Working Bulletin 
FOR THE SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION OF 
QUEBRACHO, 
(ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO.) 
A Plan to promote Progress in the Science of Pharmacology. 
This working bulletin, accompanied by the drug to be investigated, or a preparation of the same, 
both, as the circumstances require, is distributed gratuitously to the Colleges, Universities and 
other institutions engaged in scientific work, and to the government hospitals, and public hospitals and 
dispensaries, and to the medical profession at large, to obtain the results of the drug in treating the sick. 
The object is to promote original investigation in the science of drugs. This we propose to do by 
furnishing gratuitously to those engaged in original research, material for investigation, and by publishing 
the results of thet same as a donation to scientific literature. It is apparent that the only return which we 
can receive for this work is the increased demand for the valuable drugs which we are introducing to 
science, for we guarantee to publish full reports, favorable or otherwise. 
Articles in relation to the drug, under the following heads embraced by the pharmacology, are 
requested for the Therapeutic Gazhtte. the organwi ich represents this new system of work. '1 liese heads 
form the classification of this bulletin. In regard to each drug investigated we solicit reports for publica- 
tion upon the subjects of scientific name ; synonyms ; definition; natural order; botanical origin; history; 
commerce; production: cultivation; description : microscopical structnre; chemical composition; uses 
(in medicine); adulterations and subs itutions ; pharmaceutical preparations and dose ; antagonists and 
incompatables ; syn rgists physiological action; therapeutic properties ; toxicology and antidotes. 
At the end of the year the reportsputolished in the Gazette will be collected, classified, and published 
in the form of an annual report, which will be donated to the libraries of the Smithsonian Institute, a 
goverment institute at Washington for the free diffusion of knowledge ; and a sample of the drug, and our 
preparation of it, will be deposited in the National Museum, in the department delegated to pharmacology. 
SENT OUT BY 
THE SCIENTIFIC DEPARTMENT OF 
PARKE, DAVIS & CO., 
Manufacturing Chemists, Detroit, Mich., U. S. A. Aspidosperma Quebracho. 
Quebracho bark, Quebracho Blanco. 
The bark of the tree of Aspidosperma Quebracho. 
Natural order, Apocynece. 
Botanical Origin.—(Report from Dr. Adolph Hansen, assistant at the Botanic Institute 
of Erlangen, contained in an essay by that author.—Therapeutic Gazette, September, 1880; p. 263.) 
The genus Aspidosperma belongs to the Apocynese. The general peculiarities which distinguish the 
members of this family are astringent properties, aromatic resins and the property of furnishing a milky 
juice, at times inocuous, and at others, again, very poisonous. The genus Aspidosperma was originated 
by Martius and Zuccarina. In the first volume of the Nov. gen., De Candolle, Prodromus VIII, p. 396, 
ff., there are two sections of these plants described, containing eighteen species. In the essay of Muller 
von Aargau on the Apocynese of the Flora Braziliensis, we already find described thirty-nine species, 
likewise divided into two sections. Three species mentioned by De Candolle occur beyond the north- 
western limits of Brazil. Further, four extra-Brazilian species are described by Muller von Aargau ii> 
Vol. XXX., Linnsea, p. 397, as occurring in British Guiana, on the Orinoco, and the Island of Trinidad,, 
and in the forests of Mexico, so that in all forty-six species are known. The species discovered by 
Burmeister, Schlechtendal was unable to identify with any of those already known, and consequently 
Aspidosperma Quebracho must be added to the above number as an Argentinian species. 
Aspidosperma Quebracho is a tall tree with a perfectly straight trunk from two to three feet in 
th’ickness, with a moderately large oval crown and sparse foliage, the extreme twigs being very fine 
and pendant, as in the willow (something like Salix Babylonica). I received from the Gottingen 
Herbarium specimens of aspidosperma quebracho, collected by Lorentz and Hieronymus ; they consisted 
of blossoming twigs from plants of first year’s growth and over, and also of the fruits. It seemed to 
me to be of interest to furnish an exact illustration of a flowering twig, inasmuch as aspidosperma 
quebracho has not yet been illustrated. (Plate 1, fig. 1.) The leaves stand in triple whorls, they are 
leathery, lanceolate, entire, smooth, veins not prominent, the upper and lower sides both presenting 
the same appearance. The leaf ends in a sharp-pointed thorn. The inflorescence is rather complicated, 
the flowers are in cymes which have the forms technically termed dichasia or pleiochasia, or sometimes 
the arrangement resembles the helicoid cyme. The calyx is pentasepalous, the corolla pentapetalous ; 
the petals overlap each other at the base (fig. 1 b) ; five stamens are attached to the corolla ; ovary 
superior, two-celled, with numerous ovules, the pistil carrying a headed stigma (fig. 1, a b c). The 
fruit has been accurately described and figured by Schlechtendal,* to whose illustration I refer. It may 
be noted that its anatomical structure bears a remarkable similarity to that of the bark, inasmuch as 
the parenchyma of the former is also interspersed with sclerogenous cells. 
Remarks on Species.—Grisebach gives the following diagnosis of the species. (Plantae 
Lorentz, p. 203). 
Aspidosperma quebracho Schlecht. Simile A. parvifolio A. DC. sed foliis oppositis (ternatimque 
verticillatis) a charactere generico aberrans corollaque aliis speciebus accedens. 
Arbor sempervirens, glabra, ligno duro, foliis rigidis glaucescentibus eliptico-lanceolatis subses- 
silibus v. in petiolum brevissimum attenuatis utrinque laevigatis subvenosis margine calloso flavente 
einctic apice aristato-mucronatis (1" longis 3-4" latis, cymae axillares et terminales, trichotomae (1" 
diam.), pedicellis patentibus pedunculisque minutissime pubeurlis, 1—2" longis, calyx 5 partitus 
longus, segmentis ovatis acutis, corolla, lutea, ad medium 5 fida, tubo cylindrico 2"' Ion go, lobis 
expansis oblongo-linearibus obtusis basi auriculata sinistorum contortis ; antherae infra faucem sessilis, 
deltoideo-cuspidatae ; ovaria 2, stylo communi incluso superne clavato minutissime 2 cuspidato ; capsula 
Ugnosa, margine convexa compressiuscula, elipsoidea 2%"' longa, lata, 10"' crassa, valvis medo 
carinatis ; semina cum ala lata 2" longa, 1" lata.—Cordoba, in campis pr. urbem, inde per provincias 
Santiego de Estero et Tucuman. 
In comparison with the species mentioned and illustrated in the Flora Braziliensis (Vol. vi, 
part I), aspidosperma quebracho assimilates closely to several different varieties. In its inflorescence it 
approaches most nearly to aspidosperma nobile, pyrifolium, subincanum and tomentosum. In its verna- 
tion it resembles aspidosperma parvifolium, differing, however, by the verticillate arrangement and 
thorny point of the leaves. 
♦Bot. Zcit., 1861, p. 138; plate V. B. 32 
ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
History.—Report from Dr. Adolph Hansen, assistant at the Botanic Institute of Erlangen, 
contained in essay by that author.—Therapeutic Gazette, September, 1880 ; p. 263. 
Soon after the introduction of quebracho bark, this remedy attracted considerable attention. 
The limited knowledge we possessed of the drug itself, and the difficulty of obtaining it, as well as the 
occurrence of frequent substitution of false varieties for the true drug, caused considerable confusion, 
which was not in the least diminished by numerous communications of results obtained from all kinds 
of barks. A large number of short notices of the bark and its therapeutic effects appeared in the 
medical and pharmaceutical journals without, however, a report of any thorough examination of the 
bark itself. The only serviceable reference was contained in a description by Dingier, appearing with 
Fraude’s chemical publication. As I was in possession of material of undoubted genuineness, it appeared 
to be of sufficient interest to furnish an elaborate description of the bark, above all in a pharmacognostic 
sense, thus enabling us to identify it and render further substitution impossible. 
An examination of the wood was undertaken at the same time with that of the bark. 
The work, which was begun in the interest of therapeutics, brought ample reward in the 
discovery of several anatomical peculiarities. 
All the illustrations are drawn from nature ; the accompanying number designates the 
microscopic enlargement. 
Erlangen, May, 1880. 
In the beginning of the year 1878, Herr F. Schickendanz sent a collection of vegetable drugs 
from the Argentine Republic to Erlangen for examination and valuation. Among these samples was a 
bark which has since then attracted considerable attention ; a member of the apocyneae asoidosperma 
quebracho, Schlechtendal. 
Attention was attracted to this bark principally by the comments of Schickendanz ; he wrote : 
“Aspidosperma quebracho is a tree occurring quite commonly in the province of Santiago, and in the 
bosom of the valley in which the city of Catamarca is situated. I know of only one group of these 
trees, on this side of the Ambato, standing near the outlet of the Quebreda-del-Molle, about four leagues 
east of Pilciao, whence the bark is obtained. The tree belongs to the order apocyneae and was named 
by Schlechtendal aspidosperma quebracho. The bark has been in use for many years as a febrifuge, 
and, according to the views of the physicians of Tucuman, is equal to the cinchona barks in activity." 
The great importance of the cinchona barks and their alkaloids as curative agents made it a matter of 
the first importance to determine the correctness of the views which ascribed to auebracho an equal 
rank and \ralue. 
During the period in which the chemical examination was progressing under the direction of G. 
Fraude* at the Munich laboratory, other experiments to determine its therapeutic action were instituted 
by Dr. F. Penzoldt. The former resulted in the discovery of an alkaloid which seems, at least theoret- 
ically, related to the cinchona alkaloids, while the latter researches brought about a knowledge of the 
wonderful efficacy of the remedy in dyspnoea, though the praise awarded to it for its antifebrile 
properties was not found justified. 
This unexpected action of quebracho bark at once elevated it to the rank of valuable remedies, 
though the suddenness of the discovery was attended by a dearth of further material, the original 
-shipment containing only limited quantities. The natural consequence was an eager attempt to obtain 
parcels of the drug, which was difficult enough, inasmuch as jobbers and druggists possessed no acqaint- 
ance with the article sufficient for its identification,! and besides it must necessarily be obtained from a 
foreign source. 
The limited knowledge available regarding its botanical source gave rise to much confusion and 
variation in the parcels brought into the market, which again threw doubts on the correctness of the 
pharmacological discovery. This state of uncertainty was greatly aided by the fact that in its native 
country, species of entirely different families received the popular designation of “quebracho.” 
The word itself, composed of “ quebrar ” and “hach,” signifies “breaking the ax,” and trees 
with very hard wood commonly received this designation without regard to their application in a 
scientific way, a circumstance frequently occurring in our own country. It is, therefore, an imperative 
necessity to establish the identity of the sample obtained from the first sender, which will be greatly 
.assisted by a study of the history of this plant, which possesses, in fact, an ample though somewhat 
■scattered literature. Through the extended travels and thorough researches of Martius,! >n which 
he was aided by a complete equipment of apparatus and material, and which have, not unjustly, 
caused him to be named the second discoverer of Brazil, we have been placed in possession of 
an extended knowledge of the vegetation of that country. An imposing evidence of this fact is found in 
the “ Flora Braziliensis ” begun by Martius and numerous other botanists, and continued by Eichler. 
The great neighboring territory of the pampas has been as yet but slightly explored botanically. By 
pampas we usually understand the treeless plains of South America, overgrown with giant grasses, such 
as stretch in unmeasured grandeur from the La Plata to the Rio Colorado. In a botanico-geographical 
*G Fraude, Berichte d. Deutch. chem. Gesellsch, 1878, p. 2189, 1869, p. 1558 u. 1560. 
+F. Penzoldt, Berl. kiln. Wochenschr, 1879, N. 19. 
}Martius and Spix. Journey to Brazil. Munich, 1824-31. Vol. 3. ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
33 
6ense, however, the term “pampas” includes the entire area of country between the southern boundary 
of Brazil to near the southern terminal point of South America ; it embraces, therefore, the La Plata 
states and Patagonia. 
Of late years the Argentine Republic has endeavored to aid in the development of this section' 
by the appointment of German naturalists for the purpose of exploration, so that we may indulge the 
hope that this rich country may be opened up to the civilized world. An evidence of these labors is 
found in the publications of Burmeister and Grisebach. Several descriptions of the different plants 
indigenous to the pampas can be found in a history by A. Jacques,* of a military expedition undertaken 
against the predatory bands of Indians who had ravaged the extreme southern settlements of the 
Argentine Republic. Among the plants mentioned, of which short characteristics are given, we find 
the following : 
“Quebracho, two varieties, the white and red, differing from each other not only in the color 
of their wood, but also in the structural peculiarities of the flower and fruit. The small, glistening, 
pointed, myrtle-like leaf is not deciduous in winter, the green color merely deepens, and new leaves of 
a more delicate shade sprout from the ends of the twigs ; the intense solar heat, however, causes them 
to fall in summer. Its wood is of extraordinarily close texture and hardness, so that it may be used to 
replace the iron of wagon axles and the rollers used for crushing sugar-cane.” 
The extended travels of Burmeisterf through the La Plata states were, then, the means of 
giving the first important information as to their botanical and general conditions. While on this 
journey, Burmeister met with quebracho, and through him the first specimens of the fruit and twigs of 
this tree were sent to Europe. It will, perhaps, be of interest to quote from Burmeister’s own words a 
description of the discovery of this tree, which I take from his report. At this time he was on the 
road from between Cordova and Tucuman : 
“July 19th. Our departure from Chaiiar took place at night. As the sun rises we are already 
at the fit st station beyond, Pozo-del-Tigre, a distance of four leguas. Our surroundings were low 
woods with groups of palms, as heretofore, without anything characteristic. Two leguas beyond Pozo 
the palms ended, and were replaced by low bushes of an unfamiliar species of syngenesia, with fine 
reversed, heart-shaped leaves, such as were found at Mendozo. In this manner we arrived at Porteznelo, 
five leguas from Pozo, lying between high, rounded, bare, granitic hills, on the banks of a clear brook. 
