A General name for every substance used in medicine, and by some extended even to every article used as food or drink.
Thus the materia medica becomes exceedingly extensive: however, before we enter upon any particular discussion of the subject, it appears proper to give some general idea of medicines and their operation.
A medicine, properly so called, is a substance which, when applied to the living human body, makes such an alteration in it as either to prevent the approach of disease, or to remedy a morbid state when already present. Such substances as may be used for these purposes without any great preparation are called simple medicines, or simples; and with these the writers on materia medica are chiefly conversant. In treatises written professedly on this subject, it is common to give a particular description of each article, the characteristic marks by which it may be distinguished from all other substances, and the methods by which an adulteration or an imperfection may be discovered in it, together with the dose in which it can safely be given: but as all these particulars are taken notice of in different parts of this work, it is only necessary here to mention the general classification, and enumerate the names of the various substances used in medicine, after giving, as hath been already promised, a brief and general account of their mode of operation.
Concerning the manner in which medicines act, physicians have greatly differed, and each has followed his own particular theory. The followers of Boerhaave have supposed their action to be directly upon the solids and fluids; while those who build their theories on the hypothesis of Hoffmann have asserted, that all medicines act immediately upon the nervous system, and from thence only in a secondary manner are their effects diffused over the solids and fluids. To discuss this question is not our business at present; neither indeed is it a matter of great consequence whether it be discussed or not; seeing all parties must own, that certain effects follow the use of certain particular substances, whether these substances act first upon the nervous system or upon the solids and fluids.
From their operations on the human body medicines are most usually divided into classes. Some are found to have the property of rendering the solid parts of the body more lax than before, and are therefore called relaxing medicines: Others there are which have an effect directly contrary, and are therefore called indurating medicines: A third kind are found to excite inflammation in the part to which they are applied, applied, and are therefore called inflammatory medicines: And, lastly, a fourth kind are found remarkably either to increase or diminish the vigour of the body, or what is called the tone of the solids; and have therefore got the name of tonics if they increase, and sedatives if they diminish, this tone.
Some medicines are supposed neither remarkably to increase nor diminish the tone of the solids; but to perform their office either by correcting some morbid matter in the body, or by evacuating it: in the former case they are called alterants, in the latter evacuants.
These are the general divisions or classes into which medicines are commonly divided; but when we begin more particularly to consider their virtues, a great many inferior divisions arise.—Of the relaxing medicines, some, when externally applied, are supposed only to soften the part; and in that case are called emollients: while others, which have a power of converting the humours flagrating in any inflamed part, into pus, are called maturants, or suppuratives. Sedative medicines, externally applied, are sometimes called paregorics: when taken internally, if they take off a spasm then existing in the body, they are called antispasmodics; if they mitigate pain, analgesics; if they produce a quiet sleep, hypnotics; or if they produce a very deep and unnatural sleep, together with a remarkable stupefaction of the senses, they are then called narcotics.
Tonic medicines obtain the name of corroboratives, analeptics, or nervine medicines, when they slightly increase the contractile power of the solids; but of astringents, if they do this in a great degree, especially if at the same time that they indurate the solids they also coagulate the fluids. Some of these medicines have received names from their supposed virtue of promoting the growth of the flesh, consolidating wounds, and stopping fluxes of blood: but it is now discovered that no medicines whatever are endowed with any such powers; and therefore the divisions into corrosives, traumatic, or vulneraries, &c. are seldom used.
If astringent medicines are used with an intention to drive, by the constrictions which they occasion, any kind of matter from the surface towards the internal parts of the body, they are called repellents; but if they intensify expel any kind of flagrating matter from the parts where it is contained, they are then called disfusants; and lastly, stimulants, or attractives, if they bring a greater flux of humours to the part to which they are applied.
As to medicines of the inflammatory kind, they are divided into vesicatories or blitters, which by their application raise watery bladders on the skin; and cathartics, cholastics, or corrosives, if they eat into and destroy the substance of the solid parts themselves. Another subdivision has been added, viz. that of rubefactive medicines, or such as only induce a redness on the part to which they are applied; but these belong to the vesicatories, and what proves only rubefactive to one will frequently blister another.
The alterants are divided into absorbents, such as by their alkaline quality neutralise and destroy any acid matter which may be in the stomach; and antiseptics, or those which correct any putrid matter in it; coagulants when they thicken the humours, and reflex-
vents if they thin them; heating medicines when they increase the velocity of the blood, and refrigerating if they diminish it.
The evacuating medicines are divided according to the nature of the humour they evacuate. Thus, if they evacuate the contents of the stomach by vomiting, they are called emetics; if they induce purging, they are called cathartics; if they only evacuate the immediate contents of the intestines, they are named evacuators; or if a moderate evacuation is produced, without sickness or pain, they are called laxatives.—The medicines which gently promote the expulsion of humours through the pores of the skin, are called diaphoretics. If they do this in great quantity and with violence, they are called sudorifics. Such as excite urine, are called diuretics. Such as produce their evacuation by the glands of the palate, mouth, and salivary ducts, are called salivating medicines; those which promote the evacuation of mucus from the throat, are called apoplectic; while those which evacuate by the nose, are called ptarmics, erythines, sternutatories; and those which promote the menstrual flux, emmenagogues.—To the order of evacuants also some reduce those medicines which expel any unnatural bodies, as worms, stones, and flatus. Those which destroy worms are called anthelmintics; those which dissolve the stone in the bladder, lithotriptics; and such as expel flatus, carminatives.
According to these divisions Mr Vogel classes the articles of his Materia Medica; but Dr Lewis chooses to arrange them according to the natural qualities of the substances themselves, and not their effects on the human body.
1. Writers on the materia medica (he observes) have taken great pains in arranging the various articles of which it is composed, into different divisions and subdivisions, according to their real or reputed medicinal powers.
2. It has been imagined, that the whole materia medica is reducible under the three distinctions of alteratives, evacuants, and refractives: the first comprehending all that has any power to alter the constitution, without sensibly increasing or diminishing any of the natural evacuations; the second, whatever visibly promotes those discharges; and the third, all that contributes to lessen them, and make the increase greater than the waste. These divisions being too general, they are broken into subdivisions; and these again are further divided into different classes, under more restrained denominations, as cardiac, carminative, hysterical, stomache, &c.
3. Specious as this plan may appear to be, he imagines the execution of it, to any useful purpose, would require a far more extensive knowledge of the nature and operation of medicines, than has yet been attained to. A just and useful method of simples is scarcely to be expected, while those properties on which the method is founded, are imperfectly known, and in many articles only conjectural.
4. In all the arguments that have been hitherto contrived upon this plan, there appears a striking incongruity among the several articles of which even the ultimate subdivisions are composed; substances extremely dissimilar being clasped together, as cantharides and tea, tobacco and bran, hemlock and cowslips, scurvy- Of Arrangement.
Scurvy-grafts and raisins, arum root and liquorice, wormwood and parsnips, cinnamon and nettles, raftberries and chalk, artichokes and alum, cloves and coffee, mustard-seed and black cherries, &c. Nor are these incongruities to be laid always to the charge of the authors, the nature of the system itself rendering them often unavoidable; for the particular effect which entitles a medicine to a particular class, may be produced by substances very dissimilar, and even opposite, in their general powers: thus the alvine excretions are restrained by starch, wax, tormentil-root, opium; among the capital diuretics are cantharides, nitre, salt, fixt alkaline salts, squills. It should seem, that the method of arrangement cannot be a just one which requires substances so discordant to be ranked together, and which further requires each of these substances to be ranked over again, in other classes, along with other substances to which they are equally discordant.
5. There is also a material imperfection in this scheme, even in the primary divisions. Steel and its preparations act, in different circumstances, both as evacuants and restoratives. Mercury and antimony afford, in their different preparations, both evacuants and alternatives; and there are many other drugs which are sometimes used as alternatives, and sometimes as evacuants: indeed, all evacuants, in diminished doses, seem to act merely as alternatives. It should seem therefore, that "the division of the whole materia medica into alternatives, evacuants, and restoratives," is a division not founded in nature, even if there was no objection to the vague meaning of the appellations themselves.
6. Cartheuser has divided the materia medica on a plan which appears more rational. Instead of the operations of medicines in the human body, which are precarious, complicated, and greatly diversified according to the dose, the preparation, and the circumstances of the patient, he takes for the basis of his arrangement their more simple, obvious, and constant properties, as bitterness, sweetness, astringency, acidity, &c. Having considered the nature of bitterness, for instance, in general, he examines what effects medicines possessed of this property are capable of producing in the body, and in what circumstances they may be expected to be serviceable, and then proceeds to an account of the particular bitters.
7. This method is of real use, but its use is limited to a small part of the materia medica. There are many of the medicinal simples, in which we can distinguish no prevailing qualities of this kind; there are many, in which different qualities are blended together; and many which, though similar in these kinds of qualities, are very dissimilar in their operations in the human body: thus though gentian and aloes agree in having a bitter taste, and sugar and manna in being sweet, their medicinal virtues are respectively very different. Accordingly, the author is obliged in some cases to depart from his general plan, and found the division on the medicinal effects: he makes one class of purgatives and emetics, and another of vaporose incendiaries and narcotics; this last class consists of tobacco, elder-flowers, saffron, opium, and poppy-seeds, substances certainly very discordant in all their qualities that relate to medicinal intentions.
8. In this article, instead of attempting a medicinal distribution of the simples, which we apprehend not to be practicable to any good purpose, and which, as hitherto executed, seems more likely to mislead the reader than to promote true knowledge, we shall take them in the order of the alphabet; and even in this order, we shall seldom perhaps find substances more dissimilar come together, than those which have been joined into one class by some of the systematic writers. It may be proper, however, to premise some general observations on certain classes of medicines in Cartheuser's manner, and thus to preserve the less exceptionable parts of his plan, with some amendments.
ART. I. ACIDS.
Class 1. Vegetable
- Native: as sorrel, wood-sorrel, juice of lemon, oranges, barberries, and other fruits. - Produced by fermentation: as vinegar and tartar.
Class 2. Mineral: the acids of vitriol, nitre, and common salt.
9. The medical effects of acids, duly diluted and given in proper doses, are, to cool, quench thirst, correct a tendency to putrefaction, and allay inordinate motions of the blood. By these qualities, in hot bilious temperaments and inflammatory disorders, they frequently restrain immoderate hemorrhages, and promote the natural secretions; in some kinds of fever, they excite a copious diaphoresis, where the warm medicines, called alexipharmic, tend rather to prevent this salutary discharge.
10. Vegetable acids, particularly the native juices of certain plants and fruits, have some degree of a sapponaceous quality; by means of which they attenuate or dissolve viscid phlegm and deterge the vessels, and thus prove serviceable in sundry chronic disorders. Inveterate scurries have sometimes yielded to their continued use, especially when given in conjunction with medicines of the acrid or pungent kind: experience has shown, that the acrid anticoagulants have much better effects when thus managed than when exhibited by themselves; hence in the succi sebifugici of our dispensatory, Seville orange juice is usefully joined to that of the cochlearia and nafurtinum.
11. The mineral acids instantly coagulate blood: the vegetable dilute it, even when inflamed or thickened by heat; in which state, watery liquors will not mingle with it. Hence in some fevers, where water runs off by the kidneys almost as pale and insipid as it was drank, vegetable acids render the urine of the due colour and quality. The mineral acids (the spirit of nitre in particular) combined with vinous spirits, have a like effect.
12. Acids are prejudicial in cold, pale, phlegmatic habits, where the vessels are lax, the circulation languid, bile deficient, and the power of digestion weak. In these cases, an acid is often generated in the stomach, from milk and most vegetable foods; which, whilst it continues in the first passages, occasions uneasiness about the stomach, flatulencies, sometimes gripping pains of the bowels, and vomitings. ART. II. INSIPID EARTHS capable of ABSORBING ACIDS.
Oyster-shells, Chalk, Crabs claws and eyes so called, Some marles, Coral, red and white, Lime-stones, Pearls, Marbles, Bezoar, Spars.
13. The virtues of these substances are, to absorb or destroy acidities in the first passages, and consequently to remove such disorders as proceed from that cause. The cordial, alexipharmic, antifebrile, and other like virtues attributed to these medicines, appear to have little foundation; or at best, are only secondary ones. When united with the acid, they form a neutral saline compound, possessing some degree of an aperient and detergent quality, though too inconsiderable to be in general regarded.
14. The absorbent earths were all strangers to medicine in the earlier times; and their use does not seem to have been established before the last century; when some practitioners, from an opinion that most kinds of diseases proceeded from a preternatural acid, introduced a great variety of antacid bodies, both of the earthy and saline kind, and very liberally exhibited them on almost every occasion.
15. It is certain, that in children, and adults of a weak constitution, and whose food is chiefly of the vegetable acetic kind, sundry disorders are occasioned by acidities; these readily discover themselves by sour eructations, the pale colour of the face, and in children by the sour smell and green colour of the alvine faeces, which are sometimes so manifestly acid as to raise a strong effervescence with alkaline salts. In these cases, and these only, the use of absorbent earths is indicated.
