182 JMiscellanies. 
15. Notice of the tropical plant Guaco. 
Guaco, Huaco,—Mikania Guaco, Humb. & Bonpl. 
The stem and all other characters of this plant correspond very 
much with the those of the whole genus Mikania; this species has a 
strong odor, and grows on the borders of rivers and streams in warm 
and humid places of the northern coast of Colombia, in Mexico, 
Yucatan, and also in some islands of the West Indies. 
This plant, from the great and unrivalled medicinal qualities which 
are attributed to it by the natives of those climates where it is found, 
being used by them as an infallible antidote for the bite of venomous 
reptiles, and as a remedy in many other diseases, and from the close 
affinity which it bears to our boneset, (Eupatorium perfoliatum,) one 
of our most valuable medicinal plants, assuredly merits a thorough 
examination; a knowledge of its properties might lead to important 
consequences, at least it would enable us to determine, how far it 
differs from boneset, and with what safety or advantage it met be 
employed as a substitute. 
The guaco is used as a medicine both internally and externally ; 
internally by taking a juice extracted from its leaves, externally by 
inserting the leaves themselves, in punctures made in the flesh of the 
patient ; itis not only valuable as a preservative against the bite of 
snakes, but is also found to be effectual in preventing all dangerous 
consequences in case a wound should be received, and the external 
- application or inoculation is therefore repeated semi-annually by the 
Indians and other inhabitants. 
I am of opinion, that this valuable plant might be introduced with 
advantage into this climate, where it would be as likely to flourish as 
many others which are common with us and appear to bear to ita 
close affinity. 
I have now in my possession a supply of a concentrated tincture 
of the Guaco and its seeds. 
Dr. Lewis FEucHTWANGER. 
New York, March 6, 1832. 
16. Magnetism.—The researches of Mr. Hansteen of Christian- 
na, on the northern magnetic poles, and the discovery of the great 
increase of power by the application of galvanism to the magnet, af- 
ford a hope, that ere long some further light will be thrown on this 
mysterious agent of nature. 
