1065 



Asplenium Trichomanes was formerly used as an expectorant by 

 the peasantry of Scotland, but is rarely found in shops (Lighlfoot). 



Asplenium Riita-muraria, Lightfoot says, was once sold as an 

 expectorant and deobstruent ; and the same authority states that 



Asplenium Adiantum- nigrum was sold as a pectoral. 



Botrychiiim, Lunaria. Its virtues are probably imaginary only, 

 and due to its supposed resemblance to the moon. Ray stated, on 

 Needhara's authority, that an ointment made of it, rubbed on the 

 loins, in dysentery, is very eflfectual in stopping the attack (Smith). 

 It was also used as a vulnerary (Lightfoot). 



Ceterach officinarum was the " Chetherak" of Persian physicians. 

 Greatly commended in jaundice, and splenic diseases (Burnett and 

 Lightfoot). 



Equisetum arvense is said to be astringent and diuretic, and various 

 species have been praised as diuretics (Burnett and Lightfoot). 



Lycopodiiim clavatum is emetic in decoction. Its sporules were 

 formerly greatly used by druggists, for covering pills ; and physicians 

 were also in the habit of using them, for dusting over excoriated sur- 

 faces in children, and in erysipelas, eczema, and similar diseases. 

 They are essentially absorbent and desiccant, and have been said also 

 to be diuretic (Pereira and Smith). 



Lycopodium Selago. Its infusion is powerfully emetic and cathar- 

 tic ; hence its use as a cathartic, emmenagogue, and abortifacient. 

 In large doses, it is a narcotico-acrid poison, causing giddiness, con- 

 vulsions, and death. It is used by the Scotch Highlanders as a 

 counter-irritant and detergent (Pereira, Smith, and Lightfoot). 



Osmunda regalis. Its root is astringent, and hence styptic and 

 tonic, and is vaguely supposed to be " strengthening and healing." 

 It was formerly used in rickets ; now probably quite abandoned (Bur- 

 nett and Smith). 



Ophioglossum vulgatum was recommended as a vulnerary, in the 

 form of ointment, applied to fresh wounds, by Mathiolus, Tragus, &c. 

 (Lightfoot). 



Pokjpodium milgare is the " rheum-purging Polypody " of Shak- 

 speare. The powdered root was formerly used, externally, as an 

 absorbent, and for covering pills. In domestic medicine, this plant 

 was also used as an expectorant. The ancients attributed to it 

 cathartic properties. 



Pteris aquilina is very astringent, containing a considerable amount 

 of tannic and gallic acids ; hence it has been greatly used as an anthel- 

 mintic. Lightfoot states that the Scotch peasantry use it, in powder. 



