42-2 
united with the ovary. Ovary free from the calyx; ovw/es anatropous, erect or 
pendulous; s/y/es united into one. Fruita 2 to 5 celled capsule; seeds arilled, one 
or few to each cell, eméyro large, cotyledons faliaceous ; albumen sarcous, thin, or 
sometimes absent. 
The only proven plant of this order is the European Spindle Tree (Euonymus 
Luropeus, Linn. ), the properties of which are very similar to, if not identical with, 
the species under consideration. The following plants of the family are more or 
less useful, viz.: The common Bittersweet, or, better, Staff Vine (Celastrus scan- 
dens), so often confounded, by the laity, with Dulcamara, has orange-colored fruit ; 
has been largely used in domestic practice, as an alterative, diuretic and cholagogue 
in various diseases where it seemed necessary to “cleanse the blood,’ It was_ 
considered without equal for the removal of hepatic obstruction. The Indian C 
paniculatus is considered stimulant. The branches of the Chilian MWaytenus Chil- 
ensts are used in decoction by the natives as a wash for the swellings produced in 
those who have rested in the shade of the Lithri Tree.* The root-bark of the 
Indian Elgodendron Roxburghit is used by the natives, in decoction, for the 
reduction of almost any kind of swelling; and the African Catha edulis is claimed 
to be used by the Arabs as an anti-somnolent and intoxicant. Almost all the 
species of this small order are used in their native countries to subdue inflamma- 
tion. 
History and Habitat——The Wahoo grows in moist, open woods, or along 
rivers from Western New York to Wisconsin, and southward. It flowers at the 
north in June and ripens its beautiful fruit in October. It is the fiery appearence 
of the fruiting bush after the leaves have fallen, and the capsules bursted, and 
especially when contrasted with a snow background, that gives it an appearance 
eminently fitting the name often applied, the Burning Bush. 
Especially of late Wahoo has attracted much attention in medical circles as a 
laxative tonic, alterative, and depurant in torpidity of the liver; also as a remedy 
for derangement of the stomach and in secondary syphilis, and an expectorant 
in colds, coughs and asthma. It needs, however, more thorough proving to deter- 
mine its sphere of usefulness. Mr. Hardyman, of Cardiff, states} that he has used 
Euonymin in 2 grain doses at bedtime, and finds it of much value in hepatic 
obstruction, needing, however, a saline purge to complete its usefulness. When 
used in this way I died much prefer the seeds of the plant to salts to procure 
the cathartic action. The oil of the seeds has been used both in this country and 
Europe to destroy lice (Lediculus Capitis, Vestimenti, and Pudis). 
The officinal preparation in the U. S. Ph. is Extractum Luonymi, 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh bark of the twigs and root, 
of the wild plant, is chopped and pounded to a pulp and weighed. Then two 
parts by weight of alcohol are taken, and after thoroughly mixing the pulp with — 
one-sixth part of it, the rest of the alcohol is added. After having stirred the whole 
well, pour it into a well-stoppered bottle, and let it stand eight days in a dark, cool x — 
place. 
* Lithrea caustica (Laurus caustica), Lauracee, ot Phe canines in New Rem., 1880, fo 
ADEe seh Cota eho Ths cay 
