Qualities. Odour, of the dried root, aromatic, and somewhat resembling that of Valerian; Taste, pungent and warm, with a degree of bitterness, not very unlike that of camphor, or of the pinus canadensis. Chemical Composition. Resin and an essential oil constitute its active ingredients. Solubility. Its virtues are extracted by water, as well as by alcohol. The tincture has a bright green colour, which is rendered turbid by water. It neither affects Tannin nor Gelatine, nor does it precipitate the salts of iron. Medicinal Uses. It has been regarded as serviceable in cases that required the combined powers of a diaphoretic and tonic, as in some of the stages of typhus and other low fevers; it has also been found to exalt the febrifuge powers of the bark in cases of protracted intermittents. It is likewise valued on account of its efficacy in certain cases of dyspepsia, attended with a dry skin. Its stimulating properties will of course prevent its application in the inflammatory diathesis. Forms of Exhibition. In substance, or in an infusion, made by macerating ʒiv of the bruised root in f℥xij of boiling water in a covered vessel for two hours, and straining. Decoction will necessarily dissipate its essential oil, and impair its powers; whenever therefore it is directed in combinations which require this process, it should not be added until after the other ingredients have been boiled, as illustrated by Form: 40. Dose, of the powdered root ℈j to ʒss or more; of the infusion f℥j-f℥ij. Officinal Preparations. Tinct: Serpentariæ. L.E.D.[[634]] Tinct: Cinchonæ comp: L.D. Electuarium Opiatum. E.
The roots of the Collinsonia præcox are frequently found mixed with those of Serpentaria in the market.
SIMAROUBÆ CORTEX. L.E.D.
(Quassia Simarouba Cortex.)
Simarouba Bark.
Qualities. Form, long pieces a few inches in breadth, and folded lengthwise; fibrous, rough, and scaly; and, when fresh, of a pale yellow colour on the inside. Odour, none; Taste, bitter, without any astringency. Chemical Composition. Its virtues are principally connected with extractive matter; it does not contain any tannin or gallic acid. Solubility. Alcohol and water take up all its active matter. Medicinal Uses. It has been considered tonic, and has been used with advantage as such in intermittent fevers. To Dr. Wright we are principally indebted for a knowledge of its powers. It has been much commended in the latter stages of dysentery, after the fever has abated, and the tenesmus continues with a sinking pulse. Alibert says that it has been used with much success at the hospital of St. Louis, in diarrhœa, following scurvy, and intermittent fever. Dose, ℈i to ʒss, but it is more conveniently given in the form of infusion, which see. Officinal Preparations. Infus: Simaroubæ. L.
The Dublin college has admitted the wood of this tree into their materia medica, but it is perfectly inert.
SINAPIS SEMINA.
(Sinapis Nigra. L. Alba. E.D.)
Mustard Seeds.