Nailwort

Nailwort derives its name from its virtues. This small and common herb has no roots, but a few strings; it grows about four inches hugh, leaves very small, rather long, not unlike those of chickweed, among which rise up several slender stalks, bearing many very small white flowers one above another, after which come small flat pouches containing very small seed, of a sharp taste. It grows upon old stone and brick walls, and in dry gravelly grounds, if there be grass or moss to protect it. It flowers in february; for before the end of april it is not to be found.

Nailwort is held to be exceeding good for those imposthumes in the joints, and under the nails, a which they call whitlows, felons, and nail-wheals.