460-4 
however, nearly all is deposited on cooling; at a moderate heat turpentine dis- 
solves about six per cent.* The wax saponifies readily with a solution of caustic 
potash, yielding a fragrant soap, fully soluble in water, and breaking down under 
the action of sulphuric acid into a mixture of fatty acids. Myrica wax, according 
to G. E, Moore,+ is composed of about one-fifth pa/mitinm, the remaining four-fifths 
being free palmitic and dauric (myristic ?) acids. 
Myrica has no place in the U.S. Ph.; in the Eclectic Materia Medica its prepara- 
tions are: Cataplasma Myrice, Decoctum Myrice, Extractum Myricea, Lotio Lobelia 
Composita, Pulvis Asclepie Compositus,§ and Pulvis Myrice Compositus.\| 
PART USED AND PREPARATION. —The fresh bark of the root is chopped 
and pounded toa pulp and weighed. Then two parts by weight of alcohol are 
taken, the pulp mixed with one-sixth part of it, and the rest of the alcohol added. 
After having stirred the whole well, pour it into a well-stoppered bottle, and let 
it stand eight days in a dark, cool place. 
The tincture separated from this mass by pressure and filtration should have 
a deep crimson color by transmitted light, a peculiar vinous odor, a very astrin- 
gent taste, and strong acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—Myricinic Acid. This body, of unknown 
composition (bearing, however, great resemblance to myristic acid, C,,H,,O,, from 
Myristica fragrans, Houtt.), may be obtained from the alcoholic extract of the root- 
bark by extracting with ether and washing in hot absolute alcohol. The acid then 
deposits as a granular, acrid mass, producing a dense froth on agitation with water. 
It fuses at 53.6° (128.4° F.), and is soluble in absolute alcohol.’ 
An acrid resin soluble in alcohol and ether;!?2 an astringent resin soluble in 
alcohol ;'* volatile oil ;'* tannic,'?* and gallic acids ;1?° starch;}? gum;?* anda 
red coloring-matter,’* have also been determined in the bark of the root. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—Myrica, in frequent doses of the extract, causes 
dizziness; headache; smarting, burning, and soreness of the eyes; burning 
catarrhal condition of the nostrils; yellowness of the countenance; heat and 
dryness of the throat; hunger; heat and nausea; distension of the stomach and 
abdomen, with griping and passage of very offensive flatus; diarrhoea, followed : 
by total absence of stool; incresed secretion of urine, followed by diminished 
_ secretion, and even to scantiness; increased heart’s action: general languor and 
depression ; sleepiness; chilliness and sensations as of fever. 
Lee ee i ate 7 DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 160. 
____ ¥. End of female branch, retaining one of the previous year’s leaves, Landisville, N. J., May 29th, 1885. 
Pe ee ee ee 2. Female flower. 
3. Male catkin. 
_ 4 Portion of a fruiting branch. 
Mil aes ae (2 and 3 enlarged.) 
__ * Bostock, Nicholson's Four. vol.iv,130. | > : ie 
4 Bayberry bark, Ag seit Bie ca Yellow-dock root, oe a A EOC 
Fisiriey Foot, Spearmint, Sumach berries, Bayberry bark, Skunk Cabbage root, and Ginger. _ ee 
OT ND 08 OR: 1 Gh, amen, dn Sour, De 
Med N.S.,vol.i,260. -———* Bigelow, Am. Med. Bot , vol. iti, 34- 
