*%*
m
il
HtNRYK.WAMPOL£&CO.Umited
KINC'S
AMERICAN DISPENSATORY
BY
HARVEY WICKES FELTER, M. D.
ADJIMT l'Ki>H>»liK I'K I IlKMIMKY, I'llAHMAl Y, AM) ToXiCOI.i K. Y, AX J> rKnKK.--soK UF AN ATiiM V, IN
THE ECLECTIC MEDICAL IXSTITITE, CIXCI.NXATI, OHIO; EDITOR OF IXICKE's SYLLABUS
OF MATERIA MEDICA AND TIIERAPECTICS; E.X-I>RESH)EXT OF THE OHIO
STATR Kc I !•( Tli: MKDTCAI. ASSO< I ATi. IV, KTC. KTI., XTC.
AND
JOHN URI LLOYD, Phr M., Ph. D.
TROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY, PHAIOIACY, A.VD TOXICOLOtiY, IX THE ECLECTIC MEDICAL INSTITUTE,
CIXCINNATI,OHIO; FORMERLY PROFESSOR OP CHEMISTRY AXD PHARMACY IX THE CINCINNATI
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY; EX-PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN PHARMACEUTICAL
association; author of the chemistry of medicines; drugs AXD
MEDICINES OF NORTH AMERICA; A STUDY IN PHARMACY;
ETIDORHPA, ETC., ETC., ET1\
ENTIRELY REWRITTEX AXE) EXLAROED.
NINETEENTH EDITION. THIRD REVISION. IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. II.
C INC INN. ATI:
THE OHIO VALLEY COMPANY,
317—321 RACE STREET.
1905.
AUTHORIZATION.
Resolution passed by the National Eclectic Medical Associa- tion at the annual meeting, in Cleveland, Ohio, June 19, 1879 : Resolved, That this Association adopt The Americas Dispensa- tory as its STANDARD AfTHORITV.
Alexander Wilder, M. D., Secretary.
'Authority to use for comment the Phannacopieia of llie United States of Amerim (18SX)) , Seventh Decennial Revision, has been granted by the Committee of Revision and Publication."
Authority to print selections from the Xational Formulary, has been granted by the Council of the American Pharmaceu- tical Association.
COPYRIGHTS.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 18.>l. by MOORE, WILSTACH & KEYS,
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by
>fOORE, WILSTACH, KEYS & CO.
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States,
for the Southern District of Ohio.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1864, by
MOORE, WILSTACH & BAf.DWIN,
In the Cleric's Office of the Kistrict Court of the United States.
for the Southern District of Ohio.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the years ISTOand 1880. by
WILSTACH. BALDWIN i CO.
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington
Copyright, 1898. by THE OHIO VALLEY COMPANY.
Copyright, 1900 by TIIE OHIO VALLEY COMPANY.
PHINTEO AND BOUND
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
Fin. SAME. SOIRCE. PAGE.
116. Root of Alpinin otticinaruui Fre<lerick Stearns & Co.'s Catalogue, 905
117. Gaultheria procuinbene Standard Dictionary ( Funk & Wagnalls), 913
118. Gelsemiuin sempervirens After Millsjiaugh's American Medicinal Plants, 917
nil. Rhizome of ( ielsemiuni sempervirens V rederick Stearns & Co.'s Catalogue, 918
120. Gentiana lutea The American Cyclopedia (I). Appleton & Co.), 924
121. tierauium maculatiun St^mdard Dictionary i F. & VV.|, 928
122. Glvcvrrliiza glabra Staiidiird Hirtioiuirv i F. &W.), 946
123. Gooiivera pubescens .><t;ui.l:ir.l Pirtioiuuv i F. it W.), 949
124. Punica Granatum Stan.lui.I I >i(ti,.n;ny F & W.), 953
125. lla-inatoxylon campccbianum The Aniciican Cvrl.iii i-.lia i |i". A. it Co.), 972
12<i. llainameli^ virginiana Sian.hinl I lirliimary i F. & W.), 974
127. Iledfoma pulegioides The Anuiican ( v(I..|ki ,lia (D. A. & Co.), 977
12n. 11,-dera Helix ' St^n.hn.l I>i. ti.Miary (F. & W.), 978
12!i. Holiaiithemum cana<lense .•^lui.ln 1 Di ti..nary (F. &W.), 980
i:!0. Uelleborus niger v. ,; , l .nary (F. & W.), 982
131. Anemone Hepatica m i inary (F. & W.), 985
132. Anemone acutiloba Lloyd's Drugs an. i i n i . - i North America, 986
133. Hciichera americana '. .■^laiuiai.i 1 n.lDnarv ( F. & W.), 988
134. .K-mlns Ilippocastanum The American Cycloptedia ("D". A. & Co.), 990
i:;".. llumulii-. l.npuhis Standard Dictionary ( F. it W.), 998
13(i. I»riid rliizoiiie of Hydrastis canadensis Lloyd's D. and JI. of N. A., 1020
137. Crystals of Berberiiie I i..;.!- 1' ;iiid U. of X. A., 1022
138. Crystals of Hvdrastine i md M. of X. A., 1024
13'.i. Hyoscyanius niger The Aun n. i ia i D. A. it Co. I. 1033
140. Hypericum perforatum - I .nan- ( F. & \V.), 1038
141. Bean of .St. Ignatius Frcl. ! -i !,. Co.'s Catalogue, 1043
142. Ili-xopaca - <• ; nary (F. & W.i. 1044
143. Iicxiilabra -i : i 1'. i .narv iF. &\V.l, 1045
144. Iiiipati.-n.= pallida .-l.u. .:..... Da ii..nar\- (F. it W. i, 1047
14") Inipati.ns lulya Suiidaid Dictionary (F. & W.), 1047
14i; Inula il I. Ilium Frederick .^tearns it Co.'s Catalogue, 10.58
147 Ci|ili,i. lis Ipecacuanha Frederick Stearns it Co.'s Catalogue, 1071
14s. Iris tiureiitina Stan.lard Dictionary ( F. it W.), 1081
I4!i. Liaye.s of Jacaranda procera Frederick Stiai iis it Co.'s Catalogue, 1082
loO. IpoMUea jalapa The American Cylnpadia (I). A. & Co.), 1084
151. Juglans cinerea Standard Dictionary (F. it W. I, 1089
1.52. Kaluiia lalifolia The American Cydopjedia ^ I). A. it Co.i, 1093
153. Single rtower of Kalmia l&tifolia The American Cyclopedia ( D. .\. & Co.i, 1093
1-54. Sterculia acuminata Stearns' " Kola," 1100
155. Crystals of CatTeine Stearns' '" Kola," 1101
1.56. Arctium Lappa Lilly's Bulletin, 1118
157. Ijuandula yera Standard Dictionary ( F. & W. ), 1 124
15S. Leonurus Cardiaca Standard Dictionarj- (F. it W.l, 1125
l-5'.<. Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum Standard Dictionary iF.itW.), 1130
KM). Ligiistrum vulgare .^tamlard 1 lictinnarV > F. it W. i, 11.32
Itil. Li.|uidanil)ar styraciflua Siandar.l l>i,;inriaiy K. itW.), 1148
lt)2. Litliospermum canescens Standanl Didinnaiv iF.it W.i, 1198
Ki.3. I^l«?lia inflata Lloyd's Drugs and Me.licines of North America, 119i>
164. See.! of Lobelia inHata LloVd's Drugs an.l Medicines of North America, 1199
1C5. Crystals of Inflatin Lloyd's Drugs and Medicines of North .\in«rica, 1201
16(i. Lv'copoilium dayatum ". . .The .\merican Cyclopsedia i D. .V. & Co.i, 1211
167. ^farrubium yulgare Standard Dictionary ( F. it W.i, 1241
165. M..iuha pipirita Standard Dictionary (F. & \V.), 12.54
16!i. .Mentha yiridis The American Cyclogiedia (1). A. & Co.), 1255
170. Crystals of Menthol . . .. Pharmacology of the Newer Mat. Med. (Parke, Dayis & Co.), 1256
171, Mitchellarepens '. The American Cyclopiedia ( D. A. & Co.), 1273
(iii)
>IST OF ILLTSTRATIONS.
|
174. |
Co |
|
175. |
M^ |
|
176. |
sti- |
|
177. |
Set |
|
178. |
Xv |
|
179. |
<Ki |
|
180. |
Xe |
|
181. |
Sh |
|
182. |
(iii |
|
1811 |
Ol. |
|
184. |
i;i« |
Morns nigra
Myrii<tica fragrans
CouiTiiipliora Myrrlia
MyvtuK communis
yoliMO.'s Xnx vomica
■il of StrviliMos Xnx vomica.
i|nrlol
SOIRCE.
.standard iJictionan' i F. & W. ),
Stan.lar.l DictionarV i F. & W. |,
StaiHlar.l I>icti..n;.rV F.&W.i,
Standard Hirtioiiarv <F. &W.,i,
.The .\merican Cy<luip:.dia ( D. A. & Co.l,
Frederick .Stearns & Co.'s Catalogue,
.The American Cyclopedia ( I». A. & Co.),
Standard Dictionary i F. & \V. ),
Standard Dictionary i F. & W.),
Frederick Stearns A Co.'.s Catalogue,
Standard Hictionarv , F. & W.),
.Standard DictionarV ■ F. & W.),
.Tlie American Cyclopiedia iD". A. & Co.), .Tlie American Cydopa-dia (D. A. & Co.),
Standard Dictionarj' i F. & W. i,
.The -American Cydopsedia i li. A. & Co.), .Tlie American Cvcloj)a-dia i D. A. & Co. >,
Standaril Dictionary ( F. & W.),
Standard Dictionary i F. & W. ,
Frederick Stearns c<c Co.'s Catalogue,
Frederick Stearns & Co.'s Catalogue,
Frederick Stearns & Co.'s Catalogue,
Standard Dictionary i F. & W. i,
Lilly's Bulletin,
Lilly's Bulletin,
Frederick Stearns & Co.'s Catalogue,
Frederick Stearns & Co.'s Catalogue,
Supplement to American Disj>ensatory,
Pharmacology of the Newer Mat. Med. (Parke, Davis & Co.t,
tigmavenenosniii
.Aralia Passill
IVntliiirniii sedoid PhysDstigma vene Calabar bean ; fruit of Pliy
Phytolacca deeandra
Poke-root
Poke-root (section)
Anandrta paniculata
Cocculns indicus; fruit of Anamirta paniculata
Leaf of Jaborandi.
Piscidia Erythrina
Podophyllum peltatum(with rhizome and fruit). .Frederick Stearns& Co.'s Catalogue
Ptelea trifoliata
Anemone Pulsatilla
Pyrola rotundifolia
Picrrena excelsa
Ehamnus cathartica
Genuine Cascara sagrada
Rhus glabra
Rhus Toxicodendron
Rosmarinus officinalis
Rnmex Acetosa
Rume.v Acetosella
Ruta graveolens
Salvia officinalis
Sambucus canadensis
Sanguinaria canadensis
Saponaria officinalis
Sarracenia purpurea
Honduras sarsaparilla
Mexican sarsaparilla
Smilax sarsaparilla root
Bamboo brier-root
Sassafras varii folium
Scroplnilaria nodosa
.«cutell:,ri;i lii(<-nfiora
Sciit.Hnia vri-sii-olor
Kodt .ii l'nl\ L.':ila Senega
.\ri>tol,.,liia ^iTpentaria
SilphiinH laeiniatnm
Hrassica Mii.'ni
Snlnine. frum Solanum Carolinense,
l>hisagria
StiHin;;i;i, section of
Datura Stramonium
Capsule and seed of Datura Stramouium
Nicotiana Tabacum
Tanncetum vulgare ,
Taxus baccata
Thea chinensis
Tea leaves .
The American Cyclopedia (D. A. & Co,
Frederick Stearns & Co.'s Catalogue,
Standard Dictionarj- i F. & AV. i,
The American Cyclopiedia i T). \. & Co. t,
The American Cyclopedia ( D. A. & Co. ),
Pharra. of the Newer Mat. Med. ( Parke, Davis iV; Co. ),
The American Cydopietlia tD. A. * Co.',
Johnson's Medical Botany ( Wm. Woo^Is & Co.),
Standard Dictionary ( F. & W. ),
Standard Dictionary ( F & W. t,
Standard I Hctionary i F. & W. ),
The American Cyclopaedia i D. A. & Co. I.
Standa'rd Dictionarv i F. iV W.i,
The American Cvdnpadia I>'. A. A Co.l,
Standard I >i,ti. .narv i F. A W. ).
Standard 1 'iitii'nary F. & W. ),
The American Cvcliipa>dia D. A. A Co. i,
: Lillvs Bulletin.
LillV's Bulletin,
Lillvs Bulletin,
Lillys Bulletin,
Standanl l>ictionary ( F. & W. ),
Lloyd's Drugs and Jledicines of North America,
." Supplement to American Dispensatory,
Supplement to .\merican Disjiensatorv.
The American Cvcloiuedia i D. A. A Co.'i.
Standard Dictionarv F. »V: W. ',
Standanl Di.tinnarV ■ F. iV W. i.
Standard Dictinnary ( F. A: W.i,
Lloyd's figure in .-Vnur. .lour. Pharni.,
The American Ivclopadia D. A. iV Co.).
Standanl Dic'tionary F. A- W. i.
The American Cyclopedia D. .\. A Co.),
Frederick Stearns iNc Co.'s Catalogue,
Lilly's Bulletin.
Frederick Stearns A: Co.'s CataK>gue,
Frederick Stearns A Co.'s Catalogue.
The .\merican Cydona'dia i D. A. Ac Co.),
Standartl Dictionary F. A W. ),
Standanl Dictionary ( F. A: W. ),
Standard Dictionary i F. A W.l,
1295 1298 1301 1313 1314 1318 1319 1326 1347 1369 1375 1.381 1400 14a5 1424 1424 1429 1441 1442 1463 1466 1471 1471 1471 1476 1476 1479 1510 1528 1586 1589 1610 1614 1653 1654 166-3
lti86 1705 1707 170S 1724
172tt 1730
1739 1745 1752 1756 1756 ISOO 1S06 1809 1S.U 18:56 1,*S36 1S38 183S I'XVS 1913 1915
.Foo<l and Food Adulterants (U. S. Dept. of Agr., Bull. Xo. 13), 1928
LIST OF ILIA-STRATIONS. V
Flli. N.IMK. 801K(K. I'Al.E.
244. Tlieoliroiua Cacau Kwilerick Sti-arus A C'o.'s Catalogue, 1931
245. Thuja occidentalis The Aiiiori.aii ("v,l..i);i(lia ( D. A. & Co.i, 19;U
24(j. Thvmus vulgaris St;iii.lar.l IHctioiiaiv (F. &\\'.), 1(140
247. Til'm americana Sian.lar.l I>i(tionary (F. & W.I, 1940
24.S. Trillium i-reituin The .\uurii an Cv ilopadia ( 1). A. & Co. I, 1!»97
249. rstilairo setfetuui The Ainerican C'vclo|He<lia (D. .\. & Co.), 20:!4
2-50. ArctostaphvloK Iva ursi Stamhml I)ictionar>- (F. & W.I, 2038
251. Vanilla plahit..lia The Ameriiaii Cv.loi.ie.lia ( P. A A Co.), 2044
252. VeratnuM allnini Staiidanl DictiMnarv I" >ii \V ', 2049
253. Veratnim \ iri.U' Fred.riik St.anis ^ ( '. - ( ■Mi:il.._i!r. 2051
254. Verbasniin Tliapsus .■<tan.lanlI«irti..narN I ,v W.i. 2055
255 Visemu Haveserns Stan.lar.l lli.'ti.niaiy V. ,v W, . 20S0
25(i. Xantliiinliiza ajiiifolia Lloyil's Drugs and .Medieim-s of Ndrtli Am. ma. -Jiim,
257. Xantlinwluni americauum .". . .The Ameriean Cyclopwdia (1). .\. >v ( .i -ns;
255. Xantlii.xyluiu aniericanum Icross-section) Lilly's liull.iin, ■Jll^^
259. Xaiitli'ixvluni CUiva-Hereulis (cross-section) Killv's Hiilh'tin. Jii'-s
260. Ziimilur I.tlicinale Fretlerick Stearns it Co.'s Cataln^iie, 2109
ABBREVIATIONS.
Endeavor lias! b«?on made to t-xteml full civdit in the text by meane of abbreviations, t of which are self-explanatory. The followinj; selective list may assist some readers:
.1. ./. /'., American Jonrnal of I'harniacy.
A. P. A., American I'harmaccntical Association.
A. J'. A. J'liH-., American I'liarmaccutical Association Proceediugs. Am. Horn. I'hitrm., American Homa-opathic Pharniacopceia. Aiiier. Ifoiii., American Honueojiathist.
Aiiifr. Mill. I'Uiiitf, Millspaugh's American Medicinal Plant!;.
Ann. lit- r/ii'm. el I'hurm., Annales de Chimie et de Pharmacie.
Ann. ilrr i'heiii. iiiiil I'liiirm., Annalen der Cheunc und Pharmacie (Liebig's Annalen).
Arch, ilir I'hiiiiti.. .Vrchiv der Pharmacie.
Attjitlil, Alttiel'l's Chemistry.
.li'., Avoirdupois.
B.. BigelowV Ve!n-tal)l.- Materia Miilica and American Medical Botany.
B. A. A. S., British Asi^nciaticn Ut the Advaiuiiiiciit of .<cicnce. Bur., Barton's \'e};etal>lc Mat.ria Mcdica ol the United States.
B(r. ,1. ,1. ri„m. <;,.<.. Berichic der I icut.'^.lun Cluniiscluii Gesellschaft.
Bill. Beij., Botanical Kegister.
Br., British Pharmacop.eia.
Br. I'hur., British I'liarmacopa-ia.
Biichntr'.t liiji.. lUichncr's Repcrtorium fiir die Pharmacie.
BiK-lin,r's .\r,i,.t J!,j„rl., Huchiier's Xeues Kcpertiirium liir Pharmacie.
C. t'liristisfin's Pi.-^pensatory. °C., Degree Centigrade.
Cc, Cubic Centimeter. Cm.. Centimeter.
Clum. I'nilriilhl., Chemisches Centralblatt. Chill. Xltj., Chemiker Zi'itung. CMeiilz, Ccjblentz's Newer Kemedies.
Com. Did. (if Iiuirijiiim- Sulahililiix, \. .M. Comcy, Oictinnary of Inorganic Solubilities, 1896. Coiiijil. Benil., Comptes Hendus. Co.r(, Coxe's Dispensatory.
/> , David Don. I.inn.ian Transactions ami Philosophical Magazine. I>. mill M. Ill S. .1.. l.lovrl's Drugs and Medicines ot North America. Dill... Dublin PlianiKiic'.iueia.
Diiniiik. Dymocks \". -itable Materia Medica of Western India:
E. <l- r . Kdwarcls ami \'ava.sseur, Manual of Materia Medica, tr. bv Tongo and Durand. AW.. Kdinburgh Disi..n,s.torv. Ell. M,,l. .hiiir.. Kdinburgh .Medical Journal. Ell. IhiiH-iiii, Dniiran's Kdiidjurgh Dispensatory, l.SW. Ell. E. .V. ./.. Kditorial, Kclectic Medical Journal. °F., Degree Kabrenheit. /'. Siilr., .Michaux"s North American Sylva. Full':, Dr. Kent <). Foltz in Webster's Dynamical Therapeutics. G., (irav's Botanv of the Northern States. ''.'//I., (iramnie. <!i II . ( lenesis i Bible). ';. /. /'/.'i,/ii. . (icrinan Pharmacopoeia. /'/'//.. Imperial measure.
.lahr...!,. ,1, r I'liiuiii., Jabreslx-riclit der Pharmacie.
.Inn,-. 'I. rliini. Mill., Journal de Chimie Medicale ile Pharmacie et de Toxicologie. .hill,. .1. l-h.uu,.. Journal de Pharmacie et ile Chimie. A".. Prol. John King. .M. D. /... Lin.lU ys .M.dical Flora.
I.iili. .liiiinl., I.iebig's Annalen (Ann. il. Cliem. and I'harm.i. Urb, l,o<k.'s Syllabus of Materia Medica and Therapeutics. By Felter. IajiiiI., London Pharmaco]><eia. lAtnil. Din/i.. Thomson's London Dispensittory. .l/<i». o/ Bill., Katon's Manual of Botanv.
(vii)
ABBREVIATIOXS.
.lAi/. .!/«/. U'l'^leni Tiidid, Dymock's Vegetable Materia Medica of Western India
Mall., Mattlicw (Bible).
M.'l. FIih;:. ilalinesque's Medical Flora.
Ml, I.. MilliiiMti-r.
i\'. /•'., National Formulary.
Nal. Form., National Formulary.
Nat. Ord., Natural Order.
P., Pareira's Materia Medica and Therapeutics.
P. J. Tr., Pharmaceutical .Journal and Transactions (British).
P. J. Proc, Pharmaceutical Journal and Proceedings.
Par. Cod., Parisian Codex.
Pharm. 1880, United States Pharniacopceia of 1880.
Pharm. Ceiitmlh., Pharniaceutische Centralhalle.
Pliarm. fiidia. Pharmacopoeia of India.
Pharm. Jour., PharmaceuticalJournal and Transactions (British).
Phil, rnnin.. Philosophical Transactions.
S., Kaliii.s.|ih--s Mrdical Flora.
Ji. A- S.. l;.,~, M. :iu,l Srhorlemmcr's Treatise on Chemistry.
Spec. Jh'i'i.. -. Hi M.r'~. ■Specific Diagnosis.
Spt'c. M-il.. >i ii'Mi 1 > Specific Medication.
Si/Uah. of Mat. Med.. Locke's Syllabus of Eclectic Materia Medica and Therapeutics.
By Felter. Syha, Michaux's North American Sylva.
T., Thomson's Chemistry of Organic Bodies and Inorganic Chemistry. T. S., Pharmacopoeial Test Solution. Taylor, Taylor's .Medical Jurisprudence. U. S., United States. U. S. P Uiiitf^'f ^ttiti-s Pharmacopoeia. F. >S'., I'l 1 1 Volumetric Solution.
Var.,^.u ■ ■
W.,y\' 1 - « U" l; -k of Botany.
Webster, \\ ibster s I >ynamical Therapeutics.
TT'^iH.,Wittstein's Practical Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Wittstein's Organic Constituents
of Plants. Wo., Woodyille's Medical Botany.
Fig. 116.
GALAN6A.— GALAKOAL.
The rhizome of Alpini'a offirinannn, Haucf.
Nat. Ord. — Scitaminejv (Ziugiberucea).
Common Namks : Colic root, Eat<t J»dia root, Galangal.
Ii.LCSTKATiox : Bentlev and Trinien, Med. PlmUti, 271.
Botanical Source and iHistory.— The plant that yields galangal was descriijed liy Mr. II. F. llame, in the .Inimul of the Liniunn Socuttj (1871). The plant wa? ■ >i>i.iiiud froiii Hainan, an island diri'otly south of China, but p. ^^g
it al.-;o doubtless grows on the adjacent mainland, as the root is largely exported from Shanghai and other Cliina ports. The galangal of commerce is known as I^'sgergahngal; another variety known as Greater galangal, is rarely found in the mar- ket. It is the product of Alphua Galanga, Willdenow, {Ma- .■fintn Galanga, Linne), and grows in Java. The name _^alangal is paid to be derived from the Arabic A'^anAuyVni, which, in turn, is perhaps the perversion of a Chine.se word, signifying mild ginger. Galangal has long been an article of commerce with the Eastern nations, and has been known in Northern „ ,,,,,, _ . Europe since the twelfth century (Hancc). The stem is from Koot<"^'P'"i»officmanm. :! to 4 feet high, erect, and bears a close resemblance to the common cultivated canna, or shot plant. The parallel-veined leaf blades are about a foot long, 2 to 4 inches wide, smooth, entire, and sharply acuminate. They are attached at the base to a scarious, margined sheath, which clasps the stem. The flowers are borne in a terminal dense spike; they consist of a short, tubular, superior cah-x,a white corolla, with 3 lobes, a large ovate labellum marked with red veins, a single anther- hearing stamen, and a pistil with an inferior ovarv and a slender stvle (Bentley and Trimen, Mrd. Plaut^).
Description. — The rhizome, as found in market, is in sections of from 1 inch to 4 inch>'.s in length, and of a reddish-brown color, as though covered with rust. The cut ends are usually rounding, while the edges expand outwardly and turn back. Each fr:igment has, generally, one or more short branches, and it is evident that the roots are taken from the ground in masses, and chopped into pieces. Encircling themat intervals of from ^ to ^ inch apart, are corrugated rings of a light color consisting of adhering bases of leaf sheatns. The roots are stout, and break with a granular fracture presenting a brownish-gray color, interspersed throughout which are small ligneous fibers. These fibers project a short distance beyond one surface of the root, thus leaving depressions on the opposite side, resembling pin-holes; the center of the root, for about one-fourth to one-third of its diameter, consists of a bundle of these fibers. Galangal reminds us of ginger, and imparts a pungent taste and an ai'nmatic odor, very similar to that article. In this country, galangal has not come into use among physicians, but has been sold extensively by street-corner venders under such names as "colic root," "the wonderful East India root," etc., and was asserted by them to be a certain cure for toothache, headaclie, cti-.
Chemical Composition. — The constituents of galangal are similar to those of ginger. A volatile oil is obtained by distilling the root with water, which ]>os- ."essi-i a camphoraceous smi-ll resembling that of cajcput oil. This is due, accord- ing to Scliimmel & Co. (1890), to the presence of appreciable amounts of cineol. It is soluble in alcohol, and is lighter than water. A soft resin, having a pungent tast<', is extracted by ether, and also a peculiar, crystalline substance, naniefl by Brand-3 (^].8:i^),hTmpfrrid. Jahns (IS.SI) differentiated the k;empferid of Brandes into thr-e cmpounils, all forming yellow crystals, viz., Avrj/ip/fVfW (r„H,.,0,), fus- ing at 2J2° C. (431.6° F.i, almost insoluble in water, and solublewilh difficulty in al.oh..l ; gnlnnghi (C„H,A). fusing at 214° C. (417.2° F.\ soluble in 34 parts of absolute and 68 parts of 90 per cent alcohol; and alpinin (C,,H,,0,\ fusing at 173°C. (34:i.4°F.).
K.emjiferid, by oxidation with nitric acid, forms anisic arid (C,H,[0CH,1 COOH), oxalic acid and other products. Gnlangin similarly yields i>enzoic ana oxalic acids {Aimr.Jour. Pharm.,lS82, p. 288). Kostanecki and Harry M. Gordin
906 GALBANUM.
(^Dissert., 1897), showed Icsempferid to be a flavonol derivative and established its exact graijhic formula. Probably galangin is similarly constituted. Thresh (Pharm. Jour. Trnns., Vol. XV., 1884, p. 234), announced the presence of a pun- gent principle, which he designaied galangol, and gave tlie tabulated result.-- of a complete analysis of the root,wliich shows as much as 23.7 per cent of starch.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.— Galangal is a stimulating aromatic, and has been successfully employed to aid the digestive process, preventing fer- mentation and removing/((^ws. It will be found especially useful in some forms of dyspepda, preventing vomiting or sickness of the stomacli, and facilitating digestion. It may be used in all cases in wliich a stimulating aromatic is indi- cated. It has some reputation as a remedy for periveal relnration with hemorrhoids, and for a lax and pendulous abdomen. Its best form of administration is in tinc- ture, the dose of which is from ^ to 1 fluid drachm. The powder may be given in doses of 15 to 20 grains; from 80 to 60 grains may be given in infusion. It is rarely prescribed at the present day.
GALBANUM.— GALBANTJM.
The gum-resin of Ferula galhaniflua, Boissier and Buhse; Ferula ruhricaulis, Boissier; and probably from other related species.
Nat. Ord. — Umbelliferse.
Synonym: Gummi-resina galbanum.
Illustration : Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 128.
Botanical Source. — Ferula galhaniflua is a north Persian plant having a solid, tall stem about 4 or 5 feet high. The leaves are grayish-tomentose, the radical ones being triangular in outline, and decompound-pinnate, pinnatifid, the sec- tions being linear-obtuse. The radical leaves are large and the stem leaves small. The fruit is thin and flat, winged near the face, has slender, prominent ribs, and in the grooves presents single oil-tubes. Sometimes two narrow tubes are pres- ent. The commissure has no tubes.
