228 
SIUM NODIFOLIUM. 
and supplied with numerous fibres ; the stem is procumbent, thicks 
jointed, succulent, scored, branched, and seldom exceeds a foot in 
length ; the leaves are pinnate, consisting of three or four pairs of 
pinnae, terminated by an odd one ; the pinnae are ovate, pointed, 
serrated, and sessile ; the flowers are produced in solitary, axillary 
umbels, which are composed of from five to nine umbellets ; the 
general involucrum is composed of one leaf when present, but it is 
frequently altogether wanting ; the involucel consists of five or 
seven pointed concave leaflets, the length of the pedicels ; the co- 
rolla is composed of five white petals, which are bent inwards at 
their apices ; the filaments are slender, longer than the corolla, and 
furnished with roundish anthers ; the germen is small, placed be- 
neath the corolla, and supports two slender reflexed styles, termi- 
nated by blunt stigmas ; the fruit is ovate, small, and divisible 
into two seeds, which are flat on one side, on the other convex and 
scored. 
This plant does not possess any particular sensible properties, 
and its medical virtues are also said to be very trivial ; but although 
it is now but little used, we have the testimony of former writers in 
favour of its efficacy, in a variety of disorders,* particularly as an 
antiscorbutic, and in cutaneous eruptions and tumours of the lym- 
phatic system. We are told by Dr. Withering, that a young lady six 
years old, was cured of an obstinate cutaneous disease, by taking 
three large spoonfuls of the juice twice a day ; and he further says, 
** I have repeatedly given to adults three or four ounces every morn- 
ing in similar complaints with the greatest advantage." It is not 
nauseous, and children take it readily if mixed with milk, in doses 
of three or four ounces, it neither afl^cts the head, the stomach, nor 
the bowels. 
The juice may be given to children in doses of from one to three 
table spoonsful once or twice a day ; dose for adults, three or four 
ounces every morning. 
Off". The Herb. 
* Berry, Raj, Withering, &c. 
