CHELIDONIUM MAJUS. 
By the ancients, it enjoyed a very high reputation, and was 
thought to be particularly efficacious in the removal of obstruc- 
tions of the liver, in promoting expectoration, and in the cure 
of chronic cutaneous affections. Miller (Compend. Herb.), says, 
it is operative and cleansing, opening obstructions of the liver 
and spleen, and of great use in curing the jaundice and scurvy. 
Outwardly it is used for sore eyes, to dry up rheum, and to take 
away specks and films, and also against tetters and ringworms, 
and scurfy breakings out. It may not be as effectual in the 
treatment of these various affections as is stated, but is cer- 
tainly possessed of much activity, and has been unduly neg- 
lected. ‘‘ There is no doubt,” says Withering, ‘“ but a medicine 
of such activity will one day be converted to more important 
purposes.” 
According to the observations of numerous German prac- 
titioners, its beneficial results in scrofula are unequivocal. 
Wendt and Kuntzmann have given cases where it proved com- 
pletely successful in this disease (Jour. Hufland, 1813). As a 
drastic and hydragogue purgative it appears fully eqnal to gam- 
boge, and might replace it in all cases in which the foreign 
article is used. It has also been recommended as an external 
application to the feet in those oedematous swellings succeeding 
fevers. Recamier is of opinion that it has a peculiar elective 
action on the spleen, and hence, is very effectual in removing 
engurgements of that viscus, 
Externally the juice has long been known as a caustic for 
the removal of warts and corns, which it destroys by stimulating 
them beyond their vital powers. The juice is also said to be 
very efficacious in stimulating and healing old and indolent — 
ulcers, speedily removing fungous flesh, and giving a healthy 
action to the torpid and indolent granulations. Hildanus, 
Ethnuller, Geoffroy, and others, attest the powers of the juice, 
when diluted with some bland liquid in specks and opacities of 
the cornea. A cataplasm of the bruised leaves has also been 
successfully used in herpes and obstinate psora. The dose of 
the dried root or herb, is from thirty grains to a drachm, that 
of the fresh root one or two drachms, and the same quantity 
may be given in infusion. The watery extract, and the ex- 
_ pressed juice, have also been employed. ‘The dose of the for- 
- Iner is Loot vd to ten L seemed of Ss — ae = 
