Gallbladder & Bile Duct Tincture

The Dispensatory of the United States of America, 1918, Edited by Joseph P. Remington, Horatio C. Wood and others. - Gravel Root

Eupatorium. N. F. IV (U. S. P. VIII). Boneset. Thorough-wort. Herba Eupatorii Perfoliati. Indian Sage. Thorough-stem. Cross-wort. Thorough-wax. Sweating Plant. Herbe d'Eupatoire perfoliée, Berbe a fievre, Herbe parfaite, Fr. Durchwachsener Wasserhanf or Wasserdost, G.—"The dried leaves and flowering tops of Eupatorium perfoliatum Linne (Fam. Compositae)." N. F. This is an indigenous perennial plant, with numerous herbaceous stems, which are erect, round, hairy, from two to five feet high, simple below, and trichotomously branched near the summit. The leaves serve to distinguish the species at the first glance. They may be considered either as perforated by the stem, perfoliate, or as consisting each of two leaves, joined at the base, connate. In the latter point of view, they are opposite and in pairs, which decussate each other at regular distances upon the stem; in other words, the direction of each pair is at right angles with that of the pair immediately above or beneath it. They are narrow in proportion to their length, broadest at the base where they coalesce, gradually tapering to a point, serrate, much wrinkled, paler on the under than on the upper surface, and beset with whitish hairs, which give them a grayish-green color. The uppermost pairs are sessile, not joined at the base. The flowers are white, numerous, supported on hairy peduncles, in dense corymbs, forming a flattened summit. The involucre, which is cylindrical and composed of imbricated, lanceolate, hairy scales, encloses from twelve to fifteen tubular florets, having their border divided into five spreading segments. The anthers are five, black, and united into a tube, through which the bifid filiform style projects. This species of Eupatorium inhabits meadows, the banks of streams, and other moist places, growing generally in bunches, and abounding in almost all parts of the United States. It flowers from the middle of summer to the end of October. All parts of it are active, but the herb only is official. It has a faint odor, and a strongly bitter, somewhat peculiar taste. It is described as "usually more or less broken; leaves opposite, the pair united at the base, from 8 to 20 cm. in length and from 1.5 to 5 cm. in breadth, tapering regularly from near the base to an acute summit, crenate-serrate, rugosely veined, rough and bright green above, yellowish-gray-green, tomentose and resinous-dotted beneath; flower-heads small, numerous, corymbed, with a campanulate involucre of lance-linear, imbricated scales and with from ten to fifteen tubular, yellowish-white florets having a bristly pappus in a single row. Odor faintly aromatic; taste strongly bitter. Eupatorium yields not more than 10 per cent. of ash." N. F. The virtues of the plant are readily imparted to water and alcohol. W. Peterson found it to contain a peculiar bitter principle, chlorophyll, resin, a crystalline matter of undetermined character, gum, tannin, yellow coloring matter, extractive, lignin, and salts. (A. J. P., xxiii, 210.) George Latin (A. J. P., Aug., 1880) found a glucoside, eupatorin, and a crystallizable body of the nature of wax. O. F. Dana, Jr., obtained 3.80 per cent. of extract with petroleum benzin; 4.60 per cent. with ether; 33.80 per cent. with alcohol; 24.80 per cent. with water; 5.80 per cent. with alkali. (A. J. P., 1887, p. 229.) Shamel (Am. Chem. J., 1892, p. 224) published an analysis of the nitrate of the crystalline principle giving the formula C20H25O36HNO3. Eupatorium is, in large doses, emetic and aperient. Because of its nauseating action, the warm infusion tends to increase perspiration and has been used to abort attacks of muscular rheumatism or general cold. H. S. Wilkins has found the infusion useful in the expulsion of tapeworm. (A.J.P., 1874, p. 295.) As an emetic and cathartic, a strong decoction, prepared by boiling an ounce with three half-pints of water to a pint, may be given in doses of from four fluidounces to a half-pint (120 to 240 mils), or more. (See Fluidextractum Eupatorii, N. F., Part III.) Dose, twenty to thirty grains (1.3 to 2.0 Gm.). Eupatorium purpureum L., Joe-Pye Weed, Trumpet Weed, or Gravel Root, is a perennial herbaceous plant, with a purple stem, five or six feet in height, and furnished with ovate-lanceolate, serrate, rugosely veined, slightly scabrous, petiolate leaves, placed four or five together in the form of whorls. The flowers are purple, and consist of numerous florets contained in an eight-leaved involucre. It grows in swamps and other low grounds, from Canada to Florida, and flowers in August and September. The root has, according to Bigelow, a bitter aromatic and astringent taste, and is said to be diuretic. Its vulgar name, boneset, indicates the popular estimation of its virtues. J. U. Lloyd found in it an apparently new, yellow, neutral, crystalline principle, euparin. (A. J. P., 1890.) This euparin, with a number of derivatives, has been prepared by C. C. Mauger (A. J. P., 1894, 120) and analyzed. The formula C12H11O3 is assigned to it. Eupatorium verbenaefolium Michx., commonly called wild horehound, is also an indigenous perennial, with an herbaceous stem, which is about two feet high, and supports sessile, distinct, ovate, acute, scabrous leaves, of which the lower are coarsely serrate at the base, the uppermost entire. The flower-heads are small, white, composed of five florets within each involucre, and arranged in the form of a corymb. The plant grows in low wet places from New England to Georgia, and abounds in the Southern States. It is in flower from August to November. The whole herb is used. In sensible properties it corresponds with E. perfoliatum, though less bitter and disagreeable, and has been used for similar purposes and in like manner. E. incarnatum and E. aromaticum are said to contain an aromatic principle similar to, if not identical with, coumarin, obtained by Guibourt from Dipteryx odorata, or Tonka bean. (See P. J., Oct., 1874, 303.) The roots of E. aromaticum are said to be sold in the Western United States under the name of white snake-root. E. cannabinum of Europe, the root of which was formerly used as a purgative, and E. triplinerve Vahl (E. Aya-pana Vent.), of Brazil, the leaves of which at one time enjoyed a very high reputation, have fallen into neglect. The Aya-pana is an aromatic bitter, like E. perfoliatum, but weaker, and is said to be still occasionally met with in European commerce. (A. J. P., 1887, 154; Ph. Era, 1898, 293.) E. villosum is used in Jamaica, under the name of bitter-bush, in the preparation of beer, as a tonic, and as a stimulant in low zymotic diseases. (P. J., Oct., 1866; A. J. P., 1887, 155.) E. collinum is included in the Mexican Pharmacopoeia.

