~~ BOTANIC. PHYSICIAN _ 
COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF 
Each of the kingdoms of Nature furnishes articles which are eni- 
ployed in medicine, either in their natural state or after they have 
S rt of pharmacy. 
: collec ‘ntion must be paid to select such as a 
sound and perfect, to separate from them whatever is injured 
ecayed, and to free them from all foreign matters adhering to 
| ¢ taken which are best fitted for preser- 
ving them. They must in general be defended from the effects of 
moisture, too great heat, or cold, and confined air. 
When their activity depends on their volatile principles, they 
must be preserved from the contact of the air as much as possible. — - 
~ As the eae! kingdom presents us with the greatest number 
of simples, and the substances belonging to it are the least constant 
in their properties, and most subject to decay, it becomes necessary 
_ to give a few general rules for their collection and preservation. 
__._ Vegetable medicines should be collected in the countries where 
. are indigenous; and those which grow in dry soils, and 
ons, fully exposed to the air and sun, are in general to 
d to those which grow in moist, low, shady, or confine 
oe StS eS 
74 
Se 
Roots which are annual, should be collected before they shoot 
t their stalks or flowers ; biennial roots, in the haryest of the first, 
pring of the second year ; perrennial, either in the spring before 
has begun to mount, or in harvest, after it has returned. __ 
e which are worm eaten or decayed are to be rejected. The 
‘are immediately to be cleansed with a brush and cold water, 
them lie in it as short-a time as possible ; and the fibres and 
roots, when not essential are to be cut away. 
Roots which consist principally of fibres and have but a small top, 
may be immediately dried. If they be juicy, and not aromatic, this 
may be done by a heat not exceeding 100° of Fahrenheit ; but if 
aromatic, by simply exposing them, and frequently turning them in 
a current of cold dry air: if very thick and strong, they are to be 
split or cut into slices, and strung upon threads ; if covered with a 
tough bark, they may be pealed fresh and then dried. Such as lose 
their virtues by drying, or are directed to be preserved in a fresh 
state, are to be kept buried in dry sand. 
_No-very general rule can be given for the collection of herbs and = 
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