130 Symplocarpus foetida. 
aetith soil, are necessary to its luxuriant growth; and it appears 
also to delight in shade. It seldom appears sporadically. Where 
found at all, it is generally in abundance. 
See 
i ae 
Be 
MEDICAL PROPERTIES. 
_. The sensible properties of Symplocarpus fcetida, indicate its 
placg.s in the Materia Medica. Every part of the plant is powerfully 
isp a modic, and it is of course referrible to that class of medicines. 
Bitherto. the employment of this article has been too much limited ; 
for it seems entitled, from its virtues, to the general attention of phy- 
sicians. Sheepf long ago mentioned the medicinal powers of the 
root of the ‘Skunk-cabbage. He speaks of it as an expectorant, and 
as 5 useful i in phthisical coughs. At this time, too, this plant is much 
used for the same purpose in many parts of the United States; and 
it is said that great alleviation of the cough is produced by the ju- 
dicious use of e medicine. The Rey. Dr. Cutler, and others, have 
iven it : e reputation as a palliative in the paroxysms of 
as h it is reputed to have afforded relief, when other 
means foe failed. Thirty or forty grains of the dried pulverised 
roots, are recommended to be given during the paroxysm, and 
repeated as often as circumstances may require. After the fit has 
gone off, it is necessary to persevere in the use of the medicine ; 
