•vS'V-' ;'":i/.'-vr:U NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE Washington Founded 1836 U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Public Health Service A NEW AND COMPLETE *■ MEDICAL FAMILY HERBAL, WHEREIN, IS DISPLAYED THE TRUE PROPERTIES AI>D MEDICAL VIRTUES OF THE PLANTS, INDIGENOUS TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA : TOGETHER WITH LEWIS' SECRET REMEDY, NEWLY DISCOVERED, WHICH HAS BEEN FOUND INFALLIBLE IN THE CUBE OF VHAt DREADFUL DISEASE HYDROPHOBIA; PRODUCED BY THE BITE OF A MAD DOG. Being the result of more than thirty years experienced practice of the author, while a prisoner, towards the close of the last war, among the Creek Indians ; and his travels through the Southern States, whilst making botanic discoveries on the real medical virtues of our indige- nous plants, wherein he has made known all his new disco- veries, with the method how to use them, In the cure of most diseases incident to the human body. „, Adapted f°r the benefit of Masters and Mis- -^my ** L *) tresses of families, and for the community /£&/ h 1 V at large, of our United, Free and /<$Zft ^* » /'•*■*/ Independent States of America./ fa%(1 *** ——s9«««©®eaeB=—-y/ \ ^ BY SAMUEL gENRY, BOTj One of the members of the late College of Physicians and Surgeons. and of the Medical Society of the city and county of New* York: Witty an Slppcntrij:, OF MARY CHOICE MEDICAL SECRETS, NEVER MADE KNOWN TO THE WORLD BEFORE. Ero tam felix quam fortuna mea proebet, et faciam Alios, ess sic possim. I'll be as happy as my fortune will permit, and make others so if I can. NEW-YORK: PUBLISHED BY SAMUEL HENRY, No. 6, Peck-slip. 1814. District ofNew-York, ss. „nr ... BE IT REMExMBERED, that on the fifth day of May, m the thirty-eighth year of the Independence of the United States ot t\ S America, Samuel Henryj of the said patriot, has deposited in this ' 0ffiCe the title of a Book the right whereof he claims as author in the words following to wit -■ "A NEW COMPLETE AMERICAN MEDICAL FAMILY HERBAL, when in is disDlavedthc true properties and medical virtues of the plants indigenous to the United States of America: Together with Lewis' sreret remedy newly discovered which has been found infallible in the cure of that dreadful disease Hydrophobia, produced by the bite of a mad dog." . , ... " Being the result of more than thirty years experienced practice of the author, while a prisoner towards the close of the last war, among the Creek Indians ; and his travels through the Southern States, whilst making botanic discoveries on the real Medical vir- tues of our indigenous plants, wherein he has made known all his new discoveries, with the method how to use them, in the cure of most diseases incident to the human body. Adapted for the benefit of Masters and Mistresses of families, and for the com- munity at large, of our United, Free and Independent States of America " By Samuel Henry. Botanist—One of the Members of the late College of Physicians and Surgeons, and of the Medical Society of the City and County of New-York—Wii« an appendix of many choice Medical secrets never made known to the world before. Ero tam felix quam fortuna uiea proebet, et facium alios, ess sic possem. I'll be as happy as my fortune will permit, and make others so, if I can. In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled " An Act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the tune therein mentioned." And al- so to an Act, cutitled " an Act supplementary to an Act, entitled an Act for the encour- agement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned, and extending the be- nefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving and etching historical and other prints."' THERON RUDD, Clerk of A'eiV'York Disiriu' DEDICATION. TO SAMUEL L. MITCHELL, M. D. S$c. .Dear Professor, FULLY sensible of your philanthrophy and su- perior skill in Botany, Natural History, and the Healing Art, I have been induced to dedicate the New American Medical Family Herbal, to your patronage. Fully satisfied of your good will to mankind, and the pleasure it will afford you to encourage every new disco- very in the Healing Art, that may in any way be the means which will further promote the health and happiness of the people of the United States of America, and mankind in general. In this New Herbal, sir, the Author has made known, the real properties and medical virtues of the plants indigenous to the United States, being die result of more than thirty years practical experience of the true medical virtues and properties of each species of plants : In short, I have made known many new discoveries which were never published before to the world. As this Herbal is written expressly for the benefit of Masters and Mis- resses of Families, &c. yet I doubt not, but that the learned gentlemen of the faculty, will find many new discovered remedies, for the cure of particular maladies, which had never been made known to the world before. It will like- wise greatly prevent Quackery, and the community at large, from being imposed upon by ignorant and illiterate V pretenders to the Healing Art, who for want of skill in their profession, have done great mischief to the bodies of those who employed them. The Book is written in a plain familiar stile, and tech- nical terms avoided, so that the language is adapted to every capacity. He expects, generous professor, that he will be excused for the simplicity of style in which he has writ- ten it; his desire and wish is that all who read this Herbal, may understand his prescriptions and be benefited by them: So, dear professor, with all due deference to your superior judgment on the merit of tne work, th^ Herbal is hum- bly dedicated to your inspection; and if upon your perusal it meets with your approbation and sanction, it will afford the Author much satisfaction and pleasure. I have the honour to be with great consideration, dear professor* your most obliged and very humble servant, THE AUTHOR, PREFACE. THE Author of the work here presented to the public, having read many books on the subject of Botany, as well as several of such as have been styled Herbals, on the virtues of plants, has had occasion to discover not only an almost immemora-* ble quantity of errors and defects, but also a muh tiplicity of directions for their uses, which on exami- nation and trial, he has proved to be altogether in-. ejfectual in the cure of the complaints to which these treatises have directed their application The only book on Botany, worthy of notice and of public usefulness, is the celebrated Doctor Woodvill's Medical Botany, a work of merit lately published, at seventy dollars: but as that work, treats chiefly on the virtues of plants indigenous to Europe, 6>c. and as a Herbal has been much sought for, that treats upon the real Medical virtues and plants indigenous to the United States, this work is founded on more than thirty years experience and practice of the A uthor; not only while he was a prisoner last war, among the Creek Tribe of In- dians, but likewise in his travels through all the Southern States, in search of new discoveries ; ma- ny of them are wonderful, and will be of great satisfaction to families, and all who reads the work: in short, it will afford them not only pleasure but profit too. The public are acquainted with the won- derful new discovery of a plant, with Doctor Lewis*' VI secret, how to apply it in the cure of that dread- ful disease called Hydrophobia, which is caused by the bite of a mad dog. The remedy has been found infallible in all its trials, both upon man and beast, that had the misfortune to be bit by that ani- mal. The Author is bold to affirm, that this New American Family Herbal, will be of more real be- nefit and use to the gentlemen of the faculty, and the community at large, than any book that has ever been made public to these United States of America, much more than Dr. Woodvill's Botany itself. The reader will find here an account of the na- tural history, soil and place of growth, medical virtues, and method how to find the plant: also, how to use it in the cure of their disease, with a beautiful engraving of each species of plant. For the benefit and convenience of subscribers, the work is comprised into the compass of one octuvo volume. In order that this work may be understood, by every individual who reads it, it is written in an easy, plain, and familiar style, adapted to the un- derstanding of every capacity. The Author therefore presents the Masters and Mistresses of Families of our United States, this New Complete American Medical Family Herbal ; and that it may be the means in every family of promoting and preserving their health and happi- ness, is the prayer of THE AUTHOR. RECOMMENDATIONS, The Author avails himself of this opportunity, to publish the subjoined testimonials of the esti- mation in which this work is held, by some of the most distinguished gentlemen of Medical Science, in this country. From the Hon. SAMUEL L. MITCHELL, M. D. &c. &c. New-York, March 17, 1813. « Samuel L. Mitchell rejoices to find that Dr. Henry is about to publish his American Herbal, with observations on the virtues of the indigenous plants of the United States. He is fully persuad- ed, that the healing qualities of many of them deserve further in- vestigation And in the hope of encouraging a meritorious and practical work, he requests Dr. Henry to consider him a subscriber.'* From JAMES TILLARY, M. D. President of the Medical Society of New-York, &c. " SIB, " By your request, I have taken a cursory view of the American, Herbal, which you propose to publish, and have found in it many indigenous, and I have no doubt, many useful plants, with which I had little < r no acquaintance. " Their character and qualities are so plainly indicated, that I hope it may find its way into the hands of every family who prefer the simplicity of nature, to the show and extravagance of Quackery. I also hope that this work of meritorious labour may invite to fur- ther investigation respecting the Medical properties, and practical application, of the plants of our country. " With pleasure I offer you my name as a subscriber, and my good wishes for its publication and success. JAMES TILLARY." " Having looked over Dr. S. Henry's new American Family Me- dical Herbal, I rejoice that such a book is to be published, which gives a true and genuine investigation of the Medical virtues of the plants indigenous to the United States of America. Wherein I find he has made many valuable new discoveries on their Medical virtues, &c. I therefore request Dr. S. Henry to consider me as a subscriber. SAMUEL THOMPSON, Professor of Botany, in Cheshire county, New-Hampshire." 1 A NEW AND COMPLETE AMERICAN MEDICAL FAMILY HERBAL, &c. ACROUS. 0ALAMQUS, OR SWEET FLA&. DESCRIPTION. THE leayes of this plant are long, sword shap- ed, sheathing one another, numerous, and pro- duced upon a spadix, or conical spike : the capsule is obJong, triangular, and divided into three cells containing numerous oval seedf. 40 HISTORY. This plant is perennial, and grows plentifully in marshy wet places and pond, : the root is full ot mints and crooked, somewhat flatted on the sides, internally of a white colour, loose spungy texture, and has a strong smell; the taste warm, acrid, bitterish, and aromatic: hoth the smell and taste are improved by drying or exsiccation MEDICAL VIRTUES. This root is an excellent carminative and sto- machic medicine, and an agreeable aromatic. v PREPARATION. Cut the root small ; take one ounce of the cut root, and half an ounce of Masterwort root, cut small, infuse them in a quart of brandy for one week. A table-spoonful or more, taken on an empty stomach, quickly relieves the wind colic. A wine glass twice a day, promotes the menses. 44 AGBIMONT, AGRIMONIA. ■:...i'is.>«i DESCRIPTION. This plant rises two or three feet in height, its leaves alternate, interruptedly pinnate, composed of five or six pairs, with an odd one at the end. The large pinnse are commonly sesile, opposite? ovate, deeply serrate, and rough. The flowers are yellow, on long spikes, and not very conspicuous. HISTORY. It grows in corn fields and gardens, at the sides of meadows, in low grounds, at the road sides, in the woods, and in shady places : blooms in July and August, and is well known hy the vulgar name of cuckle, from the seeds sticking to the clothes in the fall of the year. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is a mild estringent and a corroborant, and therefore given for a lax tone of the bowels and solids. I have found it an excellent remedy in the cure of coughs, gravel, asthmatic, and cutanious diseases. PREPARATION. Boil one pound of the root in eight quarts of rain water down to four : strain the decoction and sweeten it with honey. Patients troubled with the asthma or the gravel, must first take^ a ^dose of American ipecacuanha, as directed under that ar- ticle, and daily drink four or five tea-cups full of the tea, for the cure of all the above maladies. I knew a man at Flat brook, near Sussex, who in- formed me that he had spent near three hundred pounds with Dr. Kanady, without receiving any benefit; but by drinking the decoction of Agri- mony root, as above directed, was perfectly cured of his asthmatic complaint IB ALDER BLACK. ALNUS NIGRUS. This tree is like a hedge bush, with spreading branches. The outward bark is of a blackish co- lour, but the bark next the wood is yellow, which being chewed, turns the spittle into a saffron co- lour : in shorvit is so well known by its red ber- ries, which the women in the country give their children for worms, that it needs no further de- sription. HISTORY. This tree, or shrub, grows plentifully on the sides of moist meadows, brooks, and low ground?, throughout the country. 4* MEDICAL VIRTUES, The inner bark of the black aider, is both emetic and cathartic : the berries are purgative. PREPARATION. Boil a quart of the ripe berries in four quart* of water, away to two quarts, strain the decoction, in which put two quarts of molasses, and boil it away to the consistency of honey. Children trou- bled with worms may take from two tea-spoons full to a table-spoon full, increasing the dose ac- cording to their age, every morning and night for a week, both before the full and change of th« moon: this is a safe and sure medicine, and ought to be kept in every family. The powder of the inner bark, a tea-spoon full or more, maybe taken as a good purge. The bark is good to boil in spring beer, which opens obstruction^ purifies the blood, and keeps the body soluble. •i 15 ALEXANDER, OR W1LDTARSELT. PETROSELINUM. DESCRIPTION. This is a hienniaLplant, root long and very thiek, smell strong, a sharp acrid taste, leaves doubly com- pound, numerous and proceed immediately from the root. The main leaf stalk is divided into three principal parts, each of these is subdivided into three others, which support a number of short oval segment serrated; its stem is firm, upright, and scored on the surface, and grows six feet high; the seeds are shaped like a crescent, or new moon, a little convex on one side, and furrowed, but flat $n the other. HISTORY. It grows in low meadows, and among the rocks near the sea: flowers in July, and the seed h. ripe ito September. 16 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The seed only is used in medicine, and is a warm and powerful diuretic. PREPARATION. With four ounces of the seed and two ounces of the roots of marsh mallows, put six quarts of rain water ; boil them till their remains but three quarts; strain the decoction and sweeten it with ^ honey. In all suppressions of urine, or gravelly com- plaints, let the patient be bled and take a dose of sal glauber or castor oil. After this has done work- ing, give him a tea-cup full of this decoction, every hour, and let him sit in a large tub of warm water, and apply the warm herbs, $c. as a poultice over his navel, until he makes water freely. By similar practice I was the instrument (sub deo) of saving, not long since, in this city, a young man's lifec after trying the cartheter to no purpose. i? ANGELICA WILD, THE GREATER. ANGELICA SYLVESTRIS. DESCRIPTION. This plant grows about four feet high, hollow * tem, several leaves pinnated, pinn?e, serrate, and ending with an odd one; flowers white, in large umbels, the general involucrum wanting; the root is biennial, long and thkk, hung with many fibres. HISTORY. It grows in marshes, and by the sides of wet meadows : the seed ripens in October. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root is an excellent aromatic, carminative, emmenagogue. discutient, and sialagogue; and 3 18 when fresh, bruised and laid on inflammatory tu- mours, disperses them : chewed when dry excites spitting, and the juice swallowed expells the wind from the stomach and bowels. PREPARATION. Pour a pint of boiling water on an ounce of the seed, and let it simmer over hot embers for one hour. Children troubled with green stools and wind, must take a tea-spoonfull of magnesea alba, twice a day, in bread and milk sweetened, and a table-spoonful of the tea, after the magnesea has done working, every two hours till the child falls a sleep. As an antidote against the yellow fever, cheiv the dry root and swallow the juice, particularly when visiting the sick. 19 ARBUTUS, OR BEAR BERRY. UVA URSI. It rises to a large shrub, or bush; leaves nu- merous, oblong, narrow towards the base, obtuse, and very closely surrounding the upper part of the stock ; flowers whitish, terminating the stem in clusters, calix small and toothed, coralla round, and bellied at the margin. HISTORY. It is an evergreen shrub; the leaves oval not toothed, of a pale green colour, and smooth on the 36 under side: it grows on the mountains and high hills in the state of New-Jersey, and in many other parts of the United States. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The medical effects of this shrub depends en- tirely on its astringent and tonic powers. It is used with success in various fluids arising from debi- lity, menorrhagia, fluor albus, cystirrhcea, diabetes, ennuresis, diarrhoea, dysentery, $c. It has also been found beneficial in consumptive complaints, particularly in ulcerations of the kidneys and bladder. PREPARATION. After the leaves are dry, pulverize them and keep the powder in a bottle well corked. In the above complaints the patient may take a tea-spoon- ful of the powder, in honey or molasses, four times a day. The illustrious professor, Doctor Hallar, recom- mends the acid liquor distilled from the herb, as an effectual remedy in gravelly complaints. He says, that this acid doubly distilled, taken from half a gill to a gill four times a day, attacks the caculi, formed in the human body, reduces them to small pieces, and softens those that cannot be split or broken. Of one hundred and fifty of these ca- culi, which we submitted to this test; there was not one but what was acted upon by this acid liquor. 31 ASH COLOURED LIVERWORT LITCHEN CANINUS. DESCRIPTION. The Litchen Caninus spreads on the ground; its consistency is of a leather like substance, with veins, is of an ash colour, appearing as if covered with farina or flour, woolly underneath, divided into lobes, peltse, round or oblong, terminal, hard, ascending, of a reddish brown colour, serrated, with small star like flowers at the top : the roots are very fine and small. HISTORY. It is found on heaths, dry pastures, and in the woods. MEDICAL VIRTUES. This is the Litchen of which Doctor Mead's ce- lebrated powder is made, and which has been so justly recommended as a sure and effectual cure for the hydrophobia, or canine madness, caused by the bite of a mad dog. 32 Doetor Mead's pulvis antylissus, is as follows : Litchen Cinere teirestr. 3iv. piper nigr. Mj. M. F. pulvis. In English—take of ash coloured liverwort, in fine powder, four drachms, fine black pepper, two drachms, and mix them together. Divide this into four equal doses, one of which is to be taken in warm milk, every morning fasting, for four morn- ings successively. After using all the powders, the patient must be put into a cold bath, every morning fasting for thirty days. He is to remain in the bath, with his head above water, not more than one minute. PREPARATION. The following ointment will cure all fresh wounds or thrusts. Pound the leaves of Liverwort vHle green, and press out the juice : then to one quart of the expressed juice, add one pound of fresh Imtuv, made in June, and eight ounces of mutton tallow : let it simmer over the hot embers, in an i rtlien piplin, for an hour, when you may add four ounces of bees-wax and two ounces of sugar and let it simmer for half an hour: strain it through a linen cloth, and put it in pots, covered with a piece of dry bladder, for use. Melt a little of this ointment and dip lint into it, which must be put into the wound and covered with a linen cloth doubled, and anointed with the warm ointment 23 which must be renewed three times a day until tht$ wound is healed. A poultice made of slippery- elm bark, may be applied over the dressing, for a day or two until the inflammation has subsided. i**99»*9iS3»--- ASH PRICKLY. FRAXINUS SPINOSUS. DESCRIPTION. This is a small tree : in swamps you may find it from eight to ten feet in height, but on rnoim;- iain« not more than four. 34 HISTORY. It grows in swamps and on the mountains lti New Jersey, and other parts of America. MEDICAL VIRTUES. I have found the bark to be an effectual remedy in the cure of chronic rheumatism; and the ber- ries are a sure remedy in intermittent fevers. PREPARATION. For rheumatic pains. Boil four ounces of the bark in six quarts of water till their remains but three quarts : take half a pint of this decoction three times a day, and when going to bed drop a tea-spoonful of the essence of hemlock into half a pint of the decoction. After the pains are re- moved, apply a warm plaster of Burgundy pitch, over the weak part, in order to prevent a relapse. The following powder will cure all intermittent fevers. Take two ounces of dry prickly ash bark. one ounce of the dry berries, one ounce of Zantox- ylum or tooth-ach bark, one ounce of masterwort root pulverized, mix all the ingredients, and sift it through a hair sieve, and put it in a bottle for use. As soon as any person is taken with the inter- mittent, (or fever and ague, vulgarly called) let him take from iliirty to forty grains of the Ameri- can ipecacuanha, and work it off with weak bone- set tea. After the stomach is cleansed, take a tea- spoonful of the powder every two hours, in a dish of prickly ash tea, while the fever is off. One dose 25 generally cures a spring intermittent. The pow- der is to be taken for four or five days, in order to prevent a relapse. This powder should be kept in every family, where intermittent fevers prevail. AVENS. GEUM URBANUM. This plant rises a foot in height: root fibrous, very pleasant, and aromatic: leaves large and lyre shaped : stalk upright and hirsute: flowers yellow, and terminal. 4 26 HISTORY. It is a perennial plant, and grows wild in the un- cultivated fields of New-Jersey and the New-En- gland states : flowers from June to July : the roots are fibrous,of a dark red colour externally,of a white internally ; and has the flavor of cloves, with a bit- terish astringent taste. The large roots are pre- ferable to the fibrous ones, which must be dug up in April, cut into thin slices, and dryed in the an- as quick as possible. After being pulverized, sift the powder through a hair sieve, and put it in bot- tles well corked, for use. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is a good febrifuge, and is really an excellent substitute for the jesuite bark, in the cure of inter- mittent fevers, dysentery, chronic diarrheas, wind colic, affections of the stomach, asthmatic symp- toms, and cases of debility. PREPARATION. After the patient has taken a puke of the Ame- rican ipecacuanha, and the fever is off, a tea-spoon- ful of the powder may be administered every hour until the fever is broke, and use my stomach bit- ters (mentioned in this work) in order to prevent a relapse. The following is Mrs. Shaw's preparation of In- dian chocolate, which is strongly recommended as sm effectual cure of consumptions. Take of aven root, two ounces ; arum root, half an ounce, in powders; skunk cabbage balls, half an ounce, in powder; ginseng and masterwort, each half an ounce ; sugar candy, one ounce. Mix one table-spoonful of these powders, and boil them in one quart of rain water, and one pint of new milk, for an hour. In all debilitating complaints, or beginning con- sumptions, the patient may take two tea-cups of this chocolate, morning and evening, sweetened with loaf sugar, and ride out every day, for two hours, before dinner, Thus I have made public, a secret, with some valuable additions, which will be of great utility to the community. 38 BACK-ACH BRAKE, OR FEMALE FERN ROOT. POLYPODY SILIX LIN. j!!!!ftliia^api!flirniam.T^, .„ DESCRIPTION. This plant is of the fan specie, and is perennial; is about twelve inches in height, and has three or four leaves springing from the root, every one of which are single, winged, and are of about a hands length. HISTORY. It grows plentifully in low moist pastures, and near ponds: the root is about the size of a goose- quill, lying aslope, or creeping under the ground, of a brown colour, very sweet, and of a mucilagi- nous taste. 29 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root is a good pectoral and demulcent. PREPARATION. The following sirup is an excellent medicine : boil one pound of the dry roots bruised in two gallons of water, to the consistency of one ; strain the liquor, to which add two quarts of honey, and boil it down to three quarts: put it in a jug and keep it in a cool cellar. In all violent coughs, the patient may take a table-spoonful every half hour through the day, and when going to bed he may take a wine glass full. In consumptive coughs, a tea made of loungwort, maiden hair, and wild cherry-tree bark, each half an ounce, to two quarts of boiling rain water, may be drank daily. The following liquor has cured the most invete- rate lumbago, or back ach : Take one pound of fresh roots of brake, and one ounce of sumach root, cut small ; boil them in two quarts of rum till it becomes slimy. Dip brown paper in this liquid and bind it across the back, after taking a dose of caster oil, repeating the ap- plication every hour till well. Rub the spine and os sacrum with a piece of flannel dipped in the warm liquor, for ten minutes before you apply the paper. This is also an effectual cure for the rickets in children: take one ounce of brake root, cut fine, 3tf and pour a quart of boiling rain water on it, sweet- en it, give the child a tea-cup full four times a day, rub the parts three times a day with the rum de- coction, and apply brown paper wet in it, over the spine and back. The child must be plunged into a deep spring for a minute every morning, and dryed well after taken out. BALM. MELISSA OFFICINALIS. DESCRIPTION. The stem rises about three feet in height; leaves egg shaped, spreading, rough, ribbed, veined, deeply serrated, and of [a bright green colour, 31 placed upon long petioles : flowers white, ringcnt proceeding from the abe of the wings. HISTORY. It is perennial, grows wild in low meadows, on wet grounds, and in gardens, throughout the United States, has a pleasant smell, and something ©f an aromatic taste. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It has been found beneficial in all inflammatory fevers, the piles, and the pleurisy. PREPARATION. Pour one quart of boiling water on two ounces of the dryed leaves and tops of balm: a tea-cup full of this tea, with a tea-spoonful of lemon juice sweet- ened with loaf sugar, may be taken every hour, after proper evacuations, in fevers, pleurisy, and the piles. It is a pleasant cooling drink, promotes perspiration, allays thirst, and hy dropping twenty drops of elixir vitriol in a tea-cup full of this tea, and taken before both breakfast and dinner, creates a good appetite. There is another species of balm known by the name of meadow rose, which grows wild in mea- dows, and rises about three feet and an half in height: leaves heart shaped, opposite each other. and producing beautiful red flowers. Virtues fiie same as the other, rather mere aromatic and of a strwjrrr smell 9 33 BARBERRY. BERBERIS VULGARIS. The flowers are in clusters: the fruit oblong and red : leaves oblong, ovate, and serrated : the stem is defended by three thorns. HISTORY. It grows along the sides of roads in hedges : the stamens have a rcniarkab'e sensibility, moving when touched by any tiling towards the pestilum. (this is a curb,is fact discovered by Doctor Smith, the first botanist of the *«ige:) leaves tender, and very subject to the r* brig-» or rust, vhich generally infects the corn in its neighbourhood. 33 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The bark off the root of the tree, boiled and made into beer has cured the jauadice. The leaves and berries are acid, and form a very refreshing jam for acute diseases, viz. all kinds of inflam- mations ; it is also beneficial in putrid fever, ac- compained with a bilious diarrhoea ; they are like- wise good in the dysentery. PREPARATION. The method of preparing barberry jam is as fol- lows : pick the leaves and berries from the stalks, avid bake them in an earthen pan; after they are baked pass them through a sieve with a large wooden spoon; weigh the berries and put their weight of powdered sugar, mix them together, then put in covered pans, and set in a dry place : when your pans are full, sift powdered sugar over the tops. In order to cure the dysentery and flux, boil one pound of berries in six quarts of water, to the con- sumption of three, strain the decoction; a tea-cup full may be taken four or five times a day, sweeten- ed with loaf sugar, whieh will cure the patient in a few days. The chips of the root boiled in cider, has cured the yellow jaundice ; first give the patient a tea-spoonful of the powdered root, of may apple, as a purge. 5 34 RAY BERRY BUSH. LAURUS NOBILUS. This tree or shrub rises three or four feet in height: leaves numerous and ovate: flowers in August, and bears numerous green^ berries, of which green tallow is made. HISTORY. It grows plentifully on Long-Island and in the New-England states, where the berries are manu- factured into tallow, in the following manner : the ripe berries are put into cold water, let them soak for one night, and then boil them over a gentle fire until the tallow rises on the surface of the water. 35 while the berries subside. After this liquor cools the tallow is easily taken off. MEDICAL VIRTUES. Both the leaves and the berries are warm carmi- natives, stomachic, emmenagogue, beneficial in palsies, colic, hysterical complaints, and promotes urine : the bark chewed is a good sialagogue, and when dryed and pulverized, the snuff is a powerful erhine. PREPARATION. A gentleman in the city of New-York, informed me that some time since he had the king's evil, and that several sores broke out on his neck. An In- dian undertook to cure him for a quart of rum, by the following preparation: Take the inner bark of the bay berry bush, pound it soft, apply it over the scrophulous swellings, and sores, morning and evening, and drink a strong tea, made of bay berry bush leaves, four times a day. The cure was completed in two weeks. The following tincture will expel wind and cure flatulent colics : take one ounce of the dry bruised berries, and half an ounce of the powder of master- wort : infuse them in three pints of brandy for a week, and take half a wine glass of this tincture, twice a day on an empty stomach. 3(3 BEECH DROPS, OR CANCER ROOT. ORIBLANCHA VIRGINIANA. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises six or eight inches in height, of a brown colour, brickie sprigs, but no leaves : the root is bulbous similar to a cancer, from which it derives the name of cancer root. HISTORY. It grows out of the root of beech trees, in low grounds and swamps only ; and must be gathered about the end of October, before there has been any frost. 37 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The beech drops are a powerful astringent, and cancers have been effectually cured, by the appli- cation of the fresh bruised root, frequently applyed. It is very beneficial in the cure of St. Anthony's fire, and the canker in the throat. PREPARATION. In four quarts of water put eight ounces of beech drops : boil it down to two quarts, strain the decoc- tion, and sweeten it with loaf sugar. After pro- per evacuations, patients subject to the rose or eresipelus, may take a tea-cup full of this four times a day, and keep linen rags, wet with the de- coction before it is sweetened, over the inflamed parts, until perfectly well. N. B. To every quart of the decoction you may dissolve half a tea-spoonful of white vitriol, and use it occasionally. Omit the tea, £jc. when you expect your courses, and when they are down. Children subject to gallings in warm weather, may be cured by wetting the parts frequently with a linen rag dipped in the decoction, made weaker by adding a table-spoonful of rose water to a gill of the above lotion. <38 BETH ROOT. TRILLIUM RHUMBOYDUM. DESCRIPTION. This plant sriscs a foot or more in height: the leaves nearly oval, three at the top of each stock : one flower, bell shaped, and purple colour, which produces a small berry that contains the seed: root bulbous and full of small fibres, of a brown colour externally, and white within. HISTORY. It grows in low meadows, and on the sides of rising meadow banks, in New-Jersey. MEDICAL VIRTUES. "'his root is a powerful astringent. 39 I have found this root of great efficacy in violent uterine hemorrhagic, hematuraor bloody urine, in obviating gangrene, and in curing carbuncles, I have been instrumental, not long since, in saving the life of a sailor who was taken with a violent pain in his penis, and made bloody water, continu- ally. After proper evacuations, my prescription was for him to take a tea-spoonful of the powder of this root, four times a day. Two or three days afterwards, I had the happiness of finding him en- tirely well. PREPARATION. In all immoderate flow of the catamenia, spitting or discharging of blood, the patient may take one tea-spoonful, four times a day, in a tea-cup full of tea made of the flowers of yarrow or Saint Johns- wort, after bleeding and using cooling laxitives. This is always effectual. For the benefit of the gentlemen of the college, and the medical society, as well as private indivi- duals, I will insert the following new discovery, which obviates the gangrene, and quickly cures carbuncles. A case. I was called upon to visit a French lady, living in Roosevelt-street, New-York, who had a carbuncle on her arm, as large as a crown piece : it was of a firey red colour, and sharp watery ichor or watery running. I made a thin poultice of equal parts of beth and blood roots, porr^cod tru*. ami 40 mixed with honey, and bound it over the carbun- cle, with directions for renewing it every two hours, and taking a purge. When I culled the next day, I found to my great satisfaction, that the carbuncle was killed and only a brown mark left, and has never returned. 1 his poultice is also a certain cure for old putrid ulcers, obviates the gangrene or mortification, and will prevent the cutting off many limbs in our hospitals, and on board ships of war. 41 BIND WEED, GREATER: OR MAN IN THE GROUND. CONVOLVULUS PANDURATUS, MAJOR, DESCRIPTION. This plant is a foot in height, and runs along the ground much like a grape vine: root very large, hard, and white, running very deep in the earth, and is very similar to a man's penis, whence the Indians call it the man in the earth: stalks weak and traiHng, from one to three feet high, and beset with triangular leaves : flowers, which grow from the axillae of these, are large, bell %sbaped, and whitish with a purple tinge : the seed vessel is of a pointed form, and the seed is angular and black- ish. HISTORY. It grows in low grounds, nigh running water, and in loose sandy soils. I dug a root from a buck- wheat field, in New-Jersey,near the Deleware river, as large as a man's leg, which ran four feet in the ground. Finding the parts to have so much the resemblance of a man's penis, §c. I gave it to a physician in New-York, as a curiosity. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The fresh root cut in thin slices, and infused in spring or rain water, for twelve hours, and the patient taking a tea-cup full four or five times a day, has carried off the urine, and brought away gravel; and has also been found beneficial in recent consumptive coughs and asthmas ; is a good pec- toral, and a mild and sure cathartic. A table- spoonful of the powdered root may be taken twice a week as a cathartic, in dropsies. PREPARATION. Take two pounds of this root bruised, and ontf pound of bruised skunk cabbage root, both dryed: boil them in eight quarts of spring or rain water, to the consumption of four: strain the decoction through apiece of linen, to which add two quarts of honey, and boil the sirup until there remains but 13 three quarts, when you must put it in a stone jug, to be used in the following manner. In all consumptive or ashtmatic coughs, the pa- tient may take a wine glass full of this liquor, daily four or five times a day, and use the following tea: pOur a quart of boiling water on- an ounce of the bruised dry root of skunk cabbage, and sweeten it with honey. Dose, a tea-cup full three times a day. An Indian, after wetting his hands with the milky juice of this root, handled a living rattle snake without receiving the least injury. 44 BITTER SWEET. SOLANUM DULCAMARA. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises eight or ten feet in height, and entwines round trees the same as a vine: flowers in loose clusters, always turning against the sun and leaves, and seems to avoid the sun : the corolla is composed of one petal, wheel shaped, and divided at the bottom or border, into five pointed seg- ments, which are bent back : colour purple : pro- minences like dots surrounding the rim of the co- rolU, form the nectary. The yellow anthers make a beautiful contrast to the corolla. The flowers be- 45 come bright red berries, something similar to cur- rants, and are of a bitter sweet taste. HISTORY. This climbing shrub grows common in low grounds and marshes. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The dulcamara is a powerful and useful medi- cine : it increases all the secretions and excretions, and excites the heart and arteries ; and is also be- neficial in all cutaneous affections, rheumatism, scirrhous swellings, ill conditioned ulcers, scrophu- la, whites, jaundice, and obstructed menses. Can- cers of the breast have been cured by the applica- tion of the juice over the cancer, and the green leaves applied over the breast. The celebrated professor Doctor Hallar, by this application, perfected a cure of the cancer, on the breast of a lady of seventy years of age. PREPARATION. Boil half a pound of the bark of the bitter sweet in eight quarts of spring water, to the consumption of one gallon: a gill to be taken three times a day: it is also good in fevers and sical swellings. The patient ought to take a dose of sal glauber once a week, while using the medicine, 46, BLACK HENBANE. HYOSCYAMUS NIGRUS. this poisonous plant rises from one to two feet in height: the leaves are large, cut into irregular lobes, or pointed segments, undulated, and em- brace the stem : flowers bell shaped : colour a dingy yellow, with purple streaks, which is the true characteristic mark of all poisonous herbs or pi ants > 47 HISTORY. Hen-bane is an annual plant, which grows be* side the roads, the sides offences, about old ruins(5 and church yards: flowers in July and August. MEDICAL VIRTUES. Taken internally, it eases pain and procures sleep: externally, it is good to disperse tumours, removes the inflammation of the eyes, and mitti- gates pains in scirrhous and indolent tumours of the breast. The extract made of the expressed juice of this herb, is efficacious in palpatations of the heart, melancholy coughs, spasms, con- vulsions, madness, epilepsy, hysterical complaints, and a variety of nervous maladies, and dropsies, far superior to opium in such complaints, leaving the stomach soluble, without effecting the head. A dose of the extract, in all the above com- plaints, is from one to two or twenty grains, ac- cording to circumstances or effect. PREPARATION. The following discutient ointment I have found very efficacious ibr discussing hard breasts and in- dolent tumours : Melt one pound hogs fat and half a pound of green bay berry tallow, in an earthen pipkin over the hot embers ; and stir into it two ounces of the fine sifted powder of the leaves of hen-bane; one ounce of the sifted leaves of thorn apple or 48 stramonium, one ounce of the fine powder of the bark of bitter sweet, one ounce of the flowers of Saint Johnswort, and half an ounce of the pow- dered leaves of fox glove : stir all the powders in the melted fat, and if too thick pour into it beefa gall, and mix it well—this ointment is the best discutient ever made known to the public. The buboes, ^c. must be rubbed with this ointment three times a day, and covered with flannel well greased with the ointment. The patient must keep the bowels open constantly, while using the ointment, by caster oil or cream of tarter, or a tea spoonful of powder of the root called may ap* pie or mandrake 49 - BLACK SNAKE ROOT. RADIX ANAPODOPHYLLON NIGRUS. This plant rises three feet in height: leaves simi- lar to the leaves of crow foot ? blossoms small, and blue. HISTORY. This aromatic plant grows in meadows, and low woods among rocks : the root is about the size of a small quill, fibrous, of a black or purple co- lour, smell strong, and very aromatic. