greatest benefit has often been derived.
With respect to the analysis of a new remedy against scirrhus and cancer (mentioned in vol. i. p. 428), we understand, that though the administration of this pretended specific was, in several cases, apparently attended with good effects, yet there is no attested instance, in which it has completed a cure: on the contrary, the patients who credulously resorted to this professionai empiric, are said to have uniformly been disappointed in their expectations, so that we may save ourselves the trouble of analyzing a nostrum which its supposed inventor (though he has offered to submit it to the test of chemical inquiry), carefully carries about in his pocket, and administers to the patient in his presence.
SCORZONERA, the Common, or Scorzonera Hispanica, L. an exotic plant, which has long been raised in British gardens for culinary purposes, and especially as an ingredient in soups, on account of its palatable and nourishing roots.—It is propagated by seeds: the plants should be carefully thinned, and cleared from all weeds; for, otherwise, they will never attain any considerable size.
The root of the scorzonera ought, before it is boiled, to be deprived of its black rind, and immersed in cold water for half an hour: thus, its flatulent effects will be greatly prevented, and it will also become less bitter.
Scotch-fir. See Fir-tree.
Scrambling-rocket. See Mustard, the Hedge.
SCRATCHES, a distemper in the heels of horses.
Under the article Grease (vol. ii. p. 400), we have already stated the method which is generally pursued in the treatment of this disorder: we shall therefore only observe, by way of supplement, that if the scratches prove obstinate, and the sores be deep, the following healing ointment may with advantage be applied:—Take of Venice turpentine 4 oz.; quicksilver 1 oz.; incorporate them properly, and then add honey and mutton suet, of each 2 ounces; anoint the diseased parts once or twice a day; and, if the animal be of a full or gross habit, bleeding and purging, together with proper alteratives, must be resorted to; in order to correct a vitiated state of the blood. Should, however, any cavities be formed in the horse's heels, they must first be laid open; as it is absolutely necessary to apply the dressing to the bottom, in order to effect a radical cure.
Scrogs. See Sloe-tree.
Scrooby-grass. See Scurvy-grass, the Common.
SCROPHULA, or Evil, is a swelling of the conglobate glands, particularly about the neck and ears; though sometimes extending to the arm-pit and the groin. In its progress, the joints and bones are liable to be aftected.
Scrophulous tumors may be distinguished from scirrhous, by their soft and moveable state; they sometimes disappear in one part, and rise again in another. This complaint, however, is not confined to the external parts, but occasionally attacks the lungs, mesentery and other organs; in which cases a swelling of the upper lip will indicate the concealed evil.—Children afflicted with this malady are generally of a florid complexion; they have a soft skin and tumefied abdomen: such indivi-
