On the Liriodendron Tulipifera. 83 



XXII. Hints relative to the External Employment of 

 the Leaves of the Liriodendron Tulipifera, or Tulip- 

 tree, in cases of Gout and Rheumatism. By the 

 Editor. 



THE Liriodendron Tulipifera, or Tulip-tree, 

 one of the most common trees in many parts of the 

 United- States, has been the subject of much atten- 

 tion among the physicians of Pennsylvania, Virginia, 

 Sec. But, it is probable, that all its medical proper- 

 ties are not yet known. 



In the course of a tour through Virginia, in the 

 year 1802, I was informed, that it was the practice 

 of some of the physicians, in that State, to apply the 

 green leaves of this tree to the local pains in cases of 

 rheumatism and gout, and that much advantage had 

 been derived from the practice. Several layers of 

 the leaves are directed to be laid upon the affected 

 parts, from which they excite a profuse perspiration, 

 which seldom fails to afford relief to the patient. 



Two very respectable physicians residing in Win- 

 chester (Virginia) assured me, that they had found 

 the Tulip-tree-leaves, thus employed, very useful. 

 One of these gentlemen informed me, that he had 

 heard of instances in which they have acted as vesi- 

 catories ; though this, he observed, is a rare occur- 

 rence. They sometimes excite a considerable degree 

 of pain in they part to which they are applied. 



