Qualities. The dried root is inodorous, but upon being chewed, it soon produces a pungent and peculiar sensation. Solubility. Alcohol, æther, and boiling water extract its virtues. Chemical Composition. M. Gautier has lately shewn that the peculiar pungency of the root depends on a fixed oil, which resides in vesicles in the bark. Med. Uses. As a sialagogue, especially in cases of tooth-ache, and in paralysis of the tongue and muscles of the throat. (Form. 143.) It also constitutes the basis of a very valuable gargle, in use at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, for relaxation of the uvula and soft palate, as well as in certain cases of deafness depending upon an enlarged state of the tonsils. It is made by boiling ℥ss of the bruised root in oj of distilled water, until the fluid is reduced to one half; to which, when strained and cold, fʒij of Liquor Ammoniæ are to be added.

Although this plant has not yet found its way into the materia medica of the Pharmacopœia, its credited virtues entitle it to some notice in the present work. It was first brought into repute in this country by Dr. Somerville (Med: Chirug: Trans: Vol. 5). It is bitter, and consists of Resin, gum-resin, tannin, and bitter extractive. Alcohol and proof spirit are its best menstrua, but the watery infusion appears to contain all the virtues of the plant. Med. Uses. It is said to be diuretic, tonic, and deobstruent; there is, however, no evidence to shew that it acts, specifically, on any other than the urinary organs. Dr. Ives, in the American edition of the present work, says, that as a diuretic medicine it has unquestionable merit, and that it will frequently mitigate symptoms of gravel, and strangury proceeding from other causes; he does not, however, agree with Dr. Barton, in considering it Antilithic. He has also given it, alternately with the Uva Ursi, in hæmaturia; the effects of severe and long continued gonorrhœal inflammation, with the most obvious benefit, and he considers it very analogous in its operation to the Uva Ursi. In some instances it has appeared to afford great relief in chronic cutaneous diseases. Further observation is necessary to define the mode and extent of its medicinal operation, but there is no hazard in saying that it is a medicine possessing considerable activity. Dr. Barton observes that this plant, like Uva Ursi, occasionally imparts a black tinge to the urine. Dose ʒi to ʒij of the tincture; f℥ij to f℥iv of the infusion, prepared by pouring a pint of boiling water upon ℥j of the stalks and leaves.

This wood owes all its properties to a peculiar bitter principle, which has been examined by Dr. Thomson and named Quassin; it is solid, slightly transparent, and of a yellowish-brown colour. (See Infusum Quassiæ.) It is said to owe its name to a West Indian negro, called Quassi, who first used it in fevers.

Qualities. Odour, none; taste, rough and astringent. Chemical Composition. We are indebted to Sir H. Davy for a knowledge of this subject; he found that an ounce of the inner cortical part of young oak bark afforded by lixivation 111 grains of solid matter, of which 77 were tannin; and the cellular integument, or middle-coloured part, only yielded 43 grains of solid matter, of which 19 were tannin; and the epidermis furnished scarcely any quantity of tannin or extractive; hence the bark should be selected from the smaller branches of the oak where the epidermis is still thin. Experience has, moreover, shewn that the quantity of tannin varies considerably, not only according to the age and size of the trees, but according to the season at which they are barked; thus, the bark cut in spring contains, according to Beguin,^[620] four times more of the astringent principle, than that which is obtained in winter. Med. Uses. All its properties depend upon the presence of tannin, it is therefore only valuable as a powerful astringent; it is accordingly employed to check inordinate discharges, see Decoctum Quercus. Oak bark is sometimes administered in the form of powder, combined with ginger and other aromatics, and bitters, for the cure of intermittents, and it has frequently succeeded, but see page 167. Dose, ℈j to ʒss. In the form of poultice this powder is said to have proved highly useful to gangrenous sores. Its inhalation has also been supposed to prove beneficial in consumption; a striking case is related by Dr. Eberle of a man who had laboured under the usual symptoms of confirmed Phthisis, and who, at the time he went to grind in a bark-mill, was extremely weak and emaciated; in a short time, however, the cough, night sweats, and other hectic symptoms, began to abate sensibly, and in less than three months he was perfectly restored to health.

