162 
NAT. ORDER. LOBELIACEjE. 
Medica, and was first described and introduced by Mr. Drummond, 
of Jacksonville, in Louisiana, of which place it is a native. The spe- 
cies appears, indeed, to be but little known, except to our American 
botanists, and is probably confined to the southern states. Its nearest 
affinity is with Lobelia siphilitica, but its spike is less dense and vastly 
more elongated, its flowers smaller, of a brighter color, deeply barpi- 
tite, the upper lip bifid, the segments much refiexed, not split down 
so far that the stamens are excluded as in the last-named species. 
Medical Properties and Uses. This species of Lobelia possesses 
properties very similar to the L. siphilitica, and may be used for the 
same purposes. Its active principle is highly volatile, thence by de- 
coction the medicinal qualities pass off. The best method for prepar- 
ing it for use is by tincture, one ounce of the dried leaves and flower- 
buds to one quart of diluted alcohol. This may be given in doses of 
one to three drachms, three times a day. It is very diffusive, acting 
upon the whole system at once, causing great perspiration, and lassi- 
tude of feeling, with some very unpleasant feelings. It is but very 
little used in practice, except by a few empirics, who fancy it a certain 
remedy for cancer, for the cure of which it has become very celebra- 
ted. For this purpose it is taken internally as directed above, and ap- 
plied externally as a wash, repeated several times a day. 
