the squill, in botany: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the hexandria clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 10th order, Coronariae. The corolla is hexapetalous and deciduous; the filaments filiform.

The most remarkable species is the maritima, or sea-onion, whose roots are used in medicine. Of this there are two sorts, one with a red, and the other with a white root; which are supposed to be accidental varieties, but the white are generally preferred for medicinal use. The roots are large, somewhat oval-shaped, composed of many coats lying over each other like onions; and at the bottom come out several fibres. From the middle of the root arise several shining leaves, which continue green all the winter, and decay in the spring. Then the flower-stalk comes out, which rises two feet high, and is naked half-way, terminating in a pyramidal thyrsus of flowers, which are white, composed of six petals, which spread open like the points of a star. This grows naturally on the sea-shores, and in the ditches, where the salt-water naturally flows with the tide, in most of the warm parts of Europe, so cannot be propagated in gardens; the frost in winter always ways destroying the roots, and for want of salt-water they do not thrive in summer. Sometimes the roots which are bought for use put forth their stems and produce flowers, as they lie in the druggists shops.—This root is very nauseous to the taste, intensely bitter, and so acrimonious, that it ulcerates the skin if much handled. Taken internally, it powerfully stimulates the solids, and promotes urine, sweat, and expectoration. If the dose is considerable, it proves emetic, and sometimes purgative. The principal use of this medicine is where the prime vice abound with mucous matter, and the lungs are oppressed by tenacious phlegm. It has been recommended in hydropic cases, taken in powder, from four to ten grains in a dose, mixed with a double quantity of nitre. The most commodious mode of exhibiting this root is as a bolus or pill. Liquid forms are too disagreeable to most people; though this may be remedied in some degree by the addition of some aromatic distilled waters. It yields the whole of its virtues to aqueous and viscous menstrua, and likewise to vegetable acids.