(Anthemis Pyrethrum. Radix.)
Pellitory Root.
Qualities. The dried root is inodorous, but upon being chewed, it soon produces a pungent and peculiar sensation. Solubility. Alcohol, æther, and boiling water extract its virtues. Chemical Composition. M. Gautier has lately shewn that the peculiar pungency of the root depends on a fixed oil, which resides in vesicles in the bark. Med. Uses. As a sialagogue, especially in cases of tooth-ache, and in paralysis of the tongue and muscles of the throat. (Form. 143.) It also constitutes the basis of a very valuable gargle, in use at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, for relaxation of the uvula and soft palate, as well as in certain cases of deafness depending upon an enlarged state of the tonsils. It is made by boiling ℥ss of the bruised root in oj of distilled water, until the fluid is reduced to one half; to which, when strained and cold, fʒij of Liquor Ammoniæ are to be added.
PYROLA UMBELLATA.[[619]] Ground Holly.
Although this plant has not yet found its way into the materia medica of the Pharmacopœia, its credited virtues entitle it to some notice in the present work. It was first brought into repute in this country by Dr. Somerville (Med: Chirug: Trans: Vol. 5). It is bitter, and consists of Resin, gum-resin, tannin, and bitter extractive. Alcohol and proof spirit are its best menstrua, but the watery infusion appears to contain all the virtues of the plant. Med. Uses. It is said to be diuretic, tonic, and deobstruent; there is, however, no evidence to shew that it acts, specifically, on any other than the urinary organs. Dr. Ives, in the American edition of the present work, says, that as a diuretic medicine it has unquestionable merit, and that it will frequently mitigate symptoms of gravel, and strangury proceeding from other causes; he does not, however, agree with Dr. Barton, in considering it Antilithic. He has also given it, alternately with the Uva Ursi, in hæmaturia; the effects of severe and long continued gonorrhœal inflammation, with the most obvious benefit, and he considers it very analogous in its operation to the Uva Ursi. In some instances it has appeared to afford great relief in chronic cutaneous diseases. Further observation is necessary to define the mode and extent of its medicinal operation, but there is no hazard in saying that it is a medicine possessing considerable activity. Dr. Barton observes that this plant, like Uva Ursi, occasionally imparts a black tinge to the urine. Dose ʒi to ʒij of the tincture; f℥ij to f℥iv of the infusion, prepared by pouring a pint of boiling water upon ℥j of the stalks and leaves.
QUASSIA. L.E.D. (Quassia Excelsa. Lignum.)
Quassia.
This wood owes all its properties to a peculiar bitter principle, which has been examined by Dr. Thomson and named Quassin; it is solid, slightly transparent, and of a yellowish-brown colour. (See Infusum Quassiæ.) It is said to owe its name to a West Indian negro, called Quassi, who first used it in fevers.
QUERCUS CORTEX. L.E.D.
(Quercus Pedunculata. Cortex.)