Ferula rubricaidis is a south Persian plant, probably growing to some extent in northern Persia also. It has been classed with the preceding by some botanists, while others accord to it a separate place. It differs chiefly in the greater width of the leaf segments, and in having more numerous and narrower oil-tubes.
History and Description. — The plant from which the gum-resin O'dbanum is obtained, is not definitely known. The Britii-hPharmmojKiia (1898) mentions the above-named species and refers to the probability of other species of Ferula yielding it. That the Ferula galhaniflua is believed to yield it is due to the state- ment of F. A. Buhse, a German resident of Persia, w ho relates that in 1848 (see Fliickiger, 1S91), he was informed that the product spontaneously exudes from the plant in question, and was told by the natives that it was the source of gal- banum. Galbanum is imported from the Levant, and from India in cases and chests. It is generally met with in lumps, consisting of large, irregular masses of a brownish or dark-brownish color, and composed of agglutinated tears, some few of which, when broken, are somewhat translucent ; they have a waxy density, but become soft and sticky at a temperature of 3-5° to 37.7° C. (95° to 100° F. \are not pulverizable unless in very cold weather, have a strong, unpleasant odor, and a hot, somewhat acritl, and amarous ta"5te. Occasionally, galbanum is met with in the form of oval, globular, or irregular tears. On account of the impurities it contains, it should be melted and strained previous to employing it. When the color of galbanum is dark-brown or blackish, and when it contains an admix- ture of sand, straw, chiiis of wood, and other foreign matters, the article should be rejected as being inferior. The specific gravity of galbanum is 1.212. Gal- banum is partially dissolved by water, vinegar, or wine, forming therewith an emulsion. Alcohol dissolves about three-fifths of it, the residue being gum and impurities. Diluted alcohol is its best solvent.
Chemical Composition.— According to Pelletier, galbanum contains 6 per cent volatile oil, (17 per cent resin, 19 per cent gum, ami 8 per cent foreign matter (11. and II.). The vo!,,iile oil consists mainly of a hydrocarbon of the terj>ene series, C,„H,(. According to Mossmer its boiling point is lietwecii l(iO°and 16.5°C
GAI.HANTM. 907
y'620° and 329° F.)- It is dextro-rotatory, colorless, has a specific gravity of 0.S84, and forms crystals with gaseous hydrochloric aciil. I'rohably other hydrocarbons are also present. The yellow-brown imin of galbanuni may be obtained (Fliicki- ger, P/iannarogiwsic, 1S91, p. (>") 1, by extractin;^ galbanuni with alcohul and dis- tilling off the solvent. The residual resin is also soluble in carbon disulphide in commercial but not quite in absolute ether, and in caustic soda. Upon destruc- tive distillation galbauum resin yields an aqueous fraction containing fatty acids, and a thick blue oil of the composition C',uH,„0, or more probably C',„I1.^(), after reiuQving therefrom a hydrocarbon t',„II„ ( Kachler, 1871). The blue oil boils at JBF C. (oo2.2° F. ), and 'holds in solution or suspension a crystalline body which Sommer (1859) named ximbelliferon. This substance is a "common con- stituent of the products of the dry distillation of such gum-resins as asatoetida, sagapenum and opopanax, and those derived from Impcratoria Ostruthium, Angelica Arrhangdica, etc., all being umbelliferous plants, hence the name. An occurrence exceptional to this rule was observed in the non-umbelliferous plant, Daphne Mezciruiii (Zwenger, 1854).
Umbelliferon may be abstracted from the blue oil by means of boiling water, or by slightly alkaline water. It may also be obtained from galbanum resin direct by heating it with hydrocliloVic acid to 10U° C. (212" F.), abstracting with chloroform and evaporating the solvent. Umbelliferon (V.jllfi,i, is closely related to couinarin, being pura-oxi/rouinarin. It is hardly soluble in cold, soluble in 100 parts of boiling water, little soluble in ether, soluble in alcohol. It melts at 224° C. (435.2° F.), developing therebj' an aromatic smell. In aqueous solution it exhibits a bluish fluorescence markedly increased by alkalies. Its solution in concentrated sulphuric acid is likewise beautifully fluorescent. When boiled with caustic potash umbelliferon is decomposed into nsorcin (^meta-dwxy-henzene) (CJT,[OH]j), and formic and carbonic acids. Resnnin is likewise formed when galbanum resin is fused with caustic potash, and was discovered by this reaction in 1866, by Illasiwetz and Bartli. It enters into the composition of many dye- stuffs, especially fluoresceine (which see), and has been produced since on the manufacturing scale. When boiled with nitric acid, galbanum resin yields ^n- nitrore--<orcin or stij/)hnic arid (C'gH[NO,,],[OHl). Galbanum gum may be obtained by exhausting the drug with alcohol, and extracting the residue with water. T'lie a(iueous solution is optically inactive (Hirschsohn), and is precipitated by basic, but not by neutral acetate of lead.
A distinctive test for galbanum is as follows: Extract its resin by means of carbon disulphide, dissolve it in alc<ihol, and gently warm with hydrochloric acid ofsp.gr. 1.15. The mixture then assumes a beautiful blue color which is evanes- cent. Galbanum resin, when in prolonged contact (for several hours) with hydro- chloric acid of sp. gr. 1.12 or higher, imparts to the latter, especially upon warm- ing, a beautiful red color (Fliickiger, Plt<irmaro<ino-^ie, 1891).
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. — The effects of galbanum are similar to those of a.safcoetida and ammoniac, being weaker than the former, but stronger than the latter. Upon the unbroken skin it produces papules, while it causes ulceration if the skin be broken. It controls excessive catarrhal discharqcs, and causis some arterial tension and cerebral fullness. It has been used in hi/steria, chronic rheumatism, siipprcsKcd vicnstruation, Iciicorrhcea and chronic viucous affections of the air jiossagcs; and may be given in doses of from 10 grains to A drachm, in pill form, or in emulsion. Externally, a plaster is sometimes employed, as a mild stimulant and resolvent to indolent tumors; and the tincture has been efficient in scrofulous ophthalmia, or irritability or iceakness of the eyes.
Related Oum-resins and Drugs.— Sagapenum (or.Sfro/j/num of mediseval times). Sapa- penuiii is iini>ortf.l fnnu tlu- Levant. It is the eolidified juice of au unknown plant, prol> al)l V a ]■'> rulii, of I'ersian origin. It w (■()iiii)U)nlv in tears aj-'Klutinatcil tot;etlier, iif a brownlsh- j-eiiow ci>lf.r, a liot and bitti-r taste, often alliaceous odor, softens between the fingers, is spar- ingly Boluhle in water, not completely poUihlo in alcohol, and wlun <listilled with water it yields a pale-yellow, v.ry fluid volatile oil.ht-'htiT than water, of a stronir, alliaceous smell, and a bitter, acrid taste, it is readily Bfihible in ether and alcohol, and is spc-edily changed to a transparent resin on exposure to the air. .Vceordiiig to Hager ( Ihinllnirh der Plwrm. Prajrit, \HH6<, eagapenum consiats of about 50 jxr cent resin, 30 pi-r cent gun\, 5 to 10 per cent volatile oil, and 5 to 8 per cent impurities. Fliickiger ( Pharinacograpliia),iit»Un that sagapenum rnn- tains t(;nW/(7V>ro;i l)ut no sulphur, and that it is remarkable for the jiermancnt, intense bbie
908 GALEGA.
color it aeeumes in the cold when a very small piece is placed in hydrochloric acid (density 1.13). Sagapenum possesses medicinal properties similar to ammoniac and asafoetida ; but is not BO powerful as the last of these. It is sometimes added to discutient plasters as a stimu- lating iugredient. The dose is from 10 grains to i drachm.
Oi'OPANAX. — The gum-resin of Opopanax Chimnium, Koch (Paslirutca OpopanuJ-, Linai). Nat. Oed.— Umbellifurae. This plant, called Bouah parsnip, is indigenous to the south of Europe. On wounding the stalk-base, or the root, a yellowish lactescent juice exudes and concretes. This is opopanax. The best grade is that which occurs in irregularly angular pieces, or sub- globular tears, varying in size, and of a reddish or yellowish brown color, i t readily fractures, displaying a waxy interior, and often e.xliibita imbedded fragments of vegetable tissues. Its odor is strong and disagreeiiM'-, and its taste acrid, bitter and balsamic. AVhen warmed it becomes soft, exhaling an oimn-likf ol t. It burns with a bright, non-sooty flaiue. The poorer qualities are not so biti'-r as g' " >d oijopanax, and come in masses larger than a walnut. A specimen of false opopanax has been observed in commerce by J. H. JIarais (see ^1/iier. Jour. Fharm., 1875, p. 39), consisting entirely of gum mj-rrh, which it resembles in appearance. Myrrh changes to a rose color v ith the vapors of nitric acid, while gum opopanax is not altered by the same treatment. It forms a yellow emulsion with water. Besides vegetable impuri- ties it contains starch (4.2 per cent), wax, volatile oil, resin (42 per cent i, and gum (3:5.4 per cent (Pelletier, JJull. de Pharm., 1812, p. 51). It is seldom used in medicine now, but in olden times was one of the gum-resins thought to be applicable to almost all ills, hence the name opopanax, meaning the " all-healing juice." In later times it was used in plasters, and inter- nally in bruiirhiiis with abundant expectoration, asthnui, hysteria, hypochondriasis, arutnorrhaa, etc. Dose, from 15 to 30 grains.
Iltruiaria glabra. — .\bout 1885 a demand was made in this city for Hemiaria glabra, the drug being introduced by a specialist for whom the writer procured a supply in England. The remedy is still employed by physiciims, several claiming to derive good results from the fluid extract. This is a very old remedy, popular with the early herbalists of England. Iler- niarinc,t\xe erystallizable body obtained from this plant has been shown to be melhyl-umM- liferon (CioHsOa ). Faronychine, an alkaloid, has been found in small amounts in the plant by Schneegans {Amer.Jour. Pharm., 1890, p. 488). About the only use the plant now has is in catarrhal affections of the bladder. J. H. Schroder (1693) and Samuel Dale {PharmacoltHjin, 7th ed., 1751) refer to the plant as being principally employed to cure hernia (hence its name) and to increase the flow of^ urine. It was also said to increase the flow of bile, and was employed for the cure of jaundice and excess of mucus in the stomach ( probably gastric catarrh i. Inter- nally and externally it was praised in snake-bites, and the powdered plant was employed to kill maggots upon unhealthy sores of horses. It was reputed to "crush " and expel calcidi from the kidneys and bladder, assisting in their expulsion by carrj-ing with them an enveloping coating of "mucus. Its general properties were said to be cooling and drying, and the plant was popularly known as Breast wort and Knot weed.
GALEGA.— GOATS RUE.
The herb of Galega officinalis, Linne.
Nat. Orel. — Leguminosa?.
Common Name: Gont'.^ rue.
Botanical Source and History. — This is an herbaceous plant, native of south- ern Enio])e. It has an eiett, perennial, glabrous stem, about 3 feet high, and is found growing mostly in sandy soil. Tiie leaves are alternate, oddly pinnate, and furnished at the bas^e with lanceolate stipules. The leaflets are smooth, lanceo- late, and terminate in a mucronate point. The flowers appear in June and July, are blue, and borne in loose, axillary racemes longer than the leaves. The calyx has 5 narrow, equal lobes. Tlie corolla is papilionaceous with an obtuse keel. The stamens are united in one set ; the filament of the tenth, however, is distinct for about one-half its length. The fruit is a dry, round, smooth, many-seeded legume.
Tcjihrosia virginiana, Persoon (see Tephro»ia), a. plant formerly referred to the genus Galega, is a native of the United States, and the root, which is slender and very tough, is reinited to be an anthelmintic. We can not find that either of the aforenanii'd plants have been examined chemically.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. — Galega has a disagreeably bitter taste, and upcin being chewed, imparts a dark-yellowish color to the Riliva. Various properties were attributed to it in fornicr times, in which it was considerably emi>lo\ t(l as a vermifuge, as a stiimilant to the nervous system, as a diuretic and tonic in ti/phnid cDtulitimu, and is also stated to have been of service in the plague, as well as to stimulate the lactiferous vessels to an increased secretion during tlie period of lactation. It is seldom, if ever, prescribed in practice.
GALIUM. 909
GALIUM.— CL£AVEBS.
The herb of Galium aparine. Limit, and other species of Galium.
Nat. l)rd. — Rubiaccae.
Common Namks: Cleavers, Goosf-grass, Catch-weed, Bedstratv, etc.
Botanical Source. — Gnlium aparine is an annual, succulent plant, with a weak, procumbent, quadrangular, retrorsely-prickled stem, which grows from 2 to G feet long, and is hairy at the joints. The leaves are 1 or 2 inches in length, 2 or 3 lines in width, verticillate in sixes, sevens, or eights; linear-oblanceolate, nearly sessile, mucronate, tapering to the base, and rough on the margins and mid vein ; the peduncles are axillary and 1 or 2-flowered ; the flowers white, small, numerous and scattered. Calyx 4-toothed, corolla rotate and 4-parted, stamens 4 and short, st vKs 2. The fruit is large and bristly, with hooked prickles ( \V. — G.).
History, Description, and Chemical Composition.— This plant is common to Europe and the I'nited States, growing in cultivated grounds, moist thickets, and along banks of rivers, and flowering from June to September. Its root con- sists of a few hair-like fibers, of a reddish color. There are several sjiecies of Galium, all of which possess similar medicinal virtues, as Galium us^pniluif), Mi- chaux, Rouijh or Pointed cleavers, which difi'ers from the above in having its leaves in whorls of 4 or 6, and smaller, its fruit smooth, its stem less in length, and is perennial; Galium vcrum, Linne, or Yellow bahlraic, with an erect stem, leaves in whorls of 8, root long, perennial, fibrous, flowers densely paniculate, yellow, and terminal; Galium trifidum, Linne, or Small cleavers, with a perennial root, decum- bent stem, herb smaller than the others, leaves in fours or fives, and white flowers; Galium triflorum, Michaux, or Sweet-scented bcdstraw contains coumarin (C5H5O,), an odorous principle found also in tonka beans, melilotus and other plants; the Galium tinctorium, a variety of the G. trifidum, having a stouter and a nearly smooth stem, leaves of the branches in fours, of the stem in sixes; peduncles 2 to 3-flowered; parts of the flowers usually in fours; G. lanceolatum, Torrey, and G. circaezans, Michaux, are sometimes known as Wild licorice on account of their taste.
In a green state these plants have an unpleasant odor, but are inodorous when dried, with an acidulous, astringent, and bitter taste. Cold or warm water extracts the virtues of the plants; boiling destroys them. The roots dye a per- manent red, and the bones of the animals who eat the plant are said to be colored, similar to that caused by madder. The flowers are said to curdle milk, but this is not a constant efiect. Analysis has detected in G. reri(»i and G. aparine rubi- chloric acid, galitannic acid, citric acid, starch, chlorophyll, etc, G. aparine con- tains more citric acid than G. rerum, while the latter ho'lds the most galitannic acid. Oxalic acid may be present.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.— A most valuable refrigerant and diu- retic, and will be found very beneficial in manj' diseases of the urinary organs, as suppression of urine, calculous affections, inflammation of the kidneys ana bladder, and in the scalding of urine in gonorrhaa. It is contraindicated in diseases of a passive character, on account of its refrigerant and sedative efiects on the sys- tem, but may be used freely in fevers and all acute diseases. It has been recom- mended in scorbutic and nervous affections, but can not be depended upon. Grotcths or deposits of a nodular character in the skin or mucous membranes are regarded as indications for its use. An infusion may be made by macerating lA ounces of the herb in a pint of warm water for 2 hours, of which from 2 to 4 fluid ounces may be given 3 or 4 times a day, when cold. It may be sweetened with sugar or honey. Equal parts of cleavers, maiden-hair, and elder-blows, macerated in warm water for 2 or 3 hours, and drank freely, when cold, form an excellent drink in acute erysipcUu, scarlatina, and other exanthematous diseases, in their inflammatory stages. The infusion made with cold water is also considered very beneficial in removing freckles from the face, likewise lepra, and several other cutaneous erup- tiotts; the diseased parts must be washed with it several times a day, and contin- ued for 2 or 3 months in case of freckles. It has also been found useful in many cutaneous diseases, as psoriasis, eczana, lichen, cancer, and scrofula, and is more par- ticularly useful in these diseases when they are combined with a strumous dia-
910 GALLA.
thesis. The infusion may be prepared and administered as above mentioned. Of specific galium the dose is from 5 to 60 drops.
Galium tinctoriuvi is said to be nervine, antispasmodic, expectorant, and dia- phoretic. It has been used successfully in n.sthmn, cough, and chronic bronchitis, and appears to exert an influence principally upon the respiratory organs. The plant has a pungent, aromatic, pleasant, persistent taste. A strong decoction of the herb may be given in doses of from 1 to 4 fluid ounces, and repeated 2 or 3 times a d.iy, according to circumstances. The loot of this plant is said to dye a permanent red.
Specific Indications and Uses. — Dysuria, painful micturition; renal and cys- tic irritati<m with Imrning; diuretic for" inflammatory states of the urinary tract, and for febrile conditions; "nodulated growths or deposits in skin or mucous membranes" CScudder).
GALLA.— NUTQALL.
'•An excrescence on Querrus Imitanica, Lamarck (Quercus infectoria, Olivier), caused by the punctures and deposited ova of Cynips Gallee tinctorise, Olivier. Class: Insecta. Order: Hymenoptera"— (C' S. P.).
Nat. Ord.— Cupuliferffi.
Synony-ms: Galls, Galln tinctoria, Galla halepense, Galla levantica, Galla quercina.
Illustration : Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 249.
Botanical Source. — Quercus Imitanica (Quercus infectoria), is a small shrub, or tree, from 4 to 6 feet in height. The stems are crooked ; the leaves borne on short petioles, 1 to 1^ inches long, oblong, with a few coarse mucronate teeth on each side, bluntly mucronate, rounded and rather unequal at the base, smooth, bright-green, and shining on the upper side. The fruit or acorns are solitary, long, and obtuse; the cup is scaly and hemispherical (L).
History. — Dyer's oak, or gall oak, is indigenous to the country from the Bos- porus to Syria, and from the Archipelago to the frontier of Persia. It furnishes the gall-nuts or galls of commerce. These are produced by the puncture of the folia'ceous or cortical parts of the tree by an insect, for the'deposition of its eggs. The insect producing the galls of commerce is the Cynips Gallas tinctoria, Olivier {Cynips que rcusfolii, of Linn£eus, or Diplolepsis Gallx tinctoriA\oi Geoflroy). After the female has made a puncture, she deposits her eggs therein; in consequence of the irritation thus caused, an excrescence is soon formed, from the concretion of the morbid secretion which subsequently ensues, and which is called galls. The larva of the insect is soon developed from the egg, changing first into the pupa and then into the imago. Toward the end of July, the young insect, having passed through all its stages of transformation into the state of fly, perforates its
Srison and escapes. The best galls are those which are gathered about the mid- le of July, just before the escape of the insect. These are bluish-black, heavy, not yet perforated, and constitute the commercial black, bhw, or greni galls. Those galls from which the insect has escaped are commonly larger, lighter colored, per- forated, and less astringent; they are called ichite galls, and command a lesser price in commerce (P. — Ed.).
Galls are chiefly imported from the Levant, i. c, Syria and Turkey, though some valuable grades (rhus galls) are brought in smaller quantity from several other countries, e. g., China and Japan (see below). The Aleppo or Syrian galls are blue or black; Snrian galls are small and blackish, and the radiation of the inte- rior is absent; and the Smyrna galls are grayish or olive-gray green intermingled with white galls. European countries also 1'urnish oak galls, r. p., England, Ger- many, Italy, but these are decidedly inferior in the amount of tannin they con- tain. For an interesting monograjdi on various species of galls, including Ameri- can oak galls, see C. H;irtwich, Jrrh. d.r rhann., 1S83, pp. 819 to Sv^l.
Description and Chemical Composition.— Galls are described by the V. S. P. as follows: "Subglobular, 1 or 2 t'm. (• to^inch)in diameter, more or less tuber- culated above, otherwise smooth, heavy, hard; often with a circular hole near the middle, communicating with the central cjivity: blackish olive-gr»M-n or black- ish-gray ; fracture granular, grayish ; in the center a cavity containing either the partly developed insect, or pulverulent remains left by it; nearly inodorous, taste
GALLA. 911
Strongly a.-Jtriugeut. Light, spongy, ami whitish-colored iiutgall should he re- jected "—T. i). P.). Water is the best solvent of galls, and proof-spirit the next ; pure alcohol or ether acts more feebly upon them. The chemical reactions of galls in decoction or tincture, are similar to those named for tannic arid or t(ni)ii)i (gallotannic ncid, vhich see), as this substance exists in galls in large i)ro])or- tions. A number of analyses of galls from various sources are recorded in " 7/« Tannins" (1S92) by the late Prof. Henry Trimble. The amount of tannin varied from 2-1 per cent in European galls (German, English, Italian), to 61 per cent in Aleppo g:ill.s, and 69 per cent or more in Chines-e galls.
H. K. Bowman {Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1869) obtained from selected oak galls 80 per cent of tannin ; from white galls about 30 per cent; and from good com- mercial powdered galls 52 per cent.
Prof. Trimble (Ainei: Jour. Pharm., 1890, p. 563) found in two species of galls, both from Querrus alha, growing in the vicinity of Philadelphia, from 32 to about 35 per cent of tannin, and 1.11 and 1.71 per cent of a.-^h, referred to dried sub- stance. Moisture was 46 and 73 per cent. Trimble ob.served that galls, when allowed to air-dry slowlv, will deteriorate in tannin strength, hence must be rap- idly dried at 100° C. (2"l2° F.) in order to destroy the insect in whose develop- ment the tannic acid seems to be consumed. Gallic acid is present in galls in small amounts (about 1.5 per cent).
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.— Galls are astringent, and were used in all ca.-;<s win re astringents aio indicateil. as in chronic dysmitenj, diarrhcea, passive heiiiorrhiiiji ■■<, aud in ca.'^es of poi.ioning by strychnine, vcratrine, and other vegetable nlkaloidi, with which it forms tannates possessing less activity than the other salts of these bases. Boiled in milk the decoction is used for the diarrhaa of chil- dren. As a local ajiplication, the infusion is employed as an injection in gleet, leucorrhiin,3>,'ilap.'iiis a »(, or for a gargle in indolent ulceration of the fauces, relaxed uvula, and the chronic stage of mercuried action on the mouth. The addition of alum is said to render it more beneficial. Dose of the powder, from 5 to 20 grains; of the tincture, ^ to 1 fluid drachm ; of the infusion, from i to 1 fluid ounce. Gallic and tannic acids have now supplanted it as a medicine.
Eelated Galls and Drugs. — Gall.f. Chinenses sep J.\ponic«. Chinese and Japanese galli. This iinportaiit variety of galls, containing 70 per cent of gallotannic, or common tan- nic aci'l, is (k-rivid from tlie Bhus fi-miatata, Murray, being produced upon the leaf or leaf- stalk throiich the agency of the Aphis chinentis, Bell, which punctures the part. These galls are hollow, light, very irregular in shape, more or less lobed, and have numerous protuber- ances. Their shell is thin, horny and translucent, brittle, and breaks with a smooth, glisten- ing fracture. These galls are attenuated toward the base and inflated at the other extrem- ity. The shell is of a red-brown color, densely covered with a velvety gray downy pubescence. Iiie interii>r of the gall contains a number of dead insects. The Japanese galls are simdar but more slender, and have more lobes. Their pubescence is denser than that of the Chinese variety, and of a pale brown color. The Japanese galls are thought to be derived from Rhua japunica, Siebold.
Tam.\ri.-k G.\lus. — Product of Tamarix orientalis, Forskal. South and southwest Asia. These are knotty, subglobular, and from i to J inch in thickness. They yield tannin to the extent of 40 to 50 per cent. Tmnarifk a/ricann, Poiret, of northern Africa, yields a similar gall, while the bark and leaves of the Tmnarisk gallica, Linne, are used as astringents in Kurope.
Amerk AN XuTGALLs.— .Several species of Quercus, especially Queroiia att>a, Linne, yield inferior liijht, spongy galls, which contain comparatively little tannin. Forty per cent of tan- nin is said to be yielded, however, by aTexan species, the Qnercusvirens, Aiton (see Trimble, The ramii'iu). The 'Qiiercus lobala, Engelmann, furnishes California oak-ijaUs, rich in tannin.
Vai.loxea ( Vahnin), Acorn cups. — Several varieties of acorn cups, including many of our indigenous products, are a-stringont. Those of Qnercus Robiir, Linni'', furnish Ihmijaria valoniit, while the Orimiid t'lhinia is the pniduct of several species of Quercus from southwestern Asia and southeast Enrol"-, especially Greece and Asia Minor, such as (iuercus \'allonect, Kotschy, Querent .f^jilupa, Linne, and others.
B.vssoRA Gali-s contain on an average 27 per cent of tannin. They are ground and sub- sequently pressed into rectangular cakee. Persia and Asia Minor produce them, and they are employed in tanning.
Nance Bars.— Probablv from Malpitjhia qiabra. Contains over 2C per cent of tannin (Hollierg, Amer. Jour. I'harm.,\'i)\. XVI i. Consiilerably employed by the Mexicans in tanning.
Bkdeocar. — .\n excrescence, known as Fuwins romrum, produced by the puncture of in- sects {fi/nipi) upon the Eijlimliiu- or Su„t brior and other species of tlie rose family. It is roundish or irregular, atxiut an inch tlirough, and made uji of cavities, each containing a larva. It is feebly astringent ami almost odorless. It was formerly regarded anthelmintic, lithontriptic and diuretic, being given in doses of from 10 to 40 grains.
912
GARCINIA.— MANQOSTEEN.
The fruit of Garcinia mangostana, Linne, and other species of Gnrcinia.
Nat. Ord.— Guttiferse.
Common Names : Mangosteen, Mangostan.
Illustrations : Botanical Magazine t., 1847. Of G. indica, Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 32. , . , • ,
Botanical Sovirce, Description, and History.— The tree furnishing the man- gosteen is large and handsome, liaving elliptic, ohlong or oblong-lanceolate, deep- green glossy leaves. The bark of the tree is bitter and exceedingly astringent. The fruit is brownish or brownish-gray, marbled with yellow, and is crowned by the 4-parted, sessile stigma. There are from 6 to 8 seeds, and the pulp is juicy, white, and delicious in taste and odor. It is about the size of an orange.
Garcinia peduncidata, Roxburgh, yields a yellow fruit having an acidulous taste. It is of an inferior quality.
Garcinia Ki/dia, Roxburgh, yields a small fruit of a deep-yellow color. It is of better quality than the preceding variety.
Garcinia indica, Choisy {Garcinia purpurea, Roxburgh; Brindonia indica, Du- Petit-Thouars).— The fruit of this species is of a dull or purplish-red or purple color, having also a purple, acid pulp. The pulp, dried in the sunlight and slightly salted, is a commercial article, and when fresh the fruit is used in a cur- rie in India, where a purple syrup, for use in bilious affections, is also prepared from it. The juice is occasionally used as mordant for dyeing purposes. ^ The fruit, seeds and bark are all employed in India (Dymock, Mat. Med., Weatcm India). The seeds, when bruised and boiled with water, yield the concrete oil of mangosteen, known as knkam or kokinn butter. It is hard and friable at all ordinary temperatures, has a crystalline structure, and comes pressed in the form of hand- molded, egg-shaped cakes. It has a greenish-white or yellowish color, and pro- duces the unctuous touch of spermaceti. The fat, as found in market, must be strained before being employed in pharmaceutical operations. This removes particles of seed, fruit, etc., with which it is usually mixed. This butter is some- times used for cooking purposes in India, but is more valuable iu the preparation of ointment of nitrate of mercury, for, when added to lard, it gives it a good con- sistence for hot climates (Dymock, Mot. Med., Western India).
Garcinia mangostana is found in the Malay islands. It was grown in the gar- dens of the Duke of Northumberland in 1855, and produced both blossom and fruit (.see illustration in Bot. Mag. t., 1847). The fruit of this tree is the famous mangosian or mangosteen, said to be among the most luscious of tropical fruits. Its rind is about the fourth of an inch in thickuess, contains a very astringent juice, from which, during wet weather, a j-ellow gum exudes, which is a variety of gam- boge. The Chinese use the bark of the tree to produce a black dye, and it is also used in dysentery.
