The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-17
THE UNISON WEED.
First Brought to Jamestown, 1t Has
Spread Throughout the Land.


Richmond CVa.) Times-Democrat.
Once upon a time the name of jamestown
must have been very sharply shortened.
Within the memory of many people now
living James was pronounced "Jeems;" in
fact, we believe that that was the accepted
pronunciation of Virginia forefethers.
But Jim" must have been the diminutive
of "Jeems" well as of James; at least
we judge so, because what is popularity
known as the Unison weed really is the
jamestown weed.
Nor is there any reason to suppose that
this contraction was made jeeringly or
sneeringly More probably ii grew into use
Jess So" and find intelligent Ameri-
cans to whom ii has never occurred that
there Is any connection whatever between
jamestown and Jimson. All the same. the
authorities say that 'Jimson" is short"
for the name of the place where the Eng
lish made their first permanent settlement
in what is the United States, and
where the Old Dominions capital was sit
uated.
The Jimson weed, however, is not ma
tive plant, but probably came to us from
South America or Asia. 1t is question
how II got to jamestown, but we believe
1t is conceded that it is not indigenous to
Virginia. If ii was deliberately and de-
signedly imported il must have been be-
cause of it's medicinal value; certainly not
for its odor, which is vile-certainly not for
its flowers and leaves, because they do not
compare in beauty with those of scores of
native plants. And while this weed is now
recognized as having some medicinal value,
IL may not have had that reputation
then" with Europeans. The Chinese, how
ever, use it to some extent incidentally,
and may have done so from time imme-
mortal, that country being given little to the
acceptance of new ideas or new remedies.
There is a plausible theory that the seeds
of the Unison weed may have been brought
to jamestown in earth that was shipped as
ballast and dumped ashore there. If so,
and the seed thus cast ashore found rest
ing place in a stable lot, We may well con-
ceive that in due season they SprOuted and
grew, and that in time the winds waited
them to other localities. 1t is fairly mag
Unable also that what occurred at James
town may have occurred at other colonial
ports. At any rate the authorities are of
opinion that the weed came here from a
tropical land ard found congenial soil in
stable lots and other rich spots of ground,
and fourished nightly until now. when 1t
is to be seen and smeled In most States Of
the Union.
Botanically it is known as 'Datura Stra-
monium" (thorn apple), and two varieties
are described by scientific writers. All
! parts OF the plant are said TO possess med
| icinal value. the seeds and the leaves par
! ticularly. Its presence in the United States.
so far informed, is said to have
| been observed first at jamestown. In India
the juices OF the plant are used . on occ ca
rather pretty flower heads as medicine.
| They are said to contain hyoscure free from
| other alkalOidS.
Baron Storck, of Vienna, of whom we
! know no more than this. is credited with
| having introduced the plant to the notice
of the medical profession in Europe. II is
/ now regarded by some practitioners as val
/ liable in cases of neuralgia, and rheuma-
| tlsm also in mania and epilepsy.
There is hardly any limit to the ingenuity
/ of the pharmacists of this generation. and
| il is possible they may be able 10 deodoriZe
! Jimson weed tinctures and extracts and
/ make them palatable to patients. but if SO
we must consider that they have reached
| the acme of professional skill. This NAL
| odorOus plant Is. to all intents and pur-
| poses, a weed, but is not 1.-THE weed OF Vir-
| ginia." though both are exotics and both
i are associated with the early history OF
| jamestown. One is fragrant; the other
| isn't. The former, however, is not self
| perpetuating in Virginia. 1t must be cult
| waited and renewed from year TO year. while
| the latter thrives not by the aid of the
| planter. but in spite Of him. while its pres
] ence indicates that there is fat land there