G E N TI A N A C E iET 



457 



it is emetic, in the smaller, alterative and expectorant. It is also given in in- 

 fusion, made with three drachms of the root to eight ounces of boiling water ; 

 this is emetic in doses of two ounces. 



Although it is generally conceded that the Madar is furnished by the species 

 under consideration, it is also certain that the roots of a number of the As- 

 clepiadacere are known under this name in India, and all possess analogous 

 properties ; these are very similar to those of our native Apocynums, hereto- 

 fore noticed. 



Cynanchum. — Linn. 



Calyx 5-parted, segments ovate. Corolla rotate, deeply 5-cleft, segments linear-oblong, 

 or ovate, obtuse. Stamineal crown monophyllous, 10-lobed ; anthers membranous at 

 apex ; pollen in round masses, pendulous. Stigma pentagonal, with twin tubercles. Fol- 

 licles oblong, smooth, usually one by abortion. Seeds with a coma. 



This genus, as now restricted, contains but few species, which are mostly 

 sarmentose or climbing plants, with cordate leaves. The flowers are in small, 

 axillary umbels. They are found in various parts of the world, and all con- 

 tain an active, milky juice. 



C. acutum, Linn. — Stem twining; leaves oblong-ovate, cordate, smooth; peduncles 

 shorter than the leaves ; follicles oblong; acuminate, smooth. 



Linn., Sp. PL 310 ; Richard, Elem. Hist. Mat. Med. ii. 138 ; De Candolle, 

 Prod. viii. 547 ; Jacquin, Miss. i. f. 4. 



It is a native of the countries bordering on the Mediterranean, where its 

 juice, in an inspissated state, is used as a drastic purgative, under the name, 

 of Montpelier scammony. This is black, hard, compact, and when moistened, 

 becomes dark-gray, unctuous and viscid. It has a faint but disagreeable smell, 

 and a nauseous taste. It acts violently on the bowels, and causes much pain. 

 It is now seldom employed in practice, but is said to be used to adulterate the 

 Aleppo scammony. 



Some other species of Cynanchum (Linn.), are in use in different countries. 

 C. (Dimid) externum, a native of India, is employed in that country as an 

 anthelmintic, for which purpose a decoction of the leaves is preferred; the 

 juice is ordered in asthma. The 

 root of C. (Marsdenia) erectum is 

 eminently poisonous, and is said to 

 have been formerly in use in Syria 

 as a means of self-destruction, or 

 murder. The leaves of C. (Sole- 

 ?wstoma) argel are very purgative, 

 and are used largely to adulterate 

 Alexandrian Senna ; and it is pro- 

 bable that some of the griping and 

 unpleasant effects of this purgative 

 are, in a great measure, owing to 

 the presence of Argel. Besides the 

 leaves, which may be known from those of Senna by being more coriaceous, 

 and wrinkled and equilateral, the flowers and fruit are also found in some 

 parcels in abundance. 



C. argel. 



Order 73.— GENTIANACE^E.— Lindley. 



Calyx of usually 4 — 5 persistent, more or less, united sepals. Corolla usually regular 

 and persistent, divisions equal in number to those of the calyx, mostly twisted in aestiva- 

 tion. Stamens inserted on the tube of corolla, alternate with the segments, and equal in 



