143-2 
hepatic congestion, scrofula, syphilis, leprosy, elephantiasis, and various forms of 
scabby eruptions. An ointment of the powdered root with -lard, or a cataplasm 
with cream, has been considered a specific for the cure of itch, and a useful appli- 
cation to cancers, as well as a discutient for indolent glandular tumors. Whatever 
use the root may have in these latter troubles must reside in the peculiar acid 
contained in it. Rumex is also considered an excellent dentifrice, especially where 
the gums are spongy. Asa pot-herb the young root-leaves of the Narrow Dock 
are well known in all country localities. 
The officinal preparation in the U. S. Ph. is Extvactum Rumicis Fluidum ; in 
the Eclectic Dispensatory the following are recommended: Decoctum Rumicts ; 
Extractum Rumicis Alcoholicum ; Syrupus Rumicis Compositus ;* Tinctura Cory- 
dalis Composttus.+ 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh root, gathered after the fruit 
is ripe, but before frost has touched the plant, is treated as directed under the herb 
Polygonum.{ The resulting tincture has a clear madder color by transmitted 
light; a peculiar sour, mousy odor, that I have also noted in Oxalis; a sourish, 
astringent, and slightly bitter taste; and a strong acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.— Chrysophanic Acid, or Rumicin, C,,H,,O, 
This dioxyanthraquinone was discovered by Rochelder and Heldt (1843) in the 
yellow lichen (Parmelia parietina),§ and afterward recognized as such in rhubarb]| 
by Schlossberger and Dépping (1844). It has since been found also in Rumex,§ 
Cassia bijuga, and goa powder (Andira Araroba),** It crystalizes in tasteless, 
golden-yellow needles or tablets, fuses at 162° (323.6° F.), and sublimes with little 
change on careful heating. It is slightly soluble in hot water, also in alcohol, and 
dissolves quite readily in ether. This acid acts as a rubefacient and discutient, 
and is a valuable agent for destroying parasites of the skin. 
The plant also contains sugar, gum, albumen, and tannin. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—Rumex causes nausea; watery brown move- 
ments of the bowels, urging liquid passages; urging, copious urination; dry, 
spasmodic, irritating cough; sore, burning, aching, and sticking pains in the chest; 
increased heart’s action; restlessness; itching of the skin; sleeplessness; chills, 
fever, and perspiration. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 143. 
- End of a a fruiting branch, Binghamton, N. Y. , Aug. 2oth, 1886. 
_ 2. Outline of a lower feat 
3. Fruit. 
4. Valve. 
5. Achenium. 
(3-5 enlarged.) 
* Yellow Dock, Celastrus, Ampelopsis, and Scrophularia, 
a coc Podophyllum, Rumex, Scrophularia, and || Rhein, Rheic Acid, Rhabarbarin, Rhabarbaric Acid, 
Se ee oo _ [Alnus rubra. { Rumic Acid, Rumicin, Lapathin, 
ti MOA... Soy ae _ ** Chrysarobin, Chrysarobic Acid. 
[ Rhaponticin. 
