38 ARUM, 



and gives rise to the most alarming diseases, defying the 

 power of emetics or cathartics to dislodge it. The Arum, by 

 means of its penetrating and volatile properties, acts quickly 

 on this glairy substance, and alters its nature so as to fit it for 

 easy expulsion. 



It has been found successful in removing the most inveterate 

 cutaneous diseases, when accompanied by occasional purging. 

 Sydenham employed it successfully in severe chronic rheuma- 

 tism, particularly of the scorbutic kind, in which disease he 

 esteemed it an invaluable specific ; he prescribed it also in 

 dropsies, and in the advanced state of the gout. A severe 

 general dropsy has been known to yield to a prescription of 

 that renowned physician, in which Arum and Angelica were 

 the most prominent articles. Etmuller extols the fresh-pre- 

 pared root as a most excellent stomachic in cases of extreme 

 prostration of appetite. He recommends the root to be cut 

 into very small pieces and taken in brandy. GeofFroy recom- 

 mends the powder in obstinate intermittent fevers, in the dose 

 of a scruple to half a drachm. Bergius and Gilibert speak of its 

 efficacy in the same diseases, and in certain kinds of head-ache. 

 The time for digging up the roots is in autumn, and they 

 may be preserved fresh for nearly a year if kept buried in 

 sand in a cool cellar. Vvhen intended for immediate use, 

 they should be dried slowly, with very little heat, and sliced ; 

 when perfectly dry, they should be powdered, and kept in small 

 well-stopped bottles, in a cool place. The dose, in substance, 

 should be from ten grains to a scruple or half a drachm, 

 taken in honey, or some thick mucilaginous drink, to guard 

 against its acrimony in the mouth .Lewis recommends the 

 fresh root to be beat up with some of the gum-resins, such 

 as galbanum, (or the compound called the gum-pill,) until th.ey 

 form a mass that will allow of being made into pills. In this 

 manner, their virtue will be preserved, and the form is very 

 advantageous for taking the medicine. Its properties are also 

 well preserved in a conserve, as they cannot be extracted by 

 any menstruum. The following is the method of preparing it : 



Take of fresh Root of Arum, bruised, half a pound ; 

 Double-refined Sugar, a pound and a half. 

 Beat them together in a mortar, till they are well mixed, in the form of a 

 conserve. This mav be taken in the dose of a drachm to two drachms. 



