MORTIFICA′TION Syn. Gangrene; Gangrena, Mortification, L. Local death; the loss of vitality in one part of the animal body, whilst the rest continues living. “The terms gangrene and mortification are often used synonymously; but gangrene properly signifies the state which immediately precedes mortification, while the complete mortification, or absolute death of a part, is called sphacelus. A part which has passed into the state of sphacelus is called a slough.
MOSA′IC GOLD. See Brass, Gold, &c.
MOS′SES. Syn. Musci, L. Several vegetables of the natural orders Algæ, Fungi, Lichenes, and Musci, commonly pass under this name with the vulgar. Of these the following are the principal:—
Bog moss (Sphagnum palustre). Very retentive of moisture. Used to pack up plants for exportation.
Ceylon moss (Gracilaria candida). Very nutritive; made into a decoction or jelly, which is highly esteemed as an article of diet for invalids and children, more especially for those suffering under affections of the mucous membranes or phthisis.
Club moss (Lycopodium clavatum). See Lycopodium.
Corsican moss, C. worm m. (Gracilaria Helminthocorton).—Dose, 1⁄2 to 2 dr., in powder, mixed up with sugar; as a vermifuge.
Cup moss, C. lichen (Cladonia pyxidata). Astringent and febrifuge. A cupful of the decoction, taken warm, generally proves gently emetic. Used in hooping-cough, &c.
Fir club moss (Lycopodium Selago). Violently emetic and purgative. It is also irritant and narcotic.
Iceland moss (Cetraria Islandica). Highly nutritious and easy of digestion. The decoction is a favourite alimentary substance in affections of the lungs and digestive organs. In Iceland, after the bitter has been removed by soaking it in hot water, it is made into jelly, or dried, ground to flour, and made into bread.