[ 682 ] 
before the hydrophobia came on (14). Later inHances 
have (hewn, that it is not infallible ; and Dr. Van 
Swieten’s fuppofition is but too likely to prove true. 
It mufl be confeffed, that Dr. Mead’s, exhibition of 
it feems too much complicated with other means to 
leave room for judging fully of its real efficacy ; and 
it may really be queftioned, whether bleeding, pepper, 
and cold- bathing, have not had more to do in the 
cafe than the lichen. 
The mufcus pulmonarius qfjicinarum (15), tree- 
lungwort, or oak-lungs, belongs to this order. It is 
found about old oaks, and upon rocks and Hones 
overgrown with mofs, in many of our thick woods 
in England ; but not in any great plenty. 
Few, perhaps, of the antiquated iimples were in 
more repute, in their day, than this plant. It was 
celebrated for ages, on account of its fuppofed pre- 
valence in pulmonary complaints of almoli all kinds ; 
and yet, upon inquiry into the original of its ufe in 
fuch cafes, it would probably appear, that it arofe 
more from a fanfxed refemblance they found in the 
plant to the lungs themfelves, than from any real 
and well-grounded proofs of its efficacy. As a gentle 
aflringent, like mod: other fpecies of the family, it 
would doubtlefs contribute to relieve in many cafes 
where the lungs were affedted, as in heemoptec r, and 
lome others : but it does not feem, by any means, to 
deferve that high charadter in medicine which has 
been given to it. 
(14) Mechanical Account of Poifons, ed. 4th, p. 156. 
(15) Lichenoides puhnonium reticul turn vulgar e mar gi nib us pclti- 
feris Dill. Hilt. Mufc. 212. Lichenoides peltatum arboreum maxi- 
mum. Rail Syn. p. 76. Mujc. pulmonarius C. R. 
The 
