) Boston Medical Library Association, iq BOYLSTOX PLACE Received............^^ /^\ )/?.........\>>^ir SURGEON GENERAL'S OFFICE LIBRARY. Mm,. Section,----------------------— y-m; ISrS^J THE ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA AND THEEAPEUTICS. BY JONATHAN PEREIRA, M.D. F.R.S. & L.S. LICENTIATE OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS IN LONDON; EXAMINER IN MATERIA MEDICA AND PHARMACY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON ; AND ASSISTANT PHYSICIAN TO, AND LECTURER ON MATERIA MEDICA AT THE LONDON HOSPITAL, ETC. ETC. ETC. WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS. Scconb American, from tl)c Cast Condon (Riitian, ENLARGED AND IMPROVED. WITH NOTES AND ADDITIONS, BY JOSEPH CARSON, M. D. PROFESSOR OF MATERIA MEDICA AND PHARMACY IN THE PHILADELPHIA COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, EDITOR OF THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACY, MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, ETC. ETC. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. II. PHILADELPHIA: LEA AND BLAN CHARD. 1S46. Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1S45, By Lea and Blanchard, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. C. SHERMAN, PRINTER, 19 St. James Street. TO JOHN LINDLEY, PH. D. E.R.S. PROFESSOR OF BOTANY IN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON, VICE-SECRETARY OF THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, ETC. ETC. ETC. £l)c Gcconb bolumeof tljis tDotkis Dcbicatcb, AS A TESTIMONY OF ADMIRATION OF HIS BRILLIANT TALENTS AND EXTENSIVE BOTANICAL ACQUIREMENTS, BY HIS OBLIGED FRIEND, THE AUTHOR. 1* CONTENTS OE YOL. II. Title....... Dedication ...... Table of Contents in Vol. II. List of Woodcuts in Vol. II. - - - II. THE ORGANIZED KINGDOM, 3. Stye Vegetable £>ttb~Kingt)om. Division 1. Cryptogamia.—Flowerless Plants. Order I.—Algae Fucus vesiculosus - - - - JEthiops vegetabilis ... Chondrus crispus - - - - Decoctum Chondri Gelatina Chondri Gigartina Helminthocorton ... %* Medicinal or Esculent Algte - Order II.—Lichenes Cetraria islandica - - - - Decoctum cetrarice ... Rocella tinctoria - Orchil or Archil - Lecanora tartarea - Persio [Cudbear) Lacmm [Litmus) 1. TinctMra Lacmi 2. Charta Lacmi *** Other Esculent or Medicinal Lichens Order III—Fungi Ergotretia abortifaciens *„* Other Esculent, Medicinal, and Poisonous Fungi Order IV.—Lycopodiaceee Lycopodium clavatum Order V.—Filices Nephrodium Filix mas Oleum Filicis maris Vlll CONTENTS. Division II. Phanerogamia.— Flowering Plants. 1. Rhizanthese.—Rhizanths. Order VI.—Rafflesiaceae .... Rafflesia Arnoldi ..... 2. Endogeneae.—Endogens. Order VII.—Gramineae .... Saccharum officinarum 1. Syrupus ... 2. Liquor sacchari tosti - Hordeum distichon 1. Decoctum Hordei 2. Decoctum Hordei compositum ***Byne ; Cerevisia; Cerevisae Fermentum 1. Cataplasma Fermenti 2. Cataplasma Faeculs Cerevisiae Avena sativa ... 1. Decoctum Avence 2. Pulvis pro Cataplasmate - 3. Cataplasma simplex Triticum vulgare - Decoctum Amyli - *** Panis Triticeus; Furfur Tritici Secale Cereale Secale cornutum ... 1. Pulvis Secalis cornuti . 2. lnfusum Secalis cornuti 3. Decoctum Secalis cornuti 4. Tinctura Secalis cornuti - 5. Oleum Ergotce ***Rice; Millet; Maize Order VIII.—Acoraceae - Acorus Calamus - - . Order IX.—Aracese Arum maculatum {Portland Arrow-root) Arum triphyllum ... Order X.—Palmae Sagus Rumphii Sagus laevis Saguerus Rumphii Sago .... Areca Catechu *t* Palm Oil; Dragon's Blood Order XI.—Melanthacese Colchicum autumnale 1. Pulvis cormi Colchici - 2. Pulvis seminum Colchici • CONTENTS. IX 3. Tinctura {seminum) Colchici 4. Tinctura {seminum) Colchici composita 5. Vinum seminum Colchici - 6. Vinum {cormi) Colchici 7. Acetum {cormi) Colchici - 8. Extractnm [cormi) Colchici aceticum - 9. Extractum Colchici cormi - 10. Oxymel {cormi) Colchici 11. Succus Colchici Hermodactylus .... Veratrum Album - - - 1. Pulvis Veratri .... 2. Vinum Veratri 3. Decoctum Veratri ... 4. Unguentum Veratri Asagreea officinalis .... 1. Pulvis SabadillcB - 2. Tinctura SabadillcB 3. Extr actum alcolwlicum SabadillcB - 4. Veratria .... *** Veratrum Sabadilla et viride - Order XII.—Liliacese Aloe - 1. Pilulce Aloes composites 2. Pilulce Aloes cum Myrrhd - 3. Pilulce Alois et Assafaitidoz 4. Pilulce Aloes et Ferri 5. Pulvis Aloes compositus 6. Pulvis Aloes cum Canelld 1. Decoctum Aloes compositum 8. Extr actum Aloes purificatum 9. Tinctura Aloes 10. Tinctura Aloes composita - 11. Vinum aloes - 12. Aloe' colata Squilla maritima ... 1. Pulvis Scillce 2. Pilulce Scillce composita 3. Tinctura Scillce - 4. Acetum Scillce 5. Oxymel Scillce 6. Syrupus Scillce 7. Syrupus Scillce compositus Allium sativum Syrupus Alii . - - - Allium cepa - - - - *** Other Dietetical, Medicinal, or Poisonous Liliaceae Order XIII.—Smilaceae - Smilax - 1. Pulvis Sarzce - 2. Infusion Sarsaparillce compositum 3. bifusum Sarsaparillce U. S. • . 99 . . 99 . 90 . . 90 . 99 . . 100 . 100 . . 100 . 101 . . 102 . 105 . . 105 . 105 . - 105 . 105 - - 108 108 fc. . 108 . 108 . . 109 - 119 - - 112 . . 112 . . 121 . . 121 - . 121 . . 121 . - 121 - . 122 - . 122 . . 122 . . 122 . - 122 . . 122 . . 122 . - 123 . - 126 . - 126 - - 126 . . 126 . . 127 . . 127 . . 127 - - 128 . . 129 - . 129 - ■ 130 - ■ 130 . . 131 - . 139 . . 139 . . 140 CONTENTS. 142 143 4. Decoctum Sarzce - - - • - * 5. Decoctum Sarzee compositum - - • - - 111) 6. Syrupus Sarzce - - - - * *4 7. Extr actum Sarzce - - - - - 111 8. Extr actum Sarzce Jluidum - 9. Extractum. Sarzce compositum - *** China root; Smilax aspera - Order XIV.—Iridaceae - - - - - - 143 1 43 Crocus sativus ------ ^ 1. Syrupus Croci - - ■ - - " - 14b 2. Tinctura Croci - • - - - " i46 %» Orris root - - - - * " x^" Order XV.—Taccacete - - - - - 147 Tacca pinnaiifida {Tahiti Arrow-Root) - - - - J47 Order XVI.—Amaryllidacea? .... 148 Order XVII.—Musaceae - - - - - - 148 Order XVITI.—Marantaceae ----- 148 Maranta arundinaceee ... .... 148 %*Canna (Tous les Mois) - loU Order XIX.—Zingiberaceae ----- 150 Zingiber officinale ------- 151 1. Tinctura Zingiberis - - - - - - 153 2. Syrupus Zingiberis - - - - - 153 3. lnfusum Zingiberis - - - - - - 154 4. Ginger Beer . - - - - - 154 Curcuma longa - - - • - - - 1;>4 Charta curcumce - - - - - - 155 Curcuma angustifolia ..----- 155 Amomum Cardamomum .----- 156 Amomum Grana Paradisi ------ 157 Amomum angustifolium ------ 159 Amomum Clusii ....... 160 Amomum macrospermum ------ 160 Amomum maximum .-.---- 160 Elettaria Cardamom^ ------ 161 1. Tinctura Cardamomi - - - - - -163 2. Tinctura Cardamomi composita - - - - 164 Elettaria major - - - - - - - 164 *** Other Medicinal Zingiberaceae (Cardamoms and Aromatic Rhizomes) . 165 Order XX.—Orchideae --.... 167 Vanilla aromatica ----.. . 167 3. Exogeneae.—Exogens. a. Gymnospermeae.—Gymnosperms. Order XXI.—Cycadaceae - . . _ 16g Cycas .-....■ " " " * - - 168 Zamia integrifolia '"''•-- IQ8 CONTENTS. XI Order XXII.—Conifera; - - - - - - 169 Pinus ........ 169 Abies ........ 171 Larix europea - ...... 172 Medicinal Substances obtained from the preceding Coniferous Plants - 172 I. Oleo-Resince Terebinthince - - - - - 173 II. Oleum Terebinthince - - - - - - 177 1. Enema Terebinthince - - - - - 182 2. Linimentum Terebinthince - - - - 182 III. Resince Terebinthince - . - - - 183 1. Resina ....... 183 1. Ceratum Resince - - - - - 184 2. Emplastrum Resince - - - - - 184 2. Pix Burgundica -...-- 184 Emplastrum Picis - - - - 185 Pix Canadensis - - - - - 185 IV. Pix liquida et Pix solida - - - - - - 186 1. Pix liquida - - - - - - 186 1. Aqua Picis liquidce - - - - - 187 2. Unguentum Picis liquidce - - - - 187 3. Oleum Picis liquidce - - - - 187 2. Pix nigra ...... \8>i Unguentum Picis nigrce - - - - - 188 Juniperus communis - - - - - - 188 1. Oleum Juniperi - - - - - 190 2. Spiritus Juniperi compositus - - - 190 Juniperus Sabina ....--- 190 1. Oleum Sabince - - - - - - 192 2. Ceratum Sabince - - - - - -192 %* Other Medicinal Products of Conifers ... 193 /3. Angiospermeae.—Angiosperms. 1. Monochlamydeae (Apetals.) Order XXIII.—Balsamacea? ..... 193 Liquidambar - - - - - - • 193 Liquid Balsam of Storax ...... 193 Order XXIV.—Salicacese - - - - - 194 Salix -.....--- 194 Salicin - - - - - - - 196 Order XXV.—Cupuliferae.....197 Quercus pedunculata - • - - - - 197 1. Decoctum Quercus - - - - - - 199 2. Extractum Quercus ..... 19!) Quercus inlectoria - - - - - - - 199 1. Tinctura Gallce - - - - - - 2U2 Xll CONTENTS. Ulmus campestris - - - - - Decoctum Ulmi - - - - ' ' "„ *„* Other Medicinal Ulmaceae 202 2. Unguentum Gallarum - - - - 3. Unguentum Gallce compositum - - - ~|j* *** Other Medicinal Cupuliferee - ^U" Order XXVI.—Ulmacese " 203 204 204 204 Order XXVII.—Urticacese " 205 Humulus Lupulus ------- 205 1. Infusum Lupuli - - - - - - 207 2. Tinctura Lupuli - - - - - 207 3. Extractum Lupuli ------ 207 4. Lupulina ------- 207 5. Tinctura Lupulince ------ 207 Morus nigra ------- 208 Syrupus Mori ------- 208 Ficus Carica .....-- 209 Dorstenia Contrajerva ------- 209 *** 1. Antiaris toxicaria ----- 210 2. Artocarpus - - - - " -211 3. Cannabis sativa ----- 211 4. Parietaria officinalis - ----- 214 Order XXVIII.—Piperaceae ----- 214 Piper nigrum -------- 214 1. Confectio Piper is nigri - - - - - 217 2. Unguentum Piperis nigri - - - - - 217 Piper longum ------- 218 Piper Cubeba -------- 218 1. Oleum Cubebce - - - - - - 221 2. Tinctura Cubebce - - - - - -221 *** Piper Angustifolium, Piper Betel .... 222 Order XXIX.—Euphorbiaceaj - - - - - 222 Croton Tiglium ....... 223 Oleum Crotonis ....... 227 Croton Eleuteria ....... 229 1. Infusum Cascarillce - . . . . - 230 2. Mistura Cascarillae composita - - - - 230 3. Tinctura Cascarillce - . . . . .230 Ricinus communis - . 231 Oleum Ricini --..... 233 Euphorbia ----... 236 Janipha Manihot ---.... 238 •„* Other Medicinal Euphorbiaceae . . 94.(1 Order XXX.—Aristolochiacese .... 241 Aristolochia Serpentaria - .,., 1. Infusum Serpentarice - . . _ _ ^.., 2. Tinctura Serpentarice - „..,, CONTENTS. XIII Asarum europseum Pulvis Asari compositus *** Other Medicinal Anstolochiaceae. Asarum Canadense • 242 244 24 1 Order XXXI.—Lauraceae Cinnamomum zeylanicum 1. Oleum Cinnamomi 2. Aqua Cinnamomi 3. Spiritus Cinnamomi 4. Tinctura Cinnamomi - 5. Tinctura Cinnamomi composita - 6. Pulvis Cinnamomi compositus 7. Confectio aromatica 8. Emplastrum aromaticum Cinnamomum Cassia ... 1. Oleum Cassice - 2. Aqua Cassice 3. Spiritus Cassice 4. Tinctura Cassice - Camphora officinarum ... 1. Mistura Camphorce 2. Mistura Camphorce cum Magnesia 3. Tinctura Camphorce 4. Tinctura Camphorce composita 5. Linimentum Camplurrce - 6. Linimentum Camphorce compositum Sassafras officinale Oleum Sassafras - Laurus nobilis .... Oleum Lauri *** Other Medicinal Lauracea; 245 245 248 249 249 249 250 250 250 250 250 252 253 253 253 253 260 260 261 261 261 261 262 262 263 263 264 Order XXXII.—Myristicacese Myristica officinalis 1. Oleum Myristicce 2. Oleum Macidis 3. Myristicce Adeps 4. Spiritus Myristicce Order XXXIII.—Thymelaceae Daphne Mezereum Decoctum Mezerei *** Other Medicinal Thymelacese 264 265 267 267 267 267 268 268 270 270 Order XXXIV.—Polygonacese - Rheum . . . - 1. Infusum Rhei - 2. Tinctura Rhei 3. Tinctura Rhei composita 4. Tinctura Rhei et Aloes 5. Tinctura Rhei et Gentiance - 6. Vinum Rhei 7. Extractum Rhei 8. Pilulce Rhei VOL. II. 270 270 281 281 281 281 281 281 282 282 XIV CONTENTS. 9. Pilulce Rhei composita 10. Pulvis Rhei et Ferri - 11. Pulvis Rhei compositus 12. Syrupus Rhei 13. Syrupus Rhei compositus - Rumex Acetosa Rumex Hydrolapathum Polygonum Bistorta *** Coccoloba uvifera - - - Order XXXV.—Chenopodiaceae - Barilla - - Chenopodium Anthelminticum - Oleum Chenopodii - 2. Corolliflorae. Order XXXVI.—Labiateae 282 2*2 282 283 283 283 283 284 284 284 248 284 285 285 Lavandula vera - . 286 1. Oleum Lavandulce ... . ■ 287 2. Spiritus Lavandulce - 287 *t* Lavender Water ... . - 287 3. Tinctura Lavandulce composita . 287 Mentha viridis .... . - 28S 1. Infusum Mentha simplex - - 288 2. Infusum Mentha compositum - . - 288 3. Oleum Mentha viridis . 288 4. Spiritus Mentha viridis . - 289 5. Aqua Mentha viridis . 289 Mentha piperita .... - - 289 1. Oleum Mentha piperita - - 290 2. Spiritus Mentha piperita - - 290 3. Aqua Mentha piperita - 290 Mentha Pulegium .... . - 290 1. Oleum Mentha Pulegii . 291 2. Spiritus Mentha Pulegii - - 291 3. Aqua Mentha Pulegii . 291 Rosmarinus officinalis .... . - 291 1. Oleum Rosmarini . 292 2. Spiritus Rosmarini . - 292 *** Hungary Water ... . 292 Origanum vulgare .... . - 292 Oleum Origani . 293 Majorana hortensis .... . 293 Melissa officinalis - - . . . 294 Marrubium vulgare .... . - 294 ***Other Medicinal and Dietetical Labiates - 295 Order XXXVII.—Scrophulariacece . - 295 Digitalis purpurea . 296 1. Infusum Digitalis . 304 2. Tinctura Digitalis . 304 - 305 305 3. Extr actum Digitalis - . 4. Pilulce Digitalis et Scilla - . Verbascum Thapsus .... - - 305 CONTENTS. XV Scrophularia nodosa Unguentum Scrophularia *** Other Medicinal Scrophulariaceee Order XXXVIIL—Solanaceae Hyoscyamus niger 1. Tinctura Hyoscyami - 2. Extr actum Hyoscyami *** Succus Hyoscyami Extractum Hyoscyami Alcoholicum Atropa Belladonna 1. Extractum Belladonna 2. Emplastrum Belladonna 3. Unguentum Belladonna 4. Tinctura Belladonna *** Succus Belladonnas Datura Stramonium 1. Extractum Stramonii 2. Tinctura Stramonii Nicotiana Tabacum 1. Enema Tabaci 2. Vinum Tabaci 3. Unguentum Tabaci Solanum Dulcamara Decoctum Dulcamara Capsicum annuum Tinctura Capsici *„* Other Dietetical, Medicinal, or Poisonous Solanaceae (Potatoes, &c.) Order XXXIX.—Boraginaceae - Anchusa tinctoria ...... Order XL.—Convolvulaceae - Convolvulus Scammonia ----- 1. Pulvis Scammonii compositus - 2. Pulvis Scammonii cum Calomelane 3. Confectio Scammonii - 4. Extractum sive Resina Scammonii 5. Mistura Scammonii - - - Ipomaea Purga ...... 1. Pulvis Jalapa compositus 2. Tinctura Jalapa ----- 3. Extractum Jalapa - - - . *>* Mechoacan ; Ipomaea Turpethum and Convolvulus panduratus Order XLI.—Gentianaceas Gentiana lutea ------ 1. Infusum Gentiana compositum. 2. Mistura Gentiana composita 3. Tinctura Gentiana composita 4. Extractum Gentiana - Agathotes Chirayta - - - - - Infusum Chiretta ..... Erythrcea Centaurium .... 305 306 306 306 307 310 310 310 311 311 318 318 318 318 319 319 321 322 322 331 331 331 332 333 333 335 335 337 337 337 337 342 342 342 342 343 343 346 346 346 347 347 347 350 351 351 351 351 352 352 Menyanthes trifoliata - *** Frasera Walteri CONTENTS. - 353 354 Order XLII.—Spigeliacese - - - - - 354 354 - 356 356 Spigelia Marilandica Infusum Spigelia %* Spigelia Anthelmintica 356 Order XLIII—Asclepiadaceae - Calotropis gigantea ------ 356 Hemidesmus indicus ------ «joo Cynanchutn Argel ------ 357 Cynanchum monspeliacum ------ 357 Secamone Alpini - - - - - - * p^ Asclepias tuberosa, incarnata and syriaca . - - - 357 Order XLIV.—Apocynaceae ... - 357 Strychnos Nux-vomica .... - 357 1. Tinctura JSucis-vomica ----- 369 2. Extractum Nucis-vomica ----- 369 3. Strychnia - - - - - - 370 *** Other Medicinal or Poisonous Apocynaceae ... - 37o Apocynum androsarnifolium .... - 374 Cannabinum ------- 375 Order XLV.—Oleaceae ----- 376 Olea europaea -------- 376 Ornus europaea - - - - - - 381 Order XLVI.—Styraceae - 383 Styrax officinale ------- 383 1. Styrax colatus ...... 387 2. Pilula Styracis composita .... 387 Styrax Benzoin - - - - • - - 387 1. Tinctura Benzoini composita - - - - 389 2. Fumigating pastiles ------ 390 2. Calyciflorae. Order XLVIL—Pyrolacejs ----- 390 Chimaphila umbellata ------- 390 Decoctum Chimaphila - - - - - 391 Syrup of Chimaphila - - - - . - 391 Order XLVI II.—Ericaceae ----- 392 Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi ---... 392 ]. Decoctum Uva-ursi - 394 2. Extractum Uva-ursi ------ 394 %*Gaultheria procumbens . 394 Order XLIX.—Lobeliaceae - - - . . 394 Lobelia inflata - - - . - . . 394 1. Tinctura Lobelia -■ - . . . 397 2. Tinctura Lobelice atherea .... 397 CONTENTS. XV11 3. Vinegar of Lobelia ..... 397 4. Syrup of Lobelia - - - - - - 397 *»* Lobelia siphilitica ..... 398 Order L.—Compositae ------ 398 Tribe 1. Eupatoriaceae - 399 Tussilago Farfara ....... 399 Eupatorium perfoliatum - - - - - 399 Tribe 2. Asteroideae - - - - - - 400 Inula Helenium ....... 400 Tribe 3. Senecionideae ..... 401 Anthemis nobilis ....... 401 1. Infusum Anthemidis ------ 402 2. Extractum Anthemidis ----- 402 3. Oleum Anthemidis .... - . 403 Anacyclus Pyrethrum ...... 403 Artemisia Absinthium - - - - - - - 404 Extractum Artemisia Absinthii .... 405 Artemisia Moxa ....... 405 Tanacetum vulgare ...... 407 Arnica montana .--.... 408 *** 1. Wormseed .--... 409 2. Artemisia vulgaris ...... 409 3. Guizotia oleifera ..... 409 4. Senecio Jacobffia ...... 409 5. Anthemis Cotula ..... 409 Tribe 4. Cynarea? ------ 410 Lappa minor ....... 410 Cnicus benedictus ....... 410 %* Caithamus tinctorius - - - - - 411 Tribe 5. Cichoracece - - - - - 411 Tara*xacum Dens-Leonis - - - - - - 411 1. Decoctum Taraxaci - - - - - - 412 2. Extractum Taraxaci - - - - - ,412 Lactuca sativa ....... 413 1. Tinctura Lactucarii - - . - - 415 2. Trochisci Lactucarii - - - - - - 415 Lactuca virosa ....... 415 *„*Cichoriuin Intybus ...... 415 Order.LI.—Valerianaceae ..... 416 Valeriana officinalis ....... 416 1. Infusum Valeriana - - - - - 418 2. Tinctura Valeriana - - - - - 41S 3. Tinctura Valeriana composita - - - - 418 %* Other Medicinal Valerianacem - . - - - 418 2* XV1U CONTENTS. Order LII.—Rubiaceae - - - - - 419 Cinchona ... - . . . - 419 History - - - - - - - 419 Botanical species ------- 420 Description of the barks ----- 422 1. Cinchona Corona ----- 427 2. Cinchona Huanuco - - - - - 429 3. Cinchona 3aen ------ 430 4. Cinchona Huamalies - -• - . - 431 5. Cinchona Calisaya seu Regia - - - - 431 6. Cinchona rubra - - - - - 431 7. Cinchona Loxa alba ----- 434 8. Cinchona de Carthagena dura - . . 434 9. Cinchona de Carthagena fibrosa - 435 10. Cinchona de Cusco ----- 436 11. Cinchona aurantiacea de Santa Fe. 436 12. Cinchona nova - - - - - 436 13. Red Cinchona with a white micaceous epidermis - - 437 Composition -...._. 437 Chemical characteristics ------ 441 Ditto " of the goodness of Cinchona - - 442 Physiological effects ------- 444 Uses -------- 448 Preparations -------- 452 1. Infusum Cinchona - - . . . 452 2. Infusum Cinchona compositum - 452 3. Decoctum Cinchona ----- 452 4. Tinctura Cinchona ---... 452 5. Tinctura Cinchona composita .... 452 6. Extractum Cinchona --.... 452 7. Quina Disulphas --.... 452 8. Valerianate of quinia ..... 453 9. Citrate of iron and quinia .... 453 Cephaelis Ipecacuanha ------ 458 1. Vinum Ipecacuanha - - . . . 435 2. Syrupus Ipecacuanha ----.. 465 3. Pulvis Ipecacuanha compositus - - . . 465 4. Pilula Ipecacuanha et Opii - - . . . 466 5. Trochisci Morphia et Ipecacuanha - . . 466 Uncaria Gambier - - . . . . • ^qq Rubia tinctorum --.... *** J. Psychotria emetica ... 2. Richardsonia scabra . 3. Coffea Arabica Order LIII.—Caprifoliaceae - 469 470 471 472 473 Sambucus nigra - 1. Oleum Sambuci - " 4^ 2. Aqua Sambuci ... 47'' 3. Unguentum Sambuci . - 474 4. Succus spissatus Sambuci . 4'4 Order LIV.—Araliaceae 474 Panax 474 CONTENTS. XIX Order LV.—Umbelliferae ..... 475 Carum Carui . . . . . . 475 1. Oleum Carui ....... 470 2. Spiritus Carui - - - - . . 470 3. Aqua Carui - - - . . . . 47Q Pimpinella Anisum ...... 476 1. Oleum A nisi ---.... 476 2. Spiritus Anisi - - - . . . 479 3. Aqua Anisi ---.... 473 Foeniculum vulgare ...... 478 Foeniculum dulce --..... 479 1. Oleum Fazniculi - . . . . . 479 2. Aqua Fozniculi ...... 479 Archangelica officinalis ---... 479 Opoponax Chironium ----... 480 Ferula Asafoetida ----... 48I 1. Mistura Asafaztida ----.. 487 2. Enema foztidum ---... 437 3. Tinctura Asafaztida - - - . . . 487 4. Pilula Asafaztida ------ 488 5. Pilula Aloes et Asafaztida • - . . - 488 6. Spiritus Ammonia faztidus - 488 7. Emplastrum Asafaztida - - - . - 488 Ferula ? (an uncertain species yielding Sagapenum) - - 488 Pilula Sagapeni composita - - - - - 489 Dorema Ammoniacum -...._ 489 1. Mistura Ammoniaci - - - - . - 491 2. Emplastrum Ammoniaci ----- 492 3. Emplastrum Ammoniaci cum Hydrargyro - - - 492 Anethum graveolens ...... 492 1. Oleum Anethi ...... 492 2. Aqua Anethi ...... 493 Galbanum officinale ....... 493 1. Tinctura Galbani - ..... 495 2. Pilula Galbani composita ..... 495 3. Emplastrum Galbani ..... 495 Cuminum Cyminum -.---.. 495 Daucus Carota ..---.. 493 Cataplasma Dauci ...... 497 Conium maculatum ...... 497 1. Pulvis Conii ....... 595 2. Tinctura Conii ...... 590 *** Succus Conii ....... 597 3. Extractum Conii ------ 507 4. Pilula Conii composita ..... 59s 5. Unguentum Conii ..... 593 6. Cataplasma Conii ...... 503 Coriandrum sativum ...... 593 *,* Other Umbelliferte, Dietetical or Poisonous .... 599 XX CONTENTS. Order LVI.—Cucurbitaceae Cucumis Colocynthis - 1. Extractum Colocynthidis 2. Extractum Colocynthidis compositum 3. Pilula Colocynthis et Hyoscyami 4. Enema Colocynthidis Momordica Elaterium - - - - *** Other Cucurbitaceae, Dietetical, Medicinal, or Poisonous Order LVII—Myrtaceae Melaleuca minor - Caryophyllus aromaticus 1. Infusum Caryophylli 2. Oleum Caryophylli 3. Tinctura Caryophylli Eugenia Pimenta 1. Oleum Pimenta - 2. Spiritus Pimenta 3. Aqua Pimenta *%* Eucalyptus resinifera {Botany Bay Kino) Order LVI1I.—Lythraceee - 531 Lythrum Salicaria • - 532 Order LIX.—Granateae - 532 Punica Granalum - . 533 Order LX.—Rosaceae - 534 Tribe 1. Amygdaleae - . 535 Amygdalus communis 1. Confectio Amygdala -2. Mistura Amygdala 3. Oleum Amygdala 4. Oleum Amygdala amara - 535 . 539 539 - 540 541 Persica vulgaris Prunus domestica -Cerasus Lauro-cerasus Aqua Lauro-Cerasi - - . 544 545 . 546 547 Cerasus serotina, or Prunus virginiana -Oil of Wild Cherry Infusum Pruni Virginianae Syrup of Wild Cherry Bark - 54S 548 - 550 550 Tribe 2. Spiraceae - ■ - 550 Gillenia trifoliata - - 550 Tribe 3. Dryadeae - - - 551 510 510 513 514 515 515 515 522 - 523 523 - 525 527 - 527 528 - 529 530 - 531 531 - 531 Geum Urbanum 551 CONTENTS. XXI Potentilla Tormentilla ------- 552 Decoctum Tormentilla - - - - - 553 Rubus villosus et trivialis ------ 553 Tribe 4. Rosece .... - 554 Rosa canina -------- 554 Confectio Rosa Canina ----- 555 Rosa gallica -------- 555 1. Infusum Rosa compositum .... 556 2. Confectio Rosa gallica ----- 557 'A.'Mel Rosa ------- 557 4. Syrupus Rosa gallica ------ 557 Rosa centifolia ....... 559 1. Syrupus Rosa ...... 558 2. Aqua Rosa ...... 559 3. Unguentum Aqua Rosa - - - - - 559 4. Oleum Rosa ...... 559 Tribe 5. Pomaceae ------ 560 Cydonia vulgaris ------- 560 Decoctum Cydonia - - - - - - 561 *** 1. Cherry-tree gum ..... 561 2. Alchemilla arvensis ...... 561 3. Bedeguar ...... 562 Order LXI.—Leguminosae - - - - , - 562 Sub-Order 1. Papilionaceae .... 563 Myrospermum peruiferum ...... 563 Myrospermum toluiferum ...... 566 1. Tinctura Balsami Tolutani - - - - - 567 2. Syrupus Tolutanus ..... 567 Cytisus scoparius ------- 563 1. Infusum Scoparii - - - - - - 569 2. Decoctum Scoparii compositum .... 569 3. Extractum Spartii Scoparii .... 569 Glycyrrhiza glabra ....... 569 1. Decoctum Glycyrrhiza - - - - - 570 2. Extractum Glycyrrhiza ..... 570 3. Trochisci Glycyrrhiza - - - - - 571 4. Trochisci Glycyrrhiza et opii - - - - 571 Astragalus (one or more species yielding Tragacanth) - - 571 I. Pulvis Tragacantha compositus - - - - 573 2. Mucilago Tragacantha - - - - - 573 Mucuna pruriens ....... 573 Pterocarpus sanlnlinus ...... 575 Pierocarpus erinacfiis ------- 575 1. Tinctura Kino ...... 577 2. Pulvis Kino compositus ----- 577 XII CONTENTS. Sub-Order 2. Mimoseae - Acacia (several species yielding Gum) - 1. Mucilago - - - - 2. Mistura Acacia, E. - 3. Trochisci Acacia - Acacia Catechu 1. Infusum Catechu compositum 2. Tinctura Catechu - 3. Electuarium Catechu Sub-Order 3. Caesalpineae - Andira inermis .... Decoctum Geoffroya Haematoxylon campechianum 1. Decoctum Hamatoxyli 2. Extractum Hamatoxyli Tamarindus indica . - - - Cassia (several species yielding Senna) 1. Infusum Senna - 2. Infusum Senna compositum, E. 3. Enema Catharticum - 4. Tinctura Setina composita 5. Syrupus Senna • 6. Confectio Senna - - - Fluid Extract of Senna Cassia Marilaaidica Cassia Fistula - Confectio Cassia Copaifera (several species yielding an oleo-resin) 1. Oleum Copaiba 2. Gelatine Capsules of Copaiba - *** 1. Spartium junceum 2. Butea frondosa . - 3. Indigo ... Order LXII.—Terebinthaceae Pistacia Terebinthus ... Pistacia Lentiscus .... Rhus Toxicodendron - - . Boswellia thurifera .... Balsamodendron Myrrha - Tinctura Myrrha %* 1. Elemi 2. Balm of Gilead - 3. Bdellium - 4- Rhus Glabrum - 577 Order LXIII,—Rhamnaceae - Rhamnus Catharticus - Syrupus Rhamni 621 622 CONTENTS. XX1U 3. Thalamiflorae. Order LXIV—Simarubaceae .... 622 Simaruba amara - . . . Infusum Simaruba .... Picraena excelsa - - . . 1. Infusum Quassia .... 2. Tinctura Quassia 3. Tinctura Quassia composita 4. Extractum Quassia - *** Quassia amara - Order LXV.—Rutaceas Ruta graveolens - 1. Confectio Ruta 2. Oleum Ruta - 3. Syrupus Ruta - 4. Extractum Ruta ... Barosma (several species yielding Buchu) 1. Infusum Buchu 2. Tinctura Buchu ... Galipea officinalis .... 1. Infusum Cusparia 2. Tinctura Cusparia *** Dictamnus Fraxinella ... Order LXVI.—Zygophyllaceae Guaiacum officinale - - 1. Mistura Guaiaci - - . . 2. Tinctura Guaiaci - 3. Tinctura Guaiaci compositus 4. Decoctum Guaiaci Order LXVII—Oxalidaceae Oxalis Acetosella Order LXVIII.—Vitaceae Vitis vinifera - 1. Potassa Bitartras - 2. AcidumTarlaricu?n - 3. Trochisci Acidi tartarici - 4. Vinum .... 5. Spiritus Vini Gallici 6. Mistura Spiritus Vini Gallici Order LXIX.—Guttiferae Hebradendron cambogioides Pilulce Cambogia composita Canella alba - Vinum Gentiance . . 622 ■ - 623 . . 623 . . 625 ■ . 625 - . 625 . . 626 - - 626 - ■ 626 . . 626 . . 626 - . 628 - - 628 - - 628 - . 629 - . 631 - . 631 - - 631 - . 634 - - 634 - - 634 - - 634 - . 634 - - 639 - - 639 ■ - 639 - - 639 • - 639 - - 640 - - 640 . . 641 [vol. i. p. 656] 643 [vol. i. p. 367] 643 - - 643 - . 643 [vol. i. p. 330] 648 [vol. i. p. 331] 648 • - 649 . . 649 - - 654 - . 654 . . 655 XXIV CONTENTS. Order LXX.—Aurantiaceae ----- 655 Citrus medica ------- 606 Citrus Bergamia ------- 6o7 Citrus Limonum ------- 657 1. Oleum Limoni ------ 659 2. Syrupus Limoni ------ 660 Citrus Aurantium ------- 660 Citrus vulgaris ------- 662 1. Infusum Aurantii compositum - - - - 663 2. Confectio Aurantii - - - - - 663 3. Syrupus Aurantii ------ 663 4. Tinctura Aurantii ----- 663 5. Aqua Florum Aurantii - - - - - 663 *»* Eau de Cologne ----- - 664 Feronia Elephantum ------- 664 Order LXXI.—Ternstromiaceae .... 664 Thea - - - - - - - - - 664 Order LXX1I.—Dipteraceae ----- 665 Dryobalanops aromatica ...... 665 1. Liquid Camphor - - - - - - 665 2. Sumatra or Borneo Camphor - - - - - 665 Order LXX1II—Byttneriaceae - 666 Theobroma Cacao ..... . 666 Order LXXIV.—Malvaceae ..... 666 Malva sylvestris - - - - 666 Decoctum Malva compositum ..... 667 Althea officinalis ... - - 667 1. Mistura Althea ...... 668 2. Syrupus Alt/iea - - - - - - 668 Gossypium herbaceum ...... 668 Order LXXV.—Linaceae - 670 Linum usitatissimum ---.... 670 1. Infusum Lini compositum - . . . 671 2. Oleum Lini • ...... 671 3. Farina Lini -...._ 672 4. Cataplasma Lini - . . . _ -672 Linum catharticum ----.. 672 Order LXXVI.—Caryophyllaceae .... 672 Dianthus Caryophyllus -..___ 67g Order LXXVII.—Polygaleae - . . 673 Polygala Senega t 673 1. Decoctum Senega - . . . _ „._ 2. Syrupus Senega - - 67^ CONTENTS. XXV 3. Extractum Senega 676 Krameria triandra - - - - - 1. Infusum Krameria 2. Extractum Krameria 3. Tinctura Krameria 4. Syrupus Krameria Order LXXVIII.—Violaceas Viola odorata - Syrupus Viola - - - - *„* lonidium Ipecacuanha, microphyllum et parviflorum Order LXXIX.—Cistaceae Cistus creticus ----- Order LXXX.—Cruciferae Cardamine pratensis - Cochlearia Armoracia - - - - 1. Infusum Armoracia - 2. Infusum Armoracia compositum 3. Spiritus Armoracia compositus Cochlearia officinalis - - - - Sinapis nigra - Cataplasma Sinapis Sinapis alba - Order LXXXI.—Papaveraceae - Papaver Rhaeas - - - - - Syrupus Rhaados Papaver somniferum . - - - 1. Poppy heads - - - - 2. Opium - - - - - Preparation - - - - Description - Commerce - - - - Composition .... Chemical characteristics Application to medico-legal purposes Estimation of the purity and strength Physiological effects Opium-eating Opium-smoking Modus operandi Uses - - - - - Administration Antidotes . - - - a. Preparations of Poppyheads 1. Decoctum Papaveris - 2. Syrupus Papaveris vol. n. 3 676 677 677 677 678 678 678 679 679 680 660 680 6S0 681 682 682 682 682 683 685 685 687 . . 687 - - 688 - - 688 - 689 - - 689 - 689 - - 690 - 693 - - 694 - 694 s - 700 - 701 - - 702 - 704 - - 706 - 711 - ■ 713 - 719 ■ - 720 - 720 . . 721 XXVI CONTENTS. 3. Extractum Papaveris 721 6. Preparations of Opium. 1. Pilula Opii sive Thebaica 2. Pilula Saponis composita - 3. Pilula Opii - - - - 4. Pilula Calomelanos et Opii 5. Pilula Plumbi Opiata 6. Trochisci Opii - - - - 7. Pulvis Creta compositus cum Opio 8. Confectio Opii . - - - 9. Emplastrum Opii 10. Extractum Opii purificatum Liquor Opii sedativus 11. Tinctura Opii - 12. Tinctura Opii acetata - 13. Tinctura Opii camphorata 14. Enema Opii - - - - 15. Linimentum Opii - - - - 16. Vinum Opii - - - - 17. Tinctura Opii ammoniata 18. Acetum Opii - - - - Black Drop - - - - 19. Unguentum Galla compositum 20. Pilula Styracis composita - \ 1. Pulvis Ipecacuanha compositus 22. Pilula Ipecacuanha composita 23. Pulvis Kino compositus 24. Electuarium catechu c. Morphia and its preparations. 1. Morphia - - - - - 2. Morphia Acetas 3. Morphia Hydrochloras 4. Morphia Muriatis Solutio 5. Trochisci Morphia ... 6. Trochisci Morphia et Ipecacuanha 7. Morphia Sulphas - 8. Liquor Morphia Sulphatis Sanguinaria Canadensis Tinctura Sanguinaria [vol. i. p. 625] [vol. i. p. 674] [p. 202] [p. 387] [p. 465] [p. 466] [p. 477] [p. 588] 721 721 722 722 722 722 722 722 722 723 723 723 724 724 724 724 724 725 725 725 726 726 726 726 726 726 726 729 729 731 731 731 731 732 732 733 Order LXXXII.—Menispermaceae Cocculus palmatus 1. Infusum Calumba 2. Tinctura Calumba Anamirta Cocculus Unguentum Cocculi Cissampelos Pareira 1. Infusum Pareira 2. Extractum Pareira *t* Other Medicinal Menispermaceas 733 733 736 737 737 739 739 741 741 741 contents. xxvn Order LXXXIII.—Magnoliaceae ----- 742 Drimys Winteri ------- 742 %* Illicium anisatum ...--- 743 Magnolia glauca ....--- 743 Liriodendron Tulipifera ...-.- 744 Order LXXXIV—Ranunculacese ... - 745 Ranunculus acris ------- 745 Ranunculus Flammula ...... 745 Helleborus niger ------- 746 Tinctura Hellebori ...... 748 Extractum Hellebori ------ 748 Delphinium Staphysagria ...... 748 Delphinia ....... 749 Aconitum Napellus ------- 749 1. Tinctura Aconiti ------ 755 2. Extractum Alcoholicum Aconiti .... 756 3. Extractum Aconiti - - - - - 756 4. Aconitina ....... 756 Cimicifuga racemosa ...... 757 Coptis trifoliata ....... 759 *** Helleborus foetidus et viridis, Aconitum ferox, and Delphinium consolida 760 Order LXXXV.—Podophylleae - - - - - 760 Podophyllum peltatum ...... 760 Extractum podophylli ------- 761 Order LXXXVL—Juglandeae ... 761 Juglans cinerea ....... 761 Extractum Juglandis ..---- 762 Order LXXXVIL—Geraniaceae - - - - - 762 Geranium Maculatum ------ 762 Order LXXXVIII.—Cornaceae - - - - - 764 Cornus Florida ....... 764 Cornus Circinata and Cornus Sericea ..... 765 (Elass 33. % Animal Snb-K'mgbom. - 766 Division I. Iiivertetorata.— Invertcbral Animals - 766 Subdivision 1—ACR1TA - - - 766 Class I.—Poriphera ...... 766 Spongia officinalis ...... 766 Spongia usta - - - - - - -768 Class II.—Polypiphera ? - - 768 Corallium rubrum ..-.-.- 768 xxviii contents. Subdivision 2.—RADIATA - - - 768 Subdivision 3.—MOLLUSCA - - - 768 Class III.—Conchifera ----- 769 Ostreaedulis -------- 1Q® Testa praparata - - - - ■ 7"y Class IV.—Cephalopoda - - - - - - 770 Sepia -------- 770 Subdivision 4.—ARTICULATA - - - 770 Class V.—Annulosa ------ 770 Sanguisuga (Hirudo) ------- 770 History ------- 770 Zoology -------- 771 Anatomy ------ 772 Diseases -------- 774 Collection and Commerce ----- 774 Mode of biting ------- 774 Physiological effects ------ 774 Uses -........778 Mode of application - - - - - - 779 After-treatment ------- 780 Accidents from leeches in the mucous cavities - - - 781 Class VI.—Insecta - - - - - - 782 Order I__Coleoptera - 782 Cantharis vesicatoria -..---- 782 1. Acetum Cantharidis - - - - - 790 2. Tinctura Cantharidis - - - - -791 3. Ceratum Cantharidis - - - - - 791 4. Unguentum Infusi Cantharidis .... 791 5. Emplastrum Cantharidis - - - - - 791 6. Emplastrum Cantharidis compositum - - - 792 7. Emplastrum Calefaciens - - - - - 792 8. Pannus vesicatorius - - - - - - 792 *** Other Coleopterous Vesicants .... 792 Order II.—Hemiptera ...... 793 Coccus Cacti ....... 793 Order III.—Hymenoplera ----- 795 Apis mellifica ------- 795 Mel -------- 796 1. Mel despumatum - - - . . 797 2. Oxymel ----- . .-97 Cera ------ ... 798 1. Emplastrum Cera - - . . - 798 2. Emplastrum aromaticum - - . . 793 3. Ceratum ----.. 79Q 4. Unguentum Ceraflava - - . . ^gg contents. xxix 5. Linimentum simplex - - - - - 799 *«* Other Hymenopterous Insects . . - - 799 Class VII.—Crustacea......799 Astacus fluviatilis ..-.-- 799 Cancer Pagurus ------- 799 Division II. Vertebrata.—Vertebral Animals - - 799 Class VIII. Pisces......799 Ichthyocolla ....... 799 Oleum Jecoris Aselli ------- 804 Class IX. Aves......806 Order I.—Gallinae ------ 806 Gallus domesticus ....-- 806 Ovum ........ 807 Class X.—Mammalia -.....809 Order I.—Cetacea ------ 809 Physeter macrocephalus 1. Ceratum Cetacei 2. Unguentum Cetacei 3. Ambra grisea Order II.—Ruminantia Moschus moschiferus - 1. Mistura Moschi 2. Tinctura Moschi Order III.—Pachvdermata - Sus Scrofa Axungia Castor Fiber - 1. Tinctura Castorei 2. Tinctura Castorei ammoniata 809 - 811 811 - 811 812 812 818 818 818 819 819 820 820 823 823 823 823 824 825 825 629 830 Cervus Elaphus Cornu ustum Ovis Aries Sevum Bos Taurus 1. Lactic acid 2. Fel Bovinum Order IV.—Rodentia t LIST OF WOOD-CUTS IN VOL. II. Pigs. Page. Figs. Page. 105. Structure of the cryptogamia 41 148. Narcissus tazetta - 147 106. Fucus vesiculosus . 42 149. The Banana - 147 * 107. Esculent sea weeds . 46 150. The Plantain - 147 108. Cetraria island ica . 47 151. Particles of West Indian arrow . 109. Lecanora tartarea . 50 root..... - 149 110. Tripe de Roche - . 52 152. Particles of Tous le Mois - - 150 111. Cladonia rangiferina - . 52 153. Particles of East Indian arrow-root 156 112. Ergotsetia abortifaciens . 53 154. Round cardamom - 157 113. Agaricus campestris -114. Morchella esculenta ■ 54 54 155 ) 1 "ifi" C Capsules of Malaguetta pepper - 158 115. Tuber cibarium - . 54 157. Madagascar cardamom - 159 116. Poisonous agarici . 54 158. Amomum Clusii - - 159 117. A tree fern - . 55 159. Amomum macrospermum - - 159 118. Neplirodium fiiix mas - . 56 160. Java cardamom . - 161 119. Rafflesia Arnoldi . 58 161. Malabar cardamoms - 163 120. Structure of endogens - ■ . 59 162. Elettaria major - - 164 121. Saccharum officinarum . 60 163. Ceylon cardamom - 165 122. 1. Secale cereale . 64 164. Ovoid China cardamom - 166 2. Triticurn . 64 165. Large round China cardamom - 166 3. Hordeum . . 64 166. Small round ditto - 166 123. Torula and mycoderma ccrvisiee - 66 167. Black cardamom - 166 124. Avena sativa . 67 168. Vanilla aromatica - 167 125. Particles of wheat starch . 69 169. Structure of exogens - - 168 126. Secale cereale . 71 170. Cycas revoluta ... - 168 127. Structure of ergot of rye - 73 171. Pinus sylvestris ... - 170 128. Secale cornutum . 74 172. Cones of ditto - 170 129. Oryza sativa . 83 173. Cones of pinus pinaster - 170 130. Panicmn miliaceum . 83 174. Branch and cone of pinus pinea - 170 131. Zea mays - . 83 175. Abies excelsa - 171 132. Arum colocasia - . 86 176. Abies picea, balsamea and cana- 133. Particles of Portland arrow-root - 87 densis .... - 172 134. Cocos nucifera . 87 177. Suber .... - 203 135. Sagus rumphii - . 87 178. Lupulinic grain - - 205 136. Particles of sago meal - . 89 178. Morus nigra ... - 208 137. Particles of potato sago - 89 179. Ficus carica ... - 208 138. Elais guineensis - . 91 180. Dorstenia contrajerva - - 210 139. Colchicuin autumnale - . 92 181. Artocarpus incisa - 211 140. Veratrum album - . 102 162. Canabis sativa ... - 211 141. Various species of aloe . 112 183. Piper nigrum - 215 142. Aloe socotrina . 113 184. Piper betle - - 222 143. Dracaena draco - . 130 185. Euphorbia meloformis - 223 144. Magnified view of a section of Ja- 186. Euphorbia antiquorum - 223 muica sarsaparilla . 133 187. Ricinus communis - 231 145. Ditto of Honduras sarsaparilla 134 188. Janipha manihot - 239 146. Tacca pinnatifida . 147 189. Particles of tapioca - 239 117. Particles of Tahiti arrow -root 147 190. Cinnamomum zeylanicum - - 246 XXXI1 LIST OF WO Figs. Page. 191. Camphora officinarum - - 253 192. Bombolo.....254 193. Myristica officinalis ... 265 194. Nutmeg and mace ... 265 195. Rheum palmatum ... 273 196. Rheum compactum ... 273 197. Rheum emodi .... 273 198. Crystals of oxalate of lime in Rus- sian rhubarb ... - 275 199. Solanum tuberosum . . - 336 200. Cells of potatoes, before and after boiling.....336 201. Particles of potato starch - - 336 202. StrychHos nux-vomica - - 358 203. Cerbera tanghin - - - - 374 204. Apocynum Cannabinum - - 375 205. Olea Europasa - - - - 377 206. Carthamus tinctorius - - - 411 207. Nardostachys jatamansi - - 418 208. Cephaelis ipecacuanha - - - 459 209. Brown ipecacuanha root - - 460 210. Striated ipecacuanha ... 471 211. Undulated ipecacuanha root - 471 212. Coffea Arabica - - - - 472 213. Panax quinquefolium ... 474 214. Mormordica elaterium - - 516 215. Endosmometer - - - .516 216. Caryophyllus aromaticus - - 526 217. Punica granatum - - - 533 218. The peach.....544 219. Papilionaceous flowers - - 562 220. Legumes of ceratonia siliqua - 562 221. Common garden bean . - - 563 222. Astragalus creticus - - - 571 223. Acacia arabica .... 578 224. Legume and leaflet of acute-leaved Alexandrian senna ... 595 225. Legume and leaflet of cassia obo- vata.....595 226. Argel leaf, flowers, and fruit - 595 227. Legume and leaflet of tephrosia apollinea.....595 228. Legume of Tinnevelly senna—leaf- let of ditto - - - - 596 "229. Leaf of coraria myrtifolia - - 597 230. Butea frondosa .... 610 231. Indigofera tinctoria - - - 610 232. Pistacia terebinthus - - - 612 233. Pistacia lentiscus ... 612 234. Balsamodendron myrrha - - 616 235. Balsamodendron gileadense - - 620 236. Vitis vinifera .... 641 OD-CUTS. Figs. Pa«e- 237. Garcinia mangostana - - - 649 238. Hebradendron cambogioides - 649 239. Citrus aurantium - - - 661 240. Thea Bohea - - - - 664 241. Theobroma cacao ... 666 242. Gossypium herbaceum - - 669 243. Linum usitatissimum . - - 670 244. Root of ionidium ipecacuanha - 679 245. Cistus creticus ... - 680 246. Ladanum whip ..... 680 247. A silique.....680 248. Crystal of morphia - - - 726 249. Cocculus palmatus ... 734 250. Drimys winteri - - - - 742 251. Magnolia glauca - - - 743 252. Liriodendron tulipifera - - 744 253. Cornus Florida.....764 254. Corallium rubrum ... 768 255. Alimentary canal of the leech - 772 256. Diagram illustrative of the internal anatomy of the leech - - 774 257. Cantharides - - - - 782 258. Cochineal insects (male and fe- male) .....793 259. Opuntia cochinillifera - - - 794 260. Acipenser sturio .... 797 261. A segment of the yelk of an egg - 797 262. Cumulus cicatricials? - - - 797 263. Section of the cicatricula, showing the vesicula in situ ... 807 264. Yelk and its appendages - - 808 265. Polygonal pieces of chalk forming the rudiments of the shell of the egg.....808 266. The four stomachs of the sheep - 812 267. Moschus moschiferus - - - 812 268. Belly of moschus moschiferus - 813 269. Vertical section of the musk sac in. situ.....-814 270. Musk sac.....814 271. Musk sac, deprived of its hairy coat to show its muscular coat - - 814 272. Musk sac, deprived of its hairy coat and circular muscular fibres - 814 273. Ovis ammon .... 820 274. Ovis musimon .... 820 275. Castor fiber . . . .825 276. Castor and oil sacs with their ap- propriate muscles ... 826 278. Castor and oil sacs laid open - 827 279. Relative position of castor and oil sacs and pelvis . . . 827 THE ELEMENTS MATERIA MEDICA, II. ORGANIZED KINGDOM. 1. Q\\t Vegetable Sttb-Kingrjom. EMvisiora I. Cryptogamia, Linnaus.—Flowerless Plants. Acotllebones, Jussieu.—Celmjlares, De Candolle.—Acrogens, Lindley. Essential Characters.—Substance of the plant usually composed of cellular tissue chiefly, either in a spheroidal or elongated state; spiral vessels or ducts only present in the highest orders. Stem either increasing by an extension of its point, or by a regular or irregular de- vclopement in all directions from one common point; not increasing perceptibly in thickness or density when once formed. Cuticle generally destitute of stomata. Sexual organs, and conse- quently flowers, absent. Reproduction taking place either by spores or sporules [sporce seu sporulce], which are enclosed in cases called thecas [sporangia], or embedded in the substance of the plants ; or else by a mere dissolution of the utricles of cellular tissue ; germination oc- curring at no fixed point, but upon any part of the surface of the spores (Lindley). Fio. 105. ^p^iS^^S© Structure of Cryptogumic Plants. a. Longitudinal section of a stem. 6. Transverse section of a stem. c. Stem of a moss with leaves and theca, or seed- case. d. Leaf of a moss magnified. e. Leafy thallus of a lichen with apothecia. /. Crustaceous thallus of a lichen with apothecia. g. Fungi of the highest tribe. A, t. Fungi of the lowest rank. k. Conferva magnified. Order I.—ALG.E, Juss.—THE SEA-WEED TRIBE. Algaces, Lindley. Essential Character.—Leafless, flowerless plants, with no distinct axis of vegetation, grow- ing [with very few exceptions] in water, frequently having an animal motion, and consist- ing of simple vesicles lying in mucus, or of articulated filaments, or of lobed fronds, formed VOL. II. 4 42 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. of uniform cellular tissue. Reproductive matter either altogether wanting, or contained in joints of the filaments, or deposited in thecce of various forms, size, and position, caused by dila- tions of the substance of the frond. Sporules with no proper integument, in germination elongating in two opposite directions (Lindley). Properties.—None of the plants of this order are poisonous. A mucilaginous1 or gelatiniform matter (carrageenin, pectin) and sugar (mannite) render several species nutritious, emol- lient, and demulcent. Some Algo3 have been found beneficial in scrofulous affections and glandular enlargements. The good effects are rcferrible to iodine, (see vol. i. p. 230, 231), and in part, perhaps, to alkaline salts. A vermifuge property has been ascribed to some species. Laennec (Treat, on Diseases of the Chest, by Dr. Forbes, p. 369) tried the influence of an ar- lificial " marine atmosphere" (air impregnated with the vapour of fresh sea-weed) on consump- tive patients, and was impressed with an idea of its efficacy; but experience shows that the in- habitants of sea-coasts are as liable to phthisis as those of inland districts. 1. FU'CUS VESICULO'SUS, Linn. D.—SEA WRACK. Sex. Syst. Cryptogamia, Alga;. (Herba cum fructu. Ph. Dub.) History.—Theophrastus {Hist. Plant, lib. iv. cap. vii.) mentions several spe- cies of Algae (.—Sea-shores. Very common every where. Physical Properties.—Its substance is thickish, flexible, but very tough. Its colour is dark, olivaceous, glossy green, paler at the extremities, becomes black by drying. Its odour is strong; its taste nauseous. Composition and Characteristics. —It has been analyzed by Stackhouse, (Diet. Scien. Nat. xvii. 500), by Gual- tier deClaubry (Ann. Chim. xciii. 116), by John (Schweigger's Journ. xiii. 464), and by Fagerstrom (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem. Bd. ii. S. 1354). It is composed of Cellular Tissue, Mucilaginous Matter (pectin 1) Odorous Oil, Colouring and Bitter Matters, and Salts of Calcium and Sodium (iodide, sulphates, and chloride). By treating the distilled water of Fucus vesiculosus with ether, a semisolid white oil is extracted, which is the odorous principle. The aqueous decoction of this plant is neutral, and contains chloride of sodium, sulphates of soda and lime i On the Mucilage of the Fuci, with Remarks on its Application to economical ends bv Mr S Rr„«,,„ t, ;„ Jameson's Edinb. JVew Phil. Journ. vol. xxvi. p. 409,1839. nas' "^ Mr- s- Brown, Jr., in Fucus vesiculosus. a. Upper part cf a frond. b. Section of a receptacle. c. Tubercle. d. Filaments and sporangia, of which the tuber- cles are composed. e. Filaments which issue from the pores on the surface of the frond. CARRAGEEN. 43 and a mucilaginous substance somewhat analogous to pectin. It yields, with chlo- rine and starch, faint traces only of iodine. But if alcohol be added, by which the mucilage and a part of the sulphates are thrown down, the alcoholic liquor evapo- rated, and the residue mixed with potash, then calcined, and afterwards treated with hydrochloric acid to disengage hydrosulphuric acid, we may detect iodine in the filtered liquor by the deep blue colour formed on the addition of starch and chlorine. (Guibourt, Hist, des Drog. 3d ed. ii. 395.) By combustion in the open air, this plant yields an ash, called Kelp (vide Kelp); and by incineration in a covered crucible it gives a charcoal, termed Vegetable Ethiops. Physiological Effects.—During the winter, in some of the Scottish islands, horses, cattle, and sheep, are fed on it. (Greville, Alga Brit, xx.) Its local ac- tion is detergent, and perhaps discutient. Its remote effects are probably analo- gous to those caused by small doses of iodine, modified by the influence of salts of sodium and calcium. Uses.—Frictions of the plant, with its contained mucus, were employed, with supposed advantage, by Dr. Russell, (Dissertation on the Use of Sea-Water, 5th ed. 1769, pp. 41 and 44,) in glandular enlargements and other scrofulous tumours: the parts were afterwards washed with sea-water. He also gave in- ternally the expressed juice of the vesicles in glandular affections. (Op. cit. p. 99.) v jETHIOPS VEGETABILIS) Vegetable Ethiops___This is prepared by incinerating Fucus vesiculosus in a covered crucible. It is composed of Charcoal, Chloride of Sodium, Carbonate of Soda, Sulphurets of Sodium and Calcium, and traces of an Alkaline Iodide. It has been exhibited in bronchocele and scrofulous mala- dies. Dr. Russell (Op. cit. p. 98) says, it far exceeds burnt sponge in virtue. It has been employed also as a dentifrice. The dose of it is from ten grains to two drachms. 2. CHON'DRUS CRIS'PUS, Grev.—CARRAGEEN OR IRISH MOSS. (Chon'drus, U. S.) Sex. Syst. Cryptogamia, Algae. (Planta, Offic.) History.—It was introduced into medicine by Mr. Todhunter, of Dublin. (Reece's Monthly Gazette of Health, Jan. 1831.) It is sometimes sold as Pearl Moss. Botany. Gen. char.—Frond cartilaginous, dilating upwards into a flat, nerveless, dichotomously divided frond, of a purplish or livid red colour. Fructi- fication : subspherical capsules [sporangia ?] in the substance of the frond (rarely supported on little stalks), and containing a mass of free seeds [sporules?] (Gre- ville). Sp. cuar.—Frond plane, dichotomous, the segments linear, wedge-shaped. Cap- sides subhemispherical, embedded in the disk of the frond (Greville). Hab.—On rocks and stones on the sea-coast: very common. For dietetical and medicinal uses it is collected on the coasts of Ireland (especially in Clare), washed, bleached (by exposure to the sun), and dried. Physical Properties.—In the recent state it is purple-brown or purple-red, be- coming greenish and ultimately whitish in decay. As met with in commerce/ it is dry, crisp, mostly yellowish or dirty white, but intermixed with purplish red portions, inodorous or nearly so, with a mucilaginous taste. It swells up in water. A calcareous meshy crust (consisting of various species of Flustra) is frequently found on the frond. Composition.—It has been analyzed by Herberger, (Dierbach, Die neuesten 1 An anonymous reviewer (Edin. Med. and Surg. Journ. vol. Iv. p. 220) states that Chondrus mammillosus in tolerably large quantity, is occasionally found in the carrageen of commerce. 44 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Jel,5'........{starch. Oxalate of Lime. Compounds of sulphur, chlorine, and bromine. No fungic, boletic, or lichenic acids. Entd. in d. Mat. Med. 1837,) and by Feuchtwanger. (American Journal of Science and Arts, xxvi.) Berberger. Feuchtwanger. Vegetable jelly.............................. 791 T„ii„ J Pectin (a large portion). Mucus...................................... 9-5 Two resins.................................. 0-7 Fatty matter and free acids.................. traces Chlorides of sodium and calcium, potash, lime, &c.......................................... traces No traces of iodine or bromine could be recog- nised.* Carrageenin.—The mucilaginous matter (called by some writers Vegetable Jelly, by others Pectin), appears to me to be a peculiar substance, which I shall term Carrageenin. It is solu- ble in boiling water, and its solution forms a precipitate with diacetate of lead and silicate of potash, and, if sufficiently concentrated, gelatinizes on cooling. Carrageenin is distinguished from ordinary gum by its aqueous solution not producing a precipitate on the addition of alcohol; from starch, by its not assuming a blue colour with tincture of iodine; from animal jelly, by tincture of nutgalls causing no precipitate; from pectin, by acetate of lead not throwing down any thing; as well as by no mucic acid being formed by the action of nitric acid. Dr. Lucae (Berlin. Jahrb. xxxiv. Abth. i.) regards carrageenin as more closely resembling animal jelly than any other substance. Chemical Characteristics.—The presence of carrageenin in the decoction is demonstrated by the tests just enumerated. No iodine is recognisable by nitric acid and starch. Oxalate of ammonia detects lime (or calcium) in solution, while nitrate of silver points out the presence of chlorine. Guibourt (Journ de Chim. Med. viii. 663), could recognise neither sugar nor magnesia. Physiological Effects.—Chondrus crispus is nutritive, very digestible, emol- lient and demulcent. Uses.—It is a popular remedy for pulmonary complaints (especially of a phthisi- cal character, chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, scrofula, rickets, enlarged mesen- teric glands, irritation of bladder and kidneys, &c. As a culinary article it is employed as a substitute for animal jelly, in the preparation of blanc-mange, jel- lies, white soup, &c. Administration.—It is usually exhibited in the form of decoction or jelly. 1. DECOCTUM CHONDRI.—Macerate half an ounce of carrageen in cold or warm water, during ten minutes : then boil in three pints of water, for a quarter of an hour. Strain through linen. Milk may be substituted for water when the decoc- tion is required to be very nutritious. By doubling the quantity of carrageen a mucilage is procured. Sugar, lemon-juice, tincture of orange-peel, or aromatics, as cinnamon or nutmeg, may be employed as flavouring ingredients. 2. GELATINA CHONDRI.—Prepared by concentrating the decoction, or by employ- ing a larger quantity of carrageen. 3. GIGARTI'NA HELMINTHOCORTON, Grev.—CORSICAN MOSS. Sex. Syst. Cryptogamia Algae. (Planta, Offic.) History.—This plant has been in use for several centuries amono- the natives of Corsica, as a remedy for intestinal worms. In 1756, Vaucher sent it to Paris.2 Botany. Gen. char.—Frond horny or cartilaginous, filiform, cylindrical, ir- regularly branched. Fructification uniform ; spherical, sessile capsules containing a globose mass of seeds [sporules ?] (Greville). sP. char.—Frond cartilaginous, terete, tufted, entangled. Stem filiform creep- ing: branches setaceous, somewhat dichotomous, marked indistinctly with trans- verse streaks. Hah.—The Mediterranean Sea, on the shores of Corsica. Physical Properties—Under the name of Corsican moss is sold in the i More recently both bromine and iodine have beendetected in this plant (Pharmaceutisches Central-Blatt fur 3 J. P. Schwendimann, in Schlegel's Thesaurus Mat. Med. t. iii. p. 181. CORSICAN MOSS. 45 shops a mixture of various marine vegetables and animals. The essential, though usually smaller, part of the mixture is the Gigartina Helminthocorton ; the remainder consists of Corallines, Sertularias, and Ceramiums, to the number of twenty species. (De Candolle, Essai sur les Proprietes Med. p. 348, 2d ed.) Lamoroux states he found the remains of eighty species of marine plants. (Fee, Cours d'Hist. Nat. i. 147.) See, also, T. C. Martius. (Grundriss d. Phar- makog. 12.) The structure of the frond of Gigartina Helminthocorton is " very peculiar, being exceedingly lax and cellular, with a consistence similar to that of the stems and leaf-stalks of some aquatic herbaceous phcenogamous plants, and having the appearance of articulations which do not actually exist." (Greville, Alga Brit. p. 146.) The fructification is scarcely ever seen. The plant has a reddish gray colour externally, but is whitish internally. Its odour is strong, marine, and dis- agreeable : its taste is saline. Composition. — Bouvier (Ann. de Chim. ix. 83, 1791,) obtained from 100 parts of Corsican moss, Vegetable Jelly, 60-2; Vegetable Fibre, 11*0; Chloride of Sodium, 9-2 ; Sulphate of Lime, 11*2 ; Carbonate of Lime, 7*5; Iron, Man- ganese, Silica, and Phosphate of Lime, 1-7. Straub (Gilbert's Ann. Bd. 66, S. 242) and Gaultier de Claubry (Ann. de Chim. xciii. 134,) have subsequently detected iodine, but the quantity is small. Chemical Characteristics.—Corsican moss effervesces with acids, owing to the carbonate of lime which it contains. The brown watery infusion is deepened in colour by sesquichloride of iron, and lets fall some brown flocculi. Tincture of galls does not alter it. Nitric acid and starch give no indication of iodine. Physiological Effects.—Its effects are not very obvious. The vegetable jelly must render it nutritive; the iodine and saline matters alterative. Mr. Farr1 says, that after using the decoction for six or seven days, it acts as a diuretic and diaphoretic, and occasionally produces nausea and giddiness: after some time the stools become darker, present greenish specks, and are sometimes slimy. Uses.—It has been principally celebrated as an anthelmintic against the large round worm (Ascaris lumbricoides). Bremser (Sur les Vers Intestin. 414) ascribes its efficacy to chloride of sodium. In 1822, Mr. Farr brought it forward as a remedy for cancer. He was led to try it from the circumstance of Napoleon Bonaparte having stated to Barry O'Meara that it was used in Corsica for dispersing tumours. Experience does not warrant us in ascribing any benefit to its employment in this disease. Administration.—In powder it is given in doses of a scruple to two drachms, mixed with honey or sugar; but the more usual mode of exhibiting it is in the form of decoction, prepared by boiling from four to six drachms of Corsican moss in a pint of water; of this the dose is a wine-glassful, three times daily. OTHER MEDICINAL OR ESCULENT SEA-WEEDS. Several species of the inarticulated Algse are occasionally employed, in some parts of the British islands, as articles of food, or as condimentary substances. Taken in this way, they might perhaps prove serviceable in scrofulous affections and glandular enlargements. Besides the species above depicted, the following have also been used: Laminaria digitata (or Tangle, vol. i. p. 230, fig. 47, d), Porphyra laciniata and vulgaris (commonly called Laver), Laureniia pinnntijida (Pepperdulse), &c.3 Fvcus amylaceus, or the Ceylon Moss,3 has been, within the last few years, introduced into India and England, by M. Prcvite. As found in commerce, it is white, filiform, and fibrous. It 1 A Treatise explanatory of a Method whereby occult Cancers nay be cured, 2d ed. 1825. a For farther details, consult Dr. Greville's Alga Britannicm, xxx.; Loudon's Encyclopedia of Gardening, 2d rd. p. SAG; and Plenck'a Bromatologia, pp. 171-3. 3 .Mr. Crawford (History of the Indian Archipelago, vol. iii. p. 46) calls it Agar-agar. 46 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. has the usual odour of sea-weeds. It consists, according to Dr. O'Shaughnessy,1 of Vegetable Jelly 54-5, True Starch 15, Ligneous fibre 18, Gum 4, Sulphate and Muriate of Soda 65, Sulphate Fig. 107. Esculent Sea- Weeds. a. Rhodomenia palmata (or Dulse). b. Rhodomenia ciliata. c. Laminaria saccharina. Iridaea edulis. Alalia esculenta. Ulva latissima. and Phosphate of Lime 1, Wax, Iron, and Loss 1. By boiling in water it yields a liquid which gelatinizes on cooling. The decoction or jelly forms an agreeable, light, nourishing article of food for invalids and children. It may be used as a substitute for farinaceous substances.2 Order II.—LICHENES, Juss.— THE LICHEN TRIBE. Lichenacese, Lind. Essential Character.—Perennial plants, often spreading over the surface of the earth, or rocks, or trees, in dry places, in the form of a lobed and foliaceous, or hard and crustaceous or leprous substance, called a thallus, crust, or frond (receptaculum commune). This thallus is formed of a cortical and medullary layer, of which the former is simply cellular, the latter both cellular and filamentous. In the crustaceous species the cortical and medullary layers differ chiefly in texture, and in the former being coloured, in the latter colourless; but in the fruticulose or foliaceous species, the medulla is distinctly floccose, in the latter occupying the lower half of the thallus, in the former enclosed all round by the cortical layer. Reproductive matter of two kinds: 1, sporulcs (sporula), lying in membranous tubes (thecce) immersed in nuclei of the medullary substance, which burst through the cortical layer, and colour and harden by exposure to the air in the form of little disks (apothecia), which have received diffe- rent names according to their forms; 2, the separated cellules of the medullary layer of the tissue (Lindley, with some additions)/ Properties.— The lichens, at least the foliaceous ones, contain a starchy substance (called feculoid or lichenin), which renders them nutritive, emollient, and demulcent. They also pos- sess a bitter principle (cetrarin), from which they derive tonic properties. Several lichens, by maceration in ammoniacal solutions, develope brilliant colours, which render them valuable as dyes.3 1. CETRA'RIA ISLAN'DICA, Ach. L. E. D.—ICELAND MOSS. Sex. Syst. Cryptogamia Algae. (Cetraria, L. E. (U. S.);—Planta, D.) History.—The medicinal properties of this plant, (usually termed Lichen islandicus,) were probably first known to the natives of Iceland. According to 1 Transactions of the Royal Medico-Botanical Society for 1837, p. 181. par Arts, par JIM. G. F. Hoffman, Amoreux fils, et Willraet.—Lyon, 1787. the lichen tribe. 47 Fig. 108. Borrichius, the Danish apothecaries were acquainted with them in 1673. In 1683, Hiarne spoke favourably of its effects in haemoptysis and phthisis. (Murray, App. Medicam. v. 508.) Botany. Gen. Char. — Thallus foliaceous, car- tilagineo-membranaceous, ascending and spreading, lobed and laciniated, on each side smooth and naked. Apothecia orbicular, obliquely adnate with the mar- gin of the thallus, the lower portion being free (not united with the thallus); the disk coloured, plano- concave, with a border formed of the thallus and indexed (Hooker). sP, Char. — Thallus erect, tufted, olive brown, paler on one side, laciniated, channelled, and den- tato-ciliate, the fertile lacinia very broad. Apothe- cia brown, appressed, flat, with an elevated border (Hooker). The apothecia are generally wanting on the plant of the shops. Hab.—Dry mountainous districts of the new and old continents. Although met with in considerable abundance in Scotland, it is never gathered there as an article of commerce. Physical Characters.—As met with in commerce, Iceland moss is brownish or grayish white, with white farinaceous spots on it, but rarely having apothecia. It has little or no odour, and a slightly bitter taste. Its powder (or farina) is whitish gray. Commerce.—It is imported in barrels and bags from Hamburgh and Gothen- burgb, and is said to be the produce of Norwav and Iceland. In 1836, 20,599 lbs. paid duty; in 1837, 12,845 lbs.; in 1838,"6179 lbs.; in 1839, 15,933 lbs.; and in 1840, 6462 lbs. Composition—It has been analyzed by Berzelius (Ann. de Chim. xc. 277), who obtained the following products from 100 parts:—Starchy Matter (lichenin), 44-6; Bitter Principle (cetrarin), 3«0; Uncrystallizable Sugar, 3*6; Chloro- phylle, 1*6; Extractive Matter, 7*0; Gum, 3-7; Bilichenates of Potash and Lime mixed with Phosphate of Lime, 1-9; and Amylaceous Fibrin, 36*2 ( = 101-6). Cetraria islandica. a. The apothecia on the larger lobes of the thallus. 1. Lichenin.—The starchy matter or feculoid substance of lichens is somewhat different from ordinary starch. I have been unable to detect any particles analogous in their physical proper- tics to those of other feculas. Payen, (Vlnstitut. de 1837, p. 145,) however, says he has seen the starch of Iceland Moss united in little balls. Water extracts a starchy substance. But no boil- ing, however long continued, deprives the insoluble texture of Iceland Moss of the property of being tinged blue by iodine, so that lichenin seems to enter into the constitution of the tissues of Iceland Moss. Lichenin is composed, according to Guerin-Vary, of C10 H" O10. 2. Cetrarin.—The bitter principle of this lichen is white, intensely bitter, soluble in alcohol (especially at a boiling temperature), ether, less so in water, volatile oil, and creasote. It is coloured blue by hydrochloric acid when aided by heat; it combines with alkalis; and forms a red precipitate wilh the salts of iron, and a greenish one with those of copper. (Herberger, Journ. de Pharm. xxii.) 3. Lichenic Acid.—This is composed of C4 H3 O*. It forms a reddish precipitate with the salts of iron. Chemical Characteristics.—Iceland moss swells up in cold water, to which it communicates a brownish tint. Boiled in water it yields a liquid which, when sufficiently concentrated, gelatinizes on cooling. The decoction, when cold, forms with iodine a blue compound (iodide of starch); with the sesquichloride of iron, a dingy purplish red (cetrarate and lichenate of iron); with diacetate of lead, a co- pious whitish precipitate (amidate of lead); with sulphate of copper and caustic potash, a green precipitate (cetrarate of copper). 48 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Physiological Effects, a. On Animals.—In Carniola, pigs, horses, and oxen, are fattened by it. (Murray, App. Med. v. 506.) (3. On Man.—Tt is a mucilaginous or demulcent tonic, without any trace of astringency. If the bitter matter (cetrarin) and extractive be removed, it is nu- tritive, emollient, and demulcent, like ordinary starch, over which it has no ad- vantage. Captain Sir John Franklin and his companions tried it as an article of food, when suffering great privations in America, but its bitterness rendered it hardly eatable.1 Uses.—Iceland Moss is well adapted to those cases requiring a nutritious and easily digested aliment and a mild tonic, not liable to disorder the stomach. It has been principally recommended in chronic affections of the pulmonary and digestive organs, particularly phthisis, chronic catarrh', dyspepsia, chronic diar- rhoea, and dysentery ; but its efficacy has been much exaggerated. Administration.—It is best exhibited in the form of decoction. When em- ployed as an alimentary substance merely, the bitter matter should be extracted before ebullition. This is effected by digesting the lichen in a cold weak alka- line solution (composed of water 300 parts, and carbonate of potash 1 part), and afterwards washing it with cold water.2 It is then to be boiled in water or milk. When the decoction is sufficiently concentrated, it gelatinizes on cooling. It may be flavoured with sugar, lemon-peel, white wine, or aromatics, and then forms a very agreeable kind of diet. DECOCTUM CETRARIiE, L.; U. S. Decoctum Lichenis Islandici, D.; Decoction of Iceland Moss. (Iceland Moss, 3v.; Water, Ojss.; boil down to a pint and strain. The Dublin College orders half an ounce of the moss to be digested for two hours in a close vessel with a wine pint of boiling water, then to be boiled for fifteen minutes, and the liquor strained while hot.) [The U. S. P. directs, Ice- land Moss, 3ss., water a pint and a half. Boil down to a pint and strain, wilh compression.] Dose, f 3j. to f 3iv. every four hours. 2. ROCELLA TINCTORIA, De Cand.L. E. D.—DYER'S ORCHIL OR ORCHELLA. Sex. Syst. Cryptogamia, Algae. (Lacmus: Thallus praeparatus, L.—Lacmus, E.—Litmus, D.) History.—It is the irovnov .—Maritime rocks of the Canaries, Azores, southern coast of England, &c Commerce.—It is imported in bags from the Canaries (Canary Weed), the Azores (Western Island Weed, St. Michael's Weed), Cape de Verde Islands and Mogadore (African or Mogadore Weed). That from the Canaries is the most valuable. In 1838, 567 cwts., in 1839, 6494 cwts., and in 1840, 4175 cwts. of Rocella tinctoria andfuciformis paid duty. 1 Narrative of a Journey to the Shores of the Polar Sea, p. 414. 1823. a Dr. Davidson, in a paper On the Removal of the bitter taste and lichenous odour of Iceland Moss (Jameson's Edinb. JVew> Phil. Journ. vol. xxviii. p. 260,1840), recommends a solution of caustic potash for extracting the bitter taste of this lichen. A pound of carbonate of potash (rendered caustic by a pound of lime) is sufficient for 38 Iba. of the plant. dyer's orchil. 49 Physical Properties.—Both Rocella tinctoria and fuciformis are imported as orchil. I have met with the latter species in commerce under the name of Ma- deira Weed. It is distinguished from R. tinctoria by its larger size, its paler colour, and its broader flat fronds. Composition.—Rocella tinctoria was analyzed by Fr. Nees v. Esenbeck, who found in it a brown resin (soluble in alcohol and ether, and becoming brownish- red with ammonia), wax, glutinous matter, insoluble starch, yellow extractive, yel- lowish brown gummy matter, lichenin, tartrate and oxalate of lime, and chloride of sodium from the adherent sea water. (Nees v. Esenbeck and Ebermaier, Hand, de Med. Pharm. Bot. Bd. 1.) More recently, Dr. Kane (Phil. Trans. 1840, p. 273.) has submitted this plant to a very elaborate examination. The following substances, he states, either pre- exist in the lichen or are " produced immediately by the processes employed in its analysis :"—Erythryline, Erythrine, Amarythrine, Telerythrine, and Rocelline. 1. Erythryline. A pale yellowish, often whitish substance, insoluble in water, but easily soluble in alcohol, ether, and alkaline solutions. From its solution in alkaline liquors it is pre- cipitated by an acid. It is altered by boiling water : ihe liquid is then found to contain amary- thrine. It is fusible at 212°. It consists of C3S H18 0s. 2. Erythrine ; Pseudo-erythrin of Heeren. A crystalline substance, sparingly soluble in cold, abundantly soluble in boiling, water. It is very soluble in alcohol and ether. Its formula is Qaa jj>3 o9. It is formed by the action of air on erythryline. 3. Amarythrine ; Erythrine-bitler. Formed by dissolving erythrine in hot water, and ex- posing for some days to the air. A bitter sweet liquid is obtained of a pale brown colour. Ama- rythrine consists of Csa H13 O14. 4. Telerythrine. A crystalline neutral white substance, obtained by exposing semifluid amarythrine for several months to the air. Its formula is Csa H9 O'8. 5. Rocellic Acid of Heeren ; Rocelline of Kane. A fatty crystallizable acid. Kane says its acid properties are not marked. Its formula, according to Liebig, isC17 II'8 O4. Kane regards it as C20 IP4 O8. Chemical Characteristics.—The aqueous decoction of Rocella tinctoria forms a copious precipitate with diacetate of lead, and has its colour deepened by alkalis. Digested in a weak solution of ammonia, in a corked phial, at a heat not exceeding 130° F., the plant yields a rich violet-red colour. This is Hellofs test for the discovery of a colorific property in lichens.1 Preparation of Orchil.—Rocella tinctoria has been introduced into the Lon- don Pharmacopoeia as the source of litmus ; but this substance, though formerly procured from Rocella, according to Ferber, (Murray, App. Med. iv. 144,) is now probably prepared from Lecanora tartarea. (Nees and Ebermaier, Handb. i. 49; also Thomson, Org. Chem. 284.) Orchil or Archil is the only colouring matter prepared from Rocella tinctoria in this country. Blue Orchil is procured by steeping the lichens in an ammo- niacal liquor in a covered wooden vessel. Bed Orchil is made with the same liquor in common earthen jars placed in a room heated by steam, and called a stove. In one manufactory which I inspected, the ammoniacal liquor was pre- pared by distillation from a mixture of lime, impure muriate or sulphate of ammo- nia obtained from gas works, and water; but I am informed that some makers still employ stale urine and lime. The theory of the process is as follows : the erythrine which exists in the lichen absorbs oxygen and ammonia, and forms Orcein; the rocelline absorbs oxygen and forms Erythroleic Acid; these being kept in solution by the excess of am- monia, the whole liquid is of an intensely rich purple tint, and constitutes ordinary orchil (Kane). Properties.—The liquor sold in the shops as orchil has a deep reddish pur- 1 lierthollet, On Dyeing, by Ure, vol. ii, p. 184; also, Proceedings of Comm. of Agric. of Asiatic Soc, April 8, 1837. VOL. II. 5 50 ELEMENTS OP MATERIA MEDICA. pie colour and an ammoniacal smell. It is reddened by acids which neutralize the ammonia which it contains. Composition of Orchil.—According to Kane Orchil consists of Orcein, Ery. throleic Acid, and Azo-erythrine. To these must be added Ammonia. 1. Azo-erythrine.—This is insoluble in water, in alcohol, and in ether ; but it dissolves in alkaline liquors, giving the characteristic port-wine colour. Its formula is C33 H1 N O -f 3 Aq. Its formation may be explained by supposing that one equivalent of Amarythrine L H13 O14, one equivalent of ammonia H3 N, five equivalents of atmospheric oxygen 0s, and three equivalents of water 3 Aq., form one equivalent of Azo-erythrine. 2. Orcein.—A crimson red powder, sparingly soluble in water and in ether, copiously solu- ble in alcohol. It dissolves in alkaline liquors, forming a magnificent purple. Ordinary Orchil contains an ammoniacal solution of this kind. Kane has described two forms of or- cein :— a. Alphaorce'in consists of C18 H'0 N 0s. /3. Betaorcein; Orcein of Robiquet, Dumas, and Liebig. It consists of C18 H N O . • In contact with deoxidizing agents it combines with hydrogen and forms Leucorcein, com- posed of C18 H10 NO8 + E Bleached by chlorine it yields Chlororcein, whose formula is C18 HJo N O3 + CI. Alpha-orcein is probably formed by the conversion of one equivalent of azo-erythrine C33 H18 N O19 -f 3 Aq. into four equivalents of carbonic acid C4 O8, nine equivalents of water H909, and one equivalent of alpha-orcein C'8 H10 N O5. The latter absorbing three equivalents of oxygen O3 becomes Beta-orcein C18 H10 N O8. 3. Erythroleic Acid.—This is a crimson substance distinguished by its semifluid consistence at ordinary temperatures, and its solubility in ether. Dissolved in alkaline solutions, it forms a fine, purple-coloured liquor. Its formula is C38 H33 O8. It is probably formed, according to Kane, by the abstraction of two equivalents of hydrogen from, and the addition of two equiva- lents of oxygen to, one equivalent of Rocellic acidC38 H34 0°. Uses.—Orcbil is employed merely as a colouring agent. It is used for dyeing, colouring, and staining. 3. LECANO'RA TARTA'REA, Ach.—TARTAREOUS MOSS. Sex. Syst. Cryptogamia, Alga?. (Litmus, Offic.) History.—The manufacture of a colouring matter from this plant was first started at Leith by Dr. Guthbert Gordon, from whose name the word Cudbear originated. Botany. Gen. Char.— Thallus crustaceous, spreading, plane, adnate, uniform. Apothecia (patellulce) orbicular, thick, sessile, and adnate; the disk plano-con- vex ; its border thickish, formed of the crust and of the same colour (Hooker). sP. char.—Crust thick, granulated, and tartareous grayish white. Apothecia scattered ; the disk convex, at length plane or tu- Fig. 109. mid, yellow-brown, inclining to flesh colour; the border thick, inflexed, at length wavy (Hooker). Hai>.—On rocks in Alpine countries, Norway, Scotland, &c. Commerce.—It is imported from Norway and Sweden under the name of White Swedish or Tar- tareous Moss. Preparation of Cudbear and Litmus.—In this country, Red and Blue Cudbear (in the form Lecanora Tartarea. both of powder and paste) are prepared from this plant. In Holland, Litmus is made from it, ac- cording to Nees and Ebermaier (Op. cit.), and Thomson (Op. cit.) Cudbear (Persio) is procured in the manner of orchil, by the action of ammo- nia. When colour is developed, the decomposed lichen is sold either as paste or dried and ground into powder. TARTAREOUS moss. 51 Litmus (Lacmus, L. E.; Litmus, D.; Lacca ccerulea, Lacca musica) is made by the Dutch, and is imported from Holland. Guibourt (Hist. Des Drog. 3me ed. ii. 143.) thinks that it owes its colour to the Crozoplwra tinctoria. But on a microscopic examination of the litmus cakes of commerce, portions of the epidermis and meso-thallus of some lichen are found. My colleague, Mr. Quekett, who has carefully examined them, cannot decide whether they be the tissues of Rocella or Lecanora. The precise mode of obtaining litmus is not known ; but there is little doubt the process is somewhat analogous to that for making orchil. The lichen is said to be fermented in putrid (distilled ?) urine. Properties of Litmus.—Litmus occurs in small, cubical, light, and friable cakes of a dirty blue colour. Examined by the microscope, we find sporules, and portions of the epidermis and mesothallus of some species of lichen, moss leaves, silica, &c When the cakes are thrown into dilute hydrochloric acid, effervescence takes place, and a solution of chloride of calcium is obtained, showing that they contain carbonate of lime. The blue colouring matter of litmus is soluble in both water and alcohol. It is reddened by acids, but restored by alkalis. Chlorine and the hypochlorites destroy it. v Composition.—The nature and properties of the colouring matter of litmus have been examined by Dr. Kane. From his investigations litmus appears to contain three colouring principles, namely, Erythrolein, Erythrolitmine, and Azolitmine. The characteristic blue colour of litmus depends on the combination of the two latter colouring matters with Lime, Potash, and Ammonia. Litmus also contains Lignin, Chalk, and Silica. 1. Erythrolein. This is semifluid at ordinary temperatures. It is soluble in alcohol and ether, yielding fine red solutions. With ammonia it forms a magnificent purple. Its formula is C38 A33 O4. It is perhaps derived from Roceline. 2. Erythrolitmine. This is a light red crystalline substance, sparingly soluble in water and in ether, but abundantly soluble in alcohol. It dissolves in a solution of potash or ammonia, forming a blue liquid. Its formula is Ca0 H33 O13. It is probably formed by the oxidation of erythrolein. 3. Azolitmine. It is a brownish red powder. It is sparingly soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol and ether. Dissolved in a solution of potash or ammonia, it .yields blue solutions. Its formula is C18 H10 NO10. It therefore, differs from betaorcein in containing additional equiva- lents of oxygen. It is decolourized by deoxidizing agents yielding Leucolitmine. 4. Spaniolitmine. This is not a constant constituent of litmus. It is of a bright red colour, insoluble in alcohol and ether, and very sparingly soluble in water. Alkalis render it blue. Its formula is either C18 H7 O18, or C38 HM O33. It is probably formed from erythrolitmine. Uses.—Litmus is employed as a test for acids and alkalis. The former com- municate a red colour to blue litmus: the latter restore the blue colour of reddened litmus. 1. TINCTURA LACMI; Tincture of Litmus (Litmus, one part; Water, twenty- five parts. M.) This is chiefly a solution of azolitmine with sometimes spaniolit- mine. When kept in a closely-stoppered bottle its blue colour sometimes disap- pears, but is shortly restored on the admission of atmospheric air. 2. CIIARTA LACMI; Litmus Paper. This is more delicate when made with bibulous or unsized paper, which is to be brushed over with a strong clear infu- sion of litmus. Faraday (Chemical Manipulation) recommends the infusion to be prepared from half an ounce of litmus and half a pint of water. The Prussian Pharmacopoeia orders one part of litmus and four parts of water. When care- fully dried, litmus paper should be preserved by wrapping it in stiff paper and keeping it in well-stoppered vessels in a dark cupboard. Blue Litmus Paper (Charta exploratoria carulea) is prepared as above directed. Reddened Litmus Paper (Charta exploratoria rubefacta) is made with an infusion of litmus which has been feebly acidulated with acetic acid. 52 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. other esculent and medicinal lichens. Fig. 110. Fig. 111. Cladonia rangiferina. It has been already stated (vol. i. p. 101) that several species of Gyrophora (G. proboscidea and cylindrica) are employed by the hunters of the Arctic regions of America as articles of food, under the name of Tripe de Roche (fig. 110). Cladonia rangiferina or Reindeer Moss (fig. Ill) is a well-known example of a nutritive lichen, supporting the animals after whom it is named when no other sustenance can be obtained. Several lichens are employed as popular remedies for hooping-cough and pulmonary affections. Those usually kept by the herbalist are, Sticta pulmonaria (called Oak lungs), Scyphophorus pyxidatus (Cup Moss), and Peltidea canina (sold as Ground Liverwort). The first has been used in pulmonary affections. The second has long been celebrated as a remedy for convulsive cough.1 The third and last one was formerly thought to be a specific for hydrophobia. Order III.—FUNGI, Juss.— THE MUSHROOM TRIBE. Fonoace-E, Lind. Essential Characters.—Plants consisting of cells and fibres, always springing from organized, and generally decayed or decaying substances, not perfected when immersed in water, bearing reproductive sporidia, either externally or internally, naked or enclosed in variously formed cells, many of which frequently concur in the reproduction of a single individual varying ex- tremely in substance, and duration, generally soft and juicy, sometimes exceeding hard, with or without a central gelatinous nucleus, or dry and powdery (Berkeley). Properties.—Extremely variable: some fungi being highly nutritious, others very deleterious. No anatomical characters are known by which the poisonous can be distinguished from the esculent ones. A few species only have been used in medicine, and these are not uniform in their properties. The proximate principles peculiar to this order, which have been examined, are—1, Fungin, a nitrogenous, highly nutritious, woody matter ; 2, Amanitin, the active ingre- dient of some of the poisonous Agarici; 3, Boletic Acid; 4. Fungic acid. Mushroom sugar has been found identical with mannite. ERGOT^'TIA ABORTIFA'CIENS, Quekett.—THE ABORTIFACIENT ERGOT.ETIA. Sex. Syst. Cryptogamia, Fungi. (Ergota, Offic.) History.—This fungus was first described and named by my friend and col- league, Mr. Quekett, in a paper read before the Linnean Society, Dec. 4, 1838. (Trans. Linn. Soc. vol. xviii. p. 453.) An abstract of the paper was published in the London Medical Gazette, (see vol. xxiii. p. 606. Jan. 19, 1839.) Mr. Quekett named the plant Ergotcetia abortans (Ergotcetia, from Er°ot, Fr., Er- gota, Ph. Lond., and ahlu, origin : abortans, in allusion to its destroying the germinating power of the grain of grasses, and also to the medicinal powers of ergot). Subsequently, at my suggestion, he substituted the word abortifaciens for abortans. The sporidia of the plant are depicted by Phcebus (Deutschl. kryptog. Giftgeivachse, Taf. ix. Berlin, 1838). They were also noticed by 1 Dillenii, Dissertatio de Lichene Pyxidato, in Schlegcl's Thesaurus Materia: Medico; t. i. p. 307. Lipsia; 1793 the mushroom tribe. 53 Phillipar. (Traite Organogr. et Physiohgico-agric. sur VErgot. Versailles, 1837.) Botany. Gen. char. — Sporidia elliptical, moniliform, finally separating, transparent, and containing seldom more than one, two, or three well-defined (greenish) granules. Fig. 112. Ergotatia abortifaciens. A. Sporidia. 1. The fungus assuming a radiated form, and begin- B,C, E, F, G, H. Different modes of reproduction in ning to develope sporidia upon its branches in water. water. D. Membrane of sporidium laid open. Sp.char.—Only one species known. Hab.—Florel envelopes, and ovaria of grasses : Europe, America. Sometimes the sporidia are slightly contracted about their middle. They con- tain usually one, two, or three, but occasionally as many as ten or twelve, well- defined green granules. The sporidia are, on the average, about 1-4000th of an inch long, and l-6000th of an inch broad. When placed on glass and moistened with water, they readily germinate or produce other plants, though in various ways, as sometimes by emitting tubes (b) ; by the developement of buds (c); and by the formation of septa across their interior (e, f, g, h) (Quekett). This plant belongs to the Coniomycetes of Fries, tribe Mucedines ; and to the tribe Sporidesmiei of Berkeley. By the growth of these fungi upon or within the ovarium of grasses, a diseased condition of the ovarium, involving the whole of the embryo, and sometimes par- tially or wholly the albumen, is produced, called the ergot or spur, which will be described hereafter [vide Gramine^e]. Mr. Quekett (Lond. Med. Gaz. Oct. 8, 1841,) has shown that the sporidia of this fungus are capable of infecting healthy grains of corn, and of ergotizing them. Properties.—The chemical properties and physiological effects of this fungus are at present quite unknown. We have yet to learn, whether the peculiar pro- perties of ergotized grass depend on the fungi, or on the morbid products of the ovarium. OTHER ESCULENT, MEDICINAL, OR POISONOUS FUNGI. 1. Fungi esculenli.—Esculent Fungi. I have already offered some remarks on the dietetical qualities of fungi (see vol. 54 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. 2. Fungi occasionally used in Medicine. The internal portion of Polyporus igniarius (Boletus igniarius), commonly called Agaric of the Oak, Touchwood, or Spunk, cut in thin slices, and beaten with a hammer until solt, di Fig. 113. Fig. 115. Agaricus campestris. Morchelia esculenta. Tuber cibarium. been applied, as a styptic, to restrain hemorrhages; but its action is mechanical, like lint: that is, it absorbs the blood, and promotes coagulation. Polyporus fomentarius (real Amadou) has also been used for similar purposes. The substance sold in the shops as Amadou, or German tinder, is prepared from both species, by cutting the fungus in slices, beating, and soaking it in a solution of nitre. Mr. Wetherfield (Lond. Med. Gaz. November 26, 1841.) recommends it as an elastic medium for applying support and pressure, and as a defence to tender and in- flamed parts. It does not lose its elasticity like lint. Polyporus Laricis (P. officinalis, Boletus purgans or Larch Agaric) was formerly used as a drastic purgative, in doses of from a scruple to two drachms, and it is still kept by the herbalist. Mr. Butler, of Covent Garden Market, informs me that it is imported from Germany, but that there is very little sale of it. The dust (sporidia) of Lycoperdon (Puff Ball) was formerly used as a styptic; the smoke is used for stupefying bees. 3. Fungi venenati.—Poisonous Fungi. Fig. 116. Poisonous Indigenous Agarici of the section Amanita. a. Agaricus vernus, Bull. I. " phalloides, Fries. c. " porphyrius, Fries. d. " vaginatus, Bull. e. Agaricus nivalis, Orev. f.f. " muscarius, Linn. g- " pantherinus, Dec. All poisonous fungi are called by the public Toadstools. Those of the genus Agaricus, sec- tion Amanita, are the most important, because the most likely to be confounded with edible species (as with Agaricus campistris). The Russians, who eat no less than sixteen species of THE FERN TRIBE. 55 Agaricus, (Dr. Lefevre, Lond. Med. Gaz. xxiii. 414,) never employ any belonging to the section Amanita.1 The symptoms produced by poisonous fungi are those indicating gastro-intestinal irritation, (nausea, vomiting, purging, and abdominal pain,) and a disordered condition of the nervous sys- tem (delirium, stupor, blindness, convulsions, muscular debility, paralysis, and drowsiness). In some cases, the power of the vascular system is remarkably depressed, the pulse being small and feeble, the extremities cold, and the body covered with a cold sweat. At one time, local irritation only, at another, narcotism alone, is produced.3 In some cases, the active principle of poisonous fungi seems to be a Volatile acrid principle: in other instances it is a brown, uncrystallizable solid,-called by Letellier amanitin. No specific antidote is known. The first object, therefore, is to expel the poison from the Btomach and bowels. The subsequent treatment will depend on the nature of the symptoms which manifest themselves, and must be conducted on general principles.3 Order IV.—LYCOPODIACE^, De Cand.—THE CLUB-MOSS TRIBE. The powder sold in the shops as Lycopodium, Witch-meal, or Vegetable Sulphur, is procured from Lycopodium clavatum (Common Club-moss). It consists of extremely small, pale yellow particles, (sporules ? pollen 1 ?) which, in the plant, are contained in two-valved, one-celled cap- sules, (thecee, sporangia 1 anthers 11) lodged in the axillae of the bracteal leaves. It is sometimes employed in medicine as a dusting powder for children; and, in pharmacy, for enveloping pills to prevent their adhesion. Order V.—FILICES, Juss.—THE FERN TRIBE. (Filicales, Lind.) Essential Character.—Herbaceous plants with a perennial rhizome, more rarely having an erect arborescent trunk [when they are called tree ferns, filices arborea; FlG. 117. fig. 117]: trunk coated, of a prosen- chymatous structure, with the entire cylinder of woody fasciculi divided into two concentric parts, the one narrow, placed between the bark and the wood, the other larger, central, medullary, sending fasciculi of vessels towards the petioles, and communi- cating with the exterior by means of chinks in the woody cylinder. Leaves (frondes) scattered upon the rhizome or rosaceo-fasciculate on the apex of the caudex, with circinnate vernation, annual or perennial, the base of the petioles persistent, growing to the caudex; simple or pinnate, entire or pinnatified, (equal-) veined, (the veins composed of elongated cells), fre- quently having cuticular stomala.— Sporangia [thecee], placed on the veins of the back or margin of the leaves, collected in little naked heaps [sori], or covered with a membranous scale [indusium], or transmuted margin of the leaf, pedicellate [with the stalk (seta) passing round them in the form of an elastic ring (annulus)], or ses- sile, unilocular, indefinitely dehiscent. Spores [sporules] numerous, free, glo- bose, or angular, in germination at first elongated in every direction, throwing out radicles downward, and the cauliculus upward. (Endlicher, -A Tree Fern. Genera Plantarum.) 1 For some remarks on the Fungi used as food by the Russians, see Lyall's Character of the Russians and a detached History of Moscow, p. 55G. Lond. 1823. » For illustrations of the effects of particular species, see 'vol. i. p. 134 of this work, and consult Phoebus, Deutschl. kryptog. Giftgewiichse, 1838; and Letellier, Journ. de Pharm. Aoiit, 1837. For farther information respecting poisonous fuugi, consult Cliristison's Treatise on Poisons. 56 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Roperties.— The leaves are mucilaginous, and frequently slightly astringent and aromatic. The rhizomes contain starch, usually tannic acid with more or less bitter matter, and some- times both fixed and volatile oil, with some resin. They are mild astringent tonics. The rhizome of Nephrodium Filix mas is celebrated as a vermifuge; that of Polypodium Caliguala sa diaphoretic and diuretic in rheumatic and venereal diseases. (Lambert's Illustrations of '.genus Cinchona, p. 125. 1821.) NEPHRODIUM FILIX MAS, Richard, E.—MALE SHIELD FERN. Aspidium Filix mas, L. D. Sex. Syst. Cryptogamia, Filices. (Aspidium: radi.v, L.—Rhizoma, E.—Radix, D.) (Filix mas, U. S.) History.—This plant was known to Theophrastus, Dioscorides, and Pliny. The two first call it irrspis, the latter Filix mas. Botany. Gen. char.—Sori roundish, scattered. Indusium orbiculari-reniform, fixed by the sinus. sP. char.—Fronds bipinnate, pinnules oblong, obtuse serrated, their stalk and midrib chaffy. Sori near the central nerve (Hooker). Fig. 118. Nephrodium Filix mas. A. Pinnule with nine sori (a). B. Magnified portion of pinnule, with the Sporangia, a. Stomata. b b. Sporangia partially covered by c. the indusium. C. Magnified sporangium, a. Stalk, b. Ring. c. Membranous sac. D. Ruptured sporangium, with the spo- rules escaping. The rhizome is large, tufted, and scaly. The leaves grow in a circle to a heiaht of 3 or 4 feet. s Hah.—It is an indigenous plant, frequent in woods and in shady banks. It is a native of other parts of Europe, of Asia, of the North of Africa, and'of the United States of America. Description.—The subterraneous stem (rhizoma; caudex,- fern root, radix filicis, officin.) lies obliquely in the ground. It varies in length and breadth ac- cording tb its age. For medical purposes, it should be from three to six or more inches long, and from half an inch to an inch or more broad. It is almost com- pletely enveloped by the thickened bases of the footstalks of the fallen leaves These bases (sometimes called tubercles) are arranged closely around the rhizome in an oblique direction, overlapping each other. They are one or two inches long, from three to five lines thick, curved, angular, brown, surrounded near their origin from the rhizome by two or more shining, reddish-yellow, thin, silky scales (ramenta). The radicle fibres (root, properly so called) arise from the rhizome between these footstalks. The fern root of the shops consists of fragments of the dried thickened bases of the footstalks, to which small portions of the rhizome are found adhering, and of the root fibres. Internally, the rhizome and footstalks are, in the present state, fleshy, of a MALE SHIELD FERN. 57 Gciger. Green fat oil................. -----resin.................. Uncrystallizable sugar....... Easily oxidizable tannin,..... Gum and salts, with sugar and tannin. light yellowish-green colour; but in the dried state, yellowish or reddish white. Iodine colours the fresh rhizome bluish black, indicating the presence of starch ; particles of which may be recognised by the microscope. In a transverse sec- tion of the rhizome we observe five or six, or more, bundles of woody fibres and scalariform ducts. These bundles are arranged in a circle, are of a reddish white colour in the recent rhizome, but yellow in the dried one. The dried root has a feeble, earthy, somewhat disagreeable odour. Its taste is at first sweetish, then bitter astringent, and subsequently nauseous, like rancid fat. Collection.—The rhizome should be collected in the month of July, August, or September. The black portions, fibres, and scales, are to be removed, and the sound parts carefully dried and reduced to powder: this is of a yellowish colour, and is to be preserved in well-stoppered bottles. Both the whole rhizome and powder deteriorate by keeping. Fern buds (gemmce filicis maris) which are sometimes employed in medicine, are to be collected in the spring. Composition.—Fern rhizome was analyzed in 1805 by Vauquelin, (Ann. Chim. lv. 31,) in 1821 by Gebhard, (Diss, inaug. in Pfaff's Syst. d. Mat. Med. 7er Bd. 219,) in 1824 by Morin, (Journ. de Pharm. x. 223,) in 1826 by Wackenroder, (De Anthelm. regni Vegetab.) and by Geiger, (Handb. d. Pharm. 1829.) Subjoined are the results of the analysis of Geiger and of Morin :— Morin. Volatile oil. Fixed oil (stearin and olein). Tannin. Gallic and acetic acids. Uncrystallizable sugar. Starch. Gelatinous" matter, insoluble in water and alcohol. Ligneous fibre. Ashes (carbonate, sulphate, and hydrochlorate of potash, carbonate and phosphate of lime, alumina, silica, and oxide of iron). The anthelmintic property of the rhizome resides in the oil (oleum filicis maris). Batso (Inaug. Diss. 1826, quoted in Goebel and Kunze's Pharm. Waarenk) found a peculiar acid (acidum filiceum) and an alkali (filicina) in the rhizome. Fern buds contain, according to Peschier, (quoted by Soubeiran, Nouv. Traite de Pharm. t. ii. p. 156, 2nd0 ed.) a volatile oil, brown resin, fat oil, solid fatty matter, green colouring principle, a reddish brown principle, and extractive. Characteristics.—The presence of tannic acid in the aqueous decoction of fern rhizome is shown by the sesquisalts of iron producing a dark green colour (tannate of iron), and by a solution of gelatin causing a yellowish precipitate (tannate of gelatin). No indication of the presence of a vegetable alkali in the decoction, can be obtained by tincture of nutgalls. If the rhizome be digested in alcohol, and afterwards boiled in water, the decoction when cold forms, with a solution of iodine, a dingy blue precipitate {iodide of starch). Physiological Effects.—These are not very obvious; but they are, pro- bably, similar to those caused by other astringents. Large doses excite nausea and vomiting. Uses.—It is only employed as an anthelmintic. Theophrastus, Dioscorides, Pliny, and Galen, used it as such. The attention of modern practitioners has been directed to it principally from the circumstance of its being one of the remedies employed by Madame Nouffer, the widow of a Swiss surgeon, who sold her secret method of expelling tapeworm to Louis XVI. for 18,000 francs.1 At the present time fern rhizome is but seldom employed in this country, partly because the efficacy of Madame Nouffer's treatment is referred to the drastics 6-9 41 | 22-9 9-8 Ligneous fibre and starch.................... 56'3 1000 > Trait, contre le Tenia, &x. 1776, quoted by Bremser, Sur les Vers Intest. 58 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. used, and partly because other agents (especially oil of turpentine) have been found more effectual. " It is an excellent remedy," says Bremser, (op. cit. p. 422,) "against Bothriocephalus lotus [the tapeworm of the Swiss], but not against Tcenia Solium [the tapeworm of this country] ; for though it evacuates some pieces of the latter, it does not destroy it." Administration.—It may be administered in the form of powder, of oil or ethereal extract, or of aqueous decoction. The dose of the recently-prepared powder is from one to three drachms. Madame Nouffer's specific was two or three drachms of the powder taken in from four to six ounces of water in the morning fasting, and two hours afterwards a purgative bolus, composed of calomel ten grains, scammony ten grains, and gamboge six or seven grains. The bolus was exhibited to expel the worm which the fern rhizome was supposed to have destroyed. The Ethereal Tincture of Male Fern Buds (prepared by digesting 1 part of the buds in 8 parts of ether) has been used with success by Dr. Peschier (brother of the chemist of that name), and by Dr. Fosbroke (Lancet for 1834-35, vol. ii. p. 597,) as a vermifuge. OLEUM FILICIS MARIS ; Oil of Male Fern—The impure oil of fern (called oleum Filicis Peschieri, extractum filicis cethereum, seu balsamum filicis), recommended by Peschier, (Journ. Gener. de Med. 1825, p. 375,) is an ethereal extract, and is composed, according to its proposer, of a fatty matter, resin,volatile oil, colour- ing matter, extractive, chloride of potassium, and acetic acid. A pound of the rhizome yielded Soubeiran (JSbuv. Traite de Pharm. ii. 161, 2nde ed.) an ounce and a half of thick black oil, having the aromatic odour of fern. It may also be prepared from the buds as above stated. The dose is from half a drachm to a drachm, in the form of electuary, emulsion, or pills : an hour afterwards, an ounce or an ounce and a half of castor oil should be exhibited. Numerous tes- timonies of its efficacy have been published. (Dierbach, Neuesten Entd. in d. Mat. Med. 1" Band, 1837.) By substituting alcohol for ether, twelve or thir- teen drachms of oil can be obtained from 2| lbs. of the rhizome, (Journ. de Chim. Med. t. v. 2nde Ser. p. 68). Division II. Phanerogamia, Auc—Flowering Plants. Cotyledones:, Juss— Embryonat.*:, Rich.—Vasculares, De Cand. Essential Character.—Substance of the' plant composed of cellular tissue, woody fibre, ducts, and spiral vessels. Leaves usually present: cuticle with stomata. Flowers with perceptible stamens and pistils. Seeds generally with an embryo enclosed within a spermoderm, fur- nished with one or more cotyledons. 1. RHIZANTHE.E, Blume.—RHIZANTHS. Essential Character.—Parasitical leafless plants. Stem homogeneous. Vascular system scarcely present. Flowers propagated by the agency of sexes. Seeds having no embryo, but consisting of a homogeneous sporuliferous mass. (Lindley.) Order VI.—RAFFLESIACEtE, Endl. Rafflesia Arnoldi. THE GRASS TRIBE. 59 2. ENDOGENE.E, De Cand.—END0GENS. Monocotyledones, Juss. Fig. 120. Endogens, or Monocotyledons. q. Transverse section of an endogenous stem, show- ing the absence of medullary rays and of annual layers. u. Stem and leaves of an endogen, showing the alternated sheathing leaves, with parallel veins. r. Germinating seed of Tradescantia eristata, show- ing the plumule rupturing the coleoptilum, with the radicle and radicels. s. Sections of a germinating seed, showing the coty- ledon remaining in the testa. t. Germinating embryo of a grass, to show the two alternate cotyledons of unequal size, with the intermediate plumule. Essential Character.— Trunk usually cylindrical, when a terminal bud only is developed, becoming conical and branched when several develope : consisting of cellular tissue, among which the vascular tissue is mixed in bundles, without any distinction of bark, wood, and pith, and destitute of medullary rays; increasing in diameter by the addition of new matter to the centre. Leaves frequently sheathing at the base, and not readily separating from the stem by an articulation, mostly alternate, with parallel simple veins, connected by smaller transverse ones. Flowers usually having a ternary division ; the calyx and corolla either dis- tinct or undistinguishable in colour and size, or absent. Embryo with but one cotyledon; if with two, then the accessory one is imperfect, and alternate with the other ; radicle usually enclosed within the substance of this embryo, through which it bursts when germinating (Lindley). Order VII.—GRAMINEiE, R. Brown.—THE GRASS TRIBE. (Gramina, Juss. Graminacece, Lind.) Essential Character.—Flowers usually hermaphrodite, sometimes monoecious or polygamous; consisting of imbricated bracts, of which the most exterior are called glumes, the interior im- mediately enclosing the stamens palece, and the innermost at the base of the ovarium scales. Glumes usually two, alternate; sometimes single; most commonly unequal. Palece two, al- ternate ; the lower or exterior, simple; the upper or interior composed of two, united by their contiguous margins, and usually with two keels—together forming a kind of dislocated calyx. Scales two or three, sometimes wanting ; if two, collateral, alternate with the palese, and next, the lower of them, either distinct or united. Stamens hypogynous, one, two, three, four, six, or more, one of which alternates with the two hypogynous scales, and is, therefore, next the lower paleae; anthers versatile. Ovary simple; styles two, very rarely one or three; stigmas feathery and hairy. Pericarp usually undistinguishable from the seed, membranous. Albu- men farinaceous ; embryo lying on one side of the albumen at the base, lenticular, with a broad cotyledon and a developed plumule ; and occasionally, but very rarely, with a second cotyledon on the outside of the plumule, and alternate with the usual cotyledon.—Rhizoma fibrous or bulbous. Culms cylindrical, usually fistular, closed at the joints, covered with a coat of silex. Leaves alternate, with a split sheath. Flowers in little spikes, called locustce, arranged in a spiked, racemed, or panicled manner (Lindley). Proikktiks.—Almost every species is esculent and salubrious. The nutritive property is espe- cially remarkable in the seeds of grasses, which contain starch, gluten, gum, and sugar. The stems and leaves also contain sugar, mucilage, and starch. Cane-sugar is procured from the 60 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. stem of a grass. Both stems and leaves are used as food for cattle. Even the subterraneous stems and roots of some species (as Triticum repens and Cynodon Dactylon) abound in these principles. Considered in a medical point of view, the products of the grasses are emollient and demulcent. To these statements there are a few exceptions, some of which have been already noticed (vol. i. p. 122.) Odorous volatile oil is found in some species; as in Anthoxanthum odoratum; Andropogon muricatus, the fibrous roots of which are sold by perfumers under the Tamool name of Vittie Vayr; Andropogon Schananlhus, which yields the Oil of Lemon-Grass; and Andropogon Ca- lamus aromaticus, Reyle (A. nardoides, Nees ab. Esenb.), from which the Grass-oil of Namur is obtained. (Royle's Essay on theAntiq. of Hindoo Med. p. 34.) 1. SACCHARUM OFFICINA'RUM, Linn. E. D.—THE SUGAR CANE. Saccharum officinale, L. Sex. Syst. Triandna, Digynia. (Sacchari fax; Saccharum: Succus praeparatus, L.—Saccharum commune ; Sacchari Faex; Saccharum purum, JE.—(Saccharum, U. S.)—Succus concretus, a. non purificatus, b. purificatns; Syrupusempyreumaticus, anglice molasses, D.) History.—The manufacture of sugar is said by Humboldt to be of the highest antiquity in China. Cane sugar was known to the ancient Greek's and Romans, and was considered by them to be a kind of honey. Possibly, Hero- dotus (Melpomene, cxciv.) refers to it when he says that the Zygantes make honey in addition to that which they get from bees. Theophrastus (De Melle) calls it mel in arundinibus ; Dioscorides (Lib. ii. cap. civ.) terms it rfax^apov; Pliny (Hist. Nat. lib. xii. cap. xvii.) saccharum. Humboldt (Journ. of Sci- ence and Arts, vol. v. p. 15.), adopts too hastily, I think, the opinion of Salma- sius, that the latter writers meant the siliceous product of the Bamboo, viz., Tabasheer ; for, in the first place, as they arrange it with honey, it was proba- bly sweet, which tabasheer is not; secondly, the Sanscrit name for sugar is Sarkura (Royle's Essay, p. 83.); thirdly, a passage in Lucan (Lib. iii. v. 237.) seems distinctly to refer to the sugar cane—" Quique bibunt tenera dulces ab arun- dine succos." Surely no one will pretend that the bamboo is a " tenera arundo ?"» Botany. Gen. char.—Spikelets all fertile, in pairs, the one sessile, the other stalked, articulated at the base, two-flowered, the lower floret neuter, with one pale—.A native of Tartary, cultivated in this country along with three other species ; viz., H. vulgare (Spring Barley), H. hexastichon (Winter Barley), and H. Zeocitron (Sprat or Battledore). Fig. 122. 1 2 3 Description.—The grains (semina hordei cruda) are too well known to need description. Deprived of their husk by a mill, they form Scotch, hulled, or pot barley (hordeum mundatum). When all the integuments of the grains are removed, and the seeds are rounded and polished, they constitute pearl barley (hordeum perlatum). The farina obtained by grinding pearl barley to powder is called patent barley. Composition.—According to Einhof (Gmelin's Handb. ii. 1344.) 100 parts of ripe barley-corns consist of husk 18-75, meal 70*05, water 11-20. The same COMMON OR LONG-EARED BARLEY. 65 chemist obtained from 100 parts of barley meal, fibrous matter (composed of gluten, starch, and woody fibre) 7-29, starch 67-18, gum 4-62, uncrystallizable sugar 5-21, gluten 3-52, albumen 1-15, superphosphate of lime with albumen 0-24, water 9-37, loss 1-42. Fourcroy and Vauquelin detected an odorous acrrd oil, to which the odour of spirit from raw grain has been ascribed; it resides in the integuments of the grains. The hordein of Proust is said, by Raspail (Chim. Org. ii. 112,) to be nothing but bran more minutely divided than that which re- mains in the sieve. The grains of barley starch have the same form and appearance as those of wheaten starch ; they do not exceed -00098 of an inch in size. Chemical Characteristics.—Iodine forms the blue iodide of starch when added to the cold decoction of barley. Decoction of whole barley has an acrid bitter taste, which it derives from the husk. Physiological Effects.—The husk of barley is slightly acrid and laxative. Deprived of this (as in Scotch and pearl barley) the seeds are highly nutritious (see vol. i. p. 87). The aqueous decoction of Scotch or pearl barley is emollient, demulcent, and easy of digestion. Uses.—Barley water is employed as a demulcent and emollient drink in febrile disorders, pulmonic inflammation, and irritation of the alimentary canal, whether produced by acrid poisons or other causes. Administration.—Scotch and pearl barley are used in medicine. Count Rumford (Essays on Feeding the Poor, p. 291, 1800,) says, the entire grains of barley may be employed in broth with equal advantage. 1. DECOCTUM HORDEI, L. D.; Aqua hordeata ; Barley Water.—(Barley [pearl barley], 3'jss. ; Water, Oivss. First wash away, with water, the foreign matters adhering to the barley seeds; then, half a pint of the water being poured on them, boil the seeds a little while. This water being thrown away, pour the remainder of the water, first made hot, on them, and boil down to two pints, and strain, L.— The process.of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia is not essentially different).—[The U. S. P. directs barley 3ij. to the same quantity of water.]—This is a valuable drink for the invalid in febrile cases and inflammatory disorders, especially of the chest, bowels, and urinary organs. It is usually flavoured with sugar, and fre- quently with some slices of lemon. It is a constituent of the E?iema Aloes, L., Enema Terebinthince, L„ and Decoctum Hordei compositum, L. % DECOCTUM HORDEI COMPOSITE, L. & D.; Mistura Hordei, E.; Decoctum Pectorale ; Compound Decoction of Barley ; Pectoral Decoction.—(Decoction of Barley, Oij. [Oiv. loine measure, D.] ; Figs, sliced, 3ijss. [3ij. D.] ; Liquorice [root] sliced and bruised, 3v. [3ss. D.] ; Raisins [stoned], gijss. [3ij. D. and Water, Oj. L.] Boil down to two pints, and strain.—The process of the Edin- burgh Pharmacopoeia is essentially the same.)—This decoction is emollient, demulcent, and slightly aperient. It is employed in the same cases as the simple decoction. 1. Byne; Buvh ; Mollum; Brasium; Malt.—This is barley made to germinate by moisture and wnrmlh, and afterwards dried, by which the vitality of the seed is destroyed. When Rcorched it is called high-dried malt. During the process the quantity of sugar in the seed is increased. Wort (Decoctum seu Infusum Bynes, Brasii vel Malli) is nutritious, and has been used as an antiscorbutic and tonic. Macbride (Hist. Account of a new Method of Treat. Scurvy, 1767,) recommended it in scurvy (see also a paper by Dr. Biidenoch, Med. Obs. and Inq. vol. v. p. 61); but it is apt to increase the diarrhoea. As a tonic it has been used in scrofulous affec- tions, purulent discharges, as.from the kidneys, lungs, &c, and in pulmonary consumption. (Rush, Med. Observ. and Inq. iv. 367.) The decoction is prepared by boiling three ounces of malt in a quart of water. This quantity may be taken daily. 2. Ckrevisia. Malt Liquor; Beer and Ale.—A fermented decoction of malt and hops. It is a refreshing and nutritive beverage. Its dietetical and intoxicating properties have been already stated, (sec vol. i. 103, 101, 326). For medicinal purposes Bottled Porter or Stout (Cerevisia 6* 66 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Fig. 123; Lagenaria) is in general to be preferred. It is used as a restorative in the latter stage of fever, and to support the powers of the system after surgical operations, severe accidents, &c. 3. Cerevisus Fermentum, L. D.— Yeast; Barm; Zumin. The substance termed yeast from Must (Mustum) and Wort during fermentation, partly as a scum, partly as a sediment. Examined by a micro- scope it is found to consist of globular, ovoid, or some- what pyriform transparent vesicles (fig. 123, a b). Sometimes they have appeared to me to contain one large granule (as in the mass of vesicles marked a), while at other limes a number of very small granules are observed in each vesicle (as at b). These different appearances are probably presented by the vesicles at different stages of their developement. Turpin,1 who spent a night in a brewery that he might examine the changes which these vesicles suffer during the fermen- tation of beer, states that on each vesicle one or two buds develope, each of which becomes a vesicle which remains attached to the parent one, and in this way rows of two or three adherent vesicles were produced. The vesicles thus described, Turpin regarded as consti- tuting a new plant, which he called Torula Cerevisia (Nat. Ord. Fungi, Subd. Mucedines.) In the deposit from the Porter refrigerator of Han- bury's brewery, I have .observed the forms depicted in fig, 123, c, d, e, and /. These constitute the plant called by Desmazieres, (Annates des Sciences naturelles, t. x. p. 42, 1827,) the Mycoderma Cerevisia. Turpin regards these as being produced by the granules of the yeast vesicle placed under favourable circumstances.2 As then it is evident that the vesicles found in yeast are organized beings, it has been suggested that the pro- cess of vinous fermentation is the immediate conse- quence of their vegetation. When placed in a saccha- rine fluid they are supposed to grow at the expense of the sugar, which is partly converted in-to alcohol, while the plant gives out carbonic acid. According to this view, therefore, fermentation is the conse- quence of a vital act. By heat and the action of various poisons, the yeast plant loses its vitality, and with it its power of exciting fermentation. Considered in a chemical point of view, yeast possesses many of the properties of gluten. Independently of the acids and salts which precipitate with it, it is composed of Oxygen, Hy- drogen, Carbon, Nitrogen, and Sulphur. (Qnevenne, Journ. de Pharm. t. xxiv. p. 281.) Yeast has been administered internally as a tonic and antiseptic in typhoid fevers. Dr. Stoker {On Continued Fever, p. 121, Dubl. 1829-30,) states, that it usually acts as a mild laxative, im. proves the condition of the alvine evacuations, and is more effectual in removing petechise and black tongue than any other remedy. It is admissible where cinchona and wine cannot be em- ployed, on account of the inflammatory symptoms. The dose of it is two table-spoonfuls every third hour, with an equal quantity of camphor mixture. Enemata of yeast and asafcetida are said, by the same writer, to be efficacious against typhoid tympany. Externally yeast is em- ployed in the form of poultice. 1. CATAPLASMA FERMENTI, L.; Cataplasma Fermenti Cerevisia, D.; Yeast Poultice. (Flour, lbj.; Yeast of Beer, Oss. Mix, and apply a gentle heat until they begin to swell.)—It is applied! when cold, to fetid and sloughing sores as an antiseptic and stimulant: it destroys the fetor, often checks the sloughing, and assists the separation of the dead part. It should be renewed twice or thrice a day. I have frequently heard patients complain of the great pain it causes. The carbonic acid is supposed to be the active ingredient. 2. CATAPLASMA F/ECUL/E CEREVISI/E : Poultice of the Grounds of Beer.—(Grounds of Stale Beer; Oatmeal; as much of each as may be required to make a poultice.;—It is applied cold twice or thrice a day, in the same cases as the preceding preparation, to which its effects are analogous. Sometimes Maltmeal is substituted for Oatmeal (Cataplasma Bynes) Torula Cerevisiai, Turpin; and Myco- derma Cerevisice, Desmazieres. 1 Memoires de VAcademie Royale des Sciences de VInstitute, t. xvii. p. 112. • Paris 1840 a For further details respecting these vesicles I must refer the reader to the works alreadv nnnt„H «.„ ™.„n -a to the memoirs of MM. Cagniard Latour and Turpin, of Schwann, Keitzing, and QuevemV SpH t^n . I former occasion (see vol. i. p. 319, foot note). fc' ^uevmue, referred to on a THE COMMON OAT. 67 Fig. 124. 3. AVENA SATI'VA, Linn. L. E. D.—THE COMMON OAT. Sex. Syst. Triandria, Digynia. (Semina integumentis nudata, L.— Seeds, £.—Farina ex Seminibus, D.) (Averts Farina, U. S.) History.—The oat is not mentioned in the Old Testament. Theophrastus, Dioscorides, and Pliny, speak of it. Botany. Gen. char.—Spikelets three, many flowered; flowers remote; the upper one withered. Glumes two, thin, membranous, awnless. Palece two, her- baceous; the lower one awned on the back, above the base, at the point almost bicuspidate; the upper one bicarinate, awnless; awn twisted. Stamina three. Ovarium somewhat pyriform, hairy at the point. Stigmata two, sessile, distant, villoso-plumose; with simple hairs. Scales two, smooth, usually two-cleft, laree. Caryopsis long, slightly terete, internally marked by a longitudinal furrow, hairy at the point, covered by the paleae, adherent to the upper one (?) (Kunth). Sp. char.—Panicle equal. Spikelets two-flowered. Flo- rets smaller than the calyx, naked at the base, alternately awned. Root fibrous, annual (Kunth). Hai».—Cultivated in Europe. Several varieties are cultivated in this country ; viz., the White Oat, the Black Oat, the Red Oat, the Poland Oat, the Friezland or Dutch Oat, the Potatoe Oat,\he Georgian Oat, and the Siberian or Tartarian Oat (Loudon's Ency- clopeedia of Agriculture). Description.—Oats (semina avenee cruda) are too well known to need description. When deprived of their integu- ments they are called groats (semina integumentis nudata, L.; avena excorticata seu grutum): these, when crushed, are denominated Embden groats. Oatmeal farina ex semenibus (D.) is prepared by grinding the grains. It is not so white as wheaten flour, and has a somewhat bitterish taste. # Composition—The grains consist, according to Vogel, of meal 66, and bran 34. The dried meal is composed of fixed oil 2-0, bitter matter and sugar 8-25, gum 2-5, gray albuminous matter 4-3, starch 59, husk and loss 23-95. Chemical Characteristics.—Iodine forms the blue iodide of starch with the cold decoction of oats. Physiological Effects.—Oatmeal is nutritive, though less so than wheaten flour (see vol. i. p. 98, for its dietetical properties); considered medicinally, groats and oatmeal are nutritious, easily digestible, and yield an excellent diet for the invalid. Uses.—In medicine we employ gruel prepared from groats or oatmeal, as a mild, nutritious, and easily-digested article of food, in fevers and inflammatory affections. In poisoning by acrid substances, it is employed as an emollient and demulcent. It is given after the use of purgatives, to render them more efficient and less injurious. Poultices are sometimes made with oatmeal. 1. DECOCTUM AVENJS; Water Gruel—This is prepared by boiling an ounce of oatmeal with three quarts of water to a quart, constantly stirring; strain, and when cold decant the clear liquid from the sediment. Sugar, acids, or aromatics may be employed for flavouring. (Cullen, op. cit.) I PULVIS PRO CATAPLASMATE, D.; Powder for a Poultice.—(Unseed, which remains after the expression of the oil, one part; Oatmeal, two parts. Mix.)__ This is an unnecessary formula. Moreover it is a bad one; for linseed-meal should be prepared from unpressed flaxseed. I. CATAPLASMA SIMPLEX, D.; Simple Poultice—(Made with the above powder and boiling water. The poultice should be smeared over with olive oil.)__Used as an emollient application to allay pain and promote suppuration. Avena Sativa. 68 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. 4. TRIT'ICUM VULGA'KE, var. & HYBER'NUM, Kunth.—COMMON WHEAT. Triticum hybernum, L. D.—Triticuin vulgare, E. Sex. Syst. Triandria, Digynia. (Farina; farina seminum: Amylum ; seminum ffficu1a,L.: Amylum; fecula of the seeds, E.: Farina seminum, £>.) History.—In the earlier ages it was an esteemed article of food (Lent, ii.), and is frequently spoken of by Hippocrates (De Diceta). Pliny (Hist. Nat. xviii. 12) describes several kinds of it. Botany. Gen. char___Spikelets three or many flowered : the fructiferous rachis generally articulated, flowers distichous. Glumes two, nearly opposite, almost equal, awnless or awned: the upper one bicarinafe; the keels more or less aculeato-ciliate. Stamina three. Ovarium pyriform, hairy at the apex. Stig- mata two, terminal, subsessile, feathery ; with long, simple, finely-toothed hairs. Scales two, generally entire and ciliated. Caryopsis externally convex, inter- nally concave, and marked by a deep furrow, distinct, or adhering to the paleae (Kunth). sp. char.—Spike four-cornered, imbricated; with a tough rachis. Spikelets generally four-flowered. Glumes ventricose, ovate, truncate, mucronate, com- pressed below the apex, round, and convex at the back, with a prominent nerve. Flowers awned or awnless. Grains loose (Kunth). (Fig. 122, 2.) a. (BStivum: annual; glumes awned. /3. hybemutn: biennial; glumes almost awnless. Hah.—It is a native of the country of the Baschkirs, and cultivated in Europe. Besides the above two varieties, no less than five other kinds of Triticum have been cultivated for their grain. These are T. vulgare, a. sestivum ; T. vulgare, */3. hybernum; T. turgidum (compositum); T. turgidum; T. polonicum; T. Spelta; T. monococcum. Description.—Wheat (semina tritici) is reduced, by grinding and sifting in mills, \nlo flour (farina: seminum farina, L. D.; farina tritici) and bran (fur- fur tritici). The same wheat yields several qualities of flour, distinguished as firsts os fine flour, seconds, and thirds or middlings. Composition.—The following are the constituents of several kinds of wheat, (Vauquelin, Journ. de Pharm. viii. 353.) French Wheat. Odessa Hard Wheat. Odessa Soft Wheat. Ditto. Ditto. t>i„.,. „J Ditto, of good Fr2Tf\ Quality Ld hikers ' Hi public DaKer- - 1 establishments. Ditto, inferior kind. 71-49 lO-'JC. 4-72 3-32 1000 50-5 14 55 8-48 4-!<0 2-30 1200 6200 1200 7-515 5-80 1-20 1000 70-84 12-10 4-ilO 460 72 00 7vU 5-42 3-30 72-8 102 42 2-8 iuo 71-2 10-3 4-8 3(i 8-0 67-78 902 4-80 4-C0 2(0 12-00 P n in Hi 8 00 19-nn 100-40 98-73 98-5fi 100 44 10002 100-0 i 97-9 | 100-20 The substance commonly termed gluten is a compound of vegetable albumen, which is insoluhle in alcohol, of mucin, soluble in hot alcohol, and of glutin or gliadine, soluble both in hot and cold alcohol. Chemical Characteristics. — The cold decoction of wheat flour forms with tincture of iodine, the blue iodide of starch. If wheat flour be made into a paste, with water, and then kneaded under a stream of water until the liquid runs off colourless, the residue in the hand is gluten. The water, on standing, de- posits starch; but retains in solution gum, sugar, and some phosphatic salts. COMMON "WHEAT. 69 Nitric acid gives wheat-flour a fine orange-yellow colour. Recently-prepared tincture of guaiacum forms a blue colour with good wheat flour. Manufacture of Starch.—Starch is procured by steeping wheat flour in water for one or two weeks, during which time acetous fermentation takes place. The acid liquor (sours) is drawn ofT, and the impure starch washed on a sieve, to separate the bran. What passes through is received in large vessels, termed frames. Here the starch is deposited. The sour liquor is again drawn off, and the slimes removed from the surface of the starch, which is to be again washed, strained, and allowed to deposit. When, by these processes, the starch has be- come sufficiently pure, it is boxed, that is, it is placed in wooden boxes, perforated with holes and lined with canvass, where it drains. It is then cut in square lumps, placed on hjicks to absorb the moisture, and dried in a stove. While drying it splits into prismatic pieces, similar to grain tin, or columns of basalt. The greater part of the starch used for stiffening linen (called Poland and glaze starch) is coloured blue by finely-powdered smalt or by indigo. This is not adapted for medicinal purposes. White (sometimes called French) starch should be em- ployed. A fine variety of this is termed patent white starch. Starch may also be procured by the action of a solution of a caustic alkali (soda or potash) on wheat flour or rice meal, by which the gluten is dissolved. (See the specification of Jones's patent in the Repertory of Patent Inventions, April, 1841.) Properties of Starch.—Pure wheat starch (amylum) is white and almost odourless and tasteless. Examined by the microscope it is found to consist of particles varying considerably in size; the smallest and the largest predomina- ting, the intermediate ones being scarcest. Their shape Fig. 125. is for the most part rounded. Their surface is uneven. The hilum is surrounded by concentric rings, but is very indistinct, until a gentle heat is applied to the 'fy$M&@^J& water in which the particles are placed. Sometimes it SKKS^«S!^^^^^J» ^s indicated by a round spot or a line : the rings may ^•'I^^IbI^^W5' ^e traced to the edge of the particle. The particles "o^w^K^K1^^^ crack, when heated, at the edges. If the particles be made to roll over in water, they ate observed to be ob- Particles of Wheat Starch. late spheroids, one of the flattened faces perhaps being o. A particle seen edgeways. somewhat more convex than the other. Viewed edge- ways (fig. 125 a.) a black line is observed : this, per- haps, arises from the edge being out of focus. Boiled in water, wheat starch yields & mucilage, which, when sufficiently con- centrated, forms a jelly (hydrate of starch) in cooking. With iodine the decoc- tion when cold forms the blue iodide of starch, the colour of which is destroyed by alkalis and by heat. Composition of Starch.—Wheat starch has the following composition :— Atoms. Eg. Wt. Per Cent. F. Marcet. Prout. Carbon.......................... 7 --- 42 .... 4375 --- 437 .... 4280 Hydrogen....................... G .... 6 .. . 625 .... 6-7 ___ 635 Oxygen......................... 6 .... 48 .... 5000 .... 497 ___ 50-85 Wheat Starch................... 1 --- 96 ....10000 ---100 1 ....100 00 Prout's table of the composition of starchy substances has been already given (see vol. i. p. 85). Physiological Effects.—Wheat surpasses all other cereal grains in its nutri- tive qualities, in consequence of containing more gluten. It yields the finest, whitest, and most digestible kind of bread. Flour is employed in medicine to form emollient and demulcent preparations. Wheat starch, though highly nutritious, is not employed alone as an article of food. Its taste is somewhat disagreeable, and it is more difficult of digestion than other starchy substances. 70 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Uses.—Wheat flour is rarely used in medicine. It is occasionally sprinkled over burnt or scalded parts, and is a constituent of some poultices, as the Yeast Poultice (p. 66). Mixed with water, so as to form a thin mucilage, it may be em- ployed as a chemical antidote in some cases of poisoning, as by the bichloride of mercury, sulphate of copper, iodine, &c. It is used in Pharmacy for envelop- ing pills. Starch powder is used as a dusting powder to absorb acrid secretions and pre- vent excoriations. It is used as an emollient and demulcent clyster in inflamma- tory conditions of the large intestines, and as a vehicle for the formation of other more active enemata. It is an antidote for poisoning by iodine, and is sometimes given in combination with this substance to prevent its local action (vide vol. i. p. 241). It enters into the composition of the Pulvis Tragacanthee compositus, Ph. L. DECOCTUM AMYLI, L.; Mucilago Amyli,- Decoction or Mucilage of Starch. (Starch, 3iv. [3vj. D.] ; Water, Oj. Rub the starch with the water gradually added, then boil for a short time.)—It is sometimes used alone, as an enema in dysentery, irritation of the rectum, &c. It is a constituent of the Enema Opii, L. 1. Panis Triticeus. Wheaten Bread.—Crumb of Bread (Mica Panis) is sometimes used in the formation of pills; but is objectionable for this purpose, on account of the pills thus made becoming excessively hard by keeping. Furthermore, in some cases, the constituents of bread decompose the active ingredients of the pills. Thus the chloride of sodium of bread decomposes the nitrate of silver. Crumb of bread is most valuable for the preparation of poultices. The Bread and Water Poultice is prepared by covering some crumb of bread in a basin with hot water: after it has stood for ten minutes, pour off the excess of water, and spread the bread about one-third of an inch thick on soft linen, and apply to the affected part. Sometimes lint dipped in oil is applied beneath the poultice (Abernethy, Lancet, vol. v. 1824, p. 135). Decoction of poppyj or Goulard's water, may be substituted for common water. This is a valuable application to phlegmonous inflammation. A Bread and Milk Poultice, t which lard is sometimes added, is also used to promote suppuration ; but it should be frequently renewed, on account of its tendency to decompose. Both poultices are used in the treatment of irritable ulcers. Toasted Bread (Panis tostus) is used in the preparation of Toast-water (Infu- sum Panis tosti), a mild, agreeable drink in febrile disorders, and in some dyspeptic cases. Brown or Bran Bread (Panisfurfuraceus) is used by persons troubled with habitual costiveness; it acts as a slight laxative. It sometimes causes flatulency and acidity. Biscuit (Panis biscoc. tus) is used by some dyspeptics as a substitute for fermented bread. Sea Biscuit (Panis nauti- cus) is preferred by some. (The dietetical properties of bread have been before noticed, see vol. i. pp. 98, 99.) 2. Furfur Tritici. Bran.—Decoction or infusion of bran is sometimes employed as an emollient foot-bath. It is also taken internally as a demulcent in catarrhal affections. Its con- tinued use causes a relaxed condition of bowels. 5. SECALE CEREALE, Linn.—COMMON RYE. Sex. Syst. Triandria, Digynia. (Semina, Offic.) History.—Rye is mentioned in the Old Testament. Botany. Gen. char.—Spikelets two-flowered. Florets sessile, distichous, with the linear rudiment of a third terminal one. Glumes two, herbaceous, keeled, nearly opposite, awnless or awned. Palece two, herbaceous ; the lower one awned at the point, keeled, unequal-sided, broadest and thickest on the outer side; the upper shorter and bicarinate. Stamina three. Ovarium pyriform, hairy. Stigmata two, nearly sessile, terminal, feathery, with long, simple, finely- toothed hairs. Scales two, entire, ciliate. Caryopsis hairy at the point loose, (Kunth). (See fig. 122, 1 ; and fig. 126.) Sp. Char.—Glumes and awns scabrous (Kunth). Hab.—The Caucasian-Caspian desert. Cultivated in Europe. Composition.—The grains consist, according to Einhof, of meal, 65.6 ; husk, SPURRED RYE OR ERGOT. 71 24-2 ; and moisture, 10-2. The meal is composed of uncrystallizable su- gar, 3-28; gum, 11-09; starch, 61-07; husky matter (woody fibre), 6-38 ; gluten, soluble in alcohol, 9-48 ; albumen, 3-28; undetermined acid and loss, 5-62. (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chemie, ii. 1343.) Chemical Characteristics__-A cold decoction of rye forms' with iodine the blue iodide of starch. Physiological Effects. — Rye- flour is nutritive, but less so than wheat-flour. (See vol. i. p. 98.) Use.—Rye-bread is in common use among the inhabitants of the northern parts of Europe, but in this country is rarely employed. Rye- pottage (Pulmentum vel Jusculum secalinum) is said to be a useful article of diet in consumptive cases. (Pearson, Pract. Synop. of the Mat. Alim. 91.) Fig. 126. Secale cereale. 1. a. ovarium, with its hairs, b; c, c, the plumose stig- mata ; e, e, scales;/,/, position of palea?; g, receptacle. 2. mature grain, with the embryo at the base and the remains of the stigmata at the top. 3- /i/i paleae ; g, receptacle. 6. SECA'LE CORNU'TUM.-SPURRED RYE OR ERGOT. (Ergota, L. E. [U. S.)] History.—No undoubted reference to ergot is found in the writings of the ancients. The disease produced by it is supposed to be referred to in the follow- ing passage :—« 1089. A pestilent year, especially in the western parts of Lor- raine, where many persons became putrid, in consequence of their inward parts being consumed by St. Anthony's fire. Their limbs were rotten, and became black like coal. They either perished miserably; or, deprived of their putrid hands and feet, were reserved for a more miserable life. Moreover, many crip- pies were afflicted with contraction of the sinews [nervorum contract™].">■ The first botanical writer who notices ergot9 is Lonicerus. (Kreuterbuch, p. 885, Franckfort, 1582.) It seems to have been employed by women to promote labour pains long before its powers were known to the profession. Camerarius, (Actes des Curieux de la Nature, art. 6, obs. 82, quoted by Yelpeau,) in 1683, (Dierbach, Neuest. Entd. in d. Mat. Med. ISO, 1837,) mentions that it was a popular remedy in Germany for accelerating parturition. In Italy and France also it appears to have been long in use.3 • Botany—The nature and formation of ergot are subjects on which botanists have been much divided in opinion. 1. Some regard ergot as a fungus growing between the glumes of grasses in the place of the ovary..Otto von Munchausen, (Hausvater, i. 332, 1764-1773,) Schrank, (Baxersche Flora n. 571 1789 ) De Candolle, (Mem. du Mas. d'Hist. Nat. ii. 401, 1815,) Fries (Sys. Mycol. ,,. 268 1822 ) Winers, (Inq. in Secale Corn. Getting, 1831, in Christian's Tvea. Use,) and Berkeley, {English Flora, vi. Part ii. 226, 1836.) have adopted this opinion, and have ' Extract from the works of Sigebprt, in the Recueil des Histor. des Oauls et de la France torn xiii n <>TO ftmnKKtt I n » i °.U« VS ,qU°ted bv Bavle (Biblioth. Therap. torn. iii. p. 374), Abre^Chron 1 vols 4toiZw-l in wl n ^^ ^ the passaGe in th« "rs' ^d best edition of Moray's orlot it be n the ie'en d lnf\Z ZrfMT."'6 **t £*** '' 0r in M'Mtmoire, Hist, et Critiques. Whether no, having seen thfswofk perfect ed.tion of M«eray« ^4r^« Chronologize, I am unable to decide, it is^nv^m^r^^nTu „nf fJ?,™0' ^htM- W'litCr ^"J^logicon Universale, ii. 594) thinks that Bav?BMTh7r?»'ii?-x-l r n ',0 ?U^ l%ma. »■ «V«- U « as anciently written argot.' literary history o?ergot P ' "' '"3 Tra%U C°'nplet de VArt des ^couchemens, sives an excellent 72 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. described ergot as a fungus under the name of Spermoedia Clavus, (erroneously quoted in the Pharm. Lond. 1836, as Acinula Clavus, Fries; Clavaria Clavus, Munch.; Sclerotium Clavus, De Cand.) Fries and Berkeley, however, evidently entertain some doubts respecting its nature; for the first adds to the generic character of Spermoedia "Semina graminum morbosa," and the second says, "it appears to be only a diseased state of the grain, and has scarcely a sufficient claim to be admitted among fungi as a distinct genus." Against this opinion may be urged the circumstance noticed by Tessier, (quoted by De Can- dolle,) that a part only of the grain may be ergotized. Moreover, the scales of the base of the ergot, the frequent remains of (he stigma on its top, and the articulation of it to the receptacle, prove that it is not an independent fungus, but an altered grain. (Quekett, in Proceedings of the Linn. Soc. Dec. 4, 1838.) 2. Some regard ergot as a diseased condition of the ovary or seed. The arguments adduced against the last opinion are in favour of the present one. Though a considerable number of writers have taken this view of the nature of ergot, there has been great discordance among them as to the causes which produced the disease. a. Some have supposed that ordinary morbific causes, as moisture combined with warmth, were sufficient to oive rise to this diseased condition of the grain. Tessier, (Mem. Soc. Roy. Medec. 1776, p. 417; 1777, p. 587,) and Wildenow, (in Christison's Treatise, p. 829,) appear to have been of this opinion. S>. Some have ascribed the disease to the attack of insects or other animals. Tillet, Fontana, Rend, and Field, (referred to by Christison, op. cit. p. 830,) supported this view, which, I may add, has subsequently been satisfactorily disproved. y. Some, dissatisfied with the previously assigned causes of the disease, have been content with declaring ergot to be a disease, but without specifying the circumstances which induce it. Mr. Bauer, (MS. British Museum ; also Trans, of the Linn. Society, vol. xviii.) who closely watched the developement of ergot during eight years (1805-13), and has made some beautiful drawings of it in different stages, arrived at this conclusion ; as also Phoebus, (Deutschl. kryptogam. Giftegewachse, Berlin, 1838.) S. Others have referred the disease to a parasitic fungus. This opinion, which must not be confounded with that entertained by De Candolle and others (vide supra), has been adopted and supported by Leveille, in 1826, (Ann. de la Soc. Linn, de Paris,) by Dutrochct,1 Smith, (Trans. Linn. Society, vol. xviii.) and by Quekett, (Trans. Linn. Society, vol. xviii.) The statements of Leveille, Phillipar,3 Smith, and Quekett, leave, I think, but little doubt that ergot is a disease of the grain caused by the presence of a para- sitical fungus. This view is supported by the observations of Wiggers—that the white dust (sporidia, Quek.) found on the surface of ergot will produce the disease in any plant (grass?) if sprinkled in the soil at its roots. Mr. Quekett (op. cit. p. 104.) has infected grains of corn by immersing them in water in which the sporidia of the Ergotcetia abortifaciens were contained. The plants which were produced by the germination of the grains were all ergotized. Phoebus, (Lond. Med. Gaz. Oct. 8, 1841,) who has most accurately depicted these sporidia, denies that they are spores, on the ground that they are of vari- able size, and enclose other smaller bodies. But these objections deserve no attention, for, in the first place, by calling these bodies sporidia, we avoid de- ciding whether they are sporangia or spori ; and, secondly, the sporidia of other plants, of the fungic nature of which botanists entertain no doubt, also enclose smaller bodies (sporidiola, Berk.) (See Sepedonium, in Eng. Flor. vol. v. part ii. p. 350.) Mr. Quekett, who has most carefully examined the developement of ergot, says that the first appearance of the ergot is observed by the young grain and its appendages becoming covered with a white coating, composed of multitudes of sporidia (fig. 112 a, p. 53) mixed with minute cobweb-like filaments. (Er- gotcetia abortifaciens, see p. 53, fig. 112, H. I.) This coating extends over all the other parts of the grain, cements the anthers and stigmas together, and "ives the whole a mildewed appearance. When the grain is immersed in water, the sporidia fall to the bottom of the liquid. A sweet fluid, at first limpid, after* wards viscid, is found in the affected flower at this stage, and, when examined by the microscope, is found to contain the sporidia just referred to. (Phillipar, Smith, and Quekett.) Phillipar (op. cit. p. 111.) says this fluid oozes from the 1 Memoires pour servir a Vhistoire anatomique et physiologique des vegit. ct des animaux, vol. ii n 161 a TYaite Organogr. et Phys. Agr. sur la Carie, le C/iarbon, VErgot, &c. 8vo. Versailles,'1837. ERGOT OF EYE. 73 floral centre; and Mr. Quekett, who at first thought that it had an external origin, is now convinced that it escapes from the ergot or the parts around it. If we examine the ergot when about half-grown (fig. 127), we find it just be- ginning to show itself above the paleae, and presenting a purplish black colour. By this time it has lost in part its white coating, and the production of sporidia and filaments has nearly ceased. At the upper portion of the grain, the coaling now presents a vermiform appearance, which Leveille (Richards, Elem. d'Hist. Nat. i. 332.) describes as constituting cerebriform undulations. These are beau- tifully depicted in Mr. Bauer's drawings (fig. 127, a. d. e.) Leveille regards this terminal tubercle of the grain as a parisitical fungus, which he calls the Sphace- lia Segetum. But these undulations are merely masses of sporidia ; for if a little be scraped off with a knife, then moistened and examined by the microscope, we find nothing but myriads of sporidia. The ergot now increases in a very rapid manner. Fig. 127. Ergot of Rye. A. A side view of a longitudinal section of an infected grain, soon after foundation, when the disease makes its first external appearance: magnified eight times in diameter. . B. Front view of a section of the above infected grain, cut at letter a : ''agi'ned sixteen times in diameter. C. Ditto, cut at letter b: magnified sixteen times in diameter. . D. Side view of an unripe but advanced ergotized grain, at the uppec.°^rt °f which is the tuberculated portion having a vermiform appearance, and constituting the fungus*?"0""0 Segetum)vf Leveille. E. Longitudinal section of the grain. F. A full-grown ergot, within its floret, magnified twice in disuf™1- The mature ergot (fig. 127, a.) projects c*lsiderably beyond the paleae. It has a violet-black colour, and presents scarce!'. anY filaments and sporidia. The number of grains in each spike 'nich become ergotized varies considera- bly : there may be one only, or the sp^e may be covered with them. (Phillipar, op. cit. p. 96.) Usually, the numbe-,s from three to ten. Besides rye, many other grasser(Phoebus has enumerated 31 species) are sub- ject to this alteration, called the s>"r or ergot- I" the summer of 1838 nearly all the grasses growing in Greenwich marshes were found ergotized. Professor Henslow found it in wheat wh^h had been sent to the miller.1 But the disease is not confined to the Gramine^, the Cyperacea are also subject to it, and perhaps also Palmacece. (Phcebusr, op. cit. 105.) 1 Report on the Diseases of Wheat, p. 20, from the Journ. of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. VOL. II. 7 74 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Fig. 128. To the agriculturist, an important subject of inquiry is the predisposing causes of ergot. Very little of a satisfactory nature has, however, been ascertained on this point. One fact, indeed, seems to have been fully established, viz., that moisture which was formerly thought to be the fertile source of the spur, has little, if any thing, to do with it. (Phillipar, op. cit. 126 ; also, Bauer, MSS.) Commerce—Ergot is imported from Germa. ny, France, and America. Mr. Butler, of Co- vent Garden Market, tells me that about l£ tons were imported in the year 1839. The duty is five shillings per cwt. Description of the Ergot.—Spurred rye or ergot (ergota), consists of grains which vary in length from a few lines to an inch, or even an inch and a half, and whose breadth is from half a line to four lines. Their form is cylin- drical or obscurely triangular, with obtuse angles, tapering at the extremities (fusiform), curved like the spur of a cock, unequally fur- rowed on two sides, often irregularly cracked and fissured. The odour of a single grain is not detectible, but of a large quantity is fishy, peculiar, and nauseous. The taste is not very marked, but is disagreeable, and very slightly acrid. The grains are externally purplish brown or black, somewhat glaucous, moderately brittle, the fractured surface being tolerably smooth, and whitish, or purplish white. Their sp. gr. is somewhat greater than that of water, though when thrown into this liquid they usually float at first, owing to the adherent air. The lower part of the grain is sometimes heavier than the upper. When examined by the microscope, the glau- cous condition of the grains is found to depend on the presence of numerous sporidia of the Ergotsetia abortifaciens. The violet coat is made up of longitudinally-elongated cells. The tissue of the internal portion of the ergot is composed of the rounded cellular tissue, the cells having 'he form and regularity of the cells of the nor- mal or healthy albumen, though v,ey are smaller. (Phoebus, p. 101.) In each of these cells are from one to thru r0Unded bodies, which Mr. Quekett states, are globules of oil, for they are lights tnan water, are not made blue by iodine, but are soluble in ether. If the structue 0f ergot be examined after the grains have been dried and remoistened, the tis>ue presents a most irregular appear- ance. Phoebus (Op. cit. p. 104.) regards the iiner substance of the ergot as the altered albumen, for the embryo does not app^r to be formed. The violet coat he considers to be the external (or external ancinterna|) degenerated seed-coat. The little heart-shaped body (Miitzchen) at the *0p of the ergot (fig. 127 f.) he regards as the remains of the degenerated ar4 elevated pericarp, together with some other more external parts of fructification, cemented together by the violet-whitish mass (sporidia, Quek.) This mass, he observes, is obviously a new formation, originating from the already-described saccharine fluid. But Secale Cornutum. ergot of rye. 75 Mr. Quekett has shown the body, at the top of the ergot, to be the remains of the hairy crown of the grain, of the stigmata, and withered elevated pericarp. Deterioration.—The ergot of rye is fed on by a little acarus, which is about one-fourth the size of the cheese-mite. This animal destroys the interior of the ergot, and leaves the grain as a mere shell. It produces much powdery excre- mentitious matter (Quekett). In four months, 1\ ounces of this fsecal matter of the acarus were formed in seven pounds of ergot. I have some ergot which has been kept for four years in a stoppered glass vessel without being attacked by the acarus, and it has all the characteristics of good ergot. It is advisable, however, not to use ergot which has been kept for more than two years. Composition.—Ergot was analyzed, in 1186, by Vauquelin (Ann. Chim. iii. 337); in 1817, by Pettenkofer (Buchner's Repert. iii. 65); in 1826, by Winkler (Christison, On Poisons, 3d ed. 831) ; in 1829, by Maas (Schwartze, Pharm. Tabell. 2er Ausg. 460); in 1831, by Wiggers (Phoebus, Giflgewdchse, 102) ; and more recently by Chevallier (Dierbach, Neue. Entd. in d. Mat. Med. 1837, p. 129). The results obtained by Chevallier were analogous to those of Vauquelin's Analysis. Pale yellow matter, soluble in alcohol, and tasteless like fish-oil. White bland oil, very abundant. Violet colouring matter, insoluble in alcohol, soluble in water- A fixed acid (phosphoric?) Vegeto-aninial or nitrogenous matter, prone to putre- faction, and yielding ammonia and oil by distilla- tion. Free ammonia, disengaged at 212° F. Wiggers's Analysis. Ergotin................ Peculiar fixed oil........ White crystallizable fat. Ct^rin................... Fungi n..................................... Vegetable osmazome......................... Peculiar saccharine matter................... Gummy extractive, with red colouring matter. Albumen ................................... Superphosphate of potash..................... Phosphate of lime, with trace of iron.......... Silica....................................... 1-25 3500 105 0-7«i 46-19 776 1-55 2-33 1-46 4-42 029 - 014 Ergot........................................ 102-20 1. Ergotin was procured by digesting ergot with ether, to remove the fatly matter, and then in boiling alcohol. The alcoholic solution was evaporated, and the extract treated by water. The ergotin remained undissolved. It was brownish red, with an acrid bitter taste, and, when warmed, had a peculiar but unpleasant odour. It was soluble in alcohol, but insoluble in water or ether. It proved fatal to a hen. Nine grains of it were equal to an ounce and a half of ergot. It appears, then, that though a poisonous principle, it is probably not the agent which acts on the uterus, for the latter is soluble in water, whereas ergotin is not. It is possible, however, that it may be rendered soluble in water by combination with some other body. 2. Oil of Ergot.—As this is now used in medicine, its properties will be described hereafter (see p. 82.) There are no good grounds for suspecting the existence of either hydrocyanic acid or phos- phate of morphia in ergot, as supposed by Pettenkofer. Chemical Characteristics.—Ergot is inflammable, burning with a clear, yellowish white flame. The aqueous infusion or decoction of ergot is red, and possesses acid properties. Both acetate and diacetate of lead cause precipitates in a decoction of ergot. Iodine gives no indication of the presence of starch. Nitrate of silver causes a copious precipitate soluble in ammonia, but insoluble in nitric acid. Tincture of nutgalls also produces a precipitate (tannate of ergotin ?) Alkalis heighten the red colour of the decoction. Physiological Effects.—Great discrepancy is to be found in the accounts published respecting the influence of spurred rye on man and animals. While the majority of experimenters or practical observers concur in assigning to it ener- getic powers, others have declared it harmless. a. On Vegetables.—Schubler and Zeller have tried its effects on plants, and I infer from their statements that they found it poisonous (Marx, Die Lehrev. d. Gifteti, ii. 107). /3. On Animals.—Accidental observation and direct experiment concur in showing, that in most instances spurred rye acts as a poison to the animal econo- • 76 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. my. But, as Phoebus correctly observes, we cannot call it a violent poison, since drachms and even ounces are required to destroy small animals (e. g. rabbits and pigeons.) It has proved poisonous to flies, leeches, birds (geese, ducks, pigeons, common fowls, &c), and mammals (dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, rabbits, &c.) Birds and mammals refuse to take it even mixed with other kinds of food. Diez (quoted by Phoebus op. cit. p. 106), gives the following as the symptoms produced by it in dogs who are compelled to swallow it:—"Great aversion to the ergot, dis- charge of saliva and mucus from the mouth, vomiting, dilatation of the pupil, quickened respiration and circulation, frequent moanings, trembling of the body, continual running ro'und, staggering gait, semi-paralysis of the extremities, espe- cially the hinder ones, sometimes diarrhoea ; sometimes hot anus ; increased for- mation of gas in the alimentary canal; faintness and sleepiness, with great thirst, but diminished appetite, remained. Death followed under gradually increasing feebleness, without being preceded by convulsions. To the less constant symp- toms belong inflammation of the conjunctiva, and the peculiar appearance of turn- ino- round in a circle from right to left." Similar observations as to its injurious operation have been made by Robert (Christison, op. cit. p. 832). In some cases, abscess and gangrene of various parts of the body, with dropping off of the toes, and convulsions, have been noticed. A strong decoction injected into the vein of a dog caused general feebleness, paralysis of the posterior extremities, vomiting, and death. (Gaspard, Journ. de Phys. exper. ii. 35.) But there are not wanting cases apparently showing that spurred rye has no injurious action on animals. The most remarkable and striking are those related by Block (Phoebus, op. cit. p. 107). In 1811, twenty sheep ate together nine pounds of it daily for four weeks without any ill effects. In another instance, twenty sheep consumed thirteen pounds and a half daily, for two months, without injury. Thirty cows took together twenty-seven pounds daily, for three months, with impunity ; and two fat cows took, in addition, nine pounds of ergot daily, with no other obvious effect than that their milk gave a bad caseous cream, which did not yield good butter. These statements furnish another proof to the toxicologist that the ruminants suffer less from vegetable poisons than other ' animals. Another interesting topic of inquiry is the action of ergot on the gravid uterus of mammals. Chapman (Elem. ofTherap. i. 489, 4th edit.) says " it never fails, in a short time, to occasion abortion." We have the testimony of Percy and Laurent, that a decoction injected into the veins of a cow caused the animal to calve speed- ily ; and in one out of three experiments, Mr. Combes has stated, the ergot caused the abortion of a bitch (Neal, Researches respecting Spur or Ergot of Rye, p. 90). Diez (Phoebus, p. 106) found that it caused uterine contractions in dogs, rabbits, and sows. Large doses given to bitches induced an inflammatory condi- tion of the uterus, and destroyed both mother and her young. However, in oppo- sition to these statements, we have the evidence of Chatard, Warner, Villeneuve, and others, who failed in producing abortion with it. (Neal, op. cit.) I am indebted to Mr. Youatt, Veterinary Surgeon to the Zoological Society, and Editor of the Veterinarian, for the following note respecting the effects of ergot on animals :— " I have, for the last six or seven years, been in the habit of administering the ergot of rye to quadrupeds in cases of difficult or protracted parturition, in order to stimulate the uterus to renewed or increased action. In the mono^astric if I may venture to use the term, I have never known it to fail of producing consider- able effect, even when the uterus had been previously exhausted by continued and violent efforts. In the ruminant, with its compound stomach or stomachs I have witnessed many a case of its successful exhibition. I have had recourse to it in the cow, the sheep, and the deer, both foreign and domestic. Parturition * ERGOT OF RY/E. I 4 has not always been accomplished, from false presentation or other causes, but the uterus has in every case responded—it has been roused to a greater or less degree of renewed action. On the other hand, there are cases recorded by vete- rinary practitioners, in which it has been given in very large quantities without producing the slightest effect. 1 have always attributed this to a certain degree of forgetfulness of the construction of the stomachs of ruminants. If the medi- cine, as is too often the case, is poured hastily down, and from a large vessel, it breaks through the floor of the oesophagean canal and falls into the rumen, and there it remains perfectly inert. But if it is suffered to trickle down the oesopha- gean canal, although a portion of it may still enter the rumen, the greater part will flow on through the oesophagean canal, and the manyplies into the fourth or villous stomach, and produce the desired effect." y. On Man.—These maybe noticed under two heads: 1, effects of single doses ; 2, effects of its continued use as an article of food. 1. In single or few doses—Hertwig, (Sundelin, Heilmittell. i. 513, 3te Aufl). Lorinser (Edin. Med. and Surg. Journ. xxvi. 453), Jorg (Gebrauch inn. Reizm. z. Beford d. Geburt. 1833), and Diez (Phoebus, op. cit.), who have en- deavoured to ascertain the effects of ergot by experiment, agree in stating that, in doses of from half a drachm to two drachms, nausea, inclination to vomit, dry- ness of the throat, great thirst, aversion to food, uneasiness or actual pain in the abdomen, occasionally alvine evacuations, weight and pain in the head, giddiness, in some cases stupor and dilatation of pupils, have resulted from its use. It de- serves, however, to be noticed, that these effects have not been noticed by some experimenters.1 The effects produced by the use of single or a few doses of ergot may be con- veniently arranged under four heads. a. Effects on the uterine system. (Uterine contractions.)—The action of spurred rye on the uterus when labour has actually commenced, is usually ob- served in from ten to twenty minutes after the medicine has been taken, and is manifested by an increase in the violence, the continuance, and the frequency of the pains, which usually never cease until the child is born ; nay they often con- tinue for some minutes after, and promote the speedy separation of the placenta and the firm contraction of the uterus in a'globular form. The contractions and pains caused by ergot are distinguished from those of natural labour by their continuance; scarcely any interval can be perceived between them, but a sensa- tion is experienced of one continued forcing effort. If from any mechanical im- pediment (as distortion) the uterus cannot get rid of its contents, the violence of its contraction may cause its rupture, as in the cases alluded to by Dr. Merriman (Syn. ofDiff. Part. p. 197, 1838), Mr. Armstrong (Lond. Med. Gaz. Aug. 4, 1838), and Mr. Coward.3 Ergot sometimes fails to excite uterine contractions. The causes of failure are for the most part conjectural. The quality of the ergot, peculiarities on the part of the mother, and death of the foetus, have been assigned as such. The two first will be readily admitted; but why the remedy should be altogether inert " where the foetus has been for some time dead, end putrefaction to any extent taken place" (Dr. Bibby, in Merriman's Synopsis, p. 198), cannot be readily explained. Its occasional failure has been urged by Dr.'HamiIton (Pract. Observ. relating to Midwifery, part ii. p. 84, 1836), as an argument in favour of his notion that ergot acts " in no other way than by influencing the imagination." But on the same ground the sialogogue power of mercury might be denied. Dr. Hamilton's erroneous estimate of the powers of ergot is referrible to a want of experience of its use ; for he admits that he has only had two opportunities in practice of making a fair trial of it. 1 Keil, Diss inaug. deSecali Cornulo, Berol. 18-12, quoted in Sundelin, Heilmittell.; also Dr. Chapman, Elem, if Therap. vol. i. p. 488, 4th ed. 1 Lond. Med. Gaz. Nov. 27, 1840. Did the ergot cause the rupture, in the case related in the Lancet, vol- i 1^0-7, p. 824, by Mr. Hooper? 78 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. There is usually much less hemorrhage after delivery, when ergot has been employed, than where it has not been exhibited. The lochial discharges are also said to be less ; but this is certainly not constantly the case. Moreover, it has been asserted " that the menstrual discharge has not recurred after the use of the ergot in certain cases of protracted parturition." (Dr. J. W. Francis, in the 3d Amer. ed. of Denman's Midwifery, 1829.) But the inference intended to be con- veyed here, viz., that ergot caused the non-recurrence, is not correct; at least, 1 am acquainted with several cases in which this effect did not follow the employ- ment of spurred rye, and I know of none in which it did. Ergot has been charged with causing the death of the child ; but the charge has been repelled by some experienced practitioners as being devoid of the least foundation. "The ergot," says Dr. Hosack (Essays, vol. ii. 296), " has been called in some of the books, from its effects in hastening labour, the pulvis ad partum; as it regards the child, it may with almost equal truth be denominated the pulvis ad mortem, for I believe its operation, when sufficient to expel the child, in cases where nature alone is unequal to the task, is to produce so violent a con- traction of the womb, and consequent convolution and compression of the uterine vessels, as very much to impede, if not totally to interrupt, the circulation between the mother and child." However, Dr. Chapman (Elem. of T/ierap: i. 488, 4th ed.) strongly denies this charge, and tells us that in 200 cases which occurred in the practice of himself and Drs. Dewees and James, the ergot was used without doing harm in any respect; and he adds, " no one here believes in the alleged deleterious influence of the article on the foetus." It is not improbable, however, where the impediment to labour is very great, that the violent action of the uterus may be attended with the result stated by Dr. Hosack. Dr. F. H. Ramsbotham, (Lond. Med. Gaz.vo], xiv. p. 84), has suggested that the poisonous influence of ergot may be extended from the mother to the foetus, as in the case of opium. He also states (Lond. Med. Gaz. June 15, 1839), that of 36 cases in which he induced premature labour by puncturing the membranes, 21 children were born alive; while in 26 cases of premature labour induced by ergot only, 12 children only were born alive. This fact strongly favours the notion of the deleterious influence of the ergot on the foetus. Given to excite abortion or premature labour, ergot has sometimes failed to produce the desired effect. Hence many experienced accoucheurs have con- cluded, that for this medicine to have any effect on the uterus it was necessary that the process of labour should have actually commenced. (Bayle, Bibl. The- rap. iii. 550.) But while we admit that it sometimes fails, we have abundant evidence to prove that it frequently succeeds ; and most practitioners, I think, are now satisfied that, in a large number of cases, it has the power of originating the process of accouchement. Cases illustrating its power in this respect are referred to by Bayle (Op. cit. p. 550), and others are mentioned by Waller (Lancet, 1826, vol. x. p. 54), Holmes (Lancet, 1827-8, vol. ii. p. 794), Rams- botham (Lond. Med. Gaz. xiv. pp. 85 and 434; also Lond. Med. Gaz. June 15, 1839), Miiller (Difirbach, Neuesten Entd. in d. Mat. Med. i. 139, 1837), and others. The action of ergot on the unimpregnated uterus is manifested by painful con- tractions, frequently denominated « bearing-down pains," and by the obvious influ- ence which, it exercises over various morbid conditions of this viscus ; more par- ticularly by its checking uterine hemorrhage, and expelling polypous masses. Tenderness of the uterus, and even actual metritis, are said to have been induced by ergot. (Dr. Negri, Lond. Med,. Gaz. xiv. 369.) (3. Effects on the Cerebro-Spinal System. (Narcotism.)—Weight and pain in the head, giddiness, delirium, dilatation of pupil, and stupor, are the principal symptoms which indicate the action of ergot of rye on the brain Dr Maun- sell (Lond. Med. Gaz. xvi. 606), has published five cases (viz. two which oc- curred to Dr. Churchill, one to Dr. Johnson, and two to Dr. Cusack), in which ERGOT OF EYE. 79 delirium or stupor resulted from the use of ergot (in half drachm and two drachm doses), and was accompanied by great depression of pulse. (See also Dr. Cusack, in Dubl. Hosp. Rep. vol. v. p. 508.) Trousseau and Fidoux (Traite de Therap. i. 546) found that, under the repeated use of ergot, dilatation of pupil was the most common symptom of cerebral disorder. It began to be obvious in from twelve to twenty-four hours after the commencement of the use of the medicine, and sometimes continued for several days after its cessation. The cerebral dis- order is frequently preceded by the uterine contractions, and usually remains for some time after these have subsided. y. Effects of ergot on the circulatory system.—I have known increased frequency and fulness of pulse, copious perspiration, and flushed countenance, follow the use of ergot during parturition. But in most instances the opposite effect has been induced ; the patient has experienced great faintness, the pulse has been greatly diminished in both frequency and fulness, and the face has become pale or livid. In one case, mentioned by Dr. Cusack (Dr. Maunsell, Lond. Med. Gaz. xiv. 606), the pulse was reduced from 120 to 90. Dr. Maunsell has referred to four other cases. These effects on the circulatory system were accompanied with cerebral disorder, of which they were probably consequences. Similar observations, as to the power of ergot to diminish the frequency of the pulse, have been noticed by others. (Merriman, Synopsis, pp. 201 and 203, 1838; Trousseau and Pidoux, Traite de Therap. i. 547.) 5. Other effects of ergot.—Nausea and vomiting are not uncommon consequences of the exhibition of ergot when the stomach is in an irritable condition. Various other symptoms have been ascribed to the use of ergot, such as weariness of the limbs and itching of the skin. (Trousseau and Pidoux, op. cit. i. 547.) 2. Effects produced by the continued use of ergot as an article of food (Ergotism, Fr.; Raphania, Linn. Vog. Cull. Good; Convulsio raphania, and Eclampsia typhodes, Sauv.; Morbus spasmodicus, Rothm.; Morbus convulsivus, malignus, epidemicus, cerealis, t]-c. Alt.; Kriebelkrankheit, or the creeping sickness, Germ.) —Different parts of the continent, e. g. France (especially in the district of So- logne), Silesia, Prussia, Bohemia, Saxony, Denmark, Switzerland, and Sweden, have been, at various periods, visited with a dangerous epidemic (known by the names above mentioned), which affected, at the same time, whole districts of country, attacking persons of both sexes and of all ages. (Tissot, Phil. Trans. vol. lv.; Rothman, Amcen. Acad. vi. 430.) So long back as 1597 (Tissot) the use of ergotized rye was thought to be the cause of it. Various circumstances have appeared to prove the correctness of this opinion, (Mem. de la Soc. Roy. de Med. i. 1777,) which has been farther confirmed by the effects of ergot on animals, as well as by the occurrence of a disease similar to, if not identical with ergotism, in consequence of the use of damaged wheat. (Phil. Trans, for 1762 • Henslow, op. supra cit.) Yet several intelligent writers have not acquiesced in this view; and the circumstances mentioned by Trousseau (Traite de Therap. i. 527), and by Dr. Hamilton (Practical Observations relative to Midwifery, pt. ii. p. 85), are certainly calculated to throw some doubts on the usually received opinion. Ergotism assumes two types, the one of which has been denominated the con- vulsive, the other the gangrenous ergotism. Whether these arise from different conditions of the ergot, or from peculiarities on the part of the patient, or from the different quantity of the ergot taken, we are hardly prepared now to say. In convulsive ergotism the symptoms are, weariness, giddiness, contraction of the muscles of the extremities, formication, dimness of sight, loss of sensibility, vora- cious appetite, yellow countenance, and convulsions, followed bv death. In the gangrenous ergotism there is also experienced formication ; that "is, a feeling as if insects were creeping over the skin, voracious appetite, coldness, and insensibility of the extremities, followed by gangrene. (Christison, Treat, on Poisons, 3d ed. p. 833; Orfila, Toxicol. Gen.) 80 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Uses.—To Dr. Stearns, of the United States, is due the credit of introducing ergot of rye to the notice of the profession as an agent specifically exciting uterine contractions. (New York Med. Repos. vol. xi. 1807, quoted in the United States Dispensatory.) In 1614 a paper was published by Mr. Prescot, (Med. andPhys. Journ. vol. xxxii. p. 90, 1815,) on the effects of it in exciting labour-pains, and in uterine hemorrhage. It was net employed in England until 1824. The follow- ing are the principal uses of it: 1. To increase the expulsatory efforts of the womb in protracted or lingering labours.—When the delay of delivery is ascribable solely to the feeble contrac- tions of the uterus, ergot is admissible, provided, first, that there be a proper con- formation of the pelvis and soft parts; secondly, that the os uteri, vagina, and os externum, be dilated, or readily dilatable, and lubricated with a sufficient secretion; and, lastly, that the child be presenting naturally, or so that it shall form no great mechanical impediment to delivery. A natural position of the head is not an absolute essential for the use of ergot, since this medicine is admissible in some cases of breech presentation. (Dr. F. H. Ramsbolham, Lond. Med. Gaz. xiv. 86.) The circumstances which especially contra-indicate or preclude the use of this medicine are those which create an unusual resistance to the passage of the child: such are, disproportion between the size of the head and of the pelvis, great rigidity of the soft parts, and extraneous growths. Moreover, " earliness of the stage" of labour is laid down by Dr. Bigelow (Quart. Journ. of Literature, Science, and Arts, ii. 53), as a circumstance contra-indicating the use of ergot. The proper period for its exhibition is when the head of the child has passed the brim of the pelvis. Some practitioners assert that a dilated or lax condition of the os uteri is not an essential requisite for the exhibition of ergot. It has been contended that one of the valuable properties of this medicine is to cause ttye dila- tation of the uterine orifice, and cases are not wanting to confirm these statements. (Bayle, op. cit. p. 539.) 2. To hasten delivery when the life of the patient is endangered by some alarm- ing symptom.—Thus, in serious hemorrhages occurring during labour, after the rupture of the membranes, and where the placenta is not situated over the os uteri, the ergot is especially indicated.1 It has also been employed to accelerate delivery in puerperal convulsions. Five successful cases of its use are recorded by Bayle (Bibl. Therap. iii. 448 and 548), on the authority of Waterhouse, Mit- chell, Roche, Brinkle, and Godquin. But the narcotic operation of ergot presents a serious objection to its use in cerebral affections. 3. To provoke the expulsion of the placenta when its retention depends on a want of contraction of the uterus.