Two varieties of this root are known in the shops, viz. Turkey or Russian, and East Indian or Chinese.

Qualities. Form, small round pieces, rather compact and heavy, perforated in the middle; Colour, lively yellow with streaks of white; it is easily pulverized, affording a powder of a bright buff-yellow colour. Chemical Composition. Gum, resin, extractive, tannin, gallic acid, and a peculiar colouring matter, with traces of alumina and silex; the white or flesh-coloured streaks pervading its substance, consist of sulphate and oxalate of lime: according to the experiments of Mr. John Henderson, there is besides a peculiar vegetable acid, to which he has given the name of Rheumic acid, but M. de Lassaignes has satisfactorily proved that this is no other than the oxalic acid: the purgative powers of the root appear to be intimately connected with its extractive and resinous elements, but the subject is still involved in considerable obscurity. Solubility. Water at 212° takes up 24 parts in 60, see Infusum Rhei: by decoction, its purgative qualities are lost, and it becomes more bitter and astringent; alcohol extracts 2·7 from 10 parts, (see Tinct. Rhei.) Med. Uses. In this substance, Nature presents us with a singular and most important combination of medicinal powers, that of an astringent, with a cathartic property; the former of which never opposes or interferes with the energy of the latter, since it only takes effect when the substance is administered in small doses, or if given in larger ones, not until it has ceased to operate as a cathartic; this latter circumstance renders it particularly eligible in cases of diarrhœa, as it evacuates the offending matter before it operates as an astringent upon the bowels. It seems to act more immediately upon the stomach and small intestines, and therefore in relaxed and debilitated states of these organs, it will prove an easy and valuable resource; it may, for such an object, be exhibited in conjunction with alkalies, bitters, and other tonics. Its cathartic property is most efficient when given in substance. It was formerly supposed that by toasting rhubarb we increased its astringency, but this process merely diminishes its purgative force, so that a larger dose may be taken. The colouring matter of rhubarb may be detected in the urine of persons to whom it has been exhibited; it does not however appear to possess any specific powers as a diuretic. Dose, grs. vj to x as a tonic; ℈j to ʒss as a purgative; the operation of which is considerably quickened by the addition of neutral salts; the super-sulphate of potass forms also a very useful adjunct, and its acidulous taste completely covers that of the rhubarb. Form. 83, 85. Its powder, when sprinkled upon ulcers, is found to promote their healthy granulation. Off. Prep. Infus: Rhei. L.E. Vinum Rhei Palmati. E. Tinct. Rhei. L.E.D. Tinct. Rhei. comp. L. Tinct. Rhei cum Alöe. E. Tinct. Rhei cum Gentian. E. Pil. Rhei comp. E.

2. East Indian, or Chinese. (Rheum Undulatum?)^[622]

Qualities. Form, long pieces, sometimes flat, as if they had been compressed; they are heavier, harder, and more compact than those of the preceding species, and are seldom perforated with holes; Odour, stronger; Taste, more nauseous; white streaks less numerous, and they afford a powder of a redder shade than those of Turkey rhubarb. Chemical Composition. It differs from the Turkey in containing less tannin and resin, and according to the experiments of Mr. A. T. Thomson, less oxalate of lime, in the ratio of 18 to 26. It contains however more extractive and gallic acid. Solubility. Water takes up one half of its weight, but the infusion, although more turbid, is not so deep coloured as that of Russian rhubarb; alcohol extracts 4 parts in 10. It habitudes with acids, alkalies, and neutral salts, differ likewise from those of the Russian variety, as Mr. A. T. Thomson has exhibited in a very satisfactory manner. (London Dispensatory, Edit. 3, p. 474.) Adulterations. The inferior kinds of Russian, East Indian, and even English rhubarb, are artfully dressed up and sold under the name of Turkey rhubarb. I am well informed that a number of persons in this town, known in the trade by the name of Russifiers, gain a regular livelihood by the art of dressing this article, by boring, rasping, and then colouring the inferior kinds; for which they charge at the rate of eighteen-pence per pound. The general indications of good rhubarb are, its whitish or clear yellow colour, and its possessing the other characteristic properties as above mentioned; it ought also to possess in an eminent degree the peculiar odour, for when this is dissipated, the powers of the medicine are nearly destroyed. In the form of powder, rhubarb is always more or less mixed with foreign matter; the detection of which can be alone effected by a trial of its efficacy.

