CATMIKT. 147 



Medical Properties and Uses. — It might be expected that 

 a plant which exercises so powerful an influence on the animal 

 economy could not be destitute of medicinal properties ; and 

 several therapeutists assert that it has been consigned to un- 

 merited oblivion. Herman, Boecler*, and Gilibert-j-, speak of 

 its efficacy in chlorosis, hysteria, and amenorrhsea, and it is 

 chiefly in uterine and dyspeptic disorders that its virtues have 

 been celebrated. It has been administered in aqueous or 

 vinous infusions, fomentations, injections, lavements, and baths. 

 A drink formed by boiling the plant in hydromel has been 

 recommended for allaying obstinate coughs. As a remedy in 

 jaundice I', the expressed juice has been given in the dose of 

 two ounces at a time, but the extract made into pills with a 

 small proportion of aloes is a more eligible form. 



* Cynosura Mat. Med. torn. i. p. 4/0. 



f Demonstrations Elem. de Botan. torn. ii. p. 79- 



J Flore Medicale, torn. ii. p. 184. 



M 3 



