DAPHNE MEZEREUM. 
13 
capsules of the Argemone are also prickly and less globular than the 
Rhcfias. The Papaver Dubium bears more resemblance to the Rhoeas, 
than the other species, but may be distinguished by the following 
characters : the capsules of the Papaver Dubium are oblong, the 
hairs on the stalks, &c. are appressed upwards, and the flowers are 
of a less brilliant colour. 
Formerly the red poppy was in more repute than at the present 
time; a simple water was distilled, and a conserve made from the 
flowers ; also a tincture and syrup ; these preparations were con- 
sidered pectoral and anodyne ; but have been long rejected in 
medical practice ; the syrup only, being retained ; and that chiefly 
for the sake of its fine colour ;* its narcotic properties being very 
slight. 
Off", The Flowers. Ofl\ Pp. Syr. Rhoeados. L. Syr. Pap. Errat. D. 
DAPHNE MEZEREUM. 
Mezereon, Spurge Olive. ■\ 
Class OcTANDRiA. Order Monogynia. 
Nat. Ord. VEPRECULiE, Linn. Thymeleje, Juss. 
Gen. Char. Calijx 0. Corolla 4-cleft, withering, inciadiiig 
the stamens. Berry 1-seeded. 
Spec. Char. Flowers sessile, threefold on the stem. Leaves 
lanced, deciduous. 
Of Genus Daphne, fourteen species are known in this country. 
The Daphne Mezereum is indigenous to Germany and the northern 
parts of Europe, and found growing in woody situations. It is now 
ranked by Sir J, E. Smith, and other botanists, among the native 
shrubs of Britain. i It has been long cultivated in our gardens for its 
* The Syr. Rhoeados is more extensively used than is generally supposed; we 
learn from very good authority, that it commonly supplies the place of the Syr. Rosae 
Rub. ; and with the addition of a little acid, is very generally substituted for the Syr. 
Mori of the LondoH Pharmacopoeia. 
t Id the annexed illustration. Fig. a. represents a cutting, the flowers of the 
natural size. b. Ditto, the leaves and berries about one-third less than nature, c. The 
corolla cut open to show the stamina, d. The pistillum. e. Pericap and seed. 
t We are told by Miller, " that many years ago the mezereon was discovered 
'' growing in some woods near Andover, from whence several plants were taken," 
implying, we conclude, that previous to this discovery, it was not known to be indige- 
nous to Britain. (Vide Miller's Gard. Did.) 
