PREFACE. When the undersigned, in 1880, promised his venerable friend, Prof. King, to revise the pharmaceutical and chemical sections of the American Dispensatory if it became necessary, he did not underrate the magnitude of the undertaking, and when the publishers finally decided to issue the new edition he approached the task with apprehension. It soon became evident that the work was even greater than he had anticipated, and that the pharmacy and chemistry of the book could not be revised, but must be rewritten. In consequence, in addition to his own labors, almost the entire time of Dr. Sigmund Waldbott, Librarian of the Lloyd Library, has &r a long period been devoted to bibliographical r^arch. Had it not been for the care and patience of this gentleman and the books of reference at his command, the efforts of the undersigned would have been sadly ineffectual especially in the matter of foreign chemical and historical data. The writer can not forbear adding that monetary considerations could not have induced him to undertake this enterprise, and that no material return whatever accrues to him from this publication. The exacting researches necessary have been undertaken on his |Murt altogether as a work of love, his uttermost desire being to fulfil his promise and to credit the memory of Prof. King. If these objects have been attained, and the pharmaceutical and medical professiona are also benefited by his efforts, he will be amply repaid. J.U.L. In addition to the entire medical section of this work, the undersigned has undertaken the portion embracing botany, botanical history, and botanical description. Most of the material pertaining to the older Eclectic practice, found in former editions of this work, has I Jen properly credited and reteined. Many of the personal stetements, and all of the uses, ascribed to special formulae of the late author, Prof. John King, M. D., have been retained intact; in a few cases, where personality demanded, his initial (K.), or the fall name (John King), have been appended. The aim, however, has been to modernize the therapy of the book, and with this object special pains have been taken, whenever possible, to give fully and clearly the specific indications and uses of each remedy. A dispensatory must of neceAsity be largely a compilation. The uses of a remedy that is not approved by the compiler, but which is indorsed by many physicians, may consequently demand recognition which might properly be excluded from a work on materia medica intended to voice only the author^s experience. The aim has been to avoid commending excessive doses, though, in order to conform to the views of some authorities, large doses of some remedies (iii)