THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND 
 MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID 
 
 
J.2. 
 
 KEPOKT 
 
 ON THE INDIGENOUS MEDICAL BOTANY OF 
 MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 By STEPHEN W. WILLIAMS, M. D. 
 
 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 
 
 THE plants of Massachusetts have been pretty thoroughly inves- 
 tigated by able botanists. Although the State embraces but a small 
 extent of territory, and much of the soil is rocky and barren, and 
 although she is situated in a pretty high northern latitude, for the 
 temperate zone, she, nevertheless, has some as warm weather as is 
 to be found in the sunny regions of the south, though not of so long 
 continuance. Many, if not most, of our plants are the same with 
 those of the climate of the south and southwest. There are but few 
 of the plants which have been described by botanical writers, as 
 growing in the southern and southwestern States, which are not found 
 in Massachusetts. Some of our western and southwestern States, 
 however, are still in their infancy, and the natural history of them 
 has not been much investigated. The admirable resolution of the 
 Association for appointing a committee to investigate the medical 
 botany of the various parts of the United States, will do much to- 
 wards drawing out and developing the comparatively unexplored 
 resources of our country in this department of science. Although 
 considerable has been done in this respect, a great deal yet remains 
 to be done, and the time will probably ultimately arrive, when many 
 of what are now termed " worthless weeds, and useless plants," will 
 be considered invaluable medicinal agents ; and many which are now 
 considered medicinal, will be considered comparatively of little value. 
 The chaff will be sifted from the wheat, and a proper value will be 
 
 ' 
 
864 
 
 attached to the most important medicinal plants. The subject, as 
 yet, is almost in embryo, and much light will be thrown upon it by 
 the investigations of our future medical botanists. 
 
 It is to the researches of regular scientific physicians, that much 
 is to be expected in this department of our profession. The self- 
 styled botanic physicians, who make pretensions to the exclusive use 
 of vegetables, in their empiric practice, employ but few articles in 
 comparison with educated physicians, and with the exception of their 
 divine lobelia, one of the most poisonous substances known in the 
 vegetable or mineral kingdoms, their remedies are generally very 
 inert. Nearly all the knowledge which they ever obtained of them, 
 has been from the writings of regular physicians, and from our 
 standard works upon Medical Botany and Materia Medica. We 
 have no hopes that our vegetable materia medica will receive any 
 valuable accessions from them. I have seen but in a very few of 
 their writings, even a scientific botanical description of any of their 
 boasted remedies, or even a reference to the natural orders of Jussieu 
 or Lindley, or of the sexual system of Linnaeus. The English or 
 vulgar name generally is only given, which may mean one thing, or 
 may mean another, but generally ends only in jargon and confu- 
 sion, for the same English name often applies to a dozen different 
 plants. 
 
 The only extensive early writer upon the medicinal plants of Mas- 
 sachusetts, which I recollect to have seen, was Dr. Cutler, who pub- 
 lished an elaborate article upon the subject, in the Transactions of 
 the American Academy of Arts, Boston, not far from the year 1790. 
 The work is not now before me, and I may not be exactly correct in 
 relation to the date. Separate monographs, or papers, have been 
 published in the medical journals upon individual medicinal plants, 
 but no regular system of botany was published in this section of the 
 country, as far as I can ascertain, till some time after the commence- 
 ment of the present century, when Waterhouse published his Bota- 
 nist. Eaton published his Botany of the Northern States, not far 
 from the year 1812 or 1814. He described almost all the plants 
 then known in the northern part of our Union, according to the 
 Linnsean scheme, with a reference to their natural orders. He 
 speaks of the medicinal properties of all the plants which he de- 
 scribes, by referring them to the classes of Linnaeus, and to his ob- 
 servation " that plants in the same class and order possess the same 
 medicinal properties." If this observation is correct, then all plants 
 are medicinal, and the poisonous hemlock possesses similar proper- 
 
865 
 
 tm 
 
 ties with the aromatic caraway and anise. The work of Eaton has 
 passed through several editions. Our indefatigable and learned 
 Bigelow, about the same time, published his valuable and most in- 
 teresting work upon the Plants of Boston. This learned work has 
 passed through several editions. His more splendid work upon 
 Medical Botany, was commenced not far from the year 1815, con- 
 taining elegant coloured engravings of several of our most valuable 
 medical plants. This, next to Wilson's Ornithology, was considered 
 the most splendid work upon natural history which had been pub- 
 lished in America. Barton, of Philadelphia, about the same time 
 commenced a Medical Flora upon much the same plan, with superb 
 engravings, in quarto. This, with that of Bigelow, was discontinued 
 for the want of patronage, after the publication of three volumes. 
 Muhlenberg, Pursh, Bartram, and the elder Barton, had published 
 interesting works upon the subject of botany, and also Elliott, of 
 South Carolina. 
 
 I had examined these works with great attention, and also several 
 foreign works, and among the rest, Sowerby and Curtis. I became 
 enamoured with the study of botany, and about the year 1816, in 
 connection with Edward Hitchcock, now President of Amherst Col- 
 lege, and Dr. Dennis Cooley, now of Michigan, who was then a stu- 
 dent in the office of my father and myself. With them I examined 
 the valleys and the mountains of my native town of Deerfield, for 
 the purpose of discovering and investigating their vegetable and 
 mineral productions. Our meadows, containing about two thousand 
 acres, receive the deposit and wash of the Green Mountains in Ver- 
 mont, as in a basin, as the Deerfield River in its meanderings, 
 washes the base of those mountains for forty or fifty miles, and wafts 
 on its tumultuous waves the seeds of various plants from those 
 mountains, and deposits them in this fertile basin. Hence this little 
 alluvial tract is peculiarly rich in botanical productions. Nearly 
 one thousand species were found within the borders of this town in 
 a single season, including those which were naturalized. Extensive 
 herbariums were formed from these, and those of Dr. Cooley and 
 Dr. Hitchcock were among the earliest and most valuable in the 
 country. Both these gentlemen, I believe, still continue to add to 
 their extensive collections. Dr. Hitchcock was much assisted in his 
 early investigations upon this subject, by Miss Orra White, of Am- 
 herst, now his wife, one of our most distinguished naturalists, who, 
 with her own hand, painted many of the plants collected with almost 
 inimitable beauty. She still cultivates alm^f all the branches of 
 
866 
 
 natural history with great assiduity, as do the gentlemen mentioned 
 above. President Hitchcock has long been considered the most 
 learned geologist in America. 
 
 My object in attending to the study of botany, was to investigate 
 the medical properties of such plants as we might discover in our 
 peregrinations and wanderings. The field had been but partially 
 explored, and many of our plants, in the language of the immortal 
 Hush, were " exhaling their virtues in the desert air." After my 
 marriage, in 1818, to Miss Harriet T. Goodhue, I was greatly as- 
 sisted by my wife, who drew and painted most of the plants painted 
 by Mrs. Hitchcock, besides very many others from nature, and from 
 other sources. In subsequent years, this collection of paintings has 
 been very much enlarged by my daughter Helen Maria (now Mrs. 
 Huntington), and my younger daughter, Caroline Willard. The 
 paintings now in my possession, principally of medical plants, from 
 these and other sources, amount to several hundred, which, to me at 
 least, are invaluable, and they have been of great service to me in 
 my lectures on medical botany at Dartmouth Medical College, and 
 upon materia medica in the Willoughby University of Ohio. This, 
 in my opinion, is the most permanent and beautiful method of pre- 
 paring what may be called a fac-simile of an herbarium. There is no 
 danger of the destruction of the paintings from insects, and of the 
 fading of the plants from the ravages of time. I have availed my- 
 self, also, of all the limited means in my power, to procure our valu- 
 able, and even costly works upon Medical Botany. In this way, 
 I have enriched my library with the splendid work of W. P. C. Bar- 
 ton, with the beautiful plates of Michaux, and many other splendid 
 works. While making my collection of coloured engravings of 
 plants, I have devoted much of my attention to the investigation of 
 the medicinal properties of the plants which have been found in this 
 section of the country; and so long ago as the year 1819, 1 compiled 
 a volume upon the medical virtues of our plants, culling information 
 from every source within my reach, both regular and empirical, and 
 I have been adding to that collection ever since. If I have not re- 
 corded much that is new, I trust I have at least enlarged the bound- 
 aries of our vegetable Materia Medica. In this report, however, of 
 the Medical Botany of Massachusetts, I can only give an outline or 
 skeleton of the properties of the plants enumerated. An extended 
 account of their uses would comprise a volume of no inferior dimen- 
 sions. 
 
 Rather than cumber the individual articles upon which I have 
 
86T 
 
 treated in this report of the indigenous medicinal plants of Massa- 
 chusetts, with the names of my authorities under the head of the 
 articles treated of, I have preferred to group the principal part of 
 them together in these remarks, without regard to names, to time 
 and dates. I may here observe, that I have very briefly noticed 
 more than three hundred medicinal indigenous plants found growing 
 in Massachusetts, which is as far as I have been able, at present, to 
 investigate them. My list is, undoubtedly, very imperfect. Many 
 more may be known which have escaped my notice. The list of 
 valuable articles is increasing, and many years will not elapse be- 
 fore a perfect account will be obtained of them. Many of them, of 
 which I have spoken, will, probably, be considered inert ; and others 
 will be deemed more valuable than they have been described to 
 be. I have not treated of any article without some authority. 
 Probably as many naturalized medicinal plants are to be found in 
 Massachusetts, as indigenous. If so, our vegetable materia medica 
 is rich, and will well repay further and deeper investigation. Had 
 the Committee been called upon by the Association to investigate 
 our exotic, as well as indigenous plants, my list of references to 
 authorities would have been altogether greater. As it is, I shall 
 mention only a few of those from whom I have received most im- 
 portant information. I have availed myself, among other works, of 
 the knowledge communicated upon the subject, by Rees's Cyclo- 
 pedia, Encyclopedia Britannica, the new Edinburgh Encyclopedia, 
 Willich's, the Encyclopedia Americana, Nicholson's, and the Cyclo- 
 pedia of Practical Medicine, as far as published; of Michaux, 
 Bartram, Weld, Flint, Drake, Peck, Darby, Schoolcraft, Morse, 
 Godman, Wilson, Audubon, Carver, Pursh, Muhlenberg, Elliott, 
 and many other writers upon our Southern and Western States, and 
 travellers in those regions ; of Catesby, Clayton, Kalm, Bobbins, 
 Charlevoix, and other celebrated travellers in America; all of 
 whom have spoken, more or less, of our plants. To Silliman's 
 Journal, the American Philosophical Transactions, the Transactions 
 of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, of the Phil. Academy of Na- 
 tural Sciences, the Journal of Pharmacy, B. S. Barton's Medical and 
 Physical Journal, Barton's Elements of Vegetable Materia Medica, 
 his Medical Botany, his Flora, &c., both with splendid coloured 
 plates, Coxe's Medical Museum, Coxe's Dispensatory, the Philadelphia 
 Medical Recorder, the American Journal of the Medical Sciences, the 
 Philadelphia Medical Examiner, Carson's (splendid) Medical Botany, 
 with elegant coloured engravings, Griffith's Medical Botany, Rafi- 
 
868 
 
 nesque's Medical Flora (I have quoted largely from this latter work, 
 though many of the virtues of the plants described by him depend 
 rather too much upon the Indians to be considered absolutely esta- 
 blished ; he was, however, ranked among our most distinguished 
 naturalists), the New York Medical Repository, the New York 
 Medical and Physical JournaJ, the New York Medical Magazine, 
 the New York Medical and Surgical Journal (and particularly to a 
 most able article in it, upon the Medical Botany of the State of 
 New York, by Dr. Charles A. Lee, the editor), the Lyceum of Na- 
 tural History of New York, and the writings of Mitchell, Torrey, 
 Gray, Emmons, Dewey, Eaton, &c. ; the New England Journal of 
 Medicine and Surgery, the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, 
 the works of Bigelow, Peck, and the indefatigable and learned Mar- 
 tyn Paine, Nuttall, and others, Sumner, Ives, Comstock, Tully, &c. 
 Each of the above journals and authorities, and many others to 
 which time will not allow me to allude, contain numerous papers of 
 much value, upon the medical properties of individual plants. Mrs. 
 Lincoln's Botany, and the able and elaborate reports upon the sub- 
 jects of natural history, to the Legislatures of the States of New 
 York and Massachusetts. To the Professors Dewey and Hitchcock 
 I am indebted, in a great measure, for my catalogue of the names 
 of the indigenous medical plants of this State ; and also to Bigelow, 
 in his last edition of the Plants of Boston. To these latter works, 
 to Gray and Torrey, to Lindley, Eaton, and many other standard 
 writers on botany, some one or more of which must be in the pos- 
 session of all my readers, I refer for particular descriptions of the 
 plants which I have noticed. As a minute account of them would 
 enlarge this report to the size of a volume, I merely refer the plants 
 of which I speak to the natural orders and the sexual system. 
 
 Of Pharmacopoeias, Dispensatories, Materia Medicas, and works 
 upon Natural History, I have examined the ancient " Secretes of 
 Alexis" in black letter, published in 1559 ; Culpepper's Herbal, 
 published in 1653, containing coloured plates of more than four 
 hundred plants ; Salmon's Dispensatory, 8th edition, 1716 ; Brooks' 
 Natural History, and his Practice of Physic; Quincy's Dispensatory; 
 the Edinburgh and London Dispensatories ; the Eclectic Dispen- 
 satory ; Pereira and Thomson's Materia Medicas and Dispensatories; 
 Wood and Bache's Dispensatory ; the Pharmacopoeia of the United 
 States, and Sequel of the Massachusetts Medical Society; New 
 York Hospital, &c. ; Paris's Pharmacologie; Dunglison's New Reme- 
 dies ; Smith's Physiology of Plants ; the invaluable work of Lindley 
 
869 
 
 on Medical Botany, from which I have quoted largely ; Evelyn's 
 Sylva, folio ; the able treatise on the Botanical History and Medical 
 uses of British Plants, published in the early volumes of the London 
 Medical and Physical Journal, and also to other articles in that 
 work ; Thomson's Abridgment, in quarto, of the Transactions of 
 the Royal Society of London ; Linnseus's Species Plantarum, 4 vols. 
 octavo ; De Candolle, Loudon, Willdenow, Sprengell, Woodville, 
 Pennant, Lightfoot, Cullen, Rutherford, Ray, Murray, Hill, Dun- 
 can, Lindelstolphe, Dioscorides, Boerhaave, Duncan, Strack, Haller, 
 Curtis, Gmelin, Wepfer, Hoffmann, Stokes, Bergius, Stork, and many 
 other standard and scientific medical writers, which time will not per- 
 mit me to enumerate. On this subject, I have also endeavoured to 
 procure information from sources of even doubtful authority. From 
 what may be considered by some as empirical authority. I have 
 consulted the works of Henry, who has written a large volume upon 
 Medical Botany, with numerous plates. Thomson's Manual, Matt- 
 son's Practice, with coloured plates, Stewart's Healing Art, and a 
 host of herbals and family practices, which have been hawked about 
 the country by pedlers and petty mapmen. I, too, have listened to 
 the marvellous stories of illiterate old women and Indian doctors, 
 concerning the virtues of plants, and have endeavoured to draw 
 useful information concerning the medical virtues of our indigenous 
 plants. From these results, some facts may be collected which will 
 enable us to prepare an extended and useful vegetable Materia 
 Medica of the United States. 
 
 Catalogue of the Indigenous Medicinal Plants growing in Massa- 
 chusetts, as far as I can ascertain them ; arranged according to the 
 Natural System of Lindley, and to the Sexual Systems of Linnaeus. 
 
 It is presumed that every physician possesses some elementary 
 treatise on botany, which will describe the botanical history of the 
 plant of which I treat. I shall not, therefore, give the botanical 
 description of them, any farther than to refer to the orders, classes, 
 &c., as this would enlarge my paper to the size of a volume. 
 
870 
 
 CLASS I. VASCULARES. FLOWERING PLANTS. 
 SUB-CLASS I. EXOGEKZE ; OR, DICOTYLEDONS. 
 
 Tribe 1. Angiospermse ; or, seed inclosed in a covering, or pericarp. 
 2. Polypetalous and Achlamydeous Plants. 
 
 ORDER 1. ARALIACE.E ; OR, ARALIA TRIBE. 
 
 1. Aralia racemosa. Spikenard. Class 5, Order 1, Linnaeus. 
 Eleven species of aralia are noticed in the new Edinburgh Ency- 
 clopedia. 
 
 2. Aralia nudicaulis. Wild sarsaparilla ; wild liquorice ; sweet 
 root. 
 
 3. Aralia hispida, or Spinosa. Prickly ash ; spikenard tree ; 
 angelica tree ; prickly elder ; toothache tree. These three aralias 
 are officinal in the United States Pharmacopoeia, Wood and Bache, 
 &c. They are stimulant, emetic, cathartic. For an account of the 
 specific medical properties and uses of the officinal plants of this 
 State, I refer to the sequel of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, Wood and 
 Bache, and to the standard writers upon medical botany in the 
 United States. I shall merely glance at the leading medical pro- 
 perties of such, without entering much into detail. 
 
 4. Panax quinquefolium. Ginseng ; 5, 2, Linn. 
 
 This plant is stimulant, cordial, aromatic, tonic, and expectorant. 
 It is considered the divine remedy among the Chinese, as much as 
 the lobelia, or Devil's pepper, is thought to be such among the 
 Thompsonians and steamers. In China, this plant is called ginseng, 
 which, in the Chinese language, signifies mans health. 
 
 ORDER 2. UMBELLIFER^I, OR UMBELLIFEROUS TRIBE. 
 