—In such cases ergot has often proved of great advantage.0 When the hemorrhage is excessive, the ergot must not be regarded as a substitute for manual extraction, since, during the time required for its ope- ration, the patient may die from loss of blood. (Dr. F. H. Ramsbotham, Lond. Med. Gaz. xiv. 738.) In retention of the placenta from spasmodic or irregular contraction of the uterus, as well as from morbid adhesion, ergot is improper or useless. (Dr. Jackson, Lond. Med. Gaz. iv. 105.) 4. To provoke the expulsion of sanguineous clots, hydatids, and polypi, from the uterus.—Coagula of blood, collected within the womb after delivery, may sometimes require the use of ergot to excite the uterus to expel them, as in the case mentioned by Mackenzie. (Neal, Researches, p. 88.) Ergot is also valu- able in promoting the expulsion of those remarkable formations called uterine hydatids (Acephalocystis racemosa, H. Cloq), and which are distino-uished from the acephalocysts of other parts of the body by their not possessing an inde- pendent life, so that when separated from their pedicles they die. (Cruveilhier, » Dr. Blundell, Lancet for 1827-8, vol. i. p. 805; Dr. F. H. Ramsbotham, Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. xvi. pp 86 and 692. a Dr. Blundell, Lancet, 1827 8, vol. ii. p. 259; Bayle (Bibl. Therap. vol. iii. 541), has recorded nine cases from Balardini, Bordol, Davies, Duchateau, and Morgan; and many others will be found in the medical journals ERGOT OF EVE. 81 Diet. de-Med. et de Chir. Prat. art. Acephalocystes, p. 260.) A successful case of the use of ergot in this affection has been published by Dr. Macgill. (Bayle, op. cit. p. 471.) In uterine polypus, ergot has been exhibited with the view of hastening the descent of the tumour from the uterus into the vagina, so as to ren- der it readily accessible for mechanical extirpation (Dr. H. Davies, Lond. Med. and Phys. Journ. vol. liv. p. 102, 1825); for it is well known, that until this is effected, the patient is continually subject to hemorrhage, which, in some cases, proves fatal. In some instances ergot has caused the expulsion of a polypus. (Lancet, 1828-9, vol. i. p. 24.) 5. To restrain uterine hemorrhage, whether puerperal or non-puerperal.— Ergot checks hemorrhage from the womb, principally, if not solely, by exciting contraction of the muscular fibres of this viscus, by which its blood-vessels are compressed and emptied, and their orifices closed. The experience of physi- cians and surgeons in all parts of the civilized world has fully and incontestably established the efficacy of ergot as a remedy for uterine hemorrhage. (See the list of cases in Bayle's Bibl. Therap. iii. 543.) Maisonneuve and Trousseau, (Bull, de Therap. t. iv.; also, Trousseau and Pidoux, Traite de Therap. i. 540,) have shown that the beneficial influence of ergot is exerted equally in the unim- pregnated as in the impregnated state; proving, therefore, that the contrary statement of Prescott and Villeneuve is incorrect. Even in a case of cancer of the uterus they have found it check the sanguineous discharge. In females subject to profuse uterine hemorrhages after .delivery, ergot may be admi- nistered as a preventive, just before the birth of the child. (Roche, Diet, de Med. et Chir. Prat. art. Ergot, p. 455.) Even in placenta presentations, a dose or two of ergot may be administered previously to the delivery being under- taken. (Dr. F. H. Ramsbotham, .Lond. Med. Gaz. xiv. 660.) To restrain ex- cessive discharge of the lochia or catamenia, this remedy is sometimes most hpneficial 6. To provoke abortion, and to pramote it when this process has commenced and is accompanied with hemorrhage.—Under certain circumstances the practitioner finds it expedient to produce abortion : as in serious hemorrhage during preg- nancy, and in deformed pelves which do not admit the passage of a full-grown foetus. In such cases the ergot may be employed with great advantage (Lond. Med. Gaz. xiv. u. 434 ; also, Dr. Weihe, in op. cit. vol. xviii. 543). When abor- tion has already commenced, ergot may be employed to quicken the process and check hemorrhage. 7. In leucorrluza and gonorrhoea.—Ergot was first given in leucorrhcea by Dr. M. Hall (Lond. Med. and Phys. Journ. May, 1829); and was subsequently em- ployed by Dr. Spajrani (Lancet, Feb. 5th, 1831) with success; and in eight cases by Dr. Bazzoni (Bayle, p. 509): seven of these were cured by it. Dr. Negri, (Lond. Med. Gaz. xiii. p. 369,) published seven successful cases "of its use. Its efficacy has been confirmed by many other practitioners. Dr. Negri also used it with apparent benefit in gonorrhoea, in both the male and female. He concludes that " secale cornutum has a peculiar action on the mucous membranes; but if exhibited when there is a state of acute inflammation, their morbid secretion may be considerably increased ; on the contrary, when a more chronic form of inflam- mation does exist, the secale cornutum may have a beneficial influence in arrest- ing their preternatural discharge." 8. In hemorrhages generally.—The power possessed by ergot of exciting uterine contractions, readily explains the efficacy of this agent in restraining sanguineous discharges from the womb; but we can in no way understand how hemorrhage from other organs can be influenced by it. We are not, however, to deny the therapeutic power of a medicine merely because we cannot explain its modus medendi, though we are justified in requiring abundant proofs ere we admit, it. It must be acknowledged, that a considerable number of cases have been published in proof of the power possessed by ergot of checking hemor- 82 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. rhages from other organs (as the nose, gums, chest, stomach, and rectum) than the uterus-1 But having found it unsuccessful in my own practice, seeing that in the hands of others it has also failed, (Trousseau and Pidoux, Traite de Therap. i. 546,) and knowing how difficult it is to ascertain the influence of remedies on hemorrhages, I think further evidence is required to prove the anti-hemorrhagic powers of ergot. 9. In amenorrhea.—Some few cases have been published tending to show that ergot possesses emmenagogue properties (Neal, Researches, p. 79). It appears to me to be more calculated to cause than to relieve amenorrhoea. 10. In other diseases.—Ergot has been employed in various other diseases with apparent success ; viz., intermittent fever, (Dierbach, op. cit. p. 444,) paraplegia, &c. (Bayle, op. cit. p. 548). Administration.—Ergot is usually given in the form either of powder or infusion. The decoction, less frequently the tincture, and still more rarely the extract, are also used. Latterly the ethereal oily extract and oil have been used. 1. PULVIS SECALIS CORNUTI. Pulvis Ergotce.—This powder is only to be pre- pared when required for use. The dose of it, for a woman in labour, is twenty grains; to be repeated at intervals of half an hour for three times; for other occasions (as leucorrhoea, hemorrhages, &c.) five to ten or fifteen grains, three times a day : its use should not be continued for any great length of time. It may be taken mixed with powdered sugar. It has had the various names of pulvis parturiens (more correctly pariurifaciens), pulvis ad partum, pulvis partum accelerans, ^obstetrical powder, SfC 2. INFUSUM SECALIS CORNUTI. Infusum Ergotce.—Ergot, bruised, 3j.; boiling water, fgiv.; macerate until cold, in a slightly covered vessel, and strain. The dose, for a woman in labour, is one-third or one-half of this, to be repeated, at in- tervals of half an hour, until the whole be taken. Sugar, aromatics (as nutmeg or cinnamon), or a little wine or brandy, may be added to flavour it. 3. DECOCTUM SECALIS CORNUTI. Decoctum Ergotce. —Ergot, bruised, 3j.; water, 3vj. Boil for ten minutes in a lightly covered vessel, and strain. The dose is one-third of the strained liquor, to be repeated, at intervals of half an hour, until the whole be taken. 4. TINCTURA SECALIS CORNUTI. Tinctura Ergotce.—Ergot, bruised, 3ss.; rec- tified spirit, gvj.; digest for four days, and strain. The dose, in lingering labours, is a teaspoonful. This is the formula of Dr. Robert (Dierbach, Neuesten Entd. ind. Mat. Med. i. 147, 1838). A tincture is recommended by Carus (Lehrb. d. Gynacologie, i. 280, 1827). At Apothecaries' Hall, London, tincture of ergot is prepared by digesting ergot, gij. in proof spirit, Oj. Another formula has been published (Lancet, 1827-8, vol. ii. p. 435) :—Ergot, bruised, 3j.; boiling water, 3ij. Infuse for twenty-four hours, and add rectified spirit, 3iss. Digest for ten days. Half a drachm of this tincture is said to be equivalent to ten grains of the powder. One or two spoonsful of a tincture of ergot (prepared by digesting 3ss. of ergot in 3iv. of rectified spirit) mixed with water, has been recommended as an injection into the uterus in difficult labour. It is to be introduced between the head of the child and the neck of the uterus (Berlinisches Jahrbuch. Bd. xxxviii. 234, 1837). 5. OLEUM ERGOTM; Oil of Ergot.—The liquid sold in the shops under the name of pure oil of ergot is obtained by submitting the ethereal tincture of ergot (which is procured by percolation, see vol. i. p. 334,) to evaporation by a very gentle heat. Its colour is reddish brown. Mr. Wright (Ed. Med. and Surg. Journal, vol. liv. p. 52) states that this depends on the age of the ergot, and that when obtained from recent specimens it is not unfrequently entirely free from colour. Its taste is oily and slightly acrid. It is lighter than water, and is soluble in alcohol and in solutions of the caustic alkalis. It is probably a mixture of several proximate » See the cases of Drs. Spajrani, Pignacco, and Gabini, in the Lancet for 1830 and 1831; and of Dr Necri in the Lond. Med. Gaz. xiii. 361. CEREALIA. 83 principles. I made a guinea-pig swallow a fluid drachm of it: the only obvious effect was copious and frequent diuresis. Two fluid drachms diffused through water and injected into the jugular vein of % dog, caused trembling of the muscles, paralysis of the hind, and great weakness of the fore, legs, which lasted for more than two days. The respiration and action of the heart were exceedingly rapid. The saliva streamed copiously from the mouth. The pupil was strongly dilated before the experiment, and no obvious change in it was induced by the oil. Mr. Wright found the oil very energetic. A drachm, he states, injected into the jugular vein caused dilatation of the pupil, feeble, slow, and intermittent action of the heart, deep and interrupted respiration, general paralysis, insensibility to punc- tures, and death in two hours and forty minutes. According to evidence adduced by Mr. Wright, the oil possesses the same influence over the uterus as that of the crude drug; that is, it occasions powerful uterine, contractions. To produce this effect it should be given in doses of from 20 to 50 drops in any convenient vehicle, as cold water, warm tea, or weak spirit and water. The essential solution of ergot used by Mr. Lever (Lond. Med. Gaz. N. S. vol. ii. for 1839-40) to promote uterine contraction, is essentially a solution of the oil of ergot. It was prepared by digesting 3iv. of powdered ergot in f 3iv. of ether during seven days. The tincture was submitted to spontaneous evaporation, and the residue dissolved in f 3ij. of ether. The dose of this solution is from TT].xv. to rrixxx. on a lump of sugar. Antidote.—The proper treatment to be adopted in a case of poisoning by an overdose of ergot has not been accurately determined. The first object would be of course, to evacuate the poison from the alimentary canal by the use of emetics or purgatives. As chlorine decomposes ergotin, Phoebus recommends the employ- ment of chlorine water. In the absence of this, nitrohydrochloric acid (properly diluted) might be exhibited. The subsequent treatment should be conducted on general principles. OTHER DIETETICAL, OR MEDICINAL, CEREALIA. 1. Rice (Oryza sativa, fig. 129) is the ordinary sustenance of many Oriental nations. Being less laxative than the other cereal grains, it is frequently prescribed by medical men as a light, Fig. 129. Fig. 130. Fig. 131. Oryza sativa. Panicum miliactum. Zea Mays. 84 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. digestible, uninjurious article of food in diarrhoea and dysentery; and in consequence it is, with the public, a reputed drying and astringent agent. Various ill effects, such as disordered vision, &c, have been ascribed to the use of rice;« but without any just grounds. Neither does there appear to be any real foundation for the assertions of Dr. Tytler {Lancet, 1833-4, vol. 1.), that malignant cholera (which he calls morbus oryzeus.') is induced by it. ..... 2. Common Millet (Panicum miliaceum, fig. 130), and Italian Millet {Setaria italica), are cultivated in Italy as articles of food. . . . 3. Maize or Indian Corn (Zea Mays, fig. 131) is nutritive; but being deficient in gluten, is not adapted for manufacture into bread. It is apt to occasion diarrhoea in those unaccustomed to it. (Dunglison, Elem. of Hygiene, p. 289.) In America, Asia, and some parts of Europe, it is used largely for human sustenance.3 Order VIII.—ACORACE,E, Lindl.—THE SWEET FLAG TRIBE. Acoroide*, Agardh, Sckott. Essential Character.—Flowers hermaphrodite, surrounded with scales. Spathe leafless, not rolled up. Stamens complete, opposite the scales, with two-celled anthers turned inwards. Ovaries distinct. Fruit baccate, finally juiceless. Seeds albuminous, with the embryo in the axjs.—Rhizome jointed. Leaves ensiforrn, embracing each other in the bud (Schott). Properties.—Acorus Calamus is the only plant of the family whose properties are known. AC'ORUS CAL'AMUS, Linn. L. E. (U. S.)—COMMON SWEET FLAG. Sex. Syst. Hexandria, Monogynia. (Rhizoma, L.—Rhizome, E.) History—This is probably the axogov of Dioscorides. (Lib. i. cap. 2.) Dr. Royle says that in Persian works akoron is given as its Greek appellation. It must not be confounded with the" xaXa/jtog agupctrtxbs of Dioscorides, which, according to Dr. Royle, (Essay on the Antiq. of Hindoo Med. p. 33,) is Andro- pogon Calamus aromaticus. (Royle, vide p. 52.) Botany.—Gen. cuar.—Flowers arranged upon a spadix. Spatha none. Pe- rianth of six pieces or scales, inferior. Stigma sessile. Capsule indehiscent. (Hooker?) Sp. char.—Anticipate [two-edged] scape rising much above the spadix. (Hooker.) Rhizome thick, rather spongy, with many long roots, aromatic, like every part of the herbage, but much more powerfully so. Leaves erect, two or three feet high, bright green, near an inch broad. Stalk like the leaves, except being thicker below the spadix, and not quite so tall. Spadix about a foot above the root, a little spreading, two or three inches long, tapering, covered with a mass of very numerous, thick-set, pale-green flowers, which have no scent, except when bruised. A very narrow wavy membrane may be observed at the base of the spadix, which, perhaps, ought to be taken into the generic character as a spathe (Smith).—Pe- rennial : flowers in June. Hab.—It is a native of this country, growing in watery places about the banks of rivers, and is very plentiful in the rivers of Norfolk, whence the London market is supplied. It grows also in other countries of Europe, in Asia, and in the United States. Description.—The dried underground stem (rhizoma, L.; radix acori veri seu radix calami aromatici, Offic.) occurs in the shops in flattened pieces four or five inches long, and about as broad as the thumb ; jointed, somewhat curved, of a spongy or corky texture internally; of a yellowish brown or fawn colour externally, and buffy, with a slight roseate hue, internally. Their fracture is short: their upper surface is marked transversely with the vestiges of the leaves 1 Bontius, Account of the Diseases, Jfat. Hist. Sec. of the East Ind.. translated into Enelish n I2r» i7r,o- inH Bricheteau, in Tortuelle's Elem. de Hygiene, We ed. 8 ' P- lzi>' 17bJ • and i For further information respecting Maize, consult Cobbett's Treat, on CobbeWs Corn; Quart /■«»«, /»„„■,• i.; aad Mem. de I'Acad. Roy. de Med. U ii. p. 206. Parie, 1833. * —pt, perhaps, that derived'from its * Manufacture of Palm Catechu.—From the seeds is obtained an a=,r,n™n. extract, which constitutes two (or perhaps more) kinds of the substancTcalled PALM OIL. 91 catechu in the shops. It is largely procured in Mysore, about Sirah, in the following manner :—" Areca nuts are taken as they come from the tree, and boiled for some hours in an iron vessel. They are then taken out, and the re- maining water is inspissated by continued boiling. This process furnishes Kassu, or most*astringent terra japonica, which is black, and mixed with paddy husks and other impurities. After the nuts are dried, they are put into a fresh quantity of water, boiled again, and this water being inspissated, like the former, yields the best or dearest kind of catechu, called Coury. It is yellowish brown, has an earthy fracture, and is free from the admixture of foreign bodies." (Dr. Heyne, Tracts, Historical and Statistical, on India.) Properties of Palm Catechu.—None of the commercial extracts, called catechu, are distinguished by any name referring to the catechu palm ; and the description hitherto given of palm catechu is too slight and vague to enable us to recognise it with certainty.1 OTHER MEDICINAL PRODUCTS OP PALMACEjE. Fig. 138. 1. Palm Oil (Oleum Palmce) is imported from the western coast of Africa, principally from Guinea, where it is procured by expression from the fruit of the Elais guineensis (tig. 138). It has a solid consistence, a rich orange-yellow colour, a sweetish taste, and an agreeable odour, some- what similar to that of the rhizome of theFloren- tine orris. By exposure to light it is bleached. It consists of Oleine, Margarine, and about two- thirds of its weight of Palmitine. The last-men- tioned substance is a white solid fat, composed of palmitic acid (C32 H33 O4) and glycerine. The Africans use palm oil as butter. It is emollient and demulcent, like the other fixed oils, but is rarely employed in medicine. By the public it is occasionally employed by way of friction in bruises, sprains, &c. It is a constituent of the common black bougie. Its ordinary use in this country is in the manufacture of yellow soap. It readily becomes rancid. It may be bleached by the solar rays, by sulphuric acid, or by chlorine. 2. The term Dragon's Blood (Sanguis Dra- conis) is applied in commerce to certain resinous substances which are mostly obtained from some palms of the genus Calamus. But the term is also applied to a product of the Dracama Draco[vide Liliace^.], as also to a substance obtained from the Pterocarpus Draco [vide LEGUMiNOSiE]. Lieut. Wellstead says, that in Socotra, Dragon's blood exudes spontaneously from the stem of a tree, Alhenaum, (May 16, 1835; also, Journ. of Royal Geographical Society). Dragon's blood is now never used in medicine in this country. The following are the kinds of it which I have met with: a. Dragon's blood in the reed; Dragon's blood in sticks; Sanguis Draconis in baculis.—This occurs in dark reddish-brown sticks, of from twelve to eighteen inches long, and from a quarter to half an inch in diameter, enveloped with the leaf of theTalipat palm (Corypha umbraculifera), and bound round with slender slips of cane (probably the stem of Calamus pelmus). It is sup- posed to be obtained from a species of Calamus, perhaps C. Draco. /3. Dragon's blood in oval masses; Dragon's blood in drops; Sanguis Draconis in lachrymis, Martius.—This occurs in reddish-brown lumps of the size and shape of an olive, enveloped with the leaf of Corypha umbraculifera or Corypha Licuala, which thus connects them together in a row, like the beads of a necklace. This kind is rare in English commerce. It is obtained, according to Rumphius, by rubbing or shaking the fruit of Calamus Draco in a bag. A resinous exudation is by this means separated, and is afterwards softened by heat, and made up in these masses. Elais guineensis. 1 For an account of the varieties, properties, composition, effects, and urea of catechu, vide Acacia Catechu. Beutiafrondota, and JVauclea Ganbir 92 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. y. Dragon's blood in powder.—This is a reddish powder of very fine quality, imported from the East Indies. It is probably the dust obtained from the fruit of the C. Draco, in the way just described. ] Dios- cor. Sibth. Stem woody, simple, cylindrical, short. Leaves fleshy, amplexicaul, first spread- ing, then ascending, lanceolate, glaucous green, flat above, convex below, armed with hard, dis- tant, reddish spines, perpendicular to the mar- gin ; a little mottled with darker colour; the parenchyma slightly coloured brown, and very distinct from the tough leathery cuticle. Scape axillary, glaucous reddish, branched. Spike cylindrical-ovate. Flowers at first erect, then spreading, afterwards pendulous, yellow, not Various Species of Aloe. ALOES. 113 larger than the stamens. (Lindley.)—Beneath the epidermis of the leaves, in peculiar parallel vessels, is found a brownish-yellow, bitter, resinous juice. This plant is a native of the East Indies and Barbary, and is cultivated in the West In- dies, Italy, Sicily, and Malta. It yields Barbadoes Aloes. A. vulgaris has been subdivided by some botanists into A. abyssinica and A. barbadensis. 2. Al'oe socotri'na, Lam. De Cand— Stem woody, straight, one and a half feet high or more, naked below, where it is strongly marked with the scars of leaves. Leaves amplexicaul, ascending, ensiform, green, curved inwards at the point, convex below, rather concave above, Fig. 142. marked with numerous small white marginal serratures, the parenchyma abounding in a bright brownish-yellow juice. Raceme cylindrical, unbranched. Flowers scarlet at the base, pale in the middle, green at the point. Stamens unequal, three of them longer than the flowers. (Lindley.)—The leaves contain, in peculiar vessels, a yellow juice, which, when ex- posed to the air, becomes violet, and ultimately brown. This juice is more copious and bitter than that of Aloe vulgaris. Aloe'socotrina is said to be a native of the island of Socotra, and to yield socotrine (and real hepatic ?) aloes ; but further evidence is required to establish these statements. Lieut. Wellstead (Journal of the Royal Geograph. Soc. vol. v.) says, the hills on the west side of this island are covered for an extent of miles with aloe plants ; and he observes, that it is Aloe socotrina. not likely, at any future period, that the whole quantity will be collected which might be required. 3. Al'oe spica'ta, Thunb. L. D___Stem three to four feet high, as thick as a man's arm. Leaves thick, fleshy, broad at the base, gradually narrowing to the point, channelled, full two feet long, distantly toothed, with a few white spots ; their parenchyma almost colourless. Spike a foot long, very compact, with the flowers campanulate and horizontal. The three petals broader, ovate, obtuse, white, with a triple green line, the sepals narrow, less concave. Stamens much longer than the perianth. The flowers are filled with a purplish honey. (Lind- ley.)—This species is a native of the interior of the Cape of Good Hope, and con- tributes to yield Cape Aloes. Preparation.—The finest kind of aloes is obtained by evaporating the juice which flows spontaneously from the transversely-cut leaves. This juice is lodged in vessels running longitudinally beneath the epidermis. The exudation of it is promoted by dipping the leaves in hot water. But if pressure be employed the proper aloetic juice becomes mixed with the mucilaginous liquid of the leaves, and thus an inferior kind of aloes is obtained. A still commoner variety is procured by boiling the leaves, from which the juice has been previously allowed to escape, in water. In the island of Socotra the leaves are plucked at any period, and by anyone who chooses to take the trouble; and after being placed in a skin, the juice is al- lowed to exude from them. (Wellstead, Journ. of the Royal Geograph. Soc. vol. v.) In Barbadoes the aloes is best procured in the month of March. It is obtained as follows:—" Every slave hath by him three or four portable tubs. The leaves being cut near the roots, are thrown into these, with their broken ends down- wards ; and as the leaves are full of large longitudinal veins or vessels, they yield an easy passage to the juice (which is of a greenish yellow colour) to drip out. This being boiled for about five hours in a copper or kettle, the watery particles evaporate, and the remainder comes to a consistency and thickening as sugar doth when sufficiently boiled. The way to know when it is enough boiled is, to dip a stick in the liquor, and observe whether the aloe sticking to it, when cold, breaks short: if it doth, then it is boiled to perfection, and fit to be poured 10* 114 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. into gourds or calabashes, or other vessels for use."1 Dr. Wright (Lond. Med. Journ. vol. viii. p. 219,) says, that in Jamaica, the leaves contained in hand- baskets, or nets, are boiled in water, and the strained liquor evaporated to a proper consistence, and then poured into gourds or calabashes. Mr. George Dunsterville, surgeon of Algoa Bay, and lately one of my pupils, has furnished me with the following information respecting the manufacture of Cape aloes. " A shallow pit is dug, in which is spread a bullock's hide or sheep's skin. The leaves of the aloe plants in the immediate vicinity of this pit are stripped off, and piled up on the skin, to variable heights. These are left for a few days. The juice exudes from the leaves, and is received by the skin beneath. The Hottentot then collects in a bucket or other convenient article the produce of many heaps, which is then put in an iron pot capable of holding 18 or 20 gallons. Fire is applied to effect evaporation, during which the contents of the pot are con- stantly stirred to prevent burning. The cooled liquor is then poured info wooden cases of about three feet square by one foot deep, or into goat or sheep skins, and thus is fitted for the market. In the colony, aloes realizes about 2\d. to 3$d. per lb." Mr. Dunsterville also informs me, that the Hottentots and Dutch boors em- ployed indiscriminately different species of Aloe in the preparation of Cape aloes. He adds that " The Cape aloes, which is usually prized the highest in the Eng- lish market, is that made at the Missionary Institution of Bethelsdorp (a small village about nine miles from Algoa Bay, and chiefly inhabited by Hottentots and their missionary teachers). Hence it is called Bethelsdorp Aloes. Its superiority arises, not from the employment of a particular species of Aloe, for all species are indiscriminately used, but from the greater care and attention paid to what is technically called * the cooking of the aloes,' that is, the evaporation, and to the absence of all adulterating substances (fragments of limestone, sand, earth, &c.) often introduced by manufacturers." Description and Varieties.—I am acquainted with seven varieties of aloes, namely, Socotrine, Hepatic, Barbadoes, Cape, Mocha, Caballine, and Indian, l. Socotrine Aloes:—(Aloe socotrina ; Aloe socotorina, and Aloe indica, E).a A few years ago this kind of aloes was brought by way of Smyrna, and hence was frequently termed Turkey Aloes. But since the expiration of the charter of the East India Company it is usually brought by way of Bombay. It comes over in skins3 contained in casks (holding from 11 to 15 cwt. each), kegs, and chests. Its consistence and colour are subject to considerable variation. The exterior portion of each skinful is usually hard, but the internal portion is frequently soft or even semiliquid. The hardened portions vary in colour in different parts of the same mass; sometimes they are garnet red, at other times much paler, and when quite dry are golden red, and yield a golden yellow powder. By exposure to the air the colour is deepened. The fracture of fine selected pieces is smooth, glassy, and conchoidal; but Socotrine aloes of excellent quality often breaks with a roughish fracture. The finest kind of Socotrine aloes which I have met with had the semitransparent red colour observed when we break a fine tear of myrrh. Thin films of pure and hardened Socotrine aloes are usually translucent or nearly transparent. The odour of fresh broken pieces (especially when breathed on), is very fragrant, and is much stronger in recent and soft specimens. The same agreeable odour is obtained by heating the aloes on the point of a knife in a candle. By distillation with water we obtain a liquid having the same odour, but free from any bitter taste. When fresh, Socotrine aloes possesses consider- Mef^Jm?™ wf'riii1' of4^rhadoes> p-154' This account is further confirmed by that of Mr. Millington, Lond. a I have received from Dr. D. Maclagan, Lecturer on Materia Medica in Edinburgh, twospecimens of aloes, one marked « True Socotrine Aloes, garnet red in their fragments;" the other •■ Alois given to me as True Soco- trine, rough fracture nearly garnet red in thin fragments. Included under Aloe indica, Ed .Pharm." Both kinds are Socotrine aloes. "" DUlu lwuu 31 am informed that tbey are the skim of the Gazelle. ALOES. 115 able acidity, and Mr. Hennell informs me, that in the preparation of the Com- pound Extract of Colocynth he has frequently observed the fatty acid of the soap set free by the acid of the Socotrine aloes. When a package of Socotrine aloes arrives at a druggist warehouse, it is usu- ally garbled or sorted. The finest, clear, and hard pieces are separated for sale. The soft portions are placed upon slabs or in shallow tin trays, or other vessels, and exposed to a very gentle heat to harden them (hardened Socotrine aloes), and at the same time to preserve the favourite colour of this kind of aloes. Mr. Whipple, who has had great experience in these matters, informs me, that "the loss would be frightful, if, after selecting or separating the clean aloes, the skins were not washed and the aloes obtained by subsequent evaporation." In the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia the following characters are assigned to the Ah'6 socotrina: " In thin pieces, translucent, and garnet red; almost entirely soluble in spirit of the strength of sherry. Very rare." But Socotrine aloes as imported is not "in thin pieces ;" this character being given to it in the garbling process, or by drying the soft portions in thin layers as above-mentioned. Translucency and a garnet red colour are qualities not pos- sessed by many fine specimens of Socotrine aloes. The alcoholic strength oj sherry is subject to variation, and, therefore, the statement of the College as to the solubility of Socotrine aloes, is not very definite. Lastly, as to Socotrine aloes being very rare, I may observe that Mr. Hennell, of Apothecaries' Hall, informs me (Dec. 21, 1841) that he will be happy to take an order for 500 lbs. of it. The impure and dirty pieces of Socotrine aloes are sometimes melted and strained (Strained Socotrine aloes), by which its colour and odour are impaired, and its other qualities somewhat altered. Socotrine aloes has long been regarded as the best kind of aloes, though its commercial value is now below that of Barbadoes aloes. It is, I suspect, inferior in activity. Socotrine aloes is mentioned by Avicenna and Mesue, both of whom regarded it as the best kind. By Fee (Cours. d'Hist. Nat. Pharm. t. i. p. 325), and some other continental writers, it is confounded with Cape aloes. The aloes prepared in the island of Socotra is probably procured from Aloe socotrina. In 1833, the quantity exported from this island was 83 skins, or 2 tons. But a much larger quantity might be procured if required. (Wellstead, Journ. Geograph. Soc. vol. v.) Sir Whitelaw Ainslie (Materia Indica, vol. i. p. 9) says that the greater part of the extract now sold under the name of Socotrine aloes is prepared in the kingdom of Melinda. Two samples (one of which I have in my museum), brought direct from the island of Socotra by a friend of Professor Royle, are largely intermixed with foreign substances, as sand, skins, &c. 2. Genuine Hepatic Aloes: Liver-coloured Socotrine Aloes (Aloe hepatica vera. 1 Aloe indica, E.)1 1 have never met with any description of this kind ; and I suspect continental writers confound it with the foregoing variety. In English commerce it is always regarded as distinct. It is brought to us from Bombay (hence it is sometimes called Bombay or East India Aloes) in skins, contained in casks holding from 200 to 300 pounds.3 Its odour is very much the same as that of the Socotrine kind, or perhaps it is a 11 suspect hepatic aloes is included by the Edinburgh College under " Aloe indica." For in preparing De- coction of Aloes the College orders Socotrine or Hepatic Aloes, though the term hepatic does not occur in the list of Materia Medica. • Mr. Whipple informs me that it is " received in packages varying from 56 lbs. to 12 cwt. casks most com- monly in firkins. Lately it has come over in boxes lined with tin, and holding about 56 lbs All of these ex- cept the last, contain the skin packages." ' 116 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. little less fragrant. It is distinguished from the latter by its opacity and its liver colour. I have a sample of this aloes quite soft or semiliquid. The similarity of the odour of Socotrine and hepatic aloes leads to the suspicion that they are obtained from the same plant; and which is further confirmed by the two being sometimes brought over intermixed, the Socotrine occasionally forming a vein in a cask of the hepatic aloes. By digestion in rectified spirit of wine, a yellowish granular powder (in appearance something like lycopodium) is obtained, which is insoluble in water, alcohol, ether, and dilute sulphuric acid, but is readily soluble in a solution of caustic potash, forming a red-coloured liquid. 3. Barbadoes Aloes: Aloes in gourds (Abe barbadensis, Ph. Ed.)—This is the kind denominated by most continental writers (as Geiger, Theod. Martius, Pfaff, Fee, and others), Hepatic Aloes (Aloe hepatica), but its colour is not constantly that of the liver. It is imported from Barbadoes or Jamaica in gourds, weighing from 60 to 70 pounds, or even more than this. It varies in colour from a dark brown or black (brown or black Barbadoes aloes) to a reddish-brown or liver colour (liver-coloured or hepatic Barbadoes aloes): even in the same gourd a dif- ference of colour is occasionally observed. The fracture also varies, sometimes being dull, at other times glossy. Its unpleasant odour (which is much increased by breathing on it) will always distinguish it from the foregoing kinds. Its pow- der is of a dull olive-yellow colour. This kind of aloes is obtained from the Aloe vulgaris. 4. Cape Aloes: (Aloe capensis : A. lucida of Geiger).—This kind is imported, as its name indicates, from the Cape of Good Hope. It is brought over in chests and skins, the latter being preferred, as the aloes contained therein is usually purer and more glossy. It has a shining, resinous appearance, is of a deep brown colour, with a greenish tint, and has a glossy or resinous fracture; its edges, or thin laminae, viewed by transmitted light, have a yellowish red or ruby colour; its odour is stronger and more disagreeable than the Barbadoes aloes; its powder is greenish yellow. Some of the commoner kinds of Cape aloes have a rough fracture. The finest kinds of Cape aloes are called Bethelsdorp aloes (see p. 114). Occasionally it has been imported of a reddish brown colour (like that of the liver, and opaque liver-coloured or hepatic Cape aloes). Some years since an ex- perienced dealer bartered 3 lbs. of Cape aloes for 1 lb. of what he thought to be the genuine hepatic aloes, but which turned out to be a fine sort of Cape aloes. I presume this is the kind which Professor Guibourt (Hist, des Drog. simpl. t. ii. p. 418, 3me ed.), to whom I sent a specimen of it, terms Aloes hepatique faux. Its odour, when breathed on, instantly detects it. Cape aloes is procured from Aloe spieata, and perhaps also from other species, as A. arborescens, Mill., A. commelyni, Willd., A. mitriformis, Willd. (Lindley, Flora Medica.) 5. Fetid, Horse orCabaiiinc Aloes (Aloe cabdllina).—1 have never met with any aloes under this name in English commerce. From Professor Guibourt I have received two substances, which he denominates Alois Caballin. a.. One is impure or foot Cape aloes. @. The other is in black opaque masses. Its fracture is uniform. It is difficult to pulverise, ad- heres to the pestle, gives a greenish powder, has very little odour, and yields a dark brown decoction. It is probably an extract prepared by boiling the leaves in water. Professor Guibourt (Hist, des Drog. ii. 419) says Caballine aloes is procured either in the countries which furnish ordinary aloes, or in Spain or Senegal. 6*. Mocha Aloes (Aloe de Mocha).—Under this name I found in a drug ware- house, where it had lain for many years, an impure kind of aloes, in large irre- gular masses, opaque, and black externally, intermixed with sand, strings, &c. In its brittleness, odour, and the pale colour of its decoction, it resembles Cape aloes. The interior of the mass is not uniform: in some places it is dark and opaque, somewhat like Barbadoes aloes; in other places it resembles Socotrine ALOES. 117 aloes, and here and there we find portions having the transparency and resinous appearance of Cape aloes. Recently this kind of aloes has been imported under the name of Mocha aloes from Muscat, in chests containing nearly 2 cwt. each.1 i. Indian Aloes (Aloe Indica ; not the Aloe indica of the Edinburgh Pharma- copoeia).—Through the kindness of Professor Royle, I have examined four kinds of aloes brought from the interior of India: *. Aloes from Northern India.—Is dull, black and brittle, and has little odour. It came from the northern parts of India, where it is common in the bazaars. It is probably the kind which Ainslie (Mat. Ind. vol. ii. p. 10) says resembles Barbadoes aloes. /3. Guzerat Aloes.—Is dark, more gummy in its appearance and feel, more difficult to fracture. It came from Guzerat. , . y. Salem Aloes.—In blackish masses. It was brought from Salem. It is distinguished from all the preceding by the numerous large air cavities observed in its interior. Its odour is analogous to that of Socotrine aloes. Its price is marked one anna and nine pice [about two- pence-halfpenny] per pound. $. Trichinopoli Aloes.—Resembles Cape aloes in its brittleness, odour, and colour, but is more opaque. Its price is marked two annas [about three-pence] per pound. These aloes are probably the produce, in part at least, of Aloe indica (Royle Bot. of the Himalayan Mountains); a species with reddish flowers, common in dry situations in the northwestern provinces of India, and which, if known to Roxburgh, was included by him in the A.perfoliata, Linn., and perhaps also of A. vulgaris, or the plant mentioned by Rheede. (Hort. Malab. ii. t. 3.) Composition__Aloes has been analyzed by Trbmmsdorf (Ann. de Chim,. t. lxviii. p. 11, 1808), by Bouillon-Lagrange and Vogel (Ann. de Chim. t lxviii. p. 155), by Braconnot (Journ. de Physiq. t. lxxxiv. p. 334,1817), and by Winkler (Geiger, Hand, de Pharm. Bd. ii. p. 782, 1829). Trommsdorf. Bouillon-Lagrange and Vogel. Braconnot. Winkler. Socotrine. Saponaceous principle 75 Vegetable albumen-.. 0 Gallic Acid..........trace Barbadoes. 81-25 6-25 12-5 trace Soc. Extractive 68 Vegetable ) n albumen j Bar 52 42 6 Soc. Bitter princ. 73 Puce do. 26 Impurities 1 Soc. | Bar. Bitter matter 50 60 Albumen ... 0 5 Aloes............... 100 10000 100 100 100 100 100 1. Aloesin, Pfaff, (Saponaceous Matter ; Extractive; Bitter Principle). This is the principal constituent of aloes. It is contained in the cold infusion of aloes, and also in a decoction which has cooled ; it may be obtained from either by evaporation. Thus procured it is a brown and bitter mass, readily soluble in water, but difficultly so in spirit of wine. In pure alcohol or ether it is said to be insoluble or nearly so. Besides carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, it contains nitro- gen, for it yields ammonia by destructive distillation, and furnishes carbazotic acid when treated by nitric acid. Aloesin is probably a mixture or compound of various proximate principles. Ob- tained as above, Braconnot says it contains some of the puce-coloured principle, which may be removed by oxide of lead. 2. Resin.—The substance which deposits from a decoction of aloes as it cools is usually deno- minated resin. Braconnot says it is a mixture of aloesin and puce-coloured principle; while Berzelius regards it as apotheme combined with unaltered extract. It is transparent, brown, fu- sible, soluble in alcohol, ether and alkaline solutions. The puce-coloured principle of Braconnot is an odourless and tasteless powder, combustible, but not fusible; and is prepared by digesting aloes with water and oxide of lead : a compound of the puce principle and the oxide is procured, which is to be washed and decomposed by weak nitric acid : the oxide is dissolved, and the puce principle left. From Braconnot's observations, this principle seems to be rather oxidized extrac- tive (apotheme, Berz) than resin. 3. Vegetable Albumen.—This term is applied to a substance insoluble in both water and alco- hol. 4. Aloetic Acid.—This is the acid which Trommsdorf supposed to be gallic acid. A solution of aloes reddens litmus, darkens ferruginous solutions, but does not precipitate gelatin : hence Trommsdorf assumed the presence of gallic acid. But while gallic acid causes a blue colour with the persalts of iron, infusion of aloes produces an olive brown one. Furthermore, if excess of diacetate of lead be added to the infusion, and sulphuretted hydrogen be passed through the ' Mr. Whipple tells me, thnt in dissolving and straining Mocha aloes, he has never found less than 25 pfr ceni. of impurities (sand, stone, &.c.) 118 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. filtered liquor, to throw down the excess of lead, the boiled and strained liquor possesses the property of becoming olive brown on the addition of sesquichloride of iron. Hence it appears to me that the acid is a peculiar one, and I have accordingly termed it aloetic acid. It must not be confounded with the acid obtained by the action of nitric acid on aloes, and which has also been termed aloetic acid. Meissner (Pfaff's Mat. Med. vol. vii. p. 171) has given the name of Aloine to a supposed alkali in aloes. Its solution was brown, and acted as an alkali on reddened litmus paper. With sul- phuric acid, aloine formed a crystalline salt. Winkler (Schwartz, Pharm. Tabell. p. 294, 2te Ausg.) regards aloes as a neutral vegetable salt, composed of two peculiar basic substances (viz. a non-bitter resin, and a bitter substance), and an acid, viz. a colouring, non-bitter matter. Fabroni (Ann. de Chim. xxv. 301) obtained a fine violet colour from the recent juice of the Aloe, which has been proposed as a dye for silk. It is formed by the action of the oxygen of the air on the juice. Chemical Characteristics.—Aloes is almost completely soluble in boiling water. The cold decoction of Cape aloes is much paler-coloured than that of any other kind of aloes. Barbadoes aloes yields the deepest-coloured decoction. When the decoction of aloes cools, the substance called resin is deposited. The clear solution reddens litmus, strikes a deep olive brown tint (aloetate of iron) with sesquichloride of iron, is deepened in colour by alkalis, but is unchanged by gelatin. Diacetate of lead forms a copious yellow precipitate with it. When aloes is heated with nitric acid, nitrous fumes are evolved, and the princi- ples of which aloes consist are oxidized. The residuum has an intensely bitter taste, and is termed Artificial Aloebitter (Kiinstliches Aloebitter). It is probably a mixture of several principles. The products of the action of nitric acid on aloes have occupied the attention of several dis- tinguished chemists; but the results of their experiments, though highly interesting, are not uniform. Braconnot (Ann. de Chim. lxviii. 28), and Chevreul (Ann. de Chim. lxxiii. 46), ex- amined the reaction. The former applied the term aloetic acid to the residual solid; which Liebig1 subsequently declared to be a mixture of nitric or nitrous acid, carbazotic acid, and a peculiar, non-acid, resinous red matter. Boutin (Journ. de Pharmacie, t. xxvi. p. 185), has more recently examined the reaction of nitric acid on aloes, and he states the products to be poly- chromatic acid (the aloetic acid of Braconnot), composed, according to Pelouze, of C's H3 Na O13, oxalic acid, carbazotic acid, and cyanile. Schunk (Kane's Elements of Chemistry, p. 1034), states that by the action of nitric acid on aloes, he obtained four peculiar acids, viz. aloetic acid, aloeresinic acid, chrysammic acid, Cts Hs N3 012-l-Aq., and chrysolepic acid, C'2 H3 Na 013+Aq. Physiological Effects, a. On Vegetables.—Not ascertained. (3. On Animals.—Aloes is the ordinary purgative for solipedes (the horse, the ass, the zebra, &c.) as it is both safe and sure. In horses, previously prepared by two or three bran-mashes to soften the dung, the dose is from five to seven drachms. (Youatt, The Horse, p. 211.) It acts slowly, requiring from eigh- teen to forty-eight hours for its operation. (Moiroud, Pharm. Veter. p. 26.) Mr. Youatt informs me that aloes is a valuable purgative for the dog, in doses of from one to three drachms, and with the addition of from one to three grains of calo- mel. Barbadoes aloes is preferred by veterinarians, as being more effective than Cape aloes, in the ratio of about seven to five. Aloes proves purgative to oxen, sheep, and pigs, but, as in the other cases, it operates slowly. (Wibmer's Wirh d. Arzneim.) Moiroud (op. cit.) injected into the veins of a horse four drachms of aloes dissolved in water with a little alcohol, and the next day an ounce more, without any other effect than the evacuation of a large quantity of urine. The dung, however, was enveloped by a thin pellicle formed by altered intestinal mucus. This was collected and analzyed subsequent to the death of the animal (which followed three days after the injection): it offered scarcely any traces of the con- stituents of the bile. y. On Man.— Taken internally in small doses, aloes acts as a tonic to the alimentary canal, assisting the digestive process, strengthening the muscular fibres, and promoting the secretions, especially that of the liver, which orean it t------------------------------------------------_____& . 1 Poggendorff's Annalen, xiii. 205; also Liebig and Poggendorff's Handworterbuch d. Chem. S. 268. 1837. ALOES. 119 is thought specifically to influence. In large doses it acts as a purgative. There are, however, some' peculiarities attending its cathartic operation deserving of notice. In the first place, these effects are not so speedily produced as by some other purgatives ; for eight, twelve, and sometimes twenty-four hours elapse before they are produced. Secondly, aloes acts especially on the large intestines, and a full dose is in some persons apt to produce heat and irritation about the rectum and tenesmus, and, in those troubled with hemorrhoids, it is said not un- frequently to increase, or even to bring on, the sanguineous discharge. Fallopius (opera omnia, p. 109, Francof. 1600,) tells us that of one hundred persons who used aloes as a purgative, ninety were affected with the hemorrhoidal flux, which ceased when the use of aloes was omitted. But though this statement has been often quoted as an objection to the use of aloes, it is of little importance, as there is no evidence that the disease was brought on by aloes. The uterus, in common with all the pelvic viscera, is stimulated by aloes. A determination of blood towards these organs, and a fulness of the blood-vessels (especially of the veins), are produced, and thus uterine irritation and menorrhagia are apt to be increased by aloes, while in amenorrhoea and chlorosis it may occasionally act as an emmenagogue. Dr. Wedekind (Rust's Magazin, 1827, Bd. 24, Heft. 2. S. 304), says that small doses of aloes often occasion erection, and increase the sexual feelings. The purgative effects of aloes do not arise merely from their local action on the alimentary canal, since this effect is sometimes produced when the medicine has been neither swallowed nor given by the rectum. Thus Monro primus (Works, p. 306, 1781,) tells us, that the tincture of aloes applied to a caries of the bone produced purging; and it is said (Mem. de la Soc. Roy. de Med. Paris, torn. ii. p. 162,) that an aloetic pill used as a stimulant to an issue had a similar effect; lastly, applied to a blistered surface it has the same operation. So that the pur- gative action of aloes appears to be of a specific kind. According to Dr. Wedekind, (op. cit.; also Lancet, vol. i. 1827-8, p. 347,) the operation of aloes depends on the increased secretion of bile which is produced by the specific action of this medicine on the liver. He founds this opinion on the results of various experiments. Thus he says, that if aloes be added to purgatives (a laxative infusion and sulphate of soda) whose operation is speedy, its effects do not take place for some hours after those caused by the other purgatives ; and he also asserts, that the evacuations in the second purging differ from those of the first both in appearance and smell. Moreover, he found that as long as the stools were white or gray in icterus, the aloes did not purge even when exhibited in large doses; but the purgative effect supervened immediately after the fascal matter began to contain bile, proving that the presence of bile in the intestinal canal is a necessary condition of the purgative effect of aloes. But in Moiroud's experiment above quoted, no effect seemed to be produced on the hepatic secretion. In all probability, the increased secretion of bile, the irritation about the rectum, the disposition to hemorrhoids, and the vascular excitement of the sexual organs, all of which are said to be produced by aloes, are the effects of a stimulant action exerted by this medicine over the venous system of the abdomen, and especially of the pelvis. Dr. Greenhow (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. xix. p. 270,) ascribes a diuretic effect to aloes, and his statement is corroborated by Moiroud's experiment. Socotrine aloes is said not to be so apt to occasion hemorrhoids as the Bar- badoes kind. Some years since, Dr. Clutterbuck instituted numerous experi- ments at the General Dispensary, Aldersgate Street, which I witnessed, to de- termine the effects of the different kinds of aloes, but scarcely any difference in their operation on the human subject was perceptible. However, it is probable that Cape aloes is less powerful in its action on man, as it is on the horse, than the Barbadoes kind. But the difference is less obvious in the human subject, on 120 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. account of the comparative smallness of the dose required to produce the purga- tive effect. As a purgative, aloes holds an intermediate rank between rhubarb and senna. Vogt (Pharmakodynamik, Bd. ii. S. 334, 2te Aufl.), places it between jalap and rhubarb. From rhubarb it is distinguished by its more stimulant influence over the large intestines and the pelvic organs : from senna by its feebler action as a purgative, by its slow operation, and by its tonic influence when given in small doses. It irritates less powerfully than either jalap or scammony ; further, its influence over the blood-vessels of the viscera is greater than these. Uses.__The uses of aloes may be readily inferred from the remarks already made. It is evidently not adapted for those cases in which a speedy effect is required ; and it is, therefore, useless to add it to purgatives to quicken their operation. It is vvell fitted for cases of costiveness where there is a scanty secre- tion of bile, and for torpid conditions of the large intestines, especially when attended with deficient uterine action. Some of the ill effects ascribed to the use of aloes are probably imaginary, and others are much exaggerated. (On the Use and Abuses of Aloes, Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. iv. p. 139.) It is, however, advi- sable to avoid the use of this purgative in inflammatory conditions and organic diseases of the liver, in biliary calculi, in mechanical impediments to the passage of the blood through the branches of the portal veins, in hemorrhage from any of the pelvic organs (as the uterus and rectum), in irritation of the rectum, pro- state gland, or bladder, in pregnancy, &c. For we have many other equally effi- cient purgatives, to the use of which, in these cases, no ill consequences have been ascribed. While, therefore, I concur with Dr. Fothergill (Med. Obs. and Inq, vol. v. p. 173,) in advising that the exhibition of aloes should be avoided when the menses are about to cease, I am not prepared to admit that " the piles, strangury, immoderate discharges of the menses, racking pains in the loins, representing labour pains, and other similar complaints," are frequently induced by this medi- cine. On the contrary, I suspect this catalogue of the evils of aloetic purges to be much overcharged. " Aloetic medicines," says Dr. Denman, (Introd. to the Pract. of Midwifery,) " are forbidden during pregnancy, lest they should do mis- chief by their supposed deobstruent qualities ; but they are cheap and conve- niently given in the form of pills, and I have not observed any bad effects from them." The emaciation, stricture of the rectum, and enteritis, referred to by Dr. Grenhow (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. xix. p. 270) to the long-continued use of aloetic medicines, ought doubtless to be ascribed to other causes. The following are some of the cases in which the use of aloes has been ad- vised : 1. In loss of appetite, and dyspepsia, depending on a debilitated condition of the digestive organs, accompanied by costiveness, but unattended with any signs of local irritation, aloes may be given in small doses as a stomachic. 2. In habitual costiveness, depending on deficiency of bile, or on a sluggish condition of the large intestines—particularly in hypochondriacal or studious per- sons, or in those whose habits or occupations are sedentary—aloes, given in suffi- cient doses to purge, will be found a very useful medicine. A torpid state of the colon, with large fsecal accumulation, is not unusual in females. (Copland, Diet. Pract. art. Colon, torpor of.) In such the use of aloes is often attended with much benefit. 3. To excite the menstrual discharge aloes is frequently employed. It has been supposed that by determining an afflux of blood to the pelvic organs, aloes would stimulate the uterine vessels, and thus relieve deficient menstruation connected with atonic conditions of the uterus. But it often fails: indeed Dr. Cullen (Treat. of the Mat. Med.) says that it rarely succeeds. 4. To reproduce the hemorrhoidal discharge, aloes has been frequently em- ployed in large doses. Serious affections of the head, or of other parts, have ALOES. 121 sometimes disappeared on the occurrence of the hemorrhoidal flux; and, there- fore, in persons who have been subject to this discharge, but in whom it has stop- ped, it is advisable to attempt its re-establishment, with the view of relieving other more serious disorders. 5. To promote the secretion of bile where a deficiency of this fluid does not arise from hepatic inflammation—as in some forms of jaundice which are un- connected with biliary calculi, inflammation, mechanical obstruction of the ducts, &c. 6. In cerebral affections.—The compound decoction of aloes is a most valua- ble stimulating purgative for elderly persons in whom a tendency to apoplexy ex- ists, especially in cold and phlegmaiic habits. It will frequently be necessary to conjoin other cathartics, as the infusion of senna. 7. As an anthelmintic, a decoction of aloes, used as an enema, has been effi- cacious in the small thread-worm (Ascaris vermicular is). Administration.—On account of its nauseous taste, aloes is frequently given in the form bf pill (pilulce aloeticce, offic.) One or two grains seldom fail to pro- duce one stool, which seems to be merely an evacuation of what may be sup- posed to have been present for the time in the great intestines (Cullen). The or- dinary dose is five grains; but ten, fifteen, or even twenty grains are sometimes given. 1. PILULiE ALOES COMPOSITE, L. D.; Pilulce Aloes, E.; Compound Pills of Aloes___(Aloes [hepatic, D.], powdered, 3j.; Extract of Gentian, 3ss.; Oil of Caraway, frixl.; Syrup, as much as may be sufficient, L. D. Beat them to- gether until incorporated.—The Edinburgh College orders of Socotrine Aloes and Castile Soap, equal parts ; Conserve of Red Roses, a sufficiency. Beat them into a proper pill mass. This pill may be also correctly made with the finer qualities of East Indian Aloes, as the Socotrine variety is very scarce; and many, not without reason, prefer the stronger Barbadoes aloes, E.)—The addition of Syrup, ordered by the London and Dublin Colleges, is unnecessary and improper, for the aloes and extract react on each other, and become so soft, that not unfre- quently some powder is necessary to give the mass a proper consistence. (Dun- can, Edinburgh Dispensatory.) This pill is a valuable purgative in habitual cos- tiveness. Dose, five to fifteen grains. 2. PILULE ALOES CUM MYRRHA, L. D.; Pilulce Aloes et Myrrha, E. (U. S.); Pilulce Rufi, offic.; Pills of Aloes and' Myrrh ; Rufus's Pills.—(Aloes [hepa- tic, D.; Socotrine or East Indian, E.], 3ij- [four parts, E.]; Saffron [one part, E.~\, Myrrh, of each 3j. [two parts, £.]; Syrup [Conserve of Red Roses, E.~\, as much as may be sufficient. Rub the aloes and the myrrh separately to powder; then beat the whole together until incorporated.) [Aloes, 3ij.; Myrrh, 3j. ; Saf- fron, 3ss.; Syrup, q. s.; M. To be divided into 480 pills, U. S.] Used as a purgative in chlorosis and amenorrhoea. Dose, ten to twenty grains. %. PILULjE ALOES ET ASSAFOETID/E, E. (U. S.); Pills of Aloes and Assafoetida.— (Aloes (Socotrine or East Indian), Assafoetida, and Castile Soap, equal parts. Beat them, with Conserve of Red Roses, into a proper pill mass.)—Used in dyspepsia attended with flatulence and costiveness. Dose, ten to twenty grains. 4. PILULE ALOES ET FERRI, E.; Pills of Aloes and Iron.—(Sulphate of Iron, three parts ; Barbadoes Aloes, two parts ; Aromatic Powder, six parts ; Con- serve of Red Roses, eight parts: Pulverize the aloes and sulphate of iron sepa- rately ; mix the whole ingredients, and beat them into a proper mass, which is to be divided into five-grain pills.)—A valuable emmenagogue in atonic amenorrhoea and chlorosis. Dose, one to three pills. S. PULVIS ALOES COMPOSITUS, L. D—Compound Powder of Aloes. (Aloes VOL. II. 11 122 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. [hepatic, D.], 3iss.; Guaiacum Resin, 3j.» Compound Powder of Cinnamon, 3ss. Rub the aloes and the guaiacum resin, separately, to powder ; then mix them with the compound powder of cinnamon).—Purgative and sudorific. Seldom used. Dose, ten to twenty grains. 6. PULVIS ALOES CUM CANELLA, D. (U. S.); Hiera Picra, offic—Powder of Aloes and Canella.—(Hepatic Aloes, lb. j.; Canella bark, 3uj. Powder them separately, and then mix.) A popular emmenagogue. Dose, five to fifteen grains. 7. DECOCTUM ALOES COMPOSITUM, L. D.; Decoctum Aloes, E.; Compound De. coction of Aloes.—(Extract of Liquorice, 3vij. [3ss. E.] ; Carbonate of Potash, 3j. [Bij. E.]; Aloes [hepatic, D. or Socotrine, E.], powdered ; Myrrh, powdered, Saffron, of each 3iss. [3i. E.]; Compound Tincture of Cardamom, f3vij. [f3iv. EA • Distilled Water, Oiss. [fgxvi. E.~\ Boil down the liquorice, carbonate of pot- ash, aloes, myrrh, and saffron, with the water, to a pint [f3xii. E.]; and strain; then add the compound tincture of cardamom.)—A most valuable preparation. A mild cathartic, tonic, antacid, and emmenagogue. Used in the before-mentioned cases, in doses of f3ss. to f3ij. Acids, acidulous salts, and most metallic salts, are incompatible with it. If it be desirable to conjoin chalybeates with it, either the Ferri Polassio-tartras, L., or the Ammonice Ferro-tartras, may be added to the cold decoction without undergoing decomposition. 8. EXTRACTUM ALOES PURIFICATUM, L.; Extractum Aloe"s Hepaticce, D.; Pun. fed Extract of Aloes.—(Aloes powdered, 3xv., Boiling Water, Cong. j. Mace- rate for three days with a gentle heat; afterwards strain, and set by, that the dregs may subside. Pour off the clear liquor, and evaporate it to a proper con- sistence).—A most unnecessary preparation. It is intended to deprive the aloes of the substance called resin, on which its irritating and griping qualities have been erroneously supposed to depend. Dose, five to fifteen grains. 9. TINCTURA ALOES, L. D. E. (U. S.); Tincture of Aloes.—(Aloes [Socotrine, D. Socotrine or Indian, _E.] coarsely powdered, 3j-; Extract of Liquorice, 3iij.; Water, Oiss.; [Oj. and f3viij. £.]; Rectified Spirit, Oss. [f3xii. E.~\ Macerate for fourteen [seven, D. E. with occasional agitation, E.] days, and strain.—The Dublin College dissolves the liquorice in f3xvj. of water, and adds f3xvj. of proof spirit, instead of the water and rectified spirit used by the London and Edinburgh Colleges.—"This tincture cannot without difficulty and delay be prepared by per- colation," E.)—Purgative and stomachic. Dose, 3ij- to 3j- 10. TINCTURA ALOES COMPOSITA, L. D.; Tinctura Aloes et Myrrhce, E. (U. S.); Elixir Proprietatis of Paracelsus, Compound Tincture of Aloes.—(Aloes [Socotrine or Indian, E.] coarsely powdered, 3iv. (3iij. U. S.); Saffron, 3ij. (3i. U. S.); Tincture of Myrrh, Oij. Macerate for fourteen [seven, E.] days, and strain, L. The Dublin College omits the saffron. This tincture cannot be well prepared by percolation, E.)—Purgative, stomachic, emmenagogue. Used in cold, sluggish habits. Dose, 3ss. to 3j. 11. VINUM ALOES, L. D. E. (U. S.); Tinctura Sacra. Wine of Aloes.— (Aloes [Socotrine, D.] rubbed to powder, 3ij.; Canella, powdered, 3iv.; Sherry Wine, Oij. [Oiss. and Proof Spirit, Oj. wine measure, D.] Macerate for four- teen days, frequently shaking, and strain.) The Edinburgh College uses Aloes (Socotrine or East Indian), 3iss.; Cardamom seeds ground ; Ginger in coarse powder, of each 3iss.; Sherry, Oij. Digest for seven days, and strain through linen or calico. [The U. S. P. directs Aloes, 3i.; Cardamom, Ginger, aa. 3i.; Wine, Oj. Macerate for fourteen days and filter.} Wine of aloes is purgative in doses of fSss. to f3ij.: stomachic in doses of f3j. to f3ij. 12. ALOE COLATA; Strained Aloes. (Melt Aloes in a metallic vessel heated by steam or hot water, and strain through a hair or wire sieve). By this process aloes is deprived of foreign matters with which it is frequently mixed. Its phy- sical properties suffer some change. Its colour, for example, is deepened. SQUILL. 123 Aloes is a constituent of several other preparations, (as Extractum Colocyn- thidis compositum, L. D., Pilulce Colocynthidis, E.; Pilulce Rhei composita, L. E.; Pilulce Cambogice, E., Pilulce Cambogice composite, L. D.; Pilulce Sagapeni compositce, L.; Tinctura Rhei et Aloes, E.) which will be described hereafter. 2. SQUIL'LA MARIT'IMA, Steinheil, E.-THE SEA-ONION, OR OFFICINAL SQUILL. Scilla maritima, Linn. L. D. Sex. Syst. Hexandria, Monogynia. [Bulbus recens, L. Bulbus, D. Bulb, E.) (Scilla, U. S.) History___The Egyptians worshipped a bulbous plant called by Lucian Kpojxfxuov, and which Pauw (Phil. Diss, on the Egypt, and Chinese, vol. i. p. 130, 1795,) asserts to be the squill, and further suggests that it was the red variety (? Squilla Pancration, var. a. Bulbo rufo, Steinheil.) Pythagoras (Pliny, Hist. "Nat. lib. xix. cap. 30) is said to have written a volume on the medicinal properties of squill, and to have invented the acetum scillce. Hippocrates em- ployed squill (tfxiXXa) internally, (de victfis ratione,) externally, (de ulceribus,) and as a pessary. (De. Nat. Mul.) Botany. Gen. ciiar.—Sepals three, coloured, spreading. Petals very like them, and scarcely broader. Stamens six, shorter than the perianth ; filaments smooth, somewhat dilated at the base, acuminate, entire. Ovary three-parted, glandular and melliferous at the apex ; style smooth, simple ; stigma obscurely three-lobed, papillose. Capsule rounded, three-cornered, three-celled. Seeds numerous, in two rows, flattened with a membranous testa. (Lindley, from Steinheil.) S]j. char.—Leaves very large, consequently spreading. Bracts long. Flowers white; flower-bud somewhat acute. Anthers yellow. Ovarium thick, yellow- ish. Bulb very large (Steinheil). (Ann. Sc. Nat. t. vi. p. 272, 2de Ser.) Bulb roundish-ovate, half above ground. The leaves appear after the flowers ; they are broad, lanceolate, twelve to eighteen inches long. Scape about two feet high, terminated by a dense long raceme. Hah.—Shores of the Mediterranean, viz. Spain, France, Sicily, Africa, &c. Navarino has long been celebrated for its squills. In its native soil the plant flowers about August. Description.—The fresh bulb (bulbus recens, L.; radix recens, offic.) is pyriform, of the size of the fist to that of a child's head, and is composed of thick, fleshy, smooih, shiny scales, attenuated at their edges, closely applied over each other, and attached to a conical disk (a rudimentary stem) which projects infe- riorly, and gives origin to the root fibres, the remains of which are to be fre- quently found in the bulbs of commerce. The outer scales are usually dry, thin, coloured, membranous, or papery. By cracking the inner or fleshy scales, numerous spiral vessels may be drawn out. On submitting the cuticle of the scales to a microscopic examination, numerous acicular crystals (raphides) are perceived in cells, which are distinguished from the surrounding angular cells, by being larger and elliptical. The pulvis scillce, offic. contains nine or ten per cent. of these crystals. Two kinds of squills, both abounding in an acrid juice, and having a very bitter taste, are met with in commerce; viz. the white (squilla alba), and the red (squilla rubra), (is the red kind the Squilla Pancration, var. a. Bulbo rufo, Steinheil 1) both of which are so called from the colour of the scales. The white is preferred in England. In the London Pharmacopoeia the fresh bulbs are directed to be M-eserved in dry sand ; and, before drying them, the dry rind is to be remove*; they are then to be cut transversely into thin slices, and dried as quickly as possible with a gentle heat. 124 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Dried squill (radix scillce siccata, offic.) is, however, for the most part im- ported, in consequence of the duty being no higher for this than for the recent bulb. It occurs in white or yellowish white, slightly diaphanous pieces, which, when dry, are brittle, but when moist are readily flexible. As their affinity for moisture is great, they should be preserved in well-stoppered bottles, or in a very dry place. Squill is imported from Malta, and other countries of the Mediterranean. Also from Petersburg and Copenhagen. (Trade List, Sept. 11, and Nov. 20, 1838.) Composition.—The more recent analyses of squill are those of Vogel, in 1812 (Ann. de Chim. t. 83, p. 147), and of Tilloy, in 1826 (Journ. de Pharm. xii. p. 635). Buchner (Berl. Jahrb. xv. p. 1), in 1811, examined the juice of the fresh bulb. VoaeVs Analysis of Squills, dried at 212° F. Scillitin with some sugar...... 35 Tannin...................... 24 Gum......................... 6 Woody fibre, and some ci- 1 trate (and perhaps tar- > 30 trate) of lime.............j Acrid volatile matter, Loss......................... 5 Squill bulb................... 100 Tilloy's Analysis of dried and fresh Squills. Acrid, bitter, resinous extractive (Scillitin). Uncrystallizable sugar. Gum. Fatty matter. Piquant, very fugaceous matter. Squill bulb. Buchner's Analysis of fresh Squill bulb juice. Peculiar bitter extractive.. Mucilage................. Gelatinous matter (Traga- canthin ?).............. Phosphate of lime........... 031 Fibrous matter.............. 333 Water......................79 01 Astringent Acid............traces Loss........................ 4 40 9-47 3-09 094 Squill juice.................10060 1. Acrid, volatile ? matter.—It is well known that squill, in the recent state, is very acrid, and, when applied to the skin, causes irritation, inflammation, and even vesication. By drying, the greater part of this acridity is got rid of; and hence the acrid principle is usually described as being of a volatile nature, and, in confirmation of its volatility, Athanasius (Pfaff, Mat. Med. Bd. v. S. 18), states, that two ounces of water distilled from fresh squills caused the death of a dog in six hours. However, by others, its volatility is denied ; and Vogel says, that six ounces of water distilled from fresh squills had no effect on dogs. Buchner (Toxikologie, 340), states, that besides the bitter scillitin, squill contains, according to his experiments, another principle, wHeh is combined with phosphate of lime, and which is capable of exciting itching and inflam. mation. This acrid matter may be easily decomposed, but is not volatile, as is generally sup- posed. 2. Scillitin (Scillitile, Thomson).—The substance to which Vogel gave the name of Scillitin is a whitish transparent deliquescent substance, which, when dry, has a resinous fracture, and may be easily rubbed to powder. Its taste is bitter, and subsequently sweetish. It readily dis- solves in water, spirit of wine, and acelic acid. The substance sold in the shops under the name of Scillitin is a thick treacle-like liquid. Landerer (Thomson's Org. Chem. p. 717), obtained crystals of Scillitin. He says they possessed alkaline properties. 3. Raphides (Phosphate of Lime ?) The acicular crystals found in the cuticle of the scales of the bulb, as before mentioned, probably consist of phosphate of lime. These perhaps are the needle-like crystals obtained by Vogel by evaporating the juice of the bulb, and which he re- garded as citrate of lime. Chemical Characteristics.—An aqueous decoction of squills is pale, and very bitter. Sesquichloride of iron communicates an intense purplish blue colour • (gallate of iron) to it. Gelatin has scarcely any effect on it. Nitrate of silver forms a white precipitate (chloride of silver) soluble in ammonia, but insoluble in nitric acid. Oxalate of ammonia renders the decoction turbid, and after some time causes a white precipitate (oxalate of lime). Diacetate of lead and protoni- trate of mercury form precipitates in the decoction. Tincture of nutgalls has no effect on it. Starch is not recognisable in it by iodine. Alkalis heighten the colour of the decoction. Physiological Effects, a. On Vegetables.—Not ascertained. (3. On Animals.—An ounce of powdered squills acts as a diuretic on horses and other large animals; the same effect is produced on smaller animals by half a drachm. *(Moiroud, Pharm. Veter.) When the dose is large, squill acts as a poison. It first causes local irritation ; then its active principle becomes ab- sorbed, affects the nervous system, and thereby quickens the respiration, causes convulsions, and death. (Orfila, Toxicol. Gen.) Hillefeld, (Marx, Die Lehre squill. 125 von d. Giflen, vol. ii.) mentions paralysis produced in a rabbit by nineteen grains of powdered squill. Emmert and Hoering (Meckel's Archiv. B. 4, Heft 4, S. 527,) states that squill juice introduced into the abdominal cavity, became absorbed. y. On Man.—In small doses it acts as a stimulant to the excretory organs. Thus it promotes secretion from the mucous membranes (especially the bronchial and gastro-intestinal) and the kidneys. Its most marked effect is that of a diuretic. Its expectorant effects are less obvious and constant. Sometimes, when it fails to act on the kidneys, it increases cutaneous exhalation. Its influence on secreting organs is probably to be referred to the local stimulus communicated to their vessels by the active principle of squill in its passage out of the system, for Em- mert and Hoering (op. cit) have shown that the juice is absorbed, so that squills may be regarded as an acrid even for these remote parts. When it proves diuretic in dropsies, it usually promotes the absorption of the effused fluid—an effect which is, I think, indirect, and a consequence of the diuresis. But Sundelin (Handb. d. sp. Heilm. Bd. ii. p. 17,) observes of squill, that it promotes the secretion of urine less by its local irritation of the kidneys, than by its general excitement of the absorbent apparatus. By the continued use of squill in gradually increased doses, it disturbs the func- tions of digestion and assimilation. I//full medicinal doses, squill excites nausea and vomiting. Purging, also, is not unfrequently produced. When squill proves emetic or purgative, its diuretic operation is much less obvious—a circumstance which CuIIen (Treat, of the Mat. Med. p. 557,) refers to the squill being prevented reaching the blood-vessels and kidneys. Home (Clinical Experiments, p. 384, 1783, 3d ed.), however, alleges that the diuretic effects are not to be expected unless there be some operation on the stomach. But the operation on the stomach may be, as CuIIen suggests, a mere test of the activity of the squills. However, that the effect of squill, in strong doses, is not confined to the alimentary canal, is proved by the fact, that when the vomiting and purging were present, the pulse has been observed to be reduced in frequency, often to forty beats per minute (Home). In excessive doses, squill acts as a narcotico-acrid poison, and causes vomiting, purging, griping pain, strangury, bloody urine, convulsions, inflammation and gangrene of the stomach and intestines. (Murray, App. Med. vol. v. p. 97.) Twenty-four grains of the powder have proved fatal. (Vogel, Journ. de Phys. Ixxv. 194.) Considered with reference to its diuretic effect, squill is comparable with fox- glove. But it exceeds the latter in its stimulant influence over the urinary organs. On the other hand, foxglove is characterized by its powerfully sedative effect on the vascular system; for though squill has, in some instances, reduced the fre- quency of the pulse, this effect is by no means common. Squill, says Voo-t, (Pharmakodyn. ii. 343, 2te Aufl.) preponderates in its action on the inferior or vegetable [organic] life; foxglove, on the other hand, in its action on the higher or animal life. Uses.—The principal uses of squill are as an emetic, diuretic, and expectorant. I. As a diuretic in dropsies.—It is applicable to those cases of dropsy requiring the use of stimulating or acrid diuretics, and is improper in inflammatory cases. It is an unfit remedy for dropsy complicated with granular kidney or vesical irritation; but when these conditions are not present, it is adapted for torpid, leucophlegmatic subjects. Hence, it is more serviceable in anasarca than in either ascites or hydrothorax. It should be given so as to excite a slight degree of nausea (not vomiting), as recommended by Van Swieten. (Comment, upon Boerhaave's Aphorisms, vol. xii. p. 435.) By this means its absorption is pro- moted. The acetate or bitartrate of potash may be conjoined. Calomel.is usually regarded as a good adjunct for promoting the diuretic influence of squill. When it does not purge it is beneficial, but its tendency to affect the bowels is an objec- tion to its use. 11* 126 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. 2. As an expectorant in chronic pulmonary affections admitting of the use of a substance stimulating the capillary vessels of the bronchial membrane. Thus, in chronic catarrh, humid asthma, and winter cough, it is often employed with con- siderable benefit. It is of course improper in all acute cases accompanied with inflammation or febrile disorder. In old persons it is often combined with the tinctura camphorce composita, and with good effect. The oxymel or syrup of squill may be given to relieve troublesome chronic coughs in children. 3. As an emetic it is occasionally used in affections of the organs of respiration requiring or admitting of the use of vomits. Thus, the oxymel is given, with the view of creating sickness and promoting expectoration, to children affected with hooping-cough ; and sometimes, though with less propriety, in mild cases of croup. The great objection to its use is the uncertainty of its operation : in one case it will hardly'excite nausea, in another it causes violent vomiting. Furthermore, it is of course highly objectionable as an emetic for delicate children with irritable stomachs, on account of its acrid properties, and the irritation it is capable, in these cases, of setting up. Administration.—The following are the preparations of squills usually em- ployed : 1. PULVIS SCILLJ1, D.; Powdered Squill—-The directions of the Dublin College for the preparation of this are as follows:—Remove the membranous integuments from the bulb of the squill, cut it into slices, and dry with an inferior heat (be- tween 90° and 100° F.); then reduce them to powder, which ought to be kept in glass bottles with ground stoppers. The bulb loses about four-fifths of its weight by drying : so that six grains of the dry powder are equal to half a drachm when fresh. Powdered squill readily attracts water from the atmosphere, and becomes soft and mouldy; hence the necessity of preserving it in stoppered bottles and in a dry place. It is usually administered in the form of pill. The dose of the pow- der, as an emetic, is from six to fifteen grains ; ten grains being the average. As an expectorant or diuretic we should commence with one grain, and gradually increase the dose until slight nausea is excited. I PILULE SCILLJ! COMPOSITE, L. D. (U. S.); Pilulce Scillce, E. Compound. Squill Pills.—(Squill, fresh dried and powdered, 3j.," Ginger, powdered [3iij. D.] ; Ammoniacum, powdered, each 3ij.; Soap, 3iij.; Syrup [Molasses, D.] as much as may be sufficient. Mix the powders together ; then beat them with the soap, and add the syrup [molasses, D.j so as to obtain a proper consistence. The Edinburgh College takes of powdered Squill, five parts; powdered Ammoniac, and Ginger, and Spanish soap, each four parts; Conserve of Red Roses, twoparts; and forms them into five-grain pills.)—Expectorant and diuretic. Principally used in chronic bronchial affections. Dose from five to twenty grains. It readily spoils by keeping. I TINCTURA SCILLiE, L. D. E. (U. S.); Tincture of Squills.—(Squill, fresh dried [in coarse powder, E.] Jv.; Proof Spirit, Oij.; macerate for fourteen days, and strain, L. The directions of the Dublin College do not essentially differ from these. " Prepare this tincture by percolation, as directed for tincture of cinchona, but without packing the pulp firmly in the percolator. [The U. S. P. directs, of Squill four ounces, diluted Alcohol two pints ; macerate for fourteen days, com- press, and filter through paper; or, this tincture may also be prepared by thoroughly moistening the Squill in powder, with diluted Alcohol, allowing it to stand for twenty-four hours, then transferring to an apparatus for displacement, and gradually pouring upon it diluted Alcohol, until two pints of the filtered liquor are obtained.] It may likewise be obtained by the process of digestion from the sliced bulb." E.)—Expectorant and diuretic. Used in chronic bronchial affections. Dose fl£x. to f 3ss. 4. ACETUM milM, L. D. E. (U. S.); Vinegar of Squills.— (Squill, fresh dried, 3xv. [3viij. D.]; Distilled Vinegar, Ovj. [Oiij. D. wine measure] ; Proof SQUILL. 127 [rectified, D.] Spirit, Oss. [fjiv. D.] The relative proportions used by the Edinburgh College are the same as those of the London College, except that one-tenth less spirit is employed. Macerate the squill with the vinegar, with a gentle heat, in a covered vessel, for twenty-four hours [seven days, D. Ed.]; afterwards press out [the liquor] and set it by, that the dregs may subside: lastly add the spirit to the clear liquor.)—[The U. S. Pharmacopoeia directs, Squill, bruised, four ounces; Distilled Vinegar, two pints; Alcohol, a fluid ounce. The process is the same as that of the Dublin College; or it may be made by displace- ment.]—A most ancient preparation. Expectorant and diuretic. Used in chronic pulmonary affections and dropsies, under the regulations before described. Dose, 3ss. to 3iss. in some aromatic water. It is a constituent of the Mistura Casca- rillce composita, Ph. L. r). OXYMEL SCILLjE, L. D. (U. S.); Syrupus Scillce, E.; Oxymel of Squills. Syrup of Squills.—(Honey [despumated] fbiij.; Vinegar of Squill, Oiss. (Oij. TJ. S.) Boil down in a glass vessel, with a slow fire, to a proper consistence, L. D.—Vinegar of Squills, Oiij.; Pure Sugar, fbvij. Dissolve the sugar in the vinegar of squills, with the aid of a gentle heat and agitation, E.)—Used as an expectorant in chronic catarrhs and asthma, in doses of f 3j. or f 3ij. As an emetic it is sometimes given to children affected with the whooping-cough or croup, in doses of a teaspoonful, repeated every quarter of an hour until vomiting occurs. [6. SYRUPUS SCILLiE, U. S.; Syrup of Squills.—-This is directed to be prepared of Vinegar of Squills, a pint; Sugar, two pounds. Add the sugar to the vinegar of squill, and proceed in the manner directed for Syrup. (See p. 63.) This pre- paration is used in place of the preceding as an emetic and expectorant. In affec- tions of the lungs, where squill is beneficial, it may be employed as an ingredient of cough mixtures, variously compounded. As a common remedy for children in cases of cough or cold, it is with safety directed and commonly used. The dose is f 3ss. to 3j. or 3ij. 7. SYRUPUS SCILLJ1 COMPOSITUS, U. S.; Compound Syrup of Squill; Hive Syrup.—Take of Squill, bruised, Senega, bruised, each, four ounces; Tartrate of Antimony and Potassa, forty-eight grains; Water, four pints; Sugar, three pounds and a half. Pour the water upon the squill and senega, and having boiled to one-half, strain, and add the sugar; then evaporate to three pints, and, while the syrup is.still hot, dissolve in it the tartrate of antimony and potassa. Another mode of preparation is, to take of Squill in coarse powder, Senega in coarse pow- der, each four ounces; Tartrate of Antimony and Potassa, forty-eight grains; Alcohol, half a pint; Water, a sufficient quantity ; Sugar, three pounds and a half. Mix the alcohol with two pints and a half of water, and macerate the squill and senega in the mixture for twenty-four hours. Put the whole in an apparatus for displacement, and add as much water as may be necessary to make the filtered liquor amount to three pints. Boil the liquor for a few minutes, evaporate to one- half, and strain ; then add the sugar, and evaporate until the resulting syrup mea- sures three pints. Lastly, dissolve the tartrate of antimony and potassa in the syrup, while it is still hot. This preparation is a modification of that made according to the formula given by Dr. J. R. Coxe, and which goes by the name of Coxeh Hive Syrup. In the former editions of the Pharmacopoeia, the formula of Dr. Coxe was adopted ; and as honey was substituted for sugar, it had the officinal name of Mel Scillce com- positum. The formula above cited authorizes the substitution of sugar for honey, as it is less liable, when prepared as directed, to undergo fermentation—a great desideratum in hot weather. There is no difference between the proportions of the ingredients, so that an equal strength of the two preparations is obtained by both. The latter was introduced in accordance with the recommendation of the Committee of Revision of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. This preparation combines the advantages of squill, senega, and tartarized 128 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. antimony, and is an exceedingly active preparation. In sufficient doses, it ope- rates upon the stomach, producing free vomiting and expectoration. It is used at the commencement of croup, whooping-cough, and catarrhal affections in children, with the view to its evacuant impression. In the inflammatory stages, as an ex- pectorant and nauseant, it may also be employed with advantage, in reduced doses. The dose is from gtt. x. to f 3jM according to the age of the child, repeated every ten or fifteen minutes until it pukes. As an expectorant for adults, the dose is 20 to 30 drops.] Antidote___No antidote is known. The first object, therefore, in a case of poisoning, is to evacuate the stomach; the second, to allay the inflammatory symptoms which may supervene. 5. AL'LIUM SATI'VUM, Linn., L. E. D.—COMMON OR CULTIVATED GARLIC. Sex. Syst. Hexandria, Monogynia. (Bulbus, L. D—Bulb, E.) (Allium, U. S.) History.—This plant was well known to the ancients. The Greeks called it Czcpodov. It was used by Hippocrates. Botany. Gen. char.—Flowers umbellate, with a membranous spathe. Perianth six-parted, permanent, equal. Stamens inserted into the base of the perianth; filaments either all alike, or every other one tricuspidate, with the anther on the middle point. Style subulate; stigma simple. Capsule usually obtusely three- cornered or three-lobed, depressed, three-celled, bursting into three valves through the dissepiments, and containing two or one black angular seed in each cell. (Lindley.) Sp. char.—Bulb surrounded by smaller ones. Leaves linear, entire. Umbel bulbiferous, globose. Spathe ovate, rounded. Segments of the perianth ovate, obtuse. Pistil and stamens exsert. (De Candolle, Bot. Gall.) Stem about two feet high. Flowers whitish. Hai>.—? South of Europe. ? Egypt. 1 Persia. Cultivated in kitchen gardens. It flowers in July. Description.—The bulb (bulbus) is composed of cloves, each furnished with its proper envelopes. Its odour is strong, irritating, and characteristic: its taste is acrid. Composition.—Cadet (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem. ii. 1336,) analyzed garlic. He found the constituents to be acrid volatile oil, extractive (a little) gum, woody fibre, albumen, and water. The ashes contained alkaline and earthy salts. Bouillon- Lagrange has detected, besides these, sulphur, starch, and saccharine matter. (Journ. de Pharm. t. ii. p. 358.) Oil of Garlic has a very acrid taste, a strong smell, and yellow colour. It is heavier than water, and is soluble in alcohol. It contains sulphur, and hence, in burning, produces sulphur- ous acid. According to Cadet, 20 lbs. of garlic yielded only six drachms of essential oil. It strikes a black colour when rubbed with oxide of iron. It is a powerful irritant, and when ap- plied to the skin causes irritation. The Hindoos, according to Dr. Ainslie, (Materia Indica, i. 151), prepare a stimulating expressed oil from garlic, which they give internally in ague, and use externally, in palsy and rheumatism. Physiological Effects.—Garlic is a local irritant. When swallowed, it ope- rates as a tonic and stimulant to the stomach. Its volatile oil becomes absorbed, quickens the circulation, occasions thirst, and is thrown out of the system by the different excretories, the activity of which it promotes, and to whose excretions it communicates its well-known odour. Large doses occasion nausea, vomiting, and purging. Puihn (quoted by Wibmer, Die Wirk. d. Arzneim.) says the expressed juice has proved fatal. the onion. 129 Cses.—Employed by the cook as a flavouring ingredient in various made- dishes, sauces, &c. Rarely used by the medical practitioner. Internally it has been exhibited as a stimulant and stomachic in enfeebled digestion ; as an expec- torant in old chronic catarrhs; as a diuretic in atonic dropsies; and as an anthel- mintic. Externally it has been employed as a resolvent in indolent tumours; as a local irritant or rubefacient applied to the feet to cause revulsion from the head or chest; as an antispasmodic liniment (composed of oil and garlic juice) in infantile convulsions; as a remedy for some cases of deafness, a clove or a few drops of the juice being introduced into the ear. Administration.—A clove may be swallowed, either entire, or, more conve- niently, cut into small pieces. The dose of the fresh bulbs is one or two drachms. The expressed juice mixed with sugar, the infusion of garlic, and a syrup, are sometimes employed. [Syrupus Allii.—Take of fresh garlic, sliced, six ounces; distilled vinegar, a pint; sugar, two pounds. Macerate the garlic in the vinegar in a glass vessel for four days, then express the liquor, and set it by that the dregs may subside. Add the sugar to the clear liquor, and proceed in the manner directed for syrup. This formula was adopted upon the recommendation of Mr. Daniel B. Smith, of Philadelphia, who demonstrated the futility of the old method of preparing syrup of garlic, of which formula (Journal of Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, No. 1, p. 50,) it is a modification. Dose 3i.—J. C] 4. AL'LIUM CETA, Linn., D.—THE ONION. Sex. Syst. Hexandria, Monogynia. (Bulbus, D.) Histohy.—The onion was known and used in the most ancient times. It was employed in medicine by Hippocrates. An onion taken from the hand of an Egyptian mummy, perhaps 2000 years old, has been made to grow. (Muller's Physiol, by Baly, vol. i. p. 29.) Botany. Gen. char.—Vide Allium sativum. Sp. ciiar.— Stem fistulous, ventricose beneath ; longer than the terete, fistulous leaves. Umbel capsuliferous, globose. Segments of perianth linear-elliptic, obtuse; shorter than the stamens and pistil. (Botanicon Gallicum?) Biennial. Flowers whitish. July. Loudon (Encyclopcedia of Gardening) enumerates eighteen varieties deserving of culture. Hah.—Egypt. Cultivated in kitchen gardens. Description.—The bulb (bulbus) is tunicated. When cut, it evolves an acrid principle, having a well-known odour, and a powerful action on the eyes, causing a flow of tears. Its taste is sweet and acrid. Onion juice is colourless, but by exposure to the air becomes reddish. Composition.—According to Fourcroy and Vauquelin (Ann. Chim. Ixv. 161, 1808,) the onion contains an acrid volatile oil, uncrystallizable sugar, gum, woody fibre, albumen, acetic and phosphoric acids, phosphate and citrate of lime, and water. Volatile Oil of Onions.—This is acrid, piquant, colourless, and, like that of garlic, contains sulphur. Physiological Effects.— Analogous to those of garlic, but milder. By boiling onions, the volatile oil is dissipated, and the bulb is deprived of its irri- tating qualities, and becomes a mild esculent substance. Uses.—Extensively used as an article of food and as a condiment. It is very rarely employed in medicine, but is adapted to the same cases as garlic. Raw onions are occasionally taken as an expectorant, with advantage, by elderly persons affected with winter cough. 130 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Administration.—A roasted onion is sometimes employed as an emollient poultice to suppurating tumours, or to the ear to relieve earache. The expressed juice has been given to children, mixed with sugar, as an expectorant. OTHER DIETETICAL, MEDICINAL, OR POISONOUS LIHACEJE. 1. The Crown Imperial (Fritilla'ria Imperia'lis) is said to be a narcotic poison,.(Brandt and Ratzburgh, Giftgewachse,) though Orfila (Tox. Gen.) could not recognise any acridity in it. 2. The recent bulb of the Common White Lily (Lil'ium can'didum) has been used as a diuretic in dropsies. The boiled bulb is employed as an emollient cataplasm. 3. Various species of Allium, besides those already mentioned, are cultivated for culinary purposes: as, A. Por'rum, the Leek; A. ascalon'icum, the Shallot; A. Schmno'prasum, the Chive; A. Scorodo'prasum or Rocambole. Their virtues are analogous to those of the onion and garlic. 4. Squil'la Pancra'tion, Steinh. (n*;*/>*Tiav, Dioscorides^ is said by Steinheil to yield a small bulb of a reddish colour, found in commerce under the name of squill. 5. The root of Ale'tris farino'sa is used in the United States as a tonic. 6. Erythro'nium America'num is emetic. (Wood and Bache, United States Dispensatory.) 7. The fresh rhizome of Solomon's Seal (Convalla'ria Polygona'turn) is a popular application to bruised parts (the eye, for example), to remove the marks. 8. Xanthor'rcea hasti'le and X. arbo'rea, natives of New Holland, yield resinous substances. That FlG. 143. obtained from the first species somewhat resembles gamboge, and is called yellow gum [resin] of New Holland. It has been described by Mr. Kite (Essays and Observ.), who used it in several diseases. More recently Dr. Fish (Dierbach, Neuesten Entd. in d. Mat. Med. from the Boston Journ. vol. x.) has used it in the form of tincture with opium, in fuxus hepa- ticus and diarrhoea. Mr. Johnston (Phil. Trans, for 1839,) says, this resin contains more oxygen than any other resinous substance hitherto analyzed. Its com- position is C*° Hso 012. A red resin, probably from A', arborea, has been recently imported under the name of black-boy gum. 9. The young shoots of Aspa'ragus officina'lis are well-known articles of food. They are diuretic, and communicate a peculiar odour to the urine. Asparamide (formerly called asparagin) is contained in this plant. Its composition is C8 H5 NO5 -4- NHS, 10. Drace'na Dra'co (fig. 143), a native of the Canary Islands and of the East Indies, yields a sub- Drac&na Draco. stance called Dragon's blood. One of these trees growing at Orotava has long been celebrated for its great size and age. Next to the Baobab trees (Adansonia digitata), it is regarded as one of the oldest inhabitants of the earth. (Hum- boldt, Tabl. de la Nature.) Order XIII—SMILACE^E, Lindl—THE SMILAX TRIBE. Essential Character.—Flowers hermaphrodite or dioecious. Calyx and corolla confounded, inferior six-parted. Stamens six, inserted into the perianth near the base; seldom hypogy- nous. Ovary three-celled, the cells one, or many-seeded : style usually trifid ; stigmas three. Fruit a roundish berry. Albumen between fleshy and cartilaginous; embryo usually distant from the hilum.—Herbaceous plants or under shrubs, with a tendency to climb. Stems woody. Leaves reticulated. (Lindley.) Properties.—Those of Smilax are alone known. SARSAPARILLA. 131 SMl'LAX, Ltrm.-SEVERAL SPECIES OF SMILAX YIELDING SARSAPARILLA. Smilax officinalis, L.; and probably other species, E.; Smilax Sarsaparilla, D. Sex. Syst. Dioecia, Hexandria. (Radix dicta Sarza seu Sarsaparilla.) (Sarsaparilla, U. S.) History___Sarsaparilla first appeared in Europe in 1530, and was employed as an antivenereal remedy. (Voigtel, Mat. Med. Bd. i. S. 117.) The Spanish term Zarzaparilla (from zarza a bramble, and parilla a vine) signifies a thorny vine. Botany.—Gen. char.—Dioecious. Perianth six parted, nearly equal, spreading. Male Flowers: stamens six ; anthers erect. Female Flowers: perianth permanent; ovary three-celled, the cells one-seeded ; style very short; stigmas three. Berry one to three-seeded. Seeds roundish; albumen cartilaginous; embryo remote from the hilum. (R. Brown, Prodromus, p. 293.) species.—The following species yield at least part of the sarsaparilla of com- merce : 1. Smilax officinalis, Kunth, L E.—Stem twining, shrubby, prickly, quadran- gular, smooth ; the young shoots are unarmed, and almost round. Leaves ovate- oblong, acute, cordate, netted, five to seven-nerved, coriaceous, smooth, a foot long, and four to five inches broad ; the young ones are narrow, oblong, acumi- nate, and three-nerved. Petioles smooth, an inch long, bearing two tendrils above the base. Flowers and fruit unknown.—Grows in New Granada, on the banks of the Magdalena, near Bajorque. This is called Zarzaparilla by the natives, who transmit large quantities to Carthagena and Mompox; whence it is shipped for Jamaica and Spain. (Humb. Nov. Gen. et. Spec. i. p. 215.) It is probably the source of Jamaica, and perhaps also of Lima and Honduras sarsaparillas. 2. Smilax medica, Schlecht.—Stem angular, armed at the joints with straight prickles, with a few hooked ones in the intervals. Leaves shortly acuminate, smooth, five to seven-nerved ; inferior ones, cordate, auriculate hastate; upper ones cordate-ovate. Peduncle axillary, smooth, about an inch long. Inflorescence an eight to twelve-flowered umbel. Fruit red, size of a"small cherry ; contains one to three reddish-brown seeds. Embryo cylindrical, lodged in horny albumen. —(T. F. L. Nees, PI. Med. Suppl.) Schiede found it on the eastern slope of the Mexican Andes. It is carried from the villages of Papantla, Taspan, Nautla, Misantla, &c, to Vera Cruz, under the name of Zarzaparilla, and is there intro- duced into the European market. The roots are gathered all the year long, dried in the sun, and then tied in bundles for sale. (Linncea, iv. 576, quoted from Lindley's Fl. Med.) This species yields Vera Cruz sarsaparilla. 1. Smilax sipllilitica, Willd—Stem round, strong, with two to four straight prickles at the knots. Tendril long, attached to the apex of the stipules. Leaves oblong-lanceolate, three-nerved, coriaceous, smooth and shining.'—Humboldt and Bonpland discovered it in New Granada, on the river Cassiquiare, between Man- davala and San Francisco Solano. (Nova. Gen. et. Sp. Plant, t. i. 271.) Von Martius (Reise in Brasilien, Bd. iii.,) found it in the Brazils at Yupara and Rio Negro. It yields Brazilian sarsaparilla. 4. Smilax Sarsaparilla, Linn, D. — Stem prickly, somewhat quadrangular. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, cuspidate, almost five-nerved, beneath glaucous (Will- (know). It is a native of Virginia, and other southern states of the American union. There is no evidence that it yields any of the sarsaparilla of the shops. Yet Th. Martius (Pharmakognosie,) ascribes the Vera Cruz variety, which, he says, sometimes comes under the name of American sarsaparilla, to it. Description.—The roots of the preceding, and perhaps of other species, constitute the Sarsaparilla or Sarza of the shops. These are imported, made up in bundles, formed either of the spirally folded roots (sarsaparilla rotunda), 132 ELEMENTS of MATERIA MEDICA. as in the Jamaica and Lima varieties, or of unfolded parallel roots (sarsaparilla hnga), as in the Brazilian variety. Attached to the roots are, in some varieties (as the Lima and Vera Cruz kinds), portions of the rhizome and aerial stem; these constitute what druggists call the chump* On the aerial stem are frequently found the aculei or prickles. The roots are usually several feet long, about the thickness of a writing quill, wrinkled more or less longitudinally, with root-fibres in greater or less abun- dance attached to them. Their colour varies, being more or less red or brown, frequently with a grayish tint. Greater or less care in drying, time of year when collected, soil, and many other circumstances, doubtless modify the colour. The taste of the root is mucilaginous, and slightly acrid. The acridity is only perceived after chewing the root for a few minutes. The odour is somewhat earthy. The radix or runners are composed of two parts, the cortex and meditullium. (See figs. 144 and 145.) The cortex consists of—1st, the cuticle or epidermis; 2dly, a layer of elongated cellular tissue, which I shall call the subcuticular tissue ; 3dly, a layer of hexagonal cellular tissue. The last-mentioned layer is red in Jamaica sarsaparilla : but in the Honduras variety it is thick, white, and amylaceous. The meditullium consists of—1st, a ring of elongated cellular tis- sue analogous to the subcuticular tissue; 2dly, a woody zone, composed princi- pally of reticulated ducts; 3dly, a central tissue analogous to medulla ox pith, consisting of hexagonal cellular tissue, which frequently abounds in starch. The apertures seen in the woody zone, on a transverse section of the root, are the cut extremities of ducts. In structure, then, sarsaparilla root much resembles an ex- ogenous stem, except that it has no medullary rays. The starch globules are small, and are frequently united in masses of three or four; when of four, the masses have a tetrahedral form. Quality.—It is not easy to lay down criteria of the goodness of sarsaparilla; for, on the one hand, in the absence of a correct knowledge of the active princi- ple of this root, we have no chemical tests on which we can rely; and, on the other hand, the immediate and obvious effects of sarsaparilla are so slight that we are unable to ascertain by experience the relative value of different samples. In the drug trade, Jamaica sarsaparilla is esteemed the best; but though I do not doubt the correctness of this opinion, I confess I am unacquainted with any accu- rate comparative experiments on which it is founded. The colour of the root is not to be absolutely depended on ; but roots having a deep orange-red tint are preferred. Taste perhaps is the best criterion : the more acrid and nauseous the taste, the better is the quality of the root. This test has been much insisted on by Dr. Hancock. (Trans. Med. Bot. Soc. 1829.) Many druggists prefer mealy sarsaparilla, that is, sarsaparilla whose cortex is brittle and powdery, and which, on being fractured transversely, throws out a white dust. But this quality, which is so obvious in Honduras sarsaparilla, de- pends on the presence of starch; and, instead of being a test of goodness, is to be regarded as the reverse. The quantity of extract yielded by a given weight of the root has been much depended on by Mr! Battley and Mr. Pope as a test of goodness; both these writers have asserted the superiority of Jamaica sarsapa- rilla, because it yields a larger quantity of extract. But though a sarsaparilla which yields very little extract cannot be regarded as good, yet it does not follow, especially in the absence of comparative trials, that a sarsaparilla which yields the most abundant extract is necessarily the best, since the quantity may arise from the presence of mucilage and other inert matters. The beard is another criterion of goodness : the greater the quantity of root-fibres (technically called beard) the better the sarsaparilla. 1. Jamaica Sarsaparilla, offic; Red-bearded Sarsaparilla (Radix Sarza jamaicensis.) The foots are folded and made up in bundles (sarsaparilla io- tunda) of about a foot or half a yard long, and four or five inches broad. These SARSAPARILLA. 133 bundles are neither trimmed nor closely packed. They consist of long, slender runners, furnished with numerous small fibrous rootlets (called the beard). Its cortex is brownish, but with an orange-red tint, which distinguishes it from other kinds of sarsaparilla, and has given rise to its name pIGi 144, of red sarsaparilla. The cortex is reddish, and when ex- amined by the microscope is found to contain some starch globules. The meditullium has frequently a reddish tint. When chewed, Jamaica sarsaparilla tinges the'saliva. Its taste is not remarkably mucilaginous, but slightly bitter, and after a few minutes slightly acrimonious. Its decoc- tion is deepened in colour by a solution of iodine; but no blue is perceptible. Its powder is pale reddish brown, and when rubbed with water and tincture of iodine becomes blue, but less intensely so than the powder of the Hondu- ras variety. It yields a larger quanity of extract than the other varieties : its extract is perfectly soluble in cold water. From three pounds of average quality about one pound of extract may be obtained (Hennell; also Bat- Magnified vieuT'of a tley); but from the same quantity of root of very fine section of Jamaica quality, nearly one pound and a quarter of extract may be Sarsaparilla. procured (Hennell). 874 grains of the cortical portion of "* subcuticular tissue the root yielded 484 grains of extract (Battley). Accord- e. Hexagonal cellular tissue. ing to Mr. Pope, the cortex yields five times as much as the f woodyz""5' meditullium. /• Meduiia. Jamaica sarsaparilla is not the produce of the island whose name it bears, bur, as I am informed, of the Mosquito shore on the eastern coast of Honduras and of St. Juan, from whence it is brought to England by way of Jamaica. Occasionally it is brought from Guatemala. In the collection of Materia Medica at Apothecaries' Hall, London, is a sam- ple of sarsaparilla grown in Jamaica. Its colour is pale cinnamon brown. Internally it is mealy. Jamaica sarsaparilla is perhaps the root of Smilax offi- cinalis. 2. Brazilian Sarsaparilla: Lisbon, Portugal, or Rio Negro Sarsaparilla (Radix Sarsce braziliensis). This is usually exported from Maranham. It is brought over unfolded, tied in cylindrical bundles (sarsaparilla longa) of from three to five feet long, and about a foot in diameter. It is free from chump. It has fewer longitudinal wrinkles than the Jamaica kind, fewer radicles, especially at one end ; has a reddish-brown colour, and abounds in amylaceous matter, both in the cortex and pith. Its decoction is much paler-coloured than the Jamaica variety. Martius (Reise, Bd. iii. S. 1280) says it is the produce of Smilax siphilitica, and is gathered all the year round. After being dried over a fire, the roots are tied up in bundles with a flexible stem called Timbotitica ; and to prevent them being worm-eaten, they are preserved in the gables of the houses, where they are exposed to smoke. Dr. Hancock (Trans. Med. Bot. Soc. 1829) has denied that the " Rio Negro Sarsa" is the produce of S. siphilitica, because he found no auxiliary spines on a portion of stem adhering to the roots, and Dr. Lindley (FL Medica, p. 597) has admitted the correctness of the inference. But until we know the extent of stem examined, we are not authorized, 1 conceive, to adopt Dr. Han- cock's conclusion ; for in the same bale of apparently the same kind of sarsapa- rilla, we frequently find portions of stem (not exceeding three or four inches in length), some of which have prickles, others are without them, and there is not the least ground for supposing them to have been procured from different species. Professor Guibourt, who has described (Hist, des Drog. i. 578) a second kind of Carnccas sarsaparilla as devoid of prickles, tells me that he has since met with them in other samples of the same kind of sarsaparilla. VOL. II. 12 134 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. 3. Lima Sarsaparilla (Radix Sarzce de Lima). Originally imported from Lima, but is now frequently brought from Valparaiso, and sometimes from Costa Rica. I know of one importation of 99,000 lbs. from the latter place. It has a close resemblance to Jamaica sarsaparilla, for which I am told it is extensively sold, but it yields a smaller quantity of extract. It is imported folded (sarsapa. rilla rotunda) in bundles of about three feet long, and nine inches in diameter, with the attached chump contained in the interior of the bundle. Its colour is brown or grayish-brown. Occasionally a few roots are found in the bale of good Lima sarsaparilla, which, as well as their rhizome and stem, are light clay- coloured. The stems are square and prickly; the prickles are few and small, except in the clay-coloured variety. It is probably the produce of Smilax offici- nalis. Occasionally a knobby root (rhizome ?) like the radix Chinee, with a round stem, and long, smooth, wiry, brown root-fibres, is found in a bale of Lima sar- saparilla. A transverse section of the stem presents, to the naked eye, a struc- ture somewhat similar to the common cane. I have received the same root (under the name of Salsepareille-Squine de Macaraibo) from Professor Guibourt, who found it in Caraccas sarsaparilla. 4. Honduras Sarsaparilla ; Mealy Sarsaparilla (Radix Sarzce de Hondu- ras). Is imported from Belize and other parts of the Bay of Honduras. The roots are folded and formed into bundles (sarsaparilla rotunda), two or three feet long, in the interior of which are found roots of inferior quality, stones, clumps of wood, &c. The roots or runners are furnished with but few rootlets. The colour is dirty or grayish-brown. The cortex consists of a thin epidermis, within which is a thick, white, amylaceous layer, which gives to this variety its remarkable mealy appearance when broken. This cortical portion readily cracks transversely, and shells off, leaving the meditullium, which is thinner than in the Jamaica kind. The taste of the root is amylaceous, and ultimately somewhat acrid. Its decoction becomes intensely blue by the addition of a solution of iodine. Its powder is fawn-coloured, and when rubbed with water and tincture of iodine, becomes in- tensely bluish-black. From five pounds of the root of fine quality, about one pound of extract may be produced (Hen- nell). A sample, examined by Mr. Battley, yielded six and a half ounces of extract from three pounds of root, which is about ten and a half ounces from five pounds: 874 grains of the cortical portion of the root yielded 230 grains of ex- tract (Battley). In one operation, in the laboratory of a friend of mine, 170 lbs. of root yielded 45 lbs. of extract. According to Mr. Pope, the cortex yields twice as much ex- tract as the meditullium. 5. Vera Cruz Sarsaparilla (Radix Sarzce de Vera Cruz). This is occasionally imported from Vera Cruz, but is sel- dom met with in the drug market. The roots are unfold- ed (sarsaparilla hnga) and have the chump attached. They are thin, tough, of a light grayish-brown colour, and devoid of starch in the cortex. Mr. Pope terms this variety " lean, dark, and fibrous." The roots or runners give off very few rootlets. It yields a deep-coloured decoction, which is un- changed by a solution of iodine. Vera Cruz sarsaparilla is the produce of Smilax me- dica. I have received from Professor Guibourt the following kinds of sarsaparilla:— ]. Caraccas Sarsaparilla, Guib. (Hist, des Drog. t. ii. p. 577.) Of this there are two kinds, both of which have portions of the rhizome and aerial stem attached to them. One kind (la Magnified view of a section of Honduras Sarsaparilla. This and the preceding wood-cut are from draw- ings made by Mr. Letheby. The letters ref<;r to the same parts as those of fig. 144. The hexagonal cellular tissue(c)aboundsin starch. SARSAPARILLA. 135 premiere sorte) (op. cit.) occasionally presents spines on the aerial stem. The other (la seconde sorte) (op. cit.) comes from Macaraibo (Maracaibo?). Professor Guibourt tells me he found, about three years ago, a bale of this second kind, one half of which was made up of the root above referred to, which he calls Salsepareille-Squine de Macaraibo, and which he thinks ought rather to be regarded as a China root (Squine, Fr.) than a sarsaparilla. Caraccas sarsaparilla has considerable resemblance to the Lima sarsaparilla of English com- merce. 2. Peruvian Sarsaparilla, Guib. (MS.) " The tuberosities possess a yellow colouring princi- ple, and the stems are rather spongy than ligneous." This kind also appears to me to be closely allied to, if not identical with, Lima sarsaparilla. 3. Brazilian, called Portugal, Sarsaparilla, Guib. (Hist, des Drog. t. i. p. 578.) Accompany- ing this is a portion of the stem of some monocotyledonons plant (Timbolitica) used in tying the roots in bundles. The sample sent me by Professor Guibourt has some resemblance to what I have above called Vera Cruz Sarsaparilla; but the quantity is too small to draw any accurate conclusion from it. 4. Brazilian Sarsaparilla en Souches, Guib. (MS.) This, I think, is identical with our Vera Cruz sarsaparilla. " I thought at first," says Professor Guibourt, " that it came from the Bra- zils, because it appeared to me identical with that which constitutes the sarsaparilla called Portugal. But a druggist tells me he has received it wholly under the name of Tampico Sar- saparilla.'1'' 5. Mexican, called Honduras, Sarsaparilla, Guib. (op. cit. t. ii. p. 574.) This is not the Hon- duras sarsaparilla of English druggists. Its colour is paler and yellowish. The roots are more shrivelled, the cortical part is tougher; and, when broken, does not give out a white dust, in consequence of being deficient in the white amylaceous layer which is so abundant in the Hon- duras variety of our commerce. The sarsaparilla which Guibourt (MS.) regards as the washed Honduras kind (Salsepareille Honduras lavce 1 Guib.), appears tome to be a distinct species. 6. Jamaica Sarsaparilla, Guib. (op. cit. p. 515.) This is not Jamaica sarsaparilla of English druggists. It appears to me to be very similar to the Salsepareille Honduras lavee, Guib. Both kinds have a roseate amylaceous cortex. 7. Woody Sarsaparilla, Guib. (op. cit. p. 576.) 8. Unknown Sarsaparilla, Guib. (MS.) " It approaches Caraccas sarsaparilla." Composition.—Sarsaparilla was analyzed by Cannobio (Brugnatelli, Gior- nale di Fisica, &c. Dec. 2, vol. i. p. 421, 1818)'; by Pfaff (Syst. de Mat. Med. Bd. vii. S. 90, 1624); by Batka (Journ. de Pharm. t. xx. p. 43, 1834) ; and by Thubeuf (Journ. de Pharm. t. xx. 682,1834). Cannobio's Analysis. Bitter acrid resin.... 2 8 Gummy extractive... 5 5 Starch..............54'2 Woody fibre......... 27-8 Loss................ 9-7 Sarsaparilla [Ilondu- durae]............100-0 Pfoff's Analysis. Balsamic resin...... 2-0 Acrid extractive.... 2'5 Extractive similar to cinchona.......... 3'7 Common extractive.. SH Gummy extractive .. P4 Starch..............trace Albumen........... 22 Woody fibre........ 75-0 Moisture........... 3'0 Loss................ 0-8 Batka's Analysis. Thubeuf's Analysis. 1. A crystalline matter 1. A crystalline substance (parallinic acid) (salseparine) a. A colouring crystal- 2. A colouring matter line matter 3. A resinous matter 3. An essential oil 4. Ligneous matter 4. Gum 5. Starch 5. Bassorin 6. Chloride potassium ti. Starch 7. Nitrate potash V. Albumen H. Fixed aromatic thick H. Extractiform matter oil !). Gluten and gliadine 0. Waxy substance 10. Fibrous and cellular tissue Sarsaparilla. 11. Lactic acid 12. Acetic acid 13. Salts — namely, chlo-rides of calcium, po-tassium, and mag-nesium, carbonate of lime, oxide of iron, and alumina Sarsaparilla. 1. Oil of Sarsaparilla.—Berzelius (Traite de Chim. t. vi. p. 211) states that 100 lbs. of the root yield about 3j. of volatile oil; but there must be some error in this statement. The following experiments were made by a friend, a manufacturing chemist, who gave me Iho producls for examination. 140 lbs. of Jamaica sarsaparilla were distilled, by steam heat, at twice, wilh 220 gallons of water. 50 gallons of a milky liquor were obtained, which were again submitted to distillation until 20 gallons had passed over. 20 lbs. of common salt were added to the distilled product, and heat being applied, 3 gallons were drawn over. The liquor 136 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. was milky, held in solution carbonate of ammonia, and contained a few drops of a volatile oil, which was heavier than water, was soluble in rectified spirit, and had the odour and acrid taste of sarsaparilla. 100 lbs. of Jamaica sarsaparilla were distilled with 100 gallons of water. The distilled liquor was acid, and formed a while precipitate .with solutions of acetate of lead. It was re-distilled: the liquor that first passed over was not ammoniacal, but towards the end of the process became so. 2. Smilacin.—Discovered in 1824 by Palotta, (Journ. de Pharm. x. 543,) who termed it pari- glin. Folchi, about the same time, also procured it, and gave it the name of smilacin. Thubeuf, in 1831, called it salseparin. In 1833, Batka announced that the active principle of this root was an acid, which he termed parallinic acid. Lastly in 1834, Poggiale (Journ. de Chim. Med. x. 577,) showed the identity of these different substances. It is procured by decolorizing a concentrated hot alcoholic tincture of sarsaparilla by animal charcoal. The tincture deposits, on cooling, impure smilacin, which may be purified by repeated solution and crystallization. Soubeiran (Noun. Traitt de Pharm. ii. 166), has proposed a more economical process. It has been frequently asserted that the active principle of sarsaparilla resides in the cortical portion only of the root; but Poggiale asserts that the meditullium is not inert. Smilacin is a white, crystallizable, odourless, and, in the anhydrous state, almost tasteless sub- stance ; very slightly soluble in cold water, more so in boiling water, and depositing from the latter by cooling. Its solution has the bitter acrid taste of sarsaparilla, and froths on agitation. It is soluble in alcohol, ether, and oils. It does not combine with acids to form salts. Strong sulphuric acid colours it red, then violet, and lastly yellow. It dissolves in cold and pure hydro- chloric acid; the solution becomes red and afterward gelatinous, when heated. It is soluble in strong nitric acid: if the solution be heated, nitrous gas escapes; and by evaporation a solid residuum is obtained, which is soluble in boiling water, from which it precipitates in white flocks, as the liquid cools. Smilacin is closely allied to, if it be not identical with, saponin. Now, as the latter is readily converted into an acid (esculic acid), so probably is the former; hence, perhaps, the parallinic acid of Batka may not be absolutely identical with smilacin, but bear the same relation to it that esculic acid does to saponin. Smilacin has the following composition : Poggiale. (Mean of 12 analyses.) Henry. Petersen. Carbon.................... 6253 ................ 62 84 ................ 6280 Hydrogen................. 8-67 ................ 9 76 ................ 9-14 Oxygen................... 28.80 ................ 2740 ................ 28-06 Anhydrous Smilacin......100 00 ................ 10000 [Parillina] 10000 Poggiale gives the following formula for its atomic constitution, C8 H7J O3; while O. Henry (Journ. de Pharm. xx. 682,) assumes C H9 O3, and Petersen (Thomson, Org. Chem. 279,) C9 H3 O3. As no definite compound of smilacin has been obtained, these formulae are of little value. Thubeuf says that hydrated [crystallized] smilacin contains 8-56 water. Cullerier (Journ. de Chim. Med. t. i. p. 45, Seconde Ser.) gave it to nine syphilitic patients. In doses of six grains the stomach readily supported it; but nine grains caused weight at the stomach and nausea. It appeared to relieve the patients' symptoms, and in one case, seemed to effect a cure. According to Palotta, pariglin, in doses of from two to thirteen grains, acts as a debilitant, reducing the circulation, sometimes producing constriction of the oesophagus, and exciting nausea and diaphoresis. He thinks it might be useful in chronic rheumatism, skin diseases, &c. 3. Starch.—The large quantity of starch found in Honduras sarsaparilla must render this variety nutritive. In the Jamaica and Vera Cruz varieties the quantity is very small. 4. Resin and Extractive.—These principles require further examination. On them probably depends a part, at least, of the medicinal properties of sarsaparilla. Chemical Characteristics.—A decoction of sarsaparilla froths greatly when shaken. It scarcely, if at all, reddens litmus. Diacetate of lead, and protoni- trate of mercury, cause precipitates. Alkalis deepen the colour of the decoction. Solution of iodine forms a copious blue precipitate (iodide of starch) in the decoc- tion of both Honduras and Lisbon sarsaparilla. Sesquichloride of iron slightly deepens the decoction (in different degrees in different specimens), and in some cases causes a flocculent precipitate, which subsides slowly. A strong decoction of Honduras sarsaparilla forms a copious precipitate (starch) on the addition of alcohol. Commerce.—The following are the quantities of sarsaparilla on which duty (sixpence per lb.) was paid for the last six years, (Trade List for 1835-6-7-8-9 and 40.) sarsaparilla. 137 For 1835.........125,413 lbs. I For 1837 .......... 101,298 lbs. [ For I8.tt .......... 117,522 lbs. 1836.......... 125,140 I 1838 .......... 121,888 j 1840.......... 121,814 The countries from which sarsaparilla was imported in 1831 are thus stated in a parliamentary return : (statements of the imports and exports for 1831). Portugal...................................................... 16,110 lbs. Italy and the Italian Islands.................................. 107 British Northern Colonies..................................... 71 British West Indies........................................... 45,063 United States of America...................................... 29,122 Mexico....................................................... 43,254 Guatemala................................................... 14 Brazil....................................................... 31,972 Peru......................................................... 11,141 Total import.......................................... 176,854 Retained for home consumption......................... 107,410 Physiological Effects, a. On Vegetables.—Not ascertained. f3. On Animals.—Not ascertained. y. On Man.—Imperfectly determined; no experiments having been made to ascertain its physiological effects. To the taste, sarsaparilla is slightly acrid, and somewhat nauseous. Diapho- resis is by far the most common effect of its internal use. When the skin is kept cool, diuresis is not unusual. But in estimating the diaphoretic or diuretic power of sarsaparilla, we must take into consideration the amount of liquid in which the medicine is usually taken, and the other medicines which are frequently con- joined with it: for in many instances the diaphoresis or diuresis is referrible rather to these than to sarsaparilla. In several cases I have given the powder of this root in very large doses, in order to ascertain its effects. Nausea, vomiting, and temporary loss of appetite, were alone observed. Dr. Hancock (Trans. Med. Bot. Soc. 1829), says, that on one patient, an African, an infusion of four ounces of Rio Negro sarsa acted as a narcotic, pro- ducing nausea, great prostration of strength, torpor, and unwillingness to move. The pulse was scarcely altered, unless it were a little retarded. Though the effects here stated agree, to a certain extent, with those ascribed to smilacin, they cannot be regarded as the ordinary effects of this root. In some conditions of system, especially those of a cachectic kind, sarsaparilla acts as a powerful and valuable alterative tonic. Its continued use is often attended with improvement of appetite and digestion, augmentation of strength, increase of flesh, the production of a more healthy tone of mind, and the pallia- tion, or, in some cases, complete disappearance of various morbid symptoms—as eruptions, ulcerations, pains of a rheumatic character, &c. Sarsaparilla differs in several respects from the bitter vegetable tonics. Though it is not devoid of, yet it does not, as they do, abound in a bitter principle. It is not adapted for the cure of intermittents, or of simple debility. But its best effects are seen in those de- praved conditions of system which the public, and even some medical men, ascribe to the presence of a morbid poison, or to a deranged condition of the fluids. Hence it is frequently denominated a purifier of the blood. Those who do not adopt the pathological notion here referred to, call it an alterative. Those varieties of sarsaparilla which abound in starch (as the Honduras kind) possess demulcent and nutritive properties. Uses.—By many practitioners sarsaparilla is considered to possess no reme- dial properties; by others it is regarded as a medicine of great efficacy. Con- sidering that more than 100,000 lbs. of it are annually consumed in this coun- try, the number of those who entertain the latter opinion cannot be small. It has been justly remarked by Mr. Lawrence, (Led. on Surg, in the Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. v. p. 770,) that physicians have no confidence in it, and surgeons a great deal. I think that this fact is readily explained bv the circumstance, 12* 133 elements of materia medica. that physicians are much less frequently called in to prescribe for those forms of disease, in the treatment of which, surgeons have found sarsaparilla so effica- cious. Many practitioners have doubted or denied its remedial activity on what, it must be admitted, are very plausible grounds ; viz. that the root possesses very little taste and no smell; that by the ordinary mode of using it, it produces very slight, if any, obvious effects on the animal economy; and that it has failed in their hands to relieve or cure diseases in which others have asserted they found it effectual. They are, therefore, disposed to refer any improvement of a patient's health, under the long-continued use of sarsaparilla, either to natural changes in the constitution, or to the influence of remedial means with which.the sarsaparilla was conjoined. But I would observe, that hitherto no experiments had been made to ascertain what effects the long-continued employment of sarsaparilla may give rise to in the system of a healthy man, and we are not warranted in assuming that none would result because none are observable from the employ- ment of a few doses. Moreover, it is to be remembered that some of our most powerful poisons prove the most efficacious remedies, when given in such small doses that they excite no other obvious effect on the system than the removal of morbid symptoms. Witness the beneficial influence of the minute doses of arse- nious acid in lepra. Furthermore, no one has ascribed to sarsaparilla the power of a specific, and its warmest advocates admit its occasional failure. But so often has it been found, that various diseases, which had resisted all other tried remedial means, and were gradually increasing, became stationary, and afterwards sub- sided, under the use of sarsaparilla, that a large majority of British surgeons, including the most eminent of the present day, have been compelled to admit its therapeutic power. As no obvious relationship exists between its known physiological effects and its apparent therapeutic agency, an argument has been raised against its medi- cinal activity, on the ground that we cannot explain its methodus medendi ; but, for the same reason, we might refuse to admit the power of cinchona to cure ague. Mr. Lawrence (op. cit. p. 769) justly observes, that, although we cannot point out the manner in which a remedy " operates, we are not, on that account, to withhold our confidence in its power. It is enough for us, in medical science, to know that certain effects take place. In point of fact, we are in many cases unable to distinguish the modus operandi of medicines—the manner in which their influence is produced." The most plausible explanation of the agency of alterative medicines is that offered by Miiller (Physiology, vol. i. pp. 56 and 363), and which I have before had occasion to notice (vol. i. p. 129). It assumes that these remedies cause changes in the nutritive fluids (the chyle and blood), and thereby produce slight chemical alterations in organs morbidly changed in composition, by which already existing affinities are annulled, new ones induced, and the vital principle enabled to effect the further restoration and cure. This hypothesis may be used to explain the remedial influence of sarsaparilla. Sarsaparilla has been found especially serviceable in the following maladies: 1. In inveterate venereal disease.—It is beneficial principally when the malady is of long continuance, and the constitution is enfeebled and emaciated, either by the repeated attacks of the disease, or by the use of mercury. In such cases it is, as Sir William Fordyce (Med. Obs. and Inq. vol. i. p. 169), correctly observed, " the great restorer of appetite, flesh, colour, strength, and vigour." When the disease resists, or is aggravated, by the use of mercury, sarsaparilla evinces its most salutary powers. It is given to relieve venereal pains of a rheumatic cha- racter; to remove venereal eruptions; to promote the healing of ulcers of the throat; and to assist in the cure when the bones are affected. In recent chancre, or bubo, it is of little use; nor does it appear to possess the least power of pre- venting secondary symptoms. We cannot ascribe it to " the same anti-syphilitic properties—that is, the same power of arresting or curing the venereal disease— SARSAPARILLA. 139 that experience warrants us in attributing to mercury."1 Sarsaparilla is some- times given alone, but more frequently with other remedies: as with stimulating diaphoretics (mezereon, sassafras, and guaiacum), or with mercurials in small or alterative doses, or with acids (especially the nitric), or with alkaline substances (as potash or lime), or with the bitter tonics. It is difficult to lay down concise rules to guide us in the selection of these adjuncts. In venereal pain3 and erup- tions, sudorifics, the copious use of warm diluents and warm clothing, are espe- cially applicable, and should be conjoined with sarsaparilla. In scrofulous con- stitutions, with enlarged glands, it will be for the most part advisable to avoid the use of mercury. In such I have seen the alkalis most serviceable. When ex- treme debility is present, the bitter tonics and nitric acid are often added to sarsaparilla with benefit. 2. In chronic rheumatism sarsaparilla is often advantageously conjoined with powerful sudorifics and anodynes (as opium or hyoscyamus), especially when any suspicion exists as to the venereal origin of the disease. 3. In obstinate skin diseases benefit is frequently obtained by the use of sarsa- parilla. Its employment is not confined to cutaneous affections of one particular elementary form, since it is given with good effect in papular, vesicular, pustular, and tubercular skin diseases, of a chronic kind, when they occur in enfeebled and emaciated constitutions. Though, in these cases, its value principally depends on its tonic and alterative effects, its diaphoretic operation is to be encouraged by the use of diluents, warm clothing, &c. 4. In cachectic conditions of the system generally, sarsaparilla may be given, often wilh the best effects, and never with any ill consequences, save that of occasionally producing slight nausea. Indeed, one of the great advantages of sarsaparilla over many other alteratives and tonics, is, that although it may fail in doing good, it never does any harm beyond that of now and then causing slight disorder of stomach. In chronic abscesses, attended with profuse discharge, diseases of the bones, obstinate ulcers, chronic pulmonary affections accompa- nied with great wasting of the body, enlarged glands, and various other maladies connected with a depraved state of the system, sarsaparilla is often a very useful medicine. Administration.—Sarsaparilla is administered in substance, and in the form of infusion, decoction, extract, and syrup. 1. PULVIS SARZiE; Powdered Sarsaparilla.—The ordinary dose of this is from half a drachm to one or two drachms. Half an ounce frequently nauseates, and in some cases gives rise to vomiting. Powder of Jamaica sarsaparilla is to be preferred to that of other varieties. It is redder than that of the Honduras kind, and produces a much less intense blue colour when rubbed with water and tincture of iodine. I have been informed that some druggists employ, in the preparation of the powder, the roots from which the extract has been prepared. This fraud may be detected by the powder being almost devoid of taste, mace- rating it in water, and carefully comparing the infusion with one prepared from an unadulterated sample. 2. INFUSUM SARSAPARILLiE COMPOSITUM, D. Compound Infusion of Sarsapa- rilla.—(Sarsaparilla root previously cleansed with cold water and sliced, 3j.; Lime Water, Oj. [wine measure]. Macerate for twelve hours in a covered vessel, with occasional agitation, and strain.)—According to Mr. Battley (Lond. Med. Rep. xix. 169), lime water is not so good a solvent for the constituents of sarsaparilla root as distilled water: for 874 grains of the root lost only 140 grains by maceration in lime water; whereas the same quantity of root lost 175 grains in distilled water. The dose of this infusion is from f3iv. to f^vj. two or three times a day. 1 Lawrence, op. cit. p. 769; see also Mr. Pearson's Observations on the Effects of Various Articles of the Ma- teria Medica in the cure of Lues Venerea, p. 39, 1800. 140 elements of materia medica. [8. INFUSUM SARSAPARILLA, (U. S.) Take Sarsaparilla, bruised, an ounce; Boiling Water, a pint. Digest it for two hours in a covered vessel or strain, or by displacement.] 4. DECOCTUM SARZA, L. E. Decoctum Sarsaparillce, D.; Decoction of Sarsa- parilla—(Sarza, sliced [in chips, E.; and cleansed with cold water, JD.], 3v. [3iv. D.~\; Boiling Water, Oiv. [wine measure, D.] Macerate for four hours in a vessel lightly covered, near the fire, then take out and bruise the sarsaparilla. When bruised return it to the liquor, and again macerate in the same manner for two hours ; afterwards boil down to two pints, and strain.)—An objection has been taken to this, as well as to all preparations of sarsaparilla made by boiling, that the heat employed volatilizes or decomposes the active principle of the root. " An infusion of sarsaparilla," says Soubeiran, (Nouv. Traite de Pharm. t. ii. p. 168,) " which is odorous and sapid, loses both its odour and taste by boiling for a few minutes : these changes speak but little in favour of the decoction. On the other hand, it is known that the fibrous parts of vegetables always give less soluble matters to water, when treated by decoction ; and if it be added, that sarsaparilla is completely exhausted by hot water, I cannot see what advantages the decoction can possess over preparations made by other methods." Without denying the in- jurious effects of long boiling, and, therefore, the superiority of preparations made without it, I cannot admit that either the decoction or extract of sarsaparilla is inert. No objection, however, exists to the substitution of an infusion for a de- coction. But it is advisable to employ a somewhat larger quantity of the root, and to have it crushed before macerating it. The proportions of root and water, in the above preparation, are such that one ounce of the decoction contains the ex- tractive of one drachm only of the root. Hence the extract or syrup is usually conjoined. An infusion or decoction of Jamaica sarsaparilla produces little or no blue colour with tincture of iodine: whereas the corresponding preparations of Honduras sarsaparilla (the kind usually met with, cut in small split lengths, in the shops) becomes bluish black on the addition of a solution of iodine. The dose of Decoctum Sarzce is f3iv. to f3viij. three or four times daily. §. DECOCTUM SARZA COMPOSITUM, L. E. Decoctum Sarsaparillce compositum, D. (U. S.); Compound Decoction of Sarsaparilla.—(Decoction of Sarsaparilla, boiling hot, Oiv. [wine measure, D.]; Sassafras, sliced and bruised; Guaiacum wood shavings; Liquorice root, bruised, of each 3x. (3j« D.) ; Mezereon [barkof the root], 3iij. [3ss. £.] Boil for a quarter of an hour and strain.)—[Take of Sarsaparilla, sliced and bruised, six ounces ; Bark of Sassafras Root, sliced ; Guai- acum wood, rasped ; Liquorice root, bruised, each an ounce; Mezereon, sliced, three drachms; Water, four pints. Boil for a quarter of an hour, and strain, U. S.] This preparation is an imitation of the celebrated Lisbon Diet Drink. The objections made to the use of ebullition in preparing the simple decoction, ap- ply equally to the present preparation. The additions are for the most part value- less. The guaiacum wood is useless, water not being able to dissolve the resin. The volatile oil contained in the sassafras-wood is in part dissipated by the boil- ing. The mezereon, an active agent, is used in such small quantity, that it can confer but little medicinal power. The liquorice is employed merely to commu- nicate flavour. An improvement in the present formula would be to omit the guaiacum, to increase the quantity of sarsaparilla and mezereon, to substitute maceration for decoction, and to add oil of sassafras. The dose of the officinal preparation is from f3iv. to f3yj. three or four times a day. The syrup or ex- tract is usually conjoined with it. During its use the skin should be kept warm. 6. SYRUPUS SARZA, L. E. Syrupus Sarsaparillce, D.; Syrup of Sarsapa- rilla.—(Sarza, sliced, 3xv. [lb. j. D.]; Boiling Water, Cong. j. [wine measure, D.] ; Sugar, 3-*v. Macerate the sarsaparilla in the water for twenty.four hours; then boil down to four pints, and strain the liquor while hot; afterwards add the sugar, and evaporate to a proper consistence.)—Simonin (Journ. de Pharm. xx. 110) has successfully prepared the syrup by the percolation method. SARSAPARILLA. 141 This I conceive to be a very unnecessary preparation ; for as Dr. A. T. Thom- son (Lond. Dispens. 9th ed.) justly observes, " it can be much better and more easily supplied by rubbing up a few grains of the extract with some simple syrup." It is, however, frequently prescribed as an adjunct to the decoction. Prepared wilh Jamaica sarsaparilla it is not liable to ferment, and its flavour is somewhat disagreeable, being very analogous to that of West Indian molasses. Mr. Brande (Diet, of Mat. Med.) says that the above syrup is not of sufficient strength to ren- der it an effective form of sarsaparilla; and that it ought to be of such strength that one ounce is equal to a pint of the simple decoction: of this f 3ss. or f 3vi. may be taken two or three times a day, diluted with about two parts of water. A few drops of solution of*potassa sometimes prevents its disagreement with the stomach. The Syrup of Sarsaparilla of the United States Pharmacopoeia is intended to represent the famous French Siropde Cuisinier. It is prepared with proof spirit, which extracts the acrid principle of the root without taking up the inert fecula; and the tincture being evaporated, to get rid of the alcohol, is made into syrup. By this means the long-continued boiling is avoided. As the editors of the United States Dispensatory speak, most confidently of the remedial value of this prepara- tion, I subjoin the formula for its preparation, taken from the American Pharma- copoeia: Syrup of Sarsaparilla, U. S.—"Sarsaparilla, hruised, lb. ij.; Guaiacum wood, rasped, 3iij.; Red Roses; Senna; Liquorice root, bruised, each, 3ij.J Oil of Sassafras; Oil of Anise, each, fXt"v.; Oil of Purl ridge-berry [Gualtheria procumbens, an astringent aromatic] Tfiij.; Sugar, lb. viij.; Diluted Alcohol, 0.x. [wine measure]. Mucerate the Sarsaparilla, Guaiacum wood, Roses, Senna, and Liquorice root, in the diluted Alcohol for fourteen days; ihen express and filter through paper. Evaporate the tincture, by means of a water-bath, to four pints and a half; then add the Sugar, and dissolve it, so as to form a syrup. With this, when cold, mix the Oils, previously tri- turated with a small qunntity of syrup." The dose is f 3ss. (equivalent to somewhat less than 3j. of the root), taken three or four times a day. [The last edition of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia also directs the syrup to be made wilh the same ingredients, but substituting a sufficient quantity of water for alco- hol. Using these ingredients, it orders to mix the sarsaparilla, guaiacum wood, roses, senna, and liquorice-root, with three pints of water, and allow the mixture to stand for twenty-four hours. Then transfer the whole to an apparatus for dis- placement, and pour on water gradually until one gallon of filtered liquor is ob» tained. Evaporate this to four pints, then add the sugar, and proceed in the man- ner directed for syrup. Lastly, having rubbed the oils with a small portion of the syrup, mix them thoroughly with the remainder. This substitution was adopted at the recommendation of a committee of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, who state in their report that it has not been done without due consideration, but after carefully preparing it both ways.—J. C] 7. EXTRACTUM SARZA, L. Extractum Sarsaparillce, D. Extract of Sarsa- parilla. (Sarsaparilla, sliced, lb. iiss. [lb. j. D.~\ ; Boiling [distilled, i.] Water, Cong. ij. [Cong. j. wine measure, D.] Macerate for twenty-four hours, then boil down to a gallon [four pints, D.~\, and strain the liquor while hot;.lastly, evapo- rate to a proper consistence.) Dose 3ss. to 3ij. [The Extract of Sarsaparilla (Extractum Sarsaparillce, U. S.) is prepared with diluted alcohol as follows:—Take Sarsaparilla, in coarse powder, a pound ; Di- luted Alcohol, four pints. Moisten the Sarsaparilla with the Diluted Alcohol, and, having allowed it to stand 24 hours, transfer to an apparatus for displacement, and gradually add the remainder of the diluted alcohol. When the last portion of this shall have penetrated the sarsaparilla, pour in a sufficiency of water from time to time to keep the powder covered. Cease to filter when the liquid which passes begins to produce a precipitate as it falls in that which has already passed. Distil off the alcohol from the filtered liquor and evaporate the residue to the pro- per consistence. This is a modification of the mode of preparing the extract ac- cording to Beral. It is preferable to the preparation made from the decoction, as 142 elements of materia medica. boiling injures the virtues, and also to that from an infusion, as, independently of the greater exhausting power of alcohol, so high a temperature is not required to bring it to the proper consistence as if water were used. It ought to possess marked acrimony to the taste. The dose is from 10 grs. to 3ss.] 8. EXTRACTUM SARZA FLUIDUM, E. Extractum ^Sarsaparillce fluidum, D. Fluid Extract of Sarsaparilla, offic.—(Sarsaparilla, sliced [in chips, E.] lb. j.; [Boiling, E.] Water, Ovj. [Oxij. wine measure, D.] Let them boil together for an hour, and pour off the liquor; then add twelve pints of water, and repeat the boiling and pouring off. Press strongly the liquor from the remaining material, set aside the mixed liquors that the faeces may subside; then evaporate the mix- ture by continual boiling down to thirty ounces, and add two ounces of rectified spirit. D. "Digest the root for two hours in four pints of the water; take it out, bruise it, replace it in the water, and boil for two hours; filter and squeeze out the liquid ; boil the residuum in the remaining two pints of water, and filter and squeeze out this liquor also; evaporate the united liquors to the consistence of thin syrup; add, when the product is cool, as much rectified spirit as will make in all sixteen fluid ounces. Filter—This fluid extract may be aromatized at will with various volatile oils or warm aromatics." E.) Jamaica sarsaparilla should be used in the preparation of the extract. Honduras and other inferior kinds of sarsaparilla are to be avoided. The chumps so fre- quently used by pharmaceutical chemists should be rejected. The small root fibres, commonly called the beard, of Jamaica sarsaparilla, are to be preferred, as containing less starch and woody fibre, and a large quantity of the cortical layer. I am informed that they yield a much greater quantity of extract than the runners. Steam heat must be employed to effect the evaporation of the decoction, and the temperature employed should little if at all exceed 212° F. When the concentrated decoction (especially of the Honduras kind) is allowed to cool, as at night, a kind of fermentation is readily set, and gas is copiously evolved. The fluid extract is to be preferred to the ordinary more consistent preparation. The quantity of ex- tract obtained from different kinds of sarsaparilla has been already noticed. For farther information on this point, I must refer the reader to the papers of Mr. Battley (Lond. Med. Rep. xix. 168); Mr. Pope (Med. Chir. Trans, xii. 344); and M. Thubeuf (Journ. de Pharm. t. xvi. and xviii.) Extract of Jamaica sarsaparilla, when rubbed on white paper or porcelain, ex- hibits a reddish tint, not observable in the extract of the Honduras kind. The flavour and odour are also characters which assist in distinguishing well-prepared extract. Rubbed up with water, it is almost completely soluble, and the solution, vyhich should be clear, by standing deposits scarcely any thing. The dilute solu- tion should not become blue on the addition of a solution of iodine. Extract of sarsaparilla is declared by many writers to be an inert and useless preparation ; but the assertions are for the most part founded rather on theoretical than practical considerations. I have extensively used it, and believe that when properly prepared from Jamaica sarsaparilla, it is a most valuable and efficient remedy ; and the enormous quantity of it which is consumed by the profession generally (including some of the most eminent of its members), is a proof that many others entertain a similar opinion of it. It is given in doses of from half a drachm to two or three drachms, three or four times a day. It should be rubbed down with water, and flavoured by the tincture of orange-peel, or by some vola- tile oil (as the oil of cloves, allspice, lemon, or cinnamon). Alkalis render its flavour somewhat disagreeable, though they frequently increase greatly its reme- dial powers. 9. EXTRACTUM SARZA COMPOSITUM; Compound Extract of Sarsaparilla.—Not in any Pharmacopoeia, though kept in the shops. It is made by mixing with extract of sarsaparilla, an extract prepared by evaporating a decoction of mezereon bark, liquorice root, and guaiacum shavings, and a small quantity of oil of sassa- fras. This preparation is employed as a convenient substitute for the compound THE SAFFRON CROCUS. 143 decoction of sarsaparilla. The dose of it, and the mode of exhibition, is the same as of the simple extract. Three quarters of an ounce of the compound extract are equal to a pint of the compound decoction. OTHER MEDICINAL. SMIIiACE.SE. 1. The China Root of the shops (Radix China orientalis) is the produce of Smilax China (Linn.), and is said to come from the province of Onansi, in China. It occurs in large, ligneous, knotty pieces, of from three to eight inches long, and an inch or two thick. Externally it has a grayish-brown colour, and internally a light flesh or yellowish-white colour. It is inodorous, and has a slightly astringent taste. It appears to consist of extractive, tannic acid, colouring matter, starch, and woody fibre. It was introduced into Europe in 1535, as an infallible remedy for the venereal disease, and obtained great celebrity in consequence of the benefit which the Emperor Charles the Fifth is said to have derived from it in gout. Its effects are not very obvious, but it is said to be diaphoretic. It tinges the sweat. It has been used in the same maladies as sarsa- parilla, viz., venereal diseases, rheumatism, gout, obstinate skin diseases, &c. It is given in the form of decoction. The American China Root (Radix China. Americana) is brought from Mexico, and is said to be the produce of Smilax Pseudo-China. i 2. Smm.ax Aspera is used in the south of Europe as a substitute for sarsaparilla; but the sub- stance sold in London under that name is brought from India, and is the produce of Hemidesmus indicus, and will be described hereafter. Order XIV.—IRIDACE.E, Lindl— THE CORNFLAG TRIBE. iRIDEf, Juss. Essential Characters.—Calyx and corolla superior, confounded, their divisions either partially cohering, or entirely separate, sometimes irregular, the three petals being sometimes very short. Stamens three, arising from the base of the sepals; filaments distinct or connate; anthers bursting externally lengthwise, fixed by their base, two-celled. Ovary three-celled, cells many- seeded; style one; stigmas three, often petaloid, sometimes two-lipped. Capsule three-celled, thrcc-valved, with a loculicidal dehiscence. Seeds attached to the inner angle of the cell, some- times to a central column, becoming loose; albumen corneous, or densely fleshy; embryo en- closed within it.—Herbaceous plants, or very seldom under-shrubs, usually smooth; the hairs, if any, simple. Roots tuberous or fibrous. Leaves equitant, distichous in most genera. Inflo- rescence terminal, in spikes, corymbs, or panicles, or crowded. Bracts spathaceous, the partial ones often scarious; the sepals occasionally rather herbaceous (Lindley). Properties.—The underground stems and roots usually abound in fecula and mucilage; but these nutritive substances are generally combined with an acrid principle, which excludes their employment as articles of food. However, Moraa edulis, M. sisyrinchium, Gladiolus edulis, and a species of Tigridia, have been used as esculent substances. The rhizomes of several species of Iris (as I. pseud-acorus, I. germanica, I. sibirica, and I. versicolor) are remarkable, especially in the fresh state, for their acridity, in consequence of which some of them have been used as purgatives, sialogogues, or errhines, or for issue-peas. The rhizomes of some species (as I. florentina and I. germanica) have an agreeable smell. The colour and the odour of the saffron are to be regarded as part of the petaloid qualities of the stigmata of Crocus. The effects of this medicine on the nervous system are regarded by De Candolle (Essai sur les Pro- prietcs Mid.) as similar to those of [certain odorous] flowers. CROCUS SATI'VUS, Allioni, L. E. D.—THE SAFFRON CROCUS. Sex. Syst. Triandria, Monogynia. (Stigmata exsiccata, /..—Stigmata, E. D.) (Crocus, U. S.) HrsTORY.—Saffron is mentioned in the Old Testament. (Solomon's Song, iv. 14.) Homer (Iliad, xiv. 346) speaks of the Crocus (xpoxog). Hippocrates (opera, Ed. Foes. pp. 407, 575, 614, 626, and 876,) employed Saffron in uterine and other maladies. The word Saffron (zafaran, Avicenna) is of Arabic origin. Botany. Gen. char.—Perianth [coloured], with a slender tube twice as long as the limb ; limb six-partite, equal, erect. \Stamens three, inserted into the tube ; anthers sagittate.] Stigmas three, thick, convoluted, generally crested. Capsule under ground, elevated by a short peduncle from the root, which peduncle elon- gates after the decay of the flowers, and the capsules appear above ground. (Hooker, with some additions.) 144 ELEMENTS of materia medica. Sp. Char.—Stigma protruded, drooping, in three deep linear divisions. (Hooker.) Cormus roundish; its brownish coats reticulated, separating superiorly into distinct parallel fibres. Leaves linear, with a white central stripe, and surrounded at their base with long membranous sheaths. Flowers light purple, shorter than the leaves, with a two-valved membranous spathe. Aniliers pale yellow. Stigmas deep orange-coloured. Hab.—A native of Asia Minor. Now naturalized in England, France, Spain, and some other European countries. It is a doubtful native of the eastern parts of Europe. It is said to have been introduced into Spain by the Arabs. (Dillon, Travels through Spain.) It flowers in September and October. Preparation.—The flowers are gathered in the morning, and the stigmata, with part of the style, plucked out for use, the rest of the flower being thrown away. The stigmata are then dried on paper, either by means of portable kilns over which a hair-clorh is stretched, (Douglas, Phil. Trans, for 1728,) or in a room by the sun. (Fiske, Stephenson and Churchill's Med. Bot. vol. iii.) When dried between paper under the pressure of a thick board and weights, the saffron is formed into cakes now no longer to be met with. Description.—Two kinds of saffron are kept in the shops, viz. hay saffron and cake saffron. 1. Hay Saffron. (Crocus infazno.)—Consists of the stigmas with part of the style, which have been very carefully dried. They are from an inch to an inch and a half long, thin, brownish-red; the upper portion, (stigma) is expanded, notched at the extremity ; the lower portion, which constitutes part of the style, is called by Th. Martius, (Pharmakogn.) Fdminelle : it is narrow, capillary, yel- lowish. The odour is penetrating, aromatic, and, of large quantities, narcotic. The taste is bitter, somewhat aromatic. When chewed, saffron tinges the mouth and the saliva yellow. I find by careful examination that one grain of good com- mercial saffron contains the stigmata and styles of nine flowers; hence 4,320 flowers are required to yield one ounce of saffron. a.. English Saffron (Crocus anglicus) is no longer found in commerce. yS. Spanish Saffron (Crocus hispanicus) constitutes the best saffron of the shops. It is imported from Gibraltar (principally), Cadiz, Denia, Santander, and Malaga. From the concurrent ac- counts of pharmacologists it would appear that formerly Spanish saffron was spoiled by being dipped in oil to preserve it. But the saffron now imported from Spain has not been subjected to this treatment. Occasionally, Spanish, as well as any other kind of saffron, is oiled by the dealers to give it an appearance of freshness, but this fraud is, I suspect, usually performed in this country. y. French Saffron (Crocus gallicus) is usually considered in commerce to be of second quality. It is the produce of Gatinais (Gatinais saffron) and Orleanais, which comprehend part of the departments of Seine-et-Marne and Eure-et-Loire, and the whole of the department of Loiret. The saffron of Angouleme is the worst. (Guibourt, Histoire des Drog. ii. 254.) French saffron is shipped for England at Calais, Boulogne, and Havre. Besides the preceding, several other varieties of saffron are mentioned by pharmacologists, but they are not distinguished in English commerce, and I am unacquainted with them. Such are Austrian, Bavarian, Oriental, and the Sicilian saffron (C. austriacus, bavaricus, orientalis, and siciliensis), mentioned by Murray (App. Med. vol. v.), Geiger (Handb. de Pharm.), and others. From the Customs report (Trade List for 1837-8-9), it appears that saffron is occasionally im- ported from Hamburgh, Antwerp, Genoa, Naples, and Bombay. But I am ignorant of its place of growth and quality. According to Gussone, (Lindley, Flora Medica,) Crocus odorus yields Sicilian saffron. Dioscorides (Lib. i. cap. xxv.) considered the saffron of Corycus (a mountain of Cilicia, in Asia Minor, now called Curco,) to be the best, and that of Lycia and Olympus to be of second quality; while Cyrenaic saffron, as well as that from Centuripinum (Centorbe) in Sicily, he declares to be the worst. 2. Caiie Saffron.—(Crocus in Placenta.)—Formerly this was compressed hay saffron. But the cakes now met with in the inferior shops are composed of Saf- flower (Carthamus tinctorius) and gum-water, made into a paste, and rolled out on a tin plate with a rolling-pin into oval cakes of 11 inches long, 10 inches broad, and about one-tenth of an inch thick. These are dried on brown paper in a stove. They are shining, and of a brownish-red colour. I can detect neither saffron nor marigolds (Calendula officinalis) in them. Their price is about one- THE SAFFRON CROCUS. 145 fifth of that of good hay saffron. I am informed, by a maker of cake saffron, that there is only another person besides himself by whom this substance is made in London. Adulteration.—The only adulteration practised on saffron, which has come under my notice, is that of mixing safflower with saffron, and this I have met with once only. It must have been effected abroad, since the druggist who pointed it out to me bought the saffron in bond, and did not discover the fraud until the saffron had been for some time in his warehouse. The pieces of saf- flower readily escape the eye of a superficial observer. If rubbed with the moistened finger on paper, they produce a slightly yellow mark only, whereas genuine saffron causes a very intense orange-yellow stain. The fraud may also be detected by infusing the suspected saffron in hot water, when the florets of the safflower may be readily distinguished from the stigmas which constitute saffron. I am informed that old and dry saffron is sometimes oiled, to give it the appear- ance of freshness. The stain communicated to the fingers, or white blotting paper, when such saffron is compressed, readily detects the fraud. •Fibres of smoked beef and the petals of the officinal marigold are said to have been used for adulterating saffron. But there is no fear of these adulterations now. Such frauds would be readily detected by the eye, especially when the suspected saffron has been infused in hot water. Commerce—The quantity of saffron on which duty (of Is. per lb.) is paid is about 5,000 lbs. per annum. The places from which it is imported have been already mentioned. It is brought over in cases, barrels, and boxes. Composition.—Saffron was analyzed in 1811 by Vogel and Bouillon-Lagrange, (Bull, de Pharm. iv. 89,) and in 1818 by AschofF, (Gmelin. Handb. de Chim. ii. 1334.) Vogel and Bouillon-La grange. Aschoff. Volatile oil........................................ Wax............................................... Polychroite........................................ Gum............................................... Soluble albumen........... ...................... Woody fibre....................................... Water............................................. Balsamic matter, soluble in etboraiid alcohol.^.. .^.. Saffron""."77T7.".'r.":~7T:'............................. 1000 7-5 14, 0-5 4-0 35-0 520 65 J0-4 0-5 — 100 190 100 10-0 — •JO 1. Volatile Oil of Saffron. (Oleum Croci.)—Obtained by distilling saffron with water. It is yellow heavier than water, has a burning, acrid, somewhat bitter tasle, and is slightly soluble in water.' By keeping, it becomes white, solid, and lighter than water. On it depends probably the medicinal properties of saffron. , . 2 Colouring matter : Polychroite (so called trom Troyvr many, and x.f>*, colour, in conse- quence of it? being susceptible of numerous changes of colour).—By digesting the aqueous ex- tract of paffron in alcohol, and evaporating the tincture to dryness, a substance is obtained which Bouillon-Lagrange and Vogel called polychroite, but which Henry (Journ. de Pharm. vii. 397) has separated into volatile oil and a bitter red substance (polychroite properly so called). Pure polychroite is pulverulent, bitter, scarlet-red, odourless, slightly soluble in cold water, much more so in hot water, readily soluble in alcohol and oils (both fixed and volatile), slightly soluble in ether. Sulphuric acid turns it blue, then lilac. Nitric acid makes it green, but the colour is very fugitive. The hypochlorites destroy the yellow colour of a solution of polychroite. Chemical Characteristics.—An aqueous infusion of saffron gives no indi- cation of starch on the addition of a solution of iodine.. The hypochlorites bleach it. Sulphuric and nitric acids act on it as on polychroite above-mentioned. Acetate of lead causes no precipitate. By evaporation, the infusion yields an extract from which alcohol removes the colouring matter and leaves a gummy substance. vol. n. 13 146 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA medica. Physiological Effects.—Formerly saffron was considered to be cordial, aromatic, narcotic, and emmenagogue. Some (Boerhaave, Hist. Plant, pars ii. p. 590,) have accused it of causing laughing delirium ; others (Bergius, Mat. Med. t. i. p. 38,) have ascribed to its use great mental dejection; and several (Boerhaave, op. cit.; Riverius, Op. Med.) have declared that they have seen immoderate uterine hemorrhage produced by it, which, in the case referred to by Riverius, is said to have terminated fatally. But modern experience has proved that most of these statements are erroneous. Alexander (Experim. Essays, p. 88, 1768,) swallowed four scruples of saffron without perceiving any obvious effects therefrom; and Wibmer (Wirk. d. Arzneim. Band 2, S. 204,) took a drachm without observing the slightest effect. By the long-continued use of saffron, the colouring particles become absorbed, and tinge the secretions, especially the urine and perspiration. In some instances the foetus in utero has been stained by it. (Wibmer, op. cit.) The failure of Alexander to detect the yellow tinge in his secretions arose probably from the short time he had been using this medicine. Mr. Gibson1 gave a considerable quantity of saffron to a pigeon, which thereby had its faeces tinged, yet no percep- tible alteration was produced in its bones. Headache, prostration of strength, apoplexy, and even death, have been ascribed to the inhalation of the vapour arising from large quantities of saffron ;3 and per- haps correctly so, for it is well known that the odours of other plants (as the rose, the pink, &c.) act on some individuals as narcotic poisons. (Orfila, Toxicol. Gen.) Uses.—Saffron is employed, especially on the continent, as a flavouring and colouring ingredient in various culinary preparations, articles of confectionary, liqueurs, &c. It was used by the ancients as a perfume as well as a seasoning agent. (Beckmann, Hist, of Invent, and Discov. vol. i. p. 278.) In the modern practice of medicine ii is chiefly used as a colouring ingredient. It is a popular remedy for assisting the eruption of exanthematous diseases ; on the same principle, I suppose, that bird-fanciers give it to birds when moulting. It was at one time esteemed as an antispasmodic in asthma, hysteria, and cramp of the stomach ; and was formerly used as an emmenagogue, and to promote uterine contractions and the lochial discharge. Lastly, it has been employed as a stimulant to the nervous system in hypochondriasis. Administration.—It may be given in doses of from ten grains to a drachm in the form of powder or pill. It is popularly used in the form of infusion or tea. I. SYRUPUS CROCI, L. E.—(Saffron, 3x.; Boiling water., Oj.; Sugar, lb. iij. Macerate the saffron in the water for twelve hours, in a vessel lightly covered then strain the liquor, and add the sugar to it).—It is employed principally for its colour. 1. TINCTURA CROCI, E.; Tincture of Saffron (Saffron chopped Rne, 3ij.; Proof Spirit, Oij. This tincture is to be prepared like tincture of cinchona, either by percolation or by digestion, the former method being the more convenient and ex- peditious.)—Used as a colouring liquid. It is also employed as a slimuWnt and emmenagogue in doses of from f 3j. to f 3ij. As a colouring and flavouring ingredient saffron is a constituent of several other preparations. OTHER MEDICINAL IRIDACEJE. The Orris Root of the shops is "the rhizome of Iris florentina, and perhaps also of /. pallida. It is imported in casks from Leghorn and Trieste. It consists, according to Vogel, (Journ de. Pharm. i. 481,) of volatile oil, acrid resin, astringent extractive, gum, starch, and ligneous matter. Raspail (Chim. Organ.) detected in it crystals of oxalate of lime. Orris root is an acrid sub, stance, and in full doses causes vomiting and purging. It is principally used on account of its violet odour. Thus hair and tooth powders, perfumed oils, &c. are frequently scented with it. 1 Mem. of the Lit. and Phil. Soc. of Manchester, 2d Ser. vol. i. p. 148. » See the Reports of Borellus, Tralles, Forster, and others, quoted by Wibmer and Murray, op. cit. the tacca tribe. 147 During teething, infants are sometimes permitted to rub their gums with, and bite,'the rhizome: but the practice is objectionable, since it is not unfrequently attended with irritation of the mouth and disorder of the stomach and bowels. Furthermore, the danger of the rhizome getting into the oesophagus or trachea is not to be overlooked. One fatal case of this kind is recorded. (Kraus, Heilmittellehre, S. 541.) Powered orris root is sometimes used as an errhine. Order XV.—TACCACE.E, Lindley.—THE TACCA TRIBE. Tacceae, Prest. This is a small and imperfectly-known order of plants. It contains the Tacca pinnaiifida, Forst., a native of the Molucca Isles, and of the islands of the Pacific Ocean.' The roots are tuberose, fleshy, intensely bitter and acrid. By cultivation they become larger and somewhat milder. They yield a highly nutritious fecula. At Tahiti (Otaheite) this fecula is procured by washing the tubers, scraping off their outer skin, and then reducing them to a pulp by friction on a kind of rasp made by winding coarse twine (formed of the cocoa-nut fibre) regularly round a board. The pulp is washed with sea-water through a sieve, made of the fibrous web which protects the young frond of the cocoa-nut palm. The strained liquor is re- ceived in a wooden trough in which the fecula is deposited; and the supernatant liquor being poured off, the sediment is formed into balls, which are dried in the sun for 12 or 24 hours, then broken and reduced to powder, which is spread out in the sun to dry. (Matthews, Gardener's Magazine, vol. viii. p. 585, Lond. 1832.) [Mr. Nuttall states, (Am. Journal of Pharmacy, vol. ix. p. 306,) that the plant affording Sandwich Island arrow- root is not the Tacca pinnaiifida of the East Indies, but a new and distinct species, to which he has given the name Tacca oceanica.—J. C] Tahiti Arrow-root, sometimes called Otaheite Salep (Rees' Cyclopcedia, art. Tacca pinnaiifida), is imported into London, and sold as " Arrow-roct prepared by the native converts at the missionary stations in the South Sea Islands." It is a white amylaceous powder, with a slight musty odour. Examined by the microscope I find it to consist of particles which appear circular, mullar-shupcd or polyhedral. Some of the mullar-shaped particles are slightly narrowed at the base. Moreover the base of the mullar, instead of being flat, appears to me to be hollowed out. The hilum is small and circular; it cracks in a linear or slcllate manner. The rings are few and not very distinct. This fecula is u?ed as a substitute for the West Indian Arrow-root. In some parts of the world cakes are made of the meal of the tubers of T. pinnatifida, " which are the tacca youy of some navigators : they form an article of diet in China and Cochin China, as also in Travan- core," where, according to Dr. Ainslie, they attain a large size, and arc eaten by the natives with some acid to subdue their acrimony. (Royle, Illustrations of the Botany of the Himalayan Mountains, p. 378.) Fig. 148. Fig. 149. Tacca pinnatifida. Fig. 147. Particles of Tahiti arrow-root. Fig. 150. Xarcissus Tazetta. The Banana. The Plantain. 