268  Drink  Plants  of  the  Indians.  {Am-AlT;^"B' 
argentea,  Nutt.,  and  S.  Canadensis  serve  a  similar  use,  and  likewise 
the  fruits  of  the  Barberries. 
For  aromatic  teas,  Sassafras  has  always  been  appreciated.  It  is 
quite  probable  that  the  virtues  of  New  Jersey  tea  (Ceanothus  Ameri- 
canus,  L.),  used  extensively  during  the  war  for  independence,  had  been 
indicated  by  the  natives.  Fragrant  teas  were  also  prepared  from 
Spice-Bush  (Lindera  Benzoin,  Blume)  from  wintergreen  (Gaultheria 
procumbens),  and  sweet  fern  (Myrica  asplenifolia),  sweet  golden  rod 
(Solidago  odora).  Less  acceptable  must  have  been  the  infusions  of 
Marsh  Tea  (Ledum  palustre,  L.)  and  Labrador  Tea  (L.  Groenlandi- 
cum,  Oeder). 
Under  the  name  of  Encenilla  or  Chaparral  Tea,  the  flowering  tops 
of  Croton  corymbulosus,  Engelm.,  is  much  used  in  Western  Texas  by 
Mexicans  and  Indians,  as  well  as  by  our  colored  U.  S.  soldiers,  who 
prefer  it  to  coffee.  It  appears  to  be  devoid  of  theine  or  other  stimu- 
lating principle,  except  volatile  oil.  Other  plants  similarly  used  in 
the  same  country  and  Northern  Mexico  are :  Bidens  Bigelovii,  Gray, 
Salvia  ballotseflora,  Benth.,  Hedeoma  Drummondii,  Benth.,  and 
Actinella  odorata,  Gray. 
SOEANUM  CAROWNENSE  IN  EPILEPSY. 
The  conclusions  of  Dr.  Charles  S.  Potts  on  Solatium  Carolinense  in  the  treat- 
ment of  epilepsy  have  been  summarized  in  the  Therapeutic  Gazette,  December 
1 6,  1895,  as  follows: 
(1)  The  drug  has  a  decided  influence  for  good  upon  the  epileptic  paroxysm. 
(2)  This  influence  is  probably  not  so  great  or  so  sure  as  that  obtained  by  the 
use  of  antipyrin  and  the  bromides.  * 
(3)  In  those  cases  in  which  it  is  of  service,  it  relieves  the  paroxysms  without 
causing  other  unpleasant  symptoms,  such  as  are  sometimes  caused  by  the  use 
of  large  doses  of  the  bromides. 
(4)  The  dose  ordinarily  recommended  (xo  to  15  drops  of  the  fluid  extract)  is 
too  small;  as  much  as  a  teaspoonful  or  more,  four  times  a  day,  is  often  needed 
to  secure  results. 