The appearance of this spot made a most peculiar and horrible impression on me, so wild and weird 
was its character ; we found, however, a friendly family who shared with us their breakfast, which was 
then waiting. At this point we had entered the province of Santiago-del-Estero, reported to be 620 
metres above the level of the sea ; it is four leguas from here to Orquetas, the next station. The 
landscape still produces a very melancholy impression ; it is covered with low shrubbery between the 
constantly occurring naked granite rocks. Farther on we met with a few large species of cactus ; 
opuntias of giant form and tall trunks ; still further on the landscape becomes more picturesque by 
the appearance of a tree characteristic of this region as far as Tucuman, viz.: Quebracho. The tree 
presents the appearance of an erect high trunk carrying a spreading crown whose drooping extremity 
bears finely pointed twigs. As I was unable to determine the plant botanically, at this time, I 
collected several of the rather numerous oval fruits, an examination of which has since resulted in the 
discovery that the specimens belong to the order apocynece, genus Aspidosperma, Mart., and is, without 
doubt, a still undescribed variety. This tree is of great commercial importance to the country on 
account of the value of its wood, which is used for building purposes, particularly the variety which is 
known as “Quebracho Colorado,” whose wood, of extreme hardness, is of a blood-red color, which in course 
of time becomes quite black, while the other variety, known as “Quebracho Blanco,” remains white. The 
leaves of the former are small, fine, simple lanceolate, while those of the latter are broader and ovate- 
lanceolate. In this beautiful forest of quebracho I was taken so sick that to my regret I was unable to 
pay further attention to my surroundings. I merely know that the region as far as the Rio Dulce was 
vf the same character, on both sides of which a low meadowy vegetation extended, intermixed with 
salicornias, the soil strongly impregnated with salt, and further on a repetition of the quebracho forest, 
now interspersed with numerous individuals of a species of cereus of high candelabra-like forms, which 
emerged from the bushy undergrowth and reached to the crowns of the quebracho trees. Both were, 
however, distributed at intervals, and did not form an unbroken forest.” 
Thus far Burmeister’s account of quebracho. Being himself unable to determine the plant, he 
sent a number of twigs and fruits to Schlechtendal. The fruits bore an undoubted resemblance to those 
classified by Martius and Zuccarini as aspidosperma. They were identical with the fruits illustrated as 
belonging to the genus aspidosperma in Martius’ Nov. gen. et spec., plate 1, 34 and 36, and in the 
Flora Braziliensis fascic. 26, plates 13 and 15, and show only a slight diversity of form and flexion. 
The fruit will also be found illustrated in the Botanische Zeit., 1861, plate 5. Although no sample of 
quebracho Colorado was obtained from Burmeister, nevertheless Schlechtendal concluded that both plants 
must belong to the same species, having the same vulgar name, and consequently classified them as 
♦Excursion au Rio-Salado et dans le Chaco, Confederation Argentine. Par Jacques (Extrait de la Revue 
d« Paris, du 1 et 15 Mars, 1857) Paris, 1857. 
+H. Burmeister. Travels through several northern provinces of th« La Plata states. Zeitschrift f. allegemeine 
ErUkunde N. F., i860. Bd. IX. 34 
ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
belonging to the genus aspidosperma. He named the one aspidosperma quebracho Blanco, and the 
other aspidosperma quebracho Colorado. This error referred to by Grisebach,* gave rise to much 
confusion, until removed by the receipt of further material for examination. 
■ Succeeding Burmeister’s researches was the important journey of Lorentz, in the northwestern 
part of the La Plata States, which had been the least explored. This journey, which was undertaken 
at the instance of the Argentine Republic, materially aided botanical science in that country; it occurred 
during the years 1871-72, and included the provinces of Cordoba, Santiago del Estero, Tucuman and 
Catamarca, lying between 26° and 310 south latitude. Inasmuch as Lorentz was not in possession of 
the necessary scientific appliances, he transmitted the material collected to Grisebach, and the latter 
published the results of his investigations in a large treatise entitled “ Plantse Lorentzianae.”f Among 
this collection were a sufficient number of specimens for examination of both plants, quebracho Blanco 
and quebracho Colorado, so that it was possible for Grisebach to determine and correct the error 
previously made by Schlechtendal with reference to the latter species. It was discovered that the 
plant known in the Argentine Republic as quebracho Colorado belongs to quite a different family 
than quebracho Blanco. The first named tree does not belong to the genus Aspidosperma nor even 
to the Apocynese, but is a member of the Terebinthacese, and is to be classified under the genus 
Anacardium. Inasmuch as Schlechtendal’s classification has thus been proven incorrect, it was named 
by Grisebach “Loxopterygium, Gr.” It is described on page 115 of the ‘ Plantae Lorentzianas ” ; 
Schlechtendal’s classification of the quebracho Blanco was, however, found correct, and it therefore 
retained that name. 
In a second treatise o. Grisebach’s,% on Argentinian plants, occurred other descriptive notices, 
which removed all possible sources of error. On page 224 it is stated, according to a communication 
of Hieronymus, that aspidosperma quebracho obtains in the entire country the title of “quebracho 
Blanco,” and not “quebracho Colorado.” Further, it is mentioned in the same treatise, p. 95, as an 
appendix to a repeated diagnosis of loxopterygium, that also, in accordance with the statement of 
Hieronymus, the popular name of “quebracho Colorado” is used in both the provinces of Tucuman 
and Santiago del Estero to designate only loxopterygium. 
In entire accordance with the foregoing are the statements most recently made by Hieronymus 
in Cordoba, who is the best authority on this subject. These latter were communicated by Herr Primke 
in Jjio. 9 of the Pharm. Zeit., 1880, which I quote verbatim: 
“As quebracho, are designated the following trees belonging to different families of plants, and 
their parts which are of commercial value as raw material: 
X. Aspidosperma quebracho Schlechtendal, apocynese, local name, quebracho Blanco. This tree grows 
in the province of Catamarca, of the Argentine Republic ; the bark is used by the natives as a 
remedy for malaria and asthma. 
2. Loxopterygium (quebrachia), Lorentzii, Gr., Terebinthacese, local name, quebracho Colorado. The 
wood and bark are found in commerce, and valued as an excellent tanning material. This tree 
grows particularly in the province of Corrientes. 
3. Jodina rhombifolia, Hooker et Arnott, Ilicinese, local name, quebracho fiojo. The wood and bark 
frequently occur in commerce, and are often mistaken for No. 2. 
4. Machserium fertile, Gr. leguminosse dalbergiese, synonym, tipuana speciosa, local name tipa. This 
tree also furnishes wood and bark for tanning purposes, both of which, however, are of less value 
than No. 2. 
It is of little importance to consider the possibility of the latter tree being mistaken for 
quebracho, as Grisebach, who mentions it as Machserium Tipa Benth., in his “Symbolae,” p. 109, has 
already remarked that Bentham had determined, on the authority of Mantegazza, that the naming of 
this species “quebracho Colorado,” was evidently an error, the name “tipa” being preferred by the 
inhabitants of Tucuman for its greater fluency of pronunciation. There remains then no room for doubt 
that the species of plant to which quebracho bark owes its origin is aspidosperma quebracho Blanco, 
Schlechtendal, the latter being a positively determined species, and even in its native country is with 
difficulty confounded with others. The present state of confusion is therefore to be ascribed to the 
limited knowledge possessed of the new drug. 
*A. Grisebach, Vegetation of the Earth, vol. 2, p. 620, 1872. “ We distinguish two varieties of quebracho, Blanc® 
and Colorado. Schlechtendal examined the fruits of quebracho Blanco and referred them to the genus Aspidospcrma of 
the tropical Apocyneae. According to his illustration the fruits are identical; as the flower, however, is unknown and 
the leaves occur in whorls or are opposite in this specimen, and in the determined varieties are alternate, the classification 
still requires further substantiation. A decided error, however, was committed by him in classifying quebracho Colorado 
as belonging to this species, seemingly without being in possession of specimens and regardless of the fact that these 
have not the flat two-lobed capsules of the aspidosperma according to the description of Tweedie (Ann. Nat. Hist. 4, p. 
101), but bore large clusters of red fruits similar to those of the sycamore (Ficus). The fact that the designation 
“quebracho,” really “ quebrar hacho” (breaking the ax) refers to the hardness of the wood and not to any special family 
of trees, seems to be confirmed by Orbigny’s report on Corrientes, who includes therein also a species of Acacia.” 
1 Plant* Lorentzianoe. Description of the first and second collections of Prof. Lorentz at Cordoba. Publ. by 
the Imper. Society of Sciences at Gottingen. 1874 ; p. 49. 
ad Floram Argentinian. Second descriptive treatise on Argentiniam Plants. Publ. by the Imp. Society 
of Science at Gottingen. 1879 ; vol. 24. ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
35 
Report of Prof. J. Weisner, of Vienna, contained in article translated from Prager Medicinishe 
Wochenschrift, Therapeutic Gazette, (January, 1880, p. 13.) Quebracho means literally “axe-break 
ing,” therefore, “Tree of hard wood.” Two kinds of the drug were presented at the International 
Exhibition: Q. Colorado (also called rosado) and Q. Blanco. The former is derived from a Terebin- 
thacea; Loxopterygium Lorentzi Griesb; the latter, as metioned before, from an apocynacea: aspidosper- 
ma quebracho. The very hard and heavy wood of the latter forms a good tanning material and con- 
tains about 18 per cent, tannic acid, which is, however, not identical with that of the oak bark or oak 
wood. On account of its cheapness it has been imported lately in larger quantities for purposes of art. 
Report from Mr. O. Primke, Pharm. Zeitung, New Remedies, (Therapeutic Gazette, Aug., 1880, 
p. 238.) Mr. O. Primke lately sent a communication to the Pharm, Zeit., in which he draws attention 
to possible mistakes which may arise from a misinterpretation of the name quebracho. The latter 
is a Spanish word and means “iron wood.” There are four different trees which yield, in commerce, 
quebracho-wood and bark; hence a confusion might easily arise. 
Mr. Primke received this information from Mr. Hieronymus, Professor at the University of 
Cordoba, who also furnished him with specimens of the wood and bark of the aspidosperma quebracho, 
which corresponds in every respect with the pharmacognostic description of the bark given by Dr. Ding- 
ier, Custos at the Botanical Garden of Munich. 
Description.—Appearance of the bark when viewed through a lens: The material which served 
for this examination was a portion of the first consignment received from Schickendanz. Through the 
courtesy of Dr. Dingier I was also placed in possession of material in his own hands, and still further a 
transverse section of the trunk with bark attached was kindly transmitted by Dr. Penzoldt, who had re- 
ceived it from Prof. Hieronymus in Cordoba. During the course of the examination I received still 
other samples for comparison from different sources. 
The bark occurring in commerce is obtained from trees usually averaging from seventy to 
eighty years of age. The pieces have a thickness of 20-30 mm. Bark of younger trees which are 
devoid of corky layer, is seldom found. Quebracho bark is distinguished by a peculiarly heavy development 
of the corky layer in proportion to the entire dimensions of the bark, possessing therein an important 
characteristic feature as compared with other barks. This corky layer makes such inroads into the tissue 
that in most cases half, and frequently more, of the entire substance of the bark consists of this layer. 
The external appearance of the corky layer differs from the unchanged tissue beneath it very markedly 
and distinctly. 
A transverse section through an entire piece of bark, made so that a very smooth surface 
is obtained for examination, reveals the following appearances, with or without the aid of a lens. (Plate 
1, fig. 2.) Two layers differing remarkably in color and structure, separated from each other by 
sharply defined boundaries, and which are usually nearly equal in width. (Fig. 2. r. and b.) 
The outer layer (b.) is deeply fissured, and rough, with numerous ridges, while the inner one 
(r.) presents to view a band of tolerably uniform width. The first glance shows that these layers are 
not of homogeneous composition and a magnifying glass indicates prominent differences of structure. 
We will first consider the external or corky layer. The outer portion is of a dirty gray, covered here 
and there with remains of lichens; when the external grayish portion is removed by friction, it ap- 
pears yellowish-red, (plate 1, figs. 2 and 4). The transverse section shows the cortical layer to be of an 
ochreous yellow color. Sinuous bands of tolerably uniform width traverse its tissue in lines of nearly 
parallel direction. Between these dirty yellow lines we find numerous whitish points interspersed through 
the mass. (Plate 1, fig. 2). The inner section of the bark which represents the fibrous layer, (r. fig. 2,) 
appears to be composed of only two ingredients, a clove-brown mass in which, as in the bark, there 
are numerous whitish grains. All these conditions can be more plainly observed on moistening the sur- 
face with water. While the corky layer obtained from different trunks presents a uniform appearance, 
the color of the inner layer may vary considerably. The brown color varies in shade from light to 
dark, frequently replaced even by light yellow, or yellowish-white. A piece of bark of this description 
is illustrated in fig. 3. The cause of the difference will appear from a microscopic examination. The 
inner bark crumbles easily when cut; the portion nearest to the trunk possesses a fibrous splintery 
texture. 
The foregoing descriptions and a comparison of the illustrations will show that the identifica- 
tion of the bark is a comparatively easy matter, inasmuch as it bears no resemblance to other known 
barks. Of special importance for this identification is the outer corky layer, on account of the con- 
stancy of its color and structure. 
Microscopical Structure.—A separate examination of the corky layer and inner 
bark will also be found most serviceable here. As is well-known by the term “corky layer,” we under- 
stand the structure, which, in consequence of the dying-off and drying out of successive layers, is separ- 
ated from the inner bark or cellular layer. When this dead cellular growth remains adhering to the 
trunk it is finally rent asunder by expansion of the latter, and thus gives to an aged one a rough and 
fissured appearance. Such layers may be formed successively, and thus increase the depth of the corky 
portion; in Quebracho this tendency is displayed to a marked extent, A microscopical examination of a 
thin section of the corky layer shows these relations, (Plate x, fig 5). p- is the original cellular tissue 36 
ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
composed of parenchymatous elements; it is traversed at varying distances by bands of different width 
(k.); the cells of these intersecting bands differ remarkably from the original parenchyma of the bark. 
Owing to their smaller dimensions and their regular order they are characterized as “cork cells,” these 
cork layers may often be detected with a lens, on a section of the bark forming the above mentioned 
parallel lines which intersect the red corky layer. That portion of the bark-parenchyma, lying between 
these corky bands (p. fig. 5) is that which presents itself to the naked eye as a reddish-yellow ground- 
work of the structure. This reddish-yellow shade is caused by the coloration of the cellular membrane 
which contains a coloring matter varying between reddish-brown and carmine-red. It will be noticed at 
the same time that the membrane of the cork cells is uncolored and, therefore, exhibits a decided dif- 
ference when examined with a lens. Inasmuch as the cells of the original bark-parenchyma, existing in 
the corky layer have died, they contain nothing except remnants of former components. It now remains 
for us to determine the structure of the whitish points observed in the corky layer when viewed micro- 
scopically; as they always lie between the cork bands, we should be able to discover them in fig. 5, plate 
x. A glance at this enlargement will show cell groups of peculiar structure existing in the parenchyma 
enclosed between these bands, resembling islands lying in the web itself (fig. 5, sk.); these grains are 
nothing else than groups of cells whose membrane has thickened to such an extent from secondary de- 
posits that the cavity has become nearly filled. Owing to the difference in their refracting power with 
regard to light, these groups of sclerenchymatous cells appear quite prominently and distinctly against 
the ground-work. In the inner bark we also meet with these cells, and under that head they will be con- 
sidered at greater length. The microscopical inspection of the corky layer presents a very characteristic 
view; the repeated cork bands and groups of sclerenchyma render the identification of the bark an easy 
matter. When we examine the inner layer (r., fig. 2) we should be able to discover the same elements 
which are transformed by secondary processes into the corky layer with the exceptions of the cork 
bands. 
