346 FUMITORY. 



black hue by the addition of sulphate of iron. The watery ex- 

 tract is bitter, slightly pungent and saline ; the spirituous ex- 

 tract is simply bitter. 



Medicinal Properties and Uses. — Fumitory, as already ob- 

 served, was considered by the ancients very efficacious in dis- 

 eases of the eyes ; Dioscorides * also speaks of its diuretic 

 qualities ; and succeeding writers attribute to it such various 

 and important properties, that if not exaggerated would consti- 

 tute this plant one of the first therapeutical agents. Galen, 

 Aetius, Oribasius, Serapion, Avicenna, and Mesue, employed 

 it in various obstructions, cachexia, and chronic diseases of the 

 liver. Camerarius-f-, Hoffman J, Riviere §, and Boerhaavejj 

 attribute to it the best effects in chronic affections of the viscera, 

 hypochondriasis, and scrofula. It has been most celebrated, how- 

 ever, in jaundice, scorbutic complaints, and blotches and erup- 

 tions of the skin of the worst character ^ . It exerts consider- 

 able influence on the sordes formed in the alimentary canal from 

 impaired digestion, and which often gives rise to the above com- 

 plaints. Leidenfrost highly recommends the expressed juice 

 of Fumitory and Dandelion in obstinate cutaneous diseases. 



The expressed juice, in the dose of two ounces twice a day, proves lax- 

 ative and diuretic, and acts at the same time as a tonic ; it may be taken 

 alone or mixed with whey. Tt is applied externally to foul ulcers and erup- 

 tions of the skin. An extract is also made with the fresh juice, to be given 

 in the form of pills, as well as a conserve and a syrup, which latter are 

 readily taken by children. A decoction of the dried plant may be prepared 

 as follows : — 



Take of Fumitory one handful ; 



Dandelion root one ounce; 



Liquorice root half an ounce ; - 



Water one quart. 



Boil till one half is consumed and then strain. Of this a cupful may 

 be given for a dose, 



* " Herba in cibo sumpta copiosam bilem per urinas trahit." Mat. Med. 



1. iv. c. 110. 



-)- Dissertatio de Fumaria. Tm^. 1718, p. 12. 



■^ Diss, de praest. remed. Domest. p. 30. 



§ Observat. cent. 3. p. 230. 



11 Hist. Plant, p. 388. 



«IT " I have found it useful in many cases in which bitters are prescribed ; 

 but its remarkable virtues are those of clearing the skin of many disorders. 

 I have experienced its good effects in many instances of cutaneous 

 affections which I would call Lepra." Cullen, Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 77- 



