franciscea

[Named after Francis, Em per or of Austria, a patron of botany.] Bot.: A genus of Scrophulariacese, tribe Salp i glo i dere. By some it is made a synonym of Brunsfelsia, or is merged in that genus. The root, leaves, ., of Franciscea uniflora are used in syphilitic complaints, hence the plant is called by the Portu guese Mercurio vegetal (Vegetable Mercury). Its inner bark and herbaceous parts are very bitter. In small doses it is a purgative, emetic, and alexipharmic; in large ones it is an acrid poison. ( Mar tius .) *frăńc-işe, v . t. [Eng. franc=frank; -ise.] To Frenchify. *frăńck, v. t. [Etymology doubtful.] To feed. [FRANKE.]