Damiana

Volume I — Appendix

(Damiana.)

Description. — It belongs to the natural order of Turneracea?. The genus Turnera is a small family of chiefly tropical American plants allied to the Passifloracere. The flowers are small, yellow, subsessile near the end of the small branches. Turnera aphrodisiaca, as found in the market, consists of broken leaves mixed with fragments of the branches, and sometimes with seedpods. The branches have a reddish-brown bark, and are covered, when young, with white, cottony hairs. The leaves are less than an inch long, obovate, wedge-shape, and taper at the base to a short, slender leaf-stalk ; when young they are covered with a slight pubescence, but become smooth when old.

Preparation. — Tincture of the plant.

(No Proving.)

° Paresis of the genital organs of both sexes. ° Partial impotence. Sexual debility, chiefly from nervous prostration.

° Sexual neurasthenia.

0 Incontinence of urine in old people.

° Atonic spermatorrhoea.

° Chronic prostatic discharges.

It seems to be an analogue of Helonias Aletris, Strychnia, Phosphoric acid and the Hypophosphites.

Volume II — Special Therapeutics

No provings have yet been made with this new medicine. It will have to be born “breech foremost,” as Dr. Hering says. I therefore print some of the most reliable clinical experience concerning its use. My own experience leads me to believe that it is an analogue of Cubebs, Kava-kava, Copaiva, and Sumbul.

Damiana is the Indian name of this new drug recently introduced, and is the leaf and stem of a small plant that grows near the western coast of Mexico. Its botanical name is given above. It is a small plant, with a white fragrant flower, is collected for medical use in August, at which time the stems are covered with a fragrant gum.

This drug was first heralded to the profession in too much of a cure-all and quacky style. We, with many others, had come to look upon the article as decidedly “ gamy,” and a source of profitable revenue to the charlatan. In many cases in which it has been employed, we believe it has proven a failure. This might have been owing to an erroneous selection of cases, the prescriber having been misled by the glowing announcement of its wonderful capabilities as an aphrodisiac. As the drug is one of our mints, in style of taste being decidedly

like Buchu in its flavor, it is probably stimulant in its action to the urinary channels, through which it passes to be eliminated. If the incorrigibles (due to some nervous lesion) had not been among its first cases for experimentation, its results might have been better. Believing, however, in our motto, remedium non condemnatum eat, donee id expertum sit, we gave (the remedy a trial in the following case, and with advantage :

Cubebs, Copaiba, Belladonna, etc., had been tried before we resorted to it. The person was a young man, in apparently good health, in whom, for a few months, the virile powers had seemed to have been exhausted ; so much so that no erotic could, reflexly, induce an erection. He was twenty-four years of age ; clerk in one of our large wholesale stores ; habits every way regular ; in good flesh, and, were it not for this failing, in good spirits.

There was nothing to lead one to believe that masturbation or sexual intercourse could have induced the failure of erection. The only concomitant symptom was a slight irritability of the neck of the bladder. After trying several remedies for this irritability, a last resort was made of bougieing and fluid extract of Damiana in drachm doses ; the bougie, progressively to a No. 12, was introduced in five sittings. When it was discontinued, the bladder irritability being partly relieved, the Damiana was continued until he was capable of getting and maintaining an erection. That the bougieing could not have been the chief cause in inducing this return to power I am satisfied, as it was used three times before resorting to the Damiana with no apparent benefit, save an amelioration of the slight bladder trouble. It was only after the trial of the Damiana that erection was possible, although some irritation of the neck of the bladder was yet remaining. — “ New Preparations.”

Dr. J. J. Caldwell, of Baltimore, has given this new remedy a number of trials, and in the “ Virginia Medical Monthly,” in speaking of its medical properties, says :

“ I am well satisfied, from quite an extended experience with the tincture and extract of this plant, of its powerful influence over the urino:genital organs of both sexes, as in moderate doses it increases the flow of urine as well as the sexual appetite.” Dr. Caldwell then gives the reports of several cases where its powerful aphrodisiac effects were obtained after the usual remedies, such as Strychnia, Phosphorus, and Electricity, had failed. He then concludes : “ The cases that have come under my observation are given as an introduction to this new remedy, and for what they are worth, solely with the view of calling the attention of the profession to the virtues of this pretty little plant, culled from the prolific soil of Mexico — a field, no doubt, teeming with a wealth of unknown medicines, waiting for the progress of a searching science to penetrate and grasp her hidden treasures. In its administration I prefer the fluid extract, as it is less bulky, more positive in its effects, and more reliable and uniform, as proven in the cases now under my care. In smaller doses, it seems to have a specific effect on all the organs of the pelvis, giving increased tone and activity to all the secretions of that vicinity.” I hope that future trials of this new and interesting remedy will fully verify the experiments of Dr. Caldwell, as the advantage of not being poisonous or dangerous in any dose is quite a decided one over the usual remedies, like Strychnia and Phosphorus, that are now employed as aphrodisiacs and nerve stimulants. Should this prove reliable and safe, it will doubtless be popular with the medical profession. — “ Pharmacal Gazette.”