16. If there are really no acid juices in the ventricles, these earths are apt to concretize with the mucous matter usually lodged there, into hard indissoluble masses; which have sometimes been thrown up by vomit, or found in the stomach upon digestion. Hence indigestion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, obstructions of the bowels, and other disorders. Sometimes the stomach and intestines have been found lined with a crust, as it were, of these earthy bodies, which must not only have prevented the separation of the gastric liquor, but likewise have closed the orifices of the lacteal vessels, so as to obstruct the passage of the chyle into the mass of blood.
17. Some suppose the earthy powders capable (without the concurrence of any acid) of passing the lacteals along with the chyle; and allege, in support of this opinion, that, when triturated with water, they are in part taken up and carried with it through a filter of paper; the filtrated liquor leaving, upon evaporation, a portion of whitish earthy matter. This experiment (allowing the consequence to be justly drawn from it) is itself erroneous: the residuum proceeds from the earth naturally contained in the water, not from that employed in the experiment; for if pure distilled water be made use of, it will leave no residuum, though long triturated, or digested with the earth.
18. All these bodies, particularly those of the animal kind, contain, besides their purely alkaline earth, a portion of glutinous matter. An instance of this we have in crabs-eyes, which if macerated in the weaker acids, or in the stronger sufficiently diluted with water, the earthy part will be dissolved, and the animal-glue remain in form of a soft transparent mucilage. The glutinous substance increases their tendency to concretize in the stomach; and thence those which contain least thereof should be preferred to the others. The mineral earths contain the least of this kind of matter, and some of them are very easy of solution; chalk, for instance; which may therefore be given with greater safety than the animal-absorbents. These substances, deprived of their conglutinating matter by means of fire, are reduced into acrimonious calces or limes, and thus become medicines of a different class.
19. The teeth, bones, hoofs, and horns of animals consist of the same principles with the animal-absorbents above-mentioned, but combined in different proportions: the quantity of gelatinous matter is so large, as to defend the earthy part from the action of weak acids; whilst the earth, in its turn, protects the glutten from being easily dissolved by watery liquors. Hence these bodies in their crude state, though recommended as possessing singular virtues, are not found to have any virtue at all.
20. Experiments have been made for determining the degree of solubility, or comparative strength of these earths; the principal of which are arranged in the two following tables, one taken from Langius, and the other from Homberg.
**Table of the quantity of Acid destroyed by different Absorbents.**
| Ten grains of | Destroyed the acidity of | |---------------|------------------------| | Some kinds of Limestones | 160 | | Oyster shells | 120 | | Chalk | 100 | | Shells of Garden-snails | 100 | | Calcined Cray-fish | 100 | | Pearls | 80 | | Tooth of the Sea-horse | 80 | | Volatile Salts | 80 | | First Salts | 60 | | Coral, red and white | 60 | | Crabs-eyes | 50 | | Egg-shells | 50 | | Mother of Pearl | 50 | | Crab-claws | 40 | | Jaw-bone of the Pike fish | 30 |
**Table of the quantity of Absorbent Earths soluble in Acids.**
| 576 grains of Spirit of Salt dissolved of | 216 | |------------------------------------------|-----| | Crabs-eyes | 216 | | Mother of Pearl | 144 | | Pearls | 128 | | Oyster-shells | 126 | | Hartshorn | 105 | | Coral | 105 | | Oriental Bezoar | 118 | | Occidental Bezoar | 113 | | Quick Lime | 109 | | Slacked Lime | 103 |
| 576 grains of Spirit of Nitre dissolved of | 216 | |------------------------------------------|-----| | Crabs-eyes | 216 | | Mother of Pearl | 108 | | Pearls | 108 | | Oyster-shells | 108 | | Hartshorn | 108 | | Coral | 108 | | Oriental Bezoar | 108 | | Occidental Bezoar | 108 | | Quick Lime | 108 | | Slacked Lime | 108 |
24. These 24. These experiments do not sufficiently ascertain the point intended by them; in the first set, the quantity of acid is too vague and indetermined; in the second, we are not told whether the acid was perfectly saturated; and in both, the acids made use of were so very different from any that can be supposed ever to exist in the human body, that little can be concluded from them with regard to the medical effects of these absorbents. Trial should have been made with the mild vegetable acids, as the juices of certain fruits, four fermented liquors, or rather with four milk. Nevertheless these tables, though not so perfect as could be wished, have their use in the hands of such as can make proper allowances.
ART. III. EARTHS NOT DISSOLUBLE IN ACIDS, or other liquors.
These may be ranged in two classes.
Class 1. Hard crystalline earths: as the ruby, garnet, emerald, sapphire, hyacinth, and other precious stones; crystal, flint, &c.
25. These kinds of substances were introduced into medicine, and many fabulous virtues attributed to them by the superstition of the earlier ages. Some of them are still preserved in foreign pharmacopoeias, but at length very justly expunged from ours, notwithstanding what some late writers of repute speak of their medical virtue. These indissoluble hard bodies are not capable of producing any other effect, than by their rigid angular particles (which, though levigated with the utmost care, the microscope still discovers in them) to offend or wound the intestines. In levigation, they wear off so much from the hardest marble instruments, as will equal or exceed their own weight: from this circumstance we may account for their having sometimes appeared to act as absorbents. Some of these stones, exposed to a vehement fire, become in some measure friable; but nevertheless remain indissoluble. Most of the coloured ones by this treatment lose their colour; and in this state, prove nearly of the same quality with common crystal: such are, the sapphire, emerald, amethyst, and cornelian. Others melt into a blackish vitreous matter, from which a portion of iron is obtainable by proper fluxes; as the hyacinth and garnet. Geoffroy concludes from hence, that these stones really possess some medical virtues, depending upon their metallic part; but the quantity of metallic matter, sufficient to give them a considerable tinct, is so exceedingly small, and so inclosed in a stony matter not at all soluble by any of the known menstrua, as scarce to admit of any possibility of its acting in the human body.
Class 2. Softer earths: the talky, gypseous, and argillaceous.
26. The talcs and gypsums have rarely been used as medicines. Some of the former, from their tenacious softness and silver hue, stand recommended externally as cosmetics; and some of the latter, on little better foundation, internally as astringents. But they have long been deservedly rejected by the judicious practitioners. They seem to possess the ill qualities of the alkaline earths, (concreting with the mucus of the stomach, &c.) without any of their good ones.
27. Several of the clays, boles, and terre figillate, glutinous were highly celebrated by the ancients as astringents and alexipharmics, and some of them still continue in esteem; though it is certain they have no great claim to the virtues that have been attributed to them. Their real effects are, to give a greater degree of consistence to the fluids in the first pallages, and in some measure defend the solids from their acrimony.
28. Most of these bodies contain, besides the tenacious indissoluble earth, which is their principal characteristic, (1.) A portion of an earth soluble in acids, similar to those of the first section. (2.) Of acid, separable by distillation in a strong fire: this acid is always of the same nature with that obtained from vitriol, sulphur, and alum. (3.) The coloured ones contain likewise small quantities of iron, reducible by inflammable fluxes, into its metallic form. In consequence of the first of these ingredients, these earths may be looked upon in some measure as absorbent: the acid appears to be united with a part of the absorbent earth into a saline compound, approaching to an aluminous nature; whence they have some degree of astringency: whether they receive any peculiar virtue from the iron, is greatly to be doubted; since it is in a very crude state, and in quantity extremely small.
29. These earths unite with water into a turbid liquor, slippery and smooth to the touch, and remain for some time suspended; the sand, grit, or other grosser matters, which are often found naturally mingled with them, subsiding. They may be freed by means of acids from their alkaline earth; by coction in water, from their saline matter; and the coloured ones from their iron by digestion in aqua regis, the only menstruum we are acquainted with that will extract the ferruginous matter of argillaceous and bolar earths. This purified, they have all nearly the same appearance and qualities. Exposed to a strong fire, they lose their soft glutinous quality, and are reduced into hard masses, indissoluble as at first.
ART. IV. GLUTINOUS VEGETABLE AND ANIMAL SUBSTANCES.
Class 1. Vegetable.
Pure gums: Vegetables abounding with mucilage: Tragacanth, Seneca, The gums of cherry, plum, Althea root, and other European trees. Quince-seeds, &c.
30. Gums and mucilages are glutinous vegetable productions, of no particular taste or smell, soluble in water, but not in vinous spirits or in oils. They differ from one another, only in degree of tenacity: the more tenacious are called gums; those which are less so, mucilages. The first naturally exude from certain trees and shrubs; the latter are extracted by art. Almost all vegetable substances contain some portion of these, which, after the resinous part has been extracted by spirit, may be separated from the remaining matter by means of water.
31. The general virtues of these kinds of substances are, to thicken the fluids, and defend the solids from them when grown sharp or corrosive. Hence their use in a thin acrimonious state of the juices, and where the natural mucus of the intestines is abraded. Art. V. &c.
Materia Medica.
Class 2. Animal.
32. Most animal-substances (the fat excepted) contain a viscid matter, in many respects similar to the foregoing, and capable of being extracted by strong coction in water.
33. Animal glues and gellies have the general qualities of the vegetable gums and mucilages; with this difference, that the former are more nutrimental, and apt to run into a putrid state. Considered as the subjects of chemistry, the difference betwixt them is very great: those of the animal kind are changed by fire into a volatile alkaline salt, and a fetid oil; the vegetable into an acid liquor, and a very small portion of oily matter, considerably less fetid than the former.
Art. V. Soft Unctuous Substances.
Class 1. Infusible vegetable oils; and substances abounding with them, as almonds, and the kernels of most fruits; linseed, and the medullary part of sundry other seeds.
Class 2. Animal fats; as spermaceti.
34. Unctuous vegetables unite with water, by trituration, into a milky liquor; and give out their oil upon expression.—These kinds of oils and animal-fats dissolve not in any menstruum except alkaline ones; which change their quality, and reduce them into a soap, dissoluble in water, but more perfectly in vinous spirits: from this compound, the oil may, by a skilful addition of acids, be recovered in a purer state than before, and rendered soluble, like essential oils, in spirit of wine.
35. The medical virtues of these substances are, to obviate acrimonious humours, and to soften and relax the solids; hence their use internally, in tickling coughs, heat of urine, pains, and inflammations; and externally in tension and rigidity of particular parts. The milky solutions, commonly called emulsions, though much less emollient than the oils themselves or animal-fats, have this advantage, that they may be given in acute or inflammatory distempers, without danger of the ill consequences which the others might sometimes produce: fats and oils, kept in a degree of heat no greater than that of the human body, soon become rancid and acrimonious; whilst emulsions tend rather to grow sour.
Art. VI. Astringents.
Galls, Balsamites, Tormentil-root, Terra Japonica, Bilfort root, Acacia, &c.
36. Astringent substances are distinguished by a rough austere taste; and changing solutions of iron, especially those made in the vitriolic acid, of a dark purple or black colour.
37. Astringents yield their virtues by infusion both to water and vinous spirits, generally in greatest perfection to the former. Oils extract nothing from them; nor do they give over any of their virtue in distillation; nevertheless their astringency is considerably abated by evaporating decoctions of them to the consistence of an extract, and totally destroyed by long keeping.
Vol. VI.
38. The medical effects of these kinds of substances are, to constringe the fibres, and incrustate or lightly thicken the juices. Their more experienced use is in disorders proceeding from a debility or flaccid state of the solids; in hemorrhages, from a thinness of the blood, laxity or rupture of the vessels; in preternatural discharges of other kinds, after the offending matter has been duly corrected or evacuated; and in external relaxations.
39. In some cases, they produce the effects of aperients; the vessels, constringed and strengthened by them, being enabled to protrude the circulating juices with greater force.
40. A good deal of caution is requisite in the use of these medicines, especially those of the more powerful kind. In plethoric habits, invertebrate obstructions, critical evacuations, and in all kinds of fluxes in general before the morbid matter has been expelled, or where there is any stricture or spasmodic contraction of the vessels, astringents prove eminently hurtful. Where critical dysenteries or diarrhoeas are restrained by styptics, the acrimonious matter, now confined in the intestines, corrodes or inflames them; and sometimes occasions a gangrene of the parts.
Art. VII. Sweets.
Sugar, Raisins, Honey, Liquorice, &c.
41. The vegetable sweets are a very numerous tribe; almost every plant that has been examined, discovering in some of its parts a saccharine juice. The bottoms of flowers, and most kinds of seeds and grain when they begin to vegetate, are remarkably sweet.
42. Vegetable sweets are extracted both by water and vinous spirits, most readily by the first, but in greatest perfection by the latter. Nothing of their taste arises in distillation with either of these liquors; nevertheless, by long boiling with water they become somewhat less agreeable; but are not much injured by being treated in the same manner with rectified spirit.
43. The purer sweets, as sugar, promote the union of distilled oils with watery liquors, and prevent the separation of the butyrous part from milk; from this quality, they are supposed to unite the unctuous part of the food with the animal juices. Hence some have concluded, that they increase fat; others, that they have a contrary effect, by preventing the separation of the unctuous matter which forms the fat from the blood; and others, that they render the juices thicker and more sluggish, retard the circulation and cuticular excretion, and thus bring on a variety of disorders. But sweets have not been found to produce any of these effects in any remarkable degree: common experience shows, that their moderate, and even liberal, use is at least innocent; that they reconcile, not only to the palate, but to the stomach also, substances of themselves disagreeable to both; and thus render salutary what would otherwise be injurious to the body.
