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diff --git a/old/60688-0.txt b/old/60688-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 9e2ce25..0000000 --- a/old/60688-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,30388 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The Natural History of Pliny -- Volume 5 of 6, by Pliny - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll -have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using -this ebook. - - - -Title: The Natural History of Pliny -- Volume 5 of 6 - -Author: Pliny - -Translator: John Bostock - H.T. Riley - -Release Date: November 14, 2019 [EBook #60688] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NATURAL HISTORY OF PLINY *** - - - - -Produced by David Starner, Ted Garvin, Tiena, Stephen -Rowland, Tony Browne, Brian Wilcox and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -Transcriber’s Notes:— - -Italic text is denoted _thus_. - -The spelling, hyphenation, punctuation and accentuation are as the -original, except for apparent typographical errors which have been -corrected. - -Further notes can be found at the end of the book. - - - - -THE - -NATURAL HISTORY - -OF - -PLINY. - - -TRANSLATED, WITH COPIOUS NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS - - -BY THE LATE JOHN BOSTOCK, M.D., F.R.S., - -AND - -H.T. RILEY, ESQ., B.A., - -LATE SCHOLAR OF CLARE HALL, CAMBRIDGE. - - -VOL. V. - - - LONDON: - HENRY G. BOHN, YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN. - MDCCCLVI. - - - - - J. BILLING, PRINTER AND STEREOTYPER (FROM WOKING), - GUILDFORD, SURREY. - - - - -CONTENTS - -OF THE FIFTH VOLUME. - - -BOOK XXIV. - - THE REMEDIES DERIVED PROM THE FOREST TREES. - - CHAP. Page - - 1. The antipathies and sympathies which exist among trees and - plants 1 - - 2. The lotus of Italy: six remedies 3 - - 3. Acorns: thirteen remedies 4 - - 4. The kermes-berry of the holm-oak: three remedies _ib._ - - 5. Gall-nuts: twenty-three remedies 5 - - 6. Mistletoe: eleven remedies _ib._ - - 7. The excrescences which grow on the robur: one remedy. - The cerrus: eight remedies 6 - - 8. The cork-tree: two remedies 7 - - 9. The beech: four remedies _ib._ - - 10. The cypress: twenty-three remedies _ib._ - - 11. The cedar: thirteen remedies 8 - - 12. Cedrides: ten remedies 9 - - 13. Galbanum: twenty-three remedies 10 - - 14. Hammoniacum: twenty-four remedies 11 - - 15. Storax: ten remedies _ib._ - - 16. Spondylium: seventeen remedies 12 - - 17. Sphagnos, sphacos, or bryon: five remedies _ib._ - - 18. The terebinth: six remedies _ib._ - - 19. The pitch-tree and the larch: eight remedies 13 - - 20. The chamæpitys: ten remedies _ib._ - - 21. The pityusa: six remedies 14 - - 22. Resins: twenty-two remedies 15 - - 23. Pitch: twenty-three remedies 17 - - 24. Pisselæon and palimpissa: sixteen remedies 18 - - 25. Pissasphaltos: two remedies _ib._ - - 26. Zopissa: one remedy 19 - - 27. The torch-tree: one remedy _ib._ - - 28. The lentisk: twenty-two remedies _ib._ - - 29. The plane-tree: twenty-five remedies 20 - - 30. The ash: five remedies 21 - - 31. The maple: one remedy _ib._ - - 32. The poplar: eight remedies _ib._ - - 33. The elm: sixteen remedies 22 - - 34. The linden-tree: five remedies 23 - - 35. The elder: fifteen remedies _ib._ - - 36. The juniper: twenty-one remedies 24 - - 37. The willow: fourteen remedies. The willow of Ameria: - one remedy 25 - - 38. The vitex: thirty-three remedies 26 - - 39. The erica: one remedy 28 - - 40. The broom: five remedies _ib._ - - 41. The myrica, otherwise called the tamarica, or tamarix: - three remedies 29 - - 42. The brya: twenty-nine remedies 30 - - 43. The blood-red shrub: one remedy 31 - - 44. The siler: three remedies _ib._ - - 45. The privet: eight remedies 32 - - 46. The alder: one remedy _ib._ - - 47. The several varieties of the ivy: thirty-nine remedies _ib._ - - 48. The cisthos: five remedies 34 - - 49. The cissos erythranos: two remedies. The chamæcissos: - two remedies. The smilax: three remedies. The - clematis: eighteen remedies _ib._ - - 50. The reed: nineteen remedies 35 - - 51. The papyrus, and the paper made from it: three remedies 36 - - 52. The ebony: five remedies 37 - - 53. The rhododendron: one remedy _ib._ - - 54. The rhus or sumach-tree; two varieties of it: eight - remedies. Stomatice 38 - - 55. Rhus erythros: nine remedies _ib._ - - 56. The erythrodanus: eleven remedies _ib._ - - 57. The alysson: two remedies 39 - - 58. The radicula or struthion: thirteen remedies. The - apocynum: two observations upon it _ib._ - - 59. Rosemary: eighteen remedies 40 - - 60. The seed called cachrys. 41 - - 61. The herb savin: seven remedies _ib._ - - 62. Selago: two remedies _ib._ - - 63. Samolus: two remedies 42 - - 64. Gum: eleven remedies _ib._ - - 65. The Egyptian or Arabian thorn: four remedies 43 - - 66. The white thorn: two remedies. The acanthion: one - remedy _ib._ - - 67. Gum acacia: eighteen remedies _ib._ - - 68. Aspalathos: one remedy 45 - - 69. The erysisceptrum, adipsatheon, or diaxylon: eight - remedies _ib._ - - 70. The thorn called appendix: two remedies. The - pyracantha: one remedy 46 - - 71. The paliurus: ten remedies _ib._ - - 72. The agrifolia. The aquifolia: one remedy. The yew: one - property belonging to it _ib._ - - 73. The bramble: fifty-one remedies 47 - - 74. The cynosbatos: three remedies 48 - - 75. The Idæan bramble 50 - - 76. The rhamnos; two varieties of it: five remedies _ib._ - - 77. Lycium: eighteen remedies 51 - - 78. Sarcocolla: two remedies 52 - - 79. Oporice: two remedies _ib._ - - 80. The trixago, chamædrys, chamædrops, or teucria: sixteen - remedies _ib._ - - 81. The chamædaphne: five remedies 53 - - 82. The chamelæa: six remedies _ib._ - - 83. The chamæsyce: eight remedies 54 - - 84. The chamæcissos: one remedy _ib._ - - 85. The chamæleuce, farfarum, or farfugium: one remedy _ib._ - - 86. The chamæpeuce: five remedies. The chamæcyparissos: two - remedies. The ampeloprason: six remedies. The stachys: - one remedy 55 - - 87. The clinopodion, cleonicion, zopyron, or ocimoïdes: - three remedies _ib._ - - 88. The clematis centunculus: three remedies 56 - - 89. The clematis echites, or lagine _ib._ - - 90. The Egyptian clematis, daphnoïdes, or polygonoïdes: two - remedies 57 - - 91. Different opinions on dracontium _ib._ - - 92. The aron: thirteen remedies 58 - - 93. The dracunculus: two remedies 60 - - 94. The arisaros: three remedies _ib._ - - 95. The millefolium or myriophyllon: seven remedies 61 - - 96. The pseudobunion: four remedies _ib._ - - 97. The myrrhis, myriza, or myrrha: seven remedies _ib._ - - 98. The onobrychis: three remedies 62 - - 99. Coracesta and callicia _ib._ - - 100. The minsas or corinthia: one remedy 63 - - 101. The aproxis: six remedies _ib._ - - 102. The aglaophotis or marmaritis. The achæmenis or - hippophobas. The theobrotion or semnion. The - adamantis. The arianis. The therionarca. The - ætheopis or merois. The ophiusa. The thalassegle - or potamaugis. The theangelis. The gelotophyllis. - The hestiatoris or protomedia. The casignetes or - dionysonymphas. The helianthes or heliocallis. The - hermesias. The æschynomene. The crocis. The œnotheris. - The anacampseros 64 - - 103. The eriphia 67 - - 104. The wool plant: one remedy. The lactoris: one remedy. - The militaris: one remedy 68 - - 105. The stratiotes: five remedies _ib._ - - 106. A plant growing on the head of a statue: one remedy _ib._ - - 107. A plant growing on the banks of a river: one remedy 69 - - 108. The herb called lingua: one remedy _ib._ - - 109. Plants that take root in a sieve: one remedy _ib._ - - 110. Plants growing upon dunghills: one remedy _ib._ - - 111. Plants that have been moistened with the urine of a - dog: one remedy _ib._ - - 112. The rodarum: three remedies _ib._ - - 113. The plant called impia: two remedies 70 - - 114. The plant called Venus’ comb: one remedy _ib._ - - 115. The exedum. The plant called notia: two remedies 71 - - 116. The philanthropos: one remedy. The lappa canaria: two - remedies _ib._ - - 117. Tordylon or syreon: three remedies _ib._ - - 118. Gramen: seventeen remedies 72 - - 119. Dactylos: five remedies 73 - - 120. Fenugreek or silicia: thirty-one remedies 74 - - -BOOK XXV. - - THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE WILD PLANTS. - - 1. When the wild plants were first brought into use 77 - - 2. The Latin authors who have written upon these plants 78 - - 3. At what period the Romans acquired some knowledge of - this subject _ib._ - - 4. Greek authors who have delineated the plants in colours 80 - - 5. The first Greek authors who wrote upon plants _ib._ - - 6. Why a few of the plants only have been used medicinally. - Plants, the medicinal properties of which have been - miraculously discovered. The cynorrhodos: two remedies. - The plant called dracunculus: one remedy. The - britannica: five remedies 83 - - 7. What diseases are attended with the greatest pain. Names - of persons who have discovered famous plants 86 - - 8. Moly: three remedies 87 - - 9. The dodecatheos: one remedy 88 - - 10. The pæonia, pentorobus, or glycyside: one remedy _ib._ - - 11. The panaces asclepion: two remedies 89 - - 12. The panaces heracleon: three remedies 90 - - 13. The panaces chironion: four remedies _ib._ - - 14. The panaces centaurion or pharnacion: three remedies _ib._ - - 15. The heracleon siderion: four remedies 91 - - 16. The ampelos chironia: one remedy _ib._ - - 17. Hyoscyamos, known also as the apollinaris or altercum; - five varieties of it: three remedies _ib._ - - 18. Linoxostis, parthenion, hermupoa, or mercurialis: two - varieties of it: twenty-two remedies 92 - - 19. The achilleos, sideritis, panaces heracleon, - millefolium, or scopæ regiæ; six varieties of it: - three remedies 94 - - 20. The teucrion, hemionion, or splenion: two remedies 95 - - 21. Melampodium, hellebore, or veratrum; three varieties - of it. The way in which it is gathered, and how the - quality of it is tested 96 - - 22. Twenty-four remedies derived from black hellebore. How - it should be taken 98 - - 23. Twenty-three remedies derived from white hellebore 99 - - 24. Eighty-eight observations upon the two kinds of - hellebore 100 - - 25. To what persons hellebore should never be administered 101 - - 26. The mithridatia 102 - - 27. The scordotis or scordion: four remedies _ib._ - - 28. The polemonia, philetæria, or chiliodynamus: six - remedies _ib._ - - 29. The eupatoria: one remedy 103 - - 30. Centaurion or chironion: twenty remedies _ib._ - - 31. The centaurion lepton, or libadion, known also as fel - terræ: twenty-two remedies 104 - - 32. The centauris triorchis: two remedies _ib._ - - 33. Clymenus: two remedies 105 - - 34. Gentian: thirteen remedies _ib._ - - 35. The lysimachia: eight remedies 106 - - 36. Artemisia, parthenis, botrys, or ambrosia: five - remedies _ib._ - - 37. Nymphæa, heracleon, rhopalon, or madon; two varieties - of it: four remedies 107 - - 38. Two varieties of euphorbia: four remedies. The chamelæa _ib._ - - 39. Two varieties of the plantago: forty-six remedies 109 - - 40. Buglossos; three remedies _ib._ - - 41. Cynoglossos: three remedies 110 - - 42. The buphthalmos or cachla: one remedy _ib._ - - 43. Plants which have been discovered by certain nations. - The scythice: one remedy _ib._ - - 44. The hippace: three remedies 111 - - 45. The ischæmon: two remedies _ib._ - - 46. The cestros, psychotrophon, vettonica, or serratula: - forty-eight remedies _ib._ - - 47. The cantabrica: two remedies 112 - - 48. Consiligo: one remedy _ib._ - - 49. The iberis: seven remedies 113 - - 50. Plants which have been discovered by certain animals. - Chelidonia: six remedies 114 - - 51. The dog-plant: one remedy _ib._ - - 52. The elaphoboscon 115 - - 53. Dictamnon; eight remedies. Pseudodictamnon or chondris. - In what places the most powerful plants are found. - How that milk is drunk in Arcadia for the beneficial - effects of the plants upon which the cattle feed _ib._ - - 54. The aristolochia, clematitis, cretica, plistolochia, - lochia polyrrhizos, or apple of the earth: twenty-two - remedies 116 - - 55. The employment of these plants for injuries inflicted - by serpents 118 - - 56. The argemonia: four remedies 119 - - 57. Agaric: thirty-three remedies 120 - - 58. The echios; three varieties of it: two remedies _ib._ - - 59. Hierabotane, peristereon, or verbenaca; two varieties - of it: ten remedies 121 - - 60. The blattaria: one remedy 122 - - 61. Lemonium: one remedy _ib._ - - 62. Quinquefolium, known also as pentapetes, pentaphyllon, - or chamæzelon: thirty-three remedies _ib._ - - 63. The sparganion: one remedy 123 - - 64. Four varieties of the daucus: eighteen remedies _ib._ - - 65. The therionarca: two remedies 124 - - 66. The persolata or areion: eight remedies _ib._ - - 67. Cyclaminos or tuber terræ: twelve remedies 125 - - 68. The cyclaminos cissanthemos: four remedies _ib._ - - 69. The cyclaminos chamæcissos: three remedies 126 - - 70. Peucedanum: twenty-eight remedies _ib._ - - 71. Ebulum: six remedies 127 - - 72. Polemonia: one remedy _ib._ - - 73. Phlomos or verbascum: fifteen remedies _ib._ - - 74. The phlomis: one remedy. The lychnitis or thryallis _ib._ - - 75. The thelyphonon or scorpio: one remedy 128 - - 76. The phrynion, neuras, or poterion: one remedy _ib._ - - 77. The alisma, damasonion, or lyron: seventeen remedies 129 - - 78. Peristereos: six remedies 130 - - 79. Remedies against certain poisons _ib._ - - 80. The antirrhinum, anarrhinon, or lychnis agria: three - remedies 131 - - 81. Euclea: one remedy _ib._ - - 82. The pericarpum; two varieties of it: two remedies _ib._ - - 83. Remedies for diseases of the head. Nymphæa heraclia: - two remedies 132 - - 84. The lingulaca: one remedy _ib._ - - 85. The cacalia or leontice: three remedies 133 - - 86. The callitrichos: one remedy _ib._ - - 87. Hyssop: ten remedies _ib._ - - 88. The lonchitis: four remedies 134 - - 89. The xiphion or phasganion: four remedies _ib._ - - 90. Psyllion, cynoïdes, crystallion, sicelicon, or - cynomyia; sixteen remedies. Thryselinum: one remedy 135 - - 91. Remedies for diseases of the eyes 136 - - 92. The anagallis, or corchoron; two varieties of it: six - remedies _ib._ - - 93. The ægilops: two remedies 138 - - 94. Mandragora, circæon, morion, or hippophlomos; two - varieties of it: twenty-four remedies _ib._ - - 95. Hemlock: thirteen remedies 140 - - 96. Crethmos agrios: one remedy _ib._ - - 97. Molybdæna: one remedy _ib._ - - 98. The first kind of capnos, known also as chicken’s foot: - one remedy 142 - - 99. The arborescent capnos: three remedies _ib._ - - 100. The acoron or agrion: fourteen remedies _ib._ - - 101. The cotyledon: two varieties of it: sixty-one remedies 143 - - 102. The greater aizoüm, also called buphthalmos, - zoöphthalmos, stergethron, hypogeson, ambrosion, - amcrimnon, seduni magnum, or digitellus: thirty-six - remedies. The smaller aizoüm, also called erithales, - trithales, chrysothales, isoëtes or sedum: thirty-two - remedies _ib._ - - 103. The andrachle agria or illecebra: thirty-two remedies 144 - - 104. A remedy for diseases of the nostrils 145 - - 105. Remedies for diseases of the teeth _ib._ - - 106. Erigeron, pappus, acanthis, or senecio: eight - remedies 146 - - 107. The ephemeron: two remedies 147 - - 108. The labrum Venereum: one remedy 148 - - 109. The batrachion, ranunculus, or strumus; four varieties - of it: fourteen remedies _ib._ - - 110. Remedial preparations for offensive breath: two kinds - of them 150 - - -BOOK XXVI. - - A CONTINUATION OF THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM PLANTS, CLASSIFIED - ACCORDING TO PARTICULAR DISEASES. - - 1. New forms of disease 152 - - 2. The nature of lichen _ib._ - - 3. At what period lichen first made its appearance in - Italy _ib._ - - 4. Carbuncle 154 - - 5. Elephantiasis _ib._ - - 6. Colic 155 - - 7. The new system of medicine: Asclepiades the physician 156 - - 8. The changes effected by Asclepiades in the practice of - medicine 157 - - 9. Remarks in dispraise of the practices of magic 159 - - 10. Lichen: five remedies 160 - - 11. Quinzy 161 - - 12. Scrofula _ib._ - - 13. The plant called bellis: two remedies 162 - - 14. The condurdum _ib._ - - 15. Cough 163 - - 16. Bechion, otherwise known as arcion, chamæleuce, or - tussilago: three remedies 164 - - 17. The bechion, known also as salvia: four remedies _ib._ - - 18. Affections of the side, chest, and stomach _ib._ - - 19. Molon or syron. Amomum 165 - - 20. The ephedra or anabasis; three remedies 166 - - 21. Geum; three remedies _ib._ - - 22. Tripolium: three remedies 167 - - 23. The gromphæna _ib._ - - 24. The malundrum: two remedies _ib._ - - 25. Chalcetum; two remedies. Molemonium; one remedy 168 - - 26. Halus or cotonea: five remedies 169 - - 27. The chamædrops: one remedy. The stœchas: one remedy _ib._ - - 28. Remedies for diseases of the belly _ib._ - - 29. The astragalus: six remedies 170 - - 30. Ladanum: eighteen remedies 171 - - 31. Chondris or pseudodictamnon: one remedy. Hypocisthis or - orobethron; two varieties: eight remedies 172 - - 32. Laver or sion: two remedies _ib._ - - 33. Potamogiton: eight remedies. The statice: three - remedies _ib._ - - 34. The ceratia: two remedies. Leontopodion, leuceoron, - doripetron, or thorybethron. Lagopus: three remedies 173 - - 35. Epithymon or hippopheos; eight remedies 174 - - 36. Pycnocomon; four remedies 175 - - 37. Polypodion; three remedies _ib._ - - 38. Scammony; eight remedies 176 - - 39. The tithymalos characias 177 - - 40. The tithymalos myrtites, or caryites; twenty-one - remedies 178 - - 41. The tithymalos paralios, or tithymalis; four remedies 179 - - 42. The tithymalos helioscopios; eighteen remedies _ib._ - - 43. The tithymalos cyparissias; eighteen remedies 180 - - 44. The tithymalos platyphyllos, corymbites, or amygdalites; - three remedies _ib._ - - 45. The tithymalos dendroïdes, cobios, or leptophyllos; - eighteen remedies _ib._ - - 46. The apios ischas, or raphanos agria; two remedies _ib._ - - 47. Remedies for griping pains in the bowels 181 - - 48. Remedies for diseases of the spleen _ib._ - - 49. Remedies for calculi and diseases of the bladder 182 - - 50. Crethmos; eleven remedies. Cachry 183 - - 51. The anthyllion; two remedies. The anthyllis; two - remedies 184 - - 52. Cepæa; one remedy _ib._ - - 53. Hypericon, chamæpitys, or corison; nine remedies 185 - - 54. Caros or hypericon; ten remedies _ib._ - - 55. The callithrix; one remedy. The perpressa; one remedy. - The chrysanthemum; one remedy. The anthemis; one - remedy 186 - - 56. Silaus; one remedy _ib._ - - 57. The plant of Fulvius 187 - - 58. Remedies for diseases of the testes and of the - fundament _ib._ - - 59. Inguinalis or argemo 188 - - 60. Remedies for inflamed tumours. Chrysippios; one remedy _ib._ - - 61. Aphrodisiacs and antaphrodisiacs 189 - - 62. The orchis or serapias; five medicinal properties. - Satyrion _ib._ - - 63. Satyrion; three medicinal properties. Satyrion - erythraïcon; four medicinal properties 190 - - 64. Remedies for the gout and diseases of the feet 192 - - 65. Lappago or mollugo; one remedy. Asperugo; one remedy _ib._ - - 66. Phycos thalassion or sea-weed; three varieties of it. - Lappa boaria 193 - - 67. Maladies which attack the whole of the body 194 - - 68. The geranion, myrrhis or myrtis; three varieties of it: - six remedies 195 - - 69. The onotheras or onear; three remedies 196 - - 70. Remedies for epilepsy _ib._ - - 71. Remedies for fevers 197 - - 72. Remedies for phrenitis, lethargy; and carbuncles 198 - - 73. Remedies for dropsy. Acte or ebulum. Chamæacte. _ib._ - - 74. Remedies for erysipelas 199 - - 75. Remedies for sprains 200 - - 76. Remedies for jaundice _ib._ - - 77. Remedies for boils 201 - - 78. Remedies for fistula _ib._ - - 79. Remedies for abscesses and hard tumours _ib._ - - 80. Remedies for burns 202 - - 81. Remedies for diseases of the sinews and joints _ib._ - - 82. Remedies for hæmorrhage 203 - - 83. Hippuris, otherwise called ephedron, anabasis, or - equisætum; three kinds of it; eighteen remedies _ib._ - - 84. Stephanomelis 205 - - 85. Remedies for ruptures and convulsions. Erysithales; one - remedy _ib._ - - 86. Remedies for phthiriasis 206 - - 87. Remedies for ulcers and wounds _ib._ - - 88. Polycnemon; one remedy 209 - - 89. Remedies for warts, and applications for the removal of - scars _ib._ - - 90. Remedies for female diseases 210 - - 91. Arsenogonon; one medicinal property. Thelygonon; one - medicinal property 213 - - 92. Mastos; one remedy 214 - - 93. Applications for the hair. Lysimachia. Ophrys _ib._ - - -BOOK XXVII. - - A DESCRIPTION OF PLANTS, AND OF THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THEM. - - 1. Researches of the ancients upon this subject 217 - - 2. Aconite, otherwise called thelyphonon, cammaron, - pardalianches, or scorpio; four remedies 218 - - 3. Æthiopis; four remedies 221 - - 4. Ageraton; four remedies _ib._ - - 5. The aloe; twenty-nine remedies 222 - - 6. Alcea; one remedy 224 - - 7. The alypon; one remedy _ib._ - - 8. Alsine, a plant used for the same purposes as helxine; - five remedies _ib._ - - 9. The androsaces; six remedies 225 - - 10. Androsæmon or ascyron; six remedies _ib._ - - 11. Ambrosia, botrys, or artemisia; three remedies 226 - - 12. The anonis or ononis; five remedies _ib._ - - 13. The anagyros or acopon; three remedies _ib._ - - 14. The anonymos; two remedies 227 - - 15. Aparine, omphalocarpos, or philanthropos; three - remedies _ib._ - - 16. The arction or arcturum; five remedies 228 - - 17. The asplenon or hemionion; two remedies _ib._ - - 18. The asclepias; two remedies 229 - - 19. The aster or bubonion; three remedies _ib._ - - 20. Ascyron and ascyroïdes; three remedies _ib._ - - 21. The aphaca; three remedies 230 - - 22. Alcibium; one remedy _ib._ - - 23. Alectoroslophos or crista; two remedies _ib._ - - 24. Alum, also called symphyton petræon; fourteen remedies 231 - - 25. Alga rufa or red sea-weed; one remedy 232 - - 26. Actæa; one remedy _ib._ - - 27. The ampelos agria, or wild vine; four remedies _ib._ - - 28. Absinthium or wormwood; four varieties; forty-eight - remedies _ib._ - - 29. Absinthium marinum or seriphum 235 - - 30. The ballotes, melamprasion, or black leek; three - remedies 236 - - 31. Botrys, ambrosia, or artemisia; one remedy _ib._ - - 32. The brabyla; one remedy _ib._ - - 33. Bryon maritimum; five remedies _ib._ - - 34. The bupleuron; one remedy 237 - - 35. The catanance; one observation upon it. The cemos; one - observation upon it _ib._ - - 36. The calyx; three remedies 238 - - 37. The calyx, known also as anchusa or onoclia; two - remedies _ib._ - - 38. The circæa; three remedies _ib._ - - 39. The cirsion; one remedy 239 - - 40. The cratægonon; two kinds of it; eight remedies _ib._ - - 41. The crocodileon; two remedies 240 - - 42. The cynosorchis or orchis; four remedies _ib._ - - 43. The chrysolachanum; two varieties of it; three remedies. - Coagulum terræ; two remedies 241 - - 44. The cucubalus, strumus, or strychnon; six remedies _ib._ - - 45. The conferva; two remedies 242 - - 46. The coccus Cnidius, or grain of Cnidos; two remedies _ib._ - - 47. The dipsacos; two remedies _ib._ - - 48. The dryopteris; two remedies 243 - - 49. The dryophonon _ib._ - - 50. The elatine; two remedies _ib._ - - 51. Empetros, by our people called calcifraga; four - remedies 244 - - 52. The epipactis or elleborine; two remedies _ib._ - - 53. The epimedion; three remedies _ib._ - - 54. The enneaphyllon; two remedies 245 - - 55. Two varieties of filix or fern, known to the Greeks as - pteris or blachnon, and as thelypteris or nymphæa - pteris; eleven remedies _ib._ - - 56. Femur bubulum, or ox thigh 246 - - 57. Galeopsis, galeobdolon, or galion; six remedies _ib._ - - 58. The glaux; one remedy 247 - - 59. Glaucion; three remedies. Diaglaucia; two remedies _ib._ - - 60. The glycyside, pæonia, or pentorobos; twenty remedies 248 - - 61. Gnaphalium or chamæzelon: six remedies 249 - - 62. The gallidraga: one remedy _ib._ - - 63. Holcus or aristis 250 - - 64. Hyoseris: one remedy _ib._ - - 65. The holosteon: three remedies _ib._ - - 66. The hippophæston: eight remedies _ib._ - - 67. The hypoglossa: one remedy 251 - - 68. Hypecoön _ib._ - - 69. The Idæa herba or plant of Ida: four remedies _ib._ - - 70. The isopyron or phasiolon: two remedies _ib._ - - 71. The lathyris: two remedies 252 - - 72. The leontopetalon or pardalion: two remedies _ib._ - - 73. The lycapsos: two remedies _ib._ - - 74. The lithospermum, exonychon, diospyron, or heracleos: - two remedies 253 - - 75. Lapidis muscus, or stone moss: one remedy 254 - - 76. The limeum: one remedy _ib._ - - 77. The leuce, mesoleucon, or leucas: three remedies _ib._ - - 78. The leucographis: five remedies 255 - - 79. The medion: three remedies _ib._ - - 80. The myosota or myosotis: three remedies _ib._ - - 81. The myagros: one remedy 256 - - 82. The nyma: one remedy _ib._ - - 83. The natrix: one remedy _ib._ - - 84. Odontitis: one remedy 257 - - 85. The othonna: one remedy _ib._ - - 86. The onosma: one property _ib._ - - 87. The onopordon: five remedies 258 - - 88. The osyris: four remedies _ib._ - - 89. The oxys: two remedies _ib._ - - 90. The polyanthemum or batrachion: three remedies _ib._ - - 91. The polygonos, polygonatos, teuthalis, carcinethron, - clema, or myrtopetalos, otherwise known as sanguinaria - or orios: four varieties of it: forty remedies 259 - - 92. The pancratium: twelve remedies 260 - - 93. The peplis, syce, meconion, or mecon aphrodes: three - remedies 261 - - 94. The periclymenos: five remedies _ib._ - - 95. Pelecinon: one remedy 262 - - 96. Polygala: one remedy _ib._ - - 97. Poterion, phrynion, or neuras: four remedies _ib._ - - 98. The phalangitis, phalangion, or leucacantha: four - remedies 263 - - 99. The phyteuma: one property _ib._ - - 100. The phyllon: one property _ib._ - - 101. The phellandrion: two remedies 264 - - 102. The phalaris: two remedies _ib._ - - 103. The polyrrhizon: five remedies _ib._ - - 104. The proserpinaca: five remedies _ib._ - - 105. Rhacoma: thirty-six remedies 265 - - 106. The reseda: two remedies _ib._ - - 107. The stœchas: three remedies 266 - - 108. The solanum, by the Greeks called strychnon: two - remedial properties _ib._ - - 109. Smyrnion: thirty-two remedies _ib._ - - 110. Telephion: four remedies 267 - - 111. The trichomanes: five remedies 268 - - 112. The thalictrum: one remedy _ib._ - - 113. Thlaspi and Persicon napy: four remedies _ib._ - - 114. The trachinia: one property 269 - - 115. The tragonis or tragion: four remedies _ib._ - - 116. The tragos or scorpion: four remedies 270 - - 117. The tragopogon or come _ib._ - - 118. The ages of plants _ib._ - - 119. How the greatest efficacy in plants may be ensured 271 - - 120. Maladies peculiar to various nations _ib._ - - -BOOK XXVIII. - - REMEDIES DERIVED FROM LIVING CREATURES. - - 1. Introduction 275 - - 2. Remedies derived from man 276 - - 3. Whether words are possessed of any healing efficacy 278 - - 4. That prodigies and portents may be confirmed, or made - of no effect 280 - - 5. A description of various usages 283 - - 6. Two hundred and twenty-six observations on remedies - derived from man. Eight remedies derived from - children 286 - - 7. Properties of the human spittle 288 - - 8. Remedies derived from the wax of the human ear 291 - - 9. Remedies derived from the human hair, teeth, &c. _ib._ - - 10. Remedies derived from the human blood, the sexual - congress, &c. 292 - - 11. Remedies derived from the dead _ib._ - - 12. Various reveries and devices of the magicians 293 - - 13. Remedies derived from the human excretions 294 - - 14. Remedies depending upon the human will 295 - - 15. Remedies derived from sneezing 297 - - 16. Remedies derived from the sexual congress _ib._ - - 17. Various other remedies 298 - - 18. Remedies derived from the urine 299 - - 19. Indications of health derived from the urine 301 - - 20. Forty-one remedies derived from the female sex _ib._ - - 21. Remedies derived from woman’s milk 302 - - 22. Remedies derived from the spittle of females 304 - - 23. Facts connected with the menstrual discharge _ib._ - - 24. Remedies derived from foreign animals: the elephant, - eight remedies 307 - - 25. Ten remedies derived from the lion 308 - - 26. Ten remedies derived from the camel _ib._ - - 27. Seventy-nine remedies derived from the hyæna 309 - - 28. Nineteen remedies derived from the crocodile 314 - - 29. Fifteen remedies derived from the chamæleon 315 - - 30. Four remedies derived from the scincus 318 - - 31. Seven remedies derived from the hippopotamus _ib._ - - 32. Five remedies derived from the lynx 319 - - 33. Remedies furnished in common by animals of the same - class, whether wild or tame. Fifty-four medicinal uses - of milk, with observations thereon _ib._ - - 34. Twelve remedies derived from cheese 322 - - 35. Twenty remedies derived from butter 323 - - 36. Oxygala: one remedy 324 - - 37. The various uses of fat, and observations upon it, - fifty-two in number _ib._ - - 38. Suet 326 - - 39. Marrow 327 - - 40. Gall _ib._ - - 41. Blood 328 - - 42. Peculiar remedies derived from various animals, and - classified according to the maladies. Remedies against - the poison of serpents, derived from the stag, the - fawn, the ophion, the she-goat, the kid, and the ass _ib._ - - 43. Remedies for the bite of the mad dog. Remedies derived - from the calf, the he-goat, and various other animals 331 - - 44. Remedies to be adopted against enchantments. _ib._ - - 45. Remedies for poisons 332 - - 46. Remedies for diseases of the head, and for alopecy 334 - - 47. Remedies for affections of the eyes 335 - - 48. Remedies for diseases and affections of the ears 337 - - 49. Remedies for tooth-ache 338 - - 50. Remedies for diseases of the face 340 - - 51. Remedies for diseases of the tonsillary glands and for - scrofula 342 - - 52. Remedies for pains in the neck 343 - - 53. Remedies for cough and for spitting of blood _ib._ - - 54. Remedies for affections of the stomach 344 - - 55. Remedies for liver complaints and for asthma _ib._ - - 56. Remedies for pains in the loins _ib._ - - 57. Remedies for affections of the spleen 345 - - 58. Remedies for bowel complaints 346 - - 59. Remedies for tenesmus, tapeworm, and affections of the - colon 348 - - 60. Remedies for affections of the bladder, and for urinary - calculi 349 - - 61. Remedies for diseases of the generative organs and of - the fundament 350 - - 62. Remedies for gout and for diseases of the feet 352 - - 63. Remedies for epilepsy 353 - - 64. Remedies for jaundice 354 - - 65. Remedies for broken bones _ib._ - - 66. Remedies for fevers _ib._ - - 67. Remedies for melancholy, lethargy, and phthisis 355 - - 68. Remedies for dropsy 356 - - 69. Remedies for erysipelas, and for purulent eruptions 357 - - 70. Remedies for sprains, indurations, and boils _ib._ - - 71. Remedies for burns. The method of testing bull-glue; - seven remedies derived from it _ib._ - - 72. Remedies for affections of the sinews and for - contusions 358 - - 73. Remedies for hæmorrhage _ib._ - - 74. Remedies for ulcers and carcinomatous sores 359 - - 75. Remedies for the itch 360 - - 76. Methods of extracting foreign substances which adhere - body, and of restoring scars to their natural colour _ib._ - - 77. Remedies for female diseases _ib._ - - 78. Remedies for the diseases of infants 364 - - 79. Provocatives of sleep 365 - - 80. Stimulants for the sexual passions _ib._ - - 81. Remarkable facts relative to animals 366 - - -BOOK XXIX. - - REMEDIES DERIVED FROM LIVING CREATURES. - - 1. The origin of the medical art 370 - - 2. Particulars relative to Hippocrates. Date of the origin - of clinical practice and of that of Iatraliptics 371 - - 3. Particulars relative to Chrysippus and Erasistratus _ib._ - - 4. The Empiric branch of medicine 372 - - 5. Particulars relative to Herophilus and other celebrated - physicians. The various changes that have been made in - the system of medicine _ib._ - - 6. Who first practised as a physician at Rome, and at what - period 375 - - 7. The opinions entertained by the Romans on the ancient - physicians _ib._ - - 8. Evils attendant upon the practice of medicine 376 - - 9. Thirty-five remedies derived from wool 381 - - 10. Thirty-two remedies derived from wool-grease 383 - - 11. Twenty-two remedies derived from eggs 385 - - 12. Serpents’ eggs 388 - - 13. The method of preparing commagenum. Four remedies - derived from it 390 - - 14. Remedies derived from the dog 391 - - 15. Remedies classified according to the different maladies. - Remedies for injuries inflicted by serpents. Remedies - derived from mice 392 - - 16. Remedies derived from the weasel _ib._ - - 17. Remedies derived from bugs _ib._ - - 18. Particulars relative to the asp 394 - - 19. Remedies derived from the basilisk _ib._ - - 20. Remedies derived from the dragon 395 - - 21. Remedies derived from the viper _ib._ - - 22. Remedies derived from the other serpents 396 - - 23. Remedies derived from the salamander 397 - - 24. Remedies derived from birds, for injuries inflicted by - serpents. Remedies derived from the vulture 398 - - 25. Remedies derived from poultry 399 - - 26. Remedies derived from other birds 400 - - 27. Remedies for the bite of the phalangium. The several - varieties of that insect, and of the spider _ib._ - - 28. Remedies derived from the stellio, or spotted lizard 402 - - 29. Remedies derived from various insects 403 - - 30. Remedies derived from cantharides _ib._ - - 31. Various counter-poisons 405 - - 32. Remedies for the bite of the mad dog _ib._ - - 33. Remedies for other poisons 407 - - 34. Remedies for alopecy 408 - - 35. Remedies for lice and porrigo 409 - - 36. Remedies for head-ache, and for wounds on the head _ib._ - - 37. Remedies for affections of the eyelids 410 - - 38. Remedies for diseases of the eyes 411 - - 39. Remedies for pains and diseases of the ears 416 - - -BOOK XXX. - - REMEDIES DERIVED FROM LIVING CREATURES. - - 1. The origin of the magic art 421 - - 2. When and where the art of magic originated: by what - persons it was practised 422 - - 3. Whether magic was ever practised in Italy. At what - period the senate first forbade human sacrifices 425 - - 4. The Druids of the Gallic provinces 426 - - 5. The various branches of magic 427 - - 6. The subterfuges practised by the magicians 428 - - 7. Opinions of the magicians relative to the mole. Five - remedies derived from it 429 - - 8. The other remedies derived from living creatures, - classified according to the respective diseases. - Remedies for tooth-ache 430 - - 9. Remedies for offensive odours and sores of the mouth 432 - - 10. Remedies for spots upon the face _ib._ - - 11. Remedies for affections of the throat 433 - - 12. Remedies for quinzy and scrofula 434 - - 13. Remedies for diseases of the shoulders 436 - - 14. Remedies for pains in the viscera 437 - - 15. Remedies for pains in the stomach _ib._ - - 16. Remedies for pains in the liver, and for spitting of - blood 438 - - 17. Remedies for affections of the spleen 439 - - 18. Remedies for pains in the side and in the loins 440 - - 19. Remedies for dysentery 441 - - 20. Remedies for the iliac passion, and for other maladies - of the bowels 442 - - 21. Remedies for urinary calculi and affections of the - bladder 443 - - 22. Remedies for diseases of the fundament and of the - generative organs 445 - - 23. Remedies for gout and for diseases of the feet 446 - - 24. Remedies for evils which are liable to affect the whole - body 448 - - 25. Remedies for cold shiverings 449 - - 26. Remedies for paralysis 450 - - 27. Remedies for epilepsy _ib._ - - 28. Remedies for jaundice 452 - - 29. Remedies for phrenitis _ib._ - - 30. Remedies for fevers 453 - - 31. Remedies for dropsy 456 - - 32. Remedies for erysipelas _ib._ - - 33. Remedies for carbuncles 457 - - 34. Remedies for boils _ib._ - - 35. Remedies for burns _ib._ - - 36. Remedies for affections of the sinews _ib._ - - 37. Remedies for maladies of the nails and fingers 458 - - 38. Methods for arresting hæmorrhage _ib._ - - 39. Remedies for ulcerous sores and wounds _ib._ - - 40. Remedies for broken bones 460 - - 41. Applications for cicatrizations, and for the cure of - morphew 461 - - 42. Methods of extracting foreign substances from the body _ib._ - - 43. Remedies for female complaints 462 - - 44. Methods of facilitating delivery 463 - - 45. Methods of preserving the breasts from injury 464 - - 46. Various kinds of depilatories 465 - - 47. Remedies for the diseases of infants _ib._ - - 48. Provocatives of sleep 467 - - 49. Aphrodisiacs and antaphrodisiacs _ib._ - - 50. Remedies for phthiriasis, and for various other - affections 468 - - 51. Remedies for intoxication _ib._ - - 52. Peculiarities relative to certain animals 469 - - 53. Other marvellous facts connected with animals _ib._ - - -BOOK XXXI. - - REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE AQUATIC PRODUCTIONS. - - 1. Remarkable facts connected with water 471 - - 2. The different properties of waters 472 - - 3. Remedies derived from water 473 - - 4. Waters productive of fecundity. Waters curative of - insanity 474 - - 5. Waters remedial for urinary calculi _ib._ - - 6. Waters curative of wounds 475 - - 7. Waters preventive of abortion _ib._ - - 8. Waters which remove morphew _ib._ - - 9. Waters which colour the hair 476 - - 10. Waters which colour the human body _ib._ - - 11. Waters which aid the memory, or are productive of - forgetfulness 477 - - 12. Waters which sharpen or dull the senses. Waters which - improve the voice _ib._ - - 13. Waters which cause a distaste for wine. Waters which - produce inebriety _ib._ - - 14. Waters which serve as a substitute for oil 478 - - 15. Salt and bitter waters _ib._ - - 16. Waters which throw up stones. Waters which cause laughter - and weeping. Waters which are said to be curative of - love _ib._ - - 17. Waters which preserve their warmth for three days 479 - - 18. Other marvellous facts connected with water. Water in - which everything will sink. Waters in which nothing - will sink _ib._ - - 19. Deadly waters. Poisonous fishes 480 - - 20. Waters which petrify themselves, or cause other objects - to petrify 482 - - 21. The wholesomeness of waters _ib._ - - 22. The impurities of water 484 - - 23. The modes of testing water 485 - - 24. The Marcian Waters 487 - - 25. The Virgin Waters 488 - - 26. The method of searching for water _ib._ - - 27. Signs indicative of the presence of water 489 - - 28. Differences in waters, according to the nature of the - soil _ib._ - - 29. The qualities of water at the different seasons of the - year 491 - - 30. Historical observations upon waters which have suddenly - made their appearance or suddenly ceased 492 - - 31. The method of conveying water 494 - - 32. How mineral waters should be used _ib._ - - 33. The uses of sea-water. The advantages of a sea-voyage 496 - - 34. How artificial sea-water may be made in places at a - distance from the sea 498 - - 35. How thalassomeli is made _ib._ - - 36. How hydromeli is made _ib._ - - 37. Methods of providing against the inconvenience of - drinking suspected water 499 - - 38. Six remedies derived from moss. Remedies derived from - sand _ib._ - - 39. The various kinds of salt; the methods of preparing it, - and the remedies derived from it. Two hundred and four - observations thereupon 500 - - 40. Muria 503 - - 41. The various properties of salt: one hundred and twenty - historical remarks relative thereto 504 - - 42. Flower of salt: twenty remedies. Salsugo: two remedies 506 - - 43. Garum: fifteen remedies 507 - - 44. Alex: eight remedies 508 - - 45. The nature of salt 509 - - 46. The various kinds of nitrum, the methods of preparing - it, and the remedies derived from it: two hundred - and twenty-one observations thereon 512 - - 47. Sponges, and the remedies derived from them: ninety-two - observations thereon 519 - - - - -NATURAL HISTORY OF PLINY - - - - -BOOK XXIV. - -THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE FOREST TREES. - - - - -CHAP. 1. (1.)—THE ANTIPATHIES AND SYMPATHIES WHICH EXIST AMONG TREES AND -PLANTS. - - -Not even are the forests and the spots in which the aspect of Nature is -most rugged, destitute of their peculiar remedies; for so universally -has that divine parent of all things distributed her succours for the -benefit of man, as to implant for him medicinal virtues in the trees -of the desert even, while at every step she presents us with most -wonderful illustrations of those antipathies and sympathies which exist -in the vegetable world. - -Between the quercus[1] and the olive[2] there exists a hatred so -inveterate, that transplanted, either of them, to a site previously -occupied by the other, they will die.[3] The quercus too, if planted -near the walnut, will perish. There is a mortal feud[4] existing also -between the cabbage and the vine; and the cabbage itself, so shunned as -it is by the vine, will wither immediately if planted in the vicinity -of cyclamen[5] or of origanum. We find it asserted even, that aged -trees fit to be felled, are cut with all the greater difficulty, and -dry all the more rapidly, if touched by the hand of man before the axe -is applied: it is a common belief, too, that when their load consists -of fruit, beasts of burden are immediately sensible[6] of it, and will -instantly begin to sweat, however trifling it may be, unless the fruit -is duly shown to them before starting. Fennel-giant, as a fodder, is -extremely grateful to the ass, and yet to other beasts of burden it -is a deadly poison: hence it is that the ass is consecrated to Father -Liber,[7] to which deity the fennel is also sacred. - -Inanimate objects again, even of the most insignificant character, have -their own peculiar antipathies. Cooks disengage meat of the brine, when -it has been too highly salted, by the agency of fine meal and the inner -bark[8] of the linden-tree. Salt again, tends to neutralize the sickly -flavour of food when over-sweet. The taste of water, when nitrous or -bitter, is modified by the addition of polenta,[9] so much so indeed, -as to be rendered potable[10] in a couple of hours: it is for a -similar reason, too, that a layer of polenta is put[11] in our linen -wine-strainers. A similar property is possessed also by the chalk[12] -of Rhodes, and the argilla of our own country. - -Equal affinities exist as well; pitch, for instance, is extracted -by the agency of oil, both of them being of an unctuous nature: oil -again, will incorporate only with lime, both of them having a natural -antipathy[13] to water. Gum is most[14] easily removed with vinegar, -and ink[15] with water; in addition to which, there are numberless -other instances of sympathy and antipathy which we shall be careful to -mention in their appropriate places. - -It is in tendencies of this description that the medical art first -took its rise; though it was originally intended, no doubt, by Nature, -that our only medicaments should be those which universally exist, are -everywhere to be found, and are to be procured at no great outlay, -the various substances, in fact, from which we derive our sustenance. -But at a later period the fraudulent disposition of mankind, -combined with an ingenuity prompted by lucre, invented those various -laboratories,[16] in which each one of us is promised an extension of -his life—that is, if he will pay for it. Compositions and mixtures -of an inexplicable nature forthwith have their praises sung, and the -productions of Arabia and India are held in unbounded admiration in the -very midst[17] of us. For some trifling sore or other, a medicament -is prescribed from the shores of the Red Sea; while not a day passes -but what the real remedies are to be found upon the tables of the very -poorest man among us.[18] But if the remedies for diseases were derived -from our own gardens, if the plants or shrubs were employed which grow -there, there would be no art, forsooth, that would rank lower than that -of medicine. - -Yes, avow it we must—the Roman people, in extending its empire, has -lost sight of its ancient manners, and in that we have conquered we -are the conquered:[19] for now we obey the natives of foreign[20] -lands, who by the agency of a single art have even out-generalled our -generals.[21] More, however, on this topic hereafter. - - - - -CHAP. 2. (2.)—THE LOTUS OF ITALY: SIX REMEDIES - - -We have already[22] spoken in their appropriate places of the herb -called lotus, and of the plant of Egypt known by the same name and as -the “tree of the Syrtes.” The berries of the lotus, which is known -among us as the “Grecian bean,”[23] act astringently upon the bowels; -and the shavings of the wood, boiled in wine, are useful in cases of -dysentery, excessive menstruation, vertigo, and epilepsy: they also -prevent the hair from falling off. It is a marvellous thing—but there -is no substance known that is more bitter than the shavings of this -wood, or sweeter than the fruit. The sawdust also of the wood is boiled -in myrtle-water, and then kneaded and divided into lozenges, which form -a medicament for dysentery of remarkable utility, being taken in doses -of one victoriatus,[24] in three cyathi of water. - - - - -CHAP. 3. (3.)—ACORNS: THIRTEEN REMEDIES - - -Acorns,[25] pounded with salted axle-grease,[26] are curative of -those indurations known as “cacoethe.”[27] The acorn of the holm-oak, -however, is the most powerful in its effects; and in all these trees -the bark is still more efficacious, as well as the inner membrane -which lies beneath it. A decoction of this last is good for cœliac -affections; and it is applied topically in cases of dysentery, as well -as the acorns, which are employed also for the treatment of stings -inflicted by serpents, fluxes, and suppurations. The leaves, acorns, -and bark, as well as a decoction prepared from them, are good as -counter-poisons. A decoction of the bark, boiled in cows’ milk, is used -topically for stings inflicted by serpents, and is administered in wine -for dysentery. The holm-oak is possessed of similar properties. - - - - -CHAP. 4. (4.)—THE KERMES-BERRY OF THE HOLM-OAK: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The scarlet berry[28] of the holm-oak is applied to fresh wounds with -vinegar; and in combination with water it is dropt into the eyes in -cases of defluxion of those organs or of ecchymosis. There grows also -in most parts of Attica, and in Asia, a berry of this description, -which becomes transformed with great rapidity into a diminutive worm, -owing to which circumstance the Greeks have given it the name of -“scolecion:”[29] it is held, however, in disesteem. The principal -varieties of this berry have been previously[30] described. - - - - -CHAP. 5.—GALL-NUTS: TWENTY-THREE REMEDIES. - - -And no fewer are the varieties of the gall-nut which we have -described:[31] we have, for instance, the full-bodied gall-nut, the -perforated one, the white, the black, the large, the small, all of -them possessed of similar properties; that, however, of Commagene is -generally preferred. These substances remove fleshy excrescences on the -body, and are serviceable for affections of the gums and uvula,[32] -and for ulcerations of the mouth. Burnt, and then quenched in wine, -they are applied topically in cases of cœliac affections and dysentery, -and with honey, to whitlows, hangnails, malformed nails, running -ulcers, condylomatous swellings, and ulcerations of the nature known -as phagedænic.[33] A decoction of them in wine is used as an injection -for the ears, and as a liniment for the eyes, and in combination with -vinegar they are employed for eruptions and tumours. - -The inner part of the gall, chewed, allays tooth-ache, and is good -for excoriations between the thighs, and for burns. Taken unripe in -vinegar, they reduce the volume of the spleen; and, burnt and then -quenched in salt and vinegar, they are used as a fomentation for -excessive menstruation and procidence of the uterus. All varieties of -the gall-nut stain the hair black. - - - - -CHAP. 6.—MISTLETOE: ELEVEN REMEDIES. - - -We have already[34] stated that the best mistletoe is that which -grows on the robur,[35] and have described the manner in which it -is prepared. Some persons, after bruising the berries, boil them in -water, till nothing appears on the surface, while others, again, bite -the berries with the teeth, and reject the skins.[36] The best kind of -viscus is that which has none of the outer skin in it, is extremely -light, yellow without, and of a leek-green colour within. There is -no substance more glutinous than this: it is of an emollient nature, -disperses tumours, and acts as a desiccative upon scrofulous sores; -combined with resin and wax, it heals inflamed swellings of every -description. Some persons add galbanum as well, using equal proportions -of each ingredient, and this preparation they employ also for the -treatment of wounds. - -The viscus of the mistletoe has the additional property also of -rectifying malformed nails; but to effect this it must be taken off at -the end of seven days, and the nails must be washed with a solution of -nitre.[37] Some persons have a sort of superstitious notion that the -viscus will be all the more efficacious if the berries are gathered -from the robur at new moon, and without the aid of iron. They have an -impression too, that if it has not touched the ground, it will cure -epilepsy,[38] that it will promote conception in females if they make a -practice of carrying it about them: the berries, chewed and applied to -ulcers, are remarkably efficacious for their cure, it is said. - - - - -CHAP. 7.—THE EXCRESCENCES WHICH GROW ON THE ROBUR: ONE REMEDY. THE -CERRUS: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -The round excrescences[39] which grow on the robur * * * and mixed with -bear’s grease, are remedial in cases of loss of the hair by alopecy. - -The leaves, bark, and acorns of the cerrus[40] act as a desiccative -upon gatherings and suppurations, and arrest fluxes. A decoction[41] of -them, used as a fomentation, strengthens such parts of the body as are -paralyzed; and it is a very good plan to employ it as a sitting-bath, -for its desiccative or astringent effects upon the lower extremities. -The root of this tree neutralizes the venom of the scorpion. - - - - -CHAP. 8.—THE-CORK TREE: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The bark of the cork-tree,[42] pulverized and taken in warm water, -arrests hæmorrhage at the mouth and nostrils;[43] and the ashes of it, -taken in warm wine, are highly extolled as a cure for spitting of blood. - - - - -CHAP. 9. (5.)—THE BEECH: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -The leaves[44] of the beech are chewed for affections of the lips -and gums. A liniment is made of the ashes of beech-mast for urinary -calculus, and, in combination with honey, for alopecy. - - - - -CHAP. 10.—THE CYPRESS: TWENTY-THREE REMEDIES. - - -The leaves of the cypress[45] are pounded and applied to wounds -inflicted by serpents, and with polenta, to the head, in cases of -sunstroke. They are used also for hernia, and an infusion of them is -taken in drink.[46] They are applied with wax to swellings of the -testes, and mixed with vinegar they stain the hair black.[47] Beaten -up with twice the quantity of light bread, and then kneaded with -Aminean[48] wine, they are found very soothing for pains in the feet -and sinews. - -The excrescences of this tree are taken in drink for the stings of -serpents and for discharges of blood from the mouth; they are used -also as a topical application for gatherings. Fresh-gathered and -beaten up with axle-grease and bean-meal, they are good for hernia; -and an infusion of them is taken in drink for the same complaint. In -combination with meal, they are applied topically to imposthumes of -the parotid glands, and to scrofulous sores. From these excrescences, -pounded along with the seed, a juice is extracted, which, mixed -with oil, disperses films of the eyes. Taken in doses of one -victoriatus,[49] in wine, and applied at the same time in a pulpy, -dried fig, the seeds of which have been removed, this juice cures -maladies of the testes and disperses tumours: mixed with leaven, it -heals scrofulous sores. - -The root of the cypress, bruised with the leaves and taken in drink, is -curative of diseases of the bladder, strangury, and the sting of the -phalangium.[50] The shavings of the wood, taken in drink, act as an -emmenagogue, and neutralize the venom of the scorpion. - - - - -CHAP. 11.—THE CEDAR: THIRTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The larger cedar, known as the “cedrelates,”[51] produces a pitch -called “cedria,” which is very useful for tooth-ache, it having -the effect of breaking[52] the teeth and extracting them, and so -allaying the pain. We have already[53] stated how the juices of -cedar are extracted, so remarkably useful for seasoning books,[54] -were it not for the head-ache they produce. This extract from the -cedar preserves[55] the bodies of the dead uncorrupted for ages, but -exercises a noxious effect upon the bodies of the living—singular that -there should be such a diversity in its properties, taking away life -from animated beings, and imparting a sort of life, as it were to the -dead! It injures clothing also and destroys[56] animal life. It is -for this reason that I cannot recommend it to be taken internally for -the cure of quinzy and indigestion though there are some who advise -it: I should be greatly in dread too, to rinse the teeth with it in -combination with vinegar, for tooth-ache, or to use it as an injection -for the ears in cases of hardness of hearing, or for worms in those -organs. There is one very marvellous story told about it—if the male -organs, they say, are rubbed with it just before the sexual congress, -it will effectually prevent impregnation.[57] - -Still, however, I should not hesitate to employ it as a friction for -phthiriasis or porrigo. It is strongly recommended also, in raisin -wine, as an antidote to the poison of the sea-hare,[58] but I should -be more ready to use it as a liniment for elephantiasis. Some authors -have prescribed it as an ointment for foul ulcers and the fleshy -excrescences which grow in them, as also for spots and films on the -eyes; and have recommended it to be taken, in doses of one cyathus, for -ulcerations of the lungs, and for tapeworm. - -There is an oil extracted from this pitch, known as “pisselæon,”[59] -the properties of which are of increased activity for all the purposes -before-mentioned. It is a well-known fact that the saw-dust of cedar -will put serpents to flight, and that a similar effect is produced by -anointing the body with the berries[60] bruised in oil. - - - - -CHAP. 12.—CEDRIDES: TEN REMEDIES. - - -Cedrides, or in other words, the fruit of the cedar,[61] is curative -of coughs, acts as a diuretic, and arrests looseness of the bowels. -It is good also for ruptures, convulsions, spasms, and strangury, and -is employed, as a pessary, for affections of the uterus. It is used -also to neutralize the venom of the sea-hare,[62] and for the cure -of the various affections above-mentioned, as also of gatherings and -inflammations. - - - - -CHAP. 13.—GALBANUM: TWENTY-THREE REMEDIES. - - -We have already[63] given some description of galbanum: to be good, it -should be neither too moist nor too dry, but just in the state which -we have mentioned.[64] It is taken by itself for inveterate coughs, -asthma, ruptures, and convulsions; and it is employed externally -for sciatica, pains in the sides, inflamed tumours,[65] boils, -denudations of the bones, scrofulous sores, nodes upon the joints, -and tooth-ache. It is applied with honey also, to ulcerations of the -head. In combination with oil of roses or with nard, it is used as an -injection for suppurations of the ears; and the odour of it is useful -for epilepsy, hysterical suffocations, and faintness at the stomach. -Employed as a pessary or as a fumigation, it brings away the fœtus in -cases of miscarriage; branches too of hellebore covered with it and -laid beneath the patient, have a similar effect. - -We have already[66] stated that serpents are driven away by the fumes -of burnt galbanum, and they will equally avoid persons whose body has -been rubbed with it. It is curative also of the sting of the scorpion. -In protracted deliveries, a piece of galbanum the size of a bean is -given in one cyathus of wine: it has the effect also of reducing the -uterus when displaced, and, taken with myrrh and wine, it brings away -the dead fœtus. In combination with myrrh and wine too, it neutralizes -poisons—those which come under the denomination of “toxica”[67] in -particular. The very touch of it, mixed with oil and spondylium,[68] -is sufficient to kill a serpent.[69] It is generally thought to be -productive of strangury. - - - - -CHAP. 14 (6.)—HAMMONIACUM: TWENTY-FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Of a similar nature to galbanum is hammoniacum, a tearlike gum, the -qualities of which are tested in manner already[70] stated. It is of -an emollient, warming, resolvent, and dispellent nature. Employed -as an ingredient in eye-salves, it improves the sight. It disperses -prurigo, effaces the marks of sores, removes spots in the eyes, and -allays tooth-ache, more particularly when burnt. It is very useful too, -taken in drink, for hardness of breathing, pleurisy, affections of the -lungs, diseases of the bladder, bloody urine, maladies of the spleen, -and sciatica: employed in a similar manner, it acts as a purgative upon -the bowels. Boiled with an equal proportion of pitch or wax, and with -oil of roses, it is good for diseases of the joints, and for gout. -Employed with honey it ripens hard tumours, extracts corns, and has -an emollient effect upon indurations. In combination with vinegar and -Cyprian wax, or oil of roses, it is extremely efficacious as a liniment -for affections of the spleen. In cases of extreme lassitude, it is an -excellent plan to use it as a friction, with vinegar and oil, and a -little nitre. - - - - -CHAP. 15.—STORAX: TEN REMEDIES. - - -In speaking too of the exotic trees, we have made mention[71] of the -properties of storax. In addition to those which we have already -mentioned, it ought to be very unctuous, without alloy, and to break -to pieces in whitish fragments. This substance is curative of cough, -affections of the fauces, diseases of the chest, and obstructions or -indurations of the uterus. Taken in drink, or employed as a pessary, -it acts as an emmenagogue; it has a laxative effect also upon the -bowels. I find it stated that, taken in moderate doses, storax dispels -melancholy; but that when employed in large quantities, it promotes it. -Used as an injection it is good for singings in the ears, and employed -as a friction, for scrofulous swellings and nodes of the sinews. It -neutralizes poisons of a cold nature, and consequently, hemlock.[72] - - - - -CHAP. 16.—SPONDYLIUM: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES. - - -At the same time we have also spoken[73] of spondylium; an infusion -of which is poured upon the head in cases of phrenitis and lethargy, -and of head-ache of long standing. Combined with old oil, it is taken -in drink for affections of the liver, jaundice, epilepsy, hardness -of breathing, and hysterical suffocations, maladies for which it is -equally serviceable in the shape of a fumigation. It relaxes the -bowels, and with rue it is applied to ulcers of a serpiginous nature. -The juice which is extracted from the blossom is a most useful -injection for suppurations of the ears; but the moment it is extracted -it should be covered up, as flies and other insects of a similar nature -are remarkably fond of it. - -Scrapings of the root, introduced into the interior of fistulas, have -a caustic effect upon their callosities; and they are sometimes used, -in combination with the juice, as an injection for the ears. The root -itself also is prescribed for jaundice, and for diseases of the liver -and uterus. If the head is rubbed with the juice, it will make the hair -curl.[74] - - - - -CHAP. 17.—SPHAGNOS, SPHACOS, OR BRYON: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -Sphagnos, sphacos, or bryon, grows, as we have already[75] stated, in -Gaul. A decoction of it, employed as a sitting-bath, is useful for -affections of the uterus: mixed with nasturtium, and beaten up in -salt water, it is good for the knees and for swellings in the thighs. -Taken in drink with wine and dried resin, it acts very powerfully as a -diuretic. Pounded in wine with juniper berries, and taken in drink, it -draws off the water in dropsy. - - - - -CHAP. 18.—THE TEREBINTH: SIX REMEDIES. - - -The leaves and root of the terebinth[76] are used as applications for -gatherings; and a decoction of them is strengthening to the stomach. -The seed of it is taken in wine for head-ache and strangury: it is -slightly laxative to the bowels, and acts as an aphrodisiac. - - - - -CHAP. 19.—THE PITCH-TREE AND THE LARCH: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -The leaves of the pitch-tree[77] and the larch,[78] beaten up and -boiled in vinegar, are good for tooth-ache. The ashes of the bark -are used for excoriations and burns. Taken in drink this substance -arrests diarrhœa, and acts as a diuretic; and used as a fumigation, -it reduces the uterus when displaced. The leaves of the pitch-tree -are particularly good for the liver, taken in doses of one drachma in -hydromel. - -It is a well-known fact that forests planted solely with trees from -which pitch and resin are extracted, are remarkably beneficial for -patients suffering from phthisis,[79] or who are unable to recover -their strength after a long illness: indeed it is said, that in such -cases to breathe the air of localities thus planted, is more beneficial -even than to take a voyage to Egypt,[80] or to go on a summer’s journey -to the mountains to drink the milk there, impregnated with the perfumes -of plants. - - - - -CHAP. 20.—THE CHAMÆPITYS: TEN REMEDIES. - - -The chamæpitys,[81] called in Latin “abiga,”[82] because it promotes -abortion, and known to some as “incense of the earth,”[83] has branches -a cubit in length, and the odour and blossoms of the pine. Another -variety[84] of it, which is somewhat shorter, has all the appearance -of being bent[85] downwards; and there is a third,[86] which, though -it has a similar smell, and consequently the same name, is altogether -smaller, with a stem the thickness of one’s finger, and a diminutive, -rough, pale leaf: it is found growing in rocky localities. All these -varieties are in reality herbaceous productions; but in consequence of -the resemblance of the name,[87] I have thought it as well not to defer -the consideration of them. - -These plants are good for stings inflicted by scorpions, and are useful -as an application, mixed with dates or quinces, for maladies of the -liver: a decoction of them with barley-meal is used for the kidneys and -the bladder. A decoction of them in water is used also for jaundice -and for strangury. The kind last mentioned, in combination with honey, -is good for wounds inflicted by serpents, and a pessary is made of it, -with honey, as a detergent for the uterus. Taken in drink it brings -away coagulated blood, and rubbed upon the body it acts as a sudorific: -it is particularly useful also for the kidneys. Pills of a purgative -nature are made of it for dropsy, with figs.[88] Taken in wine, in -doses of one victoriatus,[89] it dispels lumbago, and cures coughs that -are not of an inveterate description. A decoction of it in vinegar, -taken in drink, will instantaneously bring away the dead fœtus, it is -said. - - - - -CHAP. 21.—THE PITYUSA: SIX REMEDIES. - - -For a similar[90] reason, too, we shall accord the same distinction -to the pityusa, a plant which some persons reckon among the varieties -of the tithymalus.[91] It is a shrub,[92] resembling the pitch-tree -in appearance, and with a diminutive purple blossom. A decoction of -the root, taken in doses of one hemina, carries off the bilious and -pituitous secretions by[93] stool, and a spoonful of the seed, used -as a suppository, has a similar effect. A decoction of the leaves in -vinegar removes scaly eruptions of the skin; and in combination with -boiled rue, it effects the cure of diseases of the mamillæ, gripings in -the bowels, wounds inflicted by serpents, and incipient gatherings of -most kinds. - - - - -CHAP. 22.—RESINS: TWENTY-TWO REMEDIES. - - -In treating, first of wines,[94] and then of trees,[95] we have stated -that resin is the produce of the trees above-mentioned, and have -described the several varieties of it, and the countries in which they -are respectively produced. There are two principal kinds of resin, -the dry and the liquid.[96] The dry resins are extracted from the -pine[97] and the pitch-tree,[98] the liquid from the terebinth,[99] -the larch,[100] the lentisk,[101] and the cypress;[102] these last -producing it in the province of Asia and in Syria. It is an error[103] -to suppose that the resin of the pitch-tree is the same as that of the -larch; for the pitch-tree yields an unctuous[104] resin, and of the -same consistency as frankincense, while that of the larch is thin, like -honey in colour, and of a powerful odour. It is but very rarely that -medical men make use of liquid resin, and when they do, it is mostly -that produced by the larch, which is administered in an egg for cough -and ulcerations of the viscera. The resin of the pine, too, is far from -extensively used, and that of the other kinds is always boiled[105] -before use: on the various methods of boiling it, we have enlarged at -sufficient length already.[106] - -As to the produce of the various trees, the resin of the terebinth is -held in high esteem, as being the most odoriferous and the lightest, -the kinds[107] which come from Cyprus and Syria being looked upon as -the best. Both these kinds are the colour of Attic honey; but that -of Cyprus has more body, and dries with greater rapidity. In the dry -resins the qualities requisite are whiteness, purity, and transparency: -but whatever the kind, the produce of mountainous[108] districts -is always preferred to that of champaign countries, and that of a -north-eastern aspect to that of any other quarter. Resins[109] are -dissolved in oil as a liniment and emollient cataplasm for wounds; but -when they are used as a potion, bitter almonds[110] are also employed. -The curative properties of resins consist in their tendency to close -wounds, to act as a detergent upon gatherings and so disperse them, and -to cure affections of the chest. - -The resin of the terebinth * * * it is used too, warmed, as a liniment -for pains in the limbs, the application being removed after the patient -has taken a walk in the sun. Among slave-dealers too, there is a -practice of rubbing the bodies of the slaves with it, which is done -with the greatest care, as a corrective for an emaciated appearance; -the resin having the property of relaxing the skin upon all parts -of the body, and rendering it more capable of being plumped out by -food.[111] - -Next after the resin of the terebinth comes that of the lentisk:[112] -it possesses astringent properties, and is the most powerful diuretic -of them all. The other resins are laxative to the bowels, promote -the digestion of crudities, allay the violence of inveterate coughs, -and, employed as a fumigation, disengage the uterus of foreign[113] -bodies with which it is surcharged: they are particularly useful too -as neutralizing the effects of mistletoe; and, mixed with bull suet -and honey, they are curative of inflamed tumours and affections of -a similar nature. The resin of the lentisk is very convenient as a -bandoline for keeping stubborn eyelashes in their place: it is useful -also in cases of fractures, suppurations of the ears, and prurigo of -the generative organs. The resin of the pine is the best of them all -for the cure of wounds in the head. - - - - -CHAP. 23. (7.)—PITCH: TWENTY-THREE REMEDIES. - - -We have also stated on a previous occasion[114] from what tree pitch -is extracted, and the methods employed for that purpose. Of this also -there are two kinds; thick pitch and liquid pitch.[115] Of the several -varieties of thick pitch the most useful for medicinal purposes is that -of Bruttium;[116] for being both extremely unctuous and very resinous, -it reunites the properties both of resin and of pitch, that of a yellow -reddish colour being the most highly esteemed. As to the statement made -in addition to this, that the produce of the male tree is the best, I -do not believe that any such distinction is at all possible. - -Pitch is of a warming, cicatrizing tendency: mixed with polenta it is -particularly useful as a neutralizer of the venom of the cerastes,[117] -and in combination with honey it is used for quinzy, catarrhs, and -fits of sneezing caused by phlegm. With oil of roses it is used as an -injection for the ears, and employed as a liniment with wax it heals -lichens. It relaxes[118] the bowels, also, and used as an electuary, -or applied with honey to the tonsillary glands, it facilitates -expectoration. Applied topically, it acts as a detergent upon ulcers, -and makes new flesh. Mixed with raisins and axle-grease, it forms a -detergent plaster for carbuncles and putrid ulcers, and, with pine-bark -or sulphur, for serpiginous sores. Pitch has been administered too by -some, in doses of one cyathus, for phthisis and inveterate coughs. It -heals chaps of the feet and rectum, inflamed tumours, and malformed -nails; and used as a fumigation, it is curative of indurations and -derangements of the uterus, and of lethargy. Boiled with barley-meal -and the urine of a youth, who has not arrived at puberty, it causes -scrofulous sores to suppurate. Dry pitch is used also for the cure of -alopecy. For affections of the mamillæ, Bruttian pitch is warmed in -wine with fine spelt meal, and applied as hot as can be borne. - - - - -CHAP. 24.—PISSELÆON AND PALIMPISSA: SIXTEEN REMEDIES. - - -We have already[119] described the way in which liquid pitch and the -oil known as pisselæon are made. Some persons boil the pitch over -again, and give it the name of “palimpissa.”[120] For quinzy[121] -and affections of the uvula, liquid pitch is employed internally. It -is used also for the cure of ear-ache, for the improvement of the -sight, and as a salve for the lips; and is employed for hysterical -suffocations, inveterate coughs, profuse expectorations, spasms, -nervousness, opisthotony, paralysis, and pains in the sinews. It is a -very excellent remedy too for itch in dogs and beasts of burden. - - - - -CHAP. 25.—PISSASPHALTOS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -There is pissasphaltos too, a natural production of the territory of -the Apolloniates,[122] and consisting of pitch mixed with bitumen. -Some persons, however, make this mixture artificially, and employ it -for the cure of itch in cattle, and of injuries done by the young -sucklings to the mamillæ. The most esteemed portion of it is that which -floats on the surface when boiled. - - - - -CHAP. 26.—ZOPISSA: ONE REMEDY. - - -We have already[123] stated that zopissa is the pitch, macerated with -salt-water and wax, that has been scraped from off the bottoms of -ships. The best kind is that taken from ships which have been to sea -for the first time. It is used as an ingredient in plasters of an -emollient nature, employed to disperse gatherings. - - - - -CHAP. 27.—THE TORCH-TREE: ONE REMEDY. - - -A decoction in vinegar of the wood of the torch-tree[124] makes a most -efficacious gargle for tooth-ache. - - - - -CHAP. 28.—THE LENTISK: TWENTY-TWO REMEDIES. - - -The seed, bark, and tear-like juices of the lentisk are diuretics, -and act astringently upon the bowels:[125] a decoction of them, used -as a fomentation, is curative of serpiginous sores, and is applied -topically for humid ulcerations and erysipelas; it is employed also as -a collutory for the gums. The teeth are rubbed with the leaves in cases -of tooth-ache, and they are rinsed with a decoction of the leaves when -loose:[126] this decoction has the effect also of staining[127] the -hair. The gum of this tree is useful for diseases of the rectum, and -all cases in which desiccatives and calorifics are needed; a decoction -too of the gum is good for the stomach, acting as a carminative and -diuretic; it is applied also to the head, in cases of headache, with -polenta. The more tender of the leaves are used as an application for -inflammations of the eyes. - -The mastich[128] produced by the lentisk is used as a bandoline for -the hairs of the eye-lids, in compositions for giving a plumpness -to the face, and in cosmetics for smoothing[129] the skin. It is -employed for spitting of blood and for inveterate coughs, as well as -all those purposes for which gum acacia is in request. It is used also -for the cure of excoriations; which are fomented either with the oil -extracted from the seed, mixed with wax, or else with a decoction of -the leaves in oil. Fomentations too are made of a decoction of it in -water for diseases of the male organs.[130] I know for a fact, that in -the illness of Considia, the daughter of M. Servilius, a personage of -consular rank, her malady, which had long resisted all the more severe -methods of treatment, was at last successfully treated with the milk of -goats that had been fed upon the leaves of the lentisk. - - - - -CHAP. 29. (8.)—THE PLANE-TREE: TWENTY-FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The plane-tree[131] neutralizes the bad effects of bites inflicted by -the bat.[132] The excrescences of this tree, taken in doses[133] of -four denarii, in wine, act as an antidote to the venom of serpents of -all kinds and of scorpions, and are curative of burns. Pounded with -strong vinegar, squill vinegar in particular, they arrest hæmorrhage -of every kind; and with the addition of honey, they remove freckles, -carcinomatous sores, and black spots of long standing on the skin. - -The leaves again, and the bark of this tree, are used in the form of -liniments for gatherings and suppurations, and a decoction of them is -employed for a similar purpose. A decoction of the bark in vinegar -is remedial for affections of the teeth, and the more tender of the -leaves boiled in white wine are good for the eyes. The down which grows -upon the leaves[134] is injurious to both the ears and eyes. The -ashes of the excrescences of this tree heal such parts of the body as -have been burnt or frost-bitten. The bark, taken in wine, reduces the -inflammation caused by the stings of scorpions. - - - - -CHAP. 30.—THE ASH: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -We have already[135] made some mention of the virtues possessed by the -ash as an antidote to the venom of serpents. The seed of it is enclosed -in follicules, which are good for diseases of the liver, and, in -combination with wine, for pains in the sides: they are employed also -for drawing off the water in dropsy. They have the property, too, of -diminishing obesity, and of gradually reducing the body to a state of -comparative emaciation,[136] the follicules being pounded in wine and -administered in proportion to the bodily strength; thus, for instance, -to a child, five of them are given in three cyathi of wine, but for -persons in more robust health, seven are prescribed, in five cyathi of -wine. - -We must not omit to state that the shavings and saw-dust of this wood -are of a highly dangerous nature, according to some. - - - - -CHAP. 31.—THE MAPLE: ONE REMEDY. - - -The root of the maple,[137] beaten up in wine, is extremely efficacious -as a topical application for pains in the liver. - - - - -CHAP. 32.—THE POPLAR: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -We have already[138] mentioned, when speaking of the unguents, the use -that is made of the berries[139] of the white poplar. A potion prepared -from the bark is good for sciatica and strangury, and the juice of the -leaves is taken warm for ear-ache. So long[140] as a person holds a -sprig of poplar in his hand, there is no fear of[141] chafing between -the thighs. - -The black poplar which grows in Crete is looked upon as the most -efficacious of them all. The seed of it, taken in vinegar, is good for -epilepsy. This tree produces a resin also to a small extent, which is -made use of for emollient plasters. The leaves, boiled in vinegar, are -applied topically for gout. A moisture that exudes from the clefts of -the black poplar removes warts, and pimples caused by friction. Poplars -produce also on the leaves a kind of sticky[142] juice, from which bees -prepare their propolis:[143] indeed this juice, mixed with water, has -the same virtues as propolis. - - - - -CHAP. 33.—THE ELM: SIXTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The leaves, bark, and branches of the elm[144] have the property -of filling up wounds and knitting the flesh together: the inner -membrane[145] too, of the bark, and the leaves, steeped in vinegar, -are applied topically for leprosy. The bark, in doses of one denarius, -taken in one hemina of cold water, acts as a purgative upon the bowels, -and is particularly useful for carrying off pituitous and aqueous -humours. The gum also which this tree produces is applied topically -to gatherings, wounds, and burns, which it would be as well to foment -with the decoction also. The moisture[146] which is secreted on the -follicules of the tree gives a finer colour to the skin, and improves -the looks. The foot-stalks of the leaves that first appear,[147] boiled -in wine, are curative of tumours, and bring them to a head:[148] the -same, too, is the effect produced by the inner bark. - -Many persons are of opinion that the bark of this tree, chewed, is a -very useful application for wounds, and that the leaves, bruised and -moistened with water are good for gout. The moisture too that exudes -from the pith of the tree, as already[149] stated, on an incision being -made, applied to the head, causes the hair to grow and prevents it from -falling off. - - - - -CHAP. 34.—THE LINDEN-TREE: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The linden-tree[150] is useful, though in a less marked degree, for -nearly all the same purposes as the wild olive. The leaves, however, -are the only part that is made use of for ulcers upon infants; chewed, -too, or employed in the form of a decoction, they are diuretic. Used as -a liniment they arrest menstruation when in excess, and an infusion of -them, taken, in drink, carries off superfluous blood. - - - - -CHAP. 35.—THE ELDER: FIFTEEN REMEDIES. - - -There are two kinds of elder, one of which grows wild and is much -smaller than the other; by the Greeks it is known as the “chamæacte,” -or “helion.”[151] A decoction of the leaves,[152] seed, or root of -either kind, taken in doses of two cyathi, in old wine, though bad -for the upper regions of the stomach, carries off all aqueous humours -by stool. This decoction is very cooling too for inflammations, those -attendant upon recent burns in particular. A poultice is made also of -the more tender leaves, mixed with polenta, for bites inflicted by -dogs. The juice of the elder, used as a fomentation, reduces abscesses -of the brain, and more particularly of the membrane which envelopes -that organ. The berries, which have not so powerful an action as -the other parts of the tree, stain the hair. Taken in doses of one -acetabulum, in drink, they are diuretic. The softer leaves are eaten -with oil and salt, to carry off pituitous and bilious secretions. - -The smaller kind is for all these purposes the more efficacious of -the two. A decoction of the root in wine, taken in doses of two -cyathi, brings away the water in dropsy, and acts emolliently upon the -uterus: the same effects are produced also by a sitting-bath made of -a decoction of the leaves. The tender shoots of the cultivated kind, -boiled in a saucepan and eaten as food, have a purgative effect: the -leaves taken in wine, neutralize the venom of serpents. An application -of the young shoots, mixed with he-goat suet, is remarkably good for -gout; and if they are macerated in water, the infusion will destroy -fleas. If a decoction of the leaves is sprinkled about a place, it -will exterminate flies. “Boa”[153] is the name given to a malady -which appears in the form of red pimples upon the body; for its cure -the patient is scourged with a branch of elder. The inner bark,[154] -pounded and taken with white wine, relaxes the bowels. - - - - -CHAP. 36.—THE JUNIPER: TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES. - - -The juniper is of a warming and resolvent nature beyond all other -plants: in other respects, it resembles the cedar.[155] There are -two species of this tree, also, one of which is larger[156] than -the other:[157] the odour of either, burnt, repels the approach of -serpents.[158] The seed[159] is good for pains in the stomach, chest, -and sides; it dispels flatulency and sudden chills, soothes cough, and -brings indurations to a head. Applied topically, it checks the growth -of tumours; and the berries, taken in red wine, act astringently upon -the bowels: they are applied also to tumours of the abdomen. The seed -is used as an ingredient in antidotes of an aperient nature, and is -diuretic[160] in its effects. It is used as a liniment for defluxions -of the eyes, and is prescribed for convulsions, ruptures griping pains -in the bowels, affections of the uterus, and sciatica, either in a dose -of four berries in white wine, or in the form of a decoction of twenty -berries in wine. - -There are persons who rub the body with juniper berries as a preventive -of the attacks of serpents. - - - - -CHAP. 37. (9.)—THE WILLOW: FOURTEEN REMEDIES. THE WILLOW OF AMERIA: ONE -REMEDY. - - -The fruit of the willow,[161] before it arrives at maturity, is covered -with a down like a spider’s web: gathered[162] before it is ripe, it -arrests discharges of blood from the mouth. The bark of the upper -branches, reduced to ashes and mixed with water, is curative of corns -and callosities: it removes spots also upon the face, being still more -efficacious for that purpose if mixed with, the juices of the tree. - -The juices produced by the willow form three different varieties; -one[163] of which exudes in the shape of a gum from the tree itself, -and another distils from an incision some three fingers in width, made -in the bark while the tree is in blossom. This last is very useful -for dispersing humours which impede the sight, acting also as an -inspissative when needed, promoting the discharge of the urine, and -bringing abscesses of all kinds to a head. The third kind of juice -exudes from the wounds, when the branches are lopt off with the bill. -Either of these juices, warmed in a pomegranate rind, is used as an -injection for diseases of the ears. The leaves, too, boiled and beaten -up with wax, are employed as a liniment for similar purposes, and -for gout. The bark and leaves, boiled in wine, form a decoction that -is remarkably useful as a fomentation for affections of the sinews. -The blossoms, bruised with the leaves, remove scaly eruptions of the -face; and the leaves, bruised and taken in drink, check libidinous -tendencies,[164] and effectually put an end to them, if habitually -employed. - -The seed of the black willow of Ameria,[165] mixed with litharge in -equal proportions, and applied to the body just after the bath, acts as -a depilatory. - - - - -CHAP. 38.—THE VITEX: THIRTY-THREE REMEDIES. - - -Not much unlike the willow, for the use that is made of it in -wicker-work, is the vitex,[166] which also resembles it in the leaves -and general appearance, though the smell of it is more agreeable. The -Greeks call it “lygos,” or “agnos,”[167] from the fact that the matrons -of Athens, during the Thesmophoria,[168] a period when the strictest -chastity is observed, are in the habit of strewing their beds with the -leaves of this tree. - -There are two species of vitex: the larger[169] one, like the willow, -attains the full proportions of a tree; while the other,[170] which -is smaller, is branchy, with a paler, downy leaf. The first kind, -generally known as the “white” vitex, bears a white blossom mixed with -purple, whereas the black one has a flower that is entirely purple. -Both of these trees grow on level spots of a marshy nature. - -The seed of these trees, taken in drink, has a sort of vinous flavour, -and has the reputation of being a febrifuge. It is said also to act -as a sudorific, if the body is rubbed with it mixed with oil, and to -have the effect of dispelling extreme lassitude: it acts too as a -diuretic[171] and emmenagogue. The produce of both trees is trying to -the head, like wine, and indeed the odour of them is very similar. They -have the effect also of removing flatulence in the lower regions of the -body, act astringently upon the bowels, and are remarkably useful for -dropsy and affections of the spleen. They promote the secretion of the -milk, and neutralize the venom of serpents, when of a cold nature more -particularly. The smaller kind, however, is the more efficacious of the -two for injuries inflicted by serpents, the seed being taken in doses -of one drachma, in wine or oxycrate, or else the more tender leaves in -doses of two drachmæ. - -From both trees also a liniment is prepared for the bites of spiders, -but it is quite sufficient to rub the wounds with the leaves; and if -a fumigation is made from them, or if they are spread beneath the -bed, they will repel the attacks of all venomous creatures. They act -also as an antaphrodisiac, and it is by this tendency in particular -that they neutralize the venom of the phalangium, the bite of which -has an exciting effect upon the generative organs. The blossoms and -young shoots, mixed with oil of roses, allay head-aches arising from -inebriation. A decoction of the seed used as a fomentation cures -head-ache, however intense it may be; and employed as a fumigation or -as a pessary, the seeds acts as a detergent upon the uterus. Taken in -drink with honey and penny-royal, it has a laxative effect; pounded and -used with barley-meal, it quickly brings abscesses and hard tumours to -a head, and has an emollient effect. - -The seed, in combination with saltpetre and vinegar, removes lichens -and freckles; mixed with honey, it heals ulcers and eruptions of the -mouth; applied with butter and vine-leaves, it reduces swellings of the -testes; used with water, as a linment, it cures chaps of the rectum; -and employed with salt, nitre, and wax, it is good for sprains. The -seed and leaves are used as ingredients also in emollient plasters for -diseases of the sinews, and for gout; and a decoction of the seed in -oil is employed as a fomentation for the head in cases of phrenitis and -lethargy. Persons[172] who carry a sprig of this plant in the hand, or -stuck in the girdle, will be proof, it is said, against chafing between -the thighs. - - - - -CHAP. 39.—THE ERICA; ONE REMEDY. - - -The Greeks give the name of “erice,”[173] to a shrub that is but little -different from the myrice.[174] It has the colour, and very nearly the -leaf, of rosemary. It neutralizes[175] the venom of serpents, it is -said. - - - - -CHAP. 40.—THE BROOM; FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The broom is used for making withes;[176] the flowers of it are greatly -sought by bees. I have my doubts whether this is not the same plant -that the Greek writers have called “sparton,” and of which, in those -parts of the world, as I have already[177] stated, they are in the -habit of making fishing-nets. I doubt also whether Homer[178] has -alluded to this plant, when he speaks of the seams of the ships,—“the -sparta” coming asunder; for it is certain that in those times the -spartum[179] of Spain or Africa was not as yet in use, and that vessels -made of materials sown together, were united by the agency, not of -spartum, but of flax. - -The seed of the plant to which the Greeks now give the name of -“sparton,” grows in pods like those of the kidney-bean. It is as -strongly drastic[180] as hellebore, and is usually taken fasting, -in doses of one drachma and a half, in four cyathi of hydromel. The -branches also, with the foliage, are macerated for several days in -vinegar, and are then beaten up, the infusion being recommended for -sciatica, in doses of one cyathus. Some persons think it a better plan, -however, to make an infusion of them in sea-water, and to inject it as -a clyster. The juice of them is used also as a friction for sciatica, -with the addition of oil. Some medical men, too, make use of the seed -for strangury. Broom, bruised with axle-grease, is a cure for diseases -of the knees. - - - - -CHAP. 41.—THE MYRICA, OTHERWISE CALLED TAMARICA, OR TAMARIX: THREE -REMEDIES. - - -Lenæus says, that the myrice,[181] otherwise known as the “erica,” -is a similar plant to that of which brooms are made at Ameria.[182] -He states also that, boiled in wine and then beaten up and applied -with honey, it heals carcinomatous sores. I would here remark, -parenthetically, that some persons identify it with the tamarice. Be -this as it may, it is particularly useful for affections of the spleen, -the juice of it being extracted for the purpose, and taken in wine; -indeed so marvellous, they say, is its antipathy to this part of the -viscera, and this only, that if swine drink from troughs made of this -wood,[183] they will be found to lose the spleen. Hence it is that in -maladies of the spleen victuals and drink are given to the patient in -vessels made of this wood. - -A medical author too, of high repute,[184] has asserted that a sprig -broken from off this tree, without being allowed to touch the earth -or iron, will allay pains in the bowels, if applied to the body, and -kept close to it by the clothes and girdle. The common people, as -already[185] stated, look upon this tree as ill-omened, because it -bears no fruit, and is never propagated from seed. - - - - -CHAP. 42.—THE BRYA: TWENTY-NINE REMEDIES. - - -At Corinth, and in the vicinity of that city, the Greeks give the name -of “brya”[186] to a plant of which there are two varieties; the wild -brya,[187] which is altogether barren, and the cultivated one.[188] -This last, when found in Syria and Egypt, produces a ligneous fruit, -somewhat larger than a gall-nut, in great abundance, and of an acrid -flavour; medical men employ it as a substitute for galls in the -compositions known as “antheræ.”[189] The wood also, with the blossoms, -leaves, and bark of the tree, is used for similar purposes, but their -properties are not so strongly developed. The bark is pounded also, and -given for[190] discharges of blood from the mouth, irregularities of -the catamenia, and cœliac affections: beaten up and applied to the part -affected, it checks the increase of all kinds of abscesses. - -The juice too is extracted from the leaves for similar purposes, -and a decoction is made of them in wine; they are applied also to -gangrenes, in combination with honey. A decoction of them taken in -wine, or the leaves themselves applied with oil of roses and wax, has -a sedative effect: it is in this form that they are used for the cure -of epinyctis. This decoction is useful also for tooth-ache or ear-ache, -and the root is employed for similar purposes. The leaves too have -this additional use—they are applied with polenta to serpiginous -sores. The seed, in doses of one drachma, is administered in drink for -injuries inflicted by spiders or the phalangium; and mixed with the -grease of poultry, it is applied to boils. It is very efficacious also -for stings inflicted by all kinds of serpents, the asp excepted. The -decoction used as a fomentation, is curative of jaundice, phthiriasis, -and lice; it also arrests the catamenia when in excess. The ashes of -the tree are employed for all these purposes; there is a story told, -too, that mixed with the urine of an ox, and taken in the food or drink -they will act most effectually as an antaphrodisiac. The charcoal too -of this wood is quenched in urine of a similar nature, and kept in -a shady spot. When it is the intention of the party to rekindle the -flames[191] of desire, it is set on fire again. The magicians say,[192] -that the urine of an eunuch, will have a similar effect. - - - - -CHAP. 43.—THE BLOOD-RED SHRUB: ONE REMEDY. - - -Nor is the blood-red[193] shrub looked upon as a less ill-omened[194] -plant than the last. The inner bark of it is used to re-open ulcers -which have healed too rapidly. - - - - -CHAP. 44.—THE SILER: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The leaves, of the siler,[195] applied to the forehead, allay -head-ache; and the seed of it, beaten up with oil, is curative of -phthiriasis. Serpents also are greatly in dread of this tree, and it is -for this reason that the country-people are in the habit of carrying a -walking-stick made of it. - - - - -CHAP. 45.—THE PRIVET: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -The ligustrum, or privet, if it is the same tree as the cyprus[196] of -the East, has also its own medicinal uses in Europe. The juice of it is -used for affections of the sinews and joints, and for sudden chills; -and the leaves are universally employed, with a sprinkling of salt, -for the cure of inveterate sores and of ulcerations of the mouth. The -berries are curative of phthiriasis and chafings between the thighs, -for which last purpose the leaves also are employed. The berries are -made use of for the cure of pip in poultry.[197] - - - - -CHAP. 46.—THE ALDER: ONE REMEDY. - - -The leaves of the alder, steeped in boiling water, are an undoubted -remedy for tumours. - - - - -CHAP. 47.—THE SEVERAL VARIETIES OF THE IVY: THIRTY-NINE REMEDIES. - - -We have already[198] enumerated some twenty varieties of the ivy. The -medicinal properties of them all are of a doubtful nature; taken in -considerable quantities they disturb the mental faculties and purge -the brain. Taken internally they are injurious to the sinews,[199] -but applied topically they are beneficial to those parts of the body. -Ivy possesses properties similar[200] to those of vinegar. All the -varieties of the ivy are of a refrigerative nature, and taken in drink -they are diuretic. The softer leaves, applied to the head, allay -head-ache, acting more particularly upon the brain and the membrane -which envelopes that organ. For this purpose the leaves are bruised -with vinegar and oil of roses and then boiled, after which some more -rose-oil is added. The leaves too are applied to the forehead and the -mouth is fomented with a decoction of them, with which the head is -rubbed as well. They are useful also for the spleen, the leaves being -applied topically, or an infusion of them taken in drink. A decoction -of them is used for cold shiverings in fevers, and for pituitous -eruptions; or else they are beaten up in wine for the purpose. -The umbels too taken in drink or applied externally, are good for -affections of the spleen, and an application of them is useful for the -liver; employed as a pessary, they act as an emmenagogue. - -The juice of the ivy, the white cultivated kind more particularly, -cures diseases of the nostrils and removes habitually offensive smells. -Injected into the nostrils it purges the head, and with the addition -of nitre it is still more efficacious for that purpose. In combination -with oil, the juice is injected for suppurations or pains in the ears. -It is a corrective also of the deformities of scars. The juice of -white ivy, heated with the aid of iron, is still more efficacious for -affections of the spleen; it will be found sufficient, however, to -take six of the berries in two cyathi of wine. Three berries of the -white ivy, taken in oxymel, expel tape-worm, and in the treatment of -such cases it is a good plan to apply them to the abdomen as well. -Erasistratus prescribes twenty of the golden-coloured berries of the -ivy which we have mentioned as the “chrysocarpos,”[201] to be beaten -up in one sextarius of wine, and he says that if three cyathi of this -preparation are taken for dropsy, it will carry off by urine the water -that has been secreted beneath the skin. For cases of tooth-ache he -recommends five berries of the chrysocarpos to be beaten up in oil of -roses, and warmed in a pomegranate-rind, and then injected into the -ear opposite the side affected. The berries which yield a juice of a -saffron, colour, taken beforehand in drink, are a preservative against -crapulence; they are curative also of spitting of blood and of griping -pains in the bowels. The whiter umbels of the black ivy, taken in -drink, are productive of sterility, in males even. A decoction in wine -of any kind of ivy is useful as a liniment for all sorts of ulcers, -those even of the malignant kind known as “cacoethes.” The tears[202] -which distil from the ivy are used as a depilatory, and for the cure -of phthiriasis. The blossoms too, of all the varieties, taken twice -a day in astringent wine, a pinch in three fingers at a time, are -curative of dysentery and looseness of the bowels: they are very useful -also, applied to burns with wax. The umbels stain the hair black. The -juice extracted from the root is taken in vinegar for the cure of -wounds inflicted by the phalangium. I find it stated too, that patients -suffering from affections of the spleen are cured by drinking from -vessels made of the wood of the ivy. The berries are bruised also, and -then burnt, and a liniment is prepared from them for burns, the parts -being fomented with warm water first. - -Incisions are sometimes made in the ivy to obtain the juice, which is -used for carious teeth, it having the effect of breaking them, it is -said; the adjoining teeth being fortified with wax against the powerful -action of the juice. A kind of gum even is said to be found in the ivy, -which, it is asserted, is extremely useful, mixed with vinegar, for the -teeth. - - - - -CHAP. 48.—THE CISTHOS: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The Greeks give the name of “cisthos”—a word very similar to “cissos,” -the Greek name of the ivy—to a plant which is somewhat larger than -thyme, and has a leaf like that of ocimum. There are two varieties -of this plant; the male,[203] which has a rose-coloured blossom, and -the female,[204] with a white one. The blossom of either kind, taken -in astringent wine, a pinch in three fingers at a time, is good for -dysentery and looseness of the bowels. Taken in a similar manner twice -a day, it is curative of inveterate ulcers: used with wax, it heals -burns, and employed by itself it cures ulcerations of the mouth. It is -beneath these plants more particularly that the hypocisthis grows, of -which we shall have occasion[205] to speak when treating of the herbs. - - - - -CHAP. 49.—THE CISSOS ERYTHRANOS: TWO REMEDIES. THE CHAMÆCISSOS: TWO -REMEDIES. THE SMILAX: THREE REMEDIES. THE CLEMATIS: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The plant called “cissos erythranos”[206] by the Greeks, is similar -to the ivy: taken in wine, it is good for sciatica and lumbago. The -berries, it is said, are of so powerful a nature as to produce bloody -urine. “Chamæcissos”[207] also is a name given by them to a creeping -ivy which never rises from the surface of the ground: bruised in wine, -in doses of one acetabulum, it is curative of affections of the spleen, -the leaves of it being applied topically with axle-grease to burns. - -The smilax[208] also, otherwise known as the “anthophoros,”[209] -has a strong resemblance to ivy, but the leaves of it are smaller. -A chaplet, they say, made of an uneven number of the leaves, is an -effectual cure for head-ache. Some writers mention two kinds of smilax, -one of which is all but perennial, and is found climbing the trees in -umbrageous valleys, the berries hanging in clusters. These berries, -they say, are remarkably efficacious for all kinds of poisons; so much -so indeed, that infants to whom the juice of them has been habitually -administered, are rendered proof against all poisons for the rest of -their life. The other kind, it is said, manifests a predilection for -cultivated localities, and is often found growing there; but as for -medicinal properties, it has none. The former kind, they say, is the -smilax, the wood of which we have mentioned[210] as emitting a sound, -if held close to the ear. - -Another plant, similar to this, they call by the name of -“clematis:”[211] it is found adhering to trees, and has a jointed stem. -The leaves of it cleanse leprous[212] sores, and the seed acts as an -aperient, taken in doses of one acetabulum, in one hemina of water, or -in hydromel. A decoction of it is prescribed also for a similar purpose. - - - - -CHAP. 50. (11.)—THE REED: NINETEEN REMEDIES. - - -We have already[213] treated of twenty-nine varieties of the reed, -and there is none of her productions in which that mighty power of -Nature,[214] which in our successive Books we have described, is -more fully displayed than in this. The root of the reed, pounded and -applied to the part affected, extracts the prickles of fern from the -body, the root of the fern having a similar effect upon splinters of -the reed. Among the numerous varieties which we have described, the -scented reed[215] which is grown in Judæa and Syria as an ingredient -in our unguents, boiled with hay-grass or parsley-seed, has a diuretic -effect: employed as a pessary, it acts as an emmenagogue. Taken in -drink, in doses of two oboli, it is curative of convulsions, diseases -of the liver and kidneys, and dropsy. Used as a fumigation, and with -resin, more particularly, it is good for coughs, and a decoction of it -with myrrh is useful for scaly eruptions and running ulcers. A juice, -too, is collected from it which has similar properties to those of -elaterium.[216] - -In every kind of reed the part that is the most efficacious is that -which lies nearest the root; the joints also are efficacious in a high -degree. The ashes of the Cyprian reed known as the “donax,”[217] are -curative of alopecy and putrid ulcers. The leaves of it are also used -for the extraction[218] of pointed bodies from the flesh, and for -erysipelas and all kinds of gatherings. The common reed, beaten up -quite fresh, has also considerable extractive powers, and not in the -root only, for the stem, it is said, has a similar property. The root -is used also in vinegar as a topical application for sprains and for -pains in the spine; and beaten up fresh and taken in wine it acts as an -aphrodisiac. The down that grows on reeds, put into the ears, deadens -the hearing.[219] - - - - -CHAP. 51.—THE PAPYRUS, AND THE PAPER MADE FROM IT: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Of a kindred nature with the reed is the papyrus[220] of Egypt; a plant -that is remarkably useful, in a dried state, for dilating and drying -up fistulas, and, by its expansive powers, opening an entrance for -the necessary medicaments. The ashes[221] of paper prepared from the -papyrus are reckoned among the caustics: those of the plant, taken in -wine, have a narcotic effect. The plant, applied topically in water, -removes callosities of the skin. - - - - -CHAP. 52.—THE EBONY: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The ebony-tree[222] does not grow in Egypt even, as we have already -stated, and it is not our intention to speak here of the medicinal -properties of the vegetable productions of foreign climates. Still, -however, the ebony must not be omitted, on account of the marvels -related of it. The saw-dust of this wood, it is said, is a sovereign -remedy for diseases of the eyes, and the pulp of the wood, rubbed -upon a whetstone moistened with raisin wine, dispels all films which -impede the sight. The root too, they say, applied with water, is -curative of white specks in the eyes, and, with the addition of root of -dracunculus,[223] in equal proportions, and of honey, of cough. Medical -men reckon ebony also in the number of the caustics.[224] - - - - -CHAP. 53.—THE RHODODENDRON: ONE REMEDY. - - -The rhododendron[225] has not so much as found a Latin name among -us, its other names being “rhododaphne”[226] and “nerium.” It is a -marvellous fact, but the leaves[227] of this plant are poisonous to -quadrupeds; while for man, if taken in wine with rue, they are an -effectual preservative against the venom of serpents. Sheep too, and -goats, it is said, if they drink water in which the leaves have been -steeped, will die immediately. - - - - -CHAP. 54.—THE RHUS OR SUMACH-TREE; TWO VARIETIES OF IT: EIGHT REMEDIES. -STOMATICE. - - -Nor yet has the tree called “rhus”[228] any Latin name, although it -is employed in numerous ways. Under this name are comprehended a wild -plant,[229] with leaves like those of myrtle, and a short stem, which -is good as an expellent of tapeworm; and the shrub[230] which is known -as the “currier’s plant,” of a reddish colour, a cubit in height, and -about the thickness of one’s finger, the leaves of which are dried and -used, like pomegranate rind, for curing leather. - -Medical men also employ the leaves of these plants for the treatment -of contusions, and for the cure of cœliac affections, and of ulcers -of the rectum and phagedænic sores; for all which, purposes they are -pounded with honey and applied with vinegar. A decoction of them is -injected for suppurations of the ears. With the branches, boiled, a -stomatice[231] is also made, which is used for the same purposes as -that prepared from mulberries;[232] it is more efficacious, however, -mixed with alum. This preparation is applied also to reduce the -swelling in dropsy. - - - - -CHAP. 55.—RHUS ERYTHROS: NINE REMEDIES. - - -Rhus[233] erythros is the name given to the seed of this shrub. It -possesses properties of an astringent and cooling nature, and is -used as a seasoning[234] for provisions, in place of salt. It has a -laxative effect, and, used in conjunction with silphium, it gives a -finer flavour to meat of all kinds. Mixed with honey, it is curative -of running ulcers, pimples on the tongue,[235] contusions, bruises, -and excoriations. It causes ulcers of the head to cicatrize with the -greatest rapidity; and taken with the food, it arrests excessive -menstruation. - - - - -CHAP. 56.—THE ERYTHRODANUS: ELEVEN REMEDIES. - - -The erythrodanus,[236] by some called “ereuthodanus,” and in Latin -“rubia,” is quite a different plant. It is used for dyeing wool, and -skins for leather are prepared with it. Used medicinally, it is a -diuretic, and, employed with hydromel, it is curative of jaundice.[237] -Employed topically with vinegar, it heals lichens; and a potion is -prepared from it for sciatica and paralysis, the patient while using -it taking a bath daily. The root of it and the seed are effectual as -an emmenagogue; they act astringently upon the bowels, and disperse -gatherings. The branches, together with the leaves, are applied to -wounds inflicted by serpents; the leaves too have the property of -staining the hair.[238] I find it stated by some writers that this -shrub is curative of jaundice, even if worn as an amulet only, and -looked at every now and then. - - - - -CHAP. 57.—THE ALYSSON: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The plant known as the “alysson”[239] differs only from the preceding -one in the leaves and branches, which are more diminutive. It receives -its name from the fact, that, taken in vinegar and worn as an amulet, -it prevents persons bitten by dogs from becoming rabid. It is a -marvellous fact too, that is added, to the effect that the person -bitten has only to look at this shrub, and the flow of corrupt matter -from the wound will be staunched immediately. - - - - -CHAP. 58.—THE RADICULA OR STRUTHION: THIRTEEN REMEDIES. THE APOCYNUM: -TWO OBSERVATIONS UPON IT. - - -The radicula, which we have already[240] mentioned as being called -“struthion” by the Greeks, is used by dyers for preparing wool. -A decoction of it, taken internally, is curative of jaundice and -diseases of the chest. It is diuretic also, and laxative, and acts as -a detergent upon the uterus, for which reasons medical men have given -it the name of the “golden beverage.”[241] Taken with honey, it is a -sovereign remedy for cough; and it is used for hardness of breathing, -in doses of a spoonful. Applied with polenta and vinegar to the parts -affected, it removes leprous sores. Used with panax and root of the -caper-plant, it breaks and expels calculi, and a decoction of it in -wine with barley-meal disperses inflamed tumours. It is used as an -ingredient in emollient plasters and eye-salves for the sight, and -is found to be one of the most useful sternutories known; it is good -too for the liver and the spleen. Taken in hydromel, in doses of one -denarius, it effects the cure of asthma, as also of pleurisy and all -pains in the sides. - -The apocynum[242] is a shrub with leaves like those of ivy, but softer, -and not so long in the stalk, and the seed of it is pointed and downy, -with a division running down it, and a very powerful smell. Given in -their food with water, the seed is poisonous[243] to dogs and all other -quadrupeds. - - - - -CHAP. 59.—ROSEMARY: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES. - - -There are two kinds of rosemary; one of which is barren, and the other -has a stem with a resinous seed, known as “cachrys.” The leaves have -the odour of frankincense.[244] The root, applied fresh, effects the -cure of wounds, prolapsus of the rectum, condylomata, and piles. The -juice of the plant, as well as of the root, is curative of jaundice, -and such diseases as require detergents; it is useful also for the -sight. The seed is given in drink for inveterate diseases of the chest, -and, with wine and pepper, for affections of the uterus; it acts also -as an emmenagogue, and is used with meal of darnel as a liniment for -gout. It acts also as a detergent upon freckles, and is used as an -application in diseases which require calorifics or sudorifics, and -for convulsions. The plant itself, or else the root, taken in wine, -increases the milk, and the leaves and stem of the plant are applied -with vinegar to scrofulous sores; used with honey, they are very useful -for cough. - - - - -CHAP. 60.—THE SEED CALLED CACHRYS. - - -As already[245] stated, there are several kinds of cachrys;[246] but -that which is produced by rosemary above-mentioned, when rubbed, is -found to be of a resinous nature. It neutralizes poisons and the venom -of animals, that of serpents excepted. It acts also as a sudorific, -dispels griping pains in the bowels, and increases the milk in nursing -women. - - - - -CHAP. 61.—THE HERB SAVIN: SEVEN REMEDIES. - - -Of the herb savin, known as “brathy” by the Greeks,[247] there are -two varieties, one of them[248] with a leaf like that of the tamarix, -the other[249] with that of the cypress; for which reason some -persons have called this last the Cretan cypress. It is used by many -for fumigations, as a substitute for frankincense;[250] employed in -medicine, it is said to have the same effect as cinnamon, if taken -in doses twice as large. It reduces gatherings, disperses corrosive -sores, acts as a detergent upon ulcers, and, used as a pessary and -as a fumigation, brings away the dead fœtus.[251] It is employed as -a topical application for erysipelas and carbuncles, and, taken with -honey in wine, is curative of jaundice. - -The smoke of this plant, they say, cures the pip in all kinds of -poultry.[252] - - - - -CHAP. 62.—SELAGO: TWO REMEDIES. - - -Similar to savin is the herb known as “selago.”[253] Care is taken to -gather it without the use of iron, the right hand being passed for the -purpose through the left sleeve of the tunic, as though the gatherer -were in the act of committing a theft.[254] The clothing too must be -white, the feet bare and washed clean, and a sacrifice of bread and -wine must be made before gathering it: it is carried also in a new -napkin. The Druids of Gaul have pretended that this plant should be -carried about the person as a preservative against accidents of all -kinds, and that the smoke of it is extremely good for all maladies of -the eyes. - - - - -CHAP. 63.—SAMOLUS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The Druids, also, have given the name of “samolus”[255] to a certain -plant which grows in humid localities. This too, they say, must be -gathered fasting with the left hand, as a preservative against the -maladies to which swine and cattle are subject. The person, too, who -gathers it must be careful not to look behind him, nor must it be laid -anywhere but in the troughs from which the cattle drink. - - - - -CHAP. 64.—GUM: ELEVEN REMEDIES. - - -We have already[256] spoken of the different kinds of gum; the better -sort of each kind will be found the most effective. Gum is bad for -the teeth; it tends to make the blood coagulate, and is consequently -good for discharges[257] of blood from the mouth. It is useful for -burns,[258] but is bad for diseases of the trachea. It exercises -a diuretic effect, and tends to neutralize all acridities, being -astringent in other respects. The gum of the bitter-almond tree, which -has the most[259] astringent properties of them all, is calorific -also in its effects. Still, however, the gum of the plum, cherry, -and vine is greatly preferred: all which kinds, applied topically, -are productive of astringent and desiccative effects, and, used with -vinegar, heal lichens upon infants. Taken in must, in doses of four -oboli, they are good for inveterate coughs. - -It is generally thought that gum, taken in raisin wine, improves the -complexion,[260] sharpens the appetite, and is good for calculi[261] in -the bladder. It is particularly useful too for wounds and affections of -the eyes. - - - - -CHAP. 65. (12.)—THE EGYPTIAN OR ARABIAN THORN: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -When speaking[262] of the perfumes, we have descanted upon the merits -of the Egyptian or Arabian thorn. This, too, is of an astringent -nature, and acts as a desiccative upon fluxes of all kinds, discharges -of blood from the mouth, and excessive menstruation; for all which -purposes the root is still more efficacious. - - - - -CHAP. 66.—THE WHITE THORN: TWO REMEDIES. THE ACANTHION; ONE REMEDY. - - -The seed of the white thorn is useful as a remedy for the stings of -scorpions, and a chaplet made of it, is good for headache. Similar to -this plant is that known to the Greeks as the “acanthion;”[263] though -it is much smaller in the leaf, which is pointed at the extremity, and -covered with a down like a cobweb in appearance. This downy substance -is gathered in the East, and certain textures are made of it similar to -those of silk. An infusion of the leaves or root of this plant is taken -for the cure of opisthotony. - - - - -CHAP. 67.—GUM ACACIA: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Gum acacia is produced also from the white and black[264] thorns of -Egypt, and from a green thorn as well; the produce, however, of the -former trees is by far the best. There is also a similar gum found in -Galatia, but of very inferior quality, the produce of a more thorny -tree[265] than those last mentioned. The seed of all these trees -resembles[266] the lentil in appearance, only that it is smaller, as -well as the pod which contains it: it is gathered in autumn, before -which period it would be too powerful in its effects. The juice is -left to thicken in the pods, which are steeped in rain-water for the -purpose, and then pounded in a mortar; after which, the juice is -extracted by means of presses. It is then dried in the mortars in the -sun, and when dry is divided into tablets. A similar juice is extracted -from the leaves, but it is by no means[267] so useful as the other. The -seed is used also, as a substitute for nut-galls in curing leather.[268] - -The juice extracted from the leaves, as also the extremely black juice -of the Galatian[269] acacia, is held in no esteem. The same too with -that of a deep red colour. The gum which is of a purple, or of an ashy, -grey colour, and which dissolves with the greatest rapidity, possesses -the most astringent and cooling qualities of them all, and is more -particularly useful as an ingredient in compositions for the eyes. When -required for these purposes, the tablets are steeped in water by some, -while some again scorch them, and others reduce them to ashes. They are -useful for dyeing the hair, and for the cure of erysipelas, serpiginous -sores, ulcerations of the humid parts of the body, gatherings, -contusions of the joints, chilblains, and hangnails. They are good -also for cases of excessive menstruation, procidence of the uterus -and rectum, affections of the eyes, and ulcerations of the generative -organs[270] and mouth. - - - - -CHAP. 68. (13.)—ASPALATHOS: ONE REMEDY. - - -The common[271] thorn too, with which the fulling coppers are filled is -employed for the same purposes as the radicula.[272] In the provinces -of Spain it is commonly employed as an ingredient in perfumes and -unguents, under the name of “aspalathos.” There is no doubt, however, -that there is also a wild thorn of the same name in the East, as -already mentioned,[273] of a white colour, and the size of an ordinary -tree. - - - - -CHAP. 69.—THE ERYSISCEPTRUM, ADIPSATHEON, OR DIAXYLON: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -There is also found in the islands of Nisyros and of Rhodes, a -shrub of smaller size, but full as thorny, known by some as the -erysisceptrum,[274] by others as the adipsatheon, and by the Syrians as -the diaxylon. The best kind is that which is the least[275] ferulaceous -in the stem, and which is of a red colour, or inclining to purple, when -the bark is removed. It is found growing in many places, but is not -everywhere odoriferous. We have already[276] stated, how remarkably -sweet the odour of it is, when the rainbow has been extended over it. - -This plant cures fetid ulcers of the mouth, polypus[277] of the nose, -ulcerations or carbuncles of the generative organs, and chaps; taken in -drink it acts as a carminative, and is curative of strangury. The bark -is good for patients troubled with discharges of blood, and a decoction -of it acts astringently on the bowels. It is generally thought that the -wild plant is productive of the same effects. - - - - -CHAP. 70.—THE THORN CALLED APPENDIX: TWO REMEDIES. THE PYRACANTHA: ONE -REMEDY. - - -There is a thorn also known as the appendix;[278] that name being given -to the red berries which hang from its branches. These berries eaten by -themselves, raw, or else dried and boiled in wine, arrest looseness of -the bowels and dispel griping pains in the stomach. The berries of the -pyracantha[279] are taken in drink for wounds inflicted by serpents. - - - - -CHAP. 71.—THE PALIURUS: TEN REMEDIES. - - -The paliurus,[280] too, is a kind of thorn. The seed of it, known by -the people of Africa as “zura,” is extremely efficacious for the sting -of the scorpion, as also for urinary calculi and cough. The leaves -are of an astringent nature, and the root disperses inflamed tumours, -gatherings, and abscesses; taken in drink it is diuretic in its -effects. A decoction of it in wine arrests diarrhœa, and neutralizes -the venom of serpents: the root more particularly is administered in -wine. - - - - -CHAP. 72.—THE AGRIFOLIA. THE AQUIFOLIA: ONE REMEDY. THE YEW: ONE -PROPERTY BELONGING TO IT. - - -The agrifolia,[281] pounded, with the addition of salt, is good for -diseases of the joints, and the berries are used in cases of excessive -menstruation, cœliac affections, dysentery, and cholera; taken in wine, -they act astringently upon the bowels. A decoction of the root, applied -externally, extracts foreign bodies from the flesh, and is remarkably -useful for sprains and tumours. - -The tree called “aquifolia,” planted[282] in a town or country-house -is a preservative against sorceries and spells. The blossom of it, -according to Pythagoras, congeals[283] water, and a staff[284] made of -the wood, if, when thrown at any animal, from want of strength in the -party throwing it, it falls short of the mark will roll back again[285] -towards the thrower, of its own accord—so remarkable are the properties -of this tree. The smoke of the yew kills[286] rats and mice. - - - - -CHAP. 73. THE BRAMBLE: FIFTY-ONE REMEDIES. - - -Nor yet has Nature destined the bramble[287] to be only an annoyance -to mankind, for she has bestowed upon it mulberries of its own,[288] -or, in other words, a nutritive aliment even for mankind. These berries -are of a desiccative, astringent, nature,[289] and are extremely useful -for maladies of the gums, tonsillary glands, and generative organs. -They neutralize also the venom of those most deadly of serpents, the -hæmorrhoïs[290] and the prester;[291] and the flowers or fruit will -heal wounds inflicted by scorpions, without any danger of abscesses -forming. The shoots of the bramble have a diuretic effect: and the more -tender ones are pounded; and the juice extracted and then dried in the -sun till it has attained the consistency of honey, being considered -a most excellent remedy, taken in drink or applied externally, for -maladies of the mouth and eyes, discharges of blood from the mouth, -quinzy, affections of the uterus, diseases of the rectum, and cœliac -affections. The leaves, chewed, are good for diseases of the mouth, -and a topical application is made of them for running ulcers and other -maladies of the head. In the cardiac disease they are similarly applied -to the left breast by themselves. They are applied topically also for -pains in the stomach and for procidence of the eyes. The juice of them -is used as an injection for the ears, and, in combination with cerate -of roses, it heals condylomata. - -A decoction of the young shoots in wine is an instantaneous remedy -for diseases of the uvula; and eaten by themselves like cymæ,[292] or -boiled in astringent wine, they strengthen loose teeth. They arrest -fluxes of the bowels also, and discharges of blood, and are very useful -for dysentery. Dried in the shade and then burnt, the ashes of them are -curative of procidence of the uvula. The leaves too, dried and pounded, -are very useful, it is said, for ulcers upon beasts of burden. The -berries produced by this plant would seem to furnish a stomatice[293] -superior even to that prepared from the cultivated mulberry. Under this -form, or else only with hypocisthis[294] and honey, the berries are -administered for cholera, the cardiac disease, and wounds inflicted by -spiders.[295] - -Among the medicaments known as “styptics,”[296] there is none that is -more efficacious than a decoction of the root of the bramble in wine, -boiled down to one third. Ulcerations of the mouth and rectum are -bathed with it, and fomentations of it are used for a similar purpose; -indeed, it is so remarkably powerful in its effects, that the very -sponges which are used become as hard as a stone.[297] - - - - -CHAP. 74. THE CYNOSBATOS: THREE REMEDIES. - - -There is another kind of bramble also,[298] which bears a rose. It -produces a round excrescence,[299] similar to a chesnut in appearance, -which is remarkably valuable as a remedy for calculus. This is quite -a different production from the “cynorrhoda,” which we shall have -occasion to speak of in the succeeding Book.[300] - -(14.) The cynosbatos[301] is by some called “cynapanxis,”[302] and by -others “neurospastos;”[303] the leaf resembles the human footstep in -shape. It bears also a black grape, in the berries of which there is -a nerve, to which it is indebted for its name of “neurospastos.” It -is quite a different plant from the capparis[304] or caper, to which -medical men have also given the name of “cynosbatos.” The clusters[305] -of it, pickled in vinegar, are eaten as a remedy for diseases of the -spleen, and flatulency: and the string found in the berries, chewed -with Chian mastich, cleanses the mouth. - -The rose[306] of the bramble, mixed with axle-grease, is curative -of alopecy: and the bramble-berries themselves, combined with oil -of omphacium,[307] stain[308] the hair. The blossom of the bramble -is gathered at harvest, and the white blossom, taken in wine, is an -excellent remedy for pleurisy and cœliac affections. The root, boiled -down to one third, arrests looseness of the bowels and hæmorrhage, -and a decoction of it, used as a gargle, is good for the teeth: the -juice too is employed as a fomentation for ulcers of the rectum and -generative organs. The ashes of the root are curative of relaxations of -the uvula. - - - - -CHAP. 75.—THE IDÆAN BRAMBLE. - - -The Idæan bramble[309] is so called from the fact that it is the -only plant of the kind found growing upon Mount Ida. It is of a more -delicate nature than the others, and smaller; the canes too are -thinner, and not[310] so prickly: it mostly grows beneath the shade of -trees. The blossom of it, mixed with honey, is applied topically for -defluxions of the eyes, and is administered in water for erysipelas and -affections of the stomach.[311] In other respects, it has properties -similar to those of the plants[312] already mentioned. - - - - -CHAP. 76.—THE RHAMNOS; TWO VARIETIES OF IT: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -Among the several kinds[313] of bramble is reckoned the plant called -“rhamnos” by the Greeks. One variety of it is whiter[314] than the -other, and has a more shrublike appearance, throwing out branches -armed with straight thorns, and not hooked, like those of the other -kinds; the leaves too are larger. The other kind,[315] which is found -growing wild, is of a more swarthy hue, in some measure inclining to -red; it bears too a sort[316] of pod. With the root of it boiled in -water a medicament is made, known as “lycium:”[317] the seed of it is -useful for bringing away the after-birth. The white kind, however, is -of a more astringent and cooling nature, and better adapted for the -treatment of gatherings and wounds. The leaves of both kinds, either -raw or boiled, are employed topically with oil. - - - - -CHAP. 77.—LYCIUM: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The best lycium,[318] they say, is that prepared from the thorn of that -name, known also as the “Chironian pyxacanthus,”[319] and mentioned by -us when speaking of the trees of India, the lycium of those regions -being generally looked upon as by far the best. The branches and roots, -which are intensely bitter,[320] are first pounded and then boiled for -three days in a copper vessel, after which the woody parts are removed, -and the decoction is boiled again, till it has attained the consistency -of honey. It is adulterated with various bitter extracts,[321] as also -with amurca of olive oil and ox-gall. The froth or flower[322] of this -decoction is used as an ingredient in compositions for the eyes: and -the other part of it is employed as a cosmetic for the face, and for -the cure of itch-scabs, corroding sores in the corners of the eyes, -inveterate fluxes, and suppurations of the ears. It is useful too -for diseases of the tonsillary glands and gums, for coughs, and for -discharges of blood from the mouth, being generally taken in pieces the -size of a bean. For the cure of discharges from wounds, it is applied -to the part affected; and it is similarly used for chaps, ulcerations -of the genitals, excoriations, ulcers, whether putrid, serpiginous, -or of recent date, hard excrescences[323] of the nostrils, and -suppurations. It is taken also by females, in milk, for the purpose of -arresting the catamenia when in excess. - -The Indian lycium is distinguished from the other kinds by its -colour, the lumps being black outside, and, when broken, red within, -though they turn black very quickly.[324] It is bitter and remarkably -astringent, and is employed for all the purposes above mentioned, -diseases of the generative organs in particular. - - - - -CHAP. 78.—SARCOCOLLA: TWO REMEDIES. - - -Some authors are of opinion that sarcocolla[325] is a tearlike gum -which exudes from a kind of thorn;[326] it is similar to powdered -incense in appearance, has a sweet flavour with a slight degree of -bitter, and is of the consistency of gum. Pounded in wine, it arrests -defluxions, and is used as a topical application for infants more -particularly. This substance too becomes black[327] when old; the -whiter it is, the more highly it is esteemed. - - - - -CHAP. 79.—OPORICE: TWO REMEDIES. - - -We are indebted too to the medicinal properties of trees for one very -celebrated medicament, known as “oporice.”[328] This preparation is -used for dysentery and various affections of the stomach; the following -being the method of preparing it. Five quinces, seeds and all, with the -same number of pomegranates, one sextarius of sorbs, a similar quantity -of Syrian rhus,[329] and half an ounce of saffron, are boiled in one -congius of white grape-juice at a slow heat, till the whole mixture is -reduced to the consistency of honey. - - - - -CHAP. 80.—THE TRIXAGO, CHAMÆDRYS, CHAMÆDROPS, OR TEUCRIA: SIXTEEN -REMEDIES. - - -We shall now add to these plants, certain vegetable productions to -which the Greeks have given names belonging to trees, so that it would -be doubtful whether they themselves are not trees as well. - -(15.) The chamædrys[330] is the same plant that in Latin is called -“trixago;” some persons, however, call it “chamædrops,” and others -“teucria.” The leaves of it are the size of those of mint, but -in their colour and indentations they resemble those of the oak. -According to some, the leaves are serrated, and it was these, they -say, that first suggested the idea of the saw:[331] the flower of it -borders closely upon purple. This plant is gathered in rough craggy -localities, when it is replete with juice; and, whether taken[332] -internally or applied topically, it is extremely efficacious for the -stings of venomous serpents, diseases of the stomach, inveterate -coughs, collections of phlegm in the throat, ruptures, convulsions, and -pains in the sides. It diminishes the volume of the spleen, and acts -as a diuretic and emmenagogue; for which reasons it is very useful in -incipient dropsy, the usual dose being a handful of the sprigs boiled -down to one third in three heminæ of water. Lozenges too are made of it -for the above-named purposes, by bruising it in water. In combination -with honey, it heals abscesses and inveterate or sordid ulcers: a -wine[333] too is prepared from it for diseases of the chest. The juice -of the leaves, mixed with oil, disperses films on the eyes; it is taken -also, in vinegar, for diseases of the spleen; employed as a friction, -it is of a warming nature. - - - - -CHAP. 81.—THE CHAMÆDAPHNE: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The chamædaphne[334] consists of a single diminutive stem, about a -cubit in height, the limbs of it being smaller than those of the -laurel. These leaves * * * The seed, which is of a red colour, and -attached to the leaves, is applied fresh for head-ache, is of a -cooling nature for burning heats, and is taken for griping pains in -the bowels, with wine. The juice of this plant, taken in wine, acts -as an emmenagogue and diuretic; and applied as a pessary in wool, it -facilitates laborious deliveries. - - - - -CHAP. 82.—THE CHAMELÆA: SIX REMEDIES. - - -The leaves of the chamelæa[335] resemble those of the olive; they -are bitter, however, and odoriferous. This plant is found growing -in craggy localities, and never exceeds a palm in height. It is of -a purgative[336] nature, and carries off phlegm and bile; for which -purposes, the leaves are boiled with twice the quantity of wormwood, -and the decoction taken with honey. The leaves, applied to ulcers, have -a detergent effect. It is said, that if a person gathers it before -sunrise, taking care to mention that he is gathering it for the cure of -white specks[337] in the eyes, and then wears it as an amulet, it will -effect a cure: as also that, gathered in any way, it is beneficial for -the eyes of beasts of burden and cattle. - - - - -CHAP. 83.—THE CHAMÆSYCE: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -The chamæsyce[338] has leaves similar to those of the lentil, and lying -close to the ground; it is found growing in dry, rocky, localities. -A decoction of it in wine is remarkably useful as a liniment for -improving[339] the sight, and for dispersing cataract, cicatrizations, -films, and cloudiness of the eyes. Applied in a pledget of linen, as -a pessary, it allays pains in the uterus; and used topically[340] it -removes warts and excrescences of all kinds. It is very useful also for -hardness of breathing. - - - - -CHAP. 84.