Domestic Medicines used in Guiana. 295 
called Bitter Blain, [Vandellia diffusa) has been highly 
recommended by Dr. HANCOCK as an emetic and febrifuge. 
He said it was very efficacious in malarial fevers and 
dysentery, especially in cases where the liver is affected. 
As emetics, the Wild Ipecacuanha {Asclepias Curas- 
savica), and the bulb of a species of Crinum, are com- 
monly used. The Wild Ipecacuanha has no affinity to 
the officinal drug, and could not be used for the same 
purposes. The most common herbal purgative is the 
Carrion Crow Bush (Cassia alata and C. emar- 
ginatd) which acts in the same way as Senna, 
but with more griping. Castor Oil, which the 
Creoles prepare by boiling, is in almost univer- 
sal use. For worms, the Cowhage is sometimes 
used, and also Pink Root, (Spigelia anthelmia), but 
they are being replaced by the more effectual remedies 
of the druggist. It is a popular opinion all over the 
world that stinking weeds are useful for epilepsy. The 
Erygium f(£tidum and Passiflora fcztida, both called "fit 
weeds," are in common use here. As diuretics, Purslane, 
(Portulaca oleracea), and Rock Balsam, (Peperomia 
pellucida), are considered very efficacious ; probably 
their properties are derived from the mucilage and 
potash which they contain. The Nicker, [Guilandina 
bonduc), is roasted and ground like coffee, and the infu- 
sion used as a diuretic. It is being introduced into 
Europe by Mr. Christy as a powerful tonic. The prin- 
cipal tonic used is Surinam Bitters, (Phyllanthus 
niruri) ; this is also coming into use in England, and 
is considered an excellent tonic bitter, diuretic, and 
deobstruant. Menow roots (Ruelh'a tuberosa), a com- 
mon weed with pale blue flowers, is used as a tonic. For 
