250 
HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS. 
crowned with a cleft stigma ; the gertnen becomes four ovate seeds, 
which are lodged at the bottom of the calyx. 
Sensible Qualities, &c. The herb, in its recent state, has 
a weak aromatic, and somewhat astringent taste ; its smell is agree- 
able, with a slight odour of lemons, which is lost by drying. In 
distillation with water, it yields a very small portion of essential oil, 
of a grateful flavour, and of a pale yellowish colour ; the watery 
infusion has a roughish taste, and slightly reddens litmus paper ; 
and affords with nitrate of silver a deep brown, and with acetate 
of lead a greenish white precipitate. 
Medical Properties and Uses. Balm was formerly held 
in great estimation,* but in modern practice (although gently sti- 
mulant and diuretic), it is seldom employed but in the form of the 
watery infusion, and given as a diluent in febrile disorders. In this 
way it may be taken ad libitum, either alone, or acidulated with the 
juice of oranges or lemons, when it forms a very grateful drink. 
Off. The Herb. 
— 
HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS. 
Common Hyssop. 
Class, Order, Nat. Ord. same as preceding article. 
Gen. Char. Corolla lower lip three-parted, with a small 
intermediate subcrenate segment. Stamens straight, distant. 
Spec. Char. Spikes one ranked. Leaves lanceolate. 
This species of hyssop is a native of Siberia, and the mountainous 
parts of Austria ; it has been cultivated in England since 1596,t 
and is now common in most of our gardens. The root is perennial. 
* By the Arabian pbysicians it was considered almost an infallible remedy for the 
cure of every disorder ; and even Boerhaave and Hoffmann deemed it an efficacious 
remedy. Simon Paulli, aud others, considered it possessed of emeuagogue properties, 
t Vide Hort. Kew. 
