QUALITIES. _Odour_, strong and peculiar. _Taste_, intensely bitter,
slightly pungent, and very unpleasant, as its name[320] implies.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. Extractive, a small portion of resin, and a green
essential oil; in the first of which its bitterness resides, in the
last, a narcotic principle; hence the watery extract is not possessed of
the nauseous flavour of the plant but retains its bitterness almost
entire; the narcotic principle is therefore dissipated by decoction, but
its tonic and anthelmintic properties are not impaired by that process.
MEDICAL USES. The whole plant is powerfully antiseptic; and its
bitterness renders it stomachic. Infused in ale it forms the beverage
known by the name of _Purl_. Its powers as a vermifuge has bestowed upon
it the name of _Wormwood._ DOSE, ℈j, ℈ij; and of the infusion, (made in
the proportion of ℥j of the plant to oj of water,) f℥i-f℥iss.
INCOMPATIBLE SUBSTANCES. Precipitates are produced in the decoction or
infusion by _Sulphate of Iron_, _Acetate of Lead_, and some other
metallic salts. Tartarized Antimony is not in the least affected by it.
OFF: PREP: _Extract: Absinth:_ D.