NAT. ORDER. — GERANIACEiE. 81 



oak galls, in not reddening vegetable blues, and nttt passing over in 

 distillation. Its active principles are readily extracted, both by al- 

 cohol and proof spirits. Tiie tincture is strongly astringent. 



Prof. Bigelow, in speaking of the properties of this plant, says : 

 " The root is the most agreeable astringent we possess. Its astrin- 

 gency is not associated with bitterness, or any other unpleasant 

 taste. In the diseases of children, where astringents are indicated, 

 a decoction of it in milk is a very convenient and efficacious remedy. 

 In this form it has been extensively used in cholera infantum, and 1 

 have myself repeatedly prescribed it, in protracted cases, with great 

 benefit." In the advanced stages of diarrhoea and dysentery, after 

 proper evacuations have been made, it has proved very beneficial. 

 For this purpose it should be administered in powder, combined 

 with Bayberry bark, in proportion of five grains of the former to 

 two of the latter. This often effects a cure when all other remedies 

 fail. The watery infusion has often been recommended as an injec- 

 tion in gonorrhoea, but I have never learnt that its use was ever at- 

 tended with much benefit. In apthous affections of the mouth, this 

 remedy is frequently very useful. In chronic and very obstinate 

 cases of ulceration of the mouth, patients have been perfectly re- 

 lieved by the use of gargles made of this root, after a great variety 

 of other substances had been tried unsuccessfully by myself and 

 others. Dr. Mease recommends it as very efficacious in restraining 

 internal haemorrhages ; and Dr. Thatcher says that he has known 

 the infusion to restrain haemorrhage from the lungs in a very prompt 

 manner. It is currently reported that the western Indians consider 

 the Geranium as the most effectual remedy they have ever used for 

 dysentery. 



From considerable experience with this medicine, as well as 

 from the testimony of many other physicians^ I am entirely satisfied 

 that it is one of the most useful vegetable astringents we possess. 

 The saturated tincture may be given in doses of from one to two 

 drachms. 



