Chelidonium Majus, Lin.—

PROF. J. M. MAISCH, Dear Professor: I wish to call your attention to the local but very great importance given to Celandine in our locality. The flower consists of four yellow petals and the plant answers the description in the National Dispensatory. The value attached to it here is as a supposed cure for threatened phthisis (the people do not put it so vaguely, however, they claim it cures). A gentleman, whose mother and brothers all died of pulmonary consumption, was taken as they were at first; but, by the use of the Celandine, his cough ceased and all other symptoms indicating phthisis also. This was ten years ago. Whenever threatened with a cough, now we take the Celandine. A Mr. M., of Lexington, Ky., two years ago was "given up" by the physicians as a victim to consumption. He heard of the former case, sent for the Celandine, used it and is now apparently as hearty a man as you would desire to see. His age is about 65 years. There are so many instances of the very good effects of Celandine, so well authenticated, that I have at last come to the conclusion, that there is certainly more real merit in the herb than the books indicate. The manner of using it here is as follows: Two or three ounces of the fresh root is put in one pint of whisky, let macerate one week; then take one teaspoonful at a dose when required, which is about three times daily.

I give you this information thinking, perhaps, if in your mature judgment it is worth the while, you might give the public or profession the benefit of its worth. In case it is desirable, I can give you verbatim statements from at least a score of persons within very convenient reach, who will vouch for its efficiency.

CHAS. O. THIEKAUD, Ph.G., Vevayy Ind.

The American Journal of Pharmacy, Vol. 53, 1881, was edited by John M. Maisch.