182-3 
let it stand eight days in a dark, cool place. The tincture is then separated by 
decanting, straining and filtering. 
Thus prepared, it has a light reddish-brown color by transmitted light, a very 
bitter taste, and a slight acid reaction to litmus. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—Very little is known of the constitution of 
this plant, it not having been very thoroughly analyzed. According to Bigelow it 
contains : 
Red coloring matter, soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol. 
-A bitter principle, soluble in water and alcohol. 
Volatile oil, caoutchouc and fixed oil. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—Here also investigation has been neglected. 
Apocynum A, is an emetic without causing nausea, a cathartic, and quite a power- 
ful diuretic and sudorific; it is also expectorant and considered antisyphilitic. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 132. 
1. Part of plant, from McLean, N. Y., June 15th, 1880, showing the mode of branching. 
2. End of branch in flower. 
3. Follicles. 
4. Seed. 
5. Flower (enlarged). 
a 
