58 MENYANTHES TRIFOLIATA. 
tincture, moderately used, has the same effect, 
Large doses, such as a drachm of the powdered 
root, or two or three gills of the saturated decoc- 
tion, produce vomiting and purging, and fre- 
quently powerful diaphoresis. In this respect it 
agrees with many vegetable bitters, and perhaps 
resembles most nearly the Eupatorium perfolia- 
tum. Its bulk, however, and unpleasant taste 
render it inconvenient to be used as an evacuant. 
We are told by authors that the Buck bean 
has been employed with benefit in intermittent: 
and remittent fevers. Boerhaave, in his own case 
of gout, was relieved by drinking the juice of the 
plant mixed with whey. Other physicians have 
found it useful in keeping off the paroxysms of 
that complaint. Dr. Cullen informs us, that he 
has “ had several instances of its good effects in 
some cutaneous diseases of the herpetic or seem- 
ingly cancerous kind. It was taken by infusion 
in the manner of tea.” Others have commended 
this vegetable in rheumatism, dropsy, ‘scurvy and 
worms. Its reputation in the North of Europe, 
particularly in Germany, was at one time so high, 
that it was consumed in large quantities, and 
deemed a sort of panacea. Its true character, 
however, is simply that of a powerful bitter tonic, 
like Gentian and Centaury, to which it is closely 
