162 NAT. ORDER. LOBBLIACE^. 



Medica, and was first described and introduced by Mr. Drummond, 

 of Jacksonville, in Louisiana, of which place it is a native. The spe- 

 cies appears, indeed, to be but httle known, except to our American 

 botanists, and is probably confined to the southern states. Its nearest 

 affinity is with Lobelia siphilitica, but its spike is less dense and vastly 

 more elongated, its flowers smaller, of a brighter color, deeply barpi- 

 tite, the upper lip bifid, the segments much reflexed, not split down 

 so far that the stamens are excluded as in the last-named species. 



Medical Properties and Uses. This species of Lobelia possesses 

 properties very similar to the L. siphilitica, and may be used for the 

 same pui-poses. Its active principle is highly volatile, thence by de- 

 coction the medicinal qualities pass off. The best method for prepar- 

 ing it for use is by tincture, one ounce of the dried leaves and flower- 

 buds to one quart of diluted alcohol. This may be given in doses of 

 one to thi'ee drachms, three times a day. It is veiy diffusive, acting 

 upon the whole system at once, causing great perspiration, and lassi- 

 tude of feeling, with some very unpleasant feelings. It is but very 

 little used in practice, except by a few empirics, who fancy it a certain 

 remedy for cancerj for the cure of which it has become very celebra- 

 ted. For this purpose it is taken internally as directed above, and ap- 

 plied externally as; a wa^h, nepeated several times a day. 



