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From the Library of
Professor Monroe Evans Gardner
1895-1975
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THIS BOOK MUST NOT BE TAKEN FROM THE LIBRARY BUILDING.
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AMEEICAN
IMEDICAL BOTANY,
BEING A COLLECTION
NATIVE MEDICINAL PLANTS
OF THE
UNITED STATES,
CONTAINUre THEIR
BOTANICAL HISTORY AND CHEMICAL ANALYSIS,
AND PROPERTIES AND USES
IN
MEDICINE, DIET AND THE ARTS,
WITH
COLOURED ENGRAVINGS.
BY JACOB BIGELOW, M. D.
RUMTORD PROFESSOR AXn LECTURER ON MATERIA MEDICA AND BOTAITY IN HARVARD UNIVEHSITr.
VOL. I.
BOSTON:
PUBLISHED BY CUMMINGS A\D HILLIARD, AT THE BOSTON BOOKSTORE, NO. 1, CORNHILL.
UNIYEUSITY PRESS....niLtIAnD AND METCALF,
1817.
District of Massachusetts, to wit:
District Clerk's office.
IsE It remembered, that on the eighteenth day of October, A. D. 1817, and in the forty second year of the independence of the United States of Ameri- ca, Jacob Bigelow, M. D. of the said district, has deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as author, in the words follow- ing-, VIZ.
" American Medical Botany, being a collection of the native medicinal plants of the United States containing their botanical history and chemical analysis, and properties and uses in medicine, diet and the arts, with coloured engravings. By Jacob Eigelow, M. D. Rumford Professor and Lecturer on Materia Medica and Botany in Hai'vard University. Vol. I."
In conformity to the act of the congress of the United States, entitled "An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned ;" and also to an act, entitled, " An act supplemen- tary to an act, entitled, An act for the encouragement of learning, by secur- ing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designmg, engraving, and etchuig historical and other prints."
JNO. W. DAVIS, Clerk of tlie district of Massachusetts.
TO THE
REV. JOHN THORNTON KIRKLAND,
D.D. LL. D.
PRESIDENT OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY IN CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS.
DEAR SIR,
The present flourishing state of the Institution, over which you preside, cannot be ascribed to any more effi- cient cause, than to the zeal and ability, with which you have watched over its interests.
Those, who in any measure derive from this Institution their opportunities of being useful, may with justice direct their first acknowledgments to you.
Being confident, that no attempt for the promotion of useful knowledge will be regarded by you with indiffer- ence, I am happy in ofiering to you, in the present vol- ume, a testimony of my respect and esteem.
J. B.
Boston f Octolerf 1817.
PREFACE.
Having long meditated the commencement of a work on the medicinal vegetables of the United States, and feeling* myself obligated for its completion, by the instructions from the Univer- sity in which I have the honor to hold a professor- ship ; it may be proper to make at the outset some general statements of the motives and objects of such a publication.
The Materia Medica, comprising the great body of medicinal agents now in use in the hands of physicians, cannot be said to need an increase in the number of its articles. It is already in- cumbered with many superfluous drugs ; even its active substances are more numerous than can be of use to any one physician, so that it seems quite as susceptible of benefit from reduction as from augmentation in the number of its materials. Under these circumstances, the introduction of new medicines can only be authorized, where
VI PREFACE.
from the peculiarity of their powers, or the facili- ty of their acquisition, they are calculated to take the place of others previously in use.
Of our present stock of medicinal agents, col- lected from various parts of the globe, a few ap- pear to he unique in their powers, and could not in the present state of our knowledge, he super- seded hy other suhstances. A number more pos- sess active properties, yet of a kind, for which sub- stitutes might be found among the native produc- tions of almost every country into which they are imported. There are others which possess little activity or value, but which, from a sort of fashion, are still articles of commerce and consumption.
In the management of diseases, the physician requires instruments of determinate power, on the operation of which, he may build definite expec- tations. Many such are already in his hands. Yet when we consider how small a portion of the vegetable kingdom has been medically examined, there can be little doubt that a vast number of active substances, many perhaps of specific efii- cacy, remain for future inquirers to discover. In this respect, every successive age is making acquisitions. But a century or two ago, the civ- ilized world were unacquainted with tlie proper- ties of ipecacuanha, of jalap, and the Peruvian
PREFACE, VU
bark. The powers of digitalis in certaia diseas- es are of very recent observation. At the pres- ent day, we are speculating on the probable com- position of a vegetable medicine, whicli cures the gout.
Medicinal substances frequently owe their first introduction to accident. Many have been at first brought up as antidotes for the poison of serpents, as remedies for syphilis, or as specifics against imaginary diseases. Previously to this, they were neglected as useless, or avoided as dangerous. It is a subject of some curiosity to consider, if the knowledge of the present Materia Medica were by any means to be lost, how many of the same articles v/ould again rise into notice and use. Doubtless a variety of new substances would de- velop unexpected powers, while perhaps the pop- py would he shunned as a deleterious plant, and the cinchona might grow unmolested upon the mountains of Quito.
It is the policy of every country to convert as far as possible its OAvn productions to use, as a mean of multiplying its resources, and diminisb- ing its tribute to foreigners. The plants of the United States are various in their character in proprotion to the extent of latitudes and climates, which our country embraces. Among those which
Viil PREFACE.
have been medicinally investigated, are many of useful properties and decided efficacy. Several de- partments of the Materia Medica may he amply supplied from our OAvn forests and meadows, al- though there are others, for which we must as yet depend on foreign countries. We have yet to dis- cover our anodynes and our emetics, although we abound in bitters, astringents, aromatics and demulcents. In the present state of our knowl- edge we could not well dispense with opium and ipicacuanha, yet a great number of foreign drugs, such as gentian, columbo, chamomile, kino, cat- echu, cascarilla, canella, ^'c. for whicli we pay a large annual tax to other countries, might in all probability be superceded by the indigenous products of our own. It is certainly better that our own country people should have the benefit of collecting such articles, than that we should pay for them to the Moors of Africa, or the In- dians of Brazil.
Independent of the frauds of adulteration, which may be practised by savages upon drug*, whose origin is hardly known to Europeans, the embarrassments occasioned by the chances of war and commercial restrictions, form serious objec- tions to an exclusive dependence on foreign med- icines. It is but a few years since some circum-
PUEFACE. IX
stances of this sort occasioned a sudden and enor- mous rise in the price of opium, and a j^eneral in- quiry, what couhl be substituted for opium when the usual supplies should have failed.
In a work like the present, although we can- not hope to supply all the desiderata of an indi- genous Materia Medica ; yet it Avill be satisfacto- ry to have done something towards an investiga- tion of the real properties of our most interesting plants, and to have facilitated a knowledge of them in those, to wliom they may be useful. In a pur- suit of this kind, the botanist has views even be- yond the physician. To him it is important not only to know what plants have properties, that are eminently useful, but also to know, what are the properties and uses of all the plants which sur- round him. In proportion as inquiries of this sort are pursued, the natural resources of a coun- try become developed, and its natural disadvanta- ges compensated. We are told that in China ev- ery plant is applied to some valuable purpose, and there is scarcely a weed that has not its de- terminate use.* A learned authorf observes, that " no writer whatever has rendered the natural productions of the happiest and most luxuriant climate of the globe, half so interesting or instruc-
* Macartney's Embassy, vol. ii. chap. ii. t Sir J, E. Smith.
X PREFACE.
tive, as Linnaeus lias made those of his own north- ern country,"
Under the title of American Medical Bota- ny, it is my intention to offer to the public a se- ries of coloured engravings of those native plants, which possess properties deserving the attention of medical practitioners. The plan will likewise include vegetables of particular utility in diet and the arts ; also poisonous plants which must be known, that they may be avoided. In making the selection, I have endeavoured to be guided by positive evidence of important qualities, and not by the insufficient testimony of popular report. In treating of each plant, its botanical liistory will be given ; the result of such chemical examina- tions as I have been able to make of its constitu- ent parts, and lastly its medical history. The botanical account will be found more diffuse than is necessary for exclusive botanists. The chem- ical inquiries are made chiefly with a view to the pharmaceutical preparations of each plant, or to interesting principles it may contain. Its medic- al history will contain such facts, relative to its operation on the human system, as are known to me from my own observation, or the evidence of those, who are qualified to form correct opinions on the subject.
PREFACE. XI
I am by no means ambitious to excite an in- terest in the subjects of this work, by exaggerated accounts of virtues which do not belong to them. Much harm has been in medicine, by the partial representations of those, who, having a point to prove, have suppressed tlieir unsuccessful experi- ments, and brought into view none but favorable facts. If, from a desire of avoiding error, I have not always been able to establish fully the charac- ter of a native vegetable, it will be recollected that many foreign drugs, which have been for centuries in use, have still an unsettled reputation as to their powers and modes of operating.
The figures of the present volume have been engraved and coloured from original drawings, made principally by myself. Dissections of the flower and fruit have been added to each for the use of botanical students. The subsequent por- tions of the work will be issued as rapidly asis consistent with their faithful execution.
At the end will be added an appendix or sup- plement, containing such facts relative to the plants already published, as may have come to light since their publication.
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AMERICAN
MEDICAL BOTANY.
DATURA STRA3I0NIUM.
Thorn Jlpple,
TLATE I.
A HE Datura Stramonium is a wandering an- nual plant, whicli follows the progress of culti- vation, and is rarely found remote from the vi- cinity of dwellings. It occurs in every part of the Atlantic coast from Maine to the Floridas, and is also found in the Western States in the neighbourhood of settlements. Its favorite haunts are the borders of fields and roadsides, among rubbish and in neglected spots of rich ground. It emigrates with great facility, and often springs up in the ballast of ships, and in earth carried from one country to another. This circumstance in Europe has undeservedly given rise to the opinion, that it is originally an American plant. Its native country, however, is doubtful, from 3
18 DATURA STRAMONIUM.
tlie want of authentic descriptions of suflicient antiquity. One of the oldest satisfactory accounts of it is that of Gerarde in 1597, who has published a description and figure of this plant, and states that it was introduced into England by himself, from seeds received fromConstantinople. [JVofe A.] * Its common name in Europe, derived from the form of its fruit, is Thorn apple. In this country its provincial names are Apple of Peru, Le- tWs apple, and Jamestown weed. It is a plant of i;ank growth and luxuriant foliage, varying in height from one to six feet, according to the soil in which it grows. In Carolina it begins to flower in May, and in Massachusetts about the latter part of Ju- ly, and continues until tlie arrival of frosts.
The Datura Stramonium belongs to the first order of the fifth class in the Linnseau artificial arrangement. In its natural order it is found among the Luridse of Linnjeus and the Solanese of Jussieu. The following are the essential juarks which characterize the genus Datura. The corolla funnel form and plaited. The calya; tu- bular, angular and deciduous. The capsule four valved. — ^Under this genus are comprehended a number of species, a great part of which are na- tives of warm latitudes. The species Stramoni- um is distinguished from the rest by the follow-
THORN APPLE. 19
ing character. Capsules thorny, erect, ovate; leaves ovate, angular, smooth. — A more particular de- scription of tlie plant is as follows. >Stem erect, simple at bottom, much branched at top by repeat- ed forks, smooth or slightly pubescent, hollow in the large plants, often solid in small ones. Leaves given off from the forks of tlie stem, five or six inches long, acute, irregularly sinuated and tooth- ed, with large acute teeth and round sinuses, the sides of the base extending unequally down the petiole. Flowers single, axillary, on short stalky, erect or nodding. Galyx composed of one leaf, tubular, with five angles and five teeth, deciduous by breaking off from its base. Corolla funnel shaped with a long tube, five angled, its margin waved and folded, and terminating in five acumi- nate teeth. Stamens growing to the tube by their fdaraents, with oblong erect anthers. Germ su- perior, hairy with the rudiments of spines, ovate ; style as long as the stamens ; stigma obtuse, parted at base. Capsule ovate, fleshy, covered with thorns, four valved, four celled, opening at top. Seeds numerous, reniform, black, attached to a longitudinal receptacle, which occupies the centre of each cell.
At least two distinct varieties of Datura Stra- monium are common in the United States. One
20 DATURA STRAMONIUiAf.
of these has a green stalk and white flowers, and agrees with the figures of Sowerbj and Woodville, except that the anthers are somewhat longer and tlie dissepiment of the capsule thinner. The sec- ond variety, the one represented in our figure, has a dark reddish stem, minutely dotted with green ; and purple flowers striped with deep pur- ple inside. It is generally a larger plant, and its stem more universally hollow. This variety is probably the 1). tatula of Linnaeus, answering to the (cscription in the Species plantarum. The distinguishing marks laid down between the two plants are not sufiicient to make them distinct species. I have cultivated both together and watched them throughout their growth, without being able to detect any difference except in col- our. Their sensible and medical properties are the same. Sir James Edward Smith has lately informed me, that on consulting the herbarium of Linnseus, the original specimens of D. Stramoni- um and tatula did not appear to be more than va- rieties of the same plant. \^ote B.]
Every part of the Stramonium, when recent, has a strong, heavy, disagreeable odour, and a bitter, nauseous taste. Taken internally it proves a violent narcotic poison, affecting the mind and body in the most powerful manner. Its usual
THORN APPLE. SI
consequences when swallowed in considerable quantity, are vertigo and confusion of mind, in- sensibility of the retina, occasioning dilatation of the pupil and loss of sigbt, tremors of the limbs and loss of the power of voluntary motion, head- ach, dryness of the throat, nausea and vomiting, anxiety and faintness, and sometimes furious de- lirium. If the amount taken be large and not speedily ejected from the stomach, the symptoms pass into convulsions or lethargic stupor, which continue till death. When not fatal, its effects, like those of other narcotics, are temporary, dis- appearing in from one to two days, and frequent- ly in a shorter period. — The remedies to be re- sorted to in cases of poison from Stramonium, are a prompt emetic, followed by a free use of vegeta- ble acids and strong coffee.
Many stories have been related of the power of this and other species of Datura to produce mental alienation, without at the same time ma- terially affecting the body. [JS'ote C] These ac- counts are generally of somewhat ancient date, and not correspondent with the observations of later physicians. They were suited to those days of credulity, in which the Eoyal Society of London gravely inquired of Sir Philberto Yernatti, "Wheth- er the Indians can ^ so prepare the stupifving
■2'^ DATURA STRAMONIUM.
herb Datura, that they make it lie several days, months, or years, according as they will have it. in a man's body ; and at the end kill him with- out missing half an hour's time ?"
Like opium and like other powerful medi- cines, this plant, when taken in small quantity, and under suitable regulations, proves a remedy of importance, and a useful agent in the hands of physicians. In common with some other narco- tics, it seems first to have been introduced freely into practice by Baron Storck of Vienna, as a rem- edy in Mania, Epilepsy, Convulsions, ^c. Many subsequent physicians have given testimony to its efficacy in certain forms of these disorders, yet the instances of its failure have doubtless been more frequent than those of its success. In Murray's Apparatus Medicaminum may be found a sum- mary of the reports of many medical men, Avho have tried it with various success in the diseases in question, as well as in others. Dr. Cullen has no doubt that it may be a remedy in certain ca- ses of mania and epilepsy ; but doubts if any per- son has learned to distinguish the cases to which it is properly adapted.
Dr. Fisher, President of the Massachusetts Medical Society, has published in their communi- cations some remarks on the employment of Stra-
THORN APPLE. 23
iiioiiium in epilepsy. He divides the cases of that disease into tliree kinds ; those of which the fits return daily ; those in wMch they recur at regular periods, as monthly, or give warning of tlieir approacli by previous symptoms ; lastly, those in which they do not observe any regular period, and do not give any warning of their ap- proach. In the two first kinds he asserts, that all the cases which came under his care, and which were not very few, had been cured by Stramoni- um. In those of the third kind he found it of no benefit whatever.
Dr. Archer of Maryland has formed distinc- tions nearly similar in the application of Stramo- nium to epilepsy.
In a case of Tic doloureux of long standing I found the extract, taken in as large doses as the stomach w ould bear, to afford decided relief. Sev- eral practitioners have spoken to me of its effica- cy in this formidable disease. It should be ta- ken in large doses, and the system kept for some time under its influence.
Within a few years, the thorn apple has at- tracted much notice, both in Europe and in this counti*y, as an efficacious palliative in Astlima and some other affections of the lungs, when used by smoking, in the same manner as tobacco.
S4 I>ATURA STRAMONIUM.
The practice was first suggested by the employ- ment of another species, the Batur^a feroa^, for similar complaints, in the East Indies, An En- gUsh gentleman, having exhausted the stock with which he had been supplied of the oriental plant, was advised by Dr. Sims to have recourse to the common Stramonium as a substitute ; and upon trial, experienced the same benefit as he had done from the former species. This instance of suc- cess led to further trials, and in a short time sev- eral publications appeared, containing cases of great relief afforded by smoking this plant in the paroxysms of Asthma. Many individuals, of dif- ferent ages, habits, and constitutions, had used it with the effect of producing immediate relief, and of terminating the paroxysm in a short time. The efiicacy however of this medicine was called in question by Dr. Bree, a physician well known by his elaborate treatise on Asthma, who publish- ed in the Medical and Physical Journal a letter, containing the result of a great number of unsuc- cessful trials of Stramonium in asthmatic cases. It may be doubted whether any other physician has been so unfortunate in its use as Dr. Bree, since he affirms that not one case of those imder his care was benefitted by it. Certain it is, that in this country the thorn apple is employed with
THORN APPLE. 35
very frequent success by asthmatic patients, and it would not be difficult to designate a dozen indi- viduals in Boston and its vicinity, who are in the habit of employing it with unfailing relief in the paroxysms of this distressing complaint. The ca- ses, which it is fitted to relieve, are those of pure spasmodic asthma, in which it doubtless acts by its sedative and antispasmodic effects. In those depending upon effusion of serum in the lungs, or upon the presence of exciting causes in the first passages, or elsewhere, requiring to be removed ; it must not be expected that remedies of this class can afford benefit. In several cases of plethoric and intemperate people, I have found it fail altogether, and venesection after- wards to give speedy relief.
The part of the plant, which I have employed for smoking, is the leaf prepared in the same way as tobacco. The root, which has commonly been the part used, is more woody and fibrous, and pos- sesses less of the juices of the plant, than its more pulpy and succulent parts. The root also, being strictly annual, has no opportunity to accu- mulate the virtues of the plant, beyond any other part.
In the seventh volume of the Medico-Chirur- gical Transactions, for 1816, is a paper on the 4
36 DATURA STRAMONIUM.
properties of the Stramonium by Dr. Marcet of London, Physician to Guy's Hospital. As the result of his experience, it appeared that this medicine taken internally had relieved acute pains of various kinds more effectually than any other narcotic substance. Its usual effects under his observation, when administered in appropriate doses, in chronic diseases attended with acute pain; were, to lessen powerfully and almost imme- diately sensibility and pain ; to occasion a sort of nervous shock, wliicli is frequently attended with a momentary affection of the head and eyes, with a degree of nausea, and with phenomena re- sembling those produced by intoxication ; to ex- cite in many instances nervous sensations, which are referred to the oesophagus or bronchia or fau- ces, and which sometimes amount to a sense like suffocation ; to have rather a relaxing, than an astringent effect on the bowels ; to have no mark- ed influence on the pulse, except in a few instan- ces to seem to render it slower ; to produce but a transitory and inconsiderable dilatation of the pupil, and to have but little immediate tendency to produce sleep, except from the state of com- parative serenity and ease, which follows the pre- ceding symptoms. — In some instances its bene- ficial effects were obtained without the patient experiencing any of the uneasy sensations above mentioned.
THORN APPLE. ^7
The cases in which Dr. 3Iarcet employed the Stramonium, with their results, appear in the fol- lowing summary. In four cases of Sciatica, decid- ed benefit was obtained. The efficacy of the med^ icine was still more strongly marked in two cases of sciatica combined with syphilitic pains. It failed in two instances of diseased hip joint. It produced considerable relief of pain in a case of supposed disease of the spine, followed by para- plegia 5 and likewise in one of cancer of the breast. It allayed materially the pain occasioned by an acute uterine disease. It was of great and repeated utility in a case of Tic doloureux, its util- ity in a second case of the same description was very doubtful, and in a third it entirely failed.
There are some authorities for the success of Stramonium in Chorea. Professor Chapman of Philadelphia has found it of use in dysmenorrhea, also with or without mercury in syphilitic and scrophulous ulcers of ill condition.
The external use of Stramonium is of much older date than its internal exhibition. Gerarde in his Herbal, published in 1597, says, " Tbe iuyce of Thorne apples, boiled with hog's grease to the forme of an unguent or salve, cureth all in- flammations whatsoever, all manner of burnings or scaldings, and that in very short time, as my-
28 DATURA STRAMONIUM.
self hare fouHd by my dayly practise, to my great credit and profit." Others, since the time of Gre- rarde, have used this preparation, if not with the same gratifying success, at least with some bene- fit as an anodyne, sedative application. It miti- gates the pain in burns and inflammatory tumors, and promotes the cure of certain cutaneous erup- tions. In some irritable ulcers with thickened edges and a sanious discharge, I have found it re- markably efficacious in changing the condition and promoting tlie granulations and cicatrization. In painful hemorrhoidal tumors tlie ointment of Stramonium with the ointment of acetate of lead gives, in many cases, very prompt and satisfacto- ry relief, being in this respect inferior to no ap- plication, witli which I have been acquainted.
Applied topically to the eye, the preparations of Stramonium diminish the sensibility of the re- tina, and relax the iris. From this effect it is employed by many surgeons to dilate the pupil, as preparatory to the operation for cataract.
