Alnus rubra. (Tag alder.)

Preparation.—Prepare a tincture from the recent bark ℥viij. to Alcohol 76° Oj. Dose gtts. j. to xx.

We may employ the Alnus in infusion, or in the form of tincture with dilute alcohol; the first being preferable if we wish its greatest influence.

It. exerts a specific influence upon the processes of waste and nutrition, increasing the one and stimulating the other. It is thus a fair example of the ideal alterative, and is one of the most valuable of our indigenous remedies.

Its special use seems to he in those cases in which there is superficial disease of the skin or mucous membranes, taking the form of eczema or pustular eruption. In these cases I have employed it as a general remedy, and as a local application with the best results. It does not seem to make much difference whether it is a phlyctenular conjunctivitis, an ulcerated sore mouth or throat, chronic eczema, or secondary syphilis presenting these characteristics, it is equally beneficial.

Specific Medication and Specific Medicines, 1870, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.