Observations on a new variety of Peruvian BarJc, 8/'c. 53 



There has appeared (since my description of Peruvian bark in 

 this Journal,) a species of Cinchona hitherto not observed in our 

 market, and unnoticed by any of the writers on the subject. 



Having devoted considerable attention to this valuable article of the 

 materia medica, it is my purpose to furnish, from time to time, as in 

 the present communication, descriptions of any species of Peruvian 

 bark which may be added to those already in commerce, and which 

 has not previously been noticed or understood. This bark, which has 

 been denominated Maracaibo, has been imported in large quantities 

 and the importation is likely to be continued, so that we may calculate 

 upon a regular supply of this bark. It comes from Maracaibo in bales 

 containing generally from seventy to one hundred pounds ; hence the 

 name, above adopted, pursuing the arrangement of nomenclature from 

 the locality, as observed in my former paper. This bark is much supe- 

 rior to the Carthagena or common bark as it is generally met with. 

 It produces more than double the amount of saline matter, composed 

 of cinchonine and quinine, and also a larger quantity of extractive mat- 

 ter than the latter; it is therefore, at least, of more than double the 

 value. As this bark can be purchased at the same price, it will be- 

 come an object in commerce, and it will be advantageous for the prac- 

 titioner to be acquainted with its distinguishing characters by which 

 he could discriminate and recognize it among the different species 

 and varieties of common bark. 



It occurs in flat pieces which are short and broken, as if it were 

 separated from the tree with difficulty, being mostly in pieces from 

 one to three inches in length,' and half to one inch broad, and rather 

 thinner than Carthagena bark. There are occasionally found small 

 quills, the longitudinal edges folding together, forming tubes from 

 one fourth to half an inch in diameter. It is of a deep' yellow color j 

 the epidermis which is extremely thin, smooth, and of a light grey 

 color, is generally reilioved from the bark. It may be distinguished 

 from the Carthagena bark by being more compact, and breaking 

 with a short and cleaner fracture, and more particularly by its taste, 

 which is much more bitter, it is quite as strong a bitter as the Loxa 

 bark, but has not the astringency of the latter. The internal layer 

 is fibrous but in a less degree than the Carthagena. This bark has 

 appeared in our market only within a year or two, and as it will sup- 

 ply the place of a much inferior article, it is of high importance to 

 the profession. 



