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detail of cases, we will give at once the results at which we have 

 come, and the indications which the medicine is calculated to fulfill. 

 First, it is admirably adapted for use in all diseases characterized 

 by excessive discharges of any kind, and an irritable condition of the 

 nervous and arterial systems. Second, its action is that of a direct 

 astringent and sedative, diminishing the pulse and checking the se- 

 cretions, without producing any perceptible soporific or tonic effects. 

 And third, though not capable of acting as a substitute for bleeding 

 in acute inflammations, yet the qualities just named render it emi- 

 nently useful in all those hemorrhages, diarrhoeas, and chronic 

 coughs, where the system will not bear direct depletion, and where 

 there is too much irritability to allow the use of tonics or stimulants. 

 The L} T copus Virginicus is found in abundance in New England and 

 New York, and I believe in most of the other States of our Union. 

 It should be gathered when in blossom, and carefully preserved in 

 substance. The best form of administration is that of infusion, of 

 which, from one gill to one pint may be given daily. We earnestly 

 recommend it to the general attention of the profession, feeling con- 

 fident that, if used with clue regard to the condition of the system for 

 which its properties adapt it, the most satisfactory results will be 

 obtained. 



3. IIamamelis Virgixica — Witch Hazel. — This is a shrub grow- 

 ing to the height of ten or twelve feet, with flexuous branches, and a 

 smooth gray bark. Its leaves are obovate, obtuse, with a sinuate- 

 crenate margin, obliquely sub-cordate at base; scabrous with minute 

 elevated spots beneath. Flowers on short pedicels, in small clusters. 

 Calyx small, with four thick, oval, pubescent segments, and having 

 two or three small bracts at base. Petals four, yellow and crisped. 

 Stamens four, fertile, alternate with the petals, and four sterile at 

 their base. Ovary ovate, with two short styles. Fruit a nut-like 

 capsule, bilobate, and two-celled, containing oblong black seeds — 

 the flowers appear in autumn after the leaves have fallen, and the 

 fruit is perfected the following year. It is very common in this 

 State, and, indeed, throughout the whole country; growing on hill 

 sides, and along the banks of streams. This plant has long been 

 in use as a domestic remedy in some parts of the country ; and a 

 few regular practitioners have used it many years in a variety of 

 important diseases. It is barely noticed in the appendix to the 

 United States Dispensatory, and by Rafinesque, Lee, Barton, Grif- 

 fith, Williams, &c, but rather with a view to elicit further investi- 