The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics Written by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D. 1922 - Marshmallow

Botanical name: Althaea officinalis The decorticated dried root of Althaea officinalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Malvaceae), a plant of salt marshes, river banks, and moist, sandy soils. Europe, Asia, Australia, and Eastern United States. Common Name: Marshmallow. Principal Constituents.—Mucilage, starch, pectin, and asparagin, an odorless and colorless crystallizable body identical with althein and agedolite, found also in many other plants. Preparations.—1. Infusum Althaeae. Infusion of Althaea. Dose, Freely. 2. Decoctum Althaeae. Decoction of Althaea. Dose, Freely. 3. Syrupus Althaaeae. Syrup of Althaea. Dose, 1 fluidounce to 4 fluidounces. Therapy.—External. A soothing application to inflamed surfaces; and may be used as an injection for dysentery, acute vaginitis, and the acute stage of gonorrhea. A favorite gargle for irritated throat. Applied upon a compress, it is reputed to be comforting to painful piles. Internal. An excellent lenitive and demulcent diuretic employed to soothe irritated and inflamed mucous surfaces, in hoarseness, cough due to faucial irritation, gastro-intestinal irritation and inflammation, and as a soothing drink in vesical and renal irritation and inflammation, acute cystitis, strangury and gravel. If the mucilage chiefly is desired, an infusion should be prepared with cold water; if starch, with some mucilage is needed, a decoction. It may be given freely. A syrup of marshmallow is a good vehicle for pectoral medication.

King's American Dispensatory By Harvey Wickes Felter and John Uri Lloyd 1898 - Parsley Root

Botanical Source.—Parsley is a biennial plant with a fleshy, spindle-shaped root, and a round, striated, erect, smooth, branching stem. The radical leaves are biternate, bright-green, and borne on long, channeled petioles; the leaflets are rhomboidal-ovate, wedge-shaped at the base, deeply incised, the segments mucro mate and sometimes rounded. The upper leaves gradually become more entire and narrower, till the uppermost are simply ternate with linear segments. Unn bels terminal and axillary, pedunculated, with 5 to 8 rays. General involucre none, or 1 or 2 subulate, minute bracts; partial involucre with 6 or 8 setaceous bracts, much shorter than the pedicels, erect, forming a perfect whorl. The flowers are white or greenish ; the petals rounded, incurved, and scarcely emar ginate; the calyx with the limb obsolete; the disk short, conical, and somewhat crenulate; the styles diverging. The fruit is ovate, about a line long, compressed, pale greenish-brown, the back occupied by three elevated, pale primary ridges, the two others quite on the margin at the side. The stamens are longer than the corolla (L.). History.—Parsley is a European plant, and was known as early as the first century. It is now cultivated in nearly all moderate climates as a culinary vege table. The plant has a grateful aroma. The seeds, herb, and root, are the medici nal parts; the root has rather an agreeable odor, and a saccharine, slightly spicy taste, and should be used while fresh. The root and herb contain small quantities of a volatile oil; larger quantities are contained in the seeds. Chemical Composition.—The root, besides sugar, starch, mucilage, and 0.08 per cent of essential oil, contains a peculiar body, named by Braconnot (1843) apčim. The essential oil from the root has a specific gravity of 1,049, and upon standing, deposits crystals, probably of apiol (see below). Parsley seeds contain fatty Oil (about 22 per cent, Rump, 1836), volatile oil containing the well-defined crystallizable body apiol, tannin, gelatinous apiim (of Braconnot), and an oily sub stance apiol (Joret and Homolle, Jour. Pharm. Chim., 1855, p. 212). Parsley seeds yield, upon distillation with water about 2.8 per cent (4.27 per cent, H. C. Whit ney, 1880) of an essential oil (oil of parsley), part of which is heavier than water. Crystals of apiol (formerly called parsley camphor) are formed by exposing the oil to a low temperature. Some oils are semisolid, owing to the presence of large quantities of apiol. Apiol (C.H.O.) melts at 30°C. (86°F.), and boils at 294°C. (561.2°F.), hence is not easily volatilized with the vapors of boiling water. It has the characteristic taste, but only a faint odor of parsley. Its chemical com position was cleared up, by Ciamician and Silber (1888 and 1890). It is soluble in alcohol and ether; almost insoluble in water. Oil of parsley also contains laevo pineme (v. Gerichten, 1876). APIOL, of Joret and Homolle, is an oily liquid which has the odor and taste of parsley; it is not miscible with water, has a specific gravity of 1.078, and was introduced as a febrifuge capable of supplanting quinine. It is probably not a uniform body, and is prepared by abstracting an alcoholic extract of the seeds, with chloroform or ether, removing fat by triturating the evaporated residue with lead oxide, and after 48 hours filtering through charcoal. The oil thus obtained is probably identical with the heavy part of the volatile oil from the seeds. Also See paper on this subject by H. C. Whitney (New Remedies, 1880, p. 7). APIIN may be isolated from the seeds by extracting them with alcohol and removing apiol from the alcoholic extract by means of ether. The residue is purified by repeated solution in alcohol and precipitation with water. Similarly, apiim may be obtained from the herb, wherein it was first discovered. It is a white, tasteless, microcrystalline powder, soluble in warm alcohol and boiling Water. Upon cooling it falls out, forming a jelly in as dilute a solution as 1 in 1454 PHELLANDRIU M, 1500. It is soluble in alkalies, and is precipitated therefrom by acids. Aqueous solutions of apiim produce a deep blood-red coloration with ferric chloride (Bra connot). It is a glucosid, and is decomposed by the action of diluted acids into dextrose and apigemin (Lindenborn, 1867; v. Gerichten, 1876). Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—PARSLEY. Diuretic, relieving urinary irritation. Very useful in dropsy, especially that following Scarlatina, and other cranthematous diseases. Also used in retention of wrime, Strangwry, and gomorrhoea. Parsley Seeds have a powerful odor, somewhat like that of turpentine, and a spicy, pungent taste, and have been used as a carminative, and for the same purpose as the root—they are said to be very poisomous to the parrot. The seeds as well as the leaves, sprinkled on the hair, in powder, or in the form of an ointment, will effectually destroy vermin; the leaves, applied as a fonmentation, will, it is asserted, cure the bites or Stings of insects. The leaves, bruised, are a good applica tion to contusions, swelled breasts, and enlarged glands—reputed to “dry up the milk.” of wet-nurses. The oil is efficient as a diuretic, in doses of 3 or 4 drops a day; dose of the infusion, 2 to 4 fluid ounces, 3 or 4 times a day. APIOL.–In doses of from 7 to 15 grains apiol occasions a cerebral excitement similar to that caused by coffee, a sensation of vigor and composure, and warmth about the stomach; in doses of from 30 to 60 grains it causes intoxication, giddi mess, flashes of light, vertigo and ringing in the ears, etc. It is highly recom mended as a substitute for quinine in intermittent fevers, and has proved very effi cient. It has likewise been found valuable in menstrual derangements; as fetid men Struation, meuralgic dysmemorrhaea, newralgic wierine colic, amemorrhaea, etc.; also in the might-sweats of consumption. The dose is 3 to 6 grains, several times a day, begin ming a couple of days prior to menstruation, given in gelatin capsules, or formed into pills with medicinal amygdalin soap, and magnesia, gum, or yellow of egg.

