Chapter 2

Fowler's solution Solution of arsenite of potassium in water; named for Fowler, an English physician who brought it into use.

frock coat Man's dress coat or suit coat with knee-length skirts.

fuller's earth Highly adsorbent (attaches to other substances without any chemical action) clay-like substance consisting of hydrated aluminum silicates; used in talcum powders.

fly blister Blister caused by the vesicating (blistering) body fluid of certain beetles.

fusiform Tapered at each end; spindle-shaped.

galatea Durable, often striped cotton fabric used in making clothing.

galax (beetleweed, coltsfoot, wandflower) Stemless evergreen perennial plant (Galax urceolata) of the eastern US, with a rosette of glossy, heart-shaped leaves and small white flowers in spike-like clusters.

gallic acid Colorless crystalline compound, C7H6O5, derived from tannin used as a tanning agent, ink dye, in photography, and paper manufacturing.

gamboge Brownish or orange resin from trees of the genus Garcinia of south-central Asia and yielding a golden-yellow pigment.

gaucherie Awkward or tactless act, manner, or expression.

gelsemium Genus of climbing plants. The yellow (false) jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is a native of the Southern United States; the root is used for malarial fevers.

gentian Plants of the genus Gentiana, having showy, variously colored flowers. The dried rhizome and roots of a yellow-flowered European gentian, G. lutea, used as a tonic.

germander Aromatic plants of the genus Teucrium, with purplish or reddish flowers.

gingham Yarn-dyed cotton fabric woven in stripes, checks, plaids, or solid colors.

glace Smooth, glazed or glossy surface, such as certain silks or leathers. Coated with a sugar glaze; candied.

glairy Slimy consistency, like egg white; cough producing glairy sputum.

glanders Contagious, usually fatal disease of horses, caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas mallei; causes swollen lymph nodes, nasal discharge, and ulcers of the respiratory tract and skin. Communicable to other mammals, including humans.

glaubers salts (Na2SO4.10H2O); colorless salt used as a cathartic.

gleet Inflammation of the urethra caused by chronic gonorrhea with a discharge of mucus and pus; the discharge that is characteristic of this inflammation.

Glonoin Dilute solution of nitroglycerin used as a neurotic.

glycerite Preparation made by mixing or dissolving a substance in glycerin.

glycyrrhiza Widely distributed perennial herbs of the family Leguminosae that include licorice. Dried root of a licorice of the genus Glycyrrhiza (G. glabra); used to mask unpleasant flavors in drugs or to give a pleasant taste to confections called licorice.

goiter (goitre) Enlargement of the thyroid gland; often results from insufficient intake of iodine.

golden seal See hydrastis.

groats Hulled, usually crushed grain, especially oats.

grosgrain Closely woven silk or rayon fabric with narrow horizontal ribs. Ribbon made of this fabric.

gruel Thin porridge (usually oatmeal or cornmeal). See page 574.

guaiacum (guaiac ) Tree of the genus Guaiacum; a lignum vitae. Greenish-brown resin from this tree, used medicinally and in varnishes.

gustatory Concerning the sense of taste.

haematuria Blood in the urine.

hamamelis Genus of shrubs or small trees (family Hamamelidaceae), including the witch hazels. Dried leaves of a witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) of the eastern U.S. used formerly as a tonic and sedative.

hartshorn Antler of a hart, formerly used as a source of ammonia and in smelling salts. Ammonium carbonate.

hellebore Plants of the genus Helleborus, native to Eurasia, most of which are poisonous. Plants of the genus Veratrum, especially V. viride of North America, yielding a toxic alkaloid used medicinally.

henbane (black henbane, insane root) Poisonous Eurasian plant (Hyoscyamus niger) having an unpleasant odor, sticky leaves, and funnel-shaped greenish-yellow flowers. It is a source hyoscyamus, hyoscamine and scopolamine.

henna Tree or shrub (Lawsonia inermis) of the Middle East, having fragrant white or reddish flowers. Reddish-orange dyestuff prepared from the dried and ground leaves of this plant, used as a cosmetic dye and for coloring leather and fabrics. To dye (hair, for example) with henna.

Hepar Liver of sulphur; a substance of a liver-brown color, sometimes used in medicine. Fformed by fusing sulphur with carbonates of the alkalies (esp. potassium), and consists essentially of alkaline sulphides. Called also hepar sulphuris. A substance resembling hepar; in homeopathy, calcium sulphide, called also hepar sulphuris calcareum.

hepatica (liverleaf) Woodland plants of the genus Hepatica, especially H. americana of eastern North America, having three-lobed leaves and white or lavender flowers.

