the MALLOW: A genus of the polyantha order, belonging to the monadelphia clasps of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 37th order, Columeniferae. The calyx is double; the exterior one triphyllous; the anthers numerous and nonperious. There are 24 species; consisting of herbaceous perennials, biennials, and annuals, for medical, economical, and ornamental uses; rising with erect stalks from about half a yard to 10 or 12 feet high, garnished with large, roundish, lobated leaves, and quinquepetalous flowers. They are all easily and plentifully raised from seed.

The leaves of the common mallow are reckoned the first of the four emollient herbs: they were formerly in some esteem as food, for loosening the belly; at present, decoctions of them are sometimes employed in dysenteries, heat, and sharpness of urine; and, in general, for obtunding acrimonious humours: their principal use is in emollient glysters, cataplasms, and fomentations. The leaves enter the official decoction for glysters, and a conserve is prepared from the flowers.

Several species of malva, macerated like hemp, afford a thread superior to hemp for spinning, and which is said to make more beautiful cloths and stuffs than even flax. These species are the crispa, Peruviana, and Maurisiana. From the former, which affords stronger and longer fibres, cords and twine have also been made. From the malva, likewise, a new sort of paper has been fabricated by M. de l'Isle. On this invention, Meff. Lavoilier, Sage, and Berthollet, in name of the Académie des Sciences, observe, That "it is not probable the paper made by M. de l'Isle will be substituted for that made from rags, either for the purpose of printing or writing. Yet paper from the malvows may be used for these purposes, if we can judge from a volume printed on it presented to the academy. The great utility of M. de l'Isle's invention is for furniture, which consumes a great quantity of rags; and his papers have a natural hue, much more solid than can be given by colouring matter, and this hue may serve as a ground for other drawings. M. de l'Isle should, we think, be encouraged to pursue his experiments, which, we have reason to expect, may be in the end very useful: by his zeal, activity, and knowledge, he will probably contribute to render the art of making paper more perfect; in this art he is much engaged; and his attempts, which he has shown to the academy, merit its praises."