A Manual Materia Medica Pharmacology. Comprising All Organic And Iinorganic Drugs Which Are Or Have Been Official In The United States Pharmacopia by David M. K. Culbreth, Pn.G., M.D. 1917 - Turmeric

(lur1сита Um'да, Turmeric.—The rhizome, official 1820-1880; S. Asia, Indian Ocean Islands. Plant is a perennial; leaves radical, 1 M. (3°) long, lanceolate; flower-scape short, spike 15 Cm. (it') long, flowers orange-yellow, in pairs; rhizome 2.5-5 Cm. (1-2') long, 12 Mm. (') thick (long turmeric) to 18-25 Mm. (f-Г) thick (round turmeric), sometimes in sections, yellowish-gray, annulate, inside orange-yellow, fracture resinous; cxlor ginger-like; taste warm, aro matic; contains volatile oil 1 p. c, viscid oil 1 1 p. c, pungent resin, curcumin (coloring matter) .3 p. c, starch, ash 5-7 p. с Powder deep yellow, brownish-red by alkalies or borax. There are several varieties: 1 , Madras (best, bright yellow, often in cut pieces- I'ubna preferred) ; 2, Bengal (reddish, mostly round); 3, Java (reddish-gray); 4, (.'hiñese (often branched); 5, Cochin (possibly from C. viridiflo'ra). Used as stimulant, tonic, aromatic, condiment, for jaundice, and as ginger; tincture, 15 p. с (diluted alcohol) for coloring ointments, solutions, etc.

The Elements of Materia Medica and Therapeutics, Vol. II, 3th American ed., was written by Jonathan Pereira in 1854 - Ginger

Botanical name: Zingiber officinale Amomum Zingiber, Linn. D. Sex. Syst. Monandria, Monogynia. (Rhizoma, L. E.—Radix, D.) History.—Dioscorides [Lib. ii. cap. 190.] and Pliny [Hist. Nat. lib. xii. cap. 14, ed. Valp.] speak of ginger: the former calls it ζιγγίβερις; the latter zingiberi and zimgiberi. Botany. Gen. Char.—Corolla with the outer limb 3-partcd, inner 1-lippcd. Filament lengthened beyond the anther into a simple incurved beak. Capsule 3-celled, 3-valved. Seeds numerous, arillate.—Rhizocarpial plants. Rhizomes tuberous, articulated, creeping. Stems annual, enclosed in the sheaths of distichous leaves. Leaves membranous. Spikes cone-shaped, radical or rarely terminal, solitary, consisting of 1-flowered imbricated bracts (Blume [Enumeratio Plantarem Java.]). Sp. Char.—Leaves sub-sessile, linear-lanceolate, smooth. Spikes elevated, oblong. Bracts acute. Lip 3-lobed. (Roxburgh.) Rhizome biennial. Stems erect and oblique, and invested by the smooth sheaths of the leaves; generally three or four feet high, and annual. Leaf-sheaths smooth, crowned with a bifid ligula. Scapes solitary, six to twelve inches high. Spikes the size of a man's thumb. Lip dark purple. Ovary oval, with numerous ovules; style filiform; stigma funnel-shaped, ciliate. Capsule roundish, unilocular. Seeds numerous; mostly abortive. [Roxburgh, op. cit.; and Dr. P. Browne, History of Jamaica.] Hab.—Cultivated in the tropical regions of Asia and America, and at Sierra Leone. Native soil doubtful, probably Asia. Preparation.—Green ginger is sometimes imported from Jamaica. It consists of soft and juicy rhizomes with buds; and appears to have undergone but little preparation beyond picking and washing. The young shoots put forth every spring by the perennial rhizome are used in the manufacture of the delicious preserved ginger (conditum zingiberis). These shoots are carefully picked, washed, scalded, scraped, peeled, and then preserved in jars with syrup. (Dr. P. Browne.) The finest preserved ginger is imported from Jamaica usually in jars. Barbados preserved ginger is seldom brought over. The China preserved ginger is stringy. It is sometimes imported in the dried state. The dried rhizomes, called in the shops ginger (radix zingiberis), are prepared when the stalks are wholly withered, and the rhizomes are about a year old. In Jamaica, this happens in January or February. The rhizomes are dug up and separately picked, washed, and scraped; and afterwards dried in the sun and open air. (Dr. P. Browne.) The product is the uncoated ginger of the shops, formerly called white ginger (zingiber album). The coated ginger of the shops has obviously not undergone this careful preparation. In Barbados, the rhizomes are dug up, scraped clean, and sun-dried. [Hughes, Nat. Hist, of Barbados, p. 233, 1750.] The black ginger (zingiber nigrum), formerly prepared in Jamaica, is obtained by pickling and cleaning the rhizomes, scalding them gradually in boiling water, and afterwards sun-drying them. [Dr. P. Browne, op. cit.—According to Dr. Wright (Lond. Med. Journ. vol. viii.; also, Memoir of the late Dr. Wright, p. 185, 1828), two sorts of ginger are cultivated in Jamaica, viz., the white and the black; the latter has the more numerous and the larger roots.] Description.—The rhizome, called in commerce ginger root or simply ginger (radix zingiberis), occurs in flattish, jointed, branched, or lobed, palmate pieces, called races or hands, which rarely exceed four inches in length. Barbados ginger, the old sorts brought from Malabar and Bengal, and African ginger, are covered by a dry, shrivelled epidermis commonly called the "coat;" hence these sorts are usually said to be coated or unscraped; whereas the ginger of Jamaica, and the new sorts which of late years have been brought from Malabar and Bengal, have been deprived of their epidermis, and are, therefore, said to be uncoated or scraped. The external colour varies in the different sorts from pale or bright yellow to dark or brown: the palest sort is the fine Jamaica ginger; the darkest being the Bengal old sort; and the other sorts being intermediate. Ginger breaks moderately short, but the fractured surface presents numerous projecting pointed fibres, imbedded in a mealy or farinaceous tissue. A transverse section of the larger and more perfect pieces shows an outer, horny, resinous-looking zone, surrounding a farinaceous centre, which has a speckled appearance from the cut extremities of the fibres and ducts. The internal varies like the external colour; the best ginger is that which cuts pale but bright. The consistence of ginger, as ascertained by cutting, varies from soft to hard, or, as it is termed in trade, "flinty;" the soft being preferred. The taste of ginger is aromatic, hot, and biting; the odour of a fresh broken piece is peculiar and pungent, though aromatic. Varieties.—Seven kinds of ginger, distinguished partly by their place of growth, and partly by their quality, are known in English commerce. Of these, two are from the West Indies, four from the East Indies, and one from Africa. A. West Indian Gingers.—This division includes Jamaica and Barbados gingers. 1. Jamaica ginger.—Imported in barrels holding 1 cwt. each. It is an uncoated, pale sort, and when of fine quality occurs in large, bold, fleshy races, which cut soft, bright, and pale coloured. Inferior samples are small in the race, darker coloured, more or less flinty, and shrivelled. 2. Barbados ginger.—Imported in bags of about 60 or 70 lbs. It is a coated sort, in short, flat races, which are darker coloured than Jamaica ginger, and are covered with corrugated epidermis. B. East Indian Gingers.—This division includes two sorts from Malabar and two from Bengal, all of which are more liable to be wormy than either the West Indian or African sorts. α. Malabar Gingers. 3. Coated Malabar Ginger; Unscraped Malabar Ginger; Old sort of Malabar Ginger; Common Malabar Ginger; Bombay Ginger.