Pharmacopoeia, it is, as far as my information extends, little used by practitioners at present. Yet in cases of habitual constipation it should be preferred to most other cathartics, as it operates without occasioning heat or irritation, and leaves the bowels in a good state. Its superiority in removing or relieving obstinate constipation has recently been tested in this vicinity. The patient I allude to is a female, who has been confined to her bed for more than a twelve month with chronic

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... lammation ofthe pelvic viscera and obstinate constipation. Most ofthe powerful cathartics, in conjunction with other medicines, were used, none of them producing evacuations without the assistance of enemas, with the exception of crotón oil, which relieved for a few times and then seemed to lose its effect. Through the advice of a young member of the profession, the extract of butternut was used in full doses, and repeated. In the first instance sickness and vomiting followed, but the bowels soon moved freely. The decoction or extract has since been sufficient to keep the bowels in a soluble state, without the assistance of enemas. Conjoined with calomel, it is especially efficacious in bilious habits. If griping is produced, carminatives and corrigents are used with effect. Great Barrington, Mass., Dec. 27, 1837.