

x$d&* 



876 



BATATA DE rURGA. [APPEND. 



met with any other species. But they have the same 

 virtue as the true contra-herva of Mexico (dorstenia con- 

 tra-herva), and the physicians of Pernambuco do not use 

 any other. They are to be found in great quantities in 

 some parts. 



Angelim, Skolemora Pernambucensis: — Arrud. Cent. 

 Plant. Pern. 



The fruit of this tree possesses the strongest vegetable 

 anthelminthic properties with which I am acquainted. 

 It is necessary to be careful in the use of it, for if the 

 dose is too large, the medicine will attack the nervous 

 system, and produce convulsions. The common dose is 

 one-fourth part of a seed for an adult. I know of three 

 species of this plant. 



Batata de purga, Convolvulus mechoacan. 

 The root of this species of convolmdus is tuberose; and 

 a dose of two drachms of the fecula is sufficient as a pur- 

 gative. The root is cut into small slices that it may be 

 dried with more ease; a thread is then passed through 

 the middle of each slice, for the purpose of exposing 

 them for sale. It is a gentle purgative, and is now 

 much in use, therefore it is worthy of being cultivated. 

 It may be observed as being remarkable, that quantities 

 of the root are sometimes sold by the peasants which have 

 little effect. This ought to be attributed to its being 

 gathered out of season. AH plants should be gathered 

 after their maturation. Thus the batata de purga should 

 be gathered after the fruit and leaves have dried, but 

 before the rains come on, I have observed in Pernam>- 

 buco two species of convolvulus, of tuberose roots, both 

 of which are purgative, and the prepared root of both 

 is commonly known under the name of purga de batata; 

 one of these is the true convolvulus mechoacan, and is dit- 