 5. Conium maculatum-, 5, 2, L. Water parsley; poison parsley. 
 
 6. Cicuta maculata. Water parsley; death of man; wild hem- 
 lock. 
 
8T1 
 
 T. Cicuta bulbifera. Water hemlock ; 5, 2, L. These three 
 plants are officinal. They are narcotic, anodyne ; and, taken in 
 over doses, they are virulent, narcotic, acrid poisons. Here is an 
 instance, as I have stated in my preamble, which falsifies the asser- 
 tion that plants of the same class and order possess similar medi- 
 cinal properties. The anise, dill, and many other umbelliferous 
 plants are aromatic and stimulant, and not narcotic and poisonous, 
 while the coniums, cicuta, &c., in large doses, are deadly poisons ; 
 and numerous instances have occurred of death having ensued from 
 mistaking the seeds of cicuta for caraway, and the roots for parsley. 
 Five species of conium have been discovered, and three of cicuta. 
 
 8. Daucus carota. Wild carrot; 5, 2, L. Sixteen species known. 
 Off. Stimulant, diuretic, carminative, and antiseptic. In the form 
 of poultice as an antiseptic, few articles in the Materia Medica sur- 
 pass it. It is found wild in Massachusetts, and it is also exten- 
 sively cultivated as an esculent vegetable. 
 
 9. Ligusticum. Eighteen species known ; 5, 1, L. 
 
 Ligusticum Scoticum. Smellage ; lovage. It is sweet, aro- 
 matic, warm, and pungent, similar in its properties to opoponax an- 
 gelica, &c. Although the whole of the plant is used, the seeds are 
 the most powerful. It is carminative, diaphoretic, and emmena- 
 gogue. 
 
 10. Angelica. Five species known ; 5, 2, L. 
 
 Angelica triquinata. Wild angelica ; sometimes, though erro- 
 neously, called cow parsnep. This plant is sometimes mistaken for 
 cicuta, or poison hemlock, though their properties are entirely dif- 
 ferent. It is aromatic, tonic, carminative, and stomachic, and use- 
 ful in colic, dyspepsia, &c. 
 
 11. Sanicula. Four species known ; 5, 2, L. 
 
 Sanicula Marylandica. Sanicle. It is supposed to be astring- 
 ent, partially tonic, and diuretic, and it has been used with success 
 in dropsy ; and in decoction in dysentery, leucorrhoea, and hemor- 
 rhages. It is also pulmonary and balsamic. 
 
 12. Sium. Nine species known ; 5, 2, L. 
 
 Sium latifolium. Water parsnep. Narcotic, supposed by some 
 
872 
 
 to be diuretic, emmenagogue, &c. Rafinesque says the Sium latifo- 
 lium is certainly poisonous. 
 
 13. Smyrnium. Nine species known ; 5, 2, L. 
 
 Smyrnium aureum. Meadow parsnep ; by many called cow 
 parsnep ; Alexanders. A warm debate has been carried on in the 
 Boston Medical Journal, between Dr. Oliver Partridge and Dr. 
 James Thacher, both over eighty years of age, whether this is the 
 genuine cow parsnep, or whether the Heracleum lanatum, or master- 
 wort, is not the cow parsnep. The former maintaining that the Smyr- 
 nium is the true cow parsnep, and the latter that the Heracleum is the 
 genuine cow parsnep. "We are too apt to be led astray by English 
 names. Dr. Partridge is still living at Stockbridge, Mass., in the 
 ninety-sixth year of his age. Dr. Thacher died at Plymouth, two or 
 three years ago, over eighty years of age. After reading the de- 
 bate, I leave it to my brethren to decide which is correct. Dr. 
 Partridge has used the Smyrnium successfully in cases of epilepsy, 
 while the late Dr. Orne, of Salem, has also used the Heracleum with 
 success in this terrific disease. The Smyrnium is a warm, stimu- 
 lating aromatic. 
 
 14. Apium. Two species known ; 5, 2, L. 
 
 Apium graveolens. Celery, and wild celery. This plant grows 
 wild in Massachusetts. It is stimulant, diuretic, and diaphoretic. 
 It is used much, and successfully, in cases of strangury, gravel, &c. 
 
 ORDER 3. RANUNCULACE.E, OK CROW-FOOT TRIBE. 
 
 15. Hydrastis. One species known; 13, 13, L. 
 
 Eydrastis Qanadensis. Yellow puccoon ; golden seal ; yellow 
 eye-bright ; yellow root ; Indian paint ; ground raspberry. This 
 is a very celebrated remedy with empirics, and, I believe, with the 
 Thompsonians and steamers. The root is the part employed, which 
 is very bitter, pungent, and nauseous. It is put down in the Second- 
 ary List of articles in Wood and Bache, and, I believe, in the U. S. 
 Pharm. Rafinesque speaks of it as a tonic, detergent, and ophthal- 
 mic. It is in high reputation in Kentucky and Ohio for affections 
 of the eyes. The Indians use it for ulcerated legs, and other local 
 complaints. It is employed as a tonic internally, in infusion or 
 tincture, in affections of the liver and stomach. This plant appears 
 to be slightly narcotic. It is used in aphthous ulcerations. It de- 
 serves scientific investigation. 
 
873 
 
 16. Aetsea. Three species known ; 13, 1, L. These three are 
 found here, and are 
 
 Actdea rubra ; 17. Acteea alba ; 18. A. racemosa. Cohosh ; 
 baneberry. They are all officinal. The roots are rather bitter, 
 and are sometimes used as a tonic. They are also nervine. The 
 whole plant and berries are said to be poisonous. They are used 
 in decoction in chronic rheumatism, in the declining stage of fevers, 
 in hysteria, &c. They frequently induce perspiration. The recent 
 plant appears to be stronger than the dry. It should be avoided in 
 active inflammations. The actaea racemosa has sometimes been con- 
 founded with the cimicifuga racemosa. 
 
 19. Aquilegia. Six species known ; 13, 5, L. 
 
 Aquilegia Canadensis. Columbine. This is sometimes culti- 
 vated in our gardens, though indigenous. It is similar in its pro- 
 perties to the A. vulgaris, which is said to be a gentle laxative, 
 diuretic, and emmenagogue. Most parts of the plant are in use in 
 Europe (Raf.). The seeds are acid, and somewhat oleaginous: and, 
 infused in wine, they have been used in jaundice. 
 
 20. Clematis. Thirty species known ; 13, 13, L. 
 
 Clematis Virginica. Virgin's bower. The fibrous part of this 
 plant may be converted into paper. It is very acrid, and is em- 
 ployed as a caustic for the purpose of cleansing ulcers. The ex- 
 tract is used for pains in the bones, in doses of from one to two 
 grains. Frictions of the oily liniment of it are said to cure the 
 itch. It is also used as a diuretic and sudorific in chronic rheuma- 
 tism, and in palsy. The bruised green leaves are employed by 
 quacks as cathartics in foul ulcers. On account of the irritating 
 properties of this plant, it was called by Stark and the older 
 writers Flammula jovis. As a diuretic, he gave four ounces three 
 times a-day, made by infusing two or three drachms of the leaves 
 in a pint of water. A strong infusion, frequently applied, is said to 
 cure the itch. 
 
 21. Anemone. Thirty-three species known ; 13, 13, L. 
 Anemone nemorosa. "Wood anenione ; wind flower. Off. The 
 
 whole plant, and, in fact, the whole of this genus, are very acrid and 
 irritating. It is used as a substitute for Spanish flies. Kalm says 
 the hairy leaves, infused in alcohol, are efficacious in toothache, when 
 applied to hollow teeth. 
 VOL. II. 56 
 
874 
 
 22. Anemone pratensis. The extract of this is said to be useful 
 in cutaneous affections. Dose, two or three grains, gradually in- 
 creasing to a scruple. On this point, Storck, Gmelin, and Bonnet 
 all agree. The anemones are used in monthly suppressions. 
 Hand's Phys. and Surgeon. 
 
 23. Coptis trifolia; 13, 13, L. Gold thread; mouth root. Off. 
 Tonic, astringent, and in great repute in canker, and ulcerations of 
 the mouth. 
 
 24. Hepatica trilola. Liverwort ; 13, 13, L. This plant is 
 brought into considerable repute, of late, for the cure of coughs and 
 consumptions. Notwithstanding all the boasted panaceas of the 
 quacks, this fell destroyer still reigns triumphant, and probably the 
 day will never arrive when seated consumption will be curable. 
 
 25. TJialictrum. Twenty-seven species known ; 13, 13, L. 
 Thalictrum dioicum. Meadow rue. A poultice made of the 
 
 leaves of this plant has been known to relieve the pain of sciatica. 
 The roots of some of the species have been considered useful in the 
 bites of snakes, and the leaves have been used in making spruce 
 beer. 
 
 26. Caltha palustris ; 13, 13, L. Cowslip ; Marsh marygold. 
 An excellent pot herb, though acrid when young. 
 
 27. Ranunculus. Eighty-eight species known ; 14, 1, L. 
 
 Ranunculus acris. Buttercup ; crowfoot ; yellow weed ; mea- 
 dow bloom ; yellow pilewort. This is put down in the secondary 
 list in the United States Pharmacopoeia. It is an acrid and poison- 
 ous plant. From depending on the English name, some have mis- 
 taken the geranium maculatum for this. See a communication from 
 Dr. Partridge and myself, in the Boston Medical and Surgical 
 Journal, vol. xviii. March 28, 1838. This plant is so Jbrid that it 
 has hardly ever been given internally, as it is apt to occasion in- 
 flammation of the stomach. Applied to the skin, it will blister 
 speedily, and does not produce strangury like the Spanish fly. 
 
 28. The Ranunculus sceleratus possesses properties similar to 
 this. 
 
875 
 
 29. Delphinium. Sixteen species known ; 13, 8, L. 
 Delphinium consolidum. Larkspur. Sec. U. S. P. This plant is 
 
 supposed to possess the properties of delphinium staphisagria, which 
 has been much employed in medicine. It has been thought to pos- 
 sess the power of healing or consolidating wounds ; hence the name 
 consolida. The seeds are acrid and diuretic, and produce vomit- 
 ing and purging. A tincture, prepared by infusing an ounce of the 
 seeds in a pint of alcohol, has been of service in spasmodic asthma, 
 and in dropsy, in the dose of ten drops, gradually increasing until 
 the system is affected. This tincture kills lice on the human head. 
 
 30. Aconitum. On the authority of Dewey, I place this among 
 the indigenous plants of Massachusetts. Sixteen species known; 
 18, 2, L. 
 
 Aconitum napellus. "Wolf's-bane. Off. Schoepf says this plant 
 grows in Virginia. It is a most powerful narcotic, for the proper- 
 ties of which I refer to Wood and Bache, U. S. Pharm., Orfila, and 
 other standard writers. 
 
 31. Nigella. Five species known ; 13, 5, L. 
 
 Nigella damascena. Fennel flower. Sec. It is used in medicine 
 merely as an aromatic. 
 
 32. Cratsegus. Nine species known ; 12, 2, L. 
 
 Cratsegus coccinea. Thorn-bush. Fruit red or yellow, acid or 
 sweetish. They are made into preserves, which are stomachic, anti- 
 emetic, and good against diarrhoea. The leaves and flowers are 
 pectoral, and used in hooping and other coughs. 
 
 ORDER 4. PAPAVERACE.E. 
 
 33. Chelidonium. Six species known ; 13, 1, L. 
 Ohelidonium majus. Celandine. Sec. This plant is acrid and 
 
 pungent, diuretic, diaphoretic, and expectorant. Formerly much 
 used for the cure of warts and herpetic eruptions. Much was said 
 of it formerly as being famous for the cure of syphilis. But little 
 dependence is now placed upon it in this affection. 
 
 34. Sanguinaria. One species known ; 13, 1, L. 
 Sanguinaria Canadensis. Blood-root ; puccoon, &c. Off. 
 
 Most elaborate treatises have been written upon this most valua- 
 ble plant by all writers upon botany and medical botany, and many 
 
876 
 
 medical writers. The most extensive article ever published on this 
 subject was written by Dr. Tully, of New Haven, and published in 
 the Philadelphia Medical Recorder, to which the reader is referred. 
 To me it has always been a subject of wonder that the steamers, or 
 Thompsonians, had not selected this article for their almost divine 
 adoration, rather than their more dangerous lobelia. 
 
 ORDER 5. NYMPIIIAOEJS. 
 
 85. Nymphoe. Ten species; 18, 9, L. 
 
 Nymplm odorata. White pond lily ; sweet pond lily. Sec. 
 
 In my practice, I have found a poultice of the root of this plant 
 more efficacious as a suppurative application than any other article 
 I have ever used. It is grated either in the dry or green state, and 
 boiled in milk and water and thickened with bran to the consistence 
 of a poultice. I have never used the plant for any other purpose, 
 though it may possess the other properties spoken of by writers on 
 the subject. 
 
 86. Nupliar advena; 18, 1, L. This was taken from the genus 
 Nymphto (yellow water lily). It possesses properties similar to 
 the nyrnphao, but in less degree. 
 
 ORDER 8. PODOPHYLLLE. 
 
 87. Podophyllum. Three species and several varieties; 18, 1, L. 
 Podophyllum montanum, vel peltatum. Mandrake ; May apple, 
 
 &c. Off. This is one of our best cathartics. The fruit is edible. 
 
 ORDER 9. CRUCIFERJE. 
 
 88. Sinapb. Twenty-six species known ; 15, 2, L. 
 
 >SY/f(f/>/x iihjni. lUiu'k imishml. OfV. The external employment 
 of this article in the form of cataplasms is almost superseding the 
 use of cantharides. 
 
 89. Raphanns raphaniatrum ; 15, 2, L. Charlock, or chadlock. 
 This plant is similar to mustard in its properties. It is a pernicious 
 weed to our farmers, choking up their oat-fields. 
 
 40. Lepidium. Thirty-seven species known ; 15, 2, L. 
 
 Lepidium Virginicum. Pepper cress ; wild pepper grass. This 
 plant is aromatic, acrid, and diuretic. It is useful in scurvy, asthma, 
 dropsy, &c. Raf. 
 
8TT 
 
 41. CoMearia. Twelve species known ; 15, 2, L. 
 
 Cocldearia armoracia. Horseradish. Off. This is a warm stimu- 
 lant rubefacient. In addition to the other properties of it mentioned 
 by writers on the subject, an infusion of it in milk, and sweetened 
 with honey, is a most efficacious gargle for hoarseness. 
 
 42. Cocldearia officinalis. 15, 2, L. Scurvy grass. Off. Similar 
 in its properties to horseradish ; used in chronic obstructions of the 
 viscera, in the scurvy, and in chronic rheumatism. A healthy, early 
 salad. The infusion of the plant in wine, or the juice of it, is a good 
 application in spongy gums. By distillation, alcohol is impregnated 
 with its virtues, and the distilled spirit is useful in paralysis. (Wood 
 and Bache.) The fresh root is purgative, and has been used after 
 poisoning by corrosive sublimate. 
 
 43. TMaspi bursae pastoris. Shepherd's purse. 
 
 44. Dentaria diphylla. Tooth root. 
 
 45. Oardamine Pennsylvanica. 
 
 46. Draba verna. All the above possess properties similar to 
 the cochlearias. 
 
 ORDER 10. FUMARACEJE. 
 Fumaria. Thirty species ; 17, 18, L. 
 
 47. Fumaria officinalis. Fumitory. Sec. This plant is tonic, 
 bitter, and antiscorbutic. It is in extensive use for cutaneous erup- 
 tions. Its virtues principally reside in the dried plant. It has 
 been said to cure the epilepsy. A notorious empiric directs to pour 
 two quarts of boiling water on two ounces of the dried plant, and he 
 uses it in all foul eruptions of the skin, by letting the patient drink 
 constantly of it, and washing the parts freely with it. For a sto- 
 machic, infuse two ounces of the dried leaves and plant in three 
 pints of Madeira wine, rum, or brandy, of which the dose is a wine- 
 glassful of the wine, or a tablespoonful of the spirit three times a 
 day, on an empty stomach. 
 
 ORDER 11. CAPPARIDE^. 
 
 48. Oleome. Twenty-four species known ; 15, 2, L. 
 
878 
 
 Cleome dodecandria. False mustard. Used in Cochin China as a 
 counter-irritant in the same way as mustard. The root is used 
 in the United States as a vermifuge. 
 
 .ORDER 12. BERBERIDE.E. 
 
 49. Berberis. Barberry ; 6, 1, L. 
 
 Berberis vulgaris. Barberry. Sec. The whole plant is agreeably 
 acid. It probably contains the tartaric acid. The bark is of a 
 yellow colour, and bitter. The red berries and the leaves are re- 
 frigerant, and slightly antiscorbutic. The conserve is an agreeable 
 acid, somewhat purgative. It has been used in leucorrhoea, canker 
 in the mouth, &c. 
 
 50. Leontice. Four species ; 6, 1, L. 
 
 Leontice thalictro'ides. Cohosh; pappoose root; squaw root; yel- 
 low ginseng, &c. This plant is different from the Actseas, which are 
 sometimes called cohosh, and must not be confounded with them. It 
 is the Caulophyllum thalictro'ides of Rafinesque. The root is the only 
 part employed. It is demulcent, antispasmodic, sudorific, and em- 
 menagogue. The Indians recommend it in colic, sore throat, rheu- 
 matism, dropsy, and a variety of other complaints. The Indian 
 women use it successfully in cases of lingering parturition, by giving 
 constantly a strong tea of it during labour, or a week or two before 
 the expected period. It appears to be peculiarly suited to female 
 complaints. It is a powerful emmenagogue, and promotes the delivery 
 of the menstrual flux, and dropsical discharges. It should be given 
 in warm infusion, decoction, tincture, syrup, or cordial. It con- 
 tains gum, resin, and oil. Raf. 
 
 ORDER 13. MAGNOLIACEJJI. 
 
 51. Liriodendron tulipifera ; 13, 13, L. White wood tulip tree. 
 Sec. This stately tree, which bears the most magnificent flowers, is 
 seen in Massachusetts. I have seen immense forests of it in all 
 their grandeur in the Western States. The bark, particularly 
 the bark of the root, is stimulant, tonic, and diuretic. It is much 
 used in rheumatism, intermittents, dyspepsia, &c. It has been pro- 
 posed as a substitute for Peruvian bark ; used for bots in horses, 
 and worms in children. An elegant coloured plate of it may be 
 found in those splendid works, Bigelow's Medical Botany and 
 Barton's Flora. 
 