—Imported from Bombay in bags or packets. It is a coated, dark, small sort. 4. Uncoated Malabar Ginger; New sort of Malabar Ginger; Tellicherry Ginger; Calicut Ginger; Cochin Ginger.—A pale, uncoated sort, imported in chests, casks, or bags, sometimes from Tellicherry, but usually from Calicut or Cochin. It resembles Jamaica ginger both in external appearance and flavour; but has externally more of a brownish or reddish tint. It first appeared in English commerce about 1841. β. Bengal Gingers. 5. Coated Bengal Ginger; Common Bengal Ginger; Old sort of Bengal Ginger.—Imported in bags. It is a coated or unscraped dark sort, which cuts flinty and brownish, but is plumper and less wormy than common Malabar ginger. 6. Uncoated Bengal Ginger; Scraped Bengal Ginger; New sort of Bengal Ginger; Calicut sort of Bengal Ginger.—Imported in chests of about 1 ½ cwts. It is an uncoated sort, darker than Jamaica ginger. It is not so large as the uncoated Malabar sort, and is harder and darker. C. African Ginger.—Only one kind of African ginger is known, viz., that from Sierra Leone. 7. Sierra Leone Ginger; African Ginger.—Imported in casks or bags. It is a coated sort; the races being generally larger, less flat, and less plump than those of the Barbados sort, which in other respects they resemble. Chinese Ginger.—The Chinese ginger described by Bassermann [Pharmaceutisches Central-Blatt für 1835.] is unknown in English commerce; the only ginger imported into England from China being preserved ginger. Assortment.—The uncoated gingers, namely, the Jamaica, uncoated Malabar, and uncoated Bengal, are assorted for commercial purposes, according to their qualities, somewhat thus— 1. Bold, soft, and bright ginger. 2. Smaller, but soft and bright. 3. Flinty and dark. 4. Shrivelled, and only fit for grinding. The Barbados, African, and coated Malabar and Bengal gingers are usually sold unassorted. The following are the quantities of ginger on which duty was paid for six years:— British West Indies. East Indies. Total. cwts. cwts. cwts. In 1835 6,496 867 = 7,363 1836 4,426 1,912 = 6,338 1837 9,157 3,520 = 12,677 1838 9,305 1,911 = 11,216 1839 6,537 818 = 7,175 1840 7,528 1,535 = 9,063 Washed Ginger; Bleached Ginger.—Ginger is sometimes washed in water, and then dried, by wholesale dealers, prior to its being offered for sale to the retailers. Some of the darker sorts are bleached by washing them in a solution of chloride of lime, and sometimes by exposing them to the fumes of burning sulphur. By this treatment the ginger acquires a chalky-white character, and is then often termed white-washed ginger. Ginger is said [Brande, Dict. of Mat. Med.] to be sometimes washed in whiting and water (or white-washed) under the pretence of preserving it from insects. Adulteration.—Powdered ginger is said to be sometimes admixed with flour and other amylaceous substances. The microscope would readily detect the adulteration, except in the case of East Indian arrow-root (Curcuma angustifolia), the particles of which are similar in appearance to those of ginger. Composition.—Ginger was analyzed in 1817 by Bucholz, [Gmelin's Handb. d. Chem.] and in 1823 by Morin. [Journ. de Pharm. ix. 253.] Bucholz's Analysis. Morin's Analysis. Pale yellow volatile oil 1.56 Volatile oil. Aromatic, acrid, soft resin 3.60 Acrid soft resin. Extractive, soluble in alcohol 0.65 Resin insoluble in ether and oils. Acidulous and acrid extractive, insolube in alcohol 10.50 Gum. Gum 12.05 Starch. Starch 19.75 Woody fibre. Apotheme, extracted by potash (ulmin?) 26.00 Vegeto-animal matter. Bassorin 8.30 Osmazome. Woody fibre 8.00 Acetic acid, acetate of potash, and sulphur. Water 11.90 The ashes contained carbonate and sulphate of potash, chloride of potassium, phosphate of lime, alumina, silica, and oxides of iron and manganese. White Ginger 102.31 Ginger. 1. Volatile oil of Ginger.—Is pale yellow, very fluid, lighter than water, odour that of ginger, taste at first mild, afterwards acrid and hot. 2. Soft Resin.—Obtained by digesting the alcoholic extract of ginger first in water, then in ether, and evaporating the ethereal tincture. The residual resin is yellowish-brown, soft, combustible, has an aromatic odour, and a burning aromatic taste. Is readily soluble in alcohol, ether, oil of turpentine, and hot almond oil. 3. Starch.—Ginger starch consists of thin flat disks, which resemble those of East Indian arrow-root (see Curcuma angustifolia) and plantain starch (see ante, p. 223). Physiological Effects.—Ginger is one of the aromatic stimulants (see vol. i. p. 253) which possess considerable pungency or acridity. Its dust applied to the mucous membrane of the nostrils acts as an irritant, and provokes sneezing. The rhizome chewed is a powerful sialagogue. The powder mixed with hot water, and applied to the skin, causes a sensation of intense heat and tingling, and slight redness. When taken into the stomach, ginger operates as a stimulant; first, to the alimentary canal; secondly, to the body generally; but especially to the organs of respiration. Like some other spices (the peppers, for instance), it acts as an excitant to the genital organs. Furthermore, it has been said to increase the energy of the cerebral functions. It is less acrid than pepper. Uses.—Its principal consumption is as a condiment. Its powers in this way are considerable, while its flavour is by no means disagreeable, and its acridity scarcely sufficient to enable it, when taken with food, to irritate or inflame. As a stomachic and internal stimulant, it serves several important purposes. In enfeebled and relaxed habits, especially of old and gouty individuals, it promotes digestion, and relieves flatulency and spasm of the stomach and bowels. It checks or prevents nausea and griping, which are apt to be produced by some drastic purgatives. It covers the nauseous flavour of many medicines, and communicates cordial and carminative qualities to tonic and other agents. As a sialagogue, it is sometimes chewed to relieve toothache, relaxed uvula, and paralytic affections of the tongue. As a counter-irritant, I have frequently known a ginger plaster (prepared by mixing together powdered ginger and warm water, and spreading the paste on paper or cloth) relieve violent headache when applied to the forehead. Administration.—Powdered ginger may be administered, in doses of from ten grains to a scruple or more, in the form of a pill. Made into a paste with hot water, it may be applied as a plaster, as already mentioned. Preserved ginger (conditum zingiberis), though commonly used as a sweetmeat, may be taken with advantage as a medicine to stimulate the stomach. Ginger lozenges, ginger pearls (commonly termed ginger seeds), and ginger pipe are useful articles of confectionery, which are frequently of benefit in dyspepsia accompanied with flatulence. 1. TINCTURA ZINGIBERIS, L. E. D. [U. S.]; Tincture of Ginger.—(Ginger, sliced [in coarse powder, E. D.], ℥ijss [℥viij, D. (U. S.)]; Rectified Spirit Oij. Macerate for seven [fourteen, D.] days, and strain, L. D. "Proceed by percolation or digestion, as directed for tincture of cinchona," E.)—A very valuable carminative. It is commonly employed as an adjunct to tonic, stimulant, and purgative mixtures. Its dose is fʒj to fʒij. The tincture, made with proof spirit, becomes turbid by keeping, in consequence of the mucilage it contains. Essence of ginger is prepared as a tincture, except that the quantity of rhizome should be increased. Some preparers of it concentrate the tincture by distilling off part of the alcohol. 