LEONTODON TARAXACUM. 
59 
Qualities and Properties. The roots of Acorus Calamus 
have a moderately strong smell, and a warm aromatic taste, inclining 
somewhat to bitter, and acrid ; these qualities are said to be increased 
by exciccatioi). The leaves have a slight fragrant smell resembling 
the roots, but less powerful. The bitter principle of the roots is 
extracted best by water, and tlie aromatic by alcohol : by distilla- 
tion with water, a small portion of a very fragrant essential oil is 
oljtaiued ; according to Hoffmann, Neumann, and Cartheuser, in the 
proportion of from one to two scruples from lib. of the roots. 
From analysis, they are found also to contain extractive, resin, 
gum, and starch. 
Medical Properties and Uses. The sweet flag is seldom 
prescribed in modern practice. Formerly, it was held in much estima- 
tion, and recommended in many diseases, especially in those arising 
from a vitiated state of the primee via;.* Its efficacy in intermit- 
tent fevers and scurvy, we believe, does not bear the test of modern 
experience ; and as for its preventive effects against contagion, we 
leave them to the inhabitants of Constantinople to determine. f 
As a warm stomachic, gentle bitter and carminative, it may be 
found useful ; and being less heating than the foreign aromatic 
spices, may be often substituted with advantage for them ; when 
prescribed, the dried root may be given in doses of from one scruple 
to a drachm. 
Ofl'. The Root. 
LEONTODON TARAXACUM, 
Common Dandelion. J 
Class S YNGENESi A.— Orf?er Poi-ygamia ^qualis. 
Nat. Ord. Composite, Linn. Cichorace^, Jmw, 
Gen. Char, Receptacle naked. Calyx double. Pappus 
stipitate, hairy. 
* Mayerne. Pra. Med. 
t The roots candied are said to be used in many Eastern countries, and at Constan- 
tinople as a preservative against contagion. 
t Fig. 6. A magnified floret ; a. the pistilium. c. The five united anthers sur- 
rounding the stjle. d. A seed. 
