925 



to be cathartic and vermifuge. The ancients employed it in bilious 

 affections, in coughs and catarrhs, and in maniacal and melancholic 

 cases. 



317. Osmunda regalis. Royal osmund; buckthorn brake. Lind- 

 ley says the rhizoma is tonic and styptic, and said to be serviceable 

 in cases of rachitis. The centre bulb, or nucleus, just above the 

 roots, is highly mucilaginous and corroborant. Infused in spirit, 

 until it becomes ropy, it is much in vogue for the cure of rheumatism, 

 weakness of the back, swellings, and indolent tumours, by bathing 

 the parts affected with it. It is also much in use in female weak- 

 nesses, and in all cases of general debility. 



N. 0. MYBICACE.E. 



318. Myrica cerifera. Bayberry. Off. The wax made from the 

 berries of this plant has been successfully used by Fahnestock, 

 of Lancaster, Pa., in cases of dysentery. I have not been suc- 

 cessful in the use of it in this affection. The root is stimulant 

 and acrid, antispasmodic and astringent. Dr. Bigelow says the 

 bark of the root is acrid and astringent; in large doses, pro- 

 ducing vomiting accompanied by a burning sensation ; constipation 

 usually follows. The powder is very stimulating and acrid. The 

 fruit is enveloped with an aromatic waxy secretion, which may be 

 collected and purified, and used like beeswax and tallow. This is 

 called bay-wax, and bayberry tallow. It is used in pharmacy for 

 ointments for various purposes, and it is mild or stimulant as it is 

 more or less pure. Next to the divine lobelia, the steamers make 

 use of the bark of the root in cases of debility. 



319. JESTIS-WEED. I cannot close this notice of our medicinal 

 plants, without inviting the attention of my professional brethren 

 throughout the Union towards this plant, which is said to be so 

 sovereign in the cure of the bite of the deadly rattlesnake. I have 

 in vain endeavoured to ascertain the botanical name of the plant, by 

 inquiry of my classes, in the various medical colleges in which I 

 have lectured, who have resided in different sections of the United 

 States, and have instituted inquiries in our medical journals in rela- 

 tion to its scientific name and history; I have not succeeded in find- 

 ing it. This shows how arbitrary are our English or common names 

 for plants. I hope, through the medium of this communication, some 

 one of our brethren may be able to inform the public what it is. 



