123-2 
it has a griping effect, however, making it less pleasant than Scammony; and 
Convolvulus Duartinus, the common Morning Glory (/pomea Bona-nox, Linn.), 
a native of the tropics, so extensively planted north as an ornamental “ vine.” 
Many other genera furnish plants more or less used in general medicine, viz.: 
The North African /pomea Nil, Roth., whose seeds, in 50-grain doses, prove pur- 
gative, and in action greatly resemble Jalap; the East Indian /Jomea Turpethum, 
R. Br., the Jamaican /, tuderosa, Linn., and the St. Domingo /. cathartica, Poir., 
are all used in their countries as purgatives, though the latter is generally too 
strong in its action to be safely given. The leaves of the Madras Argyreza bract- 
eata, Wall., are used by the natives in decoction as fomentations for scrofulous 
enlargements. The root of the tropical Batatas paniculata, Chois., is cathartic ; 
while those of the East Indian 2. edulis are wholesome, and, as cultivated in the 
warmer climates, form an article of commerce known as Sweet Potatoes. Our 
common Bracted Bindweed (Calystegia sepium, R. Br.) has a purgative root, as 
has also the European C. So/danella, Rim. & S. Oil of Rhodium, a bitter essential 
oil, used to attract rats and mice to traps, also to adulterate oil of roses, is distilled 
from the sternutatory wood of Coxvolvulus (Breweria, Rhodoriza) scoparius, Linn. 
History and Habitat.—This too common European plant has become natural- 
ized in the North-eastern United States, where it flowers in June. It is said to be 
a sure indication that the soil is dry in all localities that it chooses as its habitat. 
This piant has been used much like Jalap and Scammony, in 4o-grain doses 
of the jointed and vermiculate roots, as a diuretic and gentle laxative. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The whole fresh flowering plant, in a 
slightly wilted condition, 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, it is poured into a well-stoppered bottle, and allowed to stand eight days in 
a dark, cool place. 
The tincture, separated from this mass by pressing and filtering, has a deep 
reddish-brown color by transmitted light; a somewhat nauseous odor: a slightly 
astringent, tea-like taste; and an acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.— Convolvulin. This so-called resinoid, obtained 
from the roots of this species, is as yet of doubtful chemical nature. It remains 
to be determined whether it contains the principles found in Jalap, Scammony, etc. 
: PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—The few symptoms so far determined in this 
_ drug, point to it as an irritant to the mucous membranes of the alimentary tract, 
and a stimulant to the neighboring secretory glands. Convolvulus causes eruc- 
Se tations, flatulent colic, and liquid stools very similar to those following Jalap. 
DescripTION OF PLATE 123. 
1. End of flowering plant, Salem, Mass., July 20th, 1885. 
: aS 2. Anther. . 
3. Pistil. | 
4. Section of ovary. 
(2-4 efilarged,) ©. <6" : 
