6 ALDER, BLACK, AMERICAN ALKANET. 



-f inch broad, greenish black externally with numerous 

 elongated transverse marked lenticels, and purplish red 

 when scraped. No stone cells visible in transverse 

 section. Taste, nauseous and bitter. 



ALDER, BLACK, AMERICAN. 



Prinos verticillatus, Linn. 

 N.O. Aquifoliacea. 

 Parts used Bark, berries. 



Action Cathartic. Used for constipation generally. 

 Very similar in action to Cascara, to which it is pre- 

 ferred by some practitioners. Dose, fluid extract of 

 bark, -1 drachm. 



Distinctive character Bark brownish grey, in 

 quilled thin pieces about -^ inch thick, with whitish 

 patches having black margins and dark circular spots, 

 or in older pieces short oblong transverse marks. The 

 outer layer easily separates. Inner surface, greenish 

 or yellowish white. Taste, bitter and astringent. 



The berries resemble those of the common Holly in 

 size, colour, and shape, and contain six cells and six 

 seeds. The taste is bitter and somewhat acid. 



ALKANET. Alkanna tlnctoria, Tausch. 



N.O. BoraginacecE. 



Syn. Dyers Bugloss, Spanish Bugloss, Anchusa, 

 Orchanet, Lithospcrmum tinctorium, Vahl. 



Action This drug is rarely employed for its medicinal 

 properties, which are stated to be emollient, but mostly 

 as a colouring agent for oily or greasy compounds, such 

 as pomades, hair oils, ointments, &c., &c. 



Distinctive character Root 2-4 inches long. Bark 

 dark purplish, easily separating from the hard, porous, 