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is an excellent sudorific, aromatic, and emmea uagouge. 59 PREPARATION. Pour two quarts of boiling rain water on two ounces of the dried root, bruised. In all fevers where a diaphoresis is necessary, as in pleurisies and recent colds, after necessary evacuation, give the patient, in bed, a tea-cup full of the warm tea every hour, and soak his feet before lying down, in warm water for ten minutes, which will promote perspiration, and by morning the patient is gene- rally cured: let the patient stay in the house the next day and not venture too soon in the cold air. Women, in order to promote the menses, may bathe their feet in warm water, and sit for ten minutes over the fume of penny royal, ^c. every night, and drink half a pmt of the tea with a wine glass of rum in it, at bed time, and take aloes as a warm purge. This must be done once or twice, before the full and change of the moon. The following tincture I have found beneficial in such cases : take one ounce of extract savine, and half an ounce of succotrine aloes in powder: and pour two quarts of old rum on the ingredients: shake the bottle often, and take a wine glass full twice a day, in order to bring down the terms and removes costiveness. $1 BLOOD ROOT. SANGUINARIA CANADINSE& t.. j- »u«: ■.. oih : :■> f.h- :• ! DESCRIPTION. This plant rises near a foot in., height: leaves. large and scolloped, resembling the leaves of white oak: roots about the size of the little finger, are blood red, and fibrous. HISTORY. It grows in low grounds, among rocks, in mea- dows, or in the woods near meadows. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root is a powerful emetic, cathartic, emmena- gogue, pectoral and sudorific. I have found it bene- ficial in the cure of rheumatism and jaundice, and is effectual in beginning consumpsions. m PREPARATION. Tincture for the cure of rheumatism. Take four ounces of the bruised dry blood root, and four ounces of the bruised aletris, or unicorn horn root, put them in a jug, and fill it up with Jamaica spirits: it will then be fit for use. The , patient may take a wine glass full twice or thrice a day, in chronic rheumatism and jaundice. I have cured many by the use of this tincture, beginning with half a glass twice a day, increasing the dose gradually to a glass full, according to its effects. Pills for the cure of beginning consumptions. Take four ounces of blood root, one* ounce of skunk cabbage balls, two ounces of sugar candy, one ounce of Indian turnip root, one ounce of li- quorice, and half an ounce of spruce gum, all pow- dered fine ; mix the powders well in a mortar with cotnmon tar. Make this consistence into pills as large as a pea, and put them, with a little liquorice powdered, in a bottle well corked, for use. Two of these pills may be taken every morning and when going to bed, and drink a tea-cup full of tea made of longwort which grows on white oak trees, and half an handful of the bark of wild cherry tree root, to two quarts of boiling water, sweetened with ho- ney, four times a day. A puke of the American ipecacuanha must be administered previous to the taking of the pills. 53 BLUE CARDINAL FLOWERS. LOBELIA SIPHILITICA. This celebrated plant rises about two feet in height: leaves sesile and accute : flowers blue, not compound, numerous and spiked: leaves of the ca- lyx are five, halbert shaped, five cleft at the mar- gin, and the corrolla funnel shaped. HISTORY. This plant grows in the states of New-Jersey and Virginia, in moist meadows, and near brooks and springs : flowers from August to September. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The roots of this plant is recommended by the Indians, as a certain remedy in the cure of the 54 venereal disease. They communicated to the late sir William Johnson, an account of the effects of this root in the lues venorea, which has been since published in the fourth quarto volume of Linnseus's Amcenitates Academics?. By this account, a strong decoction is to be made of the roots and leaves of this plant, half a pint of which is to be drank every morning, washing the parts with the decoction. MEDICAL VIRTUES. From my practice for several years, in the use of the lobelia, observe the following directions: Take one pound of the roots ,and leaves, well dryed ; put them into two gallons of water and boil it away to four quarts ; add four ounces of crane's bill root, and half a pound of the bark of rose willow, to the strained decoction, and after putting three quarts more of rain water into it, and boiling it away to four, you may strain it for use. In all re- cent complaints of the clap, the patient may take a gill four times a day, and throw up the penis the following injection: boil two ounces of crane's bill, or vulgarly called, crowfoot, in three pints of water, to the consumption of one, strain the decoction, and dissolve a tea-spoonful of white vitriol into it. After making water throw up a syring full six times a day ; but if it should smart you must add one .gill more of water. Abstain from all spiritous liquors, and live upon cool diet till well, which is generally a week or ten days : or should a cordee &5 come on, take a dose of salts, and every other night a tea-spoonful of laudanum in balm tea, when going to bed. BONESET, OR THOROUGHWORT. EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. This useful plant rises to three feet in height: leaves long, rough, laneated near the point, and grow to the stalk in pairs opposite each other, fouv 5b* inches apart, and appear as if the stem grew* through eaah leaf: flowers white, and blossoms in July and August. HISTORY. It grows in meadows, by road sides, and near brooks of water. MEDICAL VIRTUES. This plant is emetic, sudorific, antiseptic, sto- machic, coroborant, vulnerable, and febrifuge. PREPARATION. The following is a sure emetic, and is to be Used in the cure of all yellow and intermittent fevers : Take a large handful of the leaves and flowers^ boil them in two quarts of water to the consump- tion of one, strain the decoction, and give the pa- tient a gill warm, in the morning fasting, which is generally sufficient; but if it does not puke him in half an hour, give him half a gill more, and after every7 emotion let him drink a tea-cup full of a weak tea, made by pouring a quart of boiling water on half an handful of the flowers. The tops and flowers of boneset are also a good substitute for camomile flowers. The following prescription is an excellent cure for men who have debilitated themselves by strong liquor: first administer the boneset puke, and boil two handfuls of the tops and flowers of boneset in two quarts of water, to the consistency of one> strain it and put half a pint of spirits of lavender compound to it. A wine glass full is to be taken daily twice a day, before breakfast and dinner, and twelve drops of elixir vitriol dropt in each glass which will restore the patients strength and appe- tite, and wean him from that ruinous habit of dram drinking. As I was travelling from the Creek nation of Indians, a young man had been bit by a rattle- snake's pilot; and after walking a little distance his leg began to pain him and swell. He was or- dered to pound the leaves of boneset and apply it over the wound, and to drink a gill of the juice of the herb, which cured him in the space of two hours. He went to a ball the same night, and felt no inconvenience from the exercise of dancing. 8 £8 BOWMAN'S ROOT, OR INDIAN PHYSIC. AMERICANA IPECACUANHA. DESCRIPTION. This plant is perennial, and rises two or three feet in height: the leaves ovate: stalks upright: flowers small and of a pale blueish colour. HISTORY. It grows plentifully in meadows and in low woods, in the state of New-Jersey, and by the farm- ers is called wild apple tree root. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The bark of the root pulverized and sifted through a fine hah' sieve, I have found to be a sure and safe emetic, preferable to the imported ipeca- 59 cuanha, that sells at eight dollars per pound, and the American ipecacuanha may be bought at two dollars per pound. The only difference between them is, that the American ipecacuanha requires to be taken in larger doses than the imported, and therefore think it ought to be kept by druggists as well as the other. I have found a dose of from thirty to forty grains, work sufficiently both upwards and downwards, and is milder than the imported. A dose of forty grains will be sufficient to work a strong man, and will infallibly cure the spring intermittent fever. In asthmatic coughs, and difficulty of breathing, let the patient take every morning, si:: grains in a spoonful of cold water, as a sudorific, and pectoral. PREPARATION. Put a drachm of the American ipecacuanha into a tea-cup full of warm water or tea, and in order to cleanse the stomach, take two table-spoonsful every half hour till it pukes the patient, and after every emotion drink half a pint of boneset tea. After all the bile is thrown off, drink soup with salt in it, until it purges, and take an anodine pill at bed time. Children with the hooping cough, may take a tea-spoonful or two of the above infusion every half hour till it operates, and work it off with a tea made of assarabecca, vulgarly called colts foot, by taking an ounce of the dry leaves, put in a tea-pot and filled with boiling water: a table-spoonful may be given to a child of two years of age, every hour. 6§ BUCKTHORN. RHAMNUS CATHARTICU& SPINA CERVINA. DESCRIPTION. This is an hedge prickly bush, or low tree: leaves oval, pointed, and serrated: flowers are male and female, upon different plants, small, in clusters upon simple peduncles, the calyx is funnel shaped, divided into four spreading segments, the stamina are four only, and produces a round black berry containing four seeds. HISTORY. This tree grows common in hedges throughout the United States : flowers in June, and ripens its fruit about the first of October. 61 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The berries have been long in great esteem, in the cure of dropsies, rheumatism, and the gout, be- ing found a brisk cathartic, and very efficacious, particularly in dropsies. PREPARATION. Take one gallon of the expressed juice of buck- thorn berries, keep them in an earthen pipkin over the hot embers for an hour, then strain the liquor through a fine cloth, and put into the depurated li- quor one ounce of ginger, one ounce of black pep- per, and half an ounce of the powder of master- wort root; to these add two quarts of molasses and boil all in a brass or copper kettle, down to two quarts, which you will put into pots close covered, to be used in dropsies, as follows : take a gill of this sirup, and work it off by drinking half a pint of thin oatmeal gruel, after each stool, which will powerfully purge off the water without griping. As a common purge the patient may take four ta- ble-spoonsful, or two ounces for a dose, and drink thin water gruel as above. The juice, or decoction, causes gripings and pain, and therefore the above sirup, made either with molasses or loaf sugar, as best suits the taste. is a brisk and safe cathartic, which may fee used as circumstances require. £2 BURDOCK. ARTIUM LAPPA. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises about three feet: purple stem. branches !«ernate : leaves heart shaped, veiny, of a dark green colour on the top, and underneath whitish, the lower ones very large, standing upon long foot stalks, grooved like the stem: flowers numerous, generally ending in pairs. HISTORY. This useful plant grows common in waste grounds,, on road sides, about barrens and meadows: 63 it flowers in July and August, and is well known by the burrs which stick to the clothes in the fall of the year, when the seed is ripe and fit to be gath- ered for use. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root has been found on trial to be druretica mundificans, diaphoretica, promotes sweat and urine, and is of a cleansing detergent quality. Its virtues are recorded by many eminent physicians and botanists, that it has cured scurvy, rheuma* tism, lewis venerea, gravel, and gout. PREPARATION. Boil one pound of the fresh roots, cut thin and small, with half a pound of yellow dock root, in two gallons of rain water to the consumption of one gallon : strain the decoction and put it in a stone jug. in a cool cellar for use. In the cure of the following diseases, viz. scurvy, suppression of urine, and recent clap, the patient may take half a pint four times a day. For the benefit of our poor gallant, but unfortu- nate seamen, £$c. I shall reveal my celebrated anti- venereal remedy, by the use of which I have cured numbers both in its recent and fourth stage, without the use of mercury. Take burdock root one pound, vellow dock root half a pound, yarrow half a pound, parsley roots and leave ha1 fa pound, and comfreo: root font* fin'"^: boil all the ingredients in eight quarts of water down to one gallon, strain the decoction, and put it up in black bottles for use. Dose, one giU to b© taken three times a day. When it is to be carried to sea in warm weather, put a gill of gin to every bottle in order to keep it from souring. » BURNET SAXIFRAGE. PIMPINELLA. This plant rises about a foot in height: leaves are variously shaped, pinnated: flowers stand upon terminal umbels: the seeds are naked, furrowed) and egg shaped. 65. HISTORY. This plant grows in dry meadows and pastures, and is cultivated in gardens for family use : flow- ers appear in September. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root is the only part used, which is found to be resolvent, diaphoretic, stomachic, diuretic, emmenagogue and is beneficial in all asthmatic complaints, catarrhal coughs, and hoarseness. PREPARATIONS. Pour one quart of boiling rain or spring water on an ounce of the bruised dry root, and sweeten it with loaf sugar. Dose for an adult, a wine glass full taken four times a day, in order to remove any of the above complaints. Chewing the root draws off the saliva, or spittle, from the gums, and gives immediate relief in the tooth ach. For women labouring under obstructed catame- nia. Boil two ounees of the root in three quarts of water, down to two quarts, and strain the decoc- tion. Dose, a gill may be taken daily twice a day and at bed time, for a week, both before the full and change of the moon, observing to sit over the steam of penny royal and catnip, every night before going to bed, for ten minuets, or until they flow suf- ficiently. 9 M BUTTER FLY WEED, OR FLUX ROOT ASCLEPIAS DECUMBENS. This is one of our beautiful common plants, and can be seen and known at a distance, by its handsome golden flowers, which bloom in July: it rises about four feet in height, and has small oval leaves, which are numerous. HISTORY. It grows chiefly on fat clammy lands, in apple orchards, and in old upland'pastures, throughout the United States. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root is an excellent medicine in the cure of the dysentery and other flux, likewise in the colic' and pleurisy ; and is astringent, sudorific, carmina- tive, and cathartic. 67 PREPARATION. Cut the fresh root into thin slices, and after they are sufficiently dryed, pulverize them and sift the powder through an hair sieve, and put it in large bottles well secured with glass stoppers, Those troubled with flatulent or wind colic, may take a dose of caster oil, and after it has done work- ing, take a tea-spoonful of the powder once an hour till well. For the pleurisy, after bleeding and purg- ing, the patient may take a table-spoonful of the powder every two hours, in a tea-cup full of bone- set tea, and keep in bed, which will cause him a fine perspiration, and thereby cure the disorder. In the dysentery and diarrhoea, the patient must first take a dose of rhubarb, and the next day a tea-spoonful of the powder every hour, in a tea-cup full of yarrow tea, increasing the powder as he finds benefit: a few doses generally effects a cure. His common drink may be a tea-cup full of tea made of longwort, sweetened with loaf sugar, four or five times a day. 68 CELANDINE, THE GREATER, CHELIDONIUM, MAJOR. mm *-* DESCRIPTION. This plant rises two feet in height: hath many tender round green stalks, with larger joints than is common in other plants, very brittle and easy to brake: leaves large, serrated, and very tender : the flowers, consisting of four leaves, are yellow, after which come long pods with blackish seed therein; the root is long at the head, shooting forth many long roots with small fibres, redlsh externally and yellow within, and full of yellow sap. HISTORY. This plant grows wild along the sides of meadows. and bv running brooks. 69 MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is acrid, stimulant, aperient, detergent, diure- tic, and sudorific. The juice rubbed on warts ex- tirpates them, cures ring worms, and cleanses old ulcers. It has been found beneficial in dropsy, cachexy, and green sickiress. A poultice made of this plant boiled in milk, has cured the herpes miliaris. Infusions of the plant in vinegar, pro- mote perspiration. PREPARATION. In order to take a film off the eye, take half a gill of the expressed juice of the leaves of celandine,and one gill of the fresh juice of the leaves of ground ivy, called alehoof, dissolve a tea-spoonful of salt in it, and keep it in sand in a cellar for use. The film must be wet with a small hair brusl* dipped in this juice, three times a day, and afterwards wash the eye with a little warm milk and water. To cure the above complaint, the patient may take twenty or thirty drops every morning and evening of the expressed juice of this plant, in a gill of new milk, or half a tea-spoonful of the powder of the root in milk twice a day, increasing the dose occasionally. Twenty drops of the juice mixed in an ounce of rose water makes an excellent eye water, which will cure the most inveterate sore eyes, by wetting them morning and evening. A poultice made of the roasted roots mashed in vinegar, and applied to scrophulus tumours on the neck, quickly disperses 70 them. An ointment made of the roots boilded in hogs lard cures the piles, by anointing them with it every night before the fire, and taking daily, a tea-spoonful of cream of tarter and flour of sulphur In honey. CENTAURY. CENTAURIUM, MINOR, This useful plant rises about ten inches in height: stalks erect: leaves opposite, sesile, oblong, and obtuse: flowers terminal, in bunches, of a pink red colour, the calyx is cut into five erect 71 small teeth, the corolla is funnel shaped, the tube is cylindrical, and the border is divided into five oval or e^ shaped segments. HISTORY. It grows wild in barren pastures, in most parts of the United States, and flowers in June and July. MEDICAL VIRTUES. Centaury is justly esteemed one of the most ef- flcatious bitters, indigenous to the United States, and is a good substitute for the English gentian, which it resembles in taste, fyc. It is a good sto- machic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, and worm medi- cine. PREPARATION. Take four ounces of the flowers and leaves of centaury, and one ounce of bruised orange peal, in- fuse them in two quarts of brandy for two weeks. One table-spoonful of this tincture taken before breakfast and dinner, will create an appetite ; and children having worms may take two tea-spoonsful or more, every morning, which will effectually de- stroy them. In the cure, and to prevent intermit- tent fevers, a wine glass full with twenty drops of elixir vitriol in it, may be taken twice a day on an empty stomach. In fevers a tea made of two ounces of the flowery tops of centaury and an handful of balm, in two quarts of rain water, may be drank &yq or six times a day. In order to bring down the menses, pour two quarts of boiling water on two ounces of the tops, and set the vessel over the coals for half an hour, strain it and put a pint of rum in the strained liquor. Dose, a tea-cup full four times a day; bathe the feet in warm water, and sit over the fume of a hot decoction of catnip, penny royal, $c. S€ft®©0**" CINQUE-FOIL. POTENTILLA KEPTANS. ■? • - i *» .:;i- -isrv'.- iv'> DESCRIPTION. The stalks of this plant trail along the ground, and has but five leaves on each stal-., placed toge- ther, of unequal size, obtuse, or blunt, serrated, 73 veined, and standing upon a long petal: the co- rolla yellow, and the root small. . HISTORY. It grows along rode sides, on meadow banks, and on poor waste pasture grounds, something similar to strawberry vines. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root is a gentle astringent, and has been found by experience to be very beneficial in fevers, when drank as a tea, and to allay fluxes by being boiled in new milk and sweetened with loaf sugar. PREPARATION. Put one pound of the dry roots and leaves of this plant, in six quarts of rain water, and boil it away to three quarts ; then strain the liquor, and put three pints of port wine, and one pound of powder- ed loaf sugar dissolved, into the strained decoction. After a dose of rhubarb, an adult may take a tea cup full four times a day, which will quickly cure all fluxes of the belly, and children may take a wine glass full four times a day. In fevers, after neces- sary evacuation, the patient may drink a tea-cup full of the tea, every hour through the day, and drop twenty drops of elixir vitriol in a tea-cup full of the tea before both breakfast and dinner, which will create a good appetite. The above decoction with the port wine, is a good medicine for all immoderate flow of the men- ses and the whites. 10 74 CLEAVERS, OR GOOSE GRASS. GALIUxM APARINE. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises from four to six feet in height. climbing round the bushes near'it: the leaves are eight in a whirl lanceolate, and the upper side is white with sharp prickles : stem square, the angles being guarded with sharp prickles bent down: flowers small, inconspicuous, and divided into four segments, these change into a fruit rather large, composed of two berries, slightly adhering toge- ther, and covered with hooked prickles containing two seed. HISTORY. It grows in hedges, on low grounds, beside mea- dows, near brooks, and is known by the people in the country, by the name of poor robin's plantain, from its efficacy in curing the gravel. 75 MEDICAL VIRTUE?. I have found it an excellent and speedy medi- cine in all suppressions of the urine and gravelly complaints, and is a powerful discutient. It has also been found beneficial in the cure of scurvy, hemorragia of the nose, and spitting of blood. A tea made by the infusion of an handful of the leaves has cured the epilepsy and the gout. PREPARATION. In order to remove tumours in the breast, mix the expressed juice of this plant with oat meal to the consistence of a poultice, and apply it cold over the tumour, three times a day, keeping the bowels open in the mean time, by caster oil, and taking a table-spoonful of the juice every morning. By this treatment very indolent tumours have been dispersed in a few days. In suppression of urine, and the gravel, let the patient follow this prescrip- tion : after taking a dose of caster oil or sal glauber, put two hands full of the dry leaves of the plant into three quarts of rain water, and boil it down to two, strain the decoction and.sweeten it with honey : let the patient take a tea-cup full warm, every hour until relieved. A particular case. I was called to see an elderly lady, labouring under violent pain and suppression of urine. After necessary evacuations, I took a large handful of the leaves of this goose grass. which was gathered fresh from the meadow, and 76 poured three pints of boiling water on them, and ordered a tea-cup full sweetened with honey, every half hour until I returned from visiting a patient near by. In about three hours, when I was re- turning, her husband came to meet me, and with the greatest satisfaction declared that the life of his wife had been saved by drinking the tea. In short, the evacuation was to excess, and was obliged to check it, by administering an anodine\ COHUSH, OR PAPOOSE ROOT. CAULOPHYLLUM THAL1CTR01DES. This is a useful plant, and rises about two feet in height: leaves grow on small stalks near the top of the stem, which resembles the hand and fin- gers: flowers of a blueish colour, which change into a blue berry, something like sour grapes: the root is as large as the hand, composed of many fibres, and when dug up is like a seed, of a brown or whitish colour: the inner root is yellowish, crooked, and much resembles rattle-snake root. HISTORY. It is perennial, grows in low moist rich grounds, near running streams, in swamps, and on islands that have been overflowed by water. The root only is used in medicine, and is known but to a few ftf the botanists. MEDICAL VIRTUES. I have found it efficacious in the cure of rheu- matisms and yellow fever, and is a powerful emme- nagogue. Dropsical swellings have been cured by a decoction of this root. I shall relate a case of its efficacy in promoting delivery. I was sent for to visit a young woman in New-Jersey, who complained of a pain in her throat from swallowing a pin. After feeling her pulse, and asking her a few questions, found that she was pregnant. I bled her and recommended an anodine at bed time. The next morning I found she was in labour, and that there was no time to be lost. Ordering a bed to be made near the fire, I put a small poppoose root into a pint of boiling \vater and a, gill of rum : and as soon as the first 78 labour pain came on, gave her a tea-cup full of the- tea, and in the second pain half a tea-cup full. The woman was delivered, in the space of fifteen mi- nutes, of a beautiful boy. After cutting and tying the funusumbilicalis, and delivering the woman of the placonta, or after birth, left orders how she must be treated ; and in a few days had the satis- faction of hearing she was able to walk about. PREPARATIONS. For the cure of the dropsy, rheumatism, fyc. bruise the root and pour two quarts of boiling water on it: a»tea-cup full to be taken four times a day. For rheumatic complaints, two ounces of this root and one ounce of blood root bruised, infused in three pints of rum : a wine glass taken three times a day for a dose. This will also promote the men- ses, but must stand a week before it will be fit for use. The country people cure themselves of rheuma- tism, by taking a wine glass morning and evening, of the tincture made by pouring a quart of rum on one root, after four days infusion. 79 COLTS FOOT. TUSSILAGO FARFAR-4 DESCRIPTION. 'This plant rises about eight inches in height. The scape is covered with small pointed purple leaves, like scales: leaves very large, serrated, ir- regular toothed, of a bright green colour on the upper, and downy and white on the under side, standing upon large long radical foot stalks : large yellow flowers : those in the rays of the sun are very visible. HISTORY. It grows on high moist clay grounds, the root- are pleasant to the smell and aromatic. The yel- low flowers generally appear before the leaves in sPrin& Cfelium antipatrum) that is, the son befoir the father : because the fleers appear before the leaves. HJ MEDICAL VIRTUES. The juice or decoction of the dryed leaves, has been found efficacious in the scrophula. Ihe leaves powdered fine, and a small pinch taken at bed time, removes giddiness and all obstructions of the head, nose, megrims, §c. It is a good medi- cine in coughs, asthmatic complaints, pain in th« breast and promotes expectoration. PREPARATION. Put one pound of the dryed roots and leaves of colts foot, in six quarts of rain water, boil it away to three* quarts, strain the decoction, and use it as follows : for king's-evil, take half a pint three times a day, and roast pond lilly root in wet brown paper, under the hot ashes : mash the root and apply^it warm every night over the lumps or tumours on the neck, which will either disperse or bring them to a suppuration in a week. Continue the use of the decoction daily until cured. In cure of the hooping cough, the child may take half a tea cup of tea, sweetened with honey, four times a day, made by puting one oui:ce of the dry roots and leaves into a tea-pot, and pour a quart of boiling water on them. For consumptive coughs, the patient may take a gill of the aboYO decoction four times a day. M COMFREY. CONSOLIDA. DESCRIPTION. This well known useful plant r'ses about two feet in height: leaves very 1 irge simdar to waier dock: roots long, thick as a nan's thumb, very mucilaginous, and are blac^ externally, and white within: flowers of a pale blue colour. HISTORY.1 It grows in moist meadows, near springs, and is planted in gardens for family use. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The roots are inspissant and demulcent, having the same virtues as marsh mallows. The co • ect salt sharp serum, heal erosions of the intestines in diarrhoeas, dysentery^ and prevent the spitting of blood: bruised and applied to ruptures externally, has proved beneficial. 11 82 PREPARATION. Take four ounces of the fresh roots, or three of dry, four of burdock root, two of red rose willow bark, one of parsley, and two of yarrow tops ; boil these ingredients in four quarts of water and one of new milk, to the consumption of two; strain it and sweeten it withfjoaf sugar. A gill of this de. coction taken three times a day, will cure the recent clap in a few days, using the tormentil injection as there directed. It is also beneficial in curing the fluor albus or whites, in weakly females. The roots boiled in milk is good for fluxes, dysentery, and ardor of urine : take two ounces of dry com- freyroot bruised, and one ounce of tormentil root, boil them in three quarts of water down to two ; strain it, and add a pint of brandy with four ounces of powdered loaf sugar dissolved in it. A gill may be taken by adults, and a table-spoonful by chil- dren, four times a day, in dysentery and other di- arrhoeas or fluxes. $0 COMMON GREAT PLANTAIN PLANTAGO MAJOR. DESCRIPTION. This plant has a fibrous root, sending out long oval leaves irregularly subdentated, of a pale green colour and ribbed ; these are seven, often but five, and sometimes nine: the flower stems also pro- ceed from the root, and are a span in height, crowned with a spike of clustered flowers which are verv small. 84 HISTORY. It grows plentifully in meadows, pastures, and garden grass plots. MEDICAL VIRTUES. This plant is astringent, and has been found be- neficialin preventing the immoderate overflowings of the menses, discharging of blood by urine, laxity of the bowels, and stops fluxes. The juice of this plant boiled in new milk, is a present remedy for stoping the hcemorrhidal flux when excessive, also an excess of courses, whites, and salt rheum. PREPARATION. Boil one pound of the dry plant, in two quarts of beef brine, and one quart of urine, for an hour; the decoction must be strained and put up for use. The hands and other parts, in salt rheum wet with a linen rag four or five times a day, and half a tea-spoonful of the powdered root of May apple or mandrake, taken in a dish of scabious tea? will cure the disorder. A gill of the following de. coction, taken four times a day, will purify the blood and prevent a relapse : take of rose willow bark four ounces, slippery elm bark eight, sassafras bark one, bitter sweet bark two, and three of lignum vita? chips ; boil all the ingredients in six quarts of water down to three : strain the decoction, put it in a stone jug, and keep it in a cool cellar for use. 85 The following decoction is made use of in the cure of ail immoderate floodings and fluxes, as well as in debility, fluor albus, or whites : boil one pound of the plantain in six quarts of rain water down to three; strain it, and put a quart of port wine and four ounces of loaf sugar dissolved in the de- coction. -■-1 •• ♦'(';» ■%> COMMON LADPS SMOCK. CARDAMINE PRATENSIS. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises about a foot in height, with a smooth and erect stalk: leaves few, radical, spread- 86 ing in an orbicular manner, larger than the stem, and terminate in an odd one, which is the largest: flowers conspicuous, veined, and of a delicate blue- ish red or whiteish purple colour. HISTORY. It grows common in moist meadows, in large patches, flowers in July, and at a distance resem- bles the inner garment of a female, spread out to bleach, from whence it derives its name. MEDICAL VIRTUES. This is a very warm plant, and \* a powerful diu- retic : the roots are cathartic. The flowers only are used in the present practice. PREPARATION. Gather the flowers when in full bloom, and dry them in the shade; after they are dried pulverize them, and put the powder into bottles close corked. Spasmodic asthmas, and hysterrical and epileptic complaints have been cured by this powder, as follows: take from one to two desert spoonsful of this powder, in a tea-cup full of wild valerian tea, twice a day. Where it is said that it failed in the cure of epileptic fits, the leaves only had been tried; but the Rev. Doctor Gregor has declared, that he used the flowers for several years in his family, and always found it effectual: some of his family were frequently subjected to them. 87 COW-HAGE. DOLICHOS PRURIENS. The stem is climbing and twists around neigh- bouring trees, and rises to a great height: leaves are in threes, stand upon long stalks, and placed alternate, each pinna, or leaf, is entire, oval, point- ed, mooth above, hirsute underneath, and have two small stipules at the foot stalks of the compound leaves : flowers very large, of a deep purple colour, are also in threes, upon short peduncles, and form pendent spikes, which rise tVom the axillse of the leaves : the carina, or keel, is long and furnished on each side with a short spur: the fruit is an ob- long pod. in form of the letter S. 88 HISTORY. It is a native of the West-Indies, and flowers in September and October. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It would be tedious to insert the various cases mentioned by eminent gentlemen of the faculty of its efficacy7 in bringing away the various species of worms which infest the human body. In short, it has been found an infallible medicine against worms, both in infancy and adultage, when every other medicine has failed. The cow-hage is to be used according to the following prescription. PREPARATIONS. Scrape the hairy down from twelve pods of the cow-hage, and mixt it well with a pint of molasses. Of this electuary, a tea-spoonful may be given night and morning to children, from infancy to the age of six or eight; from thence to fourteen, a desert spoonful will be sufficient; adults may take a table spoonful night and morning. The above doses are to be given for three days, night and morning successively, before the full or change of the moon: and on the fourth morning give the patient a dose of caster oil, according to age. Should the pa- tient have a foul stomach, prescribe a gentle eme- tic before you give the cow-hage. This never fails of bringing away worms in abundance. S9 tRANWSBILL, OR CROWFOOT. GERAGNUM MACULATUM. This plant has slender stems rising five or six1 inches, ornamented with sesile leaves cut into five lobes, of which three are largest before, and two smaller behind the stem, all deeply serrated : flowers single, on long peduncles, springing from the alse of the leaves. HISTORY. Crane's bill is perennial, grows in low meadows and woods, and has long slender stalks, with seven long narrow leaves, or segments, at a joint ; the root is generally crooked and knotty, of a blackish colour on the outside and redish within : it has an austere styptic taste, accompanied with a slight kind of aromatic flavour, and is the only part of the plant used in medicine. 13 90 ^MEDICAL VIRTUES. This root has long been held in great estimation by ph> sicians, as a very powerful astringent. As it contains but little resin, it is more particularly adapted to cases where heating and stimulating medicines are less proper, as in phthisical diarr- hoeas, diarrhoea crumta, 05c. It has been most ef- fectual in curing old ulcers on the legs, scurvies, restoring the appetite, gives tone to the bowels, stops all immoderate flowing of the menses, of bloody urine, the flour albus, or whites, and gleets in men : likewise diabetes, or involuntary dis- charges of urine. Joined with the American gen- tian root, it cures intermitting fevers more effectu- ally than peruvian bark. PREPARATION. In all immoderate fluxes of blood, I have found a tea-spoonful of the powder, taken four times a day in a tea-cup of yarrow tea, stop it effectually, in a few days : it is likewise good in stopping gleets, whites, and fluxes in children. For the cure of intermittent fevers, first, let the patient take a dose of American ipecacuanha, according to the direction under that species of plant, and then mix two ounces of the powdered root with one ounce of powdered gentian root, half an ounce of Virginia snake root and half an ounce of master- wort root in powder together. A tea-spoonful must be taken in a cup of yarrow tea every two hours, while the fever is off, and the patient will seldom have a second. *M CROSSWQItT. CRUCCATA. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises about two feet in height: leaves lance shaped, and are opposite each other in form of a cross : blossoms very conspicuous and yellow. HISTORY. This plant grows plentifully in old upland pas- tures, and is called by the country people yellow balsam, as they have experienced its good effects in curing colds and coughs. Flowers in July and August. MEDICAL VIRTUES. I have found this plant when made into a tea, an 9£ excellent expectorant, and very beneficial in reliev- ing coughs and creating a good appetite. PREPARATION. Take two handsfull of the flowers and top leaves of dry crosswort, pour two quarts of boiling water on them, and sweeten it with loaf sugar or honey. A tea-cup full taken four or five times a day, will relieve the cough by promoting expectoration, and brace the stomach as a tonic, and is beneficial in all fevers. >'\ $3 DANDELION. LEONTODON FARAXACUM* This plant is well known by the vulgar name of piss-a-bed, has many long and deep gashed leaves lyin^. on the ground round about the head of the root, ends of the leaf looking downwards towards the root ; the middle rib is white and when broken there runs out a green bitter milk : has many slen- der weak naked foot stalks, every one of them bear- ing at the top one large yellow flower, which ter- minates into a round green ball filled with down, which is blown away by the wind when ripe, leav- ing the seed. 94 HISTORY. It grows plentifully in meadows, grass patches, gardens, and corn-fields, throughout the United States. MEDICAL VIRTUES. Its use has been found effectual in removing oh- atructions in the urinary passages and kidneys, and is an excellent remedy for the spleen, as well as all dropsical and hypocondria complaints, when used as a sallad in the spring. PREPARATION. The leaves when boiled and eaten with vinegar, promote secretions, removes obstructions, and in- creases execretions. Dropsical and hypocondrical persons, and for the suppression of urine, the pa- tient must take a gill of the expressed milky juice every morning and evening ; and likewise for the impetigo, itch, gravel, and hardness of the liver. Many consumptive persons have recovered by using the following sirup : put one pound of the d.y leaves and roots of the dandelion into four quarts of rain water, and boil it away to two ; strain the decoction, and add to it.three pints of honey, or four pounds of loaf sugar, and boil it down to two quarts. From a wine glass to a tea-cup full may be taken three times a day, and make the tea of long- wort and wild cherry tree bark your daily drink. 