st. joitn's-wort. 319 



remedies of the same class. It has been not less extolled 

 for dissolving congested blood, cleansing and cicatrizing ul- 

 cers of the kidneys, bladder, and other viscera*. Bag- 

 livi if went so far as to imagine that it would cure chronic 

 pleuritis ; and if Ettmuller may be credited, it is a diuretic 

 without an equal, the decoction or extract sufficing to cure or 

 prevent ischuria, hoematuria, nephritis, and even the formation 

 of urinary calculi. Similar assertions have elsewhere been 

 made, most of which are equally visionary. Its real character 

 appears to be that of a mild stimulant, tonic, and corroborant. 

 From the tonic principle inherent in this herb, it may be ad- 

 ministered in amenorrhcea to restore the catamenia, particularly 

 in delicate females of a lymphatic temperament, and with whom 

 there is a deficiency of uterine action ; and from the analogy 

 existing between the properties of the oil of turpentine and the 

 oil of St. John's- Wort, we feel disposed to think the latter 

 might also be successfully used in worm cases. 



Externally it has also enjoyed no slight fame as a vulnerary, 

 and as an excitant to limbs afflicted with chronic rheumatism, 

 which, indeed, will often yield to topical stimulants. Its effects 

 in resolving tumours consequent on contusions, and dispersing 

 ecchymoses, cleansing ill-conditioned ulcers, and promoting the 

 union of indolent wounds, likewise depend on the same pro- 

 perty. The tops combined with chamomile, &c , enter into 

 most emollient and anodyne fomentations. 



St. John's-Wort may be given in powder from half a drachm 

 to a drachm ; in infusion, from two to three ounces ; in wine, 

 from two drachms to an ounce ; or the volatile oil, from two 

 to six drops. The strength of the infusion and of the wine 

 should be in the proportion of one ounce of the herb to one 

 pint of the vehicle. The oil of St. John's-Wort, obtained by 

 digesting the flowers in olive oil for several days, was once in 

 high repute as a vulnerary. 



* See Linnaeus, Diss, de Hyperico, resp. Hellenio, p. 9. — Fallopius, 

 Trad, de vuln. in gen. c. 15. — Forestus, Obs. Med. lib. ix, Obs. 8, 32, 

 &c— Scopoli, Fl. Cam. p. 311.— Camerarius, Hort. Med. p. 77.— S. Paulli, 

 Quadripart. Bot. p. 389.— Murray, App. Med. torn. iii. p. 520. 



+ Oper. omn. p. 39. 



