14 
NAT. ORDER. PAPAVERACE^. 
virtues among the vulgar of Europe, the roots were at first directed 
to be hung round the neck, and if rehef did not follow, a drachm 
of the dried root was to be taken two or three times a day. The 
fresh roots and seeds have a faint narcotic smell, with a slight acri- 
monious and astringent taste ; but when dried, loose wholly, or in a 
great degree, both. Water extracts are insipid, spirituous ones bit- 
ter and slightly astringent. 
Medical Properties and Uses. Every physician knows that the 
poppy possesses powerful narcotic properties, and this character 
prevails generally in the whole order. Their seed is universally 
oily and destitute of the narcotic properties which reside in flowers 
and plants, the oil is obtained from the seed by expression, is per- 
fectly wholesome, and very much used in France and some parts of 
England for the table. It is also extensively emyloyed in the adul- 
teration of olive oil, and its use was at one time prohibited in France 
by decrees issued in compliance with popular clamor. It is but lit- 
tle used in the United States, although it was fi*equently introduced 
into practice for the cure of epilepsy but never proved sufficiently 
beneficial to warrant its continuance. 
On cutting or breaking the stalk, a milky juice exudes, which 
if exposed to the sun will attain the consistency of a gum, resem- 
bling both in appearance, and medical properties, that of pure 
opium, which is made from the Papaver Somniferum ; the descrip 
tion of which will soon be given, and the various methods of ob- 
taining, and preparing the gum. 