The virtues of Stramonium appear to be seat- ed in an extractive principle, which dissolves in water and alcohol, but most readily in the for- mer. It is copiously precipitated from the infu- sion by muriate of tin. With sulphate of iron it gives a deep green colour, and with gelatin suf-
THORN APPLE. ^^
fers no change. Water distilled from the plant has the sensible qualities in a slight degree, but does not seem to possess the medicinal powers of the plant. Dr. S. Cooper, in a valuable disserta- tion on this plant, says, that an ounce of the dis- tilled water was taken into the stomach with little or no effect. The same gentleman states, that upon evaporating the infusion of Stramonium, he observed a large number of minute crystals, re- sembling particles of nitre. Thinking it possible that these might he something analogous to the crystals, said to be obtained by Derosne from opi- um, and by him denominated the narcotic princi- ple, I repeated the experiment by carefully evap- orating separate decoctions of the green and dri- ed leaves. No crystals however were discovera- ble at any stage of the process, either to the touch, or to the eye assisted by a strong magni- fier.
The forms in which the Stramonium is prepar- ed for use are the powder, the inspissated juice, the extract, the tincture and the ointment. The powder should be made as soon as the plant is dry, and kept in close stopped bottles.— The in- spissated juice is made by compressing the bruis- ed leaves in a strong bag, until the juice is forced out. This is to be evaporated in flat vessels at
80 DATURA STRAMONIUM.
the licat of boiling salt water to the thickness of honej ; it is then suffered to cool, put up in glaz- ed vessels and moistened with alcohol. The ecc- tract is prepared by immersing a pound of the leaves in three gallons of water and boiling down to one. The decoction should then be strained and stand six hours to settle, after which it may be drawn off and evaporated to the proper consis- tence. When the seeds are used, the decoction should stand a longer time to separate the oil with which the cotyledons abound, before evaporation. A larger amount of extract may be obtained by boiling the portion, which has been used, a se- cond time in a smaller quantity of water, and mixing the two decoctions before evaporation. For the tincture one ounce of the dried leaves is to be digested for a week in eight ounces of proof spirit, and filtrated through paper. In making the ointment, a pound of the fresh leaves may be simmered in three pounds of hog's lard until the leaves become crisp. It is then to be strained, and cooled gradually.
The period for gathering the leaves is from the time the plant begins to flower, until the ar- rival of frost.
As the preparations of Stramonium are liable to vary in strength according to the circumstances
THORN APPLE. 31
under which they are made, it is always prudent to begin with the smallest dose, and repeat it about three times a day, increasing each dose un- til the eiFects begin to appear in the stomach or head.
The commencing doses of the Stramonium, when properly prepared, are as follows. Of the powdered leaves 1 grain,
powdered seeds t « grain,
inspissated juice or extract 1 grain. extract of the seeds from 1 <o 1 grain,
tincture from 15 fo 30
drops.
BOTANICAL REFERENCES.
Datura Stramonium, Linn-eus Sp. pi. Fl. Suec. 185 ^'C— Gronovius Fl. Virg. 23. — CEder. Fl. Danica 436. — Black- well t. 313. — Gmelin Iter i. 43. — Pollich. Palatin. 224. — Hoffmann Germ. 77. — Roth Fl. Germ. i. 92 ^c. — AVoodville i. 124. — Curtis Lond. vi. t. 17. — Smith Fl. Brit. 254. — Engl. Bot. t. 1288. — PuRSH Mier. 141. — Elliott Carol, i. 275.— Stramonium foliis angulosis 6cc. Haller Helv. 586. Nucimetel- \sd congener planta, Camerarius Epitome 276. — Solanum fueti- dapomo spinoso, oblongoj^c. Bauhinjjw. 168. — Stramonium spinosum, Gerarde Herbal 348.
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
Storck de Stramonio ^'c. — Lindenstolpe de vencnis, 531. — Sauvages J\'"osol. 2. 430. — Greding in Liidwlgs .Mxersaria i. 345._MuRRAY App. Med. i. 670.— Cullen Jf/af. Med. ii. 281.— Fowler in Med. Comment, v. 161. — Odiielius cit. in Med. Com- ment V. 16L — Papin in Fhil. Trans, abr. vi. 53.— Rush in Thilad.
Sa DATURA STRA»IONIUai.
Trans, i. S84. — Schoepf. 24. — Wedenberg in Med, Comment iii. 18. — Beverly, Hist. Virg. p. 121. — Medical and Physical Journal, vol. xxv. & xxvi. in various places. Cooper in CaldweWs Theses, vol. i. — ^Barton, Coll. Mat. Med. 46. — Chapman in edit, Murray 146. — Thatcher, Disp, 205. — Marcet Medico-Chi- rur. Trans, vii.
PLATE I.
Fig. 1. d branch of Datura Stramonium^ the purple vanely, with leaves and Jlowers,
Fig. 2. Stamens and style.
Fig. 3. Transverse section of the pericarpt shewing the cellSf re- ceptacles and seeds.
ri II
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EUPATOMUM PERFOLIATUM.
Thorough wort
PLJiTE 11.
X HE peculiar form and arrangement of the leaves in this plant render it very easy of distinc- tion at sight by the most inexperienced botanist. It flowers from midsummer to September, and is found in all latitudes from Nova Scotia to Florida. It inhabits meadows and boggy soils, growing most frequently in bunches, tlie stems being con- nected by horizontal roots. Its common names are Thorough wort, Thorough wacc, Cross ivort, Bone set, ^c.
The genus Eupatorium, belonging to the first order of the class Syngenesia or Compound flow- ers, and to the order Corymbiferje of Jussieu, is characterized b}^ its naked receptacle, its down simple or rough, its calyoj oblong and imbricate, 5
34 EUPATORUM PERPOLIATUM.
its style longer than the corolla, and cloven half way down. The species perfoliatiiin, exclusively an inhabitant of America, is abundantly distin- guished from the rest, by the peculiar form of its leaves, indicated in its name. Michaux has alter- ed the specific name to connatum I think injudi- ciously.
The stems of this plant are erect, round, hairy branched at top only. Tlie leaves, which are per- forated by the stem, are rather perfoliate than connate, since they have not the character of two leaves joined together, but of one entire leaf, hav- ing its four principal veins proceeding at right an- gles from the four quarters of the stem, two of them being situated in the place of the supposed junction. The upper leaves however are gener- ally divided into pairs. Tlie main leaves are acuminate, decreasing gradually in breadth from the stem, where they are widest, to the extremities. They are serrated, wrinkled, pale underneath, and hairy, especially on the veins. Flowers in corymbs with hairy peduncles. Calyx cylindrical, imbri- cate, the scales lanceolate, acute, hairy. Each ca- lyx contains about twelve or fifteen florets, which are tubular, with fine spreading segments, and sur- rounded with a )'ough down. The stamens in each consist of five soft filaments, with blackish anthers
THOROUGH WORT. 35
uuited with a tube. Style filiform, divided into two branches, which project above the flower. Seeds oblong on a naked receptacle.
Every part of the Eupatoriuni has an intense- ly bitter taste, combined with a flavour peculiar to the plant, but without astringency or acrimony. The leaves and flowers abound in a bitter extrac- tive matter, in which the important qualities of the plant seem to reside. I fuid this principle to be alike soluble in water and alcohol, imparting its sensible qualities to both, and neither solution be- ing rendered turbid, at least for some time, by the addition of the other solvent. It forms copious pre- cipitates with many of the metallic salts, such as mu- riate of tin, nitrate of mercury, nitrate of silver, and acetate of lead. Of the mineral acids, the sulphu- ric and muriatic form slight precipitates with the aqueous decoction ; the oxymuriatic, a more copi- ous one ; the nitric, in my experiments, gave no precipitate, but changed the colour to a red. In the alcoholic solution the oxymuriatic alone form- ed an immediate precipitate. Tannin exists very sparingly in this plant. A solution of isinglass produced a slight precipitate from the tincture, and a hardly perceptible turbidness in separate decoctions of the leaves and flowers. Sulphate of iron gave a dark green precipitate, which par-
30 EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM.
tially subsided in a short time. — In distillation, water came over very slightly affected with the sensible qualities of the plant, and not alterable by sulphate of iron.
A dissertation of merit on this plant was pub- lished a few years since by Dr. Anderson of New York, in wbich he gives the details of numerous and elaborate chemical trials, made by him on dif- ferent parts of the plant. He concludes, among other things, from his experiments, that the ac- tive properties of the plant reside in greatest q^iantity in the leaves, and that its virtues are readily obtained by means of a simple decoction. The medical powers of Eupatorium are such as its sensible properties would seem to indicate, those of a tonic stimulant. Given in moderate quantities, either in substance or in cold infusion or decoction, it promotes digestion, strengthens^ the viscera, and restores tone to the system. Like other vegetable bitters, if given in large quantities, especially in warm infusion or decoction, it proves emetic, sudorific, and aperient. Even in cold infusion it tends to bring on diaphoresis.
This plant has been long in use in different parts of tbe United States, for the same purposes for which the Peruvian bark. Gentian, Chamomile, ^'c. are employed. It has been found competent
THOROUGH WORT. 37
to the cure of intermittent fevers by various prac- titioners in the middle and southern states. Dr. Anderson has detailed six cases of intermittents, quotidian, tertian, and quartan, out of a large number which had been successfully treated with- in his own observation by the Eupatorium both in substance and decoction. In these cases the cures were certainly expeditious, and took place at as early a period as could have been expected from arsenic or the Peruvian bark. Dr. A. cites the experience of several distinguished practi- tioners, particularly Dr. Ilosack of New York and the late Dr. Barton of Philadelphia, in con- firmation of his own, to shew that the Eupatorium is an efficacious remedy in the treatment of va- rious febrile disorders, also of many cutaneous affections, and diseases of general debility.
I have prescribed an infusion of the Eupato- rium in various instances to patients in the low stages of fever, where it has appeared instrumen- tal in supporting the strength and promoting a moisture of the skin, without materially increas- ing the heat of the body. I have also foimd the cold infusion or decoction a serviceable tonic in loss of appetite and other symptoms of dyspepsia, as well as in general debility of the system.
38 EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM.
The warm infusion is a convenient substitute for that of chamomile flowers in facilitating the operation of an emetic.
"When employed as a tonic, this plant may be taken in powder in doses of twenty or thirty grains, or a teacup full may be used of the infu- sion, rendered moderately bitter. When intend- ed to act as an emetic, a strong decoction may be made from an ounce of the plant in a quart of water, boiled to a pint.
BOTANICAL REFERENCES.
Eupatoriiim perfoliatum, Linn^us, Sj}. pi. — Aiton, Hort JCew. iii. 160. — ^Wixldenow, Sp. pi. iii. 1761. — Gkonovius, Virg. 119. — CoLBBHf f JVovebor. 181. — Stokes, iv. 171. — Pursh, ii. 516. — Eupatoriiim connatum, Michaux, Fl. .Miner, ii. 99. — Eupatorium Virginianum, &c. — Plukenet, t. B7.f. 6.. — Raius, suppl. 189. — MoRisoN, hist. iii. 97.
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
•ScHOEPF 121. — Guthrie in Annal. Med. iii. 403. — Bart. Coll. 28. — Med. and Phys. Journal. — Thacher Disi), 217. — An- derson, Inaugural Thesis,
PLATE II.
Fig. 1. Eupatorium perfoliatum.
Fig. 2. .4 Jlower magnified.
Fig. S. A Jloret magnified.
Fig. 4. Tube of anthers with the style running through.
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PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA.
Foke,
PLATE III.
h ROM the testimony of different writers it appears, that the Phytolacca decandra is an inhab- itant not only of North America, but likewise of the south of Europe from Portugal to Greece, and also of the Barbary states in Africa. Its origin is probably American, since I find that it was so considered in the time of Parkinson, who in his Theatrum Botanicum, published in 1640, de- nominates it " Solanum magnum Virginianum ru- brum." This is one of the oldest accounts I find of it. Plukenet conjectures it may be the Ciiechi- liz tomatl of Hernandez, but the description, like most others of that loose and superficial writer, arc more promotive of obscurity than of knowledge, and it is not easy to draw from it any satisfactory evidence as to its Mexican origin. ^Xote D.]
40 PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA.
In the autumnal months no plant among us is more remarkable than the Phytolacca for its large size, and the fine colour of its clusters of berries. Its most general appellation is Poke, an abbrevia- tion, perhaps, of Pocan, the name by which it was known in Virginia a century ago. In Xew Eng- land it is more frequently called Garget, Cocum, Jalap and Pigeon berries.
Jussieu has arranged this genus among his Jltriplices, and Linnaeus with the Oleracew.
The number of its stems and styles, place it in the class Becandria and order Decagynia. Its generic character consists in having no calya^, a corolla of Jive petals, and its berries superior with ten cells and ten seeds. The species decandra is the only one which strictly .agrees with its class and order, and is known by having ovate leaves, acute at both ends, and its flowers with ten stamens and styles.
The root of this plant is of large size, frequent- ly exceeding a man's leg in thickness, and is usu- ally divided into two or three principal branches. Its substance is fleshy and fibrous, and easily cut or broken. Internally it is distinctly marked with concentric rings of considerable thickness, while its outer surface is covered Avith a very thin brown- ish ])ark, which scenxs to be little more than a cu-
POKE. 41
tide. The stalks, wliicli are annual, frequently ffrow to the hciiicht of six, and even nine feet. They are round, smooth, and very much h ran di- ed. When young', theii* usual colour is green, but in most plants, after the berries have ripened, tJiey are of a fine purple. The leaves are scatter- ed, petioled, ovate-oblong, smooth on both sides, ribbed umlerneath, entire, acute. The flowers grow on long pedunculated racemes opposite to leaves. Peduncles nearly smooth, angular, as- cending. Pedicels divaricated, sometimes branch- ed, green, white, or purple, furnished with a small linear bracte at base, and two others in the mid- dle. Calyx none. Corolla resembling a calyx, whitish, consisting of five round-ovate, concave, incurving petals. Stamens ten, rather shorter than the petals, with white, roundish, two lobed anthers. Germ greenish, round, depressed, ten furrowed. Styles ten, short, recurved. The floAV- ers are succeeded by long clusters of dark purple berries, almost black, depressed or flattened, and marked with ten furrows on the sides.
The dried root is light coloured and spongy, with a mild and somewhat sweetish taste. A part of it is soluble both in water and alcohol, and nei- ther of these substances renders turbid the solu- tion in the other, unless the solution has been in-
6
4S PHYTOLxVCCA DECANDRA.
spissated by long boiling. The soluble portion ap- pears neither resinous nor mucous. It approach- es most nearly to extractive, but has characters somewhat peculiar to itself. A decoction of the I'oot procured by boiling for ten minutes in dis- tilled water, exhibited after filtration tlie follow- ing results. It was transparent, nearly colourless, and did not alter litmus. It gave no precipitate witli the sulphuric, nitric, muriatic, oxymuriatic, and acetous acids. It gav« no precipitate with the sulphate of iron, but formed a copious one with the nitrates of mercury and silver, and the ace- tate of lead. Muriate of tin produced no effect at first, but after standing, a light precipitate took place. Pearl ash, lime water, and muriate of ba- rytes rendered the solution turbid. Acetate of barytes occasioned no change. Oxymuriate of lime formed an immediate precipitate.
The cold infusion exhibited nearly the same results as the decoction. The alcoholic solution underwent no change from muriate of tin, but threw down a dense precipitate with nitrate of mercury.
From the above experiments it appears, that the soluble principle of the Phytolacca differs from common vegetable extractive, as defined by the chemists, in several respects, particularly in
POKE. 43
not being thrown down bj the oxymuriatic or other mineral acids, and in being but partially affected by muriate of tin.
In the Jimmies de Chimie, vol. Ixxii, is a me- moir on the Chemical properties of the Phyto- lacca decandra by M. Braconnot. His experi- ments indicate the presence of an unusual quan- tity of vegetable alkali in this plant. He found that the ashes, procured by incinerating the stalks, afforded nearly 67 per cent, of dried alkaline car- bonate, and 42 per cent, of pure caustic potasho This alkali in the plant is neutralized by an acid having considerable aflBinity to the malic, but with a few shades of difference. With lime and lead malic acid forms flocculent precipitates, very easily soluble in distilled vinegar, but those with the phytolaccic acid are insoluble. M. Bracon- not thinks this acid may probably be a mean be- tween the malic and oxalic acids, or an oxygeniz- ed malic acid.
The same memoir contains an examination of the colouring matter in the berries of the Phyto- lacca. The juice of these berries is of a very fine, bright purple colour, but this colour is ex- tremely fugacious and disappears in a short time from cloth or paper that has been tinged with it. A few drops of lime water added to this purple
44< PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA.
juice cliange it to a yellow colour, but the small- est quantity of acid is sufficient to restore its pur- ple hue. Exposure to the air or large dilu- tions is sufficient to restore the original purple.
M. Braconnot considers the yellow liquor pro- duced by the juice of these berries and lime wa- ter as one of the most delicate tests of the pres- ence of acid. Into two glasses he put equal quantities of the juice made yellow and of an in- fusion of litmus of equal depth of colour. More than sixty drops of a very weak acid were required to redden the infusion of litmus, but less than fif- teen restored the purple colour of the Phytolacca. Hence it follows, that the yellow liquor is four times as sensible to the presence of acid, as the infusion of litmus. It however requires to be us- ed immediately after it is prepared, since a few hours cause a spontaneous change in it, which be- gins with a precipitate, and ends with a depriva- tion of colour.
The effiscts produced on this purple colour by other reagents were as follows. Pure alkalis gave it a yellow colour. Alkaline subcarbonates a vio- let, that fades and becomes jellow by standing. Weak acids no perceptible change. Dilute oxy- muriatic acid a complete deprivation of colour with white flocculi. Alum nothing at first, but
POKE. 45
after some days, a very light red precipitate. Mu- riate of lime no change. Muriate of tin a red se- diment inclining to lilac, leaving the fluid colour- less. Nitrate of lead a precipitate of the colour of wine lees. Super oxided sulphate of iron, a dirtv violet.
Many of the above experiments I have repeat- ed, and added others. The yellow colour produc- ed by the alkalis borders on green. Pure stron- tian produces the same change as potash and lime. Pure barytes wholly discharges the colour on standing a short time. Acetate of lead forms a scarlet precipitate, leaving the liquid nearly col- ourless.
The purple colour that tinges the cuticle of the stalks of the Phytolacca is stated in the above memoir, to be of the same nature as that in the berries, and to afford the same results.
The taste of the berries is sweetish and nause- ous, leaving behind a very slight sense of acrimo- ny. M. Braconnot, found that at a moderate tem- perature, the juice underwent the vinous fermen- tation, and yielded alcohol by distillation. Dr. Shultz procured from half a bushel of the berries six pints of spirit sufficiently strong to take fire and burn with readiness.
46 PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA.
In its medicinal properties the root of the Phy- tolacca decandra approaches nearer to ipecac- uanha than any American vegetable, I have hith- erto examined. From abundant experience, the result of many trials made in Dispensary practice, I am satisfied that, when properly prepared, it operates in the same doses and with the same cer- tainty, as the South American emetic. Ten grains of the powder will rarely remain on the stomach, and twenty or thirty produce a powerful operation, by emesis and generally by catharsis. In its mode of operation, this medicine has some peculiarities, a part of which are favorable, others disadvanta- geous. Its advantages are, that it operates with ease, and seldom occasions pain or cramp. Its dis- advantages are, 1. That it is slow in its effects, frequently not beginning to operate until an hour, and sometimes two hours after it is taken. 2. That it continues to operate for a greater length of time than is usual for emetics, although as far as I have been able to observe, it is readily checked by an opiate. These disadvantages how- ever are not constant. I have repeatedly known it commence operating in fifteen minutes, and cease after four or five ejections. The represen- tations of patients as to any unpleasant feelings under its effects, are not greater than we should
POKE. 47
naturally expect, when it is recollected, that no emetic is altogether comfortable in its operation. Dr. Fisher of Beverly* informs me that whenever he has used the Phytolacca, it has performed its duty as an emetic perfectly well, and that in one patient, a female of irritable stomach, in whom previous emetics had always excited severe spasms, ten grains of the Phytolacca operated ef- fectually, and no spasm followed.
I have sometimes observed slight narcotic symptoms during the operation of Phytolacca, particularly vertigo. But others have not always met with this symptom. Dr. George Hayward of this town, who has had much experience with this medicine, the results of which were communicat- ed to the Linnsean society, and afterwards publish- ed in the New England Journal, October 1817, states that in doses of a scruple, he never notic- ed any dizziness, or stupor from it, although he had always been particular in his inquiries to know if any such symptoms took place. The above dose was administered by him in nearly thirty cases, in all of which, except in one case, it operated as an emetic and cathartic, usually three or four times, thoroughly, though not severely, generally commencing its operation on the stom-
* Letter dated November, 1815.
48 PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA.
ach in an hour, and rarely continuing longer than four. He found it to excite little or no nausea previous to its operation, and though it made a powerful impression on the system, it never pro- duced any disagreeahle or unusual symptoms.
Dr. Hayward also made trial of the powder of the leaves, which he found to possess the same properties with that of the root, but to be less ef- fectual and less certain in its operation. He al- so prepared a tincture, decoction, and wine of the root ; but all these were inferior to the medicine in substance, being less certain in their effect, and sometimes giving rise to troublesome symptoms.
Dr. Shultz of Pennsylvania, author of an in- augural dissertation on the Phytolacca decandra, gave the expressed juice of the leaves, berries, and roots, in considerable quantity to animals. It operated by emesis and catharsis, attended with droAvsiness. The juice of the root was most active. He also gave to a dog two ounces of the spiritous liquor distilled from the berries. It occasioned nausea and drowsiness, with slight spasmodic mo- tions, but no vomiting.
In the same dissertation. Dr. Shultz refers to several instances of persons who had incautiously eaten large quantities of the root through mistake. Its effects were violent vomiting and purging,
POKE. 49
prostration of strength, and in some instances convulsions.
