88 A COMPENDIUM OF 
Calamus, Calamus, Acorus Calamus, Sweet 
Flag.—Natural order Aracee. A perennial 
herbaceous plant found growing in the marshes 
throughout Europe and North America, culti- 
vated in some parts of India. Calamus has an 
erect sword-shaped leaf, 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 
centimeters) high, and 1 inch (25 millimeters) 
wide, green and smooth; its triangular flower 
spadix, which is prominently crowned with pale- 
green flowers, having a yellowish cast, The 
rhizome sends up leaves from the upper extrem- 
ity and rootlets from its lower surface. When 
found in the stores it is carefully prepared and 
white, but as found in the market it presents a 
flattened, sub-cylindrical surface, with many 
semi-circular impressions where the leaves have 
been inserted. The rhizome when first gath- 
ered is 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) 
long, and 4 of an inch in diameter; when cut 
transversely it shows a spongy texture, with 
many oil cells and air tubes, also with some 
scattered woody bundles. The odor of calamus 
to many is very agreeably aromatic, and the 
taste sharp, bitter and pungent. Calamus con- 
tains one per cent, of volatile oil, also resin, 
mucilage, starch, and acorin, its active principle, 
which was isolated by Faust. Calamus is a 
stimulant, tonic and carmin ative Dose 15 to 
3° grains (1 to 2 grams). The fluid extract is 
the only officinal preparation. 
Cypripedium, Cypripedium, Cypripedium 
ubescens, Lady’s Slipper; also known as the 
Moccasin Flower, and the American Valerian.— 
Natural order Ochidacez, The fancied resem- 
lance toa lady’s slipper and the moccasin of 