“ I observed in the ‘ Journal ’ of June last a notice of a new remedy described by Dr. J. J. Caldwell, of Baltimore, Md., in the ‘ Virginia Medical Monthly.’

“ This remedy, Damiana, I have used extensively in Mexico, where the Mexicans employ it as a domestic medicine. I can bear testimony to the efficacy of this plant in cases of sexual debility, or lethargy of the sexual organs. In these cases the results are all that could be desired. The leaves only of the plant are used. An infusion is made of one ounce of the dried leaves to a pint of water, and this amount is given daily. In a few days the effects are manifest. The infusion has an agreeable aromatic and slightly bitter taste. I am not prepared to state if its properties are those of an aromatic or stimulating tonic, but as to its aphrodisiac properties there can be no question.

“ There are but few bodily ailments that impose such discomfort upon the individual of either sex, as the inability to exercise the reproductive functions, and to beget and give birth to offspring. It is truly painful to witness the degree of misery which, in many instances, the subjects of such defects are by some unerring law of nature destined to endure. Young men of robust and apparently healthy physique often apply to physicians for some means of restoring the lost sexual desire. Standard authors recommend in these cases Phosphorus, Ergot of rye, Cantharides, Strychnia, etc., but physicians well know that these remedies do not always give satisfaction. Damiana appears to be the desirable remedy in such cases.” — Dr. McQuestin in “Pacific Medical and Surgical Journal.”

Dr. Alexander Murray, of New York city, relates in the u Medical Record ” for August last the following cases :

Case I was that of a lady, aged twenty-four, of a highly hysterical constitution, who was married about three years. Her menstruation was always regular, but scanty, of a pale color, and unattended with pain. She informed her husband that about a year previous to her marriage she had lost all sexual desire, owing, as she alleged, to a paroxysm of hysterical convulsions. She had strong hopes that the influence of matrimony would restore the lost appetite.

Her husband manifested great anxiety for her recovery, and especially as he was desirous of having family. A careful examination of the organs of generation showed that they were normal and healthy.

It was determined in this case to give Damiana a fair trial, in order to test its real or therapeutical value. I began treatment by giving the fluid extract in two drachm doses three times a day for one month, and then one ounce and a half in divided doses for the succeeding two months. During the third month she imagined she had recovered somewhat her sexual appetite. The use of the drug, however, produced a decided change in her physical appearance, making her robust and healthy, whereas before she had been thin and pale. She was naturally of a constipated habit, and consequently required the occasional use of purgatives. After the Extract of damiana had been taken for a few days, it produced large soft alvine evacuations, and subsequently the menstrual flow was both normal in quantity and color. The latter effect, I believe, was due altogether to the improved condition of her health, rather than to any emmenagogue properties in the drug.

Case II. — Mr. K - , aged forty-two years, a native of Germany, merchant,

had always enjoyed good health ; never had syphilis or any other disease that he is aware of ; and had not at any time indulged in the excessive use of stimulants or tobacco. About six months after his second marriage he experienced marked sexual weakness. He attributed the cause of his weakened powers to having been allowed, through neglect of the attendants, while taking a vapor or Russian bath, to remain too long on his back on a heated marble slab. He also stated that the excessive inhalation of steam during the sweating process produced palpitation of the heart, difficult breathing, and a sense of immediate suffocation. Soon after he left the bath-rooms he had a slight attack of vertigo, and experienced great difficulty in walking to his residence, which was about four blocks off

Two months before he came under my observation he had been treated for impotence by a “charlatan,” who, under the promise of a speedy cure, fleeced him out of a large sum of money. Mental despondency arising from the cares of business, "with his anxiety concerning his young wife, drove him to the verge of insanity.

After a careful review of his case, I was doubtful of obtaining satisfactory results by any mode of treatment whatever, and accordingly held out no promise of success. However, I applied galvanism (interrupted current) to the spine every second or third day, for four weeks, and gave the Fluid extract of damiana in half-ounce doses, thrice daily for nearly nine weeks. About three months from the commencement of treatment he stated, to use his own words, that “ he was a man again,” and expressed himself very desirous of continuing the Damiana.

Case III. — John B - , twenty-eight years, a robust, healthy-looking person ;

a house carpenter ; never had syphilis ; married about nine months. He attributed the cause of impotency to the taunts of his wife, whose propensities were stronger than his own. The consequence of this was the most unbridled excess in sexual indulgence during the first six months of matrimony. He was very despondent at times, and threatened to commit suicide in the despair of a cure. Separation from his wife for a time, cheerful society, and the administration of Damiana, resulted in about two months in restoring the sexual ability.

