38 Sanguinaria Canadensis. 
also mentioned that a weak decoction of the root was used in £0- 
norrhea, against the bites of serpents, and in bilious diseases ; that 
the juice was employed against warts; and, (on the authority of 
Colden,) that the powder of the root in the dose of one drachm, was 
exhibited in jaundice. Dr. Dexter of Cambridge, Massachusetts, 
says, that in some trials he made with the plant, it proved efficacious 
as a stimulant and diaphoretic, in doses of one grain of the powder- 
ed root, or ten drops of the saturated tincture.* I have never used 
this plant with a view to its emetic effects, but from the experi- 
ments of Dr. Downey it would seem, that the dose recommended 
by Colden and Shepf, is much too large. Neither have I much 
faith in the efficacy of this medicine in jaundice. If it has done 
good in this disease, it must have acted by its emetic power alone; 
and in all probability other emetics would do as well. Combined 
however with calomel, it is not improbable that it would be service- 
able. Dr. Thatcher mentions the reputed efficacy of this root in 
removing jaundice, and says it is believed to be the chief ingredient 
A spirituous tincture of the root is said to be frequently used in 
New England, in various diseases, as a tonic bitter.t This is the 
only form in which I have used the plant. I prepared some of the 
tincture from the recent roots, last spring. It is intensely bitter, 
approaching in its permanent impression on the tongue, to acerb. 
{ have used this preparation of the plant in three cases, and with 
in the quack medicine known by the name of Rawson’s Bitiers.t 
"Dr. Thatcher’s Disp. p. 202. + New Am. Dispensatory, p. 202. + Barton’s Collections, &c. 