Chemical Composition.— The bitter and astringent rind of the fruit of Gar- cinia mangostana, according to W. Schmid, contains tannin, resin, and crystal- lizable mungostine (C^H^O,), forming golden-yellow, tasteless scales, melting at 190° C. (374° F.), readily soluble in alcohol or ether, insoluble in water. Basic lead acetate precipitates it from its alcoholic st>lution. Its solution in alkalies reduces gold and silver solutions. The acidity of the fruit is due to malic acid. The resinous exudation of the trunk of the tree was investigated, in 1858, by X. Reitier in Wittstein's laboratory {Viertdjahresschr.f.prakt. PAnrHi.,Vol. VII, p. 170), and found to consist of 88 per cent of resin, soluble in alcohol and in ether. Ammonia differentiates it into a soluble and an insoluble resin.
Knkam baiter exists in the seeds of Garcinia purpurea to the extent of 30 per cent, and consists chieflv of tristearin and the glycerides of oleic and myristic acids (./,//(,•,../,. ,/, ,• Pharm:, 1S06, p. 71).
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.— The rind of the fruit is highly recom- mended for di/scntert/, and has been extensively employed in India lor that dis- ease. A few years ago the rind was introduced into hurope by Gruppe, of Manila, who prepared an extract which was administered in the Vienna liospitals, as an astringent, with success in nitnrrhn! cmuUtions of the thmni, }:Uuldr . , ■■■*>, -n. and
CiMTLTHERIA. 913
uterm, etr. Tlie dose of the solid extract is 1 grain, repeated G or 8 times per day, in pill form, or rubbed up with syrup.
Related Products.— Koi.a Bittkr or Male Kola. These seeds have a coffee-like, astriugeut ami bittir taste. Tlu»y are produced by the Garcinia Kola, Heckel, of western Africa (see Kola).
Mammek AiM'LE. — A subglobular, brownish-yellow fruit, about the size of a large orange, the pulp of which is yellow and aromatic, ami the rind coriaceous and hitter. The seeds are 3 or 4 and rough. It is the product of the West Indian Mammca americana, Linne, .A'«(. Ord.-- (luttifene. Another fruit is also known in the West Indies as mammee. It is the rusty-brown, oblong-ovoid berry of Liiattiia mammosa, Jussieu, of the Nat. Ord. — Sapotacea;. It ha.s one large polished seed of a'vellow-brown color. The pulp of the fruit is sweet and uiucilaginous, and of a yellowish or reddish color.
GAULTHERIA.— WINTEROREEN.
The leaves of Gaultheria prorumbens, Linne {Gaultiera repens, Rafinesque; Gautlherui humilis, Salisbury).
Nat. Ord. — Ericacea-.
Co.MMON Namks: Wintergrcen, Mountain tea, Deerberry, Teaberry, Boxbei-ry, a.nd improperly as Partridgeberry and Checkerbemj.
iLi.rsTRATioNs : 'Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 164; Bigelow, Medical Botany, 22.
Botanical Source. — Gaultheria procumbens is a native, suffruticose plant, with a woody, horizontal root or rhizome, often \ of an inch in thickness. The stems are several, ascending about 3 inches from the rhi- zome, round and downy. The leaves are alternate, ever- ■^'^' ^^'' green, scattered, near the extremities of the branches, coria- ceous, shining, oval or obovate, acute at both ends, revolute at the edge, furnished with a few small serratures, each ter- minating in a bristle. The flowers are few, drooping, axil- lary, white, on round, downy stalks. Bracts 2, concave and cordate. The calyx is white, cleft into 5 roundish, acute seg- ments. The corolla is urceolate, 5-angled, contracted at the mouth; the limb divided into 5 short, reflexed segments. Stamens 10, rose colored; filaments white, hairy, bent toward the corolla; anthers oblong, orange colored, ending in 2 double horns, bursting outwardly for their whole length above the filaments; pollen white. The ovary is roundish, depressed, and 5-angled, resting on a reddish, 10-toothed, glandular disk; styleerectand straight ; stigma simple. The fruit is a small, 5-celled, many-seeded capsule, invested with the calyx, which becomes large, round and fleshy, having the appearance of a bright scarlet berry .-(L.) _ Gaultheria procumbens.
History, Description, and Chemical Composition.— This ])lant is a native of the United States, growing from Maine to Florida, and westward to Pennsylvania and Kentucky, in cool, damp woods, sandy soils, and on mountains, flowering from June to October. It does not grow in alluvial soil, nor in limestone countries. The leaves are medicinal, yet the whole plant may be used ; the leaves have a peculiar fragrance and an agreeable, characteristic flavor, with a slight astringency; the berries possess a similar flavor with sweet- ness, and are eaten by many; some wild animals, as deer, partridges, etc., use it for food. Water, by infusion, and alcohol extract the virtues of the plant. The leaves contain an odorous volatile oil, which may be obtained in the same man- ner as oil of peppermint. The specific gravity of the oil is 1.173 at 10°C. (50° F.). It is colorless at first, but subsequently becomes more or less of a iiinkish color, has a hot and aromatic taste, possesses acid properties, and is soluole in alcohol or ether (see Okum Gaultheria:).
Mr. J. Oxley, in 1872, found the leaves to contain glucose, chlorophyll, gum, tannic acid, a body analogous to gallic acid, but not yielding pyrogallic acid upon heating, and principles found also in uva ursi and chimaphila, viz.: Arhutin, ericnlin and tirson. A quantitative proximate analysis of the leaves made by F. \V. Droelle {Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1887, p. 289) largely confirmed lliese results.
914 GELATIXA.
Volatile oil was found to the extent of i per cent. Gaultheria procumbens was ascertained by Prof. Power and N. C. Werbke to be free from andromedotoxin, a neutral poisonous principle present in several plants of the natural order Eri- cace.e (see Amer. Jour. Pharm., 18S9, p. 361).
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. — Wintergreen possesses stimulant, aro- matic, and astringent properties. It is u.«ed in infusion as an a.«tringent in chronic mucous discharges, as a diuretic in dysuria, as an emmenagogue, as a stimulant in cases of debility, and is said to augment the flow from the lactiferous vessels of nursing women, but this is doubtful. It is also recommended as a valuable rem- edy for articular and muscidar rheumatism. The infusion and the essence both re- lieve irritation of the wethra and bladder, and are adapted to the incipient stages of rennlinflammation. Tubal nephritis is alleged to have been arrested by it even when examination has revealed in the urine the presence of blood corpuscles and tube casts (Webster). Scudder recommends it in spermatorrhaa with increased sexual excitement, and as a sedative in irritation and inflammation of the urethra, prostate gland and bladder. The volatile oil (see Oleum Gaultheria ), or its tinc- ture, is used to render syrups and other preparations more agreeable. The oil allays the pain of carious teeth, and large doses of it administered internally have caused death by producing inflammation of the stomach; the essence of winter- green is a carminative, and is sometimes used in the flatulent colic of infants. An infusion of the leaves or whole plant (,y to water Oj ) may be drunk freely. Dose of essence, 1 to 30 drops; of specific gaultheria, 1 to 20 drops.
Specific Indications and Uses. — Cystic and prostatic irritation, undue sex- ual excitement, renal inflammation (early stage).
Related Species. — Gaultheria hinpiduln, or Cancer wintergreen, is supposed to Vm- . fficient in removing the carcinomatous taint from the system; used a'lso in fcro/tda and prolapntttUeri.
Melastoma Ackermanni. — Colombia. Yields an oil probably identical with oil of winter- green (methyl salicylate). Used provincially as an anti-neuralgic.
GELATINA.— GELATIN.
Purified glue prepared b}' boiling gelatinous animal tissues in water, evapo- rating and drying the product in the air. Carefully selected fresh bones are preferred.
Synonyms : Gelatine, Artifiml isinglass, Ghitin.
Source and History. — Gelatin is found in abundance in various animal sul> stances, especially in the skin, cartilages, tendons, membranes and bones. The com- mon gelatin of commerce, called glur, is made from trimmings and scra]>s of skins, ears, bones and hoofs of animals. It may be obtained by boiling these animal part* in water, straining thedecoction, and evaporating it until it forms a jelly on cool- ing. This is divided into thin slices of various sizes, which are allowed to dry in the open air. The purest variety of gelatin is obtained from the air bladder of fishes— e. gr., the sturgeon and codfish — and is named isinglass (see l-hthyocolla). The gelatin used for culinary and pharmaceutical purposes, in photography, etc., usually called gelatin proper, is carefully prepared from the bones of animals from which the fat is previously removed and the earthy matter dissolved out by means of hydrochloric acid. (For a detailed description of the processes of manu- fiicture involved, see Prof. S. P. Sadtler, Lid. Org. Chetn., 1895, p. 334.) Gelatin may also be obtained from the vegetable kingdom, viz. : From certain sj>ecies of sea weeds in Asiatic waters (see, for examjile. Agar Agar).
Description and Chemical Composition.— Glue {Colla). Glue of good quality is firm and friable, not easily pulverized, of a light-brown color, and translucent. On the addition of water" it becomes soft and swells up, but does not dissolve except the water be hot or boiling. When dissolved in Imt water, it is much in use for uniting wood and various other substances together, but is too impure for internal employment or for a chemical test. Addition of acetic acid, or boiling with dilute nitric acid, has the effect of destroying the gelatinizing power of gelatin, while its adhesive properties are fully retained. A cement or liquid glue is thus obtained, which does not require the aid of heat to render it fit for use. A strong, liquid glue, very convenient for a number of objects, and
even for porcelain, glass, aiul pearl, and which is preferable to that made with vinegar or nitric acid, is prepared as follows: To 3 parts of strong glue well bruised add )S parts of water, and allow them to remain in contact for several hours ; then add i a part of hydrochloric acid, and ^ of a part of sulphate of zinc. Expose the whole for 10 or 12 hours to a temperature of 80° to yO° C. (176° to 194° F.).
Gelatin appears in commerce in thin, rectangular, transparent sheets, vari- ously marked by impressions received from the nets upon which the moist jelly is spread in order to dry. It al.so occurs in smooth, transparent pieces, or in thicker, opaque, porous pieces. It is not so thick as pieces of glue. Gelatin comes also in shreds and is often artificially colored. After digestion in hut water it should develop no odor nor should it change color. Dried gelatin, when di.-;- solved in 100 parts of hot water, solidities in the form of a tremulous jelly upon cooling. Prolonged boiling of the aqueous solution causes it to lose its gelatiniz- ing properties.
Gelatin diflfers from albuminous bodies in not coagulating in aqueous solu- tion on boiling, nor being precipitated Iw nitric acid or potassium ferrocyanide. Its aqueous solution is precipitated, however, by alcohol and b}' tannic acid. Upon the latter reaction depends the conversion of hide into leather in the process of tanning. Two proximate principles may be distinguished in various forms of gelatin : G'utin, or gelatin proper, which is tlie gelatinous principle of tendons, hides, and the larger bones; and chondrin, v:\nch occurs mostly in the cartilages of the ril>.^ and joints and the young bones while yet soft (S. P. Sadtler). (Uutin has all the aforenamed properties of gelatin, and has a greater adhesive power than chondrin, swelling up in cold and dissolving in hot water, forming a jelly upon cooling. When boiled with diluted sulphuric acid or alkali, glycocoll (CjHjNO.) and leucin (CsHi,NO,) are chiefly produced. The former substance is not formed with chondrin. Dry distillation yields bases of the fatty and the pyridine series. Chondrin is precipitated by alum, lead acetates and metallic salts, not by corrosive sublimate, while glutin is precipitated by corrosive sublimate, but not bv lead acetates, nor by alum or ferric chloride T.S.
Action and Medical Uses. — Gelatin probably does not affect the growth of the bodily structures. In the form of jellies it lias been used during convales- cence, but the nutrition derived from these preparations is believed to be due to the sugar, etc., usually employed in preparing them. Gelatin may act as a pro- tective in rectal enemas, in the treatment of din affect urtis, and in cases of poi-wn- ing by corrosive substances. Medicated gelatin (see Gelanthum) is now used to some extent in the treatment of skin (//.sw.sr,'!, particularly those of an eczeinatou3 type, and in the treatment of catarrhal affections of the imsal passages.
Gelatin has been introduced here, in consequence of its application in phar- macy, for the purpose of promoting certain useful indications.. Several remedial agents of a valuable character, are unfortunately so repulsive to the palate as to produce nausea and vomiting whenever swallowed, and, as in many instances, it is almost impossible to dispense with them, an imjiortant object is to prepare them so that they may reach the stomach without offending the organs of taste. This has been effected' by inclosing the medicine in a case or cover of gelatin, forming what are cMvd'gclalin capsules, invented in France by M. Mothe. There are several inetho.ls at the present day for making these capsules; thus the end of an iron rod is made bulbous or egg-shaped, and is highly polished; being slightly oiled it is dipped into a hot, concentrated solution of 3 parts of pure gela- tin, i part of sugar, and 6 parts of water. A number of rods are generally used. The rods are then rotated to spread the solution evenly over the mold or bulb, and placed, bull) upward, on a board perforated for the jjurpose; when cool and dry they may be removed by giving to the cap.sule or bulb a pulling and gently twisting motion. These are then filled with the medicine, and the orifice closed over with more of the gelatin solution. Sometimes animal membrane, or fine skin, distended with mercury, is used instead of the iron bulb. (For a detailed method of preparing gelatin capsules, see standard works on pharmacy and Amer. .lour. Pharm.,\o\. IX, p. 20). In this way capsules may be made to contain from 10 to 20 grains of liquid. Since the foregoing appeared in former editions of this Dispensatory, commercial empty capsules of all sizes have become a standard
916 GELATINUM CHONDRL— GELSEMITJM.
article of commerce. When received into the stomach the gelatin is dissolved, allowing the medicine to accomplish its therapeutical influences, li soft capsules are demanded a little glycerin added to the gelatin will make the product elastic. Capsules are now largely employed for dispensing quinine and similar medicines of unpleasant taste. These capsules are oblong, rounded and closed at one end, and cut off and open at the other end. It is only necessary to introduce the pow- der and slip a second capsule over the open end of the filled one. Folding or devorati.ve capsules are thin films of gelatin designed to be used like powder-papers, except that after folding upon the powder the edges are made to adhere by mois- tening them. When ready to be taken the whole capsule (and powder) is dipped in water until softened, and then swallowed. Medicinal pearls of gelatin, com- bined with sugar, acacia and honey, are also employed to enclose ether and simi- lar fluids. Gelatin (3 parts) and glycerin (7 parts) is sometimes used as a basis for bougies and rectal and vaginal medicated suppositories. Gelatin is also used for making court-plaster, hectographs, for coating pills, and for estimating the amount of tannin contained in a drug or preparation.
A good paste is made by dissolving best white glue, 3 ounces (av.); refined sugar, 1^ ounces; water, 10 fluid ounces, or a sufficient quantity, together by the aid of a water-bath, and, while warm, apply it by means of a suitable brush to the reverse side of the labels while uncut or in sheets. After being dried and moderately pressed they are ready for cutting. Thick paper and not sized will require less water than when thin and well sized, and in all cases it should be quickly and evenly applied. It can only be used while warm. It does not pene- trate the paper and disfigure the labels, is very adhesive, never loosens from glass and leaves no disagreeable impression in the mouth after being moistened with saliva.
GELATINUM CHONDRI (N. F.)— IRISH MOSS GELATIN.
Preparation. — Formulary number, 18-4 : " Irish moss, one thousand grammes (1000 Gui.) [2 lbs. av., 3 ozs., 120 grs.] ; water a sufficient quantity. Wash the Irish moss with cold water, then place it in a suitable vessel, and add fifty thou- sand cubic centimeters (50,000 Cc.) [about 106 pints] of hot water, and heat it on a boiling water-bath for 15 minutes, frequently stirring. Strain the decoction, while hot, through a strong muslin strainer; return the strained, mucilaginous liquid to the water-bath, evaporate it to a semi-fluid consistence, then transfer it to shallow, flat-bottomed trays, and evaporate it at a temperature not exceeding 90° C. (194° F.), so that the gelatin may become detached in scales. Note. — Irish moss gelatin thus prepared furnishes a mucilage of Irish moss which is opaque, like that made directly from the moss itself. It maybe prepared so as to yield a trans- parent mucilage by following the plan pointed out in the Note to Mucilago Chondri (F. 275) "~(Nat. Form.).
Action and Medical Uses.— (See Chondrm.)
GELSEMIUM (U. S. P.)— GELSEMIUM.
The rhizome and roots of Oclscmium sempcrvirtns (Linno), Persoon. {Gelaemium nitidum, Michaux ; Gelsemium lucidum, Poiret ; Bignonia sempervirens, Linne ; Anotiy- mos sempei-virens,\V alter; and Li^^ianthtis sempervireus, 'SliWer).
Nat. Ord. — Logan iacea;.
CoM.MON Names: Yellow jasmine, Yellow jessamine. Wild xcoodbiiu, Carolina jag- min or je-mimine.
Illustrations: Johnson, Med. Bat. of K ^1., Plate 7; Meehan, Native Flovxrs and Fcrn.'i, I, 9; Hentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 181 ; Millspaugh's Amer. Med. Plants, I'liite 130.
Botanical Source. — The Yellow jasmine is a handsome climber growing along banks and in lowlands and woods. The stem is smooth and twining; the leaves opposite, entire, ovate, or lanceovate, nearly evergreen, being dark-green, smooth, and shining on top ; paler beneath. The flowers are in axillary dusters, showy, and of deep-yellow color, and emit an agreeable, but rather narcotic odor.
OI.SKMUM.
on
The i-aiyx is 5-parted and very small, with acute, lanceovate lohes. The corolla is Y to 1^ inches long, with 5-lobed margin; stamens 5, half as long as the corolla, and inserted on it. The style is longer than the stamens, and supports two 2-parted stigmas. The fruit is an elliptical ixhI, 2-celled, 2-valved, and many- seeded. The seeds are flat, and attached to the margins of the valves. Owing to its evergreen leaves, fragrant llowers, pj^ ^^3
and the shade it aflords, it is e.xten- sivelv cultivated in the gardens of the South for ornamentation.
History. — This strikingly beautiful climher, peculiar to our southern cities, furnishes one of the most valued and universally used Eclectic remedies. It is a twining vine, flourishing in great profusion from Virginia to Florida, hanging in festoons from the neighbor- ing treesand shrubs, sometimes growing to the height of 50 feet. The average height, however, is from 20 to 30 feet. The plant blooms in early spring— in FloridaduringMarch,and in Mississippi and Tennessee in May and June. Dur- ing the dowering period it perfumes the air with a delightful fragrance similarto thatof the true jasmine. When the vine is abundant, the odor of the flowers is said to be almost overpowering. (.Jel- semium is known by several popular names, as Yellow jessamine, Yellow jas- min, Carolina jessamine, Carolina jas- min, and Wild woodbine. The name gelsemium wasgiven it by Jussieu, and „, .
P , . , „ ^ ., Ti 1- 7 • Gelsemium sempervirens.
19 derived from the Italian gelsomina,
meaning jasmine. The plant, however, resembles the true jasmine only in its fragrance, and belongs to an entirely different natural order. Mr. E. M. Holmes (Phnrm.Jour. Trau.-:., 1S75, p. 481) states that it is rather unfortunate that it should often be called the Yellow jessamine in America, since there is a true jessamine (Jasininiim fniticans, Linne) with yellow flowers, which is often found in cultivation. If the name jessamine be ajiplied to Gelsemium xcmjicrvircns at all, it should be carefully distinguished as the Carolina jessamine (see also Dr. A. R. i.. Dohme, in Druij.Clrc, 1897, p. 179). Gelsemium was formerly known botanically as Bignonia sempervirens of Linnscus, and the Gelsemium nilidum, of Michaux and Pursh. The name gelsemium, as used exclusively by Eclectics, arose from a typographical error, and was widely copied in various writings, and accepted as autboritv before the mistake was discovered (see Prof. J. U. Lloyd, in Ec. Mai. Joiir.,{oT Jfarch, 1S92). While gelsemium is one of our best remedies, yet, like iris, jihytolacca, and other plants, it suffers from worthless representatives on the market. These prepa- rations, made from old, dried material, will fail to fulfil the expectations of he who administers them for the specific effect. Specific gelsemium, the preparation em])loyeil by Eclectic physicians almost exclusively, fully represents the plant. Prof J. U. Uoyd informs me that, in the preparation of specific gelsemium, the green root only is used. It is gathered in February or in early spring, cut into small pieces, put in barrels, and to the contents of each barrel is added 10 gallons of alcohol. In this condition it is shipped from the Carolinas (where it is gath- ered) to Cincinnati. On arrival, it is dumped into the drug mill and ground, alcohol and all, and from this material the specific medicine is made. He further states that, in one sea.-on, when the winter was uncommonly mild, the continuous growth of the plant caused a large amount of albuminous material to form in the root, and that preparations manufactured from such a product threw <lown an unsightly albuminous jjrecipitate, which, though it did not impair the therapr-utic value of the preparation, remlered it unsalalile.
918 GELSEMIUM.
This plant was brought into notice, as far as we can learn, in the following manner : A planter of Mississippi, whose name we liave forgotten, while laboring under a severe attack of bilious fever, which resisted all the usual remedies, sent a servant into his garden to procure a certain medicinal root, and prepare an infu- sion of it for him to drink. The servant, by mistake, collected another root, and gave an infusion of it to his master, who, shortly after swallowing some of it, was seized with a complete loss of muscular power, unable to move a limb, or even raise his eyelids, although he could hear, and was cognizant of circumstances transpiring around him. His friends, greatly alarmed, collected around him, watching the result with much anxiety, and expecting every minute to see him breathe his last. After some hours, he gradually recovered himself, and was astonished to find that his fever had left him. Ascertaining from his servant what plant it was the root of which acted in this manner, he collected some of it, and emplo}'ed it successfully on his own plantation, as well as among his neigh- bors. The success of this article finally reached the ear of some physician, who prepared from it a nostrum called the " Electrical Febrifuge," which was disguised with the essence of wintergreen. This plant was the Yellow jessamine, and a knowledge of its remarkable effects was not communicated to the profession until a later period (King).
Description. — The best preparations of gelsemium are made from the green rhizome, therefore that official in the U. S. P. is not adapted to the uses of the Eclectic pharmacist and doctor. That work Fig. 119. simply states the " rh izome and roots" without
specifying whether green or dried, hence it is to be inferred that the dried root is the one intended. For the sake of completeness we give the official description :
"Cylindrical, long, or cut in sections, mostly from 5 to 15 Mm. (i to -f inch), and occasionally 3 Cm. {\ inch) tliick, the roots much thinner; externally light yellowish- brown, with purplish-brown, longitudinal Rhizome of Gelsemium eempervirens. lines; tough; fracture splintery, bark thin, with silky bast-fibres, closely adhering to the pale-yellowish, porous wood, which has fine, medullary rays, and in the rhizome a thin pith; odor aromatic, heavy; taste bitter" — {U. S. P.). Gelsemium yields its virtues to water or alcohol. The rhizome is several feet iu length (roots in Fig. 119 are cut off), with scattered fibers, and is from 2 to 3 lines in diameter to nearly 2 inches. The internal part is woody, and of a light-yellowish color; the external part, or bark, in which the medicinal virtues are said principally to reside, is of a light snuS-color, and from ^ to 3 lines in thickness. The root of this plant has been said to contain a resin which is poisonous in very small doses, and a tincture, made by digesting it in undiluted alcohol, is stated to have proved fatal. This statement is denied, and upon good grounds, for, were it true, death would necessarily follow the use of the tincture made with undiluted alcohol, in consequence of the presence of this resin, which would still be taken up by alco- hol in a proportion corresponding to the alcoholic strength of the solvent. Again, it has been asserted, that the deaths, which have occurred where the article was used, were owing, not to the gelsemium. but to the presence of another verv poi- sonous root, somewhat resembling it, whicli was carelessly or ignorantly collected and mixed with it. Others again, state that they have given large doses without any serious consequences, and, in one case, 6 fluid drachms of the tincture were swallowed by a lad of 20 years of age, without any permanent injury. Notwith- standing these statements, death has followed the employment of what was sup- posed to be the tincture of gelsemium, in a few instances, and further investi- gations are required to determine its probable cause, and whether this agent will produce any fatal results in large medicinal doses. Yellow jessamine may be administered in decoction, infusion, or tincture.
Dr. Hiram H. Hill, formerly of the late firm of F. D. Hill tt Co., of Cincin- nati, has collected many hundred pounds o( the gelsemium root in the South. I am indebted to him for the following statement of it: "The length of the gel-
tiKLSK.Mir.M, ;iiv
seiniuin root, in day soil, is from 3 to 10 feet, and on the Magnolia ridges, and along small streams, 1 have traced some roots to the extent of 30 feet, although the average length is abont 15 feet. Like the roots of many other vines, it is hranching, with scattered fibers, and runs horizontally near the surface of the ground, sometimes merely under the leaves, for several feet. When first pulled up it is very yellow, and has a peculiar odor like that of the tincture, with a bit- ter, rather pleasant taste to most persons, at least people were constantly tasting or chewing it, while I was collecting it. The vine is of a green color, and always runs to the top of the tree or bush on which it fastens, then branches out, cover- ing the topmost branches with its thick foliage. I have seen it on trees that were 50 feet in height, and the size of the vine was the same near the top as at the ground ; its general length is from 20 to 30 feet. The bark of the vine is full of a silk-like fiber, which is not found in other vines that 1 have seen. On old vines, the leaves are about \h inches in length, of a dark-green color, lance-shaped, and on short foot-stalks; on young vines or shoots they are longer, and are 4 or 5 inches apart, while on the old ones they are very close and always oi)posite. The Howers are funnel-shaped and yellow. The vine, the root of which is sometimes gathered l>y mistake for the gelsemium, resembles it very much in appearance, though it is of a lighter color, and the outer bark is covered with white specks or marks somewhat similar to those on young cherry or peach limbs, and the lower parts of the old vines l)ecome rough, and have small tendrils that fasten upon the bark of trees, and which are never seen on the gel.semium. The bark of the vine is also more brittle, and the leaves are always on long foot-stalks, which are opposite, at the end of which are two opposite leaves, almost exactly resembling the leaf of the Ari.''tolochi(t Serpeutaria. The root is almost white, very tough, brittle when dry, not so fibrous as the true root, straight, about the same length of the medicinal root, and has a slightly bitter, disagreeable, nauseating taste. I never saw any of the flowers, though they are said to resemble the others in shape, but are pale, dirty-white, with a slight unpleasant odor, by no means like that peculiar to gelsemium. The vine is called ]Vhite poison vine and White je-<-<(imine'' ( King).
Chemical Composition. — Mr. Henry KoUock, in 1855 (Amer. Jour. Pharm,. Vol. XX\'I1, p. 197 I, found, beside the usual constituents of plant roots, a volatile oil, a dry, acrid resin (the yel--<emin of the older Eclectics, see later), and a bitter, crystalline, alkaloidal substance which he named geUeminia. Prof. Maisch and C. L. Eberle (.4»i^r. Jour. Pharm., 1869, p. 3-5) again obtained this alkaloid; the latter stated its being absent from the wood of the root, which was later confirmed by Gerrard. In 1870 {Amer. Jour. Phnrm.. \). 1), Prof. Th. G. Wormley, examin ing a fluid extract of the root, discovered therein a crystallizable acid, which he called (jilsriniiur (or gel-semic) acid, and which is remarkable for the beautiful blue fluorescence exhibited by solutions of the acids in aqua ammonia; or other alka- lies, even when highly diluted. Chas. A. Robbins, in Prof. Sonnenschein's labora- tory (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1876, p. 191), found gelsemic acid to be non-nitrogenous, and pronounced it to be identical with wt^rulin, the characteristic glucosid of horse chestnut bark. Prof. Wormlev (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1882, p. 337) and recentlv, Prof. V. Coblentz ( Pror. Amer.' Pharm. A.<mr., 1S97, p. 225) proved, however, that gelsemic acid and it.irulin presented some striking differences in solubilities, etc., and could not, therefore, be identical. In this connection, it may be said that. 15 years ago. Prof. F. A. Fliickiger, from gelsemic acid made for him by J. U. Lloyd, and asculin made l)y himself, established that they presented certain dif- ferences, lie communicated his results by letter to Mr. Lloyd, but thev were not published to our knowledge. More recently. Prof. E. Schmidt ( An-hiv (Icr Pharm., 1898, p. 324) has clearly proved the identity of gelsemic acid with the known sub- stance l»'ta-}iiethyl-;t:*ndetin (C^^lfi,'). In harmony with this result are the re- searches of Prof. Coblentz, who gave experimental proof of the fact that gelsemic acid contains two hydroxyl groups, which agrees with the constitution of that substance identified' by Prof. Schmitlt. More doubt exists with regard to the alkaloidal i>rinciple, owing to the difliculty of obtaining it in crystallized form. Sonnensoliein and Robbins (l.S7fi) gave it the formula C,,H„NO,, while A. W. Gerrard ( .Amer. Jour. Pharm.. 1893, ji. 2')()i. evidentlv obtaining it in much purer form I (mm th.- purified hydrochlori.le), finds C';,H„NO,. I- Spiegel's results
920 (lELSEMIUM.
