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was likewise a very small aperture betweenthe lids, which were but imperfectly deve-loped, and without any lachrymal puncta, al-though the lachrymal gland must have been Ipresent, since there was a copious flow oftears occasionally observed, as in crying. In Ifone of the children, who died when only a ’iifew months old, the optic nerves within thecranium were found to be remarkably small, ,as if atrophied or undeveloped ; they did not ’,enter the optic foramina, neither did they ’,form the usual junction, but remained single ’,through their entire course. i

In some cases, only one eye has been de-ficient; when this is the case, it has beenusually found situated in the middle of the fore-head, and formed of the two eyes imperfectlyunited : thus, the palpebrse were joined inthe centre, the optic nerves in a state of union,two lachrymal glands, the lens very large, andthe iris apparently divided. This deformity

’’

is seldom observed, except in domesticatedanimals. Other monsters have been de-scribed having four eyes ; these are generallyaccompanied by malformation of other partsof the body.

ON THE

MEDICAL BOTANY

OF THE

PARISH OF HALIFAX.

By JOHN S. HILEY, Esq., A.B., M.B., T.C.D.

IN offering to the notice of the readers ofTnE LANCET a paper on the medical botanyof this extensive parish, I ought to premisethat it is not my intention to enter very mi-

nutely into the subject, or to give a longaccount of the virtues, &c., of each herb that

grows. By the first step I shall avoid be-coming tedious, and by the second I shall notsubject myself to the charge of filling its

pages with much unnecessary matter. Infollowing out this view I may be allowed tostate, in the commencement of my writing,that whether we take into consideration themedical or general botany of the parish, per-haps no other district of the same sizethroughout Great Britain is so well suppliedwith plants. I am not, however, aware thatwe can boast of many rare specimens. Thesituation is more remarkable for the number,and for the elegance and luxuriance of themore ordinary vegetable products, than foranything else : so much so, indeed, that if Iwere about to write its general botany, Ishould feel some dificulty in deciding whetherit would not be easier to give a catalogue ofthe plants which do not grow here, than toenumerate those whose habitats are amongst

us. Most of the ordinary specimens alludedto in the writings of Sir James Smith andDr, Hooker may be gathered in the greatestabundance ; and, providing the waters of theocean washed the borders of this parish, soas to render it suitable for the growth of vege-tables which have their habitats near the sea-shore, I should then hold that no other tractof country of the same area could boast of amore extensive and varied herbarium. Thisfact may be explained, probably, by the greatvariety of soil which is met with here, andalso by the mixture of hilly and romanticscenery with the more even and picturesque.In a word, we have districts closely resem.bling the Highlands of Scotland ; whilst at thefoot of these are flats, valleys, and slopes,which rival in beauty whatever has been seenin the South of England. Do you walk outin spring, summer, autumn, or winter, yourattention is everywhere invited to the plantspeculiar to each season. Every situation hasits display, whether in the fields and woods,on the banks of rivers, among the lanes andhedges, or on the hills ; and here we maygather almost unnumbered flowers of a thou-sand variegated hues. It may be observed ofthe entire parish what the illustrious Gold-smith said of 11 sweep Auburn "--

Here smiling spring its earliest visit paid,And parting summer’s lingering blooms de-

layed."In speaking of the locality of this parish,

we have to add, in the language of the cele-brated Whittaker, " that it is situated withinthe vrapentake of Morley, in the West Ridingof the county of York, and comprises amountainous and bleak region of country,forming a portion of what are usually termedthe English Appenines. It extends 17 milesfrom east to west, and on an average 11 milesfrom north to south, and contains an area of75,140 English statute acres. Its boundarieson the north-west, west, and south-west, arethe parishes of Rochdale and Whalley, in thecounty of Lancaster ; on the south, the parishof Huddersfield ; on the south-east, the cha-pelry of Hartishead ; on the east, the parishof Birstall; and on the north, the parish ofBradford, in the county of York. The wholedistrict now comprising this great parish, maybe considered as one valley with its nume-rous collateral forks, bounded, at very unequaland constantly-varying distances, by twohigh and barren ridges of moor-stone. The

general appearance of the bottoms is pleasingand picturesque ; scarcely a foot of levelground appears, except the alluvial lands,which are unusually fertile. The sides ofthe hills immediately above are hung withwoods and native oak, which delights in theclefts and crevices of sandstone, though itrarely attains in such situations the bulk andmajesty of form which it acquires in deepersoils. So various is the course of the princi-

pal valley, that the eye is never fatigued byresting on one uniform and protracted expanse,

424

but is delighted with sudden and unexpected bility this is to be looked to as one cause ofturns, producing new and varied beauties. the change in the opinions and practices ofAbove these are long and widely-extended medical men. It is well known that when

slopes, where art and expense, which manu- herbs are not produced in their natural statefactures alone could have afforded, have their properties and qualities are materiallytriumphed over what otherwise would have altered, and therefore it is that the cultiva..been deemed unconquerable barrenness, pro- tion of lands once waste and uneuctosed, hasducing a verdure not unequal to that of native diminished the medical virtues of herbs whichfertility. Above all appear the purple ridges formerly flourished there. Many examplesof the mountains, defying all the power of testifying the truth of this observation mightman, and destined for ever to contrast the be adduced. Thus plants, poisonous ill