44. The unctuous and mucilaginous sweets, as the impure sugars, liquorice, &c. have a considerable degree of emollient and lubricating virtue.—Those accompanied Acids, &c. accompanied with a manifest acid, as in the juices of most sweet fruits, are remarkably relaxing; and if taken immoderately, occasion diarrhoea and dysenteries, which sometimes have proved fatal.
**ART. VIII. ACIDS.**
45. Acids are substances of a penetrating pungency. Applied to the skin, they inflame or excoriate it; chewed, they occasion a copious discharge of saliva; and snuffed up the nose, they provoke sneezing.
46. These substances, considered as the subjects of pharmacy, may be divided into three classes,
1. In distillation with water: as horse-radish, mustard, scurvy-gratis, &c. 2. By infusion only: as the greater celandine, pyrethrum, &c. 3. Neither to infusion, nor distillation: as arum and dracunculus.
47. The general effects of acid medicines are, to stimulate the vessels, and dissolve tenacious juices. In cold leucoplegmatic habits, stagnations of the fluids, and where the contractile power of the solids is weak, they prove powerful expectorants, deobstruents, diuretics, and emmenagogues; and if the patient is kept warm, sudorifics. In hot bilious constitutions, plethoric habits, inflammatory dispositions, where there is already a degree of irritation, where the juices are too thin and acrimonious, or the viscera unfound, these stimulating medicines prove highly prejudicial, and never fail to aggravate the disease.
48. Certain acid substances have been lately recommended in dry convulsive asthmas: of the efficacy of the squill in particular, for the cure of this disorder, several instances are related in the *Commercium Literarium* of Norimberg for the years 1737 and 1739. Carthefer thinks, that not the asthma itself, but a particular effect of it, was removed by this medicine. He observes, that in all asthmas the free circulation of the blood through the pulmonary vessels is impeded; and hence, during every paroxysm, the lungs are in a kind of oedematous state; that if this oedema, becoming habitual, remains after the fit is over, it is either perpetually occasioning fresh ones, or gives rise to a dropy of the breast: that acid medicines, by removing the oedema, remove what was originally an effect of the asthma, and in time a cause of its aggravation.
**ART. IX. AROMATICS.**
49. Aromatics are substances of a warm pungent taste, and a more or less fragrant smell. Some of the spices are purely aromatic, as cubeb, pepper, cloves; some substances have a sweetness mixed with the aromatic matter, as angelica root, aniseed, fennel seed; some an astringency, as cinnamon; some a strong mucilage, as caia lignea; some a bittersweet, as orange-peel. The aromatic matter itself, contained in different subjects, differs also not a little in its pharmaceutic properties. It is extracted from all by rectified spirit of wine; from some in great part; from others scarcely at all, by water. The aromatic matter of some subjects, as of lemon-peel, rises wholly in distillation both with spirit and water; that of others, as cinnamon, rises wholly with water, but scarcely at all with spirit; while that of others, as pepper, is in part left behind after the distillation of water itself from the spice.
50. With regard to the general virtues of aromatics, they warm the stomach, and by degrees the whole habit; raise the pulse, and quicken the circulation. In cold languid cases, phlegmatic habits, and a weak flaccid state of the solids, they support the vis vitae, and promote the salutary secretions. In hot bilious temperaments, plethoric habits, inflammatory indispositions, dryness and strictures of the fibres, they are generally hurtful.
**ART. X. BITTERS.**
Gentian root, Lesser centaury, Hops, Carduus, &c.
51. Bitters for the most part yield their virtue both to watery and spirituous menstrua; some more perfectly to one, and others to the other. None of the substances of this class give over anything considerable of their taste in distillation, either to water or to spirit; their bitterness remaining entire, and frequently improved, in the extracts. Such as are accompanied with flavour, as wormwood, may by this process be reduced into simple flavourless bitters.
52. These substances participate of the virtues of astringents and aromatics. Their general effects are, to constringe the fibres of the stomach and intestines, to warm the habit, attenuate the bile and juices in the first passages, and promote the natural evacuations, particularly of sweat and urine. In weaknesses of the stomach, loss of appetite, indigestion, and the like disorders; proceeding from a laxity of the solids, or cold flaccid indisposition of the juices, these kinds of medicines do good service. Where the fibres are already too tense and rigid, where there is any immoderate heat or inflammation, bitters very sensibly increase the disposition; and, if their use is continued, communicate it to the kidneys: hence the urine becomes high-coloured, small in quantity, and at length suppressed; a dropy soon succeeding. If the kidneys were before so lax as to remain now uninjured, yet the other viscera become gradually more and more rigid, and a tabes is at length brought on.
53. Bitter substances destroy insects, and prevent putrefaction. Hence they are recommended as anthelmintic, and externally as antiseptics.
**ART. XI. EMETICS and CATHARTICS.**
Hellebore, Colocynth, Julip, Scammony, Ipecacanha, Gamboge, &c.
54. These substances consist of a resinous part, in which the purgative or emetic quality resides; and a gummy saline one, which acts chiefly as a diuretic. The first is extracted or dissolved by vinous spirits; the latter by water. Nothing arises in distillation from either.
55. The acid resins, exhibited by themselves, tenaciously adhere to the coats of the intestines, by their stimulating power irritate and inflame them, and thus produce sundry violent disorders. Hoffman re- A CATALOGUE of the SIMPLIES used in the MATERIA MEDICA, exhibiting at one view their TECHNICAL NAMES, ENGLISH NAMES, PARTS USED IN MEDICINE, VIRTUES, and the different PREPARATIONS FROM THEM.—The particular methods of making the Preparations and all Compound Medicines are shown under the article PHARMACY.
| TECHNICAL NAMES | ENGLISH NAMES | PARTS USED IN MEDICINE | VIRTUES | PREPARATIONS FROM THEM | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Abies ruber, (Pinus abies, Lin.) | The fir-tree. | The wood, tops, and cones. | Diuretic and diaphoretic. | A decoction. | | Abrotanum foemina (Sanctolin, chamomile, Lin.) | Lavender cotton. | The leaves. | Stimulant, detergent, and anthelmintic. | Decoction. | | Abrotanum mar, (Artemisia abrotanum, Lin.) | Southernwood. | The leaves. | Stimulant, detergent, aperient, and sudorific. | Decoction. | | Abfinthium Romanum (Artemisia pont. Lin.) | Roman wormwood. | The leaves and tops. | Stomachic. | An oil, extract of conserve, and several distilled waters. They also enter the common fomentation and green oil. | | Abfinthium vulgare (Artemisia absinthium, Lin.) | Common wormwood. | The leaves. | Stomachic. | | | Acacia Germanica (Prunus spinosa, Lin.) | The floe. | Infuslated juice. | Astringent. | | | Acacia vera (Mimosafilicata, Lin.) | Acacia. | Infuslated juice. | Astringent. | | | Acetosella (Rumex acetosel. Lin.) | Sorrel. | Juice. | Astringent and antiscorbutic. | An essential salt for taking out spots in clothes. | | Acetosella (Oxalis acetosel. Lin.) | Wood sorrel. | The leaves. | Astringent and antiscorbutic. | A conserve. | | Acetum | Vinegar. | | Cordial and refrigerant. | A distilled spirit. | | Aconitum (Aconit. Wolf’s-bane. napell. Lin.) | Wolf’s-bane. | The leaves. | Narcotic. | | | Adiantum venum (Adiantum capill. Ven. Lin.) | Maiden-hair. | The leaves. | Attenuating and aperient. | Decoction. | | Aer deplogisticus | Dephlogisticated air. | | Supposed to be antiseptic and corroborative. | | | Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations from Them | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Aër mephiticus. | Fixed air. | | Antiseptic. | An aqueous extract, but now much diluted. | | Aër nitrobus. | Nitrous air. | | Very antiseptic. | | | Agaricus, (Boletus pinilaricii, Lin.) | Agaric. | The leaves. | Cathartic. | | | Agaricus quercinus. | Agaric of the oak; touchwood and spunk. | | Styptic. | | | Agrimonia, (Agrimonia Eupator. Lin.) | Agrimony. | The leaves. | Attenuant and tonic. | | | Albumen ovi. | White of an egg. | The leaves. | Discutient. | | | Alchemilla, (Alchemilla vulg. Lin.) | Ladies-mantle. | | Astringent. | | | Alkekengi, (Phyllitis, Lin.) | Winter-cherry. | The fruit. | Aperient and diuretic. | | | Allaria, (Erythrum, Lin.) | Sauce-alone, or Jack-by-the-hedge. | The leaves. | Sudorific and antiseptic. | | | Allium, (Allium sativum, Lin.) | Garlic. | The roots. | Stimulant, attenuant, and diuretic. | A syrup and oxymel. | | Aloes, (Aloe, Lin.) | Aloes. | Infusillated juice. | Cathartic. | Ingredient in several tinctures and pills. | | Alfine, (Alfina med. Lin.) | Chickweed. | The leaves. | Refrigerant. | | | Althaea. | Marshmallow. | The root. | Emollient. | A syrup and ointment. | | Alumen. | Alum. | The whole. | Strongly astringent | A styptic powder, styptic water, whey, &c. | | Ambragrifeca. | Ambergrife. | The whole. | A high cordial. | | | Ammi vulgaris. | Bishop's weed. | The leaves. | Stimulant. | A tincture or elixir. | | Amomum verum. | True amomum. | The seeds. | Aromatic. | An ingredient in the theriaca. | | Amomum vulgare. | Bastard stone-parley. | The seeds. | Carminative and diuretic. | An ingredient in the theriaca. | | Amygdala, (Amomum Lin.) | Sweet and bitter almonds. | The fruit. | Relaxing. | Expressed oil and emulsion. | | Amylum. | Starch. | | Astringent. | | | Anacardium occidentale. | Cashew-tree. | The nuts. | Corrosive. | | | Anacardium orientale (Avicennia officinalis, Lin.) | Malacca bean. | The nuts. | Tonic and cordial, but very doubtful. | A confection. | | Anagallis. | Pimpernel. | The leaves. | Sudorific and Nervine. | Extract, or infusillated juice. | | Ananas, (Bromelia, Lin.) | The pine-apple. | The fruit. | Refrigerant. | | | Anchusa. | Alkanet. | The root. | Only used for its colour. | | | Anethum. | Dill. | The seeds. | Carminative. | Distilled oil, water, and spirituous extract. | | Angelica. | Angelica. | The roots, leaves, and seeds. | Aromatic. | Several compound waters. | | Anguilla hepar. | Eel's liver. | | Diuretic and tonic. | | | Anisum, (Anis pimpernell-Lin.) | Anise. | The seed. | Aromatic and tonic. | An essential oil, a spirituous compound water, &c. | | Anthora, (Aconit anthora, Lin.) | Wholesome wolfs-bane. | The roots. | Cathartic and anthelmintic, but uncertain. | | | Antimonium. | Antimony. | | Diaphoretic, cathartic, emetic, or cauli. | A number of chemical preparations. See Chemistry, n° 211, 250, 449—459. Kermes Mineral, and Regulus of Antimony. |
Aparine, | Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations from Them | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Aparine, (Gallium aparine, Lin.) | Goosegrass, or cleavers | The leaves | Aperient | | | Apis. | The bee | The whole insect powdered | Diuretic | | | Apium, (Apium graveol. Lin.) | Smallage | The roots | Carminative | | | Aqua ferrata. | Water in which hot iron hath been quenched | | Tonic | | | Aqua marina. | Sea-water | | Cathartic and alterative | | | Aqua minerales. | Mineral waters | | Tonic and alterative | | | Aqua sulphurea. | Sulphurous waters | | Alterative | | | Argentina, (Potentilla argentinum, Lin.) | Silverweed | The leaves | Corroborant | | | Argentum vivum. | Quicksilver | | | A most powerful alterant; see Chemistry, no 154, 207, 251, 256, 417, 421. An ingredient in several other officinal preparations. | | Aristolochia longa, Birthwort rotunda, et tenus. | | The roots | Attenuating and stimulant | | | Armeniaca, (Prunus Armeniacae, Lin.) | The plum-tree | The fruit | Refrigerant | | | Arsenicum. | Arsenic | | Corrosive | | | Artemisia, (Artemisia vulg. Lin.) | Mugwort | The leaves | Antispasmodic | Infusion | | Arum. | Wake-robin | The root | Stimulant | A compound powder. | | Asarum. | Asarabacca | The roots and leaves | Errhine, cathartic, and emetic | A compound powder. | | Asparagus. | Asparagus | The root | Supposed diuretic, but uncertain | | | Asperula. | Woodruff | The flowers | Attenuant and aperient | | | Asphodelus. | Asphodel, or king's spear | The roots | Emollient and suppurative | | | Atriplex, (Chenopodium vulvar. Lin.) | Stinking orach | The leaves | Antispasmodic | A spirituous tincture, decoction, or conserve, recommended by Tournefort and others. | | Avena. | Oats | The grain | Emollient | Decoction | | Aura electrica. | Electricity | | A violent stimulant | | | Aurantia curciflava. | Curraflow oranges, or apples | The fruit | Stomachic | Ingredients in several stomachic tinctures. | | Aurantium (Citrus aurant. Lin.) | The orange | The leaves, fruit, and flowers | Cordial, stomachic, and refrigerant. Purgative, or astringent; uncertain. | An essential oil, a distilled water, and a conserve. | | Auricula Judea, (Tramell verruc. Lin.) | Jews-ears | The whole | | | | Auripigmentum. | Orpiment | | Corrosive, but less than arsenic. | | | Auxungia viperina. | Viper's fat | | Emollient | | | Balanita, (Punica granat. Lin.) | Balsam, or double-flowered pomegranate tree | The flowers | Astringent | Ingredient in a powder. | | Balsamita, (Tamarindus indica, Lin.) | Collyrium | The leaves | Aromatic | |
