Baptisia tinctoria. 59 
emetic and cathartic powers, but without a very favourable result. 
It appears to possess valuable antiseptic properties, as an external 
application to vitiated ulcers of almost every description; an infu- 
sion of the root has surpassed in efficacy any other remedy which I 
have ever employed. In aphthous and other ulcers of the mouth, 
sore nipples, chronic sore eyes, and in various painful ulcers, dis- 
charging acrid matter, the assuaging and healing qualities of an infu- 
sion of wild indigo root has answered every expectation in practice. 
Impressed with the assurance of its great utility, and solicitous to dif- 
fuse an experimental knowledge of it more extensively, I was in- 
duced to furnish several medical friends in Boston with the root, to 
be used in the marine hospital and in the almshouse, particularly in 
cases of syphilitic ulcers; nor has the result disappointed my san- 
guine expectations. In their hands it has proved extremely beneficial 
when applied to venereal ulcers, mercurial sore mouth, and other 
ulcerous affections. In malignant ulcerous sore throat, no opportu- 
nity has presented for trial, but the happiest effects are anticipated in 
that disease, as well as others of a putrid nature. An ointment may 
be made by simmering the fresh root in hogs lard, or in cream, to be 
applied to burns and ulcers. The virtues of the root appear to be con- 
siderably diminished by long keeping.’’* 
Dr. Comstock, of Rhode Island, has had considerable experience 
with this article, and he detailst an instance of its successful exhibition, 
* Thach. Disp. p. 361. 
+ Eclectic Repertory, vol. 6. 