original face of savage nature with the effects their native state, are often rendered inno-of toil and industry. 011 the bi-ows of these cuous by cultivation. The conium macula-hills frowns many a sturdy block of free- turn of ancient Greece, though the herb admi-stone, sometimes, perhaps, worn away by nistered to Socrates, loses a great portion ofstorms to a narrow and immoveable point, its poisonous qualities when introduced here,which the fondness of antiquarian fancy has This, however, is not a case exactly to thedecreed to be Druidical. From the boundary point, but my readers will no doubt beof Lancashire to the valley which separates enabled to call to their recollection manythe townships of Halifax and Ovenden from instances which are. I am the more disposedNorthowram, the whole basis of the parish is to dwell here, because even at the presentgritstone. Immediately to the east of this day there are many wild parts of Yorkshirevalley argillaceous strata, with their general where medical botany is still cultivated, andconcomitants, stone and iron, once more where the diseases of these districts continueappear." to be treated by native productions. It mustOf the medical botany of this, the largest be remembered that foreign luxnrieshave not

parish in England, I now propose to write; changed the ancient character and primevaland in doing so, it must be remembered that simplicity of the people ; and hence the nativeit is to the physician that it will be princi- herbage is still considered highly efficacious,pally interesting; and though there is not and holds its place against the increasingthat attention given to the subject which current of recently-imported remedies. It iswas paid to it by our forefathers, yet still it here that indigenous plants are gatheredis fraught with innumerable charms. If for- in all their exuberance ; where the localitiesmer ages were characterised by an overween- are best calculated for their growth; whereing confidence in the efficacy of herbs, it can- modern fashions have not as yet changed thenot be denied that medical men are far too nature of the soil; and it is in these seques-neglectful of them at the present. To have tered and uncultivated spots where the bota-steered a middle course between these two nist culls his choicest specimens. In theextremes would have been greatly prefer- mountainous parts of this neighbourhood, Iable, and we should thus have avoided the have repeatedly seen a collection of more thanfoibles of the one with the punctiliousness of thirty specimens, the medical virtues of eachthe other. In extenuation of this evil, we of which were known to the owner. In theseare told by the medical men of our own day, places nature may be said to sport at herthat a materia medica composed of indige- greatest ease ; she is, as it were, unsubduednous productions is not suited to the consti- by cultivation, and accordingly all her pro-tutions of the present inhabitants of this ductions are possessed of properties whichcountry ; that the use of foreign luxuries has the hand of Providence originally assigned tointroduced diseases formerly unknown, and them. Here medical botany is the study ofconsequently that exotic remedies are to be every rustic ; and each cottage, whether onemployed in their cure. I am not disposed the mountain or in the glen, has its herbal. Ito deny in toto the truth of this assumption, now propose to give a catalogue of the vege-but still I am bound to believe that many na- table sanatives which are to be met with intive remedies are allowed to lie dormant the parish of Halifax, in the order of theiraround us, because of the addition to our classes. To the names of those which, frompharmacopoeias which foreign climes and the their high medical qualities, have some im-recent investigations in chemistry have en- portance attached to :,them, I shall merelyabled us to make. I am also of opinion that subjoin a short notice of their habitats and

every country produces vegetable remedies seasons of flowering, inasmuch as their vir-calculated to remove the diseases of that tues are sufficiently notified by other writers.country, providing the constitutions of its in- Of the rest I shall content myself with parti-habitants have not been modified by the use cularising the names, reserving any remarksof foreign luxuries. Again ; another reason I may have to offer either to a future part ofmay most likely be assigned for the falling the essay, or I will place them along with theinto disrepute of native productions. In for- catalogue. In being able to supply the habitats,mer ages Great Britain had not acquired I must not omit to state how greatly I am in-that high state of cultivation which it has debted to my respected friend, Mr. Robertin later days arrived at; and in all proba- Leyland, of Halifax, whose knowledge of

425

the general botany of this parish none cansurpass.The catalogue is as follows :-

DIANDRIA.—Monogynia.Veronica beccabunga.Fraxinus excelsior.Used in place of cinchona in ague.

TRIANDRIA.—Monogynia.Valeriana officinalis. Common in June.

TETRANDRIA.—Monogynia.Galium aparine.Asperula odorata.Plantago major, minor, and media.The whole genus is mucilaginous and

astringent. The seeds yield theirmucilage to hot water, and havebeen employed for the same pur-poses as linseed and mallows.

PENTANDRIA.

fflonog.y7lit(.Convolvulus arvensis.Convolvulus sepium.

Purgative, like the exotic convolvuli.From fifteen to twenty grains of thewatery extract of the roots of con-volvulus sepium act freely as a

drastic purgative, and without muchgriping.

Erythraea centaurium.Solanum dulcamara.Behind Bradley Mills, near Elland,and in other parts of the parish, inJune and July.

Digynia.Angelica sylvestris.

General in July ; its virtues are simi-lar to the archangelica : which lastis one of the most elegant aromaticsof European growth, and it is some-what strange that it should be so

little regarded in modern practice.Myrrhio odorata.At Stern Mill and on the banks of the

stream between Gatehead andBower’s Mill, in May. The youngseeds have the flavour of anise, andare gratefully stomachic.

(Enanthe crocata.Near Copley Mills, and in Elland-

parh, just above the road leading toBrighouse, in July. It is very poi-sonous.

Conium maculatum.On the banks of the Calder, &c., inJune and July.

ffithusa cynapium.Common in July and August.

Trigynia.Sambucus nigra.Common in woods and hedges in June.

Pentugynia.Linum catharticum.

In dry pastures in many parts of theparish, in June, July, and August.

HEXANDRIA.

Monogynia.Allium ursinum.Very common in May and June. It

is stimulant and diuretic.