Balsamum | Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations from Them | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Balsamum Canadense | Balsam of Canada | Diuretic and tonic | An empyreumatic oil, and an ingredient in some tinctures. | | Balsamum Copzy | Balsam of Copivi | Diuretic and tonic | | | Balsamum Gileadense | Opopbalsam, or balm of Gilead | Said to be a most extraordinary vulnerary. | | | Balsamum Peruvinum | Balsam of Peru | A fine warm aromatic. | An ingredient in many tinctures, and some ointments. | | Balsamum Tolutanum | Balsam of Tolu | Aromatic and corroborant. | An ingredient in several tinctures, elixirs, and a kind of pectoral pills. | | Bardana major, Burdock (Arctium lappa, Lin.) | The roots and seeds | Aperient, diuretic, and sudorific. | Decoction. | | Bechen album, (Centaurea beneken, Lin.) | The root | Stimulant. | | | Bechen rubrum, (Statice limon, Lin.) | The root | Stimulant. | | | Belladona, (Atropo. Deadly nightshade. Belladon. Lin.) | The juice | Narcotic. | An extract of the juice. | | Bellis minor, (Bell. Common daisy. peren. Lin.) | The leaves | Attenuant. | | | Berberis, (Berber. Barberry. vulgar. Lin.) | The bark and fruit | Astringent. | A jelly. | | Beta, (Bet. vulg. The beet. Lin.) | The leaves | Cathartic and erthine. | | | Betonica. | Betony. | Corroborant. | Many virtues falsely ascribed to it; now found to be only an absorbent. | | Bezoar. | Bezoar-stone. | Cathartic. | | | Bilis animalis. | The gall or bile of animals. | | | | Bitforta, (Polygon. Bitfort or snakewort. bitfort. Lin.) | The roots. | Powerfully astringent. | An ingredient in a powder. | | Bolus Armenia. | Armenian bole. | Astringent. | An ingredient in several powders. | | Bolus Gallica. | French bole. | Astringent and slightly absorbent. | An ingredient in some powders. | | Bonus Henricus, English mercury, (Chengoped. bon. all-good, or good Hen. Lin.) | The leaves. | Laxative. | | | Borax. | Tincar, or borax. | The whole. | Diuretic and emmenagogue. | An ingredient in a powder, and a salt prepared from it. See Chemistry, no 265—272. | | Branca urfina, (A. Bear’s-breech. canth. moll. Lin.) | The root. | Emollient. | | | Brassica, (Brassica, Cabbage. olerae. Lin.) | The leaves. | Refrigerant and laxative | | | Bryonia alba. | White briony. | The root. | Difucutent and violently cathartic. | | Bucabunga, (Veronica bucabunga. Lin.) | Brooklime. | The leaves. | Attenuant and antiflorbutic. | | Burfa pastoris, (Thlaspi burfa, Lin.) | Shepherd’s purse. | The leaves. | Astringent, but very doubtful. | | Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations From Them | |-----------------|---------------|-----------------------|---------|------------------------| | Cacao, (Theobroma cacao, Lin.) | Chocolate tree | The fruit | Analeptic | Chocolate | | Calamintha, (Mentha calamintha, Lin.) | Calamint | The leaves | Aromatic and stimulant | | | Calamus aromaticus, (Acor. ver. Lin.) | Sweet-scented flag | The roots | Aromatic and stomachic | | | Calendula | Garden marigold | The flowers | Attenuating and sudorific, but very doubtful | | | Calx viva | Quicklime | | A violent corrosive, and powerful alterant and absorbent | A medicated water | | Camphor, (Laur. camphire tree, camphor, Lin.) | | The concreted essential oil | Refrigerant and diaphoretic | A solution in rectified spirit, in expressed and essential oils. Ingredient in many other compositions | | Canella alba | White cinnamon, or canella alba | The bark | Aromatic and stimulating | An ingredient in several tinctures | | Cannabis | Hemp | The seeds | Aperient and refrigerant, but doubtful | Decoctions and infusions | | Cantharides | Spanish-flies | | Violently stimulating and vesicatory | A spirituous tincture | | Caparis, (Capar. Caper-bush, spinos. Lin.) | | The bark of the root, and flower-buds | Aperient and stomachic | Pickled | | Caprifolium, (Lonicera caprif. Lin.) | Woodbind, or honeysuckle | The leaves and flowers | Aperient and diuretic | | | Cardamines, (Cardamine pratensis, Lin.) | Cardamine | The flowers | Antispasmodic | | | Cardamonum majus, (Amomum cardam. Lin.) | Greater cardamom | The seeds | Aromatic and stimulant | | | Cardamonum minus, (Amomum cardam. Lin.) | Lesser cardamom | The seeds | Aromatic and stimulant | | | Cardiaca, (Cardiac. Mother-wort, leonur. Lin.) | | The leaves | Antispasmodic | | | Cardousbenedictus, (Centaur. bennedict. Lin.) | Blessed-thistle | The leaves and seed | Stomachic | An ingredient in a stomachic tincture | | Carlina, (Carlina. Carline-thistle, acule. Lin.) | | The root | Diaphoretic | | | Carthamus, (Carthamus tinctor. Lin.) | Bastard saffron | The seeds | Cathartic | | | Carum, (Carum carvi, Lin.) | Caraway | The seeds | Aromatic | An essential oil, a spirituous water. Ingredient also in many officinal compositions | | Caryophyllata, (Gumm urban. Lin.) | Avens, or herb benet | The root | Aromatic | An essential oil | | Caryophyllus aromaticus | The clove-tree | The flower-cups | Strongly aromatic | An essential oil. Ingredient also in many officinal compositions | | Caryophyllus ruber, (Dianthus caryophyll. Lin.) | Clove July-flowers | The flowers | Aromatic | A syrup | | Cascarilla, (Croton. Cascarilla, caesar, Lin.) | | The bark | Aromatic and stimulant | Infusions |
Cassia | TECHNICAL NAMES | ENGLISH NAMES | PARTS USED IN MEDICINE | VIRTUES | PREPARATIONS FROM THEM | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Cassia fistularis | Cassia | The fruit | Purgative | An ingredient in two electuaries | | Cassialignes, (Laurus cappa, Lin.) | Cassia | The bark | Aromatic | | | Cassumunar | Cassumar | The root | Stomachic and carminative | | | Castoreum, (Cassor fiber, Lin.) | Castor | | Nervine and antispasmodic | | | Cataputia major, Palma Christi, vel palma Christi, (Ricinus commun. Lin.) | | The seeds | Purgative | | | Cataputia minor, Broad-leaved vel tithymalus, spurge, or cataputia, (Euphorb. lithyr. Lin.) | | The juice | Violently inflammatory | Infusitated juice | | Celery, (Apium graveolens, Lin.) | Celery | The leaves | Laxative | | | Centaureum minus, Lesser centaury, (Gentian. centaur. Lin.) | | The tops | Stomachic | Ingredient in some tinctures and infusions | | Cepa, (Allium cepa, Lin.) | The onion | The roots | Attenuating and diuretic | | | Cera alba | White wax | | Emollient | Ingredient in many plasters and ointments | | Cera flava | Yellow wax | | Emollient | Ingredient in almost all ointments | | Cerasus, (Prunus cerasus, Lin.) | The cherry-tree | The fruit | Refrigerant | | | Ceterach, (Asplen. ceterach, Lin.) | Spleenwort | The leaves | Diuretic | | | Chamaedrys, (Teucrium chamaedr. Lin.) | Germander | The leaves and tops with the seed | Sudorific and diuretic | | | Chamomelum, (Anthemis nobilis, Lin.) | Camomile | The flowers | Stomachic, carminative, and emollient | An essential oil, a simple water, and extract | | Chamopithys, (Teucrium chamopit. Lin.) | Ground-pine | The leaves | Aperient | | | Cheiri, seu Leucojum luteum, (Cheiranth. cheiri, Lin.) | Wallflower | The flower | Aperient, cordial, and attenuant | | | Chelis cancerorum | Crab's claws | | Absorbent | Levigated | | Chelidonium majus | Common celandine | The leaves and roots | Inflammatory | | | Chelidonium minus, Pilewort, (Ranunc. ficar. Lin.) | | The leaves and root | Emollient | | | China, (Smilax China, Lin.) | China | The root | Diaphoretic and diuretic | | | Cicer, (Cicer arietinum, Lin.) | Red chices, or chick peas | The seeds | Lithostriptic and diuretic, but very doubtful | | | Cichorium, (Cichor. intyb. Lin.) | Wild succory | The roots and leaves | Laxative and anti-scorbutic | | | Cicuta major, (Conium maculatum, Lin.) | Hemlock | The leaves | Resolvent and alterant | |
Cinnamomum, | TECHNICAL NAMES | ENGLISH NAMES | PARTS USED IN MEDICINE | VIRTUES | PREPARATIONS FROM THEM | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Cinnamomum, (Laurus cinnam. Lin.) | The cinnamon tree. | The bark. | Aromatic and corroborant. | An essential oil, a simple and spirituous distilled water, and an ingredient in a great number of compositions. | | Clematis. | Virgin's bower. | The root. | Pugative. | | | Coccinella, (Coccus cacti, Lin.) | Cochineal. | | Sudorific, but chiefly used for colouring. | | | Cocculus Indicus, (Menisperm. coct. Lin.) | Indian berry. | The fruit. | Narcotic. | | | Cochlearia. | Scurvy-grafts. | The leaves. | Stimulating and attenuant. | A conserve and spirit. An ingredient in some other officinal preparations. | | Coffea. | The coffee-tree. | The fruit. | Stomachic and corroborant. | A decoction. | | Colchicum, (Colchic. autumnal. Lin.) | Meadow saffron. | The root. | Powerfully diuretic. | A syrup and oxymel. | | Colocynthis, (Cucum. colocynth. Lin.) | Coloquintida, or bitter-apple. | The medullary part of the dried fruit. | Violently cathartic. | An ingredient in some cathartic pills and extracts. | | Columbo. | Columbo. | The root. | A most excellent antiseptic and stomachic. | A vinous tincture. | | Consolida major, (Symphyt. officin. Lin.) | Comfrey. | The root. | Emollient. | Gives name to a powder, and is an ingredient in the theriac. | | Contrayerva, (Dorstenia, Lin.) | Contrayerva. | The root. | Aromatic and diaphoretic. | | | Corallina, (Sertularia, Lin.) | Coralline. | | Absorbent. | | | Corallium rubrum. | Red coral. | | Absorbent. | | | Coriandrum, (Coriandr. sativ. Lin.) | Coriander. | The seeds. | Carminative and stomachic. | An ingredient in several officinal compositions. | | Cornu cervi. | Hartshorn. | | Emollient and nutritious. | Shavings, a jelly, a volatile alkaline salt and spirit, and an empyreumatic oil. | | Cornu cervi calcinatum. | Calcined or burnt hartshorn. | | Absorbent. | | | Cottus, (Cott. Arab. Lin.) | Cottus. | The root. | Attenuant and diuretic. | | | Cotula feetida. | May-weed, or wild chamomile. | The leaves. | Antispasmodic. | | | Crassula. | Orpine. | The leaves. | Emollient and astringent. | | | Creta alba. | White chalk. | | Absorbent. | | | Crithium. | Samphire. | The leaves. | Aperient, stomacchic, and diuretic. | | | Crocus. | Saffron. | The chives, or fleshy capillaments growing at the end of the flower. | Aromatic and cordial. | A spirituous tincture; a vinous tincture; a syrup; and an ingredient in many officinal compositions. | | Cubebs, (Piper, Lin.) | Cubebs. | The fruit. | Aromatic and stimulant. | An ingredient in several officinal compositions. | | Cucumis hortensis. | The garden cucumber. | The seeds. | Refrigerant. | | | Cucumis agrestis. | Wild cucumber. | The fruit. | Violently cathartic. | The juice inspissated. | | Cucurbita. | The gourd and pompion. | The seeds. | Refrigerating. | An expressed oil. |
