THE 
AMERICAN BOTANIST, 
AND 
TIINSICIAN : 
IN WHICH 
The medical virtues of the Mineral, Animal and 
Vegetable productions of North America are 
exhibited; together with their uses in the 
practice of Physic and Surgery; some 
of which are selected from Dr. 
Stearns, and other Authors, 
but mostly original. 
COMPREHENDING 
A Treatise upon the principal disorders of the cli- 
mate ; together ivith directions for pre- 
paring, compounding, and applying 
proper medicines for 
their cure. 
Likewise 
A LARGE NUMBER OF INDIAN DISCOVERIES IN THE MED- 
ICAL ART, NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED. 
By 3o\m Mowvoe. 
" *% s 
Compiled by SILAS GASKILL. 
WHEELOCK, (VT.) PUBLISHED BY JONATHAN MORRISON, 
Danville—Eben’r. Eaton, Printer. 
1824. DISTRICT ©F VERMONT, TO WIT : 
be it remembered, That on the fifth day 
L. S. If °f November, in the forty-eighth year of the 
£ Independence of the United States of America, 
MORRISON, of the said district, 
hath deposited in this office, the title of a Book, the right 
whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, 
to wit : 
“ THE AMERICAN BOTANIST, AND FAMILY PHY- 
SICIAN. By JOHN MONROE. Two Volumes in one.” 
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 Au- 
thors and Proprietors of such copies, during the times therein 
mentioned. 
JESSE GOVE, 
Clerk of the District of Vermont. 
A true copy of record, 
Examined and sealed by me, 
J. GOVE, Clerk. PREFACE. 
TO THE PUBLIC. 
The author of the following sheets is a native of 
"New-Hampshire, but now resides in the northerly 
part of Vermont ; where he has been for a num- 
ber of years engaged in the practice of physic ;— 
and as health is the foundation of all the enjoy- 
ments of life, the preservation of it (next to our 
eternal well-being in the world towards which we 
are making rapid advances) demands our most se- 
rious attention ;—for if possessed of all that this 
perishing world could afford, without this inestima- 
ble blessing, our conditions would be miserable. 
It is clear ae the sun at noon day, that nature has 
provided in her minerals, aniftials, and vegetables, ▼I 
PREFACE. 
an effectual remedy, if administered in season, for 
all the disorders incident to the human system. 
Of the two latter, the author has treated more par- 
ticularly in the following work, omitting the 
rals; which, on account of their poisonous quality, 
ought, in his humble opinion, to be laid aside. 
Under these considerations, he here offers to the 
public a work, in which, after treating in a botani- 
cal way of the animal and vegetable productions of 
the climate, he has taken up each disorder sepa- 
rately,-and endeavored to point out to his Fellow 
creatures the means by which they may be suc- 
cessfully met at every point, and with due perse- 
re ranee, and the blessing of Heaven, effectually 
overcome. 
For the attainment of this object, he has travel- 
led; to this end he has labored: and for years ha* 
he plied himself in the wilds of America, among 
the natives of the forest, where he has undergone 
all the horrors and depriv ations incident to savage 
life, in order to collect, and bring together that 
knowledge which should be instrumental in saving 
the lives and preserving the health of his telUw 
creatures. PREFACE. 
?ii 
Whilst among the Indians, the Author was a par- 
ticular intimate and confidant of a native Indian, 
who had been instructed in all the arts of-civilized 
life, and had received the advantages of a liberal 
and polite education, being regularly bred a physi- 
cian in the medical department of the Pennsylvania 
University, established at Philadelphia ,- at once the 
most flourishing and respectable institution of the 
kind in the United States, and hardly excelled by 
any in Europe. Whilst with this Indian, the 
Author'had not only an opportunity of learning 
•the Indian methods of treating disorders, and 
the medical virtues of the vegetable kingdom, 
hut likewise of gaining much literary and scientific 
knowledge. 
Previous to this, however, he had studied the 
medical art with several physicians, according1 to 
the methods then in vogue, and spent much time in 
reading different authors, among which were Cul- 
pepper, Roerhaave, &c.—-and after returning from 
the Indians, the Author spent two years and a half 
•in study with a German physician of groat repute 
•a order to pcrtcet himself in the knowledge of vti 
PREFACE. 
chemical operations, and the anatomy of the hu- 
man frame. 
And after devoting above seven years to travel 
and study, during which period he travelled 
•through nine of the United States for the purpose 
of collecting an account of the most recent discov- 
eries among the Indians, English, and Germans, and 
studied with the most noted and eminent physicians 
of the day, he is mistaken if he has not compressed 
within the compass of this work a greater number 
of valuable discoveries in the medical art than has 
ever been brought to light at any former period of 
time since the world began. THE 
AMERICAN BOTANIST, 
AND 
¥AMI1A TOSSICim 
VOL. I. 
ADDER’S TONGUE. 
The bruised leaves of this plant are good 
in fresh wounds and internal bruises. Cataplasms 
of the same ar-e of great service in the haemorr- 
hpides. 
AGRIMONY—SWEET. 
This herb is of a cooling1 and astringent quality. 
Infusions of the plant are of great service in fe- 
vers, dysenteries, and disorders of the stomach. 10 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
ALDER—SPECKLED. 
It is stomachic and anthelmintic. It makes a 
good bitter, and has been used in consumption*, 
coughs, and extreme debility. 
ANGELICA. 
This herb is carminitive and discutient. 
Infusions of it expel wind—help flatulent choi- 
ces ; and the fresh roots, applied externally, discuss 
inflammatory tumors, and excite spitting. 
APPLE TREE—SWEET. 
The buds of the sweet Apple Tree, infused in 
rum or cider, are excellent for correcting the hu- 
mors, and sweetening the blood and juices, espe- 
cially in the spring of the year. 
ARSMART—BITING. 
This excellent herb, of which too much cannot AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
11 
be said, is diobstruent, stimulant, diuretic and em- 
menegogic. 
It removes obstructions, helps the gravel; and 
in recent colds, is not exceeded by any other herb 
yet discovered. It is likewise a great preven- 
tive of fevers, if administered in season. 
Loifls 
ARTICHOKE. 
This plant is a powerful diuretic. 
The juice, mixed with an equal quantity of 
white wine, powerfully promotes urine. The 
roots make a more wholesome pickle than cucum- 
bers. 
ASH—WHITE. 
The bark is called astringent and sudorific. 
Both the inner bark, and its watery extract, have 
been given in intermitting fevers and consumptions, 
with success. In decoction, it sweetens the blood 
and juices ; and the internal and external use of the 1U 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
juice that issues out of the wood, while burning, 
has been celebrated as a cure for a cancer* 
ASH—PRICKLY. 
The bark of this tree is a great purifier of the 
blood and juices. 
An ounce pulverized and digested in a pint of 
brandy is an excellent medicine in rheumatisms, 
and for the intermitting fever and ague. 
Captain Carver says, that the Indians esteemed a 
decoction of the bark of the root a good remedy 
in a violent gonorrhea; and that it has sometimes 
cured one in a few days. 
ASAFtETIDA. 
Asafoetidais the strongest of the foetid gums, and 
of frequent use in hysteric, and different kinds of 
nervous complaints. It is likewise of considerable 
efficacy in flatulent cholics; and for promoting all 
the fluid secretions of either sex* Many virtues, AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
13 
however, have been attributed to this medicine, 
which, at present, are not expected from it.* 
BALM. 
This has been extolled by many authors ; yet I 
have never found it of any great use. It is, how- 
ever, a weak corroborant. 
BALSAM OF FIR. 
This balsam has been much celebrated for the 
cure of wounds and bruises : but I have almost in- 
variably found it to be of too irritating a quality. 
It generally proves diuretic. 
BALSAM RACASARI. 
This is one of the most powerful balsams; pos- 
sessing all the virtues attributed to balsam Ca- 
* Vide Edinburgh Dispensatory. 14 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
pivi, and in a much higher degree. It is excel- 
lent in plaisters, and cures wounds, without leaving 
any eschar. Taken internally, it removes rheu- 
matic and sciatic complaints ;—and, in fact, no 
family ought to do without this most valuable rem- 
edy. 
BARBERRY. 
The bark of the roots is somewhat astringent. 
The inner bark of the tree is gently purgative. 
An ounce of the inner bark, infused in a pint of 
boiling wrater, is esteemed a good remedy in the 
jaundice. Strong decoctions may likewise be used 
with success in the same disorder. 
BARLEY. 
The hulled grain makes a wholesome diet in 
fevers, and many other disorders ; being more 
cooling and less cloying than any other grain. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
15 
BAY BERRY BUSH. 
The leaves and berries of this bush are stom- 
achic and emmenagogic, anti-hysteric, and slightly 
diuretic. They are good in hysterical complaints, 
menstrual obstructions, and to correct gross hu- 
mors. 
BEAR. 
The flesh of this animal is eaten by the Indians, 
without any farinaceous root or plant to absorb the 
grosser parts. The oil is less cloying than that of 
any other animal. It is used to advantage by the 
Indian women for a considerable time before deliv- 
ery. It is likewise of great service in phthisics, 
quinsy, stiff joints, &c. The gall is also good in 
stiff joints, sprains, and rheumatisms. 
BEECH TREE. 
The bark of this tree is a great styptic and 
astringent. 16 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
The juice which collects upon the inside of the 
bark of this tree, in the month of June, mixed 
with an equal quantity of fresh butter or lard, 
makes an excellent salve for a bum. 
BEET—COMMON. 
Their juice is purifying to the blood and juices; 
but after the juice is boiled out, they are hard t© 
digest, and afford but little nourishment. 
BISTORTA.* 
It is n great styptic and tonic. It is also a car- 
minative. 
Decoctions of the root open obstructions ; and 
outwardly, in fomentations, they help stubborn ul- 
cers of the legs, and cure cutaneous disorders. 
BITTER SWEET. 
This plant is a resolvent, discutient, diuretic, em- 
menagogue, and anti-venereaf. 
* Called also Birthvrort, Benjamin, &c. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
17 
It opens obstructions, resolves and discusses hard 
tumors; and is good in jaundice, scurvy, obstruc- 
tions of the menses, and lues-Venerea. 
BLACK BERRY. 
The fruit is cooling, and eaten raw, or in milk, 
makes a very wholesome diet. 
The roots of the bush are astringent, and good 
in dysenteries and diarrhcea. 
BLACK CHERRY. 
The bark of this tree is an emmenagogue, and 
anodyne. Infused in rum, it makes an excellent 
bitter in jaundice. 
BLESSED THISTLE. 
Light infusions of the plant have been esteemed 
g*od in loss of appetite and indigestion. 18 
THE AMERICA* BOTANIST 
It removes obstructions, and raises insensible 
perspiration; but in large doses it proves emetic. 
BLOOD ROOT. 
This root is a powerful stimulant, and a violent 
emetic and cathartic ; but given in small doses, and 
carefully used, it is an excellent remedy for the 
canker, and cleansing ulcers in the internal viscera. 
An external application of the powdered roots, 
destroys fungus flesh, and heals sores ©f long 
standing. 
BROOK LIME. 
This is a low plant, common in little rivulets 
and ditches of standing water. The leaves reman 
all winter j but are in greatest perfection in the 
\ 
spring. 
Its juice taken freely is useful in hot constitu- 
tions and the hemorrhoids. and family physician. 
19 
BRAKE—HOG, or FEMALE FERN. 
This plant is discutient, diuretic and sudorific. 
It discusses hard tumors, removes obstructions ; 
and, in strong decoction, it is an excellent medi- 
cine in dysenteries, consumptions and rickets. 
BRAKE—BLACK TOPPED. 
The Author was informed, white among1 the Irt- 
dians, that they once cured a captive of the rheu- 
matism, when he had been helpless a number of 
days, by sweating him with these brakes, in the 
following manner: 
They placed a great quantity of these brakes 
upon aflat stone, after it had been heated; and 
after placing him upon the brakes, they covered 
him with a blanket, giving him decoctions 01 the 
root in the mean time. 
BURDOCK. 
This is a great carminative ; aad although des- 20 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
pised by many as a cumbersome plant, it is one of 
the finest productions of which our country can 
boast. Decoctions of the root open obstructions— 
sweeten the animal fluids, and promote sweat and 
urine. It is, likewise, good in rheumatic and ve- 
nereal disorders, dry coughs, asthma and pleurisy; 
acting without irritation. An infusion of the pul- 
verized seeds in rum, helps disorders of the breast 
and lungs. The leaves, applied to the soles of 
the feet, make a revulsion from the head. 
BUTTER NUT. 
The bark of this tree, rightly prepared, consti- 
tutes one of the best and safest physics erer 
known. It is a great cleanser of the lungs; good 
in ph#iisics, and all other disorders of the like nu- 
tuFe. The oil of the nuts is an excellent applica- 
tion for sore nipples of women, and almost ail 
other humors. AXD FAMILY PHYSICtA-Y. 
21 
BORAGE. 
This is a cooling and wholesome herb, and 
makes a good drink in fevers and inflammatory 
complaints. It is cultivated in gardens, mostly tor 
culinary purposes. 
BUTTER MILK. 
That made by churning new milk makes a 
cooling and wholesome diet, and is good in con- 
sumptions, weakness, loss of appetite ; and, drank 
freely, proves diuretic. 
CABBAGE. 
This plant is attenuant, laxative, and anti-scor- 
butic. 
Decoctions of the red cabbage soften acrid hu- 
mors—promote expectoration ; and are good in 
hoarseness and disorders of the breast. The 
leaves, applied externally, promote the discharge 
of blisters. 22 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
CHAMOMILE. 
This valuable herb, of which too much cannot 
be said, is a powerful antiseptic, antispasmodic, 
and anodyne. 
It increases the force of the circulation, and in- 
vigorates the system in general—softens and dis- 
cusses hard tumors—resists putrefaction, and eases 
pain. It is good in consumptions, recent colds, and 
putrid disorders. In external applications, it is 
good for weak eyes and other humors. 
CANKER ROOT. 
This is good in sore mouth, and canker: but if 
i»t has any other medical virtue, it is unknown to 
the Author. 
CARAWAY. 
The seeds are stomachic and carminative. 
They expel wind—strengthen the stomach—ease 
pain ; and are good in flatulent cholic. Am FAMU.V 1‘HYSICIAN. 
23 
CARROT—WILD. 
This root is powerfully stimulant, and a great 
emmenagogue. 
It helps recent colds—removes obstructions—- 
promotes the menses, and secretions in general. 
CASTOR—BEAVER. 
This is an antispasmodic, emmenagogue, and anti- 
hysteric. 
It is good in menstrual obstructions, hysterical 
complaints, and a celebrated medicine in the pal- 
sy, epilepsy, convulsions, &c. But the Author has 
found but little benefit from the use of it in the 
last mentioned disorders. 
CASTOR OIL BUSH. 
From the seeds of the bush, (which resembles in 
colour and shape the stick, called Ricinus) is ex- 
pressed the oil called' castor oil, which, although 
very celebrated physic, the author has found to be 24 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
greatly inferior to many others, and not altogether 
to be depended upon. 
CEDAR—RED. 
The oil, obtained by distilling the sharings of 
this cedar, is a very valuable medicine in rheuma- 
tism and stiff joints. 
CEDAR—WHITE. 
To this belongs all the virtues of Cedar Red, 
with this addition : the oil obtained by distillation is 
an extraordinary medicine in rheumatism and 
hemorrhoids. 
CELENDYNE. 
This is emollient, discutient, anodyne and anti- 
scorbutic. 
It is good in jaundice and hemorrhoids. The 
clear jlice extirpates warts, and cures ringworms. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
25 
CELERY—•vulgarly called LOVAGE. 
This plant has been esteemed a great emmenar 
gogue by some : but its virtues, in this respect, 
are not much to be depended on. 
COLD WATER ROOT. 
This plant is diuretic ;—good in gravel, stran- 
gury, and other uterine ccunplaints. 
Infusions of the herb and root purify the blood 
and juices, and preveut fevers, if administered in 
season. 
COHUSH—WHITE. 
Although no writer has described the virtues of 
this plant, the Author has found it serviceable m 
many disorders. 
It strengthens the system in general, and is 
good in fluor albus, menstrual obstructions, and 
other female disorders. Taken in decoction, it 
prevents taking cold, when exposed : and, indeed, 26 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
every lady, of whatever grade, should not hesitate 
to drop a courtesy as she passes by this genteel 
herb. 
CUMFREY. 
Of the consolidating virtues of this plant, many 
ridiculous stories have been related by authors. 
It is serviceable in diarrhoeas and dysenteries ; but 
it is not much used in the present practice. 
CONVULSION ROOT. 
This root is anti-spasmodic, and nervine. It is 
good in convulsions, cramps, and hypochondria. 
CORIANDER. 
The seeds of this plant are a great carminative; 
and help flatulent cholics. ANO FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
27 
COW PARSNIP. 
The roots are carminative and anti-hysteric. 
They remove hysterical complaints, flatulence, 
vertigo, dimness of sight, trembling, and anxiety— 
help the appetite, and have cured the epilepsy. 
COWSLIP. 
The flowers of this herb are anti-spasmodic 
and anodyne. 
They help nervous eomplaints, allay cramps 
and spasms—ease pain, and strengthen the system 
in general. 
They are good in menstrual obstructions, apo- 
plexy, vertigo and palsy. 
COOL WORT. 
This herb is good in consumptions; and makes 
a very cooling and salutary drink in fever*. It i* 
good in tickling coughs, hoarseness, internal heats, 
and inflammatory disorders. 28 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
CRANBERRY. 
These berries make a very wholesome and 
agreeable tart, which is good in fevers, and helps 
the appetite. 
CUCUMBER. 
This fruit is cultivated in gardens for culinary 
uses. It is hard to digest, and affords but little 
nourishment. It is of so cold a nature that it 
ought to be seasoned with salt, vinegar, and pep- 
per, when eaten. It is, however, good in hot 
bilious habits. 
CROW’S FOOT. 
The roots and leaves of this plant have an acrid 
and fiery taste ; and, according to Dr. Stearns, 
they prove deleterious, wh.en taken internally, 
even when so far freed from their causticity, by 
boiling, as to discover no ill quality to the palate. ANB FAMILY PHYSICIAIf. 
29 
The leaves, applied externally, blister the part, 
and have been used for this purpose. 
CULVER’S ROOT. 
It grows three or four feet high;—has a green 
root, of a darkish hue on the outside, and brown 
within, somewhat in the form of the root of 
scabious. The flowers are whitish, and resemble, 
in form, the top of a corn stalk. 
It is good in scrofulous complaints;—operates as 
a cathartic ; and may be taken in decoction, or in 
substance. 
CUDWEED. 
The clear juice of this herb is said to cure 
warts, remove freckles, sun-burns, &c. 
CURRANT. 
The fruit is refrigerant and antalkaline :—good 30 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
in fevers, and all cases where vegetable acids are 
necessary. 
Infusions of the prunes have likewise been used 
in fevers, with success. 
An agreeable wine is obtained b}r adding to tbe 
juice of red currants, an equal quantity of water, 
and a pound of sugar to every quart of currant 
juice. After this has stood a year, it is fit for use. 
