S34 . © ORD. XIX. Verticillaice. 
to be clearly ascertained," and the character it formerly obtained 
is so far depreciated, that it is now rarely prescribed by physicians. 
A dram of the dry leaves in powder, or two or three ounces of the 
expressed juice, or an infusion of half a handful of the fresh leaves 
have been directed for a dose. This last mode is usually practised 
by the common people, with whom it is still a favourite remedy in 
coughs and asthmas.' 
* Bergius says, Virtus: tonics, emmenagoga, diuretica. Usus: Cachexia, ob. 
mensium, Hysteria, Asthma iat <x * 
i «¢ Tt has had the repntation of a ‘pectoral : but in many trials, its virtues in that 
way have not been observed; and in several cases it has been judged hurtful. For 
its use in Asthma and Phthisis, and for its power in resolving indurations of the 
liver, I consider the authorities of Forrestus, Zacutus Lusitanus, and Chomel, to 
be very insufficient; and the events they have ascribed to it seem to be very impro- 
bable.” Cullen Mat. Med. vol. ii. p- 155. 
MELISSA OFFICINALIS. os COMMON BALM. 
SYNONY MA. Meli lissa. Pharm. Lond. & Edinb. Gerard. Emac. 
p.689. Raii Hist. p. 570. Melissa hortensis., Bauh. Pin. p. 229. 
4ourn. Inst.193. Melissa vulgaris. Park. T heat. p.40. Melissa 
vulgaris odore-Citri. J. Bauh. Hist. iii.p.232. Melissa petiolis 
unifloris, folio brevic ribus, sols Sees serratis.. Hall. Stirp. 
Helv. n. 242.) ie es: 
« Melissa romana, floribus verticillatis sexatibits, foliis hirsutis. 
Roman Balm. Mill. Dict. 
Class Didynamia. Ord.Gymnospermia. Lin. Gen. Plant. 728. 
Ess: Gen. Ch. Cal. aridus, supra planiusculus: lab. superiore sub- 
fastigiato. Corolle lab. super. subfornicatum, 2-fidum; lab. 
inf. lobo medio cordato, 
ae Ch. M. racemis axillaribus verticillatis: pedicellis simplicibus. 