Vol. VI. | Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations from Them | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Cupressus | The cypres. | The fruit. | A strong astrigent. | Calcined, and producing salts by combination with several acids, and with volatile alkali. See Chemistry, n° 142, 200, 278, 298, 332. | | Cuprum | Copper | | A violent emetic, diuretic, and alterative. | | | Curcuma, (Curcuma. Tumeric. long. Lin.) | The root. | Aromatic, aperient, and emmenagogue. | A syrup and jelly of the fruit, and mucilage of the seeds. | | Cydonia | The quince. | The fruit and seeds. | Stomachic and corroborative. | An essential oil, and an ingredient in some officinal compositions. | | Cuminum | Cumia. | The seeds. | Aromatic and anti-spasmodic. | | | Cynoglossum | Hound's tongue. | The root. | Narcotic, but doubtful. | A distilled water and conserve. | | Cynosbatum, (Rosa canina. Lin.) | The wild briar, dog-rose, or hip-tree. | The fruit and flowers. | Refrigerant and antiseptic. | | | Cyperus longa | Long cyperus. | The root. | Aromatic and carminative. | | | Daëtylus, (Phoenix dactylif. Lin.) | The date-tree. | The fruit. | Emollient and slightly astrigent. | | | Daucus Creticus, (Athamant. Cretenf. Lin.) | Candy carrot. | The seeds. | Aromatic. | Ingredient in mithridate and theriaca. | | Daucus sativus, (Daucus carota, Lin.) | The carrot. | The roots. | Powerfully antiseptic. | A poultice from them for cancers, and a marmalade. | | Daucus silvestris | Wild carrot. | The seeds. | Aromatic. | | | Dens leonis, (Leon. tod. tarax. Lin.) | Dandelion. | The root and herb. | Attenuant, but doubtful. | | | Dittamus Creticus, (Dittann. origan. Lin.) | Dittany of Crete. | The leaves. | Aromatic. | An essential oil; and ingredient in several officinal powders. | | Digitalis | Fox-glove. | The leaves. | Emetic and cathartic. | | | Doronicum Germanicum, (Arnica montan. Lin.) | German leopards-bane. | The leaves and roots. | Violently emetic and cathartic. | | | Dulcamara, (Solan. dulcamar. Lin.) | Bitter, sweet, or woody nightshade. | The herb and root. | Diaphoretic, attenuant, and cathartic. | | | Ebulus, (Sambuc. ebul. Lin.) | Dwarf-elder, or Danewort. | The root, bark, leaves, and fruit. | Strongly cathartic. | A rob from the berries. | | Elatine, (Veronica officinal. Lin.) | Fluellin, or female speedwell. | The leaves. | Diuretic and attenuant. | Gives name to one of the officinal honeys. | | Eleocharia. See CASCARILLA. | | | | | | Endivia, (Cichor. endiv. Lin.) | Endive. | The leaves and roots. | Aperient and refrigerant. | | | Erigerum | Groundsel. | The leaves. | Emetic. | | | Eruca | Rocket. | The seeds. | Stimulant. | | | Eryngium, (Eryng. maritimum. Lin.) | Eryngo, or sea-holly. | The root. | Aperient and diuretic. | | | Erysimum, (Erysimum officinal. Lin.) | Hedge-mustard. | The leaves. | Attenuant and diuretic. | | | Eupatorium canadimum. | Hemp-agrimony, water-agrimony, or water-hemp. | The leaves. | Attenuant and corroborant. | |
Faba | Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations from Them | |-----------------|--------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Faba Indica, seu Sancti Ignatii. | St Ignatius's bean. | The seeds. | Antispasmodic. | A distilled water from the flowers. | | Faba vicia. | The garden-bean. | The seeds and flowers. | Nutritive and cosmetic. Refrigerant. | | | Fagopyrum, (Po. lign. fagopyr. Lin.) | Snakeweed. | The seeds. | Diuretic. | | | Farina tritici vel avenae. | Bran. | | Corroborative and alterant. | Infusions in wine; the metal reduced to a calx by rust, or by fire, and some salts produced from it by combinations with different acids. See Chemistry, n° 146, 242—245, 279, 299. | | Ferrum. | Iron. | | | | | Fæx vini rubri. | Lees of red wine. | | Diuretic and repellent. | | | Ficus, (Ficus carica. Lin.) | The fig-tree. | The fruit. | Emollient and suppurative. Astringent and corroborant. | | | Filipendula, (Spirea filipend. Lin.) | Common dropwort. | The root. | | | | Filix mas, (Polypod. The male fern. Filix, Lin.) | The leaves and root. | Anthelmintic and deobstruent. Inflammatory. Emollient. | | | Flores cerevisiae. | Yeast. | | | | | Fenugreek, (Trigonell. fen. grec. Lin.) | Fenugreek. | The seed. | | | | Foeniculum dulce et vulgare, (Aneth. fænic. Lin.) | Sweet and common fennel. | The seeds, roots, and leaves. | Aromatic, stimulant, and carminative. An essential oil. | | | Foeniculum aquatile, Pharmac. Ref. (Phelland. aquat. Lin.) | Waterwort. | The leaves and seeds. | Corroborant. | | | Formica, (Formica rufa, Lin.) | The ant. | The whole insect. | Stimulant. An oil and acid spirit. | | | Fragaria, (Fragar. The strawberry ves. Lin.) | The strawberry bush. | The leaves and fruit. | Astringent, corroborant, and refrigerant. | | | Frangula, (Alnus nigra. Lin.) | Black alder. | The bark. | Violently cathartic. | | | Fraxinella, (Dictamnus albus, Lin.) | White or bastard dittany. | The root. | Diaphoretic. | | | Fraxinus, (Fraxin. excelsior, Lin.) | The ash-tree. | The bark and seeds. | Astringent and stimulant. Antispasmodic. A spirituous tincture. | | | Fuligo ligni splendens. | Shining woodfoot. | | | | | Fumaria. | Fumitory. | The leaves. | Stimulating and attenuant. | | | Fungus melitenis, Pharmac. Ref. (Cynomor. coccin. Lin.) | | | | | | Galanga minor, (Marant. galang. Lin.) | Galangal. | The root. | Stomachic. | | | Galega. | Goat's rue. | The herb. | Diaphoretic, but very doubtful. Astringent. | | | Galla. | Galls. | | | |
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**Note:** The page contains a list of plants with their technical names, English names, parts used in medicine, virtues, and preparations from them. | Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations From Them | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Gallium luteum, (Gall. ver. Lin.) | Yellow ladies bed-straw, or cheese-rennet | The tops | Astringent | | | Genista, (Genist. tinctor. Lin.) | Broom | The leaves, flowers, and seeds | Diuretic and cathartic | | | Gentiana alba, (Laserpitium latifol. Lin.) | Lesserwort | The root | | | | Gentiana, (Gentian. lat. Lin.) | Common gentian | The root | Stomachic and stimulant | A spirituous tincture, and an ingredient in many officinal compositions. | | Geranium Robertianum | Herb Robert | The leaves | Astringent, but very doubtful. Stimulant and corroborant. Strongly cathartic. | | | Ginseng, (Panax quinquefol. Lin.) | Ginseng | The root | | | | Gladiolus lucidus, (Iris pseudacorus, Lin.) | Yellow water-flag, bastard acorus, or water flower-de-luce. | The roots | | | | Glycyrrhiza, (Glycyrrh. glabr. Lin.) | Liquorice | The root | Emollient and pectoral. | An extract and powder. An ingredient in many officinal compositions. | | Gramen caninum, (Triticum repens, Lin.) | Quick-grass | The roots | Aperient. | | | Grana paradisi, (Amomum, Lin.) | Grains of paradise | The seeds | Aromatic and stimulant. | | | Granatum, (Punica granatum, Lin.) | The pomegranate | The fruit and bark | Refrigerant and astringent. | | | Gratiolum | Hedge-hyssop | The leaves and root | Emetic and cathartic. | | | Guajacum | Lignum-vitae, or guajacum | The wood and bark | Aperient, stimulant, and corroborative. | An extract, two tinctures, and a gummy resin. An ingredient in many officinal preparations. | | Gummi arabicum | Gum-arabic | | | | | Gum. ammoniacum | Gum ammoniac | | | | | Gum. asafoetida | Asafoetida | | | | | Gum. bdellium | Bdellium | | | | | Gum. benzoin | Benzoin | | | | | Gum. elemi | Elemi | | | | | Gum. galbanum | Galbanum | | | | | Gum. gambogia | Gamboge | | | | | Gum. kino | Kino | | | | | Gum. labdanum | Labdanum | | | | | Gum. larcis, (Pharm. Ref.) | | | | | | Gum. lacca | Gum lac | | | | | Gum. mastic | Mastic | | | | | Gum. myrrha | Myrrh | | | |
**Astringent.**
**Corroborant.**
**Antispasmodic and corroborant.** | Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations from Them | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Gum. olibanum. | Olibanum. | | Astringent, but uncertain. | An ingredient in some powders, and other officinal compositions. | | Gum. opoponax. | Opoponax. | | Attenuant and stimulant. | An ingredient in some officinal compositions. | | Gum. sanguis draconis. | | | Astringent. | An ingredient in some styptic and balsamic medicines. | | Gum. Senegal. | | | Astringent and mucilaginous.| An ingredient in some tinctures and pills. | | Gum. hyrax calaminis. | Storax. | | Stimulant and corroborant. | Ingredient in a mercurial plaster. | | Gum. hyrax liquida | Liquid storax. | | Supposed corroborative. | An ingredient in the theriaca, and some plasters. | | Gum. thus. | Frankincense. | | Astringent and corroborative.| An ingredient in several officinal compositions. | | Gum. tragacanth. | Gum tragacanth, commonly gum-dragon. | Blood-stone. | Astringent and corroborative. | Aperient and pectoral. | | Hedera arborea, (Hedera helix, Lin.) | Ivy. | The leaves, berries, and resin. | Diaphoretic. | A tincture and honey. | | Hedera terrellis, (Glechom. hederac., Lin.) | Ground-ivy. | The leaves. | Aperient and corroborative. | A powerful alterative and emmenagogue. | | Helenium. | Elecampane. | The root. | Aperient and pectoral. | A tincture and extract. | | Helleboraster, Pharmac. Brunswic. (Helleborus feldii, Lin.) | White hellebore. | The root. | Most violently emetic and errhine. | | | Helleborus albus, (Veratrum alb., Lin.) | Black hellebore. | The root. | A powerful alterative and emmenagogue. | | | Helleborus niger, Pharmac. Ross. (Adonis vernalis, Lin.) | The root. | Corroborant. | | | Hepatica nobilis, (Anemone hepatic., Lin.) | Noble liver-wort. | The leaves. | | | Hermodactylus, (Iris tuberosa, Lin.) | Hermodactyl. | The root. | Purgative, but doubtful. | | | Herniaria, (Herniar. glab., Lin.) | Rupture-wort. | The leaves. | Astringent. | | | Hippocastanum, Ph. Ross. (Æscul. hippocast. Lin.) | The bark. | | | | Hirundinaria, (Æsc. clep. cineretox., Lin.) | Swallow-wort, or tame-poison. | The root. | Sudorific, diuretic, and emmenagogue. | | | Hordeum, (Hord. distich. Lin.) | Barley. | Refrigerant. | A decoction. | | | Horminum, (Salv. hormin., Lin.) | Garden clary. | The leaves and seeds. | Corroborative. | | | Hydrolapathum, (Rumex aquat., Lin.) | Great water-dock. | The leaves and roots. | Alterant and laxative. | | | Hyoscyamus, (Hyoscyam. nig., Lin.) | The common wild or black hen-bane. | The leaves. | Narcotic. | Hypericum; | | Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations from Them | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Hypericum, (Hy- | St John's-wort. | The leaves, flowers, and seeds. | Diuretic, sudorific, and alterant. | Gives name to a coloured oil. | | peric. perforat. | | | | Juice inspissated. | | Lin.) | | | | A distilled water. | | Hypocissus, (Cy- | Hypocissus. | The leaves. | Astringent. | An extract, a simple tincture, a compound tincture, a resin, and powder. | | fis hypociss. Lin.) | | | | A tincture, troches, and confection; and an ingredient in several officinal compositions. | | Hyssopus, (Hyssop. | Hyssop. | The root. | Cathartic. | An ingredient in several pectoral medicines. | | officinal. Lin.) | | | | | | Jalappa, (Convolv. | Jalap. | The root. | Astringent. | An ingredient in theriaca. | | jalap. Lin.) | | | | | | Japonica terra. | Japan earth. | | | | | Imperatoria, (Im- | Master-wort. | The root. | Aromatic. | A vinous tincture, and a powder. | | per. afrut. Lin.) | | | | | | Ipecacuanha, (Vit- | Ipecacuanha. | The root. | Emetic and cathartic. | An ingredient in several pectoral medicines. | | la ipecac. Lin.) | | | | | | Iris Florentina. | Florentine orris.