322 MEDICAL BOTANY. 



This genus was separated by Hoffmann from Angelica of Linnaeus, on ac- 

 count of many important differences ; for though the general aspect of the 

 species of the two genera is very similar, they differ in almost all their de- 

 tails. They are perennial ; the leaves are 3-parted, with the divisions pin- 

 nately or bipinnately divided, the segments being ovate, toothed or serrate, 

 and are supported on large, inflated petioles. The involucre is almost want- 

 ing, but the involucels are many-leaved. The flowers are greenish or white. 



A. officinalis, Hoffmann. — Stem glabrous, terete, striate ; leaves bipinnately divided ; 

 segments subcordate, lobed, acutely serrate, the terminal one 3-lobed ; involucel as long 

 as the umbellets. 



Hoffmann, TJmb. 166 ; Koch., TJmb. 98, f. 17 ; Torrey and Gray, Fl. i. 

 621; Stephenson and Churchill, ii. 83; Lindley, Fl. Med. 43 ; Angelica 

 archangelica ; Linn., Sp. PI. 360; Eng. Bot. 2561. 



Common Names. — Angelica ; Garden angelica, &c. 



Foreign Names. — Angelique, Fr. ; Angelica domestica, It. ; Angelika, 

 Ger. 



Description. — Root large, branched, resinous. Stem four to five feet high, jointed, 

 round, hollow, striated, smooth, of a purplish colour below, much branched. The leaves 

 are numerous, large, petiolated, smooth, and pinnated, with the leaflets ovate-lanceolate, 

 pointed, acutely serrated, smooth, and having the terminal ones three-lobed ; the petioles 

 are membranous at base, tumid, with many ribs, and much dilated. The involucres are 

 almost wanting ; the involucels consist of eight linear, lanceolate leaves. The flowers are 

 numerous, of a greenish-white colour, and grow in large, terminal umbels. The calyx 

 has a small, short, five-toothed margin ; the corolla is small, and composed of five une- 

 qual, elliptic, lanceolate petals, with their points inflexed ; the stamens are longer than 

 the petals, with roundish anthers. The ovary is furrowed, ovate, and supports two very 

 short, erect styles with obtuse stigmas. The fruit is dorsally compressed ; the meri- 

 carps are flat on one side, and convex on the other, with four acute ribs, emarginate on 

 both ends, and winged at the sides. 



Angelica is a native of many parts of Europe, and has been found in the 

 most northern parts of this continent. It is frequently met with in gardens. 

 The best is said to come from Spain and Bohemia, but Linnaeus states that it is 

 most vigorous and aromatic to the north. The parts used are the root and 

 stalks; the first has a fragrant, agreeable odour, and a bitterish, pungent taste 

 on being chewed ; they are at first sweetish, afterwards acrid, and leave a 

 sensation of heat in the mouth and fauces, which continues for some time. 

 The stalks have the same qualities, but in a lesser degree. The root has been 

 analyzed, and found to contain bitter extractive, gum, an acrid, soft resin, a 

 little volatile oil, &c. 



Medical Properties. — Angelica is an aromatic stimulant and gentle tonic, 

 but is very seldom used as a therapeutic agent, its principal employment being 

 as a sweetmeat, for which purpose the root and stalks are candied. In Lap- 

 land, however, it is held in high esteem in a variety of complaints, especially 

 in those of the lungs and bowels. At one time it was in much repute as an 

 antidote against poisons and malignant disorders. Gerarde says of it : "The 

 roote of Garden Angelica is a singular remedie against poison, and against 

 plague, and all infections taken by evil and corrupt air, if you do but take a 

 peece of the roote and hold in your mouthe, or chew the same between your 

 teeth, it doth most certainly drive away the pestilentiall aire. It is a most 

 singular medicine against surfeiting and lothsomnes to meate ; it helpeth 

 concoction in the stomacke and is right beneficial to the harte ; it cureth the 

 bitings of mad dogs, and all venomous beasts." (Ilerball, 849.) 



A native species, the A. atro-purpurea, is very similar in its properties to 

 the above, and when dried, is used in flatulent colic and cardialgia. In a re- 



