deciduous. Pistil single and stipitate, succeeded by a swelled oblong pod of a bluish-black colour, with a row of small rattling seeds. History. This plant has the appearance of a small shrub or broom. It blossoms in July and August. The whole plant, (even the flowers,) often become black in the fall, or in a herbarium. It dyes a kind of blue like indigo, but it is inferior. The young shoots of this plant are eaten,-in New-England, like those of poke, and, like this latter article, they are of a drastic nature. 52 Materia Medica. Locality. Found all over the United States, from Maine to Louisiana and Illi- nois, in woods and on hills. It prefers dry and poor soils ; is unknown in rich loamy soils, and seldom met in alluvions. Qualities. The whole of this plant, but in particular the root, is nauseous, sub. acrid, sub-astringent, but inodorous. It is active and dangerous in its recent state, if taken internally ; but it loses much of its activity if dried or boiled. The active principles of this article are but little known. It contains tannin, indigo and an acid. Properties. Astringent, antiseptic, purgative, emetic and stimulant. This plant, in the form of poultice, is very efficacious in inflammatory affections, bordering upon gangrene. The corticle part of the bark is that which we use. It is good in syphilitic ulcers ; also for almost every sore, such as malignant ulcerous sore mouth and throat, mercurial sore mouth, sore nipples, chronic sore eyes, &c. It may be used exter- nally, in strong decoction as a wash, or in fomentation, poultice or ointment, with lard or cream. It has been used, it is stated, with some considerable success, in scarlatina anginosa, (scarlet sore throat,) and in typhus fever. It forms the basis of our yellow salve, which is very useful in various kinds of ulcers. Dose and mode of administering. It has been given in the form of a decoction, internally, at the dose of half an ounce of a decoction, made with twenty times its weight of water. Used also as above. No. 27. COPAIBA. Latin Name—Copaifera Officinalis. English Name—Officinal Copaiba. Botanical Character. Class X—DECANDRIA. Order L—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Copaifera—Calyx 0 ; corol 4-petal!ed ; legume ovate ; seed 1, involved in a pulpy coat. Species—Officinalis—A tree with primate leaves ; racime, com- pound, terminal, (South American balsam of copaiba is the resinous juice.) Description. A large bushy tree, with alternate leaves, composed of from five to eight folioles, shining, and almost sessile ; flowers white, in ra- No. 27. COPAIFERA OFFICINALIS. OFFICINAL COPAIBA Medical Botany. 5? moseand axillary clusters ; calyx 4-parted ; no corolla ; stamina dis- tinct, spreading; fruit 2-valved, containing one or two seeds. Locality. This tree is a native of the Spanish V\rest Indies, and of some parts of South America. It grows to a large size, and the resinous juice is obtained by making incisions m the trunk of the tree. Qualities. The balsam is a liquid of an oily consistence, transparent, of a yellowish-white colour, of a strong and disagreeable smell, of an acrid and bitter taste, and of a specific gravity of 0.950. Balsam copaiba, according to E. Durand's analysis, contains an essential oil, forming about one half of its weight; a resin ; a small quantity of acetic acid; a fatty matter ; traces of muriate of lime, and of a sweet substance. It dissolves in twenty-five times its weight of alcohol, at thirty-five degrees of Baume's areometer, leaving be- hind the insoluble fatty matter, which precipitates in the form of semi-fluid, transparent, and yellowish globules, not soluble in any additional quantity of the same menstruum; but the whole of the copaiba dissolves in ether, absolute alcohol, and essential oils. Co- paiba, when perfectly pure, and mixed with one seventeenth of pure calcined magnesia, acquires a degree of solidity sufficient to allow it to be formed into pills, (Revue Medicale.) This preparation requires six or eight hours to inspissate, and in time it becomes still more solid. Properties. The balsam has been much used as a cooling diuretic and astrin- gent; but the manner in which it has been used, renders it less effi- cacious than it might be. It enters into one of our preparations, the diuretic drops, and we have used it in this manner with particular benefit. When absorbed, it is principally on the mucous membrane it seems to act, find especially upon the genito-urinary organs, in the same way as turpentines. It is employed with success in chronic ca- tarrhs, in coughs with great expectoration, and certain affections of the lungs unattended with inflammation. It proves successful in ob- stinate leucorrhoea, &c. It is in order to reduce the discharges that balsam copaiba is principally used. It was commonly administered when the inflammatory symptoms had been abated : but Drs. Delpech and Ribes have of late exhibited it on the outset of the disease, how- ever great the inflammation might be; and they affirm having ob- tained the greatest advantages from its early employment. Dr. Vel- peau, in order to obviate the inconveniences of this remedy when taken in large doses, has proposed to administer it in clysters, and numerous successful experiments leave no doubt whatever of the effi- cacy of this method. Dose and mode of administering. Merely as a stimulant, from ten to twelve drops, two or three times a day, on sugar or in tea. Pills of solidified copaiba.—Copaiba, one ounce; pure calcined mag- nesia, half a drachm; mix carefully and permit the mass to become so- lid ; for 4-grains pills, two of which contain 15 drops of the liquid bal- sam. Dose from 1 to 3, three or four times a dav. 64 Materia Medica. No. 28. CAYENNE PEPPER. Latin Name—Capsicum Annuum. English Name—Jamaica Pepper, Red Pepper. Botanical Character. Class V.—PENTANDR1A. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Capsicum—Corol monopetalous, wheel-shaped ; berry juiceless, 2-ceIled, inflated ; anthers connivent; calyx angular. Species—Annuum—Stem herbaceous, smooth, crooked, branched ; leaves elliptical, pointed; sequents of the corol plaited; pod conical, varying in shape and size; peduncles solitary. Description. Stem herbaceous and ramose ; leaves lanceolate, entire, shining, supported by a long petiole ; flowers white, small, axillary ; fruit an elongated capsule, of a conic shape, shining, of a lively red, with two or three cells, containing reniform and yellowish seeds. History. This plant is a native of South America, and is raised in the West Indies. It will likewise ripen its fruit in the United States. Qualities. Cayenne pepper contains a peculiar substance, discovered^ by Forchhamrner, and called capsicin by Dr. C. Conwell; a red colour- ing matter, a small quantity of a matter containing nitrogen, a muci- lage and some salts, especially nitrate of potassa. Dr. C. obtains, by means of ether, a liquid of a fine reddish-yellow colour, which he calls ethereal oil of capsicum, and which is eminently endowed with all the stimulant and acrid properties of the Cayenne pepper. Properties. i Capsicum is one of the purest and strongest stimulants with which we are acquainted ; also carminative, tonic and diuretic. It is good to remedy flatulency, arising from eating vegetable food, and likewise to warm the stomach. It is used in rhrumatism and in coldness of the system. In cynanche maligna, (malignant sore throat,) capsicum is much used, both as a gargle and as an internal remedy. Mr. Stu- art speaks very highly of its powers in this disease. He orders "two tablespoonl'u'.s of the small red pepper, or three of the common Cay- enne pepper, and two teaspoonfuls of line salt, to be beat into paste, on which half a pint of boiling water is to be poured, and strained off when cold; an equal quantity of very sharp vinegar being added to this infusion. A tablespoonful, every hour, is a proper dose for an adult." Mr. Stephens gave it to four hundred patients labouring under this disease, " and it seemed," says he, " to save some whose state had been thought desperaie." No. 28. CAPS1CIM ANMTM. CAYENNE PEPPER. No. 29. CONIini MACULATUM. COMMON HEMLOCK. Medical Botany. 55 Oil of capsicum possesses a most intolerable warmth and acrimony of taste, and concentrates all the stimulant properties of the pods. When applied to the skin of the hand, its action is immediately felt, and produces no redness. It is of a brilliant reddish-yellow colour, has a peculiar odorific aromatic taste, and cannot be distilled without undergoing decomposition. It is obtained by digesting, for two weeks, capsicum pods in sulphuric ether, filtering the ethereal tincture, and leaving it to a spontaneous evaporation. As the ether falls, drops of crystals of capsicin, assuming curious dendroid forms, will be seen studded around the inside of the vessel; and after all the ether is dis- sipated, the warm aromatic or concentrated oil of capsicum will be found at the bottom. This ethereal oil is very useful in rheumatism. In dyspeptic stares of the stomach, capsicum appears to be peculiarly adapted. Dr. Chapman thinks this article well suited to " dyspepsia as it prevails with drunkards, or is occasioned by the atonic gout." The tincture is remarkably efficacious, used externally, in all painful affections, in rheumatism, sprains, " soreness of the flesh," &c. Dose and mode of administering. Dose of the powder from six to twelve grains, in the form of pills; tincture of capsicum, (Cayenne pepper,) one ounce ; diluted alcohol, two pounds. Externally, tincture of capsicum, half an ounce ; Cay- enne pepper, one drachm ; diluted alcohol, one pound; useful as a rubefacient in palsy, pleurisy, rheumatism, &c. No. 29. CICUTA. Latin Name—Comum Maculatum. English Name—Hemlock. Botanical Character. Class V.— PENTANDRIA. Order II.— DIGYNIA. Genus—Comum—Flowers tubulous, all fertile ; petals cordate, equal; partial involucres halved ; generally 3-leafed; seeds ovate, gibbous, 5-ribbed each side ; the ribs curled before maturity. Species—Maculatum—Seeds uuarmed, striate ; stem branched, shining, spotted. Description. This root is biennial, tapering, forked, eight inches long, and of the size of the finger. The stalks are six or seven feet in height, round, shining, branched near the top, and striated near the bottom, and covered with a bluish exudation, appearing like a fine powder. The lower leaves are tripinnated, of a shining green colour, standing upon long striated conoave foot-.stalks, which proceed from the joints of the 56 Materia Medica. stem; the upper and smaller ones are bipinnated, and placed at the divisions of the branches ; the flowers are in umbels, are both univer- sal and partial, and composed of several striated radia. The universal involucrum consists of five or seven leaves ; these are lanceolate, whitish, and the margin bent downwards. History. The conium of the Greeks, and the cicuta of the Romans, was a poisonous plant, the juice of which was used to produce death in Ceos and Athens. Socrates and Phocion, two virtuous, eminent and innocent Athenians, were condemned to drink it, and their death has rendered famous that poisonous potion. The powers of this plant depend upon the places in which it grows, the time when collected, and the preparations of it. This plant blossoms in summer, from June to August. Locality. This plant is indigenous to Europe, but now naturalized in New- England, New-York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, &c. Mostly found in old fields, near roads and fences, on the banks of rivers, &c. Qualities. The smell of the fresh plant, when rubbed with the fingers, is un- pleasant, and not dissimilar to that of the urine of the cat; its taste is acrid and nauseous. According to Mr. Brande, this plant contains a peculiar alkaloid substance, which he calls Coniin, a very odorous oil, albumen, resin, a colouring matter, and some salts. Ether and alcohol take up its active principles, whilst water dissolves but a small part. Coniin. According to Mr. Brande, this substance is obtained by digesting the leaves and stem of the fresh plant, well bruised, for several days, in alcohol; filter the solution, and evaporate to dryness ; treat the alcoholic extract with water, and add to the aqueous solution obtained, either magnesia, alumina, or the oxide of lead; evaporate this solu- tion to dryness, and treat the dry residue with a mixture of alcohol and ether. This menstruum takes up coniin, which, by a new evaporation to dryness, is left in a pure state. Half a grain of coniin is sufficient to kill a rabbit. The symptoms induced by it are analogous to those produced by strychnia. After death, the vessels of the head, the right auricle of the heart, the superior vena cava, and the jugular, are very much gorged with blood, while the abdominal vessels appear to be completely empty. Properties. This is a powerful acrid narcotic and resolvent. It is not dangerous in very small doses often repeated, and gradually increased. It is also anodyne, sedative and antispasmodic, useful to allay pain in acute diseases. In scrofulous tumours it is a useful article. We, however, seldom use it as an internal remedy. It enters into our discutient ointment. It is spoken very highly of by Drs. Fisher, Jackson and Bigelow, in the treatment of jaundice : their mode of administering it is to commence with small doses, and increase them gradually, until the effects of them are felt in the head and stomach. " This incon- Medical Botany. 57 venience," says Dr. Bigelow, "is temporary, and will be preferred by most patients, to the evil of a mercurial ptyalism, (salivation.)" The yellowness of the skin and eyes, in favourable cases, begins to disap- pear at an early period, frequently by the second day. As a poultice in inflammation and abscess in the breasts of women, it is a valuable article ; and in all cases where resolvent poultices may be required. Dose and mode of administering. Internally, of the powdered leaves, two grains to one scruple, in pill*. Externally, fomentation, hemlock one ounce, boiling water two pounds and a half. Plaster, hemlock, wax and resin, each two parts; olive oil one part. This is a valuable plaster to discuss some indolent tumours. No. 30. COLOCYNTH. Latin Name—Cucumis Colocynthis. English Name—Bitter Cucumber. Botanical Character. Class XIX.—MONCECIA. Order III.—TRIANDRIA. Genus—Cucumis—Calyx 5-toothed ; corol 5-parted. Male fila- ments 3 ; antherae cohering. Female style 3.cleft; pome succulent; seeds ovate, acute, compressed. Species—Colocynthis—Leaves in many divisions; fruit globular, smooth ; stems rough. Description. B. C. Stem fleshy, covered with rough hair, scandent and cirrhose ; leaves reniform, 5-lobed ; the nerves covered with stiff hair; flowers monoicous, solitary, of an orange yellow ; fruit globular, yellow, of the size of an orange, furnished with a thin and rough peel, containing a white pulp ; seeds, oval, flattened, white and very numerous. Locality. An annual plant, native of the Levant, and cultivated in gardens. Qualities. Colocynth, such as is found in commerce, is in white, round, spongy, dry and light masses, in the pulp of which are placed the seeds. Its taste is nauseous and extremely bitter, without scarcely any smell. According to Mr. Vauquelin, this substance contains a resinoid matter, more soluble in alcohol than in water, which he calls colocyn- tin, and which is the active principle; another resin, insoluble and not bitter; a fatty oil, some gum, an extractive matter and salts. Water, alcohol and ether dissolve easily its active principles. Properties. Colocynth is one of the most powerful and violent cathartics. When given alone, it is apt to occasion severe griping; and if it be given in Vol. III. H 58 Materia Medica. large doses, it occasions vomiting, tenesmus and other marks of highly intestinal irritation. It appears to act with most energy upon the mu- cous coat of the lower intestines. Orfila says, that in the animals which he destroyed with this article, he uniformly found the rectum in a state of high inflammation and gangrene. As a hydrogogue it is occasionally given by some practitioners. It has likewise been used in coma and apoplexy; and in those cases it depends upon the revul- sion which it occasions from the head to the intestinal canal. And, to use the words of Dr. Eberle, " there can be no doubt, that a remedy which produces such prompt and decided impressions on the bowels, and which, therefore, procures such copious watery evacuations as the present one, is well calculated to prove beneficial in affections of this kind." We make no use of it, except as an article that enters into the "dyspeptic pills.'' Dose and mode of administering. The colocynth, in substance, is given in doses of from five to ten grains.. Compound extract of colocynth is composed of colocynth, six drachms ; socotorine aloes, one ounce and a half; scammony, half an ounce ; cardamum, one drachm ; diluted alcohol, one pint. Dose of this from ten to fifteen grains. No. 31. CELADINE. Latin Name—Chelidonium Majus. English Name—Great Celandine. Botanical Character. Class XII.—POLYANDRIA. Order L—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Chelidonium—Calyx 2-leaved ; petals 4 ; silique superior, 2-valved, 1-celled, linear; seeds numerous, crested. Species—Majus—Leaves alternate, pinnate, lobed; umbils axillary, peduncled ; seeds black, with a white crest. Description. This plant rises two or three feet in height, has many tender, round, green, watery stalks, with large joints, very brittle and transparent ; leaves large, serrated, and very tender; and the flowers, consisting of four leaves, yellow, after which come long pods, which, when pressed by the fingers, fly into pieces instantly. Locality. This plant grows in meadows, and by the sides of running brooks, and low marshy places ; found throughout the United States. Properties. The properties of this plant are acrid, stimulant, anti-herpetic, de- tergent, diuretic and discutient. The juice rubbed on warts removes No. 31. CHELIDONIUM MAIBS. GREAT CELANDINE. Medical Botany. 59 them ; cures ring-worms and cleanses old ulcers. This herb, boiled in white wine vinegar and added to aromatics, and drank, is considered by some excellent in jaundice, and to remove visceral obstructions, especially of the liver. We, however, make use of it only for the piles, salt-rheum, or tetter, in the form of tincture and ointment. Mode of using. An ointment of the roots is made by boiling them in hog's lard, and1 is useful in the piles. The tincture may be made by digesting one ounce of the plant in one pint of spirits. No. 32. SPURRED RYE. Latin Name—Sbcale Cornutum. English Name—Spurred Rye, Horned Rye, Ergot. Botanical Character. Class III.—TRIANDRIA. Order II.—DIGYNIA. Genus—Secale—Calyx opposite, 2-vatved, 2-flowered ; glumes subulate, shorter than the florets; corol, with the lower valve, long awned. W Species—Cornutum—Glumes with a rugged fringe ; corol smooth ; bristles scabrous ciliate. Description and Qualities. ' The spurred rye (secale cornutum) is a fungiform excrescence, which takes place under peculiar circumstances, between the valves of the glume of several cereales, and especially of rye. Ergot (as it is called) is elongated, recurved, cylindrical, swollen in the middle, and generally marked on one of its sides with a longitudinal furrow. It is likewise brittle, hard, horny, and of a slight violet colour exter- nally ; whitish with a shade of violet internally ; of an acrid and rather pungent taste. The spurred rye, according to Vauqueline, contains a deep yellow colouring matter, soluble in alcohol; a free acid, which seems to be phosphoric acid ; some free ammonia ; a very putrefiable matter containing nitrogen. Water and alcohol take up the active principles of this article. Properties. The spurred rye, as an aliment, is attended with serious conse- quences : such as violent convulsions, acute and burning pains in the extremities, gangrene of those parts, and even death. The name of ergotism is given to all of these phenomena. 60 Materia Medica. PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF VITIATED RYE. When ground down with the flour, or used in distillation, it proves a mortal poison ; and, at times, has proved a pestilential scourge of Europe ; it has been equally fatal to America, and is supposed to have been the chief cause of the plague in London. In 1811 and 1812, a great number of lives were lost, from the spurred rye being used as food, and liquor distilled from the rye. The great mortality in this country was chiefly confined to New-York and Vermont. Up- wards of twenty thousand victims fell a sacrifice to the ravages pro- duced by that dreadful poison. Meeting after meeting, of the faculty, took place, to endeavour to discover the cause ; and after the most mature deliberation, it was discovered by one party, that it was a poi- sonous miasma floating in the air, confined to certain prescribed limits, and affecting certain persons, more particularly those that were in the habit of drinking gin ; the best apology for their ignorance of the true cause, the ergot or spurred rye. What made their report the more ridiculous, was, that there was at that time, a fine, clear, black, hard frost, and the healthiest weather that could be imagined. Many of the members were sceptical, and could not believe the report; they thought that, owing to the fine weather, it was impossible for the con- tagion to exist in the air: others were of the same opinion with the doctors. One of the non-contagionists wrote, and requested me to go to Albany, where the disorder was then raging, and wished me to endeavour to discover the cause of the afflicting calamity. On my journey from New-York to Albany, where the legislature of the state was sitting, I stopped at a place called Kinderhook, and being cold, contrary to my usual practice, I drank a glass of gin. I had not drank it many minutes before it affected me as if I had taken some- thing boiling hot into my stomach. Although I immediately took an emetic, which produced the most active effects, the poison had taken so firm a hold of my constitution, that my throat and rectum were ex- tremely painful. I had a cold perspiration towards the morning, with a pain in my bones and head, whereas I was in perfect health before I drank the gin. I accused the tavern-keeper of putting poison in the gin ; a gentleman of the town, who heard me, and had observed t'hat the habitual gin drinkers in the place had died, seconded me in my charge. The landlord declared he was innocent, and referred us to the distillery. Upon our applying, the distiller was much alarmed at our charge of his putting poison into the gin ; and added, it would be his ruin if the report got abroad, in consequence of the great mor- tality. He took a voluntary oath that he put nothing but the pure grain into his gin, and invited us to see the grain, in the still-house 16ft. We found it, on inspection, badly cleaned, and probably one tenth of it spurred rye, or rye vitiated by being infested with the cla. rus or ergot. I was quite astonished when I saw it, particularly as it was so well described by Dr. Darwin, as being a pestilential scourge in various parts of Europe ; producing, what is called bv Dr. Mason Good, in his history of medicine, mildew mortification ; in America it was vulgarly called the dry rot. On dissection, I hnve observed that Medical Botany-. 61 the windpipe and rectum were so completely parched by the action of the air, stimulating or attracting the effects of the poison to the parts, that, when pressed, they would give way, and appear like black snuff. I lost no time in repairing to Albany. On my arrival, the in- habitants were in mourning, on account of the loss of their relatives and friends, some of whom had risen in health in the morning, had eaten a hearty breakfast, and at noon were in eternity! Such were the rapid effects of that inflammation," which was ascribed by the doctors of New-York to the air of Albany being charged with the damps of death. The members of the assembly of the state had, at the time, under their consideration, a resolution to enable them to re- move the state legislature from Albany ; it was expected the resolution would be carried the same night, to the great and irreparable injury of the inhabitants. To the friend, who was waiting for me at the ho- tel, I communicated the glad tidings, of having discovered the cause of the disorder. He immediately ran to the assembly-room, and ob- tained the members' consent to adjourn the question until the follow- ing morning. The tavern, where I was, was soon crowded by the members and citizens, all anxious to know the cause. It was no sooner communicated, with a detail of my own sufferings, than the members searched the book-shops and libraries, and found to their great satisfaction, that the ergot was capable of committing ravages upon mankind that I had represented to them. One of the sceptical of the faculty, on being requested to analyze the article, and report on the subject, took a few of his acquaintances some distance into the country, to dine at his father's farm; where an opportunity offered to prove whether the ergot was injurious or not, for a large quantity of it, that had been separated from the rye, was given to the pigs; and from its fatal effects, (as it caused their death the next day,) the fa- ther became a convert to the opinion. A number of rats, cats and dogs, also, fell a sacrifice to its effects, before the sceptical were con- vinced.—(Whitlaw on the Causes of Inflammation, *M UL J» No. 35. CALLICOCCA IPECACUANHA. AMERICAN IPECACUANHA. Medical Botany. 65 good substitute for quassia. It is much used as a gargle, in ulceration of the mouth. Dose. Ten or twenty grains of the powder may be given three times a day. A tincture made with an ounce of the roots in a pound of a!co» hoi diluted, of which a teaspoonful may be given three times a day. No. 35. IPECACUANHA. The Root. Latin Name—Callicocca Ipecacuanha. English Name—Ipecacuanha. Botanical Character. Class V.—PENTANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Callicocca—Calyx 5-cleft; coral funnel shape, 5-parted; fruit black, egg-shape, containing two small white nuts. Species—Ipecacuanha—Stem erect; simple leaves, opposite, en- tire, oval; flowers small, united into a head, surrounded by a large involucrum ; root horizontal, repent. Description. Root or stump subterranean, horizontal, repent; stem straight, one or two feet high, simple ; leaves six or eight at the top of the stem, opposite, entire and oval; flowers white, very small, united in a ca- pitulum looking apparently as the continuation of the stem, surrounded with a large involucrum; calyx 5-toothed ; corolla infundibuliform, 5-divided ; five stamina; fruit ovoid, black, and containing two small whitish nuts. Locality. Ipecacuanha is indigenous to South America. Qualities. The root of ipecacuanha, such as is found in the shops, is from three to four inches long, compact, brittle, irregularly twisted ; of the size of a goose-quill; annulated with considerable circular depres- sions at short intervals; of a brown colour, sometimes gray or red. dish; of a weak, but disagreeable smell; of a bitter, acrid and nau- seous taste. These roots are composed of a cortical part, the frac- ture of which is brown and resinous, and of a fibrous mediiullium, of a yellowish colour, less sapid and odorous. According to Pelletier, this root is composed of emetiat 16 ; fatty matter, 1.2; resinous substance,, 1.2; gam and salts, 3.4; starch, 53; matter containing nitrogen, 2.4; lignin, 12.5; and traces of gallic acid. Warm water, alcohol, and ether, take up Its aetive pjin. eiples. Vol. III. I 66 Materia Medica. Properties. Ipecacuanha is emetic, stimulant, tonic and diaphoretic. When ad- ministered in proper doses, it acts upon the mucous membrane of ths stomach, which is more or less violently irritated by it, producing vomiting. In haemorrhage, (bleeding,) ipecacuanha is sometimes an important article. Dr. Chapman, in his Therapeutics, (vol. i. p. 162.) says : " Many physicians of respectability bear testimony to its good effects in haemoptysis, (bleeding from the lungs,) though it is in ute- rine haemorrhage that it displays its best powers. In these cases," says he, " I really think it is quite equal to the saccharum saturni, (sugar of lead,) and sometimes superior. The common mode of ad- ministering it in haemorrhage," says the same writer, " is to combine one or two grains of it with half a grain of opium, or less, to be re- peated at stated intervals." In dyspepsia, this article has been used with seeming good success. Daubenton, in his tract upon this sub- ject, recommends it in such small doses as not to excite nausea, and thereby acting as an alterative, changing the state of the stomach imperceptibly, till it finally restores this organ to its natural tone and action. We are informed by Dr. James, of Albany, that a pill of one or two grains, taken after dining, will generally obviate the oppression of the stomach felt after dining. We extract the following article from the London Medical and Physical Journal. To the Editors of the London Medical and Physical Journal. Gentlemen,—You possibly may remember, that in my small pub- lication of August, 1801, on diseases of the army, &c, I have men- tioned that I first prescribed decoctions of ipecacuanha as injections in dysentery, at Columbe, in the island of Ceylon, in the"year 1797, when I was surgeon of his majesty's 19th regiment of foot. It affords me much pleasure to state, that during my residence in France, for upwards of these last nine years, I have had many oppor- tunities of observing the good effects of ipecacuanha decoctions, not only in dysentery, but also in internal piles, and in flatulent distension of the bowels, from whatever cause they may have arisen. While at Verdun, in France, I likewise received a very satisfactory account concerning the effects of the same medicine from Mr. Con- nin, surgeon of the navy, who was made prisoner of war in the Medi- terranean. He asserted to me, that during last war, while on the same station, he lost many men of dysentery ; but that, during the present war, although he had the charge of a considerable number of sick labouring under dysentery, yet he did not lose one patient. This astonishing difference of success he attributes chiefly to ipecacuanha injections. Since my return to London, I also have obtained very satisfactory additional information on the same subject from my friend, Mr. Archi- bald Barklimore, surgeon, High-street, Bloomsbury. In a letter from our mutual friend, Mr. Baird, surgeon in the Hon. Medical Botany. G7 East India Company's service, to Mr. Barklimore, dated Tigris, off the Cape of Good Hope, 18th May, 1810, the following passage is contained : " With regard to professional news, little has occurred in our ship to afford opportunity for observation. I cannot help men- tioning, however, (because it gives me much pleasure,) that a case has lately occurred, in which the valuable remedy that our friend Clark communicated to us has been very successful in curing dysen- tery. One of the ship's company, who had been afflicted with dysen- tery for several weeks, and who had been much reduced by mercury, (which seemed to be the cause of the disease,) was snatched from the jaws of death by the ipecacuanha given in clysters. Mr. Graham, surgeon of the ship, consulted me when he had lost all hopes of his patient's recovery. At this time his evacuations were generally slimy, mixed with blood, and he sometimes passed liquid stools of the colour of coffee. I recommended the ipecacuanha, and, though my hopes of its being beneficial were by no meJms sanguine, I was de- lighted to find that the poor min was soon relieved by it. I expect to do much good with it in India." Another letter to Mr. Barklimore from Mr. Baird, dated Port Louis, Isle of France, 5th Dec. 1810, contains the following observations : "I was attached to the 22d regiment, and embarked with Co!. Kelso, in the Illustrious, 74, with a detachment of 175 men. We had a long passage, and were sickly. Dysentery made-dreadful ravages amongst the ship's company. Nearly seventy men died of it in nine weeks. I was very fortunate in only losing three, and two of these were old bad cases. I used Clark's remedy freely with much advantage." In a third letter from Mr. Baird to Mr. Barklimore, dated Port Louis, Mauritius, 10th Nov. 1811, the subsequent remarks are made : " I have mentioned to you before how successful I had found Clark's mode of treating dysentery. I have daily opportunities of confirming it. Most of my fellow labourers have been in a situation to judge of its effects, and have all, I believe, adopted it. I did not fail on these occasions to do him the justice of quoting him as the teacher of the practice. A few days ago I went into a bookseller's shop here, and, in rummaging over a parcel of medical books, his little work pre- sented itself to my agreeable surprise. I was not long of buying it, you may be sure. I have derived the greatest pleasure from a perusal of it, and shall certainly consider myself indebted to him for much valuable practical information." Hence, it would seem that the use of decoctions of ipecacuanha in dysentery will soon become general. It would therefore be highly gratifying to me, and probably very beneficial to mankind, if your readers who may have prescribed the remedy in question would ac- quaint the world at large, through the medium of your valuable Medi- cal Journal, with the effects produced by it under their directions. I here think proper to mention, for the information of those who have not seen my publication of 1811, that the form of decoction which I found most successful in adults, was about three drachms of ipecacuanha boiled in a quart of water down to a pint, strained, and given all at once as a lavement. In cases of internal piles, for reasons 68 Materia Medica. that must appear obvious to every one, it is in most instances unne- cessary to administer more than half a pint of the medicine at a time. I have the honour to be, gentlemen, With the utmost respect, Your most obedient servant, THO. CLARK, M. D. No. 17, Oenmark-streat, Soho, Juno 17,1812. Employment. As an emetic," about thirty grains of the powder may be exhibited in a suitable vehicle. There is a vinous tincture, the dose of which for an adult is an ounce. Ipecacuanha is useful in every case in which an emetic is required. No. 36. JALAP. The Root. Latin Name—Convolvulus Jalapa. • English Name—American Jalap. Botanical Character. Class V.—PENTANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Convolvulus—Corol monopetalous, funnel-form, plaited ; calyx 5-parted ; stigmata 2; capsule 2 or 3-celled ; cells 2.seeded, covered by a lid. Species—Jalapa—Stem triangular, twining ; leaves ovate, sub- cordate, obtuse, obscurely repand, villous beneath ; peduncles 1-flow- ered ; seeds downy. Description. This plant has thick, fleshy, radish-like roots, full of a milky juice ; stalks numerous, twining for support, and rising to about ten or twelve feet; the leaves vary, being heart-shaped, angular, oblong or pointed, smooth, and stand alternately upon long foot-stalks ; the flowers are usually two, bell-shaped, plicate, of a reddish colour on the outside, and of a dark purple within. The calyx is composed of five small oval leaves. Each flower terminates in a wrinkled, roundish, pentago- nal, umbilical fruit, about the size of a peppercorn, including a white kernel. Locality. Jalap is a plant indigenous to Mexico and Vera Cruz, and brought to us from thence. I have had this plant growing in my garden, but our climate is rather too cold to cultivate it. Qualities. It is brought to us in transverse slices or pyriform shape. These are compact, solid, and heavy, rugous and blackish externally, and of a grayish colour internally. When powdered, it has a peculiar and somewhat nauseous odour, and a slight acrid, sweetish taste. It No. 30. CONVOLVULUS JALAPA. AMERICAN JALAP. \ Medical Botany. 69 contains a large portion of resin, upon which its cathartic property appears to depend. It contains likewise a gum, which, although almost wholly destitute of laxative properties, is active as a diuretic, and some extractive matter, with fecula and salts. Properties. The root of this plant is a brisk cathartic, acting in a remarkably efficacious manner, without griping upon the whole alimentary canal. It enters into the anti-bilious physic of our pharmacopoeia; also the com- pound tincture of senna. It possesses great anti-bilious and detergent properties. Jalap and cream of tartar have long been used by some in combination, in dropsical cases. Twenty-five grains of jalap, united with from forty to sixty grains of cream of tartar, forms a powerful cathartic and hydragogue. Chapman says, that ten grains of jalap, combined with one drachm of cream of tartar, form an ex- cellent preparation where long continued purging is necessary, as in dropsy, &c. Employment. The pulverized root, in the dose of thirty grains, acts as a safe and efficacious cathartic. This is one of the most valuable roots pro- duced in America. No. 37. ORANGE. The Fruit. Latin Name—Citrus Aurantium. English Name—Orange Tree. Botanical Character. Class XII.—POLYANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Citrus—Calyx 5-cleft ; petals 5, oblong; anthers 20 ; the filaments united into various bodies ; berry 9-celled. Species—Adrantium—Petioles winged; leaves elliptic, pointed ; stem arboreous. Description. The leaves are nearly elliptical, smooth entire, of a shining green colour, and the foot-stalk is winged, that is, it has the appearance of a small leaf; the flowers appear during the whole of summer, and some branches are in full bloom whilst others are just going off, and on the others appear the young or full grown oranges. The calyx is salver- shaped, and cut into five small teeth ; the petals are five, oblong, white, fleshy, and beset with small glands. Locality. An evergreen tree, native both of the East and West Indies, and eultivated on a large scale in the south of France, and in almost all warm latitudes. 70 Materia Medica. Qualities. This substance is in flat fragments, of a deep yellow colour, wrink- led, and resembling shagreen on one side, owing to the presence of a number of small glands, which, in the fresh state, contain a large quantity of essential oil, of a bitter aromatic taste, and a very agreea- ble odour. It contains a good deal of essential oil, and a very bitter matter. Water and alcohol dissolve its active principles. Properties. Orange peel acts as a stimulant and tonic, on account of its essen- tial oil, and of its bitterness. It is most commonly used as a carmina- tive and stomachic, united with other stimulants and tonics. Employment. Of the powdered peel, from one scruple to one drachm. Infusion, from two drachms to half an ounce to a quart of boiling water. No. 38. LEMON. The Fruit. Latin Name—Citrus Medica. English Name—Lemon Tree. Botanical Character. Class XII.—POLYANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Citrus—Calyx 5-cleft; petals 5, oblong ; anthers 20 ; the filaments united into various bodies ; berry 9-celled. Species—Medica—Petioles linear ; leaves ovate, pointed. Description. Trunk straight, slender; leaves oval, acuminate, dentate, of a yellowish-green, supported by an unwinged peduncle ; flowers nume- rous, of a violet-red colour externally, otherwise similar to those of the orange-tree; fruit ovoid, and terminated by a conical apex. ^ Qualities. The lemon, the peel of which we have already described, contains a considerable quantity of juice of an acid and agreeable taste, and of a very pleasant odour. C. P. According to Mr. Proust, lemon juice contains citric acid, 1.77 ; bitter principle, gum, and malic acid, 0.72 ; and water, 97.51. Properties. . In small doses, lemon juice stimulates the stomach, and facilitates digestion. Diluted with water, it is employed with great success as a refrigerant in inflammatory diseases. Dr. Broussais has remarked, that it was, of all the acidulous substances, that which suited best the stomach, when this organ was labouring under an acute phlogosis. No 39. CINCHONA OFFICINALIS. PERUVIAN BArtii Medical Botany. 71 It is also very useful in stopping certain irritations of the stomach in which there is a constant vomiting. Its administration is recommended in jaundice, scurvy, and generally in. all kinds of febrile diseases in which the thirst is great and the animal heat very much increased. Employment. It is given in lemonade : the juice of one lemon, water one pint, loaf-sugar sufficient quantity. The citric acid obtained by evaporating the juice of the lemon, is used as the best preparation, to combine with sal avratus to make the effervescing mixture or draught. It is seldom, however, obtained pure. No. 39. PERUVIAN BARK. Latin Name—Cinchona Officinalis. English Name—Peruvian Bark. Botanical Character. Class V.—PENTANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Cinchona—Corol funnel-form, 5-cleft; capsule inferior, 2-celled, bipartile ; the valves parallel to the partitions, opening in- wardly. Species—Officinalis—Leaves ovate, lanceolate, petiolate, gla- brous; capsules oblong, panicle terminal; trichotomous. t Description. The tree which produces the bark varies in size. Woodville de- scribes it as being a very lofty tree, and sending off large branches ; its leaves are oblong, three inches in length, and about an inch and a half in breadth. The flowers stand in clusters at the end of the branches, and are composed of single tubular petal, whose border is divided into five segments. These are succeeded by capsules of an olive shape, which, when ripe, split open lengthwise, showing two cells divided by a membrane ; each contains a number of small flatted seeds, surrounded with a membranous edge. History. There are commonly enumerated three varieties of Peruvian bark, viz: 1. The common, the yellow of some authors. 2. The yellow, the orange of some authors. 3. The red. 1 Cortex cinchona cordifolia.—The plant which affords this species is the Cinchona cordifolia, of Zea; the Cinchona officinalis, of Lin- naeus ; the Cinchona macrocarpa, of Wildenow. Heart-leaved cincho- na. The bark of this tree is called yellow bark, because it approaches more to that colour than either of the others does. It is in flat pieces, not convoluted like the pale, nor dark-coloured like the red ; exter- 72 Materia Medica. nally smooth, internally of a light cinnamon colour, friable and fibrous; has no peculiar odour different from the others, but a taste incompa- ably more bitter, with some degree of astringency. 2. Cortex cinchonce lancifolice.—This species is obtained from the Cinchona lancifolia, of Zea. Lance-leaved cinchona. This is the quilled bark, which comes in small quilled twigs, breaking close and smooth, friable between the teeth, covered with a rough coat of a brownish colour, internally smooth, and of a light brown ; its taste is bitter, and slightly astringent; flavour slightly aromatic, with some degree of mustiness. 8. Cortex cinchona oblongifolia.—This kind is procured from Cin- chona oblongifolia of Zea. Oblong-leaved cinchona. This is the red bark: it is in large thick pieces, externally covered with a brown rugged coat, internally more smooth and compact, but fibrous, and of a dark red colour ; taste and smell similar to that of the cinchonce land- folai cortex, but the taste rather stronger. Geoffroy states that the use of this bark was first learned from the following circumstance :—Some cinchona trees being thrown by the winds into a pool of water, lay there till the water became so bitter, that every body refused to drink it. However, one of the neighbouring inhabitants, being seized with a violent paroxysm of fever, and finding no other water to quench his thirst, was forced to drink of this, by which he was perfectly cured. He afterward related the circumstance to others, and prevailed upon some of his friends, who were ill of fevers, to make use of the same remedy, with whom it proved equally suc- cessful. The use of this excellent remedy, however, was very little known till about the year 1638, when, a signal cure having been per- formed by it on the Spanish viceroy's lady, the Countess del Cinchon, at Lima, it came into general use, and hence it was distinguished by appellation of cortex cinchonas, and pulvis comitissce, or the Countess's powder. On the recovery of the Countess, she distributed a large quantity of the bark to the Jesuits, in whose hands it acquired still greater reputation, and by them it was first introduced into Europe, and thence called cortex, or pulvis jesuiticus, pulvis patrum; and also Cardinal del Lugo's powder, because that charitable prelate bought a large quantity of it at a great expense for the use of the religious poor at Rome. Qualities. From the general analysis of bark, it appears to consist, besides the woody matter which composes the greater part of it, of gum, resin, gallic acid, of very small portions of tannin and essential oil, and of several salts, having principally lime for'their basis. Seguin also sup- posed the existence of gelatin in it, but without sufficient proof. Cold water infused on pale bark for some hours, acquires a bitter taste, with some share of its odour ; when assisted by a moderate heat, the water takes up more of the active matter ; by decoction, a fluid, deep colour- ed, of a bitter styptic taste, is obtained, which, when cold, deposites a precipitate of resinous matter and gallic acid. By long decoction, the virtues of the bark are nearly destroyed, owing to the oxygenation of its active matter. Magnesia enables water to dissolve a larger portion of the principles of bark, as does lime, though in an inferior degree. Medical Botany. 73 Alcohol is the most powerful solvent of its active matter. Brandy, and other spirits, and wines, afford also strong solutions, in proportion to the quantity of alcohol they contain. A saturated solution of am- monia is also a powerful solvent; vinegar is less so even than water. By distillation, water is slightly impregnated with the flavour of bark ; it is doubtful whether any essential oil can be obtained. Properties. Given in small doses, the Peruvian bark acts locally and simply on the stomach and intestinal canal; it increases the vitality of this ap- paratus, stimulates the digestive functions, and renders the assimila- tion of the alimentary substances more rapid and perfect; but this tonic action is almost exclusively limited to the tissues with which the bark comes in contact ; whilst, under the influence of larger doses, we perceive the manifestation of a series of general phenomena, which leaves no doubt that this action is extended to the whole economy. In fact, after the administration of a common dose of bark, under any shape whatever, the mouth becomes dry; the stomach experiences a sensation of heat, which extends very soon to the whole abdomen; the circulation is quicker, the pulse becomes more active and full; the general heat, and cutaneous perspiration, are increased ; finally, a sensation of vigour more or less appreciable and permanent is experienced, which characterizes the tonic preparation. Should the dose of bark be too strong, or its use too long continued, or, finally, the digestive canal, or any other organ be in a state of inflammation, all the phenomena we have just mentioned become more intense, and all the symptoms of inflammation are aggravated. Uneasiness and a dry heat are felt at the epigastric region; nausea, flatulence, vomiting or alvine evacuations take place ; a violent thirst and an acrid and burning heat are experienced ; the pulse is hard and frequent; the temporal arteries beat violently; all these symptoms are followed by a violent headach, bleeding at the nose, an extreme agitation, dryness of the skin, and even, in some cases, by delirium, sleeplessness, irregu- lar motions, and all the signs of an irritation in the brain. Intermittent fever is the disease, for the cure of which bark was introduced into practice, and there is still no remedy which equals it in power. It is given as early as possible, after clearing the stomach and bowels, in the dose of from one scruple to a drachm every second or third hour, during the interval of the paroxysm ; but it becomes by far more efficacious by uniting it with other ingredients. We must always avoid giving this remedy during the fever; for, under this circumstance, instead of lessening its intensity, it would increase and render it more obstinate. However, in remittent fevers, when the fits are separated by very short intervals, the bark may be exhibited towards the end of the exacerbation, and the dose should be then administered all at once, in order that it may act before the return of the next paroxysm. In some forms of continued fever which are connected with debility, as in typhus, cynanche maligna, confluent small-pox, dec, it is re- garded as one of the most valuable remedies. It may be prejudicial, however, in those diseases where the brain or its membranes are inflamed, or where there is much irritation, marked by subsultus ten- Vol. III. K 74 Materia Medica. dinum, and convulsive motions of the extremities; and in pure typhus it appears to be less useful in the beginning of the disease than in the convalescent stage. Employment. Internally, the powder as a tonic, from ten grains to half an ounce. As a febrifuge, from one scruple to a drachm, every second or third hour, in wine. The extract is a good form to administer it. It is the basis of our vegetable wine bitters, which we have found a specific in all species of the intermittent fever. No. 40. DOGWOOD. The Bark. Latin Name—Cornus Florida. English Name—Large-flowered Cornel. Botanical Character. Class IV.—TETRANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Cornus—Calyx deciduous, 4-toothed, often with a 4-leaf- ed involucre ; coral 4-petalled, superior ; drupe with a 2-celled nut. Species—Florida—Leaves opposite, ovate, acuminate ; involucres large; leaflets obcordate ; fruit ovate. Description. The dogwood tree is of slow growth, and possesses a very com- pact wood, covered with a rough, broken bark. The branches are smooth, covered with a reddish bark, marked with rings at the place of the former leaves. The leaves, which are small at the flowering time, are opposite, petioled, oval, acute, entire, nearly smooth, paler beneath, and, marked, as in others of the genus, with strong parallel veins. The flowers are small, grow in heads or sessile umbels, upon peduncles an inch or more in length. At the base of each bunch is the large spreading involucrum, constituting the chief beauty of this tree when in bloom. This involucrum is composed of four white nerved, obovate leaves, having their point turned abruptly down or up, so as to give them an obcordate appearance. This point has fre- quently a reddish tinge. Calyx superior, somewhat bell-shaped, end- ing in four obtuse, spreading teeth. Petals 4, oblong obtuse, re- flexed, stamens 4, erect; the anthers oblong, with the filaments inserted in their middle ; style erect, shorter than the stamens, with an obtuse stigma. The fruit is an oval drupe, of a glossy scarlet colour, containing a nucleus with two cells and two seeds. History. This tree is one of the chief ornaments of our forests. It is rather below the middle stature, not usually reaching the Medical Botany. 75 height of more than twenty or thirty feet. It is, however, among the most conspicuous trees in our forests. In the months of April, May and June, according to its latitude, it is then covered with a pro- fusion of its large and elegant flowers. Locality. This tree is found throughout the United States, but more plentifully in the middle states. In the Carolinas, Georgia, and the Floridas, it is confined principally to the borders of swamps. It is not very com- mon in the most fertile parts of the western states, being found where the soil is of secondary quality. Qualities. The bark of the root, stem, and branches, taste very much like the cinchona; it is bitter, astringent, and slightly aromatic. Its astrin- gency is, however, stronger than that of the Peruvian bark. Besides tannin, colouring matter, gum extractive, &c, this bark contains an alkaline proximate principle, discovered by Mr. G. W. Carpenter, of Philadelphia, and called by him cornine, and afterwards cornia. Medical Properties. Tonic, astringent, &c. The bark of the root, of stem, and smaller branches, is employed. That of the root is deemed most efficacious. Drs. Edwards and Vavasseur, in their Manual of Materia Medica, speak of this bark in the following terms :—This bark, which has been ably investigated by Dr. Walker, of Virginia, is, without doubt, one of our most valuable native articles. As a substitute for cinchona, which it resembles very much, both in its physical and chemical, as well as therapeutical properties, much has been written in commend- ing it as a succedaneum. It seems, however, to be more particularly related to the cinchona oblongifolia; but the cornus florida differs from it, in its being rather more astringent. It is extensively employed by country practitioners in intermittent fevers, and the report they give of it is very favourable and satisfactory. Dr. Gregg, of Bristol, ob- serves, that he exhibited it for nearly twenty-three years, during which time he found it always sufficient to cure successfully intermit. tent fevers, and uniformly beneficial as a tonic in cases of debility. Employment. This bark is used in powder, or infusion of the powder, from one scruple to half an ounce. Infusion one ounce of the bark to a pint of boiling water. 76 Materia Medica. No. 41. ROSE-WILLOW. The Bark. Latin Name—Cornus Sericea. English Name—Round-leaved Dogwood. Vulgar Names—Green Osier, Red Rod, Red Willow. Botanical Character. Class IV.—TETRANDRI A. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Cornus—Calyx deciduous, 4-toothed, often with a 4-leaved involucre ; corol 4-petalled, superior; drupe with a 2-celled nut. Species—Sericea—Branches spreading; leaves ovate, acuminate, silky ferruginous beneath ; cymes naked, flat; berries blue. Description. This tree is about the size of a small apple tree, and covered with a greenish coloured bark, and very red within; the flowers resemble a bunch of roses, from whence it derives its name. Locality. It grows near brooks, along the banks of rivers, and on upland mea- dows ; it is known throughout the United States by the name of red- rose willow, which distinguishes it from the black willow, or the puss willow, which grows in swamps, and along the sides of moist mea- dows. Medical Properties. It is a powerful astringent and tonic, preferred by some to the Peru- vian bark or Columbo, and is much employed in the Northern States, in substance or otherwise, in diarrhoea and dyspepsia; but it is too heating in fevers. In vomiting, this is an excellent remedy, given in form of an infusion, in the vomiting particularly arising from preg- nancy and diseased uterus. This is a valuable article. Employment. This is given mostly in the form of infusion, made as common in- fusions. No. 11. t ORNLS SERICEA KOSF. WILLOW / Medical Botany. 77 No. 42. SCAMMONY. Latin Name—Convolvulus Scammonia. Botanical Character. Class V.—PENTANDRIA. Orderl.-MONOGYNIA. g Genus—Convolvulus—Corol monopetalous, funnel-form, plaited ; calyx 5-parted ; stigmata 2 ; capsule 2 or 3-celled ; cells 2-seeded; covered by a lid. Species—Scammonia—Leaves sagittate, truncate behind; pedun- cles round, 2 or 3-flowered ; flowers yellow. Description. The root is thick and large, like bryony, black on the surface and white within, and it is full of an acrid, milky juice ; from this arises the stalk, weak and trailing, three or four feet high, and beset with tri- angular leaves, like those of the common field bindweed. The flow- ers grow from the axilla of these, are large, bell-shaped and whitish, with purplish or yellowish tinge. The seed vessel is of a pointed form, and the seeds themselves angular and blackish. Locality. This is a climbing, perennial plant, which grows in Syria, Mysia, and Cappadocia. Qualities. This substance is found in commerce in masses of moderate size, of a deep gray colour, and friable; its fracture is dull and opaque; its odour is strong and peculiar; its taste bitter, acrid. According to Messrs. Bouillon Lagrange, and Vogel, it is composed of resin, 60 ; gum, 3 ; extractive, 2 ; impurities, 35. It is soluble in alcohol. Triturated with water, it forms a sort of emulsion of a dirty greenish-yellow colour, in which one fourth of the resin appears to be dissolved. Medical Properties. Scammony is an efficacious and strong purgative. Some practi- tioners condemn it, as unsafe. Where the intestines are loaded with an excessive burthen of mucus, the scammony is apt to pass through without exerting itself; but where there is a deficiency of the natural mucus, this article is apt to irritate and inflame the intestines. Employment. The common dose of scammony is from three to twelve grains. 78 Materia Medica. No. 43. SENNA. The Leaves. Latin Name—Cassia Senna. English Name—Alexandria Senna. Botanical Character. Class X.—DECANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Cassia—Calyx 5-leaved; corol 5-petalled, unequal; 3 upper anthers barren ; 3 lower ones beaked ; legume flat. Species—Senna—Leaflets 4 to 6 pair, sub-ovate ; petioles without glands; stipules spreading ; pods oval, oblong, bent upwards. Description. The stalk rises from two to four feet, resembling a shrub, and send- ing out hollow woody stems; leaves in alternate order, and com- pound, composed of several pairs of oval, pointed and nerved pinna?, of yellowish-green colour; flowers yellow, forming a spike consisting of five petals; the pod is covered and short, bivalved with several cordiform seeds, contained in separate cells. Qualities. Senna, according to Messrs. Lassaigne and Feneulle, contains a peculiar substance, called cathartin, some chlorophyllin, a fatty oil, a small quantity of volatile oil, a yellow colouring principle, albumen, and salts of lime and potassa. Water and alcohol dissolve its active properties. Cathartin seems to be the active principle of senna; it is neither acid nor alkaline, and does not crystallize ; it is slightly deliquescent, of a reddish-yellow colour, of a peculiar odour, and of a bitter and nauseous taste. It dissolves in water and alcohol, but not in ether. Heated, it is decomposed rapidly. It has not, as yet, been intro- duced into practice. Medical Properties. This is a very useful cathartic, operating effectually and mildly. It is necessary to combine this article with other ingredients, to prevent its griping effects. Thi3 article, enters the anti-bilious physic of our pharmacopoeia, and into the worm, or vermifuge powders. Employment. It is often administered, principally, in the form of infusion. Infu- sion of senna.—Take of senna-leaves, an ounce and a half; ginger- root, sliced, a drachm; boiling water, a pint. Macerate for an hour, in a covered vessel, and strain the liquor. No. 43. CASSIA SENXA. ALEXANDRIA SENNl I No. 4-1 CONVALLARIA MULTIFLORA. SOLOMON'S SEAL Medical Botany. 70 No. 44. SOLOMON'S SEAL. The Root. Latin Name—Convallaria Multiflora. English Name—Solomon's Seal. Botanical Character. lass VI.—HEXANDRIA. rder L—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Convallaria—Corol 6-cleft; calyx 0; stigma'3-sided ; berry superior, 3-celled. Species—Multiflora—Leaves alternate, clasping the stem, ob- long, oval; stem round, bending; peduncles axillary, loose, many flowered ; corols funnel form ; greenish-white. Description. This plant rises six or seven inches high ; leaves lanceolate, and of a dark-green colour; flowers in umbels, and hang on the sides of the stalks, producing red berries. Locality. It grows on the sides of meadows, high banks and mountains, in every part of the United States. Medical Properties. The roots are astringent, incrassant and corroborant. The muci- lage of the roots is good when applied to inflammations and piles. The roots are useful in all cases offluor albus, (whites,) and in immoderate flowing of the menses, arising from female weakness. It enters into the restorative cordial of our pharmacopoeia. Employment. Externally, as a poultice ; internally,, as above directed. 8 80 Materia Medica. No. 45. SAFFRON. Latin Name—Crocus Sativus. English Name—Garden Saffron. Botanical Character. Class HI.—TRIANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Crocus—Corol 6-parted, regular, with very long tube; stigmata convolute, jagged. Species—Sativus—Stigma exserted, 3-parted; segments linear. Description. The root is a small bulb, standing upon a larger, with a multitude of fibres growing from the base. Four or five leaves arise from the root, of a dark-green, narrow and grassy, about five inches long; from the same root arises a stalk, four inches high, sustaining a single flower, resembling crocus. It has three stamina, with yellow anthers, and a centre ; a long pistilum, which, at the top, divides into three cristated, fleshy, capillaments, of an orange colour, which is the part used in practice. Locality. This plant is a native of the Levant, and cultivated in Europe and in this country. Qualities. This substance is in long filaments, slightly rolled, flexible, elastic, of a very deep orange-red colour, of a sharp and bitter taste, and of a strong peculiar odour. It dyes saliva of a golden yellow. Saffron contains an orange-red colouring matter, a very odorous volatile oil, acrid and caustic, a concrete fixed oil, gum, albumen, and salts. The substance which Bouillon Lagrange, and Vogel, have de- nominated polychroite, is but a compound of colouring matter and vo- latile oil. Water, alcohol, vinegar, &c. dissolve its active principles. Medical Properties. In small doses, saffron is employed as a diaphoretic, soon causing perspiration ; in large doses, it acts upon the whole animal eco- nomy in the same way as stimulus. It extends its action considerably to the uterus. It is useful to allay the lumbar pains which accompany menstruation in some females. It is useful also in chlorosis, hyste- ria, &c. It may be employed likewise as a stomachic and antispas- modic. It enters into the sudorific drops of our pharmacopoeia. Employment. In powder, twelve grains. Infusion, half to one drachm, in two pounds of boiling water; very valuable in all eruptive diseases, mea- sles, small-pox, &c. No. 4;). CROCUS SATIVUM. gard;:.\ saffron. * No. 46. CYPRIPEDIUM PUBESCKNS. YKLLOVV LADIES' SLIPPER Medical Botany. 81 No. 46. LADIES' SLIPPER. Latin Name—Cypripedium, Ptjbescens. English Name—Yellow Ladies' Slipper. „ Vulgar Names—Moccasin Flower, Yellow Umbel, Nekvi-Root, &c. Botanical Character. Class XVIII.—GYNANDRIA. Order II.—DIANDRIA. Genus—Cypeipedium—Nectary 2-lipped, the lower large, in- flated. Species—Pubescens—Root fibrous; stem leafy ; petals 4, lanceo- late, pointed ; upper lip elliptic, channelled ; flowers yellow. Description. Grows from one to two feet high, and sometimes has leaves all the way up ; the flower is in the form of a purse or round bag, with a small entrance near where it joins the stalk, and is something like a mocca- sin, or slipper ; the roots are fibrous and thickly matted together. Locality. It is common in the hills and swamps of New-York, and is found throughout the United States. Qualities. The roots have a pungent, mucilaginous taste, and a peculiar smell, somewhat nauseous. Me dical Properties. Ladies'slipper root is a sedative, nervine, and antispasmodic, and a substitute for valerian in all cases. They produce beneficial effects in all nervous diseases and hysterical affections, by allaying pain, quieting the nerves, and promoting sleep. It is also used in nervous headach, epilepsy, tremors, nervous fevers, &c. It is preferable to opium in most cases, having no baneful nor narcotic effects. The dose is a teaspoonful of the powder, diluted in sugar water, or any other convenient form. It may also be used in decoction, or formed into an extract. As with valerian, the nervine power is increased by combi- nation with mild tonics. Voi. III. L 82 Materia Medica. No. 47. CAMPHOR. The Gum. Latin Name—Laurus Campuora. English Name—Camphor Tree. Botanical Character. Class IX.—ENNEANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Laurus—Calyx 0 ; corol 6-parted, resembling a calyx» nectary 3-glands surrounding the germ, and each ending in 2-bristles; inner filaments supporting 2-glands each; berry 1-seeded. Species—Camphora—Leaves triply-nerved, lance-ovate, whitish beneath; flowers on long peduncles. Description. A proximate principle, contained in a great number of plants; but obtained principally from the dryobalanops camphora, Colebroke, a large tree, native of the forests on the north-western coast of Sumatra ; and from the laurus camphora, Lin., a tree growing in China and Japan. Dryobalanops. Trunk large, often six or seven feet in diameter; leaves opposite below, and alternate above, elliptical, obtusely acumi- nate, or rather beaked, parallel-veined, entire, supported on short petioles, with subulate, caducous stipules in pairs; calyx, 1-leafed, permanent, enlarged into a gibbous cup, with 5 ligulate, long, scariose wings ; corolla, 5-parted ; fruit, a persistent capsule, superior, ovate, woody, fibrous, longitudinally furrowed, 1-celled, and 3-valved, with a solitary seed, possessing a strong terebinthinate fragrance. Laurus camphora. Trunk straight, tolerably high; leaves alter- nate, oval, shining on the superior surface, glaucous on the inferior one ; flowers in corymbs, supported on long peduncles ; fruit, similar to that of the cinnamon tree, but smaller. Locality. The dryobalanops camphora is a native of the north-west coast of Sumatra, while the laurus camphora is a native of China and Japan. Quality. Camphor is solid, white, transparent, very volatile, brittle ; com- monly in the form of round pieces, convex on one side, slightly con- cave on the other, of a crystalline texture, and shining fracture, not easily pulverized, tenacious between the teeth, of a strong smell, sui generis, of an acrid taste, followed by a sensation of cold. Its specific gravity is 0.988. C.P.It is composed of carbon, 74.38; hydrogen, 10.67 ; andoxygen, 14.61; it inflames easily, and burns with a good deal of smoke without leaving any residue. Heated, it melts at 175° Centig. (347° Fahr..) N... -1- .J.KI'S CAM PI loll A. CAIHIMSOK I j:i No. 48. DAUCUS CAROTA. WILD CARROT. Medical Botany. 83 boils at 204° Centig. (400° Fahr.,) and is easily reduced to vapours, even at the common temperature. Alcohol dissolves three fourths of its weight; it is very soluble in ether, in fixed and volatile oils ; but water dissolves only a small quantity, and precipitates it from its alco- holic solutions. Treated with nitric acid, it gives camphoric acid,* and with sulphuric acid, it changes, partly, into artificial tannin. Medical Properties. Camphor is stimulant, sudorific, and antispasmqdic. Exhibited in small doses, it increases excitement; but if pushed too far, it induces delirium, vertigo, convulsions, and death. In low typhoid fevers, this article appears to exert its greatest benefit. Combined with opium and ipecacuanha, it is a very valuable remedy in low typhus and putrid fevers. " Its power of allaying," says Dr. Eberle, " the de- lirium and other nervous symptoms of typhus is, I think, more decisive than that of any other remedy we possess." It has likewise been given in epilepsy with success. Cullen adduces considerable evidence in its favour, in this disease, when combined with other remedies. Dr. Gooch considers camphor, given in union with hyoscyamus, the best sudorific with which we are now acquainted. His method of administering it, is to give ten grains of each at bedtime, after the use of the tepid bath. Camphor enters into the sudorific drops, and several plasters. Employment. Given in the form of powder, emulsion, or solution. By triturating it with a few drops of alcohol it is easily pulverized. The dose of camphor is from two grains to one scruple. No. 48. WILD CARROT. The Seeds and Roots. Latin Name—Daucus Carota. English Name—Wild Carrot. Botanical Character. Class V.—PENTANDRIA. Order II.—DIGYNIA. Genus—Daucus—Involucres pinnatifid; flowers somewhat radia- ting ; florets of the centre abortive ; fruit muricate. Species—Carota—Seeds bristly ; petioles nerved beneath, divi- sions of the leaflets linear acute. Description. The common garden carrot needs no description, being so well known. We shall therefore only describe the wild. This grows similar to the garden carrot, except the leaves and stalks are some- what whiter and rougher. The flowers are situated upon the top of the stalks, forming an umbel, with the edges of the umbel rising higher 84 Materia Medica. than the middle, gives it the form of a bird's nest. The roots are small, long, and hard. History. This plant is indigenous, and flowers in July and August; seeds ripe in September. Locality. This plant (the wild) grows in many places of the United States, and is found by the sides of old fields and uncultivated grounds. Qualities. The wild carrot is slender, acrid, and of a strong aromatic smell. Medical Properties. This plant is diuretic, acting particularly upon the urinary organs. Given in strong decoction, it is very useful in gravelly complaints, and in the passage of the stone from the kidneys and bladder; in the bu- boes, arising from the venereal, it is very useful in causing suppura- tion. It is likewise used in carcinomatous ulcers, and in cases of fissures in the nipples of nurses. Employment. The seeds are carminative, and are very useful in flatulent disorders. The roots and seeds are the parts principally used. A strong tea, or decoction, of the seeds, to be freely drank as directed above, and in the form of poultice. No. 49. FOX-GLOVE. The Leaves. Latin Name—Digitalis Purpurea. English Name—Fox-glove. Botanical Character. Class XIII.—DIDYNAMIA. Order II.—ANGIOSPERMIA. Genus—Digitalis—Calyx 5-parted ; corol campanulate, ventri- cose 5-cleft; capsule ovate, 2-celled, many seeded ; stigma declined. Species—Purpurea—Divisions of the calyx ovate, acute; corol obtuse, with the upper lip very entire, leaves lance-ovate, pubscent. Description. Stem herbaceous, simple, straight, hairy, from two to three feet high ; radical leaves very large, oval, whitish, hairy on both sides ; flowers of a deep purple, hanging in a terminal and unilateral spike; calyx persistent, with five deep divisions; corolla irregular, campanu- late, spotted internally with black dots ; fruit, an ovoid, acuminate and bivalve capsule. History. This plant seldom flowers before July, and the seeds are ripe in August. No. 41). DIGITALIS PURPURKA. FOX-GLOVE. Medical Botany. 85 Locality. This plant grows on dry sandy ground, for the most part, on the high as well as the low places. This is a biennial plant, indigenous to Europe, but flourishes well in America. Qualities. The leaves of this plant have a slight virose smell, and an acrid and unpleasant taste. According to the analysis of Messrs. Destouches and Bidault de Villiers, digitalis contains an aqueous brown extract, an alcoholic extract, an oily green matter, salts, oxide of iron, &c. Mr. Leroyer, of Geneva, has discovered in it a peculiar substance, which he con- siders as the active principle of this plant, and which he calls digita- lin; but, according to Mr. Dulong, this substance is not of an alkaline nature, but is simply a compound of several other substances, all soluble in ether. Digitalin, such as Mr. Leroyer obtained it, is brown, of the con- sistence] of pitch, extremely deliquescent, slightly alkaline, of an intense bitterness, and almost uncrystallizable. This substance, whatever its nature may be, possesses in the highest degree the virtues of digitalis, as has been proved by the experiments Dr. Prevost made upon several species of animals. It has not as yet been used in the practice of Medicine. Medical Properties. Sedative and diuretic, diminishing the activity of the pulse, and the general irritability of the system, and increasing the action of the ab- sorbents and the discharge of urine. In inflammation this article is valuable, to reduce the activity of the pulse, and thereby lessening the inflammation. In hydrothorax or dropsy in the chest, this medi- cine is very useful. It is useful in pleurisy, inflammation of the lungs, aud in the dropsy, and in all inflammatory affections. Remarks of Dr. Newman, of Berlin, on the use of the digitalis in pulmonary diseases :—He states, that it is useless in tubercles, or where the lungs are in a state of ulceration. But it almost always cures chronic catarrh, which results from irritation of the mucous membrane of the bronchia, chronic bronchitis, or mucous consumption. Digitalis will be of no service if it does not diminish the pulse after using a few days. The leaves should be green, although dry, without any appearance of brown spots. Preparation.—Infuse two ounces of the plant in six ounces of boiling water. The patient to take a tablespoonful of this infusion every two hours, until it produces nausea, dryness of the throat, sparkling of the eye, and irregularity of the pulse. This article enters one of the preparations of our pharmacopoeia for hydrothorax. Employment. Of the powdered leaves, from two to three grains gradually increas- ed. Infusion, fox-glove, one drachm ; boiling water, half pint; infuse four hours, then strain. It lowers the pulse much more effectually than bleeding, without producing that dangerous debility which fol- lows this operation. 86 Materia Medica. No. 50. THORN APPLE. The Leaves and Seeds. Latin Name—Datura Stramonium. English Name—Common Thorn Apple. Vulgar Names—Jamestown-weed, Jimson, Stink-weed, Sic. Botanical Character. Class V.—PENTANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Datura—Corol monopetalous, funnel-form, plaited; calyx tubular, angular, deciduous, with a permanent orbicular base ; cap- sule, superior, 2-celled, 4-valved, each cell partly divided, many seeded. Species—Stramonium—Pericarps spinous, erect ovate ; leaves glabrous, ovate, sinuate-angular. Description. Root, annual, white, crooked ; stem erect, from one to eight feet in height, branched by forks, or dichotome, cylindrical, often hollow, smooth or pubescent; leaves alternate at the forks, petiolate, oval or oval-oblong; base decurrent, end acute, margin almost angular by large unequal acute teeth. Flowers, axillary, solitary, on short pe- duncles, erect or sometimes nodding, large, white, or bluish. Calyx monophylle, tubular, with five angles, and teeth deciduous, but leaving a rim at the base. Corolla twice as long, monopetalous ; base tubular, subangular limb with five angle plaits and teeth ; the last are acumi- nate ; stamina five ; filaments coherent with the persistent rim of the calyx, oval, hairy, one style; filiform as long as the stamina; one stig- ma. Fruit, a large fleshy capsule, ovate, thorny, with four valves opening at the top inside, with four cells, many black seeds filling the cells, and attached to a central recepticle in each cell. History. This plant blossoms from May to September in the southern states, and from July to October in the northern, bearing blossoms when the seeds of the first flowers are ripe. It is killed by the frost with us ; but in warmer climates it becomes a semi-biennial plant. Locality. This is one of the wandering plants common to all parts of the world, and spreading with the utmost facility. It is probably a native of Persia and India ; but has spread through Europe, Africa,'and America. It was once thought to be a native of North America, but it has spread in it only since its colonization by the whites, and is called by the Indians " white people's plant." It is most commonly met with in old fields, along roads, and old houses, dec.; never in woods and mountains. No. 50. DATURA STRAMON'lUM. COMMON THORN APPLE. Medical Botany. 87 Qualities. Its smell is virose and nauseous, and its taste acrid and bitter. Promnitz found the green plant to contain, gummous extractive matter, 0.58 ; extractive, 0.6 ; fecula, 0.64 ; albumen, 0.15 ; resin, 0.12 ; salts, 0.23 ; lignous fibres, 3.15. Mr. Brande, in his analysis of the seeds, discovered an alkaloid proximate principle, combined with malic acid, which he named daturia. Water and alcohol take up, by ebullition, the proximate principles of this plant. Daturia, which, according to Messrs. Kirchoff and Engelbart, seems to be the active principle of stramonium, is white, pulverulent, almost insoluble in cold water and alcohol, but soluble in the latter menstruum when boiling, and capable of combining with acids and forming solu- ble salts. It has not as yet been used in medicine. Medical Properties* A strong poison, acting upon the animal economy in a powerful manner, resembling the action of belladonna. It has been given in the form of extract and powder in epilepsy, mania, and other nervous disorders. I have given it in other diseases, both internally and ex- ternally, with success. Dr. Ives, of New-Haven, says that he has seen beneficial effects arise from the use of this article in epilepsy ; but as far as my experience goes, it is designed more for an external than an internal medicine ; and the best formof using it is in an oint- ment made by simmering the fresh bruised leaves with lard. It pos- sesses discutient, antiphlogistic properties, and is particularly service- able in burns and piles. The best way of preparing the extract, is as follows :—Select any quantity of the most perfect leaves in the time of flowering, and boil them in water ; during three or four hours strain the decoction and evaporate with a gentle heat until it has ac- quired the consistence of syrup ; place this in a warm oven in a glazed or earthen vessel until it becomes fit for use. This extract possesses uniform strength and power. From half to one grain is a dose of this extract. All parts of this plant appear to be poisonous. Some sol- diers in the revolutionary war died by eating this plant for greens, through mistake. Employment. Internally, from one grain to twenty of the leaves or seeds, may be given gradually ; externally, as above directed, in form of an oint- ment. I have used a tincture, made from the seeds, with success, in epilepsy. Twenty or thirty drops may be given three or four times a day. 88 Materia Medica. No. 51. BONESET. The Leaves and Flowers. Latin Name—Eupatorium Pebfoliatum. English Name—Boneset. Vulgar Names—Thorough-wort, Boneset Jcepy,e Teazel, Fe- ver-wort, Sweating Plant, Thorough-stem, Cross-wort, Indian Sage, Ague weed, Thorough-wax, Vegetable Antimony. Botanical Character. Class XVIL—SYNGENESIA. Order I.--POLYGAMIA iEQUALIS. Genus—Eupatorium—Receptacle naked ; down simple or rough ; calyx imbricate, cylindrical; style longer than the corol, cloven half way down. Species—Perfoliatum—Leaves connate-perfoliate, oblong, ser- rate, rugose, downy beneath ; stem villose ; flowers white. Description. Root perennial, horizontal, crooked, with scanty fibres, and sending up many stems, which are upright, simple at the base, branched above in a trichotome form, forming a depressed corymb, from two to five feet high, round, covered with flexuous hairs ; the whole plant has a grayish green colour, and even the flowers are of a dull white. Leaves opposite, decussate, connate at the base, or united to each other there, where broadest, and gradually tapering to a sharp point; from three to eight inches long, narrow, oblong, rough above, woolly beneath ; margin serrulate ; upper leaves often sessile, not united ; inflorescence in a dense depressed terminal corymb, formed by smaller fastigate corymbs ; peduncles hairy, as well as the perianthe or common calyx, each enclosing from twelve to fifteen florets ; scales lanceolate, acute ; florets tubulose, white ; five black anthers united into a tube ; seeds black, oblong. History. " A very striking plant, easily recognised among all others, even When not in bloom, by its connate leaves perforated by the stem. This plant blossoms from August to October. Locality. Common in meadows and swamps near streams. Found growing throughout the United States, from Maine to Florida, from Ohio to Louisiana. Qualities. The whole plant is exceedingly bitter, and possesses but little smell. According to Dr. Andrew Anderson, this plant contains a free acid, a small quantity of tannin, a bitter extractive matter, a gummy matter, resin, nitrogen, lime, probably in the state of acetate, gallic acid, a resiniform matter, soluble in water and alcohol, containing a bitter principle. No. 51. EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. BONESET. W>. 52. EUGENIA CARYOPHYLATTA. CLOVES. Medical Botany. 89 Mr. J. Scattergood has obtained from this plant, a salifiable base, which forms, with sulphuric acid, tasteless, prismatic crystals, and which he calls Eupatoria. Medical Properties. Emetic, cathartic, sudorific, tonic, &c. This plant possesses very active remedial properties, according to the dose in which it is admi- nistered. It has been given in intermittent fever with complete suc- cess, either in infusion, decoction, or powder. Dr. Anderson states, that this article was used in nearly every case of intermittents that occurred in the alms-house in 1812, instead of the Peruvian bark, and it proved uniformly successful. Drs. Bard and Hosack speak very highly of this plant as a diaphoretic in the cure of yellow fever. The dried pulverized leaves of this plant, united with aromatics, is a very good tonic in dyspepsia. A warm infusion of this plant, drank pre- vious to taking an emetic, assists its operation, and causes the patient to vomit with more ease. Employment. The leaves of this plant may be given in powder, infusion, or cold decoction, according to the indications required. Of the leaves, as a tonic, from ten to twelve grains may be given ; as an emetic, or to assist the action of other emetics, the warm infusion must be taken. The cold infusion or decoction likewise may be taken as a tonic. No. 52. CLOVES. Latin Name—Eugenia Cartophylatta. English Name—Cloves. Botanical Character. Class XL—ICOSANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Eugenia—Calyx 4-cleft, superior; corol 4-petalled; berry l-celledjjmany-seeded. Species—-Caryophylatta—Leaves very entire, oblong, rather acute; panicles axillary and terminal; peduncles trichotomous; calyx repand; fruit elliptic. Description. Leaves opposite, oboval, smooth, persistent; flowers of a pink co- lour, forming a terminal trichotomous corymb ; calyx elongate, infun- dibuliform, with four teeth ; four petals ; ovary unilocular, monosper- mous; fruit, a dry ovoid drupe. History. This is a beautiful tall tree, a native of the Malucca islands. Cloves are the flower buds, which are gathered in October and No- vember, before they are open, and dried in the sun. Vo*. HI. M 90 Materia Medica. Qualities. Cloves have the form of a small nail with a round head ; they are of a light brown colour, of an acrid and sharp taste, of a strong and agreeable aromatic smell. Cloves contain, according to Tromsdorff, a large proportion of essen- tial oil, heavier than water, and excessively acrid, some tannin and gum. Mr. Lolibert has discovered in it a peculiar resinous matter, crystallizable, white, satin-like, rough to the touch, inodorous and in- sipid, which he has called caryophyllin. Medical Properties. Cloves are among the most stimulating of the aromatics. They are employed principally as adjuvants to other medicines, particularly in combination with bitters, or with the vegetable cathartics. The essential oil is used with the same intention, and as a local application to severe toothach. We sometimes make use of the pulverized cloves as an aromatic in our " bilious physic," and the essential oil enters into our "dyspeptic pill." Cloves also enter into some other of our preparations, particularly for some forms of bowel complaints. Employment. In the form of powder or infusion. Of the powder from six to eight grains. Infusion, cloves one drachm, boiling water half a pint. Dose ffom. one ounce to two, twice or thrice a day. Of the oil, from two to four drops triturated with sugar. No. 53. ASAFCETIDA. The Gum. Latin Name—Ferula Asafoztida. English Name—Asafostida. Botanical Character. Class V.-PENTANDRIA. Order II.—DIGYNIA. Genus—Ferula—Flowers tubulous, all fertile ; petals cordate ; seeds oval, flat, compressed, with three raised lines on both sides. Species—AsaFogtida—Leaflets alternately sinuate, obtuse. Description. Root similar to that of the parsnip, black externally, white inter- nally, lactescent, fetid; stem naked, cylindrical, five or six feet high ; leaves all radical, triternate, of a light-green, supported by a pedun- cle six to eight inches long, of the size of the finger; flowers of a pale-yellow colour, in umbels of from twelve to twenty rays ; involu- crum caducous; involucellum polyphyllous ; flowers elliptical, com- pressed, of a reddish-brown colour. Medical Botany, 91 Locality. A perennial plant, indigenous to Persia. It has been raised in the botanical garden in Edinburgh. Qualities. This substance is in agglutinated masses, more or less voluminots, of a brown or fallow colour, intermixed with white or violet points ; becoming easily soft with a gentle heat; of a penetrating smell, and remarkable for its fetidity ; of an acrid, bitter, and sharp taste. According to Mr. Pelletier, it is composed of resin, 66; volatile oil, 3.60; gum, 19.44; bassorin, 11.66; super-malate of lime, 0.30. It is soluble in alcohol, ether, vinegar, the yolk of eggs, and partly only in water ; triturated with this menstruum, it forms a sort of per- manent emulsion ; with y^th 0f camphor, it produces a plastic mass, and is easily reduced to powder with carbonate of ammonia, without undergoing any alteration in its nature. Medical Properties. The gum of this plant is very useful in hysterics and other nervous disorders. It is very eflicacious in spasmodic asthma, in which disease it should be given in large doses, of from ten to fifteen grains of the gum for a dose, made into pills, repeated three or four times a day. This dose maybe safely increased until the desired effect is produced. This article being laxative, it is likewise very suitable in diseases of the stomach and bowels, particularly in hypochondriasis, as costive- ness is apt to be very troublesome in this disease. Richter, in speak- ing upon this article, thinks it to be entitled, almost as a specific, to correct the morbid condition of the stomach which generates acidity, if combined with the gall of an ox, equal parts of each. It enters the hysteric pills of our pharmacopoeia. Doctor Wolcott states that he cured a case of spasmodic asthma, of nine years standing, which had resisted the treatment prescribed by other practitioners, by administering the asafoetida, in the form of a pill or bolus, 10 grains, three times a day ; also the following expec- torant : Squills in powder, 30 grains ; Gum ammoniac li drachms; Extract of hemlock, (cicuta,) 30 grains ; Made into 30 pills; of which the patient took one or two every six hours, until a slight giddiness was felt. He also smoked stramonium leaves and tobacco. Employment. In powder, the asafoetida may be given in from ten grains to half an ounce. 02 Materia Medioa. No. 54. GAMBOGE. The Gum. Latin Name— Garcinia Gambogia. English Name—Gamboge. Botanical Character. Class XII.—POLYANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Garcinia—Calyx 4-cleft, inferior; corol 4-petalled; ber- ry globular, 8-seeded; crowned with the stigma. Species—Gambogia—Leaves opposite, elliptic, acute, deep-green; flowers solitary, terminal, nearly sessile. Description. Trunk of a middle height; leaves opposite, oval, shining, tough, of a deep-green colour; male flowers, in distinct bunches; the herma- phrodite axillary ; calyx four-divided; corolla four petals, about thir- ty stamina; fruit, a globular, whitish, or pink berry, containing seve- ral elongate and triangular seeds. Locality. The tree that furnishes the gamboge is of middling size, and grows wild in the kingdom of Siam and in Ceylon, and in the peninsula of Cambodia. The gum is obtained, by making incisions in the bark of the tree, from which the juice exudes and concretes. Qualities. Gamboge is found in commerce in cylindrical masses, of various sizes, of a yellowish-brown externally, of a reddish-yellow colour in- ternally, friable, with a shining fracture, of a slight taste at first, then acrid and inodorous. It seems to be composed of 20 of gum and 80 of resin. It is very soluble in water, alcohol, and ether, which it colours yellow, and also in volatile oils, and in a strong solution of ammonia and potassa, to which it imparts an orange-red colour. Heated, it melts, and burns at a higher temperature with a white flame, leaving a light and spon- gy coal. Medical Properties. Gamboge evacuates powerfully both upwards and downwards ; and is condemned by some authors, as acting too powerfully; apt to excite too great discharges, and to produce inflammation of the stomach and bowels. Like all other drastic purgatives, gamboge has been em- ployed, with success, in dropsies. In small doses it acts as a mild laxative. Gamboge enters as one of the articles in the anti-dyspeptic pill of our pharmacopoeia. The celebrated hydragogue and diaphoretic preparation of Farrier, consists of gamboge, halfa grain; ipecacuanha, half a grain; paregoric, one teaspoonful. This he considers as a dose. Employment. Dose, of the powdered gum, from two to three grains. No. 55. GENTIAN A LUTE A. GENTIAN Medical Botany. 03 No. 55. GENTIAN. The Root. Latin Name—Gentian a Lute a. Botanical Character. Class V.—PENTANDRIA. Order II.—DIGYNIA. Genus—Gentiana—Corol monopetalous, tubular at the base, without nectariferous pores ; capsule 2-valved, 1.celled, many seed- ed ; stigmas subsessile. Species—Lutea—Corols mostly 5-cleft, sometimes 4, wheel-shaped, whorled ; the whorls somewhat cymed ; calyx spothaceous ; root long, cylindrical. When the corol is but 4-cleft, there are but 4 stamens. Description. Root perpendicular, branched ; stem erect^ two or three feet high ; leaves amplexicaule, oval, of a light-green, five or seven nerved; flowers yellow, spicate; corolla regular, rosaceous; stamens alter- nate with the lobes of the corolla; anthers erect; two stigmas; no styles, ovary and capsule fusiform, unilocular; fruit flat, and mem- branous on the edges. Locality. Gentian is a perennial plant, indigenous to Europe, growing upon the Alps, Appenines, Pyrenees, and other mountains, in the temperate parts of Europe. It blossoms in May. Qualities. According to Henry and Caventou, it contains a peculiar bitter principle, which they have called gentianin, an oleo-resinous matter, very similar to bird-lime, a greenish oil, uncrystallizable sugar, some gum, a yellow colouring matter, and, finally, some lignin. Water, al- cohol, and ether, dissolve the active parts of this root. The gentian root is elongated, of the size of the finger, wrinkled, twisted, brown externally, of a lively yellow, and spongy texture inter- nally, of a slightly nauseous smell, of a very bitter taste, but devoid of astringency. Medical Properties. Gentian is a powerful and very useful tonic. In dyspepsia this ar- tide has obtained much celebrity, and not without foundation. It en- ters into almost all of the nostrums that are vended, at present, for the cure of this disease. It is administered with good effect, in some cases of gout, and jaundice, caused by debility of the biliary organs, in chlorosis, hysteria, &c. It is given in conjunction with other tonics and astringents, which appear to increase its value. The extract of gentian enters the anti-dyspeptic pills of our pharmacopoeia. Employment. Compound infusion of gentian ; gentian root, half an ounce; orange peel, one drachm ; coriander, half a drachm ; diluted alcohol, four ounces; water, one pound. Of the powder, as a dose, from one scru- ple to half a drachm. 34 Materia Medica. No. 56. GUAIACUM. The Gum and Raspings. Latin Name—Guaiacum Officinale. English Name—Guaiacum. Botanical Character. Class X.—DECANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Guaiacum—Calyx 5-cleft, with the two outer divisions least; corol 5-petalled; petal inserted into the calyx, equal: capsule fleshy, angular, 3 or 5-celled. Species—Officinale—Leaflets 2 or 8 pairs, elliptic, sessile, ob- tuse ; flowers lateral, blue. Description. Trunk elevated; leaves opposite, pari-pinnate, composed of two or three pairs of sessile and oval folioles about one inch long ; flow- ers blue, eight or'ten in the axilla of the leaves ; calyx, five deep divi- sions ; corolla stellate, 5-petaIs ; ten stamina ; ovary pedicellate, sur- mounted by a simple style ; fruit, a capsule, commonly flattened, cor- diform, with two, and sometimes five cells. Locality. This tree is a native of the West Indies. Qualities. Guaiacum Wood. This wood is found in commerce in large irre- gular pieces or logs, the exterior of which is frequently furnished with a thick, grayish, and resinous bark. The part properly called wood is very compact, hard, heavier than water, and of a greenish-brown, whilst the alburnum, or inner bark, is of a light yellow colour, and of a much softer nature. The taste of guaiacum is very acrid and slightly bitter, and it has hardly any smell. For medical uses, this wood is re- duced to a coarse powder by means of a rasp. This powder, yellow at first, becomes green by exposure to light, and provokes sneezing, although it is almost inodorous. Resin of Guaiacum.—A peculiar juice, exuding from the bark of the tree just described, and which Mr. Brande considers as a proximate principle, sui generis, which he calls guaiacin. This substance is in irregular masses, brittle, with a shining frac- ture, of a greenish-brown colour, of an agreeable smell, similar to that of benzoin ; its taste is weak at first, then acrid, and producing a con- siderable irritation of the throat. Its specific gravity is 1.2289. Re- duced to powder it is grayish at first, but it soon becomes green wherever it is in contact with the air and light. C. P. The resin of guaiacum, according to Brande, contains 798 of pure resin, and 202 of bark. Water dissolves only 9 per cent.; whilst alcohol takes up about 95 of that substance. The alcoholic solution is No. f-0. GUAIACUM OITICINAI.K QUA I.AC LSI Medical Botany. 95 of a deep brown colour, which soon changes to blue or green, by the action of nitric acid or starch. It is very soluble in alkalies and in their carbonates. Medical Properties. Both the wood and resin of guaiacum possess diaphoretic and altera- tive properties. They appear to produce a more special influence upon the skin by their stimulant action, causing an increase of secretion from this membrane. In consequence of this manner of action, it is employed in gout, chronic rheumatism, and affections of the skin in old and very obstinate venereal ulcers, scrofulous affections, &c. ; in rheu- matism, particularly that arising from the use of mercury; in gout, &c. In purulent ophthalmia, we use it in conjunction with other re- medies. Dr. Chapman, of Philadelphia, in his Therapeutics, speaks very favourably of this article in diseases of the eyes. The raspings of guaiacum enter into the alterative syrup of our pharmacopoeia. The gum enters into the botanical drops. It is well calculated to re- move the mercurial disease. Employment. The gum may be given from ten grains to one scruple, in pills, or suspended in emulsion, by means of the yolk of eggs. Tincture of guaiacum; guaiacum resin, one pound ; alcohol, two pounds and a half. Dose from one drachm to two. No. 57. CRANESBILL. The Root. Latin Name—Geranium Maculatum. English Name—Spotted Cranesbill. Vulgar Names—Crowfoot, Alum-root, Tormentil, Storkbill, Botanical Character. Class XV.—MONADELPHIA. Order X.—DECANDRIA. Genus—Geranium—Calyx 5-leaved, equal; corol 5-petalled ; pe- tals equal; stamens 10, the 5 alternate ones longer, with nectariferous glands at the base; receptacles beaked, separating into 5 1-seeded capsules, each tipped with a long simple awn. Species—Maculatum—Stem erect, dichotomous; leaves hairy, opposite, 3 to 5-parted, gashed, the upper ones sessile ; peduncles 2-flowered ; petals obovate ; flowers large, purple. Description. Root perennial, horizontal, oblong, thick, rough, knobby, brownish, spotted with greenish-white inside, very brittle when dry, with few short fibres ; stem erect, round, with few dichotome branches, and leaves covered, as well as the petioles with hairs, and from one to two 96 Materia Medica. feet high; several radical leaves on long petioles ; the leaves on the stem are opposite ; floral leaves nearly sessile ; flowers germinate on biflore peduncles arising from the forks, erect, round, swelled at the base, with linear bracts similar to the stipules; calyx formed by five deep segments, oval, lanceolate, hairy outside; five equal petals; fruit, a capsule divided into five cocas, or 1-seed capsule. History. This is a very pretty plant, blossoming in the spring, from May to July. The best time for collecting this plant is in the fall. Qualities. Root thick, rough, knobby, of a dark brown colour externally, of a pale flesh colour internally ; taste astringent, without being bitter and inodorous. According to the following analysis of Dr. E. Staples, this plant contains gallic acid, tannin, mucilage, starch, red colouring matter, and probably a crystallizable vegetable substance. Medical Properties.