DIVI BOTANICI. 199 



Were these foregoing pictures of ancient wisdom admitted to a 

 fair consideration, would they not prove inducements for the medi- 

 cal squires to renounce their rings and their segars and their hunt- 

 ers, for the purpose of devoting the refinements of their science to 

 the culture of Balm and its Bees, as a pleasant pathway to Fortune 

 — the pole-star of pure utilitarian philosophy ? That honourable 

 industry might attain a prize so coveted, and its happy consequences 

 has been exemplified on authority delivered by the elder sages: 

 that such a result would be certain from the powers of Balm in the 

 "cure of all diseases," comes with high claims for a trial under the 

 persuasive sanction of modern experience. Thus, by two eloquent 

 pharmacological associates,* it is stated that Balm has its fragrance 

 increased by the process of drying ; whereas, with most other herbs, 

 their odour is extinguished by desiccation. This plant imparts a 

 bitter, somewhat hot, aromatic taste : its qualities are exhilarating, 

 tonic, and carminative : it operates beneficially in hypochondriacal 

 and dyspeptic affections, in low spirits proceeding from defective 

 energy of the brain, and in complaints attended with derangement 

 of the memory. These physicians themselves prescribe for apathetic 

 fat old gentlemen, an infusion of balm, in liberal morning draughts; 

 and this usually determines good effects when assisted with mode- 

 rate exercise. This medicine also, they affirm from observation of its 

 influences, exerts a benign and restorative efficacy in strengthening 

 the constitution when broken by palsy, apoplexy, erratic gout, atro- 

 phy, chronic catarrh, rheumatic fever, and nervous excitement. Balm 

 is a plant, they conclude, which naturally possesses a susceptibility of 

 manifold applications — in tea, cakes, powder, syrup, beer, wine and 

 essence — and it ought to be more generally administered, in medi- 

 cine. — Let the Balm, then, be tended wisely and multiplied exten- 

 sively by the prudent Herbalist, and he may derive a delicious and 

 enlivening recompense from the fruits of his labour ; for, as he may 

 see, in the Melissa's essence reside the high-prized sources of health 

 and comfort and longevity. 



• F. V. Merat, M. D. and A. J. De Lens, M.D — Dictionnuirc Uniuersel 

 de Matiere Medicate et de Therapeutique Generate; Tome iv, p. 266: 8vo, 4 

 tomes, a Paris, M.DCCC. XXXII. 



