ANETHUM FOQINICULUM. ORD. VI. Umbellate. 129 
extracted, along with the aromatic matter of the fennel, by digestion 
in rectified spirit, but separates and rises to the surface upon in- 
spissating the filtered tincture. The spirit, gently distilled off, has 
very little of the flavour of the seeds; the oily matter retains a part 
both of their taste and smell; but much the greatest part remains 
concentrated i in the extract.” 
“The Feeniculum of the Latins is supposed to be the MagaSgu of the: 
Greeks, by whom it was highly esteemed for promoting the secre- 
tion of milk,‘ an opinion which the experience of some modern 
authors has tended to confirm.“ The seeds are also. supposed’to be 
stomachic and ¢arminative, but these, and indéed all the other 
effects ascribed to Fennel, as a upon their stimulant and 
aromatic qualities, must be f dill, anise, 
and caraway, though termed one of the four greater hot séeds. 
The root, which Alston says may be called alimentum medica- 
méftosum, which was by Boérhaavé thought to possess ‘all the 
virtue of Ginseng, and which ranks as one of the five aperient roots, 
is now wholly disregarded. To the taste it is sweet, with very little 
aromatic warmth, and said to be pectoral and diuretic. 
By the London Pharmacopeeia a simple distilled water is directed 
to be prepared from the seeds of Fennel, which also enter some 
other officinal compositions. 
» Lewis, Me M. p- 303. 
¢ Iippoc. De Morb. Mul. Lib: 1. Seét. 5. p. 608. Fees. _Dioscorids M. M. 
Lib. 3. c. 81. pis 205. Sarac. 
a Bergius, Novo. 4a. Ups. tol. t.p 104... * Leét. on the M. M. vol. 7. Pp. 335. 
(oa) 
a 
N6.. 11. 