Qualities. Form, a viscid and colourless, or pale straw-coloured oil; it is nearly inodorous, but on being swallowed, excites a slight sensation of acrimony in the throat. It has all the chemical habitudes of the other expressed oils, except those which relate to its solubility in alcoholic and ethereal menstrua. Med. Uses. It is mildly cathartic, and is particularly eligible in cases where stimulating purgatives would prove hurtful, but in obstinate constipation, where copious evacuations are required, this oil cannot be trusted, it will insinuate itself through the intestinal canal, bringing with it a small portion of the more fluid contents, but leaving behind it the collection of indurated fæces. Forms of Exhibition. The most efficacious mode of administering it is by floating it upon tincture of senna, or peppermint water, or some other similar vehicle; it is also sometimes given with success in coffee or mutton broth, or suspended in water by the intervention of mucilage, yelk of egg (Form. 75,) or by honey, which at the same time contributes to its laxative operation: alkalies, although they form an emulsion with it, convert it into a saponaceous compound, and impair its cathartic force. Dose, f℥ss to f℥iss. Adulterations. It is usually adulterated with olive oil or poppy oil, and when to a considerable extent, scammony is added to quicken its operation. There is however a peculiarity in castor oil which serves to distinguish it from every other fixed oil, viz. its great solubility in rectified spirit; for instance, f℥iv of alcohol of ·820 will mix uniformly with any proportion of castor oil, whereas it will not dissolve more than fʒj of Linseed Oil; and a still less proportion of the expressed oils of almonds and of olives; when the spirit is diluted, its action on all these oils is equally diminished, so that common spirit of wine has but little power even over castor oil; but here chemistry again interposes its aid, for by the addition of camphor, in the proportion of one part to eight of spirit, spirit of ·840 is enabled to dissolve castor oil, whilst it has no influence upon the other fixed oils; castor oil is also soluble in any proportion, in sulphuric æther of the specific gravity ·7563, while four fluid-ounces of the same liquid will only dissolve a fluid-ounce and a quarter of the expressed oil of Almonds; a fluid-ounce and a half of that of Olives; and two fluid-ounces and a half of Linseed oil. Vogel introduced a composition as a substitute for this oil, which some practitioners have greatly extolled; it consisted of nine grains of the extract of Jalap, and three grains of Venetian soap, triturated in a mortar with an ounce and a half of Olive oil.