Case IV. — Mr. Charles II - ■, aged thirty-four ; clerk ; short, stout, and

vigorous ; while walking fell and hurt his spine. He complained of severe pain in the lower part of the back ( sacro-coccygeal region) and the left thigh. Micturition was for several days both painful and difficult. The shock to the spine produced impotency. He had neither desire for nor power of coition. His wife, a good, sensible woman, consoled him, and encouraged the hope that time and medical treatment would restore the lost functions.

About three weeks from the day of injury, faradization was employed daily to the spine for eight applications. As he was unable to attend to business, he resolved to go into the country for a short time until recruited. I supplied him with the Fluid extract of damiana sufficient for six weeks, with directions to take four drachms three times a day. He called to see me after an absence of two months, and reported that there was a marked improvement in his sexual ability. Subsequently, after two weeks, by too frequent marital intercourse, a diminution of virile power was apparent, and consequently he fell back on Damiana for a few weeks longer. Moderate indulgence was now strictly enjoined.

Case V. — Mr. R., aged forty-six ; a lawyer ; had syphilis when a young man. He had an attack of apoplexy about four years ago, and for several days was in a precarious condition, but he gradually recovered consciousness, leaving the left side completely paralyzed. By judicious treatment and repeated applications of faradism, he was able in six weeks to walk about, and in less than three months to follow his professional avocations. Although sufficiently recovered to attend to his business, still he had been quite frequently despondent, as he experienced a marked loss of sexual ability. For this ailment he had consulted several physicians, followed their advice, and had used Phosphorus, Strychnia, Ergot, and electricity, without any apparent effect in restoring his virile power.

For more than two years he had given up all treatment as useless. I advised him to give Damiana a steady trial for at least two months, at the end of which time to let me know the result. There was a decided improvement in his condition. The power of erection, however, was not altogether satisfactory, and though at times it was sufficient to complete the sexual act, yet it very often failed at the important moment. His recovery, although not complete, had exceeded his anticipations, and encouraged the hope that Damiana would ultimately accomplish the desired result.

In a few cases of midwifery — inertia of the uterus — I have given four drachms of the fluid extract every thirty minutes, three succeeding times, without apparently augmenting uterine contraction.

I have noticed that when Damiana had been taken for a week or two it invariably produced (in about two-thirds of my patients) an eruption of acne on the head and body. It also induced large soft evacuations from the bowels, especially in those of a constipated habit. The drug did not act as a laxative, but more as an alterative — in fact, somewhat similar in its results to the Extract of belladonna when administered in chronic constipation.

I did not observe any marked effect on the heart, liver, stomach, or bladder. In a few instances I noticed the diminution of the phosphates, and almost the entire absence of the Oxalate of lime, which usually appears in the urinary secretions in cases of nervous affections, and especially in cases of impotency.

The value of Damiana in impotency is more apparent in stimulating venereal desire than in restoring the vigor or power of the virile member. In several cases the drug failed to manifest any curative effect, while in others, particularly in those arising from an attack of paralysis (hemiplegia), even of six or eight years’ standing, it was more or less beneficial.

Damiana is by no means an agreeable remedy to take. The bitter, slightly acrid taste, and the “sagy” flavor are disliked by many patients. It sometimes

excites nausea or vomiting, especially when taken on an empty stomach, or when the dose is not largely diluted with some menstruum.

Generally I prescribe the Fluid extract of damiana in combination with equal parts of Glycerin and Syrup of tolu, or with some fruit syrup. Several of my patients have taken the drug in claret, Rhine wine, or lager beer, to disguise the taste, while many others prefer the cold, fresh infusion. Frequently I have prescribed, as an adjunct, diluted Phosphoric acid, from ten to fifteen drops with each dose of Damiana. This addition renders it pleasant and easy to take.

Dr. Van Arnum, of Washington, D. C., writes to the “Virginia Medical Monthly,” for July, as follows :

I noticed in the “ Monthly ” for May an article on Damiana, with a list of cases showing the results attending its use. I also observed in the same issue an editorial notice of this new medicine, which concludes with an invitation for further reports from those who may have used the remedy ; and as I have had a fine typical case, I give it to your readers :

Some months ago my attention was called to the properties of Damiana by a medical friend of this city, and having a case soon after, wherein the use of a medicine possessing the qualities claimed for Damiana were indicated, I concluded to give it a trial.