Herpes Zoster Varicella-zoster virus: A herpesvirus that causes chickenpox and shingles. Causes an acute viral infection--inflammation of the sensory ganglia of spinal or cranial nerves and the eruption of vesicles along the affected nerve path. It usually strikes only one side of the body and is often accompanied by severe neuralgia.

Honduras Bark Dried bark of a tropical American tree (Picramnia antidesma) formerly used in the treatment of syphilis and skin diseases.

Hunyadi (Hunyady ) Hungarian noble family, partly of Romanian origin. The first recorded member of the family was Serbe, who settled in Hunyad county in Transylvania from Wallachia.

hydrastis Genus of herbs (family Ranunculaceae) with palmately lobed leaves and small greenish flowers and including the goldenseal (H. canadensis). The dried rhizome and roots of the goldenseal formerly used in pharmacy as a bitter tonic and antiseptic called also goldenseal.

hydragogue Cathartics that aid in the removal of edematous fluids and promote the discharge of fluid from the bowels.

hydrophobia (rabies) Viral disease of the nervous system of warm-blooded animals. Transmitted by a rhabdovirus (genus Lyssavirus) in infected saliva of a rabid animal. Causes increased salivation, abnormal behavior, and paralysis and death when untreated

hypophosphite Salt of hypophosphorous acid.

hyoscine (scopolamine) An alkaloid, C17H21NO4, from plants such as henbane; used as a mydriatic (dilatate the pupils) and sedative, and to treat nausea and motion sickness.

hyoscyamus Poisonous Eurasian herbs of the family Solanaceae that have simple leaves, irregular flowers, and include the henbane (H. niger). Dried leaves of the henbane containing the alkaloids hyoscyamine and scopolamine, used as an antispasmodic and sedative.

ichthyol Oily substance prepared by the dry distillation of a bituminous mineral containing fossil fishes. Used as a remedy for some skin diseases.

ignatia Dried ripe seeds of the Saint-Ignatius's-bean used like nux vomica.

impetigo Contagious bacterial skin infection, usually of children, indicated by the eruption of superficial pustules with thick yellow crusts, commonly on the face.

incommode Cause inconvenience; disturb.

inspissate Undergo thickening or cause to thicken, as by boiling or evaporation; condense.

intercostal Relating to or near a rib.

iodoform Yellowish crystalline compound, CHI3, used as an antiseptic.

ipecac Tropical American shrub (Cephaelis ipecacuanha) that yields emetine. Medicinal preparation made from this shrub used to induce vomiting.

Iris Florentina (Florentine iris, orris, Iris germanica florentina, Iris florentina) German iris having large white flowers and a fragrant rhizome.

Irish moss (carrageen) Edible North Atlantic seaweed (Chondrus crispus) that yields a mucilaginous substance used medicinally and in preparing jellies.

iritis Inflammation of the iris of the eye.

jalap Eastern Mexican vine (Ipomoea purga) with tuberous roots that are dried, powdered, and used as a cathartic.

jocose Given to joking; merry; humorous.

kamala Asian tree (Mallotus philippinensis) that bears a hairy capsular fruit; vermifugal powder is obtained from the capsules of this tree.

kino Reddish resin from several Old World trees of the genera Eucalyptus, Pterocarpus, and Butea and from tropical American trees of the genera Coccoloba and Dipteryx.

kumiss (koumiss) Fermented milk of a mare or camel, used as a beverage in western and central Asia.

La Grippe Influenza.

lancinating Sensation of cutting, piercing, or stabbing.

lard White solid or semisolid rendered fat of a hog.

laudanum Tincture of opium, formerly used as a drug.

leukemia (leucemia, leukaemia, leucaemia) Disease in humans and other warm-blooded animals involving the blood-forming organs; causes an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the tissues with or without a corresponding increase in the circulating blood.

lime (calcium oxide) White, caustic, lumpy powder, CaO, used as a refractory, as a flux, in manufacturing steel and paper, in glassmaking, in waste treatment, in insecticides, and as an industrial alkali.

Slaked lime is calcium hydroxide, a soft white powder, Ca(OH)2, used in making mortar, cements, calcium salts, paints, hard rubber products, and petrochemicals.

litmus Coloring material from lichens that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions.