—THE CHAMÆCISSOS: ONE REMEDY. - - -The chamæcissos[341] has ears like[342] those of wheat, with numerous -leaves, and small branches, about five in number. When in blossom -it might almost be taken for the white violet: the root of it is -diminutive. For sciatica, the leaves of it are taken, seven days -consecutively, in doses of three oboli, in two cyathi of wine: this is -a very bitter potion, however. - - - - -CHAP. 85.—THE CHAMÆLEUCE, FARFARUM, OR FARFUGIUM: ONE REMEDY. - - -The chamæleuce[343] is known among us as the “farfarum” or “farfugium:” -it grows on the banks of rivers, and has a leaf like that of the -poplar, only larger. The root of it is burnt upon cypress charcoal, -and, by the aid of a funnel,[344] the smoke inhaled, in cases of -inveterate cough. - - - - -CHAP. 86.—THE CHAMÆPEUCE: FIVE REMEDIES. THE CHAMÆCYPARISSOS: TWO -REMEDIES. THE AMPELOPRASON; SIX REMEDIES. THE STACHYS: ONE REMEDY. - - -The chamæpeuce[345] has a leaf which resembles that of the larch, and -is useful more particularly for lumbago and pains in the back. The -chamæcyparissos[346] is a herb which, taken in wine, counteracts the -venom of serpents of all kinds, and of scorpions. - -The ampeloprason[347] is found growing in vineyards; it has leaves like -those of the leek, and produces offensive eructations. It is highly -efficacious for the stings of serpents, and acts as an emmenagogue and -diuretic. Taken in drink or applied externally, it arrests discharges -of blood from the generative organs. It is prescribed also for females -after delivery, and is used for bites inflicted by dogs. - -The plant known as “stachys” bears a strong resemblance also to a -leek,[348] but the leaves of it are longer and more numerous. It has -an agreeable smell, and in colour inclines to yellow. It promotes -menstruation. - - - - -CHAP. 87.—THE CLINOPODION, CLEONICION, ZOPYRON, OR OCIMOÏDES: THREE -REMEDIES. - - -The clinopodion,[349] cleonicion, zopyron, or ocimoïdes, resembles -wild thyme in appearance. The stem of it is tough and ligneous, and -it is a palm in height. It grows in stony soils, and the leaves are -trained regularly around the stem,[350] which resembles a bed-post in -appearance. This plant is taken in drink, for convulsions, ruptures, -strangury, and wounds inflicted by serpents: a decoction is also made -of it, and the juice is similarly employed. - - - - -CHAP. 88.—THE CLEMATIS CENTUNCULUS; THREE REMEDIES. - - -We shall now have to annex some plants, of a marvellous nature no -doubt, but not so well known, reserving those of a higher reputation -for the succeeding Books. - -Our people give the name of “centunculus,”[351] to a creeping plant -that grows in the fields, the leaves of which bear a strong resemblance -to the hoods attached to our cloaks. By the Greeks it is known as -the “clematis.” Taken in astringent wine it is wonderfully effectual -for arresting[352] diarrhœa: beaten up, in doses of one denarius, in -five cyathi of oxymel or of warm water, it arrests hæmorrhage, and -facilitates the after-birth. - - - - -CHAP. 89.—THE CLEMATIS ECHITES, OR LAGINE. - - -The Greeks have other varieties also of the clematis, one of which -is known as “echites”[353] or “lagine,” and by some as the “little -scammony.” Its stems are about two feet in height, and covered with -leaves: in general appearance it is not unlike scammony, were it not -that the leaves are darker and more diminutive; it is found growing in -vineyards and cultivated soils. It is eaten as a vegetable, with oil -and salt, and acts as a laxative upon the bowels. It is taken[354] also -for dysentery, with linseed, in astringent wine. The leaves of this -plant are applied with polenta for defluxions of the eyes, the part -affected being first covered with a pledget of wet linen. Applied to -scrofulous sores, they cause them to suppurate, and if some axle-grease -is then applied, a perfect cure will be effected. They are applied also -to piles, with green oil, and are good for phthisis, in combination -with honey. Taken with the food, they increase the milk in nursing -women, and, rubbed upon the heads of infants, they promote the rapid -growth of the hair. Eaten with vinegar, they act as an aphrodisiac. - - - - -CHAP. 90.—THE EGYPTIAN CLEMATIS, DAPHNOÏDES, OR POLYGONOÏDES: TWO -REMEDIES. - - -There is another kind also, known as the “Egyptian”[355] clematis, -otherwise as “daphnoïdes”[356] or “polygonoïdes:” it has a leaf like -that of the laurel, and is long and slender. Taken in vinegar, it is -very useful for the stings of serpents, that of the asp in particular. - - - - -CHAP. 91. (16.)—DIFFERENT OPINIONS ON THE DRACONTIUM. - - -It is Egypt more particularly that produces the clematis known as the -“aron,” of which we have already[357] made some mention when speaking -of the bulbs. Respecting this plant and the dracontium, there have -been considerable differences of opinion. Some writers, indeed, have -maintained that they are identical, and Glaucias has made the only -distinction between them in reference to the place of their growth, -assuming that the dracontium is nothing else than the aron in a wild -state. Some persons, again, have called the root “aron,” and the stem -of the plant “dracontium:” but if the dracontium is the same as the -one known to us as the “dracunculus,”[358] it is a different plant -altogether; for while the aron has a broad, black, rounded root, and -considerably larger,—large enough, indeed, to fill the hand,—the -dracunculus has a reddish root of a serpentine form, to which, in -fact, it owes its name.[359] - - - - -CHAP. 92.—THE ARON: THIRTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The Greeks themselves, in fact, have established an immense difference -between these two plants, in attributing to the seed of the dracunculus -certain hot, pungent properties, and a fetid odour[360] so remarkably -powerful as to be productive of abortion,[361] while upon the aron, on -the other hand, they have bestowed marvellous encomiums. As an article -of food, however, they give the preference to the female plant, the -male plant being of a harder nature, and more difficult to cook. It -carries off,[362] they say, all vicious humours from the chest, and -powdered and taken in the form either of a potion or of an electuary, -it acts as a diuretic and emmenagogue. Powdered and taken in oxymel, it -is good for the stomach; and we find it stated that it is administered -in ewe’s milk for ulcerations of the intestines, and is sometimes -cooked on hot ashes and given in oil for a cough. Some persons, again, -are in the habit of boiling it in milk and administering the decoction; -and it has been used also in a boiled state as a topical application -for defluxions of the eyes, contusions, and affections of the -tonsillary glands. * * * *[363] prescribes it with oil, as an injection -for piles, and recommends it as a liniment, with honey, for freckles. - -Cleophantus has greatly extolled this plant as an antidote for poisons, -and for the treatment of pleurisy and peripneumony, prepared the -same way as for coughs. The seed too, pounded with olive oil or oil -of roses, is used as an injection for pains in the ears. Dieuches -prescribes it, mixed in bread[364] with meal, for the cure of coughs, -asthma, hardness of breathing, and purulent expectorations. Diodotus -recommends it, in combination with honey, as an electuary for phthisis -and diseases of the lungs, and as a topical application even for -fractured bones. Applied to the sexual parts, it facilitates delivery -in all kinds of animals; and the juice extracted from the root, in -combination with Attic honey, disperses films upon the eyes, and -diseases of the stomach. A decoction of it with honey is curative -of cough; and the juice is a marvellous remedy for ulcers of every -description, whether phagedænic, carcinomatous, or serpiginous, and for -polypus of the nostrils. The leaves, boiled in wine and oil, are good -for burns, and, taken with salt and vinegar, are strongly purgative; -boiled with honey, they are useful also for sprains, and used either -fresh or dried, with salt, for gout in the joints. - -Hippocrates has prescribed the leaves, either fresh or dried, with -honey, as a topical application for abscesses. Two drachmæ of the seed -or root, in two cyathi of wine, are a sufficient dose to act as an -emmenagogue, and a similar quantity will have the effect of bringing -away the after-birth, in cases where it is retarded.[365] Hippocrates -used to apply the root also, for the purpose. They say too, that in -times of pestilence the employment of aron as an article of food -is very beneficial. It dispels the fumes of wine; and the smoke of -it burnt drives away serpents,[366] the asp in particular, or else -stupefies them to such a degree as to reduce them to a state of torpor. -These reptiles also will fly at the approach of persons whose bodies -have been rubbed with a preparation of aron with oil of laurel: hence -it is generally thought a good plan to administer it in red wine to -persons who have been stung by serpents. Cheese, it is said, keeps -remarkably well, wrapped in leaves of this plant. - - - - -CHAP. 93.—THE DRACUNCULUS; TWO REMEDIES. - - -The plant which I have spoken of[367] as the dracunculus, is taken -out of the ground just when the barley is ripening, and at the moon’s -increase. It is quite sufficient to have this plant about one, to be -safe from all serpents; and it is said, that an infusion of the larger -kind taken in drink, is very useful for persons who have been stung by -those reptiles: it is stated also that it arrests the catamenia when in -excess, due care being taken not to let iron touch it. The juice of it -too is very useful for pains in the ears. - -As to the plant known to the Greeks by the name of “dracontion,” I -have[368] had it pointed out to me under three different forms; the -first[369] having the leaves of the beet, with a certain proportion -of stem, and a purple flower, and bearing a strong resemblance to the -aron. Other persons, again, have described it as a plant[370] with a -long root, embossed to all appearance and full of knots, and consisting -of three stems in all; the same parties have recommended a decoction of -the leaves in vinegar, as curative of stings inflicted by serpents. The -third[371] plant that has been pointed out to me has a leaf larger than -that of the cornel, and a root resembling that of the reed. This root, -I have been assured, has as many knots on it as the plant is years old, -the leaves, too, being as many in number. The plant is recommended also -for the stings of serpents, administered either in wine or in water. - - - - -CHAP. 94.—THE ARISAROS: THREE REMEDIES. - - -There is a plant also called the “arisaros,”[372] which grows in -Egypt, and is similar to the aron in appearance, only that it is more -diminutive, and has smaller leaves; the root too is smaller, though -fully as large as a good-sized olive. The white arisaros throws out two -stems, the other kind only one. They are curative, both of them, of -running ulcers and burns, and are used as an injection for fistulas. -The leaves, boiled in water, and then beaten up with the addition of -oil of roses, arrest the growth of corrosive ulcers. But there is one -very marvellous fact connected with this plant—it is quite sufficient -to touch the sexual parts of any female animal with it to cause its -instantaneous death. - - - - -CHAP. 95.—THE MILLEFOLIUM OR MYRIOPHYLLON; SEVEN REMEDIES. - - -The myriophyllon,[373] by our people known as the “millefolium” has -a tender stem, somewhat similar to fennel-giant in appearance, with -vast numbers of leaves, to which circumstance it is indebted for its -name. It grows in marshy localities, and is remarkably useful for the -treatment of wounds. It is taken in vinegar for strangury, affections -of the bladder, asthma, and falls with violence; it is extremely -efficacious also for tooth-ache. - -In Etruria, the same name is given to a small meadow-plant,[374] -provided with leaves at the sides, like hairs, and particularly -useful for wounds. The people of that country say that, applied with -axle-grease, it will knit together and unite the tendons of oxen, when -they have been accidentally severed by the plough-share.[375] - - - - -CHAP. 96.—THE PSEUDOBUNION: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -The pseudobunion[376] has the leaves of the turnip, and grows in a -shrub-like form, about a palm in height; the most esteemed being that -of Crete. For gripings of the bowels, strangury, and pains of the -thoracic organs, some five or six sprigs of it are administered in -drink. - - - - -CHAP. 97.—THE MYRRHIS, MYRIZA, OR MYRRHA: SEVEN REMEDIES. - - -The myrrhis,[377] otherwise known as the myriza or myrrha, bears a -strong resemblance to hemlock in the stem, leaves, and blossom, only -that it is smaller and more slender: it is by no means unpleasant to -the palate. Taken with wine, it acts as an emmenagogue, and facilitates -parturition: they say too that in times of pestilence it is very -wholesome, taken in drink. It is very useful also for phthisis, -administered in broth. It sharpens the appetite, and neutralizes the -venom of the phalangium. The juice of this plant, after it has been -macerated some three days in water, is curative of ulcers of the face -and head. - - - - -CHAP. 98.—THE ONOBRYCHIS: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The onobrychis[378] has leaves like those of the lentil, only -somewhat[379] longer; the blossom is red, and the root small and -slender. It is found growing in the vicinity of springs. Dried and -reduced to powder, and sprinkled in white wine, it is curative of -strangury, and arrests looseness of the bowels. The juice of it, used -as a friction with oil, acts as a sudorific. - - - - -CHAP. 99. (17.)—CORACESTA AND CALLICIA. - - -While I am treating of plants of a marvellous nature, I am induced -to make some mention of certain magical plants—for what, in fact, -can there be more marvellous than they? The first who descanted upon -this subject in our part of the world were Pythagoras and Democritus, -who have adopted the accounts given by the Magi. Coracesta[380] and -callicia, according to Pythagoras, are plants which congeal[381] water. -I find no mention made of them, however, by any other author, and he -himself gives no further particulars relative to them. - - - - -CHAP. 100.—THE MINSAS OR CORINTHIA: ONE REMEDY. - - -Pythagoras gives the name of minsas[382] too, or corinthia, to another -plant; a decoction of which, used as a fomentation, will effect an -instantaneous cure of stings inflicted by serpents, according to -him. He adds too, that if this decoction is poured upon the grass, -and a person happens to tread upon it, or if the body should chance -to be sprinkled with it, the result is fatal beyond all remedy; so -monstrously malignant are the venomous proporties of this plant, except -as neutralizing other kinds of poison. - - - - -CHAP. 101.—THE APROXIS: SIX REMEDIES. - - -Pythagoras makes mention, too, of a plant called aproxis, the root of -which takes fire[383] at a distance, like naphtha, of which we have -made some mention, when speaking[384] of the marvellous productions of -the earth. He says too, that if the human body happens to be attacked -by any disease while the cabbage[385] is in blossom, the person, -although he may have been perfectly cured, will be sensible of a -recurrence of the symptoms, every time that plant comes into blossom; -a peculiarity which he attributes to it in common with wheat, hemlock, -and the violet. - -I am not ignorant, however, that the work of his from which I have -just quoted is ascribed to the physician Cleemporus by some, though -antiquity and the unbroken current of tradition concur in claiming it -for Pythagoras. It is quite enough, however, to say in favour of a -book, that the author has deemed the results of his labours worthy to -be published under the name of so great a man. And yet who can believe -that Cleemporus would do this, seeing that he has not hesitated to -publish other works under his own name? - - - - -CHAP. 102.—THE AGLAOPHOTIS OR MARMARITIS. THE ACHÆMENIS OR HIPPOPHOBAS. - -THE THEOBROTION OR SEMNION. THE ADAMANTIS. THE ARIANIS. THE -THERIONARCA. THE ÆTHIOPIS OR MEROIS. THE OPHIUSA. THE THALASSEGLE -OR POTAMAUGIS. THE THEANGELIS. THE GELOTOPHYLLIS. THE HESTIATORIS -OR PROTOMEDIA. THE CASIGNETES OR DIONYSONYMPHAS. THE HELIANTHES OR -HELIOCALLIS. HERMESIAS. THE ÆSCHYNOMENE. THE CROCIS. THE ŒNOTHERIS. THE -ANACAMPSEROS. - - -As to Democritus, there can be no doubt that the work called -“Chirocmeta”[386] belongs to him. How very much more marvellous too -are the accounts given in this book by the philosopher who, next to -Pythagoras, has acquired the most intimate knowledge of the learning -of the Magi! According to him, the plant aglaophotis,[387] which owes -its name to the admiration in which its beauteous tints are held by -man, is found growing among the marble quarries of Arabia, on the side -of Persia, a circumstance which has given it the additional name of -“marmaritis.” By means of this plant, he says, the Magi can summon the -deities into their presence when they please. - -The achæmenis,[388] he says, a plant the colour of amber, and destitute -of leaves, grows in the country of the Tradastili, an Indian race. The -root of it, divided into lozenges and taken in wine in the day time, -torments the guilty to such a degree during the night by the various -forms of avenging deities presented to the imagination, as to extort -from them a confession of their crimes. He gives it the name also of -“hippophobas,” it being an especial object of terror to mares. - -The theobrotion[389] is a plant found at a distance of thirty -schœni[390] from the river Choaspes; it represents the varied tints -of the peacock, and the odour of it is remarkably fine. The kings of -Persia, he says, are in the habit of taking it in their food or drink, -for all maladies of the body, and derangements of the mind. It has -the additional name of semnion,[391] from the use thus made of it by -majesty. - -He next tells us of the adamantis,[392] a plant grown in Armenia and -Cappadocia: presented to a lion, he says, the beast will fall upon its -back, and drop its jaws. Its name originates in the fact that it is -impossible to bruise it. The arianis,[393] he says, is found in the -country of the Ariani; it is of a fiery colour, and is gathered when -the sun is in Leo. Wood rubbed with oil will take fire on coming in -contact with this plant. The therionarca,[394] he tells us, grows in -Cappadocia and Mysia; it has the effect of striking wild beasts of all -kinds with a torpor which can only be dispelled by sprinkling them -with the urine of the hyæna. He speaks too of the æthiopis,[395] a -plant which grows in Meroë; for which reason it is also known as the -“meroïs.” In leaf it resembles the lettuce, and, taken with honied -wine, it is very good for dropsy. The ophiusa,[396] which is found in -Elephantine, an island also of Æthiopia, is a plant of a livid colour, -and hideous to the sight. Taken by a person in drink, he says, it -inspires such a horror of serpents, which his imagination continually -represents as menacing him, that he commits suicide at last; hence it -is that persons guilty of sacrilege are compelled to drink an infusion -of it. Palm wine, he tells us, is the only thing that neutralizes its -effects. - -The thalassægle[397] he speaks of as being found on the banks of -the river Indus, from which circumstance it is also known as the -potamaugis.[398] Taken in drink it produces a delirium,[399] which -presents to the fancy visions of a most extraordinary nature. The -theangelis,[400] he says, grows upon Mount Libanus in Syria, upon the -chain of mountains called Dicte in Crete, and at Babylon and Susa in -Persis. An infusion of it in drink, imparts powers of divination to the -Magi. The gelotophyllis[401] too, is a plant found in Bactriana, and -on the banks of the Borysthenes. Taken internally with myrrh and wine, -all sorts of visionary forms present themselves, and excite the most -immoderate laughter, which can only be put an end to by taking kernels -of the pine-nut, with pepper and honey, in palm wine. - -The hestiatoris,[402] he tells us, is a Persian plant, so called from -its promotion of gaiety and good fellowship at carousals. Another -name for it is protomedia, because those who eat of it will gain the -highest place in the royal favour. The casignetes[403] too, we learn, -is so called, because it grows only among plants of its own kind, -and is never found in company with any other; another name given -to it is “dionysonymphas,”[404] from the circumstance of its being -remarkably well adapted to the nature of wine. Helianthes[405] is -the name he gives to a plant found in the regions of Themiscyra and -the mountainous parts of maritime Cilicia, with leaves like those of -myrtle. This plant is boiled up with lion’s fat, saffron and palm -wine being added; the Magi, he tells us, and Persian monarchs are in -the habit of anointing the body with the preparation, to add to its -graceful appearance: he states also, that for this reason it has the -additional name of “heliocallis.”[406] What the same author calls -“hermesias,”[407] has the singular virtue of ensuring the procreation -of issue, both beautiful as well as good. It is not a plant, however, -but a composition made of kernels of pine nuts, pounded with honey, -myrrh, saffron, and palm wine, to which theobrotium[408] and milk are -then added. He also recommends those who wish to become parents to -drink this mixture, and says, that females should take it immediately -after conception, and during pregnancy.[409] If this is done, he says, -the infant will be sure to be endowed with the highest qualities, both -in mind and body. In addition to what has here been stated, Democritus -gives the various names by which all these plants are known to the Magi. - -Apollodorus, one of the followers of Democritus, has added to this -list the herb æschynomene,[410] so called from the shrinking of its -leaves at the approach of the hand; and another called “crocis,”[411] -the touch of which is fatal to the phalangium. Crateuas, also, speaks -of the œnotheris,[412] an infusion of which in wine, sprinkled upon -them, has the effect of taming all kind of animals, however wild. A -celebrated grammarian,[413] who lived but very recently, has described -the anacampseros,[414] the very touch of which recalls former love, -even though hatred should have succeeded in its place. It will be quite -sufficient for the present to have said thus much in reference to the -remarkable virtues attributed to certain plants by the Magi; as we -shall have occasion to revert to this subject in a more appropriate -place.[415] - - - - -CHAP. 103. (18.)—THE ERIPHIA. - - -Many authors have made mention of the eriphia,[416] a plant which -contains a kind of beetle in its hollow stem. This beetle is -continually ascending the interior of the stalk, and as often -descending, while it emits a sound like the cry of a kid; a -circumstance to which the plant is indebted for its name. There is -nothing in existence, they say, more beneficial to the voice. - - - - -CHAP. 104.—THE WOOL PLANT: ONE REMEDY. THE LACTORIS: ONE REMEDY. THE -MILITARIS: ONE REMEDY. - - -The wool plant,[417] given to sheep fasting, greatly increases the -milk. The plant commonly called lactoris,[418] is equally well known: -it is full of a milky juice, the taste of which produces vomiting. Some -persons say that this is identical with, while others say that it only -resembles, the plant known as “militaris,”[419] from the fact that, -applied with oil, it will effect the cure, within five days, of any -wound that has been inflicted with iron. - - - - -CHAP. 105.—THE STRATIOTES: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The Greeks speak in high terms also of the stratiotes,[420] though that -is a plant which grows in Egypt only, and during the inundations of the -river Nilus. It is similar in appearance to the aizoön,[421] except -that the leaves are larger. It is of a remarkably cooling nature, -and, applied with vinegar, it heals wounds, as well as erysipelas and -suppurations. Taken in drink with male frankincense, it is marvellously -useful for discharges of blood from the kidneys. - - - - -CHAP. 106. (19.)—A PLANT GROWING ON THE HEAD OF A STATUE: ONE REMEDY. - - -It is asserted also, that a plant growing[422] on the head of a -statue, gathered in the lappet of any one of the garments, and then -attached with a red string to the neck, is an instantaneous cure for -head-ache. - - - - -CHAP. 107.—A PLANT GROWING ON THE BANKS OF A RIVER: ONE REMEDY. - - -Any plant that is gathered before sunrise on the banks of a stream or -river, due care being taken that no one sees it gathered, attached -to the left arm without the patient knowing what it is, will cure a -tertian fever, they say. - - - - -CHAP. 108.—THE HERB CALLED LINGUA: ONE REMEDY. - - -There is a herb called “lingua,”[423] which grows in the vicinity of -fountains. The root of it, reduced to ashes and beaten up with hog’s -lard—the hog, they say, must have been black and barren—will cure -alopecy, the head being rubbed with it in the sun. - - - - -CHAP. 109.—PLANTS THAT TAKE ROOT IN A SIEVE: ONE REMEDY. - - -Plants that take root in a sieve that has been thrown in a hedge-row, -if gathered and worn upon the person by a pregnant woman, will -facilitate delivery. - - - - -CHAP. 110.—PLANTS GROWING UPON DUNGHILLS: ONE REMEDY. - - -A plant that has been grown upon a dungheap in a field, is a very -efficacious remedy, taken in water, for quinzy. - - - - -CHAP. 111.—PLANTS THAT HAVE BEEN MOISTENED WITH THE URINE OF A DOG: ONE -REMEDY. - - -A plant upon which a dog has watered, torn up by the roots, and not -touched with iron, is a very speedy cure for sprains. - - - - -CHAP. 112.—THE RODARUM: THREE REMEDIES. - - -We have already[424] made mention of the rumpotinus, when speaking -of the vine-growing[425] trees. Near the tree, when not accompanied -by the vine, there grows a plant, known to the Gauls as the -“rodarum.”[426] It has a knotted stem like the branch of a fig-tree, -and the leaves, which are very similar to those of the nettle, are -white in the middle, though in process of time they become red all -over. The blossom of it is of a silvery hue. Beaten up with stale -axle-grease, due care being taken not to touch it with iron, this -plant is extremely useful for tumours, inflammations, and gatherings; -the patient, however, on being anointed with it must spit three times -on the right side. They say too, that as a remedy it is still more -efficacious, if three persons of three different nations rub the right -side of the body with it. - - - - -CHAP. 113.—THE PLANT CALLED IMPIA: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The plant called “impia”[427] is white, resembling rosemary in -appearance. It is clothed with leaves like a thyrsus, and is terminated -by a head, from which a number of small branches protrude, terminated, -all of them, in a similar manner. It is this peculiar conformation -that has procured for it the name of “impia,” from the progeny thus -surmounting the parent. Some persons, however, are of opinion that -it is so called because no animal will touch it. Bruised between two -stones it yields an effervescent juice, which, in combination with wine -and milk, is remarkably efficacious for quinzy. - -There is a marvellous property attributed to this plant, to the effect -that persons who have once tasted it will never be attacked by quinzy; -for which reason it is given to swine: those among them, however, which -refuse to take it will be sure to die of that disease. Some persons too -are of opinion that if slips of it are put into a bird’s nest, they -will effectually prevent the young birds from choking themselves by -eating too voraciously. - - - - -CHAP. 114.—THE PLANT CALLED VENUS’ COMB: ONE REMEDY. - - -From its resemblance to a comb, they give the name of “Venus’ -comb”[428] to a certain plant, the root of which, bruised with -mallows, extracts all foreign substances from the human body. - - - - -CHAP. 115.—THE EXEDUM. THE PLANT CALLED NOTIA: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The plant called “exedum”[429] is curative of lethargy. The herbaceous -plant called “notia,” which is used by curriers for dyeing leather -a bright, cheerful colour, and known by them under various names—is -curative of cancerous ulcers; I find it also stated that, taken in wine -or in oxycrate, it is extremely efficacious for stings inflicted by -scorpions. - - - - -CHAP. 116.—THE PHILANTHROPOS: ONE REMEDY. THE LAPPA CANARIA: TWO -REMEDIES. - - -The Greeks wittily give the name of “philanthropos”[430] to a certain -plant, because it attaches itself to articles of dress.[431] A chaplet -made of this plant has the effect of relieving headache. - -As to the plant known as the “lappa canaria,”[432] beaten up in -wine with plantago and millefolium,[433] it effects the cure of -carcinomatous sores, the application being removed at the end of three -days. Taken out of the ground without the aid of iron, and thrown into -their wash, or given to them in wine and milk, it cures diseases in -swine. Some persons add, however, that the person, as he takes it up, -must say—“This is the plant argemon, a remedy discovered by Minerva for -such swine as shall taste thereof.” - - - - -CHAP. 117.—TORDYLON OR SYREON: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Tordylon is, according to some authorities, the seed of sili,[434] -while according to others it is a distinct plant,[435] known also as -“syreon.” I find no particulars relative to it, except that it grows -upon mountains, and that the ashes of it, taken in drink, act as an -emmenagogue and facilitate expectoration. It is stated also, that for -this last purpose the root is even more efficacious than the stem; -that the juice of it, taken in doses of three oboli, cures diseases of -the kidneys; and that the root is used as an ingredient for emollient -plasters. - - - - -CHAP. 118.—GRAMEN: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Gramen[436] is of all herbaceous productions the most common. As it -creeps along the ground it throws out jointed stems, from the joints of -which, as well as from the extremity of the stem, fresh roots are put -forth every here and there. In all other parts of the world the leaves -of it are tapering, and come to a point; but upon Mount Parnassus[437] -they resemble the leaves of the ivy, the plant throwing out a greater -number of stems than elsewhere, and bearing a blossom that is white -and odoriferous. There is no vegetable production that is more -grateful[438] to beasts of burden than this, whether in a green state -or whether dried and made into hay, in which last case it is sprinkled -with water when given to them. It is said that on Mount Parnassus a -juice is extracted from it, which is very abundant and of a sweet -flavour. - -In other parts of the world, instead of this juice a decoction of it is -employed for closing wounds; an effect equally produced by the plant -itself, which is beaten up for the purpose and attached to the part -affected, thereby preventing inflammation. To the decoction wine and -honey are added, and in some cases, frankincense, pepper, and myrrh, -in the proportion of one third of each ingredient; after which it -is boiled again in a copper vessel, when required for tooth-ache or -defluxions of the eyes. A decoction of the roots, in wine, is curative -of griping pains in the bowels, strangury, and ulcerations of the -bladder, and it disperses calculi. The seed is still more powerful as -a diuretic,[439] arrests looseness and vomiting, and is particularly -useful for wounds inflicted by dragons.[440] There are some authorities -which give the following prescription for the cure of scrofulous sores -and inflamed tumours:—From one, two, or three stems, as many as nine -joints must be removed, which must then be wrapped in black wool with -the grease in it. The party who gathers them must do so fasting, and -must then go, in the same state, to the patient’s house while he is -from home. When the patient comes in, the other must say to him three -times, “I come fasting to bring a remedy to a fasting man;” and must -then attach the amulet to his person, repeating the same ceremony -three consecutive days. The variety of this plant which has seven[441] -joints is considered a most excellent amulet for the cure of head-ache. -For excruciating pains in the bladder, some recommend a decoction of -gramen, boiled down in wine to one half, to be taken immediately after -the bath. - - - - -CHAP. 119.—DACTYLOS; FIVE REMEDIES. - - -There are some authorities who mention three varieties of the pointed -gramen. That which has at the extremity five[442] points at the utmost, -is called “dactylos.” Twisting these points together, persons introduce -them into the nostrils and then withdraw them, with the view of -preventing hæmorrhage. The second kind, which, resembles aizoön,[443] -is employed with axle-grease for whitlows and hangnails, and for fleshy -excrescences upon the nails: this also is called “dactylos,” because it -is so useful as a remedy for diseases of the fingers. - -The third[444] kind, which is also known as “dactylos,” is more -diminutive, and is found growing upon walls or tiles. It has certain -caustic properties, and arrests the progress of serpiginous ulcers. -By placing a wreath of gramen round the head, bleeding at the nose is -stopped. In Babylonia, it is said, the gramen[445] which grows by the -wayside is fatal to camels. - - - - -CHAP. 120.—FENUGREEK OK SILICIA: THIRTY-ONE REMEDIES. - - -Nor is fenugreek held in less esteem. By some it is known as “telis,” -by others as “carphos,” and by others again as “buceras,” or -“ægoceras,”[446] the produce of it bearing some resemblance to horns. -Among us it is known as “silicia.” The mode of sowing it we have -already[447] described on the appropriate occasion. Its properties -are desiccative,[448] emollient, and resolvent. A decoction of it is -useful for many female maladies, indurations for instance, tumours, -and contractions of the uterus; in all which cases it is employed as a -fomentation or used for a sitting-bath: it is serviceable also as an -injection. It removes cutaneous eruptions on the face; and a decoction -of it, applied topically with nitre or vinegar, cures diseases of the -spleen or liver. In cases of difficult labour, Diodes recommends the -seed pounded, in doses of one acetabulum, mixed with boiled[449] must. -After taking one third of the mixture, the patient must use a warm -bath, and then, while in a perspiration, she must take another third, -and, immediately after leaving the bath, the remainder—this, he says, -will prove a most effectual means of obtaining relief. - -The same authority recommends fenugreek boiled, with barley or -linseed, in hydromel, as a pessary for violent pains in the uterus: he -prescribes it also as an external application for the lower regions -of the abdomen. He speaks also of treating leprous sores and freckles -with a mixture composed of equal proportions of sulphur and meal of -fenugreek, recommending it to be applied repeatedly in the course of -the day, due care being taken not to rub the part affected. - -For the cure of leprosy, Theodorus prescribes a mixture of fenugreek, -and one fourth part of cleaned nasturtium, the whole to be steeped -in the strongest vinegar. Damion used to give a potion by way of -emmenagogue, consisting of half an acetabulum of fenugreek seed in -nine cyathi of boiled must[450] and water. There is no doubt too, that -a decoction of it is remarkably useful for diseases of the uterus and -for ulcerations of the intestines, and that the seed is beneficial -for affections of the joints and chest. Boiled with mallows and then -taken in honied wine, fenugreek is extolled in the highest terms, -as serviceable for affections of the uterus and intestines. Indeed, -the very steam that arises from the decoction may be productive of -considerable benefit. A decoction too of fenugreek seed is a corrective -of the rank odours of the armpits. Meal of fenugreek, with wine and -nitre, speedily removes ring-worm and dandriff of the head; and a -decoction of it in hydromel, with the addition of axle-grease, is used -for the cure of diseases of the generative organs, inflamed tumours, -imposthumes of the parotid glands, gout in the feet and hands, maladies -of the joints, and denudations of the bones. Kneaded with vinegar, it -effects the cure of sprains, and, boiled in oxymel only, it is used as -a liniment for affections of the spleen. Kneaded with wine, it acts as -a detergent upon carcinomatous sores; after which, applied with honey, -it effects a perfect cure. A pottage too is made of this meal, which -is taken for ulcerations of the chest and chronic coughs; it is kept -boiling a considerable time, in order to remove the bitterness,[451] -after which honey is added. - -We shall now proceed to speak of the plants which have gained a higher -degree of reputation. - -SUMMARY.—Remedies, narratives, and observations, eleven hundred and -seventy-six. - -ROMAN AUTHORS QUOTED.—C. Valgius,[452] Pompeius Lenæus,[453] Sextius -Niger[454] who wrote in Greek, Julius Bassus[455] who wrote in Greek, -Antonius Castor,[456] Cornelius Celsus.[457] - -FOREIGN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Theophrastus,[458] Apollodorus,[459] -Democritus,[460] Orpheus,[461] Pythagoras,[462] Mago,[463] -Menander[464] who wrote the “Biochresta,” Nicander,[465] Homer, -Hesiod,[466] Musæus,[467] Sophocles,[468] Anaxilaüs.[469] - -MEDICAL AUTHORS QUOTED.—Mnesitheus,[470] Callimachus,[471] Phanias[472] -the physician, Timaristus,[473] Simus,[474] Hippocrates,[475] -Chrysippus,[476] Diocles,[477] Ophelion,[478] Heraclides,[479] -Hicesius,[480] Dionysius,[481] Apollodorus[482] of Citium, -Apollodorus[483] of Tarentum, Praxagoras,[484] Plistonicus,[485] -Medius,[486] Dieuches,[487] Cleophantus,[488] Philistion,[489] -Asclepiades,[490] Crateuas,[491] Petronius Diodotus,[492] Iollas,[493] -Erasistratus,[494] Diagoras,[495] Andreas, Mnesides,[496] -Epicharmus,[497] Damion,[498] Sosimenes,[499] Tlepolemus,[500] -Metrodorus,[501] Solon,[502] Lycus,[503] Olympias[504] of Thebes, -Philinus,[505] Petrichus,[506] Micton,[507] Glaucias,[508] -Xenocrates.[509] - - - - -BOOK XXV. - -THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE WILD PLANTS. - - - - -CHAP. 1. (1.)—WHEN THE WILD PLANTS WERE FIRST BROUGHT INTO USE. - - -The more highly esteemed plants of which I am now about to speak, and -which are produced by the earth for medicinal purposes solely, inspire -me with admiration of the industry and laborious research displayed -by the ancients. Indeed there is nothing that they have not tested by -experiment or left untried; no discovery of theirs which they have -not disclosed, or which they have not been desirous to leave for the -benefit of posterity. We, on the contrary, at the present day, make it -our object to conceal and suppress the results of our labours, and to -defraud our fellow-men of blessings even which have been purchased by -others. For true it is, beyond all doubt, that those who have gained -any trifling accession of knowledge, keep it to themselves, and envy -the enjoyment of it by others; to leave mankind uninstructed being -looked upon as the high prerogative of learning. So far is it from -being the habit with them to enter upon new fields of discovery, with -the view of benefitting mankind at large, that for this long time past -it has been the greatest effort of the ingenuity of each, to keep to -himself the successful results of the experience of former ages, and so -bury them for ever! - -And yet, by Hercules! a single invention before now has elevated men -to the rank of gods; and how many an individual has had his name -immortalized in being bestowed upon some plant which he was the first -to discover, thanks to the gratitude which prompted a succeeding age -to make some adequate return! If it had been expended solely upon the -plants which are grown to please the eye, or which invite us by their -nutrimental properties, this laborious research on the part of the -ancients would not have been so surprising; but in addition to this, we -find them climbing by devious tracts to the very summit of mountains, -penetrating to the very heart of wilds and deserts, and searching into -every vein and fibre of the earth—and all this, to discover the hidden -virtues of every root, the properties of the leaf of every plant, and -the various purposes to which they might be applied; converting thereby -those vegetable productions, which the very beasts of the field refuse -to touch, into so many instruments for our welfare. - - - - -CHAP. 2. (2.)—THE LATIN AUTHORS WHO HAVE WRITTEN UPON THESE PLANTS. - - -This subject has not been treated of by the writers in our own language -so extensively as it deserves, eager as they have proved themselves to -make enquiry into everything that is either meritorious or profitable. -M. Cato, that great master in all useful knowledge, was the first, -and, for a long time, the only author who treated of this branch[510] -of learning; and briefly as he has touched upon it, he has not omitted -to make some mention of the remedial treatment of cattle. After him, -another illustrious personage, C. Valgius,[511] a man distinguished -for his erudition, commenced a treatise upon the same subject, which -he dedicated to the late Emperor Augustus, but left unfinished. At the -beginning of his preface, replete as it is with a spirit of piety,[512] -he expresses a hope that the majestic sway of that prince may ever -prove a most efficient remedy for all the evils to which mankind are -exposed. - - - - -CHAP. 3.—AT WHAT PERIOD THE ROMANS ACQUIRED SOME KNOWLEDGE OF THIS -SUBJECT. - - -The only[513] person among us, at least so far as I have been able to -ascertain, who had treated of this subject before the time of Valgius, -was Pompeius Lenæus,[514] the freedman of Pompeius Magnus; and it was -in his day, I find, that this branch of knowledge first began to be -cultivated among us. Mithridates, the most powerful monarch of that -period, and who was finally conquered by Pompeius, is generally thought -to have been a more zealous promoter of discoveries for the benefit -of mankind, than any of his predecessors—a fact evinced not only by -many positive proofs, but by universal report as well. It was he who -first thought, the proper precautions being duly taken, of drinking -poison every day; it being his object, by becoming habituated to it, to -neutralize its dangerous effects. This prince was the first discoverer -too of the various kinds of antidotes, one[515] of which, indeed, -still retains his name; and it is generally supposed that he was the -first to employ the blood of the ducks of Pontus as an ingredient in -antidotes, from the circumstance that they derive their nutriment from -poisons.[516] - -It was to Mithridates that Asclepiades,[517] that celebrated physician, -dedicated his works, still extant, and sent them, as a substitute for -his own personal attendance, when requested by that monarch to leave -Rome and reside at his court. It is a well-known fact, that this -prince was the only person that was ever able to converse in so many -as two-and-twenty languages, and that, during the whole fifty-six -years of his reign, he never required the services of an interpreter -when conversing with any individuals of the numerous nations that were -subject to his sway. - -Among the other gifts of extraordinary genius with which he was -endowed, Mithridates displayed a peculiar fondness for enquiries into -the medical art; and gathering items of information from all his -subjects, extended, as they were, over a large proportion of the world, -it was his habit to make copies of their communications, and to take -notes of the results which upon experiment had been produced. These -memoranda, which he kept in his private cabinet,[518] fell into the -hands of Pompeius, when he took possession of the royal treasures; who -at once commissioned his freedman, Lenæus the grammarian, to translate -them into the Latin language: the result of which was, that his victory -was equally conducive to the benefit of the republic and of mankind at -large. - - - - -CHAP. 4.—GREEK AUTHORS WHO HAVE DELINEATED THE PLANTS IN COLOURS. - - -In addition to these, there are some Greek writers who have treated of -this subject, and who have been already mentioned on the appropriate -occasions. Among them, Crateuas, Dionysius, and Metrodorus, adopted a -very attractive method of description, though one which has done little -more than prove the remarkable difficulties which attended it. It was -their plan to delineate the various plants in colours, and then to -add in writing a description of the properties which they possessed. -Pictures, however, are very apt to mislead, and more particularly -where such a number of tints is required, for the imitation of nature -with any success; in addition to which, the diversity of copyists from -the original paintings, and their comparative degrees of skill, add -very considerably to the chances of losing the necessary degree of -resemblance to the originals. And then, besides, it is not sufficient -to delineate a plant as it appears at one period only, as it presents a -different appearance at each of the four seasons of the year.[519] - - - - -CHAP. 5.—THE FIRST GREEK AUTHORS WHO WROTE UPON PLANTS. - - -Hence it is that other writers have confined themselves to a verbal -description of the plants; indeed some of them have not so much as -described them even, but have contented themselves for the most part -with a bare recital of their names, considering it sufficient if they -pointed out their virtues and properties to such as might feel inclined -to make further enquiries into the subject. Nor is this a kind of -knowledge by any means difficult to obtain; at all events, so far as -regards myself, with the exception of a very few, it has been my good -fortune to examine them all, aided by the scientific researches of -Antonius Castor,[520] who in our time enjoyed the highest reputation -for an intimate acquaintance with this branch of knowledge. I had the -opportunity of visiting his garden, in which, though he had passed his -hundredth year, he cultivated vast numbers of plants with the greatest -care. Though he had reached this great age, he had never experienced -any bodily ailment, and neither his memory nor his natural vigour had -been the least impaired by the lapse of time. - -There was nothing more highly admired than an intimate knowledge of -plants, in ancient times. It is long since the means were discovered of -calculating before-hand, not only the day or the night, but the very -hour even at which an eclipse of the sun or moon is to take place; and -yet the greater part of the lower classes still remain firmly persuaded -that these phænomena are brought about by compulsion, through the -agency of herbs and enchantments, and that the knowledge of this art -is confined almost exclusively to females. What country, in fact, is -not filled with the fabulous stories about Medea of Colchis and other -sorceresses, the Italian Circe in particular, who has been elevated -to the rank of a divinity even? It is with reference to her, I am of -opinion, that Æschylus,[521] one of the most ancient of the poets, -asserts that Italy is covered with plants endowed with potent effects, -and that many writers say the same of Circeii,[522] the place of her -abode. Another great proof too that such is the case, is the fact, that -the nation of the Marsi,[523] descendants of a son of Circe, are well -known still to possess the art of taming serpents. - -Homer, that great parent of the learning and traditions of antiquity, -while extolling the fame of Circe in many other respects, assigns to -Egypt the glory of having first discovered the properties of plants, -and that too at a time when the portion of that country which is now -watered by the river Nilus was not in existence, having been formed at -a more recent period by the alluvion[524] of that river. At all events, -he states[525] that numerous Egyptian plants were sent to the Helena -of his story, by the wife of the king of that country, together with -the celebrated nepenthes,[526] which ensured oblivion of all sorrows -and forgetfulness of the past, a potion which Helena was to administer -to all mortals. The first person, however, of whom the remembrance has -come down to us, as having treated with any degree of exactness on -the subject of plants, is Orpheus; and next to him Musæus and Hesiod, -of whose admiration of the plant called polium we have already made -some mention on previous occasions.[527] Orpheus and Hesiod too we -find speaking in high terms of the efficacy of fumigations. Homer also -speaks of several other plants by name, of which we shall have occasion -to make further mention in their appropriate places. - -In later times again, Pythagoras, that celebrated philosopher, was the -first to write a treatise on the properties of plants, a work in which -he attributes the origin and discovery of them to Apollo, Æsculapius, -and the immortal gods in general. Democritus too, composed a similar -work. Both of these philosophers had visited the magicians of Persia, -Arabia, Æthiopia, and Egypt, and so astounded were the ancients at -their recitals, as to learn to make assertions which transcend all -belief. Xanthus, the author of some historical works, tells us, in -the first of them, that a young dragon[528] was restored to life by -its parent through the agency of a plant to which he gives the name -of “ballis,” and that one Tylon, who had been killed by a dragon, was -restored to life and health by similar means. Juba too assures us that -in Arabia a man was resuscitated by the agency of a certain plant. -Democritus has asserted—and Theophrastus believes it—that there is a -certain herb in existence, which, upon being carried thither by a bird, -the name of which we have already[529] given, has the effect, by the -contact solely, of instantaneously drawing a wedge from a tree, when -driven home by the shepherds into the wood. - -These marvels, incredible as they are, excite our admiration -nevertheless, and extort from us the admission that, making all due -allowance, there is much in them that is based on truth. Hence it -is too that I find it the opinion of most writers, that there is -nothing which cannot be effected by the agency of plants, but that the -properties of by far the greater part of them remain as yet unknown. In -the number of these was Herophilus, a celebrated physician, a saying of -whose is reported, to the effect that some plants may possibly exercise -a beneficial influence, if only trodden under foot. Be this as it may, -it has been remarked more than once, that wounds and maladies are -sometimes inflamed[530] upon the sudden approach of persons who have -been journeying on foot. - - - - -CHAP. 6.—WHY A FEW OF THE PLANTS ONLY HAVE BEEN USED MEDICINALLY. -PLANTS, THE MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF WHICH HAVE BEEN MIRACULOUSLY -DISCOVERED. THE CYNORRHODOS: TWO REMEDIES. THE PLANT CALLED -DRACUNCULUS: ONE REMEDY. THE BRITANNICA: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -Such was the state of medical knowledge in ancient times, wholly -concealed as it was in the language of the Greeks. But the main reason -why the medicinal properties of most plants remain still unknown, is -the fact that they have been tested solely by rustics and illiterate -people, such being the only class of persons that live in the midst of -them: in addition to which, so vast is the multitude of medical men -always at hand, that the public are careless of making any enquiries -about them. Indeed, many of those plants, the medicinal properties of -which have been discovered, are still destitute of names—such, for -instance, as the one which we mentioned[531] when speaking of the -cultivation of grain, and which we know for certain will have the -effect of keeping birds away from the crops, if buried at the four -corners of the field. - -But the most disgraceful cause of all, why so few simples are known, -is the fact that those even who are acquainted with them are unwilling -to impart their knowledge; as though, forsooth, they should lose for -ever anything that they might think fit to communicate to others! -Added to all this, there is no well-ascertained method to guide us to -the acquisition of this kind of knowledge; for, as to the discoveries -that have been made already, they have been due, some of them, to mere -accident, and others again, to say the truth, to the interposition of -the Deity. - -Down to our own times, the bite of the mad dog, the symptoms of which -are a dread of water and an aversion to every kind of beverage, -was incurable;[532] and it was only recently that the mother of a -soldier who was serving in the prætorian guard, received a warning -in a dream, to send her son the root of the wild rose, known as the -cynorrhodos,[533] a plant the beauty of which had attracted her -attention in a shrubbery the day before, and to request him to drink -the extract of it. The army was then serving in Lacetania, the part of -Spain which lies nearest to Italy; and it so happened that the soldier, -having been bitten by a dog, was just beginning to manifest a horror -of water when his mother’s letter reached him, in which she entreated -him to obey the words of this divine warning. He accordingly complied -with her request, and, against all hope or expectation, his life was -saved; a result[534] which has been experienced by all who have since -availed themselves of the same resource. Before this, the cynorrhodos -had been only recommended by writers for one medicinal purpose; the -spongy excrescences, they say, which grow[535] in the midst of its -thorns, reduced to ashes and mixed with honey, will make the hair grow -again when it has been lost by alopecy. I know too, for a fact, that -in the same province there was lately discovered in the land belonging -to a person with whom I was staying, a stalked plant, the name given -to which was dracunculus.[536] This plant, about an inch in thickness, -and spotted with various colours, like a viper’s skin, was generally -reported to be an effectual preservative against the sting of all kinds -of serpents. I should remark, however, that it is a different plant -from the one of the same name of which mention has been made in the -preceding Book,[537] having altogether another shape and appearance. -There is also another marvellous property belonging to it: in spring, -when the serpents begin to cast their slough, it shoots up from the -ground to the height of about a couple of feet, and again, when they -retire for the winter it conceals itself within the earth, nor is there -a serpent to be seen so long as it remains out of sight. Even if this -plant did nothing else but warn us of impending danger, and tell us -when to be on our guard, it could not be looked upon otherwise than as -a beneficent provision made by Nature in our behalves. - -(3.) It is not, however, the animals only that are endowed with certain -baneful and noxious properties, but, sometimes, waters[538] even, -and localities as well. Upon one occasion, in his German campaign, -Germanicus Cæsar had pitched his camp beyond the river Rhenus; the -only fresh water to be obtained being that of a single spring in the -vicinity of the sea-shore. It was found, however, that within two -years the habitual use of this water was productive of loss of the -teeth and a total relaxation of the joints of the knees: the names -given to these maladies, by medical men, were “stomacace”[539] and -“sceloturbe.” A remedy for them was discovered, however, in the plant -known as the “britannica,”[540] which is good, not only for diseases of -the sinews and mouth, but for quinzy[541] also, and injuries inflicted -by serpents. This plant has dark oblong leaves and a swarthy root: the -name given to the flower of it is “vibones,”[542] and if it is gathered -and eaten before thunder has been heard, it will ensure safety in -every respect. The Frisii, a nation then on terms of friendship with -us, and within whose territories the Roman army was encamped, pointed -out this plant to our soldiers: the name[543] given to it, however, -rather surprises me, though possibly it may have been so called because -the shores of Britannia are in the vicinity, and only separated by the -ocean. At all events, it was not called by this name from the fact of -its growing there in any great abundance, that is quite certain, for at -the time I am speaking of, Britannia was still independent.[544] - - - - -CHAP. 7.—WHAT DISEASES ARE ATTENDED WITH THE GREATEST PAIN. NAMES OF -PERSONS WHO HAVE DISCOVERED FAMOUS PLANTS. - - -In former times there was a sort of ambition, as it were, of adopting -plants, by bestowing upon them one’s name, a thing that has been done -before now by kings even, as we shall have occasion to show:[545] so -desirable a thing did it appear to have made the discovery of some -plant, and thus far to have contributed to the benefit of mankind. At -the present day, however, it is far from impossible that there may be -some who will look upon these researches of ours as frivolous even, so -distasteful to a life of ease and luxury are the very things which so -greatly conduce to our welfare. - -Still, however, it will be only right to mention in the first place -those plants the discoverers of which are known, their various -properties being classified[546] according to the several maladies -for the treatment of which they are respectively employed: in taking -a review of which one cannot do otherwise than bewail the unhappy lot -of mankind, subject as it is, in addition to chances and changes, -and those new afflictions which every hour is bringing with it, to -thousands of diseases which menace the existence of each mortal being. -It would seem almost an act of folly to attempt to determine which of -these diseases is attended with the most excruciating pain, seeing -that every one is of opinion that the malady with which for the moment -he himself is afflicted, is the most excruciating and insupportable. -The general experience, however, of the present age has come to the -conclusion, that the most agonizing torments are those attendant upon -strangury, resulting from calculi in the bladder; next to them, those -arising from maladies of the stomach; and in the third place, those -caused by pains and affections of the head; for it is more generally -in these cases, we find, and not in others, that patients are tempted -to commit suicide. - -For my own part, I am surprised that the Greek authors have gone so -far as to give a description of noxious plants even; in using which -term, I wish it to be understood that I do not mean the poisonous -plants merely; for such is our tenure of life that death is often a -port of refuge to even the best of men. We meet too, with one case of a -somewhat similar nature, where M. Varro speaks of Servius Clodius,[547] -a member of the Equestrian order, being so dreadfully tormented with -gout, that he had his legs rubbed all over with poisons, the result -of which was, that from that time forward all sensation, equally with -all pain, was deadened in those parts of his body. But what excuse, -I say, can there be for making the world acquainted with plants, the -only result of the use of which is to derange the intellect, to produce -abortion, and to cause numerous other effects equally pernicious? So -far as I am concerned, I shall describe neither abortives nor philtres, -bearing in mind, as I do, that Lucullus, that most celebrated general, -died of the effects of a philtre.[548] Nor shall I speak of other -ill-omened devices of magic, unless it be to give warning against them, -or to expose them, for I most emphatically condemn all faith and belief -in them. It will suffice for me, and I shall have abundantly done my -duty, if I point out those plants which were made for the benefit of -mankind, and the properties of which have been discovered in the lapse -of time. - - - - -CHAP. 8. (4.)—MOLY: THREE REMEDIES. - - -According to Homer,[549] the most celebrated of all plants is that, -which, according to him, is known as moly[550] among the gods. The -discovery of it he attributes to Mercury, who was also the first -to point out its uses as neutralizing the most potent spells of -sorcery. At the present day, it is said, it grows in the vicinity of -Lake Pheneus, and in Cyllene; a district of Arcadia. It answers the -description given of it by Homer, having a round black root, about -as large as an onion, and a leaf like that of the squill: there is -no[551] difficulty experienced in taking it up. The Greek writers have -delineated[552] it as having a yellow flower, while Homer,[553] on the -other hand, has spoken of it as white. I once met with a physician, a -person extremely well acquainted with plants, who assured me that it -is found growing in Italy as well, and that he would send me in a few -days a specimen which had been dug up in Campania, with the greatest -difficulty, from a rocky soil. The root of it was thirty[554] feet in -length, and even then it was not entire, having been broken in the -getting up. - - - - -CHAP. 9.—THE DODECATHEOS: ONE REMEDY. - - -The plant next in esteem to moly, is that called dodecatheos,[555] it -being looked upon as under the especial tutelage of all the superior -gods.[556] Taken in water, it is a cure, they say, for maladies of -every kind. The leaves of it, seven in number, and very similar to -those of the lettuce, spring from a yellow root. - - - - -CHAP. 10.—THE PÆONIA, PENTOROBUS, OR GLYCYSIDE: ONE REMEDY. - - -The plant known as “pæonia”[557] is the most ancient of them -all. It still retains the name[558] of him who was the first to -discover it, being known also as the “pentorobus”[559] by some, and -the “glycyside”[560] by others; indeed, this is one of the great -difficulties attendant on forming an accurate knowledge of plants, that -the same object has different names in different districts. It grows in -umbrageous mountain localities, and puts forth a stem amid the leaves, -some four fingers in height, at the summit of which are four or five -heads resembling Greek nuts[561] in appearance; enclosed in which, -there is a considerable quantity of seed of a red or black colour. This -plant is a preservative against the illusions[562] practised by the -Fauni in sleep. It is generally recommended to take it up at night; for -if the wood-pecker[563] of Mars should perceive a person doing so, it -will immediately attack his eyes in defence of the plant. - - - - -CHAP. 11.—THE PANACES ASCLEPION: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The panaces, by its very name,[564] gives assurance of a remedy for -all diseases: there are numerous kinds of it, and the discovery of -its properties has been attributed to the gods. One of these kinds is -known by the additional name of “asclepion,”[565] in commemoration -of the circumstance that Æsculapius gave the name of Panacia[566] -to his daughter. The juice of it, as we have had occasion to remark -already,[567] coagulates like that of fennel-giant; the root is covered -with a thick rind of a salt flavour. - -After this plant has been taken up, it is a point religiously observed -to fill the hole with various kinds of grain, a sort of expiation, -as it were, to the earth. We have already[568] stated, when speaking -of the exotic productions, where and in what manner this juice is -prepared, and what kind is the most esteemed. That which is imported -from Macedonia is known as “bucolicon,” from the fact that the -neatherds there are in the habit of collecting it as it spontaneously -exudes: it evaporates, however, with the greatest rapidity. As to the -other kinds, that more particularly is held in disesteem which is black -and soft, such being a proof, in fact, that it has been adulterated -with wax. - - - - -CHAP. 12.—THE PANACES HERACLEON: THREE REMEDIES. - - -A second kind of panaces is known by the name of “heracleon,”[569] -from the fact that it was first discovered by Hercules. Some persons, -however, call it “Heracleotic origanum,” or wild origanum, from its -strong resemblance to the origanum of which we have already[570] -spoken: the root of it is good for nothing. - - - - -CHAP. 13.—THE PANACES CHIRONION: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -A third kind of panaces is surnamed “chironion,” from him[571] who -first discovered it. The leaf is similar to that of lapathum, except -that it is larger and more hairy; the flower is of a golden colour, -and the root diminutive. It grows in rich, unctuous soils. The flower -of this plant is extremely efficacious; hence it is that it is more -generally used than the kinds previously mentioned. - - - - -CHAP. 14.—THE PANACES CENTAURION OR PHARNACION: THREE REMEDIES. - - -A fourth kind of panaces, discovered also by Chiron, is known by the -additional name of “centaurion:”[572] it is also called “pharnacion,” -from King Pharnaces, it being a matter in dispute whether it was really -discovered by Chiron or by that prince. It is grown from seed,[573] and -the leaves of it are longer than those of the other kinds, and serrated -at the edge. The root, which is odoriferous, is dried in the shade, and -is used for imparting an aroma to wine. Some writers distinguish two -varieties of this plant—the one with a smooth leaf, the other of a more -delicate form. - - - - -CHAP. 15.—THE HERACLEON SIDERION: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -The heracleon siderion[574] is also another discovery of Hercules. The -stem is thin, about four fingers in length, the flower red, and the -leaves like those of coriander. It is found growing in the vicinity -of lakes and rivers, and is extremely efficacious for the cure of all -wounds made by iron.[575] - - - - -CHAP. 16.—THE AMPELOS CHIRONIA: ONE REMEDY. - - -The ampelos Chironia[576] also, which we have already[577] mentioned -when speaking of the vines, is a discovery due to Chiron. We have -spoken too, on a previous occasion,[578] of a plant, the discovery of -which is attributed to Minerva. - - - - -CHAP. 17.—HYOSCYAMOS, KNOWN ALSO AS THE APOLLINARIS OR ALTERCUM; FIVE -VARIETIES OF IT: THREE REMEDIES. - - -To Hercules also is attributed the discovery of the plant known as -the “apollinaris,” and, among the Arabians, as the “altercum” or -“altercangenum:” by the Greeks it is called “hyoscyamos.”[579] There -are several varieties of it; one of them,[580] with a black seed, -flowers bordering on purple, and a prickly stem, growing in Galatia. -The common kind[581] again, is whiter, more shrublike, and taller than -the poppy. The seed of a third variety is similar to that of irio[582] -in appearance; but they have, all of them, the effect of producing -vertigo and insanity. A fourth[583] kind again is soft, lanuginous, and -more unctuous than the others; the seed of it is white, and it grows in -maritime localities. It is this kind that medical men employ, as also -that with a red seed.[584] Sometimes, however, the white seed turns -of a reddish colour, if not sufficiently ripe when gathered; in which -case it is rejected as unfit for use: indeed, none of these plants are -gathered until they are perfectly dry. Hyoscyamos, like wine, has the -property of flying to the head, and consequently of acting injuriously -upon the mental faculties. - -The seed is either used in its natural state, or else the juice of -it is extracted: the juice also of the stem and leaves is sometimes -extracted, separately from the seed. The root is sometimes made use of; -but the employment of this plant in any way for medical purposes is, -in my opinion, highly dangerous. For it is a fact well ascertained, -that the leaves even will exercise a deleterious effect upon the mind, -if more than four are taken at a time; though the ancients were of -opinion that the leaves act as a febrifuge, taken in wine. From the -seed, as already[585] stated, an oil is extracted, which, injected into -the ears, deranges the intellect. It is a singular thing, but we find -remedies mentioned for those who have taken this juice, as though for a -poison, while at the same time we find it prescribed as a potion among -the various remedies. In this way it is that experiments are multiplied -without end, even to forcing the very poisons themselves to act as -antidotes. - - - - -CHAP. 18. (5.)—LINOZOSTIS, PARTHENION, HERMUPOA, OR MERCURIALIS; TWO -VARIETIES OF IT: TWENTY-TWO REMEDIES. - - -Linozostis[586] or parthenion is a discovery attributed to Mercury: -hence it is that among the Greeks it is known as “hermupoa”[587] by -many, while among us it is universally known as “mercurialis.” There -are two varieties of this plant, the male and the female, the last -possessing more decided properties than the other, and having a stem -a cubit in height, and sometimes branchy at the summit, with leaves -somewhat narrower than those of ocimum. The joints of the stem lie -close together, and the axils are numerous: the seed hangs downwards, -having the joints for its basis. In the female plant the seed is -very abundant, but in the male[588] it is less so, lies closer to the -joints, and is short and wreathed. In the female plant the seed hangs -more loosely, and is of a white colour. The leaves of the male plant -are swarthy, while those of the female are whiter: the root, which is -made no use of, is very diminutive. - -Both of these plants grow in cultivated champaign localities. A -marvellous property is mentioned as belonging to them: the male plant, -they say,[589] ensures the conception of male children, the female -plant of females; a result which is ensured by drinking the juice in -raisin wine, the moment after conception, or by eating the leaves, -boiled with oil and salt, or raw with vinegar. Some persons, again, -boil the plant in a new earthen vessel with heliotropium and two or -three ears of corn, till it is thoroughly done; and say that the -decoction should be taken in drink by the female, and the plant eaten -for three days successively, the regimen being commenced the second day -of menstruation. This done, on the fourth day she must take a bath, -immediately after which the sexual congress must take place. - -Hippocrates[590] has lavished marvellous encomiums upon these plants -for the maladies of females, while at the present day no physician -recognizes their utility for such purpose. It was his practice to -employ them for affections of the uterus, in the form of a pessary, in -combination with honey, rose-oil, oil of iris, or oil of lilies. He -employed them also as an emmenagogue, and for the purpose of bringing -away the after-birth; effects which are equally produced, according -to him, by taking them in drink, or using them in the form of a -fomentation. It was his practice also, to inject the juice of these -plants in cases of fetid odours of the ears, and then to wash the ear -with old wine. The leaves also were used by him as a cataplasm for -the abdomen, defluxions of the eyes, strangury, and affections of the -bladder; a decoction too, of the plants is prescribed by him, with -frankincense and myrrh. - -For the purpose of relaxing[591] the bowels, or in cases of fever, a -handful of this plant is boiled down to one half, in two sextarii of -water, the decoction being taken with salt and honey: if a pig’s foot -or a cock is boiled with it, it will be all the more beneficial. Some -persons have been of opinion, that as a purgative the two kinds of -mercurialis ought to be used together, or else that a decoction should -be made of the plant in combination with mallows. These plants act as -a detergent upon the chest, and carry off the bilious secretions, but -they are apt to be injurious to the stomach. We shall have to speak -further of their properties on the appropriate occasions.[592] - - - - -CHAP. 19.—THE ACHILLEOS, SIDERITIS, PANACES HERACLEON, MILLEFOLIUM, OR -SCOPÆ REGIÆ; SIX VARIETIES OF IT: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Achilles too, the pupil of Chiron, discovered a plant which heals -wounds, and which, as being his discovery, is known as the “achilleos.” -It was by the aid of this plant, they say, that he cured Telephus. -Other authorities, however, assert that he was the first[593] to -discover that verdigris[594] is an extremely useful ingredient in -plasters; and hence it is that he is sometimes represented in pictures -as scraping with his sword the rust from off a spear[595] into the -wound of Telephus. Some again, are of opinion that he made use of both -remedies. - -By some persons this plant is called “panaces heracleon,” by others, -“sideritis,”[596] and by the people of our country, “millefolium:”[597] -the stalk of it, they say, is a cubit in length, branchy, and covered -from the bottom with leaves somewhat smaller than those of fennel. -Other authorities, however, while admitting that this last plant is -good for wounds, affirm that the genuine achilleos has a bluish stem -a foot in length, destitute of branches, and elegantly clothed all -over with isolated leaves of a round form. Others again, maintain that -it has a squared stem, that the heads of it are small and like those -of horehound,[598] and that the leaves are similar to those of the -quercus—they say too, that this last has the property of uniting the -sinews when cut asunder. Another statement is, that the sideritis[599] -is a plant that grows on garden walls, and that it emits, when bruised, -a fetid smell; that there is also another plant, very similar to it, -but with a whiter and more unctuous leaf, a more delicate stem, and -mostly found growing in vineyards. - -They speak also of another[600] sideritis, with a stem two cubits in -length, and diminutive branches of a triangular shape: the leaf, they -say, resembles that of fern, and has a long footstalk, the seed being -similar to that of beet. All these plants, it is said, are remarkably -good for the treatment of wounds. The one with the largest leaf is -known among us by the name of “scopæ regiæ,”[601] and is used for the -cure of quinzy in swine. - - - - -CHAP. 20.—THE TEUCRION, HEMIONION, OR SPLENION: TWO REMEDIES. - - -At the same period also, Teucer discovered the teucrion, a plant known -to some as the “hemionion.”[602] It throws out thin rush-like stems, -with diminutive leaves, and grows in rugged, uncultivated spots: the -taste of it is rough, and it never blossoms or produces seed. It is -used for the cure of affections of the spleen,[603] and it is generally -understood that its properties were discovered in the following -manner:—The entrails of a victim having been placed upon this plant, it -attached itself to the milt, and entirely consumed it;[604] a property -to which it is indebted for the name of “splenion,” given to it by -some. It is said too, that swine which have fed upon the root of this -plant are found to have no milt. - -Some authors give this name also to a ligneous plant,[605] with -branches like those of hyssop, and a leaf resembling that of the bean; -they say too, that it should be gathered while in blossom, from which -we may conclude that they entertain no doubt that it does blossom. -That which grows on the mountains of Cilicia and Pisidia is more -particularly praised by them. - - - - -CHAP. 21.—MELAMPODIUM, HELLEBORE, OR VERATRUM: THREE VARIETIES OF IT. -THE WAY IN WHICH IT IS GATHERED, AND HOW THE QUALITY OF IT IS TESTED. - - -The repute of Melampus, as being highly skilled in the arts of -divination, is universally known. This personage has given a name to -one species of hellebore, known as the “melampodion.” Some persons, -however, attribute the discovery of this plant to a shepherd of that -name, who remarked that his she-goats were violently purged after -browsing upon it, and afterwards cured the daughters of Prœtus of -madness, by giving them the milk of these goats. It will be the best -plan, therefore, to take this opportunity of treating of the several -varieties of hellebore. The two principal kinds are the white[606] and -the black;[607] though, according to most authorities, this difference -exists in the root only. There are some authors, however, who assure -us that the leaves of the black hellebore are similar to those of the -plane-tree, only darker, more diminutive, and more jagged at the edges: -and who say, that the white hellebore has leaves like those of beet -when first shooting, though at the same time of a more swarthy colour, -with reddish veins on the under side. The stem, in both kinds, is -ferulaceous, a palm[608] in height, and covered with coats like those -of the bulbs, the root, too, being fibrous like that of the onion.[609] - -The black hellebore kills horses, oxen, and swine; hence it is that -those animals avoid it, while they eat the white[610] kind. The proper -time, they say, for gathering this last, is harvest. It grows upon -Mount Œta in great abundance; and the best of all is that found upon -one spot on that mountain, in the vicinity of Pyra. The black hellebore -is found growing everywhere, but the best is that of Mount Helicon; -which is also equally celebrated for the qualities of its other plants. -The white hellebore of Mount Œta is the most highly esteemed, that of -Pontus occupying the second place, and the produce of Elea the third; -which last, it is generally said, grows in the vineyards there. The -fourth rank is held by the white hellebore of Mount Parnassus, though -it is often, adulterated with that of the neighbouring districts of -Ætolia. - -Of these kinds it is the black hellebore that is known as the -“melampodium:” it is used in fumigations, and for the purpose of -purifying houses; cattle, too, are sprinkled with it, a certain form -of prayer being repeated. This last plant, too, is gathered with more -numerous ceremonies than the other: a circle is first traced around it -with a sword, after which, the person about to cut it turns towards -the East, and offers up a prayer, entreating permission of the gods to -do so. At the same time he observes whether an eagle is in sight—for -mostly while the plant is being gathered that bird is near at hand—and -if one should chance to fly close at hand, it is looked upon as a -presage that he will die within the year. The white hellebore, too, is -gathered not without difficulty, as it is very oppressive to the head; -more particularly if the precaution has not been used of eating garlic -first, and of drinking wine every now and then, care being taken to dig -up the plant as speedily as possible. - -Some persons call the black hellebore “ectomon,”[611] and others -“polyrrhizon:” it purges[612] by stool, while the white hellebore -acts as an emetic, and so carries off what might otherwise have given -rise to disease. In former days hellebore was regarded with horror, -but more recently the use[613] of it has become so familiar, that -numbers of studious men are in the habit of taking it for the purpose -of sharpening the intellectual powers required by their literary -investigations. Carneades, for instance, made use of hellebore when -about to answer the treatises of Zeno; Drusus[614] too, among us, the -most famous of all the tribunes of the people, and whom in particular -the public, rising from their seats, greeted with loud applause—to whom -also the patricians imputed the Marsic war—is well known to have been -cured of epilepsy in the island of Anticyra;[615] a place at which it -is taken with more safety than elsewhere, from the fact of sesamoïdes -being combined with it, as already[616] stated. In Italy the name given -to it is “veratrum.” - -These kinds of hellebore, reduced to powder and taken alone, or else in -combination with radicula, a plant used, as already mentioned,[617] for -washing wool, act as a sternutatory, and are both of them productive -of narcotic effects. The thinnest and shortest roots are selected, and -among them the lower parts in particular, which have all the appearance -of having been cut short;[618] for, as to the upper part, which is the -thickest, and bears a resemblance to an onion, it is given to dogs -only, as a purgative. The ancients used to select those roots the rind -of which was the most fleshy, from an idea that the pith extracted -therefrom was of a more refined[619] nature. This substance they -covered with wet sponges, and, when it began to swell, used to split it -longitudinally with a needle; which done, the filaments were dried in -the shade, for future use. At the present day, however, the fibres[620] -of the root with the thickest rind are selected, and given to the -patient just as they are. The best hellebore is that which has an -acrid, burning taste, and when broken, emits a sort of dust. It retains -its efficacy, they say, so long as thirty years. - - - - -CHAP. 22.—TWENTY-FOUR REMEDIES DERIVED FROM BLACK HELLEBORE. HOW IT -SHOULD BE TAKEN. - - -Black hellebore is administered for the cure of paralysis, insanity, -dropsy—provided there is no fever—chronic gout, and diseases of the -joints: it has the effect too, of carrying off the bilious secretions -and morbid humours by stool. It is given also in water as a gentle -aperient, the proportion being one drachma at the very utmost, and four -oboli for a moderate dose. Some authorities have recommended mixing -scammony with it, but salt is looked upon as more safe. If given in -any considerable quantity in combination with a sweet substance, it -is highly dangerous: used in the form of a fomentation, it disperses -films upon the eyes; and hence it is that some medical men have pounded -it and used it for an eye-salve. It ripens and acts detergently upon -scrofulous sores, suppurations, and indurated tumours, as also upon -fistulas, but in this latter case it must be removed at the end of a -couple of days. In combination with copper filings[621] and sandarach, -it removes warts; and it is applied to the abdominal regions, with -barley-meal and wine, in cases of dropsy. - -This plant is employed for the cure of pituitous defluxions in cattle -and beasts of burden, a slip of it being passed[622] through the ear, -and removed at the same hour on the following day. With frankincense -also, wax, and pitch, or else pisselæon,[623] it is used for the cure -of itch in quadrupeds. - - - - -CHAP. 23.—TWENTY-THREE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM WHITE HELLEBORE. - - -The best white hellebore is that which acts most speedily as a -sternutatory; but it would seem to be a much more formidable[624] -plant than the black kind; more particularly if we read in the ancient -authors the precautions used by those about to take it, against cold -shiverings, suffocation, unnatural drowsiness, continuous hiccup or -sneezing, derangements of the stomach, and vomitings, either retarded -or prolonged, too sparing or in excess. Indeed, it was generally the -practice to administer other substances to promote vomiting, and to -carry off the hellebore by the aid of purgatives or clysters, while -bleeding even was frequently had recourse to. In addition to all this, -however successful the results may prove, the symptoms by which it is -attended are really most alarming, by reason of the various colours -which the matter vomited presents: besides which, after the vomiting -has subsided, the physician has to pay the greatest attention to -the nature of the alvine evacuations, the due and proper use of the -bath, and the general regimen adopted by the patient; all of them -inconveniences in themselves, and preceded by the terrors naturally -inspired by the character of the drug; for one story is, that it has -the property of consuming flesh, if boiled with it. - -The great error,[625] however, on the part of the ancients was, that -in consequence of these fears, they used to give it too sparingly, -the fact being, that the larger the dose, the more speedily it passes -through the body. Themison used to give no more than two drachmæ, -but at a later period as much as four drachmæ was administered; -in conformity with the celebrated eulogium passed upon it by -Herophilus,[626] who was in the habit of comparing hellebore to a -valiant general, and saying, that after it has set in motion all -within, it is the first to sally forth and show the way. In addition -to these particulars, there has been a singular discovery made: the -hellebore which, as we have already stated, has been cut with a small -pair of scissors,[627] is passed through a sieve, upon which the pith -makes its way through, while the outer coat remains behind. The latter -acts as a purgative, while the former is used for the purpose of -arresting vomiting when that evacuation is in excess. - - - - -CHAP. 24.—EIGHTY-EIGHT OBSERVATIONS UPON THE TWO KINDS OF HELLEBORE. - - -In order to secure a beneficial result, due precautions must be taken -not to administer hellebore in cloudy weather; for if given at such a -time, it is sure to be productive of excruciating agonies. Indeed there -is no doubt that summer is a better time for giving it than winter: the -body too, by an abstinence from wine, must be prepared for it seven -days previously, emetics being taken on the fourth and third days -before, and the patient going without his evening meal the previous -day. White hellebore, too, is administered in a sweet[628] medium, -though lentils or pottage are found to be the best for the purpose. -There has been a plan also, lately discovered, of splitting a radish, -and inserting the hellebore in it, after which the sections are pressed -together; the object being that the strength of the hellebore may be -incorporated with the radish, and modified thereby. - -At the end of about four hours it generally begins to be brought -up again; and within seven it has operated to the full extent. -Administered in this manner, it is good for epilepsy, as already[629] -stated, vertigo, melancholy, insanity, delirium, white elephantiasis, -leprosy, tetanus, palsy, gout, dropsy, incipient tympanitis, stomachic -affections, cynic spasms,[630] sciatica, quartan fevers which defy all -other treatment, chronic coughs, flatulency, and recurrent gripings in -the bowels. - - - - -CHAP. 25.—TO WHAT PERSONS HELLEBORE SHOULD NEVER BE ADMINISTERED. - - -It is universally recommended not to give hellebore to aged people or -children, to persons of a soft and effeminate habit of body or mind, -or of a delicate or tender constitution. It is given less frequently -too to females than to males; and persons of a timorous disposition are -recommended not to take it: the same also, in cases where the viscera -are ulcerated or tumefied, and more particularly when the patient is -afflicted with spitting of blood, or with maladies of the side or -fauces. Hellebore is applied, too, externally, with salted axle-grease, -to morbid eruptions of the body and suppurations of long standing: -mixed with polenta, it destroys rats and mice. The people of Gaul, when -hunting, tip their arrows with hellebore, taking care to cut away the -parts about the wound in the animal so slain: the flesh, they say, is -all the more tender for it. Flies are destroyed with white hellebore, -bruised and sprinkled about a place with milk: phthiriasis is also -cured by the use of this mixture. - - - - -CHAP. 26. (6.)—THE MITHRIDATIA. - - -Crateuas ascribes the discovery of one plant to Mithridates himself, -the name of which is “mithridatia.”[631] Near the root it has two -leaves resembling those of the acanthus, between which it puts forth a -stem supporting a flower at the extremity, like a rose. - - - - -CHAP. 27.—THE SCORDOTIS OR SCORDION: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Lenæus attributes to Mithridates the discovery of another plant, the -scordotis[632] or scordion, which has been described, he tells us, -by the hand even of that prince. This plant, he says, is a cubit in -height, and has a square stem, branchy, covered with downy leaves, -and resembling the quercus[633] in appearance: it is found growing in -Pontus, in rich, humid soils, and has a bitter taste. - -There is another[634] variety also of this plant, with a larger leaf, -and resembling wild mint in appearance. They are both of them used for -numerous purposes, both individually and in combination with other -ingredients, as antidotes. - - - - -CHAP. 28.—THE POLEMONIA, PHILETÆRIA, OR CHILIODYNAMUS: SIX REMEDIES. - - -The polemonia[635] is known as the “philetæria” by some, in consequence -of the contest which has arisen between certain kings for the honour -of its discovery. The people of Cappadocia also give it the name of -“chiliodynamus.”[636] The root of it is substantial, and it has slender -branches, with umbels hanging from the extremities, and a black seed. -In other respects, it bears a resemblance to rue, and is found growing -in mountainous localities. - - - - -CHAP. 29.—THE EUPATORIA: ONE REMEDY. - - -The eupatoria[637] also is a plant under royal patronage. The stem of -it is ligneous, hairy, and swarthy, and a cubit or more in length. The -leaves, arranged at regular intervals, resemble those of cinquefoil or -hemp; they have five indentations at the edge, and are swarthy like the -stem, and downy. The root is never used. The seed, taken in wine, is a -sovereign remedy for dysentery. - - - - -CHAP. 30.—CENTAURION OR CHIRONION: TWENTY REMEDIES. - - -Centaury,[638] it is said, effected a cure for Chiron, on the occasion -when, while handling the arms of Hercules, his guest, he let one of -the arrows fall upon his foot: hence it is that by some it is called -“chironion.” The leaves of it are large and oblong, serrated at the -edge, and growing in thick tufts from the root upwards. The stems, some -three cubits in height and jointed, bear heads resembling those of the -poppy. The root is large and spreading, of a reddish colour, tender -and brittle, a couple of cubits in length, and full of a bitter juice, -somewhat inclining to sweet. - -This plant grows in rich soils upon declivities; the best in quality -being that of Arcadia, Elis, Messenia, Mount Pholoë, and Mount Lycæus: -it grows also upon the Alps, and in numerous other localities, and -in Lycia they prepare a lycium[639] from it. So remarkable are its -properties for closing wounds, that pieces of meat even, it is said, -are soldered together, when boiled with it. The root is the only part -in use, being administered in doses of two drachmæ in the several cases -hereafter[640] mentioned. If, however, the patient is suffering from -fever, it should be bruised and taken in water, wine being used in -other cases. A decoction of the root is equally useful for all the same -purposes. - - - - -CHAP. 31.—THE CENTAURION LEPTON, OR LIBADION, KNOWN ALSO AS FEL TERRÆ: -TWENTY-TWO REMEDIES. - - -There is another centaury also, with diminutive leaves, known by -the additional name of “lepton.”[641] By some persons it is called -“libadion,”[642] from the circumstance that it grows upon the borders -of fountains. It is similar to origanum in appearance, except that the -leaves are narrower and longer. The stem is angular, branchy, and a -palm in height; the flower is like that of the lychnis,[643] and the -root is thin, and never used. It is in the juice that its medicinal -properties are centred: it being gathered in the autumn, and the juice -extracted from the leaves. Some persons cut up the stalks, and steep -them for some eighteen days in water, and then extract the juice. - -In Italy this kind of centaury is known as “gall[644] of the -earth,” from its extreme bitterness. The Gauls give it the name of -“exacum;”[645] from the circumstance that, taken in drink, it purges -off all noxious substances by alvine evacuation. - - - - -CHAP. 32.—THE CENTAURIS TRIORCHIS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -There is a third kind of centaury also, known as the “centauris -triorchis.”[646] It is but rarely that a person cuts it without -wounding himself. The juice emitted is just the colour of blood.[647] -Theophrastus relates that this plant is under the protection of -the triorchis, a kind of hawk, which attacks those who gather it; a -circumstance to which it owes its name. Ignorant[648] persons are in -the habit of confounding all these characteristics, and attributing -them to the centaury first named. - - - - -CHAP. 33. (7.)—CLYMENUS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -Clymenus is a plant so called, after a certain king.[649] It has leaves -like those of ivy, numerous branches, and a hollow, jointed stem. The -smell of it is powerful, and the seed like that of ivy: it grows in -wild and mountainous localities. We shall have to state hereafter, of -what maladies it is curative, taken in drink, but it is as well to take -the present opportunity of remarking that, while effecting a cure, in -the male sex it neutralizes the generative powers. - -The Greeks speak[650] of this plant as being similar to the plantago in -appearance, with a square stem, and a seed in capsules, interlaced like -the arms of the polypus. The juice of this plant, too, is used, being -possessed of refreshing properties in a very high degree. - - - - -CHAP. 34.—GENTIAN: THIRTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Gentian[651] was first discovered by Gentius, king of Illyria. It -is a plant to be found everywhere,[652] but that of Illyria is the -finest. It has a leaf like that of the ash,[653] but equal in size to -a lettuce-leaf: the stem is tender, about the thickness of the thumb, -hollow and empty, and covered with leaves at regular intervals. This -stem is sometimes three cubits in length, and the root is flexible, -swarthy,[654] and inodorous. It is found in the greatest abundance in -humid localities at the foot of the Alps. The root and juice are the -parts of it that are used: the root is possessed of certain warming -properties, but it should never be taken by women in a state of -pregnancy. - - - - -CHAP. 35.—THE LYSIMACHIA: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -King Lysimachus[655] first discovered the plant which from him has -received the name of lysimachia, and the merits of which have been -so highly extolled by Erasistratus. This plant has green leaves -resembling those of the willow, and a purple[656] blossom: it has all -the appearance of a shrub, the branches are erect, and it has a pungent -smell. It is found growing in watery soils. The properties of it are so -extremely powerful, that if placed upon the yoke when beasts of burden -are restive, it will be sure to overcome all stubbornness on their -part.[657] - - - - -CHAP. 36.—ARTEMISIA, PARTHENIS, BOTRYS, OR AMBROSIA: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -Women too have even affected an ambition to give their name to plants: -thus, for instance, Artemisia, the wife of King Mausolus, adopted the -plant, which before was known by the name of “parthenis.” There are -some persons, however, who are of opinion that it received this surname -from the goddess Artemis Ilithyia,[658] from the fact of its being used -for the cure of female complaints more particularly. It is a plant with -numerous branches, like those of wormwood, but the leaves of it are -larger and substantial. - -There are two varieties of it; one has broader[659] leaves than the -other,[660] which last is of a slender form, with a more diminutive -leaf, and grows nowhere but in maritime districts. - -Some persons again, give this name to a plant[661] which grows more -inland, with a single stem, extremely diminutive leaves, and numerous -blossoms which open at the ripening of the grape, and the odour of -which is far from unpleasant. In addition to this name, this last plant -is known as “botrys” to some persons, and “ambrosia” to others:[662] it -grows in Cappadocia. - - - - -CHAP. 37.—NYMPHÆA, HERACLEON, RHOPALON, OR MADON; TWO VARIETIES OF IT: -FOUR REMEDIES. - - -The plant called “nymphæa,” owes its name, they say, to a Nymph who -died of jealousy conceived on account of Hercules, for which reason it -is also known as “heracleon” by some. By other persons, again, it is -called “rhopalon,” from the resemblance of its root to a club.[663] * -* * * and hence it is that those who take it in drink become impotent -for some twelve days, and incapacitated for procreation. That of the -first quality is found in Orchomenia and at Marathon: the people of -Bœotia call it “madon,” and use the seed for food. It grows in spots -covered with water; the leaves[664] of it are large, and float upon -the surface, while others are to be seen springing from the roots -below. The flower is very similar to a lily in appearance, and after -the plant has shed its blossom, the place of the flower is occupied by -a head like that of the poppy. The stem is slender, and the plant is -usually cut in autumn. The root, of a swarthy hue, is dried in the sun; -garlic[665] manifests a peculiar antipathy to it. - -There is another[666] nymphæa also, which grows in the river Peneus, in -Thessaly: the root of it is white, and the head yellow, about the size -of a rose. - - - - -CHAP. 38.—TWO VARIETIES OF EUPHORBIA: FOUR REMEDIES. THE CHAMELÆA. - - -In the time, too, of our fathers, King Juba discovered[667] a plant, -to which he gave the name of “euphorbia,” in honour of his physician, -Euphorbus, the brother of the same Musa, whom we have mentioned[668] -as having saved the life of the late Emperor Augustus. It was these -brothers who introduced the practice of douching the body with large -quantities of cold water, immediately after the bath, for the purpose -of bracing the system: whereas in former times, as we find stated in -the works of Homer[669] even, it was the practice to wash the body with -warm water only. With reference to euphorbia,[670] there is a treatise -still in existence, written upon it by King Juba, in which he highly -extols its merits; he discovered it growing upon Mount Atlas, and -describes it as resembling a thyrsus in appearance, and bearing leaves -like those of the acanthus.[671] - -The properties of this plant are so remarkably powerful,[672] that the -persons engaged in collecting the juices of it are obliged to stand -at a considerable distance. The incisions are made with a long pole -shod with iron, the juice flowing into receivers of kid-leather placed -beneath. The juice has all the appearance of milk, as it exudes, but -when it has coagulated and dried, it assumes the form and consistency -of frankincense. The persons engaged in collecting it, find their -sight improved[673] thereby. This juice is an excellent remedy for the -stings of serpents: in whatever part of the body the wound may have -been inflicted, the practice is to make an incision in the crown of -the head, and there introduce the medicament. The Gætuli who collect -it, are in the habit of adulterating it with warm milk;[674] a fraud, -however, easily to be detected by the agency of fire, that which is not -genuine emitting a most disgusting smell. - -Much inferior to this is the juice extracted, in Gaul,[675] from the -chamelæa,[676] a plant which bears the grain of Cnidos. When broken -asunder, it resembles hammoniacum[677] in appearance; and however -slightly tasted, it leaves a burning sensation in the mouth, which -lasts a considerable time, and increases every now and then, until, in -fact, it has quite parched the fauces. - - - - -CHAP. 39. (8.)—TWO VARIETIES OF THE PLANTAGO: FORTY-SIX REMEDIES. - - -The physician Themiso, too, has conferred some celebrity upon the -plantago, otherwise a very common plant; indeed he has written a -treatise upon it, as though he had been the first to discover it. There -are two varieties; one, more diminutive[678] than the other, has a -narrower and more swarthy leaf, strongly resembling a sheep’s tongue -in appearance: the stem of it is angular and bends downwards, and it -is generally found growing in meadow lands. The larger[679] kind has -leaves enclosed with ribs at the sides, to all appearance, from the -fact of which being seven[680] in number, the plant has been called -“heptapleuron”[681] by some. The stem of it is a cubit in height, -and strongly resembles that of the turnip. That which is grown in a -moist soil is considered much the most efficacious: it is possessed of -marvellous virtues as a desiccative and as an astringent, and has all -the effect of a cautery. There is nothing that so effectually arrests -the fluxes known by the Greeks as “rheumatismi.” - - - - -CHAP. 40.—BUGLOSSOS: THREE REMEDIES. - - -To an account of the plantago may be annexed that of the buglossos, the -leaf of which resembles an ox tongue.[682] The main peculiarity of this -plant is, that if put into wine, it promotes[683] mirth and hilarity, -whence it has obtained the additional name of “euphrosynum.”[684] - - - - -CHAP. 41.—CYNOGLOSSOS: THREE REMEDIES. - - -To this plant we may also annex an account of the cynoglossos,[685] the -leaf of which resembles a dog’s tongue, and which produces so pleasing -an effect[686] in ornamental gardening. The root, it is said, of the -kind which bears three[687] stems surmounted with seed, is very useful, -taken in water, for tertian, and of that with four stems, for quartan, -fevers. - -There is another plant[688] very similar to it, which bears diminutive -burrs resembling those of the lappa:[689] the root of it, taken in -water, is curative of wounds inflicted by frogs[690] or serpents. - - - - -CHAP. 42.—THE BUPHTHALMOS OR CACHLA: ONE REMEDY. - - -There is the buphthalmos[691] also, so called from its resemblance -to an ox’s eye, and with a leaf like that of fennel. It grows in the -vicinity of towns, and is a branchy plant, with numerous stems, which -are boiled and eaten. Some persons give it the name of “cachla.” In -combination with wax, it disperses scirrhi.[692] - - - - -CHAP. 43.—PLANTS WHICH HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED BY CERTAIN NATIONS. THE -SCYTHICE: ONE REMEDY. - - -Entire nations, too, have been the discoverers of certain plants. The -Scythæ were the first to discover the plant known as “scythice,”[693] -which grows in the vicinity of the Palus[694] Mæotis. Among its other -properties, this plant is remarkably sweet, and extremely useful for -the affection known as “asthma.” It is also possessed of another great -recommendation—so long as a person keeps it in his month, he will -never[695] experience hunger or thirst. - - - - -CHAP. 44.—THE HIPPACE: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The hippace,[696] another plant that grows in Scythia, is possessed of -similar properties: it owes[697] its name to the circumstance that it -produces the like effect upon horses. By the aid of these two plants, -the Scythæ, they say, are enabled to endure hunger and thirst, so long -as twelve days even. - - - - -CHAP. 45.—THE ISCHÆMON: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The Thracians were the first to discover the ischæmon,[698] which, it -is said, has the property of stanching the flow of blood, not only when -a vein has been opened, but when it has been cut asunder even. This is -a creeping plant; it is like millet in appearance, and the leaves of it -are rough and lanuginous. It is used as a plug[699] for the nostrils. -The kind that grows in Italy, attached to the body as an amulet, has -the property of arresting hæmorrhage. - - - - -CHAP. 46.—THE CESTROS, PSYCHOTROPHON, VETTONICA, OR SERRATULA: -FORTY-EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -The Vettones, a people of Spain, were the original discoverers of the -plant known as the “vettonica”[700] in Gaul, the “serratula”[701] in -Italy, and the “cestros” or “psychotrophon”[702] in Greece. This is -a plant more highly esteemed than any other: it puts forth an angular -stem two cubits in height, and throws out leaves from the root, with -serrated edges, and closely resembling those of lapathum.[703] The -seed of it is purple: the leaves are dried and powdered, and used -for numerous purposes. There is a wine also prepared from it, and -a vinegar, remarkably beneficial to the stomach and the eyesight. -Indeed, this plant enjoys so extraordinary a reputation, that it is a -common belief even that the house which contains it is insured against -misfortunes of every kind. - - - - -CHAP. 47.—THE CANTABRICA: TWO REMEDIES. - - -In Spain, too, is found the cantabrica,[704] which was first discovered -by the nation of the Cantabri in the time of the late Emperor Augustus. -It grows everywhere in those parts, having a stem like that of the -bulrush, a foot in height, and bearing small oblong flowers, like a -calathus[705] in shape, and enclosing an extremely diminutive seed. - -Nor indeed, in other respects, have the people of Spain been wanting in -their researches into the nature of plants; for at the present day even -it is the custom in that country, at their more jovial entertainments, -to use a drink called the hundred-plant drink, combined with a -proportion of honied wine; it being their belief, that the wine is -rendered more wholesome and agreeable by the admixture of these plants. -It still remains unknown to us, what these different plants are, or in -what number exactly they are used: as to this last question, however, -we may form some conclusion from the name that is given to the beverage. - - - - -CHAP. 48.—CONSILIGO: ONE REMEDY. - - -Our own age, too, can remember the fact of a plant being discovered in -the country of the Marsi. It is found growing also in the neighbourhood -of the village of Nervesia, in the territory of the Æquicoli, and is -known by the name of “consiligo.”[706] It is very useful, as we shall -have occasion to mention[707] in the appropriate place, in cases of -phthisis where recovery is considered more than doubtful. - - - - -CHAP. 49.—THE IBERIS: SEVEN REMEDIES. - - -It is but very lately, too, that Servilius Democrates, one of our most -eminent physicians, first called attention to a plant to which he gave -the name of iberis,[708] a fanciful appellation[709] only, bestowed -by him upon this discovery of his in the verses by him devoted[710] -to it. This plant is found mostly growing in the vicinity of ancient -monuments, old walls, and overgrown footpaths: it is an evergreen, and -its leaves are like those of nasturtium, with a stem a cubit in height, -and a seed so diminutive as to be hardly perceptible; the root, too, -has just the smell of nasturtium. Its properties are more strongly -developed in summer, and it is only used fresh-gathered: there is -considerable difficulty in pounding it. - -Mixed with a small proportion of axle-grease, it is extremely useful -for sciatica and all diseases of the joints; the application being kept -on some four hours at the utmost, when used by the male sex, and about -half that time in the case of females. Immediately after its removal, -the patient must take a warm bath, and then anoint the body all over -with oil and wine—the same operation being repeated every twenty days, -so long as there are any symptoms of pain remaining. A similar method -is adopted for the cure of all internal defluxions; it is never -applied, however, so long as the inflammation is at its height, but -only when it has somewhat abated. - - - - -CHAP. 50.—PLANTS WHICH HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED BY CERTAIN ANIMALS. -CHELIDONIA: SIX REMEDIES. - - -The brute animals also have been the discoverers of certain plants: -among them, we will name chelidonia first of all. It is by the aid -of this plant that the swallow restores the sight of the young birds -in the nest, and even, as some persons will have it, when the eyes -have been plucked out. There are two varieties of this plant; the -larger[711] kind has a branchy stem, and a leaf somewhat similar to -that of the wild parsnip,[712] but larger. The plant itself is some -two cubits in height, and of a whitish colour, that of the flower -being yellow. The smaller[713] kind has leaves like those of ivy, only -rounder and not so white. The juice of it is pungent, and resembles -saffron in colour, and the seed is similar to that of the poppy. - -These plants blossom,[714] both of them, at the arrival of the swallow, -and wither at the time of its departure. The juice is extracted while -they are in flower, and is boiled gently in a copper vessel on hot -ashes, with Attic honey, being esteemed a sovereign remedy for films -upon the eyes. This juice is employed also, unmixed with any other -substance, for the eyesalves,[715] which from it take their name of -“chelidonia.” - - - - -CHAP. 51.—THE DOG-PLANT: ONE REMEDY. - - -Dogs, too, are in the habit of seeking a certain plant,[716] as a -stimulant to the appetite; but although they eat it in our presence, -it has never yet been discovered what it is, it being quite impossible -to recognize it when seen half-chewed. There has also been remarked -another bit of spitefulness in this animal, though in a much greater -degree, in reference to another plant. When stung by a serpent, it -cures itself, they say, by eating a certain herb, taking care, however, -never to gather it in presence of man. - - - - -CHAP. 52.—THE ELAPHOBOSCON. - - -The hind, with a much greater degree of frankness, has discovered to -us the elaphoboscon, a plant of which we have already[717] spoken, and -which is also called “helxine,”[718] from the assistance it affords -those animals in yeaning. - - - - -CHAP. 53.—DICTAMNON: EIGHT REMEDIES. PSEUDODICTAMNON OR CHONDRIS. IN -WHAT PLACES THE MOST POWERFUL PLANTS ARE FOUND. HOW THAT MILK IS DRUNK -IN ARCADIA FOR THE BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF THE PLANTS UPON WHICH THE -CATTLE FEED. - - -It is the hind, too, that, as already[719] stated, first made us -acquainted with dictamnon,[720] or dittany; for when wounded, it eats -some of this plant, and the weapon immediately falls from the body. -This plant grows nowhere[721] but in Crete. The branches of it are -remarkably thin; it resembles pennyroyal in appearance, and is hot -and acrid to the taste. The leaves are the only part employed, it -being destitute of[722] blossom, seed, and stem: the root is thin, and -never used. In Crete even, it is found growing only in a very limited -locality, and is sought by goats with singular avidity. - -In place of it, the pseudodictamnum[723] is employed, a plant that is -found growing in many countries. In leaf it is similar to the other, -but the branches are more diminutive: by some persons it is known -as “chondris.” Its properties not being so strongly developed, the -difference is immediately recognized: for an infusion of the very -smallest piece of the real dittany, is sufficient to burn the mouth. -The persons who gather it are in the habit of enclosing it in a stem -of fennel-giant or in a reed, which they close at the ends that the -virtues of it may not escape. Some persons say, that both plants grow -indiscriminately in numerous localities, the inferior sort being the -produce of rich soils, and the genuine dittany being found nowhere but -in rugged, uncultivated spots. - -There is, again, a third[724] plant called “dictamnum,” which, however, -has neither the appearance nor the properties of the other plant so -called; the leaves of it are like those of sisymbrium,[725] but the -branches are larger. - -There has long been this impression with reference to Crete, that -whatever plant grows there is infinitely superior in its properties -to a similar plant the produce of any other country; the second rank -being given to the produce of Mount Parnassus. In addition to this, it -is generally asserted that simples of excellent quality are found upon -Mount Pelion in Thessaly, Mount Teleuthrius in Eubœa, and throughout -the whole of Arcadia and Laconia. Indeed, the Arcadians, they say, are -in the habit of using, not the simples themselves, but milk, in the -spring season more particularly; a period at which the field plants -are swollen with juice, and the milk is medicated by their agency. -It is cows’ milk in especial that they use for this purpose, those -animals being in the habit of feeding upon nearly every kind of plant. -The potent properties of plants are manifested by their action upon -four-footed animals in two very remarkable instances: in the vicinity -of Abdera and the tract known as the Boundary[726] of Diomedes, the -horses, after pasturing, become inflamed with frantic fury; the same is -the case, too, with the male asses, in the neighbourhood of Potniæ. - - - - -CHAP. 54.—THE ARISTOLOCHIA, CLEMATITIS, CRETICA, PLISTOLOCHIA, LOCHIA -POLYRRHIZOS, OR APPLE OF THE EARTH: TWENTY-TWO REMEDIES. - - -In the number of the most celebrated plants is the aristolochia, -which would appear to have derived its name from females in a state -of pregnancy, as being ἀρίστη λοχούσαις.[727] Among us, however, -it is known as the “malum terræ,” or apple of the earth,[728] four -different varieties of it being distinguished. One of these has a root -covered with tubercles of a rounded[729] shape, and leaves of a mixed -appearance, between those of the mallow and the ivy, only softer and -more swarthy. The second[730] kind is the male plant, with an elongated -root some four fingers in length, and the thickness of a walking-stick. -A third[731] variety is extremely thin and long, similar to a young -vine in appearance: it has the most strongly-marked properties of -them all, and is known by the additional names of “clematitis,” and -“cretica.” All these plants are the colour of boxwood, have a slender -stem, and bear a purple flower and small berries like those of the -caper: the root is the only part that is possessed of any virtues. - -There is also a fourth[732] kind, the name given to which is -“plistolochia;” it is more slender than the one last mentioned, has -a root thickly covered with filaments, and is about as thick as a -good-sized bulrush: another name given to it is “polyrrhizos.” The -smell of all these plants is medicinal, but that of the one with an -oblong root and a very slender stem, is the most agreeable: this -last, in fact, which has a fleshy outer coat, is well adapted as an -ingredient for nardine unguents even. They grow in rich champaign -soils, and the best time for gathering them is harvest; after the earth -is scraped from off them, they are put by for keeping. - -The aristolochia that is the most esteemed, however, is that which -comes from Pontus; but whatever the soil may happen to be, the more -weighty it is, the better adapted it is for medicinal purposes. The -aristolochia with a round root is recommended for the stings of -serpents, and that with an oblong root * * * * But in this is centred -its principal reputation; applied to the uterus with raw beef, as a -pessary, immediately after conception, it will ensure the birth of -male[733] issue, they say. The fishermen on the coasts of Campania give -the round root the name of “poison of the earth;” and I myself have -seen them pound it with lime, and throw it into the sea; immediately -on which the fish flew towards it with surprising avidity, and being -struck dead in an instant, floated upon the surface. - -The kind that is known as “polyrrhizos,”[734] is remarkably good, -they say, for convulsions, contusions, and falls with violence, an -infusion of the root being taken in water: the seed, too, is useful for -pleurisy and affections of the sinews. It is considered, too, to be -possessed of warming and strengthening properties, similar to those of -satyrion,[735] in fact. - - - - -CHAP. 55.—THE EMPLOYMENT OF THESE PLANTS FOR INJURIES INFLICTED BY -SERPENTS. - - -But it will be as well now to mention the various uses made of -these plants, and the effects produced by them, beginning with that -most dangerous of all evils that can befall us, stings inflicted by -serpents. In such cases the plant britannica[736] effects a cure, -and the same is the case with the root of all the varieties of -panaces,[737] administered in wine. The flower, too, and seed of -panaces chironion are taken in drink, or applied externally with wine -and oil: cunila bubula,[738] too, is looked upon as particularly useful -for this purpose, and the root of polemonia or philetæris is taken in -doses of four drachmæ in unmixed wine. Teucria,[739] sideritis,[740] -and scordotis,[741] are used in wine, plants particularly good, all of -them, for injuries inflicted by snakes; the juice or leaves, or else -a decoction of them, being taken in drink or applied to the wound. -For a similar purpose also, the root of the greater centaury is taken, -in doses of one drachma to three cyathi of white wine. Gentian, too, -is particularly good for the stings of snakes, taken either fresh or -dried, in doses of two drachmæ, mixed with rue and pepper in six cyathi -of wine. The odour, too, of lysimachia[742] puts serpents to flight. - -Chelidonia[743] is also given in wine to persons who have been stung; -and betony in particular is used as an external application to the -wound, a plant the virtues of which are so extraordinary, it is said, -that if a circle of it is traced around a serpent, it will lash -itself to death[744] with its tail. The seed of this plant is also -administered in such cases, in doses of one denarius to three cyathi of -wine; or else it is dried and powdered, and applied to the wound, in -the proportion of three denarii of powder to one sextarius of water. - -Cantabrica, dittany, and aristolochia, are also similarly used, one -drachma of the root of this last plant being taken every now and then -in a semisextarius of wine. It is very useful too, rubbed in with -vinegar, and the same is the case, also, with plistolochia:[745] indeed -it will be quite sufficient to suspend this last over the hearth, to -make all serpents leave the house. - - - - -CHAP. 56. (9.)—THE ARGEMONIA: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -The argemonia,[746] too, is remedial in such cases; the root of it -being taken, in doses of one denarius, in three cyathi of wine. It will -be as well, however, to enter into some further details in reference -to this plant and others, which I shall have occasion next to mention; -it being my intention first to describe, under each head, those plants -which are the most efficacious for the treatment of the affection under -consideration. - -The argemonia has leaves like those of the anemone, but divided[747] -like those of parsley: the head grows upon a slender stem resembling -that of the wild poppy, and the root is also very similar to that of -the same plant. The juice is of a saffron colour, acrid and pungent: -the plant is commonly found in the fields of this country. Among us -there are three[748] varieties of it distinguished, the one being -the most highly approved of, the root of which smells[749] like -frankincense.[750] - - - - -CHAP. 57.—AGARIC: THIRTY-THREE REMEDIES. - - -Agaric[751] is found growing in the form of a fungus of a white colour, -upon the trees in the vicinity of the Bosporus. It is administered -in doses of four oboli, beaten up in two cyathi of oxymel. The kind -that grows in Galatia is generally looked upon as not so efficacious. -The male[752] agaric is firmer than the other, and more bitter; it is -productive too of head-ache. The female plant is of a looser texture; -it has a sweet taste at first, which speedily changes into a bitter -flavour. - - - - -CHAP. 58.—THE ECHIOS; THREE VARIETIES OF IT: TWO REMEDIES. - - -Of the echios there are two kinds; one[753] of which resembles -pennyroyal in appearance, and has a concave leaf. It is administered, -in doses of two drachmæ, in four cyathi of wine. The other[754] kind is -distinguished by a prickly down, and bears small heads resembling those -of vipers: it is usually taken in wine and vinegar. Some persons give -the name of “echios personata”[755] to a kind of echios with larger -leaves than the others, and burrs of considerable size, resembling that -of the lappa.[756] The root of this plant is boiled and administered in -vinegar. Henbane, pounded with the leaves on, is taken in wine, for -the sting of the asp in particular. - - - - -CHAP. 59.—HIERABOTANE, PERISTEREON, OR VERBENACA; TWO VARIETIES OF IT: -TEN REMEDIES. - - -But among the Romans there is no plant that enjoys a more -extended renown than hierabotane[757] known to some persons as -“peristereon,”[758] and among us more generally as “verbenaca.”[759] It -is this plant that we have already[760] mentioned as being borne in the -hands of envoys when treating with the enemy, with this that the table -of Jupiter is cleansed,[761] with this that houses are purified and due -expiation made. There are two varieties of it: the one that is thickly -covered with leaves[762] is thought to be the female plant; that with -fewer leaves,[763] the male. Both kinds have numerous thin branches, a -cubit in length, and of an angular form. The leaves are smaller than -those of the quercus, and narrower, with larger indentations. The -flower is of a grey colour, and the root is long and thin. This plant -is to be found growing everywhere, in level humid localities. Some -persons make no distinction between these two varieties, and look upon -them as identical, from the circumstance of their being productive of -precisely similar effects. - -The people in the Gallic provinces make use of them both for -soothsaying purposes, and for the prediction of future events; but -it is the magicians more particularly that give utterance to such -ridiculous follies in reference to this plant. Persons, they tell us, -if they rub themselves with it will be sure to gain the object of their -desires; and they assure us that it keeps away fevers, conciliates -friendship, and is a cure for every possible disease; they say, too, -that it must be gathered about the rising of the Dog-star—but so as not -to be shone upon by sun or moon—and that honey-combs and honey must be -first presented to the earth by way of expiation. They tell us also -that a circle must first be traced around it with iron; after which -it must be taken up with the left hand, and raised aloft, care being -taken to dry the leaves, stem, and root, separately in the shade. To -these statements they add, that if the banqueting couch is sprinkled -with water in which it has been steeped, merriment and hilarity will be -greatly promoted thereby. - -As a remedy for the stings of serpents, this plant is bruised in wine. - - - - -CHAP. 60.—THE BLATTARIA: ONE REMEDY. - - -There is a plant very similar in appearance to verbascum,[764] so -much so, indeed, as to be frequently gathered for it by mistake. The -leaves,[765] however, are not so white, the stems are more numerous, -and the flower is of a yellow colour. Thrown upon the ground, this -plant attracts black beetles[766] to it, whence its Roman appellation -“blattaria.” - - - - -CHAP. 61.—LEMONIUM: ONE REMEDY. - - -Lemonium[767] furnishes a milky juice, which thickens like gum. It -grows in moist, watery localities, and is generally administered, in -doses of one denarius, in wine. - - - - -CHAP. 62.—QUINQUEFOLIUM, KNOWN ALSO AS PENTAPETES, PENTAPHYLLON, OR -CHAMÆZELON: THIRTY-THREE REMEDIES. - - -There is no one to whom quinquefolium[768] is unknown, being -recommended by a sort of strawberry[769] which it bears: The Greeks -give it the name of pentapetes,[770] pentaphyllon,[770] and -chamæzelon.[771] The root, when taken up, is red; but as it dries it -becomes black and angular. Its name is derived from the number of its -leaves: it puts forth and withers with the leaves of the vine. This -plant also is employed in the purification of houses. - - - - -CHAP. 63.—THE SPARGANION: ONE REMEDY. - - -The root, too, of the plant known as the sparganion,[772] is taken in -white wine, as a remedy for the stings of serpents. - - - - -CHAP. 64.—FOUR VARIETIES OF THE DAUCUS: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Petronius Diodotus has distinguished four kinds of daucus, which it -would be useless here to describe, the varieties being in reality but -two[773] in number. The most esteemed kind is that of Crete,[774] the -next best being the produce of Achaia, and of all dry localities. It -resembles fennel in appearance, only that its leaves are whiter, more -diminutive, and hairy on the surface. The stem is upright, and a foot -in length, and the root has a remarkably pleasant taste and smell. This -kind grows in stony localities with a southern aspect. - -The inferior sorts are found growing everywhere, upon declivities for -instance, and in the hedges of fields, but always in a rich soil. The -leaves are like those of coriander,[775] the stem being a cubit in -length, the heads round, often three or more in number, and the root -ligneous, and good for nothing when dry. The seed of this kind is like -that of cummin, while that of the first kind bears a resemblance to -millet; in all cases it is white, acrid, hot, and odoriferous. The seed -of the second kind has more active properties than that of the first; -for which reason it should be used more sparingly. - -If it is considered really desirable to recognize a third variety of -the daucus, there is a plant[776] of this nature very similar to the -staphylinos, known as the “pastinaca[777] erratica,” with an oblong -seed and a sweet root. Quadrupeds will touch none of these plants, -either in winter or in summer, except indeed, after abortion.[778] -The seed of the various kinds is used, with the exception of that of -Crete, in which case it is the root that is employed; this root being -particularly useful for the stings of serpents. The proper dose is one -drachma, taken in wine. It is administered also to cattle when stung by -those reptiles. - - - - -CHAP. 65.—THE THERIONARCA: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The therionarca, altogether a different plant from that of the -Magi,[779] grows in our own climates, and is a branchy plant, with -greenish leaves, and a rose-coloured flower. It has a deadly effect -upon serpents, and the very contact of it is sufficient to benumb[780] -a wild beast, of whatever kind it be. - - - - -CHAP. 66.—THE PERSOLATA OR ARCION; EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -The persolata,[781] a plant known to every one, and called “arcion” by -the Greeks, has a leaf, larger, thicker, more swarthy, and more hairy -than that of the gourd even, with a large white root. This plant also -is taken, in doses of two denarii, in wine. - - - - -CHAP. 67.—CYCLAMINOS OR TUBER TERRÆ: TWELVE REMEDIES. - - -So too, the root of cyclaminos[782] is good for injuries inflicted -by serpents of all kinds. It has leaves smaller than those of ivy, -thinner, more swarthy, destitute of angles, and covered with whitish -spots. The stem is thin and hollow, the flowers of a purple colour, -and the root large and covered with a black rind; so much so, in fact, -that it might almost be taken for the root of rape. This plant grows -in umbrageous localities, and by the people of our country is known as -the “tuber terræ.”[783] It ought to be grown in every house, if there -is any truth in the assertion that wherever it grows, noxious spells -can have no effect. This plant is also what is called an “amulet;” and -taken in wine, they say, it produces all the symptoms and appearances -of intoxication. The root is dried, cut in pieces, like the squill, -and put away for keeping. When wanted, a decoction is made of it, of -the consistency of honey. Still, however, it has some deleterious[784] -properties; and a pregnant woman, it is said, if she passes over the -root of it, will be sure to miscarry. - - - - -CHAP. 68.—THE CYCLAMINOS CISSANTHEMOS: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -There is also another kind of cyclaminos, known by the additional name -of “cissanthemos;”[785] the stems of it, which are jointed, are good -for nothing. It is altogether different from the preceding plant, and -entwines around the trunks of trees. It bears a berry similar to that -of the ivy, but soft; and the flower is white and pleasing to the -sight. The root is never used. The berries are the only part of it in -use, being of an acrid, viscous taste. They are dried in the shade, -after which they are pounded and divided into lozenges. - - - - -CHAP. 69.—THE CYCLAMINOS CHAMÆCISSOS: THREE REMEDIES. - - -A third kind[786] of cyclaminos has also been shown to me, the -additional name of which is “chamæcissos.” It consists of but a single -leaf, with a branchy root, formerly employed for killing fish. - - - - -CHAP. 70.—PEUCEDANUM: TWENTY-EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -But in the very first rank among these plants, stands peucedanum,[787] -the most esteemed kind of which is that of Arcadia, the next best being -that of Samothrace, The stem resembles that of fennel, is thin and -long, covered with leaves close to the ground, and terminating in a -thick black juicy root, with a powerful smell. It grows on umbrageous -mountains, and is taken up at the end of autumn. The largest and -tenderest roots are the most esteemed; they are cut with bone-knives -into slips four fingers in length, and left to shed their juice[788] in -the shade; the persons employed taking the precaution of rubbing the -head and nostrils with rose-oil, as a preservative against vertigo. - -There is also another kind of juice, which adheres to the stems, and -exudes from incisions made therein. It is considered best when it has -arrived at the consistency of honey: the colour of it is red, and it -has a strong but agreeable smell, and a hot, acrid taste. This juice, -as well as the root and a decoction of it, enters into the composition -of numerous medicaments, but the juice has the most powerful properties -of the two. Diluted with bitter almonds or rue, it is taken in drink as -a remedy for injuries inflicted by serpents. Rubbed upon the body with -oil, it is a preservative against the attacks of those reptiles. - - - - -CHAP. 71. (10.)—EBULUM; SIX REMEDIES - - -A fumigation, too, of ebulum,[789] a plant known to every one, will put -serpents to flight. - - - - -CHAP. 72.—POLEMONIA: ONE REMEDY. - - -The root of polemonia,[790] even worn as an amulet only, is -particularly useful for repelling the attacks of scorpions, as also the -phalangium and other small insects of a venomous nature. For injuries -inflicted by the scorpion, aristolochia[791] is also used, or agaric, -in doses of four oboli to four cyathi of wine. For the bite of the -phalangium, vervain is employed, in combination with wine or oxycrate: -cinquefoil, too, and daucus, are used for a similar purpose. - - - - -CHAP. 73.—PHLOMOS OR VERBASCUM: FIFTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Verbascum has the name of “phlomos” with the Greeks. Of this plant -there are two principal kinds; the white,[792] which is considered to -be the male, and the black,[793] thought to be the female. There is a -third[794] kind, also, which is only found in the woods. The leaves of -these plants are larger than those of the cabbage, and have a hairy -surface: the stem is upright, and more than a cubit in height, and -the seed black, and never used. The root is single, and about the -thickness of the finger. The two principal kinds are found growing -in champaign localities. The wild verbascum has leaves like those of -elelisphacus,[795] but of an elongated form; the branches are ligneous. - - - - -CHAP. 74.—THE PHLOMIS: ONE REMEDY. THE LYCHNITIS OR THRYALLIS. - - -There are also two[796] varieties of the phlomis, hairy plants, with -rounded leaves, and but little elevated above the surface of the earth. -A third kind, again, is known as the “lychnitis”[797] by some persons, -and as the “thryallis” by others: it has three leaves only, or four -at the very utmost, thick and unctuous, and well adapted for making -wicks for lamps. The leaves of the phlomos which we have mentioned -as the female plant, if wrapped about figs, will preserve them most -efficiently from decay, it is said. It seems little better than a loss -of time to give the distinguishing characteristics of these three[798] -kinds, the effects of them all being precisely the same. - -For injuries inflicted by scorpions, an infusion of the root is taken, -with rue, in water. Its bitterness is intense, but it is quite as -efficacious as the plants already mentioned. - - - - -CHAP. 75.