226 DAPHNE LAUREOLA 



United Kingdom is derived from Daphne Mezereum. The bark 

 of the Spurge Laurel corresponds essentially in its characters with 

 that of the true mezereon plant already described ; but the bark of 

 the younger branches of its stem may be distinguished from that 

 of the latter species by the absence of the leaf-scars which are so 

 evident in it. The bark of D. Laureola has the same taste and 

 odour as that of D. Mezereum, but, as already noticed, it is gene- 

 rally regarded as somewhat less acrid in taste, although its odour 

 is said by Squire to be more marked than in it, especially when 

 recently dried. Squire also states in reference to these two barks 

 that " the inner bark of Daphne Mezereum is highly acrid, creating 

 in the mouth and fauces a burning sensation, and, if swallowed, it 

 affects the whole lining of the oesophagus and stomach in the same 

 manner. With some individuals this sensation continues only a 

 few hours, while others feel it as long as two days. In the case 

 of D. Laureola, I remarked that this effect is followed by a 

 profuse perspiration of the face, head, and neck, and that as soon 

 as this was fairly produced, the heat in the oesophagus and stomach 

 began to subside." 



The chemical composition of this bark is doubtless analogous to 

 that of the true Mezereon bark ; this has been described under 

 the head of Daphne Mezereum. 



Medical Properties and Uses. Similar to those of the bark of 

 Daphne Mezereum, under which they are noticed. The leaves 

 were formerly employed as an emmenagogue, but unless very 

 carefully used they produce violent vomiting and purging. They, 

 as well as the bark, have been employed to cause abortion. 



Per. Mat. Med., vol. ii, pt. 1, p. 481 ; Pharmacographia, p. 487 ; 

 Gerarde's Herball, by Johnson (1636), p. 1405; Miller's Gard. 

 Diet., vol. i, pt. 2 ; Watts' Diet. Chem., vol. ii, p. 304 ; Squire, 

 in Pharm. Jl., vol. i, ser. 1st, p. 397. 



DESCRIPTION OF PLATE. 



Drawn from a specimen collected in the Isle of Wight by Mr. Stratton ; the 

 fruit added from Nees. 1. Upper part of a branch with flowers. 2. Vertical 

 section of flower. 3. Perianth laid open. 4. Vertical section of ovary. 

 5. Group of fruit. (2-4 enlarged.) 