879 
 
 52. Magnolia. At least nine species to be found in the United 
 States ; 13, 13, L. 
 
 Magnolia glauca. Beaver tree, &c. Sec. This species extends 
 throughout the New England States. It is similar in its properties 
 to the Liriodendron, but more bitter and tonic. Dr. Procter found, 
 upon analysis, that the bark of the Magnolia glauca afforded a vola- 
 tile oil, a green resin, and a peculiar crystallizable substance similar 
 to Liriodendron. 
 
 ORDER 14. LAURINE.E. 
 
 53. Laurus. Forty-one species; 9, 1, L. 
 
 Laurus benzoin. Fever-bush ; spice-wood, &c. Sec. Every part 
 of the shrub has an agreeable, spicy taste ; but it is strongest in the 
 bark and berries. It makes an agreeable aromatic drink in infusion 
 or decoction ; and is useful, like sage, in fevers. By some, it is 
 considered vermifuge. It has, also, been used extensively in inter- 
 mittents. The dried and powdered berries were used, during the 
 Revolutionary war, for allspice. The oil of the berries is stimulant, 
 and is used for bruises, itch, colic, &c. The leaves and berries are 
 used in dysentery. Raf. Lindley. 
 
 54. Laurus sassafras. Off. The root of this plant is highly aro- 
 matic and stimulant. The pith is very demulcent, and forms a 
 mucilage which is useful in dysentery, catarrh, and ophthalmia. 
 
 ORDER 24. MALVACE^I. 
 
 55. Althaea. Ten species known; 16, 13, L. 
 
 Althsea officinalis. Mallows. Off. This plant, although ranked 
 among those which are naturalized, is also indigenous in Massa- 
 chusetts. It is very mucilaginous; and Buckholdt states that 
 the dry roots of this plant, boiled in water, give out half their 
 weight of a gummy matter, very similar in its properties to gum 
 tragacanth, gum Arabic, &c., and which will more speedily dissolve 
 gum myrrh and other resins than gum Arabic, starch, &c. It is 
 one of our purest demulcents. 
 
 56. Hibiscus. Sixty-nine species ; 16, 13, L. 
 
 Hibiscus palustris. Marsh hibiscus ; sweet weed. This plant is 
 also demulcent. The hibiscus esculentus is edible, and is considered 
 a delicacy. 
 
880 
 
 57. Malva. Sixty-two species ; 17, L. 
 Malva sylvestris. High mallows. Off. 
 
 58. Malva crispa. Curled mallows. 
 
 59. Malva rotundifolia. Bound mallows. All the species of 
 mallows are mucilaginous and emollient, and are useful in catarrhal 
 affections, dysentery, and in all the affections of the urinary organs. 
 Both the high and the low mallows are much used as emollient 
 enemas. They are also used in emollient poultices for tumours and 
 inflammations. They are of service in gonorrhoea, and in sore- 
 throat and lungs. 
 
 60. Sida dbutilon. Indian mallows. This plant is also emol- 
 lient and diuretic. 
 
 ORDER 25. TILIACE.E. 
 
 61. Tilia Americana. Bass-wood, or Linn ; 13, 13, L. 
 
 This is one of the most valuable trees we possess, not only on 
 account of the lumber it produces, but on account of its medicinal 
 properties. Withering says it makes the best charcoal for gun- 
 powder, drawing, &c. I have long wondered why it has not been 
 adopted into our materia medica as an officinal. Dr. Walmsley 
 first called the attention of the public to it as a remedy in burns, in 
 a letter to Dr. Benjamin Smith Barton, of Philadelphia, as early at 
 least as 1803, and it was published in his admirable Medical and 
 Physical Journal. The part of the bark made use of by Dr. 
 Walmsley is the liber or inner bark. He generally used it freshly 
 taken from the tree ; but it answers very well when carefully dried. 
 In either case, it is cut into small pieces and macerated in cold water, 
 frequently stirring it about: In a short time, the water becomes 
 extremely viscid, and with this the injured part is kept constantly 
 wetted. In addition to its mucilaginous properties, it is also slightly 
 astringent. I agree with Dr. Walmsley, from whom I first derived 
 my information on the subject, that I have found more benefit from 
 it in cases of burns than from any other remedy which I have ever 
 employed. I more frequently make it into a poultice by boiling the 
 inner bark in milk and water, to the consistence of a mucilage, and 
 make a thin poultice by the addition of a little wheat or rye bran, 
 and apply it to the affected part. It is much more soothing than 
 any other application I have ever tried, giving relief when topical 
 
881 
 
 anodyne applications have failed. I now use it very extensively in 
 old wounds, bruises, and ulcers. I do not recollect that any writers 
 upon materia medica or medical botany, except Dr. Walmsley, have 
 ever recommended this valuable article. 
 
 ORDER 36. HYPERICEANE^I. 
 
 62. Hypericum. One hundred species ; 13, 5, L. 
 Hypericum perforatum. St. Johnswort. Sec. The leaves are 
 
 astringent ; an infusion has been used in gargles and lotions (Lind- 
 ley). This plant is balsamic, somewhat styptic, pectoral, vulnerary, 
 and bitter. The flowers are the parts which are principally used. 
 Although they are of a yellow colour, they have the property of 
 dying oils red. Infused in bear's fat or olive oil, they make a beautiful, 
 red, balsamic ointment for sores, wounds, tumours, ulcers, and rough 
 skin. The infusion of the leaves is of service in affections of the 
 breast and lungs. It is also used in diarrhoea, hysteria, mania, and 
 low spirits. A syrup of it, with sage, is said to be efficacious in 
 croup. Formed into an ointment with bark of elder, stramonium, 
 and bittersweet, and used in scirrhosities in the breast, it is thought 
 to be very efficacious. Raf. According to B. S. Barton, this plant 
 infused in spirit is a valuable remedy in diarrhoea, and in obstructed 
 perspiration. The Germans in Pennsylvania consider it a specific 
 in cases of diarrhoea. The season in which the plant is to be 
 gathered and dried is from the end of June to the first of August. 
 It is called St. Johnswort on account of its being in blossom on 
 St. John's day. Dr. Muhlenberg first recommended this plant in 
 diarrhoeas and dysenteries. It is supposed that it is the balsam or 
 essential oil which is to be found in the perforations of the leaves 
 or petals, which impart a fine colour to the spirit in which they are 
 infused. "When it is given to children for what is called the 
 " summer disorder," or vomiting and purging, Dr. Withering 
 recommends this tincture, prepared with brandy, with the addition 
 of a small quantity of cinnamon, given in a little sweetened water. 
 It should not be given in dysentery till after purgation ; but in diar- 
 rhoea we need not wait for this. It is a plant which deserves further 
 investigation. See an interesting article on it in. Barton's Med. and 
 Phys. Journ. 
 
 63. Hypericum Virginicum. Virginia St. Johnswort. This plant 
 possesses properties similar to the above. 
 
882 
 
 ORDER 38. SAXIFRAGEJE. 
 
 64. Saxifraga. Seventy species ; 10, 2, L. 
 
 Saxifraga Pennsylvania. Rock saxifrage. This plant is bitter 
 and astringent. The roots are useful in gravel. Raf. 
 
 65. Mitella diphylla. Currant leaf; 10, 2, L. This plant is 
 refrigerant, and is much used as a cooling drink in fevers. 
 
 66. Tiarella cordifolia, Miterwort ; 10, 2, L. The root is con- 
 sidered to be both mucilaginous and pectoral. 
 
 ORDER 39. HAMAMELIACEJE. 
 
 67. Hamamelis ; 4, 2, L. 
 
 Hamamelis Virginica, Witch-hazel ; winter bloom ; pistacha nut. 
 Sec. This singular shrub does not begin to flower till late in the 
 fall, and the flowers do not drop off till winter. The fruit does not 
 ripen till the following fall. The bark is a bitter astringent, with 
 a sweet and somewhat pungent taste. By the Indians it has been em- 
 ployed as a sedative and resolvent in painful tumours, and in external 
 inflammations. It may be used in the form of a poultice, or of a 
 wash in the piles, and in inflammation of the eyes. The infusion 
 of the leaves is similar in its properties to that of the bark, and is 
 given in affections of the bowels, and in hemorrhagic complaints. 
 A tea made of the leaves is good in suppression of the menses, for 
 pain in the side, breasts, &c., and for hematemesis. It is thought to 
 be a mild astringent, and may be used as a substitute for statice and 
 many other mild astringents. Raf. It is thought by some to pos- 
 sess anodyne properties ; but I am not aware of the fact. 
 
 ORDER 49. CIRCORACE^E. 
 
 68. Circsea lutetiana, 2, 2, L. Enchanter's nightshade. It de- 
 rived its name from being much celebrated in former times in the 
 mysteries of witchcraft, and for the purpose of raising the devil. 
 This superstition is fostered from the fact of its growing among 
 the mouldering bones and decayed coffins in the ruinous vaults of 
 Strafford church in Lincolnshire, Eng. Darwin, in his Botanic 
 Garden, has some amusing remarks upon it in connection with 
 animal magnetism. The enchanters made use of this method by 
 the employment of this plant. This same kind of enchantment, 
 without the use of this plant, was revived in this country in 18 37 
 and 1838, and the mummery went down the throats of many of 
 
883 
 
 our easily-gulled people. The good sense of the great body of our 
 inhabitants is, however, fast consigning it to the " tomb of all the 
 Capulets." 
 
 ORDER 52. SALICARLLE. 
 
 69. Lythrum verticillatum. Willow herb. This plant is slightly 
 astringent, and somewhat mucilaginous. It is of some use in diar- 
 rhoeas and dysenteries. 
 
 ORDER 62. ARISTOLOCHLE. 
 
 70. Asarum. Four species; 12, 1, L. 
 
 Asarum Canadense. Wild ginger; snakeroot. Sec. A warm, 
 stimulant; aromatic, like the aristolochia serpentaria, but not emetic. 
 Lind. It is also similar in its properties to the Virginia snakeroot, 
 but more aromatic. Its properties may be extracted by water and 
 by spirit. It is said to be injured by boiling. It is useful in the 
 low stages of fevers, in nervous affections, palpitations, and similar 
 complaints. When a company of Indians from Canada were in 
 Deerfield, in the year 1837, I was affected with palpitation of the 
 heart, and they were much offended with me because I would not 
 take one of their preparations which contained a large proportion of 
 this snakeroot. They use it extensively in many complaints. The 
 best preparation is said, by Rafinesque, to be a cordial made with the 
 tincture and syrup. The tincture is coloured dark red by the resin. 
 A fine cephalic snuff may be made of the powder of the root, useful 
 in disorders of the head and eyes. A pleasant kind of wine or beer 
 may be made, by infusing the whole plant in fermented wine or beer. 
 Dr. Firth says he cured tetanus with a decoction of the roots. 
 
 ORDER 73. ROSACES. 
 
 71. Rosa. Fifty-one species; 13, 13, L. 
 Rosa rubiginosde. Sweet-briar. 
 
 72. Rosa canina. Dog-rose. These two species are indigenous. 
 The properties of all the roses are similar. As some of them are 
 officinal, I refer the reader to the standard works on the materia 
 medica, and to our pharmacopoeias. 
 
 73. Potentilla. Fifty-four species; 12, 13, L. 
 Potentilla reptans. Cinquefoil. 
 
884 
 
 74. Potentilla Canadensis. Five finger. The above are mild 
 astringents, and have a bitterish, sweetish taste. They were for- 
 merly in some demand for the cure of diarrhoeas, and in those cases 
 where mild astringents were required. Properties similar to tor- 
 mentilla. 
 
 75. Cf-eum. Fifteen species; 12, 3, L. 
 
 O-eum urbanum. Synonym Greum rivale; G-eum Virginianum. 
 Off. Avens-root; chocolate-root; herb bennet; cure-all; throat- 
 root. This plant is strongly astringent, tonic, and stomachic. It 
 contains tannin, adaganthine, gum, resin, and a peculiar oil heavier 
 than water. Raf. 
 
 76. Agrimonia. Five species; 12, 2, L. 
 
 Agrimonia eupatoria. Common agrimony. Sec. Celebrated as 
 a vermifuge; also used in decoction as an astringent gargle and 
 lotion. A common ingredient in "herb teas." Lindley. It has 
 been used in diseases of the genital organs, according to Alibert, 
 and Pallas says it has been employed in Russia, as a remedy for 
 worms in domestic animals. The Cyclopedia of Practical Medicine 
 says it is employed in the materia medica of the Indians, who use 
 it as a febrifuge; and Kalm says the Canadians use it in the same 
 manner, and for the same purposes. Its virtues reside in an essen- 
 tial oil, which turns black with the salts of iron. 
 
 77. Fragaria. Nine species; 12, 13, L. 
 
 Fragaria vesca. Common strawberries were used medicinally in 
 the days of Hoffmann and Linnaeus, and have been considered useful 
 in consumption, gout, scurvy, and gravel. They are considered re- 
 frigerant, diaphoretic, pectoral, and astringent. Infused in water, 
 they have the property of curing chilblains, when washed by it. 
 The roots are tonic, astringent, and bitter. They contain tannin 
 and gallic acid, and are good in diarrhoea, hemorrhages, &c. A 
 popular remedy in dysentery, according to the newspapers, is to 
 chew the whole plant and swallow it. 
 
 78. Rulus. Forty-six species; 13, 13, L. 
 
 Rubus villosus. High blackberry. See Bigelow's splendid plates, 
 and a description in his elegant Medical Botany. 
 
 79. Rulus occidentalis. Black raspberry. 
 
885 
 
 80. Rubus strigosus. Red raspberry. 
 
 81. Rubus odoratus. Flowering raspberry. The berries of these 
 plants are well known and delicious. The roots are astringent and 
 tonic. 
 
 82. Prunus; 12, 1, L. Plumbs and cherries. Rafinesque says 
 there are forty wild species known, and only twenty-five described 
 by authors. The most medicinal are the Prunus Virginiana, sero- 
 tina, and Canadensis. The bark of all these is bitter and astrin- 
 gent, and contains prussic acid. These barks are the bases of several 
 quack medicines for the cure of consumption. In large doses, the 
 bark is narcotic and vermifuge. 
 
 83. Sorbus. Four species; 12, 2, L. 
 
 Sorlus Americana. Mountain-ash; service tree. Indian name, 
 Moosee Missy. This elegant tree, whose clustered red berries adorn 
 our door yards during the winter, is valuable as a medicine. The 
 bark tastes and smells very much like cherry tree bark ; but it is 
 more astringent, and contains prussic acid. It is used like the Pe- 
 ruvian bark. The Indians recommend it as a tonic in diseases of 
 the heart. 
 
 84. Spirsea. Twenty species ; 12, 5, L. 
 Spiraeatomentosa. Hard-hack; steeple bush. I have found this 
 
 to be one of our most powerful astringents, both in the form of in- 
 fusion and extract. It is also powerfully tonic. It may be used 
 after proper evacuations in diarrhoea, dysentery, and cholera infan- 
 tum. It is also useful in cases of debility, in the absence of inflam- 
 mation and fever. It agrees better with the stomach than any other 
 astringent. Dose of the extract from five to fifteen grains ; of a 
 very strong decoction, from one to two ounces. It is well worthy of 
 a place as an officinal in our Materia Medica. 
 
 85. Spiraea alba. White hard-hack. Is similar in its properties 
 to the above. 
 
 ORDER 77. LEGUMINOS.E. 
 
 86. Apios. 17, 10, L. 
 
 Apios tuberosa. Ground-nut ; Indian potato. The root is escu- 
 lent, and was formerly cultivated by the Indians. It deserves 
 
886 
 
 further cultivation, especially since we are suffering from the potato 
 rot, as it is quite as nourishing, it is supposed, as the potato. 
 
 8T. Cassia. Seventy-five species ; 10, 1, L. 
 
 Cassia Marylandica. American senna; wild senna. Off. All 
 the species of senna are simply cathartic, though some operate more 
 powerfully than others ; and they are apt to occasion griping, unless 
 qualified by the seeds of anise, caraway, &c. ' The American senna 
 is not so powerful as the East Indian, or Alexandrian ; the latter is 
 much the better. The dose of the American senna is one ounce in 
 decoction. A tea of the leaves makes an excellent enema. Senna 
 enters into many of our compounds ; as, the senna electuary. 
 
 88. Lupinus perennis. Common lupine. The seeds are bitter 
 and tonic. 
 
 89. Trifolium. Eighty-five species; IT, 10, L. 
 
 Trifolium arvense. Clover; field clover. The flower contains a 
 good deal of honey. The blossoms of 
 
 90. Trifolium repens, white clover, were once used in gout. 
 They are moderately astringent. The steamers make a salve of the 
 heads of red clover, which they use in the cure of cancer. 
 
 91. Melilotus. Two species; 17, 10, L. 
 
 Melilotus officinalis. Melilot; melilot clover. Sec. This plant 
 has a peculiar flavour resembling that of the Tonquin bean, and it 
 has been used for the same purpose to scent snuff. It is pectoral 
 and demulcent, and is employed for dysuria, coughs, and leucor- 
 rhoea. It is also used in emollient poultices. The melilot is a prin- 
 cipal ingredient in Kitteridge's celebrated bone ointment. 
 
 ORDER 78. URTICACE^. 
 
 92. Urtica dioica. Stinging nettle ; 20, 4, L. This plant is anti- 
 scorbutic, diuretic, and astringent. It has been supposed to have 
 some efficacy in consumptive complaints; but its power must be 
 feeble in this respect. A writer in the Boston Mercantile Journal 
 values it highly as one of the most valuable styptics known. It is a 
 healthy pot herb. Its sting is one of the most irritating known. 
 The following lines are not inapplicable to it. 
 
