144 



585. IBIS FLORENTINA, L. 



a. Rhizome. 



b. Ditto, powdered. 



Note. Orris root is also derived from Iris Germanica, L., and Iris 

 pallida, Lam. The essential oil, which is semi-solid like that obtained 

 from elder blossom, is sold when dissolved in about 15 parts of spirit as 

 oil or essence of orris root. For micr. section and starch, see Berg, Anat. 

 Atlas., taf. xxi. The rhizome yields T ' 4 per cent, of the oil. See P. J. 

 [3], vol. iii., p. 230. It consists chiefly of what is supposed to be 

 myristic acid. Pharmacographia, p. 601. For fig. of plant, see Bentley 

 and Trimen, Med. Plants, tab. 273. 



586. IRIS VERSICOLOR, L. (Blue Flag.) 



a. Rhizome. (Blue Flag Root.) * 



Note. The root by American herbalists is used as a powerful purgative 

 and alterative in scrofulous diseases, usually mixed with cayenne pepper 

 or other stimulant. Irisin or-iridin is a resinous body, made by precipi- 

 tating the tincture with water, and mixing the precipitate with an equal 

 quantity of some absorbent powder. It is used by the eclectic practi- 

 tioners. See Wood and Bache, p. 487. In small doses it is said to 

 stimulate the whole glandular system. See Grover Coe, Positive Med. 

 Agents, p. 167. 



AMARYLLIDACE^;. 



587. ALSTR(EMERIA LICTU, L. 



a. Starch. 



Note. The starch of the root of this and other species of the same 

 genus, are used in Chili as arrowroot. Bentley, Man.Bot.,ip. 659. This 

 specimen was sent by Mr. Smith, of Concepcion, Chili. P.J. [l],vol.x., 

 p. 265. 



TACCACE.E. 



588. TACCA OCEANICA, Nutt. 



a. Starch. (Sandwich Island Arrowroot, Tacca Starch, 

 Tahiti Arrowroot, Otaheite Salep.) 



Note. Pereira states that this starch would probably be equal to West 

 Indian arrowroot if it were prepared with equal care. Per. Mat. Med., 

 vol. ii., pt. i., p. 221. The starch is called by the natives Pea. For fig. 

 of plant see Am. Journ. Pharm., 1838, p. 307. For fig. of starch, see Per. 

 Mat. Med., vol. ii., pt. ii., frontispiece, No. 18. 



LILIACE^E. 



589 AGAPANTHUS UMBELLATUS, Herit. 



a. Bulb. 



Note. The juice of this plant contains numerous crystals, and when 

 rubbed on the skin causes irritation and redness, lasting several hours. 

 Pharmacographia, p. 629. 

 590. ALLIUM PORRUM, L. (Leek.) 

 a. Bulb, preserved wet. 

 &. Fruit, ditto. 

 Note. For an account of the leek, see Treat. Bot., p. 40. 



