PIPERACEiE. 569 



times have proved of service, but their principal employment is in gonorrhoea. 

 Some difference of opinion exists as to the stage of the complaint in which 

 they should be administered ; judging from their stimulating nature, their 

 administration should be withheld, until the active inflammatory symptoms 

 have subsided ; and this is the course advised by many eminent practitioners. 

 Others, again, state that they are of most service in the most inflammatory 

 forms of the disease. It has been said that they are apt to cause swelled 

 testicles, but this does not seem to be the casein a greater proportion of cases 

 than with any other remedy. It is generally admitted that if they do not mitigate 

 the discharge in a few days, any longer use of them is improper. To do good, 

 they must be given in as large doses as the stomach will bear with impunity. 

 They have also been employed in leucorrhcea, and in catarrhal affections of 

 the respiratory mucous membranes, especially when the secretion is copious, 

 and the system relaxed. 



The dose of the powder is from ten grains to three drachms, according to 

 the nature of the complaint. The oil is an excellent method of administra- 

 tion ; the dose of it is from ten to twelve drops, gradually increasing, as long 

 as the stomach will bear it. Combined with Copaiva, it is sometimes very 

 effectual. 



Besides these species, a variety of others of this order have attained much 

 reputation. 



Pothomorpha peltata, the Caapeba of Brazil, is considered as a most 

 effectual diuretic, and has been highly recommended in strangury. {Flor. 

 Med. Antill., iv. 14.) P. umbellata, which is also known in Brazil under 

 the name of Caapeba, is there much esteemed in obstructions of the abdominal 

 organs, and is thought to increase the action of the lymphatic system, and 

 to promote all the secretions. A decoction of the leaves is also used in 

 glandular swellings. (Martius, Travels, ii. 93.) 



The fruits- of Peltobryon longifolium, are substituted for Long Pepper, in 

 some parts of South America ; and the root of P. par thenium is administered 

 in Brazil as a remedy in mucous discharges of the genito-urinary organs and 

 in menorrhagia ; whilst those of Serroniajaborandi, Enckea unguiculata, and 

 E. glccucescens, are esteemed to be sialagogue and diuretic. Peperomia 

 incequifolium is used as a condiment in Peru, and the P. pellucida is so 

 little acrid that its leaves are eaten as a salad. 



Micropiper methysticum, the Ava root of the South Sea Islands, has nar- 

 cotic properties. When the fresh root is bruised and suffered to macerate 

 with water, it forms an intoxicating drink, which is in universal use among 

 the inhabitants of the Pacific Archipelago. The general mode of prepara- 

 tion is to chew the root, and when a sufficient quantity is collected, to pour 

 water upon it ; when it is properly macerated, it is strained off, with certain 

 ceremonies, and drank in large quantities. (See Narr. If. S. Explor. Expedit. 

 iii. 115, 157.) This beverage is considered by them as a cure for syphilis, for 

 which purpose they take sufficient to inebriate themselves ; this lasts for some 

 time, and is succeeded by a most profuse perspiration, which they maintain 

 as long as possible. The tincture of this root has been found beneficial in 

 gout and chronic rheumatism. M. Lesson remarks that it is curious that the 

 species of the Piperaceae should be employed as a remedy in venereal affec- 

 tions in so many countries, and among nations having no communication 

 with each other. Thus in India, the Cubeba, in Tahiti the Micropiper, in 

 Amboyna, the Chavica siriboa, in Mexicothe C. amalago, and in Brazil one 



