This section is from the book "A Manual of Materia Medica and Pharmacology", by David M. R. Culbreth. Also available from Amazon: Manual of Materia Medica and Pharmacology.
Li-na'se-e. L. Lin-um + aceae, flax, fr. Celtic llin, a thread, whence Gr.
L. linum (classic names), Eng. linen - i. e., its fabric. Herbs. Distinguished by flowers being regular; stamens 5, monadelphous at base; sepals 5, imbricate, petals 5; ovary 2-5-celled, styles 2-5; fruit capsular, seeds 2 in each cell, albuminous, superior, universal; temperate climates; demulcent, purgative, stimulant, sedative, tonic; fibres, oil. Genus: 1. Linum.
 
Continue to: