H4: COPTIS TRIFOLIA. 
possessing the above properties, with which it is 
usually combined. 
As a pure tonic bitter, capable of strengthen- 
ing the viscera and promoting digestion, it is en- 
titled to rank with most articles of that kind now 
inuse. Its character resembles that of Gen- 
tian, Quassia, and Columbo, being a simple bitter - 
without aroma or astringency. The tincture, made 
by digesting half an ounce of the bruised root in 
eight ounces of diluted alcohol, forms a preparation 
of a fine yellow colour, possessing the whole bit- 
terness of the plant. I have given it in various in- 
stances to dyspeptics and conyalescents, who have 
generally expressed satisfaction from its effects, 
at least, as frequently as from other medicines of 
its class. A teaspoonful may be taken three times 
aday. In substance, it rests well on the stomach 
in doses of ten or twenty grains. It is however 
difficult to reduce to powder on account of the te- 
nacity of its fibres. 
BOTANICAL REFERENCES. 
Coptis trifolia Sanissury, Lin. Trans. viii. 305.—Poursu, ii. 
390.—Helleborus trifolius, sp. pl._— Wax». ii. 1338. Kam, 
Travels, tii. 379,—Lxerrcn. iter i. 190.—Patuas, Her. iii. 34.— 
OxrpER, F. Dan. t. 566.—Micuaux, Fl. i, $25.—Ameen. Acad, 
ii. 356, t. 4. f. 18, 
