LINUM USITATISSIMUM. 
43 
into Europe from Egypt; wliere, in those parts subject to inunda. 
tions of the Nile, it grows luxuriantly ; and we learn from ancient 
record, that flax was cultivated in Egypt in the time of Moses.* 
The cultivation of flax in this country, was formerly a very impor- 
tant branch of husbandry, and, indeed, of horticulture ; for in the 
earlier stages of society, most families raised it for their own use ; 
this was, doubtless, the means of propagating the seed ; and hence, 
in the present age, arises the supposition of its being an indigenous 
plant. 
Properties, &c. The Linum Usitatissimum is chiefly cultivated 
for the valuable properties of its ligneus principle, or fibre of the 
stems, which, after due maceration and preparation, form the flax 
for manufacturing of linen. The seeds, by expression, yield a large 
proportion of oil, nearly one-sixth, which, when carefully expressed 
without the application of heat, has no remarkable taste or flavour, 
and retains its fluidity at the lowest temperature, but it very soon 
becomes rancid by keeping ; the cake remaining after the oil is ex^ 
pressed, contains the farinaceous matter and mucilage, and is deno- 
minated oil cake ; it is used for the purpose of fattening cattle. 
The expressed oil is chiefly used as a vehicle by limners, for com- 
bining with their pigments, for the general purposes of painting. 
The husks of the seed contain nearly one-fifth the weight of the 
whole seeds of mucilage, which may be separated either by boiling 
or infusion. 
Medical Properties and Uses. Linseed, as a remedial 
agent, is chiefly valuable for its demulcent and emollient properties. 
An infusion of the seeds is in general use as a pectoral drink in in- 
flammatory diseases ; and particularly useful in gonorrhoea, and 
nephritic complaints ; it is also recommended during the exhibition 
of corrosive sublimate. The ground seeds, (or what is usually sold 
for them, the ground cake) is in general use for cataplasms ; as, 
likewise, the whole seeds, which are certainly preferable to the former 
for the purpose of making poultices. Linseed oil was formerly 
much used, in combination with lime water, as an application to ex- 
tensive burns ; we have seen much benefit from its use in many cases. 
Off". The Seed. 
Off". Pp. Inf. Lini. Usitatissimi, Ed. 
Inf. Liui. comp. Lond. 
01. Lini. L. E. D. 
* Exodas, chap ix, v. 31. 