Liveforever (orpine, orpin, livelong, Sedum telephium) Perennial northern temperate plant with toothed leaves and heads of small purplish-white flowers.

lobelia See Herb Department, page 428.

lochia Normal uterine discharge of blood, tissue, and mucus from the vagina after childbirth.

lupus Systemic lupus erythematosus. Chronic skin conditions characterized by ulcerative lesions that spread over the body. No longer in scientific use.

lupulin Minute yellowish-brown hairs in the strobili of the hop plant, formerly used in medicine as a sedative.

lycopodium Plant of the genus Lycopodium, including club mosses. The yellowish powdery spores of certain club mosses, especially Lycopodium clavatum, are used in fireworks and as a coating for pills.

madras Cotton or silk cloth of fine texture, usually with a plaid, striped, or checked pattern. Large handkerchief of madras cloth.

malines Thin, stiff net woven in a hexagonal pattern, used in dressmaking.

mandrake (may-apple) Southern European plant (Mandragora officinarum) having greenish-yellow flowers and a branched root. This plant was once believed to have magical powers because its root resembles the human body. The root contains the poisonous alkaloid hyoscyamine. Also called mandragora. See podophyllin.

marseille Heavy cotton fabric with a raised pattern of stripes or figures.

meatus Body opening or passage, such as the opening of the ear or the urethra.

menorrhagia Unusually heavy or extended menstrual flow.

menstruum Solvent used to extract compounds from plant and animal tissues and preparing drugs.

messaline Lightweight, soft, shiny silk cloth with a twilled or satin weave.

mezereon Poisonous Eurasian ornamental shrub (Daphne mezereum) with fragrant lilac-purple flowers and small scarlet fruit. The dried bark of this plant was used externally as a vesicant (blistering agent) and internally for arthritis.

miliary Appearance of millet seeds. Small skin lesions with the appearance of millet seeds.

mullein Eurasian plants of the genus Verbascum, especially V. thapsus. Also called flannel leaf, velvet plant.

muriate Chloride; compound of chlorine with another element or radical; especially, a salt or ester of hydrochloric acid called.

myrrh Aromatic gum resin from trees and shrubs of the genus Commiphora of India, Arabia, and eastern Africa, used in perfume and incense.

methyl salicylate Liquid ester C8H8O3 obtained from the leaves of wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) or the bark of a birch (Betula lenta); now made synthetically, and used as a flavoring and a counterirritant.

motherwort Eurasian plants of the genus Leonurus, especially L. cardiaca, a weed having clusters of small purple or pink flowers.

mugwort Aromatic plants of the genus Artemisia, especially A. vulgaris, native to Eurasia; used as a condiment.

mustard plaster (sinapism) Medicinal plaster made with a paste-like mixture of powdered black mustard, flour, and water, used as a counterirritant.

nephritis Various acute or chronic inflammations of the kidneys, such as Bright's disease.

naphthalene (naphthaline, tar camphor) White crystalline compound, C10H8, derived from coal tar or petroleum and used in manufacturing dyes, moth repellents, and explosives and as a solvent.

nebulize To convert a liquid to a fine spray; atomize. To treat with a medicated spray.

nainsook Soft lightweight muslin used for babies.

Neroli An essential oil made by distilling the flowers of the orange; it is used in perfume.

nitre (niter, saltpeter) Potassium nitrate, KNO3, used in making gunpowder.

nux vomica Tree (Strychnos nux-vomica) native to southeast Asia, having poisonous seeds that are the source of the medicinal alkaloids strychnine and brucine.

ocher (ochre) Yellow, brown, or red mineral oxides of iron used as pigments.

oil of vitriol Sulfuric acid; highly corrosive, dense, oily liquid, H2SO4, colorless to dark brown depending on its purity and used to manufacture a wide variety of chemicals and materials including fertilizers, paints, detergents, and explosives.

omentum Folds of the peritoneum (membrane lining the abdominal cavity) that connect the stomach with other abdominal organs.

ophthalmia neonatorum (infantile purulent conjunctivitis) Various forms of conjunctivitis in newborns, usually contracted during birth from passage through the infected birth canal of the mother.

orchitis Inflammation of the testes, often the result of mumps or other infection, trauma, or metastasis.

organdy (organdie) Stiff transparent fabric of cotton or silk, used for trim, curtains, and light apparel.

