Botanic Remedies 173 



geranium is nearly as effective; but the fluid prepara- 

 tions tend to disintegrate on standing. 



GAULTHERIA 



WINTERGREEN, Gaultherid procumbens. The OIL 

 OF GAULTHERIA was official in the Eighth U. S. P. 

 Feebly antiseptic. Average dose 15 minims in 

 capsules. Used in the treatment of rheumatism; 

 but, more especially, as an external application. 



OLEUM BETULAE, SWEET BIRCH, Betula lenta, 

 is used similarly. 



METHYLIS SALICYLAS, METHYL SALICYLATE, 

 a synthetic ester, is chemically similar and is largely 

 used externally. It is much cheaper than the true 

 oils and serves well for external uses; but it is open 

 to question if it serves so well for internal adminis- 

 tration. I do not believe it does. 



But the internal use of none of these agents is 

 to be commended; they soon become insupportable 

 on account of their high flavor. The salicylates 

 are certainly to be preferred. For a discussion of 

 the therapeutics of these agents see "Salicylic Acid." 



GELSEMIUM 



YELLOW JASMINE, Gelsemium sempervirens. Offi- 

 cial in England, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland, and 

 the U. S. 



There are two alkaloids, gelseminine and gelsemine, 

 only the first-named being of importance. 



TOXICOLOGY. In toxic doses gelsemium produces 

 paralysis of both motion and sensation, in rare in- 

 stances affecting the mind. After motion is de- 

 stroyed, respiration becomes labored and finally 



