OF NEW-YORK. 27 



gravel, the patient should drink copiously of a strong infusion, warm. 

 A useful remedy. 



Conium* Macul.vtum, Linn., (Poison Hemlock). The leaves and 

 seed contain resin, extractive, gum, albumen, a green fecula, saline 

 matters, and two volatile substances ; one an oil, on which the odor of 

 the plant depends ; the other an alkaline principle, conia, roninc, coni- 

 cene, etc. This is the active principle of the plant, and is a colorless 

 oily liquid, lighter than water, and causing death almost as soon as hy- 

 drocyanic acid. (See Wood § Bache.) Narcotic, without being de- 

 cidedly stimulant or sedative to the circulation. Generally believed 

 to possess anodyne, antispasmodic, antiphrodisiac, deobstruent and diu- 

 retic properties. Has no curative virtues in scirrhus or cancer, though, 

 decidedly palliative. 



Panax Qxunquefolium, Linn., (Common Ginseng). A favorite 

 article among the Chinese, forming an ingredient in nearly all their 

 prescriptions ; formerly exported in large quantities to Canton, from 

 this country. The root, which is fleshy, and spindle-shaped, has a fee- 

 ble odor, and a sweet, slightly aromatic taste, like liquorice. Has no 

 other medicinal properties than those of a mild and pleasant demulcent 



CoRNUsf Florida. Linn., (Common Dogwood). A valuable tonic 

 and astringent ; its properties closely resemble those of the Peruvian 

 bark. Has been used with success in intermittent and typhoid fevers. 

 May be given in powder, decoction, or extract. Decoct., officinal. 



C. Alternifolia, Linn., (Alternate-leaved Dogwood). The bark 

 of this species forms one of the Shaker medicines; is diaphoretic, tonic 

 and astringent. 



C. Circinata, Linn., (Round-leaved Dogwood). Possesses similar 

 virtues to the Florida, used in same way; taste bitter, astringent and 

 aromatic. The late Dr. Ives used an infusion made by pouring O. j 

 boiling water on to S j. of the coarsely-powdered bark. Dose § j. to 

 3ij. 



C. Sericea, Linn., (Swamp Dogwood). Possesses similar virtues, 

 to the above species. The same remark will apply to the C. Paui- 

 culala. 



Pastinaca Sativa, Linn., (Common or Wild Parsnip). Esculent. 



Osmorhiza Longistylis, De Can., (Sweet Sicily). A very pleasant 

 carminative. Children often mistake the Cicuta for it. 



To these indigenous plants may be added various cultivated exotics. 

 as Carum, (Caraway). FtENicuLUM, (Fennel). Anethum, {Hill). 



* The koneion of Theophrastus, from konos, a cone or top, whose whirling motioa 

 resembles the giddiness produced by this plant. — Hooker. 



t From the Latin, cornus, horn, from the hardness of the wood. 