—THE THELYPHONON OR SCORPIO: ONE REMEDY. - - -The thelyphonon[799] is a plant known as the “scorpio” to some, from -the peculiar form of its roots, the very touch of which kills[800] the -scorpion: hence it is that it is taken in drink for stings inflicted -by those reptiles. If a dead scorpion is rubbed with white hellebore, -it will come to life, they say. The thelyphonon is fatal to all -quadrupeds, on the application of the root to the genitals. The leaf -too, which bears a resemblance to that of cyclaminos, is productive of -a similar effect, in the course of the same day. It is a jointed plant, -and is found growing in unbrageous localities. Juice of betony or of -plantago is a preservative against the venom of the scorpion. - - - - -CHAP. 76.—THE PHRYNION, NEURAS, OR POTERION; ONE REMEDY. - - -Frogs, too, have their venom, the bramble-frog[801] in particular, -and I myself have seen the Psylli, in their exhibitions, irritate them -by placing them upon flat vessels made red hot,[802] their bite being -fatal more instantaneously than the sting even of the asp. One remedy -for their poison is the phrynion,[803] taken in wine, which has also -the additional names of “neuras”[804] and “poterion:” it bears a small -flower, and has numerous fibrous roots, with an agreeable smell. - - - - -CHAP. 77.—THE ALISMA, DAMASONION, OR LYRON: SEVENTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Similar too, are the properties of the alisma,[805] known to some -persons as the “damasonion,” and as the “lyron” to others. The leaves -of it would be exactly those of the plantago, were it not that they are -narrower, more jagged at the edges, and bent downwards in a greater -degree. In other respects, they present the same veined appearance as -those of the plantago. This plant has a single stem, slender, a cubit -in height, and terminated by a spreading head.[806] The roots of it -are numerous, thin like those of black hellebore, acrid, unctuous, and -odoriferous: it is found growing in watery localities. - -There is another kind also, which grows in the woods, of a more swarthy -colour, and with larger leaves. The root of them both is used for -injuries inflicted by frogs and by the sea-hare,[807] in doses of one -drachma taken in wine. Cyclaminos, too, is an antidote for injuries -inflicted by the sea-hare. - -The bite of the mad dog has certain venomous properties, as an antidote -to which we have the cynorrhodos, of which we have spoken[808] -elsewhere already. The plantago is useful for the bites of all kinds -of animals, either taken in drink or applied topically to the part -affected. Betony is taken on similar occasions, in old wine, unmixed. - - - - -CHAP. 78.—PERISTEREOS: SIX REMEDIES. - - -The name of peristereos[809] is given to a plant with a tall stem, -covered with leaves, and throwing out other stems from the top. It is -much sought by pigeons, to which circumstance it owes its name. Dogs -will never bark, they say, at persons who have this plant about them. - - - - -CHAP. 79.—REMEDIES AGAINST CERTAIN POISONS. - - -Closely approaching in their nature to these various kinds of poisons, -are those which have been devised by man for his own destruction. -In the number of antidotes to all these artificial poisons as well -as to the spells of sorcery, the very first place must be accorded -to the moly[810] of Homer; next to which come the mithridatia,[811] -scordotis,[812] and centaury. The seed of betony carries off all kinds -of noxious substances by stool; being taken for the purpose in honied -wine or raisin wine, or else pulverized, and taken, in doses of one -drachma, in four cyathi of old wine: in this last case, however, the -patient must bring it off the stomach by vomit and then repeat the -dose. Persons who accustom themselves to take this plant daily, will -never experience any injury, they say, from substances of a poisonous -nature. - -When a person has taken poison, one most powerful remedy is -aristolochia,[813] taken in the same proportions as those used for -injuries inflicted by serpents.[814] The juice, too, of cinquefoil is -given for a similar purpose; and in both cases, after the patient has -vomited, agaric is administered, in doses of one denarius, in three -cyathi of hydromel. - - - - -CHAP. 80.—THE ANTIRRHINUM, ANARRHINON, OR LYCHNIS AGRIA: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The name of antirrhinum[815] or anarrhinon is given to the lychnis -agria,[816] a plant which resembles flax in appearance, is destitute -of root, has a flower like that of the hyacinth, and a seed similar -in form to the muzzle of a calf. According to what the magicians say, -persons who rub themselves with this plant improve their personal -appearance thereby; and they may ensure themselves against all noxious -substances and poisons, by wearing it as a bracelet. - - - - -CHAP. 81.—EUCLEA: ONE REMEDY. - - -The same is the case, too, with the plant to which they give the name -of “euclea,”[817] and which, they tell us, rubbed upon the person, -will ensure a more extended consideration. They say, too, that if a -person carries artemisia[818] about him, he will be ensured against all -noxious drugs, the attacks of wild beasts of every kind, and sunstroke -even. This last plant is taken also in wine, in cases of poisoning -by opium. Used as an amulet, or taken in drink, it is said to be -particularly efficacious for injuries inflicted by frogs. - - - - -CHAP. 82.—THE PERICARPUM; TWO VARIETIES OF IT: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The pericarpum is a kind of bulbous plant. There are two varieties of -it; one with a red[819] outer coat, and the other,[820] similar is -appearance to the black poppy, and possessed of greater virtues than -the first. They are both, however, of a warming nature, for which -reason, they are administered to persons who have taken hemlock, a -poison for which frankincense and panaces are used, chironion[821] in -particular. This last, too, is given in cases of poisoning by fungi. - - - - -CHAP. 83. (11.)—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE HEAD. NYMPHÆA HERACLIA: -TWO REMEDIES. - - -But we shall now proceed to point out the various classes of remedies -for the several parts of the body, and the maladies to which those -parts are subject, beginning in the first place with the head. - -The root of nymphæa heraclia[822] effects the cure of alopecy, if they -are beaten up together,[823] and applied. The polythrix[824] differs -from the callitrichos[825] in having white, rushlike suckers, larger -leaves, and more numerous; the main stem,[826] too, is larger. This -plant strengthens the hair, prevents it from falling off, and makes it -grow more thickly - - - - -CHAP. 84.—THE LINGULACA: ONE REMEDY. - - -The same is the case too with the lingulaca,[827] a plant that grows -in the vicinity of springs, and the root of which is reduced to ashes, -and beaten up with hog’s lard. Due care must be taken, however, that -it is the lard of a female, of a black colour, and one that has never -farrowed. The application is rendered additionally efficacious, if the -ointment is applied in the sun. Root, too, of cyclaminos is employed -in the same manner for a similar purpose. A decoction of root of -hellebore in oil or in water is used for the removal of porrigo. For -the cure of head-ache, root of all kinds of panaces[828] is used, -beaten up in oil; as also aristolochia[829] and iberis,[830] this last -being applied to the head for an hour or more, if the patient can bear -it so long, care being taken to bathe m the meanwhile. The daucus, too, -is curative of head-ache. Cyclaminos,[831] introduced into the nostrils -with honey, clears the head; used in the form of a liniment, it heals -ulcers of the head. Peristereos,[832] also, is curative of diseases of -the head. - - - - -CHAP. 85.—THE CACALIA OR LEONTICE: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The name of “cacalia”[833] or “leontice” is given to a plant with seed -resembling small pearls in appearance, and hanging down between large -leaves: it is mostly found upon mountains. Fifteen grains of this seed -are macerated in oil, and the head is rubbed with the mixture, the -contrary way to the hair. - - - - -CHAP. 86.—THE CALLITRICHOS: ONE REMEDY. - - -A sternutatory, too, is prepared from the callitrichos.[834] The -leaves of this plant are similar to those of the lentil, and the stems -resemble fine rushes; the root is very diminutive. It grows in shady, -moist localities, and has a burning taste in the mouth. - - - - -CHAP. 87.—HYSSOP: TEN REMEDIES. - - -Hyssop,[835] beaten up in oil, is curative of phthiriasis and prurigo -of the head. The best hyssop is that of Mount Taurus in Cilicia, next -to which in quality is the produce of Pamphylia and Smyrna. This plant -is injurious to the stomach: taken with figs, it produces alvine -evacuations, and used in combination with honey, it acts as an emetic. -It is generally thought that, beaten up with honey, salt, and cummin, -it is curative of the stings of serpents. - - - - -CHAP. 88.—THE LONCHITIS: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -The lonchitis[836] is not, as most writers have imagined, the same -plant as the xiphion[837] or phasganion, although the seed of it does -bear a resemblance to the point of a spear. The lonchitis, in fact, -has leaves like those of the leek, of a reddish colour near the root, -and more numerous there than on the upper part of the stem. It bears -diminutive heads, which are very similar to our masks of comedy, -and from which a small tongue protrudes:[838] the roots of it are -remarkably long. It grows in thirsty, arid soils. - - - - -CHAP. 89.—THE XIPHION OR PHASGANION: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -The xiphion[839] or phasganion, on the other hand, is found growing in -humid localities. On first leaving the ground it has the appearance -of a sword; the stem of it is two cubits in length, and the root is -fringed like a hazel nut.[840] - -This root should always be taken up before harvest, and dried in the -shade. The upper part of it, pounded with frankincense, and mixed with -an equal quantity of wine, extracts fractured bones of the cranium, -purulent matter in all parts of the body, and bones of serpents,[841] -when accidentally trodden upon; if is very efficacious, too, for -poisons. In cases of head-ache, the head should be rubbed with -hellebore, boiled and beaten up in olive oil, or oil of roses, or else -with peucedanum steeped in olive oil or rose oil, and vinegar. This -last plant, made lukewarm, is very good also for hemicrania[842] and -vertigo. It being of a heating nature, the body is rubbed with the root -as a sudorific. - - - - -CHAP. 90.—PSYLLION, CYNOÏDES, CRYSTALLION, SICELICON, OR CYNOMYIA; -SIXTEEN REMEDIES. THRYSELINUM: ONE REMEDY. - - -Psyllion,[843] cynoïdes, crystallion, sicelicon, or cynomyia, has a -slender root, of which no use is made, and numerous thin branches, -with seeds resembling those of the bean, at the extremities.[844] The -leaves of it are not unlike a dog’s head in shape;[845] and the seed, -which is enclosed in berries, bears a resemblance to a flea—whence its -name “psyllion.” This plant is generally found growing in vineyards, -is of a cooling nature, and is extremely efficacious as a dispellent. -The seed of it is the part made use of; for head-ache, it is applied -to the forehead and temples with rose oil and vinegar, or else with -oxycrate; it is used as a liniment for other purposes also. Mixed in -the proportion of one acetabulum to one sextarius of water, it is left -to coagulate and thicken; after which it is beaten up, and the thick -solution is used as a liniment for all kinds of pains, abscesses, and -inflammations. - -Aristolochia is used as a remedy for wounds in the head; it has the -property, too, of extracting fractured bones, not only from other -parts of the body, but the cranium in particular. The same, too, with -plistolochia. - -Thryselinum[846] is a plant not unlike parsley; the root of it, eaten, -carries off pituitous humours from the head. - - - - -CHAP. 91. (12.)—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE EYES. - - -It is generally thought that the greater centaury[847] strengthens -the sight, if the eyes are fomented with it steeped in water; and -that by employing the juice of the smaller kind, in combination with -honey, films and cloudiness may be dispersed, marks obliterated, -and small flies removed which have got into the eye. It is thought -also that sideritis is curative of albugo in beasts of burden. As -to chelidonia,[848] it is marvellously good for all the affections -above mentioned. Root of panaces[849] is applied, with polenta,[850] -to defluxions of the eyes; and for the purpose of keeping them down, -henbane-seed is taken, in doses of one obolus, with an equal proportion -of opium, in wine. Juice, too, of gentian is used as a liniment, and -it sometimes forms an ingredient in the more active eyesalves,[851] -as a substitute for meconium. Euphorbia,[852] applied in the form -of a liniment, improves the eyesight, and for ophthalmia juice of -plantago[853] is injected into the eyes. - -Aristolochia disperses films upon the eyes; and iberis,[854] attached -to the head with cinquefoil, is curative of defluxions and other -diseases of the eyes. Verbascum[855] is applied topically to defluxions -of the eyes, and vervain is used for a similar purpose, with rose -oil and vinegar. For the treatment of cataract and dimness of sight, -cyclaminos is reduced to a pulp and divided into lozenges. Juice, too, -of peucedanum, as already mentioned,[856] mixed with meconium and oil -of roses, is good for the sight, and disperses films upon the eyes. -Psyllion,[857] applied to the forehead, arrests defluxions of the eyes. - - - - -CHAP. 92. (13.)—THE ANAGALLIS, OR CORCHORON; TWO VARIETIES OF IT: SIX -REMEDIES. - - -The anagallis is called “corchoron”[858] by some. There are two kinds -of it, the male[859] plant, with a red blossom, and the female,[860] -with a blue flower. These plants do not exceed a palm in height, and -have a tender stem, with diminutive leaves of a rounded form, drooping -upon the ground. They grow in gardens and in spots covered with water, -the blue anagallis being the first to blossom. The juice[861] of either -plant, applied with honey, disperses films upon the eyes, suffusions of -blood[862] in those organs resulting from blows, and argema[863] with -a red tinge: if used in combination with Attic honey, they are still -more efficacious. The anagallis has the effect also of dilating[864] -the pupil; hence the eye is anointed with it before the operation of -couching[865] for cataract. These plants are employed also for diseases -of the eyes in beasts of burden. - -The juice, injected into the nostrils, which are then rinsed with -wine, acts as a detergent upon the head: it is taken also, in doses -of one drachma, in wine, for wounds inflicted by serpents. It is a -remarkable fact, that cattle will refuse to touch the female plant; but -if it should so happen that, deceived by the resemblance—the flower -being the only distinguishing mark—they have accidentally tasted it, -they immediately have recourse, as a remedy, to the plant called -“asyla,”[866] but more generally known among us as “ferus oculus.”[867] -Some persons recommend those who gather it, to prelude by saluting it -before sunrise, and then, before uttering another word, to take care -and extract the juice immediately; if this is done, they say, it will -be doubly efficacious. - -As to the juice of euphorbia, we have spoken[868] of its properties -at sufficient length already. In cases of ophthalmia, attended with -swelling, it will be a good plan to apply wormwood beaten up with -honey, as well as powdered betony. - - - - -CHAP. 93.—THE ÆGILOPS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The fistula of the eye, called “ægilops,” is cured by the agency of the -plant of the same name,[869] which grows among barley, and has a leaf -like that of wheat. The seed is pounded for the purpose, and applied -with meal; or else the juice is extracted from the stem and more pulpy -leaves, the ears being first removed. This juice is incorporated with -meal of three-month wheat, and divided into lozenges. - - - - -CHAP. 94.—MANDRAGORA, CIRCÆON, MORION, OR HIPPOPHLOMOS; TWO VARIETIES -OF IT: TWENTY-FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Some persons, too, were in the habit of employing mandragora for -diseases of the eyes; but more recently, the use of it for such a -purpose has been abandoned. It is a well-ascertained fact, however, -that the root, beaten up with rose oil and wine, is curative of -defluxions of the eyes and pains in those organs; and, indeed, the -juice of this plant still forms an ingredient in many medicaments for -the eyes. Some persons give it the name of “circæon.”[870] There are -two varieties, the white[871] mandragora, which is generally thought to -be the male plant, and the black,[872] which is considered to be the -female. It has a leaf narrower than that of the lettuce, a hairy stem, -and a double or triple root, black without and white within, soft and -fleshy, and nearly a cubit in length. - -Both kinds bear a fruit about the size of a hazel-nut, enclosing a seed -resembling the pips of a pear in appearance. The name given to the -white plant by some persons is “arsen,”[873] by others “morion,”[874] -and by others again, “hippophlomos.” The leaves of it are white, while -those of the other one[875] are broader, and similar to those of -garden lapathum[876] in appearance. Persons, when about to gather this -plant, take every precaution not to have the wind blowing in their -face; and after tracing three circles round it with a sword, turn -towards the west and dig it up.[877] The juice is extracted both from -the fruit and from the stalk, the top being first removed; also from -the root, which is punctured for the purpose, or else a decoction is -made of it. The filaments, too, of the root are made use of, and it is -sometimes cut up into segments and kept in wine. - -It is not the mandragora of every country that will yield a juice, but -where it does, it is about vintage time that it is collected: it has -in all cases a powerful odour, that of the root and fruit the most so. -The fruit is gathered when ripe, and dried in the shade; and the juice, -when extracted, is left to thicken in the sun. The same is the case, -too, with the juice of the root, which is extracted either by pounding -it or by boiling it down to one third in red wine. The leaves are best, -kept in brine; indeed, when fresh, the juice of them is a baneful -poison,[878] and these noxious properties are far from being entirely -removed, even when they are preserved in brine. The very odour of them -is highly oppressive to the head, although there are countries in which -the fruit is eaten. Persons ignorant of its properties are apt to be -struck dumb by the odour of this plant when in excess, and too strong a -dose of the juice is productive of fatal effects. - -Administered in doses proportioned to the strength of the patient, this -juice has a narcotic effect; a middling dose being one cyathus. It is -given, too, for injuries inflicted by serpents, and before incisions or -punctures are made in the body, in order to ensure insensibility to -the pain.[879] Indeed, for this last purpose, with some persons, the -odour of it is quite sufficient to induce sleep. The juice is taken -also as a substitute for hellebore, in doses of two oboli, in honied -wine: hellebore, however, is more efficacious as an emetic, and as an -evacuant of black bile. - - - - -CHAP. 95.—HEMLOCK: THIRTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Hemlock,[880] too, is a poisonous plant, rendered odious by the -use made of it by the Athenian people, as an instrument of capital -punishment: still,[881] however, as it is employed for many useful -purposes, it must not be omitted. It is the seed that is noxious, the -stalk being eaten by many people, either green, or cooked[882] in the -saucepan. This stem is smooth, jointed like a reed, of a swarthy hue, -often as much as two cubits in height, and branchy at the top. The -leaves are like those of coriander, only softer, and possessed of a -powerful odour. The seed is more substantial than that of anise, and -the root is hollow and never used. The seed and leaves are possessed of -refrigerating properties; indeed, it is owing to these properties that -it is so fatal, the cold chills with which it is attended commencing -at the extremities. The great remedy[883] for it, provided it has not -reached the vitals, is wine, which is naturally of a warming tendency; -but if it is taken in wine, it is irremediably fatal. - -A juice is extracted from the leaves and flowers; for it is at the -time of its blossoming that it is in its full vigour. The seed is -crushed, and the juice extracted from it is left to thicken in the -sun, and then divided into lozenges. This preparation proves fatal by -coagulating the blood—another deadly property which belongs to it; and -hence it is that the bodies of those who have been poisoned by it are -covered with spots. It is sometimes used in combination with water as -a medium for diluting certain medicaments. An emollient poultice is -also prepared from this juice, for the purpose of cooling the stomach; -but the principal use made of it is as a topical application, to -check defluxions of the eyes in summer, and to allay pains in those -organs. It is employed also as an ingredient in eyesalves, and is used -for arresting fluxes in other parts of the body: the leaves, too, -have a soothing effect upon all kinds of pains and tumours, and upon -defluxions of the eyes. - -Anaxilaüs makes a statement to the effect, that if the mamillæ[884] -are rubbed with hemlock during virginity, they will always be hard -and firm: but a better-ascertained fact is, that applied[885] to -the mamillæ, it dries up the milk in women recently delivered; as -also that, applied to the testes at the age of puberty, it acts most -effectually as an antaphrodisiac.[886] As to those cases in which it -is recommended to take it internally as a remedy, I shall, for my own -part, decline to mention them. The most powerful hemlock is that grown -at Susa, in Parthia, the next best being the produce of Laconia, Crete, -and Asia.[887] In Greece, the hemlock of the finest quality is that of -Megara, and next to it, that of Attica. - - - - -CHAP. 96.—CRETHMOS AGRIOS: ONE REMEDY. - - -Crethmos agrios,[888] applied to the eyes, removes rheum; and, with the -addition of polenta, it causes tumours to disappear. - - - - -CHAP. 97.—MOLYBDÆNA: ONE REMEDY. - - -Molybdæna[889] also grows everywhere in the fields, a plant commonly -known as “plumbago.”[889] It has leaves like those of -lapathum,[890] and a thick, hairy root. Chewed and applied to the eye -from time to time, it removes the disease called “plum-bum,”[891] which -affects that organ. - - - - -CHAP. 98.—THE FIRST KIND OF CAPNOS, KNOWN ALSO AS CHICKEN’S FOOT: ONE -REMEDY. - - -The first kind of capnos,[892] known also as “chicken’s foot,”[893] -is found growing on walls and hedges: it has very thin, straggling -branches, with a purple blossom. It is used in a green state, and the -juice of it disperses films upon the eyes; hence it is that it is -employed as an ingredient in medicinal compositions for the eyes. - - - - -CHAP. 99.—THE ARBORESCENT CAPNOS: THREE REMEDIES. - - -There is another kind[894] of capnos also, similar both in name and -properties, but different in appearance. It is a branchy plant, is -extremely delicate, has leaves like those of coriander, is of an ashy -colour, and bears a purple flower: it grows in gardens, and amid -crops of barley. Employed in the form of an ointment for the eyes, it -improves the sight, producing tears in the same way that smoke does, to -which, in fact, it owes its name. It has the effect also of preventing -the eyelashes, when pulled out, from growing again. - - - - -CHAP. 100.—THE ACORON OR AGRION: FOURTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The acoron[895] has leaves similar to those of the iris,[896] only -narrower, and with a longer stalk; the roots of it are black, and not -so veined, but in other respects are similar to those of the iris, have -an acrid taste and a not unpleasant smell, and act as a carminative. -The best roots are those grown in Pontus, the next best those of -Galatia, and the next those of Crete; but it is in Colchis, on the -banks of the river Phasis, and in various other watery localities, that -they are found in the greatest abundance. When fresh, they have a more -powerful odour than when kept for some time: these of Crete are more -blanched than the produce of Pontus. They are cut into pieces about a -finger in length, and dried in leather bags[897] in the shade. - -There are some authors who give the name of “acoron” to the root of -the oxymyrsine;[898] for which reason also some prefer giving that -plant the name of “acorion.” It has powerful properties as a calorific -and resolvent, and is taken in drink for cataract and films upon the -eyes; the juice also is extracted, and taken for injuries inflicted by -serpents. - - - - -CHAP. 101.—THE COTYLEDON: TWO VARIETIES OF IT: SIXTY-ONE REMEDIES. - - -The cotyledon[899] is a small herbaceous plant, with a diminutive, -tender stem, and an unctuous leaf, with a concave surface like that -of the cotyloïd cavity of the thigh. It grows in maritime and rocky -localities, is of a green colour, and has a rounded root like an olive: -the juice of it is remedial for diseases of the eyes. - -There is another[900] kind also of the same plant, the leaves of which -are of a dirty green[901] colour, larger than those of the other, and -growing in greater numbers about the root, which is surrounded with -them just as the eye is with the socket. These leaves have a remarkably -astringent taste, and the stem is of considerable length, but extremely -slender. This plant is employed for the same purposes as the iris and -aizoüm. - - - - -CHAP. 102.—THE GREATER AIZOÜM, ALSO CALLED BUPHTHALMOS, ZOÖPHTHALMOS, -STERGETHRON, HYPOGESON, AMBROSION, AMERIMNON, SEDUM MAGNUM, OR -DIGITELLUS: THIRTY-SIX REMEDIES. THE SMALLER AIZOÜM, ALSO CALLED -ERITHALES, TRITHALES, CHRYSOTHALES, ISOËTES OR SEDUM: THIRTY-TWO -REMEDIES. - - -Of the plant known as aizoüm[902] there are two kinds; the larger -of which is sown in earthen pots. By some persons it is known as -“buphthalmos,”[903] and by others as “zoöphthalmos,” or else as -“stergethron,” because it forms an ingredient in the composition -of philtres. Another name given to it is “hypogeson,” from the -circumstance that it generally grows upon the eaves[904] of houses: -some persons, again, give it the names of “ambrosion” and “amerimnon.” -In Italy it is known as “sedum magnum,”[905] “oculus,” or “digitellus.” -The other kind[906] of aizoüm is more diminutive, and is known by some -persons as “erithales”[907] and by others as “trithales,” from the -circumstance that it blossoms three times in the year. Other names -given to it are “chrysothales”[908] and “isoëtes:”[909] but aizoüm is -the common appellation of them both, from their being always green. - -The larger kind exceeds a cubit in height, and is somewhat thicker -than the thumb: at the extremity, the leaves are similar to a tongue -in shape, and are fleshy, unctuous, full of juice, and about as broad -as a person’s thumb. Some are bent downwards towards the ground, while -others again stand upright, the outline of them resembling an eye in -shape. The smaller kind grows upon walls, old rubbish of houses, and -tiled roofs; it is branchy from the root, and covered with leaves to -the extremity. These leaves are narrow, pointed, and juicy: the stem is -a palm in height, and the root is never used. - - - - -CHAP. 103.—THE ANDRACHLE AGRIA OR ILLECEBRA: THIRTY-TWO REMEDIES. - - -A similar plant is that known to the Greeks by the name of “andrachle -agria,”[910] and by the people of Italy as the “illecebra.” Its -leaves, though small, are larger than those of the last-named plant, -but growing on a shorter stem. It grows in craggy localities, and is -gathered for use as food. All these plants have the same properties, -being cooling and astringent. The leaves, applied topically, or the -juice, in form of a liniment, are curative of defluxions of the eyes: -this juice too acts as a detergent upon ulcers of the eyes, makes new -flesh, and causes them to cicatrize; it[911] cleanses the eyelids also -of viscous matter. Applied to the temples, both the leaves and the -juice of these plants are remedial for head-ache; they neutralize the -venom also of the phalangium; and the greater aizoüm, in particular, is -an antidote to aconite. It is asserted, too, that those who carry this -last plant about them will never be stung by the scorpion. - -These plants are curative of pains in the ears; which is the case -also with juice of henbane, applied in moderate quantities, of -achillea,[912] of the smaller centaury and plantago, of peucedanum -in combination with rose-oil and opium, and of acoron[913] mixed -with rose-leaves. In all these cases, the liquid is made warm, and -introduced into the ear with the aid of a syringe.[914] The cotyledon -is good, too, for suppurations in the ears, mixed with deer’s marrow -made hot. The juice of pounded root of ebulum[915] is strained through -a linen cloth, and then left to thicken in the sun: when wanted for -use, it is moistened with oil of roses, and made hot, being employed -for the cure of imposthumes of the parotid glands. Vervain and -plantago are likewise used for the cure of the same malady, as also -sideritis,[916] mixed with stale axle-grease. - - - - -CHAP. 104.—A REMEDY FOR DISEASES OF THE NOSTRILS. - - -Aristolochia,[917] mixed with cyperus,[918] is curative of polypus of -the nose.[919] - - - - -CHAP. 105.—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE TEETH. - - -The following are remedies for diseases of the teeth: root of -panaces,[920] chewed, that of the chironion in particular, and juice -of panaces, used as a collutory; root, too, of henbane, chewed with -vinegar, and root of polemonia.[921] The root of plantago is chewed for -a similar purpose, or the teeth, are rinsed with a decoction of the -juice mixed with vinegar. The leaves, too, are said to be useful for -the gums, when swollen with sanious blood, or if there are discharges -of blood therefrom. The seed, too, of plantago is a cure for abscesses -in the gums, and for gum-boils. Aristolochia has a strengthening effect -upon the gums and teeth; and the same with vervain, either chewed with -the root of that plant, or boiled in wine and vinegar, the decoction -being employed as a gargle. The same is the case, also, with root of -cinquefoil, boiled down to one third, in wine or vinegar; before it is -boiled, however, the root should be washed in sea or salt water: the -decoction, too, must be kept a considerable time in the mouth. Some -persons prefer cleaning the teeth with ashes of cinquefoil. - -Root of verbascum[922] is also boiled in wine, and the decoction used -for rinsing the teeth. The same is done too with hyssop and juice -of peucedanum, mixed with opium; or else the juice of the root of -anagallis,[923] the female plant in particular, is injected into the -nostril on the opposite side to that in which the pain is felt. - - - - -CHAP. 106.—ERIGERON, PAPPUS, ACANTHIS, OR SENECIO: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -Erigeron[924] is called by our people “senecio.” It is said that if -a person, after tracing around this plant with an implement of iron, -takes it up and touches the tooth affected with it three times, taking -care to spit each time on the ground, and then replaces it in the same -spot, so as to take root again, he will never experience any further -pain in that tooth. This plant has just the appearance and softness -of trixago,[925] with a number of small reddish-coloured stems: it is -found growing upon walls, and the tiled roofs of houses. The Greeks -have given it the name of “erigeron,”[926] because it is white in -spring. The head is divided into numerous downy filaments, which -resemble those of the thorn,[927] protruding from between the divisions -of the head: hence it is that Callimachus has given it the name of -“acanthis,”[928] while others, again, call it “pappus.[929]” - -After all, however, the Greek writers are by no means agreed as to this -plant; some say, for instance, that it has leaves like those of rocket, -while others maintain that they resemble those of the robur, only that -they are considerably smaller. Some, again, assert that the root is -useless, while others aver that it is beneficial for the sinews, and -others that it produces suffocation, if taken in drink. On the other -hand, some have prescribed it in wine, for jaundice and all affections -of the bladder, heart, and liver, and give it as their opinion that it -carries off gravel from the kidneys. It has been prescribed, also, by -them for sciatica, the patient taking one drachma in oxymel, after a -walk; and has been recommended as extremely useful for griping pains -in the bowels, taken in raisin wine. They assert, also, that used as -an aliment with vinegar, it is wholesome for the thoracic organs, and -recommend it to be grown in the garden for these several purposes. - -In addition to this, there are some authorities to be found, which -distinguish another variety of this plant, but without mentioning its -peculiar characteristics. This last they recommend to be taken in -water, to neutralize the venom of serpents, and prescribe it to be -eaten for the cure of epilepsy. For my own part, however, I shall only -speak of it in accordance with the uses made of it among us Romans, -uses based upon the results of actual experience. The down of this -plant, beaten up with saffron and a little cold water, is applied to -defluxions of the eyes; parched with a little salt, it is employed for -the cure of scrofulous sores. - - - - -CHAP. 107.—THE EPHEMERON: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The ephemeron[930] has leaves like those of the lily, but smaller; a -stem of the same height, a blue flower, and a seed of which no use is -made. The root is single, about the thickness of one’s finger, and an -excellent remedy for diseases of the teeth; for which purpose it is -cut up in pieces, and boiled in vinegar, the decoction being used warm -as a collutory. The root, too, is employed by itself to strengthen -the teeth, being inserted for the purpose in those that are hollow or -carious. - -Root of chelidonia[931] is also beaten up with vinegar, and kept in the -mouth. Black hellebore is sometimes inserted in carious teeth; and a -decoction of either of these last-mentioned plants, in vinegar, has the -effect of strengthening loose teeth. - - - - -CHAP. 108.—THE LABRUM VENEREUM: ONE REMEDY. - - -Labrum Venereum[932] is the name given to a plant that grows in running -streams.[933] It produces a small worm,[934] which is crushed by being -rubbed upon the teeth, or else enclosed in wax and inserted in the -hollow of the tooth. Care must be taken, however, that the plant, when -pulled up, does not touch the ground. - - - - -CHAP. 109.—THE BATRACHION, RANUNCULUS, OR STRUMUS; FOUR VARIETIES OF -IT: FOURTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The plant known to the Greeks as “batrachion,”[935] we call -ranunculus.[936] There are four varieties of it,[937] one of which -has leaves somewhat thicker than those of coriander, nearly the size -of those of the mallow, and of a livid hue: the stem of the plant is -long and slender, and the root white; it grows on moist and well-shaded -embankments. The second[938] kind is more foliated than the preceding -one, the leaves have more numerous incisions, and the stems of the -plant are long. The third[939] variety is smaller than the others, has -a powerful smell, and a flower of a golden colour. The fourth[940] kind -is very like the one last mentioned, but the flower is milk-white. - -All these plants have caustic properties: if the leaves are applied -unboiled, they raise blisters like those caused by the action of fire; -hence it is that they are used for the removal of leprous spots, -itch-scabs, and brand marks upon the skin. They form an ingredient also -in all caustic preparations, and are applied for the cure of alopecy, -care being taken to remove them very speedily. The root, if chewed for -some time, in cases of tooth-ache, will cause[941] the teeth to break; -dried and pulverized, it acts as a sternutatory. - -Our herbalists give this plant the name of “strumus,” from the -circumstance of its being curative of strumous[942] sores and inflamed -tumours, for which purpose a portion of it is hung up in the smoke. -It is a general belief, too, with them, that if it is replanted, the -malady so cured will reappear[943]—a criminal practice, for which the -plantago is also employed. The juice of this last-mentioned plant is -curative of internal ulcerations of the mouth; and the leaves and root -are chewed for a similar purpose, even when the mouth is suffering -from defluxions. Cinquefoil effects the cure of ulcerations and -offensive breath; psyllium[944] is used also for ulcers of the mouth. - - - - -CHAP. 110.—REMEDIAL PREPARATIONS FOR OFFENSIVE BREATH: TWO KINDS OF -THEM. - - -We shall also here make mention of certain preparations for the cure of -offensive breath—a most noisome inconvenience. For this purpose, leaves -of myrtle and lentisk are taken in equal proportions, with one half -the quantity of Syrian nut-galls; they are then pounded together and -sprinkled with old wine, and the composition is chewed in the morning. -In similar cases, also, ivy berries are used, in combination with -cassia and myrrh; these ingredients being mixed, in equal proportions, -with wine. - -For offensive odours of the nostrils, even though attended with -carcinoma, the most effectual remedy is seed of dracontium[945] beaten -up with honey. An application of hyssop has the effect of making -bruises disappear. Brand marks[946] in the face are healed by rubbing -them with mandragora.[947] - -SUMMARY.—Remedies, narratives, and observations, twelve hundred and -ninety-two. - -ROMAN AUTHORS QUOTED.—C. Valgius,[948] Pompeius Lenæus,[949] Sextius -Niger[950] who wrote in Greek, Julius Bassus[951] who wrote in Greek, -Antonius Castor,[952] Cornelius Celsus,[953] Fabianus.[954] - -FOREIGN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Theophrastus,[955] Apollodorus,[956] -Democritus,[957] Juba,[958] Orpheus,[959] Pythagoras,[960] Mago,[961] -Menander[962] who wrote the “Biochresta,” Nicander,[963] Homer, -Hesiod,[964] Musæus,[965] Sophocles,[966] Xanthus,[967] Anaxilaüs.[968] - -MEDICAL AUTHORS QUOTED.—Mnesitheus,[969] Callimachus,[970] Phanias[971] -the physician, Timaristus,[972] Simus,[973] Hippocrates,[974] -Chrysippus,[975] Diocles,[976] Ophelion,[977] Heraclides,[978] -Hicesius,[979] Dionysius,[980] Apollodorus[981] of Citium, -Apollodorus[982] of Tarentum, Praxagoras,[983] Plistonicus,[984] -Medius,[985] Dieuches,[986] Cleophantus,[987] Philistion,[988] -Asclepiades,[989] Crateuas,[990] Petronius Diodotus,[991] Iollas,[992] -Erasistratus,[993] Diagoras,[994] Andreas,[995] Mnesides,[996] -Epicharmus,[997] Damion,[998] Sosimenes,[999] Tlepolemus,[1000] -Metrodorus,[1001] Solon,[1002] Lycus,[1003] Olympias[1004] of Thebes, -Philinus,[1005] Petrichus,[1006] Micton,[1007] Glaucias,[1008] -Xenocrates.[1009] - - - - -BOOK XXVI. - -A CONTINUATION OF THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM PLANTS, CLASSIFIED -ACCORDING TO PARTICULAR DISEASES. - - - - -CHAP. 1. (1.)—NEW FORMS OF DISEASE. - - -The face of man has recently been sensible of new forms of disease, -unknown[1010] in ancient times, not only to Italy, but to almost the -whole of Europe. Still, however, they have not as yet extended to the -whole of Italy, nor have they made any very great inroads in Illyricum, -Gaul, or Spain, or indeed any other parts, to so great an extent as in -Rome and its environs. Though unattended with pain, and not dangerous -to life, these diseases are of so loathsome a nature, that any form of -death would be preferable to them. - - - - -CHAP. 2.—THE NATURE OF LICHEN. - - -The most insupportable of all these diseases is the one which, after -its Greek appellation, is known to us as “lichen.”[1010] In -consequence, however, of its generally making its first appearance -at the chin, the Latins, by way of joke, originally—so prone are -mankind to make a jest of the misfortunes of others—gave it the name -of “mentagra;”[1011] an appellation which has since become established -in general use. In many cases, however, this disease spreads over the -interior of the mouth, and takes possession of the whole face, with the -sole exception of the eyes; after which, it passes downwards to the -neck, breast, and hands, covering them with foul furfuraceous eruptions. - - - - -CHAP. 3.—AT WHAT PERIOD LICHEN FIRST MADE ITS APPEARANCE IN ITALY. - - -This curse was unknown to the ancients,[1012] and in the times of our -fathers even, having first entered Italy in the middle of the reign of -the Emperor Tiberius[1013] Claudius Cæsar; where it was introduced from -Asia,[1014] in which country it had lately made[1015] its appearance, -by a member of the equestrian order at Rome, a native of Perusium, -secretary to the quæstor. The disease, however, did not attack either -females or slaves,[1016] nor yet the lower orders, or, indeed, the -middle classes, but only the nobles, being communicated even by the -momentary contact requisite for the act of salutation.[1017] Many of -those who persevered in undergoing a course of remedial treatment, -though cured of the disease, retained scars upon the body more hideous -even than the malady itself; it being treated with cauteries, as it was -certain to break out afresh, unless means were adopted for burning it -out of the body by cauterizing to the very bone. - -Upon this occasion several physicians repaired to Rome from Egypt, that -fruitful parent of maladies of this nature, men who devoted themselves -solely to this branch of medical practice; and very considerable were -the profits they made. At all events, it is a well-known fact that -Manilius Cornutus, a personage of prætorian rank, and legatus of -the province of Aquitania, expended no less a sum than two hundred -thousand[1018] sesterces upon his cure. - -It is much more frequently, on the other hand, that we hear of new -forms of diseases attacking the lower orders; a singular fact, and one -quite unequalled for the marvellous phænomena which sometimes attend -these outbreaks. Thus, for instance, we find an epidemic suddenly -making its appearance in a certain country, and then confining itself, -as though it had made its election so to do, to certain parts of the -body, certain ages, and even certain pursuits in life. In the same way, -too, while one class of diseases attacks the young, another confines -itself to adults; while one malady extends itself only to the higher -classes, another is felt exclusively by the poor. - - - - -CHAP. 4.—CARBUNCLE. - - -We find it stated in the Annals, that it was in the censorship[1019] -of L. Paulus and Q. Marcius that carbuncle[1020] was first introduced -into Italy, a malady which till then had confined itself solely to the -province of Gallia Narbonensis. In the year in which I am writing these -lines, two persons of consular rank have died of this disease, Julius -Rufus[1021] and Q. Lecanius Bassus;[1022] the former in consequence -of an incision unskilfully made by his medical attendants, the latter -through a wound upon the thumb of the left hand by pricking a carbuncle -with a needle, a wound so small originally as to be hardly perceptible. - -This disease makes its appearance in the more hidden[1023] parts of the -human body, and mostly beneath the tongue. It originally has the form -of a hard, red, pimple, with a blackish head mostly, though sometimes -of a livid colour. It produces tension of the flesh, but unattended -with swelling, pain, or any itching sensation; indeed, the only symptom -that accompanies it is a confirmed drowsiness, which overpowers the -patient, and carries him off in the course of three days. Sometimes, -however, it is accompanied with shuddering, and small pustules about -the sore; and occasionally, though but rarely, with fever. When these -symptoms extend to the fauces and œsophagus, death ensues with the -greatest rapidity. - - - - -CHAP. 5.—ELEPHANTIASIS. - - -We have already[1024] stated that elephantiasis[1025] was unknown in -Italy before the time of Pompeius Magnus. This malady, too, like those -already mentioned, mostly makes its first appearance in the face. In -its primary form it bears a considerable resemblance to a small lentil -upon the nose; the skin gradually dries up all over the body, is marked -with spots of various colours, and presents an unequal surface, being -thick in one place, thin in another, indurated every here and there, -and covered with a sort of rough scab. At a later period, the skin -assumes a black hue, and compresses the flesh upon the bones, the -fingers and toes becoming swollen. - -This disease was originally peculiar to Egypt. Whenever it attacked the -kings of that country, it was attended with peculiarly fatal effects to -the people, it being the practice to temper their sitting-baths with -human blood, for the treatment of the disease. As for Italy, however, -its career was very soon cut short: the same was the case, too, with -the disease known as “gemursa”[1026] to the ancients, a malady which -made its appearance between the toes, and the very name of which is now -buried in oblivion. - - - - -CHAP. 6.—COLIC. - - -It is a remarkable fact that some diseases should disappear from among -us, while others, again, should continue to prevail, colic[1027] for -example. It was only in the reign of Tiberius Cæsar that this malady -made its appearance in Italy, the emperor himself being the first -to be attacked by it; a circumstance which produced considerable -mystification throughout the City, when it read the edict issued by -that prince excusing his inattention to public business, on the ground -of his being laid up with a disease, the very name of which was till -then unknown. To what cause are we to attribute these various diseases, -or how is it that we have thus incurred the anger of the gods? Was -it deemed too little for man to be exposed to fixed and determinate -classes of maladies, already more than three hundred in number, that -he must have new forms of disease to alarm him as well? And then, -in addition to all these, not less in number are the troubles and -misfortunes which man brings upon himself! - -The remedies which I am here describing, are those which were -universally employed in ancient times, Nature herself, so to say, -making up the medicines: indeed, for a long time these were the only -medicines employed. - -(2.) Hippocrates,[1028] it is well known, was the first to compile -a code of medical precepts, a thing which he did with the greatest -perspicuity, as his treatises, we find, are replete with information -upon the various plants. No less is the information which we gain from -the works of Diocles[1029] of Carystus, second only in reputation, -as well as date, to Hippocrates. The same, too, with reference -to the works of Praxagoras, Chrysippus, and, at a later period, -Erasistratus[1030] of Cos. Herophilus[1031] too, though himself the -founder of a more refined system of medicine, was extremely profuse of -his commendations of the use of simples. At a later period, however, -experience, our most efficient instructor in all things, medicine -in particular, gradually began to be lost sight of in mere words -and verbiage: it being found, in fact, much more agreeable to sit -in schools, and to listen to the talk of a professor, than to go a -simpling in the deserts, and to be searching for this plant or that at -all the various seasons of the year. - - - - -CHAP. 7. (3.)—THE NEW SYSTEM OF MEDICINE: ASCLEPIADES THE PHYSICIAN. - - -Still, however, the ancient theories remained unshaken, based as they -were upon the still existing grounds of universally acknowledged -experience; until, in the time of Pompeius Magnus, Asclepiades,[1032] -a professor of rhetoric, who considered himself not sufficiently -repaid by that pursuit, and whose readiness and sagacity rendered him -better adapted for any other than forensic practice, suddenly turned -his attention to the medical art. Having never practised medicine, and -being totally unacquainted with the nature of remedies—a knowledge -only to be acquired by personal examination and actual experience—as a -matter of course, he was obliged to renounce all previously-established -theories, and to trust rather to his flowing periods and his -well-studied discourses, for gaining an influence upon the minds of his -audience. - -Reducing the whole art of medicine to an estimation solely of -primary causes, he made it nothing but a merely conjectural art, and -established it as his creed, that there are five great principles of -treatment for all diseases in common; diet, use or non-use of wine, -frictions, exercise on foot, and exercise[1033] in a carriage or -on horseback. As every one perceived that each of these methods of -treatment lay quite within his own reach, all, of course, with the -greatest readiness gave their assent, willing as they were to believe -that to be true which was so easy of acquisition; and hence it was that -he attracted nearly all the world about him, as though he had been sent -among mankind on a special mission from heaven. - - - - -CHAP. 8.—THE CHANGES EFFECTED BY ASCLEPIADES IN THE PRACTICE OF -MEDICINE. - - -In addition to this, he had a wonderful tact in gaining the full -confidence of his patients: sometimes he would make them a promise of -wine, and then seize the opportune moment for administering it, while -on other occasions, again, he would prescribe cold water: indeed, as -Herophilus, among the ancients, had been the first to enquire into the -primary causes of disease, and Cleophantus had brought into notice -the treatment of diseases by wine, so did Asclepiades, as we learn -from M. Varro, prefer to be indebted for his surname and repute to -the extensive use made by him of cold water as a remedy. He employed -also various other soothing remedies for his patients; thus, for -instance, it was he that introduced swinging beds, the motion of which -might either lull the malady, or induce sleep, as deemed desirable. -It was he, too, that brought baths into such general use,—a method of -treatment that was adopted with the greatest avidity—in addition to -numerous other modes of treatment of a pleasant and soothing nature. By -these means he acquired a great professional reputation, and a no less -extended fame; which was very considerably enhanced by the following -incident: meeting the funeral procession of a person unknown to him, he -ordered the body to be removed from the funeral pile[1034] and carried -home, and was thus the means of saving his life. This circumstance I am -the more desirous to mention, that it may not be imagined that it was -on slight grounds only that so extensive a revolution was effected in -the medical art. - -There is, however, one thing, and one thing only, at which we have any -ground for indignation,—the fact, that a single individual, and he -belonging to the most frivolous nation[1035] in the world, a man born -in utter indigence, should all on a sudden, and that, too, for the -sole purpose of increasing his income, give a new code of medical laws -to mankind; laws, however, be it remembered, which have been annulled -by numerous authorities since his day. The success of Asclepiades -was considerably promoted by many of the usages of ancient medicine, -repulsive in their nature, and attended with far too much anxiety: -thus, for instance, it was the practice to cover up the patient -with vast numbers of clothes, and to adopt every possible method of -promoting the perspiration; to order the body to be roasted before a -fire; or else to be continually sending the patient on a search for -sunshine, a thing hardly to be found in a showery climate like that -of this city of ours; or rather, so to say, of the whole of Italy, so -prolific[1036] as it is of fogs and rain.[1037] It was to remedy these -inconveniences, that he introduced the use of hanging baths,[1038] -an invention that was found grateful to invalids in the very highest -degree. - -In addition to this, he modified the tortures which had hitherto -attended the treatment of certain maladies; as in quinzy for instance, -the cure of which before his time had been usually effected by the -introduction of an instrument[1039] into the throat. He condemned, and -with good reason, the indiscriminate use of emetics, which till then -had been resorted to in a most extraordinary degree. He disapproved -also of the practice of administering internally potions that are -naturally injurious to the stomach, a thing that may truthfully be -pronounced of the greater part of them. Indeed it will be as well to -take an early opportunity of stating what are the medicaments which act -beneficially upon the stomach. - - - - -CHAP. 9. (4.)—REMARKS IN DISPRAISE OF THE PRACTICES OF MAGIC. - - -But above all things, it was the follies of magic more particularly -that contributed so essentially to his success—follies which had been -carried to such a pitch as to destroy all confidence in the remedial -virtues of plants. Thus, for instance, it was stoutly maintained that -by the agency of the plant æthiopis[1040] rivers and standing waters -could be dried up, and that by the very touch[1041] * * * * all bars -and doors might be opened: that if the plant achæmenis[1042] were -thrown into the ranks of the enemy it would be certain to create a -panic and put them to flight: that latace[1043] was given by the -Persian kings to their ambassadors, to ensure them an abundant supply -of everything wherever they might happen to be: with numerous other -reveries of a similar nature. Where, I should like to know, were all -these plants, when the Cimbri and Teutones brought upon us the horrors -of warfare with their terrific yells? or when Lucullus defeated, with a -few legions, so many kings who ruled over the Magi?[1044] Why is it too -that the Roman generals have always made it their first care in warfare -to make provision for the victualling of their troops? And how was it -that at Pharsalia the troops of Cæsar were suffering from famine, if -an abundance of everything could have been ensured by the fortunate -possession of a single plant? Would it not have been better too for -Scipio Æmilianus to have opened the gates of Carthage by touching -them with a herb, than to have taken so many years to batter down its -bulwarks with his engines of war? - -Turning to the present moment, let them, by the agency of the herb -meroïs,[1045] dry up the Pomptine[1046] Marshes, if they can, and by -these means restore so much territory to the regions of Italy in the -neighbourhood of our city. In the works, too, of Democritus, already -mentioned,[1047] we find a recipe for the composition of a medicament -which will ensure the procreation of issue, both sure to be good and -fortunate.—What king of Persia, pray, ever obtained that blessing? It -really would be a marvellous fact that human credulity, taking its rise -originally in the very soundest of notions, should have ultimately -arrived at such a pitch as this, if the mind of man understood, under -any circumstances, how to keep within the bounds of moderation; and -if the very system of medicine thus introduced by Asclepiades, had -not been carried to a greater pitch of extravagance than the follies -of magic even, an assertion which I shall prove on a more appropriate -occasion.[1048] - -Such, however, is the natural constitution of the human mind, that, be -the circumstances what they may, commencing with what is necessary it -speedily arrives at the point of launching out in excess. - -We will now resume our account of the medicinal properties of the -plants mentioned in the preceding Book, adding to our description such -others as the necessities of the case may seem to require. - - - - -CHAP. 10.—LICHEN: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -As to the treatment of lichen, so noisome a disease as it is, we shall -here give a number of additional remedies for it, gathered from all -quarters, although those already described are by no means few in -number. For the cure of lichen plantago is used, pounded, cinquefoil -also, root of albucus[1049] in combination with vinegar, the young -shoots of the fig-tree boiled in vinegar, or roots of marsh-mallow -boiled down to one-fourth with glue and vinegar. The sores are rubbed -also with pumice, and then fomented with root of rumex[1050] bruised -in vinegar, or with scum of viscus[1051] kneaded up with lime. A -decoction, too, of tithymalos[1052] with resin is highly esteemed for -the same purpose. - -But to all these remedies the plant known as “lichen,” from its -efficacy as a cure, is held in preference. It is found growing among -rocks, and has a single broad leaf[1053] near the root, and a single -long stem, with small leaves hanging from it. This plant has the -property also of effacing brand marks, being beaten up with honey -for that purpose. There is another kind[1054] of lichen also, which -adheres entirely to rocks, like moss, and which is equally used as a -topical application. The juice of it, dropt into wounds, or applied to -abscesses, has the property of arresting hæmorrhage: mixed with honey, -it is curative of jaundice, the face and tongue being rubbed with it. -Under this mode of treatment, the patient is recommended to wash in -salt water, to anoint himself with oil of almonds, and to abstain from -garden vegetables. For the cure of lichen, root of thapsia[1055] is -also used, bruised in honey. - - - - -CHAP. 11.—QUINZY. - - -For the treatment of quinzy, we find argemonia[1056] recommended, -in wine; a decoction of hyssop, boiled with figs, used as a gargle; -peucedanum,[1057] with an equal proportion of sea-calf’s rennet; -proserpinaca,[1058] beaten up in the pickle of the mæna[1059] and oil, -or else placed beneath the tongue; as also juice of cinquefoil, taken -in doses of three cyathi. Used as a gargle, juice of cinquefoil is good -for the cure of all affections of the fauces: verbascum,[1060] too, -taken in wine, is particularly useful for diseases of the tonsillary -glands. - - - - -CHAP. 12. (5.)—SCROFULA. - - -For the cure of scrofula[1061] plantago is employed, chelidonia[1062] -mixed with honey and axle-grease, cinquefoil, and root of -persolata[1063]—this last being applied topically, and covered with -the leaf of the plant—artemisia,[1064] also, and an infusion of the -root of mandragora[1065] in water. The large-leaved sideritis,[1066] -cleft by the left hand with a nail, is worn attached as an amulet: but -after the cure has been effected, due care must be taken to preserve -the plant, in order that it may not be set again, to promote the wicked -designs of the herbalists and so cause the disease to break out afresh; -as sometimes happens in the cases already mentioned,[1067] and others -which I find stated, in reference to persons cured by the agency of -artemisia or plantago. - -Damasonion,[1068] also known as alcea, is gathered at the summer -solstice, and applied with rain-water, the leaves being beaten up, or -the root pounded, with axle-grease, so as to admit, when applied, of -being covered with a leaf of the plant. The same plan is adopted also -for the cure of all pains in the neck, and tumours on all parts of the -body. - - - - -CHAP. 13.—THE PLANT CALLED BELLIS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -Bellis[1069] is the name of a plant that grows in the fields, with -a white flower somewhat inclining to red; if this is applied with -artemisia,[1070] it is said, the remedy is still more efficacious. - - - - -CHAP. 14.—THE CONDURDUM. - - -The condurdum,[1071] too, is a plant with a red blossom, which flowers -at the summer solstice. Suspended from the neck, it arrests scrofula, -they say: the same being the case also with vervain, in combination -with plantago. For the cure of all diseases of the fingers, hangnails -in particular, cinquefoil is used. - - - - -CHAP. 15.—COUGH. - - -Of all diseases of the chest, cough is the one that is the most -oppressive. For the cure of this malady, root of panaces[1072] in -sweet wine is used, and in cases where it is attended with spitting of -blood, juice of henbane. Henbane, too, used as a fumigation, is good -for cough; and the same with scordotis,[1073] mixed with nasturtium and -dry resin, beaten up with honey: employed by itself also, scordotis -facilitates expectoration, a property which is equally possessed by -the greater centaury, even where the patient is troubled with spitting -of blood; for which last juice of plantago is very beneficial. Betony, -taken in doses of three oboli in water, is useful for purulent or -bloody expectorations: root also of persolata,[1074] in doses of one -drachma, taken with eleven pine-nuts; and juice of peucedanum.[1075] - -For pains in the chest, acoron[1076] is remarkably useful; hence it -is that it is so much used an ingredient in antidotes. For cough, -daucus[1077] and the plant scythice[1078] are much employed, this last -being good, in fact, for all affections of the chest, coughs, and -purulent expectorations, taken in doses of three oboli, with the same -proportion of raisin wine. The verbascum[1079] too, with a flower like -gold, is similarly employed. - -(6.) This last-named plant is so remarkably energetic, that an infusion -of it, administered in their drink, will relieve beasts of burden, not -only when troubled with cough, but when broken-winded even—a property -which I find attributed to gentian also. Root of cacalia[1080] chewed, -or steeped in wine, is good for cough as well as all affections of the -throat. Five sprigs of hyssop, with two of rue and three figs, act -detergently upon the thoracic organs and allay cough. - - - - -CHAP. 16.—BECHION, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ARCION, CHAMÆLEUCE OR TUSSILAGO: -THREE REMEDIES. - - -Bechion[1081] is known also as tussilago: there are two kinds of it. -Wherever it is found growing wild, it is generally thought that there -is a spring of water below, and it is looked upon as a sure sign that -such is the case, by persons in search[1082] of water. The leaves -are somewhat larger than those of ivy, and are some five or seven -in number, of a whitish hue beneath, and a pale green on the upper -surface. The plant is destitute of stem, blossom, and seed, and the -root is very diminutive. Some persons are of opinion that this bechion -is identical with the arcion, known also as the “chamæleuce.”[1083] -The smoke[1084] of this plant in a dry state, inhaled by the aid of -a reed and swallowed, is curative, they say, of chronic cough; it is -necessary, however, at each inhalation to take a draught of raisin wine. - - - - -CHAP. 17.—THE BECHION, KNOWN ALSO AS SALVIA: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -There is another bechion[1085] also, known to some persons as -“salvia,”[1086] and bearing a strong resemblance to verbascum. This -plant is triturated, and the juice strained off and taken warm for -cough and for pains in the side: it is considered very beneficial also -for the stings of scorpions and sea-dragons.[1087] It is a good plan, -too, to rub the body with this juice, mixed with oil, as a preservative -against the stings of serpents. A bunch of hyssop is sometimes boiled -down with a quarter of a pound of honey, for the cure of cough. - - - - -CHAP. 18. (7.)—AFFECTIONS OF THE SIDE, CHEST, AND STOMACH. - - -For the cure of pains in the side and chest, verbascum[1088] is used -in water, with rue; powdered betony is also taken in warm water. Juice -of scordotis[1089] is used as a stomachic, centaury also, gentian -taken in water, and plantago, either eaten with the food, or mixed -with lentils or a pottage of alica.[1090] Betony, which is in general -prejudicial to the stomach, is remedial for some stomachic affections, -taken in drink or chewed, the leaves being used for the purpose. In -a similar manner too, aristolochia[1091] is taken in drink, or dried -agaric is chewed, a draught of undiluted wine being taken every now -and then. Nymphæa heraclia[1092] is also applied topically in these -cases, and juice of peucedanum.[1093] For burning pains in the stomach -psyllion[1094] is applied, or else cotyledon[1095] beaten up with -polenta, or aizoüm.[1096] - - - - -CHAP. 19.—MOLON OR SYRON. AMOMUM. - - -Molon[1097] is a plant with a striated stem, a soft diminutive leaf, -and a root four fingers in length, at the extremity of which there is a -head like that of garlic; by some persons it is known as “syron.” Taken -in wine, it is curative of affections of the stomach, and of hardness -of breathing. For similar purposes the greater centaury is used, in an -electuary; juice also of plantago, or else the plant itself, eaten with -the food; pounded betony, in the proportion of one pound to half an -ounce of Attic honey, taken daily in warm water; and aristolochia[1098] -or agaric, taken in doses of three oboli, in warm water or asses’ milk. - -For hardness of breathing an infusion of cissanthemos[1099] is taken -in drink, and for the same complaint, as also for asthma, hyssop. For -pains in the liver, chest, and side, if unattended with fever, juice of -peucedanum is used. For spitting of blood agaric is employed, in doses -of one victoriatus,[1100] bruised and administered in five cyathi of -honied wine: amomum,[1101] too, is equally useful for that purpose. -For liver diseases in particular, teucria[1102] is taken fresh, in -doses of four drachmæ to one hemina of oxycrate; or else betony, in the -proportion of one drachma to three cyathi of warm water. For diseases -of the heart, betony is recommended, in doses of one drachma to two -cyathi of cold water. Juice of cinquefoil is remedial for diseases of -the liver and lungs, and for spitting of blood as well as all internal -affections of the blood. The two varieties of anagallis[1103] are -wonderfully efficacious for liver complaints. Patients who eat the -plant called “capnos”[1104] discharge the bile by urine. Acoron[1105] -is also remedial for diseases of the liver, and daucus[1106] is useful -for the thorax and the pectoral organs. - - - - -CHAP. 20.—THE EPHEDRA OR ANABASIS: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The ephedra,[1107] by some persons called “anabasis,” mostly grows in -localities exposed to the wind. It climbs the trunks of trees, and -hangs down from the branches, is destitute of leaves, but has numerous -suckers, jointed like a bulrush; the root is of a pale colour. This -plant is given, pounded, in astringent red wine, for cough, asthma, -and gripings in the bowels. It is administered also in the form of a -pottage, to which some wine should be added. For these complaints, -gentian is also used, being steeped in water the day before, and then -pounded and given in doses of one denarius, in three cyathi of wine. - - - - -CHAP. 21.—GEUM: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Geum[1108] is a plant with thin, diminutive roots, black, and -aromatic.[1109] It is curative not only of pains in the chest and -sides, but is useful also for dispelling crudities, owing to its -agreeable flavour. Vervain, too, is good for all affections of the -viscera, and for diseases of the sides, lungs, liver, and thorax. -But one invaluable remedy for diseases of the lungs, and for cases -of incipient phthisis, is the root of consiligo, a plant only very -recently discovered, as already[1110] mentioned. It is a most efficient -remedy also for pulmonary diseases in swine and cattle, even though -only passed through the ear of the animal. When used, it should be -taken in water, and kept for a considerable time in the mouth, beneath -the tongue. Whether the part of this plant which grows above ground -is useful or not for any purpose, is at present unknown. Plantago, -eaten with the food, betony taken in drink, and agaric taken in the -way prescribed for cough, are useful, all of them, for diseases of the -kidneys. - - - - -CHAP. 22.—TRIPOLIUM: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Tripolium[1111] is a plant found growing upon cliffs on the sea-shore -against which the waves break, springing up, so to say, neither upon -dry land nor in the sea. The leaves are like those of isatis,[1112] -only thicker; the stem is a palm in height and divided at the -extremity, and the root white, thick, and odoriferous, with a warm -flavour; it is recommended for diseases of the liver, boiled with -spelt. This plant is thought by some to be identical with polium, of -which we have already spoken in the appropriate place.[1113] - - - - -CHAP. 23.—THE GROMPHÆNA. - - -Gromphæna[1114] is the name of a plant, the stem of which is covered -with leaves of a green and rose colour, arranged alternately. The -leaves of it are administered in oxycrate, in cases of spitting of -blood. - - - - -CHAP. 24.—THE MALUNDRUM: TWO REMEDIES. - - -For diseases of the liver the malundrum[1115] is prescribed, a plant -which grows in meadows and corn-fields, with a white odoriferous -flower. The stem is diminutive, and is beaten up in old wine. - - - - -CHAP. 25.—CHALCETUM; TWO REMEDIES. MOLEMONIUM; ONE REMEDY. - - -Chalcetum[1116] also is the name of a plant, which is pounded with -grape husks and applied topically, for the cure of liver complaints. -Root of betony acts as a gentle emetic, taken in the same way as -hellebore, in doses of four drachmæ in raisin wine or honied wine. -Hyssop, too, is beaten up with honey for similar purposes; but it is -more efficacious if nasturtium or irio[1117] is taken first. - -Molemonium[1118] is used as an emetic, being taken in doses of one -denarius; the same, too, with sillybum.[1119] Both of these plants have -a milky juice, which thickens like gum, and is taken with honey in -the proportions above-mentioned, being particularly good for carrying -off bile. On the other hand, vomiting is arrested by the use of wild -cummin or powdered betony, taken in water. Crudities and distaste -for food are dispelled, and the digestion promoted by employing -daucus,[1120] powdered betony[1121] taken in hydromel, or else plantago -boiled like greens. Hiccup is arrested by taking hemionium[1122] or -aristolochia,[1123] and asthma by the use of clymenus.[1124] For -pleurisy and peripneumony, the greater centaury is used, or else -hyssop, taken in drink. Juice of peucedanum[1125] is also good for -pleurisy. - - - - -CHAP. 26.—HALUS OR COTONEA: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The plant halus,[1126] by the people of Gaul called “sil,” and by the -Veneti “cotonea,” is curative of pains in the side, affections of the -kidneys, ruptures, and convulsions. It resembles cunila bubula[1127] -in appearance, and the tops of it are like those of thyme. It is of a -sweet flavour, and allays thirst; the roots of it are sometimes white, -sometimes black. - - - - -CHAP. 27.—THE CHAMÆROPS: ONE REMEDY. THE STŒCHAS: ONE REMEDY. - - -The chamærops,[1128] also, is similarly efficacious for pains in the -side. It is a plant with leaves like those of myrtle, arranged in -pairs around the stem, the heads of it resembling those of the Greek -rose: it is taken in wine. Agaric, administered in drink, in the same -manner[1129] as for cough, assuages sciatica and pains in the vertebræ: -the same, too, with powdered stœchas[1130] or betony, taken in hydromel. - - - - -CHAP. 28. (8.)—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE BELLY. - - -But it is the belly, for the gratification of which the greater part -of mankind exist, that causes the most suffering to man. Thus, for -instance, at one time it will not allow the aliments to pass, while -at another it is unable to retain them. Sometimes, again, it either -cannot receive the food, or, if it can, cannot digest it; indeed, such -are the excesses practised at the present day, that it is through -his aliment, more than anything else, that man hastens his end. This -receptacle,[1131] more troublesome to us than any other part of the -body, is ever craving, like some importunate creditor, and makes its -calls repeatedly in the day. It is for its sake, more particularly, -that avarice is so insatiate, for its sake that luxury is so -refined,[1132] for its sake that men voyage to the shores even of the -Phasis, for its sake that the very depths of the ocean are ransacked. -And yet, with all this, no one ever gives a thought how abject is the -condition of this part of our body, how disgusting the results of its -action upon what it has received! No wonder then, that the belly -should have to be indebted to the aid of medicine in the very highest -degree! - -Scordotis,[1133] fresh-gathered and beaten up, in doses of one -drachma, with wine, arrests flux of the bowels; an effect equally -produced by a decoction of it taken in drink. Polemonia,[1134] too, -is given in wine for dysentery, or two fingers’ length of root of -verbascum,[1135] in water; seed of nymphæa heraclia,[1136] in wine; -the upper root of xiphion,[1137] in doses of one drachma, in vinegar; -seed of plantago, beaten, up in wine; plantago itself boiled in -vinegar, or else a pottage of alica[1138] mixed with the juice of the -plant; plantago boiled with lentils; plantago dried and powdered, and -sprinkled in drink, with parched poppies pounded; juice of plantago, -used as an injection, or taken in drink; or betony taken in wine -heated with a red-hot iron. For cœliac affections, betony is taken -in astringent wine, or iberis is applied topically, as already[1139] -stated. For tenesmus, root of nymphæa heraclia is taken in wine, or -else psyllion[1140] in water, or a decoction of root of acoron.[1141] -Juice of aizoüm[1142] arrests diarrhœa and dysentery, and expels -round tape-worm. Root of symphytum,[1143] taken in wine, arrests -diarrhœa and dysentery, and daucus[1144] has a similar effect. Leaves -of aizoüm[1145] beaten up in wine, and dried alcea[1146] powdered and -taken in wine, are curative of griping pains in the bowels. - - - - -CHAP. 29.—THE ASTRAGALUS: SIX REMEDIES. - - -Astragalus[1147] is the name of a plant which has long leaves, with -numerous incisions, and running aslant near the root. The stems are -three or four in number, and covered with leaves: the flower is like -that of the hyacinth, and the roots are red, hairy, matted, and -remarkably hard. It grows on stony localities, equally exposed to the -sun and to falls of snow, those in the vicinity of Pheneus in Arcadia, -for instance. Its properties are highly astringent; the root of it, -taken in wine, arrests looseness of the bowels, having the additional -effect of throwing downward the aqueous humours, and so acting as a -diuretic; a property, in fact, which, belongs to most substances which -act astringently upon the bowels. - -Bruised in red[1148] wine, this plant is curative of dysentery; it is -only bruised, however, with the greatest difficulty. It is extremely -useful, also, as a fomentation for gum-boils. The end of autumn is the -time for gathering it, after the leaves are off; it being then left to -dry in the shade. - - - - -CHAP. 30.—LADANUM: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Diarrhœa may be also arrested by the use of either kind of -ladanum.[1149] The kind which, is found in corn-fields is pounded for -this purpose, and then passed through a sieve, being taken either in -hydromel, or in wine of the highest quality. “Ledon” is the name of the -plant from which ladanum[1150] is obtained in Cyprus, it being found -adhering to the beard of the goats there; the most esteemed, however, -is that of Arabia.[1151] At the present day, it is prepared in Syria -and Africa also, being known as “toxicum,” from the circumstance that -in gathering it, they pass over the plant a bow,[1152] with the string -stretched, and covered with wool, to which the dewlike flocks of -ladanum adhere. We have described it at further length, when treating -of the perfumes.[1153] - -This substance has a very powerful odour, and is hard in the extreme; -for, in fact, there is a considerable quantity of earth adhering to -it: it is most esteemed when in a pure state, aromatic, soft, green, -and resinous. It is of an emollient, desiccative, and ripening nature, -and acts as a narcotic: it prevents the hair from falling off, and -preserves its dark colour. In combination with hydromel or oil of -roses, it is used as an injection for the ears; with the addition of -salt, it is employed for the cure of furfuraceous eruptions of the -skin, and for running ulcers. Taken with storax, it is good for chronic -cough; it is also extremely efficacious as a carminative. - - - - -CHAP. 31.—CHONDRIS OR PSEUDODICTAMNON: ONE REMEDY. HYPOCISTHIS OR -OROBETHRON; TWO VARIETIES: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -Chondris, too, or pseudodictamnon,[1154] acts astringently on the -bowels. Hypocisthis,[1155] by some known also as “orobethron,” is -similar to an unripe pomegranate in appearance; it grows, as already -stated,[1156] beneath the cisthus, whence its name. Dried in the shade, -and taken in astringent, red wine, these plants arrest diarrhœa—for -there are two kinds of hypocisthis, it must be remembered, the white -and the red. It is the juice of the plant that is used, being of an -astringent, desiccative, nature: that of the red kind, however, is -the best for fluxes of the stomach. Taken in drink, in doses of three -oboli, with amylum,[1157] it arrests spitting of blood; and, employed -either as a potion or as an injection, it is useful for dysentery. -Vervain, too, is good for similar complaints, either taken in water, -or, when there are no symptoms of fever, in Aminean[1158] wine, the -proportion being five spoonfuls to three cyathi of wine. - - - - -CHAP. 32.—LAVER OR SION: TWO REMEDIES. - - -Laver,[1159] too, a plant which grows in streams, preserved and boiled, -is curative of griping pains in the bowels. - - - - -CHAP. 33.—POTAMOGITON: EIGHT REMEDIES. THE STATICE: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Potamogiton,[1160] too, taken in wine, is useful for dysentery and -cœliac affections: it is a plant similar to beet in the leaves, but -smaller and more hairy, and rising but little above the surface of -the water. It is the leaves that are used, being of a refreshing, -astringent nature, and particularly good for diseases of the legs, and, -with honey or vinegar, for corrosive ulcers. - -Castor has given a different description of this plant. According to -him, it has a smaller leaf,[1161] like horse-hair,[1162] with a long, -smooth, stem, and grows in watery localities. With the root of it he -used to treat scrofulous sores and indurations. Potamogiton neutralizes -the effects of the bite of the crocodile; hence it is that those who go -in pursuit of that animal, are in the habit of carrying it about them. - -Achillea[1163] also arrests looseness of the bowels; an effect equally -produced by the statice,[1164] a plant with seven heads, like those of -the rose, upon as many stems. - - - - -CHAP. 34.—THE CERATIA: TWO REMEDIES. LEONTOPODION, LEUCEORON, -DORIPETRON, OR THORYBETHRON. LAGOPUS: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The ceratia[1165] is a plant with a single[1166] leaf, and a large -knotted root: taken with the food, it is curative of coeliac affections -and dysentery. - -Leontopodion,[1167] a plant known also as “leuceoron,” “doripetron,” -or “thorybethron,” has a root which acts astringently upon the bowels -and carries off bile, being taken in doses of two denarii in hydromel. -It grows in champaign localities with a poor soil: the seed, taken in -drink, produces night-mare,[1168] it is said, in the sleep. - -Lagopus[1169] arrests diarrhœa, taken in wine, or, if there are -symptoms of fever, in water. This plant is attached to the groin, -for tumours in that part of the body: it grows in cornfields. Many -persons recommend, in preference to anything else, for desperate cases -of dysentery, a decoction of roots of cinquefoil in milk, or else -aristolochia,[1170] in the proportion of one victoriatus[1171] to three -cyathi of wine. In the case of the preparations above-mentioned, which -are recommended to be taken warm, it will be the best plan to heat them -with a red-hot iron. - -On the other hand, again, the juice of the smaller centaury acts as a -purgative upon the bowels, and carries off bile, taken, in doses of one -drachma, in one hemina of water with a little salt and vinegar. The -greater centaury is curative of griping pains in the bowels. Betony, -also, has a laxative effect, taken in the proportion of four drachmæ to -nine cyathi of hydromel: the same, too, with euphorbia[1172] or agaric, -taken, in doses of two drachmæ, with a little salt, in water, or else -in three oboli of honied wine. Cyclaminos,[1173] also, is a purgative, -either taken in water or used as a suppository; the same, too, with -chamæcissos,[1174] employed as a suppository. A handful of hyssop, -boiled down to one third with salt, or beaten up with oxymel and salt, -and applied to the abdomen, promotes pituitous evacuations, and expels -intestinal worms. Root also of peucedanum[1175] carries off pituitous -humours and bile. - - - - -CHAP. 35.—EPITHYMON OR HIPPOPHEOS: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -The two kinds of anagallis, taken in hydromel, are purgative; the -same, too, with epithymon,[1176] which is the blossom of a sort[1177] -of thyme similar to savory; the only difference being that the flower -of this plant is nearer grass green, while that of the other thyme is -white. Some persons call it “hippopheos.”[1178] This plant is by no -means wholesome to the stomach, as it is apt to cause vomiting, but -at the same time it disperses flatulency and gripings of the bowels. -It is taken also, in the form of an electuary, for affections of the -chest, with honey, or in some cases, with iris.[1179] Taken in doses of -from four to six drachmæ, with honey and a little salt and vinegar, it -relaxes the bowels. - -Some persons, again, give a different description of epithymon: -according to them, it is a plant without[1180] a root, diminutive, -and bearing a flower resembling a small hood, and of a red colour. -They tell us, too, that it is dried in the shade and taken in water, -in doses of half an acetabulum; and that it has a slightly laxative -effect upon the bowels, and carries off the pituitous humours and bile. -Nymphæa[1181] is taken for similar purposes, in astringent wine. - - - - -CHAP. 36.—PYCNOCOMON; FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Pycnocomon,[1182] too, is a purgative. It is a plant with leaves like -those of rocket, only thicker and more acrid; the root is round, of -a yellow colour, and with an earthy smell. The stem is quadrangular, -of a moderate length, thin, and surmounted with a flower like that -of ocimum.[1183] It is found growing in rough stony soils. The root, -taken in doses of two denarii in hydromel, acts as a purgative upon the -bowels, and effectually carries off bile and pituitous humours. The -seed, taken in doses of one drachma in wine, is productive of dreams -and restlessness. Capnos,[1184] too, carries off bile by the urine. - - - - -CHAP. 37.—POLYPODION: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Polypodion,[1185] known to us by the name of “filicula,” bears some -resemblance to fern. The root of it is used medicinally; being -fibrous, and of a grass green colour within, about the thickness of -the little finger, and covered with cavernous suckers like those on -the arms of the polypus. This plant is of a sweetish[1186] taste, and -is found growing among rocks and under trees. The root is steeped in -water, and the juice extracted; sometimes, too, it is cut in small -pieces and sprinkled upon cabbage, beet, mallows, or salt meat; or -else it is boiled with pap,[1187] as a gentle aperient for the bowels, -in cases of fever even. It carries off bile also and the pituitous -humours, but acts injuriously upon the stomach. Dried and powdered and -applied to the nostrils, it cauterizes polypus[1188] of the nose. It -has neither seed[1189] nor flower. - - - - -CHAP. 38.—SCAMMONY; EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -Scammony,[1190] also, is productive of derangement of the stomach. It -carries off bile, and acts strongly as a purgative upon the bowels; -unless, indeed, aloes are added, in the proportion of two drachmæ of -aloes to two oboli of scammony. The drug thus called is the juice -of a plant that is branchy from the root, and has unctuous, white, -triangular, leaves, with a solid, moist root, of a nauseous flavour: -it grows in rich white soils. About the period of the rising of the -Dog-star, an excavation is made about the root, to let the juice -collect: which done, it is dried in the sun and divided into tablets. -The root itself, too, or the outer coat of it, is sometimes dried. -The scammony most esteemed is that of Colophon, Mysia, and Priene. In -appearance it ought to be smooth and shiny, and as much like bull glue -as possible: it should present a fungous surface also, covered with -minute holes; should melt with the greatest rapidity, have a powerful -smell, and be sticky like gum. When touched with the tongue, it should -give out a white milky liquid; it ought also to be extremely light, and -to turn white when melted. - -This last feature is recognized in the spurious scammony also, a -compound of meal of fitches and juice of marine tithymalos,[1191] which -is mostly imported from Judea, and is very apt to choke those who use -it. The difference may be easily detected, however, by the taste, as -tithymalos imparts a burning sensation to the tongue. To be fully -efficacious, scammony should be two[1192] years old; before or after -that age it is useless. It has been prescribed to be taken by itself -also, in doses of four oboli, with hydromel and salt: but the most -advantageous mode of using it is in combination with aloes, care being -taken to drink honied wine the moment it begins to operate. The root, -too, is boiled down in vinegar to the consistency of honey, and the -decoction used as a liniment for leprosy. The head is also rubbed with -this decoction, mixed with oil, for head-ache. - - - - -CHAP. 39.—THE TITHYMALOS CHARACIAS. - - -The tithymalos is called by our people the “milk plant,”[1193] and by -some persons the “goat lettuce.”[1194] They say, that if characters -are traced upon the body with the milky juice of this plant, and -powdered with ashes, when dry, the letters will be perfectly visible; -an expedient which has been adopted before now by intriguers, for -the purpose of communicating with their mistresses, in preference -to a correspondence by letter. There are numerous varieties of -this plant.[1195] The first kind has the additional name of -“characias,”[1196] and is generally looked upon as the male plant. Its -branches are about a finger in thickness, red and full of juice, five -or six in number, and a cubit in length. The leaves near the root are -almost exactly those of the olive, and the extremity of the stem is -surmounted with a tuft like that of the bulrush: it is found growing in -rugged localities near the sea-shore. The seed is gathered in autumn, -together with the tufts, and after being dried in the sun, is beaten -out and put by for keeping. As to the juice, the moment the down -begins to appear upon, the fruit, the branches are broken off and the -juice of them is received upon either meal of fitches or else figs, -and left to dry therewith. Five drops are as much as each fig ought -to receive; and the story is, that if a dropsical patient eats one of -these figs he will have as many motions as the fig has received drops. -While the juice is being collected, due care must be taken not to let -it touch the eyes. From the leaves, pounded, a juice is also extracted, -but not of so useful a nature as the other kind: a decoction, too, is -made from the branches. - -The seed also is used, being boiled with honey and made up, into -purgative[1197] pills. These seeds are sometimes inserted in hollow -teeth with wax: the teeth are rinsed too, with a decoction of the root -in wine or oil. The juice is used externally for lichens, and is taken -internally both as an emetic and to promote alvine evacuation: in other -respects, it is prejudicial to the stomach. Taken in drink, with the -addition of salt, it carries off pituitous humours; and in combination -with saltpetre,[1198] removes bile. In cases where it is desirable that -it should purge by stool, it is taken with oxycrate, but where it is -wanted to act as an emetic, with raisin wine or hydromel; three oboli -being a middling dose. The best method, however, of using it, is to eat -the prepared figs above-mentioned, just after taking food. In taste, -it is slightly burning to the throat; indeed it is of so heating a -nature, that, applied externally by itself, it raises blisters on the -flesh, like those caused by the action of fire. Hence it is that it is -sometimes employed as a cautery. - - - - -CHAP. 40.—THE TITHYMALOS MYRTITES, OR CARYITES; TWENTY-ONE REMEDIES. - - -A second kind of tithymalos is called “myrtites”[1199] by some persons, -and “caryites” by others. It has leaves like those of myrtle, pointed -and prickly, but with a softer surface, and grows, like the one already -mentioned, in rugged soils. The tufted heads of it are gathered just, -as barley is beginning to swell in the ear, and, after being left for -nine days in the shade, are thoroughly dried in the sun. The fruit does -not ripen all at once, some, indeed, not till the ensuing year. The -name given to this fruit is the “nut,” whence the Greek appellation -“caryites.”[1200] It is gathered at harvest, and is washed and dried, -being given with twice the quantity of black poppy, in doses of one -acetabulum in all. - -As an emetic, this kind is not so efficacious as the preceding one, -and, indeed, the same may be said of all the others. Some physicians -recommend the leaf to be taken in the manner already mentioned, but say -that the nut should either be taken in honied wine or raisin wine, or -else with sesame. It carries off pituitous humours and bile by stool, -and is curative of ulcerations of the mouth. For corrosive sores of the -mouth, the leaf is eaten with honey. - - - - -CHAP. 41.—THE TITHYMALOS PARALIOS, OR TITHYMALIS: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -A third kind of tithymalos is known by the additional name of -“paralios,”[1201] or else as “tithymalis.”[1202] The leaf is round, the -stem a palm in height, the branches red, and the seed white. This seed -is gathered just as the grape is beginning to form, and is dried and -pounded; being taken as a purgative, in doses of one acetabulum. - - - - -CHAP. 42.—THE TITHYMALOS HELIOSCOPIOS: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES. - - -A fourth kind of tithymalos[1203] is known by the additional name of -“helioscopios.”[1204] It has leaves like those of purslain,[1205] -and some four or five small branches standing out from the root, of -a red colour, half a foot in height, and full of juice. This plant -grows in the vicinity of towns: the seed is white, and pigeons[1206] -are remarkably fond of it. It receives its additional name of -“helioscopios” from the fact that the heads of it turn[1207] with the -sun. Taken in doses of half an acetabulum, in oxymel, it carries off -bile by stool: in other respects it has the same properties as the -characias, above-mentioned. - - - - -CHAP. 43.—THE TITHYMALOS CYPARISSIAS: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES. - - -In the fifth place we have the tithymalos known as “cyparissias,”[1208] -from the resemblance of its leaves to those of the cypress. It has -a double or triple stem, and grows in champaign localities. Its -properties are exactly similar to those of the helioscopios and -characias. - - - - -CHAP. 44.—THE TITHYMALOS PLATYPHYLLOS, CORYMBITES, OR AMYGDALITES: -THREE REMEDIES. - - -The sixth kind is called “platyphyllos”[1209] by some, and “corymbites” -or “amygdalites” by others, from its resemblance to the almond-tree. -The leaves of this kind are the largest of all: it has a fatal effect -upon fish. An infusion of the root or leaves, or the juice, taken -in doses of four drachmæ, in honied wine, or hydromel, acts as a -purgative. It is particularly useful also for carrying off the aqueous -humours. - - - - -CHAP. 45.—THE TITHYMALOS DENDROÏDES, COBIOS, OR LEPTOPHYLLOS: EIGHTEEN -REMEDIES. - - -The seventh kind has the additional name of “dendroïdes,”[1210] -and is known by some persons as “cobios,” and by others as -“leptophyllos.”[1211] It grows among rocks, and is by far the most -shrubby of all the varieties of the tithymalos. The stems of it are -small and red, and the seed is remarkably abundant. Its properties are -the same as those of the characias.[1212] - - - - -CHAP. 46.—THE APIOS ISCHAS, OR RAPHANOS AGRIA: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The apios ischas or raphanos agria,[1213] throws out two or three -rush-like branches of a red colour, creeping upon the ground, and -bearing leaves like those of rue. The root resembles that of an onion, -only that it is larger, for which reason some have called it the “wild -radish.” The interior of this root is composed of a mammose substance, -containing a white juice: the outer coat is black. It grows in rugged, -mountainous spots, and sometimes in pasture lands. It is taken up in -spring, and pounded and put into an earthen vessel, that portion of it -being removed which floats upon the surface. The part which remains -acts purgatively, taken in doses of an obolus and a half in hydromel, -both as an emetic and by stool. This juice is administered also, in -doses of one acetabulum, for dropsy. - -The root of this plant is dried and powdered, and taken in drink: the -upper part of it, they say, carries off bile by acting as an emetic, -the lower part, by promoting alvine evacuation. - - - - -CHAP. 47.—REMEDIES FOR GRIPING PAINS IN THE BOWELS. - - -Every kind of panaces[1214] is curative of gripings in the bowels; as -also betony, except in those cases where they arise from indigestion. -Juice of peucedanum[1215] is good for flatulency, acting powerfully as -a carminative: the same is the case, also, with root of acoron[1216] -and with daucus,[1217] eaten like lettuce as a salad. Ladanum[1218] -of Cyprus, taken in drink, is curative of intestinal affections; -and a similar effect is produced by powdered gentian, taken in warm -water, in quantities about as large as a bean. For the same purpose, -plantago[1219] is taken in the morning, in doses of two spoonfuls, with -one spoonful of poppy in four cyathi of wine, due care being taken -that it is not old wine. It is given, too, at the last moment before -going to sleep, and with the addition of nitre or polenta,[1220] if -a considerable time has elapsed since the last meal. For colic, an -injection of the juice is used, one hemina at a time, even in cases -where fever has supervened. - - - - -CHAP. 48.—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE SPLEEN. - - -Agaric, taken in doses of three oboli in one cyathus of old wine, is -curative of diseases of the spleen. The same, too, with the root of -every kind of panaces,[1221] taken in honied wine: teucria,[1222] -also, is particularly useful for the same purpose, taken in a dry -state, or boiled down in the proportion of one handful to three heminæ -of vinegar. Teucria, too, is applied with vinegar to wounds of the -spleen, or, if the patient cannot bear the application of vinegar, -with figs or water. Polemonia[1223] is taken in wine, and betony, in -doses of one drachma, in three cyathi of oxymel: aristolochia, too, is -used in the same manner as for injuries inflicted by serpents.[1224] -Argemonia,[1225] it is said, taken with the food for seven consecutive -days, diminishes the volume of the spleen; and a similar effect is -attributed to agaric, taken in doses of two oboli, in oxymel. Root, -too, of nymphæa heraclia,[1226] taken in wine, or by itself, diminishes -the spleen. - -Cissanthemos,[1227] taken twice a day, in doses of one drachma in -two cyathi of white wine, for forty consecutive days, gradually -carries off the spleen, it is said, by urine. Hyssop, boiled with -figs, is very useful for the same purpose: root of lonchitis,[1228] -also, boiled before it has shed its seed. A decoction of root of -peucedanum[1229] is good for the spleen and kidneys. Acoron,[1230] -taken in drink, diminishes the spleen; and the roots of it are very -beneficial for the viscera and iliac regions. For similar purposes, -seed of clymenus[1231] is taken, for thirty consecutive days, in doses -of one denarius, in white wine. Powdered betony is also used, taken in -a potion with honey and squill vinegar; root too of lonchitis is taken -in water. Teucrium[1232] is used externally for diseases of the spleen; -scordium,[1233] also, in combination with wax; and agaric, mixed with -powdered, fenugreek. - - - - -CHAP. 49.—REMEDIES FOR CALCULI AND DISEASES OF THE BLADDER. - - -For diseases of the bladder and calculi (affections which, as -already observed,[1234] produce the most excruciating torments), -polemonia[1235] is highly efficacious, taken in wine; agaric also, -and leaves or root of plantago, taken in raisin wine. Betony, too, -is very good, as already observed, when speaking[1236] of diseases of -the liver. This last plant is used also for hernia, applied topically -or taken in drink: it is remarkably efficacious too for strangury. For -calculi some persons recommend betony, vervain, and milfoil, in equal -proportions in water, as a sovereign remedy. It is universally agreed -that dittany is curative of strangury, and that the same is the case -with cinquefoil, boiled down to one third in wine: this last plant is -very useful, too, taken internally and applied topically, for rupture -of the groin. - -The upper part of the root of xiphion[1237] has a diuretic effect -upon infants; it is administered also in water for rupture of the -groin, and is applied topically for diseases of the bladder. Juice of -peucedanum[1238] is employed for hernia in infants, and psyllion[1239] -is used as an application in cases of umbilical hernia. The two kinds -of anagallis[1240] are diuretic, and a similar effect is produced -by a decoction of root of acoron,[1241] or the plant itself bruised -and taken in drink; this last is good too for all affections of the -bladder. Both the stem and root of cotyledon[1242] are used for the -cure of calculi; and for all inflammations of the genitals, myrrh -is mixed in equal proportions with the stem and seed. The more -tender leaves of ebulum,[1243] beaten up and taken with wine, expel -calculi of the bladder, and an application of them is curative of -diseases of the testes. Erigeron,[1244] with powdered frankincense -and sweet wine, is curative of inflammation of the testes; and root -of symphytum,[1245] applied topically, reduces rupture of the groin. -The white hypocisthis[1246] is curative of corroding ulcers of the -genitals. Artemisia[1247] is prescribed also in sweet wine for the cure -of calculi and of strangury; and root of nymphæa heraclia,[1248] taken -in wine, allays pains in the bladder. - - - - -CHAP. 50.—CRETHMOS: ELEVEN REMEDIES. CACHRY. - - -A similar property belongs also to crethmos,[1249] a plant highly -praised by Hippocrates.[1250] This is one of the wild plants that are -commonly eaten—at all events, we find Callimachus mentioning it as one -of the viands set on table by the peasant Hecale.[1251] It is a species -of garden batis,[1252] with a stem a palm in height, and a hot seed, -odoriferous like that of libanotis,[1253] and round. When dried, the -seed bursts asunder, and discloses in the interior a white kernel, -known as “cachry” to some. The leaf is unctuous and of a whitish -colour, like that of the olive, only thicker and of a saltish taste. -The roots are three or four in number, and about a finger in thickness: -the plant grows in rocky localities, upon the sea-shore. It is eaten -raw or else boiled with cabbage, and has a pleasant, aromatic flavour; -it is preserved also in brine. - -This plant is particularly useful for strangury, the leaves, stem, -or root being taken in wine. It improves the complexion of the skin -also, but if taken in excess is very apt to produce flatulency. Used -in the form of a decoction it relaxes the bowels, has a diuretic -effect, and carries off the humours from the kidneys. The same is the -case also with alcea:[1254] dried and powdered and taken in wine, it -removes strangury, and, with the addition of daucus,[1255] is still -more efficacious: it is good too for the spleen, and is taken in drink -as an antidote to the venom of serpents. Mixed with their barley it -is remarkably beneficial for beasts of burden, when suffering from -pituitous defluxions or strangury. - - - - -CHAP. 51.—THE ANTHYLLION; TWO REMEDIES. THE ANTHYLLIS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The anthyllion[1256] is a plant very like the lentil. Taken in wine, -it is remedial for diseases of the bladder, and arrests hæmorrhage, -Another variety of it is the anthyllis, a plant resembling the -chamæpitys,[1257] with a purple flower, a powerful smell, and a root -like that of endive. - - - - -CHAP. 52.—CEPÆA: ONE REMEDY. - - -The plant known as “cepæa”[1258] is even more efficacious. It -resembles purslain in appearance, but has a darker root, that is never -used: it grows upon the sands of the sea-shore, and has a bitter taste. -Taken in wine with root of asparagus, it is remarkably useful for -diseases of the bladder. - - - - -CHAP. 53.—HYPERICON, CHAMÆPITYS, OR CORISON: NINE REMEDIES. - - -Hypericon,[1259] otherwise known as the “chamæpitys”[1260] or -“corison,”[1261] is possessed of similar properties. It is a -plant[1262] with a stem like that[1263] of a garden vegetable, thin, -red, and a cubit in length. The leaf is similar to that of rue, and has -an acrid smell: the seed is enclosed in a swarthy pod, and ripens at -the same time as barley. This seed is of an astringent nature, arrests -diarrhœa, and acts as a diuretic: it is taken also for diseases of the -bladder, in wine. - - - - -CHAP. 54.—CAROS OR HYPERICON: TEN REMEDIES. - - -There is another hypericon also, known as “caros”[1264] by some. -The leaves of it resemble those of the tamarix,[1265] beneath[1266] -which it grows, but are more unctuous[1267] and not so red. It is an -odoriferous plant, somewhat more than a palm[1268] in height, of a -sweet flavour, and slightly pungent. The seed is of a warming nature, -and is consequently productive of eructations; it is not, however, -injurious to the stomach. This plant is particularly useful for -strangury, provided the bladder be not ulcerated; taken in wine, it is -curative of pleurisy also. - - - - -CHAP. 55.—THE CALLITHRIX: ONE REMEDY. THE PERPRESSA: ONE REMEDY. THE -CHRYSANTHEMUM: ONE REMEDY. THE ANTHEMIS: ONE REMEDY. - - -Callithrix,[1269] beaten up with cummin seed, and administered in white -wine, is useful also for diseases of the bladder. Leaves of vervain, -boiled down to one third, or root of vervain, in warm honied wine, -expel calculi of the bladder. - -Perpressa,[1270] a plant which grows in the vicinity of Arretium and in -Illyricum, is boiled down to one third in three heminæ of water, and -the decoction taken in drink: the same too with trefoil,[1271] which is -administered in wine; and the same with the chrysanthemum.[1272] The -anthemis[1273] also is an expellent of calculi. It is a plant with five -small leaves running from the root, two long stems, and a flower like a -rose. The roots of it are pounded and administered alone, in the same -way as raw laver.[1274] - - - - -CHAP. 56.—SILAUS: ONE REMEDY. - - -Silaus[1275] is a plant which grows in running streams with a gravelly -bed. It bears some resemblance to parsley, and is a cubit in height. It -is cooked in the same manner as the acid vegetables,[1276] and is of -great utility for affections of the bladder. In cases where that organ -is affected with eruptions,[1277] it is used in combination with root -of panaces,[1278] a plant which is otherwise bad for the bladder. The -erratic apple,[1279] too, is an expellent of calculi. For this purpose, -a pound of the root is boiled down to one half in a congius of wine, -and one hemina of the decoction is taken for three consecutive days, -the remainder being taken in wine with sium.[1280] Sea-nettle[1281] is -employed too for the same purpose, daucus,[1282] and seed of plantago -in wine. - - - - -CHAP. 57.—THE PLANT OF FULVIUS. - - -The plant of Fulvius[1283] too—so called from the first discoverer -of it, and well known[1284] to herbalists—bruised in wine, acts as a -diuretic. - - - - -CHAP. 58.—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE TESTES AND OF THE FUNDAMENT. - - -Scordion[1285] reduces swellings of the testes. Henbane is curative -of diseases of the generative organs. Strangury is cured by juice of -peucedanum,[1286] taken with honey; as also by the seed of that plant. -Agaric is also used for the same purpose, taken in doses of three oboli -in one cyathus of old wine; root of trefoil, in doses of two drachmæ in -wine; and root or seed of daucus,[1287] in doses of one drachma. For -the cure of sciatica, the seed and leaves of erythrodanum[1288] are -used, pounded; panaces,[1289] taken in drink; polemonia,[1290] employed -as a friction; and leaves of aristolochia,[1291] in the form of a -decoction. Agaric, taken in doses of three oboli in one cyathus of old -wine, is curative of affections of the tendon known as “platys”[1292] -and of pains in the shoulders. Cinquefoil is either taken in drink or -applied topically for the cure of sciatica; a decoction of scammony -is used also, with barley meal; and the seed of either kind of -hypericon[1293] is taken in wine. - -For diseases of the fundament and for excoriations plantago is -remarkably efficacious; for condylomata, cinquefoil; and for procidence -of the rectum, root of cyclaminos,[1294] applied in vinegar. The -blue anagallis[1295] reduces procidence of the rectum, while, on the -contrary, that with a red flower has a tendency to bear it down. -Cotyledon[1296] is a marvellous cure for condylomatous affections -and piles; and root of acoron,[1297] boiled in wine and beaten up, -is a good application for swelling of the testes. According to what -Cato[1298] says, those who carry about them Pontic[1299] wormwood, will -never experience chafing between the thighs. - -(9.) Some persons add pennyroyal to the number of these plants: -gathered fasting, they say, and attached to the hinder part of the -body, it will be an effectual preservative against all pains in the -groin, and will allay them in cases where they already exist. - - - - -CHAP. 59.—INGUINALIS OR ARGEMO. - - -Inguinalis[1300] again, or, as some persons call it, “argemo,” a plant -commonly found growing in bushes and thickets, needs only to be held in -the hand to be productive of beneficial effects upon the groin. - - - - -CHAP. 60.—REMEDIES FOR INFLAMED TUMOURS. CHRYSIPPIOS: ONE REMEDY. - - -Panaces,[1301] applied with honey, heals inflammatory tumours; an -effect which is equally produced by plantago applied with salt, -cinquefoil, root of persolata[1302] used in the same way as for -scrofula; damasonium[1303] also, and verbascum[1304] pounded with the -root, and then sprinkled with wine, and wrapped in a leaf warmed upon -ashes, and applied hot. Persons of experience in these matters have -asserted that it is of primary importance that the application should -be made by a maiden, as also that she must be naked at the time, and -fasting. The patient must be fasting too, and the damsel must say, -touching him with the back of her hand,[1305] “Apollo forbids that a -disease shall increase which a naked virgin restrains.” So saying, she -must withdraw her hand, and repeat to the above effect three times, -both of them spitting upon the ground each time. - -Root, too, of mandragora[1306] is used for this purpose, with -water; a decoction of root of scammony with honey; sideritis[1307] -beaten up with stale grease; horehound with stale axle-grease; or -chrysippios,[1308] a plant which owes its name to its discoverer—with -pulpy figs. - - - - -CHAP. 61. (10.)—APHRODISIACS AND ANTAPHRODISIACS. - - -Nymphæa heraclia, used as already stated,[1309] acts most powerfully -as an antaphrodisiac; the same too if taken once every forty days in -drink. Taken in drink fasting, or eaten with the food, it effectually -prevents the recurrence of libidinous dreams. The root too, used in -the form of a liniment and applied to the generative organs, not only -represses all prurient desires, but arrests the seminal secretions as -well; for which reason, it is said to have a tendency to make flesh and -to improve the voice.[1310] - -The upper part of the root of xiphion,[1311] taken in wine, acts as an -aphrodisiac. The same is the case too with the wild crethmos,[1312] -or agrios as it is called, and with horminum,[1313] beaten up with -polenta.[1314] - - - - -CHAP. 62.—THE ORCHIS OR SERAPIAS: FIVE MEDICINAL PROPERTIES. SATYRION. - - -But there are few plants of so marvellous a nature as the orchis[1315] -or serapias, a vegetable production with leaves like those of the -leek, a stem a palm in height, a purple flower, and a twofold root, -formed of tuberosities which resemble the testes in appearance. The -larger of these tuberosities, or, as some say, the harder of the two, -taken in water, is provocative of lust; while the smaller, or, in other -words, the softer one, taken in goat’s milk, acts as an antaphrodisiac. -Some persons describe this plant as having a leaf like that of the -squill, only smoother and softer, and a prickly stem. The roots heal -liberations of the mouth, and are curative of pituitous discharges from -the chest; taken in wine they act astringently upon the bowels. - -Satyrion is also a powerful stimulant. There are two kinds of it: the -first[1316] has leaves like those of the olive, but longer, a stem four -fingers in length, a purple flower, and a double root, resembling the -human testes in shape. This root swells and increases in volume one -year, and resumes its original size the next. The other kind is known -as the “satyrios orchis,”[1317] and is supposed to be the female plant. -It is distinguished from the former one by the distance between its -joints, and its more branchy and shrublike form. The root is employed -in philtres: it is mostly found growing near the sea. Beaten up and -applied with polenta,[1318] or by itself, it heals tumours and various -other affections of the generative organs. The root of the first kind, -administered in the milk of a colonic[1319] sheep, causes tentigo; -taken in water it produces a contrary effect. - - - - -CHAP. 63.—SATYRION: THREE MEDICINAL PROPERTIES. SATYRION ERYTHRAÏCON: -FOUR MEDICINAL PROPERTIES. - - -The Greeks give the name of “satyrion”[1320] to a plant with red -leaves like those of the lily, but smaller, not more than three of them -making their appearance above ground. The stem, they say, is smooth and -bare and a cubit in length, and the root double; the lower part, which -is also the larger, promoting the conception of male issue, the upper -or smaller part, that of female. - -They distinguish also another kind of satyrion, by the name of -“erythraïcon:”[1321] it has seed like that of the vitex,[1322] only -larger, smooth, and hard; the root, they say, is covered with a red -rind, and is white within and of a sweetish taste: it is mostly found -in mountainous districts. The root, we are told, if only held in the -hand, acts as a powerful aphrodisiac, and even more so, if it is taken -in rough, astringent wine. It is administered in drink, they say, -to rams and he-goats when inactive and sluggish; and the people of -Sarmatia are in the habit of giving it to their stallions when fatigued -with covering, a defect to which they give the name of “prosedamum.” -The effects of this plant are neutralized by the use of hydromel or -lettuces.[1323] - -The Greeks, however, give the general name of “satyrion” to all -substances of a stimulating tendency, to the cratægis[1324] for -example, the thelygonon,[1325] and the arrenogonon, plants, the seed -of which bears a resemblance to the testes.[1326] Persons who carry -the pith of branches of tithymalos[1327] about them, are rendered more -amorous thereby, it is said. The statements are really incredible, -which Theophrastus,[1328] in most cases an author of high authority, -makes in relation to this subject; thus, for instance, he says that by -the contact only of a certain plant, a man has been enabled, in the -sexual congress, to repeat his embraces as many as seventy times even! -The name and genus, however, of this plant, he has omitted to mention. - - - - -CHAP. 64.—REMEDIES FOR THE GOUT AND DISEASES OF THE FEET. - - -Sideritis,[1329] attached to the body as an amulet, reduces varicose -veins, and effects a painless cure. Gout used to be an extremely -rare disease, not in the times of our fathers and grandfathers only, -but within my own memory even. Indeed, it may justly be considered a -foreign complaint; for if it had been formerly known in Italy, it would -surely have found a Latin name. It should, however, by no means be -looked upon as an incurable malady; for before now, in many instances, -it has quitted the patient all at once, and still more frequently, a -cure has been effected by proper treatment. - -For the cure of gout, roots of panaces[1330] are used, mixed -with raisins; juice of henbane, or the seed, combined with meal; -scordion,[1331] taken in vinegar; iberis, as already mentioned;[1332] -vervain, beaten up with axle-grease; or root of cyclaminos,[1333] a -decoction of which is good also for chilblains. - -As cooling applications for gout, root of xiphion[1334] is used; -seed of psyllion;[1335] hemlock, with litharge or axle-grease; and, -at the first symptoms of red gout, or, in other words, hot gout, the -plant aizoüm.[1336] For either kind of gout, erigeron,[1337] with -axle-grease, is very useful; leaves of plantago, beaten up with a -little salt; or argemonia,[1338] pounded with honey. An application of -vervain is also remedial, and it is a good plan to soak the feet in a -decoction of that plant in water. - - - - -CHAP. 65. LAPPAGO OR MOLLUGO: ONE REMEDY. ASPERUGO: ONE REMEDY. - - -Lappago[1339] is employed also for this disease; a plant similar to the -anagallis,[1340] were it not that it is more branchy, bristling with -a greater number of leaves, covered with rugosities, full of a more -acrid juice, and possessed of a powerful smell. The kind that resembles -anagallis most closely, is known as mollugo.[1341] Asperugo[1342] is a -similar plant, only with a more prickly leaf. The juice of the first is -taken daily, in doses of one denarius, in two cyathi of wine. - - - - -CHAP. 66.—PHYCOS THALASSION OR SEA-WEED: THREE VARIETIES OF IT. LAPPA -BOARIA. - - -But it is the phycos thalassion, or sea-weed,[1343] more particularly, -that is so excellent a remedy for the gout. It resembles the lettuce in -appearance, and is used as the basis in dyeing tissues with the purple -of the murex.[1344] Used before it becomes dry, it is efficacious as -a topical application not only for gout, but for all diseases of the -joints. There are three kinds of it; one with a broad leaf, another -with a longer leaf of a reddish hue, and a third with a crisped leaf, -and used in Crete for dyeing cloths.[1345] All these kinds have -similar properties; and we find Nicander prescribing them in wine as -an antidote to the venom of serpents even. The seed also of the plant -which we have spoken of as “psyllion,”[1346] is useful for the cure -of gout: it is first steeped in water, and one hemina of the seed is -then mixed with two spoonfuls of resin of Colophon, and one spoonful of -frankincense. Leaves of mandragora,[1347] too, are highly esteemed for -this purpose, beaten up with polenta. - -(11.) For swellings of the ankles, slime,[1348] kneaded up with oil, -is wonderfully useful, and for swellings of the joints the juice -of the smaller centaury; this last being remarkably good also for -diseases of the sinews. Centauris,[1349] too, is very useful; and for -pains in the sinews of the shoulder-blades, shoulders, vertebræ, and -loins, an infusion of betony is taken in drink in the same way as -for diseases of the liver.[1350] Cinquefoil is applied topically to -the joints, and a similar use is made of the leaves of mandragora, -mixed with polenta,[1351] or else the root, beaten up fresh with wild -cucumber[1352] or boiled in water. For chaps upon the toes, root of -polypodion[1353] is used; and for diseases of the joints, juice of -henbane with axle-grease; amomum,[1354] with a decoction of the plant; -centunculus,[1355] boiled; or fresh moss steeped in water, and attached -to the part till it is quite dry. - -The root, too, of lappa boaria,[1356] taken in wine, is productive of -similar effects. A decoction of cyclaminos[1357] in water, is curative -of chilblains, and all other affections resulting from cold. For -chilblains, cotyledon[1358] is also employed with axle-grease, leaves -of batrachion,[1359] and juice of epithymum.[1360] Ladanum,[1361] mixed -with castoreum,[1361] and vervain applied with wine, extract -corns from the feet. - - - - -CHAP. 67.—MALADIES WHICH ATTACK THE WHOLE OF THE BODY. - - -Having now finished the detail of the diseases which are perceptible -in individual parts of the body, we shall proceed to speak of those -which attack the whole of the body. The following I find mentioned -as general remedies: in preference to anything else, an infusion of -dodecatheos,[1362] a plant already described, should be taken in drink, -and then the roots of the several kinds[1363] of panaces, in maladies -of long standing more particularly: seed, too, of panaces should be -used for intestinal complaints. For all painful affections of the body -we find juice of scordium[1364] recommended, as also that of betony: -this last, taken in a potion, is particularly excellent for removing -a wan and leaden hue of the skin, and for improving its general -appearance. - - - - -CHAP. 68.—THE GERANION, MYRRILIS, OR MYRTIS; THREE VARIETIES OF IT: SIX -REMEDIES. - - -The plant geranion has the additional names of “myrrhis”[1365] and -“myrtis.” It is similar to hemlock in appearance, but has a smaller -leaf and a shorter stem, rounded, and of a pleasant taste and odour. -Such, at all events, is the description given of it by our herbalists; -but the Greeks speak of it as bearing leaves a little whiter than those -of the mallow, thin downy stems, and branches at intervals some two -palms in length, with small heads at their extremities, in the midst -of the leaves, resembling the bill[1366] of a crane.[1367] There is -also another[1368] variety of this plant, with leaves like those of the -anemone, but with deeper incisions, and a root rounded like an apple, -sweet, and extremely useful and refreshing[1369] for invalids when -recovering their strength; this last would almost seem to be the true -geranion. - -For phthisis this plant is taken, in the proportion of one drachma -to three cyathi of wine, twice a day; as also for flatulency. Eaten -raw, it is productive of similar effects. The juice of the root is -remedial for diseases of the ear; and for opisthotony the seed is -taken in drink, in doses of four drachmæ, with pepper and myrrh. Juice -of plantago,[1370] taken in drink, is curative of phthisis, and a -decoction of it is equally good for the purpose. Plantago taken as -a food with oil and salt, immediately after rising in the morning, -is extremely refreshing; it is prescribed, too, in cases of atrophy, -on alternate days. Betony is given with honey, in the form of an -electuary, for phthisis, in pieces the size of a bean; agaric, too, -is taken in doses of two oboli in raisin wine, or else daucus[1371] -with the greater centaury in wine. For the cure of phagedæna, a name -given in common to bulimia[1372] and to a corrosive kind of ulcer, -tithymalos[1373] is taken in combination with sesame. - - - - -CHAP. 69.—THE ONOTHERAS OR ONEAR: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Among the various evils by which the whole of the body in common -is afflicted, that of wakefulness is the most common. Among the -remedies for it we find panaces[1374] mentioned, clymenus,[1375] and -aristolochia,[1376] the odour of the plant being inhaled and the head -rubbed with it. Aizoüm, or houseleek, is beneficial, wrapped in black -cloth and placed beneath the pillow, without the patient being aware -of it. The onotheras[1377] too, or onear, taken in wine, has certain -exhilarating properties; it has leaves like those of the almond tree, a -rose-coloured flower, numerous branches, and a long root, with a vinous -smell when dried: an infusion of this root has a soothing effect upon -wild beasts even. - -For fits of indigestion[1378] attended with nausea, betony is taken -in drink: used similarly after the evening meal, it facilitates the -digestion. Taken in the proportion of one drachma to three cyathi of -oxymel, it dispels crapulence. The same is the case, too, with agaric, -taken in warm water after eating. Betony is curative of paralysis, it -is said; the same, too, with iberis, as already stated.[1379] This last -is good, too, for numbness of the limbs; the same being the case with -argemonia,[1380] a plant which disperses those affections which might -otherwise necessitate the application of the knife. - - - - -CHAP. 70.—REMEDIES FOR EPILEPSY. - - -Epilepsy is cured by the root of the panaces which we have spoken[1381] -of as the “heraclion,” taken in drink with sea-calf’s rennet, the -proportions being three parts of panaces and one of rennet. For the -same purpose an infusion of plantago[1382] is taken, or else betony or -agaric, with oxymel, the former in doses of one drachma, the latter in -doses of three oboli; leaves of cinquefoil are taken, also, in water. -Archezostis[1383] is also curative of epilepsy, but it must be taken -constantly for a year; root of bacchar,[1384] too, dried and powdered, -and taken in warm water, in the proportion of three cyathi to one -cyathus of coriander; centunculus[1385] also, bruised in vinegar, warm -water, or honey; vervain, taken in wine; hyssop[1386] berries, three -in number, pounded and taken in water, for sixteen days consecutively; -peucedanum,[1387] taken in drink with sea-calf’s rennet, in equal -proportions; leaves of cinquefoil, bruised in wine and taken for thirty -days; powdered betony, in doses of three denarii, with one cyathus of -squill vinegar and an ounce of Attic honey; as also scammony, in the -proportion of two oboli to four drachmæ of castoreum. - - - - -CHAP. 71.—REMEDIES FOR FEVERS. - - -Agaric, taken in warm water, alleviates cold fevers: sideritis, in -combination with oil, is good for tertian fevers; bruised ladanum[1388] -also, which is found in corn fields; plantago,[1389] taken in doses of -two drachmæ, in hydromel, a couple of hours before the paroxysms come -on; juice of the root of plantago made warm or subjected to pressure; -or else the root itself beaten up in water made warm with a hot iron. -Some medical men prescribe three roots of plantago, in three cyathi of -water; and in a similar manner, four roots for quartan fevers. When -buglossos[1390] is beginning to wither, if a person takes the pith out -of the stem, and says while so doing, that it is for the cure of such -and such a person suffering from fever, and then attaches seven leaves -to the patient, just before the paroxysms come on, he will experience a -cure, they say. - -Fevers too, those which are attended with recurrent cold shiverings -more particularly, are cured by administering one drachma of betony, or -else agaric, in three cyathi of hydromel. Some medical men recommend -three leaves of cinquefoil for tertian, four for quartan, and an -increased number for other fevers; while others again prescribe in all -cases three oboli of cinquefoil, with pepper, in hydromel. - -Vervain, administered in water, is curative of fever, in beasts of -burden even; but care must be taken, in cases of tertian fever, to -cut the plant at the third joint, and of quartan fever at the fourth. -The seed of either kind of hypericon[1391] is taken also for quartan -fevers and cold shiverings. Powdered betony modifies these fits, and -panaces[1392] is of so warming a nature that persons when about to -travel amid the snow are recommended to drink an infusion of it, and to -rub the body all over with the plant. Aristolochia[1393] also arrests -shivering produced by cold. - - - - -CHAP. 72.—REMEDIES FOR PHRENITIS, LETHARGY, AND CARBUNCLES. - - -Phrenitis is cured by sleep induced by the agency of an infusion of -peucedanum[1394] in vinegar, poured upon the head, or else by the juice -of either kind of anagallis.[1395] On the other hand, when patients are -suffering from lethargy, it is with the greatest difficulty that they -are aroused; a result which may be effected, they say, by touching the -nostrils with juice of peucedanum in vinegar. For the cure of insanity, -betony is administered in drink. Panaces[1396] brings carbuncles to -a head, and makes them break; and they are equally cured by powdered -betony applied in water, or else cabbage leaves mixed with frankincense -in warm water, and taken in considerable quantities. For a similar -purpose, a red-hot coal is extinguished in the patient’s presence, and -the ashes are taken up with the finger and applied to the sore. Bruised -plantago[1397] is also used for the cure of carbuncles. - - - - -CHAP. 73.—REMEDIES FOR DROPSY. ACTE OR EBULUM. CHAMÆACTE. - - -For the cure of dropsy, tithymalos characias[1398] is employed; -panaces[1399] also; plantago,[1400] used as a diet, dry bread being -eaten first, without any drink; betony, taken in doses of two drachmæ -in two cyathi of ordinary wine or honied wine; agaric or seed of -lonchitis,[1401] in doses of two spoonfuls, in water; psyllion,[1402] -taken in wine; juice of either anagallis;[1403] root of cotyledon[1404] -in honied wine; root of ebulum,[1405] fresh gathered, with the mould -shaken off, but not washed in water, a pinch in two fingers being taken -in one hemina of old wine mulled; root of trefoil, taken in doses of -two drachmæ in wine; the tithymalos[1406] known as “platyphyllos;” seed -of the hypericon,[1407] otherwise known as “caros;” the plant called -“acte”—the same thing as ebulum[1408] according to some—the root of -it being pounded in three cyathi of wine, if there are no symptoms of -fever, or the seed of it being administered in red wine; a good handful -of vervain also, boiled down in water to one half. But of all the -remedies for this disease, juice of chamæacte[1409] is looked upon as -by far the most efficacious. - -Morbid or pituitous eruptions are cured by the agency of plantago, -or else root of cyclaminos[1410] with honey. Leaves of ebulum,[1411] -bruised in old wine and applied topically, are curative of the disease -called “boa,” which makes its appearance in the form of red pimples. -Juice of strychnos,[1412] applied as a liniment, is curative of prurigo. - - - - -CHAP. 74.—REMEDIES FOR ERYSIPELAS. - - -For the cure of erysipelas, aizoüm[1413] is used, or else pounded -leaves of hemlock, or root of mandragora;[1414] this last being cut -into round slices like cucumber and suspended over must,[1415] after -which it is hung up in the smoke, and then pounded in wine or vinegar. -It is a good plan too to use fomentations with myrtle wine: two ounces -of mint beaten up in vinegar with one ounce of live sulphur, form a -mixture sometimes employed; as also soot mixed with vinegar. - -There are several kinds of erysipelas, one in particular which -attacks the middle of the body, and is known as “zoster:”[1416] -should it entirely surround the body, its effects are fatal. For -this disease, plantago[1417] is remedial, mixed with Cimolian[1418] -chalk; vervain, used by itself; or root of persolata.[1419] For other -kinds of erysipelas of a spreading nature, root of cotyledon[1420] -is used, mixed with honied wine; aizoüm also,[1421] or juice of -linozostis,[1422] in combination with vinegar. - - - - -CHAP. 75. (12.)—REMEDIES FOR SPRAINS. - - -For the cure of sprains, root of polypodion[1423] is used, in the form, -of a liniment: the pain and swelling are modified also by using seed of -psyllion;[1424] leaves of plantago[1425] beaten up with a little salt; -seed of verbascum,[1426] boiled in wine and pounded; or hemlock with -axle-grease. Leaves of ephemeron[1427] are applied topically to tumours -and tuberosities, so long as they are capable of being dispersed. - - - - -CHAP. 76.—REMEDIES FOR JAUNDICE. - - -It is upon the eyes in particular that jaundice is productive of so -remarkable an effect; the bile penetrating between the membranes, so -extremely delicate as they are and so closely united. Hippocrates[1428] -tells us that the appearance of jaundice on or after the seventh day -in fevers is a fatal symptom; but I am acquainted with some instances -in which, the patients survived after having been reduced to this -apparently hopeless state. We may remark also, that jaundice sometimes -comes on without fever supervening. It is combated by taking the -greater centaury,[1429] as already mentioned, in drink; agaric, in -doses of three oboli in old wine; or leaves of vervain, in doses of -three oboli, taken for four consecutive days in one hemina of mulled -wine. But the most speedy cure of all is effected by using juice of -cinquefoil, in doses of three cyathi, with salt and honey. Root of -cyclaminos[1430] is also taken in drink in doses of three drachmæ, the -patient sitting in a warm room free from all cold and draughts, the -infusion expelling the bile by its action as a sudorific. - -Leaves of tussilago[1431] are also used in water for this purpose; -the seed of either kind of linozostis,[1432] sprinkled in the drink, -or made into a decoction with chick-pease or wormwood: hyssop berries -taken in water; the plant lichen,[1433] all other vegetables being -carefully abstained from while it is being used; polythrix,[1434] taken -in wine; and struthion,[1435] in honied wine. - - - - -CHAP. 77.—REMEDIES FOR BOILS. - - -There are boils also, known as “furunculi,”[1436] which make their -appearance indiscriminately on all parts of the body, and are -productive of the greatest inconvenience: sometimes indeed, when -the constitution is exhausted, they are fatal in their effects. For -their cure, leaves of pycnocomon[1437] are employed, beaten up with -polenta,[1438] if the boil has not come to a head. They are dispersed -also by an application of leaves of ephedron.[1439] - - - - -CHAP. 78.—REMEDIES FOR FISTULA. - - -Fistulas, too, insidiously attack all parts of the body, owing to -unskilfulness on the part of medical men in the use of the knife. -The smaller centaury[1440] is used for their cure, with the addition -of lotions[1441] and boiled honey: juice of plantago[1442] is also -employed, as an injection; cinquefoil, mixed with salt and honey; -ladanum,[1443] combined with castoreum;[1444] cotyledon,[1445] applied -hot with stag’s marrow; pith of the root of verbascum[1446] reduced -to a liquid state in the shape of a lotion, and injected; root of -aristolochia;[1447] or juice of tithymalos.[1448] - - - - -CHAP. 79.—REMEDIES FOR ABSCESSES AND HARD TUMOURS. - - -Abscesses and inflammations are cured by an application of leaves of -argemonia.[1449] For indurations and gatherings of all descriptions -a decoction of vervain or cinquefoil in vinegar is used; leaves or -root of verbascum;[1450] a liniment made of wine and hyssop; root of -acoron,[1451] a decoction of it being used as a fomentation; or else -aizoüm.