SCROPHULARIA NoposA. ORD. XX. Personatex. ; 43 
stem rises from two to three feet in height, is erect, simple, quadrangular, 
smooth and leafy ; the leaves are placed opposite on the stem, supported on 
short petioles, heart-shaped, acutely pointe:, unequally serrated, smooth and 
veined; the flowers are produced in terminal panicles; the calyw is a peri- 
anth of ‘one leaf, divided into five rounded segments; the corolla is mono- 
petalous, of a dull green colour, its limb cleft into five obtuse segments, the 
two uppermost of which are the largest, and of a livid purplish colour ; the 
stamens are four, two long and two short ; the germen is somewhat conical ; 
style tapering, crowned by a bluntish stigma ; capsule conical, pointed, two- 
celled, and containing many small seeds. Figure (a) represents the corolla, 
spread open, (8) the pistillum, (c) the calyx, (d) the capsule, (e) a seed. : 
Sensible Qualities, &c. The leaves of figwort have a rank, fetid smell, 
somewhat like elder leaves, and a disagreeable bitter taste, both of which 
they partly lose by drying. The root has a very nauseous odour, and a 
sweetish, but somewhat acrid taste. The root and leaves yield their quati- 
ties to water and proof spirit; the watery infusion is of a pale yellowish co- 
lour, and precipitates sulphate of iron brown. We have not learned that. 
this plant has been chemically analysed. 
Medical Properties and Uses. Figwort is considered diuretic and sedative, 
but it is seldom employed in practice ; although, from its good effects in 
scrophula, it is supposed to have derived its generic name. It has also been 
used with good effect as a topical application* (in the form of fomentation) to 
piles, ulcers and cutaneous eruptions,t and to promote suppuration in malig- 
nant tumours.{ There is no officinal preparation of this plant, and never 
having prescribed it, we can say nothing of the doses in which it should be 
taken; but, from its reputed good effects in scrophula, &c. we should deem it 
worthy of further trials. 
_ Off. The herb. . 
" * We are told by Gerarde that “ divers do rashly teach, that if it be hanged about 
the necke, or else carried about by one, it keepeth a man in health.’ 
_ + Swine that have-the scab are cured by washing them with a decoction of the leaves. 
_ { Among the uninformed people in some parts of the country it is held in great es-. 
timation, both as an internal remedy, and externally applied, as a fomentation, to ulcers: 
bruises, &c. 
G2 
