SALIX FRAGILIS. 
1^9 
chiefly been employed in humoral asthmas, obstinate coughs, and 
pulmonary consumption ; in the latter case we have seen it given in 
infusion, in conjunction with decoction of Iceland moss, as a diet 
drink, for a considerable time ; whether the patient derived benefit 
from it or not it is difficult to say, we can only state as the result 
of the disorder, that she died.* Instances are also mentioned of its 
successful use in scirrhous affections of the liver, jaundice, cachexia, 
and menstrual suppressions.! Bergius says, virtus, tonica, emme- 
nagoga, diuretica; usus, cachexia, obmensium, hysterica, asthma 
pituitosum. It is noyv seldom prescribed, but maintains its popularity 
among the poorer class, by whom it is still a favourite remedy for 
cough. CuUen says, " it has had the reputation of a pectoral, but 
in many trials its virtues in that way have not been observed, and in 
several cases it has been judged hurtful: for its use in asthma and 
phthisis, and for its power in resolving induration of the liver, I 
consider the authorities of Forrestus, Zacutus Lusitanious, and Cho- 
mel, to be very insufficient ; and the events they have ascribed to it 
to be very improbable." J 
It is usually given in infusion : the expressed juice, and leaves 
dried and powdered, have also been employed ; and we believe it to 
be so innocent that in any way it may be taken ad libitum. There 
is no officinal preparation of Marrubiura. 
Off. The Leaves. 
— 
SALIX FRAGILIS. 
Crack Willow.^ 
Class Dkecia.— Or«?er DiANDRiA. 
Nat. Ord. Amentace^, Linn. Juss. 
* Dr. A. T. Thomson however says, " we have seen decided advantage from its 
«xhibitioa in phtbisis." 
t Vide Celsus, lib. iii, cap. 22. 
t Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 155. 
$ Fig. a. represents the top of r branch, with female flowers or catkins. J. Male 
floAvers or calkins, c. A single male flower a little magnified, composed of the two 
stamma and calyx, d. A single female flower composed of the pistillum and calyx, 
e. A magaified-antber, cot open to shew the four cells. /. Tb« seed vessel. 
