DROSERA ROTUNDIFOLIA. 257 
sixteenth century, that the permanent moisture of the Sundew 
would be an excellent remedy to restore vital moisture in per- 
sons labouring under consumption. Gerarde, however, states 
that those who took this distilled water died sooner than those 
who were treated by other means. “ The later phisitians have 
thought this herbe to be a rare and singular remedie for all 
those that be in a consumption of the lungs, and especially the 
distilled water thereof; for, as the best doth keep and hold fast 
the moisture and the dew, and so fast that the extreme dry heat 
of the sun cannot consume and waste away the same; so, like- 
wise, men thought that heerwith the naturall and lively heate 
in mens bodies is preserved and cherished. But the use 
thereof doth otherwise teach, and reason sheweth the contrarie ; 
for, seeing it is an extreme biting herbe, and that the distilled 
water is not altogether without this biting qualitie, it cannot 
be taken with safetie: for it hath also been observed that they 
have sooner perished that used the distilled water hereof, than 
those that abstained from it and have followed the right and 
ordinary course of diet.” 
Quincy (Engl. Disp., p. 71, 1742) states that tthe secretion 
from the Sundew is reported to cure the toothache if held in 
the mouth; to cure madness if hung about the neck; tied about 
the wrist to cure ague; and to promote delivery, if rubbed on 
the abdomen. The Droseras constituted the sole ingredient of 
the famous Aqua rosala, or Spirit of Sundew, and which was 
formerly extolled as a specific in plague and convulsions. ‘The 
juice, mixed with milk, is used in Italy as a cosmetic. Asa 
medicine it has been used in plica polonica (Bonfiglio). In 
megrim and ophthalmia (Boerhaave). In different kinds of 
coughs, arising from bronchial attacks, phthisis, and other dis- 
eases of the lungs (Forest, Schenck, Holland, Valentin, Chomel). 
In chronic asthma and palpitation of the heart (Osiander, 
Volk. Arz., 1838). 
Descriprion.—Drosera rotundifolia is a perennial plant, 
flowering in July and August. The root is fibrous. Stem 
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