34-2 
in agues. Jones* speaks of the plant as “a pure unirritating tonic” in cold infu- 
sion, especially adapted to convalescence after debilitating fevers. Following these, 
its use became general, especially in Eclectic practice, for a variety of troubles, 
especially asthma, phthisis, glandular degeneration in general, syphilis, scrofula, 
chronic diarrhoea, epilepsy, dyspepsia, intermittent fever, and chronic rheumatism, 
The Eclectic preparations are: Extractum Ptelee Hydro-alcoholicum ; Lnfu- 
sum Ptelee; and Ptelee Oleo-resinee. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh bark, gathered after the 
fruit is ripe, but before the leaves begin to fade, is treated as in the preceding 
drug. The tincture, separated by pressure and filtration, has a brownish orange 
color by transmitted light; a bitter odor; an extremely bitter taste; and an acid 
reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—The analysis of G. M. Smyser+ resulted in 
the determination of albumen, bitter extractive, tannic and gallic acids, a brittle, 
tasteless resin, and a soft acrid resin. According to Justin Speer,t the root-bark 
contains a crystalline yellow coloring-matter, oleo-resin, and berberina,§ but no 
~ tannin. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—In Dr. E. M. Hale’s provings of this drug upon 
a number of observers, who took from 30 to 500 drops of the tincture, and from 
I grain to a scruple of “Ptelein,” the following disturbances occurred: Mental 
depression and confusion; frontal headache , vertigo; contraction of the pupil; — 
aural pains with swelling of the lymphatics ; tongue sore, yellow-coated ; ptyalism ; 
~ voracious appetite ; nausea, with pressure in the stomach as of a stone: griping 
colic; great urging followed by copious diarrhceic stools; urine increased ; heart's” 
action increased; general restlessness and prostration, followed by chilliness and — 
fever. : 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 34. 
1. Female flower. 
_ 2. Male flower. 
3. Stamen. 
4. Anther. 
5. Fruiting branch. 
6. Samara, , 
7. Section of fruit. 
8. Seed. ees 
(1-4 and 7-8 enlarged.) | 
\ © Betintic Practice, + Am. Your. Phar., 1862. t Ibid, 1867. == 9 See p. 15-2. 
