VALERIANACE^. 237 



The leaflets of var. sambucifolia are generally broader, but they vary 

 much ; and in every other point they are precisely similar ; the ripe 

 fruit is said to be different in the " Plora of Essex ;" it varies slightly 

 in both varieties, but I can see no constant dilference. 



Great Wild Valerian. 



French, VcUerlane Officinale. German, Gebrduchlicher Baldrian. 



This plant has been esteemed in medicine for several centuries, and was probably 

 first resorted to as a substitute for the Greek Valerian, the (ftov (phou) of Dioscorides. Its 

 virtues were considered to be so great that it received the name of All-heal, which it 

 still retains in some parts of the country. Although many of its marvellous powers 

 are not now credited, it still retains a place in the British Pharmacopoeia. The roots 

 are collected in the wild state, being gathered in tlie autumn or early spring, before the 

 stems have risen far above the ground. The peculiar odour evolved by the plant is 

 due to the presence of a volatile acid called valerianic acid, and recognized by the 

 chemist as being produced by several combinations. It is found in nature in the oil of 

 the plant Valerian, also in small proportion in train oil and the oil of cetacea generally, 

 which owe their smell to it. It is also one of the products of oxidation of animal 

 matters and of fat oils, and is secreted in certain portions of animal bodies. Its salts 

 are soluble, and have a sweetish taste and fatty aspect. Valerianate of oxide of ethyle, 

 or valerianic ether, is a fragi'ant compound occurring in some vegetable products. Valeric 

 or valerianic acid combines with bases to form salts, which are called valerates or vale- 

 rianates ; the potash and soda salts are very soluble, deliquescent, and crystallize with 

 difficulty. Valerianate of zinc, readily prepared by double decomposition, and used to 

 some extent in medicine, is a pearly white salt, having a faint odour of valerianic acid 

 and a metallic astringent taste. 



In medicine the English Valerian is most esteemed : it is abundant in Hampshire, 

 formerly in Kent and Essex, and the wild plant is to be preferred to that which is 

 cultivated, for medical use. It is to be regretted that the root is often confounded or 

 fraudulently adulterated with that of Valeriana dioica, which is smaller, and of much 

 feebler odour, and that of the Geum urhanum or Avens, which is pleasantly aromatic. 

 Much more serious is the confusion, possibly accidental or merely from ignorance, of 

 the genuine root with those of several species of Ranunculus ; but the absence of the 

 peculiar odour of Valerian is a sufficient test in most cases. Valerian is considered 

 to be a cerebrospinal stimulant, large doses of it causing marked excitement of the 

 nervous system, not only of the human race, but also of cats, which are extremely 

 fond of it. It is scarcely possible to keep a plant of Valerian in a garden which these 

 animals ft'equent, after the leaves or root have been bruised or disturbed in any way, so 

 as to evolve the odour of the herb. It is equally attractive to rats, and is often used by 

 the destroyers of those vermin to bait their traps. Although the odour is so disagreeable 

 to Europeans, some of the Asiatic nations prize it as a delicious perfume, and employ 

 it in the manufacture of their most valued scents. In the slighter forms of nervous 

 disease, not dependent on any change of structure of the brain or spinal cord, Valerian 

 is of great utility. Valerian in powder greatly heightens the tonic power of the disul- 

 phate of quinine as a medicine. Combined with various bases, the acid furnishes 

 compounds reputed as of great value as antispasmodics ; such as valerianate of zinc, 

 iron, &c. 