This is confirmed by an examination of the section (plate 2, fig. 6) which represents about a 
third of the width of the brown fibrous layer, being, in fact, the inner portion, which was originally in 
direct contact with the wood. The components of the layer are brown-walled parenchymatous and 
sclerenchymatous cells lying partly isolated, but again occurring in groups. The parenchymatous cells 
vary in size; their walls are thickened unevenly and irregularly, and are of a cinnamon-brown color* 
by which the dark appearance of the layers is caused; the cells are rich in starch and a light-brown 
granular substance. The entire structure appears to be distorted and disorderly; a close examination, 
however, will enable us to discover in this confused mass, the medullary rays radiating through it. At 
many points, especially in the medullary rays, we can discover blackish, thread-like formations consist- 
ing of the mycelium of a fungus which has penetrated into the dry bark. The groups of sclerenchyma- 
tous cells display the same components as those in the corky layer, their form and appearance being 
alike in both cases (fig. 6, sk.,) differing only from the latter by containing a dark yellow substance, by 
occurring in the form of drops, filling up both the cavity and the pore-canals of the cells. It is diffi- 
cult to determine anything with regard to the chemical nature of this substance; it is insoluble in water, 
alcohol and ether; treated with potash lye, it dissolves; but it is not possible to remove it entirely 
from the cells; solution of ferrous salts gives no precipitate, an evidence that it is not an astringent sub- 
stance. Fig. 7 represents a group of sclerenchymatous cells, surrounded by brown-walled parenchyma 
which shows that the group is not of homogenous structure, but is composed of two different elements 
discoverable at the first glance. In this group, there are several cells which are conspicuous by their 
peculiarity of appearance, readily distinguishable from the prepondering mass. The larger number of 
these sclerenchymatous cells have a flattened form, resulting from their mutual pressure. These cells 
are nearly isodiametric, their walls much thickened, and' the layers therein easily distinguishable. The 
cavity has nearly disappeared, and numerous pore-canals reach from it into the thickened wall. These 
cells are, therefore, so-called “short sclerenchyma,” (stone-cells). The second class of cells above re- 
ferred to, differs in one particular from the remainder, in that they have a nearly circular form. The 
cavity of these cells has almost entirely disappeared, having contracted to a point in their centre; the 
thickened wall of these cells is penetrated by very fine pore-canals, frequently indistinguishable. A fur- 
ther inspection shows that these cells occur not only in the groups of sclerenchyma but also appear 
isolated in large numbers in the parenchyma. 
A remarkable feature of these cells is that their periphery is surrounded by a wreath or ring of 
angular bodies, which refract light in a different manner from the cell-wall. In order to arrive at a 
thorough knowledge of the structure of these cells they should be viewed longitudinally; there is no 
difficulty in preparing a specimen for this purpose; an examination thereof discloses the fact that they 
are fibres of sclerenchyma which have a considerable length and are spindle-shaped at the ends. (Plate 
2, fig. 8). The number of these isolated fibres increases in proportion as we near the inner part of the 
bark, the splintery structure of this inner portion depending upon the frequency of their occurrence. On 
*As has already been remarked some specimens of the inner layer have a much lighter color, (Fig. 3 r), which is owing 
to the fact that in such pieces the cell wall of the parenchyma is uncolored. While there is no difference in structure between the 
lighter and darker shades, it seems that the brown coloration of the walls occurs only in aged trees, and is, sometimes entirely 
wanting, ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
37 
scraping Ihe inner portion of the bark with a knife, a microscopic examination shows that we have 
Separated such fibres almost all together. As these fibres are so characteristic of quebracho bark, of such 
value for its identification and of such peculiar anatomical structure, we will consider them at greater 
length. Naturally, we can obtain from a transverse section of the bark quite a number of sclerenchyma 
fibres which usually separate spontaneously from the surrounding tissue. Such an isolated section of the 
fibre always displays the surrounding circle of angular bodies, from which we may conclude that this 
substance is firmly attached to the fibre. It soon appears that these bodies are crystals and the ques- 
tion arises in what manner they are connected with the fibre itself ; this is shown quite plainly by a 
longitudinal view of the fibre, (fig. 8,) in which we discover that the fibre is completely surrounded by 
an envelope of this substance, and is actually enclosed in a sheath composed of a multitude of small 
cells, each containing a crystal. It is sometimes possible to remove this sheath with a knife, which 
then reveals the spindle-shaped fibre surrounded by its envelope.. (Fig 9.) That the crystals are not 
merely adherent to the exterior of the fibre, but are really enclosed by cell-walls can be demonstrated 
satisfactorily by coloring one of these fibres with aniline or iodine, and removing the superfluous color- 
ing matter by washing well with water. By this means the cell-wall alone absorbs the dye, the crys- 
tals remaining colorless, which can then be clearly distinguished from the former, an illustration of this 
being found in fig. 10. The crystals are composed of oxalate of lime, for on treatment of the fibre 
with hydrochloric acid the crystals may be dissolved, leaving the cells empty. If the fibre be now 
colored with iodine, or aniline, it can at once be discovered that it is surrounded by minute cells, (fig. 
ri). That these surrounding cells do not belong to the membrane of the fibre itself, will appear from a 
consideration of their origin and development given further on. Similar formations though not always 
of such complicated structure as the foregoing, exist in the bark of many plants; they have been desig- 
nated by the name “crystal sheath;” an especial reference to their occurrence can be found in the 
article by Sanio in the Monthly Reports of the Royal Academy of Sciences, Berlin, 1857, p. 252, and 
also in De Bary’s Anatomy, pages 104, 502, 544. 
History Of Growth and Development.—Living specimens of the Aspidosperma 
Quebracho were not accessible, to my regret, and for this reason I had to be satisfied with the material 
obtained from the Herbarium, but could at least obtain therefrom some knowledge of the development 
of the bark and its elements; to these observations are appended also a few anatomical details of the 
pith, which is remarkable for the peculiarity of its structural development. 
The young shoots form wood early, so that one of a year’s growth, at the end of the period of 
its vegetation, already possesses a firm woody ring, though the shoot may be but a millimetre in thick- 
ness. even the formation of the periderm having begun, as is shown by the appearance of the first 
corky layer. That the structural arrangement does not, as a whole, differ from the normal type of dico- 
tyledons is shown by a transverse section of an internode in its earliest development. (Plate 2, fig. 15). 
Commencing at the centre, we find that from the pith there leads to the wood an irregular tissue of 
narrow cells, and in the wood may be discovered young wood cells, partly with thickened walls, and 
also young vessels. The bast tissue (figs. 16 and 17), of the vascular bundle is rather limited in quan- 
tity, its elements being principally cambiform cells of triangular or multangular section. As is well 
known, the bast of the Apocyneae is noted for its irregularly grouped elements, and very narrow, hardly 
discernible, sieve tubes. The bark displays in its earlier stages a complex structure. 
For the following compare fig. 15: The epidermis, whose cells possess strongly cuticularized 
outer walls and develop short, hairy formations, is exposed to the risk of dying off by the occurrence 
of cork cambium in the adjacent cellular tissue of the hypodermic layer. The hypoderma is composed 
of globular cells with uniformly thickened walls. 
Centripetally the cells of the bark become thinner. The inner zone of the bark surrounding 
the bast is noteworthy; in this zone are found two elements differing from the fundamental tissue; one 
is the primary sclerenchyma fibre known by its small cavity arising from secondary deposits (sf.), and 
the second, cells mostly oval on their transverse section, and differing by their greater diameter from 
their remaining bark cells; they surround the bast irregularly in large numbers, or are themselves lying 
therein. 
These cells possess characteristic features both of form and contents; they are entirely filled 
with an amorphous substance, which in thick layers appears gray, and whose reactions indicate a fatty 
or waxy substance. It is colored intensely by tincture of alkanet, but potassa produces no effect, while 
ether dissolves it slowly. These secretory vessels are not of a globular form, as might be inferred from 
the trnsverse section (figs. 15 and 17 b.), inasmuch as a longitudinal section shows their form to be that 
of a duct of considerable length. Two of these superincumbent tubes are separated by a horizontal 
wall, making it seem as if they had originated from the division of a single cell. It was, however, im- 
possible for me to determine the exact method of their formation, as those found in the youngest 
samples of material accessible to me had already arrived at maturity. 
In older shoots the sclerosis of the bark cells extends over a larger area. In front of the bast 
of each vascular bundle there appears a group of sclerenchymatous cells, the formation of sclerenchy- 
matous fibres only at isolated intervals, and it is only in the old bark that the formation of sclerenchyma 
fibres takes place to such an extent that they outnumber the cells of the sclerenchyma. In front of the 
bast where we now find the sclerenchyma groups (fig. 16), there were, originally, the oil ducts; these. 38 
ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
through the growth of the bark, have been removed in an outward direction and separated without 
increasing the number; on the contrary, in the older bark, they disappear entirely. Even the primary 
•clerenchyma, which originally lay between the secretory ducts (fig. 15, sf.), are now exterior to the 
sclerenchymatous zone bordering on the bast; at the same time, however, the formation of sclerenchyma 
has begun from the outer portion of the bark; the bark parenchyma directly under the first cork layer, 
being transformed into sclerenchyma, becoming a mantle of several layers of cells. 
In the parenchyma, which is enclosed by these two zones or layers of sclerenchyma, we find 
the commencement of the formation of the crystalline envelopes which we have previously found to 
surround the sclerenchymatous fibres. These envelopes are formed only after the sclerenchyma fibres 
have attained complete maturity, and are derived from the surrounding parenchyma cells, the process of 
their formation being rather slow. A transverse section through the young bark shows that in no case 
is a young fibre surrounded by this ring of cells containing crystals, but that the fibre is enclosed entirely 
by parenchyma cells. In the bark of older twigs, we often find at first a few, sometimes more of these 
crystal-bearing cells contiguous to the periphery of the fibre (plate 2, figs. 13 and 14), from which we can 
already draw a conclusion as to the gradual formation of this envelope. A longitudinal section of the 
bark showing the corresponding stages of development, gives us a better insight into this formation. 
(Plate 2, fig. 12). 
The growth of this crystalline envelope begins usually at different points of the exterior of the fibre in 
a longitudinal direction, each parenchyma cell in immediate contact with the fibre furnishing by its own fibre 
in a division the cells which contain the crystals. In most cases the parenchyma cells divide into two 
daughter-cells by the formation of a wall perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fibre. In this 
mode of division, both of the daughter-cells become chambers containing crystals. As figure 14 x shows, 
the division can also occur by the wall formation taking place parallel to the longitudinal axis of the 
fibre. In such a case only one of the daughter-cells formed is in immediate contact with the fibre, and 
only this one becomes a crystal-bearing cell. This mode of division most naturally occurs when the 
original parenchyma cells may present their ends and not their sides to the fibre. It occasionally hap- 
pens that a longer parenchyma cell may form successively more than two or three crystal-chambers. 
From fig. 12, we can see that the cells of the fundamental tissue next to the fibre are not drawn into 
service successively for the formation of these chambers, the series of these crystal-bearing cells being 
often interrupted by unchanged parenchyma cells, which at a later period annex themselves to the others. 
In this manner, the formation of the sheath proceeds to its completion; at what period of the 
growth of the bark this stage is reached, I am unable to say, as I was not in possession of specimens 
intermediate between one to three year old shoots and very old bark. It is very probable that the 
division of the cell occurs before the formation of the crystal, for we often find walls in the cells which 
are becoming part of this sheath, and yet contain no crystals, (plate 2, fig. 14 x). A circumstance 
which militates against the view that the crystals appear before the division of the cell, is found in the 
fact that the crystals never occur in parenchyma cells possessing their original forms and dimensions; 
that the crystals themselves always fill the divided cells, and are of similar form and size, is also an 
evidence of their secondary formation. 
It is naturally difficult to determine whether this large quantity of oxalate of lime has been 
separated by the fibre itself during its development, and only deposited in the surrounding cells. We 
may, however, suspect the existence of some such definite relation in their occurrence, inasmuch as we 
already know of analogous cases where deposition of oxalate of lime crystals takes place in the walls of 
the fibre itself, as in the spicular cells of Welwitschia mirabilis, leaving no room for doubt that they are 
separated by the fibre itself. Another query suggests itself to us in considering this structure, whether 
the deposition of oxalate of lime is not connected with the process of sclerosis; at any rate, it is worthy 
of remark that not only surrounding the sclerenchyma fibre itself, but particularly in the young bark in 
the immediate vicinity of the groups of short sclerenchyma, quantities of oxalate of lime are also de- 
posited in the parenchyma cells, without, in this instance, taking the form of tubes. 
Description of Quebracho Wood.—The wood of Aspidosperma Quebracho possesses properties 
similar to those of the bark,* though in a less marked degree, and has been used in its stead, although, 
in future, the more active bark will undoubtedly be preferred to the wood, which latter, in consequence, 
will not receive the same pharmacognostic consideration. It, nevertheless, is of considerble interest on 
account of several anatomical peculiarities. 
The quebracho wood was first shown in 1873 at the Vienna Exposition, among a collection of 
104 varieties of wood obtained from four provinces of the Argentine Republic, bearing only the local 
name, and without any further descriptive noticesf. There was, likewise, a large collection of woods 
from the La Plata States, at the Paris Exposition of 1878; these, however, bore their scientific names 
and explanatory notices. Among these appeared Lignum Quebracho Blanco, with a correct statement of 
its source.J 
•Penzoldt Berliner Klin. Wochensehrift. i83o. Ko. 10. 
tOfficinal report on the Vienna Exposition of 1873, by authority of the Central Committee of the German Empire. 
Vol. II., p. 745- 
JReport on the Agricultural Section of the Paris Exposition of 1878. Dr. L. Wittmack.—The useful plants of every 
lone. P. 28, 39, 70, 71. ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
39 
A communication respecting the wood has been given by Dr. J. Moeller.* The sample in my 
possession, was an entire transverse section obtained from Prof. Hieronymus, of Cordoba. The diam- 
eter of the woody portion, after the separation of the bark, which latter was about 20 millimetres in 
thickness, was 29 centimetres, and from the number of rings it must have belonged to a tree about 80 
years old, whence we may conclude that the increase in girth takes place slowly. 
The wood is not of uniform color, the older wood being of a light chocolate brown, the depth 
of color decreasing toward the exterior, so that, passing through different shades, the younger 
wood appears yellowish, or of a light reddish-white. The wood is of exceptionly close texture and 
hardness, and possesses a high specific gravity. With a lens we can discover numerous medullary rays, 
and in the vascular bundles between them, vessels appearing as countless small pores. 
