On the Eupatorium Huaco. 283 



drachms of the woody part of the plant, are to be boiled in a quart 

 of pure water, until it is reduced to a pint and a half, or a pint and 

 three fourths. This decoction is to be sweetened with sugar and a 

 small tea-cup full administered, while warm, at every half hour until 

 the heat and moisture of the skin are restored, — which commonly 

 happens at the third dose. The repetition of the dose may then be 

 delayed for two or three hours." 



The paper from which the above extract is derived, promises in 

 the following number, a series of observations, made by a gentleman 

 of Oajaca in particular reference to the successful application of the 

 Huaco, to the cure of hydrophobia. 



Besides the remarks already cited, Dr. Chabert has expressed his 

 confident belief that the same remedy would be found beneficial in 

 the treatment of malignant cholera, but as that part of his paper is 

 founded only on analogical reasoning, I have not deemed it necessa- 

 ry to translate it. It is not improbable that he may ere long have an 

 opportunity of testing by observation and experiment, the justness 

 of his deductions. He pointedly disclaims all pretence of offering 

 this plant as a panacea, but earnestly invites the notice of the atten- 

 tive cultivators of medical science, to its known and acknowledged 

 properties, as likely in their hands, to become extremely beneficial 

 to the public. With a similar view is it now offered to the readers 

 of the American Journal. The friend* who has obligingly furnished 

 me with the specimens herewith forwarded, has the expectation of 

 receiving a quantity sufficient to supply those who may desire to pro- 

 cure it for trial or use, and has ordered some specimens in a green 

 state, for the purpose of ascertaining whether it may not be success- 

 fully cultivated in some parts of our extensive territory. 



The opinion said to be entertained respecting the Huaco, in New 

 Granada, is I find corroborated by information from other parts of 

 Colombia. It appears to be there employed for obtaining, not mere- 

 ly relief from the consequences of a single bite of a venomous reptile 

 when actually received, but also an immunity from all danger that 

 may at any time occur from the same source. This immunity, is, it 

 should seem, procured by a species of inoculation with the snake 

 venom, and the Huaco, is employed to counteract its immediate 

 effects. The information alluded to is contained in extracts from 



Stephen Sicard, Esq., merchant of Philadelphia, and late residept at Vera Cruz. 