CIDER. 
Good cider is cordial and anti-scorbutic, and a 
wholesome liquor for most constitutions. It is 
good in scorbutic and melancholy habits ; and in 
many cases preferable to wine. 
DANDELION. 
This plant is diuretic and sudorific. It helps 
the jaundice ; and is good in consumptions, weak- 
ness, loss ot appetite and debility. It is a great 
corrector of humors ; but it should be used for a 
long time. AXD FAMILY FKYSICIAtt. 
31 
DRAGON ROOT. 
This root is a powerful stimulant, diuretic, and 
diaphoretic. 
It attenuates the viscid' fluids—stimulates the 
solids, and promotes the natural secretions in 
general. 
It is good in cold, languid, phlegmatic habits ; 
in relaxations, and weakness of the stomach ; loss 
of appetite ; intermitting diseases ; hysteric and 
hypochondriac affections ; catarrhs ; cachexy ; 
rheumatic pains ; and obstinate head-aches. 
DOCK—YELLOW. 
This is astringent and agglutinant. 
The juice is a fine application for cancers; and 
the roots are celebrated as a cure for the itch 
DOCK—CONSUMPTION. 
This is of a balsamic quality. 
It purifies the blood and juices ; and is good in 32 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
phthisics, consumptions and coughs ; but it ought 
to be continued for a long time. Dr. Stearns in- 
forms that a poultice of the root cures the king’s- 
evil. 
DEVIL’S BIT. 
This plant has been used with success in gar- 
gles ; for inflammations of the fauces, and venere- 
al ulcers of the mouth and throat; and the juice, 
internally, for malignant ulcers, buhos, carbun- 
cles, and epileptic fits. 
DOG. 
This creature is the most faithful and grateful 
of domestic animals. The oil is good in burns 
and scalds. 
DOG MACKIMUS. 
The hark, berriesj and leaves of the shrub are ANB FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
33 
good in jaundice, consumptions, lluor albus, and 
strangurine complaints. 
It removes obstructions of the internal viscera. 
The dried bark is smoked for the tooth and head- 
ache, and chewed for the tooth-ache by the In- 
dians. 
EARTH WORMS. 
These worms are dug out of wet, sandy land; 
and by some are called angle worms. They are 
excellent in heart burn, epilepsy, cramp convul- 
sions ; and a sovereign remedy for stiff joints. 
One half pint, dissolved in one pound of sugar, is 
an Indian medicine in consumptions, coughs, inter- 
nal weakness, and dropsical complaints. 
EGGS 
Are highly nutritious, and one of the greatest 
strengthened known. An egg, taken in spirit eve- 
ry morning in cases of extreme debility, has often 
performed an effectual cure. 34 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
ELECAMPANE. 
The roots, according to Dr. Stearns, are expec- 
torant, attenuant, laxative, stomachic, diuretic, 
diaphoretic, and alexiplmnuic: But I have found 
it of very little me. 
ELM—SWEET. 
The inner bark of the tree is emollient; and 
a drink of the same, used freely, is good in inter- 
nal weakness and fluor albus. It has likewise 
been used in affections of the lungs, burns and 
scalds. But its virtues, I think, are not to be de- 
pended on. 
FEATHER FEW. 
This herb is stomachic, emmenegogic, and 
anti-venereal. When properly prepared, it makes 
an excellent bitter. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
35 
FENNEL. 
The roots of this plant are aperient and diu- 
retic ;—the seeds carminative. Decoctions of the 
root help the stone in the kidney and bladder, and 
promote urine. The seeds expel wind, and help 
aausea, and loathing of food. 
FENNEL—SWEET. 
According to Dr. Stearns, the seeds are car- 
minative and stomachic. 
They attenuate viscid humors; expel wind; 
help the stomach ; and promote sweat and urine. 
FERN—MEADOW. 
This vegetable has been neglected by almost 
all writers. Bat I have found it to possess all the 
virtues of the other ferns; and in a much higher 
degree. 
It is a powerful anthelmintic, and a great car- 
minative. 36 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
It is good in weakness of stomach; loss of appe- 
tite and indigestion. 
It is a great corrector of internal humors ; and 
often a powerful remedy in cases of extreme de- 
bility. 
FERN—SWEET. 
The bark of the root is a weak anthelmintic: 
but it is not possessed of so great virtues as has 
generally been supposed. It makes, however, a 
good beer. 
FEVER BUSH. 
Tins vegetable is used by the Indians with suc- 
cess in all cases of inflammation. 
It is good in low fevers, weakness of stomach, 
and loss of appetite. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
37 
FIVE FINGERS. 
This is a trailing plant, which grows Wild in 
pastures in many parts of America. 
The roots are good in colliquative diarrhoeas; 
intermitting and acute fevers ; and gargarisma for 
strengthening the gums. 
FLAG—CATTAIL. 
This is good in internal heats ; dysentery, and 
strangury. It likewise makes a cooling and salu- 
tary drink in fevers. Cataplasms of the root are 
excellent in burns. 
FLAG—SWEET. 
This is an agreeable stomachic, aromatic and 
carminative. 
It strengthens the stomach ; expels wind; re- 
solves obstructions, and promotes the secretions 
in general. 38 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
It purifies the blood, and has been used to keep 
off epidemic diseases. 
FLAG—BLUE. 
This is a powerful emmenagogue, and anti- 
venereal. The roots are likewise diuretic: but, 
if taken in large doses, it irritates the throat. 
FLAG—YELLOW. 
The roots are a strong cathartic ; and often 
produce copious evacuations, after jalep gamboge, 
and other strong cathartics, prove ineffectual. 
FLAX—COMMON. 
The seeds are a powerful emmenagogue. The 
expressed oil is an excellent remedy in burns and 
scalds. 
The seeds have been celebrated in defluxion* 
of the lungs; and all disorders of the like nature : ANT) FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
39 
but the Author has generally found it to be a de- 
ceitful medicine, and not at all to be depended bn. 
FOX GLOVE. 
This plant grows wild in gravelly grounds. It 
has been celebrated by many in disorders of the 
lungs, and many others. But I have found it in 
all cases to prove hurtful to the human system, 
and destructive to the lungs; and of a very poison- 
ous and irritating quality. 
GARGET, or STOKE. 
This plant is powerfully stimulant, emetic, and 
cathartic. 
The roots, applied to the feet, make a revul- 
sion from the head. 
The juice of the berries, put into a pewter dish, 
and dried away in the sun to the consistence of 
salve, is beneficial in cancers, and cancer humors. 
An infusion of the berries in brandy is an In- 
dian medicine for the rheumatism. An external 40 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
application of the sliced roots, promotes the dis- 
charge of foul ulcers ; and a powder of the same 
is good in venereal taints. 
GARLIC—GARDEN. 
This is stimulant, diurectic, and anthelmintic. 
The juice, mixed with brandy, and applied to 
the head, is good in obstinate head-aches ; but not 
equal to wild leeks.. 
It is good in dropsies; and, applied to the soles 
*1 the feet, it makes a revulsion from the head. 
C1NSENG. 
This is a great stomachic. 
Decoctions of the root are good in cold, phlegm 
a tic habits ; but hurtful in hot, bilious eonsliiu- 
lions; it being a hot and pungent root. 
In China, it is resorted to as a last remedy in all 
disorders. 
It is destructive in the piles, and has proved im- 
mediately fatal. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
41 
GENTIAN—AMERICAN". 
The root is of a pale yellowish color—jointed 
and marked with various knots and circles, like 
Ipecacuanha. 
It makes a good bitter; and may serve as a sub- 
stitute for the Peruvian bark. 
GOLD THREAD. 
This is excellent in canker, and sore mouth ; 
and is used with success in gargles. It makes an 
excellent bitter. 
GOLDEN ROD. 
This herb grows wild in waste pasture grounds, 
and by the srde of fields. 
Decoctions of the herb are excellent in weak- 
ness and debility. It is a great cleanser of the 
internal viscera ; and a preventive of consumptions 
and dropsies. 
Of it there are two kinds: the largest of these 
is the strongest. 42 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
GOOSE. 
The flesh of this fowl makes a very whole- 
some diet. 
The oil is a good remedy in phthisics ; and an 
effectual cure for corns : but the feathers are very 
hurtful to those who lie upon them, in the 
phthisic. 
GOOSE GRASS, or CLIVERS. 
It is a slender, rough vine, growing in moist 
land, by the sides of brooks and rivers, and stick- 
ing to whatever it touches. 
It is a great diuretic; and has been used in 
dropsies ; but it is hurtful to the urinary organs. 
GOOSEBERRY BUSH. 
The unripe fruit is acrid and astringent, and 
makes a very wholesome and agreeable tart. 
A decoction of the prunes is a very cooling and 
salutary drink in fevers. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
43 
GOURD. 
This is cultivated in gardens. 
The seeds, infused in brandy, are good in stran- 
gurine complaints. 
GRAPE VINE. 
This is a powerful diuretic. 
The juice obtained from this vine in the spring 
of the year, by tapping, stops the operation of 
spirituous liquor. 
GRASS—KNOT, 
This is a cooling, diuretic, and astringent 
plant. 
It is good in djrsenteries, fluxes, and uterine 
complaints. 
GROUND IVY. 
The juice is good in weakness, jaundice, the be- 44 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
ginning of consumptions ; and a great purifier of 
the blood and juices. 
In decoction, it removes obstructions ; and is 
good in ulcerations of the lungs, kidneys, and lax- 
ity and debility of the internal viscera. 
GROUND NUT. 
It grows in many parts of New-England, and is 
about the size of a nutmeg. 
It is good in strangury, diabetes, and bloody 
urine. 
GROUND PINE. 
According to Dr. Stearns, the leaves are ape- 
rient ; corroborant; nervine ; attenuant ; diuretic, 
and emmenagogic : and good in gout; rheumatism; 
palsy j suppression of urine, and uterine obstruc- 
tions. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
45 
GUINEA PEPPER 
Called also RED PEPPER. It is a powerful 
stimulant. Infused in spirits, it makes an excel- 
lent wash in rheumatism. 
GUM—CHERRY. 
This gum, according to Dr. Stearns, is good in a 
thin, acrid state of the fluids ; and where the mu- 
cus of the intestines is abraded ; and therefore 
good in hoarseness ; dysentery ; diarrhoeas ; grip- 
ing pains ; hemorrhages ; tickling coughs ; salt 
catarrhs; spitting of blood; heat of urine; and 
si rangury. 
HAZEL NUT BUSH. 
The bark of this bush, mixed with an e jual 
quantity of Wickopy bark, and boiled strong, 
makes an excellent wash in debility, and a low 
state of the blood. 
It removes obstructions of the pores, and 
strengthens the system in general. 46 
THE AMERICAN1 BOTANIST 
HEAD—BETONY. 
The plant is corroborant and errhine. The 
roots are emetic and cathartic. 
An infusion, or light decoction of the leaves, 
drank as a tea ; or a saturated infusion in rectified 
spirits, is good in laxity and debility of the viscera, 
and disorders arising from thence. 
HEDGE HOG. 
This animal is found in various parts of Amer- 
ica ; and is held in high estimation by the Indians. 
Its flesh they use for food ; its oil for hums and 
scalds ; and its quills serve as ornaments for their 
mockasins, peag, &c. 
HELLEBORE—WHITE. 
This is a powerful emetic ; and so poisonous, 
that if eaten by swine or fowls, it proves immedi- 
ately mortal. 
The fresh roots, pulverized, and applied to the AND FAMaUf PHYSICIAN. 
47 
bowels, promote the discharge of urine; and, ap- 
plied to the regions of the liver, remove schirr- 
hosities, and other affections, though of long 
standing. 
HEMLOCK—GARDEN. 
Tliis plant is resolvent, discutient, narcotic, se- 
dative and anodyne. 
It is good in schirrhosities ; scrofulous humors 
and ulcers ; the chin cough ; consumption ; gleets; 
fluor albus; painful uterine discharges; venereal 
ulcers ; epilepsies ; convulsions ; and to ease pain 
in open cancers; which it does more powerfully 
than opium. It procures sleep ; eases pain ; pro- 
motes sweat and urine ; and, externally applied, 
discusses hard tumors. 
The juice, put into a pewter dish, and dried 
away in the sun to the consistence of gum—then 
formed into pills, is a powerful anodyne, and helps 
when opiates fail ; but taken in too large doses, it 
proves, like opium, highly detrimental. 48 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
HEMLOCK TREE. 
This is a large tree, growing in many parts of 
America. 
A decoction of the boughs has been used with 
success in rheumatic and sciatic complaints. 
The pulverized bark is good in scurvy and 
canker. 
A sirup of the buds of hemlock and sweet 
fern, has been given for the destruction of worms ; 
and a cataplasm of hemlock buds and Indian meal is 
an excellent remedy for scalds, burns, and freezes. 
The Indians often cure the lumbago, by sweat- 
ing the patient upon hemlock boughs, placed upon 
a flat stone, which has been heated in the fire, 
giving him decoctions of the boughs, to drink, asd 
covering him with a blanket. 
HEMLOCK-GROUND. 
The rheumatism may often be effectually cured 
by bathing the part affected with decoctions of this 
plant; and internally taken, u helps the St. Antho- 
ny’s fire. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
49 
HEMP—COMMON. 
The seeds are emollient and demulcent. A 
decoction of them in milk, or their watery emul- 
sion, is esteemed good for a cough, and heat of 
urine. 
HEMP—INDIAN. 
This plant is anthelmintic, and a powerful di- 
uretic. 
The pulverized roots are an excellent remedy, 
given in molasses, for worms in children. 
The expressed juice, mixed with an equal quan- 
tity of Holland gin, is almost a sovereign remedy 
in dropsies. 
HEMP—AGRIMONY. 
It grows wild by the sides of rivers and ditch- 
es. The leaves are aperient, laxative, anti-scor- 
butic and corroborant. 
They are called good ip the dropsy, jaundice, 50 
TKB AMERICAN BOTAKJST 
cachexy, scurvy, and for strengthening the tone of 
the viscera. 
Bcerhaave relates that the turf diggers in Hol- 
land use them in scurvy, swelling of the feet, and 
foul ulcers. 
Decoctions of the root, in large doses, both 
vomit and purge. The Dutch use it in smaller 
doses, as an alternative and anti-scorbutic. 
Dr. Lewis informs that it is useful in the begin- 
ning of dropsies, jaundice, intermitting fevers, 
and other disorders, arising from obstructions of 
the viscera, succeeding frequent relapses, and de- 
generating into acute, or a long continuance of 
chronic diseases. 
HEN. 
This is a domestic fowl, whose flesh is much 
used as food. 
The eggs make a very nourishing and whole- 
some diet, 
A broth, made of chickens, is very nourishing in 
fevers, and other disorders. ANB FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
51 
HENBANE—BLACK. 
The common black henbane is a powerful 
narcotic, sedative, and anodyne. 
It eases pain, procures sleep, helps the oph- 
thalmia, and tooth-ache ; resolves hard swellings ; 
and is good in schirrhosities, open ulcers, palpita- 
tions of the heart, coughs, spasms, convulsions, 
epilepsy, melancholy, madness, hysterical com- 
plaints, and other nervous affections. 
A cataplasm of the leaves and hog’s lard, is ve- 
ry beneficial in glandular swellings and open ul- 
cers. It is often a good substitute for opium ; and 
may be proper when opiates affect the head. But, 
if taken in too large doses, it produces vertigo, 
head-ache, cholic pains, vomiting, a copious flow 
of urine, and sometimes a purging. 
HOLLY HOCK. 
This is chiefly cultivated as an ornament in 
gardens. 
Its virtues are much the same as the com- 
mon Mallows.* 
* Vide Mallows, 52 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
HONESTY. 
This plant is warming and diuretic. 
It is cultivated in gardens. The stalk grow.? 
two or three feet high; the flowers are of a fleshy 
color: the leaves resemble those of a nettle, but 
larger. 
HONEY 
Is detergent, aperient, and expectorant. 
Dr. Wallis calls it emollient, demulcent, and 
highly purgative. 
It powerfully promotes expectoration ; deterges 
and resolves rigidities in the primavia; temperate* 
the acrimony of the humors ; helps coughs, asth- 
mas, disorders of the kidneys, and urinary pas- 
sages ; and the sore mouth and throat. It cleanses 
ulcers ; purges moderately; and resists putrefac- 
tion. 
It is used in gargarisms, decoctions and clysters. 
It is hurtful to bilious, melancholic, hysterical, 
and hypochondriac habits. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
53 
HONEY-SUCKLE. 
This plant is found in the swamps of Connec- 
ticut, and elsewhere. 
It is deobstruent and anti-asthmatic. 
Mixed with an equal quantity of air sponge, 
and taken in large doses, it is an excellent medi- 
cine in the asthma. 
HOPS. 
They are stimulant, balsamic, aperient and 
diuretic. 
The flowers are powerfully anthelmintic. They 
are one of the most agreeable of the strong- bitters. 
Dr. Brooks informs that hops promote digestion ; 
open obstructions ; promote urine ; loosen the 
belly; and are good in hypochondriac passion, 
scurvy, and other diseases of the skin, if taken in 
whey, or broth, as an alternative. 
HOARHOUND—WHITE. 
It is aperient and deobstruent. 54 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
It promotes the fluid secretions in general; and, 
taken Ireely, loosens the belly ; helps humoral 
asthmas ; coughs ; yellow jaundice ; cachexy; 
menstrual obstructions, and dropsy. 
The juice, mixed with that of plantain, is good 
for the bite of a rattlesnake. 
HOARHOUND—WATER. 
This herb grows wild by the side of rivers and 
brooks. 
It has the virtue* of the white kind ; but is 
much weaker. 
HORSE RADISH. 
The root is stimulant, expectorant, emetic, epi- 
ipasttc, and antiseptic. 
It stimulates the solids ; attenuates the fluids, 
and promotes the secretions, by extending its action 
through the whole habit to such a degree as to af- 
fect the minutest glands. 
It promotes expectoration, sweat and «rine; AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
55 
excites an appetite in ■ weak, relaxed stomachs, 
without heating too much. 
It is good in palsies, rheumatisms, jaundice, 
cachexy, and dropsies ; particularly those which 
follow intermitting fevers. 
It is useful in some kinds of scurvy ; and other 
chronic disorders, proceeding from a viscidity of 
the juices, or obstructions of the excretory ducts. 
If the root is chewed, it excites spitting; and is 
good in want of taste, and a palsy of the tongue. 
The juice is beneficial in dropsies, and gravel. 
Poultices of the root, applied to the feet, are 
useful in fevers, unattended with delirium. 
HOUND’S TONGUE. 
The leaves of this plant, externally applied, 
heal contusions. The root also has been used in 
a gonorrhoea, and scrofulous complaints. 
Dr. Fuller says he found a sirup of hound’s 
tongue a second to a remedy against thin catarr- 
hous humors, and a cough occasioned thereb}^. 
Dr. Lewis informs, that decoctions of the root 56 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
have been used in catarrhs ; coughs ; diarrhoeas : 
dysenteries and hemorrhages. 
