320 CULTIVATED VEGETABLES. 



Galen says, " In the decline of age, which 

 is naturally wakeful, I suffered very much 

 by want of sleep ; for which disorder, I used 

 in the evening to eat a lettuce, which was 

 my sovereign and only remedy. Many boil 

 this tender herb in water, before it produces 

 stalks ; as I myself now do, since my teeth 

 begin to fail me." 



Dr. Aston tells us, that the milk of the 

 common garden lettuce is hypnotic, while 

 the root of the plant is cooling, diluent, and 

 nourishing. 



This plant is cooling, and causes an incli- 

 nation to sleep, upon which account it pro- 

 cures ease in pains, both taken inwardly, and 

 externally applied. 



Schroder was of opinion, that it afforded 

 considerable nourishment, and much in- 

 creases milk when eaten by nurses. 



The Historia Plant arum states that no 

 herb more powerfully resolves, and brings 

 away the black bile. 



Lettuces are said to render the chyle easily 

 condited; and are recommended to young 

 people on account of their cooling nature. 



M. Bourgeois observes, that the different 

 kinds of lettuce, although very good for per- 

 sons of strong stomach and good digestion, 



