OF NEW-YORK. 5 



Helleborus* viridis, Linn., (Green Hellebore). This is an ex- 

 otic, but naturalized on Long Island. Its medicinal properties, like 

 those of the other species of Hellebore, do not depend, like the Ranun- 

 culus, on an acrid volatile principle, but a permanent resinous sub- 

 stance, which is weakened but not destroyed by drying. Like the H. 

 niger, the viridis is a hydragogue purgative and emmenagogue, and 

 equally valuable ; if anything, more certain and energetic. The acrid 

 properties of the fresh root are owing to a volatile acid, similar to the 

 cevodic. Chiefly useful as an emmenagogue in cases of torpid func- 

 tion ; an alterative deobstruent in chronic rheumatism, in form of 

 tincture. 



DELriiiMTjji,j" Linn., (Larkspur). We have one species of this 

 exotic naturalized, the Consolida, Linn., (the common Larkspur 

 of our gardens,) which owes its active properties to a peculiar 

 alkali, dclphinia, which resides chiefly in the seeds, a tincture of which 

 has been recommended in asthma, calculus, and as an anthelmintic, in 

 doses of 20 to 30 drops. It is very active, in small doses, exciting 

 nausea, vomiting, and inflammation of the mucous membrane. A de- 

 coction of the flowers was formerly considered efficacious in diseases 

 of the eyes. The tincture will speedily destroy lice in the hair. Root 

 the only officinal part, although all parts are endowed with an acrid and 

 bitter principle, which is more abundant in the seeds, which also con- 

 tain much oil. The Larkspur is too harsh and violent in its operation 

 for internal use, and is now chiefly employed in veterinary practice, to 

 destroy vermin on horses and other animals. The name consolida was 

 given to the above species from its supposed efficacy in the healing of 

 wounds. 



Aconitum,J Linn., (Wolfsbane). We have one native species 

 of this plant, according to Major Leconte, growing in this state, (Che- 

 nango county), viz., the Uxcinatum, Linn., which has bright blue 

 flowers, and a tuberous root. Like all the other species, it contains a 

 peculiar alkaloid, of a very active nature, aconiiine. The Napellus, 

 Linn., the officinal species, is cultivated as an ornamental plant in our 

 gardens. Its active properties are considerably lessened by cultiva- 

 tion. Root most powerful, though all parts of the plant are active. 



Internally, aconite operates powerfully on the cerebro-spinal system, 

 diminishing its power, and thus producing to a greater or less extent, 

 paralysis of sensation and motion. Applied externally, it first produces 

 heat and tingling, then numbness, or loss of feeling ; hence useful in 



* From the Greek, Jielein, to cause death, and bora, food, the plant hcing poison- 

 ous. 



t From the Greek, delphin, a dolphin, from the shape of the upper sepal. 

 t From Acone, a town in Bithynia. 



