312 BOTANICAL AND MEDICAL ACCOUNT 



natural colour and consistence. In a moderate dose, it oc- 

 casions no disturbance or uneasiness ; but in large doses it 

 produces sickness at stomach and vomiting. Negroes are less 

 affected by it than white people. 



Preparation of Simaruba Bark. 



The simaruba bark yields its qualities to water, either in 

 cold infusion or in decoction. I prefer the latter. Physi- 

 cians have prescribed the bark in different quantities ; but it 

 seems now agreed that the following proportion is the best: 

 Two drachms simaruba bark, boiled from twenty-four 

 ounces of water to twelve ounces, then strained. 



This is divided into three equal parts, and the whole ta- 

 ken in twenty-four hours. 



When the stomach is reconciled to it, three drachms may be 

 boiled in the same quantity of water, and taken as above 

 mentioned. Some join aromatics to the decoction of this bark, 

 others give a few drops of laudanum with each dose. The 

 decoction is to be drank daily till the disorder is cured, which 

 sometimes happens in a few days, and at other times it may 

 require weeks to perfect a cure. 



Of the eff'eets^qf Simaruba in particular Diseases. 



Having thus'treated of the simaruba in general, I am now 

 to mention its use and effects more particularly in different 

 diseases, and first in the dysentery. In the years 1718 and 

 1 723, an epidemic flux prevailed in France, and swept off a 

 great number of people of all ages and of both sexes. This 

 disorder not only resisted all the medicines given, but was 

 aggravated by small doses of ipecacuanha, the mildest pur- 

 gatives, and all astringents. The disorder was happily cured 

 by the simaruba. 3 