(1893) agree with the latter formula. Finally, Mr. F. A. Thompson (laboratory' of Parke, Davis & Co.) {Pfutrm. Era, 1887, p. 3) believes that, besides this alkaloid, which he calls gelsemine, there exists another in gelsemium root, which he calls gelsiminme; its hydrochloride is more easily soluble in water than that of the first alkaloid. Gelsemine is believed to act as a paralyzing, gel.seminine as a tetanizing, medium. A. R. Cushny (Ber. d. Dcutsrh. Chem. Ges., 1893, p. 1725) corro- borates the existence of the two alkaloids mentioned.
Wormley {Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1877, p. 1-50) gives the following directions for obtaining from the fluid extract of gelsemium root the alkaloid, gelseminine {yelse- mine), SLiid gelsemic acid: Acidulate the fluid extract with acetic acid; atld this slowly to 8 times its bulk of water, filter from the resins, concentrate the filtrate on the water-bath to somewhat less than the original volume; then abstract gel- semic acid by ether, and, subsequently, the gelsemine by ether or chloroform, after rendering the fluid alkaline with sodium carbonate. In fluid extracts, pre- pared in the quantity of 480 grains of root to the ounce, Prof. Wormley obtained a yield of 0.2 per cent of gelsemine and 0.4 per cent of gelsemic acid.
Comparative analyses of the rhizome, root, and stem of gelsemium, carried out in the laboratory of Prof. L. E. Sayre (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1897, p. 234), showed the total absence of the alkaloid and the acid in the stem, while the rhizome con- tained 0.2 per cent of alkaloid and 0.37 per cent of gelsemic acid, and the root 0.17 per cent of alkaloid and 0.3 per cent of gelsemic acid. The alkaloid, gelseminine (gelsemine of Thompson), is described by Wormley as a colorless, odorless, intensely bitter, basic principle, and was obtained by A. W. Gerrard in crystalline form. When pure, it exhibits no color reaction with sulphuric and nitric acids, as claimed by Sonnenschein. It is sparingly soluble in water, freely soluljle in acids, in chloroform and ether (1 in 25). Its nitrate crystallizes best of all its salts (Spiegel, Amer. Joicr. Pharm., ISOo, y. :^.S1).
Gelsemic acid [beta-methyl ;: •■<riil, tin < it' E. Schmidt), according to Prof. Wormley, is a colorless, odorless, nearly t;l^t^•ll's.-, crystallizable acid, readily di.-isolving in alkalies with beautiful blue iluorescenct-; sparingly soluble in cold water (1 in 1000), more easily soluble in hot water; also soluble in chloroform, ether, and alco- hol. Its salts formed with heavy metals are soluble, with difficulty, in water.
Gelsemin, the so-called concentration (resinoid), should not "be emi>loyed for at least two reasons. First, it is of uncertain strength and quality. Secondly, its name being so similar, both in spelling and sound, to that of the alkaloid, (/e/<*e- miwe, that, through mistake, the latter agent might be supplied and serious results follow. Death has resulted from such a mistake, consequently it should be dis- carded, especially as it is not equal in therapeutic power to the fluid preparations of gelsemium. It may be of interest to state that nearly all of the so-called con- centrations (excepting podophyllin) of the earlier Eclectics have been discarded by the Eclectics of the present day, and are now used almost exclusively by the regular school, and especially by European physicians; also, by that class who believe that a/i the virtues of a remedy reside in concentrations and alkaloidal principles. Clinical experience proves that such preparations do not fulfil the indications as do the fluid preparations containing all the solu'^'e medicinal ingredients of tlie plant.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.— Gelsemium powerfully impresses the nervous system, though in man it never produces convulsions. Convulsions may occur in the lower animals. Small (medicinal) doses relax the muscles, especially the levator palpebra-, and allay nervous irritation. A pleasant or lan- guid sense of ease and relaxation is usually experienced, accompanied in the case of larger doses by a tendency of the lower jaws to drop, and a difficulty in manag- ing the eyelids. Sometimes sensation is lost first; again, and usually, muscular paralysis is the first to take place. The continued administration of it effects the brain (indirectly), spinal centers, and medulla, causing marked feebleness of mus- cular movements, confusion of vision, and vertigo. Large doses paralyze tlie spinal cord and cause almost complete loss of muscular power. Reflex action is depressed with tiie loss of muscular power, and these and the lack of sensibility, which usually takes place, are due to its action upon the sitinal marrow. Con- sciousness may be lost, but it is usually retained even wlien toxic (loses have been taken. When fatal, however, dissolution is iisually jireceded by lo.<s of eonsrious-
GKLSKMIUM. 921
ness. The c'liaracl«»ristic toxic symptoms are palpebral relaxation, ili^turbance of the ocular muscles, the dropping of the lower jaw, and the jirofound prostra- tion and muscular relaxation. The pupil dilates, there is drooping of the eye- lids (ptosis), and double vision (.diplopia). Applied locally to the eye, it dilates the pupils and interferes with the action of the muscles of accommodation. The pulse is slowed to 30 or 40 beats, and there is a marked decrease in temperature. Respiration is at first (juickened, then slowed, breathing becomes shallow, and the action upon the heart appears to depend upon the efl'ect upon respiration. As a rule, the mental faculties are not directly atlected by it, unless it bedue to accumu- lation of cari>on dioxide, the result oi" respiratory paresis. Occasionally, death results from overdoses, and, when it does so occur, is due to asphj'xia. Persons are reported to have been poisoned by eating honey gathered Ijy the bees from gelsemium dowers.
Gelsemium is said to increase the tetanizing power of strychnine. The post- mortem appearances after death from gelsemium present nothing specially char- acteristic. Twelve minims of the fluid extract have been asserted to have killed a boy of 3 years, yet recoveries have taken place from much larger doses. Death from gelsemium usually takes place in from 1 to 8 hours. (For report of two fatal cases, see Taylor's Mal.'JurLsp., 1892, p. 164.)
In poisoning by gelsemium or its alkaloid, gelsemine, evacuate the stomach by emetics or stomach pump, administer, hypodermatically, morphine and atro- pine, use friction, internal stimulation, hot drinks, external heat, etc. Tannin and the alkalies and their carbonates are reputed chemically antagonistic. Arti- ficial respiration should be resorted to, and the heart should be sustained by digi- talis and similar aicents. As but few cases of poisoning by gelsemium have occurred, tlie antidotal treatment is as yet not well established.
rhera[)eutically, gelsemium acts upon the cerebro-spinal nerve centers, dimin- ishing; the blood supply to them, as in determination of the blood to the head and spine, thereby preventing spasmodic action. Consequently, in dde-nnination of the hlood to the hraia and npinalcord and their appendages, or in mJUimmotori/ condi- tion;! of the rerebro-.spinal system, the drug would be clearly indicated. It is never the remedy for congestion. Prof. Scudder has pointed out as the specific indica- tions for it: "The Hushed face, bright eye, contracted pupils, increased heat of head, great restlessness, and excitation." With these may be associated a general headache. Bearing these indications in mind, the drug will be found useful in the diseased conditions named in this article. Gelsemium was first employed in febrile tliseascs, as bilious, remittent, typhoid and malarial feveis. In these condi- tions, it was found t<i have such a marked antipyretic action that it rapidly rose in favor among the earlier Eclectics. More pronounced effects were looked tor by the Eclectic fathers than are now known to be most desirable. They regarded it as the only agent ever yet discovered capable of subduing in from 2 to 20 hours, and without the least possible injury to the patient, the most formidable and most complicated, as well as the most simple/ewr« incident to our country and climate, quieting all nervous irritability and excitement, equalizing the circula- tion, promoting perspiration, and rectifying the various secretions, without caus- ing nausea, vomiting, or purging. They also believed it adapted to any stage of the disea.se, while the majority of those who now employ it believe it best adapted to the earlier stages of fevers, and seldom of marked value, if not harmful, in the advanced stages, or after the period of excitation has passed. It may follow any preceding treatment with safety. It is best suited to sthenic cases with determi- nation of biuoil to nerve centers. It is to its controlling influence over nerve irri- tation that its antipyretic action is mainly due. As soon as its physiological efi'ects are observed, the remedy should be discontinued, lest the relaxation may be too great for the system to recover from. A writer observes that his experience in the treatment of fevers, with this agent, inclines iiim to believe that when given in do.ses Bufliciently large to produce its full and complete constitutional eflects, it impairs the tonicity of the mu.scular fibers of the heart (which are always weakened in those feversj, and thus retards or prolongs convalescence. Gelse- mium is a remedy for elevation of temperature, whether from cold, or due to graver affections, as the fevers above notice<l, or whether due to pneumonid.pleiiriinj, or even puerperal fever, in which it is often of marked value. Chilly sensations
922 GELSEMIUM.
upon moving the body are indications for it, and are usually followed by the high temperature and the stage of excitation, in which the drug has earned its reputation.
Gelsemium possesses a most perfect control over the nervous system, remov- ing nervous irritability more completely than any other known agent. Such agents as passiflora increase its efficiency in this direction. Prof. W. E. Bloyer (E. M. J., 1894, p. 532) writes: " There is a species of nervousness that gelsemium always overcomes. The patient says that he is 'nervous.' He is grouchy, touchy, every impulse and feeling, whether painful or pleasant, is magnified or accelerated, and the contracted pupil is not always specially noticeable. If the patient be nervous and without fever or inflammation, give him Pulsatilla; with these, give Gpecific gelsemium."'
By allaying nervous excitement and restoring the secretions it prepares the system for quinine, for quinine is very frequently associated with gelsemium in the treatment of various conditions. In i\\e fevers and inflammations of children this irritation is often marked, and frequently results in convulskyiis. These cases are promptly relieved b\' gelsemium, which, as an antispasmodic, is second to no other drug. Its power is well displayed in cnnvulsions from dentition, and in like conditions from inflammatory states of the digestive tract, as enteritis, gastro-enteritis, especially in bowel troubles of the second summer, as cholera infantum, diarrh(xa, and dysentery. Its powerful antispasmodic action makes it especially applicable to hysterical females. In hysteria, begin with 1 drop and increase until the muscles relax and diplopia results. In convulsions, with cramping rigidity of the muscles, give gelsemium until its physiological effects are produced. Neuralgia, with pow- erful nervous twitching, is relieved by it. Toothache, from peridental inflamma- tion, is relieved by it as well as that form of toothache frequently accompanying pregnancy. It is a good agent in facial neuralgia from nerve excitation and dart- ing pain, from cold, or from dental caries. Administer in drop doses. Insomnia is often relieved by gelsemium. It is prominent as a remedj' for pain, though the specific indication (nervous tension) should be present or the remedy will be likely to fail. There must also be evidence of increased circulation — hyperemia of the part. In headache, with active circulation, and especially from eye strain, in migraine, in nervous headache, and in myalgia, administer small doses. It also benefits bilious headache and tic-douloureux. For ovarian neuralgia full doses are necessary. It benefits intercostal neuralgia and sciatica. It relieves the tenesmus of dysentery and other spa-STnodic conditions of the bmceh. It is a valuable agent in chorea, and it has been used with marked success in epilepsy and tetanu.^, its efTects in the latter affection having been very favorable. In spasmodic cmulitions of the urinary tract it is frequently indicated. It produces relaxation during the passage of renal calculi. Scanty flow of urine, with irritation of urinary passages, calls for gelsemium. It should generally, unless specially contraindicated, be given previously to or with the indicated diuretic, when urinal suppression is due to renal or cystic irritation (not congestion). It is the remedy for dysuria from spas- modic urethral stricture. Hot applications to the loins and back aid its action. It acts promptly in the retention of urine in the hysterical woman. It is a good rem- edy in gonorrhoea, and some cases oi spermatorrhaia in plethoric subjects have been cured by it, though as a rule it is far less serviceable than otlier agents in noc- turnal emissions. One of its early uses was for gonorrluva, for which it was thought to be almost specific. For the early inflammatory stages of this affec- tion, with tendency to chordee, no agent is more prompt than gelsemium. It is frequently given with aconite and cannabis indica for this purinise. Gelsemium quickly relieves the tenesmic pain, ischuria, etc., of i>ri><7//if catarrhal cottdittoiis of the hiadder. Jnflamnmtimi of the kidneys, bladder or urethra, are relieved by gel- semium. In puerpenU convulsions it has probably been used oftener than any other remedy, excepting morphine and chloroform.
In the pelvic disorders of women it is a favorite remedy. With the usual indications it subdues oraritis, metritis, and salpingiti.t. Severe dysmenorrhaa with colicky pains, and uterine colic are promptly relieved by large doses of it. Rigid OS uteri, with thin, unyielding edges, and "a dryness of the parts, is relaxed by gelsemium. In fact, it relaxes all sphincters. "By rectifying such complications it facilitates labor. Free doses should be administered. CJelsemiu.n, alone or
combined with pulsatilla, is iiivaluiiblo t<> overcome the marked restlessness evinced V>y some parturients, and gelsemium will often retard a labor that has begun before the parts are ready for the ordeal, i>articularly when the woman is excessively excitable and nervous, and the pains are spurious, or at least jerky and ineffectual. The vervoiis teimon following accouchement is quickly relieved by this drug. After-}jains are controlled by it, and it is serviceable in some forms of lewitrrhau.
By blunting peripheral sensibility it allays the itching of erzema, and locally applied (diluted ) is serviceable in pruritjo. Delirium tremetis, mania, and paralysis have been treated successfully with this drug. It has also been employed to some extent as a mydriatic in eye practice. I'rof. King derived considerable ad- vantage from gelsemium in covj u mi i litis, muscular asthenofiia, iritis, and in tiitnitus (iHrtHHi, administered in small doses every 3 or 4 hours; being extremely careful not to carry the influence of the agent to depression or relaxation. Dr. J.Par- rish, of Philadelphia, derived the greatest benefit from tlie administration of this drug, in cases of habitual drunkards and opiuui eaters. Gastro-intestimd irritation and irritative d;/spcpt:ia, with feeling of rawness, heat, and pain, with a sensation of knotty contraction in the stomach, call for gelsemium. In the cxanthimata this remedy is often indicated by the great heat and restlessness. It is nearly always called for in cerebrospinal mcniin/itis. In the recent epidemics oi influenza (In gripjie) probably no one remedy was more extensively used, or oftmer indi- cated. Where there were persistent high temperature and headache, with great excitability, it acted promptly and kindly. Gelsemium has been used quite extensively in vhoojiinci-rough, ^lasmodic cough, spasm of the glottis, o.-^thma, and the cough of htjstcrin. In ejxessire action of the heart, especially in liysterial subjects, it is often serviceable. Gelsemium has also proved beneficial in vertigo, hcmor rhage-^, ague-cake, gout and rheumatism, in the latter disease aiding some of the antirheumatic remedies. Bronchitis, lari/ngitis and albuminuria have also been successfully treated with gelsemium. Externally, gelsemium will be found of service* in neuralgic and rheumatic pains. The usual prescription is from 5 to 15 drops of specific gelsemium in 4 ounces of water. Dose, a teaspoonful. For the larger doses begin with 1 drop, and administer cautiously until the physiological effects are ajtparent. Dose of spi'cific gelsemium, y'^ drop to 10 drops.
Specific Indications and Uses. — Gelsemium is indicated by bright eyes, contracted pupils, flushed face, great heat, and restlessness ; mental irritability; insomnia, with excitation ; pain over the whole head; dysuria, with scanty secre- tion of urine; irritation of the urinary tract ; pinched, contracted tissues; thin, dry, unyielding os uteri, with dry vaginal walls; arterial throbbing and exalted sensibility: chilly sensations upon motion; hyperemia; and convulsions.
GENISTA.— GENISTA.
The young branches and leaves oi Genista tinetoria, Linne.
Nat. Ord. — Leguminosa-.
Common N.\mks : Dyer's green-weed. Wood-waxen, Green ireed, Dyer's broom. Dyer's weed.
Botanical Source and History. — This plant is an erect shrub, about a foot high, and is a native of Central Europe. It is quite common in poor soil throughout England, and has been naturalized, and grows abundantly, in a few localities of the eastern United States. The stem is short, woody, anil sends uj> numerous erect branches. The leaves are simple, a character distinguishing the plant from most of the native leguminous plants. They are narrowly lanceolate, acute, entire, sessile, alternate, and attached to the stem at an acute angle. The flowers are numerous, bright vellow, and are borne in terminal, showy racemes. The calyx is 2-lipped, with a deeply '2-lobed upper, and a 3-lobed lower lip. The corolla is papilionaceous, and the 10 stamens are united into a complete tube at the base. The fruit is a flat, several-seeded pod.
There are three English species of Genista, two unarmed; G.tinctoria,yi'\i\i smooth, and (;. pilosa, with hairy, leaves. The armed species, G. angliea, has sharp, eimjile thorns. The leaves of G.purgans, a native of France, are used as a cathartic.
924 GEXTIAXA.
Little is known of tlie cliemical history of the several species of GenUta. Dr. Plugge (^Jahresb. dcr Phcmn., 1895, p. 134), investigating the occurrence of the alka- loid cytisine in various species of Papilionacete, found Genista tinctoria and G.pUosa to be free from this substance. Genista tinctoria has been in some little repute as a medicine since the day of Culpepper. The flowers yield an inferior yellow dye. The dried plant possesses scarcely any taste. It must not be confused with Broom tops (Scoparius).
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. — Both the flowers and the seeds have been employed in medicine, in dropsinil, (iffa-tions, and with considerable efficacy. Sixty grains of the powdered seeds })rodu'(e active catharsis, and even emesis,and is the dose generally advised in dropsy. An iiifusicjn of the flowers has been ad- vantageously emploj'ed in gout and rheumatism, and is also stated to have been successful in several cases oi albu in inuria,'u\ doses of 2 tablespoon fuls every 1 or 2 hours. Probaljly a tincture would be found more available. Formerly this plant had an unmerited reputation fi ir the prevention, as well as the cure, of hydrophobia.
Specific Indications and Uses. — "Ascites, and cedema with cutaneous dis- ease, or erosion of tlie skin with exudation" (Scudder, Spec. Med.).
GENTIANA (U. S. P.)— GENTIAN.
"The root oi Gentian a lutea,Lmne"—(U. S. P.). Nat. Ord. — Gentianete. Common Names: Gent inn, Gentian-root. Illustration- : Bcntley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 182.
Botanical Source. — This plant has a long, thick, cylindrical, wrinkled, ringed, t'orki'd, perennial root, brown externally, and yellow within. The stem is 3 or 4 feet high, hollow, stout, and erect. ^'^' ^^°- The radical leaves are ovate-oblong, o-nerved,
and 2 or 3 inches broad; those on the stem sessile, ovate, and acute; those next the flow- ers cordate, amplexicaul, and concave; all are a pale, bright-green. The flowers are large, bright-yellow, in many-flowered whorls, and peduncled; the calyx is monophyllous. of a papery texture, semitransparent. 3 or 4-cleft, with short, lanceolate, unequal segments. The corolla is rotate, with a very short tube, 0 or 6 green glands at the base. 5 or 6-parted, with oblong, acute, narrow, veiny lobes; the stamens, 5 or 6 in number, are not so long as the corolla; the anthers are subulate, some- what united, becoming distinct; the ovary conical; the stigmas se.«sile and revolute; the capsule stalked, oblong, 2-val ved. and 1-celled, and the seeils are many and flattened, with thin, brownish edges (L.\
History and Description.— This plant is common to the central and southern parts of Europe, especiallv the Pvrenees. Alps, etc., being found from 3,000 to 5,000 feet above the level of the sea. Its root affords the medicinal portion, and is brought to this market from Havre, Marseilles, etc. The U. S. P. describes it as follows :
"In nearly cylindrical pieces or longitudinal slices, about 25 Mm. (I inch) thick, the upper portion closely annulate, the lower portion longitudinally wrin- kled; externally deep yellowish-brown; internally lighter; somewhat flexible and tough when damp; rather brittle when dry; fracture uneven; the bark rather thick ; separated from tiie somewhat spongy medituUium by a black cam- bium line; odor peculiar, faint, more prominent when moistened; taste sweetish and persistently bitter" — {U. S. P.).
The root imparts its virtues readily to cold or hot water, alcohol, or sulphuric ether. A licjuor iM-ejiart'd from it in some parts of Switzerland is much j^rized a*
Gentiana lute
GEXTIANA. 925
a stomachic; it is made lij' macerating; tli<- root in cold water, addiiif; some sugar, yeast, and distilling after vinous lermentation has occurred. Fliickiger {Phamui- cofinoitU', 1891 ), states that as a consequence of this use, the plant has almost dis- ai)peared fmni some i)arts of Switzerland.
Chemical Composition. — Tlie following three proximate principles are the characteristic constituents of gentian root: Gentiopikrin, of Kromayer ( IS62), to which the root owes its hitterness; gcntUin, of Hlasiwetz and Habermann (1875), a yellow, tasteless substance, whose reactions with ferric chloride seem to have l> -en mistaken for those of tannin (see Maisch, A mtr. Jnur. Pharm., 1876, )i. 4.S6, and iS'^0, p. 1); and gmtlmwse, of Arthur Meyer (1882), a crystallizable, fermentable suiiar, not reducing Feliling's solution, and which occurs in the fresh root only. The root also contains a volatile oil to which its odor is due; fatty and resinous matter, uncrystallizable sugar, large quantities of mucilage, about 8 per cent of ash, but no starch. Drying the root seems to have the effect of increasing the resinous matter (Fliickiger, P/mrmarorinosie, ISltl i.
Gkntiopikrin (0„H„0,;\ first olitained pure by Kromayer (Arch, der Pharm., 1S62, Vol. CLX, p. 27), was previously described as gpntianin by Henry and Caven- tou (1821), and later differentiated by Trommsdorfl', Leconte, and Dulk into the bitter gentuinin and the non-bitter acid geutmn or gintu<ic acid.
Gentiopikrin is completely abstracted from aqueous solution by animal char- coal; on this principle it* purification was affected. It crystallizes in needles of bitter taste, soluble in water and alcohol, in.soluble in "pure ether. It is a glucosid, being decomposed liy diluted acids into sugar and amorphous, yellow- brown, bitter _(;<;/i?«:i^<?)u/i (CnHijOj). Kromayer obtained from (i pounds of fresh root only 4 grammes of crystallized gentiopikrin. Fluckinger ( 1891) records that alcoholic tinctures of gentian root lose their bitterness upon standing, crystallized dextrose being deposited (Crawfurd and Wittstein). Allcali likewise destroys the bitterness of the tincture.
Ge.ntisis (C„H,„05), of Hlasiwetz and Habermann (Jaresb. der Pharm., 1874, p. 309), forms yellow, tasteless needles, nearly insoluble in water and ether, crys- tallizable from alcohol. The researches of Kostanecki and his pupils (JBer. d. Deutxrh. Chem. Ges. i^^/'., 1891 and 1894) have shown that this sul)stanee is a trioxy- xiDith'mr belonging to the same class of substances as chi-i/.fiv, iinercetin, fi-^din, and other vegetable dyes. Fusing with caustic potash splits gentisin into acetic acid, phloroglucin. and oxysalicylic acid (CjH^Oj, an isomer of protocatechuic acid: it was probably the gentunc or gnUinnir arid of older authors. In 1894, Kostanecki and Tambor succeeded in effecting the complete chemical synthesis of gentisin (which is methyl-gentUrin, Kostanecki, 1891); gentise'in (CuHsOs+H.O) being the intermediary produet ( Bn: d Deuisch. Chem.'Oes. Ref., 1894, p. 190). G.W. Kennedy i .\iner. .lr,)ir. /"';/;i., 1881, p. 280), found gentiopikrin and gentisin also in the root of Frn.-^era W , •. ■/ (wliich see).
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. — A i>owerful tonic, improves the appe- tite, strengthens digestiim, gives more force to the circulation, and slightly elevates the heat of the body. When taken in large doses it is apt to oppress the stomach, irritate the bowels, and even produces nausea and vomiting, as well as fullness of pulse and headache. Its administration is contraindicated where gastric irrita- bility or inflammation are present. Used in cases of debility and exha^tstimi, and in all cases where a tonic is required, as di/fpepsid, gout, ameiwrrhaa, hysteria, scrofula, interm,ittent*, diarrhfen, worms, etc. A tincture made by percolation of 1 part of podophyllum and 6 parts of gentian, diluted alcohol being the menstruum, was prized by Prof. Scudder as one of the most efficient remedies for "■atony of the Ktonvich and bowels with feeble or slow digestion" (S/iec. Med.). Gentian is valuable to relieve irritation and increase the appetite, after protracted fevers, where the powers of life are depressed and recovery de]>ends upon ability to assimilate food. Dose of the powder, from 10 to 30 grains ; of the extract, from 1 to 10 grains; of infusion, 1 or 2 fluid ounces; of tincture, 1 or 2 fluid drachms; of specific gen- tian a, 5 to 40 drops.
Dr. Kiichenraeister believes that impure and nncrystallized gentianin (see previous editions of the Amer. /)(-•</).) is the most valuable substitute for quinine, acting as rapidly and as eflicaciously on the spleen, in doses of from 15 to 30 grains twice a day.
926 GENTIAN A OCHROLEUCA.
Specific Indications and Uses.— "Sense of depression referred to epigastric region, and associated witii sense of physical and mental weariness" (Scudder,
List of Specific Judications).
Related Species.— '7m(iana Catesbsri, \V alter {Gentinna Saponaria, hinn^) , Blue or Ameri- can gentian, has a perennial, branching, somewhat flesliy root, with a simple, erect, rough stem, 8 to 10 inches in height. Leaves opposite, ovate or lanceolate, slightly 3-%-eined, acute, rough on the margin. Flowers large, blue, crowded, eubsessile, axillarj', and terminal. Calyx divided into 4 or 5 linear-lanceolate segments longer than the tube. Corolla large, blue, ven- tricose, plaited ; its border divided into 10 segments, the outer .5 roundish and more or less acute, the inner 5 bifid and imbricate. Stamens 5, with dilated filaments and sagittate anthers. Ovary oblong-lanceolate, compressed, supported by a sort of pedicel. Style none; stigmas 2, oblong, reflexed. Capsule oblong, acuminate, 1-celled, 2-valved (L. — B.). It grows in the grassy swamps and meadows of North and South Carolina, flowering from September to De- cember. The root is about J inch in thickness and 3 inches long, having a vivid, yellow, epi- dermal covering, under which is a whitish, spongy, cortical layer enclosing a thin column of woody tissue. Its bitterness is less pronounced than that of the official drug. It is little infe- rior to the foreign gentian, and may be used as a substitute for it in all cases, in the same doses and preparations. Alcohol and boiling water extract its virtues. Probably the Gentiana Andrewfii, Grisebach, or Cloied him gentian, the Gentiana puberula, Michaux, and the -Gentiana crinita, Frcelich, or Blue fringed gentian, possess analogous medicinal virtues. Maisch believed the two first-mentioned to be collected indiscriminately with the Gentiana Cateshni, of Walter, The same author also found the root of Gentiana crinita, Frcelich, and of G. C"fes'),ti',AV alter, to be free from tannin {Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1876, p. 487).
The following European species are sometimes gathered and used like gentian :
Gentiana purpurea, Linn^. South and Central Europe, in Alpine meadows. Differs from gentian root only in having a peculiarly branched top, and being of a more pronounced bitter. Flowers yellow-purple.
Gentiana puncUita, Linn6. South and Central Europe, Alpine districts. Resembles pre- ceding. Flowers yellow and dotted with purple.
