PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM. 
77 
tringent matter is totally dissolved both by water and alcohol ; the 
root after the action of either menstruum remaining insipid. 
Medical Properties and Uses. Bistort was formerly held 
in much repute, and highly extolled for its antiseptic, sudorific, 
and anti-pestilential virtues ; but it does not appear to merit the 
encomiums bestowed upon it. As an astringent, it posseses very 
considerable powers ; it has been employed in hemorrhages and 
other immoderate fluxes; it has also been recommended in inter- 
mittent fevers;* but in modern practice it is not often employed, 
although from its powerfully astringent qualities, it equals many of 
our exotic drugs: but the modern rage for foreign produce has crept 
into our dispensatories, and goes nearly to exclude our indigenous 
plants, whatever valuable properties they may possess. The root is 
given in substance from one scruple to one drachm three times a 
day. 
Off. The Roots. 

PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM, 
White Poppy. ^ 
Class PoLYANDRiA. Order Monogynia. 
Nat. Ord. Rhceades, Linn. PapaveracEjE, Juss. 
Gen. Char. Calyx two-leaved. Capsule one cell, opening 
by pores under the persistent stigma. 
Spec. Char. Calyx and Capsule smooth. Leaves incised, 
embracing the stem. 
This species of poppy is an annual, and although sometimes 
found wild in this country, it is generally considered to be a native 
of the southern parts of Asia : it has been long cultivated for the 
capsules and seeds, and also as an ornament in our gardens ; many 
varieties being produced by cultivation with double blossoms, and 
of various beautiful colours. 
• Cullen, Mat. Med. ii. 40. 
+ Fig. a. represents the top of a plant, the blossom and bud of the natural size. b. 
' The under side of a leaf attached to the stem. c. The pistillum, shewing the radiated 
stigma, d, An anther (magnified). 
