PHARMACOPGIAL VEGETABLE DRUGS. 
used principally for cleansing purposes. Dr. Ruschenberger returned 
from Chili in 1829 with specimens of the bark, stating that as late 
as 1833 the extract had not been used in Valparaiso, although in 1835 
Dr. J. Stiles, of Valparaiso, is authority for the statement that at that 
(1835) date the extract had been made in that city, and was being 
used experimentally. The natives of South America employ an in- 
fusion of the drug as a wash, which led Dr. Ruschenberger to say, 
“From what I have seen of the effects of this cold infusion, I should 
be disposed to give it a fair trial as an injection in leucorrhea, with 
the expectation of very favorable results.” The nature of quillaia, so 
nearly. resembling the qualities of senega, led to the expectation that 
it would parallel that drug in its remedial qualities in the direction 
of coughs and pulmonary affections. It has not, however, become a 
favorite other than as a producer of suds and as a frother for syrups, 
in which direction the extract has been employed in the making of 
the popular American beverage, the so-called soda-water, which use 
the Government has now wisely prohibited. 
RESINA, See TEREBINTHINA 
RHAMNUS. (RHAMNUS PURSHIANA, U. S. P.) 
Rhamnus catharticus (Buckthorn) is of wide distribution, pre- 
vailing over Northern Africa, most of Europe, the Caucasus, and into 
Siberia. In some instances it becomes almost a small tree, Fluckiger 
having a specimen 8 inches in diameter. It was known as a laxative 
before the Norman Conquest, being called Waythorn or Hartshorn. 
The Welsh physicians of the 13th century ( 507) prescribed the berries, 
under the name Syrup of Buckthorn, a title which, recognized by all 
writers on domestic or official medicine, still prevails. In the London 
Pharmacopeia, 1650, this syrup, aromatized, became official. 
The official drug of the Pharmacopeia (Rhamnus purshiana) is 
not only related botanically to the above, but is therapeutically 
similar, being laxative in small doses and cathartic in large doses. 
The tree (Rhamnus purshiana) is distributed over the mountain ranges 
of the Western Pacific States, being most abundant in California and 
Oregon. Possibly collectors do not distinguish between this species 
and Rhamnus californica. To the settlers of that region it has long 
been known as Chittim wood, an infusion of the bark being used as a 
cathartic. 
Dr. J. H. Bundy, an Eclectic physician of Colusa, California, im- _ 
pressed with its value, brought the bark, under the name Cascara Sa- 
grada, to the attention of Parke, Davis & Co., of Detroit, Michigan. 
This energetic firm introduced it in 1877, through the columns of their 
publication, New Preparations, (1877 and 1878). 
The remedy became a great favorite, and within a reasonable 
period was in demand throughout the civilized world, becoming of- 
ficial in the Pharmacopeia of the United States, 1890. 
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