1G2 NAT. OUDEK. BICORNES. 



siluations of which it is a native, for the cure of rheumatism, and 

 (Ulier painful affections of the joints. Little attention however was 

 paid to this remedy until the year 1779, when it was strongly 

 recommended by Roelpin as an efficacious medicine not only in 

 rhcumati.sm and gout, but in all diseases that arise from impurities 

 of the blood. 



Medical Properties and Uses. This plant is now very gene- 

 rally employed, in some parts of Europe, in the cure of chronic 

 rheumatism; but has not been introduced into medical practice in 

 this country. I have, however, seen it administered in two cases, 

 both of which manifested alarming symptoms, the result of which 

 must have proved fatal, had the doses been repeated, The leaf, 

 which is the part directed for use, has a bitterish subastringent taste, 

 and, as well as the bark and young branches, manifest a degree of 

 aci-imony. Taken in large doses they prove a powerful narcotic 

 poison, producing those symptoms which we have described as 

 occasioned by the Atropa helladonna, or Deadly Night Shade. 



As a powerful and active medicine this shrub may probably bo 

 found an important addition to the Materia Medica. Dr. Home, 

 who tried it unsuccessfully in some cases of acute rheumatism, says, 

 "it appears to be one of the most powerful sedatives which we have, 

 as in most of the trials it made the pulse remarkably slow, and in 

 one patient reduced it to twenty-two beats; but in cases where it 

 was used, at Edinburgh, it was said to be productive of good effects, 

 and accordingly was introduced into the Edinburgh Pharmacopseia. 

 The manner of using thie plant by the Siberians, was by putting 

 two drachms of the dried leaves in an earthen pot, with about ten 

 ounces of boiling water, keeping it near a boiling heat for a night, 

 when it was ready for use. It is said to occasion heat, thirst, dele- 

 rium, and a peculiar sensation on the part effected. Ten leaves of 

 this plant have been given to a goat to eat, which was seized in a 

 few minutes with stupor, trembling, and convulsions, which lasted 

 for some hours ; but appeared well on the next day. 