Gentiana pannonica, Scopoli. Austrian mountain districts. Root smaller than that of G. purpurea, but similar in other respects. Flowers deep-purple.
GENTIANA OCHROLEUCA.— OCHROLEUCOUS GENTIAN.
The root and tops of Geiitlana ochroleum, Froelich.
A^at. Ord. — Gentianeaj.
Common Names: Marsh gentian, Yellowish-wkUe gentian, Straw-colored gentian^ Sampson snnkeroot, etc.
Botanical Source. — This plant has a stout, ascending stem, mostly smooth, from 1 to 2 inches in height. The leaves are from 2 to 4 inches long, ^ of an inch to 1^ inch wide, obovate-oblong, sessile or amplexicaul, margin slightly scabrous, narrowed at the base, the lowest broadly ovate and obtuse, the uppermost some- what lanceolate. The flowers are straw-colored, 2 inches long, f of an inch thick, disposed in a dense, terminal cyme, often also in axillary cymes. The calyx is 5-cleft, the lobes unequal, linear, longer than the tube, and shorter than the corolla. The corolla is clavate, connivent or slightly expanding at the top, ochro- leucous or straw-colored, with green veins and lilac-purple stripes internally ; the lobes are ovate and obtuse; the folds entire, acute, and short. Anthers separate. The ca])sule or pod is included in the persistent corolla. The seeds are entirely wingless ( \V. — G.).
History. — This plant is found growing in dry grounds, especially through the middle and low country of the southern states, flowering in September and October. Said likewise to inhabit Canada, and the western states, but this must be rare. The root is the medicinal part, and the tops are also often employed. Thoy are bitter to the taste, and probably possess the medicinal properties, in a greater or less degree, of the other plants of the same family. Alcohol or lioiling water extracts their virtues. None of the American Gentians seem to have been satisfactorily analyziMl.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.— Bitter tonic, antheluiintic,and astrin- gent. Fornit ily niiuli used in diispepsia, intermktcnts, dysentery, o.n^ all diseases of periodicity. To 2 ounces of the tops and roots, pour on H pints of boiling water, and when nearly cold, add ^ pint of brandy. Dose, from A to 4 fluid "ounces, every ^ hour, gradually increased as the stomach can bear it, at the same time lengthening the intervals between the doses. Also used for biles </ snakes, and
GENTIANA QlUNQl'EKLORA.— OKRANIIM. 927
in typhus fever:, pneumonia, etc. This is ii valuable agent, and deserves greater attention from the profession than it has received. It will be found very useful as a tonic to all enfeebled mucous tissues, and especially when there is more or less mucous discharge, as in chrmiic catarrhal affections, 7Hucotw diarrhcea, etc.
GENTIANA QUINQUEFLORA.— FIVE-FLOWERED GENTIAN.
The root of Gentiana ijuinqucjiom, Lunmrck.
Nat. Onl. — Gentianea".
C0M.M0N Names: Five-Jlowetrd gentian, Gall-u^ed.
Ii.i.i-STRATio.N- : Botaninil Maga'zinc, Plate 3496.
Botanical Source. — This is an annual jilant, found in woodland pastures and otlur oinu situations in the eastern section of the United States. Tlie stem is smooth, erect, 4-angled, and from 1 to 2 feet high. The leaves are opposite, entire, sessile, slightly cordate, clasping the stem at the base, and aiute at the apex. They are about 1 inch long, and have from 3 to 5 veins proceeding from the base. Tlie flowers, which ai)poar late in the summer, and open only in sun- shine, are of a bright-blue color, and erect. They are borne on loose panicles, in axillary and terminal clusters of 3 to 5, on pedicels shorter than the flowers. The calyx is about one-quarter the length of the corolla, and is deeply 5-parted, hav- ing very narrow, linear lobes. The corolla is smaller than in the other native species of Gentian;!, being slightly less than an inch in length. It is narrowly bell-shaped, and has 5 acute, sliort lobes. The stamens are 5, and attached to the corolla tubes; they have versatile anthers, which are introrse when the tlower ex- pands, but at length turn away from the pistil. The pistil consists of a 1-celled ovary, sup)iorted on a slender stii)e, and bears 2 distinct, sessile stigmas. The fruit is a dry capsule, opening by 2 valves, and tilled with very numerous small seeds. The plant above described is the form of (ientiana quinqueflora occurring in the eastern section of the United States. A western variety t var. occidentalis. Gray) difl'ers in being more rolnist, and in having the calyx-lobes half the length of the corolla. It occurs in the prairies of Illinois, and throughout the neigh- boring states, and southwardly.
History and Description.— This plant was recommended a.s a substitute for quinine, the ru<it being employed. As found in the market, under the above name, it is about the size of senega, has the general appearance of this root, ex- cepting tlie angled form and ridge. It has a smooth bark, which is light-yellow externally, and white within. It breaks with a clear fracture and is hard and woody. The taste is very bitter, resembling the Apocynums rather than Gentiana lutea. It has never been cliemically examined. The plant grows in woods and pastures, flowering in September and October, and is found from Vermont to Pennsylvania.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.— Gentiana quinqueflora. Five-flowered gentian, SDinctiiiits called Gall-weed, on account of its intense bitterness, has been found of niuih servii e in hntdiu-li, , linr affcrllons, jaundice, etc., and is greatly supe- rior in it.s action to the olhcial root. This is certainly a valuable tonic and cholagogue, and deserves further investigation. It is regarded a valuable agent in chronic (/nstro- intestinal atony. Dose of a saturated tincture of the recent root, from 5 to 40 drops.
GERANIUM lU. S. P.)— GERANIUM.
"The rhizome of Geranium vuwulalum, Linne" — {U. S. I'.).
Nat. Ord. — Geraniacea-.
CoMMO.v Names: C'ranesbill, Wild cranesbill, Crowfoot, Spotted (jcranium. Alum- root, etc.
IlU'strations: Bentlev and Trimen, Med. Pl<ntts, -I'i ; Johnson's Med. Bat. of N. A., Plate 4.
Botanical Source. — Geranium has a perennial, horizontal, thick, rough and knobby root, with many small fibers. The stems are grayish-green, erect, round, clothed with reflexed hairs, angular, dichotomous, and 1 or 2 feet high. The
92S GERANIUM.
leaves are ppreading, hairy, palmate, with 3, o, or 7 deeply cleft lobes, 2 leaves at each fork ; lobes cuneiform, entire at the base, and incisely serrate above. Th3 radical leaves are OQ long petioles, erect and terete ; leaves at the top opposite, subsessile, those at the middle of the stem opposite, petiolate, '^" ■ and generally reflexed. Stipules linear or lanceolate. The
flowers are large, generally purple, mostly in pairs, on unequal pedicles, sometimes umbelled at the ends of the peduncles. Peduncles long, round, hairy, tumid at the base, and at the forks of the stems 2-flowered. The calyx consists of 5 ob- ovate, ribbed, mucronate sepals, the outermost haiiy. The petals are 5, obovate, entire, liglit purple, and marked with green at the base. The stamens are erect or curving out- ward, alternately longer, furnished at the base with glands, terminated by oblong, convex, deciduous, purple anthers. Ovaryovate; style straight, as long as the stamens; stigmas 5, at first erect, and afterward recurved. The capsules are 5, together, and each 1-seeded (L. — W.).
History and Description. — Geranium is a native of this T"-^ countrv,gr(jwing in nearlv all parts of it in low grounds, open
Geranium maoniatum. ^q^j^ -^^0., flowering from April to June. There are several varieties of this species which are probably equivalent in medicinal virtues to the G. maculatuin. The dried root is the official part. It is officially described as follows: "Of horizontal growth, cylindrical, 5 to 7 Cm. (2 to 3 inches) long; about 1 Cm. (| inch) thick; rather sharply tuberculated, longitudinally wrinkled, dark-brown; fracture short, pale reddish-brown; bark thin; wood-wedges yellow- ish, small, forming a circle near the cambium line; medullary raj-s broad ; central pith large; roots thin, fragile; inodorous; taste strongly astringent (f. <S'. P.).
Chemical Composition. — Geranium was analyzed, in 1829, by Dr. Staples, who found it to contain a large quantity of gallic acid, tannic acid, mucilage, red coloring matter, principally in the external covering of the root, a small amount of resin, and a crystallizable vegetable substance (Jour. Phil. Col. Phann., Vol. I, p. 171). The Messrs. Tilden have more recently made a quantitative analysis of the root, and found it to contain a resin soluble in alcohol, a resin soluble in ether, an oleoresin soluble only in ether, tannin, gallic acid, gum. pectin, starch, sugar, albumen, lignin, chlorophyll, etc. {Phann. Jour., 1863, Vol. V.,p. 22). H. K. Bowman, in 1869, found in the root of Geranium maculatuin about 13 and 17 per cent, and Chas. F. Kramer, in 1882, about 17 per cent of tannin ; while Henry .1. Mayers, who made a complete analysis of the root (Amcr. Jour. Phann., 1889, p. 238), obtained only 4.28 per cent, with much decomposed tannin (phlobaphene); from another specimen he obtained about 11.5 per cent. He also confirmed the j)resence of gallic acid. More recently (Bull. Km: Garden.^'. 1896. No. 109, p. 30) Henry R. Procter found as high as 25.7 per cent tannin. These contradictory results are sufficiently explained by the researches of Prof. Trimble and Mr. J. C. Peacock (Ainer. Jour. Pharm.. 1891, p. 265). In these ex|)eriments moisture and tannin were determined in samples which were obtained from 14 collections sys- tematically extending over a period of two years. The principal result of this work may be summarized as follows:
I. Root collected in January had 11.72 per cent tannin, calculated on abso- lutely dry drug. The amount ro'se to 27.85 per cent in spring, just before bloom.
\iiul fell io 9.72 per cint in October.
II. The tannin obtained yields pyrogallol, upon heating, hence is related to gallotannic acid.
III. The tannin obtained is a glucosid ; when heated with 2 per cent hydro- chloric acid it easily decomposes into gallic acid, glucose, and geranium red, a phlobaphene, which also forms as a red-brown precipitate when a 1 per cent solu- tion of the tannin is allowed to stand.
IV. Xo gallic acid is present in the fresh root, nor in the decoction made therefrom ; only after the rhizome is dried is gallic acid present, due to the decom- jiosition of the tannin.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. — Geranium is a powerful astringent. Used in infusion with milk in thi> second stage of (li/stvUer;/,diarrhaa, and cholera
GERARDIA. 929
infnntuni. In bowel disorders it is the chronic or subacute states in wliich it is applicable, an<l especially where the disciiar^fs are abundant and deliilitating. The relaxati'iii of nienibraiifs following the inflaniniatory stage is an indication for its use. In dysentery it is not adapted to the first and acute stage, but should be used, after a laxative, as magnesium sulphate, where the disease tends to chronicity. The infusion or the specific geranium in milk may be employed. Both internally and externally it may be used wherever astringents are indi- cated, in hemorrfiiKje^, indole»t vhrrs^ apfitlmus sore viouth, o])lithalmin, leucorrhcea, ghrt, hciiialuriii, victwrrhngia, diabetts, and all excessive rhronir jhkcoim disc/iiirgeii; also, to cure vu'rrurial fKtlivntion. Rilaintion of the uvula may be benefited by gar- gling with si decoction of the root, as well as n^fftlhous virrration of the laovih and throat. Chronic phnnptgad catarrh has been cured with it, while recently' an old- school authority claims for it restorative properties in incipient jmhnonary con- suiiiption. From its freedom from any nauseous or unpleasant qualities, it is well adapted to infants and persons witli fastidious stomachs. In cases oi bUedingpiUf!, a strong decoction of the root may be injected into the rectum, and shouhl V)e retainetl as long as possible. Hemorrhoids are said to be cured by adding of the root in fine powder, 2 ounces, to tobacco ointment, 7 ounces, and appl}' to the parts, 3 or 4 times a day. Troublesome e]iistaxis, bleeding from vounds or small vessels, and from the extraction of teeth, may be checked effectually by ai>plying the powder to the bleeding orifice, and, if possible, covering with a compress of cotton. With Aletris farinosa in decoction, and taken internally, it has proved of superior efficiency in diabetes, and in Bright's di-^a.^e of the kidney. A mixture or solution of 2 parts of bydrochlorate of berberine and 1 part of extract of gera- nium, will be found of unrivaled efficiency in all chronic vuieous diseases, as in gleet, leucorrhifi, oj'hthalmia, gastric affections, catarrh, and ulceration of the bladdtyr, etc., eic. A decoction of 2 parts of geranium and one of sanguinaria forms an excellent injection for gleet and Uncnrrheea. Dose of the powder, from 20 to 80 grains; of the decoctii'U, from 1 to 2 fluid ounces; of specific geranium, 5 to 30 drops.
Specific Indications and Uses. — Relaxed mucous tissues, with profuse, de- bilitatiui; discharges; chronic diarrhcea, with mucous discharges; chronic dysen- tery; diiirrli(_ea, with constant desire to evacuate the bowels; passive hemorrhages.
Related Species. — Geranium Eobertianum, Linnt^, or Herb Itoh,rl, grows wild both in Eu- rojHj ami in tlie United States, bnt is rare in this country ; and Pursh states that the Ameri- can plant is destitute of tlie heavy snu-U by which the European is so wpU known, tliough the two agree in all other respects. It has a tapering root, with several round, leafy, branched, re<ldisl», brittle, succulent, and ditfuse stems, hairj-, chiefly on one side (L. — W.). The plant flowers from May to September, and has a strong, unpleasant smell. The herb has a disagree- able, bitterish, astringent taste, and imparts its virtues to boiling water. A bitter principle and tannin are among its constituents. It has been used internally in int'cmitUiit Jefer,con- tiimplhn, li'iiiorrhagts, nephritic complaintt, jaundice, etc., and has been emplovid as a gargle in affecliom of tlie throai, and applied externally as a resolvent to m-oUen brea.<ts and other lumors.
Erofil'iiii clrutariHin, L'Hi^ritier (Geranium cicxilarium, linn^). Storkebill.—Sonthera Europe and common in Western Uniteil States, though scarce in Atlantic states, A valuable nutri- tious forage plant, and, thouirh neither a clover nor a grass, is known as AlJUaria (from Spanish aljUerilhi, signifying pin ; hence pin-weed), Pin-clorcr, Pin-grasi, and Filaree. Cold weather doea not kill it and it is the onlv green vegetable substance available for stock in dry seasons^ It is said to impart a fine flavor t(j butter and milk (see Agr. Grams and Forage Plants of I'. S., byVa*y, 1HS9i. Diuretic ior dnipgit. > ^ ,.
Entdium moechaium, A iton.— .Mediterranean Europe, north and south Africa, and Cali- fornia. Valuable forage plant in dry seasons. It has the odor of musk. Therapeutically it i» dlai)horetic. Other astringents are :
\'inra mnjur. Orenl,r jMri winkle ; Vinca minor, Lemr ]>,-riu-inkle.—'EDg]anil. Reputed useful in menorrhwiia and Other hemorrhagic «/«/<•.«.
Oroxiil'nm in'licum.—East India. Bark contains an acrid substance and a yellow crj'stal- line principle, oojriflin (Phann. Jour. Traiw., 1890, Vol. XXI, p. 2.57). Bark a powerful sudo- ritie, astringent and tonic. Employed in diarrhcea.
Jiaimbd'iUii comhretum. —Atrica. Contains an abundance of tannin. Employed by the Am- cans in h:imnturic bilious ferer.
GERARDIA.— BUSHY GERABDIA.
The herb of Gerardia pedicularia, I.inn-e {Damfstoma ],edirularia, Beniham).
\nt. Ord. — Scrophulariacete.
Common Names: Bush;/ gerardia, Lnmeioort, Fever rreed. Amrn'cnn fox-glove.
Botanical Source. — This is a perennial plant, whose stem is tall and bushy, with a scattered woolly pubescence, 2 or 3 feet in height, and brachiate-panicled. The leaves are numerous, opposite, ovate-lanceolate or oijlong, pinnatiSd, the seg- ments being doubly cut-dentate. The flowers are large, yellow, axillary, trum- pet-shaped, opposite, and pediceled; the pedicels are longer than the calyx. Calyx 5-cleft, cut-dentate, segments as long as the hairy tube. Corolla yellow, an inch or more in length, subcampanulate, unequally o-lobed, segments mostly rounded, spreading, leaf-like, and woolly inside. Capsule 2-celled, dehiscent at the top (L.-W.).
History. — This is a most elegant plant, found growing in dry copses, pine ridges, and barren woods and mountains from Canada to Georgia and Ken- tucky, and flowering in August and September. The whole plant is used. Water or spirit extracts its virtues. It has not been analyzed. There are several varie- ties of the species, which probably possess analogous virtues.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. — Diaphoretic, antiseptic, and sedative. Used principally in fibrile and infliuamatory diseases; a warm infusion produces a free and copious perspiration in a short time. Dose of the infusion, from 1 to 3 fluid ounces.
GEUM.— GEUM.
The rhizome and rootlets of Geum rivale, Linne, and Geum virginianum, Linne.
Xat. Ord. — Rosacese.
Common Na.mes : (1) Water avens, Purple avens; (2) Virginia geum, Throat-root, Chocolat(-root.
Botanical Source. — Geum rivale, likewise known as Purple arcus, is a peren- nial, hairy, deep-green herb, with a creeping, blackish, somewhat woody root, run- ning deep into the ground, with numerous fibers. The stems are 1 or 2 feet high, nearly simple, erect, and slightly paniculate at top. The radical leaves are nearly lyrate, uninterruptedly pinnate, with large terminal leaflets on long hairy petioles, rounded, lobed, and crenate-dentate, and from 4 to 6 inches long. The cauline leaves are few, subsessile, from 1 to 3 inches long, and divided into 3 serrate, pointed lobes; the stipules are ovate, acute, cut, and purplish, The flowers are few, sub-globose, nodding, yellowish-purple, on axillary and terminal jieduncles. The calyx is inferior, erect, purplish-brown, with 10 lanceolate, pointed segments,
5 alternately smaller than the others; petals 5, as long as the erect calyx seg- ments, broad-obcordate, clawed, purplish-yellow, and veined. The seeds are oval, bearded, and hooked at the end (L. — W.— -G.).
Geum virgininnum, Linne, also known as Throat-root, Ckocokite-ront, etc., is also perennial, with a small, brownish, horizontal, crooked root. The stem is simple or branched, smoothish above, pubescent below, and 2 or 3 feet high. The radical leaves are pinnate, lyrate, or simple and rounded, with appendaged petioles from
6 to 8 inches long; the cauline leaves 3 or 5-lobed, softly pubescent ; all the leaves are unequally and incisely dentate. The flowers are rather small, white, erect, and borne on long, diverging peduncles; the calyx is 5-cleft. with 5 smaller and exterior, alternate bracteoles; the petals 5, about the length of the calyx; the stamens numerous; filaments slender, anthers yellowish and round. The styles are many, persistent, mostly jointed, geniculate, bearded, and hooked after "the upper joint falls away. Tiie fruit is an achenia, aggregated on a dry receptacle, caudate with the style (W.— G.).
History and Description. — Geum rivale is common to Europe and this coun- try, and is lound growing in woods, wet meadows, and along streams, especially in the northern and middle states, and flowering in June and Julv. The American species diSers from the European (Geum urbanum, Linne), in having the petals more orbicular on their free margin, the flowers of less size, and its leaves with deeper incisions. The fresh root is aromatic.
Geum virgininnum is found in hedges and thickets, and in moist places in most parts of the United States, flowering from June to August. These plants, with some other varieties, have long l)een used in domestic practice. The whole herb contains medicinal properties, but the medicinal and most eflicient portion is the root. The dried root of the G. rivale is scaly, jointed, tapering, hard, brittle.
CilLI.KNMA. 931
easily pulverized, of a reddish or jiurplisli color, and inodorous; tliat of the (i. rir- giiiianum, is brown, crooked, tuljerculated, and brittle; both are white internally, and of a bitterish, astringent t;iste. Boiling water or alcohol extracts their vfr- tues, the solution becoming reddish. They have not been analyzed, but probal)ly contain tannic acid, bitter extractive, gum, resin, etc. A weak decoction of the root of G.ra'flfe is sometimes u.sed by invalids as a substitute for tea and coflee. Its constituents are probably the same as those of Aveus {Geum urbanum, I.inne) (seeRelalidShirUs).
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.— Tonic and astringent. Useful in all cases where tlieie is au enfeebled state of mucous tissues, or morbid secretions therefrom. Large doses may cause eniesis. Used in numerous diseases, as passive &ndchronicfiemorihit<i(S,chro)u'cduirrlt(iaanildy.^aitcri/JciKOirhu:a,dy8pepsi(i,2)lithists, rongesfioiis of tlie alnhminul viscera, intcnnittcntx, ap/ilhous ulcerations, etc. Pose of the powder, from 'JO to 30 grains; of tlie decoction, from 1 to 2 fluid ounces, 3 or 4 times a day. Gfum vrh.iuiiin, or Ennipnui uvcm, possesses similar properties (see below).
Specific Indications and Uses, — {Gevm rivale). "Tearing, spasmodic, ab- dominal i>ains recurring upon taking food or exercise" (Scudder).
Related Species.— ^fH»io/ht(»i,Gmeliii; }yhilei]eum. United States. Flowers in May and -Vugust. Used in hecuiaches and irritable conditions of the ttomach{Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1883).
(iniin vrbaunm, Linne; Amin, Enropeun airun. Kurope, growing in woodlands and shady situations, and has yellow flowers. The rhizome of this plant is hard, dark-brown, fnbercu- lated at t>p, short (1 or 2 inches long and from J to i iueh thick), and has the siimniit beset with hairy, reddish-brown leaf scales. The fresh rhizome resembles cloves in odor, hence has been called radix can/oyln/Uata. Internally the rhizome is whitish, surrounding a central red portion. It has many fibrous roots of a lighter brown hue. It imparts a red color to both water and alcohol. Buchner analysed it in 18-14, and found a considerable amount of tannin and an amorphous and neutral yellow mass, to which he gave the name genia bitter. He also confirmed the observation of Trommsdortf as to the presence of a greenish-yellow volatile oil (0.04 per cent), and found that it has a clove-like odor (Rep. d. Pharm., 1844, Vol. LXXXV, p. 168 to 201).
A vens is an astringent tonic considerably employed in European practice, where it is used in intermittent^, dysentery and diarrhaa, jxwiire hemorrhages, and leucorrhaa. It is apt to derange the stomach and induce emesis if given too freely. The dose of the powder is from 20 to 60 grains, but the decoction, made by boiUng 1 ounce of avens in 1 pint of water, is preferable. The doee is 1 or 2 fluid ounces
GILLENIA.— INDIAN PHYSIC.
The bark of the rhizome of GiUenia IriJ'oliala, Moench (^Spiraea trijoliata, Linne), and GiUenia stipulacea, Nuttall (Spirasa s<())utoa, Willdenow).
Nat. Ord. — Rosacea?.
Co.M.Mo.v Names: Indian physic, American ipecac, Indian hippo, and sometimes Bowman's mot.
Botanical Source. — Indian phj'sic is an indigenous, perennial herb, with an irregular, brownish, somewhat tuberous caudex, from which radiate many long, knotted, delicate fil)ers. The stems are several, from the same root, about 2 or 3 feet in lieight, erect, slender, flexuose, smooth, branched above, and of a reddish or brownish color. The leaves are alternate, trifoliate, subsessile, furnished with small linear-lanceolate and slightly-toothed stipules at the base; the leaflets are lanceolate, acuminate, sharply and unequally toothed, the upper ones often single^ the lower broader at the end, but acuminately terminated. The flowers are white, with a reddish tinge, borne in terminal, loose panicles, few in number, scattered, on long peduncles, occasionally furnished with minute, lanceolate bracts. The calyx is subcampanulate or tubular, terminating in 5 sharp, reflexed teeth. Pet- als 5, the 2 upper ones separated from the three lower, white with a reddish tinge on tlie edge, lanceolate, unguiculate, contracted and approximated at base and •i times as long as the calyx. The stamens are about 20, in a double series within the calyx, with short filaments, and small, yellow anthers. Styles 5, with obtuse stigmas. Capsules 5, connate at base, oblong, acuminate, diverging, gib- l)ous without, sharp-edged within, 2-valved, 1-celled, and 1 or2-seeded. The seeds are oblong, brown, and bitter (L. — B.).
History.— The nlant GiUenia trifolinta, sometimes called Boumuin'sroot,\8 found growing fioin Canada to Florida, in rich woods, light, gravelly soils, and in moist
932 GILLENIA.
and shady situations; it is more common in the Atlantic States than the West- ern. It blossoms from May to August. The root is the medicinal part, and must be collected in autumn. As met with in commerce it is adry, tuberculated root, 3 or 4 lines in diameter, corrugated lengthwise, and of a reddish-brown color externally; it is composed of a light-colored, ligneous, internal substance, and an easily removed, dense, friable, brownish bark, which is readily reduced to a pow- der, having a similar color. It is nearly odorless, and has a nauseous, amarous taste, and yields its properties to alcohol or water at 100° C. (212° F.). The bark is the active portion, the internal woody substance being nearly inert. The root of G. stipulojcea is larger, tuberculated, and the rootlets present an annulated ap- pearance due to constrictions passing part way around the rootlet, forming semi- circular depressions.
Gillenia stipulacea, Nuttall, also called Bowman's root, which is found on the western side of the Allegheny Mountains, growing through Ohio, Indiana, Illi- nois, Missouri, and southward, flowering at the same time as the above, possesses similar properties, but is more efficient in the same doses. It may be distin- guished by its drab-colored and branching stems, its greater size, its large, clasp- ing, ovate-cordate, leafy, gashed, and serrated stipules, its lower leaves being of a reddish-brown color at the tips; the stipules are leafy, ovate, doubly incised and clasping; and the flowers are fewer, smaller, on slender peduncles, hanging in loose panicles. It is seldom met with in limestone or alluvial soils. (_For an interesting article on the nomenclature of Gillenia, see Amer. Jour. Phann.. 1898, p. 501.)
Chemical Composition. — According to Mr. Shreeve, gillenia contains starch, gum-resin, wax, a fatty matter, a red coloring substance, a volatile coloring mat- ter, and a peculiar principle soluble in alcohol and diluted acids, but insoluble in water or ether (Ainer. Jour. Pharm. ,Yo\. I, p. 28). Mr.W. B. Stanhope procured griWciuVi from Gillenia trifoliata by making an alcoholic extract of the powdered bark, evaporating to dryness, treating with water, macerating the resinous and bit- ter residue with diluted sulphuric acid for 10 days, filtering, evaporating with excess of magnesia, extracting with alcohol and allowing the solvent to evaporate spon- taneously. The gillenin thus obtained was permanent in the air, very bitter, soluble in water, alcohol, ether, and diluted acids, neutral, giving a fine green color with chromic acid, and blood-red with strong nitric acid. Tannic acid produced no effect, but caustic potash, subacetate of lead, and tartar emetic threw down white precipitates. In doses of i grain it produced emesis, with consider- able vertigo (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1856, p". 200). Mr. Frank AV. White (.4ni<T. Jour. Pharm. .1892, p. 121), found the active principle of Gillenia trifoliata to be a glu- cosid, obtainable by agitating the aqueous solution of the alcoholic extract with chloroform.
In Gillenia stipulacea Mr. Gordon L. Curry found two glucosids which he ob- tained from the ether extract of an aqueous infusion. One, which he named gillein. was obtainable in feathery crystals, easily gives off sugar, is soluble in water, alco- hol, and diluted acids, and causes nausea in the dose of J grain. The other glu- cosid, called gillcenin, is amorphous, much more stable, soluble in water, but spar- ingly soluble in alcohol and ether. Neither of these substances gives the reactions of Stanhope's piUeiiin. Sugar, gum, and tannin were also found ( .Amer. Jour. PAacoi., 18it2, p. 513). Both this root and that of the Gillenia trifoliata were for- merly ..tlicial in the F. S. P.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.— The root-bark of these plants is emetic, cathartic, sudorific, expectorant, and tonic. In their action, they resemble ipe- cacuanha. Like the latter, their dust will provoke irritation of "the throat and breathing organs. They have been recommended in amenorrhea, rheumati.-'m. droim/, habitual coifiveucss, dyspepsia, irorms, and in intrfmittenls. As an emetic and cathartic, from 20 to 3.5 grains is a dose, which, when vomiting is required, may be vepeated at intervals of 20 minutes. It may be used in all diseases where emetics are indicated, as a safe and efficient agent. " In (h/Sfu^sia, accompanied with a tor- pid condition of the stomach, from 2 to 4 grains forms an excellent tonic. As a sudorific, 6 grains may be given in some cold water, and repeated at intervals of 2 or 3 hours, or it may be given in combination with a small portion of opium. Large and oft-repeated doses of the infusion cause severe vomiting and purging.
oLlXllO.MA.— liLYcEKlNf.M.