| The root. | Aromatic and stimulant. | An ingredient in several pectoral medicines. | | Iris nostras, (Iris | Flower-de-luce. | The root. | The same with the former. | | | german. Lin.) | | | | | | Juglans, (Jug.reg.) | The walnut-tree. | The fruit. | The kernel emollient, the shell astringent. | Emollient and balsamic. | | | | | | | | Jujuba, (Rhamnus | Jujubes. | The fruit. | Aromatic. | An ingredient in theriaca. | | zizyph. Lin.) | | | | | | Juncus odoratus. | Sweet-rush, or camel's-hay. | The herb. | | | | Juniperus, (Junip. | Juniper. | The berries, wood, and resin. | Carminative and stomachic. | An essential oil, and spirituous water. Ingredient in a great number of officinal compositions. | | commun. Lin.) | | | | | | Kali, (Salfol. Lin.) | Glaes-wort. | | Astringent and corroborant. | An alkaline salt. | | Kermes, (Coccus querc. ilic. Lin.) | Kermes. | | Analgetic and corroborant. | A saccharine salt. | | Lac. | Milk. | | Supposed narcotic. | | | Lactuca, (Lactuca | Lettuce. | The juice. | Supposed corroborant. | An essential oil, a simple and compound spirit, and a conserve. An ingredient in some officinal preparations. | | tiv. Lin.) | | | | | | Lamium album. | White archangel, or dead-nettle. | The leaves and flowers. | An excellent cordial and aromatic. | An expressed oil. | | Lavendula, (Lav- | Greater, or broad-leaved lavender. | The flowers. | | | | end. spic. Lin.) | | | | | | Laurus, (Laur. no- | The bay tree. | The leaves and berries. | Carminative and antispasmodic. | | | bilis. Lin.) | | | | | | Lazuli lapis. | | | A strong emetic. | | | Lenticus, (Pistacia | The lentise or mastic tree. | The wood. | Astringent. | | | lentif. | | | | | | Lepidium, (Lepid. | Common broad ditander, pepperwort, or poor man's pepper. | The leaves. | Antiscorbutic and diuretic. | | | latifol. Lin.) | | | | | | Levisticum, (Li- | Lovage. | The root and seed. | Aromatic. | Ingredients in some compound waters. | | gust. levii. Lin.) | | | | | | Lichen cinereusterrestris, (Lichen canin. Lin.) | Ash-coloured ground liverwort. | The whole. | Recommended by Dr Mead as a specific against the bite of a mad dog, but without foundation. | Principal ingredient in the pulvis antilyffus. |
Lignum | Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations from Them | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Lignum campechense, (He-matox. campech. Lin.) | Logwood | The wood | Astringent | An extract | | Lignum rhodium, Rose-wood. (Genista canarien. Lin.) | Rose-wood | The wood | Cordial | An essential oil | | Lilium album, (Convall. majal. Lin.) | White lily | The root and flowers | Emollient and antipathmodic | | | Limon, (Citrus limon. Lin.) | The lemon-tree | The fruit | Aromatic, antiscorbutic, and cordial | An essential oil | | Linaria, (Antirrhinum linar. Lin.) | Toad-flax | The leaves | Diuretic and cathartic, but doubtful | | | Lingua cervina, (Affen. scolopend. Lin.) | Hart's tongue | The leaves | Aperient | | | Linum catharticum. | Purging flax, or mill-mountain | The leaves | Cathartic | | | Linum vulgare, (Lin. usitatiss. Lin.) | Flax | The seed | Emollient | An expressed oil | | Liquida ambra. | Sweet gum, or rorax tree | The resinous juice | Cordial | | | Lithospermum, (Lithosperm. officin. Lin.) | Gromwell | The seeds | Refolvent | | | Lobelia, Pharmac. Ross. (Lobel. filiflora. Lin.) | The root | Alterant | | | Lumbrici et limaces terrestres. | Earth-worms and snails | | Aperient and analeptic | Decoction in milk | | Lupinus, (Lupin. alt. Lin.) | White lupines | The seeds | Anthelmintic | | | Lupulus, (Humulus lup. Lin.) | Hops | The loose leafy heads which grow upon the tops of the stalks | Diuretic and stomachic | | | Lycoperdon, (Lycoperd. beefst. Lin.) | Puff-ball, or dusty mushroom | The whole | Styptic | | | Lycopodium, Pha. Ross. (Lycopod. clavat. Lin.) | | | | | | Macis. See Nux Moschata. | | | | | | Majorana, (Origan. majoran. Lin.) | Sweet marjoram | The leaves and flowers | Aromatic and ermine | An essential oil | | Malabathrum. | Indian leaf | | Aromatic | An ingredient in mithridate and theriaca | | Malva, (Malv. rotundifol. Lin.) | The mallow | The leaves and flowers | Emollient | A conserve of the flowers | | Malus. | The apple-tree | The fruit | Refrigerant and laxative | | | Mandragora, (Atropa mandrag. Lin.) | The mandrake | The leaves | Narcotic | | | Manna, (Fraxin. orn. Lin.) | The manna ash | The concreted juice | Cathartic | Gives name to an official lochoch, and enters several other compositions | | Marrubium, (Marrub. vulg. Lin.) | White horehound | The leaves | Stomachic and aperient | An ingredient in theriaca |
Marum | Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations From Them | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Marum Syriacum, (Teucrium mar. Lin.) | Syrian herb mar. rich. | The leaves. | Aromatic and er- rhine. | An ingredient in some cephalic liniments. | | Matricaria, (Matricaria parthen. Lin.) | Feverfew. | The leaves and flowers. | Aperient and anti-spasmodic. | | | Mechoacanna, (Convolvulus mechoan. Lin.) | White jalap. | The root. | Cathartic. | | | Mel. | Honey. | | Aperient and detergent. | Gives name to a plaster. | | Melilotus, (Trifolium melilot. Lin.) | Melilot. | The leaves and flowers. | Emollient and carminative. | An infusion, and simple water. | | Melissa, (Melissa officin. Lin.) | Balm. | The leaves. | Aromatic. | | | Melo, (Cucumis melo, Lin.) | The melon. | The seeds. | Refrigerant and emollient. | | | Mentha crispa, (Pharmac. Off.) | Danish or German curled mint. | The herb. | Aromatic and cordial. | | | Mentha vulgaris, (Mentha virid. Lin.) | Spearmint. | The herb. | Aromatic and cordial. | | | Mentha piperitis. | Pepper-mint. | The herb. | Aromatic and cordial. | | | Mercurialis, (Mercur. annua, Lin.) | French mercury. | The leaves. | Emollient and laxative. | | | Meum, (Aethusa meum, Lin.) | Spignel. | The root. | Aromatic and carminative. | | | Mezereon. | Mezereon, or spurge olive. | The root, bark, and berries. | Violently cathartic. | | | Millefolium, (Achillea millefol. Lin.) | Millefoil, or yarrow. | The leaves and flowers. | Mildly astringent and aromatic. | An essential oil. | | Millefolium nobile, Pharmac. Off. (Achillea nob. Lin.) | | | | | | Millepedeae. | Wood-louse, hog-louse, or slaters. | | Diuretic. | The insects dried and powdered; an infusion in wine; also an ingredient in some other officinal preparations. | | Minium. See Plumbum. | | | | | | Morbus diaboli, (Scabies succiss. Lin.) | Devil's bit. | The leaves and roots. | Diaphoretic. | | | Morus nigra. | The mulberry-tree. | The fruit and bark of the roots. | Refrigerant, astringent, and anthelmintic. | A syrup from the juice of the fruit. | | Moschus. | Musk. | | Diaphoretic and antispasmodic. | A julep. | | Mungos, (Pharmac. Brunf. et Roff.) | | | Purgative. | | | Myrobalani. | Myrobalans. | The fruit. | | | | Mulcus Ilandicus, seu Catharticus, Pharmac. Roff. et Brunf. (Lichen island. Lin.) | | | | |
Myrrhis, | TECHNICAL NAMES | ENGLISH NAMES | PARTS USED IN MEDICINE | VIRTUES | PREPARATIONS FROM THEM | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Myrrhis, (Sifon Canadense, Lin.) | Sweet cicely. | The leaves and seeds. | Diuretic. | An ingredient in the theriaca. | | Myrtillus, (Vaccin. myrtil. Lin.) | Whortle-berry. | The leaves and berries. | Astringent. | An expressed oil. | | Napus, (Rapa napus, Lin.) | Sweet navew, or navew gentle. | The seeds. | Aromatic and stimulant. | Ingredients in the mithridate and theriaca. | | Rapa sylvestris, (Brassic. nap. Lin.) | Rape. | The seeds. | Aromatic and stimulant. | Ingredients in the mithridate and theriaca. | | Nardus Celtica, (Valerianum Celt. Lin.) | Celtic nard. | The roots. | Stomachic and carminative. | An ingredient in the succi scorbutici. | | Nardus Indica, (Andropog. nardus, Lin.) | Indian nard. | The roots. | Stomachic and carminative. | An ingredient in the succi scorbutici. | | Naturtium aquaticum, (Sifymb. natur. aquat. Lin.) | Water cresses. | The leaves and juice. | Aperient and antiscorbutic. | An extract recommended by Stahl and other German physicians. | | Naturtium hortense, (Lepid. sativ. Lin.) | Garden cresses. | The leaves and seeds. | Aperient and antiscorbutic, but much weaker than the former. | An acid spirit and fixed alkaline salt; an aqueous decoction or solution, troches. | | Nepeta, (Nepet. ca. tar. Lin.) | Nep, or catmint. | The leaves. | Aromatic and cordial. | An ingredient in many other officinal preparations. | | Nephriticum lignum, (Guilandin. moring. Lin.) | Nephritic wood. | The wood in substance. | Diuretic, but uncertain. | An expressed oil, falsely called oil of mace; an essential oil; a simple water; a spirituous water; an ingredient in many officinal compositions. | | Nicotiana, (Nicotian. tabac. Lin.) | Tobacco. | The leaves. | Violently emetic, cathartic, and narcotic. | An expressed oil used in almost all ointments, plasters, &c. | | Nigella, (Nigel. sativ. Lin.) | Fennel-flower. | The seeds. | Aperient and diuretic, but uncertain. | | | Ninis, (Pharmac. Brunf. et Ross. (Siam. ninis, Lin.) | Moneywort, or herb twopence. | The leaves. | Antiscorbutic. | | | Nitrum, (Nitrum. Nitre or salt-petre. nativ. Lin.) | The nutmeg-tree. | The fruit, and covering called mace. | An excellent aromatic, cordial, and stomachic. | | | Nummularia, (Lysemae. nummular. Lin.) | The pistachia tree. | The fruit. | Emollient and analeptic. | | | Nux moschata, (Myristica, Lin.) | Nux vomica. | The fruit. | Used only as a poison for dogs, &c. | | | Nymphea alba. | White water-lily. | The roots and flowers. | Astringent and corroborative. | | | Ochra, (Ochra ferri, Lin.) | Yellow ochre. | | Astringent, but very weak. | | | Oliva, (Olea Europae. Lin.) | The olive-tree. | The fruit. | Emollient. | |
Vol. VI. | Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations from Them | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Ononis (Onom. arvensis Lin.) | Rest-harrow, cammock, or pettywhin | The root | Aperient and diuretic | Purified by straining, called the Thebaic extract; a viscous and spirituous tincture, called liquid laudanum. Also a capital ingredient in many officinal preparations. | | Opium (Papaver Orientale Lin.) | The Asiatic poppy | The inspissated juice | A most excellent anodyne and cordial when properly applied, but a very fatal poison if taken in too great quantity. | | | Origanum (Origanum vulg. Lin.) | Wild marjoram | The leaves | Aromatic | An essential oil. | | Oryza (Oryza sativa Lin.) | Rice | The grain | Emollient and refrigerant. | Levigated. | | Ostrea (Ostrea edulis Lin.) | Oysters | The shells | Absorbent. | | | Oxylapathum (Rumex acetosella Lin.) | Sharp-pointed dock | The roots and leaves | Alterant and laxative. | | | Oxycoccus, Phar. Roff. (Vaccin. occ. Lin.) | | | | | | Peonia (Paeonia officinalis Lin.) | Male and female peony | The roots, flowers, and seeds | Emollient and antispasmodic. | Ingredients in some anti-epileptic powders. | | Palma (Cocos nucifera Lin.) | The palm-tree | The kernels of the fruit | Emollient and anodyne. | An expressed oil used in stomachic plasters. | | Papaver album (Papaver somniferum Lin.) | The white poppy | The heads | Anodyne. | A syrup. | | Papaver erraticum, Red poppy, or (Papaver rhoeas Lin.) | | The flowers | Valued chiefly for the colour they communicate. | A syrup. | | Paralysia (Primula elatior Lin.) | Cowslip | The flowers | Corroborant and antispasmodic. | A syrup. | | Pareira brava (Cip. jambu pareir. Lin.) | Pareira brava | The root | Attenuant, diuretic, and lithontriptic. | | | Parietaria (Parietaria officinalis Lin.) | Pellitory of the wall | The leaves | Emollient and diuretic. | Ingredient in a nephritic decoction. | | Pastinaca (Pastinaca sativa Lin.) | Garden parsnip | The roots and seeds | Emollient and aromatic. | | | Pastinaca sativa | Wild parsnip | The seeds | Aromatic. | | | Pentaphyllum (Potentilla repens Lin.) | Cinquefoil | The root | Astringent. | | | Pechurim saba, Pharmac. Roff. (An species Laur. ? Lin.) | | | | | | Persicaria urens (Persic. hydropip. Lin.) | Bitter arnica, lake-weed, or water-pepper | The leaves | Diuretic and detergent when externally applied. | | | Persicaria mitis | Spotted arnica | The leaves | Antiseptic and astringent. | | | Persica | The peach-tree | The leaves, flowers, and fruit | Laxative, anthelmintic, and refrigerant. | | | Peruvianus cortex (Cinchona offic. Lin.) | The quinquina, or Jesuit's-bark tree | The bark | A most excellent corroborative. | An extract, a resin, a spirituous tincture, a compound tincture, a tincture in volatile spirit; also an ingredient in the stomachic tincture. | | TECHNICAL NAMES | ENGLISH NAMES | PARTS USED IN MEDICINE | VIRTUES | PREPARATIONS FROM THEM | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Petasites | Butterbur | The roots | Aromatic, aperient; and deobstruent. | | | Petroleum | Rock oil | | Anodyne and corroborative when applied externally. | | | Petroleum Barbadense | Barbadoes tar | | Diuretic, sudorific, and corroborative. | | | Petroselinum | Common parsley| The roots, leaves, and seeds. | Aperient and somewhat aromatic. | The seeds an ingredient in an electuary. | | Peucedanum | Hog's-fennel, or fulphur-wort | The