274 
SCROPHULARIA NODOSA. 
Sensible Qualities, &c. Agaric is nearly inodorous, its 
taste is gently astringent. According to the analysis of Bouillion le 
Grange, it contains an extractive matter bearing a resemblance to 
animal gluten, resin, and various salts. 
Medical Properties and Uses. This species of agaric 
was introduced into medical practice as an external application to 
bleeding arteries and veins,* and for a considerable period it was 
held in much repute, both on the continent and in this country, but 
the improved practice of tying the larger bleeding vessels has nearly 
superseded the use of this substance, which does not appear to 
possess styptic powers much superior to either sponge or lint. To 
prepare it for surgical purposes, the outer hard part is to be pared 
off with a knife till you come to the inner soft substance, which may 
be cut into pieces of various sizes, and beat with a hammer till they 
become perfectly soft, so as to be readily torn with the finger. 
OIF. Agaric. 
SCROPHULARIA NODOSA. 
Knobby -r^ooted Figwor^t.-\ 
Class DiDYNAMiA. — Order Angiospermia. 
Nat. Ord. Personate, Linn. Scrophularije, Juss. 
Gen. Char. Calyx five-cleft. Corolla sub-globular, resu- 
pine. Capsule two-celled. 
Spec. Char, Leaves heart-shaped, acute ; three-ribbed at 
the base. Stem sharp-edged. 
The Genus Scrophularia comprises a pretty numerous 
family,! natives of almost every climate : the species under con- 
* First introduced by M. Brossard, a French surgeon, in 1750. 
■|- Fig. rt. The corolla spread open to shew the stamens, b. The pistillum. c. A 
seed. d. The capsule, e. The calyx. 
X Twenty-nine species are cul{ivat<ni in our botanic gardens. 