Qualities. Odour, heavy and disagreeable; Taste, bitter, hot, and acrimonious. Chem. Comp. Essential oil, which may be obtained by distillation with water; fixed oil, bitter extractive, and resin. Solubility. Both water and alcohol extract its active principles. Med. Uses. It possesses highly stimulating properties, and has been used as a diaphoretic, anthelmintic, and emmenagogue. Rave, a German writer of great respectability, speaks of its use in chronic rheumatism in the highest terms; Alibert commends its anthelmintic powers, but its reputation has principally rested upon its generally acknowledged influence over the uterus. The testimony of Dr. Home of Edinburgh is strong in favour of its emmenagogue powers, but the adverse opinion of Dr. Cullen brought it into disrepute. It occasions a manifest flow of blood to the uterus, but this is probably sympathetically produced by its direct action on the large intestines; for if given in large doses it occasions great heat in the primæ viæ, hæmorrhage, and inflammation of the bowels. It is therefore inadmissible in all cases which are attended with fever, or much vascular action. When amenorrhœa depends upon a relaxed state of the general system, or on an inactive and torpid condition of the uterine system, it may often be employed with advantage. Wedekind, a German writer, extols it in the treatment of that atonic or relaxed state of the uterus, attended with an unnatural secretion and soft swelling of the uterus, which is sometimes met with in women who have suffered much from repeated childbearing, and which is so generally attended with a train of hysteric disturbances. Dr. Eberle says that he has occasionally employed it in cases of Amenorrhœa, in females of a relaxed habit of body; and although sometimes without success, he has had sufficient evidence of its powers to establish its claim to attention. In several cases, similar to those above stated, I have employed the Savin with much success, but I have found it very liable to disturb the stomach, and to produce head-ache. Forms of Exhibition. Some practitioners have recommended that of powder, but it is almost impossible to pulverize it without previously drying it at a temperature which will dissipate the essential oil, upon which its activity depends. The tincture affords a more convenient form, and a compound tincture formerly occupied a place in the Pharmacopœia, but has been abandoned. A decoction of an ounce of the leaves to a pint of water, with the addition of syrup, has been also recommended; an infusion, however, would be preferable. Dose, of the powdered leaves from grs. v to x; of the tincture fʒj; of the decoction f℥ss to f℥j. As an external local stimulant, or escharotic, the dried leaves in powder are applied to warts, flabby ulcers, and carious bones; and the expressed juice diluted, or an infusion of the leaves, as a lotion to gangrenous sores, scabies, and tinea capitis; or mixed with lard and wax as an issue ointment. The German writers speak very highly of its effects as a poultice to old and obstinate sores. Officinal Prep. Oleum Volatile Juniperi Sabinæ. E.D. (the dose of which is from one to three minims.) Extractum Sabinæ. D. (a very inert preparation.) Ceratum Sabinæ. L.

The experiments of Orfila have shewn that Savine exerts a local action, but that its effects depend principally on its absorption; through which medium it acts on the nervous system, the rectum, and the stomach. It still enjoys amongst the vulgar the reputation of being capable of producing absorption.

Sugar, as a pharmaceutical agent, is employed for accelerating the pulverization of various resinous substances, and when exhibited with the most acrid of them, it prevents their adhesion to the coats of the intestines, by which they might irritate and inflame them; it is also extensively used on account of its power in preserving animal^[626] and vegetable substances. (See Conservæ.) Milk boiled with fine sugar will keep for a great length of time, and might be very conveniently employed during a long voyage. Dr. Darwin also observes that fresh meat cut into thin slices, either raw or boiled, might be preserved in coarse sugar or treacle, and would furnish a very salutary and nourishing diet to our sailors. Sugar exerts also some chemical affinities which are highly interesting to the pharmaceutic chemist. Vogel has published a paper to shew, that when sugar is boiled with various metallic oxides, and with different metalline salts, it has the property of decomposing them; sometimes reducing the oxide to the state of a metal, and at others depriving the oxide only of one of the proportionals of oxygen; thus sulphate of copper and nitrate of mercury are precipitated in a metallic form, whilst peroxide of mercury and acetate of copper are converted into protoxides; corrosive sublimate is changed into calomel, but calomel is not susceptible of any further decomposition. All those metallic salts which have the power of decomposing water are not affected by sugar, as those of iron, zinc, tin, and manganese. It appears, moreover, that sugar has the property of rendering some of the Earths soluble in water. Sugar in water, at the temperature of 50°, is capable of dissolving one half of its weight of lime; the solution thus produced is of a beautiful white-wine colour, and has the smell of fresh-slacked quick-lime. It is precipitated from the solution by the carbonic, citric, tartaric, sulphuric, and oxalic acids; and it is decomposed, by double affinity, by caustic and carbonated potass and soda, and by the citrate, tartrate, and oxalate of potass, &c. The union of sugar with the alkalies has been long known, and in the decomposition of the solution of lime in sugar by the salts above mentioned, the acid unites with the lime, and the alkaline base forms a compound with the sugar.

