UMBELLIFER2E. 427 



assafcetida is procured by taking successive slices off the top of the root, 

 and collecting the milky juice which is allowed to concrete in masses. 

 It consists of resinous and gummy matter, with a sulphur-oil similar 

 to that of Garlic, which is probably its active ingredient. It is employed 

 medicinally in substance or tincture, as a stimulant, antispasmodic, and 

 anthelmintic. Ammoniac, another fetid gum-resin, is the produce of 

 Dorema Ammoniacum (probably Diserneston gummiferum of Jaubert 

 and Spach), a native of Persia. It contains resin, gum, and volatile 

 oil, and is used medicinally as a stimulant, antispasmodic, and expecto- 

 rant. Galbanum, which seems to be the TO'TH of Scripture, is pro- 

 cured, in all probability, from Opoidia galbanifera of Lindley. There 

 are doubts, however, as to its botanical source. Don referred it to 

 Galbanum officinale. It consists of resin, gum, and volatile oil, and is 

 used as an antispasmodic and emmenagogue. Opoponax is another 

 gum-resin, procured from Opoponax Chironum (Pastinaca Opoponax), 

 a native of the southern parts of Europe. Sagapenum seems to be the 

 produce of a species of Ferula. 



892. There are other species which supply a carminative and 

 aromatic oil. From the fruits of Carum Carui, which are commonly 

 called Caraway seeds, a volatile oil of this nature is procured. Oils of 

 a similar kind are obtained from the fruit of Pimpinella Anmirn 

 (Anise), from that of Foeniculum vulgare, or F. dulce (common Fennel), 

 Anethum graveolens (common Dill), Coriandnim sativum (Coriander) 

 the -c of the Bible, Cuminum Cyminum (Cumin), Archangelica offici- 

 nalis (Garden Angelica), and Daucus Carota (Carrot). 



893. In regard to the poisonous species of this order, there is still 

 much to be learned. They appear to vary according to the soil 

 and climate in which they grow. Some species, generally reputed 

 poisonous, have been found by Dr. Christison to be quite innocuous 

 when gathered from localities in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh. 

 The most important plant of this section is Conium maculatum (Hem- 

 lock), the Kuveiov of the Greeks. It is a biennial plant, found abundantly 

 in Britain, and distinguished by its undulated ridges, smooth purple- 

 spotted stem, and the peculiar mouse-like odour of its leaves when being 

 dried. Every part of the plant, especially the fresh leaves and green 

 fruit, contain a volatile oleaginous alkali, called Conia, which acts as 

 an energetic poison. To this substance the effects of hemlock on 

 the animal frame are due, and care is required in the preparation of 

 the leaves and fruit in order to retain this active principle. A few 

 drops of Conia will kill a small animal. It acts on the spinal cord, 

 producing paralysis with slight convulsive twitches, and its fatal effects 

 are attributed to asphyxia, produced by palsy of the muscles of respira- 

 tion, without convulsions or coma. Hemlock has been employed 

 medicinally to allay pain, more especially in cancerous and neuralgic 

 affections. (Enanthe crocata (Hemlock-Dropwort, or Dead-tongue), 