88T 
 
 " Tender handed, touch the nettle, 
 
 And it stings you for your pains j , , 
 
 Grasp it like a man of mettle, 
 And it soft as silk remains. 
 Thus it is with common natures : 
 Treat them kindly, they rebel ; 
 But be rough as nutmeg graters, 
 And the rogues obey you well." 
 
 93. Urtica pumila, vel adesia. Water nettle ; stingless nettle. The 
 footstalks of the leaves and of the stem of the plant are filled with 
 water so as to make them transparent. Bind the leaves upon scro- 
 fulous sores, and they allay the irritation. They are said to be ex- 
 cellent for wounds, and also for eruptions. 
 
 94. Humulus. Six species; 21, 5, L. 
 
 Humulus lupulus. Hop. Off. The properties of this well- 
 known narcotic and sedative are now as well known as opium or 
 cicuta. My late friend, Dr. A. W. Ives, of New York, first directed 
 the attention of the faculty to the farina of the plant, which he 
 named lupuline. 
 
 ORDER 88. EUPHORBIACE^. 
 
 95. Euphorbia. One-hundred and fifty-five species ; 19, 3, L. 
 Euphorbia maculata. Spotted spurge; Bowman's root; emetic 
 
 weed. The properties of the Euphorbias are generally diaphoretic, 
 astringent, emetic, cathartic, rubefacient, blistering, and stimulant, 
 according to the different species. By many, some of the species 
 are considered equivalent to ipecacuanha. For cathartic operation 
 they are considered equal to jalap or scammony, and it requires but 
 half the quantity to purge that these famous medicines do. They 
 deserve the further consideration of physicians. 
 
 96. Acalypha. Thirty-nine species; two in the United States; 
 20, 16, L. 
 
 Acalypha Virginiea. Three-seeded mercury; mercury weed. This 
 species is found in all the States in the Union. It has been found 
 by Dr. Atkins to possess diuretic and expectorant properties, and it 
 has been used in various species of dropsy, and in asthma. The 
 quacks at the South use it extensively for various purposes, according 
 to Elliott, the southern botanist. 
 
888 
 
 ORDER 122. GERANIACE^E. 
 
 97. Geranium* Forty-two species ; 16, 10, L. 
 
 Greranium maculatum. Crows-bill, sometimes, though improperly 
 called crow-foot. Off. This is one of our purest astringents, accu- 
 rately and beautifully drawn and described by Bigelow and others, 
 to whom I refer the reader. 
 
 98. G-eranium Robertianum. Herb Robert. This plant has 
 much reputation with many people for the cure of bloody water in 
 cattle and horses, and also for the cure of bloody flux in them, and 
 it is thought by some more efficacious in these complaints than most 
 of the common medicines in use. It is employed in tanning in Ger- 
 many, like the other species of geranium. It is diuretic, and less 
 astringent than the G. maculatum, and, therefore, more proper in 
 nephritis, and diseases of the bladder. It has been used in fever 
 and ague, and as a gargle for sore mouths and throats. 
 
 99. Oxalis acetosclla* "Wood sorrel ; 10, 5, L. Off. From this 
 plant the oxalic acid is prepared, which is so extensively employed 
 in medicine. This plant is a good diuretic. Boiled in milk, it yields 
 an acid whey. It is useful in affections of the kidneys. The oxalic 
 acid, taken to a considerable extent, is poisonous. The leaves should, 
 therefore, be used with moderation. One hundred pounds of the 
 leaves give thirty pounds of juice, which yield ten ounces of super- 
 oxalate of potash. This is sometimes used under the name of salts of 
 lemon. A conserve and syrup are made of the leaves, which are 
 pleasant medicinal preparations, but perhaps inferior to currant 
 jelly, and other acid fruits. Raf. 
 
 100. Oxalis stricta. Possesses similar properties. 
 
 ORDER 126. BALSAMIC. 
 
 101. Impatiens. Thirteen species ; 5, 1, L. 
 
 Impatiens noli me tangere, vel pallida. Touch-me-not ; jewel weed. 
 Sec. The whole plant is acrid. When taken internally, it operates 
 as an emetic, cathartic, and diuretic. Dr. Euan, of Philadelphia, 
 employed it successfully in piles, by boiling the plant in a recent 
 state in lard. The impatiens balsamine of the gardens possesses the 
 same properties as the noli me tangere. W. and B. 
 
889 
 
 ORDER 129. POLYGALACE.E. 
 
 102. Poly gala. Ninety-four species; 17, 3, L. 
 
 Polygala sanguinea, vel P. paucifolia. Flowering winter-green. 
 The properties of this plant are similar to Polygala senega. The 
 taste and smell are similar to Gaultheria procumbens. It is stimu- 
 lant and sudorific. It is milder than seneka, and may be useful in 
 rheumatism, dropsy, and asthma. It may be used in decoction. 
 
 ORDER 130. VIOLACE^B. 
 
 103. Viola. Fifty-seven species ; 5, 1, L. 
 Viola pedata. Bird-foot violet. Off. 
 
 104. Viola cucullata. Common field violet. 
 
 105. Viola palmata. Hand violet. 
 
 106. Viola ovata. Rattlesnake violet. 
 
 107. Viola Oanadensis. Canada violet. 
 
 108. Viola pubescens. Yellow wood violet. 
 
 All the violets are most excellent demulcents, and are very im- 
 portant in a medicinal point of view. The V. pedata and V. ovata 
 are the most useful. I have published a long account of them, and 
 of the efficacy of the latter in the bites of venomous reptiles, and 
 in ophthalmias, strangury, &c., in the American Journal of the 
 Medical Sciences, which has been transferred to the American 
 Journal of Pharmacy. The paper has also been published in the 
 New York Journal of Medicine. To these works I refer the 
 reader. I have correct paintings of the above species of violets. 
 
 ORDER 137. DROSERACE.E. 
 
 109. Drosera rotundifolia. Sun dew. Numerous species. The 
 juice of this plant is said to destroy warts, corns, &c. ; and infused 
 in milk it has been used for freckles and sun burns. It is supposed 
 to be pectoral, and, in the form of syrup, is used in asthma. Raf. 
 
 ORDER 140. CARYOPHYLLACE^I. 
 
 110. Saponaria. Nine species ; 10, 2, L. 
 
 Saponaria officinalis. Soapwort ; bouncing Bet. Sec. The soap- 
 worts are diaphoretic, tonic, and hepatic. They are useful in rheu- 
 VOL. n. 57 
 
890 
 
 matism, gout, jaundice, and hepatic eruptions. They have been 
 considered vermifuge and diuretic. Used in scrofulous and vene- 
 real ulcers. On account of its frothing, it is called soapwort. Raf . 
 
 111. Agrostemma githago. Cockle. This is a poisonous plant in 
 wheat fields, imparting a strong and bitter taste to bread. The grain 
 which contains much of it should, therefore, be used only for the 
 manufacture of starch. 
 
 112. Spergula. Ten species ; 10, 5. 
 
 Spergula arvensis. Spurry. The inhabitants of Norway and Fin- 
 land use the seeds of this plant for bread, when their corn fails. 
 Poultry are fond of them. It is nutritious to cattle, but not to horses, 
 sheep, and goats. 
 
 ORDER 147. CRASSULACE.E. 
 
 113. Sempervivum. Fourteen species; 11, 13. This plant is 
 cultivated as an ornament to our houses, hence it is called house- 
 leek. The leaves are thick and succulent. They are slightly 
 astringent and sourish to the taste. They are externally applied as 
 a cooling application in the recent state, bruised, to burns, stings of 
 bees, &c., and to other affections of the skin, ulcers, inflammation, 
 &c. An ointment made by boiling them in lard, is excellent in piles, 
 chilblains, &c. 
 
 ORDER 153. CHENOPODIACE.E. 
 
 114. Ohenopodium. Thirty-eight species ; 5, 2, L. 
 
 Ohenopodium botrys. Jerusalem oak. Off. This is not the genu- 
 ine worm-seed, though it possesses anthelmintic properties, like the 
 rest of the genus. The whole of this plant possesses excellent pec- 
 toral properties. A valuable syrup is prepared from it for recent 
 coughs. Emmenagogue, resolvent, and carminative. 
 
 115. Ohenopodium hylridum. Aris, a species of hogweed. This 
 plant is in great use in domestic practice as an emmenagogue. A 
 tea of it is made with pennyroyal, and the patient is to drink of it 
 ad libitum, and to soak the feet in warm water. I have seen most 
 wonderful effects from the use of this tea ; but, perhaps, it may be 
 imputed in part to the pennyroyal which is used with it, which is a 
 very popular emmenagogue of itself. 
 
891 
 
 ORDER 154. PHYTOLACCACE^S. 
 
 116. Phytolacca. Six species; 11, 10, L. 
 
 Phytolacca decandra. Poke, garget, crowberry, &c. Off. This 
 valuable plant possesses emetic, cathartic, and narcotic properties. 
 It is in great repute for the cure of rheumatism, the piles, cancer, 
 and a great variety of complaints. Farmers make much use of the 
 roots for rowels or setons, for their cattle and horses. The berries 
 are employed in tincture. For a more particular account, see dis- 
 pensatories, &c. 
 
 ORDER 157. POLYGONACEJS. 
 
 117. Polygonum hydropiper, oYpunctatum. Water pepper, smart- 
 weed, &c.; 9, 3, L. Fifty-three species of the genus. Off. This is 
 a biting, pungent diuretic, inflaming the tongue and skin, when ap- 
 plied to them. It is vermifuge, and highly stimulant. Infused in 
 wine, it is much used in gravel. It is said to cure ulcers in the mouth, 
 toothache, &c. The ashes make a soap, which Cutler says has been 
 a specific for the cure of stone in the bladder. A tea of the plant is 
 good in coughs and colds. Cattle will not touch the plant. Snakes 
 avoid it, and it kills fish. An infusion of it is a powerful promoter 
 of urine. Raf. It is singular that, wherever geese are kept, this 
 plant abounds. Formerly they roamed in Deerfield Street, and the 
 plant covered the whole street. But, since they are not suffered to 
 run at large, the plant is not found here. 
 
 118. Polygonum fag opy rum. Buckwheat. An infusion of this 
 plant is useful in erysipelas, used externally and internally. 
 
 119. Rumex. 6, 3, L. 
 
 Rumex acetosella. Sorrel ; sorrel dock. The leaves have an 
 agreeable acid taste, and are refrigerant, antiscorbutic, and diuretic. 
 
 120. Rumex crispus. Curled dock. Off. The medical properties of 
 the various species of dock are mildly astringent, bitter, and tonic, 
 and also laxative. They are valuable in scorbutic and other eruptions. 
 At one time, they were thought to be a specific in the cure of the 
 itch, and cancers. According to Rafinesque, the roots contain sul- 
 phur, starch, oxalate of lime, &c. 
 
 ORDER 173. PYROLACE^I. 
 
 ORDER 173. PYROLACEJB. 
 121. Pyrola. Altered to Chimaphila. Seven species ; 10, 1, L. 
 
892 
 
 Chimapliila maculata. Prince's pine ; pipsissewa ; spotted win- 
 ter-green. Off. This is a most powerful diuretic, and has been ex- 
 tensively used in dropsy. It is also tonic, astringent, and depurative. 
 It is much used in cutaneous eruptions, and particularly in can- 
 cerous affections, over which it has a feeble, if any, action. See 
 Materia Medica. 
 
 122. ChimapJiila rotundifolia. Round-leaved winter-green ; shin- 
 leaf. The leaf, bound on old ulcers of the skin and leg, have proved 
 successful in their cure. 
 
 123. Monotropa. Four species ; 10, 1, L. 
 
 Monotropa uniflora. Pipe plant; beech drops, &c. It is ophthal- 
 mic and nervine. The juice mixed in water, according to Rafinesque, 
 is deemed by the Indians specific in sore eyes. The dried root is 
 employed in epilepsy, and in the diseases of children, in doses of a 
 teaspoonful, united with valerian. That notorious empiric, Steward, 
 says it is a substitute for opium. According to him, it eases pain, 
 comforts the stomach, and causes sleep and rest. 
 
 ORDER 175. LOBELIACB^I. 
 
 124. Lobelia. Ninety-five, species ; 5, 1, L. 
 
 Lobelia inflata. Indian tobacco; devil's pepper, &c. Off. So 
 much has been said and sung about this " divine remedy" of the 
 steamers, that it is needless to recapitulate it here. The manner in 
 which it received its appropriate English name may be found in my 
 paper upon this plant, published in the New York Journal of Medi- 
 cine and Surgery for the year 1846. 
 
 125. Lobelia cardinalis. Cardinal lobelia. This seems to pos- 
 sess many of the same properties with the above, but in less degree. 
 
 ORDER 182. PLANTAGENE^:. , 
 
 126. Plantago. Seventy species; 4, 1, L. 
 
 Plantago major. Great plantain. The leaves of this plant are 
 used as a cooling vulnerary. The root is febrifuge and astringent, 
 and used for diarrhoea, sore eyes, and bloody fluxes. The leaves are 
 good for ulcers, the bites of venomous insects, and tumours. The 
 seeds are vermifuge. The properties of 
 
 127. Plantago lanceolata, ribwort, are somewhat similar. 
 
893 
 
 ORDER 186. COMPOSITE. 
 
 128. Arctium. Two species; 6, 1, L. 
 
 Arctium lappa. Burdock. Off. The root has been considered 
 tonic, aperient, sudorific, and diuretic. It has been used in the form 
 of decoction in rheumatism, and diseases of the skin. Sir Robert 
 Walpole praised it as a gout medicine, and others have considered it 
 an excellent substitute for sarsaparilla. The fruit, which is bitter, 
 and slightly acid, has been used as a diuretic. (Lindley.) The wilt- 
 ed leaves, applied to bruises and local pains, are excellent discutients 
 and anodynes. It was once thought to be a certain cure for cancer. 
 
 129. Leontodon. Six species ; 18, 1, L. 
 
 Leontodon taraxicum. Dandelion. Off. This beautiful plant has 
 come into much vogue in medicine, within a few years, for the cure of 
 hepatic affections and dyspepsia. It is diuretic, and slightly tonic 
 and aperient. It is thought to excite the languid action of the liver, 
 and to discuss chronic enlargements of it. It is particularly adapt- 
 ed to all the diseases produced by the derangement of the biliary 
 secretions. An infusion or decoction of the root, or the extract, 
 removes obstructions of the bowels, and promotes the flow of urine. 
 It is also useful in diseases of the skin, in dropsy, consumption, and 
 scirrhosities of the stomach. An irritable state of the stomach for- 
 bids the use of it, or much inflammation of that organ, otherwise it 
 may be taken freely. It is used in extract or decoction. 
 
 130. Lactuca. Twenty-three species ; 18, 1, L. 
 
 Lactuca elongata. Wild lettuce. Anodyne, laxative, diaphoretic, 
 and diuretic. 
 
 131. Prenanthes. Thirty-five species; 18, 1, L. 
 Prenanthes alba. Gall of the earth. This is the famous Indian 
 
 cure for the bite of venomous serpents. ' It grows to a great height. 
 The leaves are lactescent, and every part of the plant is intensely 
 bitter. 
 
 132. Hieracium. Eighty species; 18, 1, L. 
 
 Hieracium venosum. Veiny-leaved hawk-weed. The whole plant 
 is active and bitter to the taste. It is also vulnerary and astringent, 
 sudorific, antiseptic, and pectoral. Schoepf and Harlan have both 
 used the bruised leaves with success for the bite of the rattlesnake. 
 By some, it has been called rattlesnake plantain, but erroneously. 
 
894 
 
 It has also been empirically used for the cure of hemoptysis, 
 scrofula, amenorrhoea, and hemorrhages. It is sometimes united 
 with bloodroot in powder for the cure of polypus in the nose. 
 
 133. Liatris. Eight species; 18, 1, L. 
 
 Liatris scariosa. Gay feather. Sec. The root has the smell of 
 turpentine, and a bitter terebinthinate taste. It is diuretic in its 
 properties. In decoction, it is employed in gonorrhoea and in sore 
 throat. Also in dropsy, angina, croup, pain in the breast, gravel, &c. 
 
 134. Vernonia prealta ; 18, 1, L. Devil's bit; iron-weed. From 
 the roots, a spirituous bitter is made, which is used in fevers in Ken- 
 tucky. Good against poisons. The leaves, which are astringent, 
 are used in sore throats. 
 
 135. Carduus altissimus. Thistle; 18, 1, L. An infusion of 
 the roots is good in cases of salt-rheum. 
 
 136. JEupatorium. Seventy-five species; 18, 1, L. 
 Eupatorium perfoliatum. Thoroughwort ; boneset, &c. Off. This 
 
 well-known plant is most beautifully figured by Bigelow and others, 
 to whom I refer the reader. More virtues are ascribed to it, as a 
 cathartic, emetic, diuretic, tonic, &c., than to almost any other plant 
 in use. 
 
 137. Eupatorium purpureum. Jopi root ; purple boneset. Off. 
 Elegantly painted by Barton in his Flora. It derived its name of 
 Jopi root from an Indian in New England of that name, who cured 
 typhus with it by powerful sweating. Eberle asserts that catarrhal 
 fevers are cured by it by drinking a weak infusion of it on going to 
 bed. In the dyspepsia of the aged, it is valuable. It is useful as 
 an auxiliary to other tonics and emetics. But the principal use to 
 which it is applied is as a diuretic, and it is, on this account, called 
 gravel root ; and we have few plants that are more efficacious in this 
 respect. It is the queen of the meadows of the steamers. 
 
 138. GrnaphaUum. One hundred and sixty species; 18, 2, L. 
 G-naphalium margaritaceum. Life-everlasting. Sec. This and the 
 
 G. polycephalum, silver-leaved gnaphalium, are used in infusion in 
 affections of the breast and bowels, and in hemorrhages. Externally, 
 they are used in fomentations; and in wounds, bruises, and internal 
 
895 
 
 pains. They are mildly astringent and vermifuge; and are good in 
 dysentery. The gnaphaliums have different names, such as white 
 plantain, poor robin, rattlesnake plantain, squirrel ear, &c. They 
 are used in cases of poisoning, and of the bite of the rattlesnake. 
 Rafinesque says the Indians will, for a trifle, allow themselves to be 
 bitten, and cure themselves at once with this plant. 
 
