80 
NAT. ORDER. AROIDEjE. 
muscles in cases of parturition. Certain physicians have supposed 
it a remeny for chronic and acute rheumatism ; but a due considera- 
tion of its qualities renders this highly improbable. The seeds are 
more actively pungent, and, consequently, in asthmatic cases, more 
efficacious than the root. The expressed juice may be applied ex- 
ternally with good effect to ulcers, fresh wounds, and all cutaneous 
affections. When the leaves are used, as they frequently are, to 
dress blisters, with the intention of promoting a discharge, they 
should beforehand be so pressed as to present a smooth surface. 
In scurvy, and other diseases in which the Arum maculatum has 
proved useful, they may be beneficially employed. 
As a palliative in the attacks of spasmodic asthma, it is very 
highly recommended by the Rev. Dr. Cutler and others. I have in 
several instances of this disease derived great advantage from the 
employment of this remedy. The powdered root, in the dose of 
from thirty to fifty grains, is to be given during the paroxysms, and 
repeated according to the urgency and obstinacy of the symptoms. 
The medicine ought to be continued for some time after the parox- 
ysm has entirely subsided. 
Dr. Thatcher, of Boston, states, that two tea-spoonsful of the 
powdered root of this vegetable gave very prompt and effectual re- 
lief in a case of hysteria, after the ordinary remedies for such dis- 
eases had been used without benefit. Also in the case of an old 
man, who had been for many years afflicted with a very troublesome 
cough and difficulty of breathing, I found nothing to give so much 
relief as this substance, administered in forty grain doses, once or 
twice a day. The plant should be kept in close stopped vessels, as 
its active properties seem to be of a very volatile nature. Decoction 
greatly impairs its virtues. 
