COPTIS TRIFOLIA. 
moting appetite and invigorating the digestive function, and 
may be employed for the same purpose in dyspepsia and 
diseases of debility. From this statement it will be seen 
that Copris TRIFOLIA possesses in a very considerable degree 
the tonic powers which characterize the simple bitters. Its 
use has a tendency to excite the appetite, invigorate the 
powers of digestion, moderately increase the temperature of 
the body and the force of the circulation, and act in general 
as a good corroborant of the system. It may consequently 
be used in all cases of disease dependent on pure debility of 
the digestive organs, or requiring a general tonic impression. 
The condition of the stomach and of the system generally, 
however, and not of the particular disease, must be taken 
into consideration in prescribing it; and let it be remembered, 
there is scarcely a single complaint in which alone it can be 
advantageously administered under all circumstances. It 
may be proper, too, to mention that the article under con- 
sideration is not as powerful as gentian, quassia, and other 
pure bitters. 
In the Eastern States Goldthread is considerably employed 
and held in high estimation as a local application in aphthous 
and other ulcerations of the mouth; for this purpose it is 
frequently macerated or chewed in the mouth; but the prin- 
cipal use made of it is for a gargle, particularly for children. 
Its astringent properties render it peculiarly serviceable when 
used with honey and borax. It may be substituted for golden 
seal or barberry. Dr. Bigelow, however, is of opinion that its 
efficacy is inert, and, being devoid of astringency, has been 
overrated, and that probably it has no other virtues in these 
complaints than such as are common to all the simple bitters; 
but notwithstanding this authority, it has the concurrent tes- 
timony of very many respectable physicians and practitioners 
in its favor. 
All parts of the plant possess more or less bitterness, 
but this property is more or less intense in the root, which 
is the only officinal part. The roots ought to be collected 
in the summer; they are easily dried, but not so easily re- 
duced to powder. 
_ It may be given internally in substance, infusion, or tincture. 
‘The dose of the powder is from ten to thirty grains; that of 
the tincture, prepared by macerating an ounce of the root in a 
pint of diluted alcohol, one fluid drachm. 
_ The other species of Coptis peculiar to India is much es- 
teemed by the natives as a tonic and a stomachic, and from 
the experiments made with it by Mr. Twining, it would 
_ upon it. It very closely resembles the Corris rriroxta in 
