OP NEW-YORK. 23 



Spiraea* Tomentosa, Linn., (Hard Hack, Steeple Bush). A well- 

 known plant ; all parts medicinal ; contains tannin, gallic acid, and hit- 

 ter extractive. Medical properties, tonic and astringent; hence used 

 in diarrhoea, cholera infantum, and general debility ; more agreeable 

 to the stomach than most other astringents. Given in decoction or ex- 

 tract — dose of former o i- § ij., of latter 5 to 15 grains. The S. Sali- 

 cifolia, (Queen of the Meadows,) has probably similar properties. 



Gillenia Trifoliata, Maenck., (Indian Physic). G. Stipulacea, 

 Nutt., (American Ipecacuanha). These two valuable plants grow in 

 the western and southwestern counties of this State. Stem, herbace- 

 ous ; root, perennial, and officinal. A very mild and efficient emetic 

 and cathartic. In small doses, tonic and deobstruent — resembles ipee- 

 ac. n its mode of operation, more than any other indigenous article- 

 Dose of powdered root, 20 to 30 grains. 



GeujtJ" Rivale, Linn., (Water Avens, Purple Avens). The root, 

 a good tonic and powerful astringent ; decoction, powder or extract ; in 

 passive hemorrhages, leucorrhcea, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, and the debility 

 of phthisis pulmonalis. The root is a popular medicine made into a 

 syrup, for "cleansing the blood." Also said to be used as a substitute 

 for chocolate. 



Sanguisorba^: Canadensis, (American Great Burnet). Tonic and 

 astringent. 



Agrimonia§ Eupatoria, Linn., (Common Agrimony). The herb 

 and root. The former has a weak, but agreeable aromatic odor, and a 

 rough, bitterish, aromatic taste ; root more bitter and astringent ; con- 

 tains a volatile oil. A mild tonic and astringent, also deobstruent. Has 

 been recommended in jaundice, uterine hemorrhage, visceral obstruc- 

 tions, and diseases of the skin ; also as a gargle in affections of the 

 throat. The Indians use it in fevers. Given in substance, infusion or 

 decoction. 



Potentilla|| Norvegica, Linn. Tridentata, Ait. Canaden- 

 sis, Linn. Argentea, Linn. Arguta, Pursh. Fruticosa, Linn. 

 Anserina, Linn. All these species of Cinquefoil are good mild astrin- 

 gents, and maybe used with advantage where such remedies are indi- 

 cated. 



Fragaria Virginiana, Ehrh., (Wild Strawberry). The Straw- 

 berry deserves a place among medicinal, as well as dietetical plants 



* The speireia of Theophrastus. 



+ From the Greek geuma, an agreeable flavor, the root being aromatic. 

 X From sanguis, blood, and sorbes, to absorb, because used to stop bleeding. 

 § From the Greek argeme, cataract, which this plant was supposed to cure. 

 From the Latin potens, in allusion to its supposed medicinal properties. 



