108 
INULA HfiLENlUM. 
being diminished, and the latter increased by the process. Both 
water and alcohol extract its virtues, the latter belter than the 
former ; an essential oil rises in distillation with water, and concretes 
upon the surface, in white flakes ; this oil possesses the flavour and 
odour of the plant, which qualities it soon loses by keeping. 
According to Funke's analysis, the roots have been found to contain 
" 1. a crystallizable volatile oil ; 2. a peculiar fecula ; 3. an ex- 
tractive matter; 4. free acetic acid ; 5. crystallizable resin ; 6. albu- 
men ; 7. fibrous matter. The ashes contain carbonates of lime 
and of magnesia, silica, and a trace of iron." * 
IhuUh. Mr. Rose discovered in the roots of elecampane a 
peculiar matter, bearing some analogy to starch, f to this the name 
of Inulin has been given. Inulin is a white pulverulent substance, 
insoluble in alcohol and cold water, but readily dissolves in hot water, 
from which on cooling, the Inulin is precipitated in the form of a 
white powder; when thrown on hot coals it melts and burns with 
the smell of calomel, when heated with nitric acid it yields oxalic 
acid. We have not learnt that Inulin has been given internally, 
or that its action on the animal economy has been ascertained. 
Medical Properties and Uses. The root of elecampane 
is gently stimulating, and from its possessing this quality has been 
recommended in a variety of diseases, as in cachexy, colica Pic- 
tonum, dyspepsia, pulmonary complaints, and uterine obstructions, 
&c. Dr. Cullen observes — '* we have no satisfactory evidence of 
its medicinal powers," J audit is now seldom ptescrilied. We are 
informed however, that it is frequently made use of to adulterate 
ipecacuanha. With farriers and others also who prescribe for 
cattle, it is in general use as a cordial; probably its effects may be 
more powerful on cattle than on man. Dose of the root in powder, 
from one scruple to one drachm. 
Off. The Roots. 
* Edinburgh New Dispensatory. 
•f The same peculiar substance has been discovered in the roots of manj other 
vegetables in considerable quantities ; as in the roots of pellitory, by M. Grutin, in the 
roots of colchicum, by M.-M. Pelietier and CaveBtoa, aad in the roots of the Jerusalem 
artichoke, by M. Braconnot. 
4 CuUen's Mat. Med. yoI. ii. p, 459. 