148 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA 5IEDICA. Order XVI.-AMARYLLIDACE^, Lindl—THE NARCISSUS TRIBE. None of the plants of this order are employed in England as articles of the Materia Medica. Yet many of them act powerfully on the system, and one of them (Hamanthus toxicarius) is said to be used by the Hottentots to poison their arrow-heads. The prevailing property of the order is acridity, which is possessed principally by the bulbs, several of which (as those of Pan- cratium maritimum and Hamanthus coccineus) seem to be endowed with properties very similar to those of squill. The leaves and flowers of Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus are enumerated among the simples of the French Codex. In doses of 20 or 30 grains they sometimes cause vomiting. They have been employed in spasmodic affections (as hooping-cough), in diarrhoea, and in agues. (Merat and De Lens, Diet, de Mat. Med. t. iv.) Several other species of Narcis- sus, as N. Tazetta and N. odorus, also possess emetic properties. (De Candolle, Essai sur les Propriitis Med.) Narcissus Tazetta is supposed by Dr. Sibthorp to be the Narcissus of the poets. Order XVII.—MUSACE.E, Agardh.—THE BANANA TRIBE. None of the Musacece are used in medicine. But the importance of the Banana (Mu'sa Sa- pien'tum) and Plantain (M. Paradisi'aca), as articles of food, is so great to the inhabitants of some tropical countries, that it would be almost inexcusable to pass by the order without a notice. " But for plantains," says Dr. Wright^London Med. Journ. vol. viii.), Jamaica " would scarcely be habitable, as no species of provision could supply their place. Even flour, or bread itself, would be less agreeable and less able to support the laborious negro, so as to enable him to do his busi- ness or to keep in health." (See, also, Humboldt's PI. jEquinoc.) Boussingault (Journ. de Pharm. xxii. 385) analyzed the fruit of Musa paradisiaca, and found in it sugar, gum, malic, gallic, and pectic acids, albumen, and lignin. Order XVIII.—MARANTACEiE, Lindl.—THE ARROW-ROOT TRIBE. Essenttal Characters.—Calyx superior, of three sepals, short. Corolla tubular, irregular, with the segments in two whorls; the outer three-parted, nearly equal, the inner very irregu- lar; one of the lateral segments usually coloured, and formed differently from the rest; some- times by abortion fewer than three. Stamens three, petaloid, distinct, of which one of the laterals and the intermediate one are either barren or abortive, and the other lateral one fertile. Filament petaloid, either entire or two-lobed, one of the lobes bearing the anther on its edge. Anther one-celled, opening longitudinally. Pollen round (papillose in Canna coccinea, smooth in Calathea zebrina). Ovary three-celled; ovules solitary and erect, or numerous and attached to the axis of each cell; style petaloid or swollen ; stigma either the mere denuded apex of the style, or hollow, hooded and incurved. Fruit capsular, as in Scitamineae. Seeds round, without aril; albumen hard, somewhat floury ; embryo straight, naked, its radicle lying against the hilum (Lindley). Properties.—The rhizomes abound in fecula. MARAN'TA ARUNDINA'CEA, Linn. L. E.—THE WEST INDIAN ARROW-ROOT. Sex. Syst. Monamlria, Monogynia. (Arrow-root: Rhizoinatis fsecula. Lond.—Fecula of the tubers: Arrow-root. Ed.) (Maranta, U. S.) History.—This plant was brought from the island of Dominica by Colonel James Walker, to Barbadoes, and there planted. From thence it was sent to Ja- maica. That gentleman observed that the native Indians used the root against the poison of their arrows, by mashing and applying it to the poisoned wounds. (Sloane's Jamaica, vol. i. p. 254.) Botany. Gen. ciiar.—Corolla unequal, one of the inner segments in the form of a lip. Stamens petaloid, with half an anther on its edge. Style hooded, ad- hering to the edge of a sterile filament. Ovary three-celled, smooth : ovules soli- tary. Fruit even, dry, one-seeded. Caulescent plants with fleshy rhizomata or tubers. Stems branched, often dichotomous. Inflorescence terminal, panicled, jointed, with glumaceous, deciduous bracts. (Lindley.) -Sp. Char.—Culm branched, herbaceous. Leaves ovate, lanceolate, somewhat hairy underneath. Peduncles two-flowered (Willdenow). Rhizome white, articulated, tuberous, placed horizontally in the earth, and giving origin to several tuberous jointed stoles (stolones tuberosi), similar to itself, but covered with scales. These stoles are often more than a foot long, and curved, so that the points rise out of the earth and become new plants (Nees and Ebermaier). Stem two to three feet high. Leaves alternate, with long, leafy, hairy, sheaths. Flowers white and small. the arrow-root tribe. 149 The Maranla indica, Tussac (Journ. Bol. iii. 41), E., is characterized by its leaves being smooth on both sides, and by its seeds; those of M. arundinacea being violet. But, after a care- ful examination, Wickstrom declares that Tussac's plant is identical with the M. arundinacea, Linn. (Nees v. Esenb. and Eberm. Handb. d. Med. Pharm. Bot.) Hab.—West Indies. In Jamaica it is cultivated in gardens and provision grounds. Extraction of the Fecula.—The roots (tubers), when a year old, are dug up, well washed in water, and then beaten in large, deep, wooden mortars, to a pulp. This is thrown into a large tub of clean water. The whole is then well stirred, and the fibrous part wrung out by the hands and thrown away. The milky liquor being passed through a hair-sieve, or coarse cloth, is suffered to settle, and the clear water is drained off. At the bottom of the vessel is a white mass, which is again mixed with clean water and drained; lastly, the mass is dried on sheets in the sun, and is pure starch. (Wright, Lond. Med. Journ. vol. viii.) Properties.—The fecula (fcecula marantce) called in the shops West Indian arrow-root, is white, odourless, and tasteless. It is in the form either of a light opaque white powder or of small pulverulent masses. When pressed parncies 0t west jn(nar, between the fingers it feels firm, and when rubbed produces Arrow-root. a slight crackling noise. Examined by the microscope1 it is found to consist of oblong, somewhat ovate-oblong, or irregularly-shaped con- vex particles, with small mammillary processes occasionally projecting from some portion of the surface, and which are especially evident after the particles have been in water for a few minutes. The rings are very fine. The hilum is circu- lar, and cracks in a linear or stellate manner. Portland Arrow-root is obtained from Arum maculatum (see p. 86). East India Arrow-root is the fecula procured from Curcuma angustifolia, and will be described hereafter. Brazilian Arrow-root is the fecula of Jatropha Manihot. It is described by M. Guibourt (Hist. des Drog. ii. 456, 3me ed.) under the name of Moussache or Cipipa, and will be noticed hereafter (vide Euthorbiace,e). Tahiti Arrow-root is the fecula of Tacca pinnatifida, and has already been noticed (p. 146). Composition.—Arrow-root has been analyzed by Dr. Prout (Phil. Trans. 1827), and by Payen (Ann. des Scien. Nat. 2nde Ser. Botanique, 1838, pp. 183, 184), who obtained the following results: Payen. Mr-dried. Carbon............. 3(34 . Water.............. 03(5 . Dried between 200° Sj- 212° for 20 hours. ...... 428 ... ....... 57-2 ... Dried at 2120 for 6 hours longer. .... 444 .... 55-0 Arrow-root......... 1000 1000 1000 Amidon intact purified by al- Portion most cohol S[ water, easili/ disaggregated and dried at dried at 212° F. 382° F. 44 33 G-25 49-42 ■ 1000 100 00 The formula which agrees with Prout's third analysis is C6 H5 O". Dr. Prout regards arrow-root as a low variety of starch, analogous to the low sugar of honey ; while wheat-starch he considers to be the most perfect form of starch, analogous to sugar-candy. Commerce.—Arrow-root is brought, in tin cases and in barrels and boxes, from the West India Islands (Jamaica, Barbadoes, Antigua, St. Vincent, Dominica, Bermuda, St. Kitts, Grenada, Demerara and Berbice). Bermuda arrow-root is the most esteemed variety; whether justly or otherwise I know not. Importations of a fecula called arrow-root are occasionally made from Calcutta, and sometimes from Para, Maranham, and Sierra Leone. 1 K aspail has depicted the grains of the fecula of Convolvulus Batatas for arrow-rciot (see Payen, Jinn, .sczen Nat. 2nde Ser. t. x. Botanique, 1838, p. 16.) 13* 150 elements of materia medica. The quantity of arrow-root on which duty (of one shilling per cwt.) was paid during the last six years, is as follows : Cwts. toots. In 1835.................. 3,581 I In 1837 ..................2,853 I In 1839 1830 ..................3,280 1H3B ..................2,-533 | 1840 Cwts. ■ 2,264 . 2,124 Adulteration.—Potato-starch (sold in the shops as English arrow-root) is said to be sometimes substituted for the Indian arrow-root. The fraud may be readily detected by the naked eye as well as by a good microscope (see Potato starch). Physiological Effects.—Nutritive, emollient, and demulcent. It is some- what less nutritive than wheat starch, but more palatable and digestible. Uses.—Employed at the table, as an article of food, in the form of puddings. It forms a nutritious, easily-digested, agreeable, non-irritating diet for invalids or infants. In irritation of the alimentary canal, of the pulmonary organs, or of the urinary apparatus, it is especially valuable, as a nutritive, emollient and demulcent. Administration.—To invalids and infants it is exhibited when boiled in water or milk and flavoured. Milk disagrees with some patients, and in such is of course to be avoided. The addition of sugar improves the flavour and increases the nutritive qualities. Spices, lemon-juice, or wine, may be employed according to circumstances. OTHER DIETETIC AL, MAR ANT ACE JE. Fig. 152. Canxa.—An imperfectly determined species of Canna, E.—Within the last three or four years considerable quantities of a feculent substance, called Tous les Mois, or Starch of the Canna coccinea, have been imported. It comes from St. Kilt's, and is said to be prepared, by a tedious and troublesome process, from the root (rhizome) of the above-mentioned plant. It is, however, very doubtful whether it be really produced by the Canna coccinea of botanists, and the Edinburgh College, therefore, properly declares Tous les Mois to be the "fecula of the root of an imperfectl}' determined species of Can- na." When examined by the microscope its par- ticles are found to be distinguished from those of all other commercial feculas by their great size, which exceeds that of every other starch particle which I have hitherto examined. Their shape is oval or oblong; generally more or less ovate. The circular hilum is usually placed at the narrow ex- tremity; very rarely it is double. The rings are numerous, regular, close, but somewhat unequally so. The hilum and the body of the particle are frequently cracked. Examined by the naked eye, tous les mois has a slightly satiny appearance, and is devoid of that dead white or opaque character presented by some amylaceous substances. It ap- proaches more nearly to potato starch than to any other fecula with which I am acquainted; but its particles are larger than those of the latter. Like the other amylaceous substances, it forms a valu- able and nutritious article of food for the invalid. (See the Medico-Chirurgical Review for Oct. 1, 1836.) Particles of Tous les Mois. Order XIX.—ZINGIBERACEAE, Lindl.—THE GINGER TRIBE. Drymyrhizea:, Vent.—Scitaminejc, R. Brown. Essential Character.—Calyx superior, tubular, three-lobed, short. Corolla tubular, irregular, with six segments in two whorls; the outer three-parted, nearly equal, or with the odd seg. ment sometimes differently shaped; the inner (sterile stamens) three-parted, with the inter- mediate segment (labellum) larger than the rest, and often three-lobed, the lateral segments sometimes nearly abortive. Stamens three, distinct, of which the two lateral are abortive, and the intermediate one fertile; this placed opposite the labellum, and arising from the base of the intermediate segment of the outer series of the corolla. Filament not petaloid, often ex- tended beyond the anther in the shape of a lobed or entire appendage. Anther two-celled, opening longitudinally, its lobes often embracing the upper part of the style. Pollen globose, THE GINGER TRIBE. 151 smooth. Ovary three-celled, sometimes imperfectly so; ovules several, attached to a placenta in the axis; style filiform; stigma dilated, hollow. Fruit usually capsular, three-celled, many- seeded [sometimes by abortion one-celled]; occasionally berried (the dissepiments generally central, proceeding from the axis of the valves, at last usually separate from the latter, and of a different texture, R. Br.) Seeds roundish or angular, with or without an aril (albumen lioury, its substance radiating, and deficient near the hilum, R. Br.); embryo enclosed within a peculiar membrane (vitellus, R. Br. Prodr., membrane of the amnios, ibid, in King's Voyage, 21) with which it does not cohere.—Aromatic, tropical, herbaceous plants. Rhizoma creeping, " often jointed. Stem formed of the cohering bases of the leaves, never branching. Leaves simple, sheathing their lamina, often separated from the sheath by a taper neck, and having a single midrib, from which very numerous, simple, crowded veins diverge at an acute angle. Inflorescence either a dense spike, or a raceme, or a sort of panicle, terminal or radical. Flowers arising from among spathaceous membranous bracts, in which they usually lie in pairs. (Lindley.) Properties.—Rhizomes and seed aromatic. The rhizomes of some species are remarkable for the colouring matter which they contain. 1. ZINGIBER OFFICINALE, Roscoe, L. E.—THE NARROW-LEAVED GINGER. Amomum Zingiber, Linn. D. Sex. Syst. Monandria, Monojrynia. (Rhizoma, L. E.—Radix, D.) (Zingiber, U. S.) History.—Dioscorides, (Lib. ii. cap. 190,) and Pliny, (Hist. Nat. lib. xii.) were acquainted with ginger, which was called £iyy(/3spj£ by the former, zingi- beri and zimpiberi by the latter of these authors. Botany. Gen. char.—Corolla with the outer limb three-parted, inner one- lipped. Filament lengthened beyond the anther into a simple encurved beak. Capsule three-celled, three-valved. Seeds numerous, arillate.—Rhizocarpial plants. Iihizomata tuberous, articulated, creeping. Stems annual, enclosed in the sheaths of distichous leaves. Leaves membranous. Spikes cone-shaped radical or rarely terminal, solitary, consisting of one-flowered imbricated bracts (Blume). (Enumerat. Plant. Javce.) Sp. char.—Leaves sub-sessile, linear-lanceolate, smooth. Spikes elevated, ob- long. Bracts acute. Lip three-lobed. (Roxburgh.) Rhizome biennial. Stems erect and oblique, and invested by the smooth sheath of the leaves; generally three or four feet high, and annual. Leaf- sheaths smooth, crowned with a bifid ligula. Scapes solitary, six to twelve inches high. Spikes the size of a man's thumb. Lip dark purple. Ovary oval, with numerous ovules ; style filiform; stigma funnel-shaped, ciliate. Cap- sule roundish, unilocular. Seeds numerous; mostly abortive, (Roxburgh, op. cit., and Dr. P. Browne, History of Jamaica.) Hah.—Cultivated in the tropical regions of Asia and America. Native soil doubtful, probably Asia. Preparation.—The young shoots put forth every spring by the perennial rhizome, are used in the manufacture of the delicious preserved ginger (conditum zingiberis). These shoots are carefully picked, washed, scalded, scraped, peeled, and then preserved in jars with syrup. (Dr. P. Browne, Hist. Jamaica.) The ginger-root of the shops is prepared when the stalks are wholly withered, and the rhizomes are about a year old. In Jamaica this happens in January or February. The rhizomes are dug up, picked, cleaned, and scalded. Black ginger is dried, after being scalded, without being scraped ; white ginger on the contrary requires to be carefully scraped. Both kinds are dried in the sun in the open air. The difference between the black and white ginger of the shops is ascribed, by Dr. P. Browne, (op. cit. p. 120,) and others, to different methods merely of curing the rhizomes; but this is scarcely sufficient to account for it, and we can- not help suspecting the existence of some difference in the plants themselves. That this really exists is proved by the statement of Rumphius, (Herb. Amboin. lib. viii. cap. xix. p. 156,) that there are two ginger plants, the white and the red. Moreover, Dr. Wright, (Lond. Med. Journ. vol. viii.) says, that two sorts are 152 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. cultivated in Jamaica; viz. the white and the black; and he adds, "black ginger has the most numerous and largest roots." When brought to this country, the common kinds of ginger are bleached by washing them in a solution of chloride of lime, and sometimes by exposing them to the fumes of burning sulphur. This treatment, though it may improve the colour, must injure the acridity and aromatic qualities of the rhizomes. Description.—The rhizome, called in commerce ginger-root (radix zingi. beris), occurs in flattish, branched, or lobed, palmate pieces, called races, which do not exceed four inches in length. The unscraped pieces are covered with a wrinkled epidermis; but those which have been scraped (as the Jamaica variety) are without it. Ginger breaks moderately short, but the fractured surface pre- sents numerous projecting pointed fibres, embedded in a mealy or farinaceous tissue. A transverse section of the larger and more perfect pieces shows an outer, horny, resinous-looking zone, surrounding a farinaceous centre, which has a speckled appearance from the cut extremities of the fibres and ducts. The taste of ginger is aromatic, hot, and biting : the odour of a fresh-broken piece is peculiar and pungent, though aromatic. In commerce several varieties, distin- guished by their colour and place of growth, are met with. a. white Ginger. (Radix Zingiberis albi.)—The finest is that brought from Jamaica. Jamaica white ginger occurs in larger, rounder, and thinner races than the other kinds. Its epidermis has been carefully removed by scraping. Externally it is yellowish-white or very pale buff; internally it has a pale buff" tint: inferior kinds have an ash tint externally. It forms a beautiful bright straw yellow, somewhat buffy, powder. A great part of the Jamaica ginger of the shops has been washed in whiting and water (or ivhite-washed, as it is technically termed), under the pretence of preserving it from insects (Brande, Diet, of Mat. Med.) The dark-coloured kinds are frequently bleached with chloride of lime. Barbadoes ginger is in shorter, flatter races, of a darker colour, and covered with a corrugated epidermis. African ginger is in smallish races, which have been partially scraped, and are pale-coloured. East India ginger is unscraped ; its races are dark ash-coloured externally, and are larger than those of the African ginger. Tellicherry ginger is in large plump races, with a "remarkable reddish tint externally. (3. Biacit Ginger. (Radix Zingiberis nigri.)—Jamaica black ginger is not frequently found in the shops. The Malabar dark ginger is in unscraped short pieces, which have a horny appearance internally, and are of a dirty brown colour both internally and externally. Commerce.—Ginger is imported in bags, weighing about a hundred weight each. The quantities on which the duty of eleven shillings per cwt. has been •paid for the last six years, are as follows : Brit. W. Indies. East Indies. cwts. cwts. In 1835...........6,496........... 867 = 1836...........4,426............1,912 = 1837...........9,157............3,520 = Total. cwts. 7,363 6,338 12,677 Brit. W. Indies. East Indies. Total. cwts. cwts. ^cwts. In 1838...........9,305............1,911 = 11,216 1839...........6,357............ 818 = 7,175 1840...........7,528............1,535 = 9,063 Composition.—Ginger was analyzed in 1817 by Bucholz (Gmelin's Handb. d. Chem.), and in 1823 by Morin (Journ.de Pharm. ix. 253). BuchoWs Analysis. Pale yellow volatile oil....................... 1-5G Aromatic, acrid, soft resin.................... 3-60 Extractive, soluble in alcohol................. 0-65 Acidulous and acrid extractive, insoluble in alcohol..........................i......... 10-50 Gum 12 05 Starch (analogous to bassorin)................ 19-75 Apotheme, extracted by potash (ulmin?)......2600 Bassori a..................................... 8-30 Woody fibre................................. 8-00 Water....................................... 11-90 White Ginger. .102-31 Marin's Analysis. Volatile oil. Acrid soft resin. Resin insoluble in ether and oils. Gum. Starch. Woody fibre. Vegeto-animal matter. Osmazome. Acetic acid, acetate of potash, and sulphur. The ashes contained carbonate and sulphate of potash, chloride of potassium, phosphate of lime, alumina, silica, and oxides of iron and manganese. Ginger. NARROW-LEAVED GINGER. 153 1. Volatile Oil of Ginger.—Is pale yellow, very fluid, lighter than water, odour that of gin- ger, taste at first mild, afterwards acrid and hot. 2. Soft Resin.—Obtained by digesting the alcoholic extract of ginger first in water, then in c^her, and evaporating the etherial tincture. The residual resin is yellowish-brown, soft, com- bustible, has an aromatic odour, and a burning aromatic taste. Is readily soluble in alcohol, ether, oil of turpentine, and hot almond oil. Physiological Effects.—Ginger is one of the acrid aromatics, whose effects have been already noticed (vide vol. i. p. 191). Its dust, applied to the mucous membrane of the nostrils, acts as an irritant, and provokes sneezing. The rhi- zome chewed is a powerful sialogogue. The powder mixed with hot water, and applied to the skin, causes a sensation of intense heat and tingling. When taken into the stomach it operates as a stimulant; first, to the alimentary canal, secondly, to the body generally: but especially to the organs of respiration. Like some other spices (the peppers for instance), it acts as an excitant to the genital organs. Furthermore, it is said to increase the energy of the cerebral functions. It is less acrid than pepper. Uses.—Its principal consumption is as a condiment. Its powers in this way are considerable, while its flavour is by no means disagreeable, and its acridity scarcely sufficient to enable it, when taken with food, to irritate or inflame. As a stomachic and internal stimulant it serves several important purposes. In enfeebled and relaxed habits, especially of old and gouty individuals, it pro- motes digestion, and relieves flatulency and spasm of the stomach and bowels. It checks or prevents nausea and griping, which are apt to be produced by some drastric purgatives. It covers the nauseous flavour of many medicines, and com- municates cordial and carminative qualities to tonic and other agents. As a sialogogue it is sometimes chewed to relieve toothache, relaxed uvula, and para- lytic affections of the tongue. As a counter .irritant I have frequently known a ginger plaster (prepared by mixing together powdered ginger and boiling water, and spreading the paste on paper or cloth) relieve violent headache when applied to the forehead. Administration.—Powdered ginger may be administered, in doses of from ten grains to a scruple or more, in the form of pill. Made into a paste with hot water it may be applied as a plaster, as already mentioned. Preserved ginger (conditum zingiberis), though commonly used as a sweet- meat, may be taken with advantage as a medicine to stimulate the stomach. Ginger lozenges, ginger pearls (commonly termed ginger seeds), and ginger pipe, are useful articles of confectionary, frequently of benefit in dyspepsia accompanied with flatulence. 1. TINCTURA ZINGIBERIS, L. E. D. (U. S.)—Tincture of Ginger.—(Ginger, sliced, [in coarse powder, E. Z>.] ^ijss.; Rectified Spirit, Oij. [wine measure, D.] Macerate for fourteen [seven, Z).] days, and strain, L. D. " Proceed by perco- lation or digestion, as directed for tincture of cinchona." E.)—A very valuable carminative. It is commonly employed as an adjunct to tonic, stimulant, and purgative mixtures. Its dose is f3j. or f3ij. The tincture, made with proof spirit, becomes turbid by keeping, in consequence of the mucilage it contains. Essence of ginger is prepared as a tincture, except that the quantity of rhizome should be increased. Some preparers of it concentrate the tincture by distilling off part of the alcohol. 2. SYRUPUS ZINGIBERIS, L. E. D. (U. S.) Syrup of Ginger.—(Ginger, sliced, [bruised, D.] 3ijss. [3iv. I).~\; Boiling water, Oj. [Oiij. wine measure, D.] ; Sujjar, lb. ijss. [Jlxxxvij. D.] Macerate the ginger in the water for four hours, and strain ; then add the sugar, and dissolve it.)—Used for flavouring. It is scarcely strong enough to be of much value. An extemporaneous syrup may be prepared by adding the tincture of ginger to common syrup. The syrupus zingiberis of the United States Pharmacopoeia is made by adding f3iv. of tincture of ginger (prepared with 3viij. of ginger and Oij., wine measure, of alcohol) to a gallon of syrup, and evaporating the alcohol by a water bath. 154 elements of materia medica. I INFUSUM ZINGIBERIS; Infusion of Ginger; Ginger Tea. — This is a very useful domestic remedy, and is prepared by digesting from 3ij. to 3iv. of Ginger in f3vj. of Boiling Water, for two hours.—When flavoured, it is employed as a carminative in flatulence, &c, in doses of one or two tablespoonsful. 4. GINGER BEER.—For the following excellent formula for the preparation of this popular and agreeable beverage, I am indebted to Mr. Pollock, of Fenchurch Street: — "Take of White Sugar, lb. xx.; Lemon (.or Lime) Juice, f3xviij.; Honey, lb. j.; Ginger, bruised, 3xxij.; Water, cong. xviij. Boil the ginger in three gallons of water for half an hour; then add the sugar, the juice, and the honey, with the remainder of the water, and strain through a cloth. When cold, add the White of one Egg and f3ss of Essence of Lemon: after standing four days, bottle." This yields a very superior beverage, and one which will keep for many months. Lemon juice may be purchased for sixpence a pint in Botolph Lane, Thames Street. A formula for the preparation of Ginger Beer Powders has already been given (see vol. i. p. 482). 2. CURCU'MA LON'GA, Linn. L. E. D.—THE LONG-ROOTED TURMERIC. Sex. Syst. Monandria, Monogynia. (Rhizoma, L. E — Radix, D.) History.—Turmeric is probably the Kutfsipos 'Iv5ixog (Cyperus indicus) of Dios- corides. (Lib. i. cap. iv.) Both Dioscorides and Pliny (Hist. Nat. lib. xxi. cap. Ixx. ed. Valp.) state that this Indian Cyperus has the form of ginger, and that, when chewed, it colours the saliva yellow like saffron. The word Curcuma is derived from Kurkum, the Persian name for saffron. (Royle, Essay on tlieAntiq. of Hindoo Med. p. 87.) Botany. Gen. char.—Tube of the Corolla gradually enlarged upwards; limb two-lipped, each three-parted. Filament broad. Anther incumbent, with two spurs at the base. Style capillary. Capsule three-celled. Seeds numerous, arillate. —Stemless plants, with palmate tuberous roots. Leaves with sheathing petioles, bifarious, herbaceous. Scape simple, lateral or central. Spike simple, erect, comose, somewhat imbricated at the base with bracts or saccate spathes. Flowers dull yellow, three to five together, surrounded by bracteolse. (Blume, op. cit.) Sp. char.—Bulbs small, and with the numerous, long, palmate tubers, inwardly of a deep orange-yellow. Leaves long-petioled, broad-lanceolar, of a uniform green (Roxburgh). Hab.—Much cultivated about Calcutta, and in all parts of Bengal, also in China and Cochin-China. One acre yields about 2000 lbs. of the fresh root. Description.—The tubers, called in the shops turmeric (radix carcumce, seu terramerita), are distinguished by their place of growth into China, Bengal, and Java turmerics; the first being the best and most valuable. From their shape they are sometimes divided into the round and long. The first (curcuma rotunda) is round, oval, or ovate, about two inches long, and one inch in diameter, pointed at one end, marked externally with numerous annular wrinkles. The second (curcuma hnga) is cylindrical, not exceeding the thickness of the little finger; two or three inches long, somewhat contorted, tuberculated. Both kinds are grayish-yellow externally, internally more or less orange-yellow passing into brown. The fractured surface has a waxy appearance. The odour is aromatic, somewhat analogous to ginger, but peculiar: the taste is aromatic. When chewed, it tinges the saliva yellow. Its powder is orange-yellow. The tubers are fre- quently worm-eaten. Composition. — Two analyses of turmeric have been made: one by John, (Gmelin's Handb. d. Chem.) and a second by MM. Vogel and Pelletier. (Journ. de Pharm. i. 289.) the narrow-leaved turmeric. 155 John's Analysis. Yellow volatile oil......................... 1 Curcumin..................................10 to 11 Yellow extractive..........................11 to 12 CJum..................................... 14 Woody fibre............................... 57 Water and loss.............................7 to 5 Turmeric. Vogel and Pelletier's Analysis. Acrid volatile oil. Curcumin. Brown colouring matter. Gum (a little). Starch. Woody fibre. Chloride of calcium. Turmeric. Curcumin. Yellow Colouring Matter.—Is obtained, mixed with some volatile oil and chloride of calcium, by digesting the alcoholic extract of turmeric in ether, and evaporating the etherial tincture to dryness. In the mass, curcumin is brownish-yellow, but when powdered it becomes full yellow. It is tasteless, odourless, almost insoluble in water, but readily soluble in alcohol and ether. These properties show that it is of a resinous nature. The alkalis colour it reddish-brown, and readily dissolve it. The alcoholic solution, evaporated with boracic acid, becomes red. Hy- drochloric acid also reddens it. The alcoholic solution of curcumin produces coloured precipi- tates with several salts, as acetate of lead and nitrate of silver. Chemical Characteristics.—The alkalis change an infusion of turmeric, or turmeric paper, to reddish-brown. A similar alteration of colour occurs when turmeric paper is exposed to the vapour of hydrochloric acid gas, or is touched with oil of vitriol. If, to tincture of turmeric, boracic acid be added, and the mixture be evaporated to dryness, an orange-red residue is obtained, whereas, without the acid, the residue is yellow. Sulphate of copper causes a yellowish precipitate with an infusion of turmeric. A similar effect is produced by sesqui- chloride of iron. Physiological Effects.—Are those of a mild aromatic, (vide vol. i. p. 191.) The colouring matter becomes absorbed, and communicates a yellow tinge to the urine. (Lewis, Mat. Med.; and Reiger, quoted by Murray, App. Med. vol. v. p. 78.) According to Mr. Gibson, (Mem. of the Lit. a,nd Phil. Soc. of Manchester, vol. i. Sec. Ser. p. 148,) the colouring matter of turmeric is somewhat changed by the digestive organs; for the stools of animals fed with this root were green, whilst either logwood or madder exhibited its respective hues after passing through the intestines. Uses.—Employed as a condiment, colouring ingredient, and test. It is a con- stituent of the well-known curry powder and curry paste, and of many other articles of Indian cookery. Formerly it had some reputation in hepatic and other visceral diseases, and especially in jaundice. As a test, it is used to detect the presence of free alkalis, which change its yellow colour to a reddish-brown. But some acids, and several salts, produce the same effect on it. CHARTA CURCUMjE ; Charta exploratoria flava; Turmeric Paper.—This is pre- pared with white, bibulous, or unsized paper, which is to be brushed over with, or soaked in, a tincture of turmeric (prepared by digesting one part of bruised Tur- meric in six parts of Proof Spirit), and drying in the air, the access of alkaline and acid fumes being prevented. Mr. Faraday (Chemical Manipulation) directs it to be prepared with a decoction of turmeric (prepared by boiling one ounce of the coarsely-powdered turmeric in ten or twelve ounces of water, straining through a cloth, and allowing the fluid to settle for a minute or two). Turmeric paper is employed as a test for alkalis, which render it reddish or brownish. 3. CURCUMA ANGUSTIFO'LIA, Roxburgh.—THE NARROW-LEAVED TURMERIC. (Fa:cula tuberis. East Indian Arrowroot, Offic.) History.—This plant was found by H. T. Colebrook, Esq., in the forests ex- tending from the banks of the Sona to Nagpore, and was by him introduced into the Botanic garden at Calcutta. (Roxburgh, Flora Indica.) Botany. Cm. ciiar.—Vide Curcuma longa. sp. ci»ar.—Bulb oblong, with pale, oblong, pendulous tubers only. Leaves stalked, narrow lanceolate. Flowers longer than the bracts. 156 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Hat>.—East Indies : from the banks of the Sona to Nagpore. The fecula obtained from its tubers is sold in the markets of Benares, and is eaten by the na- lives. (Roxburgh, op. cit.) Grows also in abundance on the Malabar coast, where, especially at Travancore, large quantities of fecula are extracted from the tubers. (Ainslie, Mat. Indica, i. 19.) Description.—Under the name of East Indian Arrow-root I have found in commerce two kinds of fecula, hoih of which are imported from Calcutta. a. White East Indian Arrow-root.—A fine white powder, readily distinguisha- ble, both by the eye and the touch, from West Indian Arrow-root. To the eye it somewhat resembles a finely-powdered salt (as bicarbonate of soda or Rochelle salt.) When pinched or pressed by the fingers, it wants the firmness so charac- teristic of West Indian Arrow-root, and it does not crepitate to the same extent when rubbed between the fingers. p . co Examined by the microscope it is found to consist of ovate, or oblong-ovate, flattened particles, often with a very short neck, or nipple-like projection. On account of their flatness, they have but little lateral shading, except when viewed edgeways. The hilum is placed at the narrow extremity; it is circular, very small, and not very distinct. The rings are seen both on the flat surface and on the edges : they are numerous, close, and very fine. Particles of White East fi. Pale Buff-coloured East Indian Arrow-root.— Indian Arrow-root. jn the form of powder, or of pulverulent masses, which are dirty or buffy white. Paddy husks, woody fibre, and various impurities, are intermixed. To the microscope both kinds present the same appearance, from which it is probable that they are obtained from the same plant, but with unequal degrees of care. However, this is somewhat doubtful, as Dr. Roxburgh (Fl. Indica, vol. i. p. 126), says that a fecula, like arrow-root, is procured from several species of Curcuma, (as C. rubescens and C. leucorrhiza ; the fecula of the latter is called Tikor). The particles of East Indian arrow-root are very unequal in size, but on the average are larger than those of West Indian arrow-root. Composition.— Not ascertained, but doubtless analogous to that of West Indian arrow-root. Effects and Uses.—Analogous to those of the West Indian fecula. Its com- mercial value, however, is much below that of the latter. 4. AMOMUM CARDAMO'MUM, Linn., D.—THE CLUSTER OR ROUND CARDAMOM. Sex. Syst. Monandria, Monogynia. (Fructus. Cardamomum rotundum, Offic.) History.—The fruit of this plant is the "A(xw|xov of Dioscorides, (lib. i. cap. 14), the Amomi uva of Pliny. (Hist. Nat. lib. xii. cap. 28, ed. Valp.) Botany. Gen. char.—Inner limb of the corolla one-lipped. Filament di- lated beyond the anther, with an entire or Iobed crest. Capsules often berried, three-celled, three-valved. Seeds numerous, arillate.—Herbaceous 'perennials, with articulated creeping rhizomes. Leaves in two rows, membranous, with their sheaths split. Inflorescence spiked, loosely imbricated, radical (Blume). (op. cit.) Sp.char.—Leaves with short petioles, lanceolate. Spikes half immersed in the earth, loosely imbricated, with villous, lanceolate, acute, one-flowered bracts. Lip, with the anterior margin, three-lobed. Crest three-lobed. (Roxburgh.) Hab.—Sumatra, Java, and other islands eastward to the Bay of Bengal. Description. — The fruit of this plant is the round cardamom (carda- momum rotundum) of the shops. It varies in size from that of a black cur- THE ROUND CARDAMOM. 157 rant 1o that of a cherry. It is roundish, or roundish-ovate, with three convex, rounded sides or lobes, more or less striated longitudinally, yellowish or brownish-white, sometimes with a red tint, and when examined by a pocket-lens shows the remains of hairs, the greater part of which have been probably rubbed off. The seeds are brown, angular, cuneiform, shrivelled, with an aro- matic, camphoraceous flavour. The fruits in their native clus- ters or spikes (constituting the Amomum racemosum) are rare- ly met with: a fine sample is in the Sloanian collection of the British Museum. Composition.—It has not been analyzed. Its constituents are probably analogous to those of the Malabar cardamom, Round Cardamom. (Elettaria Cardamomum.) Effects and Uses.—Similar to those of the Malabar cardamom. Round car- damoms are rarely employed in this country. They are officinal in the French Codex, and are principally consumed in the southern parts of Europe. The seeds are directed to be used by the Dublin Pharmacopoeia, but I presume those of the Elettaria Cardamomum are meant. 5. AMOMUM GRANA-PARADISI, Smith, and 6. A. MELEGUETA, Roscoe. History.—Afzelius1 refers the seed called, in the shops, grains of paradise, and which, he says, are the true Mcdaguetta pepper, to. his Amomum Granum Paradisic Roscoe, (Monandrian Plants,) on the other hand, asserts most positively, that Malaguetta pepper is the produce of his Amomum Melegueta, which he considers to differ from any previously-described plant. I strongly sus- pect the seeds of at least two species have been confounded in commerce, under the names of grains of paradise, or Malaguetta pepper. Afzelius (Sierra Leone Company's Report in 1791, 8vo. p. 173) states that there are four sorts of Ma- laguetta pepper, viz. Mabooboo, Massa aba, Massa amquona, and Tossan, the last being the native and true one; but Sir J. E. Smith (Rees* Cyclop, vol. xxxix. art. Amomum) has shown that the two first of these are distinct species ; Ma- booboo being A. macrospermum, Smith, and Massa Aba being A. strobilaceum, Smith. Botany. Gen. char.—Vide Amomum Cardamomum. species.—l, A. Grana-paradisi, Smith. Rhizome perennial, woody, creeping horizontally. Stems erect, simple, slender, three feet high, leafy, but destitute of flowers. Leaves numerous, crowded, two-ranked, alternate, a span long and an inch broad, lanceolate, or slightly ovate, with a long taper point, entire, smooth, single- ribbed, striated with innumerable oblique veins. Their flavour is slightly aromatic, after having been dried 20 years. Foot-stalks sheathing, linear, very long, smooth, striated. Flower-stalks radical, solitary, an inch or two in length, ascending, clothed with numerous close, sheathing bracts, all abrupt, ribbed, somewhat hairy and fringed; the lower ones very short, the upper gradually much larger. Of the parts of the flower nothing could be made out in Sir J. Smith's specimens. [Afzelius (Beschr. offic. Planz.) declares them to be formed like those of A. exscapum, Sims.] Capsule an inch and a half long, half an inch in diameter, oblong, bluntly triangular, scarcely ovate, beaked, of a dark reddish-brown, ribbed, coriaceous, rough, with minute deci- duous bristly hairs. When broken it is very powerfully aromatic, even after being kept twenty years, with a peculiar pepper-like flavour, rather too strong to be agreeable. Seeds numerous, enveloped in membranes formed of the dried pulp, roundish or somewhat angular, of a shining golden brown, minutely rough or granulated, extremely hot and acrid (Smith).—Native of Gui- nea, about Sierra Leone. 2. A. Melcgnela, Roscoe. Stem erect, six feet high. Leaves two-ranked, subsessile, narrow-lanceolate. Scape radical, covered at the base with about seven imbricated, ovate, concave, pointed, and somewhat cuspi- date bracts. Calyx cylindrical, of one leaf, green, spotted with red. Flowers cylindrical, ex- panding in a double border; outer border in three sections, the middle section largest, ovate, 1 Bemed. Ouineens. x. n. 1, quoted in the Beschreib. offic. Plant of Nees, &c. a A. Grana-paradisi of Smith in Rees' Cyclop, vol. xxiii. art. " Mcllegetta." VOL. II. 14 153 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Fig. 155. Fig. 156. the two others linear and opposite; inner lip very large, broad-ovate, crenatc, pale yellow at the base, crimson at the margin. Filament strong, erect, clavate, terminating in three lobes, middle lobe erect and bifid, the other two pointed and recurved ; a pair of hornlets on the filament, near the base of the lip. Anther in two lobes, seated in front of the filament, a little below the apex, bright yellow. Style erect, tubular, expanding into a dilated stigma or cup, supported at the base by two linear processes, about an inch in length, and one-eighth of an inch in breadth, by much the largest specimen of this part observable in any scitamineous plant. Capsule cylindrical cori- aceous, six inches longr, yellow, spotted with orange, supported at the base by the large ovate, c&ncave, cuspidate bracts, and containing a columella or receptacle about four inches long, covered with seeds beautifully arranged, arilled, and embedded in a lomentose substance. Seeds angular, light-brown, with a highly aromatic and grateful flavour (Roscoe).—Cultivated at Demerara: probably from Africa. Description.—In the Sloanian Collection of the British Museum are several capsules of Malaguetta pepper, one of which is labelled " Melegetta, a pod from Guinea? (Fig. 155 is taken from one of these.) They are two and a half inches long, and one inch in diameter, ovate or ovate-oblong, coriaceous, wrin- kled as if shrivelled, yellowish-brown. The seeds are identical with those call- ed, in the shops, Guinea grains, or grains of paradise. Are these capsules the fruit of A. Melegueta, Roscoe? In Dr. Burgess's collection of Materia Medica, in the College of Physicians, is a capsule smaller than the preceding, oval or oval-oblong, somewhat reddish- brown, wrinkled longitudinally. (Fig. 156 is taken from it.) The seeds very closely resemble, if they be not identical with, the grains of paradise of the shops. They have also the same vehemently hot taste. This capsule appears to me to be the fruit of A. Grana Paradisi, Smith. Capsules of Malaguetta Pepper. The seeds, called in the shops grains of paradise (grana paradisi), or Guinea grains, are roundish or ovate, frequently angular, and somewhat cuneiform; shin- ing golden brown; minutely rough, from small warts and wrinkles; internally white. Their taste is aromatic and vehemently hot or peppery : when crushed and rubbed between the fingers their odour is feebly aromatic. Their greatest diameter rarely exceeds l£ lines. The acrid taste resides in the seed coats. Commerce.—Grains of paradise are imported in casks, barrels, and puncheons, from the coast of Guinea. The quantities on which duty (two shillings per lb.) has been paid during the last six years, is as follows (Trade List): In 1835............ 14,603 lbs. 1836............ 16,234 In 1837............ 17,134 lbs. 1838............ 16,199 In 1839............ 19,036 lbs 1840............ 9,916 " Extract or preparation of Guinea grains" is mentioned by Frewin (Di- gested Abrid.gm. of the Laws of the Customs, 1819,) in his table of Imports, as paying a duty of two shillings per lb. The heavy duty imposed on grains of paradise is intended to act as a prohibi- tion of their use. (Fourth Report of the African Institution, p. 16.) Composition.—Grains of paradise were analyzed in 1811 by Willert, (Tromms- dorffs Journ. xx. St. 2, 1811,) who obtained the following results :—Volatile oil 0-52, acrid resin 3-40, extractive 1-27, tragacanthin and looody fibre 82-8 [ 1 water and loss 12-01]. THE GREATEST OR MADAGASCAR CARDAMOM. 159 1. The volatile oil has a light yellow colour, a camphoraceous smell, and a hot penetrating taste. 2. The resin is brown, soft, odourless, and has an acrid, burning taste. Physiological Effects__Analogous to those of pepper. A very erroneous notion prevails that these seeds are highly injurious. (Roscoe, op. cit.) Uses.—Rarely employed as an aromatic. Esteemed in Africa as the most wholesome of spices, and generally used by the natives to season their food. (Fourth Report of the African Institution.) Its principal consumption is in veterinary medicine, and to give an artificial strength to spirits, wine, beer, and vinegar. By 56 Geo. III. c. 58, no brewer or dealer in beer shall have in his possession or use grains of paradise, under a penalty of £200 for each offence: and no druggist shall sell it to a brewer, under a penalty of £500 for each offence. 7. AMO'MUM ANGUSTIFO'LIUM, Sonnerat.— THE GREATEST OR MADAGASCAR CARDAMOM. # Amomum madagascariense, Lamarck. This species is a native of Madagascar, growing in marshy ground, and was first described by Sonnerat. (Voyage aux Indes, t. ii. p. 242.) Its fruit is the cardamomum majus of Matthiolus, (Comment, in. vi. lib. Diosc. Venet. 1583,) Geoffroy, (Mat. Med. ii. 366,) Smith, (Rees"1 Cyclop, art. Millegetla,) and Geiger, (Handb. d. Pharm. Bd. ii.) In Dr. Burgess's Collection of Materia Medica at the College of Physicians, there are several fine specimens (from one of which the accompanying figure was taken), marked " Cardomomum maximum Mat- thioli? The capsule is ovate, pointed, flattened on one side, striated, with a broad, cir- cular umbilicus or scar at the bottom, around which is an elevated, notched, and corrugated margin. Some authors, who have mistaken the base of the capsule for its summit, have compared the shape to that of a fig. The seeds are rather larger than grains of paradise, roundish or somewhat angular, abrupt at the base, olive-brown, with an aromatic flavour analogous to that of the Malabar cardamom, but totally devoid of the vehemently hot acrid taste of the grains of paradise. Fig. 157. Madagascar Cardamom, Fig. 158. Fig. 159. Amomum Clusii. Amomum macrospermum. 160 elements of materia medica. 8. AMOMUM CLU'SII, Smith.—LONG-SEEDED AMOMUM. I have received from a druggist a capsule (fig. 158), which agrees with one no- ticed and figured by Clusius (Exoticorum, pp. 37, 38). Another specimen is de- scribed by Sir J. E. Smith (Rees, Cyclop, vol. xxiii. art. Mellegetta, and vol. xxxix. Addenda, art. Amomum). This capsule must be confounded neither with that of the Madagascar cardamom, nor with that of the grain of paradise. It is ovate, pointed, slightly triangular, cartilaginous, striated, smooth, yellowish [red- dish, Smith], brown. The seeds distinguish it from all other species: they are oblong or ovate, inclining to cylindrical, dark-brown, highly-polished, as if var- nished ; with a pale yellowish-brown, corrugated, and notched margin surround- ing the scar. They are very slightly aromatic. 9. AMOMUM MACROSPER'MUM, Smith.—LARGE-SEEDED GUINEA AMOMUM. Zingiber Melegueta, Gartner. Mabooboo, Afzelius. Banda Cardamom, Th. Martius. This was mistaken by Gasrtner for Malaguetta pepper. The capsule.is ovate, pointed, somewhat striated, about two inches long and six lines broad, with a corrugated beak. Seeds ovate, or nearly globular, or somewhat oblong, scarcely larger than grains of paradise, smooth, polished, greenish-gray, or lead-coloured, with a strong umbilicated scar at their base, with a whitish or pale-yellow mar- gin ; flavour slightly aromatic. A native of Sierra Leone. (Fig. 159 is from a specimen in the Sloanian Collection of the British Museum.) 10. AMOMUM MAX'IMUM, Roxburgh.—THE GREAT-WINGED AMOMUM. (Fructus: Java Cardamom, offic.) History.—This plant was first described by Roxburgh. (Asiatic Researches, xi. p. 344.) That it yields the Java cardamom of commerce I entertain but little doubt; for the latter agrees precisely with the characters assigned by Roxburgh and Blume (Enum. PI. Javce) to the fruit of this plant, the seeds of which, the first of these botanists says, " are aromatic, and pass for a sort of cardamom." (Fl. Indica, vol. i. p. 44, 1832.) Moreover, Amomum maximum being a native of Java, accounts for its fruit being called in commerce the Java cardamom. Lastly, no other plant noticed in the works of Roxburgh and Blume agrees pre- cisely in the characters of its fruit with the cardamom in question. Elettaria cardamomum medium, Roxburgh, which I at one time (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. xviii. p. 463), with some other botanists, fancied might be the parent plant, disagrees in several re- spects : the shape and size of its fruit, the inequality of its wings, and the qualities of its seed coats, are the most essential points of disagreement. The fruit of Amomum aromaticum (Dr. Roxburgh's drawing of which was kindly shown me by Dr. Horsfield) has no resemblance to the Java cardamom. Lastly, I have examined the fruits of Amomum grandiforum, A. Afzelii, and A. dealbatum [a specimen of the latter in the British Museum is erroneously marked A. maximum], in the collections of the Linnean Society and the British Museum, and find that none of them are the Java cardamom. Botany.—Gen. char.—Vide Amomum Cardamomum. Sp. char.—Leaves stalked, lanceolate, villous underneath. Spikes oval, even with the earth. Bracts lanceolate. Lip elliptical. Coronet of one semilunar lobe. Capsules round, nine-winged. (Roxburgh.) The capsule is "almost globular, size of a gooseberry, three-celled, three- valved, ornamented with nine [seven to thirteen, Blume] firm, short, ragged (when old and dry), membranaceous wings. The seeds possess a warm, pun- gent, aromatic taste, not unlike that of cardamoms, but by no means so grateful." (Roxburgh.) The Nepal cardamom described by Dr. Hamilton (An Account of the Ki?igdom of Nepal, ed. 1819), appears to be identical with the Java carda- mom. Dr. Hamilton says, the plant yielding it " is a species of Amomum, as the true or officinal cardamom. 161 that genus is defined by Dr. Roxburgh, and differs very much from the cardamom of Malabar." Hab.—The Malay Islands (Roxburgh); Java (Blume). Cultivated in the mountainous parts of Nepal, where it is propagated by cuttings of the root [rhi- zome] ; the plants yield in three years, and afterwards give an annual crop. (Ha- milton.) Description.—G-reater Java cardamoms (cardamomi majores javanenses, Th. Martius ; Java cardamoms, offic.; Nepal cardamoms, desi elachi [i. e. coun- try cardamoms] of Hindustan, Hamilton ; the bura elachee [i. e. great cardamoms] of Saharunpore—the Bengal cardamoms of the Calcutta market, Royle; carda- momefausse-maniguette, Guibourt) are oval, or oval-oblong, frequently somewhat ovate, three-valved, from eight to fifteen lines long, and from four to eight lines broad, usually flattened on one side, convex on the other, occasionally curved, sometimes imperfectly three-lobed, and resembling in their form the pericarp of the cocoa-nut. Their colour is dirty grayish-brown. They have a coarse, fibrous, aged appearance, are strongly ribbed, and when soaked in hot water become almost globular, and present from nine to thirteen ragged, membranous wings, which occupy the upper half or three-fourths of the capsule, and are scarcely perceptible in the dried state of the pericarp. By the possession of wings, these cardamoms are distinguished from all others of commerce, and hence might be called the winged cardamoms. Occasion- ally the footstalk is attached, with, now and then, portions of brown, membranous, imbricated scales, as long as the fruit. At Java Cardamom the opposite or winged extremity of the capsule are frequently with its footstalk! the fibrous remains of the calyx. Seeds somewhat larger than grains of paradise, dull, dirty brown, with a shallow groove on one side, inter- nally white; taste and odour feebly aromatic. One hundred parts of the fruit consist, according to Th. Martius (Pharmakogn.) of seventy parts seeds, and thirty parts pericarpial coats. They are imporled from Calcutta in bags. Composition.—Analogous probably to that of the Malabar cardamom, except in the quantity of volatile oil which it yields; for Martius procured only four scruples of it from a pound of the fruit. The oil obtained was white and thickish. Effects and Uses.—Java cardamoms are not used here. They are of infe- rior quality, and when brought to this country are usually sold in bond for conti- nental use. In 1839 a quantity of them was sold at seven-pence joe?- lb. 11. ELETTARIA CARDAMOMUM, Maton.—THE TRUE OR OFFICINAL CARDAMOM. Alpinia Cardamomum, Roxb. L.—Keneahnia Cardamomum, a-Amoraum Cardamomum, D. Sei. Syst. Monandria, Monogynia. (Semina, L. D.—The fruit ;* Cardamoms, Ed.) (Cardamomum, U. S.) History.—A medicine called Cardamom (KapSa^ov) is mentioned by Hip- pocrates (pages 265, 572, 603, 651, ed. Foes.), Theophrastus (Hist. Plant, lib. xi. cap. vii.), and Dioscorides (lib. i. cap. 5), the first of whom employed it in me- dicine. But it is now scarcely possible to determine what substance they refer- red to, as their notices of it are brief and imperfect, though I believe it to have been one of the fruits which we call cardamoms. Pliny (Hist. Nat. lib. xii. cap. xxix. ed. Valp.) speaks of four kinds of cardamom, but" it is almost impossible to ascertain with any certainty what species he refers to. Botany.—Gen. char—The same as that of Amomum, but the tube of tlie co- rolla filiform, and the anther naked (Blume). sii.cha.-—Leaves lanceolate, acuminate, pubescent above, silky beneath. 14* 162 elements of materia medica. Spikes lax. Scape elongated, horizontal. Lip indistinctly three-lobed. (Blume.) Rhizome with numerous fleshy fibres. Stems perennial, erect, smooth, jointed, enveloped in the spongy sheaths of the leaves ; from six to nine feet high. Leaves subsessile on their sheaths, entire ; length from one to two feet. Sheaths slightly villous, with a roundish ligula rising above the mouth. Scapes several (three or four) from the base of the stems, flexuose, jointed, branched, one to two feet long. Branches or racemes alternate, one from each joint of the scape, suberect, two or three inches long. Bracts solitary, oblong, smooth, membranaceous, striated, sheathing, one at each joint of the scape. Flowers alternate, short-stalked, solitary at each joint of the racemes, opening in succession as the racemes lengthen. Calyx funnel-shaped, three-toothed at the mouth, about three-quarters of an inch long, finely striated, permanent. Tube of corolla slender, as long as the calyx; limb double, exterior of three, oblong, concave, nearly equal, pale greenish-white divisions ; inner lip obovate, much larger than the exterior divi- sions, somewhat curled at the margin, with the apex slightly three-lobed, marked chiefly in the centre with purple violet stripes. Filament short, erect: anther double emarginate. Ovary oval, smooth : style slender: stigma funnel-shaped. Capsule oval, somewhat three-sided, size of a small nutmeg [!], three-celled, three-valved. Seeds many, angular (Roxburgh). Hab.—Mountainous part of the coast of Malabar. Production.—Cardamoms are produced naturally or by cultivation. Between, Travancore and Madura they grow without cultivation (Hamilton, [Buchanan] Journey through Mysore, Canara, and Malabar, vol. ii. p. 336); and also at certain places in the hills which form the lower part of the Ghauts in Caduti- nada and other northern districts of Malayata. (Hamilton, op. cit. vol. ii. p. 510.) The cardamoms of the Wynaad, which are esteemed the best, are cultivated : the spots chosen for the cardamom farms are called Ela-Kandy, and are either level or gently-sloping surfaces, on the highest range of the Ghauts after passing the first declivity from their base. (White, Trans, of Linn. Soc. vol. x. p. 237.) " Before the commencement of the periodical rains, in June, the cultivators of the cardamom ascend the coldest and most shady sides of a woody moutain; a tree of uncommon size and weight is then sought after, the adjacent spot is cleared of weeds, and the tree felled close at its root. The earth, shaken and loosened by the force of the fallen tree, shoots forth young cardamom plants in about a month's time. (Capt. Dickson, in Roxburgh's Fl. Indica.) The quantities of cardamoms brought for sale at Malabar is about 120, or, according to another account, only 100 candies, from the following places (Hamilton, op. cit. vol. ii. p. 538): Candies of Candies of 6401bs. 640 lbs. Coorg................................. 40 ............................ 30 Wynaad.............................. 57 ............................ 65 Tamarachery....................'..... 20 ............................ 3 Cadtitinada or Cartinaad.............. 3............................ 2 120 100 The cardamoms of the Wynaad are shorter, fuller of seed, and whiter, than those of Malabar, and sell for 100 rupees a candy more. Those of Coorg have fewer fine grains, but they have also fewer black or light ones. The cardamoms of Sersi (western part of Soonda) are inferior to those of Coorg. (Hamilton, op. cit. vol. ii. p. 538, and vol. iii. p. 228.) Description.—The fruit of the Elettaria Cardamomum constitute^ the small, officinal, Malabar cardamom (cardamoms, Ed.; cardamomum minus, Clusius, Matthiolus, Bontius, Geoffroy, Dale, Geiger, Th. Martius, and Guibourt; car- damomum malabarense). It is an ovate-oblong, obtusely triangular capsule, from three to ten lines long, rarely exceeding three lines in breadth; coriaceous, officinal cardamomum. 163 ribbed, grayish or brownish-yellow. It contains many angular, blackish or reddish-brown, rugose seeds (cardamomum, L.; cardamomum excorticatum, Offic.) which are white internally, have a pleasant aromatic odour, and a warm, aromatic agreeable taste.1 100 parts of the fruit yield 74 parts of seeds and 26 parts of pericarpial coats. (Th. Martius, PharmaJcogn.) Three varieties of Malabar cardamoms are distinguished in commerce, viz. shorts, short-longs, and long-longs. a. Shorts: Malabar cardamoms properly so called: Petit cardamome (Guib.); ? Wynaad cardamom (Hamilton); ? ? Prima species Elettari plane rotunda et albicans. (Rheede, pars xi. tab. 4, 5, and 6.)—From three to six lines long, and from two to three lines broad; more coarsely-rib- bed, and of a browner colour, than the other varieties. This is the most esteemed variety. /3. Short-lo.vos : ? Secunda species Elettari oblongior sed vilior (Rheede).—Differs from the third variety in being somewhat shorter and less acuminate. y. Long-longs.—Moyen cardamome (Guib.); ? ? Terlia a & species Elettari vilissima et plane acuminata (Rheede).— Malabar Cardamoms. From seven lines to an inch long, and from two to three lines broad : elongated, somewhat acuminate. This, as well as the "■ shorts. last variety, is paler and more finely-ribbed than var. a. shorts. £" *0™"ongs.3' The seeds also are frequently paler (in some cases resembling those of the Ceylon cardamom) and more shrivelled. Composition.—The small cardamom was analyzed by Trommsdorff, in 1834. (Journ. de Chim. Med. t. i. p. 196, 2nde Ser.) He obtained the following results : —Essential oil 4>6, fixed oil, 10-4, a salt of potash (malate?) combined with a colouring matter 2-5, fecula 3>0, nitrogenous mucilage with phosphate of lime 1-8, yellow colouring matter 0*4, and woody fibre 77-3. 1. Volatile or Essential Oil of Cardamom.—Is obtained from the seeds by distilling them with water. 50 lbs. of good short Malabar cardamoms yielded at one operation about f 3viss. of oil for every lb. of fruit. (Private information.) It is colourless, has an agreeable odour, and a strong, aromatic, burning taste. Its sp. gr. is 0*943. It is very soluble in alcohol, ether, oils (both fixed and volatile), and acetic acid. It is insoluble in potash-ley. By keeping, it becomes yellow, viscid, and loses its peculiar taste and smell. It then detonates with iodine, and takes fire when placed in contact with concentrated nitric acid. On this oil depends the odour, flavour, and aromatic qualities of the seeds. Its composition is analogous to that of oil of turpentine, being C'° H8. 2. Fixed Oil of Cardamom.—Is soluble in alcohol, ether, and the oils, both fixed and volatile. Nitric acid, assisted by heat, reddens it. It has some analogy to castor oil. Physiological Effects.—The effects of cardamoms are those of a very agreeable and grateful aromatic, devoid of all acridity. (See the effects of the Spices, vol. i. p. 183.) Uses.—Cardamoms are employed partly on account of their flavour, and partly for their cordial and stimulant properties. They are rarely administered alone, but generally either as adjuvants or correctives of other medicines, especially of stimulants, tonics, and purgatives. Administration.—Though cardamoms enter into a considerable number of pharmaceutical compounds, only two preparations derive their names from these seeds. They are the following : 1. TINCTURA CARDAMOMI, L. E. (U. S.) Tincture of Cardamoms.—(Cardamom seeds, bruised, giijss. [3ivss. Ed. (U. S.)] ; Proof Spirit, Oij. Macerate for four- teen [seven, Ed.] days, and strain. " This tincture may be better prepared by the process of percolation, in the same way with the tincture of capsicum, the seeds being first ground in a coffee-mill," E.)—This compound is agreeably aromatic. It is used as an adjunct to cordial, tonic, and purgative mixtures.— Dose, f 3j. to f 3ij. 1 For tome drawings of the minute structure of the seeds, vide BischofTs Handb. d. botanic. Terminal. Tab. xliii. fig. 1870 and 1954. 164 elements of materia medica. I. TINCTURA CARDAMOMI COMPOSITA, L. E. D. Compound Tincture of Carda- moms.—(Cardamom seeds, bruised; Caraway seeds, bruised, of each 3ijss. [3ij. £>.] ; Cochineal, powdered, 3j.; Cinnamon, bruised, 3v. [3ss. D.] ; Raisins [stoned], 3v.; Proof Spirit, Oij. [wine measure, D.] Macerate for fourteen [seven, Ed.] days, and filter. "This tincture may also be prepared by the me- thod of percolation, if the solid materials be first beat together, moistened with a little spirit, and left thus for twelve hours before being put into the percolator," Ed. The Dublin College omits the cochineal and raisins.)—This tincture is used for the same purposes and the same doses as the former preparation, over which it has the advantage of a more agreeable flavour. Moreover, ils colour often renders it useful in prescribing. 2. ELETTARIA MAJOR, Smith.—THE GREATER OR CEYLON ELETTARIA. Alpinia Granum paradisi, Moon. (Fructus; Ceylon Cardamom, Offic.) History.—The fruit of this plant was known to Clusius, (Exoticorum, lib. i. p. 186, 187,) who has noticed and figured it under the name of the Cardamomum rnajus vulgare. Botany.—The flower has not yet been described, but the other parts of the plant are so similar to the corresponding parts of Elettaria Cardamomum, that I have felt no difficulty in referring this plant to the genus Elettaria. Sir James Edward Smith, (Rees's Cyclopcedia, vol. xxxix. art. Elettaria,) who was ac- quainted with the fruit only, observes, " we are persuaded they must belong to the same genus as the Malabar Cardamom." Gen. ciiar.—See Elettaria Cardamomum, p. 161. sP. char.—Capsule lanceolate-oblong, acutely triangular, with flat sides. Calyx three-lobed. (Smith.) Rhizome with numerous fibres. Stem erect, smooth, enveloped by leaf sheaths. Leaves sessile on their sheaths, silky beneath, acuminate; the shorter ones lanceolate, the larger ones oblong- lanceolate: breadth 2 to 3 inches, length not exceed- ing 15£ inches. Sheaths about half the length of the leaves, with a roundish ligula. Scape from the up- per part of the rhizome, flexuose, jointed, nine inches long, branched; the branches alternate, one from each joint of the scape, sub-erect, half an inch long, supporting two or three pedicles of about 3-10ths of an inch. Bracts solitary, sheathing at each joint of the scape, withered; partial ones, solitary, ovate, acute. Flowers not present. Capsules one or two on each branch of the scape, with the permanent calyx attached to them : their characters are described in the text. The plant from which the above description has been drawn, formed part of a collection made for me in Ceylon by my much-lamented friend and pupil, the late Mr. Fred. Saner, Assistant-Surgeon in her Majesty's 61st regiment. He received it from Mr. Lear, Acting Superintendent of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Ceylon, whose letter, describing it as "Alpinia [Amomum] Granum paradisi," I have in my possession. I presume, therefore, that it is the plant which Mr. Moon,1 the former superintendent of the Gardens, has described under the same name. The following facts favour this conclusion : 1. Mr. Moon states that its Singhalese name is Ensal, a term which both Hermann (Musteum Zey- lanicum, p. 66, Ed, 2nda, Lugd. Bat. 1726,) and Bur- mann (Thesaurus Zeylanicus, p. 54, Amstelsed. 1737,) gave as the native name for Cardamom. Fig. 162. Elettaria major. A Catalogue of the Indigenous and Exotic Plants growing in Ceylon. Colombo, 1824. CARDAMOMS. 165 2. Mr. Moon states that it is cultivated at Candy If the real grain of paradise plant were cultivated in Ceylon, it would be somewhat remarkable that its seeds are never exported. Now t^e carefun/examined the list of exports from that '^^^1^^^^ erain of paradise never once occurs; and all the seeds imported into Englandunder thaname I find, by the Custom-House returns, come from the western coast of Africa. On the other hand, the Ceylon Cardamom comes, as its name indicates, trom that island. v,nrntmtn „„m It is probable, I think, that the plant which yields the grains of paradise of European com- merce d'oes not 'grow in 'the East; and that writers who have stated otherwise have confound d it with the plant yielding Ceylon Cardamom. But the term "grains of paradise is so truly ri! tal in r;LyracSfthatyi suspect it was first applied to Ceylon Cardamoms ^JPPJjUon rendered probable by the much more agreeable flavour of the latter seeds as well as by the ob- section oftale! (lharmacologia, p. 252, 3U. ed. Lond. 1737,) that grains of parad.se were often substituted for the Ceylon Cardamom.1 Hub—Cultivated at Candy. „u;ofl„ Commerce.—Bertolacci" says that the Ceylon cardamom is collected chiefly in the Candian territory, and that he was informed that it was not indigenous, but was introduced by the Dutch. The quantity exported from 1806 to^1813 in- clusive varied from 4| to 18 candies annually. Percival (Account of Ceylon, 1805,) states that cardamoms grow in the southeast part of Ceylon, parttcu- larly in the neighbourhood of Matura. I am informed that occasionally Ceylon cardamoms come from Quillon. . Description.—The Ceylon Cardamom, or, as it is sometimes termed in Eng- lish commerce, the Wild Cardamom (cardamomum zeylanicum; cardamomum medium, Matth. and Geoffr.; cardamomum majus, Bont. and Dale; cardamomum majus vulgare, Clusius; cardamomum majus officinarum, C. Bauhin; cardamomum longum, Th. Martius and Geiger; grande cardamome, Guib.) is a lanceolate- oblong capsule, acutely triangular, more or less curved, with flat and ribbed sides, about an inch and a half long and one-third of an inch broad. At one extremity we frequently find the long, cylindrical, permanent, three-lobed calyx; at the other the fruit stalk, which is sometimes branched. The pericarp is coriaceous, tough, brownish, or yellowish ash-coloured, three-celled. The seeds are angular, rugged, have a yellowish-red tinge, a fragrant and aromatic but peculiar odour, and a spicy flavour. The long diameter of the vitellus is parallel to that of the embryo. Th. Martius (Pharmakognosie,) says that 100 parts of these fruits £eld 71 parts of seeds, and 29 parts of pericarpial coats. Composition, Effects, and Uses. — Ceylon cardamoms have not been analyzed. Their constituents, as well as their effects and uses, are doubtless analogous to those of the Malabar cardamom. Their commercial value is about one-third that of the latter. Fig. 163. Ceylon Cardamom- a. Remains of the calyx. 6. Stalk. OTHER MEDICINAL ZINGIBER ACE JE. et. Cardamoms. Besides the Cardamoms already mentioned there are several other kinds which I have met with, and which I notice in order to make the account of these fruits as complete as possible. 1. Alpinia alba, Roscoe; Hellenia alba, Willd.; Amomum medium, Loureiro.—The fruit of this plant is called by Loureiro, (Flora Cochinchinensis,) Tsao quo. He gave specimens of it to ihe Museum d'llistoire Naturelle of Paris. For my specimens I am indebted to Professor Gui- bourt,3 who calls the fruit the Ovoid China Cardamom. , The dried fruit is about the size and shape of a large nutmeg: it is ovoid, from ten to four- teen liues long, and from six to eight lines broad, rather rigid, striated longitudinally, yellowish- nld appear, however, that the term Grain of Paradise is also applied, in Ceylon, to Alpinia Allughas. mnn's Thesaurus, p. 54; and Sir J. E. Smith, in Rees's Cyclopaedia, vol. xxxix. art. Alpinia.) 1 It would (See liurmn » Aenrv.lt. Commerc. and Financ. Interests of Ceylon, p. 157. 1817. » Jfistoire Abregie des Drogues simples, t. ii. pp. 287 and 288, 3d ed. Paris, 1836. 166 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. brown with a reddish tint [scarlet when recent: Konig]. Seeds numerous, very large, pyramidal, brown externally, flavour and odour terebinthinate; albumen while, embryo yellow. 2. Round China Cardamoms, Guibourt.—" The Museum d'Histoire Naturelle possesses two varieties of this fruit mixed together. The seeds, merely united in globular arid coherent masses, are marked Cao-Keu; and the entire fruits Tsao-Keou." (Hisloire Abregee des Drogues sim- pies, p. 287.) *• LARGE ROUND CHINA CARDAMOM, Guibourt (MS.)—Probably the fruit of Amomum glo- bosum, Loureiro. The accompanying figure (165) was made from specimens kindly lent me for that purpose by Professor Guibourt. Capsule thin, round or oval. Seeds in globular masses, marked, on the surface opposed to the pericarp, by a linear depression or groove. I have ob- served specimens in the Sloanian Collection, as also in a collection of Chinese medicines at the College of Physicians. On comparing Professor Guibourt's specimen wilh the fruit of Alpinia nutans in Dr. Wallich's Collection, in the possession of the Linnean Society, the two are scarcely distinguishable externally. The seeds, however, are quite dissimilar. Fig. 164. Fig. 165. Fig. 166. Fig. 167. Ovoid China Cardamom. Large Round Cardamom. Fruit. Globular mass of seed3. Small Round China Black Car- Cardamom, damotn. a. Fruit. b. Globular mass of seeds. A SMALL ROUND CHINA CARDAMOM, Guibourt, (MS.)—I am indebted to Professor Guibourt for my specimens of this fruit. Capsules ovate, oblong, obtusely triangular. Seeds have no linear depression or groove as those of the larger variety, and by the absence of this they may be readily distinguished from the preceding; coherent in masses, which are three-lobed, not quite globular. In my specimens the epicarp is eroded. The flavour of the seeds is aromatic and terebinthinate, but not powerful. 3. Black Cardamoms, Gaertner. — For specimens of these I am also indebted to Professor Guibourt. It is unknown from what plant it is obtained. Capsule larger than the short Ma- labar cardamoms, acuminate at its two extremities, and formed, as it were, of two obtusely- triangular pyramids joined base to base. Pericarp ash-brown, aromatic, but less so than Jjfce seeds. (Guibourt.) Seeds angular, brown, slightly aromatic, but devoid of the terebinthirrale flavour. 4. Cardamomum majus, Burgess.—In Dr. Burgess's collection, at the College of Physicians, is a capsule (in a bad state of preservation) marked " Cardamomum majus." Its size and shape are analogous to the grain-of-paradise pod (fig. 156). It has a fibrous tuft (remains of calyx?) at one extremity, and is much split at the other. The seeds are angular, oblong, larger than those of Malabar cardamoms, shining brownish-yellow, and have a large concave depression (hilum) at one extremity. They have a warm aromatic flavour, and an agreeable odour, somewhat analo- gous to that of the oil of lemon-grass. @. Aromatic Rhizomes. 5. Alhnia Galanga, Roxburgh.—The rhizome of this plant constitutes the Galangal Root (Radix Galanga) of English druggists. It occurs in pieces which are as thick as the finger, seldom exceeding three inches in length, cylindrical or somewhat tuberous, often forked, some- times slightly striated longitudinally, and marked with whitish circular rings. Externally, its colour is reddish-brown; internally, pale, reddish-white. Its odour is agreeably aromatic; its taste peppery afld aromatic. It is the rhizome of Alpinia Galanga, Rox. It has been ana- lyzed by Bucholz (Trommsdorf s Journal, xxv. 2, p. 3), and by Morin (Journ. de Pharm. ix. p. 257). The former obtained Volatile Oil 0-5, Acrid soft Resin 49, Extractive 9-7, Gum 82, Bassorin 41-5, Woody fibre 21-6, Water 12-3, Loss 1-3. Its effects, uses, and doses, are analogous to ginger. 6. Curcuma Zedoaria, Roxburgh.—The sliced tuber of this plant is the Zedoary Root (Radix Zedoaria) of English druggists, which appears to me to agree with Professor Guibourt's descrip- EX0GENS. 167 lion of Round Zedoary (Zedoaria rotunda). It occurs in segments (halves, quarters, or flat sections) of a roundish or ovate tuber. The external portion of the tuber is marked by the remains, membranes, and fibres, and is of a pale brownish-gray or whitish appearance. When cut it pre- sents a yellowish-marble appearance, not very dissimilar to the cut surface of rhubarb. It has a warm, aromatic, bitter taste, and an aromatic odour. It has been analyzed by Bucholz (Tromms- dorjps Journal, xxv. 2, p. 3), and by Morin (Journ. de Pharm. t. ix. p. 257). Its constituents, according to the latter chemist, are—Volatile Oil, Resin, Gum, Starch, Woody fibre, Vegeto- animal Matter (?) Osmazome (?), free Acetic Acid, Acetate of Potash, Sulphur, and in the ashes Carbonate and Sulphate of Potash, Chloride of Potassium, Phosphate of Lime, Alumina, Silica, Oxides of Iron and Manganese. It possesses aromatic and tonic properties. It is less heating than ginger and galangal, and is more analogous to turmeric. 7. Zingiber Cassamunar, Roxburgh.—This perhaps is the plant from whence is derived the root known by English druggists as Cassamunar Root, and which they regard as identical with Zerumbet Root. (Private information; also Gray, Pharmacology.) It appears to me to be the Turmeric-coloured Zedoary of Ainslie. (Materia Indica, vol. i. p. 490). It occurs in segments (halves or quarters) of an ovate tuber (which in the dried state must have been about the size of a pigeon's egg), the external surface of which is marked with circular rings and the bases of the root-fibres, and is of a dirty turmeric-yellow colour. Internally it is reddish-brown, and has some resemblance, in its colour and pellucidity, to a fresh-fractured surface of Socotrine aloes. Its flavour is warm and aromatic; its odour is aromatic. It has not been analyzed. Its effects must be similar to those of ginger. It was at one time used in convulsive and other cerebral diseases. (Sir Hans Sloane, Phil. Trans, vol. xxii. No. 264, p. 580.) 8. Curcuma Zerumbet, Roxburgh.—This I suspect to be the origin of the Zerumbet Root given me by Dr. Royle. It is very similar in shape to a curved or arched piece of long turmeric. Its colour is yellowish-gray. Fig. 168. Order XX.—ORCHIDEjE, R. Brown.—TRY. ORCHIS TRIBE. Orchides, Jussieu. Orchidaceje and Vanillace.£, Lindley. This remarkable order of gynandrous monocotyledons is, in reference to its dietetical and me- dicinal properties, of little importance. The tuberous or palmate roots abound in gummy and, at certain times, in farinaceous matters, which render them nutritive, emollient, and demulcent. Salep is the preparea and dried roots of several orchideous plants, and is sometimes sold in the state of powder. Indigenous Salep is procured from Orchis mascula, O. latifolia, and other native plants of this order. (Dr. Percival, On the Preparation, Culture, and Use of the Orchis Root, 1773.) Oriental Salep is procured from other Orchideae. Professor Royle states that the salep of Cachmere is obtained from a species of Eulophia. The notion of the aphrodisiac properties of Balep seems to be founded on the doctrine of signatures. The Vanilla of the shops is the fruit of Vanilla aromatica, Sw., a native of Peru, Mexico, Jamaica, and Cuba. Schiede (Schlechtendal's Linnea. Oct. 1829, S. 573,) mentions three other Mexican species (V. sativa, V. sylvestris, and J*. Pompona) which yield vanilla. Notwithstanding the strong odour of this fruit, no volatile oil can be obtained by distillation. (See Bucholz's analysis in Buchner's Repert. ii. 253.) The white acicular crystals found on the fruit are a kind of solid volatile oil. Vanilla is employed in this country for flavouring chocolate, ice-creams, &c. But on the continent it is used as a medicinal agent. It is an aro- matic stimulant; has an exhilarating effect on the mental functions, prevents sleep, increases the energy of the mus- cular system, and excites the sexual feelings. (Sundelin, Heilmittellehre, ii. 203, 3te Aufl.) It has been administered in asthenic fevers, rheumatism, hysteria, impotence of the male, melancholy, &c. The dose of it is from 8 to 12 grs. (Vogt. Pharmak. ii. 600, 2 Aufl.) Vanilla aromatica. 3. EXOGEN^E, De Cand.—EXOGENS. Dicottledones, Jussieu. Esskntial Characters. — Trunk, consisting of bark, wood, and pith, placed one within the other; the pith being innermost. Bark, composed of strata (the .younger and inner being called liber), increasing by the deposit of new cortical matter on its inner side. Wood, con- sisting of ligneous strata, traversed by medullary rays, and increasing by the deposit of new woody matter on its outer side (exogenous growth): the older and inner strata are called duramen, or perfect wood; the younger and outer strata are termed alburnum, or sap wood. 168 elements op materia medica. Leaves articulated with the stems; their veins branching and anastomosing (angulinerved; reticulated). Flowers, if with a distinct calyx, often having a quinary arrangement. Embryo with two or more cotyledons (dicotyledonous); if two, they are opposite; if more than two, they are verticillate: radicle naked; i. e. elongating, without penetrating any external case (exorrhizous). Fig. 169. m Exogens, or Dicotyledons. v. Transverse section of a dicotyledonous stem, show- ing medullary rays, and the distinction of bark, wood, and pith. w. Embryo with two cotyledons. c Embryo with four cotyledons. y. Embryo with many cotyledons. 2. Stern and leaves of a cotyledon, showing the arti- culation and the anastomosing veins of the leaves. Fig. 170. Order XXI—CYCADACE.E, Lindl.—THE CYCAS TRIBE. Ctcade.e, Richard and R. Brown. I notice this order for the purpose of stating, that a feculent matter is obtained from the soft centre of some species of Cycas (as C. circinalis, C. revoluta, C. inermis). This fecula (Japan sago) is quite unknown to me; and I doubt whether it ever reaches this country.1 [To this family also belongs the genus Zamia, the species of which afford a nutritive fecula. Zamia, Linn. Gen. des. Male flowers: anthera open, collected in pedunculated terminal strobiles, inserted all round a common rachis. Each one ovoid, attenuated at base into a stipe, with an apex uniformly peltiform, sub-bilobate, lobes pol- leniferous beneath. Female flowers: carpels nu- merous, one-leafed, open, collected in peduncu- lated terminal strobiles inserted all round a com- mon rachis, each at base attenuated to the form of a stalk, dilated at the free extremity, which is hexagonal and peltiform, face, beneath, bear- ing a single inverted ovule. Fruit sub-discrete. Seeds ovoid, sub-globose, testa bony, enveloped by a thin fleshy epidermis. Embryo inverted, in the axis of the fleshy albumen, radicle centripetal with respect to the common rachis. (Endlicher. Gen. Plant.) Zamia integrifolia.—Fronds pinnate, folioles lanceolate, rotundo-obtuse, attenuated at base, serrulate at the apex, stipe smooth, sub-tetragonal. (Willdenow.) The leaves arise immediately from the root in a cluster, and are from a foot to two feet or more in height. The leaflets are from ten to twenty pairs, opposite or alternate, sessile, each two to three inches long, and vary- ing in breadth from a quarter to three-fourths of an inch, shining, striated with parallel ribs. The cones arise from among the leaves on stalks several inches in length: the male are three inches long, an inch wide, oj*a reddish-brown colour; the female thicker and larger. The fruit is three or four inches long, elliptical, pointed, downy ; the scales finally separate widely, each is pellate and angular, remaining after the drupe has fallen. The drupe is elliptical, about half Cycas revoluta, or the Japan Sago-tree. 1 Consult on this subject Schenk's JVaturgeschichte der voriuglichsten Handelspfianzen, 4to. Bd. 2ex. S. 130, Taf. xlvi. THE pine. 169 , an inch in length, with a small quantity of sweet orange-coloured pulp, and a large, rather pointed nut. Pursh states that this plant grows in Florida. Zamia Media.—This is an intermediate species, between Z. integrifolia, and Z. angustifolia. It differs from the former in having more numerous, longer, and narrower leaflets, which are perfectly entire, or nearly destitute of the serratures at the apex. The foot-stalk i.s hairy at base, and the female cone is obtuse, not pointed. Specimens have been brought to rne from Florida by Dr. Godon, of the U. S. Navy, which agree with those,from the same locality, in the Herbarium of the Academy of Natural Sciences. The root of these plants is a large spheroidal or somewhat tapering coated tuber, rough and dark-coloured externally, fleshy, internally white and succulent, and when incised pouring forth a fluid of gummy consistence, which hardens in small tears at the point of exit. This root is called coonti root in Florida, by the Indians and white settlers, and the farina prepared from it is also called coonti. As a nutriment it is found in the shops of the northern cities of the United States, under (he name of Florida arrow-root. When carefully prepared, it has a mealy appear- ance and feel, is of a pure while colour, and somewhat of a lustrous appearance ; it is apt to bo lumpy. The mode of preparation is the same as that of Bermuda arrow-root. The form of the granule is that of the " half, fourth, or third of a solid sphere." Some of the granules are com- pletely muller-shaped, in fact the form is exactly that given by Raspail for the granule of the Maranla Arundinacea, which is invariably round. Florida Arrow-root is employed for the same purposes and in the same manner as the other species of farina in use.—J. C] .Order XXII.—CONIFERS, Jussieu.—THE FIR TRIBE. Conaces, or Pinace.*:, Lind. Essential Characters.—Flowers monoecious or dioecious. Males monandrous or monadel- phous; each floret consisting of a single stamen, or of a few united, collected in a deciduous amentum, about a common rachis; anthers two-lobed or many-lobed, bursting outwardly; often terminated by a crest, which is an unconverted portion of the scale out of which each stamen is formed ; pollen large, usually compound. Females in cones. Ovary spread open, and having the appearance of a flat scale destitute of style or stigma, and arising from the axil of a membranous bract. Ovule naked ; in pairs on the face of the ovary, having an in- verted position, and consisting of one or two membranes, open at the apex, and of a nucleus. Fruit consisting of a cone formed of the scale-shaped ovaries, become enlarged and indurated, and occasionally of the bracts also, which are sometimes obliterated, and sometimes extend beyond the scales in the form of a lobed appendage. Seed with a hard crustaceous integu- ment. Embryo in the midst of fleshy oily albumen, with two or many opposite cotyledons; the radicle next the apex of the seed, and having an organic connexion with the albumen. Trees or shrubs, with a branched trunk abounding in resin. Wood, with the ligneous tissue marked with circular disks. Leaves linear, acerose or lanceolate, entire at the margins; some- times fascicled in consequence of the non-developement of the bracts to which they belong; when fascicled, the primordial leaf to which they are then axillary is membranous, and en- wraps them like a sheath. (Lindley.) Properties.— F.vTry part of coniferous plants contains an oleo-resinous juice, which yields by distillation a volatile oil, differing often in odour but agreeing in composition in each species. This juice is a local irritant, and acts as a powerful stimulant to the vascular system and the organs of secretion (especially the kidneys and the mucous membranes). Moreover, it appears to possess a specific influence over the nervous system : for oil of turpentine, in large doses, has operated as an inebriant and soporific ; savin is said by Orfila (Toxicol. Gen.) to act on the nervous system ; and the leaves of the yew are narcotic. 1. PINUS, De Candolle.—THE PINE. Pinus sylvestris. L. D.—Various species, E. Sex. Syst. Moncecia, Monadelphia. Terebinthina vulgaris, L. D.; (Terehinthina, U. S.); Oleum Terebinthinae, L. E. D. (TJ. S.); Resin a L. E D (U. S.); Pix liquida, L. E. D. (U. S.); Pix nigra, L.; Pix arida, E. Botany. Gen. char.—Flowers monoecious. Males:—catkins racemose, com- pact and terminal; squamous; the scales staminiferous at the apex. Stamens two ; the antliers one-celled. Females;—catkins or cones simple, imbricated with acuminate scales. Ovaries two. Stigmas glandular. Scales of the cone oblong, club-shaped* woody; umbilicato-angular at the apex. Seeds (nuts, De C.) in pairs, covered with a sharp-pointed membrane. Cotyledons digitato-partite. Leaves two or many, in the same sheath, (De Candolle and Dubuy, Bot. Gall.) Hardy, evergreen trees. Sptcifg.—-l. pinUS syhl'S tris, Linn. L. D.; Wild Pine or Scotch Fir.— Leaves in pairs, rigid. Cones ovato-conical, acute; young ones stalked, recurved, VOL. II. 15 170 elements of materia medica. as long as the leaves ; generally in pairs. Crest of the antliers very small. , Embryo five-lobed. (Bot. Gall.)—Highlands of Scotland, Denmark, Norway, and other northern countries of Europe. Flowers in May and June. A tall, straight, hardy, long-lived tree, determinately branched. Its wood is the red or yellow deal. It yields common turpentine, tar, and pitch. I. Pi'IMS Pinaster, Aiton, Lambert; P. maritima, De Cand.; The Pinaster or Cluster Pine.—Leaves twin, very long, rigid, pungent, furnished at the base with a reflexed scale. Cones oblong-conical, obtuse, very smooth, bright, shorter than the leaves. Scales bristly. (Bot. Gall.)—Southern maritime parts of Eu- rope. Very abundant in the neighbourhood of Bordeaux, and between this city and Bayonne. It is a much larger tree than the Scotch fir. Flowers in May. It yields -Bordeaux turpentine, galipot, tar, and pitch. Fig. 171. Fig. 172. Fig. 173. Fig. 171. Pinus sylvcstris. Fig. 173. Branch and cone of Pinus Pinaster. Fig. 172. Branch and cones of ditto. Fig. 174. Branch and cones of Pinus Pinea. 3. Pi'IMS paliis'tris, Lambert; the Swamp Pine.—Leaves three, very long. Cones subcylindrical, armed wilh sharp prickles. Stipules pinnatifid, ragged, persistent (Lambert).—A very large tree, growing in dry sandy soils, from the southern parts of Virginia to the Gulf of Mexico. « Its mean elevation is 60 or 70 feet, and the diameter of its trunk about 15 or 18 inches for two-thirds of this height. The leaves are about a foot in length, of a brilliant green colour, and united in bunches at the ends of the branches. The names by which the tree is known in the Southern States are, long-leaved pine, yellow pine, and pitch pine; but the first is the most appropriate, as the last two are applied also to other spe- cies. This tree furnishes by far the greater proportion of turpentine, tar, &c, consumed in the United States, or sent from this to other countries." (United States Dispensatory.) K 4. Pi'nus TBEda, Lambert; Tlie Frankincense Pine.—Abundant in Virginia. Yields common turpentine, but of a less fluid quality than that which flows from the preceding species. the fir. 171 5. Pi'MIS Pi'nea, Lambert, De Candolle ; the Stone Pine—Grows in the south of Europe and northern part of Africa. Yields the cones called, in the shops, pignoli pines, the seeds of which, termed pine nuts (*wui'5s$, Diosc.; pitydia, Pliny; nucleipinece, pineoli), are used as a dessert. 6. Pinus Plimil'io, Lambert; the Mugho or Mountain Pine.—A native of the mountains of the south of Europe. An oleo-resin, called Hungarian balsam (balsamum hungaricum), exudes spontaneously from the extremities of the branches and from other parts of the tree. By distillation of the young branches with water, there is obtained in Hungary an essential oil, called Krummholzbl, or Oleum Templinum. . 7. Pi'nilS Ccm'bra, Lambert; De Candolle; the Siberian Stone Pine.—The seeds, like those of Pinus Pinea, are eaten. By distillation the young shoots yield Carpathian Balsam (Balsamum Carpathicum ; B. Libani). A'BIES, De Candolle.—-THE FIR. Pinus Abies and P. balsamea, L. D.—Abies excelsa and A. balsamea, E. Sex. Syst. Moncecia, Monadelphia. (Abietis resina, £.; Thus, D.\ Pix Abietina, L.\ Pix Burgundica, E.D. (Pix Abietis. U. S.) Terebinthina Canadensis, L. (U. S.) Balsamum Canadense, E. D. (Pix Canadensis, U. S.) Botany.—Gen. char.—Flowers monoecious. Males—catkins solitary, not race- mose; the scales staminiferous at the apex. Stamens two; the anthers one- celled. Females—catkins simple. Ovaries two. Stigmas glandular. Scales of the cone imbricated ; thin at the apex, rounded (neither thickened, angular, nor umbilicated on the back)___Cotyledons digitato-partile. Leaves solitary in each sheath (Bot. Gall.) Species.—1, A'bies exccl'sa, De Cand. E.; Pinus Abies, Linn. L. D.; the Nor- way Spruce Fir.—Leaves tetragonal. Cones cylindrical; the scales rhomboid, flattened, jagged, and bent backwards at the margin (Bot. Gall.)—A na- Fig. 175. Fig. 176. Abies excelsa. 172 elements of materia medica. tive of Germany, Russia, Norway, and other parts of Europe; also of the northern parts of Asia. Commonly cultivated in England. Flowers in May and June. A very lofty tree, growing sometimes to the height of 150 feet. It yields, by spon- taneous exudation, Common Frankincense (Abietis resina, L.; Thus, D.), from which is prepared Burgundy Pitch (Pix Abietina, L., Pix Burgundica, E. D.) (Pix Abietis, U. S.) 1 A'Mes Balsa'mea, Lindley, E. ; Pinus balsa'mea, Linn. Lambert, L. D. ; the Canadian Balsam Fir: Balm ofGileadFir.—Leaves solitary, flat, emarginate, subpectinate, suberect above. Scales of the flowering cone acuminate, reflexed. An elegant tree, seldom rising more than 40 feet. Inhabits Canada, Nova Scotia, Maine, Virginia, and Carolina. Yields Canada Balsam (Terebinthina Cana- densis, L. (U. S.); Balsamum Canadense, E. D.) $. A'bies Canaden'sis, Lindley ; (Loudon's Encycl. of Plants,) Pinus cana- densis, Linn., Lambert; Hemlock Spruce Fir.—Said to yield an oleo-resin ana- logous to Canada balsam. 4. A'bies Pi'cca, Lindley ; Abies pectinata, De Candolle; Pi'nus Pi'cea, Lin- naeus ; the Silver Fir.—Mountains of Siberia, in Germany, and Switzerland. Yields Strasburgh Turpentine. §, A'bies Nigra, Michaux ; Pi'nus nigra, Lambert; the Black Spruce Fir.— The concentrated aqueous decoction of the young branches is Essence of Spruce, used in the preparation of Spruce Beer. (United States Dispensatory.) 3. LA'RIX EUROPCE'A, De Candolle.—TUB COMMON LARCH. Abies Larix, Lam. E. ; Pinus Larix, Linn. D. Sex. Syst. Monoecia, Monadelphia. (Terebinthina Veneta, L. D.) Botany. Gen.ciiar.—Flowers monoecious. Character as in Abies; but the Cotyledons are simple, and never lobed. Cones lateral. Leaves, when first ex- panding, in tufted fascicles, becoming somewhat solitary by the elongation of the new branch. (Bot. Gall.) Sp. char.—Leaves fascicled, deciduous. Cones ovate-oblong. Edges of scales reflexed, lacerated. Bracts panduriform. (Lambert.) Halo.—Alps of Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Siberia, &c. Cultivated in woods. Products.—This species yields Larch or Venice turpentine. When the larch forests of Russia take fire, a gum issues forth from the medullary part of the trunks, during combustion, which is called Orenburgh gum (gummi orenburgense). A saccharine matter exudes from the larch, about June, which is called Marina of the Larch, or Manna de Briancon. Lastly, a fungus, called Polyporus Laricis, (vide p. 54,) is nourished on this tree. Medicinal Substances obtained from the preceding Coniferous Plants. The term Turpentine (Terebinthina) is ordinarily applied to a liquid or soft solid oleo-resinous juice of certain coniferous plants, as well as of the Pistachia Terebinthus, a plant of the order Terebintacecs, Juss. Indeed this last-mentioned plant, Pistachia Terebinthus, is probably the true Terebinthus of the ancients (TspfJuvcV> Theoph. and Dioscorides). When submitted to distillation, these juices are resolved into Volatile Oil (Oleum, Terebinthince) and a Resinous Residuum. The roots and other hard parts of coniferous trees yield, by a kind of distillalio per descensum, the thick liquid called Tar, from which Pitch is procured. Hence it will be convenient to speak of the coniferous terebinthi- nates under four heads:—1st, the oleo-resinous juices; 2dly, the volatile oil obtained therefrom by distillation ; 3dly, the resinous residuum; 4thly, tar and pitch. teeebinthinate oleo-resins. 173 1. Oleo-Rcsiuous Terebinthinoe.—Terebinthinate Oleo-Resins. Preparation ; Properties ; and Composition.—At first these oleo-resins are liquid, but by age and exposure to the air they become, more or less speedily in the different varieties, solid, partly by the volatilization, partly by the resini- fication, of the volatile oil. They have a certain general similarity in taste and odour. They soften and become very fluid by heat, readily take fire in the air, and burn with a white flame, and, if the supply of air be limited, with the copious deposition of finely-divided carbon (lampblack). They are almost completely soluble in alcohol and ether; and yield, by distillation, a volatile oil, which passes over (usually with a small quantity of succinic acid?), and a resinous residuum. Water acquires a terebinthinate flavour when digested wilh them; and, by the aid of the yolk or the white of an egg, or still better by that of vegetable mucilage, forms an emulsion with them. 1. Common Turpentine (Terebinthina vulgaris, L.D.)—Under this name we find oleo-resins brought from various parts of the world, obtained from different species of Pinus, and, though agreeing in the main in their properties, possessing certain distinctive characters. At the present time the London market is almost exclu- sively supplied from New York, a small quantity only being imported from Bor- deaux. In the years 1830 and 1831, the quantities of turpentine (not of greater value that 12s. per cwt.) which were imported from the United States and France, were as follows: 1830. cwts. qrs. lbs. From France.............................. 43 1 12 United States of America............ 234,747 0 12 1831. cwts. qrs. lbs, 799 3 19 317,093 1 7 317,895 0 26 Total....................234,790 1 24 a. American or White Turpentine (Terebinthina U. S.) (the Terebenthine de Boston of the French) "is procured chiefly from the Pinus palustris, partly also from the Pinus Tceda, and perhaps some other species inhabiting the Southern States. In former times large quantities were collected in New England ; but the turpentine trees of that section of the Union are said to be nearly exhausted; and our commerce is almost exclusively supplied from North Carolina and the south- eastern parts of Virginia." (United States Dispensatory.) The method of procuring this turpentine is as follows:—A hollow is cut in the tree, a few inches from the ground, and the bark removed for the space of about 18 inches above it. The turpentine runs into this excavation from about March to October; more rapidly, of course, during the warmer months. It is trans- ferred from these hollows into casks.1 It is imported from New York in casks ; those from North Carolina holding 2 cwts., while those from South Carolina con- tain 2j cwts. It is yellowish-white, with an aromatic odour, and a warm, pun- gent, bitterish taste. It is translucent or opaque. Its consistency varies, being semifluid, or, in cold weather, that of a soft solid. It contains various impurities (leaves, twigs, chips, &c.) That got from the first tappings is the best, and is called Virgin Turpentine. Recent American turpentine is said (United States Dispensatory) to yield 17 per cent, of essential oil. (3. Bordeaux Turpentine is obtained by making incisions in the Pinus Pi- naster, Lambert (P. maritima, De Candolle), and collecting the turpentine in hollows at the foot of the tree. Every month these hollows are emptied, and the oleo-resin conveyed in pails to a reservoir. In this state it is called soft gum (gomme molle). It is purified either by heating it in large boilers, and filtering through straw (terebenthine galipot), or by exposing it in a barrel, the bottom of which is perforated by holes, to the sun ; the liquid which drains through is called terebenthine au soleil. The last method yields the best product, since less volatile oil is dissipated by it. (Guibourt, Hist, des Drog. t. ii. p. 578 ; Duhamel, 1 Michnux, JV. Am. Sylv. iii.; Way, Titans, of the Soc. of Arts. vol. xxviii. p. 89; Duhamel, Traite des Arbres, t. ii. )> 140. Paris, 1753. 15* 174 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Traite des arbres, t. ii. p. 147.) The turpentine which flows during the winter is called galipot in Provence, barras in Guienne. It is in the form of semi-opaque, solid, dry crusts of a yellowish-white colour, a terebinthinate odour, and a bitter taste. (Guibourt, op. cit.) Bordeaux turpentine is whitish, thickish, and turbid. It has a disagreeable odour, and an acrid, bitter, nauseous taste. On standing it separates into two parts : one thinner, yellow, and almost transparent; another thicker, whitish, and of the consistence of thick honey, having a granular consistence. Bordeaux tur- pentine readily becomes hard and dry by exposure to the air. It enjoys, with balsam of copaiva, the property of solidifying with magnesia, and in this respect is distinguished from Strasburgh turpentine. Common turpentine has been analyzed by MM. Moringlane, Duponchel, and Bonastre, (Journ. de Pharm,. t. viii. p. 329,) and by Unverdorben. (Berzelius, Traite de Chim., and Gmelin, Hand, de Chem.) The last-mentioned chemist found it to consist of two Volatile Oils (oil of turpentine), Pinic acid, a little Sylvic acid, a trace of an Indifferent Resin not soluble in oil of petroleum, and a small quantity of Bitter Extractive. The quantity of volatile oil varies from 5 to 25 per cent, of the weight of the turpentine. %, Larch or Venice Turpentine. (Terebinthina veneta, E. D. Terebinthina lari- cea.)—Obtained from Larix europaea, De Cand., by boring the trunks of the trees, and adapting to each hole a wooden gutter, which conveys the juice into a tub or trough, from which it is afterwards withdrawn for filtration. (Duhamel, Traite des Arbres, torn. i. p. 335.) Through the kindness of Professor Guibourt I have received an authentic sample of larch turpentine. It was collected in the wood of the Bishop of Mau- rienne, in Savoy, by order of the bishop, and at the urgent solicitation of M. Bonjean, Pharmacien and Naturalist of Chambery. The same kind of turpentine, collected in Switzerland (Swiss Turpentine) (Guib. MSS.), is sold in Paris as Strasburgh turpentine (Terebenthe de Strasbourg) (Guib. MSS.; Hist, des Drog. t. ii. p. 577, 3me ed.), and was formerly called Venice turpentine. It is a thick and consistent fluid, flowing with difficulty, is sometimes transparent, but more frequently cloudy, has a yellow or greenish-yellow tint, an odour which is peculiar, not very agreeable, weaker than that of either Strasburg or common turpentine, but less disagreeable than the latter, and an acrid, very bitter taste. It has little or no tendency to concrete by keeping—a property known to Pliny (Hist. Nat. lib. xvi. cap. 19, ed. Valp.), and which distinguishes it from common turpentine. A factitious substance (Terebinthina veneta factitia) is sold by London drug- gists for Venice turpentine. It is prepared by mixing f 3v. of oil of turpentine with lb. j. of black rosin. A similar preparation is found in the shops of the United States of America, (United States Dispensatory,) and is probably identical with that imported from America under the name of Venice turpentine, (Dr. Ma- ton, in Lambert's Descrip. of the genus Pinus; and Dr. A. T. Thomson, Lond. Disp.) It is, in fact, absurd in the Dublin and Edinburgh Colleges to retain Venice turpentine in their pharmacopoeias, seeing that not a grain of that oleo- resin has been imported (commercially) for many years past. Berzelius and Unverdorben, (Berzelius Traite de Chim., t. v. p. 477 ; and Gmelin, Handb.d. Chem.), have submitted Venice turpentine to examination, and with the following results : Berzelius's Analysis. Unverdorben's Analysis. 1. Oil of turpentine, probably composed of two oils. 1. Volatile oil, which readily distils. 2. Resin insoluble in cold oil of petroleum. 2. Volatile oil, which distils less readily, and has a 3. Resin soluble in cold oil of petroleum. tendency to resinify. 3. Succinic acid (small quantity). 4. Much Pinic acid. 5. A little Sylvic acid. 6. Indifferent resin, insoluble in oil of petroleum 7. Hiiter EUractive. Old Venice Turpentine. Fresh Venice Turpentine TURPENTINE. 175 Larch resin yields from 18 to 25 per cent, of volatile oil. (Berzelius, op. cit.) »>. Strasburgh Turpentine (Terebinthina argentoralensis; Terebenthine au cit- ron ou Terebenthine d"Alsace, Guib.)—This is obtained from Abies Picea. The peasantry in the vicinity of the Alps, collect it by puncturing the vesicles adhe- ring to the bark with sharp-pointed hooks, and receiving the juice in a bottle. It is afterwards filtered through a rude kind of bark funnel. (Duhamel, Traite des Arbres, t. i. p. 9.) Strasburgh turpentine is very fluid, transparent, of a yellowish colour, has a very agreeable odour of citron, and a taste moderately acrid and bitter. It con- sists, according to Caillot, (Journ. de Pharm. xvi. p. 436,) of Volatile Oil 33-5, Resin insoluble in Alcohol 6-20, Abietin (a crystallizable resin) 10-85, Abietic Acid (1 Pinic and Sylvic acids) 46*39, Extractive and Succinic acid 0-85, Loss (principally volatile oil) 2-21. 4. Canadian Turpentine or Canada Balsam (Terebinthina canadensis, L. (U. S.) Balsamum canadense, E. D.) is obtained from Abies balsamea in Canada and the state of Maine. Between the bark and the wood of the trunks and branches of these trees are vesicles containing this oleo-resin, which exudes when they are broken, and is received in a bottle. It is imported in casks containing each about one cwt. In 1838 the quantity imported was 7259 lbs. (Trade List, for 8th Jan. 1839.) When fresh it has the consistence of thin honey, but by age gradually solidifies; it is yellow, transparent, very tenacious, of a peculiar and agreeable terebinthinate odour, and of a slightly bitter, somewhat acrid, taste. Canada balsam has been analyzed by Bonastre, (Journ. de Pharm. viii. 337,) who obtained the following results:—Volatile oil 18-6, Resin easily soluble in alcohol 40-0, Subresin difficultly soluble 33*4, Fibrous Caoutchouc like Sub-resin, 4-0, Acetic acid traces, Bitter Extractive and Salts, 4*0. r). Common Frankincense (Abietis resina, L. Thus. D.) This is the sponta- neous exudation of Abies Communis. It concretes in distinct drops, or tears, which are compact, opaque, of a deep yellow colour. What is found in the shops of London is a soft solid, having considerable resemblance to the dried opaque portion of common turpentine. The turpentine (? Thus) of the Abies communis has been analyzed by Caillot, (Journ. de Pharm. t. xvi. p. 436,) who obtained the following results:—Volatile Oil, 32-00, Resin insoluble in alcohol 7*40, Abietin (a crystallizable resin) 11-47, Abietic acid (I Pinic and Sylvic acids) 42-37, Extractive and Succinic acid 1-22, Loss (principally volatile oil) 2-54. Physiological Effects.—The effects of terebinthinate substances have been before noticed (vol. i. p. 192). Locally they operate as irritants. Applied to the skin they cause rubefaction, and sometimes a vesicular eruption. Swal- lowed they give rise to a sensation of warmth at the stomach, in large doses oc- casion sickness, and promote the peristaltic movements of the intestines. After their absorption they operate on the general system as stimulants, and excite the vascular system, especially of the abdominal and pelvic viscera. Their in- fluence is principally directed to the secreting organs, more especially to the mucous membranes and the urinary apparatus. They act as diuretics, and communicate a violet odour to the urine. This odour depends on a portion of the oil having undergone a slight change in its nature during its passage through the system. Part of the oil, however, is thrown off unchanged; for Moiroud (Pharmacol. Veterin. p. 312) has observed, that at the same time that the tur- pentines cause a violet odour, they flow in part with the urine. " I have veri- fied," says he, " this double phenomenon on many horses, to whom turpentine has been given, for some days, in the enormous dose of ten or twelve ounces." But the kidneys are not the only parts engaged in getting rid of the absorbed turpentine. All the secreting organs, but more especially the bronchial sur- faces and the skin, are occupied in the same way. By these the oil is exhaled 176 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. apparently unchanged, or at least with its usual odour. During the circulation of the terebinthinate particles in the system, they exercise a local influence over the capillaries and secerning vessels, in the vital activity of which they effect a change. In certain morbid conditions, this change is of a most salutary nature. In catarrhal affections of the mucous membranes the secerning vessels become constringed under the use of terebinthinaies, and the discharge is, in consequence, checked. The most important, because by far the most active, constituent of the terebin- thinate oleo-resins is volatile oil. Hence their effects are almost identical with those of the latter. (Vide Oleum Terebinthince, p. 177.) Some slight differences, however, are to be noticed. They are less rapidly absorbed, are more permanent in fheir operation, confine their influence principally to the apparatus of organic life, not affecting, at least to the same extent, the brain, and act less powerfully on the cutaneous system. We have few data on which to rely in judging of the comparative influence of the different terebinthinates ; but as their most active constituent is volatile oil, we may fairly infer that those which possess the greatest liquidity, and which, in consequence, contain the largest quantity of oil, are the most powerful preparations. Venice and Strasburgh Turpentines stand in this respect pre- eminent. Canada Balsam is valuable on account of its purity and agreeable flavour. In activity, purity, and flavour, Common Turpentine holds the lowest rank. Uses.—The terebinthinate oleo-resins are, with some exceptions, applicable for the same purposes as the volatile oil. The following are the principal cases in which they are employed : 1. In mucous discharges from the urino-genital organs ; as gonorrhoea, gleet, leucorrhoea, and chronic cystirrhoea. 2. In chronic catarrh, both mucous andpituitous, occurring in old persons of a lax fibre and lymphatic temperament. 3. In chronic mucous diarrhoza, especially when accompanied with ulceration of the mucous follicles. 4. In colic and other cases of obstinate constipation, Cullen (Treat, of the Mat. Med.) found a turpentine emulsion used as a clyster " one of the most certain laxatives." 5. Inchronic rheumatism, especially sciatica and lumbago, the turpentines are occasionally used. 6. As detergents and digestives they have been sometimes applied to indolent and ill-conditioned ulcers. Administration.—The dose of the terebinthinate oleo-resins is from a scruple to a drachm. They are given in the form of pill, emulsion, or electuary. To give the softer kinds a consistence fit for making pills, liquorice powder may be added to them. Bordeaux turpentine, mixed with about one-twenly-eighth part of its weight of calcined magnesia, solidifies in about twelve hours : the acid resins of this turpentine combine with the magnesia, and form solid resinates, which ab- sorb the volatile oil. A turpentine emulsion is made with the yolk of egg, or mucilage of gum Arabic, sugar, and some aromatic water. To form an electuary the turpentine is mixed with sugar or honey. An emulsion, containing from half an ounce to an ounce of turpentine, may be used as a clyster, in obstinate consti- pation, ascarides, &c. The terebinthinate oleo-resins yield several officinal substances, and enter into several preparations: 1. Terebinthina vulgaris, L. D., yields Oleum Terebinthina, L. E. D., and Resina, L. E. D. ; and enters into the composition of Emplastrum Galbani, L., and Unguentum Elemi, L. 2. Terebinthina veneta, E. D., is a constituent of Emplastrum Cantharidis Compositum, E., and Unguentum Infusi Cantharidis, E. TURPENTINE. 177 3. Abietis Resina, L., Thus, D., yields Pix Abietina, L., (Pix Burgundica, E. D.); and enters into the composition of Emplastrum Galbani, L., Emplastrum Opii, L., Emplastrum Picis, L.; Emplastrum Aromalicum, D., and Emplastrum Thuris, D. [already described.] a. Oleum Terebinthlnee, L. E. D. (U. S.)-Oil of Turpentine. This essential oil is frequently, though erroneously, called Spirits of Turpen- tine. Preparation.—It is obtained by submitting to distillation a mixture of A me- rican turpentine (which has been melted and strained) and water in due propor- tions, in the ordinary copper still, with a naked fire. The distilled product is found to consist of oil of turpentine swimming on water; the residue in the still is resin. If no water be employed a much higher temperature is required to effect the distillation, and danger is thereby incurred of causing empyreuma. Mr. Flockton, a large distiller of turpentine in this metropolis, informs me that the average quantity of oil yielded by American turpentine is from 14 to 16 per cent. He also tells me that Bordeaux turpentine yields an oil having a more disagreea- ble odour, and a rosin of inferior quality. The DublinCollege directs oil of turpentine to be prepared as follows: Take of common tur- pentine, by weight, lb., v.; Water, Oiv. [wine measure]. Distil the oil from a copper alembic; yellow resin will remain after the distillation. To deprive it of all traces of resinous and acid matters, oil of turpentine should not be re-distilled from a solution of caustic potash, and this is actually done, as Mr. Flockton informs me. The British Colleges, however, direct it to be purified by distillation with water only. The directions given by the British Colleges for the preparation of Rectified Oil of Turpen- tine (Oleum Terebinthince purificalum, L. E. Oleum Terebinthina reclificatum, D.) are as follows: Take of Oil of Turpentine, Oj. [Oij. wine measure, D.]; Water, Oiv. [wine measure, D.] Let the oil cautiously distil.—The Dublin College directs a pint and a half only of the oil to be distilled. Properties.—Pure oil of turpentine is a colourless, limpid, very inflammable fluid. It has a peculiar, and to most persons, disagreeable odour, and a hot taste. When pure it is neutral to test paper. Its sp. gr. is 0-86 at about 70° F. It boils at 314° F.; the density of its vapour is 4-76 (Dumas). When moist and cooled down to 14° F. it deposits, after a considerable time, a crystallized hydrate com- pound of Cin II8-f-2 Aq. It is very slightly soluble in hydrated alcohol. Exposed to the air, it absorbs oxygen, becomes yellowish, and somewhat denser,owing to the formation of resin (pinic and sylvic acids). Crystals (hexahydrate of oil of tur- pentine) sometimes form in old hydrous oil of turpentine. By submitting to dis- tillation a mixture of water and old oil, an aqueous liquid is obtained, which yields more or less of the same crystals. Nitric acid resinifies oil of turpentine: the resin, by long boiling with nitric acid, is converted into crystals of Turpentinic Acid C<* WO? fAq. Oil of turpentine is composed of— Atoms. Eq. Wt. Per Cent. Carbon......................... 10 ........ 60 ........ 88-23 Hydrogen....................... 8 ........ 8 ........ 1176 Oil of Turpentine.............. 1 ....... 68 ........ 99-99 It yields two or more distinct, but probably isomeric oils. One of these (Dadyl, Terebene ; Camphilene) forms with hydrochloric acid a crystalline com- pound (Artificial Camphor ; Hydrochlorate of Oil of Turpentine), whose for- mula is C'-'° H17 CI; another (Peucyl or Peucylene) forms with the same acid a liquid compound. But as the boiling points of the two oils, called by Blanchet and SeM, dadyl and peucyl, are higher than the boiling point of the oil of turpen- tine, these substances ought rather to be regarded as products than educts. 178 elements of materia medica. Physiological Effects, a. On Vegetables.—Plants exposed to the vapour of this oil are rapidly destroyed. (De Candolle, Phys. Veg. p. 1347.) (3. On Animals.—On boih vertebrated and invertebrated animals it operates as a poison. Injected into the veins of horses and dogs it excites pneumonia. (Hertwich and Gaspard ; quoted by Wibmer, Wirk. d. Arzn. u. Gifte. Bd. iv. p. 212.) Two drachms thrown into the veins of a horse, caused trembling, reeling, falling, inclination to pass urine and stools, and frequent micturition. Inflam- matory fever, with cough, continued to the eighth day ; then putrid fever appeared. On the ninth day death took place. The body presented all the signs of putrid . fever and pneumonia (Hertwich). Schubarth (Wibmer, op. cit.) found that two drachms of the rectified oil, given to a dog, caused tetanus, failure of the pulse and breathing, and death in three minutes. The skin of the horse is very sen- sible to the influence of oil of turpentine, which produces acute pain. " It is a remarkable circumstance," says Moiroud, (Pharm. Veter. p. 314,) " that this pain is not accompanied with any considerable hyperemia. It is quickly pro- duced, but it is of short duration." Oil of turpentine is sometimes employed by veterinarians as a blister, but it is inferior to cantharides, and, if frequently applied, is apt to blemish (i. e. to cause ihe hair of the part to fall off). In doses of three ounces it is a most valuable antispasmodic in the colic of horses. (Youatt, The Horse, in Lib. of Useful Knowledge.) In small doses it acts as a diuretic. Tiedemann and Gmelin (Versuch ii d. Wege auf welch. Subst. ins Blut gelang,) detected oil of turpentine in the chyle of a dog and a horse, to whom this agent had been given. y. On Man.—In small doses (as six or eight drops to f 3j.) it creates a sensa- tion of warmth in the stomach and bowels, becomes absorbed, circulates with the blood, and in this way affects the capillary vessels, and is thrown out of the system by the different excretories, on the secerning vessels of which it acts in its passage through them. The exhalations of the skin and bronchial membranes acquire a marked terebinthinate odour, while the urine obtains the smell of violets. By its influence on the renal vessels it proves diuretic. By the same kind of local influ- ence on the cutaneous vessels it proves sudorific. It appears to have a constring- ing effect on the capillary vessels of the mucous membranes, for, under its use, catarrhal affections of, and hemorrhages from, these parts are frequently checked, and often are completely stopped. Its continued use sometimes brings on irrita- tion of the urinary organs, or when this state pre-existed, it is often aggravated by the use of turpentine. In a medium dose (3j. or f3ij.) its effects are not constant. Dr. Ed. Percival (Ed. Med. and Surg. Journ. vol. ix.) saw two drachms given without any un- pleasant effect being produced either on the digestive or urinary organs ; they acted as an agreeable stomachic, and promoted the catamenia. Mr. Stedman, (Edin. Med. Essays, vol. ii. p. 42,) on the other hand, has seen this dose produce strangury, bloody urine, suppression of this secretion, fever, thirst, and vomiting. These two cases, however, may be regarded as the opposite extremes ; and, in general, we may expect, from a medium dose, a feeling of heat in the stomach and bowels, accelerated peristaltic motion, increased frequency of pulse, diapho- resis, diuresis, and sometimes irritation of the urinary organs. Occasionally it provokes the catamenia. In a large or maximum dose (f 3iv. to f 3ij.) its effects are not constant. It usually causes a sensation of abdominal heat, sometimes nauseates, and in ge- neral operates as a tolerably active purgative, without causing any unpleasant effects. I have given from one to two fluid ounces in a considerable number of cases of tapeworm, and never saw any ill consequences therefrom. " It has been given," says Dr. Duncan, (Edinb. Dispens.,) « even to the extent of four ounces in one dose, without any perceptible bad effects, and scarcely more incon- venience than would follow from an equal quantity of gin." Cases are re- ported, however, in which it has failed to produce purging, and in such it has oil of turpentine. 179 acted most violently on the system, accelerating the pulse, depressing the mus- cular power, and giving rise to a disordered state of the intellectual functions, which several persons have compared to intoxication. A remarkable and well- detailed instance of this occurred in the person of Dr. Copland, (Lond. Med. and Phys. Journ. vol. 46, p. 107,) who refers the disorder of the cerebral functions, in his case, to diminished circulation of blood in the brain ; while the gastric heat, «fec, he ascribes to increased vascular activity in the abdominal region. The oil passed off most rapidly by the skin and lungs (principally by the latter), and the air of the apartment'became strongly impregnated with its effluvia. In some cases it has caused sleepiness. Purkinje (quoted by Wibmer, Wirk. d. Arzn.) experienced this effect from one drachm of the oil. Dr. Duncan has sometimes seen it produce " a kind of trance, lasting twenty-four hours, without, however, any subsequent bad effect." The same writer adds, " the largest dose I have known given has been three ounces, and without injury." A scarlet eruption is mentioned by Wibmer as being produced in one case by an ounce of the oil. Uses.—The following are the principal uses of the oil of turpentine : 1. As an Anthelmintic.—It is the most effectual remedy for tapeworm we possess. It both causes the death of, and expels the parasite from the body. To adults it should be given in doses of an ounce at least. I have frequently ad- ministered an ounce and a half, and sometimes two ounces. In no instance have I ever seen any ill effects arise from its use. Yet occasionally, as in Dr. Copland's case, it fails to purge, but becoming absorbed, operates most severely on the system, causing disorder of the oerebral functions. It is said to be more apt to act thus in persons of a full and plethoric habit. To prevent these ill consequences an oleaginous purgative should be either conjoined 0iih it, or given at an interval of four or five hours after it. An excellent,and safe method of employing it is to combine it with a castor-oil emulsion. ChaberCs empyreumatic oil (de- scribed in vol. i. p. 382) used by Bremser (Traite sur les Vers Intest. p. 468) against tape-worm, consists principally of oil of turpentine. A very effectual remedy for the small thread-worm (Ascaris vermicularis) is the turpentine enema. 2. In Blennorrhaza.—Oil of turpentine sometimes checks or stops profuse chronic discharges from the mucous membranes. It appears to effect this by a topical influence over the capillary and secerning vessels, in its passage through them out of the system. In many cases it would appear to confine its operation to the production of an increase of tonicity in the vessels which pour out mucus; but in other instances, especially in blennorrhoea of the urinary apparatus, it seems to set up a new kind of irritation in the affected membrane, which super- sedes the previously existing disease. Hence its use is not admissible in acute or recent affections of these tissues. In gonorrhoea and gleet I have frequently em- ployed it as a substitute for balsam of copaiva with success. In leucorrhoea it has occasionally proved serviceable. In catarrhus vesica? or cystirrhcea it now and then acts beneficially, but it requires to be used in small doses and with great caution. In chronic pulmonary catarrh, either mucous or pituitous, it is said to have been employed with advantage. In chronic diarrhoea and dysentery it has proved advantageous: in these cases it has a direct local action on the affected part, besides exerting its influence over this in common with other mucous mem- branes after its absorption. 3. In Hemorrhages—In sanguineous exhalations, called hemorrhages, from the mucous surfaces, oil of turpentine may, under some circumstances, act effica- ciously. On the same principle that it checks excessive secretion of mucus in catarrhal conditions of these tissues, so we may readily conceive it may stop the exhalation of blood. But it is only admissible in cases of a passive or atonic character, in the absence of plethora and a phlogistic diathesis. (Adair, Med. Facts and Observ. vol. iv. p. 25; Copland, Lond. and Med. Phys. Journ. 180 ELEMENTS of materia medica. vol. xlvi. p. 194.) In purpura hsemorrhagica it has been recommended as a pur- gative by Dr. Whitlock Nichol (Ed- Med. and Surg. Journ. vol. xviii. p. 240), Dr. Magee (Ed. Med. and Surg. Journ. vol. xxiv. p. 307), and others. I have seen it act injuriously in this disease, while blood-letting has seemed to relieve. 4. In Puerperal Fever.—The use of the oil of turpentine as a specific in this dis- ease was introduced by Dr. Brenan, of Dublin (Thoughts on Puerperal Fever, and its Cure by Spirits of Turpentine: Lond. 1814); and strong testimonies were subsequently borne to its efficacy by several highly respectable practition- ers. (Vide Bayle, Bibl. Therap. t. iv.) Dr. Brenan gave one or two table- spoonsful of the oil, every three Or four hours, in cold water, sweetened, and ap- plied flannel soaked in oil to the abdomen. But the apparent improbability of a stimulant like turpentine curing an inflammatory disease, has prevented many practitioners placing any faith in it, or even giving it a trial. In other instances, the unconquerable aversion which patients have manifested to it, has precluded its repetition. Lastly, it has failed, in the hands of some of our most accurate observers, to produce the good effects which Dr. Brenan and others have ascribed to it, and in some instances has appeared to aggravate the malady. These rea- sons have been conclusive against its employment, at least in the way advised by Dr. Brenan. But there are two valuable uses which may be made of turpentine, in puerperal fever: it may be given in the form of clyster, to relieve a tympanitic condition of the intestines, and for this purpose no remedy perhaps is superior to it; secondly, flannel soaked in the hot oil may be applied to the abdomen, to cause rubefaction, as a substitute for a blister, to the employment of which several ob- jections exist. 5. In ordinary Fever.—A^i powerful stimulant in some forms of low fever, oil of turpentine has been wen spoken of by Dr. Hoist (Hufeland^s Journ. Bd. 20, St. 2. S. 146), Dr. Chapman (Elem. of Therap. vol. ii .p. 129, 4th ed.), Dr. Douglas (Dubl. Hosp. Rep. vol. iii.), and more recently by Dr. Wood (North Amer. Med. and Surg. Journ. April, 1826.) When the skin is dry, the bowels flatulent, and ulceration Gf the mucous membrane suspected, it often proves most serviceable. 6. In Rheumatism—In chronic rheumatism oil of turpentine has long been celebrated. Its beneficial influence depends on its stimulant and diaphoretic ope- ration, and is more likely to be evinced in old and debilitated persons. I have found medium doses occasionally succeed when small ones had failed. But for the most part, 1 have not met with that success with it in chronic rheumatism to induce me to place much confidence in it. In the form of liniment it has often proved serviceable. 7. In Sciatica and other Neuralgic affections.—Oil of turpentine was pro- posed as a remedy for sciatica by Drs. Pitcairn and G. Cheyne. Its efficacy was subsequently confirmed by Dr. Home. (Clin. Experiments.) More re- cently it has been extensively employed, and with great success, in France, in sciatica as well as in various other neuralgias. (Martinet, Lond. Med. and Phys. Journ. March, 1829; Bayle, Bibl. Therap. t. iv.) But it has proved more successful in those which affect the lower extremities. My own experience does not lead me to speak very favourably of it. In a disease, the pathology of which is so imperfectly understood as is that of neuralgia, it is in vain to attempt any explanation of the methodus medendi of an occasional remedy for it. I have known oil of turpentine now and then act most beneficially in sciatica, without giving rise to any remarkable evacuation by the bowels, skin, or kidneys, so that the relief could not be ascribed to a cathartic, a diaphoretic, or a diuretic operation. 8. In Suppression of Urine.—I have seen oil of turpentine succeed in repro- ducing the urinary secretions when otner powerful diuretics had failed. 9. In Infantile Diabetes.—Dr. Dewees (Treatise on the Phys. and Moral OIL OF TURPENTINE. 191 Treatment of Children), has cured three cases of diabetes [?] in infants under fifteen months old, " by keeping the bowels freely open, and putting a quantity of the spirits of turpentine upon the clothes of the children, so as to keep them in a terebinthinate atmosphere." 10. In Nephritic Diseases.—In some diseases of the kidneys, as ulceration, the use of oil of turpentine has been much extolled. It has proved successful in renal hydatids. (Bayle op. cit.) 11. In Dropsy.—Oil of turpentine has occasionally proved serviceable in the chronic forms of this disease. (See the authorities quoted by Dr. Copland, Lond. Med. and Phys. Journ. vol. xlvi. p. 201.) Its efficacy depends, in part, on its derivative operation as a stimulating diuretic ; and in part, as I conceive, on its powerful influence over the capillary and secerning vessels, by which it exer- cises a direct power of checking effusion. It is inadmissible, or is contraindi- cated, in dropsies accompanied with arterial excitement, or with irritation of sto- mach or of the urinary organs. When the effusion depends on obstruction to the return of venous blood, caused by the pressure of enlarged or indurated viscera, tumours, &c, turpentine can be of no avail. But in the atonic forms of dropsy, especially in leucophlegmatic subjects, attended with deficient secretion of the skin and kidneys, this oil is calculated to be of benefit. Dr. Copland (op. cit. p. 202) has used it in the stage of turgescence, or invasion of acute hydrocephalus, as a drastic and derivative. 12. In Spasmodic Diseases.—Oil of turpentine has been employed success- fully in the treatment of epilepsy, by Drs. Latham, Young, Ed. Percival, Lith- gow, Copland, and Prichard. (Copland's Diet, of Prac. Med. p. 806.) No benefit can be expected from this or any other medicine, when the disease depends on organic lesion within the osseous envelopes of the nervous centres. But when the disease is what Dr. Marshall Hall terms centripetal or eccentric (as the con- vulsion of infants frequently is), that is, takes its origin in parts distant from the cerebro-spinal axis, which becomes affected only through the incident or excitor nerves, we can easily understand that benefit may be obtained by the use of agents like this, which, while it stimulates the abdominal viscera, operates as a cathartic and anthelmintic, and produces a derivative action on the head. A more extended experience of its use in chorea, hysteria, and tetanus, is requisite to ena- ble us to speak with confidence of its efficacy in these diseases, though a few suc- cessful cases have been published.1 13. In Inflammation of the Eye.—Mr. Guthrie (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. iv. p. 509) has employed oil of turpentine in inflammation of the iris and choroid coat, on the plan recommended by Mr. Hugh Carmichael. (Loc. cit. vol. v. p. 836.) In some cases, especially those of an arthritic nature, it succeeded admi- rably, in others it was of little or no service. It was given in doses of a drachm three times a day. 14. In Tympanites.—To relieve flatulent distension of the stomach and bowels, and the colic thereby induced, bolh in infants and adults, oil of turpentine is a most valuable remedy. It should be given in full doses, so as to act as a purgative; or when, from any circumstance, it cannot be exhibited by the mouth, it may be employed in the form of clyster. Dr. Ramsbotham (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. xvi. p. 118) speaks in the highest terms of the efficacy of the oil of turpen- tine in the acute tympanites of the puerperal state, and thinks that most of the cases of the so-called puerperal fever which yielded to this oil, were in fact cases of acute tympanites; and in this opinion he is supported by Dr. Marshall Hall. 15. In obstinate Constipation.—Dr. Kinglake (Lond. Med. and Phys. Journ. vol. xlvi. p. 272) in a case of obstinate constipation, with a tympanitic 1 Copland, Lond. Med. and Phys. Journ. vol. xlvi. p. 199 ; Phillips, Med. CMr. Trans, vol. vi.; Elliotaon, Lan- cet, May, 1830; Gibbon, Lond. Mtd. Gaz. vol. vii. p. 428. VOL. II. 16 182 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. condition of the intestines, found oil of turpentine a successful cathartic, after the* ordinary means of treating these cases had been assiduously tried in vain. Dr. Paris (Pharmacologia) also speaks highly of it in obstinate constipation depending on affections of the brain. \ 16. To assist the passage of Biliary Calculi.—A mixture of three parts sul- phuric ether and two parts oil of turpentine has been recommended as a solvent for biliary calculi.1 But there is no foundation for the supposition that the relief which may be obtained by the use of this mixture in icterus and during the pas- sage of a biliary calculus, depends on the dissolution of the latter. 17. As an External Remedy.—Oil of turpentine is employed externally, as a rubefacient, in numerous diseases, on the principle of counter-irritation, before explained (vol. i. p. 162). Thus, in the form of liniment, it is used, either hot or cold, in chronic rheumatism, sprains, sore throat, neuralgic affections of the ex- tremities, &c In the form of fomentation, the hot oil is applied to produce redness of the skin in puerperal peritonitis, as I have already mentioned. As a powerful local stimulant, it was recommended by Dr. Kentish (Essay on Burns) as an application to burns and scalds, his object being to restore the part gradually, not suddenly, to its natural state, as in the treatment of a case of frost-bite. The practice is most successful when the local injury is accompanied with great con- stitutional depression. I can bear testimony to its efficacy in such cases, having employed it in several most severe and dangerous burns with the happiest results. In that form of gangrene which is not preceded by inflammation, and is called dry or chronic, oil of turpentine may occasionally prove serviceable, especially when the disease affects the toes and feet of old people. There are many other topical uses to which it has been applied; but as they are for ihe most part obso- lete, at least in this country, I omit any farther mention of them. They are fully noticed in the works of Voigtels (Arzneimitlell. Bd. ii. S. 260), and Richter (Arzneimittell. Bd. ii. S. 74). Oil of turpentine is the principal ingredient in Whitehead's Essence of Mustard, which contains also camphor and a portion of the spirits of rosemary. St. John Long's liniment consisted of oil of turpentine and acetic acid, held in suspension by yolk of egg. (Dr. Macreight, Lancet for 1837-8, vol. ii. p. 485.) Administration.—-When given as a diuretic, and to affect the capillary and secerning vessels (in catarrhal affections of the mucous membranes, dropsy, sup- pression of urine, hemorrhage, &c.) the dose is from six or eight minims to f 3j.; as a general stimulant (in chronic rheumatism, chorea, &c.) or to produce a change in the condition of the intestinal coats (in chronic dysentery), from f3j. to f3ij. i as an anthelmintic (in tape-worm) or as a revulsive (in apoplexy, in epilepsy previous to an expected paroxysm, &c.) from f3ss. to f3ij- It may be taken floating on some aromatic water, to which some hot aromatic tincture, as tinctura capsici, has been added ; or it may be diffused through water by the aid of mucilage or an emulsion ; or it may be made into a linctus with honey, or some aromatic syrup. L ENEMA TEREBINTHINM, L. E. D.; Clyster of Turpentine—(Oil of turpen- tine, f 3j.; Yolk of Egg, q. s. Rub them together, and add Decoction of Barley, f 3xix. L.—The Edinburgh College substitutes plain Water for Barley Water.— The Dublin College directs 3ss. of Common Turpentine to be rubbed with the Yolk of one Egg, and ten ounces of Water, of a temperature not exceeding 100° F., to be added.)—Used as an anthelmintic in ascarides; as an antispasmodic and purgative in colic, obstinate constipation, and tympanites. Dr. Montgomery (Ob- serv. on the Dublin Pharmacopoeia) says, " it is much used in cases of peritoneal inflammation." I LINIMENTUM TEREBINTHINA, L. D. (U. S.); Linimentum Terebinthinatum, E.; Turpentine Liniment.—(Soft Soap, 3ij.; Camphor, 3j.; Oil of Turpentine, 1 Durande, Observ. sur VEfficacite du Melange d"Ether sulph. et d'Huile volatile de Terib. dans Coliques hepat. produites par des Pierres Biliaires. 1790. COMMON RESIN. 183 f 3xvj. " Shake them together until they are mixed," L.—Resinous Ointment, 3iv.; Oil of Turpentine, f3v.; Camphor, 3ss. "Melt the ointment, and gradu- ally mix with it the camphor and oil, till a uniform liniment be obtained," E— Ointment of White Resin, lb. j.; Oil of Turpentine, lb. ss. " Having melted the ointment, gradually mix the oil of turpentine with it," D.) — [The U. S. Pharmacopoeia directs, Oil of Turpentine, half a pint; Resin Cerate, a pound. Add the turpentine to the melted cerate, and mix them.]—Introduced by Dr. Kentish (Essay on Burns) as a dressing for burns and scalds. The parts being first bathed- wilh warm oil of turpentine, alcohol, or camphorated spirit, are to be covered with pledgets of lint thickly spread with this liniment. When the peculiar inflammation, excited by the fire, has subsided, milder applications are then to be resorted to. This liniment may also be used in any other cases requiring the employment of a more stimulant application than the ordinary soap liniment. 3. Resince Terebinthinse.—Terebinthinate Resins. 1. Resina, L. E. D. (U. S.)—Rosin, or Common Resin. Preparation.—This is the residue of the process for obtaining oil of turpen- tine. It is run, while liquid, into metallic receivers coated with whiting, to prevent adhesion, and from these is ladled into wooden moulds or casts. When the dis- tillation is not carried too far, the product contains a little water, and is termed Yellow Rosin (Resina flava). A more, continued heat expels the water, and pro- duces Transparent Rosin; and if the process be pushed as far as it can be, with- out producing a complete alteration of properties, the residue acquires a deep colour, and is termed Brown or Black Rosin or Colophony (Resina nigra seu Colophonium). If melted rosin be run into cold water contained in shallow tanks, and a supply of cold water be kept up until the rosin has solidified, a pale yellow product is obtained, called Flockton's Patent Rosin. Properties.—Rosin is compact, solid, brittle, almost odourless and tasteless, with a smooth shining fracture, becomes electric by friction, is fusible at a mode- rate heat, decomposable at a higher temperature, yielding among other products a volatile oil (Luscombe's rosin oil), and an inflammable gas (Daniell's rosin gas), and burning in the air with a yellow smoky flame. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, ether, and the volatile oils. With wax and the fixed oils it unites by fusion ; with tho caustic alkalis it unites to form a resinous soap (the alkaline resinates, principally the pinates). Heated with concentrated sulphuric or nitric acid, mutual decomposition takes place. Yellow rosin is opaque and yellow, or yellowish-white. Its opacity is owing to water, with which it is incorporated. By continued fusion this is got rid of, and the rosin then becomes transparent (transparent rosin). Brown rosin or colophony is more or less brown and transparent. Composition.—Rosin is a compound or mixture of pinic acid (principally), colophonic acid (variable in quantity), sylvic acid (a small quantity), and traces of an indifferent resin. (Unverdorben, in Gmelin, Hand. d. Chem. ii. 520.) 1. Pinic Acid.—M;iy be regarded as an oxide of oil of turpentine. It is soluble in cold alcohol of sp. gr. 0-883. The solution forms a precipitate (pinate of copper) on the addition of an alcoholic solution of acclate of copper. Pinate of magnesia dissolves with difficulty in water. The ulti- mate composition of pinic acid (the essential constituent of rosin) is as follows: Dumas. Liebig. Atoms. Eg. Wt. Per Cent. Alovis. Eq. Wt. Carbon.........................20............120...........789............20............120 Hvdrncen ......................16............ 16............10-5...........15............ 15 Oxygen......................... 2............ J6............10-5............2............ 16 Pinic Acid..................... 1............152............99-9............ 1............151 2. Coi.ornoNic Acid.—(Colopholic Acid.)—Formed by the action of heat on pinic acid, and, therefore, the quantity of it contained in rosin varies according to the heat employed. Rosin 164 ELEMENTS of materia medica. owes its brown colour to it. It is distinguished from pinic acid by its greater affinity for sali- fiable bases, and its slight solubility in alcohol. (Berzelius, Traiti de Chim. t. v. p. 489.) 3. Sylvic Acid.—Is distinguished from pinic acid by its insolubility in cold alcohol of sp. gr. 0-883. Dumas regards it as isomeric with pinic acid. Its formula, according to Trommsdorff, is 02° H16 O2, and according to Rose C20 H10 O2. 4. Indifferent Resin.—Is soluble in cold alcohol, oil of petroleum, and oil of turpentine. It forms wilh magnesia a compound readily soluble in water. Physiological Effects.—Not being used internally, its effects when swal- lowed are scarcely known. It is probable, however, that they are of the same kind as those of common turpentine, though very considerably slighter. In the horse it acts as a useful diuretic, in doses of five or six drachms. (Youatt, The Horse, in the Libr. of Useful Knowl.) Its local influence is mild. " It may be considered," says Dr. Maton (Lambert's Pinus), as possessing astringency with- out pungency." Uses.—Powdered rosin has been applied to wounds to check hemorrhage, and is occasionally used for this purpose in veterinary practice. But the principal value of rosin is in the formation of plasters and ointments, to which it communi- cates great adhesiveness and some slightly-stimulant properties. I. CERATUM RESINS, L. (U. S.); Unguentum Resinosum, E.; Unguentum Resince albce, D., Yellow Basilicon or Basilicon Ointment, offic.—(Resin ; Wax, of each, lb. j. ; Olive Oil, f3xvj. Melt the Resin and the Wax together with a slow fire ; then add the Oil, and press the Cerate, while hot, through a linen cloth, L. The Edinburgh College orders of Resin, 3v., Axunge, 3viij., Bees-wax, 3ij> Melt them together with a gentle heat, and then stir the mixture briskly while it cools and concretes. [This is also the formula of the U. S. P.]—The Dublin College directs of Yellow Wax, lb. j., White Resin, lb. ij., prepared Hogs' Lard, lb. iv. Make an ointment, which, while hot, should be strained through a sieve.)—A mildly stimulant, digestive, and detergent application to ulcers which follow burns, or which are of a foul and indolent character, and to blistered surfaces to promote a rl'scharwe. t EMPLASTRUM RESIM, L. (U. S.) Emplastrum Resinosum, E., Emplas- trum Lithargyri cum Resina, D.—Has been already described. 2. Pix Burgun'dica, E. D.—Burgundy Pitch. Pix abietina, L.—(Pix Abietis, U. S.) Preparation.—True Burgundy pitch is prepared by melting common Frank- incense (Abietis resina L., Thus, D.) in hot water, and straining through a coarse cloth. By this process part of the volatile oil and the impurities are got rid of. The substance sold as Burgundy pitch in the shops is rarely prepared in this way, but is fictitious. Its principal constituent is rosin, rendered opaque by the incor- poration of water, and coloured by palm oil. One maker of it informed me that he prepared it from old and concrete American turpentine. Properties.—Genuine Burgundy pitch is hard, brittle when cold, but readily taking the form of the vessel in which it is kept. It softens by the heat of the hand, and strongly adheres to the skin. Its colour is yellowish-white ; its odour is not disagreeable ; its taste slightly bitter. Fictitious Burgundy pitch is usu- ally of a fuller yellow colour than the genuine, and has a somewhat less agreeable odour. Composition.—Consists of resin principally, and a small quantity of volatile oil. Physiological Effects.—Its effects are similar to those of the other terebin- thinate resins. In activity it holds an intermediate station between common turpen- tine and rosin, being considerably less active than the first, and somewhat more so than the last of these substances. Its local action is that of a mild irritant. In some persons it excites a troublesome vesiculo-pustular inflammation. (Rayer, Treat, on Diseases of the Skin, by Dr. Willis, p. 366.) hemlock pitch. 1S5 Uses.—It is employed as an external agent only, spread on leather, forming the well-known Burgundy pitch plaster (emplastrum picis burgundicce), which is ap- plied to the chest in chronic pulmonary complaints, to the loins in lumbago, to the joints in chronic articular aflections, and to other parts to relieve local pains of a rheumatic character. It acts as a counter-irritant or revulsive. EMPLASTRUM PICIS, L. E. Plaster of Pitch.—(Burgundy Pitch, lb. ij.; Resin of the Spruce Fir, [Thus] lb. j.; Resin, Wax, of each, 3iv.; Expressed Oil of Nutmeg, 3j.; Olive Oil ; Water, of each, f 3ij. Add first the Resin of the Spruce Fir, then the Oil of Nutmegs, the Olive Oil, and the Water, to the Pitch, Resin, and Wax, melted together. Lastly, mix them all, and boil down to a proper consistence.—L. The formula of the Edinburgh College is as follows :— Burgundy Pitch, lb. iss.; Resin and Bees-wax, of each, 3'j-; Oil of Mace, 3ss. ; Olive Oil, f 3j.; Water, f 3j. Liquefy the Pitch, Resin, and Wax, with a gentle heat; add to the other articles; mix them well together, and boil till the mixture acquires a proper consistence.)—Stimulant and rubefacient: used in the same cases as the simple Burgundy Pitch. (3. Pix Canadensis, U. S.) [Canada Pitch, Hemlock Pitch. The prepared concrete juice of the Abies Canadensis, Mich.—As a substitute for Burgundy Pitch, this article is employed in the United States, over which it has the advantage of being in a state of purity. It is the product of the Abies Canadensis, or Hemlock Spruce, a large tree, attaining a height of seventy or eighty feet, with a circumference of six or nine feet. The leaves are six or eight lines long, very narrow, flat, and downy at the time of their expan- sion. The cones are a little longer than the leaves, oval, pendulous, and situa- ted at the extremity of the branches. This species of Abies is solely a native of North America, and belongs to the coldest regions of the continent, beginning to appear about Hudson's Bay. In the vicinity of Lake St. John and near Quebec, the forests are filled with it, and it is found in all the Northern States. It prefers high situations, and those the most humid and gloomy. The wood of this tree is of little value; the bark contains a large amount of tannin, and is used in the tanneries where the oak is scarce. Hemlock resin does not flow from the bark by incision, but is invariably the result of spontaneous exudation from knots or excrescences, the heat of the sun bringing it to the surface; and it is always obtained from old trees or those ap- proaching decay. The proportion of trees from which any resin can be procured is not more than one in a hundred. Mr. Ellis (Journ. of Pharm. vol. ii. p. 20,) informs us that the mode of obtaining it is as follows : "Trees are selected upon whose bark the resin is incrusted, which are easily designated by a streak of a dark brown colour on one side of the tree, from near the top to the bottom. These are cut down, and the bark, upon which the resin has hardened, stripped off and thrown into a kettle containing water, with weights placed upon it to prevent its floating. By boiling the water, the resin is melted and rises to the surface, is skimmed off, and thrown into cold water. It is then put into a coarse linen bag and submitted to a second ebullition, treating it as in the former instance, which deprives it of many of its impurities." The quantity from good-sized trees is from six to ten pounds, the average from four to five. The colour of it as it exudes is nearly while ; it hardens immediately and changes to yellow, brown, and sometimes nearly black. Hem- lock resin is in masses, very brittle. It is a resin in combination with a small quantity of volatile oil. It is heavier than water, sp. gr. 1-034. The odour is peculiar and unlike turpentine. To purify it, it should be melted and strained. 16* 186 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. From its adhesiveness and stimulating properties it affords a plaster which is equal to that made with Burgundy Pitch, if not superior. It may be employed for the same purposes.—J. C] 4. Pix Liquida and Pix Solida-Tar and Pitcli. 1. Pix Liquida, L. E. D. (U. S.)— Vegetable Tar. History.—This is the irirra of Theophrastus, (Hist. Plant, lib. ix. cap. ii. and iii.) the iritftfa u/pa (liquid pitch), or xwvo?, of Dioscorides (lib. 1, cap. xciv.) and the pix liquida of Pliny. (Hist. Nat. lib. xxiv. cap. 24, ed. Valp.) Preparation.—The process now followed seems to be identical with that practised by the Macedonians, as described by Theophrastus. It is a kind of distillatio per descensum of the roots and other woody parts of old pines. As now carried on in Bothnia, it is thus described by Dr. Clarke (Travels in Scan- dinavia, part 3, p. 251 ; see also Duhamel, Traite des Arbres):—" The situa- tion most favourable to the process i3 in a forest near to a marsh or bog, be- cause the roots of the fir, from which tar is principally extracted, are always most productive in such places. A conical cavity is then made in the ground (generally in the side of a bank or sloping hill), and ihe roots of the fir, together with logs and billets of the same, being neatly trussed in a stack of the same conical shape, are let into this cavity. The whole is then covered with turf, to prevent the volatile parts from being dissipated, which, by means of a heavy wooden mallet and wooden stamper, worked separately by two men, is beaten down, and rendered as firm as possible about the wood. The stack of billets is then kindled, and a slow combustion of the fir takes place, without flame, as in working charcoal. During this combustion the tar exudes, and a cast-iron pan being at the bottom of the funnel, with a spout which projects through the side of the bank, barrels are placed beneath this spout to collect the fluid as it comes away. As fast as the barrels are filled, they are bunged, and ready for imme- diate exportation." Commerce___Tar is brought to this country in barrels, each holding 31 \ gallons : twelve barrels constitute a last. The quantities imported in the years 1830 and 31, were as follows (Parliamentary Return of Imports and Exports for 1830 and for 1831): Countries from whence Imported. Russia....................................................... Sweden..................................................... Norway................................................... Denmark.................................................... Germany.............■...................................... United States of America.................................... Isles of Guernsey, Jersey, Aldeiney, and Man (Foreign Goods). 1830. Lasts. 9-675 580 88 307 17 1,521 14 Total.................................... 12,206 Barrels, 6 8 7 7 6 7 R 1831. Lasts. 7,779 1,086 22 439 1,243 1 10,572 Barrels 6 1 G 9 2 0 Properties.—It is a dark brown, viscid, semi-liquid substance, which pre- serves during a long period its softness. It is soluble in alcohol, ether, and the oils both fixed and volatile. Submitted to distillation, it yields an acid liquor (pyroligneous acid), and a volatile oil (oil of tar); the residue in the still is pitch. Oil of tar is brownish, and consists of oil of turpentine, impregnated with pyro- genous oil and resin. Composition.—Vegetable tar consists of several pyrogenous resins, combined wilh acetic acid, ofcolophony, oil of turpentine, and pyrogenous oil. The liquidity of tar is owing to the two last-mentioned constituents, which hold the resins in solution. (Berzelius, Traite de Chim. t. vi. p. 680.) VEGETABLE TAR. J-3' Physiological Effects.—The effects of tar are analogous to those of tur- pentine, but modified by the presence of acetic acid and the pyrogenous products. Locally it acts as a stimulant, and, when applied to chronic skin diseases and indolent ulcers, it frequently induces a salutary change in the action of the capil- lary and secerning vessels, evinced by the improved quality of the secretions, and the'rapid healing of the sores. In such cases it is termed detergent, digestive, or cicatrisant. "Swallowed, it acts as a local irritant and stimulant, becomes ab- sorbed, and stimulates the secreting organs, especially the kidneys, on which it operates as a diuretic. Slight (Wibmer, Wirk. d. Arzneim. Bd. iv. S, 215,) stales that a sailor swallowed a considerable quantity of liquid tar which caused vomiting, great lassitude, and violent pain in the bowels and kidneys. The urine was red, and, as well as the other evacuations, had the odour of tar. The head and the pulse were unaffected. The vapour of tar, inhaled, acts as a stimulant and irritant to the bronchial membrane, the secretion of which it promotes. Uses___Tar is rarely employed internally. It has, however, been adminis- tered in chronic bronchial affections, and in obstinate skin diseases. The inhalation of tar vapour was recommended by Sir Alexander Cricbton,1 in phthisis; but at best it proves only a palliative, and it frequently, perhaps gene- rally, fails to act even thus, and in some cases occasions a temporary increase of cough and irritation. (Dr. Forbes, Transl. of Laennec's Treat, on-Diseases of Chest, p. 365.) In chronic laryngeal and bronchial affections, it has more chance of doing good. (Trousseau and Pidoux, Traite de Therap. t. i. p. 459.) The mode of using tar fumigation I have before described. Applied externally tar is used in various forms of obslinate skin diseases, espe- cially those which affect the scalp, lepra, &c Administration.—Internally, tar is administered in the form of pills made up with wheat flour, or in that of electuary, with sugar. It may be taken to the extent of several drachms daily. 1. AQUA PICIS LIIIUIM, D., Tar Water.—(Tar, Oij.; Water, Cong. j. [wine measure']. Mix, stirring with a stick for quarter of an hour; then, as soon as the tar subsides, strain the liquor, and keep it in well-stoppered jars.)—Tar water has the colour of Madeira wine, and a sharp empyreumatic taste. It consists of water holding in solution acetic acid, and pyrogenous oil and resin. Notwith- standing the high eulogies passed on it by Bishop Berkeley,2 tar water is now rarely employed. It is occasionally administered in chronic catarrhal and ne- phritic complaints, to the extent of one or two pints daily. As a wash in chronic skin diseases, especially those affecting the scalps of children, I have frequently seen it used, and sometimes with apparent benefit. I. UNGUENTUM PICIS LIQUIDS, L. E. D. (U. S.); Tar Ointment.—{Tar, Mut- ton-Suet, of each, lb. j. Melt them together, and press through a linen cloth [a sieve, D.] The Edinburgh College takes of Tar 3v., and Bees wax 3'j- 5 melt the wax with a gentle heat, add the tar, and stir the mixture briskly, while it concretes on cooling.)—Its principal use is as an application to ring-worm of the scalp and scalled head ; in which it sometimes succeeds, but more frequently fails, to cure. It is now and then applied to foul ulcers. I OLEUM PICIS LIPIDM ; Oleum Pini rubrum ; Oil of Tar.—This is obtained by distillation from tar. It is a reddish, limpid fluid, having the odour of tar, By re-distillation it may be rendered colourless, and then becomes very similar to oil of turpentine. It is occasionally used as an application to ring-worm of the scalp and scalled head. Swallowed in a large dose it has proved fatal. (Lancet, for 1832-3, vol. ii. p. 598 ; also March 8th, 1834.) 1 Pract. Observ. on the Treatment and Cure of several varieties of Pulm. Consump., and on the Effects of the Vapour of boiling Tar in that Disease, 1823. 1 A'iWs. A Chain of Phil. Reflex, and Inq. concerning Tar Water; a new edition. Lond. 1744 188 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. 2. Pix nigra, L.—Black Pitch. (Pix arida, E.) History.—This is the irirftfa ffrpA (dry pitch) of Dioscorides, (lib. i. cap. 97,) which, he says, some call ffaXifMntftfa (pitch boiled again). Preparation.—When vegetable tar is submitted to distillation, an acid liquor (pyroligneous acid) and a volatile oil (oilof tar) pass over: the residuum in the still is pitch (pix nigra, L.) Properties.—At ordinary temperatures it is a black solid, having a brilliant fracture. It softens at 99° F. and melts in boiling water. It dissolves in alcohol and in solutions of the alkalis and of the alkaline carbonates. Composition.—Pitch is composed of pyrogenous resin and colophony; but principally ofpyretine. (Berzelius, Traite de Chim. t. vi. p. 680.) Physiological Effects.—Made into pills with flour or any farinaceous sub- stance, pitch may be taken to a great extent, not only without injury, but with advantage to the general health. It affords one of the most effectual means of controlling the languid circulation, and the inert and arid condition of the skin. (Bateman, Synopsis of Cutaneous Diseases, p. 53, 6th ed.) As a local remedy it possesses great adhesiveness, and when applied to wounds and ulcers acts as a stimulant and digestive. Uses.—Bateman (op. cit.) speaks favourably of the internal use of pitch in ichthyosis. It has been employed also in other obstinate skin diseases. But the principal use of pitch is in the form of ointment, as an application to cutaneous affections of the scalp. Administration.—Dose from grs. x. to 3j. made into pills with flour. The unpleasant pitchy flavour of the pills is materially diminished by keeping them for some time. UNGUENTUM PICIS NIGRiE, L.: Unguentum Basilicum nigrum vel Tetra- pharmacum.—(Black Pitch, Wax, Resin, of each 3ix.; Olive Oil, f3xvj. Melt. them together, and press through a linen cloth.)—Stimulant and digestive; used in the obstinate cutaneous eruptions of the scalp. (Vide Unguentum Picis liquidce.) 4. JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS, Linn., L. E. D.—COMMON JUNIPER. Sex. Syst. Dicecia, Monadelphia. (Cacumina; Fructus, L. Cacumina ; Fructus; Oleum, E. Cacumina; Bacca?, D.) (Juniperus, U. S. Fruit.) History.—It is very questionable whether this shrub is mentioned in the Old Testament, though its name occurs in several places. (Job, eh. xxx. v. 4 ; 1 Kings, ch. xix. v. 4, in our translation.) The fruit called by the Greeks dgxsvQk, and used by Hippocrates in some disorders of females, was the produce of a species of Juniperus: either J. communis, which Dr. Sibthorp (Prod. Fl. Grcecce) found growing on Olympus and Athos ; or J. phcenicia, which is very common in Greece and the islands of the Archipelago, and whose fruit is yellowish, but has the size, form, and powers of that of the common juniper. Botany. Gen.char.—Dioecious, rarely monoecious. Males;—Catkins ovate; the scales verticillate, peltato-pedicellate. Anthers four to eight, unilocular. Females;—Catkins globose ; the three concave scales united. Stigma gaping. Galbulus, composed of the united and fleshy scales, and containing three trique- trous, osseous seeds. Sp. char.—Leaves three in a whorl, mucronate, spreading.or imbricated, longer than the galbulus. A bushy shrub. Leaves evergreen, numerous, linear, pungent, glaucous on the upper side, dark green beneath. Flowers axillary, sessile, small; the males discharging a copious cloud of yellow pollen ; females green, on scaly stalks. Fruit commonly called a berry, but is in reality that kind of cone called bv COMMON JUNIPER. 189 botanists a galbulus, which has fleshy, coalescent carpella, whose heads are much enlarged. It requires two seasons to arrive at maturity. Two varieties (some botanists consider them to be distinct species) are described. a. J. communis, Smith.—Stem erect. Leaves spreading. Fruit scarcely more than half the length of the leaves. /2. J. nana, Smith.—Stem procumbent. Leaves imbricated. Fruit nearly as long as the leaves. Hah.—North of Europe and North America. Indigenous, growing on hills and heathy downs, especially where the soil is chalky. It flowers jn May. Description.—In this country the fruit and tops, on the continent the wood also, are officinal. Juniper berries (baccce juniperi), as the dried fruit of the shops is commonly termed, are about the size of a pea, of a blackish-purple colour, covered by a glau- cous bloom. They are marked—superiorly, with a triradiate groove, indicating the adhesion of the succulent carpella—inferiorly with the bracleal scales, which assume a stellate form. They contain three seeds. Their taste is sweetish, with a terebinthinate flavour; their odour is agreeable and balsamic. Juniper tops (cacumina sen summitates juniperi) have a bitter, terebinihinate flavour, and a balsamic odour. Juniper wood (lignum juniperi) is obtained either from the stem or root: it evolves a balsamic odour in burning, and, by distillation with water, yields vola- tile oil. On old stems there is sometimes found a resinous substance (resina juniperi ; sandaraca germanica). Commerce.—Juniper berries are imported in bags and barrels from Rotterdam, Hamburgh, Leghorn, Trieste, and other European ports. In 1838, duty (2s. per civt.) was paid on 5896 cwts. Composition.—Juniper berries were analyzed in 1822 by Trommsdorff, (Gme- lin's Handb. d. Chem. ii. 1330,) and in 1831 by Nicolet. (Thomson's Org. Chem. p. 899.) Trommsdorff obtained volatile oil 1-0, wax 4-0, resin 10-0, a peculiar species of sugar with acetate and malate of lime 33-8, gum with salts of potash and lime 7-0, lignin 35-0, water, 12-9 (excess 3*7). 1. Oil of Juniper (see p. 190). 2. Resin.—Is green, according to Trommsdorff. Nicolet obtained it in the crystallized state, and found it to consist of C« H2 O1. 3. Wax.—Is brittle. Consists, according to Nicolet, of C13 H8i O*. 4. Sugar.—Is crystallizable, and analogous to grape sugar, according to Trommsdorff. But Nicolet describes it as being like molas-ses. Physiological Effects.—Juniper berries and tops are analogous in their ope- ration to the terebinthinate substances. Three ounces of the berries act on the larger herbivorous animals as a diuretic. (Moiroud, Pharm. Veter.) On man, also, these fruits operate on the urinary organs, promoting the secretion of urine, to which they communicate a violet odour. (Cargillus, in Ray, Hist. Plant, t. ii. p. 1412.) In large doses they occasion irritation of the bladder, and heat in the urinary passages. Piso (Murray, App. Med.) says, their continued use causes bloody urine. They promote sweat, relieve flatulency, and provoke the catamenia. Their activity is principally dependent on the volatile oil which they contain; and which, according to Mr. Alexander's experiments, (Experimental Essays, p. 149, 1768,) is, in doses of four drops, the most powerful of all the diuretics. (See his Table, at p. 105, vol. i.) Uses.—Juniper berries or oil are but little used in medicine. They may be employed either alone or as adjuncts to other diuretic medicines, in dropsical disorders indicating the employment of renal stimuli. Van Swieten (Comment taries, Eng. ed. I2m0- vol. xii. p. 431,) speaks favourably of their use in mild cases of ascites and anasarca. In some affections of the urino-genital appa- ratus, juniper may be employed with advantage. THus, in mucous discharges (as gonorrhoea, gleet, leucorrhoea, and cystirrhoea), it may be used under the 190 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. same regulations that govern the employment of copaiva and the terebinthinates. Hecker (Anweisung d. vener. Krankh. quoted by Voigtels, Arzneim. Bd. 2, Abt. 2, S. 510), praised it in the first stage of gonorrhoea. Juniper has been advised in some other diseases ; but I do not think it neces- sary to enumerate them.1 Administration.—The dose of the berries is one or two drachms, triturated with sugar. The infusion (prepared with an ounce of the berries and a pint of boiling water) is a more convenient mode of exhibition : the dose is f 3>v. every four hours. 1. OLEUM JUNIPERI, L. E. D.; Oil of Juniper—It is obtained by submitting the fruit, tops, or wood, to distillation with water. The full-grown green fruit yields more than the ripe fruit; for, in the act of ripening, a portion of the oil becomes converted into resin. It is limpid, transparent, nearly colourless, and lighter than water. It has the odour of the fruit, and an aromatic, balsamic taste. It dissolves with difficulty in alcohol. According to Blanchet, it consists of two isomeric oils : one colourless, and more volatile; a second coloured, and less vo- latile. Both, when agitated with a solution of salt, form crystalline hydrates. The composition of oil of juniper is analogous to that of oil of turpentine, being C10 H8. The oil is, perhaps, the best form for exhibiting juniper. The dose is two to six drops, either in the form of pill, or diffused through water by the aid of sugar and mucilage. %. SPIRITUS JUNIPERI COMPOSITUS, L. E. D.; Compound Spirit of Juniper.- (Juniper berries, bruised, 3xv. [lb. j. E. _D.] ; Caraway, bruised ; Fennel, bruised, of each, 3'j- [liss. E. Z).] ; Proof Spirit, Cong. j. [Ovij. E.~\ ; Water, Oij. [as much as may be convenient, D.J Mix; then, with a slow fire, let a gallon dis- til, L.—The Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges order the fruit to be macerated in the spirit [for two days, E.; for twenty-four hours, D.~\, the water then added, and [seven pints, E, a gallon D. of] the spirit distilled.)—This preparation, when sweetened, may be regarded as an officinal substitute for genuine Hollands and English Gin, (see vol. i. p. 332), both of which compounds are flavoured with juniper. It is used as an adjunct to diuretic mixtures. The dose is f 3ij- to f 3iv. 5. JUNIPERUS SABINA, Linn., L. E. D.—COMMON SAVIN. Sex. Syst. Dicecia, Monadelphia. (Cacumina recentia et exsiccata, L.; Tops, E.; Folia, D.) (Sabina, U. S.) History—This is the /3padu£ of Dioscorides, (lib. i. cap. 104), the sabina of Pliny. (Hist. Nat. lib. xxiv. cap. 61, ed. Valp.) Both these writers notice the two varieties of this plant. Botany. Gen. char.—Vide Juniperus communis. Sp. char.—Leaves ovate, convex, densely imbricated, erect, decurrent, oppo- site ; the opposition pyxidate. (Bot. Gall.) A small, bushy shrub. Branches closely inverted by the very small, glandu- lar leaves. Galbulus round, purple, somewhat smaller than that of Juniper com- munis. Two varieties are distinguished (Nees and Eberm. Handb. der Med. Pharm. Botan.): et. J. Sabina cupressina.—Leaves acute, more spreading, three lines long. jg. J. Sabina tamariscifolia.—Leaves shorter, almost appressed and obtuse. Hah.—Midland and southern parts of Europe; Asiatic Russia. Cultivated in gardens in this country. Flowers in April. i Consult on this subject, Vogt. Lehrb. d. Pharmadokyn.; Richter, Arzneimittell.; and Sundelin, Spec. Heil- mittell. COMMON SAVIN. 191 Description.—The officinal parts of the plant are the tops (cacumina ; sum- mitates) which consist of the young branches with their attached leaves. They have, in the fresh state (cacumina recentia), a strong, peculiar, heavy odour, especially when rubbed ; and a nauseous, resinous, and bitter taste. The dried tops (cacumina exsiccata) are yellowish-green, and less odorous than the fresh ones. Composition.