2 77 
ON MATICO. 
We are obliged to Mr. F. de F. Elkes for his specimen of 
matico leaves. 
In South America and Mexico this name, it appears, is 
applied to the leaves of several different plants. Those which 
are before us very closely resemble dried sage leaves. The 
true matico or matica, so highly esteemed in Peru, Dr. Mar- 
tius believes to be a species of phlomis. The tree grows in 
the interior of Peru, also on the other side of the Andes. Its 
leaves are said to possess marvellous medicinal properties. 
The preparation for use among the Indians is very simple; the 
leaf is dried and finely powdered, and the dust when sprinkled 
on wounds is said to effect cicatrization very speedily. The 
Indians use an infusion of the fresh leaves as an aphrodisaic, 
and also attribute to them the power of arresting arterial 
haemorrhage, even if a large vessel be wounded. 
“The matico was first brought into notice by Dr. Jeffreys 
as a styptic in leech-bites and wounds of arteries, and has 
been found efficacious in many obstinate cases of bleeding, 
as from the nostrils. Its under surface, which is reticulated 
with veins, and covered with hairs, should be applied, as it is 
probably on this structure that its utility chiefly depends. 
Its infusion and tincture have also been recommended inter- 
nally in affections of the urinary organs, on which, by its 
stimulating action, combined with a little astringency, it 
would appear to produce a salutary effect. 
“ Its properties, by the analysis of Mr. Morson, appear to 
depend chiefly on its resin and volatile oil, its aqueous extract 
having only a slightly bitter and astringent taste. 
“It has also been prescribed in discharges of blood from the 
urethra and rectum, as well as in uterine haemorrhage, and 
has been used as an injection in leucorrhoea, and as an ex- 
ternal application to haemorrhoidal affections, both as an 
ointment and as a lotion/ 5 — Dr. Royle . 
THE ACTION OF HYDROCYANIC ACID ON DIFFERENT 
ANIMALS. 
The following has been communicated to us by Air. W. 
J. Hinge, M.R.C.Y.S., Hounslow. 
On Friday the 15th of April, 1855, he gave to a dog fifteen 
drops of hydrocyanic acid, which caused death in a few 
minutes. The acid was taken from a stoppered bottle, but 
which had been some time before opened. 
