86 
MISCELLANY. 
this particular mode of counter irritation may be very advantageously 
applied in many cases, both of acute and chronic diseases. 
Lancet, 
Some proofs of the efficacy of Guaco. — Some months ago we requested as 
a favour to be furnished with any facts relative to the medicinal virtues of 
the Mikania Guaco, which has been introduced, and is cultivated, in many 
parts of the Island. We also announced that Messrs. Menzies and 
Morison made a large quantity of the extract. It is unquestionably a 
plant which possesses more than ordinary powers. Caesar Hawkins, a 
few years ago, received some of the plant from Sir Robert Kerr Porter, 
but he says, " the quantity was not sufficient to investigate the subject 
completely ; it did not seem to him to do more than mitigate the symptoms 
of Rabies or Hydrophobia. Although I am inclined to think the accounts 
we have received are much exaggerated, it is well deserving of further 
trial, as evtn a palliation of the frightful symptoms of Hydrophobia is yet a 
desideratum.'''' The following Letter, from an intelligent friend, was given 
to us for publication : we know so much of the character of the writer, 
that we unhesitatingly vouch for the correctness and truth of his state- 
ments : — 
Dear Sir, — T think it a duty to request, as T now do, your publication 
of my experience of the virtues of the Guaco Plant. 
Some months ago, while washing my hands in the dark, I received a 
sting in the fore-finger of my right hand, from an insect which I believe 
was the long yellow wasp so common in this island. My hand became 
in a short time extremely swollen and very painful : I applied Brandy 
and Laudanum with little or no benefit, and during the night I had frequent 
recourse for relief to a cold lotion, into which I plunged my hand. The 
pain and swelling, however, continued almost unabated for some days, 
and 1 could scarcely attend to my professional duties on account of the 
general discomfort and irritation under which I laboured ; I could scarcely 
hold my pen. — I called on my medical attendant. Dr. Prince, who, having 
the plant growing in his garden, applied some of the bruised leaves, and 
rubbed the hand all over with them for some minutes. The effect, in 
almost entirely obviating the pain and materially diminishing the hardness 
and swelling, was immediate ; and from that hour I rapidly recovered. 
I may also mention, that at the same time I swallowed, by Mr. P. 's sugges 
tion, about half a wine glassful of the juice. 
I take the liberty of mentioning another case. My friend, the Rev. Mr. 
P., was for some days laid up by severe gouty or rheumatic pains in his 
feet, which disabled him from walking, and he suffered acute pain during 
the night. Not regarding the attack as likely to be attended by serious 
results, he did not call in his medical attendant. We agreed, however, 
