GENTIANACE^E. 



461 



sequence ; but it is also stated that those of the Ranunculus thora are likewise 

 mingled with them ; this fraud is of some moment r as the qualities of the roots 

 are widely different. The spurious root may beiktiown by being paler exter- 

 nally and whitish within, and having a mucilaginous, acrid taste. Gentian 

 yields its virtues both to alcohol and water.- / 



It has often been analyzed, and the discovery of a peculiar principle was 

 announced about the same time by Henry and Caventou ; but more recently 

 TromsdorfFasserts that two distinct substances have been confounded under the 

 name of gentianin; one crys- 

 talline and tasteless, the other 

 bitter ; and Leconte states the 

 same. From the various exa- 

 minations, the root appears to 

 contain a peculiar Oil, Gentisin, 

 or Gentsicic Acid, Gentianite or 

 the bitter principle, Pectin, Su- 

 gar, &c. 



Medical Properties. — Gentian 

 is a pure or simple bitter, and is 

 applicable to all cases where 

 such medication is required. It 

 at one time occupied a high place 

 as a febrifuge in intermittent fe- 

 vers, but has been superseded by 

 the Peruvian bark and its pre- 

 parations. In large doses it is 

 sometimes aperient, but in small 

 ones is beneficial in certain forms 

 of dyspepsia, chlorosis, &c, 

 either alone, or in combination, 

 with chalybeates or the alkalies. 

 It is usually given in infusion 

 with orange and lemon-peel ; 

 the dose is an ounce to two 

 ©unces. The tincture is also 

 used as a tonic and stomachic, 

 in doses of a half to two 

 drachms. 



Many other foreign species 

 are employed as substitutes for 

 the yellow Gentian j besides 

 those mentioned above, the G. 

 amarella, the campestris, and 

 pneumonanthe are used in Eu- 

 rope. In this country several 



indigenous kinds are much given in domestic practice, and appear to be fully 

 equal to the foreign. Among these the G. saponaria, catesbcei, and quin- 

 queflora are the best known and most esteemed. In a fresh state they all 

 prove cathartic in large doses. They are seldom employed in regular prac- 

 tice, from the foreign root being readily procurable, but may always be used 

 as a substitute for it. 



Ophelia. — Don. 



Calyx 4 — 5-parted. Corolla marcescent, rotate, 4 — 5-parted ; in aestivation twisted to 

 the right, with glandular hollows, either protected by a fringed scale or naked. Stamens 