35 DEADLY NIGHT SHADE, ATROPA BELLADONNA. DESCRIPTION. The root of this plant is very thick, whitish sending forth strong purple stems from three to five feet high : leaves of an unequal size, entire, egg shaped, pointed, and are in pairs on short foot stalks : flowers of a dark purple, large, pendant, bell shaped, and furrowed, the border of which is cut into five segments. '-' HISTORY. This poisonous plant grows about old waste stony places,, in grave yards, along road sides, and 9G by the fences in shady places: flowers in July, and the berries when ripe are black. MEDICAL VIRTUES. This plant has been found, notwithstanding its poisonous quality, to be very beneficial both inter- nallv and externally, in the cure of cancers, and in diseasing indolent tumours and scirrhosities in men's breasts. The leaves of this plant were first ap: lied in order to discuss scirrhous and cancerous tumours, and as a poultice to ill conditioned ulcers. Their good effect induced physicians to try them internally, for the cure of the same disorders, and we have a considerable number of well authenti- cated f; its, which prove them a very serviceable important remedy. PREPARATION. The leaves must be gathered while in bloom, dryed in the shade, pulverized, and after being sifted, put up into bottles well corked, to be used as follows: pour one quart of boiling rain water on half a drachm of the powder, take one table spoon- ful every morning and night, increasing the dose gradually to a tea-c p fufl twice a day, according t) its effect, and apply a poultice, made of the pow- der wet with viiiegar,over the cancei twice a day. If the cancer is broke wash it with an infusion of the leaves, sprinkle the dry powder over the sore, and apply the poultb-e over it daily, till the cancer is- cured. For the cure of cancers and ulcers of the leg*, the above is generally sufficient; but in the use of so poisonous a plant, a skilful physician ought always to be consulted. I have found the following method effectual in curing all violent in- flammations of the eyes: make a small linen ba» fill it with the powder of the leaves of hen-bane, and wet the*bag in the solution of a tea-spoonful of sugar of lead in half a pint of rose water; shake the bot- tle, and as often as the pillow gets dry, wet it ag;iin in the solution, and put fresh powder into the bag every day. Always in violent inflammations of the eyes, bleed and use sal glauber twice a week, and apply a blister to the back of the neck. DEVWS BIT. VERATRUM LUTEUM. This plant rises two or three feet in height, with a round green smooth stalk, set with many long smooth dark green leaves, somewhat nipped about 13 AQ the edges ; and at the end of each branch stands a round head of many small blue flowers. HISTORY. It grows in moist meadows and tussicky low pastures : root bulbus with many small hairs or fibres, of a blackish colour outwardly an4 brown within. It is quite a different root from that men- tioned in the New American Dispensary, under the title of blazing star root, £jc. and of a different use in medicine MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root is the only part used in medicine, and is a good astringent. 1 have found the root effica- cious, in my private practice, in the cure of scro- phula, relieving the after pains in women, pain in the breast, and as a gargle in the putrid sore throat. PREPARATION. For relieving after pains, take a dose of caster oil in order to remove costiveness : then give the patient two tea-spoonsful of the powdered root in a little spirits, in case she feels faint and has no fever, otherwise give her the powder in a tea-cup of tansy tea every two hours, which seldom fails giving immediate relief. For the cure of the king's evil or scrophula: boil four ounces of the bruised root in four quarts of ruin water, to the consumption of one half, 99 and take a tea-cup full of the strained deeoctions daily, four times a day. Twice a week the patient may take a wine glass three times a day, of the fol- lowing solution: dissolve three ounces of prepared natron in a quart of warm rain water. For the pain in the breast, take a dose of the American ipecacuanha, and the next day take a tea-spoonful of the powdered root of devil's bit, and half a tea-spoonful of arum root powder in a little milk, fasting, and apply a burgundy pitch pla- ster warm over the breast. ►' ■ 100 B&WON'S CLAW, OR FEVER BOOT. AMARANTHUS. This is a newly discovered plant, known but to few botanists in the United States: rises six or seven inches high: the leaves grow in a cluster from the top of the root: blossoms yellow : small black root about the size of cloves, very tender, re- sembling the claws of an animal, and so full of ni- tre that the powder of the root if kept in the air will liquify. HISTORY. This plant grows upon mountains, and upon the sides of hills in the Genesee country and about Albany: the leaves ovate, and are two or three inches long. 101 MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is a powerful febrifuge, and I have found it a sure and quick medicine in exciting perspiration without increasing the heat of the body. The root is effectual in all remittent, typhus, and nervous fevers; and will relieve the patient of all pains caus- ed by colds, §c. PREPARATTON. After prescribing a mild puke of the American ipecacuanha, and the physic has done working, I order one or two ounces of the root to be boiled in two quarts of rain water down to one, and give the patient, in bed, a tea-cup of the strained liquor eve- ry hour, which causes a plentiful perspiration, and generally stops the fever in a few hours. The night hectic fever in a consumptive patient, I have relieved by the above treatment. It is an excel- lent medicine in the pleurisy, administered after bleeding, §c. and is a sure remedy in erysipelatose fever. Pulverize the root and sift the powder through a fine hair sieve, and put it in bottles well stopped from the air; a tea-spoonful of this pow- der may be taken every two hours in a tea-cup of black snake-root tea, in order to raise a speedy di- aphoresis in pleurisies and fevers that are violent. 103 ELDER, BLACK. SAMBUCUS NIGRA. DESCRIPTION. It rises to the height of a small tree, and is much branched towards the top: the young shoots are full of pith, the old ones empty : leaves are pinna- ted consisting of two or three pair, with an odd one at the end: flowers are sweet smelling, white and produced on large flat umbels or clusters : the fruit is a round succulent berry, of a blackish purple colour, and contains three seeds. HISTORY. This tree grows in hedges and along the borders of meadows in every part of the United States: flowers in July, and the berries are ripe in Sep- tember. 103 MEDICAL VIRTUES. An infusion in wine, of the inner green bark of the trunk, or the expressed juice of the berries in a dose of an ounce, will purge moderately, and taken in small doses, say a tea-spoonful every hour, proves an efficacious deobstruent, capable of promoting all the fluid secretions. The following will be a good medicine in families, to cure recent colds and coughs. PREPARATION. Take of the juice of elder berries strained, ten pounds, and of loaf sugar three pounds ; evaporate in a hake-pan over a slow fire, into the consistance of thick honey: a table-spoonful or two may be taken at bed time 5 and two tea-spoonsful for chil- dren in coughs and costivness, will prove effectual. In erysipelatose fever, a tea-cup full of the infusion of the dry flowers, made by pouring a quart of boiling water on an handful of the flowers, may be taken every hour, and the parts wet with the fol- lowing wash : boil four ounces of beech drops in four quarts of rain water to the consumption of one half; strain the decoction and add a tea-spoon- ful of the sugar of lead to it: the face and arms may be wet with a linen rag diped in this lotion, four or five times a day, which never fails to cure, after necessary evacuations, in case of fevers. The above rob is very good for children in the hooping- cough, by taking a tea-spoonful or two every hour. 10£ ELDER, DWARF. SAMBUCUS EBULUS. DESCRIPTION. It rises to six feet in height, is herbaceous and erect: leaves opposite, pinnated, composed of four or five pair with an odd one at the extremity, pin- nse lanceolate, unequal, and serrated: flowers in terminal corimbi: the calyx is cut into five teeth: corolla monopetalous, wheel shaped, cut into fiv« large segments : the fruit is a round black single celled berry, containing three irregular shaped seed. HISTORY. It grows in hedges, and along the road sides, in almost every part of America. Flowers in July and August 109 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The juice and decoction of the roots has been found most efficacious in curing dropsies. PREPARATION. Boil two ounces of the dry root in two quarts of rain water to the consumption of one half, and strain the liquor. In the dropsy a gill must be taken morning and night. A gill of the juice of the inner gnen bark works powerfully both up- wards and downwards, and has frequently cured dropsies. One ounce of the inner green bark dried, and one of the dry roots, may be boiled in four quarts of rain water down to two : a tea-cup full taken three times a day works powerfully as a diuretic, and is good in suppressions of the urine, after proper evacuations, bleeding, §c. ► i. t. ,,. 14 106 ELECAMPANE. INULA HELENIUM. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises three or four feet in height; leaves large, ovate, serrated, full of nitted veins. midrib large, fleshy, and the upper leaves are ses- sile: flowers very large, yellow, terminal: the flo- rets in the way ligulate, cut in the end into three sharp teeth. HISTORY. It is a very large downy perennial plant, grows wild m old stony pastures and by the road side : flowers m July and August; and the root when drv has an agreeable aromatic smell. 107 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root is an excellent pectoral, and is benefi- cial in coughs, and the hooping cough in children. They are alexipharmic, expectorant, attenuant, laxative, stomachic, diuretic and diaphoretic. They attenuate viscid phlegm, promote expectoration, relieve humoural coughs and asthmas, excite urine and insensible perspiration, gently loosen the bow- els, strengthens the stomach, and the tone of the viscera. PREPARATION. A tea-spoonful of the pulverized root, taken three times a day in molasses, and a daily use of the following decoction: boil one pound of the dry root in six quarts of rain water away to three, strain it and sweeten it with loaf sugar, or honey : a tea-cup full to be taken every night and morning, in the cure of the above mentioned diseases. The following sirup has proved effectual in breaking an inward imposthume on the lungs, and cured a person labouring under a violent consump- tive cough. Take elecampane root half a pound. comfree root half a pound and slippery elm bark one pound; boil all the ingredients in sly quarts of rain water down to three ; strain the decoction, and put two quarts of molasses in it: then boil it away to the consistance of honey: dose, a wine glass taken four times a day in all coughs, will bo found beneficial. 108 ELM-LEAVED SUMACH. RHUS CORIARIA. DESCRIPTION. This is a small tree and rises ten feet in height: leaves are pinnated, composed of several pinnse which are lance shaped, obtusely sawed, smooth above, hairy beneath, end swith an odd leaf and the common foot stalk is somewhat winded: flowers small and bundled together in a long spike, ter- minating in a long bunch of red sour berries : the roots are lactesant. HISTORY. This species of sumach grows on high lands, and is the species that is used for tanning leather. There is another species of sumach which grows in swamps, that is not fit for medicine on account of its poisonous qualities. iod MEDICAL VIRTUES. I have found it beneficial in curing the dysentery and rheumatic pains, and is good to stop the incon- tinency of urine in children. PRKPAiiATION. Boil a gill of the berries in a pint of rum ; strain it after it has boded an hour,. and give the child from one tea-spoonful to a table spoonful every night at bed time, increasing the dose according to its age till the dabetes is stopped. For the dysentery and other fluxes, boil four ounces of the berries in four quarts rain water down to two ; strain the liquor and dissolve two ounces of loaf sugar in it and add a gill of brandy. After having taken a dose of rhubarb, give the child a tea-cup full warm every two hoursuntil cured. For rheumatic complaints observe the following cure, discovered in a dream by a very pious baptist elderly lady whom I visited, labouring under vio- lent rheumatic complaints, which caused her to use crutches : take four ounces of the fresh milky roots of upland sumach cut small, boil them in three pints of rum over tbe coals for one hour, then strain and apply flannels wet with this decoction over the hips, knees, or back, every hour until well. This proved effectual, according to the old lady's dream, in curing her in a few days. 1 applied a strengthening plaster warm over the part affected. 110 ELM SWEET, OR SLIPPERY ELM. ULMUS DULCIS. DESCRIPTION. This is a very large tree covered with a smooth slippery bark: leaves ovate, rough, double serrated, alternate, and are upon short peduncles : flowers precede the leaves: seed round and somewhat compressed. HISTORY. It grows in swamps and on the borders of mea- dows, in every part of the United States, and in great abundance in the Indian Nation, and Went .Florida. Ill MEDICAL VIRTUES The bark of this tree is only used in medicine and has been found good in the cure of herpes and lepra. Dr Lyon mentions five cases of inveterate eruptions, both dry and humid, which formed in- crustations, that were shortly cured by the decoction of this bark: in short, I have found it effectual in the cure of ulcers, burns, scalds, scorbutic affections whites, gleets, and recent clap ; and is the best poultice that I know of for fresh wounds, burns and ulcers. Its constant use is very proper for pregnant women during the seventh month, as it facilitates the birth and causes a speedy and easy delivery. PREPARATION. Take one pound of slippery elm bark cut small, boil it in five quarts of rain water for half an hour, strain it and dissolve in it four ounces of loaf sugar. Dose for pregnant women a tea-cup full three times a day. For the cure of the dropsy and all itchy erup- tions, boil one pound of the bark, and half a pound of yellow dock root, in six quarts of rain water down to two. Dose, half a pint to be taLen twice a day, and wash the parts with a rag dipped in the liquor three times a day. N. B. Pregnant women should always take a dose of butternut pills, a day or two previous to their falling in labour, which will prevent after pains. As a poultice for ulcers, put a bunch of 112 the bark in an earthen pitcher and pour boiling water on it, beat it soft and bind it on the sore every night till well. ERLXGO LEAFED LICHEN LICHEN 1CEL YNDICUS. DESCRIPTION. This lichen is foliaceous, tough, variously divided into blunt lobes turning in at the edges, and fiing- ed with short strong bristles: the shields are large and of a redish Lown colour on the lobes of th« leaves. HISTORY. It is perennial and very common in Iceland, but grows in abundance on the mountains in the north- Wn parts of the United States j has dry coriaceous 119 leaves, divided into lobes and lacinial, which are again notched and subdivided with elevated mar- gins, beset with white spots and redish towards the point. 1 have found that the best sort of lichen for medical use, is that which grows on the h&rb of white oak trees, known by die name of lungwort, as it resembles the lungs in signature, and answers more effectually all the intents which ^be cele- brated Iceland lichen is used for, in dysentery, coughs, #)C. MEDICAL VIRTUES. I knew a person in the state of New-Jersey, that was labouring .under the symtoms of a consump- tion, who was perfectly recovered by taking the following sirup for a few weeks. PREPARATION. Take two handsful of lungwort off the white oak tree ; one handful of the tops of horehound ; hysop and sage of each one handful; and the inner barks of butternut and wild cherry trees of each one handful: boil all the ingredients in two gallons of rain water, to the consumption of four quarts: strain the decoction and put three quarts of molas- ses in it, and boil it down to one gallon, which you may bottle and keep in a cool cellar for use : dose, a wine glass taken four times a day, and a gill when going to bed, drinking daily a weak tea made of lungwort, wild cherry tree bark, and 114? maiden-hair, of each one handful, to three quarts of boiling water: a tea-cup full to betaken four times a day. This prescription is good in dysen- teries, £)C ERYNGO, OR SEA HOLLY, ERYNGIUM MARITIUM. DESCRIPTION. This shrub rises from one to two feet in height:' leaves circular, plaited, firm, spiny like those of holly, of a pale blue colour, and marked with white reficulated veins : flowers blue, and terminate the branches in round heads : the calyx consists of five erect sharp pointed leaves : the corolla is composed of five petals which turn inwards: the germen is beset with short hairs. 115 HISTORY. It grows along the sea coasts, and flowers from August to September, MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root is aromatic, expectorant, coroborant, and stimulant; and has been found beneficial in dibilitated consumptive patients $ it invigorate the system, and excites to venery. PREPARATION. Take two ounces of the shavings of deers horns and two quarts of boiling barley water: when boiled away to one quart, add four ounces of candid eryngo root and a quart of new milk, and boil it down to three pints ; strain it for use. In con- sumptive debilitated habits, the patient may take a dish of this artificial asses milk three or four times a day, which will invigorate the system, and promote expectoration, 116 FEATHER-FEW. MATRICARIA VULGARIS, HISTORY. This plant grows chiefly in gardens and is so well known that it needs no description. MEDICAL VIRTUES. Both the wild and garden feather-few, have the same virtues. They are a warm, aperient, and carminative bitter, that strengthens the stomach, expels wind, promotes the menses, destroys worms, and is beneficial in hysterical complaints, and lowness of spirits. PREPARATION. Pour two quarts of boiling water on two hands* ful of the leaves and tops : dose a tea-cup full may be taken three or four times a day in order to promote the menses: the same may be taken in colds and fevers. In hysterical complaints a dish may be taken of the following infusion three times a day: put an handful of the tops and flowers of the feather-few in a tea-pot and pour boiling water lit on them: a tea-cup full may be taken twice a day with a tea-spoonful of compound spirit of lavendar in each, which will promote the circulation of the blood, rouse the spirits, and cause cheerfulness. N. B. The above prescription is some times beneficial in promoting the menses. J"99f5**** FEVER BUSH, OR WILD ALSPICE. DUMUS FEBRIS. DESCRIPTION. » " This bush rises five or six feet high : leaves ovate and numerous : blossoms of a pale reddish colour : berries blood red of a fragrant aromatic smell. 118 HISTORY. • It grows along the sides of low moist meadows and in wet swamps. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is cooling, mucilaginious, and beneficial in fevers. It is used by the Indians in all inflam- matory complaints, and is much esteemed by the country people for the same purpose. PREPARATION. In inflammatory fevers, first bleed the patient, and if the stomach is foul and a nausea is felt, oive him a dose of the American ipecacuanha fast- ing, and work it off with weak boneset tea. After the puke has done working, the patient may take a tea-cup full every hour of the following de- coction : take two handsful of the young twigs of this bush and boil them in three quarts of water down to two, and strain it for use. The berries have been found beneficial in dysentery, §c. and make a very pleasant bitter by infusing two ounces of the dry bruised berries in two quarts of rum or brandy : dose, a table spoonful taken twice a day on an empty stomach. 140 FLAX. < ;■ .' ri • LINUM USITATIS1MUM. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises a foot and a half in height: the branches are simple, erect, and terminated by the flowers, which are single and of a sky blue colour: leaves lance shaped, sharp, and sessile, while the calyx is cut into five segments, and the corolla is composed of five petals. HISTORY. This valuable plant is said to have come origi- nally, from those parts of Egypt which are exposed to the inundations of the Nile ; however, it is so well known, by every farmer in particular, that to give a history of its growth, &c would be super- fluous. 120 MEDICAL VIRTUES. Flax-seed is amolient and demulcent, is used in poultices,*6jc. The infusion is a good pectoral, and when sweetened with honey, is very proper in heat of urine, and is good in all recent coughs and rheums. PREPARATION. The following is an infallible cure for a recent cough or cold: take half a pint of flax-seed, four ounces of stick liquorise root, and four ounces of rai- sins : put all the ingredients into an earthen pipkin, pour three quarts of rain water on them, and let it simmer on the hot embers till it is consumed to three pints : strain the decoction, and dissolve half a pound of pounded sugar-candy into one gill of old rum, and two table-spoonsful of lemon juice or white wine vinegar. Note.—The rum and vinegar should be added when ta'cen, thus : when the patient is going to bed, he may take half a pint of the decoction with a spoonful of vinegar and half a spoonful of old rum added to it; and a table-spoonful may be taken occasionally through the day, when the cough is troublesome. The worst colds are generally cured in two or three da}s, if taken in time. Es- teem this as a jewel for a family medicine in all recent colds. 121 FfETID HELLEBORE, OR SKUNK CABBAGE. HELLEBORUS F(E1IDUS. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises two feet in height: the leaves spring out from the ground very large, have a strong smell, and grow in clusters : root thick and full of fibres, of a redish yellow colour outwardly* and white within; flowers inconspicuous: seeds are inclosed in round balls, which lie on the top of the root close to the ground and covered with the large leaves, so that in order to find them, you must feel round the stalk close to the ground, and it i<* onlv one hei*e and there that has these balls. 16 lj&fc HISTORY. ft grows in moist meadows and in swamps, among rocks, and near running water, in all parts of the United States. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is a powerful emmenagogue, an anthelmintic anti-asthmatic, and anti-rheumatic medicine. PREPARATION. Gather the skunk balls in September from around the root^ cut them into thin slices and hang them up to dry near the fire: when dry and pulverized sift the powder through a fine hair sieve, and put it in bottles well corked for use: dose of the powder, from half a tea-spoonful to a whole one in molasses every morning for three mornings, hoth before the full and change of the moon, to children troubled with worms, and on the fourth morning give them a wine glass of the purg- ing worm sirup, (for which see worm sirup de- coction.) Boil half a pound of the dry root in six quarts of water down to three ; strain it and sweet- en it with honey : dose a tea-cup full taken four times a day in asthmatic coughs ; and to promote the menses a table-spoonful of rum may be put in a dish of the tea and drank at lying down, 133 FOX-GLOVE. DIGITALIS. The stalk is erect, tapering, and is four feet in height: leaves large, oval, fleshy, wrinkled, veined. on short winged foot-stalks, downy underneath; the bracteas attend on the flower-stalks are small spear shaped, and sessile: the flowers always on one side, are purple, bell shaped, marked internal- ly with little dark coloured spots placed in whitish rings, and long hairs defend the entrance of the 12* tube ; hence no insects ever approach this flower. The flower-stalks vary in length, at first they de- pend like the flowers, afterwards become erect, when they elevate a two celled capsule containing many blackish seed. HISTORY. This most elegant plant is raised in gardens, and is an exotic plant: flowers in July and seeds in September. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It would take a small volume to describe all its virtues, which different authors have ascribed to its different qualities. However, as it is a dangerous medicine in the hands of the unskilful, I will give a few descriptions of its qualities, with directions how it may be used with safety in families. PREPARATION. Take of the dryed bruised leaves of fox-glove four ounces, powder of masterwort root one ounce} leaves of rue and wormwood each two ounces, ele- campane and comfrey root bruised each two ounces, lungwort and wild cherry tree bark each one ounce: put all the ingredients into a new two gah Ion earthen pot, and pour one gallon of boiling rain water on them, cover the pot and set it near the fire on hot ashes for twelve hours: after which Strain the liquor through a linen cloth and add four quarts of honey, and let the pot stand near the 435 fire twelve hours longer: then strain the liquor and put it in bottles for use. In all consumptive and asthmatic complaints, the patient may take a table-spoonful of this bal- sam three or four times a day, in a tea-cup full of the following tea: put one ounce of skunk cabbage root and half an ounce of wild cherry tree bark, in- to a tea-pot, and pour boiling water on it and use it daily. The dose may be increased from a table- spoonful to a wine glass three times a day. 136 FROSTWOPT. SYSTIS CANADENSIS. At DESCRIPTION. This plant rises two feet in height: leaves nu- merous, ovate, very small, and of a whitish colour like frost, and grow on small purple stalks : flowers of a pale colour and inconspicuous, which termi- nate in a small pod containing very small seed. HISTORY. This new discovered plant grows in the woods on Long-Island, and plentifully in New-Jersey, and is known by the name of frostwort, from its colour, 127 MEDICAL VIRTUES. It has been found effectual in the cure of scro- phula or king's-evil. PREPARATION. Take one handful of the dry leaves, a quart of rum and a table-spoonful of black pepper, put this in an earthen pipkin and let it stand on the hot embers for two hours to simmer: strain it and put an handful or two more of the dry leaves into the liquor, and let it simmer for half an hour, then thicken it by stiring in two ounces of the powdered leaves, and apply a poultice over the lumps twice a day. Let the patient drink the following infu- sion three times a day: put four ounces of the dry leaves into a tea-pot filled with boiling water, and wash the sores twice a day with a rag dipped in the tea. Numbers have been cured in this city by the above prescription. 1#8 FUMITORY. FUMARIA OFFICINALIS This plant rises a foot in height: leaves pale green, compound, doubly pinnated, the smaller pinnse three lobed : flowers are of a redish purple4, and grows in spikes, which arise from the axillse of the leaves : the corolla has the appearance^, and is in reality vingent. HISTORY. This plant grows common in corn-fields, and along the fences. Flowers in June and July. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is a tonic bitter, and anti-scorbutic : and has been found efficacious in the cure of lepra and other cutaneous eruptions. The virtues are chiefly contained in the dry plant 129 PREPARATION. Pour two quarts of boiling water on two ounces of the dry leaves of fumitory : in all foulness and scabby eruptions, let the patient take a gill three or four times a day, and wash the parts with the tea twice a day. As a tonic or stomachic medicine, infuse two ounces of the dry flowers and tops of the plant in three pints of Madeira wine, rum, or brandy: a wine glass full of the wine in- fusion may be taken twice a day on an empty sto- mach, and a table-spoonful of the brandy with a spoonful of spring water, which will strengthen the stomach and create a good appetite. 17 130 GARDEN POINY. PyEOINA OFFICINALIS. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises two feet in height: leaves cut into lobes, which are oblong, or if pinnated, ter- minated by an odd pinnse : capsules two, oblong hirsute, and crowned with a stigma. HISTORY. Grows plentifully in the gardens of the curious near this city, as well as in others throughout the United State*. The seed is imported from Swit- zerland. 131 MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is noted for its virtues in the cure of epilepsy. and fits in children. PREPARATION. The roots must be dug up in March, dryed and pulverized, and kept in bottles close corked, for use. Adults subject to the epilepsy, may take a desert spoonful of the powder four times a day in a tea-cup full of bitter sweet tea, made as follows: pour a quart of boiling water on an ounce of the bruised dry bark of bitter sweet, taken from off the roots, and sweeten the tea with sugar; and to children if two years old ten grains of the powder four times a day in molasses, and wash it down with the bitter sweet tea. Apply the bruised roots to the soles of the feet when going to bed. ise GOLDEN ROD. 80LIDAGO VIRGA AUREA DESCRIPTION. This plant is perennial, and rises about two feet in height: small brown round stalks, divided at the to^s into small branches, with many long green leaves : flowers small and yellow on every one of the branches, all of which are turned one way, and when ripe they become as down, and are carried away by the wind. HISTORY. It grows in woods, meadows, and along the fen- ces in every part of the United States and produces its flowers in July. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The flowers are aperient corroborant, and the leaves are gently astringent. The flowers have been found beneficial in removing obstruct 13S tions of the uriny organs in gravelly complaints, ulcerations of the bladder, is good in cachexies, and in the first stage of dropsies. The leaves are good in debility and laxity of the viscera or bowels^ and all disorders proceeding from that cause. PREPARATION. Pour two quarts of boiling rain water on two handsful of the flowers: put them in an earthen ves- sel covered, and set it on hot ashes for an hour : strain the infusion through a clean linen cloth and sweeten the liquor with loaf sugar: let the patient labouring under obstructions of urine and gravelly complaints, take a tea-cup full of this infusion three or four times a day till he finds relief. In all complaints of the bowels as well as fevers, observe the following prescriptions : pour a quart of boiling water on an handful of the dry leaves and flowers of the golden rod, and let the vessel Stand near the fire covered for an hour: dose, a tea-cup full taken every two hours through the day sweetened with sugar, for complaints of the bowels. In fevers, after proper evacuations, the patient may take a tea-cup full every hour, sweetened with lump sugar, together with a tea-spoonful of lemon juice, until perfectly recovered. 104 GROUND PINE. ARTHETICA. This plant rises about six inches in height, shooting forth many small branches, set with slen- der, small, long, narrow, greyish leaves, somewhat hairy: flowers small and of a paleish colour, grow- ing from the joint of the stalk among the leaves J after which come small and round husks. HISTORY. This small and useful plant grows plentifully in low wood-lands, in rocky places, on the sides of mountains, and near running brooks. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The leaves are aperient, corroborant, nervine, attenuant, diuretic, and emmenagogue. They aro 185 beneficial in gout, rheumatism, suppression of urine, and uterine obstructions. PREPARATION. Take half a pound of the bruised leaves and flowers of the ground pine, pour two quarts of Ma- deira wine upon them, shake the vessel often, and let it remain for one week, when it will be fit for use. A wine glass of this infusion may be taken three times a day, on an empty stomach, in any of the above complaints ; and has also removed rheuma- tic pains, after necessary evacuations. 136 DESCRIPTION. This plant rises about four feet in height: th« leaves are egg shaped, ending accute : the flowen are single, usually proceeding from the axillse of the leaf and grows upon foot stalks : calyx consists of one leaf cut into five segments: the coralla is monopetalous, rotcite, divided also into five seg* ments. To the flowers succeed a soft fruit, mem- branous, divided into two or more cells, polished, shining in the begining green, then becoming a bright orange, containing several flattish kidney shaped seed«. is? HISTORY. This plant is cultivated in our gardens, for cu- linary condiment. Cayenne peppe.- is an I.dis- criminate mixture of the dried pods of m my s^e# cies of capsciutn, which is imported n ,ai the West-Indies ; but the best for medial iise, is the specie of capscium frusteocens, or bird pepper, which is the most acrid of them all. MEDICAL VIRTUE'*. It is an excellent medicine in removing flatulence derived from vegetable food ; and people who are subject to windy complain':*, should use it b »iled in their soups, £$c. It is one of the strongest stimulants which can be introduced into the stom- ach, and is of great efficacy in chronic rheumatism) gout, dropsical complaints, and violent pleurisies, all of which have been quickly cured by its internal and external use. It makes a good gargle in cyna- che, maligna, or putrid sore throat, in croup or hives, and in all lethargic affections. PREPARATION. The following tincture will answer all the inten- tions of its use, as a stimulant in the cure of the above maladies : take one ounce of the dry bruised red pod of cayenne and infuse it in a pound, or a pint and an half of alcohol, for a week or two: dose, in any of the above complaints, two tea-spoonsful taken twice a day in a little water, increasing the dose according to its effects, ia 13$ A few grains of the seeds of this pepper is good in the cure of intermittents, and all windy com- plaints of the bowels : a tea-spoonful of the powder taken in rum, has proved effectual in the cure of the intermittent fever and pleurisy. !*$£©$$©€ GINSENG. PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUM. ^ \&; DESCRIPTION. This plant rises a foot in height: the leaves rise with the flower-stalk from a thick joint in the stem, and have the appearance, from their disposi- tion, of being one digitated leaf, on short purple foot-stalks, all fixed to a common petiolus, veined, serrated, smooth, and pointed. Flowers forming a small round umbel. 139 HISTORY. It is a perennial plant which grows in abun- dance on the sides of mountains and in rich soils, in West-Florida. South-Carolina, and New-Jersey: flowers in July, and has blackisii berries : the root is about the thickness of the little finger, two inches lonar, of a whitish vellowr colour, and wrinkled on the surface. It has an agreeable sweetish taste, but no scent. MEDICAL VIRTUES. This root is good in gravel and all debilitated habits, creates a good appetite, invigorates the sys- tem, and is an excellent restorative to those fa- tigued by travelling. PREPARATION. Take one pound of the fresh roots cut small. put them in a gallon of old Jamaica spirits, and let it stand in the sun for two weeks, every now and then shaking the vessel. In all weaknesses from excess in venery, pain in the bones from colds, and gravelly complaints, let the patient take a wine glass of this tincture three times a day. on an empty stomach. I knew a man in Xew-Jersey, who was so debilitated and afflicted with pains in his bones. that he expected nothing but death every day, who by taking the ginseng in rum was able to follow his business on the farm, and his pains entirely re- moved in a few days. 149 GENTIAN. GENTIAN A AMERICANA, This bitter plant rises two or three feet in height: the stem is strong, smooth, and erect: the leaves which arise from the lower part of the stem, are spear shaped, large ribs, and rough ; those from the n; per part are more ovate, smooth, and ses* sile: large yellow flowers, produced in whorls, which terminate in yellow bitter berries, which grow along the stalks. HISTORY. Gentian is a perennial plant, and grows on thft sides of roads ai-d in waste pastures; throughout the United states. 141 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root possesses the general virtues of bitters in an eminent degree, and is equally as good as the imported. It is a tonic, antiseptic, and in large doses cathartic. Compounded with astringents it cures intermittent^ more sure than the peruvian bark, and is useful in debility of the stomach. PREPARATION. Take the bark of the fresh root, and being dry- ed and pulverized, sift it and put it in bottles close corked for use. Take two ounces of this powder and one of powdered tornsentil root, mix them well together. After the patient, has taken a dose of ipecacuanha powder, from forty to forty-five grains, give a tea-spoonful of the compound pow- der every two hours, which never fails of curing the patient of intermittent fever. The following is a good tonic bitter to help di- gestion and create a good appetite : take of the bruised gentian root two ounces, tormentil root bruised one ounce, Virginia snake root, two ounces, bruised dry orange peel four drachms, put all the ingredients into an earthen pot and pour half a pint of old rum on them, and after twenty-four hours add three pints of Madeira wine, let it stand seven days and strain the tincture : dose, a table- spoonful in a little water before breakfast and din* ner. 44* i. ■ GROUND IVY. GLECOMA HEDERACEA, DESCRIPTION. The leaves of this plant are scolloped, hairy, in opposite pairs, having long petioles, which are channeled: flowers in whorls, of a blueish colour, on short peduncles, vingent, upper lip bifid, under one divided into three lobes, and middle one emar- ginate. HISTORY. This plant grows about garden fences and on the sides of moist meadows, and runs along the ground under hedges : flowers in May and June. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It purifies the blood, is a good pectoral, and the expressed juice snuffed up the nose, has cured th* 143 most inveterate head-ach. It is good in consump- tions and obstructions, laxity and debility- of the viscera, for cleansing and healing ulcers in the lungs, kidnies, and other internal parts, and is an efficacious remedy in the jaundice and asthmatic coughs. PREPARATION. Take of the expressed juice of the green leaves, when the plant is in bloom, one gill every morning and night, in half a pint of the following infusion: on two ounces of the dryed inner bark of the wild cherry tree root pour two quarts of boiling water, let it cool, pour off the clear liquor, and sweeten it with sugar candy. This remedy is recommended to all consumptive and asthmatic patients. Two or three tea-cups of a tea made by the infusion of the dry herb may be drank daily. The following is a safe remedy for removing the film on the eye: take equal quantities of the fresh juice of celendine and ground ivy,' set it on warm ashes, in a copper vessel for an hour, strain the clear juice from the sediment, and dissolve a tea- spoonful of bay salt in half a pint of the clear juice, and keep it in a cellar in bottles close corked and covered with sand ; wet the spot on the eye with a clean linen rag dipped in the juice, until the film is consumed. 144« HARTS-TONGUE. ASPLEMUM SCOLOPESDRUM. DESCRIPTION. The leaves of this plant are long, tongue shaped^ entire, pointed, of a shining black colour, and waY- td at the margin. HISTORY. It grows common among the rocks in shad/ places. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It has an astringent quality, and when made into an ointment, is beneficial in curing burns and 145 the piles ; and when taken internally, infused in wine, prevents the spitting of blood, and is effec- tual in the cure of the diarrhoea and dysentery. PREPARATION. Take four ounces of the dry leaves, coarse pow- dered, and boil them in four quarts of water to the consumption of one : strain the decoction, and add a pint of flax-seed oil, and two ounces of mutton suet: when the water is consumed, strain the oint- ment and put it in pots for use. For burns and scalds apply a little of this ointment, spread on a linen cloth, twice a day till well. For the spii ting of blood, diarrhoea?* and dysen- tery, infuse four ou ices of the powdered root of hart's tongue in two quarts of port wine, for ten days : dose, a wine glass taken three times a day on an empty stomach, and a tea-cup of the infusion of the dry herb four times a day. A large hand- ful of the herb may be made into a tea and sweet- ened with loaf sugar, for a daily drink, 10 146 HELLEBORE ALBA. VERATRUM ALBUM. (I x%v'',k:^ DESCRIPTION. This plant rises three feet and an half in height: leaves large, oval, ribbed, entire, plaited, sessile, and vaginant: flowers besexual and of a greenish colour, on long terminal spikes. HISTORY. It grows in moist meadows, in swamps, and on the sides of stony running brooks, and is one of the first plants we discover in the spring, throughout the northern states, and is equally as efficacious in medicine as those imported: flowers in July. 147 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root only is made use of for medical purpo- ses. They must be dug in the spring or late in the fall when the leaves are dead, and ground in a mill for use. It has been found effectual in the cure of mania, melancholia, rheumatism and other inveterate maladies ; but as I would never venture to give it to my patients internally, I shall leave its infernal use to be prescribed by gentlemen of more skill, and content myself with advising the igno- rant not to use it. I have found it an infallible cure for the itch and scald head. PREPARATION. Roast a leg of mutton before the fire and baste it well with tar, thrusting a fork through it often so that the gravy may run out: when sufficiently- roasted take the drippings and thicken it with the powder of white hellebore root until it becomes an ointment, and put a tea-spoonful of the essence of lemon in it. The scald head must be shaved and washed with spirits, anoint it twice a day, and cover it with a bladder and a cap, and take a dose of salts once a week. This ointment will cure the most inveterate itch and herpes. N. B. Apply a ponltice of pounded charcoal every night over the scald head, and wash the head next morning with soap suds. 148 HEMLOCK. CONIUxM MACULATUM. ft DESCRIPTION. The root is biennial, tapering, forked, eight inches long, and about the size of the finger: the stalk is six or seven feet in height, round, shining branched near the top, and striated near the bot- tom, and covered with a blueish exudation appear- ing like a fine powder : the lower leaves are tri- pinnated, uf a shining green colour, standing upon long striated concave foot-stalks, which proceed from the joints of the stern, the upper and smaller ones are bi-pinnated and placed at the divisions of the branches: the flowers are in umbels, are both Universal and partial, and composed of several stri- 89 149 ated radie: the universal invulucrum consists of five or seven leaves, these are lanceolated, whitish, and the margin bent downwards. HISTORY. It grows in rich soils, throughout the United States. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is resolvent, discutient, narcotic, sedative, and anodine. I have found it beneficial in dispersing indolent hard tumours by giving the powder inter- nally and applying it externally. PREPARATION. Begin with giving the patient, twice a day, two grains of the fine powdered leaves, increasing the dose daily by a grain or two more to a scruple, and apply the following over the tumour, twice a day: wet equal parts of the powdered leaves of black henbane and hemlock, with a weak solution of th© sugar of lead dissolved in rain water, and apply it over the tumour twice a day9 taking a dose of sal glauber twice a week. 150 BOG-WEED, OR HOG-BED. AMBROSIA. % $i % MM f&. DESCRIPTION. This curious plant rises about three inches in height: the leaves spring out from a long redish tondril, like a vine, and are of a deep green colour, small and curly. HISTORY. It is an evergreen, and grows chiefly near farm- yards, especially on stony soils, like moss. The hogs delight to make their bed on it, from whence it derives its name. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is well known by the women of the country, who always find it effectual in bringing down ob- structed courses. 151 PREPARATION. Put two handsful of hog-weed in three quarts of spring water, boil it down to two quarts: strain the decoction and add one pint of old rum to it. In order to promote the courses, the patient may take a tea-cup full of the decoction three times a- day, about the time of the moon when they want to flow, and at bed time drink a tea-cup full warm, and let the patient sit over the steam of catnip and penny-royal every night for ten minutes, until they are brought down. u& This plant rises two feet in height: leaves longf eliptical, variously serrated, barbed with sharp points, the top of the leaf is a bright green, under side whitish and nitted, the upper ones are sessile and the lower ones are on foot-stall, s: flowers in- closed with an involucre often leaves : florets yel- low and the seeds are crowned. HISTORY. This is an annual plant, cultivated in our gardens for its beauty, flowers in July, and the seeds are ripe in October. The leaves should be gathered when in flower, dryed in the shade and put up in paper bags for use. 158 MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is stomachic, sudorific, and is beneficial in the hooping cough. The following is a safe and sure emetic for weakly people. PREPARATION. Boil two ounces of the dry leaves of the thistle in two quarts of rain water down to one : a gill of the strained liquor may be taken in the morning, fast- ing, and if it does not puke the patient in half an ho r, take a little more until it operates, and work it off with a weak tea made by pouring a quart of boiling water on an oun e of the herb : a tea-cup full to be drank after every emotion upwards. As a sweating medicine, a wine glass full of the strong decoction may be taken every two hours in bed. The following is an excellent bitter: infuse four ounces of the dry herb in two quarts of cold spring water all night, and take a tea-cup full of this plea- sant bitter before breakfast and dinner ; it acts as a tonic and creates a good appetite, it is also good in fevers, sharpened with ten or twelve drops of elixer vitriol in each dose, taken on an empty stomach. •0 154 HOREHOUND. MAR11UBIMM VULGARE. This common useful plant rises about a foot in height: leaves deeply serrated, veined, wrinkled, hoary, in pairs and standing upon long thick broad foot-stalks : flowers white, in whorles, and the calyx is cut in ten segments, which are hooked at the apex: lower lip of the corolla divided into three segments, the largest is emarginate, and the upper lip is two-cleft. HISTORY. It is a perennial plant and grows wild along the road sides, £$c. in abundance, throughout the United States : flowers in July. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The leaves are aperient and deobstruent; they promote the fluid secretions in general, and drank 155 freely obviate costiveness, are beneficial in moist asthmas, coughs, yellow jaundice, cachexy, men- strual obstructions, dropsy, and are good to destroy worms. An infusion of the leaves is good to carry off a salivation. PREPARATION. For the cure of the above complaints, the patient must take a gill of the expressed juice every morn- ing fasting, in half a pint of new milk fresh from the cow. In order to promote the menses, take a spoonful twice a day of the leaves powdered, and a tea-cup full of the infusion of an handful of the dry leaves and tops, put in a tea-pot and filled with boiling water. .156 HOP. HUMULUS LUPULUS, DESCRIPTION. The hop rises eighteen or twenty feet in height: it is a climbing vine and winds against the sun : leaves opposite, petioled, seri'ated, rough, heart shaped, and the upper cones three lobed: flowers in loose racema, and the scales of the strobilous are ovate, and of a yellow green colour. HISTORY. There are several sorts of hops, although bota* nists allow of but one. The most esteemed is the long white hop, which produces the most, and is much the handsomest being of a pale green colour* iB7 MEDICAL VIR UE9. They are recommended as a substitute for lauda- num, in allaying the distressing symptoms of phthisis, and has been found beneficial in checking the violent sickness occasioned from debility. It is equally as good as gentian, Colombo or camomile, in cleansing the kidneys from gravel, provoking urine, and destroying worms ; and the expressed juice will cure the jaundice, help digestion, hypo- Cundriae passions, and has cured the venereal. PREPARATION. Take one pound of hops and pour six quarts of boiling rain water on them: boil it down to five pints, strain it and boil it down to a quart, when you will strain it again, and evaporate it over hot coal«, constantly stiriug it until it becomes of a consistency for making pills, and put the extract in a clean pot and cover it with a little alcohol, which will prevent its moulding: dose, from five to ten grains made into pills, to be taken three times a day on an empty stomach, together with the tincture, which is made by taking six ounces of hops and nine gills of good spirits, keep it in an earthen pot close covered near the fire for a week, shake the vessel often, and strain the tincture for use: dose, a table-spoonful taken twice a day in a little cinnamon water, on an empty stomach, for the cure of the above complaints. 158 The Spaniards boil a pound of the hop roots in four quarts of water down to six pints, and drink half a pint warm, in the morning when in bed, to cure the venereal, rt HORSE-RADISH. COCHLEARIA ARMORACEA. This plant rises two feet or more in height: leaves radical, standing on strong foot-stalks : flow- ers white, terminating the branches in thick clus-* ers. and rising from the axilla? of the leaf. 159 HISTORY. It is chiefly cultivated in gardens, and grows wild in wet grounds, and where there has been old ruined houses: thriving greatly by its roots, and flowers in June. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is a very heating medicine, and has been found beneficial in chronic rheumatism, dropsy, pituitous, and in asthmas, more so than any other medicine, and should be much used with your diet by those who are afflicted with the dropsy, and in all phlegmatic habits. PREPARATION. Put two ounces of the scraped root in a pipkin, and pour two quarts of rain water on it: set it on hot embers and let it infuse for three hours, strain the liquor, dissolve four pounds of loaf sugar in it, and boil it to the consistence of thick honey: two tea-spoonsful of this sirup swallowed occasionally every two hours, will cure hoarseness. In rheuma- tic affections, the patient may boil four ounces of the scraped green horse-radish root in one quart of neats-foot oil, and one pint of brandy for two hours : strain it and put it up as a rubefacient, to anoint the pained beimmmed parts two or three times a day and cover it with a flannel wet with brandy. 160 HORSE-WEED, OR STONE BOOT. COLLIN SONI A. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises about two feet in height: leaves large, and arrow shaped : root knotty, flat, and as hard as a stone, hence it derives the name of stone weed, or root. HISTORY. It grows on the side of hills, and on the bor- ders of high meadows, both in New-Jersey and West-Florida. MEDICAL VIRTUES. This root is carminative, diuretic, coroboran^ aromatic, and has cured the dropsy 161 PREPARATION. Dig up the root in the spring and cut it into thin slices, dry it sufficiently in a bake-pan over a slow fire, stir it constantly, and when dry pulver- ize it, ant^ put it into bottles for use. Boil two ounces of the powder in two quarts of rain water, strain the decoction, and in dropsical swellings, the patient after taking a puke of Amer- ican ipecacuanha, may drink a tea cup fill of the decoction six times a day, increasing the dose ac- cording as they find benefit; and likewise, they may take a spoonful of the powder four or five times a day, until they find their strength restored. In all debilities and flatulent complaints of the bowels, a tea-spoonful may be taken in a spoonful of brandy and water, three times a day, on an empty stomach. In the cure of fevers, after ne- cessary evacuations, the patient may take for his constant drink, when the fever is on, half a pint of the infusion of the dry tops of the weed, made by taking an handful of the dry tops of h >rse weed and pour a quart of boding water on them. 21 10a ICE PLANT. ERYSTALL1NUM. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises about six inches in height and is so tender when handled, that it dissolves the same as ice melts in your hand: the stalks and leaves are like frozen jelly. HISTORY. It grows in the woods of West-Florida and New- Jersey, and is found in September as white as snow. In the Floridas they dilute the juice in cold water, which is a sure remedy for sore eyes. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root has been found an infallible remedy for the cure of fits in children, and is called fit root by the people in the country. 163 PREPARATION. Dry the root, and after it is pulverized, put it in bottles close corked for use. Children troubled with fits may take from half a tea-spoonful to a whole one, three mornings, before both the full and change of the moon, in a tea-cup of peoney root tea. Adults may take three or four tea-spoonsful every morning for three successive mornings, be- fore both the full and change of the moon, in a tea made of w ild valerian root, for the epilepsy, or fal- ling sickness, sometimes called. It is an excellent eye-water, and will cure the most inveterate inflam- mation of the eyes, by mixing one gill of the ex- pressed juice of the fresh plant with half a pint of rose-water: wet the eyes with a clean linen rag dip- ped in the eye-water, three or four times a day, ob- serving previous evacuations by bleeding and purg- ing, and putting a blister on the back of the neck. This is a new discovered medicine never made public before. 164 INDIAN HEMP. SPIRE A TRIFOLIATA* This useful plant rises three feet in heigth : the stalk is bare for afoot, then spring many branches : leaves numerous and ovate, hanging on foot-stalks: flowers whitish, similar to buck-wheat, which ter- minate in seed pods resembling a cucumber: the stalks and roots are lactucent. HISTORY. It is perennial, grows in meadows, and in low woods on the borders of meadows, on Long-Island! and New-Jersey, as well as in other parts of the United States, and is sometimes vulgarly called wild buck-wheat. 165 MEDICAL VIR'UES. It is emetic, cathartic, sudorific, diuretic, and is an excellent pectoral. I have found it benefi- cial in curing rheumatisms, dropsies, and asthma- tic coughs. PREPARATION. Dig the root in April, and hammer it on a stone until you can take off the bark, which you must dry and pnlverize : dose, from thirty to thirty-five grains, which will generally work the patient both up and down, which may be used as an emetic in intermittent fevers. As a sudorific, six grains may be taken twice a day in a spoonful of cold water. Asa pectoral, take one ounce of the fine powder, and half an ounce of the powder of skunk cabbage balls, mix it with tar, and make it into a mass for pills, of the size of a large pea, which I have found of great benefit in asthmas : dose, take two pills every night and morning for a week, after which take three twice a day, and drink a tea-cup of the infusion of skunk cabbage root, three times a day. 1 have found it effectual in curing rheuma- tism and immoderate flow of the menses, by taking everv night half a tea-spoonful of the powder of Indian hemp, in a tea-cup of prickly ash tea; and as a pectoral, six grains may be taken night and morning. A spoonful of the infusion taken occa- sionally is good in the hooping cough, and prevents straining and the puking of blood, which I hpvo 166 observed among children labouring under that complaint, and should recommend the changing, from the city to the country, children thus affiict- od with this dangerous complaint. »•***•*•« INDIAN PLANT. SPIGELIA MARILANDTr * , \ DESCRIPTION. This plant is perennial, and has a fibrous root, from whence spring single stems beset with oppo- site oval lancelot entire leaves, and crowned with a spike of tubelarmonopetalous red flowers, having five stamina and one pestil, each flower is succeed- ed by two round united by valvula capsules con- taining several small seed. 167 HISTORY. This plant I found plentifully in West-Florida and near the Natches, and grows in other parts of the southern states. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is a safe and effectual anthelmentic or worm destroying medicine in skillful hands. PREPARATION. Boil two ounces of dry pink-root, and an ounce of A merican sennea, in two quarts of rain water down to one: strain the decoction, and give the child from two table-spoonsful to a tea-cup full every morning and night, sweetened with molasses, be- fore both the full and change of the moon, ac- co rding to their age. But my worm sirup I pre- fer before all other medicine for worms. (See worm sirup.) 168 INDIAN TURNIP. ARUM MACULATUM. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises half a foot or more in height: Stalks purple: leaves radical, oval, and three on each plant: under these the nectaries appear, and the germina when ripe become berries of a bright scarlet colour. HISTORY. It grows in meadows and swamps, along the sides of fences and old logs, in all parts of the United States, and flowers from July to August. 169 MEDICAL VIRTUES, This root when fresh, is a very acrid, pungent, strong and heating remedy. I have found it an excellent remedy in the following maladies : it pro- motes the watery excretions, quickens the chvuia* tion in cold phlegmatic habits and in diseases iroui viscid phlegm. PREPARATION. Take the fresh roots, wash them clean, take off the outward rind, cut them thin and dry them in a hake-pan, stiring them constantly to keep them from burning, and by being quickly exsicated it has its virtues preserved : pulverize them and after sifting the powder, put it in bottles well corked for use. In all lingering beginning consumptions, pain in the breast, weak appetite, a*sd a slow circu- lation of the blood, use it as follows: take two ounces of the powder, one ounce of pulverized sugar candy, and. half an ounce of the flower of sul- phur ; mix all the ingredients and let the patient take a tea-spoonful in molasses, ur new milk, every morning fasting, and before dinner. It creates a good appetite, cures flatulent cholic, lovvness of spirits, and excites cheerfulness. In all chronic deep seated rheumatic pains, debilitated habits, and loss of appetite, use the following conserve : take one pound of fresh arum or Indian turnip, washed clean, and the on!"ward skin taken off, and three pounds of loaf sugar; beat them together in a mor- 28 170 tar, to a pulp : take from half a tea-spoonful to a whole one, twice a day, fasting and before dinner. N. B. I am beholden to the Hon. Samuel L. Mitchell, for the method of preparing the con- serve, as is practised in the New-York hospital. JERUSALEM OAK. BOTRYS FRUTICOSA AMERICANA. DESCRIPTION. This is a small bushy plant, and rises about eighteen inches in height, full of branches with few small leaves, deeply jagged on the edges, resem- bling the leaf of an oak, from whence it derives its name; which at the first are redish on the under- side^ and afterwards become of a yellowish green: 171 from the middle of the branches upwards grow small yellow flowers. The whole plant is of a very pleasant smell and aromatic scent. HISTORY. It grows in the woods in New-Jersey, Virginia, West-Florida, and on all poor clay uplands. MEDICAL VIRTUES. They are carminative pectoral, anti-spasmodic, anti-hysteric, and emmenagogue. PREPARATION. Take the fresh expressed juice of the plant one pint, and half a pint of honey : put it in an earth- en pipkin over the warm ashes for half an hour then set it aside to cool and strain it for use. From one to two or three table-spoonsful, taken every morning and evening, has been found beneficial in giving speedy relief to patients subject to asth- ma, wheezing and shortness of breath. In order to promote the menses, take from one to two tea- spoonsful twice a day, and half a pint of the tea every night at bed time, with a large spoonful of rum. I will recommend a tincture which will answer better than either the powder or infusion, in pro- moting the menses: take of the tops and leaves of Jerusalem oak eight ounces, and pour upon them three pints of old rum, shake the bottle frequently and let it stand in the sun for a week; when it will be fit for use. 178 In obstructed menses and cholic complaints, th«? patient may take a wine gla*s every morning and evening, for a week, both before the full and change of the moon. i JUNIPER. JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS. This is a shrub of four feet high, the leaves are numerous, long, sharp pointed, of a deep green, standing three together without foot-stalks; flow- ers inconspicuous. HISTORY. It grows in abundance in the state of New-York, on the banks of rivers: flowers in June: the ber- 176 Ties are ripe in \ugust, and have a strong pleasant smell, and a warm pungent sweet taste. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The berries and essential oil are chiefly used, and are a powerful diuretic, carminative, stimula- tive, diaphoretic, and are efficacious in dropsical and flatulent complaints. PREPARATION. Take two handsful of the tops and berries of the juniper: boil them in four quarts of rain of water down to two: strain the decoction, and add to it one quart of Holland gin. In dropsies and sup- pression of urine the patient may take a tea-cup full of this decoction four times a day. Elderly people who are troubled with a difficulty in making urine, 6jc, may take a tea-cup full of the above de- coction sweetened with honey, four times a day. The following is excellent in such cases where there is pain and difficulty in making water. Boil one quart of juniper berries with two ounces of cuckle-seed, in four quarts of rain water down to two: strain the decoction and add two quarts of honey, or three pounds of sugar: boil it to the con- sistency of honey : dose, a wine glass full taken four times a day. For wind in the bowels, three or four drops of the oil may be taken twice a day. on loaf sugar, 174 LETTUCE, WILD. LACTUCA VIROSA. This plant rises four feet in height: it has three different kinds of leaves, those proceeding from the root are slightly toothed ; those from the stem are cut into pinnated lobes ; and others attached to the flower-stalks, are arrow shaped, pointed, entire, and minute : the flowers are yellow and small. HISTORY. This plant flowers in August and September, is biennial, and grows wild about hedges, rough banks, and along the sides of high meadows. The leaves are milky and smell like opium, and resem- 175 bles it in 9ome of its effects, and its narcotic power, like that of the poppy, resides in a milky juice. MEDICAL VIRTUES. I have found an extract prepared from the ex- pressed juice of the leaves, gathered when in flow- er, of great efficacy in the cure of the dropsy* PREPARATION. I have given the extract formed into pills, from four to ten or twelve grains twice a day, and accord- ing to their effect, have ordered four pills three times a day, and still increasing the dose as 1 found the patient benefited. They agree very well with the stomach, quench thirst, proved gently laxative, powerfully diuretic, and somewhat diaphoretic, giving the patient while taking the pills, a gill four times a day, of an infusion of cohush root which brings off the water wonderfully. Case.—I received a letter when I lived in New- Jersey, from judge Hopper at Ramepoe, desiring me to attend his wife who was labouring under an ascites. The judge told me she had been a long time under the care of four eminent physicians, but still grew worse : I .prescribed for her and went to New-York ; I called on my return, in two days after, I asked the judge how his lady was ; he told me, to my surprize, that his wife was at work in the kitchen, and that after using the medi- cine I had left she had made whole pots of water. I ordered a bandage, left tonic medicines and she wa« cured without any further call. 176 LIFE ROOT. RAD V1TEA. This new discovered excellent plant rises two feet in height: leaves ovate, large, and serrated: flow- ers yellow, and the root small and fibrous. HISTORY. It grows on the banks of meadows and is some times found on the borders of meadows, above Albany and in the Genesee country, but is very scarce, and known only by a few botanists. 457 MEDICAL VIRTUES. I have found it a sure cure for all complaints of the gravel and pains in the breast, is afebrif 1 *', a powerful diuretic, relieves melancholy and causes cheerfulness. PREPARATION. For the gravel, the patient nay take a tea-cup full three times a day, of the following tea: pour one quart of boiling water on two ounces of the dry root and leaves. In all lowuess of spirits melancholy, and pain in the breast, the patient may take a tea-spoonful of the powdered root three times a day, besides using the tea. If the stomach is foul, an emetic must be giveu; and if costive a gentle purge or cathartic, al'ter which begin with the tea and powder, and use them daily till w4l. A gentlem m applied to me for advice, who had been afflicted a long time with obstructions of his urine, or gravel, and had tried many medicines without receiving any benefit. I ordered him to , use the above tea, and in two weeks he called to see me, and told me that he had drank four quarts of a strong decoction of the leaves and roots, and that his complaint was entirely cured, desiring me at the same time to give him a description of the plant, as he was determined to go in search of it. I have cured several others by the use of this plant. 178 LUNGWORT. LICHEN. DESCRIPTION. This is the kind of lichen, thin shell, or skin> which .rrows on the bark of the white oak tree, re- sembling the lungs, from whence it takes its name, HISTORY. Lungwort may be found in every part of the United States. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It possesses the same qualities as the Iceland moss, or lichen; and have known a man in a deep consumption, who by takirg a sirup chiefly composed of the lungwort taken from the north 17» side of the white oak tree, was perfectly restored to health in a few weeks : he also drank daily a tea made of the lungwort. I will insert the prescrip- tion which he had from Doctor Kenedy, of Sussex county, New-Jersy. PREPARATION. Take two handsful of lungwort from off the north side of a white oak tree, tops of white horehound a handful, hisop and sage of each an handful, ele- campane and fresh spikenard root of each an handful, the inner bark of wild cherry tree and button wood of each an handful; boil all the ingre- dients in two gallons of rain or spring water, to the consumption of one ; strain the decoction and add four quarts of molasses to it; boil the whole down to four quarts, and put it in an earthen pot, for use: dose, a small wine glass four times a day, and half a gill or a gill on going to bed : by the use of this sirup he was restored to perfect health. It also cures the influensa and hooping cough: a child may take a table-spoonful three or four times a day. 16* MAIDENHAIR. ADiANTHUM. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises to seven or eight inches in height: leaves very fine and soft, on short foot- stalks, diversely cut on the edges, thickest on the upp^r part, and spotted finely underneath: stalks of a dark purple colour. HISTORY. It grows in swamps and low grounds, and on the sides ol stony mountains. MEDICAL VIRTUES. Maiden-hair is expectorant, mucilaginous, and sub-astringent. It has been found beneficial in tickling coughs, hoarseness from acrid defluctions, in obstructions of the viscera, obstinate coughs, pleurisy, asthma, jaundice, promotes the menses and fluid secretions, and strengthens the tone of the fibres. PREPARATION. Pour three quarts of boiling water on a pound of the dry herb, and two ounces of liquorice root 181 bruised : a tea-rop of this infusion may be taken every hou■•-, in all tickling coughs. As a pectoral, boil two pounds of the dry herb, and four ounces of sliced liquorice root,1 in eight quarts of rain water, to the consumption of one gallon : strain the de- coction and put three quarts of molasses, or six pounds of loaf sugar, to the strained liquor ; then boil it away to the consistence of honey: a table- spoonful or two may be taken every hour, and is an excellent remedy in coughs or asthmas. Boil three pounds of the herbs and root of maiden hair in two gallons of rain water down to four quarts : strain it, and take a tea-cup full, or half a pint, four times a day, in order to promote the menses, and cure the jaundice. I cured a man of the jauudice in West-Florida, by this decoction, some years ago. isa MALE FERN. POLIPODIUM VULGARE. DESCRIPTION. The leaves shoot from the root and curl round, in their young state, afterwards they extend them- selves three or four feet: middle rib, or stem, is covered with brown tough transparent scales : the pinnao are from thirty to forty pair, gradually di- minishing towards the top, when it ends in a point: the fructification is in regular dots on the back of the leaf, which are covered with a pellicle that bursts, and having discharged, the seeds be- come brown. HISTORY. This plant grows on the mountains and among the rocks in New-Jersey. 183 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root of this plant has been found a power- ful remedy for worms, especially the tape worm. In the year 1755, the king of France purchased for a sum of money, the receipt of a medicine which was said to be an effectual cure for the tape worm, from a madam Neufer, the widow of a surgeon in Switzerland ; on discovery it proved to be the pow- der of the male fern root, which was to he taken in the following manner, PREPARATION. The day before the patient was to take the fern powder, he was purged with a dose of calomel and jalop, and after its operation he must make a very light supper: the next morning he was to take three drachms of the powdered fern root, and two hours afterwards take another dose of calomel and jalop, and drink a tea-cup full of the skunk cab- bage root tea, every hour, till the tape worm is ex- pelled : taking care to set on a close stool and not break the worm but pull it gently, and in case the worm is not expelled the first day, the medicine is to be repeated the next. The tape worm has come away from a patient after taking a drachm of the powder without any purge. 184 MARSH ROSEMARY. SAT1CE LIMONIUM. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises six or seven inches in height r leaves lanceolate : root large, and is five or six in- ches long much resembling a red beet: flowers bine and very conspicuous. HISTORY. This root grows only in salt marshes, on Long- Island, $c. 185 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root is the only part used in medicine, and is a powerful astringent, very beneficial in gonor- rhoea, gleets, diarrhoea, dysentery and fluor albus. PREPARATION. Boil four ounces of the root, in four quarts of water down to two: strain the decoction, and sweeten it with loaf sugar: dose a tea-cup full, to be taken four times a day, in the cure of diarrhoea, dysentery, and gleets ; in all immoderate flow of the menses, a syringe full of the decoction, without sugar, must be thrown up the urathra or vagina, four or five times a day. It is necessary to give a dose of rhubarb, or caster oil, in cases of dysen- tery £$c. previous to using the decoction. For a more scientific description of this excellent plant, I refer the reader, to Dr. Mott's New and Complete Dissertation on the Medical Virtues ofStatice Liinoniuin. lately published in the city of New-York. £4 186 MASTERWORT. IMPERATORIA OSTRUTHIUM. This aromatic plant rises about two feet in height: the root i> perennial, large succulent, and tapering : the stalk is striated, and round: leaves are three together ; the terminal leaf is often cut into three lobes, these are placed on long foot-stalks, which terminate in a sheathed covering to the stalk : there is no general involucre, the partial is composed of one or two leaves. HISTORY. This excellent plant grows on high rich soils, in New-Jersey and on Long-Island. 187 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root is a warm aromatic, is salivant, expecto- rant, and laxative. Held in the mouth it excites spitting; infused in water sweetened with honey, promotes expectoration, and has been found benefi- cial in the cholic and flatulent disorders of the bow- els ; it is good to promote the menstrual discharge, helps digestion, asthma, colds, disorders of the brain, catarrh, palsy, apoplexy, and quartan ague. PREPARATION. Take of the powdered root one drachm, in a glass of Madeira wine, before the fit of an ague, and infuse two drachms in half a pint of boiling water : a tea-cup full of the warm infusion, must be taken three times a day in all the above com- plaints. 188 MAY-APPLE, OR MANDRAKE. PODOPHYLLUM PELTATUM. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises three feet in height: leaves two or three, large, broad at the base, terminating in a sharp point: flowers yellow, producing a large ber- ry something like a lime, and from whence it de- rives the name of yellow may-apple, which when ripe is esculent and delicious. HISTORY. It grows on uplands, in meadows and in the woods, and its roots are about the size of a goose- quill ; long and milky. MEDICAL VIRTUES. I have found the root both an emetic and a pow- erful cathartic, far superior to the imported jalap. 189 You must dig it in May, take the bark from off th» root, dry it and pulverize it for use. I have cured many violent rheumatic com- plaints, which had baffled the exertions of some eminent physicians, by discovering they proceeded from the imprudent use of mercury. PREPARATION. Dissolve four drachms of the powdered bark of the root, and two ounces of sal epsom, in two quarts of metheglin: dose, a wine glass twice a day with an anodine at night. Rub the knees and shins every night and morning for ten minutes before the fire, with the following ointment: boil skunk cabbage root cut thin, in two quarts of rain water down to one ; strain it, and put two pounds of hog's lard into the decoction ; let it simmer over hot embers until the water is consumed, and then stir in one ounce of the flower of sulphur. This is an excel- lent anti-rheumatic ointment, especially for the pains which proceed from the imprudent use of mercury. \ * 190 MAY WEED, OR WILD CAMOMILE. CORTUTA FCET1DA. DESCRIPTION. This herb rises two feet in height: leaves ovate : flowers yellow, resembling camomile flowers, only something smaller. HISTORY. It grows hy the road sides in low grounds, and is to be found plentifully near the Delaware river, in the state of New-Jersey. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The leaves are a powerful sudorific, and an- swers all the intentions of camomile flowers. 191 PREPARATION. The flowers must be gathered in August, and may be used in all complaints, the same as camo- mile, only a larger quantity is required. In fevers and common colds, where perspiration is neces- sary, after requisite evacuations, the following in- fusion may be used : pour a quart of boiling water on an handful of the dry leaves and flowers : dose^ in fevers, from a tea-cup full to half a pint, taken every two hours ; and in colds, the patient may take half a pint or more of the infusion warm, when going to bed. As a substitute for camomile flowers, which are so dear at present, I think that two ounces of the wild flowers will equal one ounce of the imported, and will answer the same purpose*. 19S MILK, OR SILK WEED. VINCET0X1CUM. DESCRIPTION. This plant has a square stalk and rises three feet in height: leaves oval and milky: flowers yellow8 which terminate in a pod resembling a cucumber; filled with down, which when ripe is blown away by the wind, leaving the seeds which are round and of a pale colour. 193 ' HISTORY. It grows plentifully by the road sides on sandy grounds, at iioboken, Pjwles-Hook, £$c. the root is white and flat, and is about a foot in length. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root has lately been found effectual in the cure of the dropsy. It is a powerful diuretic, su- dorific, emmenagogic, and alexipharmic, and has been found beneficial in catarrhal, cachectic, scro- phulus, and rheumatic disorders, and worms in children. PREPARATION. Boil eight ounces of the dry root, in six quarts of rain water away to three ; and strain it for use. For the cure of the dropsy, take a gill of the de- coction four times a day, increasing the dose daily according to its effect; and for the other com- plaints, a tea-cup full four times a day. For worms, boil two ounces of the dry bruised root in two quarts of water down to one ; strain it and give the child a tea-cup full twice a day sweetened wirh molasses. Those who are troubled with suppres- sion of urine, may take a tea-cup full of the de- coction four times a day, sweetened with honey. 35 184 MISLETOE OF THE OAK. VISCUM ALBUM. This is a parasitical plant, something like a large bush: the branches are regularly dichoto- mous: leaves ending obtuse, in pairs, sessile, stri- ated, and entire: berries white, smooth, globular, and clustered, containing one fleshy seed. HISTORY. This plant grows on various kinds of trees, such as apple, pear, oak, larch, §c. that which is found on the oak is chiefly used: flowers in May or June, and the berries remain throughout the win- ter. The viscum should be separated from the oak about the last of November, gradually dried. 195 ground into a tine powder, and confined in a bottle well stopped, with a piece of bladder tied over, and kept in a cellar for use. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It has been recorded as an efficacious remedy in the cure of epilepsy, by many eminent physicians, both ancient and modern ; the reuson why it has fa'led, on trial of some late practioners, was their not giving a sufficient quantity, and keeping the pow- der exposed to the air, whereby it lost its virtues. PREPARATION. When I am called to an epiieptical patient and find him plethorick, 1 bleed, and prescribe an emetic of American ipecacuanha, from thirty to forty grains, and at bed time give him an anodine: the next day I give the powder of the misletoe as follows : a tea-spoonful four times a day, in a tea- cup full of wild valarian tea, increasing the dose to two or three tea-spoonsful, according to its effects. I will mention a very remarkable cure which I was instrumental in performing, while I was on a botanical excursion, in the month of May, Mr. Thomas M'CoIlum, of Rye-neck, met me in a meadow, and told me his son had been subject to epileptic fits, from a child; and that he had been at great expense to no purpose. I called to see the youth, who was about nineteen years of age, and found him feverish, and somewhat hurt in his in- telects. 1 bled him, gave him an emetic, put a 196 seton through the skin of his neck, and ordered him to use the salt water bath twice a week. His fa- ther called at my shop, about four or five weeks after, tor more medicine, and told me that his son had never been troubled wiih fits since he had first used it. MUGWORT. ARTEMISIA DESCRIPTION. The stalk of this herb rises about three feet in height: leaves deeply divided into several seg- ments similar to wormwood, pointed, on the upper side of a deep green, and on the under downy, or covered with cotton like substance: flowers small, purplish, in spikes, and alternate from the alse of the leaves, which appear halbert shaped. 