58 MEDICINAL PLANTS 



Melanthace^;, R. Brown. — (The Colchicum Tribe.) 



Veratrum* Viride, (White Hellebore, Indian Poke). The root — 

 this contains veratria, in the form of a super gallate ; fatty -matter, con- 

 taining a volatile acid ; extractive, and a principle called jervin, crys- 

 tallizable, (Griffith). An acid-irritant hydragogue cathartic and eme- 

 tic. In small doses alterative and deobstruent. Useful in gout, rheu- 

 matism ; and extract, as an ointment, in cutaneous diseases ; decoction 

 for destroying vermin, etc. 



Helonius Dioica, Pursh, (Unicorn Plant). The root, a popular 

 tonic and anthelmintic. The tincture is a good stomachic and altera- 

 tive. 



Filices, R. Brown. — (The Fern Tribe.) 



PoLYPODiuarf Vulgare, var. Americanum, Hook. (Common Po- 

 lypody). We have four species of Polypod. possessing slight medicinal 

 properties. The rhizome, diuretic and expectorant ; when dried, the 

 root is bitter ; formerly much used as a purgative in obstructions of the 

 liver. The P . Jilix-mas is not found in the State. 



Adiantum Pedatum, Linn., (Maidenhair). Demulcent and pec- 

 toral ; forms a mild expectorant syrup, (Capillaire,) and a vehicle for 

 administering other remedies. 



These two species are allied, but easily distinguished. There is no 

 doubt but that both possess the same medicinal properties. The Aspi- 

 dium Jilix-mas has been mistaken by several other American botanists 

 besides Pursh, but they have mistaken for it the A. goldianum, or A. di- 

 latatum. * 



Aspidium Goldianum, Hook, (Goldie's Shield Fern). This is the 

 A. Jilix-mas of Pursh, Polypodium JUix-mas of Linn. ; it is not found 

 in North America. We have several species of Lycopodium possess- 

 ing medicinal properties, which have not yet been investigated. 



Such are some of the articles composing the Materia Medica of the 

 State of New-York ; but they by no means embrace all. Under this 

 head might be ranked the various cultivated cereals, the invaluable Zea, 

 (Indian corn,) the Avena, (oat,) Triticum, (wheat,) Hordeum, (barley,) 

 Secale, (rye). The sugar of the maple has medicinal properties of no 

 little value. The Fuci, (sea- weeds,) furnish soda, as well as iodine, 



* From the Latin vere atrum, truly black, in allusion to the color of the root, 

 t From the Greek polys, many, and pous, foot, in allusion to the feet-like branches 

 of the root. 



