94 
LAVANDULA SPICA. 
prevented a return of the fit.* Many of the West India practitioners 
strongly recommend it in the advanced stages of yellow fever, and 
direct it to be given in the form of pill,t in doses of three grains, 
repeated every two or three hours. In tropical fevers attended with 
delirium or coma, the application of cataplasms composed of 
capsicum to the feet, has been attended with good effects. 
Capsicum forms a good adjunct to mercury to prevent the 
griping which frequently attends the taking of that mineral. In 
dropsy, and other diseases where chalybeates are indicated, the 
addition of a small portion of capsicum has been strongly recom- 
mended. Dose of the tincture from ten to thirty drops; the powder 
from three to ten grains. 
Off. The Fruit or Berry. 
Off. Pp. Tinctura Capsici, L. D. 
♦ 
LAVANDULA SPICA. 
Lavender, or Spike Lavender. % 
Class DiDYNAMiA.—OriZer Gymnospermia. 
Nat. Ord. Verticillat^, Linn. Labiate, Juss. 
Gen. Char. Calyx ovate, slightly toothed, supported by a 
bractea. Corolla resupine. Stamens within the tube. 
Spec. Char. Leaves linear-lanceolate, spike interrupted, 
naked at the summit. 
The Lavandula Spica grows spontaneously in many of the 
southern parts of Europe, and was introduced into England prior to 
the year 1568; it is now in general cultivation for the sake of its 
flowers, the fragrance of which is a favourite with most people ; it 
flowers from June to September. All the species of lavender known 
* Mat. Med. p. 144. 
t Capsicum when given in the form of pills, should be well coated with dough or 
wafer, to prevent the burning sensation which it would otheriivise excite in the 
mouth and throat.— £d. 
t Fig. a. and 6. represent a sprig of the natural size. c. The permen supporting 
the style and stigma, d. A flower magnified, and cut open to phow the stamens, 
c. A bractea. /. The caljx. 
