54-2 
either distinct in or upon a receptacle, or combined in the calyx-tube. vue either 
an achenium, a follicle, a drupe, or a pome. Seeds single, or a few in each ovary ; : 
albumen wanting ; cotyledons large and thick; emdryo straight. Beside the useful 
and edible fruits—almonds, peaches, prunes, plums, and cherries (Amygdalee) ; 
crab-apples, apples, quinces, pears, etc. (Pomee) ; and strawberries, raspberries, 
thimble-berries, and blackberries (Rosace@);—we have many useful medicinal 
plants among the species in this order. Bitter almonds (Amygdalus communis, L., 
1 var. amara, DC.); sweetalmonds (Amygdalus communis, L., 2 var. dulcis, DC.); 
wild cherry bark (Prunus Virginiana, Miller) ; cherry-laurel (Prunus Lauro- 
cerasus, L.); kousso (Brayera anthelmintica, Kunth.); peaches (Amy gdalus Per- 
sica, Prunus Persica) ; and the three mentioned in this work. The genera Poten- 
tilla, Spirea,and Gillenia, will in time also be proven to be of benefit in the treat- 
ment of disease. 
History and Habitat.—This indigenous inhabitant of bogs and springy mead- 
ows, grows from the New England States and Pennsylvania westward to Wisconsin 
and northward, flowering in May. Geum at one time gained great renown as 
“Indian Chocolate ;” it was given in decoction prepared with sugar and milk, for 
dysentery, chronic diarrhcea, colics, debility, dyspepsia, and most ailments of the 
digestive tract; it was also used as a styptic in uterine hemorrhage, leucorrheea, 
and hemoptysis, and as a febrifuge. (Rafinesque.) 
Though Geum has been dismissed from the U. S. Ph., it still retains a place in 
the Eclectic Materia Medica. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The whole plant, gathered before blos- 
soming in the spring, is chopped and pounded to a pulp and weighed. ‘Then two 
parts by weight of alcohol are taken, the pulp mixed thoroughly with one-sixth 
part of it, and the rest of the alcohol added. After having stirred the whole well, 
pour it into a well-stoppered bottle, and let it stand eight days in a dark, cool 
place. The tincture, separated by straining and filtering, should have a deep 
orange-brown color by transmitted light, a slightly astringent taste, and an acid 
reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—An analysis of Avens by Buchner, proves it 
to be very similar to the European Geum urbanum ; which, botanically, differs but 
slightly from the species under consideration. All the qualities of both species” 
are given up freely to both water and alcohol. 
Volatile Oil of Geum.—A greenish-yellow, acid, butyraceous oil, having an 
odor like cloves. This body may be readily obtained by distillation of the roots 
in water. (Wittstein.) ; 
The Water Avens containsalso a resin, an acid, bitter extractive, tannin, gum, 
and other general plant constituents. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—The action of this species has not yet been 
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