ON SCUTELLARIA LATERIFOLIA. 
371 
dorific, and its diuretic powers — both tending to relieve the con- 
gestion that is usually present, which tends to perpetuate the dis- 
ease. It never leaves that excitable, irritable condition of the sys- 
tem; when its soothing influence has worn away, that follows some 
of the other nervines; and it is so readily administered that but 
little delay need occur, and no evil result be anticipated. 
I am led to call the attention of the profession to this plant in 
the earnest and decided manner I have used, mainly because of the 
high estimate I placed upon it; but in part from the disparaging 
remarks of the Untied States Dispensatory. I would not wish to 
detract from the fair and just fame of the compilers of that great 
work, or lessen the confidence that is so properly placed in it; but 
I think I know more of this plant, than those authors could know, 
and write according to my own observations. Without doubt the 
plant has been extolled too highly by some, and also recommended 
in cases where it has failed in answering the expectations of those 
who relied upon it, but not I think when used in such diseases as 
are indicated above. To me it has never seemed inert or power- 
less, and having had occasion to make 'personal use of it when the 
whole system was suffering severely from being poisoned by de- 
composing animal matter, I feel qualified to testify that " it does 
produce an obvious effect." 
I have used it in the form of a saturated tincture, a syrup, and a 
cold and warm infusion] and I prefer the infusions to the other 
preparations when they can be conveniently prepared ; the cold 
when it is desirable to obtain the tonic, and the warm when the su- 
dorific effect is demanded. Half an ounce of the dried leaves to a 
tea cup full of water, will be very strong, and it may be drank ad 
libitum. 
Of its curative power in cases of hydrophobia I can say nothing, 
never having had the opportunity to give it a trial ; but should such 
a case present itself, I should make a trial of the plant in conjunc- 
tion with other means. — New York Register of Medicine and 
Pharmacy. 
Waterbury, Vermont, June, 1851, 
