(Gentiana Lutea, _Radix_.) _Gentian Root._
QUALITIES. Form, wrinkled pieces of various length and thickness;
_Odour_, not particular; _Taste_, intensely bitter, but not nauseous.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, resin, a small portion of oil, bitter extractive,
and a proportion of tannin; it contains also mucilage, in consequence of
which the infusion frequently becomes ropy. Since the last edition of
this work, the continental chemists have announced the existence of an
alkaline principle, which they call _Gentia_ or _Gentiania_, and which
is said to concentrate within itself all the virtues of the Gentian
root; it does not appear to be in the least poisonous; _M. Majendie_ has
injected it into the veins without any obvious effects, and has himself
swallowed two grains without experiencing any sensation but that of
extreme bitterness, followed by gentle warmth in the region of the
stomach.[513] The root, moreover, contains saccharine matter, for when
fermented with water, it yields a spirit which is extensively used by
the Swiss. SOLUBILITY. The virtues of this root are extracted by water
and alcohol; proof spirit is perhaps its most perfect menstruum. See
_Infus. Gentian. comp._ MED. USES. It is tonic and stomachic, and its
use for such purposes is of ancient date;[514] in dyspepsia, hysteria,
and in all cases where a vegetable bitter is indicated, it will be found
a serviceable remedy. DOSE, in substance, from grs. x to ʒj. OFFICINAL
PREPARATIONS. _Extract: Gentian_. L.E.D. _Infusum Gentianæ comp._ L.E.D.
_Tinct. Gentian. comp._ L.E.D.[515] _Vinum Gentianæ compositum._ E.