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CHAP. 84.—ODONTITIS: ONE REMEDY.

Odontitis1 is a sort of hay-grass,2 which throws out from a single root numerous, small, jointed. stems, of a triangular form and of a swarthy hue. At the joints there are small leaves, somewhat longer than those of the polygonos;3 and in the axils formed by these leaves is the seed, similar to barley in appearance. It has a purple, diminutive flower, and is found growing in meadows.4 A handful of the stems, boiled in astringent wine, is used for the cure of tooth-ache,5 the decoction being retained for some time in the mouth.

1 Probably the Euphrasia odontites of Linnæus, the Red eye-bright.

2 "Inter feni genera."

3 See c. 91 of this Book. There is no resemblance between them.

4 On the contrary, it grows in arid, sterile spots.

5 Hence its name "odontitis," "tooth-wort."

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