Chemical Composition. Oil 60·94, soda 8·56, water 30·50; the water is partially dissipated by being kept, and the soap therefore becomes lighter. Muriate of Soda is also an essential ingredient^[627] of hard soap. Solubility. Water dissolves about one-third of its weight of genuine soap, and forms a milky solution; alcohol also dissolves it, and affords a solution nearly transparent, although somewhat gelatinous.^[628] Incompatible Substances. 1. All acids and acidulous salts, which combine with the alkali, and develope the oil. 2. Earthy salts, e. g. Alum; muriate and sulphate of lime; sulphate of magnesia. 3. Metallic salts. Nitrate of silver; ammoniated copper; tincture of muriated iron; ammoniated iron; acetate, sub-muriate, and oxy-muriate of mercury; sub-acetate of lead;^[629] tartarized iron; tartarized antimony; sulphate of zinc, copper and iron. 4. All astringent vegetables. 5. Hard water. Medicinal Uses. In large doses it is purgative; in smaller ones, it is decomposed in transitu, and its alkali is carried to the kidneys; in this way it may act as a lithonthriptic; or it may produce its effects by correcting any acidity which may prevail in the primæ viæ, for the weakest acid is capable of decomposing soap, and of uniting with its alkaline base; a solution of soap in lime water was long regarded as one of the strongest solvents of urinary calculi that could be administered with safety, but the result of such a mixture is an insoluble soap of lime, and a solution of soda; in habitual constipation, and in biliary obstructions, it is frequently prescribed in conjunction with rhubarb, or some bitter; in which cases it can only act as a laxative, or as a chemical agent, in increasing the solubility of the substance with which it is united. It has been also given in solution as an antidote to metallic poisons, and it is often successfully injected as a clyster, in unrelenting and habitual costiveness; as an external application, it is used in the form of liniment, (see Linimenta.) Its pharmaceutical value, in forming pill-masses, has already been considered (page 196), and the following formulæ afford examples of such an application, viz. 14, 80, 105, 118, 165. Officinal Preparations. Pil. Saponis cum Opio. L. (L). Pil. Scillæ comp. L. (M). Pil. Aloet. E. (L). Pil. Aloes et Assafœtidæ. E. (I). Pil. Aloes cum Zinzib. D. (L). Pil. Colocynth. comp. D. (L). Emplast. Saponis. L.E. Ceratum Saponis. L. Liniment. Saponis. comp. L. Liniment. Saponis cum Opio. L. Adulterations. Pulverized Lime, Gypsum, or Pipe clay, are sometimes added; but the fraud is easily detected by solution in alcohol, when the earthy matters fall down.

Qualities. Odour, fragrant; Taste, sweet and aromatic. Chemical Composition. The qualities of this plant depend upon an essential oil and resin. Solubility. Its active parts are soluble in water and alcohol. Med. Uses. It is said to be diaphoretic, and diuretic; and has been employed in cases of scurvy, rheumatism, and in various cutaneous affections; it also formerly enjoyed the reputation of being an antisyphilitic remedy. Its powers are very questionable. Officinal Prep. Oleum Sassafras. L.E.D. Decoct: Sarsaparillæ comp. L.D. Decoct: Guaiae: L.E.D. Aqua Calcis comp: D.^[630]

