MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF THE GUACO. 
347 
chance of saving many of my fellow-creatures. 1 determined on 
trying it ; I picked out three of the worst cases, and from the first 
dose which I gave them I began to observe its efficacy in produ- 
cing the necessary reaction. At the same time that I gave the 
guaco to the sick, I caused the healthy also to take it, so that the 
malady soon ceased." 
The author then gives a few statistical returns, which prove 
authentically that out of 400 persons who were attacked with 
cholera, on four plantations surrounding his own, and on which 
the guaco was used at his recommendation, only twenty-five died, 
and several of these from the remedy having been applied too 
late. 
Three modes of administering it have been recommended : — 
First, Combined with sulphuric acid, prepared in the following 
manner : — To one ounce of the boiled mucilage add four ounces of 
sulphuric ether, put into a well-corked bottle. Infuse for three or 
four hours and it will be fit for use. The mucilage is prepared by 
triturating in a mortar two ounces each of the stem and leaves of 
the plant, and boiling for one hour in a pint of water, straining the 
residue through a cloth, and expressing well the juice with the 
fingers. The mucilage is to be used cold when combined with the 
sulphuric ether. 
Secondly, as a ptisan, prepared the same way as common tea, 
by infusing 1 oz. of the leaves and stem in a pint of boiling water ; 
or by boiling the same quantities, if a strong decoction be required. 
The leaves and stemshouldbe triturated before boiling or infusion., 
Thirdly, as an elixir, prepared in the following manner : — Into 
four gallons of strong proof rum (17° if possible), put three 
pounds of stems and leaves of the plant, well triturated in a mor- 
tar, and after twenty four hours infusion, it will be fit for use. 
When the quantity has been reduced one-half, an equal proportion 
of spirits may be added. It must be used as strong as possible, or 
it is not to be depended upon for use internally, but may answer 
for baths. In case of the best sorts being obtained, it may be 
substituted for the sulphate of quinine, when the latter cannot be 
procured, and successfully in many other cases, I have no doubt, 
as a powerful tonic. Indeed the valuable properties it possesses, 
like those of the Cedron, are comparatively little known. 
The genus Mikania was established by Willdenow, and the 
