1^2 NAT. OUDER. PVROLACE^. 



adhesive, brownish, readily soluble in ether, or alkalies, L urning 

 with flame and a resinous odor, leaving a white cinder. 



Medical Froj^erties and Uses. The Pyrola umhellata is diuretic 

 and tonic ; externally stimulant. It has lately been introduced into 

 practice as an efficacious diuretic in dropsy, and from the favora- 

 ble testimony of physicians who rank high in the profession, we 

 are warranted in recommending it to general p'ractice, as a reme- 

 dial agent, possessing most valuable diuretic and tonic powers; the 

 proof of which seems to have been fully illustrated by Dr. W. Som- 

 erville, in a paper on this vegetable published in London. The 

 facts presented by this physician afford satisfactory evidence of the 

 powers of this medicine, to promote the urinal exertion, and to 

 afford relief to patients afflicted with dropsy in its various forms. 

 One of the most remarkable and distinguished cases presented by 

 him, is that of Sir James Craig, the British Governor of Canada, who 

 was labouring under general dropsy, which, in its progress, had 

 assumed the forms of hydrothorax, anasarca, and ascites, and which 

 was couibined with different organic diseases, especially of the liver. 

 After having tried \\ith little or temporary success, • almost every 

 variety of diuretic and cathartic medicines, and submitted twice to 

 the operation of tapping, the patient had recourse to a strong infu- 

 sion of Pyrola, in the quantity of a pint every twenty-four hours. 

 Although the case w'as altogether an unpromising one, yet the plant 

 gave relief, not only in the first, but also in the subsequent instances 

 of its use. It increased the urinal discharge, and, at the same time, 

 produced an augmentation of strength, and an invigorated appetite. 

 A great variety of cases of dropsy are detailed in Dr. Somerville's 

 paper, in which the Pyrola \vas administered by himself and by 

 other practitioners with decided advantage. Dr. Somerville found 

 his patients remark that an agreeable sensation was perceived in 

 the stomach soon after taking the Pyrola, and this was followed in 

 some instances by an extroi'dinary increase of appetite. He consid- 

 ers it as having in this respect, a great advantage over other diur- 