—Some experiments on the composition of savin were made by Berlisky. (Trommsdorff s Journ. viii. 1, 94.) In 1837 an analysis of this plant was made by a young chemist of the name of Gardes. (Journ. de Chim. Med. t. iii. p. 331, 2nrte Ser.; The constituents are, Volatile oil, Resin, Gallic acid, Chlorophylle, Extractive, Lignin, and Salts of Lime. Oil of Savin, (see p. 192.) Chemical Characteristics.—An aqueous infusion of savin is yellowish, has the odour and bitter taste of the herb, and forms a soluble green compound (gallate? of iron) on the addition of sesquichloride of iron, but is unchanged by a solution of gelatin. Oxalate of ammonia causes, in the infusion, a white pre- cipitate (oxalate of lime). Alcohol acquires a green colour when digested with the tops : on the addition of water to the alcoholic tincture some resin is sepa- rated. By distillation with water, both the fresh and dried tops (but especially the first) yield volatile oil. Physiological Effects, a. On Animals.—Savin acts on animals as an acrid poison. Orfila (Toxicol. Gen.) applied two drachms of the powder to an incised wound in the leg of a dog ; inflammation and infiltration of the limb took place, and death occurred in about thirty-six hours. Four drachms introduced into the stomach of a dog, and the oesophagus tied, caused death in thirteen hours; the stomach was bright red, and the rectum a little inflamed. Orfila in- fers that its effects depend principally on its absorption, and its action on the ner- vous system, the rectum, and the stomach. A drachm of oil of savin was given by Hillefield (Wibmer, Wirk. d. Arzneim u. Gifle. Bd. iii. H. 1, p. 191) to a cat. It caused a flow of saliva, anxiety, frequent discharge of urine, dulness, trembling, and, in an hour and a quarter, bloody urine. The animal having been strangled, the bladder was found contracted, with some coagulated blood contained in its cavity. (3. Ou Man.—Oil of savin, the active principle of the herb, is a powerful local irritant. When applied to the skin, it acts as a rubefacient and vesicant. On wounds and ulcers, its operation is that of an acrid (not chemical) caustic. Swallowed in large doses, it occasions vomiting, purging, and other symptoms of gastro-intestinal inflammation. In its operation on the system generally, it is powerfully stimulant. "Savin," says Sundelin, (Heilmittellehre, Bd. ii. S. lbl), Auf. 3tte), "operates not merely as irritants generally do, as a stimulant to the arterial system, but it also eminently heightens the vitality of the venous system, the circulation in which it quickens. It next powerfully stimulates the absorbing vessels and glands, the serous, the fibrous, and the mucous membranes, and the skin. It operates as a specific excitant and irritant on the kidneys, and yet more obviously on the uterus. The increased secretion of bile and the aug- mented volume of the liver, both of which conditions have sometimes been ob- served after the copious and long-continued use of savin, appear to be connected with its action on the venous system." Mohrenheim (Murray, App. Med. vol. i. p. 59), mentions the case of a woman, 30 years of age, who swallowed an infu- sion of savin to occasion abortion. Violent and incessant vomitino- was induced. After some days she experienced excruciating pains, which were followed by abortion, dreadful hemorrhage from the uterus, and death. On examination, the ^all-bladder was found ruptured, the bile effused in the abdomen, and the intestines inflamed. The popular notion of its tendency to cause abortion, leads, on many occasions, to the improper use of savin ; and the above is not a solitary 192 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. instance of the fatal consequences thereof. A fatal case of its use as an emmena- gogue is recorded by Dr. Dewees. (Compend. Syst. of Midwifery, pp. 133-4.) That it may frequently fail to provoke premature labour is shown by the case, related by Fodere (Med. Leg.), of a woman, who, in order to produce abortion, took every morning, for twenty days, one hundred drops of this oil, and yet went her full time, and brought forth a living child. It ought to be well known, that in those cases in which it may succeed in causing miscarriage, it can only do so at the risk of the woman's life. Vogt (Pharmakodyn.) says, that it has a ten- dency to induce an apoplectic state in the foetus. The emmenagogue power of savin is fully established. Perhaps the observations of Home (Clinical Experi- ments,p. 419) are the most satisfactory of any on this subject, confirmed as they are by the reports of many other accurate observers. Uses.—Savin is not much used internally; but incases of amenorrhoea and chlorosis, depending on or accompanied by a torpid condition or deficient action of the uterine vessels, it may be given as a powerful uterine stimulant. In such cases it proves a most efficient remedy. According to my own observation, it is the most certain and powerful emmenagogue of the whole materia medica. My experience of it, therefore, confirms the statements of Home. (Clinical Experi- ments.) Though I have employed it in numerous cases, I never saw any ill ef- fects result from its administration. Of course its use is contraindicated where irritation of the uterus, or indeed of any of the pelvic viscera, exists. In chronic rheumatism, with a languid circulation in the extreme vessels, Chap- man (Elem. of Therap.) speaks in very high terms of it. It has been used as an anthelmintic. As a topical agent, savin is frequently employed, mostly in the form of the cerate, to make perpetual blisters. Equal parts of savin and verdigris, in powder, form one of the most efficacious applications for the removal of venereal warts. The powder, an infusion, or the expressed juice of the plant, is occasionally ap- plied to warts, to old and indolent ulcers, and in cases of psora and tinea. Administration.—By drying, savin loses part of its volatile oil, and hence the powder is not the best preparation of it. It is, however, sometimes given in doses of from five to fifteen grains. A decoction and extract are also objectiona- ble preparations, on account of the heat employed in making them. An infusion may be prepared by digesting 3j. of the fresh herb in fSviii. of boiling water: the dose is one or two tablespoonsful. The oil is by far the most convenient and cer- tain preparation of savin, and is the one which I always employ. A conserve of the fresh leaves is sometimes used. 1. OLEUM SABINvE, E. D. (U. S.); Oil of Savin.—This is obtained by submit- ting the fresh tops to distillation with water. It is a limpid, almost colourless liquid, having the unpleasant odour of the plant, and a bitter, acrid taste. Its sp. gr. is 0*915. Its composition is analogous to that of oil of turpentine, being C10 H8. The dose, as an emmenagogue, is from two to six drops, diffused in a muci- laginous or oleaginous mixture. 1. CERATUM SABINjE, L. E. (U. S.); Unguentum Sabince, D., Savin Ointment.— (Savin [fresh, E.; the leaves stripped from their stalks, D.], bruised, lb. i. [lb. ss., D.]; Wax, lb. ss.; Lard, lbs. ii. Mix the savin in the lard and wax melted together, then press through a linen cloth. The Edinburgh and Dublin colleges boil them [in the lard only, D.] together, until the leaves are crisp.)—The boiling is considered objectionable on account of the loss of a portion of the oil. The colour of'this cerate should be fine green, and its odour that of the plant. [The U. S. Pharmacopoeia directs Savine, in powder, two ounces; Resin Cerate, a pound. Mix the savine with the cerate previously softened.] Savin cerate is used as a dressing to blistered surfaces, to produce what is termed a perpetual blis- ter. It is preferred to the ceratum cantharidis as being less acrid, and not liable to cause strangury. It is sometimes applied to seton tapes, to increase the dis- charge from setons. the liquidambar tribe. 193 Antidotes.—In a case of poisoning by savin herb or its oil, the first indica- tion is to remove the poison from the stomach and bowels. Opiates and demul- cent drinks should then be given. The warm bath may be advantageously em- ployed. Blood-letting should be resorted to, if the inflammatory symptoms indi- cate, and the condition of system permit it. OTHER MEDICINAL. PRODUCTS OF CONIFERiE. 1. Gemma.t-. seu Turiones Abietis.—The leaf-buds of the Norway Spruce Fir (Abies excelsa), as well as of the Silver Fir (Abies Picea), are used on the continent, in the form of decoction or beer; or, with the woods of guaiacum and sassafras, and juniper berries, in the form of tincture, (tinctura pini composita, Ph. Bor.) They are employed in scorbutic, rheumatic, and gouty com- plaints. 2. Essentia Abietis.—Essence of Spruce is prepared by boiling the young tops of some co- niferous plant (in America, those of Abies nigra, or Black Spruce, are used) in water, and con- centrating the decoction by evaporation. "It is a thick liquid, having the colour and consistence of molasses, with a bitterish, acidulo.us, astringent taste." (United States Dispensatory.) It is used in the preparation of spruce beer. 3. Cerevisia Abietis.—Spruce Beer is thus prepared :—" Take of Essence of Spruce, half a pint; Pimento, bruised; Ginger, bruised; Hops, of each, four ounces; Water, three gallons. Boil for five or ten minutes; then strain, and add of warm water, eleven gallons; Yeast, a pint; Molasses, six pints. Mix, and allow the mixture to ferment for twenty hours." (United States Dispensatory.) It is sometimes taken as an agreeable and wholesome drink in summer. It is diuretic and anti-scorbutic, and is, in consequence, employed in long sea-voyages as a preventive of scurvy. 4. Juniperus virginiana, Linn., the Red Cedar (the wood of which is used for black-lead pen- cils) is used in the United States as a substitute for savin. 5. Sandarach or Juniper Resin.—The resin called sandarach (sandaraca), or gum juniper (gummi juniperi), is imported from Mogadore. It is the product of Callitris quadrivalvis, Vent. (Thuja articulata, Desf.) Though sold by chemists and apothecaries, it is not employed in me- dicine. It is used in the manufacture of varnishes. lis powder is pounce. 6. The fruit of the Common Yew, Taxus eaccata, is poisonous. In one case (that of a child) it caused vomiting, convulsions, purple lips, dilated pupil, and death in less than four hours. (Lancet, Dec. 10, 1836.) Order XXIII—BALSAMACE^, Lindley.—-THE LIQUIDAMBAR TRIBE. Balsamifluje, Blume. Though this order yields no officinal substance contained in the British pharmacopoeias, yet the two balsamic oleo-resins, liquidambar and liquid storax (especially the latter), are frequently met with in the shops, and, therefore, require to be noticed. 1. Balsam of Liquidambar (Balsamum Liquidambar, T. W. C. Martius; Liquidambar, Guibourt ; Copalm balsam).—This is procured in Mexico and Louisiana by making incisions into the stem of Liquidam'bar Styraci'flua. The liquid balsam (fluid liquidambar, or oil of liquidambar, Guib.) is transparent, amber-yellow, has the consistence of a thick oil, a balsamic odour, and an aromatic, acrid, bitter taste. The soldid balsam (soft or while liquidambar, Gui- bourt; white balsam of Peru, Auctor.)isa soft, almost opaque, solid, very similar in appearance to concrete turpentine. Its odour is similar to, though weaker than, the liquid balsam. Its taste is balsamic and sweetish. Bonastre analyzed a very fluid sample, recently received from America, and found it to consist of—Volatile oil 7-0, semi-concrete matter 111, benzoic acid 10, crystal. line matter soluble in water and alcohol 5"3, yellow colouring matter 205, oleo-resin 49-0, styracin 240, loss 0-55. The volatile oil consists, according to Henry, of C10 H7. Styracin is a fusible, crystalline substance, soluble in boiling alcohol, and composed, according to Henry, of C11 H5 0s. The effects and uses of liquidambar ara similar to those of other balsamic substances. The dose of it is from ten to twenty grains. 2. Liquid Balsam of Storax (Styrax liquidus, officin).—This is said to be procured from the Liquidambar Altingia, Blume (Altingia excelsa, Noronha), a native of Java, where it is called Ras-samata (Rasamalla or Rosa-mallas, Auct.) But ou referring to the books of a wholesale druggisl, I find that all the storax (liquid and solid) which has been imported into this country during the last seven years, came from Trieste; and from this circumstance, Dr. Lindley sus- pects that the liquid storax of the shops is the produce of Liquidambar orientale, a native of Cy- prus, and other puts of the east of Europe; but there is no reason to believe that liquid storax is obtained in Europe. Petiver (Phil. Trans, vol. xxvi. p. 44) says, that the tree which yields it is the Rosa mallus, and grows in Cobross, an island at the upper end of the Red Sea, near Cadess, which is three days' journey from Suez. The bark of this tree is removed annually, and boiled VOL. II. 17 194 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. in salt water until "it comes to a consistence like birdlime;" it is then separated, put in bar- rels (each holding 420 lbs.), and sent to Mocha, by way of Judda. Under the name of storax, I have met with two liquids : a. A pellucid liquid, having the consistence and tenacity of Venice turpentine, a brownish- yellow colour, a sweetish storax-like odour, different from that of liquidambar. A few particles of bran or saw-dust are intermixed with it. It was sold to me as balsam or balsam storax, and I was informed that it had been imported in jars, each holding 14 lbs. It agrees with the pure or fine liquid storax of Hill, the styrax liquida finissima of Alston. Professor Guibourt, to whom I sent a sample, regards it as a balsam of liquidambar, somewhat thickened by age. 0. The second kind is the common liquid storax of the shops; the impure or coarse liquid sto- rax of Hill; and doubtless is the variety referred to by Petiver. It is imported in casks, holding about 4 cwt. each. It is opaque, of a gray colour, has the consistence of birdlime, and the odour of storax, but frequently intermixed with an odour of naphtha. The substance met wilh in the shops, and sold to perfumers under the name Strained Storax (Styrax colatus), is prepared from this variety of liquid storax, by heating it until the water is evaporated, and then straining it. During the process it evolves a very fragrant odour. The impurities are stqnes, sand, &c. No complete analysis of liquid storax has been made. The following substances, however, are contained in it:— Volatile oil, benzoic acid, resin, styracin, matter soluble in boiling alcohol (wax 1) fragments of bark, and earthy matter. Oil of Storax consists of C2 H, or some multiple of this. Styracin is a crystallizable resin, composed of Cs4 H" O2. The effects and uses of liquid storax are similar to those of other balsamic substanCes. (Vide vol. i. p. 209.) Its dose is from 9i. to 3i. Order XXIV.—SALICACE^E, Lindley.—THE WILLOW TRIBE. Salicineje, Richard. Essential Character.—Flowers unisexual, either moncecious or dioecious, amentaceous. Stamens distinct or monadelphous: anthers two-celled. Ovary superior, one or two-celled ; ovules nu- merous, erect, at the base of the cell, or adhering to the lower part of the sides ; style one or none; stigmas two. Fruit coriaceous, one or two-celled, two-valved, many-seeded. Seeds either adhering to the lower pari of the axis of each valve, or to the base of the cell, comose; albumen, none; embryo erect; radicle inferior.— Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, simple, with deliquescent primary veins, and frequently with glands; stipules deciduous or persistent. (Lindley.) Properties.—The astringency possessed by most willow barks is referrible to tannic acid. The bitterness and tonic properties depend on salicine, populine, or some uncrystallizable principle. SA'LIX, Linn.—WILLOW. Salix Caprea, E. D., and S. fragilis and S. alba, D. Sex. Syst. Dioecia, Diandria. (Cortex e speciebus salicis diversis: cortex salicis, offic.) History.—Dioscorides (lib. i. cap. 136) speaks of the astringent qualities of the 'Ira'a, or Willow (1 Salix alba), which was employed in medicine by the ancients. For a long series of years it fell into disuse, but was again brought into notioe in 1763, by the Rev. Mr. Stone (Phil. Trans, vol. liii. p. 195), who published a paper on the efficacy of the bark of Salix alba, as a remedy for agues. Botany. Gen. char.—Flowers dioecious, or rarely moncecious, amentaceous; scales imbricated : a gland surrounding the stamens or ovary. Males:—Stamens two to five, usually two, sometimes the two united into one, and then the anther is four-celled. Females:—Seeds comose; the radicle inferior. (Bot. Gall.) Species.—Sir J. E. Smith (Engl. Flora, iv.) mentions sixty-four indigenous species of Salix; but pharmacological and botanical writers are not agreed as to which species possesses the most medicinal power. The best practical rule to follow is this:—Select those whose barks possess great bitterness, combined wilh astringency.- The following are those which are in the greatest repute: 1. Sa'lix Russellia'na, Smith; the Bedford Willow.—Leaves lanceolate, tapering at each end, serrated throughout, very smooth. Footstalks glandular or leafy. Germen tapering, stalked, longer than the scales. Style as long as the stigmas (Smith).—A tree. In marshy woods, wet meadows, &c, in various parts of Bri- tain. Flowers in April and May. Its bark abounds in tannic acid. On account of its astringency, Sir J. E. Smith regards it as the most valuable officinal species; WILLOW. 195 and he observes, that if it has occasionally disappointed medical practitioners, they probably chanced in such cases to give the S.fragilis. 2. Sa'lix alba, Linn. D.; the Common White Willow.— Leaves elliptic-lan- ceolate, pointed, serrated, silky on both sides; the lowest serratures glandular. Stamens hairy. Germen smooth, almost sessile. Stigmas deeply cloven. Scales rounded (Smith).—A tall tree. River sides, moist woods, &c, in various parts of Britain. Flowers in May. Its bark, called cortex salignum or cortex anglicanum of some writers, is astringent, but less so than that of the preceding species. 3. Sa'lix Ca'prea, Linn. E. D.; Great Round-leaved Willow. — Stem erect. Leaves roundish-ovate, pointed, serrated, waved ; pale and downy beneath. Sti- pules somewhat crescent-shaped. Catkins oval. Germen stalked, ovate, silky. • Stigmas nearly sessile, undivided. Capsules swelling (Smith).—A tree. Indige- ' nous, very common ; growing in woods and hedges. Flowers in April. 4. Sa'lix frag'ilis, Linn. D.; The Crack Willow.—Leaves ovate-lanceolate, pointed, serrated throughout, very smooth. Footstalks glandular. Germen ovate, abrupt, nearly sessile, smooth. Scales oblong, about equal to the stamens and pistils. Stigmas cloven, longer than the style (Smith).—A. tree. Indigenous: about the banks of rivers. Flowers in April and May. ■5, Sa'lix pcntail'llra, Linn.; Sweet Bay-leaved Willow.—This species is officinal in the Prussian Pharmacopoeia, and is preferred by Nees Von Esenbeck to all other species. Its bark is the cortex salicis laurece of some pharmacologists. 6. Sa'lix purpil'rea, Linn.; Bitter Purple Willow.—This species deserves notice on account of the intense bitterness of its bark. Description.—Willow bark (cortex salicis) varies, in its appearance and qua- lities, according to the species and the age of the tree from which it is procured. In the dried state, it is usually quilled and odourless. It should have a bitter and astringent taste. Composition.—The bark of Salix alba was analyzed by MM. Pelletier and Caventou (Journ. de Pharm. t. vii. p. 123), who obtained the following results :— Bitter yellow colouring matter, green fatty matter, similar to that found in cinchona, tannin, resinous extract, gum, wax, woody fibre, and a magnesian salt containing an organic acid. These celebrated chemists failed to isolate salicin, which must have been con- tained in their bitter yellow colouring matter, either mixed or combined with some other matter. Their resinous extract is probably identical with what Braconnot calls corticin. 1. Tannic Acid.—This is the astringent principle of willow bark. Sir H. Davy (Elements of Agricult. Chem. p. 83, 4th ed.) gives the following as the quantities of tannin [impure tannic acid] in the bark of two willows: 480 lbs. of bark. lbs. of tannin. Leicestershire Willow [Salix ■Russelliana'] large size......................33 Common Willow..... [Salix ----?].......large..........................11 2. Salicin.—See p. 195. Chemical Characteristics.—A decoction of the bark, made with distilled water, is coloured dark green (tannate of iron) by sesquichloride of iron; but, made with spring water, dark purple. Solution of gelatin produces a precipitate (tannate of gelatin) in the decoction ; but tincture of nutgalls causes no turbidness. A strong decoction of willow bark, containing much salicin, is reddened by con- centratad sulphuric acid. Physiological Effects.—Willow bark possesses both bitterness and astrin- gency. It belongs, therefore, to the astringent tonics, whose effects have been already noticed (vol. i. p. 197). It is less apt to disturb the stomach than cinchona, but its tonic and febrifuge powers are less than the latter. Vogt (Pharmakody- namik, Bd. i. S. 658) ascribes to it balsamic properties. 196 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Uses.—It has been employed as an indigenous substitute for cinchona. The indications for its use, therefore, are the same as those for the latter. It is given in intermittents, dyspeptic complaints accompanied with, or dependent on, a debi- litated condition of the digestive organs, passive hemorrhages, chronic mucous discharges, in the stage of convalescence after fever, and as an anthelmintic. As a local astringent, the powder or infusion is sometimes employed; but there are many more efficient remedies of this kind. Administration.—The dose of the powder is 3ss. to 3i. The infusion or de- coction (prepared with 3j. of the bark, and Oj. of water) may be given in doses of from f 3j. to f giij. SALICIN.—Discovered by Buchner (Journ. de Pharm. xvi. 242,) in 1828. Has been found in about fourteen species of Salix and eight species of Populus. (Herberger, Pharmaceutisches Central-Blatt. fiir 1838, S. 848.) It has been detected in the bark, leaves, and flowers. Herberger obtained 250 grs., Merck 251 grs., from 16 ounces of the bark and young twigs of Salix Helix: Erdmann, however, procured, by another process, 300 grs. from the bark of Salix pentan- dra. (Herberger, Pharmaceutisches Central-Blatt. fur 1838, S. 752.) Merck's process for obtaining it, as stated by Liebig, (Turner's Chemistry, 7th ed. p. 816,) is as follows: " Dried or fresh willow bark is cut small, and exhausted by repeated boiling wilh water. The decoctions are concentrated, and while boiling treated with litharge till the liquor appears nearly colourless. The dissolved oxide of lead is removed, first by sulphuric acid, afterwards by sul- phuret of barium, and, after the separation of sulphuret of lead, evaporated, when salicin crystal- lizes; and is purified by repeated solution and crystallization (Merck). From willow bark, which is fresh and rich in salicin, it may be obtained by cautious evaporation of the cold aqueous infusion (Merck). The oxide of lead removes from the solution gum, tannin, and extractive matter, which would impede the crystallization of the salicin. It also combines with the salicin, forming a kind of salt, which is decomposed by the sulphuric acid and sulphuret of barium. If the latter be carefully added, neither sulphuric acid nor baryta remain in the solution: and the sulphuret of lead, which separates, acts as a decolourizing agent." Salicin crystallizes in silky needles and lamina?. It is white, very bitter, in- odorous, neutral to vegetable colours, fusible at 230° F., and combustible at a higher temperature. It is much more soluble in boiling than in cold water; it is also soluble in alcohol, but not so in ether or the volatile oils. It is not precipi- tated by any agent. If oil of vitriol be added to it, it becomes blood-red (owing to the formation of rufin,1 C14 H? 0s) and dissolves in the acid. Hydrochloric acid and dilute sulphuric acid convert it into grape sugar and a white tasteless powder (saliretine, C30 H16 O8=CS0 H1S O7 -j- Aq.) Chlorine gas renders an aqueous solution of salicin turbid, and causes the deposition of a yellow crystalline powder (composed of C*3 H2S C4 O32). By submitting a mixture of salicin, bichro- mate of potash, oil of vitriol, and water, to distillation, we obtain saliculous acid (also called saliculic acid, hydruret of salicule, hydruret of spiroyle, or oil of spircea), the formula of which is C14 H6 O3 -f- Aq. Salicin has been repeatedly subjected to analysis. Erdmann and Pelouze and Moms. Eg. Wt. Per Cent. Mulder.* Paria.* Marchond.* J. OayLussacJ Carbon...........42......252...... 55 14...... 5513...... 5504...... 5509.......... 5549 Hydrogen.........29 ...... 29 ...... o-35...... 6-19...... 639...... 6-32.......... 6-38 Oxygen...........22 ...... 176...... 38-51..... 38-68...... 38-57...... 38 59 .......... 3813 Salicin............ 1......457......100-00 ...... 10000 ...... 10000......100 00.......... 10000 Salicin possesses tonic properties analogous to disulphate of quinia, than which it is less liable to irritate the stomach. It may be employed in dyspepsia, inter- mittents, and other diseases for which cinchona and disulphate of quinia are 1 Rvfin is also formed by the action of oil of vitriol on phlorodzine (see Mulder in the Pharm. Central Blatt fiir 1839, S. S64). Rutilin,a brown resinous body composed of C»» H'» 0« + SO» is also formed by the action of sul- phuric acid on salicin (Ibid.) Veratria (see p. 108) and Piperin are also reddened by oil of vitriol. z Pharmaceutisches Central Blatt fiir 1839, S. 452. 3 Ibid. S. 369. « Ibid fur 1838, S. 920. > Jinn, de Chim. et de Phys. xlvii. 5. the oak tribe. 197 usually exhibited. In the event of the latter becoming scarce, salicin would prove an exceedingly valuable substitute. The dose of it is from 10 to 30 grains. It may be given in powder mixed with sugar, or dissolved in some aromatic water. (Blom. Beobacht ii Beitr u die Salicine. Potsdam, 1835.) Its quickest action in intermittents is said to be obtained when it is given in powder. (Lond. Med. Gaz. Feb. 28,1840.) Order XXV.—CUPULIFER^, Richard.—THE OAK TRIBE. Corylaces, Mirbel. Essential Character.—Flowers unisexual: males, amentaceous; females aggregate or amen- taceous. Males:—Stamens five to twenty, inserted into the base of the scales, or of a mem- branous calyx, generally distinct. Females:—Ovaries crowned by the rudiments of a supe- rior calyx, seated with a coriaceous involucre (cupule) of various figure, and with several cells and several ovules, the greatest part of which are abortive; ovules twin or solitary, pendulous; stigmas several, subsessile, distinct. Fruit a bony or coriaceous, one-celled nul, more or Jess enclosed in the involucre. Seeds solitary, one, two, or three, pendulous: embryo large, with plano-convex, fleshy cotyledons, and a minute superior radicle.— Trees or shrubs. Leaves with stipules, alternate, simple, often with veins proceeding straight from the midrib to the margin (Lindley). Properties.—The prevailing quality of this order is astringency, owing to the presence of tannic acid. 1. QUER'CUS I'EDUNCULA'TA, Willd. L. E.—TRE COMMON BRITISH OAK. Quercus Robur, Linn. D. Sex. Syst. Monoecia, Polyandria. (Cortex, L. D. The Bark, E.) History.—The oaks (Quercus of botanists) were held sacred by the Greeks, Romans, Gauls, and Britons. They are mentioned in the Old Testament. (Isaiah, ch. i. v. 29, 30.) Both Dioscorides and Galen were acquainted with their astrin- gent qualities. "Every part of the oak," says Dioscorides, (lib. i. cap. 142,) "but especially the liber, possesses an astringent property." Botany.—Gen. char. Monoecious. Male Flowers ',—Catkins, lax and pendu- lous. Perianth lacerated. Stamens five to ten. Female Flowers:—Involucre scaly ; the scales numerous, imbricated ; combined with a coriaceous, hemisphe- rical cup. Perianth six-lobed, adnate to the ovary. Ovary three-celled ; two of the cells abortive. Stigmas three. Nut (galls or acorn) one-celled, one-seeded, surrounded at the base by the cupule (acorn-cup). (Bot. Gall.) Sp.cimr.—Leaves deciduous, shortly-stalked, oblong-obovate, deeply sinuate; their sinuses rather acute, lobes obtuse. Fruits two or three upon a long pe- duncle. (Hooker.) A large and handsome tree, remarkable for its longevity. Twigs round, smooth, grayish-brown. Leaves bright green, furnished with a single midrib sending off veins into the lobes. Male flowers yellowish; females greenish, tinged with brown. Hah.—Indigenous to Great Britain, growing in woods and hedges. Flowers in April. It is found in most European countries. Barking.—In the spring, the barks of trees contain more astringent matter, and are more readily separated from the wood. The usual time for barking the oak is from the beginning of May to the middle of July. The barkers make a longitudinal incision with a mallet furnished with a sharp edge, and a circular incision by means of a barking bill. The bark is then removed by the peeling- irons, the separation being promoted, when necessary, by beating the bark with the square end of the mallet. It is then carefully dried in the air, by setting it on what are called lofts or ranges, and is afterwards stacked. (Loudon's Ency- clop. of Agricult., 3d ed. p. 658-9.) Description.—Oak bark (cortex quercus) consists of pieces of from one to two feet long, which vary in their appearance according to the age of the stem 198 elements of materia medica. or branch from which they have been taken. The bark of young stems is thin, moderate y smooth, covered externally with a silvery or ash-gray cuticle, and is frequently beset with lichens. Internally it is, in the fresh state, whitish; but, when dried, brownish, red, and fibrous. The bark of old stems is thick, very rough externally, cracked, and wrinkled, and is of inferior quality. Composition.—According to Braconnot (Ann. de Chim. et de Phys. t. 50, p. 381), oak bark contains—Tannic acid, tannates of lime, magnesia, potash, &c, gallic acid, uncrystallizable sugar, pectin, and lignin. 1. Tannic Acid.—The quantity of tannin [impure tannic acid] obtained by Davy (Elem. of Airricult. Chem. p. 83, 4th ed.) from oak bark is as follows: Tannin 480 lbs. of afforded. Entire bark of middle-sized oak, cut in spring.............................. 29 lbs. " coppice oak................................................ 32 " oak cut in autumn,......................................... 21 White interior cortical layers of oak bark................................. 72 Biggins, (Pfaff, Syst. d. Mat. Med. Bd. ii. S. 207,) obtained 30 parts of tannin from the bark of an oak felled in winter, while the same weight of the bark of an oak felled in spring yielded him 108 parts. 2. Gallic Acid.—This contributes to the astringency of oak bark. It is formed probably by the action of the air on the tannic acid. Chemical Characteristics.—Decoction of oak bark reddens litmus, and becomes dark blue or purple (tannate of iron) on the addition of sesquichloride of iron. A solution of gelatin causes a precipitate (tannate of gelatin) with it. It is somewhat remarkable, however, that a solution of emetic tartar causes no precipitate with the decoction. [If alcohol be added to the decoction, concen- trated to the consistence of a syrup, it causes the precipitation of pectin. A de- coction, rendered alkaline by a fixed alkali, deposits a gelatinous matter (pectic acid) on the addition of acetic acid. Braconnot.] Physiological Effects.—The effects of oak bark are similar to those of other vegetable astringents containing tannic acid, and have been already de- scribed (see vol. i. pp. 196, 197). Uses.—The principal value of oak bark, in medicine, arises from its astrin- gent property. Thus we employ a decoction of it as a gargle in relaxed condi- tions of the uvula, and in chronic inflammatory affections of the throat (CuIIen, Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 45); as a wash, in flabby, ill-conditioned, or bleeding ulcers; as an injection in leucorrhcea, in piles, and in prolapsus of the uterus or rectum; as an internal astringent in old diarrhoeas, in the last stage of dysentery, in alvine hemorrhages, &c. Poultices made of powdered oak bark have been applied with .benefit to mortified parts. (Barton, Collect, towards a Mat. Med. of the United States.) Mr. Lizars (Ed. Med. and Surg. Journ. July, 1832) states that he has obtained " wonderful success" in the cure of reducible hernia by bathing the groin (the hernia having been previously reduced) three or four times daily with a warm inspissated decoction of oak bark, and then applying a truss. The prac- tice, however, is not a new one. (See the references in Ploucquet's Literatura Medica, t. ii. p. 297.) The inhalation of finely powdered oak bark is said to have proved very bene- ficial in supposed cases of pulmonary consumption. (Eberle, Treat, on Mat. Med. vol. i. p. 268, 2d ed.) I have already noticed (vol. i. p. 158) the inspira- tion of impalpable powders of other astringents as a remedy for phthisis. Con- nected with this, the popular opinion of the exemption of operative tanners from phthisis pulmonalis deserves to be mentioned. Dr. Dods, (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. iii. p. 497,) who has paid some attention to this subject, concludes, that the popular notion is correct; and he ascribes the exemption to " the inhalation of that peculiar aroma, or volatile matter, which is constantly arising from tan-pits during the process of tanning with bark." Hitherto, however, no sufficient evidence has been advanced to prove that tanners are exempt from the disease. As a tonic, oak bark has been employed in medicine, but it is much inferior THE GALL, OR DYER'S OAK. 199 to the cinchona. Baths made of a decoction of this substance have been used by Dr. Eberle in the intermittents of very young children with benefit; and Dr. Fletcher (of Virginia) has recommended the same remedy in tabes mesenterica. (Eberle, op. cit. vol. i. pp. 267, 268.) The decoction, powder, and extract, have been taken internally in intermittents, but they are very apt to irritate the stomach. Dr. CuIIen (Mat. Med. vol. i. p. 45) says, that both by itself and joined with chamomile flowers, he has prevented the paroxysms of intermittents. Administration.—Dose of the powder from half a drachm to one or two drachms. 1. DECOCTUM QUERCUS, L. E. D.; Decoction of Oak Bark—(Oak bark, bruised, 3x. [3i. I).]; Water [distilled, L.] Oij. [wine measure D.] Boil down to a pint, and strain.)—Used as a local astringent for various purposes, in the form of gargle, injection, or lotion. Administered internally in doses of fjii. tof3vi. Sometimes employed as a bath, especially for children. %. EXTRACTUM QUERCUS, D.; Extract of Oak Bark___(Obtained by evaporating a decoction.)—Rarely employed in medicine. May be given internally as an astringent, in the dose of from ten grains to a drachm. 2. QUER'CUS INFECTO'RIA, Olivier, L. E. D.—THE GALL, OR DYER'S OAK. Sex. Syst. Moncecia, Polyandria. (Galls; Gemnee morbids ; L. Gallae; Excrescences, E. Gallae, E.) (Gallae, U. S.) History.—Hippocrates employed the nutgall (srjxi?) as an astringent, both internally and externally. (Ed. Fas. pp. 609, 267, &c.) Dioscorides (lib. i. cap. 146) describes it as the fruit of the oak; and the same error is found in the works of comparatively recent writers, as of Pomet. (Hist, of Drugs, Engl. Trans. 1712.) Mr. Lambert (Trans, of the Linn. Soc. vol. xvii. p. 445) de- clares the celebrated Mad Apples (Mala insana seu Poma Sodomitica) to be galls of the Quercus infectoria ; but he is certainly in error when he says they " are identical with those of commerce." His drawing of them disproves this statement. Botany. Gen. char.—Vide Quercus pedunculata. Sp. char.—Leaves ovate-oblong, sinuate-dentate, very smooth, deciduous. Fruit sessile, very long. (Olivier, Voy. dans VEmpire Ottom. t. ii. p. 64.) Small tree or shrub, from four to six feet high. Stem crooked. Leaves on short petioles, with a few short mucronate teeth on each side. Acorn two or three times as long as the cupules. Hab.—Asia Minor, from the Bosphorus to Syria, and from the Archipelago to to the frontiers of Persia. Formation of Nutgalls.—The Hymenopterous insects of the tribe called Gallicolce, or Diploleparice, (Cuvier, Rigne Animal, t. v. p. 290,) are furnished with a terebara, or borer, by means of which they are enabled to perforate the foliaceous or cortical parts of plants for the purpose of depositing their eggs, along with an acrid liquor, in the wound thus made. The irritation thereby pro- duced gives rise to influx of the juices of the plant to the wounded part, and an excrescence is formed, which is termed a gall (galla). Here the insect under- goes its transformations : the egg produces the larva (or maggot), which feeds on the juices of the plant, and is changed into the pupa. This afterwards becomes the perfect insect (imago), and, perforating the gall, escapes from its prison-house. The external form and appearance of these productions are very constant, when formed by the same insect, on the same part of the same plant; but the galls of different species of vegetables, as well as those of the same species, pro- duced by a different insect, vary considerably. There is reason for believing that the form and appearance of the gall is determined more by the insect than 200 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. by the plant; for we sometimes have on the same oak two kinds of galls, of very dissimilar appearance, produced by different insects. As familiar instances of galls, I may mention, first, the red carbuncular protu- berances in the leaves of Salix Helix. The gall of the Sweet Briar or Eglantine (Rosa rubiginosa) is called Bedeguar, or the Sweet Briar Sponge, and will be noticed hereafter. Another well-known indigenous gall is the Oak Apple, pro- duced on Quercus pedunculata. It is usually spheroidal, but of variable size; commonly, however, not exceeding one or two inches in diameter. Its texture is spongy. It has been employed, on account of the tannic acid which it contains, as a substitute for nutgalls in dyeing. The gall of the Quercus infectoria is the nutgall of the shops. It is produced by the Cynips Gallce tinctorice. Olivier (pp. cit.) says, that this insect lives on the Quercus infectoria only. On the sides and at the ends of the branches and shoots of this tree, the fe- male makes a puncture and deposits her egg. An excrescence is soon formed, within which the larva is developed, which is changed first into the pupa, and then into the imago. As soon as the perfect insect is produced, it eats its way out. If we examine those galls from which the animal has escaped, we observe externally a circular hole, of about a line in diameter, leading to a canal of from 2| to 3| lines long, which passes to the centre of the gall. But in those galls in which the insect has not put off its pupa state, we find neither an external hole nor an internal canal. Those galls from which the insect has escaped are commonly larger, lighter coloured, and less astringent: they are termed white galls. Commerce.—Nutgalls are imported principally from Turkey : hence their name of Turkey Galls (Gallce turcicce). They usually come from Constantino- ple, but sometimes from Smyrna. Those brought from Aleppo are the produce of Mosul (Aleppo or Mosul Galls), and are the best. Smyrna Galls are not so heavy, are lighter coloured, and contain a larger admixture of white galls than those brought from Aleppo. East India Galls are brought from Bombay. Ain- slie (Mat. Indica, vol. i. p. 145) thinks " that the greater part of the galls found in Indian bazaars grow in Persia, and are brought to the peninsula by Arab mer- chants." Description.—In commerce three kinds of galls are distinguished, viz., black or blue, green, and white. But there is no essential distinction between the two first. 1. Black or Blue Nutgalls (Gallce nigrce seu ccerulece); Green Nutgalls (Gallce virides).—These are gathered before the insect has escaped, and are called by the natives Yerli. They vary from the size of a pea to that of a hazel- nut, and have a grayish colour. The smallest have a blackish-blue tint, and are distinguished by the name of black or blue galls, while the larger and greener va- rieties are called green galls. Externally they are frequently tuberculated, but the surface of the tubercles and of the intervening spaces is usually smooth. Their texture is compact, but fragile. They have no odour, but a styptic and powerfully astringent taste. 2. White Galls (Gallce albce)—These are for the most part gathered after the insect has escaped, and hence they are perforated with a circular hole. They are larger, lighter coloured (being yellowish or whitish), less compact, less heavy, and less astringent. They are of inferior value. Composition.—Nutgalls were analyzed by Sir H. Davy (Phil. Trans. 1830), who obtained the following results : ! Tannin....................................................... 260 Mn1i!?/Cid' ^ith f.little exAtracf'?e ■:•:: -v..........:.......... «■* Mucilage and matters rendered insoluble by evaporation........ 2-4 Carbonate of lime and saline matter........................... 2'4 Matter insoluble in water (lignin).................................................................... 53-0 Good Aleppo Nutgalls................................................................................ 1000 THE GALL OR DYER's OAK. 201 1. Tannic Acid (Acidum Tannicum ; Acidum Quercitannicum).—The substance formerly de- scribed in chemical works by the name of tannin, is tannic acid mixed with some foreign mat- ters, from which it is very difficult to free it. When extracted from nutgalls by elher, in the percolation or displacement apparatus (see vol. i. p. 334), as recommended by Pclouze (Ann. de Chim. et de Phys. liv.), this acid presents itself as a non-crystalline, white solid, sometimes having a yellowish tinge. 100 parts of nutgalls yield from 36 to 40 parts of tannic acid. The following are the essential characteristics of this substance:—It has an intensely astrin- gent taste, and produces with a solution of gelatin, a white precipitate (tannate of gelatine); with a solution of sesquisalt of iron, a deep blue compound (tannate of iron) ; and with solutions of vegetable alkalis, white precipitates (lannates), slightly soluble in water, but very soluble in acetic acid. The mineral acids also cause precipitates with concentrated solutions of tannic acid, as do the alkalis and their carbonates. Gelatinous alumina rapidly absorbs tannic acid from its solution, and forms an insoluble compound with it. Tannic acid is composed of C18 H8 0,a = C18 H5 O9 -f 3 aq.; consequently, its equivalent or atomic weight is 212. Tannic acid is a very powerful astringent. Given to dogs to the extent of 12 grains, it caused constipation. One of ihe animals being killed, the intestinal mucous membrane was found dry, and the faGcal matter hard, and collected in the colon. In doses of two grains and a half it pro- duced constipation in the human subject. (Cavarra, Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. xx. p. 171.) To the presence of this acid the vegetable astringents principally owe their medicinal activity (vide vol. i. pp. 196 and 197). It has been employed in haemorrhages (from the lungs, uterus, and rectum), and in profuse mucous discharges (diarrhoea, pulmonary catarrh,leucorrhoea, and gonorrhoea). It may be administered in doses of three grains, in the form of pills or solution. It presents but few advantages over the astringent extracts. 2. Gallic Acid (Acidum Gallicum).—Though we obtain 20 per cent, of gallic acid from nut- galls, these excrescences contain very little of it—at least in the free state; our produce being principally the result of the decomposition of the tannic acid. Nay, Pelouze thinks that even the small quantity of gallic acid which docs exist in nutgalls is formed by the decomposition of the tannic acid during or subsequent to the process of drying these bodies. The conversion of tannic into gallic acid is effected, according to Pelouze, by the agency of the air, the oxygen of which is absorbed, while an equal volume of carbonic acid is evolved. One atom of tannic acid and eight atoms of oxygen contain the elements of two atoms of gallic acid, four atoms of carbonic acid, and two atoms of water. Carb. atoms. 1 atom Tannic acid consists of... 18 . Hyd. atoms. ... 8 . ... 0 . Oxyg. atoms. .. 12 .. 8 2 atoms Gallic acid consist of. Carb. atoms. .. 14 . Hyd. atoms. .. 6 .. .. 0 .. .. 2 .. Oxyg. atoms .. HI .. 8 .. 2 Total.............. 18 . ... 8 . .. 20 .. 18 . .. 8 .. .. 20 When the air is excluded no gallic acid is formed. The production of gallic acid may also be accounted for by supposing that it is a constituent of tannic acid. Thus, three atoms of tannic acid contain the elements of six atoms of gallic acid and two atoms of pyrogallic acid. Pure gallic acid is a colourless, crystallizable acid, wilh an acidulous and styptic taste. It produces a deep blue colour with the sesquisalts of iron, in which circumstance it agrees with tannic acid; but it differs from the latter acid in not precipitating gelatin or the vegetable alka- line salts. To delect gallic acid mixed with tannic acid, the latter is to be previously removed from its solutiop by immersing in it a piece of skin depilated by lime. The tannic acid is ab- sorbed. The gallic acid may then be detected by the salts of iron. Gallic acid consists of C7 H3 0s ; hence its equivalent or atomic weight is 85. When heated to 410° or 420° F., it gives out carbonic acid, and is resolved into pyrogallic acid (C° H3 O3). If the heat is raised to 480° F., both water and carbonic acid are evolved, and metagallic acid (C,a H3 O3 -f- aq.) is produced. The effects and uses of gallic acid have been before noticed (vol. i. p. 197). 3. Ellagic Acid (Acidum Ellagicum).—Discovered by Braconnot, who named it ellagic acid, from the French word for a gall (galle) spelt backwards. It is obtained from galls in the process for making gallic acid, and hence is probabty a product, and not an educt. It is a white, insipid powder, which becomes of a blood-red colour on the addition of nitric acid. It consists of C IV O4 + Aq. = C H3 O5; hence the equivalent or atomic weight of the hy- druted acid is 65. Ciikmical Characteristics.—Infusion of nutgalls reddens litmus paper, forms an inky compound (tanno-gallate of iron) on the addition of a sesquisalt of iron, and a yellowish-white precipitate (tannate of gelatin) with a solution of gelatin. If a piece of skin, depilated by lime, be immersed in the infusion, and 202 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. agitated with it from time to time, all the tannic acid is absorbed, the filtered liquor striking a blue colour (gallate of iron) with the sesquisalts of iron, but giving no precipitate with a solution of gelatin. Infusion of galls forms precipitates (metal- lic tannates or tanno-gallates) in many metallic solutions. (See the table given in Mr. Brande's Manualof Chemistry, p. 1106, 5th ed.) Physiological Effects.—As nutgalls contain a larger portion of tannic acid than any other known vegetable production, they possess in the highest degree the properties of an astringent (vide vol. i. p. 196). Uses.—The following are the principal uses of nutgalls: 1. As a tonic in intermittents.—Notwithstanding Poupart's favourable report of the use of galls in these cases, they scarcely deserve notice, as we have in arsenic, cinchona, and sulphate of- quina, much more effective and certain febrifuges. 2. As an astringent in hemorrhages, especially passive alvine hemorrhages. 3. In chronic mucous discharges, as old diarrhoeas. 4. As a chemical antidote.—Nutgalls may be given in poisoning by ipecacu- anha, emetina, the organic alkalis generally, and those vegetable productions whose activity depends on an organic alkali, as opium, white hellebore, colchi- cum, nux vomica, &c. Their efficacy arises from the tannic acid, which com- bines with the vegetable alkali to form a tannate possessing less activity than the other salts of these bases ; perhaps because of its slight solubility. Nutgalls are recommended as an antidote in cases of poisoning by emetic tartar, but I very much doubt their efficacy. 5. .As a topical astringent.—Nutgalls are applicable in any cases requiring the topical use of a powerful vegetable astringent. Thus, in the form of gargle, in relaxation of the uvula ; as an injection, in gleet and leucorrhcea; as a wash, in flabby ulcers, with profuse discharge; prolapsus ani seu vagina; in the form of ointment, in piles, &c. Administration.—The dose of the powder is from ten to twenty grains. The infusion is prepared with four drachms of nutgalls and six ounces of water: the dose is from f gss. to f 3ij., or, in cases of poisoning by the vegetable alkalis, f3iv. Besides the following officinal formulae for the use of galls, others have been published by Mouchon. (Gaz. des Hop. Civ. et Milit. 13 Avril, 1837.) 1. TINCTURA GALL$, L. (U. S.); Tinctura Gallarum, E. D.; Tincture of Galls.—(Galls, bruised, 3v. [3iv. D. (U. S.)] ; Proof Spirit, Oij. [wine measure, D.~\ [Distilled Alcohol, Oij., U. S.] Macerate for fourteen [seven, _D.] days, and filter. " This tincture may be prepared either by digestion or percolation, as directed for tincture of capsicum," E.)—A powerful" astringent. Dose from f 3ss. to f 3ij. Diluted with water, it forms a very useful and convenient astringent gargle and wash. Its principal use is as a chemical test, especially for the salts of iron. I UNGUENTUM GALLARUM, D.; Ointment of Galls. [Unguentum Gallce, U. S.] —(Galls, in very fine powder, 3j. ; Lard, 3iij. Mix them.)—[Galls, in powder, one ounce ; Lard, seven ounces ; U. S.]—Astringent. Mixed with zinc ointment it is applied to piles after the inflammatory stage is passed. The above is Dr. Cullen's formula; but Mr. B. Bell (Syst. of Surgery,) recommends an ointment composed of equal parts of powdered galls, and hog's lard or butter, in external hemorrhoidal swellings. 3. UNGUENTUM GALL J] COMPOSITUM, L.; Unguentum Gallce et Opii, E.; Com- pound Ointment of Gcdls—(Galls, in very fine powder, 3ij.; Opium, powdered, 3ss. [3i. E.]; Lard, 3ij. [3i. E.] Mix.)—An excellent astringent application to blind piles (i. e. piles without hemorrhage) and prolapsus ani. The opium di- minishes the pain which the galls might otherwise occasion, where the hemor- rhoidal tumours are very sensible. From 3ss. to 3i. of camphor is frequently added to this ointment. THE ELM TRIBE. 203 OTHER MEDICINAL CUFTTLIFERJE. Qlercus Tinctoria, or the Black Oak, is a native of America. "(Officinal, U. S.) Its bark, called quercitron, is used by dyers. In the United States it is employed medicinally, but it is said to FlG. 177. be disposed to irritate the bowels. [The Q. alba (While Oak) is also officinal in U. S. P.] 2. Quercus Suber, or the Cork Oak, is a native of the northern parts of Africa, and of the southern parts of Europe, particularly of France, Spain, and Portugal. Although no medical agent is obtained from it, yet the important pharmaceutical uses of its corti- cal portion must be my excuse for noticing it. According to Mobl, (Lond. and Edinb. Phil. Mag. 1838, vol. xii. p. 53,) the bark of a young branch of Quercus Suber consists of four distinct layers. 1st, an exterior layer or epidermis, 2dly, colourless cellular tissue, 3dly, green parenchyma, and 4thly, the liber or fibrous layer. When the branches are from three to five years old, the epidermis cracks by distension, and the second layer enlarges on the inner side by the deposition of new layers. These constitute cork. (See also Dutrochet, Comptes Rendus, t. iv. p 48, Paris, 1838.) It falls naturally every eight or nine years, but for commercial pur- Quercus Suber. poses is usually removed one or two years before this period. That season of the year is selected when the bark adheres the most firmly to the wood, in order that the cork may be raised without endangering the separation of the liber from the alburnum. By this precaution, the trees are not at all injured by the corking process ; nay, they are said to be more healthy and vigorous than when the cork is allowed to accumulate on their stems. The trees yield these crops from the age of 15 to 150 years. To remove the cork, an incision is made from the top to the bottom of the tree, and a transverse circular incision at each extremity; the cork is then stripped off. To flatten it, a number of layers are piled up in a pit of water, and loaded with weights to keep them down. Subsequently they are dried, and in that state exported. Our supply is principally derived from Spain and Portugal. To close the transverse pores, cork is charred. The physical properties of cork are too well known to need description. Its leading character is elasticity. In this respect it is similar to the wood of Anona palustris, called cork wood. When thin slices of cork are examined by the microscope, they present a cellular appearance. When cork has been deprived of all its soluble matters by successive digestions in water and alcohol, it differs but little from ordinary cork: it is, however, then termed Suberin. This su- berin is analogous in its nature to lignin; but, as it yields a peculiar substance (suberic acid, composed of C8 H° O3), when treated by nitric acid, it has been regarded as a distinct principle. Suberic acid is also a product of the action of nitric acid on oleic, margaric, and stearic acids. Raspail contends that suberin is only lignin undeprived of some of its foreign matters, such as wax, resin, &c. By distilling suberate of lime, Bossingault obtained an oleaginous substance, which has been denominated suberone. The soluble principles of cork are gallic acid, some gallates, resin, a waxy-like substance, colouring matter, &c.; hence the impropriety of employing cork in closing vessels containing chalybeate liquids, as the iron is partly absorbed by the cork. Cork was formerly employed in medicine. Reduced to powder, it was applied as a styptic: hung about the necks of nurses, it was thought to possess the power of stopping the secretion of milk; lastly, burnt cork, mixed with sugar of lead and lard, has been used as an application to piles. 3. The large capsules or acorn-cups of Quercus JEgilops are imported from the Levant, under the name of Velonia. They are astringent, and are employed by dyers. 4. A saccharine substance exudes from the leaves of Quercus Mannifera in Kurdistan. (Lindley, Botanical Register, May and June, 1840.) Order XXVI.—ULMACE.E, Mirbel.—THE ELM TRIBE. Essential Characters.—Flowers hermaphrodite or polygamous, never in catkins. Calyx divided, campanulate, inferior, irregular. Stamens definite, inserted into the base of the calyx; erect in cestivation. Ovary superior, two-celled; ovules solitary, pendulous; stigmas two, distinct. Fruit one or two-celled, indehiscent, membranous, or drupaceous. Seed solitary, pendulous; albumen none, or in very small quantity; embryo straight or curved, with foliaceous cotyle- dons ; radicle superior. Trees or shrubs, with scabrous, alternate, simple, deciduous leaves, and stipules (Lindley). Properties.—Elm bark is tonic and astringent. 204 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. UL'MUS CAMPES'TRIS, Linn. L. D.—THE COMMON SMALL-LEAVED ELM. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Digynia. (Cortex, L. Cortex interior, D.) History___Dioscorides (lib. i. cap. Ill), speaks of the astringent property of elm bark. Botany. Gen. char.—Flowers hermaphrodite. Calyx campanulate, four to five-toothed, coloured, persistent. Stamens three to six. Ovary compressed. Stigmas two. Fruit (a samara) suborbicular, with a broad membranous mar- gin. (Bot. Gall.) sP. cuar.—Leaves doubly serrated, rough. Flowers nearly sessile, four-cleft. Fruit oblong, deeply cloven, naked. (Sir J. E. Smith.) A large tree, with rugged bark. By the latter character it is readily distin- guished from Ulmus glabra, which has a smooth, dark, lead-coloured bark. Hai>.—Southern parts of England. Flowers in March or April. Description.—The officinal part of the elm is the inner cortical portion, or liber. To obtain it, the bark should be separated from the tree in spring; and, after the epidermis and a portion of the external cortex have been removed, the liber should be quickly dried. As met with in the shops, the inner elm bark (cortex ulmi) consists of thin, tough pieces, which are inodorous, and have a brownish-yellow colour, and a mucilaginous, bitter, very slightly astringent taste. Composition—According to Rinck, (Geiger, Hand. d. Pharm.) 100 parts of elm bark contain: Resin 0-63, gum and mucus 20-3, impure gallic acid (tannin ?) 6-5, oxalate of lime 6-3 (?), chloride of sodium (?) 4*6. 1. Tannic acid.—Davy (Phil. Trans. 1803, p. 233) states, that 480 grs. of elm bark yielded 13 grs. of tannin. 2. Ulmic acid : Ulmin.—On many trees, especially the elm, there is not unfrequently ob- served a substance, which was supposed to be a morbid production. When dried it consists of a mucilaginous matter, and carbonate or acetate of potash. By the combined agency of the air and the carbonate, the organic matter is altered in its properties, and is converted into a brown substance, which combines with the potash. This brown matter has been termed ulmin, or ulmic acid. It may be formed, artificially, by a variety of processes ; as by heating a mixture of wood and potash, by the action of sulphuric acid on vegetable matters, and by other methods. Chemical Characteristics.—Infusion of elm bark becomes green (tannate of iron) on the addition of a sesquisalt of iron, and forms a precipitate (tannate of gelatin) with a solution of gelatin. Physiological Effects.—The effects of elm bark are those of a mild astrin- gent tonic, containing a considerable quantity of mucilage, which gives it a de- mulcent property. Hence, in the classification of Richter (Arzneimitt. Bd. 1), it is arranged as a mucilaginous astringent. The decoction, taken in full doses, accelerates the pulse, and acts as a diaphoretic and diuretic. Uses.—Lysons (Medical Transactions, vol. ii. p. 203) recommended the decoction of this bark in cutaneous eruptions; and Dr. Lettsom (Medical Me- moirs, p. 152) found it successful in ichthyosis. It has now fallen almost into disuse. It has been employed as a cheap substitute for sarsaparilla. (Jeffreys, Cases in Surgery, Lond. 1820.) Administration.—Used only in the form of decoction. DECOCTUM ULMI, L. D.; Decoction of Elm Bark.—(Fresh Elm Bark, bruised, gijss. [3ij. D.]; Distilled Water, Oij. \wine measure, D.] Boil down to a pint, and strain).—Formerly given in skin diseases, now fallen into disuse. Dose, f3iv. to f3vi. three or four times a day. other medicinal ulmace^. Dr. M'Dowall, of Virginia, has proposed the bark of Ulmus fulva for bougies, tents, catheters, &c. (Brit, and For. Med. Review, July, 1838, art. Elm Bark Surgery, p. 259.) [The bark of this is used as a demulcent and is officinal in U. S. P.] the common hop. 205 Order XXVII.—URTICACEjE, Endlicher.—THE NETTLE TRIBE. Urtice s., Jussieu. Essential Character.—Flowers small, greenish, moncecious or dioecious, solitary, amentaceous, or surrounded by a monophyllous involucrum. Calyx monosepalous, three to five-lobed, per- sistent. Stamens definite, inserted into the base of the calyx. Ovary simple, free; styles two or one, bifurcate. Fruit an achenium, surrounded by the persistent calyx, solitary, or inserted into the dilated fleshy receptacle. Seeds pendulous, with or without albumen. Embryo Btraight, curved, or spiral. Radicle generally superior.—Herbs or trees usually with hispid and spathulate leaves. Flowers capitate or racemose (Bot. Gall.) Properties.—Variable. 1. HUMULUS LU'PULUS, Linn. L. E. D.—THE COMMON HOP. Sex. Syst. Dicecia, Pentandria. (Strobili exsiccati, L (Humulus, TJ. S.) Catkin, E. Strobili siccati, D.) History.—This plant is probably the Lupus salictarius of Pliny. (Hist. Nat. lib. xxi. cap. 1, ed. Valp.) Its culture was introduced into this country from Flanders, in the reign of Henry VIII. (Beckmann, Hist, of Invent, vol. iv. p. 340.) Botany. Gen. char.—Diazcious. Males :—Calyx five-partite. Stamina five. Females :—Strobiles consisting of large, persistent, concave scales [bracts], having a single flower in the axilla of each. Ovary one. Styles two. Seed one, with an arillus. Embryo spirally contorted (Bot. Gall.) Sp. char.—The only species. Perennvd. Stems annual, long, weak, and climbing, scabrous. Leaves pe- tiolate, three to five-lobed, serrated, veiny, rough. Flowers greenish yellow. Hab.—Thickets and hedges in many parts of Europe. Indigenous [ ? ]. Flowers in July. Cultivation.—The female plant is cultivated in several counties in England, especially Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire. The third year after planting it generally comes into full bearing. Stacking or setting the poles is performed in April or May. The gathering or picking takes place in September. The cones are dried in kilns, and are then packed in hempen sacks, called bags or pockets. This operation is called bagging (Loudon's Ency. of Agricult.) Description.—The aggregate fruits of the Humulus Lupulus are strobiles or catkins (strobili seu amenta lupuli), in commerce termed hops. They consist of scales, nuts, and lupulinic glands or grains. The scales are the enlarged and persistent bracts, which enclose the nuts: they are ovate, membranous, and at their base glandular. The nuts (achenia) are small, hard, nearly globular, and covered with aromatic, superficial, globose glarids. The lupulinic glands or grams commonly termed yellow powder or lupuliri) are the most important parts of the strobiles. By thrashing, rubbing, and sifting, Dr. Ives (Journ. of Science, vol. xi. p. 205), procured 14 ounces from six pounds of hops; and he therefore concluded that dry hops would yield about a sixth part of their weight of these grains. They are Fig. 178. usually mixed with sand. They are rounded, of a cellu- lar texture, golden yellow, and somewhat transparent. They are sessile, or nearly so. The common centre, around which the cells are arranged, has been called the hilum. By drying they lose their spherical form. Placed in water they give out an immense number of minute globules. Under other circumstances they be- n . , corae ruptured, aud allow an inward envelope Brown extractive. Sweetish bitter extractive. Brown Gum. Lignin. Soluble albumen. Salts of ammonia, potash, lime, and magnesia. Alumina. Silica. Schlesinger. Bitter matter..........................-.. 125 Chlorophylle soluble in ether.............. 4'75 Chlorophylle soluble in alcohol............. 9-375 Green resinous extractive.................. 5'0 Colouring matter.......................... 10-15 Gummy extract........................... 19-45 Malate of lime with extractive............ 6-775 Extractive................................ 6*875 Vegetable albumen........................ 8'0 Lime, Magnesia, and Iron......►........... 95 Lignin.................................... 120 Loss...................................... 6-875 Leaves dried at 200 degrees F.............. 100000 Leaves of Cannabis sativa. The most important constituents, in a medical point of view, are probably volatile oil and resin. Bohlig failed to detect a trace of any organic basic matter. The volatile oil of hemp has hitherto been procured in such small quantities that its properties are but imperfectly known. When the dried plant is distilled with a large quantity of water, traces of the oil pass over, and the distilled liquor has the powerful narcotic odour of the plant. The resin of hemp (cannabin) is soluble in alcohol and ether. It has a warm, bitterish, acrid taste,' and a fragrant and narcotic odour. Dr. O'Shaughnessy gave ten grains of Nipalese churrus, dissolved in spirit, to a middling-sized dog :—"In half an hour he became stupid and sleepy, dozing at intervals, starting up, wagging his tail, as if extremely contented, he ate some food greedily, on being called to, he staggered to and fro, and his face assumed a look of utter and helpless drunkenness. These symptoms lasted about two hours, and then gradually passed away ; in six hours he was perfectly well and lively." The general effects on man, as stated by Dr. O'Shaughnessy, from his own observations, are alleviation of pain (mostly), remarkable increase of appetite, unequivocal aphrodisia, and ' This agrees with a remark in the Hortus Cliffortianus, " Quod mas in Horto Malabarico exhibitus nostra sit plania nullum dubiumdetur; foeminaautem parum recedit foliis ternatis, tamen et ejusmodi plantasin sole macro apud nos observamus non infrequenter." INDIAN HEMP. 213 great mental cheerfulness. Its more violent effects were delirium of a peculiar kind, and a cataleptic state. These effects are so remarkable that I shall quote some cases by way of illus- tration. " At two p. m. a grain of the resin of hemp was given to a rheumatic patient. At four p. m. he was very talkative, sang, called loudly for an extra supply of food, and declared himself in perfect health. At six p. m. he was asleep. At eight p. M. he was found insensible, but breathing with perfect regularity, his pulse and skin natural, and the pupils freely contractile on the ap- proach of light. Happening by chance to lift up the patient's arm, the professional reader will judge of my astonishment," observes Dr. O'Shaughnessy, " when I found that it remained in the posture in which I placed it. It required but a very brief examination of the limbs to find that the patient had by the influence of this narcotic been thrown into that strange and most extraor- dinary of all nervous conditions, into that state which so few have seen, and the existence of which so many still discredit—the genuine catalepsy of the nosologist" (vol. i. p. 186). "We raised him to a sitting posture, and placed his arms and limbs in every imaginable attitude. A waxen figure could not be more pliant or more stationary in each position, no matter how con- trary to the natural influence of gravity on the part. To all impressions he was meanwhile almost insensible. He continued in this state till one a. m. when consciousness and voluntary motion quickly returned. " Another patient who had taken the same dose fell asleep, but was roused by the noise in the ward. He seemed vastly amused at the strange aspect of the statue-like attitudes in which the first patient had been placed. On a sudden he uttered a loud peal of laughter, and exclaimed that four spirits were springing with his bed into the air. In vain we attempted to pacify him ; his laughter became momentarily more and more uncontrollable. We now observed that the limbs were rather rigid, and in a few minutes more his arms and legs could be bent, and would remain in any desired position. He was removed to a separate room, where he soon became tranquil, his limbs in less than an hour gained their natural condition, and in two hours he expressed himself perfectly well and excessively hungry." Dr. O'Shaughnessy was kind enough to send me from Calcutta specimens of Gunjah, Nipalese Churrus, and an alcoholic extract of Gunjah. The two former only came to hand. I have sub- mitted them to experiment both on animals and man, and have given specimens of them to me- dical friends for trial, but their effects have hitherto proved comparatively slight. Whether this be owing to the preparations having undergone some deterioration in their passage, or to the com- parative phlegmatic temperament of the English, I know not. My experiments on animals were made in the lecture-room of the London Hospital before the students of the materia medica class; and the trials on the human subject were made in the wards of the Hospital. The following are brief notices of some#of the experiments: Expt. 1. Ten grains of Churrus in fine powder were given to a small terrier with his food. In fifteen minutes he appeared somewhat drowsy. In fifty-five minutes, when left quiet, he would sleep as he sat, and nod forward or to the side, so as nearly to fall. When roused, however, he appeared quite well, but when left alone soon fell asleep again. One of the students (Mr. Porter) took charge of him for the remainder of the day, and reported that he fell asleep, but presented no other symptom. Expt. 2. One drachm of Churrus in fine powder was given to a large cat, but no effects were observed. Expt. 3. My colleague, Mr. Curling, to whom I had given some Churrus, informs me that 69 grs. were given, in 16 hours, to a tetanic patient on board the hospital ship the Dreadnought, with- out any obvious effect. Expt. 4. Four grains of an alcoholic extract of Gunjah were given to a girl, aged 14, in the London Hospital, affected with a convulsive disorder partaking of the characters of both chorea and hysteria. She was troubled with a spasmodic action of the diaphragm, and had been for several days and nights without sleep. About half an hour after taking the third four-grain dose the spasms entirely ceased, and the patient complained of vertigo and headache. The pupils were not perceptibly affected. The pulse was 93, soft and regular. She fell into a tranquil sleep, in which she remained several hours. When she awoke she had no spasms, but complained of headache and vertigo. The pupils were dilated and the skin moist. On raising her up to take another pill she complained of great faintness, and broke out into a pro- fuse perspiration. The faintness having subsided she again sat up, when the pulse suddenly rose from 93 to 130. Some days afterwards convulsive movements appeared in other muscles. The extract was again resorted to, but its effects were never more than palliative, and notwith- standing the dose was increased to thirty grains twice, and even thrice, it ceased to produce any obvious effect. The extract never appeared to affect her appetite, which was all through good. Expt. 5. A scruple of the green alcoholic extract of Cannabis indica grown at the Chelsea Garden was dissolved in about a fluid drachm of spirit, and thrown into the peritoneal sac of a middle-sized dog, but no effect was observed. Expt. 6. Two drachms of the powder of the female plant of Cannabis indica, grown at Chel- sea, were given to a small dog, but no effect was observed. I have also tried the alcoholic extract of Gunjah, prepared at Madras, and sent me by my 214 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. late pupil Mr. T. Brydon; but have failed with it also to produce the remarkable effects ob- served by Dr. O'Shaughnessy. I have seen weakness in the hind extremities of a cat caused by it, so as to prevent her taking her customary leap on to a wall to escape. This effect was ob- served 24 hours after the exhibition of the medicine, which did not appear to produce any other result. The preparations of hemp are used in India for the purpose of intoxication. They are em- ployed in the form of beverages, smoke, or confection. There are seven or eight makers of Majoon or hemp confection in Calcutta. Dr. O'Shaughnessy has described the method of making it as followed by the proprietor of a celebrated place of resort for hemp-devotees in Calcutta. Dr. O'Shaughnessy has suggested the employment of Indian hemp in rheumatism, tetanus, hydrophobia, and cholera, and has published some cases illustrative of its beneficial effects. In the case of hydrophobia, it alleviated the patient's suffering, though it did not save him. The preparations used by Dr. O'Shaughnessy were the extract and tincture. a. Extractum Cannabis. Alcoholic or Resinous Extract of Indian Hemp.—This is prepared by boiling the rich adhesive tops of the dried Gunjah in rectified spirits until all the resin is dis- solved. " The tincture thus obtained is evaporated to dryness in a vessel placed over a pot of boil- ing water. The extract softens at a gentle heat, and can be made into pills without any addi- tion." (O'Shaughnessy.) In hydrophobia, from ten to twenty grains of the resin, in soft pills, are to be chewed by the patient, and repeated according to the effect. /3. Tinctura Cannabis.—Dr. O'Shaughnessy directs three grains of the extract to be dissolved in one drachm of proof spirit. Dose, in tetanus, 3j. every half hour, until the paroxysms cease, or catalepsy is induced ; in cholera, ten drops every half hour. 4. Parietaria officinalis, or Common Wall-pellitory, is a common indigenous plant, which was formerly in great repute as a diuretic and lithontriptic. By some practitioners it is still highly esteemed. It is used in calculus and other urinary affections, and also in dropsies. The expressed juice may be taken in doses of one or two fluid ounces. Or the decoction (pre- pared by boiling 3j. of the herb in a pint of water) may be substituted. The extract and dig- tilled water have also been used. On account of the nitre which the plant contains, the §xtract is said to take fire in making it. (Withering, Arrangement of British Plants, vol. ii. p. 237, 7th edit.) Order XXVII.—PIPERACE.E, Kunth.—THE PEPPER TRIBE. Essential Character.—Flowers naked, hermaphrodite, with a bract on the outside. Stamens definite or indefinite, arranged on one side, or all round the ovary; to which they adhere more or less; anthers one or two-celled, with or without a fleshy connective; pollen smooth. Ovary superior, simple, one-celled, containing a single erect ovule ; stigma sessile, simple, rather oblique. Fruit superior, somewhat fleshy, indehiscent, one-celled, one-seeded. Seed erect, with the embryo lying in a fleshy sac, placed at that end of the seed which is opposite the hi- lum, on the outside of the albumen.—Shrubs or herbaceous plants. Leaves opposite, verticil- late, or alternate, in consequence of the abortion of one of the pair of leaves, without stipules. Flowers usually sessile, sometimes pedicellate, in spikes which are either terminal or axillary; or opposite the leaves (Lindley). Properties.—Fruits remarkable for their hot taste, and acrid and stimulant properties. These qualities they owe to the presence of an acrid oil and resin. 1. PIPER NI'GRUM, Linn. L. E. D.—TRE BLACK PEPPER. Sex. Syst. Diandria, Trigynia. (Baccae, L.—Dried unripe Berries, E.—Semina, D.) (Piper, U. S.) History.—The ancient Greeks were acquainted with pepper (VsVsgi); their knowledge of which must have been derived, directly or indirectly, from the Hindoos. Hippocrates (de morb. mul. &c) employed it in several diseases. Pliny (Hist. Nat. lib. xii. cap. 14, ed. Valp.) notices its uses as a condiment, and expresses his astonishment that it should have come into general use, since it has neither flavour nor appearance to recommend it. Botany.—Gen. char.—Spadix covered with flowers on all sides. Flowers hermaphrodite, rarely dioecious, each supported by a scale. Stamina two or more. Ovarium with one, solitary, erect ovule. Stigma punctiform, obtuse, or split. Berry one-seeded. Embryo dicotyledonous [monocotyledonous, Blume], inverted (Blume). (Enum. Plant. Javce, p. 64.) Sp. char.—Stem shrubby, radicant, climbing, terete. Leaves ovate or ellipti- BLACK PEPPER. 215 cal, acuminate, occasionally somewhat oblique, subcordate, five to seven-nerved, coriaceous, smooth, recurved at the margin, glauco-greenish beneath. Spadices shortly pedunculated, pendulous. Fruits distinct (Blume). (Op. cit.) Stem eight to twelve feet long, jointed, dichotomous. Yig. 183. Fruit at first green, then red, afterwards black. ^^.^.^ -c According to Dr. Roxburgh (Fl. Indica, vol. i.p. 153), Pipei tri- ^a& oicutn is cultivated, and yields excellent pepper. WK^kv«> ,-, Hab.—Cultivated in various parts of India and its U--. JJ/ v islands (Roxburgh); also in the West Indies. ^^^ILy > " Preparation.—When any of the berries on a spadix change from green to red, the whole are considered fit for gathering; for, if they are allowed to become fully ripe, they are somewhat less acrid, and, moreover, easily W (\^W\ \yf drop off. When collected they are spread out, and dried ™ in the sun, and the stalks separated by hand-rubbing. Piper nigrum. They are afterwards winnowed. (Marsden, History of Sumatra, 2d edit. p. 137.) The dried and shrivelled berries constitute black pep- per (piper nigrum). White pepper (piper album) is prepared from the best and soundest grains, taken at their most perfect stage of maturity. These being soaked in water, swell and burst their tegument, which is afterwards carefully separated, by drying in the sun, hand-rubbing, and winnowing. (Marsden, op. cit.) Commerce.—The pepper countries extend from about the longitude of 90° to that of 115° E., beyond which no pepper is to be found ; and they reach from 5° S. latitude to about 12° N., where it again ceases. The following estimate of the production of pepper is drawn up by Mr. Crawford. (M'Cullocb, Diet, of Comru.) Production of Pepper. lbs. Sumatra (west coast).........................................20,000,000 Do (east do.)........................................... 8,000,000 Islands in the Straits of Malacca.............................. 3,600,000 Malay peninsula............................................. 3,733,333 Borneo....................................................... 2,666,067 Siam......................................................... 8,000,000 Malabsr...................................................... 4,000,000 Total...................................50,000,000 In the year 1838, the number of pounds of pepper which paid duty (Is. per lb.) was 2,169,438. In 1842, 2,271,174 lbs. paid duty. Pepper is usually imported in bags. Description.—Black pepper (piper nigrum) is round, covered externally with a brownish-black, corrugated layer (the remains of the succulent portion of the berry), which may be readily removed by softening it in water. Internally we have a hard, whitish, spherical, smooth seed, which is horny externally, but farinaceous internally. The finest kind of black pepper is called shot pepper, from its density and hardness. Fulton's decorticated pepper is black pepper de- prived of its husk by mechanical trituration. It is sometimes bleached by chlo- rine. (Brande, Diet, of Mat. Med.) The taste of pepper (both of nucleus and covering) is acrid and hot. White pepper (piper album) is the fruit deprived of the external fleshy portion of the pericarp. The grains are larger than those of black pepper, spherical, whitish, and smooth, horny externally ; internally they are farinaceous, or hollow in the centre. They are less acrid and pungent than black pepper. Composition.—In 1819, Oersted discovered piperin in black pepper. In 1S21, black pepper was analyzed by Pelletier. (Ann. de Chim. et de Phys. xvi. 344.) In 1832, white pepper was analyzed by Luca. (Schwartze, Pharm. TaMlcn.) 216 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Black pepper (Pelletier). Acrid soft resin. Volatile oil. Piperin. Extractive. Gum. Bassorin. Starch. Malic acid. Tartaric acid. Potash, calcareous, and magnesian salts. Woody fibre. White Pepper (Luca). Acrid resin................................ 16-60 Volatile oil................................ 161 Extractive, gum,and salts................. 1250 Starch.................................... 1850 Albumen................................. 2'50 Woody fibre..............................29-00 Water and loss............................ 19-2'J Black Peppar. White pepper..............................10000 Luca found no piperin in white pepper; but Poutet (Journ. de Pharm, t. vii.) subsequently detected it. Probably, therefore, in Luca's analysis, the piperin was contained in the resin. 1. Resin op Pepper (resina piperis).—This is a very acrid substance, soluble in alcohol and ether, but not so in volatile oils. It possesses in high perfection the acrid properties of pepper. Dissolved in ether, it was employed by Dr. Lucas, in intermittents, and in two out of three cases with success. (Dierbach, Neuest.Entd. in d. Mat. Med. Bd. 1, S. 252, 1837.) 2. Volatile Oil of Pepper (oleum piperis).—When pure this is colourless; it has the odour and taste of pepper. Its sp. gr. is 09932 (Luca). Its composition is C10 H8. It absorbs hydro- chloric acid in large quantity, but does not form a crystalline compound with it. According to Meli (Dierbach, op. cit.), it possesses the same febrifuge properties as piperin, perhaps because it retains some of the latter principle. It has been used in some forms of dyspepsia depending on general debility. 3. Piperin.—This substance was discovered by Oersted in 1819, but was more accurately ex- amined by Pelletier in 1821. It exists in black, white, and long pepper, and also in cubebs. It is a crystalline substance, the crystals being rhombic prisms, wilh inclined bases. It fuses at 212° F., is insoluble in cold water, and is only very slightly soluble in boiling water. Its best solvent is alcohol; the solution throws down piperin when waler is added to it. Ether dissolves it, but not so readily as alcohol. Acetic acid likewise is a solvent for it. Piperin, when pure, is white; but, as met with in commerce, it is usually straw-yellow. It is tasteless and inodorous. It was at first supposed to be an alkali; but Pelletier has shown that it possesses no analogy with vegetable alkalis, and that it is related to the resins. With strong sulphuric acid it forms a blood-red liquid. Nitric acid colours it first greenish-yellow, then orange, and afterwards red. The action of hydrochloric acid is similar. Its formula, according to Regnault, is C?4 H'9 N O8. Piperin has been recommended and employed by Meli and several other physicians (Dierbach, Neuest. Entd. in d. Mat. Med. B. i. S. 176, 1828) as a febrifuge in intermittent fevers. It is said to be more certain and speedy, and also milder in its action, than the cinchona alkalis. More- over, we are told it might be procured at a cheaper rate than sulphate of quinia. Its dose is about six or eight grains in powder or pills. Sixty grains have been taken in twenty-four hours, with- out causing any injurious effects. Meli considers two or three scruples sufficient to cure an in- termittent. Magendie (Formulaire) proposes it in blennorrhagia, instead of cubebs. Physiological Effects.—Pepper is one of the acrid spices • whose general effects have been already noticed (see vol. i. p. 191). Its great acridity is re- cognised when we apply it to the tongue. On the skin it acts as a rubefacient and vesicant. (Richard, Diet, de Med. t. xvii. p. 307.) Swallowed, it stimu- lates the stomach, creates a sensation of warmth in this viscus, and, when used in small doses, assists the digestive functions, but, if given in large quantities, induces an inflammatory condition. Thirty white pepper-corns, taken for a sto- mach complaint, induced violent burning pain, thirst, and accelerated pulse, which continued for three days, until the fruits were evacuated. (Wibmer, Arzneim. ii Gifte, Bd. iv. S. 220.) Wendt, Lange, and Jager, (quoted by Wibmer, op. cit. S. 119), have also reported cases in which inflammatory symp- toms supervened after the use of pepper. On the vascular and secerning systems pepper acts as a stimulant. It accelerates the frequency of the pulse, promotes diaphoresis, and acts as an excitant to the mucous surfaces. On one of my patienls (a lady) the copious use of pepper induces burning heat of skin, and a few spots of the Urticaria evanida usually on the face. " I have seen," says Van Swieten, (Commentaries, vol. v. p. 57, Engl. Trans.), " a most ardent and dangerous fever raised in a person who had swallowed a great quantity of beaten pepper." It has long been regarded as a stimulant for the urino-genital apparatus. BLACK PEPPER. 217 The opinion is supported by the well-known influence of the peppers over certain morbid conditions of these organs. Moreover, the beneficial effect of pepper in some affections of the rectum leads us to suspect that this viscus is also benefi- cially influenced by these fruits. Uses.—It is employed as a condiment, partly for its flavour, partly for its sti- mulant influence over the stomach, by which it assists digestion. As a gastric stimulant it is a useful addition to difficultly-digestible foods, as fatty and muci- laginous matters, especially in persons subject to stomach complaints from a torpid or atonic condition of this viscus. Infused in ardent spirit it is a popular remedy for preventing the return of the paroxysms of intermittent fevers, given shortly before the expected attack. The practice is not recent, for Celsus (lib. iii. cap. 12) advises warm water with pepper to relieve the cold fit. The febri- fuge power of this spice has been fully proved, in numerous cases, by L. Frank (Journ. Complem. du Diet, des Scienc. Med. t. viii. 371) ; Meli, (Journ. Com. plem. du Diet, des Scienc. Med. t. xiii. p. 124,) Riedmtiller (Dierbach), and others; though Schmitz (Rust's Magaz. Bd. xvi.) denies it. Barbier (Traite Elem. de Mat. Med. 2d. ed. t. ii. p. 57) says, that in some instances, where large doses were exhibited, death occurred in consequence of the aggravation of a pre- existent gastritis. It has been employed in gonorrhoea as a substitute for cubebs. In relaxed uvula, paralysis of the tongue, and other affections of the mouth or throat requiring the use of a powerful acrid, pepper may be employed as a masti- catory. In the form of ointment it is used as an application to tinea capitis. Mixed with mustard it is employed to increase the acridity of sinapisms. Administration.—The dose of black pepper (either of corns or powder) is from five to fifteen grains ; the powder may be given in the form of pills. 1. CONFECTIO PIPERIS NIGRI, L. E. : Electuarium Piperis, E. Confection of Black Pepper.—(Black Pepper; Elecampane-root [Liquorice-root in powder, E.] of each, lb. j.; Fennel seeds, lb. iij.; Honey; White Sugar, of each, lb. ij. Rub the dry ingredients together to a very fine powder. The London College keeps this in a covered vessel, and directs the Honey to be added when the Con- fection is to be used. But the Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges order the Honey to be added immediately after the dry ingredients have been mixed.)—This pre- paration is intended to be a substitute for a quack medicine, called " Ward's Paste," which has obtained some celebrity as a remedy for fistuloe, piles, and ulcers about the rectum. Its efficacy doubtless depends on the gentle stimulus it gives to the affected parts. Sir B. Brodie (Lectures in Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. xv. p. 746,) observes, that severe cases of piles are sometimes cured by it; and he thinks lhat it acts on them topically, the greater part of the paste passing into the colon, becoming blended with the faeces, and in this way coming into contact with the piles, on which it operates as a local application, as much as vinum opii acts on the vessels of the conjunctiva in chronic ophthalmia. In confirmation of this view, he mentions the case of a patient attended by Sir Everard Home, who was cured by the introduction of the paste into the rectum. Confection of black pepper is adapted for weak and leucophlegmatic habits, and is objectionable where much irritation or inflammation is present. The dose of it is from one to two or three drachms twice or thrice a day. " It is of no use," says Sir B. Brodie, " to take this remedy for a week, a fortnight, or a month : it must be persevered in for two, throe, or four months." As it is apt to accumulate in and distend the colon, gentle aperients should be exhibited occasionally during the time the patient is taking the confection. 2. UNGUENTUM PIPERIS NIGRI, D., Ointment of Black Pepper.—(Prepared Hog's Lard, lb. i.; Black Pepper, reduced to powder, giv. Make an ointment.) —Formerly in vogue for the cure of tinea capitis. ' VOL. II. 19 218 ELEMENT3 OF MATERIA MEDICA. 2. PITER LONG'UM, Linn., L. E. D.—THE LONG PEPPER. Sex. Syst. Diandria, Trigynia. (Fructus immaturus exsiccatns, L-—Dried Spikes, E — Semina, D.) Botany. Gen. char.—Vide Piper nigrum. Sp. Char.—Stem shrubby, climbing. Lower leaves ovate-cordate, three to five- nerved ; upper ones on short petioles, oblong, acuminate, and oblique and some- what cordate at the base, obsoletely four to five-nerved and veined, coriaceous, smooth, grayish-green beneath. Peduncles, longer than the petiole. Spadices almost cylindrical (Blume). (Enum. Fl. Javce, p. 70.) Hab.—India. Found wild among bushes, on the banks of water-courses, up towards the Circar Mountains. It flowers and bears fruit during the wet and cold seasons (Roxburgh). It is cultivated in Bengal, and in the valleys amongst the Circar Mountains. The root and thickest parts of the stems, when cut into small pieces and dried, form a considerable article of commerce all over India, under the name of Pippula moola. Description.—When fully grown, but yet unripe, the spadices are gathered and dried by exposure to the sun. They are then packed in bags for sale. As met with in commerce, long pepper (piper longum) is grayish-brown, cylindrical, an inch or more in length, having a mild aromatic odour, but a violent pungent taste. Composition.—This pepper was analyzed by Dulong, in 1825. (Journ. de Pharm. t. xi. p. 52.) The following are the substances he obtained from it:— Acrid fatty matter (resin ?) volatile oil, piperin, nitrogenous extractive, gum, bassorin, starch, malales and other salts. The volatile oil or long-pepper is colourless, and has a disagreeable odour and an acrid taste. Physiological Effects and Uses.—The effects of long pepper are analogous to those of black pepper. Cullen (Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 209,) and Bergius (Mat. Med. Ed. 2nda, t. i. p. 29) consider it less powerful; but most other pharmaco- logists are agreed on its being more acrid. Medicinally it may be employed in similar cases. It is used principally for culinary purposes. It is a constituent of several pharmacopoeial preparations. 3. PITER CUBE'BA, Linn., L.E.D.—THE CUBEB PEPPER. Sex. Syst. Diandria, Trigynia. (Baccoe ; cubebae, L.—Fruit, E.—Fructus, D.) (Cubeba. U. S.) History.—It is uncertain when the cubebs of our shops were first introduced into medicine, or who first alludes to them. There does not appear to be any foundation for the opinion that the ancient Greeks were acquainted with them. " Many, indeed, pretend that the Carpesion (xag^tfiov) of Galen is, our cubeb, and that the round pepper of Theophrastus, the pepper of Hippocrates, were all names for them ; but this is a conjecture founded on a very bad basis. The Arabians are at the head of these blunders. Serapion has translated all that Galen says of carpesion into his chapter of cubeb, and attributed all its virtues to it, and has even added every thing to the account that Dioscorides has left us of the Ruscus. Avicenna is also in ihe same error, and calls the carpesium cubeb; and from these authors Actuarius and the other Greeks have collected their accounts. It is plain from all this, that either the carpesium of the Greeks and the cubeb of the Arabians are the same things, or else that the Arabians have been guilty of con- founding different things in a strange'manner together: if the latter be the case, there is no judging of any thing from what they say ; and if the former, it is very evident that our cubebs are not the same with theirs—that is, with the carpesium of Galen ; for he expressly assures us that this was not a fruit or seed, but, as he THE CUBEB PEPPER. 219 tells us, a kind of slender woody twig, resembling in smell and virtues the root of the valerian. Nothing is more evident than that the carpesium, therefore, was either a fibrous root, or the small twigs and branches of a climbing plant, not a round small fruit. If the Arabians, therefore, were acquainted with our cubebs at all, it appears that, not knowing what the carpesium and ruscus were, they ignorantly attributed the virtues ascribed by the Greeks to these medicines to those fruits." (Hill, Hist, of the Mat. Med. p. 473.) Cubebs were used in England 500 years ago, for in 1305 Edward I. granted to the corporation of London the power of levying a toll of one farthing a pound on this article in its passage over London Bridge. (Liber Niger Scaccarii, vol. i. p. 478 ; also The Chronicles of London Bridge, p. 155.) Botany. Gen. char.—Vide Piper nigrum. Sp. char.—Stem shrubby, terete, climbing. Leaves petiolate, oblong or ovate- oblong, acuminate, rounded or oblique cordate at the base, nerved, coriaceous smooth. Peduncles almost equal to the petiole. Berries with elongated pedun- cles (Blume). (Enum. Fl. Javce, p. 70.) Dr. Blume says that the cubebs of the shops are the fruit of P. caninum, which has a smaller and shorter-stalked fruit, having a distinct anise flavour, and less pungency than the fruit of P. Cubeba; but Dr. Lindley (Flora Medica) observes, that he cannot perceive any difference in the flavour of the dried fruit of P. Cubeba and of the cubebs sold in the London shops. P. Cubeba is readily distinguishable from P. caninum by the leaves being coriaceous, smooth, and shining, with the veins proceeding from the side of the midrib, not from its base. Hab.—Java and the Prince of Wales's Island. Description.—The dried unripe fruit of this plant constitutes the cubebs (cubebce vel piper caudatum) of the shops. In appearance, cubebs resemble black pepper, except that they are lighter coloured, and are each furnished with a stalk two or three lines long, and from which circumstance they have received their name caudatum. The cortical por- tion of cubebs (that which constituted the fleshy portion of the fruit) appears to have been thinner and less succulent than in black pepper. Within it is a hard spherical seed, which is whitish and oily. The taste of cubebs is acrid, peppery, and camphoraceous ; the odour is peculiar and aromatic. Composition.—Three analyses of cubebs have been made : one by Tromms- dorf, in 1811 (Schwartz, Pharm. Tabell.); a second by Vauquelin, in 1820 (Ann. Phil. 2d Series, vol. iii. p. 202.); and a third by Monheim, in 1835 (Journ. de Pharm. xx. 403). Vauquelin. Monheim. 1- Volatile oil, nearly solid. 1. Green volatile oil........................... 2-5 2- Resin like that of copaiva. 2. Yellow volatile oil......................... 1-0 3. Another coloured resin. 3. Cubebin.................................... 45 4. A coloured gummy mutter. 4. Balsamic resin............................. J 5 5. Extractive. 5. Wax....................................... 30 6. Saline matter. 6. Chloride of sodium.......................... 1-0 . Evtractive.................................. 60 . Lignin.................................... 65-0 Loss....................................... J5-5 Cubebs. Cubebs...............................1000 1. Essential Oil of Cubebs.—(See p. 221.) 2. Resin of Cubebs.—Vauquelin has described two resins of cubebs : one is green, liquid, acrid, and analogous, both in odour and taste, to balsam of copaiva; the other is brown, solid, acrid, and insoluble in ether. 3. Cubebin (Piperin).—From cubebs is obtained a principle to which ihe term cubebin has been applied. It is very analogous to, if not identical with, piperin. Cassola, a Neapolitan chemist, (Journ. de Chim. Med. t. x. p. 685,) says, it is distinguished from the latter principle by the fine crimson colour which it produces with sulphuric acid, and which remains unaltered for twenty or twenty-four hours: moreover, Cubebin is not crystallizable. Monheim, (op. cit.) however, declares Cubebin to be identical with piperin, and that it is com- bined with a soft acrid resin. In this state it is soluble in ether, alcohol, the fixed oils, and acetic aciil; but it is insoluble in oil of turpentine and dilute sulphuric acid. It fuses at 68° F. Dr. Gorres (Dierbach, Neuesten, Entd. in d. Mat. Med. S. 253, 1637) gave cubebin, in both 220 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. acute and chronic gonorrhoea, to the extent of one drachm, four times daily. But he premised the use of phosphoric acid. 4. Extractive Matter of Cubebs.—Vauquelin says, the extractive matter of cubebs is analogous to that found in leguminous plants. It is precipitable by galls, but not by acetate of lead. Physiological Effects.—Cubebs belong to the acrid spices, already (vol. i. p. 189,) noticed. Their sensible operation is very analogous to that of black pep- per. Taken in moderate doses, they stimulate the stomach, augment the appe- tite, and promote the digestive process. In large quantities, or taken when the stomach is in an irritated or inflammatory condition, they cause nausea, vomiting, burning pain, griping, and even purging. These are their local effects. The constitutional ones are those resulting from the operation of an excitant,—namely, increased frequency and fulness of pulse, thirst, and augmented heat. It probably stimulates all the mucous surfaces, but unequally so. In some instances, cubebs give rise to an eruption on the skin, like urticaria. Not unfrequently they cause headache ; and occasionally disorder of the cerebro-spinal functions, manifested by convulsive movements or partial paralysis, as in a case related by Mr. Brough- ton, (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. i. p. 405.) Cubebs appear to exercise a specific influence over the urino-genital apparatus. Thus they frequently act as diuretics, and at the same time deepen the colour of, and communicate a peculiar aromatic odour to the urine. Their stimulant opera- tion on the bladder is well illustrated by a case related by Sir Benjamin Brodie. (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. i. p. 300.) A gentleman, labouring under chronic inflam- mation of the bladder, took fifteen grains of cubebs, every eight hours, with much relief. Being anxious to expedite his cure, he, of his own accord, increased the dose to a drachm. This was followed by an aggravation of the symptoms: the irritation of the bladder was much increased, the mucus was secreted in much larger quantities than before, and ultimately the patient died,—" his death being, I will not say occasioned," adds Sir Benjamin, " but certainly very much hastened, by his imprudence in overdosing himself with cubebs." Three drachms of cubebs caused in Piil (Arzneim. ii. Giflen. Bd. iv. S. 217,) nausea, acid eructations, heat in the pit of the stomach, headache, uneasiness, and fever. Uses.—LThe principal use of cubebs is in the treatment of gonorrhaza. They should be given in as large doses as the stomach can bear, in the early part of the disease; for experience has fully proved that in proportion to the length of time gonorrhoea has existed, the less amenable is it to the influence of cubebs. In some instances an immediate stop is put to the progress of the malady. In others, the violent symptoms only are palliated ; while in many (according to my experi- ence in most) cases no obvious influence over the disease is manifested. The presence of active inflammation of the urethra does not positively preclude the use of cubebs, though I have more than once seen them aggravate the symptoms. Mr. Jeffreys (Observ. on the Use of Cubebs, or Java Pepper, in the Cure of Gonor- rhoea, 1821,) thinks the greatest success is met with in the more inflammatory forms of the disease. Cubebs have been charged with inducing swelled testicle; but I have not observed this affection to be more frequent after the use of cubebs than when they were not employed. Mr. Broughton (Med. Chir. Trans, vol. xii. p. 99,) gave them to fifty patients, and in forty-five ihey proved successful. Of these only two had swelled testicle. The explanation of the methodus medendi is unsatisfactory. Sir A. Cooper (Lancet, vol. iii. p. 201, 1824,) thinks that cubebs produce a specific inflammation of their own on the urethra, which has the effect of superseding the gonorrhoeal inflammation. The occasional occurrence of a cutaneous eruption from the use of cubebs deserves especial attention, as I have known it to create a suspicion of secondary symptoms. Cubebs have been recommended in gleet and leucorrhoea. (Dr. Orr, Ed. Med. THE CUBEB PEPPER. 221 Journ. vol. xviii. p. 318.) In abscess of the prostate gland, twenty or thirty grains of cubebs, taken three times a day, have in many cases appeared to do good. (Sir B. Brodie, Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. i. p. 396.) They seemed to give a gentle stimulus to the parts, and to influence the disease much in the same way that Ward's Paste operates on abscesses and fistula?, and ulcers of the rectum. In cystirrhoea also they have occasionally proved serviceable in small doses. (Sir B. Brodie, Lond. Med. Gaz. p. 300.) In piles, likewise, they are given with ad- vantage. (Sir B. Brodie, Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. xv. 747.) The efficacy of cubebs in mucous discharges is not confined to the urino-genital mucous membrane. In catarrhal affections of the membrane lining the aerian passages, it proves exceedingly useful, especially when the secretion is copious and the system relaxed. Formerly cubebs were employed as gastric stimulants and carminatives in dys- pepsia, arising from an atonic condition of the stomach. They have also been used in rheumatism. The Indians macerate them in wine, and take them to excite the sexual feelings. Administration.—Cubebs, in the form of powder, are given in doses varying from ten grains to three drachms. In affections of the bladder and prostate gland the dose is from ten grains to thirty grains. In gonorrhoea, on the other hand, ihey should be administered in large doses. Mr. Crawford (Hist, of the Indian Archipelago, vol. i. p. 465,) says that in Malay countries they are given in doses of three drachms, six or eight times during the day. 1. OLEUM CUBEBJ1, E. (U. S.); Volatile Oil of Cubebs.—(Prepared by grinding the fruit, and distilling with water.) By distillation, cubebs yield about 10-5 per cent, of a transparent, slightly-coloured (when pure, colourless), volatile oil, which is lighter than water (sp. gr. 0-929), and has the cubeb odour, and a hot, aromatic, bitter taste. It is composed of carbon and hydrogen, in the same relative propor- tion as in oil of turpentine; but its formula is C1S H13. By keeping, it sometimes deposits crystals (cubeb stereoptene or cubeb cam- phor), the primary form of which is the rhombic octohedron. (Brooke, Ann. Phil. N. S. vol. v. p. 450.) Their odour is that of cubebs ; their taste, at first, that of cubebs and camphor, afterwards cooling. They are fusible at 133° F., soluble in alcohol, ether, and oils, but are insoluble in water. Their composition is C19 H" O, so that they are the hydrate of the oil of cubebs. Oil of cubebs is an excellent and most convenient substitute for the powder. The dose of it, at the commencement of its use, is ten to twelve drops. This quantity is to be gradually increased as long as the stomach will bear it. In some instances, I have given it to the extent of a fluid drachm for a dose. It may be taken suspended in water by means of mucilage^ or dropped on sugar. Gelatinous capsules of cubebs, containing the oil of cubebs, are prepared by Mr. Willdenow. The mode of preparing these will be described when noticing the gelatinous capsules of copaiva. A combination of oil of cubebs and oil of copaiva forms a very useful medicine in some cases of gonorrhoea. On the continent, a preparation, called the oleo-resinous extract of cubebs, is used. It is prepared by adding the oil to the resinous extract of cubebs, which is prepared by digesting the cake left after the distillation of the oil in alcohol, and distilling off* the spirit. (Journ. de Pharm. t. xiv. p. 40.) 2. TINCTURA CUBEBCE, L.; Tinctura Piperis Cubebce, D. Tincture of Cubebs. —(Cubebs, 3v. [3iv. D.;] Rectified [Proof, D.] Spirit, Oij. [wine measure, D.] Macerate for fourteen days, and filter.)—Dr. Montgomery (Observ. on the Dubl. Pharm. p. 439, Lond.) says, " I have found this tincture cure gonorrhoea both speedily and satisfactorily." The dose of it is one or two drachms, three times a day. 19* 222 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. OTHER IVOlV-OFFICrNAIi PIPERACE^. The Piper Betle is extensively used by the Malays and other nations of the East, who con- sider it as a necessary of life. The mode of taking FlG. 184 'l *n Sumatra consists simply in spreading on the sirih (the leaf of the Piper Belle) a small quantity of chu- nam (quick-lime prepared from calcined shells) and folding it up with a slice of pinang or Areca nut. From the mastication there proceeds a juice which tinges the saliva of a bright red, and which the leaf and nut, without the lime, will not yield. This hue being communicated to the mouth and lips, is esteemed ornamental, and an agreeable flavour is imparted to the breath. The juice is usually, but not always, swallowed. To persons who are not habituated to this composition, it causes giddiness, astringes and excoriates the mouth and fauces, and deadens for a time the faculty of taste. Individuals, when toothless, have the ingredients previously reduced to a paste, Piper Betle. that they may dissolve without farther effort. (Mars- den, Hist, of Sumatra, 3d ed. p. 28J.) [The Piper Angustifolium, of Ruiz and Pavon, affords an article which is known by the name of Matico. The plant is a native of Peru and other parts of South America, where it is.called Soldier's Weed (Yerba del Soldado), in consequence of the use to which it is put, to staunch the flow of blood from wounds. It resembles the other species of the genus, with respect to habit, size, inflorescence, fruit, and foliage. The leaves constitute the portion employed; they are three or four inches in length and half an inch broad, rough, reticulated, and downy: when used in substance as an application to bleeding surfaces, the mechanical properties have been regarded as instrumental in arresting the flow. Dr. Ruschenberger, of the TJ. S. Navy, was the first phy- sician who introduced this drug to ihe notice of the profession in the United States, as it came under his observation when on a cruise in 1834, in the course of which he was in Peru. It has since been noticed by Dr. Jeffreys, of Liverpool, and Dr. Hunter Lane, of Lancaster, England. The specimens we have examined consist of the broken and in most cases crumbled leaves, with portions of twigs and flower-spikes or fruit. The colour is greenish-brown, the odour aro- matic, and the taste pungent and a little bitter. Like its congeners, the predominating ingredient of this plant is volatile oil, with a resinous principle; no tannin can be detected in it. Matico has been recommended in a variety of complaints, principally those of the mucous membranes, and of the genito-urinary organs—as gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, &c. The reports of the English practitioners above alluded to, are favourable to its claims, and are calculated to lead to an extensive trial of its virtues. Dr. Ruschenberger has used it locally in chronic ophthalmia with advantage. With regard to its anti-hemorrhagic power, the latter gentleman informs me that he applied it to arrest hemorrhage after an operation on the side of the neck below the angle of the jaw, in which there was considerable bleeding and difficulty in taking up the divided vessels, owing to induration of the part from chronic inflammation; and the application was successful. The same arrest of the discharge of blood followed its use in haematamesis. The mode of use, or administration, is, in substance, infusion, and tincture. The infusion may be made in the proportion of an ounce to the pint of water. It is apt to ferment, and therefore must be used immediately. The dose is 3ss. to 3i. The tincture is prepared with 3ij- of Matico to Oj. of Alcohol. The method by displacement is preferable. The colour is greenish-black, the taste pungent and heating. It is rendered turbid by water. The dose is f3i. to f3ij. Dr. Ruschenberger has employed it in syrup and fluid extract. The syrup he caused to be prepared by treating 3iv. of Matico with Oj. of diluted Alcohol, by displacement, until exhausted, evaporating one-half and adding the requisite quantity of sugar. The fluid extract was made by treating with alcohol and water successively and bringing to the proper consistence.—J. C] Order XXVIII.—EUPHORBIACEyE, Juss.—THE EUPHORB1UM TRIBE. . Essential Character.—Flowers moncecious or dioecious. Calyx monosepalous; the segments definite, sometimes none, very often increased on the inside by various squamiform or glandular appendages. Stamens indefinite, or generally definite, distinct, [or monadelphous]; sometimes inserted into the centre of the flower, beneath the rudiments of the pistil. Anthers two-celled ; the cells sometimes distinct, dehiscing longitudinally on the outer side. Ovary superior, ses- sile, or stipitate, two to three or many-celled; the cells arranged in a circle around the central placenta. Ovules solitary or in pairs ; suspended from ihe inner angle beneath the apex. Styles as many as the cells; either distinct, or united, or none. Stigmas single and compound or THE PURGING CROTON. 223 Euphorbia meloformis. Euphorbia antiquorum. many-lobed. Capsule of two to three distinct bivalved cells, which often burst elastically. Seeds solitary or twin, with an arillus, and attached above to the central placenta. Embryo surround- ed by a fleshy albumen; cotyledons flat; radicle superior.—Herbs or Shrubs generally lactes- cent. Leaves mostly stipulate, alternate, or rarely opposite. Flowers axillary or terminal, usually with bracts ; bracts in some cases large and involucriform. (Bolt. Gall.) Some of the Euphorbiacese are succulent (as Euphorbia meloformis and E. antiquorum, figs. 185 and 186), and have a considerable resem- blance to Cacteaceae, from which they pIG 185. FlG. 186. may in general be distinguished by the presence of an acrid milky juice. How- ever, the genus Mammillariu (of the family Cacteaceas) possesses a milky juice. Properties,—Acridity is the leading quality of the plants of this family. Some species also possess a narcotic property, and de- press the action of the heart. The acridity resides in the milky juice. In some plants the acrid principle is volatile, as in Hippo- mane, Mancinella, and Croton Tiglium .- in the last-mentioned species it is of an acid nature. Some poisonous species, by roasting, are deprived of this volatile prin- ciple, and thereby become esculent. In some cases the acrid principle is fixed, as in the substance called, in the shops, "gum" euphorbium. Some euphorbiaccous plants are devoid of acridity, or possess it in a very slight degree only. Von Buch (Nees and Ebermaier, Med. Pharm. Bot. Bd. i. S. 355) says, the branches of Euphorbia balsamifera contain a mild sweet juice, which is eaten by the inhabitants of the Canary Isles. The aromatic tonic bark of the Croton Cascarilla is another exception to the very general acridity of euphorbiaceous plants. This acrid juice pervades various parts of the plants; in the stem it resides principally in the cortical portion. " M. Berthollet has recorded a remarkable instance of the harmless quality of the sap in the interior of a plant, whose bark is filled with a milky proper juice of a poison- ous nature. He described the natives of Teneriffe as being in the habit of removing the bark from the Euphorbia canarienses, and then sucking the inner portion of the stem in order to quench their thirst, this part containing a considerable quantity of limpid and non-elaborated sap." (Henslow, Botany, in Lardner's Cyclop, p. 217.) 1. CROTON TIG'LIUM, Lamarck, L. E. D.—THE PURGING CROTON. Croton Jamalgota, Hamilton. Sex. Syst. Monoecia, Monadelphia. (Oleum e seminibus expressum, L. D—Expressed Oil of the Seeds, E.) . (Oleum Tiglii, U. S.) History.—Croton seeds are mentioned by Avicenna (lib. 2ndus, cap. 219), and by Serapion (De Simplicibus, cccxlviii.), under the name of Dend or Dende. The The earliest European describer of them is Christopher D'Acosta, in 1578 (Clusius, Exoticor. p. 202), who terms them pini nuclei malucani. When Commeline wrote, they were known in the shops by the name of cataputia minor, although they were sold by itinerants as grana dilla or grana tilli. They were much em- ployed by medical men in the 17th century, and were known by various names, but principally by that of grana tiglia. They, however, went out of use, probably in consequence of the violence and uncertainty of their operation. Their re-em- ployment in modern practice is owing partly to the notices of them by Dr. White and Mr. Marshall, in the first edition of Dr. Ainslie's work (Materia Medica of Hindostan, 1813), but principally to the introduction of the oil, in 1819, by Dr. Conwell.1 Botany. Gen. char.—Flowers moncecious, or very rarely dioecious. Calyx five-parted.—Males: petals five; stamens ten or more, distinct. Females: petals none; styles three, divided into two or more partitions. Capsule tricocuous (Adr. de Jussieu). 1 Recherch. sur les Propr. mid. et VEmploi en Med. de VHuile de Croton Tiglium. 1824.—For farther historical details, consult Professor H. H. Wilson's paper, in the Transactions of the Med. and Phys. Society of Calcutta, vol. i. p. 249. 224 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Sp. Char.—Arboreous. Leaves oblong-ovate, acuminate, slightly serrate, smooth. Stamina, fifteen, distinct. Each cell of the fruit filled by the seed. A middle-sized tree, from 15 to 20 feet high. Bark smooth, ash-coloured. Leaves sometimes cordate, and with two flat round glands at their base; when young, covered on both surfaces, but especially the lower one, with minute stellate hairs. At the base of the leaves are two flat round glands. Raceme terminal, erect, simple. Petals of male flower white. Hab.—Continent of India, islands forming the Indian Archipelago, and Ceylon. The Croton Pavana (Hamilton, Trans. Linn. Soc. vol. xiv. 257) is said also to yield tiglium or croton seeds. It is distinguished from C. Tiglium by having only ten stamina, and by the seeds being much smaller than the cells in which they are placed. C. Pavana is a native of Ava, northeastern parts of Bengal? Amboyna? Dr. Hamilton thinks it is the Granum Moluccum of Rumphius. Description.—Croton seeds (semina tiglii seu semina crotonis; grana tiglii; purging nuts of some authors), in size and shape are very similar to castor seeds. Viewed laterally, their shape is oval or oval-oblong: seen from either extremity, they have a rounded or imperfectly quadrangular form. Their length does not exceed six lines; their thickness is Z\ to 3 lines; their breadth 3 or 4 lines. Sometimes the surface of the seeds is yellowish, owing to the presence of an investing lamina (epidermis?). The testa is dark brown, or blackish, and is marked with the ramifications of the raphe. The endocarp, or internal seed-coat, is thin, brittle, and of a light colour. It encloses a yellowish oily albumen, which envelopes the embryo, whose cotyledons are foliaceous or membranous. The seeds are without odour; their taste is at first mild and oleaginous, afterwards acrid and burning. When heated, they evolve an acrid vapour. According to Dr. Nimmo (Quarterly Journal of Science, vol. xii. p. 65), 100 parts consist of— Shell or seed coats........................ 36 Kernel, or nucleus........................ 64 100 Cojiposition.—Croton seeds were analyzed by Brandes, (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem. Bd. ii. S. 1320,) with the following results: Volatile oil.................................................................traces. Fixed oil, with crotonic acid, and an alkaloid (crotonin)....................... 1700 Crotonates and colouring matter............................................. 0-32 Brownish-yellow resin, insoluble in ether.................................... 1-00 Stearine and wax........................................................... 0-65 Extractive, sugar, and malates of potash and lime............................ 2-05 Starchy matter, with phosphate of lime and magnesia........................ 5-71 Gum, and gummoin........................................................ 10-17 Albumen..........................■'........................................ 1 01 Gluten..................................................................... 2 00 Seed coats, and woody fibre of the nucleus.................................... 39-00 Water..................................................................... 22-50 Croton seeds................................................................ 101-41 1. Volatile Oil of Croton Sekds.—This is but imperfectly known, traces only of it having been obtained. Brandes regards it as extremely acrid, and thinks that by the united agencies of air and water it is converted into crotonic acid; for the distilled water of the seeds becomes more acid by keeping. 2. Fixed Oil op Croton Seeds.—This also is but imperfectly known. It must not be con- founded with the croton oil of the shops, which is a mixture of this and other constituents of the seeds. Fixed oil of croton seeds is, probably, a combination of crotonic and other fatty acids with glycerine. ' 3. Crotonic Acid.—(Jatrophic Acid.)—Though this acid exists in the free state in the seed, yet an additional quantity of it is obtained when the oil is saponified. It is a volatile, very acrid, fatly acid, which congeals at 23° F., and when heated a few degrees above 32° F., is converted into vapour, having a strong nauseous odour, and which irritates the eyes and nose. It has an acrid taste, and acts as a powerful local irritant. It is to this acid that the cathartic and poison- ous qualities of croton oil are principally referrible. Pelletier and Caventou think that it is not sufficiently energetic to be the sole active principle. It unites with bases forming a class of salts called Crotonates, which are inodorous. The Crotonate of Ammonia precipitates the salts of THE PURGING CROTON. 225 lead, copper, and silver, white; and the sulphate of iron, yellow. Crotonatf. of Potash is crys- talline, and dissolves, with difficulty, in alcohol. Crotonates of Barytes is soluble in water; but Crotonatf. of Magnesia is very slightly soluble only in this liquid. 4. Crotonin.—The alkali which Brandes found in these seeds, and to which he gave the name of Crotonin, appears to be identical with the Tiglin of Adrien de Jussieu. It is crystal- line, has an alkaline reaction, is fusible and combustible with flame, leaving a carbonaceous residuum. It is insoluble in water, dissolves very slightly only in cold, but easily in hot, alcohol. If sulphuric or phosphoric acid be added to the spirituous solution, small prisms (sulphate or phosphate of crotonin ?), decomposable by heat, are obtained by slow evaporation. Soubeiran (Nouv. Traite de Pharm. t. ii. p.' 103,) thinks that crotonin is a combination of magnesia with a fatty acid. 5. ResIn.—Is brown and soft; and has a disagreeable odour, on account, doubtless, of the oil which it retains. Tt is soluble in alcohol, but insoluble in ether and in water. The alkalis dissolve it by separating a whitish matter. It contributes to the purgative properties of croton oil. Physiological Effects. 1. Of the Seeds, a. On Animals generally.— Croton seeds are powerful local irritants or acrids, causing inflammation in those living parts wilh which they are placed in contact. Orfila (Toxicol. Gen.) found that three drachms being introduced into the stomach of a dog, and the oesophagus tied to prevent vomiting, caused death in three hours; and, on examination of the body, the alimentary canal was found to be in a state of inflammation. In an- other experiment, a drachm caused death under the same circumstances. A drachm, also, applied to the cellular tissue of the thigh, was equally fatal. 'A dose of from twenty to thirty grains of the powder of the kernel given to the horse causes, in six or eight hours, profuse watery stools, and is recommended by some veteri- narians as a purgative; but the uncertainty of its operation, and the griping and debility which it occasions, are objections to its use. (Youatt, Tlw Horse, in Library of Useful Knowledge.) Lansberg (Wibmer, Arzneim. ii. Gifte, Bd. ii. S. 222) found that twenty of the seeds killed a horse, by causing gastro-enteritis. The pulse was frequent, small, and soft. (3. On Man.—In the human subject, a grain of croton seed will frequently produce full purgation. Mr. Marshall (Ainslie, Mat. Indica, vol. i. p. 104) says that this quantity made into two pills, is about equal in power to half a drachm of jalap, or to six grains of calomel. The operation, he adds, is attended with much rumbling of the bowels; the stools are invariably watery and copious. Dr. White recommends the seeds to be torrefied, and deprived of their seed-coats, before employing them. (Ainslie, Mat. Indica, vol. i. p. 104.) Dr. Wallich informed me that the labourers in the Calcutta Botanic Garden were in the habit of taking one of these seeds as a purgative, but that on one occasion this dose proved fatal. The seed-coats, the embryo, and the albumen, have each in their turn been de- clared to be the seat of the acrid principle: 1 believe the remarks which I shall have to make with respect to the seat of the acridity of castor-oil seeds, will apply equally well to that of croton seeds. The following is a case of poisoning by the inhalation of the dust of the seeds: Thomas Young, aged 31, a labourer in the East India warehouses, was brought into the Lon- don Hospital on the 8th of December, 1841, labouring under symptoms of poisoning by the inha- lation of the dust of croton seeds. He had been occupied about eight hours in emptying pack- ages of these seeds, by which he was exposed to their dust. The first ill effects observed were loss of appetite, then a burning sensation in the nose and mouth, tightness at his chest, and copious lachrymalion, followed by epigastric pain. Feeling himself getting worse he left the warehouse, but became very giddy and fell down insensible. Medical assistance was procured, an emclic was administered, stimulants were exhibited, and he was wrapped in warm blankets. When he became sensible he complained of his mouth being parched, and that his throat was swelling. He was then removed to the hospital. On his admission he appeared in a state of collapse, complained of burning pain at the stomach, in the throat, and in the head, and of swell- in23 82 20 00 ) 46-19 ) 2-40 U909 0-50 ( oa ua 20-00 ] ...... 709 THE castor-oil plant. 233 and some others have asserted that it resided exclusively in the embryo; while Boutron-Char- lard, and Henry, jun. (Journ. de Pharm. t. x. p. 466), declared the albumen to be the exclusive seat of it. But any unprejudiced person may soon satisfy himself by tasting separately the em- bryo and albumen, that both parts possess acridity. Dierbach (quoted by Nees and Ebermaier, Handb. d. Med. Pharm. Botan.) states that in the fresh seeds the innermost seed-coat contains the acrid principle. If this be correct, it is most remarkable that the same coat, when dry, con- tains none. 2. Fixed Oil ; Castor Oil (Oleum Ricini, L. E. D.) (U. S.) Preparation.—The following are ihe modes of preparing castor oil in India, America, and Jamaica. At Calcutta castor oil is prepared as follows:—the fruit is shelled by women ; the seeds are crushed between rollers, then placed in hempen cloths, and pressed in the ordinary screw or hydraulic press. The oil thus procured is afterwards heated with water in a tin boiler until the water boils, by which the mucilage or albumen is separated as a scum. The oil is then strained through flannel and put into canisters. Castor seeds are distinguished according to the country yielding them. Two principal kinds are known, the large and the small nut; the latter yields the most oil. (Private information from an oil-presser of Calcutta.) Ainslie (Materia Medica, vol. i. p. 256,) describes the method of preparing the oil in India by coction. The best East Indian Castor Oil is sold in London as cold drawn.—In the United States the cleansed seeds are gently heated in a shallow iron reservoir, to render the oil liquid for easy expression, and then compressed in a powerful screw-press, by which a whitish oily liquid is obtained, which is boiled with water in clean iron boilers, and the impurities skimmed off as they rise to the surface. The water dis- solves the mucilage and starch, and the heat coagulates the albumen, which forms a whitish layer between the oil and water. The clear oil is now removed, and boiled with a minute portion of water until aqueous vapours cease to arise : by this process an acrid volatile matter is got rid of. This oil is put into barrels and in this way is sent into the market. Good seeds yield about 25 per cent, of oil. (United States Dispensatory.)—In Jamaica the bruised seeds are boiled with water in an iron pot, and the liquid kept constantly stirred. The oil, which sepa- rates, swims on the top, mixed with a while froth, and is skimmed off. The skimmings are heated in a small iron pot, and strained through a cloth. When cold, it is put in jars or bottles for use. (Wright, Med. Plants of Jamaica, in Lond. Med. Journ. vol. viii.) Physical properties and varieties.—Castor oil is a thickish fluid oil, usually of a pale yellow colour, with a slightly nauseous odour and a mild taste. It is lighter than water, its sp. gr. being, according to Saussure, 0969 at 55° F. When cooled down to about 0°, it congeals into a transparent yellow mass. By exposure to the air it becomes rancid, thick, and ultimately con- geals, without becoming opaque, and hence it is called a drying oil. When heated to a little more than 500° F. it begins to decompose. a.. East Indian Castor Oil is the principal kind employed in this country. It is imported from Bombay and Calcutta. It is an oil of exceedingly good quality (both with respect to colour and taste), and is obtained at a very low price. It is procured from Ricinus communis and R. lividus. /8. West India Castor Oil I am not well acquainted with, not having been able to procure authentic samples of it. y. American or United States Castor Oil is, for the most part, imported from New York. All the samples, which I have examined, have been of very fine quality, and, in my opinion, had a less unpleasant flavour than the East Indian variety. Our druggists object to it, on the ground of its depositing a white substance (margaritine) in cold weather—a circumstance which has led some persons to imagine it bad been mixed wilh olive oil. j. I have seen one sample of Castor Oil from New South Wales. It was of a very dark colour. Solubility.—In absolute alcohol, and in pure sulphuric ether, castor oil is completely soluble. In this respect it agrees with palm oil, but disagrees with all the ordinary fixed oils. Hence alcohol has been proposed as a means of detecting adulteration of castor oil, the adulterating oil not being soluble in alcohol. [Castor oil " is entirely dissolved by its own volume of alcohol." Ph. Ed.] Stoltze (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chemie,) says benzoic acid promotes the solution of castor oil in rectified spirit. Commerce.—Castor oil is imported in casks, barrels, hogsheads, and duppers.1 The duty on it is Is. 3d. per cwt. Of 393,191 lbs. imported in 1831, there carne from the East Indies 343,373 lbs., from British Northern Colonies of America 25,718 lbs., from the United States 22,669 lbs., and from the British West Indies 1047 lbs. (Parliamentary Returns for 1831.) Composition.—The following is the ultimate composition of castor oil: Saussure. TJre, Carbon.............................................. 74178 ............ 7400 Hydrogen............................................ H034 ............ 1029 Oxygen.............................................. I4 78°............ 1571 Caetoroil............................................ mm ............10000 1 I am informed that duppers are made of gelatine (prepared by boiling cuttings of skins) moulded in earthen moulds. 20* 234 elements of materia medica. The proximate constituents have not been accurately determined. As by saponification castor oil yields three fatty acids (ricinic, ela'iodic, and margaritic acids) and glycerine, analogy leads us to infer that it is a compound of three fatly salts, respectively composed of glycerine and one of these acids; but hitherto, however, these salts have been imperfectly separated. They may be provisionally denominated ricinine (ricine), elaiodine1 (ricino-oleine), and margaritine (ricino-stearine). Ricinine is regarded as the ricinate of glycerine; elaiodine, as elaiodate of glycerine ; and margaritine, as margaritate of glycerine. All these salts are soluble in alcohol. As margaritic acid constitutes only 0 002 of the products of saponification, it follows that castor oil contains but a small portion of' margaritine. By distillation these salts undergo decomposi- tion. By the action of hyponitrous acid, castor oil yields a peculiar fatty matter called palmine, which is analogous to, but not identical with, elaidine. Products of Saponification. Products of Distillation. Product of the Action of Hyponitrous Acid. 100 parts of Castor oil yielded : 1. Patty acids (viz. ricinic, ela-'iodic, and margaritic acids) 94 (Average of two experiments:) (a.) Water. (b.) Acetic acid. (c.) Volatile oil. (d.) Fatty acids (ricinic, ela'iodic, [and margari-tic?] acids.) Palmin (yielding bysaponification, and, therefore, probably consist-ing of,palmic acid and glycerine). 3. Loss (inflammable gas).. 3'5 Castor oil................ 100-0 at. Volatile Oil.—This oil, obtained by distillation, is analogous to acroleine. It is to be sepa- rated from acetic acid by washing with water, and from the fatly acids by distillation with water. It is limpid and colourless, has a peculiar odour, an acrid taste, and a sp. gr. of 0-815. It is solu- ble in alcohol and ether, but is insoluble in a solution of potash. By long-continued exposure to a temperature of 23° F. it becomes crystalline. 0. Fatly acids (Ricinic, Elaiodic, and Margaritic acids).—These are very acrid, soluble in al- cohol, ether, and a weak aqueous solution of potash. They unite with bases to form salts. The saline compounds formed by the union of these acids with potash, soda, magnesia, and lead, are soluble in alcohol: those with potash and soda are also solubje in water. «a. Ricinic acid is crystalline, solid at ordinary temperatures, and fusible at 72° F. Its crystallized hydrate consists ofcarton 73-56, hydrogen 9-86, and oxygen 16*58. Formula C35 H3' Os. (Laurent). 00. Elaiodic or Ricino-oleic acid is a yellow-coloured liquid at 32° F.; but at many degrees below it becomes crystalline. yy. Margaritic or Ricino-stearic acid crystallizes in pearly scales. It is distinguished from the two preceding acids by its high fusing point, by its partial decomposition when sub- mitted to distillation, and by the insolubility of the margaritate of magnesia in alcohol. The crystallized hydrate consists of carbon 70-5, hydrogen 10-91, and oxygen 18-59. Formula C35 H13 0B. (Laurent). y. Solid residuum of distillation.—Pale-yellow, elastic, gelatiniform, odourless, tasteless, com- bustible, solid. It is insoluble in alcohol, ether, and the oils (both fixed and volatile). S. Palmine.—A solid odorous fat formed by the action of hyponitrous acid on castor oil. By saponification it yields palmic acid and glycerine. i. QHnanlhylic Acid.—By the action of nitric jicid on castor oil, Mr. Tilly obtained, besides suberic and lipinic acids, a peculiar acid called cenanthylic acid, whose formula is C14 H13 O'3+Aq. Physiological Effects—i. of castor Seeds.—These seeds possess considerable acridity. Bergius (Mat. Med. t. ii. p. 823, ed. 2nda) states, that a man masticated a single seed at bed-time : the following morning he was attacked with violent vomiting and purging, which continued the whole day. Lanzoni also states that the life of a woman was endangered by eating three grains of the seeds. (Marx, Die Lehre von d. Giften. i. 128.) More recently, a girl, 18 years of age, was killed by eating " about twenty" seeds: the cause of death was gastro-enteritis. (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. xix. p. 944.) a. Of castor oil.—a. On Animals generally castor oil acts as a laxative or 1 The student must be careful not to confound elaiodine with the fat described under the name of elaidine. the castor-oil flant. 235 mild purgative. Large animals, as the horse, require a pint or more for a dose; smaller ones need only a few ounces. (Moiroud, Pharm. Veter. p. 280.) Mr. Youatt, however, declares this oil to be both uncertain and dangerous in the horse. (The Horse, in Libr. of Useful Knowledge, pp. 212 and 387.) /3. On Man.—Injected into tlie veins', castor oil gripes and purges, and causes a nauseous oily taste in the mouth (Dr. E. Hale, in Begin's Traite de Thera- peutique, p. 114): hence it would appear to have a specific influence over the mucous lining of the alimentary canal. Swallowed to the extent of one or two ounces, it usually acts as a mild but tolerably certain purgative or laxative, with- out producing any uneasiness in the bowels. " It has this particular advantage," says Dr. Cullen, (Mat. Med.) " that it operates sooner after its exhibition than any other purgarf^e I know of, as it commonly operates in two or three hours. It seldom gives any griping, and its operation is generally moderate—one, two, or three stools only." It not unfrequently occasions nausea, or even vomiting, espe- cially if somewhat rancid : in many cases, I believe, rather from its disgusting flavour than from any positively emetic qualities. It has been stated by continental writers that castor oil is most unequal in its action, at one time operating with considerable violence, at another with great mildness ; but I have never found it so, nor is it usually considered to be so in this country. I can, however, readily believe that a difference in the mode of its pre- paration, especially with reference to the heat employed, may materially affect its purgative property. When castor oil has been taken by the mouth, it may be frequently recognized in the alvine evacuations; but it presents itself under various forms, " some- times resembling caseous flakes, or a soap-like scum, floating on the more fluid part of the dejection: occasionally it has been arranged in a form not unlike bunches of grapes, or more nearly of hydatids of a white colour ; more generally, however, it is found mixed up with the feces as a kind of emulsion, and in some few instances it has been discharged under the form of solid tallow-like masses." (Mr. Golding Bird, Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. xv. p. 225.) Mr. Brande (Diet, of Mat. Med.) says, in one case it was djischarged from the bowels in the form of indurated nodules, which were at first regarded as biliary concretions. A remark- able case is mentioned by Dr. Ward, of a woman on whom this oil does not act as a purgative, but exudes from every part of her body. (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. x. p. 377.) Uses.—Castor oil is used to evacuate the contents of the bowels in all cases where we are particularly desirous of avoiding the production of abdominal irri- tation (especially of the bowels and the urino-genital organs). The principal, or I might say the only, objection to its use in these cases, is its nauseous taste. The following are the leading cases in which we employ it: 1. In inflammatory affections of the alimentary canal, as enteritis, peritonitis, and dysentery, a mild but certain purgative is oftentimes indicated. No substance, I believe, answers the indication better, and few so well, as castor oil. 2. In obstructions and spasmodic affections of the bowels, as intussusception, ileus, and colic, especially lead colic, this oil is the most effectual evacuant we can employ. 3. After surgical operations about the pelvis and abdomen, (for example, litho- tomy, and the operation for strangulated hernia), as well as after parturition, it is the best and safest purgative. 4. In inflammatory or spasmodic diseases of the urino-genital organs, inflam- mation of the kidneys or bladder, calculous affections, gonorrhoea, stricture, &c, castor oil is a most valuable purgative. 5. /;/. affections of the rectum, especially piles, prolapsus, and stricture, no bet- ter evacuant can be employed. 6. As an anthelmintic for tape-worms, castor oil was first employed by Odier. 236 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Arnemann, however, has shown that it possesses no peculiar or specific vermifuge properties. 7. As a purgative for children it has been used on account of its mildness, but its unpleasant taste is a strong objection to its use. 8. In habitual costiveness, also, it has been recommended. Dr. Cullen observed that if castor oil be frequently repeated, the dose might be gradually diminished ; so that persons who, in the first instance, required half an ounce or more, after- wards needed only two drachms. Administration.—The dose of castor oil for children is one or two teaspoons- ful; for adults, from one to two or three tablespoonsful. To cover its unplea- sant flavour some take it floating on spirit (especially gin), but which is fre- quently contra-indicated ; others on coffee, or on peppermint or some other aro- matic water; or it may be made into an emulsion by the aid of the yolk of egg or mucilage. 4. EUPHOR'BIA, Linn.', AN UNDETERMINED SPECIES YIELDING ETJPHORBIUM, E. Euphorbia officinarum, L. Euphorbia canariensis, D. Sex. Syst. Dodecandria, Trigynia, Linn.; Moncecia, Monandria, Smith.. (Euphorbium; gummi-resina, L. D. Concrete resinous juice, E.) History.—The saline waxy-resin, called in the shops gum euphorbium, is said, both by Dioscorides (lib. iii.c ap. 96) and Pliny (Hist. JSat. lib. xxv. cap. 38, ed. Valp.) to have been first discovered in the time of Juba, King of Mauri- tania; that is, about, or a few years before, the commencement of the Christian era. Pliny says that Juba called it after his physician, Euphorbus ; and that he wrote a volume concerning it, which was extant in Pliny's time. Salmasius, however, states that this is mentioned by Meleager the poet, who lived some time before Juba. Botany. Gen. Char.—Flowers collected in moncecious heads surrounded by an involucrum, consisting of one leaf with five divisions, which have externally five glands alternating with them. Males naked, monandrous, articulated with their pedicel, surrounding the female, which is in the centre. Females naked, solitary. Ovarium stalked. Stigmas three, forked. Fruit hanging out of the Involucrum, consisting of three cells bursting at the back with elasticity, and each containing one suspended seed (Lindley). Sp. char.—Branches channelled, with four, rarely five, angles, armed with double, straight, spreading, dark, shining spines. These specific characters are taken from the branches found mixed with the euphorbium of commerce. They agree with the description and figure of Tithymalus aizoides lactifluus seu Euphorbia canariensis of Plukenet. (Almagest. Bot. vol. ii. p. 370.) From the E. canariensis of Willdenow and of some other botanists, this plant is distinguished by its straight spines. On examining the E. canariensis at the Kew Garden, I find as many of the spines straight as uncinate. But the diameter of the stems, and even of the young shoots, is greater than that of the stems found in the euphorbium of commerce. The species which most closely agrees with the latter in the size of the stems, the number of angles, and the number and direction of the spines, is Euphorbia tetragona. This species has mostly square stems; though some of the larger stems are somewhat channelled. The dried stems found in the euphorbium of commerce appear to be uniformly channelled. The E. officinarum has many angles: the Dergmuse of Jackson (Account of Morocco, 3d ed. p. 134) has many scolloped angles. Euphorbia antiquorum (fig. 186.) has been said to yield euphorbium, but the statement is denied by both Hamilton (Trans, of the Linn Soc. vol. xiv.) and Royle (Bot. of the Himalayan Mountains, p. 328). Ha*.—Africa in the neighbourhood of Mogadore? Extraction.—Euphorbium is thus procured. The inhabitants of the lower regions of the Atlas range make incisions in the branches of the plant, and from these a milky juice exudes, which is so acrid that it excoriates the fingers when applied to them. This exuded juice hardens by the heat of the sun, and forms a EUPHORBIUM. 237 whitish-yellow solid, which drops off in the month of September, and forms the euphorbium of commerce. " The plants," says Mr. Jackson, (op. cit.) " produce adundantly once only in four years; but this fourth year's produce is more than all Europe can consume." The people who collect it, he adds, are obliged " to tie a cloth over their mouth and nostrils to prevent the small dusty particles from annoying them, as they produce incessant sneezing." Properties.—Euphorbium consists of irregular, yellowish, slightly friable tears, usually pierced with one or two holes, united at the base, and in which we find the remains of a double aculeus. These tears are almost odourless ; but their dust, applied to the olfactory membrane, acts as a powerful sternutatory. Their taste is at first slight, afterwards acrid and burning. When heated, euphorbium melts, swells up imperfectly, evolves an odour some- what like that of benzoic acid vapour, takes fire, and burns with a pale flame. Alcohol, ether, and oil of turpentine, are its best solvents ; water dissolves only a small portion of it. Composition.—Euphorbium has been the subject of several analyses ; namely, in 1800, by Laudet (Gmelin, Handb. d' Chem.) ; in 1809, by Braconnot (Ann. Chim. lxviii. 44); in 1818, by Pelletier (Bull, de Pharm. iv. 502); and by Miihlman (Gmelin, op. cit.); in 1819, by Brandes (Ibid.); and more recently by Drs. Buchner and Herberger (Christison, Treatise on Poisons). Pelletier^ Analysis. Resin....................................... 60-8 Wax......................................... 14-4 Bassorin..................................... 20 IMRlate of Lime............................... 12-2 Malate of potash............................. 18 Water and loss............................... 8-8 Euphorbium. Brandes'' Analysis. Resin.................................... 4377 Wax..................................... 14-93 Caoutchouc............................... 4 84 Malate of Lime........................... 18*2 Malate of potash..................... Sulphates of potash and lime, and phos- phate of lime........................ Water and loss........................ Woody fibre........................... 4-90 0-70 6-44 560 Euphorbium............................... 10000 Resin is the active ingredient of euphorbium. It coincides in many of its properties with ordinary resins: thus, it is reddish-brown, hard, brittle, fusible, soluble in alcohol, ether, and oil of turpentine, and somewhat less so in oil of almonds. Its leading and characteristic property is intense acridity. It differs from some resins in being slightly soluble only in alkalis. It is a compound of two resinous substances. a.. One resinous substance is soluble in cold alcohol. Its formula, according to Mr. Johnston, (Phil. Trans. 1840, p. 365,) is C40 H3' O8. 0. The other resinous substance is insoluble in cold alcohol. The mean of Rose's analyses (Poggendorff's Annalen, xxxiii. 52), of it gives as the composition of this resin, carbon 81-58, hydrogen 11-35, and oxygen 7-07. Physiological Effects, a. On Animals generally.—Euphorbium acts on horses and dogs as a powerful acrid substance, irritating and inflaming parts with which it is placed in contact, and by sympathy affecting the nervous system. When swallowed in large quantities, it causes gastro-enteritis (two ounces are sufficient to kill a horse) ; when applied to the skin, it acts as a rubefacient and epispastic. Farriers sometimes employ it as a substitute for cantharides, for blistering horses, but cautious and well-informed veterinarians are opposed to its use. (3. On Man.—The leading effect of euphorbium on man is that of a most vio- lent acrid ; but under certain circumstances a narcotic operation has been ob- served. When euphorbium dust is inhaled, and also applied to the face, as in grinding this drug, it causes sneezing, redness and swelling of the face, and great irritation about the eyes and nose. To prevent as much as possible these effects, various contrivances are adopted by different drug-grinders ; some employ masks with glass eyes ; others apply wet sponge to the nose and face ; while some cover the face with crape. The pain and irritation, I am informed, are sometimes very great. Individuals who have been exposed for some time to the influence of this 238 elements of materia medica. dust, suffer with headache, giddiness, and ultimately become delirious. All the workmen of whom I have inquired (and they comprise those of the three large firms, including the one alluded to by Dr. Christison), agree that these are the effects of euphorbium. An old labourer assured me that this substance produced in him a feeling of intoxication : and I was informed at one drug-mill of an Irish labourer who was made temporarily insane by it, and who, during the fit, insisted on say- ing his prayers at the tail of the mill-horse. Insensibility and convulsions have been produced by euphorbium. The only instance I am acquainted with is the following:—A man was engaged at a mill where euphorbium was being ground, and remained in the room longer than was considered prudent. Suddenly he darted from the mill-room, and ran with great velocity down two pairs of stairs. On arriving at the ground-floor or yard he became insensible, and fell. Within five minutes I saw him ; he was lying on his back, insensible, and convulsed ; his face was red and swollen; his pulse frequent and full; and his skin very hot. I bled him, and within half an hour he became quite sensible, but complained of great headache. He had no re- collection of his flight down stairs, which seems to have been performed in a fit of delirium. When powdered euphorbium is applied to the skin, it causes itching, pain, and inflammation, succeeded by vesication. When swallowed, it causes vomiting and purging, and, in large doses, gastro- enteritis, with irregular hurried pulse and cold perspirations. Uses.—Notwithstanding that it is still retained in the Pharmacopoeia, it is rarely employed in medicine. It was formerly used as an emetic and drastic pur' gative in dropsies; but the violence and danger of its operation have led to its disuse. Sometimes it is employed as an errhine in chronic affections of the eyes, ears, or brain ; but its local action is so violent that we can only apply it when largely diluted with some mild powder, as starch or flour. Mixed with turpentine or Burgundy pitch (or rosin), it is employed in the form of plaster, as a rubefacient, in chronic affections of the joints. As a vesi- cant, it is rarely employed. As a caustic, either the powder or alcoholic tinc- ture (Tinctura Euphorbii, Ph., Bor. prepared by digesting euphorbium 2j. in rec- tified spirit, Oj.) is sometimes employed in carious ulcers. Antidote.—In a case of poisoning by euphorbium, emollient and demulcent drinks, clysters j[of mucilaginous, amylaceous, or oleaginous liquids), and opium, should be exhibited, and blood-letting and warm baths employed. In fact, as we have no chemical antidote, our object is to involve the poison in demulcents, to diminish the sensibility of the living part by opium, and to obviate the inflamma- tion by blood-letting and the warm bath. If the circulation fail, ammonia and brandy will be required. 5. JANI'PHA MAN'IHOT, Kunth, E.—THE CASSAVA OR TAPIOCA PLANT. Jatropha Manihot, Linn. Sex. Syst. Monoecia, Monadelphia. (Fecula of the root; Tapioca, E.) (U. S.) History.—Tapioca (Tipioca) is mentioned by Piso (Hist. Nat. Brazilice, p. 52-4) in 1648. The terms Janipha and Manihot are Indian appellations. Botany. Gen. cnar.—Flowers monoecious. Calyx campanulate, five-parted. Petals none. Stamens ten; filaments unequal, distinct, arranged around a disk. Style one. Stigmas three, consolidated into a rugose mass (A. de Jussieu). Sp.char.—Leaves palmate, five to seven-parted, smooth, glaucous beneath; segments lanceolate, quite entire. Flowers racemose (Hooker). (Bot. Mag. t. 3071.) — Root large, thick, tuberous, fleshy, and white; containing an acrid, milky, highly poisonous juice. Flowers axillary. the cassava or tapioca plant. 239 Fig. 188. 6§^& #.^';£ Janipha Manihot. Hab.—Brazil. Extraction.—The tuberous root consists princi- pally of starch and a white, milky, poisonous juice. It is rasped and pressed to separate the juice, which deposits a fecula; this, when washed, and dried in the air without heat, is termed Moussache (from mouchaco, a Spanish word, signifying boy or lad), or Cipipa, and for some years past has been imported into France from Martinique, and sold as arrow-root. (Guibourt, Hist, des Drog. t. ii. p. 466, 3m« ed.) I believe it to be identical with the Brazilian Arrow- root of English commerce. When this fecula has been prepared by drying on hot plates, it acquires a granular character, and is then termed Tapioca. The compressed pulp is dried in chimneys, ex- posed to the smoke, and afterwards powdered. In this state it constitutes Cassava powder, or Farine de Manioc. If it be granu- lated by agitating it in a heated iron pan until incipient tumefaction, it is called Couaque or Couac. Lastly, when dried or baked into cakes on plates of iron or clay, it constitutes Cassava or Cassada bread. Properties.—Two kinds of Tapioca are imported. One is in the form of small lumps or granules, and is the ordinary tapioca of the shops: the other is a white amylaceous powder. 1. Granular Tapioca, or Tapioca commonly so called is imported from Bahia and Rio Janeiro. It occurs in irregular small lump3 or grains, which are par- tially soluble in cold water, the filtered solution yielding a blue colour with iodine. When these grains are mixed with water, and examined by the microscope, they are found to consist of entire and broken particles. The entire ones appear either circular or mullar-shaped, with very distinct and marked hilums (see fig. 189). But when they are made to roll over, the apparently rounded ones are then seen to be mullar-shaped, so that their rounded appearance arose from viewing them end- ways. Sometimes the mullar-shaped particles have a contracted base. At times, instead of the flat end of the mullar, we have two faces meeting at an oblique angle, so that the particles are like the third of a sphere. The base of the mullar is not, I think, really flat, but hollow. The hilum is surrounded by rings, and cracks in a stellate form. 2. Tapioca Meal: Brazilian Arrow-root:—Moussache or Cipipa.—Imported from Rio Janeiro. It is white and pulverulent. When examined by the microscope, the particles seem identical with those of the common or granular tapioca. Composition.—Tapioca has not been analyzed. Its composition is doubtless analogous to that of olher amylaceous matters. Chemical Characteristics—The filtered cold infusion is coloured blue by tincture of iodine, showing that tapioca is partially soluble in cold water. In boiling water tapioca becomes tremulous, gelatiniform, transparent, and viscous. Submitted to prolonged ebullition in a large quantity of water, it leaves an inso- luble residue, which precipitates. This residue, diluted with water, and coloured with iodine, appears under the microscope to consist of mucous flocks, and to have no resemblance to the primitive ingredient. Physiological Effects, a. Of the Recent Juice.—The milky juice is a pow- erful acrid or acro-narcotic poison ; and to this the root owes its poisonous proper- ties. The symptoms which it gives rise to when swallowed, are pain and swelling of the abdomen, vomiting and purging, giddiness, dimness of sight, syncope, and Particles of Tapioca as seen by the microscope. 240 elements of materia medica. rapid diminution of the powers of life. (Sloane's Jamaica, vol. i. p. 131, and vol. ii. p. 363.) The scrapings of the fresh root are successfully applied to ill-disposed ulcers. (Wright, Med. Plants of Jamaica.) The root is used to catch birds, which, by eating it, lose the power of flying. (Martius in Wibmer, Arzneim. ii. Gifte, Bd. iii. S. 273.) The poisonous principle of the root may be destroyed or dissipated by heat, fermentation, &c Hence it is either very volatile or readily decomposable. Guibourt (Hist, des Drog. t. ii. p. 455, 3'ne ed.) says it appears to be of the nature of hydrocyanic acid. (3. Of the Fecula (Tapioca) of the Root.—When the root has been deprived of its poisonous principle, it becomes highly nutritious. Of the preparations of it before referred to, the only one met wilh in this country is the fecula (Tapioca). This is both highly nutritious and easy of digestion. Its local action is emollieut and demulcent. Uses.—Made into puddings, tapioca is employed as a dietetical substance. Boiled in water or milk, and flavoured with sugar, spices, or wine, according to circumstances, it is used as an agreeable, nutritious, light, easily digestible article of food for the sick and convalescent. It is devoid of all irritating and stimulating properties. OTHER MEDICINAL etjphorbiacej;. 1. Croton Pseudo-Chixa, Schiede (Croton Cascarilla, Don, Ph. L.) grows in the vicinity of Jalapa, at Aclopan, and in the district of Plau del Rio, in the province of Vera Cruz, Mexico. Its bark, called Quina Blanca, or Copalche bark, has been confounded with both cinchona and cas- carilla barks. In 1817 a quantity of it was carried to Hamburgh as Cascarilla de Trinidad de Cuba. In 1827 no less than 30,000 lbs. of the same bark were sent from Liverpool to Hamburgh as genuine cinchona, but it was soon recognised to be a bark nearly allied to cascarilla, and by those on board the vessels coming from Para was declared to be Quina, dit Copalchi. Subse- quently the- minister, Von Altenstein, procured some of it from Mexico, under the name of Copalche; and in 1829 ihe plant yielding it was declared by Dr. Schiede to be a species of Croton, which he called Pseudo-China. Mr. Don (Ed. New Phil. Journ. xvi. 368,) mistook it for cascarilla bark. Copalche bark, in its form, size of the quills, and general appearance, very much resembles what our druggists call x\sh Cinchona bark; but its cascarilla-like flavour instantly distinguishes it. A sample of it was given to me as a Cinchona bark. From cascarilla bark it is distinguished by the length of the quills, their colour, and the ab- sence of transverse cracks.1 2. Jatropha Curcas is a native of South America and of Asia. Its fruit is the uux cathar- iica americana, or nux barbadensis of some writers. Its seeds, which are occasionally met with in the shops, are called physic nuts (semina ricini majoris, or gros pignon dflnde). Pelletier and Caventou analyzed them under the name of Croton seeds (Journ. de Pharm. t. xv. p. 514), and extracted from them a volatile acrid acid, called jatrophic acid (see p. 224). Mr. Bennett (Lond. Med. Gaz. ix. 8) swallowed four seeds, and experienced a very unpleasant burning sensation in the stomach and bowels, with nausea, which, after an interval of nearly two hours, terminated in vomiting; their purgative effects followed soon afterwards, and were mild: the sickness had then nearly passed away, but the burning sensation continued for some time longer. In large doses they are an energetic poison. The oil (Oleum Jatropha Curcadis seu Oleum infernale) is analogous in its properties to croton oil. It is occasionally used as a drastic purgative. In India it is used for lamps. 3. Euphorbia Lathyris, or Caper Spurge, is an indigenous biennial. It is mentioned as an officinal substance in the Paris Codex. Its milky juice is violently acrid. In a case of poison- ing by the seeds, narcotic symptoms were also present. (Christison, Treatise on Poisons.) The oil (Oleum Euphorbia Lalhyridis) extracted from the seeds, may be employed as an indigenous substitute for croton oil. The dose of it is from three to ten drops. (Dierbach, Neuest. Entd. in d. Mat. Med. S. 76, 1837 ; Bailly, Lancet, June 10th, 1826.) 4. Euphorbia Ipecacuanha is a native of the United States of America, in whose Pharmaco- poeia it is mentioned. It is emetic and purgative. As an emetic it is given in doses of from ten to fifteen grains. (United States Dispensatory.) [The root of the E. corrollala, large flowering spurge, is also employed lor the same purposes.] 5. The juice of Crozophora tinctoria becomes, under the united influence of air and ammo- nia, blue. Linen impregnated with this blue dye is called rag turnsole (bezetta cairulea): it is a test for acid?, which redden it, but it is not used in this country. It must not be confounded with litmus. (Vide p. 50.) 1 For further details consult Guibourt, Hist, des Drog.; and Goebel and Kunze, Pharm. Waarenkunde. THE BIRTHWORT TRIBE. 241 Ouder XXX.—ARISTOLOCHIACE.E, Lindley.—THE BIRTHWORT TRIBE. Aristolochie.e, Jussieu. Essential Character.—Flowers hermaphrodite. Calyx adherent to the ovary [i. e. superior], monosepalous; the limb three-lobed or tubular, and irregularly dilated at the upper part; val- vate in aestivation. Stamens definite, generally in ternary numbers, free and distinct, or adhe- rent to the style and stigma, and epigynous. Ovary three to six-celled; style short; stigma divided. Capsule or berry coriaceous, three to six-celled, many-seeded ; the placentas lateral. Embryo very small, at the base of a cartilaginous albumen.—Usually climbing herbs or shrubs, with alternate, simple, petiolated leaves. (Bot. Gall.) Properties.—Not important. Tlie roots possess stimulant properties, owing to the presence of volatile oil. Some of them are acrids. Bitter extractive renders them somewhat tonic. ARISTOLO'CHIA SERPENT ARIA, Linn. L. E. D.—THE VIRGINIAN SNAKE- ROOT. Aristolochia officinalis, Nees and Ebermaier. Sex. Syst. Gynandria, Hexandria. (Radix,L. D.—The Root, E.) (Serpentaria, U. S.) History.—The first writer who distinctly mentions Virginian snake-root, or snake-weed, is Thomas Johnson, an apothecary of London, in his edition of Ge- rarde's Herbal, published in 1633. Botany.—Gen. char.—Calyx tubular, ventricose at the base, dilated at the apex, and extended into a ligula. Anthers six, subsessile, inserted on the style. Stigma six-lobed. Capsule six-angled, six-celled. (Bot. Gall.) Sp. char.— Stem flexuous, ascending. Leaves cordate, acuminate, on both sides pubescent. Peduncles nearly radical, unifloral. Lip of the calyx lanceolate. (Beschr. offic. Planzen.) Hah.—North America. Collection and Properties.—The root (radix serpentarice) is" collected in Western Pennsylvania and Virginia, in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. (United States Dispensatory.) It is imported in bales, usually containing about 100 lbs. As met with in the shops, it consists of a tuft of long, slender, yellowish, or brownish fibres, attached to a long contorted head or caudex. The odour is aro- matic, the taste warm and bitter. Composition.^—It was analyzed by Bucholz in 1807 (Gmelin, Hand. d. Chem.); by Chevallier in 1820 (Journ. de Pharm. vi. 365); and by Peschier in 1823 (Gmelin, op. cit.) Bucholz's Analysis. Volatile oil........................... 0 50 Greenish-yellow soft resin............ 2-85 Extractive matter.................... 1-70 | Extractive. Gummy extractive.................... 1810 Starch. Lignin............................... 62-40 Ligneous fibre. Water............................... 14-45 Albumen Chevallier''« Analysis. Volatile oil. Resin. Malate and phosphate of lime. Serpentary root........................ 100-0 Ovide of iron and silica. Serpentary root. 1. Volatile Oil.—Grassman (quoted by Dr. W. C. Martius, Pharmakogn.) obtained only half an ounce from 100 lbs. of the root. Its colour is yellowish, its odour considerable, its taste not very strong. (Lewis, Mat. Med.) Grassman compares the odour and taste to those of valerian and camphor combined. 2. Bitter Principle: Extractive, Bucholz and Chevallier.—This is very bitter and slightly acrid. It is soluble in both water and spirit. Its solution, which is yellow, is rendered brown by alkalis, but is unchanged by the ferruginous salts. VOL. II. 21 242 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Physiological Effects.—These have been examined by Jorg and his pupils (Wibmer, Arzneim. ii. Gifte, Bd. i. S. 221 ; also, Journ.de Chim. Med. t. vii. p. 493). In small doses, serpentary promotes the appetite. In large doses, it causes nausea, flatulence-, uneasy sensation at the stomach, and more frequent but not liquid stools. After its absorption, it increases the frequency and fulness of the pulse, augments the heat of the skin, and promotes secretion and exhalation. Furthermore, it would appear, from the experiments before referred to, that it causes disturbance of the cerebral functions, and produces headache, sense of oppression wilhin the skull, and disturbed sleep. In these properties, serpentary bears some analogy to, but is much weaker than, camphor. It is more powerful than contrayerva. Uses.—Its employment is indicated in cases of torpor and atony. It was formerly termed alexipharmic, on account of its fancied power of curing the bite of the rattlesnake and of a mad dog. (Dale, Pharmacohgia.) At the pre- sent time it is rarely employed. It has been much esteemed as a stimulant in fevers, both continued and intermittent. A scruple of serpentary, taken in three ounces of wine, is mentioned by Sydenham (Works, translated by Dr. Pechey, 4th ed. p. 233), as a cheap remedy for tertians in poor people. Dr. Cullen (Mat. Med.) considered it as suited for the low and advanced stage of typhus only. In an epidemical affection of the throat (called the throat-distemper), it was given internally as a diaphoretic, and used with sumach berries, in the form of a decoc- lion, as a gargle, with benefit. (Med. Observ. and Inq. vol. i. p. 211.) Administration.—The dose of it in substance is from ten to thirty grains. The infusion is the best form for the administration of serpentary. 1. INFUSUM SERPENTARIJS, L. E. (U. S.); Infusion of Serpentary or Snake- root.—Serpentary, gss.; Boiling Water, Oj. Infuse for four hours in a [lightly, L.] covered vessel, and strain [through linen or calico, E.]—Dose, fjj. or f3ij. every two or three hours, according to the circumstances. 2. TINCTURA SERPENTARIiE, L. E. D. (U. S.); Tincture of Serpentary or Swa&e-roetf.—Serpentary, bruised [in moderately fine powder, E.], 3iijss. L. [3iij. D. (U. S.)] ; Proof Spirit, Oij. [wine measure, D.; and Cochineal, bruised, 3j. E.] Macerate for fourteen [seven, D.J days, and filter. " Proceed by per- colation or digestion as for the tincture of cinchona," E.]—Used as an adjunct to tonic infusions.—Dose, from f3j. to f3ij. 2. ASARUM EUROPIUM, Linn. L. D.—COMMON ASARABACCA. Sex. Syst. Dodecandria, Monogynia. (Folia, L. D.) History.—This plant was used in medicine by the ancients. Dioscorides (lib. i. cap. 9) calls it atfapov. Botany.—Gen. char.—Calyx campanulate, three-lobed. Stamens twelve, in- serted on the ovary; anthers adnate to the middle of the filaments. Style short. Stigma stellate, six-lobed. Capsule six-celled. (Bot. Gall.) sp. char.—Leaves two on each stem, kidney-shaped, obtuse, [somewhat hairy]. (Smith.) (Eng. Flora.) The branching root-fibres arise from an underground stem or rhizome. The aerial stems are several from each rhizome. Leaves petiolated. From the axil of the two leaves springs a solitary, rather large, drooping flower, upon a short peduncle, of a greenish-brown colour and coriaceous substance. Segment of the calyx incurved. Capsule coriaceous. Seeds ovate, with horny albumen. Hah.—Indigenous. Perennial. Flowers in May. Description.—The whole plant (root-fibres, rhizome, and aerial stems, with leaves and flowers) is kept in the shops under the name of asarabacca (radix cum COMMON asarabacca. 243 herbd asari), but the leaves only are directed to be used in the Pharmacopoeia. Dr. Batty (Eng. Flora.) states that the plant is gathered for medicinal uses in the woods near Kirkby Lonsdale, Westmoreland. The rhizome is about as thick as a goosequill, grayish, quadrangular, knotted. It has a pepper-like odour and an acrid taste. The leaves are almost inodorous, but have an acrid, aromatic, and bitter taste. Composition.—Goerz (Pfaflf, Mat. Med. Bd. iii. S. 229) published an analysis of the root in 1784 ; Lassaigne and Feneulle another in 1820 (Journ. de Pharm. t. vi. p. 561); Regimbeau a third in 1827 (Journ. de Pharm. t. xiv. p. 200); and Grager a fourth in 1830. (Goebel and Kunze, Pharm. Waarenk.) Volatile oil Oriiger's Analyses. Herb. Asari n....................................... 0-10 Tannin...................................... 004 Extractive.................................. 5-49 Chlorophylle.................................. 1-52 Albumen.................................... 2-12 Citric acid.................................... 0-54 Ligneous fibre................................ 15-00 Water....................................... 74-84 Loss......................................... 0-35 Asaruincamphor i........................ 0-630 A^arin [? Asarite] ) Asari n..................................... 1172 Tannin..................................... 1-072 Extractive.................................. 