Trigynia.Rumex ; several species.A decoction of the leaves of these

herbs in whey affords an useful andagreeable drink in febrile or in in-

flammatory disorders. Like theoxalis acetosella, they owe their

properties to the binoxalate of pot-ash which they contain. They pos-sess many properties in common

with rhubarb, and have the samebotanical characters. They also be-long to the same natural family.

Polygynia.Alisma plantago.

In the canal near Elland and Salter-hebble, in July. The Russians haveintroduced this to the notice of phy-sicians as a remedy for hydrophobia.

OCTANDRIA.

Illonogynia.Vaccinium myrtillus.Vaccinium vitis Idsea.

In Birks Wood, near Halifax, in June.Vaccinium oxycoccus.On the moors near Barkisland, &c., in

June. These shrubs are refrigerantand astringent, and it is a pity thatmodern practice has not paid moreattention to them.

Erica vulgaris.Said to be useful in lithiasis.

Trigynia.Polygonum bistorta.The root of this plant resembles rhu-

barb in some of its properties. Itis also a powerful styptic, and isemployed in all kinds of immode-rate hasmorrhages and other fluxes,both internally and externally. Itis given in powder, the largest doseof which is one drachm. Commonin June.

Tetragynia.Paris quadrifolia.

In North Dean Wood, and in Duns-park-lane, near Elland, but not

plentifully, in May and June. Rootemetic, like ipecacuanha, and poi-sonous.

DECANDRIA.

Af«MOg’yHM.Pyrola media.

In North Dean Wood, near Elland, inJuly and August.

Trigynia.Cucubalus bacciferus.

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A nicely-flavoured vegetable.Stellaria media.

Pentagynia.Oxalis acetosella.

Refrigerant and antiseptic. It is con-sidered a good salad in scorbuticaffections. In the pharmacopoeiaits place is supplied by lemon-juiceand citric acid. Binoxalate of pot-a3h is its active principle, and henceit is given in fevers by continentalphysicians. It is said to be the realshamrock of Ireland.

IC03ANDRIA.

Monogynia.Frunus spinosa.Common in hedges and thickets, par-

ticularly about Raistrick, where itflowers in March and April. Aninfusion of the flowers is a safe andeasy purgative.

Pentagynia.Spirasa ulmaria.Common in June and July. It is

’ highly aromatic.Polygynia.

Rosa canina. Common in June and July.Tormentilla officinalis.Potentilla reptans.Common in June, July, and August.

. Astringent, and as such I have usedit with benefit.

Geum urbanum.POLYANDRIA.

- . Monogynia.Papaver rhaeas.In corn-fields in June and July.

.** Polygynia.Anemone nemorosa.Ranunculus acris, bulbosus, flammula,

ficaria, hederaceus, and gramineus.. ’DIDYNAMIA.- Gyninosperntia.

Glechoma hederacea.Common on the banksofthe Calder,&c.

Retonica officinalis.Teucrium scoradonia.

- ’An useful bitter. Very common.Thymus serpyllum.On Midgeley Moor, where it flowers

in July and August. It is stimu-lant, diuretic, and emmenagogue,

’

and ought not to be neglected inplaces where it is found.

Mentha ; some species.Angiospermia.

Euphrasia officinalis.Very common. It is astringent and

aromatic, and hence its efficacy incollyria.

_

Scrofularia nodosa.Digitalis purpurea.Both are common in every part of the

parish. They flower in June andJuly.

Antirrhinum linaria.Diuretic. In hedges and the borders

of fields. Frequent in June andJuly.

TETRADYNAMIA.

Siliquosa.Cardamine pratensis, hirsuta, and amara.Erysimum alliai-ia. Warm and pungent.Sisymbrium nasturtium.Raphanus raphanistrum.Sinapis arvensis.

MONADELPHIA.—Decandria.Malva sylvestris.

DIADELPHIA.

Hexandria.Fumaria officinalis.

Dr. Cullen recommends the juice ofthis herb in leprous disorders.

Octandria.Polygala vulgaris.

It is tonic, bitter, and expectorant,and is good for a catarrhous cough.By some it is made use of as a sub-stitute for seneka.

Decandria.Spartium scoparium.

SYNGENESIA.

Polygamia Æqualis.Leontodon taraxacum.Arctium lappa.

Polygamia Superflua.Tussilago farfara.Solidago virga aurea.Anthemis cotula.Achillea millefolium.Pyrethrum ; one or two species.Senecio vulgaris.

MONŒCIA.

Monandria.

Euphorbia helioscopia.Common in cultivated grounds in Julyand August. It was employed asa purgative by the Grecians. The

juice is acrid, and is occasionallyapplied to warts.

Tetrandria.Urtica urens, and dioica.

Polyandria.Quercus robur.Arum maculatum. Common in May.

DI(ECIA.

Diandria.

Salix ; several species.Tonic and astringent. They are well

deserving the attention of medicalmen.

Hexandria.Tamus communis.Common in hedges, where it flowers

in June.

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CRYPTOGAMIA.—Filices.Aspidium filix mas.

Anthelmintic. Beginning to be for-

gotten, owing to the discovery ofthe superior effects of oil of turpen-tine in killing and expelling tænia.It is gratifying, however, to watchthe operation of the fern root, moreespecially when its administrationis attended with the good effectsascribed to it in medical authors.

