188 
THALAMIFLORiE. 
agreeable odour. It lias a slight degree of bitterness, and pro- 
duces a smarting or burning sensation in the fauces. It dissolves 
entirely in alcohol ; and partially in water. Oxalic acid is pro- 
duced by treating it with nitric acid.. It either flows spontane- 
ously and concretes in tears, or is obtained by incisions. This latter 
operation is performed in May, and the juice, as it flows out, is 
concreted by the sun. It may also be procured by sawing the 
wood into billets, and boring a hole longitudinally through 
them, so that when one end of the billet is laid on the lire, the 
gum flows readily from the other, and is collected in a calabash 
or gourd. It may also be obtained by boiling the chips or 
raspings in salt water, when the gum will separate from the 
wood and rise to the surface. 
The Spaniards first imported the Guaiacum wood from Ameri- 
ca into Europe in the year 1508. It had the reputation of being 
antisyphilitic, and the names holy ivood, and icood of life were given 
to it, and it was in such esteem as to be sold at the rate of 
seven dollars the pound. It was in the height of its reputation 
in 1519, in consequence of the celebrated warrior Van Hutten 
having been cured by it, after eleven unsuccessful attempts to 
remove the symptoms he laboured under by means of mercury. 
This mineral was at that time not administered to the wealthy 
or great, but the use of it was confined to cases occurring among 
the commonalty. Gradually, however, in course of time, it 
came to supersede the Guaiacum, so that the latter has, in a 
great measure, fallen into disuse in the treatment of syphilis. 
It is still, however, considered as a diaphoretic and alterative. 
A decoction of the wood is jirepared by boiling 8 ounces of the 
chips in two pints of water, till reduced to one-third ; and to be 
taken in the course of the day. It has been found useful in 
rheumatism, diseases of the skin, leucorrhoea and scrofula. It 
is also employed as an adjuvant to mercury, and is said to 
moderate salivation produced by that medicine. An extract 
and a syrup may also be made from the wood, and an essential 
oil may be obtained by distillation. 
The gum is used in powder or dissolved in alcohol or wine. 
When taken internally, it occasions a feeling of warmth in the 
stomach, increases the heat of the body, and quickens the circu- 
lation. Its action is stimulant and tonic, and, in large doses, 
purgative. It has principally been employed in chronic dis- 
eases, such as rheumatism and gout. Professor Dewees of 
Philadelphia has recommended the following tincture in cases 
of obstructed menstruation: — Take, gum Guaiacum, §viij : 
carbonate of soda, 3 iij ; pimento, 3 >j ; rectified spirits, lt>ij ; mix 
and add to every 4 oz. of this tincture, volatile spirits, si. 
Dose, a teaspoonful three times daily. The common tincture 
of gum Guaiacum has been employed, diluted with water, as a 
gargle to clean the mouth, strengthen the gums, relieve tooth- 
ach, &c. 
