46 PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA. 
_ In its medicinal properties the root of the Phy- 
tolacca decandra approaches nearer to ipecac- 
uanha than any American vegetable, I have hith- 
erto examined. From abundant experience, the 
result of many trials made in Dispensary practice, 
Tam satisfied that, when properly prepared, it 
operates in the same doses and with the same cer- 
tainty, as the South American emetic, Ten grains 
of the powder will rarely remain on the stomach, 
and twenty or thirty produce a powerful operation, 
by emesis and generally by catharsis. In its mode 
of operation, this medicine has some peculiarities, 
a part of which are favorable, others disadvanta- 
geous. Its advantages are, that it operates with 
ease, and seldom occasions pain or cramp. Its dis- 
advantages are, 4. That it is slow in its effects, 
frequently not beginning to operate until an 
hour, and sometimes two hours after it is taken. 
2. That it continues to operate fora greater 
length of time than is usual for emetics, although 
as far as I have been able to observe, it is readily 
checked by an opiate. ‘These disadvantages how- 
ever are not constant. I haye repeatedly known 
it commence operating in fifteen minutes, and 
cease after four or five ejections, The represen- 
tations of patients as to any unpleasant feelings 
under its effects, are not greater than we should 