HOUSE LEEK. 
The common house is cooling, emollient 
and laxative. 
It quenches thirst; allays heat; and abates in- 
flammations, tending to a gangrene. 
The}r have also been called useful in bilious and 
burning fevers; for which purposes, the leaves 
must be steeped in water. ' 
HYSSOP. 
This plant has been esteemed attenuant, expec- 
torant, and corroborant. 
An infusion of the leaves with honey, is used 
in humoral asthmas ; coughs ; and other disorders 
of the breast, unaccompanied with inflammatory 
symptoms. It likewise promotes expectoration. 57 
AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
HYSSOP—HEDGE. 
The leaves are emetic and cathartic : the roots 
have the same quality, but in a less degree. 
Dr. Healde says it is anthelmintic, deobstruent, 
diuretic, and purgative. 
The leaves have been used in dropsies; hip- 
gout ; and the venereal disease, accompanied with 
tumors, ulcerations, and fluor albus. They excite 
sweat and urine ; and promote salivation. 
IPECACUANHA. 
Of this root, there are four kinds :—the grey, 
the brown, the white, and the yellow. Of these 
kinds, the grey is the best. 
It is a safe emetic, and possesses something of 
an astringent and antiseptic quality. 
It is good in diarrhceas ; dysenteries ; leucorr- 
hces, and obstructions of long standing. 
It promotes perspiration ; suppresses alvine 
fluxes ; and, given in small doses, checks menstrual 
hemorrhages ; and is useful in coughs, pleurisies, 
peripneumonies, and spitting of blood. 58 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
IRON. 
Tills is the only metal which seems to be 
friendly to the human system. 
It is emmenagogic and corroborant. 
It strengthens the stomach, and system in gen- 
eral ; quickens the circulation ; expands and rari- 
fies the juices ; raises the pulse, and renders the 
blood more florid ; promotes defleient secretions ; 
and restrains them, when immoderate. 
But when the fibres are tense and rigid, and 
the circulation quick ; cr when there is any spas- 
modic contraction of the vessels, it is hurlful, with 
all its preparations. 
ISINGLASS. 
This is a solid, agglutinous substance, obiained 
from the air bladder of the sturgeon. 
It is agglutinant, inspissant, and demulcent. 
It is good in ulcerations of the lungs and fauces, 
for defluxions, the flivcr albus, dysentery, and 
hemorrhages. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
59 
IVY—-WILD, AMERICAN. 
It runs on the ground, fences, and often climbs 
thirty or forty feet high, emitting a strong and dis- 
agreeable odour, which may be smelt at a consid- 
erable distance in a hot, clear day. The effluvia, 
floating in the currents of the circumambient air, 
not only strike the external parts of the human 
body, but are received into the lungs by inspira- 
tion, and thus laying the foundation for nausea, 
vomiting, intolerable itching, cutaneous eruptions, 
blindness, pain, fever, hard swellings, and ulcers. 
To cure this, the oil ot olives, given internally, 
and applied externalijr, is the best remedy I ever 
found. Some of the country people have given 
a saffron tea inwardly, and applied outwardly an 
ointment made by the marsh mallows in cream. 
JACK BY THE HEDGE. 
This plant grows in hedges, and shadyk waste 
places. « 60 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
It has a root something like an onion, which is 
a powerful stimulus, and good in inflammations of 
the eyes. 
A poultice of the root, externally applied, is 
good in deafness. 
JALAP. 
This is a very celebrated catharticv 
It purges noxious and serous humors down- 
wards ; and is good in dropsy, anasarca, cachexy, 
and small pox, when there is not too much inflam- 
mation. 
JUNIPER. 
The berries are stimulant, stomachic, carmina- 
tive, detergent, and diuretic. 
The oil and spirit is also stimulant and diuretic. 
The wood is sudorific. 
The watery extract is good in catarrhs, debili- 
ties of the stomach and intestines, and suppressions 
of urine in old age. AND tfAMIIiT PHYSICIAN. 
61 
LADY’S SMOCK, 
OR VALERIAN—AMERICAN. 
This plant is anti-spasmodic, and anti-epileptic. 
The flowers are good in spasmodic asthma, 
palsy, St. Vitus’s dance. They also mend the ap- 
petite, and help the epilepsy. 
The roots are stronger than the flowers. An 
infusion of them with an equal quantity of White 
Cohush and White Solomon’s Seal is a safe and 
excellent medicine intime of pregnancy. 
LAVENDER—SWEET. 
This is warm, stimulant, and anodyne. 
It is good in vertigo, menstrual obstructions, 
tremor in old age ; and, in general, for all disor- 
ders of the head, nerves, and uterus. 
It allays spasms ; and, applied* externally, in fo- 
mentations, is said to relieve paralytic limbs. 
LEEKS, or WILD ONIONS. 
They are a great anthelmintic and stimulant. 62 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
They are good in consumptions, gleets and 
fluor albuSi 
A cataplasm, applied to the soles of the feet, 
makes a revulsion from the head : and applied to 
the region of the throat, expels worms in chil- 
dren. They have, in many respects, the same 
virtues of the garlic. 
LEECH, or BLOOD SUCKER. 
They are useful for drawing blood, where the 
lancet cannot be used. 
The best kind are those which live in clear, 
running streams, with sandy bottoms, and are ot a 
grey color. 
The expressed juice of the animals, sweetened 
with honey, has often cured the most obstinate 
whooping cough. 
LEMON. 
The juice is antalkalipe? tnti-scorbutic, and 
mildly refrigerant. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
63 
It is supposed to be the most potent remedy in 
the scurvy, belonging to the vegetable kingdom. 
The peel is stimulant, and makes a good bitter. 
LETTUCE—GARDEN. 
The leaves are emollient, cooling, and ano- 
dyne. 
Used as a salad, it mitigates the heat of the 
stomach, liver, and other viscera ; relaxing their 
crisped and too greatly oscillating fibres, and res- 
toring their functions, so as to procure sleep. 
LETTUCE—WILD; 
Called also LETTUCE LIVERWORT. 
It is gently laxative, powerfully diuretic, and 
somewhat sudorific. 
An extract of the juice, in small doses, is good 
in dropsies. 
In those of long’ standing, and proceeding from 
obstructions of the viscera, half an ounce t>as been 
given in a day. 64 
TOK AMERICAN BOTANIST 
It agrees with the stomach; quenches thirst; 
opens the belly ; purges off the urine, and pro- 
motes sweat. 
Dr. Stearns says, that out of twenty-four pa- 
tients who took this repedy in the dropsy, but 
©ne died. 
LILY—FOND, WHITE. 
This is a great stomachic, and a slight carmina- 
tive. 
It is a great corrector of the internal viscera j 
and of a cleansing, suppurating nature. 
It is good in coughs and consumptions; but th# 
root-should be pulverized and mixed with honey. 
LILY OF THE VALLEY. 
This is a good stomachic. 
It is good in nervous affections, and catarrhou* 
disorders, coughs, and peripneumonies. And roast- 
ed, and eaten freely, is good in cases of extreme 
debility. ANB FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
65 
LILY—MEADOW. 
It is stomachic and anti-scorbutic. 
It makes a good stomach bitter, and is good 
in scurvy. 
LIME-WATER. 
Lime water is prepared of calcined oyster 
shells, by putting half a pound into six quarts o£ 
boiling water. 
This is diuretic ; good in laxity and debility e£‘ 
the solids, and heat in the stomach 
LIQUORICE, 
Of this valuable root, there is a species grow- 
ing in many parts of New-England, which is equal- 
ly as good as that brought from foreign climate*, 
and far more congenial to our eonstitutions, 
It grows wild on interval lands, 
The roots are incrassative, emollient, demulcent, 
attendant, expectorant, detergent and diuretic.. 66 
THE AMERICA* EOTANIST 
They abate thirst in dropsies, help defluxioiis 
of the breast, soften acrimonious humors, and 
prove gently detergent. 
It is good in coughs, pleurisy, gravel, dysury, 
strangury, and intense pain. 
It temperates salt, sharp humors; allays the 
heat of the blood; abates the acrimony of the 
humors ; promotes urine ; and thickens the san- 
guinary fluids, when too thin. 
LOBELIA. 
This is a safe emetic, and cathartic. 
It helps the phthisic, and is good in canker. 
With strong decoctions of this plant, well sweet- 
ened with sugar, the Indians effectually eradicate 
the venereal virus. 
LIVERWORT—BROOK. 
This is a species of moss, growing in small 
rivulets. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
67 
It is good in consumptions, whooping and com- 
mon coughs, and affections of the liver. 
LUNGWORT—COMMON. 
This is found growing upon the north side of 
the soft maple in many parts of America. 
It is good in coughs and defluxions of the 
lungs. 
MADDER. 
This plant is cultivated in gardens, and has a 
square jointed stalk, and a red root. 
The subtile quality of which this root is posses- 
sed, renders it eminently useful as a resolvent 
and aperient. 
It is good in obstructions of the urinary organs, 
uterus, and internal viscera. Likewise, in coagu- 
lations of the blood from contusions in the jaundice, 
and dropsy. 68 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
MAIDEN HAIR. 
This herb abounds with a neutral, saponaceous 
quality, approaching to nitre. 
It is expectorant, mucilaginous and sub-astrin- 
gent. 
It is good in tickling coughs ; hoarseness from 
acrid defluxions ; in obstructions of the viscera; 
obstinate coughs, pleurisy, asthma, jaundice, dis- 
orders of the kidneys, and irregularities of the 
menses. It promotes the fluid secretions, and 
strengthens the tone of the fibres. 
MACKIMUS—LOW. 
This is a low shrub, growing upon upland 
The leaf resembles in form the maple, anti has a 
smell, upon bruising, like Dog Mackimus 
It is anti-venereal and obtunding. 
It cleanses and purifies the blood and juices- 
!t is good in venereal taints and most humors. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
69 
MAPLE—DWARF. 
This is a small tree, growing in swampy land. 
Decoctions of the bark and leaves purify the 
blood and juices ; expel worms ; and make a good 
wash in fever sores. 
MARJORAM—SWEET. 
This plant is aromatic. The leaves are errhine 
It is good in disorders of the head, and nervous 
uterine obstructions ; humoral asthmas and ca- 
tarrhs in old people. Also, for other disorders 
proceeding from a cold cause. 
The oil, given internally, and applied exter- 
nally, is good in palsies and nervous affections. 
This oil, diluted with water, and applied to the 
nose of infants, when they are so stopped that 
they cannot suck, generally gives relief. 
MARJORAM—WILD. 
This plant grows wild on gravelly lands. It 
has firm, round stalks, 70 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
The virtues are much the same of thyme. 
Infusions of the herb have been drunken as a tea 
in weakness of stomach, and disorders of the 
breast. They promote sweat, and the fluid se- 
cretions in general. 
An essential oil is obtained by distillation, which 
is often used to mitigate pain in hollojv teeth. 
MALLOWS—COMMON. 
This plant is emollient. 
Decoctions of the leaves are good in dysente- 
ries, heat and sharpness of the urine, and to 
®btund acrimonious humors. 
MALLOW?—MARSH. 
This is found upon the sea shore, between 
high and low w ater mark. 
Every part of this valuable plant, more espe- 
cially the root, yields a copious mucilage by boiling 
in water; and is frequently employed in emollient AND FAMILY* PHYSICIAN. 
71 
cataplasms ; likewise in humid asthmas, hoarseness 
and dysenteries. Also, in nephritic and calculous 
complaints, it is frequently of eminent service ; 
also, externally, for softening and maturating hard 
tumors; and wras used by Dr. Fuller in the cure 
of some of those disorders, long before it was 
known to others. 
It is likewise useful in phthisics. 
MANDRAKE. 
The root of this plant is discutient and cathar- 
tic, and good in obstructions of the bowels, and 
other viscera. 
MANNA. 
This is a mild and agreeable laxative, which 
may be safely taken by pregnant women, young 
children, and those laboring under debility. But 
it will not operate as a cathartic, unless taken in 
large doses. 72 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
It obtunds acrid humors ; evacuates the offend- 
ing matter; and is good in coughs, fevers, pleuri- 
sies, bilious complaints, gravel, and whooping cough. 
MAPLE-SUGAR. 
The sap, as it runs from the tree, is good in 
scurvy; and the sugar and molasses are good f@r 
coughs, and other disorders of the breast. 
MARIGOLD. 
This is stimulant, anodyne, and moderately 
styptic. 
It has the virtues of the saffron, but in a less 
degree. 
It is good in the measles. Decoctions of the 
herb or flowers drive them out. 
MASTER WORT. 
This is a great carminative, and anti-hysteric. AN» FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
73 
Dr. Fuller informs, that it is an excellent medi- 
cine in bilious and flatulent cholics. * 
It is useful in hysterics, and nervous complaints. 
MAY WEED. 
This herb is found growing in the highways in 
many parts of New-England. 
Infusions of the herb have been given in recent 
colds, to promote sweat : but I have found that 
decoctions of Arsmart are far preferable. 
MELILOT 
This plant is an emollient. 
An ointment may be made by simmering this 
herb in fresh butter, or lard, which is of great use 
in foul ulcers and old sores. 
MELON—WATER. 
The fruit is a powerful diuretic; and is very 
cooling in hot, bilious constitutions. 74 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
The seeds, pulverized, and infused in Holland 
gtn, make an excellent medicine in the dropsy. 
MELON—MUSK. 
These melons are raised in plenty in New- 
England; but they are not used in medicine. 
They are not so wholesome as the water melon, 
but are apt to putrefy upon the stomach. They 
are nevertheless eaten freely by those to whom 
they are palatable. 
MILK. 
This is of great utility in medicine. 
It is demulcent and nutritious, and therefore 
beneficial in consumptions, debility, scurry, mine- 
ral and vegetable poisons, atrophy, gout, ephidrosis 
and strangury. 
The milk of a woman is called better than any 
other kind for medical uses. 
When this is taken in cases of extreme debility, it AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
75 
should be sucked from the breast of a middle 
aged woman, of good habit, who lives temperately, 
and uses moderate exorcise. The patient should 
suck about four hours after the wcman has taken 
her meals. Milk drank immediately after it is 
taken from the cow, is likewise of great benefit in 
consumptions, and cases of debility, if it agrees 
with the patient: if not, it may be churned. 
MILK WEED. 
There is a variety of weeds of this name; but 
we would treat in particular, of the common, tall 
kind. 
The juice of this is excellent in canker, and is 
said to cure warts. 
MINERAL WATERS. 
There are numbers of mineral springs ia Amer- 
ica, the most of which are in Saratoga and Balls- 
town, in the State of New-York. 76 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
Those of Saratoga are emetic, cathartic, and 
diuretic. 
They are good in scrofulous and rheumatic 
affections; likewise, in venereal taints. 
There is also a spring in Wilkes County, in 
Georgia, whose waters are excellent in the con- 
sumption, gout, rheumatism, scrofulous, scorbutic, 
and other maladies. 
There are three springs in Wheelock, and an- 
other in Danville, Vermont, which promote diges- 
tion, and prove diuretic. 
They cure the itch, and other cutaneous erup- 
tions, and are of use in rheumatic complaints. 
MINT—CAT. 
This is emmenagogic, stimulant, and nervine. 
It is good in recent colds; and an excellent ap- 
plication for fresh wounds, to stop bleeding. 
It promotes the menses, and is good in jaundice, 
cough, and asthma. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
77 
MINT—HORSE. 
This is emmenagogic, and powerfully stimulant. 
Infusions of the herb are good in recent colds, 
nausea, and vomiting. 
MINT—PEPPER 
This is likewise stimulant. 
It restores the functions of the stomach ; cure* 
the hiccoughs, flatulent cholic, and hysterical de- 
pressions. 
It promotes digestion, and stops vomiting. 
MINT—'SPEAR. 
This herb is stimulant, stomachic, carminative 
and restringent. 
Infusions of the leaves are good in weakness of 
stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting-, gripes, 
cholic pains, lientery, immoderate fluxes, hysteri- 
cal affections, and other debilities consequent upon 
delivery, It is, likewise, a provoker of venerv. 78 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
MISTLETOE. 
This makes a good bitter in jaundice, debility, 
and loss of appetite. 
MOON WORT. 
This weed grows upon burnt land, and is some- 
times called first growth fire-weed. 
An ointment may be made of this weed by sim- 
mering it in cream, which gives immediate relief 
in the hemorrhoids. 
MOSS—CUP. 
This species of moss is found in meadows, and 
is sometimes called meadow cups. 
It is of a cooling nature. The leaves, applied 
to the part affected, cures the salt rheum. 
MOTHER WORT. 
This plant is deobstruent, laxative, diaphoretic, AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
79 
diuretic, emmenagogic, anti-hvsteric, anti-spasmod- 
ic, anthelmintic and corroborant. 
Infusions of the leaves and tops open obstruc- 
tions, relax the belly, promote insensible perspira- 
tion, urine, and the menses. 
It is good in spasmodic and hysterical affections ; 
convulsions ; palpitations of the heart; to destroy 
worms, and strengthen the system. 
MOUSE EAR. 
This herb is cooling, and makes an excellent 
eye-water. 
MUG WORT. 
It is a mild emmenagogic, and anti-hysterie. 
Taken in decoction and infusion, it removes 
pain from the head; promotes the menses, and 
allays hysterical spasms. 
The expressed juice is useful in rheumatic and 
scnvlic complaints. 80 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
MUSTARD. 
The seed is stimulant, expectorant, emetic, 
purgative, aperient, and epispastic. 
It stimulates the solids; attenuates the fluids; 
excites, an appetite ; promotes digestion ; increases 
the fluid secretions; helps the palsey, rheumatism, 
scurvy, and milreek ; loosens the belly ; helps low 
fevers ; and if given in whey, excites urine. 
Applied in cataplasms, it relieves rheumatic 
pains, and paralytic affections. 
Applied to the soles of the feet, it makes a re- 
vulsion from the head. 
MUTTON SUET. 
It is emollient, relaxing rigid parts, though 
harder in consistence than that of swine. 
When mixed with bee’s wax, it makes an excel- 
lent salve. 
The oil, extracted, cures a diarrhoea in a short 
time. The dose for an adult, is one table spoonful. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
81 
NETTLE—STING ING. 
This herb is a powerful styptic. 
The juice,, taken in small doses, is good in Con- 
sumptions, and spitting blood. 
Decociions of the herb remove disorders of tiie 
bowels; and are good in diabetes and bloody urine. 
The juice, snuffed up the nose, stops its bleed- 
ing ; and stinging the pa1 ts affected, with nettles, 
helps the palsy ' thargy, and febrile stupidity. 
WIGHT SHADE. 
The leaves are cooling-, and poisonous. 
They are good in cancerous disorders, and foul 
ulcers, accompanied with pain. 
The herb is good in scrofulous diseases, and 
obstinate pains in particular parts. The leaves, 
beat into a poultice, with white bread, or a salve 
made by simmering them in lard, abate inflamma- 
tions in the eyes ; ease the head ache ; pains in the 
•cars; help acrid defluxions, and inflammations-of 
the venereal kind. But it is so poisonous, that 82 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
none unacquainted with it, should venture upon 
its use. 
