282 On the Eupatorium Huaco. 



Having as long, ago as the year of 1828, been authorized by Gen- 

 eral Pedraza, then minister of war, to make all the investigations and 

 experiments which 1 should deem expedient, in regard to this ques- 

 tion, and having received detailed communications on the Huaco, 

 from General Anaya on his return from Chiapas, where he had resi- 

 ded as chief commandant of that province, I determined to direct 

 my inquiries to the actual effects of this singular plant. 



A quantity of it had been ordered from Tabasco, by General Pe- 

 draza, but arrived so late, that the fever of that season had ceased 

 before it came to hand, and the year 1828, passed away without an 

 opportunity for experiment. 



Various circumstances conspired to prevent the desired trials, until 

 near the close of 1831. 



But, notwithstanding the recent political condition of the country, 

 the General Government, as well as General Santa Anna, and Colo- 

 nel Juille, have taken measures to furnish me with the necessary sup- 

 ply of the plant ; and in the months of April and May, of the pres- 

 ent year, (1832) I have been able to make the application. 



Four cases of yellow fever in the town, and seventeen in the mili- 

 tary hospital of Vera Cruz, came during that period, under my care. 

 In all four of the former, and in sixteen of the latter, the Huaco 

 was administered and all were cured. 



A single patient, whose symptoms were so uncertain, as to pre- 

 vent a seasonable treatment for yellow fever, had become incapable 

 of relief and fell a victim to the disease. During the present month 

 of August, five additional cases of the fever have occured in my 

 practice, in all of which, the Huaco was prescribed, and in every 

 case effected a cure. Though still not very numerous, the above 

 mentioned cases will doubtless be considered sufficient to strengthen 

 the opinion which I had conceived, that if not an absolute remedy, 

 this medicine may at least be found a valuable auxiliary in the treat- 

 ment of yellow fever. The effects of its application have been de- 

 cided and remarkable. The patients have in every case experienced 

 an immediate cessation of the anxiety and agitation previously exist- 

 ing, which indicates that the medicine acts an important part in modi- 

 fying the action of the nervous system. There has uniformly been a 

 sensible development of heat in the stomach, succeeded by a glow 

 over the whole surface of the body, and speedily followed by co- 

 pious perspiration." The mode of administering this medicine is 

 extremely simple. A drachm of the leaves and twigs, or two 



