THE AMERICAN BOTANIST. 31 



of such groups. Thus to-claA' we look for useful plants 

 among the nightshades, the crowfoots and the great 

 groups of Rosacea^ and Leguminosas. 



These old writers published elaborate works, often, it 

 is true, disfigured by gross analogies but at times show^- 

 ing close and patient observation and even profound eru- 

 dition. Their drawings are still our marvel and envy, de- 

 spite the fact that imagination often played with them 

 most extraordinary pranks. The evolution of geese from 

 barnacles was not the least marvelous of these deductions. 



We must not forget the impulse given to research by 

 the attempt to find an "elixir of life." In the chase after 

 this will-o'-the-wisp, many philosophers spent their lives. 

 However, they did not live in vain. As astrology was to 

 the true science of astronomy ; as alchemy was to chemis- 

 try' ; so was this search to botanic medicine. The elixir 

 was elusive and still remains unfound,but by the roadside 

 on which it was sought, were discovered facts that have 

 enriched mankind, relieved uncounted v^roes, and added in- 

 finitely to the resources of science. 



The pursuits of savage tribes of our owm day throve 

 light upon the advance of the race. We still see them 

 seeking simples and ascribing virtues to inert weeds. 

 Probably at the very dawn of human knowledge there be- 

 gan to be an acquaintance with the properties of plants. 

 A few unhappy experiments w^ould serve to indicate a 

 poison ; a chance cure to exalt a specimen into a panacea. 

 Even fetish worship must not be disregarded in this con- 

 sideration. We can easily see hov^ such a plant as the 

 poppy, relieving pain, or inducing sleep might come to be 

 indued with sacred functions. 



A seer, a necromancer, a practiser of physic, priest, 

 prophet or even rain-doctor became among these tribes a 

 "medicine-man." Such is the fore-runner of the physician. 

 As knowledge was, for ages, reposed in the priesthood, 

 w^e find ritual and incantation associated even with legit- 

 imate practice. It was but a step from such ceremonies 

 to the claim of miracle. Often, no doubt, such foolery ex- 



