RIBES NIGRUM. ORD. XXVIII. Pomacee. 537 
composed of five roundish petals: the nectarium is larger than 
that in the red currant, and the fruit or berries are black. In other 
respects, the parts of fructification correspond with the description 3 
already given of the red currant. It is a native of Britain, pre- 
‘ferring a swampy ground, and flowers in May. 
The berries of the black Currant are larger than those of the 
red; and we are told that in some parts of Siberia they grow to 
the size of an hazel nut. , Besides having the properties in com- 
mon with the fructus atid dubees. these berries are also said to be 
peculiarly useful in sore throats, and to possess a diuretic power 
in a very considerable degree. From those qualities which they 
manifest to the organs of taste, there can be little doubt but that 
in cases of inflammatory angina, they may be advantageously 
employed to answer the same intentions as gargles:* the proofs 
however of their diuretic powers seem to want confirmation, as 
Forestus, on whose authority they rest, and who first noticed this 
property of the black currant, constantly prescribed it in com- 
bination with the seeds of wild carrot.° 
The leaves of the black Currant are extremely fragrant, and 
have been likewise recommended for their medicinal virtue, which 
Eergius states to be mundificans, pellens, diuretica.* a 
The officinal preparations ‘of the black currant berries, in the 
London Pharmacopoeia, are the syrupus ribis nigri, and the succus 
ribis nigri inspissatus. 
@ From their efficacy in this way they acquired the name of Squinancy berries, 
We may observe here, that the black currant jelly in common domestic use for this 
purpose, is rendered less efficacious by having too much sugar in its preparation. 
Both the fruit of this, and of the red currant, afford a pleasant wine; and that 
made of the former is mentioned by Haller, “‘ Ex eo optimum yinum fri non 
deterius vinis verioribus viteis, quando annuum est.” 1.c. Smith Nat. Hist. of 
= b Opp. Lib. 25. Obs. 10. 
© Mat. Med. vol. 7. p. 155. An infusion of these leaves is said to have the taste 
of green tea; and when prepared from the young leaves, is to some people pecu~ 
liarly agreeable. 
No, 45.—vo1. 4 Ou: 
