Ilex cassine, the aboriginal North American tea /

Chapter 3: PREFACE.

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About This Book

The bulletin examines a coastal holly species whose leaves and twigs were traditionally brewed by southeastern Indigenous peoples into a stimulant decoction used in ritual and social contexts. It summarizes botanical characteristics and geographic range, surveys historical and ethnographic accounts of preparation, ceremonial use, and cultural significance, and discusses chemical analyses indicating a caffeine-like alkaloid. Comparative notes relate this American beverage to tea and maté, and the author compiles prior references, distributional records, and botanical taxonomy while suggesting the plant's possible economic value and encouraging further investigation into related species and their constituents.

PREFACE.

Several years ago, when reading that delightful narrative, by the younger Bartram, relating to his travels in Florida, I was much interested in his mention of the Ilex cassine, and the decoction made from it, called the “black drink,” in use among the Creeks and other aborigines of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. My curiosity led me to investigate the subject, and I was surprised to find so little written about it. I have consulted all the works in which there are any allusions to the Ilex cassine, and the results of this research are embodied in this bulletin.

I must acknowledge the kind assistance and encouragement of many eminent men; among whom are Dr. George Vasey, Dr. A. W. Chapman, Albert S. Gatschet, Dr. Daniel G. Brinton, Horatio Hale, and Prof. F. P. Venable.

I hope this imperfect paper may stimulate others to further investigations of this indigenous analogue of tea and coffee.

Edwin M. Hale, M. D.

No. 2200 Prairie Avenue, Chicago, Ill.