NAT. ORDER. ASCLEP1ADE.E. 95 



in A''irginia, as a remedy in certain forms of fever, in pleurisy, and 

 other atrections. The root is used botii in powder and in decoction. 

 Sometimes it is used in combination with antimonials."' He further 

 says that the decoction often induces perspiration wlien other medi- 

 cines liave failed to produce this effect; and, on the authority of a 

 correspondent, that in the low states of typhus fever, it induced 

 perspiration when other sudorifics failed. In a communication 

 which I received a short time since, it appears that the Asdcpias 

 tubcrosa is in frequent use by the regular physicians, as a gentle ca- 

 thartic in difficult dentition, and as a diaphoretic. 



It may be said with truth, that the Asckpias tuberosa is a cer- 

 tain, and of course a useful diaphoretic ; whether it acts in this 

 way, as it is said to do, without increasing the force of the circula- 

 tion, or augmenting the heat of the body, I am not prepared by any 

 extensive use of the plant to answer : at the same time it must be 

 confessed that many are the instances where this medicine has pro- 

 duced these effects, that the plant has supported its reputed charac- 

 ter in this respect. And the multitude, respectability and strength 

 of evidences in favor of this very desirable quality, leave no room to 

 suppose that the plant has received, so far, any undue encomiums. 

 Its expectorant effect in pneumonia and catarrha, is substantiated 

 by a nuiUiplicity of corroborative facts, the relation of which is de- 

 rived from physicians of undoubted respectability. The late Prof. 

 Barton esteemed the Asckpias tubcrosa as one of the most important 

 of our indigenous medicines ; and he says the powdered root is es- 

 carotic. When taken internally, the dose is from twenty to thirty 

 grains of the powder. This article may be concluded with the fol- 

 lowing quotation from Thatcher's Dispensatory. The extensive ex- 

 perience of the gentleman there alluded to, with the plant under 

 consideration, is entitled to great attention. 



"The powdered root frequently acts as a mild cathartic, but it 

 is particularly valuable for its virtues as an expectorant, diaphoretic 

 and febrifuge, and in this respect its efficacy is amply confirmed bv 



