BOTANIC MATERIA MEDICA. 77 
cap is in too comminuted a form for identifica- 
tion ; usually itis foundin small or large packages, 
put up by herb dealers. The dried tops are the 
officinal part of the plant. There is but a mea- 
gre account of its proximate principles, and 
nothing decided save that it contains a bitter 
principle wherein lie its virtues. There is no 
officinal preparation except the fluid extract, 
which is given in doses of one to two fluid 
drachms (4 to 8 grams). It is said to be tonic, 
nervine and antispasmodic. 
Selinum Palustra, Marsh Parsley.—Natural 
order Umbelliferaze Orthosperme. This is a pe- 
rennial plant, native of Europe, found growing 
in swampy localities; the leaves erect, cleft, 
linear and lanceolate, attaining the height of 30 
inches (75 centimeters), with compound umbels 
of white flowers. The root is 4 to 8 inches (10 
to 20 centimeters) long, with deep longitudinal 
wrinkles of a gray brown color, the interior of 
which is spongy, having many lactiferous ves- 
sels and an extensive medulla (pith). The juice 
is said to be caustic; it contains, according to 
Peschier, a volatile and a fixed oil, also a gum 
and a yellow coloring matter, with some sac- 
charine matter. The Russian physicians be- 
lieve it to be a valuable remedy in epilepsy and 
other nervous disorders; the dose is said to be 
15 to 30 grains (1 to2 grams). Not officinal, 
and little prescribed in this country. 
Senecio Vulgaris, Common Grounsel.— Nat- 
ural order Composite, genus Senecio; also 
known as the Squaw-weed and Golden Ragwort 
Fireweed, etc. This early spring perennial is 
a native of Europe but naturalized in all parts 
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