70 
ANETHUM GRAVEOLENS. 
addition to these qualities often proves mildly cathartic ; * this plant 
was much used in febrile disorders previous to the knowledge of 
Peruvian bark, which now supersedes it too generally : for many 
cases of fever are found to be aggravated by the Cinchona, yet 
readily yield to simple bitters, of which, the centaury is equal, if not 
superior, to most, and will be found to supply the place of more 
expensive exotics. In dyspeptic complaints, and weaknesses of the 
stomach and digestive organs it is an useful remedy. It has also been 
given with the same success in chlorosis, gout,t worms, scurvy, &c. 
It is given in powder in doses of from thirty to sixty grains, and in 
infusion (made by macerating two ounces of the dried tops in one 
pint of boiling water) in doses of one or two ounces three or four 
times a day. 
Off. The flowering Tops. 
— ♦ 
ANETHUM GRAVEOLENS. 
Common Dill.'^ 
Class Pentandria. — Order Digynia. 
Nat. Ord. Umbellate, Linn. Juss. 
Gen. Char. Fruit nearly ovate, compressed, striated. 
Petals involuted, entire. 
Spec. Char. Fruit compressed. 
This plant is a native of Spain and Portugal, flowering in June 
and July ; it is common in the corn fields of those countries. It is 
said to have been first cultivated in Britain by Gerarde, in 1597. We 
* When given in considerable doses. Ed. 
t Centaury formed one of the ingredients in the celebrated Portland powders. Ei, 
X Fig. a. the corolla magnified, h. The germen and styles, c. The corolla of the 
fennel. 
