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NAT. ORDER. PAPAVERACEiE. 
have also heard of the application of the powdered root to a fun- 
gous tumor within the nostril, with the effect of producing intumes- 
cence, and bringing away frequently small pieces of the fungus, 
which in the first instance impeded the progress of air through the 
nostril, and was supposed to be a polypus. A decoction of Blood- 
root has been employed with very good effect in that form of sore 
throat called by Dr. Darwin peripneumonia trachealis. The medi- 
cine proved emetic. From this case Dr. Barton believes that ' : it 
promises to be a useful medicine, particularly on the foundation of 
its emetic and expectorant effects, in cases of cynanche maligna, or 
ulcerous sore throat, in cynanche trachealis, or hives, and other 
similar affections. Its properties," continues the Doctor, " seem to 
be considerably allied to those of Seneca, Snake-root, which has 
been so beneficially employed in the same cases." Dr. Israel Allen, 
of Sterling, and others, have had recourse to this medicine as a sub- 
stitute for digitalis, in coughs and pneumonic complaints ; and on 
some occasions it is said that it proved as efficacious as Fox-glove, 
when administered with the same care ; and it was found less debili- 
tating than this medicine." 
The leaves and the seeds of Blood-root are, according to Dr. 
Barton and Dr. Downey, evidently deleterious. The latter produce 
effects similar to those brought on by the seeds of Stramonium, or 
thorn-apple. The experiments of the last-named gentleman were 
made with the unripe seeds ; and he says they exerted a very con- 
siderable influence over the pulse, and had a stupifying narcotic 
quality. The best time to collect this plant for medical purposes, 
is when the seeds are ripe, which is about the beginning of May. 
Economical Uses. The juice of the root of this plant makes 
a fine dye of an orange color, and is used by the country people for 
staining flannels and woollen goods. The Indians paint themselves 
with it, and use it as a dye for their baskets and articles of orna- 
ment ; hence one of its vulgar names, Indian paint. From the ex- 
periments made by Dr. Downey, with a view to find a suitable 