Origanum Marjoram. Genus of mint-like plants (Origanum). The sweet marjoram (O. Majorana) is aromatic and fragrant, and used in cooking. The wild marjoram of Europe and America (O. vulgare) is less fragrant.

orris Several species of iris with a fragrant rootstock, especially Iris germanica, used in perfumes and cosmetics.

panada Paste or gruel of bread crumbs, toast, or flour combined with milk, stock, or water; used for soups or thickening sauces.

Paralysis Agitans (Parkinson's disease, shaking palsy) Progressive nervous disease causing destruction of brain cells that produce dopamine, muscular tremor, slowing of movement, partial facial paralysis, peculiarity of gait and posture, and weakness.

paregoric A camphorated tincture of opium, taken internally for the relief of diarrhea and intestinal pain

Paris green Poisonous emerald-green powder, C4H6As6Cu4O16, used as a pigment, insecticide, and wood preservative.

pedicle (pedicel) Small stalk or stalk-like structure, especially one supporting or connecting an organ or other body part. Slender foot-like part, as at the base of a tumor.

pell mell Jumbled, confused manner; helter-skelter; frantic disorderly haste; headlong:

pemphigus Several acute or chronic skin diseases characterized by groups of itching blisters.

pennyroyal Eurasian mint (Mentha pulegium) with small lilac-blue flowers that yield an aromatic oil. Aromatic plant (Hedeoma pulegioides) of eastern North America, having purple-blue flowers that yields an oil used as an insect repellent

peptonize Convert protein into a peptone (water-soluble protein derivative produced by partial hydrolysis of a protein by an acid or enzyme ). Dissolve (food) by means of a proteolytic enzyme.

pernicious anemia (Addison's anemia, malignant anemia.) Severe anemia in older adults, caused by failure absorb vitamin B12; causes abnormally large red blood cells, gastrointestinal disturbances, and lesions of the spinal cord.

pharyngitis Inflammation of the pharynx.

phenacetine (phenacetin) White, crystalline compound, C10H13O2N, used as an antipyretic.

phlox North American plants of the genus Phlox, having opposite leaves and flowers.

phytolacca decandra (Scoke, Poke, Pokeweed) Tall coarse perennial American herb with small white flowers followed by blackish-red berries on long drooping racemes; young fleshy stems are edible; berries and root are poisonous.

picric acid Poisonous, yellow crystalline solid, C6H2(NO2)3OH, used in explosives, dyes, and antiseptics.

piece de resistance Outstanding accomplishment. Principal dish of a meal.

pilocarpus Small tropical American shrubs (family Rutaceae) with small greenish flowers.

pilocarpine muriate 3-ethyl-4-[(3-methylimidazol-4-yl)methyl]oxolan-2-one hydrochloride C11H17ClN2O2

pique Vexation caused by a perceived slight or indignity; feeling of wounded pride.

pleurodynia Paroxysmal pain and soreness of the muscles between the ribs. Epidemic disease caused by a coxsackievirus, causing pain in the lower chest and fever, headache, and malaise.

podophyllin Bitter-tasting resin from the dried root of the may apple; used as a cathartic.

pokeweed (pokeberry, pokeroot.) Tall North American plant (Phytolacca americana) with small white flowers, blackish-red berries, and a poisonous root.

prickly ash Deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees of the genus Zanthoxylum.

probang Long, slender, flexible rod with a tuft or sponge at the end; used to remove objects from or apply medication to the larynx or esophagus.

proteid (obsolete term) Protein.

proud flesh Swollen flesh that surrounds a healing wound, caused by excessive granulation (Small, fleshy, bead-like protuberances--new capillaries--on the surface of a wound that is healing).

pruritus Severe itching, often of undamaged skin.

Prunus Virginiana (Chokecherry) Astringent fruit of a species of wild cherry; the bush or tree which bears such fruit.

pterygium Abnormal mass of tissue on the conjunctiva of the inner corner of the eye that obstructs vision by covering the cornea.

pulsatilla Dried medicinal herb from a pasqueflower (especially Anemone pulsatilla) formerly used to treat amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.

punctilio Fine point of etiquette. Precise observance of formalities.

purpura Hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes having the appearance of purplish spots or patches.

pyemia Septicemia (blood poisoning) caused by pyogenic (producing pus) microorganisms in the blood, often resulting in the formation of multiple abscesses.

pyrogallic Acid White, toxic crystalline phenol, C6H3(OH)3, used as a photographic developer and to treat certain skin diseases.

quassia Tropical American shrub (Quassia amara) with bright scarlet flowers. A bitter substance from its wood is used in medicine and as an insecticide.

