52, Medical Botany. 
Indeed, so certain is this article in its operation, that all or- 
dinary cathartics and emetics, in their customary doses, 
much more frequently prove inert. Its effect is generally 
speedy, sometimes taking place, in as short a time as ten 
minutes, and seldom later than thirty. The uterine con- 
tractions produced by it, are commonly powerful, and inces- 
sant, and almost convulsive, and by an experienced prac- 
titioner, may always be distinguished from such as are spon- 
taneous. In doses of two or three grains, combined with a 
little opium, it is said, that 1t may be so managed, as to pro- 
duce the interrupted pains of regular labour. If given after 
a full dose of opium, it is liable to fail of producing any ef- 
fect. 
As an Emmenagogue, the Clavus is not equally effica- 
cious, convenient, and unfailing. In reference to this ef- 
fect, the substance in powder, the infusion, decoction, and - 
tincture have all been recommended, but here likewise, in- 
fusion and decoction seem to claim the preference. The 
quantity of the Clavus necessary to be taken daily, in Ame- 
norrhea, varies from two drachms, to an ounce; and this 
often requires to be continued for some weeks. In these 
cases, it commonly produces some unpleasant effects upon 
the stomach, and occasionally head-ache, increased heat of 
the body, and pain in the hypogastric region. 
On the whole, I am inclined to think, it will not be likely 
to come imto repute, for this purpose. 
We are informed, that some instances of hysterra have 
very suddenly yielded to this article, but are ignorant of the 
circumstances of the cases, without a knowledge of which, 
no precept can be laid down. 
As relates to the medical history of this article, it appears, 
both from printed authority and traditional information, that 
some general and indefinite knowledge of the medicinal pro- 
perties of the Clavus, has been, from time immemorial, in 
the possession of a few old women, and empyrical practi- 
tioners, in England, some other parts of Europe, and even 
in the United States. 
In France, as early as 1774, it seems to have been used 
with considerable judgment; by some female practitioners, 
and probably as early as. 1747, by a regular Dutch Accou- 
cheur. ‘lhe subject however, was in all probability, man- 
aged with the customary mystery of the times, and when 