NETTLE LIVERWORT. 
This grows in bunches or clusters upon hard- 
wood land in various parts of New-England. 
It is good in consumptions, coughs, and female 
weakness. 
The herb should be gathered when in bloom. 
OAK—WHITE. 
The bark of this tree is a powerful styptic and 
astringent. 
It is good in floor albus, dysentery, and bloody 
fluxes ; and a ponder of the bark is excellent in 
open cancers. 
OAK—RED 
Some have supposed the bark of this tree to AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
83 
be as efficacious, in many disorders, as the Cort. 
Peru. 
The following has been recommended as a cure 
for a cancer : 
Boil the ashes of a bushel of red oak bark in three 
gallons of water, till two thirds are evaporated ;— 
strain the liquor, and boil it again to the consis- 
tence of cream ; some of it on lint, and 
apply it to the cancerous sore. Renew the plan- 
ter every two hours. From four to twelve plan- 
ters generally destroy the roots of the cancer, and 
work a complete cure. 
OAK OF JERUSALEM. 
This herb is cultivated in gardens. 
It is emmenagogic, and a great deobstruent. 
It stimulates the solids; attenuates the fluids ; 
and is good in obstructions of the menses, 
urine, &c. 84 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
OLIVE. 
They are the product of a tree growing in 
wanner climates. 
The expressed oil is anthelmintic, and emol- 
lient. 
It is a celebrated medicine in Vegetable poisons, 
the bite of rattlesnakes, and many other disorders. 
ONION. 
This root is stimulant and diuretic. 
It is good in gravel, strangury and scurvy; and 
applied to the soles of the feet, makes a revulsioa 
from the head. The expressed juice of one on- 
ion is the proper dose, once in three hours. 
They are much used as food, and make a Very 
wholesome diet. 
ORANGE. 
The peel is aromatic, stimulant, stomachic and 
corroborant. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
85 
The juice is refrigerant, anti-septic and anti- 
scorbutic. 
The peel strengthens the stomach, and makes 
an excellent bitter. 
OYSTER. 
These make a very wholesome diet, either raw 
or cooked. 
The calcined shells are good absorbents, and 
correct acidities in the primae vise. 
PARSLEY. 
This plant is refrigerant and diuretic. 
It has been used in gravelly complaints; but I 
believe with very little success. 
It is, however, cooling, and good in heat of urine. 
PARSNIP. 
The common garden parsnip is much used a* 
food, and is highly nutritious. 86 
TKE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
It strengthens the system in general, and pro- 
vokes venery. 
It also sweetens acidities in the primac vise. 
PARTRIDGE BERRY, or 
CIIECKER-RERRY. 
It is a powerful diuretic and absorbent. 
The distilled liquor is useful in dropsy. 
PEACH TREE. 
The flowers are mildly laxative, and a good 
anthelmintic. 
The leaves are stronger than the flowers. 
The fruit is cooling and laxative. 
An infusion of the leaves and flowers is given 
to children to purge the belly, and destroy worms. 
PEARL ASHES. 
The vegetable alkali is used in the form of 
lotion* to correct acidities in the primae viae. AOT FAMILY FITYSICtAX. 
87 
Infused in vinegar, it makes an excellent wash 
in fever-sores. 
PENNY ROYAL. 
This is stimulant, emmenagogic, expectorant, 
and anti-spasmodic. 
It is good in spasms, whooping cough, obstruc- 
tion of the menses, and to promote expectoration. 
But its virtues are similar to those of horse mint. 
PEPPER—BLACK. 
This is stimulant and errhine. 
It is good in cold disorders, to strengthen the 
lax fibres, and excite an oscillation ; to increase 
the motion of the blood, assist digestion, and pro- 
voke venery. 
But if used too freely, it disposes the viscera to 
iiiflammation, and proves very injurious in acrimo- 
nious humors. 88 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
PETTY MORREL. 
This is astringent, eminenagogic, stomachic, 
and balsamic. 
It removes obstructions; and the baked root is 
good in coughs. 
The berries, infused in brandy, remove the gout 
from the stomach, when other remedies fail. 
PINE. 
The bark of the White Pine is healing and 
balsamic. 
It strengthens the lax fibres, and is good in 
weakness of the lungs, and fluor albus. 
PITCH. 
This is an oily substance drawn from the pine. 
That of the white pine is good in plaisters to draw 
out refractory humors. Given in form of pills, 
with loaf sugar, it helps diabetes; and three pills 
of the same, taking one at a time, will generally 
cure the bleeding piles. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
89 
PLANTAIN—GPvEAT. 
The leaves and seeds of this plant are mildly 
restringent and corroborant. 
Both the leaves and seeds are good in phthisical 
complaints, spitting blood, alvine fluxes, hemor- 
rhages, and dysentery. The juice, mixed with an 
equal quantity of the juice of white hoarhound, is 
an excellent antidote for the bite of a rattlesnake. 
The bruised leaves are good in inflammations, 
fresh wounds, and old ulcers. 
PLANTAIN—RATTLESNAKE. 
This is a great stomachic, and purifier of the 
blood and juices. 
Captain Carver informs that the Indians were s® 
convinced of the virtues of this powerful antidote, 
that for a trifling bribe of spirituous liquor, they 
would permit a rattlesnake to drive his fangs into 
their flesh ;—they then chew the leaves, and apply 
them immediately to the wound. They also swal- 
low at the same time, the juice of the plant, 90 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
which seldom fails of averting the dangerous 
symptoms. 
PLANTAIN—TOAD, or 
LESSER PLANTAIN. 
This is excellent in the cure of animal poisons. 
If the juice be applied to the part affected, im- 
mediately, it cures the bite of the rattlesnake, the 
spider, the sting of the bee, &c. 
Its virtues are similar to those of the Great 
Plantain. 
POPLAR. 
The hark of the black, red and white, is astrin- 
gent, and anti-scorbutic. 
It cures pleuritic pains in the side ; and is good 
in scrofulous complaints, and makes a healing 
salve. and family physician. 
91 
POPPY. 
The heads of this plant produce the opium. 
The whole herb is anodyne. 
It eases pain, increases the circulation, and is 
good in cutaneous eruptions. The seeds destroy 
crickets. 
POTATO. 
This vegetable is easily raised and makes a 
very wholesome diet. 
They may be eaten, either boiled, baked, roast- 
ed, or fried ; but are the most wholesome roasted ; 
and thus cooked and eaten with butter, they make 
a light and wholesome diet in fevers, whooping 
cough, &c. 
A poultice, made of roasted potatos, is good in 
burns. 
QUICK SILVER. 
This is found in a whitish mass, resembling 
brick poorly burnt. 92 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
If is volatilized by tire, and received by vapor, 
in glass vessels. 
It has been employed in all disorders of the 
lungs, bilious fever, dysentery, yellow fever, in- 
flammations, gout, rheumatism, jaundice, schir- 
rhosities of the liver, canine madness, putrid sore 
throat, obstructions of the menses, intermitting 
fevers, &c. Sac. 
It has likewise been supposed to be the only 
remedy which will effectually eradicate the vene- 
real virus; but 1 have often effected a complete 
cure with gladwin, or blue flag, when mercuri- 
als failed ; and through a long course of practice I 
have generally found it more difficult to counter- 
act the baneful effects of this poisonous mineral, 
than to combat the disorders for which it has been 
celebrated; and think I do not deviate from truth 
in saying that I have witnessed hundreds of the 
human species hurried out of time by using it. 
Notwithstanding, my opinion is, that in the itch 
and some other cutaneous eruptions, it might do 
good in the hands of those w’ho understand it. But 
I have so often witnessed a contrary7 effect, that I AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
93 
should think I was endangering the lives of my 
fellow creatures were I to recommend it. 
QUEEN OF THE MEADOW. 
This is a tall plant, with smooth, brittle, red- 
dish stalks, on which are clusters of white flowers, 
followed by crooked seeds set in a roundish head. 
The plant is diuretic, aromatic, alexipharmic 
and carminative. 
It is good in gravel, strangury, and uterine 
complaints. 
RACOON. 
The flesh of this animal is nourishing. 
The oil is laxative, and good for burns, stiff 
joints, and rheumatic complaints. 
RASPBERRY. 
The berries are antalkaline, and cooling. 94 
THE AMERICAN EGTAN1ST 
They quench thirst, abate heat, help diarrhoea, 
promote the natural secretions, and strengthen 
the viscera. 
A decoction of the leaves and roots has qured 
the dysentery, when other remedies failed. 
RADISH-GARDEN. 
The roots are attenuant, and carminative. 
All parts of the plant are anti-scorbutic. 
The roots are frequently eaten with bread and 
butter; and are good in scurvies, obstructions of 
the glands, and other disorders, proceeding from 
viscid juices. 
RATTLESNAKE. 
The oil of this serpent is relaxing and pene- 
trating ; their gall anodyne. The oil nil! cure 
the quinsy in children almost instantaneously. 
It softens contractions, ngidities, callosities- corns, 
lie. ; and if dropped into* the ear. it. helps dea -ue«s. ANB FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
95 
ROSIN. 
This is good in plaisters and unguents.* 
RHEUMATISM WEED, or 
. WINTER GREEN. 
This herb is good in inflammations of the ejres, 
tooth-ache, and to relieve pain in the stomach. 
It grows in dark, black timbered forests; is a 
low, evergreen vegetable ; and is found in almost 
all parts of New-England. 
RHUBARB—COMMON. 
The root is cathartic and astringent. 
It has been used in diarrhoeas and dysenteries, 
and to carry off viscid hile, lodged in the bilious 
ducts. 
ROSE BAY TREE. 
This is found growing in the northern latitudes. 
* Vide Turpeutiae. 96 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
A decoction of the bark is good in internal 
weakness. 
ROSE—DAMASK. 
This is powerfully nervine, cordial, aromatic, 
and gently laxative. 
Drunken as a tea, it is good in head-ache. Tak- 
en in injection, it helps the piles; and is almost a 
sovereign remedy in the fluor albus. The other 
kinds have the same virtues, but in a less degree. 
ROSEMARY. 
This herb is stimulant and nervine. 
It excites the oscillation of the nervous fibres, 
and restores their relaxed tone. 
It strengthens the brain; helps the memory, 
dimness of sight, epilepsy, palsy, hysterical fits, 
menstrual suppressions and obstructions of the 
liver and spleen. It is of use in phlegmatic habits, 
and debilities of the nervous system. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
97 
ROSEMARY—MARSH. 
This is an astringent and emetic. 
It is likewise anthelmintic. 
It is found growing upon the sea shore, between 
high and low water mark. 
It is good in canker, and cures the canker-^ash. 
RUE—GARDEN". 
This herb is anti-spasmodic, emmenagogic, at- 
tenuant, resolvent and de obstruent. 
It is good in a languid circulation of the blood ; 
for viscid phlegm, hysterical complaints, menstrual 
obstructions, and those of the excretory glands, as 
it promotes the fluid secretions in genera]. 
It ia, likewise, a powerful anthelmintic. 
RUM. 
This spirit, properly diluted with water, and 
drank with moderation, incrassates the thin fluids, 
strengthens the iax fibres, and warms the habit. 98 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
It is of use in external applications. But if drank 
to excess, it produces drunkenness, tremors, apo- 
plexy, palsies, and a train of horrible symptoms, 
which often end in death. 
RUSH. 
This is a powerful diuretic. 
It is good in gravel, strangury, and other yterine 
complaints. 
SAFFRON—GARDEN. 
It is highly cordial, aromatic, anti-spasmodic, 
attenuant, emmenegogic, and anodyne. 
It exhilerates the spirits, and is good in disor- 
ders of the breast, female obstructions, hysterical 
depressions, spasms, palpitations of the heart, 
fainting fits, coughs, and asthma. 
But if taken in too large doses, it occasions im- 
moderate mirth, involuntary laughter, and such ill 
effects as follow the abuse of spirituous liquors. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
99 
SAGE. 
It is cooling and astringent. 
It is good in inward wounds and bruises, dissolv- 
ing coagulated blood. An infusion of the leaves 
O v3 
may be drank as a tea. 
It is a good drink in time of pregnancy for those 
who are liable to abortion. 
ST. JOHN’S WORT. 
This herb is stomachic, deobstruent, and cor- 
roborant. 
It is used for cleansing the first passages. 
SALT—GLAUBER'S. 
This is a mild and useful purgative ; of a cooling 
nature ; and if taken in small doses, proves diuretic 
and aperient. 
It is useful in a variety of complaints, where 
cooling and gentle purgatives are necessary; but 
should be used mostly in the spring, on account of 100 
its cooling nature. Two portions answer all the 
purposes of once bleeding. 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
SANICLE. 
This is stimulant, stomachic, deobstruent, em- 
menagogic, and vulnerary. 
It helps recent colds, and promotes the natural 
secretions in general. 
SARSAPARILLA. 
This root is stimulant and emmenagogic. 
It sweetens the blood and juices; is good in de- 
bilities, and should be taken in strong decoction. 
SALT—EPSOM. 
This is cathartic and gently diuretic. 
It promotes sweat and urine, and is good in 
affections of the internal viscera, and should be 
used mostly in the spring of the year. THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
101 
SASSAFRAS. 
This is a great styptic ; and according to Dr; 
Stearns, stimulant, aperient, diuretic, diaphoretic, 
and corroborant. 
With it the Indians cure the most obstinate dys- 
entery. 
SCABIOUS. 
It is good in consumptions, fluor albus, and 
strengthens the system in general. 
It is said to cure the itch, and other 
eruptions. 
SHEEP, 
Their flesh is very nourishing, and their fat i&- 
used in divers kinds of ointments. 
A broth made of the meat is a very wholesome 
diet in dysenteries. 102 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
SKUNK. 
The oil of this animal is good for scald head, and 
is used in making various kinds of ointments. 
It is said that no putrid disorder will prevail 
within half a mile of the scent of this animal. 
SNAKE ROOT. 
It is one of the most potent of vegetables, and 
is stimulant, stomachic, deobstruent, and attcnuant. 
It is good in internal weakness. 
SOAP. 
The best hard soap is stimulant, cathartic, and 
de obstruent. 
The black soap, particularly, is good for the 
itch and other cutaneous eruptions. AND FAMILY PHYSICUN. 
103 
SOLOMON’S SEAL—WHITE. 
This is a great stomachic, diuretic, corroborant, 
and deobstruent. 
It incrassates the thin fluids, strengthens the 
stomach, and is good in time of pregnancy. 
SORREL WOOD. 
The leaves are anti-septic- and astringent. 
They allay heat, cool fevers, quench thirst, 
temperate the caustic bile, strengthen the heart, 
help scurvies, malignant and pestilential fevers, 
inflammatory and putrid disorders. 
The juice, infused in good rum, and sweetened 
with sugar, is an Indian remedy for a cough. 
SPERMACETI. 
This is obtained from the head of the Sperma- 
ceti Whale. 
It is emollient, deobstruent and stomachic. 
It is good in pain, and erosions of the intestines. 104 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
SPIDER. 
Of these animals there are various kinds in 
America. 
The bites of the green and yellow kinds are so 
poisonous, that they sometimes prove fatal. 
The juice of the plantain is a sovereign remedyr 
if applied in. season- 
SPLEEN WORT, or ROCK POLYPOD. 
This is found growing in the fissures of rocks, 
and is of the- brake kind. 
It is stomachic and diuretic. 
It is good in coughs, and pulmonary complaints. 
It allays pain in the urinary passages, and gently 
carries off sand and gravel in the mean time, for 
which purpose,, an infusion may be drunken as su 
tea. 
STRAW-BERRY. 
This fruit quenches thirst, abates heat, and 
strengthens the stomach. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
105 
The vine and leaves are astringent, diuretic, 
stomachic and corroborant. 
SUCCORY. 
Gf this plant there are two kinds, the wild and 
tame, both of which may be used indifferently. 
They are gently cathartic, aperient, attenuant, 
detergent and corroborant. 
The juice is gocd in obstructions of the viscera, 
jaundice, cachexy, hectic fever, inflammations, 
consumptions, stubborn intermitting fevers, hypo- 
chondriac affections, cutaneous diseases, debility 
of the intestines, and other chronic disorders. 
SUGAR—BROWN. 
This is emollient, demulcent, and gently laxa- 
tive. 
It is good in coughs, hoarseness, consumptions, 
pleurisies, peripneumonies, scurvy, putrid fevers, 
and ulcers. 106 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
It sheaths acr:m ny, absterges ulcerations, and 
excites the urinary discharges. 
Molasses, mixed with an equal quantity of boil- 
ing water has cured -the dysentery, when other 
remedies failed. 
SULPHUR 
Is anthelmintic, diaphoretic, and purgative. 
It. destroys worms, promotes insensible perspira- 
tion, and loosens the belly. 
It cures the itch, and other cutaneous eruptions, 
if internally given; and, externally applied, is good 
in coughs, asthma, gout, rheumatism and scorbutic 
complaints. 
An ounce of sulphur, dissolved in a pin*- of rum 
or gin, is an excellent remedy in rheumatic pains 
and itch, and should be used both externally and 
internally. 
SUMACH—COMMON. 
The berries are powerfully styptic and astrin- 
gent. ANB FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
107 
Strong decoctions of these berries, given in form 
of injection, restore the rectum to its natural func- 
tions. 
An ointment, made by simmering the bark of the 
root of sumach in lard, will cure burns, without 
leaving a scar. 
SUGAR CASDY. 
This Is prepared by boiling down the sugar to a 
thicker consistence than usual, and may be made 
either of white or brown sugar. 
It is good in hoarseness, and tickling coughs, and 
if powdered and blowed into the eyes with a quill, 
is said to remove films from the sclerotic coat. 
SUMMER SAVORY. 
It is 'pungent, aromatic, diuretic, and emmena- 
gogic. 
It warms the habit, promotes urine and the 
menses, helps a cold stomach, and the moist 108 
AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
asthma, by promoting an expectoration oi thick 
viscid matter which stuffs up the lungs. 
SUN DEW. 
Dr. Cutler says that the whole of this plant is 
so acrimonious that it will corrode the skin; and 
that the juice, mixed with milk, and applied to the 
skin, removes freckles and sun-burns ;—that the 
clear juice destroys warts and corns. 
The plant is so injurious to cattle and sheep, on 
account of its acrimony, that it renders their 
viicera schirrhous. It is a very small plant, and 
may be found growing in meadows. 
SUN FLOWER. 
The seeds are stimulant and diuretic, and like- 
wise etrmenagogic. 
They are good in cough:, and defluxions of the 
lungs. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
109 
SWALLOW WORT, 
This plant is nervine, diuretic and emmena- 
gogic. 
It is good in hysteric fits, and has been used in 
catarrhal, cachetic and scrofulous disorders: to 
promote sweat and urine $ cure the measles, 
plague, small pox, &c. 
TAMARIND. 
This is a good stomachic. 
It is nourishing and good in weak stomachs; 
but if taken in large doses, it purges downwards. 
TANSY—DOUBLE. 
This herb is styptic, anthelmintic, and emmena- 
gogic. 
