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to the taste, and flowing in great abundance from the bruised surface. It is used 
to some extent in this State (South Carolina) as an alterative in scrofula, in syphi- 
lis, in cutaneous diseases, in chronic hepatic affections, and in the composition of 
diet drinks. We are informed by a physician residing in this State that he has 
treated syphilis successfully with it. It is believed to be possessed of valuable 
properties, and greater attention should be paid to it by those living in the coun- 
try, where it is easily obtained. A tincture is made with the root two ounces, 
diluted alcohol a pint. Dose, a fluid drachm. A decoction is made of the bruised 
root one ounce, water one and one-quarter pints; boil to one pint. Dose, one or 
two fluid ounces several times a day.” The use of the drug in the North has 
not been as successful as it might have been, as the active properties of the plant 
deteriorate in aged roots or preparations. It is said that a drop of the oil of the 
plant placed upon the tongue, four times a day, has proved successful in severe 
croup. 
The officinal preparation in the U.S. Ph, is Extractum Stillingie Fluidum 
from the root; in the Eclectic Materia Medica the following preparations are 
recommended: Extractum Stillingie Alcoholicum, Extractum Stillingie Fluidum ; 
Linimentum Stillingie Compositum ;* Pilule Phytolacce Composite ;+ Syrupus 
Stilingie ; Tinctura Stillingie ; Syrupus Stillingie Compositus.t . 
PART USED AND PREPARATION. —The fresh root, gathered after the 
fruiting season, is treated as all Euphorbiaceous roots.§ The resulting tincture is 
nearly opaque; by transmitted light, in thin layers, it has a brilliant crimson color. 
It retains the odor and taste of the root; is quite astringent; and has an acid 
reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—Sé//ingine—Harmanson || (1882) procured 
the sulphate of an alkaloid, for which, after special isolation, Bichy (1885) proposed 
the above name; very little, however, is known of the body. Bichy describes it 
as follows: “An amorphous powder, entirely volatilizing by heat, whose sulphate 
_ exists as fine scale-like crystals.’ 
Oil of Stillingia—The only product that I have examined, claimed to be this 
body, was certainly not a pure oil, but appeared like a resinous oily mixture; it 
had a burning, acrid, slightly bitter, and astringent taste, and the odor of the root; 
it was of a deep brown color, and contained brownish particles insoluble in water 
and alcohol. On adding it to water a resin was precipitated. Alcohol dissolved all 
but the particles mentioned. The root, however, does contain both a fixed and a 
volatile oil, as shown by Harmanson and Bichy. eo 
The root also contains gum, starch, and coloring-matter. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—Stillingia, in generous doses, causes the follow- 
mg = urbances in the system: Depression of spirits ; vertigo; burning, smarting, 
_and stinging in the mouth, fauces, and stomach; nausea and vomiting ; diarrhoea 
Seem oe ; : + Page 139-2. 
a. eet Root, Corydalis Root, Iris Root, Roiehaees Flowers, Chimaphila Leaves, Coriander Seeds, ond Sar 
@ Page 147-2. _ || Am. Four. Phar., 1882, 386. . { Am. Your. Phar.,1885, 53°- 
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