NAT. ORDER. RANUNCULACEJE. 175 



culiar principle, Hydrastin, of a yellow color. Howard, speaking of 

 the qualities of this root, says, " The Golden Seal is a powerful bitter 

 tonic, highly useful in all cases of debility and loss of appetite. It may 

 be used alone, or combined with other tonics. Very useful during the 

 recoveiy from fevers, in dyspepsia, or any other complaint, to remove 

 the heavy disagreeable sensation often produced by indigestible food, 

 by taking a teaspoonful of the powdered root in hot water sweetened. 

 A decoction of this root is also a very valuable remedy for sore eyes, 

 as well as all other local inflammations, externally applied." Rafines- 

 que says that the Indians use a decoction of this root for the cure of 

 cancers, the powder for blistering, and the infusion for dropsy. 



