
          any regular flower in the spadix. I see nothing but a contured
 and compact man of 2 celled anthers, pistils, ovaries, worted or
 magniculate petals; but no floral envelops; nor anything regular
 that I can take for a separate flower. You, who are a Magister
 Scienci� and can use the microscope, be good enough
 as to give me some information on that plant.


 The whole plant is strongly aromatic and by
 soaking the [added: inclosed] spadix in boiling water, I have obtained
 an orange colored infusion, [possessing?] an acid &
 aromatic taste, not unsimilar to that of Canella alba.
 I have no doubt that this plant my have some
 medicinal properties, perhaps similar to those of the
 symplocarpus root, which it [crossed out: would] [written above: would] be good to investigate
 also a colouring principle very much like that of the
 Sanguinaria. If Mr Wright had occasion to obtain some
 roots, I would like to have them tested and investigated
 chemically.


 Very respectfully your humble
 servant


 E. [Elias] Durand


 Phil. [Philadelphia] Dec. [December] 7th 1852
        