—The Root. Boiled in milk, this proves a very efficacious medicine in cholera infantum. The decoction of this root is very useful in apthous sore throat and mouth. It is considered by the Indians to be very useful in syphilis. The infusion of the root has been used successfully as an injection in gleets and gonorrhoea. The pulverized roots, when ap- plied to the bleeding orifice of wounds, will restrain the haemorrhage. The infusion, according to Dr. Thatcher, will suppress the bleeding at the lungs in a prompt manner. Employment. Dose of the powdered root, from fifteen to twenty-five grains. Decoction, from one ounce to one ounce and a half, boiled in half a pint of water. One or two tablespoonfuls may be given at once. No. 58. LIQUORICE. The Root. Latin Name—Glycyrrhiza Glabra. English Name—Sweet Liquorice. Botanical Character. Class XVI.—DIADELPHIA. Order X.—DECANDRIA. Genus—Glycyrrhiza—Calyx 2-lipped; the upper lip 3-parted, lower undivided; legume ovate, compressed. Species—Glabra—Legumes glabrous; flowers racemed, violet; stipules none ; leaflets ovate, somewhat refuse. Description. Stem straight, glabrous, from three to four feet high; leaves impa- No. 5S. GLYCYRRTIiZA GLABRA. SWF.ET LiaUORICE. Medical Botany. 97 ripinnate, with thirteen oval folioles, covered with a viscous substance; flowers violet, in axillary spikes ; calyx tubular, bilabiate, unequally 5-toothed ; carena formed of two distinct petals ; 10 diadelphous sta- mina ; fruit, a flattened pod containing from three to six seeds. Locality. Liquorice is a perennial plant, and indigenous to the south of Eu- rope. It is likewise cultivated in England for medical use. Qualities. The liquorice root is long, cylindrical, of the size of the finger, brownish externally, yellow internally, of a sweet taste, slightly acrid, and of a faint smell. It contains, according to Mr. Robiquet, a peculiar saccharine sub- stance, which cannot be fermented, called glycyrrhizin ; a matter ana- logous to asparagin, but crystallizable ; starch, albumen, a resinous oil, thick and acrid; some phosphate and malate of lime and magne- sia ; finally, some lignous fibres. Cold water dissolves its sugary and demulcent principles ; but it does not take up the acrid oil, which dis- solves only in warm water. Medical Properties. The root of this plant is at present used principally to alleviate coughs, pneumonia, (inflammation of the lungs,) and in consumption. Dr. Chapman, in his Therapeutics, says, " I know not, indeed, any article possessing in a higher degree the quality of calming pulmo- nary irritation, than liquorice. The late Dr. James Malone, of Lon- don, gives the following recipe for a cold : Take a large teaspoonful of linseed, with two pennyworth of stick liquorice, and a quarter of a pound of sun raisins. Put them into two quarts of soft water, till it be reduced to one ; then add to it a quarter of a pound of brown sugar candy, pounded, a tablespoonful of white wine vinegar, or lemon juice. Note.—The vinegar is best to be added only to that quantity you are going immediately to take ; for if it be put into the whole, it is liable, in a little time, to grow flat. Drink half a pint at going to bed, and take a little when the cough is troublesome. This recipe generally cures the worst of colds, in two or three days ; and, if taken in time, may be said to be almost an infallible remedy. It is a sovereign balsamic cordial for the lungs, without the opening qualities, which endanger fresh colds, on going out. It has been known to cure colds, that have almost been settled into consumptions, in less than three weeks. Employment. From twelve grains to one drachm of the powdered root may be given. Cold infusion, from two to three drachms of the root to two pints of boiling water. Dose of the extract, from half an ounce to an ounce. Dr. Sawyer, of Cleveland, Ohio, a graduate of our school, state* Vol. III. N 98 Materia Medica. that the following preparation cured him of a very deep-seated cough, bordering on consumption. Take liquorice root, Lung-wort, Iceland moss, equal parts ; Make a strong "decoction; sweeten with rock candy; and take as much as the stomach will bear. No. 59- HELLEBORE. The Root. Latin Name—Helleborus Niger. English Name—Black Hellebore. Botanical Character. Class XII.—POLYANDRIA. Order XIIL—POLYGYNIA. Genus—Helleborus—Calyx 0 ; petals 5 or more ; persistent; nectaries numerous, tubular, 2-lipped; capsules compressed, nearly erect; many-seeded. Species—Niger—Scape 1 or 2-flowered, nearly naked; leaves pedate. Description. Stem subterraneous, horizontal, articulate ; leaves apparently radi- cal, petiolate, 7 or 8-lobed, tough, dentate, and oboval; flowers one or two on a scape, from two to six'inches high, of a pink colour, very large, nodding, with two bractes ; calyx regular, persistent, 5-parted ; corolla 10 or 12 ; petals hollow and cornet-like ; fruit, from 3 to 6 capsules. History. About Christmas, if the weather be temperate, this plant flowers. The flowers appear upon foot-stalks; flowers consisting of five large round white petals, each of which are purple, sometimes, on the edges. Locality. This is a perennial plant, growing in the mountains of Vasges, Dauphine, and Provence. Qualities. This root is of the length and size of the little finger, gray, or red- dish internally, blackish externally, marked with circular rings, not distant from each other, and furnished with numerous radical fibres; its taste, which at first is acrid and bitter, seems to benumb the tongue ; its odour is nauseous. It contains, according to Messrs. Feneulle and Capron, a fatty oil slightly acrid, a resinous matter, un odorous volatile acid, a bitter No. X. HELLEBORUS NIGER. BLACK HELLEBORE. No. f,o HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS. GOLDEN f'EAL. Medical Botany. 99 principle, wax, &c. Water, and alcohol especially, take up its active principles, which are mostly lost by a long ebullition. Medical Properties^ The root of this plant is a cathartic, and as such was much used by Galen and Hippocrates, and their successors, who esteemed it as a most valuable cathartic. It has likewise obtained the name of melam- podium. It is recorded that Melampus, a Greek physician, who first discovered this plant, acquired immense wealth and renown by re- storing to reason the daughters of an eastern monarch, who by some unknown cause had all of them been deprived of it. The hellebore is the only article which he employed. It is most probable that its powers in this affection of the mind is owing altogether to its griping effects, and to the active and violent evacuations which it occasions from the bowels. It is well known that very active cathartics will sometimes entirely subdue the fiercest forms of mania, and that they will also arouse the sensibility of the system in the lowest stages of melancholy. It is said that the more griping the purgative, the greater its effects will be in those cases. We have occasionally employed it in obstructed menses. Employment. Dose of the powdered root from ten grains to a scruple ; of the in- fusion two drachms to one pound of boiling water, one ounce of which is given every four hours. For obstructed menses take equal parts of the tincture of hellebore and tincture of logwood, of which let one or two teaspoonfuls be taken three or four times a day. No. 60. GOLDEN SEAL. The Root. Latin Name—Hydrastis Canadensis. English Name—Yellow Pucoon. Vulgar Names—Yellow-root,Ground Raspberry,Yellow Paint, Golden Seal, Orange-root, Indian Plant, &c. Botanical Character. Class XII.—POLYANDRIA. Order XIII.—POLYGYRIA. Genus—Hydrastis—Calyx 0 ; corol 3-petalled, petals ovate ; berry composed of 1-seeded granulations. Species—Canadensis—Stem 1, 2-leaved, the lower ones petioled, emarginate at the base ; the upper clasping, palmate, serrate, gashed • peduncle solitary, terminal, 1-flowered ; flower yellow; fruit red, sue- culent. Description. The root is crooked, knobby, wrinkled, with many long fibres, and 100 Materia Medica. of a bright yellow colour; stem a foot high, or less, simple, straight, round, naked top, with two unequal alternate leaves ; first leaf petio- late, cordate, palmate, 5 or 7-lobed; lobes oval, unequal, acute, with ir- regular, sharp, serjatuse, 5-branched nerves ; the upper or second leaf similar, but sessile, and commonly trilobe ; flowers, single, terminal, on a peduncle shorter than the upper leaf; 3 petals, or petaloid leaves, flesh or rose-coloured, oval, obtuse, equal; berry red and oval. Locality. From Canada and Maine to Carolina and Tennessee, in rich shady woods, on the banks of rivers, sides of hills, and deep valleys. Qualities. The root is only used when fresh; is juicy, but when dried loses about two thirds of its weight. The taste is exceedingly bitter, rather pungent, and nauseous. The smell strong and virose. It contains amarine, extractive, several salts, and a peculiar principle, hydras- tine of a yellow colour. Properties. It is an estimable tonic, and at the same time laxative, which makes it very appropriate in dyspeptic disorders; also ophthalmic, detergent, and stimulant. The plant is much used in the western states for dis- eases of the eyes, and for this purpose it must be cautiously used. The juice or infusion is used as a wash, in sore or inflamed eyes. It is considered a specific by the Indians for that disorder; they also employ it for sore legs, and many external complaints, as a topical tonic. Internally, it is used as a bitter tonic, in infusion or tincture, in disorders of the stomach, bile, and liver. A half ounce of the dried pulverized roots is sufficient to infuse in a quart of spirits. This root appears to be highly narcotic, and is said to enter into many of the compounded remedies for cancer. Some Indians employ it as a diuretic, stimulant, and escharotic, using the powder for blis- tering, and the infusion for the dropsy. Golden seal bitters forms one of the best correctives of bile and bilious habits that can be given. It is likewise very beneficial as a gargle, in sore mouth, &c. Employment. It may be given in powder or infusion, internally. Externally in powder as an escharotic. Of the powder, from ten to twelve grains. It enters into the " wine bitters." Medical Botany. iO! No. 61. HYSSOP. The Leaves and Flowers. Latin Name—Hyssopus Officinalis. English Name—Garden Hyssop. Botanical Character. Class XIII.—DIDYNAMIA. Order L—GYMNOSPERMIA. Genus—Hyssopus—Calyx 5-parted, divisions nearly equal; corol with the lower lip 3-parted ; the middle segment mostly crenate ; sta- mens straight, distant. Species—Officinalis—Flowers in whorls, racemes pointing one way; middle division of the corol 2-lobed, very entire ; leaves linear, lanceolate. Description. The stem of this plant rises about a foot in height; ramous; leaves sessile, narrow, acute ; flowers blue or pink colour, united in the axilla of the superior leaves. Locality. This plant grows in the south of France, and America. Qualities. Hyssop has an agreeable and aromatic odour, and a warm, pungent, and slightly bitter taste. It contains a yellow essential oil, some bitter principles, and sulphur. The remedial principles are soluble in wa- ter and alcohol. Medical Properties. This substance is slightly stimulant, and* is possessed of expectorant properties, which make it very beneficial in colds, coughs, and pulmo- nary catarrhs, and in phthisis and other affections of the lungs. As a gargle in sore mouth, this is very useful. Culpepper recommends its being boiled with figs as a gargle in quinsy and sore mouth. Employment. Infusion, a handful of the hyssop infused in two quarts of boiling water, and drank according to the thirst. 102 Materia Medica. No. 62. HOPS. The Fruit. Latin Name—Humulus Lupulus. English Name—Garden Hops. Botanical Character. Class XX.—DIOECIA. Order V.—PENTANDRIA. Genus—Humulus—Staminate flowers ; calyx 5-leaved ; corol 0; antherae with 2 pores at the top ; pistillate flowers ; calyx an oblique, entire scale; corol 0; styles 2; seed single coated, the head strobile- form. Species—Lupulus—Stem twining, rough; leaves petiolate, 3-5- lobed, acute, sharply sernate, rough; staminate flowers panicled. Description. The hop vine is an ornamental plant, climbing to a great height; root perennial; stems annual, twining around the poles set for them, angular, covered with rough minute prickles ; leaves opposite, on long winding petioles ; the smaller ones heart-shaped ; the longer ones 3 or 5-lobed ; serrate, veiny, serrated, and extremely rough ; flowering branches rough, axillary; flowers numerous, and of a greenish co- lour ; stamens short, the anthers oblong, and bursting by two termi- nal pores. Locality. The hop is a perennial plant, indigenous to Europe, springing up spontaneously along hedges* likewise cultivated on a large scale in several districts of the north of France, in Flanders, in England, and in the United States. Qualities. The fruit of the hop is composed of foliaceous and persisting scales, and covered with small hair, charged with a kind of dust called lupu- lin. It is of a green yellow colour, possesses an aromatic and bitter taste. Independently of lupulin, hops contain, according to Messrs. Payen and Chevallier, a volatile oil, a fatty matter, wax, some acetate of ammonia, malate of lime, tannin, gallic acid, a small quantity of osmazome. Boiling water, alcohol, and ether, dissolve the active principles of this plant. Lupulin.—According to Messrs. Payen and Chevallier's analysis, this substance is composed of resin, 105; bitter matter, 25; essential oil, 41; gum, and a small quantity of fatty matter and osmazome, some acetate of ammonia, silica, sulphur, oxide of iron, and salts, with base of potassa and lime. It is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. It is obtained by rubbing the cones of the hops on a sieve ; the No. (i'2. HUMULUS LUPULUS. GARDEN' HOPS. No. G3. HAMAMEUS VIRGINICA. WINT£,i„ WIaCH-H.OI Medical Botany. 103 lupulin passes through, and is received on a piece of paper. It is purified by immersing it in water. This article possesses the same properties as the hops, but in a much greater degree. In too great doses it produces a sensation of heat in the epigastric region, and throughout all the abdomen; pains in the abdomen, costiveness, nausea, vomiting, &c. Medical Properties. It is anodyne, and in many cases maybe used instead of laudanum. In the form of tincture I have given it with success in inflammation of the bowels. A strong infusion or decoction of the hops is very useful in some forms of dyspepsia attended with nervous irritation and loss of tone in the stomach and bowels ; it acts in this case as a tonic and sedative. Dr. Chapman says, that he has employed the hop success- fully in advanced stages of typhoid fevers, where nervous tremors and subsultus tendinum (twitching of the tendons) existed. I have like- wise used it with success in the after pains of women; thereby allaying the spasmodic uneasiness of the uterus. The same gentleman above spoken of says, " It is well adapted to drunkards, and I have found it a useful auxiliary in the treatment of mania a potu.'' A bag filled with warm hops, and placed under the head, is a popu- lar remedy to quiet nervous irritation and procure sleep. In fomen- tations it is exceedingly valuable. Employment. The hop may be administered in tincture, decoction, infusion, or pills made of the extract. As a tonic, the infusion (of which a wine- glassful maybe taken) is the best. Of the extract, half a teaspoonful, to be repeated and increased as the case may require. No. 63. WITCH HAZEL. The Bark. Latin Name—Hamamelis Virginica. English Name—Winter Witch Hazel. Vulgar Namss—Witch Hazel, Snapping Hazelnut, Winter- bloom, PlSTACHOi-NUT, &C. Botanical Character. Class IV.—TETRANDRIA. Order II.—DIGYNIA. Genus—Hamamelis—Involucre 3-leaved ; proper calyx 4-leaved, corol 4-petalled ; petals long, linear; filament short, broad ; anthers adnate ; nut 2-celled, 2-horned. Species—Virginica—Leaves alternate, obovate, acute, obliquely cordate, margin uneven. 104 Materia Medica. Description. This shrub rises from six to ten feet in height, with irregular branches, flexuous and knotty; bark, smooth, gray, with brown dots'; leaves rather large, smooth, alternate, petiolate, obovate ; margin with unequal faint teeth, commonly obtuse ; nerves prominent; flowers on short pedicles, clustered three to five together, in several places along the branches ; calyx small, but enlarged with the fruit, with three or four scales at the base; divided into four thick, oval, pubescent segments. Petals yellow, much longer, linear, obtuse, often undulate, or revolute ; stamen four, opposed to petals, shorter than the calyx ; pistal oval, central, short style, two obtuse stigmas ; fruit a nut-like capsule similar to a hazel nut. History. This shrub blossoms in winter, when no other tree is in bloom. The blossoms remain from October till February. The fruit remains on throughout the whole year till the next fall, and then explodes with a noise, scattering the seeds around. Locality. Found from New-England to Carolina and Ohio, commonly on hills and mountains, near stony banks of streams; rare in plains, die. Qualities. The bark and leaves are somewhat bitter, very astringent, leaving a sweetish pungent taste, which remains some time. Medwal Properties. Sedative, tonic, astringent, discutient, &c. This shrub is valued very highly by the Indians, and is by them much used. They apply the bark, which is sedative and discutient, to painful tumours and ex- ternal inflammation. A cataplasm of the inner bark is found to be very efficacious in removing painful inflammation of the eyes. An infusion made of the leaves is a very useful astringent in haematame- sis, (bleeding at the stomach,) amenorrhoea, bowel complaints, and menstrual effusions. The bark likewise affords an excellent topical application in piles, (haemorrhois,) &c, falling of the bowel and womb. Employment. This article may be given internally in the form of infusion; exter- nally as a poultice in foul ulcers, 6tc; and in the form of a strong decoction as an injection into the vagina, for prolapsus, or falling down of the womb; and as a wash for falling of the intestine. No. 64. HEPATICA TRILOBA. COMMON LIVERWORT. Medical Botany. 105 No. 64. LIVERWORT. The Leaves, Stems, and Root. Latin Name—Hepatic a Triloba. English Name—Common Liverwort. Vulgar Names—Liverweed, Trefoil, Noble Liverwort. Botanical Character. Class XII.—POLYANDRIA. Order XIII.—POLYGYNIA. Genus—Hepatica—Calyx 3-leaved ; corol 6 to 9-petalled, petals oblong, seeds naked. Species—Triloba—Leaves radical, 3-lobed ; lobes entire ; petioles and scape hairy ; scape 1-flowered; flowers blue. Description. Root perennial, fibrose ; fibres long, fasciculate, brown; leaves all radical, on long hairy petioles, somewhat leathery and partly persis- tent in winter ; base cordate, divided into three equal entire lobes, rounded, obtuse, or acute, purplish above, glauceous and purplish beneath ; flowers terminal, drooping at first, spreading when unfolded; involucre resembling a calyx, very hairy; hairs gray and long; seg- ment very deep, oval, entire, obtuse ; anthers elliptic and of a pale yellow ; pistils and seeds oval, acute. History. This is a vernal plant: the leaves stand the winter, and early in the spring the flowers come out, sometimes while the snow is yet falling. They last from March till May. Locality. This plant is a native of the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and America ; growing on this last continent from Labradore to Virginia and the Pacific Ocean; found in woods, hills, and mountains, through- out the United States. Qualities. This plant has no smell, and not much taste ; not bitter, but a little astringent and mucilaginous. It contains tannin, mucilage, extrac- tive, &c. Medical Properties. Subtonic, subastringent, deobstruent, pectoral, demulcent. It may be used in fevers, liver complaints, indigestion, hypochondria, &c. It is useful for hemoptysis (bleeding at the lungs) and coughs. It has been used with benefit in those diseases as well as complaints arising from dyspeptic and hypochondriac affections. Employment. It may be given in the form of infusion, either warm or cold, and drank ad libitum. It enters into the vegetable syrup. Vol. III. O 106 Materia Medica. No. 65. LOGWOOD. The Wood. Latin Name—Hjematoxylum Campechianum. English Name—Campeachy Logwood. Botanical Character. Class X.—DECANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—-H^ematoxylon—Calyx 5-parted ; corol 5-petalled ; cap- sules lanceolate, 1-celled, 2-valved ; valves boat-shaped. Species—Campechianum—Leaves abruptly pinnate; leaflets ob. cordate ; branches crooked, spinous ; flowers racemed. Description. Too well known to need a description. Locality. The logwood tree grows at Campeachy, in America, in the islands of Santa Cruz and Jamaica. Qualities. According to the analysis of Chevreul, it contains a volatile oil, tannin, a crystalline colouring matter, soluble in boiling water ; called hematin, salts of lime, and potassa. Medical Properties. This wood is principally used in medicine as an astringent in the latter stages of dysentery, in diarrhoea, and mucous discharges. We, however, seldom use it, except in combination with other articles, in amenon hcea. Dr. Wolcot has used the following formula with success, in dysentery. Extract of logwood one drachm, chalk mixture four ounces, tincture of catechu two drachms, essence of peppermint two drachms ; mix. Dose of this from one to two tablespoonfuls every four hours or oftener, according to circumstances. Laudanum was also administered, to allay the griping distressing pains. Employment. Decoction, half an ounce of the wood boiled in two pints of water down to one eighth. Extract, from one drachm to two. Medical Botany. 107 No. 66. BUTTERNUT. The Bark and unripe Fruit. Latin Name—Juglans Cinerea. English Name—White Walnut and Butternut. Botanical Character. Class XIX.—MONCECIA. Order XII.—POLYANDRIA. Genus—Juglans—Staminate flowers ; corol 6-parted ; calyx 1-leafed, scote form, mostly 5-parted; filaments twelve to thirty-six. Pistiolate flowers ; corol 4-parted ; calyx 4-cleft, superior ; styles 1, 2 ; nut rugose, furrows irregular. Species—Cinerea—Leaflets numerous, brancholate, serrate ; base rounded, soft, pubescent beneath ; petioles villous ; nut oblong, ovate, roughly sculptured, edible ; tree large. Description. . Too well known to need a description. Locality. These trees are very common in the United States. Found grow- ing in valleys and on mountains. Medical Properties. During the American revolution, when medicines were scarce, this article was brought into use by the physicians of the hospitals, and was esteemed by them an excellent substitute for the ordinary ca- thartics. The extract made from the inner bark of these trees is alone employed. When given alone, in doses of from fifteen to thirty grains, it operates as an active cathartic, without " occasioning heat and irritation." It is thought to be very applicable in indigestion, as an aperient in habitual costiveness, as it is not so apt to leave the bowels in a costive state as other cathartics do. The extract should be made from the bark in the months of May or June. Employment. It is given in the form of an extract, in doses of from fifteen to thirty grains. 108 Materia Medica. No. 67. JUNIPER. The Fruit. Latin Name—Juniperus Communis. English Name—Common Juniper. Botanical Character. Class XX.—DIOECIA. Order XV—MONADELPHIA. Genus—Juniperus—Staminate flowers ; calyx, the scales of an ament; corol 0 ; stigmata 3 ; pistillate flowers ; calyx, the scales of an ament, fewer, becoming fleshy, uniting into a 3-seeded berry. Species—Communis—Leaves in threes, spreading, spinous ; mu- cronate, longer than the berries. Description. This shrub rises four feet in height; leaves numerous, long, sharp- pointed, of a deep green, standing three together without foot-stalks ; stem straight, ramose ; leaves verticillate, ternate, pungently acute ; flowers dioicous, in axillary aments ; male flowers ; scales in the form of a nail, bearing on their internal surface ; globular and sessile an- thers ; female flowers; involucrum, fleshy, globular, 3-parted ; fruit, globular berries of the size of a pea, and containing two or three small nuciform triangular seeds. History. The berries of this shrub, which is the only part used, are ripe in August. It flowers in June. Locality. This shrub is indigenous to Europe, but naturalized in this country, and grows in abundance in the state of New-York, on the banks of rivers, dec. Qualities. The juniper berries are blackish, pulpy, of the size of a pea, of a strong and agreeable smell, of a bitter, warm, and turpentine taste. They are composed, according to Tromsdorff, of volatile oil, 1 ; wax, 4; resin, 10 ; SHgar, 33.8 ; gum, 7; lignous fibres and water, 48; besides several salts. Water and alcohol dissolve their active principles. Medical Properties. The berries and essential oil are possessed of a powerful diuretic quality, exercising a very decided stimulating action on the general economy, but more especially upon the kidneys, increasing the secre- tion of those organs. They are principally exhibited in dropsy. The oil is carminative, and may be given in flatulencies. Employment. The berries may be given in the form of infusion, and the oil may likewise be given. Eight or ten drops is a dose. No. 67. JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS. COMMON JUNIPER. No. 68. INULA HELENIUM. ELECAMPANE. 0 Medical Botany. 109 No. 68. ELECAMPANE. The Root. Latin Name—Inula Helenium. English Name—Elecampane. Botanical Character. Class XVII.—SYGENESIA. Order II.—POLYGAMIA SUPERFLUA. Genus—Inula—Receptacle naked; egret simple; calyx imbricate; antheraj ending in two bristles at the base ; ray florets ligulate, nu- merous, yellow. Species—Helenium—Leaves clasping, ovate, rugose, downy be- neath ; scales of the calyx ovate. Description. Stem cylindrical, from four to six feet high, branched towards .,.; summit, covered with a whitish down ; radical leaves oval, acute, to- mentose underneath, irregularly dentate and petiolate ; the caulinary small, sessile, and almost round ; flowers yellow, at the extremity of the branches ; the florets of the circumference are female ; involucre formed of imbricate leaflets ; seeds elongate, cylindrical, surmounted by a silky and sessile pappus. Locality. This is a perennial plant, indigenous to Europe, but is very common in this country, growing in low meadows, by the road side, and in stony pastures. It flowers in July or August. Qualities. The elecampane root is large, tuberous, elongated, brown external- ly, white internally, of an aromatic smell, of a very bitter taste at first, and afterwards sharp and camphorated. It contains 36.7 of a very peculiar principle, discovered by Rose, and called Inulin by Thomson ; white, pulverulent, soluble in boiling water, from which it precipitates on cooling, and finally, which is con- sidered as starch ; 0.3 of a concrete volative oil, very analogous to camphor ; 0.6 of wax ; 1.7 of acrid resin ; 36.7 of a bitter extractive matter ; 4.5 of gum, and finally some lignous parts, albumen, and salts, with a base of potassa, lime, and magnesia. Water and alcohol dissolve all its active principles. Medical Properties. This plant is possessed of pretty energetic tonic properties. It acts likewise as an excitant, owing to the camphorated oil which it contains. It is an excellent article, in combination with others, in colds and coughs, in pulmonary irritation, in phthisis pulmonalis, (consumption,) and in some forms of indigestion, when it proceeds from a debility of the digestive organs. It enters into the pulmonarv balsam of our pharmacopoeia. * 110 Materia Medica. Employment. It may be given in powder, decoction, or infusion. Dose of the powder, from half to one ounce ; decoction or infusion, from half an ounce to one ounce, in one quart of water. No. 69. CEDAR. The Leaves and Berries. Latin Name—Juniperus Virginiana. English Name—Red Cedar. Botanical Character. Class XX.—DIOECIA. Order XV.—MONADELPHIA. Genus—Juniperus—Staminate flowers ; calyx, the scales of an ament; corol 0 ; stigmata 3 ; pistillate flowers; calyx, scales of an ament, fewer, becoming fleshy, uniting into a 3-seeded berry. Species—Virginiana—Leaves in threes, joined at the base ; the younger ones imbricate, older ones spreading. Description. Trunk from thirty to forty feet high, very branchy; leaves nume- rous, small, scaly, and mucronate, ternate, and joined at the base, the younger imbricate, the older loose ; flowers very small, both sexes frequently found on the same tree, and in other instances located on two different trees; fruit, small blue berries, 1 or 2-seeded; seeds nuciform. Locality. This tree is indigenous to America, growing in great abundance in the southern states, but found all over the United States. Qualities. The leaves of this tree have a strong, unpleasant smell, and acrid, hot, bitterish taste. Distilled with water, they give out an essen- tial oil. Medical Properties. Internally, the leaves of the red cedar have been found to produce nearly the same effects as the savin. They have been useful in rheu- matism, as a general stimulant and diaphoretic. They have been used likewise as an emmenagogue. The oil which is procured from the ce- dar by distillation, is very useful in rheumatic affections, by bathing the affected parts with it. It may also be combined with the oil of spearmint, which is very beneficial in gravel, diseases of the kidneys, scalding of the urine in gonorrhoea, &c. Employment. The leaves pulverized may be given in doses of from ten to twelve grains, or an infusion of the leaves may be given. Externally, the essential oil. Medical Botany. Ill No. 70. SAVIN. The Leaves. Latin Name—Juniperus Sabina. English Name—Savin Tree. Botanical Character. Class XX.—DIOECIA. Order XV.