65 RHAMNUS FRANGULA 



Binswanger is probably the same as the amorphous yellow resinous 

 substance of Casselmann, and the existence of this principle and 

 rhamnoxanthin in varying proportions in the bark of the older 

 and younger branches is probably the cause of the difference of 

 taste, &c., in these two barks as noticed above ; and moreover, 

 as the younger bark is generally regarded as the more active, 

 we have further evidence that the amorphous resinous yellow 

 substance or bitter matter ? is the purgative principle. 



Medical Properties and Uses. In Germany, Holland, and some 

 other parts of Europe, black alder bark has long been employed 

 as a purgative, and it has lately been highly recommended for the 

 same purpose in Great Britain. Its action is said to be as mild 

 as that of castor oil, and as certain as that of senna ; and from 

 its comparatively pleasant taste to that of senna and other 

 purgatives to be especially adapted for children. It is also 

 said to be extremely valuable in counteracting habitual constipa- 

 tion. The best forms of administration are stated to be the fluid 

 extract and decoction. 



Watts' Diet. Chem., vol. ii, p. 706, and vol. v, p. 100 ; Royle's 

 Mat. Med., by J. Harley, p. 670; Pharm. Journ., vol. ii, 1st 

 ser., p. 721, and vol. ix, p. 537 ; Buchner, Journ. de Pharm., 

 3rd ser., vol. xxiv, p. 293 ; Phipson, Compt. rendus, vol. xlvii, 

 p. 153 ; Casselmann, Ann. Ch. Pharm., vol. civ, p. 77 ; Buchner, 

 Jahresber., 1853, p. 536 ; Baildon, in Pharm. Journ., vol. ii, 

 3rd ser., p. 152, and vol. iv, p. 889; Ince, in Chemist and 

 Druggist, June, 1874; Baildon, in Tear Book of Pharmacy, 

 1874, p. 544; Umney, in Pharm. Journ., vol. v, 3rd ser., p. 21. 



DESCRIPTION OF PLATE. 



Drawn from specimens collected in the Isle of Wight by Mr. F. Stratton, 

 and near Sevenoaks, Kent. 1. A branch in flower. 2. A flower. 3. Vertical 

 section of the same. 4. A petal and stamen. 5. Side view of a stamen. 

 6. Pistil. 7. Section of ovary. 8. A branch 'with fruit. 9. Vertical, and 

 10. Transverse section of fruit. 11. Base of fruit. 12 and 13. Inside, and 

 14. Outside view of a pyrene. 15 and 16. Vertical, and 17. Transverse 

 section of the same. (2-7, 9-11, 13-17 enlarged.; 



