Lobelia siphilitica. 244 
lum peltatum) and many other plants.* They, in general, had re- 
course to the advice of Europeans, when attacked with this disease, 
not reposing entire confidence in their own inefficient plan of treat- 
- ment. Dr. Barton was of opinion that the plant had cured gonorrhea, 
and speaks confidently on this point, believing that it operated bene- 
ficially in this complaint, by the diuretic virtues, which it certainly 
possesses. Dr. Chapmant mentions that some of the western physi- 
cians resort to it for the cure of dropsy with success; but does not 
himself speak of any personal experience on this point. It appears 
to act frequently as a sudorific, a purgative, and an emetic. 
The root is to be given in decoction in the proportion of half an 
ounce to one or two pounds of water; and also in extract, of which 
from five to twenty grains made into pills, may be given. It is neces- 
sary to omit the medicine when purging or vomiting is induced. ‘The 
directions given for its use, with a view to cure siphilis, are as follow: 
“a decoction is made of a handful of the roots in three measures of 
water. Of this, half a measure is taken in the morning fasting, and re- 
peated in the evening; and the dose is gradually increased till its pur- 
ative effects become too violent, when the decoction is to be inter- 
mitted for a day or two, and then renewed till a perfect cure is effect- 
ed. During the use of this medicine, a proper regimen is to be en- 
joined, and the ulcers are also to be frequently washed with the de- 
* Barton’s Collections. + Elem. Therap. and Mat. Med. 
