38-2 
I an certain, however, that RAws venenata is more extensively used for the latter 
purpose, as will be seen from my experiences detailed under that drug. 
The fresh leaves are officinal in the U. S. Ph.; in the Eclectic Materia Medicas 
the preparation advised is 7inctura Rhus Toxicodendron. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—On account of the care necessary in 
the preparation of our medicamente, it is an absolute necessity that we should 
know, without a chance for doubt, the exact plant that we use, after proving, I 
have therefore, especially in this case, carefully examined into the relationship 
existing between A. Zoxtcodendron and its so-called variety radicans. The only 
differences acknowledged by authors are as follows: 
- 
R. toxtcodendron, L. R. radicans, L.* 
Stem erect. Stem more or less tortuous. 
Height of growth 2 to 4 feet. Height 4 to 30 feet or more. 
Stem devoid of rootlets, Stem profusely studded with dark-colored rootlets, 
by which it clings to its chosen support. 
Leaves trifoliate. Same. 
Leaflets variously toothed or crenate, smooth | Leaflets entire, or slightly dentate, smooth both 
above and slightly pubescent underneath. sides. 
During the present season I have carefully examined a great number of indi- : 
viduals in this and adjoining counties, and conclude, as the result of my observa- 
tions, that an individual commencing its growth as ¢oxicodendron may become 
radicans if proper support is reached. I found in several places along the Chenango 
River, both forms growing from the same root. At the entrance of a ravine near 
Glenwood Cemetery, upon the outskirts of this city, is the plant from which the 
accompanying plate was made; this individual is xadicans in its mode of growth 
(climbing about 9 feet into a young elm tree), but it bore no rootlets, being 
supported merely by the shoots of the elm; its foliage answers exactly to /ox7- 
codendron. One large plant, on the bank of the Susquehanna River, below the 
usual high-water mark, has all the characters of vadicans except the rootlets, 
and grows in a trailing manner along the bank; passing in its growth four excel- 
lent supports : 7. ¢,, two sturdy elms, one sycamore, and a large stump surrounded 
by bushes. It is said that the two forms differ in their place of growth, /oazcoden- 
dron choosing open places and radicans shady spots; it however follows as a 
necessity that if toxzcodendron is radicans when it climbs, radicans is in the shade 
because of its support. : 3 
Many other far more competent observers than myself, have doubted the 
verity of the distinctions in these forms: among them are Michaux and Pursh, 
who considered them merely localisms, and Bigelow states: “among the plants — 
which grow around Boston, I have frequently observed individual shoots from the - 
same stock, having the characters of both varieties. I have also observed that 
young plants of R. vadicans frequently do not put out rooting fibers until they are 
* Rhus Toxicodendron, var. radicans, Torrey; Toxicodendron vulgare, Mill.; Rhus Toxicodendron, var. a vulgare, 
Michx.; Rhus scandens, Salisbury. é 
