62-3 
pinella yields the well known Anise (P. Anisum), an aromatic stimulant and car- 
minative, as well as P. dissecta, Retz., and P. magna, Linn., which have properties 
similar to those of P. Saxifraga, mentioned-above. The genus /erula, which 
includes Varthex, yields the following substances, beside Sumbul and Asafcetida 
mentioned above: African Gum Ammoniacum from F tangitana, Linn.; Persian 
Galbanum is produced by /. Galbaniflua, and F. rubricaulis, Boiss.; it saction is 
considered to be intermediate between asafcetida and ammoniacum. Asafcetida is 
also produced by F: Scorodosma, Bentl., and F. alliacea, Bois. (-. Asafetida, Linn., 
cannot be decided upon. It was founded upon Kempfer’s descriptions and frag- 
mentary specimens, neither of which are conclusive—Bentley). The European 
genus, Feucedanum, contains, beside Athamantha, the following medicinal species : 
Sulphur-wort (P. officinale, Linn.), reputed diuretic and antispasmodic; Marsh 
Parsley (P. palustre, Mcen.), a famous Courland remedy for epilepsy; and Dill 
(P. graveolens, Hiern.), a stimulant and carminative. The European and Asiatic 
Coriander (Cortandrum sativum, Linn.), is an aromatic stimulant and carminative ; 
the Levantine Cumin (Cuminum Cyminum, Linn.), a stimulant, carminative, and 
discutient. The European genus, Daucus, yields the common Carrot(2). Carrota, 
Linn.), whose seeds are diuretic, and root a well known esculent; while the Sici- 
lian D. gummifer, Lam., and Corsican D. Gingidum, Linn., are supposed to yield 
the Bdellium of the old Pharmacopeeias.* Opoponax is a fetid deobstruent, and 
antispasmodic gum-resin, produced by the juice of Pastinaca Opoponax, Linn. 
The Alpine Lovage (Ligusticum levisticum, Linn.), is carminative, stimulant, diuretic, 
and emmenagogue. The root of the European Astrantia major, Linn., is acrid 
and purgative. The European Eringo (Eryngium campestre, Linn.), is considered 
by Boerhaave, the first of aperient, diuretic roots. It has been also recommended 
in gonorrhcea, hepatic and intestinal obstructions, and suppression of the menses, 
and considered aphrodisiac; its scope is considered larger than that of the Sea 
Holly mentioned above. The Italian Bracala (Ange/ica nemorosa, Ten.), furnishes 
the Neapolitans with a remedy for the itch. Samphire, a saline aromatic, is the 
product of Grithum maritimum, Linn, Alexanders are the aromatic fruits of the 
European Smyrnium Olusatrum, Linn., formerly used instead of celery. 
Asa Dulcis—in contradistinction to Asa Fetida—which enjoyed the highest 
reputation among the ancients, as an antispasmodic, emetic, deobstruent, and 
diuretic,t is yielded by Thapsia garganica, Linn., or the nearly allied T. sylphium ; 
the resin of the root is said to be fully as active and thorough a vesicant as croton 
oil; it deserves a careful proving. Numerous other species have held a place in 
medicine, and deserve mention, but the above list covers their action, 
Beside the edible species already mentioned, carrots, parsnips, celery, and 
chervil, many other plants of this order are eaten. Prangos fabularia, Lindl., is 
suggested by Royle to be the SvAgwyr of the Greeks, mentioned by Alexander S 
* India Bdellium is referred to Balsamodendron mukul, and African Bdellium to 2. Africanum, Arn. Soegexicpanen 
+ This was the Laser cyrenaicum of Cyrene, a drug in high reputation among the ancients for medical ns 
it had miraculous powers assigned to it, such as neutralizing the effects of poison, curing envenomed wounds, restoring 
sight to the blind, and youth to the aged. So great was its reputation that the princes of Cyrene caused it to be — on 
> . . e —_ 
the reverse of their coins; and the Cyrenian doctors were reckoned among the most eminent in the world, Its value was 
estimated by its weight in gold.—Lindley. 