Mr. M., aged fifty-five years ; has been a widower five years. Six months ago he became enamored of a young woman, proposed marriage and was accepted, and the day fixed for the wedding. Some weeks since he came to me in great distress, stating that he had been under treatment for some time for inertia of the genital organs, but without benefit. He stated that he had not had an erection for more than three years, and in view of his approaching marriage to a young woman was most anxious to restore the animal passions and powers.

I recommended the use of Fluid extract of damiana, in tablespoonful doses, every four hours. (I will here state that the wedding was postponed for three weeks.) After the use of the medicine for some two weeks and a half, he reported to me that he was in condition to consummate the marriage act. He was duly married and is now on his wedding-tour.

In the same journal, in the report of the meeting of the Medical and Surgical Society of Baltimore, under the discussion of “ impotency,” Dr. John Morris reported a case as follows :

Man ; aged thirty-five ; weight two hundred pounds ; general health good, and has not been addicted to any imprudences. Has used Phosphorus, Nux vomica, Tincture of cantharides in drachm doses, and electricity, with no benefit. Latterly he has taken Damiana, during the use of which he has had one erection. He has been an inveterate smoker and ale drinker, but some months ago He stopped these habits. At first Dr. Morris was inclined to attribute these troubles to the cessation of the habits, or the state of depression resulting therefrom, and accordingly directed him to resume the moderate use of both ; but this plan has

not been followed by any improvement. It has occured to him that the injection of Turpentine might do good.

It may be remembered that when Dr. Caldwell first wrote in favor of this drug, he was quite enthusiastic in its praise, so much so as to lead many to doubt the veracity of his statements. In an editorial in the “ Virginia Medical Monthly,” Dr. Landon B. Edwards, in writing upon Damiana, says:

To satisfy, however, to some extent, the curiosity that has been awakened regarding the value of Damiana, we will state that we have learned, indirectly, from a medical officer of the United States Army, who had opportunities a year or two ago of learning something of this drug, that it is of frequent use among the natives of the section of country where the plant is said to be indigenous, and that, according to the statements of these natives, the effects claimed by Dr. Caldwell for Damiana are not overstated. A private communication from a regular physician, of good professional standing, of Washington, D. C., also confirms in general the correctness of Dr. Caldwell’s estimate of the drug.

Under the head of correspondence in this issue, and in the report of the proceedings of the Baltimore Medical and Surgical Society, will also be found confirmatory experiences. We have, moreover, the promise of a paper on the subject by a distinguished medical writer and professor in Baltimore, whose observations in the main are corroborative of the experience above stated. On the other hand, we have not heard of a single unfavorable experience, though we would be greatly surprised if such does not occur.

W. H. Myers, M.D., of Philadelphia, writes:

In June last I received a circular from Lehn & Fink, of New York city, calling my attention to Parke, Davis & Co.’s preparation of Damiana. Since then I have given it quite an extensive trial in my private practice, and, as a result, I find that in cases of partial impotency, or other sexual debility, its success is universal. In fact, it has produced favorable results in some cases that I deemed hopeless on account of their resisting entirely the action of the remedies usually specified in such cases. I therefore pronounce it the most effective and only remedy that in my hands produces a successful result in all cases. The only objection to its use is its liability to produce disorders of the digestive system ; but by combining it with Cinchona and sherry wine it partially obviates that tendency. If you would produce it in solid form it would be much easier to administer as a pill.

J. F., aged forty-two ; nervous temperament ; who has been troubled for several years with spermatorrhoea, and has tried several physicians with a partial cure, came under my care on January 10th, 1877. I placed him on Damiana, drachm doses three times a day, and increased a drachm each week until four were taken, and then decreased in same ratio. I discharged him March 20th, instructing him to report if there was any return. This morning he

reported that there was no return, and he feels like a young man. He informed me that for the last four years he was unable to have intercourse. Now it is perfect. — J. Marshall Barkley, M.D., Farmer’s Retreat, Ind.

Damiana has proved in my hands all that its earlier friends claimed for it as an aphrodisiac, and almost a specific for incontinence of urine in the old and debilitated when not dependent on organic lesion. — H. Mallory, M.D., Hamilton, Ohio.

.... The Fluid extract of damiana, as a stimulant of the genital organs, has given me great satisfaction. — L. M. A. Roy, M.D., Editor “ Le National,” St. Paul.

La Paz, Mexico, August 1st, 1877.

Gentlemen : In reply to your favor of late date, desiring to know the estimation in which the plant known as Damiana is held by the people of this section of Mexico, of which the plant itself is a native, I beg to say that it appears to be held in the highest esteem as a tonic, and that its use as such seems to be universal. The local physician prescribes it, in various forms, in nearly all cases of weakness, organic or otherwise, but especially in cases of impaired action of the generative organs, for which class of cases it is regarded as a specific.

