POLYGONUM BISTORTA. 
75 
and we have the' testhiiony of several respectable physicians, that 
chamomile flowers may be effectually substituted for Peruvian bark, 
in the cure of intermittent fever.* Dr, CuUen says, " I have em- 
ployed th^se flowers, and agreeably to the method of Hoflfmann, by 
giving several times, during the intermissions, from half a drachm 
to a drachm of the flowers in powder, and have cured intermittent^ 
fever." Dr. Cullen, however, adds, that he found it necessary to 
join an opiate or astringent with them, to prevent their aperient 
efi^"ects, which when considerable, defeated the purpose of prevent- 
ing a return of the paroxysms. In modern practice, however, cha- 
momile is not often relied upon for the cure of iutermittents ; as a 
gentle tonic it is an useful medicine ; and with many physicians the 
infusion of chamomile has entirely superseded the infusion of gen- 
tian, as a stomachic. As a tonic and stomachic, it is usually pre- 
SGxibed in the form of infusion, extract, or powder; when as a 
carminative, or antispasmodic, the essential oil will be found the 
most eff*ective. A tepid infusion of the flowers will often excite 
vomiting, and also promote the action of more powerful emetics. 
As a topical remedy the flowers are used in decoction, for fomenta- 
tions, &c. 
Off. The Flowers. 
Off". Pp. Decoctum Antheraidis nobilis, E. D. 
Extractuni Anthemidis, L. E. 
Infusum Anthemidis, L. E. 
Oleum Anthemidis, L. E. 
POLYGONUM BISTORTA, 
Greater Bistort, or Snake-weed. ■\ 
Cte OcTANDRiA. OrJer Trigynia. 
Nat. Ord. Holorace^, Linn. Polygonete, Juss. 
Gen. Char. Calyx 0. Coro//a 5-parted, calycine. S ed oxit, 
angular, naked. 
* Morton, Exercit. 1. de Febr. interm. cap. G. HoffraanD, Diss, de Praestant. 
Remediis Domesticis. Heister, Diss, de Medic. Germ, indig. p. 13. 
f Fig «. represents the root and radical leaves, the flowering stalk being removed. 
h. The top of the stem terminating in a spike of flowers of the natural sivie. c. The 
pistilla. d. A perfect flower, magnified, e. Seeds. 