3972 Resin...................................... 0-15G Starch..................................... 2-048 Gluten and albumen........................ 1-010 Citric acid.................................. 0-316 Ligneous fibre............................. 12-800 [ Fresh Herb of Asarabacca...................100-00 Salts (citrates, chloride, sulphate, and phos- phates)................................... 3042 Water...................................... 74-600 Fresh Root of Asarabacca...................100-818 I 1. Yolatile Oilv Matters.—By submitting asarabacca root to distillation with water, three volatile oily matters are obtained; one liquid and two solid, at ordinary temperatures. a. Liquid Volatile Oil (Oleum Asari). It is yellow, glutinous, lighter than water, and has an acrid, burning taste, and a penetrating valerian-like odour. It is slightly soluble in water, more so in alcohol, ether, and the oils (volatile and fixed). Its constituents are C8 H4 O. 0. Asarite of Grager.—In smull needles, of a silky lustre. It is odourless and tasteless. It is fusible and volutilizable by heat; its vapour being white and very irritating. It is soluble in alcohol, ether, and the volatile oils, but not in water. Both nitric and sulphuric acids dissolve the crystals without the evolution of gas: if water be added to the sulphuric solution, the asarite is thrown down unchanged. y. Asarum-camphor.—Is distinguished from asarite by the following characters: — Water throws it down from its alcoholic solution in cubes or six-sided prisms, whereas asarite is precipi- tated in delicate flexible needles. It dissolves in nitric acid without effervescence. Water added to its sulphuric solution throws down a brown resin. After fusion it has the form of a crystalline, striated mass. Its composition is C8 H5 02. Blanchet and Sell regard it as the hydrate of the liquid volatile oil. 2. Bitter Principle of Asarabacca (Asarin of Grager and of some other pharmacologists).— Brownish, very bitter, soluble in alcohol. Physiological Effects.—Every part of the plant possesses acrid properties. Applied to the mucous membrane of the nose, it excites sneezing, increased secre- tion of the mucus, and even a discharge of blood. Swallowed, it causes vomiting, purging, and griping pains. It is said also to possess diuretic and diaphoretic properties. Dr. CuIIen has enumerated it in his list of diuretics, but expresses his doubts whether it possesses any specific power of stimulating the renal vessels. Uses.—Asarabacca has been employed in medicine to excite vomiting, and as an errhine. As an emetic, it is now superseded by ipecacuanha and tartarized antimony. As an errhine, to excite irritation and a discharge of mucus from the nasal membrane, it has been used in certain affections of the brain, eyes, face, mouth, and throat, on the principle of counter-irritation: thus, in paralytic affec- tions of the mouth and tongue, in toothache, and in ophthalmia. Administration.—We may administer either the root or leaves, recollecting that the latter are somewhat milder than the former.—As an emetic, the dose is half a drachm to a drachm. As an errhine, one or two grains of the root, or three or four grains of the dried leaves, are snuffed up the nostrils every night.— The powder of this plant is supposed to form the basis of cephalic snuff. 244 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. PULVIS ASARI COMPOSITUS, D. Compound Powder of Asarabacca.—(Asarabacca leaves, dried, 3i.; Lavender flowers, dried, 3i. Reduce them together to powder.) Used as an errhine, in headache and ophthalmia.—Dose, from grs. v. to grs. viii. OTHER MEDICINAL ARISTOL.OCHIACEJE. Aristolochia.—The roots of Arislolochia hnga and A. rotunda are found in the shops. The long aristolochia root is several inches in length, one or two inches broad, and has a more or less cylindrical form. The round aristolochia root has a more rounded and knobby form. Both kinds are bitter and acrid, and have, especially when powdered, a disagreeable odour. They contain extractive matter and starch. Lassaigne found ulmin in the long species. Their effects are stimulant and tonic. Their stimulant effects are supposed by some to be principally directed to the abdominal and pelvic viscera. They have been employed in amenorrhoea as an emmena- gogue. Their dose is from 9i. to 3i. Round aristolochia root is a constituent of the Duke of Portland's powder for the gout, which consisted of equal quantities of the roots of Gentian and Birthwort (Aristolochia rotunda), the tops and leaves of Germander (Chammdrys), Ground Pine (Chamapitys), and lesser Centaury (Chironea Centaurium), powdered and mixed together.1 [Asarum Canadknse—Asarum, U. S., Canada Snake-root, Wild Ginger, the root.—This plant has been introduced into the secondary list of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia. It has a creeping fleshy root, somewhat jointed ; the leaves are kidney-shaped, pubescent on both sides, two in number, on longish, round, hairy petioles ; flower solitary, growing in the fork of the petioles on a pen- dulous hairy peduncle; calyx very hairy, consisting of three broad concave segments, of a dull purple colour; stamens twelve; germ inferior. It is found in all parts of the United States, from Canada to Carolina, in low moist woods and thickets. It flowers in June. The root, alone officinal, is prepared by removal during the summer, cleansing, and drying in the shade; in this process the radicles, from their delicacy, are separated. When fresh it has a yellowish colour. As found in the shops, it is in long, more or less contorted piece.*, about the thickness of a straw, or larger; the external covering is brownish and wrinkled; the internal substance is white, hard, and brittle; occasionally the fragments of the radicles are attached. It comes either in mass or in square packages from the Shakers, when it is connected with the leaves, and is subject to mouldiness, from the partially dry state necessary to packing by pres- sure. The taste is agreeably aromatic and slightly bitter; the smell is aromatic. A chemical investigation of this root was made by Dr. Bigelow, which has been repeated by the late Mr. Richard Rushton (Amer. Journ. of Pharm. vol. x. p. 186), who found it to con- tain gum, starch, resin, fatty matter, chlorophylle, volatile oil, salts of lime and potassa, iron, and lignin^ The volatile oil has a light, greenish-yellow colour, a warm, fragrant, slightly bitterish, aro- matic taste. It is soluble in all proportions in alcohol and ether, sp. gr. 0-9452. Wild ginger is spoken of by Cornutus as affording a grateful potion when the roots are steeped in wine. Lemery, in his Diclionnaire Universel des Drogues Simples, published in 1733, alludes to its sub- stitution for ginger by the aborigines of America. Dr. B.S.Barton, in his Collections, states that the compressed juice of the leaves is emetic, and that the leaves are errhine. The best accounts of its properties are by Drs. Bigelow and William P. C. Barton. Like its congeners it is stimu- lant and tonic, but like all other articles of the same class, the effects on the animal economy must vary with the mode of exhibition; thus its sudorific power will be manifested by exhibition in warm infusion ; and in large quantities, in this form, it will prove emetic ; in cold infusion or tincture, it is cordially stimulating and tonic to the system. It may be employed as a succeda- neum for serpentaria. Several species of Aristolochia, beside the one described, are possessed of roots which are, or may be, used in its place, as the A. hastata, A. hirsuta, and A. reticulata. The two first are introduced into the bales containing the officinal drug, and are commingled with it. The latter is brought in bales by itself, and is very distinct in its characters. The bales weigh from one to three hundred pounds. Arislolochia reticulata, Nutt. "From a woody knotted caudex, from which numerous radicles are given off, there arise numerous short stems, sometimes branched near the roots. They are slender, round, flexuose, jointed, and slightly villous in the old, but densely pubescent in the young specimens. The leaves are oblong, cordate, large, obtuse, reticulated with very prominent veins, villous on both sides, more particularly upon the veins and short petioles. The flowers are small, purplish, and densely pubescent, especially at the base and on the germ. The capsule is hexan- 1 See Dr. Clephane's Inquiry into the Origin of the Gout Powder, in the Med. Observ. and Inq. vol. i. Lond Dr. Clephane concludes that "Caelius Aurelianus's diacentaureon and Aetius's antidotes ex duobus centaurex ge- neribas were the same medicine, and are the old names for the Duke of Portland's Powder. THE CINNAMON. 245 gular, deeply sulcale, sprinkled with scattered hairs, and bears at its apex tlie decayed corolla." (Bridges, Am. Journ. Pharm. viii. 118.) The root is fibrous, the fibres larger and stronger than of the A. serpentaria. The odour and taste are similar to those of that species. From the analysis of Mr. Wiegand, of Philadelphia, it appears that the composition of this article is the same as that of the otficinal—the only difference is in the amount of principles; thus, gum, extractive, and volatile oil are contained in greater amount iD the former.—J. C.j Order XXXI—LAURACE^, Lindley.—THE CINNAMON TRIBE. LiURi, Jussieu.—Laorine*, Vent, and Rob. Brown. Essential Character.—Calyx four to six-cleft, with imbricated aestivation, the limb sometimes obsolete. Stamens definite, perigynous, opposite the segments of the calyx, and usually twice as numerous ; the three innermost, which are opposite the three inner segments of the calyx, sterile or deficient; the six outermost scarcely ever abortive ; anthers adnate, two to four-celled; the cells bursting by a longitudinal persistent valve from the base to the apex ; the outer an- thers valved inwards, the inner valved outwards [or both valved inwards, Lindl.] Glands usually present at the base of the inner filaments. Ovary single, superior, with one or two single pendulous ovules; style simple; stigmas obtuse. Fruit baccate or drupaceous, naked or covered. Seed without albumen; embryo inverted; cotyledons large, plano-convex, peltate near the base!; radicle very short, included, superior; plumule conspicuous, two-leaved.— Trees, often of great size. Leaves without stipules, alternate, seldom opposite, entire, or very nearly lobed. Inflorescence panicled or umbelled (Rob. Brown). Properties.—The plants of this order owe their most important qualities to the presence of vola- tile oil, which is found, more or less abundantly, in all parts of the vegetable. This oil is some- limes liquid and highly aromatic, as oil of cinnamon; at others it is solid at ordinary tempe- ratures, and is endowed with narcotic properties, as camphor. The acrid principle of some species is probably a volatile oil. In the bark and leaves, the volatile oil is usually associated with tannic acid, which gives them astringency, as in cinnamon. In the fruit and seeds, on the other hand, it is usually combined or mixed with fixed oil, as in bay-berries. 1. CINNAMOMUM ZEYLANICUM, Nees, E.—THE CINNAMON. Laurus Cinnamomum, Linn., L. D. Sex. Syst. Enneandria, Monogynia. (Cortex; et Oleum e cortice destillatum, L.—Bark; and Volatile oil of the bark, £.—Cortex et Oleum vola tile, D.) (Cinnamomum, the Bark ; and Oleum Cinnamomi, the Oil, U. S.) History.—Cinnamon (Kinman, Hebr.) is mentioned in the Old Testament, (Exod. xxx. 23), about 1490 years before Christ. In all probability the Hebrews received it from ihe Arabians, who must, therefore, have had commercial deal- ings with India at this early period. (Pictorial Bible, vol. i. p. 222.) The first notice of Cinnamon (xiwa/xw^ov) by the Greek writers occurs in Herodotus, (Thalia, cvii. and cxi.) who died 413 years before Christ. Probably both the Hebrew and Greek names for this bark are derived from the Cingalese cacyn- nama (dulce lignum), or the Malayan kaimanis. (Royle, Essay on Hindoo Medicine, pp. 84 and 141.) Hippocrates (pp. 265, 575, and 609, ed. Foes.) em- ployed cinnamon externally. Dioscorides (lib. i. cap. 13) describes several kinds of cinnamon. Botany. Gen. char,—Flowers hermaphrodite or polygamous. Calyx six- cleft ; with the limb deciduous. Stamina twelve, in four rows; the nine external ones fertile, the three inner ones capitate, abortive ; the three most internal of the fertile stamina having two sessile glands at the base : anthers four-celled, the three inner turned outwards. Ovary one-celled, with one ovule. Fruit (a berry) seated in a cup-like calyx. Leaves ribbed. Leaf-buds naked. Flowers panicled, rarely fascicled. (Condensed from Endlicher.) (Gen. Plant.) sp. c-har.—Branches somewhat four-cornered, smooth. Leaves ovate or ovate- oblong, tapering into an obtuse point, triple-nerved, or three-nerved, reticulated on 246 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Fig. 190. Cinnamomum zeylanicum. the under side, smooth, the uppermost the smallest. Panicles terminal and axil- lary, stalked. Flowers hoary and silky ; segments oblong, deciduous in the middle (Nees). (Systema Laurinarum.) Botanists admit several varieties of this species: the most important are,—a. Broad-leaved, Moon (Cat. of Ceylon Plants): Mu-pat (Cin- galese). The plant above described. /3. Narrow-leaved, Moon., Cinnamomum zey- lanicum var. y. Cassia, Nees., Heen-pat (Cin- galese). This variety, which I have receiv- ed from Ceylon, under the name of Bastard Cinnamon, has oblong or elliptical leaves, much tapering to the point, and acute at the base. Percival (Account of the Island of Ceylon) mentions four varieties which are barked: 1st, Rasse curundu, or honey cinnamon, with broad leaves, yields the best bark : 2dly, Nai curundu, or snake cinnamon, also with large leaves, not greatly inferior to the former; 3dly, Capuru curundu,'or camphor cinnamon, an inferior kind; 4thly, Cabutte curundu, or as- tringent cinnamon, with smaller leaves; its bark has a harsh taste. Hab.—Cultivated in Ceylon and Java. Production.—The cinnamon bark of Ceylon is obtained by the cultivation of the plant. The principal cinnamon gardens lie in the neighbourhood of Columbo. (See Percival's Account of Ceylon, 2d ed. 1805.) The bark-peelers, or choliahs, having selected a tree of the best quality, lop off such branches as are three years old, and which appear proper for the purpose. Shoots or branches much less than half an inch or more than two or three inches in diameter, are not peeled. The peeling is effected by making two opposite, or, when the branch is thick, three or four, longitudinal incisions, and then elevating the bark by introducing the peeling-knife beneath it. When the bark adheres firmly, its separation is pro- moted by friction with the handle of the knife. In twenty-four hours the epider- mis and greenish pulpy matter (rete mucosum) are carefully scraped off. In a few hours the smaller quills are introduced into the larger ones, and in this way a congeries of quills formed, often measuring forty inches long. The bark is then dried in the sun, and afterwards made into bundles with pieces of split bam- boo twigs. (Percival, op. cit.; and Marshall, in Thomson's Ann. of Philosophy, vol. x.) Commerce.—Cinnamon is imported in bales, boxes, and chests, from Ceylon principally; but in part also from Madras, Tellicherry, and rarely from Canton. (Trade List for 1837 and 1838.) In 1830, 14,345 lbs.; and in ] 831, 2,305 lbs. of cinnamon were imported from the Cape of Good Hope. (Parliamentary Re- turns.) The quantities of cinnamon on which the import duty of 6d. per lb. was paid, during the last six years, are the following (Trade List): In 1835.............16,255 lbs. 1836.............17,398 lbs. In 1837.............13,697 lbs. 1838.............16,605 lbs. In 183!)............15,533 lbs. 1840.............16,515 lbs. Cinnamon exported from the island of Ceylon is subject to the exorbitant duty of 3s. per lb. This has been put on as a substitute for the previous monopoly in the cultivation and sale of cinnamon, held by the government. (McCulloch, Commerc. Diction.) A few years ago it was the practice to sprinkle black pepper among the bales of cinnamon in stowing them, in order to preserve and improve the quality of the bark. (Percival, op. cit., and Marshall, loc. cit.) Description.—When cinnamon comes into dock, it is unpacked and exa- mined ; all the mouldy and broken pieces are removed from it. It is then re- THE CINNAMON. 247 made into bales. These are cylindrical, 3 feet 6 inches long, but of variable dia- meter, perhaps 16 inches on the average. These bales are enveloped by a coarse hempen cloth, called gunny. The cinnamon in boxes and chests is usually the small, inferior, and mouldy pieces. The kinds of cinnamon which I have seen and examined1 are the Ceylon, the Tellicherry, and the Malabar or Madras. i. Ceylon cinnamon. (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, seu Cinnamomum acu- turn.)—This is the most esteemed kind. The fasciculi or compound quills, of which the bales are made up, are about 3 feet 6 inches long, slender, and shivery, and are composed of several smaller quills enclosed one within the other. The bark is thin (the finest being scarcely thicker than drawing paper), smooth, of a light yellow-brown, or brownish-yellow (somewhat similar to that of Venetian gold), moderately pliable, with a splintery fracture, especially in the longitudinal direction. The inner side or liber is darker and browner, and contains, ac- cording to Nees, small medullary rays filled with red juice, and which he regards as the peculiar bearers of the aroma. The odour of the bark is highly fragrant. The flavour is warm, sweetish, and agreeable. Inspection and tasting are the methods resorted to for ascertaining the qualities of cinnamon. (See Percival, op. supra cit.; also Marshall, op. supra cit.) Ceylon cinnamon is characterized by being cut obliquely at the bottom of the quill, whereas the other kinds are cut transversely. In the London market three qualities of Ceylon cinnamon are distinguished, viz. first, seconds, aqd thirds. Inferior kinds are thicker, darker, browner, and have a pungent, succeeded by a bitter, taste. 2. Tciiichcrry or Bombay cinnamon is grown on one estate only, at Tellicherry, by Mr. Brown, and is wholly consigned to Messrs. Forbes and Co. Only 120 or 130 bales are annually imported. In appearance it is equal to the Ceylon kind ; but the internal surface of the bark is more fibrous, and the flavour is inferior. It is superior to the Malabar variety. 3. Madras or Malabar cinnamon is of inferior quality. It is grown, I am in- formed, on the Coromandel coast. It is coarser and inferior in flavour to the other kinds. In thickness it approximates to Cassia lignea. Its quality has an- nually deteriorated since its introduction into the market. It does not meet with a ready sale, and it is expected that its importation will cease. Besides the above three kinds of cinnamon, another has appeared in the market, from Java. I have not, however, had an opportunity of seeing it. Java cinna- mon is said to be equal in quality to that from Ceylon,2 over which it has the ad- vantage of paying only a trifling export duty. French pharmacologists describe a cinnamon cultivated at Cayenne.3 Cayenne cinnamon is, however, unknown in the London market. Its volatile oil is more acrid and peppery than the oil from Ceylon cinnamon. (Vauquelin, Journ. de Pharm. t. iii. p. 434.) Substitution.—In commerce, Cassia lignea is frequently substituted for cin- namon. It is distinguished by its greater thickness, its short resinous fracture, its less delicacy but greater strength ,of flavour, its shorter quills, and its being packed in small bundles. The difference of flavour is best distinguished when the barks are ground to powder. The great consumers of cinnamon are the chocolate-makers of Spain, Italy, France, and Mexico, and by them the dif- ference of flavour between cinnamon and cassia is readily detected. An exten- sive dealer in cinnamon informs me that the Germans, Turks, and Russians, prefer cassia, and will not purchase cinnamon, the delicate flavour of which is 1 Tn the years 1839 and 18-10, I examined above 1000 bales of cinnamon in the DoCk warehouses. In 1840 I was kindly assisted in my examination by Mr. Carroll, of Mincing Lane, one of the most experienced London dealers, who attended with me, and from whom I derived much practical information. » Proceedings of the Committee of Commerce and Agriculture of the Asiatic Society, p. 147. » See Guibourt, Hist, abveg. des Drogues, ii. 14. French pharmacologists apply the term Cannelle to Cinna^ mon as well as to Cassia. 248 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. not strong enough for them. In illustration of this, I was told that some cinnamon (valued at 3s. 6d. per lb.) having been by mistake sent to Constantinople, was un- saleable there at any price ; while cassia lignea (worth about 6d. per lb.) was in great request. Composition.—In 1817, Vauquelin (op. cit. 433,) made a comparative analy- sis of the cinnamons of Ceylon and Cayenne. The constituents of both were found to be volatile oil, tannin, onucilage, colouring matter (partially soluble in water and in alcohol, but insoluble in ether), resin, an acid, and ligneous fibre. Oil of Cinnamon. See below. Chemical Characteristics.—Sesquichloride of iron causes a greenish floc- culent precipitate (tannate of iron) in infusion of cinnamon. Solution of gelatine also occasions a precipitate (tannate of gelatine) in the infusion. Physiological Effects.—Cinnamon produces the effects of the spices, already described (vol. i. p. 189). In moderate doses it stimulates the stomach, produces a sensation of warmth in the epigastric region, and promotes the assimilative func- tions. The repeated use of it disposes to costiveness. In full doses it acts as a general stimulant to the vascular and nervous sys- tems. Some writers regard it as acting specifically on the uterus. (Sundelin, Heilmittel. Bd. ii. S. 199, 3tte Aufl. ; and Wibmer, Wirk. d. Arzn. ii. Gifte. Bd. ii. S. 13Z.) Uses.—The uses of cinnamon are those of the spices generally, and which have been before noticed (vol. i. p. 190). It is employed by the cook as an agreeable condiment. In medicine, it is frequently added toother substances; as, to the bitter infusions, to improve their flavour; and to purgatives, to check their grip- ing qualities. As a cordial, stimulant, and tonic, it is indicated in all cases cha- racterized by feebleness and atony. As an astringent, it is employed in diarrhoea, usually in combination with chalk, the vegetable infusions, or opium. As a cor- dial and stimulant, it is exhibited in the latter stages of low fever. In flatulent and spasmodic affections of the alimentary canal, it often proves a very efficient carminative and antispasmodic. It checks nausea and vomiting. It has also been used in uterine hemorrhage. Administration.—The dose of it in substance is from ten grains to half a drachm. 1, OLEUM CINNAMOMI, L. E. D. (U. S.) Oleum Cinnamomi veri offic.; Oil of Cinnamon.—(Obtained in Ceylon, by macerating the inferior pieces of the bark, reduced to a gross powder, in sea-water for two days, when both are sub- mitted to distillation.)—As imported the oil varies somewhat in its colour from yellow to cherry-red ; the paler varieties are most esteemed : hence London drug- gists frequently submit the red oil of cinnamon to distillation, by which they procure two pale yellow oils; one lighter (amounting to about the quarter of the whole), the other heavier than water. The loss on this process is considerable, being near 10 per cent. Percival (op. cit.) says, that the oil obtained from the finer sorts of cinnamon is of a beautiful gold colour, while that from the coarser bark is darker and brownish. Its odour is pleasant, and purely cinnamonic. Its taste is at first sweetish, afterwards cinnamonic, burning, and acrid. The follow- ing is the composition of the oil according to Mulder (Berlinisches Jahrbuch fiir die Pharmacie, Bd. xxxviii. S. 176): Atoms. Eq. Wt. Per Cent. Mulder. Carbon........... 20 ............... 120 ................ 81-63 ................ 81-99 Hydrogen......... 11 ................ 11 ................ 748 ................ 7-29 Oxygen....... ... 2 ................ 16 ................ 10-89 ................ 10-82 Cinnamon Oil.... , 1 ................ 147 ............... 100-00 ............... 10000 By exposure to the air oil of cinnamon absorbs oxygen, becomes coloured, and produces cinnamic acid, two resins, and water. (Pharmaceutisches Central Blatt fur 1839, S. 881.) The coloration depends on resinification. THE cinnamon. 249 Reagents. 3 Atoms Cinnamon Oil. 8 Atoms Oxygen........ Total............................60 | 33 Products. C 1 Atom Cinnainic Acid. ..\.......... 18 1 Atom beta Resin................. 12 2 Atoms alpha Resin............... 30 6 Atoms Water..................... Total......................... 60 H O 7 3 5 1 15 4 6 6 33 14 a. Cinnamic Acid.—This acid is colourless and crystalline. It is sometimes formed by expos. ing oil of cinnamon for some time to the air. Cinnamule (C18 H7 02) is the hypothetical base of this acid. &. Resins. Alpha resin has a reddish-brown colour. It is soluble in both cold and hot alco- hol. Beta resin is soluble in hot, but very slightly so in cold, alcohol. Its colour is cinnamon- brown. To the latter resin Mulder ascribes the colour of cinnamon. With nitric acid, oil of cinnamon forms a white crystalline substance, com- posed of C™ Hs N O ; and a red oil. The Edinburgh College gives the following characters of oil of cinnamon : "Cherry-red when old, wine-yellow when recent; odour purely cinnamonic; nitric acid con- verts it nearly into a uniform crystalline mass." These characters, however, are not peculiar to this oil, as they are also pos- sessed by oil of cassia. Oil of cinnamon is sometimes employed as a powerful stimulant in paralysis of the tongue, in syncope, or in cramp of the stomach. But its principal use is as an adjuvant to other medicines. The dose of it is from one to three minims. Oil of Cinnamon Leaf has been recently imported. I am informed by a gentleman on whose estate in Ceylon it was obtained, that it is procured by macerating the leaves in sea-water, and afterwards submitting both to distillation. It is a yellow liquid, heavier than water, and has an odour and taste analogous to those of oil of cloves. I AQUA CINNAMOMI, L. E. D. (U. S.); Cinnamon Water. — (Cinnamon, bruised, lb. iss. [Jxviij. E., lb. j. D.; or Oil of Cinnamon, 3ij. L.~] ; Proof Spi- rit, fgvij. [Rectified Spirit, fgiij. E. No Spirit, i>.] ; Water, Cong. ij. [as much as may be sufficient to prevent empyreuma, D.~\ Let a gallon distil. The Dublin College macerates the bark in the water for one day previous to distillation.)— This water is usually prepared in the shops, by diffusing the oil through water by the aid of sugar or of carbonate of magnesia. According to a formula given in the London Pharmacopoeia, 3j. of oil is to be carefully triturated with 3j. of car- bonate of magnesia, and afterwards with Oiv. of distilled water, and the water subsequently filtered. [The U. S. Pharmacopoeia employs this method, and di- rects, oil of cinnamon, fgss. ; carbonate of magnesia, 3ss.; distilled water, Oij.] Cinnamon water is principally employed as a vehicle for other medicines. It is aromatic and carminative. Goeppert says it is poisonous to plants. By dissolv- ing iodine and iodide of potassium in cinnamon water, a crystalline compound is produced, consisting of iodide of potassium 12-55, iodine 28*14, oil of cinnamon 59-31. (Apjohn, Athenceum, No. 517, for 1837, and No. 559, 1838.) I SPIRITUS CINNAMOMI, L. E. D. Spirit of Cinnamon.—(Oil of Cinnamon, 3ij.; Proof Spirit, Cong. j. ; Water, Oj. Mix them; then with a slow fire let a gallon distil, L.—Cinnamon, in coarse powder, lb. j. ; Proof Spirit, Ovij. Ma- cerate for two days in a covered vessel; add a pint and a half of water ; and distil off seven pints, E.—Cinnamon bark, bruised, lb. j. ; Proof Spirit, Cong. j. [wine measure] ; Water sufficient to prevent empyreuma. Macerate for twenty- four hours, and distil a gallon, L.) Stimulant.—Dose, f3j. to f3iv. 4. TINCTURA CINNAMOMI, L. E. D. (U. S.) Tincture of Cinnamon.—(Cin- namon, bruised, giijss. (3iij. U. S.) [in moderately fine powder, E.]; Proof Spi- rit, Oij. {wine measure, D.] Macerate for fourteen days and strain. [Proceed by percolation or digestion as directed for tincture of cassia, E.f)—Commonly used as an adjuvant to cretaceous, astringent, tonic, or purgative mixtures. It 250 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. has also been employed in uterine hemorrhage. (Voigtels, Arzneim. Bd. ii. S. 465.)_Dose, 3i. to f3iv. fi. TINCTURA CINNAMOMI COMPOSITA, L. E. (U. S.) Compound Tincture of Cinnamon.—(Cinnamon, bruised [in fine powder, if percolation be followed, E.], 3j-5 Cardamom, bruised, 3ss. |3j. E.]; Long Pepper, powdered [ground finely, E.], 3ijss. [3iij. E.~] ; Ginger, 3ijss. [not used by the Ed. College']; Proof Spi- rit, Oij. Macerate for fourteen days, and strain, L. " This tincture is best pre- pared by the method of percolation, as directed for the compound tincture of car- damom. But it may also be made in the ordinary way by digestion for seven days, straining and expressing the liquor, and then filtering it." J5.)—Cordial and aromatic. Used in the same cases as the last.—Dose, f3j. to f3ij. [The U. S. P. leaves out the pepper and orders ginger 3iij.] 6. PULVIS CINNAMOMI COMPOSITUS, L. Pulvis Aromaticus, E. D. (U. S); Compound Powder of Cinnamon ; Aromatic Poivder.—(Cinnamon, 3'j* » Car- damom, 3iss. [3j- D.] ; Ginger, 3j.; Long Pepper, 3ss. [3j. D.~\ Rub them together, so that a very fine powder may be made. L. D.—The Edinburgh College employs cinnamon, cardamom seeds, and ginger, of each equal parts.)— [The U. S. P. directs Cinnamon, Ginger, of each two ounces; Cardamom seeds, Nutmeg, grated, each one ounce.]—Aromatic and carminative.—Dose, gr. x. to gr. xxx.—Principally employed as a corrigent of other preparations. 7. CONFECTIO AROMATICA, L. D. (U. S.); Electuarium Aromaticum, E.; Aromatic Confection.—(Cinnamon ; Nutmegs, each, 3ij-; Cloves, 3j- >' Carda- mom Seeds, 3ss.; Saffron, 3ij.; Prepared Chalk, 3xvj.; Sugar, lb. ij. Rub the dry ingredients together to a very fine powder. The Dublin College orders this powder to be mixed by degrees with lb. j. of water, and the whole beaten to a pulp. The London College, on the other hand, directs the powder to be kept in a close vessel, and the water to be added when the confection is wanted.—The Edin- burgh College orders of Aromatic Powder, one part; Syrup of Orange Peel, two parts. Mix and triturate them into a uniform pulp.)—The preparation of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia differs essentially from the Aromatic Confection of the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, in not containing chalk. The London Col- lege directs the water to be added when the preparation is wanted, with the view of preventing fermentation, to which the preparation is subject. Some druggists substitute a strong infusion of saffron for the solid saffron ; and precipitated car- bonate of lime for chalk. [The U. S. P. directs, Aromatic Powder, five ounces and a half; Saffron, in powder, half an ounce ; Syrup of Orange Peel, six ounces; Clarified Honey, two ounces.] Aromatic confection, Ph. L. and D. is antacid, stimulant, and carminative. It is usually added to the ordinary chalk mixture in diarrhoea, and is employed on various other occasions where spices are indicated. Dose, grs. x to 3j. 8. EMPLASTRUM AROMATICUM, D.; Aromatic Plaster.—(Frankincense [Thus], 3iij.; Yellow Wax, 3ss.; Cinnamon Bark, powdered, 3yj.; Essential Oil of All- spice; Essential Oil of Lemons, of each, 3ij. Melt the Frankincense and Wax together, and strain; when they are beginning to thicken by cooling, mix in the powder of cinnamon rubbed up with the oils, and make a plaster.)—By keeping, as well as by the application of heat in spreading, the volatile oils of this prepa- ration are dissipated. " It is used as a stimulant, applied over the region of the stomach, in dyspepsia and increased irritability of that organ, to allay pain and nausea and expel flatus." (Montgomery, Observ. on the Dublin Pharm.) 2. CINNAMO'MUM CASSIA, Blume, E.—THE CINNAMON CASSIA. Cinnamomum aromaticum, Nees. Sex. Syst. Enneandria, Monogynia. (Cassia-bark. Oil of Cassia, £.—Cassia lignea, and Cassia buds, offic.) (Cinnamomum, the bark, V. S.) History.—It is highly probable that the bark, now called cassia lignea, was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans ; but we cannot positively prove this. THE cinnamon cassia. 251 The barks termed by the ancients cinnamomum (xiwa^w,aov) and cassia (Psalm, xiv. v. 9) (jcatfo'ia), as well as the trees yielding these substances, are too imper- fectly described to enable us to determine with precision the substances referred to. The Cassia tree is called in Chinese Kwei (Qui). Cassia lignea is called Kwei Pc, or Cassia skin; while Cassia buds are termed Kwei Tsze, or Cassia seeds. Cinnamon is called Yuh Kwei (vulgarly Yoke Qui), or Precious Cassia. It is not a product of China. Botany. Gen. ciiar.—Vide Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Sp. char.—Leaves opposite, sometimes alternate, oblong-lanceolate, triple- nerved : the nerves vanishing at the point of the leaf. Petioles and younger branches silky, tomentose. Stem arborescent (Brown). (Bijdrag.) Hait>.—China ; Cultivated in Java. The tree known in Ceylon as the Dawul Kurunda was erroneously supposed by Linnaeus to be the source of cassia bark, and hence he termed it Laurus Cassia. The Dublin College has been led into the same error. Many years since, Mr. Marshall (Ann. of Phil. vol. x. 1817,) stated that the bark of Dawul Kurunda was not aromatic like cinnamon, but had the bitter taste and the odour of myrrh. This tree is the Lilsaia Ceylanica of recent botanists.1 Mr. Marshall declares (Annals of Philosophy, vol. x. 1817), that in Ceylon it is never decorticated, and that the coarse cinnamon, (i. e. cinnamon procured from thick shoots or large branches of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum,) "has been imported into England, and sold under the denomination of cassia." It has been erroneously inferred from this statement that the cassia lignea of European com- merce was merely coarse cinnamon; but if this were the case, it would be somewhat remarka- ble that cassia lignea is not imported from Ceylon. It is not at all improbable that coarse Ceylon cinnamon may have been sold in the London market as cassia lignea; but this by no means establishes the identity of the two barks. Such an occurrence can now scarcely happen, seeing that all cinnamon (coarse as well as fine) exported from Ceylon pays a duty of 3s. per lb., while the value here of cassia lignea in bond is about Gd. per lb. In the Pun-tsaou (a Chinese Herbal) is a drawing of the Cassia tree. It is represented grow- ing on a hill, and as having a very crooked and knotted stem. Description.—Cassia lignea (cortex cassice) is imported in chests. It re- sembles cinnamon in many of its qualities. It is made up in bundles, which are tied with slips of bamboo. It has the same general appearance, smell, and taste, as cinnamon ; but its substance is thicker, its appearance coarser, its colour darker, browner, and duller ; its flavour, though cinnamonic, is much less sweet and fine than that of Ceylon cinnamon, but is more pungent, and is fol- lowed by a bitter taste ; it is less closely quilled, and breaks shorter, than genuine cinnamon (see p. 247). It is imported from Singapore, Calcutta, Bombay, and Manilla. China cassia lignea (sometimes called China cinnamon) is the best kind. It is usually imported from Singapore, rarely from Canton direct. Mr. Reeves (Trans. Med. Bot. Society, for 1828, p. 26), says vast quantities both of cassia buds and cassia lignea are annually brought to Canton from the province of Kwangse, whose principal city (Kwei Lin Too) literally the city of the Forest (or Grove) of Cassia trees, derives its name from the forests of cassia around it. The Chinese themselves use a much thicker bark, (which they call Kan Gwei Pe) unfit for the European market. Mr. Reeves informs me that they esteem it so highly as to pay nearly ten dollars per lb. for it. A very fine quality is occasionally met with, and commands the enormous price of 100 dollars per catty (li lb.) A specimen of it, with which he has kindly furnished me, is straight, semi-cylindrical, 11 inches long, rather more than an inch wide, and about one-sixth or one-eighth of an inch thick. Externally it is warted, and covered with crustaceous lichens. Internally it is deep brown. Its odour and flavour are those of cassia. Mr. Reeves also informs me that the best cassia lignea is cut in the 3d or 4th moon, the second sort in the 6th or 7th moon. Malabar cassia lignea is brought from Bombay. It is thicker and coarser than 1 C G. Nees ab Esenbeck Syst. Laurinarum, Berol. 1836 ; also Dr. Wieht in Jameson's Journal, vol. xxviii. Edinb. 1840. 252 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. that of China, and is more subject to foul packing ; hence each bundle requires separate inspection. (Milburn's Orient. Comm.) It may perhaps be coarse cin- namon ; for Dr. Wight states that the bark of the older branches of the genuine cinnamon plant are exported from the Malabar coast as cassia. Mauritius cassia lignea I am unacquainted with. Manilla cassia lignea, I am informed, is usually sold in bond for continental consumption. I have received a specimen of bark ticketed " Cassia vera from Manilla," the epidermis of which was imper- fectly removed. Cassia Buds (Flores Cassia immaturce; ClavelH cinnamomi) are not contained in any of the British Pharmacopoeias. They are the produce of China, and are probably procured from the same plant which yields cassia lignea. Mr. Reeves tells me that he always understood and has no doubt that both cassia buds and cassia lignea are obtained from the same trees. The buds are gathered, he informs me, in the 8lh or 9th moon. Dr. T. W. C. Martius (Pharmakognosie, S. 213,) says, that "according to the latest observations which the elder Nees has made known, cassia buds are the calyces (Fruchtkelche) of Cinnamomum aromaticum, about one-fourth of their normal size. It is also said that they are collected from Cinnamomum dulce, Nees, which is found in China." Cassia buds bear some resemblance to cloves, but are smaller, or to nails with round heads ; they have the odour and flavour of cassia lignea or cinnamon. The exports from Canton in 1831 were 177,866 lbs., and the imports into Great Britain in 1832 were 75,173 lbs. (M'CulIoch's Diet, of Comm.) In 1840, 6,406 lbs. paid duty (Is. per lb.) Cassia buds have not been analyzed; their constituents arc similar to those of cassia lignea ; they yield a volatTte-oil by distillation, and contain tannic acid. Commerce.—The quantity of cassia lignea annually imported, and the coun- tries from which it is brought, are as follows (Parliam. Returns, No. 50, Sess. 1829 ; No. 267, Sess. 1832 ; No. 550, Sess. 1833) : East India Company's territories and Ceylon Mauritius ................................. Philippine Islands........................ Brazil.................,.................... Netherlands................................ Cape of Good Hope.......... .............. Total......................... 1827. lbs. 408,192 4,117 3,393 415,702 1830. lbs. 799,715 5,995 25,586 6,290 837,586 1831. lbs. 358,413 5,379 252 398,420 In 1838, duty (6d. per lb.) was paid on 88,971 lbs. (Trade List.) Cassia lignea is imported in chests, bales, and boxes. In 1840, 63,958 lbs. paid duty. Composition.—Cassia lignea was analyzed by Bucholz (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem.), who obtained the following results :—Volatile oil 0-8, resin 4*0, gummy (astringent) extractive 14«6, woody fibre with bassorin 64-3, water and loss 16-3. 1. Volatile Oil of Cassia.—(See below.) 2. Resin.—Is peculiar, tasteless, yellowish-brown, soft (Bucholz). 3. Tannic Acid.—Must have been contained in what Bucholz termed gummy (astringent) extractive. Chemical Characteristics.—Sesquichloride of iron renders infusion of cassia lignea dark green, and causes a precipitate (tannate of iron). Gelatine also produces a precipitate (tannate of gelatine). Physiological Effects.—Similar to those of cinnamon. Sundelin (Heilmit- tell. Bd. ii. S. 119, 3te Aufl.) regards it as being more astringent. Uses.—Are the same as those of cinnamon. Administration.—Dose, gr. x. to 3ss. 1, OLEUM CASSIA, E.; Oil of Cassia; Oil of Chinese Cinnamon. (Obtained from Cassia lignea by distillation with water.) Its properties and composition are similar to those of oil of cinnamon, before described. Its odour and flavour, however, are inferior to those of the latter. Its colour is usually pale yellow. Nitric acid converts it into a crystalline mass (see p. 248). Its effects and uses THE CAMPHOR TREE. 253 are similar to those of oil of cinnamon. It is employed in the preparation of Aqua and Spiritus Cassice.—Dose gtt. i. to gtt. iv. 8. AQUA CASSIjE, E.; Cassia Water.—(Cassia bark, bruised, Sxviii.; Water, Cong. ij.; Rectified Spirit, f3iij. Mix them together, and distil off one gallon.) —Used as an aromatic vehicle for other medicines. It is usually prepared from the oil in the same way that cinnamon water is commonly made. 3. SPIRITUS CASSIjE, E.; Spirit of Cassia—(Cassia, in coarse powder, lb. j. ; Proof Spirit, Ovij. Macerate for two days in a covered vessel; add a pint and a half of water, and distil off seven pints.—Dose, f3j- to f 3iv.) It is usually pre- pared by adding oil of cassia to proof spirit. 4. TINCTURA CASSIjE, E., Tincture of Cassia.—(Cassia, in a moderately fine pow- der, giijss.; Proof Spirit, Oij. Digest for seven days, strain, express the residuum strongly, and filter. This tincture is more conveniently made by the processof percolation, the cassia being allowed to macerate in a little of the spirit for twelve hours before being put into the percolator.)—Dose, f 3j- to f 3ij- Used as an adjuvant to tonic infusions. 3. CAM'PHORA OFFICINARUM, Nees, E.—THE CAMPHOR TREE. Laurus Caraphora, Linn., L. D. Sex. Syst. Enneandria, Monogynia. (Concretum sui generis sublimatione purificatum, L— Camphor, F..—Camphora, D.) (U. S.) History.—The Ancient Greeks and Romans do not appear to have been acquainted with camphor. C. Bauhin and several subsequent writers state that Aetius speaks of it; but I have been unable to find any notice of it in his writings ; and others, (Alston, Led. on the Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 406,) have been equally unsuccessful in their search for it. Avicenna (lib. ii. tract, ii. cap. 134,) and Serapion (de temp. Simpl. ccexxxiv.) speak of it: the latter calls it kaphor, and erroneously cites Dioscorides. Simeon Seth, (de aliment, facult.) who lived in the 11 th century, describes it; and his description is considered, both by Voigtels (Arzneim. Bd. i. S. 83,) and by Sprengel, (Hist, de la Med. t. ii. p. 228,) to be the earliest on record. Botany.—Gcn.char.—Flowers hermaphrodite, panicled, naked. Calyx six- cleft, papery, with a deciduous limb. Fertile stamens nine, in three rows, the inner with two, stalked, compressed glands at the base; anthers four-celled, the outer turned inwards, the inner outwards. Three sterile stamens, shaped like the first, placed in a whorl alternating with the stamens of the second row ; three others stalked, with an ovate, glandular head. Fruit placed on the obconical base of the calyx.—Leaves triple-nerved, glandular in the axils of the principal veins. Leaf-buds scaly (Lindley). Sp. char.—Leaves triple-nerved, shining above, glandular in the axis of the veins. Panicles axillary and terminal, corymbose, naked. Floivers smooth on the outside (Nees). Young branches yellow and smooth. Leaves ever- green, oval, acuminate, attenuate at the base, bright green and shining above, paler beneath. Petioles from one inch to one and a half inches long. Panicles axil- lary and terminal, corymbose. Flowers small, yel- lowish-white. Berry round, blackish-red, size of a black currant. Seed solitary. Every part of the tree, but especially the flower, evinces by its smell and taste that it is strongly im- pregnated with camphor. ua.it.—China, Japan, and Cochin-China. Introduced into Java from Japan. vol. ii. 22 Fig. 191. Camphora officinarum. 254 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Extraction.—Kaempfer (Amcen. Exot. p. 772,) and Thunberg (Fl. Japonica) have described the method of extracting camphor in the provinces of Satzuma and the islands of Gotho in Japan. The roots and wood of the tree, chopped up, are boiled with water in an iron vessel, to which an earthen head, containing straw, is adapted. The camphor sublimes and condenses on the straw. The method practised in China, appears, from the statements of the Abbe Grosier, (Hist. Gen. de la Chine, t. xiii. p. 335,) Dentrecolles, (quoted by Davies,) and Davies, (The Chinese, vol. ii. p. 355, 1836,) to be somewhat dif- ferent. The chopped branches are steeped in water, and afterwards boiled, until the camphor begins to adhere to the stick used in stirring. The liquid is then strained, and, by standing, the camphor concretes. Alternate layers of dry earth, finely powdered, and of this camphor, are then placed in a copper basin, to which another inverted one is luted, and sublimation effected. Two kinds of unrefined or crude camphor (camphora cruda) are known in commerce: 1. Dutch Camphor j Japan Camphor.—This is brought from Batavia, and is said to be the produce of Japan. It is imported in tubs' (hence it is called tub camphor) covered by matting, and each surrounded by a second tub, secured on the outside by hoops of twisted cane. Each tub contains from 1 cwt. to l£ cwts. or more. It consists of pinkish grains, which by their mutual adhesion, form various-sized masses. It differs from the ordinary crude camphor in having larger grains, in being cleaner, and in subliming (usually) at a low temperature. In consequence of these properties it generally fetches 10s. per cwt. more. There is not much brought to England, and of that which does come the greater part is re-shipped for the continent. 2. Ordinary Crude Camphor; China Camphor; Formosa Camphor.—This is imported from Singapore, Bombay, &c, in square chests lined with lead foil, and containing from 1£ to l£ cwls. It is chiefly produced in the island of Formosa, and is brought by the Chin-Chew junks in very large quantities to Canton, whence foreign markets get supplied. (Reeves, Trans. Med. Bot. Soc. for 1828, p. 26 ; Gutzlaff and Reed, China Opened, vol. ii. p. 84, 1838.) It consists of dirty grayish grains, which are smaller than those of Dutch camphor. Its quality varies : sometimes it is wet and impure; but occasionally it is as fine as the Dutch kind. Purification.—Crude camphor is refined by sublimation. Formerly this process was carried on only in Venice. Afterwards it was successfully practised in Holland. The method at present adopted in this metropolis is as follows.:— The vessels in which this sublimation is effected are called Fig. 192. bomboloes (bombola, ltal. /3ou./3uXios). They are made of thin flint glass, and weigh about 1 lb. each. Their shape is that of an oblate spheroid, whose shorter or vertical axis is about ten inches, and the longer or horizontal axis about twelve inches. They are furnished with a short neck. When filled with crude camphor, they are embedded in the sand-bath, and heated. To the melted camphor, lime is added, and heat raised so as to make the liquid boil. The vapour condenses on the upper part of the vessel. As the Bombolo. sublimation proceeds, the height of the sand around the ves- sel is diminished. In about forty-eight hours the process is usually completed. The vessels are then removed, and their mouth closed with tow ; water is sprinkled over them by watering-pots, by which they are cracked. When quite cold, the cake of camphor (which weighs about eleven pounds) is removed, and trimmed by paring and scraping. In this process the lime retains the impurities and a portion of the camphor; hence, to extract the latter, the THE CAMPHOR TREE. 255 lime is submitted to a strong heat in an iron pot with a head to it, and the sublimed product refined by a second sublimation. Properties.—Refined Camphor (Camphora raffinata; Camphora, officin.) is met with in the form of large hemispherical or convex-concave cakes, perforated in the middle. It is translucent, has a crystalline granular nature, a strong, pe- culiar, not disagreeable, aromatic odour, and an aromatic, bitter, afterwards cooling taste. It is solid at ordinary temperatures, soft, and somewhat tough, but may be readily powdered by the addition of a few drops of rectified spirit. A crystal of native camphor in the wood (? camphor of Dryobalanops aromatica, Gsertn.) in the collection of Materia Medica at the College of Physicians, appears as a flat octohedron, but its primary form is a right rhombic prism. (W. Phillips, in Paris's Pharmacologia.) It evaporates in the air at ordinary temperatures; but in closed vessels, exposed to light, sublimes and crystallizes on the sides of the bottle. It fuses at 347° F., and forms a transparent liquid, which boils at 400° F., and in close vessels condenses unchanged. It is lighter than water, its sp. gr. being 0-9867. Small pieces rotate when thrown on this liquid. Water dissolves a very minute portion only of camphor. Alcohol readily dissolves it; and if water be added to the solution, the camphor is precipitated. Ether, bisulphuret of carbon, the oils (both fixed and volatile), and the acids, also dissolve it. The liquid obtained by dissolving camphor in nitric acid is sometimes termed camphor oil: ii is a nitrate of camphor. Camphor is insoluble in alkaline solutions. The vapour of camphor passed over red-hot lime is converted into a liquid called cam- phrone, (composed of Cso H O.) Composition.—Camphor has the following composition : Atoms. Eq. Wt. Per Cent. Dumas. Blanr.het % Sell. Carbon.........................10..........CO..........78 94.........7802..........77-96 Hydrogen ...................... 8.......... 8.......... 10-53........ 10-39.......... 10-Gt Oxygen......................... 1.......... 8.......... 10-53......... 11-59.......... 11-43 Camphor....................... 1..........76..........10000.........10000..........10000 Dumas has suggested that camphor may be regarded as an oxide of a base (as yet hypothetical), which he calls camphogen, and whose composition is C10 H8. Chemical Characteristics.—Camphor is readily known by its odour. It does not blacken in burning. It agrees in many of its properties with the volatile oils (vol. i. p. 194). From these it differs, however, in its solidity at ordinary temperatures, and in its not being converted into resin by the oxygen of the air, or by nitric acid. By repeatedly distilling nitric acid from camphor, the latter is converted into camphoric acid (composed of Ct0 H30 O7 in the anhydrous state). Before the whole of the camphor has been converted into camphoric acid, there are produced intermediate compounds of camphor and this acid, which we may regard as camphorates of camphor. The above arc the characters of the Common or Laurel Camphor. Borneo Camphor, or the Camphor of the Dryobalanops, will be described hereafter. Artificial Camphor is a hydrochlorate of oil of turpentine or of some other volatile oil, having a similar composition. Its empirical formula is C90 H" CI., or Cso H10 ■+- H CI. According to Orfila (Toxicol. Gin.) it produces no lesion of the nervous system, but confines its action to the formation of a few small ulcers in the mucous membrane of the stomach. Physiological Effects, a. On Vegetables.—Gcepperl (Poggendorff, Ann. d. Phys. u. Chem. 1828) has satisfactorily shown—1st, that solutions of camphor act in the same deleterious manner on plants as the volatile oils; 2dly, that they destroy the mobility of contractile parts without previously exciting them; 3dly, that they have no influence either on the germination of phanerogamia, or the vegetation of the cellular cryptogamia; and 4thly, that the vapour only is suffi- cient to destroy fleshy plants and ferns. Miquet (Meyen's Rep. on the Prog, of Veg. Physiol, during the year 1837, p. 139, trans, by W. Francis) has confirmed these results. 256 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. (3. On Animals generally.—The action of camphor on animals has been the subject of numerous experiments made by Hillefield (quoted by Wibmer, Wirk d. Arzneim. u. Gifte, Bd. iii. p. 215), Monro (Essays and Obs. Phys. and Lit. vol. iii. p. 351), Menghini and Carminati (Wibmer, loc. cit.), Viborg, Hertwich (Wib- mer, loc. cit.), Orfila (Toxicol. Gen.), and Scudery (Wibmer, op. cit.) Air impregnated with the vapour of camphor proves injurious to insects, (the Tinea?, which destroy wool, excepted.) Sooner or later it causes frequent agita- tion, followed by languor, insensibility, convulsions, and death (Menghini). To amphibials (frogs) the vapour also proves noxious. It produces preternatural movements, difficult respiration, trembling, and stupor (Carminati). Given to birds find mammals, in sufficient doses, camphor proves poisonous, but the symp- toms which it gives rise lo do not appear to be uniform. Indeed there are few remedies whose action on the animal economy is so variable as that of camphor. Three drachms dissolved in oil and given, to a dog, the esophagus being lied, caused violent convulsions, somewhat analogous to those of epilepsy, followed by insensibility and death (Orfila). When administered in substance, it inflamed the digestive tube, caused ulceration, and, after its absorption, gave rise to convulsions. (Ibid.) Given to horses, in doses of two drachms, it excites spasmodic movements, and quickens the pulse, but does not determine any serious result. (Moiroud, Pharm. Veter.) Tiedemann and Gmelin (Versuche ii. d. Wege aufwelchen Subst. aus d. Mag. u. Darmk. ins Blut gelang. S. 24 and 25) detected the odour of camphor in the blood of the vena porta? and of the mesenteric vein of a horse, to whom they had given camphor; but they could recognise it neither in the chyle nor in the urine. It is evolved from the system principally by the bronchial surfaces; for the breath of animals, to which this substance has been adminis- tered, has a strong odour of camphor. Moiroud (op. cit.) observed that, the skin of a horse, into whose jugular vein camphor had been injected, smelt of this substance. The general sedative effects of camphor on animals are rarely well marked; however, when administered in a proper dose, and in cases really requiring its use, it sometimes causes a diminution in the force and frequency of the pulse, and seems to allay pain. (Moiroud.) Scudery (quoted by Dr. Christison) observed that the convulsions caused in animals by camphor were accompanied with a peculiar kind of delirium, which made them to run up and down without apparent cause. He also found the urinary organs generally affected, and for the most part with strangury. y. On Man.—No article of the materia medica has had more contradictory statements made respecting its effects and mode of action than camphor. These, however, have principally referred to its influence over the functions of circulation and calorification ; for, with regard to the modifications which it induces in the other functions, scarcely any difference of opinion prevails. Its local action on the mucous surfaces, the denuded dermis, and ulcers, is that of an acrid. A piece of camphor held in the mouth for half an hour, caused the mucous lining of this cavity to become red, hot, swollen, and painful; and it is highly probable that, had the experiment been persevered in, ulceration would have followed. (Trousseau and Pidoux, Traite de Therap. t. i. p. 43.) The pain and uneasiness which camphor, when swallowed in substance, sometimes produces in the stomach, is likewise imputed to its local action as an acrid. Rubbed on the skin covered with cuticle, Dr. CuIIen says that it causes neither redness nor other mark of inflammation (Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 298); but Dr. Clutterbuck (Inquiry into the Seat and Nature of Fever, 2d ed. p. 424) declares this to be " undoubtedly a mistake." When applied to the denuded dermis, or to ulcers, it produces pain, and appears to act as an irritant. These observations respecting the local action of camphor on man, are confirmed by the ascertained effects of this substance on other animals. Camphor becomes absorbed, and is thrown out of the system by the bronchial THE CAMPHOR TREE. 257 membrane principally, but also by the skin. Trousseau and Pidoux (op. supra cit. p. 49) recognised its odour in every case in the pulmonary exhalation, but- failed to detect it in the cutaneous perspiration. Cullen, however, says (op. cit. p. 305) that " Mr. Lasonne, the father, has observed, as I have done frequently, that camphor, though given very largely, never discovers its smell in the urine, whilst it frequently does in the perspiration and sweat." The non-detection of it in the urine agrees with the observation of Tiedemann and Gmelin with regard to horses, already noticed. Camphor specifically affects the nervous system.—Regarding the symptoms of this effect but little difference of opinion prevails. In moderate doses it exhila- rates and acts as an anodyne. (Harrup, On the Anodyne Effects of Camphor, in Tlie Lond. Med. Rev., vol. iv. p. 200, Lond. 1800.) Its exhilarating effects are well seen in nervous and hypochondriacal cases. In large doses it causes disor- der of the mental faculties, the external senses, and volition, the symptoms being lassitude, giddiness, confusion of ideas, and disordered vision, noise in the ears, drowsiness, delirium or stupor, and convulsions. These phenomena, which have been observed in several cases, agree with those noticed in experiments on brutes. In its power of causing stupor, camphor agrees with opium ; but it differs from the latter in its more frequently causing delirium and convulsions. Epilepsy has been ascribed to the use of camphor. The quality of ihe influence which camphor exercises over the vascular sys- tem has been a subject of much contention. From my own limited observations of its use in small or medium doses (from five to ten grains) I am disposed to re- gard its leading effect as that of a vascular excitant, though I am not prepared to deny that slight depression may not have preceded this effect. Combined with diaphoretic regimen (warm clothing and tepid diluents) I have seen camphor increase the fulness of the pulse, raise the temperature of ihe surface, and operate as a sudorific. If opium be conjoined, these effects are more manifest. (See vol. i. p. 285, for some remarks on the comparative operation of ammonia and camphor.) In excessive doses it acts as a powerful poison. The best-related case is that of Mr. Alexander (Experimental Essays, p. 128, 1768), who swallowed two scru- ples in syrup of roses. In about twenty minutes he experienced lassitude and depression of spirits, with frequent yawnings: at the end of three-quarters of an hour his pulse had fallen from 77 to 67. Soon after he felt giddy, confused, and almost incapable of walking across the room. He became gradually insensible, and in this condition was attacked with violent convulsions and maniacal delirium. From this state he awoke as from a profound sleep : his.,pulse was 100, and he was able to reply to interrogatories, though he had not completely recovered his recollection. Warm water being administered, he vomited up the greater part of the camphor, which had been swallowed three hours previously ; and from this time he gradually recovered. In another case (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. v. p. 635, from RusCs Magazine), a man swallowed four ounces of camphorated spirits, containing 160 grains of cam- phor. The symptoms were burning heat of skin, frequent, full, and hard pulse, brilliancy of the eyes, redness of the face, heaviness of the head, anxiety, agita- tion, violent sense of heat in the stomach—then intense headache, giddiness, in- distinctness of sight, and ocular hallucinations. The patient only complained of the heat, which he said was intolerable. In the night copious sweating came on, followed by sleep. The pulse continued full and frequent, and the voiding of urine difficult. In some other well-reported cases, camphor, in large doses, caused depression of the vascular system. In the instances related by Fred. Hoffmann (op. omnia, t. iv. p. 26, Geneva, 1748), Pouteau (Murray, App. Med. vol. iv.), Griffin (quoted by Alexander), CuIIen (Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 295), Callisen ("Murray, App. Med.), Edwards (Orfila, Tax. Gen.), and Trousseau and Pidoux (Traite 258 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. de Therap. t. i. p. 48), sedation of the vascular system was observed. It was manifested by a languid, small, and slower pulse, coldness of the surface, and pallid countenance; in some cases with cold sweat. In some of these instances, symptoms of vascular excitement followed those of depression. The pulse be- came more frequent and fuller than natural, and the heat of the surface augment- ed. Trousseau and Pidoux (op. cit. p. 51) ascribe the symptoms of sedation, to the depressing influence which camphor exerts over the system by sympa- thy ; while the sanguineous excitation they refer to the passage of camphor into the blood, and the efforts of the organism to eliminate this unassimilable principle. But in some of the cases in which excessive doses of camphor have been taken, no symptoms of depression were manifested; as in the instance men- tioned by Dr. Eickhorn (in whom great heat, rapid but small pulse, copious sweating, and agreeable exhilaration), were produced by 120 grs. (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. ix. p. 772), by Dr. Wendl (quoted in Dr. Christison's Treatise on Poisons, p. 810), by Scudery (Wibmer, op. supra cit.), and by Bergondi (op. supra cit.) Camphor has long been celebrated as an anaphrodisiac ; the smell of it even is said to be attended with this effect; hence the verse of the School of Salernum, " Camphora per nares castrat odore mares." Trousseau and Pidoux (op. cit. p. 48) experienced the anaphrodisiac property of 36 grains of camphor taken into the stomach. Strangury has also been ascribed to this substance by Heberden (Comment. art. Stranguria), by Scudery (supra cit.), and others. Uses.—The discrepancy among authors as to the physiological effects of camphor has had the effect of greatly circumscribing the use of this substance. Indeed, until its operation on the system be more satisfactorily ascertained, it is almost impossible to lay down general rules which should govern its exhibi- tion. The following are the principal maladies in which it has been found useful: 1. Fever.—Camphor has been employed in those forms of fever which are of a typhoid type. It is chiefly valuable by causing determination to the surface and giving rise to diaphoresis. Hence those remedies should be conjoined with it which promote these effects : such are ipecacuanha, emetic tartar, and the vege- table alkaline salts. Opium greatly contributes to the sudorific effects of cam- phor ; and, when it is admissible, benefit is sometimes obtained by the administra- tion of one grain of opium with five or eight of camphor. But in a great num- ber of cases of fever the cerebral disorder forbids the use of opium. From its specific influence over „the cerebral functions, camphor has been frequently used in fever to allay the nervous symptoms, such as the delirium, the watchings, the subsultus tendinum, &c.; but it frequently fails to give relief. Dr. Home (Clin. Hist. p. 36), did not find any advantage from its use in the low nervous fever; and Dr. Heberden (Comment, art. Febris) has seen one scruple of camphor given every six hours, without any perceptible effect in abating the convulsive catchings, or composing the patient to rest. 2. In Inflammatory Diseases.—In the latter stages of inflammation of internal important parts (as the serous and mucous membranes, the stomach, intestines, uterus, etc.), after proper evacuations have been made in the earlier periods of the disease, when great exhaustion i3 manifested by a small feeble pulse and a cold flaccid skin, small but repeated doses of camphor have been employed to deter- mine to the skin, and to promote diaphoresis. It is particularly serviceable in rheumatic inflammation, and especially when produced by metastasis (Sundelin, Handb. d. spec. Heilmittel. Bd. ii. S. 145). 3. In the Exanthemata.—Camphor has been employed in small-pox, as also in measles, scarlatina, and miliary fever; but it is admissible only when the circulation flags, and the temperature of the surface falls below the natural standard. In such cases it is sometimes employed along with a diaphoretic re- THE CAMPHOR TREE. 259 gimen to determine to the skin. It is to be carefully avoided when inflammation of the brain or its membranes is feared. It has been asserted, that if a camphor- ated ointment be applied to the face, no small-pox pustules will make their appear- ance there ; but the statement is not correct. 4. In Mania, Melancholia, and other forms of Mental Disorder—Camphor is occasionally taken to cause exhilaration. I am acquainted with two persons, (females), both of nervous temperament, who use it for this purpose. To relieve despondency, I have often found it serviceable. In mania and melancholia it has now and then proved serviceable by its narcotic effects; it induces mental quiet and causes sleep. It was used in these affections by Paracelsus and several suc- ceeding writers (Murray, App. Med. vol. iv. p. 499), especially, in more modern times, by Dr. Kinnier (Phil. Trans, vol. xxxv.), and by Avenbrugger (Experim. de. remed. specif, in mania virorum, Vind. 1776). The latter regards it as a specific in the mania of men, when accompanied with a small contracted penis, corrugated empty scrotum, or when both testicles are so retracted that they appear to be introduced into the abdominal cavity. 5. In Spasmodic Affections.—The narcotic influence of camphor has occa- sionally proved serviceable in some spasmodic or convulsive affections, viz., spas- modic cough, epilepsy, puerperal convulsions, hysteria, and even tetanus ; its use, however, requires caution. 6. In Irritation of the Urinary or Sexual Organs.—A power of diminishing irritation of the urinary organs has long been assigned to camphor. In stran- gury and dysury, especially when produced by cantharides, it is said to have been used with benefit—a statement apparently inconsistent with that more re- cently made of its producing irritation of the urinary organs. In satyriasis, nymphomania, and onanism, it is said to have proved advantageous by its ana- phrodisiac properties. In dysmenorrhoea it sometimes proves serviceable as an anodyne. 7. In poisoning.—Small doses of camphor (administered by the mouth or by the rectum) have been exhibited with apparent benefit in cases of poisoning by opium. (Orfila, Toxicol. Gen.) It has also been employed to mitigate the effects of cantharides, squills, and mezereon (Hahnemann and Van Bavegem, in Marx's Die Lehre v. d. Giften, Bd, ii. S. 202 and 358) ; but toxicologists, for the most part, do not admit its efficacy ; at any rate, further evidence is required to establish it. Nor does there appear any valid testimony for believing that camphor possesses the power of checking mercurial salivation, as some have supposed. 8. In Chronic Rheumatism and Gout.—A mixture of camphor and opium, in the proportions before mentioned, is useful in chronic rheumatism, by its sudorific and anodyne properties. Warm clothing and diluents should be conjoined. In chronic gout, also, camphor is said to have proved beneficial. 9. In Cholera.—The combination of camphor and opium above referred to, I have seen used with benefit in cholera. 10. Externally, camphor is employed in the form of vapour, in solution, or, more rarely, in the solid state. The vapour is occasionally inhaled in spasmodic cough ; and is applied to the skin to alleviate pain and promote sweat, constituting the camphor fumigations (fumigationes camphorce). Dupasquier (Revue Med. t. ii. p. 218, 1826) recommended these fumigations in chronic rheumatism. The patient may be in bed or seated in a chair; and, in either case, is to be enveloped by a blanket tied round the neck. About half an ounce of camphor is then to be placed on a metallic plate, and introduced within the blanket (under the chair, if the patient be seated). In solution, camphor is used either as an anodyne or a local stimulant. The nitric solution of camphor is used to relieve toothache. A solution of camphor in oil has been used as an injection into the urethra, to relieve ardor urinse in gonorrhoea, and into the rectum to mitigate tenesmus arising from ascarides or dysentery. The acetic and alcoholic solutions of camphor are 260 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. mostly employed as stimulants. In substance, camphor is not frequently used. A scruple or half a drachm, " added to a poultice, and applied to the perineum, allays the chordee, which is a painful attendant upon gonorrhoea." (United States Dispensatory.) Powdered camphor is a constituent of some tooth-powders, to which it communicates its peculiar odour. The foregoing are some only of the maladies in which camphor has been ex- tensively used and lauded. I must refer to the works of Murray (App. Med. vol. iv.) for various other uses which have been made of this substance.—It is scarcely necessary to add, that camphor-bags possess no prophylactic properties against contagion. Administration.—The medium dose of it is from five to ten grs.; but it is frequently exhibited in much smaller doses (as one grain); and occasionally a scruple has been employed. It is given in the form of pill or emulsion. That of pill is said to be objectionable, "as in this state the camphor is with difficulty dissolved in the gastric liquors, and floating on the top, is apt to excite nausea, or pain or uneasiness at the upper orifice of the stomach." (United Slates Dispen- satory.) The emulsion is made by rubbing up the camphor with loaf sugar, gum arabic, and water; and the suspension will be rendered more complete by the ad- dition of a little myrrh. (United States Dispensatory.) Antidote.—In a case of poisoning by camphor, first evacuate the contents of the stomach. Hufeland (Marx, Die Lehre von d. Gift. Bd. ii. S. 202) recom- mends the use of opium to relieve the effects of camphor. Phoebus (Handb. d. Arzneiverord, 2te Ausg.) directs chlorine water to be administered as the anti- dote, and afterwards purgatives and clysters. Vinegar and coffee, he states, pro- mote the poisonous operation. 1. MISTURA CAMPHORjE, L. E. D.; Aqua Camphorce; Camphor Mixture.— (Camphor, 3ss.; Rectified Spirit, fi|x.; Water, Oj. First rub the camphor with the spirit, then with the water gradually poured in, and strain through linen, L.— The Dublin College employs of Camphor, 9j.; of Rectified Spirit, gtt. x.; of Refined Sugar, 3ss.; of Hot Water, Oj. [wine measure]. The camphor is to be first rubbed with the spirit, then with the sugar; lastly, add the water during the trituration, and filter the mixture through bibulous paper, D.—The Edinburgh College employs Camphor, 9j.; Sweet Almonds, and Pure Sugar, of each, 3ss.; Water, Oj. Sleep the almonds in hot water, and peel them ; rub the camphor and sugar well together in a mortar; add the almonds; beat the whole into a smooth pulp; add the water gradually, with constant stirring, and then strain, E.)—The camphor mixture kept in the shops is often prepared by suspending camphor in water without the intervention of any third body. The quantity of this substance dissolved is exceedingly small. The rectified spirit employed by the London and Dublin Colleges serves to promote the pulverization, and, very slightly perhaps, ihe solution of the camphor. Sugar also assists its diffusion through water. The preparation of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia is, in fact, an emulsion. None of these artificial mixtures, however, are very permanent, and the quantity of camphor which remains in solution is so small, that the liquid can scarcely be said to possess more than the flavour and odour of camphor. Hence its principal value is as a vehicle for the exhibition of other medi- cines. Its usual dose is from f3j. to fgij__[The Aqua Camphors of the U. S. P. is thus prepared :—camphor, two drachms ; alcohol, forty minims ; carbonate of magnesia, a drachm; distilled water, two pints. Rub the camphor first with the alcohol, afterwards with the carbonate of magnesia, and lastly with the water gradually added ; then filter through paper.] t MISTURA CAMPHORS CUM MAGNESIA, E. D. Camphor Mixture with Mag- nesia.—(Camphor, gr. x. [gr. xij. D.] ; Carbonate of Magnesia, gr. xxv. [3ss. D.] ; Water, fjvj. Triturate the camphor and carbonate of magnesia together, adding the water gradually.) — The carbonate of magnesia promotes the THE CAMPHOR TREE. 261 solution of the camphor in water. This mixture, therefore, holds a larger quan- tity of camphor in solution than the previous one. A minute portion of magne- sia is also dissolved. As the magnesian carbonate is not separated by filtration, it gives to the mixture antacid properties, in addition to those qualities which this preparation derives from the camphor. " In addition to the use of the simple camphor mixture, this preparation has been found very beneficial in the uric acid diathesis, and also in irritations of the neck of the urinary bladder, particularly when given in combination with hyoscyamus." (Dr. Montgomery, Observ. on the Dubl. Pharm.) The dose is f 3ss. to f 3j. I. TINCTURA CAMPIIORJE, L. E. (U. S.); Tinctura Camphorce, sive Spiritus Camphoratus, D.; Spiritus Camphorce; Spirit of Camphor; Camphorated Spi- rits'of Wive, offic.—(Camphor, 3v. (3iv. U. S.) [3j. D.; in small fragments, 3'jss. E.]; Rectified Spirit, Oij. [Oss. wine measure, D.] Mix, that the camphor may be dissolved.)—The principal use of this preparation is as a stimulant and ano- dyne liniment in sprains and bruises, chilblains, chronic rheumatism, and para- lysis. Water immediately decomposes it, separating the greater part of the cam- phor, but holding in solution a minute portion, thereby forming an extemporane- ous camphor mixture. By the aid of sugar or mucilage, the greater part of the camphor may be suspended in water. Employed in this form, we may give tinc- ture of camphor internally, in doses from rt£x. to f'3j. 4. TINCTURA CAMPHORJl COMPOSITA, L.; Tinctura Opii camphorata, E. D.; Elixir Paregoricum; Paregoric Elixir, offic.—(Camphor, Bijss. [9ij. D.~]; Opium, powdered, [sliced, E.] gr. Ixxij. [3j. D., B'iv. E.]; Benzoic Acid, gr. lxxij. [Biv. E. 3j. D.] ; Oil of Anise, f3j.; Proof Spirit, Oij. [wine measure, D.] Ma- cerate for fourteen [seven, E.] days, and filter.)—This is a very valuable prepa- ration, and is extensively employed both by the public and the profession. Its active ingredient is opium. The principal use of it is to allay troublesome cough unconnected with any active inflammatory symptoms. It diminishes the sensi- bility of the bronchial membrane to the influence of cold air, checks profuse se- cretion, and allays spasmodic cough. Dose, f 3j. to f 3iij- A fluid ounce contains nearly two grains of opium. The name given to this preparation by the London College, though less correct than that of the Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges, is, I conceive, much more convenient; since it enables us to prescribe opium, with- out the knowledge of the patient—no mean advantage in cases where a strong prejudice exists in the mind of the patient or his friends to the use of this impor- tant narcotic. Furthermore, it is less likely to give rise to serious and fatal errors in dispensing. In a case mentioned by Dr. M. Good, (Hist, of Med. 1795, App. p. 14,) laudanum was served, by an ignorant dispenser, for tinct. opii camph. The error proved fatal to the patient.—[For the formula of U. S. P. see prep. of Opium.] §. LINIMENTUM CAMPHOKjE, L. E. (U.S.); Oleum CdmpkoratumtD.; Cam- phor Liniment, offic.—(Camphor, 3j. [3j. D.] ; Olive Oil, f.3iv. [3j. D.] Shake ihem together until they are mixed, L. Rub them together [in a mortar, E.] until the camphor is dissolved, E. D.)—A stimulant and anodyne embrocation in sprains, bruises, and rheumatic and other local pains. In glandular enlargements it is used as a resolvent. 6. LINIMENTUM CAMPIIORyE COMPOSITUM, L. D.; Compound Liniment of Cam- phor— (Camphor, 3ijss. [3ij- D.] ; Solution of Ammonia, f3vijss. [f3vj. D.]; Spirit of Lavender, Oj. [wine measure, D.] Mix the solution of ammonia with ihe spirit ; then let a pint distil from a glass retort, with a slow fire; lastly, dis- solve the camphor in it.)—A powerful stimulant and rubefacient, producing, when freely used, considerable irritation and inflammation. It is applicable in the same cases as the simple camphor liniment and the liniment of ammonia (vol. i. p. 287). From both of these compounds it differs in not being greasy. "I have used," says Dr. Montgomery (op. supra cit.), "a liniment composed of two parts of this and one of turpentine, with children, as a substitute for a blister, and with 262 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. good effect; or, with equal parts of the anodyne liniment, I have found it highly beneficial in the removal of those distressing pains in the back which so frequently annoy women about the close of their pregnancy." 4. SAS'SAFRAS OFFICINALE, Nees, E.—THE SASSAFRAS TREE. Laurus Sassafras, Linn., L. D. Sex. Syst. Enneandria, Monogynia. (Radix, L.—The Root, E.—Lignum. Radiv, et Oleum volatile, D.) [Sassafras Medulla, Sassafras Radicis Cortex, U. S.] History.—Sassafras wood is mentioned by Monardes, (Hist. Sim.pl. 'Med. 1569-74,) who states that it had been recently introduced into Spain from Florida. It was, however, first brought to Europe by the French. (Alston's Lect. on the Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 51.) Botany. Gen. char.—Dioecious. Calyx six-parted, membranous ; segments equal, permanent at the base. Males : Fertile stamens nine, in three rows, the three inner with double-stalked distinct glands at the base. Anthers linear, four- celled, all looking inwards. Females with as many sterile stamens as the male, or fewer ; the inner often confluent. Fruit succulent, placed on the thick fleshy apex of the peduncle, and seated in the torn unchanged calyx.—Flowers yellow, before the leaves. Leaves deciduous (Lindley). Composition.—Neither the wood nor the bark of sassafras has been analyzed. Both contain volatile oil. Volatile Oil (see below). Physiological Effects.—The wood and the bark are stimulant and sudorific. Taken in the form of infusion, and assisted by warm clothing and tepid drinks, they excite the vascular system and prove sudorific. They owe their activity to the volatile oil, which possesses acrid properties. Uses.—Sassafras is employed as a sudorific and alterative in cutaneous, rheu- matic, and venereal diseases. On account of its stimulant properties it is inad- missible in febrile or inflammatory conditions of the system. It is rarely or never used alone, but generally in combination with sarsaparilla and guaiacum. Administration.—Sassafras is administered in the form of oil or infusion. The dose of the oil is from two to ten drops. Sassafras tea, flavoured with milk and sugar, is sold at daybreak in the streets of London, under the name of saloop. Sassafras is a constituent of the Decoctum Sarzce Compositum; but the volatile oil is dissipated by boiling (p. 140). [The pith of the young shoots of sassafras contains a large amount of muci- lage, which is readily yielded to water by maceration. This solution is employed as a soothing collyrium in irritation of the eye or inflammation, or as an appli- cation to mucous surfaces ; a drachm to three or four ounces of water may be directed.—J. C] OLEUM SASSAFRAS, D. (U. S.); Volatile Oil of Sassafras officinale, E., Oil of Sassafras.—(Obtained by submitting the wood [bark] to distillation with water.) —It is colourless, but, by keeping, becomes yellow or red. Its smell is that of sassafras ; its taste is hot. Sp. gr. 1-094. Water separates it into two oils, one lighter, the other heavier than water. By keeping, it deposits crystals (stea- roptene), which are readily soluble. Oil of sassafras is rendered orange-red by nitric acid. It is said to be adulterated with oil of lavender or oil of turpentine (Bonastre, Journ. de Pharm. vol. xiv.); but the statement, I suspect, does not apply to the oil found in English commerce. Oil of sassafras is stimulant and diaphoretic. It may be employed in chronic rheumatism, cutaneous diseases, and venereal maladies. It is a constituent of the Compound Extract of Sarsa- parilla, p. 142. SWEET BAY. 263 5. LAU'RUS NOB'ILIS, Linn., L. D.—THE SWEET BAY. Sex. Syst. Enneandria, Monogynia. (Baccse. Folia, L. D.) History.—The bay-tree is mentioned, though erroneously, in our translation of the Bible (Psalms, xxxvi. 35, 36); the Hebrew word, translated bay, meaning native. (Carpenter's Script. Nat. Hist.) Hippocrates (opera, pp. 267, 621, 623, &c. ed. Foes.) used both the leaves and berries of the bay-tree (Suepvrt) in medicine. Bay-leaf is analogous to the Malabathrum of the ancients. (Royle, Hindoo Med. pp. 32 and 85.) Botany. Gen. char.—Flowers dioecious or hermaphrodite, involucrated. Calyx four-parted ; segments equal, deciduous. Fertile stamens twelve, in three rows ; the outer alternate with the segments of the calyx ; all with two glands in the middle or above it. Anthers oblong, two-celled, all looking inwards. Female Flowers, with two to four castrated males, surrounding the ovary. Stigma capitate. Fruit succulent, seated in the irregular base of the calyx.— Umbels axillary, stalked. Leaf buds with valvate papery scales. Leaves ever- green (Lindley). Sp. char.—The only species. A bush or small tree. Bark aromatic, rather bilter. Leaves alternate,.lan- ceolate, acute, or acuminate, wavy at the edge, somewhat coriaceous. Flowers yellowish. Fruit (called by Nees a one-seeded fleshy berry, by De Candolle a drupe) bluish-black, oval, size of a small cherry. Seed pendulous; funiculus compressed, ascending from the base of the fruit, and attached at the top of the testa ; testa papery ; tunica interna very thin ; embryo exalbuminous, composed of two large oleaginous cotyledons enclosing superiorly the radicle. Hah.—South of Europe. Cultivated in gardens. Description.—Bay leaves (folia lauri) have a bitter, aromatic taste, and a somewhat aromatic odour. Their infusion reddens litmus. Dried bay-berries (baccce lauri, offic.) are covered externally by a dark-brown, brittle coat, which is produced by the epidermis and succulent covering of the fruit. Composition.—In 1824 bay-berries were analyzed by Bonastre, (Journ. de Pharm. x. 30,) who found the constituents to be—Volatile oil 0-8, laurin l'O, fixed oil 12-8, wax (stearin) 7-1, resin 1-6, uncrystallizable sugar 0-4, gummy extractive 17-2, bassorin 6-4, starch 25-9, woody fibre 18-8, soluble albumen traces, an acid 0-1, water 6-4, salts 1*5.—The ashes (amounting to 1-2) con- sisted of carbonate of potash and the carbonate and phosphate of lime. 1. Volatile Oil of Laurel Berries; Oil of Sweet Bay.—Obtained from the berries by dis- tillation with water. The crude oil is pale yellow, transparent, readily soluble in alcohol and ether. By redisiillation it yields two isomeric oils (C30 H'° O), one having a sp. gr. 0-857, the other 0-885, while a brown balsamic matter remains in the retort. (Brandes, Pharmaceutisches Central. Blatt fiir 1840, S. 344.) 2. Laurin ; Camphor of the Bay-berry.—A crystalline solid, fusible and volatile. Has an acrid bitter taste, and an odour analogous to that of the volatile oil. It is soluble in ether and in boil- ing alcohol. Sulphuric acid renders it yellow; nitric acid liquefies it. Alkalis are without action on it. It is extracted from bay berries by rectified alcohol. 3. Fixed Oil of Bays (see below). Physiological Effects.—The berries, leaves, and oil, are said to possess aromatic, stimulant, and narcotic properties. The leaves, in large doses, prove emetic. (Merat and De Lens, Diet. Univ. de Mat. Med. t. iv. p. 62.) USES,—Bay berries or leaves are rarely, if ever, used in medicine in this country. They might, therefore, with great propriety, be expunged from the Pharmacopoeia. The leaves are employed by the cook on account of their fla- vour. Both leaves and berries have been used to strengthen the stomach, to expel flatus, and to promote the catamenial discharge. Administration.—Both berries and leaves are used in the form of infusion. OLEUM LAURI; Oleum Lauri expressum; Oleum Laurinum ; Laurel Fat; 264 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Oil of Bays. This may be obtained from either the fresh or dried berries. Du- hamel (Traite des Arbres et Arbustes qui les cultivent en France en pleine Terre, t. i. p. 351) slates that it is obtained from the fresh and ripe berries, by bruising them in a mortar, boiling them for three hours in water, and then pressing them in a sack. The expressed oil is mixed with the decoction, on which, when cold, the butyraceous oil is found floating. From the dried berries it is procured by exposing them to the vapour of water until they are thoroughly soaked, and then rapidly subjecting them to the press between heated metallic plates. By the latter method they yield one-fifth of their weight of oil. (Soubeiran, Nouveau Traite de Pharmacie, t. ii. p. 32, 2de ed.) Oil of bays is imported in barrels from Trieste. In 1839, duty (3d. per lb.) was paid on 1737 lbs. of it. It has a buty- raceous consistence, and a granular appearance. Its colour is greenish; its odour is that of the berries. It is partially soluble in alcohol, completely so in ether. With alkalis it forms soap. It is occasionally employed externally as a stimula- ting liniment in sprains and bruises, and in paralysis. It has also been used to relieve colic, and against deafness.. (Murray, Apparatus Medicam. vol. iv. p. 533.) Its principal use, however, is in veterinary medicine. OTHER MEDICINAIi IiAURACE^E. 1. Culilawan or Clove Bark is obtained from Cinnamomum Culilawan, Blume, a native of the Indian islands. Its properties are analogous to those of Cassia lignea. (See Pereira, in Lind- ley's Flora Medica, p. 331.) It is rarely met with in London. 2. I have received from Dr. Martiny of Hesse Darmstadt a bark marked Culilawan papuanus. It is, I presume, the produce of Cinnamomum xarthoneuron of Blume. 3. Massoy Bark (in commerce Misoi) is the cortex oninus of Rumphius. It is used in the cosmetics of the natives of India. (Crawford, Hist, of the Ind. Archip. vol. i. p. 510.) I have never found it in the London shops. 4. Sintoc Bark is the produce of Cinnamomum Sintoc, Blume. Its properties are analogous to those of Culilawan. 5. The Folia Malabathri of India are obtained from Cinnamomum nitidum, Hooker, and Blume; and from C. Tamala. They are aromatic tonics, but are not found in the London market. 6. Sassafras nuts are the seeds of some Lauraceous plant. " They were imported from Brazil into Stockholm in the middle of the last century, and were found a valuable tonic and astringent medicine: during the continental war they were used as a bad substitute for nutmegs." They are still to be found in some of the old drug houses of London. It is doubtful from what plant they are obtained. (Lindley's Flora Medica, pp. 335 and 336.) Order XXXII__MYRISTICACEiE, Lindley.—THE NUTMEG TRIBE. Myristiceje, R. Brown. Essential Character.— Flowers completely unisexual. Calyx trifid, rarely quadrifid; with valvular aestivation. Males:—Filaments either separate, or completely united in a cylinder. Anthers three to twelve, two-celled, turned outwards, and bursting longitudinally; either con- nate or distinct. Female:—Calyx deciduous. Ovary superior, sessile, wilh a single erect ovule; style very short; stigma somewhat lobed. Fruit baccate, dehiscent, two-valved. Seed nut-like, enveloped in a many-parted aril; albumen ruminate, between fatty and fleshy; embryo small; cotyledons foliaceous; radicle inferior; plumule conspicuous.— Tropical trees, often yielding a red juice. Leaves alternate, without stipules, not dotted, quite entire, stalked, cori- aceous; usually, when full-grown, covered beneath with a close down. Inflorescence axillary or terminal, in racemes, glomerules, or panicles; the flowers often each with one short cucul- late bract. Calyx coriaceous, mostly downy outside, with the hairs sometimes stellate, smooth in the inside. (Lindley, from R. Brown chiefly.) Properties.—The bark and pericarp contain an acrid juice. The seed (!) and arillus abound in an aromatic volatile oil, which is mixed with a fixed oil. THE NUTMEG TREE. 265 Fig. 193. MYRISTICA OFFICINALIS, Linn., E.—THE NUTMEG TREE. Myristica moschata, Thunberg, L. D. Sex. Syst. Dicecia, Monadelpliia. (Nuclei; et oleum dcstillatum nuclei, L.—Kernel of the fruit; volatile oil from the kernel; concrete expressed oil from the kernel, £.—Nucleus. Oleum volatile et involucrum macis dictum, D.) (Myristica, Nutmeg, U. S.) History.—Both nutmegs and mace were unknown to the ancient Greeks and Romans ; unless, indeed, the xupaxov of Theophrastus, (Hist. Plant, lib. ix. cap. 7,) —the cinnamum, quod comacum appelant of Pliny, (Hist. Nat. lib. xii. cap. 63, ed. Valp.) be our nutmeg, as some have suggested. Both mace and nutmegs are noticed by Avicenna. (Lib. ii. tract ii. cap. 436 and 503.) Botany. Gen. char.—Flowers dioecious. Calyx urceolate, three-toothed. Males;—Filaments monadelphous; anthers six to ten, connate. Females:— Ovary simple; style none ; stigma two-lobed. Pericarp fleshy, two-valved, one- seeded. Seed enveloped in a fleshy aril (Lindley). Sp. char*—Leaves oblong, acuminate, smooth, whitish beneath, and with simple nerves. Peduncles one to four-flowered. A tree from 20 to 25 feet high, similar in appear- ance to a pear tree. Bark dark grayish-green, smooth, with a yellowish juice. Leaves aromatic. Racemes axillary. Peduncles and pedicels glabrous, the latter with a quickly deciduous ovate bract at its summit, often pressed close to the flower. Male flowers :—Three to five on a peduncle ; calyx fleshy, pale yellow, with a reddish pubescence. Female flowers scarcely different from the males, except that the pedicel is frequently solitary. about the size a longitudinal by two nearly (mace) large, fleshy, branching, scarlet; when dry, yellow, brittle, and somewhat horny. Nucleus or nut (nutmeg in the shell, offic.) within the arillus, oval or ovate : its outer coat (testa, tunica externa ; or shell) is dark brown, hard, glossy, marked by the mace: its inner coat (endopleura seu tunica interna) closely invests the seeds and dips down into the substance of the albumen, giving it a marbled or ruminated ap- pearance. The great body of the nutmeg consists of the oleagi- nous albumen; its so-called veins are processes of the endo- pleura, which have a reddish-brown colour, and abound in oil. Embryo at the base of the seed; radicle inferior, hemispherical; cotyledons two, large, flat, foliaceous, fan-shaped ; plumule two- lobed. Hab.—Moluccas, especially the Isle of Banda. The Dutch have endeavoured to confine the nutmeg tree to three of the little cluster of the Banda isles, viz. Pulo Ay, Banda, and Nera. Curing.—Mace is prepared for the market by separating it from the nutmeg, and drying it for some days in the sun, when its rich crimson changes to. dusty yellow. Nutmeg requires more care in curing, on account of the attacks of an insect (the nutmeg-insect). They are first sun-dried for three days: then laid on hurdles and smoke-dried by a slow wood-fire for three months, at the end of which time they are freed from their shells, and dipped twice or thrice in lime water, or rather a thick mixture of lime and water, to secure them from the depredations of insects. It is said that while the nutmegs are in their shells, vol. ii. 23 Fruit pyriform, smooth externally, of a peach, marked externally by groove. Pericarp fleshy, dehiscing equal longitudinal valves. Arillus Myristica officinalis. Nutmeg in the shell surrounded by the Mace. 266 ELEMENTS OP MATERIA MEDICA. they are secure from the attack of these insects. (Crawford, Hist, of the Ind. Archip.) Description. 1. Of Nutmegs. (Nuces moschatce.)—The ordinary nutmeg of commerce (formerly called the female nutmeg,—nux moschata fazmina, Clusius) rarely exceeds an inch in length. Its shape is roundish or elliptical, like that of the French olive. Externally it is marked with reticular furrows. The colour of the projecting parts is brownish ; that of the depression sometimes whitish, from the lime used in curing (limed nutmegs), at other times brown (brown nutmegs). Internally it is pale reddish-gray, with red veins. The odour is strong, but pleasant, peculiar, and aromatic. The taste is agreeable and aro- matic. Occasionally this kind of nutmeg is imported in the shell. A lono- kind of nutmeg, called, in the shops, the wild nutmeg in the shell (the male nutmeg,—nux moschata mas. Clusius), is frequently met with. Its shape is oblong, like that of the date ; its length about an inch and a half. Its shell is bony, somewhat brittle, externally shiny and brown, internally dull, grayish- white. The contained seed is paler-coloured, less furrowed, and less aromatic, than in the preceding sort. Sometimes these nutmegs are imported with the mace dried around them (wild nutmegs covered with mace). Long nutmegs are said to be the produce of Myristica officinalis var. sphenocarpa (Dierbach). (Nees and Ebermaier, Handb. der Med. Pharm. Bot.) A specimen of the fruit and leaves, preserved in spirit, in the Banksian Collection, is marked the long nutmeg from Sumatra. 2. Of Mace. (Macis.)—Mace, as met with in the shops, is a flat, irregularly slit, smooth, slightly flexible or brittle membrane, of a pale cinnamon-yellow colour, and an odour and taste; analogous to those of nutmegs. Under the name of False Mace I have received from Dr. Martiny a red mace, -with scarcely any flavour or odour. It is perhaps the mace of the long nutmeg • just described. Commerce.—Nutmegs and mace are imported from the Indian Archipelago either directly or indirectly by the Cape of Good Hope or Holland. In 1840, the ■duty of 2s. Qa. per lb. was paid on 114,160 lbs. of nutmegs, and on 16,333 lbs. of mace. Composition.—Nutmegs were analyzed, in 1804, by Schrader (Pfaff, Mat. Med. Bd. iv. S. 210); and, in 1823, by Bonastre (Journ. de Pharm. t. ix. p. 281). In 1824 an analysis of mace was made by N. E. Henry (Journ. de Pharm. t. x. p. 281). NOTMEQ. Schrader's Analysis. Light volatile oil............. 270 Heavy ditto.................. 052 Expressed, reddish, soft oil ... 1041 White solid oil............... 1772 Gummy extract.............. 25-00 Resin........................ 312 Ligneous fibre................34-38 Loss......................... 6-25 Bonastre's Analysis. Volatile oil................... 6-0 Liquidfat..................... 7-6 Solid fat...................... 240 Acid (? )...................... 0-8 Starch........................ 2-4 Gum.......................... 1-2 Ligneous fibre.................54-0 Loss.......................... 40 Mace. JV. E. Henry's Analysis. Volatile oil. Red fat oil soluble in alcohol. Yellow ditto insoluble in ditto. Alcoholic extractive. Amidin. Ligneous fibre with lime. Mace. Nutmeg......................10000 ..............................1000 1. Volatile Oil of Nutmegs. J 2. Volatile Oil of Mace. > See p. 267. 3. Fixed Oil of Nutmegs. } Chemical Characteristics.—The presence of starch in both nutmegs and mace may be detected by a solution of iodine, which gives them a blue tint (iodide of starch). Both of these substances yield, by distillation with water, a volatile oil, characterized by its peculiar odour ; and both yield, by expression, a fixed butyraeeous oil. Physiological Effects.—The activity of both nutmegs and mace depends on the volatile oil which they contain. Swallowed in moderate quantities, they produce the before-described effects of the spices (see vol. i. p. 189). In large doses they prove narcotic, and cause giddiness, delirium, precordial anxiety, THE NUTMEG TREE. 267 sleepiness, or actual stupor. Instances of this kind are mentioned by Bontius, (De Med. Indor.), Rumphius (Herb. Amboyn. vol. ii. p. 21), Lobel (quoted by Murray, App. Med. vol. vi. p. 145), Schmid (quoted by Murray, App. Med. vol. vi. p. 145), and CuIIen (Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 204). In the case related by the last-mentioned authority, two drachms of powdered nutmegs produced drowsiness, which gradually increased to complete stupor and insensibility. The patient con- tinued for several hours alternately delirious and sleeping, but ultimately reco- vered. Purkinje (quoted by Wibmer, Die Wirk. d. Arzneim. ii Gifte, Bd. iii. S. 308) has confirmed these statements by experiments made on himself. I am acquainted with a case in which the narcotic effects of a whole nutmeg have been several times experienced. Uses.—The principal consumption of nutmegs and mace is for dietetical pur- poses. They serve to flavour, and, by their stimulant properties, to assist the digestive process. Food highly seasoned with these substances may prove inju- rious in cerebral affections (apoplexy, for example), on account of their narcotic properties. Medicinally they are used, like other spices (see vol. i. p. 189), as stimulants, carminatives, and flavouring ingredients. Nutmeg is an important constituent in the confectio aromatica (see p. 250), so frequently employed as a cordial and ant- acid in bowel complaints. In mild cases of diarrhoea I frequently employ nutmeg as a substitute for opium. It may be taken in warm brandy and water, unless the use of spirit be contra-indicated. Administration.—Either nutmeg or mace may be taken to the extent of a scruple or half a drachm, in powder obtained by grating; or the volatile oil of these substances may be used, in doses of fnj. to TT],v. 1. OLEUM MYRISTIC/E, L. E. (U. S.); Oleum Nucis Moschatce; Essential Oil of Nutmeg. (Procured by submitting nutmegs and water to distillation.) It is usually imported. It is colourless or pale yellow, has the odour and taste of nut- megs, and a viscid consistence. By agitation with water, it separates into two oils, one lighter, the other heavier than water. By keeping, it deposits crystals of stcaroptene (myristicine), which are fusible at 212° F., volatile, soluble in alcohol, in ether, and in boiling water; from the latter liquid myristicine separates in a crystalline form as the liquid cools. According to Mulder, the stearoptene consists of C8 H16 O3. Volatile oil of nutmeg is seldom employed medicinally. Its dose is ny. to rriv., taken on sugar or dissolved in spirit. 2. OLEUM MACIDIS; Essential Oil of Mace. This is colourless or pale yellow, lighter than water, and has the flavour and odour of mace. Its composition, effects, and uses, are similar to those of nutmegs. %. MYRISTICjE ADEPS, E. Myristicce Oleum expressum, L. ;* Butter of Nutmegs; Expressed Oil of Nutmegs. In the shops it is usually denominated Expressed Oil of Mace. It is prepared by beating the nutmegs to a paste, which is to be enclosed in a bag, and then exposed to the vapour of water, and afterwards expressing by heated plates. It is imported in oblong cakes (covered by some monocotyledo- nous leaves, commonly called flag leaves), which have the shape of common bricks, but whose size is somewhat smaller. Its colour is orange, its consist- ence firm, its odour fragrant, like that of the seeds from which it is obtained. It is soluble in 4 parts of boiling alcohol. According to Schrader, 16 parts of butter of nutmeg are composed of Tallow-like Oil!, Yellow Oil 8£, and Volatile Oil -§. More recently it has been examined by Playfair, who states its composi- tion to be volatile oil, sericinc, a fat oil, and colouring matter. Cold alcohol dis- solves the volatile oil, the fat oil, and the colouring matter, leaving from 25 to 30 per cent, of sericine. 1 The London College has omitted it in the list of Materia Medica, though it is directed to be used in the preparation of Emplastrum Picis. The Edinburgh College has also committed an error respecting it; for while in the list of Materia Medica it is called Myristica Adeps, in the formula for the preparation of Emplastrum Picis it ii termed Oil of Mace. 268 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Sericine is a while crystalline fat, fusible at 87° F., and composed of sericic or myrislic acid (C28 H27 O3) and glycerine. It is soluble in hoi alcohol. Expressed oil of nutmegs is occasionally employed externally in chronic rheu- matism and palsy. It is a constituent of Emplastrum Picis. (See p. 185.) 4. SPIRITUS MYRISTICA, L. E. D. (U. S.) Spirit of Nutmeg.—Nutmegs, bruised, 3ijss. [gij. D. (U. S.)] ; Proof Spirit, cong. i. [wine measure, D.]; Water, Oj. [sufficient to prevent empyreuma, D.] Mix them [macerate for twenty-four hours, D.], then, [with a slow fire, L.] let a gallon distil.—It is frequently prepared by mixing volatile oil of nutmegs with proof spirit. It is cordial and carminative; and is employed in doses of f 3j. to f 3iv., as a pleasant addition to stimulant, narcotic, or purgative draughts. Order XXXIII.—THYMELACE^, Lindley.—THE MEZEREUM TRIBE. Thymele^, Jussieu. Essential Character.—Calyx inferior, tubular, coloured; the limb four-cleft, seldom five-cleft, with an imbricated aestivation. Corolla none, or sometimes scale-like petals in the orifice of the calyx. Stamens definite, inserted in the tube or its orifice, often eight, sometimes four, less frequently two; when equal in number to the segments of the calyx or fewer, opposite to them; anthers two-celled, dehiscing- lengthwise in the middle. Ovary solitary, with one solitary pen- dulous ovule; style one; stigma undivided. Fruit hard, dry, and nut-like, or drupaceous. Albumen none, or thin and fleshy; embryo straight; cotyledons plano-convex; radicle short, superior; plumule inconspicuous. — Stem shrubby, very seldom herbaceous, with tenacious bark. Leaves without stipules, alternate or opposite, entire. Flowers capitate or spiked, ter- minal or axillary, occasionally solitary (R. Brown). Properties.—The prevailing property of the plants of this order is acridity. DAPH'NE MEZEREUM, Linn., L. E. D.—COMMON MEZEREON OR SPURGE-OLIVE. Sex. Syst. Octandria, Monogynia. (Radicis cortex, L.—Root-bark, E.—Cortex, D.) (Mezereum, the Bark, U. S.) History.—Tragus (Hist. Stirpium. 1532) is the earliest author who mentions this plant. (Sprengel, Hist. Rei Herb. Prsef. xi.) He calls it Thymelcea. The mezereon of Avicenna (lib. 2ndus, tract. 2ndus, cap. 464), and of other Arabian authors, is declared, by C. Bauhin, to be Chamelcea tricocca (now called Cneorum tricoccon), a plant of the order Euphorbiacese; but it is probably identical with the ^ajA-sXai'a of Dioscorides, which is declared by Sibthorpe (Prod. Fl. Grcecce) to be Daphne oleoides. Botany. Gen. char.—Calyx four-lobed. Stamens eight. Styles short, ter- minal. Berry one-celled, one-seeded. (Bot. Gall.) Sp. ciiar.—Flowers naked on the stem, sessile, about three together. Leaves lanceolate, deciduous (Smith). Stem bushy, four or five feet high, with upright, alternate, smooth, tough, and pliant branches ; leafy while young. Leaves scattered, stalked, lanceolate, smooth, two inches long, appearing after the flowers, and soon accompanied by flower-buds for the next season. Flowers highly, and to many persons too powerfully, fra- grant, seated in little tufts on the naked branches, with several brown, smooth, ovate bracteas underneath. Calyx like a corolla in texture, crimson all over; the tube externally hairy. Berries scarlet.—There is a variety with white flowers, and the berries also vary to a yellow or orange hue. Hah.—Indigenous. Plentiful near Andover. Flowers in March. Description of the Bark.—The bark of the root (cortex radicis mezerei) is alone employed in this country. It is tough, pliable, and fibrous ; externally brown and corrugated; internally white and cottony. Its taste is at first sweetish, afterwards highly acrid : it has no odour. In Germany the bark of the stem and larger branches is removed in spring, folded in small bundles, and dried for me- dicinal use. Composition. — The bark of the stem was analyzed by C. G- Gmelin and Bar, (L. Gmelin's Handb. d. Chem. Bd. ii. S. 1317), and found to consist of THE SPURGE-OLIVE. 269 wax, an acrid resin, daphnin, a trace of volatile oil, yellow colouring principle, uncrystallizable but fermentable sugar, nitrogenous gummy matter, reddish- brown extractive, woody fibre, free malic acid, and malates of potash, lime, and magnesia. 1. Acrid Resin.—Obtained by boiling the bark in alcohol: when the solution cools, some wax is deposited. The supernatant liquor is to be evaporated, and the residual extract washed with water. The resin then left behind is dark-green, and soluble in both alcohol and ether. To this substance mezereon owes its acridity. There is, however, some reason to suspect that this resin is itself a compound of two principles, viz. an acrid, vesicating, fixed oil, and another substance. The resin is rendered soluble in water by means of the other constituents of the bark. 2. Daphnin.—A peculiar crystalline principle, having a bitter, slightly astringent taste. It is soluble in alcohol and ether, but possesses neither basic nor acid properties. Gmelin and Bar consider it to be analogous to asparagin. It is not the active principle of mezereon. Physiological Effects.—All parts of the plant, but more especially the bark and the fruit, are endowed with excessive acridity ; in virtue of which they cause irritation and inflammation in tissues to which they are applied. When swallowed, therefore, in large quantities, they prove poisonous. The topical action of meze- reon bark is that of an irritant, and, when the bark has been applied to the skin, vesicant. A decoction of mezereon bark, taken in moderate quantities, sometimes appears to promote the action of the secreting and exhaling organs (especially the kidneys and the skin). But Dr. Alex. Russell (Med. Observ. and Inq. vol. iii. p. 194) could not observe, upon the strictest inquiry, " that it sensibly increases any of the secretions, more than the same quantity of any small liquor would do." In some cases it proves laxative, where the patients are easily moved, and large doses disturb and irritate the stomach. Richter (Ausfuhr. Arzneimittell. Bd. ii. S. 193) says, that under the long-continued use of mezereon, the saliva acquires a peculiar odour. In larger doses it causes dryness and heat in the throat, in- creased saliva, pain in the stomach and bowels, and sometimes vomiting and purging; the stools being occasionally bloody. The urinary organs are some- times specifically affected by it; irritation, analogous to that produced by cantha- rides, being set up by it. An affection of the cerebro-spinal system (marked by great feebleness, giddiness, incapability of keeping the erect posture, and slight convulsive movements) is occasionally brought on (Vogt. Pharmakodynamik, Bd. ii. S. 305, 2te Aufl.) I am unacquainted with any cases which have proved fatal from the use of mezereon bark. Vicat (Orfila Toxicol. Gen.) mentions the case of a dropsical patient, in whom the wood caused diarrhoea, pain, and vomiting, which continued for six weeks. Uses.—In this country mezereon is scarcely ever employed alone. It is usually administered in conjunction with sarsaparilla (vide Decoctum Sarzce compositum, p. 131), and is employed as a sudorific and alterative in venereal, rheumatic, scrofulous, and chronic cutaneous diseases. Decoction of the root-bark of meze- reon was recommended to the notice of the profession, by Dr. Alexander Rus- sell (op. supra cit. vol. iii. p. 189), as a very efficacious remedy in cases of ve- nereal nodes and nocturnal pains. Dr. Home (Clin. Exper. and Hist.) also speaks of it as "a powerful deobstruent in all venereal tumours, of the scir-, rhous kind, where mercury has failed." But Mr. Pearson (Observ. on the Effects of Various Articles of the Mat. Med. 1800), after many years'observation of it, says, " I feel myself authorized to assert unequivocally, that the mezereum has not the power of curing the venereal disease in any one stage, or in any one form." Dr. CuIIen (Mat. Med.) employed it with success in some cutaneous dis- eases. As a topical remedy, it is sometimes applied to relieve toothache. It is occa- sionally used as a masticatory. Dr. Withering (Arrangement of Brit. Plants, vol. ii. p. 490, 7th ed.) cured a case of difficulty of swallowing (arising from a paralytic affection) by mezereon, which he directed to be chewed frequently. In 23* 270 elements of materia medica. France the bark of both Daphne Mezereum and D. Gnidium is used as a vesi- catory.1 The mode of applying it is this :—First soften the bark by soaking it in hot vinegar and water, and then apply it to the part by a compress and ban- dage. The application is to be renewed night and morning, until vesication is produced. Administration___Mezereon is administered in the form of decoction. As a masticatory, two grains of the bark may be chewed. Antidote.—In a case of poisoning by mezereon, evacuate the contents of the stomach as speedily as possible, and give emollient drinks, opiates, and the vege- table acids. To counteract inflammatory symptoms, the usual antiphlogistic treat- ment should be adopted. DECOCTUM MEZEREI, E. D.; Decoction of Mezereon.—(Mezereon bark, in chips, 3ij.; Liquorice root, bruised, 3ss.; Water, Oij. [Oiij. wine measure, D.] Mix them, and boil down with a gentle heat to a pint and a half [two pints wine mea- sure, D.] and strain.)—Stimulant and sudorific. Used in chronic rheumatism, and secondary syphilis. Dose f3"j. to f3iv. three or four times a day. OTHER MEDICINAL THTIIELACE^E. 1. Daphne Gnidium is the QvfxtKttta., or Thymelcea, of Dioscorides, whose fruit is the jcojcxo; kiiS'ios, or Gnidian berry, used by Hippocrates. Its properties are similar to those of D. Meze- reum. In France the bark (called garou) is employed, in the way before described, as a vesica- tory. 2. Daphne Laureola is an indigenous plant, having yellowish-green flowers and black berries. Its effects are analogous to the last-mentioned species. 3. Lagetta Lintearia, or the Lace Bark Tree, possesses the medicinal properties of mezereon, and has been used in the same cases (Wright, Med. Plants of Jamaica). Its bark may be se- parated into 20, 30, or more laminse, which are fine and white, like gauze: of these, caps, ruf- fles, and even whole suits of ladies' clothes, have been made (Sloane's Nat. Hist, of Jamaica, vol. ii. p. 22). Order XXXIV—POLYGONACEiE, Lindley.— THE BUCKWHEAT TRIBE. POLYGONE/E, JuSSicU. Essential Character.—Calyx free, simple, persistent, monosepalous, deeply divided ; the seg- ments imbricate in (estivation, disposed in a double row; the inner opposite the sides of the ovary, the outer opposite the angles. Stamens definite, inserted into the base of the calyx. Anthers two-celled, four-furrowed, dehiscing laterally by a double chink. Ovary one, free. Styles numerous, or stigmas numerous, sessile. Cariopsis, or nut, one-seeded, generally trian- gular, more or less covered by the calyx. Embryo generally lateral, sometimes central, often curved. Albumen farinaceous. Radicle distinct from the hilum.—Herbaceous plants, rarely shrubs. Stems nodose. Leaves alternate, sheathing, or adnate to an intrafoliaceous sheath or ochrea : revolutc when young. (Bot. Gall.) Properties.—Oxalic acid is an abundant product of this order. In the free state, or rather in the form of a supersalt, it exists in the leaves and petioles, to which it communicates refresh- ing refrigerant qualities. In the root of rhubarb it is found in combination with lime. Tan- nic acid is another important principle of this order ; it exists in the roots, the stems, and the leaves. Colouring matter, in considerable quantity, exists in the roots. In many species the roots are purgative. Some species of polygonum contain a volatile acrid principle. Nutritive (mucilaginous) matters are yielded by several species. 1. RHE'UM, Linn.—ONE [OR MORE] UNDETERMINED SPECIES, JE. Rheum palmatum, L- D.—R. Undulatum, D. Sex. Syst. Enneandria, Monogynia. (Radix, L. E. D.) (Rheum, Rhubarb, U. S.) History—Dioscorides (lib. iii. cap. 11) speaks of a root which he calls Rha or Rheon ('gol 'p?jov), and which has been regarded by some as identical * Leroy, J. A., Essai sur VUsage de I Ecorce du Garou, ou Traite des Effets des Exutoires employes contre les Maladies rebelles. Paris, 1774. RHEUM. 271 with our rhubarb; but the description he has given of it does not apply to the latter substance, and it is therefore fair to presume some other root must be meant. " Rha, by some called Rheon, grows," says Dioscorides, " in those countries which are beyond the Bosphorus, and from which it is brought. It is a root which is black externally, like to great centaury, but smaller and redder, odour- less, loose or spongy, and somewhat smooth internally." Pliny (Hist. Nat. lib. xxvi. cap. 105, ed. Valp.) gives a similar account of it, under the name of Rha- coma: it comes, he says, from the countries beyond Pontus, resembles the black costus, is odourless, and has a hot, astringent taste. Prosper Alpinus (De Rha- pontico, 1612) was of opinion that the Rha of Dioscorides was the root of Rheum Rhaponticum, which Alpinus obtained from Thracia in 1608, A. D., and culti- vated at Pavia. The later Greek writers are supposed to have been acquainted with our rhubarb. Alexander of Tralles (lib. viii. cap. 3) is the first who speaks of it. He used it in weakness of the liver and dysentery. Paulus iEgineta seems to make a distinction between Rha and Rheon. For, he says that, in the crudi- ties and vomiting of pregnant women, we may give " the blood-wort, boiled in water, for drink ; and likewise dill, and the Pontic root, called Rha in the dialect of that country." (Adam's Translation of the Med. Works of Paulus, bk. i. ch. i.) In noticing the practice of the ancients, he says, " Alvine discharges they promoted by giving turpentine to the extent of an olive, when going to rest; or, when they wished to purge more effectually, by adding a little rhubarb'''' [Rheon]. (Adam's Translation of the Med. Works of Paulus, ch. 43.) This is the first notice of the purgative properties of rhubarb. In one of the Arabian authors (Mesue, the younger) we find three kinds of rhubarb mentioned :—the Indian, said to be the best; the Barbarian ; and the Turkish, which is the worst of all. Botany. Gen. char.—Calyx petaloid, six-parted, withering. Stamina about nine, inserted into the base of the calyx. Styles three, reflexed. Stigmas pel- tate, entire. Achenium three-cornered, winged, with the withered calyx at the base. Embryo in the centre of the albumen (Lindley). It is not yet ascertained what species of Rheum yields the officinal rhubarb. Several species now cultivated in this country, have been at different times declared to be, partially or wholly, the source of it. Formerly, Rheum Rhaponticum was'supposed to yield it. (Alston, Mat. Med. vol. i. p. 502.) In 1732, R. undulatum was sent from Russia to the Messrs. Jussieu at Paris, and to Rand of Chelsea, as the true rhubarb. This is the species which Linnasus described as R. Rhubar- barum. (Op. cit.) About 1750, at the desire of Kauw Boerhaave, first physician to the Empe- ror of Russia, the senate commissioned a Tartarian merchant, a dealer in rhubarb, to procure them some seeds of the genuine plant. This he did, or pretended to do; and, on sowing them, two species of Rheum were obtained, namely, the undulatum and the palmatum. (Murray, App. Med. vol. iv. p. 363.) In 1762, seeds of the latter species were received by Dr. Hope, of Edinburgh, from Dr. Mounsey, at Petersburgh: they were sown, and the plants cultivated with success. (Hope, Phil. Trans, voi. Iv. for the year 1765, p. 290.) The root of this spe- cies being found to agree, in many of its characters, with that of genuine rhubarb, led to the belief that the palmatum was the true species. The inquiries of Pallas, however, raised some doubts about the correctness of this opinion; for the Buchanans declared themselves unac- quainted with the leaves of the palmatum, and described the true plant as having round leaves, with a few incisions only at the margin. This description agreed best wilh Rheum compactum, the roots of which were declared, by Millar, who cultivated the plant, to be as good as foreign rhubarb. (Murray, 365-6.) Georgi says, that a Cossack pointed out to him the leaves of the R. undulatum as the true species. (Murray, p. 360.) These accounts were not satisfactory to the Russians; and in consequence, in 1790, Sievers, an apothecary, went to Siberia, under the auspices of Catherine II., with a view of settling the question; but, after four years of per- severing attempts to reach the country where the true rhubarb grew, or even to obtain the Beeds, he was obliged to be satisfied with negative results only. "My travels," says he, "as well as acquaintance with the Buchanans, have satisfied me that as yet nobody—that is, no scientific person—has seen the true rhubarb plant. All that is said of it, by the Jesuits, is miserable, confused stuff; all the seeds procured under the name of true rhubarb are false; all the plantations, from those of the Knight Murray down to the flower-pot of a private indivi- dual, will never yield true rhubarb. Until further determination, I hereby declare ail the de- 272 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. scriptions in all the Materia Medicas to be incorrect." (Duncan, Suppl. to the Edinb. New Disp. p. 89.) Himalayan rhubarb is obtained from several species of Rheum: viz. R. Emodi, (Wallich Bot. Mag. t. 3508); R. Webbianum, Royle (Illusi. of the Bot. of the Himal. Mount.) ; R. spiciforme, Royle; and R. Moorcraftianum, Royle. But there are no reasons for supposing that they yield any of the rhubarb of European commerce. It is not improbable that the species yielding the officinal rhubarb is yet undescribed. Dr. Royle (op. cit.), after referring to the accounts of different authors, as to the precise locality of the country yielding Russian rhubarb, concludes that it is within 95° of E. long, in 35° of N. latitude—that is, in the heart of Thibet. And he adds, "as no naturalist has visited this part, and neither seeds nor plants have been obtained thence, it is as yet unknown what species yields this rhubarb." Further, it is probable, I think, that the Russian and Chinese rhubarbs are procured from different species. Mr. Anderson, of the Apothecaries' Botanic Garden, Chelsea, has kindly furnished me with the fresh roots of thirteen species of Rheum, viz., R. palmatum, undulatum, compactum, Rha- ponticum, Emodi, crassinervium, capsicum, tataricum, hybridum, confluens, Fischeri, bardani- folium, and bullatum. Having carefully dried these by artificial heat, I found that one species only, viz., R. palmatum, closely resembled Asiatic rhubarb in the combined qualities of odour, colour, and marbling: R.undulatum agreed tolerably well in colour and marbling, but not in odour. It deserves, however, to be noticed, that the specimens examined were of unequal ages— some forming the root-stock, others root-branches of the respective plants—a circumstance which considerably diminishes the value of a comparative examination of them. Furthermore, all the samples were probably injured by the wet season. The root-branches of R. crassinervium (from a strong plant of six or seven years old, but which had not flowered) did not resemble Asiatic rhubarb in either colour or odour. Species.—1, Rheum palmatum, Linn., L. D.—" Leaves roundish-cordate, half palmate ; the lobes pinnatifid, acuminate, deep dull green, not wavy, but uneven, and very much wrinkled on the upper side, hardly scabrous at the edge, minutely downy on the under side ; sinus completely closed ; the lobes of the leaf standing forwards beyond it. Petiole pale green, marked with short purple lines, terete, obscurely channelled quite at the upper end. Flowering stems taller than those of any other species" (Lindley).—Perennial. Grows spontaneously in the Mon- golian empire, on the confines of China. (Murray, App. Med. vol. iv. p. 363.) Extensively cultivated near Banbury, in Oxfordshire, for the supply of English rhubarb to the London market. Its leaf-stalks make excellent tarts and puddings. Prof. Guibourt (Hist, des Drog.) observes, that of the roots of R. palmatum, undulatum, compactum, and Rhaponticum, those of the first species only possess the exact odour and taste (grittiness excepted) of the China rhubarb. But rhu- barb procured from this species cultivated in England is distinguished by several characters from Asiatic rhubarb. How far these may be the result of climate, I am not prepared to say. I. Rheum undulatum, Linn., D.—" Leaves oval, obtuse, extremely wavy, deep green, with veins purple at the base, often shorter than the petiole, distinctly and copiously downy on each side, looking as if frosted when young, scabrous at the edge ; sinus open, wedge-shaped, with the lower lobes of the leaves turned upwards. Petiole downy, blooded, semicylindrical, with elevated edges to the upper side, which is narrower at the upper than the lower end" (Lindley).— Perennial. Grows in Siberia (Georgi and Pallas, cited by Murray) (App. Med.) and China (Ammann, quoted by Lindley). Cultivated in France, and yields part of the French rhubarb. (Guibourt, Hist, des Drog.) It was formerly cultivated in Siberia as the real officinal plant; but, as genuine rhubarb could not be procured from it, its cultivation has been given up. (Guibourt, Hist, des Drog.) t Rheum compactum, Lind.—« Leaves heart-shaped, obtuse, and wavy, deep green, of a thick texture, scabrous at the margin, quite smooth on both sides, glossy and even on the upper sides; sinus nearly closed by the parenchyma. Petiole green, hardly tinged with red, except at the base, semicylindrical, a little compressed at the sides, with the upper side broad, flat, bordered by elevated edges, and of equal breadth at each end" (Lindley).—Perennial. Grows in Tartary and China. Cultivated in France, and yields part of the French rhu- RHEUM. 273 barb. (Guibourt, supra cit.) This rhubarb is a very fair imitation of that from China ; but is distinguished by its reddish tint, its different odour (common to it, to R. undulatum, and R. rhaponticum), its close and radiated marbling, its not tinging the saliva, and its not grating under the teeth. Fig. 195. Fig. 196. Rheum palmatum. Rheum compactum. 4. Rheum Emodi, Wallich; R. australe, Don—" Leaves cordate, acute, dull green, but little wavy, flatfish, very much wrinkled, distinctly rough, with coarse short hairs on each side; sinus of the base distinctly open, not wedge-shaped, but diverging at an obtuse angle, with the lobes nearly turned upwards. Petioles very rough, rounded angular, furrowed : with the upper side depressed, bordered by an elevated edge, and very much narrower at the upper than the lower end" (Lindley).—Perennial. Grows on the Himalays. Its stalks make excellent tarts and puddings. o). Rheum Webbianum. (Royle, lllust. of the Fig. 197. Bot. of the Him. Mountains, p. 318.) 6. Rheum spiciformc. (Royle, lllust. of tlie Bot. of the Him. Mountains, p. 318.) 7. Rheum Moorcroftianum. (Royle, lllust. of the Bot. of the Him. Mountains, p. 318.) These three are Himalayan species, R. Emodi and Webbianum furnish Himalayan rhubarb, whose properties are very different to those of officinal rhubarb. 8. R. Rhaponticum, Linn.—Grows in Thrace; borders of the Euxine Sea ; north of the Caspian ; Siberia, &c. Cultivated in this country for the leaf-stalks, which are used for tarts and pud- dings. Cultivated also in France, and yields part of the French rhubarb. 9. R. Crassincnium, Fischer.—Habitation un- Rheum Emodi. known. Its roots possess, according to Mr. An- derson, of the Apothecaries'Garden, Chelsea, the colour and odour of Turkey rhubarb. (Lindley, Fl. Med.) 10. R. leucorrhizum, Pallas; R. nanum, Sievers.—Said to yield White or lm- perial rhubarb. Preparation.—The method of curing or preparing Asiatic rhubarb for the market varies somewhat in different localities. In China it is as follows :—The 274 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. roots are dug up, cleansed, cut in pieces, and dried on stone tables heated beneath by a fire. During the process the roots are frequently turned. They are after- wards pierced, strung upon cords, and further dried in the sun. (Du Halde, Descrip. Geograph. et Hist, dela Chine, t. iii. p. 492.) In Tartary the Monguls cut the roots in small pieces, in order that they may dry the more readily, and make a hole in the middle of every piece, through which a cord is drawn, in order to suspend them in any convenient place. They hang them, for the most part, about their tents, and sometimes on the horns of their sheep. (Bell, Travels from St. Petersburgh to divers parts of Asia, vol. i. p. 311.) Sievers, however, states that the roots are cut in pieces, strung upon threads, and dried under sheds, so as to exclude the solar rays; and the same author tells us, that sometimes a year elapses from the time of their collection until they are ready for exportation. (Dun- can, Suppl. to the Edinb. New Disp. p. 88.) Description.—I am acquainted with six kinds of rhubarb, namely, Russian, Dutch-trimmed, Chinese, Himalayan, English, and French. l. Russian or Buciiarian Rhubarb; Turkey Rhubarb, offic. {radix rhei russici seu muscovitici, s. bucharici, s. sibirici, s. turcici.)—This kind of rhubarb is im- ported from St. Petersburgh. It is said formerly to have been brought by way of Natolia; hence the name of Turkey rhubarb, which it ordinarily bears in the shops. (Murray, App. Med. vol. iv. p. 379.) According to the treaty entered into between the Russians and Chinese, the com- merce between the two nations takes place at the frontiers. Kiachta is the Rus- sian, Maimatschin the Chinese, frontier town. All the so-called Russian rhubarb is brought to Kiachta by Bucharian merchants, who have entered into a contract to supply the government with that drug in exchange for furs. It is collected on that long chain of mountains of Tartary, destitute, for the most part, of woods, and which arises not far from the town of Selin, and extend to the south as far as the lake Kokonor, near Thibet. It is conveyed in woollen sacks, on camels, to Kiachta, where it is examined with much care, in the presence of the Bucharians, by the apothecary stationed at Kiachta for the purpose. The worm-eaten pieces are rejected, the others bored to ascertain their soundness, and all the damaged or decayed parts are cut away. In accordance with the terms of the contract, the pieces which do not pass the examination are burned ; the remainder is then transmitted to St. Petersburgh, and from thence to us. (Pallas, Voyages en differ. Prov. de VEmpire de Russie, t. iv. p. 216, et seq.) It is imported in boxes or cases, covered with a pitched cloth, on the outside of which is a hide. The size of the pieces is various; but, in commerce, the small ones are preferred, and they are, therefore, picked out, and sold as radix rhei turcici electa—the larger pieces and the dust being employed for powdering. Their shapes are various, being angular, rounded, irregular, &c. The external appear- ance of many of the pieces seems to show that the cortical portion of the root had been shaved off longitudinally by successive strokes of a knife ; hence the angular appearance of the external surface. Holes are observed in many of the pieces : some of them extended completely, others only partially, through. Those which extend only to the centre have been evidently made for the purpose of examining the condition of the interior of the pieces. Externally the pieces are covered with a bright yellow-coloured powder, usu- ally said to be produced by the mutual friction of the pieces in the chests, during their passage to this country; though many druggists believe it is derived from the process of rouncing (that is, shaking in a bag with powdered rhubarb), be- fore its exportation. The odour is strong and peculiar, but somewhat aromatic; it is considered by druggists to be so delicate, that in all wholesale drug-houses a pair of gloves is kept in the Russian rhubarb drawer, with which only are the assistants permitted to handle the pieces. When chewed it feels gritty under the teeth, from the presence of numerous crystals of oxalate of lime : it commu- RHEUM. 275 nicates a bright yellow colour to the saliva, and has a bitter, slightly astringent taste. Beneath the dust with which the pieces are covered, the surface has a reddish- white tint, owing to the intermixture of white and red parts. The yellowish- white parts have the form of lines or veins, which, by their union with each other, assume a reticular form. Irregularly scattered over the surface, we ob- serve small star-like spots and depressions, of a darker colour. The transverse fracture is uneven, and presents numerous brownish-red or dark carmine-coloured undulating veins. The longitudinal fracture is still more uneven, and shows the longitudinal direction of the veins, which are often interrupted with white. The surface obtained by cutting is more or less yellow, and often exposes the veins, disposed in groups. By boiling very thin slices of the root in water, and then submitting them to the microscope, we observe the cellular tissue, annular ducts, and numerous conglomerate raphides (clumps of crystals of Fig. 198. oxalate of lime). From 100 grs. of Russian rhubarb, Mr. Quekett procured between 35 and 40 grs. of these raphides. (Lindley's Introduction to Botany, 3d ed. p. 553.) Turpin considered the presence of these crystals sufficient to distin- guish Russian and Chinese rhubarb from that grown in Eu- rope ; but in some specimens of English rhubarb I have met with these crystals in as great abundance as in foreign rhu- barb. According to Raspail (Chim. Organ.), they are situ- ated in the interstices of the elongated cellular tissue; but this statement is erroneous, the situation of the crystals being in the interior of the cells. The powder of Russian rhubarb is of a bright-yellow %aZs -of J?xalate . r. , ... , . , . , . ,& J . of Lime in Russian colour, with a reddish tint; but, as met with in the shops, it Rhubarb. is almost invariably mixed with the powder of English rhu- barb. White or Imperial Rhubarb.—When Pallas was at Kiachta, the Bucharian merchants who supplied the crown with rhubarb, brought some pieces of rhu- barb as white as milk, with a sweet taste, and the same properties as rhubarb of the best quality. (Voyages, t. iv. p. 218.) It is not met with in English com- merce as a distinct kind; and it is almost unknown in Russia. (Grassmann, Pharm. Central-Blatt fur 1831, S. 584.) But in the chests of Russian rhubarb there are occasionally found pieces having an unusually white appearance: these I presume to be the kind alluded to. (Consult Goebel and Kunze, Pharm. Waa- renkunde.) White rhubarb is said to be the produce of R. leucorrhizum, Pallas (R. nanum, Sievers). 2. Dutch-trimmed or Batavian Rhubarb, offic. (Rhubarbe de Perse, Guibourt.) This kind of rhubarb is closely allied to, if it be not identical with, the preceding in its texture. In commerce, however, it is always regarded as distinct. It is imported from Canton and Singapore in chests, each containing from 130 to 140 lbs. It is probably Bucharian rhubarb of less fine quality, sent by way of Can- ton, as mentioned by Murray (App. Med. vol. iv. p. 379), and which,in conse- quence, has been usually confounded, by pharmacological writers, with Chinese rhubarb. In shape, size, and general appearance, it resembles the Russian kind; for the cortical portion of the root seems to have been separated by slicing and hence the pieces have the same angular appearance on the surface that the Rus- sian rhubarb has. The pieces are frequently perforated, and in the holes are found the remains of the cord by which the root has been suspended. In the drug-trade, this kind of rhubarb is said to be trimmed, and, according to the shape of the pieces, they are called fiats or rounds. The colour and weight of the pieces are variable. 3. China or East Indian Rhubarb, offic. (radix rhei chinensis, seu indid.)— 276 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. This kind is imported either directly from Canton, or indirectly by Singapore and other parts of the East Indies, and is probably the produce of China (espe- cially of the province of Se-tchuen—Du Halde; of Hoo-nan and Hoo-pih, as well as other provinces—Gutzlaff and Reed). It is imported in chests. The pieces are frequently cylindrical or roundish, but sometimes flattened; in trade they are distinguished as rounds and flats. They appear to have undergone a different process of preparation to that of Russian rhubarb. Thus the cortical portion of the root seems rather to have been scraped than sliced off, and hence the surface is not so angular; and on the worst pieces we observe the remains of the greenish-brown or blackish cortex. Among druggists, this kind of rhubarb is frequently termed half-trimmed or untrimmed rhubarb. The pieces are gene- rally perforated with holes, in many of which we find portions of the cords by which the pieces were suspended. These holes are smaller than those observed in Russian rhubarb, and that portion of the root forming their sides is usually dark-coloured, decayed, and of inferior quality. The best pieces are heavier and more compact than that of the Russian kind ; they are covered wilh an easily- separable yellow dust. When this is removed, we observe that the surface is not so regularly reticulated, is more of a yellowish-brown than reddish-white colour, and has coarser fibres than Russian rhubarb. On the finer pieces we notice nu- merous star-like spots or depressions. The fracture is uneven; the veins, espe- cially towards the middle, have a less determinate direction, and are of a duller or reddish-brown colour, and, in very bad pieces, of an umber-brown colour, with a gray substance between the veins. The odour of this species is much less powerful than that of Russian rhubarb, and is somewhat less aromatic. The taste, grittiness when chewed, and micro- scopic appearances, are similar to those of Russian rhubarb. The colour of the powder is of a more dull yellow or brownish cast. 4. Himalayan Rhubarb.—This is the produce, probably, of Rheum Emodi and Webbianum. The roots of R. spiciforme and Moorcroftianum, are lighter-co- loured and more compact in structure. My specimens were furnished by Dr. Wallich, who obtained them from the inhabitants of the Himalayas, who had strung the pieces around the necks of their mules. It has scarcely any resem- blance to the officinal rhubarb. The pieces are cylindrical, and are cut obliquely at the extremities; the cortex of the root is not removed; the colour is dark- brown, with a slight tint of yellow; they are without odour, and have a coarse fibrous texture. Dr. Royle (Illustr. of the Bot. of the Himal. Mount., p. 316) says that the Himalayan rhubarb makes its way into the plains of India through Kalsee, Almora, and Butan : it has, he adds, a spongy texture, and sells for only one-tenth of the price of the best rhubarb, resembling in quality the Russian, and wliich is found in India. Dr. Royle has kindly supplied me with the dried roots of R. Webbianum, the same as those referred to in the experiments of Mr. Twi- ning. (Trans. Med. and Phys. Soc. of Calcutta, vol. iii. p. 441.) They are short, transverse segments of the root-branches, of a dark-brownish colour, odourless or nearly so, with a very bitter astringent taste, and do not essentially differ from the roots given me by Dr. Wallich. 5. English Rhubarb (radix rhei anglici).—Two kinds of rhubarb are met with in the shops under the name of English rhubarb : one is dressed or trimmed, so as to resemble the Russian kind, and is, 1 believe, the produce of Rheum pal- matum ; the other is sometimes called stick rhubarb, and is said by Messrs. Ste- phenson and Churchill (Med. Bot. vol. i.) to be obtained from Rheum undulatum; but I suspect this statement to be erroneous. The dressed English rhubarb is the produce of Banbury, in Oxfordshire.1 1 The cultivation of rhubarb in Britain was long since recommended by Sir Wm. Fordyce, in a work enti- tled The Oreat Importance and proper Method of Cultivating and Curing Rhubarb in Britain, for Medical Pur- poses, Lond. 1784. RHEUM. 277 It is the kind frequently observed in the show-bottles of druggists' windows, and was formerly sold in Cheapside and the Poultry for " Turkey'rhubarb'," by persons dressed up as Turks. It occurs in various-sized and shaped pieces, which are trimmed and frequently perforated, so as to represent Russian rhubarb: some of the pieces are cylindrical in their form, and are evidently segments of cylinders; others are flat. This kind of rhubarb is very light, spongy (especially in the middle of the pieces), attractive of moisture, pasty under the pestle, and has a reddish or pinkish hue not observed in the Asiatic kinds. Internally it has usually a marbled appearance; the streaks are pinkish, parallel, and have a radiated dis- position; and in the centre of some of the larger pieces the texture is soft and woolly, and may be easily indented by the nail. Its taste is astringent and very mucilaginous; it is not at all, or only very slightly, gritty under the teeth: its odour is feeble, and more unpleasant than either the Russian or East Indian kinds. The microscope discovers in it, for the most part, very few crystals of oxalate of lime. The common stick English rhubarb is sold in herb shops. It occurs in angular or roundish pieces, of about five or six inches long, and an inch thick. When fractured, it presents the radiated appearance and the red-coloured streaks of the kind last mentioned. Its taste is astringent, but very mucilaginous: it is not gritty under the teeth; it breaks very short. English rhubarb is extensively employed by druggists to adulterate the powder of Asiatic rhubarb. 6. French Rhubarb (radix rhei gallici).—This kind of rhubarb is procured from Rheum rhaponticum, undulatum, and especially compactum. (Guibourt, Hist, des Drog. t. i. p. 569.) These are cultivated at Rheumpole, a place not far from Lorient, in the department of Morbihan. Rheum palmatum is no longer cultivated there. Through the kindness of Professor Guibourt, I possess two kinds of French rhubarb. One of these he calls fiat, and is probably the produce of R. rhaponticum ; the other he terms round, and is the produce of R. compactum. Commerce.—In 1831, the quantity of rhubarb imported from Russia was 6,901 lbs.; from the East Indies, 133,462 lbs. (Pari. Ret. No. 550, for 1833.) The quantities of rhubarb on which duty (Is. per lb.) has been paid during the last six years, are as follows (Trade List):. East Indian. Foreign. lbs. lbs- 32,515 10,647 36,836 7,752 44,669 5,946 37,026 7,402 22,575 12,525 16,745 22,203 Composition.—The most important analyses of rhubarb are those of Schrader (PfafFs Mat. Med. Bd. iii. S. 39), N. E.Henry (Bidl. d. Pharm. vi. 87), Brande (Quart. Journ. of Science, vol. x. p. 288), Hornemann (Berl. Jahrb. Bd. xxiii. 8, 252, 1822), Peretti (Journ. de Pharm. xiv. 536), Buchner and Herberger (Pharm. Central-Blatt far 1831, S. 789), Lucae (Pharm. Central-Blatt fur 1834, S. 78), O. Henry (Journ. de Pharm. xxii. 402), and Brandes (Pharm. Central- Blatt far 1836, p. 482). One hundred grains of the finest Russia rhubarb, according to Mr. Brande, lost 44-2 grs. by being repeatedly digested in alcohol (sp. gr. 0-815). By evaporation, the alcoholic solution yielded a residue of 36 grains (the loss 82 grs. may be ascribed to water), of which 10 grains (resin?) were insoluble in water. The rhubarb left after the action of alcohol weighed, when dried at 212° F., 55-8 grains. It yielded to water 31 grains (gum ?). The insoluble residue, weighing 24-8 grains, must have con- sisted of woody fibre, oxalate of lime, &c. It has been already stated (p. 275) that Mr. Quekett obtained from 35 to 40 per cent, of oxalate of lime from Russian rhubarb. vol. n. 24 278 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Bitter principle of Pfaff Yellow colouring mat ter of Henry........ Astringent extractive.. Oxidized tannin.... Mucilage........... Substance extracted by potash ley........... Oxalic acid........... Woody fibre.......... Moisture.............< Rhaponticin.......... Starch ................ Loss [water and odor ous matter?]........ Rhubarb.............. The woody fibre being incinerated, yielded Potash................ Charcoal.............. Silica................. Carbonate of magne- sia .................. Alumina with oxide of iron................. Carbonate of lime..... Ashes................. Horneman's Analyses. Lucae's Analysis. Russian. English | Sicilian [Chinese?] [English?] Rheum Emodi. 16042 9-583 14-687 1-458 10000 28-333 1042 14-583 3 333 0-939 14-375 9166 16-458 1-249 8333 30-416 0833 ; 15-416 3125 0-629 10-156 2-187 10-417 0833 3-542 41042 8-542 6-042 1-042 14-583 1-614 4-220 7-500 6-458 0-469 6-250 55-833 1-302 16-364 1-604 100-000 trace 0208 2-416 0-208 5-833 trace 0-208 0-416 0-208 0208 7-083 8-873 The quan- tities of potash, lime, alu- mina, and magnesia, were too small to be accurately determined 0-208 0155 0-208 0-572 3-854 4-997 Brandes'1 Analyses. Chinese Rhubarb. Pure rhabarberic acid....... 2-0 Impure ditto................. 7-5 Gallic acid with some rhabar- beric acid.................. 2-5 Tannin...................... 90 Colouring extractive......... 3-5 Uncrystallizable sugar, with tannin..................... 11-0 Starch and pectic acid........ 4-0 Gummy extractive, taken up by caustic potash........... 14-4 Pectic acid................... 4-0 Malate and gallate of lime... 1-1 Oxalate of lime.............. 14-0 Sulphate of potash and chlo- ride of potassium........... 1-5 Phosphate of lime with oxide of iron..................... 0-5 Silica....................... 10 Woody fibre................. 25-0 Water....................... 20 .............................1000 1. Odorous Matter of Rhubarb (Volatile Oil?)—In none of the analyses of rhubarb is any mention made of an odorous principle; yet such must exist. Professor Guibourt (Hist, des Drog. t. ii. p. 569, 3me ed.), however, ascribes the odour, colour, and taste of rhubarb to one and the same principle; but this opinion can scarcely be correct, since the degree of colour and odour bear no proportion to each other in different kinds of rhubarb. The odorous principle is probably a volatile oil, but it has not hitherto been isolated. Dr. Bressy announced, a few years since, to the Academie de Medecine, that he had separated it; but the committee appointed to repeat his experiments was unable to procure it by his process. (Diet, des Drog. t. iv. p. 425.) Zenneck (Pharm. Central-Blatt fur 1832, S. 237) says that the rhubarb odour is imitated by a mixture of nitric acid, aloes, and chloride of iron. 2. Yellow Colouring Matter of Rhubarb (Rhabarberic acid, Brandes; Rheumin, Hornemann; Rhabarberin, Geiger; Rhein, Auctor.)—Extracted from rhubarb in powder by means of ether, and obtained by distilling off the greater part of the ether from the tincture thus procured, and leaving the residue to spontaneous crystallization. The crystals are purified by repeated solutions and crystallizations in alcohol. When dry, they assume the form of a powder, having an intensely yellow colour, but being without any remarkable taste. Rhabarberic acid is unchanged in the air; heated, it fuses into a yellow fluid, which, by a continuance of the heat, becomes reddish. brown, evolves dense yellow vapours [pyro-rhabarberic acid?], and carbonizes. It requires more than 1000 parts of cold water to dissolve it, but is twice as soluble in boiling water. It is more soluble in alcohol and in ether: the solutions redden litmus. In cold oil of almonds and in oil of turpentine it is slightly soluble; but is much more so when these liquids are hot. It dissolves, with a dark red colour, in sulphuric and in nitric acids: water precipitates it from these solutions unchanged. Nitric acid attacks it with great difficulty. Alkaline solutions make it dark red, and generally (lime-water excepted) dissolve it. Alum renders it dark red. The alkaline solutions of it form, with acetate of lead, chloride of calcium, and chloride of barium, yellow precipitates; with sulphate of copper, violet, which, after some time, becomes blue. (Brandes and Geiger, op. cit. 1834, S. 607.) Brandes regards rhabarberic acid as the active principle of rhubarb. Six grains of the pure acid, given to a strong young man, caused griping, but did not purge. (Op. cit. 1836, S. 498.) Dulk is of opinion that the active principle of rhubarb is a difficultly crystallizable substance, which he terms Rhein, and which, by oxidation, becomes Rhabarberic acid. This acid, according to Brandes and Leber, consists of C3S H'9 O19. (Op. cit. 1839. S. 102-105.) 3. Astringent Matter (Tannic and Gallic Acids.) — The red veins are the seat of the astringent matter. This is proved by brushing the cut surface of rhubarb with a weak solution RHEUM. 279 of a ferruginous salt: the red veins only undergo a change of colour. From the observations of Brandes, it appears that the rhubarb contains gallic, as well as tannic, acid. 4. Bitter Principle.—Rhubarb contains a bitter principle; but most of the substances which have been announced as the bitter principle of rhubarb, under the name of caphopicrite (?from Kttqim, I exhale, and mitpoc, bitter), or rhabarberin, are themselves compounded of two or more principles. Thus, Pfaff's rhabarberin consists of uncrystallizable sugar, extractive, resin, rhabar- beric acid, and tannin. Henry's rhabarberin consists of resin and rhabarberic acid. Buchner and Herberger's rhabarberin is a mixture of extractive, uncrystallizable sugar, and rhabarberic acid. Carpenter's rhabarberin contains some rhabarberic acid (op. cit. 1836, S. 498). It would appear from the analysis of Brandes that the bitter principle is of the nature of resin; but Buchner (op. cit. S. 821,) admits the existence of a bitter extractive (caphopicrite), which is * soluble in water and alcohol, but is insoluble in ether. This extractive, he says, is in intimate combination with rhabarberic, tannic, and gallic acids; the compound thus formed being the resin of some chemists. It is obvious, therefore, that a further examination of the bitter matter is required to make out satisfactorily its nature. V 5. Rhaponticin.—A yellow, crystallizable, odourless, tasteless substance, obtained from the root of European [English ?] rhubarb. It it insoluble in cold water, ether, and the volatile oils, but soluble in 24 times its weight of boiling water, and twice its weight of absolute alcohol. (Berzelius, TraiU de Chim. vi. 205.) 6. Oxalate of Lime.—The conglomerate raphides before noticed (p. 275) are crystals of oxalate of lime. They may be separated in great abundance by boiling Russian or China rhubarb in water until the cohesion of the tissue is completely destroyed. When the decomposed tissue is well shaken with water, the crystals fall to the bottom of the vessel. Heated to redness, they are changed into carbonate of lime. A solution of them in diluted nitric acid, or a solu- tion obtained by boiling the crystals wilh a solution of carbonate of soda, forms, with nitrate of silver, a white precipitate (oxalate of silver), which explodes when heated. Chemical Characteristics.—If the powder of rhubarb be heated in a glass capsule over a lamp, an odorous yellow vapour (rhabarberic, or pyro-rhabarberic acid) is obtained, which communicates a red colour to a solution of caustic potash. The aqueous infusion of rhubarb forms, with the sesquichloride of iron, a green compound (tannate of iron); with a solution of gelatin, a copious yellow precipitate (tannate of gelatin), which is dissolved on the application of heat, or by the addition of an excess of gelatin ; with a solution of sulphate of quinia, a yellowish precipitate (tannate of quinia); with the alkalis (potash, soda, and ammonia) a red-coloured solution (soluble alkaline rhabarberates); with lime- water, a reddish precipitate (rhabarberate of lime) ; with the acids (the acetic excepted), precipitates (composed of rhabarberic acid and the precipitant); and other various metallic solutions (as of acetate of lead, protochloride of tin, pro- tonitrate of mercury, and the nitrate of silver), precipitates (principally metallic rhabarberates and tannates). Paper coloured by rhubarb is not affected by boracic acid, or by the borates rendered acid, whereas turmeric paper is reddened by these agents. (Faraday, Quart. Journ. of Science, vol. vi. p. 152.) A decoction of Russian, Dutch- trimmed, or of China rhubarb, becomes, with a solution of iodine, greenish-blue (iodide of starch) : after a few minutes the colour disappears, and no iodine can be detected in the liquor by starch, unless nitric acid be previously added. A decoction of English rhubarb is rendered, by a solution of iodine, intensely blue (iodide of starch), the colour not completely disappearing by standing. Physiological Effects, a. On Animals.—On the Solipedes rhubarb acts as a tonic, confining its action principally to the stomach, whose digestive power it augments. On the Camivora it operates, in doses of half a drachm, in the same way ; but, in doses of several drachms, as a purgative. On the larger Herbivora it may be given to the extent of several ounces without causing pur- gation. (Moiroud, Pharm. Veter. p. 260.) Tiedemann and Gmelin (Versuche it. d. Wege auf welch. Subst. aus. d. Magen. u. Darmk. gelang. S. 10-12,) detected it by its yellow colour in the serum of the blood of the mesenteric, splenic, and portal veins, and in the urine of dogs, to which rhubarb has been administered by the mouth. They failed to recognise it in the chyle. /3. On Man.—In small doses (as from four to eight grains) it acts as an astringent tonic, its operation being principally or wholly confined to the digestive 280 ELEMENTS of materia medica. organs. In relaxed conditions of these paits it promotes the appetite, assists the digestive process, improves the quality of the alvine secretions, and often restrains diarrhoea. In large doses (as from a scruple to a drachm) it operates, slowly and mildly, as a purgative, sometimes causing slight griping. It never inflames the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal, as jalap, scammony, colocynth, and some other drastic purgatives, are capable of doing. The constipation which follows its cathartic effect has been ascribed to the operation of its astringent matter. In febrile complaints and inflammatory diseases it sometimes accelerates ' the pulse, and raises the temperature of the body, whence the impropriety of its use in these cases. Its yellow colouring matter (rhabarberic acid) becomes absorbed, and may be recognised in the urine, by the yellow stain which this secretion produces on linen, and by the red colour which it assumes on the addi- tion of potash. By a more prolonged use of rhubarb the sweat (especially of the armpits) becomes tinged yellow. The milk of nurses who have taken it acquires a purgative property. Rhubarb has for a long period been considered to possess a specific influence over the liver, to promote the secretion of the bile, and to be useful in jaundice. These opinions, which, as Dr. Cullen (Mat. Med.) correctly observed, have no foundation either in theory or practice, arose from the absurd doctrine of signatures. Considered in relation to other medicinal agents, rhubarb holds an intermediate rank between the bitter tonics on the one hand, and the drastics on the other. From the first it is distinguished by its purgative properties ; from the latter, by its tonic operation and the mildness of its evacuant effects. As a purgative it is perhaps more closely allied to aloes than to any other cathartic in ordinary use; but is distinguished by its much milder operation, and its want of any specific action on the large intestines. The comparative power of several kinds of rhubarb has scarcely been ascer- tained with precision. The remarks above made apply to the Russian and Chinese varieties, whose power is about equal. From experiments made by Dr. Parry, at the Bath Hospital, it appears that the purgative qualities of the English rhubarb are scarcely so strong as those of the Russian and Chinese varieties; but the differ- ence is not great. (Stephenson and Churchill, Med. Bot.) Himalayan rhubarb is, according to Dr. Twining, (Trans. Med. and Phys. Soc. of Calcutta, vol. iii. p. 441,) almost equal to Russian rhubarb in its purgative effects; but it is less aromatic, though more astringent. Uses.—The remedial value of rhubarb depends on the mildness and safety of its operation, and on its tonic and astringent influence over the alimentary canal. 1. As a purgative.—There are many cases in which the above-mentioned qualities render rhubarb peculiarly valuable as a purgative. In mild cases of diarrhoea it sometimes proves peculiarly efficacious ; by first evacuating any irritating matter contained in the bowels, and afterwards acting as an astringent. Given at the commencement of the disease, it is a very popular remedy ; and though doubtless it is often employed unnecessarily (since, as Dr. CuIIen has justly observed, in many cases no further evacuation is necessary or proper than what is occasioned by the disease), yet it rarely if ever does harm. Sul- phate of potash is a very useful adjunct to it, and promotes its purgative opera- tion. Antacids (as chalk or magnesia) are frequently conjoined with it. It is not fitted for inflammatory or febrile cases. As an infanCs purgative it is de- servedly celebrated. It is well adapted for a variety of children's complaints; but it is peculiarly adapted to scrofulous subjects and those afflicted with enlarge- ment of the mesenteric glands, accompanied with tumid belly and atrophy. Magnesia, sulphate of potash, or calomel, may be associated with it according to circumstances. For an ordinary purgative in habitual costiveness it is scarcely adapted, on account of the constipation which follows its purgative effect. RHEUM. 281 2. As a stomachic and tonic.—In dyspepsia, accompanied with a debilitated condition of the digestive organs, small doses of rhubarb sometimes prove bene- ficial, by promoting the appetite and assisting the digestive process. In scrofulous enlargement of the lymphatic glands, in children, rhubarb, in small doses, is often combined with mercurial alteratives (as the hydrargyrum cum cretd), or with antacids (as magnesia or chalk), and frequently with apparent advantage. 3. As an external application___Sir Everard Home (Pract. Observ. on tlie Treat- ment of Ulcers, p. 96, 1801) usedJt as a topical application to promote the heal- ing of indolent, non-painful ulcersr The powder is to be lightly strewed over the ulcer and a compress applied. In irritable ulcers an eighth part of opium is to be added. When applied to large ulcers it has produced active purging. (Arne- mann, Chirurg. Arzneim. 6ste Aufl. S. 224.) The powder of rhubarb, incorpo- rated with saliva and rubbed on the abdomen, proves purgative. (Alibert, Nouv. Elem. de Therap. t. ii. p. 275 et seq. 5me ed.) Administration.—The powder of Russian or China rhubarb may be exhibited, as a stomachic and tonic, in doses of from five to ten grains; as a purgative, from a scruple to a drachm. The dose of indigenous rhubarb should be about twice as much as the above. " By roasting it with a gentle heat, till it becomes friable [Rheum torrefactumj, its cathartic power is diminished, and its astringency supposed to be increased" (Lewis). 1. INFUSUM RHEI, L. E. D. (U. S.) Infusion of Rhubarb___(Rhubarb, sliced [in coarse powder, E.] 3iij. [3j- E., 3j. D., 3i. U. S.]; Boiling [distilled, L.] Water, Oj. [Oss. (U. S.) wine measure, D.; fgxviij. E., Spirit of Cinnamon, fgij. E.~\ Macerate for two hours in a lightly-covered vessel, and strain [through linen or calico, E.f)—Boiling water extracts from rhubarb, rhabarberic apid, resin, tan- nin, gallic acid, sugar, extractive, and starch. As the liquor cools it becomes turbid, owing to some rhabarberic acid, resin, tannin, gallic acid, and tannate of starch being deposited (Brandes). Infusion of rhubarb is stomachic and gently purgative. It is usually employed as an adjunct to, or vehicle for, other mild purgatives or tonics. The alkalis or magnesia are sometimes conjoined. The stronger acids and most metallic solutions are incompatible with it.—Dose, f3j. to fSij. 2. TINCTURA RHEI, E. (U. S.); Tincture of Rhubarb.—(Rhubarb, in moderately fine powder, giijss. [3iij. U. S.] ; Cardomom Seeds, bruised, 3ss.; Proof Spirit, [Diluted Alcohol, U. S.] Oij. Mix the rhubarb and cardamom seeds, and proceed by the process of percolation, as directed for tincture of cinchona. This tinc- ture may also be prepared by digestion.)—The alcoholic tincture of rhubarb con- tains rhabarberic acid, impure rhabarberic acid (resinous yellow colouring matter of rhubarb), tannin, semi-resin, and uncrystallizable sugar (Brandes). Cordial, stomachic, and mildly purgative.—Dose, as a stomachic, f 3j. to f 3iij.; as a pur- gative f3ss. to f3i. I TINCTURA RHEI COMPOSITA, L. D.; Compound Tincture of Rhubarb.— (Rhubarb, sliced, gijss. [3ij. D.]; Liquorice, bruised, 3vj. [gss. D.] ; Saffron, 3iij. [3ij. D,~\, [Ginger, sliced, 3iij. L.; Cardamom Seeds, 3ss. D.], Proof Spirit, Oij. [wine measure, D.] Macerate for fourteen [seven, D.~\ days, and strain.)—Cordial, stimulant, stomachic, and mildly purgative. A popular re- medy in various disordered conditions of the alimentary canal, especially at the commencement of diarrhoea, also in flatulent colic. It is a very useful ad- junct to purgative mixtures, in cases in which the use of a cordial and stomachic cathartic is required.—Dose, as a stomachic, f 3j. to f 3iij.; as a purgative, f gss. to f gjss. 4, TINCTURA RHEI ET ALOES, E. (U. S.); Tincture of Rhubarb and Aloes.— (Rhubarb, in moderately fine powder, 3jss. [Rhubarb, bruised, 3x. U. S.] ; Soco- trine or East Indian Aloes, in moderately fine powder, 3vj.; Cardamom Seeds, bruised, 3v. [3ss. U. S.]; Proof Spirit, [Diluted Alcohol,'U. S.l Oij. Mix the 24* 282 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. powders, and proceed as for the tincture of cinchona.)—A cordial and stomachic purgative, in doses of from f gss. to f gj. 6. TINCTURA RHEI ET GENTIANS, E. (U. S.); Tincture of Rhubarb and Gentian.—(Rhubarb, in moderately fine powder, gij.; Gentian, finely cut or in coarse powder, gss.; Proof Spirit, [Diluted Alcohol, U. S.] Oij. Mix the pow- ders, and proceed as directed for tincture of cinchona.)—Stomachic, tonic, and feebly purgative___Dose, as a tonic, f 3j. to f 3iij.; as a very mild purgative, fgss. to f gj. m 6. VINUM RHEI, E. (U. S.); Wine of Rhubarb.—(Rhubarb, in coarse powder, gv.'; Canella, in coarse powder, 3ij.; Proof Spirit, t'^v.; Sherry, Oj. and f gxv. Digest for seven days, strain, express strongly the residuum, and filter the liquors.) —[Rhubarb, bruised, gij.; Canella, bruised, 3j.; Diluted Alcohol, fgij.; Wine, Oj. Macerate for fourteen days, with occasional agitation, then express and filter through paper, U. S.]—Cordial, stomachic, and mildly purgative. Used in the same cases as the compound tincture of rhubarb.—Dose, as a stomachic, f 3j. to f 3iij.; as a purgative, fgss. to f gj. 7. EXTRACTUM RHEI, L. E. D.; Extract of Rhubarb.—(Rhubarb, powdered, gxv. [lb. j. D.]; Proof Spirit, Oj. [wine measure, D.J ; Distilled Water, Ovij. [wine measure, D.] Macerate for four days with a gentle heal, afterwards strain, and set by, that the dregs may subside. Pour off the liquor, and evaporate it, when strained, to a proper consistence, L. D.—The process of the Edinburgh College is as follows:—Take of Rhubarb, lb. j.; Water, Ov. Cut the rhubarb into small fragments; macerate it for twenty-four hours in three pints of the water; filter the liquor through a cloth, and express it with the hands or other- wise moderately; macerate the residuum with the rest of the water for twelve hours at least.; filter the liquor with the same cloth as before, and express the residuum strongly. The liquors, filtered again, if necessary, are then to be evaporated together to a proper consistence in the vapour-bath. The extract, however, is obtained of finer quality by evaporation in a vacuum with a gentle heat.) The principles extracted from rhubarb by water and spirit have been already noticed (p. 277-8). The Edinburgh College, it will be observed, employs no spirit in the above process. Great care is required in the preparation of this extract, as both the purgative and tonic properties of rhubarb are very apt to become de- teriorated by the process. I have some extract prepared in vacuo more than twenty years ago, which still preserves the proper odour and flavour of rhubarb. —The dose of extract of rhubarb, as a purgative, is from gr. x. to 3ss. 8. PILULE RHEI, E. (U. S.); Rhubarb Pills___(Rhubarb, in fine powder, nine parts; Acetate of Potash, one part; Conserve of Red Roses, five parts. Beat them into a proper mass, and divide it into five-grain pills.)—[Rhubarb, powdered, 3yj.; Soap, 3ij. Make a mass with water, and divide into 120 pills. The soap renders them antacid, U. S.]—Stomachic and purgative. The acetate of potash is em- ployed, I presume, to prevent the pills becoming hard by keeping. Each pill con- tains nearly three and a half grains of rhubarb. 9. PILULE RHEI COMPOSITE, L. E. (U. S.); Compound Pills of Rhubarb.— (Rhubarb, powdered, gj. [tivelve parts, E.]; Aloes, powdered, 3vj. [nine parts, E.]; Myrrh, powdered, 3ss. [six parts, E.]; Soap, 3j. [six parts, E.]; [Oil of Caraway, f 3ss. L., Oil of Peppermint, one part, E.] [f3ss. U. S.]; Syrup, q. s. [Conserve of Red Roses, five parts, E.], [Syrup of Orange Peel, q. s. U. S.j Mix them, and beat them into a proper mass [and divide this into five-grain pills. This pill may also be made without oil of pepperment, when so preferred, E.~]—Tonic and mildly purgative.—Dose 9j. or four pills. , 10. PILULE RHEI ETFERRI, E.; Pills of Rhubarb and Iron.—(Dried sulphate of Iron, four parts ; Extract of Rhubarb, ten parts ; Conserve of Red Roses, about five parts. Beat them into a proper pill mass, and divide into five-grain pills.)—Tonic.—Dose, two to four pills. .11. PULVIS RHEI COMPOSITUS. E.; Compound powder of Rhubarb.—(Magne- THE COMMON SORREL. • 283 sia, lb. j.; Ginger, in fine powder, gij.; Rhubarb, in fine powder, giv. Mix them thoroughly, and preserve the powder in well-closed bottles.)—A very useful anta- cid and mild stomachic purgative, especially adapted for children.—Dose, for adults, 9j. to 3ss.; for children, gr. v. to gr. x. [12. SYRUPUS RHEI, (U. S.); Syrup of Rhubarb. Take of Rhubarb, bruised, two ounces ; Boiling Water, a pint; Sugar, two pounds. Macerate the rhubarb in the water for twenty-four hours and strain; then add the sugar, and proceed in the manner directed for syrup. This is a mild astringent and laxative, and may be used in bowel affections. The dose is from f3j- to fgj. 11. SYRUPUS RHEI AROMATICUS, (U. S.); Aromatic Syrup of Rhubarb; Spiced Syrup of Rhubarb. Take of Rhubarb, bruised, two ounces and a half; Cloves, bruised, Cinnamon, bruised, each half an ounce; Nutmeg, bruised, two drachms; Diluted Alcohol, two pints ; Syrup, six pints. Macerate the rhubarb and arorna- tics in the diluted alcohol for fourteen days, and strain; then, by means of a water-bath, evaporate the liquor to a pint, and, while it is still hot, mix it with the syrup previously heated ; or it may be made by displacement. This syrup is cordial, carminative, and slightly laxative. It is well adapted to weak and relaxed conditions of the bowels, as in chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, and infantile bowel complaints, with feeble action. The dose is f3j. to fgss.] 2. RU'MEX ACETO'SA, Linn. L. D.—COMMON SORREL. Sex. Syst. Hexandria, Trigynia. (Folia, L. D.) Botany. Gen. char.—Calyx six-parted ; the three outer segments somewhat cohering at the base; the three inner becoming enlarged after flowering. Stamens six. Styles three, reflexed. Stigmas three, cut. Nut with three sharp angles. Embryo on one side. Radicle superior (Bot. Gall, for the most part). Sp. char.—Flowers dioecious. Leaves oblong, arrow-shaped. Permanent petals tuberculated (Smith). Hah.—Europe and America. Woods and pastures, common. Perennial. Flowers in June. Description—Sorrel leaves have an agreeable, acid, slightly astringent taste. Composition.—I am unacquainted with any analysis of this plant. The leaves are composed of binoxalate of potash, tartaric acid, mucilage, fecula, chlorophylle, tannic acid, and woody fibre/ Physiological Effects.—Slightly nutritive. Refrigerant and diuretic. Es- teemed antiscorbutic. Uses.