-fS HORTUS JAMAICENSIS: irrE 



to it, also in amcnorrhnea frntl chlorosis; and in worm fevers, the cahVapje bark, ot 

 other vegetable antheliuintics." The following are tiie doses as prescribed by Mr, 

 Lindsay: 



From fifteen grains to one drachm by itself (or with tire Jesuits bark) of the wood or 

 bark. 



From two drachms to half an ounce to one poiiiul of tlic watery infusion, and the 

 same quantities to one pound or one and a half pound in decoction. A wine glass full 

 to be given every three, four, or si.K hours, according to circumstances. 



Is so called from its excessive bitterness : I think it exceeds wormwood, gall, and 

 aloes. I have seen a handful of the shavings but juytdip]ied in water, as quick as 

 thought taken out again, ami the water left so bitter that nothing could exceed it. A 

 trough was made of it to give water to hogs, and, to their owner's surprise, although 

 the hogs were ever so dry, they would not touch the water. This property of the tree 

 hath not been known very long in Jamaica ; and it was discovered by an accident : It 

 being a very free sort of wood to split, light, and white, the coopers hatl made casks 

 of it, unknowing its bitterness, to jnit sugar in, which was sent to England. Soon 

 after, the owner had advice that his sugar was so bitter it could not be sold ; The gen- 

 tleman thought it was a trick, or a banter ; but, upon a strict enquiry, found the occa- 

 sion of it. Of late, bedsteads and presses are made of it, to prevent bugs, cockroaches, 

 or worms breeding, as tliey do in other woods, for none of these vermin will come near 

 the wood ; neither do the workmen cave for working it, it bittering their mouths and 

 throats. It kills worms in the body, helps tlie cholic or belly ache, and creates an ap- 

 petite. The wood of this tree, at the first cutting, is very white, but turns yellow af- 

 terwards. Its bark is like the lance-wood, and its leaves like the English ash. .C(/;v 

 ham, p. 21. 



The following receipts have been recommended, the first as a diuretic, and the 

 Second as a tonic in dropsy : 



Infusion of bitter wood one pint Salt of wormwood half an ounce Gin tivo ounces 



Mix A wine glass-full several times in the day. Dmretic salt, six drachms, 



''inay be substituted in the place of salt of wormwood. 



A small tea-cup full of bitter-wood infusion, two or three times in the day, with a 

 tca-spaonful of chalybeate wine, or with three or four grains of the salt of steel; vis. 

 green copperas. 



* 



The bitter wood has lately been employed as a subr^itute for hops in the brewing of 

 malt liquor, and has been found to answer the purpose extremely well. The bitter is 

 however not so agreeable as that of the hop, and the taste remains much longer on the 

 palate, after drinking the liquor. 



From the qualities of the tree, it may be presumed that a decoction of the leaves or 

 bark, would make an excellent fomentation for sores. The wood is exceedingly light, 

 and, on that account, generally saved for laths for roofing ; but, as Burham says, the 

 workmen are not fond of it ; for, even after the wood has been laid for floors many yeai-s, 

 whoever rubs or scrapes it, feels a great degree of bitterness in their mouth and throat. 

 Ivfo insect will come near it. 



There are two other kinds of bitter wood, noticed by Dr. Browi, for ivhich see the 

 ivext article. -j 



See Mountain Da^^son. BITTEE 



