19-4 
in regard to the use of the drug in this disease: “ On the Mistassini side my atten- 
tion was particularly attracted to the Sarracenia purpurea, of which the root fur- 
nishes the greatest remedy known for that dreadful scourge, small-pox. I may 
mention that, to my personal knowledge, this precious root not only saved my 
brother’s life, but its use also appears to wholly obviate the unsightly pitting com- 
mon to the disease; if it is extracted and dried at the proper season. Indeed, I 
have known many cases which were considered hopeless by medical men, but were 
cured by the Sarracenia purpurea; even Indians, with whom the dread malady so 
often proves fatal, finding it an absolute specific.” 
The root is also recommended in cases where there is a torpidity of the organs © 
of the alimentary tract, and of the kidneys. 
There are no officinal preparations outside of the Homceopathic tincture. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh root gathered after the fruit- _ 
ing season, or the whole fresh plant when budding to blossom and before the 
leaves are fully expanded, should be chopped and pounded to a pulp and weighed. 
Then two parts by weight of alcohol taken, the mass mixed thoroughly with one- 
sixth part of it and the rest of the alcohol added. After thorough stirring, the 
whole should be poured into a well-stoppered bottle, and allowed to stand eight 
days in a dark, cool place. 
_ The tincture separated from the above by filtration, has a deep reddish-brown 
color by transmitted light; its taste is at first somewhat sourish, then bitter and 
slightly astringent, and its reaction strongly acid. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—Sarracenin. This bitter alkaloidal body was 
discovered by Martin. Hetet* isolated it as white handsome prisms and octahe- 
dra, soluble in water and alcohol. Its salts with acids are soluble, and that with 
sulphuric forms beautiful bitter needles. Hetet claims that this alkaloid is identi- 
cal with veratrza, both in its properties and reactions. 
Acrylic Acid—C,H,O,. This volatile body was discovered in the plant by 
Bjorklund and Dragendorf. It is a limpid liquid, possessing a sour pungent 
smell and boiling at 142° (287°.6 F.). Its vapor is irritating, attacking the mucous 
membranes of the nose and eyes violently, and causing severe inflammation. 
Sarracenic Acid.—This body constitutes the yellow coloring matter predomi- 
nant in the older plants. Its characteristics are uninvestigated. 
Besides these, the plant contains a pulverizable tanno resin, and a bitter, aro- 
matic extractive, soluble in water and alcohol. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—Dr. Porcher found in his experiments with 180 
grains of the root, that it caused diuresis, moderate catharsis, and gastric excita- 
tion, as well as an increased and irregular heart’s action, and congestion of the 
head; and remarks as follows: “These symptoms distinctly point to the parts of _ 
* Rep. de Phar., 879, p. 109. 
