278 
ASTRAGALUS VERUS. 
this operation ; it is also used with success for expelling taeniae, and 
it is probably the active ingredient in most of the nostrums sold for 
that purpose. For expelling taeniae it has been given to the extent 
of fifteen or twenty grains, combined with an equal quantity of 
vegetable alkali ; this dose is ordered to be taken in the morning, 
and if the worm be not expelled in two or three hours, it may be 
repeated a second or third time with safety and efficacy. It is also 
efficacious in obstinate costiveness, and may be administered alone, 
in doses of from two to five grains, or combined with calomel, jalap^ 
or rhubarb.* 
Off. The Gum Resin. 
Off. Pp. Pilulae Cambogiae Compositae, L. E. 
— — ♦ 
ASTRAGALUS VERUS. 
True Astragalus 
Class DiADELPHiA. — Order Decandria. 
Nat, Ord. Papilionace^, or Leguminos^, Linn. 
Gen. Char. Legume generally two-celled, gibbous. 
Spec. Char. Leaves pinnate. PinneB lance-shaped, villousj^ 
stiff. Flowers axillary. 
This species of Astragalus is a native of the north of Persia, 
where it is called Kurn, flowering in July and August; we are 
indebted to Olivier | for the discovery of this plant, which furnishes 
the Gum Tragacanth of commerce : previous to his account, this 
gum was generally considered to be the product of Astragalus 
* Gamboge is much used by artists in water-colour drawing, being the brightest 
and most beautiful of the yellows, and forming an endless variety of tints, from tho 
pale straw colour to deep orange. — Ed. 
+ Fig. «. the corolla, h. A separate leaf. 
Vide Voyage dans I'Empire Ottoman, v. 342^. 
