23 BRASSICA (SINAPIS) ALBA 



separately, but we have now to describe those of mustard gene- 

 rally. Mustard acts as a powerful stimulant, holding, according 

 to Pereira, an intermediate rank between horseradish and pepper. 

 Externally applied it is a most valuable rubefacient, and if 

 kept long in contact with the skin it causes vesication ; but its 

 use requires caution, as its too lengthened application may occasion 

 ulceration and even gangrene. 



Mustard is used in medicine for several purposes. As an 

 emetic mustard is especially valuable when there is great torpor of 

 the stomach, and in other cases where it is desirable to empty 

 that organ without producing a depressing influence in the system, 

 as in narcotic poisoning, and some forms of paralysis, &c. It has 

 also been employed as a diuretic in dropsies, and in other ways ; 

 but the principal use of mustard is as a rubefacient, and in the 

 form of a mustard poultice its application is useful to relieve 

 slight inflammation of serous and mucous surfaces when applied to 

 a neighbouring part ; as for example, upon the chest in bronchitis 

 and pleurisy ; also to relieve congestion of various organs by 

 drawing blood to the surface, as in head affections ; and likewise 

 for the alleviation of neuralgic and other pains and spasms. 

 Mustard is also frequently added to local baths, as for the feet. 

 (See also Oleum Sinapis.) 



Besides its use in medicine mustard is very largely employed as 

 a condiment, and when taken in moderate quantities with the 

 food, it promotes the appetite, and assists the assimilation of 

 substances which are difficult of digestion. 



Per. Mat. Med., vol. ii, part ii, p. 582 ; U. S. Disp., by W. & B., 

 p. 810 ; Per. Mat. Med., by B. & R, p. 937 ; Pharmacographia, 

 p. 65 ; Garr., Mat. Med., p. 209 ; Greenish, in Pharrn. Journ., 

 vol. 3, ser. 3, p. 782, and vol. 4, p. 381. 



DESCRIPTION OP PLATE. 



Made from a specimen collected at Box Hill, Surrey. 1. The andrcecium 

 and pistil. 2. A ripe fruit. 3. Horizontal section of the same. 4. A seed. 

 5 Section of the same. 6. The embryo. (1, 4, 5, 6 enlarged.) 