The Phytolacca has had some reputation in the treatment of rheumatism. Dr. Griffits, for- merly a professor in the University of Pennsylva- nia, found it of great use in Syphilitic rheumatism. Dr. Hayward however states, that he derived no advantage from its employment in rheumatic af- fections.
The young shoots of this vegetahle are desti- tute of medicinal qualities, and are eaten in the spring in some parts of the United States, as sub- stitutes for asparagus. At this time the succus proprius or returning juice of the plant is not yet formed by exposure of the sap to the atmospheric air, in the leaves. The ripe berries are less nox- ious than the green, and are devoured by several species of birds. In Portugal and in France they were formerly employed to improve the colour of red wines, until the interference of government became necessary to put a stop to the prac- tice.
The external application of Phytolacca has been found useful in a variety of cases, by its ac- tion as a local stimulant. The ointment and ex- tract have commonly been employed for this pur- pose. These preparations usually excite a sense of 7
50 PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA.
beat and smarting on being first applied. I liave cured cases of psora with the ointment, and Dr. Hayward states, that he found it successful in cas- es where sulphur had failed. A case of tinia capitis of twelve years' standing, which had re- sisted various kinds of treatment, was also cured by this application.
The Phytolacca is one of those vegetables which has had its temporary reputation for the cure of cancer. For this purpose it has been re- sorted to in various parts of the world, and many men of science have been convicts to its efficacy? among whom were Dr. Colden and Dr. Franklin of our country. [JV*o<e E.] But like other vegetable specifics for cancer, it owes its character to an im- perfect discrimination of that disease, and a mis- application of the name. All that can be strictly inferred from the various accounts we have had on this subject, is, that the plant has often proved useful in malignant ulcers by its stimulating and almost escharotic effects, frequently producing an eschar, and thus altering the condition of the ul- cerated surface.
For internal use no preparation of the Phyto- lacca is to be preferred to the powder, of which from ten to fifteen grains is often a sufficient emetic.
POKE. di
The root should he du,^ late in autumn or dur- ing the winter. It shouhl he cut in transverse slices and dried. After heing pulverized, it is to he kept in close stopped phials. The stock should he annually renewed, as its activity is impaired hy age.
BOTANICAL REFERENCES.
Phytolacca decandra, LiNNiEus, sp.pl. — Aiton, Hort. JCew. ii, 122. — Botanical Magazine^ t. 931. — Michaux, Fl. Amer, i. 278. PuBSH. i. 324. — Phytolacca vulgaris, Dlllenius, Hort. Eltlu t. 239. — P. Americana — Boerhaave, Hort. Lug. ii. 70. — Solan- um racemosum Americanum, Rails, Hist. 662. — Plukenet, Phyt. t. 225./. 3. — Solanum magnum Vii'ginianum rubrum, Parkinson^, Theatrum, 347. — EUtum Americanum, MuntiN" Girs, Phyt, cur. t.212.
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
Murray, appar. med. iv. 335.— Kaim, travels in JV*. .^mer. i, 197. — Graffenreid, Mem. Berne, iii. 185. — Sch(epf. 71. — Browne, Hist. Jamaica, 232. — Amoen. Acad. iv. — Miller, Diet- under the ?m7?ie.— SpROGEi. Hiss. dr. ven. 24. — BecivMan, com- ment. Gotting. 1779, 74.— Allioni, Flor.Ped. ii. 132.— Frank- iix, works, vol. i. — Cutler, Mem. Amer. Acad. i. 447. — Rush, i. 259.— Thacher, Disp, 300.— Shultz, Inaugural thesis.^ Hayward, A". Engl. Jmirnal, vi.
PLATE III.
Fig. 1. Phytolacca decandra injlower and in fruit. Fig. 2. Section of a hcrry.
ARUM TRIPHYLLUM.
Dragon root.
PLATE IV.
It appears, that both North and South Amer- ica give rise to this species of Arum, which is so versatile in its constitution as to bear the winters of Canada, and the perpetual summer of Brazil. In its structure it is one of our most singular veg- etables, and in colour one of the most variable. It grows in swamps and damp shady woods, and is universally knoAvn among us by the names of Dra- gon root and Indian turnip.
The class to which the family of Arums be- long, is rendered somewhat obscure by the varia- tion of the species. Most botanists have placed them in the class Moncecia, others in Polyandria, The species under consideration is undoubtedly Folygamous, In natural arrangements, the Arums
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DRAGON ROOT. 53
are found under the Piperitw of Linnseus and the Aroidece of Jussieu.
The genus Arum may be characterized as fol- lows. Spathe one leaved, convolute at base ; spa- dix naked above, bearing the organs of fructification at base ; berries one celled.
The species triphyllum is polygamous ,• has its leaves ternate and entire; its scape bearing an ovate, acuminate, inflexed spathe ; its spadicc club- shaped, shorter than the spathe.
The root is round and flattened, its upper part tunicated like the onion, its lower and larger portion tuberous and fleshy, giving ofi* nu- merous long white radicles in a circle from its upper edge. It is covered on the under side with a dark, loose, wrinkled skin. Leaves usually one or two on long sheathing footstalks, composed of three oval, mostly entire, acuminate leafets, which are smooth, paler on the under side, and becom- ing glaucous as the plant grows older, the two late- ral ones somewhat rhomboidal. Scape erect, round, green or variegated with purple, invested at base by the petioles, and by their acute sheaths. This supports a large, ovate, acuminate spatJie, convo- luted into a tube at bottom, but flattened and bent over at the top, like a hood. Its internal colour is exceedingly various, even in plants growing to-
54i ARUM TRIPHYLLUM.
gether. In some it is wholly green, in others dark purple or hlack. In most it is variegated, as in our figuj'e, with pale greenish stripes on a dark ground. The spadix is much shorter than the spathe, club shaped, rounded at the end, green, purple, black, or variegated, suddenly con- tracted into a narrow neck at base, and surround- ed below by the stamens or germs. In the bar- ren plants, its base is covered with conical, fleshy filaments, bearing from two to four circular an- thers each. In the fertile plants, it is invested with roundish crowded germs, each tipt with a stigma. Plants which are perfectly monoecious, and which are the least common, have stamens below the germs. There are also frequently found irregular, reniform substances, much larger than the anthers, of which they seem to be a dis- ease. The upper part of the spadix withers with the spathe, while the germs grow into a large compact bunch of shining scarlet berries.
Every part of the Arum, and especially the root, is violently acrid, and almost caustic. Ap- plied to the tongue or to any secreting surface, it produces an eftect like that of Cayenne pepper, but far more powerful, so much so, as to leave a permanent soreness of many hours' continuance. Of this any one may become satisfied by a simple
DRAGON ROOT. 55
application of tlie root to his mouth. Its action does not readily extend through the cuticle, since the bruised root may be worn upon die external skin until it becomes dry, without occasioning pain or rubefaction.
The acrid property, which resides in this and other species of Arum, appears to depend upon a distinct vegetable principle in Chemistry, at present but little understood. It is extremely volatile, and disappears almost entirely by heat, drying, or simple exposure to the air. I have en- deavoured, with but partial success, to obtain it in a separate state, or in any perceptible combina- tion. The following were some of the methods by which it was attempted.
Portions of the fresh contused root were sepa- rately digested in water, in proof spirit, in alcohol, in ether, in olive oil and in vinegar. The infu- sions were tasted at different periods, but none of them had acquired the least acrimony from the plant.
The expressed juice of the root upon standing one minute had lost all its pungency.
A quantity of the bruised root was placed in a retort and covered with water. Heat was gradu- ally applied, until a fluid began to collect in the receiver. This fluid had the peculiar odour of
56 ARUM TRIPHYLLUM.
tlie root, but was wholly without acrimony. The same experiment was repeated with alcohol, and vinegar, and afforded similar results. In every case the liquid remaining in the retort was alsa without pungency.
Some glices of the root were digested in proof spirit in a close stopped phial. The portions of root retained their acrimony at the end of some weeks, but had imparted none to the spirit. At the end of two years, the root was examined and found destitute of acrimony, as were also the whole contents of the phial.
Suspecting that the acrid principle of this plant must escape in form of gas during the pro- cesses Avhich have been mentioned, the fol- lowing experiment was made. A quantity of the bruised root and stalks were placed in a vessel of water. A glass receiver was filled with water and inverted over them, and sufficient heat applied to raise the water nearly to the boUing point. From the beginning of the process, bubbles of air con- tinued to escape from the plant, and were collect- ed in the upper part of the receiver. In the course of half an hour, a considerable quantity of permanent gas was obtained. A part of this gas, after cooling, was transferred to a phial, in which was a small quantity of atmospheric air. On pre-
DRAGON ROOT. 57
senting a lighted paper to the mouth of this phi- al, it exploded with a very distinct report. An- other portion of the gas was agitated with lime water, which it rendered turhid. This circum- stance was prohably owing to the mixture of car- bonic acid disengaged from the plant, or from the water by boiling.
From the above experiments, which circum- stances did not permit me to pursue, it appears that the acrimony of the Arum resides in a prin- ciple having no affinity for water, alcohol, or oil, being highly volatile, and, in a state of gas, in- flammable. The products of its combustion, as well as its other affinities, remain to be investi- gated.*
The acrimony of the Arum when fresh is too powerful to render its internal exhibition safe. The roots, when dried whole, retain a small por- tion of their pungency, and in this state they have been given by some practitioners in the country for flatulence, cramp in the stomach, ^c. also for
* The acrimony of the Ranunculi, which approaches that of the Arum, is lost by drying, yet is soluble in water, and passes over with it in distillation. That of Polygonum hydropiper disappears in de- coction and distillation. The same takes place with several other acrid plants which I have examined. Some inquiries into the acrid principle of vegetables I am in hopes to render more mature at a fu- ture period.
8
58 ARUM TRIPHYLLUM.
asthmatic affections. As topical stimulants, they promise to be useful when any method shall have been discovered of fixinj^ and preserving their ac- rimony. The late Dr. Barton of Philadelphia ob- serves, that " the recent root of this plant boiled in milk, so as to communicate to the milk a strong impregnation of the peculiar acrimony of the plant, has been advantageously employed in cases of consumption of the lungs." This statement how- ever should be qualified by the recollection, that the Arum imparts none of its acrimony to milk upon boiling. An impression of this kind can only have been received from a partial mixture of the substance of the root with the milk.
The root contains a large proportion of yevy pure white fsecula, resembling t'le finest arrow root or starch. To procure this, the fresh root should be reduced to a pulp, and placed on a strainer. Repeated portions of cold water should then be poured on it, which in passing through the strainer carry with them the farinaceous part, leaving the fibrous portion beliind. The fsecula thus obtained, loses its acrimony on being thor- oughly dried, and forms a very white, delicate and nutritive substance. Dr. M'Call of Georgia found these roots to yield one fourth part of their weight of pure amylaceous matter. — It is not uncommon
DRAGON ROOT. 59
for a nutritious fsecula to exist in pungent and poi- sonous roots. 1 he Laplanders prepare a whole- some bread from the acrid roots of Calla palus- tris, and the juice of the Cassava, or bread root tree of the West Indies, is known to be high- ly deleterious while recent. [JVofe F.]
BOTANICAL REFERENCES.
LiNNisus, sp. pi. — WiLLDENOW, iv. 480. — AiTON^, Hort. Kew, iii. 315. — Waxter, Carol. 224. — Michaux, Ft. ii. 188. — Pursh, ii. 399. Dracunculus s. Scrpentaria tripbylla, &c. — BAUHiif, Tin. 195. — Arum s. Arisarum, &c. — Morison, Hist, iii. 547, S. 13, t. 5. — Plukenet, t. 77, f. 5. also t. 376,/. 3.
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
ScHCEPF, Mat. Med. 133. — Rush, ii. 301. — Barton, Coll. 29, &c. — M'Call, in PJiilad. Med. and Phys. Journal, ii. 84, — Thach* ER, Disp. 153. — Cutler, Mem. Jlmer. Jlcad. i. 48'.
PLATE IV.
Fig. 1. Arum triphjRum.
Fig. 2. Spadix with anthers.
Fig. 3, Spadix with germs.
Fig. 4. Longitudinal section of the roof.
COPTIS TRIFOLIA.
Gold thread.
PLATE V.
JL HE dark spliagnous swamps, which iu the northern parts of our continent are covered with a perpetual sliade of firs, cedars and pines, are the favourite haunts of this elegant little ever- green. The coldest situations seem to favour its growth, and it flourishes alike iu the morasses of Canada and of Siberia. On our highest mountain tops it plauts itself in little bogs and watery clefts of rocks, and perfects its fructification in the short summer allowed it in those situations. I have gathered it upon the summit of the Ascutney in Vermont, aud on the Alpine regions of the White mountaiiis. It is here that in company with the Diapensia and Azaleas of Lapland, the blue Men- ziesia, the fragrant Alpine Holcus, and other plants
w
m
■»'=
4
m
I MG flurk s})baguous swamps, ^t Inch in the t' our ooutirn^rjit vred with
7Ai
im'd pines, are
its
^ have
iiey ill
iie White
iiiV with the
I, the h!n>^ M<»n-
V
f
n.y.
Fui.n
/^ r'// //,> /i //f //ff
COLD THREAD. 61
of hiirh northern latitudes, it forms the link of bo- tanical connexion between the two continents. When in situations like this, we seem transported to the frigid zone, and to be present at the point where the hemisplieres approach each other, as if to interchange their productions.*
In the second volume of the Amcenitates Ac- ademicfe is a description and imperfect figure of this plant as brought from Kamschatka, by Hale- nius. He describes it by the name Helleborus trifolms, with the observation, " Minima est hsec planta in suo genere, attamen spectabilis." Sub- sequent botanists have ranked it with the Helle- bores, until Mr. Salisbury very properly separat- ed it from a family of plants, with which it wholly disagrees in habit, and constituted a new genus by the name of Copils. This genus is character- ized by the following marks. Calyao none ; petals jive or six, caducous ; nectaries five or si.v, cu- cullale; capsules from five to eight, pedicelled, beak- ed, many seeded, Tbe species trifoUa has ternate leaves, and a onefiowered scape,
* " Non sine admiratione vidi non solum multas cum rarisslmis nostris plantis Lapponicis communes, sed etiara alias, paitiin^ignotas omnino, partim nanime tritas; et denique quasdam ctiam cum Cana- densibus easdem, argumento Canadam a Camscatca non longe dista- rej uti sequentes antea in sola America boi eali visa?, nunc etiam in extrema ora Siberiee." Avmniiales Jicademiccn, ii. 310.
6g COPTIS TRIFOLIA.
In botanical arrangements, the Coptis will fol- low the Hellebores, from which it was taken, re- maining in the class and order Polyaiidria, Polygy- niu, with the Multisiliquse of Linn sens and the Hanunculacese of Jussieu.
The roots of this plant, from which the name of goldthread is taken, are perennial and creeping. On removing the moss and decayed leaves from the surface of the ground, they discover them- selves of a bright yellow colour, running in every direction. The bases of the new stems are in- vested with a number of yellowish, ovate, acumi- nate stipules. Leaves ternate, on long slender petioles ; leafets roundish, acute at base, lobed and crenate, the crenatures acuminate ; smooth, firm, veiny. Scape slender, round, bearing one small, starry white flower, and a minute, ovate, acute bracte at some distance below. Calyx none. Petals five, six or seven, oblong, concave, white. Nectaries five or six, inversely conical, hoUow, yel- low at the mouth. Stamens numerous, white, with capillary filaments and roundish anthers. Germs from five to seven, stipitate, oblong, com- press,?d; styles recurved. Capsules pedicelled, umbelled, oblong, compressed, beaked, with nu- merous black oval seeds attached to the inner side.
The root of this plant is a pure intense bitter,
GOLD THREAD. 63
scarcely modified by any other taste. In distilla- tion it communicates no decided sensible quality to water. The constituent with which it most abounds is a bitter extractive matter, soluble both in water and alcohol. It seems destitute of resi- nous or gummy portions, since the residuum from an evaporated solution in alcohol is readily dissolv- ed in water, and vice versa. It is devoid of astrin- gency when chewed in the mouth, and it gives no indication of the presence of tannin or gallic acid when tested with animal gelatin, or with sulphate of iron. The abundance of the bitter principle is evinced by the acetate of lead and nitrate of sil- ver, both of which throw down a copious precipi- tate. The sulphuric, nitric, and muriatic acids occasion no change, and the muriate of tin giAes only a slight precipitate, after some time standing. Of this article larger quantities are sold in the druggists' shops in Boston, than of almost any in- digenous production. The demand for it arises from its supposed efficacy as a local application in aphthous, and other ulcerations of tlie mouth. Its reputation however in these cases is wholly unmerited, since it possesses no astringent or stimulating quality, by which it can act on the ul- cerated spots, and where benefit lias attended its use, it is doubtless to be ascribed to other articles
64^ COPTIS TRIFOUA.
possessing the above properties, •with which it is usually combined.
As a pure tonic bitter, capable of strengthen- ing the viscera and promoting digestion, it is en- titled to rank with most articles of that kind now in use. Its character resembles that of Gen- tian, Quassia, and Columbo, being a simple bitter without aroma or astringency. The tincture, made by digesting half an ounce of the bruised root in eight ounces of diluted alcohol, forms a preparation of a fine yellow colour, possessing the whole bit- terness of the plant. I have given it in various in- stances to dyspeptics and convalescents, who have generally expressed satisfaction from its effects, at least, as frequently as from other medicines of its class. A teaspoonful may be taken tbree times a day. In substance, it rests well on the stomach in doses of ten or twenty grains. It is however difficult to reduce to powder on account of the te- nacity of its fibres.
BOTANICAL REFERENCES.
Coptis ti'ifolia Salisbury, Lin. Trans, viii. 305. — Pursh, ii. 390. — Helleborus trifolius, sp, pi. — ^Willd. ii. 1338. Kalm, Travels, iii. 379. — Lepech. ifer i. 190. — ^Pallas, 7fer. iii. 34. — Oedee, F. Dan. t. 566. — Michaux, Fl. i. 325. — dmoen. Acad, ii. 356, t. 4./. 18.
GOLD THREAD. 65
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
Helleboriis trifolius, Bart. Coll. Nigell a.— Cutler, Jlmer. ^9cad, i. 457. — Thacher, Disp. 283.
PLATE V.
Fig. 1. Coptis Mfolia with the root, leaves, flowers and last yearns fruit.
Fig. 2. Mctaries, stamens, and pistils magnified.
Fig. S. Section of a capsule shexving the seeds.
ARBUTUS UVA URSI.
Bear berry.
PLATE VL
Jd ew shrubs are more extensively diffused throughout the northern hemisphere, both in the old and new continents, than this trailing ever- green. We are told that it abounds in the north- ern parts of Europe, in Sweden, Lapland, and Ice- land, and extends southerly to the shores of the Mediterranean. In Siberia it is also found, and is represented as abundant on the banks of the AVolga. In North America it grows from Hud- son's bay as far south, at least, as the central parts of the United States. It occupies the most barren places, such as gravelly hills and dry, sandy woods, and covers the ground with beds of considerable extent.
i.t
I' '
TJJiTE If.
Ff w slirubs are more extensively difmsed throughout the northern her. ' 'H»th in the
old and new cou«'
g! We are tuiu inai ii ai.'.«unds in ''
em jji^uiis of Europe, in Sweden, Lap' land, and extends -^ -^- • '^
J uiling ever-
t (
:sar!i
^ud-
ctnitral
iti most
id dry,
' v^ith beds of
;i II
PI 1 7
Kir.l.
//^
'KX
Kff.r.
BEAR BERRY, 67
The family of plants bearing the name of Ar- butus have for their distinctive marks a jive-part- ed calya(^, an ovate corolla, pellucid at base ; and a superior, five-celled berry. They are closely connected to the Vaccinia or whortleberries, from whicli they differ principally in the situation of the berry, which in the Arbutus gro»s above the calyx, and in the Vaccinium below it. — Both these genera, at least the American species, prop- erly belong to the class Becandria and order Mono- gynia. The lAnnaian natural order is Bicornes. Jussieu has them among his Ericas.
The species Uva ursi. Bear's grape or Bear- berry is known from the rest by its procumbent stem and entire leaves.— It trails upon the ground, putting out roots from the principal stems, and tending upward with the young shoots only» The cuticle is deciduous, and peels off from the old stems. Leaves scattered, obovate, acute at base, attached by short petioles, coriaceous, evergreen, glabrous, shining above, paler beneatli, entire, the margin rounded, but scarcely reflexed, and in the young ones pubescent. Flowers in a short cluster on the ends of the branches. Peduncles reflexed, furnished at base with a short acute bracte under- neath, and two minute ones at the sides. Calvx of five roundish segments, of a reddish colour and
68 ARBUTUS UVA URSI.
persistent. Corolla ovate orurceolate, white with a reddish tinge, transparent at base, contracted at the mouth, hairy inside, with five short, reflex- ed segments. Stamens inserted at the base of the corolla with hairy filaments, and anthers with two horns and two pores in each. Germ round, style straight, longer than the stamens, stigma simple. ^Xectary a black indented ring, situated beloAV the germ, and remaining till the fruit is ripe. Ber- ries globular, depressed, of a deep red, approach- ing scarlet, containing an insipid, mealy pulp, and about five seeds, which in the American plant co- here strongly together, so as to appear like the nu- cleus of a drupe.
The leaves and stems of the Uva ursi are used in Sweden and Russia for the purpose of tanning leather. According to Linnaeus, large quantities are annually collected for this use.
