NAT. ORDER. — LOCELIACE.E. 165 



Ilim, it may reasonably be suspected tliat a vague rumor only of its 

 medical properties had reached him. The next accounts we have 

 of it as a meilitinc, are by the Rev. D. Cutler, and Professor Barton. 

 The latter docs not speak from experience, but remarks that it has 

 been found useful in leucorrhcca ; and that it will probably be found 

 diuretic. He is altogether silent respecting its emetic power, though 

 he seems to have suspected that this was a near kin to the species 

 of Lobelia called in New England emetic weed. Since the accounts 

 of these gentlemen were published, the Lobelia has gained admit- 

 tance in the dispensatories ; and Dr. Thatcher has given a long and 

 satisfactory account of its virtues. 



Every portion of this species of plant is endued with the same 

 acrid, pungent, and finally nauseating taste. On chewing the root, 

 the leaves, the stem, or the capsules, the first impression on the pal- 

 ate is not very decided ; but on continuing the chewing, a sense of 

 heat or biting is perceived on the back part of the tongue and in the 

 fauces. At this time the taste of the plant is similar to that of to- 

 bacco, seneka or tartar-emetic ; but if the mastication be persevered 

 in, slight giddiness and increase of saliva come on, and if the quantity 

 of the article in the mouth be sufficient, and is swallowed, nausea 

 and excessive vomiting supervene, succeeded by great relaxation of 

 the muscles, perspiration, and prostration of strength. One or two 

 capsules, in the fresh state, will produce full vomiting in most per- 

 sons. From this account, which is faithfully given by those who 

 have taken it, as well as in part from my own feelings, it is evident 

 that it is very stimulating to the mouth and first passages. This, 

 together with its subsequent effects when taken extensively, would 

 indicate that it is considerably narcotic. It is manifest also from 

 these effects that the plant is sufficiently deleterious to create danger- 

 ous consequences to the system, if not administered with some cau- 

 tion." Strange and infatuated ideas have been advanced in regard 

 to the poisonous qualities of a few of the most valuable and desir- 

 able of this species of plants, especially the Lobelia injlata Prof 