—MONADELPHIA. Genus—Juniperus—Staminate flowers; calyx, the scales of an ament; corol 0 ; stigmata 3 ; pistillate flowers ; calyx, the scales of an ament, fewer, becoming fleshy, uniting into a 3-seeded berry. Species—Sabina—Leaves opposite, erect, decurrent; the opposi- tions closed. Description. Stem from ten to fifteen feet high ; leaves very small, squamiform, opposite, imbricate upon the stem; flowers dioicous, in aments; fruit, pisiform and blackish berries, containing two small stones. Locality. This is an evergreen shrub, a native of Siberia, Tartary, the south- ern parts of Europe, and of North America. It grows plentifully in New-Jersey. Qualities. The leaves and tops of this plant have a moderately strong smell of the disagreeable kind, and a hot, bitterish, acrid taste. They give out great part of their active matter to watery liquors, and the whole to rectified spirit. Distilled with water, they yield a large quantity of essential oil. Decoctions of the leaves, freed from the volatile principle by inspissation to the consistence of an extract, retain a considerable share of their pungency and warmth along with their bitterness, and have some degree of smell, but not resembling that of the plant itself. On inspissating the spiritous tincture, there remains an extract consisting of two distinct substances, of which one is yel- low, unctuous, or oily, bitterish, and very pungent; the other black, resinous, less pungent, and sub-astringent. Medical Properties. Savin is a powerful and active medicine, and has been long re- puted the most efficacious in the materia medica, for producing a de- termination to the uterus, and thereby proving emmenagogue; it heats and stimulates the whole system very considerably, and is said to promote the fluid secretions. The power which this plant pos- sesses (observes Dr. Woodville) in opening uterine obstructions, is considered to be so great, that we are told it has been frequently em- ployed, and with too much success, for purposes the most infamous and unnatural. It seems probable, however, that its effects in this way have been somewhat overrated, as it is found, very frequently, 112 Materia Medica. to fail as an emmenagogue, though this, in some measure, may be as- cribed to the smallness of the dose in which it has been usually pre- scribed by physicians ; for Dr. Cullen observes, " that savin is a very acrid and heating substance, and I have been often, on account of these qualities, prevented from employing it in the quantity necessary to render it emmenagogue. I must own, however, that it shows a more powerful determination to the uterus than any other plant I have em- ployed ; but I have been frequently disappointed in this; and its heat- ing qualities always require a great deal of caution.'' Dr. Home ap- pears to have had very great success with this medicine, for in five cases of amenorrhoea, which occurred at the Royal Infirmary at Edin- burgh, four were eured by the sabina, which he gave in powder, from a scruple to a drachm twice a day. Dr. Chapman speaks in very high terms of the savin in chronic rheumatism,*where " there exists a coldness of the surface, and espe- cially of the lower extremities, which are dry, or covered with a clam- my sweat; and connected with this state there is also a swelling and rigidity of the joints, amounting sometimes even to the loss of mo- tion, accompanied with pains very acute, and aggravated by changes of the weather." He states that the pulse, previous to the adminis- tration of this medicine, which was " small, weak, and accelerated, becomes full, active, and comparatively slow, upon administering this article; and" that "its wide spreading influence is peculiarly felt throughout the whole animal economy, especially the organs of se- cretion, viz. of perspiration, urinary, catamenial, and perhaps the seminal." Dr. Eberle's experience with this article likewise concurs with that of the above named gentlemen. Employment. It is given in substance in the dose of from one to two scruples, three times a day. A decoction made by boiling one ounce of the leaves in a pint of water, down to half a pint, with the addition of two ounces of syrup. Dose, a wineglassful every two hours. Savin Cerate.—Take of fresh leaves of savin, bruised, a pound; yellow wax, half a pound ; prepared lard, two pounds. Having melt- ed together the wax and lard, boil therein the savin leaves, and strain through a linen cloth. This article is of late introduction for the purpose of keeping up a discharge from blistered surfaces. It was first described by Mr. Crowther, and has since been received into extensive use, because it does not produce the inconveniences that follow the constant application of the common blistering cerate. A thick white layer forms daily upon the part, which requires to be re- moved, that the cerate may be applied immediately to the surface from which the discharge is to be made. .No. 71. fl'TODES FGETJDA SKI'NK CAKUACl Medical Botany. 118 No. 71. SKUNK CABBAGE. The Balls and Roots. Latin Name—Ictodes Fostida. English Name—Swamp Cabbage. Botanical Character. Class IV.—TETRANDRIA. Order I.—MONOGYNIA. Genus—Ictodes—General calyx a spathe; spathe ventricose, ovate acuminate ; spadix sub-globular, covered with perfect flowers ; petals 0 ; calyx deeply 4-parted, permanent; segments cucullate, becoming thick and fleshy; style 4-sided ; stigma minute ; seeds immersed in the spongy receptacle. Species—Fostida—Stemless ; leaves radical; cordate ovate, very large; spathe purple, spotted, cucullate; plant very fetid. Description. Spathe ventricose, ovate, acuminate ; spadix roundish, covered wifh hermaphrodite flowers ; calyx deeply 4-parted, persistent; segments cucullate, truncate, becoming thick and spongy; petals none; style pyramidal, 4-sided ; seeds solitary, immersed in the spongy recepta- cle ; leaves very large, smooth, and green, strongly veined and en- tire, preceded by conspicuous shearing stipules. History. Its flowers are among the first that appear in the spring, after the rigours of winter have passed, appearing from February —Useful in uterine haemorrhage, coughs, and rheumatism. For the Gravel. Take of the root of Jacob's ladder, - - - - 2 3 Make into a decoction ; to be taken as a common drink. Said to be infallible for the gravel. Vol. III. 2 E 226 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. CHAPTER VII. EXTRACTS. Extracts are the products of vegetables, produced by boiling or evaporation to a proper consistence. There are two kinds: spiritous and watery. In the former, spirits are used to extract the strength of the article of which the extract is made ; in the latter, water is made use of. In preparing them, it is necessary often to add fresh water, if water be used, until all the strength is extracted; then strain, and slowly evaporate until the liquid is brought to the consistence of thin molasses; after which, let it be placed in earthen jars, and tightly covered with a bladder or skin, to prevent moulding. This is an excellent form to administer many kinds of medicinal plants, as the quantity to be given is very small. Extract of Blood-root. Take of blood-root, any quantity. Boil in water till the strength is obtained ; then strain, and boil to a proper consistence. Use.—This extract forms a useful and mild caustic. It is applied to some species of indolent ulcers, with excellent effect; also to fistulas. Extract of Gentian. Prepared in the same manner as the above. Use.—This article is tonic, but seldom administered alone. It en- ters into the antidyspeptic pill. Extract of Jalap Is prepared in the same manner, and it makes an excellent anti- bilious pill. Dose.—From two to four grains. Dr. Bone's Extract of Poke. Take of Expressed juice of poke, ^ gal. Gunpowder,......1 gill. Lard,.......a pint. Simmer to the consistence of honey or molasses. Use.—This forms a very efficacious extract or plaster, for scrofulous, cancerous, and all indurated tumours. It may be rubbed upon the parts affected, or a plaster of it applied. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 227 CHAPTER VIII. COLLYRIUMS, OR EYE-WATERS. Eye-waters, or collyriums, are prepared either from mineral or ve- getable substances, and which are usually added to spirits or water, and applied to the eyes in the form of wash. They should first be applied very weak, and the strength gradually increased. Stimulating Eye-water. Take of White vitriol, (sulphas zinci,) - - - 2 3 Sugar of lead, (superacetas plumbi,) - - 2 3 Gum myrrh, (gummi myrrha,) - - - 13 Hot water,.......2 qts. Let it stand two weeks, and filter. Use.—This forms an excellent remedy in chronic inflammation of the eyes. Sometimes it will be found more efficacious if applied warm. When first used, let it be a little diluted. It should be ap- plied three or four times a day. Spiritous Eye-water. Take of Fourth-proof brandy,.....i pint. Rain water,..... 2 P,nt' Camphor, --..---3-3 Mix. Use.__This eye-water is used in chronic ophthalmia, or inflamma- tion of the eyes. Mucilaginous, or Laurus Eye-water. Take of pith of sassafras, (laurus sas.~) - - - 13 Add it to a suitable quantity of rose water, which makes an excel- lent mucilaginous and cooling wash. Use.__It will be found beneficial in the treatment of ophthalmia, or inflammation of the eyes, during the acute stages. Dr. Lobstein's Eye-water. Take of White vitriol,......J3 Common table salt, fine, ... 33 Common water,..... , - Boil the water for a quarter of an hour ; then put the two salts in a new earthen pot, and pour the boiling water over it; let it simmer for fifteen minutes ; let it get cold, and stiain it through filtering paper. Use.—For inflammations of the eye. 228 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. Mineral Eye-water. Take Muriate of mercury, - - - £3 Jamaica spirits, ...... a pint. Mix; and dissolve. Use.—This-eye water is used for the purpose of removing films from the eyes. It should be applied with caution, as it is liable to pro- duce too much inflammation, if used too freely. It may be applied with a carnel's-hair pencil. CHAPTER IX. FOMENTATIONS. Fomentations are usually composed of several kinds of bitter herbs, and are very useful to relieve pain and inflammation, by taking off tension and spasm; or to brace and restore the tone and vigour of those parts to which they are applied. The first of these intentions may generally be answered by warm fomentations ; and, the second, by those that arc cold. They should often be renewed. This class of medicine is very valuable in a great many complaints. Hop Fomentations. Take two handfuls of hops, and one gill of vinegar. Heat the vine- gar, and pour it on the hops till they are moist. In cases of sore-throat, "hoarseness, or soreness of the breast, se- vere pain in the abdomen, colic, dysentery, &c, this fomentation will give ease and allay irritation. It may be applied at bed-time, and kept on all night, or any time in the day, if necessary. But it is usually best to apply warm, and often renew. Common Fomentation. Take Hops, (hamulus lupulus,) - - - - - 33 Tansy, (tanacetum vulgare,) - - - - 33 Wormwood, (artemesia vulgare,) - - - 33 Hoarhound, (marrubium vulgare,) 33 Catnip, (nepeta cataiia,) .... 33 Or a handful of each. Make of these articles a strong decoction, by boiling in equal parts of vinegar and water. Use.—This will be found very efficacious in relieving pain, and re- ducing inflammation, resulting from contusions, sprains, dislocations, and other causes. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 229 It may also be usefully employed in inflammation of the bowels, of the stomach ; in short, in almost every species of inflammation, it will be found very useful. Stimulating Fomentation. Take Red pepper, (capsicum annuum,) - - - 23 Bruised mustard seed,.....23 Alcohol, or spirits, ...... 2 quarts Simmer a few minutes. Use.—This is used as an external application, in paralysis, or palsy. Poppy Fomentation. Take of white poppy heads, (papavares capsular,) or the flowers, a suitable quantity ; add equal quantities of vinegar and water; simmer a few minutes. Use.—This is an excellent anodyne fomentation, used in painful affections. Ophthalmic Fomentation. Take of white poppy heads ; simmer them in water. Use.—In severe acute ophthalmia, or inflammation of the eyes, this fomentation is sometimes used with good effect. Mint Fomentation. Take of fresh spearmint, (menthaz sativa,) a proper quantity ; let it be bruised, and add spirits, and simmer. Use.—In cases of great irritability of the stomach, attended with frequent vomiting, this fomentation, applied to the pit of it, will often relieve when other means fail. 230 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. CHAPTER X. GARGLES. Gargles, in many complaints, are very useful, particularly in the aphthae, quinsy, fevers, &c. By this class of medicines we under. stand certain infusions, decoctions, or liquids, suitable or designed for washing the mouth and throat, which, by their stimulating or deter- gent properties, become efficacious. Adults can generally gargle their mouth or throat with little diffi. culty ; but infants and children require an assistant to apply them, which is best done by tying a little piece of linen to a probe or stick, dipping it in the liquid, and often applying it. They should never be made very stimulating, except in severe cases. Stimulating Gargle. I Take of sumac berries and goldenseal, a sufficient quantity; make a strong decoction, strain, and add one drachm of pulverized alum to every pint of the decoction. Use.—This gargle is used frequently in ulcerated sore-throat of long standing. Astringent Gargle. Take of cohush, (macrotis racemosa,) a proper quantity, and make a strong decoction. Use.—This gargle is used in quinsy. Antiphlogistic Gargle. Take of Sage, (salvia officinalis,) - - . 13 Hyssop, (hyssopus officinalis,) - - 13 Pour on one quart of boiling water, let it stand'half an hour, then strain ; and add one drachm of fine borax, (sub-boras soda.) Use.—This gargle is usefully employed in aphthae, and in quinsy, or sore-throat, particularly where there is acute inflammation. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 231 CHAPTER XL INFUSIONS. Infusions, or, as they are usually called, teas, is a very common and good method of administering the virtues of various medicinal agents. It probably is the most natural, if not ancient method of preparing medicine. A two-fold benefit is derived from infusions: 1st, the medicinal properties of the article made use of; 2dly, the heat and diluent properties of the water. An excellent method to make teas, or infusions, is to put the plant or root into a teapot, and pour on boiling water, and let it stand a short time by the side of the fire. In this way the infusion is readily made very clear. Infusion of Digitalis, or Foxglove. Take of Foxglove, (digitalis purpurea,) dried, - - 13 Boiling water, ...... £ pint. Infuse the foxglove, for four hours, in a covered vessel; strain. Use.—This is the form under which digitalis was administered by Dr. Withering, who introduced it in the treatment of dropsy. Infusion of Linseed. Take of Flaxseed, (tini asilatissimi,) in meal, - 13 Boiling water, ...... 2 pints. Macerate for four hours, near the fire, in a vessel lightly closed ; and strain. Use.—This forms a demulcent, which is often used with advantage in gonorrhoea, dysuria, and sometimes in catarrh, or cough. Infusion of Boneset. Take ofBoneset, (eupatorium perfoliatum,) - - 13 Boiling water, - - - - 1 pint. Infuse two hours in a covered vessel, and strain. Use.—It is useful in colds, fevers, coughs, &c. To be drank freely. Balm Tea. Take of Balm leaves, - - - - 13 Sugar, ..-- - 1 spoonful. Boiling water, .... 1 pint. Lemon juice, - - - - 13 Infuse fifteen minutes, closely covered, and strain. This is a good drink, when cold, for a fever. 232 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. Infusion of Elder. Take of White elder flowers, - 13 Hot water \ pint. Honey, .... 1 tablespoonful. Use.—This will prove a gentle purgative for young children. Dose.—One tablespoonful—every half hour, till it operates. Take of Elder berries, dried, - - .2 tablespoonfuls. Hot water, ... 2 gills. Molasses or sugar, - - - 1 tablespoonful. This will operate similar to the above, in the same doses. It is useful in cases of erysipelas, if drank freely for some time. Elecampane Tea. Take of the root of elecampane, cut fine, - 13 Boiling water, ... 1 pint. Honey, .... 2 tablespoonfuls. Infuse twenty minutes, and strain. Use.—This tea is somewhat glutinous, and of an aromatic bitter. It is used as a stomachic and pectoral, in cases of coughs and asthmas, catarrhs, &c. Dose.—One teacupful every two hours, for adults. Sweet Fennel-seed Tea. Take of the seeds of sweet fennel, pounded, 13 Boiling water, - - - 1 pint. Sugar, .... l tablespoonful. Infuse for twenty-five minutes, closely covered, and strain. Use.—This tea has an agreeable flavour, and a moderately pun- gent and aromatic taste. It is a carminative, resolvent, and diuretic. It has been used to much advantage in cases of colics, malignant fevers, headachs, indigestion, &c. Sweet Flag-root Tea. Take of Sweet flag-root, dried and powdered, 23 Hot water, . - - 1 pint. Honey, 1 tablespoonful. Infuse for twenty-five minutes, and strain. Use.—This tea is said to be an antiseptic, and has been used to prevent contagion. A little alkali will add much to its medicinal virtues. It is useful in colic, pain in the breast, and flatulence. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 233 Hyssop Tea. Take of Hyssop, - - . - |3 Hot water, \ pint. Honey, .... 1 tablespoonful. Infuse for thirty minutes, closely covered. Use.—This tea has an aromatic and pungent taste, and is particularly recommended in cases of asthma and other disorders of the breast and lungs. It is used to promote expectoration. Dose.—The dosejmay be, for adults, one teacupful, as often as occa- sion may require ; children in proportion. Catnip Tea. Take of Catnip leaves and flowers, - . 13 Boiling water, 1 pint. Loaf sugar, - - - - £3 Milk,......1 tablespoonful. Infuse twenty five minutes, and strain. Use.—This is an excellent tea for infants. It removes irritation and griping pains, which frequently occur with small children. Dose.—The dose for a child, one year old, may be one tablespoon- ful, when occasion may require. A little gin is sometimes added. Spearmint Tea. Take of Spearmint, - - - - - 2-3 Hot water, - - - - 1 pint. Infuse fifteen minutes, and strain. Use.—This tea is said to be one of the most powerful vermifuges in the vegetable kingdom. It is also a warm stomachic, useful in re- lieving nausea and retching to vomit. Those who have children that are subject to an excess of worms in the alimentary canal, will find the importance of the use of this tea, with other anthelmintic medi- cines. It is also strongly diuretic, and diminishes fever and inflam- mation, by promoting a discharge of urine. Dose.—The dose may be one tablespoonful every two hours, for a child about one year old. Tansy Tea. Take of Tansy leaves, ... 1 handful, Hot water, ... - 1 pint, Sugar, ..-- 1 tablespoonful. Infuse for twenty five minutes, and strain. Use.—This is a warm deobstruent bitter; useful for children, to destroy worms in the bowels. It may be used similar to spearmint tea. It promotes the menses. Vol. III. 2 F 234 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. Pennyroyal Tea. Take of Pennyroyal leaves, dried, - - - 1 handful, Hot water, - 1 pint. Infuse for twenty-five minutes in a covered vessel. Use.—This is a warm, pungent, aromatic, tea, similar to mint, more acrid, and less agreeable. It is an aperient, and used in hysteric cases. Also in suppression of the menses. Dose.—One teacupful for an adult. Sassafras Tea. Take of the Bark of the sassafras root, pounded, or scraped fine, - - - - - 13 Hot water, .... 1 pint. Infuse for thirty minutes, and strain. Use.—This is a warm aperient and corroborant. It is frequently employed with good success for purifying the blood, rheumatism, &c. Sassafras oil is a sudorific and diuretic remedy. It is stimulating and heating, consequently should be given in small doses. Dose.—The tea as above prepared may be taken in doses of from one to three tablespoonfuls, every two or three hours, with a little sugar, to make it more agreeable. Infusion of Virginia Snake Root. Take of Virginia snake root, (serpent. Virgin.,) - 13 Boiling water, .... l pint. Infuse for two hours in a covered vessel, and strain. Use.—This forms an excellent tonic for convalescent patients. It is also very useful in febrile diseases, particularly when there is little or no remission. Infusion of Slippery Elm. Take of Slippery elm, sliced, (ulmas fulva,) - 13 Boiling water, - ... 1 quart. Infuse for an hour in a covered vessel, and strain. Use.—It is useful in gastro-enteritis, inflammation of the intestines, dysentery, diarrhoea, bowel complaint, inflammation of the eyes, stomach, and other organs. It may be drank freely. Anthelmintic Infusion, or Worm Powder. Take of Carolina pink, (spigelia Marylan.,) |3 Senna, (Alexandria senna,) . . . . 13 Manna, (fraxinus ornus,) - - . 13 Add to these one quart of boiling water ; let it stand six hours ; strain, and add 2ft of loaf sugar, or honey, and a little milk. Dose.—A small teacupful, three or four times a day, for a child six years old. Use.—It is an excellent medicine to expel worms. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 238. Compound Infusion of Senna. Take of Senna, . . . . .13 Manna, ..... ^3 Cream of tartar, - - .13 Fennel seed, bruised, ... 1 teaspoonful. Add one pint of boiling water to the senna and manna, and simmer to half a pint; strain ; add the cream of tartar, and sweeten. Dose.—A wineglassful every hour, till it purges. Use.—A cleansing and cooling purgative ; useful in fevers and in. flammatory diseases. CHAPTER XII. INJECTIONS, OR CLYSTERS. Injections, or clysters, are certain liquids, thrown into the rec- tum by mechanical means. Their operation or effect depends upon the ingredients used. Some are emollient, others are stimulant, anodyne, purgative, antispasmodic, dec. Those generally used by practitioners, are composed of starch; and so inefficiently are they used, or directed to be used, that little or no benefit is derived from them. A bladder and pipe is generally employed to administer injections ; but the liquid cannot be effectually introduced by this instrument. A large syringe should always be used for adults, and a small one for infants and children. This enables the practitioner, or nurse, one of whom should always perform this simple, but valuable operation, to throw up the injection to such an extent, or distance, as will be ex. ceedingly efficacious. To prove effectual, a large quantity should always be given. Few are aware of the great benefit and efficacy of injections or clysters. They often prove a sovereign remedy for diseases which nothing else will relieve. Hence, every family should possess a syringe, and a knowledge of its use. Sometimes the stomach is in such a state, that medicine cannot be given to act upon the bowels. In this case, the syringe is very useful, also in strangulated or incarcerated hernia, or rupture; in bilious colic, dysentery, cholera morbus, and bowel complaints generally. 236 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. Common Injection. Take of Sweet milk, .... 1 pint, Mucilage of slippery elm, - - 1 pint, Olive oil, .... l gill, Molasses, - . . . Ji pint, Sal aeratus, .... 13 Mix. Use.—This forms an injection of much value ; and may be used* in almost every case where one is indicated. It is often used with admirable effects in dysentery and diarrhoea. Sometimes, when there is great pain in the lower intestines, it will do better if a drachm of laudanum is added to each injection, and it will not fail of relieving the griping pain occasioned by the disease. It should be used with a large sized French syringe. Soapsuds Injection. Take of soapsuds, strong, a sufficient quantity. Inject it about blood warm. Use.—This is an injection which may always be conveniently pro- cured. It is mild, and may be administered when a more stimulating injection would be hurtful. It is very useful in habitual costiveness, when purgatives are ineffectual. Stimulating Injection. Take of Lobelia, (lobelia inflata,) - - . . 13 Inner bark of large hemlock, (pinus Canadensis,) £3 Red pepper, (capsicum annuum,) - - . 13 Make a tea, or infusion, sweeten, and introduce half a pint to a pint. Use.—This injection is occasionally used in very obstinate cases of costiveness, bilious and painters' colic ; strangulated or incarcerated hernia. Tobacco Injection. Take of Tobacco, (nicotiana tabacum,) . . . 13 Tepid water, ...... j pint> Infuse for twenty or thirty minutes. Use.—This injection is sometimes used in the treatment of incar- cerated hernia, with a view to its relaxing properties. It should be employed with caution, as it has sometimes produced alarming symp- toms. It is also used to destroy worms from the rectum. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 287 CHAPTER XIII. LINIMENTS. Liniments are preparations1 employed in frictions or embroca- tions on the skin. They are usually composed of oily, spiritous, and gummy, or saponaceous substances ; as some of the essential oils, al- cohol, soap, camphor, dec. They are used externally for rheumatism, quinsy, and other painful affections. The benefit is derived from their counter-irritant effects. Common Liniment. Take of Castile soap, . . . . 13 Oil of sassafras, (oleum z. sassa.) - - 13 Camphor, (laurus camphora,) - - 13 Spirits of hartshorn, - . - 13 Alcohol, - - - - - 13 Mix. Use.—This forms an excellent liniment, in diseases of the throat and tonsils. Opium and Camphor Liniment. Take of Opium, powdered, - . . -13 Gum camphor, ditto - - . - 13 Castile soap, scraped fine, . . - 13 Alcohol, - - - - - 13 Rub them all together in a mortar, till the camphor, soap, and opium is dissolved, and they all form a liniment. Use.—This is a preparation used externally, as a stimulant and ru- befacient. It is an efficacious remedy for inflammatory sore throats, and stiff necks. It should be applied with a flannel, and rubbed in every two hours. In some cases it is necessary to dry it in by apply- ing, over the flannel cloth, a hot iron or brick. Rheumatic Liniment. Take of Alcohol, Spanish soap, cut fine, Sassafras oil, Spearmint oil, Oil origanum, Oil amber, Put all into a jug ; keep warm for five or six days, frequently shaking it till dissolved. Use.—This liniment is excellent for rheumatism, sprains, and other painful affections. The parts affected should be often bathed with it. \ gallon. *3 13 £3 238 Pharmacy and Dispensatory* CHAPTER XIV. LIQUIDS. Liquids include such medicines as are made from various men- struums, or solvents, such as spirits, wine, water, &c. They are usually compound preparations. Rheumatic Liquid. Take of White turpentine, (terrebin. alb.) - * 43 Inspissated juice of poke-berries, - - 43 Malaga wine, or metheglin, - 3 gal. Let these articles be mixed, and stand one week ; then filter, and bottle. Dose.—Half a wineglassful, two or three times a day. Use.—This is an excellent preparation for chronic rheumatism. Anti-pyrosis Liquid. Take of Elixir salutis, (comp. tinct. senna,) - jft Tine, of balsam tolu, ... 13 Mix. Dose.—A tablespoonful every morning or evening. Use.—This liquid will be found eflicacious in removing the trouble- some symptoms of water-brash, or pyrosis. It may be taken, mixed in water, every night, at the time of going to bed. Mint, or Spirits of Mint, Liquid. Take of spearmint, (menthce saliva,) green, bruised, add a suffi- cient quantity to saturate a quart of alcohol. Use.—This preparation of mint will be found exceedingly useful in the treatment of strangury, and retention of urine, arising from strictures in the urethra, and diseases of the prostate gland. It has proved successful when other means failed. Dose.—The dose must be regulated according to the patient's ha- bits. Some will require half, others a gill, at a time, and repeated every thirty minutes. The patient should take it till it produces re- lief. This liquid has also been used with the best effects, in the treat- ment of haemorrhoids, particularly in a state of inflammation ; to be applied on a little cotton. In cases where the green mint cannot be procured, the dried may be used, though, perhaps, it is not so good. This liquid may also be used, both externally and internally, in cases of severe vomiting. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 239 Stimulating Liquid. Take of Red pepper, (capsicum annuum,) - 23 Common spirits, or alcohol, - - - 2 quarts. Let it stand a few days, or, if wanted immediately, simmer a few minutes. Use.—This liquid is used externally, in rheumatism, paralysis, " soreness of the flesh ;" ague in the face and breast, pain of the breast; and indeed of any, and every, other organ. It is exceedingly valuable, seldom or never disappointing the practitioner in relieving pain. Tincture of Ipecacuanha, or Wine of Ipecacuanha. Take of the Root of ipecacuanha, in powder, - 13 White wine, - 163 Macerate for seven days, and filtrate. Use.—This makes a valuable emetic for children. Dose.—The dose is one ounce for adults; children, two years of age, one teaspoonful every ten or fifteen minutes, till it pukes them. CHAPTER XV. MUCILAGES. Mucilages are soft, bland substances, made by dissolving differ. ent kinds of gum, or the roots, leaves, or other parts, which abound with mucilage. Mucilaginous drinks are useful in diseases of the bowels, urinary organs, dec. Also to cover any acrid matter, so as to prevent its irritating the parts over which it passes. Mucilage of Gum Arabic. Take of Gum Arabic, (gummi Arabici,) - - 43 Boiling water, - . - - 83 Rub the gum with the water gradually, until it forms a mucilage ; then strain. Use.—Mucilage of gum Arabic is used in pharmacy, to suspend in water substances insoluble in that liquid, to diffuse oils in water, and for similar purposes. It is sometimes employed in the formation of pills. It is very useful in heat and scalding of the water. Dose.—Haifa wineglassful, three or four times a day. 240 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. Mucilage of Slippery-Elm. Take of Slippery-elm bark, (ulmas fulva,) - - 13 Boiling water, - - - - 1 quart. Let it stand an hour. It is employed in gastro-enteritis, or inflam- mation of the stomach, and other diseases. It is useful in bowel com- plaints generally. CHAPTER XVI. OILS. Oils are of various kinds, and used either singly or combined. They are used, generally, when applied externally, for rheumatism and other painful affections. Rheumatic Oil. Take of Oil of wormwood, (oleum arlemesia vul.,) - 13 Oil of sassafras, (oleum laurus sassafras,) - 13 Oil of cedar, (oleum juniperus virgin.,) - - 13 Oil of hemlock, - - - - - - 13 Oil of turpentine, (oleum terrebin.,) - - 13 Oil of olives, (oleum olivarium,) - - - 13 Camphor, (laurus camphora,) - - - 13 Mix all together. Use.—This oil is exceedingly efficacious in relieving pain in chro- nic rheumatism. It is also a good remedy in sprains, contusions, and in painful affections of almost every description. It may be applied warm to the affected parts three or four times a day. The parts to be well rubbed with it. Oil of Red Pepper—(Oleum Capsicum.) This oil may be obtained by adding the pepper, pulverized, to ether, and let it evaporate. The oil only remains. Use.—This oil is very efficacious in white swellings, lumbago, sci- atica, rickets, ague in the face and breast, quinsy, pain in the side and breast, pleurisy, and for painful affections generally. It is pow- erful, and should be applied very sparingly. The essence of it is excellent for pain and cramp in the breast and stomach. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 241 CHAPTER XVII. OINTMENTS. Ointments are a class of medicines which contain the properties of certain vegetables, designed for external use. Their consistence is softer than that of salves or plasters, but the heat of the body is suffi- cient to melt them. Lard and butter, or oil and wax, are principally used to make them. According to the direction given in common dispensatories, the properties of vegetables are not communicated to either of these sub- stances, (through the medium of water alone,) particularly if they arc dry ; but by simmering them in spirits, the desired union is obtained. Stramonium Ointment. Take of stramonium leaves, (dantura stramonium,) a proper quan- tity, while green ; bruise them to a pulp, and put them into an earthern vessel; then cover with spirits and lard ; then simmer the leaves until they become crisped; strain, and add of Venice turpentine, half a pound to every ten pounds of the ointment. Use.—This forms an excellent application for scalds, burns, and cu- taneous eruptions, attended with inflammation. It may be applied occasionally, with the finger, or with apiece of linen. Venice Turpentine Ointment. Take of Venice turpentine, (ter. Veneta,) - - jft Lard, - - - - - - - lffi Simmer until they are united. Use.—This ointment is used in the treatment of tinea capitas, (scald head.) After the parts have been washed with soap and water, let this ointment be applied three times a day. White Ointment. Take of Lard, - - - - - 6ft Venice turpentine, (ter. Veneta,) - - 3ft Melt; and, when nearly cold, add two drachms of corrosive subh- mate, and two ounces of fine borax. Stir ; and mix till cold. Use.—This ointment has cured numerous persons of cutaneous dis- eases, piles, &c. But a vegetable preparation should always be sub stituted, when practicable. Vol. Ill 2G 242 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. Green Ointment. Take of Tansy, (tanacetum vulgare ;) Wormwood, (artemesia absynthium;) Hoarhound, (marrubiam vulgare;) Catnip, (nepeta cataria;) Hops, (humulus lupulus;) Of each an equal quantity. Bruise them, and put them into a kettle, cover over with spirits and lard, and let it stand two weeks ; then sim- mer awhile, and strain. Add one pound of common turpentine to every ten pounds of the ointment. Use.—This ointment is very cooling, resolvent, relaxing, and emol- lient. It is very useful in sprains, contusions, swellings, dislocations, contracted sinews, &c. Yellow Ointment. Take of White ointment, - - - - life Flour of sulphur, - - - - 43 Mix together, cold. Use.