34 NAT. ORDER. ROTACE^ 



all possessing similar properties ; fourteen are described with five 

 styles ; forty-six with three ; two with two styles ; and two with 

 one. When the term Monogxjnu7n was first applied to this species, 

 it was a proper one, there being then only one in that predica- 

 ment. Another having since been discovered, it ceases to be so 

 now. Some have, indeed, doubted the propriety of using the 

 word Monogynum at all, alleging, in reality, there are five styles, 

 which manifestly show themselves above, though they coalesce 

 below. Such is the opinion of some, but others think differently. 



This elegant native of China is now quite common in the 

 green-houses, both in this country and England. Mr. Miller has 

 given us a minute description of this plant, and observes that it is 

 more valuable, as it continues in flower a great part of the year. 

 He observes, further, that i-f planted in a very warm situation, it 

 will live in the open air ; but that those plants which stand abroad 

 will not flower in winter, as well as those which are removed into 

 shelter in Autumn. It may be propagated by slips from the root, 

 or by layers. 



Medical Properties and Uses. This plant has a bitterish, sub- 

 astringent taste, and a sweetish smell. It was in great repute 

 with the ancients, who prescribed it in hysteria, hypochondriasis, 

 and mania. They also imagined that is had the peculiar power of 

 curing demoniacs ; and thence obtained the name of Fuga dcemo- 

 num. It was also recommended internally for wounds, bruises, ul- 

 cers, haemoptysis, mictus, cruentus, gravel, dysentery, agues, worms, 

 and outwardly a^ an anodyne, and as a discutient and detergent. 

 However, it is, now very rarely used, and its name is omitted in 

 the Materia Medica. In the London Pharmacopseia, the flowers 

 only are directed to be used, as containing the greatest propor- 

 tion of the resinous, oily matter in which the medical efficacy of 

 the plant is supposed to reside. 



