ON KALMIA LATIFOLIA. 
245 
disorder of the intellect occurred, or any nervous symptoms 
that might not be readily accounted for by the extreme se- 
dation ; nor was anything observed in its mode of action that 
would lead us to consider it possessed of acrid properties, 
The effects of the Kalmia on the human system in health, 
hence appear to be those of an arterial sedative, unpossess- 
ed of the irritant or narcotic properties of others in the same 
class. It would seem well suited to moderate the action of 
the heart in hypertrophy, and other derangements of that 
organ, where repeated bleeding exhausts the patient and af- 
fords but temporary relief. The astringency imparted by 
the tannin it contains, combined with the sedative action on 
the heart and arteries, recommend it as a remedy in hemor- 
rhages, diarrhoea, and dysentery. It is obviously indicated 
in all inflammatory affections; and in fevers where the 
grade of action is above the healthy standard. The fruit is 
possessed of similar properties with the leaves, and more 
astringency. " It is probable that other species of Kalmia — 
as the Kalmia angustifolia, or sheep-laurel, and the K. 
glauca, or swamp-laurel, have properties identical with 
those of the K. latifolia." The decoction used by Dr. 
Thomas is an ineligible preparation. The infusion or tinc- 
ture would posses the active properties of the remedy in a 
much more uniform degree. The following would proba- 
bly be a convenient mode of administering it. 
Macerate for seven days and strain. The dose for an adult 
would be thirty drops, every two or three hours. 
Chemical Analysis. — The dried leaves were infused in 
cold water and strained. It then gave copious precipitates, 
with alcohol and solution of sub-acetate of lead. The ses- 
qui-salts of iron gave a precipitate of a greenish black 
color. Alcoholic and etherial tinctures were of a deep green 
color ; on adding water to one of them all the green color- 
J&. Fol. Kalmia;, 
Alcoholis, 
oj. 
22* 
