Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/540

512] principally from Brazil, though a few are sometimes brought from the East Indies.

4. The rubicell is of a reddish-yellow, and is likewise obtained from the Brazils.—There is a variety of this gem found, in considerable numbers, on the sea shore, near Ely, in the county of Fife; also near Portsoy, Banffshire, and at Inverary, Argyleshire, in Scotland.

Rubies are held in great esteem, on account of their lustre, and the beauty of their water: hence they are sold at high prices, and often counterfeited by Brazilian topazes, which are gradually heated in a crucible previously filled with ashes, till they become red-hot.

Rubies, when imported, are subject to no restrictions of entry, registry, &c. as they pay no duty whatever.  RUE, or ruta, L. a genus of exotic plants, comprising seven species, the principal of which is the graveolens, or Common broad-leaved Garden Rue. It flowers in the month of June.

This plant is, for its medicinal properties, often cultivated in gardens. It has a strong odour, and a bitterish pungent taste. The leaves are very acrid; and, when in full vigour, are apt to raise blisters on handling, or applying them to the skin. recommends them as powerful stimulants, attenuants, and detergents: hence they are reputed to be of great service to persons of cold, phlegmatic habits; as they quicken the circulation; dissolve viscid or tenacious juices; remove obstructions; and promote the fluid secretions. "What medicine," says he, "can be more efficacious for promoting sweat and perspiration; for the cure of the hysreric passion, of epilepsies; and for expelling poison?"—Nevertheless, the rue has lately been seldom prescribed, probably because many absurd and superstitious notions prevail respecting this herb, in domestic life.  RUE, the, or Thalictrum, L. a genus of plants, comprising twenty-three species, four ot which only are indigenous: the principal of these, is the flavum, Common Meadow-rue, Spurious Rhubarb, or Rue-weed: it is perennial, grows in moist meadows, pastures, and on the banks of rivers; where it flowers in the month of June.

The root, branches, and leaves of this plant, impart to wool a yellow colour; which, on adding sal-ammoniac, assumes a pale shade; and, on dropping oil of tartar into the decoction, acquires an orange colour; but, in order to give it lustre, the cloth should be immersed in alum-water; and the tint itself may be fixed, by dissolving cream of tartar in the last liquor. A cataplasm prepared of the leaves, is said to have afforded relief in the Sciatica: See .—From the yellow flowers, bees extract a large portion of honey.—Cows, horses, goats, and sheep, eat the Meadow-rue; but it is disliked by hogs.   END OF VOL. III.