ASTRAGALUS EXSCAPUS. ORD. XXIV. Papilionacee. 429 
pointed teeth, Corolla papilionaceous, consisting of the vexillum, 
which is large, straight, closing, emarginated at the apex, two ale 
or oblong lateral petals, and a short blunt carina or keel-shaped 
under-petal. Filaments ten, nine of which are united, and all 
furnished with small roundish anthere. Germen oblong. Style 
tapering, bent upwards, and supplied with a blunt stigma. Pod 
oblong, hairy, two-valved, containing kidney-shaped seeds. 
This species of Astragalus is a native of Hungary, growing in 
mountainous situations. It was first introduced into the Royal 
Garden at Kew by Jacquin in 1787." 
The root, which is the medicinal part of the plant, is, in its died 
state, rough, and wrinkled, in long slender pieces, externally 
‘brown, internally white, and easily dividing longitudinally into 
filamentous fibres. It is destitute of odour, but to the taste it is 
bitterish, and somewhat astringent. In decoction its taste ap- 
proaches to that of liquorice; some however compare its flavour 
to that of bitter almonds.® It yields about a third part of its weight 
of extract by means of water, but by spirit a very inconsiderable 
quantity is obtained. 
Since the year 1786 this plant has been much celebrated as a 
remedy in syphilitic complaints. It was first brought into notice 
by Professor Winterl, at Pest, who wrote to his friends in Vienna, 
that on the borders of Hungary it was in common use as a remedy 
for the venereal disease; in consequence of this information it 
was tried with success at the General Hospital by Quarin.* From 
Vienna its reputation spread over all Germany; nor does its 
character rest wholly on the testimony of foreigners, as Dr. 
Crighton, { during his residence at Vienna had occasion to witness 
its efficacy. This root is employed in decoction in the proportion 
* See Hort. Kew. 
» Endter. Diss. de Astrag. exscapo. p. 12.. 
* Vide Animado. pract. 
; Dr. C’s letter is published by Girtanner, and in the London Med, Journ. v. 9, 405. 
No. 36.—vot. 3. 5a 