Qualities. Form, blackish-grey cakes; Taste, bitter and sub-acrid; Odour, heavy and peculiar; when rubbed with water, the surface lathers or lactifies. Specific gravity 1·235. Chemical Composition. Resin is the principal constituent; 16 parts of good Aleppo Scammony yield 11 parts of resin, and 3½ of watery extract. That from Smyrna contains not more than half the quantity of resin, but more extractive, and gum. Solubility. Water, by trituration, takes up one-fourth, alcohol two-thirds, and proof spirit dissolves all, except the impurities. Incompatible Substances. Neither acids, metallic salts, nor ammonia, produce any change in its solutions, but the fixed alkalies occasion yellow precipitates; and yet they do not appear to be medicinally incompatible with it; thus Gaubius, “Scammoneum acidi commixtio^[631] reddit inertius; alcali fixum, contra, adjuvat.” The mineral acids appear to destroy a part of the substance, without in the least altering the rest. The discrepancy which exists in authors respecting the power of this drug, seems to have arisen from its operation being liable to uncertainty, in consequence of peculiar states of the alimentary canal; for instance, where the intestines are lined with an excess of mucus, it passes through without producing any action, but where the natural mucus is deficient, a small dose of scammony may irritate and even inflame the bowels. In this latter case, my practice has been to administer the purgative in a mucilaginous draught, or emulsion. Med. Uses. It is an efficacious and powerful cathartic, very eligible in worm cases, and in the disordered state of the bowels which so commonly occurs in children. Dose, grs. iij to xv, in the form of powders triturated with sulphate of potass, sugar, or almonds; when given alone, it is apt to irritate the fauces; it may be also administered as a solution, effected by triturating it with a strong decoction of liquorice, and straining. (Form. 78, 83.) Officinal Preparations. Confect: Scammon: L.D. Pulv: Scammon: co. L.E. Extract: Colocynth: co. L. (F) Pulv. Sennæ, co. L.^[632] (F) Adulterations. Two kinds of Scammony are imported into this country, that from Aleppo, which is the best; and that from Smyrna, which is more compact and ponderous, but less pure: it is commonly mixed with the expressed juice of the cynanchum monspeliacum; it is also sophisticated with flour, sand, and ashes; their presence may be detected by dissolving the sample in proof spirit, when the impurities will sink, and remain undissolved; carbonate of lime is moreover frequently added to Scammony, in which case the sample will effervesce in acids: there is however a compound bearing the name of Scammony, to be met with in the market, which is altogether factitious, consisting of jalap, senna, manna, gamboge, and ivory black. Good Scammony ought to be friable, and when wetted with the finger, it should lactify, or become milky: and the powder should manifest its characteristic odour, which has been compared to that of old ewe milk cheese.

Qualities. Odour, none; Taste, bitter, nauseous, and acrid; when much handled, it inflames, and ulcerates the skin. By drying, the bulb loses about four-fifths of its weight, and with very little diminution of its powers, provided that too great a heat has not been applied. Chemical Composition. According to Vogel, gum 6—tannin 24—sugar 6—bitter principle (Scillitin, which is white, transparent, and breaks with a resinous fracture) 35—woody fibre 30. Solubility. Squill gives out its virtues so perfectly to any of the ordinary menstrua, as to render the form of its exhibition, in that respect, a matter of indifference. Incompatible Substances. Alkalies diminish their acrimony and bitterness, and are probably medicinally inconsistent with their diuretic qualities, but farther experiments are required to decide this question: vegetable acids produce no effect upon their sensible qualities, but are said to increase their expectorant power. Med. Uses. According to the dose, and circumstances under which it is administered, it proves expectorant, diuretic, emetic, or purgative; as an expectorant, it can never be employed where pulmonary inflammation exists, for in such cases, instead of promoting, it will check any excretion from the lungs; its combination with a diaphoretic will frequently increase its powers, and generally be a measure of judicious caution. See Form, 133, 134, 135, 139. For the philosophy of its action, the reader must refer to the classification of Expectorants, page 102. As a diuretic, it seems to act by absorption, and we accordingly find, on the authority of Dr. Cullen, that when the squill operates strongly on the stomach and intestines, its diuretic effects are less likely to happen; he therefore found that by accompanying it with an opiate, (Form. 100) the emetic and purgative operation may be avoided, and the squill be thereby carried more entirely to the kidneys. Experience, moreover, has taught us the value of combining this medicine with some mercurial preparation, by which its diuretic powers are very considerably augmented; and it has been farther stated, that such a combination is particularly efficacious in Hydrothorax, especially when it produces inflammation of the gums, and of the glands about the throat, by which action it is supposed to cause a derivation from the exhalants of the pleura, and thereby to diminish the dropsical effusion. (Form: 102, 103, 106, 107, 109, 112, 115,) but we must take care that the remedy does not occasion purging. In the exhibition of squill, it has been often delivered as a rule, to give it to the extent necessary to induce nausea, as affording a test of the medicine being in a state of activity; such a state of the system, moreover, may assist the absorption of the remedy. Dr. Home, in opposition to the opinion of Cullen, maintained that the powers of Squill as a diuretic, were increased by combining it with bodies capable of promoting its full emetic operation: after what has been observed, however, it is unnecessary to dwell upon the mischievious tendency of such a practice. By referring to our tabular arrangement of Diuretics, page 102, the reader will find that I consider its action upon the urinary organs to depend upon its bitter principle (Scillitin) being developed, and carried, by the medium of the circulation, to the secreting vessels of the kidneys, which it thus stimulates by actual contact. As an emetic, it has been advised in solution, in cases of hooping cough, but its extreme uncertainty renders it unfit for exhibition, unless as an adjunct to emetic combinations, as in Form: 65. Plenck makes mention of a child which had convulsions in consequence of taking some Squill. Dose. Of the dried root gr.; to iv. Officinal Preparations. Acetum Scillæ. L.E.D. Pil: Scill: comp: L.E.D. Pulv: Scill: E.D. Syrup. Scill: maritim: E. Tinct: Scill: L.D.

