NAT. ORDER. — MULTlSlLKiU-E. 37 



if any smell, but its taste is extremely acrid, and when chewed cor- 

 rodes the tongue and fauces ; the dried plant likewise still retains a 

 considerable share of acrimony. It has also been found upon chemical 

 experiments to contain a camphoraceous matter, which was obtained 

 in the form of crystals, of an unctuous taste, and highly inflammable. 



Mrdkal Properties and Uses. This species of the Anemone, 

 like several others of great activity, has been received into the Ma- 

 teria Medica of the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia, upon the authority of 

 Baron Stoerck, who recommends it as an effectual remedy for most of 

 the chronic diseases affecting the eye, particularly amaurosis, cataract, 

 and opacity of the cornea, proceeding from various causes ; it was also 

 found highly useful in the treatment of nocturnal pains, ulcers, caries, 

 indurated glands, suppressed menses, serpiginous eruptions, melancholy, 

 and palsy. The baron himself, who had for two years suffered very 

 much from a violent contusion of his eye, took this remedy-, whicli he 

 soon found occasioned acute lancinating pain in the part affected ; this 

 he considered as a favorable omen of the specific action of the plant, 

 an opinion which was afterward confirmed in the treatment of a great 

 number of patients. Six cases of amaurosis, three of cataract, and 

 seven of affections of the cornea, we are assured from high authority, 

 were either entirely cured, or greatly benefited, by the exhibition of 

 this medicine. Several cases pronouncing its success in other disor- 

 ders, which were under my own immediate care, have fully convinced 

 me of its superior efficacy in cases of syphilis, scrofula, dropsies, dia- 

 betes, and all eruptive complaints. Every part of the plant, except 

 the root, is ordered for medicinal use, and is prepared for this purpose 

 into an extract, distilled water, syrup, or an infusion ; given in large 

 doses it frequently excites nausea and vomiting, and sometimes griping 

 pains in the bowels. It is proved to be emetic, cathartic, and diuretic. 



The fluid preparations of the plant are likewise recommended for 

 external use in ulcers and complaints of the skin. The manner of 

 preparing the extract is given in the Edinburgh Pharmacopoeia. 



