LICHEN ISLANDICUS. 
179 
able efficacy in coughs, hoarseness, phthisical cases, &c. : it has 
also been given with good effect in some cases of dyspepsia. It 
has been said to possess the power of abating thirst in a very 
considerable degree, hence it was named «J/'vpov, and the root 
directed to be chewed in dropsies, and other disorders where much 
thirst prevailed.* Infusions or extracts made from the roots of li- 
quorice afford likewise very commodious vehicles for the exhibition 
of other medicines, the flavour of the liquorice conceahng that of 
many unpalatable drugs more effectually than saccharine preparations. 
The decoction may be taken to the quantity of a tea-cupfuU, ad 
libitum: the powder from grs. xv. to 31. three or four times a day. 
Liquorice enters into the composition of the following preparations : 
Decoctum Sarsaparilte Compositum, L. D. ; Confectio Sennae, 
L. E.; Infusum Lini, L. 
Off. The Root. 
Off. Pp. Extractura Glycyrrhizee, L. E. D. 
LICHEN ISLANDICUS. 
Iceland or Eryngo -leaved Liverwort. 
Class Crtptogamia. —Order Alg^.' 
Nat, Ord. Algje, Linn. 
Gen. Char. Male. Scattered warts. 
Female. Smooth shields or tubercles, in which 
the seeds are embedded. 
Spec. Char. Frond leafy. Lohes irregularly linear, margins 
elevated, fringed or toollied. 
This species of Lichen is perennial, indigenous to the northern 
parts of Britain ; t but more abundantly found in the north of Germany 
and Iceland. It is usually met with in elevated situations, and is 
* Vide Pliny, lib. xxii. c. 9. Theopli. 4, 9. cap. 13. 
t The late Sir J. E. Smith gathered it on the Pentland Hills, near Edinburgh, 
Ben Lomond, and some other parts of Scotland, 
