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. Boerhaave 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 Meadow, 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 Rheumatism.—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.
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