132 Botanic Drugs 



operates nicely with digitalis, much as small doses 

 of opium often do; but it does not take the place of 

 digitalis. There is no doubt at all in my mind that 

 the action of cimicifuga is upon muscular tissue pri- 

 marily the muscles in general, the uterus, and the 

 heart. 



So, then, it is very apparent why cimicifuga is 

 so valuable in amenorrhea, neuralgic and congestive 

 dysmenonhea, uterine reflexes, annoying after-pains, 

 and in a host of minor conditions affecting the 

 womb. 



Equally apparent is it that myalgic forms of so- 

 called "rheumatism" should yield or relax to cim- 

 icifuga; but don't neglect eliminative treatment as 

 well. 



Cimicifuga certainly does relax muscular tissues. 

 This is a clinical fact, whatever pharmacologic ex- 

 planation there may be for it. And it is also a fact 

 that the U. S. P. preparations of the drug are more 

 often nearly inert than even fairly active. No 

 wonder the remedy is not appreciated. 



CINCHONA 



PERUVIAN BARK. The U. S. P. recognizes several 

 species, inclusive of Cinchona calisaya, C, Ledgeri- 

 ana, C. qfficinalis, and RED CINCHONA, C. succirubra. 

 Few other national standards discriminate, simply 

 designating "Cinchona Species." Quinine is the 

 important constituent of cinchona, but in this 

 country the whole bark is much used as a tonic and 

 there has from time to time been much written 

 upon the different species of bark and the relative 

 content of tannin, etc., acting as disturbing agents 

 in the fluid preparations thereof. We have the 