A microscopical enlargement of the transverse section (plate 3, fig. 18), shows this regular 
arrangement of the three principal constituents, and gives us an insight into the structure of quebracho 
wood. Between each two medullary rays (m) of varying width, embracing from one to four rows of 
cells, we find a woody layer composed of cells with small cavities and thickened membrane. Lying in 
this woody layer, differing more in size than in form, we find the vessels distributed. The woody 
layers, which are bounded by the medullary rays, appear at first glance to possess a very uniform 
composition; a closer inspection, however, even with moderate enlargements, shows that between the 
wood cells with thickened walls and minute cavity, we find other cells with larger cavities and more 
delicate membrane; they are shown in the enlargement of the transverse section (fig. 18) as white dots 
in the woody layer; a greater enlargement of a part of this section enables us to gain a better insight 
into these relations. In fig. 19, we see two medullary rays, with the enclosed woody layer, in which 
there is also a vessel. The medullary rays, (m) show nothing abnormal in their form or structure; they 
consist of prismatic cells arranged horizontally and radially in their longest diameter. A tangential and 
longitudinal section shows that the edges of the cells are slightly rounded, so that their form approaches 
that of a cylinder. 
The walls of the cells are dotted. The transverse section of the vessels is usually circular or 
somewhat oval. The wood-fibres (h. f.) are very characteristic; a transverse section shows them to be 
nearly circular, and a bundle of them consequently presents numerous intercellular spaces. The wall is 
thickened to a marked degree, in which we cannot, however, discover the existence of layers, but very 
distinct pore-canals are present. 
The absence of any layers in their thickened membrane, causes them to refract light in a uni- 
form manner, lending to the wood a peculiar, characteristic, shining appearance. Between the wood fibres 
and in the immediate neighborhood of the vessels as well as at the boundary of the medullary rays 
are scattered parenchyma cells, (p.) A complete knowledge of the structure of the wood and the form 
of its elements is obtained, however, only from a comparison of both longitudinal and transverse 
sections. The wood-fibres are long and spindle-shaped, of a configuration denominated by Sanio as 
“libriform,” which, however, on the authority of De Bary we simply call wood-fibres. The vessels are 
jointed at short intervals and their walls are thickly covered with small bordered pits. 
A more definite knowledge of the details of its anatomical structure is obtained by maceration 
with nitric acid and chlorate of potash, by which the elements ot the wood are isolated. In figures 20- 
23 these are shown separately, and it is only by this separation from the mass and each other that it 
is possible to discover certain peculiarities of form which would otherwise remain concealed. We find 
that the medullary rays are not composed simply of cells of equal length, but between them we find 
crystal-bearing cells of smaller size, usually connected in groups ot three or four. Each single cell con- 
tains a crystal of oxalate of lime and also a mucilaginous substance of homogeneous structure. (Plate 
3, fig. 22). It seems probable that a row of such crystal-bearing cells has been produced from a single 
cell of the medullary ray. The entire length of such a row of cells is, as a rule, equal to that of a cell 
of the medullary ray, and the fact of their remaining connected after the maceration, is also in favor of 
the view that we have only a chambered medullary cell before us. 
The wood-fibres have a considerable length, as is shown by figure 20, which represents a part 
of one with its spindle-shaped extremity. The formation of the pits is remarkable. The pits of wood- 
fibres in most cases are not bordered. Bordered pits occur, however, in Quercus, Daphne, Liriodendron, 
Fraxinus and according to Sanio’s statement, in Jatropha Manihot.* 
Usually, little can be discovered of the character of the pits in wood-fibres, owing to their 
minuteness; in the foregoing case, however, they are distinguished by their size and prominence. They 
are bordered pits forming a relatively wide spherical chamber connecting by a narrow channel with the 
cavity of the cell; these canals show the usual cleft and crooked appearance. There is nothing remark- 
able about the vessels inasmuch as they conform to the usual type. 
The parenchyma cells constitute the !ast element to be considered; these, though not showing 
any peculiarities in their transverse section when isolated, are found to have a very peculiar form, 
which was discovered by Saniof and named by him conjugated parenchyma. We find therein finger- 
* Report on the Paris Exposition of 1S73. Raw material from the Vegetable Kingdom, Vol. VIII, 
tDe Bary s Anatomy, p. 400. 
JSanio, Botan Zeitung, p. 40 
ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
shaped protuberances of the membrane, perpendicular to their greatest diameter, usually occurring only 
on one side, and varying greatly in number, size and form, as shown by plate 3, (fig. 23, a-f). The 
membrane shows the presence of dots which have the appearance of delicately defined circles, 
which are, however, not distributed regularly on the walls, sometimes being grouped together in one 
place, while they are absent from the remaining portion of the wall; again, we find, that they are almost 
entirely absent. 
Sanio’s observation with reference to these finger-shaped protuberances needs a correction in 
one respect, namely, in regard to the membrane being really continuous, although they appeared to him 
perforated. In the cells of quebracho wood the continuity of this membrane is very apparent, as is also 
the fact of each protuberance being provided with numerous dots; this can be made plainer to the view 
by coloring sections of the cell membrane as in fig. 23, a-e. A very plain and satisfactory view can be 
Obtained by observing these protuberances from above, as shown by fig. 23, f, which discovers to us 
the existence of the variable number of these small pits giving the appearance of a sieve to the end of 
the protuberance; when the protuberances end more pointedly there is usually but a single large pit 
present (fig. 23, e). The peculiarity of this cell-form has already been observed by J. Moeller, although 
he failed to notice the existence of pits, in consequence of which in his communication on quebracho 
wood,f he has given us an erroneous illustration of the cells, which appear as if the protuberances 
possessed a large opening at their ends, which, in itself is highly improbable. 
We see from the transverse sections (figs. 18 and 19) further confirmed by delicate longitudinal 
sections through the wood, that these cells lie isolated between the wood-fibres and surround the vessels 
in larger numbers; by means of these protuberances, they are connected partly with the vessels and 
partly with each other. In the lighter-colored, younger wood, they contain numerous large starch 
grains; in the heart-wood, however, instead of starch, they are filled with a b. >wn substance, as is the 
case with the medullary rays; the brown color of the heart-wood is owing to the presence of this 
substance, is soluble with difficulty in alcohol, more easily in ether and turpentine, if we allow a thin 
section to stand one or more days in contact with the solvent. In contradistinction to other woods 
which pass under the name of “Quebracho,” we find that the vessels and wood-fibres are invariably 
empty. At both the Universal Expositions the wood of Quebracho Blanco was designated as a tanning 
material; it is, therefore, somewhat remarkable that we can discover no astringent substance on micro- 
chemical investigation; neither salts of iron or chromic acid produce the usual characteristic reaction, 
even when the wood is macerated for a considerable time in contact tvith the reagents. 
Even the bark contains but little astringent matter; from the report of Paschkins* it contains only 
3.48 per cent. It must be remembered, however, that tanning materials are of considerable importance 
for the Argentine Republic, and even poor material finds ready application for the reason that large 
numbers of cattle are annually killed, chiefly for the value of their skins, the preparation of extract o 
meat having but lately made their flesh of any value. Tanning is, therefore, a very important branch 
of industry, even though pursued under a great many difficulties caused by the climate, which induces 
rapid decomposition. The material which is principally used for tanning seems to be, however, the 
wood and bark of Quebracho Colorado, containing, according to Jean.f fifteen per cent, and according 
to later authorities even from twenty-one to twenty-three per cent, of astringent matter. This wood has 
found its way to Europe and also occurs in commerce, here, as a tanning material, either in a chipped 
condition or else use is made of the extract manufactured therefrom. The similarity of names makes it 
easy to be mistaken for the wood Aspidosperma Quebracho Blanco. I append therefore a few of the 
characteristics of the wood of Quebracho Colorado, and also of another wood occurring in commerce 
under the name of Quebracho. The wood of Quebracho Colorado (Loxopterygium Grisebach) is ex- 
tremely hard and dense. I have in my possession a portion of a twig, with bark attached, of five 
centrimetres in diameter, for which I am indebted to Dr. Vulpius, of Heidelberg. The bark is much 
torn and fissured from the large development of the corky layer, externally of a dirty yellow to a dark- 
brown color and covered with numerous remains of lichens. The surface of a transverse section of the 
bark is light-brown, discovering manjf dark parallel corky layers, and at right angle to these, nutaerous 
lighter colored lines which are the medullary rays. It is very difficult to mistake this bark for that ob- 
tained from Quebracho Blanco. Microscopically, the bark is characterized by the very regular arrange- 
ment of its sclerenchyma. The parenchyma of the bark is traversed in a radial direction by numerous 
medullary rays, between which are arranged with great regularity, rather lengthy, tangentially extended 
groups of sclerenchyma fibres, which consequently form concentric zones, interrupted by the medullary 
rays, thus giving to the bark a mapped appearance. These sclerenchyma fibres are also surrounded by 
a sheath of crystal-bearing cells, possessing a very similar appearance to those in the bark of Aspido- 
sperma Quebracho. They are, however, much smaller in diameter and do not lie alone, but exist in 
groups of a nearly rectangular form. We find, in addition, in the bark-parenchyma a yellowish colored 
JDr. J. Moeller, Anatomical Notes, Jarb, f. wiss. Botanik. Vol. 12, part 1, plate 11, fig. 2. 
♦Report of the Paris Exposition, vol. vm, p. 20. 
tBulletin de la soc Chinique, 1878, vol. xxviii, p. 6. Max Siewert, Tanning materials of South America. Pharmaceutical 
Journal and Transactions. Third series, vol. viii, p. 546,1877-78. ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
41 
mass of homogeneous appearance, seemingly composed of greatly thickened cell-membranes; they are, 
however, the compressed membranes of collapsed cells, very probably sieve tubes. The coloration of 
the wood varies with its age, the heart-wood being dark-brown and the younger wood of a light brown 
color. It is composed of wood-fibres, wood parenchyma, vessels and medullary rays. 
The cells of the wood parenchyma with their dotted walls form a much more considerable por- 
tion of the wood than is the case in Aspidosperma Quebracho. They are distribu.ed principally around 
the vessels and contain a large proportion of starch. In the wood-fibre the characteristic pits of 
Aspidosperma are absent, but they are characterized by another peculiarity; the primary membrane is 
thickened somewhat, the secondary deposit by which the cavity is narrowed has its boundary sharply 
defined from the remaining membrane, a fact plainly discoverable after treatment with iodine solution. 
This structural peculiarity distinguishes at once the wood of Quebracho Colorado form that of Quebracho 
Blanco. The vessels are oval or circular, of different sizes, frequently occurring in groups of two or 
three, and show only in exceptional cases the formation of hernoid protrusions. They are filled with a 
mass varying in color from yellow to brown, soluble in water and alcohol and giving a precipitate of a 
blackish-grecn color with salts of iron. 
Another sample of the wood designated as “Quebracho wood,” and obtained from Herr W. A. 
Biidingen, of Frankfort, differs from both of the above. The origin of this wood could not be satis- 
factorily determined; it possessed a uniform reddish-yellow color; it is also very hard and dense, but 
does not possess the coherence of the other _two, being of an irregular splintery structure and more 
easily split. In a chipped condition, it may be confounded with the wood of Aspidosperma Quebracho, 
a transverse section showing even some similarity to the latter. A thorough examination, however, 
permits of positive distinction. The wood-fibres do not possess a circular form, but are somewhat 
angular and consequently lie closer together. The bordered pits of Aspidosperma are absent here, as are 
also the parenchyma cells so characteristic of the former. The vessels are thickly filled with hernoid 
protrusions which contain a substance of a brown color; this substance is also found in the wood-fibres 
and medullary rays. It is easily soluble in alcohol with difficulty in water, giving in both solvents a 
blackish-green coloration with iron salts, and is consequently an astringent substance. It is not soluble 
in ether or turpentine. This substance is frequently found secreted in such quantity, that it exists in 
large lumps in the space between the elements of the wood, and appears also at other points in the 
shape of blood-red transparent layers. 
Examination of the Pith.—In making a close examination of a transverse section of a two 
to three year old tree of Aspidosperma Quebracho, the observer’s attention is especially drawn to the 
pith which appears in the shape of a regular triangle. This configuration is caused by the peculiar form 
and arrangement of a portion of the pith mass. Usually the pith of woody dicotyledons is composed 
principally of parenchyma cells, which increase in number while decreasing in size in proximity to the 
wood, but still, even near the medullary sheath, are not remarkably different from the cells composing 
the principal mass of the pith. Apidosperma Quebracho, however, shows peculiar relations of the above 
region, inasmuch as it is composed of two different elements. The central portion consists of spherical 
cells, between which are found isolated sclerenchy-ma fibres. Towards the exterior, both the form and 
size of these cells change to a narrow-meshed tissue leading to the woody ring. This tissue is already 
present in a shoot of a year’s growth (plate 2, fig. 15, m. s). The cells thereof are small, or irregularly 
trianglar, or quadrangular form, possessing a great similarity to those of the bast. In a very young 
twig the form of a transverse section of the pith is oval, assuming, however, in older twigs, the form 
of a regular triangle (plate 3, fig. 25). With the increase in girth of the trunk from secondary growth, 
the bark not keeping pace with the growth of the wood and bast, a considerable pressure is exerted* on 
the bast portion. This pressure extends even to the pith and causes the alteration of its form. In the 
specimen under consideration, the- following conditions and results may be observed: The wood, owing 
to the solidity of its cells, is capable of resisting the pressure without alteration of its form. When 
this pressure extends in an inward direction the central, spherical cells of the pith, exert a certain op- 
posing pressure, as long as they are turgescent. The portion least capable of sustaining the pressure is 
the tissue composing the outer medullary layer, and consisting of flat cambiform cells, which con- 
sequently must yield to the simultaneous internal and external pressure. The result is that a portion 
of this cellular tissue on being subjected to pressure as above described, does yield, and especially the 
innermost part which is adjacent to the spherical pit cells. The pressure is exerted even to the degree 
of obliterating the cavity of the cells. These masses of cell-walls lying close together present the ap- 
pearance of a homogeneous mass which, in the form of three semilunar plates, encloses the pith. The 
appearance of this triangular section leads us to the conclusion that the pressure on the pith cylinder is 
not exerted equally; were such the case, the pith should have a circular form. The fact of its taking 
the shape of a triangle is an evidence the that external pressure is strongest on three sides. The cause of 
this unequal pressure appears to be immediately dependent on the verticillate arrangement of the leaves. 
At all events the pressure must be considerably less at the point of insertion of the leaves, 
than at other parts of the circumference, an opposing force being exerted by the growth of 
the leaves. 
