BERBERIDACEiE. 



113 



Fig. 64. 



vulgaris under Pursh's name. Rafinesque, in his Medical Flora, has fallen 

 into this error, and has 

 described and figured 

 the foreign species as 

 the true Canadensis. 

 The distinctions be- 

 tween the two are ably 

 pointed out by. Torrey 

 and Gray, founded on 

 original specimens col- 

 lected by Pursh. 



The stamina are ex- 

 ceedingly irritable, and 

 like those of the Kal- 

 mia suddenly spring 

 towards the pistil on 

 being touched. The 

 smell of the flowers is 

 unpleasant and nause- 

 ous, and it is a com- 

 mon belief that the dust 

 or pollen from them 

 is injurious to wheat, 

 causing rust; this opi- 

 nion has been de- 

 fended in an able me- 

 moir by Mr. Yvart, 

 but notwithstanding 

 the ingenuity of his 

 arguments, nothing 

 can be more unfound- 

 ed, as the most ample 

 and well-conducted 

 experiments have shown. 



Medical uses, fyc. — The berries are used in Europe in the preparation of 

 acidulated drinks in febrile affections, as a substitute for Tamarinds and other 

 acid fruits. The bark, especially of the root, is bitter and astringent, and has 

 been used with some success in the treatment of aphthous sore mouth, and at 

 one time was much employed in the treatment of jaundice. It has also been 

 substituted for the bark of the Pomegranate, with which it has scarcely a 

 property in common. 



From an analysis by MM. Buchner and Herberger, it is shown that this 

 root contains a new principle, which they call Berberine, of a yellow or 

 brownish colour, and very bitter taste. This article acts like Rhubarb, and 

 with equal promptness and activity. 



Another species, B. lycium, a native of India, is stated by Royle (Illustr. 

 64), to be useful in ophthalmia. An extract is made from the root and 

 branches, and is called " rusot." It is most beneficial when the acute symp- 

 toms have been removed. 



Leontice. — Linn. 



Sepals 3-6. Petals 6, furnished with a small scale or nectary at the inner base. Carpel 

 membranaceous, caducous or inflated, 2-4 seeded. Seeds erect, globose. Albumen 

 horny. 



8 



B. Vulgaris. 

 2. Flower. 2. Calyx. 3. Petal and stamen. 4. A single stamen. 

 5. Section of ovary. 6. A ripe seed. 7. Section of do. 8. Em- 

 bryo. 



