Sanguinaria Canadensis. 37 
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS. 
From the chemical analysis of Puccoon made by Dr. Dow- 
ney, it appears, that there is a gum, a resin, and a saponace- 
ous or extractive matter in the root; and that the gum is in the 
greatest abundance. It results also from the same experiments, 
that the active principle of the plant resides chiefly in the gum and 
extractive matter, but especially in the former. 
MEDICAL PROPERTIES. 
This plant is emetic and purgative in large doses; and in 
smaller quantities is stimulant, diaphoretic and expectorant; but it 
is here presented to physicians principally for its emetic power. It 
is a powerful medicine, and has produced dangerous effects when 
incautiously administered. Dr. Sheepf mentions the emetic and pur- 
gative virtue of the root. Fifteen or twenty grains of the pulverized 
root produce powerful emesis; but the medicine must be— given in 
the form of pills, as the powder creates great irritation of the fauces. 
A decoction or extract will perhaps answer better. The root of 
this plant when exhibited as an emetic, has been found to dislodge 
worms from the stomach.* ‘This hint of the anthelmintic property 
of this part may not, perhaps, be unworthy of notice, though other 
emetics have sometimes produced the same effect. ‘Dr. Sheepf has 
* Barton’s Collections, &c. part 2. p. 52. 
