56 PANAX. No. 71. 



This is one of the plants upon which I have made 

 many experiments, and ascertained that some of the 

 properties ascribed to the roots by the Chinese are not 

 exaggerated, although I cannot vouch for the whole. I 

 shall, tlierefore, begin by giving the Chinese account of 

 them. Tlie Chinese medical writers, who have written 

 volumes on these roots, say that the test of the best 

 kinds consist in not feeling tirfed by walking while you 

 chew them, or even keep them in your mouth* Our 

 American Ginseng cannot stand this test, I believe. The 

 best Giasen» warms the cold stomach and bowels j it 

 cures the belly-ache, disorders and obstructions in the 

 breast. It attenuates the blood and humours, revives 

 the body, repairs emaciation and debility, sustains ex- 

 cessive labours of the body andraind, preventing weari- 

 ness and dejection. It quenches thirst, atid assuages 

 hunger- It prevents dropsies and obstructions of the 

 vessels and bowels. It fortifies a weak stomach and 

 weak lungs. It gives appetite, and assists digestion, 

 preventing troublesome dreams, faintingfits, palpitations 

 and sudden frights. It renovates the vital spirits, di- 

 lates the heart, clears the sight, strengthens the judg- 

 ment, making the body light and active, and the mind 

 stronger and vigorous. It invigorates old people, and 

 prolongs their life. It is useful for feeble breathing, 

 short breath, and asthma. It removes all the disorders 

 of weakness and debility, nay, is also aphrodisiac, and 

 cures hypochondriacal, nervous, and hysterical affec- 

 tions. It removes also vertigo, 'dimness, head-ache, 

 tenesmus, fainting, sweating, fevers, windy bowels, dys- 

 pepsia, and vomitmg, &c. Such are the wonderful pro- 

 perties ascribed to this plant by the Chinese authors, 

 after the experience of 2000 years or more. The physicians 

 often unite it to orange peel, ginger, liquorice, cinna- 

 mon, peach-kernals, honey, &c. to aid the effects, and 

 they prescribe it in powders, electuary, extract, pills, and 

 decoction. The only detrimental property ascribed to 

 ]^ IS that the excessive use may bring 



on 



appearance 



and 



requisite qualities of the roots. Dos% about a drachm. 



