* 
AmNJc°vU"'i879arm' }  Analysis  of  Eriodicty on  Calif ornicum.  549 
Volatile  oil  in  small  quantities,  not  further  examined. 
Moisture,    ......  12*50 
Matter  extracted  by  ether,  .  .  .  I4-'9^ 
(Consisting  of  a  bitter,  acrid,  brittle  resin,  8  per  cent. ;  inert  green 
coloring  matter,  caoutchouc,  wax  in  small  quantity,  tannic  acid  in 
small  quantity.) 
Matter  extracted  by  alcohol,  .  .  .  10  79 
(Consisting  of  inert  resinous  matter  decolorized  by  animal  charcoal, 
a  peculiar  glucoside  of  the  tannic  acid  series  predominating  in  the 
mass.) 
Matter  extracted  by  water,  .  .  .  18*42 
(Consisting  of  same  tannic  acid  above  mentioned,  gum,  brown 
-extractive  inert  substance,  trace  of  sugar.) 
Wood  fibre  and  ash,  ....  43"3I 
From  the  above  analytical  results  it  is  evident  that  the  therapeutical 
value  of  the  plant  rests  solely  upon  its  stimulating  and  astringent  effects 
iipon  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  respiratory  apparatus,  especially  the 
bronchial  tubes,  due  to  the  action  of  the  brittle  acrid  resin  exciting 
secretion  and  promoting  expectoration,  the  astringent  tannic  acid 
imparting  tone  and  solidity  to  the  membranes  in  a  state  of  relaxation. 
How  far  in  this  respect  the  drug  will  prove  to  be  equal  or  superior  to 
the  numerous  remedies  of  like  therapeutic  effect,  and  how  far  its  repu- 
tation amongst  the  people  of  the  country  where  Yerba  santa  is  found 
indigenous  is  sustained  when  employed  by  the  profession,  must  be 
decided  by  the  practitioner. 
In  this  locality  the  fluid  extract  of  the  herb  has  been  used  by  some 
physicians  quite  extensively.  A  medical  friend  who  has  used  it  on  the 
strength  of  its  repute,  and  given  it  what  he  considers  a  fair  and  search- 
ing trial  in  lung  and  bronchial  affections,  did  not  find  his  expectations 
realized,  and  has  since  dropped  the  use  of  it,  as  possessing  no  advan- 
tages over  the  remedies  to  which  he  heretofore  had  recourse. 
The  results  of  my  experience  show  that  a  menstruum  of  alcohol  of 
70  to  75  per  cent,  yields  the  best  preparation. 
Mobile,  Sept.  6,  1879. 
