Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/101

LEE Concerning the physical properties of leaves, in general, we are silent; as we treat of the more valuable medicinal plants in their alphabeti- cal series ; but we cannot conclude this article, witliout stating an in- genious remark of Dr, Dakwin j who is of opinion, that after their bitter particles have been cxtrafted in a hot-bed, the leaves may be sele(5led and converted into a spi- rituous drink similar to small beer, without possessing any disagreeable flavour : there is every reason to believe that such obje6t may be ef- fe6ted by proper management ; and the drink thus produced will doubt- less be more wholesome than the adulterated liquors, which are im- posed upon the public, by design- ing and avaricious persons. LEECH, or Hirudo, L. a genus of insCiSs comprising several spe- cies; the most remarkable of which are : 1. The vied'uinaUs, or ^Medi- cinal Leech, from three to four inches in length ; its body is of a dark brown colour, with six yellow spots on the back ; and a similar yellow line on each side ; (though, in some seasons, these distinguish- ing marks are rather imperfect, and almost totally disappear) : its head is smaller tlian the tail, and adheres very firmly. — This species is vivi- parous, inhabits clear running wa- ters, produces in July only one young insert at a time, and is va- lued for its use in drawing blood. 2. The sniiguifnga, or House- Leech, which inhabits stagnant waters, and is larger than the pre- ceding ; its skin is smooth and glossy : the body is depressed ; the back is of a dusky colour ; and the belly of a light green, witii a yel- low lateral margin. 2. The Geometra, qx Geome- LEE [^ TRicAL Leech, is only if inch long, and has a smooth, glossy skin, of a dusky brown colour, but in some seasons is greenish, spotted with white. When in motion, its back is elevated, so as to form a kind of ridge, and it then appears to measure the space it passes over, like a compass ; its tail is re- markably broad ; and the insert holds as firmly by it, as by the head. This species is commonl/ found attached to stones in shallow running waters ; and it likewise fastens itself on trout and other fish, after the spawning season. The medicinal leech is the only- one used for local bleedings. It may be applied with gi-eat safety and advantage, especially for ob- stinate head-aches arising from ful- ness of blood, as well as in many cases of external inflammation, with a view to extrad the thick and superfluous humour with which the vessels are overcharged. If the leech will not readily fix it- self, a itw drops of milk may be rubbed on the spot where it is to perform the operation ; or a little blood may be drawn, by making a slight puni5lure, after which it v.ill immediately settle. When employed for relieving the piles, or to extraft blood from the gums, it is requisite to secure the insert with a piece of rush, to prevent It either from creeping into the anus or gul- let, in which cases it would occa- sion great distress, in the stomach or intestines. To induce the leech to quit its hold when it adheres longer than required, oil of tartai', volatile alkali, pepper, or acids, are occasionally employed ; though a little common salt, strewed on its head, will answer the t.amc pur- pose. On the contrary, if it be intended to draw a larger quan- G 2 tity