«42 CHINESE MA.TERIA MEDICA. 



LINDERA SERICEA.— 1^ ^ (Tiao-chang), also called 

 1^ W (Wu-chang). The Chinese liken this tree to the cam- 

 phor tree, claiming it to be a dwarf variety of the latter. The 

 root is likened to that of Daphnidmm myrrha. It is a 

 laurinaceous tree, allied to Benzoin. The leaves are some- 

 what hirsute, and resemble those of Persea nanmu. The root 

 is used in medicine, especially its bark, and is prescribed as a 

 hemostatic in wounds, an astringent in fluxes, and as a wash 

 in skin diseases. The branches and leaves are placed at the 

 doors to ward off miasmatic and evil influences. 



LINDERA STRYCHNIFOLIA.— ,1^ ^ (Wu-yao), 1478. 

 See Daphnidium myrrha. 



LINDERA TZUMU.—t^ (Tztt), /fc J (Mu-wang). Bret- 

 schneider at first classed this as Catalpa biutgeana^ but in his 

 latest work he says that there can be no doubt that it must be 

 referred to Lindera. In Japan it is Rottlera japonica^ and in 

 this Faber follows. Bretschneider being so wide and careful 

 an observer, he will be given the benefit of the doubt, and this 

 tree will be here described. The Chinese also confound this 

 with Catalpa {\^^ Ch'iu). Some confusion also exists with 

 this and Acanthapanax., and even with Panloxo7iia. This is a 

 tall, graceful tree, which on account of its great height and the 

 usefulness of its timber is called by the Chinese Tfc 2 (Mu- 

 wang), "king of trees." It is said that a house built of this 

 timber is never struck by lightning. The white, inner bark 

 of the tree is used in medicine, and is considered to be anthel- 

 mintic and parasiticide. It is used in decoction as a wash in 

 scabies and pediculosis in children, and in ophthalmia. It is 

 also prescribed in nausea and vomiting, and is thought to have 

 some antifebrile properties. The leaves are fed to hogs, and 

 are said to be very fattening. They are also bruised and 

 applied in the skin difficulties of these anirnals, as well as in 

 sores on the hands or feet of mankind. 



LINUM PERENNE.— 35 E (Ya-ma). This plant is 

 grown largely in Shensi for the oil of its seeds, which was 

 formerly used in lamps. It is not eaten on account of its bad 

 pdor and taste. It is applied in ulcers and scaly skin eruptions. 