root. | Aperient, stimulating, and erucine. | | | Pimpinella sanguisorba | Burnet | The leaves. | Astringent. | | | Pimpinella saxifraga | Burnet saxifrage | The root, leaves, and seeds. | Diaphoretic, diuretic, and antiseborbic. | The kernels emollient; for the resin, see Terminthina. | | Pinus sylvestris | The pine tree | The kernels of its fruit or cones, and resin. | Highly aromatic and stimulant. | A simple distilled water, and an essential oil. | | Piper album | White pepper | | Highly aromatic and stimulant. | A powder called Cayenne pepper. | | Piper longum | Long pepper | | Highly aromatic and stimulant. | | | Piper nigrum | Black pepper | | Highly aromatic and stimulant. | | | Piper Jamaicense | Jamaica pepper, pimento, or all-spice | | Highly aromatic and stimulant. | | | Piper Indicum | Guinea pepper | | Highly aromatic and stimulant. | | | Pix liquida | Tar | | Attenuant and stimulating. | An infusion in water, and an ingredient in a kind of pectoral pills. | | Pix arida | Dry, or sloe pitch | | Attenuant and stimulating. | Ingredients in several plasters, ointments, and cerates. | | Pix Burgundica | Burgundy pitch | | Attenuant and stimulating. | | | Plantago latifolia | Common broad-leaved plantain | The leaves. | Astringent. | | | Plumbum | Lead | | Astringent and refrigerating, but very dangerous. | Several chemical preparations. See Chemistry, no. 401—405. A tincture and extract, or solution in vegetable acids; also an ingredient in several ointments, &c. | | Polium montanum | Poley-mountain | The tops. | Aromatic. | Ingredient in the Mithridate and theriaca. | | Polygala amara | | The root. | | | | Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations from Them | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Polypodium, (Po. Polypody.) | The root. | Laxative. | Used only in an ointment, but capable of being applied to better purposes. (Lewis.) | | Populus nigra. | Black poplar. | The buds. | Aromatic. | | Porrum, (Allium porrum, Lin.) | The leek. | The root. | A stimulating diuretic. | | Portulaca, (Portula lac. olerac. Lin.) | Purslane. | The seeds. | Refrigerant. | | Primula veris. | Primrose. | The herb and root. | Aromatic and stomachic. An infusion and distilled spirit. | | Prunella, (Prunell. vulg. Lin.) | Self-heal. | The leaves. | Attenuant and detergent. | | Pruna brignolensis. | Brignole plums, or prunelles. | | Pruna Gallica. | French, or common prunes. | | Pruna Damascena. | Damascus plums, or damions. | Gently laxative. | | Pruna Silvestria. | See Acacia. | | Pfllylum, (Plantago pfllyi, Lin.) | Fleawort. | The seeds. | Emollient and laxative. | | Phlarmica, (Achil. ptarmic. Lin.) | Sneezewort, or bastard pellitory. | The root. | Errhine and stimulating. | | Pulegium, (Menth. Pennyroyal. pulcg. Lin.) | The leaves. | A warm aromatic. | A simple water, a spirituous water, an essential oil; and an ingredient in some other officinal compositions. | | Pulmonaria maculosa, (Pulmon. officinal. Lin.) | Spotted lung-wort, or sage of Jerusalem. | The leaves. | Said to be aperient and analeptic. | | Pulsatilla nigricans, Pharmac. Ross. (Anemone praenens, Lin.) | The herb. | An extract and distilled water. | | Pyrethrum, (Anthemis pyrethr. Lin.) | Pellitory of Spain. | The root. | Promotes the salival flux. | | Quassia, (Quassia amar. Lin.) | The root. | An excellent stomachic and tonic. | | Quercus, (Quercus robur, Lin.) | Oak tree. | The bark. | Strongly astringent. | | Quercus marina, Pharm. Ross. (Fucus vesiculosus, Lin.) | Horse-radish. | The root. | Stimulating and attenuant. | | Raphanus rusticus, (Raphanus sativus Lin.) | The turnip. | The roots and seeds. | Aperient, and slightly aromatic. | | Rhubarbarum, (Rheum palmat. Lin.) | Rhubarb. | The root. | Cathartic and stomachic. | | Rhaponticum, (Rheum rhapon. Lin.) | Rhapontic. | The roots. | Laxative. | | Ribes nigrum. | The black-currant bush. | The fruit. | Refrigerant and detergent. | | Ribres rubrum. | The red-currant bush. | The fruit. | Ditto. |
Rhododendron. | TECHNICAL NAMES | ENGLISH NAMES | PARTS USED IN MEDICINE | VIRTUES | PREPARATIONS FROM THEM | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Rhododendron, Pharm. Ross. (Rhodod. chrysanthum; Lin.) | The herb. | Aromatic and gently laxative. | A distilled water and syrup. | | Rosa damascena. | Damask rose. | The flower. | Astringent and corroborative. | A conserve, honey, tincture, troches, vinegar, and syrup. An ingredient in several officinal compositions. | | Rosa rubra. | The red rose. | The flower. | | An ingredient in many cordial and antispasmodic medicines. | | Rosmarinus hortensis, (Rosm. officinal. Lin.) | Rosemary. | The tops and flowers. | A fine aromatic and cordial. | An essential oil; a distilled spirit called Hungary water. | | Rubia tinctorum. | Madder. | The root. | Aperient and detergent. | | | Rubus arcticus, Pharm. Ross. | The raspberry bush. | The fruit. | Refrigerant. | A syrup. | | Rubus idaeus. | The bramble. | The leaves. | Astringent. | | | Rubus niger, (Rubus fruticosus; Lin.) | Butcher's-broom, or knee-holly. | The root. | Aperient. | | | Ruta, (Rut. graveol. Lin.) | Broad-leaved rue. | The leaves and seeds. | Powerfully stimulating, attenuating, and detergent. | An extract, an essential oil, distilled water, and conserve. | | Sabadilla, Pharm. Ross. (An species veratr.? Lin.) | The seeds. | | | | | Sabina, (Junip. sabina; Lin.) | Savin. | The leaves or tops. | A stimulating aperient. | An essential oil; distilled water; watery extract; and an ingredient in several officinal compositions. | | Saccharum album. | White sugar. | | Emollient & laxative | | | Saccharum candum. | Sugar-candy. | | | | | Sagapenum. | Gum sagapenum. | | | | | Sal alkali vegetable. | Vegetable alkaline salt, or pearl-ashes. | | Aperient and deobstruent. | An ingredient in several antispasmodic medicines. | | Sal alkali minerales. | Mineral alkali, salt of Soda, or basis of sea-salt. | | Aperient, diuretic, and caustic. | The basis of a great number of neutral salts. | | Sal catharticus amarus. | Epsom salt. | | Ditto. | Ditto. | | Sal commune. | Common salt. | | Cathartic. | Magnesia. | | Salicaria, Pharm. Ross. (Lythrum salicar. Lin.) | Purple loose-strife. | The herb. | In small doses stimulant; in large ones cathartic. | | | Salix, (Salix fragilis; Lin.) | The crack-willow. | The bark. | Astringent. | | | Salvia, (Salvia officinal. Lin.) | Common sage. | The leaves. | Corroborant. | Infusions. | | Salvia sylvestris. | Wood sage. | The leaves. | Moderately stimulating and astringent. | | | Sambucus, (Sambuc. nigra; Lin.) | Common black-berried alder. | The leaves, bark, flowers, and berries. | Cathartic, aromatic, and aperient. | A rob for internal use from the berries, and an ointment and oil from the flowers and bark; the flowers are also ingredients in some compound waters. |
Sanguis | Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations from Them | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Sanguis draconis | Dragon's blood | | Astringent | An ingredient in some officinal compositions. | | Sanicula, (Sanicul. Europæa, Lin.) | Sanicle | The leaves | Supposed to be corroborant. Greatly recommended by Hoffman as a restorative. Used only for its colour. Anthelmintic. | | | Santalum citrinum, Yellow sanders, (Santal. alb. Lin.) | Red sanders | The wood | | | | Santalum rubrum | Red sanders | The wood | Used only for its colour. Anthelmintic. | | | Santonicum | Worm-seed | | | | | Sapo durus | Hard Spanish soap | | | | | Sopa mollis | Common soft soap | | Reflent and stimulating. | | | Sapo niger | Black soap | | | | | Saponaria, (Saponar. officinal. Lin.) | Soapwort or bruise-wort | The herb and root | Aperient, corroborant, and sudorific. Supposed a vulnerary. Alterant, and diaphoretic. Alterant, aperient, and corroborant. | Infusions and extract. An essential oil; an ingredient in some officinal preparations. | | Sarcocolla | Gum sarcocoll | | | | | Sarfaparilla, (Smilax sarfap. Lin.) | Sarfaparilla | The root | | | | Saffrafnas, (Laurus sassafras, Lin.) | Sassafras | The root | | | | Satureia, (Satureia kortei, Lin.) | Summer savoury | The leaves | A very pungent warm aromatic. | | | Satyrion mas, (Orchis bifol. Lin.) | Orchis | The root | Coagulant and corroborative. | Salep supposed to be a preparation from a root of this kind (Lewis). | | Saxifraga alba, (Saxifrag. granulat. Lin.) | White-flowered saxifrage | The roots and leaves | Supposed to be aperient, diuretic, and lithontriptic, but without just foundation. | Gives name to a powder, and is an ingredient in some officinal preparations. | | Saxifraga vulgaris | Meadow saxifrage | The leaves and seeds | | | | Scabiosa, (Scabios. arvens. Lin.) | Scabious | The leaves | Aperient, sudorific, and expectorant. Strongly cathartic. | | | Scammonium | Scammony | | | | | Scillo, (Scill. maritim. Lin.) | The squill, or sea-onion | The root | Powerfully diuretic, stimulant, and expectorant. Deobstruent, diuretic, and sudorific, but doubtful. Cordial and stimulant, but doubtful. Supposed corroborant, but doubtful. Emollient. Refrigerant. Cathartic. | A syrup, vinegar, oxymel, pills; the root dried, baked, and made into troches. An ingredient in mithridate, theriaca, and several other preparations. | | Scordium, (Teucer. scordium, Lin.) | Water germander | The leaves | | | | Scorzonera, (Scorzon. humilis, Lin.) | Viper's grass | The root | | | | Scrophularia, (Scrophular. nodos. Lin.) | Fig-wort | The leaves and root | | | | Sebellen, (Cordia myxa, Lin.) | Sebellen plum | | | | | Sedum major, (Sedumalbum, Lin.) | Greater houseleek | The leaves | | | | Sena, (Cassia sena, Sena, Lin.) | Sena | The leaves | | |
Spirituous tinctures, compound powders, and a syrup. | Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations from Them | |-----------------|--------------|-----------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Seneka, (Polygal. Seneka. Lin.) | Seneka. | The root. | Cathartic, diaphoretic, diuretic, and sometimes emetic. | A spirituous tincture; a compound decoction; and an ingredient in a number of tinctures. | | Serpentaria Virginiana, (Aristolochia serpentaria. Lin.) | Virginian snakeweed. | The root. | A warm diaphoretic and diuretic. | | | Serpyllum, (Thymus serpil. Lin.) | Mother of thyme. | The herb. | Aromatic. | | | Sceletis vulgaris, (Tordyl. officin. Lin.) | Common hartwort. | The seeds. | Agreeable aromatics, but neglected. Lewis. | | | Sceletis maillenensis. | Italian hartwort. | The seeds. | | | | Sigillum Salomonis, (Convallaria Polygon. Lin.) | Solomon's seal. | The root. | Probably emollient. | | | Simarouba. | Simarouba bark. | | Astringent. | An expressed oil. | | Sinapi, (Sinapis nigra, Lin.) | Mustard. | The seeds. | Strongly pungent and stimulant. | | | Solanum, (Solan. nigr. Lin.) | Nightshade. | The leaves. | Powerfully evacuant. | | | Spermaceti. | Spermaceti. | | A mild emollient. Gives name to a lothol. | | | Spina cervina, (Rham. cathart. Lin.) | Buckthorn. | The berries. | Strongly cathartic. | A syrup. | | Spiritus vinosi. | Vinous Spirits. | | Cordial and stimulant. | Used as menstruums for tinctures, &c. in almost every preparation of that kind. | | Spongia, (Spongia officinal. Lin.) | Sponge. | | Used as a tent for dilating ulcers, &c. | Burnt. | | Stannum, (Stan. chrysozin. Lin.) | Tin. | The seeds. | Anthelmintic. | Powdered. | | Staphisagria, (Delphin. staphisagr. Lin.) | Stavesacre. | | A violent cathartic taken internally. Its external application destroys lice and other insects. | | | Stoechas, (Lavendula stoechas, or French lavender. Lin.) | Arabian floechas. | The flowers. | Aromatic. | An ingredient in mithridate and theriaca. | | Stramonium, (Datura stramon. Lin.) | Thorn-apple. | The herb. | Narcotic. | An extract. | | Suber, (Querc. sub. Lin.) | The cork-tree. | The bark. | Astringent. | | | Succinum, (Succin. Amber. electric. Lin.) | Amber. | | Astringent and corroborant. | A tincture, balsam, essential oil, and an ingredient in several officinal preparations. | | Sulphur. | Sulphur, or brimstone. | | Laxative, diaphoretic, and alterant. | Solutions in different kinds of oils, called balsams, and an ingredient in some ointments. | | Sumach, (Rhus coriaria, Lin.) | Common sumach. | The leaves and seeds. | Astringent. | | | Tacamahac. | Gum tacamahac. | | Discutient, emollient, and suppurative. | An ingredient in several plasters. |
