spantium scorarium. ORD. XXIV. Papilionacee. Ais 
Sydenham,’ whose account of their good effects has been since 
confirmed by the testimony of Dr. Monro,* and other writers.‘ 
We may observe however that the efficacy of this medicine must 
depend entirely upon the alkaline salt, and not in the least upon 
the vegetable from which it is obtained. The seeds and flowers of 
Broom are said to be emetic and cathartic; but the evidence upon 
which this assertion rests is not wholly to be relied upon, as the 
former when roasted have been used as a substitute for coffee, 
and the latter employed.as a pickle.* 
* Opera, p. 497. 
* He gave a dram divided into three doses every day. On Dropsy, p. 64. 
* See Odhelius in Vet. Acad. Handl. 1762. p. 82. 
* Purgat geniste semen non minds potenter fere quam Spartium aut Helleborus, 
&c. Idem confirmat Lobelius, semine Geniste scoparia vomitum non secus ac 
Spartio Diosc. sepius 3ii decocto propinato citra muagnans contentionem se movisse 
scribens. Verim flores recéns decerptos sepissimé quamplurimos & per se acetariis 
indites vorat, (inquit) plebecula Arverna & Aquitanie maxima copia innocuos 
non modo sed etiam admodum gustui suaves; nec quicquam vomitionis nauseeve, 
aut commotionis movere solent. Quin apud Brabantos, & Anglos non minis, 
gemmantes dum adhuc virides sunt condiuntur sale & aceto flores, menisque infe~ 
runtur, Capparum Olearumve pari commendatione. RayJl.c. Ray also informs 
us, that from the MS. of Dr. Hulse, he learned that the flor. genist. given in the 
form of electuary, with honey of roses, were found of great efficacy in scrophulous 
affections. 
