184 
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
in cold infusion or tincture, it is cordially stimulating and 
tonic to the stomach. In substance the same invigorating 
effect is produced. As regards the emetic property attributed 
to the expressed juice of the fresh leaves, it would appear, 
from the investigations of the two last mentioned authors, 
that some error has been committed in making the assertion; 
and, if such an effect be produced, other circumstances are to 
be taken into consideration. 
CHEMICAL HISTORY. 
With the view of ascertaining the nature of the ingredients 
contained in the root of the Jisarum canadense, upon which 
its medical properties depend, I have been induced to perform 
the following experiments. After having presented them in 
detail with the results, I shall draw the analogy between my 
own investigations and those which have preceded them; and 
although this field of research has been explored, I conceive 
that where the attainment of exact information is the end in 
view, there cannot be a too frequent repetition of the endea- 
vor to render it as certain as possible. 
Experiment 1 . — To a saturated decoction of the powdered 
root and leaves, a solution of sub-acetate of lead -was added 
until it ceased to afford a precipitate. This precipitate was of 
a dirty white color, and when dried presented all the charac- 
ters of the compound of gum and oxide of lead (of Berze- 
lius.*) 
Experiment 2. — To a saturated decoction previously deco- 
lorized by animal charcoal, tincture of iodine was added, which 
turned it to a beautiful purplish-blue color. 
Experiment 3. — One ounce of the root was digested in 
four ounces of absolute alcohol, until exhausted, then filtered 
and evaporated one half. To this, water was added, which 
produced an abundant whitish precipitate, which, when dried, 
was of a dark brown color, transparent, and possessed the 
taste and odor of the plant. 
* Turner's Chemistry, page 506. 