 139. Artemisia. Seventy-two species; 18, 2, L. 
 
 Artemisia absinthium. Wormwood. Off. Much has been said 
 in the medical journals in favour of wormwood in cases of epilepsy. 
 It does not, however, answer the high encomiums bestowed upon it. 
 It is considered to be antiseptic, stomachic, detergent, vermifuge, 
 and emmenagogue. Given in the form of infusion or powder, it has 
 been used in all these affections. The leaves, bruised and steeped 
 in spirit and vinegar, are valuable discutients ; and I know of no 
 more soothing application in bruises and wounds. 
 
 140. Artemisia Canadensis. Southern wood. This is also use- 
 ful in the same cases. It is called mugwort. 
 
 141. Anthemis. Forty-two species ; 18, 3, L. 
 
 Anthemis cotula, synonym Maruta cotula. May- weed ; wild cha- 
 momile. Sec. It is a mild tonic, possessing, in some degree, the 
 properties of the genuine chamomile. According to Dr. Ashley, 
 in the Philadelphia Journal of Pharmacy, it is a powerful vesicant. 
 
 142. Chrysanthemum. Thirty-five species ; 18, 2, L. 
 Chrysanthemum leucanthemum. Ox-eyed daisy; white-weed. 
 This is a pestilent weed in grass fields. The young leaves may 
 
 be eaten in salads. When bruised, they afford a good application 
 to scirrhous tumours. It is said that if a decoction of them be 
 taken by a person subject to the jaundice, immediately after coming 
 from the tepid bath, it will tend to restore his natural colour. A 
 decoction increases the urinary discharge. It is of service in de- 
 bility attended with sweating, if drank freely, and the patient is 
 kept cool. It is used for wounds, asthma, consumptions, and tinea. 
 It is a principal ingredient, under the name of Pissabed, in Stewart's 
 vegetable ointment, for the cure of salt rheum, and other cutaneous 
 eruptions. 
 
 143. Achillea. Forty-eight species. Syng. Superf., L. 
 
896 
 
 Acliillea millefolium. Yarrow. It is similar in its properties to 
 chamomile ; stimulating, slightly astringent, and tonic. 
 
 144. Tanacetum. Eighteen species ; 18, 2, L. 
 
 Tanacetum vulgare. Tansy. Off. Vermifuge, tonic, and stimu- 
 lant. 
 
 145. Inula. Forty-three species ; 18, 2, L. 
 
 Inula helenium. Elecampane. Sec. Stimulant, slightly tonic, 
 and pectoral. In great use in diseases of the breast and lungs. 
 
 146. Tussilago. Twenty-one species; 18, 2, L. 
 
 Tussilago farfara. Colt's-foot. Off. Demulcent and expecto- 
 rant. More extensively used by the people at large in the form of 
 syrup, in coughs, than almost any vegetable known. 
 
 14T. Erigeron. Forty-three species ; 18, 2, L. 
 Erigeron Canadense. Canada fleabane. Sec. 
 
 148. Erigeron PMladelpTiicum. Philadelphia fleabane. Sec. 
 These plants are some of our most powerful astringents. For an 
 extensive account of their medicinal properties, see a paper pub- 
 lished by me on the subject in the New York Journal of Medicine 
 and Surgery for 1846. 
 
 149. Senecio Meracifolium. Fire-weed ; groundsel. An ointment 
 made from this weed is most efficacious in the piles. It is also use- 
 ful in diseases of the skin, wounds, &c., in hemorrhages, and in 
 wounds. It is emetic in large doses. 
 
 150. Aster. One hundred and twenty species; 18, 2, L. 
 Aster Nova Anglise. New England aster. Our beautiful asters 
 
 do not blossom here till late in the summer, or early in the fall. 
 Their medical properties have not been sufficiently investigated. 
 According to Dr. Lawrence, of Lebanon, N. Y., a Shaker, this spe- 
 cies is employed in decoction externally in eruptions of the skin, 
 and it is also very valuable against the virulence of the poison 
 sumach. 
 
 151. Aster cordifolius is useful as a nervine, and is preferable, in 
 many instances, to valerian. It has been used in decoction and in- 
 
89T 
 
 fusion in spirit for rheumatism. A species called squawroot has 
 been used by old women as a partus accelerandum. The asters 
 may be profitably employed as equivalents to valerian in nervous 
 affections, in epilepsy, spasms, hysteria, &c. Raf. 
 
 152. Solidago. Forty-eight species; 18, 2, L. 
 
 Solidago odora. Sweet-scented golden-rod. Off. The golden-rods 
 are very abundant here, blossoming late in the fall; but this species 
 is scarce. This is aromatic, stimulant, carminative, and diuretic, 
 when given in warm infusion. An oil is obtained from it which is 
 very pleasant, and much resembles the oil of anise. It is proper in 
 all those cases where the latter is used. The flowers make an 
 agreeable tea. 
 
 153. Bidens. Twenty-one species ; 18, 2, L. 
 
 Bidens aroma. Water-beggar-tick. This is a troublesome weed 
 in our gardens and fields. The ticks, or beggar-lice, as they are 
 sometimes called, boiled in water and strained, mixed with syrup of 
 sugar or honey, form a most excellent expectorant for hooping 
 cough, other kinds of coughs, and catarrhal affections. 
 
 154. Ambrosia. Nine species ; 25, 5, L. 
 
 Ambrosia elatior. Rag-weed ; hog-weed ; wild wormwood. This 
 plant is considered to be emollient and antiseptic when used in 
 fomentations. It is a troublesome weed in gardens and fields. 
 Most animals, except the hog, refuse it ; and, if cows eat it, it makes 
 their milk bitter. It is said to give a bitter taste to bread when 
 mixed with the wheat. 
 
 155. Ambrosia trifida. Called horse-weed. According to Rafi- 
 nesque, it is used by the Indians to make a kind of hemp and ropes. 
 Used in after-pains, and nervous and hysterical affections. 
 
 156. Xanthium strumarium. Sea-burdock ; clot-burr. The 
 leaves are bitter and astringent, and are useful in scrofula, herpes, 
 and erysipelas. They dye a yellow colour. 
 
 ORDER 180. STELLATE. 
 
 157. G-alium. Seventy-seven species ; 4, 1, L. 
 
 G-alium asprillum. Rough bedstraw. This has been extensively 
 used as a diuretic, and has been employed most successfully in all 
 
898 
 
 suppressions of urine, strangury, gravel, &c. It has also proved 
 beneficial in scurvy, bleeding at the nose, hemoptysis, &c. An in- 
 fusion of it has been said to have cured the epilepsy and the gout. 
 A poultice of it, also, has been used for tumours of the breast. 
 
 158. Gralium aparine. Cleavers ; goose grass. Sec. This plant 
 has a bitter, herbaceous, and acrid taste. The juice is diuretic, 
 aperient, and antiscorbutic. It is useful in the various species of 
 dropsy, scrofula, and scurvy. The fresh plant, prepared into an 
 ointment, or decoction, has been used externally to scrofulous swell- 
 ings with success. 
 
 159. Asclepias. Fifty species ; 5, 2, L. 
 
 Asclepias Syriaca. Silkweed ; milkweed. Sec. This plant is 
 anodyne, expectorant, &c. The young shoots are edible, like 
 asparagus. 
 
 160. Asclepias incarnata. Flesh-coloured asclepias. Sec. The 
 western Indians use the roots in dropsy, asthma, dysentery, and as 
 emetics. Some physicians consider the plant emetic and cathartic. 
 
 161. Aselepias tuberosa. Pleurisy root ; butterfly-weed, &c. Off. 
 This is considered one of our most valuable expectorants, the pro- 
 perties of which are described in our Dispensatories and Materia 
 Medicas. 
 
 ORDER 196. APOCYNE^E. 
 
 162. Apocynum. Eighteen species ; 5, 2, L. 
 
 Apocynum androscemifolium. Common dog's-bane; bitter root; 
 honey-bloom, &c. Sec. This plant is emetic, tonic, syphilitic, al- 
 terative, and diaphoretic. It is most beautifully coloured, and 
 described by Bigelow, to whom, and to the Dispensatories, I refer 
 for further information concerning it. 
 
 163. Apocynum canndbinum. Indian hemp. Sec. It is similar 
 in its properties to the above. Both these plants, instead of being 
 on the secondary list in our Pharmacopoeias, should be officinal. 
 
 ORDER 197. GENTIANACE.E. 
 
 164. 0-entiana. Sixty-one species ; 16, 10, L. 
 Grentiana saponaria. Soapwort gentian ; blue bells. 
 
899 
 
 165. G-entiana saponaria. Fringed gentian. All the gentians are 
 beautiful plants, and they are all tonic, bitter, corroborant, cathar- 
 tic, and are excellent substitutes for foreign gentian. They invigorate 
 the stomach, and are useful in dyspepsia, and in debility of that 
 organ. They are extensively employed in the Southern States in 
 various kinds of fevers, pneumonias, &c., as tonics. In large doses, 
 they are purgative. 
 
 166. Menyanthes. Six species ; 5, 1, L. 
 
 Menyanthes trifolia. Buck bean; water shamrock. In large 
 doses, this plant has a bitter, tonic, and cathartic property. It is 
 also stomachic and febrifuge, anthelmintic and diuretic. In decoc- 
 tion, it is used in dropsy, rheumatism, worms, &c. It was formerly 
 a good deal used, then neglected, but now coming into vogue again. 
 
 ORDER 199. CONVOLVULACB^I. 
 
 167. Convolvulus. One hundred and fifty species ; 5, 1, L. 
 Convolvulus arvensis. Field bind- weed ; wild potato. This has 
 
 sometimes been used as a substitute for jalap, but it is a very feeble 
 one. It is supposed to be somewhat diuretic, and it has been used 
 in cutaneous complaints. Forty grains of the powder purge gently. 
 
 168. Cuscuta. Eleven species ; 5, 2, L. 
 
 Cuscuta Americana. Dodder. This plant is bitter and sub- 
 astringent. It dyes red. It is also stomachic, febrifuge, and anti- 
 scrofulous. It is used in decoction for agues. 
 
 ORDER 110. OROBANCHE^I. 
 
 169. OrolancJie. Twenty-four species; 14, 2, L. 
 
 Orobanche Virginiana. Beech drops ; cancer root. Sec. This 
 plant is bitter, nauseous, and astringent. It loses, in some measure, 
 these powers by drying. It has been employed in bowel affections ; 
 but its virtues mainly depend upon its supposed efficacy in curing 
 cancerous ulcerations ; and it was for a long time supposed to be a 
 principal ingredient in the secret remedy of Dr. Martin, for the cure 
 of cancer. But Dr. Rush proved the powder of Dr. Martin princi- 
 pally to consist of arsenic. This plant is also powerfully astringent, 
 and has been used for erysipelas, and canker in the throat. It is 
 used at the West as a specific in syphilis and gonorrhoea. It is 
 also employed for hepatic affections, diarrhoea, and dysentery. 
 (Synonym, Epiphegus Americana.) 
 
900 
 
 170. Orobanche uniflora. Small cancer roots. The properties 
 of this are similar to the above. 
 
 171. Scrophularia. Twenty-eight species ; 14, 2, L. 
 Scrophularia Marylandica. Figwort. This plant has a rank 
 
 smell and bitter taste, which seem to indicate that it possesses some 
 active medicinal properties. It is vulnerary and resolvent, and is 
 much used in the Northern and Middle States. It is good in ulcer- 
 ation in the form of poultices. By washing with a decoction of it, 
 swine infected with the scab, are cured, and also dogs. 
 
 172. CJielone. Four species; 14, 2, L. 
 
 Chelone glabra. Snake head. The valmony, I believe, of the 
 Thompsonians. This plant is a good corroborant, and should be 
 classed with our tonics. It is most intensely bitter to the taste. It 
 may be used in strong infusion ; useful in dyspepsia, loss of appetite, 
 and general debility. See an interesting article on this plant by 
 Dr. J. A. Allen, of Middlebury, Vermont, in the Boston Medical 
 and Surgical Journal ; see also Rafinesque, who gives a long account 
 of it from Dr. Lawrence, of New Lebanon, Mass. 
 
 173. Leptandra Virginica. Bowman's root ; physic root ; Cul- 
 ver's physic. The plate of this plant, as given by Rafinesque, 
 exactly resembles the spiraea tomentosa, though the properties are 
 opposite. The former (leptandra) is powerfully cathartic, and the 
 spiraea is powerfully astringent. The root is the part employed. 
 The roots, according to Rafinesque, lose much of their virulence by 
 drying, and a drachm of the powder becomes an uncertain purga- 
 tive, while, when fresh, they are drastic and dangerous in sub- 
 stance, and are said to produce bloody stools, dizziness, vertigo, and 
 abortion. 
 
 
 
 174. Pedicularis. Thirty-four species ; 14, 2, L. 
 Pedicularis Oanadensis. Common lousewort. It is vulnerary, and 
 
 sometimes called heal-all. The Indians used to cure the bite of the 
 rattlesnake with this plant. 
 
 ORDER 213. SOLANACE^E. 
 
 175. Solatium. One hundred and fifty-six species ; 5, 1, L. 
 Solanum dulcamara. Bittersweet ; woody nightshade ; poison 
 
 bittersweet. This must not be confounded with the celastrus scan- 
 
901 
 
 dens, or waxwork, which is universally called bittersweet by the 
 common people. The solanum dulcamara is narcotic, as are all the 
 solanums, diaphoretic and diuretic. Bigelow has painted it ele- 
 gantly in his splendid Medical Botany. 
 
 176. Solanum nigrum ; variety Virginianum. Common night- 
 shade ; garden nightshade. A light decoction of the leaves, taken 
 at bedtime, occasions a free perspiration, increases the urine, and 
 produces a purgative effect the following day. The leaves applied 
 externally, abate inflammation and assuage pain. The leaves are 
 poisonous, and to poultry they are immediately fatal. Externally, 
 it has been found a useful discutient and anodyne in various affec- 
 tions of the skin, tumefactions of the glands, ulcers, and disorders 
 of the eyes. With the Arabians, it is a common application to 
 burns and ulcers, and Ray speaks highly of it in indurations of the 
 breast. Mr. Gattaker has recommended, in a publication on the 
 subject, its internal use in old sores, scrofulous and cancerous ulcers, 
 cutaneous eruptions, and even in dropsies; one grain of the dried 
 leaves, he says, infused in an ounce of water, sometimes produced 
 considerable effect ; in a dose of two or three grains, it seldom 
 failed to evacuate the first passages, and to increase sensibly the 
 discharge from the skin, or by the kidneys ; and not unfrequently it 
 occasions headache, giddiness, dimness, and drowsiness. The flowers 
 smell like musk. 
 
 177. Physalis alkekengi. Ground cherry ; winter cherry. The 
 berries are diuretic and sedative. They are acrid and bitterish ; 
 but children are nevertheless fond of them. 
 
 178. Hyoscyamm. Eight species; 5, 1, L. 
 
 Hyoscyamus niger. Black henbane ; stinking nightshade. Off. 
 This is a highly narcotic, but most valuable medicine in the hands 
 of judicious physicians. In many respects, it is superior to opium, 
 as it is not apt to leave the bowels in a costive state. See Dispen- 
 satories. 
 
 179. Datura. Eight species ; 5, 1, L. 
 
 Datura stramonium. Thorn apple; apple peru; Jamestown 
 weed, &c. Off. This valuable anodyne and narcotic may also be 
 found well described in all our standard materia medicas. 
 
902 
 
 180. Verbascum. Twenty-seven species; 5, 1, L. 
 
 Verbascum thapsus. Mullein. Off. This plant is slightly nar- 
 cotic, anodyne and emollient. It was in early use by the fathers of 
 our profession, and was much extolled by Woodville, Home, Bergius, 
 Withering, and many otners, in diarrhoea, dysentery, piles, &c. 
 
 ORDER 220. VERBENACE^I. 
 
 181. Verbena. Twenty-one species ; 14, 1, L. Sec. 
 
 Verbena hastata. Purple vervain. Sec. The vervain was former- 
 ly used in sacrificial rites, and in the superstitions of the day. In 
 later times, it has been used as a cataplasm, by which the most 
 severe and obstinate cases of cephalalgia are said to have been 
 cured. It is bitter, emetic, and expectorant, and is much used as 
 an ingredient in syrups for coughs, consumptions, &c. The steamers 
 think this plant almost equal to the lobelia as an emetic. 
 
 182. Verbena urticifolia. Nettle-leaved vervain. Sec. This 
 plant has been employed with advantage in poisoning from the 
 poison sumach. It is prepared by boiling it with the inner bark of 
 the white oak. Thus prepared, it is used in erysipelas. 
 
 183. Lycopus ; 2, 1, L. 
 
 Lycopus Virginicus. Water agrimony ; bugle. Sec. In a paper, 
 upon this subject, published in the New York Journ. of Med. and 
 Surg. for 1846, I have spoken of this plant as being one of the 
 most valuable styptics we possess in our vegetable materia medica. 
 
 184. Monarda. Eight species, 2, 1, L. 
 
 Monarda oblongata. Mountain balm ; or, mountain mint. Off. 
 The monardas are allied to the melissas. They are tonic, febrifuge, 
 nervine, antiseptic, and anti-emetic. 
 
 185. Hedeoma. Three species ; 14, 1, L. 
 
 Hedeoma pulegioides. Pennyroyal ; squaw mint. Off. This is 
 a stimulating, aromatic carminative. It is a most powerful emmena- 
 gogue, and very much in popular use for suppression of the menses. 
 
