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ACACIA VERA, 
certain in its effects it requires great caution, and on this account it 
is thought by some to be a medicine adapted only to vigorous and 
robust constitutions. In small doses it acts upon the kidneys and 
produces diuretic effects. Formerly it was held in great estimation 
on the continent, and the German physicians extolled it in dropsy, 
mania, lues venerea, jaundice, &c.;* it has also been prescribed 
with success in visceral obstructions and scrofulous affections. f In 
this country however it is but seldom prescribed, although from its 
active qualities we think it may be deserving of more extensive use. 
It is given either in the form of infusion, made with half an ounce 
of dried herb to a pint of boiling water, of which, half an ounce to 
an ounce may be taken three times a day ; or in powder, in doses 
of from fifteen to thirty grains two or three times in the twenty-four 
hours. 
Off. The Herb. 
ACACIA VERA. 
Egypian Gum-Arahic Acacia, or Egyptian Thorn.\ 
Class PoLYGAMiA. — Order Monoecia. 
Nat. Ord. Lomentace^, Linn. Leguminose, Juss. 
Gen. Char. Hermaph. Calyx 5-toothed, Corolla b'cleft, 
or formed of five petals. Stamens 4—100. Pistil 1. 
Legume bivalve. 
Male. Calyx 5- toothed. Corolla 5-cleft, or 
formed of five petals. Stamens 4 — 100. 
Spec. Char. Spines stipulary, in pairs, linear, awl-shaped. 
Leaves doubly pinnate: first division, of five or six pair; 
second, of many pairs. Common Stalk glandular. Heads 
axillary, about three together. Legume necklace-like, nearly 
flat, smooth. 
♦ Vide Dissert, de Gratiols. Viennae, 1775. 
t Hufeland uber die Natar, &c. der Scrofula. 
^ Fig. a represents part of the legume, or seed-pod. 