GLECHOMA.— GROUND IVY.
Tho j)laiit Glahoma halcracca, Liiuiu i^.W/zi^t UUchuma, Bentham).
Nat. On?.— Labiato.
Common Names: Ground ivy, Cat-foot, Oill-go-over-the-ground.
Illustration : Jolnison's Med. Dot. of N. J., Fig. 145, p. 213.
Botanical Source and Description.— Tli is plant, the (iterhomn hcdema.i ..f Linnieii.-i, is a iH'ieiinial, giav, hairy herb, with a prostrate, creeping stem, radi- cating at base, S(|uare, and from a few inches to 1 or 2 feet long. The leaves arc petiolate, opposite, roundish, cordate-reniform, crenate, hairy, and glaucous on both sides, though often purplish beneath. The tioral leaves are of the same form. The flowers are bluish-purple, about 3 together in axillary whorls. The corolla is about 3 times as long as the calyx, with a variegated throat. The calyx is long, curved, villous, the limb oblique, the teeth lanceolate-subulate, the upper being tlie largest. The bracts are scarcely as long as the pedicel. The 2 antliers of each pair of stamens meet with their 2 divaricate cells, forming the appearance of across (\..~\y.-~G.K
History and Chemical Composition.— This plant is common to Europe and the United States, where it is found growing in snady places, waste grounds, dry ditches, fences and hedges, and on the sides of moist meadows, flowering in May and August. Tlie leaves are the parts used, and yield their virtues, by infusion, to boiling water. They have an unpleasant odor, and a harsh, bitterish, slightly aromatic taste. This plant was found by Mr. Charles A. Ridgway to contain an essential oil (0.06 per cent\ fat, resin, gum, wax, sugar, tannic acid, about 16 per cent of ash, etc., and an acrid, fatty substance (0.96 per cent) {Amer. Jour. Phnrm., 1892, p. 6(;i.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.— Ground ivy is stimulant, tonic, and pectoral, and has been recommended in diseases of the lungs and kidneys, asthvia, jaundice, Injjiochondrin, and monomania. An infusion of the leaves is highly rec- ommended in lead co/ir, and it is stated that painters who make use of it often are never troubled with that affliction. The fresh juice snuffed up the nose is said to cure hcndiiehe. Dose of the powdered leaves, from i to 1 drachm; of the infusion, 1 or 2 fluid ounces. A tincture of the fresh plant, prepared with 98 per cent alco- hol, may be given in doses of 1 to 15 drops.
GLYCERINUM (U. S. P.)— GLYCERIN.
Formcla: CjHsCOH)^. Molecular WEKniT: 91.79.
"A liquid obtained by the decomposition of vegetable or animal fats or fixed oilB, and containing not less than 95 per cent of absolute glycerin (C3H5[OH]3^: 91.79)"— (.r..?. P.).
Synonyms: Glycerina (f. .*?. P., 1870), Glyrerine, Glycerol, Propenyl alrohol.
History and Preparation.— Glycerin was discovered, in 1779, by Scheele in the sapoiiitication proiUuts of olive oil by means of litharge, and later recognized by him as a commou constituent of other oils and fats, and therefore named the "sweet principle of fats." Chevreul gave it the name glycerin, and cleared up the nature of its combination in the fats. Glycerin, or (//yrpro/, as it is now prefer- ably called to indicate its alcohol character, is a trihydric alcohol (C jH.,[OH],), containing the trivalent radical "glyceryl" (C3H5). It exists in oils and fats, combined with palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids in the form of glycerylesters of these acids (tri/ydiniHn, tri-itearin, triolein; also see under Adc}is). In some oils and fats it is combined partially with other acids — e. g., in butter — wherein 5 per cent of the total fat is glyceryl-tributyrate, or <W/»((^?/ri»; in cod-liver oil it is said to exist in part combined with ac(;ti('. acid, as glyceryl triacetate, or trincetin, etc. Glycerin al.<o exists in the yolk of eggs and the human brain in the form of phnx- ph4)-glyrcrir arid. Pasteur's researches have also estalilished its occurrence as a regular constituent among the products of fermentation (see Alcohol).
On a small .-jcale glycerin may be oljtained in the proce.'is which led to its discovery, viz., that of making lead i)laster (see Emplastmm Plumhi). Tin- late
934 GLYCEEIXUM.
Mr. Robert Shoemaker prepared by this method probabl}' the first commercial glycerin in the United States, in 1848, at $4.00 a pound {Amer. Jmr. Pharm., 1879, p. 289). The article became official in the U. S. P., in 18.50.
Large quantities of glycerin are now obtained as a by-product in the manu- facture of soaps and candles. This was formerly thrown away as useless. The principle involved is simply that of splitting the fat into its constituents (Jntty arid and glycerin) by adding the elements of water (see Emplastrum Phi.mbi). The pro- cess of saponification is being carried out in several diflerent waj-s: (1) With alkalies; the fatty acids thereby combine with alkali and form soap (see Supo) ; the glycerin in diluted form is contained in the aqueous layer below the soap. (2) With milk of lime (old process of Campbell Morfit, see this Di-i-pmsatm-y, pre- vious revision), or with milk of lime and water in closed vessels under a pressure of 10 atmospheres and a temperature of 172° C. (242.6° F.) (Millv's Autoclave Pro- cess, see Prof. S. P. Sadtler, Handbook of Induct. Org. Chem., 1895, p.'56). The glycerin water separates from the layer of lime soap and fatty acids; glycerin is obtained therefrom best by evaporation in vacuo. (3) With mperheated steam (''aqueous saponification") and subsequent redistillation of the raw glycerin. This method was introduced, in 1855, by Messrs. Wilson and Paine, and marked a great step forward in the problem of obtaining a pure article. In saponifying the fats with superheated steam, the temperature must not exceed 300° C.'(572° F.), or else decomposition products will be formed. Both the fatty acid and the glvcerin distill over. In redistilling the raw glycerin by superheated steam, the liquid is heated to about 180° C. (356° F.), and the steam has a temperature of about 110° C. (230° F.). For .details regarding the manufacture of glycerin, consult the various works on chemical technology.
Description. — Glycerin is officially described as follows; "A clear, colorless, liquid, of a thick, syrupy consistence, oily to the touch, odorless, very sweet and slightly warm to the taste. When exposed to the air, it slowly abstracts mois- ture. Specific gravity, not less than 1.250 at 15° C. (59° F.). Soluble, in all pro- portions, in water or alcohol, also soluble in a mixture of 3 parts of alcohol and 1 part of ether, but insoluble in ether, chloroform, carbon disulphide, benzin, ben- zol, and fixed or volatile oils. Glycerin is slowly volatilized from an aqueous solution, at or above 100° C. (212° F.), with the vapor of water. Heated by itself to a higher temperature, it yields acrid decomposition products, boils at a tem- perature at or above 16.5° C. (329° F.),and is finally entirely decomposed and dissi- pated''— ( U. S. P.). The exceedingly irritating decomposition products are chiefly due to the formation of acrolein (allyl aldehyde, C,.H,.CHO ), which is also formed when fats are burned, or when glycerin is heated with strong sulphuric acid. Yet Prof. Trimble has demonstrated (Amcr. Jour. Pharm., 1885, p. 275) the propriety of the use of the vapors of pure glycerin for inhalations, the details being as follows: W'hen 50 grammes of pure glycerin were slowly heated in an open capsule, vaporization became abundant at 130° C. (266° F.). At 264° C. (497.2° F.), slight boiling was perceptible, but very little was left, and the dense vapors formed had a purely sweet taste, absolutely free from any irritating quality. Pure glyc- erin, when heated to 150° C. (302° F.) in an open crucible, can be ignited, and burns with a blue flame. Glycerin of only 90 per cent can be burned with the aid of a wick, like alcohol, in a spirit lamp. Absolute glvcerin has the specific gravity of 1.266 at 15° C. (59° F.), and boils at 290° C. (554° F.\ while 95 per cent glycerin has a specific gravity of 1.2.526 and boils at 164° C. (327.2° F.) (Gerlacii). At one time crystallized glycerin, from a Vienna manufacturer, was brought to London, requiring the knile and hammer to break it. It resembled rock-candy (sugar), being in white, octahedral crystals, with considerable refractive l)ower, and, when melted, the liquid glycerin presented all its usual projierties, but could not be again reduced to the crystalline condition. It seems that pro- longed exposure to a temperature of 0°C. (32° F.) will J>ring about crvstallization, and contact with a crystal already formed will promote this pri>cess. "The cr^-stals, while hard and gritty, are very hvgroscopic. More recently, some specimens, after being melted, were found bv Prof. Trimble to have a high specific gravity (1.2618) (see Wallace Procter, in Amei: Jour. Pharm., 1885, p. 273).
Glycerin dissolves many vegetable exudations and resinous substances. It does not dissj^lvo siigar or gum, Init readily mixes with syrups and mucilages.
GLYCERINTM. 936
It is insoluble in fatty matter, and can only be incorporated with it mechanically, to effect which it is necessary that the fat should have a soft consistence, which maybe imparted to it by combination with oil of sweet almonds, or some other fixed oil. Glycerin mixes with acetic acid; moistens bodies without rendering them grt-asy, does not become rancid, and is easily charged with the aroma of volatile oils.
The solubilities of certain substances in glycerin (Klever) as taken from Chemi- ker Kdlender, 1897, are as follows: One hundred parte (by weight) of glycerin dissolve at 15.5° C. (60° F.) :
l-ABTS. PARTS.
.\Ium 40 Phosphorus 0.20
Ammonium carbonate 20 PoUissium arsenate 60
.A.muiouiuia chloride 20 Potassium bromide 25
Arsenic trioxide 20 Potassium chlorate 3.5
Arsenic pentoxide 20 Potassium cyanide 32
.\tropine 3 Potassium iixlide 40
Atropine sulphate 33 Quinine 0.5
Barium chloride 10 Quinine tartrate 0.25
Benzoic acid 10 Sodium arsenate 50
Boric acid 10 Sodium biborate 60
Brucine 2.2 Sodium bicarbonate 8
Calcium suli)hido 5 Sodium carbonate 98
Cinchoniiu- 0.5 Sodium chlorate 20
Cinchunine sulphate 6.7 Strychnine 0.25
Cupiic acetate 10 Strychnine nitrate 4
Cnpric sulphate 30 Strychnine sulphate 22.50
Iodine 1.9 Sufphur 0.10
Ix>ad acetate 20 Tannic acid 50
Mercuric chloride (corr.subl.l 7.5 Tartar emetic 5.5
Mercuric cyanide 27 Urea 50
Morphine 0.45 Veratrine 1
Morphine acetate 20 Zinc chloride 50
Morphine chloride 20 Zinc iodide 40
Oxalic acid 15 Zinc sulphate 35
Glycerin dissolves the vegetable acids, aloes, some resinous substances, the deliquescent salts, the sulphates of potassium, sodium, and copper, the nitrates of pota.-^sium and silver, the alkaline chlorides, caustic potash, caustic soda, baryta, strontia, bromine, iodine, and even oxide of lead, and one-tifth part of arsenous acid. It dissolves about 1 per cent of its weight of calcium sulphate, and 2 per cent of chloride of lead. It dissolves tlie salts of morphine, sulphate of quinine, and, when triturated with these, or with the salts of strychnine, veratrine, bru- cine, and other vegetable alkaloids, forms a medicinal cerate very useful for fric- tions and embrocations. It also dissolves sulphides of potassium, of calcium, and of iodine, iodides of sulphur, of potassium, and of mercury, and some chlo-. rides. It promotes the solution of borax in tincture of myrrh, no water being required; added to tincture of kino it retards gelatinizatioii. The vegetable ex- tracts are soluble in it, some of the solutions, as of extract of belladonna, forming useful external applications. Being possessed of strong antiseptic properties, it preserves animal and vegetable substances; meat has been immersed in glycerin for several months and preserved its freshness. It dissolves the carbonate of iron immediately on its formation, giving a deep-green solution. Like sugar it arrests the conversion of the ferrous into ferric salts, and has kei>t iodide of iron for years witliout change. It may be used in tiie preparation of spirits {c»»cncei<) of cloves, cinnain>n, etc, for syrups of phosphate of iron, bromide of iron, and iodide of quinine, for jneserving fresh lemon juice, and for preserving the soft consistence of pill masses and confections. Thus it is seen tliat the solvent powers of glyc- erin, ijoth diluted and undiluted, arc very extensive and important.
By oxidation with cold nitric acid, glycerin yields glyceric (uid (CH,OH.CH. OH.COOII ) and a variety of other acids. Potassium permanganate in alkaline solution produces oxalic acid. Upon the latter reaction is based a (|uantitative determination of glycerin by Benedict and Zsigmondv, a process also indicated by Wm. Fox and J. A. Wanklyn (see Am^r. Jnur. Phar'm., 188G, i.. 248). Another niettiod for the quantitative determination of glvci-rin, by L. Legler and O. He'iner Amrr. .h„r. Phann.. 1S87, \>. 4G-1, from The Analy.^t, Jan. and Feb.. 1887\
936 GLYCERINUM.
is based on the fact that glycerin can be completely oxidized to carbonic acid and water by being heated with sulphuric acid and potassium bichromate. Sulphuric acid combines with glycerin to form an ester glycerylsulphuric acid (SO,H.C3H5[OH],). Likewise glycerin combines with phosphoric acid to form a similarly constituted compound CPO,H2.C3H5[OH],). Nitroglycerin is a highly explosive compound that is made by methods safe only on a manufacturing scale and in the hands of qualified men (see Spiritus Glonoini). Glycerin liberates from borax half its quantity of boric acid; thus if blue litmus solution is added to separate quantities of neutral glycerin and borax solution, when mixed, a red color results. W. R. Dunstan (Amer. Jour. Fharra., 188'i, pp. 447-4-56) has shown that the red color turns blue upon warming, and reappears on cooling. Again, when adding glycerin to a mixture of molecular quantities of bicarbonate of sodium and borax, the boric acid liberated by the glycerin will expel with effer- vescence half of the carbonic acid in the bicarbonate, and monocarbonate will remain (with reference to this reaction, see also Mr. L. F. Kebler, Amer. Jour. Phnrm., 1894, p. 428).
Glycerin is capable of undergoing fermentation under certain conditions. A. Fitz (1877) obtained, by the action of a certain class of fungi, called Schizomy- cetes, from glycerin diluted with twenty times its bulk of water, large quantities of normal butylalcohol and normal butyric acid ; also ethyl alcohol, capronic acid, hydrogen, and carbonic acid. Freund has also shown that trimethyleneglycol (CjHgOj) is one of the principal products formed. This substance has more recently been demonstrated by A. A. Noyes and W. H. Watkins {Avxer. Jour. Pharm., 1895, p. 633), to occur as a troublesome by-product in the manufacture of glycerin from fats that have undergone spontaneous saponification and sub- sequent fermentation.
Tests and Uses. — For medicinal purposes, glycerin only should be used that has been purified by distillation ; an impure glycerin when applied to wounds or ulcers is very apt to cause a burning sensation, and a papular eruption on the skin; when pure it is unirritating. Formerly its impurities were more numer- ous than now, owing to the imperfect method of its manufacture. The process of purifying glycerin by distillation has reduced the proportion of ash consider- ably, which in pure distilled glycerin does not exceed 0.2 per cent, while undis- tilled glycerin from soap lyes may have from 7 to 14 per cent of ash. Impurities liable to occur in glycerin are : water, volatile fatty acids {e.g., formic and butyric acids), added sugar or glucose, empyreumatic substances, oxalic acid, chlorides, sulphates of calcium, magnesium, and heavy metals, as iron, lead, zinc, etc. Siebold (1889) observed the presence of arsenic in glycerin (in one instance, 0.04 per cent), an impurity due to the employment, during manufacture, of sulphuric acid containing it. When present in glycerin, arsenic is exceedingly difficult to remove ; it is claimed that agitating with recently precipitated ferric hydrate ■ will remove this contamination {Amer. Jour. Pharrn., 1890, p. 523 > The presence of iron in glycerin, due, according to Haussmann {Amer. Jour. Fliarm., 189"), p. 84) to its being kept in tinned iron cans, disturbs tiie color of pharmaceutical prepa- rations in which glycerin is coijibined with tannin, or phenols, or salicylic acid. Another impurity occasionally occurring in commercial glycerin is the trimethyl- eneglycol before mentioned. Glycerin, beside answering to the official description given before, should conform to the following tests of the l'. S. P.: "If a fused bead of borax, on a loop of platinum wire, be moistened with glycerin, and then held in the non-luminous flanie, the latter will be transiently tinted deep green. An aqueous solution of glycerin is neutral to litmus paper. When a small por- tion of glycerin is heated to boiling in an open porcelain or platinum capsule, and then gently ignited, it should burn and vaporize so as to leave not more than a dark stain (absence of dextrin and sugar), which would leave a bulky, difficultly combustible, charred mass); and on full combustion no residue whatever should be left (absence of fixed impurities^ If 5 Cc. of glvcerin be mixed with 50 Cc.of water and 10 drops of Hydrochloric acid in a small flask, and heated for half an hour on a boiling water-hath, then 10 Cc. of the hot liquid mixed with 2 Cc.of sodium hydrate T.S. and 1 Cc. of alkaline cupric tartrate V.S.. no yellowish-red cloudiness or precipitate should appear within six hours (absence of sugars). On gently warming a mixture of equal volumes of glycerin and of concentrated
GLYCEIMNTM. 037
sulphuric acid in a test-tube, the liquid should not acquire a dark color (absenco of readily carbouizable impurities). On gradually heating 5 Cc. of glycerin with 3 Cc. of diluted sulphuric ai'id in a test-tube, short of boiling, no oflensive or acidulous odor should be evolved (.absence of fatty acids, etc.). No color, cloudi- ness or precipitate should appear when separate portions of its aqueous solution (1 in 10) are treated with hydrogen sulphide or amraoniuni sulphide T.l^. (absence of metals^ barium chli>ride T.S. (.sulphuric acid), calcium chloriile T.S. (oxalic acid), or ammonium oxalate T.S. (calcium salts). If a mixture of 2 C^-. of glycerin with 10 Co. of water, contained in a perfectly clean, glass-stoppend cylinder, be he.tted for five minutes in a water-bath at a temperature of 60° to 60° C. (140' to 140° F, ), then mixed with 10 drops of silver nitrate T.S., and the cylinder set aside, well stoppered, in ditlused daylight, no change of transparency or color should occur in the mixture within five minutes (absence of chlorides, and limit of impurities having reducinsf properties)" — {U.S.P.). The presence of butyric acid may be detected, according to the British Phnrmacopaia (1898 1, by adding a mixture of eipial vt)lurae3 of alcohol (90 per cent) and diluted sul- phuric acid, and gently heating, whereupon the pineai)|>le odor of butyric ether is at once developed. As pure glycerin does not polarize transmitted light, the presence of sugar may be easily recognized also by optical methods. The Briti^'h PhaniMcopiri.i (I5;98)"fixes the limit of arsenic in glycerin by the following test : "2 Cc. diluted with 5 Cc. of a mixture of 1 part of hydrochloric acid and 7 parts of water, 1 Gm. of pure zinc being added, and the whole placed in a long test- tube, the mouth of which is covered by a piece of filter paper moistened with a drop or two of test solution of mercuric cldoride, and dried, should not afiord a yellow stain on the paper, even after 15 minutes (limit of arsenium)" — 'Br. Ph., 1898). (Also see article on arsenic in glycerin, by A. C. Langmuir, Jour. Aintr. Chan. 5o';.,lS99, p. 133.) The most extensive use of glycerin, in the industries and arts, is in the manufacture of nitroglycerin ; large quantities are also used in the making of cosmetics, and for filling wet-process gas meters to prevent the containing fluid from freezing in winter and evaporating in summer. It is also employed as a food preservative, and for the treatment of wine, vinegar and beer (tins process being called scheelizinfi), and in addition to its use in phar- macy and medicine, it is also employed for many practical purposes in the mechanical arts.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. — Stimulant, antiseptic, laxative and demulcent. Pure glycerin abstracts water from the tissues, leaving them hard and irritated, and if of the skin lialjle to crack; impure glycerin, besides acting in the same manner, is more of an irritant on account of traces of suljjhuric and nitric acids as well as certain organic acids, and other deleterious substances contained in it. In view of these facts only the purest glycerin should be used, and that should be mixed with a certain- amount of water or rose-water before using. Glycerin may be used in prurigo, p.si)ria.'<is, impetigo, lichen, lepra, pityriasis, herpci er€(?<».<?, and some syphilitic and strumous a^cctions. M. Fonssagrives con- siders its usefulness in parmitical cutaneous affections to be due to its antiseptic, antiputrid, and anliparasitical properties. Glycerin has been used in the place of cod-liver oil, to improve nutriticm in convalescence from exhausting diseases, and in asthenic conditions generally. It is also used as a solvent of many alka- loid.s, extracts, salts, acids, etc., etc.", especially for local application to inflomed, ulcerated or suppurating part.^; also, as stated above, to several cutaneous nuilailies. Pure glycerin has been recommended fi>r di'ibitic palicnis by Drs. Pavy and Abbot Smith, as a substitute for cane sugar, lioney, molasses, etc., sweetening tea. cuflee, various drinks, cakes, etc., with it. It is generally regarded as a non-nutritious substance at the present day, and has lost prestige as a food in phthifit< and diaheten, and other e/hiuiKting di'ieases. It can not compare with cod-liver oil lor this purpose, though there is some good evidence tiiat it lessen.s, and in some instances checks, the excretion of sugar in mccharine diahetcs. Large amounts of glycerin act not unlike alcohol, producing intoxication and the same gastric effects. From one-third to one-twelfth of glycerin may be added t<j washes or cataplasms, to ren<ler them soothing, and to keep the latter moist for some time. It acta as an emollient and soothing application, absorbing moisture from the air, and preventing the parts to whicii it is applied from b.'c<'ming too dry.
938 GLYCERIN'UM.
A very small amount added to a few grains of borax and rose-water, furnishes one of the most elegant and efficient washes for chapped hands, face, lips, or nipples. A small quantity of glycerin added to pills or extracts, will preserve them from becoming hard and moldy. Vaccine virus may be preserved by mixing it with glycerin. It has been highly recommended for deafness in which there is a partial or total absence of ceruminous secretion, by protectingthe tympanum, and gradually restoring the parts to their natural condition ; it is likewise said to cause hearing in cases where the tympanum is thickened and indurated, or where it is in an unsound state or destroyed by ulceration ; but in this last case it is not permanent ; and when there is a hardness of the cerumen, and induration of the tympanum, it has proved successful. The plan is to mois- ten wool with the glycerin, pure or diluted with water, and pass it into the ear. In fact water and glycerin, or glycerin alone, are the best solvents for impacted and hardened cerumen, and by softening the mass with either, it may be readily removed by syringing carefully M-ith warm water. An efficient lotion for dress- ing the parts after the removal of the impacted mass, is the following : R Color- less hydrastis (Lloyd's), 3j; glycerin, gtt. xx; distillate of hamamelis, q. s. floSs. Mix. Sig. Apply warm to the parts by means of cotton. The bland and unir- ritating character of pure glycerin, in the presence of a little water, its perma- nence when exposed to the atmosphere (except its absorption of moisture), and the completeness with which it shields the parts covered by it, render it suscep- tible of many important applications. Mr. J. H. Ecky has given a formula for the preparation of a glycerin ointment, especially useful for chapped hands, lips, excoriations of the slin, etc. It will also serve as a medium for applying powders, etc., to -ulcers, cutaneous affections, or other difficulties, by combining them with it, in the desired proportions. The formula is as follows : Melt together spermaceti half an ounce, and white wax 1 drachm, with oil of almonds 2 fluid ounces, at a moderate heat; put these into a Wedgewood mortar, add glycerin 1 fluid ounce, and rub together until well mixed and cold. An excellent lotion for cracked hands, and especially for those who work in water, is the following: R Carbolic acid (liquefied by warmth), gtt. v ; tincture of arnica, fl5ss; glycerin, flsss; rose- water (or water or distillate of hamamelis), q. s. flsvj. Mix. Sig. Wash the hands thoroughly with asepsin soap and warm water, rinse them, and apply the lotion while the hands are still wet.
A Ghjcerin Balsam for chapped lips and hands is made by melting together 1 ounce, each, of white wax and spermaceti, then stirring in half a pound of sweet almond oil and 2 ounces of glycerin, and when nearly cold, half a drachm of attar of roses. Mr. Wilson recommends glycerin as an injection into the bladder to dissolve calculous deposits, especially urea, and phosphate of calcium ; also to be used as a substitute for syrups in preserving fruits; mixed with alcohol or pyroxylic spirit as an economical fuel for spirit-lamps ; and as a remedy in diseases of the viucous memhrnne of the stomach. Dr. Wni. Bayes advises a solution of tannic acid in pure glycerin as a local application to local hnnorrhapcs, hy a. sponge or brush, also to the vaginal, uterine, urethral, rectal, or nasal membranes, where a strong and non-irritant astringent lotion is desired. Glycerin dissolves nearly its own weight of tannic acid; the solution should be recently prepared and be kept in the dark, else it will decompose (see Gh/ceritc'i). On account of its affinity for the water of the tissues, glycerin may be used as an astringent. It has tlius been employed to dry and constringe vound.-<, lessening the tendency to tlie formation of pus, and a cotton pledget first dipped in hot water, squeezed, and saturated with glycerin, applied to fresh wounds, is said to cause union by first intention. Glycerin is an efficient astringent for Icumrrhnn. Otorrha!a, ozcenn, and other catan-h<d dixcharqes may be lessened by the local use of gl)'cerin. Abscesses, boils, carbuncles, and local odcnuis, as of the prepuce, may be treated with it. A mixture of glycerin and water is in common use to relieve drt/ncss of the vwuth induced by febrile and other states. Internally administered, "glycerin is somewhat laxative, and cures of chronic constipation and hetnorrhoids, ])Oth blind and bleeding, have been accredited to its use. When used by rectal injection, or by means of the glycerin suppository, it certainly is a very efficient remedy for habitual cost ivei^ess, provided the fecal mass be located in the rectum, and there is no lesion of the parts. If the parts be sound and the glycerin pure, no smarting
GLYCERITA.-GLYCERITCM ACIDl CARBOLICI. 939
or pain is likely to follow its use. It may be employed even with very young infantii, and a few injections will generally break up the constipation habit. Occasionally irritation of the rectum has followed in infants, but such instances are rare, and probably due to an unluultliy condition of the rectum or to the use of an impure glycerin. The amount to be used is from A to 1 drachm. A small glass syringe may be employed. Added to washes and ointments for skin diseases, glycerin aids in allaying itching, when present. One of the best applications for tihiul vlcerations is the following: R Glycerin, .^j ; carbolic acid (melted by warmth), gr. iij ; aqua pura, q. s. Oj. Mi.x. " Sig. Bathe the part two or three times a day. and keep the part wetted by laying upon it a cloth saturated with the solution.
Dr. Goddard has given a formula for a very adhesive plycerin pute, suitable for fixing paper labels to glass and other surfaces, and which keeps well ; it is to dissolve 1 ounce of gum Arabic in 2 fluid ounces of boiling water, add 2 fluid drachms of glycerin, and strain if necessary. This forms a valuable paste for druggi.^t.-, chemists, and others. A (ilijccr'nijcUy is prepared by intimately mixing half a drachm of soft soap with 2 fluid drachms of pure honey, then gradually adding 6 ounces of clear olive oil, stirring without intermission until all the oil is taken up. Care must be taken not to add the oil too fa.st. Or it may be pre- pared by rubbing and mixing well together half an ounce cf powdered gum Arabic, and 4 ounces of simi)le syrup, then add the yolks of 3 eggs, and when well mixed, add gradually 4 ounces of olive oil, and 2' ounces of glycerin, previ- ously mixed together. The ordinary dose of glycerin is 1 drachm, though from 2 to 4 drachms night and morning may be usetl.
