LETTUCE. 77 



through a sieve without using any pressure; this is then evaporated, 

 as far as it can be done with safety, and the process is finished in 

 shallow dishes, in the manner above described for obtaining lactucarium. 

 This extract, which I have called 'extractum lactucae concentratum,' 

 is of course less powerful than lactucarium, but it possesses all the 

 properties in larger doses, and it has been found equally useful in a 

 number and variety of cases, and is not more than a sixth part of 

 the price." 



" M. Caventou obtains Thridace in the following manner : he gathers 

 the plant just before it flowers, and strips off the leaves ; he then slightly 

 bruises the stalks in order to express the juice, which is evaporated 

 to the proper consistence, at a temperature not exceeding 30 or 35 

 degrees."* (86 to 95 degrees Fahr.) 



The strong-scented Lettuce (L. virosa) already mentioned, 

 possesses more vigorous properties than the cultivated kind, and 

 Orfila ranks it among the narcotic poisons. It may he used 

 medicinally in the same manner as the L. saliva> for its sedative 

 and hypnotic effects. 



Medicinal Properties and Uses. — Besides the refreshing, 

 temperating, and relaxing properties of this vegetable, and its con- 

 sequent employment in diseases of irritation, it is considered to 

 possess narcotic powers. A decoction of the leaves forms a useful 

 drink in constipation, gastric and intestinal engorgements, and 

 to alleviate pains accompanied with heat and irritation. Lanzoni, 

 S. Pauli, and the erudite Geoffroy assure us of its power of dis- 

 pelling the anxieties, eructations, and flatulency of hypochondriacs. 

 Hypochondriacism, in fact, originates more frequently than is gene- 

 rally imagined from a state of irritation of the inner membrane 

 of the stomach and intestines ; so that we may safely concede that 

 this remedy is useful in certain cases, and often more beneficial 

 than the stimulants so constantly and indiscreetly administered. 

 Nevertheless, hypochondriasis frequently originates from other 

 causes, and, of course, different measures are necessary. Suetonius 

 relates that Augustus Caesar erected a statue in honour of his 

 physician, Antonius Musa, who had relieved him from this malady 

 by prescribing lettuce :f this imperial act is probably a much 

 more evident proof of the Emperor's regard for Musa, than of the 

 absolute efficacy of the plant for the complaint in question. In 

 obstructions of the urinary passages, calculous affections, satyriasis, 



* Magendie, 1. c. 



t Vaillant ; Bot. Paris, pnef. 