—This ointment is used in the treatment of the haemorrhoids, or piles, and is also useful in the tetter, or salt rheum, (herpes.) Discutient Ointment. Take of Bark of the root of bitter-sweet, (solanum dulcamara,) 23 Stramonium leaves, (datura stramonium,) - 23 Cicuta leaves, (sicuta,) - . . 23 Deadly nightshade, (solanum nigrum,) - 23 Yellow dock-root, (rumex crispus,) - - 23 Lard, ..... 1ft Bruise, and simmer the roots and leaves in spirits ; then add the lard, and simmer till the ingredients are crisped. Use.—This ointment is exceedingly valuable in discussing scrofu- lous, indolent, and glandular tumours and swellings. It should be rubbed on the parts, about 30 minutes each time that it is applied ; after which, let a piece of cotton be applied, and secured by a proper bandage. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 248 Vegetable, or Tetter Ointment. Take of White turpentine, (terebinthina,) - - jft Fresh butter, ..... |ft Olive oil, (oleum olivarium,) - - 13 Beeswax, - - - - .23 Indian turnip, (arum triphylum,) - - 13 Leaves of white lily, - - - 13 Common plantain leaves, - - - 13 Bruise the leaves and roots, and simmer them in an earthen vessel, over a slow fire, and closely covered; strain, and, when nearly cold, add two drachms of yellow ochre. Use.—This ointment has cured many inveterate cases of tetter, (salt rheum,) and herpetic affections. Judkin's Specific Ointment. Take of Boiled linseed oil, ... 1 gallon Red lead, ..... 2ft Gray oxide of mercury, - - l'teaspoonful Mutton tallow, - - - 13 Resin, ..... 23 Buds of balm of Gilead, - - 1 handful Oil of turpentine, - - - 23 Put the oil into an iron kettle, and raise it to a boiling heat; then put in the lead by small quantities ; add the oil of turpentine and gray oxide ; take it from the fire, and add the suet, resin, and buds of balm of Gilead. Use.—This ointment has been celebrated as a cure in chronic rheumatism. We have never used it. Itch Ointment. Take of Sulphur vivum, fine, - - - 13 Venice turpentine, - - - - 13 Lard ..... |ft Melt the lard and turpentine ; then add the sulphur, and stir till it is cold. Let it be applied two or three times a day. Use.—It soon cures the complaint, without the necessity of chang- ing the clothes. Celandine Ointment. Take the herb or plant, bruise, and cover with any kind of spirits; simmer awhile ; then add fresh butter ; and let it remain over the fire until the leaves are crisped. Strain. Use.—-This ointment is useful in the piles, and cutaneous eruptions. 244 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. Ophthalmic Ointment, or Eye-Salve, called also Eye-Balsam, Take of Fresh butter, - - - - 33 White wax, ----- ^3 Red precipitate, - - - - 2^3 Prepared tutty, - - - - 13 Camphor, dissolved in olive oil, - - 13 Mix, for ointment.—Communicated by Dr. Lobstein. For the Salt-Rheum. Take of narrow dock-roots, scabious, and swamp-sassafras, equal parts; boil down, strong ; add lft of lard. Simmer down to an oint- ment. Rub the parts affected, three or four times a day. Marshmallow Ointment. Take marshmallow tops and roots ; add spirits ; bruise and simmer; then cover the plant with fresh butter ; simmer till the strength is ex- tracted. Use.—This forms a very cooling ointment; and is efficacious in all kinds of eruptions, attended with inflammation, such as erysipelas, (St. Anthony's fire,) sore nipples, cutaneous affections, particularly in children, in the face, and around the ears. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 245 CHAPTER XVIII. PLASTERS. Plasters, like ointments, have generally for their base an oily or fatty substance; but they are more solid and tough, and they adhere to the parts without melting. Some are composed of wax, resin, and oils ; others are the product of a chemical combination, betwixt oleaginous substances and the metallic oxides with which they are combined. Some are spread upon leather, others upon linen. Ferris' Black Plaster. Take of white oak bark a proper quantity; bruise; add urine sufficient to cover it. Let it stand two or three days, and then boil it, till it becomes of the consistence of honey ; add to every 5ft, 1ft of honey and 1ft of strained turpentine gum. Add 23 of white vitriol, pul- verized, to every ounce, when it is intended to act as an escharotic. Use.—This forms a very valuable plaster for cancers, ulcers, or white swelling in a state of ulceration, and for the removal of spongy or fungous flesh. It excites but little pain or inflammation. It should be spread on linen, or a soft piece of leather. Cicuta Plaster. Take of common turpentine; strain it after melting ; and, when nearly cold, add of pulverized cicuta leaves a sufficient quantity to form a plaster. Use.—It is useful in glandular swellings of the breast, and other - parts. Strengthening Plaster. Take of hemlock gum ; dissolve and strain it. Use.—This forms an excellent strengthening and stimulating plaster. It is employed in chronic rheumatism, weakness in the back, &c. 246 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. Tobacco Plaster. Take of Tobacco, (nicotiana tabacum,) - - - 1ft Urine, - - - - - 1 gal. Boil down one half; strain it, and add sufficient pitch. Boil to the consistence of a plaster. Use.—This plaster is said to have cured the rheumatism. We have never used it. Blistering Plaster. Take of Mutton suet, Beeswax, White resin, Of each an equal part. Melt these articles together, and add one proportion of Spanish flies, pulverized. Astringent Plaster. Take of white oak bark, (quercus alba,) a sufficient quantity; macerate it in cold water one day ; then put it into a boiler, and evaporate till an extract is obtained. Use.—It is useful in hernia, or rupture. To be spread on a soft piece of leather, and applied over the rupture; after which a truss must be worn. Adhesive and Strengthening Plaster. Take of White resin, ...... 3ft Beeswax, - ..... 43 Burgundy pitch, - - - . . . 43 Mutton tallow,......43 Melt these together, and then add Sweet oil,.......£3 Camphor,.......±3 West India rum,......1 gill. Sassafras oil, - - - - - - £3 When the latter articles have been incorporated with the former, let the whole be poured into a vessel of water, and work it in the hands till cold. In some seasons, and climates, a little more resin, or a little more sweet oil, is required to make it of the right consistence. Use.—This is used as a sticking plaster ; and is used also in rheu- matism. It is likewise useful in cuts, ulcers, &c. This makes an elegant plaster. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 247 Common Strengthening Plaster, called " Sear Cloth Plaster." Take of Resin, (usually termed rosin,) - - - lffi Beeswax, ..-.--- 43 Capsicum,.......43 Spirits,.......1 quart. Simmer the pepper (enclosed in a linen bag) in the spirits, and strain. Melt the other articles together, and add the tincture ; and simmer till the spirits is nearly all evaporated. Take it from the fire, and, when nearly cold, add 23 of fine camphor, and 33 of oil of sassa- fras. Use.—This is used whenever a strengthening plaster is wanted. It seldom or never fails to afford relief. Bone's Sear Cloth Plaster. Take of common turpentine, melt and strain it; then add a small quantity of resin, mutton tallow, and vinegar. Melt again, and pour it into a pail of water. Form it into rolls, or plasters. Use.—To be used as the preceding. CHAPTER XIX. POULTICES. Poultices, or cataplasms, are external applications, of a soft or pulpy consistence, and somewhat tenacious. They are of various kinds : some are designed for discutients, others to produce suppura- tion ; some are refrigerant or cooling, while others are stimulating; others again are emollient. In general, poultices are best applied warm or tepid, and they should not be suffered to get dry before they are renewed. Linseed Poultice. Take of Linseed, powdered, - - - 43 Hot water, ----- i pint. Gradually sprinkle the powder into the water, and stir them together with a spoon. Use.—This is a good and convenient emollient poultice, for many cases. It is preferable to the bread and milk poultice, so much in use; it is not so liable to become brittle and hard when dry. It is very useful in carbuncle, obstinate inflammation, &c. 248 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. Carrot Poultice. Take of Boiled carrots, bruised, - - - Hfe Flour, ...-- 13 Butter, . . . - - |3 Mix them with as much hot water as to form a pulp. Use.—This will be found a valuable application to ulcerated sores and swellings, scrofulous sores of an irritable kind, and many other inveterate ulcers. Mustard Cataplasm. TaKe of Mustard, in powder, - - - - - 43 Soft bread, or Indian meal, - - - - 63 Vinegar, of the best quality, as much as is sufficient to mix, and make into a cataplasm. Use.—This is found to be a good application to the soles of the feet, in cases of rheumatism, gout, inflammatory diseases, fevers, &c. Common Poultice. Take of slippery-elm bark, (ulmas fulva,) a sufficient quantity, pul- verized ; stir it in hot, or warm, milk and water, to the consistence of a poultice. Use.—This poultice exceeds every other in point of efficacy. It is of almost universal application ; and removes inflammation sooner than any other. Compared to this, every other poultice dwindles into insignificance. Alkaline Poultice. Take of ley, rather weak, warm it, and stir in of slippery-elm bark sufficient to form a poultice. Use.—This poultice is useful in inflammation of the breast, and other parts, in felons, white swellings, lockjaw, wounds, fistulas, die. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 249 Yest Poultice. Take of Milk, blood warm,.....1 P»nt. Yest, .....- - 1 gill- Stir in fine slippery-elm bark, to form a poultice. Use. —This is a good antiseptic and refrigerant poultice. Applied to gangrenous ulcers, it is more efficacious than any other. It sooner arrests mortification, used with proper auxiliaries. It is also very serviceable in other species of inflammation. Cat-tail Poultice. Simmer the root of the cat-tail in milk; stir in slippery-elm bark, to form a poultice. Use.—I have used this poultice, with good effect, in inflamed tes- tides. Indian Turnip Poultice. Take of the tops and roots of Indian turnip, (arum triphyllum ;) if green ; if dry, the root only, simmer in water, and add slippery-elm bark, sufficient to form into a poultice. Use.—This poultice is used in the treatment of king's evil, or scro- fula, with the best effect. I think it altogether superior to every other poultice, in scrofula, in a state of swelling and inflammation. Potato Poultice. Boil the common potato; mash or bruise soft; and then stir in the slippery-elm bark. Use.—This poultice has been used with success in ophthalmia, of an acute character, when other means have failed. Cicuta Poultice. Take the plant, green or dry, and boil in milk and water, until it is very soft; add a very small quantity of the slippery-elm bark, suffi- cient to make it adhere ; apply it blood warm. Use.—It is excellent to produce suppuration, especially in those swellings where the glands are indurated, inflamed breasts,, testicles, cancers, die. Ferris' Poultice. Scrape the common carrot, add to it a decoction of spignard root, and stir in Indian-meal. Use.__The late Dr. Ferris was in the habit of using this poultice in cases of inflammation, bordering on gangrene, or mortification. Astringent Poultice. Take the root of black willow bark, (called pussy willow,) pulve- rized, a sufficient quantity ; form it into a poultice, by the addition of Use *__This is the common poultice of the celebrated Dr. Bone, of New-Jersey, who has acquired great celebrity for the successful treatment of inflammation and ulcers. Vol. III. 2 H 250 x Pharmacy and Dispensatory. CHAPTER XX. PILLS. Pills are certain small, round substances, composed of vegetables and are designed to operate in a small dose ; the disagreeable taste, or smell of which, renders it necessary that they should be concealed from the palate. In general, they do not operate as soon as medicine in other forms. Pills is a good form to administer some kinds of medicine, as some can take it, made in this manner, better than any other. 23 23 43 23 Antidyspeptic Pills. Take of Socotorine aloes, (aloe socotorina,) - 43 Castile soap, (sapo venetensis,) - - - 23 Colocynth, (cucumis colocynthis,) Gamboge, (stalagmitis gambogioides,) Extract of gentian, (gentiana lutea,) Oil of cloves, (oleum caryophilata,) Mix; and form into pills of the size of a pea. Dose.—One or two, morning and evening, according as they ope- rate. Use.—This is a very valuable pill; while it cleanses the stomach, it restores the tone, without creating debility. Nervous, or Hysteric Pill. Take of Asafoetida, (fecula asafoetida,) - - -13 Opium, (papaver somniferum,) . - ' - 13 Carbon, of ammonia, - - - .13 Dissolve the same over a fire ; mix ; and form into pills, of the size of a pea. Dose.—One or two. Use.—It is useful in hysterics, and all nervous cases. Opium Pill. Take of Turkey opium, (papaver somniferum,) cut out the soft part, and form it into pills, of the size of a pea, (3 grains,) and rub them in a little flour. Dose.—One every hour, or two, if necessary. Use.—This is the best form to give opium, in very urgent and acute cases. In vomiting, from any cause, attended with spasm, it affords prompt relief. It is useful in colic, dec. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 251 Cicuta Pill. Take of Cicuta leaves, (pulv. cicuta virosa;) add sufficient turpen- tine to form into pills. Dose.—One or twojmay be given for a dose. Use.—'This pill aids in discussing hard glandular tumours. Hydragogue Pill. Take of Jalap, (conv. jalapa,) pulv. - - - 19 Scammony, (con. scammonia,) - - 19 Gamboge, (stalagmitis gambogioides,) - 19 Add mucilage of gum Arabic, enough to form into pills. Make 16 pills. Dose.—One every hour. Use.—This pill has cured the dropsy of the chest, and may be given when other means fail. Red, or Stimulating Pill. Take of Cayenne pepper, (capsicum annuum;) add sufficient of mo- lasses and flour to form into pills. Use.—Useful in dropsy of the chest, asthma, flatulence, indiges- tion, pain, die. Dose.—Give three, three times a day.' Bilious and Laxative Pill. Take of Extract of jalap, - - . 13 Castile soap, - - - - - 13 Oil of peppermint, - - - - 13 Scrape and rub the soap fine ; warm the extract; and then unite them, and incorporate ; add the peppermint oil, and form into pills. Sometimes a little flour is necessary. Dose.—Two or three is a dose. Use.—Useful in costiveness, and bilious affections, headach, &c. 252 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. CHAPTER XXI. POWDERS Are the most simple and natural form in which medicine can be given, as their virtues are not impaired by passing through any parti- cular process ; but when it isnecessary to administer a large quantity of any article, they cannot be conveniently taken in this form. They are either simple or compound. All powders should be kept in a glass vessel, closely stopped, and from the light, otherwise their virtues may be impaired. Powders may be administered in molasses, honey, syrup, tea, or any suitable veicle. Snuff Powder. Take of High laurel, - . . . 10ft Sassafras, - - - - 1ft Blood root, - - - - 13 Pulverized ; mix well. Use.—Good for catarrh, obstructions of the head, die. Antibilious Powder, Common Purgative, or Physic. Take of Jalap, (conv. jalapa,).....1ft Alexandria senna, ..... 2ft Peppermint plant, ... 1ft Let these articles be separately pulverized ; then mix them together, and pass through a fine sieve. Dose.—A teaspoonful, (about a drachm.) It should be put into a teacup, with a lump of loaf sugar, and a gill of boiling water added; and given to the patient when cool, fasting, or on an empty stomach. Use.—This forms the best general purgative that is now known. It combines power with mildness of action, and acts throughout the whole alimentary canal, cleansing it, and producing a healthy action. It may be given to every age and sex ; it removes offensive accumu- lations in the bowels, without bringing on subsequent constipation. It stimulates every contiguous organ to a healthy state. It is useful in all diseases where physic is required. In bilious and febrile diseases it is invaluable. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 253 Emetic Powder, or Compound Powder of Ipecacuanha. Take of Ipecacuanha, (calicocca ipecacuanha,) - 43 Lobelia, (lobelia inflata,) - - - 43 Cayenne pepper, (capsicum,) - - 23 Pulverize separately. Dose.—A teaspoonful, given every thirty minutes, till it operates. It should be given in warm boneset, or camomile flower tea. Use.—This emetic, perhaps, is unsurpassed by any other, for effi- cacy of action. It is administered in all those cases where an emetic is indicated ; and from its extensive effects upon the system, is very efficacious in breaking up morbid associations, or exciting a healthy action of the system. It is useful in febrile and other diseases, &c. Excellent in the chronic affections of the liver, stomach, and intestines. Bone's Emetic and Cathartic Powder. Take of Euporbia ipecacuanha, (spurge,) - 12 grs. To be given in molasses. Use.—This is excellent in dropsy, obstruction of the menses, jaundice, and liver complaint. This medicine is much given by Dr. Bone. Emmenagogue, Black, of Tonic Powder. Take of Flour, of sulphur, .... 43 Gum myrrh, (gumma myrrha,) - - 43 Steel filings, fine, - ... 43 Loaf sugar, .... 43 Add to these articles a quart of wine, and simmer till nearly dry ; remove from the fire, and, when cold, pulverize, and bottle for use. Dose. — Half a teaspoonful, three times a day, to be taken in mo- lasses ; or the same quantity may be taken in the form of pills. Use.—This forms an excellent preparation for the treatment of amenorrhoea, or obstructed menses, when that complaint is an idio- pathic, or primary disease. That it may not be said that I ever administer a single mineral, more recently I have omitted the steel filings. 254 Pharmacy and Dispensatory 4 Diaphoretic Powder. Take of Gum opium, - . . . - . |3 Camphor, ....... 23 Pulv. ipecacuanha, - - - - - 13 Cream of tartar,......13 Pulverize all separately ; then mix. It is best to use pulverized opium. Dose.—Ten grains, as often as may be necessary. Use.—This forms a valuable anodyne, diaphoretic, and sudorific. It is beneficially administered in fever, diarrhoea, dysentery, and cholera morbus ; and in all cases where an anodyne, combined with a sudorific, is required. In these diseases, it should be administered in small doses. It is also applicable to many other diseases, such as rheumatism, gout, &,c. It promotes perspiration, without increasing the heat of the body. It produces a constant moisture of the skin for a great length of time, while it allays irritation. Eupatorium Powder. Take of boneset, (eupatorium perfoliata;) pulverize it very fine. ►c- Dose.—From a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful, three or four times a day; to be taken fasting ; mixed in half a pint of hoarhound tea, and sweetened. Use.—These powders have been used with considerable success, in the treatment of dyspepsia, intermittent fever, and pulmonary diseases. Smith's Cough Powder. Take of Elecampane root, (inula helen.) Liquorice root, (glicyrrhiza g.) Blood-root, (sanguinaria can.) Crane's-bill, (geranium mac.) - Indian turnip, (arum tri.) Pulverize fine. Dose.—Haifa teaspoonful, three times a day. Use.—Good expectorant, pectoral, and tonic. 23 23 23 23 23 Smith's Colic Powder. Take of Pleurisy root, (asclepias tuberosa,) - - 13 Cayenne pepper, (capsicum an.) - - - 13 Pulverize, and mix in half a pint of water. Dose.—One tablespoonful every twenty minutes, till it operates, or relieves. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 255 Fever Powder. Take of dragon's claw, (pterospera andromeda,) pulverized. Dose.—A teaspoonful, infused in a proper quantity of water, morn- ing and evening. Use.—These powders have been much celebrated in the treatment of fevers, and particularly of that species called hectic fever. They act as a mild, but efficient sudorific, without increasing the force of the circulation. They may be safely administered in almost every stage of fever. Cephalic Powder. Take of Blood-root, (sang, canadensis,) - - - 13 Bark of the root of bayberry, - - - 13 Calomel has sometimes been added, in polypus. Mix. Use.—Useful in catarrh, headach, polypus, dec. Red, or Styptic Powders. Take of copperas, (sulphas ferri,) .... 63 Submit it to a red heat, in a flame of fire ; a decomposition is effected, and a red substance is formed. This, pulverized, forms a powder, containing highly styptic and astringent properties. Use.—It is used in the treatment of haemorrhoids, (piles,) and in stopping haemorrhage, or bleeding. It may be mixed with a little melted tallow, and introduced up the rectum, for the bleeding piles. Hull's Bilious Physic, Take of socotorine aloes, (aloe soco.) - 83 Gum myrrh, (gummi myrrha,) 13 Cinnamon, (laurus cin.) 13 Cloves, (eugenia caryoph.) 13 Ginger, (ammonium zingiber,) - 13 Saffron, (crocus officinalis,) 13 Pulverize fine, and mix. Dose.—A teaspoonful every hour, till it operates. Use.—This preparation has been celebrated as a remedy in the treatment of bilious colic. Henry's Cephalic Snuff. Take the roots of daisies, yarrow, and white hellebore, colts' foot leaves, and bayberry bark, of each one ounce, finely pulverized, and sifted through gauze ; mix the powders well together, in a mortar, and drop in it one drachm of the essence of bergamot; after which put it in a bottle, close corked, for use. Dose.—A small pinch of this snuff may be taken at bed-time, as a cure for vertigo, " megrims," obstructions, from catarrh, dtc.; and I have found it effectual in relieving the headach. 256 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. Compound Powder of Mandrake. Take of Pulverized mandrake. Pulverized spearmint. Cream of tartar ; equal parts. Mix. Dose. —A teaspoonful, in tea or syrup. Use.—Useful in diseases of the liver, dyspepsia, obstructed menses, dropsy, in venereal diseases, and in every taint of the system. I have this moment been to visit a young lady, whose menses had been obsiructed for many months, attended with dizziness, and pain in the head, enormous swelling of the abdomen, dsc, and where the ex- hibition of the above medicine, a mandrake alone, every other morn- ing, with two or three pills of gum turpentine, restored them, and re- moved the symptoms. CHAPTER XXII. SALVES. Salves are medicines of proper consistence, for spreading on linen, or muslin, designed for external use, for burns, ulcers, dec. They are formed, by uniting wax, resin, or oil, with some remedial agent, either vegetable or some of the metallic oxydes, such as red lead. They require to be made of a little harder consistence for summer than winter; and which may be done by adding or diminishing the quantity of oil. Salves designed for ulcers should be renewed about twice a day. Black Plaster, or Healing Salve. Take of Olive oil, (oleum olivarium,) - - .3 quarts Common resin, - - - - 33 Beeswax, - - - - -33 Melt these articles together, and raise the oil almost to boiling heat; then add, gradually, of pul. red lead 2ift, if it be in the winter; if in the summer, 2jft. In a short time after the lead is taken up by the oil, and the mixture becomes brown, or a shining black, remove from the fire ; and, when nearly cold, add of pulv. camphor, half an ounce. It should remain on the fire until it forms a proper consistence for spreading, and which may be known by dipping a spatula or knife into it from time to time, and suffering it to cool. Use.—We have found this elegant salve superior to every other, where applications of this kind are required. It has an excellent effect in every kind of ulcer, in burns, in venereal, scrofulous, and fistulous, and all other ulcers. It should be spread thin, on a piece of a linen, and renewed once or twice a day. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 257 Green Salve. Take of Turpentine, (terebinthinoz,) - - £ft Bayberry tallow, (m. corifera,) - - £ft Dissolve together, and form into a salve ; add sweet oil, if neces- sary. Use.—This salve is designed for scrofulous ulcers. Yellow Salve. t Take one bushel of the roots of the baptisia tinctoria, or indigo weed, boil till the strength is out, then strain, boil, and skim ; add 10ft of fresh butter, 3ft of beeswax, and l£ft of mutton tallow ; then boil the water out, and strain till clear. Use.—This salve is used by Dr. Bone, for all kinds of ulcers. It is cleansing, detergent, discutient, &c. Vol. HI. 21 258 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. CHAPTER XXIII. SYRUPS. Syrups are liquids containing the properties of certain vegetables in a very concentrated state ; they are prepared by boiling the ingre- dients until their strength is extracted, and much of the watery portion evaporated ; then adding sufficient quantity of clarified sugar to pre- vent fermentation. Syrup is an excellent form to administer many kinds of medicines. They should always be kept in a cool place. In consequence of the oleaginous and other peculiar properties of most, or all, vegetables, water is not sufficient to extract their virtues, and it is necessary to use spirits. The two menstruums combined answer this purpose admirably; after the alcohol has extracted the component parts of the plants or roots, it is evaporated by boiling ; when no danger need be apprehended from its stimulating effects. Alterative Syrup. Take of Sarsaparilla, (smilax sarsaparilla,) - - 6ft Guaiacum shavings, (guaiacum offi.) - - 3ft Sassafras-root bark, (laurus sassafras,) - 2ffi Elder flowers, (sam. niger,) - - - 2ft Add one gallon of cheap spirits and one gallon of water. Boil, and pom off the liquid; then add water repeatedly, and boil till the strength is obtained. Strain, and reduce to 16 porter bottles; then add thirty pounds of clarified sugar. Let it stand twenty-four hours to settle ; pour off, and bottle for use. Dose.—A wineglassful three or four times a day. The sugar may be clarified, by adding to it half its weight of water, then a few eggs, and boiling till no more scum arises. Use.—This syrup, the alterative, we use in a great variety of cases. In syphilitic, or venereal diseases, in rheumatism, chronic inflamma- tion of the liver, we could not dispense with it. We also use it in the treatment of scrofula, which presents itself in so many shapes. In some of the cutaneous diseases, we find it very effectual; in every species of ulcer, it is also valuable. White-swelling, necrosis, rickets, salt-rheum, or herpes ; and, in short, we have found it very useful in every taint of the system, from whatever cause it may arise. I have used Swaim's, and many other boasted nostrums, but I find this pre- ferable to all of them. It appears to act upon all the secretions and excretions. A tea of burdock-seed may be taken with it. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 259 Vegetable Syrup. Take ofLiverwort, (hepatica triloba,) - - life Solomon's seal, (conv. multiflora,) - - 1ft Skunk cabbage, (ictodes fcetida,) ' - 1ft Blood-root, (sanguinaria can.) - - 4* Water hoarhound, (lycopus virgin.) - - 1ft Add a sufficient quantity of water. Boil, and pour off the water, till the strength is obtained. Strain, and boil to 20 porter bottles ; add 20 pounds of strained honey ; re- move from the fire, and add one pint of brandy; let it settle, and bot- tle for use. Dose.—A wineglassful, three or four times a day. Use.—This preparation is used in every variety of pulmonary dis- ease, and particularly, however, in haemopytsis, (bleeding at the lungs,) and asthmatic affections. I procured this formula from Dr. Lawrence, an excellent botanist, and chief physician and surgeon to the society of " shaking quakers," at New Lebanon, New-York. Scrofulous Syrup. Take of Yellow dock-root, (rumex crispus,) - - 2ft Bark of bittersweet-root, (solan, dulca.) - 2ft Bruise, and boil till the strength is obtained ; then strain, and boil to 12 porter bottles ; add sugar sufficient to prevent fermentation. Dose.—A wineglassful, three times a day. Use.—This syrup is useful in scrofula and herpetic affections. Syrup of Ginger. Take ofGinger root, (amomum zingiber,) ... 43 Boiling water, - - - - - - 83 Sugar sufficient to make a syrup. This is a stimulating, aromatic syrup, and contains all the properties of the ginger. It is combined with other agents, and used principally in the cholera. White Poppy Syrup. Take of the capsules of white poppy, (papaver somniferum,) infuse them in warm water, for twelve hours; then boil and strain ; add suffi- cient sugar to preserve it. This forms a good anodyne, particularly for infants and children. Prepared in this manner, there appears to be less of the narcotic property of the herb, than when prepared with spirits. Dose.—The same dose is therefore required. Use.—It relieves coughs and pain, similar to paregoric, and it pos- sesses about the same strength. 260 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. Antispasmodic Syrup. Take of Peony-root, (paonia officinalis,) - - - 1ft Peruvian bark, (cinchona off.) jft Virginia snake-root, (serp. virgin.) - - {ft Extract the strength by boiling ; boil to four porter bottles; strain, and add 6ft of white sugar. Dose.—A wineglassful, three or four times a day. Use.— This is a valuable tonic syrup, in epilepsy ; for which only we use it. Black Berry Syrup. Take 2ft of the bark of the root, well cleansed, or washed. Add a suitable quantity of water ; then boil two hours. Pour off the liquid; then add more water; and thus continue to boil and pour off, until all the strength is extracted; then strain, and add all the boilings together. Simmer to two quarts ; strain ; then add 4ft of loaf sugar, and when cool add half a pint of best French brandy. Dose.—A tablespoonful, three times a day, fasting. If it does not arrest the disease after taking it a few days, gradually increase the dose, as the stomach can bear it. Use.—This is a very valuable syrup in bowel complaints, particu- lariy the chronic form. It will effect a cure when every other means fail. It appears to possess specific virtues, different from every other vegetable. A rob, or jelly, is made of the fruit, which is useful to mix with water, and drink. Hoarhound Syrup. Take of the leaves of hoarhound, dried, 23; infuse them for twenty- four hours, in half a pint of boiling hot water, and as much spirits; strain, and add {ft of honey, and one teaspoonful of the essence of lemon. Dose.—For an adult, one or two tablespoonfuls every two hours. Use.—This is recommended for hoarseness, asthma, complaints of the breast, lungs, die. It promotes the fluid secretions in general, and if used very freely will loosen the abdomen. Linnaeus prescribed this remedy, and cured a patient that was thrown into a salivation by the use of mercurials, when every other method that had before, for one year, been used, failed, or rather in- creased the disease. After using the hoarhound, the patient got well in a short time. It is said to have been a favourite medicine with the ancients, for removing obstructions of the viscera. The negroes use it for curing vegetable poisons, drc. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 261 Syrup for the Dysentery, (Which, it is said, has never failed in thirty years.) Rhubarb and wild cherry bark, a handful; four tablespoonsfuls of sugar ; simmer a while. Dose.—Give a tablespoonful, every fifteen minutes, until the pain ceases. Make it fresh every day, and add a little brandy. Use.—The above is taken from a work, called the " Indian Physi- cian ;" and is pronounced infallible in dysentery. Expectorant Syrup. (From the same.) A handful of St. John's-wort; one of sage. Make a syrup. Dose.—For a child six months old, a teaspoonful; for one of six years old, give a tablespoonful every fifteen minutes. Cough Syrup. Take of Iceland moss,..... 23 Four poppy heads, One tablespoonful of barley, (whole.) Put in three pints of water, and boil down to two ; strain. Then dis- solve 1ft brown rock candy. Dose.— A tablespoonful, whenever the cough is troublesome. Use.—Useful in tickling coughs. 