2. SYRUPUS ZINGIBERIS, L. E. D. [U. S.]; Syrup of Ginger.—(Ginger, sliced, ℥ijss; Boiling Distilled Water Oj; Sugar lb ijss, or as much as may be sufficient [Rectified Spirit as much as may be sufficient, L.]. Macerate the ginger in the water for four hours, and strain; then add the sugar, and dissolve it.—The Dublin College directs it to be prepared with Tincture of Ginger f℥j, and Simple Syrup f℥vij. Mix with agitation.)—Used for flavouring. It is scarcely strong enough to be of much value. An extemporaneous syrup may be prepared by adding the tincture of ginger to common syrup. The Syrupus Zingiberis of the United States Pharmacopoeia is made by adding f℥ij of tincture of ginger (prepared with ℥viij of ginger, and Oij, wine measure, of alcohol) to a gallon of syrup, and evaporating the alcohol by a water-bath. 3. INFUSUM ZINGIBERIS; Infusion of Ginger; Ginger Tea.—This is a very useful domestic remedy, and is prepared by digesting from ʒij to ʒiv of Ginger in f℥vj of Boiling Water, for two hours. When flavoured, it is employed as a carminative in flatulence, &c, in doses of one or two tablespoonfuls. 4. CEREVISIA ZINGIBERIS; Ginger Beer; Ginger Pop.—For the following excellent formula for the preparation of this popular and agreeable beverage, I am indebted to Mr. Pollock, of Fenchurch Street: "Take of White Sugar lb xx; Lemon (or Lime) juice f℥xviij; Honey lb j; Ginger, bruised, ℥xxij; Water cong. xviij. Boil the ginger in three gallons of water for half an hour; then add the sugar, the juice, and the honey, with the remainder of the water, and strain through a cloth. When cold, add the white of one egg and f℥ss of essence of lemon; after standing four days, bottle. The bottles are to be laid on their sides in a cellar, and the beer is ready for use in about three weeks. If a little yeast be used, the beer is ready in a day or two; but in this case it does not keep well." This yields a very superior beverage, and one which will keep for many months. Lemon-juice may be purchased for sixpence a pint in Botolph Lane, Thames Street. A formula for the preparation of Ginger Beer Powders has already been given (see vol. i. p. 523).

The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics Written by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D. 1922 - Lobelia

Botanical name: Lobelia inflataNicotiana tabacum The leaves, tops, and seeds of Lobelia inflata, Linné (Nat. Ord. Lobeliaceae). Abundant in the United States. Dose, 1 to 60 grains. Common Names.—Lobelia, Indian Tobacco, Wild Tobacco, Puke Weed, Emetic Weed, Emetic Herb, Vomit Weed, etc. Principal Constituents.—The unstable liquid alkaloid lobeline, combined with lobelic acid; fixed and volatile oil, and an unimportant nonbasic substance, inflatin. The so-called lobelacrin of Enders is probably lobeline lobeliate. Preparations.—1. Specific Medicine Lobelia. Dose, 1/10 to 60 drops. (Usual form of administration: Rx Specific Medicine Lobelia, 5-30 drops; Water, enough to make 4 fluidounces. Mix. Sig.: One teaspoonful every 1 to 3 hours.) 2. Subculoyd Lobelia. Dose, 1 to 30 drops. Designed chiefly for hypodermatic use. 3. Pulvis Lobelia Compositus, Compound Powder of Lobelia (Emetic Powder). Contains Lobelia (6), bloodroot (3), skunk cabbage (3), ipecac (4), capsicum (1). Dose, as an emetic, 2 drachms in broken doses of ¼ to ½ drachm, in warm water, every 15 minutes. Used chiefly locally. 4. Tinctura Lobelia Composita, Compound Tincture of Lobelia, (Acetous Emetic Tincture, Expectorant Tincture). Dose, ½ to 3 fluidrachms. 5. Libradol. For external use. Specific Indications.—Fullness of tissue, with full veins and full arterial flow; full labored and doughy pulse, the blood current moving with difficulty; short, labored breathing; sense of suffocation; dyspnea with praecordial oppression; pain in chest of a heavy, sore, or oppressive character; pulmonary apoplexy (full dose); mucous accumulations in the bronchi; dry croupal cough, with scant or oversecretion; asthmatic seizures; short, lancinating pain radiating from heart to left shoulder and arm; spasmodic muscular contraction; muscular rigidity; infantile convulsions from irritation of the bowels, or from respiratory obstruction; hysterical convulsions; rigid os uteri with thick doughy and unyielding rim; perineal and vaginal rigidity during labor; angina pectoris (full doses). Action.—Lobelia apparently acts upon the central nervous system, the myoneural junction of the muscles of volition, and the sympathetic nerve ganglia, and by some is classed with the nicotine group in pharmacological effects. It is a powerful gastro-intestinal irritant, producing emesis. Should it fail to vomit, which is rare, purgation may result. In large doses a state of near-collapse is induced. Small doses act upon the cardiac inhibitory apparatus, slowing the heart action, but this is followed by a more or less accelerated pulse. During the depressive stage blood-pressure is lowered, but subsequently becomes increased. Small doses stimulate, and large doses paralyze the respiratory centers and the vagal terminals and ganglia in the bronchi and lungs, death, when it occurs (in animals), resulting from respiratory paralysis (asphyxia). Lobelia is most largely eliminated by the kidney, though some is thought to be excreted by the skin. If lobelia be chewed it causes an acrid, prickling, and persistently pungent sensation in the throat and fauces, accompanied by slight nausea and a feeling of warmth and distention along the esophageal tract and in the stomach. The sensation is not very unlike that produced by tobacco. The salivary glands and those of the mouth are impressed, pouring out saliva and mucus in abundance. A sense of epigastric depression succeeds, followed by profound nausea, and if the amount chewed be large enough, severe and thorough emesis results. The gastric mucus is secreted in great abundance and ejected with the contents of the stomach. The emetic action of lobelia is extremely depressing, and is usually accompanied by profuse perspiration. Oppressive prostration, relaxation of the muscular system, and a languid pulse accompany the emetic stage. The depression, however, is of short duration, and is immediately followed by a sense of extreme satisfaction and repose. Under its action the mental powers are unusually acute, and the muscles are powerfully relaxed. The circulation is enfeebled by large and strengthened by small doses, and the bronchial secretions are augmented. Lobelia, in the ordinary sense of the term, is not a lethal poison. Undoubtedly its injudicious use has and might produce death, but the same is true of many other drugs that are not ordinarily considered as poisons. That the alkaloid lobeline will kill animals has been fully demonstrated. A drop of the alkaloidal solution placed upon the tongue of a strong, healthy man instantly vomited him. To this property of its alkaloid is undoubtedly due the failure of lobelia to act upon man as a lethal agent. Its emetic action is so prompt and decided that the contained alkaloid does not, under ordinary circumstances, produce fatal results. Given in cases in extremis, the resulting exhaustion from repeated emesis would very likely hasten death, but death would be more likely due to the act of vomiting exhausting the patient than to any poisonous effect of the lobelia. Therapy.