NAT. ORDER. — GERANIACEiE. 
81 
oak galls, in not reddening vegetable blues, and not passing over in 
distillation. Its active principles are readily extracted, both by al- 
cohol and proof spirits. The tincture is strongly astringent. 
Prof. Bigelow, in speaking of the properties of this plant, says : 
" The root is the most agreeable astringent we possess. Its astrin- 
gency is not associated with bitterness, or any other unpleasant 
taste. In the diseases of children, where astringents are indicated, 
a decoction of it in milk is a very convenient and efficacious remedy. 
In this form it has been extensively used in cholera infantum, and I 
have myself repeatedly prescribed it, in protracted cases, with great 
benefit." In the advanced stages of diarrhoea and dysentery, after 
proper evacuations have been made, it has proved very beneficial. 
For this purpose it should be administered in powder, combined 
with Bayberry bark, in proportion of five grains of the former to 
two of the latter. This often effects a cure when all other remedies 
fail. The watery infusion has often been recommended as an injec- 
tion in gonorrhoea, but I have never learnt that its use was ever at- 
tended with much benefit. In apthous affections of the mouth, this 
remedy is frequently very useful. In chronic and very obstinate 
cases of ulceration of the mouth, patients have been perfectly re- 
lieved by the use of gargles made of this root, after a great variety 
of other substances had been tried unsuccessfully by myself and 
others. Dr. Mease recommends it as very efficacious in restraining 
internal haemorrhages ; and Dr. Thatcher says that he has known 
the infusion to restrain haemorrhage from the lungs in a very prompt 
manner. It is currently reported that the western Indians consider 
the Geranium as the most effectual remedy they have ever used for 
dysentery. 
From considerable experience with this medicine, as well as 
from the testimony of many other physicians, I am entirely satisfied 
that it is one of the most useful vegetable astringents we possess. 
The saturated tincture may be given in doses of from one to two 
drachms. 
