LAURUS SASSAFRAS. ORD. XL. Oleracee. 677 
rant, diaphoretic, and sweetener in scorbutic, venereal, cachectic, 
and catarrhal disorders." Its medical character was formerly held 
in great estimation, and its sensible qualities, which are stronger 
than any of the other woods, may have probably contributed to 
establish the opinion so generally entertained of its utility in many 
inveterate diseases ; for soon after its introduction into Lurope, it 
was sold at a very high price,* and its virtues were extolled in 
publications professedly written on the subject." It is now, how- 
_ ever, thought to be of very little importance, and seldom employed 
but in conjunction with other medicines of a more powerful nature. 
Dr. Cullen “ found that a watery infusion of it taken warm, and 
pretty largely, was very effectual in promoting sweat; but (he 
adds) to what particular purpose this sweating was applicable, I 
have not been able to determine.”’' In some constitutions Sassafras, 
its-extreme fragrance, is Said to produce head-ach; to-deprive 
it of this effect the decoction ought to be employed. : 
Sassafras is an ingredient in the decoctum sarsaparilla composi- 
tum, or decoctum lignorum; but the only officinal preparation of 
it is the essential oil, which may be given in the dose of two drops 
to ten. Watery infusions made both from the cortical and woody 
part, rasped or shaved, are commonly drunk as tea; but the 
spirittious tincture, or extract, which contains both the volatile 
and fixed parts of this medicine, appears to be preferable. es 
7 * Lewis M. M. 
& Viz. 50 livres per pound, 
h See Sassafrasologia, &c. published by J. R. Bremane, 1627, 
i Cullen’s M. M. ii. 200. 
No. 51.—vot. 4. 81 
