Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 4, 1802).djvu/42

22] absorbed by the roots, is thin and watery; but, during its progress, it acquires more consistence; and, when it arrives at the leaves, it is assimilated to the nature of the plant.

The circulation of this juice has generally been supposed to be performed in an uniform manner: it appears, however, from the experiments of Mr., a late eminent gardener, that it has an irregular motion, directly contrary to its primary course; a discovery which is of considerable importance in horticulture. This agreeable and salubrious art may tlius not only be improved, but also great advantage may be derived from the general application of this principle; as barren trees may now be rendered fruitful, and old or decaying ones restored to their original vigour.—See.  . See, vol. ii. p. 314.  SARSAPARILLA, or Smilax Sarsaparilla, L. is a native of the West Indies, whence its medicinal root is obtained.

This drug has a glutinous, somewhat bitter, and agreeable taste, but is totally devoid of smell. It is highly esteemed, on account of its demulcent and farinaceous qualities, and has been successfully administered, in the different forms of decoction, extract, and powder, in cases of carious and iil-disposed cancers, or other sores. It is taken in doses of half an ounce of the root boiled in half a pint of water, till the third part be evaporated; or half a dram of the extract: in either of these forms, it acts by the skin as well as by the urinary passages, and is a mild, though inert remedy; on which account it is generally combined with the, , , and other substances, in a decoction of the woods.  SASSAFRAS, is the wood, bark and root of the Sassafras tree, or Laurus Sassafras, L. a native of America, the culture and properties of which we have already described,. It is imported in long straight pieces, which are of a very light and porous texture; emitting a fragrant odour; and having an aromatic sub-acrid, though swetish, taste. The strongest parts are the bark and small twigs; which, as well as the roots, are subject, on importation, to the duty of 2s. $6 1⁄2$d. per cwt.

Sassafras is a warm, aperient, and strengthening medicine; it has often been successfully given in the forms of infusion and decoction, for improving the tone of the stomach and bowels, in persons whose humours were in a vitiated state.— has frequently prescribed a scruple of the extract of sassafras, with great benefit, in hypochondriacal spasms, and also at the decline of intermittent fevers.—Infusions of this drug are sold in the streets of the metropolis, under the name of Saloop.  SATYRION, or, Satyrium hircinum, L. a native perennial plant, growing in chalky meadows and pastures; flowering in the months of June and July.—Its leaves are very large, and the whole plant has a rank, disagreeable odour: nevertheless, it is eagerly eaten by cattle, and is said, in a remarkable degree, to increase the milk of cows.  . See Garlic-, vol. iii. p. 255.  SAUSAGE, a well-known preparation of food, consisting of beef, pork, or veal, cut in small pieces; seasoned