[Various opinions have been entertained in relation to the nature of Ergot. The most probable is that it is a parasitic fungus, attached to several species of the gramina, but more especially to the rye. It is generally found most abundant in moist situations and in wet seasons. Its taste, at first scarcely perceptible, becomes shortly disagreeable and sub-acrid. By the analysis of Vauquelin, the ergot has been ascertained to contain, 1. A fawn-yellow colouring matter, soluble in alcohol, and having a taste resembling that of fish oil. 2. A white oily matter, of a sweetish taste, which appears to be very abundant. 3. A violet colouring principle, of the same shade as that of orchil, but differing from it by its solubility in alcohol, and which can be readily fixed on aluminated wool and silk. 4. A free acid, supposed to be partly phosphoric. 5. A very abundant vegeto-animal substance, much disposed to putrefaction, and which furnishes a considerable quantity of thick oil and of ammonia by distillation. 6. A small quantity of free ammonia, which can be obtained at the temperature of boiling water. As a medicinal substance, ergot exerts a specific effect upon the uterus, and is very generally used in this country for the purpose of facilitating the process of parturition. From the powerful effects produced by the ergot, it is obvious that it should be used with much caution. Dr. Stearns, to whom the profession is indebted for the first introduction of this article into practice, and who must be considered as our highest authority on this subject, has laid down the following rules by which its administration should be regulated: 1. It should never be administered where nature is competent to a safe delivery. 2. It should never be administered until the regular pains have ceased, or are ineffectual, and there is danger to be apprehended from delay. 3. It should never be administered until the rigidity of the os tincæ has subsided, and a perfect relaxation has been induced. 4. It should never be administered in the incipient stages of labour, nor until the os tincæ is dilated to the size of a dollar. 5. It should never be administered in any case of preternatural presentation that will require the fœtus to be turned. 6. It should never be administered during the continuance of one labour, in larger quantities than thirty grains by decoction in half a pint of water. A table spoonful of this given every ten minutes, generally succeeds better than a larger dose. While this quantity produces its most favourable effects upon the uterus, it does not affect the stomach with nausea or vomiting, which sometimes interrupts its successful operation.

The ergot is indicated, and may be administered, 1. When, in lingering labours, the child has descended into the pelvis, the parts dilated and relaxed, the pains having ceased, or being too ineffectual to advance the labour, there is danger to be apprehended from delay, by exhaustion of strength and vital energy, from hemorrhage or other alarming symptoms. 2. When the pains are transferred from the uterus to other parts of the body, or to the whole muscular system, producing general puerperal convulsions. After premising copious bleeding, the ergot concentrates all these misplaced labour-pains upon the uterus, which it soon restores to its appropriate action, and the convulsions immediately cease. 3. When in the early stages of pregnancy, abortion becomes inevitable, accompanied with profuse hemorrhage and feeble uterine contractions. 4. When the placenta as retained from a deficiency of contractions. 5. In patients liable to hemorrhage immediately after delivery. In such cases the ergot may be given as a preventive, a few minutes before the termination of the labour. 6. When the hemorrhage or lochial discharges are too profuse immediately after delivery, and the uterus continues dilated and relaxed without any ability to contract.]

