Burdock: A genus of the polygamia aequalis order, belonging to the syngenesia class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 49th order, Compositae capitatae: The calyx is globular; with scales having hooks reflected at the tops.—The species are three, viz. the lappa or common burdock, the tomentofum, and the peronata. All these are troublesome weeds, so require no direction for their culture. The tender stems of the common kind, deprived of the bark, may be boiled and eaten like 'iparus. When raw, they are good with oil and vinegar. Boys catch bats by throwing the prickly heads of this species up into the air. Cows and goats eat this herb; sheep and horse refuse it; swine are not fond of it. The seeds, which have a bitterish subacrid taste, are recommended as very efficacious diuretics, given either in the form of emulsion, or in powder to the quantity of a dram. The roots, which taste sweetish, with a slight astringency and bitterishness, are esteemed aperient, diuretic, and sudorific; and said to act without irritation, so as to be safely ventured upon in acute disorders.

ARTOPHYLAX, (from αρκτος, bear, and φύλαξ, I guard,) in astronomy, a constellation, otherwise called Bootes.