NAT. ORDER. — CORONARIiE, 121 



that State, for the purpose of gathering specimens, of medical 

 plants, and am fully convinced that many valuable hints may be 

 gathered, that will be of inconceivable advantage to the botanist, 

 and in the conducting of a medical work. Plants of which we 

 have but a limited history, and many which have not been de- 

 scribed at all, and which are of great importance in medicine, 

 are found promiscuously scattered over every section. 



Medical Properties and Uses. The root, which is the medici- 

 nal part of this plant, is generally, by writers on the Materia Med- 

 ica, referred to the Convallaria multiflora, of Linnaeus, or the 

 Polygonatum latifolium vulgare, of C. Bauhin. It is of a mucil- 

 aginous quality, and has long been employed as a discutient 

 poultice to various kinds of tumors, but more particularly to 

 bruises, accompanied with extravasation of blood in the cellular 

 membrane. It is also recommended as a cosmetic ; and in Galen's 

 time was used by women, to prevent and remove pimples and 

 freckles of the skin. The berries, flowers and leaves are ex- 

 tremely acrid, and are said by some to be of a j^oisonous quality. 

 Modern practitioners describe the roots as being a mild, and yet 

 very healing restorative, and useful in all cases of female weak- 

 ness. It is also recommended for consumption and general de- 

 bility. It may be used in tea, sirup or cordial. The mucilage of 

 the roots is recommended to be applied to inflammations and 

 piles. 



