112 
PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 
sore eyes. The leaves contain gum, resin, tannic acid, arbutin and 
andromedotoxin (a highly poisonous crystalline substance). Has been 
used in diarrhea, syphilitic skin eruptions and in skin diseases. En- 
tire plant highly poisonous. Other species no doubt have similar 
properties. (G. W. Kennedy, Am. Journ. Pharm. 20 : 264.) 
466. Kelps. Seaweeds. Marine algae. 
Numerous species of seaweed are found along the entire Pacific 
coast. Some are used as food by Indians. They contain iodine, which 
could no doubt be extracted in commercial quantities. However, Hil- 
gard (Univ. Calif.) declares that the California species are low in 
iodine percentage. According to Setchell (Univ. Calif.), the Japa- 
nese and Chinese of California collect species of Nereocystis, Lami- 
naria and Porphyra for food, and even export them. Dr. Hus and 
others have likewise studied the economic value of the kelps of the 
Pacific coast. 
The marine algae of the Pacific and Atlantic coasts are quite dis- 
tinct. Those of the Pacific coast are noted for their size. (Proc. A. 
Pli. A. 27:132-134, 187P.) '3ul. Rhode Island Agr. Exp. Sta, 21 : 
1893.) 
467. Laminaria bulbosa. Seaweed. Algce. 
Used in scrofulous affections and in other glandular enlargements. 
Used as food. (R. G. Whitlock, Calif. Coll. Pharm. Thesis, 1901.) 
468. Lantana brasiliensis Link. Yerba sagrada. Verbenacece. 
A Brazilian verbena which contains an alkaloid (lantanine) resem- 
bling quinine, which is said to be actively antiperiodic. 
469. Larrea mexicana Marie. Creosote bush. Zygopliyllacece. 
Contains a gum which resembles the East Indian shellac (Sonora 
gum) used for cementing earthenware, etc. It also contains a coloring 
substance resembling cochineal. The Mexicans use the leaf infusion 
as a cure for rheumatism. Said to produce marvelous results when 
applied to necrosed bones. Also used in the treatment of syphilis; in 
consumption. Indians (Kokapah) use the tea in smallpox. A leaf 
poultice is applied to the pitted skin. Also used as a horse remedy. 
A very highly valued Indian remedy. Well worthy of more careful 
investigation. (U. S. Geol. Surv., Wheeler’s Rep. Bot. 6 : 41 .) (Calif. 
Geol. Surv. Bot. 1: 92.) (U. of C. Agr. Exp. Sta. Rep., 1895-97.) 
(Proc. A. Ph. A. 26 : 206, 1879.) 
470. Laurus nobilis L. Sweet bay laurel. Lauracece. 
A common old-time ornamental tree. The leaf oil is a well-known 
and important article, used in making bay rum and for other purposes. 
(U. S. Disp. and texts on Materia Medica.) 
