TURNIP. , (l ; 



Purchas relates in his Pilgrimage, that the 

 first colonists who settled in Virginia in L612 

 were greatly afflicted with scurvy, until the? 

 were able to relieve themselves by the turnips 

 they cultivated. 



It will be seen from medical reports that, 

 however serviceable turnips may be in some 

 cases, they are not to be taken by all consti- 

 tutions alike. We should endeavour to make 

 choice of such vegetables in our diet as may 

 rather tend to assist than thwart the skill of 

 those who prescribe for our maladies. 



Turnips are considered detergent, laxative, 

 and diuretic ; but in weak stomachs they pro- 

 duce flatulencies, and are sometimes not 

 easily digested. Lemery says, they agree 

 at all times with young bilious persons, and 

 those whose humours are sharp and thin, 

 provided, however, they have a good sto- 

 mach. On the contrary, they are found bard 

 of digestion, windy, and sometimes cause 

 obstruction ; because, their substance being 

 very compact and close, they continue a Long 

 time in the stomach before they are wasted, 

 ferment there, and easily stop in the small 

 channels through which they pass. 



Turnips contain much oil, and a little es- 

 sential salt; and are very nourishing, soften- 



