OF NEW-YORK. 35 



Hieracium* \ enosum, Linn., (Rattlesnake Weed). One of the 

 numerous plants said to be an antidote to the bite of the rattlesnake. 

 The scabnnn exudes a milky juice, and probably would be found a use- 

 ful medicine. 



Nabalus Albus, Tor. <$f Gr. (The Prenanthes of Linneus, Rat- 

 tlesnake's Root, White Lettuce, etc.) Another supposed specific for 

 the bite of venomous serpents. 



N. Fraseri, De. Can., (Gall of the Earth). Root intensely bitter ; 

 tonic and deobstruent ; diuretic ;? also recommended for the bite of the 

 rattlesnake. 



Taraxacum - ]" Dens-Leonis, (Common Dandelion). Diuretic, 

 tonic, aperient, and alterative ; useful in hepatic and other visceral en- 

 gorgements, and derangements of digestive organs ; it increases the 

 secretion of bile, in torpid conditions of the organ, but is contraindica- 

 ted in cases of irritation or inflammation of stomach and bowels. Given 

 inform of extract, or decoction. Soda increases its activity, and aroma- 

 tics correct its tendency to produce griping or flatulence. Off. U. S. P. 



LoBELIACE.E, JuSS. (THE LoBELIA TrIBE.) 



Lobelia Inflata, Linn., (Indian Tobacco). An acrid narcotic : 

 diaphoretic, expectorant, emetic, and cathartic ; an infusion causes 

 speedy and severe emesis, attended with long-continued and distress- 

 ing nausea, copious sweating, and great, general relaxation. In large 

 and repeated doses it causes inflammation of the mucous membrane ot 

 the stomach and bowels, and death, attended with the usual symptoms 

 of the acro-narcotic poisons. Too violent and distressing in its effects 

 for ordinary use. Tincture useful in asthma, and as an expectorant, 

 with laudanum or ipecac. Much abused by Thomsonians and other 

 quacks. Contains a peculiar principle, lobelina. Off. U. S. P. 



L. Cardinalis. Medicinal properties somewhat similar to those 

 of inflata, but less active ; supposed to be useful as a remedy fot 

 worms. 



L. Syphilitica. Emetic, cathartic, and diuretic. Same remarks 

 apply to this species. 



L. Slaytoxtaiva. Said to be a good diuretic. (See Williams, in 

 New-York Jour, of Med., vol. 7, p. 175). Seven species grow in the 

 State of New-York. 



* From the Greek, hierax, a hawk ; the ancients supposed the hawk, and other 

 birds of prey, used the juice of this plant to sharpen their sight, 

 t From the Greek tarasso, to disturb. 



