346 



cither scrofula or syphilis, but as an adjuvant, to facilitate the cura- 

 tive effects of the more powerful miucv.il alteratives, particularly in 

 the class of cases to which we have just referred, we think it quite as 

 valuable as any other article \\< i possess. That the Rumex root pos- 

 s medicinal properties beyond thai of a mere vegetable diluent 

 and mild tonic we have abundant proof, not only in the sensible 

 evacuations which it produces, but also in its effects on some of the 

 most common diseases of the skin. Thus we have knoAvn it, when 

 used externally and internally, to cure several inveterate eases of 

 scabies as effectually and almost as speedily, as sulphur itself. If 

 the foregoing views are correct, every practitioner will readily per- 

 ceive their important bearing. Sarsaparilla, in some form, has long 

 been deemed an important and almost necessary article in the treat- 

 ment of many chronic constitutional diseases. But the great diffi- 

 culty of obtaining the root in such a state of freshness as to make it 

 in any degree reliable, is acknowledged by all. And as regards the 

 thousand and one compounds which flood the country, bearing the 

 names of Extract or Syrup of Sarsaparilla, they are far less reliable 

 than the root. Indeed they vary from simple treacle and water, to 

 the most active mineral solutions ; and hence should be condemned 

 by every member of the profession. Now, if the Rumex, which may 

 be found fresh around almost every farmer's barn-yard, really pos- 

 sesses the properties which we have ascribed to it, a due regard for 

 the pecuniary interests, as well as the hygienic welfare of our 

 patients, requires that we substitute it for a foreign article, which, 

 to say the least, reaches the interior of our country in a variable and 

 uncertain condition ; and various compounds of which swell every list 

 of patent nostrums in the country. The R. Crispus, or common 

 Yellow-dock, and the R. Obtusifolium, seem to be more laxative in 

 their effects than the other varieties. It is best given in the form of 

 simple decoction, made by boiling one ounce of the dried root or two 

 ounces of the fresh, in a pint of water. Of this, one or two fluid 

 ounces may be given three or four times a-day. It also forms a con- 

 venient menstruum For the administration of the Iodides, Mercurials. 

 &c. Externally it has been used, in powder as an application to 

 spongy gums, and in the form of ointment for the removal of cuta- 

 neous disease-, particularly scabies, with advantage. No satisfactory 

 analysis of the Rumex root has been made. 



2. Lycopus Yirgimci- : Bugle-weed. Monopetalous exogenous. 

 XTest. Ord. Labiahc. Sex. Syat. Diandria Monogynia. Specific cha- 



