169-3 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh root and rootlets gathered 
in the spring are chopped and pounded to a pulp and weighed. Then two parts 
by weight of alcohol are taken, and after thoroughly mixing the pulp with one- 
sixth part of it, the rest of the alcohol is added. After having stirred the whole, 
pour into a well-stoppered bottle and let it stand eight days in a dark, cool place. 
The tincture is then separated by decanting, straining, and filtering. Thus 
prepared it is of a light brown color by transmitted light, a slightly acrid taste, 
and neutral to litmus papers. 
. 
_ CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—The properties of this plant have not as yet 
been determined by analysis, but may doubtless be referred to a principle volatile 
in its nature, as drying for any length of time dissipates both the odor and 
acridity, and heat applied rapidly removes all its active properties, An analysis 
reported by Mr. J. M. Turner in “American Journal of Pharmacy,” vol. 2, p. 1, 
seems to prove the above to be the case. He, however, obtained from his assay 
a volatile fatty body, a small amount of volatile orl, resin, fixed oil, wax, siarch, 
sugar and gum, 
_ PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—The root when chewed produces irritation of 
the mouth and fauces, acting also as a stimulant to the secretory glands of the 
mucous membrane. Taken into the stomach it causes vertigo, nausea, sometimes 
vomiting and temporary blindness. _ Its volatile properties probably suggested to 
palliative practice its use in hysteria and spasmodic asthma, though the provings 
do not show it curative yet in those disorders. 
DeEscRIPTION OF PLATE 169. 
1. Whole plent four times reduced. 
2. Spathe ; Bergen, Jersey City, N. J., March 1st, 1880. 
3. Stamen (enlarged), inner view. z 
4. Ditto, outer view. 
5. Pistil (enlarged). 
6. Spadix. 
7. Seed. 
8. Section of Rootstock. 
g- Roots. 
10. Pollen grains x 380. 