The drug is certainly wonderful in its action in many cases, and remarkable cures from its use have occurred under my observation. Practicing physicians tell me they have rarely known it to fail, if used properly, and country people — “ rancheros ” — seem to repose more faith in the efficacy of this drug than in the doctors themselves, and look upon it as a sort of panacea for all ills. Their method of preparing it for use, generally, is very simple. They steep it, and add sugar, making a not unpalatable beverage, which is often used at table as we use our tea and coffee. Having great faith in its efficacy in extraordinary occasions, they think it proper in ordinary ones as well, and will often tender a cup of it to a guest, with an assurance that it is good as a preventive as well as a curative. In fact, their faith in it seems to be unbounded.

I take pleasure in giving this testimony, from a conviction, resulting from careful observation, that Damiana possesses tonic qualities that should be better known. Yours, very respectfully,

F. B. Elmer, late U. S. Consul.

I have been using several new remedies during the past year and have not been disappointed in any that I have tried. I had one patient who had by sexual abuse become partially impotent. Damiana perfectly restored his sexual powers. — W. II. Dice, M.D., Coloma, Mo.

I have used the Damiana of Parke, Davis & Co. in my practice in drachm doses, and find it to be a tonic in impaired action of the generative organs. One patient said he had not had an erection of the penis for three years. By taking Fluid extract of damiana he had regained all erective powers. It acts powerfully on the kidneys. I think a half drachm dose, three times daily, sufficient. — R. L. Blakeley, M.D., Rockford, Mich.

After a continued experience of several years with preparations of this

plant, commonly known as Damiana, and lately determined by Professor L. Ward as Turnera aphrodisiaca, I find that my first papers and experiments have been well sustained in establishing its merits as a powerful, permanent, and determined aphrodisiac, as well as an alterative aperient of remarkably fine quality ; indeed, of such a nature that, should it possess no other medical value, this alone would place it high in the therapeutical world when well known and appreciated. My attention has been called time and again by my patients to this fact, that after a few days’ exhibition of the fluid extract, which preparation I prefer to prescribe to all others, in doses of a dessertspoonful three times a day, their bowels have been moved, with mushy stools, often twice a day. My esteemed friend, Alexander Murray, M.D., F.R.C.S., of New York city, was the first to call attention to this feature of Damiana through “The Medical Record.”

Damiana, beyond doubt, is the most reliable, useful, and permanent tonic to the genital organs of both sexes that we have thus far discovered. Of course it must be carefully selected and manufactured of the genuine plant — Turnera aphrodisiaca. (Western Mexico abounds with it.) Then, again, it should be given in full doses for a fair duration of time, say a dessert to a tablespoonful three or four times a day, for several weeks, to obtain the best results. Furthermore, those suffering from permanent organic injuries should be warned that Damiana, or any other remedy, is futile in their case. This has been, I am sure, another fruitful source of disappointment in the uses of Damiana. I earnestly urge the profession first to obtain the genuine article, then to give this new and most valuable medicine a fair trial. I feel safe in saying that eventually it will be classed among the standard remedies of our land.

The following is the additional history I have been able to obtain (so far) of the plant Damiana :

The Damiana herb has been a domestic medicine of Mexico, where it is generally used to invigorate the system. As far back as the year 1699, in the reports of the Spanish missionary, Padre Juan Marie de Salvatierra, we find it was known to the Indians as a cure for inability to exercise the reproductive functions in both sexes. The medicinal qualities of this shrub were first noticed by the Indian hunters, who, after wearisome journeys through parched countries, made a decoction of the Damiana, and drank it with avidity to invigorate their exhausted system, brace their nerves, fitting them for further fatigues. The qualities did not long remain a secret ; the herb became familiar to all the inhabitants of Mexico, and has maintained its celebrity up to the present time. Acting as it does directly upon the nervous system, it restores, as it were, the debilitated functions of the principal organs of the human frame, and is unsurpassed as a nervine. In all cases where accidents have produced premature births, also during painful menstruation, and as a cure for the many afflictions suffered by women after gestation, this remedy will be found to build up the constitution quicker than any nervine or tonic with which we are acquainted. Persons who, from the effects of malpractice, are suffering from general debility will find this Extract of damiana a cure for all those chronic affections, giving strength and vitality to the frame, imparting muscular energy when general prostration threatened to undermine the constitution. — Db. Caldwell, in “ The Medical Record.”