[1452] Contusions also, hard tumours, and fistulous abscesses -are treated with, illecebra.[1453] - -All kinds of foreign substances which have pierced the flesh are -extracted by using leaves of tussilago,[1454] daueus,[1455] or -seed of leontopodium[1456] pounded in water with polenta.[1457] To -suppurations, leaves of pycnocomon[1458] are applied, beaten up -with polenta, or else the seed of that plant, or orchis.[1459] An -application of root of satyrion[1460] is said to be a most efficacious -remedy for deep-seated diseases of the bones. Corrosive ulcers and all -kinds of gatherings are treated with sea-weed,[1461] used before it has -dried. Root, too, of alcima[1462] disperses gatherings. - - - - -CHAP. 80.—REMEDIES FOB BURNS. - - -Burns are cured by the agency of plantago,[1463] or of arction,[1464] -so effectually indeed as to leave no scar. The leaves of this last -plant are boiled in water, beaten up, and applied to the sore. Boots -of cyclaminos[1465] are used, in combination with aizoüm;[1466] the -kind of hypericon also, which we have mentioned as being called -“corissum.”[1467] - - - - -CHAP. 81. REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE SINEWS AND JOINTS. - - -For diseases of the sinews and joints, plantago,[1468] beaten up -with salt, is a very useful remedy, or else argemonia,[1469] pounded -with honey. Patients affected with spasms or tetanus are rubbed with -juice of peucedanum.[1470] For indurations of the sinews, juice of -ægilops[1471] is employed, and for pains in those parts of the body -erigeron[1472] or epithymum,[1473] used as a liniment, with vinegar. -In cases of spasms and opisthotony, it is an excellent plan to rub the -part affected with seed of the hypericon known as “caros,”[1474] and to -take the seed in drink. Phrynion,[1475] it is said, will effect a cure -even when the sinews have been severed, if applied instantaneously, -bruised or chewed. For spasmodic affections, fits of trembling, and -opisthotony, root of alcima[1476] is administered in hydromel; used in -this manner, if has a warming effect when the limbs are benumbed with -cold. - - - - -CHAP. 82.—REMEDIES FOR HÆMORRHAGE. - - -The red seed of the plant called “pæonia”[1477] arrests hæmorrhage; the -root also is possessed of similar properties. But it is clymenus[1478] -that should be employed, when there are discharges of blood at the -mouth or nostrils, from the bowels, or from the uterus. In such -cases, lysimachia[1479] also is taken in drink, applied topically, -or introduced into the nostrils; or else seed of plantago,[1480] or -cinquefoil, is taken in drink, or employed in the form of a liniment. -Hemlock seed is introduced into the nostrils, for discharges of blood -there, or else it is pounded and applied in water; aizoüm.[1481] -also, and root of astragalus.[1482] Ischæmon[1483] and achillea[1484] -likewise arrest hæmorrhage. - - - - -CHAP. 83. (13.)—HIPPURIS, OTHERWISE CALLED EPHEDRON, ANABASIS, OB -EQUISÆTUM; THREE KINDS OF IT: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Equisætum, a plant called “hippuris” by the Greeks, and which we -have mentioned in terms of condemnation, when treating of meadow -lands[1485]—it being, in fact, a sort of hair of the earth, similar in -appearance to horse-hair[1486]—is used by runners for the purpose of -diminishing[1487] the spleen. For this purpose it is boiled down in a -new earthen vessel to one third, the vessel being filled to the brim, -and the decoction taken in doses of one hemina for three successive -days. It is strictly forbidden, however, to eat any food of a greasy -nature the day before taking it. - -Among the Greeks there are various opinions in relation to this plant. -According to some, who give it the same name of “hippuris,” it has -leaves like those of the pine tree, and of a swarthy hue; and, if we -are to believe them, it is possessed of virtues of such a marvellous -nature, that if touched by the patient only, it will arrest hæmorrhage. -Some authorities call it “hippuris,” others, again, “ephedron,” and -others “anabasis;” and they tell us that it grows near trees, the -trunks of which it ascends, and hangs down therefrom in numerous tufts -of black, rush-like hair, much like a horse’s tail in appearance. The -branches, we are told, are thin and articulated, and the leaves, few in -number, small, and thin, the seed round, and similar to coriander in -appearance, and the root ligneous: it grows, they say, in plantations -more particularly. - -This plant is possessed of astringent properties. The juice of it, kept -in the nostrils, arrests bleeding therefrom, and it acts astringently -upon the bowels. Taken in doses of three cyathi, in sweet wine, it is -a cure for dysentery, is an efficient diuretic, and is curative of -cough, hardness of breathing, ruptures, and serpiginous affections. For -diseases of the intestines and bladder, the leaves are taken in drink; -it has the property, also, of reducing ruptures of the groin. - -The Greek writers describe another[1488] hippuris, also, with shorter -tufts, softer and whiter. This last, they say, is remarkably good -for sciatica, and, applied with vinegar, for wounds, it having the -property of stanching the blood. Bruised nymphæa[1489] is also -applied to wounds. Peucedanum[1490] is taken in drink with cypress -seed, for discharges of blood at the mouth or by the lower passages. -Sideritis[1491] is possessed of such remarkable virtues, that applied -to the wound of a gladiator just inflicted, it will stop the flow of -blood; an effect which is equally produced by an application of charred -fennel-giant, or of the ashes of that plant. For a similar purpose, -also, the fungus that is found growing near the root of fennel-giant is -still more efficacious. - - - - -CHAP. 84.—STEPHANOMELIS. - - -For bleeding at the nostrils, seed of hemlock, pounded in water -is considered efficacious, as also stephanomelis,[1492] applied -with water. Powdered betony, taken with goat’s milk, or bruised -plantago,[1493] arrests discharges of blood from the mamillæ. Juice of -plantago is administered to patients when vomiting blood. For local -discharges of blood, an application of root of persolata[1494] with -stale axle-grease is highly spoken of. - - - - -CHAP. 85.—REMEDIES FOR RUPTURES AND CONVULSIONS. ERYSITHALES: ONE -REMEDY. - - -For ruptures, convulsions, and falls with violence, the greater -centaury[1495] is used; root of gentian pounded or boiled; juice -of betony—this last being employed also for ruptures produced by -straining the vocal organs or sides—panaces;[1496] scordium;[1497] or -aristolochia[1498] taken in drink. For contusions and falls, agaric -is taken, in doses of two oboli, in three cyathi of honied wine, or -if there are symptoms of fever, hydromel; the verbascum,[1499] also, -with a golden flower; root of acoron;[1500] the several varieties -of aizoüm,[1501] the juice of the larger kind being particularly -efficacious; juice of symphytum,[1502] or a decoction of the root of -that plant; daucus,[1503] unboiled; erysithales,[1504] a plant with -a yellow flower and a leaf like that of acanthus, taken in wine; -chamærops;[1505] irio,[1506] taken in pottage; plantago[1507] taken any -way, as also * * * * - - - - -CHAP. 86.—REMEDIES FOR PHTHIRIASIS. - - -Phthiriasis is a disease which proved fatal to the Dictator -Sylla,[1508] and which developes itself by the production of insects -in the blood, which ultimately consume the body. It is combated by -using the juice of Taminian grapes[1509] or of hellebore, the body -being rubbed all over with it, in combination with oil. A decoction -of Taminian grapes in vinegar, has the effect, also, of ridding the -clothes of these vermin. - - - - -CHAP. 87. (14.)—REMEDIES FOR ULCERS AND WOUNDS. - - -Of ulcers there are numerous kinds, which are treated in various -ways. The root of all the varieties of panaces[1510] is used as an -application for running ulcers, in warm wine. - -That which we have spoken of as the “chironion”[1511] is particularly -good as a desiccative: bruised with honey, it opens tumours, and -is useful for serpiginous ulcers, the cure of which appears more -than doubtful; in which case it is amalgamated with flower[1512] of -copper tempered with wine, either the seed, flower, or root, being -employed for the purpose. Mixed with polenta[1513] it is good for old -wounds. The following are also good detergents for wounds: heraclion -siderion,[1514] apollinaris,[1515] psyllion,[1516] tragacantha,[1517] -and scordotis[1518] mixed with honey. Powdered scordotis, applied by -itself, consumes fleshy excrescences on the body. Polemonia[1519] is -curative of the malignant ulcer known as “cacoëthes.” The greater -centaury,[1520] sprinkled in powder, or applied in the form of a -liniment, or the leaves of the smaller[1521] centaury, boiled or -pounded, act as a detergent upon inveterate ulcers, and effect a cure. -To recent wounds, the follicules of the clymenus[1522] are applied. -Gentian is applied to serpiginous ulcers, the root being bruised or -else boiled down in water to the consistency of honey; the juice -also of the plant is employed. For wounds, a kind of lycium[1523] is -prepared from gentian. - -Lysimachia[1524] is curative of recent wounds, and plantago[1525] of -all kinds of liberations, those on females, infants, and aged persons -more particularly. This plant, when softened by the action of fire, is -better still: in combination with cerate it acts as a detergent upon -ulcers with indurated edges, and arrests the progress of corrosive -sores: when applied bruised, it should be covered with its own leaves. -Chelidonia[1526] also acts as a desiccative upon suppurations, -abscesses, and fistulous ulcers; indeed, it is so remarkably useful for -the cure of wounds, as to be employed as a substitute for spodium[1527] -even. In cases where the cure is almost hopeless, it is applied with -axle-grease. Dittany,[1528] taken internally, causes arrows to fall -from the flesh; used as a liniment, it has the effect of extracting -other kinds of pointed weapons: the leaves are taken in the proportion -of one obolus to one cyathus of water. Nearly equal in its efficacy -is pseudo-dictamnon:[1529] they are both of them useful, also, for -dispersing suppurations. - -Aristolochia[1530] cauterizes putrid sores, and, applied with honey, -acts as a detergent upon sordid ulcers. At the same time also, it -removes maggots, and extracts hard cores, and all foreign bodies -adhering to the flesh, arrows more particularly, and, applied with -resin, splintered bones. Used by itself, it fills the cavities made -by ulcers with new flesh, and, employed with iris,[1531] in vinegar, -it closes recent wounds. Vervain, or cinquefoil with salt and honey, -is remedial for ulcers of long standing. Roots of persolata[1532] are -applied to recent wounds inflicted with iron, but for old wounds, it -is the leaves that are employed: in both cases, in combination with -axle-grease, the sore being then covered with the leaves of the plant. -Damasonium[1533] is used for wounds the same way as for scrofula,[1534] -and leaves of verbascum[1535] are employed with vinegar or wine. - -Vervain is useful for all kinds of callosities or putrid sores; root -of nymphæa heraclia[1536] is curative of running ulcers; and the same -is the case with root of cyclaminos,[1537] either used by itself, or -in combination with vinegar or honey. This last root is useful also -for the cure of steatomatous tumours, and hyssop for that of running -ulcers; an effect equally produced by peucedanum,[1538] a plant which -exercises so powerful an influence upon fresh wounds, as to cause -exfoliation even of the bones. The two varieties of anagallis[1539] -are possessed of similar properties, and act as a check upon the -corrosive sores known as “nomæ” and upon defluxions; they are useful -also in cases of recent wounds, those of aged people in particular. -Fresh leaves of mandragora,[1540] applied with cerate, are curative of -apostemes and sordid ulcers: the root too is used, with honey or oil, -for wounds. - -Hemlock, incorporated with flour of winter wheat[1541] by the agency -of wine—as also the plant aizoüm[1542]—is curative of herpetic -eruptions, and corrosive or putrid sores. Erigeron[1543] is employed -for ulcers which breed maggots. Root of astragalus[1544] is used for -the cure of recent wounds or of ulcers of long standing; and upon these -last either kind of hypocisthis[1545] acts as a detergent. Seed of -leontopodium,[1546] bruised in water and applied with polenta,[1547] -extracts pointed weapons from the flesh: a result equally produced -by using seed of pycnocomon.[1548] The tithyinalos characias[1549] -supplies its juice for the cure of gangrenes, phagedænic sores, and -putrid ulcers; or else a decoction is made of the branches with polenta -and oil. Boots of orchis[1550] have a similar effect; in addition to -which, applied, either dry or fresh gathered, with honey and vinegar, -they are curative of the ulcer known as “cacoëthes.” Onothera[1551] -also, used by itself, is curative of ulcers when rapidly gaining head. - -The people of Scythia employ scythice[1552] for the treatment of -wounds. For carcinoma, argemonia,[1553] applied with honey, is -extremely efficacious. For sores that have prematurely closed, -root of asphodel is boiled, in manner already[1554] stated and -then beaten up with polenta,[1555] and applied. For all kinds of -wounds apollinaris[1556] is very useful. Root of astragalus,[1557] -reduced to powder, is good for running ulcers; the same, too, with -callithrix,[1558] boiled in water. For blisters, more particularly when -caused by the shoes, vervain is used, as also pounded lysimachia,[1559] -or nymphæa[1560] dried and powdered; but when they have assumed -the form of inveterate ulcers, polythrix[1561] will be found more -serviceable. - - - - -CHAP. 88.—POLYCNEMON: ONE REMEDY. - - -Polycnemon[1562] is a plant which resembles cunila bubula;[1563] it -has a seed like that of pennyroyal, a ligneous stem with numerous -articulations, and odoriferous umbels, with a pleasant though pungent -smell. This plant is chewed and applied to wounds inflicted with iron, -the application being removed at the end of four days. Symphyton[1564] -causes sores to cicatrize with the greatest rapidity; the same, too, -with sideritis,[1565] which is applied in combination with honey. The -seed and leaves of verbascum,[1566] boiled in wine and pounded, are -used for the extraction of all foreign substances adhering to the -body; and a similar use is made of leaves of mandragora[1567] mixed -with polenta,[1568] and roots of cyclaminos[1569] with honey. Leaves -of trixago,[1570] bruised in oil, are used for ulcers of a serpiginous -nature more particularly, as also sea-weed bruised with honey. Betony, -with the addition of salt, is employed for the cure of carcinomatous -sores and inveterate blisters on the neck. - - - - -CHAP. 89.—REMEDIES FOB WARTS, AND APPLICATIONS FOR THE REMOVAL OF SCARS. - - -Argemonia[1571] with vinegar, or root of batrachion,[1572] removes -warts; this last having the effect also of bringing off malformed -nails. The juice or the leaves, applied topically, of either kind of -linozostis,[1573] remove warts. All the varieties of tithymalos[1574] -are efficacious for the removal of every kind of wart, as also of -hangnails[1575] and wens. Ladanum[1576] imparts a fresh colour and -seemly appearance to scars. - -(15.) The traveller who carries artemisia[1577] attached to his person, -or elelisphacus,[1578] will never be sensible of lassitude, it is said. - - - - -CHAP. 90.—REMEDIES FOR FEMALE DISEASES. - - -One great remedy for all female diseases in common, is the black seed -of the herbaceous plant pæonia,[1579] taken in hydromel: the root -also is an effectual emmenagogue. Seed of panaces,[1580] mixed with -wormwood, acts as an emmenagogue and as a sudorific: the same, too, -with scordotis,[1581] taken internally or applied topically. Betony, -in doses of one drachma to three cyathi of wine, is taken for various -affections of the uterus, as also directly after child-birth. Excessive -menstruation is arrested by a pessary of achillea,[1582] or else a -sitting-bath composed of a decoction of that plant. Seed of henbane -in wine is used as a liniment for diseases of the mamillæ, and the -root is employed in the form of a plaster for uterine affections; -chelidonia,[1583] too, is applied to the mamillæ. - -Roots of panaces,[1584] applied as a pessary, bring away the -after-birth and the dead fœtus, and the plant itself, taken in wine, -or used as a pessary with honey, acts as a detergent upon the uterus. -Polemonia,[1585] taken in wine, brings away the after-birth; used as -a fumigation, it is good for suffocations of the uterus. Juice of the -smaller centaury,[1586] taken in drink, or employed as a fomentation, -acts as an emmenagogue. The root also of the larger centaury, similarly -used, is good for pains in the uterus; scraped and used as a pessary, -it expels the dead fœtus. For pains of the uterus, plantago[1587] is -applied as a pessary, in wool, and for hysterical suffocations, it is -taken in drink. But it is dittany that is of the greatest efficacy -in cases of this description; it acts as an emmenagogue, and is an -expellent of the fœtus when dead or lying transversely in the uterus. -In these cases the leaves of it are taken, in doses of one obolus, in -water: indeed so active is it in its effects that ordinarily it is -forbidden to be introduced into the chamber of a woman lying-in. Not -only is it thus efficacious when taken in drink, but even when applied -topically or used as a fumigation. Pseudodictamnum[1588] possesses -pretty nearly the same virtues, but it acts as an emmenagogue also, -boiled in doses of one denarius in unmixed wine. Aristolochia,[1589] -however, is employed for a greater number of purposes: in combination -with myrrh and pepper, either taken in drink or used as a pessary, it -acts as a powerful emmenagogue, and brings away the dead fœtus and the -after-birth. This plant, the smaller kind in particular, used either -as a fomentation, fumigation, or pessary, acts as a preventive of -procidence of the uterus. - -Hysterical suffocations and irregularities of the catamenia are treated -with agaric, taken in doses of three oboli, in one cyathus of old -wine: vervain is used also in similar cases, as a pessary, with fresh -hog’s lard; or else antirrhinum,[1590] with rose, oil and honey. Root -of Thessalian nymphæa,[1591] used as a pessary, is curative of pains -in the uterus; taken in red wine, it arrests uterine discharges. Root -of cyclaminos,[1592] on the other hand, taken in drink and employed -as a pessary, acts as an emmenagogue: a decoction of it, used as a -sitting-bath, cures affections of the bladder. Cissanthemos,[1593] -taken in drink, brings away the after-birth, and is curative of -diseases of the uterus. The upper part of the root of xiphion,[1594] -taken in doses of one drachma, in vinegar, promotes menstruation. A -fumigation of burnt peucedanum[1595] has a soothing effect in cases -of hysterical suffocation. Psyllion,[1596] taken in the proportion -of one drachma to three cyathi of hydromel, is particularly good for -promoting the lochial discharge. Seed of mandragora,[1597] taken in -drink, acts as a detergent upon the uterus; the juice, employed in -a pessary, promotes menstruation and expels the dead fœtus. The seed -of this plant, used with live sulphur,[1598] arrests menstruation -when in excess; while batrachion,[1599] on the other hand, acts as an -emmenagogue. This last plant is either used as an article of food, or -is taken in drink: in a raw state, as already stated,[1600] it has a -burning flavour; but when cooked, the taste of it is greatly improved -by the addition of salt, oil, and cummin. Daucus,[1601] taken in -drink, promotes the catamenia, and is an expellent of the after-birth -in a very high degree. Ladanum,[1602] used as a fumigation, acts as a -corrective upon the uterus, and is employed topically for pains and -ulcerations of that organ. - -Scammony, taken in drink or used as a pessary, is an expellent of the -dead fœtus. Either kind of hypericon,[1603] used as a pessary, promotes -menstruation: but for this purpose it is crethmos,[1604] according -to Hippocrates, that is the most efficacious, the seed or root of -it being taken in wine.[1605] * * * of the outer coat brings away -the after-birth. This plant, taken in water, is good for hysterical -suffocations; root of geranion[1606] also, which is peculiarly useful -for the after-birth, and for inflation of the uterus. Hippuris,[1607] -taken in drink or applied as a pessary, acts as a detergent upon the -uterus: polygonos,[1608] taken in drink, promotes menstruation; and the -same with root of alcima.[1609] Leaves of plantago,[1610] and agaric in -hydromel, have a similar effect. Artemisia,[1611] bruised and applied -as a pessary, with oil of iris,[1612] figs, or myrrh, is curative of -diseases of the uterus; the root, too, of this plant, taken in drink, -is so strongly purgative as to expel the dead fœtus even. A decoction -of the branches, used as a sitting-bath, promotes menstruation and -brings away the after-birth; the same too, with the leaves, taken in -doses of one drachma in drink. The leaves, if applied to the lower -regions of the abdomen with barley-meal, will prove equally efficacious. - -Acoron[1613] is very useful for internal complaints of females; as -also the two varieties of conyza,[1614] and crethmos.[1615] Either -kind of anthyllis,[1616] taken in wine, is remarkably good for uterine -affections, griping pains in that organ, and retardations of the -after-birth. Callithrix,[1617] applied as a fomentation, is curative -of affections of the vagina: it removes scaly eruptions[1618] also of -the head, and, beaten up in oil, it stains the hair. Geranion,[1619] -taken in white wine, or hypocisthis[1620] in red, arrests all uterine -discharges. Hyssop modifies hysterical suffocations. Root of vervain, -taken in water, is a most excellent remedy for all accidents incident -to, or consequent upon, delivery. Some persons mix bruised cypress -seed with peucedanum[1621] in red wine. Seed, too, of psyllion,[1622] -boiled in water and taken warm, has a soothing effect upon all -defluxions of the uterus. Symphyton,[1623] bruised in wine, promotes -menstruation. Juice of scordotis,[1624] in the proportion of one -drachma to four cyathi of hydromel, accelerates delivery. Leaves of -dittany are given for the same purpose, in water, with remarkable -success. It is a well-known fact, too, that these leaves, to the extent -of a single obolus even, will bring away the fœtus instantaneously, -even when dead, without the slightest inconvenience to the patient. -Pseudodictamnum[1625] is productive of a somewhat similar effect, -but not in so marked a degree: cyclaminos,[1626] too, attached as an -amulet; cissanthemos,[1627] taken in drink; and powdered betony, in -hydromel. - - - - -CHAP. 91.—ARSENOGONON: ONE MEDICINAL PROPERTY. THELYGONON: ONE -MEDICINAL PROPERTY. - - -Arsenogonon[1628] and thelygonon are plants, both of them, with -clusters resembling the blossoms of the olive, but paler, and a white -seed like that of the poppy. By taking thelygonon in drink, they -say, the conception of female issue is ensured. Arsenogonon differs -from it in the seed, which resembles that of the olive, but in no -other respect. By taking this last plant in drink, male issue may be -ensured—that is, if we choose to believe it. Some persons, however, -assert that both plants resemble ocimum,[1629] but that the seed of -arsenogonon is double, and resembles the testes in appearance. - - - - -CHAP. 92.—MASTOS: ONE REMEDY. - - -Aizoüm, which we have spoken of under the name of digitellus,[1630] is -the great specific for diseases of the mamillæ. The milk is increased -by taking erigeron[1631] in raisin wine, or else sonchos[1632] -boiled with spelt. The plant known as “mastos,”[1633] applied -topically, removes the hairs from the mamillæ,[1634] which make their -appearance after child-birth: it has the effect also of dispersing -scaly crusts[1635] upon the face, and other cutaneous affections. -Gentian also, nymphæa heraclia[1636] employed in a liniment, and -root of cyclaminos,[1637] remove all blemishes of the skin. Seeds of -cacalia,[1638] mixed with melted wax, plump out the skin of the face -and make wrinkles disappear. Root of acoron,[1639] also, removes all -spots upon the skin. - - - - -CHAP. 93.—APPLICATIONS FOR THE HAIR. LYSIMACHIA. OPHRYS. - - -Lysimachia[1640] imparts a blonde tint[1641] to the hair, and the -hypericon,[1642] otherwise called “corisson,” makes it black. The same -too, with ophrys,[1643] a plant with indentations, which resembles the -cabbage, but has only two leaves. Polemonia,[1644] too, boiled in oil, -imparts blackness to the hair. - -As for depilatories, I reckon them in the number of cosmetics, fit -for women only, though men use them now-a-days. For this purpose -archezostis[1645] is looked upon as highly efficacious, as also juice -of tithymalos,[1646] applied with oil every now and then in the sun, or -after pulling out the hairs. Hyssop, applied with oil, heals itch-scab -in beasts, and sideritis[1647] is particularly useful for quinzy in -swine. - -But let us now turn to the remaining plants of which we have to speak. - -SUMMARY.—Remedies, narratives, and observations, one thousand and -nineteen. - -ROMAN AUTHORS QUOTED.—M. Varro,[1648] C. Valgius,[1649] Pompeius -Lenæus,[1650] Sextius Niger[1651] who wrote in Greek, Julius -Bassus[1652] who wrote in Greek, Antonius Castor,[1653] Cornelius -Celsus.[1654] - -FOREIGN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Theophrastus,[1655] Democritus,[1656] -Juba,[1657] Orpheus,[1658] Pythagoras,[1659] Mago,[1660] Menander[1661] -who wrote the “Biochresta,” Nicander,[1662] Homer, Hesiod,[1663] -Musæus,[1664] Sophocles,[1665] Xanthus,[1666] Anaxilaüs.[1667] - -MEDICAL AUTHORS QUOTED.—Mnesitheus,[1668] Callimachus,[1669] -Phanias[1670] the physician, Timaristus,[1671] Simus,[1672] -Hippocrates,[1673] Chrysippus,[1674] Diocles,[1675] Ophelion,[1676] -Heraclides,[1677] Hicesius,[1678] Dionysius,[1679] Apollodorus[1680] -of Citium, Apollodorus[1681] of Tarentum, Praxagoras[1682] -Plistonieus,[1683] Medius,[1684] Dieuches,[1685] Cleophantus,[1686] -Philistion,[1687] Asclepiades,[1688] Crateuas,[1689] Petronius -Diadotus,[1690] Iollas,[1691] Erasistratus,[1692] Diagoras,[1693] -Andreas,[1694] Mnesides,[1695] Epicharmus[1696] Damion,[1697] -Tlepolemus,[1698] Metrodorus,[1699] Solo,[1700] Lycus,[1701] -Olympias[1702] of Thebes, Philinus,[1703] Petrichus,[1704] -Micton,[1705] Glaucias,[1706] Xenocrates.[1707] - - - - -BOOK XXVII. - -A DESCRIPTION OF PLANTS, AND OF THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THEM. - - - - -CHAP. 1. (1.)—RESEARCHES OF THE ANCIENTS UPON THIS SUBJECT. - - -The further I proceed in this work, the more I am impressed with -admiration of the ancients; and the greater the number of plants that -remain to be described, the more I am induced to venerate the zeal -displayed by the men of former times in their researches, and the -kindly spirit manifested by them in transmitting to us the results -thereof. Indeed their bounteousness in this respect would almost seem -to have surpassed the munificent disposition even of Nature herself, -if our knowledge of plants had depended solely upon man’s spirit of -discovery: but as it is, it is evident beyond all doubt that this -knowledge has emanated from the gods themselves, or, at all events, has -been the result of divine inspiration, even in those cases where man -has been instrumental in communicating it to us. In other words, if -we must confess the truth—a marvel surpassed by nothing in our daily -experience—Nature herself, that common parent of all things, has at -once produced them, and has discovered to us their properties. - -Wondrous indeed is it, that a Scythian[1708] plant should be brought -from the shores of the Palus Mæotis, and the euphorbia[1709] from -Mount Atlas and the regions beyond the Pillars of Hercules, localities -where the operations of Nature have reached their utmost limit! That -in another direction, the plant britannica[1710] should be conveyed -to us from isles of the Ocean situate beyond the confines of the -earth![1711] That the æthiopis[1712] should reach us from a climate -scorched by the luminaries of heaven! And then, in addition to all -this, that there should be a perpetual interchange going on between -all parts of the earth, of productions so instrumental to the welfare -of mankind! Results, all of them, ensured to us by the peace that -reigns under the majestic sway of the Roman power, a peace which brings -in presence of each other, not individuals only, belonging to lands -and nations far separate, but mountains even, and heights towering -above the clouds, their plants and their various productions! That -this great bounteousness of the gods may know no end, is my prayer, a -bounteousness which seems to have granted the Roman sway as a second -luminary for the benefit of mankind. - - - - -CHAP. 2. (2.)—ACONITE, OTHERWISE CALLED THELYPHONON, CAMMARON, -PARDALIANCHES, OR SCORPIO; FOUR REMEDIES. - - -But who, I say, can sufficiently venerate the zeal and spirit of -research displayed by the ancients? It is they who have shown us that -aconite is the most prompt of all poisons in its effects—so much so -indeed, that female animals, if the sexual parts[1713] are but touched -with it, will not survive a single day. With this poison it was that M. -Cæcilius[1714] accused Calpurnius Bestia of killing his wives in their -sleep, and this it was that gave rise to that fearful peroration of -his, denouncing the murderous finger of the accused.[1715] According -to the fables of mythology, this plant was originally produced from -the foam of the dog Cerberus, when dragged by Hercules from the -Infernal[1716] Regions; for which reason, it is said, it is still so -remarkably abundant in the vicinity of Heraclea in Pontus, a spot where -the entrance is still pointed out to the shades below. - -And yet, noxious as it is, the ancients have shown us how to employ -aconite for the benefit of mankind, and have taught us as the result -of their experience, that, taken in mulled wine, it neutralizes the -venom of the scorpion: indeed such is the nature of this deadly plant, -that it kills man, unless it can find in man something else to kill. -When such is the case, as though it had discovered in the body a fit -rival to contend with, that substance is the sole object of its attack; -finding another poison in the viscera, to it alone it confines its -onslaught; and thus, a truly marvellous thing! two poisons, each of -them of a deadly nature, destroy one another within the body, and the -man survives. Even more than this, the ancients have handed down to -us remedies employed by the animals themselves, and have shown how -that venomous creatures even effect their own cure. By the contact of -aconite the scorpion is struck with torpor,[1717] is quite benumbed, -assumes a pallid hue, and so confesses itself vanquished. When this is -the case, white hellebore is its great auxiliary: the very touch of it -dispels its torpor, and the aconite is forced to yield before two foes, -its own enemy[1718] and the common[1719] enemy of all. - -Now, after this, if any one should be of opinion that man could, by -any chance or possibility, make such discoveries as these, he must -surely be guilty of ingratitude in thus appreciating the beneficence of -the gods! In countries frequented by the panther, they rub meat with -aconite, and if one of those animals should but taste it, its effects -are fatal: indeed were not these means adopted, the country would soon -be over-run by them. It is for this reason, too, that some persons have -given to hellebore the name of “pardalianches.”[1720] It has been well -ascertained, however, that the panther instantaneously recovers if it -can find the opportunity of eating human ordure.[1721] So far as these -animals are concerned, who can entertain a doubt that it was chance -only that first led them to this discovery; and that as often as this -happens the discovery is only a mere repetition of the accident, there -being neither reason nor an appreciation of experience to ensure its -transmission among them? - -(3.) It is chance,[1722] yes, it is chance that is the Deity who has -made to us these numerous revelations for our practical benefit;[1723] -always understanding that under this name we mean Nature, that great -parent and mistress of all things: and this is evident, whether we come -to the conclusion, that these wild beasts make the discovery from day -to day, or that they are gifted from the first with these powers of -perception. Regarded in another point of view, it really is a disgrace -that all animated beings should have an exact knowledge of what is -beneficial to them, with the exception of man! - -The ancients, openly professing their belief that there is no evil -without some admixture of good, have asserted that aconite is a -remarkably useful ingredient in compositions for the eyes. It may -therefore be permitted me, though I have hitherto omitted a description -of the poisonous plants, to point out the characteristics of aconite, -if only that it may be the more easily detected. Aconite[1724] has -leaves like those of cyclaminos[1725] or of the cucumber, never more -than four in number, slightly hairy, and rising from near the root. -This root, which is of moderate size, resembles the sea-fish known -as the “cammarus,”[1726] a circumstance owing to which the plant has -received the name of “cammaron” from some; while others, for the -reason already[1727] mentioned, have called it “thelyphonon.”[1728] -The root is slightly curved, like a scorpion’s tail, for which reason -some persons have given it the name of “scorpio.” Others, again, have -preferred giving it the name of “myoctonon,”[1729] from the fact that -the odour of it kills mice at a considerable distance even. - -This plant is found growing upon the naked rocks known as -“aconæ;”[1730] and hence it is, according to some authorities, that -it is called “aconitum,” there being not so much as dust even about it -to conduce to its nutriment. Such is the reason given for its name by -some: but according to others, it receives this appellation from the -fact that it fatally exercises the same effects upon the body that the -whetstone[1731] does upon the edge of iron, being no sooner employed -than its effects are felt. - - - - -CHAP. 3. (4.)—ÆTHIOPIS: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Æthiopis[1732] is a plant with leaves resembling those of -phlomos,[1733] large, numerous, hairy, and springing from the root. The -stem is square, rough, similar to that of arction[1734] in appearance, -and with numerous axillary concavities. The seed resembles that of the -fitch, being white and twofold; the roots are several in number, long, -fleshy, soft, and of a viscous taste; when dry they turn black and -hard, and might easily be taken for horns. In addition to Æthiopia, -this plant grows upon Mount Ida in Troas, and in Messenia. The roots -are gathered in autumn, and left to dry for some days in the sun, to -prevent them from turning mouldy. Taken in white wine they are curative -of affections of the uterus, and a decoction of them is administered -for sciatica, pleurisy, and eruptions of the throat. The kind, however, -which comes from Æthiopia, is by far the best, and gives instantaneous -relief. - - - - -CHAP. 4.—AGERATON: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Ageraton[1735] is a ferulaceous plant, a couple of palms in height, -similar to origanum[1736] in appearance, and bearing flowers like -balls of gold. Used as a fumigation, this plant acts as a diuretic; -and as a detergent upon the uterus, when used in a sitting bath more -particularly. Its name has been given to it, from the circumstance that -it keeps a very long time without fading. - - - - -CHAP. 5.—THE ALOE; TWENTY-NINE REMEDIES. - - -The aloe[1737] bears a resemblance to the squill, except that it -is larger, and has more substantial leaves, with streaks running -obliquely. The stem is tender, red in the middle, and not unlike that -of the anthericus.[1738] It has a single root, which runs straight -downwards, like a stake driven into the ground; its smell is powerful, -and it has a bitter taste. The most esteemed aloes are those imported -from India, but it grows in the Asiatic provinces[1739] as well. This -last kind, however, is never used, except that the leaves are applied -fresh to wounds; indeed, these leaves, as well as the juice, are -glutinous to a marvellous degree, and it is for this property that it -is grown in vessels of a conical form, in the same way as the greater -aizoüm.[1740] Some persons make incisions in the stem to obtain the -juice, before the seed is ripe, while others, again, make them in the -leaves as well. Tearlike drops are also found adhering to it, which -exude spontaneously: hence it is that some recommend that the place -should be paved where it is grown, to prevent this juice from being -absorbed. - -Some authors have stated, that there is found in Judæa, beyond -Hierosolyma, a mineral[1741] aloe, but that it is inferior to the other -kinds, being of a darker colour and more humid than any of the rest. -Aloes[1742] of the finest quality should be unctuous and shining, of a -red colour, brittle, compact, like the substance of liver, and easily -liquefied. That which is hard and black should be rejected; the same, -too, when it is mixed with sand or adulterated with gum and acacia, a -fraud which, may be easily detected by the taste. - -This plant is of an astringent nature, binding, and slightly -calorific. It is employed for numerous purposes, but principally as a -purgative,[1743] it being almost the only one of all the medicaments -which produce that effect, that is at the same time a good stomachic, -and does not exercise the slightest noxious influence upon the stomach. -It is taken in doses of one drachma, and, in cases of derangement -of the stomach, it is administered two or three times a day, in the -proportion of one spoonful to two cyathi of warm or cold water, at -intervals, according to the nature of the emergency. As a purgative -it is mostly taken in doses of three drachmæ; and it operates still -more efficaciously, if food is eaten directly afterwards. Used with -astringent wine, it prevents[1744] the hair from falling off, the head -being rubbed with it the contrary way of the hair, in the sun. Applied -to the temples and forehead, with rose oil and vinegar, or used as an -infusion, in a more diluted form, it allays head-ache. It is generally -agreed that it is remedial for all diseases[1745] of the eyes, but more -particularly for prurigo and scaly eruptions of the eye-lids; as also -for marks and bruises, applied in combination with honey, Pontic honey -in particular. - -It is employed, also, for affections of the tonsillary glands and gums, -for all ulcerations of the mouth, and for spitting of blood, if not -in excess—the proper dose being one drachma, taken in water or else -vinegar. Used by itself, or in combination, with vinegar, it arrests -hæmorrhage, whether proceeding from wounds or from other causes. In -addition to these properties, it is extremely efficacious for the cure -of wounds, producing cicatrization very rapidly: it is sprinkled also -upon ulcerations of the male organs, and is applied to condylomata -and chaps of the fundament, either in common wine, raisin wine, or -by itself in a dry state, according as a mollifying or restrictive -treatment is required. It has the effect, also, of gently arresting -hæmorrhoidal bleeding, when in excess. In cases of dysentery, it is -used as an injection, and where the digestion is imperfect it is taken -shortly after the evening meal. For jaundice, it is administered in -doses of three oboli, in water. As a purgative for the bowels, it is -taken in pills, with boiled honey or turpentine. It is good also for -the removal of hangnails. When employed in ophthalmic preparations, it -is first washed, that the more gravelly portions of it may subside; or -else it is put over the fire in a pipkin, and stirred with a feather -from time to time, that the whole of it may be equally warmed. - - - - -CHAP. 6.—ALCEA: ONE REMEDY. - - -Alcea[1746] is a plant with leaves, resembling those of vervain,[1747] -known also as “peristereon,” some three or four stems covered with -leaves, a flower like that of the rose, and white roots, at most six in -number, a cubit in length, and running obliquely. It grows in a soil -that is rich without being dry. The root is given in wine or water, for -dysentery, diarrhœa, ruptures, and convulsions. - - - - -CHAP. 7.—THE ALYPON: ONE REMEDY. - - -The alypon[1748] has a small stem, with a soft head, and is not unlike -beet in appearance. It has an acrid, viscous taste, extremely pungent -and burning. Taken in hydromel, with a little salt, it acts as a -purgative. The smallest dose is two drachmæ, a moderate dose, four, -and the largest, six. When used as a purgative, it is taken in chicken -broth. - - - - -CHAP. 8.—ALSINE, A PLANT USED FOR THE SAME PURPOSES AS HELXINE: FIVE -REMEDIES. - - -Alsine,[1749] a plant known as “myosoton”[1750] to some, grows in the -woods, to which fact it is indebted for its name of “alsine.”[1751] -It begins to make its appearance at mid-winter, and withers in the -middle of summer. When it first puts forth, the leaves bear a strong -resemblance to the ears of mice. We shall have occasion,[1752] -however, to speak of another plant which may, with much more justice, -be called “myosotis.” As for alsine, it would be the same thing as -helxine,[1753] were it not that it is smaller and not so hairy. It -grows in[1754] gardens and upon walls more particularly: when rubbed, -it emits a smell like that of cucumber. It is used for abscesses, -inflammations, and all those purposes for which helxine is employed; -its properties, however, are not so active. It is applied topically, -also, to defluxions of the eyes, and to sores upon the generative -organs, and ulcerations, with barley meal. The juice is used as an -injection for the ears. - - - - -CHAP. 9.—THE ANDROSACES: SIX REMEDIES. - - -The androsaces[1755] is a white plant, bitter, without leaves, and -bearing arms surmounted with follicules, containing the seed. It grows -in the maritime parts of Syria, more particularly. This plant is -administered for dropsy, in doses of two drachmæ, pounded or boiled, -in either water, wine, or vinegar: it acts most powerfully as a -diuretic. It is used also for gout, either taken internally or used as -a liniment. The seed is possessed of similar properties. - - - - -CHAP. 10.—ANDROSÆMON OR ASCYRON: SIX REMEDIES. - - -Androsæmon[1756] or, as some persons call it, “ascyron,” is not -unlike hypericon, a plant of which we have spoken already:[1757] the -stems, however, are larger, redder, and lie more closely together. -The leaves are of a white colour, and like those of rue in shape; the -seed resembles that of the black poppy, and the upper branches, when -bruised, emit a red juice the colour of blood: these branches have also -a resinous smell. - -This plant grows in vineyards, and it is usually in the middle of -autumn that it is taken up and hung to dry. Used as a purgative, it -is bruised with the seed, and taken in the morning or just after the -evening meal, in doses of two drachmæ, in hydromel, wine, or pure -water, the draught amounting to one sextarius in all. It carries off -bile, and is particularly good for sciatica; but in this last case, -caper root must be taken with resin the day after, the dose being one -drachma, to be repeated every four days: after being purged, it is the -practice for the patient, if in robust health, to take wine, but if in -a weak state of body, water. It is employed topically, also, for gout, -burns, and wounds, as it tends to arrest the flow of blood. - - - - -CHAP. 11.—AMBROSIA, BOTRYS, OR ARTEMISIA: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Ambrosia is a vague name, which has fluctuated between various -plants: there is one,[1758] however, which has been more particularly -designated by this appellation, a branchy, shrub-like plant, with a -thin stem, some three palms in height; the root of it is one third -shorter, and the leaves, towards the lower part of the stem, resemble -those of rue. Its diminutive branches bear a seed which hangs down in -clusters, and has a vinous smell: hence it is that by some persons -the plant is called “botrys,”[1759] while to others it is known as -“artemisia.” The people of Cappadocia use it for garlands. It is -employed in medicine as a resolvent. - - - - -CHAP. 12.—THE ANONIS OR ONONIS: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The anonis,[1760] by some called “ononis” in preference, is a branchy -plant, and similar to fenugreek in appearance, except that it is more -shrub-like and more hairy. It has an agreeable smell, and becomes -prickly after spring. It is pickled in brine for eating. Applied -fresh to ulcers, it cauterizes the margins of them. For the cure of -tooth-ache, the root is boiled in oxycrate: taken in drink, with honey, -the root expels urinary calculi. For epilepsy, it is administered in -oxymel, boiled down to one half. - - - - -CHAP. 13.—THE ANAGYROS OR ACOPON: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The anagyros, known to some by the name of “acopon,”[1761] is a -shrub-like plant, with an offensive smell, and a blossom like that of -the cabbage. The seed grows in small hornlike pods of considerable -length and resembles a kidney in shape; it hardens about the time of -harvest. The leaves of this plant are applied to gatherings, and are -attached to the person in cases of difficult parturition, care being -taken to remove them the moment after delivery. In cases where the -extraction of the dead fœtus is attended with difficulty, or where the -after-birth or catamenia are retarded, the leaves are taken, in doses -of one drachma, in raisin wine. The leaves are administered in the same -manner for asthma: they are prescribed also in old wine, for injuries -inflicted by the phalangium.[1762] The root is employed medicinally as -a resolvent and maturative: the seed, chewed, acts as an emetic. - - - - -CHAP. 14.—THE ANONYMOS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The anonymos,[1763] through not having a name, has at last found -one.[1764] It is brought from Scythia, and has been highly extolled -by Hicesius, a physician of no small repute, as also by Aristogiton. -Bruised in water and applied, it is remarkably useful for wounds, and -taken in drink it is good for blows upon the chest or mamillæ, as also -for spitting of blood: it has been thought, too, that it might be -advantageously taken in a potion for wounds. I am of opinion that the -additional statement, to the effect that, burnt fresh, it acts as a -solder to iron or copper, is wholly fabulous. - - - - -CHAP. 15. (5.)—APARINE, OMPHALOCARPOS, OR PHILANTHROPOS: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Aparine,[1765] otherwise called “omphalocarpos”[1766] or -“philanthropos,”[1767] is a ramose, hairy, plant, with five or six -leaves at regular intervals, arranged circularly around the branches. -The seed is round, hard, concave, and of a sweetish taste. It grows -in cornfields, gardens, and meadows, and, by the aid of its prickly -points, adheres to the clothes. The seed is employed to neutralize the -venom of serpents, being taken in doses of one drachma, in wine: it is -useful also for the bite of the phalangium.[1768] The leaves, applied -topically, arrest hæmorrhage from wounds. The juice is used as an -injection for the ears. - - - - -CHAP. 16.—THE ARCTION OR ARCTURUM: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The arction[1769] is by some called “arcturum” in preference: the -leaves of it are like those of verbascum,[1770] except that they are -more hairy; the stem is long and soft, and the seed resembles that of -cummin. It grows in rocky localities, and has a tender root, white -and sweet. A decoction of it is made with wine for tooth-ache, being -retained for that purpose in the mouth. The plant is taken in drink -for sciatica and strangury, and is applied with wine to burns and -chilblains, which are fomented also with the root and seed bruised in -wine. - - - - -CHAP. 17.—THE ASPLENON OR HEMIONION: TWO REMEDIES. - - -Some persons call the asplenon[1771] by the name of “hemionion.”[1772] -It has numerous leaves, a third of a foot in length, and a slimy -root, pierced with holes like that of fern, white, and hairy. It is -destitute of stem, flower, and seed,[1773] and is found growing upon -rocks or sheltered damp walls. The most approved kind is that of Crete. -A decoction of the leaves in vinegar, taken in drink for a period of -thirty days, will consume the spleen, it is said, the leaves being -applied simultaneously. The leaves give relief also in hiccup. This -plant should never be given to females, being productive of sterility. - - - - -CHAP. 18.—THE ASCLEPIAS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The asclepias[1774] has leaves like those of ivy,[1775] long branches, -and numerous roots, thin, and odoriferous. The flower has a strong -offensive smell, and the seed is like that of securidaca:[1776] it is -found growing in mountainous districts. The roots are used for the cure -of griping pains in the bowels, and of stings inflicted by serpents, -either taken in drink or applied topically. - - - - -CHAP. 19.—THE ASTER OR BUBONION: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The aster[1777] is called “bubonion” by some, from the circumstance -of its being a sovereign remedy for diseases of the groin. It has a -diminutive stem with oblong leaves, two or three in number; and at the -summit it is surmounted with small radiated heads, like stars. This -plant is taken also in drink as an antidote to the venom of serpents: -but if required for the cure of inguinal complaints, it is recommended -that it should be gathered with the left hand, and attached to the body -near the girdle. It is of great service also, worn as an amulet, for -sciatica. - - - - -CHAP. 20.—ASCYRON AND ASCYROÏDES: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Ascyron[1778] and ascyroïdes are plants similar to one another, -and to hypericon[1779] as well, except that the plant known as -“ascyroïdes”[1780] has larger branches, ferulaceous, red all over, -and bearing small yellow heads. The seed, enclosed in small calyces, -is diminutive, black, and resinous. The tops of the branches, when -bruised, stain like blood; for which reason some persons have given -it the name of “androsæmon.”[1781] The seed is used for the cure of -sciatica, being taken in doses of two drachmæ, in one sextarius of -hydromel. It relaxes the bowels, and carries off bile: it is applied -also to burns. - - - - -CHAP. 21.—THE APHACA: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The aphaca[1782] has remarkably diminutive leaves, and is but little -taller than the lentil. The pods are of a larger size, and enclose -some three or four seeds, of a darker colour, moister, and more -diminutive than those of the lentil: it grows in cultivated fields. It -is naturally more astringent than the lentil, but in other respects -is applied to much the same purposes. The seed, used in a decoction, -arrests fluxes of the stomach and bowels. - - - - -CHAP. 22.—ALCIBIUM: ONE REMEDY. - - -I have not found it stated by authors what kind of plant alcibium[1783] -is; but the root, I find, and the leaves, are pounded and employed, -both externally and internally, for injuries inflicted by serpents. -When the leaves are used, a handful of them is bruised in three cyathi -of undiluted wine: the root is employed in the proportion of three -drachmæ to the same quantity of wine. - - - - -CHAP. 23.—ALECTOROSLOPHOS OR CRISTA: TWO REMEDIES. - - -Alectoroslophos,[1784] or crista,[1785] as we call it, has numerous -leaves resembling a cock’s comb, a thin stem, and a black seed enclosed -in pods. Boiled with broken beans and honey, it is useful for cough -and for films upon the eyes. The seed, too, is sprinkled whole into -the eyes, and so far is it from injuring them, that it attracts and -collects the filmy matter. When thus used, it changes colour, and from -black becomes white, gradually swells, and comes out of itself. - - - - -CHAP. 24. (6.)—ALUM, ALSO CALLED SYMPHYTON PETRÆON: FOURTEEN REMEDIES. - - -The plant which we call “alum,”[1786] and which is known to the Greeks -as “symphyton[1787] petræon,” is similar to cunila bubula[1788] in -appearance, having a diminutive leaf and three or four branches -springing from the root, with tops like those of thyme. It is a -ligneous plant, odoriferous, of a sweet flavour, and provocative of -saliva: the root of it is long and red. It grows upon rocks, to which -circumstance it is indebted for its additional name of “petræon;” and -is extremely useful[1789] for affections of the sides and kidneys, -griping pains in the bowels, diseases of the chest and lungs, spitting -of blood, and eruptions of the fauces. The root is pounded and taken in -drink, or else a decoction is made of it in wine; sometimes, also, it -is applied externally. Chewed, it allays thirst, and is particularly -refreshing to the pulmonary organs. It is employed topically for -sprains and contusions, and has a soothing effect upon the intestines. - -Cooked upon hot ashes, with the follicules removed, and then beaten up -with nine peppercorns and taken in water, it acts astringently upon the -bowels. For the cure of wounds it is remarkably efficacious, being -possessed of agglutinating[1790] properties to such a remarkable degree -as to solder pieces of meat together with which it is boiled; to which, -in fact, it is indebted for its Greek name.[1791] It is used also for -the cure of fractured bones. - - - - -CHAP. 25. (7.)—ALGA RUFA OR RED SEA-WEED: ONE REMEDY. - - -Red sea-weed[1792] is useful as an application for the sting of the -scorpion. - - - - -CHAP. 26.—ACTÆA: ONE REMEDY. - - -Actæa[1793] has leaves with a powerful smell, rough knotted stems, a -black seed like that of ivy, and soft berries. It grows in umbrageous, -rugged, watery localities; and is used, in doses of one full -acetabulum, for female complaints. - - - - -CHAP. 27.—THE AMPELOS AGRIA, OR WILD VINE: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Ampelos agria, or wild vine, is the name of a plant with leaves of -an ashy colour, as already[1794] stated in our description of the -cultivated plants, and long, tough twigs of a red hue, like that of the -flower which we have mentioned,[1795] when speaking of violets, under -the name of “flame of Jove.” It bears a seed which resembles the grains -of the pomegranate. The root, boiled in three cyathi of water, with -the addition of two cyathi of Coan wine, is slightly laxative to the -bowels, and is consequently given for dropsy. It is curative also of -uterine affections, and of spots upon the face in females. It is found -a good plan for patients afflicted with sciatica to use the juice of -this plant, bruised, applied topically, with the leaves. - - - - -CHAP. 28.—ABSINTHIUM OR WORMWOOD; FOUR VARIETIES: FORTY-EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -There are numerous kinds of absinthium; the Santonic,[1796] for -instance, so called from a city in Gaul, and the Pontic,[1797] which -comes from Pontus, where the cattle are fattened upon it—a diet which -causes them to be destitute of gall.[1798] The Pontic wormwood, we may -remark, is of the finest quality, superior to that of Italy,[1799] and -much more bitter; the pith, however, of the Pontic wormwood is sweet. -As to its general utility, a plant so commonly found and applied to -such numerous uses, people are universally agreed; but with the Romans -more particularly it has been always held in the highest esteem, from -the fact of its being employed in their religious ceremonials. Thus, -for instance, upon the Latin[1800] Festival, it is the custom to have -a race of four-horsed chariots in the Capital, and for the conqueror -to be presented with a draught of wormwood; from the circumstance, no -doubt, that our forefathers were of opinion that good health was the -most valuable reward they could bestow upon his skill. - -This plant is very strengthening to the stomach, and hence it is that -wines are flavoured with it, as already[1801] stated. A decoction of -it in water is also taken, the following being the method employed in -preparing it. Six drachmæ of the leaves are boiled, with the branches, -in three sextarii of rain water, and the preparation is then left to -cool in the open air a day and a night. Salt, too, should be added to -it. When old, it is utterly useless. A dilution of wormwood steeped -in water is also used, such being the name[1802] given to this method -of preparing it. This dilution is made by leaving the vessel covered -up for three days, any kind of water being used. Pounded wormwood is -but rarely employed, and the same with the extracted juice of the -seed.[1803] In cases, however, where it is extracted, the seed is -subjected to pressure as soon as it begins to swell, after which it -is soaked for three days in water, if used fresh, and seven, if dry. -It is then boiled in a copper vessel, in the proportion of ten heminæ -to forty-five sextarii of water, after which it is strained off and -boiled gently to the consistency of honey, in the same way as the -juice is extracted from the smaller centaury. The juice, however, of -wormwood, thus extracted, is bad for the head and stomach; whereas the -decoction, on the other hand, is wholesome in the highest degree, as -it acts astringently upon the stomach, carries off bile, is a powerful -diuretic, has a soothing effect upon the bowels, and assuages pains in -the intestines. With the addition of sile,[1804] Gallic nard, and a -little vinegar, it dispels nausea and flatulency, and expels intestinal -worms. It removes qualmishness, promotes the digestion, and, with the -addition of rue, pepper, and salt, disperses crudities of the stomach. - -The ancients were in the habit of giving wormwood as a purgative, -the dose being six drachmæ of the seed with three of salt and one -cyathus of honey, in one sextarius of sea water kept for some time. -This preparation, however, is rendered more efficacious by doubling -the proportion of salt; the seed, too, must be bruised with the -greatest care, as there is considerable difficulty in pounding it. Some -authorities have prescribed the dose above mentioned to be given in -polenta,[1805] with the addition of pennyroyal; while others recommend -the leaves to be given to children in a dried fig, to disguise their -bitterness. Taken with iris,[1806] wormwood acts as a detergent upon -the thoracic organs: for jaundice it is used raw, with parsley or -adiantum.[1807] In cases of flatulency, it is sipped every now and -then, warmed in water; for liver complaints it is taken with Gallic -nard, and for diseases of the spleen, with vinegar, pap,[1808] or -figs. Taken in vinegar it neutralizes the bad effects of fungi and of -viscus:[1809] in wine it is an antidote to the poison of hemlock, and -to the bite of the shrew-mouse, and is curative of wounds inflicted -by the sea-dragon[1810] and the scorpion. It contributes also very -greatly to the improvement of the sight, and is used as an external -application, with raisin wine, for defluxions of the eyes, and with -honey, for bruises. - -The steam of a decoction of wormwood is curative of affections of -the ears; and when they are attacked with running sores, a liniment -of wormwood bruised with honey is applied. Three or four sprigs of -wormwood, with one root of Gallic nard, taken in six cyathi of water, -act as a diuretic and as an emmenagogue; indeed, if taken with honey, -or employed as a pessary with wool, it has especial virtues as an -emmenagogue. In combination with honey and nitre it is useful for -quinzy, and an infusion of it in water is good for epinyctis. A topical -application is made of it for recent wounds, provided always they have -not been touched with water: it is employed also for ulcers upon the -head. In combination with Cyprian wax or figs, it is highly recommended -as a plaster for the iliac regions: it is curative also of prurigo, -but it must never be administered in fevers. Taken in drink, it is a -preventive of sea sickness; and, worn attached to the body, beneath an -apron, it arrests inguinal swellings. The smell of it[1811] induces -sleep, a similar effect being produced by placing it under the pillow -unknown to the party. Kept among clothes it preserves them from worms, -and used as a liniment, with oil, or burnt as a fumigation, it has the -effect of driving away gnats. - -Writing ink, mixed with an infusion of wormwood, effectually protects -the writings from the attacks of mice. Ashes of wormwood, mixed with -rose unguent, stain the hair black. - - - - -CHAP. 29.—ABSINTHIUM MARINUM OR SERIPHUM. - - -There is a sea wormwood[1812] also, known as “seriphum” by some, the -most esteemed being that of Taposiris in Egypt. Those initiated in the -mysteries of Isis carry a branch of it in the hand. It has a narrower -leaf than the preceding plant, and is not so bitter; it is injurious -to the stomach, has a laxative effect upon the bowels, and expels -intestinal worms. It is taken in drink with oil and salt; or else an -infusion of it is taken in a pottage made of meal of three-month wheat. -When employed as a decoction, a handful is used to one sextarius of -water, the mixture being boiled down to one half. - - - - -CHAP. 30. (8.)—THE BALLOTES, MELAMPRASION, OR BLACK LEEK: THREE -REMEDIES. - - -The Greeks give to the ballotes[1813] the other name of “melamprasion,” -meaning “black leek.”[1814] It is a branchy plant, with black angular -stems, covered with hairy leaves, larger and darker than those of the -leek,[1815] and possessed of a powerful smell. The leaves, bruised and -applied with salt, are highly efficacious for bites inflicted by dogs: -cooked upon hot ashes and applied in a cabbage leaf, they are curative -of condylomata. Mixed with honey, this plant acts as a detergent upon -sordid ulcers. - - - - -CHAP. 31.—BOTRYS, AMBROSIA, OR ARTEMISIA: ONE REMEDY. - - -Botrys[1816] is a shrublike plant, which has small yellow branches, -with the seed growing all round them, and leaves resembling[1817] those -of endive. It is found upon the banks of running streams, and is used -for the cure of hardness of breathing. The people of Cappadocia call -this plant “ambrosia,” others again, “artemisia.” - - - - -CHAP. 32.—THE BRABYLA: ONE REMEDY. - - -The brabyla[1818] is possessed of astringent properties like those of -the quince, but beyond this, authors give no particulars relative to it. - - - - -CHAP. 33.—BRYON MARITIMUM: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -Sea bryon[1819] is a plant, no doubt,[1820] with leaves like those -of the lettuce, of a wrinkled, pursed appearance, and destitute of -stem, the leaves arising from a single root: it grows upon rocks more -particularly, and shells sunk in the sand. It has desiccative[1821] and -astringent qualities in a very high degree, properties which render it -useful for reducing all kinds of abscesses and inflammations, those -attendant upon gout in particular. It is good also for all affections -which stand in need of cooling applications. - - - - -CHAP. 34.—THE BUPLEURON: ONE REMEDY. - - -I find it stated that seed of bupleuron[1822] is given for injuries -inflicted by serpents; and that the wound is fomented with a decoction -of the plant, in combination with leaves of the mulberry or of -origanum.[1823] - - - - -CHAP. 35.—THE CATANANCE; ONE OBSERVATION UPON IT. THE CEMOS: ONE -OBSERVATION UPON IT. - - -The catanance[1824] is a Thessalian plant, which it would be a mere -loss of time to describe, seeing that it is only used as an ingredient -in philtres. In order, however, to expose the follies of the magical -art, it may not be out of place to remark that this plant has been -selected for the above-named purpose, from the fact that, as it -withers, it gradually contracts and assumes the shape of the claws of a -dead kite.[1825] - -For a similar reason we shall give no description of the plant called -“cemos.”[1826] - - - - -CHAP. 36.—THE CALYX: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Of the calyx[1827] there are two kinds. One of these resembles arum, -and is found growing in ploughed soils; the proper time for gathering -it being before it begins to wither. It is employed for the same -purposes as arum;[1828] and an infusion of the root is taken as a -purgative and as an emmenagogue. The stalks, boiled with the leaves and -some pulse, are curative of tenesmus. - - - - -CHAP. 37.—THE CALYX, KNOWN ALSO AS ANCHUSA OK ONOCLÏA: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The other[1829] kind of calyx is known by some persons as “anchusa,” -and by others as “onoclia.” The leaves are like those of the lettuce, -but longer, and with a downy surface. The root is red, and is employed -topically, in combination with fine polenta,[1830] for the cure of -erysipelas: taken internally with white wine, it is good for affections -of the liver. - - - - -CHAP. 38.—THE CIRCÆA: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The circæa[1831] resembles the cultivated trychnon[1832] in appearance. -It has a small swarthy flower, a diminutive seed, like millet, growing -in small horn-shaped pods, and a root half a foot in length, generally -triple or fourfold, white, odoriferous, and hot in the mouth. It is -found growing upon rocks exposed to the sun. An infusion of it is -prepared with wine, and administered for pains and affections of the -uterus: to make it, three ounces of the pounded root should be steeped -in three sextarii of wine a day and a night. This potion is effectual -also for bringing away the after-birth. The seed of this plant, taken -in wine or hydromel, diminishes the milk in nursing women. - - - - -CHAP. 39.—THE CIRSION: ONE REMEDY. - - -The cirsion[1833] is a plant consisting of a diminutive and delicate -stem, two cubits in height, of a triangular form, and covered with -prickly leaves. The prickles on the leaves are downy, and the leaves -themselves resemble those of buglossos[1834] in shape, but are smaller, -and of a whitish colour. At the summit of the plant there are small -purple heads, which fall off in the shape of down. This plant or the -root of it, worn as an amulet, it is said, is curative of the pains -attendant upon varicose veins. - - - - -CHAP. 40.—THE CRATÆGONON; TWO KINDS OF IT: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -The cratægonon[1835] is similar to an ear of corn in appearance. It is -formed of numerous shoots, springing from a single root, and full of -joints. It grows in umbrageous localities, and has a seed like that of -millet, with a remarkably acrid taste. If a man and woman, before the -evening meal, take three oboli of this seed in three cyathi of water, -for forty days consecutively, before the conception of their issue, it -will be sure to be of the male[1836] sex, they say. - -There is another cratægonon, known also as “thelygonos,”[1837] and -distinguished from the last mentioned plant by the mildness of the -taste. Some persons assert that females, if they take the blossom of -this plant in drink, will be sure to conceive before the end of forty -days. These plants, used in combination with honey, are curative of -black ulcers of a chronic nature; they also fill the concavities made -by fistulous ulcers with new flesh, and restore such parts of the body -as are wasted by atrophy. They act as a detergent upon purulent sores, -disperse inflammatory tumours, and alleviate gout and all kind of -abscesses, those of the mamillæ in particular. - -Under the name of “cratægos”[1838] or “cratægon,” Theophrastus[1839] -speaks of the tree known in Italy as the “aquifolia.” - - - - -CHAP. 41.—THE CROCODILEON: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The crocodileon[1840] resembles the black chamæleon[1841] in shape: -the root is long, of an uniform thickness, and possessed of a pungent -smell. It is found growing in sandy soils. Taken in drink, it causes a -copious discharge of coagulated blood at the nostrils, and in this way, -it is said, diminishes the volume of the spleen. - - - - -CHAP. 42.—THE CYNOSORCHIS OR ORCHIS: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -The cynosorchis,[1842] by some called “orchis,” has leaves like[1843] -those of the olive, soft, three in number, half a foot in length, and -lying upon the ground. The root is bulbous, oblong, and divided into -two portions,[1844] the upper one hard, and the lower one soft. These -roots are eaten boiled, like bulbs,[1845] and are mostly found growing -in vineyards. If males eat the upper part, they will be parents of -male issue, they say, and females, if they eat the lower part, of -female. In Thessaly, the men take the soft portion in goats’ milk as an -aphrodisiac, and the hard part as an antaphrodisiac. Of these parts, -the one effectually neutralizes the action of the other.[1846] - - - - -CHAP. 43.—THE CHRYSOLACHANUM; TWO VARIETIES OF IT: THREE REMEDIES. -COAGULUM TERRÆ: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The chrysolachanum[1847] grows in pine plantations, and is similar to -the lettuce in appearance. It heals wounds of the sinews, if applied -without delay. There is another kind[1848] of chrysolachanum mentioned, -with a golden flower, and a leaf like that of the cabbage: it is boiled -and eaten as a laxative vegetable. This plant, worn as an amulet by a -patient suffering from jaundice, provided it be always kept in sight, -is a cure for that disease, it is said. I am not certain whether this -is all that might be said about the chrysolachanum, but, at all events, -it is all that I have found respecting it; for it is a very general -fault on the part of our more recent herbalists, to confine their -account of plants to the mere name, with a very meagre description of -the peculiar features of the plant,—just as though, forsooth, they were -universally known. Thus, they tell us, for instance, that a plant known -as “coagulum[1849] terræ,” acts astringently upon the bowels, and that -it dispels strangury, taken in water or in wine. - - - - -CHAP. 44.—THE CUCUBALUS, STRUMUS, OR STRYCHNON: SIX REMEDIES. - - -The leaves of the cucubalus,[1850] they tell us, bruised with vinegar, -are curative of the stings of serpents and of scorpions. Some persons -call this plant by the name of “strumus,”[1851] while others give it -the Greek name of “strychnon:” its berries are black. The juice of -these berries, administered in doses of one cyathus, in two cyathi of -honied wine, is curative of lumbago; an infusion of them with rose -oil is used for headache, and they are employed as an application for -scrofulous sores. - - - - -CHAP. 45.—THE CONFERVA: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The conferva[1852] is peculiar to running streams, those of -the Alpine regions more particularly; receiving its name from -“conferrumino,”[1853] to solder together. Properly speaking, it is -rather a fresh-water sponge than a moss or a plant, being a dense, -porous mass of filaments. I know an instance where a man, who fell -to the ground while lopping a tree of considerable height, and broke -nearly every bone of his body, was cured by the agency of this plant. -The patient’s body was covered all over with conferva, the application -being continually sprinkled with water the moment it began to dry, and -only removed for the purpose of changing it when the plant gave signs -of losing its virtues.[1854] It is hardly credible with what rapidity -he recovered. - - - - -CHAP. 46. (9.)—THE COCCUS CNIDIUS, OR GRAIN OF CNIDOS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The Cnidian grain[1855] has just the colour of the kermes berry.[1856] -It is larger than a peppercorn, and has very heating properties: hence -it is that when used, it is taken in crumb of bread, that it may not -burn the throat in passing downwards. It is a sovereign remedy for -hemlock, and arrests[1857] looseness of the bowels. - - - - -CHAP. 47.—THE DIPSACOS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The dipsacos[1858] has leaves like those of the lettuce, with prickly -tubercles on the middle of the back. The stem of it, two cubits in -length, is bristling all over with prickles of a similar nature. The -joints of the stem are closely covered with two leaves, which form a -concave axil in which a saltish dew-like liquid collects.[1859] At the -summit of the stem there are small heads covered with prickles: it -grows in watery localities. - -This plant is used for the cure of chaps of the fundament and of -fistula; in which latter case the root is boiled down in wine to the -consistency of wax, to allow of its being introduced into the fistula -in the form of a salve.[1860] It is employed too, for the cure of all -kinds of warts: as a liniment for which, the juice collected in the -axils, as above mentioned, is also used by some. - - - - -CHAP. 48.—THE DRYOPTERIS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The dryopteris,[1861] which resembles fern in appearance, is found -growing upon trees; the leaves are of a somewhat sweetish[1862] flavour -and marked with slight indentations, and the root is hairy. This plant -is possessed of caustic properties,[1863] and hence the root is pounded -and used as a depilatory. In using it the skin is rubbed with it till -perspiration is excited, the operation being repeated a second and a -third time, care being taken not to remove the perspiration. - - - - -CHAP. 49.—THE DRYOPHONON. - - -The dryophonon[1864] is a similar plant, with thin stems a cubit in -length, and surrounded on either side with leaves about as large as the -thumb and like those of the oxymyrsine[1865] in appearance, only whiter -and softer: the blossom is white, and similar to that of the elder. The -shoots of it are eaten boiled, and the seed is used as a substitute for -pepper. - - - - -CHAP. 50.—THE ELATINE: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The elatine[1866] has leaves like those of the helxine,[1867] -diminutive, round, and hairy; its branches are small, half a foot in -length, five or six in number, and covered with leaves from the root -upwards. It grows in corn-fields, and has a rough flavour: hence it is -found very useful for defluxions of the eyes, the leaves being beaten -up and applied with polenta[1868] in a linen pledget. A decoction of -this plant with linseed, taken in pottage, is good for dysentery. - - - - -CHAP. 51.—EMPETROS, BY OUR PEOPLE CALLED CALCIFRAGA: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Empetros,[1869] by the people of our country called “calcifraga,”[1870] -grows on mountains near the sea, and is generally found upon rocks: -the nearer it grows to the sea the salter it is, acting as an evacuant -of bile and pituitous secretions. That, on the other hand, which grows -at a greater distance and more inland, is of a more bitter flavour. -It carries off the aqueous humours of the body, being taken for that -purpose in broth of some kind, or else hydromel. When old, it loses its -strength; but used fresh, either boiled in water or pounded, it acts as -a diuretic, and disperses urinary calculi. Authorities who wish full -credence to be given to this asserted property, assure us that pebbles -boiled with it will split asunder. - - - - -CHAP. 52.—THE EPIPACTIS OR ELLEBORINE: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The epipactis,[1871] called “elleborine” by some, is a diminutive plant -with small leaves. Taken in drink, it is extremely useful for diseases -of the liver, and as an antidote to poisons. - - - - -CHAP. 53.—THE EPIMEDION: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The epimedion[1872] consists of a stem of moderate size, with ten or -twelve leaves like those of ivy: it never flowers, and has a thin, -black root, with a powerful smell. It grows in humid soils. This plant -also has certain astringent and cooling properties, but females must be -on their guard[1873] against it. The leaves, beaten up in wine, prevent -the bosom from growing too large in young girls. - - - - -CHAP. 54.—THE ENNEAPHYLLON: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The enneaphyllon[1874] has nine long leaves, and is of a caustic -nature. It is employed topically, but when used it is wrapped in wool -to prevent it from cauterising further than desirable, for it blisters -immediately. For lumbago and sciatica it is of the greatest utility. - - - - -CHAP. 55.—TWO VARIETIES OF FILIX OR FERN, KNOWN TO THE GREEKS AS -PTERIS, OR BLACHNON, AND AS THELYPTERIS, OR NYMPHÆ PTERIS: ELEVEN -REMEDIES. - - -Of fern there are two varieties, equally destitute of blossom and -of seed.[1875] The Greeks give the name of “pteris,” and sometimes -“blachnon,” to the kind[1876] in which numerous shoots take their rise -from a single root, exceeding two cubits even in length, and with a not -unpleasant smell:[1877] this plant is thought to be the male fern. - -The other kind is known to the Greeks as “thelypteris,”[1878] -and sometimes, “nymphæa pteris:” it has a single stem only, with -comparatively few branches, is shorter, softer, and more tufted than -the other, and has channelled leaves growing near the root. Swine are -fattened upon the roots of either kind. The leaves of both kinds are -arranged on either side in the form of wings, whence the Greek name -“pteris.” The roots are long, run obliquely, and are of a swarthy -colour, more particularly when dried: when wanted for use, they should -be dried in the sun. These plants are found growing everywhere, but -in cold soils more particularly; they should be taken up, too, at -the setting of the Vergiliæ.[1879] The root is only used at the end -of three years, neither before that period nor after. They act as an -expellent of intestinal worms; for tapeworm[1880] honey is taken with -them, but in other cases sweet wine, for three days. - -They are, both of them, extremely detrimental to the stomach, but -are laxative to the bowels, carrying off first the bile and then the -aqueous humours of the body. When used for tapeworm, it is the best -plan to take scammony with them, in equal proportions. For rheumatic -defluxions, the root is taken in doses of two oboli, in water, after -a day’s abstinence from food, a little honey being taken first. -Neither kind must ever be given to females; for in pregnancy they are -productive of abortion, and in other cases entail sterility. Powdered -fern is sprinkled upon sordid ulcers, as also upon the necks of beasts -of burden, when chafed. Fern-leaves kill bugs, and serpents will never -harbour among them: hence it is a good plan to strew them in places -where the presence of those reptiles is suspected. The very smell, too, -of burnt fern will put serpents to flight. Medical men have made this -distinction as to ferns; that of Macedonia, they say, is the best, and -that of Cassiope the next. - - - - -CHAP. 56.—FEMUR BUBULUM, OR OX THIGH. - - -The name of femur bubulum[1881] is given to a plant which is good for -the sinews, applied fresh, and beaten up with salt and vinegar. - - - - -CHAP. 57.—GALEOPSIS, GALEOBDOLON, OR GALION: SIX REMEDIES. - - -Galeopsis,[1882] or as some call it, “galeobdolon” or “galion,” is a -plant with a stem and leaves like those of the nettle, only smaller; -and which, when bruised, emit a powerful smell. The flower is purple, -and the plant is found growing everywhere, about hedges and foot-paths. -The leaves and stems, bruised in vinegar, and applied topically, are -curative of indurations, carcinomata, and scrofulous sores. They -disperse also inflammatory tumours and imposthumes of the parotid -glands, and it is found a useful plan to foment the parts affected -with a decoction of them. Applied with salt, this plant is curative of -putrid ulcers and gangrenous sores. - - - - -CHAP. 58.—THE GLAUX: ONE REMEDY. - - -The glaux[1883] was known in ancient times as the “eugalacton.”[1884] -In the leaves it resembles the cytisus and the lentil, only that they -are whiter beneath. The branches, five or six in number, are extremely -thin, and, springing from the root, creep upon the ground, with small -purple blossoms upon them. This plant is found in localities near the -sea. It is boiled in a pottage made of similago,[1885] to increase the -milk: females, however, after taking it, must immediately use the bath. - - - - -CHAP. 59. (10.)—GLAUCION: THREE REMEDIES. DIAGLAUCIA: TWO REMEDIES. - - -Glaucion[1886] grows in Syria and Parthia; it is a plant of stunted -growth, and thickly covered with leaves, like those of the poppy in -appearance, only smaller and of a more repulsive aspect: it has an -offensive smell, and a bitter, astringent taste. The seed, which is of -a saffron colour, is put into a vessel coated with potter’s clay, and -heated in an oven; when taken out, a juice[1887] is extracted, which -is known by the same name as the plant. This juice and the leaves, -bruised, are used for defluxions of the eyes, which disappear in an -instant, under this treatment: an eye-salve, too, is prepared from -the juice, known as “diaglaucia,” to medical men. The milk, when the -secretion of it is stopped, is restored by the agency of this plant, -for which purpose it is taken in water. - - - - -CHAP. 60.—THE GLYCYSIDE, PÆONIA, OR PENTOBOROS: TWENTY REMEDIES. - - -The glycyside,[1888] by some called “pæonia” or “pentorobos,” has a -stem two cubits in length, accompanied by two or three others, and of -a reddish colour, with a bark like that of the laurel. The leaves are -similar to those of isatis,[1889] but more unctuous, rounder, and more -diminutive; the seed is enclosed in capsules, some being red and some -black, there being two varieties of the plant. The female plant is -generally thought to be the one to the root of which some six or eight -bulbs are attached, of an elongated form; those of the male plant[1890] -being more in number, as it throws out more roots than one, a palm -in length, and of a white colour: it has also an astringent taste. -The leaves of the female plant smell like myrrh,[1891] and lie closer -together than those of the male. - -Both plants grow in the woods, and they should always be taken up at -night,[1892] it is said; as it would be dangerous to do so in the -day-time, the woodpecker of Mars being sure to attack the eyes[1893] -of the person so engaged. It is stated also that the person, while -taking up the root, runs great risk of being attacked with procidence -of the anus: all this, however, I take to be so much fiction, most -frivolously invented to puff off their supposed marvellous properties. -Both plants are used[1894] for various purposes: the red seed, taken -in red wine, about fifteen in number, arrest menstruation; while the -black seed, taken in the same proportion, in either raisin or other -wine, are curative of diseases of the uterus. The root, taken in wine, -allays all kinds of pains in the bowels, and acts as a purgative; it -cures opisthotony also, jaundice, nephritic diseases, and affections of -the bladder. Boiled in wine, it is used for diseases of the trachea -and stomach, and acts astringently upon the bowels. It is eaten also by -beasts of burden, but when wanted for remedial purposes, four drachmæ -are sufficient. - -The black seed is useful as a preventive of night-mare,[1895] being -taken in wine, in number above stated: it is very good, too, to eat -this seed, and to apply it externally, for gnawing pains of the -stomach. Suppurations are also dispersed, when recent, with the black -seed, and when of long standing, with the red: both kinds are very -useful, too, for wounds inflicted by serpents, and in cases where -children are troubled with calculi, being employed at the crisis when -strangury first makes its appearance. - - - - -CHAP. 61.—GNAPHALIUM OR CHAMÆZELON: SIX REMEDIES. - - -Gnaphalium[1896] is called “chamæzelon” by some: its white, soft, -leaves are used as flock, and, indeed, there is no perceptible -difference. This plant is administered in astringent wine, for -dysentery: it arrests looseness of the bowels and the catamenia, and is -used as an injection for tenesmus. It is employed topically for putrid -sores. - - - - -CHAP. 62.—THE GALLIDRAGA: ONE REMEDY. - - -Xenocrates gives the name of “gallidraga”[1897] to a plant which -resembles the leucacanthus,[1898] and grows in the marshes. It is a -prickly plant, with a tall, ferulaceous stem, surmounted with a head -somewhat similar to an egg in appearance. When this head is growing, -in summer, small worms,[1899] he says, are generated, which are put -away in a box for keeping, and are attached as an amulet, with bread, -to the arm on the side on which tooth-ache is felt; indeed it is quite -wonderful, he says, how soon the pain is removed. These worms, however, -are of no use after the end of a year, or in cases where they have been -allowed to touch the ground. - - - - -CHAP. 63.—HOLCUS OR ARISTIS. - - -Holcus[1900] is a plant that grows in arid, stony, spots: it has an -ear at the end of a fine stem, and looks like barley that has put -forth again when cut. Attached to the head or around the arm, it -extracts[1901] spikes of corn adhering to the flesh; for which reason, -some persons give it the name of “aristis.” - - - - -CHAP. 64.—HYOSERIS: ONE REMEDY. - - -Hyoseris[1902] resembles endive in appearance, but is a smaller plant, -and rougher to the touch: pounded and applied to wounds, it heals them -with remarkable rapidity. - - - - -CHAP. 65.—THE HOLOSTEON: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The holosteon,[1903] so called by the Greeks by way of -antiphrasis,[1904] (in the same way that they give the name of -“sweet”[1905] to the gall,) is a plant destitute of all hardness, of -such extreme fineness as to resemble hairs in appearance, four fingers -in length, and very similar to hay-grass. The leaves of it are narrow, -and it has a rough flavour: it grows upon elevated spots composed of -humus. Taken in wine, it is used for ruptures and convulsions. It has -the property, also, of closing wounds; indeed, if applied to pieces of -meat it will solder them together. - - - - -CHAP. 66.—THE HIPPOPHÆSTON: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -The hippophæston is one of those prickly plants which fullers[1906] use -in their coppers; it has neither stem nor flower, but only diminutive, -empty heads, numerous small leaves of a grass-green colour, and small, -soft, white roots. From these roots a juice is extracted in summer, -which, taken in doses of three oboli, acts as a purgative; being used -for this purpose in cases of epilepsy, fits of trembling, dropsy, -vertigo, hardness of breathing, and incipient paralysis. - - - - -CHAP. 67. (11.)—THE HYPOGLOSSA: ONE REMEDY. - - -The hypoglossa[1907] is a plant with leaves like those of the wild -myrtle, of a concave form, prickly, and presenting another small leaf -within, resembling a tongue in shape. A wreath made of these leaves, -placed upon the head, alleviates headache. - - - - -CHAP. 68.—HYPECOÖN. - - -Hypecoön[1908] is a plant found growing in corn-fields, with leaves -like those of rue. Its properties are similar to those of juice of -poppies. - - - - -CHAP. 69.—THE IDÆA HERBA, OR PLANT OF IDA: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -The Idæan[1909] plant has leaves like those of the oxymyrsine;[1910] -to which leaves a sort of tendril adheres, that bears a flower. This -plant arrests diarrhœa, the catamenia, when in excess, and all kinds of -hæmorrhage. It is of an astringent and repercussive nature. - - - - -CHAP. 70.—THE ISOPYRON OR PHASIOLON: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The isopyron[1911] is called “phasiolon” by some, from the circumstance -that the leaf of it, which resembles that of anise, assumes a spiral -form like the tendrils of the phasiolus.[1912] At the summit -of the stem, it bears small heads full of a seed like that of -melanthium.[1913] These heads, taken with honey or hydromel, are good -for cough and other affections of the chest; they are extremely useful -also for liver complaints. - - - - -CHAP. 71.—THE LATHYRIS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The lathyris[1914] has numerous leaves like those of the lettuce,[1915] -with numbers of small buds, in which the seed is contained, enclosed in -envelopes like that of the caper. When these buds are dry, the seeds, -about the size of a peppercorn, are taken out: they are white, sweet, -and easily cleansed from the husk. Twenty of them, taken in pure water -or in hydromel, are curative of dropsy, and carry off bile. Persons who -require a stronger purgative, take them with the husks on. They are -apt, however, to be injurious to the stomach; for which reason a plan -has been adopted of taking them with fish or else chicken broth. - - - - -CHAP. 72.—THE LEONTOPETALON OR PARDALION: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The leontopetalon[1916] is called “pardalion” by some: it has a leaf -like that of the cabbage, and a stem half a foot in height, with -numerous lateral branches, and a seed at the extremities of them, -enclosed in pods like those of the chick-pea. The root resembles that -of rape, and is large and black: it grows in plough lands. The root, -taken in wine, neutralizes the venom of all kinds of serpents; indeed, -there is nothing known that is more speedily efficacious for that -purpose. It is given also for sciatica. - - - - -CHAP. 73.—THE LYCAPSOS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The lycapsos[1917] has longer and thicker leaves than those of the -lettuce,[1918] and a long, hairy stem, with numerous offshoots a cubit -in length; the flower is diminutive, and of a purple colour; it grows -in champaign localities. In combination with barley-meal, it is used as -an application for erysipelas: the juice of it, mixed with warm water, -is employed as a sudorific, in fevers. - - - - -CHAP. 74.—THE LITHOSPERMUM, EXONYCHON, DIOSPYRON, OR HERACLEOS: TWO -REMEDIES. - - -Among all the plants, however, there is none of a more marvellous -nature than the lithospermum,[1919] sometimes called “exonychon,” -“diospyron,”[1920] or “heracleos.” It is about five inches in height, -with leaves twice the size of those of rue, and small ligneous -branches, about the thickness of a rush. It bears close to the leaves -a sort of fine beard or spike, standing by itself, on the extremity of -which there are small white stones, as round as a pearl, about the size -of a chick-pea, and as hard as a pebble. These stones,[1921] at the -part where they adhere to the stalk, have a small cavity, and contain a -seed within. - -This plant is found in Italy, no doubt, but that of Crete is the most -esteemed. Among all the plants, there is none that I ever contemplated -with greater admiration than this; so beauteous is the conformation, -that it might be fancied that the hand of an artist[1922] had arranged -a row of lustrous pearls alternately among the leaves; so exquisite too -the nicety in thus making a stone to grow upon a plant! The authorities -say that this is a creeping plant, and that it lies upon the ground; -but for my own part, I have only seen it when plucked, and not while -growing. It is well known that these small stones, taken in doses of -one drachma, in white wine, break and expel urinary calculi,[1923] -and are curative of strangury. Indeed, there is no plant that so -instantaneously proclaims, at the mere sight of it, the medicinal -purposes for which it was originally intended; the appearance of it, -too, is such, that it can be immediately recognized, without the -necessity of having recourse to any botanical authority. - - - - -CHAP. 75.—LAPIDIS MUSCUS, OR STONE MOSS: ONE REMEDY. - - -There grows near running streams, a dry, white moss,[1924] upon -ordinary stones. One of these stones, with the addition of human -saliva, is rubbed against another; after which the first stone is used -for touching impetigo,[1925] the party so doing uttering these words:— - - Φεύγετε κανθαρίδες, λύκος ἄγριος αἷμα διώκει - - “Cantharides[1926] begone, a wild wolf seeks your blood.”[1927] - - - - -CHAP. 76.—THE LIMEUM: ONE REMEDY. - - -Limeum[1928] is the name given by the Gauls to a plant, in a -preparation of which, known to them as “deer’s[1929] poison,” they -dip their arrows[1930] when hunting. To three modii of salivating -mixture[1931] they put as much of the plant as is used for poisoning -a single arrow; and a mess of it is passed down the throat, in cases -where oxen are suffering from disease, due care being taken to keep -them fastened to the manger till they have been purged, as they -are generally rendered frantic by the dose. In case perspiration -supervenes, they are drenched all over with cold water. - - - - -CHAP. 77.—THE LEUCE, MESOLEUCON, OR LEUCAS: THREE REMEDIES. - - -Leuce,[1932] a plant resembling mercurialis,[1933] has received its -name[1934] from the circumstance that a white line runs through the -middle of the leaf; for which reason also, some give it the name of -“mesoleucon.”[1935] The juice of this plant is curative of fistula, -and the plant itself, bruised, is good for carcinomata. It is probably -the same plant as that called “leucas,” so remarkably efficacious for -the venom of all kinds of marine animals. Authors have not given a -description of it, beyond telling us that the wild leucas has larger -leaves than the other, and has properties more strongly developed: they -state also that the seed of the cultivated kind is the more acrid of -the two. - - - - -CHAP. 78.—THE LEUCOGRAPHIS: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -I have not found a description given by any writer of the -leucographis;[1936] a thing I am the more surprised at, as they tell -us that it is good for the cure of spitting of blood, taken in doses -of three oboli with saffron; as also that it is useful for cœliac -affections, applied beaten up in water, and in cases of excessive -menstruation. They state also that it enters into the composition of -ophthalmic preparations, and that it fills up ulcers on the more tender -parts of the body with new flesh. - - - - -CHAP. 79. (12.)—THE MEDION: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The medion[1937] has leaves like those of the cultivated seris,[1938] -a stem three feet in length, and a large, round, purple flower, at its -extremity. The seed is diminutive, and the root half a foot in length: -it grows upon umbrageous, sheltered rocks. The root, taken in doses of -two drachmæ with honey, arrests the catamenia, the electuary being used -for some days. The seed, too, is administered in wine for a similar -purpose. - - - - -CHAP. 80.—THE MYOSOTA OR MYOSOTIS: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The myosota[1939] or myosotis is a smooth plant, throwing out from a -single root numerous hollowed stems, of a somewhat reddish colour; and -bearing at the lower extremities swarthy, narrow, oblong leaves, sharp -on the back, arranged in pairs at regular distances, and springing -from delicate branches attached with axils to the main stems. The -flower is blue, and the root, a finger in length, is provided with -numerous filaments like hairs. This plant possesses certain septic and -ulcerating properties, and hence is used for the cure of fistula of the -eye. The Egyptians say that if upon the morning of the twenty-eight -day of their month Thoth, a day which generally falls in our month -of August, a person rubs himself with the juice of this plant before -speaking to any one, he will be sure to have no diseases of the eyes -all that year. - - - - -CHAP. 81.—THE MYAGROS: ONE REMEDY. - - -The myagros[1940] is a ferulaceous plant, with leaves like those of -madder: the seed is of an oily nature—indeed, an oil is extracted from -it. Ulcerations of the mouth are cured by rubbing them with the juice -of this plant. - - - - -CHAP. 82.—THE NYMA: ONE REMEDY. - - -The plant called “nyma”[1941] bears three long leaves, like those of -endive: applied to scars, it restores the skin to its natural colour. - - - - -CHAP. 83.—THE NATRIX: ONE REMEDY. - - -“Natrix”[1942] is the name of a plant, the root of which, when taken -out of the ground, has just the rank smell of the he-goat. It is used -in Picenum for the purpose of keeping away from females what with a -singular credulity they call by the name of “Fatui.”[1943] For my own -part, however, I should think that persons requiring to be treated -with such medicaments as these, must be labouring under a sort of -mental hallucination. - - - - -CHAP. 84.—ODONTITIS: ONE REMEDY. - - -Odontitis[1944] is a sort of hay-grass,[1945] which throws out from -a single root numerous, small, jointed stems, of a triangular form -and of a swarthy hue. At the joints there are small leaves, somewhat -longer than those of the polygonos;[1946] and in the axils formed by -these leaves is the seed, similar to barley in appearance. It has a -purple, diminutive flower, and is found growing in meadows.[1947] A -handful of the stems, boiled in astringent wine, is used for the cure -of tooth-ache,[1948] the decoction being retained for some time in the -mouth. - - - - -CHAP. 85.—THE OTHONNA: ONE REMEDY. - - -The othonna[1949] is a Syrian plant, resembling rocket in appearance; -its leaves are pierced with numerous holes, and its flower resembles -that of saffron, for which reason some persons have given it the -name of “anemone.” The juice of this plant is employed in ophthalmic -preparations; it is slightly pungent, of a warming nature, and -astringent as it dries. It acts as a detergent upon cicatrizations, -films on the eyes, and all impediments of the sight. Some say that the -plant is washed and dried, and then divided into lozenges. - - - - -CHAP. 86.—THE ONOSMA: ONE PROPERTY. - - -The onosma[1950] has leaves some four fingers in length, lying upon -the ground, and indented like those of the anchusa:[1951] it has -neither[1952] stem, blossom, nor seed. A pregnant woman, they say, -if she eats of this plant, or even walks over it, will be sure to -miscarry. - - - - -CHAP. 87.—THE ONOPORDON: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The onopordon,[1953] it is said, has strongly carminative effects -upon asses, when they eat of it. It acts as a diuretic and as an -emmenagogue, arrests diarrhœa, and disperses abscesses and suppurations. - - - - -CHAP. 88.—THE OSYRIS: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -The osyris[1954] bears small, swarthy, flexible branches, covered -with dark leaves like those of flax. The seed, which grows upon -the branches, is black at first, but afterwards changes its colour -and turns red. Cosmetics[1955] for females are prepared from these -branches. A decoction of the roots, taken in drink, is curative of -jaundice. The roots, cut in pieces before the seed ripens, and dried in -the sun, act astringently upon the bowels: gathered after the seed has -ripened, and boiled in pottage, they are curative of defluxions of the -abdomen: they are taken also by themselves, bruised in rain water. - - - - -CHAP. 89.—THE OXYS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The oxys[1956] is a plant with three leaves; it is given for -derangement of the stomach, and patients eat it who are suffering from -intestinal hernia.[1957] - - - - -CHAP. 90.—THE POLYANTHEMUM OR RATRACHION: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The polyanthemum,[1958] by some persons called “batrachion,”[1959] -by virtue of its caustic properties has an excoriating effect upon -scars, and restores the skin to its proper colour. It heals white -morphew[1960] also. - - - - -CHAP. 91.—THE POLYGONOS, POLYGONATOS, TEUTHALIS, CARCINETHRON, CLEMA, -OR MYRTOPETALOS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS SANGUINARIA OR ORIOS: FOUR -VARIETIES OF IT: FORTY REMEDIES. - - -The Greeks give the name of “polygonos”[1961] to the plant known to us -as “sanguinaria.”[1962] It is but little elevated above the ground, -has leaves like those of rue, and resembles grass in appearance. The -juice of it, injected into the nostrils, arrests hæmorrhage: taken -with wine, it has a similar effect upon bleeding at any other part of -the body, as also spitting of blood. Those who distinguish several -kinds of polygonos, make this to be the male[1963] plant, and say -that it is so called from the large number of seeds, or else from its -numerous branches. Some call it “polygonatos,”[1964] from the number -of its joints, others, again, “teuthalis,” and others, “carcinethron,” -“clema,” or “myrtopetalos.” - -There are some authorities to be found, however, who say that this is -the female plant, and that the male is more diminutive, less swarthy, -and more jointed, with a seed protruding beneath all the leaves. -However this may be, these plants are of an astringent, cooling nature. -The seed is laxative, and, taken in large doses, acts as a diuretic, -and arrests defluxions; indeed, if there is no defluxion, it is of no -use taking it. For burning heats of the stomach, the leaves are applied -topically; and they are used, in the form of a liniment, for pains in -the bladder, and for erysipelas. The juice is used as an injection -for suppurations of the ears, and by itself, for pains in the eyes. -It is administered, also, in fevers, tertian and quartan fevers more -particularly, in doses of two cyathi, just before the paroxysms come -on; as also in cases of cholera, dysentery, and derangement of the -stomach. - -There is a third kind, which grows on the mountains, and is known as -“orios,”[1965] similar to a delicate reed in appearance, and having -but a single stem, with numerous joints running into one another; the -leaves of it are similar to those of the pitch-tree, and the root is -never used. This variety, however, is not so efficacious as those -already mentioned, and, indeed, is used exclusively for sciatica. -A fourth kind is known as the wild[1966] polygonos: it is a shrub, -almost a tree in fact, with a ligneous root, a red trunk like that of -the cedar, and branches resembling those of spartum,[1967] a couple -of palms in length, and with three or four dark-coloured, knotted -joints. This kind, also, is of an astringent nature, and has a flavour -like that of the quince. It is either boiled down in water to one -third, or else dried and powdered for sprinkling upon ulcerations -of the mouth and excoriations: it is chewed, also, for affections -of the gums. It arrests the progress of corrosive ulcers and of all -sores of a serpiginous nature, or which cicatrize with difficulty, -and is particularly useful for ulcerations caused by snow. Herbalists -employ it also for quinzy, and use it as a chaplet for head-ache; for -defluxions of the eyes, they put it round the neck. - -In cases of tertian fever, some persons pull it up with the left hand, -and attach it as an amulet to the body; the same, too, in cases of -hæmorrhage. There is no plant that is more generally kept by them in a -dry state than the polygonos. - - - - -CHAP. 92.—THE PANCRATIUM: TWELVE REMEDIES. - - -The pancratium is called by some the “little squill,”[1968] in -preference: it has leaves like those of the white lily, but longer and -thicker, and a root composed of a large, red, bulb. The juice of it, -taken with meal of fitches, relaxes the bowels, and acts as a detergent -upon ulcers: for dropsy, and diseases of the spleen, it is administered -with honey. Some persons boil it till the water becomes sweet; the -water is then poured off, and the root is pounded and divided into -tablets, which are dried in the sun and used for ulcerations of the -head, and other affections which require detergents. It is sometimes -given for cough, a pinch in three fingers in wine, and, in the form of -an electuary, for pains in the side or peripneumony. - -It is administered, also, in wine, for sciatica, griping pains in the -bowels, and retardations of the catamenia. - - - - -CHAP. 93.—THE PEPLIS, SYCE, MECONION, OR MECON APHRODES: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The peplis,[1969] known by the various names of “syce,”[1970] -“meconion,” and “mecon aphrodes,” is a shrub-like plant, springing -from a single, diminutive, root. The leaves of it resemble those of -rue, but are a little larger; the seed, which lies beneath the leaves, -is round, and smaller than that of the white poppy. It is ordinarily -gathered in vineyards, at harvest-time, and is dried with the seed on, -receivers being placed beneath to catch it as it falls. This seed, -taken in drink, purges the bowels, and carries off bile and pituitous -secretions: one acetabulum, taken in three heminæ of hydromel, is a -middling dose. It is sprinkled also upon meat and other articles of -food, as a laxative medicine. - - - - -CHAP. 94.—THE PERICLYMENOS: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The periclymenos[1971] is also a shrub-like plant, with two whitish, -soft, leaves, arranged at intervals. At the extremity, among the -leaves, is the seed, hard, and very difficult to pluck. It grows in -ploughed fields and hedges, entwining around every object from which it -can gain support. The seed is dried in the shade, pounded, and divided -into lozenges. These lozenges are left to dissolve, in three cyathi of -white wine, for a period of thirty days, and are given for diseases -of the spleen; the volume of which is gradually diminished either by -discharges of bloody urine, or else by alvine evacuation, the effects -of the medicament being perceptible at the end of ten days. The leaves, -boiled, act as a diuretic, and are useful for hardness of breathing. -Taken in drink, in manner above-mentioned, they facilitate delivery, -and bring away the afterbirth. - - - - -CHAP. 95.—PELECINON: ONE REMEDY. - - -We have already[1972] spoken of pelecinon as growing in corn-fields, -a plant which throws out a number of shoots from thin stems, and has -leaves like those of the chick-pea. The seed, which is contained -in pods of a curved shape, like diminutive horns and three or four -in number, is similar to gith[1973] in appearance, bitter, and an -excellent stomachic. It is used as an ingredient in antidotes.[1974] - - - - -CHAP. 96.—POLYGALA: ONE REMEDY. - - -Polygala[1975] is a palm in height, with leaves like those of the -lentil at the extremity of the stem. It has an astringent taste; taken -in drink, it increases the milk in nursing women. - - - - -CHAP. 97.—POTERION, PHRYNION, OR NEURAS: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Poterion,[1976] or, as some call it, “phrynion” or “neuras,”[1977] -throws out numerous branches, is shrivelled and prickly, and covered -with a thick down. The leaves of it are small and round; the branches -long, soft, thin, and flexible; and the blossom elongated, and of -a grass-green colour. The seed is never used, but it has a pungent -flavour and a powerful smell: the plant is found growing upon moist, -watery, elevations. The roots are two or three in number, some two -cubits in length, sinewy, white, and firm. It is dug up in autumn, and -the stem yields a juice like gum, when cut. The root is said to be -of wonderful efficacy as an application for the cure of wounds, more -particularly of the sinews, even when severed. A decoction of it is -also taken, with honey, for relaxations of the sinews, and for weakness -or wounds of those parts. - - - - -CHAP. 98.—THE PHALANGITIS, PHALANGION, OR LEUCACANTHA: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -The phalangitis[1978] is by some called “phalangion,” and by others -“leucanthemum,”[1979] or, as I find it written in some copies, -“leucacantha.”[1980] Its branches are diminutive, never less than two -in number, and running in contrary directions: the blossom is white, -and similar to the flower of the red lily; the seed dark and broad, -resembling the half of a lentil, but much thinner; and the root slender -and of a grass-green colour. The leaves, blossoms, or seed of this -plant are employed for the cure of wounds inflicted by scorpions, -serpents, and the phalangium,[1981] and for the removal of griping -pains in the bowels. - - - - -CHAP. 99.—THE PHYTEUMA: ONE PROPERTY. - - -As for the phyteuma,[1982] I think it a mere loss of time to describe -it, it being only used as an ingredient in philtres. - - - - -CHAP. 100.—THE PHYLLON: ONE PROPERTY. - - -The Greeks give the name of “phyllon”[1983] to a plant which grows -among the rocks, in mountainous spots. The female plant is of a more -grass-green colour than the other, with a thin stem, a diminutive root, -and a round seed, like that of the poppy. This last kind ensures the -conception of issue of the same sex; while the male plant, differing -only in the seed, which resembles the olive at its first appearance, -ensures the conception of male issue. They are both taken in wine. - - - - -CHAP. 101.—THE PHELLANDRION: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The phellandrion[1984] grows in marshy spots, and has a leaf like that -of parsley: the seed of it is taken in drink for calculi and affections -of the bladder. - - - - -CHAP. 102. THE PHALARIS: TWO REMEDIES. - - -The phalaris[1985] has a long thin stem, like a reed, with a drooping -flower at the extremity; the seed is like that of sesame.[1986] This -plant, too, taken with milk and honey, in wine or vinegar, breaks -urinary calculi, and is curative of diseases of the bladder. - - - - -CHAP. 103.—THE POLYRRHIZON: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The polyrrhizon[1987] has leaves like those of myrtle, and numerous -roots. These roots are pounded and administered in wine, for injuries -inflicted by serpents: they are useful, also, for cattle. - - - - -CHAP. 104.—THE PROSERPINACA: FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The proserpinaca,[1988] a common plant enough, is an excellent remedy -for the sting of the scorpion. Powdered and mixed with brine and oil, -in which the mæna[1989] has been preserved, it is an excellent cure, -they say, for quinzy.[1990] It is also stated that, however fatigued a -person may be, to the extent even of losing his voice, he will be sure -to be refreshed, by putting this plant beneath his tongue; and that if -it is eaten, a vomit will be the result, productive of good effects. - - - - -CHAP. 105.—RHACOMA: THIRTY-SIX REMEDIES. - - -Rhacoma[1991] is imported from the regions situate beyond Pontus.[1992] -The root of it is similar to black costus,[1993] but smaller and -somewhat redder, inodorous, and of a hot, astringent flavour; when -pounded, it yields a colour like that of wine,[1994] but inclining to -saffron. Applied topically, it reduces abscesses and inflammations, -and heals wounds: used with raisin wine, it allays defluxions of the -eyes; with honey, ecchymosis; and with vinegar, livid marks upon the -skin. Reduced to powder, it is sprinkled upon malignant ulcers, and is -given internally for spitting of blood, in doses of one drachma, in -water. For dysentery and cœliac affections, if unattended with fever, -it is administered in wine; but if there is fever, in water. It is -pounded more easily when it has been steeped in water the night before. -A decoction of it is given, in doses of two drachmæ, for ruptures, -convulsions, contusions, and falls with violence. - -In cases of pains in the chest, a little pepper and myrrh is added. -When the stomach is deranged, it is taken in cold water; and the same -in cases of chronic cough, purulent expectorations, liver complaint, -affections of the spleen, sciatica, diseases of the kidneys, asthma, -and hardness of breathing. Pounded and taken in doses of three -oboli, in raisin wine, or used in the form of a decoction, it cures -irritations of the trachea: applied with vinegar, it acts as a -detergent upon lichens. It is taken in drink, also, for flatulency, -cold shiverings, chilly fevers, hiccup, gripings of the bowels, -herpetic ulcerations, oppressions of the head, vertigo attended with -melancholy, lassitude accompanied with pain, and convulsions. - - - - -CHAP. 106.—THE RESEDA: TWO REMEDIES. - - -In the vicinity of Ariminum, there is a well-known plant called -“reseda:”[1995] it disperses abscesses and all kinds of inflammations. -Those who employ it for these purposes, add the following words: -“Reseda,[1996] allay this disease! knowest thou not, knowest thou not, -what chick it is that has torn up these roots? Let it have nor head nor -feet!”[1997] This formula is repeated thrice, the party spitting on the -ground each time. - - - - -CHAP. 107.—THE STŒCHAS: THREE REMEDIES. - - -The stœchas[1998] grows only in the islands of that name.[1999] It is -an odoriferous plant, with leaves like those of hyssop, and of a bitter -taste. Taken in drink, it promotes menstruation, and allays pains in -the chest. It forms an ingredient, also, in antidotes. - - - - -CHAP. 108.—THE SOLANUM, BY THE GREEKS CALLED STRYCHNON: TWO REMEDIAL -PROPERTIES. - - -The solanum,[2000] according to Cornelius Celsus,[2001] is called -“strychnon” by the Greeks; it is possessed of repercussive and -refrigerative properties. - - - - -CHAP. 109.—SMYRNION: THIRTY-TWO REMEDIES. SINON: TWO REMEDIES. - - -Smyrnion[2002] has a stem like that of parsley, but larger leaves, -and growing principally about the young shoots, which are numerous. -From the midst of these shoots the leaves make their appearance, -unctuous, and bending towards the ground. This plant has a medicinal -smell, penetrating to a certain degree, and agreeable: the colour of -it is a pale yellow, and the stems bear rounded umbels like those of -dill,[2003] with a round, black seed, which dries at the beginning of -summer. The root, also, is odoriferous, of an acrid, pungent flavour, -soft and juicy, black on the outer coat and pale within. The smell of -it partakes very much of the nature of that of myrrh, to which, in -fact, it owes its name: it grows in localities of a stony nature, or -covered with humus. Its medicinal properties are warming and resolvent. - -The leaves and root are used as a diuretic and as an emmenagogue; the -seed arrests diarrhœa; and the root, applied topically, disperses -abscesses and suppurations, provided they are not inveterate, and -reduces indurated tumours. It is useful, also, for injuries inflicted -by the phalangium and by serpents, taken in wine, with the addition -of cachrys,[2004] polium,[2005] or melissophyllum;[2006] the dose, -however, must be taken a little at a time only, for otherwise it acts -as an emetic, a reason for which it is sometimes administered with -rue. The seed or root is curative of cough, hardness of breathing, -and diseases of the thoracic organs, spleen, kidneys, and bladder; -the root, too, is used for ruptures and convulsions. This plant -facilitates delivery, and brings away the afterbirth; it is also given, -in combination with crethmos,[2007] in wine, for sciatica. It acts as -a sudorific and carminative, for which reason it is used to disperse -flatulency of the stomach; it promotes, also, the cicatrization of -wounds. - -A juice is extracted from the root, which is very useful for female -complaints, and for affections of the thoracic organs and viscera, -possessing, as it does, certain calorific, digestive, and detergent -properties. The seed, in particular, is given in drink for dropsy, -external applications being made of the juice, and emollient poultices -applied of the dried rind of the root. It is used, also, as a seasoning -for food, boiled meat in particular, with the addition of honied wine, -oil, and garum.[2008] - -Sinon,[2009] a plant with a flavour very like that of pepper, promotes -the digestion, and is highly efficacious for pains in the stomach. - - - - -CHAP. 110.—TELEPHION: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Telephion[2010] resembles purslain in the stem and leaves. From the -root of it there spring seven or eight small branches, covered with -thick, fleshy leaves; it grows in cultivated spots, and among vines in -particular. It is used as an application for freckles, being removed -as soon as dry; it is employed, also, for white morphew,[2011] being -applied some six hours each night or day, and the treatment continued -for about three months: after removing it, barley-meal should be -applied. Telephion is healing, also, for wounds and fistulas. - - - - -CHAP. 111.—THE TRICHOMANES. FIVE REMEDIES. - - -The trichomanes[2012] is a plant that resembles the adiantum,[2013] -except that it is more slender and of a darker colour; the leaves of -it, which are similar to those of the lentil, lie close together, on -opposite sides, and have a bitter taste. A decoction of this plant, -taken in white wine, with the addition of wild cummin, is curative -of strangury. Bruised and applied to the head, it prevents the hair -from falling off, and, where it has come off, restores it: pounded and -applied with oil, it effects the cure of alopecy. The mere taste of it -is provocative of sneezing. - - - - -CHAP. 112.—THE THALICTRUM: ONE REMEDY. - - -The thalictrum[2014] has leaves like those of coriander, only somewhat -more unctuous, and a stem resembling that of the poppy.[2015] It is -found growing everywhere, in champaign localities more particularly. -The leaves, applied with honey, heal ulcers. - - - - -CHAP. 113.—THLASPI AND PERSICON NAPY: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -Of thlaspi there are two kinds; the first[2016] of which has narrow -leaves, about a finger in length and breadth, turned towards the -ground, and divided at the point. It has a slender stem, half a foot -in length, and not wholly destitute of branches; the seed, enclosed -in a crescent-shaped capsule,[2017] is similar to a lentil in shape, -except that it has a jagged appearance, to which, in fact, it owes its -name;[2018] the flower is white, and the plant is found near footpaths -and in hedges. The seed, which has an acrid flavour, carries off bile -and pituitous secretions, by vomit and by alvine evacuation, the proper -dose being one acetabulum. It is used, also, for sciatica, in the form -of an injection, this treatment being persevered in until it has -induced a discharge of blood: it acts also as an emmenagogue, but is -fatal to the fœtus. - -The other thlaspi, known by some as “Persicon napy,”[2019] has broad -leaves and large roots, and is also very useful as an injection for -sciatica. Both plants are very serviceable for inguinal complaints; -it being recommended that the person who gathers them should mention -that he is taking them for diseases of the groin, for abscesses of all -kinds, and for wounds, and that he should pluck them with one hand only. - - - - -CHAP. 114.—THE TRACHINIA: ONE PROPERTY. - - -What sort of plant the trachinia[2020] is, the authorities do not -state. I think that the assurance given by Democritus must be false: -for it would be nothing less than a prodigy, for a plant, attached as -an amulet, to consume the spleen in so short a time as three days. - - - - -CHAP. 115.—THE TRAGONIS OR TRAGION: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -The tragonis,[2021] or tragion, grows nowhere but in the maritime -districts of the Isle of Crete; it resembles the juniper in the seed, -leaf, and branches. Its milky juice, which thickens in the form of -a gum, or its seed, taken in drink, expels pointed weapons from the -flesh. The plant, too, is pounded fresh and applied as a liniment with -wine, or, dried and powdered, with honey. It increases the milk in -nursing women, and is a sovereign remedy for diseases of the mamillæ. - - - - -CHAP. 116.—THE TRAGOS OR SCORPION: FOUR REMEDIES. - - -There is another plant also, called “tragos,”[2022] or “scorpion” by -some, half a foot in height, branchy, destitute of leaves, and bearing -diminutive red clusters, with a seed like that of wheat, but pointed -at the extremity: this too grows in maritime localities. Ten or twelve -tops of the branches, bruised and taken in wine, are remedial in cases -of cœliac affections, dysentery, spitting of blood, and excessive -menstruation. - - - - -CHAP. 117.—THE TRAGOPOGON OR COME. - - -There is the tragopogon,[2023] also, by some called “come;” a plant -with a small stem, leaves like those of saffron, an elongated, sweet, -root, and a large, swarthy calyx at the extremity of the stem. It grows -in rugged soils, and is never used. - - - - -CHAP. 118.—THE AGES OF PLANTS. - - -Such, then, is all that I have hitherto been enabled to learn or -discover, worthy of mention, relative to plants. At the close, of this -subject, it seems to me that it will not be out of place to remind -the reader, that the properties of plants vary according to their -age. It is elaterium, as already stated,[2024] that preserves its -properties the longest of all. The black chamæleon[2025] retains its -virtues forty years, centaury not more than twelve, peucedanum[2026] -and aristolochia[2027] six, and the wild vine one year—that is to -say, if they are kept in the shade. I would remark, also, that beyond -those animals which breed within the plants, there are none that -attack the roots of any of those which have been mentioned by me; -with the exception, indeed, of the sphondyle,[2028] a kind of creeping -insect,[2029] which infests them all. - - - - -CHAP. 119.—HOW THE GREATEST EFFICACY IN PLANTS MAY BE ENSURED. - - -It is also an undoubted truth, that the virtues and properties of -all roots are more feebly developed, when the fruit has been allowed -to ripen; and that it is the same with the seed, when incisions have -been previously made in the root, for the extraction of the juice. The -efficacy, too, of all plants is impaired by making habitual use of -them; and these substances, if employed daily, lose equally their good -or bad properties, when required to be effectual. All plants, too, have -more powerful properties, when grown in soils that are cold and exposed -to the north-eastern blasts, or in dry localities. - - - - -CHAP. 120.—MALADIES PECULIAR TO VARIOUS NATIONS. - - -There are certain differences, also, by no means inconsiderable, in -the predispositions of the various nations of the earth. I have been -informed, for instance, that the people of Egypt, Arabia, Syria, and -Cilicia, are subject to tapeworm and maw-worm, while those of Thracia -and Phrygia, on the other hand, are totally exempt from them. This, -however, is less surprising than the fact that, although Attica and -Bœotia are adjoining territories, the Thebans are troubled with these -inflictions, while among the people of Athens they are unknown. - -Considerations of this description lead me now to turn my attention -to the nature of the animated beings themselves, and the medicinal -properties which are inborn in them, the most assured remedies, -perhaps, for all diseases. - -For Nature, in fact, that parent of all things, has produced no -animated being for the purpose solely of eating; she has willed that it -should be born to satisfy the wants of others, and in its very vitals -has implanted medicaments conducive to health. While she has implanted -them in mute[2030] and inanimate objects even, she has equally willed -that these, the most invaluable aids of life, should be also derived -from the life of another—a subject for contemplation, marvellous in the -highest degree![2031] - -SUMMARY.—Remedies, narratives, and observations, six hundred and two. - -ROMAN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Caius Valgius,[2032] Pompeius Lenæus,[2033] -Sextius Niger[2034] who wrote in Greek, Julius Bassus[2035] who wrote -in Greek, Antonius Castor,[2036] Cornelius Celsus.[2037] - -FOREIGN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Theophrastus,[2038] Apollodorus,[2039] -Democritus,[2040] Aristogiton,[2041] Orpheus,[2042] Pythagoras,[2043] -Mago,[2044] Menander[2045] who wrote the “Biochresta,” Nicander.[2046] - -MEDICAL AUTHORS QUOTED.—Mnesitheus,[2047] Timaristus,[2048] -Simus,[2049] Hippocrates,[2050] Chrysippus,[2051] Diocles,[2052] -Ophelion,[2053] Heraclides,[2054] Hicesius,[2055] Dionysius,[2056] -Apollodorus[2057] of Citium, Apollodorus[2058] of Tarentum, -Praxagoras,[2059] Plistonicus,[2060] Medius,[2061] Dieuches,[2062] -Cleophantus,[2063] Philistion,[2064] Asclepiades,[2065] Crateuas,[2066] -Petronius Diodotus,[2067] Iollas,[2068] Erasistratus,[2069] -Diagoras,[2070] Andreas,[2071] Mnesides,[2072] Epicharmus,[2073] -Damion,[2074] Tlepolemus,[2075] Metrodorus,[2076] Solo,[2077] -Lycus,[2078] Olympias[2079] of Thebes, Philinus,[2080] Petrichus,[2081] -Micton,[2082] Glaucias,[2083] Xenocrates.[2084] - - -⁂ Before quitting the Botanical Books of Pliny, it is a duty both to -our author and to the reader, to call attention to the illustrations -of a few passages in this work, which will be found in the _Textrinum -Antiquorum_, by Dr. James Yates, F.R.S., a book characterized by -learning, equally profound and extensive, and the most indefatigable -research: it being but recently, we are sorry to say, that we have been -made acquainted with its valuable contents. - -The following are selected as among the most useful and interesting -results of his enquiries. - -B. vi. c. 20 [V. ii. p. 36]. Dr. Yates is of opinion that Pliny has -here mistranslated a passage of Aristotle, Hist. Anim. v. 19 and that -he has mistaken the word βομβύκια, “cocoons,” for webs, similar to -those of the spider, attached to the leaves of trees. Not understanding -the original, he would seem to have given a distorted account of the -simple operation of winding the threads from off the cocoons of the -silkworm upon bobbins, by the hands of females; the threads upon which -bobbins would be afterwards unwound for the manufacture of silken -fabrics. See Notes 303 and 304 on the passage in question; also B. xi. -c. 26. - -B. viii. c. 74 [V. ii. p. 336]. For the word “Sororiculata,” Dr. Yates -proposes to read “Soriculata,” and he suggests that the cloth thus -called may have been a velvet or plush, which received its name from -its resemblance to the coat of the field-mouse, “sorex,” the diminutive -of which would be “soricula.” - -B. xix. c. 2 [V. iv. p. 133] and c. 6 [p. 138], Dr. Yates expresses -it as his opinion that the words “Carbasus” and “Carbasa” are derived -from the oriental word _Carpos_, signifying “cotton,” and thinks that -Pliny, in B. xix. c. 2, may have used the word by Catachresis, as -meaning linen, in the same manner as the Latin poets repeatedly use the -word “carbasa,” as signifying various kinds of woven textures. If this -view be correct, the word “Carbasina” in B. xix. c. 6, will probably -mean “awnings of woven material” generally, and not of fine linen, or -cambric, as suggested in Note 856. - -B. xix. c. 2 [V. iv. p. 134]. The genuineness of the passage which -makes mention of the “Gossypium,” is questioned by Dr. Yates, who -thinks it possible that it is an interpolation: such, however, if we -may judge from the result of Sillig’s researches, does not appear to -have been the case. If, on the other hand, the passage is genuine, Dr. -Yates is of opinion that the statement is incorrect, and that cotton -was _not_ grown in Egypt. It seems just possible, however, that Pliny -may have had in view the trees mentioned by him in B. xiv. c. 28. - -B. xix. c. 4 [V. iv. p. 137, also p. 134, Note 837]. Dr. Yates has -adduced a number of convincing arguments to prove that the “Byssus” of -the ancients cannot have been cotton, but that in all probability it -was a texture of fine flax. The passages of Pausanias, (B. v. c. 25, -and B. vi. c. 26) in which “Byssus” is mentioned, would certainly seem -to apply to flax, a product which is still cultivated near the mouth -of the river Peneus, in ancient Elis. There is no doubt, however, that -Philostratus, though perhaps erroneously, has used the word “Byssus” as -meaning cotton. - - - - -BOOK XXVIII. - -REMEDIES DERIVED FROM LIVING CREATURES. - - - - -CHAP. 1. (1.)—INTRODUCTION. - - -We should have now concluded our description of the various -things[2085] that are produced between the heavens and the earth, and -it would have only remained for us to speak of the substances that are -dug out of the ground itself; did not our exposition of the remedies -derived from plants and shrubs necessarily lead us into a digression -upon the medicinal properties which have been discovered, to a still -greater extent, in those living creatures themselves which are thus -indebted [to other objects] for the cure of their respective maladies. -For ought we, after describing the plants, the forms of the various -flowers, and so many objects rare and difficult to be found—ought we -to pass in silence the resources which exist in man himself for the -benefit of man, and the other remedies to be derived from the creatures -that live among us—and this more particularly, seeing that life itself -is nothing short of a punishment, unless it is exempt from pains and -maladies? Assuredly not; and even though I may incur the risk of being -tedious, I shall exert all my energies on the subject, it being my -fixed determination to pay less regard to what may be amusing, than to -what may prove practically useful to mankind. - -Nay, even more than this, my researches will extend to the usages of -foreign countries, and to the customs of barbarous nations, subjects -upon which I shall have to appeal to the good faith of other authors; -though at the same time I have made it my object to select no[2086] -facts but such as are established by pretty nearly uniform testimony, -and to pay more attention to scrupulous exactness than to copiousness -of diction. - -It is highly necessary, however, to advertise the reader, that whereas -I have already described the natures of the various animals, and the -discoveries[2087] due to them respectively—for, in fact, they have -been no less serviceable in former times in discovering remedies, -than they are at the present day in providing us with them—it is my -present intention to confine myself to the remedial properties which -are found in the animal world, a subject which has not been altogether -lost sight of in the former portion of this work. These additional -details therefore, though of a different nature, must still be read in -connexion with those which precede. - - - - -CHAP. 2. REMEDIES DERIVED FROM MAN. - - -We will begin then with man, and our first enquires will be into -the resources which he provides for himself—a subject replete with -boundless difficulties at the very outset.[2088] - -Epileptic patients are in the habit of drinking the blood even of -gladiators, draughts teeming with life,[2089] as it were; a thing that, -when we see it done by the wild beasts even, upon the same arena, -inspires us with horror at the spectacle! And yet these persons, -forsooth, consider it a most effectual cure for their disease, to quaff -the warm, breathing, blood from man himself, and, as they apply their -mouth to the wound, to draw forth his very life; and this, though it is -regarded as an act of impiety to apply the human lips to the wound even -of a wild beast! Others there are, again, who make the marrow[2090] of -the leg-bones, and the brains of infants, the objects of their research! - -Among the Greek writers, too, there are not a few who have enlarged -upon the distinctive flavours of each one of the viscera and members -of the human body, pursuing their researches to the very parings of -the nails! as though, forsooth, it could possibly be accounted the -pursuit of health for man to make himself a wild beast, and so deserve -to contract disease from the very remedies he adopts for avoiding it. -Most righteously, by Hercules! if such attempts are all in vain, is he -disappointed of his cure! To examine human entrails is deemed an act of -impiety;[2091] what then must it be to devour them? - -Say, Osthanes,[2092] who was it that first devised these practices; -for it is thee that I accuse, thou uprooter of all human laws, thou -inventor of these monstrosities; devised, no doubt with the view that -mankind might not forget thy name! Who was it that first thought of -devouring each member of the human body? By what conjectural motives -was he induced? What can possibly have been the origin of such a system -of medicine as this? Who was it that thus made the very poisons less -baneful than the antidotes prescribed for them? Granted that barbarous -and outlandish tribes first devised such practices, must the men of -Greece, too, adopt these as arts of their own? - -We read, for instance, in the memoirs of Democritus, still extant, -that for some diseases, the skull of a malefactor is most efficacious, -while for the treatment of others, that of one who has been a friend -or guest is required. Apollonius, again, informs us in his writings, -that the most effectual remedy for tooth-ache is to scarify the gums -with the tooth of a man who has died a violent death; and, according to -Miletus, human gall is a cure for cataract.