—Employed as a pot-herb and salad : from the latter use of it, it has been termed green-sauce. (Withering, Bot. vol. ii.) Rarely applied medicinally. A decoction of the leaves may be administered in whey, as a cooling and pleasant drink in febrile and inflammatory diseases. In some parts of Scandinavia, bread is made of it in times of scarcity. (Clarke, Travels in Scandinavia, Part III. S. ii. p. 90, 1823.) Laugier has suggested that the use of aliments containing oxalic acid may, under some circumstances, dispose to the formation of mulberry calculi. 3. RU'MEX HYDROLAP'ATHUM, Hudson.—GREAT WATER DOCK. Rumex aquaticus, D. Sex. Syst. Hexandria, Trigynia. (Radix, D.) Botany. Gen. char.—See Rumex Acetosa. Sp. char.—Permanent petals ovate-oblong, nearly entire, unequally tubercu- lated. Leaves lanceolate, acute at each end. Whorls rather crowded, almost en- tirely leafless (Smith). Hah.—Indigenous. Ditches and river sides. Perennial. Flowers in July and August. Description.—The herb and root were formerly used under the name of herba et radix britannicce. The root is inodorous, but has an acrid bitter taate. 284 elements of materia medica. Composition.—I am unacquainted with any analysis of the plant. The root contains tannic acid. Physiological Effects.—The root is astringent, and is reputed anti-scorbutic Uses.—Scarcely employed. Has been exhibited internally in scurvy, skin diseases, and rheumatism. The powdered root has been .used as a dentifrice; the decoction of the root as an astringent gargle for ulcerated or spongy gums. 4. POLYGONUM BISTOR'TA, Unn. D.—GREAT BISTORT OR SNAKE-WEED. Sex. Syst. Octandria, Trigynia. (Radix, D.) Botany. Gen. char.—Calyx four to six-partite, persistent. Stamens five to nine, generally eight. Ovary with two to three styles, and as many stigmas. Cariopsis or nut ovate or triangular. Embryo lateral or central; the radicle superior. (Bot. Gall.) Sp. char.—Stem simple, with a single, spiked, cluster of flowers. Leaves ovate, wavy, running down into the footsalks (Smith).—Flowers rose-coloured. Hah.—Indigenous ; introduced into the United States. Meadows. Perennial. Flowers in June. Description.—Bistort root (radix bistortce) is twice bent on itself: hence its name from bis, twice; and torta, twisted or bent. It is rugose and brown exter- nally ; reddish internally; almost inodorous ; it has an austere, strongly astrin- gent taste. Composition.—This root has not been analyzed. The principal constituents are tannic acid, starch, oxalate of lime, colouring matter, and wood fibre. Physiological Effects.—The local effect is that of a powerful astringent, depending on the tannic acid which it contains; its remote effects are those of a tonic (vide vol. i. p. 197). The presence of starch renders the root nutritive : hence in Siberia it is roasted and eaten. Uses.—It is but little employed. A decoction of the root is sometimes applied as an astringent injection in leucorrhoea and gleet; as a gargle in spongy gums and relaxed sore throat; and as a lotion to ulcers attended with a profuse discharge. Internally it has been employed, in combination with gentian, in intermittents. It has also been used as an astringent in passive hemorrhages and chronic alvine fluxes. Administration.—The dose of the powder is from 9j. to 3ss. The decoction (prepared by boiling gij. of the root in Ojss. of boiling water) may be administered in doses from fgj. to f gij. OTHER MEDICINAL, POLYGOIVACEiE. An extract prepared from the bark of Coccolo'ba uvi'fera, or the Seaside Grape, a native of the West Indies, has been used under the name of Jamaica Kino. Order XXXV.— CHENOPODIACEjE, Lindley.—THE GOOSE-FOOT TRIBE. Atriplices, Jussieu.—Chenopode.s, Ventenat. The substance called Barilla (impure carbonate of soda), is obtained by the combustion of plants belong to the genera Salicornia, Salsola, and Chenopodium.1 None of the Chenopodiacese are employed in medicine in this country. Some few are used as pot-herbs or salads, as Spinach (Spina'cia olera'cea) and Beet (Be'ta vulga'ris). [CHENOPODIUM ANTHELMINTICUM, Linnceus. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Digynia. (Chenopodium, U. S. Wormseed. The fruit of the plant.) Gen. char.—Calyx five-parted, with five angles. Corolla none. Style bifid, rarely trifid. Seed one, lenticular, horizontal, covered bv the closing calyx. (Nuttall.) « See Goebel's analyses of the ashes of many species of this order in the Pharmaceutisches Central-Blatt, fiir 1839, S. 377. Also Guibourt's analysis of the ashes of Salsolus Tragus in the Journ. de Pharm. t. xxvi. p. 264. THE MINT TRIBE. 285 Sp. char.—Leaves oblong, lanceolate, sinuate and dentate, rugose. Racemes naked. Style one, three cleft (Elliot). The common names by which this plant is known in the United States are Jerusalem Oak, Wormseed, Goosefoot, and Stinkweed. Description—The root of the plant is perennial and branched. Stem up- right, herbaceous, much branched, deeply grooved, from two to four feet high. Branches fastigiate, giving to the plant a shrubby appearance. Leaves sessile, scattered, and alternate, attenuate at each end, with strongly marked nervures, oval or oblong, deeply sinuate, studded beneath with small globular, oleaginous dots. Flowers small, numerous, of a yellowish-green colour, and collected, in long, axillary, dense, leafless spikes. Hah.—This species of Chenopodium is found in most parts of the United States. It grows in old fields, along roadsides, in moist and sandy situations. It flowers in June and July; and from August until cold weather the seeds may be collected. The seeds are small, not larger than the head of a common-sized pin, irregu- larly spherical, very light, of a dull greenish-yellow colour, approaching to brown, and having a bitterish, somewhat aromatic, pungent taste. The odour and taste are due to the volatile oil that they contain ; this is found in other parts; in fact, the whole plant contains it, and hence the uniform flavour possessed by them. The properties of the seeds are vermifuge, which appears to have been known soon after the establishment of the British Colonies in America, especially in Virginia, where they were first used for this purpose. The herb is spoken of by Schoepf and Kalm, with others, in terms of commendation. The vermifuge power, by long trial, has been decidedly proved. As an antispasmodic it has also been used. Plenck employed it with success in five or six cases of chorea, (Griffith, On Chen. Anthel. in Am. Journ. of Pharmacy, vol. v. p. 180), and this success has been confirmed by other writers. The Chenopodium anthelminticum has sometimes been confounded with the C. ambrosioides, which is a smaller plant, and distinguished by the leafy spikes of flowers. The sensible properties are similar. The seeds are given in the form of an electuary, pulverized and mixed with molasses or syrup; but the quantity required to be taken is liable to produce nau- sea and sickness. Dose 9j. to 9ij. given twice or thrice daily. The expressed juice is sometimes administered : the dose is gss. ; or a decoction of the leaves may be employed : this is best prepared with milk, in the proportion of gj- leaves to Oj. of milk or water. It may be flavoured with aromatics. OLEUM CflENOPODII, U. S. Oil of Wormseed.—This oil is of a light yellow colour when distilled, but its colour deepens by age and exposure. It has in a high degree the flavour of the plant. Its sp. gr. is 0-908. It is obtained by dis- tilling the seeds; but the whole plant may be used for this purpose, as the oil is abundant in the glands. Sometimes it is adulterated with spirits of turpentine, or other inferior volatile oils; this must be determined by the odour. From the readiness with which it may be given it is the best for exhibition, as it possesses the vermifuge properties in the smallest possible compass. The dose is from 10 to 20 drops on a lump of sugar, or in emulsion. After several doses have been given, a purgative, as castor oil, may be interposed.—J. C] Order XXXVI.—LABIATEiE, Jussieu—THE MINT TRIBE. Lamiace*, Lindley. Essential Character.—Calyx tubular, inferior, persistent, the odd tooth being near the axis; regular five or ten-toothed, or irregular bilabiate or three to ten-toothed. Corolla monopeta- Ious, hypogynous, bilabiate; the lesser lip undivided or bifid, overlapping the lower, which is larger and three-lobed. Stamens four, didynamous, inserted upon the corolla, alternately with the lobes of the lower lip, the two upper sometimes wanting; anthers two-celled ; some- times apparently unilocular in consequence of the confluence of the cells at the apex : pome- times one cell altogether obsolete, or the two cells separated by a bifurcation of the connective. 286 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Ovary deeply four-lobed, seated in a fleshy hypogynous disk; the lobes each containing one erect ovule; style one, proceeding from the base of the lobes of the ovary ; stigma bifid, usu- ally acute. Fruit one to four small nuts, enclosed within the persistent calyx. Seeds erect, with little or no albumen; embryo erect; cotyledons flat.—Herbaceous plants or undershrubs. Stem four-cornered, with opposite ramifications. Leaves opposite, divided or undivided, with- out stipules, replete with receptacles of aromatic oil. Flowers in opposite, nearly sessile, ax- illary cymes, resembling whorls ; sometimes solitary, or as if capitate (Lindley). Properties.—The medicinal activity of the plants of this family depends on volatile oil, bitter extractive, and astringent matter. The volatile oil resides in small receptacles (by some called globular glands) contained in the leaves. " These glands are placed quite superficially, or rather in depressed points, and are commonly of a shining yellow colour. We may regard them as oleo-resinous matter separated from glands lying on the under surface. When macerated in strong spirit of wine they remain unchanged, and appear under the microscope as transparent, probably cellular vesicles, filled with a yellow granular matter." (Nees and Ebermaier, Handb. de Med. Pharm. Bot. Th. i. S. 524.) The oils of labiate plants, like other volatile oils, consist of eleoptene and stearoptene : it is the latter substance which is described by some chemists as camphor. The bitter extractive is found, in greater or less quantity, in all the Labiatse. It is this princi- ple which communicates the bitterness to the watery infusion of these plants. The presence of astringent matter is shown by the green colour produced when a ferruginous salt is added to the infusion of some of the Labiatee. The volatile oil gives to these plants aromatic, carminative, and slightly stimulant properties. The bitter extractive renders them tonic and stomachic. The astringent matter is usually in too small a quantity to communicate much medicinal activity, though it must contribute to the tonic operation. The perfumer uses some labiate plants on account of their fragrant odour; the cook employs others for their flavour and condimentary properties ; the medical practitioner administers them to relieve nausea and colicky pains, to expel wind, to cover the taste of nauseous medicines, and to prevent or relieve griping pains. 1. LAVANDULA VERA, De Cand. E.—COMMON OR GARDEN LAVENDER. Lavandula angustifolia, Ehrenberg.—Lavandula Spica, L. D. Sex. Syst. Didynamia, Gymnospermia. (Flores, L. D.—The flowering heads ; and volatile oil of ditto, JE.) (Lavandula, U. S.) History.—No plant is mentioned under the name of Lavender, by Hippocra- tes, Theophrastus, Dioscorides, or Pliny. It is not improbable, however, that la- vender may be alluded to, under some other name, by one or more of these au- thors ; but it is impossible now to identify it with any certainty. Sprengel (Hist. Rei. Herb. t. i. p. 96), declares, on the authority of Hesychius, that the '/tpuov of Theophrastus (Hist. Plant, lib. vi. cap. 6), is Lavandula Spica. Botany. Gen. char.—Calyx tubular, nearly equal, thirteen or rarely fifteen- ribbed, shortly five-toothed, with the four lower teeth nearly equal, or the two lower narrower ; the upper either but little broader than the lateral ones, or ex- panded into a dilated appendage. Upper lip of corolla two-lobed; lower three- lobed; all the divisions nearly equal. Stamens didynamous, declinate. Fila- ments smooth, distinct, not toothed. Anthers reniform, one-celled (condensed from Bentham ; Lindley). Sp. char.—Leaves oblong-linear or lanceolate, quite entire, when young hoary and revolute at the edges. Spikes interrupted. Whorls of six to ten flowers. Floral leaves rhomboid-ovate, acuminate, membranous, all fertile, the uppermost shorter than the calyx. Bracts scarcely any (Bentham).—Shrub, one to two feet high. Flowers purplish-gray. Lavandula Spica, De Cand. (L. latifolia, Villars) or French Lavender, formerly considered as a variety only of the preceding species, is not used in medicine. It is distinguished by its lower habit, whiter colour, the leaves more congested at the base of the branches, the spike denser and shorter, the floral leaves lanceolate or linear, and the presence of bracts (Bentham). It yields by distillation oil of spike (oleum spica) sometimes called foreign oil of lavender, or, in order to distinguish it from the oil of Lavandula Stachas, the true oil of spike (oleum spica verum). This oil is distinguished from the genuine oil of Lavandula vera by its darker green colour, and its less grateful odour. It is used by painters on porcelain, and by artists in the preparation of var- nishes. GARDEN LAVENDER. 287 Hah.—South of Europe. Extensively cultivated at Mitcham, in Surrey, from which place the London market is principally supplied. It is cultivated in the United States. Properties.—Lavender flowers have a bluish-gray colour, a pleasant odour, and a pungent bitter taste. The flowering stems are collected in June or July, dried in the shade, and made up into bundles for sale. A cold infusion of the flowers is deepened in colour (tannate of iron) by sesquichloride of ison. Composition.—The principal constituents of the flowers are volatile oil, resin ?, tannic acid, a bitter principle, and woody fibre. Volatile Oil (see below). Physiological Effects___The flowers are carminative, mildly stimulant, and somewhat tonic. Kraus (Heilmittell. p. 473) says, that when taken internally, they cause tormina ventris. Uses.—Lavender •flowers are sometimes employed as errhincs. They enter into the composition of the pulvis asari compositus, D. (p. 244.) The following are the officinal preparations, with their uses, of lavender flowers: 1. OLEUM LAVANDULM, L. E. D. (U. S.); Oleum Lavandulce verce: English Oil of Lavender, offic.—(Prepared by submitting lavender flowers to distillation with water.) It has a pale yellow colour, a hot taste, and a very fragrant odour. Tts sp. gr. varies from 0-877 to 0-905; the lightest oil being the purest. It boils at 397° F.; and is composed, according to Dr. Kane, of C18 H14 Oa. One pound of oil is obtained from fifty to seventy pounds of the flowers. When the stalks and leaves are distilled with the flowers, the odour of the oil is considerably deteriorated. (Brande, Diet, of Mat. Med. p. 337-8.) It is a stimulant and stomachic, and is sometimes given in hysteria and headache ; but is more com- monly employed as a perfume for scenting evaporating lotions, ointments, lini- ments, &c.—Dose, gtt. ij. to gtt. v. 2. SPIRITUS LAVANDUL J, L. E. D. (U.S.); Spirit of Lavender. — (Fresh Lavender, lb. ijss. [lb. ij. D. (U.S.)]; Rectified [Proof, D.] Spirit, Cong. j. [wine measure, _D.]; [Water, Oij. L. (U. S.) sufficient to prevent empyreuma, D.] Mix them [macerate for twenty-four hours, D.~\ ; then, with a slow fire, [the heat of a vapour bath, E.~\ let a gallon [seven pints, E. five pints, D.;] distil.)— The dried flowers may be substituted for the fresh ones. Druggists frequently prepare this compound by dissolving a few drops of oil of lavender in a fluid ounce of rectified spirit. Employed only in the preparation of the Linimentum Camphorce compositum (p. 261) and the Tinctura Lavandulce composita.- Lavender Water.—The fragrant perfume sold in the ehops, under the name of Lavender Water, is a solution of the oil of lavender and of other odoriferous substances in spirit. There are various formulae for its preparation, scarcely two manufacturers adopting precisely the same one. The following yields a most excellent product:—Oil of LavandertOil ofBergamot, aa. f3iij.; Otto of Roses, Oil of Cloves, aa. gtt. vj.; Musk, gr. ij.; Oil of Rosemary, f3j.; Honey, 3j.; Benzoic Acid, 9ij.; Rectified Spirit, Oj.; Distilled Water, 3iij. Mix, and after standing a suffi- cient time (the longer the better), filter. This agreeable perfume may be employed for scenting spirit washes, &c, but is principally consumed for the toilette. I TINCTURA LAVANDULA COMPOSITA, L. Spiritus Lavandulce compositus, E. D. (U. S.); Lavender Drops or Red Lavender Drops, offic__(Spirit of Lavender, Ojss. [Oij. E. Oiij. U. S., wine measure, D.~\ ; Spirit of Rosemary, Oss. [f3xij. E. Oj. U.S., wine measure, D.~\; Cinnamon, bruised, gijss. [3j. E. (U. S.); 3jss. D.]; Nutmeg, bruised, 3ijss. [gss. E. (U. S.); D.] ; [Cloves, bruised, 3ij- E. (U. S.) D.] Red Sandal [Saunders, offic] Wood, raspings, 3v. [3iij. E. (U. S.) 3j. D.] Macerate for fourteen [seven, E. ten Df\ days, and filter [through calico, E.])—Stimulant, cordial, and stomachic. Employed to relieve gastric uneasiness, flatulence, low spirits, languor, faintness, &c. A favourite remedy with hysterical and hypochondriacal persons.—Dose, from f 3ss. to f 3ij. administered in water or on sugar. The red Saunders wood is merely a colouring iDgredient. 283 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. 2. MENTHA VIR'IDIS, Linn., L. E. D. (U. S.)—SPEARMINT. Sex. Syst. Didynamia, Gymnospermia. (Herba, £>.—Herb, E.) History.—Hippocrates employed in medicine a plant which he terms M/vdrj, (p. 359, &c. ed. Fees,); but it is uncertain what peculiar species he referred to. On account of its agreeable odour it was also called 'H^orffiov (from %8\>s, sweet, and ofyr), smell), a name by which Dioscorides (lib. iii. cap. 41,) designates it. Strabo tells us that Minthe was a concubine of Pluto, and that she was changed by Proserpine into a plant, which was called after her. Ovid (Metamorph. lib. x. ver. 729,) also alludes to this fable. Botany. Gen. char.—Calyx companulate or tubular, five-toothed, equal or somewhat two-lipped, with the throat naked inside or villous. Corolla with the tube enclosed, the limb campanulate, nearly equal, four-cleft: the upper segment broader, nearly entire, or emarginate. Stamens four, equal, erect, distant; fila- ments smooth, naked ; anthers with two parallel cells. Style shortly btfid, with the lobes bearing stigmas at the points. Achenia dry, smooth (Bentham). Sp. char.—Stem erect, smooth. Leaves subsessile, ovate lanceolate, unequally serrated, smooth ; those under the flowers are all bract-like, rather longer than the whorls ; the last and the calyxes hairy or smooth. Spikes cylindrical, loose. Whorls approximated, or the lowest of all of them distant (Bentham).—Creeping- rooted. Hah.—Marshy places. Indigenous. A native of the milder parts of Europe ; also of Africa and America. Perennial. Flowers in August. Selected for medicinal use when about to flower. Properties.—The whole herb, called green-mint or spearmint (herba men- thee viridis), is employed in medicine. It has a strong, but peculiar odour, and an aromatic, bitter taste, followed by a sense of coldness when air is drawn into the mouth. Sesquichloride of iron communicates a green colour (tannate of iron) to the cold watery infusion. Composition.—Its odour and aromatic qualities depend on volatile oil. It also contains tannic acid, resin?, a bitter principle, and woody fibre. Volatile Oil (see below). Physiological Effects.—Aromatic, carminative, mildly stimulant and tonic. Feebler than Peppermint. Said, though without sufficient foundation, to check the secretion of milk, and to act as an emmenagogue. (Linneeus, in Murray's App. Med. vol. ii. p. 180-1.) Uses.—Employed as a salad and sweet herb. In medicine.'it is principally used as a flavouring ingredient, and to alleviate or prevent colicky pains. The following are its officinal preparations, with their uses: 1. INFUSUM MENTHJ SIMPLEX, D.; Infusion of Spearmint; Spearmint Tea.— (Spearmint leaves, dried, 3ij. ; Boiling water, a sufficient quantity to afford six ounces of strained liquor.)—Stomachic and carminative. Used in irritable con- ditions of the stomach ; but is ordinarily a vehicle for other remedies.—Dose f 3j- to f 3ij.; or ad libitum. I INFUSUM MENTHA COMPOSITUM, D. Compound Infusion of Spearmint— (Spearmint leaves, dried 3ij.; Boiling water, a sufficient quantity to afford six ounces of strained liquor. Pigest for half an hour in a covered vessel, and, when the liquor has grown cold, strain ; then add Refined Sugar, 3ij.; Oil of Spearmint, gtt. iij. dissolved in Compound Tincture of Cardamoms, 3ss. Mix.)— A grateful stomachic, slightly stimulant, and diaphoretic. Employed to allay nausea and vomiting, and to cover the taste of disagreeable medicines.—Dose, f3j. to f 3ij. 1. OLEUM MENTHA VIRIDIS, L. E. D. (U. S.) Oil of Spearmint. Obtained by submitting the fresh herb to distillation with water.) It is of a pale yellowish peppermint. 289 colour, but becomes reddish -by age. It has the odour and taste of the plant, and is lighter than water; sp. gr. 0-914. It boils at 320° F.; and is composed, according to Dr. Kane, of C3*, H28 0. The average produce of the essential oil is not more than l-500th of the fresh herb. (Brande, Diet. Mat. Med. p. 32S.) It is carminative and stimulant. Dose, gtt. ij. to gtt. v. rubbed with sugar and a little water. 4. SPIRITUS JIENTILE VIRIDIS, L. D. Spirit of Spearmint.—(Oil of Spearmint, 3iij. [by weight, 3ss. D.] ; Proof [Rectified, jD.] Spirit, Cong. j. [wine measure, DJ] ; Water, Oj. [as much as may be sufficient to prevent empyreuma, D.] Mix them ; then, with a slow fire, let a gallon distil.)—Dose, f 3ss. to f 3ij.—This pre- paration has no advantage over, while it is much weaker than, the more simple and elegant preparation, the essence of spearmint of the shops. Essence of Sfearmint.—Dissolve f 3j. of Oil of Spearmint in f 3j. of Rectified Spirit. It may be coloured green by spearmint or spinach leaves. Dose, gtt. x. to gtt. xx. taken on sugar or in water. [This is the same as the Tinctura Olei Mentha Viridis (U. S. P.), for which the for- mula is, Oil of Spearmint, f3ij.; Alcohol, Oj. Dissolve the oil in the alcohol.] 5. AQUA MENTILE VIRIDIS, L. E. D. (U. S.) Spearmint Water.—(Spearmint leaves, if dried, lb. ij.; if fresh, lb. iv. [or Oil of Spearmint, 3ij. L.] Proof Spirit, 3vij. [Rectified Spirit, f3iij. E.]; Water, Cong. ij. Mix. Let a gallon distil. The Dublin College employs no spirit; and distils a gallon of water from lb. jss. of herb.)—Spearmint water is usually made extemporaneously, by suspending or dissolving a drachm of the oil in four pints of distilled water, by means of a drachm of rectified spirit and a lump of sugar, [or by means of magnesia? carb. (U. S.) without the alcohol.] Spearmint water is carminative and stomachic. It is com- monly used as a vehicle for other medicines. Its dose is f3j- to f'3iij- 3. MENTHA PIPERITA, Linn., L. E. D. (U. S.)—PEPPERMINT. Sex. Syst. Didynamia, Gymnospermia. (Herba, D.—Herb. Volatile Oil, E.) History.—This plant was probably introduced into medicine in the last century; at least Hill (Hist, of the Mat. Med. p. 358), in 1751, says that it " has lately got into great esteem ;" and Geiger (Handb. d. Pharm. Bd. iii. S. 1230) says, it was introduced into Germany as a medicine, through the recommendations of the Eng- lish, in the latter half of the last century. Botany. Gen. char.—See Mentha viridis. Sp. char. — Stem smooth. Leaves petiolated, ovate-oblong, acute, serrate, rounded-crenate at the base, smooth. Spikes lax, obtuse, short, interrupted at the base. Pedicels and calyx at the base smooth; teeth hispid (Bentham).__ Creeping-rooted. Hah.— Watery places. Indigenous. Extensively cultivated at Mitcham, in Surrey, from whence the London market is principally supplied. Found in vari- ous parts of Europe; also in Asia, Africa, and America. Properties. — The whole herb (herba menthce piperitce), is officinal. It has a peculiar aromatic odour, and a warm, burning, bitter taste, followed by a sensation of coolness when air is drawn into the mouth. Sesquichloride of iron communicates a green colour (tannate of iron) to the cold infusion of pepper- mint. Composition. — The principal constituents are volatile oil, resin ?, a bitter principle, tannic acid, and woody fibre. Volatile Oil (see p. 290). Physiological Effects.—Peppermint is an aromatic or carminative, stimulant, and stomachic. It is the most agreeable and powerful of all the mints. Uses. — It is employed in medicine for several purposes, but principally to expel flatus, to cover the Unpleasant taste of other medicines, to relieve nausea, vol. ii. 25 290 elements of materia medica. griping pain, and the flatulent colic of children. The following are the officinal preparations, with their uses : 1. OLEUM MENTHA PIPERITA, L. E. D., (U. S.) Oil of Peppermint.—(Obtained by submitting the fresh herb to distillation with water.)—It is colourless, or nearly so, sometimes having a pale yellow or greenish tint, and becoming reddish by age. It has a penetrating odour, like that of the plant, and a burning aromatic taste, followed by a sensation of cold. The vapour of it applied to th^ eye causes a feeling of coldness. English Oil of Peppermint is superior to the foreign kind. Its sp. gr. is 0-902. It boils at 365° F.; and consists, according to Dr. Kane, of C21 H20 O2. The stearoptene or camphor of oil of peppermint is isomeric with the liquid oil. By the action of oil of vitriol, it yields a light oil called mention (C31 H18). The stearoptene of American oil of peppermint is said to consist of Qto fjio q 0r C20 Hi0 O3. In a warm, dry, and favourable season, the produce of oil, from a given quantity of the fresh herb, is double that which it yields in a wet and cold season. The largest produce is three drachms and a half of oil from two pounds of fresh peppermint, and the smallest about a drachm and a half from the same quantity. (Brande, Diet, of Mat. Med. p. 356.) I was informed by a distiller at Mitcham, that twenty mats of the herb (each mat containing about 1 cwt.) yields about seven lbs. of oil. It is carminative and stimulant, and is used occasionally as an antispasmodic. It is taken on sugar, in doses of from gtt. ii. to gtt. v. I. SPIRITUS MENTM PIPERITiE, L. D.; Spiritus Mentha, E—(Prepared with the Oil of Peppermint, in the same way as the Spiritus Menthce viridis, L. D., before described. The Edinburgh College prepares it thus :—Peppermint, fresh, lb. iss.; Proof Spirit, Ovij. Macerate for two days in a covered vessel; add a pint and a half of water, and distil off seven pints.)—A solution of the oil of peppermint in spirit may with great propriety be substituted for the preparation of the Pharmacopoeias. The spirit of peppermint is given in doses of from f 3ss. to f 3ij. Essence of Peppermint.—Dissolve f 3j. of Oil of Peppermint in f 3j. of Rectified Spirit. Some persons add peppermint or spinach leaves to communicate a green colour.—[This is the Tinctura Olei Menthae Piperitas, U. S. P. See formula for Tr. 01. Menthse viridis, p. 289.]—The dose of this essence is from gtt. xx. to gtt. xxx. on sugar. I AQUA MENTHA PIPERITA, L. E. D. (U. S.)—(Prepared with the herb or the oil of peppermint, in the same way as the Aqua Menthce viridis.)—Carminative and stimulant. Used to relieve flatulency, and as a vehicle for other medicines. Dose, f 3j. to f 3iij- Besides the above, there are several popular preparations of peppermint extensively used. a.. Infusum Mentha piperita (Peppermint Tea) is prepared in the same way as spearmint tea. 0. Elaosaccharum Mentha piperita, Ph. Bor., is prepared by mixing 3j. of the whitest sugar, in powder, with gtt. xxiv. of the oil of peppermint. y. Rotula Mentha piperita (in plano-convex masses, called peppermint drops,—in flattened circular disks, called peppermint lozenges), should consist of sugar and oil of peppermint only, though flour is sometimes introduced. The liqueur sold at the spirit-shops as mint or peppermint is used as a cordial. 4. MENTHA PULE'GIUM, Linn., L.E. D.—PENNYROYAL. Sex. Syst. Didynamia, Gymnospermia.. (Herba, £>.—Herb, E.) History.—This plant was employed in medicine by the ancient Greeks and Romans. It is the rX^we of Hippocrates (p. 359, &c ed. Fees.) and Dioscorides (lib. iii. cap. 36), and the Pulegium of Pliny. (Hist. Nat. lib. xx. cap. 54, ed. Valp.) Botany. Gen. char.—See Mentha viridis. Sp. Char. — Stem very much branched, prostrate. Leaves petiolated, ovate. COMMON ROSEMARY. 291 Whorls all remote, globose, many-flowered. Calyxes hispid, bilabiate, villous in the inside of the throat (Bentham).—Creeping-rooted. Hah.—Wet commons and margins of brooks. Indigenous. A native of most parts of Europe, of the Caucasus, Chili, and Tenerifle. Properties.—The herb with the flowers (herba seu summitas pulegii) is em- ployed in medicine. It has a strong but peculiar odour ; a hot, aromatic, bitter taste, followed by a feeling of coolness in the mouth. Sesquichloride of iron causes a green colour (tannate of iron) with the cold infusion of pennyroyal. Composition.—Its principal constituents are volatile oil, abitter matter, resin?, tannic acid, and woody fibre. Volatile Oil (see below). Physiological Effects.—Its effects are analogous to the other mints. Em- menagogue and antispasmodic properties are ascribed to it by the public, and for- merly by medical practitioners. Uses.—A popular remedy for obstructed menstruation, hysterical complaints, and hooping-cough. Rarely employed by the professional man. The following are its officinal preparations, with their uses : 1. OLEUM MENTHA PULEGII, L. E. D. ; Oleum Pulegii, offic; Oil of Penny- royal.—(Obtained by submitting the herb to distillation with water.)—It has a pale colour, a warm taste, and the peculiar odour of the herb. It boils at 395° F. Its sp. gr. is 0-925 ; and is composed, according to Dr. Kane, of C10 H8 O. The fresh herb yields from l-120th to l-100lh of its weight of oil. (Brande, Diet. Mat. Med. p. 357.) It is stimulant and carminative, and is used, as an antispas- modic and emmenagogue, in doses of from gtt. ij. to gtt. v., taken on sugar. 2. SPIRITUS MENTHA PULEGII, L.; Spiritus Pulegii. Spirit of Pennyroyal. —(Prepared with Oil of Pennyroyal as the Spiritus Menthce viridis.)—Usually prepared by dissolving the oil in spirit. Stimulant and carminative. Employed as an antispasmodic and carminalive.—Dose, f 3ss. to F3ij. Essence of Pennyroyal (prepared by dissolving f 3j. of the volatile oil in f 3j. of rectified spirit) may be given in doses of from gtt. x. to gtt. xx. %. AQUA MENTHA PULEGII, L. E. D.; Aqua Pulegii, offic; Pennyroyal Water.—(Prepared with the herb or oil, like Aqua Menthce viridis.)—Carmina- tive and stomachic.—Dose, f 3j. to f 3iij. The liquid sold in the shops as Pennyroyal and Hysteric Water is prepared by adding f S^s. of the compound spirit of bryony to Oss. of pennyroyal water. 5. ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS, Linn., L. E. D.—COMMON ROSEMARY. Sex. Syst. Diandria, Monogynia. (Cacumina, L. D.—Tops, E.) (Rosmarinus, U. S.) History.—The Aifiavurlg foscpavupa'nx.rj, or Libanolis coronaria of Diosco- rides, (lib. iii. cap. 89,) is supposed to be our officinal rosemary, which received its name, Aifiavurig (from Aifiavog, Thus) on account of its odour, and oVeipavw- punxri (.—Herb, JE.) (Melissa, U. S.) History.—Sprengel (Hist. Rei Herb. t. i. p. 100) considers this plant to be the (josXicfffofpuXXov or ^sXiVrcuva of Dioscorides. (Lib. iii. cap. 118.) Botany. Gen. char.—Calyx tubular, thirteen-nerved, generally striated, bi- labiate ; upper lip spreading, three-toothed ; lower bifid ; fauces naked or villous. Tube of corolla straight or bent, naked within, generally protruding; fauces in- flated; limb bilabiate; the upper lip erect, flat; the lower spreading. Stamina four, didynamous, generally approximated in pairs ; upper ones sometimes ste- rile; filaments toothless; anthers free, two-celled; connective often thickened. Aclienia dry, smooth (condensed from Bentham). Sp. char.—Herbaceous, erect, branching. Leaves broad-ovate, crenate, trun- cate or cordate at the base. Whorls axillary, loose, one-sided. Bracts few, ovate. Corolla longer by half than the calyx (Bentham). Hah.—South of France. Properties.—The fresh herb (herba melissce) has a strong, peculiar odour, which is somewhat similar to that of lemons. By drying, this is, for the most part, lost. The taste is aromatic, bitter, and somewhat austere. Sesquichloride of iron gives a greenish colour (tannate of iron) to the cold infusion. Composition.—The principal constituents of balm are volatile oil, resin, bitter matter, gum, tannic acid, and woody fibre. (Pfaff, Mat. Med. Bd. iv. S. 270.) Oil of Balm (Oleum Melissa) is pale yellow, and has the peculiar odour of balm. Its sp. gr. is 0-975. Oil of lemon is said to be frequently substituted for it. Physiological Effects.—The effects of balm are similar to, though milder than, those of the labiate plants already described. The mildness of its opera- tion arises from the small portion of volatile oil which the plant contains. Uses.—-Balm tea is sometimes employed as a, diaphoretic in fevers, as an ex- hilarating drink in hypochondriasis, and as an emmenagogue in amenorrhoea and chlorosis. 9. MARRU'BIUM VULGARE, Linn., L. D.—WHITE HOREHOUND. Sex. Syst. Didynamia, Gymnospermia. (Herba.) (Marrubium, U. S.) History.—This is the plant which is called npaCiov by Hippocrates (pp. 686, 874, and 878, ed. Foes.), Theophrastus and Dioscorides (lib. iii. cap. 119), and Marrubium by Pliny. (Hist. Nat. lib. xx. cap. 69, ed. Valp.) THE FIGW0RT TRIBE. 295 Botany. Gen.char.—Calyx tubular, five to ten-nerved, equal, with five to ten acute, spiny teeth. Corolla with the upper lip erect, the lower spreading and trifid, with the middle lobe broader and generally emarginate. Stamens didyna- mous, enclosed ; anthers with divaricating, somewhat confluent lobes, all nearly of the same form. Style with short obtuse lobes (condensed from Bentham). Sp. char.—Branches white-woolly. Leaves ovate or rounded, softly villous, greenish or white-woolly beneath, crenate. Whorls many-flowered. Calyx villose, woolly, with ten subulate, recurved-spreading teeth. Corolla with an oblong helmet, bifid at the point (Bentham). Flowers white. Hah.—Dry waste grounds. Indigenous. Grows in most parts of Europe; also in Asia and America.—Flowers in July. Properties.—The whole herb (herba marrubii) is used in medicine. 'It has an aromatic odour, and a bitter taste. Sesquichloride of iron communicates an olive green tint {tannate of iron) to the cold watery infusion. Composition.—Its bitterness depends on extractive; its aromatic properties * on volatile oil. Besides these principles it contains resin, tannic acid, bitter matter, and woody fibre. Physiological Effects.—Horehound is tonic, mildly stimulant, and, in large doses, laxative. Taken in the form of infusion, it promotes the secretions of the skin and kidneys. It was formerly supposed to possess emmenagogue properties. Uses.—It is rarely employed by medical practitioners. As a domestic remedy it is used in chronic pulmonary complaints, especially catarrh. It was formerly given in uterine and hepatic affections. Administration.—Horelwund tea (prepared by infusing an ounce of the herb in a pint of boiling water) is taken in the dose of a wineglassful. Syrup of hore- hound (prepared with the infusion and sugar) is a popular remedy, and is kept in the shops. Candied horehound ought to be made of the same ingredients. OTHER MEDICINAL, AND DIETETICAL, IiABIAT.SE. The following species, enumerated by Loudon, (Encyclop. of Gardening, p. 871,) are cultivated in this country as sweet herbs (see vol. i. p. 189):—Common or Garden Thyme (Thymus vulga'ris, Linn.), Lemon Thyme (T. citriodo'rus, Schreb.), Sage (Sal'via officinalis, Linn.), Clary (S. Scla'rea, Linn.), Peppermint (Men'tha piperita, Linn.), Spearmint, (M. vir'idis, Linn,), Pennyroyal (M. Pule'gium), Common Marjoram (Orig'anum vulga're, Linn,), Winter Sweet Marjoram (O. her'acleo'ticum, Linn.), Sweet Marjoram (Majora'na horten'sis, Moench.), Pot Marjoram (M. Oni'tes, Benth.), Winter Savory (Saturej'a monta'na, Linn.), Summer Savory (S. horten'sis, Linn.), Sweet or Larger Basil (O'cimum Basil'icum, Linn.), Bush or Least Basil (O. min'imum, Linn.), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, Linn.), and Garden Lavender (La- van'dula ve'ra, De Cand.) Some of these species have been, or are, used in medicine, and several of them are officinal. The general effects and uses of the sweet or savoury herbs have been before pointed out. Besides the labiate plants above described, and which are the only officinal ones in the British pharmacopoeias, a considerable number of other species have been at different times introduced into medicinal use. Some of these are deficient in volatile oil, but abound in a bitter principle, on which account (hey have been employed as stomachics and tonics: such are Water Ger- mander (Teu'crium Scor'dium, Linn.), Wall Germander (T. Chama'drys, Linn.), and Ground Pine (Aju'ga Chama'pitys, Smith); the two last of which have been used, as I have before mentioned, as anti-arthritic remedies (p. 244). Others abound in essential oil, and are conse- quently more aromatic, stimulant, and carminative: such are Cat-Thyme (Teu'crium Ma'rum, Linn.), Common Hyssop (Hysso'pus officinalis, Linn.), Dittany of Crete (Amara'cus Dictam'nus, Benth.), &.C. Order XXXVII.—SCROPHULARIACEjE, Lindley.—THE FIGWORT TRIBE. Personate, De Cand.—ScrophulaRineje, R. Brown. Essential Character.—Calyx free, five-divided, or more generally (by abortion) four-divided; the sepals more or less united, or sometimes free, unequal; the upper one largest; the late- 296 elements of materia medica. ral ones smallest; imbricated in aestivation. Corolla monopetalous, five-divided or (by the cohesion of the two upper petals to the apex) four-divided ; the tube short, or elongated; the limb expanded or erect, nearly equally partite or bilabiate; imbricated in aestivation. Stamens simple, opposite the sepals; the upper stamens entirely wanting, or sterile, very rarely fertile ; shorter than the others; the two lateral equal, rarely abortive; the two lower equal to, or longer than, the lateral ones; sometimes wanting. Anthers two or one-celled, dehiscing lon- gitudinally. Ovary free, two-celled; the cells two or many-seeded. Style simple, rarely slightly bifid. Fruit capsular, rarely baccate, two-celled, two-seeded, dehiscing by valves or pores. Dissepiment parallel, or opposite to the valves, becoming loose in the centre, or alto- gether free. Placenta adhering to the dissepiments; sometimes separating when ripe. Seeds generally indefinite. Embryo variously placed in the albumen.—Inodorous or fetid herbs or shrubs (Macreight). Properties.—Not uniform ; suspicious. 1. DIGITA'LIS PURPUREA, Linn., L. E. D.—PURPLE FOXGLOVE. Sex. Syst. Didynamia, Angiospermia. (Folia; Semina, L.—Folia, D.—Leaves, E.) (Digitalis, U. S.) History.—It appears very improbable that the ancients should have over- looked so common and elegant a plant as foxglove; yet in none of their writings can we find any plant whose description precisely answers to the one now under examination. Fabricius Columna (quoted by Mentzelius, Index Nom. Plant, p. 104) thought that it was the 'Epi^jxspov of Dioscorides, (lib. iv. cap. 85,) but the description of the latter does not at all agree with foxglove. The Bax^apig (lib. iii. cap. 51) of the same writer has also been referred to, but with little more pro- bability of correctness. The term Foxep-jlope occurs in a MS., Glossarium jElfrica, probably written before the Norman Conquest (A. D. 1066), and in a MS. Saxon translation of L. Apulius; both of which are among the Cottonian manuscripts in the British Museum. (Lyle, Diet. Saxon.) Fuchsius (Hist. Stirp. 1542) is usually regarded as the earliest botanist who mentions this plant, which he named Digitalis (from Fingerhut, a finger-stall, on account of the blos- soms resembling the finger of a glove.) Fuchsius states, that until he gave it this appellation, the plant had no Greek or Latin name. Botany. Gen. char.—Calyx five-partite, unequal. Corolla campanulate: the limb obliquely four-lobed ; the lobes unequal. Stamens four, didynamous; no vestige of the fifth apparent. Stigma simple or bilamellate. Capsule ovate- acuminate. (Bot. Gall.) Sp. char.—Segments of the calyx ovate, acute. Corolla obtuse ; its upper lobe scarcely cloven. Leaves downy (Smith). Herbaceous. Root of numerous long and slender fibres ; biennial. Stem erect, three or four feet high, commonly simple, roundish with several slight angles, downy. Leaves alternate, ovate-lanceolate or elliptic-oblong, crenate, downy, rugged, and veiny, of a dull green ; tapering at the base into winged footstalks ; lower ones largest. Raceme terminal, erect, one-sided, long, simple, of numerous, large, pendulous, odourless flowers. Corolla crimson, elegantly marked with eye-like spots, as well as hairy, within. A variety with white flowers, spotted with shades of cream colour or pearl, is met with in gardens: it remains tolerably constant from seed. Hah.—Indigenous : in pastures and about hedges or banks, on a gravelly or saudy soil. Description.—The officinal parts are the leaves and seeds; the latter, how- ever, are rarely employed. As some doubts have been expressed as to the equal activity of cultivated specimens, wild or native plants are to be preferred. 1. Foxglove leaves (Folia Digitalis).—The leaves should be gathered when the plant is in the greatest perfection,—that is, just before or during the period of inflorescence; and those are to be preferred which are full grown and fresh. As the petioles possess less activity than the lamina? or expanded portions of the leaves, they ought to be rejected. Dr. Withering (Account of the Foxglove, p. PURPLE foxglove. 297 181, 1785), directs the leaves to be dried either in the sunshine, or in a tin pan or pewter dish before the fire ; but the more usual, and, I believe, better mode of proceeding, is to dry them in baskets in a dark place, in a drying-stove. Both dried leaves and powder should be preserved in well-stoppered bottles, covered ex- ternally by dark-coloured paper, and kept in a dark cupboard. As both undergo changes by keeping, whereby their medicinal activity is considerably diminished, they ought to be renewed annually. Dried foxglove leaves have a dull green co- lour, a faint odour, and a bitter nauseous taste. 2. Foxglove seeds (Semina Digitalis.)—The seeds of the foxglove are small, roundish, and of a grayish-brown colour. Composition.—The chemistry of digitalis is in an unsatisfactory state. This arises from the inconclusive and discordant results obtained by those who have submitted this plant to chemical examination. Analyses of it have been published by Destouches (Bull, de Pharm. t. i. p. 123), Bidault de Villiers (Essai sur les Propr. Med. de la Digit, pourp. 3e edit. 1812), Rein and Haase (Diss, de Digit. purp. 1812, quoted in Schwarfze's Pharm. Tdbell.), Le Royer (Bibl. TJnivers. des Sciences, t. xxvii. p. 102, 1824, Geneve), Welding (Journ. of the Philadelphia Coll. of Pharm. July, 1833), Radig (Pharm. Central-Blatt fiir 1835, S. 209), and Brault and Poggiale (Journ. de Pharm. t. xxi. p. 130,1835). Schlesinger (Pharm. Central-Blatt fur 1839, p. 632), in 1839, analyzed the leaves of a Di- gitalis (folia Digitalis ambiguce). Radig's Analysis. Picrin (Digitalin of Le Royer)................ 0-4 Digitalin (of Lancelot)....................... 8-2 Scaptin (acrid extractive.................... 14-7 Chlorophylle................................. 60 Oxide of iron................................ 37 Potash.............-........................ 3-2 Acetic ncid . ................................ 11-0 Vegetable albumen........................... 0-3 Woody fibre................................. 43-6 Brault and Poggiale''s Analysis. Resin. Fatty matter. Chlorophylle. Starch. Gum. Lignin. Tannin. Salts of lime and potash Volatile oil. Fixed oil. Oxalate of potash Foxglove leaves.............................. 100-1 Foxglove leaves. 1. Digitalina of Lancelot (Pharm. Central-Blatt fiir 1833, p. 620), and of Radig (Op. supra cit.) This substance has been obtained by Radig in small crystals, whose forms were not accu- rately determined. It is colourless, has an acrid taste, is unchanged in the air, renders syrup of violets green, and restores the blue colour of reddened litmus. It is soluble in alcohol and in acids : the solutions were very bitter, and were decomposed by water, by diacetate of lead, and by infusion of nutgalls. Concentrated sulphuric acid first reddens digitalina, and then makes it olive-green. By distillation it does not evolve ammonia. Dr. David found that, when from ^ to 1 £ grains were injected into the veins of an animal, death speedily ensues without convulsions, and with the same effect upon the pulse which characterizes digitalis. [M. Homolle, who has recently isolated digitalina, (Journ. de Pharm; American Journal oj Pharmacy, vol. xvii. pp. 9-99), describes it as white, colourless, difficult to crystallize, and as- suming frequently the form of porous, warty masses, or of strong laminae. It is so intensely bitter that the 15th part of a grain suffices to communicate a decided bitterness to 2 quarts of water. The taste of solid digitalina is, however, slow in developing itself, owing to its sparing solubility in water. It causes violent sneezing when it is powdered or agitated carelessly, even in small quantities. It is a neutral substance. Exposed in a tube to the action of heat of an oil-bath, it began nt 356° to be slightly coloured ; at 392° it had become brown ; and towards 400° it began to soften to a sort of paste which swelled, appearing to acquire a lighter lint from the interposi- tion of gaseous bubbles. It burns without residuum, and diffuses acid vapours. It is not a ni- trogenous compound. Cold water dissolves a little more than 1-200; boiling water about 1-500. The best solvent is alcohol. Acids do not combine with it. The effects upon the system were the same as those of digitalis—decidedly marked when in- troduced beneath the skin, or applied externally.—J. C] 2. Picrin (from vupos, bitter).—The substance which Radig calls picrin, and which he says is identical wilh the digitalin of Le Royer, is bitter, hygrometric, soluble in water, alcohol, and ether, and precipitable from its watery solution by bichloride of mercury, ferro-cyanide of iron, and acetate of lead. Brault and Poggiale, however, declare the digitalin of Le Royer to be a compound of chlorophylle resin, a fatty matter, and some traces of salts of lime and potash; and they ascribe the activity of foxglove to the combination of all the principles of which this plant is composed, but especially to the resin. 3. Scaptin.—Radig has applied the term scaptin to a brown, almost tasteless extractive, which leaves an acrid sensation in the throat. 298 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. 4. Empyreumatic Oil of Foxglove (Pyrodigitalina).—By the destructive distillation of the dried leaves of foxglove, Dr. Morries (Ed. Med. and Surg. Journ. vol. xxxix. p. 377) obtained a coloured, disagreeable, empyreumatic oil, which was semi-solid at 60° F., and soluble in boiling alcohol and ether: the solution, on cooling, let fall a flocculent precipitate, composed of two sub- stances, one crystalline, the other globular. Given to a rabbit, it caused paralysis of the hind legs, convulsions, laborious and rapid breathing, and accelerated action of the heart. It does not contain the sedative principle of foxglove. Chemical Characteristics.—Sesquichloride of iron causes a dark precipi- tate (tanno-gallate of iron) with decoction of foxglove leaves, as well as with the tincture diluted with water. A solution of gelatine, added to the decoction, causes, after some time, a scanty precipitate (tannate of gelatine). Tincture of nutgalls has scarcely any effect (perhaps a slight turbidness) when added to the decoction or to the, tincture diluted with water. Physiological Effects, a. On Vegetables.—Marcet (Ann. de Chim. et de Phys. vol. xxix. p. 200), found that a solution of the watery extract of foxglove killed a haricot plant (Phaseolus vulgaris) in twenty-four hours. B. On Animals generally.—The effects of foxglove have been tried on dogs (Orfila, Toxicol. Gen.), horses, rabbits (Le Royer, Bibl. Univ. June, 1824), tur- keys (Salerne, Hist, de VAcad. des Scien. 1748, p. 84), the domestic fowl, and frogs ; and on all it has been found to act as a poison. One drachm of the pow- der may be given to horses as a sedative in inflammation. (Youatt, The Horse, in Libr. of Usef. Knowledge.) Two ounces have produced death in twelve hours. (Moiroud, Pharm. Veter. p. 354.) According to the experience of Orfila, the first symptoms of poisoning observed in [carnivorous] animals is vomiting. The influence of the poison over the heart does not appear to be uniform ; for in some cases he found the pulsations of this viscus unaltered, in others accelerated, while occasionally they were retarded. In the horse killed by two ounces of foxglove, the pulse was 130 per minute, a short time before death (Moiroud): the standard pulse of the horse being 40 or 42 per minute. The cerebro-spinal symptoms ob- served in animals are, diminished muscular power, convulsive movements, tre- mors, and insensibility. The powder acts as a local irritant, giving rise to inflam- mation of parts to which it is applied (Orfila). y. On Man.—We may, for convenience, establish three degrees of the opera- tion of foxglove. In the first degree, or that produced by small andrepeated doses, foxglove some- times affects what are termed the organic functions, without disordering the ani- mal or cerebro-spinal functions. Thus we sometimes have the stomach disorder- ed, the pulse altered in frequency, and sometimes also in fulness and regularity, and the secretion of urine increased, without any other marked symptoms. The order in which the symptoms just mentioned occur is not uniform : sometimes the diuresis, at others nausea, and occasionally the affection of the circulation, being the first obvious effect. The influence of foxglove over the circulation is not at all constant. In some cases the frequency of the pulse is augmented, in others decreased, while in some it is unaffected. Lastly, in a considerable number of instances, the pulse becomes irregular or intermittent under the use of foxglove. (See the statistical resume of Sandras, Bull, de Therap. t. vi.) A few drops of the tincture will, in some cases, reduce the frequency of the pulse, and render it irregular and in- termittent, while in other instances much larger doses may be taken without any obvious effect on it. Dr. Withering (Account of the Foxglove, p. 73, 1785) men- tions one case in which the pulse fell to 40, and I have several times seen it re- duced to 50. In some cases the slowness of the pulse is preceded by an increased activity of the vascular system. From Sandras's op. cit. reports, this would appear to occur more frequently after small than large doses of fox- glove. Dr. Sanders (Treat, on Pulm. Consumption, ed. 1808) indeed asserts, that foxglove invariably excites the pulse, and refers to an experience of 2000 cases in proof. He says, that he has seen the pulse rise from 70 to 120 under purple foxglove. 299 the use of foxglove, and at the end of twenty-four hours, or sooner, fall with greater or less rapidity to forty, or even below this. But an experience of the use of foxglove in only twenty cases, will, I believe, convince most persons that Dr. Sanders has fallen into an error in the sweeping assertion which he has made. A great deal, however, depends on the position of the patient. If it be desired to reduce the frequency of the pulse, the patient should be kept in a re- cumbent posture. The important influence of posture was first pointed out, I believe, by Dr. Baildon. (Ed. Med. and Surg. Journ. vol. iii. p. 270.) His own pulse, which had been reduced by this plant from 110 to 40 beats per minute while he was in the recumbent position, rose to 70 when he sat up, and to 100 when he stood. We have a ready explanation of this fact. In a state of health the pulsations of the heart are more frequent (usually to the extent of five or six in the minute) in the erect than in the horizontal position; and it is very obvious that greater force is required to carry on the circulation in the former than in the latter, since, in the erect position, the heart and arteries have to send blood to the head against gravity. Now, the power of the heart being enfeebled by foxglove, when a demand is made on this viscus for an increase in the force of contractions by the change from the recumbent to the standing attitude, it endea- vours to make up for its diminished force by an increase in the frequency of its contractions. I need scarcely add that the sudden change of position in those who are much under the influence of this medicine, is attended with great danger, and in several instances has proved fatal; for, in consequence of the heart not having sufficient power to propel the blood to the head against gravity, fatal syncope has been the result.1 The influence of digitalis over the pulse is more marked in some individuals or cases than in others; thus the reduction of the frequency of the pulse is in general more readily induced in weak and debilitated constitutions than in robust and plethoric ones. Occasionally, no obvious effect on the number, force, or regularity of the pulse is produced, though the foxglove may be given to an extent sufficient to excite vomiting and cerebral disorder. Shrock (quoted by Wibmer, Wirk. d. Arzneim. ii. Gift. Bd. ii. S. 311) experienced, from two grains of foxglove, nausea, headache, small, soft, and quick pulse, dryness of the gums and throat, giddiness, weakness of limbs, and increased secretion of saliva. Some hours after, he observed sparks before his eyes, his vision became dim, and he experienced a sensation of pressure on the eyeballs. A most important fact connected with the repeated uses of small doses of it, is the cumulative effect sometimes observed. It has not unfrequently happened, that in consequence of the continued use of small doses of this medicine, very dangerous symptoms, in some cases terminating in death, have occurred. The most prominent of these were, great depression of the vascular system, giddi- ness, want of sleep, convulsions, and sometimes nausea and vomiting.3 A know- ledge of its occasional occurrence impresses us with the necessity of exercising great caution in the use of this remedy, particularly with respect to the continu- ance of its administration and increase of dose ; and it shows, that after the con- stitutional effect has become obvious, it is prudent to suspend from time to time the exhibition of the remedy in order to guard against the effects of this alarming accumulation. I may add, however, that I have used it, and seen others employ it, most extensively, and in full doses, and have rarely seen any dangerous con- sequences ; and I believe, therefore, the effects of accumulation to be much less frequent than the statements of authors of repute would lead us to expect. The experience of Dr. Holland (Med. Notes and Reflections, p. 544) is to the same effect. "Though employing the medicine somewhat largely in practice," he ob- serves, " I do not recollect a case in which I have seen any injurious consequences from this cause." 1 For ?ome interesting remarks on the Effects produced on posture by the pulse, by Dr. Graves, consult Dubl Hosp. Rep.vo\. v. p. SOI. • See the cases published by Dr. Withering, op. cit. ; also a fatal case recorded by Dr. Blackall, On Dropsy, p. 175, 4th edit. t 300 ELEMENTS OF materia medica. The diuretic operation for which we employ foxglove is very inconstant. Dr. Withering stated, that this medicine more frequently succeeds as a diuretic than any other, and that if it fail, there is but little chance of any other remedy suc- ceeding. My experience, however, is not in accordance with Dr. Withering's. I have frequently seen foxglove fail in exciting diuresis, and have found the infusion of common broom (Cytisus scoparius) subsequently succeed. It. has been as- serted by some, that the diuretic effect of foxglove was only observed in dropsical cases, and that it, therefore, depended on the stimulus given to the absorbent ves- sels, and not to any direct influence exerted over the kidneys; but the statement is not true, since foxglove is sometimes found acting as a diuretic even in health. In some cases the bladder has appeared more irritable than usual, the patient having a frequent desire to pass his urine. An increased flow of saliva is an occasional consequence of the continued use of moderate doses of foxglove. Dr. Withering (op. cit. S. 184) first noticed this effect. Dr. Barton (Beck's Med. Jurisprudence) has also seen it produced from ordinary doses. 2. The second degree of operation of digitalis, or that ordinarily resulting from the use of too large or too long-continued doses, is manifested by the disordered condition of the alimentary canal, of the circulating organs, and of the cerebro- spinal system. The more ordinary symptoms are nausea or actual vomiting, slow and often irregular pulse, coldness of the extremities, syncope or tendency to it, giddiness, and confusion of vision. Sometimes the sickness is attended with purging, or even with diuresis ; at other times the patient is neither vomited nor purged ; and the principal disorder of system is observed in the altered condition of the nervous and vascular organs. External objects appear of a green or yellow colour ; the patient fancies there is a mist, or sparks, before his eyes ; a sensation of weight, pain, or throbbing of the head, especially in the frontal region, is ex- perienced ; giddiness, weakness of the limbs, loss of sleep, occasionally stupor or delirium, and even convulsions, may also be present. The pulse becomes feeble, sometimes frequent, sometimes slow ; there may be actual syncope, or only a ten- dency to it, and profuse cold sweats. Salivation is sometimes induced by poison- ous doses of foxglove. It was observed in a case, narrated by Dr. Henry (Ed. Med. and Surg. Journ. vol. vii. p. 148), and has been known to last three weeks. (Rust's Magazin, xxv. 578.) The quantity of digitalis that may be given to a patient without destroying life, is much greater than is ordinarily imagined. In one instance I saw twenty drops of the tincture given to an infant labouring under hydrocephalus, three times daily for a fortnight, at the end of which time the little patient was completely recovered, without one untoward symptom. I have frequently given a drachm of the tincture (of the best quality) three times daily to an adult, for a fortnight, without observing any marked effect. I know that some practitioners employ it in much larger doses (as an ounce or half an ounce of the tincture), with much less effect than might be imagined. The following communication on this subject, from my friend Dr. Clutterbuck, illustrates this point:—"My first informatioaon this subject was derived from an intelligent pupil, who had been an assistant to Mr. King, a highly respectable practitioner at Saxmundham, in Suffolk, who, on a subsequent occasion, personally confirmed the statement. This gentleman as- sured me, that he had been for many years in the habit of administering the tincture of digitalis, to the extent of from half an ounce to an ounce at the time, not only with safety, but with the most decided advantage, as a remedy for acute inflammation—not, however, to the exclusion of blood-letting, which, on the con- trary, he previously uses with considerable freedom. To adults he often gives an ounce of the tincture (seldom less than half an ounce), and awaits the result of twenty-four hours, when, if he does not find the pulse subdued, or rendered irre- gular by it, he repeats the dose; and this, he says, seldom fails to lower the pulse in the degree wished for; and when this is the case, the disease rarely fails to PURPLE FOXGLOVE. 301 give way, provided it has not gone the length of producing disorganization of the part. He has given as much as two drachms to a child of nine months. Some- times vomiting quickly follows these large doses of the digitalis, but never any dangerous symptom, as far as his observation has gone, which has been very ex- tensive. In less acute cases he sometimes gives smaller doses, as thirty drops, several times in a day. " Such is the account I received from Mr. King- himself, and which was con- firmed by his assistant, who prepared his medicines. I do not see any ground for questioning the faithfulness of the report. I have myself exhibited the tincture to the extent of half an ounce (never more), in not more than two or three in- stances (cases of fever and pneumonia). To my surprise there was no striking effect produced by it; but I did not venture to repeat the dose. In numerous instances I have given two drachms; still more frequently one drachm; but not oftener than once in twenty-four hours, and not beyond a second or third time. Two or three exhibitions of this kind I have generally observed to be followed by slowness and irregularity of pulse, when I have immediately desisted." Dr. T. Williams (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. i. p. 744) states, that a man, in a state of intoxi- cation, took two ounces of tincture of foxglove in two doses, in quick succession, without the slightest inconvenience. 3. The third degree of the operation of foxglove, or that resulting from the use of fatal doses, is characterized usually by vomiting, purging, and griping pain in the bowels; slow, feeble, and irregular pulse, great faintness, and cold sweats; disordered vision ; at first giddiness, extreme debility ; afterwards insensibility and convulsions, with dilated insensible pupils. If we compare the effects of foxglove with those of other medicinal agents, we find they approximate more closely to those of tobacco than of any other cerebro- spinant. Those two agents especially agree in their power of enfeebling the action of the heart and arteries (vol. i. p. 186). Green tea agrees with foxglove in its property of preventing sleep. Considered as a diuretic, foxglove is, in some re- spects, comparable with squills. I have already pointed out the peculiarities attending the operation of each of these. Uses.—We employ foxglove for various purposes, as—lstly, to reduce the frequency and force of the heart's action ; 2dly, to promote the action of the ab- sorbents; 3dly, as a diuretic; and 4thly, sometimes on account of its specific influence over the cerebro-spinal system. In the following remarks on the uses of foxglove in particular diseases, I refer to the administration of this remedy in the doses in whicb it is ordinarily employed. I have no experience of its therapeutical effects when given in the enormous quan- tities mentioned by Dr. Clutterbuck. 1. In fever.—Digitalis is occasionally useful in fever, to reduce the frequency of the pulse, when the excitement of the vascular system is out of proportion to the other symptoms of fever, such as the increased temperature, and the cerebral or gastric disorder. It cannot, however, be regarded, in the most remote way, as a curative means ; on the other hand, it is sometimes hurtful. Thus, not unfre- quently it fails to reduce the circulation ; nay, occasionally it has the reverse effect, accelerates the pulse, while it increases the cerebral disorder, and perhaps irritates the stomach. In estimating its value as a remedial agent for fever, we must not regard it as a sedative mean (I refer now to the vascular system) merely; it is an agent which exercises a specific influence over the brain ; and, therefore, to be able to lay down correct indications and contra-indications for its use in disordered conditions of this viscus, we ought to be acquainted, on the one hand, with the precise nature of the influence of the remedy, and, on the other, with the actual condition of the brain in the disease which we wish to ameliorate. Now, as we possess neither of these data in reference to fever, our use of foxglove is, with the exception of the sedative influence over the circulation, empirical; and experience has fully shown us it is not generally beneficial. But, I repeat, where the fre- vol. ii. 26 302 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. quency of pulse bears no relation to the local or constitutional symptoms of fever, foxglove may be serviceable. 2. Inflammation. — Foxglove has been employed in inflammatory diseases, principally on account of its power of reducing the frequency of the pulse, though some have referred part of its beneficial operation to its influence over the absorbent system. Inflammation, of a chronic kind, may be going on in one part of the body, to an extent sufficient to produce complete disorganization, and ultimately to cause the death of the patient, without the action of the larger arterial trunks (i. e. of the system generally) being remarkably increased. In such cases, digitalis is, for the most part, of little use. Again, in violent and acute inflammation, accom- panied with great excitement of the general circulation, especially in plethoric sub- jects, foxglove is, in some cases, hurtful; in others, it is a trivial and unimportant remedy ; and we therefore rely, in our treatment, on blood-letting and other pow- erful antiphlogistic measures; and foxglove, if serviceable at all, can only be used after the other means. As a remedy for inflammation, foxglove is principally useful in less violent cases, particularly when accompanied with increased frequency of pulse, and oc- curring in subjects not able to support copious evacuations of blood. Moreover, it has more influence over inflammation of some parts of the body (as the arach- noid membrane, the pleura, the pericardium, and the lungs) than of others. In gastric and enteritic inflammation, it would appear to be objectionable on account of its irritant properties; while its specific influence over the brain would make it a doubtful remedy in phrenitis. In arachnitis of children it is certainly a most valuable agent. In conclusion, then, it appears that digitalis, as a remedy for inflammation, is principally valuable where the disease has a tendency to terminate in serous effusion. But in no case can it be regarded as a substitute for blood-letting. Its powers as an antiphlogistic remedy have, I suspect, been greatly overrated. 3. Dropsy.—Of all remedies for dropsy, none have gained more, and few so much, celebrity as foxglove. It has been supposed to owe its beneficial operation to its repressing arterial excitement (a frequent cause of dropsical effusion), to its promoting the functions of the absorbent vessels, and particularly to its diuretic effects. Whatever may be its modus operandi, its powerful and salutary influence in many dropsies cannot be a matter of doubt. Dr. Withering has correctly ob- served, that " it seldom succeeds in men of great natural strength, of tense fibre, of warm skin, of florid complexion, or in those with a tight and cordy pulse." " On the contrary, if the pulse be feeble or intermitting, the countenance pale, the lips livid, the skin cold, the swollen belly soft and fluctuating, or the anasarcous limbs readily pitting under the pressure of the finger, we may expect the diuretic eff't-cts to follow in a kindly manner." In those with a florid complexion, blood- letting and purgatives will often be found useful preparatives for foxglove. In some forms of dropsy foxglove is more serviceable than in others. Thus, ana- sarca, ascites, hydrothorax, and phlegmasia dolens, are sometimes benefited by it^ whereas ovarian dropsy and hydrocephalus are not relieved by it. Its diuretic effect is greatly promoted by combining other diuretics with it, especially squills (as in the Pilulce Digitalis et Scillce, Ph. Ed.), calomel,pr the saline diuretics (as the acetate of potash). A combination of vegetable bitters (as infusion of gentian or calumba) with foxglove, forms, I think, a valuable form of exhibition in many old dropsical cases. Infusion of common broom (Cytisus scoparius) might pro- bably be advantageously conjoined with foxglove, where a powerful diuretic is required. In old cases of general dropsy, in cedematous swellings from debility, and in anasarca following scarlet fever, where, together with weakness, there is still left an excited and irritable state of the arterial system, chalybeates (as the tinctura ferri sesquichloridi) may be conjoined with foxglove, with the happiest effects. (Holland, Med. Notes and Reflect, p. 546.) 4. In Hemorrhages.—In active hemorrhages from internal organs, accompanied PURPLE FOXGLOVE. 303 with a quick, hard, and throbbing pulse, foxglove as a sedative is oftentimes ser- viceable. Epistaxis, hsemoptysis, and menorrhagia, are the forms of hemorrhage more frequently benefited by the use of foxglove. 5. Diseases of the Heart and Great Vessels.—An important indication in the treatment of many diseases of the heart and great vessels is to reduce the force and velocity of the circulation. The most effectual means of fulfilling this indi- cation are,—the adoption of a low diet, repeated blood-letting, and the employ- ment of foxglove. There are, perhaps, no diseases in which the beneficial effects of foxglove are more marked, than in those of the heart and great vessels. In aneurism of the aorta, our only hope of cure is by the coagulation of the blood in the aneurismal sac, and the consequent removal of the distensive pressure of the circulation. To promote this, we endeavour to retard the movement of the blood within the sac, by diminishing the quantity of blood in the system generally, and by reducing the force and velocity with which it circulates. Blood-letting and digitalis are, in these cases, very important agents: and under their use cases now and then recover. Again, in simple dilatation of the cavities of the heart, our objects are to remove, if possible, the cause (usually obstruction in the pulmo- nic or aortic system), to strengthen the muscular fibres of the heart, and to repress any preternatural excitement of the vascular system. Digitalis is useful to us in attaining the latter object. In simple hypertrophy or hypertrophy with dilatation, we have to reduce the preternatural thickness of the heart's parietes, and this we do by removing, when it can be done, any obstruction to the circulation, by using a low diet, by repeated blood-letting, and by the employment of foxglove. No means, says Dr. Davies, (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. xv. p. 790,) excepting the ab- straction of blood, diminishes the impulsion of the heart so completely and so cer- tainly as digitalis. " I have been," adds he, " in the habit of using it for several years for these affections, and have rarely seen it fail in producing at least tem- porary relief." "The enlarged and flaccid heart," observes Dr. Holland, (Med. Notes and Reflect, p. 574,) " though, on first view, it might seem the least favour- able for the use of the medicine, is, perhaps, not so. At least we have reason to believe, that, in dropsical affections, so often connected with this organic change, the action of digitalis, as a diuretic, is peculiarly of avail." In some disordered conditions of innervation of the heart and great vessels—as in angina pectoris, nervous palpitation of the heart, and augmented arterial impulsion, foxglove is also at times beneficial. In patients affected with an intermittent or otherwise irregular pulse, I have several times observed this medicine produce regularity of pulsation ; a circumstance also noticed by Dr. Holland. Besides the preceding, there are various other affections of the heart in which foxglove may be found serviceable, either by its sedative influence over the circulation, or by its power of relieving dropsical effusion through its diuretic property. 6. In phthisis.—Digitalis has been declared capable of curing pulmonary con- sumption, and numerous cases of supposed cures have been published. Bayle (Bibl. Therap. t. iii. p. 362,) has collected from the writings of Sanders, (op. ante cit.) Kinglake, Fowler, Beddoes, (Observ. on the Management of the Consumptive, 1801,) Drake, Mossman, (Essay to elucidate the Nat. Orig. and Connex. of Scroph. and Gland. Consumptio?i,) Maclean, Ferriar, (On Digitalis,) Magennis, Moreton, and others, reports of 151 cases treated by foxglove. Of these, 83 are said to have been cured, and 35 relieved. But a more accurate and extended ex- perience has fully proved, that this medicine possesses no curative, and very slightly palliative, powers in genuine phthisis; it is totally incapable of preventing or of causing the removal of tubercular deposits, and has little, if any influence, in retarding the progress of consumption. Its power of diminishing the rapidity of the circulation cannot be doubted; but this effect is, as Dr. Holland (op. cit. p. 551,) justly remarks, " of less real moment than is generally supposed." 7. In Insanity and Epilepsy.—In these maladies foxglove may prove occa- sionally serviceable by repressing excessive vascular excitement, which sometimes 304 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. accompanies them. Furthermore, the specific influence of this remedy over the cerebro-spinal system may now and then contribute to the beneficial operation of foxglove. But the precise nature of this influence not having as yet been accu- rately ascertained, while the pathology of the above-mentioned diseases is involved in considerable obscurity, it follows that the therapeutic value of this influence can only be ascertained empirically. In insanity, Dr. Hallaran (Inq. &cc.,with Observ. on the cure of Insanity, 1810,) recommends foxglove to reduce vascular action after the employment of depletion and purgation. It has been used in this disease, with success, by Dr. Currie, (Mem. of the Med. Soc. of London, vol. iv.) and by Fanzago. (Quoted by Bayle, Bibl. Therap. t. iii. p. 320.) In epilepsy it is, I conceive, less likely to be serviceable, because this disease is less frequently ac- companied with the vascular excitement, against which foxglove is most successful. Accordingly, while in some few cases it has proved serviceable, (Scott, Ed. Med. and Surg. Journ. Jan. 1827,) in others it has either been unsuccessful, (Percival, op. cit. vol. ix. p. 274,) or has only given temporary relief. (Currie, op. supra cit.) » 8. In various other diseases.—Besides the preceding, there are several other maladies against which foxglove has been employed with occasional benefit, as scrofula (Haller, Merz, Schiemann, and Hufeland, quoted by Bayle, Bibl. Ther. t. iii. p. 369,) and asthma.1 For other diseases relieved by foxglove I must refer the reader to the works of Murray (App. Med. vol. i.) and Bayle, (op. supra cit.) Administration.—The ordinary dose of foxglove, in powder, is from gr. ss. to gr. iss., repeated every six hours. Antidotes___In a case of poisoning by foxglove, or its preparations, expel the poison from the stomach by the stomach-pump or by emetics, if vomiting should not already have commenced; assist the vomiting, when it is established, by the use of diluents; and counteract the depressing influence of the poison on the cir- culation by the use of ammonia and brandy : and keep the patient in a recumbent posture, to guard against syncope. I am unacquainted with any chemical anti- dote for foxglove; perhaps infusion of nutgalls or green tea might prove service- able, especially if the active principle of this plant be an alkali. 1. 1NFCSUM DIGITALIS, L. E. D. (U. S.) Infusion of Foxglove.—(Foxglove leaves, dried, 3j. [3ij. E.] ; Spirit of Cinnamon, f3j. [fjij. E.; 3ss. D.~\ ; Boiling [distilled, X.] Water, Oj. [f 3xviij., E.; Oss. wine measure, D.] Macerate the foxglove leaves in the water for four hours, in a vessel lightly covered, and strain [through linen or calico, _E.]; then add the spirit of cinnamon.)—1 believe this, when properly made, to be the most effectual of the preparations of foxglove. The dose of it is from f3ss. to f3j. repeated every six hours. I have known it given to the extent of f3ij. %. TIXCTURA DIGITALIS, L. E. D. (U. S.) Tincture of Foxglove.—(Foxglove leaves [rejecting the larger ones, D.~\ dried [in moderately fine powder, E.; coarsely powdered, D.] 3iv. [3ij. D.] Proof Spirit [Diluted alcohol, U. S.], Oij. [Oj. ivine measure, Z>.] Macerate for fourteen days [seven, D.~\ and strain. "This tinc- ture is best prepared by the process of percolation, as directed for the Tincture of Capsicum. If forty fluid ounces of spirit be passed through, the density is 944 [0-944], and the solid contents of a fluid ounce amount to twenty-four grains. It may also be made by digestion," E.)—The usual dose of this preparation, for an adult, is from ir[x. cautiously increased to rr^xl., repeated every six hours. I usu- ally begin with n^xx. The largest dose I have employed is f 3j.; but, as I have already stated, it has been given to the extent of one ounce! The colour of this preparation is somewhat affected by exposure to strong solar light. Succus Digitalis.— The preserved juice of foxglove may be employed as a substitute for the tincture. The mode of preparing it has been already explained (see vol. i. p. 333.) Mr. Bentley informs me, that from 1 cwt. 2 qrs. 26 lbs. of digitalis gathered in May, he procured 49 pints of juice. 1 Ferriar, On Digitalis, 1799; Fogo [asthma cured by an overdose of foxglove], Ed. Med. and Surg. Journ., vol. xviii. p. 345. KNOTTY-ROOTED FIGW0RT. 305 I EXTRACTUM DIGITALIS, L. E, Extract of Foxglove. — (Fresh Foxglove leaves, lb. j. Bruise them, sprinkled with a little water, in a stone mortar; then press out the juice, and evaporate it, unstrained, to a proper consistence, L.— " This extract is best prepared from the fresh leaves of digitalis, by any of the pro- cesses indicated for extract of Conium," E.)—Recently introduced into the phar- macopoeias of London and Edinburgh. Its preparation requires very great care and attention, or the virtues of the plant may be destroyed during the process.— Dose, gr. j. cautiouslv increased. 4. PILULiE DIGITALIS ET SCILLjG, E. Pills of Foxglove and Squill.—(Digi- talis; Squill, of each, one part; Aromatic Electuary, two parts. Beat them into a proper mass with conserve of red roses ; and divide the mass into four-grain pills.)—A valuable diuretic compound. Used in dropsies.—Dose, one or two pills. 2. VERBASCUM THAP'SUS, Linn., D.—GREAT MULLEIN OR HIGH TAPER. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Monogynia. (Folia, D.) History.—This plant is, according to Sprengel, (Hist. Rei Herb. vol. i. p. 161,) the it is generally associated with calomel. Where a milder purgative is required, it may be conjoined with rhubarb, sulphate of potash, and an aromatic. It may be employed to open the bowels in constipation; to expel worms, especially of chil- dren; to act as a hydragogue purgative, on the principle of counter-irritation, as in affections of the head and dropsies; and for any other purpose for which an active cathartic may be required. Administration.—For an adult the usual dose of commercial scammony is ten grs. to a scruple; but of virgin scammonv from ten to fifteen grs. In order 29* 1 ^2, ' ca Ml "5 as ■5 a- t£ *" 81-25 78-5 0 75 15 450 3-5 — 20 300 2-0 — 1-5 1-75 1-25 J-50 3-5 3-75 275 3-50 3-5 10000 10000 Alpha resin with traces of wax--- Beta resi n........................ Extractive taken up by alcohol .... --------------------water..... Gum with sulphate of lime......... Mucilage......................... Starch............................ Colouring matter................. Woody fibre, oxides, extractive, Slc Inorganic salts, silica, &c.......... Smyrna Scammony.......... 342 elements of materia medica. to diminish its irritant and griping qualities, it should be finely divided. For this purpose it may be intimately mixed with some bland powder (as gum, starch, sugar, &c), or made into an emulsion with milk. 1. TULVIS SCAMMONII COMPOSITUS, L. D.; Compound Powder of Scammony. —(The London and Dublin Colleges direct it to be prepared with Scammony; Hard Extract of Jalap, of each 3'j-; Ginger 3ss. Rub them separately to very fine powder; then mix them.—The Edinburgh College directs it to be made of equal parts of Scammony and Bitartrate of Potash, triturated together to a very fine powder).—The effects of scammony and of extract of jalap being very similar, little or no advantage can be obtained by the intermixture of these substances. The ginger is intended to correct the griping of the other ingredients. The bitar- trate of potash, used by the Edinburgh College, can do little more than serve to divide the scammony. Compound powder of scammony is cathartic, and is used as a smart purge for children, especially where much mucous slime is contained in the bowels, and in worm cases.—The dose of the London and Dublin prepara- tion for an adult is from grs. x. to Bj.; for children under a twelvemonth old, from grs. iii. to grs. v. The dose of the Edinburgh preparation for an adult is from grs. xv. to 3ss. 2. PULVIS SCAMMONII CUM CALOMELANE; Powder of Scammony with Calomel. —(Scammony, 3j.; Calomel; Sugar, of each 3ss. Mix.)—Though this prepa- ration is not contained in any of the British pharmacopoeias, yet the frequency of its employment in the diseases of children is a sufficient apology for its introduc- tion here.—Dose, for an adult, grs. x. to grs. xx.; for children, from grs. iv. to grs. x., according to the age of the patient. This preparation may be employed as a substitute for the old Pulvis Basilicus or Royal Powder, which consisted of equal parts of scammony, calomel, cream of tartar, and antimonic acid. % CONFECTIO SCAMMONII, L.; Electuarium Scammonii, D.; Confection of Scammony.—(Scammony, powdered, 3jss.: Cloves, bruised ; Ginger, powdered, each 3vj.; Oil of Caraway* f3ss.; Syrup of Roses, as much as may be suffi- cient. Rub the dry ingredients together to very fine powder, and preserve them; then, whenever the Confection is to be used, the syrup being gradually poured in, rub again ; lastly, the Oil of Caraway being added, mix them all, L. —The Dublin College orders the syrup to be dropped on the powders, the Oil of Caraway then added, and all mixed together).—A warm or aromatic cathar- tic—Dose, for an adult, 9j. to 3j.; for children, grs. iii. to grs. x. It is seldom employed. 4. .EXTRACTUM sive RESINA SCAMMONII, E.; Extract or Resin of Scammony. —(Take any convenient quantity of Scammony in fine powder; boil it in suc- cessive portions of proof spirit till the spirit ceases to dissolve any thing; filter; distil the liquid till little but water passes over. Then pour away the watery solution from the resin at the bottom; agitate the resin with the successive por- tions of boiling water till it is well washed ; and, lastly, dry it at a temperature not exceeding 240°.)—It is brownish, and in thin layers transparent: when heated it evolves a peculiar, not disagreeable, odour; it is fusible and combus- tible. It is soluble in alcohol, ether, and oil of turpentine. Its alcoholic solu- tion is feebly acid; the addition of water causes a white precipitate (hydrate of resin). Precipitates (metallic scammoniates ?) are also produced by alcoholic solutions of the 'acetate of lead and the acetate of copper. Caustic potash deepens the colour of the solution. (Marquart, op. cit.) Scammony resin may be decolourized by animal charcoal, without having its purgative qualities affected. (Journ. de Pharm. t. xiii. p. 589.) Its composition, according to Mr. Johnston, (Phil. Trans, for 1840, p. 341,) is C« H33 Oa°. It is "remarkable for containing the largest quantity of oxygen of any resin hitherto analyzed" (Johnston). When pure or virgin scammony can be obtained, the resin is an unnecessary preparation. Scammony resin is a drastic cathartic—Dose, grs. JALAP IP0M.EA. 343 viij. to grs. xij. When administered it should be intimately divided, either by some bland powder, or still better by an emulsion. 5. MISTURA SCAMMONII, E.; Mixture of Scammony.—{Resin of Scammony, gr. vij. ; Unskimmed milk, f 3iij. Triturate the resin with a little of the milk, and gradually with the rest of it till a uniform emulsion is formed.)—This is an imitation of Pianette's purgative potion, except that two drachms of sugar and three or four drops of cherry-laurel water are omitted. It is one of the most agreeable purgative draughts that can be taken. 2. IPOIVLE'A PUR'GA, Wenderoth, E.—THE JALAP IPOMiEA. Ipomaea Jalapa, Jfuttall, L.—Schiedeana, Zuccarini. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Monogynia. (Radi.v, L. D.—Root, E.) (Jalapa, U. S.) History.—De Paiva (Voigtels' Arzneimittell. Bd. i. S. 117) thinks that Jalap was known to Dodoens in 1552, to Monardes in 1568, and to Clusius in 1574. (See some remarks on this subject in Pharm. Central-Blatt fiir 1834, S. 955-6.) But Bauhin (Prodromus, p. 135), (who calls it Bryonia Mechoacana nigricans), says it was brought from India, under the name of Chelapa or Cepala, about eleven years before the time he wrote (the date of the preface to his work is 1620): that is, about 1609 or 1610. Its name seems to be derived from Xalapa, a town of Mexico. The Convolvulus Jalapa described and figured by Woodville (Med. Bot. p. 59) and Desfontaines (Ann. Mus. d'Hist. Nat. t. ii.), and adopted by the Dublin College as the source of the commercial jalap, is now well known to yield none of this drug. The real jalap plant was first described by Mr. Nuttall (American Journ. of Med. Sciences for Feb. 1830); but the name (Ipomcea Jalapa) he gave to it had been already applied by Pursh to another plant. In the same year Dr. Schiede (Linncea,v. 3. Juli, 1830, p. 473), and Dr. Wenderoth (op. cit. viii. 515) noticed it; and in 1832 it was described and figured by Zuccarini. (Acta Acad. Reg. Monacensis, vol. x.) Botany. Gen. char.—Sepals five. Corolla campanulate. Stamens included. Style one. Stigma two-lobed ; the lobes capitate. Ovary two-celled ; cells two- seeded. Capsule two-celled (Lindley). sp. char.—Roots tuberose; incrassated, perennial. Stems annual, twining, branched, smooth. Leaves ovate, acuminate, cordate at the base, quite entire, and smooth on both sides. Peduncles one to three-flowered. Sepals unequal, obtuse, smooth. Corolla salver-shaped, with a subclavate, cylindrical tube, and a subpentagonal, horizontally-expanded limb. Stamens exserted (Zuccarini). Root perennial, tuberose, irregularly ovate-conical, terminating inferiorly in some subcylindrical fibrous branches; covered by a very thin, dirty, blackish, epidermis; internally white and fleshy. Stem herbaceous. Leaves alternate, petioled. Tube of the corolla purplish-violet (red lake). Hab.—In the woods of the Mexican empire, near Chicanquiaco, at an elevation of near 6,000 feet above the level of the sea. Jalapa is the only market for the root, from whence it is exported to Europe by way of Vera Cruz. Description.—The dried tubers (radix jalapce) found in commerce rarely exceed a pound each in weight. They vary in size, from that of the fist to that of a nut. When entire they are usually more or less oval, and pointed at the two opposite extremities. The larger tubers are frequently incised, apparently to facilitate dessication. They are covered with a thin, brown, wrinkled cuticle. They should be heavy, hard, and difficult to powder. When broken, good tubers should present a deep yellowish-gray colour, interspersed with deep brown con- centric circles. The slices vary in their shape, colour, and other properties. Those of inferior quality are light, whitish, and friable ; they usually appear to 344 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. be quarter segments of transverse slices: they are called spurious jalap, or, from their shape, cocked-hat jalap. The light orfusiform jalap, called in Mexico male jalap, described by Guibourt (Hist, des Drog. i. 523), is said to be the produce of Ipomcea Orizabensis. (Pelletan, Journ. de Chim. Med. t. x. p. 10.) Jalap is very apt to become worm-eaten ; but the insects which attack it devour the amy- laceous matter, and leave the resin. Hence worm-eaten jalap is well adapted for the preparation of extract. Commerce.—Jalap is imported, in bales, from Vera Cruz direct, or indirectly by way of New York, or other places. In 1839, duty (6d. per lb.) was paid on 37,211 lbs. Composition—Jalap was analyzed, in 1817, by Cadet de Gassicourt (Journ. de Pharm. t. iii. p. 495), and more recently by Gerber. (Gmelin, Handb. de Chemie, Bd. ii. S. 1<299.) Other less complete analyses have been made by Henry (Bull, de Pharm. t. ii. p. 87), by Ledanois (Journ. de Chim. Med. t. v. p. 508,) and by Nees v. Esenbeck and Marquart (Pharm. Central-Blatt fiir 1834, S. 695). In 1835 Cannobio analyzed a variety of jalap called gialappone. (Ibid. fur 1835, S. 304.) Gerber's Analysis. Henrifs Analysis. Light. Sound. Worm-eaten. 9-6 280 20-4 420 14-4 250 20-6 40 0 Starch................... 19 Malic acid and malates of potash and Jalap.............. 100 100-0 1000 Nees v. Esenbeck and Marquarfs Analysis. Chlorides of calcium and potassium .. 1-4 Phosphates of magnesia and lime... 1-7 Root of Ipomcea Purga. Commer-cial Jalap. False Jalap. 2750 1333 5916 6-66 18.-33 7500 Matters insoluble in 100 000 100 00 10000 Jalap Resin.—Obtained by mixing the alcoholic tincture of jalap (prepared by percolation or digestion) with water. The precipitated resin is to be washed with warm water, and then dissolved in alcohol. By evaporation the tincture yields the resin. Planche (Soubeiran, Traite de Pharm. t. ii. p. 28) has proposed another process. By digestion with animal charcoal the alcoholic solution of the resin is rendered nearly colourless, and by evaporation yields an almost colourless resin (resina jalapa alba of Martius). (Pharm. Cent.-Blatl fur 1835, S. 557.) Jalap resin is soluble in alcohol, but insoluble in water. Triturated with milk, it does not form an emulsion, but its particles unite into a solid mass. By this it may be distinguished from scammony resin. (Planche, Journ. de Pharm. t. xviii. p. 181-5.) It is insoluble in the fixed and volatile oils. Its insolubility in oil of turpentine is a means of detecting the intermixture of some other resins, as of rosin. (Pharm. Central-Blatt fur 1832, 837, and fiir 1838, S. 904.) Decolorized jalap resin is composed, according to Goebel (Pharm. Waarenk. Bd. ii. S. 59) of Carbon 36-62, Hydrogen 9-47, and Oxygen 53-91; but Johnston (Phil. Trans, for 1840,'p. 343) declares this analysis to be incorrect, and gives the following as the formula for the resin C40 H34 O18. According to Buchner and Herberger (Pharm. Cent.-Blatt fiir 183], S. 284), jalap resin is composed of an electro-positive basic substance, which they term jalapin, and of an electro-nesa- tive, resinous acid, soluble in alkalis. The latter I shall call jalapic acid. at. Jalapin.—Constitutes not quite nine-tenths of jalap resin. When an alcoholic solution of acetate of lead is added to an alcoholic solution of jalap resin, double decomposition occurs: acetate of jalapin remains in solution, while jalapate of lead precipitates. When the solution has been deprived of acetic acid, excess of lead, and alcohol, the jalapin remains. It is a trans- parent, colourless resin; very soluble in alcohol, but insoluble in ether.—1« this the ialanin nf Mr. Hume ? (Med. and Phys. Journ. for April, 1824, p. 346.) J H 0l JALAP IPOMAEA. 345 (2. Jalapic acid.—Constitutes thirteen one-hundredths of jalap re.sin. Obtained from the above- mentioned jalapate of lead by sulphuretted hydrogen. It is brown, acrid, bitterish, slightly soluble in ether, and more soluble in alkalis than jalapin. Physiological Effects, a. On Animals generally.—Jalap root in powder, as well as the resin obtained from it, is a local irritant. Its operation on the bowels is well seen in the carnivora. Cadet de Gassicourt (Wibmer, Wirk. d. Arzn. ii. Gifte, Bd. iii. S. 181) found that the resin applied to the pleura, peritoneum, or intestinal canal of dogs, caused fatal inflammation. Two drachms introduced into the stomach, the oesophagus being afterwards tied, killed a dog in a few hours. It is remarkable, however, that the same experimenter observed no particular effect from the application of a drachm of the finely-powdered resin to the cellular tissue of the back. Moreover, 24 grains, with the yelk of an egg, injected into the jugular vein, had, he says, a very slight effect: indeed, at first none was observed, but the two following days the animal had soft, pale evacuations, and lost his appetite, though he soon recovered from this state. In the herbivora it proves a very uncertain purgative. Gilbert (Moiroud, Pharm. Vet. p. 269) gave two ounces to a sheep, without observing any effect. Donne (Ibid.) administered two or three ounces to horses, without observing any remarkable effect, except increased secretion of urine. (3. On Man.—In the human subject jalap acts as a powerful and drastic pur- gative, producing copious liquid stools, and when judiciously exhibited, is both safe and efficacious. Its objectionable effects are, that while in the stomach it causes frequently nausea, and sometimes vomiting; while, after it has passed into the intestines, it oftentimes gripes. It is tolerably certain in its operation ; more so, indeed, than many other pur- gatives. In the proper dose it may be given without the least hesitation to chil- dren, in any case requiring an active purge. It has an advantage over some other evacuants, that it does not stimulate or heat the system, its effect being confined, principally, to the alimentary canal—the peristaltic motion, secretions, and exha- lations of which it promotes; and it is said that constipation less frequently suc- ceeds its use than of some other purgatives. My own experience of jalap would lead me to regard it as a perfectly'safe though active cathartic. But Dr. Christison (On Poisons, p. 554) "says, that " severe and even dangerous effects have followed its incautious use in the hands of the practical joker." I am not acquainted with any cases, in the human sub- ject, in which its employment has been followed by serious consequences. It is a more drastic purgative than senna. To scammony it is closely allied, not only by its effects, but also by botanical affinities and chemical properties. It is much less irritant to the intestinal mucous membrane than gamboge; and, therefore, is much a safer purgative. Vogt (Pharmakodyn. Bd. ii. S. 230, 2,e Aufl.) regards it as exceeding the last-mentioned substance, but as being inferior to aloes, in its stimulant influence over the abdominal and pelvic blood-vessels: and Sundelin (Handb. d. spec. Heilmittell. Bd. ii. S. 26, 3tle Aufl.) observes that, while it is more irritant, it is less heating, than aloes or senna. Uses.—Daily experience proves the value of jalap, as an active purgative, in various diseases both of children and adults. Of course its irritant properties unfit it for exhibition in inflammatory affections of the alimentary canal, as well as after surgical operations about the abdomen and pelvis. Moreover, it is not an appropriate purgative in irritation of or hemorrhage from, the uterus; or in piles and stricture, and prolapsus of the rectum. On the other hand, its use is indi- cated in torpid and overloaded conditions of the intestinal canal, as well as in constipation, attended with retention of the catamenia. When the object is to relieve cerebral congestion and dropsical affections, by a counter-irritant influence on the mucous membrane, jalap is well adapted to-fulfil it, both by the energy and safety of its operation. The following are some of the cases in which it is employed: 346 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. 1. In Constipation.—When this condition is not dependent on, or connected with, irritation or inflammation of the alimentary canal or pelvic organs, jalap is admissible. Its efficiency is much increased by association with- calomel. It may be employed in febrile and inflammatory diseases (those above mentioned excepted), as well as in chronic maladies. 2. As a Vermifuge.—The compound of jalap and calomel is a most efficacious anthelmintic, and may be used with the most happy effects in children, especially where there is an excessive secretion of mucus. "Jalap," says Bremser (Traite sur les Vers Intest. p. 440), " is, without contradiction, in verminous diseases, one of the best purgatives, and which, perhaps, possesses, at the same time, greater anthelmintic virtues than any others." 3. In Cerebral Affections.—Jalap, in combination with calomel, is used with the best effect, on the principle of counter-irritation, to relieve cerebral congestion. In inflammatory affeciions of the brain or its membranes, or in hydrocephalus, it is a valuable purgative. 4. In Dropsies.—In dropsical affections it is frequently desirable to promote watery stools. Jalap, especially in combination with cream of tartar, may be used for this purpose with the best effects. Marggrave (Mat. Med. contr. p. 40, ed. 2nde.) calls it a.panacea hydropicorum. 5. In Retention of the Catamenia, or of the Hemorrhoidal Flux, jalap is one of the purgatives adapted, from their stimulant influence over the pelvic vessels, to promote these discharges. Administration.—The dose of jalap, in powder, is, for an adult, from ten to thirty grains; a scruple usually acts smartly and safely : for children under twelve months old, the dose is from two to five grains. Fifteen grains of jalap and two or three grains of calomel, form an efficient, yet safe, purgative for an adult, it very readily produces salivation by repetition. From two to five grains of ipecacuanha are sometimes substituted for the calomel. To children jalap is sometimes exhibited in gingerbread cakes. Purgative cakes of this kind are kept in the shops. The Biscuits purgatifs (Panes saccharati purgantes) are composed of Jalap, 3xx.; Flour, gij.; 24 Eggs ; and Sugar, lbj. This quan- tity is sufficient for 60 biscuits. (Jourdan, Pharmacopee JJniverselle.) 1. PULVIS JALAPiE COMPOSITUS, L. E. D. (U. S.) Compound Powder of Jalap. —(Jalap, giij.; Bitartrate of Potash, gvj. ; Ginger, 3ij. Rub them separately to powder; then mix them, L. The Edinburgh and Dublin Colleges use the same proportions of jalap and bitartrate of potash, but omit the ginger.) [The same is the case with the U. S. P.]—Hydragogue purgative. Used in habitual costiveness, verminal diseases, and dropsies.—Dose for an adult, 3j. to 3j. 2. TINCTURA JALAPjE, L. E. D. (U. S.) Tincture of Jalap.—(Jalap, bruised, 3x. [3viij. D. (U. S.); in moderately fine powder, gvij. E.]; Proof Spirit, [Diluted Alcohol, U. S.] Oij. [wine measure, D.] Macerate for fourteen days, and strain, L. D. "This tincture may be prepared either by digestion or percolation, as directed for tincture of cinchona," E.)—An active cathartic. Rarely used alone : generally employed as an adjunct to purgative draughts, the activity of which it promotes.—Dose; f 3j. to f 3iv. As an adjuvant to a cathartic draught, the dose rarely exceeds f 3ij. 3. EXTRACTUM JALAPjE, L. D. (U. S.) Extractum sive Resina Jalapce, E. Extract of Jalap.—(Jalap root, powdered lb. iiss. [lbj. D. (U. S.) ] ; Rectified Spirit, Cong. j. [Oiv. (U. S.) wine measure, D.] ; Distilled water, Cong. ij. [Cong. j. wine measure, D.] ]a sufficient quantity, U. S.j Macerate the jalap root in the spirit for four days, and pour off the tincture. Boil down the residue in the water to half a gallon [two pints, D.] ; afterwards strain the tincture and the decoction separately, and let the latter be evaporated, and the former distil, until each thickens. Lastly, mix the extract with the resin, and [by a water- bath, D.~] evaporate to a proper consistence, L. D. This extract should be THE GENTIAN TRIBE. 347 kept soft, which may be fit to form pills, and hard, which may be rubbed to powder, L. The directions of the Edinburgh College are the following:— " Take any convenient quantity of jalap, in moderately fine powder; mix it thoroughly with enough of the rectified spirit to moisten it well; put it for twelve hours into a percolator, and exhaust the powder with rectified spirit; distil off the greater part of the spirit, and concentrate the residuum over the vapour-bath to a due consistence.") In this process the alcohol extracts the resin, and the water subsequently used by the London and Dublin Colleges takes up the gummy ex- tractive : the alcoholic tincture is distilled to save the spirit, while the aqueous decoction is evaporated. The preparation of the Edinburgh College is the impure resin of jalap; whereas that of the London and Dublin Colleges is a mixture of resin with the gummy extractive. It was formerly, and indeed is now by many persons, supposed, that the combination of these ingredients was necessary for the full cathartic effect of jalap. It is, however, well known, that the watery ex- tract is inert as a purgative, though it is said to be diuretic : the only advantage, therefore, that can attend the mixture of the two extracts (the watery and the alcoholic), is, that the resin is intimately divided, and thereby prevented from causing violent irritation and griping in any one part of the intestinal tube. But it is obvious that the same advantage can be obtained by mixing the resin with some-mild agent (as almonds, sugar or saline matter, as sulphate of potash). Mr. Brande (Diet. Mat. Med. p. 331,) says, that jalap yields about 66 per cent. of extract; that is, 16 of alcoholic, and 50 of watery extract. According to this statement, therefore, the extract of the Edinburgh College possesses four times the activity of lhat of the London and Dublin Colleges.—The dose of the resin (Ph. Ed.) is from grs. iij. to grs. vj., in a minute state of division, as above directed; of the extract, Ph. L. and I)., from grs. x. to 9j. OTHER MEDICINAL CONVOLVUL.ACE.aE. Besides the species already noticed, the roots of several others have been employed in medicine on account of their purgative properties ; as the root called Mechoacan, and the root of Ipomje'a Turpe'thum. Their use is now obsolete.—[The root of the Convolvulus panduratus is officinal, Sec. List. U. S. P.] Order XLI.—GENTIANACEjE, Lindley.—THE GENTIAN TRIBE. Gentianeje, Jussieu. Essential Character.— Calyx monophyllous, divided, inferior, persistent. Corolla monopetalous, hypogynous, usually regular and persistent; the limb divided equal, its lobes of the same number as those of the calyx, generally five, sometimes four, six, eight, or ten; with an imbricated twisted aestivation. Stamens inserted upon the corolla; all in the same line, equal in number to the segments, and alternate with them ; some of them occasionally abortive. Pollen three- lobed or triple. Ovary single, one or two-celled, many-seeded. Style one, continuous; stigmas one or two. Capsule or berry, many-seeded, with one or two cells, generally two-valved; the margins of the valves turned inwards, and in the genera with one cell, bearing the seeds; in the two-celled genera inserted into a central placenta. Seeds small; testa single; embryo straight in the axis of sofl fleshy albumen; radicle next the hilum. Herbaceous plants, seldom shrubs, generally smooth. Leaves opposite, entire, without stipules, sessile, or having their petioles confluent in a little sheath, in most cases three to five-ribbed; very rarely brown and scale-like ; sometimes alternate. Flowers terminal or axillary (Lindley). Properties.—This order contains a bitter principle, which is especially abundant in the roots. On this substance depends the stomachic, tonic, and febrifuge properties of the different species. 1. GENTIANA LU'TEA, Linn., L. E. D.—COMMON OR YELLOW GENTIAN. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Digynia. (Radix, L.D.—Root, E.) (Gentiana, U.S.) History.—Gentian is said to owe its name and introduction into medical use to Gentius, King of lllyria, who was vanquished by the Romans about 160 or 348 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. 169 years before Christ. It is, therefore, not noticed by either Hippocrates or Theophrastus, but is mentioned by Dioscorides, (Lib. iii. cap 3,) who calls it TsvTiavr); and by Pliny. (Hist. Nat. lib. xxv. cap. 34, ed. Valp.) Botany. Gen. char— Calyx [four-] five-cleft. Corolla tubular, campanulate, or funnel-shaped at the base; the limb four, five, or six-cleft; segments entire or ciliated, sometimes with interposed, distinct smaller ones. Stamina five, inserted on the tube of the corolla; anthers sometimes connate. Style two-parted ; stigmas two. Capsule one-celled. (Bot. Gall.) sP. char.__Leaves broad, ovate, nerved. Flowers whorled, pedicellate. Calyx membranaceous, unilateral. Corolla rotate, five to eight-cleft, acute. (Bot. Gall.) Root perennial, cylindrical or spindle-shaped, simple or somewhat branched, ringed, wrinkled, externally brown, internally yellow and fleshy. Stem simple, erect, two to three feet high, roundish, hollow, smooth. Leaves pale-green, oppo- site, ovate, or oval, pointed, entire, smooth, five to seven-ribbed, plaited; lower ones on short, sheathing petioles; upper ones amplexicaul; those next the flowers becoming concave, yellowish-green bracts. Flowers on smooth peduncles of four to six lines long. Calyx yellow. Corolla yellow ; segments five to seven, lan- ceolate. Stamina as long as the corolla. Ovarium conical, with five greenish glands at the base. Capsule conical, two-valved. Seeds numerous, roudlish, albuminous, with membranous margins. Hah.—Alps of Austria and Switzerland ; abundant on Mount Jura. Collection___The roots are collected and dried by the peasants of Switzerland, the Tyrol, Burgogne, and Auvergne. They are imported into this country in bales from Havre, Marseilles, &c. In 1839, duty (4s. per cwt.) was paid on 470 cwt. Description.—Gentian root (radix gentiance) is imported in cylindrical usually more or less branched pieces, varying in length from a few inches to a foot or more, and in thickness from half an inch to one or two inches. These pieces are marked by transverse annular wrinkles and longitudinal furrows. Externally the root is yellowish-brown, internally it is brownish-yellow; its texture is spongy; its odour, in the fresh state, peculiar, and disagreeable; its taste is intensely bitter. The roots of other species of Gentiana are said to be frequently mixed with those of the officinal species; their effects, however, are analogous. Martius (Pharmakogn.) says, that the roots of G. purpurea have strong longitudinal furrows, and are of a darker brown colour internally, but want the transverse wrinkles. The roots of G. pannonica are similar to those of purpurea. Both kinds are met with in Bavaria and serve in Switzerland for the preparation of a spirit. Gentiana punctata has roots which are just as bitter, but of a more yellow colour: they are dug up in great abundance in Moravia. The roots of both the last-mentioned species are dug up at, and ex- ported from Salzburg: in the fresh state they are white when sliced. Chemistry.—Gentian root was analyzed, in 1815, by Schrader (Tromms- dorfl's N. Journ. Bd. iii. S. 281); in 1817, by Braconnot (Journ. de Physiq. Ixxxiv. 345); in 1819, by Henry (Journ. de Pharm. t. v. p. 97); in the same year by Guillemin and Foecquemin (op. cit. p. 110); and in 1621, by Henry and Caventou (Op. cit. t. vii. p. 173). In 1837 it was examined by Leconte (Op. cit. t. xxiii. p. 465). The constituents of Gentian root, according to Henry and Caventou, are—a volatile odorous matter, bitter crystalline matter (gen- tianin), fugaceous odorous principle (volatile oil?), yellow colouring matter, green fixed oil, gum, uncrystallizable sugar, matter identical with birdlime, a free organic acid, and woody fibre. But in 1837, H. Trommsdorff (Berlin. Jahrbuch, Bd. xxxvii. S. 182) and Leconte (op. supra cit.) showed, that under the name of gentianin two substances had been confounded,—the one crystal- line and tasteless; the other bitter. The first has been called gentisin; the second gentianite. Furthermore, Leconte has shown, that the substance con. yellow gentian. 349 sidered by Henry and Caventou as identical with birdlime, is a compound of wax, oil, and caoutchouc. 1. Oil of Gentian.—By distillation with water gentian root yields a very small quantity of a butyraceous oil, which floats on water, has a powerful odour of gentian root, and is soluble in alcohol. A few drops of the melted oil was given to a rabbit without, causing any remarkable effects. I have received from Mr. Whipple two samples of this oil, the one green, the other white like mutton fat. Three ctots. of the root yielded only about 5Jss. of oil. Planche (Bull, de Pharmacie, t. vi. p. 551) states the distilled water of gentian caused nausea and a kind of intoxication. 2. Gentisin or Gentisic Acid.—Procured by washing the alcoholic extract of Ihe root with , water, and then treating with alcohol. The lincture obtained was evaporated, the extract treated by ether: the residue, by successive solutions and evaporations, yielded gentisin. It is pale yellow, crystallizable in needles, has a peculiar, but weak smell. When cautiously heated, it gives out some yellow vapours, which are condensed on the upper part of the tube. It is scarcely soluble in water, but dissolves in alcohol. With alkalis it unites to form salts. Its saturating power is about 438. Trommsdorff says, that a solution of gentisic acid is unaffected by acetate of lead, nitrate of silver, and most other tests. Chloride of iron and the salts of copper produced, in the alcoholic solulion, the most characteristic changes. 3. Bitter Principle of Gentian (Gentianite).—This has not hitherto been isolated. By digesting the alcoholic extract of gentian in water, an acidulous intensely bitter solution is ob- tained. The acid may be thrown down by lead. When the excess of lead has been removed from the solulion by sulphuretted hydrogen, a liquid is obtained, which, by evaporation, yields a sweet and very bitter extract, from which ether removes an aromatic fat, an odorous resin, and wax. The bitter matter has not been separated from the sugar. 4. Pectin.—The existence of pectic acid (pectin) in gentian was ascertained, in 1836, by Denis. (Journ. de Pharm. t. xxii. p. 303.) To this substance is to be ascribed the gelatinization of infu- sion of gentian, which, under certain circumstances, is not unfrequently observed. 5. Sugar.—To the presence of this matter in gentian is to be ascribed rbe capability of the in- fusion of gentian to undergo the vinous fermentation, and to form an alcoholic liquor (gentian spirit), much admired by the Swiss. (Biwald, in Pfaff's Mat. Med. Bd. ii. S. 29; and Planche, (Bull, de Pharm. vi.551). Chemical Characteristics.—The infusion of gentian is deepened in colour by the caustic alkalis. Sesquichloride of iron communicates a deep olive-brown tint. The acetate and diacetate of lead, the sulphate of copper, and the nitrate of mercury, cause flocculent or gelatinous precipitates (metallic pectates ?) Physiological Effects. — Gentian is very properly regarded as a pure or simple bitter; that is, as being bitter, but without possessing either astringency or much aroma. It has, therefore, the usual tonic properties of medicines of this class, which I have before noticed (vol. i. p. 196). Given in full doses it appears more disposed to relax the bowels than the other simple bitters, and in susceptible individuals it is more apt to disorder the digestive process. In such cases both Loseke and Voigtel (Arzneimittell. Bd. iii. S. 359) have seen it cause vomiting. Barbier (Mat. Med.) says it quickens the pulse. It is somewhat less bitter, and therefore, I presume, somewhat less powerful, than quassia. By continued use the sweat and urine acquires a bitter taste (Arnemann, Prakt. Arzneimittell. S. 188, 6te Aufl.); a sufficient proof that gentian, or its bitter prin- ciple, becomes absorbed. As some of the vegetable bitter tonics (for example, quassia and calumba) have been found to exert a specific influence over the cerebro-spinal system, and to yield preparations of a poisonous quality, we are naturally led to inquire whether any analogous facts have been made out with respect to gentian. The reply is in the affirmative. Magendie, (Formul. p. 313, 8me ed.,) indeed, dis- covered no poisonous operation in Gentianin; he threw several grains of this principle into the veins of an animal, without any obvious effect, and swallowed two grains dissolved in alcohol, but only observed extreme bitterness, and a slight feeling of heat in the stomach. Moreover," Hartl (quoted by Wibmer, Wirk. d. Arzneim. u. Gifte, Bd. ii. S. 308) inserted two grains of the extract of gentian into the inner side of the thigh of a rabbit, without any ill effects resulting : the wound was slightly inflamed, though it soon healed. These facts prove that the bitter extractive of gentian possesses no narcotic properties. But vol. ii. 30 350 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. if the narcotic principle of gentian be of a volatile nature, these experiments of Magendie and Hartl go for nothing, since, in the preparation of both the extract and the Gentianin, this principle would be dissipated by the heat employed. Now, Planche (op. cit.) has shown, as 1 have already mentioned, that the dis- tilled water of gentian causes violent nausea, and within three minutes, a kind of intoxication. Moreover, Buchner (Toxikol. S. 192) tells us, that some years ago a narcotic effect was produced in Prussia by the medicinal use of gentian root, although the presence of any foreign matter could not be detected. In the Phi- losophical Transactions for the year 1748, are mentioned some deleterious effects resulting from the use of gentian : but they were referred to a foreign root, said to have been intermixed with, and which greally resembled, the true gentian root. All these facts, then, support the opinion of Haller (quoted by Buchner), that gentian is not so innocuous as is generally supposed. Uses.—Gentian is adapted to most of the cases requiring the use of the pure or simple bitter (vol. i. p. 196). It agrees best with phlegmatic, torpid individuals, and is apt to disagree with irritable or susceptible persons. It is contra-indicated in febrile disorders and inflammatory conditions of the gastro-intestinal membrane. It is employed principally in the following cases : 1. In dyspepsia, and other gastric disorders, attended with debility or torpidity, and unaccompanied by any marks of inflammation or irritation, or great suscepti- bility, of the digestive organs. Sesquicarbonate of ammonia is a very valuable adjunct. 2. In intermittent diseases it may be used where cinchona is admissible; but it is much inferior to the last-mentioned substance. "Joined wilh galls or tor- mentil, in equal parts, and given in sufficient quantity, it has not failed," says Dr. CuIIen, (Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 72,) " in any intermittents in which I have tried it." 3. In many other diseases, marked by weakness and debility, but unattended by fever or gastro-intestinal irritation, gentian is admissible and useful ; as in some forms of gout, hysteria, uterine disorders, &c. It is a constituent of the Duke of Portland1 s powder for the gout (see p. 244). 4. Against warms it has been used as if it possessed some specific influence. 5. In surgery it has been used for discutient fomentations, also in the form of fine powder, as an application to issues, to promote their running, and as a tent, to enlarge and cleanse fistulous apertures. (Quincy, Dispens.) Administration.—In the form of powder, the dose is from grs. x. to 3ss. But the infusion, tincture, or extract, are the usual forms of exhibition. 1. INFUSUM GENT1AM COMPOSITUM, L. D., (U. S.) Infusum Gentiana, E. Infusion of Gentian.—(Gentian root, sliced, 3ij. [3j. D.~\; Orange Peel, dried, 3ij. [3j. D.]; Lemon Peel, fresh, 3iv. [3j. D.] ; Boiling [Distilled, L.] Water, Oj. [3xij. Z).] Macerate for an hour in a vessel lightly covered, and strain. The directions of the Edinburgh College are as follows :—Gentian, sliced, 3ss.; Bitter Orange Peel, dried and bruised, 3j.; Coriander, bruised, 3j.; Proof Spirit, fjiv.; Cold Water, fgxvj. [3xij. U. S.] Pour the spirit upon the solids; in three hours add the water, and in twelve hours more strain through linen or calico.) The infusion of the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias is very apt to spoil by keep- ing ; but as it can always be speedily procured, this is not a circumstance of much importance. However, to obviate it as much as possible, the Edinburgh College orders cold water to be used (by which less of the mucilaginous matter [pectin, &c] is dissolved), and employs spirit to promote the solution of the bitter princi- ple, while the quantity of gentian is much increased ; so that, in fact, we have a weak tincture, rather than an infusion. Besides the objections which may arise out of these deviations, a very important one is the length of time required for the maceration. Infusion of gentian is stomachic and tonic. When prepared accord- ing to the London and Dublin Pharmacopoeias, the dose is f3j- to fjij.; when ac- cording to that of the Edinburgh, f3ss. to f3j. CHIRAYTA. 351 2. MISTURA GENTIAM COMPOSITA, L.; Compound Mixture of Gentian.— (Compound Infusion of Gentian, f3xij.; Compound Infusion of Senna, fjvj. ; Compound Tincture of Cardamoms, fjij. Mix.)—Tonic and cathartic. Used in dyspepsia with constipation.—Dose, fjj. to f3ij. 3. TINCTURA GENTIANS COMPOSITA, L. E. D. (U. S.); Tinctura amara; Tinc- ture of Gentian.—(Gentian, sliced and bruised, 3'ijss. [3ij. U. S.] ; Orange Peel, dried, 3x. [3j. U. S.]; Cardamom [seeds], bruised, 3v. [3ss. U. S.] ; Proof Spirit, Oij. L. The relative proportions used by the Dublin College are the same as those of the London. The Edinburgh College employs of Gentian, sliced and bruised, 3ijss.; Dried Bitter Orange Peel, bruised, 3x.; Canella, in moderately fine powder, 3vj.; Cochineal, bruised, 3ss.; and Proof Spirit, Oij. This tincture may be more conveniently prepared by percolation, as directed for the compound tincture of cardamom, E.)—A grateful cordial, tonic and stomachic. Employed as an adjunct to the infusion, effervescing draughts, bottled soda water, &c.—Dose f3ss. to f3'j- 4. EXTRACTUM GENTIANS, L. E. D. (U. S.); Extract of Gentian.—(Gentian, sliced, lb. ijss. ; Boiling Distilled Water, Cong. ij. Macerate for 24 hours; then boil down to a gallon, and strain the liquor while hot; lastly, evaporate to a proper consistence, L. " Take of Gentian, any convenient quantity; bruise it to a moderately fine powder; mix it thoroughly with half its weight of dis- tilled water; in twelve hours put it into a proper percolator, and exhaust it by percolation with temperate distilled water ; concentrate the liquid, filter before it becomes too thick, and evaporate in the water-bath to a due consistence," E.)—(Gentian, in coarse powder, lb. j.; Water, a sufficient quantity. Mix with a pint of water ; allow to stand for 24 hours; and then displace until the bitterness of the gentian is exhausted. Evaporate to the proper consistence, U. S.)—Good Gentian root yields, by the process of the London Pharmacopoeia, about half its weight of extract (Brande, Diet, of Mat. Med. p. 261). Extract of Gentian is tonic. It is usually employed as a vehicle for the exhibition of the metallic sub- stances (especially chalybeates) in the form of pill,—Dose, grs. x. to 3ss, 2. AGATIIO'TES CHIRAYTA, Don. E.—TllE CHIRETTA OR CHIRAYTA. Gentiana Chirayita, Fleming. Sri. Syst. Pentandria, Digynia. (Herb and Root, E.) History.—This plant seems to have been long in use among the natives of India. Professor Guibourt (Journ. de Chim. Med. t. i. p. 229) thinks that it is the xaXaf/.os dpw(Jux the crysta,s ^ rePea{ed crystallization." lb [l TP rnP n nil % * ^ fromAeilher of ^6 above. It directs Nux vomica, rasped, b. iv. Lime, in powder, 3vj.; Muriatic Acid, 3iij.; Alcohol; Diluted Sulphuric Acid; Solu- tion of Ammonia; Purified Animal Charcoal; Water, each a sufficient quan.Uy. The first step in he operation is to convert the strychnia into a muriate by boilinj, with water acidulated by the acid, and repeat twice Next decompose the muriate by the lime, which ^r'teTc strychnia Take this up by alcohol, and convert it into a sulphate by boiling with dilute sulpha andTy ''J^ZZ^™* ^ *°*' "^ «» "W* the folutJoV aUot, The following is the rationale of the process of the London Pharmacopeia: the watery solution of the alcoholic extract contains the strychnate of strychnia ■ the magnesia decomposes this, and by abstracting the strychnic acid sets free the strychnia. t ° AERIALS. PRODUCTS. Magne8ia------------( 8trvrhni,T^---------------_______________.-Strychnate of Magnesia Strychnate of Strychnia | J£h C ac,d-------------------------- 1 \ Strychnia...........................................Strychnia. NUX VOMICA. 371 The strychnia is dissolved by the alcohol, and is left after distillation. Dilute sulphuric acid dissolves it, forming a sulphate, and from the sulphatic solution ammonia throws it down. MATERIALS. PRODUCTS. Ammonia——-----------------------------------------------------------Sulphate of Ammonia. Sulphate of Strychnia I Sulphuric acid------------------- v J j Strychnia..............................................Strychnia. The strychnia is then dissolved in boiling spirit; and from the solution crystals are obtained by cooling and evaporation. In the process of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, a decoction of nux vomica is prepared ; this contains the strychnate of strychnia with gum. This salt is de- composed by the lime, and the strychnia abstracted by rectified spirit. In the preceding account 1 have omitted, for the sake of perspicuity, all notice of the brucia which is associated with the strychnia. Pure strychnia is a white, odourless, intensely bitter, crystalline substance, the form of the crystals being the octohedron or four-sided prism. When rapidly crystallized, it assumes the granular form. • It is fusible, but not volatile; decom- posing at a lower temperature than most vegetable bodies. Though so intensely bitter, it is almost insoluble in water, one part of strychnia requiring 6667 parts of water, at 50°, to dissolve it: that is, one grain needs nearly fourteen ounces of water to hold it in solution. It requires 2500 parts of boiling water to dissolve it. It is slightly soluble in boiling rectified spirit, but scarcely so in cold water. It acts on vegetable colours as an alkali, saturates acids forming salts, and separates most of the metallic oxides (the alkaline substances excepted) from their combinations with acids. In some cases, part only of the metallic oxide is precipitated, a double salt being forrfied in solution. Thus, when strych- nia is boiled with a solution of sulphate of copper, a green solution of cupreous sulphate of strychnia is obtained, while a portion only of the oxide of copper is precipitated. Commercial strychnia usually forms, with strong nitric acid, a red-coloured liquid, which afterwards becomes yellow. This change does not occur with pure strychnia, but depends on the presence of one or both of the two substances—viz. brucia and yellow colouring matter. As the red colour is destroyed by decolor- izing agents (sulphurous acid and sulphuretted hydrogen), it appears to depend on the oxidizement of the substance referred to. If potash be added to a very con- centrated solution of a strychnian salt which has been reddened by nitric acid, an orange precipitate is formed ; an excess of water dissolves this precipitate. With strychnia chlorine forms a white precipitate. A solution of bichloride of mercury, added to a solution of strychnia in hydro- chloric acid, causes a white clotty precipitate (composed of bichloride of mercury and hydrochlorate of strychnia). According to the Edinburgh College, strychnia for medicinal use, which is de- . clared to be " always more or less impure," possesses the following properties : Intensely bitter: nitric acid strongly reddens it: a solution of 10 grains in four fluid drachms of water by means of a fluid drachm of pyroligneous acid, when decomposed by one fluid ounce of concentrated solution of carbonate of soda, yields on brisk agitation a coherent mass, weigh- ing when dry 10 grains, and entirely soluble in solution of oxalic acid. " The London College gives the following characters for crystallized strychnia : Readily dissolves in boiling alcohol, but not in water. It melts by heat, and if it be more strongly urged, it is totally dissipated. This being endowed with violent powers, it is to be cau- tiously administered. The following is the composition of strychnia (Pharmaceutisches Central-Blatt fiir 1S38, p. 489): 372 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Atoms. Eq. Wt. Per Cent. Regnault. Mulder. Liebig. Carbon.............. 44 ...... 264 ...... 7608 ...... 7573 ...... 76-721 ...... 76-43 Hydrogen............ 23 ...... 23 ...... 6-63 ...... 6-86 ...... 6-789 ...... 6-70 Nitrogen............ 2 ...... 28 ...... 807 ...... 8 43 ...... 6-186 ...... 5-81 Oxygen.............. 4 ...... 32 ...... 9-22 ...... 898 ...... 10-304 ...... 11-06 Strychnia........... I ...... 347 ...... 10000 ......100 00 ...... 100000 ...... 100 00 More recently Regnault (op. cit. 1839, p. 68) has given the formula for the composition of strychnia: C4a Haa N3 O. Crystallized strychnia is anhy- drous. The salts of Strychnia, when pure, are for the most part crystalline, white, and very bitter. They possess the following chemical characteristics:—1st. They are precipitated by the alkalis and their carbonates. 2dly. As usually met with in the shops, they are reddened by nitric acid. 3dly. They are precipitated by tannic, but not by gallic acid. 4thly. They are unchanged by the action, of the persalts of iron. a. Sulphates.—The neutral sulphate exists in the form of small cubes, soluble in ten parts of water at 59° F., and in a less quantity of boiling water. When heated, it fuses and loses three per cent, of its weight, probably water of crystal- lization. But Liebig detected no water in sulphate dried at 212° F. The bisul- phate has an acid and bitter taste, and crystallizes in slender needles. (3. Nitrate.—The neutral nitrate crystallizes in pearly needles, grouped in • stars. It is much more soluble in hot than cold water; is slightly soluble in alco- hol, but does not dissolve in ether. When heated to a little above 212°, it de- composes and becomes yellow, swells up, detonates slightly (but without disen- gagement), and leaves a carbonaceous mass behind. If the strychnia contain brucia, the nitrate has a reddish tint. The binitrate crystallizes in very fine needles. When heated, it decomposes, becomes red, and detonates with the dis- engagement of light. y. Hydrochlorate or Muriate.—This salt crystallizes in four-sided needles, which lose their transparency in the air. It is much more soluble in water than the sulphate. * When heated, it is decomposed with the evolution of hydrochloric acid. The effects of strychnia are of the same kind as those of nux vomica, but more violent in degree. As ordinarily met with in the shops, it may be regarded as about six times as active as the alcoholic extract of nux vomica. The following are a few examples of its poisonous operation : Dr. Christison (Treatiseon Poisons, p. 797, 3d ed.) says, " I have killed a dog, in two minutes, with the sixth part of a grain, injected, in the form of alcoholic solution, into the chest: I have seen a wild boar killed, in the same manner, with the third of a grain, in ten minutes." Pelletier (Ann. de Chim. et Phys. x. 172) says, " half a grain, blown into the mouth of a dog, produced death in five minutes." Half a grain, applied to a wound in the back of a dog, caused death in three minutes and a half. In all these and other instances death was preceded and accompanied by tetanus. The salts of strychnia act in the same manner. Some individuals are more susceptible of the action of strychnia than others. Andral (Bayle, Bibl. Therap. t. ii. p. 227) has seen a single pill, containing one- twelfth of a grain, cause light trismus, and the commencement of tetanic stiffness of the muscles ; while in other cases the dose may be gradually increased beyond a grain, with comparative little effect. The largest dose I have given is a grain and a half, and this was repeated several times before the usual symptoms, indi- cative of the affection of the system, came on. The following case occurred on board the Dreadnought Hospital Ship, and was communicated to me by Mr. Cooper, Surgeon, of Greenwich : A Swede, aged 50—60, was admitted about the year 1833 with general paralysis, one side being more affected than the other: he was also in some degree idiotic. Strychnia was given, at first in the dose of one-eighth of a grain, three times a day, which was continued for several NUX VOMICA. 373 weeks, without apparent effect. The dose was ihcn increased to one-quarter of a grain three limes a day, which was also continued for some time, and not producing any perceptible effeel, the quantity was increased to half a grain twice or three times a day, and this dose was taken for many days before any influence of strychnia was manifested. But one morning, about 9 a. m., the apothecary was suddenly summoned by a message that the man was in a fit. When seen he was insensible ; face and chest of a deep purple colour; respiration had ceased, and the pul- sation of the heart nearly so. The whole body (trunk and limbs) was in a state of tetanic spasm. Trunk extended, and shoulders thrown back: muscles of chest and abdomen hard and rigid. In u short time the rigidity became less ; the ribs could be compressed ; and artificial respiration was kept up imperfectly by compression of the thorax. Circulation was restored in some degree, and the deep purple colour of the surface went off. Spontaneous respiration returned. The man sighed, and became apparently sensible : all spasm had ceased, for a minute or two; but as soon as circulation and consciousness were in some degree restored, the spasm recurred with extreme violence, again locking up the respiratory muscles. Respiration ceased; the surface again became purple; circulation went on, however, some time after respiration had ceased. Artificial respiration was kept up when the relaxation of the muscles would allow of it, but was this time ineffectual. The heart soon ceased to beat; the deep purple colour was instantaneously replaced by tiie pallor of death ; and life was extinct. The quick passing off of the purple colour of the surface was very remarkable; the change appeared to commence in the face, and passed downwards like the passing of the shadow of a cloud. This case gives some colour to the idea that strychnia, like digitalis and some other potent remedies, accumulates in the system. The local action of strychnia is that of an irritant. Applied to the naked dermis, it causes burning and pungent pain, lasting from half an hour to an hour; and where blisters have been applied, the raw surface inflames under the use of the remedy, and affords a copious suppuration. (Ahrensen, Brit, and For. Med. Rev. vol. v. p. 350.) The uses of strychnia are similar to those of nux vomica above stated. The dose of strychnia or its salts (acetate, sulphate, nitrate, or hydrochlorate) is, at the commencement, one-sixteenth or one-twentieth of a grain, which is to be gradually increased until its effects on the muscular system are observed. The largest dose I have ever seen attained is one grain and a half. Two scruples, taken lo cause self-destruction, produced death in an hour and a half (Lancet, Jan. 27, 1838, p. 647). Strychnia is usually given in the form of pill (made with common conserve of roses) or it may be dissolved in alcohol or acetic acid. The endermic dose of strychnia should not, at the commencement, exceed half a grain, and of its salts one-fourth of a grain. OTHER MEDICINAL OR POISOXOUS APOCYNACEAE. 1. The seeds of Strych'nos Igna'tia or St. Ignatius's beans, came into the Dutch shops, ac- cording to Alston (Led. on the Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 38), about the latter end of the seventeenth century. But there is some reason to suspect that they were known long before this, and are probably the substances which, in the Latin translation of Serapion, were denominated nuces vomica. Dale (Pharmacol, p. 328), gives, as one of their" synonymes, "Igasur, seu Nux vomica legitima Serapionis." They are obtained from the Strychnos Ignatia (called by some Ignatia amara), a tree indigenous to the Philippine Islands, whose fruit is smooth and pyriform, and contains about twenty seeds. These seeds, the St. Ignatius's beans of the shops, are about the size of olives, rounded and convex on one side, and somewhat angular on the other. Externally they are brownish, with a bluish-gray lint. Within the envelopes of the seed is a very hard, horny, or cartilaginous albumen, in whose cavity is contained the embryo. These seeds have been analyzed by MM. Pelletier and Caventou, (Ann. de Chim. Phys. x. 147,) who found their constituents to be the same as those of nux vomica, though in somewhat different proportions. Their effects, therefore, are similar. 2. Strych'nos Tie'ute, the Tshettik or Tjettek, is a large climbing shrub, growing in Java. The aqueous extract of the bark of this tree is the poison called Upas tieule Tjettek, or Upas Radja, and which must not be confounded with the poison of the Antiaris toxicaria, before described (sec p. 210). The Upas tieutd was analyzed by Pelletier and Caventou (Ann. de Chim. Phys. xxvi. 44), who found it to consist of strychnia combined with an acid (igasuric ?), a red- dish-brown colouring matter, which becomes green when mixed with nitric acid, and a soluble yellow colouring matter, which is reddened by nitric acid. They could detect no brucia. The effects of this poison are precisely similar to those of the nux vomica and strychnia. Thus, when applied to wounds, injected into the serous sacs or blood-vessels, or applied to the mucous vol. ii. 32 374 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. membrane, it produces tetanus, asphyxia, and death. Forty drops of upas dissolved in water, and injected into the pleura of an old horse, gave rise almost immediately to tetanus and as- phyxia, and the animal died after the second attack. 3. Ligna Colubrina, or Snake-tcoods.—In countries infested with poisonous serpents, the na- tives have usually some substance which is fancied to possess the power of preserving them from the bites of these poisonous animals ; and thus we have various articles, seeds, roots, and wood, which have Hie word snake affixed to them. In Asia there are several kinds of lignum colubrinum, or snake-wood, supposed to be possessed of the above-mentioned property. The specimens, however, met with in commerce, show that there are various substances to which this term is applied ; some being the wood of a stem, others of a root. The most esteemed is the wood of the Strych'nos Colubrina. The S. ligus- trina yields the ancient lignum colubrinum of Timor. Pelletier and Caventou (Ann. de Chim. Phys. x. 170,) analyzed one of these woods, and found that it had the same constituents as the bean of St. Ignatius, though in different proportions. Thus it contained more fatty and colour- ing matter, less strychnia, and, in the place of bassorine and starch, a larger quantity of woody fibre. Its action, therefore, is precisely similar to the before-mentioned poisons. 4. Strych'nos toxif'era, Schomb., yields the basis of the celebrated Wooraly, Woorari, Ourari, or Urari poison of Guayana, which produces paralysis with convulsive movements, death from, apparently, suspended respiration : hence artificial respiration is a most important means of relief.1 Dr. Hancock (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. xx. p. 281), used the bark of this plant as an appli- cation to foul ulcers. 5. The seeds of Strychnos potatorum, or clearing nuts, are used in India to clear muddy water. (Roxburgh, Fl. Ind. vol. i. p. 575.) 6. The bark of the Strych'nos Psecjdoqui'na, called Quina do Campo, is employed in the Brazils as a substitute for cinchona bark. It does not possess poisonous properties. It was analyzed by Vauquelin (Mem. du Museum, 1823, p. 452), who discovered neither strychnia nor brucia in it. Mercadieu (Journ. de Chim. Med. t. i. p. 236 bis.) also analyzed it, under the erroneous name of copalchi (see p. 240), and could not discover any vegetable alkali in it. The internal surface of the bark (liher), touched by nitric acid, becomes red, while the external surface becomes blackish-green. (Guibourt, Journ. de Pharm. t. xxv. p. 709.) In these characters, then, it agrees wilh nux vomica bark. Two other barks (also be- longing to Apocynacece)—viz. the Pereira Bark (obtained from a species of Valle'sia), and the Cdsca d'Anta (procured from a Rauwol'fa)—likewise become red by contact with nitric acid. Pfaff (Berl. Jahrb. Bd. xlii. S. 95) had disco- vered a new alkali (called Pereirin) in the pereira bark. [Bark of the Pau Pereira. This article is referred to a species of Vallesia belonging to the family of Strychnea. It is the inner layer of the bark in immediate contact with the wood. The specimens are in flat pieces, eighteen inches in length, three in width, and three or four lines in thickness; of a light brown colour, very fibrous and stringy, with little odour and a very bitter taste. From the analysis of Prof. Pfaff, it appears that it contains an alkaline principle (pereirina), resinous extractive, starch, and a vegetable acid, with salts of potassa, lime, magnesia, &c. The discovery of the alkaloid principle is first to be attributed to Sr. Santos of Rio de Janeiro. This drug has some reputation as a remedy in intermittent fever in Brazil, as, in the hands of numerous practitioners, it has proved serviceable. A preparation called " Agua antifebriI" is used, which we presume is an infusion of it. It is employed internally and externally. (Carson's paper on Brazilian Drugs, Journal of Pharmacy, vol. xvii. p. 86, and Formulario do Brazil.)] 7. Cer'bera Tang'hin, or Tanghin'ia venenifera, is a native of Madagascar. The kernel is a most deadly poison; though not larger than an almond [with the shell], it is said to be capable of destroying twenty persons. It was analyzed by O. Henry and Ollivier (Journ. de Pharm. t. x. p. 49). The active principle is a neutral crystalline principle, called tanghicin (tangin-camphor, Gmelin.) The extractive (tanginin; tanguine, Gmelin) is also said to possess narcotic proper- ties. The tanghin seed causes convulsions and violent efforts to vomit. It is (or was) used in Madagascar, to ascertain the guilt of suspected persons: those who are able to withstand the ordeal are considered innocent; and, vice versa, those who die are said to be euillv (Hooker, Bot. Mag. t. 2968.) / 6 J v [Two species of Apocynum are used for medicinal purposes in the United States. Sex. System.—PENTANDRIA DlGYNIA. Gen. char.—Calyx very small, five cleft, persistent. Corolla companulate, 1 Brodie, Phil. Trans, for 1811, p. 178 ; and Waterton, Brit, and For. Med. Rev. vol. viii. p. 597. INDIAN HEMP. 375 Fig. 204. #.H ^SKfeJ half five-cleft, lobes revolute, furnished at base with five dentoid glands, alter- nating with the stamina. Anthers connivent, sagittate, cohering to the stigma by the middle. Style obsolete, stigma thick and acute. Follicle long and linear. Seed comose (Nuttall). 1. A. androsaemifolium.—Dogs-bane, U. S. Secondary List. sP. char.—Leaves ovate, smooth, on both sides, cymes lateral and terminal, smooth ; tube of the corolla longer than the calyx (Beck). This is a common species, found in all parts of the country, from Canada to Georgia, on hill-sides, and in open woods in barren soil. It is perennial, herba- ceous, generally four feet high, with a smooth stem, and covered with tough fibrous bark. The flowers are white, tinged with rose colour. The part used is the root, which is large and lactescent, of a disagreeable bitter taste; of this the active portion is the bark, which forms about two-thirds of it. Its constituents are, bitter extractive, colouring principle, caoutchouc and volatile oil. It yields its properties to water and alcohol. Dr. Zollickoffer obtained 198 grs. of alcoholic extract, and 28 grs. of watery extract, from 3240 grs. of the cortical part. The properties of this root are emetic and diaphoretic. In doses of 30 or 40 grs. it promptly induces vomiting, with slight preceding nausea, on which account it may be used in cases where it is merely requisite to evacuate the stomach, as no relaxation is induced. It may be also used with a view to its diaphoretic action, in doses of 5 or 10 grs. in combination with opium, but is inferior to Ipecacuan- ha. (Griffith, Med. Essays, vol. ii. p. 200.) Dr. Zollickoffer states that it is tonic in doses of from 10 to 20 grs. and is " admirably calculated to improve the tone of the digestive apparatus." (Journ. of Pharm. vol. v. p. 254, from Am. Journ. of Med. Science.) Apocynum Cannabinum. — Indian Hem]), U. S. Secondary List. sp.char.—Stem upright, herbaceous. Leaves oblong, tomentose beneath, cymes lateral, longer than the leaves. The Indian hemp is a perennial plant, usually about two or three feet in height, having a red or brown stem and oblong ovate, somewhat pubescent leaves. The flowers are small and of a greenish white colour externally, and pink internally in paniculate cymes. This species is also found in most parts of the United States, in waste and neglected places. The root is the portion used in medicine; it is horizontal, extending to a great distance, of a deep brown colour, becoming darker by age, and when wounded pours forth a thick lactescent juice. When fresh it is nauseous, somewhat acrid and permanently bitter, and possesses a disagreeable odour. When dried it is brittle and easily reduced to powder, which resembles that of Apocynum Cannabinum. 376 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. ipecacuanha. It is composed of two portions, an external cortical portion, which is brown without, and white within, and a ligneous cord, which is of a yellowish white colour. Griscom, (Journ. of Philada. College of Pharmacy, vol. v. p. 136, from Am. Journ. of Med. Science,) found it to contain tannin, gallic acid (1), gum, resin, wax, fecula, bitter principle or apocynin, colouring matter, and woody fibre. Knapp, also examined it with similar results. The root of this plant is very potent in its effects on the animal economy. Dr. Griscom, (op. citat.) states "that its first effect when taken into the stomach is that of producing nausea, if given in sufficient quantity, which need not be large, and if this be increased, vomiting will be the result." It also acts upon the bowels, giving rise to copious discharges. These effects are attended with a re- duced frequency of the pulse. A general relaxation of the skin and perspiration follow these effects. In some of the cases observed by the gentleman mentioned, diuresis took place, but not so marked in some cases as others. " In three or four cases related, the urinary secretion, although somewhat increased in quantity, was not such as to be commensurate with the effect produced upon the disease by the exhibition of the medicine. In other instances, its diuretic operation has been more manifest, causing very profuse discharges of urine, and in a short time re- lieving the overloaded tissues of their burden." The disease in which it has been found most useful is dropsy. When ihe powder is taken into the nostrils, it acts as a sternutatory. As an emetic the dose of the powder is from 15 to 30 grains. The best form of exhibition is in decoction, made by boiling an ounce of the root in a pint of water; the dose is 3'j- to %'iv. two or three times daily. The watery extract will purge in doses cf from 3 to 5 grs. In the treatment of cutaneous affections the juice of the root or plant may be made use of as an application. The bark affords a fibre, which may be used in the place of hemp.—J. C] Order XLV.—OLEACE.E, Lindley.—THE OLIVE TRIBE. Oleineje, R. Brown. Essential Character.—Flowers hermaphrodite, sometimes dioecious. Calyx monophyllous, divided, persistent, inferior. Corolla hypogynous, monopetalous, four-cleft, occasionally of four petals connected in pairs by the intervention of the filaments, sometimes without petals; aestivation somewhat valvate. [Fraxinus is generally apetalous]. Stamens two, alternate with the segments of the corolla or with the petals; anthers two-celled, opening longitudinally. Ovary simple, without any hypogynous disk, two-celled ; the cells two-seeded ; the ovules pen- dulous and collateral; style 1 or 0 ; stigma bifid or undivided. Fruit drupaceous, berried, or capsular, often by abortion one-seeded. Seeds wilh dense, fleshy, abundant albumen; embryo about half its length, straight; cotyledons foliaceous, partly asunder ; radicle superior ; plumule inconspicuous—Trees or shrubs. Branches usually dichotomous, and ending abruptly by a conspicuous bud. Leaves opposite, simple, sometimes pinnated. Flowers in terminal or axil- lary racemes or panicles; the pedicels opposite with single bracts (R. Brown). Properties.—Not very remarkable. The barks of some species are tonic and astringent. Manna is obtained from several species. * 1. O'LEA EUROPiE'A, Linn, L. E. D.—THE EUROPEAN OLIVE. {Sex. Syst. Diandria, Monogynia.) ■ (Oleum 6 drupis expressum, £.—Expressed oil of the pericarp, £.-01eum ex fructu, D.) (Oleum oliva?, U. S.) History.—Few vegetables have been so repeatedly noticed and enthusiastically described by the ancient writers as the olive-tree. In all ages it seems to have been adopted as the emblem of benignity and peace. It is frequently mentioned in the Bible (as in Gen. ch. viii. v. 12) ; the ancient Greeks (Homer, Od. v. 477) were well acquainted with it; and several products of it were employed in medi- cine by Hippocrates (Dierbach, Arzneim. d. Hippokr. p. 77) ; Pliny (Hist. Nat. lib. xv. cap. 1—8; and lib. xxiii. cap. 34—37, ed. Valp.) is most diffuse in his account of it. Botany. Gen.char.—Calyx small, four-toothed. Tube of the corolla short: THE EUROPEAN OLIVE. 377 Olea Europaea. limb four-cleft. Stamens two. Segments of the stigma emarginate. Drupe, with a two-celled, two-seeded—by abortion one-celled, one-seeded—nut. (Bot. Gall.) Sp. char.—Leaves lanceolate, quite entire; their surfaces differently coloured. Racemes panicled. A long-lived tree of slow growth. Wood hard ; used for cabinet-work. Leaves in pairs, shortly petiolated, lanceolate, acute, green above, hoary beneath. Flowers small and white. Drupe elliptical, dark bluish green; kernel (pyrena) hard, with usually only Fig. 205. one ovule. The whitish character of the foliage gives a dull and monotonous appearance to coun- tries where the olive is extensively cultivated, as Provence and Languedoc. (Sharp, Letters from Italy.) Olea europaea, var. longifolia, is the variety chiefly cul- tivated in the south of France and Italy. O. europaea, var. lalifolia, is chiefly cultivated in Spain; its fruit is nearly twice the size of the common olive of Provence or Italy, but the oil is too rank for most English palates. (Loudon, Encycl. of Plants.) Hah.—Levant, Barbary, South of Europe. Not- withstanding that the olive is now so common in the southern parts of Europe, it is supposed by many to have been derived from Asia. Pliny tells us, on the authority of Fenestella, that there were no olive-trees in Italy, Spain, and Africa, in the reign of Tarquinius Priscus, in the 173d year from the foundation of the city of Rome. The Phoenicians are said to have introduced the olive- tree into France 680 years before Christ. Near Terni, in the vale of the cascade of Marmora, is a plantation of very old trees, and supposed to be the same plants mentioned by Pliny, as growing there in the first century. (Loudon, Encycl. Garden.) Description.—The products of the olive-tree deserving of notice are the resiniform exudation, the leaves, and the fruit. 1. Resiniform exudation of the olive-tree (Lecca gum).—The older writers speak of exudation from olive-trees, and which Dioscorides (lib. i. cap. 141) describes as the tears of the Ethiopic olive. In modern times it has been impro- perly termed olive gum. Pelletier (Ann. de Chim. Phys. iii. 105, li. 196) has analyzed it, and found that it consists of a peculiar matter (olivine), brown resin soluble in ether, and benzoic acid. Olivine consists of Ca £H 0°. It was formerly employed in medicine. 2. oiive leaves (folia olivce).—The leaves of the olive-tree have been analyzed by Pallas, (Journ. de Pharm. xiii. 604,) who, among other products, found tannic and gallic acids. They have been employed externally as astringents and anti- septics; internally, as tonics in intermittents. (Richard, Elem. oVHist. Nat.t. ii. p. 21.) . 3. Fruit of the oiivc-trees? Olives (Ol'iire).—The preserved or pickled olives (Olivce conditce), so admired as a dessert, are the green unripe fruit deprived of part of their bitterness by soaking (hem in water, and then preserved in an aro- matised solution of salt. Several varieties are met with in commerce, but the most common is the small French (O. europcea, var. longifolia) and the large Spanish olive (O. europcea, var. lalifolia). Olives a la picholine have been soaked in a solution of lime or alkali. Ripe olives are remarkable from the cir- cumstance of their sarcocarp abounding in a bland, fixed oil. Expression of Olive Oil.—The process of procuring olive oil is somewhat modified in different countries, though the principle is the same in all. 32* 378 elements of materia medica. In Spam, the olives are pressed by conical iron rollers, elevated above the stage or floor, round which they move on two little margins to prevent the kernel being injured, the oil from which is said to have an unpleasant flavour. Spanish olive oil, however, is inferior to other kinds, from the circumstance of the time which elapses between the gathering and the grinding of the olives. This arises from the number of mills not being in proportion to the quantity of fruit to be ground ; so that ihe olives are placed in heaps to wait their turn, and in conse- quence often undergo decomposition. (Dillon, Travels through Spain, p. 343, 1782 ; Jacob, Travels in Spain, p. 149, 1811.) In France, ihe finest oil is procured by bruising the fruit in the mill immediately they are gathered, and then submitting the paste to pressure. The first product has a greenish tint, and is termed virgin oil (oleum olivarum virgineum ; huile vierge). The cake or marc is removed from the press, broken up with the hand, moistened with boiling water, and re-pressed. The products are water, and oil of a second quality: these separate by standing. The cake which is left, is termed grignon, and is employed by some as fuel; others, however, ferment it, and, by the aid of boiling water, obtain a very inferior oil, called gorgon, which is em- ployed either for soap-making or burning in lamps. (Duhamel, Traite des Arbres ' Fruit, t. ii. p. 71-2.) With the view of increasing the quantity of oil, some persons allow the olives to undergo incipient fermentation, which breaks down the parenchyma of the fruit before they are pressed ; but the quality of the oil is thereby injured. Guibourt (Hist. des. Drog. t. ii. p. 339,) tells us that it is a yellow, but a mild and agreeable oil, and is much used for the table. The machinery employed by the Neapolitan peasants in the preparation of the Gallipoli oil is of the rudest kind. The olives are allowed to drop in their maturity from the tree on the ground, where they are picked up chiefly by women and children, and carried to the mill. The oil when expressed is sent, in sheep or goat skins, carried on mules, to Gallipoli, where it is allowed to clarify in cisterns cut in the rock on which the town is built. From these it is conveyed in uteri or skins to basins near the sea-shore, and from these basins the oil casks are filled (M'Culloch, Diet. Commerce.) According to Sieuve, (De Candolle, Phys. Veg. p. 299,) 100 lbs. of olives yield about 32 lbs. of oil; 21 of which come from the pericarp, 4 from the seed, and 7 from ihe woody matter of the nut (pyrena). That obtained from the pericarp is of the finest quality. Recently-drawn olive oil deposits, by standing, a white fibrous matter, which the ancients employed in medicine, under the name of amurca. (Pliny, Hist. Nat. lib. xv. cap. iii. ed. Valp.) Properties of Olive Oil.—Olive oil (oleum olivce seu olivarum ; sweet oil) is an unctuous fluid, of a pale yellow or greenish-yellow colour. When of good quality, it has scarcely any smell. Its taste is bland and mild. Its sp. gr. at 77c F. is 0-9109, according to Saussure. When exposed to a temperature of 32° F. it deposits white globules (margarine, Lecanu ; stearine, Chevreul). - It is soluble in about 1| times its weight of ether; but it is very slightly soluble only in alcohol. By exposure to the air it readily becomes rancid ; thin layers of it become thick, but do not dry. Hyponitrous acid converts it into elaidine, which, by saponification, yields elaidic acid. When mixed with sulphuric acid, and kept cool, it yields sulpho-margaric, sulphoro-glyceric, and sulpho-oleic acids. With the basic me- tallic oxides it forms glycerine and soaps (oleo-margarates): Spanish or Castile soap is made with soda ; lead soap, or emplastrum plumbi with oxide of lead. Varieties.—Provence oil (oleum provinciale), the produce of Aix, is the most esteemed. Florence oil is a very fine kind of olive oil, imported from Leg- horn, in flasks surrounded by a kind of network formed by the leaves of°a monocotyledonous plant, and packed in half chests; it is used at the table, under the name of salad, oil. Lucca oil is imported in jars, holding nineteen gallons THE EUROPEAN OLIVE. 379 each. Genoa oil is another fine kind. Gallipoli oil forms the largest portion of the olive oil brought to England ; it is imported in casks. Apulia and Calabria are the provinces of Naples most celebrated for its production: the Apu- lian is the best. Sicily oil is of inferior quality; it is principally produced at Milazzo. Spanish oil is the worst. The foot deposited by olive oil is used for oiling machinery, under the name of droppings of siveet oil. Adulteration of Olive Oil.—Olive oil is said to be occasionally mixed with other vegetable oils (as poppy oil). Four methods have been proposed to detect the fraud : 1. Beading.—If we shake pure olive oil in a phial half filled with it, the surface of the oil soon becomes smooth by repose; whereas when poppy oil is present, a number of air-bubbles (or beads as they are termed) remain. 2. Freezing.—Olive oil is completely solidified when cooled by ice; poppy oil, however, remains ir> part liquid. Even two parts of olive oil to one of poppy oil will not completely congeal. (Guibourt, Hist, des Drog. t. ii. p. 603.) 3. Electrical diagometer.—Olive oil, according to Rousseau, (Journ. de Pharm. t. ix. p. 587,) conducts electricity 675 times worse than other vegetable oils. The addition of two drops of poppy or beech-nut oil to 154^ grains of olive oil is suffi- cient to quadruple the conducting power of the latter. To ascertain the conduct- ing power of oil, Rousseau used the electrical diagometer (from (hayu, to conduct; and fAS. Liquid Storax; Styrax liquidus.—This has been already described (p. 193). On the authority of Petiver it is usually regarded as the produce of a species of Liquidambar. But Landerer (Pharmaceulisclies Central-Blatt fiir 1840, p. 11), one of the editors of the Pharmacopoeia Grceca, has recently stated that storax liquidus (called -buchuri-jag or storax oil) is obtained at Cos and Rhodes from the styrax officinalis, which is there termed ,Qou^oupi. By means of longitudinal incisions the bark of the stems is removed in the form of small narrow strips, which being pressed together, easily adhere by means of their glutinous juice, and in this way they are made up into bundles, of about 2 lbs. each. These are sub- jected to pressure in warm presses (called styraki), by which liquid storax is ob- tained, having a butyraceous consistence, a gray colour, and a vanilla-like odour. Is this the liquid storax of English commerce? 6. Scobs styracina.—Under this name I include several substances sold as storax, but which are evidently fine saw-dust impregnated with a sufficiency of some resinous liquid (in some cases, perhaps, styrax liquidus) to give them cohesiveness. a. Common Storax (Styrax vulgaris seu Styrax calamita, offic.)—This is imported in large round cakes of a brown or reddish-brown colour and fragrant odour. It is brittle and friable, being very easily rubbed into a coarse kind of powder ; yet it is soft and unctuous. When exposed to the air it becomes covered with an efflorescence of benzoic acid (which, to the superficial observer, looks like a whitish kind of mouldiness), and falls to powder. It appears to consist of some liquid resin mixed with fine saw-dust or bran. Boiled with rectified spirit, it yields a reddish solution, which becomes milky on the addition of water. The insoluble residue is a reddish saw-dust (of storax wood ?). It seems probable, says Lewis, (Chem. Works of C. Neumann, by W. Lewis, p. 290, 1759,) " that the common storax is the juice received immediately in vessels, and mixed with saw-dust enough to thicken it; the shops requiring, under the name, of storax, a solid or consistent mass, and evaporation being found to dissipate its fragrance. At least I cannot conceive for what other purpose the woody matter could be added ; for it is too easily distinguishable to have been intended as an imposition." /3. Solid or Cake Storax (Storax solide ou Storax en pain, Guibourt).— Under this name I have received from Professor Guibourt a substance very analogous to the preceding; but the saw-dust obtained by digesting it in spirit is not so intensely red. y. Drop or Gum Storax.—Under this name I have once met, in English commerce, a storax which was highly valued. It was a circular cake, about a foot in diameter, and four or five inches thick. It was blackish, with a greenish tint; had a pilnlar consistence, considerable tenacity, and a very agreeable odour. By keeping, it became covered with an efflorescence of benzoic acid. Boiled in rectified spirit, it gave an inky appearance to the liquid, and left a blackish saw-dust. 8. Hard, blackish Storax.—Under the name of brown Storax, I purchased in Paris a solid, heavy, compact, hard, blackish substance, having the odour of liquid storax. Boiled in rectified spirit it yielded an almost colourless liquid and a brownish saw-dust. Is this the Storax brun noirdtre which Guibourt (Hist, des Drog. ii. p. 595,) says is made at Marseilles? vol. ii. 33 386 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Commerce.—I find, on the examination of the books of a wholesale druggist, that all the storax (solid and liquid) imported into this country during seven years, came from Trieste. Composition.—Neumann (Chem. Works, by Lewis, p. 290,) submitted common storax (strjrax calamita, offic.) to a chemical examination. More re- cently Reinsch (Pharm,. Central-Blatt fiir 1838, S. 537 and 810,) analyzed three kinds of styrax calamita. In 1830, Bonastre (Journ. de Pharm. t. xvi. p. 88,) analyzed a storax from Bogota. The same chemist (Ibid. t. xvii. p. 338,) examined a fluid, which he termed liquid storax, but which was liquidambar (see p. 193). Reinsch^s Analyses. oSnsl'Ktter. Brown granular. I ReddisK compact. Volatile oil.........:...... Resin..................... Subresin.................. Benzoic acid............... Gum and extractive........ Matter extracted by potash. Woody fibre............... Ainmonia................. Water..................... Storax calamita........ 41-6 1 2-4 140 150 220 traces. 50 0-5 53-7 0-6 11 9-3 96 20-2 stronger traces. 50 0-4 32-7 05 2-6 7-9 23-9 270 strongest traces. 1000 100-0 1000 1. Volatile Oil of Storax.—Obtained by digesting- the distilled water of storax with ether. The solid oil was white, crystalline, and fusible ; its odour was agreeable ; its taste aromatic and warm. The fluid oil had not so penetrating an odour. 2. Resin of Storax.—Is soluble in alcohol, but insoluble in water. 3. Benzoic Acid.—See vol. i. p. 372. Guibourt (Hist, des Drog. ii. 595) says that both white and amygdaloid storax, when treated by boiling alcohol, leave (independently of impurities) a small quantity of an insoluble white substance; and the filtered liquor becomes turbid on cooling. Physiological Effects.—Storax produces the before-described (vol. i. p. 192) effects of the balsamic substances. Its stimulant properties are more particularly directed to the mucous surfaces, especially to the bronchial membrane. Hence it is called a stimulating expectorant. In its operation it is closely allied to balsam of Peru and benzoin, but is less powerful than the latter. Uses.—Internally storax has been principally employed in affections of the organs of respiration. In chronic bronchial affections, admitting of the use of stimulants, it may be used as an expectorant. It has also been employed in chronic catarrhal affections of the urino-genital membrane. Applied to foul ulcers in the form of ointment, it sometimes operates as a detergent, and improves the quality of the secreted matter. Administration.—Purified storax may be exhibited, in the form of pills, in doses of from grs. x. to 9j. 1. STYRAX COLATUS, L.; Extractum Styracis, E.; Strained Storax. (Dis- solve storax in rectified spirit, and strain ; then let the spirit distil with a gentle heat, until it becomes of a proper consistence, L.—The directions of the Edin- burgh College are essentially the same, except that the evaporation is ordered to be carried on by the vapour-bath, until the product have the consistence of a thin extract.)—This process is intended for the purification of styrax vulgaris (styrax calamita, offic); but Mr. Brandexsays it is inefficient. The strained storax of the shops is usually produced from liquid storax (see p. 385). It is used in perfumery and in the preparation of tinctura benzoini composita, and the pilulce styracis composita. I. PILM STYRACIS COMPOSITE, L.; Pilulce Styracis, E.; Pills of Storax. (Strained Storax [Extract of Storax, E.; Storax Resin, D.] 3iij. [two parts, E.] [Hard, L.]; Opium [powdered, Z.], 3j. [onepart, E.]; Saffron, 3j. [one part, E.] THE BENJAMIN TREE. 387 Beat them together until incorporated [and divide the mass into 60 pills, E.~\).— These pills are useful in chronic coughs, and some other pulmonary affections. They are valuable also in another point of view: they sometimes enable us to exhibit opium to persons prejudiced against its use; the saffron and storax con- cealing the smell and flavour of this narcotic, while the name of the pill cannot discover the harmless deception.—The dose is from grs. v. to grs'. x. 2. STY'RAX BENZOIN, Dryander, L. E. D.—THE BENJAMIN TREE. Benzoin officinale, Hayne. Sex. Sijst. Decandria, Monogynia. (Balsamum, L.—Concrete balsamic exudation, £.—Resina,D.) [Benzoinum, Benzoin, U. S.] History.—As the ancients were acquainted with so many oriental vegetable products, we should have expected, dpriori, that benzoin would have been known to them. But this does not appear to have been the case ; at least we are una- ble to identify it with any of the substances described by the old writers. (See Garcias, Arom. Hist, in Clusius, Exot. p. 155.) Botany. Gen. Char.—Vide Styrax officinale. Sp. char.—Leaves oblong, acuminate, tomentose beneath. Racemes axillary, compound, nearly the length of the leaves. Tree: Stem thickness of a man's body. Leaves oval-oblong, entire. Calyx campanulate, very obscurely five-toothed. Corolla gray, of five petals, perhaps connate at ihe base. Stamens ten. Ovary superior, ovate; style filiform; stigma simple. (Condensed from Dryander.) (Phil. Trans, vol. Ixxvii .p. 308.) Hai>.—Sumatra, Borneo, Siam, Java. Extraction of the Balsam.—Benzoin is obtained in Sumatra as follows: When the tree is six years old, longitudinal or somewhat oblique incisions are made in the bark of the stem, at the origin of the principal lower branches. A liquid exudes, which, by exposure to the sun and air, soon concretes, and the solid mass is then separated by means of a knife or chisel. Each tree yields about three pounds of benzoin annually, for the space of ten or twelve years. That which exudes during the first three years is white, and is denominated head benzoin. The benzoin whieh subsequently flows is of a brownish colour, and is termed belly benzoin. After the tree is cut down the stem is split, and some benzoin scraped from the wood ; but its colour is dark, and its quality bad, owing to the intermixture of parings of wood and other impurities; this sort is called foot benzoin. The relative values of head, belly, and foot benzoin, are as 105, 45, 18. Benzoin is brought down from the country in large cakes (called by the natives tampangs) covered with mats. In order to pack it in chests, these cakes are softened by heat; the finer by exposure to the sun, the coarser by means of boiling water. (Marsden, Hist, of Sumatra, p. 134, 3d ed.; Crawford, Hist, of the Ind. Archipel. vol. i. p. 518; and vol. iii: p. 418.) Description.