No. 59. 



im 



name, expressing its generic peculiarity, of having 4 

 central glands, while Swertia has 8 glands, 2 at the 

 base of each segment. Four specific denominations 

 . have been given, among which I have selected the 

 _ best. It bears also many vulgar names, but Colombo 

 root is the most common, i^ince it has been found 

 medical, and very similar to Calumba, oiice called 

 Colombo also, the Cocculus palmatus. Tt is become 

 a kind of substitute for it, and an article of trade on 



that account, being largely collected in the w*esteni 

 states. ^^ 



It affords few varieties, and stands as yet alone in^ 

 its genus, the varieties are, 1, Oppositifolia. 2. Un* 

 dulata. 3. Pauciflora. 4. ^ngustifolia^ &e. the 

 names expressing their deviations. It belongs to the 

 jNTatural order of Geistiaxides next to Swertia , and 

 to Tetrandria mo7iogy7iia of Linnaeus. 



QuAxiTiES — The root is the officinal part, it has a 

 sweetish bitter taste like Gentian, and resembles Ca- 

 lumba in appearance, having a thick yellow bark, and 

 a yellowish spongy wood. But their chemical cha- 

 racters are very diflferent, the Frasera contains Ex- 



w 



tractive, Amarine, and Resin; while the Cocculiis 

 palmatus contains Cinchonin, a bitter Resin, Oil, 

 Starch, Sulfate of Lime, and Calumbine. I suspect, 

 however, that the analysis of the Frasera has not been 

 accurate, and that it contains Inuline or a peculiar 

 substance, Fraseriney intermediate between Inuline 

 and Calumbine. It yieFds its qualities ta water and 

 alcohol. The leaves are also bitter. 



PROPERTIES— Emetic aad Cathartic when fr esh^ 



