BOTANIC MATERIA MEDICA, 197 
adorned with doubly pinnatifid leaves, which 
are somewhat pubescent. The leaflets are small, 
lanceolate in shape, and acutely pointed; flowers 
solitary; disk yellow, with white lingulate rays 
and, like all plants in this order, the flowers 
turn their rays to the sun. This plant is said 
to be anative of Europe, but is found abundantly 
in this country; odor not agreeable, but some- 
what aromatic; taste bitter and acrid. The 
Mayweed contains the salts of lime and potas- 
sium oxalic, valerianic and tannic acids, also a 
volatile oil, Asa remedy, it has been used as 
a tonic, antispasmodic and stimulant. When 
given it is in form of an infusion, the dose of 
which is } to 1 fluid ounce. Rarely used even 
asa domestic remedy. Theentire plant is active, 
but the flowers are most generally selected as 
being less disagreeable in taste. It is also 
known as the Maruta Cotula by some botanists. 
Cetraria Islandica, Iceland Moss.—Natural 
order Lichenes, and found in the northern parts 
of Europe. The thallus is 2 to 4 inches high, 
with many leaf-like segments, which are deeply 
cut; these are dry and leathery in character; 
the reproductive organs are situated on the 
thallus and are very small, and resemble the 
spores found upon the ferns. When found in 
the stores Iceland Moss is of a brown color 
above, inclining to a lighter shade of color be- 
neath; usually very dry and brittle, with little 
or no odor, but a decided bitter, mucilaginous 
taste. -The moss readily softens in water, yield- 
ing with boiling water a decoction, which oncool- 
ing depositsajelly-like substance, whichis termed 
Lichenin, 'The moss also contains cetraric acid 
