156 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 
tic practice for elimination of intestinal worms, to produce 
perspiration, and as a tonic. 
Menispermum canadense, moonseed. 
The rhizome and rootlets are said to have been used in rheu- 
matic, scrophulous, and mercurial diseases. 
Platanus occidentalis, sycamore. 
The leaves are ophthalmic and the bark antiscorbutic. 
Quercus alba, white oak. 
‘A decoction of the bark has been employed as an astringent in 
diseases of the bowels and in hemorrhages, as a bath in ‘diseases of 
children, and as a gargle for sore throat. A poultice of the ground 
bark has been employed in gangrene and as an application for 
ulcers. Other local oaks afford a similar bark which has been used 
as a substitute. 
Rhus aromatica, fragrant sumac. 
The bark and leaves are tonic, astringent, and antiseptic. The 
fruit is diuretic, refrigerant, acid, and febrifuge, and has been used 
domestically in fevers and inflammatory affections and as a gargle 
for sore throat. 
Rhus glabra, smooth sumac. 
The berries are astringent, their acidity being due to the pres- 
ence of malic acid. An infusion of them has been recommended as 
a cooling drink in fevers and as a gargle in affections of the throat. 
Rhus Toxicodendron, poison ivy. 
The juice of this plant is yellowish and milky when fresh, but 
becomes black on exposure to the air. It has been used in rheu- 
matism, diseases of the skin, paralysis, and some affections of the 
eyes. Its good effect, however, does not counterbalance the risk of 
poisoning, and it is at present seldom or never used. 
Robinia Pseudo-Acacia, black locust. 
The bark is said to be tonic and cathartic, the leaves emetic, and 
the flowers mildly narcotic. 
Rubus occidentalis, blackberry. 
The blackberry contains tannin as its chief and most important 
constituent. It is used as a mild astringent, chiefly in diarrhea of 
young children. 
Salix nigra, black willow. 
Willow bark is tonic and antiperiodic. It has been used in inter- 
mittent fevers and as a tonic in dyspepsia, debility, and convales- 
cence. Recently salicin has been employed in rheumatism. 
Sambucus canadensis, common elder. 
The inner bark of the elder was used by the ancients in the treat- 
ment of dropsy, and it is sometimes still used for that malady in 
domestic practice. Its action as an emetic and purgative is, how- 
