210 COLUMBINE. 



tions of the mouth and scorbutic affections of the gums. Eysel* 

 considers the expressed juice inferior to no other remedy as an 

 antiscorbutic ; he likewise extols it in haemorrhages of the ute- 

 rus^ and hectic perspirations arising from a scorbutic taint. Ray-j- 

 states that a decoction of the leaves makes an excellent gargle 

 in inflammation of the tliroat and trachea. 



Notwithstanding the positive statements of the old writers re- 

 specting the diuretic, sudorific, and deobstruent properties of 

 Columbine, it is very seldom employed in our days. Experi- 

 ments are wanting to ascertain its real character and its mode 

 of action upon the system, we shall not therefore recommend it 

 as a medicine, but merely subjoin a formula for the preparation 

 of the syrup, which is said to be a better test for acids and alka- 

 lies than that of violets. 



SYRUP OF COLUMBINE. 

 Take of fresh flowers of Columbine, two pounds ; 



Boiling water four pounds. 



After digesting them for ten hours, strain the liquor ; then repeat the 

 process twice, with a like quantity of recent flowers. 

 Add to the third straining, 



White sugar, four pounds. 

 Clarify, and boil gently to the consistence of a syrup. In order to obtain 

 a fine blue colour, it is necessary that the petals be not bruised, and that the 

 infusion be not protracted too long. 



* Diss, de Aquilegia antiscorbuticorum asylo.— Erf ord, I7I6. 

 t Hist. Plant, tom. i. p. 707. 