 186. Oollinsonia. Four species ; 2, 1, L. 
 
 Collinsonia Oanadensis. Horse-balm ; horse-weed ; rich-weed, 
 &c. The whole plant has an aromatic, balsamic smell, somewhat 
 resembling that species of sage called herb clary. It is carminative 
 
903 
 
 and vulnerary, corroborant and diuretic, warm and stimulating. It 
 is used in the form of poultice for wounds, sores, bruises, &c. In infu- 
 sion, it is taken for colic, cramps, headache, indigestion, &c. The whole 
 plant is used both green and dry. Schrepf extols it in lochial colic, 
 bites of snakes, rheumatic pains, in strong friction with the leaves. 
 Dr. Mease says the root infused in cider has cured the dropsy. The 
 decoction is good in the sore backs of horses. 
 
 187. Grlecoma. Two species ; 14, 1, L. 
 
 Glecoma hederacea. Gill; grow by the ground; ground ivy. 
 Sec. This is tonic and stimulant, and useful in affections of the 
 lungs and kidneys. It is also somewhat aperient; it is pectoral 
 and ophthalmic ; used for debility of the viscera, for coughs, obstruc- 
 tions, and for cleansing abscesses in the kidneys and lungs. It has 
 been employed in jaundice, the hypochondriac disease, colic, and 
 asthma. As a sternutatory, it has been employed in headache. 
 
 188. Hyssopus nepetoides. Four species ; 14, 1, L. Off. It is 
 a warming stimulant, and slightly aromatic. An infusion of it is 
 in high repute in coughs and chronic affections of the lungs. It is 
 very diaphoretic and expectorant, and it is in great demand in fevers 
 and acute complaints. 
 
 189. Melissa. Eleven species ; 14, 1, L. 
 
 Melissa cataria. Catnip; catmint. Sec. This is altered from 
 nepeta to melissa. An infusion of the plant is deemed by some to 
 be almost specific in chlorosis. Cats are very fond of it, and eat 
 it with avidity. It is carminative and stimulant, and much used in 
 the flatulence of infants. Miller says that, if it be raised from 
 seeds, cats will not meddle with it. In support of this opinion, he 
 quotes an old saying : " If you sow it, the cats will know it ; if you 
 set it, the cats will eat it." It is said to have been advantageously 
 administered in amenorrhoea. Lindley. 
 
 190. Leonorus. Eight species ; 14, 1, L. 
 
 Leonorus cardiaca. Motherwort. A decoction of this plant has 
 similar properties with valerian, and is used in nervous and hys- 
 terical affections. It is stimulant and pectoral, and is employed for 
 coughs, catarrhs, and heartburn. 
 
 191. Chenopodium. Synonym, Ounila. Five species ; 14, 1, L. 
 
904 
 
 Cunila mariana. Wild basil ; thyme ; stone mint, &c. The 
 whole of this plant is a pungent, warm aromatic, similar in its pro- 
 perties to pennyroyal. It is useful in exciting perspiration in colds, 
 in the commencement of fevers, to promote the menses, for flatu- 
 lent colic, and in all those cases where the mints are employed. Its 
 virtues reside in an essential oil. The Indians, says Rafinesque, 
 use it for wounds ; to expel a dead child. It kills rattlesnakes by 
 holding it to the nose by a stick. 
 
 192. Marrubium. Fifteen species ; 15, 1, L. 
 
 Marrubium vulgaris. Horehound. Sec. This plant is tonic, 
 with a rank smell, and bitter taste. It is emmenagogue, vermifuge, 
 and deobstruent, and is much used in humoral asthma, dysmenor- 
 rhoea, and in affections of the kidneys, menstrual obstructions, in 
 cachectic diseases, and phthisis. It is more used in domestic than 
 in regular practice. It is the basis of the negro Caesar's remedy 
 for the bites of snakes. 
 
 193. Prunella. Nine species ; 14, 1, L. 
 
 Prunella Pennsylvanica. Self-heal; heal-all. Sec. It has a 
 bitter, austere taste, and was formerly much used in diarrhoea, he- 
 morrhages, &c., and for a gargle in sore throats. By the common 
 people it is used in the form of the bruised leaves, for fresh wounds. 
 As it is slightly astringent, it is used in broths and apozems for 
 bleeding at the lungs, and other hemorrhages. 
 
 194. Teucrium. Seventy-three species ; 14, 1, L. 
 
 Teucrium Oanadense. Wood-sage; germander. This plant is 
 aromatic, bitter, tonic, stimulant, emmenagogue, &c., and useful in 
 hematuria, gout, rheumatism, and chlorosis. 
 
 195. Mentha. Thirty-three species ; 14, 1, L. 
 Mentha piperitis. Peppermint. Off. 
 
 196. Mentha viridis. Spearmint. Off. 
 
 197. Mentha borealis. Horsemint ; cornmint. Off. All the mints 
 are warm aromatic stimulants, and are useful in all those cases 
 where aromatic stimulants are required. The mentha borealis is 
 said to prevent the coagulation of milk ; and when cows eat largely 
 of it, which they do sometimes at the end of summer, their milk can 
 
905 
 
 hardly be made into cheese. The plant, bruised and applied to a 
 woman's breast, when it is caked from redundance of milk, will sub- 
 due the inflammation, and cause the milk to flow in a short time. I 
 have been more successful with this, in this complaint, than with any 
 other remedy. 
 
 198. PyenantTiemum. Fifteen species ; 14, 1, L. 
 Pyenanthemum incanum. Mountain mint. This plant is similar 
 
 in all respects, in its properties, to the pennyroyal. 
 
 199. Scutellaria. Twenty-four species ; 14, 2, L. 
 Scutellaria lateriflora. Scull-cap ; mad-dog weed. Sec. I do not 
 
 feel disposed to canvass the mooted question, at this time, whether 
 this plant is efficacious in the cure of hydrophobia. Many highly 
 respectable physicians have believed in its efficacy in this complaint, 
 while others have believed it to be inert. According to Rafinesque, 
 the dried plant gave one-fourth of soluble matter, and a very 
 active extract. The substances found in it by Cadet were : 1. Yel- 
 low green oil, fixed and soluble in ether. 2. A bitter principle, 
 soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. 3. Chlorophylle. 4. A pecu- 
 liar volatile matter, smelling and tasting like the principle of anti- 
 scorbutic plants. 5. An essential oil. 6. Albumen. 7. A sweet 
 mucous substance. 8. A peculiar astringent principle. 9. Lignin. 
 When burnt, the ashes afford the chloride of soda, and seven other 
 salts. It is, therefore, preposterous to deem such a plant inert. It 
 is, says he, tonic, astringent, antispasmodic, and anti-hydrophobic, 
 at least. The steamers consider it their grand antispasmodic. 
 
 200. Ocymum. Basil. Similar in its properties to the mints, 
 pennyroyal, &c. 
 
 ORDER 222. 
 
 201. Cynoglossum. Thirty-five species ; 5, 1, L. 
 
 Cynoglossum officinale. Hound's tongue. Sec. Called hound's 
 tongue from the shape of the leaves. The root and leaves have an 
 odour like mice, and it is said that rats will not infest a barn where 
 this plant is deposited. Many writers consider this plant poisonous, 
 while others think it inert. The point is unsettled. It has been 
 employed as a demulcent and sedative in spitting of blood, coughs, 
 catarrhs, dysentery, diarrhoea, &c. ; likewise in burns, scrofulous 
 tumours, ulcers, &c. The leaves, smoked like tobacco, are narcotic. 
 VOL. II. 58 
 
906 
 
 SUB-CLASS II. EXOGYN^E. 
 
 Tribe 2. G-ymnospermse. 
 
 ORDER 229. ALISMACE.E. 
 
 202. Alisma. Ten species ; 18, 13, L. 
 
 Alisma plantago. Great water plantain. This plant formerly 
 obtained great celebrity as a specific in hydrophobia. Most modern 
 writers think it is not entitled to the high encomiums bestowed upon 
 it by the Russian physicians. So long ago as the days of Dioscorides, 
 this plant was considered efficacious as an antidote to opium. The 
 whole plant is irritant. The fresh root is acrid and nauseating, 
 and, applied to the skin, will often excite vesication. It loses this 
 quality by drying ; and, like the arum, becomes nutritious. It has 
 also been considered useful in diseases of the urinary organs. 
 
 ORDER 239. 
 
 203. Iris. Fifty-nine species ; 3, 1, L. 
 
 Iris Virginica. Flower de luce. This plant possesses cafhartic 
 properties. It is acrid and stimulant. The expressed juice of the 
 roots, in a dose of sixty or seventy drops, will frequently operate, 
 when the drastric cathartics have failed. It is also diuretic and 
 emetic. An ointment of it is said to cure the itch and other affec- 
 tions of the skin ; and it is good for inflamed breasts, indolent 
 ulcers, &c. 
 
 ORDER 240. ORCHIDE^I. 
 
 204. Orchis. Eighty-seven species ; 19, 2, L. 
 
 Orchis fimbriata. Gay orchis ; twin-root orchis. From the orchis 
 a salep is made. The roots of this species are vermifuge, and the 
 powder is said to kill worms by touching them with it. 
 
 205. Arethusa. Eight species ; 19, 2, L. 
 
 Arethusa bulbosa. Arethusa. Schoepf says that the bruised 
 bulbs are useful for the toothache ; and they are of service in poul- 
 tices for tumours. 
 
 206. Oypripedium. Ten species ; 19, 2, L. 
 
 Oypripedium luteum. Yellow ladies' slipper ; American valerian ; 
 
90T 
 
 nerve powder. This plant is much in vogue with the quacks and 
 steamers. They say it possesses properties equal, if not superior, 
 to foreign valerian. They dry the root and powder it fine, and 
 keep it in tight stopped bottles. They call it nervine, and use it 
 in nervous affections. They also employ it to assist the operation 
 of their emetics, in doses of half a teaspoonful. It is said to quiet 
 the nerves, prevent spasm, and produce sleep without stupefying. 
 When a person cannot sleep, they put a teaspoonful of this powder 
 into a teacupful of pennyroyal tea, and drink it warm on going to 
 bed at night, and they say it will produce quiet and refreshing 
 sleep. The root is the only part used. The roots are pungent and 
 mucilaginous. 
 
 207. Cypripedium spectdbile, gay ladies' slipper, and 
 
 208. Cypripedium humile, love ladies' slipper, are possessed 
 of similar properties. They are all said to be nervine, antispas- 
 modic, and sedative. They are used in hemicrania and nervous 
 fevers. In many cases, the steamers think they are preferable to 
 opium. Their power is increased by combining them with tonics. 
 I'he Indians call the cypripediums pappoose, shepherd's purse, squaw 
 moccason. They say its principal use is for women. It relieves 
 them when they are obstinate in their monthly courses, and facili- 
 tates the birth of children. 
 
 ORDER 245. MELANTHACE^I. 
 
 209. Helonias dioica. Devil's bit. The decoction of the root of 
 this plant is used for colic. It is thought to be anthelmintic, bitter, 
 and tonic. 
 
 210. Veratrum. Nine species. 
 
 Veratrum viride. Green hellebore. Off. This plant possesses 
 properties somewhat like the black hellebore of the shops. It is 
 acrid, nauseous, emetic, sternutatory, diuretic, &c. I have used it 
 With success, combined with other diuretics, in dropsy. A few 
 grains, snuffed up the nose, proves powerfully sternutatory ; and I 
 have often employed it in cases of periodical headache, attended 
 with dryness of the nostrils. It is prescribed in mania, psora, &c., 
 but must be used with caution. 
 
 211. Allium. One hundred species ; 6, 1, L. 
 
908 
 
 Allium Canadense. Wild onion. The properties of this plant 
 are similar to onions, garlic, &c. 
 
 ORDER 245. SMILACE^I. 
 
 212. Smilax. Forty-nine species ; 21, 6, L. 
 
 Smilax rotundifolia. Green briar. An infusion of this is said 
 to be of service in mercurial salivation, in chronic rheumatism, and 
 affections of the skin. 
 
 213. Smilax sarsaparilla. Sarsaparilla. This possesses the same 
 properties as the sarsaparilla of commerce, but in a more feeble 
 degree. 
 
 214. Convallaria. Twelve species ; 6, 2, L. 
 
 Oonvallaria multiflora. Great Solomon's seal. Sec. The root of 
 this plant has been efficaciously used in the cure of the piles. Take 
 one pound of the green root, or four ounces of the dry root. Boil 
 in one quart of water to one pint ; strain, and add a pint of molas- 
 ses ; simmer, and take a wineglassful three times a-day. 
 
 215. Trillium. Six species, according to the New Edinburgh 
 Encyclopedia. Thirty-five, according to Rafinesque ; 6, 3, L. 
 
 Trillium erectum. Wake-robin ; beth. 
 
 216. Trillium cornuum. Nodding wake-robin. 
 
 217. Trillium pictum. Painted trillium. Rafinesque says he 
 was the first to introduce this species of plants into the materia 
 medica. His Medical Flora was published in 1830, when he an- 
 nounced the fact, as he called it. It has been in use here as an 
 astringent more than forty years ; and I consider it one of our most 
 valuable medicines in that class. It should certainly be ranked as 
 officinal. Henry introduced it in his Medical Botany as long ago 
 as the year 1812 ; and I believe earlier. In 1819, I published a 
 full account of its virtues in the New England Journal of Medicine 
 and Surgery ; and in 1846, in the New York Journal of Medicine. 
 
 ORDER 251. 
 218. ErytTironium. Two species ; 6, 1, L. 
 ErythroniumAmericanum. Adder's tongue; dog-tooth violet. Off. 
 The whole plant contains fecula, mucilage, and resin, and an acrid, 
 
909 
 
 volatile principle. When dry, the root is farinaceous. The bulbs 
 of the root and the leaves are emetic, emollient, and suppurative, 
 nutritive when dry, possessing many of the properties of lilies. The 
 dose of the green bulb is twenty-five grains for an emetic effect. As 
 it loses its activity by drying, it is an uncertain emetic. Bigelow 
 proposes trying it as a substitute for colchicum. Steward says it is 
 one of the most certain remedies in mercurial sore mouth of any 
 yet discovered. I have not much faith in its efficacy in this respect. 
 It is diuretic, and useful in dropsy. 
 
 ORDER 255. TYPHIACE^I. 
 
 219. Typlia. Six species; 20, 3, L. 
 
 Typlia latifolia. Cat-tail flag; reed-mace. The roots are escu- 
 lent, and febrifuge. Their fecula yields a tenth of the whole root, 
 similar to salep. Boiled in milk, it forms a porridge equal to that 
 of genuine arrowroot, and useful in diarrhoeas, dysenteries, and in 
 affections of the mucous membrane of the stomach and bowels. 
 
 ORDER 256. AROIDEJE. 
 
 220. Arum. Twenty-eight species; 20, 13, L. 
 
 Arum tripJiyllum. Wild turnip. Sec. The whole plant is vio- 
 lently acrid, and very caustic to the tongue, but not to the skin. It 
 loses its causticity, in a great measure, by drying. It is stimulant, 
 expectorant, carminative, and diaphoretic. The fresh root is too 
 caustic to be taken internally. The dried root is often mixed with 
 honey, for an expectorant, in teaspoonful doses. It is good in 
 aphthae, in flatulence, and in cramps. It stimulates the stomach. 
 
 221. Arum dracontium. Gum dragon. Possesses similar pro- 
 perties. 
 
 222. Oella. Three species; 20, 13, L. 
 
 Calla palustris. Swamp robin ; water arum. The properties of 
 this are likewise similar to the arums. 
 
 223. Ictodes foetida. Synonym, Pothos foetida. 4, 1, L. Off. 
 This powerful stimulant plant is so accurately described by all writ- 
 ers on the Materia Medica that I need not refer to them. 
 
 224. Acorus. Two species ; 6, 1, L. 
 
910 
 
 Acorus calamus. Sweet flag. Sec. The root is the only part 
 used, and it is highly aromatic and tonic. 
 
 ORDER 000. CINCHONACEJE. 
 
 225. OepJialantus occidentals. Button-bush; 4, 1, L. The 
 whole of this plant is bitter, especially the bark of the root. It is 
 tonic, diaphoretic, and febrifuge. All the parts of the plant are 
 used. The flowers and leaves make a fine, fragrant syrup, which is 
 tonic and laxative, and is useful in intermittent fever, and in relaxed 
 bowels. 
 
 226. Oornus. Fourteen species ; 4, 1, L. N. 0. Oornacese. 
 Cornus florida. Dogwood; box-tree. The properties of this 
 
 article are astringent and tonic, and it has long been used as a sub- 
 stitute for Peruvian bark ; and even cornine has been prepared from 
 it, like quinine. It may be administered for the same purposes, and 
 in the same dose with quinine. 
 
 227. Oornus sericea. Swamp dogwood. Sec. And 
 
 228. Cornus circinea. Round dogwood ; possesses similar proper- 
 ties with the above. 
 
 229. MitcMla. N. 0.; 4, 1, L. Sixteen species. 
 
 MitcTiella repens. Creeping chequer berry; two-eyed chequer 
 berry. This plant is sometimes mistaken for the Gaultheria procum- 
 bens, they both being evergreen ; but this is a creeping plant, and 
 that erect. This has no aromatic property, while the Gaultheria is 
 very spicy. This is a most valuable diuretic, and is extensively used 
 for the cure of dropsy. The red berries are mildly astringent, and 
 are used, also, for the cure of diarrhoea. The Indian Dr. Louis uses 
 it in combination with the Spiraea alba, a species of hardhack, for 
 the cure of salt rheum. 
 
 230. Lysimachia. Twenty species. 
 
 LysimacJiia racemosa. Loose strife. This plant is slightly as- 
 tringent, stomachic, and expectorant. It is good for coughs and 
 colds, and to improve the appetite. 
 
 N. 0. CAPRIFOLIACE.E. 
 
 231. Triosteum. Three species ; 5, 1, L. 
 
911 
 
 Triosteum perfotiatum. Horse ginseng ; fever root. The root is 
 cathartic, and in large doses emetic. It is thought by some to be 
 diuretic. The bark of the root is the part employed. It is useful 
 in fevers, pleurisies, agues, &c. Dose : twenty or thirty grains of 
 the powder operate as a cathartic. 
 