262 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. CHAPTER XXIV. SPIRITS. Spirits are similar to tinctures; they are usually compounded of several ingredients. The principal menstruum is alcohol, either pure or diluted ; sometimes spirits, or vinegar, alone, are used to prepare this class of medicines. Compound Spirits of Lavender, (called Lavender Compound.) Take of Flowers of lavender, (lavendula spica,) - . 23 Nutmeg, (nux moschatta,) - - - - 23 Mace, (myristicha moschatta,) - - - 23 Cloves, (eugenia caryo.) .... 23 Cinnamon, (laurus cin.) .... 23 Pulverize, and add a quart of spirits. Dose.—One or two teaspoonfuls may be taken often, in a little water, or tea. Use.—This plealant, aromatic preparation, is useful in debility, fainting, hysterics, and all nervous affections ; pain in the breast, flatulence, dec. Spirits of Mindererus. Take of good vinegar, saturate it with the carbonate of potash. Dose.—A tablespoonful, four or five times a day, diluted with a little water. Use.—This is given in fevers, as a refrigerant; particularly those of a typhoid type. I add the sal aeratus, or bicarbonate of potash, instead of the ammonia. Spirits of Camphor. Take of Gum camphor,'.....13 Alcohol,......1 pint. Mix. Dose.—From half to a teaspoonful may be taken in a little water, sweetened. Use.—This preparation contains all the virtues of camphor : it is useful in flatulence, pain, or sickness of the stomach, colic, cramp, dec. Combined with equal parts of spirits of lavender, and essence of peppermint, it becomes more efficacious. I found much benefit from it myself, during the cholera. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 263 CHAPTER XXV. SINAPISMS, OR DRAUGHTS. Sinapisms, and other stimulating draughts, are employed with the same intention as the common blister, to produce counter irritation ; and they often give relief very speedily, in internal pains and inflam- mation. Mustard poultices, or plasters, act much more quickly than blisters, and they are free from the inconvenience and distress which arise from them. They should be applied sufficiently strong to pro- duce a little pain, or to redden the skin ; after which they may be removed, and applied near the same place. They are excellent to relieve pain and inflammation of the head, in febrile and other dis- eases ; are very useful to equalize the circulation in very many complaints. Recently I have substituted mustard plasters for blisters. Mustard Sinapisms. Take of Mustard, (sinapis nigra, or alba,) Rye, indian, or oatmeal, Equal parts. Form it into a proper consistence, by the addition of vinegar. Use.—This plaster answers all the purposes of a blister, without its being attended with any of the distressing effects which generally result from its application. They should be made sufficiently strong to redden, but not to break the skin. They may be very often chang- ed from place to place, with a good effect. They are very valuable, applied to the feet, to cause revulsion, or to equalise the circulation ; hence, it is useful in fevers, inflammation, die. Garlic and Onion Sinapism. Bruise raw onions, and apply. Use.—Useful in the same diseases as the preceding, in pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs, die. 264 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. CHAPTER XXVI. TINCTURES. Tinctures are certain active ingredients, principally vegetable substances, which are imparted to alcohol, spirits, or wine. Tinctures are excellent for administering a great variety of medicinal agents ; but, in some cases, there may be an objection to them, in consequence of the spirits which they contain. Substances yield their virtues more readily to spirits, by the addition of heat. Hydragogue Tincture. Take of Bark of sweet elder, (sambucus nigra,) - - 1ft Good wine, - -.....1 gal. Let it simmer an hour ; strain and bottle. Dose.—A wineglassful, three or four times a day. Use.—This tincture is usefully administered in dropsical affections, particularly in abdominal dropsy, or ascites. It has cured many without any other ingredient. Botanical Tincture. Take of Gum guaiacum, (guaiacum officinalis,) - - 13 Nitre, (nitras potasses,).....13 Camphor, ....... 23 Balsam Tolu, (balsami tolu,) - - - - 23 Spirits, -.....2 quarts. Mix. Dose.—Two teaspoonfuls, three or four times a day, to be taken in a tumbler of prickly ash tea. Use.—This formula I obtained from Dr. Budd, a celebrated phy- sician, in New-Jersey. He procured it from another physician, in Charleston, S. C. It is highly extolled in rheumatism, and any external, painful, chronic affections. I have used it but little ; but the Doctor informs me, that he is so partial to it, that he usually prepares five gallons at a time. Tincture of Lobelia Inflata. Take of Pulv. lobelia, (lobelia inflata,) - - - 23 Spirits, ....--- 2 quarts Let it stand two or three days, and filter. Dose.—From a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful, as often as necessary. Use.— This tincture is an excellent remedy, in the treatment of asthma, croup, and pulmonary affections. It is also given in tetanus and poisons. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 265 Anodyne Tincture. Saturate alcohol, with the pollen of hops. Dose.—From one to two teaspoonfuls, in milk. Use.—Useful in after pains, and in cases where opium cannot be taken. Tincture of Balsam Tolu. Take of Balsam tolu, (balsami tolutanum,) - - - 13 Alcohol, -...--- 1 P^t. Let it stand one week, and filter. Use.—This is combined with the compound tincture of senna, (eltxa salutes,) for the water-brash. Tincture of Castor. Take of Castor, (castoreum,) - ■ - - - 23 Spirits,.......1 quart Let it digest one week. Use.—Useful in nervous diseases, and in suppressed menses. Tincture of Gum Myrrh. Take of Pulv. gum myrrh, (gum myrrha,) - - - 13 Alcohol,.......1 pint. Dose.—One or two teaspoonfuls is a dose ; to be given three or four times a day, in motherwort tea. Use.—This and the preceding tincture are combined in equal parts, and given in obstructed menses. It one case it cured, when all other means failed. Tincture of Cantharides. Take of Pulv. Spanish flies, (meloe ves.) - - - 13 Proof spirits, -.....1 pint. Let it stand one week, and strain. Dose.—Twenty-five drops ; for a child two years old, ten drops is a dose, in any kind of tea. Use.—I have occasionally prescribed this, in incontinence of urine. Vol. HI. 2 K 266 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. Elixir Salutis, or Compound Tincture of Senna. Take of Alexandria senna, - - - - - 23 Jalap, (conv. jalapa,) - - - - - 13 Fennel seeds,......|3 Spirits,.......2 quarts Let it stand one week, and then strain. Dose.—One. ounce. Use.—A mild, but effectual purgative. Laudanum, or Tincture of Opium. Take of Opium, (papaver somniferum,) 23 Proof spirits, ------ 1 quart. Let it stand a week. Dose.—From 30 to 100 drops. Use.—Given as an anodyne. Compound Tincture of Camphor, or Paregoric. Take of Opium, (papaver somniferum,) - - - 13 Flowers of benzoin, (flores benzoes,) - - 13 Camphor, (laurus camp.) - - - - 29 Anise, (piminella anisum,) - - - - 13 Proof spirits,......1 quart. Dose.—A teaspoonful for a child a year old. Use.—Given to allay irritation, or pain, for flatulence, or wind, in coughs, dec. This preparation should be sparingly used. Gout and Rheumatism Tincture. Take of White hellebore, (helebore alba,) - - - 33 Opium, (papaver som.) - - - - - 13 Lisbon wine, - - - - - - 83 Let it digest till the strength is extracted. Dose.—Give from twenty-five to eighty drops. Use.—This preparation is similar to the celebrated composition, discovered about fifty years ago, by M. Husson, a French officer, and has been so highly famed for its almost infallible power in the cure of gout. It was sold for one or two crowns a dose. Meadow saffron, made into tea, may bo drank at the same time. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 267 Tincture of Stramonium. Take of Pulv. seeds of stramonium, (dau. stra.,) - - 23 Proof spirits, - - - - - - 1 quart. Let it stand one week. Dose.—Twenty.five drops twice a day. In cases of fits, it may be increased until the pupil of the eye becomes somewhat dilated, or until it causes a little pain or dizziness in the head. Use.—It is useful in epilepsy, neuralgia, palpitation of the heart, dec. Expectorant Tincture. Take of Blood-root, (sang, canad.,) - - - - 13 Lobelia, (lobelia inflata,).....13 Pleurisy root, (asclepias tuberosa,) - - - 23 Wine, or metheglin, .... 3 pints. Let it stand one week. Dose.—A tablespoonful twice a day, or as often as may be neces- sary. Use.—It is useful in inflammation of the lungs, in pleurisy, in hoop- ing-cough, in consumption, dec, and when there is any difficulty of expectoration. Tincture of Skunk Cabbage. Take of The root of skunk cabbage, .... 33 Spirits, ... .... l quart. Let it stand one week. Dose.—From a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful, in asthma and hys- terics. Golden Tincture. Take of Logwood, rasped, (ham. cam.,) 43 Black hellebore, (helleborus nig.,) 43 Spirits, or wine, ------ 3 pints. Let it stand one week, and filter. Dose.—From a tablespoonful to a half wineglassful three times a day. Use.—Useful in a retension of the menses. Tincture of Cohush. Take of Black cohush, the root, (macro, race.,) - - 33 Proof spirits, or wine,.....1 quart. Let it stand a few days. Dose.—Half a wineglassful three or four times a day. Use.—-Useful in obstinate coughs, rheumatism, and impurity of the blood. 268 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. Tincture of Foxglove. Take of'Foxglove, (digitalis purpurea,) - - - 13 Proof spirits, ------- 1 pint. Digest one week, and strain. Dose.—From 15 to 20 drops, to be given three or four times a day, in parsley tea. Use.—Excellent in inflammatory diseases. It lessens the pulse, by diminishing arterial excitement, and thereby prevents the neces- sity of blood-letting. It is attended with an excellent effect in pneu- monia, or inflammation of the lungs. It is also very valuable in hy- drothorax, or dropsy of the chest. Sudorific Tincture, or Sudorific Drops. Take of Ipecac, (col. ipecacuanha,) 23 Saffron, (crocus officinalis,) •- - - - 23 . Camphor, (laurus camphora,) 23 Virginia snake-root, (serp. virg.,) 23 Opium, (papaver somniferum,) - - - - 23 Holland gin, or Jamaica spirits, ... 3 qrts. Let it stand two weeks, and filter. Dose.—One teaspoonful, given in a tumbler of catnip tea, every hour, till it produces perspiration. Use.—This medicine is probably unsurpassed in fulfilling the indi- cations for which it is given, which is generally to produce free per- sp'iration. One or two doses, aided by warm infusions, and bathing the feet, causes a copious perspiration. Hence, it is useful in a va- riety of diseases. In fever, inflammation, dec, I know of no medicine so certain in its operation. Wine Tincture. Take of Peruvian bark, (cinchona offi.,) 23 Wild cherry-tree bark, (prunus virg.,) - - 13 Cinnamon, - - - - - - - 13 , Cloves, - - - - - - - - 13 Nutmegs, - - - - - -, - 13 Sulphur, - - - - - - - 13 Wine,........2 qrts. Let it stand a while. Dose.—A wineglassful every two or three hours. Use.—This mixture we have found almost an infallible cure for in- termittent; fever, or fever and ague. It iemoves it when all other means fail. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 269 CHAPTER XXVII. ESSENCES. Essences are- made by adding alcohol to the essential oils, in pro- portion of one ounce of oil to sixteen ounces of alcohol. They are useful externally, to relieve pain, and used with advantage internally, for many complaints. Essence of Peppermint. Take of Oil of peppermint, - - - - - 13 Alcohol,......1 pint. Mix. Dose.—A teaspoonful. Use.—Useful in pain of the breast, cramp, sickness of the sto- mach, dec. Essence of Hemlock. Made in the same manner. Dose.—Twenty-five or thirty drops, on sugar, or in tea. Use.—Useful in rheumatism, and other affections ; also for sprains, &c. Essence of Sassafras. Made in the same manner. Use.—It is useful in gout and rheumatism, pain in the breast, lum- bago, sciatica, contusions, &c The other essences are made in the same manner, and their virtues are the same as the oils from which they are made. 270 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. CHAPTER XXVIII. TROCHES, OR SUPPOSITORIES. These are solid remedies, of the conical form, intended to be in- troduced into the rectum, and to remain there for a certain length of time, to act as stimulants and discutients. Troches. Take of Aloes, pulverized, - - A3 Gum myrrh, pulverized, - Castile soap, shavings, Sugar lead, Oxide of copper, Vegetable caustic, - Pulverize, and add two quarts molasses; put the whole in an iron vessel; and simmer until, upon trial, the mass becomes sufficiently hard to form into small troches, about the size convenient for introduction per anus. One or two introduced up the rectum daily, is excellent for the piles. £3 CHAPTER XXIX. WASHES, OR LOTIONS. Washes, or lotions, are certain liquids, in which are suspended medicinal agents, and designed principally for external use. Ophthalmic, or Cooling Wash. Take of Borax, (sub-boras soda,) pulv. - - - 13 Rain, or spring water, .... 1 quart. Let it stand twelve hours. Use.—This forms a very cooling and useful wash, for all kinds of inflammation, particularly the eyes; also, sore and inflamed nipples, canker, or sore mouth, and throat. It may be applied freely, and often. Refrigerant, or Cooling Lotion, or Wash. Take of Sugar of lead, (acetate of lead,) - - 13 Rain water,......i pint. Mix. Use.—This wash is cooling, or refrigerant, and serviceable in in- flammation, particularly erysipelatous. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 271 Yellow Wash. Take of Borax water, ....-- 1 pint. Muriate of mercury,.....13.Mix. Use.—This wash has been occasionally used as a mild and cleans- ing caustic, in the treatment of venereal and indolent ulcers. Saline Wash. Take of Fine salt, - - - - - - - 13 Spirits, ------- £ pint. Vinegar,.......- i PJnt- Rain water, -......j pint. Or equal parts. Mix. Use.—This" makes a.good refrigerant, or cooling wash, for many kinds of inflammations. We are in the habit of prescribing it, particu- larly in inflammation of the brain, dropsy of the head, dec. Some- times it is applied tepid, at other times cool; but seldom cold, except in very urgent cases. Astringent Wash. Take of Dried bark of large hemlock, Upland sumac-root bark, Witch-hazel bark,» White-oak bark ; Equal parts. Make a strong decoction. Use.—This is useful to inject in fluor albus, to wash the parts in prolapsus ani, and utero, or falling of the bowel and womb. 272 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. CHAPTER XXX. MIXTURES. Mixtures are a combinations of medicines in a liquid form, or when substances are diffused through liquids by means of mucilage, or syrup. While Liquid, or Saline Physic. Take of Epsom salts,......2fe Hot water,.......2ffi Nitrous acid, - - - - - - 23 Mix. Dose.—A tablespoonful in a gill of water, until it purges; a tumbler of tea, to be taken after each dose. Use.—The above is similar to a formula, invented hy Dr. Johnson, of Dublin, as a substitute for mercury ; and given to Lorenzo Dow, and since called, " Dow's Family Physic." In some cases it is useful in indigestion, liver complaint, fever, dysentery, bilious colic, &c. It must never be given, except it be well diluted. Anticholeric and Antispasmodic Mixture. Take of Camphor mixture, (spirits of camphor,) - - 43 Essence of peppermint, 43 Tincture capsicum, - - - . . 13 Syrup of ginger,......f3Mix. Dose.—One tablespoonful, every quarter, half, or one and two hours, according to the urgency of the symptoms. Use.—This mixture is useful in the malignant, or spasmodic cho- lera, cramp of the stomach, fits, dec. Nervous Mixture. Take of Mixture, or liquid, carbonate of ammonia, - £3 Mint water, distilled,.....1^3 Compound tincture cardamon, ... £3 Mix. Dose.—Two tablespoonfuls, three times a day. Use.—Useful in fainting, hysterics, debility, and all nervous cases Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 273 Neutralizing Mixture, Neutralizing Cordial, or Physic. Take of Rhubarb, pulv. ...... 29 Sal airatus, pulv., - - - - - - 29 Peppermint plant, pulv., ... - 29 Add half a pint of boiling water ; sweeten with loaf sugar, and add a tablespoonful of brandv. Dose.—One or two tablespoonfuls, every quarter, half, or one or two hours, according to symptoms. Use.—This is one of the most valuable preparations known, for cholera morbus, cholera infantum, or summer complaint of children, diarrhoea, dysentery, dec. Its operation and action appear to be a specific, or almost infallible. It is very similar, in its effects, to the neutralizing cordial; (see cordial;) the form only differs. CHAPTER XXXI. The following formulas were handed to me by Dr. Lobstein, for in- sertion in this work, and which I have not had time to translate. 1. Hooping-cough. Take of mosch. opt., - Sacchar. alb., Pulv. gum arab., Add Aq. foenicul, - Syr. althaea, . - - Dose.—A teaspoonful every two hou 6gr. 19 13 13 33 Mix. s. 2. For the same. Take of Pulv. liquir., - -.....13 Pulv. rad. belladona,.....19 Mix. Divide into 96 equal parts, that each powder contain a quarter of a grain of belladona. _ Dose.__One powder in the morning, and one in the evening, for children under one year; three powders for children under two years; four powders for children between three and four years; six powders for children from four to six years old. Vol. III. 2L 974 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 3. The same. My friend, the celebrated Professor Loebenstein Loebel, late Pr°" fessor of Medicine at Jena, has recommended the following powder: Take of Pulv. rad. valerian, . . . . . 3 gr. Extract pulsatillae nigricant, . . . . | gr. Sacchar. alb., . . . . . . 6 gr. * M. f. pulv. disp. tal. dos. vi. Dose.—Three powders a day, for children from eight to twelve years old. I have employed these powders the same in two cases, with great success ; after seven or eight days, by continuing these powders, the symptoms of the disease have disappeared. 4. Incontinentia Urince. May-apple root, pulverized. 5. Diarrhoea Urince. Take of Lact. sulph.,.......23 Aq. fcenicul, ....... 33 Aq. cinnamon, . . . . . . 13 Syr. papav. alb.,......£3Mix. Dose.—K teaspoonful every hour. 6. Epilepsia—Fits. Take of Essentia valerian, . . . . . . 13 Essentia castor, . . . . . . 13 Eight days, three times a day, a teaspoonful; eight days, twice a day, a teaspoonful; and after, continuing one teaspoonful a day. 7. Gravel. Take of Pulv. fol. uvae ursi, ..... 23 Sapo medicinal, . . . . . . 23 Syr. capillor, q. s. F. pill, No. 72. Every day, two, three, to four, half an hour before dinner. When, after a few days, the patient should find his stomach fatigued, he shall take the following pills : Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 2T5 8. Take of Pulv. fol. uvae ursi,.....13 Extract, rhei,......13 Sapo medicinal, . . . . . . 13 Syr. capillor, q. s. F. pill, No. 24. To be taken like the first pills. 9. Fever and Ague. Take of Pulv. rad. gentian,.....23 Pulv. concha? praeparat., . . . . 13 01. fcenicul,.......2 gutt. M. f. pulv. 10. Hooping-cough, and Nervous Catarrh. Take of Sacchar. alb.,......13 Pulv. rad. belladon., . . . . . 3 gr. M. f. pulv. divid. in xjj. part. aeq. One powder a day. 11. Rheumatismus. Vinum colchicum. 12. Powder to re-establish the Milk. Take of Fabar. tostae cacao, ..... j3 Pulv. sem. anisi, . . . . . . £3 Pulv. sem. fcenicul,.....£3 M. f. pulv. 5—6 teaspoonfuls a day. 13. Piles. Take of Sal. amar.,.......03 Pulv. nitr. potass.,......23 Flor. sulph.,.......23 Pulv. stipitaedulcamar.,.....23 M. f. pulv. divide in xjj. part. aeq. 3 powders a day. 276 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 14. Impotentia. Take of Limatur. martis,......13 Pulv. cinnamon, . . . . . . 23 01. cinnamon, ...... 10 gutt. Extract gentian, . . . . . • £3 F. pil. gr. ij. Consperg. pulv. cinnamon. 8 pills three times a day, and the following mixture for frictions on the scrotum: 15. Take of 01. anthos., . 01. juniper. . 01. Iavendul. . Alcohol vini, . Liq. ammon. caustic, Aq. rosar., 16. Cardialgia. Take of Pulv. quassias, Pulv. rhei, Magnes. calcinat., M. f. pulv. tal. dos. xij. 3 powders a day. 15 gutt. 15 gutt. 15 gutt. 13 23 33 i9 2 ^ A9 2 ^ 19 17. Rheumatismus. Take of Gum guaiac, . . . . . . 13 Gum camphor, ....... ^3 Spir. of wine, . . . . . . 13 Laudanum, . . . . . . . 19 Mix these together; let them macerate for 12 hours, and give from 30 to 50 drops three times a day, in a tablespoonful of mo- lasses. 18. For a Cough, and Pain in the Breast. Take of Gum guaiac, . Gum camphor, Castile soap, . Laudanum, Spir. of wine, Bals. peruv., . Mix all together. 15 drops three times a day, on a piece of white sugar. 13 19 12 gr. 20 gutt. 13 12 gutt. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 277 10. Asthma. Take of Pulv. cicut.........13 Flor. sulph.........53 Extr. liquir.,.......63 M. f. pulv. A teaspoonful three times a day. 20. Haemoptysis. Take of Conserv. rosar. rubr., ..... 43 Pulv. nitr. potass., . . . • • • a 3 M. f. electuar. A teaspoonful every two hours. 21. For the Stomach—Dyspepsia. Take of Flaved. cort. aurant. siccor., .... 23 Flaved. cort. citri siccor., .... 23 Cinnamom acut., ...... 23 Nucis moschatae, . . . . . . 13 Cardamom minor., . . • . . 13 Caryophill. aromat., . . . . . \9 Sacchv.r. nib., . ; . . . . 13 M. f. pulv. 22. Atrophia. Take of Tinctur. cort. aurant.,.....13 Terra ponderos. salit., . . • • . 13 35 to 40 drops, twice a day; and frictions on the belly, with linim. volatile. 23. Quinsy. Take of Spirit, minderer.,......13 Essentia pimpinell. alb., . . . . . 13 M. 12 drops, on a piece of white sugar, three or four times a day. 278 Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 24. Pleuritis. Take of Sal. ammon. depur., 13 Succ. liquirit. .... 13 Solv. in aq. fontan., 43 Add Vin. antimon., .... 13 Oxymelscillitic, .... . ii A tablespoonful every hour. 25. Havmorrhagia Uteri. When alum, china, and other remedies are employed without suc- cess, you may employ the following mixture : Take of Extract, lign. campech., .... Saless. tartar., ..... Syr. rub. idaci, ..... M. A tablespoonful every hour. 26. Anasarca, and Dropsy in the Chest. Take of Pulv. digit, purpur., .... Pulv. scillae maritim., .... Pulv. nitr. potass., ..... Divide in xjj. part. aeq. 3 to 4 powders a day. 23 13 63 10 gr. 29 13 27. Chronic Diarrhoea. TakeofLapid. cancror., Pulv. rad. columbo, Pulv. op. puriss., . M. f. pulv. A teaspoonful every two hours. . *3 23 . 5 to 8 gr. £to23 lito23 28. Gout. TakeofExtr. gentian rubr., .... Vitriol alb........ F. pil. 2 gr. Obduc. fol. argent. Early in the morning, two; in the afternoon, three; and in the even- ing, three pills. In a few days after taking these pills, you will observe a great sedi- ment in the urine; in a few days after, let the patient take three pills in the morning, four in the afternoon, and four in the evening. Pharmacy and Dispensatory. 279 29. Hypochondria. Take of Extr. taraxaci, 13 Extr. cichorei, 13 Extr. quassise, 13 Solv. in aq. chamom., 33 Aq. fcenicul., 33 Add Fell, tauri exsiccat., ■ £3 Tart, solub., - . ■ $3 Syr. cinnamom, . 13 M. A tablespoonful early in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening. 30. Fluor Albus. A decoction of hazelnuts. INDEX TO VOLE ME III Antispasmodics, Astringents, . Antacids, Anthelmintics, Alteratives, . Asclepias, inberosa Anthemis nobilis, Archangel, . Angelica, Arctium lappa, Asarabacca, . Asarum, Canadense, Atropa belladonna, Anethum foeniculum, Allium sativum, . Amomum zingiber, Arum tryphillum, . American ipecac. Apocynum cannabinum Aspidium filix mas, Althse officinalis, Almond, Amygdalus communis, Apium petroselinum, Aletris farinosa, . Aralia racemosa, . Asclepias syriaca, Aristolochia serpentaria Asafoetida, . Alder, black, Aniseed, Artemisia absinthium, American Colombo, Acid urn sulphuricum, iEther sulphuricus, Blisters, Botanical terms, Black snake-root, Black cohush, Burdock, Barberry, Berberis vulgaris, Black birch, . Betula lenta, Babtisia tinctoria, Boneset, Butternut, . Bugle, . Bayberry, Blackberry, Bittersweet, Blood-root, . Page . 8 Balsam of tolu, . . 8 ! Bitter-Toot, . . 9 Balm, common, . . 9 Beth-root, . . 10 Broomrake,. . 23 Beech-drops, . 25 Borax, .... . 28 Bicarbonate of potass, . 28 Bicarbonas potassse, . 31 . 32 Classes of medicines', . . 32 Cathartics, . 33 ! Caustics, . . . • . 34 Classification of articles, . 35 Camomile, .... . 36 Colts-foot, .... . 38 Copaiba, .... . 39 Copaifera officinalis, . . 39 Cayenne pepper. . 40 Capsicum annuum, . 42 Cicuta, .... . 43 Conium maculatum, . . 43 Colocynth, . 44 Celandine, .... . 45 Chelidonium magus, . . 46 Coptis tnfolia, . 47 Callicoca ipecacuanha, . 48 Convolvulus jalapa, . . 90 Cinchona officinalis, . 136 Cornus florida, . . 137 sericea, . . 197 Convolaria multiflora, . 199 Crocus sativus, . . 205 Cyprlpedium pubescens, . 205 Camphor, .... Cloves..... . 9 Cranesbill, .... . 11 Cedar, .... . 29 Cohush, blue, . 29 Cinnamon, . 31 Colombo, . . . , . 49 Catnip, . . . . . 49 Canada balsam, . 50 Castor bean, . 50 Comfrey, .... . 51 Clienapodium anlhelminticum, . 88 Corsican worm-weed, . 107 Cowhage, .... . 114 Cicuta maculata, . 126 Crystallinum, . 153 Cleavers, .... . 160 Centaury, . 164 Centaunum minor, IV INDEX. Page Pige Caraway, .... 203 Glechoma hederacea, . 202 Carum carui, . 203 Golden rod, . 202 Caustic, potassce, . . 208 Gallium aparine, . 202 Causticns lapis, . 208 Green vitriol, . . 206 Cream of tartar, . 208 Calx, .... . 205 Hemlock, . . 55 Cantharides, . 207 Horse radish, . 63 Copperas, .... . 206 Hellebore, . . 98 Castile soap, . 209 Helleborus niger, . 98 Hydrastis canadensis, . 99 Diuretics, .... 9 Hyssop, . . 101 Diaphoretics, 9 Hyssopus officinalis, . . 101 Demulcents, 9 Hops, . 102 Diluents..... 10 Humulus lupulus, . 102 Deadly nightshade, . 33 Hamamelis virginica, . 103 Dogwood, .... 74 Hepatica triloba, . 105 Daucus carota, . 83 Hoarhound, . 129 Digitalis purpurea, 84 Hemlock, . . 142 Datura stramonium, . 86 Hedeoma pulegioides, . . 187 Dwarf elder, 166 Henbane, . . 190 Devil's bit, .... 177 Hyoscyamus niger, . 190 Dolichos pruriens, . . 200 Hypericum perforatum, . 200 Horse-mint, . 204 Emetics, .... 8 Emmenagogues, 9 Introductory remarks, 3 Expectorants, 9 Indian turnip, . 38 Errhines, „ 9 hemp, . 39 Epispastics, 9 physic, . 39 Escharotics, 9 Ipecacuanha, . 65 Emollients, . . . . 10 Inula helenium, . . 109 Ergot, . . 59 Ictodes fcetida, . . . 113 Eupatorium perfoliatum, 88 Indian tobacco, . . 120 Elecampane, . 109 Iceland moss, . 201 Euphorbia ipecacuanha, 173 Ice plant, . 201 Elm, slippery, . 175 Elder, common, . 188 Jalap, .... . 68 Juglans cinerea, . . 107 Flux-root, .... 23 Juniper, . . 108 Fennel, .... 34 Juniperus communis, . . 108 Foxglove, .... 84 virginiana, . . 110 Flowering ash, . 191 sabina, . Ill Fraxinus ornus, . 191 Jerusalem oak, . . 199 Fucus helminthochorotos, . 200 Five-finger, 202 Kalmia latifolia, . 199 Feverfew, 202 Lithontriptics, 9 Glossary, .... 11 Lemon, . 70 Garlic, .... 35 Ladies' slipper, . 81 Ginger, .... 36 Laurus camphora, . 82 Golden thread, . 64 Liquorice, . 96 Green ozier, 76 Liverwort, . . 105 Gamboge, .... 92 Logwood, . . 106 Gentian, .... 93 Lycopus virginicus, . 114 Gentianalutea, . 93 Liriodendron tulipifera, . 115 Guaiacum, 94 Lobelia, . . 120 Geranium maculatum, 95 Laurus sassafras, . 123 Golden seal, 99 Lilium candidum, . 124 Gum Arabic, 128 Lavender, . . 125 Garden nightshade, 168 Lavendula spica, . 125 Gaulthera procumbent. 199 Liatris, . . 177 repem, 201 Leonurus cardica, . 199 Ground ivy, . 202 Laurel, . • . . . 199 INDEX. V Lungwort, , Lichen Icelandicm, Lime, Lead, red, . Pago 199 201 Podophyllum peltatum, Poppy, white, Page 143 145 205 207 Papaver somniferum, . Plantain,..... 145 147 Myrrh, 37 Plantago major, . Poke,...... 147 148 Male fern, .'.'.'. Marshmallows, . Milkweed, ..'.'. Myrica cerifera, . 40 Phytolacca decandria, 148 42 47 126 Polygalla senega, Peony, .... Posonia officinalis, 149 151 151 Marrubium vulgare, 129 Pink, .... 164 Mentha piperita, ' . 130 Phellandrium aquaticum, . 161 viridis, . Mandrake, . m [ May apple, 132 143 . 143 Prickleyash, Pennyroyal, Polypod, common, 185 187 193 Mustard, ...'." Myristica moschata, . Melissa officinalis, 167 179 192 Polypodium vulgare, . Partridge-berry, . Palentilla reptans, . 193 199 202 Mullen, .... 194 Potassee supertartras, 208 Mother-wort, 199 bicarbonas, 209 Maiden hair, 199 Plumbi superacetas, . . 208 Melon, water, 199 oxidum rubrum, 207 Morus rubra, 199 Potassee nitras, . . 207 Millefolium, 201 Matricaria vulgaris, . 202 Quercus alba, . 152 Monardus punctana, . 204 Muriate of mercury, . 206 Rubefacients, 9 Murias hydrargyri, 206 Refrigerants, 9 Melee vesicatoria, 207 Rattlesnake-root, . 29 Murias ammoniae, . 206 Red pepper, . 54 Rose willow, . 76 Narcotics, .... 8 Rattlesnake-root, . 149 Nepeta cataria, . . 131 Rubus villosus, . . . 153 Nicotiana tabacum, . 133 Ricinis communis, 154 Nutmeg, .... . 179 Rumex crispus, . 156 Nitrate of potash, . 207 Rhubarb, .... . 157 Nitras potassee, . . 207 Rheum palmatum, . 157 Native sulphur, . , . 212 Rhus typhinum, . 159 Raspberry, .... . 176 Order or arrangement, 3 Rose, red, .... . 189 Orange, .... . 69 Rosa gallica, 189 Origanum majorana, . . 134 Red mulberry, . . ; 199 Olive,.....' 135 Origanum vulgare, 199 Season for collecting vegetable Orobancbe Americana, 199 medicines, 3 Sudorifics, .... 9 Preparation, orcomp. of articles, 4 Silagogues, 9 Proximate principles of vegetable s, 4 Squaw-root, . 29 Purgatives, 8 Star grass, 45 Pleurisy-root, . . . . 23 Spikenard, .... 46 Parsley, .... 44 Silk-weed, .... 47 Peruvian bark, . 71 Spurred rye, 59 Poplar, white, , 115 Secale cornutum, 59 Pappoose-root, . 117 Scammony, 77 Peppermint, . 130 Senna, .... 78 Prinos, verticillatus, . 136 Solomon's seal, 79 Pimpinella anisum, 137 Saffron, .... 80 Pinus balsamea, 138 Savin,..... 111 Pine,...... 140 Skunk cabbage, 113 Pinus pallustris, . . . . 140 Sassafras, .... 123 Prunus virginiana, 141 Spearmint, . 132 Pinus canadensis, 142 Seneca snake-root, 149 VI INDEX. Sumach, Solanum dulcamara, . Sanguinaria canadensis, Spigelia marilandica, Symphytum officinale, Sambucus ebulus, Sinapis alba, Solanum nigrum, Sarsaparilla, Sage, . . . Spurge, Slippery-elm, _ . Speedwell, Virginia, Sambucus niger, Scullcap, Scutellaria lateriflora, Stinking nettle, . Septamnium viginianum, St. John's-wort, . Strong-scented lettuce Solidago virgaurea, Striped blood-wort, Sulphuric acid, . Sulphuric aether, Saltpetre, . Sal ammoniac, . Spanish flies, Sugar of lead, Supertartrate of potash Sal aeratus, Soap, Castile, Sub-borate of soda, Sulphate of quinine, Sulphur, flour of, Sulphur sublimatum, Salts of hartshorn, Sub-carbonate of ammonia Sulphate of zinc, Sulphur vivum, . Sapo venetiensis, Sulphas ferri, Sulphas quinise, . Page 159 160 161 164 165 166 167 168 170 , 171 , 173 . 175 180 , 188 . 195 . 195 . 199 . 199 . 200 . 200 . 202 . 203 . 205 . 205 . 207 . 206 . 207 . 208 . 208 . 209 . 209 . 210 . 210 . 210 . 210 . 211 . 211 . 211 . 212 . 209 . 206 . 210 Tonics, Thorn apple, Tobacco, Thyme, '. Tansy, Tana'cetum vulgare, Trillium latifolium, Trasera verticellata, Unicorn-root, Ulmus fulva, Page 8 86 133 134 173 173 196 199 45 175 Vegetable medicines, season for collecting, .... 3 Vegetables, proximate principles of, 4 Virgiuia snake-root, ... 48 speedwell, . . .180 Veronica virginica, . . . 180 Verbascum thapsus, . . . 194 Vervine,.....201 Verbena hastata, . . .201 Vaccinum, .... 204 Wild camomile, .... 26 ginger, .... 32 indigo, .... 51 carrot, .... 83 Witch hazel, . . . .103 White lily.....124 Wild cherry, . . • .141 White oak, .... 152 Water fennel, .... 181 Wormwood, .... 197 Wild marjoram, . . 199 Water hemlock, . . .200 Winter green, .... 201 Whortleberry, . . ■. .204 White vitriol.....211 Yellow dock, . . . .156 Yarrow,.....201 PHARMACY. Table of doses, . Apothecaries' weight, Measure of liquids, Balsams,. Pulmonary balsams, Balsam of honey, Bitters, . Compound bitters, Wine bitters, Cordials, Restorative cordial, Neutralizing cordial, Page Page 215 Antidysenteric cordials, . 220 215 Caustics, or escharotics, . 221 216 Mineral caustic, . 221 218 Mild mineral caustic, . . 221 218 Vegetable caustic, . ' .221 218 Extract of blood-root, . 221 219 White vitriol, . 221 219 Drops, . 222 219 Diuretic drops, . . 222 220 Black drop, . 222 220 Cough drops, . 223 220 i Tar drops, . 223 INDEX. VII Whitwith's drops, Page . 223 Carminative drops, . 223 Toothache drops, . 224 Decoctions, . 224 Diuretic decoction, . 224 Rheumatic decoction, »j . 