486 Lobelia injlata. 
operates on the bowels; but its cathartic effect is seldom observ- 
able unconnected with its emetic operation. I have not, in va- 
rious trials with the plant, found it in any instance to affect the 
alimentary canal, as a primary seat of its operation ; yet it is said 
by some that large doses operate in this way, without producing 
emesis, It does not appear to be possessed of any particular diure- 
tic property, as was supposed by the late Professor Barton, would be 
found to be the case. 
The first notice I can find in print, of the medicinal virtues 
of Indian tobacco, is simply a brief remark by Shoepf, that the 
“ root is astringent, and used in opthalmia.” He seems to have had 
little knowledge on the subject, and from the manner in which the 
plant is mentioned by him, it may reasonably be suspected that a 
vague rumour only ofits medical properties had reached him. The 
next accounts we have of it as a medicine, are by the Rev. D. Cutler, 
and the late Professor Barton. The latter does not speak from ex- 
perience, but remarks that it has been found useful in leucorrhea; 
and that it will probably be found diuretic. He is altogether silent 
respecting its emetic power, though he seems to have suspected 
that this was the species of Lobelia called in New-England Emetic- 
weed. Since the accounts of these gentlemen were published, the 
Lobelia has gained admittance into our dispensatories, and Dr. 
Thatcher has given along and satisfactory account of its virtues. 
