BOTANIC MATERIA MEDICA, 39 
pal medicinal value lies in its demulcent prop- 
erties, and the only officinal preparation is the 
syrup. It forms an ingredient of the much es- 
teemed confection, and is also used as an ex- 
cipient for pills, etc. The dose of the root in 
form of powder or infusion is 30 to 60 grains (2 
to 8 grams), but it is not often prescribed in 
this form. 
Anacyclus Pyrethrum, Pellitory.—Natural 
order Composite, This plant is a native of 
North Africa, and introduced in Southern 
Europe along the Mediterranean coast. The 
plant is an annual while the root is perennial; 
it attains a height of two or three feet, more or 
less, and in general appearance it not only re- 
sembles the anthemis and blue boneset, but 
many other plants of the Composite order. 
The leaves are spreading, doubly pinnate; 
branches, one headed with many flowers; 
flowerets of the ray white and purple; disk 
yellow tubular; 5 toothed, with an aromatic 
odor. The root is 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centi- 
meters) long, fusiform in shape, of a brown 
color externally and brown and white internally, 
with many medullary rays coming from the 
centre. Most of its parenchymatous cells are 
laden with inulin. The root is the part used in 
medicine, and contains an acid, resin like body, 
tannin and two oils. Both are soluble in potassa. 
Its medical properties are rubefacient and 
sialagogue. 
The tincture is the only officinal preparation, 
and this only by the British Pharmacopeceia. 
The Anacyclus Germanicum—origin, the 
ANACYCLUS OFFICINARUM—is cultivated in Ger- 
