THE great and the little celandine, are plants so perfectly different, that it is hard to conceive what could induce the old writers to call them both by the same name. They hardly agree in any thing, except it be that they have both yellow flowers. The great celandine approaches to the nature of the poppy; the small celandine to that of the crow-foot; nor are they any more alike in virtues than in form.
Little celandine is a low plant, which is seen almost every where in damp places in spring, with broad deep green leaves, and glossy yellow flowers. It does not grow to any height. The leaves are an inch long, and nearly as broad; they somewhat resemble those of the garden hepaticas, and are of a dark green and frequently spotted; they rise singly from the root on long, slender, and naked stalks. The flowers rise also singly from the root on long, slender, and naked stalks; they are as broad as a shilling, of a fine shining yellow colour, and composed of a number of leaves. The root is fibrous, and has small while tuberous lumps connected to the strings.
The roots are commended very much against the piles, the juice of them is to be taken inwardly; and some are very fond of an ointment made of the leaves, they chop them in pieces, and boil them in lard till they are crisp; then strain off the lard, which is converted into a fine green cooling ointment. The operation of the roots is by urine, but not violently.
The Family Herbal, 1812, was written by John Hill.