"When chewed in the mouth, the leaves have an astringent taste, combined with some degree of bitterness. The result of such chemical trials as I have made with them, shews that they abound in tannin, Avhich is probably their chief active con- stituent. A solution of gelatin occasions a copi- ous precipitate ; sulphate of iron an equally co- pious one of a black colour. Nitrate of mercury and lime water gave large precipitates from the
BEAR BERRY. 69
decoction, the first of a light green, the last of a brownish colour. Of the existence of gallic acid, at least as it exists in galls, I have found no suffi- cient proof. The decoction does not redden vege- table blues, and the black precipitate with the sul- phate of iron soon subsides, leaving the fluid nearly colourless. The quantity of resin, mucous mat- ter and extractive, provided they exist in this plant, must be minute ; since the decoction was not ren- dered turbid by the addition of alcohol or ether, nor the tincture by the addition of water, although after standing twenty four hours, some slight floc- culi appeared. Muriate of tin produced no precip- itation from the decoction, though it gave one from the tincture. Acetite of lead and nitrate of sil- ver gave large precipitates. Water distilled from this plant, suffered no change with sulphate of iron, or muriate of tin.
Professor Murray of Gottingen, finding a great- er amount of soluble matter taken up by water than by alcohol, considers the former as the best menstruum for this article. A similar inference from the American plant was made by Dr. John S. 3Iitchell in an inaugural dissertation, published at Philadelphia in 1803. For medical uses, Mur- ray prefers the decoction to the infusion.
70 ARBUTUS UVA URSI.
The Uva ursi was probably known to tbe an- cients, as it grows in all the southern parts of Eu- rope. Clusius thinks it was the u^zrov (r7ct<pvXti of Galen, celebrated by hini as a remedy in hemop- tysis, and described as follows. " Uva ursi in Ponto nascitur, planta humilis et fruticosa, folio Memsecyli, fructum ferens rubrum, rotundum, ffustu austerum." But it is well known that the brief and imperfect descriptions of the ancients were productive of little else than uncertainty in Botany.
In modern times the Uva ursi was brought into notice about the middle of the eighteenth century by De Haen, as an efficient remedy in nephritic and even in calculous cases. It had been previously in use for these complaints in Spain, at Naples and Montpellier, and as a gener- al astringent, at a still earlier period. Its reputa- tion was still further augmented by subsequent dissertations, publislied upon its properties, and different sets of experiments were instituted to ascertain if it were not actually capable of dissolv- ing the stone of the bladder. The results most in favour of its solvent power were those of Girardi, who diminished the weight and consistency of uri- nary calculi, by digesting them in a preparation of this plant. It appears however that the prep-
BEAR BERRY. 71
aration, which he employed, was an acid liquor, obtained by a destructive distillation of the leaves, and probably not superior to other weak acids in its solvent powers. On the other hand, Professor Murray found what might reasonably be expect- ed, that these calculi Avere not materially affected by long digestion in a decoction of this plant at various temperatures.
The attention of many medical writers has heen called to the properties of this medicine, and their reports as to its success are extremely various. Among its greatest friends, are De Haen, Professor Murray, and Dr. Ferriar ; while of those whose opinion is more unfavourable, are Sauvages, Haller, Donald, Munro and Fothergill. Dr. Cullen adopts the opinion of De Heucher, that the symptoms of calculus generally are suscepti- ble of relief from astringents, and believes that on this principle the Uva ursi is capable of mitigat- ing complaints arising from that source.*
In this country the Uva ursi has acquired the good opinion of practitioners of medicine in re-
* In the preface to the third volume of Medical Observations and Inquiries, published at London, it is stated in very general terms, that the (jva ursi had been prescribed unsuccessfully bjmauj of the mem- bers of the Society of Physicians in London. Dr. Woodville, in his Medical Botany, has unfortunately misquoted this passage, by read- ing " successfully" instead of" unsuccessfully."
7S ARBUTUS UVA URSI.
peated instances. Professor Wistar of Phila- delphia, as cited by Dr. Mitchell, has in several cases found symptoms like those of urinary calcu- lus completely removed by this medicine. But these could not probably have been cases of real calculus. The late Professor Barton found the plant of much service in his own case of nephrit- ic paroxysms, alternating with gout in the feet.
From the various testimonies which have beea given respecting the properties of this article, we are not warranted in believing it to possess any real lithontriptic power. At the same time it un- doubtedly proves a palliative for calculous symp- toms in many cases.
I have repeatedly watched its effects in parox- ysms of nephritis, brought on by gravelly concre- tions, and am on the whole inclined to believe in its tendency to allay sensibility in these cases, and to hasten the relief of the symptoms. It ought generally to be preceded by evacuations, and may be advantageously accompanied with opium. — In cases of dysury arising from a vari- ety of causes, I have given the decoction of this plant with very satisfactory success in repeated instances.
The other diseases in which this plant has been recommended are, catarrhus vesica?, leucorrhsea
BEAR BERRY. 73
and gonorrbfea. All these complaints it has tloubt- less cured, but is at the same time inferior to other medicines in use for the same purposes.
Some years ago the Uva ursi was recommend- ed as a remedy in pulmonary consumption by Dr. Bourne of Oxford in England, and by other wri- ters in the periodical works. It was stated to have a very sensible effect in diminishing hectic fever, and abating the frequency of the pulse de- pendent on it. We do not find however that sub- sequent experience has justified the expectations formed of it in this disease.
In Dr. Mitchell's experiments on the pulse with this medicine, it appears that the pulsations were sometimes, not always, slightly increased af- ter taking it, but that in every case they soon sunk below the natural standard, and remained so for some time.
Of the powder of the leaves of Uva ursi, from one to tw o scruples may be given to most patients. Dr. Ferriar's dose in nephritis was from five to ten grains, but a larger quantity is more effec- tual, and is readily borne by the stomach. The decoction may be made from half an ounce of the leaves boiled for ten minutes in a pint of water. From a wine glass to a gill of this may
be taken every hour. 10
'/4! ARBUTUS UVA URSI.
BOTANICAL REFERENCES.
Arbutus Uva ursi, Linn^us, Fl. Lapponica, 162, t. vi./. 3.— ■ Oeder, fl Dan. t. 33. — Woodville, i. t. 70. — Smith, Fl. Brit. 443. — Engl. Bot. t. 714. — Michaux, Fl. i. 249. — Pursh, i. 282. — Uva ursi, J. Bauhin, i. 523. — Ciusius, JRspan. 79. — Lobei, Icon.'i. 366.— Paekinson, theatr. 1457. — ^Vitis Idsea, Raius, ifisf. 1489.
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
Murray, Apparatus Med. ii. 64. — Girardi, de Uva ursina, &c. — De Haen, Ratio medendi, ii. 160, &c. — Sauvages, JSTosoU iii. 2, 200. — D. Munro, Mat. Med. iii. 288. — Fothergilx, Med, Obs. 144. — Alexander, Exp. essaijs, 151. — Ferriar i. 109. — Heberden 79, 360. — Davie, Med, and Phys. Jmirnaly xv. 347. — Bourne, in dittof xiv. 463. — Schiepf, 67. — Mitchell, Inaugii* ral Thesis.
PLATE VI.
Fig. 1. Arhitus Uva ursi, tJie American vanetij.
Fig. 2. The iiuignified corolla openedf shewing the insertion of the stamens.
Fig. 3. CalijXf nectarijf germy and sttjle magnijied.
Fig. 4. Calyx and nectary.
Fig. 5. Berry.
/■/ . / u.
y,fjfi/
( 1/ j/ifi/i /ii.j/.)
Hill
fy.l
SANGUINARIA CAN A J
Blood root.
A MONO the earliisl ^ -if spnnj^ tlie bota,
nist -win iind in drnogt any part of the I :
I Canadensis. Its fine m hitc
i!.)u \ the bosom of a young,
convoliitt'd k in the woods, hi
Carolina, in the luonih of March, and in New Krt-
gland, toward the end of April. Its most com-
inon name is Blood root. It has also the appella
of I'uceoon^ Turmeric,, Red root^ ^c. It is the
species we at present possess of the genus
aria, distinguished by a two leaved calyiK
'-^n and an oblong capsule, with ov
^? ' " ' 'Jrta, order Moui/
.^uiarai oraer i. " '^'paveraetcty
I ' I 'I
\i (I
PI . Ml.
"/'"""""
If /r ir 1/ 1 /r.
*> .
J.^
SANGUINAEIA CANADENSIS.
Blood root.
PLATE ni.
Among the earliest visiters of spring the bota- nist will find in almost any part of the United States the Sangiiinaria Canadensis. Its fine white flowers proceeding from the bosom of a young, convoluted leaf, become visible in the woods, in Carolina, in the month of March, and in New En- gland, toward the end of April. Its most com- mon name is Blood root. It has also the appella tion. of Puccoon, Turmeric, Bed root, ^*c. It is the only species we at present possess of the genus Sanguinaria, distinguished by a two leaved calyoo eight petals, and an oblong capsule, with one cell and many seeffs.— Class Bolyandria, order Mono- gynia. Natural order Rhoeadew, L. Papaveraceai^j Juss,
76 SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS.
The floAver and leaf proceed from the end of a horizontal, fleshy, abrupt root, fed by numerous radicles. This root makes offsets from its sides, which separate as the old root decays, acquiring by this separation the abrupt or premorse form.
Externally the colour of the root is a brownish red. Internally it is pale, and when divided emits a bright orange coloured juice from numerous points of its surface. Tlie bud or hybernaculum, which terminates the root, is composed of succes- sive scales or sheaths, the last of which acquires a considerable size, as the plant springs up. By dissecting this hybernaculum in the summer or autumn, we may discover the embryo leaf and flower of the succeeding spring, and with a com- mon magnifier, even the stamens may be counted.
The Sanguinaria is smooth throughout. The leaves grow on long channelled petioles. When spread out, they are reniform or heart shaped, with large roundish lobes separated by obtuse si- nuses. The under side is strongly reticulated with veins ; it is paler than the upper, and at length becomes glaucous. The scape is round, rises in front of the petiole, and is infolded by the young leaf. The calyx consists of two concave, ovate, obtuse leaves, which are perfect in the bud, but fall off when the corolla expands. Petals eight,
BLOOD ROOT. 77
spreading*, concave, obtuse, the alternate or ex- ternal ones longer, so that the flower has a square appearance. This is its natural charac- ter, although cultivation sometimes increases the number of petals. Stamens numerous, with ob- long yellow anthers. Germ oblong, compressed, style none, stigma thick, somewhat two lobed. Capsule oblong, acute at both extremities, two valved. Seeds numerous, roundish, compressed, dark sliining red, half surrounded with a peculiar white vermiform appendage, which projects at the lower end.
After the flower has fallen, the leaves continue to grow, and by midsummer have acquired so large a size as to appear like a different plant.
The root of this vegetable is the only part which I have submitted to chemical examination. The experiments made on this substance, gave evidence of the following constituent principles. 1. A peculiar resin. Alcohol comes off* from the root strongly impregnated with its colour and taste. This solution is rendered turbid by the addition of water. When evaporated to dryness, it leaves a residuum partially, but not wholly soluble in water. When successive quantities of water have been agitated with the powdered root until the infusion comes off* colourless, alcohol acquii'es
"J 8 SAN GUIN ARIA CANADENSIS.
a colour from the remainder. iEtlier receives from the root a yellowish colour, and when eva- porated, leaves the resin nearly pure. In this state it is moderately adhesive, of a deep orange colour, hitter and acrid, diffusible, but not soluble in water. The resin may also be precipitated in small quantities from alcohol by water.
2. A bitter principle. Both water and alcohol acquire a strong bitter taste when digested on the root. From both these solutions a copious pre- cipitate is thrown down by the nitrate of silver and the acetite of lead. Muriate of tin gradually renders the solution turbid, but without a p)'ecipi- tate. Oxymuriatic acid renders the alcoholic so- lution turbid, but produces no change in the wa- tery solution for some time. At length a precip- itate forms and slowly subsides ; but produces no change in the watery solution. No precipitate was formed from the cold acj[ueous infusion in an hour by the sulphuric or nitric acids, by lime water, ni- trate of mercury, muriate of barytes, oxalate of ammonia, sulphate of iron, gelatine or h^dro-sul- phuret of potash. After standing twenty four hours, a very slight precipitate was discovered from the lime water and nitrate of mercury only.
3. An acrid principle. The acrimony resides in part in the resin, but is also communicated to
BLOOD ROOT. 79
water. It is diminished by heat, yet it does not come over with water in distiUation,
4. Ffficula. The infusion of the root in cold water is limpid. The hot infusion is viscid and glutinous and stiffens linen. From this solution the ffficula is precipitated in a white powder by al- cohol. Nitric acid dissolves this precipitate, which may be again thrown down by alcohol.
5. A fibrous or woody portion.
The beautiful colour of the root seems to re- side more in the resin than in any other princi- ple, since the alcoholic solution has always more than twice as much colour as the aqueous. Pa- pers dipt in these solutions receive a bright salmon, colour from the tincture, but a very faint one from the aqueous infusion. This circumstance furnish- es an impediment to the use of this article in dyeing.
The medical properties of the Sanguinaria are those of an acrid narcotic. When taken in a large dose it irritates the fauces, leaving an impression in the throat for considerable time after it is swal- lowed. It occasions heartburn, nausea, faintness, and frequently vertigo and diminished vision. At length it vomits, but in this operation it is less certain than otiier emetics in common use. I'he above effects are produced by a dose of from eight to twenty grains of the fresh powdered root.
80 SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS.
When given in smaller doses, such as produce nausea without vomiting, and repeated at fre- quent intervals, it lessens the frequency of the pulse in a manner somewhat analogous to the op- eration of Digitalis. Tliis however is a seconda- ry effect, since in its primary operation it seems to accelerate the circulation. Exhibited in this manner, it has been found useful in several diseases.
In still smaller doses, or such as do not excite nausea, it has acquired some reputation as a tonic stimulant.
Professor Smith of Hanover, New Hampshire, in a paper on this plant, published in the London Medical Transactions, vol. i. states that he found the powder to operate violently as an emetic, pro- ducing great prostration of strengtli, during its operation, which continued for some time. He had not known it to act as a cathartic. Snuffed up the nostrils, it proved sternutatory, and left a sensa- tion of heat for some time. Applied to fungous flesh it proved escharotic, and several polypi of the soft kind were cured by it in his hands. He found it of great use in the incipient stages of pulmona- ry consumption, given in as large doses as the stomach would bear, and repeated. In cases of great irritation it was combined with opium. Some
BLOOD ROOT. 81
Other complaints were benefitted by it, such as acute rheumatism and jaundice.
Professor Ives of New Haven* considers the Blood root as a remedy of importance in many dis- eases, particularly of the lungs and liver. He ob- serves, that in typhoid pneumonia, " in plethoric constitutions, when respiration is very difficult, the cheeks and hands become livid, the pulse full soft, vibrating and easily compressed, — tlie Blood root has done more to obviate tlie symptoms and remove the disease," than any remedy which he has used. In such cases, he observes, " the dose must be large in proportion to tlie violence of the disease, and often repeated, until it excites vomit- ing, or relieves the symptoms." lie infuses from a scruple to half a drachm of the powdered root in half a gill of hot water, and gives one or two tea- spoonfuls every half hour, in urgent cases, until the effect is produced. This treatment has often removed the symptoms in a few hours.
Dr. Ives thinks highly of its use in influenza, in phthisis, and particularly in hooping cough. He also states, that given in large doses, sufficient to produce full vomiting, it often removes the Croup, if administered in the first stages. It has been given, he remarks, "for many years in the
* Letter dated November 5, 1816. 11
8^ SAUGUINARIA CANADENSIS.
country, some physicians relying wholly on this remedy for the cure of croup."
Dr. Macbride, of Charleston, S. C. who has contributed many judicious remarks on the medi- cinal properties of plants, to 3Ir. Elliott's excel- lent Botany of the Southern States ; informs me,* that he has found the Blood root useful in Hy- drothorax, given in doses of sixty drops, tei* de die, and increased until nausea followed each dose. In a week or two the good effect was evident, the pulse being rendered slow and regular, and the respiration much improved. In the same letter he observes, " In torpor of the liver, attended with colic and yellowness of the skin, a disease com- mon in this climate, I use the Puccoon with evi- dent advantage. We use it also in jaundice, but in this disease I do not trust exclusively to it. I prefer the pill or powder (dose from two to five grains) and vinous infusion, to the spirituous tinc- ture."
The tincture of Sanguinaria may be made by digesting an ounce of the powdered root in eight ounces of diluted alcohol. Tliis preparation pos- sesses all the bitterness, but less of the nauseat- ing quality, than the infusion. In the dose of a small teaspoonful, it is used by many practitioners
* Letter dated December, 1816.
BLOOD ROOT. 83
as a stimulating tonic, capable of increasing the appetite and promoting digestion.
BOTANICAL REFERENCES.
Sanguinaria Canadensis, Lin. sp, pi. — Curtis, Botan. Mag. t. 162. — AiTON, Hort. Kew. ii. 222. — Walter, Carol. 153. — MiCHAUX, Flora 1, 309. — Pursh, ii. 366. — Sanguinaria minor, Dlllenius, Elth. f. 326 and S. major, /. 325 in t. 252. — Cheli- doniuni maximum acaulon Canadensc Raius, Hist. 1887. — Ran- unculus Virg. albus. Parkinson, Th. 326. — Chelidonium ma- jus Canad. acaulon Cornutus, Canad. 212.
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
ScH(EPF, 85. — Smith, Trans. Lond. Med. Sociehj, i. 179.— Bart. Coll. 28. — Cutier, Mem. Amer. Jlcad. i. 455. — Thacherj* Disp. 331.
GERAISIUM MACULATUM.
Common Craneshill.
PLJlTE VIII.
An common language the term Geranium in- cludes all that extensive tribe of plants comprised by tlie old genus of tliat name, and principally characterised by their beaked fruit and five seeds which are scattered by means of awns. L'Heri- tier has divided this family into three distinct gen- era, under different orders in the artificial class Monadelphiu. These are Erodium, having five sta- mens, five nectariferous scales and glands, and the awns of the fruit twisted and bearded. PelargonU um, which includes most of the Cape species so commonly cultivated among us, having about seven stamens, an irregular corolla, and a nectareous tube running down the peduncle. Lastly, Geranium having ten stamens, a regular corolla, five nee-
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COMMON CUANESBILL. 85
tariferous glands at the base of the longer fila- ments, the awns of the fruit neither bearded nor twisted. To this division belongs the plant under consideration, which has the following specific character. Erect, hairy backward ; stem forked; leaves opposite, three or jive parted, cut; peduncles mostly tivo flowered ; petals, ohovate, entire,
Jussieu has formed a natural order by the name of Gerania, which nearly corresponds to the Gruinales of Linnjeus.
Although we have few species of Geranium in the United States, yet the present species, by its extensive diffusion, is a sufficient representative of the race. It is very common in low grounds, about Boston and Philadelphia, in the Carolinas, and in the western country upon the banks of the Ohio and Illinois.
The root of Geranium maculatum is perennial, horizontal, thick, rough and knobby. In most plants it sends up a stem and several root leaves. The leaves are spreading, hairy, divided in a pal- mate manner into three, five, or seven lobes, which are variously cut and toothed at their extremi- ties ; those of the root are on long petioles, those at the middle of the stem opposite and petioled, those at the top opposite and nearly sessile. The stem is erect, round, hispid witli reversed hairs,
86 GERANIUM MACULATUM.
dichotomous, with a flower stalk in the fork. Sti- pules and bractes linear, dilated at base. Pedun- cles round, bairy, swelling at base, generally two flowered. Calyx of five oblong, ribbed, mucron- ated leaves, with the parts, which are outermost in the bud, hairy. Petals five, obovate, not emargi- nate, of a light purple colour, which is deeper when the plant grows in the shade, marked with green at the base. Stamens ten, erect or curving outward, the alternate ones a little longer, with nectariferous glands at the base ; filaments dilat- ed and united together at base ; anthers oblong, deciduous, so that tlie number frequently appears less than ten. Germ ovate ; style straight, as long as the stamens ; stigmas five, at first erect, afterwards recurved. Capsule five seeded, sur- mounted by a long straight beak, from the sides of which when ripe are separated five thin, flat awns, which curl up, having cast off the seed contained in the cell at the base of each.
The root of the Geranium, which is the part to be used in medicine, is internally of a green col- our, and when dry is exceedingly brittle and easi- ly reduced to powder. It is one of the most pow- erful astringents we possess, and from its decided properties, as well as the ease of procuring it, it may well supersede in medicine many foreign ar-
COMMON CRANESBILL. 87
tides of its class which are consumed among us. The experiments, wliich I have made upon this root, have been principally directed to the exami- nation of its astringent qualities.
A drachm of the powdered root was steeped ia two ounces of cold water and the infusion filtrat- ed. Successive portions of water were add- ed until the liquid came off colourless and taste- less. The collected infusion had a pale greenish colour, and a styptic, austere taste. It did not redden vegetable blues.
To half this infusion was added a drachm of gelatin in solution. The liquor instantly became of a milky whiteness, and a copious white precipi- tate was thrown down. This precipitate was dri- ed and assumed a semi-transparent, horny ap- pearance. Its weight was eleven grains.
A drachm of kino treated in the same man- ner was rendered turbid, but gave a very scanty precipitate with the gelatin.
To portions of the same infusions was added a solution of the muriate of tin. In both of them a greenisb precipitate was formed, but that of the Geranium was much the most immediate and abundant.
The sulphate of iron struck a dark purple col- our with the infusion of Geranium. The com-
88 GERANIUM MACULATUM.
pound remained principally suspended at the end of twenty four hours, and when used in writing had the appearance of common ink, but in a few days changed to a dull brown colour. A por- tion of the fresh infusion was distilled, but the li- quid which came over was not altered in colour by the sulphate of iron.
The above experiments indicate the presence of tannin and gallic acid, the former in large quan- tities, in the root of the Geranium. The propor- tion of tannin seems considerably to exceed that in the kino of the shops. The gallic acid is in- dicated by the dark precipitate remaining in so- lution. This is Berth oUet's criterion. It differs however from the acid of oak galls in not reddening vegetable blues, and not passing over in distillation.