*11. de Vries. Flora, 1872, No. 16. 42 
ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
Chemical Composition*—Report of George Fraude in article translated from Prager 
Medicinische Wochenschrift, (Therapeutic Gazette, January, 1880, p. 13):—Out of the bark, which Dingier 
has examined pharmacognostically, George Fraude has prepared an alkaloid in small, white, prismatic 
crystals, which he called aspidospermine. The same is easily soluble in alcohol and ether, very slightly 
soluble in water and melts at 2050 to 206°. The muriatic and sulphuric salts are very easily soluble in 
water. The taste is intenselv bitter. Fraude gives to the alkaloid the following formula: 
C. 22, H. 30, N. 2, O. 2, or 
C. 22, H. 28, N. 2, O. 2. 
It appears to approach the Cinchona group. The extract made as above mentioned out of 
Quebracho wood is fluid, dark brown, and of a bitter astringent but not disagreeable taste. 
Report in Ber. d. Deutsch, Chem. Gaz.—New Remedies, (Therapeutic Gazette, August, 1880, p. 
246.)—Fraude.—Aspidosperma quebracho Lor. is an apocynaceous tree quite common in the Province of 
Santiago, in Chili (also in Brazil). Its bark has a brownish-yellow color, inclining to reddish. (The 
wood is very hard, and contains from 15.7 to 18 per cent, of tannin, differing from that of oak-bark 
and chestnut-wood, besides 2.8 per cent, of an astringent acid, resembling gallic. According to Arnaudon, 
it also contains a yellow dye-stuff. See Dingler’s Pol. J., vol. 231, p. 451.—Ed. N. R.) 
The bark has long been used in its native country as a remedy In intermittent fever, and is 
said to approach cinchona bark in efficacy. The author found in it an alkaloid which he termed aspi- 
dospermine, easily soluble in alcohol and ether, little soluble in water. The solutions of the sulphate 
and hydrochlorate are very bitter, resembling quinine. Analysis proved it to have the composition either 
of C22 H28 N2 02 or C22 H30 N2 02, further examinations being necessary to decide between these two 
formulae. 
Report of the analysis of Fraude from The Druggist, (Therapeutic Gazette, June, 1881, p. 235,)gave 
reason to believe that the activity of quebracho bark, aspidosperma quebracho, depended upon an alka- 
loid which he named aspidospermine. From the fact that this alkaloid does not possess the anti-asthmatic 
property of the drug, Hesse set to work to examine the b.rrk more closely, and has found in it, besides 
0.17 per cent, aspidospermine, as much as 0.28 per cent, of a new alkaloid, which he terms quebrachine. 
Quebrachine is but slightly soluble in cold alcohol, but hot alcohol dissolves it more readily, 
and it crystallizes from a solution in small white anhydrous prisms. It is with difficulty soluble in ether. 
Quebrachine melts at 2140 to 216° C. under partial decomposition. Its chemical composition may be 
represented by the formula C*r H22 N2 O3. 
Quebrachine dissolves in pure concentrated sulphuric acid with a bluish tinge, which becomes 
darker upon standing. When lead peroxide or molybdic acid is present, the coloration is quite instant- 
aneous and is very intense. A crystal of potassium bichromate dropped into a solution of quebrachine 
in sulphuric acid produces the same effect. 
Boiled with a solution of perchloric acid, quebrachine yields, like strychnine, curarine, a yellow 
decoction, but, although very poisonous, 0.04 g. being sufficient to kill a small rabbit, Penzoldt finds 
that its physiological action is not identical with strychnine. 
Quebrachine is a strong vegetable base. Its alcoholic solution turns red litmus paper blue, and 
it completely neutralizes even strong acids. 
The author has formed several salts of the base, some of which differ from the corresponding 
salts, aspidospermine, in being less easily soluble in water. 
Adulterations and Substl utlons ,—Dr. Hansen also reports in his essay false 
varieties of bark, and as Quebracho bark has proved of great merit, as instanced by numerous tests both 
in hospital and private practice, it is of utmost importance that only the genuine bark be employed in 
the manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations purporting to contain this drug. Gold itself is liable to 
imitation, and just to the extent that a drug approaches that metal in value, weight for weight, is it 
liable to similar sophistication. 
FALSE QUEBRACHO BARKS. 
Report from Dr. Adolph Hansen, assistant at the Botanic Institute of Erlangen, from essay by 
him, (Therapeutic Gazette, October, 1880, p. 294.)—In closing the examination of Quebracho bark, it may 
be well to devote a few words to the false varieties of bark. So far there have appeared in commerce 
only two false barks, which differ, however, from the genuine Quebracho so decidedly, that it is hardly 
possible that they will in future be mistaken therefor. One of these barks, a sample of which was 
obtained from Brueckner and Lampe, Leipzig, and of which considerable quantities were sold, proved to 
be the Cortex Copalchi, long known though little used as a drug. The plant from which it is obtained 
is the Croton Pseudochina Schlechtendal, one of the Euphorbiaceas ; its home is Mexico and it has been 
used as a febrifuge, not only in its native country, but in other parts of America ; the shipment from 
which the sample was obtained came from Brazil. Cortex Copalchi occurs in commerce in rather long 
quilled pieces ; externally the bark is covered with a dirty white corky layer, more or less fissured, which 
can be rubbed off in powder. The thickness of the pieces is usually from one to five millimetres ac- 
cording to the age of the twigs from which they are obtained. A transverse section of Copalchi bark, 
examined either with or without a lens, shows a yellowish-white exterior and a dark-brown fibrous layer, 
which has been formed from the bast of the trunk. The bast fibres are small, converging to a point at ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
43 
their outer end, somewhat bent, and the bark presents in consequence the appearance of flame-lfke rays 
of dark-brown color. For the identification of Copaichi bark and its distinction from Quebracho, this 
superficial examination is sufficient, rendering a macroscopic examination unnecessary ; it has in addition 
an aromatic smell and taste, while Quebracho bark does not possess these properties. A second false 
variety was obtained from Messrs. Grundherr & Hertel, of Niirnberg ; it was a hard bark of uniform 
dark-brown color, covered with a whitish to grayish-brown corky layer and much furrowed on the interior 
surface. While I have not yet succeeded in determining the origin of the last variety it is sufficient to 
state that it bears no resemblance to the Quebracho bark. 
Report from Dr. J. Biel, of St. Petersburgh, in Pharm. Zeit., British Medical Journal, (Thera- 
peutic Gazette, June, 1SS0, p. 182.)—Dr. J. Biel, of St. Petersburgh, in the Pharm. Zeitung, calls attention 
to a false white Quebracho bark which came to Hamburg. The first lot of white Quebracho bark 
received in Hamburg was a very small quantity, and the second lot consisted of three serons. Dr. Biel, 
therefore, supposes that what is being used in Germany at present is not the true drug, and therefore sounds 
this warning note ; but a drug which promises well should not be unjustly condemned before it has had a 
fair trial. 
Pharmaceutical Preparations .—Report of Dr. Burgos, in a paper published in the 
Revista barmaceutica and abstracted in Pharm. Journal, Dec. 20th, 1879, New Remedies, (Therapeutic 
Gazette, August, 1880, p. 238.)—Dr. Burgos recommends several preparations of quebracho, which may, 
of course, be administered in substance. The infusion or the decoction, usually cf the strength of one 
in twenty, is improved by making it with the aid of a little sulphuric or acetic acid, whereby more of 
the alkaloid is extracted, and the resulting preparation is rendered much clearer. Tincture of quebracho 
is prepared by macerating one part of the bark in 5 parts of 56 per cent, alcohol for 8 days, and 
filtering. 
Compound Tincture of Quebracho : Quebracho bark, 2 parts ; orange peel, 1 part; alcohol (56 
per cent.), 5 parts. 
Wine of Quebracho : Quebracho bark, 1 part; alcohol (56 per cent.), 2 parts ; white wine, iC 
parts. Leave the alcohol in contact with the bark for 24 hours, then add the wine, macerate for 8 days 
and filter. The author specially recommends San Juan or Mendoza wine, because either of them con- 
tains but little tannin, and possesses a special aroma which communicates an agreeable flavor to the 
preparation. 
Elixir of quebracho : Wine of quebracho mixed with a sufficient amount of sugar. 
Extract of quebracho Both an aqueous and an alcoholic extract may be prepared. 
Syrup of quebracho : Quebracho bark, 3 parts ; water, 32 parts ; sugar, 16 parts. Boil the 
bark with the water, filter, and evaporate down to one-fourth ; then add the sugar and make the syrup 
in the usual manner. 
Preparations with the alkaloid . Aspidospermine or quebrachine is insoluble in glycerine. It 
dissolves readily in fats and fixed oils, and may be incorporated with cod-liver oil in larger proportion 
than quinine. The following is a suitable formula : 
Aspidospermine 6 to 8 parts. 
Cod liver oil 100 “ 
. —New Remedies. 
Report from New York Therapeutical Society, (Ther. Gaz., Dec., 1881, p. 473.)—The committee 
is greatly indebted to its distinguished member. Dr. Squibb, for his liberality and zeal in placing at its 
disposal a preparation of quebracho which could be relied upon with perfect confidence. Although the 
drug is not upon the list of those manufactured in his laboratory, he had a fluid extract prepared under 
his personal supervision, expressly for the committee, from specimens of the bark selected by himself. 
This extract was used in the greater number of the cases forming the basis of this report. In the re- 
mainder a fluid extract prepared by Parke, Davis & Co., of Detroit, was used, which evidently represents 
the active principle of the drug. The extract is very bitter and somewhat astringent, and the taste 
lingers a long time in the mouth. In persons with sensitive stomachs it is apt to excite nausea. The 
dose usually employed is half a drachm, which may be repeated several times a day. 
Physiological Action.-Report from Schikendanz, Sitzungsberichter physico-medical so- 
ciety, Erlangen, 1879, 17 Febr, and Bui. kl. Wochenschrift 1879, No. 19, in article translated from Prager 
Medicinische Wochenschrift, Dec. 17, 1879, (Therapeutic Gazette, January, 1880, p. 13.) Penzoldt, whose 
communications have for the first time called our attention to this subject, generally used the following 
formula for his experiments: 10.0 of the powdered bark, macerated eight days with 100.0 alcohol, fil- 
tered, evaporated, dissolved in water, again evaporated to dryness and dissolved »n 20.0 water. Exper- 
ments upon frogs with 0.5 of the bark gave complete motor-paralysis of central origin, with paralysis of 
the respiratory organs and diminished frequency of the heartbeat (from 54 to 60 pulsations successively 
down to 8 to 10). This latter action was not caused ‘'by irritation of the vagus.” With rabbits 1.0 
of the bark used hypodermically was followed by paresis of the extremities and difficulty of breathing; 
2.5 caused death, preceded by paralysis of the voluntary movements, great dyspnoea and terminal cow. 
vulsions (of dyspnoeal origin?). Breathing wras deepened and retarded. Changes in the frequency of 
the heartbeat occurred only upon intravenal injection, the blood pressure reaching the former height 
after a temporary sinking of the same. 44 
ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
In a healthy dog dyspnoea was caused with increase in frequency of the heartbeat and salivation. 
The temperature of the body was not perceptibly influenced by 5.0 of the bark. In dogs in which 
fever was induced by miasmatic infection, the action was similar. Also in man, healthy as well as 
feverish, (from phthisis, intermittents with phthisis, pleuritis), 3 to 8 c.c. of the solution mentioned 
above had no influence upon the temperature, and caused only immaterial diminution in the frequency 
of the pulse. Pcnzoldt found, however, in different forms of dyspnoea (from emphysema and severe 
bronchitis, phthisis, chronic pneumonic processes, with periodic asthma, and pleuritis) that after giving 
1 to 2 teaspoonful doses of the above solution (sometimes 2 or 3 times a day), the frequency of breath- 
ing generally diminished, the respirations were less deep, and that especially the cyanosis (in phthisis 
and emphysema) was almost invaribly diminished or removed. These effects lasted for hours and 
were followed, without exception, by greater or smaller, sometimes extraordinarily subjective, improve- 
ment of the patient. In one case cf inherited pulmonary stenosis, and in another of thrombosis of the 
left main branch of the art. pulmonalis, the effect was very remarkable, though but temporary. Urged 
on by these observations, I have used an extract of the Quebracho wood (this is less effective than the 
bark, which it is more difficult to procure') since the publication of Penzoldt’s article, and have used it in 
six cases of emphysema and chronic bronchial catarrh. 
THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES. 
Reports from Private Practice. 
1. 
Report from A. Berthold in Prager Medicinische 
Wochenschrift, January 20, 1881; (Therapeutic Gaz- 
ette, January, 1880, p, 92.) A. Berthold reports a 
case where the remedy had been used after a sud- 
den attack of asthma. The patient, a man 65 
year of age, was given the tincture in teaspoonful 
doses repeated every hour, and at the end of the 
first hour the breathing was reduced in frequency 
from 64 to 60 respirations, in the third hour to 30, 
and decided decrease of the symptoms, with com- 
plete recovery the next day. The remedy has been 
administered in 14 other cases, in which, with few 
exceptions, it acted as a palliative. In one in- 
stance, where the patient had for years suffered 
from emphysema of the lungs, great improvement 
was noticed; likewise in a case of dyspnoea in a 
women of 60, and in two cases of fatty degenera- 
tion of the heart, patients aged, respectively, 72 and 
68. 
In the case of a 72 year old lady who was af- 
fected with pleuritic exudation, and also in a case 
of chronic catarrh of the lungs, no benefit was re- 
ceived. In six cases of phthisis, only two were 
noticeably relieved after administration of the rem- 
edy. No derangement of normal conditions was 
observed to be due to the remedy. The author 
also speaks very highly of the spirituous extract of 
quebracho as a remedy for diarrhoea. 
2. 
Report from L. Laquer, in Prager Medicinische 
Wochenschrift, January 20, 1881; (Therapeutic Gaz- 
ette, January, 1880, p. 93.) L. Laquer used the 
medicine in the following manner: 
Ext. cortoisis quebracho, 12.0. 
Mucilag. g. arabic, 40.0. 
Aq. dost., 200.0. 
Dose, one to two teaspoonfuls daily. 
In 22 cases of dyspnoea, varying in severity, his 
experience led him to the following conclusions: 
1. In many cases of emphysema pul- 
monalis, and chronic bronchitis, quebracho is a 
very useful palliative, while in others, especially in 
aged patients, it was of no service. In dyspnoea 
dependent on valvular insufficiency, its value is 
questionable. 
2. The continued use of quebracho produces un- 
pleasant secondary symptoms, which make its ad- 
ministration somewhat difficult; these symptoms 
consist of headache, partial unconsciousness, dizzi- 
ness, and copious salivation, and in some cases 
the patient evinced a positive dislike for the rem- 
edy. 
3. The remedy decreases the frequency of respi- 
ration more decidedly in the extremer variations 
from a normal condition, while its action in de- 
creasing the pulse is not so constant. 
S. 
Report of J. Krauth, in Wiener Medic. Blattern, 
in Prager Medicinische Wochenschrift, January 20, 
1S81; (Therapeutic Gazette, January, 1880, p. 93.) 
