161-2 
(S. pentandria, Linn.) is sometimes preferred in decoction on account of its inherent 
aroma; while S. Cafvea, Linn., is officinal in the Dublin Pharmacopceia. The leaf- 
buds of the European Black Poplar (Populus nigra, Linn.) are frequently used in 
the form of Unguentum Populeum as a vulnerary ; the Lombardy Poplar (P. dila- 
fata) is sometimes used as a substitute; and the buds of the Tacmahac Poplar 
(P. balsamifera, Linn.) are considered diuretic and antiscorbutic. 
History and Habitat—The Purple Willow is adventive in this country from 
Europe. It has become scattered here in many places, on wet meadows, probably 
by basket-makers, and blossoms in April and May. If the amount of salicin in 
the willows depends upon the bitterness of the bark, this species should probably 
furnish more than any other; we will, therefore, give the general action and history 
of willow under this species, in default of specific literature. 
As a bitter tonic and astringent this genus has been used from the time of 
Dioscorides, but has attracted more attention among medical men since the year 
1763, when it was brought forward as a remedy for fevers of an intermittent char- 
acter. The bitterness of the bark makes it an excellent stomachic tonic, but its con- 
trol over fever was never very satisfactory. Its principal utility has been found to 
be as an astringent tonic in convalescence from protracted diseases, atony of the 
digestive tract, chlorosis, chronic diarrhcea, dysentery, leucorrhcea, and kindred 
affections. Salicin itself appears to have a more thorough and effective action 
than the bark, but still cannot cover the generality of cases like quinine; it is, 
however, very useful in such cases of hectic fever and of diarrhoea where irritation 
and inflammation precludes the use of quinine. 
The bark of Salix (various species) is officinal in the U. S. Ph., as is also 
Salicin. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh bark, gathered during the 
budding season, is chopped and pounded to a pulp and weighed. Then two parts 
by weight of alcohol are taken, the pulp thoroughly mixed with one-sixth part of 
it, and the rest of the alcohol added. The whole is then poured into a well-stop- 
pered bottle, and allowed to macerate for eight days in a dark, cool place. 
The tincture thus prepared is, after straining and filtering, opaque. In thin 
layers it has a deep crimson color; its odor is sweet and balsamic; its taste 
extremely astringent, snuff-like, and bitter; and its reaction acid. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—Sadicin, C,;H,,O,. This glucoside of the aro- 
matic group, is found in the young bark of all species of this order, as well as in 
Castoreum, the preputial follicles of the beaver (Castor Fiber, Linn.). It was dis- 
covered by M. Buchner in 1828,* and two years afterward detected by M. Leroux, 
though its first isolation from this species was by M. Becker.t Pure salicin crys- 
tallizes in colorless prisms melting at 198° (388.4° F.), and decomposes at higher 
temperatures, yielding a resin, water, and salicylous acid. It possesses a bitter 
taste, and is soluble in 28 parts of cold water and in 30 parts of alcohol. 
_—* Four. de Phar, xvi, aq2, + Ann. de Chim. et de Phys., xliii, 440. t Ann. der Phar. iv,33- 
