made from a decoction or infusion of the root is “powdery,” and not so astringent as the powdered root, 
although evaporated in vacuo, or in a water-bath. Dr. Duncan asserts that the foreign extract is so 
similar to kino, that the difference cannot be discovered ; now the former varies from the latter both in ap- 
pearance and taste, being slightly bitter, and readily dissolving in the saliva in the mouth. Vogel says that 
Kino is charred on exposure to heat, without changing its form ; whilst the foreign extract of rhatany pre- 
viously melts and swells, and this it does when as dry as kino. 
Fi'om a careful analysis it appears, Istly, that the most efficacious part of rhatany is that which dissolves 
in considerable quantity in water and alcohol, and imparts to these menstrua a brown colour ; 2ndly, that in 
prescribing a decoction, or the extract, the mineral acids should not be added ; 3rdly, that the astringent 
principle possesses, in great part, the properties of tannin, and seems to be a modification of this immediate 
matter of vegetables ; 4thlv, that the dried root contains an astringent principle, which is a modification of 
tannin, gallic acid, gum, fecula and a ligneous matter ; 5thly, that- the ashes of rhatany contain pure lime, 
carbonate of lime, carbonate of magnesia, sulphate of lime, and silex ; lastly, that in one hundred parts of 
the powder are found, 
Modified tannin 40 
Gum 1.5 
Fecula . . 0.5 
Woody matter 48 
Gallic acid, a trace ; water and loss 10 
100 
M. Peschier, of Geneva, believed that he had discovered a peculiar acid in this plant, which is called 
the krameric, but his observations have not been confirmed. 
Medical Properties and Uses. — Rhatany is a very valuable tonic medicine for indigestion, arising 
from direct debility ; and for flaccid leucophlegmatic habits. The late Dr. Perceval, of Manchester, speaks 
highly of a solution of the foreign extract, dissolved in camphorated mixture, as a remedy in the advanced 
stages of typhus fever ; and says that it possesses all the good qualities of port wine, and is exempt from 
its pernicious ingredient, alcohol. Sir Henry Halford informs us, that he is in the constant habit of prescribing 
it with the most marked success. It is also an excellent tonic to accompany the use of diuretics, cathartics, 
and absorbent stimulants in case of dropsy arising from debility ; and when the different preparations of 
bark disagree with the stomach, it may be substituted for it with the most beneficial results. As in the case 
of other vegetable astringents, ipecacuanha and its preparations are incompatible with the infusion of Krameria. 
Preparations. — The extract, which is made by inspissating the expressed juice of the root in the 
heat of the sun, (by the natives of South America,) possesses, in great perfection, the medicinal properties 
of the root, and may be taken, in the form of pills, to the extent of five or ten grains, twice a day. 
Of the poivder may be taken from ten to thirty grains. 
Compound Tincture of Rhatany. 
Be. — Rad. Kramerice Triandrae contus. . . . 3nj- 
Cort. Aurantii 3ij. 
Rad. Serpentariee Virg 3ss. 
Croci Anglic 3i- 
Sp. Vini Rectificat ft. ij. 
Macera per dies duodecim, et cola. 
This compound tincture is much recommended by the physicians of the Continent, as a pleasant and 
efficacious stomachic ; and our own experience teaches us, that two tea-spoonsful in a little water, taken 
three or four times a day, will prove an admirable remedy for indigestion, and its consequences — as flatu- 
lency, heart-burn, cramp in the stomach, nervous irritability, & c. 
The simple tincture is made with three ounces of the root to a quart of proof spirit; and is much used 
by dentists, combined with equal parts of rose-water, as a lotion to astringe the gums, and correct any un- 
pleasant foetor of the mouth. 1 Equal parts of powdered Rhatany-root, orris-powder, and areca-nut charcoal, 
form the best tooth-powder with which we are acquainted. 
