86 NAT. ORDER. AROIDE^. 



muscles in cases of parturition. Certain physicians have supposed 

 it a remeny for chronic and acute rheumatism ; but a due considera- 

 tion of its qualities renders this highly improbable. The seeds are 

 more actively pungent, and, consequently, in asthmatic cases, more 

 eflScacious than the root. The expressed juice may be applied ex- 

 ternally with good effect to ulcers, fresh vpounds, and all cutaneous 

 affections. When the leaves are used, as they frequently are, to 

 dress blasters, with the intention of promoting a discharge, they 

 should beforehand be so pressed as to present a smooth surface. 

 In scurvy, and other diseases in which the Arum maculatum has 

 proved useful, they may be beneficially employed. 



As a palliative in the attacks of spasmodic asthma, it is very 

 highly recommended by the Rev. Dr. Cutler and others. I have in 

 several instances of this disease derived great advantage from the 

 employment of this remedy. The powdered root, in the dose of 

 from thirty to fifty grains, is to be given during the paroxysms, and 

 repeated according to the urgency and obstinacy of the symptoms. 

 The medicine ought to be continued for some time after the parox- 

 ysm has entirely subsided. 



Dr. Thatcher, of Boston, states, that two tea-spoonsful of the 

 powdered root of this vegetable gave very prompt and effectual re- 

 lief in a case of hysteria, after the ordinary remedies for such dis- 

 eases had been used without benefit. Also in the case of an old 

 man, who had been for many years afflicted with a very troublesome 

 cough and difficulty of breathing, I found nothing to give so much 

 relief as this substance, administered in forty grain doses, once or 

 twice a day. The plant should be kept in close stopped vessels, as 

 its active properties seem to be of a very volatile nature. Decoction 

 greatly impairs its virtues. 