The juice has been used in the drGpsy, cachexy, 
and fluor albus. 
Applied in cataplasms to the bowels, it is good 110 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
in putrid fevers, and worn upon the necks of chil- 
dren, it expels worms. 
And, indeed, the virtues of this herb are such 
that no family ought long to remain without it. 
TANSY—SINGLE. 
This is mildly astringent and corroborant. 
It has been used in the fluor albus, diarrhoea, 
hemorrhages, and intermitting fever ; for which 
purpose it may be taken in decoction. 
TAR. 
This is a thick, black, resinous juice, melted by 
fire, out of old pine and fir trees, and is good in 
plaisters. 
A water is obtained by putting a pint of tar into 
a gallon of water, well warmed and stirred, then 
settled and poured off for use. 
It is good in debilities in old age, and cancer 
humors. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
111 
TARTAR. 
This is cooling, laxative, diuretic and cathartic. 
It opens obstructions of the viscera ; is good ia 
fevers, loss of appetite, &c. 
THOROUGH WORT. 
This herb is emetic, and cathartic. But the 
cathartic quality is the strongest. The expressed 
juice cleanses the stomach, and proves diuretic 
and powerfully emetic and cathartic. 
THISTLE—BULL. 
This grows in highways and waste places, and 
is the largest hind of thistle. 
It is detergent, and will cure the quinsy, when 
©•ther medicines fail. 
THORN BUSH, 
The bark of this bush is astringent, 112 
It is good in hysterics, cholics ; and in decoction, 
it relieves pain in the bowels generally. 
THE AMERICAN EOTANIST 
THYME—MOTHER. 
This is a warm and pungent herb. 
It is good in teeth-ache, and rheumatic com- 
plaints. 
TIN. 
A powder is prepared from tin, which is pow- 
erfully anthelmintic. 
It is prepared in the following manner, viz : 
Melt six pounds of tin in an earthen vessel, and 
stir it with an iron rod, till a powder floats upon 
the surface. Take off the powder, and when cold, 
pass it through a sieve. 
This is given to destroy worms, particularly the 
tape worm. and family physician. 
113 
TOBACCO. 
This is a violent emetic and cathartic. It is 
also narcotic. 
This is principally used for smoking and chewing, 
and is good in the phthisic and many disorders, 
but is generally injurious to the slender and com 
sumptive. 
TORMENTIL; 
Called also Second Growth Fireweed, Butcber?$ 
Broom, &c. 
It grows upon burnt land, and is very trouble- 
some among grain, where burnt land is sowed the 
second year. 
It is a powerful astringent, and a sure and 
efficacious medicine in diarrhoeas, dysenteries, and 
hemorrhages ; but must be used with caution, lest 
the flux be stopped too soon. 
TURNIP. 
I shall speak of two kinds—the English and the 
French. 114 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
The French turnip is diuretic, expectorant, and 
discutient. 
The juice, sweetened with honey or sugar, is 
good for coughs, and disorders of the breast. 
Cataplasms of the grated root discuss dropsical 
swellings. The English have the same virtues, 
but are weaker. 
VERVAIN. 
This weed grows in highways, and has blue 
flowers upon the top, which resembles in shape 
the top of a corn stalk. 
It is emetic, emmenagogic, and deobstruent. 
It removes uterine obstructions, and, baked in a 
new earthen vessel, is an excellent remedy in 
consumptions. 
VINEGAR. 
It promotes expectoration, neutralizes alkaline AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
115 
substances in the primae via;, cools inflammatory 
disorders, promotes sweat, and resists putrefaction. 
It is good, both internally and externally, in all 
kinds of inflammatory, bilious, pestilential, malig- 
nant, and putrid disorders ; for weakness, syncope, 
vomiting, lethargy, hypochondriac and hysterical 
affections, hydrophobia, and the ill effects of opi- 
um, hemlock, henbane, deadly night shade, &c. 
But too much of it coagulates the chyle, pro- 
duces leanness, atrophy, tubercles in the lungs, 
and consumptions. 
VIOLET. 
Of these there are several kinds ; but those of 
which I would speak more particularly are the 
white and yellow. 
They make a good common drink in strangury 
and gravelly complaints. 116 
THE AMERICAN BOTAXIST 
WALNUT—BLACK. 
The bark is emetic, and cathartic, and is good 
in cold, languid habits. 
A gill of the ashes of the bark of walnut, steep- 
ed in cider, and a gill of the liquor drank in the 
morning, fasting, is good in the jaundice. 
WATER CRESS. 
This herb is acrid, aperient, and cooling. 
It is good in fevers, scurvy, and other febrile 
complaints. 
WATER DOCK. 
It grows about rivers, and other watery grounds, 
and has leaves two or three feet long. 
The leaves are laxative, and anti-scorbutic. 
The roots are excellent in the scurvy, aiid cutane- 
ous disorders, if internally given and externally 
applied in ointments, cataplasms, lotions, and fo- 
mentations. A strong decoction of the bark stops AND FAMILY FHYSICIAW. 
117 
the eating of ulcers in the mouth and tonsels, and 
cures spongy gums, 
WIIEY. 
This is cooling, diluent and aperient. 
It promotes the natural secretions, opens the 
body, cleanses the first passages, prevents consti- 
pation, proves diuretic, and is good in pregnancy, 
rheumatism, bilious, burning and malignant fevers, 
ebullitions of the blood, tedious chronic complaints, 
heat of the liver and kidneys, scorching and melan- 
cholic humors, exciting wandering heats. 
WILLOW—COMMON. 
It is diuretic, deobstruent, anthelmintic, and anti- 
venereal. 
It is good in scorbutic and venereal complaints. 118 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
WINE. 
Good wine stimulates the solids, cheers the spir- 
its, warms the habit, promotes perspiration, ren- 
ders the vessels full and turgid, raises the pulse, 
and quickens the circulation. Ciaret, Madeira, and 
Port are used in fevers of a typhus kind with suc- 
cess, when the stcmach is tveak, rejects all food, 
and the wine agrees with the patient. It is good 
in languors, and a low' state of fevers 
also, for resisting putrefaction. 
WINTER’S BARK. 
This bark is the product of one of the largest 
forest trees on Terra del Fuego. 
The bark is astringent, deobstruent, and anti- 
scorbutic. It is good in scurvy and dropsy, and for 
intermitting and remitting fevers. 
WINTER GREEN. 
This is excellent in the rheumatism, and a good 
stomachic. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
119 
It cures spongy gums, and fastens loose teeth. 
It is said that this root chewed six weeks every 
spring by young people, totally prevents the tooth- 
ache. 
WORM WOOD. 
This is stomachic, discutient, corroborant, stim- 
ulant, antiseptic, aud anthelmintic. 
The essential oil is anti-spasmodic and anthel- 
mintic. 
Wormwood heats the body, attenuates Tiscid 
humors, increases the oscillation of the fibres, and 
promotes perspiration. 
It opens obstructions, excites an appetite, 
strengthens the stomach, stops looseness, appeas- 
es the wind cholic, and restores the debilitated 
functions. 
It Is good in the jaundice, dropsy, green sickness, 
cachexy, agues, and to destroy worms. 
It has also been employed externally in discuti- 
ent and anti-septic fomentations. 120 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST. 
The essential oil, diluted with brandy, is good in 
tertian agues, and if applied to the belly, and taken 
internally, kills worms. But is injurious in inflam- 
mations, and a crispiness and tensity of the fibres, 
and also to the eye-sight. 
YARROW. 
It is cooling-, astringent and styptic. It is good 
in hemorrhages, dysenteries and diarrhoeas ; and if 
used as a constant drink for three days, it prevent* 
the nose-bleed for a year. 
END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. THE 
AMERICAN BOTANIST 
AND 
FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
TWO VOLUMES IN ONE, 
VOL. II. 
Jo\m Monroe. 
Compile© by SILAS GASKILL. 
WHEELOCK, (VT.) PUBLISHED BY JONATHAN MORRISON. 
Danville—Eben’r. Eaton, Printer. 
1824. THE 
AMERICAN BOTANIST 
AND 
FM1I1A PHYSICI&JW 
VOL. II. 
INTERMITTING FEVER. 
In the beginning of this disorder, 
Take two pounds of common Arsmart, 
Two pounds of White Ast^bark, 
Two handfuls of Jerusalem Oak, 
and One pound of Horse Radish. 
Put these together into an iron kettle, and after 
adding one pailful of water, boil it over a gentle 
tire, until reduced to one quart. 
To the liquor add one quart of Holland gin, aod 
sweeten it with loaf sugar. Of this liquor let the 
patient drink three or four glasses in a day, gh ing 
freely strong infusions of Arsmart in the mean time. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN, 
125 
PUTRID FEVER. 
In the beginning of this disorder, it will be ne- 
cessary to cleanse the first passages. For this 
purpose an emetic of lobelia may be given, and 
afterwards one portion of Glauber’s salts. After 
this, continue to give portions of the Universal Pill 
every night through the disorder, for the purpose 
of keeping the bowels gently open. 
Infusions of equal quantities of cool wort, and 
black maiden hair, should be drank freely. Like- 
wise soda or white lye should be given freely. 
Take one handful of bark from the north side 
of the Black Ash. 
One handful of the bark of Wild Cherry., 
One handful of Sweet Poplar bark. 
One handful of Dog Mackimus bark, 
and One handful of Sweet Elder bark. 
Boil these together into a sirup of one quart. 
Add to it one quart of wine, and continue to give 
six glasses in a day of this liquor, or as the patient 
can bear through the disorder. 
It will likewise be proper to apply cataplasms 
ef horse fadish root to the soles of the feet. 126 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
I have known patients in the last stage of this 
disorder completely cured by drinking freely of 
water, or rum and water. 
Powders of the bark of dog mackimus answer 
all the purposes for which the Jesuits bark is in- 
tended, and should be given once in six hours 
through the disorder. 
SPOTTED, or SCARLET FEVER. 
In the beginning of this disorder, let on emetic 
of lobelia be administered in order to throw off the 
bile from the stomach; and after this, sweat pro- 
fusely with hemlock boughs. 
For a common drink, take equal parts of Sarsa- 
parilla, Burdock, and Sweet Eider. Boil these 
together, and let the. patient drink freely, until he 
is perfectly recovered, which will generally be in 
a few days. It will likewise be proper to admin- 
ister a portion of the universal pill ouce in two or 
three days. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
127 
PLEURISY. 
On the first attack of this disorder, it will be ne- 
cessary for the patient to lose a little blood 
After this, sweat freely with hemlock, and let the 
patient drink constantly decoctions of the bark of 
the Conead or Black Poplar. If this cannot be 
had, the White Poplar will answer much the same 
purpose. 
Cataplasms of mustard seed, or the root of 
Horse Radish, should likewise be applied to the 
soles of the feet. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS, 
and other viscera. 
In the beginning of this disorder, take good vin- 
egar, and add to it as much pearlash as it will- 
dissolve, and with bathe the part affected once 
in an hour; or take the berries.of sumach, bruise' 
and put them into hot water; then add vinegar, 
and thicken with wheat bran. Apply this cata- 
plasm to the part affected, 
U tiffs should not give relief, take the roots oi 128 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
common Hellebore, bruise them to a poultice, and 
lay this upon the part diseased. A poultice may 
likewise be made of yeast and barley malt, which 
is often of great service. Let this be applied to 
the part affected, and changed as often as neces- 
sary. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN. 
When the person is attacked by this alarming 
disorder, take strong decoctions of hops ; add an 
equal quantity of spirits, and with it bathe the 
head continually. 
For a common drink, take equal quantities of 
Burdock and Sarsaparilla, and boil together strong, 
and let the patient drink freely oi the liquor. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES. 
Take the garden Chamomile, boil it in new milk, 
strain and add to the liquor, an equal quantity of 
West India rum, and sweeten it with loaf sugar. 
With this liquor, bathe the temples and eyes AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
129 
three or four times in a day, until they are com- 
pletely cured. 
This is an excellent eye-water in almost any 
kind of sore eyes. 
mm*m*m**» 
BILIOUS CHOLIC. 
This seems to be a kiad of hereditary distemper, 
to which some constitutions are particularly sub- 
ject 
When the person is attacked with it, give an 
injection of Thorough Wort, boiled strong, and let 
the patient drink freely of the same herb. 
if this should not effect a cure, give an injection- 
of tobacco leaves, boiled strong, and afterwards a 
sirup of the bark of thorn, which will seldom fail 
©f effecting a cure. 
DIABETES. 
Strong decoctions of the Stinging Nettle, drank 
freely, will, in most cases, effectually cure. 
The patient should take likewise one or two 130 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
portions of the universal pill, and afterwards de- 
coctions of the bark of thorn. 
If this should not have the effect desired, take 
the gum of the spruce tree ; infuse this in spirits, 
and let the patient drink moderately of the same. 
This 1 have never known to fail. 
DYSENTERY. 
In the beginning of this disorder, let the patient 
take of the Cream of Tartar, one tea spoonful at a 
time four times in a day, continuing it for two days. 
This will operate as a cathartic, and answer all 
the purposes of an emetic. The patient should 
drink all the while strong decoctions of Sweet Ag- 
rimony infused in an equal quantity of brandy, and 
sweetened with loaf sugar, cae glass at a time, as 
often as he can bear. 
GRAVEL, or STONE. 
To cure this distressing disorder, 
Take One handful of Lobelia, AXD FAMILY PHYSICJA5. 
131 
One handful of Violets, 
One handful of Chamomile, 
and One handful of Clivers. 
Steep these together, and reduce the liquor to 
one quart. Add to it one pint white lye, and one 
quart Holland gin. 
Of this liquor let the patient drink freely six or 
seven times in a day, and drink likewise a glass of 
onion juice every night for nine nights. 
This cures the gravel almost infallibly, which it 
does by neutralizing and dissolving the stone. It 
will continue to come away from the patient for 
twenty-four hours in the form of fine sand. 
JAUNDICE. 
It will be highly necessary in the beginning c.i 
this disorder, to throw off the bil« from the stom- 
ach, and cleanse the first passages. 
For this purpose strong decoctions of Thorough 
Wort should be given. If this should not operate 
«s an emetic, let the patient take of the expressed 
juice of the herb two thirds of a tea-cup full. 132 
After this, infusions of the Ground Ivy should be 
drank freely as a common drink, and one glass of 
the expressed juice of Celendyne, three times in 
a day. 
If this course be pursued, the patient will seldom 
be disappointed of a cure. 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
WHOOPING COUGH. 
Take equal parts of Lobelia, Hyssop, and the 
berries of Sumach. 
Boil these together strong, and sweeten the 
liq\ior with loaf sugar. 
Give this preparation in form of drops, to the 
quantity of ten at a time, once in three haul's, and 
increase the dose, as the patient can bear. 
The juice of onions, or leeks, drank freely, will 
be also proper, and give great relief. 
If this should not effect a cure, take a handful 
<4 r-‘ 
of Brook Liverwort, and steep it in a pint of the 
urine of a healthy person; tL* - strain off the li- 
quor, and sweeten it with honey or molasses. 
The dose of this is a tea-spoonful once in half AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
133 
an hour, for a child under three years old. For a 
child over three and under six, it should be double 
that quantity, and so on in proportion to the age. 
MEASLES. 
In this disorder the greatest eare ought always 
to be observed. 
The patient should not expose himself to take 
cold by wearing damp clothes, wetting his feet, or 
appearing in the evening air ; but should continu- 
ally drink something of a stimulating nature, such 
as infusions of the garden Marigold, &c. 
CANKER-RASH. 
This fatal disorder, which lias so often spread 
terror through Wew-England, if properly treated, 
will seldom prove mortal. 
In the first stage of this disorder, let the patient 
take of the infusion of Lobelia, until it proves 
emetic. Afterwards take one ounce of pulverised 134 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
Bloodroot, half a pint' of vinegar, and two ounces 
of honey. After having mixed these properly to- 
gether, let the patient take of the mixture a tea- 
spoonful once in half an hour. 
It will likewise be proper to let the patient 
drink of soda, dissolved in water, once an hour, as 
long as there is any appearance of canker. 
DROPSY. 
Take equal parts of the juice of India Hemp- 
roots, and Holland gin, and let the patient drink of 
this mixture one glass at a time, four or five times 
in a day, drinking all the while, infusions of the 
roots of Dwarf Elder, and of the distilled liquor of 
cuckoo ash, one pint in a day. 
The most proper diet in this disorder will be 
fresh meat, roasted, and hard biscuit. 
PHTHISIC AND ASTHMA. 
Take the Consumption Dock, and boil strong. 135 
Take of this decoction one quart. Add to it one 
pint of Holland gin, and let the patient drink free- 
ly of this mixture through the disorder ; continuing 
to take the universal pill every night, one portion 
at a time, or enough to operate. 
This will generally carry off the disorder, where 
it is curable. 
AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
BLEEDING AT TME LUNGS. 
Take one quart of good brandy ; bruise and put 
into it one half pound of the inside of Buckhorn 
Brake root. After it has stood a short time, it co- 
agulates, and appears like the white of an egg. 
Let the patient take of this liquid, one glass at a 
time, four times in a day, or a table spoonful once 
in twenty minutes. 
This I can pronounce almost an infallible cure, 
if duly persisted in. 
It is likewise good in a cough, and weakness of 
the stomach. 
But if this should not effect a eure, the patient 
may drink of the expressed juice of Tormentil, 136 
one half glass in a day, or take in substance a tea- 
spoonfu.1 of the pulverized root of Bistort. 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
CONSUMPTION COUGH. 
Take two handfuls of Maple Lungwort, 
One and an half handful of W hite Oak Lir- 
erwort, 
One handful of Brook Liverwort, 
One handful ot Hyssop, 
One handful of Licorice, 
One handful of Hoarhound, 
and One handful of Fenny Royal. 
Boil these together in one pailful of water, until 
the liquor is reduced to two quarts. Add to it one 
pint of rum, and one pint of molasses. 
Let the patient take of this liquor six or seven 
glasses in a day. 
If, after this, the cough should continue, a sirup 
may be used of the following description : 
Take One half pound White Solomon’s Seal roots, 
Two pounds of Hog Brake roots, AND- FAMILY niYSICTANV 
137 
Four ounces of Arsmart, 
One half peck of Alder tags. 
Boil these together in one pailful of water, till 
the liquor is reduced to one quart. Add to it one 
pint of West India Rum, and sweeten it with sugar. 
Of this it will be proper to take three glasses 
in a day. 
If this should not have the desired effect, and 
the cough should still continue, take one pint of 
Wood Sorrel juice, and add to it one pint of New- 
England Rum, and sweeten it with loaf sugar, and 
let the patient take of this liquor five or six glasses 
in a day, 
CONSUMPTION. 
To enre this alarming disorder, 
Take Four ounces of Sweet Elder bark,- 
Four ounces of Dog Mackimus, 
Two large Wake Robins, 
One handful of Chamomile, 
One handful of Brook Lime* 
Four ounces of White Ash barky, 138 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
One pound of Celendyne, 
One pound of Nettle roots, 
and Two pounds of Ground Ivy. 
