24 
ANNALS OF THE 
stances as are found in Cinchona, except that there is more gum, mucilage, gallic 
acid, and extractive matter, and less resin, quinine and tannin. The principle ob- 
tained from it is called Cornine, and has all the properties of the Sulphate of Qui- 
nine, though not so strongly marked. The principle is also difficult to obtain in any 
quantity. The extract of Dogwood, while inferior and less astringent than the best 
Cinchona, is yet superior to the inferior kinds. This extract contains all the tonic 
properties, while the simple resin is merely a stimulant. Prof Barton says, " that 
it may be asserted with entire safety, that as yet there has not been discovered 
within the limits of the United States any vegetable so effectually to answer the 
purpose of the Peruvian Bark in the management of intermittent fevers, as the Cor- 
nus florida." It may be looked on as our best native tonic. In some respects, 
however, it differs from quinine, as the powdered bark quickens the pulse, and 
sometimes produces violent pain in the bowels. On this account the preparations 
employed are the sulphate of cornine and the extract. Dr. O'Keefc, of Augusta, 
Georgia, has prepared a valuable alcoholic and watery extract of the bark, which 
seems to possess all its medicinal properties. (See Trans, of American Medical As- 
sociation, Vol. II, p. G71.) This may be used in intermittent and remittent fevers, 
also in typhus and all febrile disorders. In cases of debility Dogwood is a valuable 
corroborant, for which purpose it may be combined ^^ith Columbo, Gentian, Cha- 
momile, or Seneca root. Country people often use it'*as a decoction, or chew the 
twigs as a prophylactic against fevers. Drunkards sometimes employ a tincture of 
the berries to restore the tone of the stomach, and combat the pains of dyspepsia. 
Many have recommended a decoction of equal parts of Dogwood and Wild Cherry 
barks as a remedy in dyspepsia, and the debility in convalescence from fevers. The 
flowers have similar properties, and a warm infusion of thcn^ was often employed 
by the Indians in cases of chills and indigestion. They named the plant Mon ha can- 
ni-min-scUi. The powdered bark of the plant makes one of the best tooth powders 
with which I am acquainted, as it preserves the gums hard and sound, and at the 
same time renders the teeth extremely white. Rubbing the fresh twigs on the teeth 
also has this effect, and the Creoles of the West Indies, the pearly whiteness of 
whose teeth is universally acknowledged, use another species in this way. 
There are yet other uses to which Dogwood has been put. A sort of inferior 
ink may be made with the bark, using it instead of galls. A warm decoctiou of the 
bark, with sassafras, is a valuable wash for foul ulcers ; and in veterinary medicine 
a decoction of the bark has been used with great good efiect in a malignant disease 
called yellow water, Canada distemper, etc., very fatal among horses. 
Thus I have endeavored to place before you a sketch of one of the denizens of 
our Tennessee woods, and if ray effort has been of any interest to you, it will give 
me pleasure to repeat it should you on another occasion call on mc. 
Umivibsitt or Nasbvilui, Tknk., Dkcmibsb, 1830. 
