No. 32. DIOSPTROS. 1 57 



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it, as well as its equivalent the Sorbus Americana 

 as the best succedanea to Cinchona. It has been 

 useful in ulcers, and ulcerous sorethroat. The dosea 

 are the same as common tonics either \n substance or 

 extract. It has not yet been analysed ; but probably 

 contains a peculiar principle, Diospyrine, which is 

 by far more astringent than Cornine or even Quinine, 

 owing to its union to the gallic acid. 



In the South of Europe the Diospyros Loius^ 

 which is very much like the Var. Tnicrocarpa^ is 

 called holy wood, and employed as a substitute for 

 Guayac wood. This may perhaps possess similar 

 properties. 



The unripe fruit has nearly the same properties as 

 the bark ; but is too austere and very styptic. The 

 ripe fruit is very palatable, sweet and vinous 5 it has 

 been used to kill the worms of children. 



Substitutes — Sorbus Jimericana — Prunus Vtr- 

 giniana Quercus rubra Spirea tomentosa 



Pinckneya bracteata — Cinchona Sp. and most of 

 the Astringent Tonics. 



Remarks — The Persimons, Wild Grapes, Papaws 

 {Asimind) Hickorynuts, Pecans, Walnuts, Chesnuts, 

 Chincapins, Filberts, Whortleberries, Cranberries, 

 Strawberries, Mulberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, 

 Crab Apples, Wild Plums, &c. were the fruits of the 

 native tribes. Several have been introduced already 

 in our gardens; but the Persimon has not yet been 

 cultivated, although no fruit deserves it better : it pro- 

 mises to improve in flavor and size under the care of 

 the gardener, affording a fine table fruit, many pre- 

 ftervesj and a peculiar kind of wine. 



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