Tannic Acid. C27H12O17.

An acid extracted from Galls (vide Acidum Gallicum).

It may be obtained pure from the operative chemists.

Characters and Tests. - In pale yellow vesicular masses or thin glistening scales, with a strongly astringent taste, and an acid reaction; readily soluble in water and rectified spirit, very sparingly soluble in ether. The aqueous solution precipitates solution of Gelatine yellowish-white, and the Persalts of Iron of a bluish-black colour. It leaves no residue when burned with free access of air. .

Homoeopathic uses. - These are given in Marcy and Peters' New Mat. Med.

Preparation. - Solution in rectified spirit.

ActaeA Spicata.

Nat. ord., Ranunculaae.

Herb Christopher, or Baneberry.

Characters. - A perennial herb, with large radical leaves, not unlike those of several Umbellifers, the stalk usually twice divided into 3 or 5 pinnately arranged branches; segments or leaflets ovate, pointed, often 3-lobed, and coarsely toothed, of a deep green, and quite glabrous. Stem 1 to 2 feet high, with few smaller leaves. Flowers small, nearly white, in a short, loose, oblong terminal raceme. Berries small, nearly black.

Dr. Petroz gives a proving in his Etudes de Therapeutique, pt. 2nd, p. 25.

Parts employed. - The root, or, better still, the ripe fruit.

Preparation. - Tincture.

aeSculus Glabra.

Nat. ord., Sapindaceae.

Foetid or Ohio Buckeye.

A large tree found in Ohio and States of North America watered by the Ohio river. A very partial proving is given in Hale's New Remedies.

Parts employed. - The bark; the whole fruit.

Preparations. - Of the bark, tincture. Of the whole fruit, trituration or tincture.