126 NAT. ORDER. PAPAVERACELE. 



have also heard of the application of the powdered root to a fun- 

 gous tumor within the nostril, with the effect of producing intumes- 

 cence, and bringing away frequently small pieces of the fungus, 

 which in the first instance impeded the progress of air through the 

 nostril, and was supposed to be a polypus. A decoction of Blood- 

 root has been employed with very good effect in that form of sore 

 throat called by Dr. Darwin peripneumonia trachealis. The medi- 

 cine proved emetic. From this case Dr. Barton believes that " it 

 promises to be a useful medicine, particularly on the foundation of 

 its emetic and expectorant effects, in cases of cynanche maligna, or 

 ulcerous sore throat, in cynanche trachealis, or hives, and other 

 similar affections. Its properties," continues the Doctor, "seem to 

 be considerably allied to those of Seneca, Snake-root, which has 

 been so beneficially employed in the same cases." Dr. Israel Allen, 

 of Sterling, and others, have had recourse to this medicine as a sub- 

 stitute for digitalis, in coughs and pneumonic complaints ; and on 

 some occasions it is said that it proved as eflScacious as Fox-glove, 

 when administered with the same care ; and it was found less debili- 

 tating than this medicine." 



The leaves and the seeds of Blood-root are, according to Dr. 

 Barton and Dr. Downey, evidently deleterious. The latter produce 

 effects similar to those brought on by the seeds of Stramonium, or 

 thorn-apple. The experiments of the last-named gentleman were 

 made with the unripe seeds ; and he says they exerted a very con- 

 siderable influence over the pulse, and had a stupifying narcotic 

 quality. The best time to collect this plant for medical purposes, 

 is when the seeds are ripe, which is about the beginning of May. 



Eccmomical Uses. The juice of the root of this plant makes 

 a hne dye of an orange color, and is used by the country people for 

 staining flannels and woollen goods. The Indians paint themselves 

 with it, and use it as a dye for their baskets and articles of orna- 

 ment ; hence one of its vulgar names, Indian jmint. From the ex- 

 periments made by Dr. Downey, with a view to find a suitable 



