_Rhatany._
This root, although it has been for some time employed in medicine, has
only lately found its way into the Materia Medica of the London
Pharmacopœia. Its extract, which was some years ago imported into this
country, is supposed to have been employed for giving astringency to
Port wine. According to recent analysis the root contains a peculiar
modification of Tannin, with only a trace of Gallic acid; Gum; Fecula;
and certain salts of Lime. It may be used either in decoction, or
tincture, the latter of which may be made by dissolving two ounces of
the root in a pint of proof spirit. In all its forms it is eminently
astringent. I have used it with much success in Leucorrhæa, and in
uterine hemorrhages. The extract may be distinguished from Kino, to
which it bears a great resemblance in appearance and taste, by being
very fusible by heat, whereas Kino does not possess that character.