Alcoliol and proof spirit readily dissolve the active constituents of the Geranium. The tinc- ture has a great sensible astringency, and is a convenient mode of keeping the article for use.
The Geranium has been repeatedly employed in medicine by various practitioners in this coun- try. I have found it useful in a number of cases, where astringents were capable of rendering ser- vice. It is particularly suited to the treatment of such discharges as continue from debility after tlie removal of their exciting causes. The tine-
COMMON CRANESBILL, 89
ture forms an excellent local application in sore throats and ulcerations of the mouth.
Its internal use has been recommended in dys- entery and cholera infantum, but astringents are not always admissible in these complaints, at least in their early stages, during the existence of much active inflammation, or during the presence of any substance requiring to be removed.
The Geranium may be used in powder in ex- tract, or in tincture. Its doses are similar to those of kino and catechu, a drachm or two of the tincture, twenty or thirty grains of the pow- der, and a quantity somewhat less of the extract.
BOTANICAL REFERENCES.
Geranium maculatum, Sp.pl. Wilideivow, iii. 705. — Gron^o- vius, Virg. 101. — Waiter, Carol. 175. — Michaux, ii. 38.— PuRSH, ii. 448. — G. caule erecto, herbaceo, foliis oppositis, quin- quepartitis, incisis &c. Cavaxilles, diss. t. 86,/. 2. — G. batra- chi()ides, Aniericanum, maculatum, floribus obsolete cceruleis, J)lLL.Elth. 158. t. 131,/. 159.
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
ScHCEPF, 107. — Bart. Coll. 7. — Cutler, Mem, Jmer. Jlcad. i. 469. — Thacher, Disp. 9.M,
PLATE VIIL
Fig. 1. Geranium maculatum. Fig. -2. Thejndt. Fig. 3. The root.
±2
TEIOSTEUM PERFOLIATUM.
Fever root.
PLATE IX,
X HIS is rather a solitary plant, and though met witli in most parts of the United States, it rarely, I believe, occurs in large quantities. About Boston it is found in several places at the borders of woods in rich, shady situations. Its common names are Fever root and Wild ipecac* Pursh observes, that it is rare, and generally occurs in limestone soils. With us it flowers in June and ripens its fruit in September.
The genus Triosteiim is found in the class
* The quaint appellation of Dr. Tinker*s weed, which has been bestowed on this plant, is thus gravely commented on by Poiret. " Ses racines et celles de I'espece precedente passent pour emeti- ques ; le docteur Tinkar est le premier qui les a mises en usage, et qui a fait donner a cette plante par plusieurs habitans de I'Amerique septentrionale le nom d' herbe sauva^e du docteur TinkarP
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FEVER ROOT. 9i
Fentandria and order Monogynia. Its natural affinities place it among the Aggregatw of Lin^ n?eus and the CaprifoUa of Jussieu. It is charac- terized by a monopetaloiis, jive-lobed, iineiiual co- rolla ; a calyx as long as the corolla ; and a ber- ry with three cells and three seeds. The species perfoliatuin differs from the rest in having its leaves connate, and its flowers sessile and ivhorled. The root of this plant is perennial and subdi- vided into numerous horizontal branches. The stem is erect, hairy, fistulous, round, from one to four feet high. The leaves are opposite, the pairs crossing each other, connate, ovate, acumi- nate, entire, rather flat, abruptly contracted at base into a sort of neck, resembling a >vinged petiole. This portion varies in width, as Michaux has expressed it, "foliis latins, angustiusve con natis." In general it is narrow when the plant is in flower, as represented in the figure ; and wider when it is in fruit. The flowers are axillary, sessile^ five or six in a whorl, the upper ones generally in a single pair. Each axil is furnished with t^^o or three linear bractes. The calyx consists of five segments which are spreading, oblong-linear coloured, unequal, persistent. Corolla tubular^ curving, of a dull brownish purple, covered with minute hairs, its base gibbous, its border open and
9^ TRIOSTEUM PERFOLIATUM.
divided into live rounded, unequal lobes. Stamens inserted in tlie tube of the corolla, liairy, with oblong anthers. Germ inferior, roundish ; style longer than the corolla; stigma peltate. The fruit is an oval berry of a deep orange yellow,* litiiry, somewhat three sided, crowned with the calyx, containing three cells and three hard, bony, furrowed seeds, from wliich the name of the genus is taken.
This plant was made the subject of an inter- esting communication to the Linngean society of "New England, by Dr. John Randall. The exper- iments made by him on its medical uses and phar- maceutical preparations were numerous, and serve to throw much light on its properties. In trying the solvent powers of w ater and alcohol, he found that water afforded a much greater quanti- ty of extract than alcohol, and that the spirituous extract was perfectly soluble in water, whence he infers that no resin in a pure state exists in the plant. He discovered no volatile oil by distilla- tion, nor any other principle of activity in water distilled from the plant. He concludes also, that
* Pursh observes that the flowers and berries are purple. In all the specimens I have examined, which have not been few in number, the fruit was of a bright orange colour. If Pursh has seen a plant with purple berries, it is probably a different species from the true plant of Linuteus and Dillenius, whicli had ^'fructus lutescentes."
FEVER ROOT. 98
no free acid exists in this vegetable. Of the dif- ferent parts submitted to examination, the leaves yielded the greatest quantity of soluble matter, but the root afforded that of the greatest activity. By decoction and evaporation with water an ounce of the dried stalks afforded one drachm of ex- tract ; an ounce of the dry roots, two drachms and two scruples, and the same quantity of leaves half an ounce. From a similar treatment of equal portions with alcohol, rather more than half the above quantities of extract were obtained.
The sensible qualities of the root were found essentially different from those of the herb. Both of them possess a large share of bitterness, but the root has also a nauseous taste and smell, some- what approaching to those of ipecacuanha. The medical properties of the Triosteum are those of an emetic and cathartic. In the above disserta- tion, about thirty cases are detailed, in which dif- ferent preparations and quantities of the article w^ere given to various persons with a view to their medicinal effects. The general inference to be made from them is, that the bark of the root acts with tolerable certainty as an evacuant upon the alimentary canal, both by emesis and catharsis. When given alone, either in powder or decoction, the instances of its failure were not many, and
94 TRIOSTEUM PERFOLIATUM.
when combined with calomel, its operation was at- tended with a certainty, hardly inferior to that of jalap. The aqueous and spirituous extract of the root were likewise efficacious, and nearly in an equal degree. Preparations made from different parts of the herb possessed much less activity, the decoction of the leaves operating only as a diapho- retic, and that of the stalk producing no effect.
The late Professor Barton of Philadelphia, in his Collections toward a Materia Mcdica of the U- iiited States, speaks of this plant as a mild and good cathartic, sometimes operating as a diuretic and in large doses as an emetic.
My own experience with this plant has not been extensive, yet sufficient to satisfy me of its medicinal power. Where I have administered it, it has generally proved cathartic, a larger dose however being requisite for this purpose, than of jalap or aloes. It has sometimes failed to pro- duce any effect, and I am inclined to believe that its efficacy is much impaired by age. Those who may incline to employ it, will do well to renew their stock annually, and to keep the powder in close stopped phials.
A dose of the bark of the root in powder is twenty or twenty five grains, and of the extract, a somewhat smaller quantity.
TEVER ROOT. 95
BOTANICAL REFERENCES.
Triosteum perfoliatum, Lin. sp. pi. Aiton, Ilort. KexOy i. 234. — PuRsu. i. 162. — Triosteum majus, Michaux, Fl. i. 107. — ^T. floribus verticillatis, sessilibus, Gronov. 31. — Triosteosper- nium latiore folio, flore rutilo, Dillenius, Elth, U 293. /. 378.
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
ScHCEPF, 23. — Bart. Coll. 29.
PLATE IX.
Fig. 1. Triosteum perfoliatum.
Fig. 2. *3 Jlower separated.
Fig. 3. The corolla opened, shewing the stamens and style.
Fig. 4. The calyx.
Fig. 5. The fruit, crowned with the calyx.
Fig. 6. The same dissected to shew the three seeds.
Fig. 7. A seed.
RHUS VERNIX.
Foison Sumach or Dogwood.
PLATE X.
1 HE fine, smooth foliage of the Rhus vernix render it one of the most elegant of our native shrubs, while its well known poisonous qualities make it an object of aversion, and deter most per- sons from a near inspection of its structure and characteristics. From Canada to Carolina it is a common tenant of swamps and meadows, usually attaining the height of ten or fifteen feet, but sometimes rising into a tree of twice that altitude. The names of Poison tree, Poison wood, Poison ash, ^c. are applied to it in different parts of the United States. In Massachusetts it is universal- ly known by the name of Logwood, This appel- lation, being applied throughout the country to Corniis florida, serves to shew the fallacy of de-
Ternut
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POISON SUMACH. 97
pending on vulgar or provincial names for the distinction of plants. A mistake of very injuri- ous consequence might easily arise from the confu- sion of the English names of two trees so dissimi- lar in their qualities.
The class FentmiAria and order Trigynia ; the Linnsean order Bumosce and the Jussieuean Tere- bintacece include the genus to which this shrub belongs. The generic character consists in an inferior, five-parted calyjo, a corolla of five petals^ and a berry with one seed. The Rhus vernix has its leaves annual, pinnate, glabrous ,• its leafets ob- long, entire, acuminate ; its panicle lax, and its fiowers dioecious.
The trunk of the poison sumach is from one to five inches in diameter, branching at top, and covered with a pale greyish bark. The wood is light and brittle, and contains much pith. The ends of the young shoots and the petioles are usu- ally of a fine red colour, w hich contributes much to the beauty of the shrub. The leaves are pin- nate, the leafets oblong or oval, entire, or some- times slightly sinuate, acuminate, smooth, paler underneath, nearly sessile, except the terminal one. The flowers, which appear in June, are very small, green, in loose axillary panicles. Where they appear not axillary, it is because the leat un- 13
98 IIHUS VERNIX.
der them has heen detached. The barren and fertile flowers grow on different trees. The panicles of barren flowers are the largest and most branched. They are furnished with short, oblong bractes, and downy pedicels. The ca- lyx has five ovate segments, and the corolla five oblong, sigmoid petals. The stamens are longer than the petals, and project tlirough their in- terstices. The rudiment of a three-cleft style is found in the centre.— In the fertile flowers, the panicles of which are much smaller, the calyx and petals resemble the last, while the centre is occupied by an oval germ, ending in three circular stigmas. The fruit is a bunch of dry berries or rather drupes of a greenish white, sometimes marked with slight purple veins, and becoming wrinkled when old. They are roundish, a little broadest at the upper end, and compressed ; containing one white, hard, furrow- ed seed.
A tree, supposed to be the same with the Rhus vernix, grows in Japan, and furnishes the celebrated black varnish of that country.
A controversy respecting the identity of the Japanese and American species, was carried on in the forty ninth and fiftieth volumes of the London Philosophical transactions, by Mr. Philip Miller
POISON SUMACH. 99
and Mr. John Ellis. The mass of evidence seems to justify the helief, that notwithstanding the re- moteness of their situation, they are one and the same species. Tiie description of the oriental tree, given in Ksempfer's Amcenitates exoticse, agrees very closely with that of the American species. [J\*ote G.] Like our native Rhus, the Japanese tree possesses a poisonous influence, and frequently causes a severe cutaneous affection in those who approach or gather it. It only re- mains to shew, that a varnish may he obtained from the American Rhus vernix, to furnish strong presumptive evidence of the identity of the two.
If an incision be made in the bark of our Rhus vernix in the spring or autumn, a quantity of thick viscid fluid immediately exudes, and sometimes with such rapidity as to drop off be- fore it can be collected. This juice has an opaque, whitish appearance, and a strong, pene- trating, disagreeable smell. On exposure to the atmosphere, its colour soon changes to a deep black. It is extremely slow in drying, and per- manently retains its black colour.
In the month of October, 1814, with the as- sistance of Dr. Pierson, whose case is afterwards described; I collected several ounces of this juice from a thicket of trees in Brighton. Being col-
100 RHUS VERNIX,
lected in a phial, it retained its whitish colour^ except at the surface, where it turned hlack from its contact with the air in the upper part. Thi& juice was kept for more than two years without any cliange in its appearance. In cold weather it was extremely viscid, and flowed with difficulty. Different portions of this juice were submitted to chemical examination. It was perfectly insolu- ble in water, although upon boiling with it, it formed a thick emulsion. Alcohol dissolved it sparingly, and the solution was rendered turbid by water, ^ther combined with it more large- ly, forming a thick, opaque compound. Strong sulphuric acid combined with it, producing a black solid mass. Alkalies also combined with it, and a strong solution of pearl ash dissolved a portion of it, which was afterwards precipitated by sulphuric acid. It had an affinity for metallic oxyds, and powdered litharge, upon being boiled with it, rendered it nearly solid. In distillation at the heat of boiling water, nothing came over except a slight film upon the surface of the wa- ter. AYhen the heat was raised to the boiling point of the juice, a quantity of thin, blackish, vol- atile oil came over, which dried up on being ex- posed to the air, leaving a slight coating on the surface of the vessel which contained it. The
POISON SUMACH. 10 1
portion remaining in the retort was much inspis- sated, and upon cooling hecame nearly solid.
Being desirous to try the effect of this juice, employed as a varnish, I applied a coating* of it with a hrush to different surfaces of wood, glass, tinned iron, paper, and cloth. These were ex- posed to the air and light during tlie whole of the months of July and August, at the expira- tion of which period they had not hecome dry. Each of the coatings was half fluid and adhesive, and had collected much dust. Upon the cloth and paper the juice had spread extensively, giv- ing them an oily appearance.
Concluding from this experiment that the juice could not he usefully employed in its crude state, I endeavoured to render it more drying by the addition of litharge. The compound, which resulted from boiling with this oxyd, became dry in a short time, but was not distinguished for any remarkable degree of lustre.
The third and last experiment proved more satisfactory. A quantity of the juice was boiled alone, until nearly all the volatile oil had escaped, and the remainder was reduced almost to the state of a resin. In this state it was applied while warm to several substances, which after cooling exhibited the most brilliant, glossy, jet black sur-
lOS RHUS VERNIX.
face. The coating appeared very durable and firm, and was not affected by moisture. It was elastic and perfectly opaque, and seemed calcu- lated to answer the purposes of both paint and Tarnish.
The chemical constitution of the juice of the Rhus vernix seems, from the foregoing experi- ments, to be most analogous to that of the bal- sams, consisting chiefly of a resin and an essen- tial oil. The oil dissipates slowly at low^ temper- atures, approaching in this and some other res- pects to the character of a fixed oil. The resin, when procured in contact with the atmospheric air, is black, opaque, and solid, rendered very ad- hesive, and at length fluid by heat.
A very distressing, cutaneous disease, it is well known, ensues in many persons from the con- tact, and even from the effluvium of this shrub. The poisonous influence which produces this af- fection is common to several other trees and plants, such as the Poison vine or Poison ivy, (Rhus radicans,) the Cashew nut, (Anacardium occidentalej and the Manchineel, (Hippomane mancinella,) Even the garden Rue, and com- mon Oleander, are said to affect some persons in a similar manner. — The Rhus vernix is the most formidable of this tribe which is found among us,
POISON SUMACH. 103
and occasionally produces the most severe effects. It is however extremely various in its action, up- on persons of different idosyncrasies. Some can- not come within the atmosphere of the shrub, without suffering the most violent consequences. Others are but slightly affected by handling it, and some can even rub, chew, and swallow the leaves without tlie smallest inconvenience.
The most formidable cases in persons subject to this poison, usually commence within twenty four hours after the exposure. The interval is sometimes longer, but more frequently shorter. The symptoms are generally ushered in by a sense of itching and a tumefaction of the hands and face. The swelling gradually extends over various parts of the body, assuming an erysipela- tous appearance. The inflamed parts become more elevated, acquiring a livid redness, attended with a painful burning sensation. Small vesicles now appear upon the surface, which extend and run into each other. They contain a transparent fluid, \^ Inch by degrees becomes yellow, and at length assumes a purulent appearance. A dis- charge takes place from these vesicles or pustules, giving rise to a yellowish incrustation, which af- terwards becomes brown. In the mean time an insupportable sensation of itching and burning is
104 RHUS VERNIX.
felt. The inflamed parts become excessively swollen, so that not unfrequently the eyes are closed, and the countenance assumes a shapeless and cadaverous appearance, which has been com- pared to that in malignant small pox. The dis- ease is usually at its height from the fourth to the sixth day, after which the skin and incrustations begin to separate from the diseased parts, and the symptoms gradually subside. It is not com- mon for any scars or permanent traces of the dis- ease to remain. Notwithstanding the violent character which it sometimes assumes, I never knew an authenticated case of its terminating fa- tally. It is however capable of occasioning the most distressing symptoms. Kalm, in his travels in North America, mentions a person who, by the simple exhalation of the Rhus vernix, was swol- len to such a degree, that " he was stiff as a log of wood, and could only be turned about in sheets." Dr. Thacher mentions a case, in which the head and body were swollen to a prodigious degree, so as to occasion the loss of sight for some time ; and the patient recovered at the end of several weeks with the loss of his hair and nails.
Of the cases which have fallen under my no- tice, the following affords a fair instance of the operation of this poison, as it ordinarily effects
POISON SUMACH. 105
those who are constitutionally liable to it. On the 37tli of October, 1814, Dr. A. L. Pierson, then a student of medicine, accompanied me to Brighton for the purpose of collecting the juice of the Rhus vernix, growing at that place. He had always supposed himself constitutionally exempt from liability to the poison. The day proved warm, and the effluvium from the incisions we had made in the trees was very powerful. We were engag- ed in the collection for upwards of an hour, dur- ing which he was less exposed than myself, be- ing absent a part of the time. His own account of the symptoms which followed this exposure is as follows :
" I felt no mipleasant effects for six or seven hours after returning to Boston. About 8 o'clock P. M. I perceived the backs of my hands were swollen and puffy, but without pain or itching ; my forehead and upper lip were soon in the same state. On the morning of the 28th the tumefac- tion had increased, and I discovered various other parts of my body to be infected. The backs of my hands and wrists, which were the most advanced, began to show small watery vesicles. No appli- cations were made till the noon of this day. I then applied cloths dipped in lead water to one
hand and wrist, and in a spirituous solution of the 14
106 IIHUS VEHNIX.
the corrosive muriate of mercury to the other. From this and subsequent trials, I am induced to prefer the lead. The parts began to itch — the tumefaction increased — vesication began to take place on the swollen surface — small pustules formed and ran into each other, and at last some were formed as large as nutmegs. On the S9th, my eyes were nearly closed, in consequence of the swelling of my forehead, eyebrows and cheeks. The contents of the vesicles were perfectly lim- pid— inoculation from them to other parts had no effect — neither in this nor any subsequent stage. On the evening of the 30th, the inflam- mation appeared at its height. The burning sen- sation and itching were intolerable. I could scarce-: ly discern any object. On the 31st, the pustules began to appear a little milky — and before night the inflammation was evidently on the decline. I this day applied an ointment, composed of Ung. Stramonii, 1 oz.-^Subm. Hyd. c. Ammonia (white precipitate) 1 dr. mixed— with a very pleasant effect. It was now soothing, although before it had seemed to irritate, and produced pain when applied. November 1st, a very free desquama- tion began, first on my forehead, hands and wrists. And in just a fortnight I was enabled to leave my chamber, blessed with a new cuticle from the root
POISON SUMACH. 107
of the hair on my forehead to my breast, from the middle of my forearm to the tips of my fingers, and on the whole inside of my tliighs. The con- stitutional effects of this thorough vesication were but slight. During the first five days, my pulses were increased from ten to twenty strokes in the minute. The time of duration of the inflamma- tory symptoms in this case accords pretty well with the account of Prof. Barton, who states. I think, tlie height of it to he on the fifth day. It is worth observing, that the operation of the poi- son seemed to have a considerable effect in reliev- ing me from dispeptic symptoms, with which I had been previously troubled, and also benefitted a chronic inflammation of my eyes. I am still subject to an eruption of watery pustules between my fingers, which dry up, and the cuticle peels off." Letter datedJiily^ i8i5.
Many constitutions are but slightly, or not at all, affected by the poison of the Rhus vernix. This I find to be my own case. After the same exposure, which occasioned the case just detailed, I experienced no ill consequence, except a slight vesicular eruption on the backs of the hands and about the eyes, which disappeared in a short time, without farther inconvenience. The same slight affection I have felt upon several subsequent ex-
108 RHUS VERNIX.
posures, particulai'ly when making, from a recent specimen, the drawing which accompanies this account.
I apprehend that a majority of persons are not liahle to the injurious eifects of the poisonous su- macs. Among persons residing in the country, exposures must occur very frequently from the abundance of these shrubs, especially of the Rhus radicans, by roadsides and elsewhere. Yery few however, in proportion to the number exposed, have personal experience of their deleterious ef- fects. In those on the contrary, in whom a con- stitutional liability to the poison exists, the disease frequently returns several times during life, not- Avithstanding the utmost precaution in avoiding its causes. A gentleman residing in the coun- trv infowned me, that he had been seven times poisoned to the most violent degree. In such constitutions a slight exposure is sufficient to ex- cite the disease. I have known individuals bad- ly poisoned in winter from the wood of the Rhus vernix, accidentally burnt on the fire. Others have made tlie same observation.
Some farther remarks on the poison of these shrubs, and on the treatment of the disease oc- casioned by them, vill be made in a future part of this work, under the head of IBihns radican^*
POISON SUMACH. 109
Many interesting observations on the proper- ties of these species of Sumach, will he found in an inaugural dissertation, hy Dr. Thomas Hors- field of Bethlehem, Pa. a work of much industry and merit.
