CRITHMUM, SAMPHIRE; a genus of the digynia order, belonging to the pentandria class of plants. There are two species, the principal of which is the maritimum, or common maritime samphire. It hath a fibrous penetrating root; thick, succulent, branchy stalks rising two feet high, winged fleshy leaves consisting of many small spear-shaped lobes; with round yellow flowers growing in umbels. It is produced naturally on the sea-coasts among the gravel and rocks. Its leaves are an excellent pickle used for sauces, and are by many eaten raw in salads. It is of a saltish relish, palatable, and comfortable to the stomach. It is not very easily preserved in gardens. It must be sown on gravelly or rocky ground, half an inch deep; in which situation the plants will come up, and last some years. The leaves of this plant are said also to be aperient and diuretic.
CRITICAL DAYS and SYMPTOMS, among physicians, are certain days and symptoms in the course of acute diseases, which indicate the patient's state, and determine him either to recover or grow worse. See (Index subjoined to) MEDICINE.