188 THALAMIFLOIUE. 



agreeable odour. It has a slight degree of bitterness, and pro- 

 duces a smarting or burning sensation in the fauces. It dissolves 

 entirely in alcohol ; and partially in water. Oxalic acid is pro- 

 duced by treating it with nitric acid.. It either flows spontane- 

 ously and concretes in tears, or is obtained by incisions. This latter 

 operation is performed in May, and the juice, as it flows out, is 

 concreted by the sun. It may also be procured by sawing the 

 wood into billets, and boring a hole longitudinally through 

 them, so that when one end of the billet is laid on the fire, the 

 gum flows readily from the other, and is collected in a calabash 

 or gourd. It may also be obtained by boiling the chips or 

 raspings in salt water, when the gum will separate from the 

 wood and rise to the surface. 



The Spaniards first imported the Guaiacum wood from Ameri- 

 ca into Europe in the year 1 508. It had the reputation of being 

 antisyphilitic, and the names holy wood, and icood of life were given 

 to it, and it was in such esteem as to be sold at the rate of 

 seven dollars the pound. It was in the height of its reputation 

 in 1519, in consequence of the celebrated warrior Van Hutten 

 having been cured by it, after eleven unsuccessful attempts to 

 remove the symptoms he laboured under by means of mercury. 

 This mineral was at that time not administered to the wealthy 

 or great, but the use of it was confined to cases occurring among 

 the commonalty. Gradually, however, in course of time, it 

 came to supersede the Guaiacum, so that the latter has, in a 

 great measure, fallen into disuse in the treatment of syphilis. 

 It is still, however, considered as a diaphoretic and alterative. 

 A decoction of the wood is prepared by boiling 8 ounces of the 

 chips in two pints of water, till reduced to one-third ; and to be 

 taken in the course of the day. It has been found useful in 

 rheumatism, diseases of the skin, leucorrhoea and scrofula. It 

 is also employed as an adjuvant to mercury, and is said to 

 moderate salivation produced by that medicine. An extract 

 and a syrup may also be made from the wood, and an essential 

 oil may be obtained by distillation. 



The gum is used in powder or dissolved in alcohol or wine. 

 When taken internally, it occasions a feeling of warmth in the 

 stomach, increases the heat of the body, and quickens the circu- 

 lation. Its action is stimulant and tonic, and, in large doses, 

 purgative. It has principally been employed in chronic dis- 

 eases, such as rheumatism and gout. Professor Dewees of 

 Philadelphia has recommended the following tincture in cases 

 of obstructed menstruation: Take, gum Guaiacum, viij: 

 carbonate of soda, siij ; pimento, ij ; rectified spirits, Ibij ; mix 

 and add to every 4 oz. of this tincture, volatile spirits, 3!. 

 Dose, a teaspoonful three times daily. The common tincture 

 of gum Guaiacum has been employed, diluted with water, as a 

 gargle to clean the mouth, strengthen the gums, relieve tooth- 

 ach, &c. 