In the preceding catalogue it will be seenthat I have enumerated several plants whicheither have never obtained a place in the

pharmacopoeias of this country, or being onceplaced there, have since been expunged, orhave otherwise fallen into disrepute. Respect-ing several of them I shall, as I before stated,take the liberty of making some further ob-servations, inasmuch as they were often thesubject of experiment in the practice of mylate father, and have since been submitted totrial by myself; for in every admissible caseI have had recourse to native remedies ratherthan to foreign ones. Hence it is that I haverepeatedly experienced the utility of moun-tain flax, or Billy Roundhead, as it is termedby the inhabitants of the wilder parts ofYorkshire, as a purgative. In some com-

plaints, I consider it equal, if not superior,to senna. An infusion may be made in thesame manner as the infusion of senna of theLondon Pharmacopoeia. It grows in greatabundance in many parts of this parish, par-ticularly in dry pastures ; and numerous arethe cases amongst the lower classes whichhave been treated successfully by this agent.The character of disease in the district towhich I belong is inflammatory. This arisesfrom the peculiar occupations, high living,&c., of the inhabitants. In affections of this

nature, then, and wherever the bowels re-

quire a free purge, I am confident, from avariety of observations, that the linum cathar-ticum will answer every purpose. Moreover,its operation is not attended with the grip-ing and tormina which accompany the actionof the more costly native of Africa and India.I have known the linum catharticum given inconjunction with senna ; that is, an infusionmade of equal parts of these drugs. Whenthis has taken place, I have seen many in-stances where the purgative qualities of thetwo in combination exceeded in a great de-gree those of either production separately.The operation of purging flax is as rapid asthat of senna, and, like it, its effects extendover the whole length of the alimentary canal.In combination, also, with sulphate of mag-nesia, it is extremely useful during the springand autumn, at which time the system oftenrequires to be relieved of those humourswhich, according to many of our earlier pa-thologists, have been previously collecting.Purging flax may be collected and dried inJune, July, and August, during which monthsit is in flower, and afterwards cut up into

small pieces, and preserved for use. It maybe mixed with an equal quantity of senna, orkept in a drawer by itself.

In the eruptive affections to which the in-habitants of this district are liable in the

early part of spring, or the beginning of sum-mer, I have frequently had occasion to re-mark the benefits arising from the use of adecoction of several herbs which may begathered here. Amongst the first I may men-tion the galium aparine, or, as it is sometimestermed in English, Robin-run-the-hedge, andthe urtica urens. A cupful of the infusion orrather decoction of these herbs, taken threetimes a-day, not only operates gently uponthe bowels, but exerts a rather brisk actionon the kidneys. In this manner they serveto cool the system, and to disperse the hu-mours too prevalent at the season. Theyalso determine to the skin, producing salu-tary perspirations. In the course of thisessay I shall have to allude to other herbspossessed of somewhat similar properties, andlike the above administered in the spring ofthe year.The pyrola media, which is found in this

parish, though not plentifully, has calledforth the attention of medical men. Likethe pyrola umbellata, recommended in theDublin Pharmacopoeia, it is possessed oftonic and diuretic qualities, and has beenemployed as such by some physicians withseeming advantage. In those places whereit grows more abundantly, I think it oughtnot to be disregarded, since the pyrola um-bellata, one of the same genus, has been ex-hibited with success by several Americanand Irish physicians. The last has suc-ceeded in removing ascites, and other formsof dropsy, after digitalis and other remedieshad failed ; and it is said to have proved ser-viceable in acute rheumatism, intermittents,and other diseases assuming an intermittenttype.Dr. Ives, of America, states, that it willfrequently mitigate symptoms of gravel, andstrangury proceeding from other causes.

Dr. Beatty, of Dublin, has published, in theTransactions of the Association of the Col-lege of Physicians of that city, a very satis-factory instance of its efficacy in a case ofdropsy, after other remedies had been triedin vain. With the same intent the pyrolamedia was used in decoction by my father,and the beneficial effects consequent thereonwere sufficient to warrant further trials. Itis very bitter. From the results of a seriesof experiments, it appears probable that a.

principle, highly active, and possessed of theproperties of this herb in a superior degree,as well as in a more concentrated form, mightbe obtained, which would render its exhibi-tion less troublesome both to the .physicianand the patient. Such a preparation, we areprepared to expect, would, like the quintes-sence of other bitters, rest better on the sto-mach.

428

In the list of the other plants of this men themselves, they are seldom if ever ex-neighbourhood, whose medical virtues are hibited. Notwithstanding this, the geumworth noticing, are several of the family of was often made use of by my late father inthe rosaceæ. Amongst these the tormentilla dyspepsia particularly, in which an infusionofficinalis and geum urbanum hold a promi- or decoction of it was found to be service-

nent place. I have occasionally wondered at able.the inferior position which the tormentil occu- In the latter part of summer I have fre-pies in the pharmacopoeias of this country. quently met the honest countryman with

