162-3 
Oil of Populus.—This body, obtained by aqueous distillation of the leaf buds, 
is colorless, lighter than water, and has a pleasant balsamic odor. The name 
Tacamahaca has been improperly applied to this product, to which, however, it 
bears no resemblance except, mayhap, in its odor.* The name was probably applied 
here on account of the oil having been extracted from the buds of the Balsam 
Poplar or Tacamahac (Populus balsamifera, Linn.). 
Salicin,; starch, resin, and gum have also been determined. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—Very few symptoms have as yet been credited 
to this drug, our experience with it being mostly clinical. Poplar bark, however, 
causes increased secretion of urine, nausea and vomiting, slight purging of bilious 
matters, and burning in the stomach. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 162. 
1. A branchlet with half-ripe fruits, from Binghamton, N. Y., May 5, 1885. 
2. A scale. 
1 Piet, 
. Fruit. 
. End of leafy branch. 
< plea. 
(2-4 enlarged.) 
Nw WwW 
* Tacamahaca is a solid resinous product of the South American Elaphrium tomentosum, Jacq. (Burceracez.) 
+ See preceding plant, 161. t Dr. Hale, MV. Am. Four. Hom., 1867, p. 391. 
—— oe 
