173-2 
History and Habitat.—This beautiful flower abounds throughout the United 
States in wet places, blossoming from May to June. Iris was highly esteemed by 
the Aborigines of this country, as a remedy for gastric disturbances, and also by 
laymen as a domestic remedy, when ptyalism was considered necessary. : 
The fresh root pounded to a pulp is considered, and justly, one of the 
best poultices that can be applied to a felon, often quickly relieving the pain, even 
when suppuration is far advanced. It will generally too discuss the affection, if 
applied early in its development. 
Iris is officinal in the U.S. Ph.as Extractum Iridis and Extractum Irids 
Fluidum. In the Eclectic Materia Medica it is used as above, and as Zznctura 
Iridis. tis also a component of Syrupus Stillingie Compositus. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh root. The rhizome of Iris 
is so often confounded by laymen with that of calamus, that a comparison might 
be considered in place, 
Iris (Blue-flag). Calamus (Sweet-flag). 
Root horizontal, its sections flattened above. Annu- Root horizontal, nearly cylindrical. Leaf-sheath 
lar by the scars of leaf-sheaths. The scars of the root- scars obliquely transverse. The scars of the rootlets 
lets crowded mostly near the larger end, on the round- upon the under surface are quite regularly arranged 
ed side. When dry it is grayish-brown externally, and in single or double lines that branch alternately, first - 
grayish or brownish internally, having a nucleus sheath one side then to the other. Pinkish or pale-red_inter- 
enclosing a number of scattering bundles of woody nally, wood bundles scattered irregularly, Anagr =a 
fibres. No specific odor, acrid and nauseous to the taste. aroma and a pleasant taste characterize it. 
The fresh root, gathered late in autumn or early in spring, is chopped and 
pounded to a pulp and weighed. 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 it 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 has a light straw-color by transmitted light, at sie ¥ 
stinging, soon followed by a decided bitter taste, and a very slight acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—Several analyses of the root of Iris have 
been made, and all without success as regards the true and specific active princl: 
ple. D. W. Cressler (Jour. Phar, 1881, 601) arrives at the conclusion that very 
probably an alkaloid exists in the roots; he also succeeds in extracting @ volatile 
matter, starch, gum, tannin, and fixed oil. : 
Irisin or /ridin, an acrid resinoid body, results as a constant factor 1n all the 
analyses so far made. It occurs as a dark red-brown, viscid liquid, with an odor 
_and taste resembling that of the root. . 
ts 
_ PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—Iris acts powerfully upon the gastr > intone 
tract, the liver, and especially the pancreas ; causing burning sensations and a hig 
; . : a e 
_ State of congestion, as proven by post-mortem examinations of animals after the 
exhibition of the drug. | 
___ It is an excitant of the salivary and biliary secretions, being therefore an OF 
cellent remedy to be thought of in ptyalism and obstinate constipation. 
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