—External. Infusion of lobelia, or the alcoholic preparations diluted and constantly applied by means of compresses, are among the most efficient applications in rhus poisoning. A lotion or a poultice (with flaxseed or elm) often relieves insect bites and stings, articular pain, the pain of bruises and sprains, and sometimes causes relaxation in strangulated hernia, and relieves the discomfort of erysipelatous inflammation. Powdered lobelia sprinkled upon a larded cloth and applied warm, or the compound emetic powder similarly used, is an invaluable local application to the chest in acute thoracic diseases, and gives marked relief from pleural and muscular pains and alleviates the sense of suffocation and fullness accompanied by a feeling of soreness within the chest. Libradol is a more cleanly application and owing to the presence of glycerin is more or less dehydrating, thus making it a preferable application in swellings, bunions, and inflammatory affections of the joints. Libradol, or a lotion of equal parts of glycerin and the specific medicine, provides a grateful application to relieve pain and reduce tumefaction in orchitis and epididymitis; the lotion is the more easily applied. Libradol is an exceedingly efficient local application in many disorders, to relieve pain and reduce local inflammations. It is not a cure-all, but covers two definite fields of action-the relief of disease conditions presenting: (1) Pain and inflammation, with or without exudation, as occur in pneumonia, broncho-pneumonia, bronchitis, croup, pleurisy, acute pharyngitis, tonsillitis, orchitis, ovaritis, arthritis, synovitis, inflammatory rheumatism, boils, and bunions. (2) Localized pain, along nerve courses, in joints, and in the muscular structures, as in some forms of rheumatism (subacute, non-inflammatory, articular, etc.), lumbago, facial, subscapular, and intercostal neuralgia, pleurodynia, and neuritis. The specific indications for Libradol are: Pain with or without swelling or inflammation; inflammation with serous or mucous exudation; sharp, lancinating pain in the chest, aggravated by respiratory or other movements; congestion and engorgement of parts; dyspnea; soreness in the pectoral region; dull, aching pain; subcutaneous and thecal inflammations; pain of syphilitic nodes and lymphatic swellings. Pulvis Lobeliae Compositus or Compound Emetic Powder is seldom used for the purpose indicated by its name a purpose for which it was originally intended and which it admirably fulfills. It is for its effects when applied locally in broncho-pulmonic affections that it is so highly valued and that has caused it to outlive many other old Eclectic compounds. How it acts—how it can produce the results it does—remains yet a mystery and can not easily be explained scientifically, but that it does act, and very decidedly, is a well attested clinical fact, and its certainty makes it a remedy that we will not be likely to part with. It is the first application thought of by many when desiring an outward application in acute bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, pleurodynia, and soreness of the pectoral walls. A well-larded cloth is sprinkled with the powder. This is then well warmed and applied directly to the chest. Goose fat probably is the best penetrating medium for its exhibition, and singularly recent scientific tests of the penetrability of fatty bodies has yielded the highest place to goose fat. Once more has science recognized the wisdom of the domestic medicationists, whose only claim to skill rested on their discriminatory clinical observation. The emetic powder may be freely used without danger of unpleasant consequences. It takes the place of the heavy poultices and thus gives little or no discomfort to the patient. If a cotton jacket (best prepared by lining an undershirt or waist with a uniform layer of cotton) be worn over the larded cloth the effects are all that can be desired from external applications. Petrolatum is substituted for other greases by some physicians. Internal. From the early days of Eclecticism lobelia, through Thomsonian introduction, has been a valued medicine. Many properties were once ascribed it of which little note is now taken. Its chief uses, however, were as an emetic, expectorant, and antispasmodic, fulfilling all of these offices to the admiration of its prescribers. As an emetic it was regarded as not only prompt but efficient, but in order to render it safer and more efficacious, it was often combined with other substances, notably capsicum and ipecacuanha. Either as an expectorant or emetic, as the urgency of cases required, it was in free use in croup, whooping cough, asthma, dyspnea simulating asthma, and pneumonia. In fevers it was used as a relaxant and to modify the circulation. When used as an expectorant it was usually combined with tincture of bloodroot, syrup of senega, wine of ipecac, or oxymel of squill. Doses of lobelia sufficient to excite nausea and relaxation were employed in epilepsy, chorea, cramps, hysteria, tetanus, strychnine poisoning, and other convulsive attacks. Internally, or by enema, it was largely employed to overcome rigidity of the uterus during labor, but its specific applicability, as now known, was not then differentiated. As a relaxant, when employed by rectal enema and in fomentations, it was highly regarded in treating strangulated hernia and other intestinal obstructions; and to release muscular contracture in tedious labors, and to facilitate the setting of fractures and reducing of dislocations. In extreme cases, oil of lobelia was employed and entered into liniments for severe neuralgic and rheumatic complaints. The infusion was used in ophthalmia; the tincture locally in sprains, bruises, rheumatic pains, erysipelatous and similar inflammations, eczema and other cutaneous diseases, and in poisoning by ivy. Poultices of lobelia were similarly employed. These were the days prior to the advent of specific medication through which a better understanding of the use of lobelia was acquired. Of these uses only the occasional employment still survives for the same purposes in croup, asthma, whooping cough, dyspnea, children's convulsions, rigid os, and the local surface disorders named. Lobelia is nauseant, emetic, expectorant, relaxant, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, sialagogue, sedative, and, secondarily, occasionally cathartic and diuretic and astringent. It is in no sense a narcotic. As an emetic lobelia is now seldom employed. In selected cases where a systemic emetic effect is desired it may still be employed with benefit. By a systemic emetic we mean one which, like lobelia, not only causes emesis, but reacts profoundly upon the nervous, circulatory, and secretory apparatus of the whole body, so that marked relaxation takes place and the stomach yields up a great quantity of thick, ropy mucus. Such an effect is sometimes desirable as a preparatory treatment for the better receptivity of medicines that would otherwise remain unabsorbed by the stomach, or when antiperiodics act indifferently or irritatingly unless a good cleaning of the stomach and relaxation of nervous tension