Undoubtedly, as a tonic, we possess many bundles of the common avens under his arm;which are superior, but most of these are of and on inquiry I have always discoveredforeign growth ; and, moreover, as I had oc- that it is the only remedy he can meet witht’asion to remark before, I am always in the for a dyspepsia with which he is oftenhabit of using indigenous specimens, espe- afliicted. In the lower walks of life it is

cially if they grow in my own immediate made into tea. This plant is met with inneighbourhood, wherever this can be done abundance in t’he woods, shady, dry hedges,safely and satisfactorily. This parish, parti- and thickets, in many parts of this parish,cularly the vicinity of Elland, is peculiarly particularly in the neighbourhood’ of Elland.rich in tormentil. It is of the finest kind; Here it flowers from May to August. Itsand, what is better, it has numerous habitats, flower is often a source of pleasure and ad-so that the herbalist can collect it in almost miration to the young botanist, becallse ap-any quantity. The season of the year during pearing thus early in the season, and- inwhich it flowers, and its beautiful widely- places which he is supposed to frequent, it

expanded corolla, will point it out to the presents to him something peculiar and

gatherer. It loves loose and sandy’soil, in strange. Moreover, he may have some diffi-places exposed to the rays of the sun, where culty in making out its name. It wouldit sports and basks the whole of the summer; seem, that amongst the continental practi-and it is worthy of remark, that its root, tioners it is more generally employed thanwhen gathered in such situations, is far more amongst those of Great Britain.powerful as a tonic, than when dug up else- Along with the tormentil and geum wewhere. Its root is the only part used in will place the erythraea centaurium. In themedicine ; and this may be obtained in the dry, gravelly pastures of this parish it growsmiddle of summer, when the plant is in abundantly. It was once celebrated as a

flower. It is usually given in infusion, and stomachic and tonic, and accordingly I havewherever tonics are required; in cases occur- often given it with success in conjunctionring in my own practice, I have noticed its with the first-mentioned sanative.beneficial effects. It is now my duty to make a few passing

In speaking so highly of tormentil, I do remarks on the family of the ranunculaceas.not wish to rate its virtues above those of I have long entertained an opinion that pre-gentian, Columba, or cascarilla; but still I parations of the more acrid of these plantsthink it does not fall very far beneath them ; might be advantageously employed as exter-and considerable experience leads me to the nal irritants. This idea is grounded on thebelief, that it is better calculated than any of fact, that when the juice of the ranunculusthese for the inhabitants of this district. It flammula is inserted into a slight wound, ormay not be considered either presumption or scratch, on the surface of the skin, consider-bigotry to observe, that if it had not been able pain and inflammation is the conse-

peculiarly useful, nay, ordained for society quence. Moreover, when the juice is al-

here, it would not have flourished amongst lowed to remain on the unbroken surface,us in such abundance; and I am the more well-marked vesication, in the course of a

willing to stand forward the supporter of this few hours, is produced. Vesication, how-doctrine, because I think it cannot be too ever, thus effected, is, I believe, if anything,deeply rooted in the minds of my medical more painful than that arising from the ap-brethren. lication of a common blister. The differentThe geum urbanum also still maintains its members of this family all possess vesicatory

place in the pharmacopoeia, but it is not powers; they vary, however, in this, thatso generally employed as its good qua- some are much more powerful than others.lities would seem to warrant. Its effects are I imagine that the ranunculus ficaria is least,tonic, astringent, and febrifuge ; and it is whilst the ranunculus acris and flammulasaid to be an excellent substitute for Peru- are the most irritating of those which growvian bark. It is only, however, in the coun- in Great Britain. Both these last are verytry parts of England where herbs of this common. The habitats of the ranunculuskind can be submitted to trial, for in large fiammula are marshy places, and the edgestowns the attention of practitioners is not suf- of swamps and ditches, where it flowersficiently directed to native sanatives. Both during the middle of summer. The wholethe stem, leaves, and roots of the geum were plant is possessed of this acrid quality; andearly held in great esteem in dyspepsia, dy- Dr. Withering recommends the distilledsentery, chronic diarrhoea, and flatulent water as an emetic in cases of poisoning:colic; but for reasons best known to medical he does not, however, mention the dose.

429

The R. aceleratus and alpestris are possessed racea. Its general effects are expectorantof well-marked vesicatory powers, and rea- and tonic. Some of the other members ofdily blister the skin. The former in a this important family are much esteemedbruised state, after blistering, leaves a sore, amongst the lower orders of this parish, aswhich is not easily healed, and by which cordials and stomachics; and, with respectstrolling beggars, of the gipsy class, have to their tonic powers, I can myself bear tes-been known to excite compassion. Accord- timony to their value. In those cases where

ing to Haller the R. alpestris is the most there is loss of strength, accompanied with aacrid of its tribe. It is remarkable, however, white, but not a highly-furred tongue, toge-that the Alpine hunters chew it by way of ther with a weak and deranged stomach,refreshment, as removing fatigue, and pre- where the pulse is quick, but the skin notventing giddiness. It is not the only one of hot, and where there are few febrile symp-this family possessed of acrid and vesicatory toms, I have frequently observed great andproperties, which may be eaten with impu- unexpected benefit to arise from the use ofnity; for the R. acris, arvensis, and bulbosus, an infusion made from some of the membersare eaten greedily by cattle. of this family, in conjunction with chamo-

Possessed, then, of such acrid qualities, I mile, wormwood, and tansy. These last, thewould gladly invite the attention of medical reader will recollect, are of the family of themen to their probable value as external irri- compositas.tants; and I would ask whether it would not In speaking of the labiatae, I must not for-be worth the while of country practitioners get to make particular mention of the beto-to apply them for producing vesication. nica officinalis. It is remarkable as an

