N. MATERIA MEDICA, THERAPEUTICS, AND HYGIENE. 561 



ura of its male blossoms, and its planting in Washington was 

 positively forbidden by an Act of Congress at least an ap- 

 propriation for the District of Columbia, made some years 

 ago, was granted upon the condition that no ailantus trees 

 should thereafter be planted in the City of Washington. The 

 tree is, however, one of very great value as a timber tree, and 

 is highly recommended for growth upon the Western prai- 

 ries, as its development is extremely rapid, and the wood is 

 equal to chestnut for mechanical purposes. It is one of the 

 largest trees known, being said to attain a height of 300 feet 

 in China. Very little attention has been directed to its me- 

 dicinal virtues ; but according to Dr. Robert, of the French 

 naval fleet in the waters of China and Japan, the bark of the 

 root, in the form of a powder, is more efficient in the treat- 

 ment of dysentery than ipecac, calomel, astringents, opiates, 

 etc. For this purpose, one part of the bark of the root is cut 

 into very fine pieces and pounded up in a mortar, to which 

 one and a half parts of warm water are added. The whole 

 is to be allowed to stand for a sufficient time to soften the 

 bark, and is then strained through a piece of linen. The in- 

 fusion is administered in doses of a tablespoonful, morning 

 and evening, either pure or in a cup of tea, This is to be 

 continued for three days under a very strict dietary regimen. 

 After that, bread and milk may be given, and subsequently 

 ordinary diet. If at the end of eight days a cure is not ef- 

 fected, the treatment may be renewed. This substance is ex- 

 tremely bitter, and its administration frequently produces 

 nausea. In Dr. Robert's experience, a complete cure was al- 

 most always brought about within eight days; in only one 

 instance was it necessary to renew the application. 11 B, 

 March 1 5, 1 874, 233. 



CAUSE AND PREVENTION OF DAMP FEET. 



According to Orlowsky, of St. Petersburg, close observa- 

 tion shows that the absorption of moisture by the soles of 

 shoes is mainly due to the alternate expansion and contrac- 

 tion of the pores of the leather, under the alternate pressure 

 and removal of pressure in walking, the water being both 

 sucked up and forced up. The moisture admitted through 

 other parts of the shoe is regarded as trifling in comparison, 

 and as readily removed by transpiration. The cause of the 



A a 2 



