4170-8 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh root, gathered in early 
spring, or in autumn, is chopped and pounded to a fine 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 a thorough mixture is made, 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 filtration, should have a beautiful 
crimson color by transmitted light, a nauseous fecal odor, a taste somewhat simi- 
lar to that of the black walnut, and an acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—An analysis of the root by H. C. Blair® 
resulted in the separation of a volatile oil and acid, tannic and gallic acids, two 
resins, and the usual plant constituents. 
Cypripedin.+ The body sold under this name is simply a mixed mass of a. 
the constituents of the root not soluble in water. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—Cypripedium acts as a sedative to the nerves 
in general, causing a sense of mental quiet and lassitude, and subduing nervous 
and mental irritation. It seems also to quiet spasms of voluntary muscles, and 
hysterical attacks, especially in women. This is one of our drugs that has not 
been sufficiently thought of by provers. It merits a full proving, and would, with- 
out doubt, prove more useful if the preparation be made of the whole plant, thus 
bringing in its action upon the skin, which as yet seems to be little known.{ 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 170. 
1. Upper part of plant in flower, Binghamton, N. Y., June 2d, 1884. 
2. Lower portion and root. 
3. Bird’s-eye view of flower (somewhat reduced), showing the third or abortive stamen. 
4. Column (enlarged), inner view. 
5. Column, outer view, after removal of the abortive stamen. 
* Am. Four. Phar., 1866, p. 494. 
+ Oleoresina Cypripedit. 
t See Hale’s “ New Remedies,” art. Cypripedium, 