In the New York Medical Repository is an account of a swarm of bees, which, having alight- ed on the branches of the Rhus vernix, were the next day found dead, with their bodies black and swollen. This is a remarkable circumstance. There is certainly no instinctive aversion in these animals for the tree. In the flowering season the blossoms, which are very fragrant, are always thronged with a multitude of winged insects in quest of their honey.
The introduction of the juice into the arts will not perhaps take place among us, during the present high price of labour, and the general pre- judice which exists against the shrub. In some fu- ture period, it is probable that a substance, which is found so valuable in the eastern countries, will not be neglected among us. It might safely be procured by persons not subject to the poison, and, with proper precautions, would injure no one during its preparation and use. A pound of the juice in a day might be collected by an individ- ual. When thoroughly dry, it ceases to emit an
110 RHUS VERNIX.
effluvium, and nothing farther is to be apprehend- ed from its effects.
BOTANICAL REFERENCES.
Rhus vernix LiNNiEUS, Sp. pi. — Aiton, Hort Kew. i. 366.— MiCHAUX, i. 183. — PuRSH, i. 205. — Pennated toxicodendron Ellis, Phil, trans, abr. xi. passim, American toxicodendron Miller, ibid. — ^Toxicodendron carolinianum foliis pinnatis, &c. Mazeas, ibid. x. 595. — Toxicodendron foliis alatis, fructu rhomboideo, Dill. Elth. 390, t. 9,92, f. 377. — Arbor Americana alatis foliis, succo lacteo, venenato, Plukenet, p%i. 1. 145./. 1*
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
Dudley, Phil, trans, abr. vi. 507. — Sherard, ditto. 508.— Kalm, travels, i. 77. — Marshall, arbust. 130. — Cutler, Amer, Acad. 427. — Barton, Coll. 24. — Thacher, Disp. 321. — Hors- riELD, Inaugural Dissertation.
PLATE X.
Fig. 1. Rhus vernix f with staminiferousjlowers. Fig. 2. A staminifermis or barren flower magnijied. Fig. 3. Stamens and rudiment of a pistil. Fig. 4. A fertile flower magnifled. Fig. 5. Germ and stigmas. Fig. 6. The fruit.
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MEDICAL BOTANY.
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CONIUM MACULATUM.
Hemlock.
PLATE XL
A. PLANT bearing the name of Coniiim, -auvsiov, has been noted as a poison from remote antiquity. In consequence of the power which it possessed when given in sufficient quantities, of destroying life in a certain and almost immediate manner, it was used at Athens as a mode of execution for those condemned to death by the tribunal of Areopagus. Socrates andPhocion were among the distinguished ancients, who suffi?red death by the agency of this mortal poison. The accounts which have been left respecting it would lead us to believe that its operation was speedy, and unattended with any violent or long protracted suffering. It was not only employed as an instrument of public execu-
114 CONIUM MACULATU3I.
tions, but was resorted to by tliose who sought to encounter suicide in its least formidable shape. Among other instances, that of the Cean old men is related by ^lian, who when they had become useless to the state, and tu^ed of the infii'mities of life ; invited each other to a banquet, and having crowned themselves as in celebration of a joyous festival ; drank the Conium, and terminated theii* existence together.
The description which has been left by Di- oscorides of the Conium, only shews it to have been an umbellate plant, his character of which might apply to many species. The mention made of it by Latin writers under the name of Cicuta are not more satisfactory. Linnaeus, in- fluenced by the noxious character of the modern officinal Hemlock, has appropriated to that plant the name of the Grecian species, and most subse- quent botanists have followed his example. Hal- ler, however, is of opinion that the ancient poison was not procured from this plant, but from the Cicuta virosa L. a poisonous aquatic, much more powerful and violent in its operation than the common Hemlock. Lamarck adopts the opin- ion of Linnaeus, and believes that the Conium ma- culat'cim was really the Grecian poison, and that its properties were rendered more active by the
HEMLOCK. 115
heat of the cUmate in ^vhich it grew. Guersent supposes that the poisonous draught used by the Greeks was not the product of a single species, but a compound prepared from several plants.
Were it not for the tranquillity and ease which attended death from the ancient hemlock, and which Plato has described with interesting minuteness, there would not have been much diffi- culty in supposing the Grecian plant to be the same with that known at the present day. [jXote H.] It appears that a large quantity was requisite to insure death. The poison was swallowed in the crude juice, recently expressed from the plant. Of tliis the di'aught taken by Phocion was lai*ge enough to cost twelve drachmce.^ Socrates was prevented from making a libation of a part of the contents of Ms fatal cup, by being told that the whole was necessary to produce the consvimmation of his sen- tence. A large quantity of the modern hemlock might probably have been equally fatal, though with more violent symptoms than those which, if Plato be correct, were experienced by the Atheni- an philosopher.
The plant, represented in our plate, undoubt- edly came to us from Europe. It is now suffi- ciently common in tlie United States, about road
* Plutarch, Life of Phocion.
116 0 ONIUM MACULATUM.
sides and in waste ground, especially in those parts of the country wliich have heen longest set- tled. It is usually found in bunches, and attains the full height of a man. It flowers from June until the arrival of frost.
The very natural order, called Umbellatse by Linnaeus and Umbelliferse by Jussieu, to which tliis plant and the following one belong, is found in the class Pentandria and order Digynia of the Linnsean artificial method.
The genus Conium of Limine us has both general and partial involucres, the latter being halved. The fruit roundish and furrowed.
The species maculatum has the fruit un- armed with the ridges Undulated.
Its more complete description is as follows. Root biennial, somewhat fusiform and generally branched. Stalk round, very smooth, striated, hol- low, jointed, and more or less marked with pur- plish spots. Leaves two or three times pinnate, of a very bright green, with long, sheathing peti- oles inserted on the joints of the stem ; the leafets pinnatifid and toothed. Flowers in terminal umbels, the general involucre with half a dozen lanceolate, reflected leafets, the partial involucre with three or four situatcvd on the outside. Flow- ers very small, white. Petals five, oval with their
HEMLOCK. 117
points inflexed. Stamens five, spreading, about the length of the corolla. Germ inferior. Styles two reflexed outwardly. Fruit roundish-oval, com- pressed, ribbed, the ribs being transversely wrin- kled or crenate ; separating into two oblong-hem- ispherical seeds.
Hemlock when fresh has a strong nauseous odour and taste. If the green leaves are distilled, the water Avliich collects in the receiver has an in- supportably nauseous taste, while that which re- mains in the retort is comparatively insipid. This cu'cumstance, and likewise the fact that the dried leaves become inert by age and exposure, render it probable that the chief medicinal efficacy resides in a volatile portion of the plant. Of the more fixed ingredients of Hemlock, a variety of analyses have been made. The most recent which I have met with is that of Schrader, who from a thousand grains of the plant obtained the following substances. Extractive S7.3 — Gummy extract S5.2 — Resin 1.5 — Albumen 3.1 — Green fsecula 8. — He also detected various eai'thy and alkaline salts. These however are found to vary according to the soil in which the plant grows. The vola- tile portion, which I obtained in water distilled from the leaves, did not exhibit any essential oil, and effected no change in the colour of litmus. It
118 CONIUM MACULATUM.
was not altered by sulphate of iron nor acetite of lead.
The Conmm maculatum is a narcotic poison, though not of the most powerful kind. Instances of fatal effects from it have been recorded by Dr. Wat- son m the Philosophical Transactions, and by sev- eral other writers. A remarkable case of tliis sort, which occurred in Spain, is cited by Orfila in his Traite des poisons. But there is scarcely any narcotic plant respecting the character of which such various and opposite testimony has been ad- duced by medical writers. Even the experiments of the same individual are apt to present diiferent results from its use, unless great care be taken in the collection and preparation of the medicine. The truth is, the plant varies exceedingly at differ- ent ages, and in different places of growth, and the strength of its preparations is greatly influenced by external circumstances.
When the green leaves of a mature plant which has grown in the sun, or the juice of these leaves, either crude, or properly inspissated, is taken into the stomach ; the following symptoms, if the quantity has been sufficient, will rarely fail to take place ; viz. a dizziness of the head and nausea of the stomach, a sense of fullness in the eyes and diminished power of vision, together with
HEMLOCK. 119
a general faiutness or iiuiscular weakness of the whole hody. These sensations usually begin in the course of half an hour. If the dose has been moderate, they will for the most part disappear in the course of half a day, and seldom continue beyond twenty four hours. Larger doses occasion more severe symptoms, as it happens with other narcotics.
The idiosyncrasies of different persons render them variously susceptible of the action of Hem- lock. Some are but slightly affected by a quanti- ty, which would prove dangerous to others.
The Hemlock has been for many years a sub- ject of attention with physicians, and has been found a remedy of importance in several diseases. It would occupy a volume to state the whole of the evidences which have been given for and against its use. I shall only mention those com- plaints in which it has been most employed, and pai-ticularly in this country.
In Jaundice. — Dr. Fisher, President of the Massachusetts Medical Society, in his paper on the narcotic vegetables, bears unequivocal testimony in favour of the efficacy of Hemlock in this com- plaint. He was first induced to employ it with a view to its relaxing effect in facilitatinir the passage of biliary calculi. Afterwards it was
16
120 CONIUM MACULATUM.
given by him to many icteric patients, and with the exception of three complicated cases, it never failed in his hands or within liis knowledge to re- move the disease. Dr. Jackson, Professor of the Theory and Practice of Physic in our University, informs me that he has found it of great utility in jaundice, and that except in one or two instances, it has always effected the cure of those cases, wliich proved susceptible of relief from any medi- cine. I have repeatedly employed it in the same complaint with indubitable advantage. The dose should be gradually increased until its effects are distinctly felt in the head and stomach. This inconvenience is temporary, and will be preferred by most patients to the evil of a mercurial ptya- lism. The yellowness of the skin and eyes, in fa- vourable cases, begins to disappear at an early pe- riod, frequently by the second day. — The forego- ing practice in jaundice is not new, having been employed in Sweden by Rosenstein, and in other places.
In tic doloureux. In a discourse on this painful disease by Dr. Jackson, published in the New England Journal, Vol. II. a number of cases are detailed, in which perfect relief was afforded by the Hemlock given in large doses, and rapidly in- creased until a decided effect upon the system was
HEMLOCK. 121
felt. Dr. Jackson recommends to begin with a single grain of the extract, and to increase to five grains for the second or third dose ; afterwards to add five grains to every dose until a full effect is felt on the system. In this discourse he cites the experience of Dr. Fothergill, who had employed the Conium successfully in several cases of tliis disease under a different name. It appears also that some French physicians, whose writings I have not seen, as Chaussier and Dumeril, have con- firmed the success of our plant in tic doloureux. It must be confessed however, although the Hem- lock is more successful in tliis complaint than per- haps any internal medicine, which has been tried ; yet there are cases of such obstinacy, as wholly ta baffle the powers of its operation.
In scliirrus and cancer. Since the time of Storck, this medicine has been long and abundant- ly tried, but without any increase of reputation. The experience of modern physicians, and among others of 31. Alibert, who tried it in more than a hundi^ed cases in the hospital of St. Louis, have pretty well established the fact, that it is wholly in- capable of cm*ing either schirrus or cancer of the confirmed and genuine kind. It is however still ad- ministered, rather with a view to its anodyne and pallintive eftect, than any expectation of radical ben-
iSS CONIUM MACULATUM.
efit. Ill tliis way its external use is sometimes serviceable.
In old sypliilitic affections, it is occasionally useful. It has been recommended in hooping cough, but it is not a perfectly safe medicine for cliildren, owing to thedifliculty of ascertaining when its constitutional effects take place in them. — I am informed on the best medical authority, that it is of great use in some cases of hemicrania, which ai'e not regularly intermittent.
The most common form of preserving the Hemlock for use, as well as the most convenient for its exhibition, is that of the inspissated juice or ex- tract. It is well known however, that the extracts kept in our shops differ materially in their strength, so that in beginning from a new parcel, the physi- cian can seldom predict the degree of operation of liis first doses. In some instances very great quan- tities have been taken without the least effect. The extract is apt to prove inert when the plant is gathered too young, when the evaporation is con- ducted with too much heat, when a decoction of the dried plant has been evaporated instead of the fresh leaves, and lastly when the extract itself has become old. To give the extract its due strength, the plant should be collected at full maturity, while in flower, or in fruit provided it remains green, and
HEMLOCK. 123
the juice or the decoction should he evaporated at the heat of hoiling salt water. The stock should be renewed every year. A suitable dose lor commence- ment is from one to five grains. This may he in- creased at every time of taking it, until its constitu- tional effects are felt. In beginning the use of a new paiTcl, more caution is requisite at first, than after its strength has been tested.
The JEthusa cynapium, an umbellate plant very common in Boston, has sometimes been mis- taken for Hemlock, wliich it considerably resem- bles. It is a smaller plant, with its stalk not spot- ted. It differs also in having no general involucre, wliile its paitial one is very long.
BOTANICAL REFERENCES.
Conium IMaculatum, Linn^us. Sp, PL — 'Woodville, t. 22. — Curtis, Fl. Lond. i. 1 7.- — Smith, Engl. Bot. t. 1191. — Pursh, i. 195. — Cicuta vulgaris, Morison, Umb. t. 6. — Parkinson, Theatr. 933. — Ciciita major, Lamarck, Eiicydopedie Mtthodique.—'^i- cutaria vulgaris, Clusius, Hist. 200.
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
Murray, Apparatus viedicamimimy i. 322. — Cullen, Mat. Med. ii. 263. — FoTHERGiLL, Mcd. Obs. iii. 400. — Hunter on the ve- nereal, 108, 175, 199, 247, &c. — Home, J2n;ia/s Med. iii. 66. — But- ter, Med. Comment, i. 373. — Fisher, Mem. Mas. Soc, i. — Jack- son, JNI Engl. Journ. ii. 105. — Guersent. Did. Sciences vMedi- cales, V. 208. — Orfila, ToxicologiCf iii. 279, &c. &c. &c.
124* CONIUM MACULATUM.
PLATE XL
Fig. 1. *3[ branch of Coniummaculatum. Fig. 2. Flower magnified. Fig. 3. Fruit magnified.
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CICUTA 3IACULATA.
American Hemlock.
PLATE XIL
JLt is a rule sanctioned by the observations of medical botanists, that umbelliferous plants, which ffrow in or about the water, are of a poisonous na- ture. Tliis rule will generally be found correct, al- though it has exceptions. As far as aquatic plants of this natural order have been examined, their properties, in a great majority of instances, have been found, more or less of a deleterious kind. The Cicuta virosa of Europe is a highly poisonous plant, possessing such formidable activity that its internal use is hardly attempted in medicine. An American species, the Cicuta maculala^ the sub- ject of this article, is very closely allied in its bo- tanical habit to tlie European plant, and was equal- ly deserving of suspicion from its appearance, al- though the public were not generally aware of its true character. Within a few years past, several
126 CICUTA MACULATA.
instances have been brought to light of fatal ef- fects ensuing from tliis plant being incautiously eaten by children. It is therefore necessary that the species should be suitably designated, that a source of so much danger may be known and avoided.
The Cicuta maculata, to which I have applied the name of American Hemlock, not having heard any common appellation except that of Snakeweed, inhabits wet meadows and banks, from the northern to the southern limits of the United States, flowering in July and August. It is so fre- quently cut with hay, among which it often grows in large quantities, that we might expect to see its deleterious properties operating on domestic cat- tle, were it not that their bodies are probably less susceptible of its poison than ours. The Euro- pean Cicuta, above mentioned, is highly noxious to man, and to some domestic animals, yet goats and sheep eat it with impunity.
The genus Cicuta differs from other genera of umbellate plants in having no general involu- cre, a short, partial involucre, and a fruit which is nearly orhicular, compressed and furrowed.*
* This description of the fruit agrees with the present species and also with Cicuta bulbifera, a smaller species not unconnnon about Boston. The Cicuta virosa of Europe I have never seen.
AMERICAN HEMLOCK. 1S7
The species maculata has a fascicled root and oblong leaves with niiicronate serratures.
The class and orders are as in the last ai*ticle.
This plant is so remarkable for the form of its root, that had not the name of maculata been con- firmed to me by the best authorities, I should have thought that of fasciciilata to be greatly pre- ferable. This root is composed of a number of large, oblong, fleshy tubers, diverg;ing from the base of the stem, and frequently being found of the size and length of the finger. The root is pe- rennial, and has a strong, penetrating smell and taste. In vai'ious parts of the bark it contains distinct cells or cavities, wliich are filled with a yellowish resinous juice. The plant is from three to six feet high. Its stem is smooth, branched at top, hollow, jointed, striated, and commonly of a pm*ple colour, except when the plant groM s in the shade, in which case it is green. The leaves are compound, the largest being about tlu-ee times pin- nate, the uppermost only ternate. Most of the pe- tioles are furnished with long obtuse stipules, which clasp the stem with theu* base. Leafets ob- long acuminate, serrate, the serratures very acute or mucronated. The veins end in the notches, and not at the points of the serratures. The flowers groAV
ill umbels of a middling size, without a general invo- 17
128 CICUTA MACULATA.
lucre. The partial umbels are furnished with in- volucres of very short, narrow, acute leafets. The distinctness or separation of these umbels charac- terizes this plant at a distance among other plants of its kind, whose umbels are more crowded. Ca- IjiL of five very minute segments. Petals five, white, obovate with inflected points. Fruit nearly orbicular, compressed, ten furrowed, crowned at top, and separating into two semicircular seeds.
The fleshy root of the Cicuta maculata, when pressed, emits from its divided extremities a viscid yellowish juice of a strong penetrating taste. This juice dissolves in alcohol, from which it is precipi- tated by water. When distilled, a thick volatile oil collects in the receiver in the form of a film upon the surfiice of the water. The remainder of the juice yields a resin of a dark orange colour, fusible and inflammable. The decoction of the root affords a pearl coloured fluid, not very sensi- ble to the tests of mucus, fsecula, tannin or ex- tractive.
In August 1814, an account was sent to Bos- ton by Dr. Stockbridge of Bath (Maine) of the ef- fect produced on thre« boys by eating a poisonous root, which they had dug up, supposing it to be- long to the plant called "Life of man." One of them was siezed with violent convulsions, frothed
AMERICAN HEMLOCK. ISO
at the mouth, and died in an hour and a half. The other two were affected with vomiting, stupor, dil- atation of the pupil, great paleness and universal distress ; wliich symptoms disappeiii'ed in one in twenty four, and in the other in thirty six hours. It was supposed that the first boy had swallowed about a drachm of the root, and the others about half that quantity. A specimen of the plant was sent to me at the same time with the account, and proved to be the Cicuta maculata. Dr. Stock- bridge's letter, wliich was published in the New England Journal, contains two other cases of the effect of tliis root, in one of which it proved fatal. Shortly after the publication of the above facts, an article appeared in the New York Medical Re- pository, containing an account by Dr. Ely of Dutchess county, of the effects of an unknown poisonous root, supposed to be the wliite helle- bore. Three small boys, who had gone into a meadow in search of sweet flag root, had dug up and eaten another root by mistake. Two of them died in convulsions in about an hour after they had swallowed it. They discharged much blood and froth from the mouth and nose ; theii' eyes were fixed, with the pupils dilated, and a rapid motion of the eye lids. The third boy vomited, and recovered. When taken to the place the next
430 CICUTA MACULATA.
day, he pointed out the spot where they had dug the root, and where a considerable quantity of it remained. Some of the root was planted by Dr. Mitchill in the New York Hospital garden, where it vegetated and produced flowers and fruit. It turned out to be the Cicuta maculata of Linnseus. In the same article, is a letter from Dr. Muhlen- berg, stating that he had received specimens from Savannah and from West Pennsylvania, where it had destroyed several persons, who ate it by mis- take for angelica. All the specimens were simi- lar, so that there could be no doubt of the identity of the plant. In the same letter. Dr. Muhlenberg remarks, that he had reason to believe that the poi- sonous quality of the root is altered by cultivation in a dry soil.
The foregoing facts are sufficient to establish the poisonous character of the plant under consid- eration. They may also serve to shew the im- portance of accurate descriptions and faithful en- gravings of noxious vegetables, which may enable even unlearned observers to distinguish them at sight. There can be little doubt that cases, like those above described, have occurred in repeated instances, which have never met the public eye. Perhaps also from an ignorance of the real cause of the symptoms, the proper remedies have been
AMERICAN HEMLOCK. 131
neglected. The plant is extremely common in many parts of the United States, and I helieve its true character is not generally suspected. A very respectahle physician informed me, that it was used in his vicinity as a gargle for sore throats, hy people unsuspicious of its qualities.
Since the discovery of its narcotic properties, the Cicuta has been used in small doses, as a sub- stitute for the conium, by one or two practitioners in this place. Its effects were very analogous to those of the true hemlock, as far as they were observed, but more powerful. A primary symptom, which attended a large dose, was nausea and vomiting.
The treatment of persons poisoned by this plant, as in the case of other narcotics, should pri- marily consist in a thorough evacuation of the stom- ach. As there commonly exists a spontaneous tendency to vomit, occasioned by the poison itself, this should be assisted by mechanical means, by irritating the throat with the finger, or with a feath- er. Of emetics, the sulphate of zinc is to be pre- ferred, on account of its speedy operation. Cas- tor oil or infusion of senna, should be given as soon as vomiting has taken place. The vegetable acids, such as lemon juice or vinegar, have a neu- tralizing influence on the narcotic, and are there- fore useful. Strong coffee and tea are the best an-
132 CICUTA MACULATA.
tidotes for the stupor, and should be promptly ad- ministered. In violent cases, bloodletting should be resorted to. As most narcotic poisons act by destroying the functions of the brain, respiration being suspended, because it is under the influence of that organ ; 3Ir. Brodie is of opinion, that in some cases, life might be preserved by keeping up artificial respiration, after death has api^ai-ently taken place.
BOTANICAL REFERENCES.
