124 
RHEUM PALMATUM. 
drachm, and even this quantity will frequently fail to produce a 
sufficient evacuation. It is in its tonic power we consider the chief 
virtues of rhubarb to reside; and in this respect it is peculiarly 
applicable for young children, strengthening the stomach, correcting 
acidity, and promoting digestion. We have seen children in the most 
delicate state of health improve rapidly from the use of rhubarb, 
from three to five grains being given every morning : perhaps for 
adults, the tincture would be the better mode of administering it ; 
of this, from one to three drachms may be taken. In diarrhoea 
arising from impaired digestion, rhubarb, in combination with more 
active purgatives, will be found useful ; and in flatulency we have 
known the best effects from the use of powders, composed of rhubarb, 
magnesia, and cinnamon or ginger. Sir E. Home has recommended 
the external apphcation of powdered rhubarb to indolent ulcers. 
With respect to the relative virtues of the British and foreign 
rhubarb, as well as of the different species of the latter, we scarcely 
know what to say ; experience shews that there is the greatest 
difference in the rhubarb of commerce brought from abroad; but, 
as we before observed, while we remain ignorant of the particular 
species which is supplied to us, no experiments can be instituted to 
ascertain their relative virtues. From several experiments that have 
been made, it would appear that British rhubarb is not quite so 
active a purgative as the best of foreign growth, while it is vastly 
superior to a great proportion of that imported ; and we have no 
doubt, that by proper care in the cultivation, it will soon become 
equal to any now supplied us from abroad. 
Off. The Roots. 
Off. Pp. Extractum Rhei, L. 
Infusum Rhei, L. E. 
Pilulas Rhei Compositse, E. 
Tinctura Rhei, L. E. D. 
' " Composita, L. 
et Aloes, E. 
~ et Gentian ae, E. 
Vin. Rhei, E. 
