56 ORD. III. Composite. == ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM, 
gout,’ calculi,“ scurvy,’ dropsy," worms, &c. Lindestolphe ™ has 
asserted, that by a continued use of this herb, great: injury is done 
to the nervous system, from its narcotic and debilitating effects, 
which he experienced upon himself; observing also, that he could 
never taste the extract or essence of wormwood without being 
immediately affected with head-ach and inflammation of the eyés: 
and it is noticed both by him and his commentator, Stenzelius, 
that Absinthium produced similar effects upon many others: These 
narcotic effects of Wormwood have however been attributed to a 
peculiar idiosyncrasy, as numerous instances have occurred: ‘in - 
which this plant produced a contrary, effect, though taken daily 
for the space of six months. Dr. Cullen, speaking on this subject, 
says, “ | have not had an opportunity of making proper: experi- 
ments; but to me, with Bergius and Gleditsch, the odour of 
Wormwood seems temulentans, that is, giving some confusion of 
head: and formerly, when it was a fashion with some people in 
this country to drink Purl, that is, ale, in which wormwood is 
infused, it was commonly alleged to_be-—more intoxicating than’ 
other ales. This effect is improperly supposed to be owing to. its 
volatile parts: but Iam more ready to admit the general dootring 
of a narcotic power; and I believe, from several considerations, 
particularly from.the history: of the Portland powder, that there is 
in every bitter, when largely employed, a ee = destroying 
the sensibility and irritability of the nervous power.” 
Externally Wormwood is used in discutient and antiseptic fomen- 
tations. This plant may be taken in powder, but it is more com- 
monly preferred in infusion. The Edinburgh pharmacopeeia directs 
a tincture of the flowers, which is, in the opinion of Dr. Cullen, a 
light and agreeable bitter, and at the same time a strong mapregnan 
tion of the Wormwood. 
' Haller, 2. c. Bomare, Dict. * Linneus, Am. Acad. T. 3. p. 160. 
* Eugal. De Scorb. p. 83.  ™ Fehr, Hiera. picra, vel de Absinth. analecta. p, 
it7. Heister in Hall. Disput. anat. vol. 6. p. 713. Misc. Nat. Cur. Dec. 1, 
Ann, 3. Obs. 322, ._” De venenis, p. 547. ° Mat med. vol. 2. p. 81. 