Damiana is one of those most valuable specific remedies introduced to the medical profession recently. Some men have tried it and reported unfavorably of it, and that is in consequence of poor preparations of the article. I procured a fluid extract from the most reliable house. The case in which I gave it a full trial was a large man, some forty years of age, who came to consult me for a loss of seminal power. He stated that he had some desire for sexual congress, but that he had no power of erection, consequently no ability to perform sexual intercourse. His general health otherwise was good. I put him upon half-drachm doses of Damiana (the fluid extract) three times a day, and in a few days he reported himself as very much improved, and after continuing it a short time discontinued the remedy. I look upon Damiana as one of the most positive tonics and stimulants that we have for the genital organs for male and female. But, like all good remedies, it must be prepared right. A great many of our best vegetable remedies have been condemned simply because imperfect preparations were used. Many vegetable remedies contain proximate principles that are not extracted by any simple mode of preparation, consequently the virtues are not obtained in ordinary preparations. Pharmacy is a science, and must be well understood to afford good preparations. — I. J. M. Goss, M.D., LL.D., Marietta, Georgia.

A gentleman, Mr. S., aged twenty-nine, applied to me for treatment for atrophy of the right testicle a few years ago. He suffered severely from orchitis in that testicle. He noticed that, after the inflammation passed off, it began shrinking, and was very sensitive. When I examined it, it was soft and small. I gave him Fluid extract of damiana some five weeks ago, one teaspoonful three times daily. The testicle has nearly resumed its former size, and the sensitiveness is all gone. “Richard is himself again.” — M. D. C. M. Summerton, M.D.

Says the learned Gross, “ Reduced sexual power, from whatever cause it may arise, is one of the most distressing of maladies, and is therefore entitled to the deepest sympathy and consideration on the part of the honest practitioner, by whom unfortunately it is rarely discussed.”

Dr. Gross also says from the intimate connection which exists between the urethra, the prostate gland, the seminal vesicles, ejaculatory aud the deferential ducts, and the tubes, it is not surprising that lesions of that passage should exert a powerful effect upon the functions of generation, whether that effect be due to the extension of morbid action through continuity of structure, or to reflex action. Hence it is that many persons affected with urethral disorders suffer from more or less marked disturbance in their sexual power, amounting in some instances to impotence or inability to copulate, either from inability of introcession or premature ejaculation, both states being associated with imperfect or transient erections ; in many cases dependent upon stricture, inflammation, hyperaethesia of the posterior portion of the urethra.

Case I. — T. W., a young gentleman of wealth and somewhat “ roue,” called at my office September 25th, the very picture of health ; aged about thirty ; complains of a failure in his effort at copulation, owing to a partial loss of erectile effort. On examination I found the history of excessive venery only. The sound exploration failed to discover either stricture or tenderness of the urethral tract.

All other functions being normal, I advised him simple rest for a couple of weeks. After due trial he returned, reporting treatment so far a failure. I then placed him upon the Fluid extract of damiana, tablespoonful doses, well diluted, to be taken morning and evening, together with a generous diet, and a respite from all genital exercise. After ten days of such treatment he reported himself fully rehabilitated and fully potent.

Case II. — September 2d. A gentleman of middle life, aged in the fifties, Mr. D., calls concerning an indescribable pain or sensation about the head, with a loss of power and desire for sexual connection ; attributed it to great and continued trouble in his business relations. On examination I failed to find any lesions of the genito-urinary organs or functional disturbance of his alimentary canal. Indeed, he seemed in all respects a fair specimen of health, with the two exceptions named. I ordered him free use of Damiana, and occasionally, when the pain in the head was severe, application of the constant current of electricity to the nape of his neck, down the spinal column. His treatment was continued several weeks with very fair results, though his business troubles were still on his mind.

Case III. — W. E. J., aged twenty-four, called December 10th, apparently in good health, but complaining of inability to perform the sexual act. I failed to discover any lesion of the urethral tract, or any other trouble about his person, except that his virile organ was small and flabby. He reports good erections when abed and alone, but utter failure of this effort when in company with a female about to copulate. I deemed this a case of genital demoralization, and placed him under the most advanced treatment for the same, with electricity, rest, moral suasion, cold baths, etc., and the very best Fluid extract of damiana, fully as to quality and time, but all in vain.

Case IV. — R. J., aged fifty-four, called August 2d, complaining of a gradual loss of health, weight, and genital power. Here, too, we failed to discover any lesions of the genital organs. His seemed to be a case of general atrophy from debilitated digestion and assimilation of several years’ standing, which yielded kindly to local and general faradization after a few months’ treatment. But his genital organs were still weak and impotent ; thereupon we placed him on liberal doses of Fluid extract of damiana, which acted like a charm after a few weeks’ administration. The first effects were to cause two full mushy stools per day, accompanied by an increasing appetite, and finally a restoration of his lost sexual power.

