376 FLORA HISTOmCA. 



medicine, which is so uncertain in its effects. Mr. 

 Waller is of opinion that much of this variety and 

 uncertainty depends upon the season in which the 

 roots are dug up ; and he recommends the latter 

 end of April or the beginning of May as the most 

 desirable time. 



By late experiments made on this plant, a pecu- 

 liar, and hitherto unknown, alkali has been dis- 

 covered, and in this its principal virtues is thought 

 to reside, and this, we presume, acts upon the gout 

 acid, if we may be allowed to give the disease that 

 appellation, for modern experiments seem to de- 

 monstrate that the cause of gout in the system is a 

 peculiar acid. 



It now appears that the medicinal virtues of the 

 Colchicum are not confined to the gout and the 

 rheumatic affections of the joints only, as Mr. 

 Haden has lately published a treatise on the pro- 

 perties of this root as a remedy against the most 

 decidedly inflammatory cases, such as pleurisy, 

 pneumonia, and other equally well-ascertained cases 

 of increased action. This medical author considers 

 the effect of the Colchicum to be the same as that 

 which results from the employment of the lancet, 

 or any other of the mxcans commonly adopted for 

 lessening' increased action. 



o 



Mr. Haden generally recommends the root pow- 

 dered, whilst Mr. Waller thinks the tincture to be 