Tamarindus, | Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations from Them | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Tamarindus, (Ta-marind. Indica, Lin.) | Tamarinds | The fruit | Refrigerant and laxative | Ingredients in some laxative electuaries | | Tamarixus, (Ta-marix Gallica, Lin.) | The tamarisk-tree | The leaves and bark | Astringent | | | Tanacetum, (Ta-nacet. vulgar. Lin.) | Tanfy | The leaves, flowers, and seeds | Stimulating, antispasmodic, and anthelmintic | | | Thapsus barbatus, (Verbasc. thaps-fus. Lin.) | Great white mullein | The leaves and flowers | Analgesic | A spirituous extract from the flowers | | Tartarum. | Tartar | | Refrigerant and cathartic | Purified from its earthy parts, and called cream of tartar, the basis of some useful purging salts. An alkali is also prepared from it by fire. | | Terebinthina Chia. | Chian, or Cyprus turpentine. | | Warm stimulating diuretics and aperients. | | | Terebinthina Veneta. | Venice turpentine. | | Used chiefly in external applications. | | | Terebinthina Argentoratensis. | Straburgh turpentine. | | An essential oil. The residuum forms the resina alba et nigra, or white and black rosin of the shops, used in almost every ointment. | | | Terebinthina communis. | Common turpentine. | | An infusion. | | | Thea bohea et viridis. | Bohea and green tea. | The leaves. | Cordial, diuretic, and diaphoretic. | Ingredient in theriaca. | | Thlaspi, (Thlaspi arvense. Lin.) | Treacle, or mithridate mustard. | The seeds. | Aromatic and stimulant. | A distilled water and essential oil. | | Thymus citratus. | Lemon thyme. | The leaves. | An agreeable aromatic. | A distilled water and essential oil. | | Thymus vulgaris. | Common thyme. | The leaves. | An agreeable aromatic. | | | Tilia, (Tilia Europaea, Lin.) | The lime, or linden tree. | The flowers. | Antispasmodic. | | | Tithymalus. | The spurge. | The juice of the root. | Most violent and inflammatory cathartics. | | | Tormentilla, (Tormentill. erect. Lin.) | Tormentil, or septfoil. | The root. | Astringent. | An ingredient in several officinal compositions. | | Trifolium paludosum, (Menyanthes trifoliata. Lin.) | Marsh trefoil, or buck bean. | The leaves. | Laxative and alterant. | | | Triticum. | Wheat. | The grain and flour. | Nutritive and glutinous. | Starch. | | Turpethum, (Consolvo turpeth. Lin.) | Turbith. | The root. | Violently cathartic. | An extract. | | Tussilago, (Tussilag. farfara. Lin.) | Coltsfoot. | The leaves and flowers. | Emollient and mucilaginous. | An ingredient in pectoral decoctions. | | Valeriana sylvestris, (Valer. officin. Lin.) | Wild valerian. | The root. | Antispasmodic. | A tincture in proof spirit, and in volatile spirit; also an ingredient in several cephalic and anti-epileptic medicines. | | Veronica mas, (Veron. officin. Lin.) | Male speedwell. | The leaves. | Aperient. | Infusions. |
Vinum. Materia Medica
| Technical Names | English Names | Parts Used in Medicine | Virtues | Preparations from Them | |-----------------|---------------|------------------------|---------|-----------------------| | Vinum | Wine | The flowers | Cordial and corroborant, laxative | A menstruum for a great number of medicinal substances, a syrup | | Viola (Viola odorat. Lin.) | The single March violet | The flesh and fat | Restorative and emollient | A vinous tincture; an ingredient in theriaca | | Vipera (Coluber viper. Lin.) | The viper | The leaves, sap, flowers, and fruit | Astringent, diuretic, aromatic, and pectoral | Wine. The dried fruit or raisins are ingredients in some pectoral and stomachic medicines | | Vitis vinifera | Th vine | The leaves, sap, flowers, and fruit | Aromatic | | | Winteranus cortex, Winter's bark (Winteran. aromat. Lin.) | | | | | | Urtica | The nettle | The herb | Refrigerant and diuretic | An extract with proof-spirit. Also an ingredient in some cordial medicines | | Uva urfi (Arbutus uv. urf. Lin.) | | The leaves | Astringent and lithontriptic | | | Zedoaria (Kempferia retusa Lin.) | Zedoary | The root | Stomachic and corroborant | | | Zincum | Zinc | | Supposed to be a good antiepileptic | The metal reduced to a calx by fire. Calamine and tutty are a kind of ores of this metal. These last are the basis of two official ointments. A salt produced by its combination with the vitriolic acid. See Chemistry, no 157. | | Zinziber (Amomum zinzib. Lin.) | Ginger | The root | Aromatic | A syrup. Also an ingredient in many official compositions |
N.B. To most of the articles taken from the Pharmacopoeia Rossica (lately published at Petersburg,) no virtues are annexed in the above list, because none are mentioned in the original.
Mathematics
Mathematics, the science of quantity; or a science that considers magnitudes either as computable, or measurable.
The word in its original, μαθηματικός, signifies discipline, or science in the general; and seems to have been applied to the doctrine of quantity, either by way of eminence, or because, this having the start of all other sciences, the rest took their common name therefrom. See Science.
For the origin of the mathematics, Josephus dates it before the flood, and makes the sons of Seth observers of the course and order of the heavenly bodies: he adds, that to perpetuate their discoveries, and secure them from the injuries either of a deluge or a conflagration, they had them engraven on two pillars, the one of stone, the other of brick; the former of which he says was standing in Syria in his days. See Astronomy.
The first who cultivated mathematics after the flood, were the Assyrians and Chaldeans; from whom, the same Josephus adds, they were carried by Abraham to the Egyptians; who proved such notable proficient, that Aristotle makes no scruple to fix the first rise of mathematics among them. From Egypt, 584 years before Christ, they passed into Greece through the hands of Thales; who having learned geometry of the Egyptian priests, taught it in his own country. After Thales comes Pythagoras; who, among other mathematical arts, paid a particular regard to arithmetic; fetching the greatest part of his philosophy from numbers: he was the first, as Lactius tells us, who abstruded geometry from matter; and to him we owe the doctrine of incommensurable magnitude, and the five regular bodies, besides the first principles of music and astronomy. Pythagoras was succeeded by Anaxagoras, Oenopides, Brilo, Antipho, and Hippocrates of Sicel; who all applied themselves particularly to the quadrature of the circle, the duplicature of the cube, &c. but the last with most success: this last is also mentioned by Proclus, as the first who compiled elements of mathematics.
Democritus excelled in mathematics as well as physics; though none of his works in either kind are extant, the destruction of which some authors lay at Aristotle's door. The next in order is Plato, who not only improved geometry, but introduced it into physics, and so laid the foundation of a solid philosophy. Out of his school proceeded a crowd of mathematicians. Mathematicians. Proclus mentions 13 of note; among whom was Leodamus, who improved the analysis first invented by Plato; Thezetetus, who wrote elements; and Archytas, who has the credit of being the first who applied Mathematics to use in life. These were succeeded by Neocles and Theon, the last of whom contributed to the elements. Eudoxus excelled in arithmetic and geometry, and was the first founder of a system of astronomy. Menecmus invented the conic-sections, and Theudius and Hermotimus improved the elements.
For Aristotle, his works are stored with mathematics, that Blanacanu compiled a whole book of them: out of his school came Eudemus and Theophratus; the first of whom wrote of numbers, geometry, and invisible lines; the latter, a mathematical history. To Aristeus, Isidorus, and Hypsicles, we owe the books of solids; which, with the other books of elements, were improved, collected, and modified by Euclid, who died 284 years before Christ.
An hundred years after Euclid, came Eratosthenes and Archimedes. Cotemporary with the latter was Conon, a geometrician and astronomer. Soon after came Apollonius Pergaeus; whose conics are still extant. To him are likewise ascribed the 14th and 15th books of Euclid, which are said to have been contracted by Hypsicles. Hipparchus and Menelaus wrote on the subtenses in a circle, the latter also on spherical triangles: Theodosius's three books of sphericks are still extant. And all these, Menelaus excepted, lived before Christ.
A.D. 70. Ptolemy of Alexandria was born; the prince of astronomers, and no mean geometrician: he was succeeded by the philosopher Plutarch, of whom we have still extant some mathematical problems. After him came Eutocius, who commented on Archimedes, and occasionally mentions the inventions of Philo, Diocles, Nicomedes, Sporus, and Heron, on the duplicature of the cube. To Ctesibius of Alexandria, we owe our pumps; and Geminus, who came soon after, is preferred by Proclus to Euclid himself.
Diophantus of Alexandria was a great master of numbers, and the first inventor of algebra: among others of the ancients, Nicomachus is celebrated for his arithmetical, geometrical, and musical works; Serenus, for his books on the section of the cylinder; Proclus, for his comments on Euclid; and Theon has the credit, among some, of being author of the books of elements ascribed to Euclid. The last to be named among the ancients, is Pappus of Alexandria, who flourished A.D. 400, and is celebrated for his books of mathematical collections still extant.
Mathematics are commonly distinguished into pure and speculative, which consider quantity abstractedly; and mixed, which treat of magnitude as subsisting in material bodies, and consequently are interwoven everywhere with physical considerations.
Mixed mathematics are very comprehensive; since to them may be referred astronomy, optics, geography, hydrostatics, mechanics, fortification, navigation, &c. See the articles Astronomy, Optics, &c.
Pure mathematics have one peculiar advantage, that they occasion no disputes among wrangling disputants, as in other branches of knowledge; and the reason is, because the definitions of the terms are premised, and every body that reads a proposition has the same idea of every part of it. Hence it is easy to put an end to all mathematical controversies, by showing, either that our adversary has not stuck to his definitions, or has not laid down true premises, or else that he has drawn false conclusions from true principles; and in case we are able to do neither of these, we must acknowledge the truth of what he has proved.
It is true, that in mixed mathematics, where we reason mathematically upon physical subjects, we cannot give such just definitions as the geometricians: we must therefore rest content with descriptions; and they will be of the same use as definitions, provided we are consistent with ourselves, and always mean the same thing by those terms we have once explained.
Dr Barrow gives a most elegant description of the excellence and usefulness of mathematical knowledge, in his inaugural oration, upon being appointed professor of mathematics at Cambridge.
The mathematics, he observes, effectually exercise, not vainly delude, nor vexatiously torment, studious minds with obscure subtilties; but plainly demonstrate everything within their reach, draw certain conclusions, instruct by profitable rules, and unfold pleasant questions. These disciplines likewise ennure and corroborate the mind to a constant diligence in study; they wholly deliver us from a credulous simplicity, most strongly fortify us against the vanity of scepticism, effectually restrain us from a rash presumption, most easily incline us to a due assent, and perfectly subject us to the government of right reason. While the mind is abstracted and elevated from sensible matter, distinctly views pure forms, conceives the beauty of ideas, and investigates the harmony of proportions; the manners themselves are sensibly corrected and improved, the affections composed and rectified, the fancy calmed and settled, and the understanding raised and excited to more divine contemplations.