284 PHARMACOPEIAL DRUGS 



on himself and friends, while not in accord with modern 

 methods, are yet of great interest, especially as relating 

 to the action of the drug when applied externally. Let 

 us quote: 



"A portion of the powdered root was sprinkled over 

 the ulcers, and then covered with a little common cerate, 

 in which some of the powder was also incorporated. 

 The discharge, by this treatment, was much amended; 

 the callous edges were rendered much softer, and the 

 ulcers in general acquired a healthy appearance. It may 

 be proper to observe, that these changes were effected 

 by only a few applications of the powder." 



As an internal agent, Downey sums up the problem 

 as follows: 



"We have seen that it is a powerful stimulant, and 

 that when taken in certain doses, it excites vomiting. 

 And that in small doses it acts as a general stimulating 

 tonic, as is shown by its increasing the appetite, and its 

 action on the arterial system. 



"It has been placed in the class of emetics by Pro- 

 fessor Barton, (see his Collections for an Essay Towards 

 a Materia Medica of the United States), which is cer- 

 tainly its proper arrangement. Its most prominent 

 effect being to induce vomiting even in moderate doses." 



In connection with lard, arsenic and hydrated ferric 

 oxide, sanguinaria constituted a once-popular "cancer" 

 remedy. It was also a constituent of a very early Ec- 

 lectic remedy, yet popular, "Compound Tar Plaster" 

 (see Podophyllum). It is one. of the most prolific 

 bearers of alkaloidal content known to vegetation. 

 Its red juice owes its color to a peculiar alkaloidal 

 structure that, when pure, turns white by alkaline reac- 

 tion, though the alkaloid itself is practically colorless. 