are first insured. This is notably true of quinine, and often of the special or arterial sedatives. Though momentarily depressing, the reaction is decidedly beneficial, and it may well be used when depression is not too great to begin with, and the tongue is expressionless and foully coated at the base. In such instances we believe it should still be used in emetic doses in some chronic disorders of the stomach, and especially in the incipient stage of intermittent and other allied fevers. We have seen it arouse from a general sluggish condition of atony those who have been ill for months and start them on the way to better health. When the emetic action of lobelia is desired, small doses of specific medicine lobelia, or of the powder in warm water, should be frequently administered until profound nausea is induced; then the medicine should be pushed rapidly to emesis. Large draughts of warm (not hot) water will hasten its action and render the act of vomiting easier. Lobelia should never be given to children or the old and feeble as an emetic; nor is it admissible in ordinary cases of poisoning, where depression may be increased by it. Such are to be treated with stimulating emetics. The powerfully relaxant properties of lobelia make it an efficient drug where the spasmodic element is a factor. As of old, nauseant doses may be given to relax hysterical convulsions, worm convulsions, the convulsions of dentition, and other convulsive disorders of children. When mildly asthenic, lobelia may be used alone; when sthenic, bromide of potassium or gelsemium may be given with it. Usually, however, the indications are present for all three medicines. The best combination of drugs we have personal knowledge of for the relief of convulsions of childhood caused by errors of diet, such as the ingestion of half-comminuted bananas, nuts, or shredded cocoanut cakes, or of fresh flour dough, is the following: Rx Specific Medicine Lobelia, and Specific Medicine Gelsemium, 1 fluidrachm each; Potassium Bromide, 1 drachm; Water, enough for 4 fluidounces. Mix. Sig.: One teaspoonful every five minutes until complete relaxation is insured; then every two hours for a day. The warm bath and the enema should not be neglected. If convulsions are due to dentition or to the onset of infectious diseases, good will have been accomplished by placing the system in repose and giving a better receptibility for other medication. Lobelia is of little value in epileptic convulsions, and is rarely of service in tetanus. It has been used in strychnine poisoning, but is not to be commended, especially if given late, lest attempts at emesis provoke the already greatly excited reflexes and precipitate repeated paroxysms; and less than emetic doses would have absolutely no value. In puerperal eclampsia, in which it has also been advised, it is not to be compared with veratrum, gelsemium and chloroform in efficiency. When intestinal obstructions are due to a spasmodic state of the intestines it may be of service, as in intussusception and fecal impaction; and it may relax and relieve a strangulated hernia. Too much time must not be consumed in attempts at medication in these serious disorders, and an early resort to surgery is advisable. Spasmodic colic in both adults and children is sometimes quickly relieved by lobelia. In fact very small doses prove the very best treatment in colic of very young infants. For spasmodic croup and spasmodic asthma lobelia in nauseant doses is without a peer in drug therapeutics. Lobelia is the drug for angina pectoris, neuralgia of the heart, and pulmonary apoplexy. Though evanescent in its action, large doses of specific medicine lobelia (about 20 drops) may be administered with the expectation of relieving the patient. The dose may be repeated as necessary. Lobelia is a cardiac stimulant, therefore we class it with the sedatives, for all arterial or special sedatives in medicinal (small) doses are heart stimulants. When the circulation exhibits a markedly slow pulse-wave it will be better corrected by lobelia than by any other drug. In fact the most prominent indication for lobelia is the full, oppressed, sluggish, doughy pulse. Associate this with praecordial oppression, thoracic pain, difficult breathing, soreness or bruised feeling within the chest, nausea with tongue heavily coated at the base, fullness of tissue, and we have before us a fair range of the action of the drug. It is a good remedy in cardiac congestion. Lobelia is of specific value in obstetrical practice. It powerfully subdues muscular rigidity. It is one of the remedies to overcome a rigid os, during parturition, and at the same time it relaxes the perineal tissues, thus defending the parts against lacerations. This specific effect of lobelia has won many converts to specific medication. This it does when there is fullness of tissue—a thick, doughy, yet unyielding os uteri; when, however, the edge of the os is thin and closely drawn, sharp like a knife edge, full doses of gelsemium are indicated. For this antispasmodic action lobelia may be given in nauseant doses, preferably in hot water, by mouth and by rectum. Lobelia is a stimulant to the sympathetic nervous system. It improves innervation of the parts supplied by both the pneumogastric and sympathetic nerves. The appetite and digestion are augmented by it and peristalsis of the whole gastro-intestinal tube greatly stimulated. All this it does best in small and repeated doses; and for these specific purposes it should be so employed and not for its nauseating and emetic effects, which it causes by pushing this stimulation to its limit. The conditions in which such violent and disturbing action is desired are sufficiently set forth above. Specific medication has proved that lobelia is indicated by the full, slow, labored, and doughy pulse, showing that the blood current moves with difficulty. Over the chest, and particularly in the praecordium there is a sense of oppression and weight and often a dull, heavy pain or soreness of an oppressive character and always associated with difficulty in breathing. Mucous rales in the bronchi are prominent and the cough is aggravating, but followed by free and full expectoration. The tongue is full, pallid, broad and flabby-expressionless, nausea is a common indication, and sick headache with nausea frequently encountered. The sympathetic and the vagus are always below par when lobelia is indicated. With any or several of these indications lobelia proves most valuable in the gastric and respiratory disorders named below. Even in this specific field comes partly its beneficent action in angina pectoris, though relaxation even to nausea apparently intensifies its ameliorating effects. The small dose of lobelia is of distinct value in atonic types of indigestion and dyspepsia. In similar doses it may relieve sick headache due to gastric derangement, and is then indicated by a feeling of "qualmishness" and nausea. Though sometimes overlooked when we are seeking a drug to overcome intestinal atony, experience has proved lobelia, continued for some time in moderately small doses, to be one of the best agents at our command to gradually relieve habitual constipation. Rx Specific Medicine Lobelia, 1 or 2 drops, every 2 or 3 hours. This is accomplished by improving the innervation and peristalsis, and