 N. 0. ANACARDIACEJE. 
 
 232. Rhus. Forty-two species ; 5, 3, L. 
 
 Rhus vernix. Poison sumach ; swamp sumach; dogwood. Off. 
 
 233. Rhus toxicodendron. Poison sumach. These are some of 
 the most poisonous vegetables known in our country, hardly except- 
 ing the poison lobelia. 
 
 234. Rhus copalinum. Common sumach. 
 i 
 
 235. Rhus glabrum. Smooth sumach. Sec. These plants are 
 valuable astringents. An infusion of the berries makes an excellent 
 gargle for aphtha. The decoction of the bark has been successfully 
 applied in cases of diarrhoea and dysentery. 
 
 N. 0. XANTHOXYLACE^I. 21, 5, L. 
 
 236. Xanthoxylon fraxineum. Prickly ash. See Aralia spinosa. 
 
 N. 0. CELARTRACE.E. 
 
 237. Oelastrus scandens. False bittersweet; wax work. This 
 plant is extensively used in the form of ointment, as an excellent 
 discutient in all indolent indurations, and swellings, both acute and 
 chronic ; for cakes in the udders of cows, it has been more exten- 
 sively used than any within my knowledge. I have used it success- 
 fully for prurigo labialis with more relief than any other applica- 
 tion. It is good in burns, and excoriations. It is diuretic, and a 
 decoction of the bark of the roots has been successfully used in 
 strangury and gravel. It is said to be antisyphilitic and emetic. 
 
 N. 0. RHAMNACE.E. 
 
 238. Ceanothus Americana. 5, 1, L. New Jersey tea; Sec. 
 Nine species of Ceanothus. This is an elegant astringent, and was 
 used by the soldiers in the Revolutionary war as a substitute for tea. 
 
912 
 
 N. 0. AMENTACE.E. 
 
 239. Celtis. Fifteen species ; 5, 1, L. 
 
 Celtis crassifolia. I have seen but a single tree of this species in 
 Massachusetts ; there may be many more. I believe it is a native 
 of the South and West. The bark is anodyne and refrigerant. The 
 berries, which are sweet and sub-astringent, are good to eat, and are 
 useful in dysentery. 
 
 N. 0. AMENTACE^I. 
 
 240. Alnus. Four species ; 20, 4, L. 
 
 Alnus ferrulata. Alder. Sec. The leaves are bitter and astring- 
 ent. When applied to the female breast, they are said to repel the 
 milk. The bark is a most valuable astringent. I have published 
 an account of its efficacy in hgematuria, in the New York Journal 
 of Medicine for 1846. Dr. Hilmich, of Zanesville, Ohio, in the 
 same journal, for 1847, extols it for cancerous ulcerations, ill-con- 
 ditioned ulcers, scrofulous affections, syphilis, and hepatic eruptions. 
 
 N. 0. UMBELLIFER^:. 
 
 241. Heracleum. Eleven species ; 5, 2, L. 
 
 Heracleum lanatum. Masterwort ; cow parsnep. Sec. See the 
 article Smyrnium, and the controversy on the subject between Dr. 
 Partridge and Dr. Thacher. This is a warm, stimulating carmina- 
 tive, and has been successfully employed by Dr. Orne, of Salem, in 
 cases of epilepsy. 
 
 242. Ligusticum. Eighteen species ; 2, 5, L. 
 
 Ligusticum levisticum. Smellage. Sec. The whole plant is most 
 aromatic and pungent. It possesses a resin similar to opoponax. 
 All the parts of the plant are used ; but the seeds are the most act- 
 ive. The properties of this plant are similar to angelica. It has 
 been employed as an emmenagogue, carminative, and diaphoretic, in 
 form of infusion. W. and B. 
 
 N. 0. CAPRIFOLIACE^I. 
 
 243. Lonicera. Twenty-two species*; 5, 1, L. 
 
 Linicera sempervirens. Honeysuckle. The ripe berries of this 
 beautiful plant are strongly purgative. The leaves and flowers are 
 bitterish, mucilaginous, and detersive. A syrup is prepared from 
 them for sore-throat and irritability of the lungs. 
 
913 
 
 N. 0. CAPRIFOLIACE.E. 
 
 244. Sambucus. Six species ; 5, 3, L. 
 
 Samlucus nigra. Black-berried elder. Off. Diuretic and laxa- 
 tive. The green bark, infused in wine, is excellent in dropsy. 
 
 245. Sambucus rubra. Red elder. The bark of this species, in 
 decoction, is one of the most valuable hydragogue cathartics which 
 we possess. In large doses, it is emetic. 
 
 N. 0. RHAMNACE.E. 
 
 246. Rhamnus. Forty species ; 5, 1, L. 
 
 Hhamnus catharticus. Off. Buckthorn. Mildly cathartic, hydra- 
 gogue, and emmenagogue. Used in dropsy, rheumatism, gout, and 
 hepatic eruptions. 
 
 N. 0. ULMACE^I. 
 
 247. Ulmus fulvse. Off. Slippery elm. Seven species of ulnus. 
 Rafinesque says, " A specific to procure easy labour to pregnant 
 women, by using the tea for two months previous; well known to 
 Indian women, whose easy parturition has often been noticed ; now 
 becoming in general use." I wish it might prove generally true 
 among civilized women. One of the very best demulcents known. 
 
 N. 0. BOB AGIN ACE^. 
 
 248. SympMtum. Six species ; 5, 1, L. 
 
 Symphitwn officinale. Comfrey. Sec. This plant contains a 
 mucilage of a slightly astringent taste, almost inodorous. It con- 
 tains mucilage and tannin. It was formerly in great use as a vul- 
 nerary ; but not in much vogue now. Much used in coughs and 
 strengthening syrups, and in female weaknesses. 
 
 N. 0. NARCISSUS. 
 
 249. Hypoxis. Eighteen species; 6, 1, L. 
 
 Hypoxis erecta. Yellow-eyed grass ; star grass. This beautiful 
 little grass is vulnerary and febrifuge. The roots are sometimes 
 eaten. They are used in long-standing ulcers and agues. 
 
 N. 0. RHAMNACE^;. 
 
 250. Prinos. 6, 1, L. 
 
 Prinos verticillatus. Black alder ; red-berried alder. Sec. The 
 inner bark is emetic and cathartic, tonic and astringent. It is used 
 
914 
 
 in intermittent and other fevers, dropsies, hepatic eruptions, jaundice, 
 foul ulcers, &c., either in powder, decoction, tincture, or poultice. 
 The red berries, which adorn the shrub during the winter, are pur- 
 gative and vermifuge, tonic and bitter. 
 
 251. Caulophyllum. 6, 1, L. 
 
 CaulopJiyllum thalictroides. Blue-berry cohosh. This plant is 
 different from the actseas, which are sometimes called cohosh, and 
 must not be mistaken for them. The root is the only part employed. 
 It is demulcent, antispasmodic, sudorific, and emmenagogue. The 
 Indians and quacks recommend it in colic, sore throat, rheuma- 
 tism, dropsies, &c. It partakes of the nature of ginseng and seneka. 
 The Indian women use it successfully in cases of lingering parturi- 
 tion. It appears to be peculiarly suited to female complaints. It 
 is a powerful emmenagogue, and promotes delivery, the menstrual 
 flux, and dropsical discharges. It should be given in warm infusion, 
 decoction, tincture, syrup, or cordial. It contains gum, resin, and 
 oil. Raf. 
 
 252. Oimicifuga racemosa. Cohosh, black snakeroot, may be the 
 synonym for the above, as its properties are similar. 
 
 N. 0. LlLIACEJE. 
 
 253. Uvularia. Eleven species; 6, 1, L. 
 
 Uvularia perfoliata. Bellwort. The roots, when fresh, yield a 
 fine mucilage. It is used, like the cypripedium, as a nervine. It 
 is said to cure sore throat, by chewing it and swallowing the saliva. 
 It is said, also, to cure the bite of the rattlesnake, like the hieraceum. 
 It is used in cases of wounds, sores, &c. The young shoots are 
 edible like asparagus ; and the dried roots, when cooked, are also 
 edible. 
 
 N. 0. ACERA. 
 
 254. Acer montanum. Rock, or sugar-maple. Twenty-two spe- 
 cies of acer; 8, 1, L. This species is most valuable on account of 
 the sugar which it yields, which has become almost one of the staple 
 commodities of the United States. 
 
 255. Acer rubrum. Soft maple; red maple; meadow maple. 
 This species is also used in making sugar, but its sap is more aqueous, 
 and yields less sugar. A good ink is made by boiling it with cop- 
 
915 
 
 peras (sulphate of iron). A wash for sore eyes is made by the 
 Cherokee Indians, by boiling the inner bark with water. I have 
 seen it used successfully. 
 
 256. Acer striatum. Striped maple bush ; cancer bush, &c. This 
 is a handsome tree, which seldom grows larger than a shrub. The 
 bark is handsomely striated with green and brown. The bark of 
 this tree has obtained some reputation as a remedy in cancerous 
 and other eruptions, by drinking and washing with a decoction of it. 
 But little dependence can, however, be placed upon it. The leaves 
 have been used as a local application to the inflamed breast. 
 
 N. 0. THYMELACE^:. 
 
 25T. Direct. 8, 1, L. 
 
 Dirca palmtris. Leather-wood ; moose- wood. Sec. The berries 
 of this plant are thought to be poisonous. The bark is tough as 
 leather, and it is used by the Indians instead of ropes ; it is emetic, 
 cathartic, rubefacient, and epispastic ; the bark and roots are the 
 parts employed; its properties are similar to mezereon and seneka, 
 but it is more powerful than the latter. 
 
 N. 0. ERICE.E. 
 
 258. Arbutus. Two species ; 10, 1, L. 
 
 Arbutus uva ursi. Bearberry ; mountain box. Off. Diuretic, 
 and slightly astringent and tonic. It is used in nephritis, gravel, 
 catarrhs, strangury, leucorrhoea, &c. It has been employed some- 
 what extensively in consumption, checking hectic fever. 
 
 259. Craultheria. Six species ; 10, 1, L. 
 
 Graultheria procumbens. Off. Partridge berry ; chequer berry ; 
 mountain tea; grouse berry; dewberry; spice berry; teaberry; 
 red berry; winter green; red berry tea; ground berry; ivy; ground 
 holly ; hill berry ; box berry. No less than fifteen common names 
 for one plant. This shows how extremely arbitrary are our common 
 English or vulgar names for plants. This is a warm, stimulating 
 aromatic, the properties of which are well known. 
 
 260. Kalmia. Five species ; 10, 1, L. 
 
 Kalmia latifolia. Broad-leaved laurel. Sec. The leaves are 
 poisonous, and narcotic in their operation. They are extensively 
 used in medical practice. An account of the uses of the plant may 
 
916 
 
 be found in our Materia Medicas, and a beautiful plate and descrip- 
 tion in Bigelow's Medical Botany. 
 
 261. Kalmia angustifolia. Narrow-leaved laurel; low laurel. 
 The honey extracted from this, and the other species of laurel, by 
 bees, is poisonous. The medical properties of this species are some- 
 what similar to the above. When the tribe of Indians from Canada 
 were here in 1837, Louis Watso, their doctor, gave me an account of 
 the principal medical plants which they used in their practice. He 
 said that a plaster made by boiling this plant to a salve, applied to 
 the affected part, would cure the rheumatism. See my manuscript, 
 Medical Botany, page 71. 
 
 262. Ledum. Three species; 10, 1, L. 
 
 Ledum latifolium. Labrador tea; marsh tea. Sec. This plant 
 has been used as a substitute for China tea, but it is a good deal 
 stronger. The leaves are bitter, cephalic, pectoral, and exanthema- 
 tic. Good in cutaneous eruptions, leprosy, &c., in strong decoction. 
 It is said to kill lice, insects. &c. 
 
 263. Rhododendron maximus. Rosebay; mountain laurel. This 
 beautiful plant is very scarce in Massachusetts. It is found at 
 Plainfield, Hampshire county. It is beautifully figured and described 
 by Bigelow. The bark and leaves are astringent. The bark is sti- 
 mulant; used in rheumatism and gout. The leaves are poisonous to 
 cattle. 
 
 N. 0. FABACE^:. 
 
 264. Poddlyria. Synonym, Baptisia soplwra. 17 species; 10, 
 1,L. 
 
 Poddlyria tinctoria. Indigo weed. Sec. This plant is emetic 
 and cathartic. When formed into an ointment, it cleanses foul 
 ulcers, and is of service in inflammatory tumours, and irritable ul- 
 cers. The plant placed in the harness keeps flies from horses. 
 
 265. Vaccinium. Forty-three species; 10, 1, L. Whortleber- 
 ries; huckleberries. These are pleasant fruits, blue, or black, 
 slightly astringent, cooling, and diuretic. They are used exten- 
 sively, either raw or cooked, as articles of food. They are employed 
 in diarrhoea, bilious fevers, dropsy, and scorbutic affections. The 
 
917 
 
 leaves are astringent, and tan leather. A tea is made of them for 
 sore mouth. 
 
 N. 0. PORTULACCE^l. 
 
 266. Portulaca. Eight species ; 11, 1, L. 
 
 Portulaca oleracea. Common purslane. Sec. This plant grows 
 in our gardens, and is a valuable esculent. It has been considered 
 diuretic and vermifuge. It is refrigerant and corroborant, but mild. 
 Used in urinary complaints, and for ulcers in the mouth. A cool- 
 ing ointment is made from it for sore lips and nipples. 
 
 N. 0. ClSTACE^l. 
 
 267. Cistus Canadensis. Rock rose ; 13, 1, L. It has been use- 
 ful in the treatment of scrofula, in decoction, and in cataplasm. 
 
 N. 0. SCROPHULARE^l. 
 
 268. Antirhinum. Eighty-two species ; 14, 2, L. 
 Antirhinum linaria. Toad flax. This plant was formerly in great 
 
 repute as a purgative and diuretic, but it is less used than formerly. 
 In the form of ointment prepared from the leaves, there can be no 
 doubt that it is highly efficacious for the cure of piles. It relieves 
 the pain and irritation of the hemorrhoidal tumours, when rubbed 
 upon them. The ointment is also useful in diseases of the skin. The 
 leaves have been recommended in dropsies, on account of their diu- 
 retic qualities. The expressed juice mixed in milk is a poison to 
 flies, and the smell of the flower also kills them. One species, the 
 A. cymbellaria, by mixing the dry plant with sugar, cured diabetes 
 in Hindostan. 
 
 N. 0. AMARANTHACE.E. 
 
 269. Amaranthus melancholicus. Thirty-seven species. Prince's 
 feather ; 20, 5, L. This plant is used for emollient poultices in 
 England (Lindley). In strong decoction, it has proved efficacious 
 in arresting uterine hemorrhage, when other powerful styptics have 
 failed. Many species of amaranth have been cultivated in our gar- 
 dens for the beauty of their flowers. They are boiled and eaten 
 like pot herbs. 
 
 N. 0. AMENTACE^I. 
 
 270. Betula. Seventeen species ; 20, 13, L. 
 
 Betula lenta. Sweet birch ; cherry birch ; black birch ; mount- 
 
918 
 
 ain mahogany. The wood is much used by cabinet-makers ; and 
 it admits of a very high polish. The bark affords a pleasant, 
 aromatic spice, like the chequer berry. It is pectoral, diuretic, and 
 stimulant. It is good for colds, coughs, and affections of the breast. 
 Used by empirics in the form of tea, from the twigs, for obstruction 
 of perspirations, and other kinds of obstructions ; and for disorders 
 of the bowels. A good sugar is made from the sap. 
 
 271. Betula populifolia. White birch. The inner bark is as- 
 tringent, and has been employed in intermittent fever. From the 
 bark a peculiar substance is formed, with which the Kussians tan 
 leather. The leaves, in infusion, have been used in rheumatism, 
 gout, and cutaneous diseases. Dropsies have been relieved by en- 
 veloping the body in the fresh leaves of the birch, exciting perspi- 
 ration. The sap is useful in complaints of the kidneys and bladder. 
 The bark is used by the Indians for making canoes. The layers 
 of the bark may be placed in the inside of boots and shoes to pre- 
 vent the feet becoming wet. The white, smooth bark can be writ- 
 ten on like paper. 
 
 272. Betula rubra. Red birch. Possesses similar properties. 
 
 273. Oastanea. Two species ; 20, 13, L. 
 
 Castanea Americana. Chestnut. The fruit of this valuable 
 tree is well known. Chestnuts are too flatulent to be very healthy. 
 The wood is valuable and durable for fences. The bark is a pow- 
 erful astringent, and is used as such in tanning, and in medicine. 
 The inner bark, boiled in milk and water, has been used successfully 
 as an astringent in dysentery and diarrhoeas, which require to be 
 restrained after the use of physic. 
 
 274. Comptonia. 20, 13, L. 
 
 Qomptonia asplenifolia. Sweet fern. Sec. The whole plant 
 has a sweet, sickish, spicy odour, which manifests itself by rubbing. 
 It is astringent and tonic, and is used in common practice in diar- 
 rhoea, and similar affections. It contains benzoic acid and resin. 
 According to Schoepf, chewing the roots stops bleeding at the 
 lungs. It may be used as a substitute for the more expensive bal- 
 sams, in asthma, bronchitis, &c. A decoction of the plant is used 
 here as an internal remedy, and as a wash in cases of poisoning 
 with sumach and other external irritants. 
 
919 
 
 275. Corylm. Five species ; 20, 13, L. 
 
 Corylus Americana. Common hazel. The fruit is said to be 
 good in inflammation of the kidneys. The oil is supposed to be 
 anodyne, and good for the toothache. 
 
 276. Fagus. Three species; 20, 13, L. 
 
 Fagus ferruginia. Beech. This is a most valuable wood, and is 
 much used in the arts. A decoction of the leaves is useful in burns 
 and scalds, and for frost-bitten limbs. The bark, simmered with 
 oil or butter, is useful for the same purposes. The nuts yield a 
 good deal of bland oil, and they are pleasant to eat. Western 
 Massachusetts abounds in beech. 
 
