is about a foot high; and the leaves have the shape of lancets. This species deserves to be mentioned here, on the authority of Bechstein, who observes, that it is considered as possessing, and even surpassing, the virtues of the foreign salep-root; and, though some naturalists have been of opinion, that the Early Orchis is the genuine root imported from Persia, yet we would recommend the culture of the meadow orchis.
Either of these species may be propagated by their roots; which, as the seeds do not vegetate, must be planted in summer, about three inches deep, in a dry soil; where they should remain undisturbed for several years, because they will flourish in proportion to the length of time they have been suffered to grow in the same place.—If, at any future period, this excellent vegetable should be introduced into general use, by the patriotic efforts of enlightened agriculturists, its roots will furnish a cheap, wholesome, and most nutritious substitute for many foreign drugs, such as Sago, Tapioca, Arrow-root, &c.—See also Salep.
ORPIMENT, a bituminous mineral, consisting of arsenic and sulphur, often found native in the earth, though it may also be artificially prepared.
This ore has also lately been discovered in the county of Cornwall, whence a specimen was sent to Dr. Hill, under the name of red mundic. It is both red and yellow; and, when refined by distillation, forms the colour known by the name of King's Yellow.
Orpiment has, by some, been supposed to be harmless, on account of the large proportion of sulphur which it contains: but, according to Macquer, it is productive of the most fatal consequences, and ought not to be used without the greatest caution. Instances having occurred of its noxious properties, it may be ascertained by the following symptoms, whether any person has actually swallowed this drug: Shuddering, anxiety, tremor, violent nausea, and vomiting; an ardent sensation in the throat; fever; thirst; suppression of urine; costiveness; gnawing pain in the intestines; the face swells: while torpor and stupefaction close the cene.
Remedies: As soon as it is obvious that orpiment has been swallowed, the patient (if he be an adult) should drink a tea-cupful of a luke-warm solution of soap in pure water; or, with equal effect, strong solutions of honey; and repeat these draughts according to circumstances. If the former has been used, it will be advisable to take a piece of sugar in the mouth, to overpower its very disgusting taste. Considerable benefit has, likewise, been derived from immediate emetics, or vomiting, excited by stimulating the throat with a feather. At the same time, it will be necessary to apply to the abdomen, cloths dipped in a solution of soap in soft water, with a view to alleviate the pains in the intestines.—Clysters of milk and oil, and tepid bathing in diluted soap-water, have also been found very serviceable, in restoring the patient to some degree of animation.
ORPINE, the Common, or Orpine-Stonecrop, Sedum Telephium, L. an indigenous perennial plant, growing on pastures and in hedges; flowering in the month of August.
This luxuriant herb may be easily