stimulating the secretions of the intestinal glands, as lobelia is in no sense a laxative in such doses. Administered with podophyllin and other cathartics it tends to prevent the after-constipative results that frequently follow the use of "bowel persuaders" when given in purgative amounts. Lobelia is of value in common colds with a dry, irritative cough. It ranks with the best of antiasthmatics, and is equally serviceable in spasmodic asthma and in humid asthma, with scanty secretion in the first and over-secretion in the latter. In asthma, which is but a symptom of some grave body wrong, the urine should be examined for albumin, which, together with the asthmatic paroxysms, are sometimes the only early evidence pointing to nephritis. Nasal obstructions and deformities requiring removal by the nasal specialist should also be taken into account, as well as other causes for reflex excitation. With these absent lobelia is signally effective; it often fails in part or altogether when these abnormalities remain uncorrected. Lobelia is an equally certain remedy for the relief of spasmodic croup and the asthmatic form of acute laryngitis in children. In lobar pneumonia and in broncho-pneumonia it renders good service when there is much congestion and breathing is greatly oppressed. In chronic respiratory disorders it is valuable either to increase or decrease secretion, accordingly as the fuller or lesser doses are used, and to relieve cough. For coughs, when dry, barking, or hacking, or when loud mucous rales are heard, but there is difficulty in raising the sputum, lobelia may be employed alone, or in mixtures or syrups as indicated. For chronic coughs requiring lobelia a good form is the compound liniment of stillingia (which see), which contains the so-called oil of lobelia. For the cough of measles, when a sluggish circulation and imperfect eruption are factors, it proves useful in quieting the laryngeal irritation, controlling the catarrhal features, and more perfectly bringing out a tardy efflorescence. In both scarlet fever and measles, lobelia, by causing determination of blood to the skin, promotes the eruption when tardy and re-establishes it when retrocession occurs. It modifies many cases of whooping cough where abundant secretions of a stringy character almost strangle the sufferer. In short lobelia is a most admirable respiratory stimulant when the mucous membranes are dry, or when relaxed and secretion is free but difficult of expectoration. It should not be forgotten as one of the most valuable medicines in all stages of la grippe and epidemic influenza, as a vital stimulant, to regulate an imperfect circulation, and to control cough and expectoration. It is an admirable drug in post-grippal catarrhs, following the specific indications as given. Lobelia is seldom indicated, nor is it well borne, in advanced pulmonary tuberculosis. It has been assumed by some that lobelia possesses the properties of an antitoxin in the sense that that term is now employed in biologic medication. This assumption we believe to be unwarranted without definite and exact biological experimentation. Such unsupported vagaries bring into discredit otherwise good and efficient drugs. That quite remarkable results have been obtained from its use in grave blood -disorganizing and specific diseases seem probable. But lobelia is essentially a vital stimulant, and this property, more than an antitoxic action as now understood, better explains its beneficent effect in diphtheria and other depressing septicaemic diseases. Hypodermatic Use. For the so-called antitoxic and other general action, lobelia, hypodermatically administered, has come into prominent use in late years in many of the disorders for which the drug is given internally. In this manner the probability of nausea and vomiting is lessened, while its relaxant properties seem not to be diminished. In spasmodic asthma it sometimes gives prompt relief, and we have observed its effects most beneficially in gall-stone colic of a continuously nagging, though not very severe, type. We have also observed a remarkable increase of urine from the drug used in this way. To catalogue the conditions in which many have obtained asserted good effects would be to restate all the uses of lobelia given in this article, except that of emesis. The subject of hypodermatic medication, involving a large number of vegetable medicines, has been purposely omitted from this work. The author is unalterably opposed to this too general practice because of the dangerous reactions that occur often enough to make one cautious. Thoughtless, and often unscrupulous, commercialism in medicine on the part of a few has brought about a demand from physicians for these hypodermatic forms of medicines, and to meet this demand reputable manufacturers of drugs have unwillingly yielded and have supplied a score or more of such preparations. Realizing that such preparations under the best of pharmacal care are liable to deleterious change or disintegration, or to the development of toxic material, the thoughtful manufacturer is unwilling to continue the supply of such drugs. Certain vegetable proteins may, and often do, become as obnoxious and dangerous as some animal proteins, and may produce allergic, or anaphylactic effects, as well as direct poisoning; and occasionally the most unhappy and near fatal consequences have resulted. Apparently lobelia and ergot are the safest of these preparations and they should not be recklessly or unnecessarily used, when other methods of medication may be just as effectually employed. Acetous Emetic Tincture. Like the Compound Emetic Powder, this agent is now seldom employed as an emetic. On the contrary its reputation rests on its value as a remedy in coughs, colds, and broncho-pulmonic complaints. It is of service when the indications are present for both lobelia and sanguinaria. These drugs are more effective when tinctured with a certain proportion of vinegar, hence the superiority of this compound over the plain tinctures. Emetic tincture added to syrup will often render good service when a cough mixture for irritative cough, with deficient secretion, is desired. The dose of the tincture is from 20 to 60 drops. RELATED MEDICINE. Tobacco (Nicotiana Tabacum, Linné. and Nicotine. Tobacco was once used to a considerable extent upon painful inflammatory swellings and to relax strangulated hernia. It is seldom employed as a drug at the present day. When unaccustomed to its use in chewing and smoking it acts profoundly, causing vomiting and great depression; toleration is soon established. Nicotine is of toxicological interest chiefly, but rarely it is used to subdue pain. A solution of the combined alkaloids of tobacco, containing 1 per cent of nicotine, is on the market as Dynamyne, a preparation devised by Lloyd and Howe. It is a green-colored hydro-alcoholic liquid designed for external use only, a solution of 1 to 4 fluidrachms in a pint of water being applied by means of a compress upon localized inflammations, and to relieve the pains of neuralgia, pleurodynia, rheumatism, felons, abscesses, etc. Some persons are very susceptible to nicotine, hence this preparation must be used with great caution, and care should be had in handling or inhaling it. A combination of tobacco alkaloids is an ingredient of Libradol.