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NOTE  ON  BARKS.  103 
been  extensively  used,  and  I  think  its  value  is  proved.    I  send 
the  formula  for  publication,  if  you  think  it  of  sufficient  value. 
Take  of  Senna,  bruised  2|  lbs. 
Sugar  ivij. 
01.  Fennel 
01.  Carui  aa   gtt.  xv. 
Alcohol  gvj. 
Macerate  the  senna  in  cold  water.  Transfer  to  a  percolater 
and  displace  with  the  same  so  long  as  the  infusion  shows 
strength.  In  warm  weather  place  ice  on  the  percolator.  Add 
the  sugar  and  evaporate  to  26  ounces.  Then  add  the  alcohol 
holding  the  oils  in  solution.  Mix  well,  allow  the  precipitate  to 
subside,  and  decant  the  clear  liquid  for  use. 
Fluid  Extract  of  Senna  as  thus  prepared,  is  a  more  fluid  pre- 
paration than  the  officinal  extract,  is  not  unpleasant  to  the  taste, 
is  quite  active  in  a  dose  of  one  to  three  teaspoonfuls,  and 
operates  with  little  or  no  pain  to  the  patient. 
Yery  truly  your  ob't  serv't, 
Henry  Thayer,  M.  D. 
Cambridge,  Mass.,  Jan.  28,  1857. 
NOTE    ON  BARKS. 
By  Edward  Parrish. 
Melambo  or  Matias  Bark. 
In  confirmation  of  the  conclusions  of  E.  S.  Wayne,  in  his 
paper  in  the  last  number  of  this  journal,  I  may  state  that  I  have 
recently  enjoyed  an  opportunity  of  comparing  specimens  of  the 
bark  such  as  I  presented  to  him,  and  which  he  has  so  thoroughly 
examined,  with  samples  in  the  cabinet  in  the  University  of  Penn- 
sylvania, known  as  Melambo  Bark.  These  have  been  in  the 
Cabinets  of  Drs.  Wood  and  Carson  for  years,  and  correspond 
precisely  with  the  bark  alluded  to.  This  bark  has  been,  for 
a  year  or  two  past,  quite  abundant.  It  was  invoiced  to  the 
importers  as  Matias  bark  ;  and  large  quantities  have  been  sold 
to  spice  grinders  for  the  purpose  of  adulteration,  and  to  the 
trade  generully,  as  Winter's  bark.  It  is  one  of  the  most  delight- 
ful aromatics  I  have  ever  met  with,  and  apart  from  any  febri- 
fuge properties,  is  rendered  valuable  by  its  stimulating  and  agree- 
able aroma. 