197 HISTORY. It grows in gardens, near old houses, and along the sides of roads. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The leaves of this plant are deobstruent, laxative, diaphoretic, diuretic, einmenagogic, anti-hysteric, anti-spasmodic, anthelmatic, and corroborant. PREPARATION. An infusion of the leaves and tops, opens obstruc- tions, relaxes the belly, promotes insensible per- spiration, urine and the menses, and is good in re- moving spasms; it has also been found effectual in destroying worms, and relieves the palpitation of the heart. A woman who was afflicted with hyste- ric fits for several years, was perfectly cured by taking a drachm of the powdered leaves four times a day, after she had tried every other remedy to no purpose. For worms, and to alleviate the disor- ders above mentioned, pour a quart of boiling water on an handful of the dried tops and leaves of mug- wort : in agues, after an emetic, give the patient half a pint of this warm infusion every hour in bed, and after he has done sweating, he must take two drachms of the powdered leaves five or six times a day until the fever is broke. In the other com- plaints, the patient may take a tea-cup of the infu- sion, together with the powder, three or four times a day. 198 MULLEN. VERBASCUM. DESCRIPTION. The stem rises about three feet in height, aim is iri'egulariy adorned with leaves, which are woolly and large, without foot-stalks, at the base decur- rent, oblong, pointed, indented at the margin, and covered on both sides with fine down: flowers small, of a beautiful yellow colour, which clothe the extremity of the stem, and are in succession 199 from the bottom: the calyx is cut into five acute segments, covered with down : the corolla is also cut into five segments, which are blunt and some- what unequal. HISTORY. It grows by the road sides, on poor sand hills, and in old fields, throughout the United States. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The leaves have a bitterish sub-astringent taste, and of a mucilaginous quality, it has been found beneficial in catarrhs, diarrhoeas, and the piles. PREPARATION. Boil four ounces of the dry leaves of mullen, in three pints of new milk and one pint of water, for an hour; strain the decoction, and dissolve two ounces of lump sugar in it: dose, a tea-cup full taken warm every two hours, and drink warm moutain sage tea frequently until the flux is stop- ped. Persons accustomed to the piles, and feel oppressed through their obstruction, may take a dose of aloes once a week, boil an handful of mul- len in two quarts of water, put the decoction in a chamber pot and let the patient sit over the hot steam for half an hour, washing the anus with the warm leaves until he feels the piles come down, when he must open them with a lance, and sit over the steam till they have bled sufficiently, then wash the parts with cold water and take a dose of 200 oaster oil: boil an handful of the leaves of stink- weed and the inner green bark of elder, in one pound of fresh butter until the leaves are crisp, and anoint the piles with this ointment every night: this ointment is also good for scalds or burns. MUSTARD, BLACK. SIN APIS NIGRA. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises three feet-in height: leaves near the root are large, irregularly heart shaped pinnated or lobed at the base, those on the branch- es narrow,pointed, and entire: flowers terminate. ZQi HISTORY. This plant grows common in corn-fields, along the banks of ditches, and about garden fences.: flowers in June. There are two kinds, the com- mon black mustard having blackish seeds, and the white which has lighter seeds, but they do not differ in quality. MEDICAL VIRTUES; It is a warm cordial medicine in cold phlegma- tic habits, where there is too much viscid phlegm, and in chronic diseases, where there is too languid a circulation : it is a strong diuretic and has been effectual in curing dropsies, chronic rheumatism, and palsies. Bruised mustard seed, or its flowers, mixed with warm water, proves a speedy and safe emetic, is good in paralitic complaints and inter- mittent fevers. A tea-spoonful of the seeds taken every morning cures gidiness and pains in the head. PREPARATION. The following sinapism, or poultice, will raise the pulse and relieve the disorders of the head : take powdered mustard seed and crumbs of bread, of each half a pound, and scraped horse-radish root, two ounces ; mix these with vinegar to the consistence of a poultice, apply it to the soles of the feet, and renew it occasionally: dose of the powder, from one to two spoonsstti in a tea-cup of warm water. 3& SOS NETTLE, COMMON. URTICA DIOICA. This plant rises from three to four feet in height: stem erect, quadaugular, and defended with hairs: leaves large, heart shaped, pointed, deeply serrated, wrinkled, veined, covered with sharp stings, in pairs, and is on long foot-stalks ; at the base of the foot-stalks are four stipuhe : flow- ers of a blueish colour and inconspicuous. HISTORY. It grows about old walls, near road sides, and in old waste grounds : flowers in July and August. 303 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The juice is astringent, and is good in gravelly Gomplaints, internal hemorrhagia, spitting of blood, and when snuffed up the nose stops the bleeding: the leaves while green are a powerful rubefacient; the decoction is good for those who make bloody urine and for all beginning consumptions. PREPARATION. Boil one pound of the dry herb in six quarts of rain water to the consumption of one half, and strain the decoction: dose, a tea-cup full taken four times a day, sweetened with loaf sugar ; and is good in all excessive floodings, and in spitting of blood, or bloody urine. The fresh juice may be taken in all the above complaints, in a dose from two to four ounces twice a day Excessive corpu- lency may be reduced by taking a few grains of nettle seed made into powder: by taking from one to two drachms of the powder, every night and morning, it will cure the goitree, which is a hard tumour growing on the fistulous part of the wind- pipe, without injuring the stomach or health. 304 OAK, BLACK. QUERCUS NIGRUM This tree grows throughout the United Staffcs, and is so well known that it needs no description. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The inner bark of the tree, taken off in the spring, is to be dryed awd pulverized. I have prescribed it in the cure of intermittent fevers with great success ; and I think it is preferable to the peruvian bark, as the dose may be given much larger, without causing nausea, or any other 205 inconvenience, which has been generally the con- sequence of using the peruvian bark immode- rately, in the cure of intermittents. PREPARATION. In the cure of intermittents, first take a puke of American ipecacuanha, and an anodine at bed time: on the next day, before the fit comes on, take from half a table-spoonful to a whole one of the powder, and continue the dose daily four times a day after the fits are broke, which is commonly done the first day. Boil two ounces of the dry bark of the black or white oak, in three quarts of water down to two ; strain it and add two ounces of pulverized alum: this decoction is good for the womb when it falls down, which must be done by dipping flannel in the liquor, and fomenting it three times a day. In order to obviate gangreen, boil a strong decoction of the black or white oak bark, and thicken it with the powder, apply the poultice warm to the part every hour, which has also proved effectual in preventing mortification, £0$ OAT, CULTIVATED. AVENA SATIVA. HISTORY. It is a plant something like wheat, whose native country is not yet discovered ; but is cultivated by most farmers in the United States, and is so gene- rally known that it needs no description, MEDICAL VIRTUES. Its use in gruel, 6jc. is well known by almost every person. The following secret is of great value. 307 PREPARATION. Take one pound and anhalf of fresh oats washed clean, and a large handful of the fresh succory root sliced ; boil them in six quarts of water down to three : strain the decoction through clean linen : to the strained liquor add half an ounce of purified sal nitre, and half a pound of lump sugar, then boil it again for an hour, and after it is cool pour off the clear liquor from the sediment, and put it in close glass bottles : cover it and set in a cool cellar for twenty-four hours, to be used in the fol- lowing maladies : in all kinds of fevers, cholics, pleurisies, itches, cutanious eruptions, tumours, re- moving hypocondrical disorders, cleansing the kid- nies, and removing obstructions of the viscera, take two tea-cups full twice a day, three hours before and after dinner daily, for two weeks. If the body is costive, a gentle purge should be taken before it is used. The effects of this medicine in dog days, is very remarkable, and is highly extolled as a preserva- tive if used for two weeks, either in the spring or autumn. The inventor of this decoction, by using it three times a year, viz. in the spring, dog days, and in autumn, is reported on record to have pro- tracted his life, without sickness, to the hundred and twentieth year of his age. After the celebrated doctor Lower had observed its efficacy in the cure of several disorders, he made the preparation pub- lic, for the benefit of mankind. It has been found SOS good to quench thirst in fevers, stops hemorrha- ges, obstructions of the menses, chlorosis or green sickness in young girls, and is a great purifier of the blood. N. B. According to Chambers' Universal Me- dical Dictionary, the decoction must be kept in a cool cellar, and made fresh every week in warm weather. Tbe first inventor of this valuable medi*. cine, was the celebrated Johannes de St. Catha-v rina*. 309 PEACH TREE. AMYGDALUS AMERICANA. DESCRIPTION. The leaves of this tree are narrow, pointed, sharp, serrated, alternate, and grow on foot-stalks : flowers are of a light blush red: stamina conspicu- ous, and inserted into the calyx. HISTORY. It is a native of Persia, and was first brought to England in the year 1365, and from England it was brought to America during its first settlement, where it may be found in great plenty. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The fruit when ripe, is cooling and nourishing; the flowers are good for worms in children, and the 97 &fO dry leaves have been found effectual in removing obstructions of the urine. PREPARATION. Boil one pound of the fresh flowers in eight quarts of spring or rain water, to the consumption of four quarts, strain the decoction and put four pounds of lump sugar in it, then boil it to the con- sistence of honey : from two to three tea-spoonsful to a large table-spoonful, according to their age, may be given to children troubled with worms, every morning and at bed time for three days, both before the full and change of the moon, this is a safe medicine for children, and ought to be made by every family when the tree is in bloom, and the sirup kept in a stone pot covered, and put in a cool cellar for use. Persons troubled with obstruc- tions and difficulty in making urine, have found immediate relief by the following infusion : pour one quart of boiling rain water on an handful of the dry leaves of the peach tree, and one handful of goose grass or cleavers: dose, a tea-cup full taken every hour, warm and sweetened with honey : let the patient be bled in the foot, and if costive give him a dose of Caster oil, or sal glauber, before using the infusion, for often the suppression of urine pro- ceeds from a stoppage of the cu&tomaiy bleeding piles. £11 PENNY-ROYAL. PULEGIUM. I DESCRIPTION. This plant is perennial, warm, pungent, and aro- matic: flowers in September. HISTORY. It grows in old pastures, and in the woods on poor uplands. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is stimulative, antispasmodic, expectorant and cmmenagogic : is beneficial in easing spasms? promotes expectoration in the whooping cough, hysterical complaints, and pains in the hips. PREPARATION. Pour a quart of boiling water on an handful of the herb: dose, half a pint once or twice a day 81* and at bed time, for the bringing down of the mea- ses. In hooping coughs, children may take a tea- spoonful of the juice sweetened with honey every two hours. 59ft©5?ft8©C POKE ROOT. PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises from three to four feet in height: leaves ovate, and on strong stalks : flowers purple: berries dark purple : the seeds inconspi- cuous. 313 HISTORY. It grows by the road sides, near old buildings, and in pastures, throughout the United States. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root, which is large, bulbous, and vvhife, is an emetic, cathartic, and discutient. Ihe berries are stimulative, sudorific, and pectoral. PREPARATION. Infuse one ounce of the coarse powdered root ia a pint of Madeira wine for a week, and you will have an excellent emetic wine : dose, two table-spoons- ful, which operates mildly, and work it off with ca- momile tea. Several wonderful cures in chronic rheumatisms have been effected by the following tincture : to one pint and an half of the expressed juice of the berries add half a pint of brandy: dose, from one to two table-spoonsful night and morning, diluted in half a pint of prickly-ash tea. The root roasted and mashed with vinegar, discus- ses hard glandular tumours, by applying it twice a day. The follow ing is the method for making my fa- mous cancer ointment, which has been purchased of me by a great number of physicians, and always proved effectual : take the fresh leaves and roots of young poke weed, bruise them well in a mortar, and express the juice : to one pound of fresh butter, burnt in a frying-pan till it is of a blackish colour, stir in half a pint of pulverized gun powder, and 214 hold it over the fire until it flashes onCe or twice : then pour the butter thus burnt into a quart of the poke juice, mix it well, and let in stand on the hot coals in an earthen pot until it is boiled to the con- sistence of an ointment. This ointment if spread on linen and applyed over the cancer every other day, will kill the roots and bring them all out. Wash the cancer with a decoction of yellow dock root, boiled in four quarts of water down to three ; and drink halt a pint of it daily twice a day. After the roots are dead, apply a poultice of bruised yel- low dock, leaves, and heal the sore with the elder salve. 315 PRICKLY PEAR. SEDUM ACRE This cuiious plant is so well known that it needs no further description, than is given you by the engraving. HISTORY. It grows on rocks near king's bridge, in the county of New-York, as well as in other rocky places throughout the United States. MEDICAL VIRTUES. I have found it of great service in the cure of malignant ulcers on the lcg;s, and efficacious in the cure of corns. Sltf PREPARATION. Take the pear while green and split it with a knife, scrape off the inner soft mucilage, and apply some of it spread upon a clean linen rag over the sore twice a day until cured. For corns, soak the feet in warm water for ten minutes, pare the horney part with a razor, and bind a fresh piece of the inner side of the pear on the corn twice a day, and in a few days your corns will be cured. The following decoction has been found of great benefit in violent scorbutic humours, such as dropsy, cancers and scurvy : boil a large hand full of the prickly pear, cut in thin slices, in a quart of new milk, and take a gill every other morning. »17 PURSLATN. PORLULACA. This plant is well known by every housewife in the country, and most people in the city : it rises a foot or more in heigh', has smooth redish suc. MEDICAL VIRTUES. This is the herb so long sought for by the gentle- men of the faculty, and has been found by experi- ence, an infallible cure for scrophula, or king's evil. PREPARATION. Bruise the fresh green leaves of the herb, and bind them on the scrophulus lumps, and renew 221) them every three hours, and infuse an handful of the dry or green herb in a quart of boiling wjitcr; take a tea-cup full four or five limes a d.-v, and wash the lumps or sores, every time before apply- ing the bruised leaves, with the water wherein the herb hath been infused. Likewise, dissolve four ounces of prepared natron, in three pints of boi;ed rain water ; give the patient a wine glass f 11 three times a day, and bath in the salt water, during the months of June and July, three morn- ings successively every week, whieh will prevent a relapse, and make a radical cure. A noted geutleman of the faculty, well skilled in the virtues of our indigenous plants, who lives near Wyome, told me that he had cured his sister of the scrophula, by the use of said plant, in the manner above directed. A lady called at my shop, not long since, enquiring for this herb, which I shewed her, growing in my garden. She then told me that the indians had cured a relation of hers, by using this plant as I have above directed. Thus gentlemen, 1 have made public a newly dis- covered remedy, which in skilful hands, will pre- serve many useful lives. $25 ftATTMSNAKR PLANTAIN. PLANTAGO BOIGJLMNGO. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises six inches in height: leaves five inches long, and near two inches broad from the center: has but one sm li white fjpwer: root about the size of a goose-quiil, bent and divided into several branches. HISTORY. This plant grows in meadows, and low pasture grounds. $0 226 MEDICAL VIRTUES. It has been found, by repeated trials of the Indians, as a sure antidote for the bite of the rattle- snake : in short, the Indians are so confident of the power of this plant, that for one quart of rum, they would at any time permit a rattle-snake to bite them. PREPARATION. As soon as any person has been bit by a rattle- snake, or his pilot, which is as poisonous, or a Viper, let him apply the pounded leaf of this plant to the wound, and take every hour, a table-spoon- ful or two of the expressed juice inwardly of the pltntain and honset leaves, of each an handful, and they are without danger. Take half a pound of the roots and tops, boil them in two quarts of beef brine, and the patient who is troubled with that in- veterate itching about the hands, #jc. called the salt rheum, must wash the parts three times a day with this brine, and take a dose of salts once a week: it will cure them without the expence of applying to a doctor. There is but few who have been able to effect a cure with the use of the com- mon remedies of the shops ; but I have never failed with any whom I have undertaken, and I had a man under my hands, whose whole body, as well as his hands, was like a leopard with the salt rheum, and in two or three weeks he was so far re- covered as to go to sea. 227 ROSE BALM. MELISSA ROSARUM. This beautiful plant rises two feet in height: leaves heart shaped with a sharp point, serrated, in pairs, opposite each other on tender redish stalks : flowers of a beautiful deep red, which ap- pear in July. HISTORY. It is indigenous to the United States, and grows plentifully on the borders and banks of low mead- dows in New-Jersey, Long-Island, $c. MEDICAL VIRTUES. This plant is an excellent febrifuge, antiseptic, diuretic, and sudorific, and is beneficial in all in- flammatory fevers, pleurisies, piles, and ardour of urine, «2S PREPARATION. On one handful of the dry tops and flowers pour a quart of bolting rain water, cover the vessel and set it on hot ashes for an hour. A fter all necessary evacuations in fevers, pleurises, $c. the patient mav take a tea-cup full of this tea every hour, with a little lime juice in it and sweetened with lump sugar ; and in order to raise tlie perspiration, the patient may bathe his feet in warm water for fif- teen minutes, and dry the feet with a cloth. Let him drink a tea-cup full warm in bed every half hour, with ten or twelve drops of spirits of harts- horn in each tea-cup full of tea, until it has caused a plentiful diaphoresis. He must avoid the cold after this for fear of a relapse. The rose balm is more aromatic, and more effectual in fevers, than the garden balm, or melis- aa officionalas, of the shops, 82* ROSE WILLOW. # SAL1X RUBRA ROSA LIS. This tree is about the size of an apple-tree, and covered with a greyish coloured bark and very red within, with a bunch in the top resembling a bunch of roses, from whence it derives its name. HISTORY. It grows near brooks, along the hanks of rivers, and on upland meadows : it is known throughout the United States by the name of red rose willow, which distinguishes it from the black willow, which grows in swamps and along the sides of moist "meadows- 280 MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is a powerful astringent, and I think prefera- ble to the peruvian bark as a tonic. I have used it several years and have found it beneficial in re- lieving weakly women, labouring under the fluor albus, or whites ; likewise, restraining immoderate flowing of the menses, and is good in all cutaneous eruptions of the skin and intermittent fevers. PREPARATION. Boil one pound of the bark of rose willow root in six quarts of water down to three: strain the decoction, and put in it three pints of port wine, and four ounces of loaf sugar: dose, a tea-cup full three times a day as a tonic, ^c. To be taken daily until the whites are stopped. It is also good in gleets and the clap. I have cured hundreds by the use of the decoction without the wine and by useing it as an injection : dose, a pint taken morn- ing and night, after the ardour of urine is gone, and drink flax-seed or mallow tea first, with nitre in it. 281 SHEEP SORREL. RUMEX ACETOSA It rises from one to two feet in height: leaves are radical, and arrow sliaped, of a bright green colour, and stand upon long foot-stalks : flowers produced in terminal spikes, tinged, of a redish colour : the seeds are single and of a triangular shape HISTORY. In grows in old pastures, and in cornfields, 6>c. throughout the United States. MEDICAL VIRTUES. An infusion of the leaves are refrigerent useful in all inflammatory habits, as well as in the. scurvy* 2SB PREPARATION. With the leaves of sheep sorrel, I cured u large soft wen, which a man had on his scrotum for twenty years, which hung down as big as the egg of a goose. Being called by one William Comfort, in Orange county, to examine his case, I walked with him in the field, and found it to be a soft wen, without arteries, Sjc. I ordered him to pull up a few bunches of the sheep sorrel, growing in his cornfield, and to wrap them in wet brown paper and roast them un- der the ashes, when done to mash them into the consistence of a poultice, and to sift a spoonful or two of ashes into the poultice and apply it over the wen warm, every two hours. In a a few days he called upon me, and finding by applying my finger, that there was pus or matter formed, I opened it with a lance, and after evacuating the matter, I pressed out a coagulum resembling curd. I then ordered him to apply an emolient poultice, £$c. and in two weeks he was cured, 238 SPEEDWELL^ MALE. VERONICA. This plant is chiefly raised in gardens, and is so well known that it needs no description. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is aperient, pectoral, diuretic, and has been found beneficial in disorders of the breast, both catanhous and ulcerous, it purifies the blood a id juices : an infusion of the leaves drank as a tea, promotes urine, strengthens the stomach, re- moves melancholy, gravelly complaints, bloody urine, hoarseness, and cholic. PREPARATION. Pour a quart of boiling water, on an hand-ful of leaves : dose, a tea-cup full taken four times a day: the powder of the root may be taken, a tea-spoon- 30 334 for every night and morning in a dish of the tea, which will be more effectual in the cure of the above complaints if sweetened with loaf sugar. SPIKENARD. NARDUS AMERICANUS. This plant rises to three or four feet in height: leaves are many, small ovate, on long branches, from a thick purplish stalk : flowers inconspicuous very small, of a blueish colour, producing berries much resembling elder berries of a sweetish plea- sant aromatic taste. HISTORY. This large plant grows in low rich grounds and among rocks. The roots run under the ground very long, about the thickness of your finger, and have a very fragrant smell and pleasant taste* 235 MEDICAL VIRTUES. This plant is much used by the Indians. The roots have been found effectual in gouty complaints. The berries are balsamic, cordial, and anodine ; and when ripe, infused in an equal quantity of brandy and water, make an excellent cordial, very palata- ble, reviving, and highly beneficial to persons af- flicted with the gout. This medicine has cured a man afflicted with the gout in the stomach, when other medicines had been tried to no purpose. PREPARATION. Pour a pint of brandy on a pint of the fresh berries, and let it stand for a week near the fire, then pour a pint of rain water on them. Keep this medicine by you as a speedy cure for the gout in the stomach: dose, a wine glass of this cordial three times a day. This is a disorder which has proved mortal to my neighbour, who went to his bed seemingly well, but was suddenly seized with the gout in his stomach, which carried him off in a few minutes : but had he taken a glass of this cor- dial, I make no doubt, but his life might have been prolonged. For wounds a poultice of the fresh root will cure without any other medicine, and is good for ulcere in the leg, ^c, 235 SCABIOUS. SCABIOSA ARVENSIS. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises two or three feet in height, with many hairy, soft, and whitish green leaves some- what jagged on the edges, on the tops of which stand round heads of flowers of a pale blueish co- lour. HISTORY. This plant grows plentifully in old pasture grounds and in cornfields. 287 MEDICAL VIRTUES. I have found a decoction of,this herb beneficial in the cure of all itchy cutaucou*. ei upturns ; and a sirup of the leaves and roots is good in dry coughs, by promoting expectoration. The bruised green leaves of the herb applied to buboes, quickly dis- perse or brakes them. It is diuretic and a good emmenagogue. PREPARATION. Boil one pound of the leaves and roots in one gallon of rain water, down to three quarts, and strain the decoction : dose, half a pint every morn- ing and evening ; in all recent coughs and chro- nic complaints, the patient may take a wine glass three times a day of the following sirup : to two quarts of the expressed juice of the leaves, add two quarts of molasses, two ounces of sugar candy, and two ounces of liquorice root bruised: boil it to the consistence of honey : strain it and put it up in pots for use. 23* SNAKE WEED. POLYGONUM BISTORT A. The root is about the size of the little finger, of a blackish colour on the outside and redish within, writhed or bent vermicularly with a joint at each bending, and full of bushy fibres : the root has one or two, and sometimes three or more crooks : stalk simple, about eighteen inches in height: leaves sadical, oval, or rather heart shaped, the upper ones are narrower, undulated, and embrace the stem : flowers arc clustered in a spike, terminate the stem, and are of a light red colour : the co- rolla is tubelar and divided into five small oval seg- ments, which are at the base supplied with sevc* ral nectariferous glands. 239 HISTORY. This plant grows wild in moist meadows, <8$c. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root is one of the strongest vegetable as- tringents known : dose of the powdered root, is from a scruple to a drachm. PREPARATION. In the cure of intermittents, give from one to two tea-spoonsful of the powder four times a day, after taking a puke. Two tea-spoonsful in yarrow tea, taken four times a day, will stop all immode- rate floodings from the ulterus, and fluxes of th« belly. A strong decoction of four ounces of the root, boiled in two quarts of water down to one, sweetened with honey, is an excellent gargle for Ihe sore mouth and will fasten loose teeth. ^ £40 SOLOMON'S SEAL. CONVALLARIA POLYGONATUM. This plant rises six or eight inches in height: leaves lanceolated, and of a dark green colour: flowers in umbels and hang on the sides of the stalks, producing red berries. HISTORY. It grows on the sides of meadows, high banks and mountains, in every part of the United States. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The roots are restringent, incrassant, and coro- borant: the flowers, berries, and leaves, are acrid and poisonous. The sweet mucilage of the roots applied as a poultice, is good in inflammations and the piles. PREPARATION. Take an handful of the powdered roots of Solo- mon's seal and comfrey roots bruised, put them in 241 two quarts of port wine, and shake it often. A wine glass of this tincture may be taken three times a day on an empty stomach, by all weakly women that are subject to the fluor albus, whites, or immoderate flowing of the menses. The leaves rise immediately from the root, and divide from one stem into pairs : the flowers pro- ceed from between these leaves, and are large, pur- ole, and bell shaped. 81 242 HISTORY. This is a perennial plant which grows in mea- dows and low grounds, throughout the United States of America, and has but two leaves, which are reniform and very obtuse, as may be seen in the engraving: the root is fibrous, of a grey brown colour externally, but white within : both the root and leaves have a nauseous, bitter, acrimonious, hot taste. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root given in substance from half a drachm to a drachm, is a powerful emetic, and works both upwards and downwards. I have found it a good medicine in the hooping cough and obstruct- ed menses. PREPARATION. Take one ounce of the dried roots and leaves, and infuse them in one quart of boiling water: children afflicted with the hooping cough, may take a table-spoonful warm every half hour, and females, in order to promote the menses, may take a tea-cup full with a spoonful of good rum, three times a day, and especially when going to bed. One ounce of the dried leaves and roots, together with two or three drachms of the flowers of laven- der, finely pulverized, makes a stimulating and ce- phalic snuff, which is agreeable and efficacious, far superior to what is commonly sold for herb snuff. 243 In all disorders of the head and eyes, proceeding from viscid tenacious matter, palsies, and soporific distempers, take a small pinch of this snuff every night when going to bed, and avoid taking cold. SOAPWORT. SAPONARIA OFFICINALIS, DESCRIPTION. This plant rises a foot in height: leaves entire, pointed, and furnished with three ribs : flowers nu- merous, terminal, large, and of a pale pink colour. 244 HISTORY. It grows in low moist swamps and meadows, and flowers in July and August. A decoction of the root or leaves of this plant, produces a saponacious froth not injured by acids, which has been used by the people living near the Ohio river, as a substi- tute for soap. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It has been found upon trial to cure the jaun- dice and obstructions of the liver, and is far su- perior to the sarsaparilla in the cure of the vene- real disease. PREPARATION. Take two ounces of the dry root, and four oun- ces of the leaves, boil them in four quarts of rain or spring water, to the consumption of one half, and strain the decoction for use: dose, half a pint four times a day. 246 STINKING GOOSE-FOOT. CHEN0P0D1UM FCETIDUM. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises near a foot in height: leaves numerous, mealy, and alternate, upon short foot- stalks : flowers small and inconspicuous, of a light green, and placed in clusters, but has no seed ves- sel. HISTORY. It grows near old walls, old ruins, dunghils, b)e. flowers in August, and in its fresh state has the smell of putrid salt fish. 246 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The green leaves are an excellent medicine in hysteric and spasmodic" complaints, being both emolient and superative. PREPARATION. The leaves and flowers should be exsicated or dried as quick as possible, and put in a close bot- tle for use. In all hysteric fits, give the patient a tea-spoonful of the juice in a little peppermint or penny-royal water, every two hours, which gen- erally gives immediate relief, quicker and more ef- fectual than asafoBtida. 247 ST. JOHNS WORT. HYPERICUM PERFORATUM This plant rises two feet in height, with spread- ing branches from the sides to the top, of round hard upright stalks, with two small leaves set one against the other throughout, of a deep green co- lour : flowers, which stand on the heads of tne branches, are yellow, five leaved, with many yellow threads in the middle, which when bruised yield a redish juice like blood, and produce small round heads containing the seed, which are black and smell like rosin: the root is hard with many fibres. and of a brownish colon!'. 248 HISTORY. It grows in meadows, pasture grounds, church- yards, ^c. and flowers the last of June or the begin- ning of July. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It has been found beneficial in promoting urine, curing of ulcers, immoderate Sowings of the men- ses, diarrhoea, removes lowness of spirits, helps hysterical, hypocoudriac, and maniacal disorders. PREPARATION. Put two ounces of the dry flowers of St. John'* wort into a quart of good French brandy, and shake the bottle often. For the diarrhoea or flux of the belly: let the patient take a dose of rhubarb in molasses when going to bed, and the next day after the purging is done, he may take a wine glass full of the brandy twice a day until he is well. The liquor will he made more effectual as well as more pleasant, hy putting three ounces of pounded loaf sugar in the bottle of brandy, drinking d&ily from one to four tea-cups of the tea, made by pouring a quart of boiling water on an handful of the leave? and tops of the plant. The following is an excellent ointment for d?" cussing hard breasts and indolent tumours : take two handsful of the fresh flowers of St. John's wort and one handful of the inward bark of elder, one handful of the fresh bark of the root of bittersweet 249 »ne handful of the leaves of stramonium, or stink- weed, and an handful of the leaves of fox-glove; put all the ingredients, after being mashed in a mortar, into an earthen pipkin with two pounds of fresh butter or hog's lard, and a pint of brandy, and let it simmer over the coals for four hours, and strain it for use. The tumour must be anuointed with this ointment three times a day, observing to keep the body open by cream of tartar whey, a spoonful to a pint of milk. ■*1Z %m SASSAFRAS TREE. LAURUS 8A@&AF9A& DESCRIPTION. This well known useful tree rises to thirty feet in height: the leaves vary in form and size, some being oval and entire, others cut into lobes, of a pale green, veined, downy on the inside and placed alternate : flowers in pendent spikes. HISTORY. It grows plentifully in the woods and low grounds throughout the United States. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is a gentle, stimulating, warm, sudorific, and diuretic medicine. 251 PREPARATION. Pour a quart of boiling water on an handful of the dry flowers, and after the patient has taken a dose of sal glauber, he may take a tea-cup full of this aromatic tea four times a day, which will pro- mote perspiration, cause free circulation of the blood, and helps the urinary discharge. In rheu- matic complaints and cutaneous eruptions, use the following preparation : take of the bark of sassafras root twro ounces, American sarsaparilla four ounces, and lignum vitea chips two ounces ; boil all the in- gredients in six quarts of water down to three, and strain the decoction : dose, half a pint three times a day, and at bed time, for one week. 2&2 SAVIN. SABINA. The leaves of this plant are numerous, firm, pointed, inverting the younger branches : flowers inconspicuous, producing a blackish purple berry. HISTORY. It grows near rivers and sides of roads, in New- Jersey, fyc. flowers in June. MEDICAL VIRTUES. Savin is a most powerful and dangerous em- menagogue in unskilful hands, as it is of a very acrid and heating substance, and shows a more powerful determination to the uterus than any other plant except the pappoosc root, and ought; 253 never to be made use of by pregnant women, or women of a plethoric or full habit. PREPARATION. The powder of the dry leaves must be kept in a bottle, and used as follows: in order to promote the menses in weakly women, give a tea-spoonful of the powder, daily twice a day, in a tea-cup full of penny-royal tea, at the usual time of the moon, and set over the fume of motherwort, tansy, cat- nip, #>c. every night till they come down. Vene- real warts are destroyed by sprinkling the powder on them twice a day. By the following preparation I make the fine green savin ointment : take one pound of hog's lard, and after it is melted stir in the powder of the leaves until it becomes of the consistence of an ointment. This is an excellent drawing ointment for issues and perpetual blisters, far better than that which is made by boiling the leaves in the fat. The extract made into pills, of the size of a pea, may be taken from six to ten or twenty, every night, in obstructed menses. 294 SWEET BAY TREE. LAURUS NOBILIS. DESCRIPTION. The bay tree is the crown of victory among poets, and the emblem of peace with conquerors, it never rises with a stem, but sends forth many radical shoots : the leaves are smooth, often waved at the margin, of a shining green, and stand erect upon *hort foot-stalks: the flowers appear in clusters, and the flower-stalks proceed from the ala3 of the leaves : the corolla is cut into four upright oval segment.!?, of a yellowish, white colour, succoeded by a n oval berry. ass HISTORY. This beautiful tree grows in abundance in the state of Kentucky, near the river Mississippi, $>c. MEDICAL VIRTUES. Both the leaves and berries contain a considera- ble quantity of essential stimulating aromatic green oil, which will cure the herpes, itch, and cutaneous eruptions, by anointing the parts every night. SWEET CICELY, MYRRBIS, DESCRIPTION. This plant rises from two to three feet in height: leaves small, heart shaped, numerous and on long stalks: flowers small and of a pale white cn?our. 256 HISTORY. It grows plentifully on the sides of low meadows. on the banks of running streams, and on the bor- ders of low wood lands. MEDICAL VIRTUES. I have found the root both carminative, and ex- pectorant, and tastes like anise-seed. PREPARATION. In flatulent or windy complaints of the bowels, observe the following directions : take masterwort root and sweet cicely root, of each one ounce finely pulverized : dose, a tea-spoonful of the compound powder twice a day, taken in mallows tea, will be beneficial in coughs ; and in windy complaints, half a tea-spoonful taken in a table-spoonful of brandy and water, twice a day on an empty sto- mach, will give immediate relief ♦ $5? SOUTHERN-WOOD. ARTEMISIA ABROTANUM DESCRIPTION. This plant rises three feet in height: with verti- cal branches: leaves numerous, and irregularly bi- pinnated : pinna? long, linear, narrow, and entire: flowers very minute, of a greyish yellow colour, in close terminal spikes, and intermixed with the leaves. HISTORY. It is perennial, and grows in gardens. as %bS MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is stimulent, detergent, sudorific, discutient, and antisceptic, and the powder has been given to open obstructions of the viscera and to destroy worms: it is also applied externally, in ointments and fomentations, for cutaneous eruptions, hard tumours, preventing the hair from falling out and causing it to grow. PREPARATION. Boil one pound of the plant in a gallon of rain water, down to two quarts ; strain it, and use it as a wash for the scald head. For baldness, first rub the part for ten minutes with the juice of white onion, then wash it with an infusion of two ounces of the powdered leaves in a pint of brandy, and wear a cap. For obstructions and worms, take from one to two tea-spoonsful of the powder in mo- lasses, morning and evening. $59 SPLEENWORT. ASPLENIUM TRICHOMANES DESCRIPTION. This is a small plant, six or eight inches in height : leaves upright, numerous and pinnated : the ribs are blackish, pinna? in pairs annexed. gradually diminishing towards the top. HISTORY. It grows in bunches in low woods, near moist meadows, and among rocks. MEDICAL VIRTUES. Its leaves are pectoral, aperient, and diuretic they open obstructions of the viscera, promote ex- pectoration, assist urine by cleansing the kidneys, sewo alav pains in the unirary passages ?