LINUM CATHARTICUM. ORD. XXXII. Gruinales. 65 
other aperients, it occasionally produces a little griping ;* which may be ob- 
viated by the addition of a drop or two of some essential oil. We are told 
by Dr. A. T. Thomson, that “it possesses no particular advantages, and only 
swells unnecessarily the list of purgatives ;” but we cannot agree with him 
in this opinion, feeling that a preference should bé given to our indigenous 
plants, rather than to those of foreign growth. 
Off. The Herb. 
* We are told that Mr. Houlton has prepared an extract, which operates somewhat 
violently*in doses of ten grains, 
ORD. XXXIV. CALYCANTHEM. 
LYTHRUM SALICARIA. LOOSE-STRIFE, OR PURPLE 
WILLOW HERB. 
SYNONYMA.  Lysimachia altera. Matth. Valgr.v.ii. 299. f.; Camer. 
Epit. 687. f. Lysimachia spicata purpurea. Bauh. Pin. 246. Salicaria. 
Hall. Hist. v.i. 378. Lythrum salicaria. Linn. Sp. Pl. 640. Willd. v. 11. 
865; Curt. Lond. fasc. iii. t. 28; Hook. Scot. 147. Fl. Brit.510; Eng. Bot. 
v. xv. t.1061; Hook. Br. Fl. 217. 
Class XI. Dodecandria. Order I. Monogynia. ; 
Nat. Ord. Calycantheme, Linn. Salicarie, Juss. 
Gen. Char. Calyx twelve-toothed, inferior; petals six, inserted into the 
calyx ; capsule two-celled, with many seeds. 
Spec. Char. Leaves opposite, lanceolote, heart-shaped at the base ; flowers 
in whorled leafy spikes ; stamens twelve. 
Vou. Vo: K 
