272 PHARMACOPEIAL DRUGS 



indigenous. It was extensively used by the Indians, 

 who used the powdered seeds to treat piles and as ap- 

 plication to wounds, and the juice of the fresh fruit for 

 warts, and in treatment of skin diseases Like tetter. 

 In domestic medicine the berries were also emploj r ed, in 

 a decoction, as a gargle in quinsy, ulceration of the 

 mouth and throat, and as a wash for ringworm, tetter 

 and offensive ulcers. These well-known uses of the 

 American plant, which is so ornamental after the frost 

 strikes its leaves in the fall, led to its introduction into 

 professional medicine. In Turkey, as this writer was 

 informed while in that country, the berries of sumach 

 are used in instituting the ferment of their popular 

 curd food. 



ROSA GALLICA (Red Rose) 



The rose is mentioned in all editions of the Pharmacopeia, 

 from 1820 to 1910, inclusive. In the early editions, 1820 and 

 1828, the variety Rosa centifolia, alone, is named. From 1830 

 to 1890, the red and the pale rose are given equal prominence. In 

 the editions of 1900 and 1910, Rosa gattica alone is named, the 

 variety centifolia being dropped. 



The rose, in some form of its many varieties, is in- 

 digenous to the warmer parts of Europe, Asia Minor, 

 the Caucasus, and other countries. Its use in medicine, 

 as well as in perfumes, dates from the earliest times. 

 The Rosa gallica is said to have been introduced into 

 France in 1241 by the Count of Champagne, on his 

 return from the Crusades. In the study of "attar of 

 roses," made by the present writer on the bottom lands 

 beneath Mt. Olympus, near Brussa, in Turkey, he 

 found the roses planted in rows, appearing much like 

 fields of raspberries. The flowers were of a rather in- 

 significant appearance,, but very fragrant. The process 

 employed in the distillation of the oil, as well as the 



