194 
GEUM URBANUM. 
numerous, compressed together, ovate, downy, and each seed tipped 
with a long rigid awn of a purple colour, terminating in a small sharp 
hook. 
Sensible Qualities and Properties, &c. The root has 
an aromatic, and gently astringent taste, and a fragrant aromatic 
odour, approaching to that of cloves ; especially when produced 
upon a warm and dry soil. It gives out its astringent principle both 
to water and spirit, its aromatic part most perfectly to the latter. 
On distillation with water, it yields a small quantity of a very fra- 
grant concrete volatile oil. The watery infusion (which is red) turns 
black by the addition of sulphate of iron, and gives a copious pre- 
cipitate with gelatin. 
The virtues of the root (the only part used iu medicine) are said 
to be increased by cultivation, and the large roots are preferred to 
the smaller fibres ; they should be dug up in the spring, when the 
leaves begin to appear, and dried in the air, but not with a strong 
heat, as the flavour would thus be dissipated, and the virtues dimi- 
nished. 
Medical Properties and Uses. The root of the avens was 
formerly held in much estimation, particularly on the continent, 
where it has been considered of great efficacy in obstinate inter- 
mittents. Many of the German Physicians* advance numerous in- 
stances of its successful exhibition, after the Peruvian bark had 
failed ; it was also held in great esteem in diarrhoea and dysentery. 
In this country we believe it has been rarely employed, although, as a 
general tonic and astringent, it possesses considerable power. 
We are told that a tincture of this root, four ounces to a quart of 
brandy, digested in a sand heat, and given to the quantity of half an 
ounce, or more, two, three, or four times a day, seldom fails to cure 
agues. It may also be given in powder, decoction, or electuary, in 
the proportion in which Peruvian bark is commonly employed. 
Avens when employed as a gentle tonic in dysentery, flatulent 
colic, chronic diarrhceas, or cases of debility, is usually given in the 
form of decoction ; made by boiling one ounce or more of the dried 
roots in a pint of water for ten or fifteen minutes. Dose oue or two 
ounces three or four times in the day. 
Off. The Root. 
* Buckhave, Aaskow, Callisen, Bans;, and others. 
