PEDICULARIS, in botany, a genus of the didynamia angiospermia class. The calix consists of five segments; the capsule is sharp-pointed, oblique, and has two cells; and the seeds are covered with a tunic. There are 14 species, two of which are natives of Britain, viz. the sylvatica, or common louse-wort; and the palustris, or marsh louse-wort.
This plant is of a cooling and drying nature, whence
it is recommended in fistulas and other sinous ulcers. PEDICULUS, LOUSE, in zoology, a genus of insects belonging to the order of aptera. It has six feet, two eyes, and a sort of sting in the mouth; the feelers are as long as the thorax; and the belly is depressed, and subulated. There are 40 species, denominated from the different creatures they inhabit. The best antidote against this kind of vermin, is cleanliness.