144-2 
than which, however, A. scwéaxs is much more delicate; both are unhealthy 
if used to excess. In France: R. patientia is considered tonic, stomachic, and 
depurant; while the Alpine Dock, or Monk’s Rhubarb (A. a/pinus) is the most 
active of all species, possessing qualities very like those of Rheum Rhapontcum, 
for a variety of which, indeed, Linnzeus mistook it, adding, however, to his obser- 
vations, “casdem esse species nullus quidem neget, gui structuram plante utriusque 
inspexerit.” 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh root, gathered and prepared 
as in the preceding species, yields a tincture having a dark, reddish-brown color 
by transmitted light; a sourish odor; a bitterish astringent taste, and an acid 
reaction, 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—Lafathin, a body identical with Chrysophanic 
Acid, as described under R. crispus; a resin; albumen; sugar; gum; starch; and 
sulphur, have been determined in the root of this species. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—The symptoms caused during the experiments 
of Dr. Widenhorn* are substantially as follows: Pressive headache; epistaxis ; 
distension and pressure in the stomach and abdomen, with flatulence; pain and 
pressure in the kidneys; weariness and bruised pains in the limbs; and excessive 
coldness of the feet. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 144. 
1. End of a flowering branch, Binghamton, N. Y., Aug. 20th, 1886. 
2. Outline of a lower leaf. 
3. Flower, showing calyx. 
4. Face of flower. 
5. Stamen. 
6. Pistil. 
7. Fruit: 
8. Grain-bearing valve. 
9. Seed. 
10. Horizontal section of seed. 
(3-10 enlarged.) 
* Archiv, de la Med. Hom., 1833, 305. 
