216 PIMPERNEL. 



cess. Dioscorides mentions it as a remedy for the bites of vipers *, 

 hence it came to be administered in hydrophobia, and obtained 

 considerable reputation as an antillysic f . Ravenstein J brings 

 forward several cases of persons bitten by rabid animals, who re- 

 covered by the free use of this plant. More recently Gmelin §, has 

 enumerated several cures produced by it. He exhibited every 

 six hours twenty grains of the powdered herb in a cupful of an 

 infusion of the plant, combined with fifteen drops of volatile 

 alkali. This was continued for four days, the infusion being 

 taken for ordinary drink, and linen saturated with the infusion, 

 was at the same time kept constantly applied to the wounded 

 part. In some cases baths impregnated with the plant were 

 used, the wounds were scarified, mercurial ointment was rubbed 

 in, and twice the above dose was exhibited. 



It has thus been recommended in two of the most terrific 

 diseases to which the human frame is subject, and if its efficacy 

 could be established in either of them, it would deservedly rank 

 as one of the most precious of remedial agents. It has more- 

 over been considered efficacious against the plague ||, epilepsy, 

 hysteria, calculus, gout, dropsy, haemorrhages and phthisis ^[, 

 also a useful application to the eyes in dimness of sight ** and 

 to ulcers. Ray affirms that the distilled water mixed with milk, 

 is extremely beneficial in pulmonary consumption ; if any benefit 

 however is to be expected from it in this disease, the expressed 

 juice or the decoction will be preferable to the distilled water. 



Two ounces of the expressed juice or of a strong decoction 

 or infusion, maybe taken at a dose. The extract prepared by in- 

 spissating the juice, appears to contain all the virtues of the plant, 

 and may be given to the amount of a scruple or half a drachm. 

 The tincture is highly commended by some writers. 



* Mat. Med. lib. ii. cap. 209. 



f Boch, Kreutterbuch. fol. 126. Tabernamontanus, Krauterb. Basil 

 1731. p. 1093 Camerarius, Hort. Med. et Phil. p. 14. 



X In C. L. Bruch's Diss, de Anagallide, Argentor. 1768. 



§ Almanach Veterinaire, 1791. 



|| " Tragus directs the patient seized with the plague to take a moderate 

 draught of a decoction of it in wine, then to cover themselves up well in 

 the bed clothes and encourage the sweating. Indeed, in all febrile com- 

 plaints this practice will be found beneficial." Waller, 1. c. 



% Vide Zorn, Botan. Med. p. 63. 



** Dioscorides, Mat. Med. loc. cit. 



