602 ORD: XXXVI. Dumose. __— xuvs contaRiA, 
The genus, to which this species belongs, comprehends several 
species which are known to be extremely poisonous, especially the 
Rhus Toxicodendron, radicans, and Vernix; but the Coriaria is 
perfectly innocent, and its berries are in some places used for 
culinary purposes. 
Its medicinal qualities are wbollh to be ascribed to its stypticity 
or astringency; a property which it possesses in a sufficient degree 
to render it useful in dyeing, and also in tanning of leather, for 
which it was used in the time of Dioscorides. 
Both the leaves and berries have been employed in medicine, but 
the former are more astringent and tonic, and have been long in 
common use in various complaints indicating this class of remedies. 
The berries, which are red and of a roundish compressed figure, 
contain a pulpy matter, in which is lodged a brown hard oval seed, 
manifesting a considerable degree of astringency. The pulp, even 
when dry, is gratefully acid, and has been discovered to contain 
an essential salt“ similar to that of wood-sorrel, or Perhaps more 
nearly allied to crystals of tartar. 
An infusion of the dry fruit is not rendered black by a solution 
of iron; hence it appears to be destitute of astringency: but its 
acidity is extremely grateful, which has caused the tree to be 
called by the French le Vinaigrier. Therefore, like many other 
acid summer fruits, these Herries” may be advantageously taken to 
allay febrile heat, and to correct bilious putrescency. 
Lately the Rhus Toxicodendron and radicans have been recom- 
‘mended in paralytic affections; the latter by Mons. Fresnoi, and 
the former by Dr. Alderson,* of Hull; but the cases in which 
these virulent plants were employed are but few and indecisive. 
* See Trommsdorff in Act, Mogunt,1778-9. Comment. Chem. p. 25, 
» In eastern countries they are commonly used as a pickle. 
© See an Essay on the Rhus Toxicodendron. 
