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GEOFFROYS 1xeRMIS, ORD. XXIV. Papilionacee. | 417 
This tree is a native of Jamaica, where it is distinguished by the 
name of Cabbage-bark tree, or Worm-bark tree: the bark, which 
has a mucilaginous and sweetish taste, and a disagreeable smell, 
was first noticed as a vermifuge by Mr. Peter Duguid.* Since that 
time several accounts of its anthelmintic virtues have been given 
in the Medical C taries by different authors: but Dr. Wright, 
who resided a long time at Jamaica, has communicated the fullest 
information concerning this tree, both in respect to its medical 
and botanical characters. Linnaeus enumerates only one species 
of this genus, which is called after Geoffroy, viz. G. spinosa; and, 
in contradistinction to this, Dr. Wright, on discovering that the 
plant here figured belonged to the same family, and was destitute 
of spines, very properly gave it the trivial name of inermis, and 
it has since been recognized and confirmed in this name upon the 
authorities of Swartz and Aiton, though, it is not yet admitted into 
any of the editions of the Systema Vegetabilium of Linnzus. 
This species was first introduced into this country by Messrs. 
Kennedy and Lee, who cultivated it at Hammersmith about the 
year 1778. According to Dr. Wright, the bark of this tree is 
powerfully medicinal, and its anthelmintic effects have been es- 
tablished at Jamaica by long experience. 
It may be given in different forms, as in decoction, syrup, 
powder, and.extract; and the manner of preparing and exhibiting 
these are thus stated by Dr. Wright: 
« The decoction. Take fresh-dried or well-preserved cabbage- 
bark, one ounce. Boil it in a quart of water, over a slow fire, 
till the water is of an amber colour, or rather of deep coloured 
@ This author thinks that the inhabitants of Jamaica are more subject to worms, 
on account of their sweet viscid bread-kind, to wit, plaintains, yams, bananos, 
sweetish potatoes, &c.” and considers it particularly fortunate, that the island sup. 
plies them with this bark, which ‘* appears to be the most powerful vermifuge yet 
known, for it frequently brings away as many worms by stool as would fill a large 
hat.” See Essays and Observations Physical and Literary, vol. ii. p. 264, 
No, 35.— vot. 3; 5 .N 