Qualities. Form, the dried root is internally white; externally it is covered with a brownish grey, corrugated, transversely cracked cuticle. Odour, none. Taste, at first sweetish, but afterwards hot and pungent, producing a very peculiar tingling sensation in the fauces. Chemical Composition. Its virtues reside in resin. Solubility. Alcohol extracts the whole of its active matter; hot water only partially. Medicinal Uses. As a stimulant; but it is rarely used. In America it is used against the bite of the rattlesnake.^[633] Officinal Preparations. Decoctum Senegæ. L.E.

Qualities. Odour, faint and sickly; Taste, slightly bitter, sweetish, and nauseous. Chemical Composition. Extractive, resin, mucilage, and saline matter; it contains within itself a purgative principle and a bitter element; and although the latter is per se inert, yet in combination, its presence aids and exalts the efficacy of the former. M. M. Lassaigne and Fenuelle have lately announced the fact of their having procured the purgative principle of Senna in a separate form, and to which they have given the name of Cathartine. It is said to be an uncrystallizable substance, of a reddish-yellow colour, and of a particular smell, and bitter nauseous taste, soluble in alcohol and water, in all proportions; but farther experiments are required upon this subject. Solubility. Both water and spirit extract the virtues of Senna; to water and proof spirit the leaves communicate a brownish colour, more or less deep according to the proportions employed; to rectified spirit they impart a fine green colour. The powdered leaves of senna are very apt to undergo a change by exposure to a humid atmosphere, becoming covered with a kind of mouldiness which contains a small proportion of potass. Medicinal Uses. See Infus: Sennæ. Officinal Preparations. Confectio Sennæ;, L.E.D. Extract: Cassiæ Sennæ. E. Infus: Sennæ. L.D. Infus: Tamarind: cum Senna. E.D. Pulv. Sennæ comp: L. Tinct: Sennæ. L.D. Tinct: Sennæ comp: E. Syrup: Sennæ. L.D. Adulterations. The leaves of Senna are imported from Alexandria in a state of adulteration, being mixed by the merchants of Cairo with the leaves of Cynanchum Oleafolium, (Arguel) and with those of Colutea Arborescens; the former are distinguished by their greater length as well as by their structure, which differs from the leaves of Senna in having a straight side, and being regular at their base, and in not displaying any lateral nerves on the under disk; the latter are so different from Senna leaves, that there is no difficulty in at once recognising them. The Tripoli Senna contains a much larger proportion of Cynanchum, and of the other adulterations; as a general rule, those leaves which appear bright, fresh, free from stalks and spots, that are well and strongly scented, smooth and soft to the touch, thoroughly dry, sharp pointed, bitterish, and somewhat nauseous, are to be preferred.

Qualities. Odour, of the dried root, aromatic, and somewhat resembling that of Valerian; Taste, pungent and warm, with a degree of bitterness, not very unlike that of camphor, or of the pinus canadensis. Chemical Composition. Resin and an essential oil constitute its active ingredients. Solubility. Its virtues are extracted by water, as well as by alcohol. The tincture has a bright green colour, which is rendered turbid by water. It neither affects Tannin nor Gelatine, nor does it precipitate the salts of iron. Medicinal Uses. It has been regarded as serviceable in cases that required the combined powers of a diaphoretic and tonic, as in some of the stages of typhus and other low fevers; it has also been found to exalt the febrifuge powers of the bark in cases of protracted intermittents. It is likewise valued on account of its efficacy in certain cases of dyspepsia, attended with a dry skin. Its stimulating properties will of course prevent its application in the inflammatory diathesis. Forms of Exhibition. In substance, or in an infusion, made by macerating ʒiv of the bruised root in f℥xij of boiling water in a covered vessel for two hours, and straining. Decoction will necessarily dissipate its essential oil, and impair its powers; whenever therefore it is directed in combinations which require this process, it should not be added until after the other ingredients have been boiled, as illustrated by Form: 40. Dose, of the powdered root ℈j to ʒss or more; of the infusion f℥j-f℥ij. Officinal Preparations. Tinct: Serpentariæ. L.E.D.^[634] Tinct: Cinchonæ comp: L.D. Electuarium Opiatum. E.

The roots of the Collinsonia præcox are frequently found mixed with those of Serpentaria in the market.