388 WATER-CRESS. 



the assertion of Bonet * and Pouteau -f, that it has proved bene- 

 ficial in purulent phthisis. In fine, this plant, though less 

 powerful, nearly agrees with the Scurvy-grass, (Cochlearia offi- 

 cinalis,) with which it is often combined, as with other warm 

 antiscorbutic plants ; their acrimony being mitigated by the 

 colder juices of Sorrel, Brooklime, &c. 



Externally, the bruised plant has been applied with reputed 

 benefit to white swellings. The juice frequently injected into 

 the nose is said by Schroder and Ettmuller J to cure mucous 

 polypi, and mixed with vinegar and used in the same way, to be 

 useful in rousing lethargic patients. The bruised herb in the 

 form of cataplasm has also been applied to the scald-head and 

 tetters of children. 



The expressed juice is the usual form of exhibition in the 

 dose of one to three ounces, twice or thrice a-day, either alone, 

 or associated with an acid, or mucilaginous liquid, or milk, 

 according to the indication. The fresh plant may also be ma- 

 cerated in water in closed vessels. The alcoholic tincture is 

 reputed to be stomachic and antiscorbutic ; it is also a useful 

 stimulant when added to gargles, &c. The juice mixed with 

 honey is a suitable gargle for sore throat and aphthous ulcers 

 of the mouth. The conserve, distilled water, and extract are 

 seldom used, the two former are needless when the expressed 

 juice can be obtained, and the latter is inert. 



* Sepulchr. torn. i. ed. Mang. p. 686. 



•J- (Euvres posthumes, vol. i. p. 301. 



X Opera, ed. cur. J. C. Westphali. Amstel 1696, p. 612. 