Case Y. — Mr. J. H., aged twenty-five, called January 2d, suffering loss of copulative power. Upon an examination of the urethral tract, the sound was arrested by two strictures at the prostatic portion of the urethra. The neck of the bladder was found irritable with excessive mucous discharge. The strictures were gradually dilated by the appropriate instruments for that use ; the bladder washed daily with a double silver catheter, using as a wash a weak solution of Atropia. Internally administered Gelseminum with the Bromide of sodium. This was continued until the acute symptoms had subsided, when Damiana was administered. The sound passed daily, through which a constant current of electricity was passed from the sacrum to the end of the sound. In all, this treatment lasted about one year. Since then the young gentleman has married and finds himself fully able to do family duty.

Spermatorrhoea. — Says Tanner, “ Spermatorrhoea is a deranged state of mental and bodily health, due to too frequent escape of seminal fluid. Masturbation is the most common cause.”

Symptoms. — There may be only a separate escape of the seminal fluid ; or this may be associated with morbid changes in the vesiculae sem inales, ejaculatory ducts, bulbous portion of the urethra, and prostate gland. Urine sometimes rendered slightly albuminous by seminal fluid.

Case I. — S. T., of North Carolina, aged forty-five years, called June 12th, suffering from frequent loss of the seminal fluid, due, as he said, to grief and sad reverses of fortune. The penis was small and flabby. Otherwise there was no lesion that could be found. His symptoms were as follows : general debility, with some emaciation ; also much nervous irritability ; complained of dulness of vision and of poor memory ; bowels constipated and flatulent, with occasional attacks of giddiness, headache, and palpitation. In his case I suspected. excessive venery, as he informed me that he had lately been in the habit of keeping a mistress who was greatly amative.

The treatment of his case was rest, a change of scene, nourishing diet as the hygienic measures. Medically, large doses of the Fluid damiana, which was continued through the months of June and July with the best of results, for his seminal losses ceased, he grew fleshy in body, and better contented mentally.

A few weeks subsequently he came to the city for the treatment of general rheumatic and neuralgic pains, which yielded kindly to Quinine and electricity. He had been visiting a malarial district. His old trouble (spermatorrhoea) had entirely disappeared.

The characteristics of Damiana (viz., alterative effects on the alimentary canal, and the tonic effects upon the urino-genital organs) were decidedly manifested in his experience with this drug. It will be well at this juncture to call the attention of the profession to the remarkable and beneficial action of this new drug (Damiana) in the various unhealthy or irregular discharges of the genito-urinary organs in the female as well as the male. Several of my medical brethren have strongly testified in its favor in the treatment of sterility, where the uterus and its appendages seemed to suffer simply from inertia. I have found it an excellent remedy in cases of amenorrhoea, dysrnenorrhoea, and leucorrhoea.

Case II. — Mrs. B., aged twenty-eight, called April 6th, suffering from amenorrhoea. Had been married several years without issue ; as a consequence was unhappy and anxious. Complained of excessive leucorrhoea, though apparently she was robust and healthy. Cheeks rosy, still she complained of nervous irritability, and had a dreamy and absent kind of manner.

Hygienic Treatment. — Moderate mental and bodily work, cheerful society, to avoid heavy meals, to sleep on a hard mattress and alone during treatment.

Medically, ordered the use of Fluid extract of damiana, teaspoonful doses, in milk, three or four times a day ; to omit tea and coffee and other stimulants ; to drink freely of milk or buttermilk. After pursuing this treatment two months all her symptoms improved, became perfectly regular in her menses, became pregnant at fourth month, and was delivered at the end of the regular time of a healthy boy.

Case III. — Mr. D. II., aged twenty-four, called January 7th, suffering from

spermatorrhoea. He complained of loss of seminal fluid night and day, and particularly after he had passed his water or fasces. He attributed it solely to masturbation, and from his general appearance I judged he was correct. He, too, suffered from general weakness, nervous irritability, with a dreamy, absent kind of manner. Flatulence and constipation. Dulness of sight and perhaps of hearing, weakness of memory, attacks of palpitation, giddiness, headache, and neuralgia. He would keep his bed a week or two at a time, and frequently go days without eating or speaking a word to any one. This condition had existed for a year or more, when his father, fearful that the young man was about to lose his mind (judging from his eccentricities and from many odd and unusual ways)? called my attention to his case, when I obtained the above history.

Hygienic Treatment. — I placed him under the best hygienic influence, and required him to make daily calls at my office, when I used moral suasion and encouragement, endeavored to instil better ideas, more manly thoughts and actions, to imbue him with brighter hopes for the future ; also instructed his family to put themselves to greater efforts to make home attractive, cheerful, and pleasant to him. (Happy home influences surrounding youth is a matter worthy of our most earnest solicitude, attention, and study, and were it more generally inculcated throughout our land, how many young and gallant wrecks might be saved upon the ocean of every-day life !)

Medically, I relied upon our old and tried friend, the different preparations of Damiana, with entire success ; though in his case it required better than a year of skilful management to complete the restoration mentally and physically.