Belated Preparation.— Glycones, prepared l>y Eli Lilly & Co., Indianapolis, Ind., are rectal suppositories containing i'5 per cent of pure glycerin, covered with an easily removable coating which is impennous and unchangeable, preserving the suppositories in all climates. They are designed to overcome co»wf ipa/i'on, and quickly and easily produce rectal evacuation.
GLYCERITA.— GLYCERITES.
SyxoxYMs: Glycerina {Bi-.j, Glycerines i^Br.j, (ilycemla, Glyceroles, Glycerolata, Glycerols, Glycerates, Glycemates.
By this class of preparations is generally understood solutions of medicinal substances in glycerin, although in certain instances the various Pharmacopoeias deviate to an extent. The term Glycerita as here applied to fluid glycerines, or solutions of agents in glycerin, is preferable to the ordinary names, '^ glyreroles," "glycerates," or" glyceiiiaUs," etc., &nd includes all fluid preparations of the kind referred to, whether for internal administration or local application. Many solu- tions of glycerin or glycerin and water, are apt upon standing to develop micro- scopic cryptogams, unless a certain proportion of alcohol is added to the solutions. On this account, it is better to i)repare many members of this class of solutions in small quantity at a time, and only as they are wanted (see Lotions and Plfismx).
Belated Preparation.— GLVcELasiM. This was intro<luced, in 1667, by T. B. Groves. Take alni'.n.l lueal (tine , * ounce; glveerin, 1 ounce; olive oil, :5 ounces. Triturate the meal with the ciycrin and jrraihially itu-ori.orate the nil with the mixture. This semi-gelatinous, })asty nia.ss mav be iua<le into emulsions by gradually adding water to it. Powders may also («; incorp<jrated with it. Uleoresins and essential oils may he employed as substitutes, wholly or in part.
GLYCERITUM ACIDI CARBOLICI (U. S. P.)— GLYCERITE 01 CARBOLIC ACID.
PvN'iNVM,: Glycerin of carbolic tuid, Glycerole of carbolic acid.
Preparation.— ■' Carbolic acid, twenty grammes (20 Gm. ) [309 grs.] ; glycerin, eightv grammes (SOGm.) [2 ozs. av.,360 grs.]; to make one hundred grammes (100 Gm.) [:J ozs. av., 231 grs.]. Weinh tiie carbolic acid and glycerin, succes- sively, into a tared capsule, and stir them together until the acid is dissolved. Then transfer the solution to a bottle"— (T. .S /'.).
940 GLYCEEITUM ACIDI GALLICI.— GLYCERITUM ACIDI TANXICI.
Action and Medical Uses. — This has been beneficially employed as a local application in several forms of cutaneous disease, attended with intense itching, prurigo, psoriasis, etc. ; likewise in parasitical affections of the skin, as tinea, pity- riasis, itch, etc.
This preparation may be used of full strength in the preparation of carbolic acid plaster, but when designed for local applications, it should be still further diluted with glycerin. A solution of the above has been advised as a dressing to gangrenous wounds in preference to a solution of permanganate of potassium (Maissonneuve). Solutions of various strengths have been used in various cu^a- neous affections, cancerous and other fetid ulcerations.
GLYCERITUM ACIDI GALLICI.— GLYCERITE OF GALLIC ACID.
Sysoxym . Glycerin of gallic acid.
Preparation. — Take of gallic acid, 1 troy ounce; glycerin, 4 fluid ounces. Powder the gallic acid in a mortar, then gradually add the glycerin, rubbing the mixture constantly, until an even mixture is effected. Transfer this to a porcelain evaporating 'dish, and warm gently upon a water-bath, stirring con- stantly until the acid dissolves. This preparation should not be heated above the boiling point of water, 100° C. (212° F. ), lest poisonous pvrogallol be formed (T. E. Thorpe).
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.— This preparation has been taken in- ternally, instead of gallic acid in substance, in the several varieties of disease in which "this acid is indicated, and is supposed to be more promptly absorbed when used in tliis form. Useful in inflammatory affections of imwous surfaces, as of the fauces, nasal membrane, ear, vagina, etc. It is to be applied locally, either as a wash, gargle, or injection. Its dose is from 10 minims to 1 fluid drachm. Ex- ternally it has been applied to the scalp, in cases of alopecia.
GLYCERITUM ACIDI SALICYLICI.— GLYCEEITE OF SALICYLIC ACID.
Synoxyji : Glycerin of saliq/lic acid.
Preparation. — Take of salicylic acid (made from wintergreen oil\ borax (in fine powder), each, GO grains; glycerin, 2 tluid ounces. Triturate the acid with ■ the borax, in a mortar, until thoroughly mixed ; then add the glycerin, and rub until a clear solution is olitained.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.— (See Acidum &dicylicum.) This prepa- ration will be found very useful in all maladies in which salicylic acid is indicated. It may be used internally as well as externally, and constitutes a useful local appli- cation in several diseases of the mouth and pharnyx, in gangrenous idceri-, Uvcorrhoea. offensive discharges, 2>ediridi,jrruritis, etc. The dose internally is from ^ to 2 fluid drachms.
GLYCERITUM ACIDI TANNICI (U. S. P.)— GLYCERITE OF TANNIC ACID.
Synonyms: Glycerin of tannin, Glycerolc of tannin.
Preparation.—" Tannic acid, twenty grammes (20 Gm.) [309 grs-J: glycerin, eighty grammes (80 Gni.) [2 ozs. av.,3(>6 grs.] ; to make one hundred grammes (100 Cim, ) [:5 ozs. av.,231 grs.]. Weigli the tannic acid and glycerin, successively, into a tared porcelain capsule, avoiding contact with metallic utensils, and apply the heat of a watir-hath, until the acid is completely dissolved. Then transfer the solution to a l.dttlo "— ( I '. S. P.).
Action and Medical Uses.— This forms a useful local application in Heeding from nUs, leech bitcf, epistari^t, sore nipple.-<, anal Jis.ntre, chronii- coryza, s}KOi<iy gutna, vaginal leucorrhcea, and chronic mucous inffammalinn.'^, in whidi the mucous mem- brane is relaxed. It will be found an excellent local application in glnlAhe naml
OLYCERITUM ALOES. -GLYCEniTlM 15ISMITHI. 941
(lixr/inrges following the exanthematoua affections, otorrfifyn in children, granular oph- thalmia, ozana, etc. It is contraindicated in active inflammations, which should be allayed previous to its use (see Acidum Tanntcum). Chronic diseases of the skin, as enema, impetigo, tinea, lichen, etc., have also been greatly benefited by its api)lication.
GLYCERITUM ALOES.— GLYCERITE OF ALOES.
Sv.Nii.NVMs : Ulycerinum aloes, Glt/cerin of aloes, Glycerole of aloes.
Preparation. — Take of finely powdered socotrine aioes,'4 drachms ; glycerin, 4 troy oiuKv.-;; triturate the aloes with the glycerin in a glass or porcelain mortar, transfer to a hottle and agitate well together. If the aloes is not entirely dissolved digest the mixture for 15 minutes in a water-bath and strain. This forms a syrupy liquid of a bright mahogany color.
Action and Medical Uses. — This is recommended as a local application in lichen aiirics. and irzeinut'ni.i affections.
GLYCERITUM ALUMINIS.— GLYCERITE OF ALUM.
Synony.m : (ilycerin of alum.
Preparation. — Aluni, 1 ounce; glycerin, 5 fluid ounces; place ingredients in a porcelain vessel, stir them together, and heat gently until solution is accom- plished. Set tlie solution aside, and when all particles have settled pour off' the clear liquid.
Action and Medical Uses. — This is to be used for the same purposes as alum (see Alumen). It is more irritating than glycerite of tannin, but has the advantage of being stainless.
GLYCERITUM AMYLI (U. S. P.)— GLYCERITE OF STARCH.
Synony.ms: (ih/cerin of sturrh, Pla»ma. Glymmyl.
Preparation. — "Starch, ten grammes (10 (im.) [154 grsj ; water, ten cubic centinietvrs (10 Cc.) [162 HI]; glycerin, eighty grammes (SO Gm.) [2 ozs. av., 360 grs.]. To the starch, contained in a porcelain capsule, add the water and glyc- erin, and stir until a homogeneous mixture is produced. Then apply a heat gradually raised to 140° C. (284° F.), and not exceeding 144° C. (291.2° F.), stir- ring constantly, until a translucent jelly is formed. Transfer the product to suita- ble vessels, provided with well-fitting covers" — (f. .9. P.).
This preparation, if exposed to the atmosphere, readily absorbs moisture, hence it siiould be kept in closely-stoppered bottles. According to Willmott the substitution of water in ]ilace of one-third of the glycerin used will prevent this change.
Action and Medical Uses. — Glycerite of starch forms a bland preparation, very useful in cases in which it is desired to apply mild, non-irritating aressings, as in the burning heat o{ eczema, in excoriated surfaces, in erythema, and in several other irriiatdl or inflamed conditionn of the skin. It likewise forms a vehicle for the application of other agents with which it may be mixed.
GLYCERITUM BISMUTHI (N. F.)— GLYCERITE OF BISMUTH.
SyniiNvm- : Li'iunr liisiitntlii nmcrntratus. C'imccntralcil anlutinn of bismuth.
Preparation. — "Bismuth and aninK>niuin citrate, two hundred and seventy- five graiiuii's I JT') Gm.) [0 ozs. av., 307 grs.] ; stronger water of ammonia ( I '. S. P.), a sutUcient quantity; glycerin, five hundred cubic centimeters (500 Cc.) [16 tis, 435 nil; water, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl.5, 3!»1 TTl]. Triturate the bismuth and ammonium citrate with three hundred and fiftv cubic centimeters (350 Cc") [11 fl.?, 401 1111 of water and
942 GLYCERITUM BOROGLYCERINI—GLYCEEITUM HYDRASTIS.
two hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (250 Cc.) [8 flg, 218 TTl] of glycerin, and add to it gradually just enough stronger water of ammonia to dissolve the salt, and to produce a neutral solution. Then add the remainder of the glycerin and enough water to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 Q5. 391 TTl], and filter. Each fluid drachm contains 16 grains of bismuth and ammonium citrate. Note. — If glycerite of bismuth should at any time deposit a precipitate, this maybe redissolved by the addition of just sufficient stronger water of am- monia " — (A^nt. Form.).
Action and Medical Uses. — Useful as a local application in eczema, excoruitiom, chaps of till' liji-^ o ml lidiuh, in gonorrkosa, vaginitis, chronic granular conjunctivitis, ciliary and glandular hltjjliaritis,etc. It should always be well shaken just previous to using it.
GLYCERITUM BOROOLYCERINI (U. S. P.)— GLYCERITE OF BOROGLYCERIN.
Synonyms: Glycerite of glyceryl borate, Solution of boroglyceride.
Preparation. — " Boric acid, in fine powder, three hundred and ten grammes (310 Gm.) [10 ozs. av., 409 grs.]; glycerin, a sufficient quantity to make one thou- sand grammes (1000 (Jm.) [2 lbs. av., 3 ozs., 120 grs.]. Heat four hundred and sixty grammes (460 Gm.) [1 lb. av., 99 grs.] of glycerin, in a tared porcelain cap- sule, to a temperature not exceeding 150° C. (302° F.), and add the boric acid in portions, constantly stirring. When all is added and dissolved, continue the heat at the same temperature, frequently stirring, and breaking up the film which forms on the surface. When the mixture has been reduced to the weight of five hundred grammes (500 Gm.) [1 lb. av., 1 oz.,*279 grs.], add to it five hundred grammes (500 Gm.) [1 lb. av., 1 oz., 279 grs.] of glycerin, mix thoroughly, and transfer it to suitable vessels" — (U.S. P.).
This may also be made quickly by dissolving boroglyceride (1 ounce, av.; in glycerin (1 ounce, av.) by gently heating the mixture.
Description and Uses. — This preparation is colorless, thick, viscid and sweet. It is antiseptic and possesses marked preservative qualities.
BoROGLYCERiN-UM (N. T.), Boroglyccrin, Glycertjl borate, Boroglyceride. — "Boric acid, in pow- der, six hundred and twenty gramme'a (620 Gm.) [1 lb. av., 5 ozs., 381 grs.] ; glycerin, nine hun- dred and twenty grammes (920 Gm.) [2 lbs. av„ 198 grs.]. Heat the glycerin in a tared porcelain capsule to a temperature not exceeding 150° C. (302° F.), and add the boric acid in portions, constantly stirring. When all is added and dissolved, continue the heat at the same tempera- ture, frequently stirring, and breaking up the film which forms on the surface. When the mixture has become reduced to a weight of one thousand grammes (lOOOGiu. ' [2 lbs. av.,3 ozs., 120 grs.], pour it out on a flat surface previously coated with a very small quantity of petrolatum, let it cool, cut it into pieces and transfer them immediately to bottles or jars, which should be well-stoppered. Note.— The official glycerite of boroglycerin may be made from this by adding an equal weight of glycerin to the finished boroglycerin while it is still warm "—(Sat. Form. 1.
GLYCERITUM HYDRASTIS (U. S. P.)— GLYCERITE OF HYDRASTIS.
Preparation.— " Hydrastis, in No. 60 powder, one thousand grammes (^1000 Gm.) [2 lbs. av., 3 ozs., 120 grs.]; glycerin, five hundred cubic centimeters (500 Cc.) [16 II3, 435 Til]; alcohol, water, each a sufiicient quantity to make one thou- sand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 H.^, 391 111]. Moisten the hydrastis with three hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (3-50 Cc.) [11 tl.^, 401111] of alcohol, and pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator; then add enough akoliol to satu- rate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close tlie lower orifice, and, having closely covere<.l the t>erco- lator, macerate for 48 hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding alcohol until the iiydrastis is practically exhausted. To the percolate add two hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (250 Cc.> [8 H5, 218111] of water, and then drive oflf tlie alcohol by evaporation or distillation. After tlie alcohol is driven off, add enough water to the residue to make it me.isure five hundred cubic
GLYCEKirrM lODIXII COMPOSITUM -GLYCERITIM PICIS. 943
centimeters (500 Cc.) [16 fl^, 435 111], and set it aside for 24 hours. Then filter, pass enough water through the ifilter to make the filtrate measure five hundred cubic centimeters (500 Cc.) [16 fig, 435 ITl], add the glycerin, and mix thor- oughly"—(T. S. P.).
flistory. — This preparation wa^ first elaborated by Prof. J. U. Lloyd, in re- sponse to a call from Dr. L. E.Wickens, of Holly, Michigan. It came into ex- tended use, and the published formula has now found its way into the Xati/nml Fonnii'iiri/ and I 'nilcil Snh.t P/iarmacopwia. Owing to the yellow color it has fallen into gi'iuM-al tiisfuvor.
Action and Medical Uses. — (Those of Hi/dmstis.) Dose, i to 1 fluid draclim.
GLYCERITUM lODINII COMPOSITUM.— COMPOUND GLYCERITE OF IODINE.
Synonyms : Glycerinum iodinii compositum, Covipound glycerin n/ioditx, (Itycerole of iwlinc.
Preparation. — Take of iodim, 1 drachm; iodide of potassium, 1 drachm; glycerin. 4 drachms ; thoroughly triturate in a glass mortar the iodide of potassium and glycerin together, then gradually add the iodine, and continue the tritu- ration until it is all di.<solved, and keep the mixture in a well-closed vessel.
Action and Medical Uses. — This is a somewhat caustic preparation, very useful as a local application to ulcemtion of the os uteri, tion-vascuhir goitre, scrofu- lous ulcers, as well as those from constUutional fryphilis. It should be applied by means of a hair pencil, or lamp-wick porte-caustic.
GLYCERITUM KINO.— GLYCERITE OF KlNO.
Synonyms : (ihirtriitum kino. Glycerin of kino, Glycerole of kino.
Preparation. — Take of powdered kino, 4 drachms; glycerin, 2 fluid ounces. Tiiturat.- tlmroughly toirether in a Wedgewood mortar, and transfer to a vial.
Action and Medical Uses. — This forms a permanent solution, not giving any deposit, and should he employed as a substitute for the tincture of kino.
GLYCERITUM PEPSINI (N. F.)— GLYCERITE OF PEPSm.
Preparation. — /bnnu/on/ mtmber, 187: "Pepsin {!'. S. P. i, eighty-five grannnes i >--5 Gni.) [3 ozs., av.j; hydrochloric acid {V. S. P.). ten cubic centimeters (10 Co [162 Ttl]; purified talcum (F. 395), fifteen grammes (15 Gm.) [231 grs.] ; glycerin, five hundred cubic centimeters (500 Cc.) [16 fl.s, 435 Ttl] ; water, a suffi- cient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc. ) [33 fl.s, 391 111]. Mix the pepsin with four hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (450 Cc.) [15 flg, 104 ni] of^ water and the hydrochloric acid, and agitate until solution has been effected. Then incorjjorate the purified talcum with the liquid, filter, returning the first portions of the filtrate until it runs through clear, and pass enough water through the filter to make the filtrate measure five hundred cubic centimeters (500 Cc.) [16 fl.s,43oTll]. To this add the glycerin, and mix. Each fluid drachm repre- sents 5 grains of pepsin (('. S. P.). iVo<<?.— For filtering the aqueous solution of pepsin first obtained by the above formula, as well as for filtering other liquids of a vis- cid character, a filter paper of loose texture (preferably that known as "Textile Filtering Paper '' i. or a layer of absorbent cotton placed in a funnel, or percolator, should be employed" — i Xnl . Form.).
Action and' Medical Uses.- (Those of Pepsin.)
GLYCERITUM PICIS.— GLYCERITE OF TAR.
Synonyms: Glycerin of tar, Glycerole of tar.
Preparation. — Take of tar, 1 troy ounce; glycerite of starch, 8 iroy ounces. Transfer the tar to a mortar, and gradually add the glycerite of starch, stirring
944 GLYCERITUM POTASSII CHLORAS.— GLYCERITUM QUININ.E SULPHAS.
constantly until an even mixture results (Neiv Remedies, 1879, p. 200). It is ad- visable to previously warm the glycerite of starch.
Action and Medical Uses. — This preparation formsa very useful local applica- tion in lichen, pruriricpityruisis, psoriasis, lepra, herpes, erythema,ecse)nn, tinea, pruritis, and alopecia; also in indolent and gangrenous ulcers. It may be rubbed upon the affected part, or be spread on a piece of linen and thus applied. It is very apt to afford more or less relief, even when it does not remove the disease. Do not con- found this valuable tar compound for external use with the following liquid to be taken internally:
Belated Preparation.— GLYCEBirrM Picis Liqcid^e. A good formula, with its u?es. is as follows: Take of tar, strained, 1 troy ounce; carbonate of magnesium, rubbed to powder on a sieve, 3 troy ounces; alcohol, 2 fluid ounces; glycerin, 4 fluid ounces; water, a suflBcienl quantity. Mix the alcohol and glycerin with 10 fluid ounces of water. Rub the tar in a mor- tar with the carbonate of magnesium added gradually, until a smooth pulverulent mixture is obtained, then, add gradually, in small portions at a time, with thorough trituration continued for 15 or 20 minutes, 6 fluid ounces of the mixture of alcohol, glycerin, and water, and strain with strong pressure; return the residue to the mortar, and repeat the trituration as before, with 5 fluid ounces more of the same liquid, and again strain and express; again treat the dregs in the same manner with the remainder of the fluid mixture, and after expression, re- duce the residue by trituration to a uniform condition, and finally pack firmly in a glass fun- nel, prepared for ))crcolation, and pour upon it the expressed liquors, previously mixed, and when the mixture has all passed from the surface, continue the percolation with water until 1 pint of liquid has been obtained.
This is an elegant and palatable preparation of tar, of a beautiful rich reddish-brown color at first, but losing its transparency from a deposition of resinous matter, which does not, however, affect the medicinal virtues of "the preparation in the least. If glycerin be substituted for the alcohol, in its preparation, the solution is nearly as strong as whenalcohol is employed and deposits less resin. Glycerin appears to be a good solvent of the medicinal properties of tar, and possessing demulcent, alterative, and nutrient properties, serves as a valuable adjunct to the latter therapeutically.
Glycerin solution of tar is very valuable in chronic cough, chronic laryngeal, bronchial and pulmonary affccttons, and, being free from sugar, it is less liable to offend the stomach and dis- turb the digestive functions of patients requiring its long-continued use. It may be associated with the fluid extracts of wild cherrj' bark, blood-root, etc., to suit the views of the prescrib- ing physician. The dose is from 2 to 4 fluid drachms, 3 or 4 times a day, which will represent from about 7^ to 15 grains of tar (J. B. Moore, Amer. Jour. Pharin., 1S69, p. 115)
GLYCERITUM POTASSII CHLORAS.— GLYCERITE OF POTASSIUM CHLORATE.
Synonyms : Glycerimtm potassii chloras, Glycerin solution of chlorate of potas- siv,in, Glyrerolc of chlorate of potassium.
Preparation. — Take of chlorate of potassium, in powder, I drachm ; glycerin, 10 drachms. Place the two articles in a vial, and agitate until the chlorate is all dissolved.
Action and Medical Uses.— This has been found valuable as a disinfectant and dressing for ill-conditioned ivounds and ulcers, and as a local application to enfeebled and ulcerated mucous surfaces, as in aphthous affections of the mo^tdi, leucorrhaa, gonorrhoea in females, nasal ulcerations, etc.
GLYCERITUM QUININ,® SULPHAS.— GLYCERITE OF QUININE SULPHATE.
Synonyms : Glycerinum quinina- sulphas, Glycerin of sulphate of quinine. Glycerole of qv in I nc.
Preparation. — Take of sulphate of quinine, 24 grains; glycerin, 2 fluid ounces. Triturate the quinine with the glycerin, in a glass mortar, until it is dissolved, and transfer to a vial.
Action and Medical Uses- — This forms an elegsmt preparation, containing 1^ grains of sulphate of quinine to the fluid dracnm. It may l)e u?ed both internally and externally in all cases where quinine is indicated.
i.i.vi. i:i;irLM SAPoNis.-GLVL'KKrriM vitelli. ;t4o
GLYCERITUM SAPONIS.— GLYCEEITE OF SOAP.
Preparation. — Take ii<nitral cDcoanut-oil-soda soap (or tallow-soda soap), 1 part; glycerin (sp. gr., 1.250), 4 parts. The soap must be exactly neutral and dried at 100° (.". (212° F.). Dissolve the soap in the glycerin on a water-batli, and while .-till hot filter the solution.
Description and Uses.— This process yields a hygroscopic, odorless, light- yellow nia.-is, having' elasticity. The heat of the body is sufficient to liquify it. This has lieen proposed l)y Hebra as an ointment base, the desired medicinal agents being added to it (Proc. Amer, Pharin. A<soc., 1891 ).
GLYCERITUM SODII BORATIS.— GLTCERITE OF BORATE OF SODIUM.
Synony.Ms: dhicerite of bnrnr, Glycerin of borax.
Preparation.— Take of crystallized borate of sodium (borax), 1 troy ounce ; glycerin, 8 fluid ounces. Rub the borax in a mortar until it is finely powdered, then gradually add the glycerin and rub together until the bora.K is dissolved. The Gh/rerinum Borac is of the Br. Pharm. contains powdered borax. 1 ounce (av.); glycerin. 4 fluid ounces; and distilled water, 2 fluid ounces.
Action and Medical Uses. — Tiiis preparation is employed, locally, in aph- thiv, thrv.gh. And other forms o( .■'iiimiitili.t. \n fis.sured and idrernted vij>ples,\n ci-zemn, tifhen, iiit>rlri<in, in pcn-asitir culiniri)ii.-< ili.-^tiise.f, and especially in piityrin.si.i of the scalp. It is also useful in aphthous and nlrcrative conditions of the vulva. It most generally relieves the burning and itching attending many cvianeous malndie.'^.
GLYCERITUM TRAGACANTH.® (N. F.)— GLYCERITE OF TRAGACANTH.
Preparation. — Fnrmxdamj number, 189 : " Tragacanth, in fine powder, one hun- dred and twenty-five grammes (125 Gm.) [4 oz. av., 179 grs.]; glycerin, seven hundred and seventy-five cubic centimeters (775 Cc.) [20 fls, 99 Ttl] ; water, one hundred and eighty-five cubic centimeters (185 Cc.) [6 fls, 123 111]. Triturate the tragacanth with the glycerin in a mortar, add the water, and continue the trituration, until a homogeneous, thick paste results."
Xote. — -'The Glycerinum Tragaeanthx of the Br. Pharm. (1885) is prepared by mixing 3 troy ounces of tragacanth with 12 fluid ounces of glycerin in a mortar, adding 2 fluid ounces of water, and triturating until a translucent, homogeneous jelly is formed.
'■Mwiiofio Tragacanthx of the I '. S. P. (1890) is made by mixing 18 grammes of glycerin with 75 cubic centimeters of water, heating the mixture to boiling, add- ing 6 grammes of tragacanth, macerating for 24 hours, and then adding water to make 100 grammes, heating it to a uniform consistence, and straining.
■'I'lifiueiiluiii Gh/rerivio( the Ger. Pharm. is prepared by triturating 1 part of powdered tragacanth with 5 parts (bv weight) of alcohol (of about 91 per cent), then addiiii; 50 parts of glycerin, and heating on a steam-bath "-(iVai. Form.).
Uses.— This Jelly-like mass is used chiefly as a pill excipient.
GLYCERITUM VITELLI.— GLYCERITE OF YOLK OF EGG.
Sy.nosy.ms: Glyconin, Glyconinum.
Preparation.— " Fresh yolk of egg, forty-five grammes (45 Gm.) [1 oz. av., 257 grs.l ; glvcerin, fiftv-five grammes (55 Gin.) [1 oz. av..411 grs.] : to make one hundred grammes (100 Gm.) [3 ozs. av., 231 grs.l. Uuh the yolk of egg, in a Miortar, with the glycerin, graduallv added, until they are thoroughly mixed. Th.n transfer the mixture to a bottle "—(('..'<'. f.).
946 GLYCVRRHIZA.
This preparation is of a honey-like consistence and is of value as an emulsify- ing agent for cod-liver and other oils. If kept from contact with the air, so that it can not absorb moisture, it keeps unaltered for a great length of time.
Action and Medical Uses. — Protective and emollient. Useful in bums, ery- sipelas, erythema, and other cutaneous irritations for which glycerite of starch is em- ployed, 'it is inferior to that agent for most purposes.
GLYCYRRHIZA (U. S. P.)— GLYCYRRHIZA.
"The root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Linne, and of the variety glandulifera (Wald- stein et Kittaibel) Kegel et Herder" {U. S. P.) (Liquiritia officinalis, Moench). Nat. Ord. — Leguminosffi.
Common Names: Liquorice-root, Spanish licorice-root, Licorice-root, Radix glycyr- rhizas hispianicte.
Illustration : Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plants, 74.
Botanical Source. — The liquorice-plant has a perennial, cylindrical root, running to a considerable length and depth, grayish-brown externally, yellow internally, succulent, tough, flexible, rapid in growth, and provided with scat- tered fibers. The stems are erect, herbaceous, smooth, striated, with few branches, of a dull, glaucous-gray color, growing 2 or 3 feet in height. The leaves are alter- nate and unequally pinnate; the leaflets generally about 13, oval, entire, obtuse, slightly emarginate, viscid, and 1 terminal; the stipules are inconspicuous. The flowers are small, bluish or purplish, in axillary, erect spikes, shorter than the leaves, and borne on long peduncles. Calyx persistent, tubular, bilabiate, and 5-cleft. The corolla is a straight, ovate-lanceolate vexillum; the keel is biparted, acute and straight. Stamens diadelphous; anthers simple and rounded; style filiform; and stigma blunt. The legumes are oblong, compressed, 1-celled, and 1 to 4-seeded; the seeds are small and reniform (L. — Wi.).
The variety glandulifera differs in not being smooth like the preceding, but in partaking more or less of a pubescent character, the leaves (beneath^ and stem being glandular-pubescent, while the pods are glandular and prickly.
History. — This plant inhabits southern Europe, and some parts of Asia, and is cultivated in England, Germany, France, and in the United States to some ex- tent. The so-called Bussian liquorice (that produced by the '^' ■ variety glandulifera) grows from Hungarj' and Turkey into
western Asia. Liquorice root is imported chiefly from Spain and Sicily. Commercially considered there are 5 grades, viz.: Italian, the best and sweetest, Spanish or Common liquorire root, Syrian, Turkish and Russian, the bitterest. These grades are preferred in the order named.
