NAT. ORDER. LILIACE^. 61 



active matter, being in a more fixed state ; by stimulating the 

 stomach they both favor digestion, and the stimulus is readily dif- 

 fused over the system ; they may therefore be considered as use- 

 ful condiments with the food of phlegmatic people, or those whose 

 circulation is languid, and secretions interrupted ; but with those 

 subject to inflammatory complaints, or where great irritability 

 prevails, these roots, in their acrid state, may prove very hurtful. 



The medicinal uses of Garlic are various. It has long been 

 hekl in high estimation as an expectorant in j^ituitous asthmas, and 

 other pulmonary affections unattended with inflammation. Its 

 utility as a diuretic in dropsies, is also attested by unquestionable 

 authorities ; and its febrifuge power has not only been experienced 

 in preventing the paroxysms of intermittents, but even in subduing 

 the most violent epidemics. 



Another virtue ascribed to Garlic is that of an anthelmintic : 

 it has likewise been found of great advantage in scorbutic cases, 

 and in calculous disorders, acting in these, not only as a diuretic, 

 but in several instances manifesting a lithontriptic power. That 

 the juice of alliaceous plants in general has considerable effect 

 upon human calculi, is to be inferred by the experiments of Lobb ; 

 and we are abundantly warranted in asserting, that by a decoction 

 of the beards of leeks, taken freely, and its use continued for a 

 length of time, has been found remarkably successful in calculous 

 and gravelly complaints. 



The Garlic was formerly used in obstinate coughs, for which 

 purpose it was mixed with honey, and the dose of a table-spoon- 

 ful taken three times a day ; or that it may be boiled in milk, a 

 pint of which is to be taken night and morning. A case is re- 

 ported to us of a boy, six or seven years old, who had for a con- 

 siderable time suffered by a calculous in the urinary bladder, 

 which had been discovered on sounding ; he had recourse to this 

 decoction, which very soon relieved him of pain ; after which his 

 urine became extremely turpid, and constantly deposited a copious 



