178 
ON ASARUM CANADENSE, ETC. 
to differ from the Asarum Europoeum.' From this resem- 
blance, several botanists have been induced to suppose that 
they were only varieties of the same, which, however, is not 
the case. If there be, upon fair comparative trial, the slight 
difference in medical properties that has been supposed, 
may it not be attributed rather to the degree or amount, of the 
active proximate principle in one, that is not found in the 
other ? Thus the essential oil would seem to be the most 
energetic element of both, and the greater emetic power of 
the Asaret of Europe, may depend on its presence in larger 
proportions." 
These remarks lead to conclusions which are certainly er- 
roneous, if we may credit the authors who have written upon 
the subject. Dr. Wood, U. S. Dispensatory, says, "The 
root and leaves of Asarabacca, either fresh or carefully dried, 
are powerfully emetic and cathartic, and were formerly used 
in Europe with a view to these effects." "But as an emetic 
they have been entirely superseded by ipecacuanha, and are 
now used chiefly, if not exclusively, as an errhine. The pow- 
dered root snuffed up the nostrils, in the quantity of one or 
two grains, produces much irritation, &c." Professor Pereira, 
in his Materia Medica, says '-Every part of the plant possesses 
acrid properties. Applied to the mucous membrane of the 
nose, it produces violent sneezing, etc." "Swallowed, it 
causes vomiting, purging, and griping pains." 
On the contrary, the Asarum Canadense, except a slight 
nauseating tendency in large doses, possesses neither emetic or 
cathartic properties, but is an aromatic stimulant, with dia- 
phoretic powers. It is said formerly to have been used ex- 
tensively, instead of ginger, by the country people, of some 
parts of New England, for making ginger beer. I have been 
informed by those who have used it medicinally, that they 
have never known it to act as an emetic, or cathartic, and 
that it is altogether a mild remedy. So striking a difference 
in the medicinal power of the two plants, renders the suppo- 
sition of their different chemical character perfectly natural. 
