TOAD-FLAX. 361 



juice is said to be a useful application to foul malignant ulcers, 

 even when cancerous or fistular * ; for this purpose it is best 

 applied by means of a piece of lint well soaked in it, and several 

 times doubled ; or the bruised leaves in the form of cataplasm 

 may be laid on the surface of the ulcer. The juice is also re- 

 puted to be efficacious for removing spots and blotches from 

 the face. The distilled water, according to GeofFroy, is useful 

 in inflammation of the eyes. An infusion of the flowers in 

 combination with those of Mullein, used as tea, is stated to be 

 highly useful in cutaneous disorders. Hamnerinf adduces a 

 case in which this infusion cured an exanthematous disorder, 

 which for three years had resisted all other measures. 



For internal use, the decoction appears to be the best form : 

 this may be made with an ounce of the dried, or twice the 

 quantity of the recent plant to a pint and a half of water, boiled 

 down to a pint : to be taken in the dose of a wine-glassful. 

 A vinous decoction is preferred by some. The ointment J is 

 made by beating together the fresh leaves and flowers, with 

 twice the quantity of lard, or by gently boiling the same ingre- 

 dients. For the purpose of fomentation, the flowering tops 

 may be boiled with Chamomile flowers, or Mullein, in water or 

 milk. 



* Geoffroy, Mat. Med. iii. p. 732. 

 f In Provincial-Doctorernes Berattelser, 1761, p. 7« 

 J The inventor of this ointment was Dr. Wolph, physician to Ludo- 

 vicus, Landgrave of Hesse, by whom he was frequently urged to disclose 

 the secret, and as often refused, until the prince offered him a fat 

 ox annually for the discovery. Upon which he made the following line 

 to distinguish the Linaria from Euphorbia Esula; — 



" Esula lactescit, sine lacte Linaria crescit." 

 To which the hereditary Marshal of Hesse added, 



" Esula nil nobis ; sed dat Linaria taurum." 



Murray App. Med. torn. ii. p. 220. ah Horst. I. c. 



