704 “ORD. XLI. Scabride. parterarta oFFicINALis. 
the calyx of the hermaphrodite flower separates into four flat blunt 
segments, about half the size of the involucrum, and supplies the 
place of a corolla: ‘the filaments are four, transversely wrinkled, 
and manifest an elastic power: the anthere are double, and 
according to Mr. Lightfoot, have a great degree of sensibility:+} 
the germen is egg-shaped, and supports a reddish style, termi- 
nated with a brush-like stigma: the calyx becomes the seed vessel, 
and contains an eitgcahaped seed. The female flower stands 
between the other two, from =— it differs in not being fur- 
nished with stamina. 
It is reckoned amongst the most common of British plants, 
growing on old walls, and flowering from May till September. 
This plant promises little from its sensible qualities: it has no 
smell, and its taste is simply herbaceous. Formerly it was ac- 
counted emollient, and was one of the five herbs of this denomi- 
nation; but as Parietaria has no mucilaginous quality, this effect 
ought to be ascribed to the warm bik for which the plant 
served merely the purpose of a ve character, as a 
diuretic, is better known. Matihiolus tells us, that its expressed 
juice, sweetened with sugar, had a very powerful effect in this 
way:* and Barbeirac ® informs us, that a decoction of this plant, 
and uva ursi, was found of great use in clearing the urinary 
passages of viscid mucus, and sabulous concretions: these tes- 
timonies however will have little weight with the medical prac- 
titioner, and it is now very seldom used, though sanctioned with 
a place in the Materia Medica of both the Pharmacopceias. 
© Matt. in Diosc. p. 782. * Medic. constit. 1751. p. 163. 
+ ‘*.For if irritated with a point of a pin, they fly from the calyx with elastic 
force, and explode their powder.” See, @. c. 
The leaves, strewed in granaries, are-said te re the corn weevil. — 
Dr. With . : 3 oe ey (eS) hey oe ae, ee +. arnvicsn hi! 
nitre, and that in minicar an extract from it, the mass has taken fire. Bot, ae p- 1 142. 
This quality of parietaria is also noticed by Mr. Lightfoot. LZ. ¢. 