The cases treated with this remedy were, two of 
hypertrophy of the heart in the last stages, with 
dropsical exudation into the cavities, general oedema 
violent dyspnoea and extreme weakness; three cases 
of Bright’s disease succeeding scarlet fever; one 
case of tuberculosis with oedematic dyspnoea, and 
one case of pleuritic pain with serious exudation of 
the pleura and violent dyspnoea. In all these cases 
5 grammes extract quebracho aquosum, and 20 
grammes water were given; dose, a tablespoonful 
every three hours, and the promptness of its action 
in controlling the respiration was indeed so uni- 
form and elegant that I am constrained to recom- 
mend its further use. Although tuberculosis and 
weakness of the heart cannot be cured by its use, 
still the relief afforded the patient is a gratification 
to the practitioner. 
4. 
Report of J. B. Burkart, M. D., (British Medical 
Journal, Therapeutic Gazette, July, 1880, p. 188.) 
In a recent number of the British Medical Journal 
Dr. Burkart speaks in high terms of quebracho as 
a remedy for dyspnoea. He tried it in cases in 
which the dyspnoea was associated with emphy- 
sema of the lungs, atheroma of the arteries and 
degeneration of the cardiac muscles, and in every 
case the quebracho afforded immediate relief. In 
three minutes after the administration of the drug, 
the pulse became somewhat fuller, but not in- 
creased in frequency; the patients felt their breath- 
ing easier; the face was flushed, and a gentle 
perspiration appeared on the forehead; slight 
drowsiness and inclination to sleep were noticed. 
These symptoms soon subsided, but the breathing 
continued to be much improved. ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
45 
5. 
Report from Medical Times and Gazette; (Ther- 
apeutic Gazette, August, 1880, p. 236.) Further 
observations on quebracho bark.—Dr. Penzoldt’s 
discovery (Medical Times and Gazette, vol. ii, 1879, 
page 35) that various forms of dyspnoea can be 
alleviated by quebracho bark, receives confirma- 
tion from two recent writers in the Berliner Klin. 
Wochenschrift, No. 52, 1879—Dr. Berthold, of 
Dresden, and Dr. Picot, of Carlsriihe. By both, 
Penzoldt’s extract (referred to in our former notice) 
was rigidly adhered to. Dr. Berthlod relates two 
cases of spasmodic asthma which were much ben- 
efited by the new drug. In the first the respira- 
tions fell after three doses from 64 to 30, with 
general improvement of the symptoms; in the 
second, where the asthma depended on emphys- 
ema, the effect was less rapidly produced; but 
the patient, who had been under Dr. Berthold’s 
care for four years, and who generally had to« lay 
up for one or two weeks at the time of his attacks, 
was about again in five days. In a case of mitral 
incompetence and stenosis, quebracho relieved the 
severe nocturnal dyspnoea most decidedly; in two 
advanced cases of fatty degeneration of the heart 
it also did good, but digitalis had to be given for 
the relief of oedema, over which the quebacho 
exerted no influence whatever. Dr. Berthold, how- 
ever, from his small experience is inclined to re- 
gard the latter drug as indicated in cardiac disease 
when the pulse becomes irregular under the action 
of digitalis, and when orthopnoea continues after 
the digitalis has been omitted. In one or two 
cases of chronic bronchitis, and in several cases 
of phthisis in the latter stages, the drug proved 
unsatisfactory; in two patients with phthisis, how- 
ever, it relieves the dyspnoea wonderfully. In one 
of these the respirations fell from 52 to 28 after 
teaspoonful doses of the extract every two hours. 
Dr. Picot not only gave quebracho with good results 
to three patients with catarrhal pneumonia, bron- 
chial asthma, and cardiac disease, dyspnoea being 
in each an urgent symptom, but he experimented on 
himself with it as to its effect in diminishing short- 
ness of breath in climbing hills. On three follow- 
ing days, the temperature and height of barometer 
remaining nearly unaltered, he ascended the same 
height in the same period of time. On the first 
day, without quebracho, his respirations rose from 
16 to 42, his pulse from 64 to 94. On the second 
day, half an hour before starting, he took fifteen 
grammes of Penzoldt’s extract, and reached his des- 
tination with respirations at 30 and a pulse at 80, 
feeling also in every way easier, as was further 
proved by his being able to smoke during the ascent, 
which he could not at all manage the day before. 
On the third day, without quebracho, his symptoms 
corresponded to those of the first day. He has also 
seen good results in two persons without evident 
organic disease, but liable to breathlessness in walk- 
ing fast. We must not omit to mention that, ac- 
cording to the Wiener Med. Blatter (No. 41, 1879), 
Professor Skoda, of Vienna, has not only found 
benefit himself from quebracho, but has prescribed 
it for others with success. It is possible that as an 
astringent in diarrhoea the resinous residue of the 
bark, which is only soluble in alcohol, may be of 
service. Dr. Berthold noticing that the diarrhoea 
of a phthisical patient stopped while taking quebra- 
cho, has tried the resin in acute and chronic in- 
testinal catarrh with good results. To children he 
gives o. 1 gramme in a pill of which they take ten 
daily. English children, however, might object to 
the number prescribed. 
6. 
Report from North Carolina Medical Journal; 
(Therapeutic Gazette, April, 1881, p. 160.) As un- 
likely as it seemed at first that the new drug que- 
bracho (aspidosperma quebracho) could have any 
influence upon cases of dyspnoea, it seems now to 
be well established as true. “The dyspnoea of em- 
physema seems, from all accounts, to be most re- 
lieved by this drug; in that of phthisis, the effect 
is uncertain, as well as in oedematous conditions 
of the lungs associated with renal diseases, but 
some cases of cardiac dyspnoea, and even spasmodic 
asthma, have been benefited by it. 
7. 
Report from Frank A. Ramsey, M. D., Knox- 
ville, Tenn.; (Therapeutic Gazette, September, 1S81, 
p. 333.) Under the same roof with me is a lady 
who is a patient of as good a physician as the 
city affords. She has a chronic eruptive disease at 
times, involving her throat and possibly her lungs. 
No tubercles. She is affectionate in disposition, 
but impulsive and at times violently manifests dis- 
pleasure. In such paroxysms she always has dys- 
pnoea, formerly to the extent of occasioning blue- 
ness of the lips. Now she calls on my daughter 
for a dose of fluid extract of quebracho. Before 
she knew of this agent she suffered almost con- 
stantly. Now she says half a teaspoonful will give 
relief very soon and enable her to meet and enter- 
tain company and contend with the boys—her chil- 
dren—throughout the day. 
It is the only opportunity I’ve had to employ 
this agent. In this one person the effect is re- 
markable and positive. 
8. 
Report from Pharm. Zeit., New Remedies; (Thera- 
peutic Gazette, August, 1S80, p. 238.) 
1. Quebracho bark appears in many cases to be 
a useful palliative for dyspnoea in pulmonary em- 
physema and chronic bronchitis; in other cases, 
however, the remedy is without any effect, espec- 
ially in aged individuals. Its value as a remedy 
in dyspnoea dependent upon defective cardiac 
valves is at least doubtful. 
2. If used for any length of time, the drug pro- 
duces disagreeable effects which make its continu- 
ance difficult. 
3. The frequency of respirations is diminished 
by the drug the more decidedly, the greater their 
excess has been over the normal condition. 
9. 
Report from Dr. F. Rohne, of Zurich, Switzer- 
land. Transla'ed by Dr. II. P. Wenzel. Va. 
Medical Monthly, March, 1881, (Therapeutic Gazette, 
June, 1881, p. 225.) The most brilliant results 
were obtained in the asthmatic attacks of consump- 
tion. After the use of two teaspoonfuls of que- 
bracho solution, the respiration sank, in one and 
three quarter hours, from 54 to 27, or 30. During 
the following night the patient slept well, which, 
previously was impossible. In exudative pleuritis, 
reduction was more marked, falling from 26 to 28, 
to 24 to 22. In asthma of emphysematous patients 
(3), it fell from 32 to 36 to 22 to 18. The respira- 
tions did not change much in complications of 
emphysema with pleurisy—26 to 30 to 24 to 20 
respirations. In a severe case of complicated 
bronchitis, the change was marked, from 26 to 
30 to 23 to 20 respirations; once from 24 to 16 
respirations. In the latter case a superficial respira- 
tion was observed at times. In a similar case, 
without respiratory change (18 to 19 per minute), 
after exhibiting the remedy, it required close ob- 
servation to count the respirations; and the sharp 
(at times distinctly heard at a distance), whistling 
sound becomes markedly weaxer. Marked cyanosis 
in phthisis, emphysema, etc., was either lessened 
or entirely relieved by quebracho. It also appa- 
rently had some influence in a case of “collosal” 
cyanosis, resulting from a congenital pulmonary 
and chronic pneumonia. The “acne nose” of an 
emphysematous patient, which usually had a vio- ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
let-blue color, changed to a fiery-red under que- 
bracho, and was much admired by a room-mate. 
Subjectively patients, without exception, breathe 
more or less easy, and in some cases an ex- 
traordinarily easy respiration follows. In a case of 
thrombosis of the pulmonary artery, a respiratory 
reduction from 36 to 28 respirations per minute 
from 54 to 34 respirations, and from 46 to 39 
respirations followed after exhibition of each tea- 
spoonful, respectively, of quebracho solution with 
diminished cyanosis and greater comfort. There 
was no prejudicial concommittant appearance, 
nor narcotic action whatever. There was usually 
first a feeling of warmth in the head. The disposi- 
tion to cough is lessened and the expectoration is 
expedited. Sometimes there is some perspiration 
—frequently slight salivation. The medicine does 
not taste unpleasantly, is astringent and aromatic. 
Penzoldt groups the foregoing results as follows: 
“We possess in quebracho bark a remedy which, 
without prejudicial consequences, alleviates asthma or 
difficult breathing in various diseases of the lungs and 
of the circulatory system. Its therapeutical action 
is manifested in increased frequency and depth 
of respiration in cyanosis, and primarily in sub- 
jective oppression. In explanation of the action 
of quebracho, Dr. Penzoldt remarks that after obser- 
avtions in experiments on animals and man. Upon 
using the drug redder coloration of the blood followed 
(arterialization). To prove this the author took too 
samples of blood from an animal to be slaughtered, 
and added quebracho solution to one, and an equal 
quantity of distilled water to the other sample, and 
he found the first after some standing decidedly more 
crimson. In deficiency of oxygen (under mer- 
curial vacuum) the red coloration was moderately 
produced. Upon this Penzoldt grounds the 
hypothesis that possibly, by acting directly on the 
blood it supplies the power to absorb larger 
quantities of oxygen than usual, and that the blood 
flowing through the capillaries into the veins is 
deeper colored than normal. However, the fact 
that excessive doses cause dyspnoea in animals is 
not explained. On the frog aspidospermin acts 
similar to the extract of the bark. 
IO. 
Report from Dr. Berthold of Dresden, in No. 
52 Berlin Klin. Wochenschrift, December, 1876, 
paper of Dr. F. Rohne, Zurich, translated by Dr. 
H. P. Wenzel, Va. Med. Month., (Therapeutic 
Gazette, June, 1881, p. 226.) Dr. Berthold experi- 
mented with preparations from the firm Gehe & 
Cie. It should be remarked here that according to 
reports from this firm, there was no quebracho 
bianco bark in stock from April 1880 (?) (this state- 
ment should be, doubtless, 1870), till then, hence it 
appears that only lignum quebracho was the wood 
of quebracho Colorado, of loxopterigium lorentzii 
(Griesbach), Berthold using only his preparation in 
the different forms of dyspnoea lays the chief value 
of the observations on the changes in respiration. 
In a case of convulsive asthma the respirations 
sank within three hours from 64 to 30 after exhibit- 
ing three teaspoonfuls of the tincture of the wood 
of quebracho (Colorado). The dyspnoea was caused 
by pulmonary emphysema, insufficiency, and steno- 
sis of the mitral valves, fatty cardiac degeneration, 
dilatation of the right ventricle, The author 
states that in cases of irregular pulsations when 
digitalis has been used, and this remedy must be 
discontinued, and orthopnoea persists quebracho is 
a desirable remedy, and the intensity of the attacks 
becomes decidedly weaker than before. Out of 
six cases of phthisis, only two were successfully 
treated for difficult breathing with quebracho (wood). 
In one of these cases the respiratory frequency 
fell from 62 to 28 after the second hourly teaspoon- 
ful of tincture of quebracho. There were no re- 
sults obtained in the dyspnoea of croup. In diar- 
rhoea, the best results were obtained with the ex- 
tract of quebracho. 
Reports from Hospital Practice. 
1, 
The following cases from one to seven inclusive 
are from report in Prager Medisinisch Wochen- 
schrift, December 17, 1879, (Therapeutic Gazette, 
January, 1880, p. 13). 
Prot. No. 2.801.—Johann Handl, messenger, 48 
years old, emphysema, bronchitis, atheroma an- 
terior, dein exsud. pleurit. sin. Received July 6, 
1879. Had for three years (as a sequel to small- 
pox), cough, dyspnoea, yellowish to bloody sputa. 
Considerable distention of the air vesicles, epigastric 
pulsation, torpid liver. Diffused rhonchi and whist- 
ling respiratory sounds. Treated at first with in- 
halations, and sometimes with opiates. Owing to 
exceeding shortness of breath, he was given daily 
from Oct. 3oih to Nov. 3rd, two teaspoonfuls, 8 c. c. 
of the above mentioned extract of quebracho. Dur- 
ing this time the dyspnoea was considerably de- 
creased, as was also the cyanosis. Improvement 
continuing, quebracho was discontinued. On the 
12th of November, owing to the return of the 
asthmatic difficulties in the afternoon, one teaspoon- 
ful of quebracho was again given. In the night 
there was very material decrease of the trouble. 
Later (Nov. 17 to 26), liq. ammon. anis. and simi- 
lar remedies were given without improvement, 
when November 29th, quebracho, with considerable 
relief, was once more given. December 9th dysp- 
noea returned, with exudation into the left pleural 
cavity. Half an hour after giving quebracho, there 
was rapid decrease of dyspnoea and cyanosis. 
2. 
Prot. No. 3,136.—Johann Novah, laborer, in 
Nusle, 62 years of age. Received July 1S79. 
Diagnosis: Emphys. pulm., marasm., dissolut. corp. 
vitr. sin. Cough for r2 months, free expectora- 
tion, asthmatic difficulties. Severe emphysema, the 
respiratory murmur everywhere obscured by rales 
and bronchial sounds; great torpidity of liver. Up 
to October 15th, though using different expecto. 
rants and sometimes narcotics, there was no essen- 
tial improvement. From October 15th to 25th, que- 
bracho in doses of one teaspoonful of the extract, 
4 c. c. produced at first small, but later good 
effects. From October 28th to November 3 3th, no 
medicine was given, after which quebracho was 
again resorted to on account of the return of dysp- 
noea. 
