873 



16. Aetsea. Three species known ; 13, 1, L. These three are 

 found here, and are 



Actdea rubra ; 17. Acteea alba ; 18. A. racemosa. Cohosh ; 

 baneberry. They are all officinal. The roots are rather bitter, 

 and are sometimes used as a tonic. They are also nervine. The 

 whole plant and berries are said to be poisonous. They are used 

 in decoction in chronic rheumatism, in the declining stage of fevers, 

 in hysteria, &c. They frequently induce perspiration. The recent 

 plant appears to be stronger than the dry. It should be avoided in 

 active inflammations. The actaea racemosa has sometimes been con- 

 founded with the cimicifuga racemosa. 



19. Aquilegia. Six species known ; 13, 5, L. 



Aquilegia Canadensis. Columbine. This is sometimes culti- 

 vated in our gardens, though indigenous. It is similar in its pro- 

 perties to the A. vulgaris, which is said to be a gentle laxative, 

 diuretic, and emmenagogue. Most parts of the plant are in use in 

 Europe (Raf.). The seeds are acid, and somewhat oleaginous: and, 

 infused in wine, they have been used in jaundice. 



20. Clematis. Thirty species known ; 13, 13, L. 



Clematis Virginica. Virgin's bower. The fibrous part of this 

 plant may be converted into paper. It is very acrid, and is em- 

 ployed as a caustic for the purpose of cleansing ulcers. The ex- 

 tract is used for pains in the bones, in doses of from one to two 

 grains. Frictions of the oily liniment of it are said to cure the 

 itch. It is also used as a diuretic and sudorific in chronic rheuma- 

 tism, and in palsy. The bruised green leaves are employed by 

 quacks as cathartics in foul ulcers. On account of the irritating 

 properties of this plant, it was called by Stark and the older 

 writers Flammula jovis. As a diuretic, he gave four ounces three 

 times a-day, made by infusing two or three drachms of the leaves 

 in a pint of water. A strong infusion, frequently applied, is said to 

 cure the itch. 



21. Anemone. Thirty-three species known ; 13, 13, L. 

 Anemone nemorosa. "Wood anenione ; wind flower. Off. The 



whole plant, and, in fact, the whole of this genus, are very acrid and 

 irritating. It is used as a substitute for Spanish flies. Kalm says 

 the hairy leaves, infused in alcohol, are efficacious in toothache, when 

 applied to hollow teeth. 

 VOL. II. 56 



