84 On the Liriodendron Tulipifera. 



I have myself tried the effect of the leaves in my 

 own person ; and, I think, with very decided advan- 

 tage. Applied to the feet, they seemed very soon to 

 induce a pleasurable glowing heat in the part, and a 

 considerable degree of perspiration. I can hardly 

 entertain a doubt, that these were the effects of the 

 application. I have also recommended the leaves to 

 some of my patients, by one of whom, in particular, 

 they were thought to be very useful. They were ap- 

 plied to the head, in a case of paralysis. 



The active property, whatever may be its nature, 

 that resides in the green leaves of the Liriodendron, 

 is not entirely lost in the dried leaves. Accordingly, 

 in Virginia, these last are directed to be employed, 

 when the former cannot be procured. It will not be 

 supposed, that they are as efficacious as the fresh 

 leaves. 



A lady, in Virginia, informed me, that she has 

 known the dried leaves, after having been soaked in 

 milk and water for some time, to afford much relief 

 when applied to recent burns. 



These things are recorded, " with hesitation, and 

 with doubts." An excess of incredulity is, perhaps, 

 not less injurious to the progress of useful truth than 

 the opposite state of the mind. Medicine is not 

 yet a science. In order to render it worthy of 

 this name, we must collect facts with labour, and 

 with patience. Nor must we entirely withhold from 

 public view, assertions, however improbable, n~o- 



