NAT. ORDER. L0BEL1ACEJE. 
165 
perties had reached him. The next accounts we have of it as a medi- 
cine, are by the Rev. D. Cutler, and Prof. Barton. The latter does not 
speak from experience, but remarks that it has been found useful in 
leucorrhoea ; and that it will probably be found diuretic. He is alto- 
gether silent respecting- its emetic power, though he seems to have 
suspected that this was a near kin to the species of Lobelia called in 
New England emetic weed. Since the accounts of these gentlemen 
were published, the Lobelia has gained admittance in the dispensa- 
tories ; and Dr. Thatcher has given a long and satisfactory account of 
its virtues. 
Every portion of this species of plant is endued with the same 
acrid, pungent, and finally nauseating taste. On chewing the root, the 
leaves, the stem, or the capsules, the first impression on the palate is 
not very decided ; but on continuing the chewing, a sense of heat or 
biting is perceived on the back part of the tongue and in the fauces. 
At this time the taste of the plant is similar to that of tobacco, seneka 
or tartar-emetic ; but if the mastication be persevered in, slight giddi- 
ness and increase of saliva come on, and if the quantity of the article 
in the mouth be sufficient, and is swallowed, nausea and excessive 
vomiting supervene, succeeded by great relaxation of the muscles, 
perspiration, and prostration of strength. One or two capsules, in the 
fresh state, will produce full vomiting in most persons. From this ac- 
count, which is faithfully given by those who have taken it, as well as 
in part from my own feelings, it is evident that it is very stimulating 
to the mouth and first passages. This, together with its subsequent 
effects when taken extensively, would indicate that it is considerably 
narcotic. It is manifest also from these effects that the plant is suf- 
ficiently deleterious to create dangerous consequences to the system, 
if not administered with some caution." Strange and infatuated ideas 
have been advanced in regard to the poisonous qualities of a few of 
the most valuable and desirable of this species of plants, especially the 
Lobelia injiata. Prof. Bigelow, in his Materia Medica of this country, 
has given a very lengthy statement of what he has heard some one 