 277. Quercus. Eighty-four species; 20, 13, L. 
 Quercus alba. White oak. Off. 
 
 278. Quercus prinos discolor. Swamp white oak. 
 
 279. Quercus tinctoria. Black oak. Off. 
 
 280. Quercus prinos acuminata. Yellow oak, and other species. 
 All the oaks are valuable timber trees, and the bark from them is 
 extensively used as an astringent and corroborant. 
 
 281. Salix. One hundred and fifteen species ; 20, 2, L. 
 Salix ligustrina. Champlain willow. Off. 
 
 282. Salix vitellina. Yellow willow. 
 
 283. Salix Viminalis. Osier ; basket willow, and other speciea. 
 The bark of the willow has been employed as a substitute for Pe- 
 ruvian bark in intermittent fevers. The bark yields salicin, a sub- 
 stance similar to quinine, and employed in the same manner, and 
 for the same purposes. The dose of the salicin is from two to eight 
 grains. The decoction of the willow has been employed in foul and 
 indolent ulcers. 
 
 284. Populus. Eight species ; 21, L. 
 
 Populus tremuloides. Poplar ; American poplar. Sec. This is 
 the celebrated tonic bitter of the Thompsonians, or steamers. The 
 bark is somewhat astringent, and has been used in tanning. The 
 
920 
 
 buds are balsamic, sudorific, stimulant, and tonic. They form a 
 good ointment for the cure of gout, rheumatism, burns, and diseases 
 of the skin. Internally, they are diuretic, and are used in asthma. 
 The bark yields populine. 
 
 285. Populus balsamifera. Balsam poplar. This plant is similar 
 in its properties to the balsam of copaiba, but, perhaps, more stimu- 
 lating. Its properties reside in the buds of the leaves, which con- 
 tain a great deal of balsam, which yields best to spirit. This spirit- 
 uous balsam is a valuable vulnerary, and is a useful stimulant 
 pectoral. 
 
 N. 0. TEREBINTHINE^E. 
 
 286. Juglans. Eleven species ; 20, 13, L. 
 
 Juglans cathartica. Butternut. Off. The cathartic properties of 
 this useful tree are too well known to need description here. The 
 fruit is the pleasantest of any of the nuts. 
 
 287. Juglans squamosa. Shellbark hickory, and the 
 
 288. Juglans porcina, pignut hickory, possess somewhat similar 
 properties, though in less degree. An infusion of the leaves in 
 water, and washing a horse with them in fly-time, prevents the 
 annoyance of those insects. 
 
 N. 0. CONIFERJE. 20, 16, L. 
 
 289. Larix Americana. Larch ; hackmatack ; tamarick. This 
 is a beautiful tree, resembling the pines ; but the leaves are deciduous 
 in the fall. Its properties are a fine balsam, similar to turpentine; 
 and it is good for wounds, bruises, &c. 
 
 290. Abies. Synonym, Pinus. 
 
 Abies Oanadensis. Hemlock spruce. Off. The bark is astring- 
 ent, and it is used in tanning. A very fine powder of it, sprinkled 
 over excoriated nipples, and other excoriations, is very soothing, 
 and often heals them when other applications fail. The balsam of 
 the hemlock is used in medicine, but it is not collected in great 
 quantities. The essential oil is stimulating, and is much used by 
 the common people in cases of rheumatism, sprains, &c. Fomenta- 
 tions with the leaves and branches relieve local pains and bruises. 
 
921 
 
 291. Abies balsamifera. Balsam of fir; silver fir. Off. This 
 balsam exudes from the bark of the tree, and it is sometimes ob- 
 tained by boiling, but it is not of so good a quality. It is rather 
 thicker than molasses, and of a light straw colour. It becomes 
 thicker by standing. By distillation, it affords an essential oil. 
 The balsam is soluble in alcohol. It is diuretic, and is used for the 
 same purposes as the balsam copaiba, and is a very good substitute 
 for it. The dose is from thirty to sixty drops on sugar. 
 
 292. Abies alba. Single spruce. 
 
 293. Abies nigra. Black, or double spruce. From the essence 
 of spruce procured from these trees, and from the leaves of them are 
 made spruce beer, so universally admired. The bark is astringent 
 and sudorific. The resin procured from these trees nearly resembles 
 frankincense. Josselyn, according to Rafinesque, says it is good in 
 powder to reproduce flesh. It is used by quacks in powder, and in 
 infusion, for complaints of the stomach and bowels, gravel, and rheu- 
 matism. 
 
 294. Pinus, including abies. Thirty-seven species. 
 Pinus mitse. Yellow pine. Off. 
 
 295. Pinus rigida. Pitch pine. Off. 
 
 296. Pinus strobus. White pine. All the pines produce the 
 turpentine of commerce, the properties of which are well known. 
 The bark of the Pinus strobus is used by the Indians in poultice for 
 the piles, and for ulcerations. They make a drawing plaster by 
 boiling the roots. They use the decoction of the buds as a purgative, 
 and the cones or strobiles in rheumatism. They use the tar of it 
 dissolved in spirit as a wash in burns, tetter, and the itch. Raf. The 
 bark is used with spikenard formed into syrup in coughs, and in 
 resin for fresh wounds. 
 
 N. 0. NAIDES. 
 
 297. Lemna. Six species; 20, 2, L. 
 
 Lemna minor. Duck's meat. This singular plant, which floats 
 
 on the top of stagnant water, is called duck's meat, because ducks 
 
 are peculiarly fond of it. Ray considered an infusion of it a secret 
 
 against the jaundice, when six ounces of it are taken in white wine 
 
 VOL. II. 59 
 
922 
 
 for nine mornings in succession, fasting. A* cataplasm of it has 
 been used against the gout, and to alleviate the pain of the piles. 
 
 N. 0. URTICE^E. 
 
 298. Morus. Ten species ; 20, 4, L. 
 
 Morus rubra. Red mulberry. The fruit is refrigerant. It is 
 used in the form of syrup, and in its raw state, and in confection ; 
 good in sore throat, angina, nervous fever, &c. The bark is said 
 to expel the tapeworm. The fruit contains the tartaric acid. 
 
 N. 0. JUNCI. 
 
 299. Sagittaria. Ten species ; 20, 13, L. 
 
 Sagittaria sagittifolia. Arrow-head. This, made into bread and 
 soups, is esculent in China. It is slightly astringent ; it is dis- 
 cutient, and checks the flow of milk when applied to the breasts of 
 nursing women. It is of use when applied to oedematous limbs. 
 
 N. 0. CONIFERS. 
 
 300. Thuja. Six species ; 20, 16, L. 
 
 Thuja occidental^. Arbor vitae ; white cedar. Sec. This beau- 
 tiful tree is indigenous in Massachusetts, as well as cultivated. The 
 leaves are used in medicine, and from them an essential oil is dis- 
 tilled, which is highly stimulant and aromatic, and has been em- 
 ployed in chronic rheumatism ; when used with care, it is vermifuge 
 and diuretic. 
 
 N. 0. JASMINES. 
 
 301. Fraxinus. Sixteen species ; 21, 2, L. 
 
 Fraxinus acuminata. White ash. Ash trees are very valuable 
 for timber ; such as 
 
 302. Fraxinus tomentosa. Red ash. 
 
 303. Fraxinus sambucifolia. Black ash. The bark of these is 
 bitter and astringent, and is useful for hemorrhages. The leaves, 
 infused in a poultice, are considered useful in the bites of snakes. 
 It is said the leaves are very poisonous to the rattlesnake, and that 
 these reptiles will sooner run through a fire than over these leaves. 
 The seeds are aromatic, and diuretic. 
 
923 
 
 N. 0. ( 
 
 304. Juniperus. Fourteen species ; 21, 16, L. 
 Juniperus Virginianum. Red cedar. Off. 
 
 305. Juniperus sabina. Savine. Off. This and the above are similar 
 in their properties; they are stimulant, emmenagogue, and diaphoretic. 
 The leaves are often resorted to by dissolute females for the purpose 
 of procuring abortion ; but they are feeble agents, and are some- 
 times attended with danger. The principal uses to which they are 
 now applied are the formation of the savine cerate, which is used for 
 keeping up discharges from blistered surfaces. The oil of cedar is 
 considerably used in rheumatic affections ; the timber is the most 
 durable in the world, and admits of a high polish. 
 
 306. Juniperus communis. Juniper. Off. The berries of this 
 species are one of the most useful diuretics. 
 
 307. Taxus. Ten species ; 21, 16, L. 
 
 Taxus Canadensis. Yew tree ; China wood. The leaves of this 
 shrub are said to be poisonous to cattle and sheep. The berries 
 contain sugar, a red fat, malic acid, gum, &c., and an oil which is 
 used in China for lamps. 
 
 308. G-erardia quercifolia. N. 0. Oak-leaved gerardia. Rafi- 
 nesque says this is the specific of the Sioux Indians for the bite of 
 the rattlesnake ; and, likewise, for the toothache. 
 
 CRYPTOGAMIA. 
 
 309. Adiantum pedatum. Maiden hair ; rock fern. The plant 
 is slightly aromatic and astringent. Its active properties reside in 
 a mucilage with this astringent. Its principal use is as a pectoral 
 and expectorant. In the form of syrup, I have often used it with 
 success in chronic coughs. 
 
 310. Aspidium. Twenty-five species in America. 
 
 Aspidium filix mas. Male fern. Sec. This is the celebrated ver- 
 mifuge, destroying tapeworms, of Madam Noeuffer, for which she was 
 liberally rewarded by her native government of Switzerland. It 
 does not answer the high encomiums bestowed upon it. The plant 
 has been used for rickets. 
 
924 
 
 311. Asplenium. Many species. 
 
 Asplenium ruta mararia. Spleenwort. It grows in low woods near 
 moist meadows, and among rocks. The decoction of the leaves 
 is pectoral, diuretic, and mildly astringent. They open obstructions 
 of the viscera, and promote expectoration, allay pain in the urinary 
 organs, by gently carrying off the sand and gravel, and they have 
 been said to have cured the venereal disease used in decoction. 
 
 312. Equisetum arvensi. Cat-tail; horse-tail. This is a most 
 troublesome weed in our meadows and pastures. Cattle will not 
 touch it unless severely pressed with hunger, in which case it brings 
 on a severe relax and dysentery. Horses eat it with impunity; but 
 it is noxious to sheep. It is astringent and diuretic. It is some- 
 times used in bleeding at the stomach, in gonorrhoea, and in phthisis. 
 This, and several other species are in considerable use in tanning 
 and dressing leather. 
 
 313. Equisetum Jiymale. Scouring rush. This plant is much 
 used in scouring wood, metals, &c.; said to be good for cattle in 
 winter. It is used, in Italy, for cattle as a diuretic, and is good for 
 cattle discharging blood. I have often given an infusion of it in 
 cases of strangury. 
 
 314. Fungi. Mushrooms. One hundred and fifty species; most 
 of them found here. Two species are tonic and bitter, the helvella 
 amara and boletus laricis. All those which afford milk, and are 
 deliquescent, and of a fetid odour, are poisonous, being narcotic and 
 acrid in their properties. The remedies for eating these species are 
 a speedy emetic, purgatives, emollient and acid drinks. 
 
 315. Lyeopodium complanatum. Sec. Ground pine; dead man's 
 hand. This is used by Stewart for the cure of colic. It is diuretic, 
 emetic, emmenagogue, nervine, &c. It is employed in diarrhoea, 
 dropsy, gout, and scurvy. Externally, it is used for the cure of 
 ulcers, tinea capitis, and hepatic eruptions. The decoction kills lice, 
 and is used to improve bad wine. The pollen is used in fireworks. 
 
 316. Polypodium vulgare. Polypod. The root, which is the 
 part used, is sweet and mucilaginous to the taste. It is vermifuge 
 and demulcent, cathartic, and pectoral. The syrup is used in coughs, 
 and in the rickets and lumbago. In strong decoction, it is thought 
 
925 
 
 to be cathartic and vermifuge. The ancients employed it in bilious 
 affections, in coughs and catarrhs, and in maniacal and melancholic 
 cases. 
 
 317. Osmunda regalis. Royal osmund; buckthorn brake. Lind- 
 ley says the rhizoma is tonic and styptic, and said to be serviceable 
 in cases of rachitis. The centre bulb, or nucleus, just above the 
 roots, is highly mucilaginous and corroborant. Infused in spirit, 
 until it becomes ropy, it is much in vogue for the cure of rheumatism, 
 weakness of the back, swellings, and indolent tumours, by bathing 
 the parts affected with it. It is also much in use in female weak- 
 nesses, and in all cases of general debility. 
 
 N. 0. MYBICACE.E. 
 
 318. Myrica cerifera. Bayberry. Off. The wax made from the 
 berries of this plant has been successfully used by Fahnestock, 
 of Lancaster, Pa., in cases of dysentery. I have not been suc- 
 cessful in the use of it in this affection. The root is stimulant 
 and acrid, antispasmodic and astringent. Dr. Bigelow says the 
 bark of the root is acrid and astringent; in large doses, pro- 
 ducing vomiting accompanied by a burning sensation ; constipation 
 usually follows. The powder is very stimulating and acrid. The 
 fruit is enveloped with an aromatic waxy secretion, which may be 
 collected and purified, and used like beeswax and tallow. This is 
 called bay-wax, and bayberry tallow. It is used in pharmacy for 
 ointments for various purposes, and it is mild or stimulant as it is 
 more or less pure. Next to the divine lobelia, the steamers make 
 use of the bark of the root in cases of debility. 
 
 319. JESTIS-WEED. I cannot close this notice of our medicinal 
 plants, without inviting the attention of my professional brethren 
 throughout the Union towards this plant, which is said to be so 
 sovereign in the cure of the bite of the deadly rattlesnake. I have 
 in vain endeavoured to ascertain the botanical name of the plant, by 
 inquiry of my classes, in the various medical colleges in which I 
 have lectured, who have resided in different sections of the United 
 States, and have instituted inquiries in our medical journals in rela- 
 tion to its scientific name and history; I have not succeeded in find- 
 ing it. This shows how arbitrary are our English or common names 
 for plants. I hope, through the medium of this communication, some 
 one of our brethren may be able to inform the public what it is. 
 
926 
 
 The late horrible death of one of our professional brethren in the 
 city of New York, from the bite of a rattlesnake, should excite a 
 diligent inquiry into a remedy for this fatal poison. The late Dr. 
 B. S. Barton, of Philadelphia, in his Med. and Phys. Journal for 
 1808, gives a long paper upon the successful use of this plant in the 
 cure of the bite of the rattlesnake, in nine cases, by a Mr. Haynes- 
 worth, probably of one of the southern or south-western States. 
 Where he is from, and what is the botanical name of the plant, I 
 cannot learn. I hope some of my readers will be more successful, 
 and communicate the result of their inquiries. 
 
 Officinal plants in this enumeration 
 Secondary in the Dispensatories . 
 Neither officinal nor secondary 
 
 68 
 
 56 
 
 195 
 
 319 
 
 The following is the number of plants in the orders enume- 
 rated : 
 
 Araliaceae 
 
 Umbelliferae 
 
 Ranunculaceae 
 
 Papaveraceae 
 
 Nymphiaceae 
 
 Podophylleae 
 
 Cruciferae 
 
 Fumariaceae 
 
 Capparideae 
 
 Berberideae 
 
 Magnoliaceas 
 
 Laurineae 
 
 Malvaceae 
 
 Tiliaceas 
 
 Hypericeaneaa 
 
 Saxifrageae 
 
 Hamameliaceas 
 
 Cireoracese 
 
 Salicariae 
 
 Aristolochiaa 
 
 Rosaceae 
 
 Leguminosse 
 
 4 Urticaceae 4 
 
 13 Euphorbiaceae 2 
 
 14 Geraniaceae 4 
 2 Balsamineae 1 
 2 Polygalaceae 1 
 1 Violaceae 6 
 
 10 DroseraceaD 1 
 
 1 Caryophyllaceae 4 
 
 1 Crassulaceae 1 
 
 2 Chenopodiaceae 2 
 2 Phytolacaceae 1 
 2 Polygonaceae 3 
 6 Pyrolaceae 3 
 
 1 Lobeliaceae 2 
 
 2 Plantagenese 2 
 
 3 Compositae 30 
 1 Stellatse 5 
 1 Apocynaceae 2 
 1 Gentianaceae 3 
 1 Convolvulaceae 2 
 
 IT Orobancheae 6 
 
 6 Solanaceae 25 
 
927 
 
 Verbenaceae 
 
 20 
 
 Amentaceae 
 
 IT 
 
 Boraginaceae 
 
 2 
 
 Ulmaceae 
 
 1 
 
 Alismacese 
 
 1 
 
 Narcissus 
 
 1 
 
 Iridaceae 
 
 1 
 
 Acera 
 
 2 
 
 Orchideae 
 
 5 
 
 Thymelaceae 
 
 1 
 
 Melanthaceae 
 
 3 
 
 Ericaceae 
 
 T 
 
 Smilaceae 
 
 6 
 
 Fabaceae 
 
 2 
 
 Liliacese 
 
 2 
 
 Portulaceae 
 
 1 
 
 Typhiaceae 
 
 1 
 
 Cistaceae 
 
 1 
 
 Aroideae 
 
 5 
 
 Scrophulariaceae 
 
 1 
 
 Cinchonaceae 
 
 6 
 
 Amaranthaceae 
 
 1 
 
 CaprifoliaceD3 
 
 3 
 
 Terebintliineae 
 
 3 
 
 Anacardiacese 
 
 4 
 
 Coniferae 
 
 12 
 
 Xanthoxylacese 
 
 1 
 
 Naides 
 
 1 
 
 Celastraceae 
 
 1 
 
 Cryptogamia 
 
 T 
 
 Rhamnaceae 
 
 6 
 
 > ( 
 
 
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