405-3 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The whole fresh flowering plant is 
treated as in the preceding drug. The resultant tincture has a brilliant orage-red 
color by transmitted light, a bitterish odor, a decidedly sweet taste, and a slightly 
acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—No analysis of this plant has, as far as | am 
able to determine, been made. The European species, also found here, Monotropa 
hypopitys, a tawny, many-flowered form, yields a volatile oil and Salicylate of 
Methyl.* 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—The only account of poisoning by this plant is 
that of Mr. A. H. Young.+ This case was discussed by Dr. R. E. Kunze, as before 
mentioned, who was of the opinion that in the gathering the young lady handled 
Rhus toxicodendron ; Mr. Young then again consulted the patient and found that 
she was not susceptible to Rhus poison, and farther, that she had not personally 
gathered the plant, but met with her ill-fortune while examining itat home. As Mr. 
Young had the identical plant in his herbarium, he searched for rootlets of Rhus 
tox. clinging to the plant, but found none, and states it as his conviction that the 
case, though standing alone, is veritable. He says: “ During the month of Sep- 
tember a young lady brought me a plant which she said had poisoned her, and she 
desired its name. With some surprise, and perhaps I should have had none after 
considering its fostering food and close resemblance to the Fungi, I found the plant 
to be Monotropa uniflora. The circumstances of the case are as follows: The 
young lady while examining the plant, accidentally crushed the stem, and some of 
the juice was driven upon her lips. The mucous portions which were somewhat 
chapped became very much irritated, and began to inflame and swell consider- 
ably, while in two or three places upon the epidermal skin of the lip small ulcerous 
sores were formed, The effect remained some four or five days and then gradually 
healed. The whole effect was very much like a mild case of poisoning with Rhus 
toxicodendron.” As we have no proving of this drug, we cannot as yet corroborate 
this case; there is, however, no plant in our country that promises so good results 
from provings. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 105. 
1. Whole plant, Binghamton, N. Y., July 21st, 1884. 
2. Flower with petals removed. 
3. Petal. 
4and 5. Anthers. 
6. Pollen, x 300. 
7. Pistil. 
8. Bird’s-eye view of stigma. 
9. Longitudinal section of pistil. 
(2-9 enlarged.) 
* See Gaultheria, p. 102-3. + Bot. Gaz., 1878, Vol. iii, No. I, p. 37. t Lbid., No. 9, p. 79. 