—Benzoin (benzoinum; asa-dulcis) is met with in commerce of various qualities ; these are sometimes distinguished by the terms firsts, seconds, and thirds. Frequently the finer kinds are called Siam benzoin, while the com- moner kind is termed Calcutta benzoin. i. Siam Benzoin, offic. Benzoin of first quality.—There are two kinds of Siam benzoin of commerce ; the one in tears, the other in masses. a. Benzoin in tears (Benzoinum in lachrymis).—This kind seems to be iden- tical with the true benzoin in tears, which Savary (Alston, Lect. on the Mat. Med. vol. w. p. 403,) says was brought in considerable quantity to Paris, by the at- tendants of the Siamese ambassadors. It consists of irregular flattened pieces, some of which are angular, and the largest of them barely exceeding an inch in length. Externally these pieces are shiny, or dusty from their mutual friction, and are of amber or*reddish-yellow colour; they are brittle, and may be easily 388 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. rubbed to powder. Internally they are translucent or milky, and frequently striped : they have a pleasant odour, but little or no taste. ^ /3. Lump Benzoin (Benzoinum in masses).—The finest kind consists of ag- glutinated tears (whitelump benzoin). More commonly we find the tears are con- nected together by a brown, resiniform mass, which, when broken, presents an amygdaloid appearance, from the white tears embedded in the mass (amygdaloid benzoin; benzoinum amygdaloides). y. Translucent Benzoin.—From my friend, Dr. Royle, 1 have received a sample of Siam benzoin, whose properties are somewhat different to the preced- ing. The small masses consist of agglomerated tears, which, instead of being white, are translucent, or, in a few instances, almost transparent. Crawford (Journal of an Embassy to Siam and Cochin-China, p. 407,1828), says that the ben- zoin of Siam is procured from Lao. He also says that a substance resembling, and hitherto con- founded with, benzoin, produced in Lao, Ralieng, Chiang-niai, and La-Kon, is abundantly found in Siam. The tree producing it cannot be, he thinks, the Styrax Benzoin, as it grows as far north as the twentieth degree of latitude. 3. caicntta Benzoin, offic. Benzoin of second and third quality.—This is im- ported in chests from Calcutta. It occurs in large rectangular blocks, marked with the impression of a mat, and covered with white cotton cloth. When broken, we observe but few large white tears in it. The mass is principally made up of a brown resiniform matter, with numerous, while, small pieces or chips intermixed, which thereby give the broken surface a speckled appearance, somewhat like that of a fine-grained granite. This kind corresponds to the common ox brown benzoin (benzoinum commune seu in sortis) of some writers. Commerce.—Benzoin is usually imported into England from Sincapore or Calcutta. Not unfrequently it is brought direct from Siam ; occasionally from Sumatra, Penang, Bombay," Madras, Batavia, &c. The greater part of it is ex- ported. In 1839, duty (4s. per cwt.) was paid on 108 cwts. only. Composition.—In 1811, Bucholz (quoted by Schwartze, Pharm. Tabell. S. 269), published an analysis of benzoin. In 1816, John (op. cit.) made known a second ; and in 1823, a third was published by Stoltze. (Berl. Jahrb. xxv. i. 55.) Moreover, Mr. Brande (Nicholson's Journal, x. 82), and Unverdorben (Poggen- dorff's Annal. xvii. 1779,) have examined this substance. Volatile oil (aroma, John)........... Benzoic acid........................ o ■ ( yellow, soluble in ether..... e \ brown, insoluble in ditto... Matter like balsam of Peru......... Aromatic extractive............... Woody matter and other impurities Water and loss.................... Salts (benzoates and phosphates)... Benzoin 12-5 833 1-7 0-5 20 120 84-5 0 050 2-00 0-25 075 100-00 Stoltze. White. traces. 19-80 I 79-83 | 0-25 0 0 0 012 Amygdaloid. traces. 19-42 27-10 5053 0 0-25 2-60 0 10 Brown. traces. 19-70 8-60 69-73 0 015 1-45 017 10000 1. Volatile Oil of Benzoin.—Distilled with water, benzoin does not yield any essential oil; but when exposed to heat without water, benzoic acid and an empyreumatic oil are volatilized. This oil may be deprived of its empyreuma by redistillation with water, and then smells agree- ably of benzoin. It may be regarded as a product of the decomposilion of the resin. An oil of benzoin obtained by distillation, without any liquid, is used at Sumatra as a perfume. (Marsden, Sumatra, p. 184.) 2. Resin of Benzoin.—It is soluble in all proportions in alcohol. On the addition of water to Ihe tincture, a milky liquid (absurdly called, virgin's milk) is formed, owing to the precipitation of the resin in the form of a white powder, which may be obtained quite free from benzoic acid, and then constitutes the magisterium benzoes of some old writers. The acids (acetate, hydro- chloric, and sulphuric) also precipitate the alcoholic solution. Sulphuric acid strikes a fine red colour with resin of benzoin. Benzoin resin colours the chloride of iron green, but does not cause any precipitate. This property would lead to the suspicion of the presence of either gallic or tannic acid, but neither has been detected. Stollze makes two kinds of resin in benzoin ; one of a yellow colour, and soluble in ether; the other brown, and insoluble in this liquid. Unverdorben, however, makes three varieties: one (resina alpha) is insoluble in carbonate of potash, but solu- THE BENJAMIN TREE. 389 ble in ether; a second (resina beta) is insoluble in both carbonate of potash and ether; and the third (resina gamma) is feebly electro-negative, soluble in carbonate of potash (forming a resi- nate of potash), and very slightly soluble in ether. According to Johnston (Phil. Trans. 1840, p. 383), the colourless resin of benzoin is rendered very approximately by the formula C° H22 O9. Heat, boiling water, caustic potash, carbonated alkalis, quicklime, and oxide of lead, effect a partial decomposition of this resin. 3. Benzoic Acid.—The preparation, properties, and uses of this acid have been already de- scribed (vol. i. p. 371). Several circumstances lead to the conclusion that very little benzoin acid exists, at least in the free state, in the natural resin of benzoin, (op. cit. p. 380.) One of these deserves mention : dilute solutions of carbonate of soda in the cold readily dissolve crys- tallized benzoic acid; but trituration, or even boiling with such solutions, does not deprive ben- zoin of the power of yielding this acid when subjected to heat. Physiological Effects.—Benzoin produces the general effects of the balsams before mentioned (vol. i. p. 192). Its power of producing local irritation renders it apt to disorder the stomach, especially in very susceptible individuals. Its con- stitutional effects are those of a heating and stimulating substance, whose influence is principally directed to the mucous surfaces, especially of the air-tube. It i.s more acrid and stimulant, and less tonic than myrrh, to which some pharmaco- logists have compared it. It has appeared in some instances to act as a stimulant to the sexual organs. Uses.—As an internal remedy the employment of benzoin is almost wholly confined to chronic pulmonary affections, especially those of the bronchial mem- brane. Its stimulant properties render it improper in all acute inflammatory complaints, and its acridity prevents its employment where there is much gastric irritation. Its use, therefore, is better adapted for torpid constitutions. Trous- seau and Pidoux (Traite de Therap. ii. 477) speak most favourably of the effects of the balsams in chronic laryngitis, as I have before noticed (vol. i. p. 192). The mode of employing benzoin in balsamic fumigations in this disease, has been before noticed (see vol. i. p. 192). Administration.—Benzoin is scarcely ever administered alone.—The dose of it in powder is from grs. x. to 3ss.—On account of the agreeable odour evolved when benzoin is heated, this balsam is frequently employed for fumigations, as in the ceremonies of the Roman Catholic Church. 1. TINCTURA BENZOINI COMPOSITA, L. E. D., (U. S.); Balsamum Traumati- sm ; Compound Tincture of Benjamin ; Wound Balsam ; Balsam for Cuts ; Friar's Balsam; Jesuit's Drops; The Commander's Balsam.—(Benzoin, 3iijss. [in coarse powder, Jiv. E.~\ Storax, strained, 3ijss. L.; Balsam of Tolu, 3x. [Peru balsam, 3'jss. E.J; Aloes, 3v. [East Indian Aloes, gss. E.]; Rectified Spirit, Oij. Macerate for fourteen [seven, E. D.] days, [pour off the clear liquor, E.] and strain. The ingredients used by the Dublin College are the same as, and the proportions nearly identical with, those of the London College.)— [The U. S. P. directs, Benzoin 3iij.; Purified Storax, gij.; Balsam of Tolu, 3j.; Aloes, in powder, 3ss.; Alcohol, Oij. Macerate for fourteen days, and filter.]— A stimulating expectorant: administered in chronic catarrhs.—Dose, f3ss. to f 3ij. It is decomposed by water. A very pleasant mode of exhibiting it is in the form of emulsion, prepared with mucilage and sugar, or yolk of egg. Tinc- tura benzoini composita is occasionally applied to foul and indolent ulcers, to excite the vascular action, and to improve the quality of the secreted matter. It is a frequent application to recent incised wounds. If applied to the cut surfaces it causes temporary pain, and cannot promote adhesion (or union by the first intention), though by exciting too much inflammation it may sometimes prevent it. But when the edges of the wound have been brought together, the tincture may be carefully applied to the lint or adhesive plaster as a varnish and cement. Here it acts mechanically, excluding air, and keeping the parts in their proper position. In the same way, it may sometimes prove serviceable in contused wounds. Court or Black Sticking Plaster (Emplastrum adhcesivum Anglicum, Ph. Bor.) is prepared by brushing first a solution of isinglass, and afterwards a spirituous solution of benzoin, over black sarcenet. 33* 390 elements of materia medica. t FUMIGATING PASTILES.—(Benzoin, in powder, sixteen parts'; balsam of tolu ; sandal-wood, in powder, of each four parts; true labdanum, one part; a light [linden] charcoal, forty-eight parts; nitrate of potash, two parts; tragacanth, one part; gum Arabicj two parts; cinnamon water, twelve parts. F. S. A. a soft and ductile mass, which is to be formed into cones, with a flat, tripod base. Dry at first in the air, afterwards by a stove.) (Henry and Guibourt, Pharm. Raison. t. i. p. 402.)—By burning, these pastiles diffuse a very agreeable odour. They are employed to disguise or overpower unpleasant smells. (See vol. i. p. 218.) The Species ad suffiendum, Ph. Bor., consists of benzoin and amber, of each lb. ss., and lavender flowers, gij. Order XLVII— PYROLACE^, Lind.—THE WINTER-GREEN TRIBE. Essential Character.—Calyx free, four, more frequently, five-partite, persistent. Petals five, free or cohering, perigyrious? with an imbricated aestivation. Stamens twice the number of the petals, to which they are not adherent; anthers bilocular, dehiscing by two pores. Ovarimn three to five-celled, seated on a hypogynous disk. Style one. Stigma roundish or lobed, some- times slightly indusiate. Capsule three to five-celled, three to five-valved, loculicidal-dehiscent. Placentas adherent at the centre. Seeds indefinite, minute, with a pellicle indusfiate or winged. Embryo minule, at the base of fleshy albumen, with moderately distinct cotyledons.—Herbs, natives of the northern hemisphere, perennial or scarcely under-shrubs, smooth. Stems round, naked, or leafy. Leaves simple, entire or dentate. Flowers racemose, somewhat umbellated, rarely solitary, white or rose-coloured. (De Candolle, Prodr. vii. 772.) Properties.—See Chimaphila umbellata. CHIMAPH'ILA UMBELLATA, Nuttall. E—P1PSISSEWA; UMBELLATED WINTER-GREEN. (Chimaphila corymbosa, Pursh, L.—Pyrola umbellata, Linn. D.) (Sex. Syst. Decandria, Monogynia.) (Folia, L.-Herb, £.—Herba, D.) (Chimaphila, U. S.) History.—The Pipsissewa was first employed medicinally by the aborigines of America. It was introduced to the notice of the profession, in 1803, bv Dr. Mitchell (Inaug. Diss. Philad. 1803.) Botany. Gen. char.—Calyx five-cleft. Petals five, spreading, deciduous. Stamens ten; two in front of each petal; filaments dilated in the middle. Ova- rium rounded-dbconical, obtusely angular, umbilicated at the apex. Style very short, concealed in the umbilicus of the ovary. Stigma orbicular, tuberculated, five-crenate. Cells of the capsule dehiscent at the apex ; the valves not con- nected by tomentum. (De Candolle, Prod. vii. 775.) sP. char.—Filaments smooth. Bracts linear awl-shaped. Leaves cuneate- lanceolate, of the same colour. (De Cand.) A perennial under-shrub. Rhizome woody, creeping. Stems ascending, some- what angular, marked with the scars of former leaves. Leaves in irregular whorls, evergreen, coriaceous, on short petioles, serrate, smooth, shining. Flowers nodding in a small corymb. Corolla white, tinged with red, having an agreeable odour. Hab.—Woods of Europe, Asia, and more frequently North America. Description.—The officinal parts are the leaves (folia chimaphilce seu pyrolce), or the leaves and the stems (herba chimaphilce seu pyrolce). The fresh leaves ex- hale a peculiar odour when bruised : their taste is bitter and astringent. The infusion of the dried herb is rendered green (tannate of iron) by sesquTchloride of iron. Composition—The dried plant was analyzed, in 1817, by Elias Wolf. (Diss. de Pyrola umb. Goett. quoted by Geiger, Hand. d. Pharm. ii. 215.) It consist- ed of bitter extractive 16-0, resin 2-4. tannin 1-38, woody fibre, with a small por- tion of gum and vegetable calcareous salts, 78-22. The active principle has not been isolated. It probably resides in the substance called bitter extractive. The resin and tannin, however, must contribute to the medicinal effect. umbellated winter-green. 391 Physiological Effects.—The fresh leaves appear to possess considerable acridity, depending, probably, on some volatile constituent; for Dr. Barton says that, when bruised, they produce rubefaction, vesication, and desquamation, if ap- plied to the skin. The infusion of the dried leaves, when swallowed, acts as a tonic, producing an agreeable sensation in the stomach, and assisting the appetite and digestive process. It promotes ihe action of the secreting organs, more especially the kid- neys, over which, indeed, it has appeared to exercise a specific influence, increas- ing the quantity of urine, diminishing, as some have imagined, the quantity of lithic acid or lithates secreted, and beneficially influencing several forms of chro- nic nephritic disease. Indeed, this plant possesses, in its medicinal as well as in its natural-historical and chemical relations, qualities analogous to those belong- ing to Uva ursi. Uses.—The following are the principal diseases in which it has been employed : 1. In Dropsies, accompanied with great debility and loss of appetite, it is use- ful as a diuretic, as well as on account of its stomachic and tonic qualities. It was introduced to the notice of practitioners in this country, as a remedy for this class of diseases, by Dr. W. Somerville (Med. Chir. Trans, v. 340). Dr. Beatty (Trans, of the King and Queen's Coll. of Phys,, Ireland, vol. iv. p. 23) has also found it useful in this disease. 2. In Chronic Affections of the Urinary Organs.—Pyrola has been found ser- viceable in the various disorders of the urinary organs in which the Uva ursi fre- quently proves beneficial; such as cystirrhoea and calculous complaints. It has also occasionally alleviated some cases of hcematuria, ischuria, dysury, and gonorrhoea. 3. In Scrofula.—We can readily believe that, as a tonic, this remedy may be useful in various forms of scrofula. But it has been supposed by some to possess almost specific powers ; and in America its reputation is so high, that in the pro- vinces it acquired the title of "King's Cure.'''' Dr. Paris (Pharmacologia) says, that " an irregular practitioner, who has persuaded a number of persons in this metropo- lis that he possesses remedies, obtained from the American Indians, by which he is enabled to cure scrofula in its worst forms," relies for success on chimaphila. In some ill-conditioned scrofulous ulcers, pyrola is used in the form of a wash. Administration.—Chimaphila is given in the form of decoction or extract: the latter has been employed in doses of ten or fifteen grains. DECOCTUM CHIMAPHIL Jl, L. (U. S.);—Decoction Pyrolce, D.; Decoction of Urn- bellated Winter-Green.—(Chimaphila, 3j-; [Distilled, L.] Water, Ojss. [Oij. wine measure, D]. Boil down to pint, and strain, L---The Dublin College macerates it for six hours in water, then bruises, and afterwards returns it to the water : the liquor is to be evaporated to a pint.)—Dose, f 3j« to f 3ij. [The decoction or infusion may be converted into an agreeable beverage by fer- mentation, thus constituting a kind of beer. The method of forming this prepa- ration is to form in the first place a decoction or infusion, with half a pound of the leaves to a gallon of water ; then add a pound of sugar or a half pint of mo- lasses, half an ounce of powdered ginger, and some yeast. It is then to be placed in a tight vessel and kept in a warm place until fermentation is accomplished. Instead of the ginger, or in addition to it, essence of spruce may be used. The dose is half a tumblerful three or four times daily. This fermented preparation was much used by the late Dr. Parrish, in the Pennsylvania Hospital, when he was surgeon to the institution, in cases of strumous disease, particularly white swelling and similar affections of the joints. SYRUP OF PIPSISSEWA.—This is sometimes used in preference to either of the preceding preparations. It is made in the following manner. Take of Pipsissewa, four ounces; Sugar, twelve ounces; Water, a sufficient quantity. Macerate the pipsissewa, finely bruised, in eight fluid ounces of water for thirty-six hours, and then subject it to displacement, until a pint of fluid is obtained. Reduce this by evaporation to eight fluid ounces ; add the sugar, and form the syrup in the usual 392 elements of materia medica. manner. The coriaceous character of the leaves requires that they should mace- rate for a length of time, to be completely permeated by the menstruum. One fluid ounce contains the strength of 3ij- of Pipsissewa.—J. C] Order XL VIII— ERICACEAE, Lindley.—THE HEATH TRIBE. Erics, Juss.—Erice.*, R. Brown. Essential Character.—Calyx four or five partite, almost equal, entirely unadherent to the ovary, persistent. Corolla perigynous or somewhat hypogynous, gamopetalous, four or five partite, or with four or five distinct petals, regular or more rarely irregular petals imbricated by aestiva- tion. Stamens definite, equal or double in number to the petals, entirely or almost free from the corolla. Anthers two-celled: cells hard, dry, separate either at the apex or base, often furnished with some appendage, dehiscing by a terminal pore. Ovary free, surrounded at the base by a disk, which is sometimes nectariferous. Style single, rigid. Stigma undivided, toothed, or three-lobed. Fruit capsular, many-seeded, many-celled ; dehiscence varies. Seeds inserted in a central placenta, small, indefinite; the testa firmly adhering to the nucleus. Embryo round, in the axis of fleshy albumen ; the radicle opposite to the hilum.—Shrubs or under shrubs, rarely small trees. Leaves alternate, rarely somewhat opposite or verticillate, without stipules, usually rigid, entire, evergreen, articulated on the stem (De Candolle, Prodr. vii. 580.) Properties.—The plants of this order are astringent and diuretic. One or both of these proper- ties they owe to the presence of tannic acid. ARCTOSTAPH'YLOS UVA UR'SI, Sprengel, L. E.— THE BEARBERRY. Arbutus, Uva ursi, Linn. L. Sex. Syst. Decandria, Monogynia. (Folia, L. E — Leaves, E.) (Uva ursi, U. S.) History.—Some doubt exists whether this plant was known to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Bauhin (Pinax, p. 470) and some others think it is the I8aia 'gi£a of Dioscorides (lib. iv. cap. 44), but the leaves are very unlike those of Ruscus aculeatus ('o^v^ivri), to which he, as well as Pliny (Hist. Nat. lib. xxvii. cap. 69, ed. Valp.), compares them. The afx three times a dav. 2. EXTRACTUM W\M URSI, L. Extract of Bearberry. (Uva ursi, bruised, lb. ijss.; Boiling Distilled Water, Cong. ij. Macerate for twenty-four hours; then boil down to a gallon, and strain the liquor while liot; lastly, evaporate to a pro- per consistence.) Dose, grs. v. to grs. xv., twice or thrice daily. OTHER MEDICINAL ER1CACE.K. Gauxtheria procumbens, or the Partridge Berry, is a native of the United States of America, It combines the properties of an aromatic and astringent. Its aromatic qualities reside in a vola- tile oil, its astringency in tannin. It is used in America as a flavouring ingredient, and also as an emmenagogue. The volatile oil of partridge berry (oleum galutheria) has been sold in England under the name of oil of winter-green. It has a pinkish-yellow colour. Its sp. gr. is 1-17. It is used to cover the unpleasant flavour of other medicines (see Syrupus Sarsaparilla, p. 139). In the dose of a fluid ounce it has caused fatal gastritis. (United States Dispensatory.) Order XLIX.—LOBELIACEjE, Jussieu.—THE LOBELIA TRIBE. Essential Character.—Calyx five-lobed, more or less adherent to the ovary. Corolla persistent, more or less gamopetalous; lobes or petals five, usually irregular, sometimes almost regular; tubes entire or cleft longitudinally. JEslivation somewhat valvular. Stamens five, alternate with the lobes of the corolla, usually free, but sometimes adherent to the tube of the corolla; filaments free, or more or less connate; anthers cohering, bilocular, dehiscing longitudinally ; pollen ovoid. Ovary inferior or semi-superior, two or rarely one-celled, then with parietal pla- centae; style one; stigma surrounded with a ring of hairs. Fruit usually dehiscing at the apex by two valves, rarely from above by an operculum or laterally by three valves, or indehis- cent. Seeds indefinite; albumen fleshy; embryo straight.—Lactescent herbs or under-shrubs, rarely small trees. Leaves alternate, without stipules. Flowers usually axillary, solitary, racemose. (Condensed from De Cand.) Properties.—Dangerous or suspicious plants; mostly acrids or acro-narcotics. LOBE'LIA INFLA'TA, Linn. L. E— BLADDER-PODDED LOBELIA ; INDIAN TOBACCO. Set. Syst. Pentandria, Monogynia. (Herb, E.) (Lobelia, U. S.) History.—This plant was employed by the aborigines in America ; and after having been for some time used by quacks, was introduced to the notice of the THE LOBELIA TRIBE. 395 profession by the Rev. Dr. Cutler, of Massachusetts. (Thacher's Amer. New Dispensatory, p. 258, 2d ed.) It was introduced into England in 1829, by Dr. Reece. (Pract. Treat, on the Anti-asthmatic Properties of Bladder-podded Lo- belia, 1829.) Botany. Gen.char.—Calyx five-lobed; the tube obconical, ovoid or hemi- spherical. Corolla cleft longitudinally from above, bilabiate; the tube cylindrical or funnel-shaped, straight; the upper lip usually smaller, and erect; the lower generally spreading, broader, three-cleft, or more rarely three-toothed. The two inferior, or occasionally all, of the anthers barbed at the point. Ovary inferior or semi-superior, and (in species very much alike) somewhat free. (De Cand.) Sp. chair.—Stem erect, the lower part simple and shaggy ; the upper part ra- mose and smooth. Leaves irregularly serrate-dentate, hairy; the lower ones oblong, obtuse, shortly petioled; the middle ones ovate-acute, sessile. Flowers small, racemose. Pedicels short, with an acuminate bract. Calyx smooth, the tube ovoid ; the lobes linear-acuminate, equal to the corolla. Capsule ovoid, in- flated. (De Cand.) Annual; height, a foot or more. Root fibrous. Stem angular. Leaves scat- tered : segments of the calyx linear, pointed. Corolla delicate blue. Anthers collected into an oblong, curved body, purple; filaments white. Style filiform ; stigma curved, and enclosed by the anthers. Capsule two-celled, ten-angled, crowned with the calyx. Seeds numerous, small, brown. Hah.—North America, from Canada to Carolina, and the Mississippi. Begins to flower in July. The plant should be collected in August or September. Description.—The herb (herba lobelice inflatce) is usually imported into this country, prepared by the Shaking Quakers of New Lebanon, North America. It has been compressed into oblong cakes, weighing either half a pound or a pound each, and enveloped in blue paper. The dried herb is pale greenish-yel- low; its smell is somewhat nauseous and irritating; its taste burning and acrid, very similar to that of tobacco. Its powder is greenish. Composition.—No accurate analysis of lobelia has hitherto been made. Dr. Colhoun (Journ. of the Philadelphia Coll. of Pharm. p. 300) has announced the existence of a peculiar principle of this plant. From a few experiments which I have recently made on lobelia, I find that it contains a volatile acrid principle (oil?), an acid (peculiar?) resin, chlorophylle, gum, extractive, woody fibre, and perhaps caoutchouc. [The chemical constitution of Lobelia has been more extensively investigated by William Procter, Jr., (Amer. Journ. Pharm. vols. ix. and xiii.)] 1. Volatile Acrid principle (Volatile Oil of Lobelia? Lobelianin?)—Water distilled from lobelia has the peculiar smell and the nauseous acrid taste of the plant. In one experiment I obtained a thin film of what appeared to be a solid volatile oil. The distilled water of lobelia is unaffected by acids, sesquichloride of iron, and tincture of nutgalls. [Mr. Procter, after a careful repetition of his experiments, was unable to obtain any evidence of the existence of a volatile acrid principle in lobelia, but admits the existence of a volatile oil. He found the dis- tilled water of lobelia to possess none of the peculiar acrimony of the plant.] 2. Lobelina (?).—The substance described by Colhoun is said to resemble the nicolin of Ber- zelius. It is soft, brown, and deliquescent; and has the acrid taste of lobelia. It is soluble in alcohol, scarcely so in ether; with acids it forms salts (Colhoun). [According to Mr. Procter, the substance obtained by Dr. Colhoun was not lobelina, but an impure hydrochlorate of that base. Lobelina, in a nearly pure state, has a light yellow colour, semifluid consistence, and somewhat aromatic odour. Its sp. gr. is less than that of water; it is very soluble in ether and alcohol, but less soluble in water. It is precipitated from its aqueous solution as a white tannate by tannic acid, but is not disturbed by gallic acid. It has a decided alkaline reaction, neutral- izes acids and forms crystallizable salts. A striking peculiarity of this principle is its ready de- composition by a heat of 212° F., when in a pure state, whilst in combination with an acid it remains unchanged at the boiling temperature.] By evaporating the tincture of lobelia, and digesting the residue in dilute hydrochloric acid, 1 have obtained a yellowish-brown extract (impure hydrochlorate of lobelina ?), soluble in alcohol, insoluble or nearly so in ether, and having an ucrid taste, like that of lobelia, but stronger. Tincture of nutgalls added to the aqueous de- coction of lobelia causes slight cloudiness (tannate of lobelina ?). 396 elements of materia medica. 3. An Acid (Lobelic ? acid).—A decoction of lobelia reddens litmus, and becomes, on the addition of sesquichloride of iron, dark, olive-brown ; and in a short time a precipitate is formed (lobeliate? of iron). A solution of isinglass produced no obvious change in the decoction, show- ing the absence of tannic acid. Sulphate of copper gives rise to a green precipitate (lobeliate ? of copper). Nitrate of silver caused a slight precipitate (lobeliate ? of silver) soluble in nitric acid. The effect produced by the salts of iron on decoction of lobelia is analogous to that caused by the same agents on aloes (see p. 118), and cebadilla (see p. 107). [Lobelic acid may be obtained by washing the precipitate resulting from the addition of sulphate of copper to a concentrated de- coction of lobelia, until it ceases to affect litmus, afterwards suspending it in water and precipi- tating the copper by a current of hydrosulphuric acid. The liquor by filtration and evaporation yields the impure acid, which by treatment with ether and evaporation is obtained in a yellow semi-crystalline mass. It is not precipitated by chloride of barium (Procter).] 4. Resin.—By gently evaporating the tincture of lobelia (prepared with proof spirit) a re- sinous substance separates and floats on the surface of the liquid. It has an exceedingly acrid taste. [5. Fixed Oil.—The seeds of lobelia contain 30 per cent, of a limpid fixed oil; sp. gr. -940 and possessing the properties of a drying oil (Procter).] Chemical Characteristics.—A strong decoction of lobelia dropped into rec- tified spirit deposits a precipitate (gum). Acetate, and especially diacetate of lead, form yellow precipitates with the decoction. Protonitrate of mercury also forms a copious precipitate. (For other chemical characteristics, see above.) Physiological Effects.—An accurate account of the effects of this plant on man and animals is yet wanting. But from the observations hitherto made, its operation appears to be very similar to that of tobacco (see p. 327); and from this circumstance, indeed, it has been called the Indian Tobacco. I have before remarked, that both in its taste and in the sensation of acridity which it excites in the throat, it resembles common tobacco. This analogy between nicotiana and lobelia, originally noticed by the American practitioners, is confirmed by Dr. Elliotson (Lancet, April 15, 1837, p. 144). a. On Animals generally.—Horses and cattle have been supposed to be killed by eating it accidentally. (Thacher, American New Dispensatory, p. 2.) An extraordinary flow of saliva is said to be produced by it on cattle (Lancet, May 13, 1837, p. 299.) [Mr. Procter administered a grain of lobelina in solution to a cat. In less than two minutes it produced violent emesis, and much prostration, from which the animal fully recovered in three hours. Again, one grain of the substance in an ounce of water was administered directly into the stomach of the animal by an elastic tube. Immediate and total prostration was the consequence, which in half an hour rendered the animal almost motionless ; the pupils of the eyes were much dilated. The animal gradually recovered its strength, but the effects of the pros- tration were evident for fifteen hours afterwards. No emetic or cathartic effects resulted. (Am. Journ. of Pharm. vol. xiii. p. 10.)—J. C] (3. On Man.—aa. In small doses it operates as a diaphoretic and expectorant. Mr. Andrews (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. iii. p. 260), who speaks from its effects on himself, says, it has " the peculiar soothing quality of exciting expectoration without the pain of coughing." f3/3. In full medicinal doses (as Bj. of the powder) it acts as a powerful, nau- seating emetic. Hence it has been called the emetic weed. It causes severe and speedy vomiting, attended with continued and distressing nausea, sometimes purging, copious sweating, and great general relaxation. These symptoms are usually preceded by giddiness, headache, and general tremors. The Rev. Dr. M. Cutler (Thacher, op. cit.) in his account of the effects on himself, says, that taken during a severe paroxysm of asthma, it caused sickness and vomiting, and a kind of prickly sensation through the whole system, even to the extremities of the fingers and toes. The urinary passage was perceptibly affected, by produc- ing a smarting sensation in passing urine, which was probably provoked by sti- mulus on the bladder. It sometimes, as in the Rev. Dr. Cutler's case, gives almost instantaneous relief in an attack of spasmodic asthma. Intermittent pulse was caused by it in a case mentioned by Dr. Elliotson. Administered by INDIAN TOBACCO. 397 the rectum, it produces the same distressing sickness of stomach, profuse perspi- ration, and universal relaxation, which result from a similar use of tobacco. yy. In excessive doses, or in full doses too frequently repealed, its effects are those of a powerful aero-narcotic poison. " The melancholy consequences re- sulting from the use of Lobelia inflata," says Dr. Thacher, (op. cit.) " as lately administered by the adventurous hands of a noted empiric, have justly excited considerable interest, and furnished alarming examples of its deleterious proper- ties and fatal effects. The dose in which he is said usually to prescribe it, and frequently with impunity, is a common teaspoonful of the powdered seeds or leaves, and often repeated. If ihe medicine does not puke or evacuate powerfully, it frequently destroys the patient, and sometimes in five or six hours." Its effects, according to Dr. Wood, (United States Dispensatory,) are, "extreme prostration, great anxiety and distress, and ultimately death, preceded by convulsions." He also tells us that fatal results (in America) have been experienced from its empi- rical use. These are the more apt to occur when the poison, as is sometimes the case, is not rejected by vomiting. Uses.—Lobelia is probably applicable to all the purposes for which tobacco has been used (see p. 329). From my own observation of its effects, its principal value is as an antispasmodic. 1. In asthma (especially the spasmodic kind) and other disorders of the organs of respiration.—Given«in full doses, so as to excite nausea and vomiting, at the commencement of, or shortly before, an attack of spasmodic asthma, it sometimes succeeds in cutting short the paroxysm, or in greatly mitigating its violence; at other times, however, it completely fails. Occasionally it has proved serviceable in a few attacks, and, by repetition, has lost its influence over the disease. To obtain the beneficial influence in asthma, it is not necessary, however, to give it in doses sufficient to excite vomiting. Dr. Elliotson (Lancet, April 15, 1837, p. 144,) recommends the use of small doses at the commencement, and says that these should be gradually increased, if neither headache nor vomiting occur ; but immediately when these symptoms come on, the use of the remedy is to be omitted. Given in this way, I can testify to its good effects in spasmodic asthma. It has also been used in croup, hooping-cough, and catarrhal asthma, but with no very encouraging effects. 2. In strangulated hernia, Dr. Eberle (Treat, of the Mat. Med. vol. i. p. 48, 2d ed.) employed it effectually, instead of tobacco, in the form of enema. 3. As an emetic, it has been employed by Dr. Eberle (op. cit.) in croup; but its operation is too distressing and dangerous for ordinary use. Administration.—It may be given in powder, infusion, or tincture (alcoholic or ethereal.) Dr. Reece employed an oxymel. The dose of the powder as an emetic, is from grs. x. to Bj.; as an expectorant, from gr. j. to grs. v. It deserves especial notice that the effects of lobelia are very unequal on different persons, and that some are exceedingly susceptible of its influence. (Elliotson, Lancet, June, 1832; and April 15, 1837.) 1. TINCTURA LOBELIA, E. (U. S.); Tincture of Lobelia.—(Lobelia, dried, and in moderately fine powder, gv. ; Proof Spirit, Oij. This tincture is best prepared by the process of percolation, as directed for the tincture of capsicum; but it may also be made in the usual way by digestion.)—[The U. S. P. directs Lobelia, four ounces ; Diluted Alcohol, two pints. Macerate for fourteen days and filter, or proceed by displacement.]—Dose, as an emetic and antispasmodic, from f 3j. to f 3ij- repeated every two or three hours until vomiting occur; as an expectorant, rr|,x. to'f3j. For children of one or two years old, the dose is n^x. to rrixx 8. TINCTURA LOBELIA ^THEREA, E.; Ethereal Tincture of Lobelia.—(Lobelia, dried, and in moderately fine powder, 3v. ; Spirit of Sulphuric Ether, Oij. This tincture is best prepared by percolation, as directed for tincture of capsicum ; but it may be also obtained by digestion in a well-closed vessel for seven days.) This may be used in ihe same doses as the alcoholic tincture. vol. n. 34 398 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. With some persons the ether is apt to disagree, and for such the alcoholic tinc- ture is preferred. Whitlow's ethereal tincture, used by Dr. Elliotson, consisted of Lobelia, lb. j.; rectified spirit, Oiv.; spirit of nitric ether, Oiv.; spirit of sul- phuric ether, 3iv. Macerate for fourteen days, in a dark place. (Lancet, June 3, 1837.) [As has been stated, page 395, heat injures the activity of lobelia, when its active principle is in a free state, and though combined with a weak acid in the plant, boiling is found to impair the activity of the decoction; hence in making preparations which require heat, some acid, as the acetic, should be associated with it. A Vinegar of Lobelia may be prepared by treating four ounces of lobelia by displacement, with two pints of diluted acetic acid. With vinegar of lobelia, a syrup may be made in the same manner as syrup of squills. By treating the powdered seeds with eight parts of diluted alcohol, containing 1 per cent, of acetic acid, a preparation is obtained possessing the activity of lobelia in a concentrated form (Procter).—J. C] OTHER MEDICINAL. LOBELIACE^. Lobe'lia Syphilitica, a native of the United States, possesses emetic, cathartic, and diuretic properties. It derived its name syphilitica from its supposed efficacy in syphilis, as experienced by the North American Indians, who considered it a specific in that disease, and from whom the secret of its use was purchased by Sir W. Johnson. (Woodville, Med. Bot. vol. i. p. 178.) Its antisyphilitic powers appear to have no foundation in fact. (Pearson, Observ. on Various Art. of the Mat. Med. p. 70.) The root was the part used : it was given in the form of decoction. Order L.—COMPOSITE, De Candolle. Synanthere*, Richard; Mdtisaceje, Cichorace*, Asteraceje, and Cynarace*, Lindley. Essential Character.—Calyx gamosepalous; the tube adherent to the ovary; the limb gene- rally degenerated into a pappus, or sometimes into a scaly corona, or entirely abortive. Pappus simple, pilose, ramose, or plumose ; stipitate by the prolongation of the tube beyond the ovary or sessile. Corolla inserted into the upper part of the tube of the calyx, gamopetalous ; the nerves in the tube being directed towards the sinuses; in appearance five, but really ten; which then proceed from the sinuses, along the margins of the lobes, to the apex, where they inosculate [neuramphipetalous]. Tube various in lenglh ; in the regular corolla, often funnel- shaped. Lobes generally five, valvate in aestivation. Corolla regular or irregular; the regular, of five equal lobes (tubular corolla); the irregular two-lipped (bilabiate corolla) or strapshaped five-dentate (ligulate corolla). Stamens generally five; in the female florets wanting, or rudimentary. Filaments adnate to the tube of the corolla ; distinct or monadelphous; articu- lated near the apex, the upper portion acting as a connective. Anthers erect; connected in the tube, which is perforated by the style (syngenesious or synanlherous). Pollen rough or smooth, globose or elliptical. Ovary adherent to the calyx, one-seeded. Style generally terete and bifid at the apex; the branches (commonly called stigmas) more or less free; flat above, convex beneath. Stigmatic glands (true stigmas) ranged in a double row along the upper margin of the branches of the style, more or less prominent: the upper portion of the style, in hermaphrodite flowers, provided with hairs, which collect the pollen. Fruit consisting of an uchene and calyx closely connected, and enclosing the embryo; the achene one-celled, articu- lated on the receptacle, generally sessile; rostrate or not rostrate at the apex. Seed attached to the base of the fruit by a very short funiculus. Inner portion of the spermoderrA (endo- pleura of De Cand., albumen of Lessing) diaphanous, pierced by the bifid funiculus. Embryo erect, with a short, straight, inferior radicle, and an inconspicuous plumule. Florets collected into dense heads (capitules); either all hermaphrodite (homogamous) or the outer ones female or neuter, the inner being hermaphrodite or male (heterogamous); or the capitules are entirely composed of florets of distinct sexes (monoecious, dioecious, helerocephalous). Capitules with Ihe florets sometimes all tubular (discoid or Jlosculous); sometimes all ligulate (ligulate or semi-flosculous); sometimes the central florets are tubular, while those of the ray are ligulate (radiate). Involucre of one or many rows of more or less united scales, surrounding the re- ceptacle, which is formed by the concretion of the extremities of the peduncles ; either covered with chaffy scales (paleaceous) or naked (epaleaceous): sometimes the receptacle is indented with pentagonal hollows (areolated), or the margins of these are slightly raised (alveolated) or fringed (fimbriated).—Herbs or shrubs (rarely trees), forming almost a tenth part of the vege- table kingdom. Leaves simple, alternate, or opposite (Macreight, condensed from De Candolle). Properties.—Variable. A bitter principle pervades most species; this communicates tonic properties. The laxative and anthelmintic qualities possessed by some of the species may, COLTSFOOT. 399 perhaps, depend on the same principle. Volatile oil is frequently present; il communicates aro- matic, carminative, diaphoretic, and, in some cases, acrid properties. Bitter matter and volatile oil are often associated in the same plant. A few of the compositae are narcotic. Tribe I.—EUPATORIACE^E. 1. TUSSILA'GO FARFARA, Linri., L. D.—COLTSFOOT. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia, Polygamia superflua. (Folia et Flores, D.) Historv.—This is the jS'fo'ov of Hippocrates (Opera, p. 523 and 829, ed. Fees), and Dioscorides, (lib. iii.; cap. 126.) By the Greeks and Romans it was smoked, to relieve obstinate cough (see p. 322). Botany. Gen. char.—Head many-flowered, heterogamous ; florets of the ray females, in many rows, very narrowly ligulate; of the disc males, few in number, tubular, with a campanulate five-toothed limb. Receptacle naked, lnvolucral scales in about one row, oblong, obtuse. Anthers scarcely tailed. Styles of ihe disc enclosed, abortive; of the ray bifid, with taper arms. Achene of the ray oblong-cylindrical, smooth ; of the disc abortive. Pappus of the ray in many rows ; of the disc in one row, consisting of very fine setae (De Cand.) Sp. char.—The only species. Rhizome creeping horizontally. Leaves cordate, angular, toothed, downy beneath. Scape clothed with imbricated scaly bracts, usually one-flowered. Heads appearing before the leaves. Flowers yellow. Hab.—Indigenous. Various parts of Europe and Asia. Flowers in March and April. Description.—The herb and flowers (herba et flores farfarce seu tussilaginis) have a bitterish mucilaginous taste. The dried leaves are odourless, but the flowers retain a slight odour. The watery infusion becomes green (tannate of iron) on the addition of sesquichloride of iron. Composition.—No analysis of the plant has yet been made. Mucilage, bitter extractive, tannic acid, colouring matter, salts, and woody fibre, are the principal constituents. Physiological Effects.—The effects are not very obvious : they may be re- garded as emollient, demulcent, and very slightly tonic. Uses.—Employed as a popular remedy in pulmonary complaints (chronic coughs especially). Administration.—The decoction (prepared by boiling 3j-> or 3ij- of the plant in Oij. of water to Oj.) may be taken in doses of fjij. or f %\V)., or ad libitum. [2. EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM, Linn.] Sex. Syst. Syngenesia. /Equalis. Eupatorium, U. S. Thoroughwort. Tops and Leaves. Gen. char.—Calyx simple or imbricated. Oblong. Style long and semibifid. Receptacle naked. Pappus pilose, or more commonly scabrous. Seed smooth and glandular, quinquestriate (Nuttall). Sp. char.—Stem villous. Leaves connate, perfoliate, oblong, becoming gra- dually narrower, serrate, rugose, tomentose beneath (Beck). The common names for this plant are Boneset, Thoroughwort, Indian Sage, and Ague Weed. It has a horizontal, crooked root, which is perennial. The stem is erect, round, hairy, simple at the base, and trichotomously divided above; from two to four feet high, of a grayish-green colour. The leaves in pairs are opposite, decussat- ing each other, connate, perfoliate, broad at base, and tapering to a point, serrate, scabrous above, and tomentose beneath. The flowers are in a dense, depressed corymb, white. Boneset is exclusively an inhabitant of North America. It is abundant in 400 elements of materia medica. low grounds, and the margins of streams; sometimes in the greatest profusion. It flowers in the month of August, and continues in bloom until late in October. The dried herb, composed of the leaves, stems, and flowers, is brought into the market in bundles ; this is the best form in which it comes. The Shakers at Le- banon, New York, are in the habit of preparing packages of the leaves and flowers by pressure, but from the moisture necessary to communicate the compact form, the packages become mouldy in their interior. The odour of Boneset is agreeable, and the taste is exceedingly bitter. This drug appears to have been known to the aborigines of America; the first settlers of the country are said to have derived their knowledge of it from them. Long before it attracted the attention of medical men, it was used as a febrifuge. A number of indications can be fulfilled by this article, as it is a tonic, a diapho- retic, and emetic, according to the mode of administration: as a tonic, it is em- ployed in powder or cold infusion, and is a mild and agreeable bitter in debility of the stomach, as in some forms of dyspepsia, or in cases of general debility; as a diaphoretic, it is used in warm infusion, in small doses, as an ounce or two, re- peated at intervals. It is frequently given with advantage with this indication in colds, commencing catarrhs, and rheumatism ; indeed, the success attending this treatment in a rheumatic fever which prevailed several years ago in the New England States, which was called break-bone fever, has given rise to the title of Boneset. As an emetic, the quantity to be given is larger, and the infusion used should be warm ; it may be employed for this purpose as a substitute for the in- fusion of chamomile. The dose of the powder is 3j. The infusion may be made in the proportion of 3j. to Oj. of water, and a decoction may be prepared of similar proportions, but it has no advantage over the infusion.—J. C] Tribe II.—ASTEROIDEjE. 3. IN'ULA HELEN'IUM, Linn., L. D— ELECAMPANE. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia, Polygamia superflua. (Radix, L. D.) (Inula, U. S. Sec. List.) History.—This is the sXs'viov of Hippocrates (Nat. Mul. p. 572, ed. Fees.) and of Dioscorides (lib. i. cap. 27). Botany. Gen. char.—Head many-flowered, helerogamous ; florets of the ray females, in one row, sometimes by abortion sterile, usually ligulate, rarely some- what tubular and trifid; those of the disc hermaphrodite, tubular, five-toothed. Involucre imbricated in several rows. Receptacle flat or somewhat convex, naked. Anthers with two setse at the base. Achene without a beak, tapering, or in I. Helenium, four-cornered. Pappus uniform, in one row, composed of capillary, ughish setse. (De Cand.) sP. char.—Stem erect. Leaves dentate, velvety-tomentose beneath, acute ; the radical ones ovate, greatly attenuated into petioles ; those of the stem semi-am- plexicaul. Peduncles few, one-headed, corymbose at the apex. (De Cand.) Root perennial, thick, branching. Stem three to five feet high. Leaves large, serrated, veiny. Heads terminal. Flowers bright-yellow. Hah.—Indigenous. Various parts of Europe. Flowers in July and August. Description.—The dried root (radix helenii seu inulce) of the shops consists of longitudinal or transverse slices, which are yellowish-gray, and have an aro- matic or camphoraceous smell, and a warm bitter taste. Iodine colours the root brown. Sesquichloride of iron produces, in the infusion, a green colour (tannate of iron). Composition. — The roof has been analyzed by John (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem. ii. 1288), by Funcke, (Trommsdorff's Journal, xviii. I. p. 74,) and by COMMON CHAMOMILE. 401 Schulz. (Berl. Jahrb. d. Pharm. 1818, p. 251.) The constituents, according to John, are—volatile oil a trace, elecampane-camphor 0*3 to 0-4, wax 0-6, acrid soft resin 1-7, bitter extractive 36*7, gum 4-5, inulin 36-7, woody fibre 5-5, oxi- dized extractive with coagulated albumen 13*9 ; besides salts of potash, lime, and magnesia. 1. Helenin.—Elecampane-camphor.—Colourless, prismatic crystals, heavier than water, fusible' volatile, very soluble in ether, oil of turpentine, and boiling alcohol, but insoluble in water. Nitric acid converts it into resin (nitrohelenin). Its formula, according to Dumas, is C14 IP O2; ac- cording to Gerhart, (Pharmaceutisches Central-Blatt fiir 1840, p. 309,) CiS H'° O2. Its compo- sition, therefore, is closely allied to that of crcasote. 2. Resin.—Brown, fusible in boiling water, and soluble both in alcohol and ether. When warm it has an aromatic odour. Its taste is bitter, nauseous, and acrid. 3. Inulin (Alantin and Menyanthin, Trommsdorff; Elecampin, Henry ; Dahlin and Datiscin, Payen).—An amylaceous substance, organized, according to Raspail, like common starch. It is very slightly soluble in cold water, but very soluble in boiling water, from which it is deposited as the solution cools. It is slightly soluble in boiling alcohol. Iodine gives it a yellow tint: this distinguishes it from ordinary starch. Its formula is C13 H10 O10. In combination with lead it loses an atom of water, and becomes Cia H9 O9. 4. Bitter Extractive.—In this resides the tonic property of elecampane. Physiological Effects.—An aromatic tonic. It acts as a gentle stimulant to the organs of secretion, and is termed diaphoretic, diuretic, and expectorant. Large doses cause nausea and vomiting. It was formerly supposed to possess emmenagogue properties. In its operation it is allied to sweet-flag (see p. 85) and senega. Uses.—It is rarely employed now by the medical practitioner. It has been used in pulmonary affections (as catarrh), attended with profuse secretion and accumulation of mucus, but without febrile disorder or heat of skin. In dyspepsia, attended with relaxation and debility, it has been administered with benefit. It has also been employed in the exanthemata to promote the eruption. Administration.—Dose of the powder, Bj. to 3ij.; of the decoction (prepared by boiling 3ss. of the root in Oj. of water), f3j. to f3ij. Tribe III.—SENECIONIDE.E. 4. ANTHEMIS NOB'ILIS, Linn. L. E. D.—COMMON CHAMOMILE. Sex. Syst.—Syngenesia, Polygamia superflua. (Flores simplices, L.—Flowers, E.—Flores, D.) (Anthemis, U. S.) History.—The dWtefwV of Dioscorides (lib. iii. cap. 154,) is Anthemis Chia. (Prodr. Fl. Grcecce, vol. ii. p. 189.) Botany. Gen. char.—Head many-flowered, heterogamous ; florets of the ray female, in one row, ligulate (rarely none, or somewhat tubular); of the disc her- maphrodite, tubular, five-toothed. Receptacle convex, oblong, or conical; covered with membranous paleae between the flowers. Involucre imbricated, in a few rows. Arms of the style without appendages at the apex. Acliene tapering or obtusely four-cornered, striated or smooth. Pappus either wanting or a very short, entire. or halved membrane; sometimes auriculate at the inside. (De Cand.) Sp. char.—Stem erect, simple, ramose, downy-villose. Leaves downy, sessile, pinnatisect; segments split into many linear-setaceous lobes. Branches flowery, naked, one-headed at the apex. Scales of the involucre obtuse, hyaline at the margin. Paleae of the receptacle lanceolate, pointless, somewhat shorter than the floret, slightly eroded at the margin. (De Cand.) Roots shiny, with long fibres. Stems in a wild state prostrate, in gardens more upright, a span long, hollow, round. Flowers of the disc yellow; of the ray white. Receptacle convex. Anthemis nobilis flore pleno, De Cand. Double Chamomile.—In this variety, the yellow tubular florets of the disc are entirely or partially converted into white ligulate florets. 402 elements of materia medica. Sir J. Smith (Eng. Fl. vol. iii. p. 457) speaks of the discoid variety, destitute of rays, as being more rare. It ought perhaps, he adds, to be preferred for medicinal use. Hah.—Indigenous ; on open gravelly pastures or commons. Perennial. Flowers from June to September. Cultivated at Mitcham and other places, for the London market. Description.—The floral heads (flores chamcemeli romani seu anthemidis nobilis) have a strong and peculiar odour, and a bitter aromatic taste. When fresh, they exhibit a strong and peculiar fragrancy when rubbed. They should be dried in the shade. The single floivers (flores simplicis, Ph. L.) are to be preferred, as they have the largest yellow discs, in which the volatile oil resides. The large double flowers (chamcemelum flore pleno, Lewis ; chamcemelum nobili flore multiplici, C. Bauhin), however, are usually the most esteemed ; but as their yellow discs containing the oil are small, or scarcely any, they contain less vola- tile oil. Composition.—These flowers have not yet been analyzed. The most impor- tant constituents are volatile oil, bitter extractive, and tannic acid. 1. Volatile Oil (see p. 403). 2. Bitter Extractive.—The bitter principle of chamomiles is soluble in both water and alcohol. 3. Tannic Acid.—The cold watery infusion of the flowers is darkened by sesquichloride of iron, and forms a precipitate with gelatine. Frendenthal (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem. ii. 1292) analyzed the dried flowers of the Common Wild Chamomile, (Matricaria Chamomilla), and found them to consist of volatile oil 028, resin 7-89, bitter extractive 8-57, gum 7-39, bitartrate of potash 5-31, phosphate of lime 0 97, woody fibre, soluble albumen, water, and loss 696. Physiological Effects.—Chamomile produces the effects of the aromatic bitter tonics before alluded to (vol. i. p. 197): their aromatic qualities depend on the volatile oil, their stomachic and tonic qualities on bitter extractive and tannic acid. In large doses they act as an emetic. Uses.—Chamomiles are an exceedingly useful stomachic and tonic in dyspepsia, with a languid and enfeebled state of stomach and general debility. As a remedy for intermittents, though they have gained considerable celebrity, they are infe- rior to many other medicines. The oil is sometimes used to relieve flatulency, griping, eructation; and the warm infusion is employed as an emetic. Administration.—The powder is rarely employed, on account of the incon- venient bulk of the requisite quantity, and its tendency to excite nausea.—Dose grs. x. to 3ss. or more. The infusion is the more elegant preparation : this, as well as the extract and oil, are officinal. Fomentations of Chamomile Flowers consist of the infusion or decoction, and are used quite hot; but they present no advantage over water of the same temperature. Flannel bags filled with chamo- miles and soaked in hot water are useful for topical agents for the application of moist warmth, on account of their retention of heat. 1. INFUSUM ANTHEMIDIS, L. E. (U. S.) Infusum Chamcemeli, D.; Infusion of Chamomile ; Chamomile Tea.—(Chamomile, 3v. (3ss. U. S.) Boiling [distilled] Water, Oj. Macerate for ten [twenty, E.] minutes [twenty hours, D.l in a lightly- covered vessel, and strain [through linen, D.]).—It is taken warm, to excite gentle vomiting, or to promote the operation of an emetic. The cold infusion is usefully employed as a domestic stomachic bitter and tonic in dyspepsia.—Dose of the cold infusion, f3j. to f3ij.; of the warm infusion, ad libitum. 2. EXTRACTUM ANTHEMIDIS, E.; Extractum Chamcemeli, D.; Extract of Chamomile.—(Chamomile, lb. j.: boil it with a gallon of water down to four pints; filter the liquid hot; evaporate in the vapour-bath to a due consistence, E.)—One hundred weight of the flowers yields about forty-eight pounds of ex- tract. The volatile oil is dissipated during the preparation. The extract is a bitter stomachic and tonic. It is generally used as a vehicle for the exhibition PELLITORY OF SPAIN. 403 of other tonics in t he form of pills. Conjoined with the oil of chamomile, we can obtain from it a* I the effects of the recent flowers.—Dose, grs. x. to 9j. t OLEUM ANTHEMIDIS, L. E.; Oleum Chamcemeli Romani ; Oleum Chamcemeli; Oil of Chamomile; Oil of the Roman Chamomile. (Obtained by submitting the flowers to distillation with water.)—One hundred weight of flowers yields from Jiss. to 3ij. of oil. The oil of the shops is frequently brought from abroad, and is probably the produce of another plant (Matricaria Chamomilla). Oil of chamomile when first drawn is pale blue, but by exposure to light and air it becomes yellow or brownish. Lewis (Mat. Med.) says it is yellow, with a cast of greenish or brown. Its sp. gr. is 0-9083. When fresh, its odour is strong and peculiar, and its taste pungent and nauseous. It is stimulant and antispasmodic. It is a frequent addition to tonic and cathartic pills; it communi- cates stimulant qualities to the former, and is believed to check the griping caused by the latter. It is occasionally exhibited in the form of elgeosaccharum.—Dose, TTlj. to ftiv. 5. ANACY CLUS PYRETHRUM, De Cand. E.-PELLITORY OF SPAIN. Anthemis Pyrethrum, L. D. (Radix, L. D.—Root, E.) (Pyrethrum, U. S. Sec. List.) History.—Dioscorides (lib. iii. cap. 86) was acquainted with trupeQgov, and speaks of its use in toothache. The word pyrethrum is mentioned once only by Pliny (Hist. Nat. lib. xxviii. cap. 42, ed. Valp.) Botany. Gen. char.—Head many-flowered, heterogamous. Florets of the ray female, sterile, ligulate or somewhat so, very rarely tubular; of the disc her- maphrodite, with five callous teeth. Receptacle conical or convex, paleaceous. Involucre in few rows, somewhat campanulate, shorter than the disc. All ihe corollas wilh an obcompressed, two-winged, exappendiculate tube. Style of the disc, with exappendiculate branches. Achene flat, obcompressed, bordered with broad, entire wings. Pappus short, irregular, toothletted, somewhat continuous with the wings on the inner side (De Cand). Sp. char.—Stems several, procumbent, somewhat branched, pubescent. Ra- dical leaves, expanded, petiolated, smoothish, pinnatisect; the segments pinnali- partite, with linear subulate lobes; the cauline leaves sessile. Branches one- headed. Involucral scales lanceolate, acuminate, brown at the margin. Recep- tacle convex, with oblong-obovate, obtuse paleas (De Cand). Root fusiform, fleshy, very pungent, and when fresh, producing a sensation of extreme cold, followed by heat when handled. Florets of the ray white on the upper side, purplish beneath ; of the disc yellow. Hab>—Barbary, Arabia, Syria, and perhaps Candia. Description.—The root (radix pyrethri) is imported from the Levant packed in bales. It consists of inodorous pieces, about the length and thickness of the little finger, covered with a thick brown bark, studded with black shining points, breaking with a resinous fracture, and presenting internally a radiated structure. When chewed it excites a pricking sensation in the lips and tongue, and a glowing heat. None has been imported since 1836, when duty (6d. per lb.) was paid on 420 lbs. Composition.—It was analyzed by John (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem. ii. 1292), by Gaulier (Journ. de Pharm. iv. 49), by Parisel (Ibid. xix. 251), and lastly by Koene (Ann. de Chim. Phys. lix. 327). Parisel obtained acrid matter (pyrethrin) 3, inulin 25, gum 11, tannin 0-55, colouring matter 12, lignin 45, chloride of potassium 0»79, silica 0-85, and iron a trace. Pyrethrin; Acrid Principle; Resin.—In this resides the activity of the root. It exists in greater abundance in the bark than in the wood. It is brown, soft, has a burning acrid taste, is insoluble in water, but soluble in ether and alcohol; still more so in acetic acid, and the oils (volatile and fixed). Koene says, pyrethrin consists of three substances : 404 elements of materia medica. a. A brown, acrid resin, soluble in alcohol, insoluble in water or caustic potash. /S. An acrid brown fixed oil, soluble in potash. y. A yellow acrid oil, soluble in potash. Physiological Effects.—Pellitory is an energetic local irritant. Applied to the skin it acts as a rubefacient. Uses.—Scarcely ever employed internally. Its principal use is to yield a tinc- ture for the relief of toothache. As a masticatory and sialagogue it is chewed in some rheumatic and neuralgic affections of the head and face, and in palsy of the tongue. In relaxation of the uvula it is occasionally employed in the form of garo-le. It was formerly employed internally as agastric stimulant. Administration___Dose, as a masticatory, 3ss. to 3j.; Tinctura pyrethri (composed of pyrethrum, water, of each, one part; rectified spirit, five parts) is used to relieve toothache. 6. ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM, L. E. D.—COMMON WORMWOOD. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia, Polygamia superflua. (Herb, E.—Summitates florentes, D.) (Absinthium, U. S.) History.—In all probability this plant is the d-^v&ov of Hippocrates (Opera, pp. 491, 587, &c. ed. Foes.) and Dioscorides. (Lib. iii. cap. 26.) The term worm- wood occurs several times in our translation of the Old Testament (Deut. xxix. 18 ; Prov. v. 4); but the plant meant would appear to be both bitter and poi- sonous. Botany. Gen. char.—Heads discoidal, homogamous or heterogamous. Flo- rets of the ray in one row, usually female and three-toothed, with a long bifid protruding style; of the disc five-toothed, hermaphrodite, or by the absorption of the ovary, sterile or male. Involucral scales imbricated, dry, scarious at the edge. Receptacle without paleas, flattish or convex, naked or fringed with hairs. Achene obovate, bald, with a minute epigynous disc (De Cand). Sp. char.—An erect undershrub. Leaves silky, hoary, tripinnatisect; the segments lanceolate, somewhat dentate, obtuse. The heads small, racemose- paniculate, globose, nodding. Exterior scales of the involucre somewhat silky, linear, lax ; interior ones rounded, scarious, somewhat naked (De Cand). Herb covered with silky hoariness, intensely bitter, with a strong peculiar odour. Stems numerous, about a foot high. Leaves rather greener on the upper side ; lower ones on long footstalks; upper on shorter, broader, somewhat winged ones. Florets pale yellow, or buff. Hah.—Indigenous; in waste grounds. Perennial. Flowers in August. Description—The dried herb with flowers, or the tops (herba seu summitates absinthii), have a whitish-gray appearance, a soft feel, a strong aromatic and somewhat unpleasant odour, and an extremely bitter aromatic taste. The cold watery infusion becomes grayish, olive-green, and turbid (tannate of iron) on the addition of sesquichloride of iron. Composition.—This plant has been analyzed by Kunsemuller (Pfaff, Mat. Med. iv. 334), by Braconnot (Bull, de Pharm. v. 549), and by Haynes (Geiger, Handb. d. Pharm. ii. 1509). The extract was examined by Leonardi (Journ. de Pharm. xiv. 620). Braconnot found volatile oil 0-15, green resin 0*50, bitter resin 0-233, albumen 1-250, starch 0*133, azotized matter, having little taste, 1-333, bitter azotized matter 3-0, woody fibre 10-833, absinthate of potash 0-917, nitrate of potash 0-333, sulphate of potash and chloride qf potassium traces, water 61-2. 1. Volatile oil (Oleum Absinthii).—Green, sometimes yellow or brownish oil, having a strong odour of wormwood, and an acrid, bitter, peculiar taste. Its sp. gr. is 0*972. Nitric acid colours it green, then blue, afterwards brown. 2. Bitter principle (Absinthin).—Caventou {Journ. de Chim. Mid. t. iv. p. 556) obtained what he calls the pure bitter principle by precipitating an infusion of wormwood by acetate of M0XA WEED. 405 lead, and separating the excess of lead by sulphuretted hydrogen. The liquor was then evapo- rated to dryness, and the extract digested in alcohol mixed with ether; and the solution aban- doned to spontaneous evaporation. The product was a very bitter matter, in brown ramifications. By heat no crystalline sublimate could be obtained. 3. Absinthic acid.—May be precipitated, according to Braconnot, from the watery infusion of wormwood by acetate oflead. It is very acid, uncrystallizable, and deliquescent. It does not precipitate the solutions of the nitrates of lead, mercury, and silver ; but causes flocculent preci- pitates when dropped into barytes or lime-water. Absinthate of ammonia crystallizes in quadri- lateral prisms, insoluble in alcohol. 4. Salt op Wormwood (Sal Absinthii).—This is impure carbonate of potash obtained by incinerating wormwood. Physiological Effects.—In moderate doses it produces the ordinary effects of the aromatic bitter tonics (see vol. i. p. 197). Its bitter principle becomes absorbed : hence the flesh and milk of animals fed with it are rendered bitter. Borrich (Act. Hafn. vol. ii. p. 165) says that the milk rendered bitter by it proves noxious to the infant. Large doses irritate the stomach and excite the vascular system. A specific influence over the nervous system, characterized by headache, giddiness, &c, has been ascribed to it. (See Lindestolpe, in Murray, App. Med.; and Kraus, Heilmittell. p. 422.) This has usually been supposed to depend on the volatile oil; but a similar power has been assigned to the bitter principle. Uses.—Wormwood is but little employed in medicine. It is adapted for dys- pepsia occurring in debilitated and torpid constitutions. It was at one time cele- brated for the cure of intermittents; but it has been superseded by other and more powerful febrifuges. It is said to be efficacious as an anthelmintic, but is very rarely employed as such. Administration.—Dose of the powder, Bj. to 3j.; of the infusion (prepared by macerating 3j- of the dried herb in Oj. of boiling water), f3j- to f3y- EXTRACTUM ARTEMISIA ABSINTHII, D. Extract of Common Wormwood.— (Prepared in the usual way from the tops of wormwood, by water.)—It possesses the bitterness of the plant, but is devoid of the odour, flavour, and aromatic qualities dependent on the volatile oil. It is stomachic and tonic.—Dose, gr. x. to 9j. 7. ARTEMISIA MOX'A, De Cand.—MOXA WEED. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia, Polygamia superflua. CFolia; Moxa.) History.—The moxa is a small mass (usually cylindrical or pyramidal) of combustible vegetable matter, employed for effecting cauterization (moxybustion of Percy) (Diet. Sc. Med. xxxiv. 474). It has long been known that the Chi- nese and Japanese prepared it from a species of Artemisia. (Loureiro, Fl. Cochinchinensis, ii. 492 ; Thunberg, Voyages au Japan, &c, iv. 74.) The Dublin College has adopted A. chinensis and A. indica as yielding it. But Dr. Lindley (Fl. Med. 463) says it is from the A. Moxa, De Cand., and not from A. chinensis, that it is prepared; and Dr. Roxburgh (Fl. Ind. iii. 420) observes, that the A. indica has none of the soft white down on the under side of its leaves, of which moxa is made in Japan and China. Botany. Gen. char.—See Artemisia Absinthium*. Sp. char.—Shrubby. Leaves hoary, becoming naked, bipinnatisect; seg- ments linear-lanceolate, obtuse. Heads middle-sized, globose, drooping, race- mose-paniculate. Scales of the involucre membranaceo-scariose at the apex. Corollas smooth. (De Cand.)—An under-shrub. iiab.—China. Preparation.—The Chinese and Japanese moxa is said by some to be pre- pared from the cottony or woolly covering of the leaves of the Artemisia. Thunberg (op. cit.), however, states, that in Japan the dried tops and leaves are beat till ihey become like tow : this substance is then rubbed betwixt the hands 406 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. till the harder fibres and membranes are separated, and there remains nothing but a fine cotton. European moxas are usually made either with cotton-wool (which has been soaked in a solution of nitrate or chlorate of potash) or the pith of the sun-flower (Helianthus annuus), which contains naturally nitrate of potash. Their shape is either cylindrical or conical: their size is variable. Percy's moxas, prepared by Robinet, are usually found in the London shops. They consist of pith, rolled in cotton, and enveloped in muslin. Physiological Effects.—These are twofold, primary and secondary. 1. Primary Effects.—The moxa first excites an agreeable sensation of heat. This is speedily followed by pain, which progressively increases until it becomes most severe, and the vitality of the part is destroyed. The parts immediately around the eschar are intensely red. The eschar may be deep or superficial, according to the time the moxa is kept in contact with the skin. The action of the moxa differs from that of the metallic actual cautery in this important parti- cular, that the heat acts slowly, increases gradually, and penetrates to a greater depth. 2. Secondary Effects.—These consist in the production of inflammation, by which the eschar is separated, and establishment of suppuration more or less pro- found, according to circumstances. Uses.—Moxa is employed in the treatment of diseases, on the principle of counter-irritation, before explained (see vol. i. p. 161). This, indeed, has been denied by those (see Boyle, Treat, on Moxa, p. 88, 1825) who consider the pro- duction of a discharge as the only mode of effecting counter-irritation. Moxa is adapted for chronic diseases and maladies characterized by lesions of sensation or motion. It is, on the other hand, injurious in all acute inflammatory diseases. The following is a list of the principal diseases against which moxa has been employed; and for further information respecting them, I must refer the reader to the writings of Larrey (Diet, des Scien. Med., art. Moxa), Boyle (op. supra cit.), and Wallace (Physiol. Enq. resp. Moxa, 1827), as the limits and objects of this work do not admit of further details. 1. Paralysis of the sentient or motor nerves___Great benefit has been obtained by the use of moxa in this class of diseases. Amaurosis, deafness, loss of voice and speech, hemiplegia, and especially paraplegia, have been relieved by it. 2. Painful affections of nerves, muscles, or the fibrous tissues ; as neuralgia, sciatica, lumbago, and chronic rheumatism. 3. Spasmodic diseases, either of particular parts, or of the general system ; as spasmodic asthma, epilepsy, &c. 4. Diseased joints and spinal maladies ; as chronic articular inflammation, white swelling, stiffjoints, hip-joint disease', curvature of the spine, &c. 5. Visceral diseases ; as organic diseases of the brain, phthisis pulmonalis, chronic hepatitis and splenitis, &c. Application.—In the employment of moxa, two points deserve especial atten- tion : first, the parts proper or otherwise for its use; and secondly, the mode of applying it. 1. Parts proper or improper for its application.—The moxa has been applied to nearly every part of the body. Larrey, however, considers the following parts improper for its application : 1. All that part of the skull covered by skin and pericranium only. 2. The eyelids, nose, ears, larynx, trachea, sternum, glandular parts of the breasts, linea alba, and parts of generation. 3. Over the course of superficial tendons, articular prominences, where there is danger of in- juring the articular capsules, and projecting points of bone. 2. Mode of application.—The moxa is to be set on fire at the summit, and its base is then applied (by a porte-moxa, pair of forceps, wire, or other convenient COMMON TANSY. 407 instrument) to the skin. To prevent the surrounding parts being burnt by sparks, Larrey recommends them to be previously covered with a wet rag, perforated in the centre, to admit the base of the moxa. If the combustion flag, it may be kept up by the breath, blow-pipe, or bellows. After the combustion is over, Larrey recommends the immediate applicationof liquor ammonias, to repress excessive inflammation and suppuration. 8. TANACE'TUM VULGARE, Linn., D.—COMMON TANSY. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia, Polygamia superflua. (Folia, />.) (Tanacetum, U. S.—Sec. List.) History.—Tansy was ordered to be cultivated in gardens by Charlemagne. (Sprengel, Hist. Rei Herb.) Botany. Gen. char.—Heads either homogamous or heterogamous ; namely, florets of the ray female in one row, usually three to four-toothed. Receptacle naked, convex. Involucre campanulate, imbricated. Corollas of the disc four to five-toothed. Achene sessile, angular, smooth, with a large epigynous disc. Pappus either none, or membranous, coronet-shaped, minute; either entire or equally toothed, or somewhat unequal, being more evident on the external side. (De Cand.) Sp. char.—Stem herbaceous, erect, smooth. Leaves smoothish, bipinnati- partite, the rachis and lobes inciso-serrate. Corymbus many-headed. Internal scales of the involucre obtuse, scariose at the apex. Pappus short, equal, five- lobed. (De Cand.) Root moderately creeping. Stems 1| to 2 feet high. Leaves dark green. Florets golden yellow; the marginal ones often wanting.—There are three varieties of it,—the common, the curled (generally preferred), and the variegated (chiefly for ornament). Hah.—Indigenous ; hilly pastures, hedges, road-sides. Cultivated in gardens as a medicinal or pot-herb, or for ornament. Description.—The herb and flowers (herba et flores tanaceti) have a dis- agreeable, aromatic odour, and a nauseous, strong, aromatic, bitter taste. The infusion is rendered dark green and turbid {tannate of iron) by sesquichloride of iron. Composition.—Both leaves and flowers have been analyzed by Fromherz and by Peschier. (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem. ii. 1290.) The constituents of the leaves, according to Peschier, are volatile oil, fatty oil, wax or stearine, chloro- phylle, bitter resin, yellow colouring matter, tannin with gallic acid, bitter ex- tractive, gum, woody fibre, tanacetic acid. 1. Volatile Oil (Oleum Tanaceti).—Yellow, sometimes green. Has the peculiar odour of the plant; and a warm, bitter taste. Its sp. gr. is 0*952. 2. Bitter Matter.—This is a substance usually denominated extractive; but, according to Peschier, it is in part resin. 3. Tanacetic Acid.—Crystallizable. Precipitates lime, baryta, and oxide of lead. With a solution of acetate of copper it causes a precipitate. Physiological Effects.—Tansy produces the usual effects of the aromatic bitter tonics (vol. i. p. 197). " A fatal case of poisoning with half an ounce of oil of tansy is recorded in the Medical Magazine for Nov. 1834. Frequent and violent clonic spasms were experienced, with much disturbance of respiration ; and the action of the heart gradually became weaker till death took place from its entire suspension. No inflammation of the stomach or bowels was discovered upon dissection." (United States Disp. from the Am. Journ. of the Med. Sciences, xvi. 256.) Uses.—The young leaves are occasionally employed by the cook to give colour and flavour to puddings, and in omelets and other cakes. In medicine the 408 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. plant is rarely employed by the regular practitioner; but it has been recommended in dyspepsia, intermittents, and gout. (CuIIen, Mat. Med. ii.) Its principal use, however, is as a vermifuge. Administration.— Tansy tea (prepared by infusing 3ij. of the herb in Oj. of boiling water) may be taken in doses of from f3j. to f3iij. A drop or two of the oil may be added to vermifuge powders and pills- The seeds have been used instead of semina santonici. 9. AR'NICA MONTANA, Linn., D.—MOUNTAIN ARNICA. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia, Polygamia superflua. (Flores, Folia, et Radix, D.) (Arnica, U. S. Sec. List.) History.—This plant does not appear to have been known to the ancients; at least no undoubted mention of it occurs in their writings. Botany. Gen. Char.—Head many-flowered, heterogamous. Florets of the ray* in one row, female, ligulate; of the disc, hermaphrodite, tubular; five-loothed. Involucre campanulate, in two rows, with linear-lanceolate equal scales. Recep- tacle fringed, hairy. Tube of the corolla shaggy. Rudiments of sterile stamens sometimes remaining in the ligulae. Style of the disc wilh long arms, covered by down running a long way down, and truncated or terminated by a short cone. Achene somewhat cylindrical, tapering to each end, somewhat ribbed and hairy. Pappus in one row, composed of close, rigid, rough hairs. (De Cand.) Sp. char.—Radical leaves obovate, entire, five-rowed; the cauline vases in one or two pairs. Stem one to three-headed. Involucres rough, with glands. (De Cand.) Perennial. Stem hairy, about one foot high. Florets yellow, tinged with brown. Hah-—Meadows of the cooler parts of Europe, from the sea-shore to the limits of eternal snow. Description.—The root (radix arnicce) consists of a cylindrical caudex, from two to three inches long, and two or three lines thick, from which many fibres arise. It is brown externally, has a disagreeable yet aromatic odour, and an acrid nauseous taste. The dried flowers (flores arnicce) are yellowish, and have a similar taste and smell to the root. The leaves (folia arnicce) have a like smell. Composition.—Pfaff (Mat. Med. Bd. iii. S. 210) found in the root volatile oil 1-5, acrid resin 5-0, extractive 32-0, gum 9-0, and woody fibre 5-5. The root has also been examined by Weissenburger. (Goeble and Kunze, Pharm. Waarenk. Bd. ii. S. 177.) Chevallier and Lassaigne (Journ. de Pharm. t. v. p. 248) analyzed the flowers, and found in them resin, bitter acrid matter (cyti- sin), yellow colouring matter, gum, albumen, and gallic acid. In the ashes were salts of potash, and lime, and silica. Dr. A. T. Thomson (Lond. Disp. p. 213, 9th ed.) is of opinion that the igasurate of strychnia (or brucia) exists in the plant. 1. Volatile Oil.—The oil obtained from the root, by Pfaff, was yellowish, lighter than water, and had a burning aromatic taste. The volatile oil of the flowers is blue. 2. Resin (Arnicin).—The acridity of the root and flowers resides, according to Pfaff, in the resin, which is soluble in alcohol. 3. Extractive Matter.—According to Chevallier and Lassaigne, this is nauseous, acrid, bitter, and soluble in both water and spirit. They consider it to be analogous to cytisin. Physiological Effects, a. On Animals.—The effects of the flowers of Arnica on horses have been examined by Viborg. (Wirk. d. Arzneim. «.. Gifte, i. 231.) An infusion of six drachms of the flowers quickened the pulse, and acted as a diuretic. An infusion, thrown into the veins, caused insensibility. j3. On Man.—Jorg and his pupils have submitted themselves to the influence SENECIONIDEiE. 409 of this plant. (Op. cit. S. 226.) From their observations, as well as from the testimony of others, arnica appears to possess acrid properties. When swallowed it causes burning in the throat, nausea, vomiting, gastric pains, and loss of appetite. The active principle becomes absorbed, quickens the pulse and respiration, and promotes diaphoresis and diuresis. Furthermore, it appears to exert a specific influence over the nervous system, causing headache, giddiness, and disturbed sleep. Sundelin (Hand.d. sp. Heilm. ii. 170, 3tte Aufl.) considers it to be closely allied in operation to senega, from which, he says, it differs in its stimulating in- fluence over the nervous system, and in its causing constipation. Uses.—Arnica is indicated in diseases characterized by debility, torpor, and in- activity. It is administered as a stimulant to the general system in various debi- litated conditions, and in typhoid fevers ; to the nervous system in deficient sensi- bility, as amaurosis; to the muscular system, in paralysis; to the vascular sys- tem and secreting organs when the action of those is languid, and requires to have its energy increased, as in some forms of dropsy, chlorosis, amenorrhoea, asthenic inflammation, &c. Furthermore, it has been also employed empirically, as in diarrhoea, dysentery, &c It is rarely employed in this country. Administration.—Dose of the powder grs. v. togrs. x. ; of the infusion (pre- pared by macerating 3ss. in Oj. of water), from f3ss. to f3j. OTHER OFFICINAIi SENECIOBTIDB^E. 1. Wormseed.—The substance kept in the shops under the name of Wormseed (semen santo- nicum, semen cina, semen contra, semen sementina, &cc), is erroneously declared by the Dublin College to be seeds (semina) of Artemis'ia Santon'ica. A very superficial examination shows that the substance sold under this name consists, not of seeds, but of broken peduncles, mixed with the calyx and flower-buds. Furthermore, the plant which Dr. Woodville (Med. Botany) has denominated A. Santonica, is said by De Candolle (Prodr. vi. 104) to be A. marilima, var. @. suavolens. Martius (Pharmakogn.) describes three kinds of wormseed ; but I am acquainted with one kind only, which is imported from the Levant (semen cina levanticum). It has been analyzed by both Tronimsdorff and Wackenroder, (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem. ii. 1291,) and found to contain volatile and bitter matter. A crystalline substance called santonine (C10 H8 Oa) has been obtained from it. It is used as a vermifuge, in doses of from gr. x. to oss., repeated night and morning, and succeeded by a brisk purge. 2. Artemisia vulgaris or Mugwort has been used in epilepsy, infantile convulsions, chorea, hysteria, and amenorrhoea. Judging, however, from its sensible qualities, it can possess but little virtue. Its powder, infusion, and expressed juice, have beep, administered. 3. Guizotia oleifera, De Cand.; Verbesina sativa, Roxburgh ; Ramtilla oleifera, Royle. The fruit of this plant is "called by the Canarese Yelloo Nuts, and in Dukhanie, Ram Tillu." (Ainslie, Materia Indica, vol. ii. p. 256.) They are smooth, nearly four-sided, with the angles rounded and tapering to the base. By expression they yield an oil which is much used for dressing food in Mysore, and as a common lamp oil. (Heyne, Tracts on India, p. 49.) Virey (Journ. de. Pharmacie, xxiii. 349) says that the grains of this plant are extensively im- ported into France from Calcutta, under the name teel or till, on account of the oil which they yield. But the seeds imported into England under the name of teel seeds are the produce of Sesamum orientate (Nat. Ord. Pedaliaceee, Sex. Syst. Didynamia Angiospermia), a native of India, whose seeds, used in Eastern countries for dietetical purposes, yield a bland fixed oil (Gingilie oil), which has been sometimes substituted in England for almond oil. Two kinds of sesamum seeds arc known,—one brown or black, the other pale (whitish or yellowish). The first is pro- duced by a variety of Sesamum called kala til, the second by another variety termed suffed til. (Royle, Illustrations of the Botany of the Himalayan Mountains, p. 294.) 4. Senecio JACOiiiEA or Common Ragwort is a bitter, aromatic indigenous plant, formerly in repute for various diseases. (Boerhaave, Hist. Plantarum.) It has recently been recommended, on insufficient evidence as I believe, as a remedy for gonorrhoea. (Lond. Med. Gaz. N. S. vol. ii. 1840-41.) [5. The Anthemis cotula, or wild chamomile, is a native of the United States, and is em- ployed as a substitute for the A. nobilis, which it resembles in habit and properties. It has been placed in the Sec. List of the U. S. P.] vol. ii. 35 410 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Tribe IV.-CYNARE^. 10. LAP'PA MINOR, De Cand.—COMMON BURDOCK OR CLOT-BUR. Arc'tium Lap'pa, D. S:x. Syst. Syngenesia, Polygamia ajqualis. (Semina et Radix, D.) History.—This, according to Sprengel, (Hist. Rei Herb. i. 101 and 185,) is the affocpivrj of Theophrastus, (Hist. Plant, vii. 14,) the ipxeibv of Dioscorides. (Hist. Plant, iv. 107.) Botany. Gen. char.—Head homogamous, many-flowered and equal-flowered. Involucre globes ; the seales coriaceous, imbricated, close pressed at the base, then subulate, wilh a horny, hooked, inflexed point. Receptacle rather fleshy, flat, with stiff subulate fringes. Corollas five-cleft, regular, with a ten-nerved tube. Stamens with papillose filaments; the anthers terminated by filiform appendages, and with subulate tails at the base. Stigmas free at the apex, diverging, curved outwards. Fruit oblong, laterally compressed, smooth, transversely wrinkled ; the areola at their base scarcely oblique. Pappus short, in many rows ; the hairs deciduous, filiform, not collected into a ring. (De Cand.) Sp. char.—Involucre smooth ; the scales serrulated beyond the middle; smooth at the base only; the inner ones few, not radiating. Heads somewhat racemose. (De Cand.) Root tapering, fleshy. Stem erect, three feet or more high. Leaves stalked, cordate; the radical ones very large, and often slightly toothed. Florets purple. Hab. — Indigenous ; waste places and waysides ; common. Flowers in July and August. Physiological Effects.—The root and leaves have been considered to possess mild resolvent, diaphoretic, and diuretic properties. (Murray, App. Med. i. 134.) Lieutaud (Syn. Prax. Med. t. i. p. 526, 1770) says, the root promotes the lochial discharge. The seeds are diuretic, and, according to Linnaeus (Mat. Med.), purgative. Uses.—The root, leaves, and seeds, have been employed as alteratives and re- solvents in gouty, rheumatic, calculous, and venereal complaints. Administration.—The decoction of the root (prepared by boiling 3ij- of the recent root in Oiij. of water down to Oij.) may be taken to the extent of a pint daily. The dose of the seeds is 3j. 11. CNI'CUS BENEDIC'TUS, Linn., D.—BLESSED THISTLE. Centaure'a benedic'ta, Linn. (Folia, D.) History.—Sprengel (Hist.,Rei Herb. i. 102) thinks that this plant is, perhaps, the cixopva of Theophrastus. (Hist. Plant, vi. 4.) Botany. Gen.char.—Involucre ovate; the scales close-pressed, coriaceous, extended into a long, hard, spinous, pinnate appendix ; the lateral spines conical and distant. Corollas of the ray sterile, slender, almost as long as the disc. Fruit longitudinally and regularly striated, smooth ; with a broad, lateral areola. Pappus « triple, as it were, the outer being the horny, very short crenated margin of the fruit; the intermediate consisting of ten long stiff setae; the inner of ten short setae ; all the setse alternating with each other. (De Cand.) Sp. char.—The only species. An annual, branched, woolly herb. Leaves amplexicaul, somewhat decurrent, nearly entire or deeply pinnatifid. Heads terminal, bracteate. Florets yellow. Hah.—South of Europe, the Levant, Persia; introduced into China. Composition,—The herb was analyzed by Soltmann, (Pfaff, Mat. Med. vi. 171,) and the leaves by Morin. (Journ. Chim. Med. iii. 105.) The latter found volatile oil, bitter principle, resin, chlorophylle, fixed oil, uncrystallizable sugar, gum, albumen, supermalate of lime, several mineral salts, some metallic oxides and traces of sulphur. COMMON DANDELION. 411 1. Bitter principlk (Cnicin).—A brown, bitter substance, soluble in alcohol, ether, and boil- ing waler; insoluble in fixed oils. Its aqueous solution forms a precipitate on the addition of diacetate of lead. It gives no trace of nitrogen when decomposed by heat. 2. Resin.—Brownish, insipid, inodorous ; very soluble in alcohol and alkaline solution, but is insoluble in ether. Physiological Effects.—The herb is tonic and mildly diaphoretic: its decoction causes vomiting. The seeds are diaphoretic (Murray, App. Med. i. 151-3. Uses.—The cold infusion is employed as a tonic in debilitated conditions of the stomach. Taken warm in bed, the infusion has been given as a sudorific, in various chronic diseases. The decoction has been employed to promote the operation of emetics (Lewis, Mat. Med.) Administration.—The infusion (prepared by digesting gss. of the leaves in Oj. of waler) is given in doses of from f3j. to fgij., as a tonic. The decoction (made with double or treble the quantity of leaves) is used in the same dose. OTHER OFFICINAL. CYNAREJE. The flowers of the Car'tiiamcs tinc'tokils are imported, for the use of dyers, in flaky masses, from the East Indies and other places, under the name of Safflower or Bastard Saffron. They contain two colouring matters—one yellow, soluble in water, the other red (car- thamin or carthamic acid), soluble in alkaline solutions. Safflower is used to adulterate hay-saffron, and in the manufacture of cake-saffron (see p. 144). The mode of detecting the fraud has been already pointed out. [It has been introduced into the U. S. P. under the name of Carthamus.] Carthamus tinctorius. Tribe V.—CICHORACEjE. 12. TARAX'ACUM DENS LEO'NIS, Desf. E.—COMMON DANDELION. Leont'odon Tarax'acum, Linn. L. D. Sex. Syxt. Syngenesia, Polygamia sequalis. (Radix, A—Root, £.—Herba et Radix, D.) (Taraxacum, U. S.) History.—As this plant is a native of Greece (see Prodr. Fl. Grcecce,\\. 129), it must have been known to the ancients. Sprengel thinks (Hist. Rei Herb. i. 100) that it is oupooo] of Theophrastus (Hist. Plant, vii. 81). Botany. Gen. char.—Head many-flowered. Involucre double ; external scales small, closely pressed, spreading, or reflexed; internal ones in one row, erect; all frequently callous-horned at the apex. Receptacle naked. Achene oblong, striated, muricale near the small ribs or spinellose at the apex, terminating in a long beak. Pappose hairy, in many rows, very white (De Cand). Sp. Char.__Quite smooth. Leaves unequally and acutely runcinale ; the lobes triangular, toothed inwardly. Scales of the involucre hornless, the external ones reflexed. Achenes muricale at the apex (De Cand.) Root perennial. Leaves numerous, bright shining green. Scapes one or more, erect, brittle. Heads expanded in the morning and in fine weather only. Florets golden yellow. Hab.__Indigenous ; meadows and pastures every where. Flowers all the sum- mer. Description___The fresh root (radix taraxaci) is tap-shaped, branched, fleshy, abounding in milky juice. Externally it is dull yellow or brownish, internally white. It is without odour : its taste is bitter (especially in the summer). If dug up in the winter the root loses on drying 75 per cent, of water. The cold watery 412 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. infusion of the dried root deposits a dirty-gray flocculent precipitate on the addi- tion of sesquichloride of iron. Composition.—The milky juice of the root has been analyzed by John (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem. ii. 1827), who found in it caoutchouc, bitter matter, traces of resin, sugar, and gum, free acid, phosphates, sulphates, and hydrochlo- rales of potash and lime, and water. The root also contains 12 per cent, of inulin. Mr. Squire (Brande's Diet, of Mat. Med. and Pharm. p. 532) says, the expressed juice contains gum, albumen, gluten, an odorous principle, ex- tracive, and a peculiar crystallizable bitter principle, soluble in alcohol and water. Tlie root washed, crushed, and pressed, yields about half its weight of juice. Except in the months of April and May, when it is very aqueous, this juice spontaneously coagulates, and be- comes of a fawn-colour. The quantity of extract obtained from the juice varies at different sea- sons. (Squire, op. cit.) Juice. In January and February.................... 4 to 5 lbs. 1 In March................................... 0 to 7 lbs. | In April and May........................... 8 to P lbs. ! . ,. . .. of „xtrart In June, July, and August................... 0 to 7 lbs. fyiem J 1D-01 extract' In September and October.................... 4 to 5 lbs. | In November and December................. 4 lbs. J It is obvious, Ihen, that the expressed juice is richest in solid constituents in the months of November and December. It is remarkable, however, that the juice possesses the greatest bitter- ness in the summer months; while in the spring, and late in the autumn, it has a remarkably sweet lasle. (Geiger, Hand. d. Pharm.) Squire, (op. supra cit.) considers this change to be effected by the frost. Physiological Effects.—Its obvious effects are those of a stomachic and tonic. In large doses it acts as a mild aperient. Its diuretic operation is less obvious and constant. In various chronic diseases its continued use is attended with alterative and resolvent effects. But where the digestive organs are weak, and readily disordered, taraxacum is very apt to occasion dyspepsia, flatulency, pain, and diarrhoea. Uses.—It is employed as a resolvent, aperient, and tonic, in chronic diseases of the digestive organs, especially hepatic affections ; as jaundice, chronic inflam- mation, or enlargement of the liver, dropsy dependent on hepatic obstruction, and dyspepsia, attended with deficient biliary secretion. In some very susceptible conditions of the stomach, it proves injurious. It has been employed in affections of the spleen, chronic cutaneous diseases, uterine obstructions, &c. Administration.—It is employed in the form of either decoction or extract. 1. DECOCTUM TARAXACI, E. D.(U. S.); Decoction of Dandelion.—(Taraxacum, herb and root, fresh 3vij. [3iv. D, 3ij. U. S.]; Water, Oij. [wine measure, D.] Boil together down to a pint and strain)—Aperient and tonic.—Dose, f3j. to f 3ij. To increase its aperient property, a saline purgative may be conjoined. 2. EXTRACTUM TARAXACI, L.E. D. (U. S.); Extract of Dandelion.—(Fresh root of Taraxacum, bruised, lb. ijss. [lb. j. E. (U. S.) ] ; Boiling distilled water, Gong. ij. [Cong. j. E. (U. S.)] Macerate for twenty-four hours, then boil down to a gallon, and strain the liquor while hot; lastly, evaporate to a proper consis- tence, L—" Proceed as for the preparation of extract of poppyheads," E.—The Dublin College employed both herb and root.)—Extract of Taraxacum should be brown, not blackish : its taste is bitter and aromatic : that of the shops is usually more or less sweet. It should be completely soluble in water.—Dose, grs. x. to 3ss. 1. LACTU'CA SATIVA, Linn. L. E. D.—THE GARDEN LETTUCE. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia, Polygamia ccqualis. (Succus spissatus, L.—Inspissated juice of L. virosa and L. sativa, E.—Herba, D.) (Lactucariuin, U. S.) History.—The &pWagj, or Lettuce, was well known to the ancient Greeks and Romans. It is mentioned by Hippocrates (De diceta, ii. p. 359 ; and De Morb. Mvl.\. 629 and 635) both as an aliment and medicine. "The sedative powers of Lactuca sativa, or Lettuce, were known," observes Dr. Paris, (Pharmacol. GARDEN LETTUCE. 413 vol. i. p. 13, 6th ed.) "in the earliest times; among the fables of antiquity, we read that, after ihe death of Adonis, Venus ihrew herself on a bed of lettuces, to lull her grief, and repress her desires." Botany. Gen. Char.—Heads many or few-flowered. Involucre cylindrical, calyculate-imbricate, in two or four rows; outer rows short. Receptacle naked, Achene plane, obcompressed, wingless, abruptly terminating in a filiform beak (De Cand.) Sp. char.—Leaves not concave, erect, oblong, narrowed at the base, smooth at the keel. Stem elongated, leafy (De Cand.) Annual. Stem erect, simple below, branched above, one or two feet high, smooth. Leaves rounded or ovate, semi-amplexicaul, frequently wrinkled, usually pale-green ; varying much in different varieties. Flowers yellow. Mr. Loudon (Encycl. of Gardening, p. 856,) enumerates no less than fourteen varieties culti- vated by gardeners for the table. Seven of these arc Cabbage Lettuces (Lactuca capitata), and the others are Cos Lettuces (Lactuca romana). Hah.—Native country unknown: perhaps the East Indies. Extensively cul- tivated in Europe. Preparation of Lactucarium.—Before the flower-stem shoots up, the plant abounds with a cooling, bland, pellucid juice; afterwards it contains an intensely bitter, milky juice, which resides in the root, cortical portion of the stem and of the branches, and in the involucrum. When incisions are made in the flowering- stem, this milky juice exudes. When collected and dried it constitutes lactuca- rium or lettuce opium. It is (or was) prepared on a large scale by Mr. Young, of Edinburgh. (Duncan, Edinb. Dispens. p. 384, 11th ed.; Mem. of the Coded. Hort. Soc. vol. i. 160.) Properties.—Lettuce opium (Thridace seu Lactucarium), as found in com- merce, occurs in roundish hard masses, of a brown colour, with an opiate smell and a bitter taste. That made in Edinburgh from L. sativa occurs in large oval lumps as big as the fist. The term lactucarium has been applied indiscriminately to various and different preparations of L. sativa and virosa; viz. to the substance above described, to the inspissated expressed juice, and to extracts (watery and alcoholic) obtained from the lettuce. (Duncan's Edinb. Dispens.) But the only preparation that I am practically acquainted with, and which I have found in com- merce, is the one described in the text. Composition.—Lactucarium has been analyzed by Klink, (Pfaff, Syst. de Mat. Med. vi. 504,) by Schrader, (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem. ii. 1386,) by Peschier, (Dulk, Preuss. Pharm. ubers i. 625,) by Peretti, (Pharm. Central-Blatt fur 1831, S. 467,) and by Buchner. (Ibid, far 1833, S. 27.) Klink's Analysis. j Buchner's Analysis. Bitter extractive............................ 550 I Odorous matter..................... undetermined Wax........................................ l°'u ; Lactucin, with colouring matter............ 18-6 Resin....................................... '•■!' Gummy extractive......................... 146C6 Caoutchouc.................................. 17'5 ! Soft Resin, with waxy matter.............. 12-467 Water....................................... 15-15 Waxy matter (myricin).................... 35-100 1 Gluten of albumen......................... 19100 Lactucarium.......................... 105 0 Air-dried Lactucarium................. 90-033 1. Odorous Matter.—The nature of this substance has not been determined; it is probably similar to that of the odorous principle of opium. When lactucarium is submitted to distillation wilh water, the odorous principle passes over with the latter. 2. Bitter principle: Lactucin.—A saffron-yellow, almost odourless, very bitter, combustible substance. It is very slightly soluble in cold water, readily soluble in alcohol, less so in elher. Infusion of nutgalls renders a solution of it, in very dilute spirit, turbid. 3. Empvrkumatic Oil or Lettuce.—Dr. Morries (Ed. Med. and Surg. Journ. vol. xxxix.) says, the empyreumatic oil of lettuce differs from that of opium only in being more fusible. A strong though unfounded suspicion appears t» have been entertained, that morphia was con- tained in lactucarium. But in none of the before-quoted analyses was it to be found; neither was Caventou (Journ. de Chim. Med. i. 300) able to detect an atom of either morphia or narcotin in lactucarium. Ciiaractkristics.—The cold aqueous decoction of lactucarium becomes, on 35* 414 ELEMENTS of materia medica. the addition of sesquichloride of iron, olive-brown (tannate? of iron). Tincture of nutgalls renders the decoction slightly turbid. Heated with lactucarium, colour- less nitric acid acquires an orange-yellow tint, and evolves binoxide of nitrogen. The alcoholic tincture of lactucarium becomes slightly turbid on the addition of water. Physiological Effects.—Lettuce leaves, eaten as a salad, are easily digested, but they yield only a small portion of nutritive matter. They probably possess, in a very mild degree, soporific properties. The ancients considered them anti- aphrodisiac. ■ Lactucarium possesses anodyne and sedative qualities; but its powers have, I suspect, been overrated. Ganzel (Sundelin, Handb. d. sp. Heilm. Bd. i. S. 459, 3tte Aufl.) states, that ten grains introduced into the cellular tissue of a doo-'s leg, caused deep sopor, with occasional convulsions, but no dilatation of the pupil. Francois, (Arch. Gen. de Med. Juin 1825, p. 264,) who made a considerable number of trials of it, observes that it contains neither a narcotic nor an intoxicating principle; but that it allays pain, diminishes the rapidity of the circulation, and, in consequence, reduces the animal heat, and places the patient in a condition more favourable to sleep. Its modus operandi is different from that of opium; for the latter substance accelerates the pulse, and produces either delirium or stupor. It is more allied to hyoscyamus, from which, ac- cording to Fisher, (Lond. Med. Gaz. xxv. 863,) it is distinguished by its power of directly diminishing sensibility, being preceded by irritation of the nervous system. A more extended experience of the use of lactucarium, however, is requisite to enable us to form accurate conclusions as to the precise nature and degree of its powers. Uses.—Lettuce leaves are employed at the table as a salad. As they appear to possess slight hypnotic properties, they may be taken with advantage at supper. to promote sleep. Galen, (De aliment facult. lib. ii. cap. 40,) who in his old age was troubled with watchfulness, was relieved by the use of lettuce at night. On the other hand, prudence points out the propriety of abstaining from the use of this plant, if there be any tendency to apoplexy. Lactucarium is employed as an anodyne, hypnotic, antispasmodic, and seda- tive, where opium is considered objectionable, either from peculiarities on the part of the patient or from the nature of the disease. Thus it may be used where there is morbid excitement of the vascular system, in which condition opium is usually contra-indicated. But though it is free from several of the inconveniences which attend the use of opium, yet it is much less certain in its operation. It may be given with advantage to allay cough in phthisis and other pulmonary affections (Duncan, Observ. on Pulm. Consump. 1813); to relieve nervous irri- tation and watchfulness in febrile disorders in which opium is not admissible. Dr. Rothamel (Dierbach, Neuest. Entd. in d. Mat. Med. S. 113, 1837) has em- ployed it with success in different kinds of fevers, inflammations, exanthemata, profluvise, cachexies, and painful and peculiar nervous disorders. Vering (Ibid. S. 119) found it especially useful in spasm of the uterus; and Angelot gave it to repress seminal discharges. Administration.—The usual dose is from grs. iij. to grs. v.; but it has been given in very much larger quantities. According to Trousseau and Pidoux, (Traite de Therap. i. 260,) four drachms have been taken during the day. 1. TINCTURA LACTUCARII, E.; Tincture of Lactucarium.—(Lactucarium, in fine powder, giv.; Proof Spirit, Oij. This tincture is best prepared by percolation, as directed for tincture of myrrh; but may also be prepared by digestion with coarse powder of lactucarium.)—Each f 3j. of this tincture contains grs. vi. of lactuca- rium.—Dose from Ttixx. to f 3j. I, TROCHISCI LACTUCARII, E.; Lozenges of Lactucarium.—{To be prepared with lactucarium in the same proportion and in the same manner as the Opium Lozenge.)—Each lozenge weighs ten grains, and contains nearly one-sixth of a grain of lactucarium. OTHER USEFUL CICHORACEiE. 415 13. LACTUCA VIRO'SA, Linn., E. A-STRONG-SCENTED LETTUCE. Sex. Syst. Syngenesia, Polygamia aequalis. (The Inspissated Juice, E.—Folia, D.) History.—According to Sprengel, (Hist. Rei Herb. i. 185,) this is the Spi'&xl; etygfa of Dioscorides (lib. ii. 166); but Dr. Sibthorp (Prodr. Fl. Grcecce, ii. 126) suggests that Lactuca Scariola was the plant referred to by Dioscorides. Botany. Gen. char.—See Lactuca sativa. sP. cuar.—Stem erect, round ; the base smooth or prickle-bristle-pointed ; the apex panicled. Leaves horizontal, prickle-bristle-pointed at the keel, acutely denticulate, obtuse, at the base arrow-shaped; the lower one sinuate. Achenes striated, nearly shorter than the beak (De Cand.) Herb abounding in fetid milky juice. Root tap-shaped. Stem two to four feet high. Leaves distant. Florets yellow. Hai>.—Indigenous ; about hedges, old walls, and borders of fields ; not un- common. Biennial. Flowers in August and September. Preparation of Lactucarium.—The lactucarium prepared by Dr. Duncan, of Edinburgh, is obtained from this plant, which yields about three limes as much as L. sativa. This kind of lactucarium occurs in distinct tears or lumps, which are seldom larger than a pea. Composition.—The milky juice *f this plant was analyzed by Klink, (Pfaff, Mat. Med. iv. 509,) who found in it resin 7-5, wax 8-75, caoutchouc 22-5, mat- ters soluble in water (bitter principle, gum, albumen, lactucic acid, lactucates of lime and magnesia, and nitrate of potash) 51-25, water 10. Buchner (Pharm. Centr.-Blatt fiir 1833, S. 29) examined the lactucarium obtained from this plant. The lactucic acid has considerable resemblance to oxalic acid, from which it is distinguished by its producing, with ammonia and a solution of chloride of iron, a green precipitate; with sulphate of copper, a brown one; and with magnesia a difficultly soluble salt. The odorous and bitter principles are similar to those of Lactuca sativa (see p. 413). Physiological Effects.—The experiments of Orfila (Toxicol. Gen.) on dogs, show that this plant possesses narcotic qualities ; but its powers are not very great. A solution of the extract thrown into the veins, caused heaviness of head, slight drowsiness, feebleness of the hind extremities, difficult and frequent respira- tion, slight convulsive movements, and death. Glaser (Wibmer, Wirk. d. Arzn. u. Gift. Bd. iii. S. 200) considers it to possess acrid properties. On Wibmer, two grains of the extract caused sleepiness and headache. Uses and Administration.—See Lactucarium, (p. 414.) OTHER USEFUL CICHORACEjE. Cicho'rium In'tybus : Wild Succory, Chicory, or Wild Endive.—An indigenous plant, known to Theophrastus, Dioscorides, and Pliny. It is extensively cultivated in Belgium, Holland, and Germany. The blanched leaves are sometimes employed at the table as a substitute for endive. (Cicho'rium Endiv'ia.) The constituents of the leaves are extractive, chlorophylle, sugar, albumen, woody fibre, and salts (as nitre). The root (radix cichorii) is fleshy and spindle-shaped, like the carrot. It has an analogous composition to the leaves. Waltl says it contains inulin. An infusion of the root, mixed with syrup, becomes thick; forming theg-omme sacchochicorine of Lacarterie. The root, when cut, dried, roasted (roasted chicory; radix cichorii torrefacta), and ground (chicory coffee), is used as a substitute for, or to adulterate coffee. (For the mode of pre- paration, see Ann. de. Chim. lix. 307.) The dried root is extensively imported. It is roasted in heated iron cylinders which are kept revolving. Chicory-coffee yields a perfectly wholesome beverage, but which wants the fine flavour for which genuine coffee is so renowned. It is ex- tensively adulterated with roasted peas, beans, damaged grain, coffee husks, &c. Venetian red or Armenian bole is used for colouring. The medicinal properties of Cichorium Intybus are analogous to those of Taraxacum Dens-leonis. The fresh root is tonic, and, in large doses, aperient. It has been used in chronic, visceral, and cutaneous diseases, usually in the form of decoction. Order LI—VALERIANACEAE, Lindley.—THE VALERIAN TRIBE. Valerianex, De Candolle. Essential Character.—Tube of the calyx adnate to the ovary; the limb various, either dentate 416 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. or partite, or changed into a pappus, which is first involute, afterwards expanded. Corolla tubular, funnel-shaped ; usually five-lobed, rarely three or four-lobed ; lobes obtuse; tube equal or gibbous, or calcarale at the base. Stamens adnate by their filaments to the tube of tbe corolla ; free at the apex; alternate wilh the lobes of the corolla; five (the type), four, three, two, or solitary ; anthers ovate, bilocnlar. Style filiform ; stigmas two or three, free or cohering. Fruit membranous, or somewhat nucamentaceous, indehiscent, crowned, at least when young, with the limb of the calyx, either three-celled (two cells being empty), or one- celled. Seeds, in the fertile cell or fruit, solitary, pendulous, exalbuminous; embryo erect, with a superior radicle and two flat cotyledons (De Cand.)—Annual or perennial herbs, rarely at the base somewhat shrubby. Roots of the perennial species odorous. Leaves opposite, with- out stipules. Flowers cymose-corymbose. Properties.—The roots of the perennial species are highly odorous. They possess nervine and antispasmodic properties, and have been used in epilepsy (see Valeriana officinalis.) Their odour is for the most part disagreeable. VALERIA'NA OFFICINALIS, Linn., E. D.—GREAT WILD VALERIAN. Valeriana officinalis (sylvestris), L. Sex. Syst. Triandria, Monogynia. (Radix, L. D.—Seeds, E.) (Valeriana, U. S.) History.—The earliest writer who notices this plant is Fuchsius. The others it has failed to produce these effects. (Trousseau and Pidoux, Traite de Therap. i. 1 and 2.) Large doses often create nausea. Uses.—Valerian may be employed as a nervous excitant, and, where stimu- lants are admissible, as an antispasmodic. Though formerly in repute, it is now but little used. It has been principally celebrated in epilepsy. It came into use 418 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA 3IEDICA. in modern times through the recommendation of Fabius Columna, who reported himself cured by it, though it appears he suffered a relapse (Murray, App. Med. i. 275.) Its employment has found numerous advocates and opponents (See Copland's Diet. Med. i. 808); but at the present time most practitioners regard it as of very little power. In the few cases in which I have employed it, it has failed to give the least relief. In some of the milder and more recent forms of the disease, neither dependent on any lesion within the cranium, nor accompanied with plethora, it may occasionally prove serviceable. In chorea, and other spas- modic affections, it has been used with variable success. I have found temporary benefit from its use in females affected with hypochondriasis and hysteria. Of its use as a nervous stimulant in the low forms of fever, we have but little expe- rience in this country. In Germany, where it is more esteemed, its employment in these cases is spoken highly of (Richter, Ausf. Arzneimittell. iii. 23 ; Sun- delin, Heilmittell. ii. 126). Administration.—The dose of the powder is from 9j. to 3j. or even 3ij. Though objected to by some, on account of the quantity of inert woody fibre which it contains, it is, when well and recently prepared, an efficacious form for administration. 1. INFUSUM VALERIANA, Infusion of Valerian, D. (U. S.)—(Valerian in coarse powder, 3ij.; Boiling Water, f 3vij. [Valerian, 3ss.; Boiling Water, Oj. U. S.] Digest for an hour, and strain the liquor when cold.)—Dose, f3j. or 3ij. This preparation is somewhat less apt to disturb the stomach than the powder. 1 TINCTURA VALERIANA, Tincture of Valerian, L. E. D. (U. S.)—(Valerian, bruised, [in powder, D.], 3v. [3iv. CJ. S.]; Proof Spirit, Oij. Macerate for four- teen [seven, _D.] days, and strain, L. " Proceed by percolation or digestion, as for tincture of cinchona," E. The relative proportions of root and spirit used by the Dublin College are the same as those of the other Colleges.)—Dose, f 3j. to f3iv.—Though this preparation possesses the virtues of valerian, it is scarcely sufficiently strong to produce the full effects of the root, without giving it in doses so large as to be objectionable, on account of the spirit contained therein. 3. TINCTURA VALERIANAE COMPOSITA, L.; Tinctura Valerianae Ammoniata, E. D. (U. S.): Ammoniated Tincture of Valerian.—(Valerian, bruised, 3v. [3iv. U. S.] ; Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia [Spirit of Ammonia, E.~\, Oij. Ma- cerate for fourteen [seven, D.~\ days, and strain, L.—" Proceed by percolation or by digestion in a well-closed vessel, as directed for tincture of cinchona," E.— The relative proportions of valerian and spirit of Ammonia used by the Dublin College are the same as those of the other Colleges.)—Dose, f3j. to f3ij. The stimulant influence of the valerian is greatly increased, and its therapeutical effi- cacy oftentimes augmented, by the ammonia' in this preparation. Fig. 207. OTHER MEDICINAL, VALERIANACEAE. 1. The root of Nardostac'hvs Jataman'si, De Cand. (Valeri- ana Jatamansi, Roxburgh) appears from the proofs adduced by Sir W. Jones (Asial. Research, ii. 405; and iv. 109) and Dr. Royle (Illuslr. 242) to be the Spikenard (N*/>ot/ of Diosco- rides, and is the strongest of the Valerians. It Is a native of Lycia. Nardostachys Jatamansi. CINCHONA. 419 Order LII.—RUBIACEjE, Jussieu.—THE CINCHONA TRIBE. CiNcnoNACE.r, Lvgodysodeaceje, and Stellate or Galiaceje, Lindley. Essential Character.—Tube of the calyx adherent to the ovary; limb various, truncated or many-lubed, frequently regular; the lobes as many as those of the corolla, rarely intermixed with accessory teeth. Corolla gamopetalous, inserted into the top of the tube of the calyx; lobes usually four to five, rarely three to eight; contorted or valvate in aestivation. Stamens as many as, and alternate with, the lobes ol the corolla; more or less adnate to the tube of the corolla; anthers oval, bilocular, turned inwards. Ovarium within the calyx, to which it coheres, usually two or many-celled, rarely by abortion one-celled, crowned wilh a fleshy urceolus, from which a tingle style arises. Stigmas usually two, distinct, or more or less coherent, rarely many, distinct, or coherent. Fruit baccate, capsular, or drupaceous, two or many-celled; the cells one, two, or many-seeded. Seeds in the one-seeded cells attached to the apex, or usually at the base: in the many-seeded ones, connected with a central placenta, usually horizontal: albumen horny, or fleshy, large ; embryo straight or somewhat curved, in the midst of albumen; the radicle terete, turned to the hilum ; the cotyledons foliaceous. (De Cand.)—Trees, shrubs, or herbs. Leaves simple, quite entire, opposite, or rarely verticillale, with stipules. Flowers arranged variously, rather unisexual by abortion. Properties.—The roots often abound in colouring matter, and hence are used in dyeing ; as some of (hose belonging to the genera Ru'bia, Garde'nia, Hcdyotis, Genipa, Ga'lium, Asper'vla, Palicourea, Oldenlan dia, &c. Many roots possess emetic properties, as those of Cephae'lis, Psycho'tria, Richardso'nia, Spermaco'ce, Manet'tia, Chiococ'ca, &c. The barks are often bitter, astringent, and somewhat aromatic; and are eminently distinguished for Iheir tonic, febrifuge, and antiperiodic qualities, as those of Cincho'na, Exosle'ma, Couia'rea Cosmibuena, Remija, Hymenodic'tyon, Pinkne'ya,&Lc. The important use of the torrefied albumen of Coffe'a arab'ica is well known. It is probable that the albumen of other species possesses analogous properties: that of Psycho'tria herba'cea has been used for similar purposes. 1. CINCHO'NA, De Candolle.—SEVERAL SPECIES YIELDING PERUVIAN BARK. C. cordifo'Iia, lancifo'lia, and oblongifo'lia, L. D.—C. condamin'ea, micran'tha, and other undetermined species, E. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Monogynia. (Cortex, L. D.—Cinchona coronas; Cinchona cinerea ; Cinchona flava; and Cinchona rubra, E.) (Cinchona, U. S. Peruvian Bark.) [Cinchona pallida, Pale Bark. Cinchona flava, Yellow Bark. Cinchona rubra, Red Bark, TJ. S.) History.—The precise period and manner of the discovery of the therapeutic power of cinchona is enveloped in mystery. It is even doubtful whether the In- dians knew it previous to the Spaniards. Geoffroy (Mat. Med. ii. 181) says that the Indians were acquainted with this medicine long prior to the arrival of Colum- bus ; but from the implacable hatred which they conceived against the Spaniards Ihey kept it secret for many years, until, in fact, an Indian, grateful for some favours received from the Governor of Loxa, imparted to him the secret of this valuable specific. Humboldt, (Lambert's llluslr. p. 22,) however, disbelieves these statements; for in Loxa, and other parts far around, he found the natives ranked Cinchona among poisons, and were totally unacquainted with its uses. " In Malacatis only," says he, " where many bark-peelers live, they begin to put confidence in the Cinchona bark." Ulloa (Voy. de VAmer.-merid. 1. 271) also asserted that the Peruvians were ignorant of the medical uses of cinchona. The traditions, therefore, of the supposed discovery of the remedy by an Indian being cured of an ague by drinking at a pool into which some Cinchona trees had fallen, (Geoffroy, Introd.ad Mat. Mid. p. 48,) as well as the more improbable story told by Condamine, (Mem. Acad. Sc. de Paris, p. 226,1738,) of the Indians observing lions ill with ague eating Cinchona bark, must be fabulous. The assertion, says Humboldt, that the great American lion (Felis concolor) was subject to fever, is as bold as that made by the inhabitants of the pestilential valley, Gualla Bamba near Quito, that even the vultures (Vultur aura) in their neighbourhood were sub- ject to that disorder. Moreover, in the Cinchona forests lions are not found though the puma (Felis andicola of Humboldt, the petit lion du Volcane de Pi- chinclm of Condamine) has been met 2,500 toises (15,000 feet) above Ihe level of the sen. 420 ELEMENTS OP MATERIA MEDICA. Humboldt (op. cit. p. 23) tells us of an old tradition, current in Loxa, that the Jesuits having accidentally discovered the bitterness of the bark, tried an infusion in tertian ague, and in this way became acquainted with its valuable properties. This he thinks a much less improbable tradition than that which ascribes the dis- covery to the Indians. The period when bark was first introduced into Europe is usually stated to be 1640; but Sebastian Badus (quoted by Bergen, Monogr. 84) gives an extract from a letter of a Spanish physician, Dr. Joseph Villerobel, from which it appears that it was imported into Spain in 1632, though no trial was made of it until 1639. The statement of Condamine, (op. cit.) that the Countess of Chinchon, wife of the Viceroy of Peru, brought some bark to Europe on her return from South America, in 1639, is not improbable: and from this circumstance it acquired the names of the Cinchona Bark and the Countess's Powder (Pulvis Comitissce.) About ten years afterwards it was brought by the Jesuits to Rome, and by them distributed among the members of the order, who carried it to their respective stations, and used it with great success in agues. Among those most active in promoting its employment was Cardinal de Lugo. In this way it acquired the names Jesuit's Bark, Pulvis Patrum, Jesuit's Powder, (Pulvis Jesuiticus), Pul- vis Cardinalis de Lugo, &c. (Geoffroy, Mat. Med.) It fell, however, into disuse, but was again brought into vogue, in France, by Sir Robert Talbor, who acquired great reputation for the cure of intermittents by a secret remedy. Louis XIV. purchased his secret (which proved to be Cinchona) and made it public. (Talbor, English Remedy, 1682.) Hence it became known in France as Talbor's Powder, or the English Remedy. Botany. Gen. ciiar.—Calyx five-toothed. Corolla hypocrateriform, with a five-parted limb, valvate in aestivation. Anthers linear, inserted within the tube, end not projecting, unless in a very slight degree. Capsule splitting through the dissepiment into two cocci open at the commissure, and crowned by the calyx. Seeds girted by a membranous lacerated wing (Lindley).— Trees or shrubs, with an aromatic, bitter, astringent, eminently febrifuge bark. Leaves shortly petioled with plane margins. Stipules ovate or oblong, foliaceous, free, deciduous. Flowers paniculate-corymbose, terminal, white or roseate-purplish. Species.—Dr. Lindley mentions twenty-six species; of which twenty-one are well known. § 1. Limb of the corolla stupose. Leaves scrobiculale. 1. C. Micran'tha, Fl. Peruv. ii. 52,1.194; Ruiz and Pav. Quinol. Suppl. p. 1, DeCand. Prodr. iv. 354. C. scrobiculata, Humb. and Bonpl. PI. cequin. i. p. 165, t. 47; De Cand. Prodr. iv. 352. High, cool, and wooded mountains of Peru, near Chicoplaya, Monzon, the Pueblo de San Antonio de Playa grande, R. and P.; forests in the province of St Jean de Bracamorros, H. and B. The last-mentioned travellers were told that it also occurs at Chirinas Tabaconas, St. Ignacio, and Tambovapa, Cuchero, Poppig. This species yields Silver or Gray Cinchona. From the young branches is obtained the Pata de Gallinazo (Poppig). Humboldt and Bonpland, as well as Ruiz and Pavon, declare that from C. scrobiculata (which Dr. Lindley says is identical with C. Micrantha) is obtained Cascarilla Jina. 2. C. nit'ida, Fl. Peruv. ii. 50, t. 191. Cascarilla officinal, Ruiz Quinol. p. 56.—Lofty moun- tains of the Andes, in groves, in cold situations near Pampamarca, Chacahuassi, Casapi, Casapillo, Cayumba, Sapan, Cuchero, and other districts; also on the mountains in the province of Huama- lies, Tarma, and Xauxa, jR. and P. ? Cuchero, Poppig. According to Ruiz, this species, like the last, yields Cascarillo or Quinofno. 3. C. Condamin'ea, Humb. and Bonpl. PI. aq. i. 33, t. 10. Quinaquina, Condam. in Act. Par. 1738.—Near Loxa, in the mountains of Cajanuma-Uritucinga, and in those of Boqueron, Villon- aco, and Monje: it is also found near Guancabamba and Ayavaca, in Peru. It always grows on micaceous schist, and rises as high as 7,500 feet above the level of the sea, first appearing at the elevation of 5,700 feet; so that it occupies a zone of 1,800 feet, Humboldt. This species yields Cascarillajina de Urilusinga, our Crown or Loxa Bark. § 2. Limb of the corolla not stupose. Leaves not scrobiculate. 4. C. lancifo'lia or Quina naranjada, Mutis, Period, de St. F6. C. angustifolia, Pav. CINCHONA. 421 Quinol. Suppl. xiv. f. a. C. Tunila, Lopez, MSS.—Woods in the kingdom of Santa Fe, Quinol. Suppl. Some years since a very inferior yellow bark, with a whitish epidermis, was imported into London, and was known to our dealers under Ihe name of New Spurious Yellow Bark. I sent a specimen of it to Professor Guibourt, who recognised it as the bark described by him as Quin- quina de Carthagene spongieux. He has subsequently found it to be identical with the Orange Cinchona. (Quina naranjada) of Mutis, lodged in the Museum d'Hist. Naturelle de Paris, by Humboldt. It is, therefore, ihe produce of C. lancifolia. Bergen found, in Ruiz's collection, a bark said to be the produce of C. lancifolia Mutis, and which agreed wilh the False Loxa Bark, Bergen. 5. C. lucum^efo'lia, Pavon. in herb. Lambert. C. stupea, Idem.—Loxa, in Peru, Pavon. The bark, perhaps, forms part of the Quina fina de Loxa. 6. C. lanceola'ta, Fl. Peruv. ii. 51; iii. t. 223. Cascarillolampino, Ruiz, Quinol. 64.—Cold, elevated, mountainous situations, in groves on the Andes, in the districts of Muna, Panas, Pillas, and Cuchero, R. and P. At the distance of fifteen or twenty leagues from the citv of Huanuco, Ruiz MSS. Bolivia. The bark of tftis species is called Quina Anleada, Cascarilla Amarilla, and Case, boba de Muna. Ruiz suspects it to be Calisaya bark, i. e. Yelloio Bark of English commerce. 7. C. Ovalifo'ua, Humboldt and Bonpl. PI. aq. i. 65, t. 19. C. Humboldliana, R. and P. v. 13, De Cand. Prodr. iv. 353. Loxa. Pavon.—Forests in the province of Cuen<;a, Humb. and Bonpl. The bark of this species is not much esteemed. It is known as the White Cinchona of Mutis. 8. C. ova'ta, Fl. Peruv. ii. 52, t. 195. Cascarillo pallido, Ruiz, Quinol. 74.—Close, ill-venti- lated groves.in the hotter parts of the foot of the Andes, near Pozuzo and Panas, ten leagues from tluanuco, R.and P. Ash Cinchona was found by Bergen to be identical with the bark of C. ovata contained in Ruiz's collection. 9. C. rotundifo'lia, Ruiz and Pavon MSS. in herb. Lambert. Lambert, Illuslr. Cinch, p. 5 —Loxa, in Quito, Pavon. Bark unknown. 10. C. cordifo'lia, Mutis MSS. Humb. Berl. Mag. d. Naturf. i. 117. S. and C. iii. t. 185.—Mountains of New Granada, at an elevation of from 5000 to 8000 feet above the sea, Humb. The bark of this species is the Quina amarilla or Yellow Cinchona of Mutis, which both Bergen and Guibourt have ascertained to be Hard Carthagena Bark. It. must not be con- founded with the Yellow Bark of English commerce, from which sulphate of quina is pre- pared. 11. C. ruBEs'cENS, Vahl. in Act. Hafn. i. 19, t. 2. Lambert's Description, 21, t. 2. C. purpurea, Fl. Peruv. ii. 52, 193. Cascarillo morado, Ruiz, Quinol. 67.—Groves nn the lower parts of the Andes, where it is cool at night, in the districts of Chinchan, Pali, Muna, Iscutunam, Casapi, Casapillo, and Chihuamacala, R. and P.; mountain ridges of Panatahuas, Loxa, Jaen, and other provinces ; on low hills, Ruiz MSS. Cuchero, Poppig. Santa Fe. This species yields the Cascarilla boba colorada, which Reichcl ascertained to be the Huamalies Bark of European commerce. 12. C. iiirsu'ta, Fl. Peruv. ii. 51, t. 192. Cascarillo delgado, Ruiz, Quinol. 60.—Wooded mountains of the Andes, in high and cool places near Pillas and Acornavo, R. and P., and various other stations in the province of Panatahuas, near Huanuco, 10° south of the line, Ruiz. It yields a kind of Cascarilla fina, formerly employed in medicine, under the name of Quina delgadilla, or delgada. Dr. Lindley thinks it perhaps forms part of the pure Yellow Bark of the shops. 13. C. glandultf'era, Fl. Peruv. iii. t. 324. Cascarillo glanduloso, Ruiz, Quinol. Suppl. 5. C. Mutisii, 0. Lambert's Illustrations, p. 29.—Woody mountains of Peru, near Chicoplaza, R. and P.—Mountains of Panatahuas and Huamalies, and those of Monzon and Chicoplaza, Ruiz MSS. Cuchero, Poppig. Its bark, called Cascarilla negrilla, is said by Reichcl to be equal to the finest kind of Loxa Bark. It formerly came among the Lima barks. 14. C. villo'sa, Pavon, MSS. C. Humboldliana, Lamb. Illustrations, 7.—St. Jaen de Loxa, Pavon. Nothing is known of the bark. 15. C. oblongifo'i.ia. Lambert. Illustrations, p. 12; not of Mutis-.—Jaen de Loxa, Pavon. The bark is quite unknown. The London College, therefore, has no ground for referring Red Cinchona to it. § 3. Limb of the corolla smooth, or only downy at the edge. 16. C. acutifo'i.ia, Fl. Peruv. iii. 1. 53, t. 225. Cascarillo de ITnja nguda, R. and P. Quinol. Suppl. 8.—Low groves of the Peruvian Andes, in Chicoplaya, by the river Taso, R. and P. vol. n. 36 422 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Mountains of the Andes, near Chicoplaya, Monzon, and other places in the provinces of Panata- huas and Huamalies, Ruiz MSS. The bark is of a very bad quality for medicinal purposes. 17. C. magnifo'lia Fl. Peruv. ii. 53, t. 196. Cascarillo amarillo, Ruiz, Quinol. 71. C. cadu- ciflora, Lamb. Illustr. 11; not of Bonpl. C. oblongifolia, Mutis, according to R. and P.; not of Lambert.—Abundant on the mountains of Panatahuas, about Cuchero, Chinchao, Chacahuassi, and Puzuzu, in the low land near torrents, in places fully exposed to the sun, and badly venti- lated, R. and P. Cuchero, Poppig. The bark is, according to Ruiz, the Quina roxa of Santa Fe, the Red Cinchona of Mutis, which both Bergen and Guibourt have shown to be the Cinchona nova of European pharmacolo- gists. 18. C. caduciflo'ra, Bonpl. in PL aquinoct. i. 167.— C. magnifolia, I. c. 136, t. 39.__Near the town of Jean de Bracamoros, Humb. and Bonpl. No use is made of the bark. 19. C. stenocar'pa, Lambert, Illastr. 13.—Jaen, in the mountains of Loxa, Pavon. Bark unknown. 20. C. macrocar'pa, Vahl. in Act. Hafn. i. p. 26, t. 3. Lambert, DescripL22, t. 3.—C. ovali- folia, Mutis. MSS. Humb. Berl. Mag. 1. c. p. 118.—Loxa, Pavon. Santa Fe, Humboldt; a sup- posed variety is said to grow about Santa Martha. Bark unknown. 21. C. ca'va, Pavon MSS. in herb. Lambert.—C. Pavonii, Lambert, Illustr. 8.—Quito Pavon. Bark unknown. „** Species imperfectly known. Dr. Lindley mentions,—22, C. dichotoma (which is said to yield one of the Quinas finas); 23, C. macrocalyx; 24, C. crassifolia ; 25, C. Pelalba; and 26, C. Muzonensis, as species which are imperfectly known. Von Martius (Pharm. Central-Blatt fiir 1831, S. 181) has described three other species, viz. C. Bergeniana, C. Lamberliana, and C. macrocnemia. Hai>.—-The Cinchona species inhabit the Andes from 11° N. lat. to 20° S. lat. at varying elevations. It is difficult to assign limits to these elevations, since the statements of Humboldt on this subject are not uniform. Thus the lowest true Cinchonas are variously stated, by himself and Kunth, to grow at an elevation of from 200 toises (1200 feet) to 359 toises (2154 feet); while the highest are said to grow 1487 toises (8922 feet) to 1680 toises (10,080 feet). The temperature of the Cinchona districts necessarily varies with their altitude : perhaps the average is about 68° F. ire Bark-Peeling.—The mode adopted by the Cascarilloes, or bark-peelers, of obtaining cinchona, varies somewhat in different districts___" The Indians," says Mr. Stevenson (Narrat. of Twenty Years' Residence in South America, vol. ii. p. 66, 1825), «« discover from the eminences where a cluster of the trees grow in the woods, for they are easily descerniblc by the rose-coloured tinge of their leaves, which appear at a distance like bunches of flowers amid the deep-green foliage of other trees. They then hunt for the spot, and, having found it out, cut down all the trees, and take the bark from the branches:" and he adds, " after the Indians have stripped off the bark, they carry it in bundles out of the wood, for the purpose of drying it." Poppig (Compan. to the Bot. Mas. No. vm. p. 244) says that the stems are not peeled for three or four days after they are cut down; and that the bark when removed must be speedily dried, or its value is quickly deteriorated. This account of the method of collecting the barks is somewhat different from that given by Mr. Gray from the papers of he late Mr. Arret (Phzl. Trans. 1737-8, vol. xl. pp. 8ll86), who says that the bark .s cut from the trees as they stand. According to both Ruiz and Poppig, the peelers commence their operation about May, when the dry season sets in. J CoMMERCE.-Cinchona is imported in chests (which are sometimes covered with hides) or serons (packages formed of an ox-hide, sometimes lined by a coarse cloth). The duty ,, id. per lb. The quantities imported, and those re. tamed for home consumption, in the years 1827, 1830, and 1831, were as fol- lows (Pari. Returns): CINCHONA. 423 Tolal imported.................. 385,6S0lbs. Quantity retained for Home Con- sumption ..................... 179,315 lbs. 1830. 556,290 lbs. 56,879 lbs. 1831. 225,678 lbs. 112,773 lbs. The quantities on which duty was paid during the last five years are as follows (Trade List:) In 1835........................... 143,187 lbs. i In 1839........................ 50,548 lbs. In 1836........................... 116.1H4 lbs. In 1840........................ 41,4581bs. In I«t7........................... 141,07111)3. In 1841........................ 81,736lbs. In 1838........................... 108,5U2lbs. | Cinchona is imported from various ports of the Pacific coast of South America. Arica, Valparaiso, Lima, Callao, and Payta, are the common places of shipment. In consequence of an apprehended danger that the trees yielding bark would be exterminated, the government of Bolivia has prohibited the cutting of bark, in its territory, for five years, commencing January 1st, 1838.1 This event had long been expected. In 1836 I observed (Lond. Med. Gaz. vol. xviii. p. 723,) that, " when we take into consideration the immense consumption of Cinchona bark (Pelletier alone in one year consumed 2000 quintals, equal to 200,000 lbs. of yel- low or Calisaya bark, in the manufacture of sulphate of quina); that the trees yielding it are confined to one part of the world, and that no care is taken of their preservation ; it is not at all improbable that in a few years this valuable drug may totally disappear from commerce. Indeed, a report has been prevalent among the drug-dealers, that the Cascarilloes, or bark-collectors, had arrived at the limits of the forests containing the yellow or Calisaya bark, but whether this be true or false, I know not. I am acquainted with one dealer who has laid in a large stock, on the speculation of the truth of this report." [Seven years have now elapsed since this was the case, and the supply of bark has turned out to be sufficient for the consumption. At present (1845) we hear of no apprehension with respect to the supply.—J. C] ' I am indebted to Messrs. Gibbs and Co., of Lime Street, for a copy of this decree. The following is a trans- lation of it:— " Andrew Santa-Cruz, Grand Citizen, Restorer, and President of Bolivia, General of her Armies, General of Brigade of Colombia, Grand Marshal, Pacificator of Peru, Superior Protector of the North and South Peruvian Slates; decorated wilh Ihe medals of the Liberating of the Liberators of Quito, of Pichencha, of Junin, and that of the Liberator Simon Bolivar, Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour of France, Founder and Chief of Ihe Bolivian Legion of Honour, and the National Legion of Honour of Peru, &c. &c. &c. Considering.—1st. That ihe unlimited cutting and exportation of the Cascarilla [Cinchona] has occasioned remarkable injury to this country, by its excessive abundance in the European markets ; 2dly. That the woods beginning already to be drained, great difficulty is experienced in obtaining it from Ihoso which are more distant, well-founded fears of the approaching extinction of this specific, for whose pre- servation and reproduction we ought so carefully to provide ; 3dly. That ihe Congress of 1834, which passed a law for the formation of a society for the prevention of the exportation of Cascarilla [Cinchona], said it could have no effect without the Government moderated or sus- pended its exportation, for which there is a provision in the 13ih article of the said law; 41 Ii I y. That the opinion publicly manifested by the meeting of the neiehbouring proprietors and merchants, as well as by the provisional directhe committee of the Cascarilla [CinchonaJ Society, calls for the suspension of the cutting in the mountains, as the only means of saving this exclusive article of our commerce from ap proachiug ruin:— Decree.—1st. It is forbidden to cut Cascarilla [Cinchona] in the mountains of the Republic, from the date of this decree, it being solely permitted to export that which has been already cut prior to the 1st of August. 2dly. Thai ihe extreme time which shall he allowed for the exportation from this Republic, of that which has been already cut, shall be the last day of ihe month of December in the present year. 3dly. That this prohibition shall endure fur five years, counting from the 1st of January, 1838, during which dale (or p-riod) no Custom house shall have the power of granting permits for the exportation of this vegetable. 41 lily. The said five vears having elapsed, the Government shall make such regulations as shall be judged ex- pedient for the regulation of the cutting and exportation of Cascarilla [Cinchona], and for the better guidance of the Society for the exportation of Cascarilla [Cinchona]. 5lhly. Transgressors shall be punished with the fines (or punishments) which the laws inflict upon the ex- porters of prohibited articles of goods lithly. In conformity with the provisions of the fifth article of the law of the 14th of November, 1834, the directive Society is declared to be established. 7thly The Prefect of the Department shall make a list of the names of all the stock-holders who shall have presented themselves up to this date; considering themselves obliged to draw out, within two years (la fact.aria), ordered in ihe sixih article of the expressed law, and to deposit with the Republic since 1838, a thousand flacons of mercury at the cost price. 8thly. Th' Dinoiive Committer* of the Cascarilla [Cinchona] Society shall he empowered to direct the Go- vernors of the provinces in which this vegetable is produced, in taking every precaution conducive to the »c- cnmplishmeiil of iliis decree. iiihly. The Prefect of the Department is charged with the execution, and the General Minister is to see that it is printed and published. Andrew Santa Cruz. Given at the Palace of Government in Ayapncho, Mariano Henry Caloo. the 10th of April; 1837, in ihe 29th Year of Independence." General Minister. 424 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. "If," says Mr. Stevenson, (Narrative, vol. ii. p. 66,) A the government of America do not attend to the preservation of the quina, either by prohibiting ihe falling of the trees, or obliging ihe territorial magistrates to enforce cutters to guard them from destruction, bofore a sufficient population will allow of those tracts of woodland becoming personal property, this highly-esteemed production of the new world will be swept from the country." Description, a. General Description.—Before describing the various kinds of cinchona met with in commerce, it will be necessary to offer a few remarks on the general characters of barks (more especially of Cinchona bark). The*e may be noticed under the following heads :—cryptogamia found on, structure, quill- ing, colour, taste, odour, and fracture, of cinchona barks. Cryptogamia found on Cinchona Barks.—These, especially the Lichens, have been eLibo- raiely examined by Fee (Essai sur les Ciyptog. 1824), and by Zenker (Goebel and Kunze, Pharm. Waaienk. S. 109). «.. Musci or Mosses.—We frequently find mosses on Cinchona barks; but as they arc never met with in fructification, it is almost impossible to determine the genus to which they belong. They are probably species of Hypnum. jS. Lichenes.—These are found in great abundance, especially on Loxa or Crown bark. We may conveniently arrange them, according to Zenker, in four sections:—Sect. 1. Coniolichenes, or the pulverent lichenes (Lichenes pulveracei).—In this section we have the Hypochnus rubro- cinctus (classed among the Fungi by Fee). I have frequently found it on the finest specimens of quilled yellow bark. Sect 2. Cryolichenes, or the crustaceous lichenes (Lichenes crustacei). These frequently put on very beautiful forms, and so colour the surface of the epidermis, that they appear to constitute a part of this coat. In that kind of pale bark usually called gray, or silver, the surface of the epidermis has a whitish cretaceous appearance, from the presence! of various species of Arlhonia and Pyrenula. Sec. 3. Phyllolichenes, or the foliaceous lichens (Lichenes foliacei).—These are found most abundantly on the Crown or Loxa bark. The most common species belong to the genera Parmelia, Sticta, and Collema. The P. coronata is a beautiful species, and one frequently met with. So also the Sticta aurata, remarkable for its yellow colour. Sec. 4. Dendrolichenes, or the filamentous lichenes (Lichenes fruticosi).—The Usneas are good examples of this section ; they are found in abundance on the crown bark. Two species are met with—V. florida, and U. barbala ; a variety of the latter is curiously articulated. y. Hepatica.—Jungermannias are found on Cinchona barks, but in too broken a condition to determine their species. Fee, however, examined Humboldt's Herbarium, and found four. S. Fungi.—As Fungi usually grow on weak or dead trees, their presence on Cinchona bark is a bad characteristic. Very few, however, are met with. Structure.—Those barks known to druggists by the name of coated barks consist of the fol- lowing parts:—an epidermis, the rete mucosum, and cortical layers, (the innermost of which is termed the liber.) The epidermis and rete mucosum together form what is technically called the coat. at. Epidermis.—This is the most external portion of the bark, and is variable in its thickness. The barks of commerce arc said to be coated (cinchona cum cortice exteriore of Bergen) when the epidermis is present, but when this is absent, and when also part or the whole of the next layer (rete mucosum) has been removed, such barks are called uncoated (cinchona nuda of Bergen). As the epidermis is useless, or nearly so, in a medicinal point of view, uncoated barks are to be preferred, since the epidermis increases the weight of the bark, without adding any thing to its real value. In reference to this layer, there are several characters deserving of attention in judg- ing of the quality of the bark: thus Cinchona barks, with a whitish epidermis, arc, I believe, for the most part, inferior to those in which this layer is brown. But a whitish coating given to a brown epidermis by some crustaceous lichens must not be mistaken for a genuine white epidermis. The term warty or knotty (cinchona nodosa of Bergen) is applied to those barks in which we ob- serve prominences on the epidermis, corresponding to elevations on the subjacent parts. These are frequently observed in some specimens of red bark, as well as the kind called Huamalies. Bark is termed cracky or furrowed (cinchona rimosa of Bergen) when we observe cracks or fur- rows (the latter may be regarded merely as larger kinds of cracks on it. When we observe Ion- gitudinal or transverse elevations, we say the bark is wrinkled (cinchona rugosa). &. Rete mucosum ; cellular envelope; medulla externa.—This is a cellular layer, placed imme- diately beneath the epidermis. It is tasteless, and is of no medicinal value. In old bark (par- ticularly old red bark), it is often much developed: in uncoated bark it is sometimes, though not always, absent. y. Cortical layers, or cortex.—These are beneath the rete mucosum, and, in fact, form the essential part of the bark. One layer is formed annually, and hence their number, and conse- quently the thickness of the bark, depends on the age of the tree from whence it is taken. The last-formed layer, that which is the innermost, is termed liber. Every one of the cortical CINCHONA. 425 layers has medicinal virtue, but the liber the most. The reason for this will be readily compre- bended by reference to the physiology of exogenous plants. The succus communis of these plants ascends by the alburnum, or sap.woods, to the leaves, where it undergoes certain changes by the agency of the atmosphere, in consequence of whicli it is converted into what is called succus proprius, the proper juice of the plant, and in which any medicinal activity which the latter possesses usually resides. Now this succus proprius descends in the liber : hence this part may always be expected to possess the proper medicinal activity of the tree from whence it is taken. Quilling of the Bark.—Bark, little or not at all curled, is called in commerce flat bark (cinchona plana). The absence of the curl arises from one or two circumstances—the age of the stem from which the bark is taken, or the want of flexibility of the bark even in the fresh slate. When bark is rolled cylindrically in a quilled form, it is termed quilled bark (cinchona tubulala). Bergen speaks of several kinds of quilling; namely, (he partially quilled (cinchona subconvoluta), when the two edges of the quill approximate; the closely quilled (cinchona convo- lula), when the edges of the quill overlap each other, forming a more or less closely rolled up tube; and the doubly quilled (cinchona involuta), when both edges of the quill are rolled together, bo as to form two cylinders, but which, seen from the back, appear as one. Fracture.—The transverse fracture of bark furnishes an important character. Bergen admits three kinds of it:—1st, smooth, even, or short, fracture (fractura plana); 2dly, resinous fracture (fractura resinosa); and, 3dly, fibrous fracture (fractura fibrosa). Bark wilh a resinous fracture is usually to be preferred. Colour, Taste, and Smell.— Little need be said of these characters. The same kind of bark often varies in its colour, while several kinds may have the same tint. Moisture usually deepens the colour. /3. classification.—A botanical classification of the Cinchona barks I hold to be at present impracticable; and moreover, if it were practicable, it would be, in a commercial and pharmaceutical point of view, useless, since the barks are never accompanied by the other parts of the tree from which the botanical characters are drawn. A chemical classification, I think, cannot be at present attempted with any great chance of success. The arrangements founded on chemical composition, adopted by Goebel (Pharm. Waarenk.) and Geiger (Handb. d. Chem.) will be noticed hereafter. ' Even if a perfect chemical classification of the barks could be effected, it would not be available to ordinary experimentalists. An arrangement founded on the physical characters of the barks will be for the present, perhaps, the most useful, and is the one generally followed. Von Bergen (Versucheiner Monographic der China, Hamburgh, 1826,) admits nine species ;' viz : 1. China rubra, or Red Bark. 2. China Loxa, or Crown Bark. 3. China Huanuco, or Gray or Silver Bark. 4. China regia, or Yellow Bark of English commerce. 5. China flava dura, or Hard Carthagena Bark. 6. China flava fibrosa, Woody Carthagena Bark. 7. China Huamalies, or Rusty Bark. 8. China Jaen, or Ash Bark. 9. China Pseudo-Loxa, or Bastard Crown Bark. Professor Guibourt9 has described no less than thirty-seven varieties of Cin- chona barks, which he arranged under five heads, as follows : 1. Gray Cinchonas, 2. Yellow Cinchonas. 3. Red Cinchonas. 4. White Cinchonas. 5. False Cinchonas. Proposed Arrangement.—A considerable number of barks have been de- nominated cinchona barks. Of these some are obtained from the genus Cin- chona De Cand.; others from neighbouring and allied genera. The first are 1 I am indebted to the kindness of Von Bergen for illustrative, examples of these other varieties of cin- chona, by which I have been enabled to identify the species with those known in K.nglish commerce. * Hist. Abreg. des Drop, simpl. Paris, 1836.—By an interchange of specimens, M. Guibourt and myself have been able to determine the aynonyines of the barks known in English and French commerce. 36* 426 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. cinchona barks, properly so called.; the second are barks falsely called cinchonas. According to De Candolle (Journ. de Chim. Med. viii. 478) no le.ss than eight genera, including forty-six species, have been confounded under the name of Cinchona; and The barks of all these species are endowed, more or less, wilh febrifuge qualities. The genera referred to are Cinchona, De Cand, Buena Pohl (Cosmibuena Ruiz and Pav.), Remijia De Cand., Luculia Sweet, Hy- menodyction Wallich, Exostemma De Cand, Danais Comm., and Pinkneya Michaux. Div. I. dtfnctjona JSarfts property so calleD. These are barks obtained from the genus Cinchona De Cand. Some of them have a brown epidermis, others a whitish one. This character forms the basis of a subdivision of them into two sections. Sec. 1. Epidermis normally brown. The epidermis of the barks of this section is naturally reddish, brownish, or blackish, cracked and rugous. It frequently has a whitish appearance, owing to the adherent crustaceous lichens. By scraping, however, we readily detect the subjacent brown epidermis, and thereby easily distinguish this lichenoid coat from a white epidermis. The barks of this section have been divided into pale or gray, yellow, and red. As these terms are well understood, it is advisable to retain them. class 1st. Pale Barks; Cinchonce pallidce ; Quinquinas gris, Guibourt.—In English commerce three kinds of cinchona bark are comprehended in this class; viz. crown, silver, and ash. To these Guibourt adds a fourth, namely Huamalies. Pale barks (Huamalies cinchona excepted) possess the following properties:— They always occur in quills, never in flat pieces. Their powder is more or less pale, grayish, or fawn-coloured, and their taste is astringent and bitter. They contain cinchonia and quinia. An infusion of pale bark does not deposit any sulphate of lime on the addition of a solution of the sulphate of soda. class 2d. Yellow Bark of English commerce; Cinchona flava Anglic, offic. In English commerce the term yellow cinchona is confined to the quilled and flat varieties of Calisaya or regia bark. The French and German pharmacologists, however, include under this denomination several of the yellow barks with a white epidermis, which in England are termed false or spurious yellow barks. The yellow bark of English commerce occurs in quills or flat pieces, the quills being, on the average, larger and much rougher than the largest quills of pale barks. The texture is more fibrous, and the taste is more bilter, and less astrin- gent, than of pale bark : the powder is orange or fawn yellow. The^Calisaya or royal yellow contains both quina and cinchonia, but the first is by far the larger quantity. A strong infusion of this kind of bark produces a precipitate (sulphate of lime) on the addition of a solution of the sulphate of soda. Class 3d. Red cinchona of English commerce; Cinchona rubra Anglic, offic. Only one kind of red bark is usually found in English commerce. It is met with in both quills and flat pieces : it has a fibrous texture, and a redder colour than either of the foregoing kinds. It contains both quina and cinchonia. It is very bitter and astringent. Its powder is more or less red. Sect. 2. Epidermis whitish (yellowish) and micaceous. This section includes cinchona barks sometimes called, on the continent, White Cinchonas (Cinchonce alba); but which in English commerce are al- ways regarded as spurious or bastard cinchona barks. They are distinguished by an epidermis which is naturally whitish or pale yellowish, micaceous, smooth, or not cracked, and adherent to the cortical layers. They yield little or no CINCHONA. 427 cinchonia and quina. One of them contains a peculiar vegetable alkali (ari- cina). We may arrange them in three classes, corresponding to those of the preceding section. Class 1. Pale Barks witli a whitish epidermis. — This includes a bark found among Loxa or Crown bark, and which has been termed by Guibourt Loxa White Cinchona. Some of the young Huamalies barks approach closely to this class (See Gray Corky Huamalies Bark). Class 3. Yellow Barks with a wliitish epidermis. --- This class includes barks which correspond, and have been confounded with Calisaya or Royal Yellow Bark. It includes the following barks:—Hard Carthagena Bark; Fibrous Carthagena Bark; Cusco Bark; Orange Cinchona of Santa Fe. To these also must be perhaps a^led the White Cinchona of Mutis. Class 3JVtcd Barks with a whitish epidermis.—These are barks which corre- spond and have been confounded with Genuine Red Bark of English commerce. This class includes the following barks: Red Cinchona of Santa Fe ; and Red Cinchona with a white and micaceous epidermis. Div. II. JSarfes falsety calletJ Ctfncfoonas. Under this division have been placed those barks which have been introduced into commerce as Cinchonas, but which are not obtained from any species of Cinchona. De Candolle. Their physical characters are for the most part very different from those of the genuine: moreover, they are not known to contain quina, cinchonia, or aricina. With the exception of Pitaya Cinchona, I have never met with any of them in English commerce. The following are those best known, and which I have in my collection : 1. Cinchona de Santa Lucia; St. Lucia Bark; Quinquina Piton, or Q. de Sainte Lucie, Guibourt; Bark of Exostema floribundum, a native of the West India islands.—Its bit- ter principle is called Montanin. 2. Cinchona Carib^ea; Caribaan or Jamaica Bark; Quinquina caraibe, Guibourt; Bark of Exostema caribteum, a native of most of the West India islands and Mexico. 3. Cinchona [falsa] peruviana; Peruvian [false] Cinchona : Ecorce de Exostema du Perou, Guibourt: Bark of Exostema peruvianum, a native of the colder parts of Peru, between the river Chola and the village of Querocolillo. 4. Cinchona brasiliana; Brazilian Cinchona; Ecorce d'Exostema du Bresil, Guibourt; Quinquina de Piauhi; Bark of Exostema Souzanum, a native of Brazil.—It yields an organic alkali, called Esenbeckina. 5. Cinchona Pitaya; Pitaya Cinchona; Quinquina bicolore, Guibourt; bark of an unascer- tained tree [Exostema? Malanea racemosa ?]—It has been analyzed by MM. Folchi and Peretti, who discovered a new alkaline principle in it, which they have termed Pilaina. 6. Cinchona de Rio Janeiro; Rio Janeiro Bark; Bark of Buena hexandra. 1. Cinchona Coroim-, E — Crown or Loia Bark. Cinchona Officinalis, D. (Cinchona lancifolia; Cortex, L D.—Bark of Cinchona Condaminea, E.) (Cinchona pallida, U. S.) Svnowmes.—Quinquina de Loxa, Guibourt. China Loxa; Kron-China, Bergen. Cortex China fuscai, seu corona, s. de Loxa, s. peruvianus, Goebel. History.—Loxa bark, if not the first, was one of the earliest kinds of Cinchona bark introduced into Europe. It was, probably, the bark which Horbius, (Bergen, Monogr. S. 313,) in 1693, de- nominated Cascarilla della Oja, but which Condamine more correctly termed Corteza, or Cas- cara de Loxa. Some doubt, however, has existed in the minds of pharmacologists, whether the bark known in commerce by the name of Loxa bark, is identical with that formerly called by that name. Hayne (Goebel and Kunze, Pharm. Waarenk. i. 36) has pointed out some differences between the Loxa bark of commerce and a bark found in Humboldt's collection, marked Quina de Lorn, and which has been collected from the C. Condaminea: the peculiar characteristics of the latter are the warly prominences, the transverse cracks, which do not form rings, the browner tint of the outer surface, and a more astringent taste. In a chest of 120 lbs. of commercial Loxa bark, Goebel found only three ounces of bark corresponding to the description here given of the true Loxa bark. 428 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Loxa bark received the name of crown bark in consequence of its use by the royal family of Spain. In Gfctober, 1804, a Spanish galley, returning from Peru, was taken by our countrymen ofTCadiz. Among the treasures found therein were many parcels of Cinchona bark, two sorts of which were distinguished from the others by their external appearance and mode of packing. Two of these chests were marked " Para la real familie," i. e. " For the royal family," and were lined with sheet iron : they contained fine quills, of thirteen inches long, tied up by means of bass into bundles of about three inches in diameter. Von Bergen states, he received from Eng- land, in 1824, similar bundles, under the name of second crown. The other sort was marked " Para la real corte," i. e. " For the royal court." (Bergen, Monogr. S. 310.) Botany.—Loxa bark is undoubtedly the produce of C. Condaminea. Guibourt, (Hist, des Drog. ii. 55) examined the young barks of this species, brought by Humboldt, and found them undis- tinguishable from Loxa cinchona.- Furthermore, he found that a specimen of cinchona, sent over by M. Joseph de Jussieu, the colleague of Condamine, as being the bark of the tree described by that celebrated academician, is similar to the crown bark of commerce. Commerce.—Crown or Loxa bark is imported in serous (holding from sixty to ninety lbs.) and in chests (containing about one hundred lbs.) ^ Essential Character.—Coat thin, firm ; cracks numerous, annular, transverse; u^ier surface smooth; colour cinnamon-brown (Bergen). Description.—Loxa or crown bark is met with in the form of coated quills only, neither flat nor uncoated pieces being known. These quills vary in length from six to fifteen inches; in diameter from two lines to an inch; in thickness from one-third of a line to two lines; they are boih singly and doubly quilled. The outer surface or epidermis of this bark is characterized by numerous transverse cracks, which, in the fine and middling quills, are often distant from each other only from one to one and a half lines, and frequently extend completely round the bark in the form of rings, the edges of which, as well as of the shorter cracks, are a little elevated. In some of the fine quills, however, these transverse cracks are hardly visible; but we then observe longitudinal furrows. On the larger quills the transverse cracks are interrupted, and do not form rings, and are not set so closely together. Some of the thicker quills have occasionally almost the roughness of a grater, and occasionally pieces are met with having knots or warts. The colour of the external surface of Crown bark depends principally on that of the crustaceous lichens. Gray, or grayish-brown, may bo taken as the predominating tint: the thin quills are mostly slate, ash, or roe-gray. The larger quills vary still more, and, in addition to the colours now mentioned, they are sometimes blackish-gray, even passing, in places, into liver-brown. The inner surface of Loxa bark is smooth, with small irregular longitudinal fibres observed thereon: its general colour is cinnamon-brown. The transverse fracture of small quills is even, but of the larger and coarser ones fibrous. The powder of Loxa bark is of deep cinnamon-brown colour. The odour of this bark is like lhat of tan; its taste astringent, bitter, and somewhat aromatic. Commercial and other varieties.—The slender, finest, thinnest, and longest quills, with a short transverse fracture, form liief nest or pick crown bark, or the (cortex cinchonce corona eleclus). A somewhat larger quill, with a silvery appearance of the epidermis, derived from the adherent crustaceous lichens, constitutes the silvery crown bark. A similar kind, but in which the external coat has a speckled appearance from the whitish lichens, with the intermediate dark-brown colour of Ihe epidermis, constitutes the leopard crown bark. Huamalies and white Loxa Cinchona, found in the serons of pale bark, are the produce of dif- ferent species of Cinchona. The young Huamalies Cinchona, sometimes called Havannah Bark, constitutes the rusty crown bark of some of our dealers. It has scarcely any transverse cracks; and some subvarieties of it are devoid of lichens. Its epidermis is spongy or.corky, longitudinally furrowed in an undulatory manner, and of a grayish or brownish gray tint. The ferruginous Huamalies of Guibourt is the same bark at a more advanced period of growth. Huamalies bark is the produce of C. micrantha, and will be described more fully hereafter. White Loxa Cinchona has a considerable resemblance lo the young Huamalies bark, wilh a whitish epidermis, and will be noticed among the so-called White Cinchonas. Composition.—Crown bark was analyzed by Pelletier and Caventou, (Journ. de Pharm. vii. 70, and by Bucholz, (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem. ii. 1283.) Pelletier and Caventou's Analysis. Kinate of cinchonia. Kinate of lime. Green fatty matter. Red ciuchonip. Soluble red colouring matter (tannin). Yellow colouring matter. Gum. Starch. Lignin. Gray Cinchona. Bucholz's Analysis. Cinchonia.................................. 0-3(> Kinic acid.................................. 117 Kinate of lime.............................. 130 Hard resin (red cinchonic)................... 9 97 Hitter soft resin............................. 156 Fatty matter, with chlorophylle..........r.. 0-78 Tannin, with some chloride of calcium (?)..... 580 Gum....................................... 4-43 Starch......................................a little Lignin ..................................... 7443 Commercial Loxa Bark................. 90-80 Soubeiran (Traite de Pharm. i. 603) states, that one lb. of Loxa bark yields from one and a half to two drachms of sulphate of cinchonia. It is somewhat remarkable, that Von Santen CINCHONA. 429 (Bergen, Monngr. Tab. zur 5'en PLtte) obtained quina, and but little cinchonia, from Loxa bark, as the following table shows : One lb. of Loza Bark Sulphate of Quina. Pure Cinchonia. Fine selected quills....................................................... 5 grs. ----- Moderately thick quills and pieces......................................... 12 grs. 4} grs. Fine and middling quills.................................................. 2 grs. 2f grs. Moderately thick pieces................................................... 21^ grs. ----- Selected thick, heavy pieces, with grater-like bark.........•...............53j grs. ----- Cryptogamia.—The following is Fee's list of the Cryptogamia found on Loxa bark : LICHENES.—Opegrapha globosa, O. Condaminea, Graphis fulgurata, Arthonia sinensigra- phia, A. marginala, Glyphis favulosa (rare), Chiodecton ejfusum, Pyrenula verrucarioides, Asci- dium Cinchonarum, Lepra flava, Lecidea peruviana, Ltcanora russula, L. subfusca, id. var. /3 pulverulenta, Parmelia crenulata, P. glandulifera, Sticta aurala, Collema azureum, and C. dia- phanum. S3. Cinchona Huanuco.—Gray or Silver Cinchona, E. Cinchona cinerea, JE. (Bark of Cinchona micrantha, E.) Synonymes.—Quinquina de Lima, Guibourt. China Huanuco; Graue China, Bergen. China Huanuco, Yuanuco, Guanuco, Havane, GoeboJ. Cascarilla provinciana, Poppig. History.—This bark was first known in Spain in 1799. One hundred and eighty chests of it were brought to Santander, in that year, by the frigate La Veloz ; and Ruiz was appointed to examine the cargo. He found in the chests a thick bark, till then unknown to the botanists of Peru, mingled with the barks of C. nitida, and C. lanceolata, and with ihose of the species whicii Tafalla has designated by the term similar to Calisaya. (Laurent's Memoir, in Lambert's Illustr. of the Genus Cinchona, p. 78.) Poppig (Hooker's Comp. to the Bot. Mag. No. viii. p. 244; says, Ihe trade in the barks of Huanuco commenced in 1785; but that in 1815 it almost entirely ceased. The scarcity of yellow bark will be likely again, I should think, to give a fresh impulse to il, as the quality of Huanuco bark is excellent. Botany.—It is unnecessary to detail the speculations of botanists as to the origin of this bark previous to POppig's discovery. This celebrated traveller brought to Europe a bark called casca- rilla provinciana, and which was the produce of Cinchona micrantha. Reichel, an apothecary at Hohenstein, examined and carefully compared it with his own collection of cinchona barks, as well as with that of Von Bergen at Hamburg, and declared it to be identical with the Huanuco or Silver Bark of commerce. Commerce.—It is imported usually in chests containing about 150 pounds, and also, though less frequently, in serons of from 80 to 100 pounds. Essential Character.—Coat moderately thin, hard; wrinkles longitudinal, predominating ; under surface splintery; colour rusty brown (Bergen). Description.—It always occurs in the form of quills, no flat pieces being known. These quills are larger and coarser than those of Crown bark ; the largest even approximating to those of yellow bark, from which they are distinguished by the greater smoothness of their external surface. The length of the quills is from three to fifteen inches ; their diameter from two lines to one and a quarter, or even two inches; their thickness one-third of a line to five lines. At the edge of most of the perfect quills we distinctly observe a sharp oblique cut, made probably to loosen the bark. These oblique cuts are rarely found on other barks. The quills are fre- quently somewhat spirally rolled. We observe on the epidermis transverse cracks, but they do not form rings, as in the Loxa or Crown bark, and their edges are flat. On the thicker quills longitudinal furrows arc observed; and in these cases the transverse cracks are frequently want- ing. The colour of the epidermis is whitish : in the smaller quills it is a uniform whitish gray, while in the large quills we observe a kind of cretaceous covering. This whitish appearance, from which, indeed, the terms silver and gray given to this bark are derived, depends on some crustaceous lichens. The structure of the inner surface of this kind of bark is, in the small quills, smooth; in the larger ones fibrous: the colour is ralher reddish, or rusty brown, than cinnamon brown. The fracture is even, and resinous; the odour clayish or sweet, and which Bergen says is peculiar to this kind. The taste is astringent, aromatic, and bitter; the powder of a deep cinnamon brown. Commercial and other Varieties.—In this country no varieties of Huanuco bark are usually made. Guibourt distinguishes the gray fine Lima, the large or white Lima, and the gray Huanuco ; to which he also adds, the gray cinchona resembling the royal yellow bark. Composition.— I am unacquainted with any analysis of this bark. Soubeiran (Traite" de Pharm. i. 603) states, that one lb. of Gray Lima Cinchona yields a drachm and a half of sulphate of cinchonia. The following are the quantities of pure cinchonia and quina in this bark, according to tho undermentioned authorities: 430 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. In one lb. of bark. Cinchonia. 'Quina. Von Santen.........................................from 74 to 210 grs....... 0 Michaelis ( finest sample................................. 50 grs....... 32 grs. MichaeIis....|secon(|saiHple................................ 74sr8....... 28gr8 Goebel and Kirst............................................. 108 grs....... 0 Cryptogamia.—Mosses and Jungermannias are never found on this bark. Foliaceous lichens are much more scarce than on Loxa bark. The following is Fee's list of the Cryptogamia : LICH NES.—Opegrapha Ruiziana, O. Condaminea, 0.rugulosa,0.tumidula, Gr aphis Acharii, G. serpentina, Arthonia confluens, A. diver gens, A. obtrita, Trypelhelium variolosum, Pyrenula marcida, P. myriocarpa, P. mollis, Verrucaria nitens, V. theioplaca, Ascidium Cinchonarum, Lecidea tuberculosa. 3. Cinchona Jaen.—Ash Cinchona. (Bark of Cinchona ovata, Fl. Peruv.) Synonymes.—Quinquina de Loxa cendre, Guibourt. China Jaen, Blasse Ten-China, Bergen. China Jaen, sea Tenn, s. Tena, Goebel. Blackish Huanuco, Batka. Cascarillo pallido, Ruiz. History.—Little is known respecting the history of Ash Cinchona, in consequence, probably, of its being confounded with other kinds of pale bark. It is uncertain, therefore, at what period it was introduced into commerce. Bergen states he found it in an old collection of drugs made in 1770. Virey (Hist. Nat. des Medic, p. 210), refers to it under the name of pale gray or female Loxa cinchona: but it does not appear to have been known to Ibe other French pharmacologists until I'sent samples of it to Professor Guibourt, who has described it, erroneously I think, as a variety of Loxa bark. (See his Hist. des. Drog. ii. 533.) Botany.—This kind of cinchona bark agrees with the one described in the Quinologia as cas- carillo pallido (C. ovata, Fl. Peruv.); a specimen of which, in Ruiz's collection of barks, was ex- amined by Bergen (Monogr. 319), and found to be identical with Ash Cinchona. Commerce.—It is usually imported in chests of from 110 to 140 lbs.; but we meet with it also in serons of from 70 to 100 lbs. Essential Character.—Coat thin, light, readily pulverized; cracks few; quills mostly crooked; colour dark cinnamon brown (Bergen). Description.—This bark is met with in a quilled form only: the quills being of middling size, or somewhat thick; being from 4 to 16 inches long, from 3£ lines to 1 inch in diameter, and from £ to 2 lines thick. A very remarkable character of this bark is the crookedness of the quills, which are more or less arched and twisted; from which circumstance we may infer the probability of its being obtained from a tree which grows in a damp situation. On the outer or epidermoid surface we observe a few transverse cracks, and some faint longitudinal cracks; but in these respects there is a manifest difference between this and Loxa bark. The colour of the outer surface varies between ash gray, whitish gray, and pale yellow, with blackish or brownish spots. The inner surface is either even or splintery, and of a cinnamon brown colour. The fracture is even or splintery; the odour is tan-like; the taste feebly astringent and bitter; the colour of the powder is cinnamon brown. Commercial Varieties.—No division of ash cinchona is made by English dealers. Bergen makes two varieties of it, the pale and the dark: the latter is also called False Loxa Bark, or Dark Ten Cinchona (China Pseudo-Loxa ; Dunkele Ten China), a bark whicii has many of the properties of ash cinchona, and which is found mixed with the Loxa bark of commerce. It is principally distinguished from the pale ash cinchona by the irregular longitudinal wrinkles and transverse cracks, and by its darker colour. Guibourt regards it as an inferior kind of Loxa bark. Bergen says it agrees with a bark in the collection of Ruiz, said to be obtained from the C. lancifolia of Mutis. Composition.—Ash Cinchona has not been analyzed. It appears to be remarkably deficient in cinchona alkalis. Von Santen (Bergen, Monogr.) failed to procure either quina or cinchonia from it. Michaelis, and Goebel and Kirst (Pharm. Waarenk. i. 67), obtained the following quan- tities of quina and cinchonia from it:— 1 lb. of Bark. Quina. Cinchonia. Michaelis \ UJ snrt (Cinchona fusca Ten)................ 44 grs......... J2 grs. f 2d sort..................................... 80 grs......... 12 grs. Goebel and Kirst........................................ 12 grs......... none. Cryptogamia.—Few cryptogamic plants are found on this bark. The following is a list of them, according to Bergen. (Op. cit. 318.) LLH'NES.—Graphis sculpturata, Porina granulata, Pyrenula verrucarioides, Lecanora pu- nicea, Parmelia melanoleuca, arid Usneaflorida dlow Cinchona of English commerce). It is the Cascarilla hoja de Oliva (Cinchona nitida, R. P.?) „f Poppig? Mutis's Orange Cinchona of Santa Fe 1 once met with in the docks under Ihe name of~New Spurious yellow Bark. This, as well as the Cusco and Carthagena Buks, sometime* mistaken for the Royal Yellow bark, will be noticed among the White Cinchonas. CINCHONA. 433 Composition.—Pelletier and Caventou (Journ. de Pharm. vii. 89) found in this bark super- kinate of quina, kinate of lime, red cinchonic, soluble red colouring matter (tannin), fatty matter, yellow colouring matter, ligmn, and starch. In 1827, Pelletier (Diet. Mat. Med. v. G03) con- sumed 2,000 quintals of this bark in the manufacture of 90,000 ounces (French) of disulphate of quina: this is about three drachms of disulphate for one lb. of bark; Soubeiran (Traite de Pharm. i. 603) states that one lb. (French) of uncoated yellow bark yields three drachms and from 30 to 50 grains (French) of disulphate of quina; while the same quantity of coated yellow bark yields three drachms (French) of the disulphate. I have been informed, by some manufacturers, that an ounce of the disulphate has been obtained from two lbs. of yellow bark; tkut this is beyond the average produce. Cryptogamia.—The following is FeVs list of the cryptogamic plants found on this bark, (Cours d'Hisl. Nat. ii. 262.) 1- FUNGI.—Hypochnus rubro-cinctus, Triclinum Cichonarum. 2. LICHEN :S.—Opegrapha peruviana, O. Scaphella, O. ovata, O. rhizocola, Graphis cinerea, G. cinnabarina, Arthonia oblrila, Fissurina Dumastii, Chiodecton spharale, Trypelhelium ver- rucosum, T. chiodectonoides, Pyrenula annularis, Porina americana, Ascidium Cinchonarum, Lepra flava, Variolaria amara, Lecidea aurigera, L. tuberculosa, L. soredifera, L. punicea, Parmelia perluta, Sticta macrophylla, Collema azureum, Solorina vitellina, Usnea florida et barbnta. 3. H PATIC/E.—Jungermannia atrata. 4. MUSCI.—Hypnum Langsdorfii. 6. Cinchona Rubra, E. D. (U. S).—Red Cinchona. (Cinchona oblongifolia; Cortex, L. D.—Red Bark from an undetermined species, E.) Synonymes.—Quinquina rouge verruqueux, and nonverruqueux, Guibourt. China Rubra; Rothe China, Bergen. China rubra, Cortex China ruber, Goebel. History.—It is probable, as Bergen suggests, that this red bark was known to the earliest travellers in South America, who have noticed the cinchona bark. Arrot, as well as Condamine, speak of a red bark (colorada) of the best quality. Dr. Saunders (Observ. on the super. Efficacy of the Red Peruvian Bark, p. vi. 1782) states, that in the year 1702 a parcel of bark (which he says was the red kind) was taken on board a Spanish vessel, and a portion of it fell into the hands of a celebrated London apothecary, Mr. D. Pearson. In 1779, another Spanish ship, bound from Lima to Cadiz, was taken by an English frigate, and carried into Lisbon. Her cargo consisted principally of red bark, and was, for the most part, sent to Ostend, where it was purchased at a very low price by some London druggists, who, after some difficulty, contrived to get it intro- duced into practice. Botany.—The species which yields the red bark is at present unascertained. It has been usually, though erroneously, supposed to be the Cinchona oblongifolia, Mutis, which yields a bark called Quina roxa, or Quina Azahar o roja de Santa Fe; and whicii was supposed to be our red bark. But Bergen has examined the bark bearing this name in the collection of Ruiz, and finds that it is not our commercial red bark, but the Quinquina nova of the French pharma- cologists. Moreover, Schrader (who received a piece of the bark of the Cinchona oblongifolia from Humboldt) declared it to be a new kind ; and Guibourt (Hist, des Drog. ii. 89) states, that the red bark of Mutis, which was deposited by Humboldt in the Museum of Natural History of Paris, is not commercial red bark, but Quinquina nova. To these statements may be added the testimony of Ruiz and Pavon, and of Humboldt; the two first of which writers state, that the Quina roxa is obtained from the Cinchona oblongifolia, but they do not know the origin of Quina colorada (the red bark of commerce); and Schrader states, that Humboldt declared he did not know the tree that yielded red bark. (Bergen, Monogr. S. 268.) Commerce.—Imported in chests; never in serons. Good samples are scarce. I am informed by an experienced dealer, that this bark was formerly imported in much larger sized pieces than arc now met with. Essential Character.— Coat thick, with wrinkles (longitudinal); furrows and warts, but without any important impression on the cortical layers [alburnum, Bergen]. Inner surface uneven ; colour brownish-red. (Bergen.) Description.—Red bark occurs in quills and flat pieces. The quills vary in diameter from two lines to an inch and a quarter; in thickness from one-third to two lines ; in length from two to twelve or more inches. Tlie so-called flat pieces are frequently slightly curled : their breadth is from one to five inches; their thickness from one-third to three-quarters of an inch; their length from two inches to two feet. Red bark is usually coated ; its outer surface is usually rough, wrinkled, furrowed, and frequently warty. The colour of the epidermis varies : in the thinner quills it is grayish-brown, or faint red-brown ; in thick quills and flat pieces it varies from a reddish-brown to a chestnut-brown, frequently with a purplish tinge. As a general rule, it may be said that the larger and coarser the quills and pieces, the deeper the colour. Crypto- gamic plants arc not so frequent on this as on some other kinds of bark. The rete mucosum is frequently thick and spongy, especially in large flat pieces; much more so than in yellow bark. The inner surface of the bark is, in tine quills, finely fibrous; in large quills and flat piece*, vol. ii. 37 434 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. coarsely fibrous, or even splintery. Its colour increases with the thickness and size of the pieces : thus, in fine quills it is light rusty brown ; in thick quills and flat pieces it is a deep reddish or purplish brown. Some of the specimens of red bark, which I have received from Von Bergen, approach yellow bark in their colour. The transverse fracture of fine quills is smooth ; of middling quills, somewhat fibrous; of thick quills and flat pieces, fibrous and splintery. The taste is strongly bitter, somewhat aromatic, but not so intense and persistent as that of yellow bark; the odour is feeble, tan-like ; the colour of the powder is faint reddish-brown. Commercial and other Varieties.—The obvious and common distinction is into quilled red bark and/at red bark. The warty pieces constitute the quinquina verruqueux of Guibourt; the pieces without warts are the quinquina non-verruqueux of the same pharmacologist. In the red bark of commerce, we frequently find pieces with a white micaceous epidermis: these, which are probably the produce of a distinct species of Cinchona, constitute the quinquina rouge a epiderme blanc et micace (quinquina Carthagene, 2d ed.) of Guibourt, (Hist, des Drog. ii. 92,) and will be described among the white cinchonas. The quilled red bark, called by Guibourt red Lima cinchona, the flat orange-red cinchona, and the pale red cinchona of the same pharmacologist, are not distinguished in English commerce. The consumption of red cinchona being very small, but little attention has been paid to it, and no distinctions are made of it, except in the quilled and the flat; the latter being subdivided into coated and uncoated. Composition.—According to Pelletier and Caventou, (Journ. de Pharm. vii. 92,) red bark contains superkinate of cinchona, superkinate of quina, kinate of lime, red cinchonic, soluble red colouring matter (tannin), fatty matter, yellow colouring matter, lignin, and starch. Soubeiran (Traite de Pharm. i. 603,) states, that one lb. of deep-red cinchona yields two drachms of sul- phate of quina and one drachm of sulphate of cinchonia; while one lb. of pale red cinchona yields a drachm and a half of the sulphate of quina and one drachm of sulphate of cinchonia. The following are the quantities of cinchona alkalis obtained from this bark by Von Santen, (Bergen, Monogr. Platte 1,) by Michaelis, and by Goebel and Kirst. (Pharm. Waarenk. i. 72.) 1. Fine quills, of fresh appearance (from Cadiz in 1803)..... 2. Large, broad, flat pieces, of fresh brownish-red appearance (same chest)......................................... 3. Middling quills, from their pale appearance probably 20 years older than the previous (from Cadiz in 1819)................................................ Von Santen ^ 4. Broad flat pieces, not so thick as No. 2 (same chest as No. 3)............................................... 5. Middling quills, heavy, old (from London to Hamburgh in 1815: not met with now).......................... 6. Thicker, heavier quills (same chest)...................... Thick flat pieces, quills, and fragments (above 80 years in Hamburgh: a pale kind)............................. Michaelis............................................................... Goebel and Kirst (flat pieces)............................................ Cin- chonia. 70 % 90 97 80 150 184 20 32 65 Sulphate Quina. 77 grs. 15 31 30 11 Quina. Cryptogamia.—The following are the cryptogamic plants on red cinchona, according to Fee (Cours d'Hist. Nat. ii. 265): LICHENES,—Opegrapha Bonplandi, O. farinacea, Graphis Acharii, G. exilis, G.frumentaria, Pyrenula verrucarioides, Verrucaria sinapisperma, Thelotrema urceolare, T. terebratum, T. myriocarpum, and Lecidea conspersa. 7. Cinchona Loxa Alba.— White Loxa Bark. Quinquina blanc de Loxa, Ouibourt. This is found in the Crown or Loxa Cinchona of commerce; with which it agrees in its general appearance, being essentially distinguished by the whitish epidermis. It has a con- siderable resemblance to the quilled Huamalies with a whitish epidermis, as also to Carthagena bark. Mutis's White Cinchona is a flat yellowish bark very dissimilar to the preceding. It is said to be the produce of Cinchona ovalifolia, and to contain a peculiar alkali called blanquinine (see p. 441). 8. Cinchona de Carthagena Dura.—Carthagena Hard Cinchona. (Bark of Cinchona cordifolia.) Synonymes.—Quinquina de Carthagene, jaune, Guibourt. China flava dura, Harte gelbe China, Bergen. Quina amarilla, Mutis. Quina jaune, Humboldt. CINCHONA. 435 History.—See Cinchona de Carthagena fibrosa. Botany.—This bark is satisfactorily proved (seethe evidence at page 432) to be the produce of Cinchona cordifolia, Mutis. Commerce.—It is imported in drum-like serons of about 80 lbs. net, or in half chests of about 70 lbs. Essential Character. — Coat thin and soft, or wanting ; longitudinal furrows irregular; undersurface uneven or splintery ; colour dull ochre-yellow (Bergen). Description.—It occurs in fine, middling, and thick quills, and in flat pieces. The quills vary in diameter from three to eight lines, in thickness from half to one and a half lines, in length from five to nine, rarely to fifteen inches. The flat pieces are more or less twisted, arched, or warped (sometimes like pieces of dried horn) in drying, and are from a half to two inches broad, two to seven lines thick, and four to eight, rarely to twelve inches long. The coat, which is usually more or less rubbed off, is thin, soft, somewhat corky, laminated, with irregular longi- tudinal furrows ; transverse cracks and warts are very rare. The epidermis is whitish, yellowish- white, or ash gray. In the unwarted we observe, in the outer surface of the cortical layers, irre- gular longitudinal, but not very deep, furrows. The inner surface is smooth or splintery, fre- quently hollowed out. The prevailing lint of the cortical layers is usually dull ochre-yellow. The longitudinal fracture (which is with difficulty effected) is uneven,short, and coarse-splintery; the transverse fracture is short-splintery. The taste is moderately bitter, and slightly astringent. The powder is cinnamon-coloured. Commercial Varieties.—No commercial varieties of this are known. The Carthagena brown bark (Quinquina Carthagena brun, Guibourt) is probably only a variety. The pieces are twisted, very hard, of a chocolate-brown tint, with a yellowish-white epidermis. Composition.—Guibourt says, that the Carthagena yellow hard cinchona contains but little cin- chonia, and scarcely any quina. The following are the quantities of the cinchona alkalis, ac- cording to Von Santen, and Goebel and Kirst: One lb. of Bark. Cinchonia. Sulphate of Quina. Vnn aantpn P- Q'»lls and flat pieces (from Cadiz in 1814)......... 30grs............. 32grs. oaiueii.. | 2. Flat pieces (from Curacoa in 1806)................ 36 grs............. 5 grs. Goebel and Kirst found 56 grs. of Quina, and 43 grs. of pure Cinchonia. The bark analyzed under the name of Carthagena cinchona, by Pelletier and Caventou, (Journ. de Pharm. vii. 101) was Carthagena brown cinchona, (Guibourt, Hist, des Drog. ii. 96.) The con- stituents were similar to those of red cinchona. The resinoid matter was very abundant. Cryptogamia.—Very few cryptogamia are found on this bark. The following are those men- tioned by Bergen : LICHENES.— Trypethelium variolosum, Thelotrema bahianum, Pyrenula poronoides, P. discolor, Parmelia melanoleuca, Usnea florida

