214 
SMILAX SARSAPARILLA. 
a trial of their sensible effects on the mouth and fauces."* The 
doctor further observes, that " the real and only criterion for 
knowing good sarsaparilla, is almost universally neglected, viz. its 
sensible qualities in the mouth." 
Medical Propertiks an© Uses. The root of sarsaparilla 
was introduced into Europe more than two centuries ago, as an un- 
doubted specific in syphilitic disorders; but experience soon 
proved that although it might remove the syphilitic complaints com- 
mon among the natives of South America, the Lues Venerea of the 
Europeans would not yield to this remedy ; hence it fell into disre- 
pute, and was but little used, until the middle of the last century, when 
it was again brought into notice, by the late Sir William Fordyce, 
and Dr. William Hunter. But although we are not to expect a cure 
of the lues venerea by this root alone, yet when it is given in con- 
junction with mercury, the disease is frequently much sooner sub- 
dued ; and we are told by the above physicians, that ulcers, nodes, 
and other symptoms of this disorder, which resisted the effects of 
repeated salivation, have yielded to the use of sarsaparilla. Those 
formidable symptoms which so frequently follow a long continued 
course of mercury, and which may be considered rather the se- 
quelae of the disease, than the disease itself,! viz. membranous nodes, 
cutaneous ulceration, nocturnal pains in the limbs, enlargements of 
the joints, &c. are sooner removed by this root, than perhaps by any 
other medicine we are acquainted with. Sarsaparilla is also much 
used in rheumatic affections, scrophula, elephantiasis, and many 
other cutaneous complaints ; but as it is generally given in con- 
junction with other medicines, its remedial efficacy in these diseases 
can scarcely be properly appreciated. Sarsaparilla root may be 
given in substance, (finely powdered) in doses of from one scruple to 
one drachm, three or four times a day ; this we consider the best 
form for exhibiting sarsaparilla. It is also given in decoction, and in 
the form of extract, as ordered by the colleges, but the efficacy of 
the root is often completely destroyed in these preparations ; hence 
arises the disappointment so frequently met with in the administra- 
tion of this medicine. The dose of the parilline may be from two 
to ten grains. 
Off. The Root. 
Off. Pp. Decoctum Sarsaparillje, L. E. D. 
— ~ Compositum, D. 
Extractum Sarsaparillae, L. 
* Medico-Bot. Trans, part i. p. 64. 
t Or rather the joint eflFects of the disease and the mercnry.— JBcf. 
