224 



are longer than the calyx, tapering, fpreading towards the top, and 



fnrnlihed with compreffed oblong anthers : the germen is oval : the 



flyles two, flender, longer than the filaments, and their ftigmata 

 curled outwards: the capfule is cylindrical, and contains many fmall 

 roundifh feeds. 



This fragrant plant is known to grow wild in feveral parts of 



Ene-land on old walls and in the crevices of rocks ;t but the flowei 



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which are pharmaceutically employed, are ufually produced in 

 gardens, where they become extremely luxuriant, and by the arts 

 of culture thofe beautiful varieties raifed which are fo highly efteemed 

 under the name of Carnations. The flowers of the Clove Pink, or 

 as it is more commonly called, Clove July Flower, have a pleafant 

 aromatic fmell, fomewhat allied to that of clove fpice : their tafte is 

 bitterifli and fubaftringent. " Redified fpirit, digefted on the flowers, 



>■ 



receives a much paler tindlure than watery liquors, but extrads the 

 whole of their adive matter. In diftillation or evaporation, fpiiit 

 elevates much lefs than water ; the fpirituous extrad; retaining a con- 

 fiderable fhare of the fine fmell of the flowers as well as their tafte : 

 its colour is purplifb like that of the watery extrad." * 



Form.erly thefe flowers were fuppofed to have confiderable effed 

 upon the nervous fyftem, and were therefore recommended in head- 



achs, faintings, palpitations of the heart, convulfions, tremors, &c. 



and S, Paulli fays, that he "found them of great ufe even in malig- 

 nant fevers.^ At prefent, however, they are valued merely for their 

 fenfible qualities, and the fyrupus caryophylli rubri, Vs^hich is the 

 only oflicinal preparation of thefe flowers, is to be confidered in this 

 light : its pleafant flavour and fine colour rendering it an ufeful vehicle 

 - for other medicines. 



■ . v' ^ 



t At Rochefter, Deal, Sandown, and other caftles, plentifully. See Ray and Hu^M 



4 



y 



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VIOLA ODORATA 



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