MAGNOLIACEiE. 



97 



inch in length, of a green co- 

 lour tinged with red. These Fig. 56. 

 cones are formed of numerous 

 cells, each containing a bright- 

 red seed, which on the opening 

 of the capsule at maturity, is for 

 some time suspended by a deli- 

 cate white thread, formed of 

 spiral vessels. 



This species is found in 

 most parts of the United 

 States, but is principally 

 confined to the maritime 

 districts, being seldom met 

 with at any great distance 

 from the sea -board. It is 

 most frequent in marshy 

 places, but will flourish on 

 dry soils. There are two 

 marked varieties, one with 

 broad, deciduous leaves, the 

 other with the foliage per- 

 sistent, narrow, and ellipti- 

 cal ; the former is found 

 principally to the North, as 

 far as Cape Anne, and is 

 very common in New Jersey 

 and Delaware, whilst the 

 latter is entirely confined to m. giauca. 



the South. The fragrance 



of the flowers is to most persons highly agreeable, but to others it is not only 

 unpleasant, but absolutely deleterious, causing much oppression in the breath- 

 ing, and faintness. 



Medical uses, fyc. — The magnolia is a tonic bitter of considerable power. 

 The part used is the bark of the root, though that of the trunk and branches 

 is fully as powerful. It was in use among the Indians as a remedy for au- 

 tumnal fever and rheumatism, to fulfil a variety of indications, as a warm de- 

 coction acts as a gentle laxative, and then a sudorific, whilst in cold decoc- 

 tion, powder or tincture, it is tonic, and capable of arresting the paroxysms 

 of intermittent fever. It is in great request for these purposes in many parts 

 of the country, and much reliance is placed upon it in domestic practice ; it 

 has also proved highly beneficial in the hands of regular practitioners, in the 

 treatment of remittents having a typhoid character. The cones and seeds 

 are likewise employed to make a tincture, which is a popular remedy in the 

 treatment of chronic rheumatism, and as a prophylactic against intermittent 

 fever. The dose of the powdered bark is from half a drachm to a drachm ; 

 the decoction or infusion may be taken to any extent the stomach will bear. 

 An extract has been made from it, but has not been sufficiently tested to 

 judge of its powers. No correct analysis has been made of it, but it is pro- 

 bable that its constituents will be found the same as those of the M. grandi- 

 flora, which has lately been examined by Dr. Procter (Amer. Journ. Pharm. 

 viii. 89) ; he found that the bark of this species afforded a green resin, a vo- 

 latile oil, and a peculiar crystallizable principle analogous to Liriodendrin. 



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