158 ‘ORD. VITI. Sarmentacee, ARISTOLOCHIA LONGA, <a 
that the first, which is the most rare and curious, will be found the 
most acceptable to. our’readers. 
All the Birthwort #g0ts have somewhat of an aromatic smell, and 
a warm bitterish.taste.. That of the long and round species, on first 
being chewed, scarcely discover any taste, but ina little time prove 
nauseously bitter, accompanied with a slight degree of pungency. 
“ They. give out their virtue, by infusion, both to spirituous and 
watery menstrua; to the first most perfectly. In distillation, pure 
spirit brings over little or nothing : with water there arises, ‘at least 
from the slender-rooted sort, a small portion of essential oil, pos- 
sessing the smell and flavour of the roots.” * - 
The virtues which the ancients ascribed to Aristolochia were very 
considerable, and it was consequently employed in various diseases, 
particularly those thought to proceed from obstructions,’ more 
especially of the uterine system :° hence the name Aristolochia is 
said to have arisen from its supposed emmenagogue powers! And 
as a warm stimulating medicine, Dr. Cullen tells us * he found it 
useful in some cases of retention and chlorosis, but never in cases 
of suppression, Aristolochia has also been long very generally 
commended as a remedy for the gout, and itis the first ingredient 
in the Portland powder,’ which has been much celebrated for the 
cure of this disease. It appears however that the long continued 
use of this powder, which is necessary for preventing the return 
of arthritic paroxysms, seldom fails to superinduce a premature 
* Lewis, M. M. p» 112. 
< Fernelins Method. Med. Lib. 6. cap. 12. p. 163. 
* Hippocr.De nat. muliebri. p. 572. Oper. Foesii. . 
PAD dporos & aoyziz. It has also been derived from Aristolochius, who is said to 
_ have first discovered its virtues. © See Mat. Med. vol. ti. p. 8 
* The powder i is thus prepared : — k Aristol. rotund. gentian. summit. et fol, 
_ chamedr. chamepit. centaur. min - aap. &.f. pulvis. A dram of this powder is 
directed to be taken every morning (jejuno veniriculo) for the space of three 
mouths, when the dose is to be diminished to three quarters of a dram for the next 
three months, and afterwards continued for six months in doses of half a dram, 
which, during the second year is to be taken every other morning. 
