Domestic Medicines used in Guiana. 299 
region ; I have tried on many occasions to procure 
specimens of the flowers and leaves, but have only suc- 
ceeded in one or two cases. The same difficulty is 
experienced with timber trees ; more than half the 
varieties of woods are only known under the Indian names. 
The bark of the Hiawa {Icica heptaphylld) is said to 
be a good cough medicine ; there may be some truth in 
this, as the tree produces an aromatic gum, and the 
branches when broken have a very pleasant smell. Vis- 
mia guyannensis produces a yellow gum, which is 
purgative, and would probably be worth investigation. 
The Devildoer, a remedy for impotency, of which the 
botanical source is unknown, has been investigated by 
Mr. F S. MASON,, who has found traces of an alkaloid, 
but there have been no experiments made as to its 
efficacy in medicine. The Wallaba bark is also being 
investigated by Mr. CHRISTY. Mytabba or Buck Puke, 
[Guarea trichiliodes), is said to be a good emetic, and 
Citrosma guyannensis , a shrub with a very strong smell, 
although reported to be poisonous, would probably be a 
good medicine. The barks used in medicated baths, are 
very unlikely to add much to the cure, but the warm 
water is very useful. 
The stories of slow poisoning are myths. All energetic 
vegetable poisons have acrid, bitter, or distinct flavours, 
and produce their effects which are very pronounced, 
within a few hours. 
The Conami and Haiary fish poisons deserve inves- 
tigation. It has been suggested that the Conami, [Teph- 
rosia toxicarta), might have similar properties to digitalis 
or hyoscyamus. The Wourali poison is used to some 
extent, and is quoted in the Druggists' Price Lists. The 
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