Cicuta maculata. Linn^us Sp.pl. — ^Pursh, i 195.«— JEgopo- diiim foliis laiiceolatis, acuminatis, serratis. Gronovius, Virg. 32. — Angelica Caribsearum elatior, olusatri folio ; flore albo ; vseminibus luteis, striatis, ciimiui odore et sapore ? Paukenetj Mm. 31, Phijt. t. 76,/. I.
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
SciicEPF, 36. — Bart. Coll. 18, 46. — Stockbridge, Mw Engl. Journcdf iii. 334. Mitchill, Ely and Muhlenberg.
Jled. Repository, xvii. 303.
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KALMIA LATIFOLIA.
Mountain laurel.
* PLATE xm.
A HE Swedish botanist, Peter Kalm, a pupil of Linnseus, who travelled in North America in 1748 — 9, has had the honor of giving name to one of the most elegant genera of flowering shrubs which our continent produces. The genus named Kalmia bj Linnseus, includes several species, of singular beaut} , among which the Mountain lau- rel is much the largest and most elegant, as well as the one whose properties have received most atten- tion. Its occm'rence in the United States is very frequent, and its common appellations of com'se va- rious. The names o^ Laurel, Lambkill, Ivy, Spoon- wood, and Calico bush, it seems, are applied to it in vai^ious parts of tlie country. This shrub grows in the southern parts of New Hampshire, and is oc- casionally met with throughout 3Iassachusetts. In the Middle States it becomes moj*e frequent,
134 KAL.MIA LATIFOLIA.
and it is said to extend near to the southern lim- its of the Union. Michaux, in his account of the forest trees, states, that it is particularly abundant through the whole range of Allegany mountains, upon the borders and near the sources of rivers. It gradually diminishes however on both sides as these rivers approach to the sea, or to theu* con- fluence with the great western streams.
The botanical character of the genus consists in a jive parted calyx^ a hypocrateriforni corolla, containing ten depressions in its border, in which the anthers are lodged ; a capsule jive celled.
The specific character is, that the leaves are scattered, petioled, oval and smooth ; the corymbs terminal, viscid and pubescent.
Class Becandria, order Monogynia. Natural orders Bicornes, Linn. Mhododendra, Juss.
The height of the Kalniia latifolia is generally that of a shrub, sometimes however attaining to the altitude of a small tree. Its leaves are ev- ergreen, coriaceous, very smooth, with the under side somewhat palest. Their form is oval, acute and entire ; their insertion by scattered petioles, on the sides and extremities of the branches. The flowers vary from white to red ; they grow in termi- nal corymbs, simple or compound with opposite branches, and made up of slender peduncles. These
MOUNTAIN LAUREL. 135
are invested with a glutinous pubescence, and sup- ported at base by ovate, acuminate bractes. The calyx is small, five parted, persistent, with oval, a- cutc segments. The corolla is monopetalous, with a cylindrical tube, a spreading disc, and an erect, five cleft margin. At the circumference of the disc on the inside, are ten depressions or pits, accom- panied with corresponding prominences on the outside. In these depressions the anthers are found lodged at the time when the flower expands. The stnmens originate from the base of the corol- la, and bend outwardly, so as to lodge their an- thers in the cells of the corolla. From this con- finement they liberate themselves during the pe- riod of flowering and strike against the sides of the stigma. The germ is roundish, the style lon- ger than the corolla and declined, the stigma ob- tuse. Capsule roundish, depressed, five celled and five valved, w ith numerous small seeds.
I have examined chemically the leaves of the Kalmia, gathered at the time the shrub was in fruit. The following constituent principles were found to exist in them.
1. Vegetable mucus. This exists in large quan- tities, and is dissolved in water both by infusion and decoction, rendering it extremely mucilagi- nous or ropy. AVhen alcohol is added to this so- 18
136 KALMIA LATIFOLIA.
lution, the mucus separates in the form of a floe- culent coagulum, wliich is tough and stringy, and on drying has a brownish colour. When chewed, it soon fills the mouth with mucilage.
Silicated potash rendered the upper stratum of the liquid dark and opaque, but without any pre- cipitate like that which takes place in the mucilage of gum.
%. Tannin. Tliis is readily thrown down from the decoction and tincture by gelatin. The sul- phate of iron strikes with it a very black colour.
3. Resin. Tliis also exists plentifully. It communicates to alcohol a reddish colour, and is instantly precipitated from it by water. When obtained pure, it is of a reddish cast, fusible, in- flammable and mod-erately bitter.
I have not detected any extractive, properly so called, in these leaves. When the muriate of tin is added to the decoction, it separates a very copious yellow precipitate. This however is ow- ing to the mucus. If alcohol be first added to the decoction, and the coagulum which it forms with- drawn ; the fluid no longer gives a precipitate with muriate of tin, although it readily yields one to gelatin.
Distillation with w ater affords a mild fluid with little taste or odour.
MOUNTAIN LAUREL. 137
The Kalmia latifolia, together with some oth- er species of its genus, has long had the reputa- tion, in various parts of the country, of heing poi- sonous to certain domestic animals. Cateshy says of it, that " deer feed on its green leaves with im- punity ; yet when cattle and sheep, by severe win- ters deprived of better food, feed on the leaves of this plant, a great many of them die annually."
Kalm, the Swedish traveller, who gave name to this genus, says of Kalmia latifolia, " The leaves ai'e poison to some animals, and food for others ; experience has taught the people, that when sheep eat of these leaves, they either die immediately, or fall very sick, and recover with great difficulty. The young and more tender sheep are killed by a small portion, but the older ones can bear a stron- ger dose. Yet this food will likewise prove mor- tal to them, if they take too much of it. The same noxious effect it shews in regard to calves which eat too much of the leaves ; they either die, or do not recover easily. I can remember that in the year 1748 some calves ate of the leaves ; they fell very sick, swelled, foamed at the mouth and could hardly stand ; how ever, they were cured by giving them gmipowder and other medicines. The sheep are most exposed to be tempted with these leaves in winter, for after having been kept m sta-
138 KALMIA LATIFOLIA.
bles for some months, they are greedy of all greens, especially if the snow still lies upon the ground, and therefore the green but poisonous leaves of the Kalmia, are to them very tempting. HorseSj oxen and cows, which have eaten them, have like- wise been very ill after the meal, and thougli none of them ever died of eating these leaves, yet most people believed, that if they took too great a por- tion of them, death would certainly be the result." " On the other hand, the leaves of the Kalmia ai*e the food of stags, when the snow covers the ground and hides all other provisions from them. There- fore, if they be shot in winter, theu* bowels are found filled with these leaves, and it is very extra- ordinary, that if those bowels are given to dogs, they become quite stupid, and, as it were, intoxi- cated, and often full so sick, that they seem to be at the point of death ; but the people who have eaten the venison have not felt the least indisposi- tion."— Travels in JSTorth America, vol. i.
There is a common belief, that the flesh of the American Pheasant or Partridge is at certain times imbued with a poisonous quality. This circumstance has been attributed (I know not with what evidence) to their feeding in winter upon the buds of the Kalmia. Mr. Wilson, the ornitholo- gist, informs us, that he has sometimes found the
MOUNTAIN LAUREL. 139
crops of these birds distended almost entirely with laurel buds ; but that he has eaten freely of the flesh of these very birds, without any ill conse- quence wliatever.
On the human system, the Kalmia has been also said to manifest a deleterious influence. The late Professor Barton has adduced some evidences of its noxious character.* Re states that the In- dians make use of a decoction of the leaves to de- stroy themselves. In an Inaugural Dissertation on two species of Kalmia, the latifolia and angus- tifolia, by Dr. G. K. Thomas, we are told that the leaves of these shrubs possess a decidedly narcotic property. I have not recently seen Dr. Thomas' Dissertation, and therefore quote from memory and from extracts. From his experiments howev- er it appeared, that a very small quantity was suffi- cient to produce sensible inconvenience. Thirty drops of a strong decoction, given six times a day, are said to have occasioned so much vertigo, as to render it necessary to diminish the frequency of its exhibition.
From my own experience, I am not disposed to tliink very liighly of the nfUTotic power of tlie
* Dr. Barton states, that a few drops of the tincture poured upon the body of a large and vigorous rattlesnake, killed the reptile in a very short time.
14)0 KALMIA LATIFOLIA.
Kalmia. I have repeatedly chewed and swallowed a green leaf of the largest size, without perceiving the least effect in consequence. I have also seen the powder, freshly made from leaves recently dri- ed, taken in doses of from ten to twenty grains, without any subsequent inconvenience or percep- tible eifect. The taste of these leaves is perfectly mild and mucilaginous, being less disagreeable than that of most of our common forest leaves.
I am inclined to believe that the noxious effect of the Kalmia upon young grazing animals may be in some measure attributed to its indigestible quality, owing to the quantity of resin contained in the leaves.
An ointment made of the powdered leaves has been recommended in tinea capitis and some oth- er cutaneous affections. I have seen an eruption, very nuich resembling psora, removed by it.
The wood of the Kalmia is hard and dense, ap- proaching in its character to that of box. It is much used for the handles of mechanics' tools, ^c. and it has even been employed as a material for musical instruments. As an ornamental shrub, this species stands in the highest rank, and by the fre- quency of its growth and the brilliancy of its flow- ers, it contributes in a great degree to the ele- gance of the natural scenery in those mountains
MOUNTAIN LAUREL. 141
and woods, which it inhabits. When cultivated in gardens, it requires a soil which is somewhat moist, and a shady or northern aspect.
BOTANICAL REFERENCES.
Kalmia latifolia, Liiv. Sp. pi. — Curtis, Bot. Mag, t. 175. — MiCHAUx/. Jirhres Jm'estiers, iii. 147, t. 5. — Pursh i. 296. — Cha- msedaphne foliis tini, &c. — Catesby, Carolinafi[.t.9S, — Ledum floribus bullatis. &c. Trew, t. 38. — Cistiis chamserhododendros, &C. PtUKENET, Fhijt. t. 579ff. 6.
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
Kalm, fr«reZs, i. 335, &c. — Bart. Coll. i. 18, 48; ii. 26.— Thaciier, Disp, 247. — Thomas, Inaugural dissertation.
PLATE XIIL
Fig. 1. Branches of Kalmia latifolia with jiouoers and fruit.
Fig. 2. Stamens.
Fig. 3. Caly^Jc and pistil.
SPIGELIA MARILANDICA.
Carolina Fink root.
PLATE XIV.
We are told by different writers, that this fine plant is a native of all the southern states from Pennsylvania to Georgia and Louisiana, growing in rich soils, especially about the borders of woods. It does not bear the severity of a nor- thern winter. For my living specimens I was in- debted to my excellent and learned friend, the late Dr. James Macbride, of Charleston, S. C.
The genus Spigelia has a funnel shaped corol- la and a capsule, which is double, two celled and many seeded. Tlie species Marilandica is peren- nial, with a simple stem and opposite leaves.
Cldss Pentandria ; order Monogynia. Natural orders Stellatw, Lin. Gentianw, Jnss.
The root of the Spigelia Marilandica is peren- nial, with many fibrous branches. The stalks proceed several from a root ; they are simple
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CAROLINA PINK ROOT. 143
four sided and nearly smooth. Leaves opposite, sessile, ovate, acuminate, entire, smooth, with the margins and veins sometimes puhescent. Tlie stalk commonly terminates in a simple one-sided raceme of flowers, although I have seen luxuriant specimens with two. The peduncles are extreme- ly short, so that the raceme may without impro- priety be denominated a spike. Calyx persistent, with five linear-subulate, finely serrulate leaves, wliich are reflexed in the ripe fruit. Corolla five times as long as the calyx, scarlet or crimson without, orange coloured within, the tube inflated and angular at top, the border divided into five acute, spreading segments. Stamens very short, inserted into the mouth of the corolla between the segments ; anthers oblong-heart shaped. Germ small, superior, ovate. Style long*er than the co- rolla, jointed near its base and bearded at the ex- tremity. Capsule double, consisting of two, co- hering, one celled, globular portions, seated on a common receptacle.
The Spigelia is a mucilaginous plant, w ith a mild and not very disagreeable taste. The infu- sion and decoction of the root and leaves afford a flocculent precipitate witli alcohol. They are discoloured but not precipitated by silicated pot- ash. They have little sensibility to gelatin, al- 19
3«
144? SPIGELIA MARILANDICA.
though the tincture is made turbid by it. After the decoction was filtrated from the mucus, which had been coagulated by alcohol, it gave a precipitate with nitrate of mercury, but none with muriate of tin. Sulphate of iron caused a dark green precip- itate from the decoction, and but little change in the tincture. No distinct evidence of resin pre- sented itself. A substance which may perhaps be considered a variety of extractive matter, ap- pears to exist in this plant, as the tincture was affected in nearly the same manner by the salts of tin and mercury above mentioned, as the fil- trated decoction.
Water may be considered an adequate solvent for the chief proximate principles of this plant.
The medicinal reputation of the Spigelia is founded on the powers which it is supposed to possess as a vermifuge. This reputation is now so generally established, that the plant has be- come a considerable article of commerce to vai'i- ous parts of the world, from our southern states, Tliis is a sufficient evidence, that the medicine has, to a certain extent, satisfied public expecta- tion, and obtained the sanction of practitioners. But beyond this, it is difficult to speak confident- ly on the subject. The Spigelia belongs to a class of medicines, which are frequently prescrib-
CAROLINA PINK ROOT. 145
ed, without positive proof of the existence of the cause whicli they are intended to remove ; wliich often fail altogether in the liands of the most suc- cessful practitioners ; which frequently succeed merely because they are backed with medicines of a more active class ; and whose apparent suc- cess is sometimes the consequence solely of a dis- eased state of the body.* Our plant is however entitled to trial, especially where it can be obtain- ed fresh, and in full strength. A physician of the southern states, for whose opinion I have much respect. Dr. Norcom of Edenton, N. C. inform- ed me some years since, that the Spigelia was
* From the list of equivocal anthelmintics, I would except those which have a cathartic operation, also a number of mineral origin. But I am fully persuaded, that many reputed vermifuges have en- joyed a reputation which they do not deserve. The Dolichos prur%eii& has received the commendations of practitioners and medical writers,, on the presumption that its spiculse exert the same stimulant effect on the bodies of worms in the alimentary canal, that they do on the nu- man skin externally. I was long ago inclined to doubt the power of these spiculse to withstand the digestive process of the stomach. My suspicions were confirmed upon finding that simple macera-^ tion in warm water for an ^lour, dissolves their virus, and renders them incapable of producing their usual stimulus of itching, [when applied to the skin. Some late experiments by my pupil, Dr. Chan- dler, have shewn that the gastric juice destroys tbeir activity in the same manner.
It is not necessary in this place to revert to the Fern root of Mad- ame Nouffer, and various other exploded anthelmintics of its kind.
146 SPIGELIA MARILANDICA.
most active when recently dried, and that its efficacy was always impaired hy keeping more than six months. Dr. Garden had previously made observations somewhat similar. If this be the case, we may account for its failures in the hands of those who obtain it at a distance when half a dozen years old.
Drs. Lining, Gai^den, and Chalmers of Caroli- na, are the writers who first introduced the Spi- gelia to notice, and who have spoken most une- quivocally in its praise. Each of these pliysi- cians has represented it as an anthelmintic of superior efficacy. It appears that under certain circumstances, it is capable of operating as a ca- thartic, and that m these instances, the most ad- vantage has been experienced from it. Dr. Gar- den says, that he had given it in hundreds of cases, and that he " never found it do much good except when it proved gently purgative." As the action of the Spigelia upon the bowels is quite uncertain, most practitioners either unite, or fol- low it with calomel or some purgative medicine.
We are told that tlie pink root, when in its most active state, if given in large quantities, indu- ces narcotic symptoms, such as stupor, headach, dilated pupil, ^c Dr. H. Thompson, who took larffc doses of the root to try its effect on himself.
CAROLINA PINK ROOT. 147
found that it produced an increased quickness of the pulse, drowsiness, flushing of the face and stiffness of the eyelids. Dr. Chahners attributes to its too free use the cases of two children, who died in convulsions. Dr. Macbridc informs us that its narcotic effects ai^e seldom or never at- tended with danger, and that some physicians consider them an evidence of the favorable opera- tion of the medicine. The opinion that this effect is owing to the root of some deleterious plant taken up with the Spigelia, seems to be void of foundation.
As in most other perennial plants, the root of the Spigelia jiossesses a greater share of activity than the herb. Of tliis root ten grains may be given in powder to a cliild four years old, twenty to one which is seven, and a drachm to an adult. If no inconvenience ensue, it may be repeated two or three times a day. If the infusion is prefer- red, an ounce of the root may be infused in a pint of water, and half the quantity taken by an adult or one or two spoonfuls by a child.
BOTAMCAL REFERENCES.
Spigelia MarilamUca, Linn. *S^. pi. — Curtis, Bot. Mag. t. 80. — WooDviLLE, ii. t. 105. — Walter, Flor, Car. 92. — Mi- cHArx, i. 147. — PuRSH, i. 139. — Elliott, i. 236.— Lonicera
148 SPIGELIA MARILANDICA.
spicis terminalibus, &c. Gronov. Virg, SO. — Periclymeni Vir- giniani flore coccineo planta Marilandica^ &c. Catesby, ii. U 78.
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
Chaxmers, on the weather and diseases of Soiith Carolina, i. 67. — Lining, Essays, phys. and lit, i. 436. Garden, ditto, iii. 145. — ^HoME, Clin, exper, 420. — Murray, ^pp. Med. i. 548— Macbride, in Elliott^s Car. 237. — Thompson, Inaug. Diss.
PLATE XIV.
Fig. 1. Spigelia Marilandica.
Fig. 2. The capsule with the reflected calyx.
Fig. 3. Cm'olla opened.
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ASARUM CANADENSE.
Canada Snake root. Wild ginger.
PLATE XV.
The properties of this mild aromatic have been so far misconceived, probably from its re- lation to an European species, that it would be improper in a work of this kind, to pass over it without notice of its real character. It affords a striking exception to the rule, that botanical affin- ities are capable of mdicating the medicinal qualities of vegetables. Tliis plant in its effect on the human system, is widely different from the European asarabacca, although it approaches it so nearly in its form, that Michaux st^ les it " vLx dis- tinctum ab Europseo."
The Asarum Canadense grows in old woods and mountainous tracts from Canada to Cai^olina. It is one of the humblest plants, presenting only two leaves with their stalks, which appear to con- stitute the whole of the plant above the ground.
150 ASARUM CANADENSE.
On plucking the plant, the two leaves are found connected below, with an obscure flower in their fork, wliich had rested on the surface of the ground, or been buried under the decayed leaves and soil. Its flowering time is from May to July.
Tliis plant, from the number of its stamens, is placed by Linnaeus and Michaux in the class Bodecandria. Pursh, who has omitted this class in his Flora, has transferred the Asarums to Gy- nandria, from the circumstance that the stamens are inserted on the germ. Tliis place however is not better suited to the Asarum, than to a multi- tude of other plants whose germ is inferior.
Linnseus' natural order for this plant is Sar- mentacece and J iissieii' s *,iristolochicv.
Generic character. Calya^^ three or four cleft, superior; corolla none; anthers growing to the middle of the filaments. Capsule coriaceous, crowned.
Specific chai'acter. Leaves ttvo, reniform ; calyx tvoolly, cleft to the base; its segments spreading at top.
The root of the Asarum is creeping, fleshy, and somewhat jointed. Leaves kidney shaped, pubescent on both sides, with long, round, hairy petioles. Flower solitary, growing from the fork of the stem, on a pendulous hairy peduncle. Ca-
WILD GINGER. 151
lyx very liairy or woolly, consisting of three broad, concave leafets, which are mostly of a brownish or dull purple on the inside at top and bottom, and terminated by a long, spreading, inflected point, with reflexed sides. The colour varies greatly according to the amount of light which the plant enjoys, being sometimes nearly green. Stamens twelve, inserted on the germ at a dis- tance from the calyx, the alternate ones longer. Anthers growing to the filaments below their ex- tremity. Near the divisions of the calyx are three short, curved, filamentary substances, which may perhaps be called nectaries. Germ inferior, somewhat hexagonal, marked at top inside with a dark red line ; style conical, striate, parted at top into six recurved, radiating stigmas.
The root of the Asarum has an agreeable aro- matic taste, which is intermediate between that of ginger and the aristolochia serpentaria. This quality has given it the names of JVild ginger and Snake root in different sections of the country. The name ColVsfoot is also applied to it.
The chemical trials, to which I have subjected the root, bring to view the following substances: — 1. A light coloured, pungent, volatile oil, possess- ing the characteristic taste and smell of the plant
in a high degree. 2. A resin, wliicli is of a red- 20
152 ASARUM CANADENSE.
dish colour and very bitter. These two constitu- ents communicate to alcohol the active properties of the plant. 3. Fcecula. 4. A gummy mucus. These exist in such quantities as to impede the filtration of the decoction. Astringency hardly exists in this root, as a gelatinous solution gave no evidence of tannin, and the sulphate of iron pro- duced a green colour hardly bordering on black. It has been asserted, and the statement copied from one book to another, that the Asarum Cana- dense is a powerful emetic. I presume that sub- sequent writers have taken their opinion from Cornutus, who, in his plants of Canada, informs us, that two spoonfuls of the juice of the leaves of the Asarum, (meaning the European plant, rather than the American,) are found to evacuate the stomach powerfully. I can hardly doubt, that if such an operation has really been produced from the Canadian species, it must have taken place in irritable stomachs, to whom two spoonfuls of any crude vegetable juice would have proved emetic. Having seen the root of this plant used in the country in considerable quantities as a sudorific, I was long since induced to doubt its emetic power. Subsequent experience has satis- fied me that the freshly powdered root, given to the extent of half a drachm, and probably in still
WILD GINGER. 153
larger quantity, excites no vomiting nor even nausea.
