QUERCUS ROBUR. ORD. II. Amentacee. 25 
decoction of it has likewise been advantageously employed as a 
gargle, and as a fomentation or lotion in procidentia recti et uteri. 
Dr. Cullen tells us, that he has frequently employed the decoction 
with success in slight tumefactions of the mucous membrane of the 
fauces; and in many prolapsus uvulz, and cynanche tonsillaris, to 
which some people are liable upon the least exposure to cold: and 
in many cases this decoction, early applied, has appeared useful 
in preventing these disorders. It must be remarked however, that 
the Dr. almost constantly added a portion of alum to these decoc- 
tions.* 
Some have supposed that this bark is not less efficacious than that 
of the Cinchona, especially in the form of extract; but this opinion 
now obtains little credit, though there be no doubt that Oak bark 
may have the power of curing intermittents.’ 
Galls, which in the warm climate of the East are found upon the 
leaves of this tree, are occasioned by a small insect, with four wings, 
called Cynips querci folii, which deposits an egg in the substance of 
the leaf, by making a small perforation through the under surface. 
The ball presently begins to grow, and the egg in the centre of it 
changes to a worm; this worm again changes to a nymph, and the, 
nymph to the flying insect above mentioned,* which by eating its 
passage out leaves a round hole: and those galls which have no holes, — 
are found to have the dead msect remaining in them. 
* Dr. Cullen tried also a solution of the alum alone, ‘‘ but it did not prove so 
effectual.” See Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 45. 
4 ¢¢ T have employed the Oak bark in powder, giving it to the quantity of half 
a dram every two or three hours during the intermissions of a fever; and, both by 
itself, and joined with camomile flowers, have prevented the return of the 
paroxysms of intermittents.” Cullen, 4. ¢. 
* Many other excrescences are produced on this tree, and the insects which 
inhabit it are very numerous. For an enumeration of these, see Withering, é. ¢. 
The Oak in some parts of the East distils a speciee of manwa, so that the words 
of Virgil seem literally verified: — 
66 Et dure quercus sudabunt roscida mella.” Ecl. iz.-30. 
: G 
No.3, 
