58 MEDICINAL PLANTS 



Melanthacka:. li. Br nt m * (Tm Cou an im.Tribe.) 



\ miatiu m* \ihidk, (White Hellebore, Indian Poke). The root — 

 thi> coataini nnitria. in the form of a super gallate ; fatty -matter, con- 

 taining a volatile acid : - . and a principle called . erys- 

 tallizable, (GrijfUh). An arid irritant hvdragogue cathartic and eme- 

 tic. In small dtei alterative and deob.-truent. I seful in gout, rheu- 

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

 for destroying vermin, etc. 



Hklomis Dioica, Pursh, (Uafoom Plant), The root, a popular 

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

 tive. 



Fii.ices, R. Brown. — (The Fern Tribe.) 



PoLYroDiuMT ViLi.AiiK. vur. Amkhkamm, Hook. (Common Po- 

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

 properties. The rhizome, diuretic and expectorant ; when dried, th« 

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

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



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

 toral; forms a mild expectorant syrup, (Cupillairr.) 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 I 

 dium Jili.i-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, (G oldie's Shield IV rn ). This is the 

 A.filix-mas of Pursh, Polypodium Jir.i-mas of Linn. ; it is not found 

 in North America. We have sever. J species of Ljycopodium po?- M< 

 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 . 

 (Indian corn,) the Avena. (oat.) Tri'icum. (wheat, // drum, (barley,) 

 Secalc, (rye). The sugar of the maple lias medicinal properties i 

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



• From the Latin rere atrum, truly black, in allusion to the color of the root. 

 t From the Greek polys, maDV. and pous, foot, iu allusion to the feet-like branches 

 of the root. 