Boil these together in twro pailfuls of water, 
thrdw out the herbs, and reduce the liquor to two 
quarts. Add to it two quarts of Holland gin, and 
Sweeten it with Maple sugar to the patient’s liking. 
Of this liquor, let the pa ient drink two thirds of 
a glass six times a day. 
If, notwithstanding, the disorder should be at- 
tended with any considerable degree of cough, it 
will be necessary to promote the expectoration, 
and check the cough. For this purpose, see Con- 
sumption Cough. 
PALSY. 
Upon the first attack of this disorder, the patient 
should take the roots and tops of the stinging Net- 
tle in strong decoction, and continue to whip the 
part affected with the green tops of the same herb. 
This method of treatment, if duly persisted in, 
will seldom fail of working a cure. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
139 
EPILEPSY. 
Take the American Valerian; boil it strong, and 
let the patient drink freely of the decection, or 
take the pulverized root of the same herb, in form 
of powders three times in a day, to the quantity ©f 
a tea-spoonful at a time. 
If the above medicine should not effect a cure, 
let the patient take of the flour of tin two grains in 
a day for three days successively ; after which 
give decoctions of the tags of Aider. 
The last mentioned medicine, when the disorder 
proceeds from the tape worm, will effectually cure, 
by destroying the animal. 
WCitMS. 
Take One quart of Hemlock buds, 
Two pounds of Sweet Fern roqts and tops, 
and Two pounds of Alder tags or top?. 
Boil these together in one pailful of water until 
you reduce it to one quart. Sweeten it with loaf 
sugrp-, and let the patient drink of it three glasses 
in a day. 140 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
If this should not have the desired effect, take 
equal quantities of Sweet Fern roots, and the bark 
of White Walnut roots ; dry and pound them, mix 
them w?ith West India molasses, and let the patient 
take, if an adult, one tea-spoonful three times in a 
day ; if a child five years of age one half that quan- 
tity. For a child two years old, take strong decoc- 
tions of Tamerack bark, infused in brandy: and 
sweetened with loaf sugar ; into this put the pow- 
der of Blood root and W7ild Turnip, and give 
©ne tea-spoonful at a time. 
HEART BURN. 
Many medicines are good for this disorder, such 
as magnesia, chalk, &c. But the Indian method 
for curing this disorder, is, to swallow a fish-worm 
alive. This will effectually cure it, and prevent it 
from ever returning. 
QUINSY. 
This distressing disorder is principally confined AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
141 
to children, although it seems to be a species of 
asthma. 
The oil of the rattlesnake is a sovereign remedy 
in this disorder, and should be given internally. 
If this cannot be had, let the juice of -the com- 
mon bull Thistle be given, which will often cure, 
when other remedies fail. 
RICKETS. 
Let the child be put into a cold bath three 
morning's successively; then miss three mornings, 
and proceed in this way until the child has been 
bathed nine mornings. After taking it out of the 
bath each time, wrap it in a blanket, and lay it in 
a warm bed. 
Fill a cradle with the hog brakes, and let the 
chiid sleep constantly upon them, giving it decoc- 
tions of the root to drink. 
This mode of treatment will seldom fail of effect- 
ing a complete cure. 142 
TOE AMERICAN BOTANIST. 
MUMPS. 
In this disorder the patient should not expose 
himself to take cold in tine damp air, or by wetting 
his feet, but should continually have recourse to 
stimulating spirits, and bathe the swelling with the 
same. 
If the patient should swell downwards, take 
white beans, pound them fine, and make a poultice 
of them in milk and water, and apply to the swel- 
ling. 
If this should not check the swelling, take the 
garden Chamomile and simmer it in milk, and with 
the liquor bathe the part affected, and drink infu- 
sions of the herb. 
A wash made of the roots and tops of Bitter- 
Sweet is likewise an excellent remedy, and should 
be taken internally, and applied externally. 
SMALL POX. 
This disorder, which frequently appears in sea- 
port towns, and spreads terror and dismay among AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
143 
the neighboring inhabitants, if properly treated, 
would seldom prove mortal. 
When the patient is first attacked, he should 
have recourse immediately to strong decoctions of 
Gladwin, or Blue Flag. Milk and water is like- 
wise a very proper drink. He should be kept in a 
cool situation, and receive, as much as possible, the 
benefit of the fresh air. 
If the pustules should not appear before he be- 
gins to swell, he should drink freely of milk punch. 
This will generally cause them to appear. 
CATARRH IN THE HEAD. 
Take the Ground Ivy, when it is in bloom; dry it 
and make a powder, which use constantly for snuff. 
Take Four ounces of the roots of Bitter-Sweet, 
One pound of Celendyne, 
One pound of Dog Mackimus bark, 
and One pound of Ground Ivy. 
Boil these together in one and a half pailfuls of 
water, until the liquor is reduced to one quart 
Add to it one quart of Holland gin. Of this mix- 
ture take four glasses in a day before eating. 144 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
If a sore collect in the ear, take the heart of a 
roasted onion, and insert into thfe ear, and apply a 
poultice of the same to the outside of it; then 
smoke the nostrils with the bark of Dog Maeki- 
mus. 
LOCK JAW. 
On the first appearance of this disorder, pour 
down as much salt and water as possible. This 
alone will often entirely cure. 
If the jaws continue set, or so closely drawn to- 
gether that nothing can be taken, take two ounces 
of good tobacco, and steep strong, and give it in 
form of injection. 
This repeated two or three times will generally 
give relief. Afterwards it will be necessary to 
give strengthening sirups. 
VIRULENT GONORRHOEA. 
Tlii? is .he name applied to the venereal dis- 
order in its first stage. AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
145 
On the first appearance of this disorder, the pa- 
tient should immediately have recourse to strong 
decoctions of Gladwin or blue flag roots, which 
should he drank freely ; and for a common drink, 
take decoctions of Lobelia and Dog Mackimus as 
often as can be borne. 
This method of treatment, if persisted in, will 
seldom fail of effecting a cure, when even mercu- 
rials fail. 
HYDROPHOBIA, 
AND BITE OF A RATTLESNAKE. 
When the person is attacked with either of 
these terrible disorders, take strong deceptions of 
Lobelia, both internally, and apply externally to 
the part affected ; or if the green herb car? be had, 
the clear juke should be applied to the part af- 
fected, and he should drink freely of the decoc- 
tion. 
If this be resorted to in season, it will cure im- 
mediately. 
The juice of the common Plantain is an excel- 146 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST. 
lent medicine, and should be given internally, and 
applied externally. 
PILES, or HEMORRHOIDS. 
In the beginning of this distressing disorder, 
make an ointment of Celendyne and Moon wort 
in fresh butter. With this anoint the part; at 
the same time give a decoction of the berries 
of Sumach, in the form of an injection. This will 
prove a powerful remedy. For a common drink, 
Take Two pounds of Celendyne, 
Two pounds of Cedar boughs, 
and Two handfuls of Coolwort. 
Of these make a decoction, and let the patient 
drink freely. 
If the injection of Sumach should not have the 
desired effect, give an injection of Damask Roses. 
This mode of treatment will seldom fail of ef- 
fecting a complete cure. 
It effectually cured Dr. Meigs, late of Lyndon, 
Vermont, after he was considered incurable. 147 
AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
CRAMPS. 
When attacked by this disorder, let sulphur be 
applied to the part affected. 
If an internal spasm, let the patient take sul- 
phur, infused in spirits. 
GOUT. 
Take strong decoctions of the garden Pepper, 
and add to it an equal quantity of rum. With this 
liquor bathe the part affected as warm as it can 
be borne. 
Take one large Bioodroot, pulverize and infuse 
it into a quart of spirits. Of this liquor let tho pa- 
tient take a table spoonful once in twenty minutes, 
until it makes him sick at the stomach. After this, 
take smaller quantities, until the sickness abates ; 
then increase to a spoonful, until,it sickens, and 
proceed in this way until the quart is expended. THE AMERICA* BOTANIST 
148 
RHEUMATISM. 
Bathe the part affected with the Red or Garden 
Pepper, steeped strong in spirits, or make a plan- 
ter in the following manner: 
Take Cedar boughs, Beech bark, and Cotnfrey 
roots of each the like quantity. Boil these togeth- 
er until the strength is boiled out; throw them 
out and boil the liquor to the consistence of a 
planter. Apply this to the part affected, and it 
will generally give relief in a short time. 
The patient should likewise take a portion of 
the universal pills. 
A p.laister of the balsam Racaeari will often give 
great relief. 
The patient should give himself to gentle exer- 
cise, such as riding on horseback, or in a carriage. 
SPRAINS. 
Take One handful of the bark of the Hayde, 
One pint of Vinegar, 
and One gill of Salt. 
Simmer these well together, and with the liquor ANB FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
149 
wash the part affected, which will generally cure 
in a few days : But if it should not prove effectdal, 
Take One quart of Beef brine, 
and One handful of Wormwood. 
Simmer these together, and continue to scum 
the liquor until the particles have done rising. 
With this liquor bathe the part affected, and. bind 
on the leaves of Wormwood, or Wormwood sim- 
mered in chamfoerlye may be applied; but where 
there is no inflammation @f the part the balsam 
Racasari is the best application that I. have ever 
found. 
If, after applying the above medicines, the limb 
should continue weak, boil Alder bark in chamber- 
lye, and with this bathe the part affected three 
times in a day. 
CALLOUS. 
To cure this affection, make a soap of Liver oil 
and the ashes of White Ash ; throw into it Yellow 
Lily roots, as long as it will eat them up. Apply 150 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
this to the part affected, which will soften and Re- 
move the callous. 
SALT RHEUM. 
Take the berries of Garget or Stoke, and make 
an ointment by simmering them in fresh butter or 
lard. With this anoint the part affected frequent- 
ly, which will seldom fail of curing. 
For a common drink, take, freely, infusion# ei 
Lettuce Liverwort. 
ST. ANTHONY’S FIRE. 
Take equal quantities of Wild Lettuce, Burdock 
*nd Sweet Elder bark, and boil them together. 
Let the patient drink freely of this liquor. 
Take, likewise, Ground Hemlock and Bitter- 
Sweet, and boil them together strong, and bathe 
the whole body with this decoction. AND FAMILY PRYSICnUf. 
151 
SCALD HD AD. 
Take one pint of Tar, and put it into a gallon 
of water ; warm it well, and stir well together. 
Let it settle, and pour it off for use. With this 
wash the head of the child frequently, or shave off 
the hair, and let it wear a tarred cap. To cleanse 
the blood, 
Take One peck of Sarsaparilla roots, 
Half a peck of Burdock roots, 
and One handful of Dog Mackimus hark. 
Boil these together, and let the child drink 
freely of the liquor. 
BURN, or SCALD. 
Take tlie bark or berries of Sumach ; boil in 
milk and water, and make a poultice by stirring1 
into it Indian meal. Apply this to the part affect- 
ed, and repeat it as often as is necessary. 
This will effectually restore the muscles, and 
heal the sore, without leaving any scar. 
If this cannot be had, take Basswood sprouts and 
scrape off the bark. Boil this in milk and water, 152 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
and thicken it with Indian meal to the consistence 
of a poultice, and apply it to the part affected for 
three days, which will generally give relief. 
CANCER, or HOLDFAST. 
In this alarming disease, no individual medicine 
has yet been found, which, in all cases, has proved 
a sure and infallible antidote. Yet there are many 
which have often effected a complete cure. Of 
these 1 shall proceed to name the principal: 
Take the juice of the berries of Gai’get; put it 
into a new pewter dish, and dry it away is the sun 
to the consistence of salve ; spread this upon lint, 
and apply it to the sore four times in a day. 
If this should not provasiftctual, the juice of 
Wood Sorrel, or the juice of White Ash, which 
issues out of the stick, while burning, may be ap- 
plied seven times in a day. These have cured 
many. Or, 
Take the juice of Wood Sorrel and yellow Dock 
roots : Pat these into a pewter vessel, and dry in AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
153 
the sun to the consistence of an ointment. Apply 
this to the cancerous sore seven times in a day. 
If the patient should not experience relief from 
the foregoing medicines. 
Take Garden Hemlock, and beil to the consis- 
tence of ointment. Apply this to the part affected, 
and make pills of the same by rolling them in the 
ashes of the same herb as large as a kernel of 
wheat, and let the patient swallow one of these 
pills in a day. This has cured many, but it is so 
very poisonous that great caution should be used 
in taking it internally. 
The juice of Cele.ndyne has often cured. 
But for occult cancers, take one bushel of Red 
Oak bark, and boil it strong : then take out the 
bark and boil the liquor to the consistence of salve. 
Spread this upon dry lint, and apply it to the part- 
affected, which will often draw a cancer complete- 
ly out in nine days. The foetid liquor contained in 
the bag of the skunk will likewise often cure in a 
short lime. 
ROSE CANCER. 
Take one bushel of Tobacco stalks, and burn 154 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
them in a kettle to ashes. Leach the ashes in the 
urine of a healthy person. Add to this lye one 
quart ot white lye, made of the ashes of black Ash, 
and boil the lyes together to the consistence ox a 
plaister. Apply this seven times in a day. 
This has often cured, when the patient was con- 
sidered incurable. 
The buds of the Balm of Gilead, pounded, and 
laid on, are excellent, and will often cure,. 
It will likewise be necessary to cleanse the 
blood, and eradicate effectually from the system 
this poisonous humor. For this purpose, 
Take T wo handfuls of Noble Liverwort, 
Two pounds of Sarsaparilla roots, 
One pound of Dog Mackimus bark, * 
and Four pounds of Sweet Fern roots and tops. 
Boil these together strong. Add to it gin, and 
sweeten it with maple sugar. Let the patient 
drink of the liquor four glasses in a day. Or, 
Take One handful of Wild Succory, 
One handful of Celendyne, 
One handful of Sweet Elder, 
and One handful of Cancer roots. 
Of these make a decoction ; sweeten the same, 
and drink of it freely. AND FAM’I.Y rHYSIGAAN. 
155 
KING’S EVIL. 
.Take the roots of Hellebore, pound and wet 
them with vinegar, and apply this poultice to the 
part affected. 
For a common drink, take equal quantities ot 
Wild Lettuce and Noble Liverwort; infuse them 
in water, and let the patient drink freely. 
Codfish skins applied to the part affected, will 
often cure. 
FEVER SORE. 
Take equal quantities of the bark of Dog Mack- 
imus, Dwarf Maple, and Low Mackimus. Boil 
these strong together, and adu one third West 
India molasses. With this wash, syringe and 
cleanse the sore three or more times in a day. 
Take vinegar, and add as much pearlash to it as 
it will dissolve. With this continue to wash the 
sore three times in a day. 
The patient should likewise drink freely decoc- 
tions of the Yellow Dock, infused in spirits. 156 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
WHITE SWELLING. 
Let the part affected be bathed frequently in 
cold water. 
Take the common Honey Bees, and infuse them 
in spirits. Apply this spirit to the part affected 
immediately after bathing. If this should not have 
the desired effect, it will be necessary to blister 
the part thoroughly. The best application for this 
purpose is the flowers of Crowsfoot. 
TO MAKE THE UNIVERSAL PILL CATHOL. 
ICON, 
Take One armful of Thorough Wort, 
One peck of White Ash bark, 
One armful of Celendyne, 
Half bushel of Butternut bark, 
Four pounds of Sweet Elder bark, 
Four pounds of Dog Mackimus, 
Six pounds of Sarsaparilla, 
Four large Wake Robins, 
One pound of Blood Root, 
Two pounds of Balsam bark, AND FAMILY PHYSICfAN. 
157 
Two handfuls of Gill go by the ground, 
One peck of Burdock roots, 
Two armfuls of Arsmart, 
One peck of Cuckoo Ash, 
One pound of Snake root, 
Two pounds of Spruce bark, 
One peck of Tamerack bark, 
Boil these seperatcly, until the strength is out; 
then throw out the herbs and barks ; settle the 
liquors, and boil them together to the consistence 
of tar. 
Take White Ash hark, and burn it to ashes. 
With the above mentioned gum make pills by rol- 
ling it in the ashes as large as a pea. The proper 
dose of these is from seven to twelve for an adult. 
These give relief in pain in the stomach, jaun- 
dice, and bilious complaints ; ail kinds of inflamma- 
tory and chronical disorders, and a safe and effica- 
cious remedy in all cases where physic is neces- 
sary. 
TO MAKE A HEALING SALVE, 
Take Four ounces of Spruce gum, 1 
and One pound of Mutton tallow ; 158 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 
Simmer them together, and add the juice of 
Tobacco, St. John’s Wort, Wild Turnip and 
Bloodroot. 
ANOTHER. 
Take Twenty grains of Verdigris, 
Four ounces of Bee’s wax, 
Four ounces of Rosin, 
and Four pounds of Hog’s lard. 
A SALVE WHICH WILL HEAL ANT SORE. 
Take Ten pounds of Hog’s lard, 
One quart of Tobacco juice, 
One handful of Dog Mackimus, 
One handful of Sweet Elder, 
One handful of Arsmart, 
One handful of Bitter-Sweet, 
One handful of White Solomon’* Seal, 
One handful of Fir bark, 
One handful of Taoierack bark, AND FAMILY PHYSICIAN. 
159 
Sis ounces of Bee’s wax, 
Six ounces of Rosin, 
One pound of Honey, 
One quart of N. E. Rum, 
and Two ounces of common Shoemaker’s wax. 
Collect these in the month of June, and boil 
them together, or take one half the quantity of 
each sort. A SHORT 
fcXTliMCA’flOX 
OF THE 
Different. Classes o? Medicines. 
Absorbents Suckers up, or imbibers of moistura. 
Aggluiinants Uniters—strengthened. 
Anti-asthmatics Medicines good in asthma. 
Alex ipharmics Expellers of poison by sweat. 
Anodynes Easers of pain, and procurers of sleep. 
JhitaIkalines All acids 
Anthelmintics Medicines which expel worms. 
Antacids Alkaiisants, absorbents, neutral salts. 
Anti-dysenteries Medicines good against dysentery. 
Anti-epileptics Remedies against the epilepsy. 
Anti-hyiterics Remedies against hysterical affec- 
tions. 
Antiscorbutics Medicines good for scurvy. 
Anti-septics Registers of putrefaction. A SHORT EXPLANATION OF, &C. 
161 
Anti-spasmodics Good against spasms and con- 
vulsions. 
Anti-venereal Medicines which destroy the vene- 
real virus. 
Aperients Openers; the same as deobstruents. 
Aphrodisiacs Exciters of venery. 
Aromatics Medicines which warm the habit. 
Astringents Remedies which bind and strengthen. 
Alienuanis Resolvers of humors. 
Balsamics Medicines which cleanse, he,ab and 
restore. 
Carminatives Expellers of wind. 
Cataplasms Poultices. 
Cathartics...... Purgati ves. 
Caustics Medicines which burn -and consume 
the iie sii. 
Coolers Medicines which abate heat. 
Cordials Medicines which iv. ■ • the spirits. 
Corroborants Strengthened of the system in gen- 
eral. 
Corrosives Medicines which gnaw away the flesh. 
