American Senna. 
19 
commences before all its water of crystallization is given off, 
and the vapour which rises takes fire on the approach of a 
lighted taper, and burns with a beautiful flame, the interior 
.of which is red, the exterior blue, green and white. 
When a portion of it was submitted to destructive distilla- 
tion, a liquid of a slight yellowish colour condensed in the 
receiver, which was found to consist of water, acetic acid 
and pyro-acetic spirit. Oxide of zinc, together with a little 
charcoal, remained in the retort. 
ART. V — ON AMERICAN SENNA. By James J. Martin. 
Extract from thesis. Phil. Coll. Pharm. 
This is the Cassia Marilandica, of Willdenow, belonging to 
the class decandira, order monogynia, natural order Legumi- 
nosae. Tournefort and Gcertner separated those with cylin- 
drical and pulpy pods, reserving to them the name of cassia ; 
whilst the others were designated by that of senna. Per- 
soon was dissatisfied with this arrangement, and gave the 
name of cathartocarpus, to the Jirst set, and allowed the others 
to remain, under the appellation of cassia. This deviation 
was deemed superfluous; and as the plants so nearly resem- 
ble each other in most respects, it would prevent confusion 
by allowing them to remain under the old title of cassia. 
This preference appears to be given by our national pharma- 
copoeia, to those species therein noticed. 
The Cassia Marilandica is an indigenous plant, and grows 
abundantly in most parts of the United States, from Massa- 
chusetts to Missouri and Georgia, and is very common in the 
western states. It grows most plentifully and luxuriantly in 
the vicinity of rivers and ponds, preferring a low moist soil. 
Tt is cultivated to some extent for medical purposes to the 
northward by the Shakers ; and it is from them the market 
is chiefly supplied. The leaves are the officinal portion ; and 
these should be collected about the beginning of September, 