They would, undoubtedly, prove serviceable, errhine, and its root is said to be emetic andand might, after a few trials, be found to an- purgative. I have often had occasion toswer all the purposes of the Spanish fly. notice the large quantities of this vegetable,They would prove especially advantageous which are annually collected by the poorerin country practice, as being more readily inhabitants; and for a long time I was at aobtained; for in most situations the more loss to ascertain to what purposes it could becommon members of this highly-important applied. On inquiry, however, I found thatfamily are in flower the greater part of the an infusion or decoction of it was drunk asyear. Here, the R. acris, bulbosus, and tea, in laxity and debility of the viscera, andflammula, may be gathered in great plenty ; disorders proceeding therefrom. I haveand their bright yellow flowers, of various known my father order betony-tea with suc-size, serve to decorate many spots which, cess in affections of the head, depending onwithout them, would be somewhat deficient derangement of the stomach and intestinalin botanical specimens. Like the ranuncu- canal. Its sternutatory powers are not owinglaceas, the arum maculatum, in its fresh to any peculiar stimulating quality in the

state, when rubbed between the fingers, herb, but to the fine rigid hairs with whichblisters and excoriates. Whether it could the leaves are covered. In the woods andever be used for the production of vesication thickets of this parish it is found plentifully,is yet to determine ; and the fact that it loses putting forth its beautiful purple flowers inits acrimony by drying, &c., may throw an in- July and August, which stand in dense spikessurmountable obstacle to its application in on the tops of the stalks. It has beenthis way. By burying the roots in a cellar, affirmed by Simon Paulli and Bartholinus,in sand, they may be kept fresh for a year. that betony affects those who gather any con-Slight mention ought also to be made of the siderable quantity of it with a disorder re-anemone nemorosa. This belongs to the sembling drunkenness. I have tried this ex-family of the ranunculaceas. It is possessed periment on my own person, and have madeof an acrid taste, and its effects are rube- inquiry amongst those who are yearly in thefacient and blistering. Few plants are more habit of collecting it, but I could never yetcommon. satisfactorily ascertain that any such disorder

It is to be hoped that the talented writers was experienced by them. Not to doubt theand discoverers in vegetable chemistry will above-mentioned authorities, it is probablehereafter turn their attention to the subject that the herb may have different propertiesunder discussion. Here is a wide field for in different districts, or that this peculiarityinvestigation. A train of experiments di- may, in some measure, depend upon the timerected into this channel might be well repaid, of gathering. In my own case it was

and might ultimately lead to the discovery of gathered when in flower. If its sensible

preparations highly useful in a medical and qualities are to be held in any estimation, Ipharmaceutical point of view. would recommend it strongly to the attentionThe large family of the labiatæ present of practitioners in the country parts of Eng-

many plants which, on trial, have been found land.beneficial in certain diseases. Persons The natural family of the scrofularineæatlected with stone or gravel, I have known offers two indigenous medical plants to ourto experience some relief during the pa- attention. These are the digitalis purpurearoxysm of this most painful affection., by and the scrofularia nodosa. The first is toodrinking tea made from the glechoma hede- well known to need any comment here. The

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latter, though possessed of tolerable medicalvirtues, is not in so envious a position, forlatterly it has declined very much in theestimation of practitioners, and has beenall- but expunged the materia medica.To me, however, it seems that medical menhave been too hasty in forming an estimateof its value ; and, moreover, I can producethe names of other men of much higher clia-racter than myself, whose ideas respectingthe scrofularia nodosa are in perfect unisonwith my own. In the older pharmacopœias,diuretic and sedative properties are ascribedto it. It was considered serviceable in scro-fula, whence its name, and was recommendedon the authority of many celebrated physi-cians as an excellent fomentation to piles,malignant tumours, spreading ulcers, andcutaneous eruptions. Within the last fewyears, Dr. Whistey Stokes, regius professorof physic in the university of Dublin, intro-duced it to the notice of the profession onaccount of its great efficacy in curing a ma-lignant disease to which children are liable,generally called " burnt holes," and forwhich Dr. Stokes proposed the name of

pemphigus gangrenosus ; in the cure of whichcomplaint it has been found to act almost a3a specific. The figwort, in these cases, wasemployed in the form of an ointment; whichlast was made in the following manner :--

Take of the fresh leaves of the knotty-rooted figwort ;

Prepared hog’s-lard ; of each two lbs.Prepared mutton suet; a lb.

Boil the leaves in the fat until they becomecrisp, then strain by expression.

Long prior to the recommendation of Dr.Stokes, this remedy was in constant use inmy father’s practice, amongst the inhabitantsof the township of Elland, in scrofulous sores,impetigo, and tinea capitis ; in all whichaffections we considered it possessed of veryconsiderable efficacy. In these cases, the

parts affected were fomented with a decoc-tion of the leaves and roots of the figwort, orpoultices were applied made of the bruisedleaves and roots. Amongst the lower orders,where this remedy was alone employed, thereare many who can bear testimony to its

value ; and in such estimation is it held, thatit has acquired the pithy epithet of the« black doctor."

In the hedges, woods, and thickets of thisparish, the scrofularia nodosa may be ga-thered in tolerable plenty. It is a perennialplant, of a dark sombre aspect, flowering in

July. From its darksome appearance, andits medicinal virtues conjointly, it appears tohave derived the appellation given to it

above.

