57-2 
History and Habitat.—Penthorum is an indigenous ditch-weed, common 
all @ocalities in the United States, where it flowers from June to September, 
It has always held a place in domestic practice as an astringent in diarrho 
and dysentery. Drs. Briggs* and Scudder brought it to the notice of practition 
as a remedy, both topic and internal, for irritation of the mucous membranes ¢ 
various forms of subacute inflammation of the same, as in pharyngitis, vag 
tonsillitis, etc. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The whole fresh plant is to be chop, 
and pounded toa 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 
alcohol added. After stirring the whole well, pour it into a well-stoppered bo 
and allow it to stand eight days in a dark, cool place, shaking often. 
The tincture, separated from this mass by filtration, has a brilliant reddisl 
orange color by transmitted light; no special odor; an astringent taste ; and 
acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—An analysis by the Lloyd ue failed 
yield a peculiar principle, or even a volatile oil. “A peculiar tannin was, how 
determined, which first turns blue then precipitates black from its alcoholic sc 
tion with ferrous, and deep green with ferric sulphate. = 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION - Pesihaee: according to Dr. Morrow’s ex 
ments, causes many symp ns simulating a coryza: rawness of throat 
tongue; increased appetite | ollowed by nausea; burning in the rectum; | 
stools followed by ihe ies increased urine; cough, and constriction of 
chest. ? | 
Descriptio oF PLATE 57. 
. Whole slaak. Binghamton, N, Y., July 30th, 1885. 
2. Flower. 
3. View of calyx. 
4. Anther, 
5. Carpel. 
i, Ae. 
(2-6 enlarged.) — 
= * Ec. Med. Four., 1875, 479. 
