THE 
AMERICAN JOURNAL 
O F 
PHARMACY. 
OCTOBER, 1836. 
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 
ART. XXV. — NOTES ON THE SPECIES OF CASSIA WHICH 
YIELD THE SENNA. By Joseph Carson, M. D. 
The information which has been published with regard 
to the history of such plants as enter into the composi- 
tion of Senna, is scattered through numerous memoirs, either 
general in their nature, or specifically devoted to this subject. 
It has always appeared to us that the task of going over the 
whole ground of the knowledge possessed, would not be use- 
less, if, from the materials thus obtained, a succinct account 
were drawn up of the labours of those who have investigated 
this conspicuous article of the Materia Medica. From the 
desire to add our mite to the treasury of science, we have been 
induced to undertake this task, in the hope that it may prove ac- 
ceptable to those whose opportunities for reference are limited. 
The plants which yield the Senna belong to the Natural 
Order Leguminosse. Tribe Cassieae. Genus Cassia. Sec- 
tion, Senna. Decandolle, Prodrome. 
Sexual System. Decandria Monogynia. 
Cassia — Sepals five, hardly coalescing at base; more or less 
unequal; stamina ten; unequal, free, three inferior longest; four 
middle, short and straight, three superior rudimental,with abor- 
tive anthers. Anthers dehiscent at the apex, ovary stipitate 
often curved. Legume varied. Trees, shrubs, or herbs. 
VOL. II. — NO. in. 23 