[2093] For epilepsy, Artemon -has prescribed water drawn from a spring in the night, and drunk from -the skull of a man who has been slain, and whose body remains unburnt. -From the skull, too, of a man who had been hanged, Antæus made pills -that were to be an antidote to the bite of a mad dog. Even more than -this, man has resorted to similar remedies for the cure of four-footed -beasts even—for tympanitis in oxen, for instance, the horns have been -perforated, and human bones inserted; and when swine have been found to -be diseased, fine wheat has been given them which has lain for a night -in the spot where a human being has been slain or burnt! - -Far from us, far too from our writings, be such prescriptions[2094] -as these! It will be for us to describe remedies only, and not -abominations;[2095] cases, for instance, in which the milk of a nursing -woman may have a curative effect, cases where the human spittle may be -useful, or the contact[2096] of the human body, and other instances of -a similar nature. We do not look upon life as so essentially desirable -that it must be prolonged at any cost, be it what it may—and you, who -are of that opinion, be assured, whoever you may be, that you will -die none the less, even though you shall have lived in the midst of -obscenities or abominations! - -Let each then reckon this as one great solace to his mind, that of all -the blessings which Nature has bestowed on man, there is none greater -than the death[2097] which comes at a seasonable hour; and that the -very best feature in connexion with it is, that every person has it in -his own power to procure it for himself.[2098] - - - - -CHAP. 3. (2.)—WHETHER WORDS ARE POSSESSED OF ANY HEALING EFFICACY. - - -In reference to the remedies derived from man, there arises first of -all one question, of the greatest importance and always attended with -the same uncertainty, whether words, charms, and incantations, are of -any efficacy or not?[2099] For if such is the case, it will be only -proper to ascribe this efficacy to man himself;[2100] though the wisest -of our fellow-men, I should remark, taken individually, refuse to -place the slightest faith in these opinions. And yet, in our every-day -life, we practically show, each passing hour, that we do entertain -this belief, though at the moment we are not sensible of it. Thus, -for instance, it is a general belief that without a certain form of -prayer[2101] it would be useless to immolate a victim, and that, with -such an informality, the gods would be consulted to little purpose. And -then besides, there are different forms of address to the deities, one -form for entreating,[2102] another form for averting their ire, and -another for commendation. - -We see too, how that our supreme magistrates use certain formulæ for -their prayers: that not a single word may be omitted or pronounced out -of its place, it is the duty of one person to precede the dignitary -by reading the formula before him from a written ritual, of another, -to keep watch upon every word, and of a third to see that[2103] -silence is not ominously broken; while a musician, in the meantime, is -performing on the flute to prevent any other words being heard.[2104] -Indeed, there are memorable instances recorded in our Annals, of cases -where either the sacrifice has been interrupted, and so blemished, -by imprecations, or a mistake has been made in the utterance of the -prayer; the result being that the lobe of the liver or the heart has -disappeared in a moment, or has been doubled,[2105] while the victim -stood before the altar. There is still in existence a most remarkable -testimony,[2106] in the formula which the Decii, father and son, -pronounced on the occasions when they devoted themselves.[2107] There -is also preserved the prayer uttered by the Vestal Tuccia,[2108] when, -upon being accused of incest, she carried water in a sieve—an event -which took place in the year of the City 609. Our own age even has seen -a man and a woman buried alive in the Ox Market,[2109] Greeks by birth, -or else natives of some other[2110] country with which we were at war -at the time. The prayer used upon the occasion of this ceremonial, and -which is usually pronounced first by the Master of the College of the -Quindecimviri,[2111] if read by a person, must assuredly force him to -admit the potency of formulæ; when it is recollected that it has been -proved to be effectual by the experience of eight hundred and thirty -years. - -At the present day, too, it is a general belief, that our Vestal -virgins have the power, by uttering a certain prayer, to arrest the -flight of runaway slaves, and to rivet them to the spot, provided they -have not gone beyond the precincts of the City. If then these opinions -be once received as truth, and if it be admitted that the gods do -listen to certain prayers, or are influenced by set forms of words, -we are bound to conclude in the affirmative upon the whole question. -Our ancestors, no doubt, always entertained such a belief, and have -even assured us, a thing by far the most difficult of all, that it -is possible by such means to bring down lightning from heaven, as -already[2112] mentioned on a more appropriate occasion. - - - - -CHAP. 4.—THAT PRODIGIES AND PORTENTS MAY BE CONFIRMED, OR MADE OF NO -EFFECT. - - -L. Piso informs us, in the first Book of his Annals, that King Tullus -Hostilius,[2113] while attempting, in accordance with the books of -Numa, to summon Jupiter from heaven by means of a sacrifice similar -to that employed by him, was struck by lightning in consequence of -his omission to follow certain forms with due exactness. Many other -authors, too, have attested, that by the power of words a change has -been effected in destinies and portents of the greatest importance. -While they were digging on the Tarpeian Hill for the foundations of a -temple, a human head was found; upon which deputies were sent to Olenus -Calenus, the most celebrated diviner of Etruria. He, foreseeing the -glory and success which attached to such a presage as this, attempted, -by putting a question to them, to transfer the benefit of it to his own -nation. First describing, on the ground before him, the outline of the -temple with his staff—“Is it so, Romans, as you say?” said he; “here -then must be the temple[2114] of Jupiter, all good and all powerful; -it is here that we have found the head”—and the constant asseveration -of the Annals is, that the destiny of the Roman empire would have been -assuredly transferred to Etruria, had not the deputies, forewarned by -the son of the diviner, made answer—“No, not here exactly, but at Rome, -we say, the head was found.” - -It is related also that the same was the case when a certain four-horse -chariot, made of clay, and intended for the roof of the same temple, -had considerably increased while in the furnace;[2115] and that on this -occasion, in a similar manner, the destinies of Rome were saved. Let -these instances suffice then to show, that the virtues of presages lie -in our own hands, and that they are valuable in each instance according -as they are received.[2116] At all events, it is a principle in the -doctrine of the augurs, that neither imprecations nor auspices of any -kind have any effect upon those who, when entering upon an undertaking, -declare that they will pay no attention whatever to them; a greater -instance than which, of the indulgent disposition of the gods towards -us, cannot be found. - -And then besides, in the laws themselves of the Twelve Tables, do -we not read the following words—“Whosoever shall have enchanted the -harvest,”[2117] and in another place, “Whosoever shall have used -pernicious incantations”?[2118] Verrius Flaccus cites authors whom he -deems worthy of credit, to show that on the occasion of a siege, it -was the usage, the first thing of all, for the Roman priests to summon -forth the tutelary divinity of that particular town, and to promise -him the same rites, or even a more extended worship, at Rome; and at -the present day even, this ritual still forms part of the discipline -of our pontiffs. Hence it is, no doubt, that the name[2119] of the -tutelary deity of Rome has been so strictly kept concealed, lest any of -our enemies should act in a similar manner. There is no one, too, who -does not dread being spell-bound by means of evil imprecations;[2120] -and hence the practice, after eating eggs or snails, of immediately -breaking[2121] the shells, or piercing them with the spoon. Hence, too, -those love-sick imitations of enchantments which we find described -by Theocritus among the Greeks, and by Catullus, and more recently, -Virgil,[2122] among our own writers. Many persons are fully persuaded -that articles of pottery may be broken by a similar agency; and not a -few are of opinion even that serpents can counteract incantations, and -that this is the only kind of intelligence they possess—so much so, in -fact, that by the agency of the magic spells of the Marsi, they may be -attracted to one spot, even when asleep in the middle of the night. -Some people go so far, too, as to write certain words[2123] on the -walls of houses, deprecatory of accident by fire. - -But it is not easy to say whether the outlandish and unpronounceable -words that are thus employed, or the Latin expressions that are used -at random, and which must appear ridiculous to our judgment, tend the -most strongly to stagger our belief—seeing that the human imagination -is always conceiving something of the infinite, something deserving -of the notice of the divinity, or indeed, to speak more correctly, -something that must command his intervention perforce. Homer[2124] -tells us that Ulysses arrested the flow of blood from a wound in the -thigh, by repeating a charm; and Theophrastus[2125] says that sciatica -may be cured by similar means. Cato[2126] has preserved a formula -for the cure of sprains, and M. Varro for that of gout. The Dictator -Cæsar, they say, having on one occasion accidentally had a fall in his -chariot,[2127] was always in the habit, immediately upon taking his -seat, of thrice repeating a certain formula, with the view of ensuring -safety upon the journey; a thing that, to my own knowledge, is done by -many persons at the present day. - - - - -CHAP. 5.—A DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS USAGES. - - -I would appeal, too, for confirmation on this subject, to the intimate -experience of each individual. Why, in fact, upon the first day of the -new year, do we accost one another with prayers for good fortune,[2128] -and, for luck’s sake, wish each other a happy new year? Why, too, upon -the occasion of public lustrations, do we select persons with lucky -names, to lead the victims? Why, to counteract fascinations, do we -Romans observe a peculiar form of adoration, in invoking the Nemesis -of the Greeks; whose statue, for this reason, has been placed in the -Capitol at Rome, although the goddess herself possesses no Latin -name?[2129] Why, when we make mention of the dead, do we protest that -we have no wish[2130] to impeach their good name?[2131] Why is it that -we entertain the belief that for every purpose odd numbers are the most -effectual;[2132]—a thing that is particularly observed with reference -to the critical days in fevers? Why is it that, when gathering the -earliest fruit, apples, or pears, as the case may be, we make a point -of saying—“This fruit is old, may other fruit be sent us that is new?” -Why is it that we salute[2133] a person when he sneezes, an observance -which Tiberius Cæsar, they say, the most unsociable of men, as we all -know, used to exact, when riding in his chariot even? Some there are, -too, who think it a point religiously to be observed to mention the -name as well of the person whom they salute. - -And then, besides, it is a notion[2134] universally received, that -absent persons have warning that others are speaking of them by the -tingling of the ears. Attalus[2135] assures us, that if a person, -the moment he sees a scorpion, says “Duo,”[2136] the reptile will -stop short, and forbear to sting. And now that I am speaking of the -scorpion, I recall to mind that in Africa no one ever undertakes -any matter without prefacing with the word “Africa;” while in other -countries, before an enterprise is commenced, it is the practice to -adjure the gods that they will manifest their good will. - -In addition to this, it is very clear that there are some religious -observances, unaccompanied by speech, which are considered to be -productive of certain effects. Thus,[2137] when we are at table, for -instance, it is the universal practice, we see, to take the ring from -off the finger. Another person, again, will take some spittle from his -mouth and place it with his finger behind the ear, to propitiate and -modify disquietude of mind. When we wish to signify applause, we have -a proverb even which tells us we should press the thumbs.[2138] When -paying adoration, we kiss the right hand, and turn the whole body to -the right: while the people of the Gallic provinces, on the contrary, -turn to the left, and believe that they show mere devoutness by so -doing. To salute summer lightning with clapping of the hands, is the -universal practice with all nations. If, when eating, we happen to make -mention of a fire that has happened, we avert the inauspicious omen by -pouring water beneath the table. To sweep the floor at the moment that -a person is rising from table, or to remove the table or tray,[2139] -as the case may be, while a guest is drinking, is looked upon as a -most unfortunate presage. There is a treatise, written by Servius -Sulpicius, a man of the highest rank, in which reasons are given why -we should never leave the table we are eating at; for in his day it -was not yet[2140] the practice to reckon more tables than guests at -an entertainment. Where a person has sneezed, it is considered highly -ominous for the dish or table to be brought back again, and not a taste -thereof to be taken, after doing so; the same, too, where a person at -table eats nothing at all. - -These usages have been established by persons who entertained a belief -that the gods are ever present, in all our affairs and at all hours, -and who have therefore found the means of appeasing them by our vices -even. It has been remarked, too, that there is never a dead silence -on a sudden among the guests at table, except when there is an even -number present; when this happens, too, it is a sign that the good name -and repute of every individual present is in peril. In former times, -when food fell from the hand of a guest, it was the custom to return -it by placing it on the table, and it was forbidden[2141] to blow upon -it, for the purpose of cleansing it. Auguries, too, have been derived -from the words or thoughts of a person at the moment such an accident -befalls him; and it is looked upon as one of the most dreadful of -presages, if this should happen to a pontiff, while celebrating the -feast of Dis.[2142] The proper expiation in such a case is, to have the -morsel replaced on table, and then burnt in honour of the Lar.[2143] -Medicines, it is said, will prove ineffectual, if they happen to have -been placed on a table before they are administered. It is religiously -believed by many, that it is ominous in a pecuniary point of view, for -a person to pare his nails without speaking, on the market days[2144] -at Rome, or to begin at the forefinger[2145] in doing so: it is -thought, too, to be a preventive of baldness and of head-ache, to cut -the hair on the seventeenth and twenty-ninth[2146] days of the moon. - -A rural law observed in most of the farms of Italy, forbids[2147] women -to twirl their distaffs, or even to carry them uncovered, while walking -in the public roads; it being a thing so prejudicial to all hopes and -anticipations, those of a good harvest[2148] in particular. It is not -so long ago, that M. Servilius Nonianus, the principal citizen at -Rome,[2149] being apprehensive of ophthalmia, had a paper, with the -two Greek letters P and A[2150] written upon it, wrapped in linen and -attached to his neck, before he would venture to name the malady, and -before any other person had spoken to him about it. Mucianus, too, who -was thrice consul, following a similar observance, carried about him -a living fly, wrapped in a piece of white linen; and it was strongly -asserted, by both of them, that to the use of these expedients they -owed their preservation from ophthalmia. There are in existence, also, -certain charms against hail-storms, diseases of various kinds, and -burns, some of which have been proved, by actual experience, to be -effectual; but so great is the diversity of opinion upon them, that -I am precluded by a feeling of extreme diffidence from entering into -further particulars, and must therefore leave each to form his own -conclusions as he may feel inclined. - - - - -CHAP. 6. (3.)—TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIX OBSERVATIONS ON REMEDIES -DERIVED FROM MAN. EIGHT REMEDIES DERIVED FROM CHILDREN. - - -We have already,[2151] when speaking of the singular peculiarities of -various nations, made mention of certain men of a monstrous nature, -whose gaze is endowed with powers of fascination; and we have also -described properties belonging to numerous animals, which it would -be superfluous here to repeat. In some men, the whole of the body is -endowed with remarkable properties, as in those families, for instance, -which are a terror to serpents; it being in their power to cure persons -when stung, either by the touch or by a slight suction of the wound. -To this class belong the Psylli, the Marsi, and the people called -“Ophiogenes”[2152] in the Isle of Cyprus. One Euagon, a member of this -family, while attending upon a deputation at Rome, was thrown by way of -experiment, by order of the consuls, into a large vessel[2153] filled -with serpents; upon which, to the astonishment of all, they licked his -body all over with their tongues. One peculiarity of this family—if -indeed it is still in existence—is the strong offensive smell which -proceeds from their body in the spring; their sweat, too, no less than -their spittle, was possessed of remedial virtues. The people who are -born at Tentyris, an island in the river Nilus, are so formidable[2154] -to the crocodiles there, that their voice even is sufficient to put -them to flight. The presence even, it is well known, of all these -different races, will suffice for the cure of injuries inflicted by -the animals to which they respectively have an antipathy; just in the -same way that wounds are irritated by the approach of persons who have -been stung by a serpent at some former time, or bitten by a dog. Such -persons, too, by their presence, will cause the eggs upon which a hen -is sitting to be addled, and will make pregnant cattle cast their young -and miscarry; for, in fact, so much of the venom remains in their -body, that, from being poisoned themselves, they become poisonous to -other creatures. The proper remedy in such case is first to make them -wash their hands, and then to sprinkle with the water the patient -who is under medical treatment. When, again, persons have been once -stung by a scorpion they will never afterwards be attacked by hornets, -wasps, or bees: a fact at which a person will be the less surprised -when he learns that a garment which has been worn at a funeral will -never be touched by moths;[2155] that it is hardly possible to draw -serpents from their holes except by using the left hand; and that, -of the discoveries made by Pythagoras, one of the most unerring, is -the fact, that in the name given to infants, an odd number of vowels -is portentous of lameness, loss of eyesight, or similar accidents, -on[2156] the right side of the body, and an even number of vowels of -the like infirmities on the left. - -(4.) It is said, that if a person takes a stone or other missile which -has slain three living creatures, a man, a boar, and a bear, at three -blows, and throws it over the roof of a house in which there is a -pregnant woman, her delivery, however difficult, will be instantly -accelerated thereby. In such a case, too, a successful result will -be rendered all the more probable, if a light infantry lance[2157] -is used, which has been drawn from a man’s body without touching the -earth; indeed, if it is brought into the house it will be productive -of a similar result. In the same way, too, we find it stated in the -writings of Orpheus and Archelaüs, that arrows, drawn from a human body -without being allowed to touch the ground, and placed beneath the bed, -will have all the effect of a philtre; and, what is even more than -this, that it is a cure for epilepsy if the patient eats the flesh of a -wild beast killed with an iron weapon with which a human being has been -slain. - -Some individuals, too, are possessed of medicinal properties in -certain parts of the body; the thumb of King Pyrrhus, for instance, -as already[2158] mentioned. At Elis, there used to be shown one of -the ribs[2159] of Pelops, which, it was generally asserted, was made -of ivory. At the present day even, there are many persons, who from -religious motives will never clip the hair growing upon a mole on the -face. - - - - -CHAP. 7.—PROPERTIES OF THE HUMAN SPITTLE. - - -But it is the fasting spittle of a human being, that is, as -already[2160] stated by us, the sovereign preservative against the -poison of serpents; while, at the same time, our daily experience may -recognize its efficacy and utility,[2161] in many other respects. We -are in the habit of spitting,[2162] for instance, as a preservative -from epilepsy, or in other words, we repel contagion thereby: in a -similar manner, too, we repel fascinations, and the evil presages -attendant upon meeting a person who is lame in the right leg. We ask -pardon of the gods, by spitting in[2163] the lap, for entertaining some -too presumptuous hope or expectation.[2164] On the same principle, it -is the practice in all cases where medicine is employed, to spit three -times on the ground, and to conjure the malady as often; the object -being to aid the operation of the remedy employed. It is usual, too, -to mark a boil when it first makes its appearance, three times with -fasting[2165] spittle. What we are going to say is marvellous, but it -may easily be tested[2166] by experiment: if a person repents of a blow -given to another, either by hand or with a missile, he has nothing to -do but to spit at once into the palm of the hand which has inflicted -the blow, and all feelings[2167] of resentment will be instantly -alleviated in the person struck. This, too, is often verified in the -case of a beast of burden, when brought on its haunches with blows; for -upon this remedy being adopted, the animal will immediately step out -and mend its pace. Some persons, however, before making an effort, spit -into the hand in manner above stated, in order to make the blow more -heavy.[2168] - -We may well believe, then, that lichens and leprous spots may be -removed by a constant application of fasting spittle; that ophthalmia -may be cured by anointing, as it were, the eyes every morning with -fasting spittle; that carcinomata may be effectually treated, by -kneading the root of the plant known as “apple of the earth,”[2169] -with human spittle; that crick in the neck may be got rid of by -carrying fasting spittle to the right knee with the right hand, and -to the left knee with the left; and that when an insect has got into -the ear, it is quite sufficient to spit into that organ, to make it -come out. Among the counter-charms too, are reckoned, the practice of -spitting into the urine the moment it is voided, of spitting into the -shoe of the right foot before putting it on, and of spitting while a -person is passing a place in which he has incurred any kind of peril. - -Marcion of Smyrna, who has written a work on the virtues of simples, -informs us that the sea scolopendra will burst asunder if spit upon; -and that the same is the case with bramble-frogs,[2170] and other -kinds of frogs. Opilius says that serpents will do the same, if a -person spits into their open mouth; and Salpe tells us, that when any -part of the body is asleep, the numbness may be got rid of by the -person spitting into his lap, or touching the upper eyelid with his -spittle. If we are ready to give faith to such statements as these, -we must believe also in the efficacy of the following practices: upon -the entrance of a stranger, or when a person looks at an infant while -asleep, it is usual for the nurse to spit three times upon the ground; -and this, although infants are under the especial guardianship of the -god Fascinus,[2171] the protector, not of infants only, but of generals -as well, and a divinity whose worship is entrusted to the Vestal -virgins, and forms part of the Roman rites. It is the image of this -divinity that is attached beneath the triumphant car of the victorious -general, protecting him, like some attendant physician, against the -effects of envy;[2172] while, at the same time, equally salutary is the -advice of the tongue, which warns him to be wise in time,[2173] that so -Fortune may be prevailed upon by his prayers, not to follow, as the -destroyer of his glory, close upon his back. - - - - -CHAP. 8.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE WAX OF THE HUMAN EAR. - - -The human bite is also looked upon as one of the most dangerous of all. -The proper remedy for it is human ear-wax; a thing that we must not be -surprised at, seeing that, if applied immediately, it is a cure for the -stings of scorpions even, and serpents. The best, however, for this -purpose, is that taken from the ears of the wounded person. Agnails, -too, it is said, may be cured in a similar manner. A human tooth, -reduced to powder, is a cure, they say, for the sting of a serpent. - - - - -CHAP. 9.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HUMAN HAIR, TEETH, ETC. - - -The first hair, it is said, that is cut from an infant’s head, and, in -fact, the hair of all persons that have not reached the age of puberty, -attached to the limbs, will modify the attacks of gout. A man’s hair, -applied with vinegar, is a cure for the bite of a dog, and, used with -oil or wine, for wounds on the head. It is said, too, if we choose to -believe it, that the hair of a man torn down from the cross, is good -for quartan fevers. Ashes, too, of burnt human hair are curative of -carcinomata. If a woman takes the first tooth that a child has shed, -provided it has not touched the ground, and has it set in a bracelet, -and wears it constantly upon her arm, it will preserve her from all -pains in the uterus and adjacent parts. If the great toe is tied fast -to the one next to it, it will reduce tumours in the groin; and if -the two middle fingers of the right hand are slightly bound together -with a linen thread, it will act as a preservative against catarrhs -and ophthalmia. A stone, it is said, that has been voided by a patient -suffering from calculi, if attached to the body above the pubes, will -alleviate the pains of others similarly afflicted, as well as pains in -the liver; it will have the effect, also, of facilitating delivery. -Granius[2174] adds, however, that for this last purpose, the stone will -be more efficacious if it has been extracted with the knife. Delivery, -when near at hand, will be accelerated, if the man by whom the woman -has conceived, unties his girdle, and, after tying it round her, unties -it, adding at the same time this formula, “I have tied it, and I will -untie it,” and then taking his departure. - - - - -CHAP. 10.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HUMAN BLOOD, THE SEXUAL CONGRESS, -ETC. - - -The blood of the human body, come from what part it may, is most -efficacious, according to Orpheus and Archelaüs, as an application for -quinzy: they say, too, that if it is applied to the mouth of a person -who has fallen down in a fit of epilepsy, he will come to himself -immediately. Some say that, for epilepsy, the great toes should be -pricked, and the drops of blood that exude therefrom applied to the -face; or else, that a virgin should touch the patient with her right -thumb—a circumstance that has led to the belief that persons suffering -from epilepsy should eat the flesh of animals in a virgin state. -Æschines of Athens used to cure quinzy, carcinoma, and affections of -the tonsillary glands and uvula, with the ashes of burnt excrements, a -medicament to which he gave the name of “botryon.”[2175] - -There are many kinds of diseases which disappear entirely after the -first sexual congress,[2176] or, in the ease of females, at the first -appearance of menstruation; indeed, if such is not the case, they -are apt to become chronic, epilepsy in particular. Even more than -this—a man, it is said, who has been stung by a serpent or scorpion, -experiences relief from the sexual congress; but the woman, on the -other hand, is sensible of detriment. We are assured, too, that if -persons, when washing their feet, touch the eyes three times with the -water, they will never be subject to ophthalmia or other diseases of -the eyes. - - - - -CHAP. 11.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE DEAD. - - -Scrofula, imposthumes of the parotid glands, and throat diseases, they -say, may be cured by the contact of the hand of a person who has been -carried off by an early death: indeed there are some who assert that -any dead body will produce the same effect, provided it is of the same -sex as the patient, and that the part affected is touched with the -back of the left hand.[2177] To bite off a piece from wood that has -been stuck by lightning, the hands being held behind the back, and then -to apply it to the tooth, is a sure remedy, they say, for tooth-ache. -Some persons recommend the tooth to be fumigated with the smoke of a -burnt tooth, which has belonged to another person of the same sex; or -else to attach to the person a dog-tooth, as it is called, which has -been extracted from a body before burial. Earth, they say, taken from -out of a human skull, acts as a depilatory to the eyelashes; it is -asserted, also, that any plant which may happen to have grown there, -if chewed, will cause the teeth to come out; and that if a circle -is traced round an ulcer with a human bone, it will be effectually -prevented from spreading. - -Some persons, again, mix water in equal proportions from three -different wells, and, after making a libation with part of it in a new -earthen vessel, administer the rest to patients suffering from tertian -fever, when the paroxysms come on. So, too, in cases of quartan fever, -they take a fragment of a nail from a cross, or else a piece of a -halter[2178] that has been used for crucifixion, and, after wrapping it -in wool, attach it to the patient’s neck; taking care, the moment he -has recovered, to conceal it in some hole to which the light of the sun -cannot penetrate. - - - - -CHAP. 12.—VARIOUS REVERIES AND DEVICES OF THE MAGICIANS. - - -The following are some of the reveries of magic.[2179] A whetstone -upon which iron tools have been frequently sharpened, if put, without -his being aware of it, beneath the pillow of a person sinking under -the effects of poison, will make him give evidence and declare what -poison has been administered, and at what time and place, though at -the same time he will not disclose the author of the crime. When a -person has been struck by lightning, if the body is turned upon the -side which has sustained the injury, he will instantly recover the -power of speech—that is quite certain.[2180] For the cure of inguinal -tumours, some persons take the thrum of an old web, and after tying -seven or nine knots in it, mentioning at each knot the name of some -widow woman or other, attach it to the part affected. To assuage the -pain of a wound, they recommend the party to take a nail or any other -substance that has been trodden under foot, and to wear it, attached -to the body with the thrum of a web. To get rid of warts, some lie in -a footpath with the face upwards, when the moon is twenty days old at -least, and after fixing their gaze upon it, extend their arms above -the head, and rub themselves with anything within their reach. If a -person is extracting a corn at the moment that a star shoots, he will -experience an immediate cure,[2181] they say. By pouring vinegar upon -the hinges of a door, a thick liniment is formed, which, applied to the -forehead, will alleviate headache: an effect equally produced, we are -told, by binding the temples with a halter with which a man has been -hanged. When a fish-bone happens to stick in the throat, it will go -down immediately, if the person plunges his feet into cold water; but -where the accident has happened with any other kind of bone, the proper -remedy is to apply to the head some fragments of bones taken from the -same dish. In cases where bread has stuck in the throat, the best plan -is to take some of the same bread, and insert it in both ears. - - - - -CHAP. 13.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HUMAN EXCRETIONS. - - -In Greece, where everything is turned to account, the owners of the -gymnasia have introduced the very excretions[2182] even of the human -body among the most efficient remedies; so much so, indeed, that the -scrapings from the bodies of the athletes are looked upon as possessed -of certain properties of an emollient, calorific, resolvent, and -expletive nature, resulting from the compound of human sweat and oil. -These scrapings are used, in the form of a pessary, for inflammations -and contractions of the uterus: similarly employed, they act as an -emmenagogue, and are useful for reducing condylomata and inflammations -of the rectum, as also for assuaging pains in the sinews, sprains, and -nodosities of the joints. The scrapings obtained from the baths are -still more efficacious for these purposes, and hence it is that they -form an ingredient in maturative preparations. Such scrapings as are -impregnated with wrestlers’ oil,[2183] used in combination with mud, -have a mollifying effect upon the joints, and are more particularly -efficacious as a calorific and resolvent; but in other respects their -properties are not so strongly developed. - -The shameless and disgusting researches that have been made will quite -transcend all belief, when we find authors of the very highest repute -proclaiming aloud that the male seminal fluid is a sovereign remedy -for the sting of the scorpion! In the case too, of women afflicted -with sterility, they recommend the application of a pessary, made -of the first excrement that is voided by an infant at the moment of -its birth; the name they give it is “meconium.”[2184] They have even -gone so far, too, as to scrape the very filth from off the walls of -the gymnasia, and to assert that this is also possessed of certain -calorific properties. These scrapings are used as a resolvent for -inflamed tumours, and are applied topically to ulcers upon aged people -and children, and to excoriations and burns. - - - - -CHAP. 14.—REMEDIES DEPENDING UPON THE HUMAN WILL. - - -It would be the less becoming then for me to omit all mention of the -remedies which depend upon the human will. Total abstinence from -food or drink, or from wine only, from flesh, or from the use of the -bath, in cases where the health requires any of these expedients, is -looked upon as one of the most effectual modes of treating diseases. -To this class of remedies must be added bodily exercise, exertion of -the voice,[2185] anointings, and frictions according to a prescribed -method: for powerful friction, it should be remembered, has a binding -effect upon the body, while gentle friction, on the other hand, acts -as a laxative; so too, repeated friction reduces the body, while used -in moderation it has a tendency to make flesh. But the most beneficial -practice of all is to take walking or carriage[2186] exercise; -this last being performed in various ways. Exercise on horseback is -extremely good for affections of the stomach and hips, a voyage for -phthisis,[2187] and a change of locality[2188] for diseases of long -standing. So, too, a cure may sometimes be effected by sleep, by a -recumbent position in bed, or by the use of emetics in moderation. To -lie upon the back is beneficial to the sight, to lie with the face -downwards is good for a cough, and to lie on the side is recommended -for patients suffering from catarrh. - -According to Aristotle and Fabianus, it is towards spring and autumn -that we are most apt to dream; and they tell us that persons are most -liable to do so when lying on the back, but never when lying with -the face downwards. Theophrastus assures us that the digestion is -accelerated by lying on the right side; while, on the other hand, it is -retarded by lying with the face upwards. The most powerful, however, -of all remedies, and one which is always at a person’s own command, -is the sun: violent friction, too, is useful by the agency of linen -towels and body-scrapers.[2189] To pour warm water on the head before -taking the vapour-bath, and cold water after it, is looked upon as a -most beneficial practice; so, too, is the habit of taking cold water -before food, of drinking it every now and then while eating, of taking -it just before going to sleep, and, if practicable, of waking every -now and then, and taking a draught. It is worthy also of remark, that -there is no living creature but man[2190] that is fond of hot drinks, -a proof that they are contrary to nature. It has been ascertained by -experiment, that it is a good plan to rinse the mouth with undiluted -wine, before going to sleep, for the purpose of sweetening the breath; -to rinse the mouth with cold water an odd number of times every -morning, as a preservative against tooth-ache; and to wash the eyes -with oxycrate, as a preventive of ophthalmia. It has been remarked -also, that the general health is improved by a varying regimen, subject -to no fixed rules. - -(5.) Hippocrates informs us that the viscera of persons who do not -take the morning meal[2191] become prematurely aged and feeble; but -then he has pronounced this aphorism, it must be remembered, by way -of suggesting a healthful regimen, and not to promote gluttony; for -moderation in diet is, after all, the thing most conducive to health. -L. Lucullus gave charge to one of his slaves to overlook him in this -respect; and, a thing that reflected the highest discredit on him, -when, now an aged man and laden with triumphs, he was feasting in the -Capitol even his hand had to be removed from the dish to which he -was about to help himself. Surely it was a disgrace for a man to be -governed by his own slave[2192] more easily than by himself! - - - - -CHAP. 15. (6.)—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM SNEEZING. - - -Sneezing, provoked by a feather, relieves heaviness in the head; it -is said too, that to touch the nostrils of a mule with the lips, will -arrest sneezing and hiccup. For this last purpose, Varro recommends -us to scratch the palm, first of one hand and then of the other; -while many say that it is a good plan to shift the ring from off the -left hand to the longest finger of the right, and then to plunge the -hands into hot water. Theophrastus says, that aged persons sneeze with -greater difficulty than others. - - - - -CHAP. 16.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE SEXUAL CONGRESS. - - -Democritus spoke in condemnation of the sexual congress, as[2193] being -merely an act through which one human being springs from another; and -really, by Hercules! the more rarely it is used the better. Still -however, athletes, we find, when they become dull and heavy, are -re-established by it: the voice, too, is restored by it, when from -being perfectly clear, it has degenerated into hoarseness. The congress -of the sexes is a cure also for pains in the loins, dimness of the -eyesight,[2194] alienation of the mental difficulties, and melancholy. - - - - -CHAP. 17.—VARIOUS OTHER REMEDIES. - - -To sit by a pregnant woman, or by a person to whom any remedy is being -administered, with the fingers of one hand inserted between those of -the other, acts as a magic spell; a discovery that was made, it is -said, when Alcmena[2195] was delivered of Hercules. If the fingers -are thus joined, clasping one or both knees, or if the ham of one leg -is first put upon the knee of the other, and then changed about, the -omen is of still worse signification. Hence it is, that in councils -held by generals and persons in authority, our ancestors forbade these -postures, as being an impediment to all business.[2196] They have -given a similar prohibition also with reference to sacrifices and the -offering of public vows; but as to the usage of uncovering the head -in presence of the magistrates, that has been enjoined, Varro says, -not as a mark of respect, but with a view to health, the head being -strengthened[2197] by the practice of keeping it uncovered. - -When anything has got into the eye, it is a good plan to close the -other; and when water has got into the right ear, the person should -hop about on the left foot, with the head reclining upon the right -shoulder, the reverse being done when the same has happened to the -left ear. If the secretion of the phlegm produces coughing, the best -way of stopping it is for another person to blow in the party’s face. -When the uvula is relaxed, another person should take the patient with -his teeth by the crown,[2198] and lift him from the ground; while for -pains in the neck, the hams should be rubbed, and for pains in the hams -the neck. If a person is seized in bed with cramp in the sinews of the -legs or thighs, he should set his feet upon the ground: so, too, if he -has cramp on the left side, he should take hold of the great toe of -the left foot with the right hand, and if on the right side, the great -toe of the right foot with the left hand. For cold shiverings or for -excessive bleeding at the nostrils, the extremities of the body should -be well rubbed with sheep’s wool. To arrest incontinence of urine, the -extremities of the generative organs should be tied with a thread of -linen or papyrus, and a binding passed round the middle of the thigh. -For derangement of the stomach, it is a good plan to press the feet -together, or to plunge the hands into hot water. - -In addition to all this, in many cases it is found highly beneficial -to speak but little; thus, for instance, Mæcenas Melissus,[2199] we -are told, enjoined silence on himself for three years, in consequence -of spitting blood after a convulsive fit. When a person is thrown from -a carriage, or when, while mounting an elevation or lying extended at -full length, he is menaced with any accident, or if he receives a blow, -it is singularly beneficial to hold the breath; a discovery for which -we are indebted to an animal, as already[2200] stated. - -To thrust an iron nail into the spot where a person’s head lay at the -moment he was seized with a fit of epilepsy, is said to have the effect -of curing him of that disease. For pains in the kidneys, loins, or -bladder, it is considered highly soothing to void the urine lying on -the face at full length in a reclining bath. It is quite surprising how -much more speedily wounds will heal if they are bound up and tied with -a Hercules’ knot:[2201] indeed, it is said, that if the girdle which -we wear every day is tied with a knot of this description, it will be -productive of certain beneficial effects, Hercules having been the -first to discover the fact. - -Demetrius, in the treatise which he has compiled upon the number Four, -alleges certain reasons why drink should never be taken in proportions -of four cyathi or sextarii. As a preventive of ophthalmia, it is a good -plan to rub the parts behind the ears, and, as a cure for watery eyes, -to rub the forehead. As to the presages which are derived from man -himself, there is one to the effect that so long as a person is able to -see himself reflected in the pupil of the patient’s eye, there need be -no apprehension of a fatal termination to the malady. - - - - -CHAP. 18.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE URINE. - - -The urine,[2202] too, has been the subject not only of numerous -theories with authors, but of various religious observances as well, -its properties being classified under several distinctive heads: thus, -for instance, the urine of eunuchs, they say, is highly beneficial as -a promoter of fruitfulness in females. But to turn to those remedies -which we may be allowed to name without impropriety—the urine of -children who have not arrived at puberty is a sovereign remedy for -the poisonous secretions of the asp known as the “ptyas,”[2203] from -the fact that it spits its venom into the eyes of human beings. It -is good, too, for the cure of albugo, films and marks upon the eyes, -white specks[2204] upon the pupils, and maladies of the eyelids. In -combination with meal of fitches, it is used for the cure of burns, -and, with a head of bulbed leek, it is boiled down to one half, in a -new earthen vessel, for the treatment of suppurations of the ears, -or the extermination of worms breeding in those organs: the vapour, -too, of this decoction acts as an emmenagogue. Salpe recommends that -the eyes should be fomented with it, as a means of strengthening the -sight; and that it should be used as a liniment for sun scorches, in -combination with white of egg, that of the ostrich being the most -effectual, the application being kept on for a couple of hours. - -Urine is also used for taking out ink spots. Male urine cures gout, -witness the fullers for instance,[2205] who, for this reason, it is -said, are never troubled with that disease. With stale urine some mix -ashes of calcined oyster-shells, for the cure of eruptions on the -bodies of infants, and all kinds of running ulcers: it is used, too, as -a liniment for corrosive sores, burns, diseases of the rectum, chaps -upon the body, and stings inflicted by scorpions. The most celebrated -midwives have pronounced that there is no lotion which removes itching -sensations more effectually; and, with the addition of nitre,[2206] -they prescribe it for the cure of ulcers of the head, porrigo, and -cancerous sores, those of the generative organs in particular. But the -fact is, and there is no impropriety in saying so, that every person’s -own urine is the best for his own case, due care being taken to apply -it immediately, and unmixed with anything else; in such cases as the -bite of a dog, for instance, or the quill of a hedge-hog entering the -flesh, a sponge or some wool being the vehicle in which it is applied. -Kneaded up with ashes, it is good for the bite of a mad dog, and -for the cure of stings inflicted by serpents. As to the bite of the -scolopendra, the effects of urine are said to be quite marvellous—the -person who has been injured has only to touch the crown of his head -with a drop of his own urine, and he will experience an instantaneous -cure. - - - - -CHAP. 19.—INDICATIONS OF HEALTH DERIVED FROM THE URINE. - - -Certain indications of the health are furnished by the urine. Thus, -for example, if it is white at first in the morning and afterwards -high-coloured, the first signifies that the digestion is going on, the -last that it is completed. When the urine is red, it is a bad sign; but -when it is swarthy, it is the worst sign of all. So, too, when it is -thick or full of bubbles, it is a bad sign; and when a white sediment -forms, it is a symptom of pains in the region of the viscera or in the -joints. A green-coloured urine is indicative of disease of the viscera, -a pale urine of biliousness, and a red urine of some distemper in the -blood. The urine is in a bad state, too, when certain objects form -in it, like bran or fine clouds in appearance. A thin, white, urine -also is in a diseased state; but when it is thick and possessed of an -offensive smell, it is significant of approaching death: so, too, when -with children it is thin and watery. - -The adepts in magic expressly forbid a person, when about to make -water, to uncover the body in the face of the sun[2207] or moon, -or to sprinkle with his urine the shadow of any object whatsoever. -Hesiod[2208] gives a precept, recommending persons to make water -against an object standing full before them, that no divinity may be -offended by their nakedness being uncovered. Osthanes maintains that -every one who drops some urine upon his foot in the morning will be -proof against all noxious medicaments. - - - - -CHAP. 20. (7.)—FORTY-ONE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE FEMALE SEX. - - -The remedies said to be derived from the bodies of females closely -approach the marvellous nature of prodigies; to say nothing of -still-born infants cut up limb by limb for the most abominable -practices, expiations made with the menstrual discharge, and other -devices which have been mentioned, not only by midwives but by -harlots[2209] even as well! The smell of a woman’s hair, burnt, will -drive away serpents, and hysterical suffocations, it is said, may be -dispelled thereby. The ashes of a woman’s hair, burnt in an earthen -vessel, or used in combination with litharge, will cure eruptions -and prurigo of the eyes: used in combination with honey they will -remove warts and ulcers upon infants; with the addition of honey and -frankincense, they will heal wounds upon the head, and fill up all -concavities left by corrosive ulcers; used with hogs’ lard, they will -cure inflammatory tumours and gout; and applied topically to the part -affected, they will arrest erysipelas and hæmorrhage, and remove -itching pimples on the body which resemble the stings of ants. - - - - -CHAP. 21.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM WOMAN’S MILK. - - -As to the uses to which woman’s milk has been applied, it is -generally agreed that it is the sweetest and the most delicate of -all, and that it is the best[2210] of remedies for chronic fevers -and cœliac affections, when the woman has just weaned her infant -more particularly. In cases, too, of sickness at stomach, fevers, -and gnawing sensations, it has been found by experience to be highly -beneficial; as also, in combination with frankincense, for abscesses of -the mamillæ. When the eyes are bloodshot from the effects of a blow, -or affected with pain or defluxion, it is a very good plan to inject -woman’s milk into them, more particularly in combination with honey -and juice of daffodil, or else powdered frankincense. In all cases, -however, the milk of a woman who has been delivered of a male child -is the most efficacious, and still more so if she has had male twins; -provided always she abstains from wine and food of an acrid nature. -Mixed with the white of an egg in a liquid state, and applied to the -forehead in wool, it arrests defluxions of the eyes. If a frog[2211] -has spirted its secretions[2212] into the eye, woman’s milk is a most -excellent remedy; and for the bite of that reptile it is used both -internally and externally. - -It is asserted that if a person is rubbed at the same moment with -the milk of both mother and daughter, he will be proof for the rest -of his life against all affections of the eyes. Mixed with a small -quantity of oil, woman’s milk is a cure for diseases of the ears; and -if they are in pain from the effects of a blow, it is applied warm -with goose-grease. If the ears emit an offensive smell, a thing that -is mostly the case in diseases of long standing, wool is introduced -into those organs, steeped in woman’s milk and honey. While symptoms of -jaundice are still visible in the eyes, woman’s milk is injected, in -combination with elaterium.[2213] Taken as a drink, it is productive -of singularly good effects, where the poison of the sea-hare, the -buprestis,[2214] or, as Aristotle tells us, the plant doryenium[2215] -has been administered; as a preventive also of the madness produced by -taking henbane. Woman’s milk also, mixed with hemlock, is recommended -as a liniment for gout; while some there are who employ it for that -purpose in combination with wool-grease[2216] or goose-grease; a form -in which it is used as an application for pains in the uterus. Taken -as a drink, it arrests diarrhœa, Rabirius[2217] says, and acts as an -emmenagogue; but where the woman has been delivered of a female child, -her milk is of use only for the cure of face diseases. - -Woman’s milk is also a cure for affections of the lungs; and, mixed -with the urine of a youth who has not arrived at puberty, and Attic -honey, in the proportion of one spoonful of each, it removes singing in -the ears, I find. Dogs which have once tasted the milk of a woman who -has been delivered of a male child, will never become mad, they say. - - - - -CHAP. 22.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE SPITTLE OF FEMALES. - - -A woman’s fasting spittle is generally considered highly efficacious -for bloodshot eyes: it is good also for defluxions of those organs, -the inflamed corners of the eyes being moistened with it every now -and then; the result, too, is still more successful, if the woman has -abstained from food and wine the day before. - -I find it stated that head-ache may be alleviated by tying a woman’s -fillet[2218] round the head. - - - - -CHAP. 23.—FACTS CONNECTED WITH THE MENSTRUAL DISCHARGE. - - -Over and above these particulars, there is no limit to the marvellous -powers attributed to females. For, in the first place, hailstorms, -they say, whirlwinds, and lightning[2219] even, will be scared away by -a woman uncovering her body while her monthly courses are upon her. -The same, too, with all other kinds of tempestuous weather; and out -at sea, a storm may be lulled by a woman uncovering her body merely, -even though not menstruating at the time. As to the menstrual discharge -itself, a thing that in other respects, as[2220] already stated on a -more appropriate occasion, is productive of the most monstrous effects, -there are some ravings about it of a most dreadful and unutterable -nature. Of these particulars, however, I do not feel so much shocked -at mentioning the following. If the menstrual discharge coincides -with an eclipse of the moon or sun, the evils resulting from it are -irremediable; and no less so, when it happens while the moon is in -conjunction with the sun; the congress with a woman at such a period -being noxious, and attended with fatal effects to the man. At this -period also, the lustre of purple is tarnished by the touch of a woman: -so much more baneful is her influence at this time than at any other. -At any other time, also, if a woman strips herself naked while she -is menstruating, and walks round a field of wheat, the caterpillars, -worms, beetles, and other vermin, will fall from off the ears of corn. -Metrodorus of Scepsos tells us that this discovery was first made in -Cappadocia; and that, in consequence of such multitudes of cantharides -being found to breed there, it is the practice for women to walk -through the middle of the fields with their garments tucked up above -the thighs.[2221] In other places, again, it is the usage for women -to go barefoot, with the hair dishevelled and the girdle loose: due -precaution must be taken, however, that this is not done at sun-rise, -for if so, the crop will wither and dry up. Young vines, too, it is -said, are injured irremediably by the touch of a woman in this state; -and both rue and ivy, plants possessed of highly medicinal virtues, -will die instantly upon being touched by her. - -Much as I have already stated on the virulent effects of this -discharge, I have to state, in addition, that bees, it is a well-known -fact, will forsake their hives if touched by a menstruous woman; that -linen boiling in the cauldron will turn black, that the edge of a -razor will become blunted, and that copper vessels will contract a -fetid smell and become covered with verdigrease, on coming in contact -with her. A mare big with foal, if touched by a woman in this state, -will be sure to miscarry; nay, even more than this, at the very sight -of a woman, though seen at a distance even, should she happen to be -menstruating for the first time after the loss of her virginity, or for -the first time, while in a state of virginity. The bitumen[2222] that -is found in Judæa, will yield to nothing but the menstrual discharge; -its tenacity being overcome, as already stated, by the agency of a -thread from a garment which has been brought in contact with this -fluid. Fire itself even, an element which triumphs over every other -substance, is unable to conquer this; for if reduced to ashes and then -sprinkled upon garments when about to be scoured, it will change their -purple tint, and tarnish the brightness of the colours. Indeed so -pernicious are its properties, that women themselves, the source from -which it is derived, are far from being proof against its effects; a -pregnant woman, for instance, if touched with it, or indeed if she so -much as steps over it, will be liable to miscarry. - -Laïs and Elephantis[2223] have given statements quite at variance, on -the subject of abortives; they mention the efficacy for that purpose -of charcoal of cabbage root, myrtle root, or tamarisk root, quenched -in the menstrual discharge; they say that she-asses will be barren for -as many years as they have eaten barley-corns steeped in this fluid; -and they have enumerated various other monstrous and irreconcileable -properties, the one telling us, for instance, that fruitfulness may be -ensured by the very same methods, which, according to the statement of -the other, are productive of barrenness; to all which stories it is the -best plan to refuse credit altogether. Bithus of Dyrrhachium informs -us that a mirror,[2224] which has been tarnished by the gaze of a -menstruous female, will recover its brightness if the same woman looks -steadily upon the back of it; he states, also, that all evil influences -of this nature will be entirely neutralized, if the woman carries the -fish known as the sur mullet about her person. - -On the other hand, again, many writers say that, baneful as it is, -there are certain remedial properties in this fluid; that it is a good -plan, for instance, to use it as a topical application for gout, and -that women, while menstruating, can give relief by touching scrofulous -sores and imposthumes of the parotid glands, inflamed tumours, -erysipelas, boils, and defluxions of the eyes. According to Laïs and -Salpe, the bite of a mad dog, as well as tertian or quartan fevers, -may be cured by putting some menstruous blood in the wool of a black -ram and enclosing it in a silver bracelet; and we learn from Diotimus -of Thebes that the smallest portion will suffice of any kind of cloth -that has been stained therewith, a thread even, if inserted and worn in -a bracelet. The midwife Sotira informs us that the most efficient cure -for tertian and quartan fevers is to rub the soles of the patient’s -feet therewith, the result being still more successful if the operation -is performed by the woman herself, without the patient being aware -of it; she says, too, that this is an excellent method for reviving -persons when attacked with epilepsy. - -Icetidas the physician pledges his word that quartan fever may be -cured by sexual intercourse, provided the woman is just beginning to -menstruate. It is universally agreed, too, that when a person has -been bitten by a dog and manifests a dread of water and of all kinds -of drink, it will be quite sufficient to put under his cup a strip -of cloth that has been dipped in this fluid; the result being that -the hydrophobia will immediately disappear. This arises, no doubt, -from that powerful sympathy which has been so much spoken of by the -Greeks, and the existence of which is proved by the fact,[2225] already -mentioned, that dogs become mad upon tasting this fluid. It is a -well-known fact, too, that the menstruous discharge, reduced to ashes, -and applied with furnace soot and wax, is a cure for ulcers upon all -kinds of beasts of burden; and that stains made upon a garment with -it can only be removed by the agency of the urine of the same female. -Equally certain it is, too, that this fluid, reduced to ashes and -mixed with oil of roses, is very useful, applied to the forehead, for -allaying head-ache, in women more particularly; as also that the nature -of the discharge is most virulent in females whose virginity has been -destroyed solely by the lapse of time. - -Another thing universally acknowledged and one which I am ready to -believe with the greatest pleasure, is the fact, that if the door-posts -are only touched with the menstruous fluid all spells of the magicians -will be neutralized—a set of men the most lying in existence, as -any one may ascertain. I will give an example of one of the most -reasonable of their prescriptions—Take the parings of the toe-nails -and finger-nails of a sick person, and mix them up with wax, the party -saying that he is seeking a remedy for a tertian, quartan, or quotidian -fever, as the case may be; then stick this wax, before sunrise, upon -the door of another person—such is the prescription they give for -these diseases! What deceitful persons they must be if there is no -truth in it! And how highly criminal, if they really do thus transfer -diseases from one person to another! Some, of them, again, whose -practices are of a less guilty nature, recommend that the parings of -all the finger-nails should be thrown at the entrance of ant-holes, the -first ant to be taken which attempts to draw one into the hole; this, -they say, must be attached to the neck of the patient, and he will -experience a speedy cure. - - - - -CHAP. 24. (8.)—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM FOREIGN ANIMALS: THE ELEPHANT, -EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -Such then are the remedies from human beings which may with any degree -of propriety be described, and many of those with the leave and -good-will of the reader. The rest are of a most execrable and infamous -nature, such, in fact, as to make me hasten to close my description -of the remedies derived from man: we will therefore proceed to speak -of the more remarkable animals, and the effects produced by them. -The blood of the elephant, the male in particular, arrests all those -defluxions known by the name of “rheumatismi.” Ivory shavings, it is -said, in combination with Attic honey, are good for the removal of -spots upon the face: with the sawdust, too, of ivory, hangnails are -removed. By the touch of an elephant’s trunk head-ache is alleviated, -if the animal happens to sneeze at the time more particularly. The -right side of the trunk attached to the body with red earth of Lemnos, -acts powerfully as an aphrodisiac. Elephant’s blood is good for -consumption and the liver for epilepsy. - - - - -CHAP. 25.—TEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE LION. - - -Lion’s fat, mixed with oil of roses, protects the skin of the face from -all kinds of spots, and preserves the whiteness of the complexion; -it is remedial also for such parts of the body as have been frozen -by snow, and for swellings in the joints. The frivolous lies of the -magicians assert that persons who are anointed with lion’s fat, will -more readily win favour with kings and peoples; more particularly when -the fat has been used that lies between the eyebrows of the animal—a -place, in fact, where there is no fat to be found! The like effects -they promise also from the possession of a lion’s tooth, one from the -right side in particular, as also the shaggy hairs that are found upon -the lower jaw. The gall, used as an ointment in combination with water, -improves the eyesight, and, employed with the fat of the same animal, -is a cure for epilepsy; but a slight taste only must be taken of it, -and the patient must run immediately after swallowing it, in order to -digest it. A lion’s heart, used as food, is curative of quartan fevers, -and the fat, taken with oil of roses, of quotidian fevers. Wild beasts -will fly from persons anointed with lion’s fat, and it is thought to be -a preservative even against treacherous practices. - - - - -CHAP. 26.—TEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE CAMEL. - - -A camel’s[2226] brains, dried and taken in vinegar, are a cure, they -say, for epilepsy: the same, too, with the gall, taken with honey; -which is a remedy also for quinzy. A camel’s tail dried it is said, -is productive of diarrhœa, and ashes of burnt camel’s dung, mixed -with oil, make the hair curl. These ashes applied topically, are very -useful for dysentery, as also taken in drink, the proper dose being a -pinch in three fingers at a time; they are curative also of epilepsy. -Camel’s urine it is said, is very useful to fullers, and is good for -the cure of running sores. Barbarous nations, we are told, are in the -habit of keeping it till it is five years old, and then taking it as -a purgative, in doses of one semisextarius. The hairs of the tail, it -is said, plaited and attached to the left arm, are a cure for quartan -fevers. - - - - -CHAP. 27.—SEVENTY-NINE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HYÆNA. - - -But of all animals, it is the hyæna that has been held in the highest -admiration by the magicians, who have gone so far as to attribute to -it certain magical virtues even, and the power of alluring[2227] human -beings and depriving them of their senses. Of its change of sex each -year, and other monstrous peculiarities[2228] in its nature, we have -spoken already;[2229] we will now proceed to describe the medicinal -virtues that are ascribed to it. - -The hyæna, it is said, is particularly terrible to panthers; so much -so, indeed, that they will not attempt to make the slightest resistance -to it, and will never attack a man who has any portion of a hyæna’s -skin about him. A thing truly marvellous to tell of, if the hides of -these two animals are hung up facing one another, the hair will fall -from off the panther’s skin! When the hyæna flies before the hunter, it -turns off on the right, and letting the man get before it, follows in -his track; should it succeed in doing which, the man is sure to lose -his senses and fall from his horse even. But if, on the other hand, it -turns off to the left, it is a sign that the animal is losing strength, -and that it will soon be taken. The easiest method, however, of taking -it, they say, is for the hunter to tie his girdle with seven knots, -and to make as many knots in the whip with which he guides his horse. -In addition to all this, so full of quirks and subtleties are the vain -conceits of the magicians, they recommend the hyæna to be captured -while the moon is passing through the sign of Gemini, and every hair -of it to be preserved, if possible. They say, too, that the skin of -the head is highly efficacious, if attached to a person suffering -from head-ache; that the gall, applied to the forehead, is curative -of ophthalmia; and that if the gall is boiled down with three cyathi -of Attic honey and one ounce of saffron, it will be a most effectual -preservative against that disease, the same preparation being equally -good for the dispersion of films on the eyes and cataract. If, again, -this preparation is kept till it is old, it will be all the better -for improving the sight, due care being taken to preserve it in a box -of Cyprian copper: they assert also, that it is good for the cure of -argema, eruptions and excrescences of the eyes, and marks upon those -organs. For diseases[2230] of the crystalline humours of the eyes, it -is recommended to anoint them with the gravy of hyæna’s liver roasted -fresh, incorporated with clarified honey. - -We learn also, from the same sources, that the teeth of the hyæna are -useful for the cure of tooth-ache, the diseased tooth being either -touched with them, or the animal’s teeth being arranged in their -regular order, and attached to the patient; that the shoulders of this -animal are good for the cure of pains in the arms and shoulders; that -the teeth, extracted from the left side of the jaw, and wrapped in the -skin, of a sheep or he-goat, are an effectual cure for pains in the -stomach; that the lights of the animal, taken with the food, are good -for cœliac affections; that the lights, reduced to ashes and applied -with oil, are also soothing to the stomach; that the marrow of the -back-bone, used with old oil and gall, is strengthening to the sinews; -that the liver, tasted thrice just before the paroxysms, is good for -quartan fevers; that the ashes of the vertebræ, applied in hyæna’s -skin with the tongue and right foot of a sea-calf and a bull’s gall, -the whole boiled up together, are soothing for gout; that for the same -disease hyæna’s gall is advantageously employed in combination with -stone of Assos;[2231] that for cold shiverings, spasms, sudden fits of -starting, and palpitations of the heart, it is a good plan to eat some -portion of a hyæna’s heart cooked, care being taken to reduce the rest -to ashes, and to apply it with the brains of the animal to the part -affected; that this last composition, or the gall applied alone, acts -as a depilatory, the hairs being first plucked out which are wanted not -to grow again; that by this method superfluous hairs of the eyelids may -be removed; that the flesh of the loins, eaten and applied with oil, -is a cure for pains in the loins; and that sterility in females may be -removed by giving them the eye of this animal to eat, in combination -with liquorice and dill, conception within three days being warranted -as the result. - -Persons afflicted with night-mare and dread of spectres, will -experience relief, they say, by attaching one of the large teeth of a -hyæna to the body, with a linen thread. In fits of delirium too, it -is recommended to fumigate the patient with the smoke of one of these -teeth, and to attach one in front of his chest, with the fat of the -kidneys, or else the liver or skin. They assert also that a pregnant -woman will never miscarry, if she wears suspended from her neck, the -white flesh from a hyæna’s breast, with seven hairs and the genitals of -a stag, the whole tied up in the skin of a gazelle. The genitals, they -say, eaten with honey, act as a stimulant upon a person, according to -the sex, and this even though it should be the case of a man who has -manifested an aversion to all intercourse with females. - -Nay, even more than all this, we are assured that if the genitals and -a certain joint of the vertebræ are preserved in a house with the -hide adhering to them, they will ensure peace and concord between all -members of the family; hence it is that this part is known as the -“joint of the spine,”[2232] or “Atlantian[2233] knot.” This joint, -which is the first, is reckoned among the remedies for epilepsy. - -The fumes of the burnt fat of this animal will put serpents to flight, -they say; and the jawbone, pounded with anise and taken with the -food, is a cure for shivering fits. A fumigation made therewith has -the effect of an emmenagogue; and such are the frivolous and absurd -conceits of the professors of the magic art, that they boldly assert -that if a man attaches to his arm a tooth from the right side of the -upper jaw, he will never miss any object he may happen to aim at with -a dart. The palate, dried and warmed with Egyptian alum,[2234] is -curative of bad odours and ulcers of the mouth, care being taken to -renew the application three times. Dogs, they say, will never bark at -persons who have a hyæna’s tongue in the shoe beneath the sole of the -foot. The left side of the brain, applied to the nostrils, is said to -have a soothing effect upon all dangerous maladies either in men or -beasts. They say, too, that the skin of the forehead is a preservative -against all fascinations; that the flesh of the neck, whether eaten -or dried and taken in drink, is good for pains in the loins; that the -sinews of the back and shoulders, used as a fumigation, are good for -pains in the sinews; that the bristles of the snout, applied to a -woman’s lips, have all the effect of a philtre; and that the liver, -administered in drink, is curative of griping pains and urinary calculi. - -The heart, it is said, taken with the food or drink, is remedial for -all kinds of pains in the body; the milt for pains in the spleen; the -caul, in combination with oil, for inflammatory ulcers; and the marrow -for pains in the spine and weakness in the sinews. The strings of the -kidneys, they say, if taken with wine and frankincense, will restore -fruitfulness, in cases where it has been banished through the agency -of noxious spells; the uterus, taken in drink with the rind of a sweet -pomegranate, is highly beneficial for diseases of the uterus; and -the fat of the loins, used as a fumigation, removes all impediments -to delivery, and accelerates parturition. The marrow of the back, -attached to the body as an amulet, is an effectual remedy for fantastic -illusions,[2235] and the genitals of the male animal, used as a -fumigation, are good for the cure of spasms. For ophthalmia, ruptures, -and inflammations, the feet, which are kept for the purpose, are -touched; the left feet for affections on the right side of the body, -and the right feet for affections on the left. The left foot, if laid -upon the body of a woman in travail, will be productive, they say, of -fatal effects; but the right foot, similarly employed, will facilitate -delivery. The vesicle which has contained the gall, taken in wine or -with the food, is beneficial for the cardiac disease; and the bladder, -taken in wine, is a good preservative against incontinence of urine. -The urine, too, which is found in the bladder, taken with oil, sesame, -and honey, is said to be useful for diseases of long standing. - -The first rib and the eighth, used as a fumigation, are said to be -useful for ruptures; the vertebræ for women in travail; and the blood, -in combination with polenta,[2236] for griping pains in the bowels. If -the door-posts are touched with this blood, the various arts of the -magicians will be rendered of no effect; they will neither be able to -summon the gods into their presence nor to converse with them, whatever -the method to which they have recourse, whether lamps or basin, water -or globe,[2237] or any other method. - -The flesh of the hyæna, taken as food, is said to be efficacious for -the bite of a mad dog, and the liver still more so. The flesh or bones -of a human being which have been found in the belly of a slain hyæna, -used as a fumigation, are said to be remedial for gout: but if among -these remains the nails are found, it is looked upon as a presage of -death to some one among those who have captured it. The excrements or -bones which have been voided by the animal at the moment when killed, -are looked upon as counter-charms to magic spells. The dung found in -the intestines is dried and administered in drink for dysentery; and it -is applied to all parts of the body with goose-grease, in the form of -a liniment, in the case of persons who have received injury from some -noxious medicament. By rubbing themselves with the grease, and lying -upon the skin, of a hyæna, persons who have been bitten by dogs are -cured. - -On the other hand, the ashes of the left pastern-bone, they say, -boiled with weasel’s blood, and applied to a person’s body, will -ensure universal hatred; a similar effect being equally produced by -the eye when boiled. But the most extraordinary thing of all is, -their assertion that the extremity of the rectum of this animal is -a preservative against all oppression on the part of chiefs and -potentates, and an assurance of success in all petitions, judgments, -and lawsuits, and this, if a person only carries it about him. The -anus, according to them, has so powerful an effect as a philtre, that -if it is worn on the left arm, a woman will be sure to follow the -wearer the moment he looks at her. The hairs, too, of this part, -reduced to ashes, and applied with oil to the body of a man who is -living a life of disgraceful effeminacy, will render him not only -modest, they assure us, but of scrupulous morals even. - - - - -CHAP. 28.—NINETEEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE CROCODILE. - - -For fabulous stories connected with it the crocodile may challenge -the next place; and, indeed for cunning, the one[2238] which lives -both upon land and in the water is fully its equal: for I would here -remark, that there are two varieties of this animal. The teeth of the -right jaw of the amphibious crocodile, attached to the right arm as -an amulet, acts as an aphrodisiac, that is, if we choose to believe -it. The eye-teeth of the animal, filled with frankincense—for they are -hollow—are a cure for periodical fevers, care being taken to let the -patient remain five days without seeing the person who has attached -them to his body. A similar virtue is attributed to the small stones -which are found in the belly of this animal, as being a check to the -cold shiverings in fevers, when about to come on; and with the same -object the Ægyptians are in the habit of anointing their sick with the -fat of the crocodile. - -The other kind of crocodile[2239] resembles it, but is much inferior in -size: it lives upon land only, and among the most odoriferous flowers; -hence it is that its intestines are so greatly in request, being -filled as they are with a mass of agreeable perfumes. This substance -is called “crocodilea,” and it is looked upon as extremely beneficial -for diseases of the eyes, and for the treatment of films and cataract, -being applied with leek-juice in the form of an ointment. Applied with -oil of cyprus,[2240] it removes blemishes growing upon the face; and, -employed with water, it is a cure for all those diseases, the nature of -which it is to spread upon the face, while at the same time it restores -the natural tints of the skin. An application of it makes freckles -disappear, as well as all kinds of spots and pimples; and it is taken -for epilepsy, in doses of two oboli, in oxymel. Used in the form of a -pessary it acts as an emmenagogue. The best kind of crocodilea, is that -which is the whitest, friable, and the lightest in weight: when rubbed -between the fingers it should ferment like leaven. The usual method is -to wash it, as they do white lead. It is sometimes adulterated with -amylum[2241] or with Cimolian earth, but the most common method of -sophistication is to catch the crocodiles and feed them upon nothing -but rice. It is recommended as one of the most efficient remedies for -cataract to anoint the eyes with crocodile’s gall, incorporated with -honey. We are assured also that it is highly beneficial for affections -of the uterus to make fumigations with the intestines and rest of the -body, or else to envelope the patient with wool impregnated with the -smoke. - -The ashes of the skin of either crocodile, applied with vinegar to such -parts of the body as are about to undergo an incision, or indeed the -very smell of the skin when burning, will render the patient insensible -to the knife. The blood of either crocodile, applied to the eyes, -effaces marks upon those organs and improves the sight. The body, with -the exception of the head and feet, is eaten, boiled, for the cure of -sciatica, and is found very useful for chronic coughs, in children more -particularly: it is equally good, too, for the cure of lumbago. These -animals have a certain fat also, which, applied to the hair, makes it -fall off; persons anointed with this fat are effectually protected -against crocodiles, and it is the practice to drop it into wounds -inflicted by them. A crocodile’s heart, attached to the body in the -wool of a black sheep without a speck of any other colour, due care too -being taken that the sheep was the first lamb yeaned by its dam, will -effectually cure a quartan fever, it is said. - - - - -CHAP. 29.—FIFTEEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE CHAMÆLEON. - - -To these animals we shall annex some others that are equally foreign, -and very similar in their properties. To begin then with the chamæleon, -which Democritus has considered worthy to be made the subject of an -especial work, and each part of which has been consecrated to some -particular purpose—This book, in fact, has afforded me no small -amusement, revealing as it does, and exposing the lies and frivolities -of the Greeks.—In size, the chamæleon resembles the crocodile last -mentioned, and only differs from it in having the back-bone arched at a -more acute angle, and a larger tail. There is no animal, it is thought, -more[2242] timid than this, a fact to which it owes its repeated -changes of colour.[2243] It has a peculiar ascendancy over the hawk -tribe; for, according to report, it has the power of attracting those -birds, when flying above it, and then leaving them a voluntary prey -for other animals. Democritus[2244] asserts that if the head and neck -of a chamæleon are burnt in a fire made with logs of oak, it will be -productive of a storm attended with rain and thunder; a result equally -produced by burning the liver upon the tiles of a house. As to the -rest of the magical virtues which he ascribes to this animal, we shall -forbear to mention them, although we look upon them as unfounded;[2245] -except, indeed, in some few instances where their very ridiculousness -sufficiently refutes his assertions. - -The right eye, he says, taken from the living animal and applied with -goats’ milk, removes diseases of the crystalline humours of the eyes; -and the tongue, attached to the body as an amulet, is an effectual -preservative against the perils of child-birth. He asserts also that -the animal itself will facilitate parturition, if in the house at the -moment; but if, on the other hand, it is brought from elsewhere, the -consequences, he says, will be most dangerous. The tongue, he tells -us, if taken from the animal alive, will ensure a favourable result -to suits at law; and the heart, attached to the body with black wool -of the first shearing, is a good preservative against the attacks of -quartan fever. - -He states also that the right fore-paw, attached to the left arm in the -skin of the hyæna, is a most effectual preservative against robberies -and alarms at night; that the pap on the right side is a preventive -of fright and panics; that the left foot is sometimes burnt in a -furnace with the plant which also has the name of “chamæleon,”[2246] -and is then made up, with some unguent, into lozenges; and that these -lozenges, kept in a wooden vessel, have the effect, if we choose -to believe him, of making their owner invisible to others; that the -possession, also, of the right shoulder of this animal will ensure -victory over all adversaries or enemies, provided always the party -throws the sinews of the shoulder upon the ground and treads them under -foot. As to the left shoulder of the chamæleon, I should be quite -ashamed to say to what monstrous purposes Democritus devotes it; how -that dreams may be produced by the agency thereof, and transferred to -any person we may think proper; how that these dreams may be dispelled -by the employment of the right foot; and how that lethargy, which has -been produced by the right foot of this animal, may be removed by the -agency of the left side. - -So, too, head-ache, he tells us, may be cured by sprinkling wine upon -the head, in which either flank of a chamæleon has been macerated. -If the feet are rubbed with the ashes of the left thigh or foot, -mixed with sow’s milk, gout, he says, will be the result. It is -pretty generally believed, however, that cataract and diseases of the -crystalline humours of the eyes may be cured by anointing those organs -with the gall for three consecutive days; that serpents may be put -to flight by dropping some of it into the fire; that weasels may be -attracted by water into which it has been thrown; and that, applied to -the body, it acts as a depilatory. The liver, they say, applied with -the lungs of a bramble-frog, is productive of a similar effect: in -addition to which, we are told that the liver counteracts the effects -of philtres; that persons are cured of melancholy by drinking from the -warm skin of a chamæleon the juice of the plant known by that name; and -that if the intestines of the animal and their contents—we should bear -in mind that in reality the animal lives without food[2247]—are mixed -with apes’ urine, and the doors of an enemy are besmeared with the -mixture, he will, through its agency, become the object of universal -hatred. - -We are told, too, that by the agency of the tail, the course of rivers -and torrents may be stopped, and serpents struck with torpor; that -the tail, prepared with cedar and myrrh, and tied to a double branch -of the date-palm, will divide waters that are smitten therewith, and -so disclose everything that lies at the bottom—and I only wish[2248] -that Democritus himself had been touched up with this branch of palm, -seeing that, as he tells us, it has the property of putting an end to -immoderate garrulity. It is quite evident that this philosopher, a man -who has shown himself so sagacious in other respects, and so useful to -his fellow-men, has been led away, in this instance, by too earnest a -desire to promote the welfare of mankind. - - - - -CHAP. 30.—FOUR REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE SCINCUS. - - -Similar in appearance to the preceding animals is the scincus,[2249] -which by some writers has been called the land crocodile; it is, -however, whiter in appearance, and the skin is not so thick. But the -main difference between it and the crocodile is in the arrangement of -the scales, which run from the tail towards the head. The largest of -these animals is the Indian scincus, and next to it that of Arabia; -they are brought here salted. The muzzle and fat of the scincus, taken -in white wine, act as an aphrodisiac; when used with satyrion[2250] -and rocket-seed more particularly, in the proportion of one drachma -of each, mixed with two drachmæ of pepper; the whole being made up -into lozenges of one drachma each, and so taken in drink. The flesh -from the flanks, taken internally in a similar manner, in doses of two -oboli, with myrrh and pepper, is generally thought to be productive -of a similar effect, and to be even more efficacious for the purpose. -According to Apelles, the flesh of the scincus is good for wounds -inflicted by poisoned arrows, whether taken before or after the wound -is inflicted: it is used as an ingredient, also, in the most celebrated -antidotes. Sextius tells us, that, taken in doses of more than one -drachma, in one semisextarius of wine, the flesh is productive of -deadly results: he adds, too, that a broth prepared from it, taken with -honey, acts as an antaphrodisiac. - - - - -CHAP. 31.—SEVEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. - - -Between the crocodile, too, and the hippopotamus there is a certain -affinity, frequenting as they do the same river, and being both of them -of an amphibious nature. The hippopotamus was the first inventor of -the practice of letting blood, a a fact to which we have[2251] made -allusion on a previous occasion: it is found, too, in the greatest -numbers in the parts above the præfecture of Saïs. - -The hide, reduced to ashes and applied with water, is curative -of inflamed tumours, and the fat, as well as the dung, used as a -fumigation, is employed for the cure of cold agues. With the teeth -of the left side of the jaw, the gums are scarified for the cure of -tooth-ache. The skin of the left side of the forehead, attached to the -groin, acts as an antaphrodisiac; and an application of the ashes of -the same part will cause the hair to grow when lost through alopecy. -The testes are taken in water, in doses of one drachma, for the cure of -injuries inflicted by serpents. The blood is made use of by painters. - - - - -CHAP. 32.—FIVE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE LYNX. - - -To foreign countries, also, belongs the lynx, which of all quadrupeds -is possessed of the most piercing sight. It is said that in the Isle of -Carpathus a most powerful medicament is obtained by reducing to ashes -the nails of the lynx, together with the hide; that these ashes, taken -in drink, have the effect of checking abominable desires in men; and -that, if they are sprinkled upon women, all libidinous thoughts will be -restrained. They are good too for the removal of itching sensations in -any part of the body. The urine of the lynx is a remedy for strangury; -for which reason the animal, it is said, is in the habit of rooting -up the ground and covering it the moment it is voided.[2252] It is -mentioned, too, that this urine is an effectual remedy for pains in the -throat. Thus much with reference to foreign animals. - - - - -CHAP. 33. (9.)—REMEDIES FURNISHED IN COMMON BY ANIMALS OF THE SAME -CLASS, WHETHER WILD OR TAME. FIFTY-FOUR MEDICINAL USES OF MILK, WITH -OBSERVATIONS THEREON. - - -We will now return to our own part of the world, speaking, first of -all, of certain remedies common to animals in general, but excellent in -their nature; such as the use of milk, for example. The most beneficial -milk to every creature is the mother’s[2253] milk. It is highly -dangerous for nursing women to conceive: children that are suckled -by them are known among us as “colostrati,”[2254] their milk being -thick, like cheese in appearance—the name “colostra,”[2255] it should -be remembered, is given to the first milk secreted after delivery, -which assumes a spongy, coagulated form. The most nutritive milk, in -all cases, is woman’s milk, and next to that goats’ milk, to which -is owing, probably, the fabulous story that Jupiter was suckled by a -goat.[2256] The sweetest, next to woman’s milk, is camels’ milk; but -the most efficacious, medicinally speaking, is asses’ milk. It is in -animals of the largest size and individuals of the greatest bulk, that -the milk is secreted with the greatest facility. Goats’ milk agrees -the best with the stomach, that animal browsing more than grazing. -Cows’ milk is considered more medicinal, while ewes’ milk is sweeter and -more nutritive, but not so well adapted to the stomach, it being more -oleaginous than any other. - -Every kind of milk is more aqueous in spring than in summer, and the -same in all cases where the animal has grazed upon a new pasture. -The best milk of all is that which adheres to the finger nail, when -placed there, and does not run from off it. Milk is most harmless when -boiled, more particularly if sea pebbles[2257] have been boiled with -it. Cows’ milk is the most relaxing, and all kinds of milk are less -apt to inflate when boiled. Milk is used for all kinds of internal -ulcerations, those of the kidneys, bladder, intestines, throat, and -lungs in particular; and externally, it is employed for itching -sensations upon the skin, and for purulent eruptions, it being taken -fasting for the purpose. We have already[2258] stated, when speaking -of the plants, how that in Arcadia cows’ milk is administered for -phthisis, consumption, and cachexy. Instances are cited, also, of -persons who have been cured of gout in the hands and feet, by drinking -asses’ milk. - -To these various kinds of milk, medical men have added another, to -which they have given the name of “schiston;”[2259] following being -the usual method of preparing it. Goats’ milk, which is used in -preference for the purpose, is boiled in a new earthen vessel, and -stirred with branches of a fig-tree newly gathered, as many cyathi -of honied wine being added to it as there are semisextarii of milk. -When the mixture boils, care is taken to prevent it running over, by -plunging into it a silver cyathus measure filled with cold water, -none of the water being allowed to escape. When taken off the fire, -the constituent parts of it divide as it cools, and the whey is thus -separated from the milk. Some persons, again, take this whey, which is -now very strongly impregnated with wine, and, after boiling it down to -one third, leave it to cool in the open air. The best way of taking -it, is in doses of one semisextarius, at stated intervals, during -five consecutive days; after taking it, riding exercise should be -used by the patient. This whey is administered in cases of epilepsy, -melancholy, paralysis, leprosy, elephantiasis, and diseases of the -joints. - -Milk is employed as an injection where excoriations have been caused -by the use of strong purgatives; in cases also where dysentery is -productive of chafing, it is similarly employed, boiled with sea -pebbles or a ptisan of barley. Where, however, the intestines are -excoriated, cows’ milk or ewes’ milk is the best. New milk is used as -an injection for dysentery; and in an unboiled state, it is employed -for affections of the colon and uterus, and for injuries inflicted by -serpents. It is also taken internally as an antidote to the venom of -cantharides, the pine-caterpillar, the buprestis, and the salamander. -Cows’ milk is particularly recommended for persons who have taken -colchicum, hemlock, dorycnium,[2260] or the flesh of the sea-hare; -and asses’ milk, in cases where gypsum, white-lead, sulphur,[2261] -or quick-silver, have been taken internally. This last is good too -for constipation attendant upon fever, and is remarkably useful as a -gargle for ulcerations of the throat. It is taken, also, internally, -by patients suffering from atrophy, for the purpose of recruiting -their exhausted strength; as also in cases of fever unattended with -head-ache. The ancients held it as one of their grand secrets, to -administer to children, before taking food, a semisextarius of asses’ -milk, or for want of that, goats’ milk; a similar dose, too, was given -to children troubled with chafing of the rectum at stool. It is -considered a sovereign remedy for hardness of breathing, to take cows’ -milk whey, mixed with nasturtium. In cases of ophthalmia, too, the -eyes are fomented with a mixture of one semisextarius of milk and four -drachmæ of pounded sesame. - -Goats’ milk is a cure for diseases of the spleen; but in such case the -goats must fast a couple of days, and be fed on ivy-leaves the third; -the patient, too, must drink the milk for three consecutive days, -without taking any other nutriment. Milk, under other circumstances, -is detrimental to persons suffering from head-ache, liver complaints, -diseases of the spleen, and affections of the sinews; it is bad for -fevers, also, vertigo—except, indeed, where it is required as a -purgative—oppression of the head, coughs, and ophthalmia. Sows’ milk is -extremely useful in cases of tenesmus, dysentery, and phthisis; authors -have been found too, to assert that it is very wholesome for females. - - - - -CHAP. 34.—TWELVE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM CHEESE. - - -We have already[2262] spoken of the different kinds of cheese when -treating of the mamillæ and other parts of animals. Sextius attributes -the same properties to mares’ milk cheese that he does to cheese made -of cows’ milk: to the former he gives the names of “hippace.” Cheese -is best for the stomach when not salted, or, in other words, when new -cheese is used. Old [salted] cheese has a binding effect upon the -bowels, and reduces the flesh, but is more wholesome to the stomach -[than new salted cheese]. Indeed, we may pronounce of aliments in -general, that salt meats reduce the system, while fresh food has a -tendency to make flesh. Fresh cheese, applied with honey, effaces -the marks of bruises. It acts, also, emolliently upon the bowels; -and, taken in the form of tablets, boiled in astringent wine and then -toasted with honey on a platter, it modifies and alleviates griping -pains in the bowels. - -The cheese known as “saprum,”[2263] is beaten up, in wine, with salt -and dried sorb apples, and taken, in drink, for the cure of cœliac -affections. Goats’ milk cheese, pounded and applied to the part -affected, is a cure for carbuncle of the generative organs; sour -cheese,[2264] also, with oxymel, is productive of a similar effect. -In the bath it is used as a friction, alternately with oil, for the -removal of spots. - - - - -CHAP. 35.—TWENTY-FIVE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM BUTTER. - - -From milk, too, butter is produced; held as the most delicate food -among barbarous[2265] nations, and one which distinguishes[2266] the -wealthy from the multitude at large. It is mostly made from cows’ -milk, and hence its name;[2267] but the richest butter is that made -from ewes’ milk. There is a butter made also from goats’ milk; but -previously to making it, the milk should first be warmed, in winter. In -summer it is extracted from the milk by merely shaking it to and fro -in a tall vessel, with a small orifice at the mouth to admit the air, -but otherwise closely stopped, a little water[2268] being added to make -it curdle the sooner. The milk that curdles the most, floats upon the -surface; this they remove, and, adding salt to it, give it the name of -“oxygala.”[2269] They then take the remaining part and boil it down in -pots, and that portion of it which floats on the surface is butter, -a substance of an oily nature. The more[2270] rank it is in smell, -the more highly it is esteemed. When old, it forms an ingredient in -numerous compositions. It is of an astringent, emollient, repletive, -and purgative nature. - - - - -CHAP. 36.—OXYGALA: ONE REMEDY. - - -Oxygala, too, is prepared another way, sour milk being added to -the fresh milk which is wanted to curdle. This preparation is -extremely wholesome to the stomach: of its properties we shall have -occasion[2271] to speak in another place. - - - - -CHAP. 37.—THE VARIOUS USES OF FAT AND OBSERVATIONS UPON IT, FIFTY-TWO -IN NUMBER. - - -Among the remedies common to living creatures, fat is the substance -held in the next highest esteem, that of swine in particular, which -was employed by the ancients for certain religious purposes even: at -all events, it is still the usage for the newly-wedded bride, when -entering her husband’s house, to touch the door-posts with it. There -are two methods of keeping hogs’ lard, either salted or fresh; indeed, -the older it is, the better. The Greek writers have now given it the -name of “axungia,”[2272] or axle-grease, in their works. Nor, in fact, -is it any secret, why swine’s fat should be possessed of such marked -properties, seeing that the animal feeds to such a great extent upon -the roots of plants—owing too, to which, its dung is applied to such -a vast number of purposes. It will be as well, therefore, to promise, -that I shall here speak only of the hog that feeds in the open field, -and no other; of which kind it is the female that is much the most -useful—if she has never farrowed, more particularly. But it is the fat -of the wild boar that is held in by far the highest esteem of all. - -The distinguishing properties, then, of swine’s-grease, are emollient, -calorific, resolvent, and detergent. Some physicians recommend it as -an ointment for the gout, mixed with goose-grease, bull-suet, and -wool-grease: in cases, however, where the pain is persistent, it should -be used in combination with wax, myrtle, resin, and pitch. Hogs’ lard -is used fresh for the cure of burns, and of blains, too, caused by -snow: with ashes of burnt barley and nutgalls, in equal proportions, -it is employed for the cure of chilblains. It is good also for -excoriations of the limbs, and for dispelling weariness and lassitude -arising from long journeys. For the cure of chronic cough, new lard -is boiled down, in the proportion of three ounces to three cyathi of -wine, some honey being added to the mixture. Old lard too, if it has -been kept without salt, made up into pills and taken internally, is a -cure for phthisis: but it is a general rule not to use it salted in -any cases except where detergents are required, or where there are no -symptoms of ulceration. For the cure of phthisis, some persons boil -down three ounces of hogs’ lard and honied wine, in three cyathi of -ordinary wine; and after swathing the sides, chest, and shoulders of -the patient with compresses steeped in the preparation, administer to -him, every four days, some tar with an egg: indeed, so potent is this -composition, that if it is only attached to the knees even, the flavour -of it will ascend to the mouth, and the patient will appear to spit it -out,[2273] as it were. - -The grease of a sow that has never farrowed, is the most useful of all -cosmetics for the skin of females; but in all cases, hogs’ lard is -good for the cure of itch-scab, mixed with pitch and beef-suet in the -proportion of one-third, the whole being made lukewarm for the purpose. -Fresh hogs’ lard, applied as a pessary, imparts nutriment to the infant -in the womb, and prevents abortion. Mixed with white lead or litharge, -it restores scars to their natural colour; and, in combination with -sulphur, it rectifies malformed nails. It prevents the hair also -from falling off; and, applied with a quarter of a nutgall, it heals -ulcers upon the head in females. When well smoked, it strengthens the -eyelashes. Lard is recommended also for phthisis, boiled down with -old wine, in the proportion of one ounce to a semisextarius, till -only three ounces are left; some persons add a little honey to the -composition. Mixed with lime, it is used as a liniment for inflamed -tumours, boils, and indurations of the mamillæ: it is curative also of -ruptures, convulsions, cramps, and sprains. Used with white hellebore, -it is good for corns, chaps, and callosities; and, with pounded -earthenware[2274] which has held salted provisions, for imposthumes of -the parotid glands and scrofulous sores. Employed as a friction in the -bath, it removes itching sensations and pimples: but for the treatment -of gout there is another method of preparing it, by mixing it with old -oil, and adding pounded sarcophagus[2275] stone and cinquefoil bruised -in wine, or else with lime or ashes. A peculiar kind of plaster is -also made of it for the cure of inflammatory ulcers, seventy-five -denarii of hogs’ lard being mixed with one hundred of litharge. - -It is reckoned a very good plan also to anoint ulcers with boars’ -grease, and, if they are of a serpiginous nature, to add resin to the -liniment. The ancients used to employ hogs’ lard in particular for -greasing the axles of their vehicles, that the wheels might revolve -the more easily, and to this, in fact, it owes its name of “axungia.” -When hogs’ lard has been used for this purpose, incorporated as it is -with the rust of the iron upon the wheels, it is remarkably useful as -an application for diseases of the rectum and of the generative organs. -The ancient physicians, too, set a high value upon the medicinal -properties of hogs’ lard in an unmixed state: separating it from the -kidneys, and carefully removing the veins, they used to wash and rub it -well in rain water, after which they boiled it several times in a new -earthen vessel, and then put it by for keeping. It is generally agreed -that it is more emollient, calorific, and resolvent, when salted; and -that it is still more useful when it has been rinsed in wine. - -Massurius informs us, that the ancients set the highest value of all -upon the fat of the wolf: and that it was for this reason that the -newly-wedded bride used to anoint the door-posts of her husband’s house -with it, in order that no noxious spells might find admittance. - - - - -CHAP. 38.—SUET. - - -Corresponding with the grease of the swine, is the suet[2276] that is -found in the ruminating animals, a substance employed in other ways, -but no less efficacious in its properties. The proper mode of preparing -it, in all cases, is to take out the veins and to rinse it in sea or -salt-water, after which it is beaten up in a mortar, with a sprinkling -of sea-water in it. This done, it is boiled in several waters, until, -in fact, it has lost all smell, and is then bleached by continual -exposure to the sun; that of the most esteemed quality being the fat -which grows about the kidneys. In case stale suet is required for any -medicinal purpose, it is recommended to melt it first, and then to wash -it in cold water several times; after which, it must again be melted -with a sprinkling of the most aromatic wine that can be procured, it -being then boiled again and again, until the rank smell has totally -disappeared. - -Many persons recommend that the fat of bulls, lions, panthers, and -camels, in particular, should be thus prepared. As to the various uses -to which these substances are applied, we shall mention them on the -appropriate occasions. - - - - -CHAP. 39.—MARROW. - - -Common too, to all these animals, is marrow; a substance which in all -cases is possessed of certain emollient, expletive, desiccative, and -calorific properties. The most highly esteemed of all is deer’s marrow, -the next best being that of the calf, and then that of the goat, both -male and female. These substances are prepared before autumn, by -washing them in a fresh state, and drying them in the shade; after -which they are passed through a sieve, and then strained through linen, -and put by in earthen pots for keeping, in a cool spot. - - - - -CHAP. 40.—GALL. - - -But among the substances which are furnished in common by the various -animals, it is the gall, we may say, that is the most efficacious of -all. The properties of this substance are of a calorific, pungent, -resolvent, extractive, and dispersive nature. The gall of the smaller -animals is looked upon as the most penetrating; for which reason -it is that it is generally considered the most efficacious for the -composition of eye-salves. Bull’s gall is possessed of a remarkable -degree of potency, having the effect of imparting a golden tint to the -surface of copper even and to vessels made of other metals. Gall in -every case is prepared in the following manner: it is taken fresh, and -the orifice of the vesicle in which it is contained being tied fast -with a strong linen thread, it is left to steep for half an hour in -boiling water; after which it is dried in the shade, and then put away -for keeping, in honey. - -That of the horse is condemned, being reckoned among the poisons only. -Hence it is that the Flamen[2277] of the Sacrifices is not allowed -to touch a horse, notwithstanding that it is the custom to immolate -one[2278] of these animals at the public sacrifices at Rome. - - - - -CHAP. 41.—BLOOD. - - -The blood, also, of the horse is possessed of certain corrosive -properties; and so, too, is mare’s blood—except, indeed, where the -animal has not been covered—it having the effect of cauterizing the -margins of ulcers, and so enlarging them. Bull’s blood too, taken -fresh, is reckoned[2279] among the poisons; except, indeed, at -Ægira,[2280] at which place the priestess of the Earth, when about to -foretell coming events, takes a draught of bull’s blood before she -descends into the cavern: so powerful, in fact, is the agency of that -sympathy so generally spoken of, that it may occasionally originate, we -find, in feelings of religious awe,[2281] or in the peculiar nature of -the locality. - -Drusus,[2282] the tribune of the people, drank goats’ blood, it is -said; it being his object by his pallid looks to suggest that his -enemy, Q. Cæpio, had given him poison, and so expose him to public -hatred. So remarkably powerful is the blood of the he-goat, that there -is nothing better in existence for sharpening iron implements, the rust -produced by this blood giving them a better edge even than a file. -Considering, however, that the blood of all animals cannot be reckoned -as a remedy in common, will it not be advisable, in preference, to -speak of the effects that are produced by that of each kind? - - - - -CHAP. 42.—PECULIAR REMEDIES DERIVED FROM VARIOUS ANIMALS, AND -CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THE MALADIES. REMEDIES AGAINST THE POISON OF -SERPENTS, DERIVED FROM THE STAG, THE FAWN, THE OPHION, THE SHE-GOAT, -THE KID, AND THE ASS. - - -We will therefore classify the various remedies, according to the -maladies for which they are respectively used; and, first of all, those -to which man has recourse for injuries inflicted by serpents. That -deer are destructive to those reptiles[2283] no one is ignorant; as -also of the fact that they drag them from their holes when they find -them, and so devour them. And it is not only while alive and breathing -that deer are thus fatal to serpents, but even when dead and separated -limb from limb. The fumes of their horns, while burning, will drive -away serpents, as already[2284] stated; but the bones, it is said, of -the upper part of a stag’s throat, if burnt upon a fire, will bring -those reptiles together. Persons may sleep upon a deer’s skin in -perfect safety, and without any apprehension of attacks by serpents; -its rennet too, taken with vinegar, is an effectual antidote to the -stings of those reptiles; indeed, if it has been only touched by a -person, he will be for that day effectually protected from them. The -testes, dried, or the genitals of the male animal, are considered to be -very wholesome, taken in wine, and so are the umbles, generally known -as the “centipellio.”[2285] Persons having about them a deer’s tooth, -or who have taken the precaution of rubbing the body with a deer or -fawn’s marrow, will be sure to repel the attacks of all serpents. - -But the most effectual remedy of all is thought to be the rennet of a -fawn that has been cut from the uterus of the dam, as already[2286] -mentioned in another place. Deer’s blood, burnt upon a fire of lentisk -wood, with dracontium,[2287] cunilago,[2288] and alkanet, will attract -serpents, they say; while, on the other hand, if the blood is removed -and pyrethrum[2289] substituted for it, they will take to flight. - -I find an animal mentioned by Greek writers, smaller than the stag, -but resembling it in the hair, and to which they give the name of -“ophion.”[2290] Sardinia, they say, is the only country that produces -it; I am of opinion, however, that it is now extinct, and for that -reason I shall not enlarge upon its medicinal properties. - -(10.) As a preservative against the attacks of serpents, the brains and -blood of the wild boar are held in high esteem: the liver also, dried -and taken in wine with rue; and the fat, used with honey and resin. -Similar properties are attributed to the liver of the domesticated -boar and the outer filaments, and those only, of the gall, these last -being taken in doses of four denarii; the brains also, taken in wine, -are equally effectual. The fumes of the burning horns or hair of a -she-goat will repel serpents, they say: the ashes, too, of the horns, -used either internally or externally, are thought to be an antidote to -their poison. A similar effect is attributed to goats’ milk, taken with -Taminian[2291] grapes; to the urine of those animals, taken with squill -vinegar; to goats’ milk cheese, applied with origanum;[2292] and to -goat suet, used with wax. - -In addition to all this, as will be seen hereafter, there are a -thousand other remedial properties attributed to this animal; a fact -which surprises me all the more, seeing that the goat, it is said, is -never free from fever.[2293] The wild animals of the same species, -which are very numerous, as already[2294] stated, have a still greater -efficacy attributed to them; but the he-goat has certain properties -peculiar to itself, and Democritus attributes properties still more -powerful to the animal when it has been the only one yeaned. It is -recommended also to apply she-goat’s dung, boiled[2295] in vinegar, to -injuries inflicted by serpents, as also the ashes of fresh dung mixed -with wine. As a general rule, persons who find that they are recovering -but slowly from injuries inflicted by a serpent, will find their -health more speedily re-established by frequenting the stalls where -goats are kept. Those, however, whose object is a more assured remedy, -attach immediately to the wound the paunch of a she-goat killed for -the purpose, dung and all. Others, again, use the flesh of a kid just -killed, and fumigate it with the singed hair, the smell of which has -the effect of repelling serpents. - -For stings of serpents, as also for injuries inflicted by the scorpion -and shrew-mouse, some employ the skin of a goat newly killed, as also -the flesh and dung of a horse that has been out at pasture, or a hare’s -rennet in vinegar. They say, too, that if a person has the body well -rubbed with a hare’s rennet, he will never receive injury from venomous -animals. When a person has been stung by a scorpion, she-goat’s dung, -boiled with vinegar, is considered a most efficient remedy: in cases -too, where a buprestis has been swallowed, bacon and the broth in which -it has been boiled, are highly efficacious. Nay, what is even more than -this, if a person applies his mouth to an ass’s ear, and says that he -has been stung by a scorpion, the whole of the poison, they say, will -immediately pass away from him and be transferred to the animal. All -venomous creatures, it is said, are put to flight by a fumigation made -by burning an ass’s lights. It is considered an excellent plan too, to -fumigate persons, when stung by a scorpion, with the smoke of burnt -calves’ dung. - - - - -CHAP. 43.—REMEDIES FOR THE BITE OF THE MAD DOG. REMEDIES DERIVED FROM -THE CALF, THE HE-GOAT, AND VARIOUS OTHER ANIMALS. - - -When a person has been bitten by a mad dog, it is the practice to make -an incision round the wound to the quick, and then to apply raw veal to -it, and to make the patient take either veal broth or hogs’ lard, mixed -with lime internally. Some persons recommend a he-goat’s liver, and -maintain that if it is applied to the wound the patient will never be -attacked with hydrophobia. She-goat’s dung, too, is highly spoken of, -applied with wine, as also the dung of the badger, cuckoo, and swallow, -boiled and taken in drink. - -For bites inflicted by other animals, dried goats’ milk cheese is -applied with origanum and taken with the drink; and for injuries caused -by the human[2296] teeth, boiled beef is applied; veal, however, is -still more efficacious for the purpose, provided it is not removed -before the end of four days. - - - - -CHAP. 44.—REMEDIES TO BE ADOPTED AGAINST ENCHANTMENTS. - - -The dried muzzle of a wolf, they say, is an effectual preservative -against the malpractices of magic; and it is for this reason that it is -so commonly to be seen fastened to the doors of farm-houses. A similar -degree of efficacy, it is thought, belongs to the skin of the neck, -when taken whole from the animal. Indeed, so powerful is the influence -of this animal, in addition to what we have already[2297] stated, -that if a horse only treads in its track, it will be struck with -torpor[2298] in consequence. - - - - -CHAP. 45.—REMEDIES FOR POISONS. - - -In case where persons have swallowed quicksilver,[2299] bacon is the -proper remedy to be employed. Poisons are neutralized by taking asses’ -milk; henbane more particularly, mistletoe, hemlock, the flesh of the -sea-hare, opocarpathon,[2300] pharicon,[2301] and dorycnium:[2302] -the same, too, where coagulated milk[2303] has been productive of bad -effects, for the biestings,[2304] or first curdled milk, should be -reckoned as nothing short of a poison.[2305] We shall have to mention -many other uses to which asses’ milk is applied; but it should be -remembered that in all cases it must be used fresh, or, if not, as new -as possible, and warmed, for there is nothing that more speedily loses -its virtue. The bones, too, of the ass are pounded and boiled, as an -antidote to the poison of the sea-hare. The wild ass[2306] is possessed -of similar properties in every respect, but in a much higher degree. - -Of the wild horse[2307] the Greek writers have made no mention, it -not being a native of their country; we have every reason to believe, -however, that it has the same properties as the animal in a tame state, -but much more fully developed. Mares’ milk effectually neutralizes the -venom of the sea-hare and all narcotic poisons. Nor had the Greeks -any knowledge from experience of the urus[2308] and the bison,[2308] -although in India the forests are filled with herds of wild oxen: it -is only reasonable, however, to conclude that all their medicinal -properties must be much more highly developed than in the animal as -found among us. It is asserted also, that cows’ milk is a general -counter-poison, in the cases above-mentioned, more particularly, as -also where the poison of ephemeron[2309] has settled internally, or -cantharides have been administered; it acting upon the poison by -vomit. Broth, too, made from goats’ flesh, neutralizes the effects -of cantharides, in a similar manner, it is said. To counteract the -corrosive poisons which destroy by ulceration, veal or beef-suet is -resorted to; and in cases where a leech has been swallowed, butter is -the usual remedy, with vinegar heated with a red-hot iron. Indeed, -butter employed by itself is a good remedy for poisons, for where -oil is not to be procured, it is an excellent substitute for it. -Used with honey, butter heals injuries inflicted by millepedes. The -broth of boiled tripe, it is thought, is an effectual repellent of -the above-mentioned poisons, aconite and hemlock more particularly; -veal-suet also has a similar repute. - -Fresh goats’ milk cheese is given to persons who have taken mistletoe, -and goats’ milk itself is a remedy for cantharides. Taken with -Taminian[2310] grapes, goats’ milk is an antidote to the effects of -ephemeron. Goats’ blood, boiled down with the marrow, is used as -a remedy for the narcotic[2311] poisons, and kids’ blood for the -other poisons. Kid’s rennet is administered where persons have taken -mistletoe, the juice of the white chamæleon,[2312] or bull’s blood; for -which last, hare’s rennet in vinegar is also used by way of antidote. -For injuries inflicted by the pastinaca,[2313] and the stings or bites -of all kinds of marine animals, hare’s rennet, kid’s rennet, or lamb’s -rennet is taken, in doses of one drachma, in wine. Hare’s rennet, too, -generally forms an ingredient in the antidotes for poisons. - -The moth that is seen fluttering about the flame of a lamp is generally -reckoned in the number of the noxious substances: its bad effects -are neutralized by the agency of goat’s liver. Goat’s gall, too, is -looked upon as an antidote to venomous preparations from the field -weazel.[2314] But we will now return to the other remedies, classified -according to the various diseases. - - - - -CHAP. 46. (11.)—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE HEAD, AND FOR ALOPECY. - - -Bears’ grease,[2315] mixed with ladanum[2316] and the plant -adiantum,[2317] prevents the hair from falling off; it is a cure also -for alopecy and defects in the eyebrows, mixed with the fungus from -the wick of a lamp, and the soot that is found in the nozzle. Used -with wine, it is good for the cure of porrigo, a malady which is also -treated with the ashes of deer’s horns in wine: this last substance -also prevents the growth of vermin in the hair. For porrigo some -persons employ goat’s gall, in combination with Cimolian chalk and -vinegar, leaving the preparation to dry for a time on the head. Sow’s -gall, too, mixed with bull’s urine, is employed for a similar purpose; -and when old, it is an effectual cure, with the addition of sulphur, -for furfuraceous eruptions. The ashes, it is thought, of an ass’s -genitals, will make the hair grow more thickly, and prevent it from -turning grey; the proper method of applying it being to shave the head -and to pound the ashes in a leaden mortar with oil. Similar effects are -attributed to the genitals of an ass’s foal, reduced to ashes and mixed -with urine; some nard being added to render the mixture less offensive. -In cases of alopecy the part affected is rubbed with bull’s gall, -warmed with Egyptian alum. Running ulcers of the head are successfully -treated with bull’s urine, or stale human urine, in combination with -cyclaminos[2318] and sulphur: but the most effectual remedy is calf’s -gall, a substance which, heated with vinegar, has also the effect -of exterminating lice. Veal suet, pounded with salt and applied to -ulcers of the head, is a very useful remedy: the fat, too, of the fox -is highly spoken of, but the greatest value is set upon cats’ dung, -applied in a similar manner with mustard. - -Powdered goats’ horns, or the horns reduced to ashes, those of the -he-goat in particular, with the addition of nitre, tamarisk-seed, -butter, and oil, are remarkably effectual for preventing the hair from -coming off, the head being first shaved for the purpose. So too, the -ashes of burnt goats’ flesh, applied the eye-brows with oil, impart -to them a black tint. By using goats’ milk, they say, lice may be -exterminated; and the dung of those animals, with honey, is thought to -be a cure for alopecy: the ashes, too, of the hoofs, mixed with pitch, -prevent the hair from coming off. - -The ashes of a burnt hare, mixed with oil of myrtle, alleviate -head-ache, the patient drinking some water that has been left in the -trough after an ox or ass has been drinking there. The male organs of a -fox, worn as an amulet, are productive, if we choose to believe it, of -a similar effect: the same, too, with the ashes of a burnt deer’s horn, -applied with vinegar, rose oil, or oil of iris. - - - - -CHAP. 47.—REMEDIES FOR AFFECTIONS OF THE EYES. - - -For defluxions[2319] of the eyes, beef suet, boiled with oil, is -applied to the parts affected; and for eruptions of those organs, ashes -of burnt deer’s horns are similarly employed, the tips of the horns -being considered the most effectual for the purpose. For the cure of -cataract, it is reckoned a good plan to apply a wolf’s excrements: the -same substance, too, reduced to ashes, is used for the dispersion of -films, in combination with Attic honey. Bear’s gall, too, is similarly -employed; and for the cure of epinyctis, wild boar’s lard, mixed with -oil of roses, is thought to be very useful. An ass’s hoof, reduced to -ashes and applied with asses’ milk, is used for the removal of marks in -the eyes and indurations of the crystalline humours. Beef marrow, from -the right fore leg, beaten up with soot, is employed for affections of -the eyebrows, and for diseases of the eyelids and corners of the eyes. -For the same purpose, also, a sort of calliblepharon[2320] is prepared -from soot, the best of all being that made from a wick of papyrus mixed -with oil of sesame; the soot being removed with a feather and caught -in a new vessel prepared for the purpose. This mixture, too, is very -efficacious for preventing superfluous eyelashes from growing again -when once pulled out. - -Bull’s gall is made up into eye-salves[2321] with white of egg, these -salves being steeped in water and applied to the eyes for four days -successively. Veal suet, with goose-grease and the extracted juice of -ocimum, is remarkably good for diseases of the eye-lids. Veal marrow, -with the addition of an equal proportion of wax and oil or oil of -roses, an egg being added to the mixture, is used as a liniment for -indurations of the eye-lids. Soft goats’ milk cheese is used as an -application, with warm water, to allay defluxions of the eyes; but when -they are attended with swelling, honey is used instead of the water. -In both cases, however, the eyes should be fomented with warm whey. In -cases of dry ophthalmia, it is found a very useful plan to take the -muscles[2322] lying within a loin of pork, and, after reducing them to -ashes, to pound and apply them to the part affected. - -She-goats, they say, are never affected with ophthalmia, from the -circumstance that they browse upon certain kinds of herbs: the same, -too, with the gazelle. Hence it is that we find it recommended, at the -time of new moon, to swallow the dung of these animals, coated with -wax. As they are able to see, too, by night, it is a general belief -that the blood of a he-goat is a cure for those persons affected -with dimness of sight to whom the Greeks have given the name of -“nyctalopes.”[2323] A similar virtue is attributed to the liver of a -she-goat, boiled in astringent wine. Some are in the habit of rubbing -the eyes with the thick gravy[2324] which exudes from a she-goat’s -liver roasted, or with the gall of that animal: they recommend the -flesh also as a diet, and say that the patient should expose his eyes -to the fumes of it while boiling: it is a general opinion, too, that -the animal should be of a reddish colour. Another prescription is, to -fumigate the eyes with the steam arising from the liver boiled in an -earthen jar, or, according to some authorities, roasted. - -Goats’ gall is applied for numerous purposes: with honey, for films -upon the eyes; with one-third part of white hellebore, for cataract; -with wine, for spots upon the eyes, indurations of the cornea, films, -webs, and argema; with extracted juice of cabbage, for diseases of the -eyelids, the hairs being first pulled out, and the preparation left to -dry on the parts affected; and with woman’s milk, for rupture of the -coats of the eye. For all these purposes, the gall is considered the -most efficacious, when dried. Nor is the dung of this animal held in -disesteem, being applied with honey for defluxions of the eyes. The -marrow, too, of a goat, or a hare’s lights, we find used for pains in -the eyes; and the gall of a goat, with raisin wine or honey, for the -dispersion of films upon those organs. It is recommended also, for -ophthalmia, to anoint the eyes with wolf’s fat or swine’s marrow: we -find it asserted, too, that persons who carry a wolf’s tongue, inserted -in a bracelet, will always be exempt from ophthalmia. - - - - -CHAP. 48.—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES AND AFFECTIONS OF THE EARS. - - -Pains and diseases of the ears are cured by using the urine of a wild -boar, kept in a glass vessel, or the gall of a wild boar, swine, or -ox, mixed with castor-oil and oil of roses in equal proportions. But -the best remedy of all is bull’s gall, warmed with leek juice, or with -honey, if there is any suppuration. Bull’s gall too, warmed by itself -in a pomegranate rind, is an excellent remedy for offensive exhalations -from the ears: in combination with woman’s milk, it is efficacious -as a cure for ruptures of those organs. Some persons are of opinion -that it is a good plan to wash the ears with this preparation in cases -where the hearing is affected; while others again, after washing the -ears with warm water, insert a mixture composed of the old slough of a -serpent and vinegar, wrapped up in a dossil of wool. In cases, however, -where the deafness is very considerable, gall warmed in a pomegranate -rind with myrrh and rue, is injected into the ears; sometimes, also, -fat bacon is used for this purpose, or fresh asses’ dung, mixed with -oil of roses: in all cases, however, the ingredients should be warmed. - -The foam from a horse’s mouth is better still, or the ashes of fresh -horse dung, mixed with oil of roses: fresh butter too is good; -beef-suet mixed with goose-grease; the urine of a bull or she-goat; or -fullers’ lant, heated to such a degree that the steam escapes by the -neck of the vessel. For this purpose also, one third part of vinegar -is mixed with a small portion of the urine of a calf, which has not -begun to graze. They apply also to the ears calf’s dung, mixed with the -gall of that animal and sloughs of serpents, care being taken to warm -the ears before the application, and all the remedies being wrapped in -wool. Veal-suet, too, is used, with goose-grease and extract of ocimum; -or else veal marrow, mixed with bruised cummin and injected into the -ears. For pains in the ears, the liquid ejected by a boar in copulation -is used, due care being taken to receive it before it falls to the -ground. For fractures of the ears, a glutinous composition is made -from the genitals of a calf, which is dissolved in water when used; -and for other diseases of those organs, foxes’ fat is employed, goat’s -gall mixed with rose-oil warmed, or else extracted juice of leeks: -in all cases where there is any rupture, these preparations are used -in combination with woman’s milk. Where a patient is suffering from -hardness of hearing, ox-gall is employed, with the urine of a he or -she-goat; the same, too, where there is any suppuration. - -Whatever the purpose for which they are wanted, it is the general -opinion that these substances are more efficacious when they have been -smoked in a goat’s horn for twenty days. Hare’s rennet, too, is highly -spoken of, taken in Aminean[2325] wine, in the proportion of one third -of a denarius of rennet to one half of a denarius of sacopenum.[2326] -Bears’ grease, mixed with equal proportions of wax and bull-suet, -is a cure for imposthumes of the parotid glands: some persons add -hypocisthis[2327] to the composition, or else content themselves with -employing butter only, after first fomenting the parts affected with -a decoction of fenugreek, the good effects of which are augmented -by strychnos. The testes, too, of the fox, are very useful for this -purpose; as also bull’s blood, dried and reduced to powder. She-goats’ -urine, made warm, is used as an injection for the ears; and a liniment -is made of the dung of those animals, in combination with axle-grease. - - - - -CHAP. 49.—REMEDIES FOR TOOTH-ACHE. - - -The ashes of deer’s horns strengthen loose teeth and allay tooth-ache, -used either as a friction or as a gargle. Some persons, however, are -of opinion that the horn, unburnt and reduced to powder, is still more -efficacious for all these purposes. Dentifrices are made both from -the powder and the ashes. Another excellent remedy is a wolf’s head, -reduced to ashes: it is a well-known fact, too, that there are bones -generally found in the excrements of that animal; these bones, attached -to the body as an amulet, are productive of advantageous effects. For -the cure of tooth-ache, hare’s rennet is injected into the ear: the -head also of that animal, reduced to ashes, is used in the form of a -dentifrice, and, with the addition of nard, is a corrective of bad -breath. Some persons, however, think it a better plan to mix the ashes -of a mouse’s head with the dentifrice. In the side of the hare there -is a bone found, similar to a needle in appearance: for the cure of -tooth-ache it is recommended to scarify the gums with this bone. The -pastern-bone of an ox, ignited and applied to loose teeth which ache, -has the effect of strengthening them in the sockets; the same bone, -reduced to ashes, and mixed with myrrh, is also used as a dentifrice. -The ashes of burnt pig’s feet are productive of a similar effect, as -also the calcined bones of the cotyloïd cavities in which the hip-bones -move. It is a well-known fact, that, introduced into the throat of -beasts of burden, these bones are a cure for worms, and that, in a -calcined state, they are good for strengthening the teeth. - -When the teeth have been loosened by a blow,[2328] they are -strengthened by using asses’ milk, or else ashes of the burnt teeth -of that animal, or a horse’s lichen, reduced to powder, and injected -into the ear with oil. By lichen[2329] I do not mean the hippomanes, -a noxious substance which I purposely forbear to enlarge upon, but an -excrescence which forms upon the knees of horses, and just above the -hoofs. In the heart[2330] of this animal there is also found a bone -which bears a close resemblance to the eye-teeth of a dog: if the gums -are scarified with this bone, or with a tooth taken from the jaw-bone -of a dead horse, corresponding in place with the tooth affected, the -pain will be removed, they say. Anaxilaüs assures us that if the -liquid which exudes from a mare when covered, is ignited on the wick -of a lamp, it will give out a most marvellous representation[2331] of -horses’ heads; and the same with reference to the she-ass. As to the -hippomanes, it is possessed of properties so virulent and so truly -magical, that if it is only thrown into fused metal[2332] which is -being cast into the resemblance of an Olympian mare, it will excite in -all stallions that approach it a perfect frenzy for copulation. - -Another remedy for diseases of the teeth is joiners’ glue, boiled in -water and applied, care being taken to remove it very speedily, and -instantly to rinse the teeth with wine in which sweet pomegranate-rind -has been boiled. It is considered, also, a very efficacious remedy to -wash the teeth with goats’ milk, or bull’s gall. The pastern-bones of -a she-goat just killed, reduced to ashes, and indeed, to avoid the -necessity for repetition, of any other four-footed beast reared in the -farm-yard, are considered to make an excellent dentifrice. - - - - -CHAP. 50. (12.)