As to the combination with milk I may casually say that all the preparations containing gum and rosin solutions are more agreeably taken and more readily assimilated when held in suspension in milk. I also would note that I have found all the bromide salts to be more ready of use and to give better results when held in solution in milk.

Chronic Prostatic Discharge. — Case IV. — Mr. Iv., aged twenty-six, called on February 2d, suffering from chronic prostatitis and continued loss of prostatic fluid, dripping away from the head of his penis upon his underwear. The history of the case was that this trouble originated from a long-neglected gonorrhoea, and frequent exposures to cold and unhealthy locations. His symptoms were pain and tenderness about the perinseum, with a sense of heat and frequent efforts at passing water. He had pain on defecation ; feeling of pain about the perinseum and rectum ; experienced pain when passing the catheter.

Treatment. — Perfect rest in bed ; warm baths ; used Belladonna to perinseum ; bromide in solution of milk as injections per rectum ; simple nourishment without stimulus ; all this until the acute stage had passed. Then I placed him upon Damiana as an alterative and tonic, which treatment was maintained for several months, or indeed until all his unhappy symptoms had disappeared.

In conclusion, I will state that these are but a few of the typical cases of chronic urino-genital diseases that have come under my observation during the past year or more where I have given this new remedy, Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca), a full and fair trial, with results more satisfactory than any other course that I have tried or had knowledge of in an extended experience in these troubles, and

I would most cordially solicit my medical brethren to give it (the genuine article) fully and freely in such cases as are named above, and report their experience for the benefit of the profession at large. — Dr. Caldwell, in St. Louis “ Medical and Surgical J ournal.”

Damiana as a Nerve Tonic. — My views on Damiana as a sexual tonic are known to a very large number of the members of the medical profession. Further experience has strengthened the high appreciation I have expressed of its value in sexual debility, and given me, I think, some new ideas as to its physiological action and position as a remedial agent. It is pre-eminently a nerve tonic, impressing the brain and nerve-centres very much in the same manner that Strychnia does. While, however, void of poisonous properties, it excites nervecell nutrition, and enables the nerve-cell to assimilate its proper pabulum from the blood.

For the medulla oblongata and the medulla spinalis it has an especial affinity. The motor nerves seem more impressed by its influence than are those of sensation. Hence I inferred that it would prove valuable in paralysis. Opportunities oflering I tested the accuracy of this inference in two cases — one hemiplegic, the other paraplegic. In both Damiana proved of unquestionable efficacy ; the advantage was as unequivocal as I ever witnessed from the use of Strychnia and Ergot.

If my theory of its modus operandi — that it acted as an invigorator of the primordial nerve-cell — be correct, it is easy to understand its true place in the treatment of certain forms of paralysis, as well as other nerve lesions in which deficient cell nutrition plays an important part. Damiana, by its direct action as a nerve tonic, by removing the morbid condition or stimulating the cells in inactive conditions, supplies a great want in therapeutics.

If impotency has accrued in the male from inability to secure the necessary erection to convey the seminal fluid into the female, and to produce in her the very important yet not absolutely essential orgasm for impregnation, this remedy, in the absence of organic or structural change, will almost invariably overcome the difficulty. It accomplishes all, and even more effectually, the results obtained by combinations of Iron, Strychnia, Ergot, and Cantharides.

In several cases of nervous exhaustion I have found the organismal hypopliosphites to give rather negative results, on account of the nerve-cell being unable to imbibe its proper pabulum. In such cases I have used Damiana alone with evident benefit ; but the two agents together are almost magical in their effects.

I have recently used these two agents in combination with extract of malt, and the result has exceeded my fondest expectations in several cases of malnutrition and general cachexia. I have also noticed that the capacity for both physical and intellectual labor is increased by the use of this combination.

Recently I used Damiana in a case of obstinate constipation, and found the trouble entirely removed, and this after having used a multitude of remedies. Whether the result in this case was a mere coincidence, or will again occur, I shall determine by future trials. I believe Damiana can be advantageously used in all cases in which Strychnia is now employed.

The preparation I have used is the fluid extract, either prepared by myself by

cold repercolation, or by Dr. F. O. St. Clair. I abstain from beat in making it, as high temperature is as fatal to Damiana as it is to Wild-cherry. May not the use of heat in the manufacture explain the reason why so much of the fluid extracts found in the market are utterly worthless, and has brought so much reproach to be shared by the properly prepared and valuable article?

Damiana, like Ergot, isolated Phosphorus compounds, Podophyllin, and other valuable agents, has had its good name traduced, and at it has been hurled the usual remedy of the weak, ridicule ; but truth, as it always will, has triumphed, and this agent is no doubt destined to an officinal position in our Pharmacopoeia. — C. G. Polk, M.D., in “ Virginia Medical Monthly.”