Another herb which grows here, and whichis in great use, is the malva sylvestris. Ibelieve it to be the first of the four emollient

herbs.* It is in a high degree mucilaginousand demulcent ; and as such, decoctions ofits leaves and roots are beneficially employedin dysentery, strangury, &c. In the form ofenema I have known it had recourse to in

tenesmus, &:c.; and as cataplasms and fo-mentations in phlegmonous inflammations.It has gained deserved repute with the poor,by whom, in the form of cataplasms andfomentations, it is repeatedly used; and inall the cases mentioned above, I have seen itexhibited by my father with very evidentsuccess. About the hedges, road-sides, andin the waste grounds of this parish, it is oftenseen, putting forth its beautiful purple flowersfrom May to August. I cannot help remark. ing that in no place have I observed thisherb in such plenty as in the vicinity ofDublin. The same remarks hold with reospect to the althaea officinalis. We cannot

apply to the malva what is often applied tonoxious weeds, viz., that bein the more

hurtful they are the more common, for itgrows here in the greatest abundance; andwould medical men pay that attention even tothe three malvæ which they seem to me tomerit, I feel confident they would find themgifted with virtues that would amply repayany trouble which might be encounteredin gathering them. The whole family, towhich this beautiful and useful herb belongs,has several remarkable characteristics, one ofwhich is the disposition of the seeds. I mayobserve that all the malvaceæ abound in

mucilage ; and hence they may, in a medicalpoint of view, be substituted for each otherwith very little inconvenience. The youngleaves of the malva sylvestris are boiled andeaten in several parts of Europe.

Notwithstanding that the spattium scopa.ritam still occupies a place in medicalauthors, it would be unpardonable in me toallow it to pass without notice. And I amthe more desirous of dwelling a little upon

it, because I think it is now beginning to

suffer from the neglect of practitioners bothin the town and country. This sbrub, theemblem of the great family of Plantagenet,flowers in May and June, at which periodits tops may be gathered for medical pur.poses. As a diuretic in general dropsy, itdeserves our highest encomiums; and a

better proof could not be afforded of itsvalue, than the numerous successful cases

recorded in my father’s note-book, in whichthis lowly, but beautiful, plant is reportedto have been given. In my own practice ithas also proved extremely beneficial, and Ifed persuaded that there are few practi,tioners in the parieli whose opinions do notaccord with my own. It is given in decoc-tion, sometimes alone, and sometimes in

conjunction with other diuietics.

* The malva sylvestris, rotundifolia, andmoschata, and the althæa officinalis, are thefour emollient herbs alluded to in the text.

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The large family of the compositae nextclaim our attention ; and here I would men-tion the arctium lappa, the leontodon tarax-acum, tassilago farfara, solidago virga aurea,anthemis cotula, Achiltcea millefolium, andone or two species of the pyrethrum. Theroot of the arctium lappa is aperient, diure-tic, and sudoriSc; and I have often seen itsdecoction administered in rheumatic, gouty,and venereal disorders. Some physiciansprefer the roots to sarsapariHa.The extract of dandelion is ranlaed as a

diuretic in the phartnacopoeia. The expe-rience, however, of a vast body of medicalgentlemen has of late years induced the pro-fession at large to a limitation of its virtuesin this respect. In this opinion, whenspeaking of the extract, I in some measureconcur; but I cannot accede to any such

being broached, as regards the leaves androots of the fresh plant. All the individualsof my acquaintance, who can boast of anyknowledge of the virtues of herbs, agreewith me in placing great value on this agentin its fresh state. And if the testimony ofmedical men be more readily received, thereare many who will add their support to thediuretic virtues of leontodon. In dropsies,occurring in the lower walks of life, I haveprescribed a decoction of its leaves and rootswith extraordinary benefit, and this, too,more especially in cases of ascites connectedwith hepatic obstructions. It may not beout of place to remark here, that anothervery humble, but very beautiful herb haslatterly been brought forward, as possessedof diuretic properties, by Dr. Walker, seniorphysician to the Huddersfield Infirmary. Iallude to the asperula odorata. I have nothad an opportunity of exhibiting it myself;and I ought to add that, in those cases whereit was supposed to be beneficial, it was

given in conjunction with calomel.*The tussilago farfara is probably the most

common plant we have. It has numerouslocalities. In the moist shady situations onthe banks of the Calder, and other streams,it is met with in unparalleled luxuriance ;and on the chalky and marshy soil aroundthe numerous quarries it is more abundantthan any other botanical specimens of thedistrict.t t Its flowers, which are put forthbefore the leaf, appear in March and April :they are amongst the earliest of our springflowers, and, as such, many agreeable asso-

* Since the above was written, I havebeen informed by Dr. Walker that he has,during the present year, administered theasperula odurata alone in infusion to a lady,labouring under ascites; which affection itsucceeded in removing, after all other reme-dies had failcd.

t It is a fact worth noticing, that wher-ever the ground has been quarried, largecrops of this singular but well-known plantinvariably spring up.

ciations are connected with them. Thewhole of the plant is in a high degree muci.laginous. It was in consequence of its

flourishing around Elland, that my fatherwas induced to have occasional recourse toit in his practice. It stands recommended inphthisis, coughs, asthmas, and other dis-orders of the chest. It was, however, inasthma where my father found colt’sfoot teamost serviceable. He himself, being afflictedwith this complaint, was in the habit oftrying this amongst other remedies, and hewas seldom disappointed. It proved usefulin allaying the irritable cough attendant on’this affection, and as such we were accus-tomed to recommend it to those similarlyafflicted ; and I am bound to observe, thathowever colt’sfoot tea may have succeededin the hands of other practitioners, it seemedhighly suited for the asthmas of this dis-trict.

