STILLINGIA SYLVATICA. 305 
The part employed is the root, which acquires a con- 
siderable size, and runs to a great depth in the earth. Its 
structure is not very fibrous, and it is easily broken in 
gathering. It grew in considerable quantities in the neigh- 
bourhood of this city, but has been nearly exterminated by 
the frequent searches made for it. It i?; found in considera- 
ble abundance in this State, particularly in Edgefield, Barn- 
well, Newberry, and Abbeville Districts. It is also found 
in Georgia and other parts of the Union. 
The medicinal properties of this plant are nowhere par- 
ticularly spoken of, and for a long time a knowledge of 
them was confined to irregular practitioners, and to others 
in the inferior stations of life. The reputation it had 
acquired in the hands of these persons, rendered it an object 
of attention to others more informed, and experiments 
which have been made, confirm, in some degree, the 
opinions which were entertained of its efficacy, and its title 
to be arranged among the active articles of the materia 
medica. Few vegetable productions, in their recent state, 
exhibit more power, concentrated in a small compass, or 
exercise an influence more energetic upon the particular 
organs to which it is applied, and through them to the sys- 
tem generally. So powerfully is this action exerted upon 
the capillary and secreting vessels, in changing their morbid 
states or conditions, and thereby disposing to a new and 
more healthy action, that in this respect it is nearly allied 
to mercury, exerting an influence little inferior, in many 
cases, and in others greatly to be preferred. The great 
object to be kept in view in the treatment of many dis- 
eases, is, to direct our remedies in such a manner as to re- 
store healthy actions, by slowly operating upon the secre- 
tions. It is the power which mercury possesses to change 
the action of these vessels, which renders it so valuable 
an agent, and, in my opinion, the Stillingia is not very far 
its inferior. The operation of this article extends further — 
28 
