U6 tIGRTUS JAMAICENSIS. lignusi 



from clistructions of the cxcretoi-y glands, and where s]u_G;t',iHh sOrous humowrs abound, 

 they circ euiineiuly useful ; rheuiimtic and other pains luive often been re'-ieved by 

 the:ii. They are also laxative, 'I'he resin is the most active of these drugs, and the 

 tlticacy ot tlie otliers depends upon the quantity of this part contained in them. Tlie 

 lesin is extracted from the wood in part Ijy watery liquors, hut much more perfccllv 

 by spu-ituous ones. The watery extract of this wood, kept in the shops, proves not 

 only less in quantity, but considerably weaker than one made with spirit. This last 

 extract is of the same quality widi die native resin, and differs only in being purer. 

 The gum or extracts are given from a few grains to a scruple, or half a drachm, which 

 last close ))roves for the most part considerably purgative. 'Fhe officinal preparations 

 of guaiacum are, an extract of the wood, a solution of the gum in rectified spirits of 

 wine, and a solution in volatile spirit, and an empjreumatic oii distilled from tlie wood. 

 The resin, dissolved in rum,* or combined with water, by means of mucilage or the 

 yolk of an egg, or in form of the volatile tincture or elixir, is much employed in gout 

 and chronic riieumatism. The tincture or elixir has been given to the extent ot half 

 an ounce twice a day, and is sometimes usefully combined with laudanum. Dr. Browne 

 observes, that the tincture has been sometimes administered with success, as well as 

 the powder itself, in obstinate intermittent and remittent fevers ; in which case they 

 commonly procure a few stools, as well as promote a general discharge from the skiu. 

 Grainger says two or three of the pods, infused in warm water, often give a stool ; a 

 larger number in the same way act as an emetic, but is too surly. Barham says the fruit 

 is very purging, and for use excels the bark or wood, auu tliat he has cured the vene- 

 real diseases and yaws with the fruit, without salivation. . 



The following recipes, in vvjiich tliis .valuable gum forms a principal ingredient, have 

 been recommended : 



For the. goiit. One and a half ounce of lignum vitse gum, half an ounce of powdered 

 salt nitre, "dissolved with a spoonful of spring water, to be put into one pint of brandy 

 or old run;. Put it into the sun tor three days, sliaking it often. 



For the rheumatism. Take two ounces of lignum vitse gum ; two ounces of sulphur ; 

 and two ounces of mustard seed bruised, all to be mixed in a quart of old proof rum, 

 taking half a wine-glass full, filled up with water, morning and evening, with a pint 

 of warm sarsaparilla drink each time. 



For the gout or rheumatism .Gv\\n guaiacum six ounces ; balsam-capivi two ounces ; 

 oil sassafras four scrui>les; balsam Peru one ounce; salt of tartar twenty-four grains. 

 Mix the whole in sixteen ounces of spirits of wine. Twenty-five drops of this mixture 

 to be taken in a glass of wine every morning, fasting, and in the evening. The doss 

 to be increased five drops every day until it amounts to forty, which quantity is to be 

 taken while the patient feels any pain. 



For the }jarvs. To a pint of good rum put fifty blue nickers, and one ounce of gum 

 guaiacum; let the bottle be put in the sun three days, shaking it frequently, then add 

 one pint of water. The patient to take a wine-glass full every morning and evening. 



Another for the yaws Take one quart of brandy, and dissolve in it sixteen grains 

 of corrosive sublimate, then add two ounces and a half of powdered gum guaiac, and 

 SIX drachms of the species of Edinburgh treacle. Let the ingredients be put in a large 

 boitle, well stopped, which is to be exposed in the sun, and frequently shaken, until 



the 



Tliis appUed to a frcsli woand is equally bcneciat, ami serves every pnrpose of Turlington's baUam. 



