On the T'llla Americana. 35 



it, and have no hesitation in recommending it, as 

 superior to any thing I have seen used in these cases: 

 and as my confidence increases with every opportu- 

 nity I have of using it, I think it right to make you 

 this communication, not doubting but you will give 

 it a trial, as you have already done so much towards 

 ascertaining the properties of our indigenous vege- 

 tables. 



The part of the tree made use of is the liber, or 

 inner bark. I have genersHy used it fresh taken 

 from the tree ; but it answers very well when care- 

 fully dried. In either case, it is cut into small pieces, 

 and macerated in cold water, frequently stirring it 

 about. In a short time, the water becomes extremely 

 viscid, and with this the injured part is to be kept 

 constantly wetted. 



In what manner this application produces so won- 

 derful an effect, I do not pretend to know. Neither 

 can I say if it would be serviceable in erysipelatous 

 or other inflammations ; but as there is some analogy 

 between these and the inflammations from burns and 

 scakls, the experiment would be worth making. 



I do not wish you to " acquiesce without good 

 proofs" in the opinion I have formed of this arti- 

 cle ; and, as I have spoken so highly of it, a few 

 cases of its efficacy may not be amiss. I shall select 

 two cases, which appear to be more pointed than 

 many others, on account of the time at which the 

 application was made. 



