_Such as consist of a firm tough flexible matter, formed into simple
tubular stalks, whose tops are expanded into the form of little cups._
This division contains the cup-mosses of authors; the second order of
_coralloides_ of Dillenius; great part of the first order of lichens in
Haller; the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th order in Micheli; and the _lichenes
schyphiferi_ of Linnæus. Dr. Hill has constituted a genus intirely of
these cup-mosses, under the name of _pyxidium_.
They are common with us on heaths, and other dry and barren places.
Some of them are proliferous, even to the third degree, and form a very
beautiful appearance. Some have tubercles on the edges of the cups, of
a beautiful scarlet colour.
The cup-moss[94] was a long time in great and established use for
coughs, and especially for the whooping cough in children; for which
it was long accounted a specific. To this end it was given in various
forms. Gerard and Parkinson recommend the powder to be taken for
several days together. Dr. Willis was particularly one of its patrons.
He has given us[95] several forms for its exhibition, as that of the
powder, a decoction, and a syrup from it.
The present practice has quite exploded it, and very justly perhaps, as
in any degree specific in the above disorder. Nevertheless, it seems to
have sustained that character with as great a reputation, and perhaps
with as good a title to it, as almost any of the specifics of that age.
It has been observed before, on another occasion, that this tribe of
mosses have in general an astringent property; as such, the cup-mosses
are consequently of a strengthening nature: it is no wonder, therefore,
that they should be helpful in this disorder, merely as corroborants.
That they were useful in some measure can scarcely be doubted; and
our very eminent Dr. Huxham[96], in treating upon this obstinate
complaint, seems to allow this of the cup-moss in preference to other
idle specifics. Happily for us, the Peruvian bark supplies a remedy of
infinitely more use, where such analeptics are required.
Dr. Lister, in some ingenious observations of his, printed in the
Philosophical Transactions[97], touching colours and dyes, observes,
that the scarlet heads of these mosses, upon the affusion of lye, will
strike a purple which will stand.