, I vomit). Pure emetina is white (when not absolutely pure it has a grayish-yellow tinge), pulverulent, inodorous, with a slightly bitter taste; fusible at 122° F.; very slightly soluble in cold, but much more so in hot, water; very soluble in alcohol, but scarcely soluble in ether and oils. It dissolves in acids, the acidity of which it does not entirely destroy. The salts of emetina are slightly acid, and very crystallizable. They form gummy masses, in some only of which arc traces of crystal- lization occasionally found. Emetina restores the blue colour of litmus which has been reddened by an acid. I find that the yellowish-white emetina, sold in the shops under the name of pure emetina, is coloured, red by nitric acid, the red colour being much deepened on the addition of ammonia. An alcoholic solulion of iodine, added to an alcoholic solution of emetina, produces a reddish precipitate (hydriodate of emetina ?) Tincture of galls copiously precipitates solutions of emetina (tannate of emetina). The effect of these reagents on emetina is similar to their effect on morphia ; but from this last substance emetina is distinguished by the salts of iron, which produce no change of colour in it. The following is the composition of emetina: Atoms. Eq. m. Per Cent. Dumas and Pelletier. Carhon........................ 35 ............ 210 ............ 6542 ............ 6457 Hydrogen...................... 25 ............ 25 ............ 7.79 ............ 7-77 Nitrogen...................... 1 ............ 14 ............ 4 36 ............ 4.3O Oxygen........................ 9 ............ 72 ............ 2243 ............ 2205 Emetina................. 1 ............ 321 ............ 10000 ............ 99-59 The following are stated by Magendie (Formulaire 95) us the effects of impure emetina:— From half a grain to two grains given to cats and dogs caused at first vomiting, then sleep. In 462 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. doses of from six to ten grains, vomiting, sleep, and death, took place. Dissection showed inflarn- mation of the pulmonary tissue, and of the mucous membrane of the alimentary canal, from the cardia to the anus. The same effects (namely, vomiting, sleep, and death) were observed when impure emetina was dissolved in water, and injected into the jugular vein, into the pleura, into the anus, or into the muscular tissue. On maq a quarter of a grain excited nausea and vomiting; a grain and a half, or two grains, taken fasting, caused continued vomiting, and decided disposition to sleep. The effects of pure emetina are similar, but more energetic. In one case l-16th of a grain caused vomiting in a man eighty-five years of age: two grains are sufficient to kill a dog. Emetina has been proposed as a remedial agent,—as a substitute for ipecacuanha, all the ad- vantages of which it is said to possess in a much smaller dose, and without the unpleasant taste and odour which the root is known to have. I confess, however, I think very little advantage is likely to be gained by the substitution. When we wish to give emetina in a liquid form, it may be readily dissolved in water by the aid of acetic or dilute sulphuric acid. Chemical Characteristics.—A decoction of the root, filtered and allowed to cool, becomes, on the addition of a solution of free iodine, blue (iodide of starch). Tincture of nutgalls forms, in the decoction as well as in the tincture diluted with water, a grayish while precipitate (tannate of emetina). Sesquichloride of iron communicates a greenish tint (tannate [gallate, Pelletier] of iron) to the decoction as well as to the diluted tincture. A solution of isinglass forms in the infusion, after twelve hours, a precipitate (tannate of gelatine). Alcohol renders the decoc- tion turbid (gum). Diacetate of lead forms with the tincture, and especially with the decoction, a precipitate (colouring matter, gum, and oxide of lead). Physiological Effects.—If the powder or dust of ipecacuanha be applied to the eyes or face, it acts as an irritant, and causes redness and swelling of these parts. Inhaled, it irritates the respiratory passages, and, in some persons, brings on diffi- culty of breathing, similar to an attack of spasmodic asthma. (Scott, Phil. Trans. for 1776, p. 168.) Mr. Roberts, surgeon, at Dudley, is affected in this way ; and I have received from him the following account of his case:—" If I remain in a room where the preparation of ipecacuanha is going on—for instance, making the pulv. ipecac, comp.— I am sure to have a regular attack of asthma. In a few seconds dyspnoea comes on in a violent degree, attended with wheezing and great weight and anxiety about the prsecordia. The attack generally remains about an hour, but I obtain no relief until a copious expectoration takes place, which is invariably the case. After the attack is over I suffer no further inconvenience. I have always considered that the attack proceeds from the minute particles of the ipecacuanha floating in the atmosphere, acting as an irritant on the mucous membrane of the trachea and bronchial tubes." In some cases the mere odour of this root seems sufficient to excite difficulty of breathing, with a feeling of suffocation. There is one case recorded of poisoning by the incautious inhalation of the dust of ipecacuanha, in the process of powdering it, by a druggist's assistant. It is mentioned by Dr. Prieger. (Rust's Mag. B. xxxii. H. i. S. 182.) The patient, who was suffering with catarrh and cough, inhaled, during three hours, the dust from the root; in consequence of which vomiting came on, followed by a tightness of the chest. An hour after this he complained of a sense of suffocation, and con- striction of the trachea and throat: his appearance was pale and deathly. The physician who was called in, bled him, and gave assafoetida and belladonna with temporary relief; but in five hours a fresh attack came on, with, the most immi- nent danger of suffocation. A strong decoction of uva ursi, with the extract of rhatany, was administered with almost immediate relief, and in an hour his breathing was much freer. He was able to leave the house in two days, but suf- fered several days with difficulty of breathing. When taken in small and repeated doses, ipecacuanha principally directs its influence to the secreting organs, especially those of the chest, whose activity it promotes. It specifically affects the bronchial membrane, in some morbid con- djtions of which it promotes expectoration, while in others, attended with a pro- fuse secretion of phlegm, it exerts a beneficial influence, and often contributes to the restoration of the part to its normal condition. In somewhat larger doses it creates nausea with its concomitant phenomena, depression, increased secretion of saliva, and buccal mucus, &c. If a diaphoretic regimen be adopted, it exerts ipecacuanha. 463 a powerfully relaxing influence over the skin. In full medicinal doses it occa- sions vomiting, followed by a tendency to sleep. Its operation as an emetic is exceedingly safe, since inflammation is not produced by it, even when an overdose has been swallowed. The vomiting produced by ipecacuanha is not so violent as that induced by emetic tartar, neither is it so long continued, nor attended with such nausea. Furthermore, ipecacuanha is less disposed to act on the bowels. The tonic and astringent qualities of the zincic compounds, as well as their want of dia- phoretic power, distinguish these emetic substances from ipecacuanha. Squill (with which ipecacuanha agrees in its expectorant and emetic qualities) is distin- guished by its greater acridity, and by its influence not being concentrated on the pul- monary organs, as is the case with ipecacuanha, which does not, therefore, possess that power of stimulating the urinary organs possessed by squill (see p. 127). The most remarkable effects of ipecacuanha seem to be produced by the agency of the eighth pair of nerves. " How singular it is," says Dr. M. Hall (Lectures in the Lancet, for April 21, 1838), " that ipecacuanha taken into the bronchia should excite asthma, and taken into the stomach should induce another affection of the respiratory system, vomiting." Sundelin (Handb. d. sp. Heilmittell. ii. 5) ascribes tbe red condition of the bronchial membrane, and the congestion of the lungs of animals killed by emetine, not to the specific stimulus exerted by this substance over the pulmonary mucous membrane, but to an exhausting stimulus over the eighth pair of nerves, by which a condition similar to suffocative ca- tarrh (Steckfius) is brought on ; for he has observed the same appearances in the bodies of persons who have died of this disease, when there was certainly no in- flammatory condition of the bronchial membrane, but a paralytic condition of its small blood-vessels. Uses.—Ipecacuanha is employed in full doses as an emetic, or in smaller doses as an expectorant or nauseam. 1. In full doses, as an emetic.—The mildness of its operation adapts ipeca- cuanha for the use of delicate and debilitated persons, where our object is merely to evacuate the contents of the stomach. Thus it is well fitted for the disorders of children requiring the use of emetics (as when the stomach is over- loaded with food, in hooping-cough, croup, &c.) on account of the mildness and certainty of its action. It is also exceedingly useful for adults (especially deli- cate females); thus, in gastric disorders, to evacuate undigested acrid matters from the stomach,—to promote the passage of biliary calculi,—as a counter- irritant at the commencement of fevers,—in many inflammatory diseases (as acute mucous catarrh, cynanche, hernia humoralis, and ophthalmia),—in asth- ma,—and as an evacuant in cases of narcotic poisoning. When the indication is to excite gentle vomiting in very weak and debilitated frames, Dr. Pye (Med. Obs. and Inq. vol. i. 240) has shown that it may be effected frequently with the utmost ease and safety by ipecacuanha in doses of from two to four grains. Dr. CuIIen (Mat. Med. ii. 474) has expressed some doubt with respect to the correctness of this statement; but it is well known that ten grains of Dover's powder (containing one grain of ipecacuanha) not unfrequently causes vomiting. The mildness of its operation is not the only ground for preferring ipecacuanha to other emetic substances. Its specific power over the pulmonary organs and the stomach leads us to prefer it in maladies of these parts, in which vomiting is likely to be beneficial; especially in those affections in which the nerves appear to be more than ordinarily involved, as spasmodic asthma and hooping cough. In the first of these complaints, Dr. Akenside (Med. Trans, i. 93) has shown that it proves equally serviceable even when it fails to occasion vomiting, and merely produces nausea. He gave a scruple in the paroxysm, to create vomiting, and, in the interval, five grains every morning, or ten grains every morning. Dr. Wright (Memoir of, pp. 379 and 397) recommends gentle emetics of ipecacuanha at the commencement of the treatment of dysentery. 2. In small doses as a nauseant, antispasmodic, diaphoretic^ and expectorant.— 464 elements of materia medica. When given in doses insufficient to occasion vomiting, ipecacuanha is serviceable in several classes of cotnplaints, especially those of the chest and alimentary canal. a. In Affections of the Respiratory Organs—Nauseating doses of ipecacuanha are used with considerable advantage in acute cases of mucous catarrh. They favour expectoration, and relaxation of the cutaneous vessels. In milder and more chronic forms, smaller doses, which do not occasion nausea, will be suffi- cient. In children, who bear vomiting much better than adults, full nauseating or even emetic doses are to be preferred. « When a child becomes hoarse, and begins to cough," says Dr. Cheyne, (Cyclop, of Prac. Med. art. Croup, vol. i. p. 496) " let every kind of stimula- tino- food be withdrawn; let him be confined in an apartment of agreeable warmth; have a tepid bath; and take a drachm of the following mixture every hour, or every two hours, if it produces sickness:—R Vini Ipecacuanha, 3iij.; Syrupi Tolut. 3v.; Mucil. Acaciae, 3j. Mix: and all danger will probably be averted. Whereas, if no change be made in the quality of the food, and if he be sent into the open air, he will probably undergo an attack of bronchitis or croup." In hooping-cough, in which disease considerable benefit is obtained by tfte use of emetic substances, ipecacuanha is frequently administered with advantage. After giving it to create vomiting, it should be administered in nauseating doses. In asthma, benefit is obtained by it, not only when given so as to occasion nausea and vomiting, as above noticed, but also in small and repealed doses. In both this and the preceding diseases, the benefit procured by the use of ipecacuanha arises, not from the mere expectorating and nauseating operation alone of this remedy, but from its influence otherwise over the eighth pair of nerves. In bron- chial hemorrhage (haemoptysis) the efficacy of ipecacuanha has been greatly com- mended. A. N. Aasheim, a Danish physician (Vis anlhcemopt. rod. ipec. in Acta Reg. Soc. Med. Hafn. i. 170), gave it in doses of one-fourth of a grain every three hours during the day, and every four hours during the night. In this way it excites nausea, and sometimes even vomiting. It checks the hemorrhage, alle- viates the cough, and relaxes the skin. (3. In Affections of the Alimentary Canal.—In indigestion, Daubenton (Mem. sur les Indigest. 1798) gave it in doses just sufficient to excite a slight sensation of vermicular motion of the stomach, without carrying it to the point of nausea. Eberle (Treat, of the Mat. Med. i. 44, 2d ed.) tried it, in his own case, with evi- dent advantage. An anti-emetic quality has been assigned to it by Schonheider (Acta Reg. Soc. Hafn. ii. 139). In dysentery, ipecacuanha has gained no tri- fling celebrity, whence its name of radix antidysenterica. In severe forms of the disease no one, I suspect, now would think of relying on it as his principal remedy ; but as an auxiliary, its efficacy is not to be denied. The advocates for its use, however, are not agreed as to the best mode of using it. Sir George Baker (De Dysenteria, 1761), and Dr. CuIIen (Mat. Med. ii. 477), consider it to be of most benefit where it acts as a purgative, but this car^.scarcely be its methodus medendi. From my own observations of its use in tbe milder forms of dysentery met with in this country, I am disposed to ascribe its efficacy in part to its diaphoretic powers, since I have always seen it promoted by conjoin- ing a diaphoretic regimen. But its tendency to produce an antiperistaltic move- ment of the intestines doubtless contributes to its antidysenteric property. It is best given, 1 think, in conjunction with opium, (of course depletion proportional to the violence of the disease and the strength of the patient preceding its use.) Its determination to the skin should be promoted by warm clothing, and the free use of mild tepid aliments. Mr. Twining (Trans, of the Med. and Phys. Soc. oj Calcutta, vol. iv. p. 170) gave ipecacuanha in large doses (grs. vj.) with extract of gentian, without causing vomiting. Mr. Playfair, (Edinb. Med. and Surg. Journal, vol. ix. p. 18) recommends from half a drachm to a drachm of ipecacu- anha, with from thirty to sixiy drops of laudanum, to be given at the commence- ment of the disease. y. In various other maladies.—As a sudorific, ipecacuanha is given in combi- IPECACUANHA. 465 nation with opium (see Pulvis Ipecacuanha compositus) in various diseases. On the continent it is esteemed as an antispasmodic. In uterine hemorrhage also it has been employed. In chronic visceral enlargements it has been administered as a resolvent. Administration.—The usual dose of ipecacuanha, in powder, as an emetic, is grs. xv. But a much smaller quantity (for example, six, or four, or even two grains) will frequently suffice, as I have before mentioned. But a scruple, or half a drachm, may be taken with perfect safety. A commonly-used emetic consists of one grain of emetic tartar, and ten or fifteen grains of ipecacuanha. For infants, half a grain or a grain of this root is usually sufficient to occasion vomiting. In all cases, the operation of the remedy should be assisted by diluents. As a nauseant the dose is from one to three grains. As an expectorant and sudorific, the dose should not exceed one grain : for infants, one-quarter or one- eighth of a grain. Ipecacuanha lozenges contain usually from a quarter to half a grain of the powder, and may be used in catarrhal affections to promote expecto- ration. Infusion of ipecacuanha (prepared by digesting 3 ij. of the coarsely-pow- dered root in F3vj- of boiling water) may be used as an emetic, in cases of narcotic poisoning, in doses of f3j. to fgij. 1. VINUM IPECACUANHA, L. E. D. (U. S.); Wine of Ipecacuanha.—(Ipecacu. anha, bruised, Jijss. [gij. D. (U. S.)] ; Sherry Wine, (Wine, U. S.) Oij. [wine measure, D.] Macerate for fourteen [seven, E.] days, and strain). According to Dr. A. T. Thomson, a pint (i. e. fjxvj.) of wine takes up 100 grains of the soluble matter of ipecacuanha. This preparation is diaphoretic, expectorant, and emetic.—Doses, for an adult, as a diaphoretic and expectorant, fT[x. to TTlxl.; as an emetic, f3ij. to f3iv. On account of the mildness of its operation, it is given, as an emetic, to children: the dose is from tn\xx. to f3j. ; according to the age of the child. It is also exceedingly useful as an expectorant in the diseases of in- fants : dose from TTlv. to ir^x. I SYRUPUS IPECACUANHA, E. (U.S.); Syrup of Ipecacuanha.—(Ipecacuanha, in coarse powder, 3iv.; Rectified Spirit, Oj.; Proof Spirit and Water, of each fgxiv. ; Syrup, Ovij. Digest the ipecacuanha in four fluid ounces of the rectified spirit, at a gentle, heat, for twenty-four hours ; strain and squeeze the liquor, and filter. Repeat this process with the residuum and proof spirit; and again with the water. Unite the fluids, and distil off the spirit till the residuum amount to twelve ounces; add to the residuum five fluid ounces of rectified spirit, and then the syrup). [The U. S. P., directs Ipecacuanha in coarse powder, 3j« 5 Diluted Alcohol, Oj. ; Syrup, Oij. Macerate the ipecacuanha in the alcohol for fourteen days and filter. Evaporate the filtered liquor to f3ij. and again filter ; then mix it with the syrup and evaporate by means of the water-bath to the proper consis- tence, or prepare the alcoholic solution by displacement, and proceed as after directed.]—A syrup of ipecacuanha is a very useful preparation for children ; but some difficulties attend its preparation. An aqueous decoction of this root contains so much starch that it can scarcely be filtered. Even the infusion filters slowly, is always turbid, and yields a syrup which does not keep well. Hence MM. Gui- bourt and Henry (Pharm. Raison. i. 502, 2d ed.) introduced a process, of which that of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia is a modification (improvement?). They prepared an alcoholic extract, which is dissolved in water and mixed wilh con- centrated syrup. About two fluid scruples of the Edinburgh preparation contain the strength of one grain of ipecacuanha ; hence the dose of it, as an emetic, for infants, will be half a teaspoonful; for adults, f3j. or f3iss. As an expectorant, the dose is f3j. to f3ij. 2. PULVIS IPECACUANHA COMPOSITUS, L. E. D.; Compound Powder of Ipecacu- anha; (Pulvis Ipecacuanha? et Opii, U. S.); Dover's Powder; Pulvis Doveri, offic.—(Ipecacuanha, powdered ; Hard Opium, powdered, of each 3j. ; Sulphate of Potash, powdered, 3j- Mix them. The proportions used by all the British Colleges are the .same. The Dublin College directs the Sulphate of Potash to be rubbed with the Opium, and the Ipecacuanha to be then intermixed.) This preparation is an 466 elements of materia medica. imitation, (though not a very exact one) of a formula given by Dover (Tlie ancient Physician's Legacy to his Country, p. 14, 1733); whence it is commonly known in the shops as Dover's Powder. The following is Dr. Dover's recipe: " Take Opium, 3j.; Saltpetre; Tartar vitriolated, of each 3iv.; Ipecacuhana, 3j.; Liquorice, 3j. Put the saltpetre and tartar into a red-hot mortar, stirring them with a spoon until they have done flaming. Then powder them very fine. After that slice in your opium ; grind these to a powder, and then mix the other powders with them. Dose, from 40 to 60 or 70 grs. in a glass of white wine posset, going to bed. Covering up warm, and drink a quart or three pints of the posset while sweating." The compound powder of ipecacuanha is one of our most certain, powerful, and valuable sudorifics. The sulphate of potash is intended to serve the double pur- pose of promoting the sudorific operation of the other ingredients, and of minutely dividing, by the.hardness of its particles, the opium and ipecacuanha. The nitrate of potash also employed by Dr. Dover probably contributed still farther to the sudorific effect.of the powder. The opium and ipecacuanha combined, enjoy great sudorific properties not possessed by either of these substances individually. I am inclined, however, to ascribe the greater part of the activity of the compound to the opium, which it is well known strongly determines to the cutaneous surface (see Opium), and often produces pricking or itching of the skin ; and when assisted by the copious use of warm aqueous diluents, operates as a sudorific. This effect, however, is greatly promoted by the ipecacuanha, which has a relaxing influence over the cutaneous vessels. The use of the posset, enjoined by Dr. Dover, is an important part of the sudorific plan. The contra-indications for the use of com- pound powder of ipecacuanha are an irritable condition of the stomach (when this preparation is apt to occasion sickness), and cerebral disorder. Thus, in fever, a dry furred tongue, and a dry skin, with much disorder of the cerebro-spinal func- tions, it, like other opiates, is calculated to prove most injurious. In such cases, the antimonial sudorifics may be resorted to (see vol. i. pp. 204 and 572). But when the tongue is moist, the skin, if not damp, at least soft, and the functions of the brain not much involved, it will probably operate beneficially. In slight colds, catarrhs, and rheumatic pains, it often proves most effectual. In various inflammatory affections, when the febrile excitement does not run too high, and when the brain is undisturbed, it may be used with good effect. In acute rheuma- tism, it is occasionally highly serviceable. In diarrhoea and dysentery also. In hemorrhages from internal organs, as the uterus, it is useful on the principle of revulsion or counter-irritation (vol. i. p. 153), by its power of determining to the skin. The dose of this preparation is usually from grs. v. to grs. x., given in cur- rant jelly or gruel, or made into a pill (see Pilulce Ipecacuanhce et Opii), or ad- ministered in a common saline draught. Where the stomach is irritable, I have frequently seen five grains cause sickness. On the other hand, in some cases where a powerful sudorific is required, and the head quite free, grs. xv. or even 9j. of this powder are nqt unfrequently given. 4. PILULA IPECACUANHA COMPOSITA, L.; Pilulce Ipecacuanha et Opii, E.; Compound Pills of Ipecacuanha ; Pills of Ipecacuanha and Opium.—(Com- pound Powder of Ipecacuanha, 3 i i j - ; Squill, fresh-dried ; Ammoniacum, of each, 3j.; Mixture of Acacia, as much as may be sufficient. Beat them together until incorporated, L.—Powder of Ipecacuanha and Opium, three parts ; Conserve of Red Roses, one part; beat them into a proper mass, which is to be divided into four-grain pills, E.)—Narcotic, and sudorific. Employed in chronic catarrh.— Dose, gr. v. to gr. x. §. TROCHISCI MORPHIA ET IPECACUANHA, (See Morphia). 3. UNCA'RIA GAM'BIER, Roxburgh, E.—THE GAMBIR. Nau'cleaGam'bir, Hunter. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Monogynia. (The extract obtained from the leaves, E.; Gambir, or Gambir-Catechu.) History.—Gambier, or Gambir, is the Malay name of an extract obtained from the leaves of this shrub. Rumphius (Herb. Amboin. vol. v. tab. 34,) has described the plant under the name of Funis uncatus, or Daun Gotta Gambir. GAMBIR. 467 Botany. Gen. char. — Limb of calyx short, urceolate, five-cleft. Corolla funnel-shaped; tube slender; throat naked ; lobes five, spreading, oval-oblong. Anthers enclosed or protruded. Style filiform, protruded ; stigma tumid, un- divided. Capsules pedicellate, clavate, tapering to the base. Seeds numerous, imbricated, winged.—Climbing shrubs. Peduncles when old becoming axillary compressed hooked spines. Flowers in loose heads (Lindley ; De Cand.) Sp. Char.—Branches terete. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, acute, with short petioles, smooth on both sides. Stipules ovate. Peduncles axillary, solitary, opposite, bracteolated about the middle ; ihe lowest ones sterile, converted into booked spines (De Cand.) A stout, scandent shrub. Flowrets green and pink. Capsules stalked, clavate, two-celled, two-valved. Hab.—Islands of East Indian Archipelago. Extensively cultivated. On the Is- land of Bintang there are 60,000 Gambir plantations. (Bennett's Wanderings, ii.) Extraction of Gambir.—Two methods of obtaining Gambir are described : one consists in boiling the leaves in water, and inspissating the decoction ; the other, which yields the best Gambir, consists in infusing the leaves in warm water, by which a fecula is obtained, which is inspissated by the heat of the sun, and formed info cakes. (Asiatic Researches, xi. 188.) Dr. Campbell (Roxburgh, Fl. Ind. i. 518,) has described the method of making the circular or cylindrical variety of Gambier, as followed in the colony established by the Sultan of Moco, where the manufacture is carried on to a con- siderable extent. It consists in shredding and bruising the young shoots and leaves " in water for some hours, until a fecula is deposited ; this, inspissated in the sun to the consistence of a paste, is thrown into moulds of a circular form, and in this state the Gambier is brought to market." Dr. Roxburgh (op. cit.) describes the manufacture of the cubical variety as practised eastward of the Bay of Bengal. The process consists in " boiling the leaves and young shoots; evaporating the decoction by fire and the heat of the sun. When sufficiently in- spissated, it is spread out thin, and cut into little square cakes, and dried." Mr. Bennett, (Wanderings, ii. 183,) has given a very full account of the method of making the cubical variety as practised at Singapore. The leaves are plucked from the primings, and boiled in a qualie, or cauldron (made of bark, with an iron bottom); after being boiled twice and rinsed, they are used as a manure for the pepper vine. The decoction is evaporated to the consistence of a very thick extract, of a light, yellowish, brown colour, like clay, which is placed in oblong moulds. The pieces thus obtained are divided into squares, and dried in the sun on a raised platform. Hunter (Linn. Trans, ix.) says, Sago is often intermixed with the extract, but Bennett denies that this is done at Singapore. The best Gambier is made at Rhio, in the isle of Bintang; the next best is that of Lingin. Commerce.—Gambir (the cubical variety) is imported from Singapore princi- pally. Its principal use here is for tanning; and among dealers it i.s distinguished from catechu, cutch, &c, by the name of terra japonica. The following are the quantities imported during the last four years (Messrs. Powell's Annual Price Current for 1840) : In 1836.................... 970tons. I In 1838...................... 1600 tons. 1837.................... 2738 | 1839...................... 52)3 During the last three years its price has varied from 15s. to 265. per cwt. The duty on it is Is. per cwt. It is brought over in cane baskets, lined with palm- leaves. Mr. Bennett says they are made of a kind of rattan found in the jungle at Singapore. Description and Varieties.— Gambir (Terra Japonica, of tanners; Catechu in square cakes, of druggists; Cubical Resinous Catechu, of Guibourt; Gambier of Second quality, Bennett) (Med. and Phys. Journ. vol. Ixvii.), occurs in cubes, whose faces are about an inch square. When thrown into water, it floats. These cubes are externally of a deep reddish or yellowish brown colour; 468 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. their fracture is dull and porous, and internally their colour is paler than that of their surface, being yellowish cinnamon-brown ; the fractured surface not unfre- quently presenting some darker feebly shining stripes, extending from without inwards. This kind has no odour; its taste is powerfully astringent and bitter, but subsequently becoming, sweetish. It melts entirely in the mouth. When heated in a platinum crucible it undergoes a kind of semifusion, and swells up ; and when incinerated leaves a light white ash. Nees v. Esenbeck (Handb. d. Med. Pharm. Bot. i. 881,)-says twenty grains of this Gambir leave only half a grain of ash. It is partially soluble in cold water. When boiled in water it almost completely dissolves, and yields a decoction which, while hot, is clear reddish- brown, but, on cooling becomes turbid, owing to the deposition of catechine. By digestion in ether it forms a deep reddish-brown tincture, which, by evaporation, yields a reddish-brown astringent extract: the portion which is insoluble in ether is dark brown, tough and elastic. Examined by the microscope, Gambir is found to consist in great part of myriads of minule crystals (catechine) intermixed with a kind of mucous tissue. Mr. Bennett (Med. and Phys. Journ. lxvii.) has described three qualities of Gambir, specimens of which are contained in my own collection, as well as that of the Medico-Botanical Society of London. To these I must add a fourth, which I have received from Professor Guibourt. 1. Small Circular Moulded Gambir: Gambir of the first quality, Bennett; Lozenge Gambir.—This occurs in small round cakes, about the size of a small lozenge. Its form is something like that of a plano-convex lens, slightly flattened on the convex side. One of its surfaces is flat, round, about half an inch in diameter ; the other one is convex with a starlike pattern impressed on it. Its colour is pale pinkish yellow white. It has a chalky or earthy feel, and is brittle. Specimens of this are in the collection of the Medico-Botanical Society. Amylaceous Lozenge Gambir.—Under the name of Gambir, or China Catechu, I have received from Bombay small circular cakes of Gambir adulterated with sago meal. The cakes are circular and cylindrical, about 3j^ lines in diameter, and two lines thick; flat at the bottom, and slightly convex at the top. They are grayish yellowish white; have a cretaceous feel, and are easily re- duced to powder. Their decoction when cold is rendered blue by tincture of iodine. Examined by the microscope multitudes of particles of sago may be detected, intermixed with crystals of catechine. I have received the same kind of gambir from Dr. D. Maclagan, of Edinburgh, under Ihe name of White Gambir. 8. Gambir in parallelopipeds i Gambir of the second quality, Bennett.—This occurs in two forms : cubes (forming the Gambier of English commerce, described in the text,) and square prisms or oblong pieces. The latter I received from Dr. Maclagan, of Edinburgh, under the name of Yellow Gambir in parallelopipeds. The length of the prisms is two inches; the size of the terminal faces half an inch square. In other respects the oblong variety agrees with the square kind. , 3. Cylindrical Gambir J Gambir of the third quality, Bennett.—This occurs in circular discs, or short cylindrical pieces, the length of the cylinder being only about one-third of an inch, while its diameter is one inch and a quarter. One of the round surfaces is marked with the fibres of a cloth, on which the cakes have been dried. The colour internally is pale, dull, pinkish yellow, externally being a shade darker. Its fracture is dull and porous. It is easily scraped to powder with the nail, and in this state has a chalky feel. Its taste is astringent, but less so than the other kinds; it is gritty under the teeth. It sinks in water. The samples in ihe Medico-Botanical Society are somewhat smaller than those which I have found in commerce. This kind contains many impurities. 4. Cubical Amylaceous Gambir.—It is in cubes, which swim in water, and whose faces are about half an inch square. Externally these cubes are dark brown, being darker-coloured than the kind just described. Its fracture is dull and porous, its colour internally being pale cinnamon.brown. It is readily distinguished from all other kinds of Gambir, by the black colour produced when the tincture of iodine is applied to the fractured surface. When digeeted in water it is resolved into two parts : Matter soluble in water................................................ 45 Matter insoluble in water, principally amylaceous...................... 55 The amylaceous matter is probably sago. 100 Composition.—Gambir (the cubical variety) was analyzed by Nees v. Esen- beck, (Pharm. Cenir..Blatt. far 1830,45,) who found Tannin 36 to 40 per cent., Peculiar Matter, Gum or Gummy Extractive, Tannic Deposit (similar to red cinchonic), and 2§ per cent, of Woody Fibre. 1. Tannic Acid.—The properties of this acid have been before (p. 201,) described. That ex- traded from Gambir is soluble in water, and ether, and gives a green colour to the salts of iron. dyer's madder. 469 2. Catechine; Catechuic Acid; Tanningensaure, Buchner; Resinous Tannin, Nees.—When Gambir is treated with cold water, an insoluble residuum is left: this is impure catechine, and was termed by Nees, Resinous Tannin. When obtained quite pure, it is a white, light powder, composed of silky needles, having a peculiar sweet taste. It is very slightly soluble only in cold waler, more so in boiling water. Ether, and especially alcohol, are better solvents for it. It pro- duces a green colour with salts of iron, but does not produce a precipitate with a gelatinous solu- tion. Its composition is Cla H8 O8. If it be digested in caustic potash, and the solulion exposed to the air, oxygen is absorbed, and the catechine acid is converted into Japonic Acid, composed of C'a H* O*. But if it be dissolved in carbonate of potash, and exposed to the air without heal, it is converted into Rubinic Acid, composed of Cs4 H8 O8. Physiological Effects.—Gambir is one of the most powerful of the pure astringents, whose effects have been before described (see vol. i. p. 196). Its sweet taste depends, in part at least, on catechuic acid. Uses.—It is employed by druggists as catechu (see Acacia Catechu). 4. RU'BIA TINCTO'RUM, Linn, D.—DYER'S MADDER. Sex. Syst. Tetrandria, Monogynia. (Radix, D.) (Rubia, U. S. Sec. List.) History.—Madder (spuSpo'^avov) was employed in medicine by Hippocrates. (Ed. Foes. 407 and 634); Theophrastus, (Hist. Plant, ix. 14,) Dioscorides, (lib. iii. cap. 160,) and Pliny, (Hist. Nat. lib. xxiv. cap. 66 and 68, ed. Valp.) also mention this substance. In the middle ages it was called varantia. (Beckmann, Hist, of Invent, and Discern, iii. 275.) Botany. Gen. char.—Tube of the calyx ovate-globose; limb scarcely any. Corolla, five-partite, rotate. Stamens short. Styles two, short. Fruit didymous, somewhat globose, baccate, juicy (De Cand.) Sp. char.—Herbaceous. Leaves four to six in a whorl, somewhat petiolate, lanceolate, smooth above; their margin and keel, as well as the angles of the stem, aculeate, rough. Peduncles axillary, trichotomous. Lobes of the corolla gradually callous-acuminate, not cuspidate (De Cand.) Root perennial, horizontal, long, crouching, reddish-brown. Stems several, herbaceous, tetragonal, with hooked prickles. Leaves somewhat membranous. Flowers small, yellow. Hab.—Levant and south of Europe. Description and Varieties.—Madder roots (radix rubice tinctorum) are long, cylindrical, about the thickness of a writing-quill, branched, externally deep red- dish-brown. They consist of an easily separable cortex, whose epidermis is thin, and of a ligneous meditullium, which in the fresh state is yellow, but by drying becomes reddish. The odour of the root is feeble ; the taste is bitter and astringent. Levant, Turkey, or Smyrna Madder, is imported whole, and constitutes-the roots usually found in the shops. Dutch or Zealand Madder is imported ground. Four kinds of the powder are distinguished : crop (the best), ombro, gamene, and mull (the worst). French Madder is imported both ground and whole; it is pro- duced in (he environs of Avignon and Alsace. Small quantities of Spanish Mad- der are imported. The substance termed East India Madder, or Munjeet, is the root of Rubia Munjista, Roxb. Composition.—Several analyses of madder have been made, viz. by Bucholz, (Gmelin, Handb. d. C/iem. ii. 1280,) John, (Ibid.) and Kuhlmann, (Ann. Chim. et Phys. xxiv. 225.) Bucholz. Resinous red colouring matter............... 1'2 Extractive ditto............................. 390 Reddish-brown substance, soluble in potash and hot alcohol......................... 1-9 A pungent extractive........................ 06 Gummy matter............................. 9'0 Woody fibre................................. 22-5 Matter soluble in potash..................... 4-6 Vegetable salts of lime, with colouring matter 1"8 Water...................................... 120 Lobs........ ............................... 7-4 Kuhlmann. Red colouring matter. Yellow ditto (Xanthin). Mucilage. Nitrogenous matter. Bitter substance. Gum. Sugar. Woody fibre. Vegetable acid. Porous n-siu. Salts in the ashos. Madd»r root.......................... 10000 vol. ii. 40 Madder root. 470 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. The nature of ihe colouring matters of madder has been further investigated by Robiquet and Colin, (Ann. Chim. et Phys. xxxiv. 225,) by Gaultier de Claubry and Persoz, (Ibid, xlviii. 69,) and by Runge, (Records of Science, ii. 452, and iii. 44 and 135.) According to the last mentioned chemist, there are no less than five colouring matters in madder. The same chemist mentions two colourless acids of madder, viz., Madderic and Rubiacic Acids. The colouring matters are as follows : 1. Madder Purple (? Purpurin, Robiquet and Colin).—An orange-yellow crystalline powder. It is slightly soluble in cold water, very readily so in alcohol and ether. A strong solution of alum dissolves it. AJkalis dissolve it, forming cherry-red solutions. The colours which it im- parts to mordanted tissues are less permanent than those produced by madder-red. 2. Madder Red (1 Alizarin, Robiquet and Colin).—Is red, insipid, odourless, crystallizable by sublimation, insoluble in a strong solution of alum, almost insoluble in cold water, but is soluble in alcohol and ether. Alkalis dissolve it, forming violet-coloured solutions. It dyes cloths, which have been mordanted red. Its composition is C37 H12 O10. 3. Madder Orange.—Is very soluble in ether, sparingly so in cold alcohol. If water be added to a hot solution in spirit, crystals are deposited. 4. Madder Yellow (? Xanthin, Kuhlmann).—It is very soluble in water and alcohol. It has no affinity for cotton impregnated with the alum mordant. 5. Madder Brown.—Not being valuable as a dye-stuff, it has not been carefully examined. It appears from Decaisne's observations1 that the colouring matter of Rubia tinctorum does not reside in peculiar vessels or secretory apparatus, but in the interior of the elementary organs. Nor is it confined to the root, for in the stem of full-grown plants larger or smaller spots are here and there found, where the cells and spiral vessels are filled with it. Moreover, it appears that in madder root only yellow colouring matter is observed, which is the more intense as the plant is older. When the yellow sap of the root comes in contact with the atmo- sphere, it acquires, by the influence of oxygen and moisture, a red colour, and a granular substance forms in it. Physiological Effects.—The influence of madder over the system is ex- ceedingly slight. Its topical effect is scarcely obvious. Home (Clin. Experi- ments, p. 422, 2d ed.) ascribed to it emmenagogue qualities. Others have de- clared it to be diuretic. Neither of these effects, however, were observed by Dr. CuIIen. (Mat. Med.) It may, perhaps, possess mild astringent and tonic properties. But the most remarkable physiological effect of madder is that of colouring the bones of animals fed with it, red. This fact was noticed by Belcher (Phil. Trans, vol. xxxix.); though Beckmann (Hist, of Invent, and Discov. iii. 279,) has adduced evidence to prove that some hints of it are to be found in the works of the ancients. This effect on the bones is produced more effectually, and in. a much shorter time in young than old animals. In birds, the beak and claws become coloured. As the nerves, cartilages, aponeuroses, tendons, and periosteum are not tinged, the effect is ascribed to the chemical affinity of the phosphate of lime for this colouring matter. Mr. Gibson (Manchester Memoirs, i. 146, 2d Ser.) accounts for it as follows:—The blood charged with the red particles imparts its superabundance of them to the phosphate as it circulates through the bones. But as soon as the blood is freed from the madder by ex- cretion, the serum then attracts the colouring matter, and in a little time entirely abstracts it. This hypothesis has, however, been combated by Mr. Paget, (Lond. Med. Gaz. Nov. 15, 1839,) who asserts that the madder colours only those particles of phosphate of lime which are deposited during its use; and that it has no in- fluence on the phosphate already existing in the bones before its administration, nor has the serum any chemical power to remove the colour from the phosphate once tinged. The coloured phosphate does indeed regain its whiteness after a time, when the madder is no longer exhibited; but this he ascribes to the 1 Recherehes Anatom. et Physiol, sur la Oaranee. Bruxelles, 1837. Also Meyer's Report on the Progress of Ve- getable Physiology during the year 1837, translated by W. Francis, p. 49, Lond. 1839. OTHER RUBIACEiE. 471 " gradual decomposition of the madder, as reddened skeletons gradually lose their colour when exposed to air and light." As, however, living bones are not sub- jected to the same influence of air and light (powerful decolorizers), which the skeletons referred to are, the analogy does not hold good; and this part of Mr. Paget's hypothesis is, therefore, unsatisfactory. Tiedemann and Gmelin (Vers. u. d. 'Wegen auf welch Subst. S. 7) could not detect the colouring matter of madder in the chyle ; and the red tint of the serum prevented them ascertaining its existence in the blood, though o£ this scarcely a doubt can exist, inasmuch as it has been found in the excretions (for example, urine, milk, and sweat). Uses—It was formerly a favourite remedy in jaundice, in which disease Syden- ham used it. (Sydenham's Works, by Dr. Pechey, p. 150, 4th ed. 1705.) On account of its capability of tinging the bones red, it has been recommended in rickets and mollities ossium, on the supposition of its promoting the deposition of bone earth (Journ. de Med. t. xxxvii. 1772); but this notion appears to be groundless. Home (Clin. Exper.) employed it as an emmenagogue in uterine complaints.—The dose of it is 3ss. to 3ij. three or four times a day. Fig. 210. Fig. 211. OTHER MEDICINAL. AND DIETETICAL. RUBIACE^I. 1. Psycho'tria Emet'ica is a native of Colombia, Peru, and probably other parts of South America. Its roots constitute the striated ipecacuanha of Richard, Guibourt, and Merat; the black or Peruvian ipecacuanha of some other authors. They arc neither annulated nor un- dulated, but longitudinally striated. They have deep circular intersections at various distances, giving them the appearance of being articulated: and when slight force is used, they fracture at these parts. As met with in commerce, they have externally a blackish-gray colour, with a brownish tinge; but when fresh, they are said to be dirty red- dish.gray. Their fracture is resinous: the meditullium, or central ligneous cord, is yel- lowish, and perforated by numerous holes, which are very visible by a magnifier : the cortical portion is softish, easily separable, and of a grayish-black colour, becoming much deeper when moistened. Its powder is deep gray. According to the analysis of Pelletier, this root consists of— emetina 9, fatty matter 12, gallic acid a trace, gum, starch, and lig- neous matter 79. 2. Richardso'nia scabra (R. braziliensis, Go- mez) is a native of the Brazils, New Granada, Peru, «fec. Its root is the undulated ipecacu- anha of Guibourt; the amylaceous or white ipecacuanha of Merat. It has a jointed ap- pearance, from constrictions which are remote from eacli other. It is about the same size as that of the annulated species; is tortuous, at- tenuated at the extremities ; externally of a grayish-while colour, becoming brownish by age. It presents no rings, properly so called, but is marked by semicircular grooves. It. consists, like the annulated species, of a thin, yellowish meditullium, and a cortical portion. The fracture of the root is not at all resinous, but farinaceous, and of a dull-white colour: the fra< Hired surface presenting, when exa- mined by it magnifier, numerous shining pear- ly, probably amylaceous, spots. The odour is musty. The composition of it, according lo lYIIrlier, is emetina 6, fatty matter 2, starch and ligneous matter (very little of the latter) 92. Striated Ipecacuanha (Roots of Psychotria emetica). a. An old root with a well-mark- ed intersection. b. Contorted root. Undulated Ipecacuanha Root. a. Root of Richardsonia scabra. b. Root of a Richardsonia. 472 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Fig. 212. Coffea Arabica. 3. Coffea Arabica.—The important dietetical uses of coffee (semina coffea), the albumen of the seed of Coffea arabica, demands a short notice. The coffee plant is a native of Arabia Felix and Ethiopia, but is extensively cultivated in Asia and America. It is an evergreen shrub, from fifteen to twenty feet high, with oblong-ovate, acuminate, smooth leaves, a five- loothed calyx, a white tubular corolla, with a five-parted spreading limb, five stamina, one pistil with a bifid style, and an oval, succu- lent, blackish-red or purplish two-seecled berry. The seeds are en- closed in a membranous endocarp (the parchment-like putamen of some botanists), and consist of a horny, yellow, bluish, or greenish albumen, which is on one side flat, with a longitudinal furrow, on the other convex. At one end of the seed is the embryo, with its cordiform cotyledons. The dried berries were imported from Deme- rara in 1839. Occasionally the seeds contained in their endocarp (coffee in the husk) are met with in commerce. The varieties of coffee are distinguished in commerce according to their places of growth; but considered with reference to their physical properties, they are characterized by colour (yellow, bluish, or greenish) and size (the smaller seeds are about three lines long and two broad, the largest five lines long and two lines and a half broad). Arabian or Mocha Coffee is small, and dark yellow. Java and East India (Malabar) kinds are larger, and paler yellow. The Ceylon is more analogous to the West India kinds (Jamaica, Berbice, Demerara, Dominica, Barbadoes, &c.), which, as well as the Brazilian, have a bluish or greenish-gray tint. Roasted Coffee (semina coffea losta) is, when ground, extensively adulterated with chicory. To detect the adulteration, shake the suspected coffee with "cold water in a wine-glass: if it be pure coffee it will swim, and scarcely communicate any colour to the fluid. Chicory, on the other hand, sinks, and communicates a deep red tint to the water. The presence of roasted corn may be detected by the blue colour produced on the addition of a solution of iodine to the cold decoction. Coffee, in both the raw and roasted states, has been the subject of repeated chemical investigations (see Thomson, Org. Chem. p. 98); but the results hitherto obtained can scarcely be considered satisfactory. The distilled water of coffee offers traces of a volatile oil. Pfaff declares that the aroma of roasted coffee depends on the volatilization, or rather de- composition, of a peculiar acid contained in raw coffee, and which has been denominated caffeic acid. The same authority gives for the composition of this acid—Carbon 29-1, Hydrogen 6-9, and Oxygen 6-4. Zenneck, however, asserts, that the aromatic principle of roasted coffee is neither acid nor alkaline. It is, probably, a volatile oil, generated during torrefaction, though it is not known what constituent of (he raw coffee produces it. Caffein is a volatile, crystal- line, neutral constituent of coffee. Its composition is C8 H'5 Ns Oa. The decoction of coffee is coloured green by the persalts of iron, probably in consequence of the presence of catechine. By the action of alkalis on a volatile principle of coffee, a green substance is produced, called coffee green. The other constituents of coffee are—gum, resin, fixed oil, extractive, albumen,and lignin. The following is a comparative analysis of raw and roasted Martinico coffee, made by Schrader: Raw Coffee. Peculiar coffee principle................. 17-58 Gummy and mucilaginous extract........ 3-64 Extractive.............................. 0-62 Resin................................... 0-41 Fatty oil................................ 0 52 Solid residue............................ 66 66 Loss (water?)........................... 10-57 Roasted Coffee. Coffee principle......................... 12-50 Extractive.............................. 4-80 Gum and mucilage...................... 10-42 Oil and resin ..."....................... 2 08 Solid residue............................ 68-75 Loss.................................... T45 10000 10000 Raw coffee must be slightly nutrilious, on account of the gum and other nutritive principles which it contains. Rasori employed it, like powdered bark, in intermittent fever; and Grindel used it, in other cases, also as a substitute for cinchona. By roasting, its nutritive principles are (for the most part) destroyed, while the empyreumatic matters developed communicate a stimu- lant influence with respect to the nervous system. Roasted coffee possesses powerfully anti-soporific properties; hence its use as a drink by those who desire nocturnal study, and as an antidote to counteract the effects of opium, and other narcotics, and to relieve intoxication. In those unaccustomed to its use it is apt to occasion thirst and constipation. I know two persons on whom it acts as a purgative. It is some- times very useful in relieving headache. It has also been employed as a febrifuge, in inter- mittents; as a stomachic, in some forms of dyspepsia; as an astringent, in diarrhoea; and as a stimulant to the cerebro-spinal system, in some nervous disorders. Floyer, Dr. Percival, and others, have used it in spasmodic asthma; and Laennec (Treatise on Diseases of the Chest, by Forbes, 2d ed. p. 418} says, "I have myself seen several cases in which coffee was really useful." Ily COMMON ELDER. 473 Order LIU.—CAPRIFOLlACEiE, Jussieu.—THE HONEYSUCKLE TRIBE. Essential Character.—Calyx superior, four or five cleft, usually with two or more bracts at its base. Corolla t-uperior, monopetalous or polypetalous, rotate or tubular, regular or irregular. Stamens epipetalous, equal in number to the lobes of the corolla, and alternate with them. Ovary with from one to three or four cells, one of which is often monospermous, the others polyspermous : in the former the ovule is pendulous; style one; stigmas one, or three to four. Fruit indehiscent, one or more celled, either dry, fleshy, or succulent, crowned by the persistent lobes of the calyx. Seeds either solitary and pendulous, or numerous and attached to the axis ; testa often long ; embryo straight, in fleshy albumen; radicle next the hilum.—Shrubs or her. baceous plants, with opposite leaves, destitute of stipules. Flowers usually corymbose, and often sweet-scented. (Lindley.) Properties.—Not uniform. SAMBUCUS NIGRA, Linn., L. E. D.—COMMON ELDER. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Trigynia. (Flores, L.—Flowers, £.—Flores. Baccee. Cortex interior, D.) History.—Hippocrates employed the elder (gcxttj) in medicine. Botany. Gen. char.—Limb of the calyx small, five-cleft. Corolla rotate, pitcher-shaped, five-cleft; its lobes obtuse. Stamens five. Style none. Stig- mas three, sessile. Berry roundish, scarcely crowned, pulpy, one-celled (Gsertn.), three to five-seeded; funiculi bearing the oblong seeds in the axis of the fruit. (De Cand.) Sp. char.—Stem shrubby, somewhat arboreous. Leaves pinnatisect, smooth ; segments ovate-lanceolate, serrate. Corymbs five-partite. (De Cand.) Stem much and irregularly (though always oppositely) branched, of quick growth; branches (after a year's growth) clothed with smooth gray bark, and filled with a light spongy pith. Leaflets deep green, smooth, usually two pair, with an odd one. Cymes [corymbs] large, smooth, of numerous cream-eoloured flowers, with a sweet but faint smell; some in each cyme sessile. Berries globular, purplish-black ; their stalks reddish. (Smith.) Halt.—Indigenous : in hedges, coppices, and woods; common. Description.—The liber or inner bark (cortex interior sambuci) is collected from the branches : its colour is greenish-white ; its taste sweetish astringent; its odour feeble. Its infusion is rendered slightly green by the sesquichloride of iron. Elder flowers (flores sambuci) are white when fresh, but by drying become yel- low, and retain an agreeable odour. Elder berries (baccce sambuci) yield, by ex- pression, a pale juice, called elder rob. Composition.—I am unacquainted with any analysis of elder bark. The flowers were analyzed by Eliason, (Gmelin, Handb. de Chem. ii. 1279,) who obtained from them volatile oil, acrid resin, tannin, oxidized extractive, nitrogenous ex- tractive, gum, woody fibre, glutinous matter, albumen, malates of potash and lime, mineral salts, and a trace of sulphur. Elder juice contains malic acid, a little citric acid, sugar, pectin, and colouring matter, which is reddened by acids, and made green by alkalis. Physiological Effects.—The flowers, owing to their volatile oil, are mildly stimulant, and, perhaps, sudorific. The berries are cooling, aperient, and diuretic. The inner bark (liber) is hydragogue, cathartic, and emetic. The leaves, probably, possess similar, though less energetic, properties. Uses.—The flowers are seldom employed, except in the preparation of elder- flower water and elder ointment. The use of the berries is now almost solely confined to the manufacture of elder wine. The inspissated juice of the berries is, however, an officinal preparation. The inner bark has been used as a hydra- gogue cathartic in dropsy. It may be given in decoction (prepared by boiling 3j. of the bark in Oij. of water to Oj.), in doses of fjiv. Smaller doses have been used as an aperient and resolvent in various chronic disorders. 1. OLEUM SAMBUCI, L. Oil of Elder.— (Directed to be obtained from the flowers 40* 474 elements of materia medica. by submitting them to distillation with water.)—By distillation the flowers yield a small quantity of butyraceous, odoriferous oil, but totally unfit for any useful pur- pose. Its introduction into the Pharmacopoeia must, therefore, have been an over- sight. The liquid sold in the shops as Green Oil (Oleum viride), or Oil of Elder, is prepared by boiling leaves (usually those of the elder) in rape oil. It is em- ployed as a liniment. 2. AQUA SAMBUCI, L. E.; Elder-Floiver Water. (Elder-flowers [fresh, E.], lb. x. [or Oil of Elder, 3ij. L.] ; Water, Cong. ij.; Proof Spirit, fjvij. [Rectified Spirit, f 3iij. E.] Mix them, and let a gallon distil.)—Elder-flower water is fre- quently made from ihe pickled flowers (flores sambuci saliti), which are prepared with alternate layers of the flowers and common salt compressed and preserved in a well-closed vessel [usually a cask]: the water which exudes being rejected. It cannot be made from the oil, as ordered by the London College. It is princi- pally used as a perfume. I. UNGUENTUM SAMBUCI, L. D.; Elder Ointment. (Elder-flowers, Lard, of each lb. ij. ; boil the Elder-flowers in the lard until they become crisp ; then pass through a linen cloth.)—The Dublin College uses the leaves instead of the flowers. The formula is as follows :—Fresh leaves of Elder, lb. iij.; Prepared Hog's Lard, lb. iv.; Prepared Mutton Suet, lb. ij. Make an ointment in the same manner as the Savine Ointment. The Unguentum Sambuci, Ph. L. is the white elder ointment of the shops. Except in its agreeable odour it has no advantage over spermaceti ointment. The Unguentum Sambuci, Ph. D. is the green elder ointment of the shops ; it is ino- dorous. It is popularly used as a cooling ointment. 4. SUCCUS SPISSATUS SAMBUCI, D.; Inspissated Juice of Elder; Elder Rob. (Prepared as the succus spissatus aconiti).—Refrigerant, laxative, and diuretic. Diluted with water it forms a cooling beverage in febrile and inflammatory dis- orders.—Dose, 3j. to 3ij. [For the same purposes the Sambucus canadensis is used in the U. S.—J. C] Order LIV.—ARALIACE^E, Richard.—THE ARALIA TRIBE. Aramje, Jussieu. 1. Pa'nax quinqcefo'lium, Linn., is a native of North America, growing in the Northern' Middle, and Western States of the Union. Its root is the Ame- FlG. 213. rican Ginseng (radix ginseng). It is exported to China, where it is highly valued. Pieces of it are said to be occasionally found intermixed with senega root. 2. Pa'nax Schin'seng, Nees v. Esenbeck, is a native of Asia, and has been usually confounded with the preceding species. Nees admits three varieties :—P. Schin-seng, var. coraiensis ; P. Schin-seng, var. japonica, and P. Schin-seng. var. nepalensis; (P. Pseudo-ginseng, Wallich). The root of this species is the Asiatic Ginseng (radix ninsi). The Chinese physicians ascribe the most improbable and ex- travagant virtues to ginseng. They regard it as an invigorating and aphrodisiac agent. At Pekin it is said to have been some- times worth its weight in gold! To the taste it is mucilaginous, sweetish, somewhat bitter, and slightly aromatic. In Europe it is believed to possess very little power. [3. Aralia Nudicaulis, U. S. False Sarsaparilla, Sec. List. Panax quinquefolium. This is an indigenous plant of the United States, where, in ad- dition to the name given, it is called small spikenard. The flower, stem, and leaf, arise together from the root; the former is naked, terminated by three umbels with small greenish flowers; the leaf is ternate or quinate, in three divisions ; the leaflets are oval and acuminate; the whole leaf is longer than the flower. The root is officinal: it is horizontal, creeping, several feet long, as thick as the little finger, of a yellowish-brown colour externally, having an aromatic odour and a warm sweetish taste. It differs from sarsaparilla in its woody structure and central medulla. In its medicinal properties, it is mildly stimulating and diaphoretic, and is used as a domestic remedy in rheumatism and other chronic diseases. The form of administration is decoction.—J. C] COMMON CARAWAY. 475 Order LV.—UMBELLIFERTE, Jussieu.—THE UMBELLIFEROUS TRIBE. Apiaceje, Lindley. Essential Character.—Tube of the calyx adherent to the ovary ; the limb [superior calyx of Lindley] entire, or five-tootlied, or obsolete. Petals five, inserled into the upper part of the calyx [inserted on the outside of a fleshy epi?ynous disc, Lindley], usually inflexed at the point; aestivation imbricate, rarely valvate. Stamens five, alternate with the petals, incurved in activation. Ovary [inferior Lindley] adherent to the calyx, two (rarely one) celled, with solitary pendulous ovules : styles two, distinct, incrassated at the base into slylopodia, cover- ing the whole of the ovarium; stigmas simple. Fruit (called diachcena, polyachana, or ere. mocurpium) consisting of two mericarps (i. e. two carpella, with half of the calyx attached, so that they can be called neither carpella nor achenia), separable from a common axis (carpo- phorus), to which they adhere by their face (commissure); the dorsal surface of each carpel is traversed by ridges, of which five are primary (costal seu juga primaria), and four secondary (juga secundaria); the latter are sometimes absent: the spaces between the ridges are called channels (vallecula-.). In the channels, within the pericarp, are, sometimes, linear oily recep- tacles, called vittce. Seed pendulous, usually adhering inseparably to the pericarp, rarely loose: embryo minute, pendulous from the apex of the axis (carpophorus); radicle pointing to the hilum ; albumen abundant, horny, flat (Orthospermce), or rolled inwards at the edges (Campylospermce), or rarely curved inwards from the base to the apex (Caslospermce).—Herba- ceous plants, with fislular furrowed stems. Leaves usually divided, sometimes simple, sheathing at the base. Flowers in umbels, white, pink, yellow, or blue, generally surrounded by an involucre (condensed from De Candolle). Properties.—Extremely variable. 1. CA'RUM CA'RUI, Linn. L. E. D.—COMMON CARAWAY. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Digynia. (Fructus, L.—Fruit, E.—Semina, D.) (Carum, U. S.) History.—Caraway is not mentioned in the writings attributed to Hippocrates. Pliny (Hist. Nat. lib. xix. cap. 49, ed. Valp.) and Dioscorides, (lib. iii. cap. 66,) however, speak of it: the former calls it Careum (from Caria, its native country) —the latter terms it xapog. Botany. Gen. char.—Margin of the calyx obsolete. Petals regular, obo- vate, emarginate, with an inflexed lobe. Stylopodium depressed. Styles de- flexed. Fruit contracted at the side, ovate, or oblong. Mericarps [half-fruits] with five equal filiform ridges, the lateral ones marginal. Commissure flat, bivittate. Channels one vittate. Carpophorus free, forked at the apex. Seeds terete-convex, flat in front.—Smooth, often perennial herbs. Root tuberous, edible. Leaves pinnatisect; the segments many-cleft. Involucre variable. Flowers white. (De Cand.) Sp. char.—Root fusiform. Leaves bipinnatisect; the lower segments of the branches decussate, all many-cleft. Involucre none (De Cand.) Biennial. Stem branched, about 2 feet high. Umbels numerous, dense. Flowers white or pale flesh-coloured; appear in June. Hab.—In meadows and pastures all over Europe; naturalized in England. Largely cultivated in Essex. Description.—The mericarps, commonly called caraway seeds (fructus seu semina carui) are from 1| to 2 lines long, usually separated, slightly curved inwards, of a brownish colour, with five lighter-coloured primary ridges; there are no secondary ones. In each channel is one vitta, and on the commissure are two. The smell is aromatic and peculiar, the taste warm and spicy. The caraway of the shops is in part the produce of this country, but is partly supplied from Germany. In 1830, duty (30s. per cwt.) was paid on 515 cwts. which were imported. Composition.—No analysis of the fruit has been made. The aromatic quali- ties depend on a volatile oil. Oleum Carui (see p. 476). 476 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Physiological Effects.—Caraway is an aromatic stimulant and condiment (see vol. i. p. 191). Its effects are similar to those of dill and anise. Uses.—Caraway is principally consumed by the confectioner and cook. It is also used by the distiller for flavouring liquors. Its medicinal employment is not extensive. It is given to relieve the flatulent colic of children, and enters, as an adjuvant or corrective, into several officinal compounds. It is less seldom em- ployed in substance than in the form of oil, spirit, or water. 1. OLEUM CARUI, L. E. D. (U. S.); Oil of Caraway.—(Obtained by submit- ting the fruit [bruised, E.] to distillation with water).—The quantity obtained from a given weight of fruit is variable. Recluz says about 4-7 per cent.; but I am inlormed, by a manufacturing chemist, that he has obtained 213 lbs. of oil from 35 cwts. of the fruit; which is about 5-43 per cent. When fresh prepared it is colourless ; but it becomes yellow and subsequently brown by keeping. It is limpid, and has the aromatic odour of the fruit and an acrid taste. Its sp. gr. is 0-950. According to Schweizer (Pharmaceutishes Central-Blatt fur 1841, S. 789), it consists of carbon 86-14, hydrogen 10-68, and oxygen 3-18. When submitted to distillation with caustic potash it yields a carbo-hydrogen (caruen), whose formula is C10 H8. The brown residue in the retort yields, when mixed with water, a brown resin and a brown alkaline solution. If the latter be satu- rated with an acid and distilled, an acrid oil (caruacrol) is obtained. Oil of Caraway is generally employed in the preparation of the spirit and water. It is used to impart flavour, to correct the nauseating and griping qualities of some medicines, and to relieve flatulence. It is frequently added to cathartic pills and powders.—Dose, one to ten drops. %. SPIRITUS CARUI, L. E. D.; Spirit of Caraway.—(Caraway bruised, 3*xij. [lb. ss. E., lb. j. D.]; Proof Spirit, Cong. j. [Ovij. E., Cong. j. wine measure, D.]; Water, Oij. [Ojss., E. Sufficient to prevent empyreuma, D.] Mix [mace- rate for two days in a covered vessel, E., for twenty-four hours, D.] and distil off a gallon [lb. vij. E.~], by a gentle heat).—This is frequently imitated by dis- solving the oil of caraway in spirit. It is aromatic and carminative.—Dose, f 3j. to f 3iv. Sweetened with sugar, this spirit is drunk in Germany as a dram (Kiimelliqueur ; Kiimelbrandtwein). %. AQUA CARUI, L. D.; Caraway water.—(Caraway, lb. iss. [lb. j. D.] ; Water, Cong. ij. [enough to prevent empyreuma, D.] ; [Proof Spirit, f3vij. L.] Distil a gallon).—This is usually imitated by dissolving or diffusing the oil through water by the aid of sugar or of carbonate of magnesia. It is employed as a carminative vehicle for purgatives (as saline purgatives, magnesia, &c), and in the flatulent colic of children. 2. PIMPINEL'LA AN'ISUM, Linn. L. E. D.—THE ANISE. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Digynia. (Fructus, L— Fruit, E —Semina, D.) (Anisum, U. S.) History.—Anise was used by Hippocrates, (pp. 263, 265, &c. ed. Fees.) It is also mentioned by Pliny (Hist. Nat. lib. xx. cap. 72, ed. Valp.) and Dioscorides, (Lib. iii. cap. 65.) The latter terms it avitfov. It was introduced into this country in 1551. In our translation of the New Testament (Matth. xxiii. 23), the word anise occurs instead of dill. Botany. Gen. Char.—Margin of the calyx obsolete. Petals obovate, emar- ginate, with an inflexed lobe. Fruit contracted at the side, ovate, crowned by a cushion-like disk, and reflexed, somewhat capitate styles. Mericarps [half-fruits] with five, filiform, equal ridges, the lateral ones being marginal. Channels mul- tivittate, with a bifid free carpophorus. Seed gibbous convex, anteriorly flattish. Roots simple, radical, leaves pinnatisect; the segments roundish, toothed, rarely undivided, those of the stem more finely cut; Umbels of many rays. Involucre none. Petals white, rarely pink or yellow (De Cand.) anise. 477 sP. char.—Stem smooth. Radical Leaves cordate, somewhat roundish, lobed, incised, serrate; middle ones pinnate lobed, the lobes cuneate or lanceolate; the upper ones trifid, undivided, linear. Fruit bearing a few scattered hairs (De Cand.) Root tapering. Stem erect, branched, about a foot high. Flowers small, white. Hab—Island of Scio and Egypt. Largely cultivated for its fruit in Malta, Spain, and various parts of Germany. It also grows in Asia. Description.—The fruit called aniseed (fructus seu semina anisi), is slightly compressed at the sides. The separated mericarps are ovate, of a grayish-green colour, with five paler, thin, filiform, primary ridges (there are no secondary ones), and covered with downy hairs. In each channel are three vittse. The odour is aromatic, and similar to that of the fruit of Illicium anisatum or star anise, a plant belonging to the family Winteracese. The taste is sweetish and aro- matic. By careless observers, aniseed may be confounded with the fruit of hemlock. Commerce.—Aniseed is principally imported from Alicant and Germany (the first is preferred),; but some is also brought from the East Indies. In 1839, duty (5s. per cwt.) was paid on 192 cwts. Composition.—A very elaborate analysis of the fruit has been made by Brandes and Reimann in 1826. (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem. ii. 1277.) The following are their results :—Volatile oil 3»00, stearin combined with chlorophylle 0-12, resin 0-58, fatty oil soluble in alcohol 3-38, phytocoll'85, incrystallizable sugar 0-65, gum 6-50, extractive 0-50, substance analogous to ulmin (Anis-ulmin) 8-60, gumoin 2-90, lignin 32-85, salts (acetate, malate, phosphate, and sulphate) of lime and potash 8-17, inorganic salts, with silicic acid and oxide of iron 3-55, water 23-00 (excess 1-65). Oil of Anise, (see below.) Physiological Effects.—Anise is an aromatic stimulant (see vol. i. p. 191). Its effects are similar to those of dill. The odour of anise is said to be recognised in the milk of those who have taken it: moreover, the urine, we are told, acquires an unpleasant smell from it: hence it would appear that the oil of anise becomes absorbed. It has been supposed to promote the secretion of milk, urine, bronchial mucus, and of the menses, though without sufficient evidence. Vogel (Hist. Mat. Med. 161,) says, that he accidentally discovered that pigeons are readily killed by a few drops of the oleum anisi. Hillefield (Wibmer, Wirk. d. Arzneim. Bd. ix. S. 207,) also notices its poisonous operation on pigeons. Uses.—Anise is used to flavour liqueurs, sweetmeats, confectionary of various kinds, ragouts, &c. In medicine it is employed to relieve flatulence and colicky pains, especially of children, to prevent the griping effects of some cathartics. Nurses sometimes take it to promote the secretion of milk. It has also been employed in pulmonary affections. It is used as a horse medicine. 1. OLEUM ANISI, L. E. D. (U.S.) Oil of Anise.—(Obtained by submitting the fruit with water to distillation)—Mr. Brande says, that from 1 cwt. of fruit about two pounds of oil are obtained. The greater part of the oil consumed in this country is foreign. The oil of anise of the shops is imported into this country from Germany and the East Indies. In 1839 duty (Is. 4d. per lb.) was paid on 1544 lbs. It is procured, by distillation,, from the fruit, in whose pericarp it re- sides. When carefully prepared it is transparent and nearly colourless, having a slightly yellow tinge. It has the odour and taste of the fruit from which it is obtained. Its specific gravity increases with its age : thus Martius says, that when the oil is fresh distilled, the specific gravity is only 0-979; but after keep- ing it for a year and a half, the specific gravity had increased to 0-9853. It con- 478 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. geals at 50° F., and does not liquefy again under 62°. It is soluble in all propor- tions in alcohol; but spirit, whose specific gravity is 0-84, dissolves only 0-42 of its weight. By exposure to the air it forms resin, and becomes less disposed to concrete. It is composed of two volatile oils,—one solid at ordinary temperatures (stearoptene); the other liquid (eleoptene)—in the following proportions:__eleop- tene 75, stearoptene 25. According to Cabours the stearoptene consists of C*> Hla Oa. The oleum badiani, or the oil of star-anise (lllicium anisatum), has the odour and taste of the oil of anise ; but it preserves its fluidity at 35-6° F. It is said to be sometimes substituted for the oleum anisi. Spermaceti, which is said to be sometimes added to oil of anise, to promote solidification, may be distinguished by its insolubility in cold alcohol. Camphor, said to be added for the same purpose, is recognised by its odour.—-Dose, five to fifteen drops, on sugar, or rubbed up with sugar, in camphor mixture. 2. SPIRITUS ANISI, L. Spiritus Anisi Compositus, D.; Spirit of Anise___ (Anise, bruised, 3x. [Anise and Angelica seeds of each lb. ss. D.] ; Proof Spirit, Cong. j. [wine measure, D.]; Water, Oij. [sufficient to prevent empyreuma, D.] Mix [macerate for twenty-four hours, D.] and let a gallon distil)___Stimulant, stomachic, and carminative. Dr. Montgomery (Observ. on the1 Dubl. Pharm.) says that the preparation of the Dublin Pharmacopoeia is nearly the composition of the Irish Usquebaugh, which is coloured yellow by saffron, or green by sap- green. A spirit of anise, sweetened with sugar, is sold by the liqueur dealers. A somewhat similar compound is prepared in France, under the name of crome (Tanise. The pharmacopoeial preparation is usually imitated by dissolving ihe oil in spirit.—Dose, f3j. to f3iv. §. AQUA ANISI, Anise Water.—(Extemporaneously made by diffusing the oil through water by the aid of sugar or spirit.)—Emplo'yed to relieve flatulent colic of infants, and as a vehicle for other medicines. ► 3. HENIC'ULUM VULGA'RE, Gartner, L.—COMMON FENNEL. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Monogynia. (Foeniculum officinale, £.—Anethum Foeniculum, D.) (Foeniculum, U. S.) { History.—Fennel (|u-apa9:pov) was used by Hippocrates, (p. 551, &c. ed. Fees.) Some botanists (e. g. Matthiolus) have been of opinion that /xapaSpov of Dioscorides (lib. iii. cap. 81) is sweet fennel (Fceniculum dulce, De Cand.), and that the iWofiapadpov of the same authority (ibid. cap. 82) is common fennel (Fceniculum vulgare, De Cand.) ; but the latter part of the opinion does not, from an obser- vation of Bauhin, (Prodromus, p. 76,) appear probable. (Dierbach, Arzneim. d Hippocr. 191.) . v Botany. Gen. char—Margin of ihe calyx swollen, obsolete, toothless. Pe- tals roundish, entire, involute, with a squarish, blunt lobe. Fruit by a transverse section nearly taper. Mericarps [half fruits] with five prominent, bluntly keeled ridges, of which the lateral ones are marginal and rather broader Channels uniyittate. Commissure bivittate. Seed nearly semi-terete.—Biennia or perennial herbs. Stems taper, somewhat striated, branched. Leaves pinna tisect, decompound ; the segments linear, setaceous. Involucre scarcely any Flowers yellow (De Cand.) sP.char—Stem somewhat terete at the base. Lobes of the leaves linear, subulate, elongated. Umbels of 13 to 20,rays. Involucre none. (De Cand.) A biennial, three or four feet high. Flowers golden yellow. Fruit scarcely two lines long, oval, of a dark or blackish aspect ;~the channel is brownish, owing to the vittas, the ridges are pale yellowish-gray. Hab—Sandy and chalky ground all over Europe. Description.—The fruit, called wild fennel seed (semina seu fructus funiculi GARDEN ANGELICA. 479 vulgaris) has a strong aromatic, acrid taste, and an aromatic odour. Its other qualities have been described. Composition.—The peculiar properties of the fruit depend on a volatile oil. Oil of Common, Wild, or Bitter Fennel. (Oleum Fceniculi vulgaris.)—A pale yellow, limpid oil, having the peculiar odour of the fruit. Its sp. gr. is 0-.997. It congeals by cold, though with much more difficulty than the oil of anise. It consists of a stearoptene which has the same composition as that of oil of anise; and a liquid oil which is isomeric with oil of tur- pentine. Physiological Effects.—Aromatic stimulant (see vol. i. p. 191), similar to those of sweet fennel. Uses.—This species is not employed in medicine. 4. FCENICULUM DUL'CE, C. Bauhin; De Cand.—SWEET FENNEL. Sez. Syst. Pentandria, Monogynia. (Fructus.) History.—This plant is regarded by some botanists as a cultivated variety of the former plant. De Candolle (Prodr. iv. 142) is the principal systematic writer who regards them as distinct species. The London College, in quoting his F. vulgare as the officinal plant, has committed an obvious error, seeing that it is his F. dulce which is always employed in this country. Botany. Gen. char.—See F. vulgare. Sp. char.—Stem somewhat compressed at the base. Radical leaves some- what distichous ; lobes capillary, elongated. Umbels of six to eight ravs. (De Cand.) This plant differs from F. vulgare in several other particulars. It is an annual, and much smaller plant. It flowers earlier. Its turiones are sweeter, less aromatic, and, therefore, edible. The fruit is much longer; some of the specimens being nearly five lines in length, less compressed, somewhat curved and paler, with a greenish tinge. Hab.—Italy, Portugal, &c. Cultivated as a pot-herb, and for garnishing. Description.—The fruit, termed sweet fennel seeds (fructus seu semina fceni- culi didcis vel fceniculi cretici), has a more agreeable odour and flavour than com- mon or wild fennel. Two kinds are known in trade, shorts and longs: the latter is most esteemed. Composition.—The peculiar properties of the fruit depend on a volatile oil. Physiological Effects.—Sweet fepnel is an aromatic stimulant (see vol. i. p. 191); its effects are similar to those of anise or dill. Uses.—Seldom employed. May be given in the flatulent colic of children, or as a carminative vehicle for remedies which are apt to gripe. 1. OfcEUM FUNICULI, E. D. (U. S.); Oil of Sweet Fennel; Oleum Fceniculi dulcis.—(Obtained by submitting the fruit [bruised, E.] with water to distillation.) Nineteen cwts. of the fruit (shorts) yield 78 lbs of oil. (Private information.) This oil is distinguished from the oil of wild fennel by its more agreeable odour and taste. Stimulant and carminative. Seldom used.—Dose, two to twenty drops. 8. AftUA FCENICULI, E. D.; Fennel Water.—(Obtained as Aqua Anethi.) Car- minative. Employed to relieve flatulent colic of infants, and as a vehicle for other medicines—Dose, for an adult, f3j. to fgiij.; for an infant, f 3j. to f3ij. 5. ARCHANGEL'ICA OFFICINALIS, Hoffm. and Koch—GARDEN ANGELICA. Angel'ica Archangel'ica, Linn, E. D. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Digynia. (Root, E.—Semina, £).) History.—It is doubtful whether the ancient Greeks and Romans were ac- quainted with this plant, as no certain notice of it appears in their writings. C. Bauhin (Pinax, 155) calls it Angelica sativa. 480 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. Botany. Gen. Char.—Margin of the calyx with five short teeth. Petals ellip- tical, entire, acuminate, with the point curved inwards. Fruit somewhat com- pressed at the back, with a somewhat central raphe, two-winged on each side. Mericarps [half-fruits] with thick, keeled ridges; the three dorsal ones elevated, the two lateral ones dilated into a twice as broad wing. Seed not adhering to the integument; the nucleus free, covered all over with numerous vittae. Carpophorus two-partite___Perennial herbs. Leaves pinnatisect; segments broadly ovate, acute, coarsely dentate, terminal, lobed. Petioles large, sheathing, saccate. Involucre scarcely any; partial one halved, many-leaved. Flowers white, or greenish. (De Cand.) Sp. char.—Stem smooth, terete, striated. Leaves bipinnatisect; segments subcordate, lobed, sharply serrated, the odd one three-lobed ; sheaths loose, saccate. Leaflets of the partial involucre equalling the partial umbel. (De Cand.) Root biennial, large, fleshy, branched, resinous, pungently aromatic. Stem four or five feet high, a little glaucous. Foliage, stems, and even the flowers, bright green. It flowers from June to September. Hah.—Indigenous; northern parts of Europe. Cultivated in moist situations, and on the banks of ditches. Description—The dried angelica root (radix angelicce) of the shops, is im- ported from Hamburg in casks. In 1839 duty (4s. per cwt.) was paid on 386 cwts. Formerly Spanish Angelica was alone employed for medicinal purposes. The dried root of the shops consists of a short cylindrical head, from which numerous branches arise. The size of these branches varies: the larger ones are as thick as the little finger, and six or eight inches long. Externally the root is corrugated, and grayish-brown. Internally it is dirty white, and presents, when cut transversely, numerous dark points, which are the cut extremities of vessels or intercellular spaces filled with a liquid, strongly odorous, oil or oleo- resin. To the taste the root is at first sweet, then hot, aromatic, and bitter. The odour is peculiar, and not very disagreeable. The fruit, called angelica seeds (fructus seu semina angelicce), have the odour and taste, but in a diminished de- gree, of the root. Composition.—Angelica root has been analyzed by John, (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem. ii. 1277,) and by Bucholz and Brandes. The latter chemists obtained volatile oil, about 0*70, acrid soft resin 6-02, bitter extractive 26-40, gum with some common salt 31-75, starch (not inulin) 5-40, woody fibre 8*60, peculiar matter (oxidized extractive?) 0*66, albumen 0*97, water 17-50, [loss 2*0]. The aromatic qualities of the root and seeds depend on the volatile oil and resin. Physiological Effects.—Both root and seeds are pungent aromatic stimu- lants and mild tonics. Uses.—Angelica (either root or seeds) is scarcely employed in modern prac- tice, though it was formerly much esteemed. The tender 6tems, stalks, and midribs of the leaves, are made, with sugar, into a sweetmeat or candy (candied angelica; caules seu rami angelicce conditi), which, taken as a dessert, is a very agreeable stomachic. The seeds are used in the preparation of the spiritus anisi compositus, D. The principal consumption of angelica root and seeds is by recti- fiers and compounders in the preparation of gin and the liqueur termed bitters. 6. OPOP'ONAX CHIRO'NIUM, Koch. L. THE OPOPONAX. Pastina'ca, Opop'onax. Linn. D. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Monogynia. (Giimmi resina, L. D.) History.—Hippocrates (Opera, p. 402, ed. Foes.) employed opoponax (-ravaxg). Theophrastus (Hist. Plant, lib. ix. c. 12) mentions four, and Dioscorides, ASAFCETIDA FERULA. 481 (lib. iii. cap. 55-6-7,) three kinds of nfavaxsg. The latter of these writers has given a good account of opoponax (o-rocaval;) which he says is procured from nravciKsg. yjpaxXeiov. Botany. Gen. char.—Margin of the calyx obsolete. Petals roundish, entire, rolled inward, with a rather acute lobe. Stylopodium broad, thick. Styles very short. Fruit flattened at the back, with a dilated convex margin. Mericarps [half-fruits] with three dorsal, filiform, very thin ridges, and no distinct lateral ones. Vittce three to each channel, six to ten to each commissure. Seed smooth. Perennial herb. Root lh\ck. Stem rough. Leaves bipinnatisect; segments un- equally cordate, crenate, obtuse. Umbels compounded of many rays. General and partial involucre few-leaved. Flowers yellow. (De Cand.) Sp. char.—The only species—A plant six or seven feet high, resembling the parsnip. Haf>.—Sunny parts of the South of France, Italy, Sicily, Croatia, and Greece. Extraction.—According to Dioscorides, whose account is probably correct, this gum-resin is obtained by incisions into the root: a milky juice exudes, which, by drying, becomes yellow, and forms opoponax. Description.—Opoponax (gummy opoponax) occurs in irregular yellowish- red lumps (opoponax in massis), or in reddish tears (opoponax in lachrymis). It has an acrid bitter taste, and an unpleasant odour. Rubbed with water it forms an emulsion. Its general properties as a gum-resin have been before (vol. i. p. 191) noticed. Composition.—Opoponax has been analyzed by Pelletier. (Bull, de Pharm. iv. 49.) He found the constituents to be— Itesin.......................................................................... 42 0 Gum...........................................................................33-4 Starch........................................................................ 42 Kx tractive..................................................................... 1-6 Wax........................................................................... 0-3 Malic acid..................................................................... 28 Lipnin......................................................................... 9-8 Volatile oil, traces of caoutchouc, and loss....................................... 5-9 Opoponax..............................................................100-0 Resin.—Reddish-yellow ; fusible at 122° F. Soluble in alkalis, alcohol, and ether. The alkaline solution is reddish : the resin is precipitated from it, by hydrochloric acid, in the form of yellow flocks. Nitric acid acts freely on trie resin. Its composition, according to Johnston, is C° l\'a O14. Physiological Effects.—Similar to the other fetid, antispasmodic gum-resins (see vol. i. p. 193). It is, perhaps, more allied to ammoniacum than to any other of these substances. Uses.—Opoponax is rarely employed. It is adapted to the same cases as the other gum-resins of this class (see vol. i. p. 193). 7. FERULA ASAFCETIDA, Linn., L. E. D.—THE ASAFCETIDA FERULA. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Digynia. (Gummiresina, L. D —Gummiresinous exudation, E.) (Assafoetida, U.S.) Histouy.—It is uncertain at what period asafcetida was first known or de- scribed. The difficulty in determining its history arises from the confusion which has existed with respect to the Succus Cyrenaicus and asafcetida. By many writers the two substances were considered to be identical (see Geoffroy, Tract. de Mat. Med. ii. 609) ; but this opinion seems now- to have been satisfactorily disproved bv the discovery of the plant, called by the Greeks tfiXpiov, by the Romans laserpitium (Thapsia Silphion, Viviani), which yields the Cyrenaic juice, and which agrees tolerably well with the rude figures struck on the Cyre- nean coins. (Penny Cyclopcedia, vol. viii. p. 265 ; and Lindley, Fl. Med. ii. 52.) It would appear, however, that ihe Cyrenaic juice becoming scarce, the ancients VOL. II. 41 482 elements of materia medica. employed some other substance of similar, though inferior, properties, as a sub- stitute, and to both of these they applied the term laser. "For many years," says Pliny (Hist. Nat. lib. xix. cap. 15, ed. Valp.), "this plant [laserpitium or silphion] has not been found in Cyrenaica, because the publicans [or farmers] who rent the pastures, finding it more profitable, destroy it as food for cattle. One stalk only, found in our days, was sent to the Emperor Nero. We may know when cattle meet with young shoots of it, by the sleeping of the sheep when they have eaten it, and by the sneezing of the goats. For a long time past the only laser brought to us is that produced abundantly in Persia, Media, and Armenia ; but it is far inferior to the Cyrenaic." Now it is not at all improbable that the laser of Persia may have been our asafcetida. The word "asafcetida," says Murray, (App. Med. i. 361,) "seems to have been introduced by the monks into the school of Salernum." But it appears to have been of Oriental origin, and may be, as some have suspected, derived from the word laser. Nicolaus Myrepsicus-, (Antidotarius, cap. xxvii. p. 365, quoted by Alston, Mat. Med. Ii. 438,) almost the last of the Greek physicians, and who lived, according to Sprengel, (Hist, de Med. iv. 368,) about 1227, a. d. speaks of atfa (pmSot.. " There are two kinds of Assa (i. e. laser, Lat. Trans.)," says Avicenna, (lib. 2ndus, tr. 2ndus, cap. 53,) " one fetid, the other odoriferous.'''' Botany. Gen. char.—Margin of the calyx shortly five-toothed. Petals ovate, entire, acuminate, with an ascending or incurved point. Fruit flattened at the back, with a dilated flat border. Mericarps [half-fruits] with three, dorsal, fili- form ridges, the two latter obsolete and lost in the dilated margin. Vittce in the dorsal channels three or more; in the commissure four or many. Seed flat. Carpophorus bipartite.—Herbs. Root thick. Stem tall. Leaves supra-decom- pound; the segments usually divided into linear lobes. Umbels of many rays, lateral, often opposite or verticillate. Involucre various. Flowers yellow (De Cand.) Sp. char.—Stem terete, simple, clothed with leafless sheaths. Leaves radical, pinnatisect; the segment one or two-pinnatifidsinuate ; lobes oblong, obtuse. In- volucre none (De Cand.) Root perennial, tapering, ponderous, increasing to the size of a man's arm or leg, covered with a blackish-coloured bark, beset near the top with many strong, rigid fibres ; its internal substance white, fleshy, abounding with a thick, milky juice, which has an excessively strong, fetid, alliaceous smell. Stem two or three yards high or more, six or seven inches in circumference at ihe base, smooth. Radical leaves near two feet long. Ksempfer (Amren. exot. 535) compares their shape to the leaves of Pseonia officinalis; but in colour, and other respects, he says they resemble Ligusticum Levisticum, or Lovage. The fruit is flat, thin, reddish-brown, like that of parsnip, only rather larger and darker (Ksempfer). Hah.—Persia; mountains of Chorasan and Laar. The asafcetida plant, stated by Lieut. Burnes (Travels into Bokhara, ii. 243) to grow at an elevation of 7,000 feet on the Hindoo Koosh, is described as being an annual. If the description be correct, the plant can scarcely be F. Asafcetida. There is reason to suspect that Ferula Asafcetida is not the only plant from which a gum- resin, called asafcetida, is obtained; but that one if not more, other, species yield it, (Lindley, Fl. Med. p. 45-6, and Bot. Reg. Aug. 1839.) Ferula persica has been described by Dr. Pope (Phil Trans, vol. Ixxv.) as the true asafcetida plant; and the Edinburgh College has admitted it as being, probably, one source of asafcetida. Michaux sent us fruit from Persia as asafcetida. (Lindley, Fl. Med. 46.) That it does really yield asafcetida seems furthermore probable, from the strong smell of that drag, which pervades the whole plant. (Stephenson and Churchill, Med. Bot. iv. 169; and Nees and Ebermaier, Handb. ii. 55.) It is, I think, not unlikely that the tear and lump asafcetida of the shops are procured from different species. Dr. Royle (Illustr. 230,) suggests, thai Prangos pabularia was one of the kinds of Silphion of the ancients, and may be an asafetida plant. ASAFGRTIDA. 483 Extraction.—Asafcetida is obtained by making incisions into the upper part of the root; the footstalks of the leaves and the fibres at the top of the root being previously removed. Krempfer divides the business of collecting into four parts: the first begins about the middle of April, and consists in digging the earth about the root, removing the leaves and fibres, which are afterwards laid over the root to defend it from the sun. The second commences on the 25th of May. Each collector is provided with a sharp knife to cut the roof, a broad iron spalula to scrape off the juice, a cup fixed to his thigh to receive it, and two baskets hung over his shoulders upon a pole. The top of the root is then cut off transversely, and, on the third day (i. e. the 27th of May) the juice is scraped off and put in the cups. A fresh incision is then made, and the juice removed the day but one following (i. e. the 29th of May), when they again cut the roots. The cups are from lime to time emptied into large vessels. The juice is exposed to the sun to become harder, and is conveyed home in the baskets. The third and fourth acts are mere repetitions of the second. The third commences about the 10th of June, the fourth about the 3d of July. Except after the last operation, the roots are carefully defended from the sun, after each incision, by covering them with leaves. (Ksempfer, op. cit.) Commerce.—Asafoetida is exported from the Persian Gulf to Bombay, from whence it is sent to Europe. It comes over usually in casks and cases. In 1825 the quantity imported was 106,770 lbs.; in 1830 only 8,722 lbs. The quantity retained for home consumption is, however, very small. In 1838, duty (6s. per cwt.) was paid on 60 cwts. ; in 1839, on 24 cwts. Description and Varieties.—Asafoetida (Asafaztida; Gummi Asafaztidce, offic.) occurs in irregular pieces of variable size. Externally they are yellow- ish or pinkish-brown. The fracture is conchoidal, whitish, or milk-white, trans- lucent, pearly, with a waxy lustre. By exposure to light and air the recently- fractured surface acquires, in a Cew hours, a violet-red or peach-blossom red colour, which, after some days or weeks, diminishes in intensity, and gradually passes into yellowish or pinkish-brown. Asafoetida is fusible and inflammable, burning in the air with a white flame and the evolution of much smoke. Its taste is acrid and bitter, and'its odour strong, alliaceous, and peculiar; to most persons being remarkably disagreeable, whence the Germans have denominated asa- fcetida Teufelsdreck, or Stercus Diaboli ; in plain English, Devil's dung. How- ever, this dislike to asafcetida is not universal ; some of the Asiatics being exceed- ingly fond of it, taking it with their food as a condiment, or using it to flavour their sauces, or even eating it alone. Hence, among some of the older writers, we find it denominated Cibus Deorum,—Food of the Gods. Captain M. Kin- nier (Ainslie, Mat. Ind. i. 21) tells us, that in Persia the leaves of the plant are eaten like common greens, as is the root when roasted; and Lieut. Burnes (Travels, ii. 243) speaking of asafcetida, says, " in the fresh state it has the same abominable smell ; yet our fellow-travellers greedily devoured it." But the fondness for this substance is not confined to ihe Asiatics; fori am assured, by an experienced gastronome, that the finest relish which a beef-steak can possess, may be communicated by rubbing the gridiron, on which the steak is to be cooked, with asafcetida. I am acquainted with three varieties only of asafcetida : a. Asafoetida in the tear (Asafaztida in granis seu lachrymis ?). Asafcetida of the Ferula persica+—Th\s kind occurs in distinct, roundish, flattened or oval tears, and also in irregular pieces, varying from the size of a pea to that of a walnut, of a yellow or brownish-yellow colour externally, but white internally. This kind is comparatively rare. I think it not at all improbable that this variety is obtained from a different plant to that which furnishes the lump variety; for its colour, externally, is more yellow, its odour is much feebler, and its fresh-fractured surface becomes more slowly and less intensely red by exposure to the air. As 484 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. it has considerable resemblance to ammoniacum in the tear (with which, indeed, except by its odour, it might be readily confounded), may it not be the substance which Olivier (Fee, Hist. Nat. Pharm. ii. 199) calls ammoniacum, and which he says is produced by Ferula persica ? (3. Lump Asafoetida (Asafcetida in massis). Asafcetida of the Ferula Asafoe- tida.—This variety is the kind usually met with in the shops. It occurs in varia- ble sized masses, of irregular forms, and having a reddish or brownish-yellow colour. Frequently these masses are observed to be made up of tears, aggluti- nated by a reddish-brown substance : these form that kind of asafoetida sometimes denominated amygdaloid (asafcetida amygdaloides). y. stony Asafoetida (Asafcetida petrcea).—I have never met with this kind in English commerce. My samples were received from Dr. Martiny. It occurs in irregular, more or less angular pieces, which have the odour of asafcetida, and a yellowish-brown colour, and present numerous small shining points or plates. It slightly effervesces in hydrochloric acid. By incineration it yields a white ash, which strongly effervesces on the addition of acids. Angelini found in stony asa- foetida, 51 «9 per cent, of gypsum. ■ Composition.—Asafcetida has been analyzed by Pelletier (Bull, de Pharm. iii. 556), Trommsdorff, Brandes, and Angelini (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem. ii. 624): Pelletier^s Analysis. Resin................................... 6500 Gum .................................. 19-44 Bassorin............................... 11 • 66 Volatile oil............................. 3-60 Supermalate of lime, and loss........... 0-30 Asafcetida................ 10000 Brandes1 Analysis. Resin.................................. 48-85 Gum, with traces of saline matters...... 19-40 Bassorin............................... 6-40 Volatile Oil............................ 4-00 Extractive, with saline matters......... 1-40 Sulphate and carbonate of lime......... 9-70 Oxide of iron and alumina.............. 0-40 Sand and lignin........................ 4-60 Water................................. 600 Asafcetida.............. 101-35 1. Volatile Oil of Asafcetida.—This is obtained by distilling asafcetida with either water or alcohol. It is on this principle that the odour of this gum-resin depends. It is lighter than water, and is at first colourless, but by exposure to the air acquires a^ yellow tinge. It dissolves in all proportions in alcohol and ether, but requires more than 2000 times its weight of water to dissolve it. Its taste is at first mild, then bitter and acrid; its odour is very strong. It evapo- rates very quickly, and soon fills a large room with its odour. Sulphur, and probably phosphorus, are among its elementary constituents. The presence of sulphur in asafcetida is shown in various ways: thus if chloride of barium be added to water distilled from asafcetida, and likewise a little chloride, the sulphur becomes gradually acidified, and after some time a precipitate of sulphate of baryta is formed. If the oil be rubbed with mercury, it forms sulphate of mercury. More- over, if pills made of asafcetida be rolled in silver leaf, the latter, after a few days, is blackened by the formation of a sulphuret of silver. 2. Resin of Asafcetida.—The resinous matter of asafcetida is soluble in alcohol. When the alcoholic solution is mixed with water, a milky fluid is formed, owing to the deposition of the hydrated resin. Oil of turpentine and the oil of almonds also dissolve the resin, but less readily than alcohol. The resin obtained by evaporating the alcoholic solution, consists, according to Johnston, of C40 Ha8 O10. By exposure to the sun's rays it becomes violet-red. Brandes has shown that the resin of asafcetida is of two kinds ; one insoluble in ether, the other soluble. The proportion of the first to the second is as 1-6 to 47-25. a.. Resin insoluble in ether.—Is brownish-yellow, brittle, tasteless, has a slight alliaceous odour, is fusible, and soluble in warm caustic potash. 0. Resin soluble in ether.—Is greenish-brown, brittle, has an aromatic odour, and a faint, but permanent, alliaeeous, bitter taste. Chlorine decolorizes it. Cold oil of vitriol renders it dark- red : if heat be applied, sulphurous acid is evolved, and the mixture becomes black: if the liquid be diluted with water, and saturated with an alkali, the surface assumes a sky-blue colour. Nitric acid renders it first orange, then yellow, and makes it almost insoluble inether. Hydrochloric acid dissolves it, and colours it pale red. It dissolves in boiling concentrated acetic acid, but is deposited when the solulion cools. Characteristics.—Asafcetida possesses the usual characteristics of a gum- resin (vol. i. p. 193). From other gum-resins it is distinguished by its peculiar odour, which is especially obvious when a small portion of this substance is ASAFffiTIDA. 48o heated on the point of a knife, and by its fresh-fractured surface becoming red on exposure to air. Heated with sulphuric acid it blackens, yields a dark, blood- red liquid, and developes sulphurous acid gas: if the liquid be diluted with water, and saturated with caustic potash, it becomes blue, especially on the surface, by reflected light, similar to that observed when disulphate of quina is dissolved in water. Physiological Effects.—Asafcetida is usually placed, by pharmacological writers, among those remedies denominated antispasmodics or stimulants. It is the most powerful of the fetid gum-resins already noticed (vol. i. p. 193). Its local effects are moderate : it is devoid of those acrid and irritating properties possessed by gamboge, euphorbium, scammony, and many other resinous and gum- my-resinous substances. In the mouth, as already mentioned, it causes a sensa- tion of heat, and the same effect, accompanied by eructations, is experienced in the stomach, when it is swallowed. In Professor Jorg (Wibmeiy Wirk. d. Arzneim. il. Gifte. Bd. ii. 366) and his pupils (males and females), who endea- voured to elucidate the effects of this medicine by experiments made on them- selves, doses of asafoetida, not exceeding a scruple, caused uneasiness and pain of the stomach, increased secretion of the gastro-intestinal membrane, and alvine evacuations. The pulse was increased in frequency, the animal heat augmented, the respiration quickened, and the secretions from the bronchial membrane and skin promoted. A very constant effect was headache and giddiness. The urino- genital apparatus appeared to be specifically affected, for in the males there was an increase of the venereal feelings, with irritation about the glans penis, while in the females the catamenial discharge appeared before its usual period, and uterine pain was experienced. These stimulant effects of asafoetida were observed in a greater or less degree in all the nine persons experimented on; and it should be borne in mind, that the dose did not, in any one case, exceed a scruple. Very opposite to these results, and to the observations of practitioners generally, is the statement of MM. Trous- seau and Pidoux, (Traite de Therap. p. 12-13,) who tell us that they have taken half an ounce of good asafoetida at one dose, with no other effect than that of altering the odour of their secretions, by which they were kept for two days in an infected atmosphere, possessing a more horrible degree of fetidity than even asa- fcetida itself! These apparently contradictory results seem to prove, that different individuals are most unequally susceptible of the influence of this remedy. The influence of asafcetida in convulsive and spasmodic diseases seems indispu- table. As in these cases the functions of the excitomotory system are the func- tions principally or essentially involved, it is not assuming too much to suppose, that the influence of asafoetida is principally directed to the excitomotory nerves. To paraphrase the words of Dr. M. Hall, (Lectures in the Lancet, April 14, 1838,) asafcetida acts through the excitor nerves ; its effects are manifested through the motor nerves. The varying degrees of excitability or susceptibility (natural and morbid) of these nerves in different subjects, will, perhaps, in some measure ac- count for the unequal effects produced by this agent on different healthy indi- viduals, as well as for the therapeutical influence in certain subjects being dispro- portionate to the observed physiological effects. Asafoetida, or its odorous principle, becomes absorbed by the veins, though slowly. Flandrin (Magendie, Physiol., by Milligen, 288, 1823) gave half a pound of this gum-resin to a horse; the animal was fed as usual, and killed six- teen hours afterwards. The odour of asafoetida was distinguished in the veins of the stomach, of the small intestine and the caecum : it was not noticed in the arterial blood, nor in the lymph. Tiedemann and Gmelin (Versuch. S. 9) were not successful in their search for it; they gave two drachms of asafcetida to a dog, and at the end of three hours were unable to recognise the odour of it either in the chyle of the thoracic duct, or in the blood of the splenic and portal veins; 486 ELEMENTS OF MATEBIA MEDICA. but they detected it in the stomach and small intestines. In farther proof of the opinion that asafcetida becomes absorbed, may be mentioned the detection of the odour of this substance in the secretions. The experience of MM. Trousseau and Pidoux, already related, may be adduced as corroborative of this statement. We are told that the transpiration of Asiatics who use asafoetida daily, is ex- tremely fetid; a circumstance to which Aristophanes (Equites, Act. ii. Seen. 4), alludes. Vogt (Pharmakodyn. ii. 126, 2te Aufl.) says, that the secretions from carious ulcers sometimes smell of asafcetida, when this substance has been taken for some time. The stimulant influence of asafoetida, over ihe organs of circulation and of se- cretion (as the bronchial membrane and skin), depends apparently on the topical action of the oily and resinous particles on the vessels in their passage through the latter. USES.—From the foregoing remarks it will be readily gathered, that asafcetida is contra-indicated in febrile and inflammatory diseases, on account of its stimu- lant properties ; as also in vascular irritation, or inflammation of the stomach, on account of its topical influence on this viscus. On the other hand, it is found highly useful in spasmodic or convulsive disease not dependent on disease of the nervous centres, but of the kind called by Dr. Hall eccentric. 1. In spasmodic and convulsive diseases.—Few remedies have acquired such celebrity in hysteria, as asafcetida. Dr. Cullen (Mat. Med. ii. 367), speaks in the highest terms of it, and I believe the experience of most practitioners corrobo- rates his opinion of its virtues. " I have found it," says he, "to be the most pow- erful in all hysteric cases; and when the presence of an hysteric paroxysm pre- vented medicines being taken by the mouth, I have found it given in clyster to be very effectual." When the circulation is very languid, ammonia may with ad- vantage be conjoined. Schonheyder (Acta. Reg. Soc. Hafn. i. 168), recom- mends asafcetida with opium, in the form of clyster. In infantine convulsions, clysters of asafcetida are often used with good effect. Even in the epilepsy of adults they are not always without value. In purely spasmodic asthma, I have never seen relief from the use of asafestida. This observation, which accords with Dr. Cullen's experience, does not agree with the statements of others. Trous- seau and Pidoux (op. cit. p. 15), declare they have seen it produce good and undoubted effects. But in old chronic catarrhs, with occasional spasmodic diffi- cult y of breathing and spasmodic cough, I have procured the most marked relief by the combined use of asafcetida and ammonia. I have no experience of the use of this gum-resin in the disease called laryngismus stridulus, in which Millar, (06s. on the Asthmaand Hooping Cough, 1769,) and others, have found it bene- ficial. In hooping cough, both Millar and Kopp (Lond. Med. Gaz. i. 581), have found it beneficial. It promotes expectoration, and diminishes both the violence and frequency of the attacks. The repugnance which children manifest to its use is, however, a great drawback to its employment. In flatulent colic of hysterical and dyspeptic individuals, or of infants, few remedies are more efficacious, when the disease is unaccompanied by any marks of inflammatory action, and is attended with constipation. Of its efficacy in the flatulent colic of infants, I can speak from repeated observation; it is given with great advantage in the form of clyster. In most cases, its laxative operation is an advantage; but should this be an objec- tion, it may be counteracted by the addition of laudanum. 2. As a stimulating expectorant and antispasmodic in chronic 'catarrh, it is often of considerable use.' It is adapted for old persons, and where the disease is of long standing. I have found it most beneficial in those cases where the cough and difficulty of breathing assume at intervals a spasmodic form, and where-the wheezing is considerable. In such, I have found full doses of asafce- tida with ammonia give great relief. In delicate females, subject to repeated attacks of catarrh, attended with wasting, sweating, and other constitutional A8AFCBTIDA. 487 symptoms of phthisis, I have found asafcetida of frequent benefit. In these cases it does not act merely by its expectorant effects, for oftentimes one good conse- quence of its use is diminution of excessive bronchial secretion. 3. In affections of the alimentary canal.—The use of asafoetida in flatulent colic has been above noticed. It is often of considerable value in relieving flatu- lence in old persons, especially in hypochondriacal and hysterical subjects, and when accompanied with constipation, as it has a laxative effect. It provokes the expulsion of the gaseous matter, and appears to aid in preventing its repro- duction. It js beneficially used in the form of clyster, to relieve a tympanitic condition of the abdomen and flatulent distention of the bowels in low fevers. In constipation, with flatulence, it is a useful addition to purgative mixtures or enemata. It has often been used as an anthelmintic; but is of less frequent efficacy. 4. As an emmenagogue in uterine obstructions (amenorrhoea and chlorosis) asafcetida has been employed from a notion that it specifically affected the womb, —an opinion which is supported by the reports of Jorg's female pupils, that it brought on the catamenial discharge earlier than usual. Experience, however, has not been much in favour of the emmenagogue operation of asafcetida when this remedy has been employed in diseases. " Whether it be owing," says Dr. CuIIen, " to the imperfect state in which we too frequently have this medicine, or to somewhat in ihe nature of the amenorrhoea, I would not positively determine; but this is certain, that I have very seldom succeeded in employing the asafcetida as an emmenagogue." 5. As a condiment.— I have already referred to the condimentary uses made of asafcetida, especially by Oriental nations. At the Pass of " Dundan Shikun," says Lieutenant Burnes (Travels, i. 143), "we found the asafcetida plant in exu- berance, and which our fellow-travellers ate with great relish." It is much used by the Brahmins against flatulence, and to correct their cold vegetable food. (Ainslie, Materia Indica, vol. i. p. 21.) Administration.—The dose of asafoetida is from grs. v. to 9j. or 3ss. It may be given in substance, in the form of pill, or made into an emulsion. In hysteria and flatulent colic, where we want an immediate effect, it is best admi- nistered in a liquid form. Used as an enema, it may be administered to the extent of two drachms, rubbed up with warm water. The following are the officinal preparations of asafcetida :— 1. MISTURA ASSAFCET1M, L. D. (U. S.); Lac Asafixtidce ; Mixture of Asa- fcetida.—(Asafcetida, 3v. [3j. D.] [3ij. U. S.]; water Oj. [Oss. U. S.] [Pennyroyal water, f Jviij. D.] Triturate the asafcetida with the water, gradually poured on, until they are perfectly mixed.)—Stimulant and antispasmodic. Used in hys- teria, in doses of 3ss. to f3jss. Frequently employed as an enema in the flatu- lent colic and convulsions of children, as well as in worms. The tincture of asafoetida, mixed with pennyroyal water, is often used as a substitute for the officinal mixture. 2. ENEMA FIETIDUM, D. E.; Asafcetida or Fetid Clyster.—(Made by adding to the cathartic enema two [fluid] drachms of tincture of asafoetida.)—The fetid clyster is a valuable stimulant, antispasmodic, and carminative purgative, which may be used with most beneficial results in hysteria, flatulent colic, infantile con- vulsions, and worms in the rectum. 3. TINCTURA ASSAFIETID^, L. E. D. (IT. S.); Tincture of Asafcetida.—(Asafce- tida [in small fragments, E.] 3v. [3iv. D., U. S.] ; Rectified Spirit, Oij. [and water, Oss. D.'] Macerate for fourteen [seven, E.] days and strain. "This tincture cannot be made by percolation, without much delay." E.—Add the spirit to the asafceiida previously triturated with ihe water, macerate for fourteen days, and filter, J).)—Stimulant and antispasmodic. Used in hysteria and flatulent colic. Dose, 3ss. to f 3ij- Pennyroyal is a good vehicle for it. When mixed with aqueous liquids, it becomes milky, owing to the deposition of the hydrated resin. 488 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. 4. PILULjE ASSAF(ETIM, E. (U. S.); Pilulce Galbani Composite*, L. D.; Asafcetida or Compound Galbanum Pills—(Asafoetida; Galbanum; and Myrrh, three parts of each ; Conserve of Red Roses, four parts, or a sufficiency ; mix them, and beat them into a proper pill mass, E.—Galbanum, 3j.; Myrrh; Saga- penum ; of each 3jss. ; Asafcetida, 3ss.; Syrup [Treacle, D.] as much as may be sufficient. Beat them together until incorporated, L. D.)—As the most pow- erful ingredient of this combination is asafoetida, the more appropriate name for the pills would be pilulce asafixtidce composite*. This compound is stimulant and antispasmodic. It is used in hysteria, chlorosis, &c.—Dose, grs. x. to 9j. [The Assafixtida Pills of the U. S. P. are made by taking Assafoetida, 3jss. Soap, 3ss.—Incorporate the two and divide into 240 pills.] 6. PILULE ALOES ET ASSAFCETIDiE, E. (See pp. 121 and 489.) 6. SPIRITUS AMMONIA FIETIDUS, L. E. D. (See vol. i. p. 290.) 7. EMPLASTRUM ASSAFCETIDiE, E. (U. S.); Plaster of Assafixtida. (Litharge Plaster; Assafoetida, of each 3'j- 5 Galbanum; Bees-wax, of each 3j- Liquefy the gum-resins together, and strain them ; then add the plaster and wax also in the fluid state, and mix them all thoroughly.)—[The U. S. P. directs, Assafoetida, Lead Plaster, each a pound; Galbanum, Yellow Wax, each half a pound; Diluted Alcohol, three pints. Dissolve the Assafoetida and Galbanum in the Alcohol, with the aid of a water-bath ; strain the liquor while hot, and evaporate to the consistence of honey ; then add the lead plaster and wax previously melted together; stir the mixture well, and evaporate to the proper consistence.]—It is applied, as an antispasmodic, over the stomach or abdomen in hysteria with flatulence, to the chest or between the shoulders in hooping-cough. 8. FE'RULA? AN UNCERTAIN SPECIES YIELDING SAGAPENUM, L. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Digynia. (Gumrni-resina, L. D.) History.—Sagapenum (tfayairrrvov) is mentioned both by Hippocrates (p. 626, ed. Fees.) and Dioscorides. (Lib. iii. cap. 95.) Pliny (Hist. Nat. lib. xx. cap. 75, ed. Valp.) calls it Sacopenium. Dioscorides says it is a liquor obtained from a ferulaceous plant growing in Media. Botany.—Nothing is known with respect to the plant yielding sagapenum. Willdenow considered it to be Ferula persica, and he has been followed by Sprengel and Fee. But his opinion was not supported by any well-ascertained fact; on the contrary, several circumstances already mentioned (p. 482) seem to show that this plant produces a kind of asafoetida. There is, indeed, no evidence to prove that sagapenum is got from a Ferula, for the statement of Dioscorides cannot be admitted as having much weight. Description.—Two kinds of sagapenum (sagapenum ; gummi sagapenum) are occasionally met with. The finest (sagapenum in the tear), consists of masses made up of agglutinated, brownish yellow, semi-transparent tears, and resembling galbanum, but having a darker colour and a more alliaceous odour. A commoner kind (soft sagapenum), occurs in soft, tough masses, in which no distinct tears are distinguishable. When heated on the point of a knife in the candle, sagapenum gives out a much more aromatic and agreeable odour than galbanum. It has a hot and acrid taste. It is imported from the Levant. Composition.—Sagapenum has been analyzed by Pelletier (Bull, de Pharm. iii. 481), and by Brandes (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem. ii. 625). Pelletier''s Analysis. Resi n...................................... 54-26 Gum....................................... 31-94 Volatile oil and loss........................ 11-80 Bassorin.................................... 1 0(1 Malate oflime.............................. 0-40 Peculiar matter...... ...................... 0 60 Sagapenum.......................... 10000 Brandes' Analysis. Resins ..................................... 50 29 Gum, with calcareous salts.................. 32-72 Volatile oil................................. 373 Bassori n.................................... 4*48 Malate and phosphate of lime............... 1-12 Impurities................................... 4-30 Water...................................... 460 Sagapenum........................... 101.24 AMMONIACUM DOREMA. 489 1. Oil of Sagapenum.—Pale yellow, lighter than water, soluble in alcohol and ether. Has a strong alliaceous odour, and a mild (afterwards hot) bitter, alliaceous taste. Sulphuric acid ren- ders it dark red. 2. Resin of Sagapenum.—Obtained by evaporating an alcoholic solution; it is pale yellow, having a strong garlic odour, and becoming fluid at 212° F. Its composition, according to Johnston, is C° 11s8 O9. By the action of ether it is resolved into two resins. a. Resin insoluble in ether.—Brownish-yellow, tasteless, odourless, fusible, soluble in warm liquor potassse and in spirit, but insoluble in the oils of turpentine and almonds. 0. Resin soluble in ether.—Reddish-yellow, with a feeble odour of sagapenum, and a mild (afterwards bitler) taste. It is soluble in spirit, and slightly so in the oil of turpentine and almonds. It dissolves in sulphuric acid, forming a blood-red solution, from which water sepa- rates a violet substance. Physiological Effects and Uses.—Its effects and uses are the same as those of asafcetida. It is usually considered to hold an intermediate rank between asa- foetida and galbanum ; but it is rarely employed. Administration.—It is given in substance, in the form of pill, in doses of from grains v. to 9j. or 3ss. PILUL/E SAGAPENl COMPOSITE, L.; Compound Pills of Sagapenum. (Saga- penum, 3j-; Aloes, 3ss.; Syrup of Ginger, as much as may be sufficient. Beat them together until incorporated.)—This preparation corresponds to the Pilulce Aloes et Asafcetidce, E. (p. 121) ; the latter, however, being more active. It is used as a warm stimulating purgative in dyspepsia, with flatulence and costive- ness.—Dose, grains v. to Bj. 9. DOREMA AMMONI'ACUM, Don. L. E.—THE AMMONIACUM DOREMA. Sea;. Syst. Pentandria, Digynia. (Gummi-resina, L.—Gummy-resinous exudation, E.) (Ammoniacum, TJ. S.) History.—The term ammoniacum has been applied to two different gum-re- sins ; one, the produce of Ferula tingitana ; the other, of Dorema Ammoniacum. The first is the ammoniacum of Hippocrates, (p. 670, ed. Foes.,) Dioscorides, (lib. iii. cap. 98,) and Pliny, (Hist. Nat. lib. xii. cap. 49, ed. Valp.;) the latter is the commercial ammoniacum of the present day. Dioscorides says dfji.|xwviaxov is obtained from a species of Ferula, which he calls ayatfvXkTs, growing near Cyrene, in Africa. Pliny terms the plant Metopion, and says it grows in that part of Africa, which is subject to Ethiopia, near the temple of Jupiter Hammon (or Ammon), which, as well as the gum-resin, received its name from d^og, sand, on account of the sandy soil of the country. Both Dioscorides and Pliny mention two kinds of ammoniacum; the best, called Thrauston (Srpaurf|aa) resembled olibanum, and had an odour like castoreum, and a bitter taste; and the commonest, termed Phyrama (cwpafjux) had a resinous ap- pearance, and was adulterated with earth and stones. African ammoniacum (in Arabic, Fasbgh or Feshook) is, Dr. Lindley informs me, "certainly the pro- duce of Ferula tingitana." I have not been able to ascertain when Persian ammoniacum (the produce of Dorema Ammoniacum) first came into use. As Ihe Greeks and Romans make no mention of it, they were, probably, unacquainted with it. Avicenna (lib. ii. cap. 8) does not mention the origin of his ammoniacum (assach, Arab.) The am- moniac (eschak, Arab.) of Abu Mansur Mowajik, (Lib. Fund. Pharm. i. 35. ined. R. Seligmann. 1830,) an ancient Persian physician, who wrote about 1055, a. d., was doubtless of the Persian kind; as was also the ammoniac (derukht ushuk) of Beva Ben Khuas Khan, a. d. 1512. (Ainslie, Mat. Ind. i. 160.) The Arabic terms (assach, eschak, and ushuk,) by which the three last-named authors desig- nate ammoniac, closely resemble tbat (oshac) by which the ammoniacum plant is now known in Persia, (Linn. Trans, vol. xvi. 605); hence we infer that they all referred to the same object. Botany. Gen. char.—Epigynous disk, cup-shaped. Fruit slightly com- 490 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. pressed from the back, edged; with three distinct, filiform, primary ridges near the middle, and, alternating with them, four obtuse secondary ridges; the whole enveloped in wool. Vittce, one to each secondary ridge, one to each primary marginal ridge, and four to the commissure, of which two are very small (Lind- ley). Sp. char.—The only species. A glaucous green plant, about seven feet high, looking like the Opoponax. Root perennial. Stem about four inches in circumference at the base. Leaves large, petiolate, somewhat bipinnate, two feet long; pinnae in three pairs; petioles downy, sheathing at the base. Umbels proliferous, racemose ; partial ones globose, on short stalks, often arranged in a spiked manner. Involucre, general or partial, none. Petals white. Stamens and styles white.' Ovaries buried in wool. Fruit naked. (Condensed from Don.) Hab.—Persia, in the province of Irak, near Jezud Khast, and on the plains be- tween Yerdekaust and Kumisha. Extraction.—The whole plant is abundantly pervaded with a milky juice, which oozes forth upon the slightest puncture being made, even at the ends of the leaves. This juice when hardened constitutes ammoniacum. Through the kind- ness of my friend Dr. Lindley, I have in my museum the upper part of the (appa- rently flowering) stem, about ten inches long, with lumps of ammoniacum sticking to it at the origin of every branch. It was gathered by Sir J. M'Niell, in Persia (I believe between Ghorian and Khaff). It does not appear that artificial incisions are ever made in the stem. Lieut. Col. Kennet (Linn. Trans, xvi. 605) says, " When the plant has attained perfection, innumerable beetles, armed with an anterior and posterior probe of half an inch in length, pierce it in all directions; it [ammoniacum] soon becomes dry, and is then picked off, and sent via Bushire to India, and various parts of the world." Commerce.—Ammoniac is usually imported from Bombay, but occasionally it comes from the Levant. It is brought over in chests, cases, and boxes. The quantity imported is but small. Description___Common or Persian ammoniacum, usually termed gum ammo- niacum or ammoniac (gummi ammoniacum), occurs in two forms: in the tear 'and in the lump. a. Ammoniacum in the Tear (ammoniacum in lachrymis seu granis) occurs . in distinct dry tears, usually more or less spheroidal, though frequently of irre- gular forms, varying in size from that of the fruit of coriander (or even smaller) to that of a walnut. Externally they are of a yellow (pale reddish or brownish) colour, with a waxy lustre; internally they are white or opalescent, opaque, or only feebly translucent at the edge of thin films. At ordinary temperatures, it is moderately hard and brittle, but softens like wax in the hand. /3. Lump Ammoniacum (ammoniacum in placenlis seu massis). This occurs in masses usually composed of agglutinated tears, whose properties it possesses. It is sometimes met with in soft plastic masses, of a darker colour, and mixed with various impurities. To separate these, it is melted arid strained (Strained Ammo- niacum ; Ammoniacum, colatum). Both kinds have a faint, unpleasant, peculiar odour, by which this gum-resin may be readily distinguished from all others. This odour is best detected by heating the ammoniacum on the point of a penknife. The taste is bitter, nauseous, and acrid. Umbelliferous fruits are not unfrequently found intermixed wilh both sorts. In most of its other properties ammoniacum agrees with other sum-resins (vol. i. p. 193). . b & I am indebted to Dr. Lindley for a fine sample of African Ammoniacum (vp/ucuniitcv, Diosc.) It was sent by W. D. Hays, Esq., the British Consul at Tangier, to the Hon. W. T. Fox Strangways, and is marked "■Gum Ammoniac or Fusdgh, Tangier, 17 June, 1839, J. W. D. H." It is an oblong piece, about three inches long, and one and a half inches thick, and broad. Its weight is about 830 grains. Externally it is irregular and uneven, and has a dirty AMMONIACUM DOREMA. 491 appearance, similar to what ammoniacum would acquire from repeated handling and long ex- posure to the air in a dusty situation. It is partially covered with paper. A few pieces of reddish chalky earth (which effervesces with acids) are found slicking to it, thus confirming the account given of it by Jackson (Account of the Empire of Moroccif, 3d ed. p. 156), though Ihe quantity of this on my specimen is not sufficient to affect in any way the saleabilily of it. It appears to be made up of agglutinated tears, like the lump Persian ammoniacum. Internally it has very much the appearance of lump ammoniacum, but is not so white, but has a brown- ish, reddish, and in some places a faint bluish tint. Its odour is very faint, and not at all like Persian ammoniacum. Heated on the point of a knife, its distinction from Persian ammonia- cum is very obvious. Its taste is also much slighter than that of the commercial ammoniacum. Rubbed with water, it forms an emulsion like the latter. It is the produce of Ferula tingitana (Lindley). Composition.—Ammoniacum has been analyzed by Calmeyer, Bucholz (Gmelin, Handb. d. Chem. ii. 624), Braconnot (Ann. de Chim. lxviii. 69), and by Hagen (Schwartze, Pharm. Tabell. 280, 2te Ausg.) BraconnoVs Analysis. Resin....................................... 70 • 0 Gum........................................ 18-4 Gluteniform matter, insoluble in water and al- cohol ................................. 4-4 Water...................................... 00 Loss........................................ 1-2 Ammoniacum................... JOO-0 Hagen's Analysis. Resin...................................... 68 6 Gum....................................... 19-3 Gluten (colla).............................. 5-4 Extractive................................. 3-6 Sand...................................... 2-3 [Volatile oil and water..................... 2-8] Ammoniacum....................100-0 1. Volatile Oil of Ammoniacum.—Transparent, lighterthan water. 2. Resin of Ammoniacum.—Reddish-yellow, tasteless, has the odour of the gum-resin. Solu- ble in alkalis and alcohol; partially soluble in ether and the oils (fixed and volatile). Its prepa- ration according to Johnston is C40 H" O9. Physiological Effects—The effects of ammoniacum are similar to, though less powerful than, those of asafoetida (vol. i. p. 193) and of the other fetid gum- resins already (vol. i. p. 193) mentioned. MM. Trousseau and Pidoux (Traite de Therap. p. 19) assert, that in all the cases in which they have employed it, it had no stimulant effect, either local or general. " We have taken," say these authors, " two drachms of this substance at once, without experiencing any of those accidents complaisantly indicated by authors." I would remark, however, that the local irritation produced by the plaster of ammoniacum is known to most practitioners, a papular eruption being a frequent result of the application of this agent. Ammoniacum contains much less volatile oil than either asafcetida or galbanum ; its stimulant influence is less than either of these. Full doses of it readily disturb the stomach. Uses.—Though applicable to all the same cases as asafcetida (p. 486) and the other fetid gum-resins (vol. i. p. 193), its internal use is principally or almost solelv confined to chronic pulmonary affections. It is not fitted for irritation or inflam- mation of the bronchial membrane. But in chronic coughs, with deficient expec- toration, or in chronic catarrhs and asthmatic cases of old persons with profuse secretion, it sometimes gives slight relief. Though I have seen it extensively em- ployed, in a few cases only have I observed it beneficial. As a topical discu- tient, or solvent application, in the form of plaster, to glandular enlargements, in- dolent affections of the joints, &c, it occasionally proves useful. Administration.—The dose of ammoniacum is from grs. x. to 3ss. It may be given in the form of pill or emulsion. It is a constituent of (he compound pills of squills (see p. 126), a very useful expectorant in old catarrhs. 1. MISTURA- AMMONIACI, L. D. (U. S.) Lac Ammoniaci; Ammoniacum Mix- ture.— (Ammoniacum, 3v. [3j. D., U.S.]; Water Oj. (Oss. U. S.) [Penny- royal Water, fgviij. D.] Rub the ammoniacum with the water gradually poured on, until they are perfectly mixed. [It should be strained through linen, D.] )— The resinous constituent of ammoniacum is more effectually suspended in water by the aid of the yolk of an egg. This mixture acts as a stimulant to the bron- chial membrane, and is used as an expectorant in chronic coughs, humoral asth- 492 elements of materia medica. ma, &c It is a convenient and useful vehicle for squills or ipecacuanha. Dose f3ss. to f3j. '8. EMPLASTRUM AMMONIACI, L. E. D. (U. S.) Plaster of Ammoniacum. (Am- moniacum, 3v.; Distilled Vinegar, f 3viij.; [f3'X. E. ; Vinegar of Squills, Oss. tvine measure, D.] Dissolve the ammoniacum in the vinegar, then evaporate the liquor [in an iron vessel, E.] with a slow fire, [over the vapour-bath, E.] con- stantly stirring, to a proper consistence.)—A very adhesive, stimulant, and discu- tient or resolvent plaster. It sometimes causes an eruption. It is applied to in- dolent swellings, as of the glands and joints. A very useful application to the housemaid's swollen knee. I EMPLASTRUM AMMONIACI CUM HYDRARGYRO, L. E. D. See vol. i. p. 611. 9. ANE'THUM GRAVE'OLENS, Linn. L. E.—COMMON GARDEN DILL. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Digynia. (Fructus, L— Fruit, E.) History__This plant is mentioned by Hippocrates (Opera, p. 359, ed. Foes.), by Dioscorides (lib. iii. cap. 67), and by Pliny (Hist. Nat. lib. xx. cap. 74, ed. Valp.) It is also noticed in the New Testament (Matt, xxiii. 23). Botany. Gen. char.—Margin of the Calyx obsolete. Petals roundish, en- tire, involute, with a squarish retuse lobe. Fruit lenticular, flattened from the back, surrounded by a flattened border. Mericarps [half-fruits] with equidis- tant, filiform ridges ; the three intermediate [dorsal] acutely keeled, the two lateral more obsolete, losing themselves in the border. Vittce broad, solitary in the channels, the whole of which they fill, two on the commissure. Seeds slightly convex, flat in front.—Smooth erect annuals. Leaves decompound, with setaceous linear lobes. Involucre and involucella none. Flowers yellow (De Cand.) Sp. char.—Fruit elliptical, surrounded with flat dilated margin (De Cand.) Root tapering, long. Stem one and a half or two feet high, finely striated, simply branched. Leaves tripinnated ; segments fine capillary ; leaf-stalks broad and sheathing at the base. The .plant greatly resembles common fennel, though its odour is less agreeable. Hab.—South of Europe, Astracan, Egypt, Cape of Good Hope, Timor, &c. Probably migratory. Cultivated in England. Description.—The fruit, commonly called dill seed (fructus seu semina anethi) is oval, flat, dorsally compressed, about a line and a half long, and from a half to one line broad, brown and surrounded by a lighter-coloured membranous mar- gin (aid). Each mericarp (or half-fruit) has five primary ridges, but no secon- dary ones. In each channel is one vitta, and on the commissure are two vittse. These vittae contain the aromatic oil. The odour of the fruit is strongly aroma- tic ; the taste warm and pungent. Composition.—Dill owes its peculiar properties to a volatile oil. (See below.) Physiological Effects.—Aromatic stimulant, carminative and condimen- tary, analogous to other aromatic umbelliferous fruits (vol. i. p. 191). Uses.—Employed as a condiment by the Cossacks. Loudon (Encyclopedia of Gardening) says the leaves " are used to heighten the relish of some vege- table pickles, particularly cucumbers; and also occasionally in soups and pickles." In medicine it is principally employed in the diseases of children. It is a com- mon domestic remedy among nurses, to relieve flatulence and griping of infants. Occasionally it is taken under the idea of its promoting the secretion of milk. Practitioners generally use dill as a vehicle for the exhibition of purgative and other medicines to children, the griping of which it assists in preventing. The whole fruits may be given to adults in doses of ten grains to a drachm. 1. OLEUM ANETHI, £- Oil of Dill. (Obtained by submitting the bruised fruit officinal galbanum. 493 of dill, with water, to distillation.) Two cwts. of the fruit yield 8 lbs. 5 ozs. of oil. (Private information.) This oil is pale yellow. Its sp. gr. is 0-881. Its odour is peculiar and penetrating, analogous to that of the fruit. Its taste is hot, but sweetish. Alcohol and ether readily dissolve it. According to Tietzmann 1440 parts of water dissolve one part of this oil. Principally used to prepare dill water. May be taken in the dose of a few drops on sugar, or dissolved in spirit. % AOJJA ANETHI, L. E. Dill Water. (Dill, bruised, lb. jss. [3xviij. E.]; Proof Spirit, f3vij. [Rectified Spirit, 3"j- E.) ; Water, Cong. ij. Mix. Let a gallon distil.)—This compound is usually prepared bydiffusing the oil through water by the aid of sugar or spirit. Carminative. Dose, for adults, f 3j- to fS'ij- 5 for in- fants, f3j. to f3iij. It is generally given to infants with their food. 10. GAL'BANUM OFFICINALE, Don., L.—OFFICINAL GALBANUM. Sex. Syst. Pentandria, Digynia. (Gummi-resina, L. D.—Concrete gummy-reeinous exudation of an imperfectly ascertained umbelliferous plant probably a species of Opoidia, E.) History.—Galbanum is mentioned by Moses (Exodus, xxx. 34) who ranks it among the sweet spices. It was used in medicine by Hippocrates, (page 401, &c. ed. Foes.) ; Dioscorides (Ibid. iii. 97) says it (^aXSavyj) is the //,£ 0 Colocynth Pulp . 1018 BraconnoVs Analysis. Bitter matter (Colocynthin) with some resin.. 414 Resi n..................................... 4-3 Vegetable jelly (pectin)..................... J8-6 Azotic matter.............................. 21-4 Acetate of potash.......................... 5-7 Deliquescent salt of potash not soluble in al- cohol................................... "•! Watery extract of Colocynth . Colocynthin: Colocynthite; Bitter or Purgative Principle of Colocynth.—By digesting the watery extract of colocynth in alcohol, and evaporating the tincture thus procured, we obtain a mass, composed, according to Vauquelin, of a bitter principle and acetate of potash. A little water readily dissolves the latter, leaving the bitter resinoid matter, to which the name of Colocynthin has been applied. It is a yellowish-brown, translucent, brittle substance, dissolving 512 ELEMENTS OP MATERIA MEDICA. in water, but much more readily in alcohol. The aqueous solulion is precipitated by the tincture of galls, and by some metallic solutions (protosulphate of iron, sulphate of copper, and nitrate of mercury). Chemical Characteristics.—The cold infusion is pale yellow, and very bitter; nitrate of mercury, sulphate of copper, and acetate of lead, cause in it gelatinous-flocculent precipitates (pectates ?); sesquichloride of iron and "tincture of nutgalls do not render it turbid. Powdered colocynth gives scarcely any evidence of the presence of starch, on mixing it with tincture of iodine and water. Physiological Effects, a. On Animals generally—The animals on whom the action of colocynth has been examined, are horses, dogs, sheep, and pigs. On dogs its operation appears to be analogous to that on man. Thus Viborg (Wibmer, Wirk. d. Arzneim ii. Gifte. ii. 230) states that two drachms caused in a dog violent vomiting and purging; and Orfila (Toxicol. Gen.) has shown that three drachms introduced into the stomach (the oesophagus being tied) are capable of causing death. It is remarkable, however, that its operation on horses is comparatively slight, at least according to the testimony of Viborg, Bourgelat, and Moiroud (Pharm. Vet. 274). The last-mentioned writer says he has given four drachms to a horse without exciting the least disorder; and he adds that another cucurbitaceous plant (briony) has likewise very little effect on the horse. /3. On Man.—Thunberg (Travels, ii. 171) tells us, that at the Cape of Good Hope, the colocynth fruit is said to be eaten when pickled, both by the natives and colonists, although it is very bitter. Mr. Dunsterville, Surgeon, of Algoa Bay, formerly one of my pupils, tells me that the colocynth growing there does not possess the least bitterness. Is it Cucumis Colocynthis ? Colocynth taken in small or moderate doses acts as a very safe and useful purgative. Its operation is not limited to the acceleration of the vermicular move- ments, but is extended to the secreting and exhaling vessels of the alimentary canal, whose functions it promotes. Moreover it stimulates the other abdominal organs ; and after the absorption of its bitter acrid principle, it not unfrequently proves diuretic. In full doses, it operates as a very active or drastic cathartic and hydragogue; but I have never seen any ill effects from its use. These re- marks apply to the compound extract, the only preparation of colocynth of which I have personal experience. It would appear, partly from observation in the human subject, and also from the experiments of Orfila on dogs, that colocynth is one of those purgatives which exert a specific stimulant influence over the large intestines. In excessive doses, colocynth, both in powder and decoction, has on several occasions operated as a mortal poison, causing violent vomiting and purging, griping pain, and other symptoms of gastro-intestinal inflammation. A tea- spoonful and a half of the powder (about 3iss.) has proved fatal (Christison, On Poisons). In a case related by Orfila (Toxicol. Gen.) there were, besides the preceding symptoms, dimness of sight and slight delirium. In M. Carron d'An- necy's case (Toxicol. Gen.) the purging was followed by extreme tension and tenderness of belly, suppression of stools and urine, retraction of the testicles, and priapism. On a post-mortem examination there were found, besides the usual evidences of inflammation of the bowels, traces of inflammation of the liver, kid- neys, and the bladder. Considered in relation to other cathartics, colocynth will be found to rank near gamboge, from which it is distinguished by at least two circumstances: first, its cathartic effect is not the mere result of its topical acrid operation, but, in part, of its specific influence over the bowels; secondly, its action on the large intestine is more manifest than that of gamboge. In the latter property, colocynth approxi- mates to aloes; but while it greatly exceeds the latter in its cathartic and hydra- gogue effects, it is devoid of the tonic influence possessed by aloes, when used in small doses. bitter cucumber. 513 Uses.—Besides being useful as an ordinary purgative, colocynth is adapted for acting as a stimulus to the abdominal and pelvic vessels and nerves in cases of torpor or inactivity, and, on the principle of counter-irritation already ex- plained (vol. i. p. 161), for determining from oiher organs. The objections to its use are acute inflammatory affections of the alimentary canal, diseases of the large intestine, &c. The following are the principal cases in which it is em- ployed. 1. In Habitual Constipation___As an ordinary purgative for keeping the bowels regular, the compound extract of colocynth is in common use both among the public and medical men. It operates mildly, certainly, and effectually. I am acquainted with individuals who have taken this substance for years, without suf- fering any inconvenience therefrom. The simple extract is sometimes employed as a substitute, but is less advantageous. 2. In Alvine Obstruction.—In some cases of obstinate constipation, with sick- ness and other symptoms of an extremely irritable- stomach, the compound ex- tract of colocynth occasionally proves invaluable. Occupying but a small bulk, it is retained on the stomach, and succeeds in producing alvine evacuations, where the ordinary liquid purgatives fail, in consequence of being vomited up. Doubtful cases of intussusception and hernia, even with stercoraceous vomiting, I have seen completely relieved by it. More than once have I known an opera- tion averted by its use, in those who, in addition to the above symptoms, had old herniae, which led the surgeon to suspect strangulation. A slight degree of ab- dominal tenderness is not to be considered as absolutely prohibiting its use. Oc- casionally the extract is rubbed down with soap and water, and administered as an enema (see Enema Colocynthidis). 3. In Diseases oftlui Brain.—In apoplexy, or a tendency thereto, in paralysis, insanity, violent headache, &c, colocynth is sometimes employed with good effect, on the principle of revulsion or counter-irritation. 4. In Dropsy.—In dropsical affections, colocynth has been used as a hydra- gogue. But in this country it is less frequently employed for this than for other purposes: various other hydragogues (especially elaterium and jalap) being usu- ally preferred. It is sometimes employed as a diuretic, being given in the form of decoction. Hufeland regarded it as a most effectual diuretic in persons of a cold and sluggish habit of body. (Eberle, Mat. Med. i. 119, 2d ed.) 5. In Amenorrhea and Chlorosis.—In some cases of obstructed menstruation, benefit is obtained by the use of drastic purgatives, like colocynth, which act on the rectum, and, by contiguous sympathy, affect the uterus. Administration.—The powder, which is rarely used, may be administered in doses of from two to eight or ten grains, intimately mixed with some mild powder, (gum, or starch.) The decoction (prepared by boiling 3ij. of colocynth in Oj. of waler for six minutes, and, according to Hufeland, adding to the strained liquor, f3ij. of the spirit of sulphuric ether, and f3j. of syrup of orange- peel) is given in doses of fjss. three times a day. The tincture (prepared according to the Prussian Pharmacopoeia, by digesting 3j. of colocynth pulp and 3j. of star-anise in lb. j. of rectified spirit) is given in doses of twenty drops. Colocynth has been employed iatraleptically (see vol. i. p. 164) by Dr. Chres- tien. (Meth. latral. p. 172.) The tincture of colocynth, or twenty grains of the powder mixed with hogs' lard, were used by way of friction on the abdo- » men and inner side of the thighs, in disorders of the intellectual functions. Diuresis was a common effect. The following are the officinal preparations of colocynth. Antidote.—See Elaterium, p. 522. 1. EXTRACTUM COLOCYNTHIDIS, L. E. D.; Extract of Colocynth: (Colocynth pulp [in pieces, L.] lb. j.; Water [Distilled, L.] Cong. ij. [Cong. j. wine mea- sure, D.] Mix and boil with a slow fire for six hours, frequently adding dis- tilled water, that it may always fill the same measure. Strain the liquor while 514 ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA. hot ; lastly, evaporate it to a proper consistence, L.—The directions of the Edin- burgh College are essentially the same, except that the evaporation is directed to be effected by the vapour-bath.—The Dublin College directs the mixture to be boiled down to four pints, and the liquor filtered while hot; then evaporated to a proper consistence.)—When the decoction is very concentrated, it readily gela- tinizes on cooling; hence it is necessary to strain it while hot. At Apothecaries' Hall, the produce of 100 lbs. of pulp is about 65 lbs. of extract. (Barker and Montgomery, Obs. on the Dub. Pharm.) Extract of colocynth is an objection- able preparation, as it is very apt to become either mouldy or tough and hard by keeping.—The dose of it is grs. v. to 9j. 2. EXTRACTUM COLOCYNTHIDIS COMPOSITUM, L. D. (U. S.) Pilulce Colocyn- thidis, E.; Compound Extract of Colocynth. (Colocynth pulp, cut in pieces, 3vj. Purified extract of Aloes [Hepatic Aloes, D.] 3xij. ; Scammony, pow- dered, 3iv. ; Cardamom Seeds, powdered, 3j- 5 Soap, 3iij. \ Proof Spirit, Cong. j. [wine measure, D.] Macerate the colocynth in the spirit, with a gentle heat, for four days. Strain the spirit, and add to it the aloes, scammony, and soap; afterwards evaporate to a proper consistence, the cardamom being mixed towards ihe end, L.—The process of the Dublin College is essentially the same.—The process of the Edinburgh College is as follows:—"Socotrine or East Indian Aloes, and Scammony, of each, eight parts; Colocynth, four parts; Sulphate of Potash, and Oil of Cloves, of each, one part; Rectified Spirit, a sufficiency. Pulverize the aloes, scammony, and sulphate of potash, together ; mix with them the colocynth previously reduced to fine powder; add the oil of cloves ; and vvith the aid of a small quantity of rectified spirit, beat the whole into a proper pill mass, which is to be divided into five-grain pills.")—Compound extract of colocynth, made according to the London Pharmacopoeia, is an exceedingly valu- able preparation ; but owing to carelessness, inattention, fraud, or ignorance, the preparation of the shops is very unequal in its powers. The aloes used in the process should be purified (by straining) as directed by the London College: the necessity of this will be obvious to any one who has seen a cwt. of aloes melted. Should the Cape variety be substituted for the finer kind of aloes, the odour would detect the fraud. The scammony employed should be of the best quality (see p. 342). If the common (i. e. adulterated) kinds be used, the acti- vity of the preparation is thereby deteriorated. If the compound extract, rolled into a ball and dropped into water, effervesce on the addition of hydrochloric acid, we may infer that the scammony employed was adulterated with chalk. If the filtered decoction, slightly acidified, become blue or purplish on the addition of tincture of iodine, the presence of some starchy substance (as jalap or adulte- rated scammony) may be inferred. The mode of detecting gamboge will be described hereafter (see Gamboge). If colocynth seeds have been employed as a substitute for the pulp, the tenacity of the extract, I am told, is greatly deterio- rated. Some druggists substitute oil of cardamoms for the powder of the,seeds, and by this means increase the odour of the preparation ; but unless some inert powder be added, to compensate for the powder of the seeds omitted, the strength of the preparation would be somewhat greater than that intended in the Pharma- copoeia. Compound extract of colocynth is a powerful, sure, yet safe cathartic. Its uses are the same as those of colocynth before described. The dose of it is from five grains to a scruple. Calomel is frequently given in combination with it. The • pilulce catharticce compositce, U. S. (before noticed, vol. i. p. 625) contains the compound extract of colocynth, extract of jalap, and calomel. Extract of hyos- cyamus is frequently given in conjunction with the compound extract of colo- cynth. (See pilulce colocynthidis et hyoscyami, E.) In the shops a cheap substitute for the compound extract of colocynth is often sold under the name of pill cochice (pilulce coccice, or pilulce cochice minores of Galen). The substitute sold under this name at Apothecaries' Hall, London, is the pilulce colocynthidis, Ph. Ed. without the sulphate of potash. SQUIRTING CUCUMBER. 515 Colocynth is a constituent of Morisorts Pills. (See Frazer's Report of the Trial of Joseph Webb, at York Assizes, 1H34, p. 53.) I P'lLULyE COLOCVNTniDlS ET HYOSCYAMI, E.; Pills of Colocynth and Hen- bane.—(Colocynlh-pill mass, two parts; Extract of Hyoscyamus, one part. Beat them well together, adding a few drops of rectified spirit, if necessary; and divide the mass into thirty-six pills.)—Extract of Hyoscyamus diminishes the pain and griping frequently experienced from the use of colocynth, but does not injure its evacuant properties. Boih Sir H. Ha I ford and Dr. Paris (Pharmaco- logia, i. 299, 6th ed.) bear testimony to this.—The dose of this pill is grs. v. to grs. xv. 4. ENEMA COLOCYNTHIDIS, L.; Colocynth Clyster.—(Compound Extract of Co- locynth, 9ij.; Soft Soap, 3j.; Water, Oj. Mix, and rub them together.)—A useful cathartic enema in obstinate constipation, whether arising from colic, or from other non-inflammatory conditions. 2. MOMOR'DICA ELATE'RIUM, Linn, L. E. D.—SQUIRTING CUCUMBER. Ecbalium officinale, Nees S[ Ebermaier. Sex. Syst Monoecia, Syngenesia. Linn.1 (Pepones recentes, L.—Feculence of the juice of the fruit, E.—Fructus; Fsecula, Folia ; D.) (Elaterium, U. S.) History.—The term sXar^iov (from iXavvu, I impel, or urge forward) was employed by the Greeks to signify, not merely a medicine prepared from the ifixvg ctyoiog, or wild cucumber (Momordica Elaterium), but also-any purgative substance. (Foesius, (Econom. Hipp.) Hippocrates (Opera, ed. Foes. pp. 418, 547, and 877), employed the root and leaves of the plant, as well as JXa