Description.—" In long, cylindrical pieces, from 5 to 25 Mm. (I to 1 inch) thick, longitudinally wrinkled, externally grayish-brown, warty ; internally tawny-yellow; pliable, tough; fracture coarsely fibrous; bark rather thick; wood por- ycyrr izag a ra. ^^^^ ^^^^ dense, in narrow wedges; medullary rays linear; taste sweet, somewhat acrid. The underground stem, which is often present, lias the same appearance, but contains a thin pith. The drug derived from the variety glandulifera (so-called Russian liquorice) consists usually of roots and root- branches, 1 to 4 Cm. (f to 1 inch) thick, 15 to 30 Cm. {6 to 12 inches) long, fre- quently deprived of the corky layer, the wood rather soft, and usually more or less cleft " — (f. 5. P.). Liquorice root has a faint odor and is so dense as to sink in water. It must be kept in a dry place. Those roots are to be pn lerred which are not worm-eaten or decayed, and whose surfaces of fracture are bright yellow. Chemical Composition.— The characteristic constituent of the root is glycyr- rhizin, so named by Kolnquet (ISO?) on account of its sweet taste. There are furthermore present, fatty and resinous matter (0.8 percent), small amounts of turn, albuminous substances, tannin, starch, yellow coloring matter, a bitter prin- ciple (glycyramarin), and wtparagin (Plisson, 1828), a substance already recognized by Robiquet, who named it agidoite. Seslini (1878) found from 2 t'^ 4 i>er cent of this principle present in liquorice root.
GLYCYRKHIZA. 947
G.;i'i/irhcziii Wiis obtained by Gorup-Besanez by making a cold infusion of the root, and heating the solution to boiling, filtering, evaporating to a smaller bulk, and precipitating with suli)huric acid. The yellow dakes thus obtained are washed with water and further purified by means of ether-alcohol (Husemann and Hilger). Z. Roussiu (ISTo) and Habermann (.1S79) showed that the sweet principle, glycyrrhizin, is the acid aniniouiuin salt of a peculiar nitrogenous tri- basic acid, called glynjrrhizic mid (often tcriucd glycyrrhizinj, to which Haber- mann assigned the formula C„H„NO„. The acid potassium salt of this acid is reniarkiible for its intensely Bwcet taste. The free acid, prepared from the lead salt, forms a brown, gelatinous mass, soluble in hot water, and having a bitter- sweet taste and acid reaction. It decomposes carbonates, swells up in cold water, is easily soluble in glacial acetic acid, but not in alcohol or ether.
Habermann (ISSO) found that by boiling with diluted sulphuric acid, it splits into gh/ryrre(in (C„H,,NO,), a white, tasteless powder, insoluble in water, alkali and ether, soluble in alcohol ; and jKiratiMr/iari/: arid (C5H,„0j,which reduces Fehling's solution. Gorup-Besanez believed that dextrose was formed in this reaction. Habermann obtained the arid a mmnniu in glycyrrhizinate (glycyrrhizin proper) by crystallizing the commercial liquorice extract from glacial acetic acid, and subse- quent rccrysUdlization. In the purest state it forms yellow crystals of sweet taste, little soluble in cold water. When dissolved in hot water and then cooled, a stiff jelly is formed. This salt is hardly soluble in alcohol or ether. The amount of glycyrrhizic acid contained in liquorice root is varying. Sestini (1S7S) obtained 3.3 per cent from air-dried root; H. J. MiJller, in 1880, obtained 7.5 per cent from Russian root (Fliickiger, 1891). Mr. L. McCullough {Amer. Jour, riumn., 1890, p. 389), found 7.18 per cent. In commrrrial liqunrire ejtrart gl vcyrrhizin was found by Kremel {Archiv dcr Phann., 1SS9, p. 511) to vary from 6.8" to 11.9 per cent. Peltz {Pharm. Zsrhr.f. Rmslund, 1876, p. 257) records the results of 10 analyses of com- mercial extracts of liquorice root. Glvcyrrhizin was found to vary from 1.33 to 18.14 per cent, starch from 1.33 to 35 per cent. Sestini (1878) found water, 48.7; glycyrrhizin, 3.27; carbohydrates, 29.62; asparagin, 1.25; ash, 2.08. (For methods of valuation of commercial liquorice extracts, see Fliickiger, Pharvinmgnosie,Zde6., 1891, ai\d Alfred Mellor, Amcr. Jour. Pharm., 1898, p. 136.) Glycyrrhizin is stated (Fliickiger) to occur in other plants, e.gi.,^/»-»s preratorim (Berzelius), Axtrngalus glycyphyUos, Poly/jodiuni vuUjnre (Guignct, 18R5), Myrrhis odnmlfi (Schroeder, 1885), GiUiflma »perio.-</i, Martins, and Moiuxin bork (Peckolt, Pharm. Rundscfiou, 1888, pp. 31,203, 20(> I, but these statements, according to Fliickiger, require verification.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.— Liquorice root is emollient, demul- cent, and nutritive. It acts uiion mucous surfaces, lessening irritation, and is conseijuently u.-^eful in coinjhs, cntdrrli.s, irritation of the urinary organs, and pain of the iiitoylint^ in dian-haa. It is commonly administered in decoction, sometimes alone, at other times with the addition of other agents, and which is the prefer- able mode of using it. As a general rule, the acrid bark should be removed pre- vious to forming a decoction. When boiled for some time the water becomes impregnated with its acrid resin ; hence, in preparing a decoction for the purpose of sweetening diet drinks, or covering the taste of nauseous drugs, it should not be boiled over 5 minutes. The elHcieney of the root in old bronchial affections may be due to this acrid resin. The powdered root is also employed to give the proper solidity to pills, and to prevent their adhesion; the extract for imparting the proper viscidity to them. The extract, in the form of lozenge, held in the mouth until it has dissolved, is a very poi)ular and efficient remedy in coughs and pectoral (iffcrlions. An excellent troche or lozenge, very useful in ordinary cough, maybe made by combining together 6 parts of refined liquorice, 2 parts of benzoic aciil, 4 jiarts of pulverized alum, and | a part of pulverized opium. Dissolve the liquor- icii in water, and evaporate to the proper consistence, then add the powders with a few drop.s of oil of anise, and divide it into 3 or 6-grain lozenges. The bitter- ness of quinine, qua.ssia, aloes, and the acrid taste of senega, guaiacum, mezereon and ammonium chloride are masked by liquorice.
Related Species.— GlyryrrhUa Ifpidota, which grows in MiBsowi, posseeses the taste of liquorice to a consuierable degree. McCullough (Amrr. Jour. Pharm., 1890, p. :!S;ii found it to contain cvir (1 ((>.:!',)) jicr cent oi ijlyryrrhiziii.
94S GLYCYRRHIZINUM AMMONIATUM-GXAPHALIUM.
Ononis spinosa, Liniie, Rest-lmn-ow.—Europe, in sandy situations. The root of this plant is about 2 feet in length, and from less than i to nearly 1 inch in thickness. It is tough, curved, or twisted, and flattened, deeply rugose, and coveretl with a thin, deep grayish-brown bark. It is whitish internally. This has a mucilaginous taste, at first sweetish, then bitter and disagreeable, and on the whole somewhat resembles that of liquorice root. Reinsch (1842) obtained therefrom crystals of ononin (C30HJ4O13), tasteless and colorless, and recognized by Hlasiwetz (1855) to be a glucosid. Another constituent, ononid (CisHjjOg, Hlasiwetz), discov- ered by Reinsch, much resembles glycyrrhizin in its chemical behavior. Hlasiwetz also iso- lated from Reinsch's impure ononin a waxy substance which he called onncerin. Tliis liob was recently found by H. Thorns (Archiv. der P/mrm., 1897, p. 28) to be a secondary air ..h/.; (C26H42[OH],), for which he proposes the altered name onocol. It seems closely related t i (iliyloiilerin {vegetable cholesterin).
Aqueous or acetous decoctions of this root are reputed diuretic and lithontriptic, other properties also being ascribed to it. Its principal use is as a diuretic for dropsy, for which it is a popular remedy in France. Other conditions in which it has been employed are as a wash foT ulcen, toothaclie, hemorrhoids, scalp eruptions, hydrocele, enlarged glands, and internally in jaun- dice, gout, and rheumatism, usually combined, in the two latter diseases, with renal depurants. The decoction is made with from 1 to 2 ounces of ononis root to water, 1 pint, the dose of which is a wineglassful several times a day. From 3 to 5 grains of ononin produced a prolonged irri- f»tion and sense of rawness in the mouth and throat (Schroffl.
GLYCYRRHIZINUM AMMONIATUM (U. S. P.)— AMMONIATED GLYOYRRmzm.
Preparation. — "Glycyrrhiza, in No. 20 powder, five hundred grammes (500 Gm.) [1 lb. av.,1 oz.,279 grs.]; water, ammonia water, sulphuric acid, each, a suffi- cient quantity. Mix four hundred and seventv-five cubic centimeters (475 Cc.) [16 fl5,30TTl]"of water with twenty-five cubic centimeters (25 Cc.) [4061(11] of am- monia water, and, having moistened the powder with the mixture, macerate for 24 hours. Then pack it moderatelj'in a conical glass percolator, and gradually pour water upon it until five hundred cubic centimeters (500 Cc.) [16 85, 435 TTl"] of percolate are obtained. Add sulphuric acid slowly to the percolate, with constant stirring, so long as a precipitate is produced. Collect this on a strainer, wash it with cold water until the washings no longer have an acid reaction, redis- solve it in water with the aid of ammonia water, filter, if necessary, and again add sulphuric acid so long as a precipitate is produced. Collect this, wash it, dis- .solve it in a sufficient quantity of ammonia water previously diluted with an equal volume of water, and spread the clear solutiou upon plates of glass, so that, when dry, the product may be obtained in scales" — ( U. S. P.).
Description and Chemical Composition. — "Dark-brown or brownish-red scales, without odor, and having a very sweet taste. Readily soluble iu water and in alcohol. The aqueous solution, when heated with potassium or sodium hy- drate T.S., evolves ammoniacal vapors. If the aqueous solution be supersaturated with an acid, there will be produced a precipitate (glycyrrhizin) which, when dis- solved in hot water, forms a jelly on cooling. This substance, after being washed with diluted alcohol, and dried, appears as an amorphous, yellow powder, having a strong, bitter-sweet taste, and an acid reaction. Upon incineration, ammoniated glycyirhizin should not leave more than atrace of ash" — (U. S. P.). This product consists largely of ammonium glycyrrhizate ([XH,]C„H,,NO,j,) and glycyramarin (CjsHjjNOij), a bitter glucosid, dissolving in ether-alcohol (see G/.i/<"i/rr/iija). This preparation is used mainly for masking the bitterness of quinine salts. It pro- duces with these substances, when in solution, precipitates which contain tlie quinine. Hence, care must be taken to shake the vial before taking a dose.
GNAPHALIUM.— WHITE BALSAM.
The herb of Gnnphaliuin polycephalum, Linne.
Nat. Ord. — Conipositfe.
Common Namks: hulian posi/, SwcetsretUed life-€verlasting. Old field hubam.
Botanical Source. — This plant is indigenous, herbaceous, and annual, with an erect, whitish, woolly, and much-branchetl stem, from 1 to 2 feet in height. The leaves are alternate, sessile, linear-lanceolate, acute, entire, scabrous above. and whitish tomentose beneath. The flowers are tubular and vellow, borne in
GOOUYERA.-GOSSYPK'M PIRIFICATI-M. 949
hf:i(l.-! ilusteivil at tlie summit of Ihe panicled-corymbose branches, ovate-conical before expansion, then obovate. The involucre is imbricate, witli whitish, ovate, and oblong, rather obtuse scales. Florets of ray, subulate — of disk, entire. The receptacle is flat and naked, the pappus pilose "and scabrous capillary (W. — G.).
History. — White balsam is found in Canada and various parts of the United States, growing in old fields and on dry, barren lands, and bearing whitish-yellow flowers in July and August. The leaves have a iilcasant, aromatic smell, and a slightly bitter and astringent, but rather agreeable taste. They yield their prop- erties to water. No analysis has been made of them. The AnUnnaria Margo- ritacea, R. Brown, formerly Gnapkalium Murgarilcurum, Linno, <>r pearl-flowere-l life-everlasting, a perennial i)lant, possesses similar properties to the above (see Antennm-ia).
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.— Astringent. The leaves and blossoms chewed, and the juice swallowed, have provetl beneficial in tdrerationg of the moulh and throat. A warm infusion (gss to water Oj), may be used iwfevas to produce diaphoresis, and is of service in quinsy, pulmonary complaints, leucorrkiea, etc.; it may be used internally and as a local application. Likewise used as an infusion in diseases of the bowels, and hemorrhages, and applied in fomentations to bruises, indolent tumors, and other local affections. Prof. Scudder suggests investigation to determine its influence upon the reproductive and urinary stuctures, in actUe and chronic ulceralions, and in digestive disorderts. The fresh juice is reputed an aphrodisiac.
GOODYERA.— NET-LEAF PLANTAIN.
The leaves of Gnodyera pid)cttrens, Roherl Brown.
Nat. Or,/.— Orchidaceffi.
CoMMiiN .\ AMKs : Net-leaf plantain. Scrofula iceed. Adder's violet, Rattlesnake-leaf.
Botanical Source. — This plant has a perennial root, from which arises an erect, sheathed, and pubescent scape, from 8 to 12 inches in height. The leaves are radical, ovate, dnrk-green, conspicuously reticulated, blotched above with white, about 2 inches in length, and contracted at base into winged petioles scarcely half as long. The flowers are white, numerous, ])ubescent, and borne in a crowded, terminal, oblong, cylindric spike. Lip ovate, acu- minate, saccate, and inflated. Petals ovate. The Goodyera repens, R. Brown, is a reduced variety of the above, the scape g being from 6 to 8 feet in height; leaves less conspicuously reticulated, flowers being on a somewhat unilateral spike, more or less spiral; in other respects about the same as the preceding (W. — G.).
History. — This herb grows in various parts of the United States, in rich woods, and under evergreens, and is common southward, while the G. repens is more common northward and on mountains. It bears white or yellowish-white flowers ^^^^ ^^ ^^ in .July and August. The Uavi-s are the parts employed, °° ''"^P" escens. and yield their virtues to ixiiliiig water. No analysis has been made of them.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. — Net-leaf ]ilantaiu is anti-scrofulous, and is repute<i to have cured severe eases of scrofula. The fresh leaves are steejied in milk and applied as a poultice to scrofulous iclcers, or the bruised leaves may l>e laid on them, and in either case they must be renewed every 3 hours; at the same time a warm infusion must be taken as freely as the stomach will allow. U.sed as an injection into the vagina, and at the same time exhibited inter- nally, the infusion has ])roved beneficial in leucorr/uen, recent prolapsus vicri, and as a wash in ."'rrnndonit uplithalitiia.
GOSSYPIUM PURIFICATUM (^U. S. P.)— PURIFIED COTTON.
" The hairs of the seed of Gossypium herbaceum, Linne, and of other species of Gossypium (Nat. Ord. — MalvaceaO, freed from adhering impurities and deprived of fatty matter"— (f'. S. P.).
y.30 GOSSYPIUM PUKIFICATUM.
Synonyms: Gossypium {Pharm., 1880), Absorbent cotton, Bombyx, Lana gossypii, Lanugo gossypii, Pili gossi/pii. Cotton wool.
Source and Preparation.— Purified cotton is now made on an enormous scale by manufacturers whose processes, being private and of great personal value, should not be published in justice to the owners. All the absorbent cotton of commerce is purchased by pharmacists and other consumers, none being made on a small scale. It may be prepared from raw cotton by '' mercer izing" the latter, that is, by boiling with weak solutions of alkalies. By union with the fatty ma- terial of the cotton a soap is formed which is removed by repeatedly washing the cotton with water. F. L. Slocum's process (Amer.Jour. Pharm., 1881, p. 53), is as follows: Carded cotton is boiled for one-half hour in diluted solution (5 per cent) of caustic potash (or caustic soda). The soap formed is thoroughly washed out, the cotton expressed and placed for 15 or 20 minutes in a diluted solution (5 per cent) of chlorinated lime. It is tlien washed with water, dipped into water made slightly acid with hydrochloric acid, and again thoroughly washed with water. The cotton is then expressed and again boiled for 15 or 20 minutes with the diluted (5 per cent) alkali (hydroxide of potassium or sodium), washed again with water, next with acidulated water, and lastly with water. The cotton is then expressed and dried rapidly. It requires two boilings with alkalies to completely remove the fats. Mr. Slocum defines absorbent cotton to be cotton entirely freed from all matter (grease), that will obstruct capillary attraction. It is on record that in order to meet a popular demand for pure whiteness and a jieculiar "feel" in purified cotton, the latter, after being freed from fatty and resinous matter, has been covered again with a trace of free fatty acid by passing it through a (diluted) soap solution, and an acid solution afterward (^Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1891, p. 189).
Description. — Cotton is tasteless, odorless, highly combustible, and accord- ing to Thompson, is not soluble in alcohol, water, ether, oils, or vegetable acids; weak alkaline liquids have no perceptible action on it, but when very strong they dissolve it by the aid of heat. Tannic acid forms a brown or yellow compound with it; nitric acid decomposes it when assisted with heat, oxalic acid being formed; sulphuric acid dissolves it. The strong mineral acids generally decom- pose it. Gun-cotton (Pyroxylin) a nitro-compound of an explosive character, is prepared from it by means of nitric acid (see Collodium and Pyrojcylinum).
Purified cotton is almost pure cellulose. It is officially described as follows :
''White, soft, fine filaments, appearing under the microscope as hollow, flat- tened and twisted bands, spirally striate, and slightly thickened at the edges ; in- odorous and tasteless; insoluble in ordinary solvents, but soluble in copper ammonium sulphate solution. Purified cotton should be perfectly free from all visible impurities, and, on combustion, should not leave more than 0.8 per cent of ash. When purified cotton, previously compressed in the hand, is thrown on the surface of cold water, it should readily absorb the latter and sink, and the water should not acquire either an acid or an alkaline reaction (evidence of proper purification)'"— (T'.S. P.).
Action and Medical and Surgical Uses.— Externally, cotton is used as a local application in erysipelas, erythem(i,frts/i burns, wounds, severe bruises or contusions. in rlieumiitir pains, and has been successfully employed in dressing bli^ers. In burns and blisters, it quickly allays pain, but care must be taken that the cotton does not harden and adhere firmly to the part over which it is applied, as it will then cause irritation the same as any other foreign body; this may usually be avoided by first applying some simple oleaginous substance over the surface which is to come in contact with the burn or ulcer. Cotton is supposed to prove etficient by excluding the air from the parts over which it is applied, and also by imbib- ing the secretions. As an application after surgical operations it is unsurpassed, and by taking up the discharges prevents purulent absorption. It is often medi- cated with boracic acid, carbolic acid, etc., for this purpose. Pessaries and tam- pons are often prepared with cotton, but should be frequently removed lest they become foul from absorption of the discharges. Surgeons make extensive use of absorbent cotton to clean surfaces and cavities, and it is specially applicable for use in the nasal and aural passages, both for cleansing purposes and for the intro- duction of medicaments. For packing wounds and cavities and similar surgical uses some of the forms of gauze are preferred.
GOSSYPII RAOICIS CORTEX. 951
Cotton Preparations.— GossY PI I M stvi-tutm {'S.F.), Styptic cotton. Formulary number, 190: '-Purilieil cotton ( ('. S. P. ), solution of cliloriae of iroufT. .S. P. >, glycerin, water, of each a sufficient quantity. Mix the liquids in the i>roportion of tive (■">) part.s'of the iron solution, one (1) part ..f jrlvcerin, and four |4) pftrts of water, in such quantities that the purified cotton shall he eunipktelv immersed in the liquid when gently pressed. Allow the cotton to remain in the liquid 1 hour, then remove it, i)res8 it until it 'has been brought to twice its original weight, spread it out in thin layers, in a warm place, protected from dust and light, and when it is sufficiently dry, transfer it' to well-closed receptacles"— i-V(i(. Form.).
Hemost.-itii' cotton is prepared by impregnating absorbent cotton with solution of sub- sulphate of iron or mixture ol alum and chloride of iron.
£>.\uiYi.ic COTTON or Stilieijlatfl cotton, contains from 5 to 10 per cent of the salicylic acid. Cotton is also imprtu'iiated with other substances, as benzoic acid (benzoic cotton), iodoform (iodoform cotton i, chlorine (chlorinated cotton i, boracic acid (borated cotton), etc.
GOSSYPII RADICIS CORTEX (U. S. P.)— COTTON ROOT BARK.
"The bark of the root of Gossypium herhaceum, Linne, and of other species of Gomfpium"—(V.S. P.).
Nut. *:>/•</.— .Mill vacea?.
Ilhstratio.n- : Bentley and Trimen, Med. PlanU, 37.
Botanical Source. — Gossypium herhaceum is a biennial or triennial herb with a fusiform root, giving otf small radicles, and a round, pubescent, branching stem, about 5 feet high. The leaves are hoary, palmate, with 5 sublanceolate, rather acute lobes, 3 large, 2 small, lateral, and a single gland on the midvein below, J an inch from the base. The stipules are falcate-lanceolate. The flowers are yellow; the calyx cup-shaped, obtusely 5-toothed, surrounded by an involucel o;' 3 united and cordate leaves, deeply and incisely toothed. The petals are 5 in number anil deciduous, with a purple spot near the base. Style simple, marked with 3 or 5 furrows toward the apex. Stigmas 3 or 5. Capsules 3 or 5-celled, 3 or 5-valved, and loculicidal; the seeds, 3 or 5, are involved in cotton, somewhat plano-convex and reniform (W- — R- — ^^ •'•
Gossypium barhndense, Linne, or Sea Islnnd cotton plant, is a larger plant than the preceding; leaves 5-lobed, with 3 glands beneath, upper ones 3-lobed; cotton white and seeds black. It is likewise biennial or triennial ( W.).
History. — Cotton is an A.siatic plant, but is extensively cultivated in India, Syria, Asia Minor, the Mediterranean, and America. Cultivation has consider- ably changed tlie plant so as to render it difficult for botanists to correctly de- 8cril>e the originals. Several species have been named by authors, which Swartz and Macfayden believe to be mere varieties of one species; while Wight, Arnold, and Hamilton believe that there are but two distinct species, the G. album, whose seeds are white, and which furnishes, according to A. W. Chapman, the vplnnd or ghort-stnp'e cotton, and the (r.ii/^ruw, whose seeds are black, and which furnishes long-staple or Sea Island cotton of "the United States. G. harbddeme yields true Sea Island cotton. The various cotton plants dififer considerably in the form of the leaf and its gland, the height of the plant, the hue of the petals, and the elonga- tion and di'licacy of the cotton. The plant can not be profitably cultivated north of the Ohio River, or above that latitude. The leaves are very mucilaginous, aiid have been u:<ed in cases where mucilage is required. A fixed oil is contained in the seeds, which may be procured by pressure; it is a drying oil. The i)art used in medicine is the inner Dark of the root, anil the white, downy substance con- tained in the matured capsule, and known as "cotton." When examined micro- scopically, the filaments constituting cotton are seen to consist of distinct, flat, narrow ribbons or tubular hairs, with occasional appearances of joints, indicated by lines at right angles to the side of tlie tube.
The r. S. P. thus describes cotton root: "In thin, flexible bands or quilled pieces; outer surface brownish-yellow, with slight, longitudinal ridges or meshes, small, bl.ick, circular dots, or short, transverse lines, and dull, brownish-orange patches, from the abrasion of the thin cork; inner surface whitish, of a silky lustre, finely striate; l)ast fibers long, tough, and separable into papery layers ; inodor- ous; taste viry .-lightly acrid and faintly astringent" — (f. S. P.).
Chemical Composition.— Prof E. S. Wayne (Avier. Jour. Pharm., 1872, p. 289) regards the red resin so frequently j.recipilMted in fluid extracts of gossypiuii
952 GRAXATUM.
as being produced by chemical change from a chromogene substance existing in all parts of the plant. It has acid properties, dissolves in alkali and forms colored precipitates with solutions of metallic salts, and is, therefore, called gos- sypic arid. About 8 per cent of the acid resin was found by Wm. C. Staehle (1875) in the powdered bark. It was soluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether, and somewhat less in benzol. Charles C. Drueding {Amer. Jour. Phann., 1877) removed from the red coloring matter a yellow principle by means of boiling benzin. He also finds in the root fixed oil, gum, sugar, tannin, and chlorophyll. Walter A. Taylor {Amcr. Jour. Phnrm., 1876, p. 402) observes that fresh root yields with strong alcohol a tincture of pale yellow color, which turns red upon prolonged standing, yet without precipitating. A weaker alcohol solution exhibits the same change in color, but precipitates. Old root yields to strong alcohol at once a deep-red solution, which does not precijiitate upon standing.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. — The bark of the recent root of the cotton plant is enimenagogue, parturient, and abortive. It is said to promote uterine contraction with as much efficiency and more safety than ergot, and was used by the slaves of the South for inducing abortion, which it efl'ected without any apparent detriment to the general system. It is adapted to cases of uterine inertia, and, while acting after the manner of ergot, is a much feebler though less dangerous drug. Four ounces of the inner root-bark may be boiled in a quart of water down to a pint, the dose of which is 1 or 2 fluid ounces every 20 or 30 min- utes. The hydro-alcoholic extract, as well as the decoction and specific gossypium, form excellent emmenagogues, and may be used in chlorosis, amenorrhaa, dysmen- orrhcea, etc. It is very doubtful W'hether this will ever take the place of other more certain parturients. In my own practice, it failed in producing any influ- ence upon the uterus during parturition in about one-half the cases in which it has been used, owing, probably, to its not being fresh enough. It operated exceedingly well in the first cases in which it was exhibited (J. King). The old root-bark is valueless as a medicine. The fluid extract is less efficient than the decoction, and fluid preparations are valueless after they begin to gelatinize, and deposit the so-called "red tannates" {seeFluid Extract ofGossypium). Enthusiastic reports of its efliciency in hysteria have been made. It seems adapted to those cases in which there is an anemic state of the reproductive organs, with lack of sexual desire or pleasure. It is a remedy for sexual lassitude,, and has been sug- gested for impotmcy (Webster). It is regarded as an efficient remedy for the re- duction oi uterine subinvolution and fibroids. It should not be used where there is marked irritation or tendency to inflammation. Gossypium is also a stimulant diuretic. The dose of the decoction (see above) ; of "the fluid extract, 1 to 60 minims; of specific gossypium, 1 to 60 drops.
Specific Indications and Uses. — Uterine inertia during parturition (large doses). _ Menstrual delay, with backache and dragging pelvic pain ; fullness and weight in bladder, with difficult micturition ; hysteria, with anemic condition of the reproductive tract; sexual lassitude, with anemia.
Other Parts of the Plant. — The seeds are reputed to possess superior antiperiodic prop- erties. A pint of cotton seed placed in a quart of water and boiled down to 1 pint, and 1 gill of the warm tea given 1 or 2 hours before the expected chill, is said to cure interntittetU rVivr with the first dose. The flowers and leaves are reputed diuretic, and useful in urinanj affections; the leaves steeped in vinegar, are said to relieve hemicrania when locally applied, and a ilecoction is considered beneficial in the bites of venomous reptiles in Brazil. An infusion of the whole plant is reputed galactagogue.
GRANATUM (U. S. P.)— POMEGRANATE.
"The bark of the stem and root of Pun if a Granatuin, Linne" — (C. S.P.).
Nat. Ord. — Lythrariea\
Com MOM Name: Pomegranate root-bark.
iLi.rsTRATio.N : Bentley and Trimen, Med. Plant.'!, 113.
Botanical Source. — Pomegranate is a small tree or shrub, with spinescent branchlets. Tlic leaves are opposite, oblong, inclining to lanceolate, entire, smooth, with no marginal vein, 2 or 3 inches long, by 5 or 10 lines wide, obtusCL deciduous, shortly petioled, rarely verticillate or alternate, and often axillary and
GRANATUM.
!).53
Fig. 124.
lasciclt'd. The ilowers are liirge, red, 2 or 3, nearly sessile, on soiuewliai teniiinal lir^inchlets.