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Show 148 SMALLER CENTAURY. Neumann got from 480parts 210 alcoholic, and 140 watery extract; and inversely, 320 watery, and 40 alcoholic. After the example of Dr. Woodville, I have separated this plant fromthe gentian tribe and placed it as a chironia. MEDICAL USES. Centaury is justly esteemed as one of the most efficacious bitters indigenous to this island. It is often substituted for gentian, which it much resembles. wood, and holy thistle. It is milder than the worm. . It was formerly much used as a sio- machic bitter both in substance and infusion, and for the cure of intermittent fevers. It is recommended for worms, and, like chamomile, is made into tea for assisting the operation of eme- tics. It answers the purpose of any of the bitters, and is often taken to create an appetite; but the long continued use of any bitter impairs the coats of the stomach, and produces an incurae ble debility of that organ. BUCKTHORN. RHAMNUS CATHARTICUS. SPINA CERVINA. P. L. ee Class V. Pentandria. Order I. Monogynia. Essen. Gen. Cuar, Calyx tubular; Scales arming the stamina: Corolle none: a Berry. SrEc. Cuar. Stemerect, Spines terminal; Calyx four-cleft, dicecious: Leaves ovate; EE DESCRIPTION. T HIS is a prickly bush, or low tree, common in hedges; with oval, pointed, sawed leaves. The flowers are male andfemale Upon different plants, small, andin clusters uponsimple pedun- cles. The calyx is funnel-shaped, divided into four spreading Segments. The stamina are usually four only. It produce s a Tonnd black berry containing four seeds. |