82-2 
claims it to be a successful application to the poisonous effects of Rhus if rubbed 
upon the inflamed parts until they are discolored by its juice.* Being very astrin- 
gent, it has also been used to check discharges from mucous surfaces, such as 
mercurial ptyalism, leucorrhcea, gonorrhoea, and especially in septic forms of diar- 
rhcea, dysentery, and enteritis. It lays some claim also to being stimulant and 
tonic, and is recognized in the Mexican Pharmacopceia as an emmenagogue, feb- 
rifuge, and anthelmintic. Of late years much attention has been called to the — 
species of this genus, especially this and A. #zfda, as being, through their pollen, 
the cause of hay fever, many people affected with this troublesome disorder laying 
the charge direct; certain it is that when the pollenation of the plant is begun 
the disorder generally commences in those subject to it, and only ceases when the 
plants are out of flower, unless the patient is able to sojourn to mountain heights 
out of the limit of their growth. We have had the pleasure of curing two patients — 
of this disease, both of whom had asthmatic symptoms at the height of the trouble, 
with drop doses of the tincture éves 7m dies. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The whole fresh plant, when in the 
height of its sexual season, should be carefully gathered to retain all the pollen — 
possible, and macerated for fourteen days in twice its weight of absolute alcohol, — 
being kept in a dark, cool place, well corked, and shaken twice a day. The tinc- 
ture thus prepared should, after pressing, straining, and filtering, have a clear 
orange-red color by transmitted light; an odor like chocolate; a similar taste, — 
followed by bitterness; and an acid reaction. | 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—This plant has not yet been investigated as 
to its specific chemical nature; Tannin, and an essential oil, itself uninvestigated, - 
being all we possess of knowledge in this direction. E 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—Ambrosia appears to have a decided icritame 
action upon mucous membranes, not only by its pollen directly applied, but also 
upon its ingestion in infusion and tincture. The plant certainly deserves thorough _ 
and extended experimentation, 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 82. 
ore young plant, Binghamton, N. Y., Aug. 1 pth, 1886. 
2. A leaf. 
3- Male involucre. 
4. Face of same, showing sterile flowers. 
5. Sterile flower. 
6. Sterile style. 
7. Stamen. 
8. Anther. © 
g. Female flower. 
o. Fruit. 
11. Horizontal section of akene. 
(3-11 enlarged.) 
Palen ee . wo epee 
* New Rem., 1879, 239. 