3. 
Prot. No. 4,073.—Barbara Prochazka, wife of 
watchman, 72 years of age. Received October 6, 
1879. Diagnosis: Emphys. pulm., catarrh, bronch. 
chr., slight scoliosis, much dyspnoea, cough, palpi- 
tation of the heart of a year’s standing, weakness 
of stomach for the last 30 years. Great torpidity 
of the liver; atheromatous condition of the blood- 
vessels; increase of dyspnoea up to October 28th. 
On this day irregular rhythm (each third systole 
suspended). Under varied therapy there was small 
decrease of subjective troubles. On November 8th, 
on both sides of the posterior aspect of the lungs, 
loose rales covering the respiratory murmur eu- ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
47 
tirely, severe dyspnoea; 4 c. c. extract quebracho 
given; shortness of breath disappeared entirely; 
cough light. From November 12th, tinct. cinchonae 
comp, was given. Dyspnoea returned, and con- 
tinued in spite of repeated doses of quebracho 
(4 c. c. per dose), until November 20th. It then 
improved under morphia. Since November 22d, 
treatment with Waldenburg’s pneumatic apparatus. 
4. 
Prot. No. 4,138.—Johann Peleik, sailor, 66 years 
of age. Received October 11, 1879. Diagnosis: 
Emph. pulmon. For the last year strong dyspnoea, 
and cough without expectoration. After giving 20 
grammes of extract quebracho, taken during 24 
hours, considerable improvement; breathing easy. 
Under similar treatment, improvement goes on 
until October T6th, when the patient is discharged. 
5. 
r Prot. No. 4,385.—Johann Sterh, street sweeper, 
79 years old. Received October 28, 1879. Diag- 
nosis: Emphys. pulm., catarrh, pulm. chron., mar- 
asmus. For a long time previous he had had se- 
vere dyspnoea, preventing sleep, defective nutri- 
tion. On both sides the respiratory murmur is 
covered up by loose rales. Up to November 2d, 
under treatment with ipecac, and later with liq. 
ammon. anisi, there was decrease of expectoration, 
but steady and decreasing dyspnoea. November 
2d, one teaspoonful of extract quebracho. On No- 
vember 3rd, very marked improvement of asthma; 
happy expression of countenance, cyanosis relieved. 
On November 4th, dyspnoea returns; sibilant rales. 
On acccount of great frequency (148) and irregu- 
larity of the otherwise strong pulse, no quebracho, 
but ammonia preparations were given. 
6. 
Prot. No. 4,649.—Elizabeth Peth, fruit dealer, 72 
years old. Diagnosis: Catarrh bronch. chron. Re- 
ceived November 20, 1879. Diffused rales in both 
halves of the lungs, covering the respiratory mur- 
mur completely; severe dyspnoea. From November 
23rd, quebracho was given daily, with marked, 
Steady improvement. On November 27th dyspnoea 
has ceased, and the improvement beeps on until 
December 2d, the day on which the patient was 
discharged. Case 7 came under observation De- 
cember 14, 1879. 
7. 
Prot. No. 4,830.—A woman 44 years of age. Se- 
vere dyspnoea, respiration 36 and labored; cyanosis; 
8 c. c. extract of quebracho. After ten minutes 
the breathing becomes suddenly free, and reduced 
to 28; cyanosis vanished; subjective relief complete. 
This improvement kept on for 24 hours. During 
the following night a temporary,' but very great 
weakness of the extremities 5 et in. 
All cases mentioned above were out-patients, and 
appeared almost daily for examination. All have 
occupations which expose them to the inclemencies 
of the weather (messenger, street-sweeper, fruit- 
dealer, etc.), during the rough weather in the fall, 
for the sake of making a living. Nevertheless, 
the action of this drug, as reported by Penzoldt, 
has even in these cases been corroborated in spite 
of the continuance of the original cause. Though 
the extraneous circumstances in all the cases thus 
far observed have made detailed clinical examina- 
tions impossible, this much may, however, be 
stated: 
1. That quebracho has proved an excellent, 
though but temporary remedy against the dyspnoea 
caused by emphysema, bronchial catarrh and pleu- 
ritis. 
2. That it has been followed after using it seve- 
ral days (up to nine days), by no disturbance of 
digestion, or of the herrtbeat, by no motor paraly. 
sis or weakness, nor other deleterious effects (with 
exception of the last case?) 
This new remedy may therefore justly be recom- 
mended for further trial, and would make a very 
desirable addition to the materia medica. even if 
its benefits were restricted to the more temporary 
relief of distressing dyspnoea. As the experiments 
on animals mentioned in the beginning of 
this article, show, care in the adminis- 
tration of this drug is to be recommended. As 
regards the explanation of the action of the drug, 
we may, in short, mention the theory of Penzoldt, 
which has been corroborated by experiments, that 
the remedy might by its direct influence enable the 
blood to take up more than the usual quantity of 
oxygen, so that the blood flows with a lighter red 
color than usual, through the capillaries into the 
veins. 
The fact that the remedy causes dyspnoea in 
animals, if given in larger doses, could be ex- 
plained, according to Penzoldt, by the increased 
capacity for the absorption of oxygen which ample 
doses impart to the blood, and also by the prop- 
erty which the drug seems to possess of increasing 
the intimacy of the relations between the oxygen 
and the haemoglobin. 
8. 
Report from City of Lonaon Hospital for dis- 
eases of the chest, etc., J. B. Burkart, M. D., in 
British Medical Journal, (Therapeutic Gazette Aug. 
1881, p. 238.) The liquid extract of quebracho has 
of late been largely employed in the treatment of 
asthma. As yet, there are no indications for its use, 
except the presence of dyspnoea. A teaspoonful, 
repeated, if necessary, at intervals of ten minutes, 
certainly relieves, as I have observed, the dyspnoea 
of phthisis, of pneumonia, of pleurisy, of emphy- 
sema, and of valvular lesions. It has failed of its 
effect, so far as I have seen, only in two cases 
of aortic disease; in the one, the patient had been 
for years accustomed to inhale nitrite of amyl al- 
most every two hours; in the other, there was 
complication with marked attacks of stenokardia. 
The active principle of quebracho appears to be a 
gum-resin; but as to its mode of action nothing- 
is known. I have frequently noticed that, after 
the administration of the drug, there is slight flush, 
of the face, perspiration, and occasionally drowsi- 
ness; but there are no objective signs on the part 
of the heart and of the lungs sufficient to account 
for the relief. 
9. 
Report ,rom Bellevue Hospital (Independent 
Practitioner, Therapeutic Gazette, Sept. 1881, p. 
357.) The results of recent experience with this 
drug have been confirmatory of its value in 
dyspnoea in all its forms. The fluid extract in 
doses of from twenty to sixty drops, every hour 
or two, as called for by the symptoms, has been 
found useful in our hands also, without regard to 
the exciting cause of the dyspnoea. 
10. 
Report from New York Therapeutical Society, 
(Therapeutic Gazette, Dec. 1881, p. 473). 
This report embraces thirty-two cases ob- 
served by members of the society and others, as 
follows, viz.: 
Two cases by Dr. A. V. B. Lockrow.—One, 
emphysema and bronchitis; and one, asthma, em- 
physema, and bronchitis. Both relieved. 
Six cases by Dr. J. A. McCreery.—One, mitral 
insufficiency, with no benefit; one, bronchitis, with, 
great obesity, no relief; one, chronic bronchitis; two- 
of asthma and bronchitis; and one, bronchitis, with 
consolidation at apex of one lung. The last four, 
dyspnoea relieved. 
Four cases by Dr. R. T. Bangs.—Two of spas- 
modic asthma and one of aortic aneurism, dyspnoea 48 
ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
relieved; one of cardiac disease, in which there was 
some relief. 
Two cases by Dr. C. W Packard.—One, mitral 
stenosis, and one, cardiac hypertrophy, with dilata- 
tion, neither of which was relieved. 
One case, by Dr. VV. R. Birdsall, of tonsillitis, 
in which dyspnoea was relieved. 
One case, by Dr. F. A. Burrall, of Bright's dis- 
ease; dyspnoea relieved. 
Eight cases by Dr. L. Emmett Holt.—One case, 
cancer of lung, dyspnoea relieved; four cases, 
asthma and bronchitis, two relieved and two unre- 
lieved; one case, each, pneumonia following in- 
farction, pleuro-pneumonia, and Bright’s disease 
with oedema of lung, all of which were relieved. 
Four cases by Dr. J. T. Duffield. One of fatty 
heart, with slight relief; one, catarrhal phthisis, 
second stage, dyspnoea relieved; one, catarrhal 
phthisis, third stage, no benefit; one, intermittent 
fever and old pleurisy in an opium-eater, dyspnoea 
Increased. 
Two cases by Dr. G. Bayles.—One of cardiac 
disease and asthma, and one hysterical dyspnoea; 
In both cases, dyspnoea relieved. 
Two cases by Dr. A. H. Smith.—One, mitral in- 
sufficiency, no benefit; and one, asthma with 
pleuritic adhesions, dyspnoea relieved. 
1 1. 
Report from New York Therapeutical Society, 
{Therapeutic Gazette, 1881, p. 473). 
Cases by Dr. J. A. McCreery: 
Case 1.—Mrs. G., 40 years of age. Palpitation 
and shortness of breath on going up stars, for two 
years. Loud mitral regurgitant murmur. Pulse 
irregular and weak. Dyspnoea great on the least 
exercise. Ordered fluid extract quebracho ttxxx t. 
i. d. No appreciable benefit after about § ss. had 
been taken. 
Case 2.—Mrs. L., 74 years of age. Very stout 
—can walk but a few steps at a time, and then 
only with assistance. Has had several apoplectic 
strokes, one of which nearly proved fatal. Articu- 
lation greatly impaired. Bronchitis since October, 
1880, general. Prolonged expiration. Frequent 
attacks of dyspnoea about 3 A. M., lasting half an 
hour or longer, during which she has to sit up. 
Ordered fluid extract of quebracho, %xx t. i. d. 
No improvement after several days. She refused 
to continue the medicine on account of its bitter- 
ness. 
Case 3.—Laborer, 65 years of age. Bronchitis 
for years, and several attacks of asthma; sibilant 
and mucous rales over both lungs. Expiration 
greatly prolonged; cannot lie down. Fluid extract 
of quebracho, x’lxxx t. i. d., gave much relief 
and enabled him to sleep part of the night. 
Failed to report after getting second supply of the 
medicine. 
Case 4.—Mrs. L., 67 years of age. Has had 
two attacks of bronchitis with asthma. During last 
three weeks has had severe cough, and for ten days 
respiration difficult, especially at night. For a week 
has sot been able to lie down. Hoffmann’s anodyne 
and morphine gave only partial relief. Pulse 112. 
Rales over both lungs; prolonged expiration. 
Ordered fluid extract of quebracho, when- 
ever breathing got bad. First dose gave almost 
complete relief for two hours. Took the drug three 
nights, always relieving her so that she was able 
to lie down and sleep. One night took the medi- 
cine twice. In this case it is to be noted that 
improvement had commenced before quebracho 
was given. Yet the effect of the drug was very 
striking. 
Case 5.—Woman, 70 years of age, suffering 
from an exacerbation of an old chronic bronchitis. 
Breathing short and labored; orthopnoea at night. 
Expiration prolonged. Quebracho gave great relief 
—enabling her to lie down and sleep. She required 
one or two doses every night. 
Case 6.—A young woman, who had slight attacks 
of orthopnoea from bronchitis, with some consolida- 
tion at apex of one lung. Quebracho seemed to 
give relief for a time, but the patient was too stupid 
to give a very clear history. 
12. 
Report from New York Therapeutical Society. 
(Therapeutic Gazette, 1881, p. 473.) 
Cases reported by Dr. C. W. Packard: 
Case 1.—Henry J. K., 39 years of age. Mitral 
stenosis with hypertrophy; moderate bronchitis; 
dyspnoea constant; at times orthopnoea lasting 
through successive days and nights—the patient 
catching only occasional snatches of sleep in the 
sitting posture. Administered Squibb’s fluid extract 
quebracho, 3 j dose, every four hours. The third 
dose was vomited, also the fourth. Discontinued 
the medicine till next day, when it was repeated 
with the same experience. No effect on the 
dyspnoea. 
Case 2. George W. F., 50 years of age, railroad 
superintendent, temperate, suffering from hyper- 
trophy with dilatation. Mitral disease suspected, 
but not made out. Heart’s action irregular and at 
times tumulttious. No evidence of renal disease. 
Orthopnoea at times, persisting for days and nights, 
and marked dysvnoea at all times. Fluid extract 
quebracho, in 3 j dose, every four hours, had no 
apparent effect upon the dyspnoea. At the end of 
twenty-four hours the medicine was suspended, as 
it was no longer retained by the stomach. 
Both of these patients complained of the 
nauseousness of the quebracho. And in many like 
cases its offensive taste must act as a bar to its 
administration by the mouth. 
13. 
Report from New York Therapeutical Society. 
(Therapeutic Gazette, 1881, p. 437.) 
Cases reported by Dr, George Bayles: 
Case x.—German, aged 65. Asthma depending 
upon cardiac disease. Made one visit in April; the 
patient breathing with marked difficulty and great 
voluntary effort. Prescribed fluid extract quebracho 
in itxx doses, in water, to be repeated hourly if 
necessary; was informed the following day that the 
paroxysm was entirely relieved after taking three 
doses at a little less than two-hour intervals. All 
previous attacks had never been of less than 
twelve hours’ duration, and sometimes twenty- 
four. 
Case 2.—Young woman, plethoric, and a free 
eater. Frequent attacks of nervous dyspnoea, at- 
tended with hysterical symptoms. After a hearty 
dinner indigestion supervened, and alarming 
dyspnoea, doses fluid extract quebracho were 
ordered hourly till symptoms subsided. After four 
doses had been taken the patient was entirely re- 
lieved of all distressing respiratory symptoms. The 
completion of digestion may have had much to do 
with the relief experienced, though I am inclined to 
regard the quebracho as an important aid; for such 
prompt relief had never been obtained before under 
like circumstances. 
14. 
Report from New York Therapeutical Society; 
(Therapeutic Gazette, 1881, p. 473.) Cases by Dr. 
A. V. B. Lockrow: Case x.—Mrs. M. came March 
2d, to Demilt Dispensary. Had had a bad cough, 
more or less, for two years—severe during the 
last summer. Complains of shortness of breath. 
Temperature 100°, pulse 80, respiration 30 to 32. 
Diagnosis: emphysema and bronchitis. Gave her 
cod liver oil with spir. aether, comp.; also fl. ext. 
quebracho, gtt. xxxt. i. d. 
