CHLORAL

(From the first syllables of chlorine and alcohol.) A liquid composed of chlorine, carbon, and oxygen, obtained by the action of chlorine upon alcohol. CHLORANTHACEiE. (Chloranthus, one of the genera.) A small natural order of apetalous Exogens, nearly allied to Saururacece and Piper acece; from both of which it differs in wanting a sac to the embryo, and in having a pendulous ovule and opposite leaves with intermediate stipules. Blume places these plants near to Opercular iiiecB. They are natives of the hotter parts of the world, and appear to po e stimulating properties of great importance. Chloranthus officinal is and brachystachys, although not officinal in Europe, are believed to be among the most powerful of stimulating agents. [s. 238]