310 
PREPARATIONS OP VALERIAN. 
shows a marked difference, and in favor of the American. 
The root is clearer, of a more yellow or brown color; the 
cylindrical fibres are longer, larger in circumference, and 
freer from Knots, and presents none of the knobby, gnarled 
appearance which characterizes the Dutch, and is 
more or less observant in the English specimens. In ad- 
dition to this, the aroma is far more fresh, freer from any 
musty additions, and in strength is allowed to be certainly 
as strong, if not superior to the English. So much for the 
sensible qualities of the American article. 
In regard to the medical properties, the superiority 
which it is shown to possess over the English, is not more 
apparent than will be seen on comparing their intrinsic 
virtues. 
Valerian is characterized as a mild stimulant, with espe- 
cial direction to the nervous system, but without narcotic 
effect. Various diseases have been supposed to have been 
benefitted by this root, but its use has lately been limited to 
spasmodic and nervous complaints. It has been adminis- 
tered in powder, but used in that form it has irritated the 
alimentary canal. Given in infusion, a large proportion of 
its virtues, which consist in a volatile oil, escape. The most 
common form is the tincture. This preparation has been 
found of most uncertain value, partly from the depreciation 
of the root while drying — from the injury it receives in ex- 
portation, but more from the fact that the alcohol extracts 
other qualities, which not only render the extract less effi- 
cient, but also produces nausea, and gastric derangement. 
To obviate all these objections, the Messrs. Brinley have 
made a fluid extract from the green root, before any part 
of its virtues have been evaporated, and have thus been 
enabled to present to the profession a most valuable medi- 
cine, possessing all the virtues of all heretofore-made pre- 
parations, in an increased degree, without the qualities 
which detract from the value of the powder and the tinc- 
ture. Having used the preparation quite extensively for 
