881 



anodyne applications have failed. I now use it very extensively in 

 old wounds, bruises, and ulcers. I do not recollect that any writers 

 upon materia medica or medical botany, except Dr. Walmsley, have 

 ever recommended this valuable article. 



ORDER 36. HYPERICEANE^I. 



62. Hypericum. One hundred species ; 13, 5, L. 

 Hypericum perforatum. St. Johnswort. Sec. The leaves are 



astringent ; an infusion has been used in gargles and lotions (Lind- 

 ley). This plant is balsamic, somewhat styptic, pectoral, vulnerary, 

 and bitter. The flowers are the parts which are principally used. 

 Although they are of a yellow colour, they have the property of 

 dying oils red. Infused in bear's fat or olive oil, they make a beautiful, 

 red, balsamic ointment for sores, wounds, tumours, ulcers, and rough 

 skin. The infusion of the leaves is of service in affections of the 

 breast and lungs. It is also used in diarrhoea, hysteria, mania, and 

 low spirits. A syrup of it, with sage, is said to be efficacious in 

 croup. Formed into an ointment with bark of elder, stramonium, 

 and bittersweet, and used in scirrhosities in the breast, it is thought 

 to be very efficacious. Raf. According to B. S. Barton, this plant 

 infused in spirit is a valuable remedy in diarrhoea, and in obstructed 

 perspiration. The Germans in Pennsylvania consider it a specific 

 in cases of diarrhoea. The season in which the plant is to be 

 gathered and dried is from the end of June to the first of August. 

 It is called St. Johnswort on account of its being in blossom on 

 St. John's day. Dr. Muhlenberg first recommended this plant in 

 diarrhoeas and dysenteries. It is supposed that it is the balsam or 

 essential oil which is to be found in the perforations of the leaves 

 or petals, which impart a fine colour to the spirit in which they are 

 infused. "When it is given to children for what is called the 

 " summer disorder," or vomiting and purging, Dr. Withering 

 recommends this tincture, prepared with brandy, with the addition 

 of a small quantity of cinnamon, given in a little sweetened water. 

 It should not be given in dysentery till after purgation ; but in diar- 

 rhoea we need not wait for this. It is a plant which deserves further 

 investigation. See an interesting article on it in. Barton's Med. and 

 Phys. Journ. 



63. Hypericum Virginicum. Virginia St. Johnswort. This plant 

 possesses properties similar to the above. 



