(seq. 145)

136

Materia Medica

Tonics

in many parts of this state, and plentifully in New Jersey, it is a
strong bitter and discovers no (astringency) acrimony it strikes a
black colour with the Sulp. ferri, water and Alkohol extract its
virtues, it is used in infusion or the expressed juice in dose
of Ʒi [1 dram] it pukes and purges, according to some authors it has
been serviceable in keeping of Paroxysms of the gout, it has
been used in Nephritis Podagra, it was thought usefull in
Scrophula and diseases of the skin, in New Jersey it is
used with success in rheumatism.

Centaurium
Benedictum. This is a native of Spain, it is a simple
and pure bitter, it leaves have a penetrating bitterness when
tasted, though not verry durable, water extracts its virtues,
J Bertrin used it in ulcers but I cannot believe it of much
service, it has done good in remitting fevers, and infusion is used to
excite vomiting, and assist other emetics which it does verry
well it is an antiseptic.

Columbo. The London Colledge
have of late adapted the name of Columba instead of Columbo,
this is a native of Asia &c. We are not acquainted with its
botanical history, it is a most important medicine being perhaps the
strongest and purest bitter, it gives out its virtue best to spiritous