LASTR.EA FILIX-MAS. 157 
and it was so esteemed by some of the most ancient 
physicians. 
" Dr. Peschier, of Geneva, found that sulphuric ether 
extracted the active principle of the Fern. The solution, 
left for some time at rest, yielded a mamellated substance, 
which, on being freed by pressure from the liquid with 
which it was impregnated, was found to be an adipocire. 
The liquid was, in consequence of its separation, thinner, 
had a greenish-brown colour, a disagreeable taste without 
being acrid, a nauseous smell, and reddened litmus paper. 
By further analysis the whole products of the Fern are, 
adipocire, a brown resin, an aromatic volatile oil, an aromatic 
virose fixed oil, a green colouring principle, a reddish-brown 
principle, extractive, muriate of potash, and acetic acid. 
" The root was used as an anthelmintic in the days of 
Dioscorides. It gradually became neglected, but its use 
was again revived, at different times, by Madame Nufier, 
Ferrenschwand, and others, who frequently succeeded in 
killing and expelling the tape worm by the exhibition of 
secret remedies, of which the Fern powder was the prin- 
cipal ingredient. To kill a tcenia, about three drachms of 
the powder of Fern are required. Dr. Peschier found that 
this quantity yielded three drops of oil, or twenty-four 
grains. This may be made into pills, or mixed up in the 
form of an emulsion ; and as it is necessary to be given when 
the stomach is as empty as possible, one half may be given 
at night, and the other half in the morning, on the empty 
stomach. It is immaterial whether a purgative be given 
with it or not. By this method Dr. Peschier assures us, 
that he had succeeded in 150 cases of tenia. Others have 
also given information ; and M. Studer expelled, in one 
case, Tricocephalus dispar of Bremser, which resists all 
other known anthelmintics." (Duncan's Edinburgh Dis- 
pensatory.} 