—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE FACE. - - -It is generally believed that asses’ milk effaces wrinkles in the face, -renders the skin more delicate, and preserves its whiteness: and it is -a well-known fact, that some women are in the habit of washing their -face with it seven[2333] hundred times daily, strictly observing that -number. Poppæa, the wife of the Emperor Nero, was the first to practise -this; indeed, she had sitting-baths, prepared solely with asses’ milk, -for which purpose whole troops of she-asses[2334] used to attend her -on her journies.[2335] Purulent eruptions on the face are removed by -an application of butter, but white lead, mixed with the butter, is an -improvement. Pure butter, alone, is used for serpiginous eruptions of -the face, a layer of barley-meal being powdered over it. The caul of a -cow that has just calved, is applied, while still moist, to ulcers of -the face. - -The following recipe may seem frivolous, but still, to please the -women,[2336] it must not be omitted; the pastern-bone of a white -steer, they say, boiled forty days and forty nights, till it is quite -dissolved, and then applied to the face in a linen cloth, will remove -wrinkles and preserve the whiteness of the skin. An application of -bull’s dung, they say, will impart a rosy tint to the cheeks, and not -crocodilea[2337] even is better for the purpose; the face, however, -must be washed with cold water, both before and after the application. -Sun-burns and all other discolorations of the skin, are removed by the -aid of calves’ dung kneaded up by hand with oil and gum; ulcerations -and chaps of the mouth, by an application of veal or beef-suet, mixed -with goose-grease and juice of ocimum. There is another composition, -also, made of veal-suet with stag’s marrow and leaves of white-thorn, -the whole beaten up together. Marrow, too, mixed with resin, even if -it be cow marrow only, is equally good; and the broth of cow-beef is -productive of similar effects. A most excellent remedy for lichens on -the face is a glutinous substance prepared from the genitals of a male -calf, melted with vinegar and live sulphur, and stirred together with -the branch of a fig-tree: this composition is applied twice a day, -and should be used quite fresh. This glue, similarly prepared from a -decoction of honey and vinegar, is a cure for leprous spots, which are -also removed by applying a he-goat’s liver warm. - -Elephantiasis, too, is removed by an application of goats’ gall; and -leprous spots and furfuraceous eruptions by employing bull’s gall with -the addition of nitre, or else asses’ urine about the rising of the -Dog-star. Spots on the face are removed by either bull’s gall or ass’s -gall diluted in water by itself, care being taken to avoid the sun or -wind after the skin has peeled off. A similar effect is produced, also, -by using bull’s gall or calf’s gall, in combination with seed of cunila -and the ashes of a deer’s horn, burnt at the rising of Canicula. - -Asses’ fat, in particular, restores the natural colour to scars and -spots on the skin caused by lichen or leprosy. A he-goat’s gall, mixed -with cheese, live sulphur, and sponge reduced to ashes, effectually -removes freckles, the composition being brought to the consistency of -honey before being applied. Some persons, however, prefer using dried -gall, and mix with it warm bran, in the proportion of one obolus to -four oboli of honey, the spots being rubbed briskly first. He-goat -suet, too, is highly efficacious, used in combination with gith, -sulphur, and iris; this mixture being also employed, with goose-grease, -stag’s marrow, resin, and lime, for the cure of cracked lips. I find it -stated by certain authors, that persons who have freckles on the skin -are looked upon as disqualified from taking any part in the sacrifices -prescribed by the magic art. - - - - -CHAP. 51.—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE TONSILLARY GLANDS, AND FOR -SCROFULA. - - -Cow’s milk or goat’s milk is good for ulcerations of the tonsillary -glands and of the trachea. It is used in the form of a gargle, warm -from the udder or heated, goat’s milk being the best, boiled with -mallows and a little salt. A broth made from tripe is an excellent -gargle for ulcerations of the tongue and trachea; and for diseases of -the tonsillary glands, the kidneys of a fox are considered a sovereign -remedy, dried and beaten up with honey, and applied externally. For -quinzy, bull’s gall or goat’s gall is used, mixed with honey. A -badger’s liver, taken in water, is good for offensive breath, and -butter has a healing effect upon ulcerations of the mouth. When a -pointed or other substance has stuck in the throat, by rubbing it -externally with cats’ dung, the substance, they say, will either come -up again or pass downwards into the stomach. - -Scrofulous sores are dispersed by applying the gall of a wild boar or -of an ox, warmed for the purpose: but it is only when the sores are -ulcerated that hare’s rennet is used, applied in a linen cloth with -wine. The ashes of the burnt hoof of an ass or horse, applied with oil -or water, is good for dispersing scrofulous sores; warmed urine also; -the ashes of an ox’s hoof, taken in water; cow-dung, applied hot with -vinegar; goat-suet with lime; goats’ dung, boiled in vinegar; or the -testes of a fox. Soap,[2338] too, is very useful for this purpose, an -invention of the Gauls for giving a reddish[2339] tint to the hair. -This substance is prepared from tallow and ashes, the best ashes for -the purpose being those of the beech and yoke-elm: there are two kinds -of it, the hard soap and the liquid, both of them much used by the -people of Germany, the men, in particular, more than the women. - - - - -CHAP. 52.—REMEDIES FOR PAINS IN THE NECK. - - -For pains in the neck, the part should be well rubbed with butter or -bears’ grease; and for a stiff neck, with beef suet, a substance which, -in combination with oil, is very useful for the cure of scrofula. For -the painful cramp, attended with inflexibility, to which people give -the name of “opisthotony,” the urine of a she-goat, injected into the -ears, is found very useful; as also a liniment made of the dung of that -animal, mixed with bulbs. - -In cases where the nails have been crushed, it is an excellent plan -to attach to them the gall of any kind of animal. Whitlows upon the -fingers should be treated with dried bull’s gall, dissolved in warm -water. Some persons are in the habit of adding sulphur and alum, of -each an equal weight. - - - - -CHAP. 53.—REMEDIES FOR COUGH AND FOR SPITTING OF BLOOD. - - -A wolf’s liver, administered in mulled wine, is a cure for cough; a -bear’s gall also, mixed with honey; the ashes of the tips of a cow’s -horn; or else the saliva of a horse, taken in the drink for three -consecutive days—in which last case the horse will be sure to die, -they say.[2340] A deer’s lights are useful for the same purpose, dried -with the gullet of the animal in the smoke, and then beaten up with -honey, and taken daily as an electuary: the spitter[2341] deer, be it -remarked, is the kind that is the most efficacious for the purpose. - -Spitting of blood is cured by taking ashes of burnt deer’s horns, or -else a hare’s rennet in drink, in doses of one-third of a denarius, -with Samian earth and myrtle-wine. The dung of this last animal, -reduced to ashes and taken in the evening, with wine, is good for -coughs that are recurrent at night. The smoke, too, of a hare’s fur, -inhaled, has the effect of bringing off from the lungs such humours as -are difficult to be discharged by expectoration. Purulent ulcerations -of the chest and lungs, and bad breath proceeding from a morbid state -of the lungs, are successfully treated with butter boiled with an equal -quantity of Attic honey till it assumes a reddish hue, a spoonful of -the mixture being taken by the patient every morning: some persons, -however, instead of honey prefer using larch-resin for the purpose. In -cases where there are discharges of blood, cow’s blood, they say, is -good, taken in small quantities with vinegar; but as to bull’s blood, -it would be a rash thing to believe in any such recommendation. For -inveterate spitting of blood, bull-glue is taken, in doses of three -oboli, in warm water. - - - - -CHAP. 54. (13.)—REMEDIES FOR AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. - - -Ulcerations of the stomach are effectually treated with asses’ -milk[2342] or cows’ milk. For gnawing pains in that region, beef is -stewed, with vinegar and wine. Fluxes are healed by taking the ashes -of burnt deer’s horns; and discharges of blood by drinking the blood -of a kid just killed, made hot, in doses of three cyathi, with equal -proportions of vinegar and tart wine; or else by taking kid’s rennet, -with twice the quantity of vinegar. - - - - -CHAP. 55.—REMEDIES FOR LIVER COMPLAINTS AND FOR ASTHMA. - - -Liver complaints are cured by taking a wolf’s liver dried, in honied -wine; or by using the dried liver of an ass, with twice the quantity of -rock-parsley and three nuts, the whole beaten up with honey and taken -with the food. The blood, too, of a he-goat is prepared and taken with -the food. For persons suffering from asthma, the most efficient remedy -of all is the blood of wild horses[2343] taken in drink; and next to -that, asses’ milk boiled with bulbs, the whey being the part used, with -the addition of nasturtium steeped in water and tempered with honey, in -the proportion of one cyathus of nasturtium to three semi-sextarii of -whey. The liver or lights of a fox, taken in red wine, or bear’s gall -in water, facilitate the respiration. - - - - -CHAP. 56.—REMEDIES FOR PAINS IN THE LOINS. - - -For pains in the loins and all other affections which require -emollients, frictions with bears’ grease should be used; or else ashes -of stale boars’ dung or swine’s dung should be mixed with wine and -given to the patients. The magicians, too, have added to this branch of -medicine their own fanciful devices. In the first place of all, madness -in he-goats, they say, may be effectually calmed by stroking the beard; -and if the beard is cut off, the goat will never stray to another -flock. - -To the above composition they add goats’ dung, and recommend it to be -held in the hollow of the hand, as hot as possible, a greased linen -cloth being placed beneath, and care being taken to hold it in the -right hand if the pain is on the left side, and in the left hand if -the pain is on the right. They recommend also that the dung employed -for this purpose should be taken up on the point of a needle made of -copper. The mode of treatment is, for the patient to hold the mixture -in his hand till the heat is felt to have penetrated to the loins, -after which the hand is rubbed with a pounded leek, and the loins with -the same dung annealed with honey. They prescribe also for the same -malady the testes of a hare, to be eaten by the patient. In cases -of sciatica they are for applying cow-dung warmed upon hot ashes in -leaves: and for pains in the kidneys they recommend a hare’s kidneys -to be swallowed raw, or perhaps boiled, but without letting them be -touched by the teeth. If a person carries about him the pastern-bone of -a hare, he will never be troubled with pains in the bowels, they say. - - - - -CHAP. 57.—REMEDIES FOR AFFECTIONS OF THE SPLEEN. - - -Affections of the spleen are alleviated by taking the gall of a wild -boar or hog in drink; ashes of burnt deer’s horns in vinegar; or, what -is best of all, the dried spleen of an ass, the good effects being sure -to be felt in the course of three days. The first dung voided by an -ass’s foal—a substance known as “polea”[2344] by the people of Syria—is -administered in oxymel for these complaints; a dried horse tongue, too, -is taken in wine, a sovereign remedy which, Cæcilius Bion tells us, he -first heard of when living among the barbarous nations. The milt of a -cow or ox is used in a similar manner; but when it is quite fresh, the -practice is to roast or boil it and take it with the food. For pains -in the liver a topical application is made by bruising twenty heads of -garlick in one sextarius of vinegar, and applying them in a piece of -ox bladder. For the same malady the magicians recommend a calf’s milt, -bought at the price set upon it and without any haggling, that being -an important point, and one that should be religiously observed. This -done, the milt must be cut in two lengthwise, and attached to the -patient’s shirt,[2345] on either side; after which, the patient must -put it on and let the pieces fall at his feet, and must then pick them -up, and dry them in the shade. While this last is doing, the diseased -liver of the patient will gradually contract, they say, and he will -eventually be cured. The lights, too, of a fox are very useful for this -purpose, dried on hot ashes and taken in water; the same, too, with a -kid’s milt, applied to the part affected. - - - - -CHAP. 58. (14.)—REMEDIES FOR BOWEL COMPLAINTS. - - -To arrest looseness of the bowels, deer’s blood is used; the ashes also -of deer’s horns; the liver of a wild boar, taken fresh and without -salt, in wine; a swine’s liver roasted, or that of a he-goat, boiled in -five semisextarii of wine; a hare’s rennet boiled, in quantities the -size of a chick-pea, in wine, or, if there are symptoms of fever, in -water. To this last some persons add nut-galls, while others, again, -content themselves with hare’s blood boiled by itself in milk. Ashes, -too, of burnt horse-dung are taken in water for this purpose; or else -ashes of the part of an old bull’s horn which lies nearest the root, -sprinkled in water; the blood, too, of a he-goat boiled upon charcoal; -or a decoction made from a goat’s hide boiled with the hair on. - -For relaxing the bowels a horse’s rennet is used, or else the blood, -marrow, or liver of a she-goat. A similar effect is produced by -applying a wolf’s gall to the navel, with elaterium;[2346] by taking -mares’ milk, goats’ milk with salt and honey, or a she-goat’s gall with -juice of cyclaminos,[2347] and a little alum—in which last case some -prefer adding nitre and water to the mixture. Bull’s gall, too, is used -for a similar purpose, beaten up with wormwood and applied in the form -of a suppository; or butter is taken, in considerable doses. - -Cœliac affections and dysentery are cured by taking cow’s liver; ashes -of deer’s horns, a pinch in three fingers swallowed in water; hare’s -rennet, kneaded up in bread, or, if there is any discharge of blood, -taken with polenta;[2348] or else boar’s dung, swine’s dung, or hare’s -dung, reduced to ashes and mixed with mulled wine. Among the remedies, -also, for the cœliac flux and dysentery, veal broth is reckoned, a -remedy very commonly used. If the patient takes asses’ milk for these -complaints, it will be all the better if honey is added; and no less -efficacious for either complaint are the ashes of asses’ dung taken -in wine; or else polea, the substance above[2349]-mentioned. In such -cases, even when attended with a discharge of blood, we find a horse’s -rennet recommended, by some persons known as “hippace;” ashes of burnt -horse-dung; horses’ teeth pounded; and boiled cows’ milk. In cases -of dysentery, it is recommended to add a little honey; and, for the -cure of griping pains, ashes of deer’s horns, bull’s gall mixed with -cummin, or the flesh of a gourd, should be applied to the navel. For -both complaints new cheese made of cows’ milk is used, as an injection; -butter also, in the proportion of four semi-sextarii to two ounces -of turpentine, or else employed with a decoction of mallows or with -oil of roses. Veal-suet or beef-suet is also given, and the marrow of -those animals is boiled with meal, a little wax, and some oil, so as -to form a sort of pottage. This marrow, too, is kneaded up with bread -for a similar purpose; or else goats’ milk is used, boiled down to one -half. In cases, too, where there are gripings in the bowels, wine of -the first running[2350] is administered. For the last-named pains, some -persons are of opinion that it is a sufficient remedy to take a single -dose of hare’s rennet in mulled wine; though others again, who are more -distrustful, are in the habit of applying a liniment to the abdomen, -made of goats’ blood, barley-meal, and resin. - -For all defluxions of the bowels it is recommended to apply soft -cheese, and for cœliac affections and dysentery old cheese, powdered, -one cyathus of cheese being taken in three cyathi of ordinary wine. -Goats’ blood is boiled down with the marrow of those animals for the -cure of dysentery; and the cœliac flux is effectually treated with the -roasted liver of a she-goat, or, what is still better, the liver of a -he-goat boiled in astringent wine, and administered in the drink, or -else applied to the navel with oil of myrtle. Some persons boil down -the liver in three sextarii of water to half a sextarius, and then add -rue to it. The milt of a he or she-goat is sometimes roasted for this -purpose, or the suet of a he-goat is incorporated in bread baked upon -the ashes; the fat, too, of a she-goat, taken from the kidneys more -particularly, is used. This last, however, must be taken by itself and -swallowed immediately, being generally recommended to be taken in water -moderately cool. Some persons, too, boil goats’ suet in water, with a -mixture of polenta, cummin, anise, and vinegar; and for the cure of -cœliac affections, they rub the abdomen with a decoction of goats’ dung -and honey. - -For both the cœliac flux and dysentery, kid’s rennet is employed, -taken in myrtle wine in pieces the size of a bean, or else kid’s -blood, prepared in the form of a dish known by the name of -“sanguiculus.”[2351] For dysentery an injection is employed, made -of bull glue dissolved in warm water. Flatulency is dispelled by a -decoction of calf’s dung in wine. For intestinal affections deer’s -rennet is highly recommended boiled with beef and lentils, and taken -with the food; hare’s fur, also reduced to ashes and boiled with honey; -or boiled goat’s milk, taken with a small quantity of mallows and some -salt; if rennet is added, the remedy will be all the more effectual. -Goat suet, taken in any kind of broth, is possessed of similar virtues, -care being taken to swallow cold water immediately after. The ashes of -a kid’s thighs are said to be marvellously efficacious for intestinal -hernia; as also hare’s dung, boiled with honey, and taken daily in -pieces the size of a bean; indeed, these remedies are said to have -proved effectual in cases where a cure has been quite despaired of. The -broth too, made from a goat’s head, boiled with the hair on, is highly -recommended. - - - - -CHAP. 59.—REMEDIES FOR TENESMUS, TAPEWORM, AND AFFECTIONS OF THE COLON. - - -The disease called “tenesmus,” or in other words, a frequent and -ineffectual desire to go to stool, is removed by drinking asses’ milk -or cows’ milk. The various kinds of tapeworm[2352] are expelled by -taking the ashes of deer’s horns in drink. The bones which we have -spoken[2353] of as being found in the excrements of the wolf, worn -attached to the arm, are curative of diseases of the colon, provided -they have not been allowed to touch the ground. Polea, too, a substance -already mentioned,[2354] is remarkably useful for this purpose, boiled -in grape juice:[2355] the same too with swine’s dung, powdered and -mixed with cummin, in a decoction of rue. The antler of a young stag, -reduced to ashes and taken in wine, mixed with African snails, crushed -with the shells on, is considered a very useful remedy. - - - - -CHAP. 60. (15.)—REMEDIES FOR AFFECTIONS OF THE BLADDER, AND FOR URINARY -CALCULI. - - -Diseases of the bladder, and the torments attendant upon calculi, are -treated with the urine of a wild boar, or the bladder of that animal -taken as food; both of them being still more efficacious if they have -been thoroughly soaked first. The bladder, when eaten, should be -boiled first, and if the patient is a female, it should be a sow’s -bladder. There are found in the liver of the wild boar certain small -stones,[2356] or what in hardness resemble small stones, of a white -hue, and resembling those found in the liver of the common swine: if -these stones are pounded and taken in wine, they will expel calculi, -it is said. So oppressed is the wild boar by the burden of his -urine,[2357] that if he has not first voided it, he is unable to take -to flight, and suffers himself to be taken as though he were enchained -to the spot. This urine, they say, has a consuming effect upon urinary -calculi. The kidneys of a hare, dried and taken in wine, act as an -expellent upon calculi. We have already[2358] mentioned that in the -gammon of the hog there are certain joint-bones; a decoction made from -them is remarkably useful for urinary affections. The kidneys of an -ass, dried and pounded, and administered in undiluted wine, are a cure -for diseases of the bladder. The excrescences that grow on horses’ -legs, taken for forty days in ordinary wine or honied wine, expel -urinary calculi. The ashes, too, of a horse’s hoof, taken in wine or -water, are considered highly useful for this purpose; and the same with -the dung of a she-goat—if a wild goat, all the better—taken in honied -wine: goats’ hair, too, is used, reduced to ashes. - -For carbuncles upon the generative organs, the brains and blood of -a wild boar or swine are highly recommended: and for serpiginous -affections of those parts, the liver of those animals is used, burnt -upon juniper wood more particularly, and mixed with papyrus and -arsenic;[2359] the ashes, also, of their dung; ox-gall, kneaded to the -consistency of honey, with Egyptian alum and myrrh, beet-root boiled -in wine being laid upon it; or else beef. Running ulcers of those -parts are treated with veal-suet and marrow, boiled in wine, or with -the gall of a she-goat, mixed with honey and the extracted juice of -the bramble.[2360] In cases where these ulcers are serpiginous, it is -recommended to use goats’ dung with honey or vinegar, or else butter -by itself. Swellings of the testes are reduced by using veal-suet with -nitre, or the dung of the animal boiled in vinegar. The bladder of a -wild boar, eaten roasted, acts as a check upon incontinence of urine; a -similar effect being produced by the ashes of the feet of a wild boar -or swine sprinkled in the drink; the ashes of a sow’s bladder taken in -drink; the bladder or lights of a kid; a hare’s brains taken in wine; -the testes of a male hare grilled; the rennet of that animal taken with -goose-grease and polenta;[2361] or the kidneys of an ass, beaten up and -taken in undiluted wine. - -The magicians tell us, that after taking the ashes of a boar’s genitals -in sweet wine, the patient must make water in a dog kennel, and repeat -the following formula—“This I do that I may not wet my bed as a dog -does.” On the other hand, a swine’s bladder, attached to the groin, -facilitates the discharge of the urine, provided it has not already -touched the ground. - - - - -CHAP. 61.—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS AND OF THE -FUNDAMENT. - - -For diseases of the fundament, a sovereign remedy is bear’s gall, mixed -with the grease; to which some persons are in the habit of adding -litharge and frankincense. Butter, too, is very good, employed with -goose-grease and oil of roses. The proportions in which they are mixed -will be regulated by the circumstances of the case, care being taken to -see that they are of a consistency which admits of their being easily -applied. Bull’s gall upon lint is a remarkably useful remedy, and -has the effect of making chaps of the fundament cicatrize with great -rapidity. Swellings of those parts are treated with veal suet—that from -the loins in particular—mixed with rue. For other affections, goats’ -blood is used, with polenta. Goats’ gall too, is employed by itself, -for the cure of condylomata, and sometimes, wolf’s gall, mixed with -wine. - -Bears’ blood is curative of inflamed tumours and apostemes upon these -parts in general; as also bulls’ blood, dried and powdered. The best -remedy, however, is considered to be the stone which the wild ass[2362] -voids with his urine, it is said, at the moment he is killed. This -stone, which is in a somewhat liquefied state at first, becomes solid -when it reaches the ground: attached to the thigh, it disperses all -collections of humours and all kinds of suppurations: it is but rarely -found, however, and it is not every wild ass that produces it, but as a -remedy it is held in high esteem. Asses’ urine too, used in combination -with gith, is highly recommended; the ashes of a horse’s hoof, -applied with oil and water; a horse’s blood, that of a stone-horse in -particular; the blood, also, of an ox or cow, or the gall of those -animals. Their flesh too, applied warm, is productive of similar -results; the hoofs reduced to ashes, and taken in water or honey; the -urine of a she-goat; the flesh of a he-goat, boiled in water; the dung -of these animals, boiled with honey; or else a boar’s gall, or swine’s -urine, applied in wool. - -Riding on horseback, we well-know, galls and chafes the inside of the -thighs: the best remedy for accidents of this nature is to rub the -parts with the foam which collects at a horse’s mouth. Where there are -swellings in the groin, arising[2363] from ulcers, a cure is effected -by inserting in the sores three horse-hairs, tied with as many knots. - - - - -CHAP. 62. (16.)—REMEDIES FOR GOUT AND FOR DISEASES OF THE FEET. - - -For the cure of gout, bears’ grease is employed, mixed in equal -proportions with bull-suet and wax; some persons add to the -composition, hypocisthis[2364] and nut-galls. Others, again, prefer -he-goat suet, mixed with the dung of a she-goat and saffron, or else -with mustard, or sprigs of ivy pounded and used with perdicium,[2365] -or with flowers of wild cucumber. Cow-dung is also used, with lees of -vinegar. Some persons speak highly in praise of the dung of a calf -which has not begun to graze, or else a bull’s blood, without any other -addition; a fox, also, boiled alive till only the bones are left; -a wolf boiled alive in oil to the consistency of a cerate; he-goat -suet, with an equal proportion of helxine,[2366] and one-third part of -mustard; or ashes of goats’ dung, mixed with axle-grease. They say, -too, that for sciatica, it is an excellent plan to apply this dung -boiling[2367] hot beneath the great toes; and that, for diseases of the -joints, it is highly efficacious to attach bears’ gall or hares’ feet -to the part affected. Gout, they say, may be allayed by the patient -always carrying about with him a hare’s foot, cut off from the animal -alive. - -Bears’ grease is a cure for chilblains and all kinds of chaps upon -the feet; with the addition of alum, it is still more efficacious. -The same results are produced by using goat-suet; a horse’s teeth -powdered; the gall of a wild boar or hog; or else the lights of those -animals, applied with their grease; and this, too, where the soles -are blistered, or the feet have been crushed by a substance striking -against them. In cases where the feet have been frozen, ashes of burnt -hare’s fur are used; and for contusions of the feet, the lights of that -animal are applied, sliced or reduced to ashes. Blisters occasioned -by the sun are most effectually treated by using asses’ fat, or else -beef-suet, with oil of roses. Corns, chaps, and callosities of the feet -are cured by the application of wild boars’ dung or swine’s dung, used -fresh, and removed at the end of a couple of days. The pastern-bones -of these animals are also used, reduced to ashes; or else the lights -of a wild boar, swine, or deer. When the feet have been galled by the -shoes, they are rubbed with the urine of an ass, applied with the mud -formed by it upon the ground. Corns are treated with beef-suet and -powdered frankincense; chilblains with burnt leather, that of an old -shoe, in particular; and injuries produced by tight shoes with ashes of -goat-skin, tempered with oil. - -The pains attendant upon varicose veins are mitigated by using ashes -of burnt calves’ dung, boiled with lily roots and a little honey: a -composition which is equally good for all kinds of inflammations and -sores that tend to suppurate. It is very useful, also, for gout and -diseases of the joints, when it is the dung of a bull-calf that is used -more particularly. For excoriations of the joints, the gall of a wild -boar or swine is applied, in a warm linen cloth: the dung, also, of a -calf that has not begun to graze; or else goat-dung, boiled in vinegar -with honey. Veal-suet rectifies malformed nails, as also goat-suet, -mixed with sandarach. Warts are removed by applying ashes of burnt -calves’ dung in vinegar, or else the mud formed upon the ground by the -urine of an ass. - - - - -CHAP. 63.—REMEDIES FOR EPILEPSY. - - -In cases of epilepsy, it is a good plan to eat a bear’s testes, or -those of a wild boar, with mares’ milk or water; or else to drink a -wild boar’s urine with honey and vinegar, that being the best which -has been left to dry in the bladder. The testes, also, of swine are -prescribed, dried and beaten up in sows’ milk, the patient abstaining -from wine some days before and after taking the mixture. The lights -of a hare, too, are recommended, salted, and taken with one third of -frankincense, for thirty consecutive days, in white wine: hare’s rennet -also; and asses’ brains, smoked with burning leaves, and administered -in hydromel, in doses of half an ounce per day. An ass’s hoofs are -reduced to ashes, and taken for a month together, in doses of two -spoonfuls; the testes, also, of an ass, salted and mixed with the -drink, asses’ milk or water in particular. The secundines, also, of a -she-ass are recommended, more particularly when it is a male that has -been foaled: placed beneath the nostrils of the patient, when the fits -are likely to come on, this substance will effectually repel them. - -There are some persons who recommend the patient to eat the heart -of a black he-ass in the open air with bread, upon the first or -second day of the moon: others, again, prescribe the flesh of that -animal, and others the blood, diluted with vinegar, and taken for -forty days together. Some mix horse-stale for this purpose, with -smithy water fresh from the forge, employing the same mixture for the -cure of delirium. Epilepsy is also treated with mares’ milk, or the -excrescences from a horse’s legs, taken in honey and vinegar. The -magicians highly recommend goats’ flesh, grilled upon a funeral pile; -as also the suet of that animal, boiled with an equal quantity of -bull’s gall, and kept in the gall-bladder; care being taken not to let -it touch the ground, and the patient swallowing it in water, standing -aloft.[2368] The smell arising from a goat’s horns or deer’s antlers, -burnt, efficiently detects the presence of epilepsy. - -In cases where persons are suddenly paralyzed, the urine of an ass’s -foal, applied to the body with nard, is very useful, it is said. - - - - -CHAP. 64.—REMEDIES FOR JAUNDICE. - - -For the cure of jaundice, the ashes of a stag’s antlers are employed; -or the blood of an ass’s foal, taken in wine. The first dung,[2369] -too, that has been voided by the foal after its birth, taken in wine, -in pieces the size of a bean, will effect a cure by the end of three -days. The dung of a new-born colt is possessed of a similar efficacy. - - - - -CHAP. 65.—REMEDIES FOR BROKEN BONES. - - -For broken hones, a sovereign remedy is the ashes of the jaw-bone -of a wild boar or swine: boiled bacon, too, tied round the broken -bone, unites it with marvellous rapidity. For fractures of the ribs, -goats’ dung, applied in old wine, is extolled as the grand remedy, -being possessed in a high degree of aperient, extractive, and healing -properties. - - - - -CHAP. 66.—REMEDIES FOR FEVERS. - - -Deer’s flesh, as already[2370] stated, is a febrifuge. Periodical -and recurrent fevers are cured, if we are to believe what the -magicians tell us, by wearing the right eye of a wolf, salted, and -attached as an amulet. There is one kind of fever generally known -as “amphemerine;”[2371] it is to be cured, they say, by the patient -taking three drops of blood from an ass’s ear, and swallowing them in -two semi-sextarii of water. For quartan fever, the magicians recommend -cats’ dung to be attached to the body, with the toe of a horned owl, -and, that the fever may not be recurrent, not to be removed until -the seventh paroxysm is past. Who,[2372] pray, could have ever made -such a discovery as this? And what, too, can be the meaning of this -combination? Why, of all things in the world, was the toe of a horned -owl made choice of? - -Other adepts in this art, who are more moderate in their suggestions, -recommend for quartan fever, the salted liver of a cat that has been -killed while the moon was on the wane, to be taken in wine just before -the paroxysms come on. The magicians recommend, too, that the toes of -the patient should be rubbed with the ashes of burnt cow-dung, diluted -with a boy’s urine, and that a hare’s heart should be attached to the -hands; they prescribe, also, hare’s rennet, to be taken in drink just -before the paroxysms come on. New goats’ milk cheese is also given with -honey, the whey being carefully extracted first. - - - - -CHAP. 67. (17.)—REMEDIES FOR MELANCHOLY, LETHARGY, AND PHTHISIS. - - -For patients affected with melancholy,[2373] calves’ dung, boiled in -wine, is a very useful remedy. Persons are aroused from lethargy by -applying to the nostrils the callosities from an ass’s legs steeped -in vinegar, or the fumes of burnt goats’ horns or hair, or by the -application of a wild boar’s liver: a remedy which is also used for -confirmed[2374] drowsiness. - -The cure of phthisis is effected by taking a wolf’s liver boiled in -thin wine; the bacon of a sow that has been fed upon herbs; or the -flesh of a she-ass, eaten with the broth: this last mode in particular, -being the one that is employed by the people of Achaia. They say too, -that the smoke of dried cow-dung—that of the animal when grazing, I -mean—is remarkably good for phthisis, inhaled through a reed;[2375] and -find it stated that the tips of cows’ horns are burnt, and administered -with honey, in doses of two spoonfuls, in the form of pills. Goat suet, -many persons say, taken in a pottage of alica,[2376] or melted fresh -with honied wine, in the proportion of one ounce of suet to one cyathus -of wine, is good for cough and phthisis, care being taken to stir the -mixture with a sprig of rue. One author of credit assures us that -before now, a patient whose recovery has been despaired of, has been -restored to health by taking one cyathus of wild goat[2377] suet and an -equal quantity of milk. Some writers, too, have stated that ashes of -burnt swine’s dung are very useful, mixed with raisin wine; as also the -lights of a deer, a spitter[2378] deer in particular, smoke-dried and -beaten up in wine. - - - - -CHAP. 68.—REMEDIES FOR DROPSY. - - -For dropsy, a wild boar’s urine is good, taken in small doses in the -patient’s drink; it is of much greater efficacy, however, when it has -been left to dry in the bladder of the animal. The ashes, too, of burnt -cow-dung, and of bulls’ dung in particular—animals that are reared in -herds, I mean—are highly esteemed. This dung, the name given to which -is “bolbiton,”[2379] is reduced to ashes, and taken in doses of three -spoonfuls to one semisextarius of honied wine; that of the female -animal being used where the patient is a woman, and that of the other -sex in the case of males; a distinction about which the magicians have -made a sort of grand mystery. The dung of a bull-calf is also applied -topically for this disease, and ashes of burnt calves’ dung are taken -with seed of staphylinos,[2380] in equal proportions, in wine. Goats’ -blood also is used, with the marrow; but it is generally thought that -the blood of the he-goat is the most efficacious, when the animal has -fed upon lentisk, more particularly. - - - - -CHAP. 69.—REMEDIES FOR ERYSIPELAS, AND FOR PURULENT ERUPTIONS. - - -For erysipelas a liniment of bears’ grease is used, that from the -kidneys in particular; fresh calves’ dung also, or cow-dung; dried -goats’ milk cheese, with leeks; or else the fine scrapings of deer’s -skin, brought off with pumice-stone and beaten up in vinegar. Where -there is redness of the skin attended with itching, the foam from a -horse’s mouth is used, or the hoof, reduced to ashes. - -For the cure of purulent[2381] eruptions ashes of burnt asses’ dung are -applied, with butter; and for the removal of swarthy pimples, dried -goats’ milk cheese, steeped in honey and vinegar, is applied in the -bath, no oil being used. Pustules are treated with ashes of swine’s -dung, applied with water, or else ashes of deer’s antlers. - - - - -CHAP. 70.—REMEDIES FOR SPRAINS, INDURATIONS, AND BOILS. - - -For the cure of sprains the following applications are used; wild -boars’ dung or swine’s dung; calves’ dung; wild boars’ foam, used fresh -with vinegar; goats’ dung, applied with honey; and raw beef, used as a -plaster. For swellings, swine’s dung is used, warmed in an earthen pot, -and beaten up with oil. The best emollient for all kinds of indurations -upon the body is wolf’s fat, applied topically. In the case of sores -which are wanted to break, the most effectual plan is to apply cow-dung -warmed in hot ashes, or else goats’ dung boiled in vinegar or wine. -For the cure of boils, beef-suet is applied with salt; but if they -are attended with pain, it is melted with oil, and no salt is used. -Goat-suet is employed in a similar manner. - - - - -CHAP. 71.—REMEDIES FOR BURNS. THE METHOD OF TESTING BULL-GLUE; SEVEN -REMEDIES DERIVED FROM IT. - - -For the treatment of burns, bears’ grease is used, with lily roots; -dried wild boars’ dung also, or swine’s dung; the ashes of burnt -bristles, extracted from plasterers’ brushes, beaten up with grease; -the pastern-bone of an ox, reduced to ashes, and mixed with wax and -bull’s marrow or deer’s marrow; or the dung of a hare. The dung, too, -of a she-goat, they say, will effect a cure without leaving any scars. - -The best glue is that prepared from the ears and genitals of the bull, -and there is no better cure in existence for burns. There is nothing, -however, that is more extensively adulterated; which is done by boiling -up all kinds of old skins, and shoes even, for the purpose. The Rhodian -glue is the purest of all, and it is this that painters and physicians -mostly use. The whiter it is, the more highly glue is esteemed: that, -on the other hand, which is black and brittle like wood, is looked upon -as good for nothing. - - - - -CHAP. 72.—REMEDIES FOR AFFECTIONS OF THE SINEWS AND FOR CONTUSIONS. - - -For pains in the sinews, goats’ dung, boiled in vinegar with honey, is -considered one of the most useful remedies, and this even where the -sinew[2382] is threatened with putrefaction. Strains and contusions -are healed with wild boars’ dung, that has been gathered in spring and -dried. A similar method is employed where persons have been dragged by -a chariot or lacerated by the wheels, or have received contusions in -any other way, the application being quite as effectual, should the -dung happen to be fresh. Some think it a better plan, however, to boil -it in vinegar; and if only powdered and taken in vinegar, they vouch -for its good effects where persons are ruptured, wounded internally, or -suffering from the effects of a fall. - -Others again, who are of a more scrupulous tendency,[2383] take the -ashes of it in water; and the Emperor Nero, it is said, was in the -habit of refreshing himself with this drink, when he attempted to gain -the public applause at the three-horse chariot races.[2384] Swine’s -dung, it is generally thought, is the next best to that of the goat. - - - - -CHAP. 73. (18.)—REMEDIES FOR HÆMORRHAGE. - - -Hæmorrhage is arrested by applying deer’s rennet with vinegar, hare’s -rennet, hare’s fur reduced to ashes, or ashes of burnt asses’ dung. -The dung, however, of male animals is the most efficacious for this -purpose, being mixed with vinegar, and applied with wool, in all cases -of hæmorrhage. In the same way, too, the ashes of a horse’s head or -thigh, or of burnt calves’ dung, are used with vinegar; the ashes also -of a goat’s horns or dung, with vinegar. But it is the thick blood -that issues from the liver of a he-goat when cut asunder, that is -looked upon as the most efficacious; or else the ashes of the burnt -liver of a goat of either sex, taken in wine or applied to the nostrils -with vinegar. The ashes, too, of a leather wine-bottle—but only when -made of he-goat skin—are used very efficiently with an equal quantity -of resin, for the purpose of stanching blood, and knitting together the -lips of the wound. A kid’s rennet in vinegar, or the thighs of that -animal, reduced to ashes, are said to be productive of a similar result. - - - - -CHAP. 74.—REMEDIES FOR ULCERS AND CARCINOMATOUS SORES. - - -Ulcers upon the legs and thighs are cured by an application of bears’ -grease, mixed with red earth: and those of a serpiginous nature by -using wild boar’s gall, with resin and white lead; the jaw-bone of a -wild boar or swine, reduced to ashes; swine’s dung in a dry state; -or goats’ dung, made luke-warm in vinegar. For other kinds of ulcers -butter is used, as a detergent, and as tending to make new flesh; -ashes of deer’s antlers, or deer’s marrow; or else bull’s gall, mixed -with oil of cyprus[2385] or oil of iris. Wounds inflicted with edged -weapons are rubbed with fresh swine’s dung, or with dried swine’s dung, -powdered. When ulcers are phagedænic or fistulous, bull’s gall is -injected, with leek-juice or woman’s milk; or else bull’s blood, dried -and powdered, with the plant cotyledon.[2386] - -Carcinomatous sores are treated with hare’s rennet, sprinkled upon -them with an equal proportion of capers in wine; gangrenes, with -bears’ grease, applied with a feather; and ulcers of a serpiginous -nature with the ashes of an ass’s hoofs, powdered upon them. The blood -of the horse corrodes the flesh by virtue of certain septic powers -which it possesses; dried horse-dung, too, reduced to ashes, has a -similar effect. Those kinds of ulcers which are commonly known as -“phagedænic,” are treated with the ashes of a cow’s hide, mixed with -honey. Calves’ flesh, as also cow-dung mixed with honey, prevents -recent wounds from swelling. The ashes of a leg of veal, applied with -woman’s milk, are a cure for sordid ulcers, and the malignant sore -known as “cacoëthes:”[2387] bull-glue, melted, is applied to recent -wounds inflicted with edged weapons, the application being removed -before the end of three days. Dried goats’ milk cheese, applied with -vinegar and honey, acts as a detergent upon ulcers; and goat suet, used -in combination with wax, arrests the spread of serpiginous sores: if -employed with pitch and sulphur, it will effect a thorough cure. The -ashes of a kid’s leg, applied with woman’s milk, have a similar effect -upon malignant ulcers; for the cure, too, of carbuncles, a sow’s brains -are roasted and applied. - - - - -CHAP. 75.—REMEDIES FOR THE ITCH. - - -The itch in man is cured very effectually by using the marrow of an -ass, or the urine of that animal, applied with the mud it has formed -upon the ground. Butter, too, is very good; as also in the case of -beasts of burden, if applied with warmed resin: bull glue is also used, -melted in vinegar, and incorporated with lime; or goat’s gall, mixed -with calcined alum. The eruption called “boa,”[2388] is treated with -cow-dung, a fact to which it is indebted for its name. The itch in dogs -is cured by an application of fresh cows’ blood, which, when quite dry, -is renewed a second time, and is rubbed off the next day with strong -lie-ashes. - - - - -CHAP. 76.—METHODS OF EXTRACTING FOREIGN SUBSTANCES WHICH ADHERE TO THE -BODY, AND OF RESTORING SCARS TO THEIR NATURAL COLOUR. - - -Thorns and similar foreign substances are extracted from the body by -using cats’ dung, or that of she-goats, with wine; the rennet also of -any kind of animal, that of the hare more particularly, with powdered -frankincense and oil, or an equal quantity of mistletoe, or else with -bee-glue.[2389] - -Ass suet restores scars of a swarthy hue to their natural colour; and -they are equally effaced by using calf’s gall made warm. Medical men -add myrrh, honey, and saffron, and keep the mixture in a copper box; -some, too, incorporate with it flower of copper. - - - - -CHAP. 77. (19.)—REMEDIES FOR FEMALE DISEASES. - - -Menstruation is promoted by using bull’s gall, in unwashed wool, as -a pessary: Olympias of Thebes adds hyssop and nitre. Ashes, too, -of deer’s horns are taken in drink for the same purpose, and for -derangements of the uterus they are applied topically, as also bull’s -gall, used as a pessary with opium, in the proportion of two oboli. -It is a good plan, too, to use fumigations for the uterus, made -with deer’s hair, burnt. Hinds, they say, when they find themselves -pregnant, are in the habit of swallowing a small stone. This stone, -when found in their excrements, or in the uterus—for it is to be found -there as well—attached to the body as an amulet, is a preventive of -abortion. There are also certain small stones, found in the heart -and uterus of these animals, which are very useful for women during -pregnancy and in travail. As to the kind of pumice-stone which is -similarly found in the uterus of the cow, we have already[2390] -mentioned it when treating of the formation of that animal. - -A wolf’s fat, applied externally, acts emolliently upon the uterus, and -the liver of a wolf is very soothing for pains in that organ. It is -found advantageous for women, when near delivery, to eat wolf’s flesh, -or, if they are in travail, to have a person near them who has eaten -it; so much so, indeed, that it will act as a countercharm even to any -noxious spells which may have been laid upon them. In case, however, a -person who has eaten wolf’s flesh should happen to enter the room at -the moment of parturition, dangerous effects will be sure to follow. -The hare, too, is remarkably useful for the complaints of females: the -lights of that animal, dried and taken in drink, are beneficial to -the uterus; the liver, taken in water with Samian earth, acts as an -emmenagogue; and the rennet brings away the after-birth, due care being -taken by the patient not to bathe the day before. Applied in wool as a -pessary, with saffron and leek-juice, this last acts as an expellent -upon the dead fœtus. It is a general opinion that the uterus of a -hare, taken with the food, promotes the conception of male offspring, -and that a similar effect is produced by using the testes and rennet -of that animal. It is thought, too, that a leveret, taken from the -uterus of its dam, is a restorative of fruitfulness to women who are -otherwise past child-bearing. But it is the blood of a hare’s fœtus -that the magicians recommend males to drink: while for young girls they -prescribe nine pellets of hare’s dung, to ensure a durable firmness to -the breasts. For a similar purpose, also, they apply hare’s rennet -with honey; and to prevent hairs from growing again when once removed, -they use a liniment of hare’s blood. - -For inflations of the uterus, it is found a good plan to apply wild -boars’ dung or swine’s dung topically with oil: but a still more -effectual remedy is to dry the dung, and sprinkle it, powdered, in the -patient’s drink, even though she should be in a state of pregnancy or -suffering the pains of child-birth. By administering sow’s milk with -honied wine, parturition is facilitated; and if taken by itself it will -promote the secretion of the milk when deficient in nursing women. By -rubbing the breasts of females with sow’s blood they are prevented -from becoming too large. If pains are felt in the breasts, they will -be alleviated by drinking asses’ milk; and the same milk, taken with -honey, has considerable efficacy as an emmenagogue. Stale fat, too, -from the same animal, heals ulcerations of the uterus: applied as a -pessary, in wool, it acts emolliently upon indurations of that organ; -and, applied fresh by itself, or in water when stale, it has all the -virtues of a depilatory. - -An ass’s milt, dried and applied in water to the breasts, promotes the -secretion of the milk; and used in the form of a fumigation, it acts -as a corrective upon the uterus. A fumigation made with a burnt ass’s -hoof, placed beneath a woman, accelerates parturition, so much so, -indeed, as to expel the dead fœtus even: hence it is that it should -only be employed in cases of miscarriage, it having a fatal effect -upon the living fœtus. Asses’ dung, applied fresh, has a wonderful -effect, they say, in arresting discharges of blood in females: the -same, too, with the ashes of this dung, which, used as a pessary, are -very good for the uterus. If the skin is rubbed with the foam from -a horse’s mouth for forty days together, before the first hair has -made its appearance, it will effectually prevent the growth thereof: -a decoction, too, made from deer’s antlers is productive of a similar -effect, being all the better if they are used quite fresh. Mares’ milk, -used as an injection, is highly beneficial to the uterus. - -Where the fœtus is felt to be dead in the uterus, the lichens or -excrescences from a horse’s legs, taken in fresh, water, will act -as an expellent: an effect produced also by a fumigation made with -the hoofs or dry dung of that animal. Procidence of the uterus is -arrested by using butter, in the form of an injection; and indurations -of that organ are removed by similarly employing ox-gall, with oil -of roses, turpentine being applied externally in wool. They say, -too, that a fumigation, made from ox-dung, acts as a corrective upon -procidence of the uterus, and facilitates parturition; and that -conception is promoted by the use of cows’ milk. It is a well-known -fact that sterility is often entailed by suffering in child-birth; an -evil which may be averted, Olympias of Thebes assures us, by rubbing -the parts, before sexual intercourse, with bull’s gall, serpents’ -fat, verdigrease, and honey. In cases, too, where menstruation is too -abundant, the external parts should be sprinkled with a solution of -calf’s gall, the moment before the sexual congress; a method which -acts emolliently also upon indurations of the abdomen. Applied to the -navel as a liniment, it arrests excessive discharges, and is generally -beneficial to the uterus. The proportions generally adopted are—one -denarius of gall, one-third of a denarius of opium, and as much oil -of almonds as may appear to be requisite; the whole being applied in -sheep’s wool. The gall, too, of a bull-calf is beaten up with half the -quantity of honey, and kept in readiness for the treatment of uterine -diseases. If a woman about the time of conception eats roasted veal -with the plant aristolochia,[2391] she will bring forth a male child, -we are assured. Calf’s marrow, boiled in wine and water with the suet, -and applied as a pessary, is good for ulcerations of the uterus; the -same, too, with foxes’ fat and cats’ dung, the last being applied with -resin and oil of roses. - -It is considered a remarkably good plan to subject the uterus to -fumigations made with burnt goats’ horns. The blood of the wild goat, -mixed with sea-palm,[2392] acts as a depilatory. The gall of the other -kinds of goat, used as an injection, acts emolliently upon callosities -of the uterus, and ensures conception immediately after menstruation: -it possesses also the virtues of a depilatory, the application being -left for three days upon the flesh after the hair has been removed. The -midwives assure us that she-goats’ urine, taken in drink, and the dung, -applied topically, will arrest uterine discharges, however much in -excess. The membrane in which the kid is enclosed in the uterus, dried -and taken in wine, acts as an expellent upon the after-birth. For -affections of the uterus, it is thought a desirable plan to fumigate -it with burnt kids’ hair; and for discharges of blood, kids’ rennet -is administered in drink, or seed of henbane is applied. According -to Osthanes, if a woman’s loins are rubbed with blood taken from the -ticks upon a black wild bull, she will be inspired with an aversion to -sexual intercourse: she will forget, too, her former love, by taking a -he-goat’s urine in drink, some nard being mixed with it to disguise the -loathsome taste. - - - - -CHAP. 78.—REMEDIES FOR THE DISEASES OF INFANTS. - - -For infants there is nothing more useful than butter,[2393] either by -itself or in combination with honey; for dentition more particularly, -for soreness of the gums, and for ulcerations of the mouth. A wolf’s -tooth, attached to the body, prevents infants from being startled, and -acts as a preservative against the maladies attendant upon dentition; -an effect equally produced by making use of a wolf’s skin. The larger -teeth, also, of a wolf, attached to a horse’s neck, will render him -proof against all weariness, it is said. A hare’s rennet, applied to -the breasts of the nurse, effectually prevents diarrhœa in the infant -suckled by her. An ass’s liver, mixed with a little panax, and dropped -into the mouth of an infant, will preserve it from epilepsy and other -diseases to which infants are liable; this, however, must be done for -forty days, they say. An ass’s skin, too, thrown over infants, renders -them insensible to fear. The first teeth shed by a horse, attached as -an amulet to infants, facilitate dentition, and are better still, when -not allowed to touch the ground. For pains in the spleen, an ox’s milt -is administered in honey, and applied topically; and for running ulcers -it is used as an application, with honey. A calf’s milt, boiled in -wine, is beaten up, and applied to incipient ulcers of the mouth. - -The magicians take the brains of a she-goat, and, after passing them -through a gold ring, drop them into the mouth of the infant before -it takes the breast, as a preservative against epilepsy and other -infantile diseases. Goats’ dung, attached to infants in a piece of -cloth, prevents them from being restless, female infants in particular. -By rubbing the gums of infants with goats’ milk or hare’s brains, -dentition is greatly facilitated. - - - - -CHAP. 79.—PROVOCATIVES OF SLEEP. - - -Cato was of opinion that hare’s flesh,[2394] taken as a diet, is -provocative of sleep. It is a vulgar notion, too, that this diet -confers beauty for nine days on those who use it; a silly play[2395] -upon words, no doubt, but a notion which has gained far too extensively -not to have had some real foundation. According to the magicians, the -gall of a she-goat, but only of one that has been sacrificed, applied -to the eyes or placed beneath the pillow, has a narcotic effect. Too -profuse perspiration is checked by rubbing the body with ashes of burnt -goats’ horns mixed with oil of myrtle. - - - - -CHAP. 80.—STIMULANTS FOR THE SEXUAL PASSIONS. - - -Among the aphrodisiacs, we find mentioned, a wild boar’s gall, applied -externally; swine’s marrow, taken inwardly; asses’ fat, mixed with the -grease of a gander and applied as a liniment; the virulent substance -described by Virgil[2396] as distilling from mares when covered; and -the dried testes of a horse, pulverized and mixed with the drink. The -right testicle, also, of an ass, is taken in a proportionate quantity -of wine, or worn attached to the arm in a bracelet; or else the froth -discharged by that animal after covering, collected in a piece of red -cloth and enclosed in silver, as Osthanes informs us. Salpe recommends -the genitals of this animal to be plunged seven times in boiling oil, -and the corresponding parts to be well rubbed therewith. Bialcon[2397] -says that these genitals should be reduced to ashes and taken in drink; -or else the urine that has been voided by a bull immediately after -covering: he recommends, also, that the groin should be well rubbed -with earth moistened with this urine. - -Mouse-dung, on the other hand, applied in the form of a liniment, acts -as an antaphrodisiac. The lights of a wild boar or swine, roasted, are -an effectual preservative against drunkenness; they must, however, be -eaten fasting, and upon the same day. The lights of a kid, too, are -productive of the same effect. - - - - -CHAP. 81. (20.)—REMARKABLE FACTS RELATIVE TO ANIMALS. - - -In addition to those already mentioned, there are various other -marvellous facts related, with reference to these animals. When a -horse-shoe becomes detached from the hoof, as often is the case, if -a person takes it up and puts it by, it will act as a remedy for -hiccup the moment he calls to mind the spot where he has placed it. A -wolf’s liver, they say, is similar to a horse’s hoof in appearance; -and a horse, they tell us, if it follows in the track of a wolf, will -burst[2398] asunder beneath its rider. The pastern-bones of swine have -a certain tendency to promote discord, it is said. In cases of fire, if -some of the dung can be brought away from the stalls, both sheep and -oxen may be got out all the more easily, and will make no attempt to -return. The flesh of a he-goat will lose its rank smell, if the animal -has eaten barley-bread, or drunk an infusion of laser[2399] the day on -which it was killed. Meat that has been salted while the moon was on -the wane, will never be attacked by worms. In fact, so great has been -the care taken to omit no possible researches, that a deaf hare, we -find, will grow fat[2400] sooner than one that can hear! - -As to the remedies for the diseases of animals—If a beast of burden -voids blood, an injection must be used of swine’s dung mixed with wine. -For the maladies of oxen, a mixture of suet is used with quicksilver, -and wild garlic boiled; the whole beaten up and administered in wine. -The fat, too, of a fox is employed. The liquor of boiled horse-flesh, -administered in their drink, is recommended for the cure of diseased -swine: and, indeed, the maladies of all four-footed beasts may be -effectually treated by boiling a she-goat whole, in her skin, along -with a bramble-frog. Poultry, they say, will never be touched by a fox, -if they have eaten the dried liver of that animal, or if the cock, when -treading the hen, has had a piece of fox’s skin about his neck. The -same property, too, is attributed to a weazel’s gall. The oxen in the -Isle of Cyprus cure themselves of gripings in the abdomen, it is said, -by swallowing[2401] human excrements: the feet, too, of oxen will never -be worn to the quick, if their hoofs are well rubbed with tar before -they begin work. Wolves will never approach a field, if, after one has -been caught and its legs broken and throat cut, the blood is dropped -little by little along the boundaries of the field, and the body buried -on the spot from which it was first dragged. The share, too, with which -the first furrow in the field has been traced in the current year, -should be taken from the plough, and placed upon the hearth of the -Lares, where the family is in the habit of meeting, and left there till -it is consumed: so long as this is in doing, no wolf will attack any -animal in the field. - -We will now turn to an examination of those animals which, being -neither tame nor wild, are of a nature peculiar to themselves. - -SUMMARY.—Remedies, narratives, and observations, one thousand six -hundred and eighty-two. - -ROMAN AUTHORS QUOTED.—M. Varro,[2402] L. Piso,[2403] Fabianus,[2404] -Valerius Antias,[2405] Verrius Flaccus,[2406] Cato the Censor,[2407] -Servius Sulpicius,[2408] Licinius Macer,[2409] Celsus,[2410] -Massurius,[2411] Sextius Niger[2412] who wrote in Greek, Bithus[2413] -of Dyrrhachium, Opilius[2414] the physician, Granius[2415] the -physician. - -FOREIGN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Democritus,[2416] Apollonius[2417] who -wrote the “Myrosis,” Miletus,[2418] Artemon,[2419] Sextilius,[2420] -Antæus,[2421] Homer, Theophrastus,[2422] Lysimachus,[2423] -Attalus,[2424] Xenocrates,[2425] Orpheus[2426] who wrote the -“Idiophya,” Archelaüs[2427] who wrote a similar work, Demetrius,[2428] -Sotira,[2429] Laïs,[2430] Elephantis,[2431] Salpe,[2432] -Olympias[2433] of Thebes, Diotimus[2434] of Thebes, Iollas,[2435] -Andreas,[2436] Marcion[2437] of Smyrna, Æschines[2438] the -physician, Hippocrates,[2439] Aristotle,[2440] Metrodorus[2441] of -Scepsos, Icetidas[2442] the physician, Apelles[2443] the physician, -Hesiod,[2444] Dalion,[2445] Cæcilius,[2446] Bion[2447] who wrote “On -Powers,”[2448] Anaxilaüs,[2449] King Juba.[2450] - - - - -BOOK XXIX. - -REMEDIES DERIVED FROM LIVING CREATURES. - - - - -CHAP. 1. (1.)—THE ORIGIN OF THE MEDICAL ART. - - -The nature and multiplicity of the various remedies already described -or which still remain to be enlarged upon, compel me to enter upon -some further details with reference to the art of medicine itself: -aware as I am, that no one[2451] has hitherto treated of this subject -in the Latin tongue, and that if all new enterprises are difficult or -of doubtful success, it must be one in particular which is so barren -of all charms to recommend it, and accompanied with such difficulties -of illustration. It will not improbably suggest itself, however, to -those who are familiar with this subject, to make enquiry how it is -that in the practice of medicine the use of simples has been abandoned, -so convenient as they are and so ready prepared to our hand: and they -will be inclined to feel equal surprise and indignation when they are -informed that no known art, lucrative as this is beyond all the rest, -has been more fluctuating, or subjected to more frequent variations. - -Commencing by ranking its inventors in the number of the gods,[2452] -and consecrating for them a place in heaven, the art of medicine, -at the present day even, teaches us in numerous instances to have -recourse to the oracles for aid. In more recent times again, the same -art has augmented its celebrity, at the cost perhaps of being charged -with criminality, by devising the fable that Æsculapius was struck by -lightning for presuming to raise Tyndareus[2453] to life. And this -example notwithstanding, it has not hesitated to relate how that -others, through its agency, have since been restored to life. Already -enjoying celebrity in the days of the Trojan War, its traditions from -that period have acquired an additional degree of certainty; although -in those times, we may remark, the healing art confined itself solely -to the treatment of wounds. - - - - -CHAP. 2.—PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO HIPPOCRATES. DATE OF THE ORIGINS OF -CLINICAL PRACTICE AND OF THAT OF IATRALIPTICS. - - -Its succeeding history, a fact that is truly marvellous, remains -enveloped in the densest night, down to the time of the Peloponnesian -War;[2454] at which period it was restored to light by the agency of -Hippocrates, a native of Cos, an island flourishing and powerful in the -highest degree, and consecrated to Æsculapius. It being the practice -for persons who had recovered from a disease to describe in the temple -of that god the remedies to which they had owed their restoration -to health, that others might derive benefit therefrom in a similar -emergency; Hippocrates, it is said, copied out these prescriptions, -and, as our fellow-countryman Varro will have it, after burning the -temple to the ground,[2455] instituted that branch of medical practice -which is known as “Clinics.”[2456] There was no limit after this to -the profits derived from the practice of medicine; for Prodicus,[2457] -a native of Selymbria, one of his disciples, founded the branch of it -known as “Iatraliptics,”[2458] and so discovered a means of enriching -the very anointers even and the commonest drudges[2459] employed by the -physicians. - - - - -CHAP. 3.—PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO CHRYSIPPUS AND ERASISTRATUS. - - -In the rules laid down by these professors, changes were effected by -Chrysippus with a vast parade of words, and, after Chrysippus, by -Erasistratus, son[2460] of the daughter of Aristotle. For the cure of -King Antiochus—to give our first illustration of the profits realized -by the medical art—Erasistratus received from his son, King Ptolemæus, -the sum of one hundred talents. - - - - -CHAP. 4.—THE EMPIRIC BRANCH OF MEDICINE. - - -Another sect again, known as that of the Empirics[2461]—because it -based its rules upon the results of experiment—took its rise in Sicily, -having for its founder Acron of Agrigentum, a man recommended by the -high authority of Empedocles[2462] the physician. - - - - -CHAP. 5.—PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO HEROPHILUS AND OTHER CELEBRATED -PHYSICIANS. THE VARIOUS CHANGES THAT HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE SYSTEM OF -MEDICINE. - - -These several schools of medicine, long at variance among themselves, -were all of them condemned by Herophilus,[2463] who regulated -the arterial pulsation according to the musical[2464] scale, -correspondingly with the age of the patient. In succeeding years again, -the theories of this sect were abandoned, it being found that to belong -to it necessitated an acquaintance with literature. Changes, too, were -effected in the school, of which, as already[2465] stated, Asclepiades -had become the founder. His disciple, Themison,[2466] who at first in -his writings implicitly followed him, soon afterwards, in compliance -with the growing degeneracy of the age, went so far as to modify -his own methods of treatment; which, in their turn, were entirely -displaced, with the authorization of the late Emperor Augustus, by -Antonius Musa,[2467] a physician who had rescued that prince from a -most dangerous malady, by following a mode of treatment diametrically -opposite. - -I pass over in silence many physicians of the very highest celebrity, -the Cassii, for instance, the Calpetani, the Arruntii, and the Rubrii, -men who received fees yearly from the great, amounting to no less -than two hundred and fifty thousand sesterces. As for Q. Stertinius, -he thought that he conferred an obligation upon the emperors in being -content with five hundred thousand[2468] sesterces per annum; and -indeed he proved, by an enumeration of the several houses, that a -city practice would bring him in a yearly income of not less than six -hundred thousand sesterces. - -Fully equal to this was the sum lavished upon his brother by Claudius -Cæsar; and the two brothers, although they had drawn largely upon their -fortunes in beautifying the public buildings at Neapolis, left to their -heirs no less than thirty millions of sesterces![2469] such an estate -as no physician but Arruntius had till then possessed. - -Next in succession arose Vettius Valens, rendered so notorious by his -adulterous connection[2470] with Messalina, the wife of Claudius Cæsar, -and equally celebrated as a professor of eloquence. When established in -public favour, he became the founder of a new sect. - -It was in the same age, too, during the reign of the Emperor Nero, -that the destinies of the medical art passed into the hands of -Thessalus,[2471] a man who swept away all the precepts of his -predecessors, and declaimed with a sort of frenzy against the -physicians of every age; but with what discretion and in what spirit, -we may abundantly conclude from a single trait presented by his -character—upon his tomb, which is still to be seen on the Appian Way, -he had his name inscribed as the “Iatronices”—the “Conqueror of the -Physicians.” No stage-player, no driver of a three-horse chariot, had -a greater throng attending him when he appeared in public: but he was -at last eclipsed in credit by Crinas, a native of Massilia, who, to -wear an appearance of greater discreetness and more devoutness, united -in himself the pursuit of two sciences, and prescribed diets to his -patients in accordance with the movements of the heavenly bodies, as -indicated by the almanacks of the mathematicians, taking observations -himself of the various times and seasons. It was but recently that he -died, leaving ten millions of sesterces, after having expended hardly a -less sum upon building the walls of his native place and of other towns. - -It was while these men were ruling our destinies, that all at once, -Charmis, a native also of Massilia, took[2472] the City by surprise. -Not content with condemning the practice of preceding physicians, he -proscribed the use of warm baths as well, and persuaded people, in the -very depth of winter even, to immerse themselves in cold water. His -patients he used to plunge into large vessels filled with cold water, -and it was a common thing to see aged men of consular rank make it a -matter of parade to freeze themselves; a method of treatment, in favour -of which Annæus[2473] Seneca gives his personal testimony, in writings -still extant. - -There can be no doubt whatever, that all these men, in the pursuit of -celebrity by the introduction of some novelty or other, made purchase -of it at the downright expense of human life. Hence those woeful -discussions, those consultations at the bed-side of the patient, where -no one thinks fit to be of the same opinion as another, lest he may -have the appearance of being subordinate to another; hence, too, that -ominous inscription to be read upon a tomb, “It was the multitude of -physicians that killed me.”[2474] - -The medical art, so often modified and renewed as it has been, is still -on the change from day to day, and still are we impelled onwards by -the puffs[2475] which emanate from the ingenuity of the Greeks. It is -quite evident too, that every one among them that finds himself skilled -in the art of speech, may forthwith create himself the arbiter of our -life and death: as though, forsooth, there were not thousands[2476] -of nations who live without any physicians at all, though not, for -all that, without the aid of medicine. Such, for instance, was the -Roman[2477] people, for a period of more than six hundred years; a -people, too, which has never shown itself slow to adopt all useful -arts, and which even welcomed the medical art with avidity, until, -after a fair experience of it, there was found good reason to condemn -it. - - - - -CHAP. 6.—WHO FIRST PRACTISED AS A PHYSICIAN AT ROME, AND AT WHAT PERIOD. - - -And, indeed, it appears to me not amiss to take the present opportunity -of reviewing some remarkable facts in the days of our forefathers -connected with this subject. Cassius Hemina,[2478] one of our most -ancient writers, says that the first physician that visited Rome was -Archagathus, the son of Lysanias, who came over from Peloponnesus, in -the year of the City 535, L. Æmilius and M. Livius being consuls. He -states also, that the right of free citizenship[2479] was granted him, -and that he had a shop[2480] provided for his practice at the public -expense in the Acilian Cross-way;[2481] that from his practice he -received the name of “Vulnerarius;”[2482] that on his arrival he was -greatly welcomed at first, but that soon afterwards, from the cruelty -displayed by him in cutting and searing his patients, he acquired the -new name of “Carnifex,”[2483] and brought his art and physicians in -general into considerable disrepute. - -That such was the fact, we may readily understand from the words of M. -Cato, a man whose authority stands so high of itself, that but little -weight is added to it by the triumph[2484] which he gained, and the -Censorship which he held. I shall, therefore, give his own words in -reference to this subject. - - - - -CHAP. 7.—THE OPINIONS ENTERTAINED BY THE ROMANS ON THE ANCIENT -PHYSICIANS. - - -“Concerning those Greeks, son Marcus, I will speak to you more at -length on the befitting occasion. I will show you the results of my -own experience at Athens, and that, while it is a good plan to dip -into their literature,[2485] it is not worth while to make a thorough -acquaintance with it. They are a most iniquitous and intractable -race, and you may take my word as the word of a prophet, when I tell -you, that whenever that nation shall bestow its literature upon Rome -it will mar everything; and that all the sooner, if it sends its -physicians among us. They have conspired among themselves to murder all -barbarians with their medicine; a profession which they exercise for -lucre, in order that they may win our confidence,[2486] and dispatch -us all the more easily. They are in the common habit, too, of calling -us barbarians, and stigmatize us beyond all other nations, by giving -us the abominable appellation of Opici.[2487] I forbid you to have -anything to do with physicians.” - - - - -CHAP. 8.—EVILS ATTENDANT UPON THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. - - -Cato, who wrote to this effect, died in his eighty-fifth year, in the -year of the City 605; so that no one is to suppose that he had not -sufficient time to form his experience, either with reference to the -duration of the republic, or the length of his own life. Well then—are -we to conclude that he has stamped with condemnation a thing that -in itself is most useful? Far from it, by Hercules! for he subjoins -an account of the medical prescriptions, by the aid of which he had -ensured to himself and to his wife a ripe old age; prescriptions[2488] -upon which we are now about to enlarge. He asserts also that he has a -book of recipes in his possession, by the aid of which he treats the -maladies of his son, his servants, and his friends; a book from which -we have extracted the various prescriptions according to the several -maladies for which they are employed. - -It was not the thing itself that the ancients condemned, but it was -the art as then practised, and they were shocked, more particularly, -that man should pay so dear for the enjoyment of life. For this reason -it was, they say, that the Temple of Æsculapius even after he was -received as a divinity, was built without the City, and afterwards -on an island;[2489] for this reason, too, it was, that when, long -after the time of Cato, the Greeks were expelled from Italy, the -physicians were not[2490] exempted from the decree. And here I -will[2491] improve upon the foresight displayed by them. Medicine is -the only one of the arts of Greece, that, lucrative as it is, the Roman -gravity has hitherto refused to cultivate. It is but very few of our -fellow-citizens that have even attempted it, and so soon as ever they -have done so, they have become deserters to the Greeks forthwith.[2492] -Nay, even more than this, if they attempt to treat of it in any other -language than Greek, they are sure to lose all credit, with the most -ignorant even, and those who do not understand a word of Greek; there -being all the less confidence felt by our people in that which so -nearly concerns their welfare, if it happens to be intelligible to -them. In fact, this is the only one of all the arts, by Hercules! in -which the moment a man declares[2493] himself to be an adept, he is at -once believed, there being at the same time no imposture, the results -of which are more fraught with peril. To all this, however, we give no -attention, so seductive is the sweet influence of the hope entertained -of his ultimate recovery by each. - -And then besides, there is no law in existence whereby to punish the -ignorance of physicians, no instance before us of capital punishment -inflicted. It is at the expense of our perils that they learn, and -they experimentalize by putting us to death, a physician being the -only person that can kill another with sovereign impunity. Nay, even -more than this, all the blame is thrown upon the sick man only; he -is accused of disobedience forthwith, and it is the person who is -dead and gone that is put upon his trial. It is the usage at Rome for -the decuries[2494] to pass examination under the censorship of the -emperor, and for inquisitions to be made at our party-walls[2495] even: -persons who are to sit in judgment on our monetary matters are sent for -to Gades[2496] and the very Pillars of Hercules; while a question of -exile is never entertained without a panel of forty-five men selected -for the purpose.[2497] But when it is the judge’s own life that is at -stake, who are the persons that are to hold council upon it, but those -who the very next moment are about to take it! - -And yet so it is, that we only meet with our deserts, no one of us -feeling the least anxiety to know what is necessary for his own -welfare. We walk[2498] with the feet of other people, we see with -the eyes of other people, trusting to the memory of others we salute -one another, and it is by the aid of others that we live. The most -precious objects of existence, and the chief supports[2499] of life, -are entirely lost to us, and we have nothing left but our pleasures -to call our own. I will not leave Cato exposed to the hatred of a -profession so ambitious as this, nor yet that senate which judged as he -did, but at the same time I will pursue my object without wresting to -my purpose the cries practised by its adepts, as some might naturally -expect. For what profession has there been more fruitful in poisonings, -or from which there have emanated more frauds upon wills? And then, -too, what adulteries have been committed, in the very houses of our -princes even! the intrigue of Eudemus,[2500] for example, with Livia, -the wife of Drusus Cæsar, and that of Valens with the royal lady -previous mentioned.[2501] Let us not impute these evils, I say, to the -art, but to the men who practise it; for Cato, I verily believe, as -little apprehended such practices as these in the City, as he did the -presence of royal ladies[2502] there. - -I will not accuse the medical art of the avarice even of its -professors, the rapacious bargains made with their patients while -their fate is trembling in the balance, the tariffs framed upon their -agonies, the monies taken as earnest for the dispatching of patients, -or the mysterious secrets of the craft. I will not mention how that -cataract must be couched[2503] only, in the eye, in preference to -extracting it at once—practices, all of them, which have resulted -in one very great advantage, by alluring hither such a multitude of -adventurers; it being no moderation on their part, but the rivalry -existing between such numbers of practitioners, that keeps their -charges within moderation. It is a well-known fact that Charmis, the -physician[2504] already mentioned, made a bargain with a patient of his -in the provinces, that he should have two hundred thousand sesterces -for the cure; that the Emperor Claudius extorted from Alcon, the -surgeon,[2505] ten millions of sesterces by way of fine; and that the -same man, after being recalled from his exile in Gaul, acquired a sum -equally large in the course of a few years. - -These are faults, however, which must be imputed to individuals only; -and it is not my intention to waste reproof upon the dregs of the -medical profession, or to call attention to the ignorance displayed by -that crew,[2506] the violation of all regimen in their treatment of -disease, the evasions practised in the use of warm baths, the strict -diet they imperiously prescribe, the food that is crammed into these -same patients, exhausted as they are, several times a day; together -with a thousand other methods of showing how quick they are to change -their mind, their precepts for the regulation of the kitchen, and their -recipes for the composition of unguents, it being one grand object with -them to lose sight of none of the usual incitements to sensuality. The -importation of foreign merchandize, and the introduction of tariffs -settled by foreigners,[2507] would have been highly displeasing to our -ancestors, I can readily imagine; but it was not these inconveniences -that Cato had in view, when he spoke thus strongly in condemnation of -the medical art. - -“Theriace”[2508] is the name given to a preparation devised by luxury; -a composition formed of six hundred[2509] different ingredients; and -this while Nature has bestowed upon us such numbers of remedies, each -of which would have fully answered the purpose employed by itself! The -Mithridatic[2510] antidote is composed of four and fifty ingredients, -none of which are used in exactly the same proportion, and the -quantity prescribed is in some cases so small as the sixtieth part -of one denarius! Which of the gods, pray, can have instructed man in -such trickery as this, a height to which the mere subtlety of human -invention could surely never have reached? it clearly must emanate -from a vain ostentation of scientific skill and must be set down as a -monstrous system of puffing off the medical art. - -And yet, after all, the physicians themselves do not understand this -branch of their profession; and I have ascertained that it is a common -thing for them to put mineral vermilion[2511] in their medicines, a -rank poison, as I shall have occasion[2512] to show when I come to -speak of the pigments, in place of Indian cinnabar, and all because -they mistake the name of the one drug for that of the other! These, -however, are errors which only concern the health of individuals, while -it is the practices which Cato foresaw and dreaded, less dangerous in -themselves and little regarded, practices, in fact, which the leading -men in the art do not hesitate to avow, that have wrought[2513] the -corruption of the manners of our empire. - -The practices I allude to are those to which, while enjoying robust -health, we submit: such, for instance, as rubbing the body with wax and -oil,[2514] a preparation for a wrestling match, by rights, but which, -these men pretend, was invented as a preservative of health; the use -of hot baths, which are necessary, they have persuaded us, for the -proper digestion of the food, baths which no one ever leaves without -being all the weaker for it, and from which the more submissive of -their patients are only carried to the tomb; potions taken fasting; -vomits to clear the stomach, and then a series of fresh drenchings -with drink; emasculation, self-inflicted by the use of pitch-plasters -as depilatories; the public exposure, too, of even the most delicate -parts of the female body for the prosecution of these practices. Most -assuredly so it is, the contagion which has seized upon the public -morals, has had no more fertile source than the medical art, and -it continues, day by day even, to justify the claims of Cato to be -considered a prophet and an oracle of wisdom, in that assertion of his, -that it is quite sufficient to dip into the records of Greek genius, -without becoming thoroughly acquainted with them. - -Such then is what may be said in justification of the senate and of -the Roman people, during that period of six hundred years in which -they manifested such repugnance to an art, by the most insidious terms -of which, good men are made to lend their credit and authority to the -very worst, and so strongly entered their protest against the silly -persuasions entertained by those, who fancy that nothing can benefit -them but what is coupled with high price. - -I entertain no doubt, too, that there will be found some to express -their disgust at the particulars which I am about to give, in relation -to animals: and yet Virgil himself has not disdained—when, too, there -was no necessity for his doing so—to speak of ants and weevils, - - “And nests by beetles made that shun the light.”[2515] - -Homer,[2516] too, amid his description of the battles of the gods, has -not disdained to remark upon the voracity of the common fly; nor has -Nature, she who engendered man, thought it beneath her to engender -these insects as well. Let each then make it his care, not so much to -regard the thing itself, as to rightly appreciate in each case the -cause and its effects. - - - - -CHAP. 9.—THIRTY-FIVE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM WOOL. - - -I shall begin then with some remedies that are well known, those -namely, which are derived from wool and from the eggs of birds, -thus giving due honour to those substances which hold the principal -place in the estimation of mankind; though at the same time I shall -be necessitated to speak of some others out of their proper place, -according as occasion may offer. I should not have been at a loss -for high-flown language with which to grace my narrative, had I made -it my design to regard anything else than what, as being strictly -trustworthy,[2517] becomes my work: for among the very first remedies -mentioned, we find those said to be derived from the ashes and nest -of the phœnix,[2518] as though, forsooth, its existence were a well -ascertained fact, and not altogether a fable. And then besides, it -would be a mere mockery to describe remedies that can only return to us -once in a thousand years. - -(2.) The ancient Romans attributed to wool a degree of religious -importance even, and it was in this spirit that they enjoined that the -bride should touch the door-posts of her husband’s house with wool. In -addition to dress and protection from the cold, wool, in an unwashed -state, used in combination with oil, and wine or vinegar, supplies us -with numerous remedies, according as we stand in need of an emollient -or an excitant, an astringent or a laxative. Wetted from time to -time with these liquids, greasy wool is applied to sprained limbs, -and to sinews that are suffering from pain. In the case of sprains, -some persons are in the habit of adding salt, while others, again, -apply pounded rue and grease, in wool: the same, too, in the case of -contusions or tumours. Wool will improve the breath, it is said, if the -teeth and gums are rubbed with it, mixed with honey; it is very good, -too, for phrenitis,[2519] used as a fumigation. To arrest bleeding at -the nose, wool is introduced into the nostrils with oil of roses; or it -is used in another manner, the ears being well plugged with it. In the -case of inveterate ulcers it is applied topically with honey: soaked in -wine or vinegar, or in cold water and oil, and then squeezed out, it is -used for the cure of wounds. - -Rams’ wool, washed in cold water, and steeped in oil, is used for -female complaints, and to allay inflammations of the uterus. Procidence -of the uterus is reduced by using this wool in the form of a -fumigation. Greasy wool, used as a plaster and as a pessary, brings -away the dead fœtus, and arrests uterine discharges. Bites inflicted -by a mad dog are plugged with unwashed wool, and the application being -removed at the end of seven days. Applied with cold water, it is a -cure for agnails: steeped in a mixture of boiling nitre, sulphur, oil, -vinegar, and tar, and applied twice a day, as warm as possible, it -allays pains in the loins. By making ligatures with unwashed rams’ wool -about the extremities of the limbs, bleeding is effectually stopped. - -In all cases, the wool most esteemed is that from the neck of the -animal; the best kinds of wool being those of Galatia, Tarentum, -Attica, and Miletus. For excoriations, blows, bruises, contusions, -crushes, galls, falls, pains in the head and other parts, and for -inflammation of the stomach, unwashed wool is applied, with a mixture -of vinegar and oil of roses. Reduced to ashes, it is applied to -contusions, wounds, and burns, and forms an ingredient in ophthalmic -compositions. It is employed, also, for fistulas and suppurations of -the ears. For this last purpose, some persons take the wool as it -is shorn, while others pluck it from the fleece; they then cut off -the ends of it, and after drying and carding it, lay it in pots of -unbaked earth, steep it well in honey, and burn it. Others, again, -arrange it in layers alternately with chips of torch-pine,[2520] -and, after sprinkling it with oil, set fire to it: they then rub the -ashes into small vessels with the hands, and let them settle in water -there. This operation is repeated and the water changed several times, -until at last the ashes are found to be slightly astringent, without -the slightest pungency; upon which, they are put by for use, being -possessed of certain caustic properties,[2521] and extremely useful as -a detergent the eyelids. - - -CHAP. 10.—THIRTY-TWO REMEDIES DERIVED FROM WOOL-GREASE. - -And not only this, but the filthy excretions even of sheep, the sweat -adhering to the wool of the flanks and of the axillary concavities—a -substance known as “œsypum”[2522]—are applied to purposes almost -innumerable; the grease produced by the sheep of Attica being the most -highly esteemed. There are numerous ways of obtaining it, but the most -approved method is to take the wool, fresh clipped from those parts of -the body, or else the sweat and grease collected from any part of the -fleece, and boil it gently in a copper vessel upon a slow fire: this -done, it is left to cool, and the fat which floats upon the surface -collected into an earthen vessel. The material originally used is then -subjected to another boiling, and the two results are washed in cold -water; after which, they are strained through a linen cloth and exposed -to the sun till they become bleached and quite transparent, and are -then put by in a pewter box for keeping. - -The best proof of its genuineness is its retention of the strong smell -of the original grease, and its not melting when rubbed with water -upon the hand, but turning white, like white-lead in appearance. -This substance is extremely useful for inflammations of the eyes and -indurations of the eyelids. Some persons bake the wool in an earthen -pot, until it has lost all its grease, and are of opinion that, -prepared this way, it is a more useful remedy for excoriations and -indurations of the eyelids, for eruptions at the corners of the eyes, -and for watery eyes. And not only does this grease heal ulcerations -of the eyes, but, mixed with goose-grease, of the ears and generative -organs as well; in combination also with melilote and butter, it is -a cure for inflammations of the uterus, and for excoriations of the -rectum and condylomata. The other uses to which it is applied, we shall -detail on a more appropriate occasion. - -The grease, too, of the wool about the tail is made up into pills, -unmixed with any substance: these pills are dried and pulverized, being -an excellent application for the teeth, when loose even, and for the -gums, when attacked by spreading ulcers of a cancerous nature. Sheep’s -wool, too, cleaned, is applied by itself, or with the addition of -sulphur, for dull, heavy pains, and the ashes of it, burnt, are used -for diseases of the generative organs: indeed, this wool is possessed -of such sovereign virtues, that it is used as a covering for medicinal -applications even. It is also an especial remedy for the sheep itself, -when it has lost its stomach, and refuses to feed; for, upon plucking -some wool from the tail, and then tying the tail therewith, as tight -as possible, the sheep will fall to feeding immediately. It is said -however, that the part of the tail which lies beyond the knot so made -will quickly mortify and die. - - - - -CHAP. 11. (3.)—TWENTY-TWO REMEDIES DERIVED FROM EGGS. - - -There is a considerable affinity also between wool and eggs, which -are applied together as a frontal to the forehead by way of cure -for defluxions of the eyes. Wool, however, is not required for this -purpose to have been dressed with radicula,[2523] the only thing -requisite to be combined with it being the white of an egg and powdered -frankincense. The white of an egg, also applied by itself, arrests -defluxions of the eyes, and has a cooling effect upon inflammations of -those organs: some, however, prefer mixing saffron with it, and employ -it as an ingredient in eye-salves, in place of water. For ophthalmia -in infants there is hardly any remedy to be found, except white of egg -mixed with fresh butter. Eggs beaten up with oil, are very soothing for -erysipelas, beet leaves being laid on the liniment. - -White of egg, mixed with pounded gum ammoniac, is used as a bandoline -for arranging the hairs of the eyelids; and, in combination with -pine-nuts and a little honey, it forms a liniment for the removal -of pimples on the face. If the face is well rubbed with it, it will -never be sun-burnt. If, the moment the flesh has been scalded, an egg -is applied, no blisters will form: some persons, however, mix with -it barley-meal and a little salt. In cases of ulceration formed by -burns, there is nothing better than parched barley and hogs’ lard, -mixed with the white of an egg. The same mixture is also used as an -application for diseases of the rectum, in infants even, and in cases, -too, when there is procidence of those parts. For the cure of chaps -upon the feet, white of eggs is boiled, with two denarii of white -lead, an equal quantity of litharge, a little myrrh, and some wine. -For the cure of erysipelas they use the whites of three eggs with -amylum:[2524] it is said, too, that white of egg has the effect of -knitting wounds and of expelling urinary calculi. The yolk of eggs -boiled hard, applied in woman’s milk with a little saffron and honey, -has a soothing effect upon pains in the eyes. The yolk is applied also -to the eyes in wool, mixed with honied wine and oil of roses: or else -mixed with ground parsley-seed and polenta, and applied with honied -wine. The yolk of a single egg, swallowed raw by itself without being -allowed to touch the teeth, is remarkably good for cough, defluxions -of the chest, and irritations of the fauces. It is used, too, both -internally and externally, in a raw state, as a sovereign cure for -the sting of the hæmorrhoïs;[2525] and it is highly beneficial for -the kidneys, for irritations and ulcerations of the bladder, and for -bloody expectorations. For dysentery, the yolks of five eggs are taken -raw in one semi-sextarius of wine, mixed with the ashes of the shells, -poppy-juice, and wine. - -For cœliac fluxes, it is recommended to take the yolks of eggs, with -like proportions of pulpy raisins and pomegranate rind, in equal -quantities, for three consecutive days; or else to follow another -method, and take the yolks of three eggs, with three ounces of old -bacon and honey, and three cyathi of old wine; the whole being beaten -up to the consistency of honey, and taken in water, when needed, in -pieces the size of a hazel nut. In some cases, too, the yolks of three -eggs are fried in oil, the whole of the egg having been steeped a day -previously in vinegar. It is in this way that eggs are used for the -treatment of spleen diseases; but for spitting of blood, they should -be taken with three cyathi of must. Yolk of egg is used, too, for the -cure of bruises of long standing, in combination with bulbs and honey. -Boiled and taken in wine, yolks of eggs arrest menstruation: applied -raw with oil or wine, they dispel inflations of the uterus. Mixed with -goose-grease and oil of roses, they are useful for crick in the neck; -and they are hardened over the fire, and applied warm, for the cure of -maladies of the rectum. For condylomata, eggs are used in combination -with oil of roses; and for the treatment of burns, they are hardened -in water, and set upon hot coals till the shells are burnt, the yellow -being used as a liniment with oil of roses. - -Eggs become entirely transformed into yolk, on being removed after the -hen has sat upon them for three days; in which state they are known by -the name of “sitista.”[2526] The chicks that are found within the shell -are used for strengthening a disordered stomach, being eaten with half -a nut-gall, and no other food taken for the next two hours. They are -given also for dysentery, boiled in the egg with one semi-sextarius -of astringent wine, and an equal quantity of olive oil and polenta. -The pellicle that lines the shell is used, either raw or boiled, for -the cure of cracked lips; and the shell itself, reduced to ashes, is -taken in wine for discharges of blood: care must be taken, however, to -burn it without the pellicle. In the same way, too, a dentifrice is -prepared. The ashes of the shell, applied topically with myrrh, arrest -menstruation when in excess. So remarkably strong is the shell of an -egg, that if it is set upright, no force or weight can break it, unless -a slight inclination be made to one side or other of the circumference. -Eggs taken whole in wine, with rue, dill, and cummin, facilitate -parturition. Used with oil and cedar-resin, they remove itch and -prurigo, and, applied in combination with cyclaminos,[2527] they are -remedial for running ulcers of the head. For purulent expectorations -and spitting of blood, a raw egg is taken, warmed with juice of -cut-leek and an equal quantity of Greek honey. For coughs, eggs are -administered, boiled and beaten up with honey, or else raw, with raisin -wine and an equal quantity of olive oil. For diseases of the male -organs, an injection is made, of an egg, three cyathi of raisin wine, -and half an ounce of amylum,[2528] the mixture being used immediately -after the bath. Where injuries have been inflicted by serpents, boiled -eggs are used as a liniment, beaten up with nasturtium. - -In what various ways eggs are used as food is well known to all, -passing downwards, however swollen the throat may be, and warming -the parts as they pass. Eggs, too, are the only diet which, while it -affords nutriment in sickness, does not load the stomach, possessing -at the same moment all the advantages both of food and drink. We have -already[2529] stated, that the shell of an egg becomes soft when -steeped in vinegar: it is by the aid of eggs thus prepared, and kneaded -up with meal into bread, that patients suffering from the cœliac flux -are often restored to strength. Some, however, think it a better plan -to roast the eggs, when thus softened, in a shallow pan; a method, by -the aid of which, they arrest not only looseness of the bowels, but -excessive menstruation as well. In cases, again, where the discharges -are greatly in excess, eggs are taken raw, with meal, in water. The -yolks, too, are employed alone, boiled hard in vinegar and roasted with -ground pepper, when wanted to arrest diarrhœa. - -For dysentery, there is a sovereign remedy, prepared in the following -manner: an egg is emptied into a new earthen vessel, which done, in -order that all the proportions may be equal, fill the shell, first with -honey, then with oil, and then with vinegar; beat them up together, -and thoroughly incorporate them: the better the quality of the several -ingredients, the more efficacious the mixture will be. Others, again, -instead of oil and vinegar, use the same proportions of red resin and -wine. There is also another way of making up this preparation: the -proportion of oil, and of that only, remains the same, and to it they -add two sixtieth parts of a denarius of the vegetable which we have -spoken of under the name of “rhus,”[2530] and five oboli of honey. All -these ingredients are boiled down together, and no food is eaten by -the patient till the end of four hours after taking the mixture. Many -persons, too, have a cure for griping pains in the bowels, by beating -up two eggs with four cloves of garlick, and administering them, warmed -in one semi-sextarius of wine. - -Not to omit anything in commendation of eggs, I would here add that -glair of egg, mixed with quicklime, unites broken[2531] glass. Indeed, -so great is the efficacy of the substance of an egg, that wood dipped -in it will not take fire, and cloth with which it has come in contact -will not ignite.[2532] On this occasion, however, it is only of the -eggs of poultry that I have been speaking, though those of the various -other birds as well are possessed of many useful properties, as I shall -have to mention on the appropriate occasions. - - - - -CHAP. 12.—SERPENTS’ EGGS. - - -In addition to the above, there is another kind of egg,[2533] held in -high renown by the people of the Gallic provinces, but totally omitted -by the Greek writers. In summer[2534] time, numberless snakes become -artificially entwined together, and form rings around their bodies with -the viscous slime which exudes from their mouths, and with the foam -secreted by them: the name given to this substance is “anguinum.”[2535] -The Druids tell us, that the serpents eject these eggs into the air by -their hissing,[2536] and that a person must be ready to catch them in -a cloak, so as not to let them touch the ground; they say also that he -must instantly take to flight on horseback, as the serpents will be -sure to pursue him, until some intervening river has placed a barrier -between them. The test of its genuineness, they say, is its floating -against the current of a stream, even though it be set in gold. But, as -it is the way with magicians to be dexterous and cunning in casting a -veil about their frauds, they pretend that these eggs can only be taken -on a certain day of the moon; as though, forsooth, it depended entirely -upon the human will to make the moon and the serpents accord as to the -moment of this operation. - -I myself, however, have seen one of these eggs: it was round, and about -as large as an apple of moderate size; the shell[2537] of it was formed -of a cartilaginous substance, and it was surrounded with numerous -cupules, as it were, resembling those upon the arms of the polypus: -it is held in high estimation among the Druids. The possession of it -is marvellously vaunted as ensuring success[2538] in law-suits, and -a favourable reception with princes; a notion which has been so far -belied, that a Roman of equestrian rank, a native of the territory -of the Vocontii,[2539] who, during a trial, had one of these eggs in -his bosom, was slain by the late Emperor Tiberius, and for no other -reason, that I know of, but because he was in possession of it. It is -this entwining of serpents with one another, and the fruitful results -of this unison, that seem to me to have given rise to the usage among -foreign nations, of surrounding the caduceus[2540] with representations -of serpents, as so many symbols of peace—it must be remembered, too, -that on the caduceus, serpents are never[2541] represented as having -crests. - - - - -CHAP. 13.—THE METHOD OF PREPARING COMMAGENUM. FOUR REMEDIES DERIVED -FROM IT. - - -Having to make mention, in the present Book, of the eggs of the goose -and the numerous uses to which they are applied, as also of the bird -itself, it is our duty to award the honour to Commagene[2542] of a -most celebrated preparation there made. This composition is prepared -from goose-grease, a substance applied to many other well-known uses -as well; but in the case of that which comes from Commagene, a part of -Syria, the grease is first incorporated with cinnamon, cassia,[2543] -white pepper, and the plant called “commagene,”[2544] and then placed -in vessels and buried in the snow. The mixture has an agreeable smell, -and is found extremely useful for cold shiverings, convulsions, heavy -or sudden pains, and all those affections, in fact, which are treated -with the class of remedies known as “acopa;”[2545] being equally an -unguent and a medicament. - -There is another method, also, of preparing it in Syria: the fat of -the bird is preserved in manner already[2546] described, and there is -added to it erysisceptrum,[2547] xylobalsamum,[2548] palm elate,[2549] -and calamus, each in the same proportion as the grease; the whole being -gently boiled some two or three times in wine. This preparation is made -in winter, as in summer it will never thicken, except with the addition -of wax. There are numerous other remedies, also, derived from the -goose, as well as from the raven;[2550] a thing I am much surprised at, -seeing that both the goose and the raven[2551] are generally said to be -in a diseased state at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. - - - - -CHAP. 14. (4.)—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE DOG. - - -We have already[2552] spoken of the honours earned by the geese, when -the Gauls were detected in their attempt to scale the Capitol. It is -for a corresponding reason, also, that punishment is yearly inflicted -upon the dogs, by crucifying them alive upon a gibbet of elder, between -the Temple of Juventas[2553] and that of Summanus.[2554] - -In reference to this last-mentioned animal, the usages of our -forefathers compel us to enter into some further details. They -considered the flesh of sucking whelps to be so pure a meat, that they -were in the habit of using them as victims even in their expiatory -sacrifices. A young whelp, too, is sacrificed to Genita Mana;[2555] -and, at the repasts celebrated in honour of the gods, it is still -the usage to set whelps’ flesh on table; at the inaugural feasts, -too, of the pontiffs, this dish was in common use, as we learn from -the Comedies[2556] of Plautus. It is generally thought that for -narcotic[2557] poisons there is nothing better than dogs’ blood; and -it would appear that it was this animal that first taught man the use -of emetics. Other medicinal uses of the dog which are marvellously -commended, I shall have occasion to refer to on the appropriate -occasions. - - - - -CHAP. 15.—REMEDIES CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THE DIFFERENT MALADIES. -REMEDIES FOR INJURIES INFLICTED BY SERPENTS. REMEDIES DERIVED FROM MICE. - - -We will now resume the order originally proposed.[2558] For stings -inflicted by serpents fresh sheeps’-dung, boiled in wine, is considered -a very useful application: as also mice split asunder and applied -to the wound. Indeed, these last animals are possessed of certain -properties by no means to be despised, at the ascension of the planets -more particularly, as already[2559] stated; the lobes increasing or -decreasing in number, with the age of the moon, as the case may be. -The magicians have a story that swine will follow any person who gives -them a mouse’s liver to eat, enclosed in a fig: they say, too, that it -has a similar effect upon man, but that the spell may be destroyed by -swallowing a cyathus of oil. - - - - -CHAP. 16.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE WEASEL. - - -There are two varieties of the weasel; the one, wild,[2560] larger than -the other, and known to the Greeks as the “ictis:” its gall is said to -be very efficacious as an antidote to the sting of the asp, but of a -venomous nature in other respects.[2561] The other kind,[2562] which -prowls about our houses, and is in the habit, Cicero tells us,[2563] of -removing its young ones, and changing every day from place to place, -is an enemy to serpents. The flesh of this last, preserved in salt, is -given, in doses of one denarius, in three cyathi of drink to persons -who have been stung by serpents: or else the maw of the animal is -stuffed with coriander seed and dried, to be taken for the same purpose -in wine. The young one of the weasel is still more efficacious for -these purposes. - - - - -CHAP. 17.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM BUGS. - - -There are some things, of a most revolting nature, but which are -recommended by authors with such a degree of assurance, that it would -be improper to omit them, the more particularly as it is to the -sympathy or antipathy of objects that remedies owe their existence. -Thus the bug, for instance, a most filthy insect, and one the very name -of which inspires us with loathing, is said to be a neutralizer of the -venom of serpents, asps in particular, and to be a preservative against -all kinds of poisons. As a proof of this, they tell us that the sting -of an asp is never fatal to poultry, if they have eaten bugs that day; -and that, if such is the case, their flesh is remarkably beneficial to -persons who have been stung by serpents. Of the various recipes[2564] -given in reference to these insects, the least revolting are the -application of them externally to the wound, with the blood of a -tortoise; the employment of them as a fumigation to make leeches loose -their hold; and the administering of them to animals in drink when a -leech has been accidentally swallowed. Some persons, however, go so far -as to crush bugs with salt and woman’s milk, and anoint the eyes with -the mixture; in combination, too, with honey and oil of roses, they use -them as an injection for the ears. Field-bugs, again, and those found -upon the mallow,[2565] are burnt, and the ashes mixed with oil of roses -as an injection for the ears. - -As to the other remedial virtues attributed to bugs, for the cure -of vomiting, quartan fevers, and other diseases, although we find -recommendations given to swallow them in an egg, some wax, or in a -bean, I look upon them as utterly unfounded, and not worthy of further -notice. They are employed, however, for the treatment of lethargy, and -with some fair reason, as they successfully neutralize the narcotic -effects of the poison of the asp: for this purpose seven of them are -administered in a cyathus of water, but in the case of children only -four. In cases, too, of strangury, they have been injected into the -urinary channel:[2566] so true it is that Nature, that universal -parent, has engendered nothing without some powerful reason or other. -In addition to these particulars, a couple of bugs, it is said, -attached to the left arm in some wool that has been stolen from -the shepherds, will effectually cure nocturnal fevers; while those -recurrent in the daytime may be treated with equal success by enclosing -the bugs in a piece of russet-coloured cloth. The scolopendra, on the -other hand, is a great enemy to these insects; used in the form of a -fumigation, it kills them. - - - - -CHAP. 18.—PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO THE ASP. - - -The sting of the asp takes deadly effect by causing torpor and -drowsiness. Of all serpents, injuries inflicted by the asp are the -most incurable; and their venom, if it comes in contact with the blood -or a recent wound, produces instantaneous death. If, on the other -hand, it touches an old sore, its fatal effects are not so immediate. -Taken internally, in however large a quantity, the venom is not -injurious,[2567] as it has no corrosive properties; for which reason it -is that the flesh of animals killed by it may be eaten with impunity. - -I should hesitate in giving circulation to a prescription for -injuries inflicted by the asp, were it not that M. Varro, then in the -eighty-third year of his age, has left a statement to the effect that -it is a most efficient remedy for wounds inflicted by this reptile, for -the person stung to drink his own urine. - - - - -CHAP. 19.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE BASILISK. - - -As to the basilisk,[2568] a creature which the very serpents fly from, -which kills by its odour even, and which proves fatal to man by only -looking upon him, its blood has been marvellously extolled by the -magicians.[2569] This blood is thick and adhesive, like pitch, which -it resembles also in colour: dissolved in water, they say, it becomes -of a brighter red than that of cinnabar. They attribute to it also the -property of ensuring success to petitions preferred to potentates, and -to prayers even offered to the gods; and they regard it as a remedy for -various diseases, and as an amulet preservative against all noxious -spells. Some give it the name of “Saturn’s blood.” - - - - -CHAP. 20.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE DRAGON. - - -The dragon[2570] is a serpent destitute of venom. Its head, placed -beneath the threshold of a door, the gods being duly propitiated by -prayers, will ensure good fortune to the house, it is said. Its eyes, -dried and beaten up with honey, form a liniment which is an effectual -preservative against the terrors of spectres by night, in the case of -the most timorous even. The fat adhering to the heart, attached to the -arm with a deer’s sinews in the skin of a gazelle, will ensure success -in law-suits, it is said; and the first joint of the vertebræ will -secure an easy access to persons high in office. The teeth, attached -to the body with a deer’s sinews in the skin of a roe-buck, have the -effect of rendering masters indulgent and potentates gracious, it is -said. - -But the most remarkable thing of all is a composition, by the aid of -which the lying magicians profess to render persons invincible. They -take the tail and head of a dragon, the hairs of a lion’s forehead with -the marrow of that animal, the foam of a horse that has won a race, and -the claws of a dog’s feet: these they tie up together in a deer’s skin, -and fasten them alternately with the sinews of a deer and a gazelle. It -is, however, no better worth our while to refute such pretensions as -these, than it would be to describe the alleged remedies for injuries -inflicted by serpents, seeing that all these contrivances are so many -evil devices to poison[2571] men’s morals. - -Dragon’s fat will repel venomous creatures; an effect which is equally -produced by burning the fat of the ichneumon.[2572] They will take to -flight, also, at the approach of a person who has been rubbed with -nettles bruised in vinegar. - - - - -CHAP. 21.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE VIPER. - - -The application of a viper’s head, even if it be not the one that has -inflicted the wound, is of infinite utility as a remedy. It is highly -advantageous, too, to hold the viper that inflicted the injury on the -end of a stick, over the steam of boiling water, for it will quite -undo[2573] the mischief, they say. The ashes, also, of the viper, are -considered very useful, employed as a liniment for the wound. According -to what Nigidius tells us, serpents are compelled, by a sort of natural -instinct, to return to the person who has been stung by them. The -people of Scythia split the viper’s head between the ears, in order to -extract a small stone,[2574] which it swallows in its alarm, they say: -others, again, use the head entire. - -From the viper are prepared those tablets which are known as -“theriaci”[2575] to the Greeks: for this purpose the animal is cut away -three fingers’ length from both the head and the tail, after which the -intestines are removed and the livid vein adhering to the back-bone. -The rest of the body is then boiled in a shallow pan, in water seasoned -with dill, and the bones are taken out, and fine wheaten flour added; -after which the preparation is made up into tablets,[2576] which are -dried in the shade and are employed as an ingredient in numerous -medicaments. I should remark, however, that this preparation, it would -appear, can only be made from the viper. Some persons, after cleansing -the viper in manner above described, boil down the fat, with one -sextarius of olive oil, to one half. Of this preparation, when needed, -three drops are added to some oil, with which mixture the body is -rubbed, to repel the approach of all kinds of noxious animals. - - - - -CHAP. 22.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE OTHER SERPENTS. - - -In addition to these particulars, it is a well-known fact that for -all injuries inflicted by serpents, and those even of an otherwise -incurable nature, it is an excellent remedy to apply the entrails of -the serpent itself to the wound; as also, that persons who have once -swallowed a viper’s liver, boiled, will never afterwards be attacked -by serpents. The snake, too, is not venomous, except, indeed, upon -certain days of the month when it is irritated by the action of the -moon: it is a very useful plan to take it alive, and pound it in water, -the wound inflicted by it being fomented with the preparation. Indeed, -it is generally supposed that this reptile is possessed of numerous -other remedial properties, as we shall have occasion more fully to -mention from time to time: hence it is that the snake is consecrated -to Æsculapius.[2577] As for Democritus, he has given some monstrous -preparations from snakes, by the aid of which the language of birds, he -says, may be understood.[2578] - -The Æsculapian snake was first brought to Rome from Epidaurus,[2579] -but at the present day it is very commonly reared in our houses[2580] -even; so much so, indeed, that if the breed were not kept down by the -frequent conflagrations, it would be impossible to make head against -the rapid increase of them. But the most beautiful of all the snakes -are those which are of an amphibious nature. These snakes are known as -“hydri,”[2581] or water-snakes: in virulence their venom is inferior to -that of no other class of serpents, and their liver is preserved as a -remedy for the ill effects of their sting. - -A pounded scorpion neutralizes the venom of the spotted lizard.[2582] -From this last animal, too, there is a noxious preparation made; for -it has been found that wine in which it has been drowned, covers the -face of those who drink it with morphew. Hence it is that females, when -jealous of a rival’s beauty, are in the habit of stifling a spotted -lizard in the unguents which they use. In such a case, the proper -remedy is yolk of egg, honey, and nitre. The gall of a spotted lizard, -beaten up in water, attracts weasels, they say. - - - - -CHAP. 23.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE SALAMANDER. - - -But of all venomous animals it is the salamander[2583] that is by far -the most dangerous; for while other reptiles attack individuals only, -and never kill many persons at a time—not to mention the fact that -after stinging a human being they are said to die of remorse, and the -earth refuses to harbour[2584] them—the salamander is able to destroy -whole nations at once, unless they take the proper precautions against -it. For if this reptile happens to crawl up a tree, it infects all the -fruit with its poison, and kills those who eat thereof by the chilling -properties of its venom, which in its effects is in no way different -from aconite. Nay, even more than this, if it only touches with its -foot the wood upon which bread is baked, or if it happens to fall into -a well, the same fatal effects will be sure to ensue. The saliva, too, -of this reptile, if it comes in contact with any part of the body, the -sole of the foot even, will cause the hair to fall off from the whole -of the body. And yet the salamander, highly venomous as it is, is -eaten by certain animals, swine for example; owing, no doubt, to that -antipathy which prevails in the natural world. - -From what we find stated, it is most probable, that, next to the -animals which eat it, the best neutralizers of the poison of this -reptile, are, cantharides taken in drink, or a lizard eaten with the -food; other antidotes we have already mentioned, or shall notice in -the appropriate place. As to what the magicians[2585] say, that it is -proof against fire, being, as they tell us, the only animal that has -the property of extinguishing fire, if it had been true, it would have -been made trial of at Rome long before this. Sextius says that the -salamander, preserved in honey and taken with the food, after removing -the intestines, head, and feet, acts as an aphrodisiac: he denies also -that it has the property of extinguishing fire. - - - - -CHAP. 24.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM BIRDS FOR INJURIES INFLICTED BY -SERPENTS. REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE VULTURE. - - -Among the birds that afford us remedies against serpents, it is the -vulture that occupies the highest rank; the black vulture, it has -been remarked, being less efficacious than the others. The smell of -their feathers, burnt, will repel serpents, they say; and it has been -asserted that persons who carry the heart of this bird about them will -be safe, not only from serpents, but from wild beasts as well, and will -have nothing to fear from the attacks of robbers or from the wrath of -kings. - - - - -CHAP. 25.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM POULTRY. - - -The flesh of cocks and capons, applied warm the moment it has been -plucked from the bones, neutralizes the venom of serpents; and the -brains, taken in wine, are productive of a similar effect. The people -of Parthia, however, prefer applying a hen’s brains to the wound. -Poultry broth, too, is highly celebrated as a cure, and is found -marvellously useful in many other cases. Panthers and lions will never -touch persons who have been rubbed with it, more particularly if it has -been flavoured with garlic. The broth that is made of an old cock is -more relaxing to the bowels; it is very good also for chronic fevers, -numbness of the limbs, cold shiverings and maladies of the joints, -pains also in the head, defluxions of the eyes, flatulency, sickness at -stomach, incipient tenesmus, liver complaints, diseases of the kidneys, -affections of the bladder, indigestion, and asthma. Hence there are -several recipes for preparing this broth; it being most efficacious -when boiled up with sea-cabbage,[2586] salted tunny,[2587] capers, -parsley, the plant mercurialis,[2588] polypodium,[2589] or dill. The -best plan, however, is to boil the cock or capon with the plants -above-mentioned in three congii of water, down to three semi-sextarii; -after which it should be left to cool in the open air, and given at the -proper moment, just after an emetic has been administered. - -And here I must not omit to mention one marvellous fact, even though it -bears no reference to medicine: if the flesh of poultry is mingled with -gold[2590] in a state of fusion, it will absorb the metal and consume -it, thus showing that it acts as a poison upon gold. If young twigs are -made up into a collar and put round a cock’s neck, it will never crow. - - - - -CHAP. 26.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM OTHER BIRDS. - - -The flesh of pigeons also, or of swallows, used fresh and minced, is a -remedy for injuries inflicted by serpents: the same, too, with the feet -of a horned owl, burnt with the plant plumbago.[2591] While mentioning -this bird, too, I must not forget to cite another instance of the -impositions practised by the magicians: among other prodigious lies of -theirs, they pretend that the heart of a horned owl, applied to the -left breast of a woman while asleep, will make[2592] her disclose all -her secret thoughts. They say, also, in addition to this, that persons -who have it about them in battle will be sure to display valour. They -describe, too, certain remedies made from the egg of this bird for the -hair. But who, pray, has ever had the opportunity of seeing the egg of -a horned owl, considering that it is so highly ominous to see the bird -itself?[2593] And then besides, who has ever thought proper to make the -experiment, and upon his hair more particularly? In addition to all -this, the magicians go so far as to engage to make the hair curl by -using the blood of the young of the horned owl. - -What they tell us, too, about the bat, appears to belong to pretty -much the same class of stories: if one of these animals is carried -alive, three times round a house, they say, and then nailed outside of -the window with the head downwards, it will have all the effects of -a countercharm: they assert, also, that the bat is a most excellent -preservative for sheepfolds, being first carried three times round -them, and then hung up by the foot over the lintel of the door.[2594] -The blood of the bat is also recommended by them as a sovereign remedy, -in combination with a thistle,[2595] for injuries inflicted by serpents. - - - - -CHAP. 27.—REMEDIES FOR THE BITE OF THE PHALANGIUM. THE SEVERAL -VARIETIES OF THAT INSECT, AND OF THE SPIDER. - - -Of the phalangium,[2596] an insect unknown to Italy, there are -numerous kinds; one of which resembles the ant, but is much larger, -with a red head, black as to the other parts of the body, and covered -with white spots. Its sting is much more acute than that of the wasp, -and it lives mostly in the vicinity of ovens and mills. The proper -remedy is, to present before the eyes of the person stung another -insect of the same description, a purpose for which they are preserved -when found dead. Their husks also, found in a dry state, are beaten -up and taken in drink for a similar purpose. The young of the weasel, -too, as already[2597] stated, are possessed of a similar property. The -Greeks give the name of “phalangion” also to a kind of spider, but they -generally distinguish it by the surname of the “wolf.”[2598] A third -kind, also known as the “phalangium,” is a spider with a hairy[2599] -body, and a head of enormous size. When opened, there are found in -it two small worms, they say: these, attached in a piece of deer’s -skin, before sunrise, to a woman’s body, will prevent conception, -according to what Cæcilius, in his Commentaries, says. This property -lasts, however, for a year only; and, indeed, it is the only one -of all the anti-conceptives[2600] that I feel myself at liberty to -mention, in favour of some women whose fecundity, quite teeming with -children,[2601] stands in need of some such respite. - -There is another kind again, called “rhagion,”[2602] similar to a black -grape in appearance, with a very diminutive mouth, situate beneath the -abdomen, and extremely short legs, which have all the appearance of -not being fully developed. The bite of this last insect causes fully -as much pain as the sting of the scorpion, and the urine of persons -who are injured by it, presents filmy appearances like cobwebs. The -asterion[2603] would be identical with it, were it not distinguished by -white streaks upon the body: its bite causes failing in the knees. But -worse than either of these last, is a blue spider, covered with black -hair, and causing dimness of the sight and vomiting of a matter like -cobwebs in appearance. A still more dangerous kind is one which differs -only from the hornet, in form, in being destitute of wings, and the -bite of which causes a wasting away of the system. The myrmecion[2604] -in the head resembles the ant, has a black body spotted with white, -and causes by its bite a pain like that attendant upon the sting of -the wasp. Of the tetragnathius[2605] there are two varieties, the more -noxious of which has two white streaks crossing each other on the -middle of the head; its bite causes the mouth to swell. The other one -is of an ashy colour, whitish on the posterior part of the body, and -not so ready to bite. - -The least noxious of all is the spider that is seen extending its web -along the walls, and lying in wait for flies; it is of the same ashy -colour as the last. - -For the bite of all spiders, the best remedies are: a cock’s brains, -taken in oxycrate with a little pepper; five ants, swallowed in drink; -sheep’s dung, applied in vinegar; and spiders of any kind, left to -putrefy in oil. The bite of the shrew-mouse is cured by taking lamb’s -rennet in wine; the ashes of a ram’s foot with honey; or a young -weasel, prepared in manner already[2606] mentioned by us when speaking -of serpents. In cases where a shrew-mouse has bitten beasts of burden, -a mouse, fresh caught, is applied to the wound with oil, or a bat’s -gall with vinegar. The shrew-mouse itself too, split asunder and -applied to the wound, is a cure for its bite; indeed, if the animal -is with young when the injury is inflicted, it will instantly burst -asunder. The best plan is to apply the mouse itself which has inflicted -the bite, but others are commonly kept for this purpose, either steeped -in oil or coated with clay. Another remedy, again, for its bite is the -earth taken from the rut made by a cart-wheel; for this animal, it is -said, owing to a certain torpor which is natural to it, will never -cross[2607] a rut made by a wheel. - - - - -CHAP. 28.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE STELLIO OR SPOTTED LIZARD. - - -The stellio, in its turn, is said to have the greatest antipathy to the -scorpion;[2608] so much so indeed, that the very sight of it strikes -terror in that reptile, and a torpor attended with cold sweats; hence -it is that this lizard is left to putrefy in oil, as a liniment -for injuries inflicted by the scorpion. Some persons boil down the -oil with litharge, and make a sort of plaster of it to apply to the -wound. The Greeks give the name of “colotes” to this lizard, as also -“ascalabotes,” and “galeotes:” it is never[2609] found in Italy, and is -covered with small spots, utters a shrill, piercing noise, and lives on -food; characteristics, all of them, foreign to the stellio of Italy. - - - - -CHAP. 29.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM VARIOUS INSECTS. - - -Poultry dung, too, is good as an application for the sting of the -scorpion; a dragon’s liver also; a lizard or mouse split asunder; or -else the scorpion itself, either applied to the wound, grilled and -eaten, or taken in two cyathi of undiluted wine. One peculiarity of -the scorpion is, that it never stings the palm of the hand, and never -touches any parts of the body but those covered with hair. Any kind of -pebble, applied to the wound on the side which has lain next to the -ground, will alleviate the pain. A potsherd too, covered with earth on -any part of it, and applied just as it is found, will effect a cure, -it is said—the person, however, who applies it must not look behind -him, and must be equally careful that the sun does not shine upon him. -Earth-worms also, are pounded and applied to the wound; in addition to -which, they form ingredients in numerous other medicaments, being kept -in honey for the purpose. - -For injuries inflicted by bees, wasps, hornets, and leeches, the owlet -is considered a very useful remedy; persons, too, who carry about them -the beak of the woodpecker[2610] of Mars are never injured by any -of these creatures. The smaller kinds of locusts also, destitute of -wings and known as “attelebi,” are a good remedy for the sting of the -scorpion. - -There is a kind of venomous ant, by no means common in Italy; Cicero -calls it “solipuga,” and in Bætica it is known as “salpuga.”[2611] The -proper remedy for its venom and that of all kinds of ants is a bat’s -heart. We have already[2612] stated that cantharides are an antidote to -the salamander. - - - - -CHAP. 30.