230 TRANSACTIONS OF THE [s 



ESS. LXXVIII. 



will allay inflammation ; they are good pounded and applied 

 to a bruise or a sprain and make excellent strengthening 

 plasters. 



Thoroughwort, Eupatorium perfoliatum, made into a tea, 

 is good for a cough and complaints of the lungs. 



Featherfew, Chrysanthemum (Leucanthemum) Parthen- 

 ium or Pyrethrum Parthenium, is " good for histeric 

 complaints," and is diuretic. 



Golden Rod, Solidago nemoralis and S. rio-ida. The oil 

 made into an essence is good for pain in the head. 



Wild Lettuce, Lactuca Canadensis. The roots, powdered, 

 are good to restore weak nerves. 



Bitter Thistle, Silybum Marianum, made into a tea, is a 

 good corrector of the bile, and so is Cardis benedictus or 

 beloved thistle. This is as near as the author could get to 

 Carduus benedictus, the Cnicus benedictus, or blessed 

 thistle. 



Lobeliaceae. -This family supplies the crowning glory 

 of Thomson's system, Lobelia or emetic herb, Lobelia inflata, 

 whose virtues are claimed as his original discovery, and 

 which was No. 1 in his system of medicine. All parts 

 were used, powdered leaves and pods, the green herb in 

 tincture, and the seeds powdered. It was employed in 

 every disease, either as an emetic or in the form of a 

 clyster. 



Ericaceae. — Pipsisway or Rheumatic Weed, Chimaphila 

 umbellata. Roots and tops made into a strong tea are 

 " good for cancers and all scrofulous humours by drinking 

 the tea and bathing with it the parts affected." 



Scrophulariaceae. —Bitter-herb or Balmony, Chelone 

 glabra. Used as a tea, " this herb is very good to correct 

 the bile and create an appetite." 



Plumbaginaceae. — Marsh Rosemary, Statice Limonium. 

 The root is good for canker and sore mouth. 



Mullen, Verbascum Thapsus. The leaves pounded and 

 applied warm are " very good to bring down swelling and 

 to restore contracted sinews." 



Verbenaceae. — Both Blue Vervine, Verbena hastata, 

 and White Vervine, V. urticifolia, are highly thought of, 

 ranking next to lobelia itself " for a puke," and also being 

 good to prevent a fever in its first stages. The herb has 



