rue. 149 



A conserve of rue is often taken to pre- 

 vent infection of contagious disorders. 



The virtues of rue are pithily described in 

 Schola Salerni : 



Ruta facit castum, dat lumen, et inherit astuni, 

 Cocta facit ruta de pulicibus loca tuta. 



" Rue maketh chaste, and eke preserveth sight, 

 Infuseth wit, and fleas doth put to flight." 



Coles informs us, that the very smell of 

 rue has often been known to keep off infec- 

 tion in times of pestilence. It should there- 

 fore be worn as a nosegay in our visits to 

 those who suffer under contagious diseases ; 

 but it is said to be more efficacious when 

 taken inwardly, either by chewing the leaves 

 or in a drink. 



The leaves of rue were formerly used as a 

 pickle, being first boiled and then preserved 

 in vinegar: they were not only esteemed a 

 good sauce for meat, but to warm a cold 

 stomach, and to relieve a dim sight. 



The leaves bruised with pepper, common 

 salt, and strong vinegar, and applied to the 

 arteries of the carpus, provided the morbid 

 matter is before duly managed, excellently 

 check the febrile impetus ; and are often used 

 with more efficacy and less danger, in stop- 



