BOTANIC MATERIA MEDICA. yh 
termed Rhein, Rhabarbin, etc., etc. See U.S. 
Dispensatory. The tannic acid exists as a rheo- 
tannic acid. The officinal preparations are solid 
and fluid extracts, infusion, pills simple and 
compound, simple and aromatic syrups, simple 
and aromatic tinctures, also a sweet tincture and 
a wine of rhubarb. Rhubarb and its various 
preparations are tonic, aperient, astringent and 
laxative according to the dose in which it is 
given. Dose of the powder, 5 to 25 grains (.06 
centigram to 1-6 gram), Dose of the tinctures 
and syrup, 1 to 2 drachms; of the solid extract, 
1 to 5 grains; of the fluid extract, 15 to 30 drops, 
The name is derived from the word Rha, the 
former name of the river Volga, and Barbarus, 
the Barbarians, (the name given to the Chinese), 
Sarsaparilla Radix, Sarsaparilla Root, Smi- 
lax Officinalis, Naturalorder of Smilacee, It 
is indigenous (native) to tropical America from 
Mexico to Brazil; it is found in commerce in 
long cylindrical pieces, wrinkled and of a brown- 
ish gray color externally, and white and mealy 
internally; with a nucleus forming a circular 
zone around the pith or parenchyma, with 
scarcely any odor. Taste, bitter and mucilag- 
inous; usually measuring 1-5 of an inch (5 mil- 
limeters) in diameter. Sarsaparilla is an ever- 
green climbing plant, stems often prickly, leaves 
alternate, cordate and reticulate in shape, 
Flowers sessile on a globe-like receptacle, sub- 
capitate or umbellate stamens and pistils on, or 
in separate flowers (dioecious) but on the same 
plant. Perianth, six parted, six stamens (hex- 
andria) inserted into the base, stigmas number- 
ing three and somewhat spreading; it bears a 
