GROMWELL**: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the pentandra class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 41st order, *Aperifolia*. The corolla is funnel-shaped, with the throat perforated and naked; the calyx quinquepartite. There are several species; but the only remarkable ones are the officinale or common gromwell, and the arvense or bastard alkanet. Both these are natives of Britain; the former growing in dry gravelly soil, the latter in corn-fields. The seeds of the first are reputed to be of service in calculous cases. Dr Grew says, that they have so much earth in their composition, that they effervesc with acids; but if this is the case, it must be attributed rather to an alkaline than an earthy quality.