WHITE WILLOW, SiC. ,^'^ 



advantage from the two substances which are the objects of 

 this note. I know that a slight success is not sufficient to fix 

 the opinions of physicians ; that it is useful to multiply facts, 

 and that it remains for practitioners to decide upon so impor- 

 tant an object. These considerations have determined me to 

 present my labours to the society of medicine, in the persua- 

 sion that I should no where find men more enlightened, or 

 more impartial, than are those who compose it. 



Though the chemical analysis may not lead us to sure results Chemical ex- 

 as tu the application to be made of any medicine, yet it ought only affor"d pn>" 

 at least to enlighten the physician, and give him a kind of se- lability, 

 curity. 



Such is the object I have in view ; and should my conjec- 

 tures, founded on chemical principles, prove successful; me- 

 dicine will not only have the advantage of rendermg indige- 

 Jious vegetables useful, but it will be no longer tributary to 

 turcigniTs, who frequently send us the mere refuse, or arti- 

 cles which they would not themselves make use of. 



Tliey who devote themselves to the art of medicine heal- Mention of 

 iiig have already some knowledge of the medicinal properties of bles,^ S^ ^ 

 the barks of the willow and chesnut trees, and of the root ofthe 

 herb bennet. It is known that these substances are employed in 

 some parts of Germany ; and many members of this society 

 have used them beni.-ficially, particularly our colleagues De- 

 sessart, Coste, Willemet, &c. We want, therefore, only re- 

 peated and well attested facts. Far be from me any idea of 

 empiricism ; no one can hold it in greater detestation, or wish 

 more strongly for its extirpation ; but I believe if the society 

 were to direct its attention towards a great number -of Indige- 

 nous vegetables, it would discover in some properties no less 

 certain than thoseof exotics; and the fociiiiy of obtaining thern 

 would generally cause them to be preferred. Tiie means of 

 acquiring this knowledge are simple : k-t comparative essays be. 

 made; abandoning all idea of routine, which commonly'con- 

 fines the art to its state of infixncy. It must be confessed that 

 we are almost always deceived in the effect, expected from a 

 medicine. The cause is sought in remote discussions ; but it 

 is near us: who does not know that for several years there has 

 existed in commerce a great number of barks-all sold undcr 

 the appellation of quinquina. 



Vol. XlV.—M^^v 1806\ I Let 