Demulcents Medicines which obtund acrimony. 
Deobstruents Medicines which open obstructions. 
Detergents Cleansers, and tillers with new flesh. 162 
A SHORT EXPLANATION OF THE 
Diaphoretics Promoters of insensible perspiration. 
Digestives Medicines which promote maturation. 
Diluents Medicines which render the parts more 
fluid. 
Discutients.....Medicines which disperse humors. 
Diuretics Medicines which promote urine. 
Emetics Medicines which excite vomiting. 
Emmenagogues Exciters of menstrual discharges. 
Emollients Medicines which soften and relax. 
Errhines Medicines which excite sneezing. 
Expectomnts Promoters of expectoration. 
Febrifuges Medicines which mitigate fevers. 
IncrsLssants Medicines which thicken the fluids. 
Laxatives Gentle cathartics and emollients. 
Narcotics Medicines which produce stupidity. 
Nervines Remedies good in nervous complaiuts. 
Opiates Medicines containing opium. 
Purgatives Cathartics. 
■Refrigerants Remedies which cool the human 
body. 
Relaxants Medicines which relax the parts. 
Resell ents Dissipaters of tumors. 
Stimulants Medicines which excite the motion of 
the fibres. DIFFERENT CLASSES OF MEDICINES. 
163 
Stomachics Medicines which strengthen the stom- 
ach. 
Sedative Medicines which ease pain, spasms, &c. 
Styptic Medicines which ston bleeding. 
Sudorific Medicines which promote sweat. 
Tonics Medicines which shorten the parts. 
Uterines Emmenagoguea. 
Vulneraries Medicines which cleanse and heal. INDEX. 
VOL. I. 
Page 
Agrimony Hemp - - - - 49 
Angelica - - - - * 19 
Adder’s Tongue - 
American Wild Ivy - 59 
Artichoke - - - - - 11 
American Valerian - - - 61 
American Gentian - - - - 41 
Asatcetida - ■* - - - 12 
Blue Flag 38 
Balm - - " 13 
Balsam of Fir - - - - 13 
Black Henbane - - - 51 
Balsam Racasari - - - - 13 
Betony Head - 46 
Barberry - - *■ - 14 
Brook Liverwort - - - 66 
Barley - - - - - 14 
Biting Arsmart - - - - 10 
Bay Berry Bush - - - - 15 165 
INDEX 
Bear - - IS 
Beech Tree - - - 15 
Bistort - - - - - IS 
Bitter-Sweet - - - - 1G 
Black Berry •- - - ■* 17 
Black Cherry - - - - 17 
Blessed Thistle - - - - 17 
Brown Sugar - - - 185 
Blood Root - - - - 18 
Brook Lime - - - 18 
Black Topped Brake - - - 19 
Burdock - - 19 
Black Pepper - - - - 87 
Butter Nut * - - 20 
Borage - - - - 21 
Bull Thistle Ill 
Butter Milk - - - - - 21 
Biack Walnut - - - - 113 
Cabbage - - - - - 21 
Chamomile - 22 
Common Lungwort - - 37 
C .taker Root - - - 22 
Caraway - - ~ - - - £2 
Wild Carrot - - - 23 166 
Beaver Castor 23 
Castor Oil Bush - 23 
Common Beet - - - - 1G 
Celendyne 24 
Celery, also called Lovage 25 
Cold Water Root 25 
Comfrey - - - - 26 
Convulsion Root - - - 26 
Coriander - - 26 
Cow Parsnip - - 27 
Cowslip - 27 
Cool Wort 27 
Cranberry 27 
Common Plemp 49 
Cucumber 28 
Common Rhubarb - - - 95 
Crow’s Foot - - - 28 
Common Willow - - - - 117 
Culver’s Root - - - - 29 
Checker-Berry - - 86 
Cudweed - 29 
Cat. Mint - - - 76 
Currant - - 29 
Common Mallows 70 
IXDEX. INDEX. 
167 
Cider - - - - - 30 
Cup Moss ... - 78 
Consumption Dock - - - 31 
Cattail Flag 37 
Common Flax - 38 
Cherry Gum 45 
Common Sumach * 106 
Dandelion - 30 
Dragon Root - - - - 31 
Devil’s Bit - - - 32 
Dog - - - - - 32 
Dog Mackimus - 32 
Dwarf Maple - - - - 69 
Damask Rose - - - - 96 
Double Tansy - - - 109 
Eaidh Worms - - - - 33 
Eggs - - - - - 33 
Elecampane - - - - 34 
Epsom Salt - - - - 100 
Feather Few - - 34 
Fennel - - - 55 
Fever Bush - - - 36 
% 
Fire Fingers - - 37 
Fcx Glove 39 168 
INDEX. 
Great Plantain - 89 
Garden Lettuce - 63 
Ground Hemlock - - - 48 
Garget, or Stoke 39 
Glauber’s Salt - - - 99 
Garden Garlic - - 40 
Ginseng - 40 
Gold Thread - - - 41 
Garden Radish - - 94 
Golden Rod - - - 41 
Garden Rue - - - 97 
Goose - - - 42 
Goose Grass, or Clivers - 42 
Gooseberry Bush 42 
Gourd - - - 43 
Garden Saffron 98 
Grape Vine - 43 
Ground Nut - - - - 44 
Ground Pine - - 44 
Guinea Popper, also called Red Pepper - 45 
Garden Hemlock - - - 47 
Hazel Nut Bush 45 
Hedge Hog - - - - 46 
Hemlock Tree - 48 INDEX. 
169 
Hen ----- 50 
Holly Hock - - - - 51 
Honesty - 52 
Honey - - 52 
Honey Suckle - - - - 53 
Hops - - - 53 
Horse Radish - - - - 54 
Hound’s Tongue - - - 55 
House Leek 55 
Hyssop - - 56 
Hedge Hyssop - - - - 67 
Horse Mint - - - . 77 
Hog Brake, or Female Fern - - 19 
Indian Hemp - - - _ 4D 
Ipecacuanha 57 
Iron ----- 58 
Isinglass 58 
Jack by the Hedge - - - 59 
Jalap 
Juniper - . . go 
Knot Grass - - - - 43 
Leeks, or Wild Onions - - - 61 
Leech, or Blood Sucker - - 62 
Lemon - - . - - 62 170 
IJfDffX. 
Lily of the Vallej - - - 64 
Lime-Water - - - 65 
Licorice - - 65 
Lobelia - - - - - 66 
Low Mackimus - - 68 
Mother Thyme - - - - nj 
Marsh Rosemary 97 
Meadow Fern - - - - 35 
Meadow Lily - - - - 65 
Madder - - 67 
Maiden Hair - - - 66 
Marsh Mallows - 70 
Mandrake - - - - 71 
Manna - - - 71 
Maple-Sugar - - 72 
Marigold - - - - 72 
Master Wort - - - - 72 
May Weed - - - - 73 
Mellilot - - - - 73 
Musk Melon - - - - 74 
Milk 74 
Milk Weed 75 
Mineral Waters - 75 
Mistletoe - - 78 INDEX. 
171 
Moon Wort - - - - 78 
Mother Wort - - - - 78 
Mouse Ear 79 
Mug Wort - - - - 79 
Mustard - 89 
Mutton Suet - - - - 80 
Night Shade - - - - 81 
Nettle Liverwort 82 
Oak of Jerusalem - - 83 
Olive - - - 84 
Onion - - - 84 
Orange - - - 84 
Oj'Ster - - - 86 
Pepper Mint - - 77 
Parsley - - - 86 
Parsnip - - 85 
Peach Tree - - 86 
Pearl Ashes - - - 86 
Penny Royal - - 87 
Petty Morrel - - 88 
Pine - - - - - 88 
Pitch - - - 88 
Poplar - - 90 
Poppy - - - - 91 172 
INDEX. 
Potato - - - - - 91 
Prickly Ash - - - - 12 
Quick Silver - * - - 91 
Queen of the Meadow - 93 
Red Cedar 24 
Red Oak - ... 82 
Rattlesnake Plantain - - - 89 
Racoon - - - - - S3 
Raspberry ... - 93 
Rattlesnake - - - - 94 
Rosin - - - 95 
Rheumatism Weed ... 95 
Rose Bay Tree - - - 95 
Rosemary - - - - 96 
Rum ----- 97 
Rush ----- 98 
Sweet Elm - - - 34 
Sweet Fennel - - - - 35 
Sweet Fern - - - - 36 
Sweet Flag - - - - 37 
Sweet Lavender - - - 61 
Sweet Marjoram * - - 69 
Spear Mint - - - - 77 
Stinging Nettle - * - 81 
o O INDEX. 
173 
Sage - - - - - 99 
St. John’s Wort 99 
Sanicle - - - - 100 
Sarsaparilla - - - - 100 
Sassafras - - - - 101 
Scabious - - - - 101 
Sheep - 101 
Skunk - - - 102 
Snake Root - 102 
Soap - - ... 102 
Sorrel Wood - - - 103 
Spermaceti - 103 
Spider - 104 
Spleen Wort, or Rock Polypod - - 104 
Straw-Berry - - - - 104 
Succory - - - - 103 
Sulphur - - - - 106 
Sugar Candy - - 107 
Summer Savory - - - 107 
Sun Dew - - - - 108 
Sun Flower - - - - 108 
Swallow Wort - 109 
Single Tansy - - - 110 
Sweet Agrimony - - - 9 174 
IKDFX 
Specified Alder 10 
fvreet Apple Tree - - - 10 
Toad Plantain - - gQ 
Tamarind - - - _ 10S 
Tar - - - - - lio 
Tartar - - - - m 
Thorough Wort - - - 111 
Thorn Bush - - - 111 
Tin - - - - - 112 
Tobacco - - - - 113 
Tormentil - - - - 113 
Turnip - - - - 113 
Vervain - - - - 114 
Vinegar - - - - 114 
Violet - - - - 115 
bite Ai-h - - - - 11 
White Cedar - - - - 21 
White Cohush ... 25 
White Hellebore 43 
White Hoarhound - - 63 
Water Hoarhound - ■ ■ - - 54 
Wild Lettuce - - 63 
White Pond Lilj 64 
Wild Marjoram - - - 69 INDEX. 
175 
Water Melon - - 73 
White Oak - - - - 82 
White Solomon’s Seal - - 103 
Water Cress - - - - It6 
Water Dock - - - - * 116 
Whey - - - - 117 
Wine - - - - 118 
Winter’s Bark - - - 118 
Winter Green - - - 118 
Worm Wood - - - 119 
Yellow Dock - - - - 31 
Yellow Flag - - 38 
Yarrow - - - - 120 
INDEX OF VOL. II. 
A Healing Salve—do. Another : 157-15S 
A Salve which will heal any sore : 158 
Burn, or Scald : : : : : 151 
Brain—inflammation of : : : 128 
Bowels—inflammation of : : : 127 
Cough—Whooping : : : : 132 
— Consumption : : : : 136 
Cramps : : : : : : 117 176 
INDEX. 
Callous : : : •: : : 149 
Cancer—Rose : : : : : 153 
Consumption : : : : : 137 
Diabetes : : : : : : 129 
Dysentery : ’■ : : : : 130 
Dropsy : : : : : : 134 
Eyes—inflammation of : : : : 128 
Epilepsy : : : : : : 139 
Fever—Intermitting : : : : 124 
— Putrid : : : : I 125 
— Scarlet, or Spotted : : : 126 
Fire—St. Anthony’s : : : : 150 
Fever Sore : : : : : 155 
Gout ::::::: 147 
Gonorrhoea—Virulent : : : : 144 
Holdfast, or Cancer : : : : 152 
Hydrophobia : : : : : 145 
Heart Burn : : : : : : 140 
Head—Catarrh in : : : : 143 
Jaundice : : : : : : 131 
Kings-evii : : : : : : 155 
Lock Javr : : : : : : 144 
Lungs—Bleeding at : : : : 135 
Measles : : : : : : 133 INDEX. 
177 
Mumps : : : : : 142 
Pill Catholicon—Universal : : 158 
Pleurisy : : : : : 127 
Phthisic and Asthma : : : 134 
Palsy : : : : : : 138 
Piles : : : : : : 148 
Pox—Small : : : : 142 
Quinsy : : : : : 140 
Rash—Canker : : : 133 
Rattlesnake—Bite of : : : 145 
Rickets : : : : ; 141 
Rheumatism : : : : 146 
Rheum—Salt : : : : 150 
Stone, or Gravel : : : 130 
Swelling—White : : : 156 
Scald Head : : : : 151 
Sprains : : : : 146 
Worms : : : : : 139 APPENDIX. 
ON THE GENERAL CAUSES OF DISEASES. 
Taken partly from Dr. Buchan, but principally original. 
OF LABORERS AND ARTIFICERS. 
That men are exposed to particular diseases 
from the occupations which they follow, is a fact 
indisputable : but how to remedy this evil is a 
matter of some difficulty. Most people are under 
the necessity of following1 the employments to 
which they have been educated, whether it be fa- 
vorable to health or not. For this reason, instead 
of inveighing in a general way against those occu- 
pations which are not consistent with health, I 
shall endeavor to point out the circumstances in 
each of them from which the danger arises, and 
propose the most practicable methods of prevent- 
ing it. 
Chymists, founders, glass-makers, &c. are often 
hurt by the unwholesome air which they are oblig- ed to breathe. This air is not only loaded with 
noxious exhalations, but is so parched, or rather 
burnt, as to be rendered unfit for expanding the 
lungs sufficiently, and answering the other impor- 
tant purposes of respiration. Hence proceed asth- 
mas, coughs, and consumptions of the lungs, so in- 
cident to persons who follow these employments. 
To prevent these ill consequences as far as pos- 
sible, the places where such occupations are cau- 
ried on, should be constructed with the utmost 
care for discharging the smoke and other exhala- 
tions, and admitting a current of fresh air. 
Such artists should never continue too long at 
work, and when they stop, should suffer them- 
selves to cool gradually, and put on their clothes 
before they go into the open air. They should 
never drink large quantities of cold, weak, or wa- 
tery liquors, whilst the body is hot; nor indulge in 
raw fruits, salads, or any thing that is cold upon 
the stomach. 
Miners, and all who work under ground, are 
likewise hurt by unwholesome air. The air in 
deep mines not only loses its elastic and other qual- 
ities necessary for respiration, but is often loaded 
with such noxious effluvia as to become a most 
APPENDIX. 
179 APPENDIX. 
180 
deadly poison. This there is no other method of 
preventing than by promoting a free circulation of 
air in the mine. 
Miners are likewise injured in their health by 
the particles of metal, which adhere to their skia 
and clothes. These are absorbed or taken up into 
the body, and occasion palsies, vertigoes, and oth- 
er nervoiis disordei's, which frequently prove 
fatal. 
Fallopius observes, that those who work ia 
mines of mercury seldom live above three or four 
years. Lead, and several other metals is likewise 
very pernicious to health. 
Miners should neither go to their work fasting, 
nor continue long under ground. Their food 
should be nourishing, and their liquor generous. 
They should, by all means, avoid costiveness, 
wrhich may be done by chewing a little rhubarb, or 
taking a sufficient quantity of salad oil. This oil 
will not only open the body, but sheathe and de- 
fend the viscera from the ill effects of the mine- 
rals. Nothing more tends to preserve the health 
of miners than a strict regard to cleanliness. 
They should, therefoi’e, wash often, and change 
their clothes as soon as they leave their work. APPENDIX. 
181 
Plumbers, Painters, Gilders, makers of white 
lead, and many others who work in metals, are lia- 
ble to the same diseases as miners, and should ob- 
serve the same directions for avoiding- them. 
Likewise, Tallow Chandlers, boiler.? of oil, an3 
all who work upon putrid animal substances, are 
liable to suffer from the unwholesome effluvia of 
these bodies. They should pay the same regard 
to cleanliness as miners, and if they are troubled 
with nausea, sickness, or indigestion, should take a 
vomit or gentle purge. 
As it would greatly exceed the limits of this 
part of the work to describe the diseases peculiar 
to persons of every occupation, we shall consider 
mankind under three general classes, viz. the labo- 
rious, the sedentary, and the studious: and as 
much of every man’s health is the fruit of his own 
exertions, we shall endeavor to prescribe rules by 
which health may be preserved, and many fatal 
disorders escaped. 
The Laborious. Although those who follow la- 
borious employments are, in general, the most ro- 
bust and healthy of mankind, yet the nature of their 
occupations aud the places where .they are carrie 
on, expose them more particularly to certain dis- 
eases. 182 
appendix. 
Husbandmen, for example, are exposed to all 
the vicissitudes of the weather, which in this cli- 
mate are often very great and sudden. Hence 
proceed colds, coughs, quinsies, rheumatisms, fe- 
vers, and other inflammatory disorders. They are 
likewise forced to work hard, and often carry 
heavy burdens above their strength, which, by 
overstraining the vessels, occasion asthmas, levers, 
ruptures, &c. 
Those who labor without doors, are likewise 
often afflicted with intermitting fevers or agues, oc- 
casioned by the frequent vicissitudes ot heat and 
cold, bad water, sitting or lying on the damp 
ground, evening dews, night air, Sic. 10 which they 
are frequently exposed. 
Those who bear heavy burdens, as porters, la- 
borers, &c. are obliged to draw in their breath, 
with much greater force, and to keep the lungs 
distended with more violence than is necessary for 
•ommon respiration; by which means the tender 
vessels of the lungs are overstretched, and often 
burst, and hence a spitting ol blood, or fever en- 
•ues. Carrying heavy burdens is often the efleet 
of mere laziness, which prompts to do at once 
what should he done at several times, or of an em- APPENDIX. 
183 
illation to outdo others. Hence it is that men of 
the greatest strength are most commonly hurt by 
heavy burdens, hard labors, or feats of activity. 
Laborers, in the hot season, «re apt to lie down 
and sleep in the sun. This practice is so danger- 
ous that they frequently wake in a burning fever. 
When laborers leave off work, which they ought 
always to do during the heat of the day. They 
should go home, where they can repose themselves 
in safety. Laborers sometimes follow their em- 
ployments in the field from morning till night, 
without taking refreshment, which cannot fail of 
impairing their health. And, however coarse is 
their fare, they should have it at regular times, 
and the harder they work, the more frequently 
they should eat; for if the humors be not frequent- 
ly replenished with fresh nourishment, they be- 
come putrid, and produce fevers of the worst kind. 
Fevers of a very had kind are likewise often oc- 
casioned among laborers by poor living. When 
the body is not sufficiently nourished, the humors 
become bad, and the solids weak, and from hence 
the most fatal consequences ensue. 
Laborers, too, often hurt themselves in laborious 
employments, by striving to outdo each other, till 184 
APPENDIX. 
they heat themselves to such a degree as to occa- 
sion a fever, or even to drop down dead. Such as 
wantonly waste their health, and throw their lives 
away in this manner, deserve to be looked upcn in 
uo better iigdit than self-murderers. 
The office of a soldier in time of war, may be 
ranked among the laborious employments. Sol- 
diers suffer many hardships from the inclemencj" of 
the weather, long marches, bad provisions, haa- 
ger, &c. These occasion fevers, fluxes, rheuma- 
tisms, and other fatal diseases, which often do 
greater execution than the sword. 