Queen of the meadow (Meadowsweet) European herbaceous plant (Spiraea Ulmaria). North American shrubs (Spiraea alba or S. latifolia) having umbel-shaped clusters of white flowers. Perennial herbs of the genus Filipendula in the rose family.

quinine Bitter, colorless, powder or crystalline alkaloid, C20H24N2O2-3H2O, derived from cinchona barks and used to treat malaria.

quince Western Asian shrub or tree (Cydonia oblonga) with white flowers and hard apple-like fruit.

quinsy Acute inflammation of the tonsils and surrounding tissue, often leading to an abscess.

rabies see hydrophobia

ranunculus bulbosus Perennial Old World buttercup with yellow flowers in late spring to early summer.

red precipitate Mercuric oxide (HgO) a heavy red crystalline powder formed by heating mercuric nitrate, or by heating mercury in the air.

repousse Ornamented with patterns in relief made by pressing or hammering on the reverse side;

resorcinol (resorcin) White crystalline compound, C6H4(OH)2, used to treat certain skin diseases and in dyes, resin adhesives, and pharmaceuticals.

Rhamnus Purshiana (Cascara buckthorn ) Buckthorn of the Pacific coast of the United States, which yields cascara sagrada.

rhatany Dried root of South American shrubs (Krameria lappacea or K. argentea) used as an astringent and in toothpaste and mouthwash.

rheumatic fever Acute inflammatory disease occurring after an infection from group A streptococci, marked by fever and joint pain. Associated with polyarthritis, Sydenham's chorea, and endocarditis; frequently causes scarring of the heart valves.

rheumatism Painful disorder of the joints or muscles or connective tissues. Chronic auto-immune disease with inflammation of the joints and marked deformities.

rhus Genus of vines and shrubs including poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.

rickets (rachitis) Childhood disease caused by a lack of vitamin D or calcium and from insufficient exposure to sunlight, characterized by defective bone growth.

Rochelle salts Potassium sodium tartrate; colorless efflorescent crystalline compound, KNaC4H4O6.4H2O, used in making mirrors, in electronics, and as a laxative

ruche Ruffle or pleat of lace, muslin, or other fine fabric used to trim women's garments.

rumex Crispus (chrysophanic acid) Yellow crystalline substance found in the root of yellow dock (Rumex crispus).

rush Stiff marsh plants of the genus Juncus, having pliant hollow or pithy stems and small flowers with scale-like perianths (outer envelope of a flower,).

sago Powdery starch from the trunks of sago palms; used in Asia as a food thickener and textile stiffener.

sal-ammoniac ammonium chloride; white crystalline volatile salt NH4Cl, used in dry cells and as an expectorant called.

saleratus Sodium or potassium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent; baking soda.

salicylate Salt or ester of salicylic acid.

salicylic acid White crystalline acid, C6H4(OH)(COOH), used to make aspirin and to treat skin conditions such as eczema.

salol White crystalline powder, C13H10O3, derived from salicylic acid and used in plastics, suntan oils, analgesics and antipyretics. Was a trademark.

saltpetre (potassium nitrate, saltpeter, niter, nitre) (KNO3) used especially as a fertilizer, explosive and a diuretic.

salt rheum Popular name in the United States, for skin eruptions, such as eczema. Eczema; inflammatory skin disease, indicated by redness and itching, eruption of small vesicles, and discharge of a watery exudation, which often dries up, leaving the skin covered with crusts;--called also tetter, and milk crust.

sanguinaria Rhizome (horizontal, underground stem) and roots of the bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) used formerly as an expectorant and emetic.

sedulous Persevering and constant in effort or application; assiduous.

senna Plants of the genus Cassia, having showy, nearly regular, usually yellow flowers. Dried leaves of Cassia angustifolia or C. acutifolia, used as a cathartic.

santonin Colorless crystalline compound, C15H18O3, wormwood, especially santonica; used to expel or destroy parasitic intestinal worms.

sarsaparilla Tropical American plants, genus Smilax, with fragrant roots used as a flavoring. Dried roots of any of these plants. Sweet soft drink flavored with these roots.

savin Evergreen Eurasian shrub (Juniperus sabina) with brownish-blue seed-bearing cones and young shoots that yield an oil formerly used medicinally.

scrofula (struma) A form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes, especially of the neck. Common in children. Spread by unpasteurized milk from infected cows.