A T R E A T I S E on jq 
Pyreneans , and the Mountains of Auvergne , where 
it grows in great Plenty. When it is much wrink- 
led, mouldy and blackilh within, .it is rejected. 
The Plant is the Gentiana major ^ lutea, C. B. P. 
Gentiana vulgaris major Hellebori albi folio. J. B. 
Gentiana , Dodon. This Plant, according to Dipfco- 
ridesy took its Name from Gentis who was King of 
Iilyris. 
The Root, which is the only Part ufed in Medi- 
cines, yields a large Quantity of Oil, Earth, and 
acid Phlegm, and very little urinous Spirit. Its 
Virtues are therefore to be afcribed to an acid Salt, 
partly faturated with an aftringent Earth, and part- 
ly involved in a large Proportion of Sulphur. 
It is faid by Phyficians to be heating, drying, 
and deterfive ; and alfo alexipharmack, antifebrile 
and vulnerary. -It is efteemed an excellent Remedy 
againft the Bite of a mad Dog* and for this In- 
tention Diofcorides orders it to be mixed with the 
Allies of Craw-filh and taken in Wine and fome 
apply it in Powder with FmV^-Treacle to the 
Wound : But it is mucji fafer* provided the Wound 
be frefh, to open it with a Knife, and then to burn 
k. 
Moreover, Gentian opens Obflrudlions of the Li- 
ver, Spleen, and Womb-, cures tertain Fevers, and 
fometimes even quartans, a Drachm of it being 
given in the Beginning of the Paroxyfm in Wine, 
or in the diftilled Water of Carduus benediftus * the 
lelTer Centory, or Fumitory. Some likewife diredt 
it to be infufed, and given every fourth Hour, as 
we give a Decodtion of the Bark however, I fhall 
venture to pronounce it very much inferior to that 
for curing Fevers. In common with other Bitters it 
ftrengthens the Stomach, cures Lofs of Appetite, 
and helps Digeflion ; but the Cautions above laid 
down, concerning the Ufe of Stomachicks, are to 
C 2 bs 
