hemp-agrimony; a genus of the polygamia aqualis order, belonging to the syngenesia clas of plants. There are 13 species, many of them herbaceous flowery perennials, producing annual stalks, from two to three or five feet high, terminated by clusters of compound flowers of a red, purple, or white colour. They are easily propagated by seeds, or parting the roots in autumn or spring. One species, viz. the cannabium, or water hemp-agrimony, is a native of Britain. It grows by the banks of rivers and brooks, and has pale-red blossoms. The whole plant hath a very bitter taste. A decoction of the roots operates as a violent emetic and cathartic; and is sometimes taken by the lower clas of people, to cure the jaundice, dropsy, &c. Dr Boerhaave used an infusion of this plant to foment ulcers and putrid sores. Tournesfort informs us, that the Turks cure the scurvy with it. An ounce of the juice or a dram of the extract is a dose.

EUPHYMISM. See Oratory, n° 56.