— 
ALTERATIVES., 4! 
MEZEREON ROOT (Darune Mezerevm),. 
This is a hardy shrub 3 to 4 feet high, with high, 
branching stem, smooth bark which peels off easily from the 
wood. ‘The leaves are lance-shaped, pale green, and toothed. 
The flowers precede the leaves, coming early in the spring 
and sometimes blooming amid snow. They are of a pale rose 
colour, and have a fragrant cdour. The berries are oval, 
fleshy, and of a bright red colour. 
It is the bark of the root wherein its medicinal qualities 
are found. Being very acrid, it is seldom used alone. The 
sarsaparilla, said to be old Dr Townsend’s, most of which is 
manufactured by the cordial makers, has the Mezereon as one 
ofits ingredients. In some countries it is used as an irritant to 
blister the skin with. The fresh bark laid on will raise a 
blister in 24 hours, and continued, will keep it an open sore. 
‘‘The United States Pharmacopoeia” gives the compound 
decoction of Sarsaco into which mezerion enters, thus :— 
Sarsaparilla (cut and bruised), .....0:e+e+. 6 OUNCES, 
Sassafras (coarse powdered), ..seccsseecere Ll 45 
Guaiacum chips, ....... Sovcccosnewegeses 1 45 
hiquerice root (bruised), sivcvsrvieesscess © “cs 
Mezereon (cut), ..... int Sen e RES ae Ea OUIICe: 
WE TAT «hoe a= php bese ate ay, non’ he Fae AP see 2 pinte 
Drirection.—Simmer the sarsaparilla and guaiacum half 
an hour, then add the other ingredients, cover and keep it hot 
for two hours; strain through the strainer enough cold water 
to make up to three pints. The dose is from one to 
two wineglassfuls two to six times a day. During the use 
of this decoction the patient is recommended to wear flannel 
next the skin and avoid exposure. 
FUMITORY (Foumaria OFrrtcrnatis), 
This is a small plant which grows in corn and other fields 
in almost every country. We have seen it, and are now 
selling what was gathered growing wild near Auckland city. 
Although a weed, it is a beautiful one, and possesses 
undoubted virtue in skin diseases of an eruptive character. 
