BIOLOGICAL PAPERS. 21S 



nacea would probably be classed as an antiseptic and alterative. 

 Strictly speaking, it is practically impossible to classify an agent like 

 echinacea by applying to it one or tv.o words to indicate its virtues. 

 If any single statement was to be made concerning the virtues of 

 echinacea, it would read something like this : 'A corrector of the de- 

 pravation of the body fluids,' and even this does not sufficiently cover 

 the ground. Its extraordinary powers — combining essentially what 

 was formerly included under the terms antiseptic, antifermentative, and 

 antizymotic — are well shown in its power over changes produced in 

 the fluids of the body, whether from internal causes or from external 

 introductions. The changes may be manifested in a disturbed bal- 

 ance of the fluids, resulting in such tissue alterations as are exhibited 

 in boils, carbuncles, abscesses, or cellular or glandular inflammations. 

 Such changes, whether they be septic or of divitalized, morbid ac- 

 cumulations, or alterations in the fluids themselves, appear to have 

 met their antagonist in echinacea." 



One authority, in speaking of the value of the drug in eczema, 

 states: "Many physicians have treated these conditions as a local 

 skin disease. This is a great mistake. Preparations of echinacea, 

 taken internally, have clearly demonstrated its value as an internal 

 remedy in all eczematous conditions." 



It is hoped that the experiments of the agricultural department 

 will result in a better knowledge of the habits of the plant and in 

 practical suggestions for its cultivation. 