Still however the plant deserves not to he dis- carded from use. The aromatic flavour of the root is more agreeable than that of the aristolochia serpentaria, wliich article it seems to resemhle in its medicinal powers. Several country prac- titioners, who have employed it, have spoken to me favourably of its effect, as a warm stimulant and diaphoretic. As a substitute for ginger, in common domestic use, I know of no indigenous article which promises so fairly as this.
Alcohol is the proper solvent for the active properties of this plant. The tincture has a dark red colour, and a highly concentrated taste of the root.
BOTANICAL REFERENCES.
Asarum Canadense, Lm. Sp. pl.—Micuxvx, i. 279.— Pursh, ii. 596 — Asarum foliisreniformibus,mucronatis, binis, Geono- vius, 72.— Asaron Canadense, Cornutus, Canad. 24, t. 25.__ Asaron Americanum, Parkinson^, theatr. 266.
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
ScHOiPF, 72 — Bart. coll. 26, 48— Coxe, Disp. 368.
154 ASAllUM CANADENSE.
PLATE XV.
Fig. 1. Jlsarum Canadense.
Fig. £. The germ with the stamens and nedareoiisjilaments*
Fig. 3. J petal.
Fig. 4. .4 stamen a little magnified.
Fig. 5. Style and stigmas magnified.
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IRIS VERSICOLOR.
Blue Flag, or Flower de luce.
PLATE XVI.
JLn tlie Hortus Eltliamensis, published by John J. Dilleniiis in 1732, there are figures of two plants under the name of " Iris Americana versi- color," the one with an entire, the other with a crenate style. To one of these, the plant repre- sented in our plate apparently belongs. This plant however is so subject to vfiriation in the colour of its flowers, the crenatures and direction of its stigmas, ^c. tliat it has received from differ- ent botanists dissimilar names. The Linnaean characters of Iris versicolor and Virginica are hai'dly sufiicient to distinguish them from each other. Our plant is the Iris versicolor of Muh- lenburgh's catalogue, by his own declaration. In the character of its stem however, it agrees equally well with Iris virginica of Linn?eus and Michaux. It may be doubted whether the plant figured in
i5G IRIS VERSICOLOR.
tlie Botanical Magazine, t. 70S, is more than a va- riety of this species. The characters taken from the comparative length of the stem and leaves, of the inner petals and stigmas, and the direction of the stem and of the stigmas ; are all subject to variation. Michaux, Elliott and Pursh make the Virginica synonymous with Iris hexagona of Wal- ter, which seems permanently distinguished by the deep furrows in the angles of its capsule.
The Iris versicolor is found throughout the United States in the borders of swamps and in wet meadows, of which it forms a principal orna- ment in the month of June. No race of vegeta- bles can be better marked than tlie elegant genus to which this plant belongs. They are essential- ly distinguishetl by a corolla, parted into siijc seg- ments or petals, of which three are rejlecceil and three are erect. The stigmas resembling petals. The species in our plate has ensiform leaves, its stem acute on one side, its capsules ohlong, three sided, with obtuse angles.
Class Triandria, — Order Monogynia.—Natnr- al orders, Ensatw, Lin. Irides, Juss.
The root is fleshy, horizontal, sending down a multitude of fibres. Stem two or three feet highj round on one side, acute on the other, frequently branched, and bearing from two to six flowers »
BLUE FLAG. 157
Leaves sword shaped, striated, sheathing at base. Bractes heeoming scarious. Peduncles of various length, flattened on the inside. Germ three cor- nered, with flat sides and obtuse angles. Outer petals of the flower spatulate, beardless, the bor- der purple, the claw variegated with green, yel- low and white, and veined with purple. Inner petals erect, varying in shape from spatulate to lanceolate, usually paler than the outer, entire or emarginate. Style short, concealed; stigmas three, petal-form, purple or violet, resting on the outer petals, then- extremeties bifid, ci-enate, and more or less reflexed ; their lower lip short. Stamens concealed under the stigmas, with oblong-linear anthers. Capsule three celled, three valved ; when ripe, oblong, turgid, three sided, with round- ish angles. Seeds numerous, flat.
The young leaves of this and some other spe- cies of Iris, aftbrd an excellent view of the spiral filament, which lines the sap vessels of the leaf. If a leaf, which has just emerged from the ground, be carefully broken across, and the segments gradually di-awn asunder, these fine filaments will unroll themselves, and their spiral structure be- come'very obvious to the microscope.
The root of the Iris versicolor has a nauseous taste, and when swallowed or held in the moutb.
158 IRIS VERSICOLOR.
even in small quantities, it leaves behind a pow- erful sense of heat and acrimony in the fauces. Its most active chemical constituent appears to be a resin, which separates in the form of a white precipitate, when water is added to the alcoholic solution. The decoction suffers little or no change with alcohol, gelatin or salts of iron. Mu- riate of tin affects it slightly, the nitrate of mer- cury more abundantly. Its taste is much weaker than that of the tincture. Water distilled from tlie root has a highly nauseous taste and odour.
The root of the Iris versicolor given medicin- ally is an active cathartic. Mr. William Bartram, in his travels in Georgia and Florida, informs us, that on his arrival at Ottasse, an Indian town on the Tallapoose, he found the natives " fasting, tak- ing medicine, and praying, to avert a grevious ca- lamity of sickness which had lately afflicted them, and laid in the grave abundance of theii* citizens. The first seven or eight days, dming which time they eat or drink nothing, but a meagre gruel made of a little corn-flour and water ; taking at the same time, by way of medicine or physic, a strong decoction of the roots of the Iris versicolor, which is a powerful cathartic. They hold this root in high estimation, and every town cultivates a little plantation of it, having a large artificial
BLUE FLAG. 159
pond just without the town, planted and almost overgrown with it."
Having myself formerly made use of this root in dispensary practice, I can hear testimony to its efficacy as a medicine, though not altogether to its convenience. A small quantity of the re- cent root, or a few grains of the root newly dried, are generally certain and active in their operation on the bowels. They ai'e however apt to occasion a distressing nausea like sea sickness, with a pros- tration of strength of some hours' continuance ; so that I think the plant will not be like to come into favor as a cathartic, at least when better ones are at hand. The activity of tliis article is dimin- ished by age.
The stimulating properties of the Iris render it capable of exciting many of the secretions, as well as excretions. But I know of no purpose for which it seems better calculated, than that of a diuretic. The late Dr. Macbride of Cai'olina as- sured me, that he had found great benefit in drop- sical affections from a decoction of the roots of this plant in combination with those of Er} ngium yuc- cifolium. In consequence of his recommenda- tion, I administered the tincture of the Iris in small doses to several persons affected with ana- sarca and with hydi'othorax. It was evidently of 21
160 IRIS VERSICOLOR.
service to a majority of those who took it, for a cer- tain time. That it did not always cure the dis- ease, is a reproach which it must divide with diuret- ic remedies of much older celebrity.
The Iris gracilis, a species described in the Florula Bostoniensis, the Iris pseudacorus of Eu- rope, and several others of the genus, appear to possess properties very similar to those of the plant described.
BOTAISICAL REFERENCES.
Iris versicolor, Lin". Sjj. pi. — Dilxenius, Elth. t. 155.— Curtis, Bot. Mag. t. 21, a variety. — Pursh, i. 29.— Exliott, Car. i. 45. Waiter, Car. 67.
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
Bartram, travels, 454, Lond. edit. — Cutler, Mem. Jimer. Jicad. 405 — 6. — Macbride, 171 £Wio/f's Car, i. 45.
PLATE XVI.
Fig. 1. Iris versicolor.
Fig. 2. Style and stigmas with a stamen.
I'l.ATrn
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'r
HYOSCYAMUS NIGER
Heiihane.
FLATE XTT/.*
1 HERE is little doubt that the Hyoscyamiis of this country is an imported plant. It is yet rare in most parts of the country, and appears to be strictly limited to the bounds of cultivation. Its seeds are very tenacious of life, and will spring up under favourable circumstances, after having been dormant for a long time. Hence the plant occa- sionally appears in old grounds which have been newly disturbed, as in grave yards, old gardens and cellars. About ten years since, a drain, which intersects the common in Boston, was opened for the purpose of repairs. In the following season a distinct row of very luxuriant plants of Henbane covered the whole of this di*ain, although none of them had been observed to grow in the vicinity
* For the drawing which accompanies this article, I am indebted to Dr. S. Bass of Salem.
163 HYOSCYAMUS NIGER.
the preceding year. The seeds, which produced these plants, had probably been bui*ied for more than fifteen years.
This species, together with others of its genus, was well known to the ancients under the same name which it now bears. Its medicinal and deleterious properties were also understood by them.
In modern arrangements the Hyoscyamus in common with Datura, Atropa and Other injurious vegetables of its kindred, is found in the class and order Pentandria Monogynia, and the natural or- der Luridce. Its Jussieuean order is Solanew.
In this genus the corolla is funnel shaped and obtuse^ the stamens inclined, the capsule two celled and covered with a lid.
The present species has the lower leaves sinu- ated and clasping, and thejiowers sessile. It is biennial and flowers in June and July.
The whole herb has a glaucous or sea green colour, is hauy and viscid, and emits a rank, offen- sive smell. The stalk is one or two feet liigh, round, branching and rigid. The first leaves spread upon the ground, and have some re- semblance to a young thistle. They are large, oblong, frequently contorted, clasping, cut into
HENBANE. 163
acute lobes, and pointed ; the upper ones general- ly entire.
The flowers form a revolute, one sided spike at the end of the stem or branch, leaving, as they fall off, a straight row of capsules. The calyx has five short acute segments. The corolla is funnel shaped, irregular, with five spreading, obtuse seg- ments, of a pale yellow or straw colour, with a beautiful net work of pm'ple veins. Stamens in- serted in the tube of the corolla, with large oblong anthers. Style slender, longer than the stamens, declined, with an obtuse stigma. Capsule two celled, roundish, covered with a lid, and invested with the persistent calyx, the segments of which extend beyond the calyx, and become rigid and prickly. The seeds ai*e numerous, small, unequal, brownish, and are discharged by the horizontal separation of the lid.
From such chemical experiments as I have made with the dried leaves of the Hyoscyamus, I am inclined to believe, that then* chief soluble portion is a variety of extractive matter. The watery and alcoliolic solutions do not disturb each other, and the usual tests of tannin produce in- considerable, or no alteration in either. Of vari- ous metallic salts which affected the solutions, the
164 HVOSCYAMUS NIGER.
nitrate of mercury gave the largest precipitate in my experiments.
The Hyoscyamus has long heen known as a narcotic poison. This character it uniformly ex- erts ill regard to mankind, altliough many brute animals are exempt from its influence.* Diosco- rides speaks of it as producing drowsiness and de- lu^um.
* Horses, goats, sheep and swine are said to eat it without inju- ry. Brute animals arc frequently less susceptible of the influence of poisons than mankind. In the experiments which have been made on them to test the effect of doubtful medicines, the positive evidences of activity which they furnish, are in general more to be depended on, than the negative That is, if an animal suffers from the action of any substance, a man would be like to suffer somewhat in the same way. Yet if the animal escapes with impunity, it does not fol- low that the man would be equally fortunate. There is scarcely any narcotic plant which is not devoured by some species of quadruped. Professor Pallas has stated, that the hedgehog can devour Cantharides by hundreds without inconvenience, whereas one of these insects may occasion serious trouble to a man. The following case happened un- der my own observation. A large eagle, (Falco ossifragus,J intend- ed for a cabinet of natural history, was subjected to a variety of ex- periments, with a view to destroy him without injuring his plumage. A number of mineral poisons were successively given him without effect, even in large doses. At length a drachm of corrosive subli- mate of mercury was inclosed in a small fish and given him to eat. After swallowing the whole of this, he continued, to appearance, per- Icctly well and free from inconvenience. The next day an equal quantity of arsenic was given him without any better success. So that in the end, the refractoiy bird was obliged to be put to death by mechanical means.
HENBANE. 165
The instances recorded of deleterious conse- quences, ensuing from tlie Hyoscyamus incau- tiously taken, are exceedingly numerous. In a number of cases the roots have been introduced by mistake among culinary vegetables, and have occasioned alarming symptoms in whole families at once. In a case cited by Wepfer, the monks of a whole monastery, in consequence of some roots being boiled among those of chicory with their food, were seized with raving deHrium, ac- companied by intense thirst, impaired vision and other violent affections. Dr. Patouillat has re- corded in the Philosophical Transactions, vol. 40, the case of nine persons, who were affected with loss of speech, convulsions, and at length with vi- olent delirium. These symptoms subsided on the subsequent day, when it was found that some roots of Henbane had been dug up in the garden the preceding day by mistake for parsnips, and boiled in the soup on which the family had dined. Sir Hans Sloanc, in the same Transactions for 1733, has given an instance of effects equally dan- gerous, occurring in some children who ate the capsules of this plant, supposing them to be fil- berds. Even the odour of this noxious vegetable seems capable of exciting its characteristic ef- fects. In a case cited by Murray from the
166 HYOSCYAMUS NIGER.
Gazette de Smite of 1773 — 4, some servants who slept in a barn, where the Henbane had been scattered for a defense against rats, awoke with head-ach, dizziness and vomiting.
In instances where death has ensued from swallowing this plant, the stomach has been found to exhibit marks of inflammation, and dark or gangrenous spots.
The principal use which is made of Hyoscya- Tnus in medicine, is as a substitute for opium, in cases where that article disagrees with the pa- tient, or is contraindicated by particular symp- toms. It appears to be free from the constipat- ing qualities of opium, and in some instances it is found to fulfil the indications which call for an anodyne and soporific remarkably well. Among medical writers who have spoken favourably of its operation are Dr. Whytt, who employed it in va- rious nervous diseases, and Mr. Burns, author of different obstetric works, by whom it is recom- mended as preferable to opium in certain puer- peral complaints. Mr. Benjamin Bell states, that he found great advantage from its use in trouble- some cases of chordee, after opium had failed to give relief.
It must be acknowledged however, that Hyos- cyamus is far less uniform and equal in its opera-
HENBANE. 167
tion than opium, and that although in some con- stitutions it mitigates pain, quiets irritation, and procures sleep ; yet in others it produces un- pleasant nausea, confusion of ideas, head-ach, and sleep which is laborious and un refreshing. It is rather a secondary medicine, to he resorted to af- ter the failure of opium, than one which we may confidently apply to at first, with reliance on its anodyne eifects.
The Henhane was found efficacious in the dis- ease of colica pictorum by StoU and several others. Its external application in the form of a cata- plasm of the bruised leaves has given relief in va- rious tumors and painful affections.
For internal use the extract should be prepar- ed in the same way as that of stramonium. From one to three grains of this extract is a suitable commencing dose, which may be gradually in- creased until its effects are perceived.
BOTANICAL REFERENCES.
Hyoscyamus niger, Lixjf. Sp. pi. — Woodville, i. t. 52. — Smith, Engl. BoU t. 591.— -Pursh, i. 141.-— Hyoscyamus flavus, FucHsius, Hist. 791. — Hyoscyamus vulgaris, Bauhin, J. iii. 627.
MEDICAL REFERENCES.
Stoll, ratio med. iii. 13, 423. — Cullen, Mat. Med, ii. 271. FoTHEKGiLi, Med. Soc. Loud. i. 310.— Home, clinical exfts^
9«).
168 HYOSCYAMUS NIGER.
197. — Withering, Med. Comment. Dec. II, vi. 367. — King- XAKE, Lond. Med. and Fhys. Journal, v. 438. — Bkown, dittOf iii. 406. — Murray, .ipp, Med. i. 655, &c. &c.
PLATE XVII.
Fig. 1. Hyoscyamus niger.
Fig. £. Corolla laid open.
Fig. 3. Calyx.
Fig. 4. Calyx of the fruit laid open to shew the capsule within if.
V. JTl in.
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S0LANU3I DULCAMARA.
Bitter sweet,
PLATE xnii.
fV HETHER the plant represented in our plate is originally of American growth, or has been in- troduced since the discovery of this continent, it is now difficult to say. It is certainly a hardy vegetable, and although its natural soil is at the water side, yet it easily becomes habituated to shady, fertile ground of almost any elevation. The most luxuriant specimens are found about brooks and ditches and in sheltered situations, where the roots have free access to water. In these places the stalks frequently extend some way on the surface, sending down a multitude of radicles into the mud below. When the plant grows in higher ground and more exposed to the light, its growth is restricted, and the flowers are less bril- liant in colour.
170 SOLANUM DULCAMARA.
The names of Bitter sweet and Woody nights shade are the most frequent English appellations of this vegetable. The former of these is also ap- plied to the Celastrus scandens, a very different plant. The frequent changes which always take place in the application of vulgar names, renders a reliance on them unsafe, and indeed makes it useless to collect or preserve more than a few of the principal ones.
The genus Solanum is remarkable for the great variety and almost opposite character which takes place among its species. The common Po- tatoe, the Egg plant, the Tomato, the Jerusalem cherry, and the Black nightshade, are all species of this multiform genus. The common character wliich binds them together, consists in a rotate corolla ; the anthers cohering, with a douhle open- ing at top ; the berry two celled. The species Dulcamara is distinguished from others by its stem, which is shrubby ; unarmed and jiexuous ; its leaves auriculated ; and its panicles resembling cymes.
Class Pentandria, — Order Monogynia, — Natu- ral orders Luridce, Linn. Solanece, Juss.
The Bitter sweet is entitled to the character of a vine rather than shrub. The stem is woody, slender, climbing in large plants to the height of
BITTER SWEET. 171
five or six feet. Leaves petioled, ovate, acute, en- tire, furnished at the base with two appendages, which give them somewhat of a hastate form. The lower and upper leaves are frequently without these appendages. The flowers form a loose, nod- ding cluster or panicle, shaped like a cyme, and taking its origin opposite to a leaf. Calyx of five short, purplish, persistent segments. Corolla ro- tate, becoming reflexed as it grows old, divided in- to five acute segments, which are purple, and mai-ked with two whitish dots at the base of each. The filaments are much shorter than the anthers, and inserted in the short tube of the corolla. An- thers yellow, erect, cohering, so as to form a con- ical tube ai'ound the style. Germ oval ; style longer than the stamens ; stigma simple. The berries are oval, of a bright scarlet colour, and continue to hang in bunches after the leaves have fallen.
The taste and smell of the Dulcamara are less nauseous than those of many other species of So- lanum. Water seems a perfect solvent for its most sensible constituents. The chief soluble portion seems to be a kind of mucous extractive, which is taken up by both water and alcoliol, though most by the former. The nitrate of mer- cury and muriate of tin, gave precipitates from
17S SOLANUM DULCAMARA.
both, though most from the water. The chemic- al evidences of astringency were very slight.
From the experiments of Hartmann and Kuhn, cited by Murray, we may infer that water is a better solvent for this plant than alcohol. An ounce of the twigs or stalks treated with alcohol afforded two drachms and two scruples of extract. The same quantity treated with water gave tliree drachms and thirty five grains.
The Solanum dulcamarf^ has formerly receiv- ed the commendations of many authors, some of whose names ai*e of high authority in medicine. The diseases in which it has acquu^ed confidence, are chronic rheumatism, gout, secondary syphilis, incipient phtliisis, asthma, jaundice. But what- ever may be its efficacy in these complaints, it has in modern practice given place to more active medicines. Its most permanent and merited rep- utation at the present day, is derived from its ap- plication to external complaints, and particularly to cutaneous diseases. In dissertations upon the properties of this plant by Linnaeus and by Car- rere, its use is highly commended in herpes, in scabies, and in some of the secondary forms of syphilis. Professor Murray has added his own testimony to that of these writers, and speaks de-
BITTER SWEET. 473
cisively of his success with it in cutaneous diseas- es of an inveterate chai'acter.
In the more recent and splendid works of Willan and Bateman on Diseases of tlie Skin, we find some important testimony of the efiicacy of the Dulcamara in cutaneous affections. The former of these authors has inserted in his work a letter of Dr. Crichton, physician to the West- minster hospital, who had employed the article for a considerable number of years. This gen- tleman states, that out of twenty three cases of Lepra Grsecorum, in wliich he had used it, two only had resisted its action. He does not assert that it is equally efiicacious in other cutaneous diseases, although it had appeared to him to do good in psoriasis and pityriasis. His mode of employing it was as follows :
Take of stalks of Dulcamara, one ounce ; wa- ter, a pound and a half; boil to a pound, and strain when cold.
Of tliis decoction the patient took two ounces at first, morning, noon and night, but the quan- tity was afterwai'ds increased, until it amounted to a pint per day. At the same time the skin was ordered to be washed with a stronger decoction, which proved an auxiliary to the cure. Dr. Crichton found that in delicate people and hyster-
174 SOLANUM DULCAMARA.
ical women, it often produced syncope and slight palpitation of the heart, now and then nausea and giddiness. But if the dose was diminished, or any aromatic tincture added, it ceased to produce uneasy symptoms. The good effects of the rem- edy were seldom perceived until after the first eight days.
Dr. Bateman considers, that " one of the most effectual remedies for lepra under all its vai4eties is the decoction of the leaves and twigs of the So- lanum dulcamara." He administers it in the same way with that just described. "When," says he, " there is a degree of torpor in the super- ficial vessels, the same decoction made with a lai'ger proportion of the shi'ub, is advantageously employed as a lotion ; but if there is any inflam- matory disposition, this and every other external stimulus must be prohibited."
I have employed the Bitter sweet, both in sub- stance and in decoction in a number of cutaneous affections. It appears to be a valuable auxiliary to mercury in the treatment of syphilitic erup- tions. I have also known herpetic eruptions to yield to its internal and external use. The Amer- ican plant however, when gathered in full vigour, does not set easily on the stomach in large doses. I have known vomiting produced by a few grains
BITTER SWEET. 175
of the powdered