38 ^ Treatise 
with Rings like the former, but is rougher and alfo 
thinner, being but about a Line in Thicknefs, of a 
brown Colour or blackifh on the outfide, and white 
within, having a gentle Bitternefs in itsTafte. This 
is brought from Brafile to Lifbon. 
3. Ipecacuanha alba , feu potius Ipecacuanha adul- 
terina . White, or rather Ipecacuanha is a 
thin woody Root, without Wrinkles, void of Bit- 
ternefs, and of a yellowifh white Colour. Some 
affert this to be the Ipecacuanha alba of Pifo, which 
I queftion very much ; becaufe the Root which 
Pifo deicribes under that Name, both vomits and 
purges ; whereas this does neither. It therefore 
feems moft likely, that the Merchants mix this 
with Ipecacuanha, rather through Avarice, than 
upon Account of any Affinity between the two 
Roots ; for the Ipecacuanha alba of Pifo is proba- 
bly the fame with the Ipecacuanha Peruviana , or 
the Bexuguillo of the Spaniards , as we have before 
obferved. 
The gray and brown Ipecacuanha are emetick 
and cathartick. Pifo likewife commends their alexi- 
terial Quality j and affierts, that their Virtues are 
not only extraordinary in Dyfenteries and inveterate 
Fluxes of the Belly, but in many Diforders alfo 
arifing from long and obflinate Obffirudtions. The 
Peruvain or gray Sort is preferred, as being much 
milder in its Operation. It is made Choice of 
well preferved, full of Juice, and not too old. How- 
ever, according to Pifo , when it is old it has fome 
Efficacy remaining ; for though it lofes its eme- 
tick Quality, yet it .retains its iudorifick and alexi- 
terial Virtues for many Years. Both Sorts are 
much ufed at prefent in Fluxes of the Belly •, but 
are chiefly fuccefsful in curing a confirmed Dy- 
fentery *, for they frequently conquer the Difeafe in 
the Space of one Day, like a Charm. 
