286 A COMPENDIUM OF 
arisen from eating the grain that was badly ef- 
fected by this fungus growth. Origin of the 
name obscure; said to be from the Latin secare, 
to cut, or Celtic sega, a sickle, from the sup- 
posed resemblance of the grain to the curvature 
of the sickle. 
Sassafras Medulla, Sassafras Pith. Ob- 
tained from the central portions of the well- 
formed branches of the. Sassafras Officinale. — 
Natural order Lauraceze. This very light, 
Spongy substance is found in white, cylindrical 
or curled pieces, turning slightly yellow by age; 
rarely more than a few inches long, having a 
mucilaginous taste, with a slight flavor of the 
Sassafras. Forms with water a limpid muci- 
lage, which is not affected by alcohol. The 
. Mucilage is officinal, and is generally used as a 
soothing application in combination with other 
remedies. It has also been used in form of 
mucilage in inflammatory conditions of the 
bowels and kidneys, Dose, ad iibitum. One 
or two drachms of the pith to the pint of boiling 
water furnishes an excellent mucilage. The 
medical effects are purely protective and de- 
mulcent. One drachm of the pith to a pint of 
boiling water makes the mucilage of sufficient 
consistence to apply to the eye. When the 
quantity of pith is doubled it is used for internal 
administration. 
Lycopodium Clavatum, Club Moss.—Natu- 
Tal order Lycopodiaceae. Native of northern and 
central Europe, also found in the North Ameri- 
can woods. This plant has creeping stems sev- 
eral feet long, adorned with long leaves termi- 
nating in hair-like processes; flowers in pairs, 