224 Crinary decoction, . 224 Diaphoretic decoction, . 225 Decoction of cohush, . . 225 Extracts, . 226 Bxtract' of blood-root, . 226 gentian, . 226 jalap, . . 226 poke, . . 226 Collyrium, or eye-waters, . 227 Stimulating eye-water, . 227 Spiritous eye-water, . . 227 Mucilaginous eye-water, . 227 Lobstcin's eye-water, . . 227 Mineral eye-water, . 228 Fomentations, . . 228 Hop fomentation, . 228 Common do. . 228 Stimulating do. . . 228 Poppy do. . . 228 Ophthalmic do. . . 229 Gargles, . . 230 Stimulating gargle, . 230 Astringent gargle, . 230 Antiphlogistic gargle, . 230 Infusions, . 231 Infusion of fox-glove, . 231 linseed, . 231 boneset, . . 231 balm, . 231 elder, . 232 elecampane, . 232 fennel, . 232 flag-root, . 232 hyssop, . 233 catnip, . 233 spearmint, . 233 tansy, . 233 pennyroyal, . 234 sassafras, . 234 Virginia snake. root, 234 slippery-elm, . 234 Anthelmintic infusion, . 234 Compound infusion of senn a, . 233 Injections, or clysters, . 233 Common injection, . 236 Soap-suds injection, . 236 Tobacco injection, . 236 Stimulating injection, . 236 Liniments, . 237 Common liniment, . 237 Opium and camphor linime nt, . 237 Rheumatic liniment, . . 237 Liquids, . 238 Rheumatic liquid, . 238 Antipyrosis liquid, . 238 Mint liquid, or spirit* of mi nt, . 238 *> 7 Page Stimulating liquid, . 239 Mucilages, . . " . . 239 Mucilage of gum arabic, . 239 elm-bark, . 240 Oils, .... . 240 Rheumatic oil, . 240 Oil of red pepper, . 240 Ointments, . 241 Stramonium ointment, . 241 Venice turpentine ointment, . 241 White ointment, . 241 Green ointment, . 242 Yellow ointment, . 242 Discutient ointment, . . 242 Vegetable, or tetter ointment, . 243 Judkin's specific ointment, . 243 Itch ointment, . . 243 Celandine ointment, . . 243 Ophthalmic ointment, . 244 Marshmallow ointment, . 244 Plasters, . 245 Ferris' black plaster, . . 245 Cicuta plaster, . 245 Strengthening plaster, . 245 Tobacco plaster, . ' . 246 Blistering plaster, . 246 Astringent plaster, . 246 Adhesive & strengthening plaster, 246 Common strengthening plaster, 247 Bone's searcloth plaster, . 247 Poultices, . 247 Linseed poultice, . 247 Carrot poultice, . 248 Mustard poultice, . 248 Common poultice, . 248 Alkaline poultice, . 248 Yest poultice, . 249 Cat-tail poultice, . 249 Indian turnip poultice, . 249 Potato poultice, . . 249 Cicuta poultice, . • 249 Ferris' poultice, . . 249 Astringent poultice, . . 249 Pills, . 250 Antidyspeptic pill, . 250 Nervous, or hysteric pill, . 250 Opium pill, . 250 Cicuta pill, . 251 Hydragogue pill, . 251 Red, or stimulating pill, . 251 Bilious pill, . 251 Powders, , . 252 Snuff powder, . 252 Antibilious powder, . 252 Emetic powder, . . 253 Emmenagogue, black, or tonic powder, . . 253 Diaphoretic powder, . 254 Eupatorium powder, . 254 Smith's cough powder, . 254 colic powder, • 254 Fever powder, . 255 via INDEX. Page Cephalic powder, . . 255 Red, or styptic powder, • 255 Hull's bilious physic, . . 255 Henry's cephalic snuff, 255 Compound powder of mandrake, 256 Salves......256 Black salve, or plaster, • 256 Green salve, .... 257 Yellow salve, .... 257 Syrups,.....258 Alterative syrup, . . 258 Vegetable syrup, . . • 259 Scrofulous syrup, . . • 259 Syrup of ginger, . . • 259 white poppy, . . 259 Antispasmodic syrup, . • 260 Blackberry syrup, . . . 260 Hoarhound syrup, . . . 260 Syrup for the dysentery, . 261 Expectorant syrup, . . . 261 Cough syrup, .... 261 Spirits,.....262 Compound spirits of lavender, . 265 Spirits of mindererus, . . 262 camphor, . . . 262 Sinapisms, .... 263 Mustard sinapism, . . . 263 Garlic and onion sinapism, . . 263 Tinctures, .... 264 Hydragogue tincture, . . 264 Botanical tincture, . ■ . 264 Tincture of lobelia, . . . 264 Anodyne tincture, . . . 265 Tincture of balsam tolu, . . 265 castor, . . . 265 gum myrrh, . . 265 cantharides, . . 265 Compound tincture of senna, . 266 camphor, . . 266 opium, (laudanum,) 266 Gout and rheumatic tincture, . 266 Tincture of stramonium, . . 267 Expectorant tincture, . .267 Tincture of skunk cabbage, . 267 Golden tincture, . . . 267 Tincture of cohush, . . . 267 foxglove, . . .268 Sudorific tincture drops, . . 268 Wine tincture, .... 268 Page Essences, .... 269 Essence of peppermint, . . 269 hemlock, . . 269 sassafras, . . . 269 Troches, or suppositories, . 270 Pile troches, . . . .270 Washes,.....270 Ophthalmic wash, . . . 270 Cooling, or refrigerant wash, . 270 Yellow wash, . . . .271 Saline wash, .... 271 Astringent wash, . . . 271 Mixtures, .... 272 White liquid, or saline physic, . 272 Anticholeric mixture, . . 272 Nervous mixture, . . . 272 Neutralizing mixture, . . 273 Formulas, by Dr. Lobstein, . 273 1st, For the hooping-cough, . 273 Ditto, do. 273 Dr. Loebel's ditto, . . .274 For incontinence of urine, . . 274 diarrhoea urinae, . . . 274 epilepsia, or fits, . . . 274 gravel, .... 274 ditto,.....275 fever and ague, . . . 275 nervous cough, . . .275 rheumatism, . . . 275 powder to re-establish milk, 275 piles, . . . . .275 impotentia, . . . .276 ditto......276 cardialgia, .... 276 rheumatismus, . . . 276 cough, and pain in the breast, 276 asthma, .... 277 haemoptysis, . . . 277 dyspepsia, .... 277 atrophia, .... 277 quinsy, .... 278 pleuritis, .... 278 haemorrhagia uteri, . . 278 anasarca and hydrothorax, . 278 chronic diarrhoea, . . 278 gout,.....278 hypochondria, . . . 279 fluor albus, . . . .279 ERRATA. I notice some typographical errors in this Work, but none very important; I deem it unnecessary, however, to point them out, and shall, therefore, leave it to the good sense of the Reader to correct them. New York: Printed for the Author, by S. Marks & Son, and Mitchell & Co. ADVERTISEMENTS. NEW-YORK REFORMED MEDICAL COLLEGE, ELDRIDGE-STKEET. CIRCULAR. The happy effects of the botanical system of practice, more especially of late, employed in the cure of diseases, are such aa entitle it to & high rank among mo- dern improvements. The opinion long entertained in its favour by many of the judioious, a thorough experience has now demonstrated to be well founded; and with the number and variety of its salutary achievements, its reputation is in- creasing. It must be evident to every discerning mind, that the present prevailing practice of medicine, which rejects this botanical aid, in at variance with our nature and our happiness. MERCURY, the LANCET, and the KNIFE, are chiefly relied upon by physi- cians and surgeons of the present day, for the removal of almost all the diseases in- cident to the human body, notwithstanding the effects of these deleterious agents are evidently fatal to multitudes. Deeply impressed with these facts, and with a view of reforming the science and practice of medicine, an individual in this city, in the year 1827, procured a lot of ground, and erected a handsome and convenient edifice for an Institution, denominated the United States Infirmary, expressly for employing a reformed system of practice in the treatment of diseases: the reme- dial sources being chiefly derived from the productions of our own country. The course of treatment adopted by this Institution, was principally the result of nearly forty years'experience of a distinguished medical reformer; which course, we are happy to state, has been crowned with success, and proved to a demonstration that, without mercury, that boasted champion of the materia medica, or other poison- ous drugs, diseases generally may be cured by those more safe and salutary means which the God of nature has so liberally scattered around us. Animated by the past success, and with the hope of benefiting future generations, an irrepressible desire has been felt, that measures commensurate with the import- ance of the object should be taken to promulgate this valuable system of practice, and thereby improve and reform the noble and important science of medicine. After reflecting for years on the most prudent and successful method of effecting so desirable an object, it has boen deemed expedient to establish a Medical School, with competent teachers, where students may receive board and education, until they are fully qualified to practice in the various branches of the healing art, upon the reformed system. We are now happy to announce, that a building for such an Institution has been erected, and opened for the reception of students, who can commence at any period. The building is large and commodious, situated in Eldridge-street, between Grand and Broome streets, adjoining the present United States Infirmary. It is in a healthy and retired part of the city, and has been completed at a great oxpenso. 2M 2 Advertisements. The following branches are taught by lectures, recitations, examinations, and suitable toxt books:— 1. Anatomy. 2. Surgery. 3. Theory and Practice of Physic. 4. Midwifery, and Diseases of Women and Children. 5. Materia Medica, and Practical Botany. 6. Chemistry and Pharmacy. The benefits to be derived by an attendance at this Institution will, we trust, be duly appreciated by those who wish to acquire a correct knowledge of the healing art. Here the student will be taught all the modern practice which is deemed ne- cessary, in addition to the botanical; and in consequence of his residing in the institution, and pursuing a systematic course of studies, combining each of those departments, he may acquire a knowledge of both in a short space of time, and at a very small expense, in comparison to that of other medical institutions. There being an Infirmary connected with the Academy, the students will have the benefit of clinical practice, by which the experimental part of medicine will bo acquired with the theory. There will be no specified time to complete a course of study; but whenever a student is qualified to pass an examination, he will receive a diploma. REQUISITIONS. The qualifications for admission into the School will be, 1. A certificate of good moral character; 2. A good English education. > TERMS. 1. The price of qualifying a person for practice, is $200. One half payable in advance, or at the time of entering the School; and the other half at the expiration or close of his studies, or before a diploma is granted. A deduction of $25 will be made to those who pay the whole sum in advance. 2. Board (being an extra charge) is $2.50 per week, payable weekly or quar- terly. 3. Each student must supply himself with books, bed, and bedding. A liberal allowance will be made to those in indigent circumstances. ID" We have the pleasure to announce that our School is now fast filling up, and is in successful operation; and that there is an opening in every section of the United States for those educated in its principles and practice. %* Those wishing further information, by addressing a letter, post paid, to the subscriber, will^receive a publication, giving an account of the rise, progress, and present state of the above Institution. W. BEACH. New-York Medical Institution,) April, 1830. \ MANUAL LABOUR SCHOOL OF MEDICINE. From the success which has attended the Manual Labour Schools recently es- tablished to teach the ordinary branches of education, we have thought that it might further the cause of medical reform, to establish one or more Colleges ex- pressly to educate indigent young men in the various branches of medicine, free of charge; the expenses to be defrayed by labour, in horticulture, agriculture, &c. 11 has been shown that three hours employment each day only is sufficient to de- fray expenses of board and tuition, while sufficient time U afforded to acquire more information than is obtained in the same length of time at other Institutions. Communications on this subject will be received from such as feel an interest in the subject. Advertisement*. 3 OHIO REFORMED MEDICAL COLLEGE. The public are respectfully informed, that an Institution is established, and in Successful operation, in the city of New-York, denominated " The Reformed Medi- cal College," under the jurisdiction of the Reformed Medical Society of the United Stales; that this Institution has arisen, from its own intrinsic merits, notwithstand- ing the opposition of illiberal and interested physicians, to an eminence which has exceeded the most sanguine expectations of its friends. Animated by the flourishing state of this College, and feeling an ardent desire still further to disseminate the valuable system of practice therein taught,a second School of the same character was established in December, 1830, in the town of Worthington, denominated " The Ohio Reformed Medical College." This College was chartered by the state as a literary Institution; and subsequently, the board of trustees adopted the above as the medical branch of their Institution, where all the various branches of the. healing art are taught on the reformed system. A number of young gentlemen have here commenced their studies, and numerous others have applied for admission. At this time there are about 40 students. Its locality presents the greatest advantages to facilitate researches in medical botany ; the surrounding country abounding with a great variety of medical plants and vegetable productions. It is situated near the centre of the state, on the Whetstone river, nine miles north of Columbus, on the northern turnpike, and is one of the most healthy and delightful villages in the western country. The ground attached to the College contains every variety of soil for a botanical gaiden. The necessity for an Insti- tution of this kind, under the direction of competent professors, must be evident to all who have reflected on the subject of medical reform. Here a system of prac- tice is taught, altogether superior to that taught in other Schools, or pursued by other physicians; the remadial agents being derived from the vegetable kingdom. The efficacy of this practice has been proved, for more than half a century, com- bining the improvements of the most distinguished reformers of the present or any other age. Its superiority has been so repeatedly demonstrated, as to satisfy the most wavering and sceptical. It has been tested in every variety and form of dis- ease ; and its salutary effects witnessed where the mercurial or mineral treatment has been pursued without any beneficial effect, but to the great injury of the con- stitution. The benefits to be derived by an attendance at this Institution will, we trust, be truly appreciated by those who wish to acquire a correct knowledge of the healing art. Here the student will be taught all the modern practice which is deemed necessary, in addition to the botanical; and in consequence of his residing near the Institu- tion, and pursuing a systematic course of studies, combining each of the depart' ments of medicine, he may acquire a knowledge of both in a short space of time, and at a very trifling expense, in comparison to that of other Medical Institutions. The regular fall and winter course of lectures in this Institution will commence on the first Monday in October, and continue six months, or longer; during which time a full course of lectures on all the different departments of medical science will be delivered, with daily examinations, &c. 1st. On Anatomy and Physiology; 2d. Materia Medica and Pharmacy; 3d. Theory and Practice of Physie and Sur- gery; 4th. Midwifery; 5th. Chemistry; 6th. Theoretical and Practical Botany; 7th. Medical Jurisprudence, Szo. &c. The spring and summer course will be more particularly appropriated to Botany, Materia Medica, Comparative Anatomy, and Clinical Practico, &c. There being an Infirmary connected with the College, the students will have the benefit of clinical practice, by which the practical part of medicine will be acquired with the theory. Every student, on graduating in Worthington College, will become a member »f the Reformed Medical Society of the United States, from which he will rrc?ivo a diploma, and reports of all tho improvements of its different members, and he en- titled to all its constitutional privileges and benefits. 4 Advertisements. There will be no specified time to complete a course of studies; but whenever a student is qualified to pass an examination, he will receive a diploma. REQUISITIONS. The qualifications requisite for admission into the School will be, 1st. A certifi- cate of good moral character; 2d. A good English education. TERMS. The price for qualifying a person to practice and access to all the advantages of the Institution, will be $150 in advance, or $50 in advance, and $125 at the close of his studies. Every advantage given and a liberal allowance made for those in indigent circumstances. Boarding may be had at $1 per week, and books at the western city prices. The price of a diploma will be $10. Those wishing further information, will please address a letter (post paid) to Col. G. H. Griswold, or to the undersigned, and it shall receive prompt attention. THOMAS V. MORROW, President. PROSPECTUS OP A NEW PUBLICATION, ENTITLED, THE SYSTEM OF MEDICAL AND SURGICAL PRACTICE, As pursued at the United States Infirmary, and taught in the Reformed Medical Col- leges in New-York, and Worthington, Ohio. BY W. BEACH, M.D., Founder of (he Reformed Medical Colleges, and President of the Reformed Medical Society of the United States. From a conviction and knowledge that the present practice of medicine exerts a baneful and pernicious eflect upon the health and lives of mankind, Colleges and Infirmaries have'been founded, and are in successful operation, expressly to introduce an improved system, or to accomplish a reformation in the science of me- dicine. As an evidence of the success and prosperity of these Schools, we would remark, that we have now graduates in almost every state in the Union, who from time to time transmit to us statements of their unprecedented success in the cure of dis- eases. One of our physicians from the state of Ohio writes as follows: " We have bad during this fall three hundred and twenty-five cases of various diseases, and we have lost but three out of all that number. Disinterested persons state that our success is unparalleled in history." All of which proves to a demonstration that, without mercury, that boasted champion of the materia medica, or other poisonous drugs, diseases generally may be cured by those safe and salutary means which the Cod of nature has so liberally scattered around us. The system of practice taught is altogether superior to that taught in other Me- dical Schools, or pursued by other physicians; the remedial agents being principally derived from the vegetable kingdom. Its efficacy has been proved for more than half a century, combining the improvements of the most distinguished medical re- formers of this or any other age. It has been tested in every variety or form of disease, and its salutary eflects witnessed where the mercurial or mineral treatment had been pursued without the least effect, except great injury to the constitution. Its superiority has been so repeatedly demonstrated, as to satisfy the mobt waver- Advertisements. 5 ing and' sceptical; and it is chiefly owing to this success, that we are indebted for the elevated character and reputation of our Reformed Medical Colleges. Animated by such encouragement, and feeling an ardent desire still further to promulgate this valuable system, wo have concluded, in compliance with our ori- ginal design, with the repeated requests of physicians, and others, to publish a work on the practice of physic and surgery upon the reformed or botanical system; in which shall be disclosed the principles and practice of medicine, as taught and pursued at our Infirmaries and Colleges. Hitherto, our constitution has bound every member under a heavy penalty, as well as in a moral point of view, not to divulge, reveal, or make known, any part of the formula of our practice, without the general approbation of the Society. This was deemed advisable, to prevent any injury which might arise from a pre- mature or improper publication of it. We wished also still further to test and prove it, before it was laid before the world. This bond has since been rescinded by a unanimous vote of our members, and the founder of the Schools appointed and authorized to publish the present work. « They have been induced to issue it earlier than was at first contemplated, on ac- count of the impositions already practised upon the community. Patent medicines have been vended under the pretence that they are the same as those published at our Institutions. A volume of considerable size, published in this city, has been sold at a great price, in consequence of its having been stated that the author was president of our Society; when, in reality, he had never been a member. Another small pub- lication (apparently printed at Boston, but unquestionably in New-York) has ap- peared, said to have been written by " professors and members of our Colleges," a refutation of which accompanies this prospectus. Others, at a distance, have likewise proposed to publish our practice. These considerations, together with the difficulty our students labour under for want of proper text books, calculated to elevate the character of our Schools; the great necessity which exists of disseminating a judicious,scientific, and superior method of treating diseases; to prevent interested and disqualified persons from further imposing upon the unsuspecting portion of the community, have induced the So- ciety to publish the practice. CONDITIONS. 1. The work is in three large octavo volumes, with plates, for the sum of five dollars per volume. 2. It will be executed in a superior style, as regards type, paper, binding, &c. 3. The most convenient mode by which persons in the interior can receive the work, is by ascertaining from their local bookseller the address of the house he deals with in New-York; on transmitting which to the author, the books can be depo- sited with him to be forwarded. 4. Booksellers, editors, and post-masters, (except those who sell a spurious pub- lication,) are hereby appointed agents for this work; and are authorized to receive subscriptions, for which they will be allowed ten per cent, on all moneys remit- ted ; they paying the expense of any further advertisements. Those who procure five subscribers, and become responsible for the same, shall have the sixth copy gratis. 5. To prevent imposition, besides securing the copyright, the hand-writing of the author will be annexed to both works. Should any person again attempt to publish, abridge, or palm any part of this work, or any other purporting to be the same, a copy of this work will be given to any person who will furnish us with the name and address of such person. 6. Every travelling agent duly authorized to receive subscriptions, must have a writing from the author certifying the same. 7. All orders for this work, with directions where they shall be sent, to be ad- dressed, post paid, to the author, Eldridge-street, New-York. New-York Reformed Medical College, 1833. 6 Advertisements. That the reader may form some idea of the estimation in which our practice i* held by those who are best acquainted with it, I will here insert a communication which I have just received from a graduate of the Ohio Medical Reformed College. a branch of the one established in this city; and it affords me much pleasure to state, that the writer speaks the same language as all others who understand it. Dayton, Ohio, Jan. 1th, 1833. Dr. W. Beach, Sir—Having enlisted myself under the banners of the groat and good cause of medical reform, of which you have the honour of being the founder and indefati- gable supporter, and feeling a deep and ardent solicitude for tho welfare and rapid advancement of our invaluable system of medical practice, I at this time have taken the liberty of addressing a few lines to you, in which I wish to tender you my un- feigned thanks, and an acknowledgment of the obligation which I am under for the possession of a knowledge of your mode of treating diseases. I am aware of the numerous and apparently insurmountable obstacles which op- posed your endeavours to introduce to the world a mode of practice, the general adoption of which would avert so large an amount of human suffering, and so much enhance the sum of human happiness. Your undertaking was great; your opposition almost unlimited; your courage undaunted; your resolution unshaken ; and, happy for the world, your enterprise successful. I have not had the pleasure to receive your verbal instruction, having acquired a knowledge of the reformed system at the Worthington, Ohio, Medical College. The incalculable benefits which must necessarily be experienced by generations yet unborn, from the reformed or botanical system of medicine, cannot but inspire am- bition in the minds of all those engaged in the highly laudable cause. It is with much pleasure that I view the prosperous and flourishing state of medical reform in this section of the Union. Many of our most respectable and intelligent citizens are thoroughly convinced of the danger and impropriety of the common and fash- ionable mode of practice, and have decidedly declared themselves friends and sup- porters of the reformed system. The uniform success which attends our practice, dispels prejudice and opposition, as the sun drives away the mists of the morning. All, all seems brightening in the prospects of our cause. I am in partnership in practice with Dr. David Jordon, a graduate of your School in New-York, and we are gaining ground very fast in this place. The slanders and puny efforts of our opponents have but an inverse influence in retarding our advancement. I think we could find sale for several sets of your Medical and Sur- gical work, if we had them. We shall be happy to do all in our power to extend the system of practice; and should you be so disposed, we should be glad to re- ceive an agency in the sale of the publication. It would give me much satisfaction to have a statement of the general outlines of your practice in the cholera. We know not how soon we shall be visited by this fatal pestilence; several cases have already occurred in this place, but at pre- sent we have none. The institution at Worthington is in a very flourishing condition. D- L. TERRY, M. D. MEDICINE. In vain do we prescribe remedies or medicine, if it be impure; as we shall thereby be frustrated in fulfilling our indications: and it is a notorious fact, that it is a common practice among apothecaries and druggists, to prepare and vend either spurious or adulterated articles, or such as have been kept so long on hand that their virtues are either lost, or greatly impaired. Many kinds have been bought Advertisements. 7 at auction, which have been damaged, and, after passing through some change, are sold by them as genuine articles. . . , Almost every kind of medicine that has obtained any notoriety, is now imitated or counterfeited. I have seen large quantities of labels for certain preparations copied and printed literally as they are issued in Europe. For instance, an imita- tion of the Harltcm Oil is prepared throughout the United States, apparently with the original covering or bills; so that it becomes extremely difficult to procure this article, or any other, pure or unadulterated. This is a fact that no person, we be- lieve, will pretend to deny; and I will here record one instance among many which mijrht be mentioned, extracted from the New-York Farmer and Horticultural Re pository, vol. v. p. 261. The writer, in giving an account of his tour from New- York to Philadelphia, thus remarks: " Proceeding," says he," down the Raritan river, about a mile and a half below New-Brunswick, I came to a grist mill, where they were grinding roots; what they were then grinding was mixed with Indian meal, and they told me they ground it as they had orders to do,sometimes with the Indian meal, and sometimes without it; and that they kept one run of stones going intohis business as much as one fourth of the time'.'." In consequence of such fraud, and the difficulty that many might have who are disposed to use the remedies pointed out in this work, I propose to prepare and vend every description of medicine recommended or required, in the best possible man- ner, either in their raw or crude state, or prepared for use, as may be wanted; and to bo superintended personally, or prepared under my immediate inspection, the prices of which will be as moderate as they can be purchased at any other place. In doing this, I can confidently look for the same success to attend the practice as experienced at our Institution. Medicines will, therefore, be prepared and sent, either raw or manufactured, to any part of the United States or Europe. Both the Latin and the English name will be attached to each article, with cop- perplate engravings; and they will be pressed by means of a screw into such small compasses or cakes, that they can be easily transported, with little expense, and their virtues will remain unimpaired for years. DISPENSARIES OR INFIRMARIES FOR THE INDIGENT. It is in contemplation to establish in all the principal cities throughout the United States, Medicai, Dispensaries or Infirmaries on the reformed system, for the be- nefit of the poor. The object of these Institutions will be to give advice, medicine, and attendance gratuitously to all such as are unable to pay for the services of a physician; that this class may avail themselves of the advantages of a vegetable or improved system of medical and surgical practice. It is also designed to connect with it a Vaccine Institution; to procure for the use of the public an apparatus for re- suscitating drowned persons; a stomach puinp, for the removal of poisons from the stomach; a completo apparatus for fractured limbs, &c. &c. It is also contem- plated, if tho directors meet with sufficient success, to make provision for the gra- tuitous attendance on poor married lying-in women, at their own houses, under Ihe management of qualif.'jd females and physicians. The plan is submitted to the public. It is proposed to create 300 shares, at five dollars a share, for the purpose of raising a fund for the building of a house, and the purchase of a lot; each share subject to an annual assessment of fifty cents, for the purchase of medicine for the dispensary. The trustees to hold the property in trust for the stockholders. 8 Advertisements. REFORMED MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS. Should the citizens or inhabitants of any part wish to establish Medical Schools, Infirmaries, or Hospitals, upon the principles laid down ; and should they desire any further aid, graduates of our Schools will be sent to superintend them, or to render such assistance as may be deemed expedient. Should I meet with sufficient encouragement, I propose to publish: 1st. A brief but comprehensive system of Anatomy and Physiology, illustrated by numerous plates. 2d. Another edition of this work, with corrections, revisions, additions, &c, and further illustrated by additional plates, and probably of a larger size. 3d. A System of Midwifery, containing about 100 plates, making in all four octavo volumes, executed in a superior style, as regards type, paper, binding, &c. 4th. A cheap edition of the present work, or an abridgment, that all classes may avail themselves of it. DRAWINGS OF PLANTS. I will forward a complete set of this work, in extra binding, to the person who shall send me, by post or otherwise, the best drawing from nature of any plant en- graved in this work, or any other medical herb. I should also be gratified to receive drawings of this kind of any and all plants growing in the vicinity of those who may receive this publication. A discretionary premium will be given for the most natural representation, as well as for any valuable remedy, when it shall have been fully tested. In order to make every possible improvement and discovery in the science of me- dicine, I hope that in whatever country or part this work may find its way, that it will fall into the hands of those who will communicate to the author all the im- provements in their possession on the subject of medicine; on medical botany, si- tuation or locality, soil, temperature of the climate, diseases, mode of treatment, habits of the people peculiar to the place. HERBARIUMS, PLANTS, SEEDS, &c. I intend to prepare, or have it done under my supervision, Herbariums, con- taining all the Plants we use in our practice, and others, and sent to any person who may order them. Also, Med-cal Plants, Roots, Seeds, &c, for Botanical Gardens.