MATONIA. CARDAMOMUM. 
115 
fice.* Many othei* species of dock were formerly much extolled as 
efficacious remedies, and were officinal herbs ; but with the march 
of intellect they have marched out of our pharmacopoeias, and given 
place to less efficacious exotic drugs. Dr. A. T. Thomson says, " I 
have ascertained that a decoction of one ounce of the sliced root 
of the common dock, Rumex Patientia, in a pint of water, is ex- 
tremely efficacious in obstinate ichthyosis. In a full dose, about 
two ounces of the decoction purges freely ; but at the same time 
improves the tone of the stomach." We would recommend a trial 
of this, as well as the Rumex Aquaticus, -to our readers, having our- 
selves experienced much benefit from their use in several cases. 
Off. The Root. 
MATONIA CARDAMOMUM. 
The Cardamom Tree.-\ 
Class MoNANDRiA. — Order Monogynia. 
Nat. Ord. Scitamine^, Linn. Cann^, Juss. 
Gen. Char. Capsule three-celled, three-valved, with 'a cen- 
tral receptacle. Anther of two distinct lobes. Filament 
with two triangular lobes at tlie base. Seeds rough, tunicated. 
Spec. Char. Leaves elliptic, lanceolate. Calyx notched. 
Capsule ovate, oblong, obtusely triangular. 
This plant is a native of the Indies, growing in great abundance 
on the mountains above Cochin and CaHcut ; on some mountains 
near the coast of Malabar, it is said to grow in such plenty, 
that the place is called the Mountains of Cardamoms. The root is 
perennial, tuberous, oblong, jointed, and sends off numerous fibres ; 
the stems which emerge from the roots are from eight to ten, or 
more, in number, and rise to the height of ten or twelve feet. 
* Murray's App. Med. vol. ili. p. 344. 
t Fig. a. a capsule, b. Section of ditto, c. The anthers, d. The style, laying be. 
tween the lobes of the anther, e. The germen and style. 
