LINUM USITATISSIMUM. 
41 
form, and is contained in the bark of the stalk, and in the old leaves. 
He therefore uses these only, which he macerates in water for 
twenty-four hours, then boils itfor two hours, strains off the decoction, 
without pressure, and evaporates, first by heat, and then in shallow 
dishes ; to this he gives the name of Extractum Lactucce Concen- 
tratum. He says it is about half the strength of the Lactucarium 
and obtained at one-sixth of the expense. 
In the use of these preparations of lettuce, the practitioner should 
be aware, that the term, Lactucarium, has been applied to the 
extract, obtained by different methods, and varying, we should 
imagine, very considerably in its active properties ; many give it to 
what Mr. Young calls Lettuce Opium ; Dr. Duncan, senior, uses it 
for the extract prepared from the tincture ; Dr. Young for the 
extract obtained by alcohol and water, and Dr. Probart for a watery 
extract. We have no doubt, however, that when the virtues of this 
plant become better understood, and more generally known, some 
formula will be adopted for the preparing its extract or inspissating 
its juice, so as to present us with a medicine of uniform strength ; 
and when this is the case, we expect to find it hold a high place among 
our native medicinal plants. We have seen the Lactucarium pre* 
scribed in a number of cases where opium was indicated, and with 
the happiest effect ; acting as a narcotic and anodyne, without the 
stimulating effects of opium. Indeed, the analysis of the plant leads 
us to expect such a result, possessing, as it does, the morphine of 
the opium, without its narcotine. See Papaver Alba. 
Off. The Herb. 
Off. Pp. Succus spissatus Lactucae Virosae. E. 
SativJe. E. 
♦ 
LINUM USITATISSIMUM, 
Common Flax* 
Class Pentandria. — Order Pentagynia. 
Nat. Ord. Gruinales, Linn. LiNACEiE, Juss. 
Gen. Char. Calyx 5-Ieaved. Petals 5. Capsule 5-vaIved. 
10-celled. Seed solitary. 
♦ Fig. a. represents the top of a plant, (shewing the manner of its branching), vvltli 
the blossoms, b. The lower part of the stem and root. c. The calyx and capsule. 
VOL. I. G 
