471-2 
Australian species have roots that, though acrid when in a recent state, form a 
nutritious food for the natives when roasted. 
History and Habitat.—Lachnanthes is indigenous to the United States, grow- 
ing in sandy swamps from Florida to New Jersey and Rhode Island along the 
coast, where it blossoms from June to September, according to locality. It was 
introduced into England as a green-house perennial in 1812, and then propa- 
gated from seed. 
The root was esteemed as an invigorating tonic by the Aborigines, especially 
the Seminoles, in whom it is said to cause brilliancy and fearless expression of the 
eye and countenance, a boldness and fluency of speech, and other symptoms of: 
heroic bearing, with, of course, the natural opposite after-effects. A tincture of the | 
root has been recommended in typhus and typhoid fevers, pneumonia, various 
severe forms of brain disease, rheumatic wry-neck, and laryngeal cough. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The whole fresh plant, while flowering, 
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 thorough stirring the whole is poured into a well-stoppered 
bottle, and allowed to macerate for eight days in a dark, cool place. : 
_ The tincture, separated from this mass by pressure and filtration, has a bril- 
liant carmine color by transmitted light; no distinguishing odor; a slightly bitter 
and ligneous taste; and an acid reaction. ee 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—The roots yield a fine red dye and a bitter — 
1, but no analysis has yet been made of the plant that determines the nature — 
pecific constituents. | ae 
LOGICAL ACTION.—Lachnanthes, in doses varying froma few drops 2 
n of the tincture, causes: Mental exhilaration followed by ill-humor ; 
che; brightness of the eye with dilation of the pupil followed 
pains, and impaired vision; tearing in the ears; hectic re 
ryness of the throat; rumbling of flatus in the abdomen ; 
e chest; increased heart’s action; pain and stiffness of th 
tlessness; sleeplessness; and coldness and fever followed : 
ion of this drug appears, as far as proven, to be quite. 
ESCRIPTION OF PLATE 171. : 
Landisville, N. J., July x8th, 1885. 