I come now to the solidago virga aurea. Inthe groves, thickets, grassy lanes, as well ason the heaths around Elland, and elsewhere,it may he gathered in July, August, andSeptember. This plant has long been lookedupon as a remedy in debility and laxity ofthe viscera, and disorders proceeding there-from. The leaves have a moderately-astringent, bitter taste, which probably ledto its employment in the affections alludedto. In many cases of this nature, I haveseen it exhibited with good effect. In thewilder and less populous portions of theparish it is often had recourse to by thepoor, who are in the habit of collecting anddrying it during the season of flowering.The anthemis cotula has been gathered

here, but not in quantity to admit of itsuse in medicine. It is a very acrid plant,producing vesication even when handled.Gifted with this quality, it might, in

places- where it grows abundantly, co-

operate with the ranunculaceas. I wouldpress this especially upon the attention ofmedical men, and ask whether such an indi-genous production, if it were only for thesake of experiment, is not deserving theirconsideration. This blistering property ofthe A. cotula is attribtited by Haller tominute resinous dots which are sprinkledover its surface. In this view all otherbotanists concur.

The last of the compositae which are de.serving our notice are the Acbillea millefo-lium and the pyretbrum. The first is astrin-gent and aromatic, and stands recommendedin diarrhoea, and debility and laxity of thefibres. The Germans consider it a veryeffectual astringent, and in this character itwas administered by Stahl. It may be ex-hibited in the form of spirit, tincture, orinfusion. The first is the best, and mostperfect preparation. In diarrhoea it is occ2-sionally used by the inhabitants of thisparish.

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The pyrethrum, of which two species arefrequent here, is bitter, and accounted tonic,stimulant, and anti-hysteric. As such Ihave seen it administered in infusion withsome advantage. Having extended theseobservations much beyond my original de-sign, I will now endeavour to bring them toa conclusion. There are many other plants,growing in this neighbourhood, which havebeen advantageously employed both as ex-ternal and internal agents. Thus fomenta-tions, composed of chickweed and groundsel,are highly useful in phlegmonous inflamma-tions, and are often substituted, in cases ofthis nature, for poppy-heads and chamomile.Tea composed of brooklime, sweet-docks,nettles, &c., is in great demand for the erup-tive affections appearing in the spring of theyear, and towards the dispersion of whichit materially contributes. The lower orders

frequently have recourse to this remedy,either at their own suggestion or at that ofsome practitioner : it serves to cool the

system, and, in the language of the humoralpathologists, expels a mass of humours fromthe body. This tea invariably operates as adiuretic, and often as a diaphoretic.Many of the cruciferae flourish here ;

amongst which I may mention the brassica,cardamine, sinapis, and sisymbrium. The estimulant effects of these herbs depend onthe essential oil which they contain, andwhich is very remarkable in the seeds of.the mustard, and in the roots of the horse-’radish. Several of them become mild and.mucilaginous by cultivation, and then theirroots and leaves are used as food. The.cabbage and turnip afford examples of this.The antiscorbutic virtues of the cruciferous_plants, as well as their power in affectingresication, would seem, in a great measure,to depend on their essential oil. The mem-bers of this family are all innocent. They,contain a portion of azote, a principle more,peculiar to animal than vegetable life; andhence arises the foetid smell from theseplants when decaying. The fixed oil foundin many of them may be extracted by grind-,ing. The seeds of the mustard, after hav-ing undergone this process, are stated to

.have their powers as sinapisms considerably

.augmented. They are reported to contain

sulphur. On the presence of nitrogenseems to depend their power of generating- ammonia, when undergoing the putrefactivefermentation. As antiscorbutics, and in dis-pelling periodic eruptions, they assist the- other plants which I have mentioned ; and inall likelihood it would be to the advantageof society generally, if the cruciferae weremore commonly employed both as medicinesand as food.

The leaves of the veronica beccabungaremain all the winter, but are in greatestperfection in that season when they are mostuseful.

I have thus completed my remarks on theindigenous medical plants of this district;and though much more might have beenadded, without any attempt, on mypart, tospin out the paper, yet I have thought itpreferable to rest content with the littlewhich has been said. It will be seen howimportant the subject is, and I trust it willnot fail to enlist labourers in the field,where so rich a harvest awaits their enjoy.ment, and where much remains for the in.dustrious to accomplish. Would physicianswrite the medical botany of those places inwhich they reside, how soon should webecome possessed of a perfect and highlyvaluable catalogue of all the medicinal pro.ductions of Great Britain ! Leaving its

utility, in a medical point of view, out ofthe question, no one will or can deny, thatit is fraught with immense interest, inwhatever light we choose to consider it,and it only requires but a very moderateshare of our attention to discover the mineof riches which it contains. It is not be.cause we are so well supplied with foreigndrugs, that we are to despise the produc·tions of our native land ; it is not becausethose foreign medicines are so powerful,that our own should prove inferior to them;but it is probable that if as much attentionhad been paid to our native sanatives ashas been to those imported from abroad,we should now have possessed medicinesequally powerful, and with this additional

advantage, that they might be produced inthe vicinity of our dwellings. Such, how.ever, is the fact, that, with a very few ex-eeptions, we have, for a long series of years,been in the habit of treating native diseases,not by native but by foreign remedies, andthis, too, to the exclusion of indigenousproductions, which had nothing to condemnthem but our own caprice. This being thecase, it is to be hoped that these observetiens will have their due weight in theminds of my medical brethren; and shouldI but draw the attention of a single indivi-dual to this part of my subject, any labourwhich I may have undergone in bringing itbefore them, will be amply repaid.

Elland, near Halifax, May 25,1841.

ON VACCINATION IN INDIA.

To the Editor of THE LANCET.SiR:łIf the following few facts observed

in vaccination are by you considered ofsufficient importance, I beg you will givethem a place in your widely-circulatedPeriodical.They are from notes which accidentally

escaped the destruction of many otherpapers and were collected between theyears 1825 and 1829, while I was vaccina.tor (or superintendent of vaccination) over