460 XANTHOXYLUM FRAXINEUM. 
which it nearly resembles in its sensible proper: 
ties. It is not only a popular remedy in the 
country, but many physicians place great reliance 
on its powers in rheumatic complaints, so that 
apothecaries generally give it a place in their 
shops. It is most frequently given in decoction, 
an ounce being boiled in about a quart of water. 
Dr. George Hayward, of Boston, informs me, that 
he formerly took this decoction in his: own case 
of chronic rheumatism with evident relief. It 
was prepared as above stated, and about a pint 
taken in the course of a day, diluted with water 
sufficient to render it palatable by lessening the 
pungeney. It was ‘warm and grateful’ to the 
stomich, produced no nausea nor effect upon the 
bowels, and excited little; if any, perspiration. 
Ihave given the powdered bark in doses of 
ten and twenty grains in rheumatic affections 
with considerable benefit. A sense of heat was 
produced at the stomach by taking it, but no 
other obvious effect. In one case it effectually 
removed the complaint in a few days. I have 
known it, however, to fail entirely in obstinate 
cases, sharing the opprobrium of failure with a 
variety of other remedies. 
The Prickly ash has been employed by 
physicians in some cases as a topical stimulant. 
