CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA. 
The first account we have of the exhibition of this root as a 
remedial substance is given by the late Professor Barton who 
considered it a valuable astringent. , 
Dr. Garden, of Virginia, may be said however to have been 
the first who particularly drew the attention of the profession to 
its properties in phthisis, pulmonalis, and other affections, and he 
speaks of the beneficial effects in the highest terms. He has 
shown that this medicine, like digitalis, affected the brain and 
operated powerfully upon the secretory organs and absorbent 
system, When exhibited in large doses it prostrates to a Uis- 
tressing degree, producing nausea, vertigo, anxiety, great rest- 
lesness, pains in the extremities, &c. These effects are, however, 
only temporary. 
Dr. N. Chapman states :—“ besides the astringent property of 
this root which I have never been able to discover in any degree, 
it is expectorant, narcotic, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, and in 
a large dose, emetic. Given so as to effect sensibly the system, | 
we find first some nausea, followed by great freedom of expecto- 
ration, and more or less relaxation of the surface, with slight 
nervous tremors, and vertiginous affections. The pulse during 
this state is considerably lowered, and is apt to remain so for 
‘some time.” He moreover adds, ‘It is alleged in consumption 
to lessen the frequency of the pulse, to allay the cough, to quiet 
the mobility of the system, and particularly to subdue hectic 
fever. How far this is true my own experience does not enable 
me to say.” 
Dr. Mears, who tried the medicine upon himself, has pub- 
lished a number of cases, tending to prove its great efficacy 
and utility in catarrhal affections generally, rheumatism and 
violent coughs, and that it is also a valuable astringent in bowel 
complaints of children. 
In chorea it is strongly recommended. Dr. Young, several 
years ago brought Cmncirvca Racemosa before the profession 
as a good remedy in this disease, and his results have to a con- 
siderable extent been verified by other physicians. Professor 
Wood found that a case under his care yielded to it after the 
= : failure of purgatives and metallic tonics. The latter author ex- 
hibited it satisfactorily in a case of convulsions occurring period - 
- jeally, and connected with uterine disorder. In these cases, 
SS however, the. precise mode of its operation is obscure. se 
; > Roo may be given in powdr, i in era of half a 
