Observations on a new variety of Perunan Bark, &e. 55 
There has appeared (since my description of Peruvian bark in 
this Journal,) a species of Cinchona hitherto not observed in our 
market, and unnoticed by any of the writers on the subject. 
Having devoted considerable attention to this valuable article of the 
materia medica, it is my purpose to furnish, from time to time, as in 
the present communication, descriptions of any species of Peruvian 
bark which may be added to those already in commerce, and which 
has not previously been noticed or understood. This bark, which has 
been denominated Maracaibo, has been imported in large quantities 
and the importation is likely to be continued, so that we may calculate 
upon aregular supply of this bark. It comes from Maracaibo in bales 
containing generally from seventy to one hundred pounds; hence the 
name, above adopted, pursuing the arrangement of nomenclature from 
the locality, as observed in my former paper. This bark is much supe- 
rior to the Carthagena or common bark as it is generally met with. 
It produces more than double the amount of saline matter, composed 
of cinchonine and quinine, and also a larger quantity of extractive mat- 
ter than the latter; it is therefore, at least, of more than double the 
value. As this bark can be purchased at the same price, it will be- 
come an object in comnierce, and it will be advantageous for the prac- 
titioner to be acquainted with its distinguishing characters by which 
he could discriminate and recognize it among the different species 
and varieties of common bark. 
"Tt occurs in flat pieces which are short and broken, as if it were 
separated from the tree with difficulty, being mostly in pieces from 
one to three inches in length, and half to one inch broad,and rather 
thinner than Carthagena bark. ‘There are occasionally found small 
quills, the longitudinal edges folding together, forming tubes from 
one fourth to half an inch in diameter. It is of a deep yellow color; 
the epidermis which is extremely thin, smooth, and of a light grey 
color, is generally removed from the bark. It may be distinguished 
the Carthagena bark by being more compact, and breaking 
with a short and cleaner fracture, and more particularly by its taste, 
Which is much more bitter, it is quite as strong a bitter as the Loxa 
bark, but has not the astringency of the latter. The internal layer 
1s fibrous but in a less degree than the Carthagena. This bark has 
appeared in our market only within a year or two, and as it will sup- 
ply the place of a much inferior article, it is of high importance to 
the profession. 
