110 NAT. ORDER. — FDMARIACE.C. 



efficacious in opening obstructions and infractions of the viscera, 

 particularly those of the hapatic system. It is also highly com- 

 mended for its power of correcting a scorbutic and acrimonious state 

 of the fluids ; and has therefore been employed in various cutaneous 

 diseases. When taken in rather large doses, it proves diuretic and 

 laxative, especially the juice, which may be mixed with whey, and 

 used as a common drink. Dr. Cullen classes this plant among the 

 tonics. He says, " It is omitted in the London dispensatory, but 

 retained in ours, and in every other that I laiow of. I have found 

 it useful in many cases in which bitters are prescribed ; but its 

 remarkable virtues are those of clearing the sldn of many disorders. 

 For this it has been much commended ; and I have myself expe- 

 rienced its good effects in many instances of cutaneous affections, 

 which I would call Lepra. I have commonly used it by expressing 

 the juice, and giving that in quantities of one to two ounces in the 

 course of the day ; but I find the virtues remain in the dried plant, 

 so that they may be extracted by infusion or decoction in water." 

 An extract can be thus prepared possessing all the properties of the 

 fresh plant. In the writings of one of the most eminent Physicians 

 of modern practice, he says : " The expressed juice, in doses of two 

 oimces, taken twice a day in whey, is useful in hypochondrical, 

 scorbutic, and cochetic habits. It corrects acidity, and strengthens 

 the stomach. Hoffman prefers it to all other medicines as a sweet- 

 ener of the blood. There is no doubt of its utility in obstructions 

 of the viscera, and the diseases arising from them. The celebrated 

 Boerhaave frequently prescribed it in black jaundice and bilious 

 colics. An infusion of the leaves was used as a cosmetic to remove 

 freckles and clear the skin ; and Dr. Cullen has experienced its 

 good effects in many cutaneous disorders." The same Phy.sician 

 thought it useful as a tonic wherever bitter medicines are advi- 

 sable. 



