Pomegranate Bark.
What has been said respecting the Gall-nut, applies with equal truth to this substance. The efficacy of the bark of the root of the pomegranate, says Dr. Ainslie (Mat. Med. of Hindostan), as a remedy for the tape worm is now well established in India; it is given in decoction, prepared with two ounces of the fresh bark, boiled in a pint and a half of water until only three quarters of a pint remain.
GUAIACI RESINA ET LIGNUM. L.E.D.
(Guaiacum Officinale).
The Resin and Wood of Guaiacum.
A. The Wood.
Qualities. This wood is heavier than water, and emits when heated an aromatic odour; Taste, bitterish and sub-acrid; to extract its virtues long decoction is required. It has enjoyed great reputation as a specific in the venereal disease; it was imported into Europe in 1517, and gained immediate celebrity from curing the celebrated Van Hutten: long before this period, however, it was used by the natives of St. Domingo. Boerhaave, so late as the eighteenth century, maintained its specific powers. It seems probable that the discipline which always accompanied its exhibition, such as sweating, abstinence, and purgation, might be the means, in the warmer climates, of effecting cures which were attributed to the guaiacum. Officinal Preparations. Decoct: Guaiaci comp: E. Decoct: Sarsaparill: comp: L.D.
B. The Guaiac, or Resin.
Qualities. Form; it has the aspect of a gum resin; Colour, greenish brown; it is easily pulverized, and the powder, which is at first grey, becomes green on exposure to air and light, which appears to depend upon the absorption of oxygen: when heated, it loses its colour; it melts by heat; and has a sp. grav: of 1·2289. Solubility. Water dissolves out of it about 9 per cent. of extractive matter; alcohol 95, and æther 40 parts in a hundred. The alkaline solutions and their carbonates dissolve it readily; Sulphuric acid dissolves it with scarcely any effervescence, and affords a solution of a rich claret colour; Nitric acid dissolves it with a copious extrication of nitrous fumes; Muriatic acid dissolves a small portion only; but in all these cases the guaiacum is decomposed; the acids are therefore incompatible with it. Chemical Composition. The experiments of Mr. Hatchett demonstrate that it is a substance sui generis, and not a resin, or gum-resin. Med. Uses. Stimulant, diaphoretic,[[517]] and in large doses, purgative. Forms of Exhibition. In that of bolus; or diffused in water, by means of one half of its own weight of gum arabic. Dose, gr. x. to ʒss. Officinal Prep: Mist: Guaiac: L. Tinct. Guaiac. L.E.D. Tinct. Guaiac. Ammoniat. L.E.D. Pulv. Aloes com. L.D. (O.M.) Adulterations. Common resin may be detected by the turpentine emitted when the guaiac is thrown upon hot coals; Manchinal gum, by adding to the tincture a few drops of sweet spirit of nitre, and diluting with water; the guaiac is thus precipitated, but the adulteration floats in white striæ.
HÆMATOXYLI LIGNUM. L.E.D.