\y ^T.tly car- rying off sand and gravel, and has emeu uie vene- real disease. PREPARATION. Put an handful of the dry plant into a quart mug. and fill it up with boiling water : dose, a tea- cup full taken four times a day, sweetened with honey. In the cure of hypochondriac affections, the patient may take a spoonful of the expressed juice of the plant, twice a day, beginning the first day to take but half a table-spoonful at a time. Idiots have had their reason restored by drinking the juice of this plant. I have been credibly informed, of a countryman, who came down the river Deleware with a raft, as far as Trenton, who had there the misfor- tune of catching the venereal disease, and that on his return he met with an Indian squaw, who by the use of this plant cured him in a few days. 861 SENNA. SENNA AxMERICANA. This plant rises from two to four feet in height: resembling a shrub, and sending out hollow woody stems: leaves in alternate order, compouud, com- posed of several pairs, oval, pointed, and nerved: pinna? of a yellowish green colour: flowers yel- low, forming a spike, consisting of five petals: the pod is curved and short. HISTORY. It grows in New-Jersey, Connecticut, and along the Susquehanna river, in abundance. 36SS MEDICAL VIRTUES. It has been customary to reject the pedicles of the leaves of senna, but this is mere prejudice, for both leaves and pedicles act in the same way. The American senna operates milder than the senna that is imported, but must be given in a larger dose. PREPARATION. Pour a pint of boiling water on eight drachms of American senna, and put a tea-spoonful of gin- ger, or the powder of masterwort root to it; let it stand in the pot for fifteen minutes for use ; child- ren may take one or two tea-cups full twice a day, sweetened with milk in it, which will prove a mild purge without griping; adults may take a desert-spoonful of the powder with a tea-spoonful of ginger, night and morning, as a safe and gentle purge. The following electuary is an excellent laxative for loosening the belly in costive habits: take of senna leaves powdered six ounces, master- wort or ginger powdered one ounce, pulp of French pruens one pound, pulp of tamarinds two ounces, molasses a pint and an half, essential oil of caraway two drachms : boil the pulps in the molasses to the consistence of honey, then add the powders, and when the mixture cools put in the oil, and mix the whole intimately : dose, a tea-spoonful twice a day. in order to keep the body soluble. 263 SNAKE ROOT. ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA, This plant rises from seven to nine inches in height: leaves heart shape, entire, pointed, veined, and are upon foot-stalks : flowers of a purplish brwon colour: base globular, the middle contract- ed, and twisted, and the extremity spreading. HISTORY. It grows throughout the United States, in woods and on the banks of meadows: flowers in August. MEDICAL VIRTUES. This root is a very warm cordial aromatic, and as a diaphoretic and operates diuretic: it is a good cordial medicine in supporting the strength of life, ©64 and promotes a free perspiration in low and putrid feverst : it is very efficacious mixt with the bark, in the cure of intermittent fevers : ten grains in three drachms of the powder, given with five drops of laudanum every three hours, has prevented the mortification of a fractured limb. PREPARATION. Take of snake root sliced and bruised three ounces, good old rum one quart, keep it in a cover- ed earthen pot by the fire for five days, and strain the tincture for use: dose, a table-spoonful twice a day, as a diaphoretic in low stages of fevers. In confluent small pox, when sores appear gangrene, and the powers of life appear sunk, take the fol- lowing mixture: bruised snake root four drachms, boiling water one pint, tincture of snake root two drachms, and sirup of ginger four drachms : dose, two table-spoonsful to be taken every three hours, in the above complaints. ma SQUAW-ROOT, OR WHITE QUEEN MEADOW. ASCL1P1AS PURPURASCENS. k~^-i?& ni'. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises about two feet in height: leaves* numerous and lanceolate: flowers white, termi- nating in a long pod which contains the seed: the roots white and bushy, and consist of many fibres. HISTORY. This useful plant grows in moist meadows and low grounds, in New-Jersey and on Long-Island. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is a powerful sudorific, diuretic and pectoral : it has also been found beneficial in the cure of the pleurisy and suppression of urine. 84 S66 PREPARATION. Take two tea-spoonsful of the powder of the root every two hours, in a tea-cup full of balm tea, for the cure of the pleurisy, after previous evacua- tions, as bleeding and purging, or a blister laid on tbe side over the pain, which will raise a plen- tiful perspiration without heating the body, which generally cures the disease. Women who are troubled with a difficulty in making urine, may first take a dose of sal glauber, and when it is done working drink half a pint, three times a day, of the following infusion : pour two quarts of boiling water on two quarts of the dry roots and sweeten it with honey. This is a good drink in fevers and recent colds, where a diaphoresis or sweat is neces- sary. 367 SUCCORY. CICHOREUM. DESCRIPTION. The wild succory hath many long leaves, lying on the ground, very much torn on the edge*, and ending in a point. It hath a rib down the middle of the leaf, from which rises up a hard round stalk, spreading into many branches set with smaller leaves and divided to the top, where stand the flowers, which are like those that grow in gar- dens. The whole plant is exceeding bitter, much stronger than the garden kind, and therefore is bet- ter in medicine. £<§& HISTORY. It grows wild about old ruins, in barren fields, and in gardens. MEDICAL VIRTUES. They are laxative, aperient, attenuant, deter- gent, and corroborant. The juice expressed from this plant when in bloom, has been found bene- ficial in the obstructions of the viscera, jadndice, cachexies, hectic fevers, hypocondriac affections, cutaneous eruptions, debility of the bowels, and other chronic disorders. PREPARATION. Press out the juice through a canvas bag, and clarify it by setting it on coals until it boils, when you must take the scum from it and set it aside to cool: pour off the clear juice from the sediment; and put it in bottles with a spoonful of sweet oil in each, and keep them close corked: dose, a wine glass three times a day. 369 SCULL-CAP. SCUTELLARIA GALERICULATA. This is a perennial plant, and rises about two feet in height: leaves are on a square stem op- posite each other the same as boneset, and spear shaped towards the end : flowers blue, or rather of a violet colour. HISTORY. It grows about the borders of ponds, and on the banks of rivers : flowers in August. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is a great astringent, and has been found an infallible cure for the bite of a mad dog, either in man or beast. The following secret preparation I procured from a physician in ^ew-Jersey, who 270 brought me the herb, and which 1 now communi- cate for the general good of my fellow creatures, that in case of their meeting with such a misfor- tune they may know how to apply a remedy that has never failed in one instance, when applied ac- cording to the following preparation. PREPARATION. Gather the leaves of the plant about the last of July, dry them carefully in the shade, and after being pulverized sift the powder through a hair sieve, and put it in bottles well corked for use. As soon as a person has been bit by a mad dog, he must take a gill four times a day, every other day, of the tea made by pouring a pint of boiling water on a table-spoonful of the dry herb or powder, and the day it is omitted he must take a tea-spoonful of the flour of sulphur, in the morning fasting and at bed time, in new milk, and apply the pounded green herb to the wound every two hours, conti- nuing the prescription for three weeks. To cattle or horses, give four times the quantity prescribed for a man. S71 STINK-WEED, OR THORN-APPLE. DATURA STRAMONIUM. This plant rises two feet in height: stem large, upright, with forked alternate leaves, large and broad towards the base, pointed towards the ex- tremity, toothed, standing upon strong foot-stalks: flowers white, large and solitary, consisting of a single leaf, bell shaped, plicate cut into five teeth, and stand upon a long tube : anthers conspicuous- #7» capsule covered with spines large and fleshy, opening with four valves, showing a column in the centre, giving nourishment and support to many kidney shaped seeds. HISTORY. The thorn-apple is an annual plant, which gradually diffuses itself from south to north throughout the United States of America, and is well known to every one by the name of stink- weed, or jimston-weed. MEDICAL VIRTUES. Both the extract and powder have been given in the cure of mania, and epileptic fits, with great success in our hospitals. PREPARATION. In the cure of the above diseases, the following pills will answer the purpose : take fresh extract of stramonium two ounces, of the fine powder of wild valerian two ounces ; make a mass with mucilage gum arabic to the consistence of pills, each pill from one to two grains. The patient may begin with taking one grain morning and night, increas- ing the dose half a grain daily, according to its effect. The tincture of stramonium is made by infusiug two ounces of the bruised seed in four ounces of Madeira wine, and a wine glass of old rum ; let it infuse for one week : dose, a tea-spoon- ful taken in valerian tea twice a day, increasing tho %7% dose from one to two or three tea-spoonsful, occa- sionally, in epileptic fits, mania, hypocondria, and lowness of spirits. Take half a pint or a pint of the expressed juice of the leaves, half a pound of mutton tallow, a pound or more ef linseed oil, and half a pound of bees-wax : melt the whole in a pipkin over the coals, and put it up for use, a little of this ointment spread on linen will cure burns and the piles, by anointing them with it. 35 874 SOUTH-SEA TEA, OR YAUPON. CASSENA ILEX VOM1TORIA. This shrub usually rises from the ground with several stems, to the height of twelve feet, shooting into many upright slender stiff branches, covered with whitish smooth bark ; set alternately with small evergreen serrated leaves, resembling those- of alaternus. Its flowers are small and white, and grow promiscuously among the leaves, and are succeeded by small sperical berries, on short foot- stalks : these berries turn red in October and re- main so all the winter, which wi'h the green leaves and w hito bark make an elegant appearance. But S75 the great esteem and use the Creek Indians have for it, gives it a greater character. They say, that from the earliest times the virtues and use of this 6hrub has been known and in use among them, prepared in the manner they now do, which is by drying or rather parching the leaves in an earthen pot over a slow fire. Of this they prepare their lie- loved black drink, by making a strong decoction of it, which they drink in large qua tities, as well for their health as for pleasure, without* any sugar o- other mixture. They have an annual custom ofdriuking it with ceremony, every spring: the town having notice from the king, the inhabitants assemble at the town-house, having previously pur- ged their houses by fire of all their old furniture, and supplied themselves with new: the king is first served with a calabash tilled with this liquor, and so on in succession to the next in rank, until they come to the wo men and children. They say it restores lost appetite, strengthens the stomach, and gives them agility and courage in war. HISTORY. It grows plentifully in South-Carolina, and along the sea coast, as well as among the Creek nation of Indians. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is a powerful diuretic, and is effectual in the cure of the drops v and suppression of the urine, and is the mast pleasant tea 1 ever drank. S76 PREPARATION. Take the fresh leaves of the cassena and put them in an iron pot over the fire, keep stiring them constantly until they are parched to a deep brown colour: rub them while they are hot to a coarse powder, and put it in bottles for use. This tea may be used in the same manner as green tea, and 1 do recommend it to families as much wholesomer. and more palatable, from my own knowledge, hav- ing used it*for my breakfast generally during the American revolution Indian spring physic, or black drink, is as fol- lows : they parch the leaves of cassena in an ear- then pot over a slow fire, uutil they are nearly black, of which they make a very strong decoction, and when the warriors and others are seated, one old warrior serves all, turn and turn about, with a ca- labash full of black drink. After each has drank enough, they smoke their pipes, and after a little while, puke up w hat they have drank, repeating the medicine for an hour. 277 STRIPED BLOODWORT. LAPATHUM SANGU1NEU3I RUBRUM. , This plant rises six or seven inches in height: out of the top of the stalk, which is small, and bare of leaves, grow small purple flowers, which turn into husks that contain the seed : the leaves lie flat upon the ground, are three or four in number, hairy, full of red winding veins, oval shaped, and abide the winter : roots small, tough, and fibrous. HISTORY. It grows in upland woods, and on the sides of banks, throughout the United States. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is antiseptic, volunary, astringent, sudorific, and pectoral. 878 PREPARATION. Pour a quart of boiling water on an handful of the dry plant, and take a tea-cup full four times a day, which will prove a powerful astringent, and will speedily stop the immoderate flowing of the menses and all other hemorrhagias.' The following powder has been found effectual in curing the polypus in the nose, without the use of an instrument, which is generally used by sur- geons in such cases : take equal parts of the fine powder of bloodwort and blood root, called puckomi root, and a tea-spoonful of fine powdered allum : mix them well together. The patient may snuff up the nose a small pinch of said powder tluee times a day until the polypus is eradicated, which is generally completed in four or five days. The follow ing sirup has been fouud beneficial in the cure of consumptions, accompanied with a spitting of blood: take one pound of the. roots and leaves of bloodwort, and boil them in six quarts of water down to three: strain this decoction, and dissolve in it three pounds of lump sugar, and boil it down to two quarts. The patient may take a wine glass three or four times a day, and drink a table-spoonful or two of the expressed juice of the plant every morning, until he finds relief. The following ha* been found an infallible cure for the bite of a rattle-snake, or any other poison- ous reptile: take one handful of the green leaves ©f bloodwort. one hiuidful of the leaves of boneset^ 879 and one handful of the leaves of rattle-snake plan* tain ; pound them well in a mortar, and let the patient take a gill of the expressed juice, and bind the pounded leaves over the wound, renewing them every two hours, and all the poison will be eradi- cated in a short time. 599®S)S»9e^» TANSY, DOUBLE. TANACETUM. DESCRIPTION. There is two sorts of tansy, one of which is cal- led double and the other single. The double tansy rises about two feet in height: leaves thick and curly: flowers yellow and small, resembling a flat hemisphere : florits of the disk bisexual, and of the ray female. &80 HISTORY. ft c»rows chiefly in gardens, and flowers in July and August. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The double tansy is a strong aromatic bitter. The flowers have been found effectual in destroy- ing worms, is a good anti-hysterical remedy, and is good in promoting the menses. There are seve- ral cases recorded by gentlemen of veracity, of its efficacy in curing the gout. PREPARATION. The following case will in some measure show its properties. A gentleman who had been afflicted with the gout for fifteen years, was cured by using the infusion of tansy. He filled a tea-pot every morning with the dried flowers^ leaves and stalks, and poured as much boiling water over them as the pot would hold, and let it stand until night, when he drank a pint of this infusion on going to bed. By following constantly this method, he has remained free from the gout for seven years. Another gentleman, aged fifty-two years, who by drinking a pint of the infus on d-iily, and eating some of the fresh leaves every morning, was freed from the gout for three years, while he had fre- quently, before using this ni'-lieine, a fit of the gout which confined him from one to four months. 38* TOOTH-ACH TRE& ZANTHOXYLUM. DESCRIPTION. This tree rises ten or twelve feet in height^ some as thick as the wrist, others as thick as the arm, and resembles the prickly-ash tree, only much larger: the bark is full of knobs and sharp thorns. HI STORY. This useful tree grows in North and South? Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia. 38 383 MEDICAL VIRTUES. It would take a small volume to describe all the virtues of the bark and roots of this blessed tree. The bark is a powerful sialagogue, will cure the tooth-aeh in a few minutes, is beneficial in the sore mouth and throat, by chewing the bark, it is a useful medicine in cases of paralytic affections of the tongue, or of the muscles concerned in de- glutition, and is far more active than pillatory of Spain, or mezereon. Cases of cures in my own practice, by the use of the zanthoxylum, or tooth-aeh bark : Case i. A sea captain who was labouring under a confirmed syphilis, and had a venereal bubo in his groin, applied to me, and begged that if possible, 1 would scatter it. I first put a cupping glass over it, and gave him half a tea-spoonful of the powdered root of podophillum paltatum, or May- a^ple, with directions for taking it every night and morning in molasses, which purged him sufficient- ly. I next gave him the following decoction: take four ounces of the bark of zanthoxylum, and one pound of our common sarsaparilla root; boil them in eight quarts of rain water to the consumption of a gallon, and strain the decoction. Of this 1 order- ed him to take half a pint three times a day, and in three days he called at my shop and told me that he was well, and the bubo was gone. 288 This decoction is also effectual in curing chronio rheumatism, hy taking half a pint three times a day, and at night put a tea-spoonful of the essence of hemlock in it. Case ii. A poor man applied to me, who told me that he had been troubled with a sore throat, proceeding from the venereal, for many years, and that he had spent much money to no purpose. I gave him two ounces of the zanthoxylum hark and ordered him to chew it constantly and swallow the juice. In two weeks he called upon me for more of the bark, and told me that he had received more benefit by following my directions, and chewing the bark, than from all the other various medicines he had taken from time to time, and that his throat was entirely well. The following communications are extracted from the Medical Memoirs of the Medical Society of London, and other periodical publications. Case r. An ulcer of a very large extent was ef- fectually cured by w ashing the sore and sprinkling the powder of the bark of zanthoxylum over it, and keeping the sore covered with green plantain leaf, which must be changed twice a day. In a week the ulcer was much diminished in size, and in a short time it was pcfectly cured. Case n. A poor woman that had one of the worst ulcers I ever saw, was very much reduced for want of sleep,, and had suffered night and day, 384. with the most excruciating pain', by using the pow* der as abov<, for five days, was able to walk to iny li »use every morning to have it dressed : she took no ;; ternal medicine, nor enjoined no strict regi- men, hut applied the powder alone, and in tour weeks the ulcer was cured. Doctor Henry, of St. Davids, in Jamaica, gives his experience of the virtues of zanthoxylum in the cure of epilepsy, ulcers, fevers, dry belly-ach, §c. as follows : t In addition to the external use of the powder, I boil two ounces of the bark with two ounces of sarsaparilla, in four quarts of rain water to the con- sumption of two, strain it, and give the patient half apiiu or more twice a day. The ulcers in a few da>s, throw off the slough and other appearances, and show healthy well coloured granulations be- neath, discharging laudable and well conditioned pus. Case—V black woman was afflicted for several years with large phageadenic ulcers,from the mid- dle of her thigh to her ancle. A fteted sanious dis- charge, together with proud flesh and gangrene like exeresenees, had given the ulcerated surface so horrid an appearance and stench, that it was very offensive to all who beheld it. For six weeks, eeharotics, warm stimulating dressings, and light bandages were tried to no purpose. In the place pf these I commenced the use of the zanthoxylum, %n$ by bathing the sores with the decoction, which must also be drank daily instead of lignum vitea* The event proved my expectations : the discharge soon acquired the condition of laudable pus, well Coloured granulations appeared in the best form, and satarine ointments effected the cure in two months. Numbers were treated in the same man- ner with equal success. In every instance of venereal complaints, in the yaws, or crab yaws, I have found it effectual with the use of mercury. It has the same virtues as the peruvian bark, in curing fevers, if a small quantity of sal de tartar is dissolved in the decoc- tion. Another most singular quality the zanthoxylum possesses in a great degree, A gentleman in the island of Jamaica, purchased two negro women : the youngest was much afflicted at different times with the dry beliy-ach, in so violent a manner that the excrements were thrown up, After trying in vain all the common medicine made use of in such cases, the elder negro woman desired to have her sister with her; and on seeing the deplorable situation she was in, she wished to try a secret she had received from her mother, and which she had made use of herself when in Africa, upon a simi- lar occasion. In a short time she returned from the woods with the fresh roots of zanthoxylum, which she pounded and expressed the juice. 886 and gave her sister two spoonsful twice in au interval of two hours. The first effect was, a tran- quil profound sleep of twelve hours* during which the pulse and breathing returned to their natural state: after which all sense of pain and every other symptom disappeared. The next day she boiled the roots which had the juice expressed out of them, in a gallon of water, and made her drink the decoction.' Having procured some of the roots and expres- sed the juice, I began the experience of its quali- ties upon myself, at tea-spoonful doses. From the first dose I found no other effect, than an unusual flow of spirits ; but by continuing the dose, drow- siness, nausea, head-ach, and at length sleep en- sued, from which, however, I awoke next morning perfectly refreshed, and had three copious emo- tions downwards. I preserved some of the juice of the young sappy roots of the zanthoxylum in rum, and some with sirup. These preservations answer all the intentions of the juice, and have frequently administered them in complaints of the bowels with constant success. An old man of eighty years of age, was seized with convulsions, every hour, similar to epileptic fits, which continued without intermission for four and twenty hours. On being sent for, I immedi- ately gave him a wine glass of the juej'e preserved in rum. The fit which succeeded the first gloss 'tS7 was much lighter, and the second was little else • than a comatose state, after which, a sound sleep of ten hours, removed all appearance of the disor- der except lassitude. TOUCH-WOOD, OR AGARIC. BOLETUS IGNIARIOUS. DESCRIPTION. This fungus is sessile, horizontal, consisting of a hard woody substance something like a horse's hoof, the upper side smooth, having circular mark- ings, or ridges, the under side flat, of a white yel- lowish colour, and full of minute pores. HISTORY. It is frequently met with on different kind of trees, viz. the oak, cherry, and plumb, and a spungy sort is found on white pine and old Iiickorytrees, which the Indians call punk. 288 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The punk which grows on old hickory and white • pine, is not only good for catching fire with flint and steel, but makes an excellent pleasaut bitter when infused in spirits. PREPARATION. The heart, or medullary part of this agaric of the oak, is to be beaten into a soft powder, and ap- plied over arterial hreunorrhagias, without the use of ligatures. Several English surgeons, Sharp, Warner, Gooch, and others, have published cases, in which the agaric was successfully used. Two ounces of the touch-wood off the white pine cut thin, will be sufficient with two ounces of orange peel, to make a pleasant bitter, equal to the impor- ted English gentian, and is a good substitute for it. Take two ounces of the bitter white touch- wood of the white pine, and one ounce of orange peel, infused in a gallon of brandy for a week: dose, a table-spoonful taken before meals in a little water, creates a good appetite. $89 TUMEHtC, OR TURMERIC. CIRCUxYIA LONGA. '"■'ft DESCRIPTION. The leaves of tumeric are six inches long, and three or four inches broad, of a bright green colour, and pointed at the end : the flowers grow on stalks ten inches high and about the thickness of the lit- tle finger, which are of a pale redish colour, col- lected in a cone of an oblong figure. HISTORY. It is a perennial plant, grows plentifully in West- Florida and in New-Orleans. The roots are tube- rous Ionj?, knotty, wrinkled, outwardly of a pale 37 £90 yellow colour, internally of a shining saffron brown, and have an aromatic smell, and a slight aromatic taste. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root has been formerly celebrated for the cure of the jaundice, diseases of the liver, §c. it excites a moderate degree of warmth in the mouth, imparts to the saliva a yellow dye, and to the urine a yellow colour. In the present practice, it has been found beneficial in removing the obstructions of the menses, and is effectual in giving speedy re- lief in fits of the gravel and in resolving tumours. PREPARATION. For the stone in the gall bladder, which may be known by feeling a pain in the lower part of the belly on the right side, with a pain in making wa- ter, let the patient take near a tea-spoonful of the powder of tumeric root in half a pint of warm ale, with a small piece of fresh butter, about the size of a walnut, melted in it, shake the vessel well, and let him drink it as warm as he can hear, and soak his feet in warm water for fifteen minutes before going to bed, which will give him immediate re- lief. A certain gentleman, by making use of the above medicine, was relieved of his pains and voided a large quantity of gravel by stool, which was the means of restoring him to perfect health. 291 For promoting the menses, pour a quart of boil- ing water on a table-spoonful of the powdered tu- meric root, and let the patient take, for a few days before the full or change of the moon, a tea-cup full twice a day, in the morning and when going to bed, sitting every night over the warm steam of catnip, penny-royal, £jc. »»M©MS« UNICORN ROOT. ALETRIS FARINASA, r J 't DESCRIPTION. The stalk of this plant rises six or seven inches in height: leaves spear shaped, lying on the ground, 2Wt and are green all winter: flowers in bay-time, ami a soft white down grows on the stalk from the ground, which hangs flown at the top when fully blown : the root is whitish, full of small fibres like hairs, about the thickness of the end of the little finger, and crooked at the end, from whence it de- rives the name of unicorn horn root. HISTORY. It grows in low tusicky meadows, on the side* of mountains, and sometime* 1n swamps. MEDICAL VIRTUES. 1 have found this root of great benefit in the cure of chronic rheumatism, and infallible in the cure of hysteric cholic. PREPARATION. The root must be dried and pulverized : dose, from half to a whole tea-spoonful, given in a little water to women labouring under hysteric cholic ; and it gives present relief in flatulent or wind cho- lic. For the cure of rheumatic pains, cut one pound of the fresh root, or half a pound of the bruised dry root, and pour upon it four quarts of good rum : dose, a wine glass full three times a day, in chronic rheumatism, with two ounces of blood root pulverized. A counlryman, in my way to Wyome, told me, after having tried abundance of medicine to no pwrpose, that hy drinking* this tincture a few S98 days, he was perfectly cured of all his rheumatic pains. This is the root of which the famous Bo- man's bitters is made, and 1 pronounce it good. UPRIGHT MEADOW CROWFOOT RANUNCULUS ACRIS. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises two feet in height: lower leaves on upright peduncles, trifld, subdivided into smal- ler laciniated lobes, marked underneatli with 3U4) small prominent reticular veins: flowers of a fine yellow, as if glazed. HISTORY. This plant grows in moist meadows and on the sides of ponds. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The leaves pounded and applied as a poultice, produces a vesication like a blister : sciatic, or hip gout, and other rheumatic pains have been cured by its use. It has been used internally for worms, with good effect, and it may be remarked, that if you pour a strong decoction of the herb on the ground containing worms, they will rise in large numbers from their concealment, and may be taken in abundance for fishing, although we must con- demn the use of such bait as a wicked cruel prac- tice. PREPARATION. The roots buried in sand might be kept as a good substitute for cantharides, for when bruised and wet with vinegar will raise a blister on the part on which they are applied, sooner than the Spanish flies, which are now selling at five or six dollars per pound. N. B. The potatoe black bug, answers the same intention as the Spanish fly, which I have been a witness to. UPRIGHT VIRGIN'S BOWER. CLEMATIS RECTA. This plant rises about two feet in height: leaves opposite, pinnated, in pairs, and terminated by an odd one: flowers terminating the stem in irregu- lar umbels : petals white, and the seeds are attach- ed to their styles, which give them the appearance of feathered tails: HISTORY. It grows near ponds, along the sides of moisf meadows, low pastures, and at the foot of mona- tains, and flower8 in August. ay6 \ MEDICAL VIRTUES. » It is an excellent eseharotic, a determent, and taken internally is diuretic and sudorific. The bruised green leaves have been applied to foul ve- nereal ulcers as an eseharotic. PREPARATION. Pour a pint of boiling water on three drachms of the dry leaves. In all venereal sores or cutane- ous eruption*, the patient inayr take a gill three times a day of this infusion, and wash the sores with the liquor, which has cured venereal ulcers, and other foulness of the skin, of long standing. 997 VERVIAN, OR VERVAIN". VIRBENA OFFICINALIS. This plant rises two feet in height: leaves broad fcnd long, those next the ground deeply gashed, of a blackish colour on the upper side, and somewhat grey underneath : stalks square : flowers on the tops of the stalks, of a blueish colour with white intermixed, after which come small round seed in small and somewhat long heads : roots long and small. History. It grows by the road sides, in old pastures, §c. throughout the United States. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It has been found beneficial in the cure of inter- mittents and scrophula, opens obstructions of the viscera, promotes the menses, and is good in gra- velly complaints, coughs, and wheezings, and ex- pels worms. 38 398 PREPARATION. For the cure of ulcers observe the following new discovery: boil one pound of the dry leaves and roots in six quarts of rain water, to the consump- tion of one half: strain the decoction : take half a pint three times a day, wash the sore with the de- coction three times a day, and apply a piece of bo- hea tea lead, the side next the tea, over the sore, and change the lead every three days, in a short time the ulcer will be healed. If there is any proud flesh about the sore, sprin- kle a little red precipitate powder over it, which soon consumes it. For the cure of the fever and ague, the patient may take fasting forty grains of American ipecac- uanha, to cleanse the stomach : the next day be- fore the fit, drink a pint of the decoction warm, and go to bed, continuing the decoction, half a pint every hour, in order to create perspiration. This will effect a cure without the aid of barks, seldom having a fit after the Urst dose. Take a glass of bitters every morning for a week, for fear of a re- lapse. £99 VIRGINIAN DOGWOOD. CORNUS FLORIDA. This beautiful tree grows in moist woods and swamps in abundance, throughout the United States, and is so well known by its large white flow- ers, which appear in May, that in needs no de- scription. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The bark of the root dried and pulverized, an- swers the same intention as the peruvian bark, which I was an eye witness to last war. A young man was shot hy an Indian, and received two bul- lets which entered below the shoulder blade and 300 came out at the side of his breast, was perfectly cured in five weeks, by the use of slippery-elm bark as a poultice, and taking daily the extract of dogwood made into pills. The dry flowers of dog- wood pulverized, and a tea-spoonful given fre- quently, has cured remittent fevers : they are an excellent tonic and febrifuge. PREPARATION. The following prescription has cured the pain in the breast: boil two handsful of the white flowers of dogwood, in a quart of rain water down to a pint, strain the decoction, and add a quart of port wine to the strained liquor: dose, a wine glass three times a day, and apply a plaster of burgun- dy pitch spread on leather, warm on the breast bone, or below where the pain is. To make the burgundy pitch, you must split the pitch pine knots very small, and boil them in a large kettle, until the pitch rises on the top, then take a round green stick, as thick as the wrist, with the hark peeled off, and dip it in and out of the kettle into a pail of cold water alternately, until you have got all the pitch. This is prefer- able to that imported as a plaster for back-ach and ail rheumatic pains, by dissolving camphor in it «vhen melted. SOI WHITE POND LILLY. JTYMPHE ALBA AQUAT1CA. This plant has yellow blossoms which hang on the stalks, the leaves lie on the water, and the root is as large as a man's leg, knotty and spongy, of a yellow colour outside and white within. HISTORY. It grows in ponds and wet grounds, throughout the United States, and is so generally known that I need not trouble the reader with a further history. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is emolient, demulcent, cooling, and is good in alvine fluxes, gleets, and whites. They are ap- 30K plied externally to scrophulous tumours, will ease pain, and promote suppuration. PREPARATION. Cut the root and roast it in the ashes, rolled in wet brown paper: then mash the root wet with wraterand apply it over the part. 1 saved a child's life by this poultice, who had run a nail into her foot, which prevented the lock-jaw and cured her in a week. The following preparation has cured white swel- lings : take squaw root in powder, dry slippery- elm bark, and dry pond liily root, grated, mix all together, and wet it with cold water to the consis- tence of a poultice : apply it over the swelling three times a day, and give the patient half a tea-spoon- ful of powdered mandrake root, every night and morning until the swelling is discussed, and then apply a warm discutient strengthening plaster over the whole swelling, The following preparation has been found bene- ficial in the cure of gonorrhoea and whites in fe- males : take one pound of the fresh root of pond liily cut small, bruise it in a mortar, and press out the juice: to every pint of the juice add half a pint of port wine, and four ounces of powdered lump sugar: keep it in a cool cellar, in bottles close corked. The patient may take a large tea-cup full four times a day until cured, and use the salt water 303 bath in the morning twice a week, which will brace the system. The following is a good cosmatic, which re- moves all pimples, freckles, ^c. in t! e face of young ladies, and makes the skin smooth and white: mix half a pint of lemon juice with a pint of the fresh juice of the root of pond liily, and wash the parts three or four times a ray with this mixture ; and in case of worms on the nose, put a tea-spoonful of beef's gall in it, which will quickly destroy them. 304 WHITE POPLAR. LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA This tree is so well known throughout the United States, by the name of tulip tree, poplar, and white wood, that it is needless to give a description of it. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The inner bark of the root of this tree, must be* cut fine and ground in a mill. It is a great tonic, a pleasant aromatic bitter and an astringent, there- fore it is a good substitute for the peruvian bark in the cure'of intermittents : dose of the powder, from one to two tea-spoonsful, four times a day when th«i fever is off. 305 PREPARATION. Infuse two ounces of the powder, and half an ounce of orange peel, in a quart of rum or bran- dy, for a week: a table-spoonful of this pleasant bitter, taken both before breakfast and dinner, cre- ates a good appetite and strengthens the stomach. If it is too strong for weakly persons mix it with a spoonful of cold water. The extract is equally as good and much cheap- er than the imported gentian : to every four pounds of the bark of the root of this tree, add one pound of American gentian root: boil them in eight quarts of rain water, to the consumption of two quarts : put this in a bake pan and exciccate it over a slow fire, stiring it constantly, until the ex- tract is thicker than honey, and put it in pots for use, with a little sweet oil on the top, to prevent its moulding. 39 30$ WATER CRESSES. SISYMBRIUM NASTURTIUM. This is a small aquatic plant: the stalks thick and alternately branched, with angular projections: leaves heart shaped, alternate, lanceolate, pinnate, having one pair above and two below to five pair of pinna?, terminating in an odd one, which is the largest, oblong, irregularly crenate, blunt, oppo- site, sessile, obtuse, rarely any veins beneath, of a bright green colour, those nearest the stem small- est : flowers white, and on short terminal spikes. 807 HISTORY. It grows common in running brooks and wet ditches, on Long-Island and elsewhere. MEDICAL VIRTUES. Water cresses are a gentle stimulant, diuretic, and anti-scorbutic. PREPARATION. As a diuretic, two table-spoonsful of the expres- sed juice may be taken three times a day, which will effectually cure the scurvy. I advise weakly people who are in a decline to take a table-spoonful of the juice every night and morning, and eat the green herb with their common diet three times a day, by which regimen many have been restored to health and vigor, who were in the first stage of a consumption. 308 WATER DOCK. LAPATHU3I AQUATICUM. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises five feet in height: leaves two feet long, narrow, on linear, and pointed: those at the bottom are near eighteen inches in length, of a narrow ovate form somewhat indented, and stand upon long channeled foot-stalks: flowers nume- rous, and hang in whorled spikes upon slender peduncles : the calyx is cut in three pointed seg- ments : the corolla is composed of three petals, which are ovate, narrow, and pointed : the capsule is composed of three petals, which by approaching each other assume a triangular form, and in this 809 state are called valves : the seed is solitary, ovate, and triangular. HISTORY. It grows in bogs, ponds of water, and wet swamps : MEDICAL VIRTUES. The roots are astringent, laxative, and has been beneficial in curing the scurvy, cutaneous erup- tions, are anti-venereal, and a strong decoction of the roots has cured ulcers in the niou.h and gums. PREPARATION. Boil two pounds of the dry root in six quarts of water down to three, and strain the decoction. In all scorbutic sores, and cutaneous eruptions of the skin, the patient may take a gill of the decoction four times a day, and wash the sores with the liquor. In venereal complaints, while the patient is under the use of mercury, half a pint of the above decoction may be drank three times a day, and in case it purges too much, take an anodine overyr other night occasionally. The following gargle is excellent to cure ulcers in the throat and mouth : boil a pound of the dry root, in three quarts of water down to two, strain it, and dissolve .1 table-spoonful of powdered alum, half a spoon- ful of nitre, or salt-petre, in the liquor, and add half a pint of hoary : the patient may£gargle his throat and mouth five ^r six time* a day. with a mouth- 310 ful of this mouth water, till well. The following ointment will cure the most inveterate itch : take the root of the yellow sour dock cut thin half a pound, white hellebore root half a pound, and ele- campane root four ounces : boil all the ingredients in a gallon of rain water down to two, strain it, and put two pounds of hogs fat to it, and when all the water is consumed, put the ointment in pots for family use. Anoint all the itchy parts for four nights and you are cured. 311 WILD VALERIAN. VALERIANA SYLVESTRI& This plant rises three feet in height: the leaves- are in pairs, large, hairy, and of a dusky green colour, divided down to the middle rib, and appear as if made of many small leaves affixed on the two sides of a stalk : flowers stand in large tufts on the tops of the branches, and are of a pale whitish red colour. HISTORY. It is perennial, and varies in its appearance and sensible qualities, according to the situation in which it grows. In marshes and shady places its leaves are broader than that which grows on high lands ; and the roots of that which stands on high dry land is much stronger than that which grows 312 in marshes, and is preferable for medical use. The roots consist of a number of strings or fibres, mat- ted together, issuing from one common head, and are of a pale brown colour; its smell is strong, like a mixture of aromatics ; taste unpleasantly warm, bitterish and sub-acrid. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is a very beneficial medicine in nervous disor- ders, and particularly in epilepsies and hysterical affections, proceeding from debility of the nervous system. PREPARATION. The common dose in nervous complaints, is from one to two tea-spoonsful of the powdered root, taken in a tea-cup of mint-water, twice or three times a day. Fabius Columna, an Italian nobleman, engaged in political affairs, was subject to the epilepsy from his birth. After being entirely worn out with the disease, by reading the old botanical authors, he found that it had been cured by the valerian root: he tried its virtues, and was soon restored to health. He became a famous botanical writer, illustrating his work with plates, and by this root has cured many afflicted with epileptic fits. SIS WINTER-GREEN. PIROLA ROTUNDIFOLIA. This plant rises about three or four inches high : leaves numerous, on small redish stalks, heart shaped, thick, remains green all winter, pro- duces small red berries, of a delicious aromatic sweet taste : flowers small, of a pale purple colour, HISTORY. This small plant grows in abundance in pine woods, where the land is good. In some places in New-Jersey the woods are full of it, and the ground is green all winter, from whence it de» rives its name. m 314 MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is refrigerating, desiccative, diuretic, astrin- gent, consolidating, and vulnerary, both internally and externally. PREPARATION. In fevers, suppression of urine, coughs, and debility, the following infusion is excellent: pour two quarts of boiling rain water on two handsful of the leaves and roots of winter-green, and let it simmer on hot embers for two hours : a tea-cup full of this infusion may be taken four or five times a day, in fevers, suppression of urine, and the gravel. For weakly consumptive habits, pound the fresh leaves in a mortar until you can express the juice, which must be put in a pipkin and kept over the fire until it boils, after it is cool decant the clear juice from the sediment, and to every pint of this clarified juice, add half a pint of Madeira wine, or old Holland gin, as the patient likes : dose, a wine glass full may be taken every morning, before dinner, and at lying down, the dose to be increas- ed as they find benefit. There is a most delicious essential oil obtained from this herb, which answers every intention of the herb itself, in its fresh state : dose, from four to ten drops on sugar, twice a day. The essence of winter-green is made by pouring one ounce of the essential oil to a pint of aloohol rectified, and shaking the mixture : dose of the essence, from thirty to sixty drops in any kind of tea. 316 WOLFS BANE, OR MONKS HOOD. ACONITUM NAPELLUS. DESCRIPTION. This plant grows from two to five feet in height: leaves lobed, deeply laciniated, standing alternate upon long foot-stalks, the upper leaves almost ses- sile, the licinia; broader than the under, the surface of the leaf is of a deep green, the under side white- ish: flowers numerous, terminal, and of a deep purple: the upper petal is helmet shaped, or hood like. St (5 H1STOKY. It is a perennial plant, found on high mountains, and grows in gardens. MEDICAL VIRTUES. For medical use, the plant must be gathered be- fore the stem shoots. When properly administered, it acts as a penetrating stimulous, generally excites perspiration, and increases the discharge of urine. On many occasions it has been found efficacious in in glandular swelling*, venereal nodes, spina ven- tosa, amaurosis, gouty and rheumatic pains, inter- mittent fevers, and convulsions. PREPARATION. From one to two grains of the powder of the dry leaves, may be taken, increasing the dose gradu- ally: or, you may pour six ounces of the spirits of wine on one ounce of the bruised drv leaves, and take five or six drops on sugar twice a day, but may Le gradually increased to forty, in the cure of the above complaints. *l7 WORMWOOD. ARTEMISA ABSINTHIUM. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises three feet in height, and has several branches: leaves divided into many blunt- ish segments, in a pinnated order, the under sides are downy, of a pale green colour, and has a silky softness : flowers brownish yellow, placed in nu- merous spikes, and from the .ahe of the leaves placed alternate. HISTORY. This perennial herb grows by the road sides, i» gardens, and around old ruinous buildings. MEDICAL VIRTUES. Its active constituents are a bitter extract and essential oil. It is used in stomach complaints, and is of great service in hypocondria or melan- 31$ choly lowness of spirits, loss of appetite, in intermit- tent fevers, cachetic and dropsical complaints, in jaundice, and destroys worms. The essence taken for any considerable time, prevents the formation of the stone in the kidneys and bladder : the pa- tient omitting the use of wine and acids. The gout has been conquered by the continual use of the decoction of this herb. A tea-cup full of the in- fusion, taken twice a day by nurses, will make there milk good. PREPARATION. Put a large handful of the dry leaves of worm- wood in an earthen pitcher, with one ounce of pearl-ash, and pour two quarts of boiling water on them : dose, a tea-cup full four times a day. This is a powerful diuretic and is excellent in the dropsy, and in fevers : dose of the oil, from two to four or twenty drops on sugar, every morning to destroy worms. 119 WOOD SORREL. OXALIS ACETOCELLA. This plant is from four to eight inches high: the roots are scaly, or toothed, and run horizontal- ly: leaves grow three together, on stalks three inches long, and are heart shaped : flowers large, white, or flesh coloured, and streaked with red veins. HISTORY. It is a small perennial plant, and grows wild in the woods, beside fences along the road sides, and in bushy pasture grounds, in almost every part of the United States, and has a sharp acid taste: flow- ers in May. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It possesses the same powers as the vegetable acids in general. 320 PREPARATION. Boil two ounces of the dry leaves in a quart of new milk for fifteen minutes, separate the curd from the whey, and sweeten the whey with loaf sugar. In all inflammatory fevers, and thirst in hot weather, the patient may take a tea-cup full of this agreeable whey, every two hours throughout the day, which is refreshing and will alay his thirst. It is also a cooling drink for those who are afflicted with the piles. SSI WALNUT TREE, BLACK. JUGLANS NIGRUS. DESCRIPTION. This is a large beautiful tree : leaves pinnated, consisting of several pairs of opposite pinnse, with an odd one at the end: flowers in April and May, and the nuts are ripe in October. HISTORY. It grows chiefly in low grounds, and by the sides of meadows and roads, in Pennsylvania, New- Jersey, and on Long-Island. 336 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The green shell rubbed on ring worms or tetters cures them with certainty. The outer covering or husk, and the shell and peel of the kernels, are esteemed to be sudorific; and when boiled with sarsaparilla and guiacum chips, has been found ef- fectual in removing venereal and rheumatic com- plaints, proceeding from the imprudent use of mercury. PREPARATION. Pour a quart of boiling water on an handful of the green walnut peel, and give children a table- spoonful of it sweetened, morning and evening, before the full or change of the moon, which will bring away worms. Adults may take a gill three mornings and evenings, and a dose of calomel and jalap the fourth morning, which will destroy the tape worm. The expressed oil of black walnuts may be taken on sugar, froni ten to forty drops, for destroying the tape and other worms in children and adults. After taking the oil for three mornings, they must take a dose of rhubarb, or calomel and jalap, ac- cording to their age. 338 WATER TREFOIL. MENYANTHES TRIFOLIATA. This is a beautiful plant, the flower-stalks shoot- ing out often twelve inches in height, bearing many elegant flowers in a spike, which are sometimes white, but commonly rose coloured on the outside, and in the inside are so finely fringed as to produce an extraordinary appearance: its leaves are three together, resembling our garden beans. HISTORY. This plant is perennial, grows in marshes, swamps, and wet meadows, in New-Jersey, $c. flowers in July: the leaves are excessively bitter which is extracted by infusion. One ounce of the 3§* dry leaves, are equal to half a pound of hops in brewing. MEDICAL VIRTUES. A drachm of the powdered leaves is a purge and a vomit. It has been found beneficial in curing scorbutic complaints, as well as tertian and quar- tan fevers, and is excellent in curing rhueuiatic affections. PREPARATION. Pour a gallon of boiling water on one pound of the dry leaves and three ounces of bruised dry masterwort: dose, a gill morning and evening, good in all impurities of the blood, and rheumatic complaints of the chronic kind that is of long con- tinuance, unucompanied with fever, as in the accute rheumatism, which is always accompanied with an inflammatory diethesis. 335 WILD CARROT. DAUCUS CARATA. This plant rises two or three feet in height: leaves many times pinnated, and towards the root are hairy: umbels composed of several radi, form- ing a flat surface on the top, but when the fruit ripens becomes concave and draws together: the general involucre consists of several leaves, which are cut into segments ; the partial is more simple, consisting of strap shaped leaflets: the seeds are two, assembled, convex, and covered with strong hair. HISTORY. It grows and in meadows and swamps, and flow- ers in July. 326 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The seeds are powerfully diuretic, aromatic, sto- machic, carminative, and emmenagogic. PREPARATION. Pour one quart of boiling water on two ounces of the seed, and take a tea-cup full of the infusion sweetened with honey, occasionally, which gives immediate relief in suppression of urine and stran- gury, promotes the menses, and helps gravelly complaints : first taking a dose of salts, use the warm bath, and if phlethoric bleeding in the foot is necessary. 327 The stems of this plant twist around bushes, and shoot out to a great extent, and are tendriiled : leaves very large, diminishing gradually to the top, are palmated lobes, pointed, irregularly toothed, and standing upon long foot-stalks : flowers of a yellow green, male and female, and from the alse of the leaves are striped with green veins, which, turn into a red berry. HISTORY. Jt grows in low meadows and swamps: the root is white and large. 338 MEDICAL VIRTUES. The root is a powerful drastic purgative, It was formerly much used by the celebrated doctor Sydenham, as a hydragogue purge in dropsies. PREPARATION. Take two pounds of the root cut thin, and boil it in two gallons of rain water to the consumption of one : strain the decoction, and boil it until it be- comes of the consistence of tar, which may be made into pills. In all dropsical swellings and suppression of urine, the patient may take from two to three drachms, which will work sufficiently without griping, and drink half a pint of soup with a little salt in it, after every emotion downwards. and an anodine pill when going to bed. 889 WOOD BETONY. BETONICA OFFICINALIS. DESCRIPTION. This plant rises about a foot in height: the stem is square and hairy: upper leaves on short foot-stalks, the lower on long, opposite and hairy: flowers in spikes composed of several whorls, of a purple colour: bracteas placed under the flowers. HISTORY. It «rows in upland woods and old pastures, in every part of the United States: flowers in August and September. MEDICAL VIRTUES. The roots are emetic and cathartic ; the leaves and flowers are coroborants, and the leaves alone 48 330 are cephalic. It has been found effectual in the cure of the gout and chronic rheumatism. PREPARATION. For the gout and chronic rheumatism, take a table-spoonful of the powdered leaves, twice a day, in a dish of prickly-ash tea ; and drink an infusion of the herb, made by pouring a quart of boiling wa- ter on an handful of the dry herb, taking a tea-cup full four times a day. Four ounces of the fine powder of betony leaves, and two ounces of finely powdered leaves of assarabacca, mixed well toge- ther in a mortar, makes an agreeable cephalic snuff, of which take a small pinch when going to bed, for gidiuess, head-ach, fyc. 391 WALL PELLITORY. PARIETARIA OFFICINALIS, DESCRIPTION. This is a small plant: leaves elliptic, pointed, veined, and on short foot-stalks : flowers clustered, inconspicuous, of a greyish colour tinged with red, and placed at the alse of the leaves. HISTORY. It grows about old walls and among rubbish, and flowers from June to September. MEDICAL VIRTUES. It is powerfully diuretic, and has been found be- neficial in suppression of urine, is good in the gra- vel, removes obstructions of the liver and veins, and promotes the menses. 3318 PREPARATION. In all suppressions of the urine, gravelly com- plaints, and obstruction of the menses, the patient may take a table-spoonful of the expressed juice of the herb, two or three times a day; and in the winter the following infusion: take a large handful of the dry herb of pellitory, and put it in an ear- then pipkin, and fill it with two or three pints of rain water, and let it simmer for two hours on hot embers, then strain the liquor and sweeten it with honey: dose, a gill four or five times a day until he finds relief. I advise every person liable to suppression of urine, to take a dose of caster oil, and use the warm bath ; and if the patient is plethoric, to make use of venesection, especially if it is caused by the stop- ping of customary evacuations, such as the piles and menses. 338 YARROW. MILLEFOLIUM. JtfhUUaL H^tfolm, DESCRIPTION. This plant rises a foot in height: leaves alter- nate, bi-pinnated, pinnse pointed: flowers white tinged with a little purple beneath, whiteish above, and terminal, forming a flat corymbus. HISTORY. It grows plentifully in dry pastures and along the sides offences: flowers in August, September and October. MEDICAL VIRTUES. A table-spoonful of the juice of this plant taken twice a day and applying the bruised herb over the cancer, after washing it with the juice, has cured a cancer of the breast: it stops spitting of Wood, and cures the bleeding piles and dysentery. 334 PREPARATION. Take an handful of the tops of yarrow, and pour a quart of boiling water on them : take a tea-cup full of this infusion sweetened with honey, three times aday, for curing the dysentery, piles, and VestrtMIng Mninrbdcrate flow of the menses. By applying the pounded green leaves over a bruise, and drinking the infusion, dissipates it in a few days. If the patient is plethoric, or of a full habit, bleed and take a dose of caster oil before using the infusion. 335 YELLOW FLOWERED RHODODENDRON RHODODENDRON CHRYSANTiiUS. DESCRIPTION. This shrub rises near eighteen inches in height: leaves oblong, rigid, reflected at the edges, opposite below, above clustered like a rose, of a deep green colour, and ferruginous underneath : flowers are in umbels, of a bright yellow colour: stamina are conspicuous and curl upwards to the pistil. HISTORY. It grows on the mountains in Canada and Nova- Scotia. The leaves when dry have no smell, but have a rough astringent bitter taste. (5S6 MEDICAL VIRTUES. It contains astinmlant narcotic principle, for it increases the heat of the body, excites thirst, and produces an increased discharge of the secre- tions and excretions. PREPARATION. Put four ounces of the dry bark in six quarts of water, boil it in an earthen pot for twelve hours, strain the decoction and put in a stone jug for use. A table-spoonful may be taken every morning and evening, which is a sure and speedy cure in chro- nic rheumatic pains. Liquids must not be taken during its operation, least it should induce vomit- ing: the dose maybe increased to half a pint twice a day according as the patient finds benefit. the patient keeping his bed for an hour or two during its operation. APPENDIX. TO THE AMERICAN Medical Family Herbal: Containing MANY CHOICE MEDICAL SECRETS, Never made known to the world before. APPENDIX. Having completed the Herbal, multum in par' vum, in which I have disclosed many valuable se- crets never made public before, some of which will be of more consequence to the purchaser of this book, than five times the price of it. The following has been the means, in my hands, for several years, of restoring many to the use of their limbs, who had been given up as incurable, as may be seen by their several attested certifi- cates, by calling at my shop, No. 6 Peck-slip, New- York. I. An infallible cure for the Chronic Rheumatism. Put four ounces of the unicorn root, four ounces of dry prickly-ash bark bruised, and four ounces of blood root bruised, into four quarts of old West- India rum, and keep it by the fire in a jug well stopped for a week, shaking it frequently: dose for an adult, a table-spoonful three times a day, in- creasing it after one week to a wine glass full, and drinking daily, four times a day, a decoction made of half a pound of prickly-ash bark, two ounces «p 340 tooth-aeh bark, one ounce of bitter sweet bark, and four ounces of squaw root, boiled in eight quarts of rain water to the consumption of four; and rub the pained parts twice a day, for ten minutes each time, with the following anti-rheumatic ointment: boil the leaves of skunk cabbage and arse-smart, of each two handsful, in two pounds of hogs fat, un- til the leaves are crisp, then strain or press out the ointment while it is hot, and mix in it one ounce of fiue powdered roll brimstone, and cover the parts with flannel. N. B. If the ham strings are contracted, anoint them with a piece of flannel wet in neats-foot oil, four times a day, as hot as you can bear, and bind round flannel wet with the hot oil. Thus have I revealed a remedy^ by the use of which I . have been instrumental in restoring many to the/ use of their limbs, in a few days, who had been obliged to use crutches. «f,M II. Cure for the Blue Cancer. Take the powder of the dry yellow dock root, wet with port wine ; put it on the cancer, renewing it three times a day, and make your daily drink a decoction of one handful of yellow dock root bruis- ed, and an handful of the hark or buds of the black alder, boiled in four quarts of rain water to the consumption of two. 341 III. Cure for the Dropsy. Dropsy is a serous humour, spread between the skin and flesh: or rather a general accumulation of lymph in the cellular system. . Take one ounce of rattle-snake root, boil it in a quart of rain water to the consumption of three gills; strain.the decoction and give the patient a table-spoonful every hour until he has consumed the three gills, which will carry off theater. Af- ter which give the patient the following tonic me- dicine : take the filings or rust of iron, one ounce ; powder of masterwort root, half an ounce ; powder of the hark or flowers of dogwood, one ounce ; and ginger in powder, half an ounce : let the several powders be well mixed in a marble mortar, and sifted through fine lawn, which must be put in a bottle well stopped : dose, a tea-spoonful three times a day taken in molasses. The patient must use the cold salt water bath, early in the morning, twice a week in the month of June. By the use of the rattle-snake root, I was instru- mental in the cure of the wife of Mr. Crumb, Har- man-street, New-York, of the dropsy, in a fortnight, which she had been afflicted with for twelve years, and had spent much money to no effect. Oh ! let us join and praise that saviour God, who, by the use of simple medicines, which he causes to grow out of the earth, performs wonderful cure*. 348 IV. Cure for old stinking Ulcers on the leg. Wash the ulcer twice a day with the following lotion: dissolve ten grains of finely pulverized corrosive sublimate in a pint of fresh lime water, and apply a poultice over the sore twice a day, made of blood root and beth root, fiuely pulverized, and mixed with honey. In case the leg is swelled, apply a poultice of slippery-elm bark every night over the ^reusing, and give the patient a dose of sal glauber once or twice a week, drinking a tea- cup full four times a day, abstaining from salt and spiritous liquors, of a decoction made by boiling four ounces of the wild cherry tree bark in four quarts of water down to two. V. Another infallible cure for the Dropsy, The following medicine has saved many lives : take one pint of bruised mustard seed, two hands- ful of bruised horse-radish roots, eight ounces of lignum vitse chips, and four ounces of bruised In- dian hemp root: put all the ingredients into seven quarts of sound cider, and let it simmer over hot ashes until it is reduced to four quarts : strain the decoction, and let the patient take a wine glass full f>ur times a day for a few days, increasing the dose to a tea-cup full three or four times a day, ac- 343 eording to its effects : after which let the patient use the tonic medicine, mentioned in the former cure. It was by this prescription that 1 was instru- mental (under God) of curing Judge Hopper's wife of Ramepo, New-Jersey, of the dropsy,in one week, which had baffled the skill of some eminent phy- sicians, and is a secret worth hundreds of dollars. VI. How to discuss a Fellon on the finger joint. Take the fine scrapings of a powder-horn, wet it with brandy, and apply it fresh every hour, until it is dispersed; the patient taking a dose of salts twice a week. VII. Tonic medicine for Female Weaknesses. Take one ounce of the bark of wild cherry tree root, one ounce of the inner bark of the butternut tree, and four ounces of the bark of rose willow: boil these ingredients in six quarts of rain water to the consumption of three: straiff the decoction, and when cold put it in a jug, and add a quart of port or Madeira wine and six ounces of lump su- gar to it, and give the patient a tea-cup full ever) day before breakfast and dinner. If a female sh* must omit taking the medicine while her course- are down, and when expected to flow. 344 VIII. Curefcr a Cancerous lum on the breast. Apply the following maturing poultice: take one gill of the white of eggs, one pint of neats-foot oil, and half a pint of bruised flax-seed ; mix them well together in a mortar, to the consistence of a poultice, and apply it as hot as you can bear, re- newing it three times a day until it begins to sup- purate. The bowels must be kept open by taking a dose of sal glauber every third day : if feverish* give him a tea-cup of warm tea, made of dragon's claw, every hour, as prescribed under that species of plant, which will keep off the fever that origin- ates from the anguish of the sore : and when rest- less give him an opiate at night, made of the ex- tract of hyoscyamous, or black henbane, about the size of a large pea, increasing the pill according to its effect, until he finds ease, and a gentle sleep ensues. In case the cancer rises in the form of a red rose on the outside, apply my black cancer ointment twice a day, until the roots are killed : then cut away all the mortified parts, and put lint wet in the fresti juice of poke leaves, over it for two hours, and apply the extract of white oak bark over the cancer, renewing the application twice a day for three days. After which you may heal the sore by the following application, which I have found effectual in curing ulcers, burns, scalds, §c.: take the green inner bark of elder, the green leaves of 345 stink weed, black henbane, and bitter-sweet, of each an handful: bruise all the ingredients in a mortar, and put it in an earthen pot with two pounds of butter or hogs lard : set it on hot ashes and let it simmer until the leaves are crisp : press out the juice and strain it, then dissolve four ounces of bees-wax and four ounces of white turpentine or rosin in it. When it is sufficiently incorporated, pour the green ointment into pots, and keep it co- vered for use. N. B. In all scalds or burns, first apply a poul- tice of slippery-elm bark, and after the inflamma- tion has subsided apply the green leaves twice a day, morning and evening, until it is cured. IX. Receipt for making my valuable Cancer Ointment. Take a pint of the juice of the leaves and roots of poke weed, put it in an earthen pot. and set it on the hot ashes to simmer for a short time : then mix it with a pound of fresh June butter, burn it in a frying pan, and stir in it half a pint of finely pulverized gun powder, and keep it over the fire until it flashes once or twice, after which set it on hot ashes in a pipkin until it is well incorporat- ed, when you may put it in pots, with a little alco- hol on the top to prevent its moulding, close co- vered, for use. This ointment applied twice a day 1-4 346 will kill the cancer and entirely eradicate the roots, and which sells at my shop for one dollar per box. This one receipt is worth hundreds in the hands of the skilful physician, who understands the ju- vansia and ledensia. X. Another cure for the Cancer. The following receipt is for the killing the root* and healing the cancer, in a few days, which I have hitherto kept as an invaluable secret, but now make it public for the benefit of mankind. Take the expressed juice of sharp pointed dock and poke roots and leaves, of each half a pint, put it in a lead vessel and set it in the sun, in dog days, stiring it often until it becomes inspissated to the consis- tence of a thick salve, and cover it with a piece of dry bladder for use. Spread this ointment on a piece of dressed sheep skin, and apply it over the cancer twice a day, which speedily eradi- cates the roots and heals it: observing at the same time to give the patient a tea-cup full of the de- coction of the bark of stag alder, which grows along water brooks every where throughout the United States. 34# XI. Cure for the pain in the breast. First bleed and purge the patient if phlethoric, and apply my strengthening plaster warm over the breast. Take one handful of bruised burdock root, four ounces of prickly-ash bark bruised, one handful of horse-radish root cut small, one hand- ful of elecampane root cut into thin slices, and two ounces of life root (which is known only by the root doctors.) pulverized, put all the ingredients in- to an earthen pot with two quarts of Jamaica rum, and let the pot stand covered near the fire for two days, shaking the vessel frequently, and then strain the balsam for use : dose, half a wine glass three times a day on an empty stomach, taking a tea-cup full of tea made by puting an handful of the flowers and tops of lesser centaury into a tea-pot, and fil- ling it with boiling water, which, by the blessing of God, will accomplish a cure in a few days. XII. A certain cure for the King's-evil. I have conversed with a gentleman in this city, who shewed me the scars on his neck, that was cured in a few weeks by an Indian, by making use of the following simple preparation : take the in- ner bark of the root of the hay-berry bush, pound it fine and apply it three times a day over the hard 343 lumps. In ease the hard lumps should break and suppurate, wash the sore constantly with the ex- pressed juice of the green leaves of the bay-berry tree, and let the patient drink daily a tea-cup full four times a day, of the tea made by puting an handful of the green leaves, every morning, into a tea-pot filled with boiling water. XIII. For the immoderate flowing of the Menses. Take equal quantities of beth root and tormentil root, vulgarly called crowfoot, finely pulverized, and give the woman a tea-spoonful every hour in a tea. cup of yarrow tea, applying cloths wet with vinegar to the lower parts frequently, and let her keep her bed until the flooding is stopped, and drink half a pint of port wine with ten drops of elixir vitrol in it. By the use of the above medicine, I was instru- mental, under God, of saving a man's wife, near the turn of life, who was expected to be incurable. This receipt is given for the benefit of my country women, who may be afflicted in like manner. XIV. Several experienced remedies for deafness. Roast a beaver's tail before the fire, and let the patient drop seven drops of the oil, as hot as he can bear, into the ear every night and morningv stopping the ear with wool. 849 Likewise the following remedy has been applied with success in the cure of deafness : heat a knit- ting needle red hot and hold it over the patient's ear, and drop a little of the urine of a pole cat on the hot needle, so that seven drops fall into the ear, every night and morning, and stop the ear with wool until he has recovered his hearing. XV. Cure for the Ague in a woman's breast. Take the inner bark of the root of red rose wil- low, pound it to the consistence of a soft cold poul- tice, mix it with fresh cream, and apply it fresh over the mammy every hour, until the swelling is dispersed. I advise the patient to take a dose of «alts before the astringent poultice is applied. XVI. How to cure the inveterate Salt Rheum. Take the juice of poke weed half a pint or a pint, and the extract of bitter-sweet one ounce, set these iu the sun in a pewter plate, stir them frequently till they are of the consistence of thick pitch: put both the extracts in an earthen pipkin with a pound of fresh May or June butter, and let it simmer on hot ashes for an hour; then strain the ointment, and when nearly cold stir into it one quarter of an ounce of red precipitate, and put the ointment in a clean earthen pot for use : likewise put half a pint -350 of burnt oyster shells, finely pulverized into a quai't of strong vinegar, boil it for half an hour, and strain it for a wash. The parts is to be wet three times a day with the vinegar, and every night and morning anoint with the above ointment, drinking daily the following, which will entirely eradicate it out of the blood : boil an handful of the inner green rind or bark of the elder tree, in a pint of sweet milk and a pint of water down to a pint: strain the decoction through a piece of linen, and give the patient four tea-cups full daily, two in the forenoon and two in the afternoon. Ihe patient is to continue taking the milk, or decoction, after the itching is gone, and is to bath frequently in salt water during the month of June. N. B. After the patient has tried the aboveff remedies, the following will prevent any return of the malady, and has been found, under God, an effectual cure : boil four ounces of the genuine lobelia, which has the smell of tobacco, in four quarts of rain water down to two, and strain it for use: dose for an adult, a tea-cup full three or four times a day, washing the parts frequently with the decoction. XVII. How to take the film from off the Eye. To one pint of lime water put half an ounce of verdegrease, finely pulverized, and set it on hot 351 ashes for an hour ; strain it and put it in abottla well stopped for use. Wet the speck three times a day with a fine hair brush, until it is taken off", and use my eye-water in order to strengthen the sight. XVIII. My infallible Worm Powder. Take the round balls which grow near the ground on the stalks of skunk cabbage, cut them in thin slices, and after they arc dry pulverize them. Mix an ounce of this powder with the pow- der of the white wood bark and Indian hemp root, each one ounce : from half a tea-spoonful to a whole one maybe taken in molasses three mornings suc- cessively, before either the full or change of the moon, to a child three years ©id, and so in propor- tion to their age. XIX. A new discovered infallible cure for that dread- ful malady called fistula in ano.~ Take the expressed juice of the green leaves or balls of skunk cabbage one pound, fresh butter one* pound, and mutton tallow half a pound ; put these in an earthen pot on hot coals to simmer for two hours, then press out the ointment for use. The parts are to be anointed twice a day with the oint- ment for ten minutes, and the patient's body kept soluble by giving him a dose of castor oil till well. 3&J This has been tried and found effectual in the cure of the fistula in ano, and it will also cure the piles by rubbing them every night with the ointment. and giving the patient a dose of castor oil or en- som salts. XX. Cure for the Consumption. A gentleman who was far gone in a consump- tion, and spit a great quantity of blood, was cured, with the blessing of God, by the use of the follow- ing remedy, which I now describe for the benefit of families, £$c. Boil four ounces of hysop, one of wild cherry tree bark and one of skunk cabbage root, in four quarts of rain water down to two; strain the decoction and add one pint of honey, half a pound of sugar candy, two ounces of liquor- ice root pulverized, shavings of hartshorn two oun- ces, one handful of rue, three ounces of anis-sced bruised, sliced figs and raisins stoned, of each four ounces : boil all the ingredients in one gallon of rain water down to three quarts ; strain the decoc- tion, and add o;ie quart of honey and one pound of maple sugar to it: boil it again for half an hour and pour it into clean eai'then pots covered, and set in a cool cellar for use: dose, one gill every morn* ing and at bed time fasting. I advise the patient to take forty grains of the American ipecacuanha, in a little warm water, fas ting, and work it off with 353 boneset tea, before using the above medicine, which will cleanse the stomach and break the fever if he has any. In case of night sweats, and inward slow fevers, pour a quart of boiling water on two ounces of my fever root, called dragon's claw, and take a gill of the infusion morning and evening. XXI. Cure for St. Anthony's Fire. Take of sage and elder bark each one handful, and of beech drops and squaw root each four oun- ces : boil these in four quarts of water to the con- sumption of one half: strain the decoction, and dis- solve in it two ounces of loaf sugar : wet the parts frequently with this astringent wash. The patient must take a dose of sal glauber first, and drink a tea-cup full, four times a day, of elder flower tea* made by pouring boiling water on an handful of elder flowers. XXII. Cure for the Canker Rash, or Sore TiiroaU Give the patient a dose of castor oil, or sal glau- ber and <*argle the throat six times a day with the following gargle : take half a pound of squaw root, six ounces of beech drops, and four ounces of red elm bark: boil all in four quarts of rain water down to two, strain it, and dissolve two ounces of alum 4« 354 and half an ounce of salt petre in the decoction, to which add a pint of honey: bottle it and keep it or use. This will cure the most inveterate sore throat. XXIII. Cure for the Yellow Jaundice, The following preparation has never failed me when application was made in time: take half a pound of blood root cut small, and put it in a jug with five pints of old rum : shake the vessel often, and after three or four days infusion it will be fit for use. If the patient is feverish and complains of a pain in his side, bleed him and give him a dose of antibilious pills, when he may taLe half a wine glass of the blood root tincture, three times a day on an empty stomach, increasing the dose gradu- ally to a whole one, until he finds himself well. I had a patient whose eyes were as yellow as clay, who by the use of the above tincture, and a dose of my antibilious pills, was perfectly restored to health in three days, by God's blessing. XXIV. Another cure for the Jaundice. Take four ounces of the barberry root split thin; boil it in two quarts of sound cider, for half an hour, and strain the liquor for use: dose, a tea- cup full four times a day on an empty stomach. 355 XXV. How to cure a Fellon on the finger. Take two ounces of white hellebore root bruised, and two ounces of blue flowered water flag root bruised : boil them in a quart of new milk for an hour, and let the patient hold his finger in the milk as hot as he can bear for fifteen minutes, then ap- ply the hot roots as a poultice on the finger, and in one hour the finger will be well. XXVI. A cure for Sore Nipples. Tak? a large flat turnip, scrape out the heart of it, and put into the hollow half an ounce of bees wax, a gill of train oil, and a gill of honey: set the turnip on hot ashes for an hour, when you must pound the turnip and contents until they become an ointment. The nipples are to be anointed three times a day with this ointment, which will speedily cure them. XXVIT. A cure for Epileptic Fits. Take the roots of comfrey, sassafras, burdock, elecampane, and horse-radish, of each a large handful, and the tops and buds of horehound and rasberry, each one handful: put these ingredients into a new earthen pot which holds two gallons, fill 356 it with rain water and let it simmer over hot ashes for eight hours: strain the decoctien and put it in bottles for use : dose for an adult, a gill four times a day for a week, before both the full and change of the moon. To my certain knowledge, this pre- paration has been tried and proved effectual, in a very respectable family in the country, when all other means had failed. XXVIII. Cure for the falling down of ike Womb, and Pro- lapsis Ani. Take white oak bark, beth root, crowfoot root, and rose leaves, of each one ounce : boil the whole in four quarts of water down to two: strain the de- coction, to which add a pint of port wine, and two ounces of powdered alum, while it is warm. The patient must first take a dose of castor oil or salts, and after its operation, must foment the part four or five times a day with flannel dipped in the de- coction as hot as can be born without causing pain. In order to prevent a relapse, the patient must wet the part twice a day with cold water, in which a spoonful of salt has been dissolved, and keep the bowels open by a dose of castor oil once a week, using the salt water bath twice a week as a tonic. 