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM CANTHARIDES. - - -But with reference to cantharides, there has been considerable -controversy on the subject, seeing that, taken internally, they are a -poison, attended with excruciating pains in the bladder. Cossinus, a -Roman of the Equestrian order, well known for his intimate friendship -with the Emperor Nero, being attacked with lichen,[2613] that prince -sent to Egypt for a physician to cure him; who recommending a potion -prepared from cantharides, the patient was killed in consequence. -There is no doubt, however, that applied externally they are useful, -in combination with juice of Taminian[2614] grapes, and the suet of a -sheep or she-goat. As to the part of the body in which the poison of -the insect is situate, authors are by no means agreed. Some fancy that -it exists in the feet and head, while others, again, deny it; indeed -the only point that has been well ascertained is, that the wings[2615] -are the only antidote to their venom, wherever it may be situate. - -Cantharides are produced from a small grub, found more particularly in -the spongy excrescences which grow on the stem of the dog-rose,[2616] -and still more abundantly upon the ash. Other kinds, again, are found -upon the white rose, but they are by no means so efficacious. The most -active of all in their properties, are those which are spotted with -yellow streaks running transversely across the wings, and are plump -and well-filled. Those which are small, broad, and hairy, are not so -powerful in their operation, and the least useful of all are those -which are thin and shrivelled, and present one uniform colour. They -are put in a small earthen pot, not coated with pitch, and stopped at -the mouth with a linen cloth, a layer of full-blown roses being placed -upon them; they are then suspended over vinegar boiled with salt, -until the steam has penetrated the cloth and stifled them, after which -they are put by for use. They have a caustic effect upon the skin, -and cover the ulcerations with a crust; a property which belongs also -to the pine-caterpillar[2617] found upon the pitch-tree, and to the -buprestis,[2618] both of which are prepared in a similar manner. - -All these insects are extremely efficacious for the cure of leprosy -and lichens. It is said, too, that they act as an emmenagogue and -diuretic, for which last reason Hippocrates used to prescribe them for -dropsy. Cato of Utica was reproached with selling poison, because, when -disposing of a royal property by auction,[2619] he sold a quantity of -cantharides, at the price of sixty thousand sesterces. (5.) We may here -remark, too, that it was on the same occasion that some ostrich fat was -sold, at the price of thirty thousand sesterces, a substance which is -preferable to goose-grease in every respect. - - - - -CHAP. 31.—VARIOUS COUNTER-POISONS. - - -We have already[2620] spoken of various kinds of poisonous honey: the -antidote employed for it is honey in which the bees have been stifled. -This honey, too, taken in wine, is a remedy for indispositions caused -by eating fish. - - - - -CHAP. 32.—REMEDIES FOR THE BITE OF THE MAD DOG. - - -When a person has been bitten by a mad dog, he may be preserved from -hydrophobia by applying the ashes of a dog’s head to the wound. All -ashes of this description, we may here remark once for all, are -prepared in the same method; the substance being placed in a new -earthen vessel well covered with potter’s clay, and put into a furnace. -These ashes, too, are very good, taken in drink, and hence some -recommend the head itself to be eaten in such cases. Others, again, -attach to the body of the patient a maggot, taken from the carcase of -a dead dog; or else place the menstruous blood of a bitch, in a linen -cloth, beneath his cup, or insert in the wound ashes of hairs from the -tail of the dog that inflicted the bite. Dogs will fly from any one -who has a dog’s heart about him, and they will never bark at a person -who carries a dog’s tongue in his shoe, beneath the great toe, or the -tail of a weasel which has been set at liberty after being deprived of -it. There is beneath the tongue of a mad dog a certain slimy spittle, -which, taken in drink, is a preventive of hydrophobia: but much the -most useful plan is, to take the liver of the dog that has inflicted -the injury, and eat it raw, if possible; should that not be the case, -it must be cooked in some way or other, or else a broth must be taken, -prepared from the flesh. - -There is a small worm[2621] in a dog’s tongue, known as “lytta”[2622] -to the Greeks: if this is removed from the animal while a pup, it will -never become mad or lose its appetite. This worm, after being carried -thrice round a fire, is given to persons who have been bitten by a -mad dog, to prevent them from becoming mad. This madness, too, is -prevented by eating a cock’s brains; but the virtue of these brains -lasts for one year only, and no more. They say, too, that a cock’s -comb, pounded, is highly efficacious as an application to the wound; -as also, goose-grease, mixed with honey. The flesh also of a mad dog -is sometimes salted, and taken with the food, as a remedy for this -disease. In addition to this, young puppies of the same sex as the dog -that has inflicted the injury, are drowned in water, and the person who -has been bitten eats their liver raw. The dung of poultry, provided it -is of a red colour, is very useful, applied with vinegar; the ashes, -too, of the tail of a shrew-mouse, if the animal has survived and been -set at liberty; a clod from a swallow’s nest, applied with vinegar; -the young of a swallow, reduced to ashes; or the skin or old slough of -a serpent that has been cast in spring, beaten up with a male crab in -wine: this slough, I would remark, put away by itself in chests and -drawers, destroys moths. - -So virulent is the poison of the mad dog, that its very urine even, -if trod upon, is injurious, more particularly if the person has -any ulcerous sores about him. The proper remedy in such case is -to apply horse-dung, sprinkled with vinegar, and warmed in a fig. -These marvellous properties of the poison will occasion the less -surprise, when we remember that, “a stone bitten by a dog” has become -a proverbial expression for discord and variance.[2623] Whoever makes -water where a dog has previously watered, will be sensible of numbness -in the loins, they say. - -The lizard known by some persons as the “seps,”[2624] and by others as -the “chalcidice,” taken in wine, is a cure for its own bite. - - - - -CHAP. 33.—REMEDIES FOR THE OTHER POISONS. - - -Where persons have been poisoned by noxious preparations from the wild -weasel,[2625] the proper remedy is the broth of an old cock, taken -in considerable quantities. This broth, too, is particularly good, -taken as a counter-poison for aconite, in combination with a little -salt. Poultry dung—but the white part only—boiled with hyssop, or with -honied wine, is an excellent antidote to the poison of fungi and of -mushrooms: it is a cure also for flatulency and suffocations; a thing -the more to be wondered at, seeing that if any other living creature -only tastes this dung, it is immediately attacked with griping pains -and flatulency. Goose blood, taken with an equal quantity of olive -oil, is an excellent neutralizer of the venom of the sea-hare: it -is kept also as an antidote for all kinds of noxious drugs, made up -into lozenges with red earth of Lemnos and juice of white-thorn, five -drachmæ of the lozenges being taken in three cyathi of water. The same -property belongs also to the young of the weasel, prepared in manner -already[2626] mentioned. - -Lambs’ rennet is an excellent antidote to all noxious preparations; -the blood, also, of ducks from Pontus;[2627] for which reason it is -preserved in a dry state, and dissolved in wine when wanted, some -persons being of opinion that the blood of the female bird is the -most efficacious. In a similar manner, the crop of a stork acts as an -universal counter-poison; and so does sheep’s rennet. A broth made -from ram’s flesh is particularly good as a remedy for cantharides: -sheep’s milk also, taken warm; this last being very useful in cases -where persons have drunk an infusion of aconite, or have swallowed the -buprestis in drink. The dung of wood-pigeons is particularly good taken -internally as an antidote to quicksilver; and for narcotic poisons -the common weasel is kept dried, and taken internally, in doses of two -drachmæ. - - - - -CHAP. 34. (6.)—REMEDIES FOR ALOPECY. - - -Where the hair has been lost through alopecy,[2628] it is made to grow -again by using ashes of burnt sheep’s dung, with oil of cyprus[2629] -and honey; or else the hoof of a mule of either sex, burnt to ashes -and mixed with oil of myrtle. In addition to these substances, we -find our own writer, Varro, mentioning mouse-dung, which he calls -“muscerda,”[2630] and the heads of flies, applied fresh, the part -being first rubbed with a fig-leaf. Some recommend the blood of flies, -while others, again, apply ashes of burnt flies for ten days, in the -proportion of one part of the ashes to two of ashes of papyrus or of -nuts. In other cases, again, we find ashes of burnt flies kneaded up -with woman’s milk and cabbage, or, in some instances, with honey only. -It is generally believed that there is no creature less docile or less -intelligent than the fly; a circumstance which makes it all the more -marvellous that at the sacred games at Olympia, immediately after the -immolation of the bull in honour of the god called “Myiodes,”[2631] -whole clouds of them take their departure from that territory. A -mouse’s head or tail, or, indeed, the whole of the body, reduced to -ashes, is a cure for alopecy, more particularly when the loss of the -hair has been the result of some noxious preparation. The ashes of a -hedge-hog, mixed with honey, or of its skin, applied with tar, are -productive of a similar effect. The head, too, of this last animal, -reduced to ashes, restores the hair to scars upon the body; the place -being first prepared, when this cure is made use of, with a razor and -an application of mustard: some persons, however, prefer vinegar for -the purpose. All the properties attributed to the hedge-hog are found -in the porcupine in a still higher degree.[2632] - -A lizard burnt, as already[2633] mentioned, with the fresh root of -a reed, cut as fine as possible, to facilitate its being reduced -to ashes, and then mixed with oil of myrtle, will prevent the hair -from coming off. For all these purposes green lizards are still more -efficacious, and the remedy is rendered most effectual, when salt is -added, bears’ grease, and pounded onions. Some persons boil ten green -lizards in ten sextarii of oil, and content themselves with rubbing -the place with the mixture once a month. Alopecy is also cured very -speedily with the ashes of a viper’s skin, or by an application of -fresh poultry dung. A raven’s egg, beaten up in a copper vessel and -applied to the head, previously shaved, imparts a black colour to -the hair; care must be taken, however, to keep some oil in the mouth -till the application is quite dry, or else the teeth will turn black -as well. The operation must be performed also in the shade, and the -liniment must not be washed off before the end of three days. Some -persons employ the blood and brains of a raven, in combination with red -wine; while others, again, boil down the bird, and put it, at bedtime, -in a vessel made of lead. With some it is the practice, for the cure -of alopecy, to apply bruised cantharides with tar, the skin being -first prepared with an application of nitre:—it should be remembered, -however, that cantharides are possessed of caustic properties, and due -care must be taken not to let them eat too deep into the skin. For the -ulcerations thus produced, it is recommended to use applications made -of the heads, gall, and dung of mice, mixed with hellebore and pepper. - - - - -CHAP. 35.—REMEDIES FOR LICE AND FOR PORRIGO. - - -Nits are destroyed by using dogs’ fat, eating serpents cooked[2634] -like eels, or else taking their sloughs in drink. Porrigo is cured by -applying sheep’s gall with Cimolian chalk, and rubbing the head with -the mixture till dry. - - - - -CHAP. 36.—REMEDIES FOR HEAD-ACHE AND FOR WOUNDS ON THE HEAD. - - -A good remedy for head-ache are the heads taken from the snails which -are found without[2635] shells, and in an imperfect state. In these -heads there is found a hard stony substance, about as large as a -common pebble: on being extracted from the snail, it is attached -to the patient, the smaller snails being pounded and applied to the -forehead. Wool-grease, too, is used for a similar purpose; the bones -of a vulture’s head, worn as an amulet; or the brains of that bird, -mixed with oil and cedar resin, and applied to the head and introduced -into the nostrils. The brains of a crow or owlet, are boiled and taken -with the food: or a cock is put into a coop, and kept without food a -day and a night, the patient submitting to a similar abstinence, and -attaching to his head some feathers plucked from the neck or the comb -of the fowl. The ashes, too, of a weasel are applied in the form of -a liniment; a twig is taken from a kite’s nest, and laid beneath the -patient’s pillow; or a mouse’s skin is burnt, and the ashes applied -with vinegar: sometimes, also, the small bone is extracted from the -head of a snail that has been found between two cart ruts, and after -being passed through a gold ring, with a piece of ivory, is attached -to the patient in a piece of dog’s skin; a remedy well known to most -persons, and always used with success.[2636] - -For fractures of the cranium, cobwebs are applied, with oil and -vinegar; the application never coming away till a cure has been -effected. Cobwebs are good, too, for stopping the bleeding of -wounds[2637] made in shaving. Discharges of blood from the brain are -arrested by applying the blood of a goose or duck, or the grease of -those birds with oil of roses. The head of a snail cut off with a -reed, while feeding in the morning, at full moon more particularly, -is attached to the head in a linen cloth, with an old thrum, for the -cure of head-ache; or else a liniment is made of it, and applied with -white wax to the forehead. Dogs’ hairs are worn also, attached to the -forehead in a cloth. - - - - -CHAP. 37.—REMEDIES FOR AFFECTIONS OF THE EYELIDS. - - -A crow’s brains, taken with the food, they say, will make the eyelashes -grow; or else wool-grease, applied with warmed myrrh, by the aid of -a fine probe. A similar result is promised by using the following -preparation: burnt flies and ashes of mouse-dung are mixed in equal -quantities, to the amount of half a denarius in the whole; two sixths -of a denarius of antimony are then added, and the mixture is applied -with wool-grease. For the same purpose, also, the young ones of a mouse -are beaten up, in old wine, to the consistency of the strengthening -preparations known as “acopa.”[2638] When eyelashes are plucked out -that are productive of inconvenience, they are prevented from growing -again by using a hedge-hog’s gall; the liquid portion, also, of a -spotted lizard’s eggs; the ashes of a burnt salamander; the gall of -a green lizard, mixed with white wine, and left to thicken to the -consistency of honey in a copper vessel in the sun; the ashes of a -swallow’s young, mixed with the milky juice of tithymalos;[2639] or -else the slime of snails. - - - - -CHAP. 38.—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE EYES. - - -According to what the magicians say, glaucoma[2640] may be cured by -using the brains of a puppy seven days old; the probe being inserted -in the right side [of the eye], if it is the right eye that is being -operated on, and in the left side, if it is the left. The fresh gall, -too, of the asio[2641] is used, a bird belonging to the owlet tribe, -with feathers standing erect like ears. Apollonius of Pitanæ used to -prefer dog’s gall, in combination with honey, to that of the hyæna, -for the cure of cataract, as also of albugo. The heads and tails of -mice, reduced to ashes and applied to the eyes, improve the sight, -it is said; a result which is ensured with even greater certainty by -using the ashes of a dormouse or wild mouse, or else the brains or -gall of an eagle. The ashes and fat of a field-mouse, beaten up with -Attic honey and antimony, are remarkably useful for watery eyes—what -this antimony[2642] is, we shall have occasion to say when speaking of -metals. - -For the cure of cataract, the ashes of a weasel are used, as also the -brains of a lizard or swallow. Weasels, boiled and pounded, and so -applied to the forehead, allay defluxions of the eyes, either used -alone, or else with fine flour or with frankincense. Employed in a -similar manner, they are very good for sun-stroke, or in other words, -for injuries inflicted by the sun. It is a remarkably good plan, too, -to burn these animals alive, and to use their ashes, with Cretan honey, -as a liniment for films upon the eyes. The cast-off[2643] slough of -the asp, with the fat of that reptile, forms an excellent ointment -for improving the sight in beasts of burden. To burn a viper alive in -a new earthen vessel, with one cyathus of fennel juice, and a single -grain of frankincense, and then to anoint the eyes with the mixture, is -remarkably good for cataract and films upon the eyes; the preparation -being generally known as “echeon.”[2644] An eye-salve, too, is -prepared, by leaving a viper to putrefy in an earthen pot, and bruising -the maggots that breed in it with saffron. A viper, too, is burnt in -a vessel with salt, and the preparation is applied to the tip of the -tongue, to improve the eyesight, and to act generally as a corrective -of the stomach and other parts of the body. This salt is given also -to sheep, to preserve them in health, and is used as an ingredient in -antidotes to the venom of serpents. - -Some persons, again, use vipers as an article of food: when this is -done, it is recommended, the moment they are killed, to put some salt -in the mouth and let it melt there; after which, the body must be -cut away to the length of four fingers at each extremity, and, the -intestines being first removed, the remainder boiled in a mixture of -water, oil, salt, and dill. When thus prepared, they are either eaten -at once, or else kneaded in a loaf, and taken from time to time as -wanted. In addition to the above-mentioned properties, viper-broth -cleanses all parts of the body of lice,[2645] and removes itching -sensations as well upon the surface of the skin. The ashes, also, -of a viper’s head, used by themselves, are evidently productive of -considerable effects; they are employed very advantageously in the -form of a liniment for the eyes; and so, too, is viper’s fat. I would -not make so bold as to advise what is strongly recommended by some, -the use, namely, of vipers’ gall; for that, as already stated[2646] -on a more appropriate occasion, is nothing else but the venom of -the serpent. The fat of snakes, mixed with verdigrease,[2647] heals -ruptures of the cuticle of the eyes; and the skin or slough that is -cast off in spring, employed as a friction for the eyes, improves the -sight. The gall of the boa[2648] is highly vaunted for the cure of -albugo, cataract, and films upon the eyes, and the fat is thought to -improve the sight. - -The gall of the eagle, which tests its young, as already stated,[2649] -by making them look upon the sun, forms, with Attic honey, an eye-salve -which is very good for the cure of webs, films, and cataracts of the -eye. A vulture’s gall, too, mixed with leek-juice and a little honey, -is possessed of similar properties; and the gall of a cock, dissolved -in water, is employed for the cure of argema and albugo: the gall, -too, of a white cock, in particular, is recommended for cataract. -For short-sighted persons, the dung of poultry is recommended as a -liniment, care being taken to use that of a reddish colour only. A -hen’s gall, too, is highly spoken of, and the fat in particular, for -the cure of pustules upon the pupils, a purpose for which hens are -expressly fattened. This last substance is marvellously useful for -ruptures of the coats of the eyes, incorporated with the stones known -as schistos[2650] and hæmatites. Hens’ dung, too, but only the white -part of it, is kept with old oil in boxes made of horn, for the cure of -white specks upon the pupil of the eye. While mentioning this subject, -it is worthy of remark, that peacocks[2651] swallow their dung, it is -said, as though they envied man the various uses of it. A hawk, boiled -in oil of roses, is considered extremely efficacious as a liniment for -all affections of the eyes, and so are the ashes of its dung, mixed -with Attic honey. A kite’s liver, too, is highly esteemed; and pigeons’ -dung, diluted with vinegar, is used as an application for fistulas of -the eye, as also for albugo and marks upon that organ. Goose gall and -duck’s blood are very useful for contusions of the eyes, care being -taken, immediately after the application, to anoint them with a mixture -of wool-grease and honey. In similar cases, too, gall of partridges is -used, with an equal quantity of honey; but where it is only wanted to -improve the sight, the gall is used alone. It is generally thought, -too, upon the authority of Hippocrates,[2652] that the gall to be used -for these purposes should be kept in a silver box. - -Partridges’ eggs, boiled in a copper vessel, with honey, are curative -of ulcers of the eyes, and of glaucoma. For the treatment of blood-shot -eyes, the blood of pigeons, ring-doves, turtle-doves, and partridges -is remarkably useful; but that of the male pigeon is generally looked -upon as the most efficacious. For this purpose, a vein is opened -beneath the wing, it being warmer than the rest of the blood, and -consequently more[2653] beneficial. After it is applied, a compress, -boiled in honey, should be laid upon it, and some greasy wool, boiled -in oil and wine. Nyctalopy,[2654] too, is cured by using the blood of -these birds, or the liver of a sheep—the most efficacious being that -of a tawny sheep—as already[2655] stated by us when speaking of goats. -A decoction, too, of the liver is recommended as a wash for the eyes, -and, for pains and swellings in those organs, the marrow, used as a -liniment. The eyes of a horned owl, it is strongly asserted, reduced -to ashes and mixed in an eye-salve, will improve the sight. Albugo is -made to disappear by using the dung of turtle-doves, snails burnt to -ashes, and the dung of the cenchris, a kind of hawk, according to the -Greeks.[2656] All the substances above mentioned, used in combination -with honey, are curative of argema: honey, too, in which the bees have -died, is remarkably good for the eyes. - -A person who has eaten the young of the stork will never suffer from -ophthalmia for many years to come, it is said; and the same when a -person carries about him the head of a dragon:[2657] it is stated, -too, that the fat of this last-named animal, applied with honey and -old oil, will disperse incipient films of the eyes. The young of -the swallow are blinded at full moon, and the moment their sight is -restored,[2658] their heads are burnt, and the ashes are employed, with -honey, to improve the sight, and for the cure of pains, ophthalmia, and -contusions of the eyes. - -Lizards, also, are employed in numerous ways as a remedy for -diseases of the eyes. Some persons enclose a green lizard in a new -earthen vessel, together with nine of the small stones known as -“cinædia,”[2659] which are usually attached to the body for tumours -in the groin. Upon each of these stones they make nine[2660] marks, -and remove one from the vessel daily, taking care, when the ninth day -is come, to let the lizard go, the stones being kept as a remedy for -affections of the eyes. Others, again, blind a green lizard, and after -putting some earth beneath it, enclose it in a glass vessel, with some -small rings of solid iron or gold. When they find, by looking through -the glass, that the lizard has recovered its sight,[2661] they set it -at liberty, and keep the rings as a preservative against ophthalmia. -Others employ the ashes of a lizard’s head as a substitute for -antimony, for the treatment of eruptions of the eyes. Some recommend -the ashes of the green lizard with a long neck that is usually found in -sandy soils, as an application for incipient defluxions of the eyes, -and for glaucoma. They say, too, that if the eyes of a weasel are -extracted with a pointed instrument, its sight will return; the same -use being made of it as of the lizards and rings above mentioned. The -right eye of a serpent, worn as an amulet, is very good, it is said, -for defluxions of the eyes, due care being taken to set the serpent at -liberty after extracting the eye. For continuous watering[2662] of the -eyes, the ashes of a spotted lizard’s head, applied with antimony, are -remarkably efficacious. - -The cobweb of the common fly-spider, that which lines its hole more -particularly, applied to the forehead across the temples, in a compress -of some kind or other, is said to be marvellously useful for the cure -of defluxions of the eyes: the web must be taken, however, and applied -by the hands of a boy who has not arrived at the years of puberty; the -boy, too, must not show himself to the patient for three days, and -during those three days neither of them must touch the ground with his -feet uncovered. The white spider[2663], with very elongated, thin, -legs, beaten up in old oil, forms an ointment which is used for the -cure of albugo. The spider, too, whose web, of remarkable thickness, is -generally found adhering to the rafters of houses, applied in a piece -of cloth, is said to be curative of defluxions of the eyes. The green -scarabæus has the property of rendering the sight more piercing[2664] -of those who gaze upon it: hence it is that the engravers of precious -stones use these insects to steady their sight. - - - - -CHAP. 39.—REMEDIES FOR PAINS AND DISEASES OF THE EARS. - - -A sheep’s gall, mixed with honey, is a good detergent of the ears. -Pains in those organs are allayed by injecting a bitch’s milk; and -hardness of hearing is removed by using dogs’ fat, with wormwood and -old oil, or else goose-grease. Some persons add juice of onions and of -garlic,[2665] in equal proportions. The eggs, too, of ants are used, by -themselves, for this purpose; these insects being possessed, in fact, -of certain medicinal properties, and bears, it is well known, curing -themselves when sick, by eating[2666] them as food. Goose-grease, and -indeed that of all birds, is prepared by removing all the veins and -leaving the fat, in a new, shallow, earthen vessel, well covered, to -melt in the sun, some boiling water being placed beneath it; which -done, it is passed through linen strainers, and is then put by in a -cool spot, in a new earthen vessel, for keeping: with the addition of -honey it is less liable to turn rancid. Ashes of burnt mice, injected -with honey or boiled with oil of roses, allay pains in the ears. In -cases where an insect has got into the ears, a most excellent remedy -is found in an injection of mouse gall, diluted with vinegar: where, -too, water has made its way into the passages of the ear, goose-grease -is used, in combination with juice of onions. Some persons skin a -dormouse, and after removing the intestines boil the body in a new -vessel with honey. Medical men, however, prefer boiling it down to -one-third with nard, and recommend it to be kept in that state, and to -be warmed when wanted, and injected with a syringe. It is a well-known -fact, that this preparation is an effectual remedy for the most -desperate maladies of the ears: the same, too, with an injection of -earth-worms boiled with goose-grease. The red worms, also, that are -found upon trees, beaten up with oil, are a most excellent remedy -for ulcerations and ruptures of the ears. Lizards, which have been -suspended for some time and dried, with salt in the mouth, are curative -of contusions of the ears, and of injuries inflicted by blows: the most -efficacious for this purpose are those which have iron-coloured spots -upon the skin,[2667] and are streaked with lines along the tail. - -Millepedes, known also as “centipedes” or “multipedes,” are insects -belonging to the earth-worm genus, hairy, with numerous feet, forming -curves as they crawl, and contracting themselves when touched: the -Greeks give to this insect the name of “oniscos,”[2668] others, again, -that of “tylos.” Boiled with leek-juice in a pomegranate rind, it is -highly efficacious, they say, for pains in the ears; oil of roses -being added to the preparation, and the mixture injected into the ear -opposite to the one affected. As for that kind which does not describe -a curve when moving, the Greeks give it the name of “seps,” while -others, again, call it “scolopendra;” it is smaller than the former -one, and is injurious.[2669] The snails which are commonly used as -food, are applied to the ears with myrrh or powdered frankincense; and -those with a small, broad, shell are employed with honey as a liniment -for fractured ears. Old sloughs of serpents, burnt in a heated potsherd -and mixed with oil of roses, are used as an injection for the ears, -which is considered highly efficacious for all affections of those -organs, and for offensive odours arising therefrom in particular. In -cases where there is suppuration of the ears, vinegar is used, and it -is still better if goat’s gall, ox-gall, or that of the sea tortoise, -is added. This slough, however, is good for nothing when more than a -year old; the same, too, when it has been drenched with rain, as some -think. The thick pulp of a spider’s body, mixed with oil of roses, -is also used for the ears; or else the pulp applied by itself with -saffron or in wool: a cricket, too, is dug up with some of its earth, -and applied. Nigidius attributes great[2670] virtues to this insect, -and the magicians still greater, and all because it walks backwards, -pierces the earth, and chirrups by night! The mode of catching it is by -throwing an ant,[2671] made fast with a hair, into its hole, the dust -being first blown away to prevent it from concealing itself: the moment -it seizes the ant, it is drawn out. - -The dried craw of poultry, a part that is generally thrown away, is -beaten up in wine, and injected warm, for suppurations of the ears; the -same, too, with the grease of poultry. - -On pulling off the head of a black beetle,[2672] it yields a sort of -greasy substance, which, beaten up with rose oil, is marvellously good, -they say, for affections of the ears: care must be taken, however, to -remove the wool very soon, or else this substance will be speedily -transformed into an animal, in the shape of a small grub. Some writers -assert that two or three of these insects, boiled in oil, are extremely -efficacious for the ears; and that they are good, beaten up and applied -in linen, for contusions of those organs. - -This insect, also, is one of those that are of a disgusting character; -but I am obliged, by the admiration which I feel for the operations -of Nature, and for the careful researches of the ancients, to enter -somewhat more at large upon it on the present occasion. Their writers -have described several varieties of it; the soft beetle, for instance, -which, boiled in oil, has been found by experience to be a very useful -liniment for warts. Another kind, to which they have given the name of -“mylœcon,”[2673] is generally found in the vicinity of mills: deprived -of the head, it has been found to be curative of leprosy—at least -Musa[2674] and Picton[2675] have cited instances to that effect. There -is a third kind, again, odious for its abominable smell, and tapering -at the posterior extremities. Used in combination with pisselæon,[2676] -it is curative, they say, of ulcers of a desperate nature, and, if kept -applied for one-and-twenty days, for scrofulous sores and inflamed -tumours. The legs and wings being first removed, it is employed for -the cure of bruises, contusions, cancerous sores, itch-scabs, and -boils—remedies, all of them, quite disgusting even to hear of. And yet, -by Hercules! Diodorus[2677] tells us that he has administered this -remedy internally, with resin and honey, for jaundice and hardness of -breathing; such unlimited power has the medical art to prescribe as a -remedy whatever it thinks fit! - -Physicians who keep more within bounds, recommend the ashes of these -insects to be kept for these various purposes in a box made of horn; -or else that they should be bruised and injected in a lavement for -hardness of breathing and catarrhs. At all events, that, applied -externally, they extract foreign substances adhering to the flesh, is a -fact well known. - -Honey, too, in which the bees have died, is remarkably useful for -affections of the ears. Pigeons’ dung, applied by itself, or with -barley-meal or oat-meal, reduces imposthumes of the parotid glands; -a result which is equally obtained by injecting into the ear an -owlet’s brains or liver, mixed with oil, or by applying the mixture -to the parotid glands; also, by applying millepedes with one-third -part of resin; by using crickets in the form of a liniment; or by -wearing crickets attached to the body as an amulet. The other kinds -of maladies, and the several remedies for them, derived from the same -animals or from others of the same class, we shall describe in the -succeeding Book. - -SUMMARY.—Remedies, narratives, and observations, six hundred and -twenty-one. - -ROMAN AUTHORS QUOTED.—M. Varro,[2678] L. Piso,[2679] Flaccus -Verrius,[2680] Antias,[2681] Nigidius,[2682] Cassius Hemina,[2683] -Cicero,[2684] Plautus,[2685] Celsus,[2686] Sextius Niger[2687] who -wrote in Greek, Cæcilius[2688] the physician, Metellus Scipio,[2689] -the Poet Ovid,[2690] Licinius Macer.[2691] - -FOREIGN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Homer, Aristotle,[2692] Orpheus,[2693] -Palæphatus,[2694] Democritus,[2695] Anaxilaüs.[2696] - -MEDICAL AUTHORS QUOTED.—Botrys,[2697] Apollodorus,[2698] -Archidemus,[2699] Aristogenes,[2700] Xenocrates,[2701] -Democrates,[2702] Diodorus,[2703] Chrysippus[2704] the philosopher, -Horus,[2705] Nicander,[2706] Apollonius[2707] of Pitanæ. - - - - -BOOK XXX. - -REMEDIES DERIVED FROM LIVING CREATURES. - - - - -CHAP. 1. (1.)—THE ORIGIN OF THE MAGIC ART. - - -In former parts of this work, I have had occasion more than once, when -the subject demanded it, to refute the impostures of the magic art, and -it is now my intention to continue still further my exposure thereof. -Indeed, there are few subjects on which more might be profitably said, -were it only that, being, as it is, the most deceptive of all known -arts, it has exercised the greatest influence in every country and in -nearly every age. And no one can be surprised at the extent of its -influence and authority, when he reflects that by its own energies it -has embraced, and thoroughly amalgamated with itself, the three other -sciences[2708] which hold the greatest sway upon the mind of man. - -That it first originated in medicine, no one entertains a doubt;[2709] -or that, under the plausible guise of promoting health, it insinuated -itself among mankind, as a higher and more holy branch of the medical -art. Then, in the next place, to promises the most seductive and the -most flattering, it has added all the resources of religion, a subject -upon which, at the present day, man is still entirely in the dark. Last -of all, to complete its universal sway, it has incorporated with itself -the astrological art;[2710] there being no man who is not desirous -to know his future destiny, or who is not ready to believe that this -knowledge may with the greatest certainty be obtained, by observing -the face of the heavens. The senses of men being thus enthralled by a -three-fold bond, the art of magic has attained an influence so mighty, -that at the present day even, it holds sway throughout a great part of -the world, and rules the kings[2711] of kings in the East. - - - - -CHAP. 2.—WHEN AND WHERE THE ART OF MAGIC ORIGINATED: BY WHAT PERSONS IT -WAS FIRST PRACTISED. - - -There is no doubt that this art originated in Persia,[2712] under -Zoroaster,[2713] this being a point upon which authors are generally -agreed; but whether there was only one Zoroaster, or whether in later -times there was a second person of that name, is a matter which still -remains undecided. Eudoxus,[2714] who has endeavoured to show that -of all branches of philosophy the magic art is the most illustrious -and the most beneficial, informs us that this Zoroaster existed six -thousand years before the death of Plato, an assertion in which he -is supported by Aristotle. Hermippus,[2715] again, an author who has -written with the greatest exactness on all particulars connected with -this art, and has commented upon the two millions[2716] of verses left -by Zoroaster, besides completing indexes to his several works, has -left a statement, that Agonaces was the name of the master from whom -Zoroaster derived his doctrines, and that he lived five thousand years -before the time of the Trojan War. The first thing, however, that must -strike us with surprise, is the fact that this art, and the traditions -connected with it, should have survived for so many ages, all written -commentaries thereon having perished in the meanwhile; and this, too, -when there was no continuous succession of adepts, no professors of -note, to ensure their transmission. - -For how few there are, in fact, who know anything, even by hearsay, -about the only professors of this art whose names have come down to -us, Apusorus[2717] and Zaratus of Media, Marmarus and Arabantiphocus -of Babylonia, and Tarmoendas of Assyria, men who have left not the -slightest memorials of their existence. But the most surprising thing -of all is, that Homer should be totally silent upon this art in his -account[2718] of the Trojan War, while in his story of the wanderings -of Ulysses, so much of the work should be taken up with it, that we -may justly conclude that the poem is based upon nothing else; if, -indeed, we are willing to grant that his accounts of Proteus and of the -songs of the Sirens are to be understood in this sense, and that the -stories of Circe and of the summoning up of the shades below,[2719] -bear reference solely to the practices of sorcerers. And then, too, -to come to more recent times, no one has told us how the art of -sorcery reached Telmessus,[2720] a city devoted to all the services of -religion, or at what period it came over and reached the matrons of -Thessaly; whose name[2721] has long passed, in our part of the world, -as the appellation of those who practise an art, originally introduced -among themselves even, from foreign lands.[2722] For in the days of -the Trojan War, Thessaly was still contented with such remedies[2723] -as she owed to the skill of Chiron, and her only[2724] lightnings -were the lightnings hurled by Mars.[2725] Indeed, for my own part, I -am surprised that the imputation of magical practices should have so -strongly attached to the people once under the sway of Achilles, that -Menander even, a man unrivalled for perception in literary knowledge, -has entitled one of his Comedies “The Thessalian Matron,” and has -therein described the devices practised by the females of that country -in bringing down the moon from the heavens.[2726] I should have been -inclined to think that Orpheus had been the first to introduce into a -country so near his own, certain magical superstitions based upon the -practice of medicine, were it not the fact that Thrace, his native -land, was at that time totally a stranger to the magic art. - -The first person, so far as I can ascertain, who wrote upon magic, and -whose works are still in existence, was Osthanes,[2727] who accompanied -Xerxes, the Persian king, in his expedition against Greece. It was he -who first[2728] disseminated, as it were, the germs of this monstrous -art, and tainted therewith all parts of the world through which the -Persians passed. Authors who have made diligent enquiries into this -subject, make mention of a second Zoroaster, a native of Proconnesus, -as living a little before the time of Osthanes. That it was this same -Osthanes, more particularly, that inspired the Greeks, not with a -fondness only, but a rage, for the art of magic, is a fact beyond all -doubt: though at the same time I would remark, that in the most ancient -times, and indeed almost invariably, it was in this[2729] branch of -science, that was sought the highest point of celebrity and of literary -renown. At all events, Pythagoras, we find, Empedocles, Democritus, -and Plato, crossed the seas, in order to attain a knowledge thereof, -submitting, to speak the truth, more to the evils of exile[2730] than -to the mere inconveniences of travel. Returning home, it was upon the -praises of this art that they expatiated—it was this that they held -as one of their grandest mysteries. It was Democritus, too, who first -drew attention to Apollobeches[2731] of Coptos, to Dardanus,[2732] -and to Phœnix: the works of Dardanus he sought in the tomb of that -personage, and his own were composed in accordance with the doctrines -there found. That these doctrines should have been received by any -portion of mankind, and transmitted to us by the aid of memory, is to -me surprising beyond anything I can conceive.[2733] All the particulars -there found are so utterly incredible, so utterly revolting, that -those even who admire Democritus in other respects, are strong in -their denial that these works were really written by him. Their -denial, however, is in vain; for it was he, beyond all doubt, who had -the greatest share in fascinating men’s minds with these attractive -chimæras. - -There is also a marvellous coincidence, in the fact that the two -arts—medicine, I mean, and magic—were developed simultaneously: -medicine by the writings of Hippocrates, and magic by the works of -Democritus, about the period of the Peloponnesian War, which was waged -in Greece in the year of the City of Rome 300. - -There is another sect, also, of adepts in the magic art, who derive -their origin from Moses,[2734] Jannes,[2735] and Lotapea,[2736] Jews -by birth,[2737] but many thousand years posterior to Zoroaster: and -as much more recent, again, is the branch of magic cultivated in -Cyprus.[2738] In the time, too, of Alexander the Great, this profession -received no small accession to its credit from the influence of a -second Osthanes, who had the honour of accompanying that prince in his -expeditions, and who, evidently, beyond all doubt, travelled[2739] over -every part of the world. - - - - -CHAP. 3.—WHETHER MAGIC WAS EVER PRACTISED IN ITALY. AT WHAT PERIOD THE -SENATE FIRST FORBADE HUMAN SACRIFICES. - - -It is clear that there are early traces still existing of the -introduction of magic into Italy; in our laws of the Twelve Tables for -instance; besides other convincing proofs, which I have already noticed -in a preceding Book.[2740] At last, in the year of the City 657, Cneius -Cornelius Lentulus and P. Licinius Crassus being consuls, a decree -forbidding human sacrifices[2741] was passed by the senate; from which -period the celebration of these horrid rites ceased in public, and, for -some[2742] time, altogether. - - - - -CHAP. 4.—THE DRUIDS OF THE GALLIC PROVINCES. - - -The Gallic provinces, too, were pervaded by the magic art,[2743] and -that even down to a period within memory; for it was the Emperor -Tiberius that put down their Druids,[2744] and all that tribe of -wizards and physicians. But why make further mention of these -prohibitions, with reference to an art which has now crossed the very -Ocean even, and has penetrated to the void[2745] recesses of Nature? At -the present day, struck with fascination, Britannia still cultivates -this art, and that, with ceremonials so august, that she might almost -seem[2746] to have been the first to communicate them to the people of -Persia.[2747] To such a degree are nations throughout the whole world, -totally different as they are and quite unknown to one another, in -accord upon this one point! - -Such being the fact, then, we cannot too highly appreciate the -obligation that is due to the Roman people, for having put an end to -those monstrous rites, in accordance with which, to murder a man was to -do an act of the greatest devoutness, and to eat[2748] his flesh was to -secure the highest blessings of health. - - - - -CHAP. 5. (2.)—THE VARIOUS BRANCHES OF MAGIC. - - -According to what Osthanes tells us, there are numerous sorts of magic. -It is practised[2749] with water, for instance, with balls, by the aid -of the air, of the stars, of lamps, basins, hatchets, and numerous -other appliances; means by which it engages to grant a foreknowledge -of things to come, as well as converse with ghosts and spirits of the -dead. All these practices, however, have been proved by the Emperor -Nero, in our own day, to be so many false and chimærical illusions; -entertaining as he did a passion for the magic art, unsurpassed even -by his enthusiastic love for the music of the lyre, and for the songs -of tragedy; so strangely did his elevation to the highest point of -human fortune act upon the deep-seated vices of his mind! It was his -leading desire to command the gods of heaven, and no aspiration could -he conceive more noble than this. Never did person lavish more favours -upon any one of the arts; and for the attainment of this, his favourite -object, nothing was wanting to him, neither riches, nor power, nor -aptitude at learning, and what not besides, at the expense of a -suffering world. - -It is a boundless, an indubitable proof, I say, of the utter falsity -of this art, that such a man as Nero abandoned it; and would to heaven -that he had consulted the shades below, and any other spirits as well, -in order to be certified in his suspicions, rather than commissioned -the denizens of stews and brothels to make those inquisitions of his -[with reference to the objects of his jealousy]. For assuredly there -can be no superstition, however barbarous and ferocious the rites -which it sanctions, that is not more tolerant than the imaginations -which he conceived, and owing to which, by a series of blood-stained -crimes, our abodes were peopled with ghosts. - - - - -CHAP. 6.—THE SUBTERFUGES PRACTISED BY THE MAGICIANS. - - -The magicians, too, have certain modes of evasion, as, for instance, -that the gods will not obey, or even appear to, persons who have -freckles upon the skin. Was this perchance the obstacle[2750] in Nero’s -way? As for his limbs, there was[2751] nothing deficient in them. And -then, besides, he was at liberty to make choice of the days prescribed -by the magic ritual: it was an easy thing for him to make choice -of sheep whose colour was no other than perfectly black: and as to -sacrificing human beings, there was nothing in the world that gave him -greater pleasure. The Magian Tiridates[2752] was at his court, having -repaired thither, in token of our triumph over Armenia, accompanied -by a train which cost dear to the provinces through which it passed. -For the fact was, that he was unwilling to travel by water, it being a -maxim with the adepts in this art that it is improper to spit into the -sea or to profane that element by any other of the evacuations that are -inseparable from the infirmities of human nature. He brought with him, -too, several other Magi, and went so far as to initiate the emperor -in the repasts[2753] of the craft; and yet the prince, for all he had -bestowed a kingdom upon the stranger, found himself unable to receive -at his hands, in return, this art. - -We may rest fully persuaded then, that magic is a thing detestable -in itself. Frivolous and lying as it is, it still bears, however, -some shadow of truth upon it; though reflected, in reality, by the -practices of those who study the arts of secret poisoning, and not -the pursuits of magic. Let any one picture to himself the lies of the -magicians of former days, when he learns what has been stated by the -grammarian Apion,[2754] a person whom I remember seeing myself when -young. He tells us that the plant cynocephalia,[2755] known in Egypt -as “osiritis,” is useful for divination, and is a preservative against -all the malpractices of magic, but that if a person takes it out of -the ground entire, he will die upon the spot. He asserts, also, that -he himself had raised the spirits[2756] of the dead, in order to make -enquiry of Homer in reference to his native country and his parents; -but he does not dare, he tells us, disclose the answer he received. - - - - -CHAP. 7. (3.)—OPINIONS OF THE MAGICIANS RELATIVE TO THE MOLE. FIVE -REMEDIES DERIVED FROM IT. - - -Let the following stand as a remarkable proof of the frivolous nature -of the magic art. Of all animals it is the mole that the magicians -admire most! a creature that has been stamped with condemnation by -Nature in so many ways; doomed as it is to perpetual blindness,[2757] -and adding to this darkness a life of gloom in the depths of the earth, -and a state more nearly resembling that of the dead and buried. There -is no animal in the entrails of which they put such implicit faith, no -animal, they think, better suited for the rites of religion; so much -so, indeed, that if a person swallows the heart of a mole, fresh from -the body and still palpitating, he will receive the gift of divination, -they assure us, and a foreknowledge of future events. Tooth-ache, they -assert, may be cured by taking the tooth of a live mole, and attaching -it to the body. As to other statements of theirs relative to this -animal, we shall draw attention to them on the fitting occasions, -and shall only add here that one of the most probable of all their -assertions is, that the mole neutralizes the bite of the shrew-mouse; -seeing that, as already[2758] stated, the very earth even that is found -in the rut of a cart-wheel, acts as a remedy in such a case. - - - - -CHAP. 8.—THE OTHER REMEDIES DERIVED FROM LIVING CREATURES, CLASSIFIED -ACCORDING TO THE RESPECTIVE DISEASES. REMEDIES FOR TOOTH-ACHE. - - -But to proceed, with the remedies for tooth-ache—the magicians tell us, -that it may be cured by using the ashes of the head of a dog that has -died in a state of madness. The head, however, must be burnt without -the flesh, and the ashes injected with oil of cyprus[2759] into the ear -on the side affected. For the same purpose also, the left eye-tooth of -a dog is used, the gum of the affected tooth being lanced with it; one -of the vertebræ also of a dragon or of an enhydris, which is a male -white serpent.[2760] The eye-tooth, too, of this last, is used for -scarifying the gums; and when the pain affects the teeth of the upper -jaw, they attach to the patient two of the upper teeth of the serpent, -and, similarly, two of the lower ones for tooth-ache in the lower jaw. -Persons who go in pursuit of the crocodile, anoint themselves with the -fat of this animal. The gums are also scarified with the frontal bones -of a lizard, taken from it at full moon, and not allowed to touch the -ground: or else the mouth is rinsed with a decoction of dogs’ teeth in -wine, boiled down to one half. - -Ashes of dogs’ teeth, mixed with honey, are useful for difficult -dentition in children, and a dentifrice is similarly prepared from -them. Hollow teeth are plugged with ashes of burnt mouse-dung, or -with a lizard’s liver, dried. To eat a snake’s heart, or to wear it, -attached to the body, is considered highly efficacious. There are some -among the magicians, who recommend a mouse to be eaten twice a month, -as a preventive of tooth-ache. Earth-worms, boiled in oil and injected -into the ear on the side affected, afford considerable relief: ashes, -too, of burnt earth-worms, introduced into carious teeth, make them -come out easily; and, used as a friction, they allay pains in such of -the teeth as are sound: the proper way of burning them is in an earthen -potsherd. They are useful, too, boiled with root of the mulberry-tree -in squill vinegar, and employed as a collutory for the teeth. The -small worm that is found in the plant known as Venus[2761] bath, is -remarkably useful, introduced[2762] into a hollow tooth; and as to the -cabbage caterpillar, it will make hollow teeth come out, by the mere -contact only. The bugs[2763] that are found upon mallows, are injected -into the ears, beaten up with oil of roses. - -The small grits of sand that are found in the horns of snails, -introduced into hollow teeth, remove the pain instantaneously, Ashes -of empty snail-shells, mixed with myrrh,[2764] are good for the -gums; the ashes also of a serpent, burnt with salt in an earthen -pot, and injected, with oil of roses, into the ear opposite to the -side affected; or else the slough of a snake, warmed with oil and -torch-pine resin,[2765] and injected into either ear. Some persons -add frankincense and oil of roses, a preparation which, of itself, -introduced into hollow teeth, makes them come out without pain. It is -all a fiction, in my opinion, to say that white snakes cast this slough -about the rising of the Dog-star; for such a thing has never been seen -in Italy, and it is still more improbable that sloughing should take -place at so late a period in the warmer climates. We find it stated -also, that this slough, even when it has been kept for some time, mixed -with wax, will extract a tooth very expeditiously, if applied thereto: -a snake’s tooth, also, attached to the body as an amulet, allays -tooth-ache. Some persons think that it is a good remedy to catch a -spider with the left hand, to beat it up with oil of roses, and then to -inject it into the ear on the side affected. - -The small bones of poultry, preserved in a hole in a wall, the -medullary channel being left intact, will immediately cure tooth-ache, -they say, if the tooth is touched or the gum scarified therewith, -care being taken to throw away the bone the moment the operation is -performed. A similar result is obtained by using raven’s dung, wrapped -in wool and attached to the body, or else sparrow’s dung, warmed with -oil and injected into the ear on the side affected. This last remedy, -however, is productive of an intolerable itching, for which reason it -is considered a better plan to rub the part with the ashes of young -sparrows burnt upon twigs, mixed with vinegar for the purpose. - - - - -CHAP. 9. (4.)—REMEDIES FOR OFFENSIVE ODOURS AND SORES OF THE MOUTH. - - -To impart sweetness to the breath, it is recommended to rub the teeth -with ashes of burnt mouse-dung and honey; some persons are in the habit -of mixing fennel root. To pick the teeth with a vulture’s feather, is -productive of a sour breath; but to use a porcupine’s quill for that -purpose, greatly strengthens the teeth. Ulcers of the tongue and lips -are cured by taking a decoction of swallows, boiled in honied wine; -and chapped lips are healed by using goose-grease or poultry-grease, -wool-grease mixed with nut-galls, white spiders’ webs, or the fine -cobwebs that are found adhering to the beams of roofs. If the inside of -the mouth has been scalded with any hot substance, bitches’ milk will -afford an immediate cure. - - - - -CHAP. 10.—REMEDIES FOR SPOTS UPON THE FACE. - - -Wool-grease, mixed with Corsican honey—which by the way is considered -the most acrid honey of all—removes spots upon the face. Applied with -oil of roses in wool, it causes scurf upon the face to disappear: -some persons add butter to it. In cases of morphew, the spots are -first pricked with a needle, and then rubbed with dog’s gall. For -livid spots and bruises on the face, the lights of a ram or sheep -are cut fine and applied warm, or else pigeons’ dung is used. -Goose-grease or poultry-grease is a good preservative of the skin -of the face. For lichens a liniment is used, made of mouse-dung in -vinegar, or of the ashes of a hedge-hog mixed with oil: but, when -these remedies are employed, it is recommended first to foment the -face with nitre dissolved in vinegar. Maladies of the face are also -removed by employing the ashes of the small, broad, snail that is so -commonly found, mixed with honey. Indeed, the ashes of all snails are -of an inspissative nature, and are possessed of certain calorific -and detersive properties: hence it is that they form an ingredient -in caustic applications, and are used in the form of a liniment for -itch-scabs, leprous sores, and freckles on the face. - -I find it stated that a certain kind of ant known by the name of -“Herculanea”[2766] is beaten up, with the addition of a little salt, -and used for the cure of these diseases. The buprestis[2767] is an -insect but rarely found in Italy, and very similar to a scarabæus, -with long legs. Concealed among the grass, it is very liable to be -swallowed unobserved, by oxen in particular; and the moment it comes -in contact with the gall, it causes such a degree of inflammation, -that the animal bursts asunder; a circumstance to which the insect -owes its name. Applied topically with he-goat suet, it removes lichens -on the face, owing to its corrosive properties, as previously[2768] -stated. A vulture’s blood, beaten up with cedar resin and root of -white chamæleon—a plant which we have already[2769] mentioned—and -covered with a cabbage leaf, when applied, is good for the cure of -leprosy; the same, too, with the legs of locusts, beaten up with -he-goat suet. Pimples are treated with poultry grease, beaten up and -kneaded with onions. One very useful substance for the face is honey -in which the bees have died; but a sovereign detergent for that part -is swans’ grease, which has also the property of effacing wrinkles. -Brand-marks[2770] are removed by using pigeons’ dung, diluted in -vinegar. - - - - -CHAP. 11.—REMEDIES FOR AFFECTIONS OF THE THROAT. - - -I find it stated that catarrhs oppressive to the head may be cured -by the patient kissing a mule’s nostrils. Affections of the uvula -and pains in the fauces are alleviated by using the dung of lambs -before they have begun to graze, dried in the shade. Diseases of the -uvula are cured with the juices of a snail pierced with a needle; the -snail, however, must be then hung up in the smoke. The same maladies -are treated also with ashes of burnt swallows, mixed with honey; a -preparation which is equally good for affections of the tonsillary -glands. Sheep’s milk, used as a gargle, alleviates diseases of the -fauces and tonsillary glands. Millepedes, bruised with pigeons’ -dung, are taken as a gargle, with raisin wine; and they are applied, -externally, with dried figs and nitre, for the purpose of soothing -roughness of the fauces and catarrhs. For such cases, too, snails -should be boiled unwashed, the earth only being removed, and then -pounded and administered to the patient in raisin wine. Some persons -are of opinion, that for these purposes the snails of Astypalæa[2771] -are the most efficacious, and they give the preference to the detersive -preparation[2772] made from them. The parts affected are sometimes -rubbed with a cricket, and affections of the tonsillary glands are -alleviated by being rubbed with the hands of a person who has bruised a -cricket. - - - - -CHAP. 12.—REMEDIES FOR QUINZY AND SCROFULA. - - -For quinzy we have very expeditious remedies in goose-gall, mixed -with elaterium[2773] and honey, an owlet’s brains, or the ashes of a -burnt swallow, taken in warm water; which last remedy we owe[2774] to -the poet Ovid. But of all the remedies spoken of as furnished by the -swallow, one of the most efficacious is that derived from the young -of the wild swallow, a bird which may be easily recognized by the -peculiar conformation of its nest.[2775] By far the most effectual, -however, of them all, are the young of the bank-swallow,[2776] that -being the name given to the kind which builds its nest in holes on -the banks of rivers. Many persons recommend the young of any kind of -swallow as a food, assuring us that the person who takes it need be in -no apprehension of quinzy for the whole of the ensuing year. The young -of this bird are sometimes stifled and then burnt in a vessel with the -blood, the ashes being administered to the patient with bread or in the -drink: some, however, mix with them the ashes of a burnt weasel, in -equal proportion. The same remedies are recommended also for scrofula, -and they are administered for epilepsy, once a day, in drink. Swallows -preserved in salt are taken for quinzy, in doses of one drachma, in -drink: the nest,[2777] too, of the bird, taken internally, is said to -be a cure for the same disease. - -Millepedes,[2778] it is thought, used in the form of a liniment, are -peculiarly efficacious for quinzy: some persons, also, administer -eleven of them, bruised in one semi-sextarius of hydromel, through a -reed, they being of no use whatever if once touched by the teeth. Other -remedies mentioned are, the broth of a mouse boiled with vervain, a -thong of dogskin passed three times round the back, and pigeons’ dung -mixed with wine and oil. For the cure of rigidity of the muscles of the -neck, and of opisthotony, a twig of vitex, taken from a kite’s nest, is -attached to the body as an amulet. - -(5.) For ulcerated scrofula, a weasel’s blood is employed, or the -animal itself, boiled in wine; but not in cases where the tumours have -been opened with the knife. It is said, too, that a weasel, eaten with -the food, is productive of a similar effect; sometimes, also, it is -burnt upon twigs, and the ashes are applied with axle-grease. In some -instances, a green lizard is attached to the body of the patient, a -fresh one being substituted at the end of thirty days. Some persons -preserve the heart of this animal in a small silver vessel,[2779] as -a cure for scrofula in females. Old snails, those found adhering to -shrubs more particularly, are pounded with the shells on, and applied -as a liniment. Asps, too, are similarly employed, reduced to ashes and -mixed with bull suet; snakes’ fat also, diluted with oil; and the ashes -of a burnt snake, applied with oil or wax. It is a good plan also, in -cases of scrofula, to eat the middle of a snake, the extremities being -first removed, or to drink the ashes of the reptile, similarly prepared -and burnt in a new earthen vessel: they will be found much more -efficacious, however, when the snake has been killed between the ruts -made by wheels. It is recommended also, to dig up a cricket with the -earth about its hole, and to apply it in the form of a liniment; to use -pigeons’ dung, either by itself, or with barley-meal, or oatmeal and -vinegar; or else to apply the ashes of a burnt mole, mixed with honey. - -Some persons apply the liver of this last animal, crumbled in the -hands, due care being taken not to wash it off for three days: it is -said, too, that a mole’s right foot is a remedy for scrofula. Others, -again, cut off the head of a mole, and after kneading it with earth -thrown up by those animals, divide it into tablets, and keep it in a -pewter box, for the treatment of all kinds of tumours, diseases of the -neck, and the affections known as “apostemes:” in all such cases the -use of swine’s flesh is forbidden to the patient. “Taurus”[2780] is -the name usually given to an earth-beetle, very similar to a tick in -appearance, and which it derives from the diminutive horns with which -it is furnished: some persons call it the “earth-louse.”[2781] From the -earth thrown up by these insects a liniment is prepared for scrofula -and similar diseases, and for gout the application not being washed off -till the end of three days. This last remedy is effectual for a whole -year, and all those other properties are attributed to it which we have -mentioned[2782] when speaking of crickets. There are some, again, who -make a similar use of the earth thrown up by ants; while others attach -to the patient as many earth-worms as there are scrofulous tumours, the -sores drying as the worms dry up. - -Some persons cut off the head and tail of a viper, as already -mentioned,[2783] about the rising of the Dog-star, which done, they -burn the middle, and give a pinch of the ashes in three fingers, for -thrice seven days, in drink—such is the plan they use for the cure of -scrofula. Others, again, pass round the scrofulous tumours a linen -thread, with which a viper has been suspended by the neck till dead. -Millepedes[2784] are also used, with one fourth part of turpentine; -a remedy which is equally recommended for the cure of all kinds of -apostemes. - - - - -CHAP. 13.—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE SHOULDERS. - - -The ashes of a burnt weasel, mixed with wax, are a cure for pains in -the shoulders. To prevent the arm-pits of young persons from becoming -hairy, they should be well rubbed with ants’ eggs. Slave-dealers also, -to impede the growth of the hair in young persons near puberty, employ -the blood that flows from the testes of lambs when castrated. This -blood, too, applied to the arm-pits,[2785] the hairs being first pulled -out, is a preventive of the rank smell of those parts. - - - - -CHAP. 14.—REMEDIES FOR PAINS IN THE VISCERA. - - -We give the one general name of “præcordia” to the human viscera; for -pains in any part of which, a sucking whelp is applied, being pressed -close to the part affected.[2786] The malady, it is said, will in -such case pass into the animal; a fact which may be satisfactorily -ascertained; for on disembowelling it, and sprinkling the entrails with -wine, that part of the viscera will be found affected in which the -patient himself was sensible of pain: to bury the animal in such a case -is a point most religiously observed. The dogs,[2787] too, which we -call “Melitæi,” applied to the stomach every now and then, allay pains -in that region: the malady, it is supposed, passes into the animal’s -body, as it gradually loses its health, and it mostly dies. - -(6.) Affections of the lungs are cured by using mice, those of Africa -more particularly, the animal being skinned and boiled, in salt and -oil, and then taken with the food. The same preparation is used also, -for the cure of purulent or bloody expectorations. - - - - -CHAP. 15.—REMEDIES FOR PAINS IN THE STOMACH. - - -One of the very best remedies for affections of the stomach, is to use -a snail diet.[2788] They must first be left to simmer in water for -some time, without touching the contents of the shell, after which, -without any other addition, they must be grilled upon hot coals, and -eaten with wine and garum;[2789] the snails of Africa being the best -of all for the purpose. The efficacy of this remedy has been proved in -numerous instances of late. Another point, too, to be observed, is to -take an uneven number of them. Snails, however, have a juice, it should -be remembered, which imparts to the breath an offensive smell. For -patients troubled with spitting of blood, they are remarkably good, the -shell being first removed, and the contents bruised and administered in -water. The most esteemed kinds of all are those of Africa—those which -come from Iol,[2790], in particular—of Astypalæa, and, after them, -those of Ætna, in Sicily, those I mean of moderate size, for the large -ones are hard, and destitute of juice. The Balearic snails, called -“cavaticæ,” from being found in caverns, are much esteemed; and so, -too, are those from the islands of Capreæ.[2791] Those of Greece, on -the other hand, are never used for food, either old or fresh. - -River snails, and those with a white shell, have a strong, rank, -juice, and forest snails are by no means good for the stomach, having -a laxative effect upon the bowels; the same too, with all kinds of -small snails. Sea-snails,[2792] on the other hand, are more beneficial -to the stomach; but it is for pains in that region that they are found -the most efficacious: the best plan, it is said, is to eat them alive, -of whatever kind they may happen to be, with vinegar. In addition -to these, there are the snails called “aceratæ,”[2793] with a broad -shell, and found in numerous localities: of the uses to which they are -put we shall[2794] speak further on the appropriate occasions. The -craw of poultry, dried and sprinkled in the drink, or else used fresh -and grilled, has a soothing effect upon pectoral catarrhs and coughs -attended with phlegm.[2795] Snails, beaten up raw and taken in three -cyathi of warm water, allay cough. A piece of dog’s skin, wrapped round -any one of the fingers, affords relief to patients suffering from -catarrh. A broth made of boiled partridges is strengthening for the -stomach. - - - - -CHAP. 16.—REMEDIES FOR PAINS IN THE LIVER, AND FOR SPITTING OF BLOOD. - - -For the cure of pains in the liver, a wild weasel is taken with the -food, or the liver only of that animal; a ferret also, roasted like a -sucking-pig. In cases of asthma, millepedes are used, thrice seven of -them being soaked in Attic honey, and taken internally by the aid of -a reed:[2796] for all vessels, it should be remembered, turn black on -coming in contact with them. Some persons grill one sextarius of these -insects on a flat pan, till they become white, and then mix them with -honey. There are some authorities who call this insect a “centipede,” -and recommend it to be given in warm water. Snails are administered -to persons subject to fainting fits, alienation of the senses, and -vertigo: for which purposes, a snail is beaten up, shell and all, with -three cyathi of raisin wine, and the mixture is administered warm with -the drink, for nine days at most. Others, again, give one snail the -first day, two the second, three the third, two the fourth, and one the -fifth; a mode of treatment also adopted for the cure of asthma and of -abscesses. - -There is, according to some authorities, an insect resembling the -locust in appearance, destitute of wings, and known by the Greek name -of “troxallis,” it being without a name in Latin: a considerable -number of writers, however, consider it as identical with the insect -known to us as “gryllus.”[2797] Twenty of these insects, they say, -should be grilled, and taken in honied wine, by patients troubled with -hardness of breathing or spitting of blood. Some persons pour pure -grape-juice,[2798] or sea-water, upon unwashed snails, and then boil -and eat them for food; or else they bruise the snails, shells and -all, and take them with this grape-juice. A similar method is also -adopted for the cure of cough. Honey in which the bees have died, is -particularly good for the cure of abscesses. For spitting of blood a -vulture’s lungs are used, burnt upon vine logs, and mixed with half the -quantity of pomegranate blossoms, or with the same proportion of quince -and lily blossom: the whole being taken morning and evening, in wine, -if there is no fever; but where there are symptoms of fever, instead of -wine, water is used in which quinces have been boiled. - - - - -CHAP. 17.—REMEDIES FOR AFFECTIONS OF THE SPLEEN. - - -According to the prescriptions given by the magicians, a fresh sheep’s -milt is the best application for pains in the spleen, the person who -applies it uttering these words: “This I do for the cure of the -spleen.” This done, it is enjoined that the milt should be covered up -with mortar in the wall of the patient’s sleeping-room, and sealed -with a ring, a charm[2799] being repeated thrice nine times. A dog’s -milt, removed from the animal while still alive, taken with the food, -is a cure for diseases of the spleen: some, again, attach it fresh to -that part of the patient’s body. Others give the patient—without his -knowing it—the milt of a puppy two days old, to eat, in squill vinegar; -the milt, too, of a hedge-hog is similarly used. Ashes of burnt snails -are employed, in combination with linseed, nettle-seed, and honey, the -treatment being persisted in till the patient is thoroughly cured. - -A green lizard has a remedial effect, suspended alive in an earthen -vessel, at the entrance of the sleeping-room of the patient, who, every -time he enters or leaves it, must take care to touch it with his hand: -the head, too, of a horned owl, reduced to ashes and incorporated with -an unguent; honey, also, in which the bees have died; and spiders, the -one known as the “lycos”[2800] in particular. - - - - -CHAP. 18.—REMEDIES FOR PAINS IN THE SIDE AND IN THE LOINS. - - -For pains in the side, the heart of a hoopoe is highly esteemed; ashes, -too, of burnt snails, that have been boiled in a ptisan, snails being -sometimes applied in the form of a liniment, alone. Potions employed -for this purpose have a sprinkling in them of the ashes of a mad dog’s -skull. For the cure of lumbago, the spotted lizard[2801] from beyond -seas is used: the head and intestines being first removed, the body is -boiled in wine, with half a denarius of black poppy, and the decoction -is taken in drink. Green lizards, also, are taken with the food, the -feet and head being first removed; or else three snails are crushed, -shells and all, and boiled with fifteen peppercorns in wine. The feet -of an eagle are wrenched off in a contrary direction to the joint, and -the right foot is attached to the right side, the left foot to the -left, according as the pains are situate. The millepede,[2802] which -we have spoken of as being called the “oniscos,” is a cure for these -pains, taken, in doses of one denarius, in two cyathi of wine. The -magicians recommend an earth-worm to be put in a wooden dish, which -has been split and mended with iron wire; which done, some water must -be taken up with the dish, the worm drenched with it and buried in the -spot from which it was taken, and the water drunk from the dish. They -assert, also, that this is a marvellously excellent cure for sciatica. - - - - -CHAP. 19. (7.)—REMEDIES FOR DYSENTERY. - - -Dysentery is cured by taking the broth of a leg of mutton, boiled with -linseed in water; by eating old ewe-milk cheese; or by taking mutton -suet boiled in astringent wine. This last is good, too, for the iliac -passion, and for inveterate coughs. Dysentery is removed also, by -taking a spotted lizard from beyond seas, boiled down till the skin -only is left, the head, feet, and intestines, being first removed. A -couple of snails also, and an egg, are beaten up, shells and all, in -both cases, and made lukewarm in a new vessel, with some salt, three -cyathi of water, and two cyathi of raisin-wine or date-juice, the -decoction being taken in drink. Ashes, too, of burnt snails, are very -serviceable, taken in wine with a modicum of resin. - -The snails without shells, which we have[2803] mentioned as being -mostly found in Africa, are remarkably useful for dysentery, five of -them being burnt with half a denarius of gum acacia, and taken, in -doses of two spoonfuls, in myrtle wine or any other kind of astringent -wine, with an equal quantity of warm water. Some persons employ all -kinds of African snails indiscriminately in this manner; while others, -again, make use of a similar number of African snails or broad-shelled -snails, as an injection, in preference: in cases, too, where the flux -is considerable, they add a piece of gum acacia, about the size of -a bean. For dysentery and tenesmus, the cast-off slough of a snake -is boiled in a pewter vessel with oil of roses: if prepared in any -other kind of vessel, it is applied with an instrument made of pewter. -Chicken-broth is also used as a remedy for these affections; but the -broth of an old cock, strongly salted, acts more powerfully as a -purgative upon the bowels. A pullet’s craw, grilled and administered -with salt and oil, has a soothing effect upon cœliac affections; but -it is absolutely necessary that neither fowl nor patient should have -eaten corn[2804] for some time before. Pigeons’ dung, also, is grilled -and taken in drink. The flesh of a ring-dove, boiled in vinegar, is -curative of dysentery and cœliac affections: and for the cure of -the former, a thrush is recommended, roasted with myrtle-berries; a -blackbird, also; or honey, boiled, in which the bees have died. - - - - -CHAP. 20.—REMEDIES FOR THE ILIAC PASSION, AND FOR OTHER MALADIES OF THE -BOWELS. - - -One of the most dangerous of maladies is that known by the name of -“ileos:”[2805] it may be combatted, they say, by tearing a bat asunder, -and taking the blood, or by rubbing the abdomen with it. Diarrhœa -is arrested more particularly by taking snails, prepared in manner -already[2806] mentioned for cases of asthma; the ashes, also, of snails -burnt alive, administered in astringent wine; the liver of poultry -grilled; the dried craw of poultry, a part that is usually thrown -away, mixed with poppy-juice—in some cases it is used fresh, grilled, -and taken in wine—partridge broth; the craw of partridges beaten up -by itself in red wine; a wild ringdove boiled in oxycrate; a sheep’s -milt, grilled and beaten up in wine; or else pigeons’ dung, applied -with honey. The crop of an ossifrage, dried and taken in drink, is -remarkably useful for patients whose digestion is impaired—indeed, -its good effects may be felt if they only hold it in the hand while -eating. Hence it is that some persons wear it attached to the body as -an amulet; a practice which must not be too long continued, it being -apt to cause a wasting of the flesh. The blood, too, of a drake has an -astringent effect. - -Flatulency is dispelled by eating snails; and griping pains in the -bowels, by taking a sheep’s milt grilled, with wine; a wild ringdove -boiled in oxycrate; the fat of an otis[2807] in wine; or the ashes of -an ibis, burnt without the feathers, administered in drink. Another -prescription mentioned for griping pains in the bowels is of a very -marvellous nature: if a duck, they say, is applied to the abdomen, the -malady will pass into the bird, and it will die.[2808] Gripings of the -bowels are treated also with boiled honey in which the bees have died. - -Colic is most effectually cured by taking a roasted lark with the -food. Some recommend, however, that it should be burnt to ashes in -a new vessel, feathers and all, and then pounded and taken for four -consecutive days, in doses of three spoonfuls, in water. Some say that -the heart of this bird should be attached to the thigh, and, according -to others, the heart should be swallowed fresh, quite warm, in fact. -There is a family of consular dignity, known as the Asprenates,[2809] -two brothers, members of which, were cured of colic; the one by eating -a lark and wearing its heart in a golden bracelet; the other, by -performing a certain sacrifice in a chapel built of raw bricks, in form -of a furnace, and then blocking up the edifice the moment the sacrifice -was concluded. The ossifrage has a single intestine only, which has the -marvellous property of digesting all that the bird has swallowed: the -extremity of this intestine, it is well known, worn as an amulet, is an -excellent remedy for colic. - -There are certain concealed maladies incident to the intestines, in -relation to which there are some marvellous statements made. If to the -stomach and chest, more particularly, blind puppies are applied, and -suckled with milk from the patient’s mouth,[2810] the virulence of -the malady, it is said, will be transferred to them, and in the end -they will die: on opening them, too, the causes of the malady will be -sure to be discovered. In all such cases, however, the puppies must be -allowed to die, and must be buried in the earth. According to what the -magicians say, if the abdomen is touched with a bat’s blood, the person -will be proof against colic for a whole year: when a patient, too, is -attacked with the pains of colic, if he can bring himself to drink the -water in which he has washed his feet, he will experience a cure. - - - - -CHAP. 21. (8.)—REMEDIES FOR URINARY CALCULI AND AFFECTIONS OF THE -BLADDER. - - -For the cure of urinary calculi, it is a good plan to rub the abdomen -with mouse-dung. The flesh of a hedge-hog is agreeable eating, they -say, if killed with a single blow upon the head, before it has had -time to discharge its urine[2811] upon its body: [persons[2812] who -eat this flesh, it is said, will never by any possibility suffer from -strangury.] The flesh of a hedge-hog thus killed, is a cure for urinary -obstructions of the bladder; and the same, too, with fumigations made -therewith. If, on the other hand, the animal has discharged its urine -upon its body, those who eat the flesh will be sure to be attacked -by strangury, it is said. As a lithontriptic,[2813] earth-worms are -recommended, taken in ordinary wine or raisin wine; or else boiled -snails, prepared the same way[2814] as for the cure of asthma. For -the cure of urinary obstructions, snails are taken from the shells, -pounded, and administered in one cyathus of wine, three the first day, -two the second, and one the third. For the expulsion of calculi, the -empty shells are reduced to ashes and taken in drink: the liver also of -a water-snake, and the ashes of burnt scorpions are similarly employed, -or are taken with bread or eaten with a locust. For the same purpose, -the small grits that are found in the gizzard of poultry or in the craw -of the ringdove, are beaten up and sprinkled in the patient’s drink; -the craw, too, of poultry is taken, dried, or if fresh, grilled. - -For urinary calculi and other obstructions of the bladder, dung of -ring-doves is taken, with beans; ashes also of wild ring-doves’ -feathers, mixed with vinegar and honey; the intestines of those birds, -reduced to ashes, and administered in doses of three spoonfuls; a small -clod from a swallow’s nest, dissolved in warm water; the dried crop of -an ossifrage; the dung of a turtle-dove, boiled in honied wine; or the -broth of a boiled turtle-dove. - -It is very beneficial also for urinary affections to eat thrushes with -myrtle-berries, or grasshoppers grilled on a shallow-pan; or else to -take the millepedes, known as “onisci,”[2815] in drink. For pains in -the bladder, a decoction of lambs’ feet is used. Chicken-broth relaxes -the bowels and mollifies acridities; swallows’ dung, too, with honey, -employed as a suppository, acts as a purgative. - - - - -CHAP. 22.—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE FUNDAMENT AND OF THE GENERATIVE -ORGANS. - - -The most efficacious remedies for diseases of the rectum are -wool-grease,—to which some add pompholix[2816] and oil of roses— a -dog’s head reduced to ashes; or a serpent’s slough, with vinegar. In -cases where there are chaps and fissures of those parts, the ashes of -the white portion of dogs’ dung are used, mixed with oil of roses; -a prescription due, they say, to Æsculapius,[2817] and remarkably -efficacious also for the removal of warts. Ashes of burnt mouse-dung, -swan’s fat, and cow suet, are also used. Procidence of the rectum is -reduced by an application of the juices discharged by snails when -punctured. For the cure of excoriation of those parts, ashes of burnt -wood-mice are used, with honey; the gall of a hedge-hog, with a bat’s -brains and bitches’ milk; goose-grease, with the brains of the bird, -alum, and wool-grease; or else pigeons’ dung, mixed with honey. A -spider, the head and legs being first removed, is remarkably good as a -friction for condylomata. To prevent the acridity of the humours from -fretting the flesh, goose-grease is applied, with Punic wax, white -lead, and oil of roses; swan’s grease also, which is said to be a cure -for piles. - -A very good thing, they say, for sciatica, is, to pound raw snails -in Aminean[2818] wine, and to take them with pepper; to eat a green -lizard, the feet, head, and intestines being first removed; or to eat -a spotted lizard, with the addition of three oboli of black poppy. -Ruptures and convulsions are treated with sheep’s gall, diluted with -woman’s milk. The gravy which escapes from a ram’s lights roasted, is -used for the cure of itching pimples and warts upon the generative -organs: for other affections of those parts, the ashes of a ram’s -wool, unwashed even, are used, applied with water; the suet of a -sheep’s caul, and of the kidneys more particularly, mixed with ashes of -pumice-stone and salt; greasy wool, applied with cold water; sheep’s -flesh, burnt to ashes, and applied with water; a mule’s hoofs, burnt -to ashes; or the powder of pounded horse teeth, sprinkled upon the -parts. In cases of decidence of either of the testes, an application of -the slime discharged by snails is remedial, they say. For the treatment -of sordid or running ulcers of those parts, the fresh ashes of a burnt -dog’s head are found highly useful; the small, broad kind of snail, -beaten up in vinegar; a snake’s slough, or the ashes of it, applied -in vinegar; honey in which the bees have died, mixed with resin; -or the kind of snail without a shell, that is found in Africa, as -already[2819] mentioned, beaten up with powdered frankincense and white -of eggs, the application being renewed at the end of thirty days; some -persons, however substitute a bulb for the frankincense. - -For the cure of hydrocele, a spotted lizard, they say, is marvellously -good, the head, feet, and intestines being first removed, and the -rest of the body roasted and taken frequently with the food. For -incontinence[2820] of urine dogs’ fat is used, mixed with a piece of -split alum the size of a bean; ashes, also, of African snails burnt -with the shells, taken in drink; or else the tongues of three geese -roasted and eaten with the food, a remedy which we owe to Anaxilaüs. -Mutton-suet,[2821] mixed with parched salt, has an aperient effect upon -inflammatory tumours, and mouse-dung, mixed with powdered frankincense -and sandarach, acts upon them as a dispellent: the ashes, also, of -a burnt lizard, or the lizard itself, split asunder and applied; or -else bruised millepedes, mixed with one third part of turpentine. -Some make use of earth of Sinope[2822] for this purpose, mixed with a -bruised snail. Ashes of empty snail-shells burnt alone, mixed with wax, -possess certain repercussive properties; the same, too, with pigeons’ -dung, employed by itself, or applied with oat-meal or barley-meal. -Cantharides, mixed with lime, remove inflammatory tumours quite as -effectually as the lancet; and small snails, applied topically with -honey, have a soothing effect upon tumours in the groin. - - - - -CHAP. 23. (9.)—REMEDIES FOR GOUT AND FOR DISEASES OF THE FEET. - - -To prevent varicose veins, the legs of children are rubbed with a -lizard’s blood: but both the party who operates and the patient must -be fasting at the time. Wool-grease, mixed with woman’s milk and white -lead, has a soothing effect upon gout; the liquid dung also voided -by sheep; a sheep’s lights; a ram’s gall, mixed with suet; mice, -split asunder and applied; a weasel’s blood, used as a liniment with -plantago; the ashes of a weasel burnt alive, mixed with vinegar and -oil of roses, and applied with a feather, or used in combination with -wax and oil of roses; a dog’s gall, due care being taken not to touch -it with the hand, and to apply it with a feather; poultry dung; or -else ashes of burnt earth-worms, applied with honey, and removed at -the end of a couple of days. Some, however, prefer using this last -with water, while others, again, apply the worms themselves, in the -proportion of one acetabulum[2823] to three cyathi of honey, the feet -of the patient being first anointed with oil of roses. The broad, flat, -kind of snail, taken in drink, is used for the removal of pains in the -feet and joints; two of them being pounded for the purpose and taken -in wine. They are employed, also, in the form of a liniment, mixed -with the juice of the plant helxine:[2824] some, however, are content -to beat up the snails with vinegar. Some say that salt, burnt in a -new earthen vessel with a viper, and taken repeatedly, is curative of -gout, and that it is an excellent plan to rub the feet with viper’s -fat. It is asserted, too, that similar results are produced by keeping -a kite till it is dry, and then powdering it and taking it in water, a -pinch in three fingers at a time; by rubbing the feet with the blood -of that bird mixed with nettles; or by bruising the first feathers of -a ring-dove with nettles. The dung of ring-doves is used as a liniment -for pains in the joints; the ashes also of a burnt weasel, or of burnt -snails, mixed with amylum[2825] or gum tragacanth. - -A very excellent cure for contusions of the joints is a spider’s web; -but there are persons who give the preference to ashes of burnt cobwebs -or of burnt pigeons’ dung, mixed with polenta and white wine. For -sprains of the joints a sovereign remedy is mutton suet, mixed with -the ashes of a woman’s hair; a good application, too, for chilblains -is mutton suet, mixed with alum, or else ashes of a burnt dog’s head -or of burnt mouse-dung. Ulcers, free from discharge, are brought to -cicatrize by using the above-named substances in combination with -wax; ashes, also, of burnt dormice, mixed with oil; ashes of burnt -wood-mice, mixed with honey; ashes of burnt earth-worms, applied with -old oil; or else ashes of the snails without a shell that are so -commonly found. All ulcers on the feet are cured by the application of -ashes of snails, burnt alive; and for excoriations of the feet, ashes -of burnt poultry-dung are used, or ashes of burnt pigeons’ dung, mixed -with oil. When the feet have been galled by the shoes, the ashes of an -old shoe-sole are used, or the lights of a lamb or ram. For gatherings -beneath[2826] the nails, a horse’s tooth, powdered, is a sovereign -remedy. A light application of a green lizard’s blood, will cure the -feet of man or beast when galled beneath. - -For the removal of corns upon the feet, the urine of a mule of either -sex is applied, mixed with the mud which it has formed upon the ground; -sheep’s dung, also; the liver of a green lizard, or the blood of that -animal, applied in wool; earth-worms, mixed with oil; the head of a -spotted lizard, pounded with an equal quantity of vitex and mixed -with oil; or pigeons’ dung, boiled with vinegar. For the cure of all -kinds of warts, dogs’ urine is applied fresh, with the mud which it -has formed upon the ground; dogs’ dung, also, reduced to ashes and -mixed with wax; sheep’s dung; the blood of mice, applied fresh, or the -body of a mouse, split asunder; the gall of a hedgehog; a lizard’s -head or blood, or the ashes of that animal, burnt entire; the cast-off -slough of a snake; or else poultry dung, applied with oil and nitre. -Cantharides, also, bruised with Taminian[2827] grapes, act corrosively -upon warts: but when warts have been thus removed, the remedies should -be employed which we have pointed out for ulcerations on the skin. - - - - -CHAP. 24. (10.)—REMEDIES FOR EVILS WHICH ARE LIABLE TO AFFECT THE WHOLE -BODY. - - -We will now turn our attention to those evils which are a cause of -apprehension, as affecting the whole body. According to what the -magicians say, the gall of a male black dog is a counter-charm for the -whole of a house; and it will be quite sufficient to make fumigations -with it, or to use it as a purification, to ensure its preservation -against all noxious drugs and preparations. They say the same, too, -with reference to a dog’s blood, if the walls are sprinkled with it; -and the genitals of that animal, if buried beneath the threshold. This -will surprise persons the less who are aware how highly these same -magicians extol that most abominable insect, the tick, and all because -it is the only one that has no[2828] passage for the evacuations, its -eating ending only in its death, and it living all the longer for -fasting: in this latter state it has been known to live so long as -seven days, they say, but when it gorges to satiety it will burst in -a much shorter period. According to these authorities, a tick from a -dog’s left ear, worn as an amulet, will allay all kinds of pains. They -presage, too, from it on matters of life and death; for if the patient, -they say, gives an answer to a person who has a tick about him, and, -standing at the foot of the bed, asks how he is, it is an infallible -sign that he will survive; while, on the other hand, if he makes no -answer, he will be sure to die. They add, also, that the dog from whose -left ear the tick is taken, must be entirely black. Nigidius has stated -in his writings that dogs will avoid the presence all day of a person -who has taken a tick from off a hog. - -The magicians likewise assure us that patients suffering from delirium -will recover their reason on being sprinkled with a mole’s blood; and -that persons who are apt to be troubled by the gods of the night[2829] -and by Fauni, will experience relief by rubbing themselves morning and -evening with the tongue, eyes, gall, and intestines of a dragon,[2830] -boiled in oil, and cooled in the open air at night. - - - - -CHAP. 25.—REMEDIES FOR COLD SHIVERINGS. - - -A remedy for cold shiverings, according to Nicander, is a dead -amphisbæna,[2831] or its skin only, attached to the body: in addition -to which, he informs us that if one of these reptiles is attached to -a tree that is being felled, the persons hewing it will never feel -cold, and will fell it all the more easily. For so it is, that this -is the only one among all the serpents that faces the cold, making -its appearance the first of all, and even before the cuckoo’s note is -heard. There is another marvellous fact also mentioned, with reference -to the cuckoo: if, upon the spot where a person hears this bird for -the first time, he traces round the space occupied by his right foot -and then digs up the earth, it will effectually prevent fleas from -breeding, wherever it is thrown. - - - - -CHAP. 26.—REMEDIES FOR PARALYSIS. - - -For persons apprehensive of paralysis the fat of dormice and of -field-mice, they say, is very useful, boiled: and for patients -threatened with phthisis, millepedes are good, taken in drink, in -manner already[2832] mentioned for the cure of quinzy. The same, too, -with a green lizard, boiled down to one cyathus in three sextarii of -wine, and taken in doses of one spoonful daily, until the patient is -perfectly cured; the ashes also of burnt snails, taken in wine. - - - - -CHAP. 27.—REMEDIES FOR EPILEPSY. - - -For the cure of epilepsy wool-grease is used, with a modicum of myrrh, -a piece about the size of a hazel-nut being dissolved and taken after -the bath, in two cyathi of wine: a ram’s testes, also, dried and -pounded, and taken in doses of half a denarius, in water, or in a -semi-sextarius of asses’ milk; the patient being forbidden wine five -days before and after using the remedy. Sheep’s blood, too, is mightily -praised, taken in drink; sheep’s gall, also, and lambs’ gall in -particular, mixed with honey; the flesh of a sucking puppy, taken with -wine and myrrh, the head and feet being first removed; the callosities -from a mule’s legs, taken in three cyathi of oxymel; the ashes of a -spotted lizard from beyond seas, taken in vinegar; the thin coat of a -spotted lizard, which it casts like a snake, taken in drink—indeed some -persons recommend the lizard itself, gutted with a reed and dried and -taken in drink; while others, again, are for roasting it on a wooden -spit and taking it with the food. - -It is worth while knowing how the winter slough of this lizard is -obtained when it casts it off, before it has had the opportunity of -devouring[2833] it; there being no creature, it is said, that resorts -in its spite to more cunning devices for the deception of man; a -circumstance owing to which, the name of “stellio”[2834] has been -borrowed as a name of reproach. The place to which it retires in -summer is carefully observed, being generally some spot beneath the -projecting parts of doors or windows, or else in vaults or tombs. In -the early days of spring, cages made of split reeds are placed before -these spots; and the narrower the interstices the more delighted is the -animal with them, it being all the better enabled thereby to disengage -itself of the coat which adheres to its body and impedes its freedom -of action: when, however, it has once quitted it, the construction of -the cage prevents its return. There is nothing whatever preferred to -this lizard as a remedy for epilepsy. The brains of a weasel are also -considered very good, dried and taken in drink; the liver, too, of -that animal, or the testes, uterus, or paunch, dried and taken with -coriander, in manner already[2835] mentioned; the ashes also of a -burnt weasel; or a wild weasel, eaten whole with the food. All these -properties are equally attributed to the ferret. A green lizard is -sometimes eaten, dressed with seasonings to stimulate the appetite, the -feet and head being first removed; the ashes, too, of burnt snails are -used, as an ointment, with linseed, nettle-seed, and honey. - -The magicians think highly of a dragon’s tail, attached to the body, -with a deer’s sinews, in the skin of a gazelle; as also the small grits -found in the crops of young swallows, tied to the left arm of the -patient; for swallows, it is said, give small stones to their young the -moment they are hatched. If, at the commencement of the first paroxysm, -an epileptic patient eats the first of a swallow’s brood that has been -hatched, he will experience a perfect cure: but at a later period the -disease is treated by using swallow’s blood with frankincense, or by -eating the heart of the bird quite fresh. Nay, even more than this, a -small stone taken from a swallow’s nest will relieve the patient the -moment it is applied, they say; worn, too, as an amulet, it will always -act as a preservative against the malady. A kite’s liver, too, eaten -by the patient, is highly vaunted; the slough also of a serpent; a -vulture’s liver, beaten up with the blood of the bird, and taken thrice -seven days in drink; or the heart of a young vulture, worn attached to -the body. - -And not only this, but the vulture itself is recommended as a food for -the patient, and that, too, when it has been glutted with human flesh. -Some recommend the breast of this bird to be taken in drink from a cup -made of cerrus[2836] wood, or the testes of a dunghill cock to be taken -in milk and water; the patient abstaining from wine the five preceding -days, and the testes being dried for the purpose. There have been -authorities found to recommend one-and-twenty red flies—and those found -dead, too!—taken in drink, the number being reduced where the patient -is of a feeble habit. - - - - -CHAP. 28. (11.)—REMEDIES FOR JAUNDICE. - - -Jaundice is combated by administering ear-wax to the patient, or -else the filth that adheres to the udders of sheep, in doses of one -denarius, with a modicum of myrrh, in two cyathi of wine; the ashes, -also, of a dog’s head, mixed with honied wine; a millepede, in one -semi-sextarius of wine; earth-worms, in hydromel with myrrh; wine -in which a hen’s feet have been washed, after being first cleansed -with water—the hen must be one with yellow[2837] feet—the brains of -a partridge or of an eagle, in three cyathi of wine; the ashes of a -ring-dove’s feathers or intestines, in honied wine, in doses of three -spoonfuls; or ashes of sparrows burnt upon twigs, in doses of two -spoonfuls, in hydromel. - -There is a bird, known as the “icterus,”[2838] from its peculiar -colour: if the patient looks at it, he will be cured of jaundice, they -say, and the bird will die. In my opinion this is the same bird that is -known in Latin by the name of “galgulus.”[2839] - - - - -CHAP. 29.—REMEDIES FOR PHRENITIS. - - -In cases of phrenitis a sheep’s lights, attached warm round the -patient’s head, would appear to be advantageous. But as to giving a man -suffering from delirium a mouse’s brains in water to drink, the ashes -of a burnt weasel, or the dried flesh even of a hedgehog, who could -possibly do it, supposing even the effects of the remedy were certain? -I should be inclined, too, to rank the ashes of the eyes of a horned -owl in the number of those monstrous prescriptions with which the -adepts in the magic art abuse the credulity of mankind. - -It is in cases, too, of fever, more particularly, that the acknowledged -rules of medicine run counter to the prescriptions of these men: for -they have classified the various modes of treating the disease in -accordance with the twelve signs of the Zodiac, and relatively to the -revolutions of the sun and moon, a system which deserves to be utterly -repudiated, as I shall prove by a few instances selected from many. -They recommend, for example, when the sun is passing through Gemini, -that the patient should be rubbed with ashes of the burnt combs, -ears, and claws of cocks, beaten up and mixed with oil. If, again, it -is the moon that is passing through that sign, it is the spurs and -wattles of cocks that must be similarly employed. When either of these -luminaries is passing through Virgo, grains of barley must be used; -and when through Sagittarius, a bat’s wings. When the moon is passing -through Leo, it is leaves of tamarisk that must be employed, and of the -cultivated tamarisk, they add: if, again, the sign is Aquarius, the -patient must use an application of box-wood charcoal, pounded. - -Of the remedies, however, that we find recommended by them, I shall be -careful to insert those only the efficacy of which has been admitted, -or, at least, is probable in any degree; such, for instance, as the -use of powerful odours, as an excitant for patients suffering from -lethargy; among which, perhaps, may be reckoned the dried testes of a -weasel, or the liver of that animal, burnt. They consider it a good -plan, too, to attach a sheep’s lights, made warm, round the head of the -patient. - - - - -CHAP. 30.—REMEDIES FOR FEVERS. - - -In the treatment of quartan fevers, clinical medicine is, so to -say, pretty nearly powerless; for which reason we shall insert a -considerable number of remedies recommended by professors of the -magic art, and, first of all, those prescribed to be worn as amulets: -the dust, for instance, in which a hawk has bathed itself, tied -up in a linen cloth, with a red string, and attached to the body; -the longest tooth of a black dog; or the wasp known by the name of -“pseudosphex,”[2840] which is always to be seen flying alone, caught -with the left hand and attached beneath the patient’s chin. Some use -for this purpose the first wasp that a person sees in the current year. -Other amulets are, a viper’s head, severed from the body and wrapped in -a linen cloth; a viper’s heart, removed from the reptile while still -alive; the muzzle[2841] of a mouse and the tips of its ears, wrapped -in red cloth, the animal being set at liberty after they are removed; -the right eye plucked from a living lizard, and enclosed with the head, -separated from the body, in goat’s skin; the scarabæus also that forms -pellets[2842] and rolls them along. - -It is on account of this kind of scarabæus that the people of a great -part of Egypt worship those insects as divinities; an usage for -which Apion gives a curious reason, asserting, as he does, by way of -justifying the rites of his nation, that the insect in its operations -pictures the revolution of the sun. There is also another kind of -scarabæus, which the magicians recommend to be worn as an amulet—the -one that has small horns[2843] thrown backwards; it must be taken up, -when used for this purpose, with the left hand. A third kind also, -known by the name of “fullo,”[2844] and covered with white spots, they -recommend to be cut asunder and attached to either arm, the other kinds -being worn upon the left arm. Other amulets recommended by them, are, -the heart of a snake taken from the living animal with the left hand; -or four joints of a scorpion’s tail, together with the sting, attached -to the body in a piece of black cloth; due care being taken that the -patient does not see the scorpion, which is set at liberty after the -operation, or the person who has attached the amulet, for the space of -three days: after the recurrence, too, of the third paroxysm, he must -bury the whole in the ground. Some enclose a caterpillar in a piece -of linen with a thread passed three times round it, and tie as many -knots, repeating at each knot why it is that the patient performs that -operation. A slug is sometimes wrapped in a piece of skin, or the heads -of four slugs, cut from the body with a reed: a millepede is rolled up -in wool: the small grubs that produce the gadfly,[2845] are used before -the wings of the insect are developed; or any other kind of hairy grub -is employed that is found adhering to prickly shrubs. Some persons -attach to the body four of these grubs, enclosed in an empty walnut -shell, or else some of the snails that are found without a shell. - -In other cases, again, it is the practice to enclose a spotted -lizard in a little box, and to place it beneath the pillow of the -patient, taking care to set it at liberty when the fever abates. It -is recommended also, that the patient should swallow the heart of a -sea-diver, removed from the bird without the aid of iron, it being -first dried and then bruised and taken in warm water. The heart of -a swallow is also recommended, with honey; and there are persons -who say that, just before the paroxysms come on, the patient should -take one drachma of swallow’s dung in three cyathi of goats’ milk or -ewes’ milk, or of raisin wine: others, again, are of opinion that -the birds themselves should be taken, whole. The nations of Parthia, -as a remedy for quartan fevers, take the skin of the asp, in doses -of one sixth of a denarius, with an equal quantity of pepper. The -philosopher Chrysippus has left a statement to the effect, that the -phryganion,[2846] worn as an amulet, is a remedy for quartan fevers; -but what kind of animal this is he has nowhere informed us, nor have I -been able to meet with any one who knows. Still, however, I felt myself -bound to notice a remedy that was mentioned by an author of such high -repute, in case any other person should happen to be more successful in -his researches. To eat the flesh of a crow, and to use nitre in the -form of a liniment, is considered highly efficacious for the treatment -of chronic diseases. - -In cases of tertian fever—so true it is that suffering takes delight in -prolonging hope by trying every remedy—it may be worth while to make -trial whether the web of the spider called “lycos”[2847] is of any -use, applied, with the insect itself, to the temples and forehead in a -compress covered with resin and wax; or the insect itself, attached to -the body in a reed, a form in which it is said to be highly beneficial -for other fevers. Trial may be made also of a green lizard, enclosed -alive in a vessel just large enough to receive it, and worn as an -amulet; a method, it is said, by which recurrent fevers are often -dispelled. - - - - -CHAP. 31.—REMEDIES FOR DROPSY. - - -For the cure of dropsy, wool-grease, a piece about the size of a -hazel-nut, is given in wine, with the addition of a little myrrh: some -add goose-grease, steeped in myrtle wine. The filth that adheres to the -udders of sheep is productive of a similar effect, as also the dried -flesh of a hedge-hog, taken with the food. Matter vomited by a dog, we -are assured, applied to the abdomen, will draw off the water that has -accumulated there. - - - - -CHAP. 32. (12.)—REMEDIES FOR ERYSIPELAS. - - -For the cure of erysipelas, wool-grease is used, with pompholix[2848] -and oil of roses; the blood[2849] also extracted from a tick; earth -worms, applied in vinegar; or else a cricket crushed between the -hands—the good effect of this last being that the person who uses this -precaution before the malady has made its appearance, will be preserved -therefrom for a whole year. Care must be taken also that iron is used -for the removal of the cricket, with some of the earth about its hole. -Goose-grease is also employed for this purpose; a viper’s head, dried -and burnt, and applied with vinegar; or a serpent’s slough, applied to -the body, immediately after the bath, with bitumen and lamb suet. - - - - -CHAP. 33.—REMEDIES FOR CARBUNCLES. - - -Carbuncles are removed by an application of pigeons’ dung, either alone -or in combination with linseed and oxymel; or of bees that have died -in the honey. A sprinkling of polenta upon the sores is also used. For -carbuncles and other sores of the generative organs, wool-grease is -used as a remedy, with refuse of lead; and for incipient carbuncles, -sheep’s dung is employed. Tumours and all other affections that stand -in need of emollients are treated most effectually with goose-grease; -that of cranes, too, is equally efficacious. - - - - -CHAP. 34.—REMEDIES FOR BOILS. - - -For boils the following remedies are prescribed; a spider, applied -before mentioning the insect by name, care being taken to remove it -at the end of two days; a shrew-mouse, suspended by the neck till it -is dead, care being taken not to let it touch the earth when dead, -and to pass it three times around the boil, both operator and patient -spitting on the floor each time; poultry-dung, that of a red colour in -particular, applied fresh with vinegar; the crop of a stork, boiled in -wine; flies, an uneven number of them, rubbed upon the patient with the -ring[2850] finger; the filth from sheep’s ears; stale mutton suet, with -ashes of women’s hair; ram suet also, with ashes of burnt pumice and an -equal quantity of salt. - - - - -CHAP. 35.—REMEDIES FOR BURNS. - - -For burns, the ashes of a dog’s head are used; ashes of burnt dormice, -with oil; sheep’s dung, with wax; ashes also of burnt snails, an -application so effectual, as not to leave a scar even. Viper’s fat, -too, is used, and ashes of burnt pigeons’ dung, applied with oil. - - - - -CHAP. 36.—REMEDIES FOR AFFECTIONS OF THE SINEWS. - - -For nodosities in the sinews, the ashes of a viper’s head are applied, -with oil of Cyprus;[2851] or else earth-worms, with honey. Pains in the -sinews should be treated with an application of grease; the body of a -dead amphisbæna, worn as an amulet; vulture’s grease, dried with the -crop of the bird and beaten up with stale hog’s lard; or else ashes of -the head of a horned owl, taken in honied wine with a lily root—that -is, if we believe what the magicians tell us. For contractions of the -sinews, the flesh of ring-doves is very good, dried and taken with the -food: and for spasmodic affections, the ashes of a hedge-hog or weasel -are used. A serpent’s slough, attached to the patient’s body in a piece -of bull’s hide, is a preventive of spasms: and the dried liver of a -kite, taken in doses of three oboli, in three cyathi of hydromel, is a -preservative against opisthotony. - - - - -CHAP. 37.—REMEDIES FOR MALADIES OF THE NAILS AND FINGERS. - - -Agnails and hangnails upon the fingers are removed by using the ashes -of a burnt dog’s head, or the uterus of a bitch boiled in oil, the -fingers being first rubbed with a liniment of ewe-milk butter, mixed -with honey. The gall-bladder, too, of any animal is very useful for -this purpose. Malformed nails are healed with an application of -cantharides and pitch, which is removed at the end of two days; or else -with locusts fried with he-goat suet; or with an application of mutton -suet. Some mix mistletoe and purslain with these ingredients; while -others, again, use verdigrease and mistletoe, removing the application -at the end of two days. - - - - -CHAP. 38. (13.)—METHODS FOR ARRESTING HÆMORRHAGE. - - -Bleeding at the nostrils is arrested by mutton suet taken from the -caul, introduced into the nostrils; by drawing up rennet, lamb’s rennet -in particular, mixed with water, into the nostrils, or by using it as -an injection, a remedy which succeeds even where other remedies have -failed; by making up goose-grease into a bolus with an equal quantity -of butter, and plugging the nostrils with it; or by using the earth -that adheres to snails, or else the snails themselves, extracted from -the shell. Excessive discharges from the nostrils are arrested also -by applying crushed snails, or cobwebs, to the forehead. For issues -of blood from the brain, the blood or brains of poultry are used, as -also pigeons’ dung, thickened and kept for the purpose. In cases where -there is an immoderate flow of blood from a wound, an application of -horse-dung, burnt with egg-shells, is marvellously good for stopping it. - - - - -CHAP. 39.—REMEDIES FOR ULCEROUS SORES AND WOUNDS. - - -For the cure of ulcers, wool-grease is used; with ashes of burnt -barley and verdigrease, in equal quantities; a preparation which is -good, too, for carcinomata and spreading sores. It cauterizes the flesh -also around the margins of ulcers, and reduces and makes level fungous -excrescences formed by sores. Ashes, too, of burnt sheep’s dung, mixed -with nitre, are of great efficacy for the cure of carcinomata; as also -those of lambs’ thigh-bones, in cases more particularly where ulcers -refuse to cicatrize. Very considerable, too, is the efficacy of lights, -ram’s lights in particular, which are of the greatest utility for -reducing and making level the fleshy excrescences formed by ulcerous -sores. With sheep’s dung, warmed beneath an earthen pan and kneaded, -the swellings attendant upon wounds are reduced, and fistulous sores -and epinyctis are cleansed and made to heal. - -But it is in the ashes of a burnt dog’s head that the greatest -efficacy is found; as it quite equals spodium[2852] in its property -of cauterizing all kinds of fleshy excrescences, and causing sores -to heal. Mouse-dung, too, is used as a cautery, and weasels’ dung, -burnt to ashes. Pounded millepedes, mixed with turpentine and earth -of Sinope,[2853] are used for penetrating carcinomata and fleshy -indurations in deep-seated sores; and the same substances are -remarkably useful for the treatment of ulcers threatened with maggots. - -Indeed the several varieties of worms themselves are possessed of -marvellously useful properties. The worms,[2854] for instance, that -breed in wood are curative of all kinds of ulcers: reduced to ashes, -with an equal quantity of anise, and applied with oil, they heal -cancerous sores. Earthworms are so remarkably healing for wounds -recently inflicted, that it is a very general belief that by the end -of seven days they will unite sinews even that have been cut asunder: -hence it is that it is recommended to keep them preserved in honey. -Ashes of burnt earth-worms, in combination with tar or Simblian -honey,[2855] cauterize the indurated margins of ulcerous sores. Some -persons dry earthworms in the sun, and apply them to wounds with -vinegar, the application not being removed till the end of a couple -of days. The earth also that adheres to snails is useful, similarly -employed; snails, too, taken whole from the shell, are pounded and -applied to fresh wounds, to heal them, and they arrest the progress of -cancerous sores. - -There is an insect called “herpes”[2856] by the Greeks, which is -particularly useful for the cure of all kinds of serpiginous[2857] -sores. Snails, beaten up, shells and all, are very good for this -purpose; and it is said that, with myrrh and frankincense, they -will unite the sinews even when cut asunder. The fat, too, of a -dragon,[2858] dried in the sun, is remarkably useful, and so are the -brains of a cook or capon for recent wounds. By taking with the food -salt in which vipers have been preserved, ulcers are rendered more -easy of treatment, it is said, and are made to heal all the sooner. -Antonius[2859] the physician, after operating in vain upon ulcers, that -were incurable with the knife, used to prescribe viper’s flesh to be -eaten by the patient, whereby a marvellously speedy cure was effected. - -The locust called “troxallis,”[2860] reduced to ashes and applied with -honey, removes the indurated margins of ulcerous sores: ashes, also, of -burnt pigeons’ dung, with arsenic and honey, are very effectual in all -cases where a cautery is required. The brains of a horned owl, applied -with goose-grease, are marvellously efficacious for uniting wounds, it -is said. For the malignant ulcer known as “cacoëthes,”[2861] the ashes -of a ram’s thigh-bones are used, mixed with woman’s milk, the sores -being washed with linen cloths well rinsed. For the same purpose, the -bird known as the screech-owl[2862] is boiled in oil, ewe-milk butter -and honey being added to the preparation, when properly dissolved. -An application of bees that have died in the honey, acts emolliently -upon the indurated margins of ulcerous sores; and for the cure of -elephantiasis, the blood and ashes of a weasel are employed. Wounds and -weals produced by blows are effaced by an application of sheep-skins -fresh from the body. - - - - -CHAP. 40.—REMEDIES FOR BROKEN BONES. - - -For fractures of the joints, ashes of sheep’s thigh-bones are -particularly useful, applied in combination with wax; and the remedy -is all the more efficacious, if a sheep’s jaw-bones are burnt with -the other ingredients, together with a deer’s antler, and some wax -dissolved in oil of roses. For broken bones, a dog’s brains are -used, spread upon a linen cloth, with wool laid upon the surface and -moistened every now and then. The fractured bone will mostly unite -in the course of fourteen days; and a cure equally expeditious may -be effected by using the ashes of burnt field-mice, with honey, or -of burnt earthworms; a substance which is extremely useful for the -extraction of splintered bones. - - - - -CHAP. 41.—APPLICATIONS FOR CICATRIZATIONS, AND FOR THE CURE OF MORPHEW. - - -Cicatrizations are restored to their original colour by applying -sheep’s lights, those of a ram in particular; mutton-suet, mixed with -nitre; the ashes of a green lizard; a snake’s slough, boiled in wine; -or else pigeons’ dung, mixed with honey; a preparation which, in -combination with wine, is good for the removal of white morphew. For -the cure, also, of morphew, cantharides are used, with two-thirds of -rue-leaves; a preparation which the patient must keep applied, in the -sun, till the skin itches and rises in blisters; after which it must -be fomented and well rubbed with oil, and the application repeated. -This must be done for several days in succession, due precautions being -taken that the ulcerations do not penetrate too deep. - -For the cure, too, of morphew, a liniment is recommended, made of flies -and root of agrimony; the white part also of poultry dung, kept in a -horn box with stale oil; a bat’s blood; or else the gall of a hedge-hog -applied with water. Itch-scab is cured by using the brains of a horned -owl, incorporated with saltpetre; but dog’s blood is the best thing to -keep it in check. The small, broad, snail that is found, crushed and -applied topically, is an effectual cure for itching sensations. - - - - -CHAP. 42.—METHODS OF EXTRACTING FOREIGN SUBSTANCES FROM THE BODY. - - -Arrows, pointed weapons, and other foreign substances that require to -be extracted from the body, are removed by the application of a mouse -split asunder, or of a lizard more particularly, similarly divided, or -else the head only of the animal, pounded with salt. The snails, too, -that are found in clusters upon leaves, are pounded and applied with -their shells on; as also those that are used as food, the shells being -first removed, applied with hare’s rennet in particular. The bones of a -snake, applied with the rennet of any four-footed animal, will produce -a similar effect before the end of two days: cantharides, also, bruised -and applied with barley-meal, are highly extolled. - - - - -CHAP. 43. (14.)—REMEDIES FOR FEMALE COMPLAINTS. - - -For diseases incident to females, a ewe’s placenta is very useful, as -already[2863] mentioned by us, when speaking of goats: sheep’s dung, -too, is equally good. A fumigation of burnt locusts, applied to the -lower parts, affords relief to strangury, in females more particularly. -If, immediately after conception, a woman eats a cock’s testes every -now and then, the child of which she is pregnant will become[2864] a -male, it is said. The ashes of a burnt porcupine, taken in drink, are -a preventive of abortion: bitches’ milk facilitates delivery: and the -afterbirth of a bitch, provided it has not touched the ground, will -act as an expellent of the fœtus. Milk, taken as a drink, strengthens -the loins of women when in travail. Mouse-dung, diluted with rain -water, reduces the breasts of females, when swollen after delivery. -The ashes of a burnt hedge-hog, applied with oil, act as a preventive -of abortion. Delivery is facilitated, in cases where the patient has -taken, either goose-dung in two cyathi of water, or the liquid that -escapes from the uterus of a weasel by its genitals. - -Earth-worms, applied topically, effectually prevent pains in the -sinews of the neck and shoulders; taken in raisin wine, they expel the -after-birth, when retarded. Applied by themselves, earthworms ripen -abscesses of the breasts, open them, draw the humours, and make them -cicatrize: taken in honied wine, they promote the secretion of the -milk. In hay-grass there are small worms found, which, attached to the -neck, act as a preventive of premature delivery; they are removed, -however, at the moment of childbirth, as otherwise they would have -the effect of impeding delivery; care must be taken, also, not to -put them on the ground. To promote conception, five or seven of them -are administered in drink. Snails, taken with the food, accelerate -delivery; and, applied with saffron, they promote conception. Used -in the form of a liniment, with amylum[2865] and gum tragacanth, -they arrest uterine discharges. Taken with the food, they promote -menstruation; and, mixed with deer’s marrow, in the proportion of one -denarius and the same quantity of cyprus[2866] to each snail, they -reduce the uterus when displaced. Taken from the shell, and beaten up -with oil of roses, they dispel inflations of the uterus; the snails of -Astypalæa being those that are mostly chosen for these purposes. - -Those of Africa, again, are employed in a different manner, two of them -being beaten, up with a pinch of fenugreek in three fingers, and four -spoonfuls of honey, and the preparation applied to the abdomen, after -it has been rubbed with juice of iris.[2867] There is a kind of small, -white, elongated snail,[2868] that is found straying here and there: -dried upon tiles in the sun, and reduced to powder, these snails are -mixed with bean-meal, in equal proportions, forming a cosmetic which -whitens and softens the skin. The small, broad, kind of snail, mixed -with polenta, is good for the removal of a tendency to scratch, and rub -the skin. - -If a pregnant woman steps over a viper, she will be sure to -miscarry;[2869] the same, too, in the case of the amphisbæna, but -only when it is dead. If, however, a woman carries about her a live -amphisbæna in a box, she may step over one with impunity, even though -it be dead. An amphisbæna, preserved for the purpose, will ensure an -easy delivery, even though it be dead.[2870] It is a truly marvellous -fact, but if a pregnant woman steps over one of these serpents that -has not been preserved, it will be perfectly harmless, provided she -immediately steps over another that has been preserved. A fumigation -made with a dried snake, acts powerfully as an emmenagogue. - - - - -CHAP. 44.—METHODS OF FACILITATING DELIVERY. - - -The cast-off slough of a snake, attached to the loins, facilitates -delivery; care must be taken, however, to remove it immediately after. -It is administered, too, in wine, mixed with frankincense: taken in -any other form, it is productive of abortion. A staff, by the aid of -which a person has parted[2871] a frog from a snake, will accelerate -parturition. Ashes of the troxallis,[2872] applied with honey, act as -an emmenagogue; the same, too, with the spider that descends as it -spins its thread from aloft; it must be taken, however, in the hollow -of the hand, crushed, and applied accordingly: if, on the contrary, the -spider is taken while ascending, it will arrest menstruation. - -The stone aëtites,[2873] that is found in the eagle’s nest, preserves -the fœtus against all insidious attempts at producing abortion. A -vulture’s feather, placed beneath the feet of the woman, accelerates -parturition. It is a well-known fact, that pregnant women must be -on their guard against ravens’ eggs, for if a female in that state -should happen to step over one, she will be sure to miscarry by the -mouth.[2874] A hawk’s dung, taken in honied wine, would appear to -render females fruitful. Goose-grease, or that of the swan, acts -emolliently upon indurations and abscesses of the uterus. - - - - -CHAP. 45.—METHODS OF PRESERVING THE BREASTS FROM INJURY. - - -Goose-grease, mixed up with oil of roses and a spider, protects the -breasts after delivery. The people of Phrygia and Lycaonia have made -the discovery, that the grease of the otis[2875] is good for affections -of the breasts, resulting from recent delivery: for females affected -with suffocations of the uterus, they employ a liniment made of -beetles. The shells of partridges’ eggs, burnt to ashes and mixed with -cadmia[2876] and wax, preserve the firmness[2877] of the breasts. It is -generally thought, that if the egg of a partridge or * * * is passed -three times round a woman’s breasts, they will never become flaccid; -and that, if these eggs are swallowed, they will be productive of -fruitfulness, and promote the plentiful secretion of the milk. It is -believed, too, that by anointing a woman’s breasts’ with goose-grease, -pains therein may be allayed; that moles formed in the uterus may be -dispersed thereby; and that itch[2878] of the uterus may be dispelled -by the application of a liniment made of crushed bugs. - - - - -CHAP. 46.—VARIOUS KINDS OF DEPILATORIES. - - -Bats’ blood has all the virtues of a depilatory: but if applied to -the cheeks of youths, it will not be found sufficiently efficacious, -unless it is immediately followed up by an application of verdigrease -or hemlock-seed; this method having the effect of entirely removing -the hair, or at least reducing it to the state of a fine down. It is -generally thought, too, that bats’ brains are productive of a similar -effect; there being two kinds of these brains, the red and the white. -Some persons mix with the brains the blood and liver of the same -animal: others, again, boil down a viper in three semisextarii of -oil, and, after boning it, use it as a depilatory, first pulling out -the hairs that are wanted not to grow. The gall of a hedgehog is a -depilatory, more particularly if mixed with bats’ brains and goats’ -milk: the ashes, too, of a burnt hedgehog are used for a similar -purpose. If, after plucking out the hairs that are wanted not to grow, -or if, before they make their appearance, the parts are well rubbed -with the milk of a bitch with her first litter, no hairs will grow -there. The same result is ensured, it is said, by using the blood of a -tick taken from off a dog, or else the blood or gall of a swallow. - -(15.) Ants’ eggs, they say, beaten up with flies, impart a black -colour[2879] to the eyebrows. If it is considered desirable that the -colour of the infant’s eyes should be black, the pregnant woman must -eat a rat.[2880] Ashes of burnt earth-worms, applied with oil, prevent -the hair from turning white. - - - - -CHAP. 47.—REMEDIES FOR THE DISEASES OF INFANTS. - - -For infants that are troubled with coagulation of the milk, a grand -preservative is lamb’s rennet, taken in water; and in cases where the -milk has so coagulated, it may be remedied by administering rennet in -vinegar. For the pains incident to dentition, sheep’s brains are a -very useful remedy. The inflammation called “siriasis,”[2881] to which -infants are liable, is cured by attaching to them the bones that are -found in the dung of dogs. Hernia in infants is cured by letting a -green lizard bite the child’s body while asleep, after which the lizard -is attached to a reed, and hung up in the smoke; by the time the animal -dies, the child will be perfectly cured, it is said. The slime of -snails, applied to the eyes of children, straightens the eyelashes, and -makes them grow. Ashes of burnt snails applied with frankincense and -juice of white grapes, are a cure for hernia [in infants], if applied -for thirty days consecutively. Within the horns[2882] of snails, there -are certain hard substances found, like grits of sand: attached to -infants, they facilitate dentition. - -Ashes of empty snail-shells, mixed with wax, are a preventive of -procidence of the rectum; but they must be used in combination with the -matter that exudes from a viper’s brains, on the head being pricked. -Vipers’ brains, attached to the infant’s body in a piece of skin, -facilitate dentition, a similar effect being produced by using the -larger teeth of serpents. Ravens’ dung, attached to an infant with -wool, is curative of cough. - -It is hardly possible to preserve one’s seriousness in describing some -of these remedies, but as they have been transmitted to us, I must -not pass them in silence. For the treatment of hernia in infants, a -lizard is recommended; but it must be a male lizard, a thing that may -be ascertained by its having but one orifice beneath the tail. The -method of proceeding, is for the lizard to bite the part affected -through cloth of gold, cloth of silver, and cloth dyed purple; after -which it is tied fast in a cup that has never been used, and smoked. -Incontinence of urine in infants is checked by giving them boiled -mice[2883] with their food. The large indented horns of the scarabæus, -attached to the bodies of infants, have all the virtues of an amulet. -In the head of the boa[2884] there is a small stone, they say, which -the serpent spits out, when it is in fear of death: if the reptile is -taken by surprise, and the head cut off, and this stone extracted, -it will aid dentition to a marvellous degree, attached to the neck of -infants. The brains, too, of the same serpent are recommended to be -attached to the body far a similar purpose, as also the small stone or -bone that is found in the back of the slug. - -An admirable promoter of dentition is found in sheep’s brains, -applied to the gums; and equally good for diseases of the ears, is an -application of goose-grease, with juice of ocimum. Upon prickly plants -there is found a kind of rough, hairy, grub: attached to the neck of -infants, these insects give instant relief, it is said, when any of the -food has stuck in the throat. - - - - -CHAP. 48.—PROVOCATIVES OF SLEEP. - - -As a soporific, wool-grease is employed, diluted in two cyathi of wine -with a modicum of myrrh, or else mixed with goose-grease and myrtle -wine. For a similar purpose also, a cuckoo is attached to the body in a -hare’s skin, or a young heron’s bill to the forehead in an ass’s skin: -it is thought, too, that the beak alone, steeped in wine, is equally -efficacious. On the other hand, a bat’s head, dried and worn as an -amulet, acts as a preventive of sleep. - - - - -CHAP. 49.—APHRODISIACS AND ANTAPHRODISIACS. - - -A lizard drowned in a man’s urine has the effect of an antaphrodisiac -upon the person whose urine it is; for this animal is to be reckoned -among the philtres, the magicians say. The same property is attributed -to the excrements of snails, and to pigeons’ dung, taken with oil and -wine. The right lobe of a vulture’s lungs, attached to the body in -the skin of a crane, acts powerfully as a stimulant upon males: an -effect equally produced by taking the yolks of five pigeons’ eggs, in -honey, mixed with one denarius of hog’s lard; sparrows, or eggs of -sparrows, with the food; or by wearing the right testicle of a cock, -attached to the body in a ram’s skin. The ashes of a burnt ibis, it is -said, employed as a friction with goose-grease and oil of iris, will -prevent abortion when a female has once conceived; while the testes of -a game-cock, on the other hand, rubbed with goose-grease and attached -to the body in a ram’s skin, have all the effect of an antaphrodisiac: -the same, too, with the testes of any kind of dunghill cock, placed, -together with the blood of a cock, beneath the bed. Hairs taken from -the tail of a she-mule while being covered by the stallion, will make -a woman conceive, against her will even, if knotted together at the -moment of the sexual congress.