Those who have the command of our armies 
should be careful that their soldiers be well fed 
and clothed, finish their campaigns in due season, 
and provide their men with comfortable winder 
quarters; thus contributing io preserve the fives 
of our gallant soldiery, who have so ofttyi signaliz- 
ed themselves in freedom’s cause, and rendered 
themselves worthy of the best of treatment from 
those who have the command ovcr them. 
Sailors may likewise be numbered among the la- 
borious. They undergo great hardships from 
change of climate, the violence of weather, hard 
labor, bad provisions, &c. APPENDIX. 
185 
Sailors are of so great importance to the trade 
and safety ot this republic, that too much pains can 
never be bestowed in pointing out the means of 
preserving their lives. One of the principal 
sources of the diseases ef sea-faring people is ex- 
cess. After having been long at sea, when they 
get on shore, without any regard to the climate, or 
their own health, they plunge headlong into all 
manner of riot, and often persist, until a fever puts 
an end to their lives. 
Sailors, when on duty, cannot avoid sometimes 
getting wet. When this happens, instead of indulg- 
ing in spirituous and other strong liquors, thay 
should change their clothes as soon as they are re- 
lieved—have recourse to such liquors as are weak 
and diluting, and take every proper method to res- 
tore perspiration. The best medical antidote that 
can be recommended to sailors or soldiers on for- 
eign coasts, is an ounce of the Peruvian bark, with 
half an ounce of erange peel, and two drams of 
Snake root, pulverized, and infused in one quart of 
brandy, and half a glass of the liquor taken two or 
three times in a day up$n an empty stomach. 
This has been found to be a powerful antidote 186 
APPENDIX. 
against fluxes, putrid, intermitting and other tevers 
in unhealthy climates. 
The Sedjentary. Nothing can he more contra- 
rj' to the nature and constitution of man than se- 
dentary employments. Yet this class comprehends 
the major part of the species; and though sedenta- 
ry employments are necessary, yet there is no 
reason why a person should be confined to these 
alone. Were they intermixed with the more ac- 
tive and laborious employments, they would never 
do hurt. It is constant confinement which ruins 
the health. A man will not be hurt by sitting lour 
or five hours in a day ; but if he is obliged to sit 
ten or twelve hours, he will soon contract diseases. 
Many of those who follow sedentary employ- 
ments, such as shoemakers, tailors, cutlers, &c. are 
constantly in a bending posture, which is extreme- 
ly hurtful, as it obstructs all the vital motions, and 
of course, must destroy the health. Hence pro- 
ceed indigestions, costiveness, wind, and other hy- 
pocliondrical symptoms, the constant companions 
of the sedentary. Indeed none oi the excretions 
tan he properly performed, where exercise is 
wanting, aud when the matter which ought to be APPENDIX. 
187 
discharged in this way is retained too long in the 
body, it must have bad effects, as it is taken up 
egain into the mass of humors- A bending posture 
is likewise hurtful to the lungs. When this organ 
is compressed, the air cannot have free access in- 
to all its parts, so as to expand them properly. 
Hence proceed tubercles, adhesions, &c. which of- 
ten end in consumptions. 
Besides, the proper action of the lungs being ab- 
solutely necessary for making good blood, when 
that organ fails, the humors soon become univer- 
sally depraved, and the whole constitution goes 
to wreck. 
A sedentary life seldom fails to occasion an uni- 
versal relaxation of the solids. Hence proceed 
the scrophula, consumption, and hysterics, with all 
the numerous train of nervous diseases, which were 
very little known in this country before sedentary 
artificers became so numerous ; and they are still 
very little known among such of our people as 
follow active employments without doors. 
But, instead of multiplying particular rules for 
preserving the health of the sedentary, we shall 188 
APPENDIX. 
recommend to them the following general rules, 
viz: 
That every person who follows a sedentary em- 
ployment, should cultivate a piece of ground with 
his own hands. This he should dig, plant, sow 
and weed at leisure hours, and while it affords both 
exercise and amusement, it furnishes many of the 
necessaries of life. After working an hour or two 
in a garden, a man will return with more keenness 
to his employment within doors, than if he had 
been all the while idle. 
In a word, exercise without doors, in one shape 
or other, is indispensably necessary to health. 
Those who neglect it, though they may for a 
while drag out life, can hardly be said to enjoy it. 
Their humors become vitiated, their solids relax- 
ed, and their spirits depressed. 
The Studious-. Intense thinking is so destruc- 
tive to health, that few instances can be found of 
studious persons who are remarkable for strength, 
health, or longevity. Hard study always implies a 
sedentary life ; and when intense thinking is joined 
to want of exercise, the consequences must be bad. APPENDIX. 
189 
It i3 sometimes the case that even a few months of 
close application to study, ruins the strongest con- 
stitution, by inducing a train of nervous 
which can never be removed. 
Man is evidently no more formed for continual 
thought than for perpetual action, and would as 
soon be worn out by one as by the other. So 
great is the power of the mind over the body, that 
by its influence the whole vital motions may be 
accelerated or retarded to almost any degree. 
Thus, cheerfulness and activity quicken the circu- 
lation, and promote all the secretions. On the 
contrary, sadness, and profound thought never fail 
to retard them. Indeed the perpetual thinker sel- 
dom enjoys either health or spirits, while the per- 
son who can hardly be said to think at all, general- 
ly enjoys both. 
Perpetual thinkers seldom think long. In a few 
years they generally become quite stupid, and ex- 
hibit a melancholy proof of the perversion of the 
greatest of blessings. Thinking, like every thing 
else, when carried io extreme, becomes a vice, 
nor can any thing afford a greater proof of wis- 190 
APPENDIX. 
dom and prndence, than frequently and seasonably 
to unbend the mind. 
Instead of attempting to investigate the nature 
of that connexion which subsists betwe.cn tin* mind 
and body, or to enquire into the manner in ..inch 
they mutually affect each other, we shall only 
mention some of the principal diseases to which 
the studious are peculiarly liable, and endeavor 
to point out the means of avoiding them : 
Studious persons are very subject to the gout. 
This painful disease is generally occasioned by in- 
digestion and an obstructed perspiration. It is im- 
possible that the man who sits from morning to 
night, should either digest his food, or have any of 
the secretions in due pzantity ; but when that mat- 
ter which should be thrown off by the skin is re- 
tained in the body, and the humors are not duly- 
prepared, diseases must ensue. The circulation 
in the liver being slow, obstructions In that organ 
can hardly fail to be the consequence of inac- 
tivity. 
Hence sedentary people are generally addicted 
with schirrhosities, and other affections oi the 
liver. The proper secretion and discharge of the APPENDIX. 
191 
bile is so necessary a part of the animal oeconomy 
that where these are not duly performed, the 
health will soon he impaired. Jaundice, indiges- 
tion, loss of appetite, and a vrasting and decay of 
the whole habit seldom fail to be the consequence 
of a vitiated state, or obstructions of the bile. 
Few diseases prove more fatal to the studious 
than consumptions of the lungs. It has already 
been observed that this organ cannot be duly ex- 
panded in those who do not take proper exercise, 
and where that is the case, obstructions, adhesions, 
&.c. will ensue. 
Not only want of exercise, but the posture in 
which studious persons generally sit, is very hurt- 
ful to the lungs. Those who read or write much 
are ready to contract a habit of bending forward, 
and often press with their breast upon a table or 
desk. This posture cannot fail to injure the 
lungs. 
No person can enjoy health who does not prop- 
erly digest his food. But intense thinking and in- 
activity never fail to weaken the powers of diges- 
tion. tience the humors become crude and vitiate APPENDIX. 
192 
ed, the solids weak and relaxed, and the whole 
constitution verges rapidly to ruin. 
It has already been observed that the excretions 
are very defective in the studious. The dropsy is 
often occasioned by the retention of those humors 
which ought to be carried off in this way. Any 
person may observe that sitting makes his legs 
swell, and that this goes off by exercise. 
Fevers, especially of the nervous kind, are often 
the effect of study. Nothing is so destructive to 
the nerves as intense thought. It in a manner un- 
hinges the whole human frame, and not only hurts 
the vital motions, but disorders the mind itself. In 
fact, there is no disease which can proceed either 
from a bud state of the humors, a defect of the 
usual secretions, or a debility ot the nervous sys- 
tem, which may not he induced by intense thought. 
Hardly any thing can be more preposterous 
than for a person to make study his whole busi- 
ness. The farther men dive into profound re- 
searches, the more thejr generally deviate from 
common sense, and too often lose sight of it alto- 
gether. 
Profound speculations, instead of making men APPENDIX. 
wiser or better, generally render them absolute 
sceptics, and overwhelm them hi doubts and un- 
certainty. All that is necessary for man to know 
in order to be happy, is easily obtained, and the 
rest, like the forbidden tree, serves only to in- 
crease his misery. 
Those who read or write much, should be very- 
attentive to their posture. They should sit and 
stands by turns, always keeping in as nearly an 
erect posture as possible. It has likewise an ex- 
cellent effect, frequently to read or speak aloud. 
This not only exercises the lungs, but the whole 
body. 
The morning has by all medical writers been 
esteemed the best time for study. It is so. But 
it is also the mest proper season for exercise, 
while the stomach is empty, and the spirits re- 
freshed with sleep. Studious persons should 
therefore frequently spend the morning in walking, 
riding, or some manly diversion in the open air. 
This would enable them to return to their studie* 
with greater alacrity, and would be of more ser- 
vice than twice the time after their spirits are 
worn out with fatigue. 
193 194 
APPENDIX. 
Everj' studious person should make recreation a 
part of his business, and should let nothing intrude 
to interrupt the hours allotted to recreation. It is 
to be regretted that learned men, while in health, 
pay so little regard to these things! Nothing is 
more common than to see a miserable object, 
overrun with nervous diseases, bathing, walking, 
riding, and in a word, doing every thing for health, 
after it is gone : yet if any one had recommended 
the same to him by way of prevention, the advice 
would, in all probability, have been treated with 
Gontempt, or at least with neglect. Such i3 the 
weakness and folly of mankind. 
With regard to the diet of the studious, they 
should be sparing in the u*e of every thing that is 
sour, windy, rancid, or hard of digestion. Their 
suppers should consist of food which is light, and 
should be taken early ii* tha evening. Their 
drink should be water, fine malt liquor, good cider, 
wine and water, or if troubled with acidities, wa- 
ter, mixed with a little brandy, will be a very sal- 
utary arigk. 
With regard to those kinds of exercise which 
sra most proper for the they should not APPENDIX. 
195 
lie too violent, nor ever carried to the degree of 
excessive fatigue. In general, riding on horse- 
back, walking, working in a garden, or playing at 
soma active diversions,, are the best methods of 
exercise. 
They should likewise make use of the cold 
bath. It will supply the place of exercise, and 
should not be neglected by persons of a relaxed 
habit, especially in the warm season. 
Of Perspiration. Insensible perspiration is 
generally reckoned the greatest of all the dis- 
charges from the human body. It is of so great 
importance to health, that few diseases attack u« 
while it goes properly on; but when it is obstruct- 
ed, the whole frame is generally disordered. 
This discharge being less perceptible than the 
other evacuations from the human body, is conse- 
quently less attended to. Hence it is that acute 
fevers, rheumatisms, agues, &x. often proceed 
from this cause before we are aware of its exis- 
tence. On examining patients we find most of 
them impute their diseases to violent colds, or to 
slight ones, which have been neglected. For this 
reason, instead of a critical enquiry into the nature 196 
APPENDIX. 
of perspiration, its difference in different seasons, 
climates, constitutions, &c. we shall endeavor to 
point out the causes which most commonly ob- 
struct it, and show how far they may be avoided, 
or have their influence counteracted by timely 
care. The want of a proper attention to these, 
costs our country annually some thousands of use- 
ful lives. 
One of the most common causes of catching- 
cold, or obstructed perspiration, in this country, is 
the changeableness of the weather, or state of the 
atmosphere. With us the degrees of heat and 
cold are not only very different at different sea- 
sons of the year, but often change almost from one 
extreme to another in afew days, and sometimes 
even in the course of one day. That such changes 
must affect the state of the perspiration is obvious 
to every one. 
The best method of fortifying the body against 
the changes of the weather, is to be abroad every 
day. Wet clothes, not only by their coldness ob- 
struct the perspiration, but their moisture, by 
being absorbed or taken up into the body, greatly 
increases the danger. The most robust constitu- APPENDIX. 
197 
tion is not proof against the danger arising from 
wet clothes. They daily occasion fevers, rheuma- 
tisms, and other fatal disorders, even in the young 
and healthy. 
It is impossible for people who go frequently 
abroad to avoid sometimes being wet. But the 
danger may be generally lessened, if not wholly 
prevented, by changing the clothes soon. So far 
are many people from taking this precaution, that 
they frequently sit or lie down in the fields with 
their clothes wet, and sometimes even sleep whole 
nights in the like condition. The fatal effects 
which are frequently witnessed of this conduct 
should deter others from being guilty of the like 
presumption. 
Going with the feet wet not unfrequently occa- 
sions fatal diseases. The cholic, inflammations of 
the breast, the iliac passion, and cholera morbus 
a$e often occasioned by wet feet. Ilabit will, no 
doubt, render this leas dangerous, but as far as pos- 
sible it should be avoided, The delicate, and 
those who are not accustomed to having their 
clothes and feet wet, should be peculiarly careful 
io this respect. 198 
APPENDIX. 
The perspiration is likewise often obstructed by 
night air. This ought studiously to be avoided 
even in the summer season. The dews which fall 
plentifully in hot weather, make the nights more 
dangerous than in the cold season. Hence in 
warm climates, the evening dews are more hurtful 
than in the more northern latitudes. 
It is very agreeable after a warm day, to in- 
dulge in an evening walk ; but this is a pleasure to 
be avoided by all who value their health. The 
effects of evening dews are gradual, indeed, and 
almost imperceptible, but they are not the less 
fatal. We would advise laborers, and all who are 
much heated by day, carefully to avoid them, as 
they regard the blessings of health. When the 
perspiration has been great, the danger is increas- 
ed. By not attending to this in flat, marshy coun- 
tries, where the exhalations and dews are great, 
laborers are often seized with intermitting fevers, 
quinsies, and other fatal disorders. 
Sleeping in damp beds seldom fails to obstruct: 
the perspiration. Beds become damp either from 
not being used, standing in damp houses, or in 
rooms without fire. Nothing is more to be dread- APPENDIX. 
199 
eel by travellers-than damp beds, which are very 
common where fuel is scarce. When a traveller, 
cold and wet, arrives at an inn; by means of a 
warm fire, warm, diluting liquors, and a dry bed, 
he may have the perspiration restored. But if he 
is put into a cold room, and laid in a damp bed, it 
will be more obstructed, and the worst of conse- 
quences will ensue. Nothing is more to be dread- 
ed by a delicate person, when on a visit, than 
being laid in a bed which is kept on purpose for 
strangers. This ill judged piece of complaisance 
often becomes a real injury. 
Damp houses frequently produce the like ill 
consequences. Nothing is more common than for 
people, merely to avoid some trilling inconven- 
ience, to hazard their lives by inhabiting a house 
almost as soon as the masons, plaisterers, &c. have 
finished it. Such people are not only exposed 
from the dampness of the rooms, but likewise 
from the unwholesome smell of iime, paints, &c. 
Rooms are often rendered damp by the pernic- 
ious custom of washing them immediately before 
company is put into them. Many people are sure' 
to take cold if they sit only a short time ia a room 200 
APPENDIX. 
which has been lately washed. The delicate 
should carefully avoid this, and even the robust 
will run less hazard by sitting without doors. 
But nothing more frequently obstructs perspira- 
tion, than a sudden transition from heat to cold. 
Colds are seldom caught, except when people have 
been too much heated., Heat expands and rarities 
the blood, quickens the circulation, and increases 
the perspiration ; but if these are suddenly check- 
ed, the most fatal consequences frequently ensue. 
Nothing is more common than for people, when 
hot, to drink freely of cold water, small liquors, 
Lc. This conduct is extremely dangerous. Eve- 
ry farmer knows that if he permits his horse to 
drink plentifully of cold water after violent exer- 
cise, and then suffers him to remain at rest, it will 
kill him. This they take the most special care 
to prevent. It would be well for them, if they 
were equally attentive to their own safety. When 
a person, is extremely heated, a mouthful of 
brandy, or other spirit, is preferable to any thing 
else, when it can be obtained ; after which the per- 
son may, with less danger, drink water. 
It w ould be tedious to enumerate all the bad 
effects which follow drinking cold, thin liquors, APPENDIX. 
201 
when the body is hot. Hoarseness, quinseys, and 
fevers of various kinds are its common conse- 
quence, and sometimes immediate death. It is 
likewise unsafe when the body is warm, to eat 
freely of raw fruits, salads, &c. These have not 
so sudden an effect, but they are dangerous, and 
ought to be avoided. 
Sitting in a warm room, and drinking hot liquors 
till the body is warm, and the pores open ; and go- 
ing immediately into the cold air, is extremely 
dangerous, especially in the evening. Colds, 
coughs, and inflammations are the common effects 
of such conduct. Yet nothing- is more common ! 
People are very apt when a room is hot, to 
throw open a window or door, and sit near it. 
This is a most dangerous practice. Any person 
had better sit without doors than in such a situa- 
tion. Inflammatory fevers and consumptions are 
often occasioned by sitting or standing thinly 
clothed near an open window. The practice of 
sleeping with open windows is likewise equally to 
be dreaded. This should never be done even in 
the warmest season. 
Mechanics often contract fatal diseases by work- 
ing with their clothes off before an open window. 202 
APPENDIX. 
Such not unfrequently pay for their imprudence 
with their lives. 
Nothing exposes people more to take cold than 
keeping their houses too warm. Such people can 
hardly stir abroad upon a visit, but at the hazard 
of their lives. Were there no other reason for 
keeping houses in a moderate degree of warmth, 
this Is sufficient. But no house which is too hot, 
can be wholesome. Heat destroys the spring and 
elasticity of the air, and renders it less lit for ex- 
panding the lungs, and other purposes of respira- 
tion. Hence it >s that consumptions, and other 
disorders of the lungs, prove so fatal to those who 
work in forges, glass houses, &c. 
Some people are so presumptuous as to plunge 
themselves, when they are hot, into cold water. 
Not only fevers, but madness itself is frequently 
the effect of this conduct. Indeed, it,looks too 
much like the action of a madman, to deserve a 
serious consideration. 
We shall conclude these observations on the 
common causes of taking cold, by recommending 
to all, to avoid, with the utmost attention, all sudden 
transitions from heat to cold ; to keep the body in 
as uniform u temperature as possible ; and, when APPENDIX. 
203 
this cannot he done, to let the bodj cool grad- 
ually. 
People may imagine that too strict attention to 
these things will tend to render them tender and 
delicate. So fur is this from being our design, 
that the first rules proposed for preventing cold, 
are, to harden the body, by inuring it daily to the 
©pen ai#. 
F l N l 3.