357* XXIX. Cure for Black Jaundice. Take an handful of the leaves of artichoke bruis- ed, put them L. «*i. ejii'then pot and pour three pints of good ale on them ; set the pot near the fire for two days ; strain the liquor, to which add a quart of Teneriffe wine. The patient if costive must take a wine glass of this sirup every morn- ing for nine mornings, first taking a dose of antibi- lious pills. XXX. How to make my golden Cephalic Snnff. Take the roots of daises, yarrow, and white hel- lebore, colt's foot leaves, and baj-b ivy bark, of each one ounce, finely pulverized and sifted through gause : mix the powder well together in a mortar, and drop in it one drachm of the essence of bur- ganiot: after which put it in a bottle close corked for use. A small pinch of this snuff may be ta- ken at bed time, as a cure for virtigo, megrims, obstructions from catarrh, 6jc. and 1 have found it effectual in relieving the head-ach. This secret is worth more than the price of this book, 358 . XXXI. A lotion which cures the Itch. Take white hellebore and yellow sharp pointed dock root, of each four ounces, and two ounces of ellecampane root: bruise them in a mortar, and boil them in four quarts of water down to two: strain the decoction, and while warm dissolve one ounce of curd sal amoniac in the wash: wet the parts with a linen rag dipped in the lotion, every night at bed time, and take a tea-spoonful of cream of tartar and flour of sulphur in molasses, twice a day for three days, by which time the itch is cured. This is a more cleanly method than using greasy ointments, and is an infallible and safe cure. N. B. Mind and put on clean linen and clean sheets the fourth night to prevent a relapse. XXXII. The author's famous Anti-bilious Pills. Take one ounce of Indian hemp root, half an ounce of may apple, called by some mandrake, both finely powdered, and one ounce of calomel, mix them together and with a sufficient quantity of ho- ney make a mass for pills, the size of a large pea: dose, from five to six, in molasses, will purge off the bile sufficiently without griping. When you are pounding the mass to make it of a consistence for pills, drop in it a tea-spoonful of 359 the oil of aniseseed, which will make them car- minative, and expel all flatulency or wind from the bowels. XXXIII. Excellent eye water. Take fresh eggs and empty out the contents, leaving in each shell a little of the white of the egg, put into each shell ten grains of white vitriol, and fill them with rose or rain water; set each shell in warm ashes to simmer for half an hour, strain the water through a piece of fine linen and pour a gill of rose water in it, and keep it in a hot-., tie well corked for use. This will cure the most inveterate sore eyes, by weting them four or five times a day, and observing all necessary evacua- tions. XXXIV. Sirup for destroying Worms. Take one pound of the roots and leaves of buck- horn plantain, four ounces of unicorn root, four ounces of the bark of the root of black alder, four ounces of Indian hemp root, and three ounces of the leaves or roots of skunk cabbage : boil them in two gallons of rain water down to three quarts: strain the decoction through fine linen, to which add two quarts of molasses, or four pounds of ma- ple sugar, and boil it away to the consistence of ,160 molasses. Children from two to four years of age, may take half a wine glass every morning and night fur three mornings, before both the full and change of the moon, which will bring away the worms en- tire, without causing any sickness. Adults may *ake a tea-cup full, at the regular time of the moon< XXXV. Cure for the Dysentery. The following preparation I have found in my practice, a sure and effectual cure for the dysen- tery, in all its stages : take a tea-spoonful of the oil of cinnamon, half a tea-spoonful of the oil of pepper- mint, half an ounce of laudanum, and seven or eight ounces of pulverized loaf sugar: put all the ingredients with three half pints of brandy into a quart bottle, and shake it well. The patient is first to take a dose of castor oil or rhubarb, and after it has done working, he may take a wine glass of the preparation every two or three hours, his diet being rice and milk, mutton, veal, or chicken soup. XXXVI. Remedy for the Consumption. The following medicine has been found effectual in curing a gentleman, who was far gone with the consumption, and had been given over as incura- ble : take hysop, colt's foot, and agrimony, of each 380 one handful, of rue two ounces, of bruised anise- seed, figs sliced, and raisins stoned, of each four ounces, shavings of hartshorn two ounces, and of the dry leaves of fox-glove half an ounce ; put all the ingredients in a new earthen pot, pour four quarts of water on them, and add two ounces of liquorice root pulverized, six ounces of sugar can- dy, and two quarts of pure honey : cover the pot and set it near the fire, frequently putting hot ashes around it, shake the pot every now and then, and after a week's infusion strain the balsam, and put it in bottles for use, as follows : first give the patient a dose of Bov. man's ipecacuanha (vide American ipecacuanha) the next morning give him a table- spoonful of the balsam, continuing it every two hours through the day, and a tea-cup, four times a day, of the follow ing tea : take skunk cabbage and cross-wort, of each an handful, pour four quarts of boiling water on them, and sweeten it with honey when you give it. Let the patient apply to his breast a warm plaster of burgundy pitch, and ride out every pleasant day. With similar medicine I was instrumental, un- der God, of restoring to health a poor blacksmith, who the consumption had reduced to a mero skeleton, and wa6 considered to be incurable. 46 36a XXXVII. Cure for violent Pain in the Bones, proceeding from the imprudent use of mercury. Put four ounces of the powdered root of May- apple into oncgallon of matheglin, and dissolve four ounces of epsom salts in a quart of the liquor made warm, mix all together, shake the vessel frequently, and let it stand for a week. The patient may take a wine glass of the above liquor, once or twice a day according to its effects. Take the leaves and roots of skunk cabbage, of each eight ounces, bruised in a mortar, and boil them in two pounds of hogs lard for four hours: press the ointment through hair or canvas, and mix in it one ounce of pulverized roll brimstone. The pained parts must be rubbed with this ointment, before the fire, for ten minutes every night and morning, aud covered with flannel, using the warm bath twice a week in the spring of the year. After all the pains are re- moved he may use tonic medicines, such as fine columbo root and ten grains of the rust of iron, three times a day, use the salt water bath twice a week, in the months of June and July, and use moderate exercise on horseback, in order to brace the solids. 363 XXXVIH. A new discovered cure for a Rupture of the Tea- ticles. Last fall, a Spaniard who had been a long time in the city hospital, labouring under a large swel- ling of the testicles, and had been given up as in- curable, made application to me. The surgeons had held a consultation over him, and agreed thafe he must be castrated; but he would not comply. Upon examination I found it to be a sarcocelc, or a fleshy tumour of the testicles, and therefore re- solved to attempt the cure by discutients. I first prescribed an emetic, and applied the following ca- taplasm, or poultice, over the scrotum every night: take two handsful of goose grass, or cleavers, boil it in two quarts of strong wine vinegar, and foment the swelling with flannel wet with the vinegar, for ten minutes ; then hind the leaves over the tumour every night, and anoint it frequently, every day, with my discutient ointment, and cover it with flan- nel. By taking a purge twice a week, and follow- ing the above prescription, the man (by the bles- sing of God) recovered in about three weeks, to the suprise of the hospital gentlemen, and to my great satisfaction. 364 XXXIX. An infallible cure for the Venereal Take four ounces of zantoxylum, or tooth-aeh bark, the roots of sarsaparilla and the dry leaves and roots of spleen wort, of each six ounces : boil them in eight quarts of rain water down to four, strain the decoction, to which add four pounds of loaf sugar, and boil it away to the consistence of honey. Next dissolve six grains of corosive subli- mate, finely powdered, in a spoonful of alcohol, put it in a quart bottle and fill it up with the sirup. After the patient has made use of proper evacua- tions, in case of ardnre of urine and inflammation, he may take a table-spoonful of the sirup four times a day, minding to shake it well, in half a pint of the strong decoction of sarsaparilla root, till cured: abstain from all spiritous liquors, and use fresh diet, such as gruels, soups, §c. and avoid catching cold as much as possible. The above sirup cures the venereal in its worst stage ; and sells at five dollars per bottle. It may be taken to sea, and will keep the year round, by stopping the bottle close with a piece of leather tied over the cork. I have made this secret pub- lic for the benefiit of seamen and others. 365 XL. Tooth-aeh Pills. Take of the powder of zantoxylum, or tooth-aeh bark half an ounce, camphor and opium of each two drachms : dissolve this composition in a little alcohol with thirty drops of the oil of cloves, and with strained gum galbanum make a mass for pills, which must be about the size of a very small pea, one of which being put into a hollow aching tooth, will relieve the patient in two minutes. Keep the pills in a close stopped bottle ; but if they should get too dry for use, wet them with laudanum or the oil of cloves, XLI. Infallible cure for the Gout. In an earthen pot that will hold three gallons, put four pounds of elder flowers, cover them with four or five quarts of strong vinegar, with one pound of bay salt dissolved in it; set the pot near the fire with warn ashes around it, stir the mass frequently, and as the matter subsides put in fresh elder flowers. After four days fermentation, set the pot, covered, in a cool cellar for use. The pa- tient must apply a poultice of this mass, to the parts affected, as warm as it can be borne, three times a day until well. 366 Boil six ounces of zantoxylum bark, and one pound of fresh sarsaparilla root in eight quarts of water to the consumption of one half, and strain the decoction: dose, a tea-cup full four times a day, and make use of the following linement, every" night and morning: take of the expressed juice of skunk cabbage leaves half a pint, of the juice of arse-smart one gill, red cedar oil pne gill, flour of sulphur two ounces, beef's gall one gill, and one pint of the lees of old ale: incorporate the whole in an earthen vessel near the fire for an hour, and when sufficiently mixed, put the linement in a pot for use. The pained parts must be rubbed every night and morning, before the fire, with this line- ment, and covered with flannel. This is a newly discovered infallible eyre for the gout; and is like- wise beneficial in chronic rheumatism* XLII. Care for the Sculd Head. Let the head of the child be shaved and covered with a cap, :: tde of a wet bladder drawn over the head, and when dry it will be necessary to rub it and make it soft, so that it will cover the head with- out causing any uneasiness to the child. The head must be washed every morning with the following lotion: take half a pint of strong wine vinegar, and half a pint of lime water; dis- solve in it six or ten grains of corosive sublimate, -387 and shake them together for a wash. Melt half a pound of mutton suet, and one pound of hogs lard in an earthen pipkin, and stir in it one gill of the* expressed juice of yellow dock root, four ounces of the powder of white hellebore root, and a--gill of tar, mix them well together and pour U into a clean earthen pot for daily use. The head after being wet with the above lotion, is to be anointed with the ointment twice a day ; and every night the head must be covered with a poultice, made of coals taken from the fire, pounded iine and mixed with a strong decoction of southern-wood, into the consistence of a poultice. The next morning wash the head clean with warm suds, and proceed with the lotion as above directed. Giving the pa- tient a dose of salts twice a week. The above is my never failing method of curing the scald head, so that it returns no more, which I have found, to my great satisfaction and comfort, both to children and parents, and my own credit, XLIII. A medicine which will invigorate the System, 6*?, Take the juice of sage one gill, powdered cinna- mon and ginger of each one ounce, bruised fresh angelica root one ounce, fresh spikenard root cut small two ounces, saffron two ounces, galanga! root two ounces, and one ounce of cloves: put all the ingredients in a brass kettle, and boil them, m 368 six quarts of mountain Malaga, or Madeira wine for an hour: strain the wine through a piece of fine muslin, put it in bottles well corked, and keep it in a cool cellar for use. In all debility, lowness of spirits, and dejection of mind, the patient may take half a wine glass, every morning and before dinner, increasing the dose after a week to a wine glass twice a day, until it has answered the effect: then omit the medicine for a week or two, wheri he may proceed again to use it for a week or So, alternately. In case of costiveness, the patient may drink fre- quently the following laxative : pour a pint of boil- ing water on an ounce of cream of tartar, and when cool take a tea-cup full frequently, which will keep the body soluble without weakening the patient. Use the salt water bath twice a week in the warm months, and ride about in good weather. XLIV. A newly discovered cure for a Polypus. An elderly woman applied to me for advice, who had been afflicted for a long time with a fleshy ex- cresence, which closed up the passage of her nose. By using the follow ing simple prescription, a cure was performed in a few days : take half an ounce of blood root finely pulverized and sifted, and one drachm of calomel, mix them together for a sternutatory. A small pinch of this powder is to 369 be snuffed up the nostrils, for the polypus of the nose three times a day, and a syringe of the fol- lowing wash, or lotion, is to he thrown up the nos- trils twice a day, until the polypus is removed: dissolve half an ounce of powdered alum in a gill of brandy, and shake the phial until the alum is dissolved. This is a tried, sure, and safe cure for a polypus of the nose, without the use of instru- ments, which puts the patient to exquisite pain, and is often dangerous. XLV. A cure for (Edematous swellings of the Legs and Fever Sores. Take one pound of the fresh buds of sweet fern, and boil them in three quarts of strong wine vine- gar for an hour: hold the swelled leg over the steam for half an hour, fomenting it with flannel dipped in the warm liquor, and at bed time a poul- tice of the buds, as warm as the patient can bear, is to be spread upon flannel and applied every night over the whole leg : and take a dose of salts twice a week until the swelling is discussed. For the fever sores, the patient may take half a pint of the sweet fern bud tea, four times a day and apply the warm leaves as a poultice over the sore daily, until cured. # 47 376 XLVI. A remedy for the Gravel, Take of the fresh juice of cleavers, or goose grass, one gill, put it in a cup on warm ashes, and let it simmer for half an hour: strain the clear juice from the sediment through flne lawn, and add to it two ounces of sweet spirits of nitre, four drachms of laudanum, and one ounce of the oil of juniper: dose, two or three tea-spoonsful of this mixture, in a tea-cup of flaxseed tea sweetened with honey, three or four times a day. After ne- cessary evacuations, such as bleeding, purging, and using the warm bath. XLVII. Sirup for Worms. The following preparation was found effectual, under God, by preserving the life of a child, that was afflicted with worms ; and had been given up by a gentleman physician, in the country, as incu- rable. Take six ounces of fresh bark of black alder, eight ounces of dry buck-horn plantain, and three ounces of unicorn root; boil the ingredients in four quarts of water down to two: strain the de- coction, to which add two quarts of molasses, and boil it away to the consistence of molasses. Chil- dren from two to four years of age, may take from 371 three to four tea-spoonsful of the sirup, morning and evening for three days, before both the full and change of the moon, which will bring away the worms and stop the fever. Adults may take a wine glass, morning and evening for three days successively, before both the full and change of the moon. This is a new discovered, valuable, safe, and effi- cacious medicine for worms, either in old or young, and ought to be kept in every family. XLVIII. Cure for Hives in children. Dissolve twenty grains of American ipccacu* anha, in six tea-spoonsful of warm tea, and give the child, according to age, from six months to a year old, two tea-spoonsful of the infusion ; but if it does not puke the child in fifteen minutes, continue the dose every fifteen minutes until it operates, up- wards or downwards : after every emotion give the child a little warm water, or camomile tea, in or- der to cleanse the stomach. After the physic has done working, you may givcthe child, according to ao-e one or two tea-spoonsful of the sirup of popies in a' little catnip tea. Mix four ounces of the oil of olive with thirty or forty grains of American ipe- cacuanha, and give the child two tea-spoonsful eve- ry half hour. After giving all the oil, pour one quart of boiling water on an ounce of dragon's 378 claw root, and when the tea is cool, give the child half a wine glass every half hour throughout the day, until well, XLIX. Cure of Sciatica, or pain in the hip. Take one gill of red cedar oil, and two ounces of honeyr, and shake it well in a bottle. First give the patient a purge, and every morning and night a tea-spoonful of the mixture, in a dish of prickly-ash tea, anointing the hip with the oil, and covering it with flannel greased with the oil. Thus do daily until the pain is gone and apply my strengthening plaster as warm as it can be borne. L. Cure for the Hysteric Palpitation of the Heart. 1 he following preparation relieves the palpita- tion of the heart, prevents vomiting, checks fever- ish heats, fyc. In one and an half ounce of lemon juice, dissolve half a drachm of salt wormwood. and add one pint of cinnamon water: shake the bottle often, and stop it close for use : dose, a wine glass, two or three times a day, on an empty sto- mach, until well. LI. To prevent Puking and create a good appetite. Dissolve two table spoonsful of bay salt in half a pint of warm rain water, and add one ounce of rec-; 373 tiffed spirits of salt: dose, a tea-spoonful in a wine glass of cold water, before breakfast and dinner. This will excite the appetite, without puking, and increase the urinary discharge. L1L A Family Laxative which will obviate Costiveness. This laxative obviates costiveness without debili- tating the patient. Take of the powdered leaves of American senna, finely sifted half a pound, gin- ger in powder two ounces, the pulp of pruens one pound, the pulp of tamarinds six ounces, and mo- lasses three quarts. Boil the pulps in molasses to the consistence of honey and mix the powders in it and when cool, drop into it three drachms of the oil of caraway seeds: beat the whole into a thick mass, and put it in bottles for use: dose for adults, the size of a nut twice or thrice a day : or, the size of a pigeon's egg, swallowed at bed time, will open the bowels and remove wind. LIII. Cure for Epileptic and Convulsive Fits. For the benefit of families I shall discover my infallible secret for the cure of epileptic, or con- vulsive fits. Take one pound of the fresh leaves of stramonium, or stink weed, pound them in a mortar, press out the juice, which you must put in 37* a newter plate, set it in the sun, and stir it frequent- ly every day until the extract is of a consistence fit for pills. First give the patient an emetic of anti- monial wine, about two or three table-spoonsful, and work it off with boneset tea ; the next day be- gin giving the patient a small pill of the stramoni- um extract, about two grains every day, morning and evening, for a week, both before the full and change of the moon, increasing the dose (after a few days to three grains in a pill, tw o or three times a day, according to their effect. While under the use of the pills, the patient must drink twice a day the follow ing infusion : take of dragon's claw two ounces bruised, and wild valerian root bruised, one ounce: put the ingredients in a two quart pitcher and pour boiling water on it: dose, half a pint twice a day, milk warm. The dose of pills may he increased gradually to seven or eight per day, each pill to weigh two grains of the ex- tract ; and I advise the patient to use the warm bath three times a week. After the fits are stop- ped he may use the cold salt water bath twice a week, observing to open the bowels by gentle laxa- tives, such as five or six pills of butter-nut extract in molasses, always the night before bathing. Seve- ral miserable patients have been radically cured of epileptic fits, or convulsions, (by the divine bles- sing) by following the above prescription, for three or four weeks. 375 LIV. A cure for the Jwllow horn in eattle. Bore a hole with a gimblet and let the water ran out: after which, fill the hole with black pepper and vinegar mixed together, and put a plug in it: let the plug remain for two days, when it must be taken out-and filled with the vinegar and pepper, letting it remain until the beast is cured, which is generally about four days. LV. To Stupify pish. The following paste will stupify fish, to such a degree that they will float on the top of the water, and may be taken with the hands. Take fresh leaves of mullen, and when sufficiently dry pulve- rize them, sift the powder, which you must mix with wheat flower, and water to the consistence of paste. Scatter the paste here and there on the water, where you have reason to believe the fish resort, and in a few minutes the fish will arise to the top of the water as if they were dead. Thus you have the secret of catching fish with little trouble, besides saving a great deal of precious time. (Linn.) -376 LVI. A cure for a withered limb, £^c. Take two ounces of black spruce gum, and one ounce of tamarack gum ; pound them, and put them into an earthen pitcher with a quart of bran- dy ; set the pitcher covered near the fire, and after straining the balsam, put it in bottles for use. The parts must be fomented three times a day, with a piece of flannel dipped in the warm balsam, and covered with flannel dipped into it. After using the balsam for a week, the patient must hold the withered limb under the spout of a pump, and have cold water pumped on it for ten minutes, twice a day, and wrap flannel around it. 377 THE VIRTU ES OF THE DIFFERENT ESSENCES. The following essences, are generally carried through the city by country distillers, and sold at a great price, with directions how to use them in the cure of many disorders, and have been found to answer the most sanguine expectations, by giv- ing immediate relief. ESSENCE OF HEMLOCK. Pour one ounce of the essential oil of hemlock into one pint of rectified spirits of wine : shake the* bottle well and you have the essence. From twenty to thirty drops of this essence on a piece of lump sugar, dissolved in a tea-cup full of cinque- foil, or five finger grass tea, taken at lying down, removes rheumatic pains, and if dissolved in hysop tea, it will cure recent coughs. Children may take from ten to twelve drops in hysop tea accord- ing to their age. The essence of penny-royal, sweet fennel, cinna- mon, winter-green, juniper, t)c are all made in the same manner as the essence of hemlock. ESSENCE OF PENNY-ROYAL. Take a tea-spoonful of the essence of penny- royal dropped on lump sugar, and dissolved in a tea-cup full of hog-weed or catnip tea, when going to bed, in order to bring down the courses. 48 378 ESSENCE OF SWEET FENNEL. Children troubled with green stools and wind, may take a tea-spoonful of magnesia alba in breast milk sweetened; and the next night drop ten drops of the essence on sugar, and give it to the child dissolved in a little luvos seed tea. ESSENCE OF CINNAMON. This essence is good in all cold phlegmatic con- stitutions, fainting and hysteric fits in women, and for wind iu the bowels. Take from twelve to four- teen drops of the essence on sugar dissolved in a tea-cup full of spleen-wort tea, once or twice a day. ESSENCE OF WINTER-GREEN. * A tea-spoonful may be taken by an adult, twice a day, on sugar dissolved in a tea-cup of goose grass tea, which removes all obstructions of the urine, and gives ease in gravelly complaints. Let those afflicted with the gravel, take a tea-spoonful of magnesia alba, in a tea-cup of goose grass tea three times a day; but if costive, take a dose of castor oil, and if plethoric, they must be bled, and conti- nue the medicine until they are cured (through the divine blessing) by using so simple a medicine. A tea-spoonful of the essence of winter-green in a wine glass of Holland gin, and drank in the morning is an excellent cordial, and is very good for elderly people who are troubled with a difficulty 379 of making water. Let them soak their feet often >n warm water at bed time, and if costive take a dose of salts, before using the essence and gin. The Rev. Dr. R. C. Moore told me that he had cured himself by the frequent use of magnesia alba, taken with a tea-spoonful of new milk, three times a day : but I advise it to be taken in a tea made of the herb of cleavers, as I have always found it beneficial in my practice. 380 COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF SIMPLES. Observe to collect such as are sound and perfect, to separate from them whatever is injured or de- cayed, and to free them from all foreign matters adherering to them. Those precautions must be taken which are best fitted for preserving them : and must in general, be defended from the effects of moisture, too great heat or cold, and confined air. Vegetable matters should be collected in the countries where they are indigenous ; and those which grow wild, in dry soils, and high situations, fully exposed to the air and sun, are in general to be preferred to those which are cultivated, or which grow in moist, low, shady, or confined places. Roots which are annual, should be collected be- fore they shoot out their stalks or flowers ; bien- nial roots in the harvest of the first, or spring of the second year; perennial roots either in spring be- fore the sap begins to mount, or in harvest, after it has returned. Those which are worm-eaten, except seme re- sinous roots, or which are decayed, are to fie reject- ed. The others are immediately to be cleaned with a brush and cold water, letting them lie in it 381 as short time as possible ; and the fibres and little roots, when not essential, are to be cut away. Roots which consist principally of fibres, and have but a small tap, may be immediately dried. If they be juicy, and not aromatic, this may be done by heat, not 100° of Fahrenheit; butif aromatic, by simply exposing them, and frequently turning them in a current of dry air; if very thick and strong, they are to be split or cut into slices, and strung upon threads ; if covered with a rough bark, they may be peeled fresh, and then dried. Such as lose their virtues by drying, or are directed to be pre- served in a fresh state, are to be kept buried in dry sand. No very general rule can be given for the collec- tion of herbs and leaves, some of them acquiring activity from their age, and others, as the mucila- ginous leaves, from the same cause, losing the property for which they are officinal. Aromatics are to be collected after the flower-buds are form- ed : annuals, not aromatic, when they are about to flower, or when in flower; biennials, before they shoot: and perennials, before they flower, especi- ally if their fibres become woody. They are to be gathered in dry weather, after the dew is off them, or in the evening before it falls, and arc to be freed from decayed, withered, or foreign leaves. They are usually tied in bundles, and hung up in a shady, warm, and airy place, or spread upon 382 the floor, and frequently turned. If very juicy, they are laid upon a sieve, and dried by a gentle degree af artificial warmth. Sprouts are collected before the buds open: and stalks are gathered in autumn. Barks and woods are collected when the most active part of the Vegetables are concentrated in them, which happens in spring and in autumn. Spring is preferred for resinous barks, and autumn for the others which are not resinous, but rather gummy. Barks should be taken from young trees, and freed from decayed parts, and all impurities. The same rules direct the collection of woods ; but they must not be taken from very young trees. Among the resinous woods, the heaviest, which sink in water, are selected. The alburnum is to be rejected. Flowers are collected in dry weather, before noon, but after the dew is off; either when they are just about to open, or immediately after they have opened. Of some the petals only are pre- served, and the colourless claws are even cut away, of others whose calyx is odorous, the whole flower is kept. Flowers which are too small to be pulled singly, are dried with part of the stalk, and are cal- led heads or tops. Flowers and herbs are to be dried by the gentle heat of a stove or common fire, in such quantities a time that the process may be finished as 383 quickly as possible ; for by this means ther pow- ers are best preserved; the test of which is the perfect preservation of their natural colour. When they lose their colour and smell they are unfit for use. Seeds and fruits, unless when otherwise direct- ed, are to be gathered when ripe, but before they fall spontaneously. Some pulpy fruits are freed from their core and seeds, strung upon thread, and dried artificially. They arc in general best pre- served in their na^iral coverings, although some, as the colocynth, are peeled, and others, as the tamarind, preserved fresh. Many of these are apt to spoil, or become rancid; and as they are then no longer fit for medical use, no very large quantity of them should be collected at a time. The proper drying of vegetable substances is of the greatest importance. It is often directed to be done in the shade, and slowly, that the volatile and active particles may not be dissipated by too great heat; but this is an error, for they always lose infinitely more by slow than by quick drying. When, on account of the colour, they cannot be exposed to the sun, and the warmth of the atmos- phere is insufficient, they should be dried by an artificial ^rmth, less than 100 Fahrenheit, and well exposed to a current of air. When perfectly dry and friable, they have little smell, but after 384 being kept sometime, they attract moisture from the air, and regain their proper odour. The boxes and drawers in which vegetable mat- ters are kept, should not impart to them any smell or taste; and more certainly to avoid this, they should be lined with paper. Such as are volatile of a delicate texture, or subject to suffer from in- sects, must be kept in well covered glasses. Fruits and oily seeds, which are apt to become rancid, must be kept in a cool, and dry, but byr no means n a warm or moist place. 4fc Oily seeds, odorous plants, and those containing volatile principles, must be collected fresh every year. Others whose properties are more permi- nent, and not subject to decay, will keep for seve- ral years. Vegetables collected in a moist and rainy season, are in general more watery and apt to spoil. In a dry season, they contain more oily and resinous particles, and keep much better. rn£ end. INDEX. English Name. Acrous, or Sweet Flag, Agrimony, Alder Black, Latin Name. Calamous Agrimonia, Alnus Niscfus, Alexander, or Wild Parsely, Petroselinum, Angelica Wild, the greater Angelica Sylvestris, Arbutus, or B°ar Berry, A^h coloured Liverwort, Ash, Prickly Avens, Back-ach Brake, or Female Fern Root, Uva Ursi, I itehen Caninus, Fraxinus Spinosus, Geum Urbanum, Balm, Barberry, Bay berry Bush, Beech Drops, or Cancer Root, Beth Root, Bind Weed, greater, or Man in the ground, Bitter Sweet, Black Henbane, Polopody Silix Lin, Melissa Officinalis, Berberis Vulgaris, Laurus Nobilus, Page* 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 28 SO 32 34 Oriblancha Virginia, 36 Trillium Uhumbodyum, 38 Convolvulus Panduratus major, 41 Solanum Dulcamara, 44 Hyoscyamus Nigrus, 46 38& English Name. Black Snake Root, Blood Root, Blue Cardinal Flowers, Boneset, or Thoroughwort, Bowman's Root, or Indian Physic, Buck Thorn, Latin Name. Page. Radix Anapodophyllon Nigrus, 49 Sanguinaria Canadeses, 51 Lobelia Siphilitica, 53 Eupatorium Perfoliatum, 55 Americana Ipecacuanha, Rhamnus Catharticus 56 Spina Cerrina, 60 Burdock, Artium Lappa, 62 Burnet Saxifrage, Pimpinella, 64 Buttt/fly Weed, or Asclepias Decumbens, 66 Flux Root, Celandine, the greater Chelidonium, major 68 Centaury, Centaurum, minor 70 Cinquefoil, Potertillo Reptans, 72 Cleavers, or Goose G-ass, Galium Aparine, 74 Cohush, or Papoose Root, Cauk ph) Hum Thalic" troides, 76 Colt's Foot, Tussilago Farfara, 79 Comfrey, Consolida, 8X Common Great Plantain, Piantago, major 83 Common Lady's Smock, Cardamine Pratensis 85 Cow-hage, Dolichos Pruriens, 87 Crane's Bill, or Crowfoot, Geranium Maculatum, 89 C i oss wort, Cruccata, 91 Dandelion, Leontodon Faraxacum, 93 Deadly Night Shade, Atropa Belladonna, 95 F evil's Bit, Veratrum Luteum, 97 Dragon's Claw, or Fever Root,Amaranthus, 100 bluer, Black Sumbucus Nigrus, 102 English Name. Elder, Dwarf Elecampane, Elm leaved sumach, Elm sweet, or Slippery Elm, Ulmus Dulcis, Eringo leaved Litchen, Lichen Icelandicus, 387 Latin Name. SaiTi..u,ib uliblus, Inula Helenium, Rhus Coriria, Eryngo, or Sea Holly, Feath> r-few, Fever Bush, or Wild Alspice, Flax, Foetid Hellebore, or Skunk Hcllcborus Foetidus, Cabbage, En ngiam Chantium Matricaria Vulgaris, Dumus Ftbris, Linum Usitatisimum, Pnge. 104 16 108 110 112 114 116 117 ll'J 121 Fox-Glove, Frostwort, Fumitory, Garden Poiny, Golden Rod, Ground Pine, Guinea Pepper, Ginseng, Gentian, Ground Ivy, Hart's Tongue, Hellebore Alba, Hemlock, Hog-weed, or Hog-bed, Holy Thistle, Horehound, Hop, Jlorse-radisjj, Digitalis, Systis Canadensis, Fumaria Officinalis, Poeoina Officinalis, Solidago Virga Aurea, Arthetica Capsecum Annum, Panax Quiquefolium, Gentiana Americana, Glecoma Hederacea, Asplenimm Scolopen- drum, Veratrum Album, Conium Maculatum Ambrosia, Cardus Benedictus, Marrubinum Vulgare, Humulus Lupulus, Cochlearia Aronoracea, U3 126 128 130 132 131 136 138 140 142 14* 146 148 150 150 154 156 158 388 English Name. Horse-weed, or Stone root Ice plant, Indian Hemp, Indian Plant, * Indian Turnip, Jerusalem Oak, Juniper, Lettuce, wild Life Root, Lungwort, Maiden-hair, Male Fern, Marsh Rosemary, Masterwort, May-apple, or Mandrake, May-weed, or Wi.d Camomile, Milk, or Silk Weed, Misletoeof the Oak ? Mugvvort, MVJen, Mustard, hLck Nettle, common Oak, black Oat, cultivated Peach Tree, Penny-royal, Poke Root, Prickly Pear, Purslain, Latin Name. JPage. Collinsonia, 160 Erystallirum, 162 Spirea Trifollata 164 Spigelia Marilandica, 16G Arum Maculatum, 168 Botrys Fruticoso Ame- ricana, 170 Juniperus Communis, 172 Lactuca Virosa, 174 RadVhta, 176 Lichen, 178 Adianthum, 180 Polipodium Vulgare, 182 Satice Limonium, 1«4 Imptratoria Ostruthium, 186 Podophyllum Pelotatum, 188 Cortuta Fcetida, 19Q Vincetoxicum, 192 Vjbcum Album, 194 Artimisia, 496 Verbascum, 198 Sinapis Nigra, 200 Urtica Dioica, ~2b2 Quercus Nigrus, 204 Aitna Sativa, 206 Amygdalus Americana, 209 Puleegium 211 Phy tolacca Decandna, 212 Stdum Acre, 215 Portulaca, *2\7 389 English Name. Queen or the Meadows, Rattle-snake Root, Rattle-snake Violet, Rattle-snake Plantain, Rose Balm, Rose Willow, Sheep Sorrel, Speedwell, Male Spikenard, Scabious, Snake Weed, Solomon's Seal, S 'amp Assarabacca, So ipwort, Stinking Goose-foot, St. John's Wort, Sassafras Tree, Savin, Sweet Bay Tree, Sweet Cicely, Southern-wood, Spleenwort, Si-nna, Snake Root, Squaw Root, or White Queen Meadow, Succory, Scull-cap, Stink-weed, or Thorn-apple, South-sea Tree, or Yaupon, Latin Name. Page. Spiera Ulmaria, 219" Polv gala Senega, 221 Satynum Repens, 223 P.untago Boiciningo 225 Melissa Rosarum 227 Slix Rubra Rosalis, 229 R imex Acetosa, 231 Vcronia, 233 Nardus Americanus, 234 Scabiosa Arvensis, 236 Polygonum Bistorta, 238 Conrallaria Polygonatum,240 Asarum, 241 Saponaria Officinalis, 243 Chcnopodium Foetidum, 245 Hypericum Perforatum, 247 L-turus Sassafras 250 Sabina, 252 Laurus Nobilis, 254 M\rrbis, 255 Artemisia Abrotanum, 257 Asplenium Trichomanes, 259 Scnnae Americana, 261 Aristolochia Serpcntaria, 263 Asclipias Purpurasans, 265 Cichoreum 267 Scutellaria Galericulata 269 , Datura Stramonium 271 Cassena liex Vomitoria 274 390 English Name. 'Striped Bloodwort, Tansy Double, Tooth-aeh Tree, Touch-wood, or Argaric, Tumeric, or Turmeric, Unicorn Root, Upwright Meadow Crow- foot, Upwright Virgin's Bower, Vervian, or Vervain, Virginia Dogwood, White Pond Lilly, White Poplar, Water Cresses, Water Dock, Wild Valerian, Winter-green, Wolf's Bane, or Monk's Hood, Wormwood, Wood Sorrel, Walnut Tree, black Water Trefoil, Wild Carrot, White Bryony, Wood Betony, Wxall Pellitory, Yarrow, Xellow Flowered Rhode dendron, Latin Name. Page. Lipathum Sanguineum Rubrum, 277 Tanacetum, 279 Zanthoxylum, 281 Boletu.t Ig.iianous, 287 Cicuma Longa, 289 Aletris Farinasa, 291 Banundels, 293 Clematis Recta, 295 Virbcna Officinalis, 297 Cornus Florida, 299 Nymphe Alba Aquatica, 301 Liriodendron Tulipifera, 304 Sisymbrium Nasturtium, 306 Lapathum Aquaticum, ;,08 Valeriana Sylvestris 311 Pirola Rotundifoiia, 313 Aconitum Napellus, 515 Artemisa Absinthium, 317 Oxalis Acetocella, 319 Juglans Nigrus, 3 1 Menganthes Trifoliata, 323 Daucus Carata, 325 Bryonia Alba, 527 B' ronica Officinalis, 329 Parietaria Officinalis, 3.1 Millefolium, 333 Rhododendron Chry- santhus, 33,5 A CATALOGUE Of the names of those gentlemen, who have sub- scribed for the 'New and Complete American: Medical Family Herbal:' with a list of the names of the towns, and the different states, in which they reside. Hon. Samuel L. Mitehel, M. D. ^c. $c. White-st. New-York, one copy, coloured. Hon. DeWitr Clinton, Esq. Mayor of the city of New-York, Pearl-st. two copies, coloured. James Tillary, President of the Medical Society, Spring-street, one copy, coloured. Doctor Van Z**dinger, €»rtlandt-*treet, one copy, coloured, bound, and gdt. De Anglese, Cherry-street, one copy, plain. Valentine Seaman, Beekinan-street, one do* John Watts, Bowery, <>ne do< Valentine Mott. Pearl-street, one copy. coloured. C. W. Eddy, Partition-street, one do. Hamersley, Pearl-street, one do. Jacob U. Birch, Pearl-street, one do. Dempsey, Broad-way, two do. Latturby, Elizabeth-town, N". J. one do. SamuefMaeauley, Pearl-street, one do 39S .Doctor Morton, Pearl-street, one copy coloured. Turner, Boston, Mass. one do. Taylor, Philadelphia, one copy, p lain. Ferrit, Niagara county, N. Y. one do. Husey, Ipswich, Massachusetts , one do. Murry, Chibaus, Massachusetts , one do. Thomas Gardener, Boston, one do. Green, Portsmouth, N H. one do. Smith, Lyme, Connecticut, one do. Warner, Red-hook, N. Y. one do. Plummer, Salem, Mass. one do. Cott, Falmouth, Mass. one do. Samuel Brower, Salem, Mass. one do. Low, Newton, Rhode-Island, one do. Climmons, Darby, New-Hampsl lire, one do. Hamilton, Cambridge, Mass. one do. Lathroup, Balltown, New-York, one do. Thomas Hamilton,Water-street, tfne copy, coloured. Major S. Hicks, Frankfort-street, one do. Rev. R. C. Moore, Richmond, Virg. one do. Robert Bowen, Pearl-street, one do. William Dunavan, one copy plain. George Knox, Church-street, one do. James Viaten, Greenwich-street, one do. C. New by, Poughkeepsie, % one copy coloured. George Remmy, Cross-street, one do. James O'Brien, Water-street, one dor Thomas Brown, Troy, one do. Samuel Nortan, Thiid-&treeJ| one copy plain. ) 393 George Dunlrin, Sattdy-hill, one copy coloured. Daniel Dunavan, Hillsborough, Mass. one do. George C. Forest, White-street, one do. Colonel Floyd, Smith Town, Long-Island, one do. George F. Johnson, Albany, one do. Sahasot I. Brosozor, Washington-street, Albany, one do. Henry Happer, Hester-street, one copy, plain. Beal N. Lewis, Cherry-street, one copy coloured. John Humbert, Ann-street,* one do. \ Francis Hall, Wall-street, one do. John Scott, Chesnut-street, one copy plain. Rev. William Feltus, Bowery, one copy coloured. Henry K. Fautain South-street, one • do. George W. Hawley, Tammany-Hall, one do. John Gaynor, Anthony-street, one copy plain. „'.!•■ 23 Belmont Ave., liladelphia. Pa. MtOr ,y£ jp: y&T-STc*^ t^yy ^y* y^^, ^ *y ^yy^^yy^ *^y^ S^^^y^ yy "/^*r y7^-^-^^^ *-^-yy^-, **^~ **& jT-*^- ^ yi^ 7iy^ ' y ■ s ^ 7^- ' *-y <-•-*-*'?