110 
NAT. ORDER, FUMARIACE^. 
efficacious in opening obstructions and infractions of the viscera, 
particularly those of the hapatie system. It is also highly com- 
mended for its power of correcting a scorbutic and acrimonious state 
of the fluids ; and has therefore been employed in various cutaneous 
diseases. When taken ih rather large doses, it proves diuretic and 
laxative, especially the juice, which may be mixed with whey, and 
used as a common drink. Dr. Cullen classes this plant among the 
tonics. He says, " It is omitted in the London dispensatory, but 
retained in ours, and in every other that I know of I have found 
it useful in many cases in which bitters are prescribed ; but its 
remarkable virtues are those of clearing the skin of many disorders. 
For this it has been much commended ; and I have myself expe- 
rienced its good effects in many instances of cutaneous affections, 
which I would call Lepra. I have commonly used it by expressing 
the juice, and giving that in quantities of one to two ounces in the 
course of the day ; but I find the virtues remain in the dried plant, 
so that they may be extracted by infusion or decoction in water." 
An extract can be thus prepared possessing all the properties of the 
fresh plant. In the writings of one of the most eminent Physicians 
of modern practice, he says : " The expressed juice, in doses of two 
ounces, taken twice a day in whey, is useful in hypochondrical, 
scorbutic, and cochetic habits. It corrects acidity, and strengthens 
the stomach. Hoffman prefers it to all other medicines as a sweet- 
ener of the blood. There is no doubt of its utility in obstructions 
of the viscera, and the diseases arising from them. The celebrated 
Boerhaave frequently prescribed it in black jaundice and bilious 
colics. An infusion of the leaves was used as a cosmetic to remove 
freckles and clear the skin ; and Dr. Cullen has experienced its 
good effects in many cutaneous disorders." The same Physician 
thought it useful as a tonic wherever bitter medicines are advi- 
sable. 
