BONPLANDIA TRIFOLIATA. 
the bark yields a small portion of a white essential oil; hence it 
appears, that Cusparia bark contains resin, a peculiar variety of 
extractivcy carbonate of ammonia, and essential oil. 
Medical Properties and Uses. Genuine Angustura bark 
is tonic and stimulant. It was originally introduced as a febrifuge 
in intermitteuts, and was supposed to be superior to the Peruvian 
barks, but subsequent experience has proved it to be greatly inferior 
to the latter for the cure of intermitteuts; yet it is a medicine 
possessed of very considerable powers, and may be exhibited in 
most diseases, in which a general tonic is indicated. Dr. Hancock, 
who had many opportunities of witnessing the effects of the bark, says, 
^ ** I am fully convinced, from ample experience of the virtues of this 
bark, that it is one of the most valuable febrifuges we possess, being 
adapted to the worst and most malignant bilious fevers, while the 
fevers in which cinchona is chiefly administered, are simple intermit- 
teuts for the most part, unattended with danger." The bark may 
be given in substance, in powder, from one scruple to one drachm, 
or in the form of tincture or infusion, either alone, or in combination 
with other medicines. In large doses it is apt to produce nausea, 
in whatever form it may be exhibited.* 
Off. The Bark. 
Off, Pp. Infusum Cuspariae, L. 
Tinctura Cuspariae, E. D» 
* A species of bark, in some respects resembling the genuine Angustura bark, has 
lately been introduced on the continent, Planche, who chemicallj examined it, named 
it Angustura Ferrnginea. This bark is possessed of deleterious properties ; when chewed 
it excites a very acrid Sensation, and leaves a very nauseous bitter taste in the mouth 
and throat. From experiments made by Orfila, (vide Toxicology, vol. ii.) on animals, 
it appears to be a very energetic poison. The deleterious property of this bark appears 
to reside in a peculiar alkali, (named Brucine.) This bark may be distinguished from 
the genuine Angustura bark, by its greater thickness and weight, and by the epidermis 
feeing of a brownish olive colour, and warty. By macerating the powder in very diluted 
muriatic acid, it becomes of a very beautiful green, owing to the iron contained in the 
cuticle of the bark. 
