4 A Medico- Botanical Catalogue of Plants, fyc. 



by inserting" numerous references to works which contain desi- 

 rable information, concerning those possessing medicinal or use- 

 ful qualities. The investigation necessary for ascertaining and 

 collecting these, has unfolded a vast fund of facts relative to the 

 virtues of a large proportion, as it will be observed, of the plants 

 both obscure and well known among us. It has also convinced 

 us of the truth of the assertion, that we have every means for 

 the preservation and restoration of health, in the indigenous va- 

 rieties so remarkably abundant in the lower portions of South- 

 Carolina. 



It will be seen that we have consulted both the older and more 

 recent works on the Materia Medica — from Cullen and Burguis, 

 down to Pereira and Bell. Matson's Vegetable Practice to us 

 was worthy of notice — containing a s it does exclusive reference 

 to the herbs upon which, the so-called, steam practitioners rely. 

 We must not omit calling attention to that very complete and 

 extensive work in 6 vols byMerat andde Lens, the Diet. Univ. 

 de Matiere Medicate. In it can be found much concerning our 

 Medical Flora — much that is not generally known or not alluded 

 to in the Dispensatories — and which might be of essential ser- 

 vice to those not merely desirous of ascertaining what has already 

 been discovered, but also more thoroughly of investigating the 

 hidden qualities of others. Frequent reference is made to Jour- 

 nals which contain monographs, inaugural theses, and special 

 dissertations on particular plants. Besides a notice of those 

 used in domestic practice on the plantations, we have introduced 

 in a condensed form the diseases to which they have been ap- 

 plied ; and that others not recognizing them under their botani- 

 cal significations alone, may add to this, we will also, where we 

 can obtain them, insert the common names to the medicinal spe- 

 cies ; these vary in different localities, and of course cannot be 

 relied on. By presenting at one view the immediate sources 

 from whence information is easily procured, each one. having 

 his attention attracted to them, may with greater facility proceed 

 directly to the task of application, examination, or experiment ; 

 and thus we endeavor to embrace the true principles of advance, 

 those, which enable every individual, to grasp at one glance 

 all that has already been iabored through and accomplished by 

 his predecessors, and assuming their limits as the starting point 

 for fresh exertions, make more rapid strides toward new acquisi- 

 tions. That the materials — the plants themselves, may be easily- 

 recognized and obtained, we have been at the pains to mark over 

 against each, the month in which they were collected, and at any 

 time may be found blooming — for the practical botanist, special 

 reference is* made to the precise spot where the more rare and 

 remarkable can be seen — and at the instance of the State Geolo- 