March 7th.—Patient much relieved. Temperature 
99*, pulse 80, respiration 28. Cough better. 
Case 2.—Patrick D., 70 years of age, came to ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
49 
Demilt Dispensary, May 9th. Plasterer by trade, 
sick three months. Short of breath for several 
years. Cough at present severe. No appetite. 
Pulse very irregular and weak. Diagnosis: asthma; 
emphysema, and bronchitis, with cardiac hyper- 
trophy. Has frequent and severe attacks of asthma, 
and cannot sleep. Gave fluid extract quebracho 
itxxx t. i. d. Also infusion digitalis § ss. twice a 
day. 
May nth.—Patient very much improved. Slept 
well after taking first dose—for the first time since 
December 13th. The improvement is very marked. 
Pulse still irregular, but fuller and stronger. 
After taking fourth dose of quebracho, took food 
with a relish for the first time in several weeks. 
10. 
Report from New York Therapeutical Society. 
(Therapeutic Gazette, 1SS1, p. 475.) 
Cases of Dr. R. T. Bangs, House Physician, St. 
Luke's Hospital (service of Drs. A. II. Smith and 
G. G. Wheelock): 
Case 1.—J. 6., 28 years of age. Spasmodic 
asthma. Had used iodide of potassium, stramon- 
ium, nitre papers, nitrite of amyl, belladonna, 
chloral, etc., without much benefit. Fluid extract 
quebracho, were administered, t. i. d., and 
afforded immediate relief—so much so, that the 
patient left the hospital in a few days, provided 
with a prescription for the drug. 
Case 2.—42 years of age. Aortic aneurism. 
This was a man upon whom treatment with an 
Esmarch banda-ge was twice employed, under ether, 
for the cure of a popliteal aneurism. The first 
time the bandage was left on for an hour and a 
half, and the second tkne for two hours. After 
the bandage had been removed a tourniquet was 
each time applied to the femoral artery for an 
hour. Both these attempts proved unsuccessful. 
Treatment by flexion was next tried, but was also 
of no avail. Finally ligature of the femoral cured 
the popliteal aneurism. While the patient was 
under ether it was noticed that he was very 
cyanotic, but %vhen the effect of ether had passed 
away the cyanosis also disappeared. Ten days 
after the femoral had been ligated the patient de- 
veloped dyspncea. Fluid extract of quebracho was 
given, t. i. d., and gave much relief. He re- 
mained in the hospital twenty-seven days longer, 
during which time the quebracho continued to 
benefit his dyspncea. Fifteen days later he was 
readmitted with some dyspnoea; 3 ss. t. i. d. re- 
lieved him again. After taking it for two weeks 
the use of the drug had to be stopped because no 
more of it could be obtained. For a fortnight he 
took other remedies with but little and temporary 
benefit. At the end of that period the use of 
quebracho was resumed, 3 ss. t. i. d. By this 
time the patient was markedly cyanotic, and his 
dyspnoea was almost continuous. The dose was 
increased to 3 ss. every four hours, but no benefit 
resulted. The patient died, and at the autopsy a 
large aneurismal tumor was found pressing upon 
the trachea, very much narrowing the lumen of that 
tube. 
Case 3.—H. B., 48 years of age. Spasmodic 
asthma of many years’ standing. Fluid extract of 
quebracho, 3 ss. t. i. d., was at once prescribed, 
and gave marked and permanent relief. 
Case 4 —F. L., 70 years of age. Cardiac dis- 
ease. Fluid extract of quebracho, 3 ss. t. i. d., 
given with some slight benefit. Patient died 
ten days after the administration of the drug had 
been begun. 
16. 
Report from New York Therapeutical Society. 
{Therapeutic Gazette, 1SS1, p. 475.) 
Cases observed by Dr. A. H. Smith: 
Case 1.—Mrs. C., aged 65. Long-standing 
artral regurgitation, with pulmonary cedema and 
hydrothorax; orthftpncea; respiration very rapid 
and catching; lips livid. Two doses Squibb’s 
fluid extract quebracho were given without any 
noticeable relief. So much nausea was caused by 
the medicine that its use was abandoned. In this 
case digitalis had ceased to give relief. 
Case 2.—C. H., male, 36, patient at Presbyterian 
Hospital. This was a case of asthma, complicated 
with old pleuritic adhesions and with a recent 
attack of acute articular rheumatism. The dyspncea 
came on in paroxysms of great severity. When 
the first dose of quebracho was given, March 10, 
1881, the patient was sitting up in bed, his face 
purple, lips livid, breathing very labored, shoulders 
elevated with each inspiration. of Squibb’s 
fluid extract were given, and in fifteen minutes 
there was perfect relief, which lasted, however, 
only twenty minutes, when the difficult breathing 
returned. Another dose was then given, from 
which complete relief was obtained, lasting an hour. 
For the next twenty-four hours the attacks were 
less severe. On the following day, March nth, 
the dyspncea not being urgent, a dose of itxl was 
given, and the effect upon the respiration was ob- 
served. In fifteen minutes it had fallen from 27 
to 20. At the time of these observations the 
patient was taking gr. x of salicylic acid, and 3 ss 
of dialysed iron, t. i. d. The dyspnoea not recur- 
curring, the quebracho was discontinued. 
17. 
Report from New York Therapeutical Society. 
(Therepeutic Gazette, 1881, p. 575.) 
Cases reported by Dr. L. E. Holt, of Bellevue 
Hospital: 
Case 1.—Cancer of the breast; secondary deposits 
in the lungs; old pleurisy with adhesions. Female, 
aged 53. Constant dyspncea, which was increased 
paroxysmally, and so severe at night as almost to 
preclude sleep. I have special notes of only three 
nights in which the quebracho was used. March 
18th. Two 3 ss. doses were given at bedtime, 
when she was breathing with great difficulty. Im- 
provement was noticed in a short time, and patient 
said next morning she got great relief from it. 
19th.—Two doses, one hour apart, with same re- 
sult. 20th.—Very marked improvement noticed by 
nurse after second dose. Respiration fell from 40 
to 28, and patient went to sleep. During her stay- 
in hospital, one week longer, quebracho was used, 
always with relief. 
Case 2.—Bronchitis (chronic) and spasmodic 
asthma. April 5th.—Female, 60. Breathing so 
badly that she could not lie down or go to sleep. 
No relief till the second 3 ss. dose was given; then 
the breathing was noticed to be much easier. Fell 
asleep, slept for an hour. The third dose was then 
given, and patient slept well the rest of the night. 
Left hospital next day, and the drug was not used 
further. 
Case 3.—Acute pneumonia followed by infarction. 
Male, 45. Quebracho was given at the very in- 
ception of the disease, before the physical signs of 
pneumonia appeared. March 24th.—Marked 
dyspnoea, and complains of sense of suffocation. 
Three 3 ss. doses gave complete relief, lasting 
several hours. 25th.—The drug given without any 
effect whatever, and it was discontinued. Patient 
died two days later. 
Case 4.—Pleuro-pneumonia of left side; dry 
pleurisy of right. Female, 35. Respirations quick 
and very labored. Three 3 ss. doses gave very 
marked relief, lasting about eight hours. Patient 
died a day or two later. 
Case V.—Bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. 
Male, 64. Breathing habitually labored. No 
paroxysms of marked severity. Quebracho given 
two nights, three doses, 3 ss, each, without per- 
ceptible benefit. Discontinued. 
[The notes of the following three cases were 
furnished by Dr. William B. Anderton, House Physi- 
cian Third Medical Division.] 50 
ASPIDOSPERMA QUEBRACHO. 
Case 6.—Male, 38. Bronchitis, emphysema, and 
asthma, the latter being almost entirely paroxysmal, 
and the paroxysms being of extreme severity. On 
three occasions quebracho was given in 3 ss. doses 
every half-hour for two hours, without the slightest 
benefit. Nearly the whole list of antispasmodics 
was gone through with, and nothing but morphia 
was found to do any good. 
Case 7.—Male, 54. Bronchitis, emphysema, and 
asthma. Paroxysms marked, but less severe than 
in the case just related. Two 3 ss. doses, given 
at bed time, gave him complete relief, which lasted 
all night. This was repeated a number of times, 
always with the same result. 
Case 8.—Male, 47. Bright’s disease; bronchitis; 
pulmonary oedema with very great dyspnoea. 
Whisky and digitalis were given without any benefit. 
When quebracho was added, given in 3 ss. doses 
every half-hour for two hours, marked improvement 
took place after the second or third dose, the improve- 
ment lasting five or six hours. As the patient was 
then growing worse, the quebracho was repeated 
as before, with a like result. In five or six hours 
more it was again repeated, with benefit. Cardiac 
stimulants were kept up throughout the whole 
time, so it is impossible to say exactly how much 
of the improvement was due to the quebracho. 
This patient is still in the hospital, and doing 
well. 
In this connection I would remark that three 
cases were reported in the “Medical News and 
Abstract” for May, 1881, of the successul use of 
quebracho, by a distinguished member of the Thera- 
peutical Society, Prof. Austin Flint, Sr., in his 
service at Bellevue Hospital. 
In the first of these cases, one of aneurism of 
the ascending arch to the aorta, cardiac hyper- 
trophy, and great dyspnoea, iodide of potassium was 
given till symptoms of iodism appeared, without 
relief to the patient. fluid extract quebracho 
were administered every three hours. After the 
second dose, complete relief of dyspnoea was ex- 
perienced, the pulse fell from 100 to 86, and the 
respiration, which had been hitherto hastened, to 
its normal frequency. During the two weeks 
following, while he remained in the hospital, 
several recurrences of dyspnoea were as speedily 
relieved. 
18. 
Report from New York Therapeutical Society. 
(Therapeutic Gazette, 1881. p. 437.) 
Cases reported by Dr. J. F. Duffield, Presby- 
terian Hospital (service of Drs. Burrall and 
Castle): 
Case I.—J. T., male, 2g. Catarrhal phthisis, third 
stage. March 20th.—Dyspnoea excessive. Fluid 
extract quebracho, given at intervals of one 
hour (three doses), without appreciable effect, either 
on pulse or respiration. 22d.—Patient died. 
Case 2.—C. P., male, 28. Intermittent fever, 
quotidian; old pleurisy; and spasmodic dsspnoea 
(an opium-eater); fflxl quebracho given during the 
attack. Respiration, at time, 32; fifteen minutes 
later, 36; one hour later, when second dose was 
given, respiration 34; fifteen minutes later, 38. Pulse 
also rose, but record lost. 
Case 3.—J. P., 60, male. Fatty heart; general 
cedema. Taking gr. 1-20 strychniae sulph. t. i. d.; 
§ ss infusion digitalis also. June 10th,—Hxxx fluid 
extract quebracho given him at 11 A. m. Pulse 60, 
respiration 44. In 20 minutes pulse fell to 56, 
respiration 32. Dose repeated at 1 p. M., with 
pulse 46, respiration 36; twenty minutes later, 
pulse rose to 48, respiration unchanged. At 3.30 
p. m., 30 minims more were given, with pulse 48, 
respiration 38. Fifteen minutes later pulse un- 
changed, respiration 36. nth.—Tfllx were given at 
11.45 A. M. Pulse 54, respiration 38. In fifteen 
minutes, pulse 52, respiration 36. At 2.40 p. m., 
medicine repeated, pulse 52, respiration 38; fifty 
minutes later, pulse 56, respiration 36. 
Case 4.—L. G., 36, Ireland, seamstress; catarrhal 
phthisis, second stage; chronic bronchitis. Unable 
to take opiates. Treatment: stimulants, tonics, and 
cough-mixtures. Was put on fluid extract que- 
bracho, TUxl every three hours, for twenty-four 
hours. All cough-mixtures, etc., stopped. It had 
the effect of lessening respiration 3 to 8 a minute, 
and rendering the breathing much easier for the 
whole period. Vomiting the last dose. 
19. 
Note.—A series of careful and most satisfactory 
tests of quebracho in dyspnoea, numbering more 
than thirty cases, have been made by Dr. George 
M. Tuttle, House Physician at the New York 
Hospital (service of Dr. W. H. Draper, a member 
of this Society.) The results will doubtless be given, 
to the profession at an early day. 
EXPLANATION OF PLATE I. 
Fig. i. Flowering twig of Aspidosperma Quebracho, Schlech- 
tendal. 
Fig. 1 a. Single flower. 
Fig. 1 b. Corolla, opened and spread out. 
Fig. 1 c. Ovary. 
Fig. 2. Quebracho bark, b. cortical layer, r. inner bark. 
Fig. 3. Specimen showing inner bark light colored. 
Fig. 4. Upper or external part of the bark. 
Fig. 5. Transverse section of the cortical layer. 
p. parenchyma, k. cork bands, sk. sclerenchymatous cells. 
» 
EXPLANATION OF PLATE II. 
Fig. 6. Transverse section of inner bark. 
Fig. 7. Group of stone-cells in the inner layer. 
Fig. 8. Fiber of Sclerenchyma, enclosed in the crystal sheath. 
Fig. 9. Longitudinal section of a fibre. 
Fig. 10. Transverse section through the fibre and its sheath. 
Fig. 11. The same after treatment with hydrochloic acid and 
removal of the crystals, showing empty cells. 
Fig. 12. Longitudinal section through the bark of a twig of 
Aspidosperma Quebracho. Young sclerenchyma-fibre with 
crystal-shcath in process of formation. 
Figs.13-14. Transverse section through a young sclerenchyma 
fibre and its neighboring cells, showing the gradual formation 
of the sheath. 
Fig. 15. Transverse section through a one-year-old twig of 
Aspidosperma Quebracho, b. secretory ducts, sf. primary 
sclerenchyma fibres, m. s., medullary sheath. 
EXPLANATION OF PLATE III. 
Fig. 16. Transverse section through wood and bark of an 
older twig of Aspidosperma Quebracho. 
Fig. *7. Section through bast portion similar to the one repre- 
sented in fig. 15 with secretory (oil) ducts, b. 
Fig. 18. Transverse section of the wood of Aspidosperma 
Quebracho. 
Fig. 19. A port on of same more highly magnified. 
Fig. 20. Part o an isolated wood-fibre with bordered pits. 
Fig. 21. Cell o the medullary ray. 
Fig. 22. Chambered cell of the medullary ray containing 
crystals. 
Fig. 23. Isolated parenchyma-cells of the wood with their 
protuberances. 
Fig. 24. Transverse section through a twig of Aspidosperma 
Quebracho about three years old, with triangular pith. 
Fig. 25. Transverse section through pith and medullary- 
sheath more highly magnified. 
The value below the number of each figure designates the 
microscopic enlargement. PLATE I. 
Caffeft iith r.nJJsl t eilMlch. PLATE II. 
Caivuu Hth._Ca Cairo it,Mich. PLATE III . 
Llfh.CajDatroit Mich.