[2885] If a man makes water upon a dog’s -urine, he will become disinclined to copulation, they say. - -A singular thing, too, is what is told about the ashes of a spotted -lizard—if indeed it is true—to the effect that, wrapped in linen and -held in the left hand, they act as an aphrodisiac, while, on the -contrary, if they are transferred to the right, they will take effect -as an antaphrodisiac. A bat’s blood, too, they say, received on a flock -of wool and placed beneath a woman’s head, will promote sexual desire; -the same being the case also with a goose’s tongue, taken with the food -or drink. - - - - -CHAP. 50.—REMEDIES FOR PHTHIRIASIS, AND FOR VARIOUS OTHER AFFECTIONS. - - -In phthiriasis, all the vermin upon the body may be killed in the -course of three days, by taking the cast-off slough of a serpent, in -drink, or else whey of milk after the cheese is removed, with a little -salt. Cheese, it is said, will never become rotten with age or be -touched by mice, if a weasel’s brains have been mixed with the rennet. -It is asserted, too, that if the ashes of a burnt weasel are mixed with -the cramming for chickens or young pigeons, they will be safe from -the attacks of weasels. Beasts of burden, when troubled with pains in -staling, find immediate relief, if a bat is attached to the body; and -they are effectually cured of bots by passing a ring-dove three times -round their generative parts—a truly marvellous thing to relate, the -ring-dove, on being set at liberty, dies, and the beast is instantly -relieved from pain. - - - - -CHAP. 51.—REMEDIES FOR INTOXICATION. - - -The eggs of an owlet, administered to drunkards three days in wine, are -productive of a distaste for that liquor. A sheep’s lights roasted, -eaten before drinking,[2886] act as a preventive of inebriety. The -ashes of a swallow’s beak, bruised with myrrh and sprinkled in the -wine, act as a preservative against intoxication: Horus,[2887] king of -Assyria, was the first to discover this.[2888] - - - - -CHAP. 52.—PECULIARITIES RELATIVE TO CERTAIN ANIMALS. - - -In addition to these, there are some other peculiar properties -attributed to certain animals, which require to be mentioned in the -present Book. Some authors state that there is a bird in Sardinia, -resembling the crane and called the “gromphena;”[2889] but it is no -longer known even by the people of that country, in my opinion. In the -same province, too, there is the ophion, an animal which resembles the -deer in the hair only, and to be found[2890] nowhere else. The same -authors have spoken also of the “subjugus,”[2891] but have omitted -to state what animal it is, or where it is to be found. That it did -formerly exist, however, I have no doubt, as certain remedies are -described as being derived from it. M. Cicero speaks of animals called -“biuri,”[2892] which gnaw the vines in Campania. - - - - -CHAP. 53. (16.)—OTHER MARVELLOUS FACTS CONNECTED WITH ANIMALS. - - -There are still some other marvellous facts related, with reference -to the animals which we have mentioned. A dog will not bark at a -person who has any part of the secundines of a bitch about him, or -a hare’s dung or fur. The kind of gnats called “muliones,”[2893] do -not live more than a single day. Persons when taking honey from the -hives, will never be touched by the bees if they carry the beak of a -wood-pecker[2894] about them. Swine will be sure to follow the person -who has given them a raven’s brains, made up into a bolus. The dust -in which a she-mule has wallowed, sprinkled upon the body, will allay -the flames of desire. Rats may be put to flight by castrating a male -rat, and setting it at liberty. If a snake’s slough is beaten up with -some spelt, salt, and wild thyme, and introduced into the throat of -oxen, with wine, at the time that grapes are ripening, they will be -in perfect health for a whole year to come: the same, too, if three -young swallows are given to them, made up into three boluses. The dust -gathered from the track of a snake, sprinkled among bees, will make -them return to the hive. If the right testicle of a ram[2895] is tied -up, he will generate females only. Persons who have about them the -sinews taken from the wings or legs of a crane, will never be fatigued -with any kind of laborious exertion. Mules will never kick when they -have drunk wine. - -Of all known substances, it is a mule’s[2896] hoofs only that are not -corroded by the poisonous waters of the fountain Styx: a memorable -discovery made by Aristotle,[2897] to his great infamy, on the occasion -when Antipater sent some of this water to Alexander the Great, for the -purpose of poisoning him. - -We will now pass on to the aquatic productions. - -SUMMARY.—Remedies, narratives, and observations, eight hundred and -fifty-four. - -ROMAN AUTHORS QUOTED.—M. Varro,[2898] Nigidius,[2899] M. Cicero,[2900] -Sextius Niger[2901] who wrote in Greek, Licinius Macer.[2902] - -FOREIGN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Eudoxus,[2903] Aristotle,[2904] -Hermippus,[2905] Homer, Apion,[2906] Orpheus,[2907] Democritus,[2908] -Anaxilaüs.[2909] - -MEDICAL AUTHORS QUOTED.—Botrys,[2910] Horus,[2911] Apollodorus,[2912] -Menander,[2913] Archidemus,[2914] Aristogenes,[2915] Xenocrates,[2916] -Diodorus,[2917] Chrysippus,[2918] Nicander,[2919] Apollonius[2920] of -Pitanæ. - - - - -BOOK XXXI. - -REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE AQUATIC PRODUCTIONS. - - - - -CHAP. 1. (1.)—REMARKABLE FACTS CONNECTED WITH WATER. - - -We have now to speak of the benefits derived, in a medicinal point of -view, from the aquatic productions; for not here even has all-bounteous -Nature reposed from her work. Amid waves and billows, and tides of -rivers for ever on the ebb and flow, she still unceasingly exerts her -powers; and nowhere, if we must confess the truth, does she display -herself in greater might, for it is this among the elements that holds -sway over all the rest. It is water that swallows up dry land, that -extinguishes flame, that ascends aloft, and challenges possession of -the very heavens: it is water that, spreading clouds as it does, far -and wide, intercepts the vital air we breathe; and, through their -collision, gives rise to thunders and lightnings,[2921] as the elements -of the universe meet in conflict. - -What can there be more marvellous than waters suspended aloft in the -heavens? And yet, as though it were not enough to reach so high an -elevation as this, they sweep along with them whole shoals of fishes, -and often stones as well, thus lading themselves with ponderous masses -which belong to other elements, and bearing them on high. Falling upon -the earth, these waters become the prime cause of all that is there -produced; a truly wondrous provision of Nature, if we only consider, -that in order to give birth to grain and life to trees and to shrubs, -water must first leave the earth for the heavens, and thence bring -down to vegetation the breath of life! The admission must be surely -extorted from us, that for all our resources the earth is indebted to -the bounteousness of water. It will be only proper, therefore, in the -first place to set forth some instances of the powerful properties -displayed by this element; for as to the whole of them, what living -mortal could describe them? - - - - -CHAP. 2. (2.)—THE DIFFERENT PROPERTIES OF WATERS. - - -On all sides, and in a thousand countries, there are waters bounteously -springing forth from the earth, some of them cold, some hot, and some -possessed of these properties united: those in the territory of the -Tarbelli,[2922] for instance, a people of Aquitania, and those among -the Pyrenæan[2923] Mountains, where hot and cold springs are separated -by only the very smallest distance. Then, again, there are others that -are tepid only, or lukewarm, announcing thereby the resources they -afford for the treatment of diseases, and bursting forth, for the -benefit of man alone, out of so many animated beings.[2924] - -Under various names, too, they augment the number of the -divinities,[2925] and give birth to cities; Puteoli,[2926] for -example, in Campania, Statyellæ[2927] in Liguria, and Sextiæ[2928] -in the province of Gallia Narbonensis. But nowhere do they abound in -greater number, or offer a greater variety of medicinal properties -than in the Gulf of Baiæ;[2929] some being impregnated with sulphur, -some with alum, some with salt, some with nitre,[2930] and some with -bitumen, while others are of a mixed quality, partly acid and partly -salt. In other cases, again, it is by their vapours that waters are so -beneficial to man, being so intensely hot as to heat our baths even, -and to make cold water boil in our sitting-baths; such, for instance, -as the springs at Baiæ, now known as “Posidian,” after the name of a -freedman[2931] of the Emperor Claudius; waters which are so hot as to -cook articles of food even. There are others, too,—those, for example, -formerly the property of Licinius Crassus—which send forth their -vapours in the sea[2932] even, thus providing resources for the health -of man in the very midst of the waves! - - - - -CHAP. 3.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM WATER. - - -According to their respective kinds, these waters are beneficial for -diseases of the sinews, feet, or hips, for sprains or for fractures; -they act, also, as purgatives upon the bowels, heal wounds,[2933] and -are singularly useful for affections of the head and ears: indeed, the -waters of Cicero are good for the eyes.[2934] The country-seat where -these last are found is worthy of some further mention: travelling -from Lake Avernus towards Puteoli, it is to be seen on the sea-shore, -renowned for its fine portico and its grove. Cicero gave it the name of -Academia,[2935] after the place so called at Athens: it was here that -he composed those treatises[2936] of his that were called after it; -it was here, too, that he raised those monuments[2937] to himself; as -though, indeed, he had not already done so throughout the length and -breadth of the known world. - -Shortly after the death of Cicero, and when it had come into the -possession of Antistius Vetus,[2938] certain hot springs burst forth at -the very portals[2939] of this house, which were found to be remarkably -beneficial for diseases of the eyes, and have been celebrated in verse -by Laurea Tullius,[2940] one of the freedmen of Cicero; a fact which -proves to demonstration that his servants even had received inspiration -from that majestic and all-powerful genius of his. I will give the -lines, as they deserve to be read, not there only, but everywhere: - - Great prince of Roman eloquence, thy grove, - Where erst thou bad’st it rise, is verdant now: - Thy villa, from fair Academia[2941] nam’d, - From Vetus now its finish’d graces takes. - Here, too, fair streams burst forth, unknown before, - Which with their spray the languid eyes relieve. - The land, I ween, these bounteous springs reveal’d, - To honour Cicero, its ancient lord. - Throughout the world his works by eyes are scann’d; - May eyes unnumber’d by these streams be heal’d. - - - - -CHAP. 4.—WATERS PRODUCTIVE OF FECUNDITY. WATERS CURATIVE OF INSANITY. - - -In Campania, too, are the waters of Sinuessa,[2942] remedial, it is -said, for sterility in females, and curative of insanity in men. - - - - -CHAP. 5.—WATERS REMEDIAL FOR URINARY CALCULI. - - -The waters of the island of Ænaria are curative of urinary -calculi,[2943] it is said; and the same is the case with the cold -spring of Acidula,[2944] four miles distant from Teanum[2945] -Sidicinum, the waters at Stabiæ, known as the Dimidiæ,[2946] and those -in the territory of Venafrum,[2947] which take their rise in the spring -of Acidula. Patients suffering from these complaints may be cured -also by drinking the waters of Lake Velia;[2948] the same effects -being produced by those of a spring in Syria, near Mount Taurus, M. -Varro says, and by those of the river Gallus in Phrygia, as we learn -from Callimachus. In taking the waters, however, of this last, the -greatest moderation is necessary, as they are apt to cause delirium; -an effect equally produced, Ctesias tells us, by the waters of the Red -Fountain[2949] in Æthiopia. - - - - -CHAP. 6.—WATERS CURATIVE OF WOUNDS. - - -The tepid waters of Albula,[2950] near Rome, have a healing effect upon -wounds. Those of Cutilia,[2951] again, in the Sabine territory, are -intensely cold, and by a kind of suction penetrate the body to such a -degree as to have the effect of a mordent almost. They are remarkably -beneficial for affections of the stomach, sinews, and all parts of the -body, in fact. - - - - -CHAP. 7.—WATERS PREVENTIVE OF ABORTION. - - -The waters of Thespiæ[2952] ensure conception to females; the same, -too, with those of the river Elatus[2953] in Arcadia. The spring -Linus,[2954] also in Arcadia, acts as a preservative of the fœtus and -effectually prevents abortion. The waters of the river Aphrodisius, on -the other hand, in the territory of Pyrrhæa,[2955] are productive of -sterility. - - - - -CHAP. 8.—WATERS WHICH REMOVE MORPHEW. - - -The waters of Lake Alphius remove white morphew,[2956] Varro tells -us; who also mentions the fact that one Titius,[2957] a personage who -had held the prætorship, had a face to all appearance like that of a -marble statue, in consequence of this disease. The waters of the river -Cydnus,[2958] in Cilicia, are curative of gout, as would appear from -a letter addressed by Cassius[2959] of Parma to Marcus Antonius. At -Trœzen, on the contrary, all the inhabitants are subject to diseases of -the feet, owing to the bad quality of the water there. The state of the -Tungri,[2960] in Gaul, has a spring of great renown, which sparkles as -it bursts forth with bubbles innumerable, and has a certain ferruginous -taste, only to be perceived after it has been drunk. This water is -strongly purgative, is curative of tertian fevers, and disperses -urinary calculi: upon the application of fire it assumes a turbid -appearance, and finally turns red. The springs[2961] of Leucogæa, -between Puteoli and Neapolis, are curative of eye diseases and of -wounds. Cicero, in his work entitled “Admiranda,”[2962] has remarked -that it is only by the waters of the marshes of Reate[2963] that the -hoofs of beasts of burden are hardened. - - - - -CHAP. 9.—WATERS WHICH COLOUR THE HAIR. - - -Eudicus informs us that in Hestiæotis[2964] there are two springs; -one of which, Cerona, renders sheep black that drink of it, while the -other, called Neleus, turns them white: if, again, a sheep should -happen to drink their waters mixed, its fleece will be mottled. -According to Theophrastus, the water of the Crathis,[2965] a river of -Thurii, makes sheep and cattle white, while that of the river Sybaris -turns them black. - - - - -CHAP. 10.—WATERS WHICH COLOUR THE HUMAN BODY. - - -And not only this, but human beings even, Theophrastus tells us, -are sensible of this difference: for persons who drink the water of -the Sybaris, he says, become more swarthy and more hardy, the hair -inclining to curl: while those, again, who drink of the Crathis become -fair and more soft-skinned, with the hair growing straight and long. -So, too, in Macedonia, persons who wish the produce to be white, drive -their cattle to the river Haliacmon, while those who desire a black -or tawny colour, take them to water at the Axius. Upon the same -authority, too, we learn that in certain localities, as in the country -of the Messapii, for instance, all the productions, the cereals even, -grow of a tawny colour; and that at Lusi,[2966] in Arcadia, there is a -certain fountain in which land-mice live and dwell. The river Aleos, -which passes through Erythræ, promotes the growth of hair upon the body. - - - - -CHAP. 11.—WATERS WHICH AID THE MEMORY, OR ARE PRODUCTIVE OF -FORGETFULNESS. - - -At the Temple[2967] of the god Trophonius, in Bœotia, near the river -Hercynnus, there are two fountains,[2968] one of which aids the memory, -while the other is productive of forgetfulness: hence the names which -they respectively bear. - - - - -CHAP. 12.—WATERS WHICH SHARPEN OR DULL THE SENSES. WATERS WHICH IMPROVE -THE VOICE. - - -Near the town of Cescum, in Cilicia, runs the river Nus,[2969] the -waters of which, according to Varro, sharpen the intellect; while those -of a certain spring in the island of Cea dull the senses. At Zama, in -Africa, there is a spring, the waters of which render the voice more -musical.[2970] - - - - -CHAP. 13.—WATERS WHICH CAUSE A DISTASTE FOR WINE. WATERS WHICH PRODUCE -INEBRIETY. - - -Eudoxus says that persons who drink the water[2971] of Lake Clitorius -take a distaste for wine, and Theopompus asserts that the waters of the -springs already[2972] named are productive of inebriety. According to -Mucianus,[2973] there is a fountain at Andros, consecrated to Father -Liber, from which wine flows during the seven days appointed for the -yearly festival of that god, the taste of which becomes like that of -water the moment it is taken out of sight of the temple. - - - - -CHAP. 14.—WATERS WHICH SERVE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR OIL. - - -Polyclitus says, that the water[2974] of the river Liparis,[2975] near -Soli, in Cilicia, is used as a substitute for oil, and Theophrastus -mentions a spring of that name in Æthiopia, which is possessed of -similar properties. Lycus says, that at Tasitia[2976] there is a -fountain of it, the water of which emits light: the same is asserted, -too, of a spring at Ecbatana. According to Theopompus, there is a lake -at Scotussa,[2977] the waters of which heal wounds. - - - - -CHAP. 15.—SALT AND BITTER WATERS. - - -Juba says, that in the country of the Troglodytæ there is a lake, -called the “Lake of Insanity,”[2978] from its highly noxious -properties: thrice a day it becomes salt and bitter, and then again -fresh, the same taking place as many times during the night. It -is full, he says, of white serpents, twenty cubits long.[2979] He -mentions, also, a certain spring in Arabia, which rises from the ground -with such remarkable force, as to throw back any object pressed down -upon it, however weighty. - - - - -CHAP. 16.—WATERS WHICH THROW UP STONES. WATERS WHICH CAUSE LAUGHTER AND -WEEPING. WATERS WHICH ARE SAID TO BE CURATIVE OF LOVE. - - -Theophrastus makes mention of the fountain of Marsyas, near the city -of Celænæ, in Phrygia, which throws up masses of stone. Not far from it -are two other springs, called Clæon[2980] and Gelon by the Greeks, from -the effects which they respectively produce. At Cyzicus is a fountain -known as that of Cupido, the waters of which, Mucianus believes,[2981] -cure those who drink thereof of love. - - - - -CHAP. 17.—WATERS WHICH PRESERVE THEIR WARMTH FOR THREE DAYS. - - -At Crannon[2982] there are certain hot springs, though not at boiling -heat, the water of which, mixed with wine, preserves it warm in the -vessels for a period of three days. The same is the case, too, with the -springs of Mattiacum[2983] in Germany, beyond the river Rhenus, the -water of which retains its boiling heat three days. The margin of these -springs is covered with pumice, formed by the action of the water. - - - - -CHAP. 18.—OTHER MARVELLOUS FACTS CONNECTED WITH WATER. WATERS IN WHICH -EVERYTHING WILL SINK. WATERS IN WHICH NOTHING WILL SINK. - - -If any of the above-mentioned facts have the appearance of being -incredible to a person, I would have him know that there is no -department of Nature which presents greater marvels than this, -independently of the numerous peculiarities which have been already -mentioned[2984] in an earlier part of this work. Ctesias informs -us that, in India, there is a lake of standing water, upon which -nothing[2985] will float, every object instantly sinking to the bottom. -Cælius says that in the waters of Lake Avernus,[2986] in our own -part of the world, the very leaves of the trees even will sink; and, -according to Varro, these waters are fatal to such birds as fly towards -them. - -On the other hand, again, in the waters of Lake Apuscidamus,[2987] in -Africa, nothing will sink; the same, too, Apion tells us, with the -fountain of Plinthia in Sicily, as also a certain lake in Media, and -the well of Saturn. The spring of Limyra[2988] not unfrequently makes -its way through the neighbouring localities, and when it does so, is -always portentous of some coming event. It is a singular thing too, -that the fish always accompany its waters on these occasions; the -inhabitants of the adjoining districts being in the habit of consulting -them by offering them food. When the fishes seize it with avidity, -the answer is supposed to be favourable; but if, on the other hand, -they reject the food, by flapping it with their tails, the response -is considered to be unfavourable. The river Holcas, in Bithynia, runs -close to Bryazus,[2989] the name of a temple and of a divinity there -worshipped; persons guilty of perjury, it is said, cannot endure -contact with its waters, which burn like flame.[2990] - -The sources, too, of the Tamaricus,[2991] a river of Cantabria, are -considered to possess certain powers of presaging future events: they -are three in number, and, separated solely by an interval of eight -feet, unite in one channel, and so form a mighty stream. These springs -are often dry a dozen times in the day, sometimes as many as twenty, -without there being the slightest trace of water there: while, on the -other hand, a spring close at hand is flowing abundantly and without -intermission. It is considered an evil presage when persons who wish -to see these springs find them dry: a circumstance which happened very -recently, for example, to Lartius Licinius,[2992] who held the office -of legatus after his prætorship; for at the end of seven days after his -visit he died. - -In Judæa there is a river[2993] that is dry every Sabbath day. - - - - -CHAP. 19.—DEADLY WATERS. POISONOUS FISHES. - - -There are other marvels again, connected with water, but of a more -fatal nature. Ctesias states in his writings, that there is a spring -in Armenia, the fishes in which are black,[2994] and, if used as food, -productive of instantaneous death. I have heard the same, too, with -reference to the waters near the sources of the river Danuvius,[2995] -until a spring is reached which is near its main channel, and beyond -which this poisonous kind of fish is not to be found. Hence it is that -this spot is generally looked upon as the source of the river. The -same, too, is reported of the Lake of the Nymphs, in Lydia. Near the -river Pheneus, in Achaia, there flows from the rocks a spring known as -the Styx, the waters of which, as already[2996] stated, are instantly -fatal. And not only this, but there are also small fish in it, -Theophrastus says, which are as deadly as the water, a thing that is -not the case with the fish of any other poisonous springs. Theopompus -says, that at the town of Cychri, in Thrace, the waters are deadly; -and Lycus states, that at Leontium[2997] there is a spring, the waters -of which are fatal at the end of a couple of days to those who drink -thereof. Varro speaks also of a spring upon Mount Soracte, some four -feet in breadth, the waters of which bubble forth at sunrise, as though -they were boiling; birds, he says, which only taste thereof, fall dead -close by. - -And then, besides, we meet with this insidious circumstance, that -in some cases, waters of this nature are inviting even in their -appearance; those at Nonacris, in Arcadia, for example, the water -of which fountain possesses no apparent quality to excite mistrust, -though, owing to its intense coldness, it is generally looked upon -as highly injurious, seeing that it petrifies as it flows. It is -otherwise with the waters of Tempe, in Thessaly, their baneful -properties inspiring universal terror, and possessing the property of -corroding copper even and iron, it is said. This stream runs a short -distance only, as already stated;[2998] and it is truly marvellous -that, according to general report, the banks of its source[2999] are -surrounded with the roots of a wild carob,[3000] always covered with -purple flowers, while the margin is clothed with a green herbaceous -plant of a peculiar species. In Macedonia, not far from the tomb of the -Poet Euripides, is the confluence of two streams, the water of one of -which is extremely wholesome, that of the other fatal. - - - - -CHAP. 20.—WATERS WHICH PETRIFY, THEMSELVES, OR CAUSE OTHER OBJECTS TO -PETRIFY. - - -At Perperena,[3001] there is a spring which petrifies[3002] the ground -wherever it flows, the same being the case also, with the hot waters -at Ædepsus, in Eubœa; for there, wherever the stream falls, the rocks -are continually increasing in height. At Eurymenæ,[3003] chaplets, -when thrown into the waters of a certain fountain there, are turned -to stone. At Colossæ there is a river, into the water of which if -bricks[3004] are thrown, when taken out they are found changed into -stone. In the mines of Scyros, the trees petrify that are watered by -the river, branches and all. In the caverns of Mount Corycus, the -drops of water that trickle down the rocks become hard in the form of -a stone.[3005] At Mieza, too, in Macedonia, the water petrifies as it -hangs from the vaulted roofs of the rocks; but at Corycus it is only -when it has fallen that it becomes hard. - -In other caverns, again, the water petrifies both ways,[3006] and so -forms columns; as we find the case in a vast grotto at Phausia, a -town of the Chersonesus[3007] of the Rhodians, the columns of which -are tinted with various colours. These instances will suffice for the -present. - - - - -CHAP. 21. (3.)—THE WHOLESOMENESS OF WATERS. - - -It is a subject of enquiry among medical men, which kind of water is -the most beneficial. They condemn, and with justice, all stagnant, -sluggish, waters, and are of opinion that running water is the best, -being rendered lighter and more salubrious by its current and its -continuous agitation. Hence it is that I am much surprised that persons -should be found to set so high a value as they do, upon cistern water. -These last give as their reason, however, that rain-water must be the -lightest water of all, seeing that it has been able to rise[3008] -aloft and remain suspended in the air. Hence it is, too, that they -prefer snow-water to rain-water, and ice, again, to snow, as being -water subtilized to the highest possible degree; on the ground that -snow-water and ice-water must be lighter than ordinary water, and ice, -of necessity, considerably lighter. It is for the general interest, -however, of mankind, that these notions should be refuted. For, in the -first place, this comparative lightness which they speak of, could -hardly be ascertained in any other way than by the sensation, there -being pretty nearly no difference at all in weight between the kinds -of water. Nor yet, in the case of rain-water, is it any proof of its -lightness that it has made its way upwards into the air, seeing that -stones,[3009] it is quite evident, do the same: and then, besides, this -water, while falling, must of necessity become tainted with the vapours -which rise from the earth; a circumstance owing to which it is, that -such numerous impurities[3010] are to be detected in rain-water, and -that it ferments[3011] with such extreme rapidity. - -I am, surprised, too, that snow[3012] and ice should be regarded as -the most subtilized states of this element, in juxtaposition with -the proofs supplied us by hail, the water of which, it is generally -agreed, is the most pernicious of all to drink. And then, besides, -there are not a few among the medical men themselves, who assert -that the use of ice-water and snow-water is highly injurious, from -the circumstance that all the more refined parts thereof have been -expelled by congelation. At all events, it is a well-ascertained fact -that the volume of every liquid is diminished by congelation; as also -that excessive dews[3013] a reproductive of blight in corn, and that -hoar-frosts result in blast; of a kindred nature, both of them, to -snow. It is generally agreed, too, that rain-water putrefies with -the greatest rapidity, and that it keeps but very badly on a voyage. -Epigenes, however, assures us that water which has putrefied seven -times and as often purified[3014] itself, will no longer be liable to -putrefaction. As to cistern-water, medical men assure us that, owing -to its harshness, it is bad for the bowels and throat;[3015] and it is -generally admitted by them that there is no kind of water that contains -more slime or more numerous insects of a disgusting nature. But it does -not, therefore, follow that river water is the best of all, or that, in -fact, of any running stream, the water of many lakes being found to be -wholesome in the very highest degree. - -What water, then, out of all these various kinds, are we to look -upon as best adapted for the human constitution? Different kinds in -different localities, is my answer. The kings of Parthia drink no water -but that of the Choaspes[3016] or of the Eulæus, and, however long -their journies, they always have this water carried in their suite. -And yet it is very evident that it is not merely because this water is -river-water that it is thus pleasing to them, seeing that they decline -to drink the water of the Tigris, Euphrates, and so many other streams. - - - - -CHAP. 22.—THE IMPURITIES OF WATER. - - -Slime[3017] is one great impurity of water: still, however, if a river -of this description is full of eels, it is generally looked upon as -a proof[3018] of the salubrity of its water; just as it is regarded -as a sign of its freshness when long worms[3019] breed in the water -of a spring. But it is bitter water, more particularly, that is held -in disesteem, as also the water which swells the stomach the moment -it is drunk, a property which belongs to the water at Trœzen. As to -the nitrous[3020] and salso-acid[3021] waters which are found in the -deserts, persons travelling across towards the Red Sea render them -potable in a couple of hours by the addition of polenta, which they -use also as food. Those springs are more particularly condemned which -secrete mud,[3022] or which give a bad complexion to persons who drink -thereof. It is a good plan, too, to observe if water leaves stains -upon copper vessels; if leguminous vegetables boil with difficulty in -it; if, when gently decanted, it leaves an earthy deposit; or if, when -boiled, it covers the vessel with a thick crust.[3023] - -It is a fault also in water,[3024] not only to have a bad smell,[3025] -but to have any flavour[3026] at all, even though it be a flavour -pleasant and agreeable in itself, or closely approaching, as we often -find the case, the taste of milk. Water, to be truly wholesome, ought -to resemble air[3027] as much as possible. There is only one[3028] -spring of water in the whole universe, it is said, that has an -agreeable smell, that of Chabura, namely, in Mesopotamia: the people -give a fabulous reason for it, and say that it is because Juno[3029] -bathed there. Speaking in general terms, water, to be wholesome, should -have neither taste nor smell. - - - - -CHAP. 23.—THE MODES OF TESTING WATER. - - -Some persons judge of the wholesomeness of water through the agency -of a balance:[3030] their pains, however, are expended to little -purpose, it being but very rarely that one water is lighter than -another. There is, however, a more certain mode of ascertaining the -difference in quality, that water being the better of the two which -becomes hot and cold with the greatest rapidity: in addition to which, -not to keep poising a balance,[3031] after water has been drawn up in -vessels, if it is good, it should gradually become warmer, they say, -when placed upon the ground. Which water, then, of the several kinds -will be most likely to be good and wholesome? Well-water, no doubt if -we are to judge from the general use made of it in cities: but only -in the case of wells in which it is kept in continual agitation by -repeated drawing, and is refined by the earth acting as a filter. These -conditions are sufficient to ensure salubrity in water: in regard to -coolness, the well must be in a shaded spot, and the water kept exposed -to the air. There is, however one thing above all to be observed, -a point, too, of considerable importance with reference to the -continuance of the flow—the spring must issue from the bed of the well, -and not from the sides. To make water cold to the touch may be effected -artificially even, either by forcing it to rise aloft or by making it -fall from a height, and so come in collision with the air, and become -incorporated[3032] therewith: for in swimming,[3033] we find, when we -hold our breath, the water is felt to be all the colder. - -It was the Emperor Nero’s invention[3034] to boil water, and then -enclose it in glass vessels and cool it in snow; a method which ensures -all the enjoyment of a cold beverage, without any of the inconveniences -resulting from the use of snow. Indeed, it is generally admitted -that all water is more[3035] wholesome when it has been boiled; -as also, that water when it has once been heated, will become more -intensely[3036] cold than before—a most ingenious discovery.[3037] The -best corrective of unwholesome water is to boil it down to one half. -Cold water, taken internally, arrests hæmorrhage. By keeping cold water -in his mouth, a person may render himself proof against the intense -heat of the bath. Many a person knows by his own every-day experience, -that water which is the coldest to drink is not of necessity the -coldest to the touch, this delightful property being subject to -considerable fluctuations.[3038] - - - - -CHAP. 24.—THE MARCIAN WATERS. - - -The most celebrated water throughout the whole world, and the one to -which our city gives the palm for coolness and salubrity, is that of -the Marcian[3039] Spring, accorded to Rome among the other bounties of -the gods: the name formerly given to the stream was the “Aufeian,” the -spring itself being known as “Pitonia.” It rises[3040] at the extremity -of the mountains of the Peligni, passes through the territory of the -Marsi and through Lake Fucinus, and then, without deviating, makes -directly for Rome: shortly after this, it loses itself in certain -caverns, and only reappears in the territory of Tibur, from which it is -brought to the City by an arched aqueduct nine miles in length. Ancus -Marcius, one of the Roman kings, was the first[3041] who thought of -introducing this water into the City. At a later period, the works were -repaired by Quintus Marcius Rex: and, more recently, in his prætorship, -by M. Agrippa.[3042] - - - - -CHAP. 25.—THE VIRGIN WATERS. - - -It was he, too, who brought the Virgin[3043] Waters from the bye-road -situate at the eighth milestone from the City, which runs for two -miles along the Prænestine Way. Near these waters is the stream -of Hercules, which the former shun, to all appearance, and have -thence obtained[3044] the name of “Virgin Waters.” On instituting -a comparison between the waters of these streams, the difference -above-mentioned[3045] may be immediately detected, the Virgin water -being as much cooler to the touch, as the Marcian water is in taste. -And yet, for this long time past, the pleasure of drinking these waters -has been lost to the City, owing to the ambition and avarice of certain -persons who have turned[3046] them out of their course for the supply -of their country-seats and of various places in the suburbs, to the -great detriment of the public health. - - - - -CHAP. 26.—THE METHOD OF SEARCHING FOR WATER. - - -It will not be out of place to append here an account of the method -employed in searching for water. Water is mostly to be found in -valleys, whether formed by the intersection of declivities or lying at -the lower part of mountains. Many persons have been of opinion that all -places with a northern[3047] aspect are naturally provided with water: -a point upon which it will not be amiss to explain the diversities -presented to us by Nature. On the south side of the mountains of -Hyrcania it never rains; and hence it is that it is only on the -north-east side that they are wooded. As for Olympus, Ossa, Parnassus, -the Apennines, and the Alps, they are covered with wood on every side, -and abundantly watered with streams. Some mountains, again, are wooded -on the south side, the White[3048] Mountains in Crete, for example. On -this point, therefore, we may come to the conclusion that there is no -rule which in all cases holds good. - - - - -CHAP. 27.—SIGNS INDICATIVE OF THE PRESENCE OF WATER. - - -The following are indications of the presence of water:—rushes, reeds, -the plant mentioned with reference to this point already,[3049] or -frogs sitting squatted on a spot for a long time together. As to the -wild[3050] willow, alder, vitex, reed, and ivy, all of which grow -spontaneously on low grounds in which there is a settling of rain water -from higher localities, considered as indications of the presence of -water, they are all[3051] of them of a deceptive nature. A sign much -more to be depended upon, is a certain misty exhalation, visible from -a distance before sunrise. The better to observe this, some persons -ascend an eminence, and lie flat at full length upon the ground, with -the chin touching the earth. There is also another peculiar method -of judging upon this point, known only to men of experience in these -matters: in the very middle of the heats of summer they select the -hottest hours of the day, and observe how the sun’s rays are reflected -in each spot; and if, notwithstanding the general dryness of the earth, -a locality is observed to present a moist appearance, they make no -doubt of finding water there. - -But so intense is the stress upon the eyes in doing this, that it is -very apt to make them ache; to avoid which inconvenience, they have -recourse to other modes of testing. They dig a hole, for instance, some -five feet in depth, and cover it with vessels of unbaked pottery, or -with a copper basin well-oiled; they then place a burning lamp on the -spot, with an arch-work over it of leaves, and covered with earth on -the top. If, after a time, they find the pots wet or broken, the copper -covered with moisture, or the lamp extinguished, but not from want -of oil, or if a lock of wool that has been left there is found to be -moist, it is a sign of the presence of water, beyond all doubt. With -some persons it is the practice to light a fire on the spot before they -dig the hole, a method which renders the experiment with the vessels -still more conclusive. - - - - -CHAP. 28.—DIFFERENCES IN WATERS, ACCORDING TO THE NATURE OF THE SOIL. - - -The soil itself, too, gives indications of the presence of water, -by presenting white spots, or an uniformly green appearance: for -where the stratum is black the springs are mostly not of a permanent -nature. The presence of potter’s clay always puts an end to all hopes -of finding water, and the excavation is immediately abandoned; an -eye being carefully kept to the strata[3052] of the earth, to see -whether, beginning with black mould, it successively presents the -appearances above-mentioned. The water is always fresh that is found -in argillaceous soils, but in a stratum of tufa it is colder than -elsewhere; this, indeed, being a soil which is highly approved of, as -having a tendency to make the water pure and extremely light to the -stomach, and, by its action as a filter, to withhold all impurities. -The presence of sand[3053] gives indications of springs of but limited -extent, and of water impregnated with slime; while that of gravel -announces the presence of water of excellent flavour, but not to be -depended upon for permanence. Male[3054] sand, fine sea[3055]-sand, -and charcoal[3056] earth, yield a constant supply of water of a -highly wholesome quality; but it is the presence of red stones that -is the most to be depended upon, and the water found there is of the -very finest quality. Craggy localities at the foot of mountains, and -silicious soils, are equally good; in addition to which, the water -found there is cooler than elsewhere. - -In boring for water, the soil should always become more and more humid, -and, the deeper the descent, with the greater facility the implements -should penetrate. In deep-sunk wells, the presence of sulphureous[3057] -or aluminous substances is fatal to the sinkers; a danger that may -be guarded against by letting down a lighted lamp, and ascertaining -whether the flame is extinguished. When such is found to be the case, -it is the practice to sink vent-holes on each side of the well, -both right and left, in order to receive and carry off the noxious -exhalations. Independently of these evils, the air becomes heavier, -from the great depth merely of the excavation, an inconvenience which -is remedied by keeping up a continual circulation with ventilators of -linen cloth. As soon as water is reached, walls are constructed at the -bottom, but without cement,[3058] in order that the springs may not be -intercepted. - -Some waters, the sources of which do not lie on elevated ground, are -coldest at the beginning of spring, being maintained by the winter -rains in fact. Others, again, are coldest at the rising of the -Dog-star—peculiarities, both of them, to be witnessed at Pella in -Macedonia; for in front of that city there is a marsh-spring, which at -the beginning of summer is cold, while in the more elevated parts of -the city the water is ice-cold[3059] in the hottest days of summer. The -same is the case, too, at Chios, the water-supply of the harbour and of -the city occupying the same relative positions. At Athens, the water -of the Fountain Enneacrunos[3060] is colder in a cloudy summer than -the well there in the garden of Jupiter; while on the other hand, this -last is ice-cold during the drought of a hot summer. For the most part, -however, wells are coldest about the rising of Arcturus.[3061] - -(4.) The water-supply of wells never fails in summer, but in all cases -it falls low during four days at the rising of the constellation -above-mentioned. Throughout the whole winter, on the other hand, many -wells entirely fail; as in the neighbourhood of Olynthus, for example, -where the water returns in the early days of spring. In Sicily too, -in the vicinity of Messana and Mylæ, the springs are entirely dry -throughout the winter, while in summer they overflow and form quite a -river. At Apollonia in Pontus there is to be seen, near the sea-shore, -a fountain which overflows in summer only, and mostly about the rising -of the Dog-star; should the summer, however, not be so hot as usual, -its water is less abundant. Certain soils become drier in consequence -of rain, that in the territory of Narnia for example: a fact which M. -Cicero has mentioned in his “Admiranda,” with a statement that drought -is there productive of mud, and rain of dust.[3062] - - - - -CHAP. 29.—THE QUALITIES OF WATER AT THE DIFFERENT SEASONS OF THE YEAR. - - -Every kind of water is freshest in winter, not so fresh in summer, -still less so in autumn, and least of all in times of drought. -River-water, too, is by no means always the same in taste, the state -of the bed over which it runs making a considerable difference. For -the quality of water, in fact, depends upon the nature of the soil -through which it flows, and the juices[3063] of the vegetation watered -by it; hence it is that the water of the same river is found in some -spots to be comparatively unwholesome. The confluents, too, of rivers, -are apt to change the flavour of the water, impregnating the stream in -which they are lost and absorbed; as in the case of the Borysthenes, -for example. In some instances, again, the taste of river-water is -changed by the fall of heavy rains. It has happened three times in the -Bosporus that there has been a fall of salt rain, a phænomenon which -proved fatal to the crops. On three occasions, also, the rains have -imparted a bitterness to the overflowing streams of the Nilus, which -was productive of great pestilence throughout Egypt. - - - - -CHAP. 30.—HISTORICAL OBSERVATIONS UPON WATERS WHICH HAVE SUDDENLY MADE -THEIR APPEARANCE OR SUDDENLY CEASED. - - -It frequently happens that in spots where forests have been felled, -springs of water make[3064] their appearance, the supply of which -was previously expended in the nutriment of the trees. This was -the case upon Mount Hæmus for example, when, during the siege by -Cassander,[3065] the Gauls cut down a forest for the purpose of making -a rampart. Very often too, after removing the wood which has covered -an elevated spot and so served to attract and consume the rains, -devastating torrents are formed by the concentration of the waters. -It is very important also, for the maintenance of a constant supply -of water, to till the ground and keep it constantly in motion, taking -care to break and loosen the callosities of the surface crust: at all -events, we find it stated, that upon a city of Crete, Arcadia by name, -being razed to the ground, the springs and water-courses, which before -were very numerous in that locality, all at once dried up; but that, -six years after, when the city was rebuilt, the water again made its -appearance, just as each spot was again brought into cultivation. - -(5.) Earthquakes also are apt to discover or swallow[3066] up springs -of water; a thing that has happened, it is well known, on five -different occasions in the vicinity of Pheneus, a town of Arcadia. So -too, upon Mount Coryeus,[3067] a river burst forth; after which, the -soil was subjected to cultivation. These changes are very surprising -where there is no apparent cause for them; such as the occurrence -at Magnesia,[3068] for instance, where the warm waters became cold, -but without losing their brackish flavour; and at the Temple[3069] -of Neptune in Caria, where the water of the river, from being -fresh, became salt. Here, too, is another fact, replete with the -marvellous—the fountain of Arethusa at Syracuse has a smell of dung, -they say, during the celebration of the games at Olympia,[3070] a -thing that is rendered not improbable by the circumstance,[3071] that -the river Alpheus makes its way to that island beneath the bed of the -sea. There is a spring in the Chersonesus of the Rhodians[3072] which -discharges its accumulated impurities every nine years. - -Waters, too, sometimes change their colour; as at Babylon, for example, -where the water of a certain lake for eleven days in summer is red. -In the summer season, too, the current of the Borysthenes[3073] is -blue, it is said, and this, although its waters are the most rarefied -in existence, and hence float upon the surface of those of the -Hypanis;[3074]—though at the same time there is this marvellous fact, -that when south winds prevail, the waters of the Hypanis assume the -upper place. Another proof, too, of the surpassing lightness of the -water of the Borysthenes, is the fact that it emits no exhalations, -nor, indeed, the slightest vapour even. Authors that would have the -credit of diligent research in these enquiries, assure us that water -becomes heavier after the winter-solstice. - - - - -CHAP. 31. (6.)—THE METHOD OF CONVEYING WATER. - - -The most convenient method of making a watercourse from the spring -is by employing earthen pipes, two fingers in thickness, inserted in -one another at the points of junction—the one that has the higher -inclination fitting into the lower one—and coated with quick-lime -macerated in oil. The inclination, to ensure the free flow of the -water, ought to be at least one-fourth of an inch to every hundred -feet; and if the water is conveyed through a subterraneous passage, -there should be air-holes let in at intervals of every two[3075] actus. -Where the water is wanted to ascend[3076] aloft, it should be conveyed -in pipes of lead: water, it should be remembered, always rises to the -level of its source. If, again, it is conveyed from a considerable -distance, it should be made to rise and fall every now and then, so as -not to lose its motive power. The proper length for each leaden pipe is -ten feet; and if[3077] the pipe is five fingers in circumference its -weight should be sixty pounds; if eight feet, one hundred; if ten, one -hundred and twenty; and so on in the same proportion. - -A pipe is called “a ten-finger”[3078] pipe when the sheet of metal -is ten fingers in breadth before it is rolled up; a sheet one half -that breadth giving a pipe “of five fingers.”[3079] In all sudden -changes of inclination in elevated localities, pipes of five fingers -should be employed, in order to break the impetuosity of the fall: -reservoirs,[3080] too, for branches should be made as circumstances may -demand. - - - - -CHAP. 32.—HOW MINERAL WATERS SHOULD BE USED. - - -I am surprised that Homer has made no[3081] mention of hot springs, -when, on the other hand, he has so frequently introduced the mention -of warm baths: a circumstance from which we may safely conclude that -recourse was not had in his time to mineral waters for their medicinal -properties, a thing so universally the case at the present day. Waters -impregnated with sulphur are good for the sinews,[3082] and aluminous -waters are useful for paralysis and similar relaxations of the system. -Those, again, which are impregnated with bitumen or nitre, the waters -of Cutilia,[3083] for example, are drunk as a purgative.[3084] - -Many persons quite pride themselves on enduring the heat of mineral -waters for many hours together; a most pernicious practice, however, -as they should be used but very little longer than the ordinary bath, -after which the bather should be shampooed[3085] with cold water, and -not leave the bath without being rubbed with oil. This last operation, -however, is commonly regarded as altogether foreign to the use of -mineral baths; and hence it is, that there is no situation in which -men’s bodies are more exposed to the chances of disease, the head -becoming saturated with the intensity of the odours exhaled, and left -exposed, perspiring as it is, to the coldness of the atmosphere, while -all the rest of the body is immersed in the water.[3086] - -There is another mistake, also, of a similar description, made by -those who pride themselves upon drinking enormous quantities of these -waters;[3087] and I myself have seen persons, before now, so swollen -with drinking it that the very rings on their fingers were entirely -concealed by the skin, owing to their inability to discharge the vast -quantities of water which they had swallowed. It is for this reason, -too, that these waters should never be drunk without taking a taste of -salt every now and then. The very mud,[3088] too, of mineral springs -may be employed to good purpose; but, to be effectual, after being -applied to the body, it must be left to dry in the sun. - -It must not be supposed, however, that all hot waters are of necessity -medicated, those of Segesta in Sicily, for example, of Larissa, Troas, -Magnesia, Melos, and Lipara. Nor is the very general supposition -a correct one, that waters, to be medicinal, must of necessity -discolour copper or silver; no such effect being produced by those of -Patavium,[3089] or there being the slightest difference perceptible in -the smell. - - - - -CHAP. 33.—THE USES OF SEA-WATER. THE ADVANTAGES OF A SEA-VOYAGE. - - -Sea-water also is employed in a similar manner for the cure of -diseases. It is used, made hot, for the cure of pains in the sinews, -for reuniting fractured bones, and for its desiccative action upon the -body: for which last purpose, it is also used cold. There are numerous -other medicinal resources derived from the sea; the benefit of a -sea-voyage, more particularly, in cases of phthisis, as already[3090] -mentioned, and where patients are suffering from hæmoptosis, as lately -experienced, in our own memory, by Annæus Gallio,[3091] at the close -of his consulship:[3092] for it is not for the purpose of visiting the -country, that people so often travel to Egypt, but in order to secure -the beneficial results arising from a long sea-voyage. Indeed, the -very sea-sickness that is caused by the rocking of the vessel to and -fro, is good for many affections of the head, eyes, and chest, all -those cases, in fact, in which the patient is recommended to drink -an infusion of hellebore. Medical men consider sea-water, employed -by itself, highly efficacious for the dispersion of tumours, and, -boiled with barley-meal, for the successful treatment of imposthumes -of the parotid glands: it is used also as an ingredient in plasters, -white plasters more particularly, and for emollient[3093] poultices. -Sea-water is very good, too, employed as a shower-bath; and it is taken -internally, though not without[3094] injury to the stomach, both as a -purgative and as an expellent, by vomit and by alvine evacuation, of -black bile[3095] or coagulated blood, as the case may be. - -Some authorities prescribe it, taken internally, for quartan fevers, -as also for tenesmus and diseases of the joints; purposes for which -it is kept a considerable time, to mellow with age, and so lose its -noxious[3096] properties. Some, again, are for boiling it, but in all -cases it is recommended to be taken from out at sea, and untainted with -the mixture of fresh water, an emetic also being taken before using it. -When used in this manner, vinegar or wine is generally mixed with the -water. Those who give it unmixed, recommend radishes with oxymel to be -eaten upon it, in order to provoke vomiting. Sea-water, made hot, is -used also as an injection; and there is nothing in existence preferred -to it as a fomentation for swellings of the testes, or for chilblains -before they ulcerate. It is similarly employed, also, for the cure of -prurigo, itch-scab, and lichens. Lice and other foul vermin of the -head, are removed by the application of sea-water, and lividities of -the skin are restored to their natural colour; it being a remarkably -good plan, in such cases, after applying the sea-water, to foment the -parts with hot vinegar. - -It is generally considered, too, that sea-water is highly efficacious -for the stings of venomous insects, those of the phalangium and -scorpion, for example, and as an antidote to the poisonous secretions -of the asp, known as the “ptyas;”[3097] in all which cases it is -employed hot. Fumigations are also made of it, with vinegar, for the -cure of head-ache; and, used warm as an injection, it allays griping -pains in the bowels and cholera. Things that have been heated in -sea-water are longer than ordinary in cooling. A sea-water bath is -an excellent corrective for swelling[3098] of the bosoms in females, -affections of the thoracic organs, and emaciation of the body. The -steam also of sea-water boiled with vinegar, is used for the removal -of hardness of hearing and head-ache. An application of sea-water very -expeditiously removes rust upon iron; it is curative also of scab in -sheep, and imparts additional softness to the wool. - - - - -CHAP. 34.—HOW ARTIFICIAL SEA-WATER MAY BE MADE IN PLACES AT A DISTANCE -FROM THE SEA. - - -I am by no means unaware that these details may very possibly appear -superfluous to persons who live at a distance from the sea; but -scientific research has made provision against this objection, by -discovering a method of enabling every one to make sea-water[3099] -for himself. It is a singular fact in connexion with this discovery, -that if more than one sextarius of salt is put into four sextarii of -water, the liquefying properties of the water will be overpowered, -and the salt will no longer melt. On the other hand, again, a mixture -of one sextarius of salt with four sextarii of water, acts as a -good substitute for the efficacy and properties of the very saltest -sea-water. The most reasonable proportion, however, is generally -thought to be eight cyathi of salt, diluted in the quantity of water -above mentioned; a preparation which has been found to have a warming -effect upon the sinews, without in any degree chafing the body. - - - - -CHAP. 35.—HOW THALASSOMELI IS MADE. - - -There is also a composition made to ripen for use, known as -“thalassomeli,”[3100] and prepared with equal parts of sea-water, -honey, and rain-water. For this purpose, also, the water is brought -from out at sea, and the preparation is kept in an earthen vessel well -pitched. It acts most efficiently as a purgative, and without in the -least fatiguing the stomach; the taste, too, and smell of it, are very -agreeable. - - - - -CHAP. 36.—HOW HYDROMELI IS MADE. - - -Hydromeli,[3101] also, was a mixture formerly made with pure rain-water -and honey, and was prescribed for patients who were anxious for wine, -as being a more harmless drink. For these many years past, however, -it has been condemned, as having in reality all the inconveniences of -wine, without the advantages. - - - - -CHAP. 37.—METHODS OF PROVIDING AGAINST THE INCONVENIENCE OF DRINKING -SUSPECTED WATER. - - -As persons out at sea often suffer great inconvenience from the want -of fresh water, we will here describe some methods of obviating it. -Fleeces are spread round the ship, and on becoming moistened with the -exhalations arising from the sea, the water is wrung from them, and -found to be quite fresh. Hollow balls of wax, also, or empty vessels -sealed at the mouth, upon being let down into the sea in a net, become -filled with water that is fresh and potable. On shore, too, sea-water -may be made fresh, by filtering it through argillaceous earth. - -By swimming in water of any kind, sprains of the limbs in man or beast -are reduced[3102] with the greatest facility. Persons when travelling, -are sometimes apprehensive that the use of water, the quality of -which is unknown to them, may prove injurious to their health: as a -precaution against this, they should drink the suspected water cold, -immediately after leaving the bath. - - - - -CHAP. 38.—SIX REMEDIES DERIVED FROM MOSS. REMEDIES DERIVED FROM SAND. - - -Moss which has grown in water[3103] is excellent as a topical -application for gout; and, in combination with oil, it is good for -pains and swellings in the ankles. The foam that floats[3104] upon the -surface of the water, used as a friction, causes warts to disappear. -The sand,[3105] too, of the sea-shore, that more particularly which is -very fine and burnt white by the heat of the sun, is used remedially -for its desiccative properties, the bodies of dropsical or rheumatic -patients being entirely covered with it. - -Thus much with reference to water itself; we will now turn to the -aquatic productions, beginning, as in all other instances, with the -principal of them, namely, salt and sponge. - - - - -CHAP. 39. (7.)—THE VARIOUS KINDS OF SALT; THE METHODS OF PREPARING IT, -AND THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM IT. TWO HUNDRED AND FOUR OBSERVATIONS -THEREUPON. - - -All salt is either native or artificial;[3106] both kinds being -formed in various ways, but produced from one of these two causes, -the condensation or the desiccation, of a liquid.[3107] The Lake of -Tarentum is dried up by the heat of the summer sun, and the whole of -its waters, which are at no time very deep, not higher than the knee in -fact, are changed into one mass of salt. The same, too, with a lake in -Sicily, Cocanicus by name, and another in the vicinity of Gela. But in -the case of these two last, it is only the sides[3108] that are thus -dried up; whereas in Phrygia, in Cappadocia, and at Aspendus, where the -same phænomena are observable, the water is dried up to a much larger -extent, to the very middle of the lake, in fact. There is also another -marvellous[3109] circumstance connected with this last—however much -salt is taken out of it in the day, its place is supplied again during -the night. Every kind of lake-salt is found in grains, and not in the -form of blocks.[3110] - -Sea-water, again, spontaneously produces another kind of salt, from the -foam which it leaves on shore at high-water mark, or adhering to rocks; -this being, in all cases, condensed by the action of the sun, and -that[3111] salt being the most pungent of the two which is found upon -the rocks. - -There are also three different kinds of native salt. In Bactriana there -are two vast lakes;[3112] one of them situate on the side of Scythia, -the other on that of Ariana, both of which throw up vast quantities -of salt.[3113] So, too, at Citium, in Cyprus; and, in the vicinity of -Memphis, they extract salt from the lake and dry it in the sun. The -surface-waters of some rivers, also, condense[3114] in the form of -salt, the rest of the stream flowing beneath, as though under a crust -of ice; such as the running waters near the Caspian Gates[3115] for -instance, which are known as the “Rivers of Salt.” The same is the -case, too, in the vicinity of the Mardi and of the people of Armenia. -In Bactriana, also, the rivers Ochus[3116] and Oxus carry down from the -mountains on their banks, fragments of salt. There are also in Africa -some lakes, the waters of which are turbid, that are productive of -salt. Some hot springs, too, produce salt—those at Pagasæ for example. -Such, then, are the various kinds of salt produced spontaneously by -water. - -There are certain mountains, also, formed of native salt; that of -Oromenus, in India, for example, where it is cut out like blocks -from a quarry, and is continually reproduced, bringing in a larger -revenue to the sovereigns of those countries than that arising from -their gold and pearls. In some instances it is dug out of the earth, -being formed there, evidently, by the condensation of the moisture, as -in Cappadocia for example, where it is cut in sheets, like those of -mirror-stone.[3117] The blocks of it are very heavy, the name commonly -given to them being “mica.”[3118] At Gerrhæ,[3119] a city of Arabia, -the ramparts and houses are constructed of blocks of salt, which -are soldered together by being moistened with water. King Ptolemæus -discovered salt also in the vicinity of Pelusium, when he encamped -there; a circumstance which induced other persons to seek and discover -it in the scorched tracts that lie between Egypt and Arabia, beneath -the sand. In the same manner, too, it has been found in the thirsting -deserts of Africa, as far as the oracle of Hammon,[3120] a locality in -which the salt increases at night with the increase of the moon. - -The districts of Cyrenaica are ennobled, too, by the production of -hammoniacum,[3121] a salt so called from the fact of its being found -beneath the sands[3122] there. It is similar in colour to the alum -known as “schiston,”[3123] and consists of long pieces, by no means -transparent, and of an unpleasant flavour, but highly useful in -medicine; that being held in the highest esteem, which is the clearest -and divides into straight[3124] flakes. There is one remarkable fact -mentioned in connexion with it: so long as it lies under ground in -its bed[3125] it is extremely light, but the moment it is exposed -to the light, it is hardly credible to what an extent its weight is -increased. The reason for this is evident:[3126] the humid vapours -of the excavations bear the masses upwards, as water does, and so -aid the workmen. It is adulterated with the Sicilian salt which we -have mentioned as being found in Lake Cocanicus, as also with that of -Cyprus, which is marvellously like it. At Egelasta,[3127] in Nearer -Spain, there is a salt, hewn from the bed in almost transparent blocks, -and to which for this long time past most medical men, it is said, -have given the preference over all other salt. Every spot in which -salt[3128] is found is naturally barren, and produces nothing. Such are -the particulars, in general, which have been ascertained with reference -to native salt. - -Of artificial salt there are several kinds; the common salt, and the -most abundant, being made from sea-water drained into salt-pans, -and accompanied with streams of fresh water; but it is rain more -particularly, and, above all things, the sun, that aids in its -formation; indeed without this last it would never dry. In the -neighbourhood of Utica, in Africa, they build up masses of salt, like -hills in appearance; and when these have been hardened by the action -of the sun and moon, no moisture will ever melt them, and iron can -hardly divide them. In Crete, however, salt is made without the aid of -fresh water, and merely by introducing sea-water into the salt-pans. -On the shores of Egypt, salt is formed by the overflow of the sea -upon the land, already prepared for its reception, in my opinion, by -the emanations of the river Nilus. It is made here, also, from the -water[3129] of certain wells, discharged into salt-pans. At Babylon, -the result of the first condensation is a bituminous[3130] liquid, like -oil, which is used for burning in lamps; when this is skimmed off, the -salt is found beneath. In Cappadocia, also, both well and spring-water -are introduced into the salt-pans. In Chaonia there is a spring, from -the water of which, when boiled[3131] and left to cool, there is an -inert salt obtained, not so white as ordinary salt. In the Gallic -provinces and in Germany, it is the practice to pour salt-water upon -burning wood.[3132] - - - - -CHAP. 40.—MURIA. - - -In one part of Spain, they draw a brine for this purpose from deep-sunk -pits, to which they give the name of “muria;” being of opinion, also, -that it makes a considerable difference upon what kind of wood it is -poured. That of the quercus they look upon as the best, as the ashes -of it, unmixed, have the pungency of salt.[3133] In other places, -again, the wood of the hazel is held in high esteem; and thus, we see, -by pouring brine upon it, charcoal even is converted into salt. All -salt that is thus prepared with burning wood is black. I find it stated -by Theophrastus, that the Umbri[3134] are in the habit of boiling -ashes of reeds and bulrushes in water, till there remains but little -moisture unconsumed. The brine, too, of salted provisions is sometimes -boiled over again, and, as soon as all the moisture has evaporated, the -salt resumes its original form. That prepared from the pickle of the -mæna[3135] has the finest flavour. - - - - -CHAP. 41.—THE VARIOUS PROPERTIES OF SALT: ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY -HISTORICAL REMARKS RELATIVE THERETO. - - -Of the various kinds of sea-salt, the most esteemed is that of Salamis, -in Cyprus; and of the lake-salts, that of Tarentum, and the salt known -as Tattæan salt, which comes from Phrygia: these last two are also -good for the eyes. That of Cappadocia, which is imported in small -cubes,[3136] imparts a fine colour, it is said, to the skin; but, for -effacing wrinkles, that which we have[3137] already spoken of as the -salt of Citium is the best: hence it is that, in combination with -gith,[3138] it is used by females as a liniment for the abdomen after -childbirth. The drier the salt, the stronger it is in taste; but the -most agreeable of all, and the whitest known, is that of Tarentum. In -addition to these particulars, we would remark also, that the whiter -salt is, the more friable it is. Rain-water deadens every kind of salt, -but dew-water makes it more delicate in flavour. North-easterly winds -render the formation of salt more abundant, but, while south winds -prevail, it never increases. It is only while north-easterly winds -prevail, that flower of salt[3139] is formed. Neither the salt of -Tragasa, nor the Acanthian salt—so called from the town[3140] where it -is found—will decrepitate or crackle in the fire; nor will the froth -of salt do so, or the outside scrapings, or refined salt. The salt of -Agrigentum[3141] resists fire, but decrepitates in water. - -There are differences, too, in the colour of salt: at Memphis it is -deep red, russet-coloured in the vicinity of the Oxus, purple at -Centuripa, and so remarkably bright at Gela, situate also[3142] in -Sicily, as to reflect the image of objects. In Cappadocia there is a -saffron-coloured fossil salt, transparent and remarkably odoriferous. -For medicinal purposes, the ancients esteemed the salt of Tarentum in -particular, and next to that all the marine salts, those collected from -sea-foam more especially. For maladies of the eyes in cattle and beasts -of burden, the salt of Tragasa and that of Bætica are employed. For -made dishes[3143] and ordinary food, the more easily a salt liquefies -and the moister it is, the more highly it is esteemed; there being -less bitterness in salt of this description, that of Attica and of -Eubœa, for example. For keeping meat, a pungent, dry, salt, like that -of Megara, is best. A conserve of salt is also made, with the addition -of various odoriferous substances, which answers all the purpose of a -choice sauce,[3144] sharpening the appetite, and imparting a relish to -all kinds of food: indeed, among the innumerable condiments which we -use, the flavour of salt is always distinctly perceptible; and when -we take garum[3145] with our food, it is its salt flavour that is -considered so exquisite. And not only this, but sheep even, cattle, and -beasts of burden, are induced to graze all the better[3146] by giving -them salt; it having the effect, also, of considerably augmenting the -milk, and imparting a superior flavour to the cheese. - -We may conclude, then, by Hercules! that the higher enjoyments of life -could not exist without the use of salt: indeed, so highly necessary is -this substance to mankind, that the pleasures of the mind, even, can -be expressed by no better term, than the word “salt,”[3147] such being -the name given to all effusions of wit. All the amenities, in fact, of -life, supreme hilarity, and relaxation from toil, can find no word in -our language to characterize them better than this. Even in the very -honours, too, that are bestowed upon successful warfare, salt plays its -part, and from it, our word “salarium”[3148] is derived. That salt was -held in high esteem by the ancients, is evident from the Salarian[3149] -Way, so named from the fact that, by agreement, the Sabini carried all -their salt by that road. King Ancus Martius gave six hundred modii of -salt as a largess[3150] to the people, and was the first to establish -salt-works. Varro also informs us, that the ancients used salt by way -of a relishing sauce; and we know, from an old proverb,[3151] that it -was the practice with them to eat salt with their bread. But it is in -our sacred rites more particularly, that its high importance is to be -recognized, no offering ever being made unaccompanied by the salted -cake.[3152] - - - - -CHAP. 42.—FLOWER OF SALT: TWENTY REMEDIES. SALSUGO: TWO REMEDIES. - - -That which mainly distinguishes the produce of salt-works, in respect -of its purity, is a sort of efflorescence,[3153] which forms the -lightest and whitest part of salt. The name “flower of salt”[3154] is -given, also, to a substance of an entirely different character, more -humid by nature, and of a red or saffron colour; a kind of “rust of -salt,” as it were, with an unpleasant smell like that of garum, and -differing therein not only from froth of salt,[3155] but from salt -itself. This substance is found in Egypt and, as it would appear, is -conveyed thither by the waters of the Nilus; though it is to be found -floating upon the surface of certain springs as well. The best kind is -that which yields a certain fatty[3156] substance, like oil—for salt -even, a thing that is quite marvellous to think of, is not without a -degree of unctuousness. - -This substance is sophisticated, and coloured with red earth, or in -most instances, with powdered potsherds; an adulteration to be detected -by the agency of water, which washes off the fictitious colour, the -natural colour being only removable by the agency of oil. Indeed, it -is for its colour that perfumers more particularly make such extensive -use of this drug. When seen in the vessels, the surface of it is white, -but that which lies in the middle is moister, as already stated. It -is of an acrid nature, calorific, and bad for the stomach. It acts -also as a sudorific, and, taken with wine and water, has a purgative -effect upon the bowels. It is very useful, also, as an ingredient in -acopa[3157] and in detersive[3158] compositions, and is remarkably -efficacious for the removal of hairs from the eye-lids. It is the -practice to shake up the sediment, in order to renovate the saffron -colour of the drug. - -In addition to these substances, there is another, known in the -salt-works by the name of “salsugo,” or “salsilago:” it is quite -liquid, salter in taste than sea-water, but inferior to it in its -properties. - - - - -CHAP. 43.—GARUM: FIFTEEN REMEDIES. - - -Another liquid, too, of a very exquisite nature, is that known as -“garum:”[3159] it is prepared from the intestines of fish and various -parts which would otherwise be thrown away, macerated in salt; so that -it is, in fact, the result of their putrefaction. Garum was formerly -prepared from a fish, called “garos”[3160] by the Greeks; who assert, -also, that a fumigation made with its head has the effect of bringing -away the afterbirth. - -(8.) At the present day, however, the most esteemed kind of garum is -that prepared from the scomber,[3161] in the fisheries of Carthago -Spartaria:[3162] it is known as “garum of[3163] the allies,” and for -a couple of congii we have to pay but little less than one thousand -sesterces. Indeed, there is no liquid hardly, with the exception of -the unguents, that has sold at higher prices of late; so much so, that -the nations which produce it have become quite ennobled thereby. There -are fisheries, too, of the scomber on the coasts of Mauretania, and at -Carteia in Bætica, near the Straits[3164] which lie at the entrance -to the Ocean; this being the only use that is made of the fish. For -the production of garum, Clazomenæ is also famed, Pompeii, too, and -Leptis; while for their muria, Antipolis,[3165] Thurii, and of late, -Dalmatia,[3166] enjoy a high reputation. - - - - -CHAP. 44.—ALEX: EIGHT REMEDIES. - - -Alex, which is the refuse of garum, properly consists of the dregs of -it, when imperfectly strained: but of late they have begun to prepare -it separately, from a small fish that is otherwise good for nothing, -the apua[3167] of the Latins, or aphua of the Greeks, so called from -the fact of its being engendered from rain.[3168] The people of Forum -Julii[3169] make their garum from a fish to which they give the name -of “lupus.”[3170] In process of time, alex has become quite an object -of luxury, and the various kinds that are now made are infinite in -number. The same, too, with garum, which is now prepared in imitation -of the colour of old honied wine, and so pleasantly flavoured as to -admit of being taken as a drink. Another kind, again, is dedicated to -those superstitious observances[3171] which enjoin strict chastity, and -that prepared from fish without[3172] scales, to the sacred rites of -the Jews. In the same way, too, alex has come to be manufactured from -oysters, sea-urchins, sea-nettles, cammari,[3173] and the liver of the -surmullet; and a thousand different methods have been devised of late -for ensuring the putrefaction of salt in such a way as to secure the -flavours most relished by the palate. - -Thus much, by the way, with reference to the tastes of the present -day; though at the same time, it must be remembered, these substances -are by no means without their uses in medicine. Alex, for instance, -is curative of scab in sheep, incisions being made in the skin, and -the liquor poured therein. It is useful, also, for the cure of wounds -inflicted by dogs or by the sea-dragon, the application being made with -lint. Recent burns, too, are healed by the agency of garum, due care -being taken to apply it without mentioning it by name. It is useful, -too, for bites inflicted by dogs, and for that of the crocodile in -particular; as also for the treatment of serpiginous or sordid ulcers. -For ulcerations, and painful affections of the mouth and ears, it is a -marvellously useful remedy. - -Muria, also, as well as the salsugo which we have mentioned,[3174] has -certain astringent, mordent, and discussive properties, and is highly -useful for the cure of dysentery, even when ulceration has attacked -the intestines. Injections are also made of it for sciatica, and for -cœliac fluxes of an inveterate nature. In spots which lie at a distance -in the interior, it is used as a fomentation, by way of substitute for -sea-water. - - - - -CHAP. 45. (9.)—THE NATURE OF SALT. - - -Salt, regarded by itself, is naturally igneous, and yet it manifests an -antipathy to fire, and flies[3175] from it. It consumes everything, and -yet upon living bodies it has an astringent, desiccative, and binding -effect, while the dead it preserves from putrefaction,[3176] and -makes them last for ages even. In respect, however, of its medicinal -properties, it is of a mordent, burning, detergent, attenuating, and -resolvent nature; it is, however, injurious to the stomach, except -that it acts as a stimulant to the appetite, For the cure of injuries -inflicted by serpents, it is used with origanum, honey, and hyssop; and -for the sting of the cerastes, with origanum, cedar-resin, pitch, or -honey. Taken internally with vinegar, it is good for injuries caused -by the scolopendra; and, applied topically, with an equal proportion -of linseed, in oil or vinegar, for stings inflicted by scorpions. -For stings of hornets, wasps, and insects of a similar description, -it is applied with vinegar; and, for the cure of hemicrania, ulcers -on the head, blisters, pimples, and incipient warts, with veal-suet. -It is used also among the remedies for the eyes, and for the removal -of fleshy excrescences upon those organs, as also of hangnails[3177] -upon the fingers or toes. For webs that form upon the eyes it is -peculiarly useful, and hence it is that it is so commonly employed -as an ingredient in eye-salves, as well as plasters. For all these -last-mentioned purposes, the salt of Tatta or of Caunus is more -particularly in request. - -In cases where there is ecchymosis of the eyes, or a bruise from the -effects of a blow, salt is applied, with an equal quantity of myrrh -and honey, or with hyssop in warm water, the eyes being also fomented -with salsugo. For this last-mentioned purpose, the Spanish salt is -preferred; and when wanted for the treatment of cataract, it is ground -upon small whetstones, with milk. For bruises it is particularly -useful, wrapped in a linen pledget and renewed from time to time, being -first dipped in boiling water. For the cure of running ulcers of the -mouth, it is applied with lint; gum-boils are also rubbed with it; and, -broken to pieces and powdered fine, it removes granulations on the -tongue. The teeth, it is said, will never become carious or corroded, -if a person every morning puts some salt beneath his tongue, fasting, -and leaves it there till it has melted. Salt effects the cure also -of leprosy, boils, lichens, and itch-scabs; for all which purposes -it is applied with raisins—the stones being first removed—beef-suet, -origanum, and leaven, or else bread. In such cases it is the salt from -Thebaïs that is mostly used; the same salt being considered preferable -for the treatment of prurigo, and being highly esteemed for affections -of the uvula and tonsillary glands, in combination with honey. - -Every kind of salt is useful for the cure of quinzy; but, in addition -to this, it is necessary to make external applications simultaneously -with oil, vinegar, and tar. Mixed with wine, it is a gentle aperient to -the bowels, and, taken in a similar manner, it acts as an expellent of -all kinds of intestinal worms. Placed beneath the tongue, it enables -convalescents to support the heat[3178] of the bath. Burnt more than -once upon a plate at a white heat, and then enclosed in a bag, it -alleviates pains in the sinews, about the shoulders and kidneys more -particularly. Taken internally, and similarly burnt at a white heat and -applied in bags, it is curative of colic, griping pains in the bowels, -and sciatica. Beaten up in wine and honey, with meal, it is a remedy -for gout; a malady for the especial behoof of which the observation -should be borne in mind, that there is nothing better for all parts of -the body than sun and salt:[3179] hence[3180] it is that we see the -bodies of fishermen as hard as horn—gout, however, is the principal -disease for the benefit of which this maxim should be remembered. - -Salt is useful for the removal of corns upon the feet, and of -chilblains: for the cure of burns also, it is applied with oil, or -else chewed. It acts as a check also upon blisters, and, in cases of -erysipelas and serpiginous ulcers, it is applied topically with vinegar -or with hyssop. For the cure of carcinoma it is employed in combination -with Taminian[3181] grapes; and for phagedænic ulcers it is used -parched with barley-meal, a linen pledget steeped in wine being laid -upon it. In cases of jaundice, it is employed as a friction before the -fire, with oil and vinegar, till the patient is made to perspire, for -the purpose of preventing the itching sensations attendant upon that -disease. When persons are exhausted with fatigue, it is usual to rub -them with salt and oil. Many have treated dropsy with salt, have used -external applications of salt and oil for the burning heats of fever, -and have cured chronic coughs by laying salt upon the patient’s tongue. -Salt has been used, also, as an injection for sciatica, and has been -applied to ulcers of a fungous or putrid nature. - -To bites inflicted by the crocodile, salt is applied, the sores being -tightly bandaged with linen cloths, first dipped[3182] in vinegar. -It is taken internally, with hydromel, to neutralize the effects of -opium, and is applied topically, with meal and honey, to sprains and -fleshy excrescences. In cases of tooth-ache, it is used as a collutory -with vinegar, and is very useful, applied externally, with resin. For -all these purposes, however, froth of salt[3183] is found to be more -agreeable and still more efficacious. Still, however, every kind of -salt is good as an ingredient in acopa,[3184] when warming properties -are required: the same, too, in the case of detersive applications, -when required for plumping out and giving a smooth surface to the skin. -Employed topically, salt is curative of itch-scab in sheep and cattle, -for which disease it is given them to lick. It is injected, also, -with the spittle, into the eyes of beasts of burden. Thus much with -reference to salt. - - - - -CHAP. 46. (10.)—THE VARIOUS KINDS OF NITRUM, THE METHODS OF PREPARING -IT, AND THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM IT: TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY-ONE -OBSERVATIONS THEREON. - - -And here we must no longer defer giving an account of nitrum;[3185] -which in its properties does not greatly differ from salt, and deserves -all the more to be attentively considered, from the evident fact that -the medical men who have written upon it were ignorant of its nature; -of all which authors Theophrastus is the one that has given the -greatest attention to the point. It is found in small quantities in -Media, in certain valleys there that are white with heat and drought; -the name given to it being “halmyrax.”[3186] In Thracia, too, near -Philippi, it is found, but in smaller quantities, and deteriorated -with earthy substances, being known there as “agrion.”[3187] As to that -prepared from the burnt wood of the quercus,[3188] it never was made to -any very great extent, and the manufacture of it has been long since -totally abandoned. Nitrous[3189] waters are also found in numerous -places, but not sufficiently impregnated to admit of condensation.[3190] - -The best and most abundant supply is found at Litæ, in Macedonia, where -it is known as “Chalastricum:”[3191] it is white and pure, and closely -resembles salt. In the middle of a certain nitrous lake there, a spring -of fresh water issues forth. In this lake the nitrum[3192] forms for -nine days, about the rising of the Dog-star, and then ceases for the -same period, after which it again floats upon the surface, and then -again ceases: facts which abundantly prove that it is the peculiar -nature of the soil which generates the nitrum, it being very evident -that, when the formation is there interrupted, neither the heat of -the sun nor the fall of rain is productive of the slightest effect. -It is also a truly marvellous fact, that though the spring of fresh -water is always uninterruptedly flowing, the waters of the lake never -increase or overflow. If it happens to rain on the days during which -the nitrum is forming, the result is, that it is rendered additionally -salt thereby: the prevalence of north-east winds, too, still more -deteriorates its quality, as they have a tendency to stir up the mud at -the bottom. Such is the formation of native nitrum. - -In Egypt, again, it is made artificially, and in much greater -abundance, but of inferior quality, being tawny and full of stones. -It is prepared in pretty nearly the same manner[3193] as salt, except -that in the salt-pans it is sea-water that is introduced, whereas in -the nitre-beds it is the water of the river Nilus; a water which, upon -the subsidence of the river, is impregnated with nitrum for forty days -together, and not, as in Macedonia, at intermittent periods only. On -occasions when there has been a fall of rain, a smaller proportion of -river-water is employed. As soon, too, as any quantity of nitrum has -formed, it is immediately removed, in order that it may not melt in the -beds. This substance, also, contains a certain proportion of oil,[3194] -which is very useful for the cure of scab in animals. Piled up in large -heaps, it keeps for a very considerable time. It is a marvellous fact, -that, in Lake Ascanius[3195] and in certain springs in the vicinity of -Chalcis, the water is fresh and potable on the surface, and nitrous -below. The lightest part of nitrum is always considered the best, and -hence it is that the froth of it is so much preferred. Still, however, -when in an impure state, it is very useful for some purposes, colouring -purple[3196] cloth, for instance, and, indeed, all kinds of dyeing. It -is employed, also, very extensively in the manufacture of glass, as we -shall more fully mention on the appropriate occasion.[3197] - -The only nitre-works in Egypt were formerly those in the vicinity of -Naucratis and Memphis; those near Memphis being inferior to the others, -the piles of nitrum there prepared being as hard as stone, and many of -the heaps having become changed into rocks. When in this state, vessels -are made of it, and very frequently they melt it with sulphur[3198] on -a charcoal fire.[3199] When substances[3200] are wanted to keep, they -employ this last kind of nitrum. In Egypt there are also nitre-beds, -the produce of which is red, owing to the colour of the earth in the -same locality. Froth of nitrum,[3201] a substance held in very high -esteem, could only be made, according to the ancients, when dews had -fallen; the pits being at the moment saturated with nitrum, but not -having arrived at the point of yielding it. On the other hand, again, -when the pits were in full activity, no froth would form, it was -said, even though dews should fall. Others, again, have attributed -the formation of this last substance to the fermentation of the heaps -of nitrum. In a succeeding age, the medical men, speaking of it under -the name of “aphronitrum,”[3202] have stated that it was collected in -Asia, where it was to be found oozing from the soft sides of certain -mines—the name given to which was “colyces”[3203]—and that it was then -dried in the sun. The very best is thought to be that which comes from -Lydia; the test of its genuineness being its extreme lightness, its -friability, and its colour, which should be almost a full purple. This -last is imported in tablets, while that of Egypt comes enclosed in -vessels pitched within, to prevent its melting,[3204] the vessels being -previously prepared by being thoroughly dried in the sun.[3205] - -To be good, nitrum should be very fine, and extremely spongy and -porous. In Egypt, it is sophisticated with lime, an adulteration easily -detected[3206] by tasting it; for when pure, it liquefies immediately, -while that which has been adulterated, remains undissolved sufficiently -long to leave a pungent taste[3207] in the mouth. It is burnt in a -close earthen vessel, as otherwise it would decrepitate:[3208] except -in this last case, however, the action of fire does not cause it to -decrepitate. This substance neither produces nor nourishes anything; -while, in the salt-pans, on the other hand, we see plants growing, -and the sea, we know, produces immense numbers of animated beings, -though, as to plants, sea-weed only. It is evident, too, that the -acridity[3209] of nitrum must be much greater than that of salt, not -only from the fact last mentioned, but from the circumstance also, -that at the nitre-beds the shoes wear out with the greatest rapidity; -localities which are otherwise very healthy, and remarkably beneficial -for the eye-sight. At the nitre-works ophthalmia is a thing unknown: -persons, too, that come there with ulcers upon them experience a -rapid cure; though ulcerations formed upon the spot are but slow -in healing. Used as a friction with oil, nitrum is a sudorific, -and acts emolliently upon the body. That of Chalastra is used as a -substitute for salt, in making bread,[3210] and the Egyptian nitrum is -eaten[3211] with radishes,[3212] it having the effect of making them -more tender; though as to other edibles it turns them white and spoils -them. To vegetables it imparts an additional greenness.[3213] - -Viewed medicinally, nitrum is calorific, attenuant, mordent, -astringent, desiccative, and ulcerating: it is good, too, in all cases -where certain humours require to be drawn out or dispersed, or where -gentle mordents or attenuants are required, as in the case of pustules -and pimples, for example. Some persons ignite it for this purpose, -and, after quenching it in astringent wine, bruise and use it, without -oil, at the bath. Applied with dried iris powdered, and green olive -oil, it checks immoderate perspiration. Applied topically with a fig, -or boiled down to one half in raisin wine, it removes marks upon the -eyes and granulations of the eyelids. It is used, also, for the removal -of argema, boiled in a pomegranate rind with raisin wine. Used as an -ointment, in combination with honey, it improves the eye-sight. It is -very useful, also, for tooth-ache, taken as a collutory with wine and -pepper, or boiled with a leek. Burnt, and employed as a dentifrice, it -restores teeth[3214] to their original colour that have turned black; -and an application of it, with Samian earth and oil, kills nits and -other vermin of the head. Dissolved in wine, it is used as an injection -for suppurations of the ears, and, applied with vinegar, it consumes -filth that has accumulated there. Introduced dry into the ears, it -disperses singings and tinglings in those organs. - -Applied topically, in the sun, with an equal quantity of Cimolian[3215] -chalk dissolved in vinegar, it removes white morphew; and a mixture -of it with resin, or with white raisins—the stones being beaten up -as well—is an excellent cure for boils. It is useful, also, for -inflammations of the testes; and, in combination with axle-grease, for -pituitous eruptions on all parts of the body. For the cure of bites -inflicted by dogs, it is used with resin, the application being made -at first with vinegar. With lime and vinegar, it is used as a liniment -for stings inflicted by serpents, as, also, for ulcerations, whether -phagedænic, putrid, or serpiginous; in cases, too, of dropsy, it is -employed both internally and externally, beaten up with figs. Taken -internally as a decoction, in doses of one drachma, with rue, dill, -or cummin, it effectually removes griping pains in the bowels. An -external application of it, with oil and vinegar, is highly refreshing -to persons exhausted with fatigue; and it is equally beneficial for -shudderings and cold shiverings, the feet and hands of the patient -being well rubbed with it, mixed with oil. It allays the itching -sensations attendant upon jaundice, more particularly when it is -administered to the patient while perspiring, with vinegar. Taken -internally in oxycrate, it is an antidote to the poison of fungi; and, -taken with water, it acts beneficially, as an emetic, in cases where -the buprestis has been swallowed. - -To persons who have taken bull’s blood,[3216] nitrum is administered, -in combination with laser.[3217] Mixed with honey and cow’s milk, it -is curative of ulcers upon the face. For the cure of burns, it is -applied pounded, being first parched till it turns black. For pains in -the bowels and kidneys, and for rigidities of the limbs and pains in -the sinews, it is used in the form of an injection. For the cure of -paralysis of the tongue, it is applied to that organ with bread, and to -asthmatic patients it is administered in a ptisan. Flower of nitrum, -used in combination with equal proportions of galbanum and turpentine -respectively, is curative of chronic coughs; the mixture being taken in -pieces the size of a bean. Nitrum[3218] itself, boiled and melted with -tar, is given to patients to swallow, for quinzy. - -Flower of nitrum, mixed with oil of cyprus,[3219] and applied in the -sun, is a soothing liniment for pains in the joints. Taken internally -with wine, it is curative of jaundice. It acts as a carminative also; -and it arrests bleeding at the nose, the vapour of it in boiling water -being inhaled by the patient. Mixed with alum, it removes porrigo; and, -used daily with water, as a fomentation, it removes offensive odours of -the armpits. Used in combination with wax, it heals ulcers produced by -pituitous secretions, and, similarly employed, it is very useful for -affections of the sinews. For the cure of the cœliac flux, it is used -in the form of an injection. Many authorities recommend the use of it, -with oil, as a friction when cold shiverings are just coming on; as -also, for the removal of leprous spots and freckles. It is a good plan -also, to use a sitting-bath made with an infusion of nitrum, for the -cure of gout, atrophy, opisthotony, and tetanus. - -Both salt and nitre, boiled with sulphur,[3220] become petrified. - - - - -CHAP. 47. (11.)—SPONGES, AND THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THEM: NINETY-TWO -OBSERVATIONS THEREON. - - -We have already,[3221] when speaking of the marine productions, -described the various kinds of sponge. Some authorities make the -following distinctions: they regard as males[3222] those sponges which -are pierced with more diminutive holes, are more compact in form and -more ready to imbibe, and are stained, to satisfy luxurious tastes, -in various colours, sometimes purple even: those, on the other hand, -which have holes, larger and running into one another, they consider -to be females. Among the male sponges, too, there is one kind, harder -than the others, the name given to which is “tragi,”[3223] and the -holes of which are extremely small and numerous. Sponges are made white -artificially; the softest being chosen for the purpose, and after they -have been steeped the whole summer through with the foam of the sea. -They are then exposed to the action of the moon and hoar-frosts, being -turned upside down, or, in other words, with that part upwards by which -they formerly adhered to the rocks, the object being that they may -become white throughout. - -That sponges are animated beings, we have already stated; and not -only this, but they have a coat of blood[3224] even, adhering to them. -Some say that they regulate their movements by the sense of hearing, -and that at the slightest noise they contract themselves, and emit an -abundant moisture: when such is the case, it is said, it is impossible -to tear them away from the rocks, and consequently they must be cut, an -operation during which they emit a sanious secretion. Those sponges, -too, are preferred to all others, which are grown on spots with a -north-east aspect, the physicians assuring us that these retain the -breath of life the longest of all; a circumstance which renders them -additionally useful to the human body, from the union which is thereby -effected of their vital principle with our own.[3225] It is for this -reason, too, that they are preferred as fresh as possible, and in -a moist state rather than dry. They are not so useful, however, if -applied with hot water,[3226] and still less so if they are oiled, or -applied to the body when just anointed. The compact sponges, it is -thought, have less adhesive power than the others. - -The softest kind of sponge are those employed for tents.[3227] Applied -with honied wine, sponges reduce swellings of the eyes, and are -extremely useful for the removal of rheum from those organs, the very -finest and softest being of necessity selected for the purpose. Sponges -are applied, also, with oxycrate, to defluxions of the eyes, and, with -warm vinegar, for head-ache. In addition to these properties, fresh -sponges are resolvent, emollient, and soothing; but when old, they -lose their healing properties for wounds. They are employed, also, in -medicine, for cleansing sores, and for either fomenting or covering the -parts fomented, till some other application is made. Applied topically, -they have a healing effect upon running ulcers, and upon sores on the -bodies of aged persons. Fractures, too, and wounds are most effectually -fomented with sponge; and when surgical operations are performed, it -instantly absorbs the blood, so as to allow the incision to be seen. -Sponges are applied, also, as a bandage, to inflamed wounds, sometimes -dry, and, in some cases, moistened with vinegar, wine, or cold water. -Soaked in rain-water, and applied to the incision, they prevent cuts -recently inflicted from swelling. They are used as an application for -such parts of the body, though apparently uninjured, as are threatened -with occult humours which require to be dispersed; as also for reducing -the tumours known to us as “apostemes,” the parts being first fomented -with a decoction of honey. Sponges are employed, also, for affections -of the joints, steeped in vinegar and salt, or in oxycrate: in cases, -however, where the attack is attended with fever, water alone is used -with the sponge. Soaked in salt and water, sponges are applied to -callosities; and, with vinegar, they are used for stings inflicted by -scorpions. - -In the treatment of wounds, sponges are sometimes used as a substitute -for greasy wool, either with wine and oil, or with salt and water; the -only difference being, that wool acts emolliently upon sores, whereas -sponge has an astringent action, and absorbs the vitiated humours. -To dropsical patients, bandages of sponge are applied, either dry or -steeped in warm water or oxycrate, according as there is a necessity -for soothing the skin, or for covering it up and drying it. Sponges -are applied, also, in all those diseases where warmth is required, -being first soaked in boiling water and then squeezed out between a -couple of boards. Employed in this manner, too, they are very useful -for affections of the stomach and for the excessive heats attendant -upon fever. Steeped in oxycrate, they are good for diseases of the -spleen, and in vinegar for erysipelas; nothing, in fact, being equally -efficacious. Sponge, when thus used, should always be so applied as -amply to cover the adjacent parts that are not affected. - -Employed with vinegar or cold water, sponge arrests hæmorrhage; soaked -in warm salt and water, and frequently renewed, it removes the lividity -which results from a recent blow. Used with oxycrate, it disperses -pains and swellings in the testes. To bites inflicted by dogs, it is a -good plan to apply sponge, from time to time, cut fine, and moistened -with vinegar, cold water, or honey. Ashes of African[3228] sponge, with -juice of cut-leek and a mixture of salt and cold water, are good, taken -internally, for patients suffering from discharges of blood: applied -topically to the forehead, with oil or vinegar, they are curative -of tertian fevers. The sponge of Africa, more particularly, soaked -in oxycrate, disperses tumours. Ashes of any kind of sponge burnt -with pitch, arrest the discharge of blood from wounds; though some -recommend, for this purpose, the sponge with large pores only, burnt -with pitch. For affections of the eyes; sponge is burnt in vessels -of unbaked earthenware; the ashes being found highly efficacious for -granulations of the eyelids, fleshy excrescences, and all diseases -of those parts which require detergents, astringents, or expletives. -For all these purposes, however, it is the best plan first to rinse -the ashes. When the body is in a diseased state, sponge acts as a -substitute for body-scrapers and linen towels, and it protects the head -most efficiently against the action of the sun. - -Medical men, in their ignorance, comprehend all sponges under -two names; African sponge, the substance of which is tougher and -firmer; and Rhodian sponge, which is softer and better adapted for -fomentations. At the present day, however, the softest sponges of all -are those found about the walls of the city of Antiphellos.[3229] -Trogus informs us that the softest tent sponges are found out at sea, -off the coast of Lycia, upon spots from which the sponge has been -previously removed: we learn, too, from Polybius, that these fine -sponges, suspended over a patient’s bed, will ensure him additional -repose at night.[3230] - -We will now turn to the remedies derived from the marine and aquatic -animals. - -SUMMARY.—Remedies, narratives, and observations, nine hundred and -twenty-four. - -ROMAN AUTHORS QUOTED.—M. Varro,[3231] Cassius[3232] of Parma, -Cicero,[3233] Mucianus,[3234] Cælius,[3235] Celsus,[3236] Trogus,[3237] -Ovid,[3238] Polybius,[3239] Sornatius.[3240] - -FOREIGN AUTHORS QUOTED.—Callimachus,[3241] Ctesias,[3242] -Eudicus,[3243] Theophrastus,[3244] Eudoxus,[3245] Theopompus,[3246] -Polycritus,[3247] Juba,[3248] Lycus,[3249] Apion,[3250] Epigenes,[3251] -Pelops,[3252] Apelles,[3253] Democritus,[3254] Thrasyllus,[3255] -Nicander,[3256] Menander[3257] the Comic writer, Attalus,[3258] -Sallustius Dionysius,[3259] Andreas,[3260] Niceratus,[3261] -Hippocrates,[3262] Anaxilaüs.[3263] - - - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[1] See B. xvi. cc. 6, 8, 33, 50. - -[2] See B. xvii. c. 3. - -[3] As Fée justly remarks, the greater part of these so-called -sympathies and antipathies must be looked upon as so many fables. In -the majority of instances, it is the habitual requirements of the tree -or plant that constitute the difference; thus, for instance, the oak or -quercus requires a different site and temperature from that needed by -the olive, and the stony soil adopted by the vine is but ill-suited for -the cultivation of the cabbage. - -[4] See B. xx. c. 36. - -[5] See B. xxi. cc. 27, 38, and B. xxv. c. 67. - -[6] See the same statement made in B. xxiii. c. 62. - -[7] Or Bacchus. - -[8] “Philyra.” Fée does not think that it can be of any use for such a -purpose. Hardouin says, however, that in his time meat when too highly -salted was wrapped in leaves of the lime or linden, for the purpose of -extracting the salt. - -[9] See B. xviii. c. 14. - -[10] Instead of having this effect, Fée says, it would render it much -worse. - -[11] The intention being to clear the wine, though in reality, as Fée -observes, it would have a tendency to turn the wine into vinegar. - -[12] Chalk, or in other words, sub-carbonate of lime, and argilla, -or aluminous earth combining several earthy salts, would probably -neutralize the acetic acid in the wine, but would greatly deteriorate -its flavour. - -[13] On the contrary, lime would appear to have a great affinity for -water, absorbing it with avidity, if we may use the term. - -[14] More easily with water; though vinegar will do for the purpose. - -[15] “Atramentum.” By this passage, Fée says, it is clearly proved that -the ink of the ancients was soluble in water, and that it contained -neither galls nor salts of iron. What it really was made of is still -a matter of doubt; but it is not improbable that the basis of it was -spodium, or ashes of ivory. - -[16] “Officinas.” - -[17] “In medio.” The reading is very doubtful here. - -[18] This, of course, is mere exaggeration. - -[19] He would seem to imply that the medical men of his age had -conspired to gain an adventitious importance by imposing upon the -credulity of the public, on the principle “Omne ignotum pro magnifico;” -much as the “medicine-men” of the North American Indians do at the -present day. - -[20] He alludes to the physicians of Greece more particularly. - -[21] “Imperatoribus quoque imperaverunt.” - -[22] In B. xiii. c. 32, and B. xvi. c. 53. Pliny ascribes here to the -Lotus of Italy, the Celtis Australis of Linnæus, the same medicinal -properties that are given by Dioscorides, B. i. c. 171, to the Egyptian -bean or Nymphæa Nelumbo of Linnæus. Galen gives the same account as -Dioscorides; it is not improbable, therefore, that Pliny is in error. - -[23] See B. xvi. c. 53, Note 2539. - -[24] Half a denarius. See Introduction to Vol. III. - -[25] Acorns, as well as the bark of the various kinds of oak, are of an -astringent nature. - -[26] Or, hogs’ lard. - -[27] In the singular number, “cacoethes,” “a bad habit;” signifying a -malignant or cancerous tumour. - -[28] See B. xvi. c. 12. All the properties here ascribed to it, Fée -says, are hypothetical. It is no longer used in medicine, at least to -any recognized extent. - -[29] Hence the Latin word “vermiculum,” from which our word “vermilion” -is derived. - -[30] In B. xvi. c. 12. - -[31] In B. xvi. c. 9. - -[32] They might be used advantageously, Fée thinks, in the shape of a -decoction, for procidence of the uvula and uterus. - -[33] “Eating,” or “corrosive.” - -[34] See B. xvi. cc. 11, 93, 94. - -[35] See B. xvi. cc. 10, 11. - -[36] This passage, as Fée remarks, is somewhat obscure. - -[37] As to the identity of the “nitrum” of Pliny, see B. xxxi. cc. 22, -46. - -[38] Fée says, that till very recently it was a common belief that -the oak mistletoe is curative of epilepsy. It was also employed as an -ingredient in certain antispasmodic powders. - -[39] See B. xvi. c. 10. - -[40] See B. xvi. c. 8. - -[41] This decoction would be of a tonic and astringent nature, owing to -the tannin and gallic acid which the leaves and bark contain. - -[42] See B. xvi. c. 13. - -[43] “Ex utrâlibet parte.” - -[44] There is no foundation, Fée says, for any of these statements. - -[45] See B. xvi. c. 60. The leaves of the cypress, Fée says, contain -tannin and an essential oil; all the medicinal properties therefore, -here attributed to them, which are not based upon these principles, -must be looked upon as hypothetical. - -[46] Down to the present century the leaves and fruit of the cypress -were recommended in some medical works for the cure of hernia. The -juice, however, of the leaves, taken internally, would be, as Fée says, -highly dangerous. - -[47] Owing probably to the gallic acid they contain. - -[48] See B. xiv. c. 4. - -[49] See Introduction to Vol. III. - -[50] See B. x. c. 28, and B. xi. cc. 24, 28. - -[51] See B. xiii. c. 11. - -[52] Fée remarks, that many of the moderns attribute to frankincense -the properties here ascribed to cedria; a most unfounded notion, he -thinks. - -[53] In B. xiv. c. 25, and B. xvi. cc. 21, 22. - -[54] Sillig reads “volumina;” in which case it is not improbable that -the allusion is to the practice of seasoning the paper of manuscripts -with a preparation of cedar, as a preservative against mildew and -worms. Another reading is “lumina,” and it is not impossible that it is -the right one, meaning that pitch of cedar is useful for making lamps -or candles. Fée reminds us that we are not to confound the “cedria” -with the “cedrium” of B. xvi. c. 21, though Pliny seems here to -confound the two. See Note 2326 to that Chapter. - -[55] As in B. xvi. c. 21, he has said the same of “cedrium,” a red -tar charged with empyreumatic oil, it is clear that he erroneously -identifies it with “cedria,” or pitch of cedar. It is with this last, -in reality, that the Egyptians embalmed the dead, or rather preserved -them, by dipping them in the boiling liquid. - -[56] If he implies that it is poisonous, such in reality is not the -case. - -[57] A mere absurdity, of course. - -[58] It would be of no use whatever for the cure of injuries inflicted -by the Aplysia vulgaris or Aplysia depilans of Linnæus. See B. ix. c. -72, and B. xxxii. c. 3. - -[59] See B. xv. c. 7, and B. xxv. c. 22. “Pitch oil,” a volatile oil. - -[60] This mention of the berries clearly proves, Fée thinks, that the -Cedrelates of Pliny belongs in reality to the genus Juniperus. - -[61] Or of the juniper, Fée thinks. - -[62] See Note 58 above. - -[63] In B. xii. c. 56. - -[64] Cartilaginous, clear, and free from ligneous substances. - -[65] It is still employed, Fée says, to a small extent, as a topical -application for ulcerated sores. Its properties are energetic, but -nearly all the uses to which Pliny speaks of it as being applied are -hypothetical. - -[66] In B. xii. c. 56. - -[67] Narcotic poisons. - -[68] See B. xii. c. 58. See also c. 16 of this Book. - -[69] This statement is entirely fabulous. - -[70] In B. xii. c. 49. Gum ammoniac is still used to some small extent -in modern medicine, for asthma, boils, tumours, and diseases of the -bladder. - -[71] In B. xii. c. 55. Fée says that it is of the Amygdalite storax -that Pliny is here speaking. It is little employed at the present day -for internal maladies. - -[72] This is not the fact. - -[73] In B. xii. c. 58. It is no longer used in medicine, though -possessed of properties of considerable energy. Fée says that most of -the assertions here made respecting it are unfounded. - -[74] An absurdity, Fée remarks. - -[75] In B. xii. c. 50. Various lichens probably were called by this -name. No use is made of them in modern medicine. - -[76] See B. xiii. c. 12. The leaves and root of the terebinth or -turpentine-tree have some medicinal properties, owing to their resin or -essential oil; but no use is made of them in modern medicine. - -[77] See B. xvi. c. 18. - -[78] See B. xvi. c. 19. The leaves of these trees are of an astringent -and acid nature, Fée says, but they are no longer employed in medicine. -All that Pliny here states relative to them is very problematical. - -[79] Fée says that it is still the practice of the Turkish physicians -to recommend to their patients the air of the cypress groves of Candia. -He states also, that it is a very general supposition that resins, -balms, and balsams are good for pulmonary phthisis, but is of opinion -that the notion is founded upon no solid basis. - -[80] See B. xxxi. c. 33, also Celsus. B. iii. c. 22. Similar to a -voyage to Madeira, recommended to our consumptive patients at the -present day. - -[81] Or “ground-pine.” - -[82] From “abigo,” to “drive away,” it would appear. - -[83] “Thus terræ.” The Teucrium Iva of Linnæus, Fée says, or Chamæpitys -moschata. Fée remarks that Pliny commits a great error in giving to -it the blossoms of the pine, and that he assigns larger proportions -than really belong to it. The name “incense of the earth,” is very -inappropriate; for it has none of the odour of incense, but merely a -resinous smell. - -[84] The Teucrium chamæpitys of Linnæus, the Chamæpitys lutea vulgaris -of C. Bauhin, the ground-pine. - -[85] The leaves are imbricated, and the branches bend downwards, like -those of the pine, whence the name. - -[86] The Teucrium pseudo-chamæpitys of Linnæus, the bastard ground-pine. - -[87] To the pine or pitch-tree, mentioned in c. 19. - -[88] They are rich in essential oil, and are of a tonic nature. All -that is here stated as to their medicinal uses, and which cannot be -based upon that property, is hypothetical, Fée says, and does not -deserve to be refuted. - -[89] See Introduction to Vol. III. - -[90] The resemblance of its name to the “pitys” or pitch-tree. - -[91] See B. xxvi. c. 39. - -[92] An Euphorbia with a ligneous stem, the Euphorbia pityusa -of Linnæus. The characteristics of it differ, however, from the -description here given by Pliny. It is no longer used in medicine, -though, like the other Euphorbiaceæ, it has very active properties. - -[93] This, Fée says, is consistent with truth. - -[94] In B. xiv. c. 25. - -[95] B. xvi. cc. 16, 21, 22, 23. - -[96] Or, as they are called at the present day, the resins, and the -oleoresins, or terebinthines. - -[97] Fée thinks that this name extends to the numerous species of -resiniferous trees. - -[98] The Abies excelsa of Linnæus. - -[99] The Pistacia terebinthus; see B. xiii. c. 12. It yields a valuable -turpentine, known in commerce as that of Cyprus or Chios. - -[100] The so-called Venice turpentine is extracted from the larch. - -[101] It yields mastich solely, a solid resin. - -[102] It yields a terebinthine, and a very diminutive amount of solid -resin. - -[103] Fée says, that if the same methods are employed, the same -products may be obtained, though in general the larch yields the better -terebinthine. - -[104] Fée thinks that he is speaking of a thick resin, or _galipot_, as -the French call it, of the consistency of honey. - -[105] Boiled terebinthine, or turpentine, is still used, Fée says, in -medicine; that process disengaging the essential oil. - -[106] In B. xvi. c. 22. - -[107] Fée thinks that in reality these are terebinthines, and not -resins. - -[108] It has been generally remarked that aromatic plants grown on -mountains have a stronger perfume than those of the plains; Fée queries -whether this extends to the resins. - -[109] Though of little importance in modern medicine, resins and -terebinthines are still employed as the basis of certain plasters and -other preparations. - -[110] Such a potion as this, Fée says, would but ill agree with a -person in robust health even. - -[111] There would be no necessity whatever, Fée says, for such a -process, a plentiful supply of food being quite sufficient for the -purpose. Galen recommends frictions of terebinthine for the improvement -of the health. - -[112] Mastich. The medicinal properties here attributed to it, Fée -says, do not exist. - -[113] “Onera.” - -[114] In B. xiv. c. 25, and B. xvi. cc. 21, 22. - -[115] Tar. See B. xvi. c. 21. - -[116] The pitch of Calabria, Fée says, is known at the present day as -pitch-resin. All that Pliny states as to the medicinal properties of -pitch, is destitute, Fée thinks, of the slightest probability. - -[117] Or horned serpent. - -[118] Taken internally, of course. - -[119] In B. xvi. c. 22, and B. xv. c. 7. - -[120] “Pitch boiled over again.” - -[121] Fée says, that this statement is quite beyond all belief. Indeed -there is little doubt that tar taken internally for quinzy, would only -tend to aggravate the complaint. He states that a solution of tar in -water is sometimes used internally with success for pulmonary phthisis. -Bishop Berkeley wrote his Siris, on the virtues of Tar-water as a -medicament, having been indebted to it for his recovery from an attack -of colic. - -[122] See B. xvi. c. 23. His description here is faulty, it being -solely a natural pitch or mineral bitumen, without any admixture of -vegetable pitch. Vitruvius calls this pissasphalt, pitch; but Ælian, -more correctly, bitumen. The names now given to it are mineral pitch, -and malthe or pitch of Malta. - -[123] In B. xvi. c. 23. Fée thinks that the use of it is more likely to -have been injurious than beneficial. - -[124] Or tæda. See B. xvi. c. 19. - -[125] Fée says, that within the last century, the wood of the lentisk -or mastich, and the oil of its berries, figured in the Pharmacopœias. -Their medicinal properties are far from energetic, but the essential -oil may probably be of some utility as an excitant. - -[126] This property is still attributed in the East to the leaves and -resin of the lentisk. We learn from Martial, B. xiv. Epig. 22, that the -wood of the lentisk, as well as quills, was used for tooth-picks. - -[127] this, Fée says, is not the fact. - -[128] See B. xii. c. 36, and B. xiv. c. 25. - -[129] “Smegmata.” - -[130] Littré thus reads the whole passage, “Sive cum aquâ, ut ita -foveantur,”—“A decoction of it is made with water for the purpose of -fomentation.” - -[131] See B. xii. c. 3. - -[132] “Adversantur vespertilionibus.” Fée sees difficulties in this -passage, which really do not seem to exist. - -[133] The produce of the plane is no longer employed in medicine. - -[134] The _young_ leaves probably, or else the fruit. - -[135] In B. xvi. c. 24. There are still some traces of this notion -existing, Fée says, among the French peasantry. All the statements here -made relative to its medicinal properties, are utterly unfounded. - -[136] In reality they have no such effect. - -[137] See B. xvi. c. 26. The root of the maple, Fée says, has no marked -qualities whatever. - -[138] In B xii. c. 61. The buds of the poplar, Fée says, are still used -in medicine in the composition of an unguent known as “populeum.” The -bark is astringent, and the wood destitute of taste. - -[139] “Uvarum.” Fée thinks that by these berries, or grapes, the -blossoms or buds are meant. See Note 608 to B. xii. c. 61. - -[140] See also c. 38, as to the Vitex. - -[141] This superstition probably applies to persons riding on horseback. - -[142] “Guttam.” This is the substance known to us as “honey-dew.” It -is either secreted by the plant itself, or deposited on the leaves by -an aphis. It is found more particularly on the leaves of the rose, the -plane, the lime, and the maple. Bees and ants are particularly fond of -it. - -[143] Bee-glue. See B. xi. c. 6, and B. xxii. c. 50. - -[144] See B. xvi. c. 29. The bark of the elm, like that of most other -trees, has certain astringent properties. - -[145] Fée says that it is only some few years since the inner bark -of the elm was sometimes prescribed medicinally, but that it has now -completely fallen into disuse. All that Pliny says here of the virtues -of the elm is entirely suppositious. - -[146] A kind of honey-dew, no doubt. - -[147] “Cauliculi foliorum primi.” - -[148] “Extrahuntque per fistulas.” - -[149] In B. xvi. c. 74. - -[150] See B. xvi. c. 25. The blossoms of the linden-tree are the only -part of it employed in modern medicine. Fée thinks, with Hardouin, that -Pliny has here attributed to the linden, or Philyra of the Greeks, the -properties which in reality were supposed to belong to the Phillyrea -latifolia, a shrub resembling the wild olive. Dioscorides, in his -description of its properties, has not fallen into the same error. - -[151] “Ground elder” or “marsh elder;” the Sambucus ebulus of Linnæus, -or dwarf elder. The other kind mentioned by Pliny is the Sambucus nigra -of Linnæus, or black elder. - -[152] Fée says that though some of the assertions as to its medicinal -properties made by Pliny are unfounded, it is still an opinion among -the moderns that the leaves of the elder are purgative, the inner -bark an emetic and hydragogue, the berries laxative, and the flowers -emollient. - -[153] According to Hardouin, this would appear to be the measles; but -according to Festus, swellings on the legs were so called. The shingles -is probably the malady meant. - -[154] Fée speaks of a decoction of the inner bark as having been -recently in vogue for the cure of dropsy. - -[155] This so-called cedar, Fée says, is in reality itself a juniper. -The medicinal properties of all the varieties of the juniper are not -identical. The essential oil of the leaves acts with a formidable -energy upon the human system. - -[156] This is identified by Fée with the Juniperus communis of Lamarck, -variety α, the Juniperus communis of Linnæus. - -[157] Identified by Fée with the Juniperus nana of Willdenow, the -Juniperus communis of Lamarck, variety β. The Spanish juniper, -mentioned in B. xvi. c. 76, he identifies with the Juniperus thurifera -of Linnæus. - -[158] Virgil says this of the fumes of the cedar, Georg. III. 414; -an additional proof, Fée says, that under the name of “cedrus,” the -juniper was really meant. The smoke of the juniper is not known to have -the effect upon serpents here described. - -[159] The berries of the juniper contain sugar, mucilage, and a small -proportion of essential oil; a rob is prepared from them, Fée says, -under the line of “extract of juniper.” - -[160] It is a well-known fact, that juniper berries are diuretic; they -impart also to the urine the odour of the violet, a property which -is equally possessed by turpentine. All the other properties here -attributed to the juniper, are, in Fée’s opinion, either hypothetical -or absurd. - -[161] See B. xvi. c. 68. - -[162] Neither this downy substance nor the seeds are now employed -for any purpose. The bark of the willow has some strongly-pronounced -properties, but all other parts of it are totally inert. - -[163] A kind of manna, Fée says. The other juices here mentioned are -secreted from the sap. - -[164] The leaves have no effect whatever as an antaphrodisiac. - -[165] See B. xvi. c. 69. - -[166] The Vitex agnus castus of Linnæus, the tree of chastity. - -[167] The “chaste” tree. It is no longer used in medicine; the fruit -has somewhat the flavour of spice, Fée says, and taken internally it -would have the converse of an antaphrodisiac effect. The other parts of -it are quite inert. - -[168] An Attic festival celebrated yearly in honour of Demeter, which -lasted four or five days. It was also celebrated in other parts of -Greece. - -[169] The Vitex agnus castus of Lamarck, variety β, Elatior. - -[170] The Vitex agnus castus of Linnæus, the type. - -[171] It may possibly, Fée says, have this effect, but the other -properties here attributed to it are wholly imaginary. - -[172] Travelling on horseback, probably. A similar superstition is -mentioned as to the poplar, in c. 32 of this Book. - -[173] Probably the Erica arborea of Linnæus; see B. xiii. c. 35. It -has not, however, a leaf similar to that of rosemary, with the sole -exception, Fée says, of the Erica cinerea of Linnæus. - -[174] See B. xiii. c. 37. - -[175] It has no such effect, in reality. - -[176] See B. xvi. c. 69. The kind here alluded to is the Spanish broom, -Fée thinks. - -[177] In B. xix. c. 2. Vol. IV. p. 135. - -[178] Iliad, B. ii. l. 135. See B. xix. c. 6, where Pliny states it as -his opinion that in this passage Homer is speaking of flax. - -[179] See B. xix. c. 7. Fée thinks that the plant under consideration -in this Chapter is the Spanish broom, Genista juncea of Lamarck, the -Spartium junceum of Linnæus, a different plant from the Spartum of B. -xix. c. 7, the Stipa tenacissima of Linnæus. He is of opinion also, -that Homer in the passage referred to alludes, not to flax, but to the -Genista juncea. See this question further discussed, in the additional -Note at the end of B. xxvii. - -[180] Fée says that the blossoms and seed of the junciform genista and -other kinds are of a purgative nature; indeed, one variety has been -called the Genista purgans by Lamarck. None of them, however, are so -potent in their effects as Pliny in the present passage would lead us -to suppose. - -[181] See B. xiii. c. 37, and Note 968; where it is stated that, in -Fée’s opinion, several plants were united by the ancients under this -one collective name—brooms for instance, heaths, and tamarisks. He -thinks, however, that under the name “Myrica,” Pliny may possibly have -intended to comprehend the larger heaths and the Tamarix Gallica of -Linnæus. M. Fraäs, as Littré states, gives the Tamarix Africana as the -probable synonym of the Myrica of Pliny. - -[182] Of this broom-plant of Ameria nothing is known. - -[183] This _cannot_ apply to any of the heaths of Europe. The tamarisk -grows to a much larger size, and barrels and drinking-vessels are made -of the wood. - -[184] “Gravis.” He does not, however, show his _gravity_ in the present -instance. - -[185] In B. xvi. c. 45. - -[186] See B. xiii. c. 37. - -[187] Identified by Fée with the Tamarix Gallica. - -[188] The “brya,” spoken of in B. xiii. c. 37, as growing in Achaia -also, the Tamarix orientalis of Delille. But _there_ he implies that it -does not produce any fruit when it grows in Egypt. - -[189] “Flower compositions.” - -[190] It may possibly be of some use for this purpose, being of an -astringent nature. - -[191] This seems to be the meaning of “Idem cum libeat accendere -resolvitur,” though in the French translations it is rendered, “It -crumbles into ashes when an attempt is made to kindle it.” Holland -seems to have rightly understood the passage, which probably bears -reference to some current superstition. - -[192] “Magi.” He probably alludes in this passage to the Magi of the -East. - -[193] See B. xvi. cc. 30, 43. - -[194] The cornel, probably. It was looked upon as “infelix,” or -ill-omened, because it was sacred to the Deities of the infernal -regions. - -[195] See B. xvi. c. 31. If this is the Salix vitellina. Fée says, all -that Pliny here states as to its medicinal properties does not merit -the slightest attention. - -[196] See B. xii. c. 51. The botanical characteristics, Fée says, and -the medicinal properties of the privet, differ essentially from those -of the Cypros or Lawsonia inermis. The leaves of the privet are bitter -and astringent. - -[197] Fée says, that on reading this passage it is impossible to -preserve one’s gravity. - -[198] In B. xvi. c. 62. The ivy is but little used for any of the -purposes of modern medicine. It is said by some authorities that a -decoction of the leaves will kill vermin, and that the berries are -purgative and emetic. - -[199] “Nervis.” - -[200] Fée states that in reality no such similarity exists; but that -acetic acid is sometimes developed by the rapid fermentation of the -juices of a great number of vegetable substances. - -[201] “Golden fruit.” See B. xvi. c. 62. - -[202] The same substance which he speaks of at the end of this Chapter -as the gum of ivy, called “hederine,” Fée says, in modern chemistry. It -is a gum resin, mixed with ligneous particles. - -[203] The Cistus pilosus of Linnæus, the wild eglantine, or rock-rose. - -[204] The Cistus salvifolius of Linnæus. - -[205] In B. xxvii cc. 31, 49, 87, and 90. - -[206] “Red-berried” or “red-leaved ivy.” See B. xvi. c. 62. This kind, -Fée says, appears not to have been identified. - -[207] “Ground-ivy.” See B. xvi. c. 62; Note 2601. M. Fraäs adopts -Sprengel’s opinion that it is the Antirrhinum Azarina, the bastard -asarum. - -[208] See B. xvi. c. 63. - -[209] “Flower-bearer.” - -[210] In B. xvi. c. 63. - -[211] Sprengel thinks that this is the Clematis viticella, but Fée -identifies it with the Clematis vitalba of Linnæus, the climber, or -traveller’s joy. - -[212] The leaves of it, Fée says, are of a caustic nature, and have -been employed before now by impostors for producing sores on the skin -of a frightful appearance, but easily healed. - -[213] In B. xvi. c. 34. - -[214] Sympathies and antipathies existing in plants. See c. 1 of this -Book. - -[215] Not a reed, Fée thinks, but some other monocotyledon that has not -been identified. See B. xii. c. 48. - -[216] See B. xx. c. 3. - -[217] See B. xvi. c. 66. - -[218] Celsus also speaks of the root of the reed as being efficacious -for this purpose, B. v. c. 26. - -[219] Fée says that neither of these last assertions is true. - -[220] See B. xiii. c. 21. It is no longer used in medicine. - -[221] These statements as to the virtues of the ashes of papyrus, Fée -says are absurd. - -[222] See B. xii. c. 8. Desfontaines is inclined to identify the tree -here spoken of with the Diospyros ebenaster of Kœnig. - -[223] See c. 91 of this Book; the Artemisia dracunculus of Linnæus. - -[224] “Erodentia.” Fée remarks upon the singularity, that with this -property attributed to it, it should be recommended for diseases of the -eyes. - -[225] The “rose-tree.” Our rose-bay or oleander. - -[226] “Rose-laurel.” - -[227] See B. xvi. c. 33. It is, Fée says, an energetic poison, but as -injurious to man as it is to animals. - -[228] See B. xiii. c. 13. The sumach-tree; the Rhus coriaria of Linnæus. - -[229] Identified by Fée with the Coriaria myrtifolia of Linnæus, or -myrtle-leaved sumach. It is used in the preparation of leather, Fée -says, and is intensely poisonous. - -[230] The sumach-tree. - -[231] Or “mouth-medicine.” See B. xxii. c. 11, and B. xxiii. cc. 58 and -71. - -[232] See B. xxiii. c. 71. - -[233] Or “ros.” See B. xiii. c. 13 - -[234] Fée says that this is still done in some parts of Turkey. - -[235] “Asperitati linguæ.” - -[236] “Red rose;” our madder. See B. xix. c. 17. Beckmann is of the -opinion that the “sandix” of B. xxxv. c. 12, is our madder, and -identical with the Rubia. It is not improbable, however, that in -reality it was a mineral. See Beckmann’s _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. p. 110, -_Bohn’s Ed._ - -[237] Fée says that it does not possess this property. - -[238] Madder has no colouring matter which can produce any effect upon -the hair. - -[239] Or “anti-frantic” plant. C. Bauhin identifies it with the -Rubia silvestris lævis, or wild madder; Fée is at a loss for its -identification, but is inclined to think that it was a species of -cultivated madder. - -[240] In B. xix. c. 18. The Gypsophila struthium, or soap-plant, -possibly. Its identity is discussed at great length by Beckmann, _Hist. -Inv._ Vol. II. p. 98-102, _Bohn’s Ed._ - -[241] “Aureum poculum.” - -[242] Desfontaines says that it is the Periploca angustifolia; Fée -gives the Apocynum folio subrotundo of C. Bauhin, round leafed dogsbane. - -[243] This is the fact; and hence one of its names “cynanche,” or -“dog-strangle.” - -[244] This, Fée says, is the fact. The plant is rich in essential oil, -and is consequently a powerful excitant. See B. xix. c. 62. - -[245] In B. xvi. c. 11. - -[246] A gall or fungoid production, or, in some instances, a catkin. -Fée says that Pliny has committed an error here in attributing a -cachrys to rosemary, the Libanotis stephanomaticos, which, in reality, -belongs to the Libanotis canchryphorus or Libanotis prima. - -[247] So called from the Greek βραδύ, “slow,” according to some -authorities; by reason of the slowness of its growth. - -[248] Identified by Fée with the Sabina vulgatior of Lobelius, or -Juniperus Sabina, variety β, of Lamarck. - -[249] The Sabina baceifera of J. Bauhin, the male savin, the type of -the plant. - -[250] See Ovid’s Fasti, B. i. l. 341, as to this custom, and Virgil’s -“Culex,” l. 403. - -[251] It is still a common notion, though Fée says an ill-founded one, -that it produces abortion. Indeed we find Galen stating to the same -effect. - -[252] Fée ridicules this notion with considerable zest. - -[253] The Lycopodium selago of Linnæus, upright club-moss, or fir-moss, -according to Sprengel. Fée, however, dissents from that opinion, for -the Lycopodium, he says, is but some three inches in height, while -savin, with which the Selago is here compared, is more than eight or -ten feet high. De Théis (_Gloss. Botan._) thinks that it must have been -a succulent plant; but upon what grounds he bases that conjecture, Fée -declares himself at a loss to conjecture. - -[254] Evidently a superstition derived from the Druids. - -[255] Sprengel thinks that it is the Samolus Valerandi of Linnæus, the -round-leaved water-pimpernel, and Anguillara identifies it with the -Anemone pulsatilla, or pasque-flower. Fée inclines to the opinion that -it is the Veronica beccabunga of Linnæus, the brook-lime. - -[256] In B. xiii. c. 20. - -[257] Gum is still used, Fée says, for this purpose. - -[258] It is of no use whatever for burns, or as a diuretic. - -[259] Fée says that it is not different in any way from the gum of -other trees. - -[260] Fée remarks, that gum is injurious as a cosmetic. - -[261] Gum is of no use whatever in such a case. - -[262] In B. xiii. c. 19. In speaking there, however, of this gum, the -Acacia Nilotica of Linnæus, he makes no mention whatever of Arabia; for -which reason Sillig concludes that this passage is corrupt. - -[263] The Onopordum acanthium of Linnæus, the cotton-thistle, or woolly -thistle. - -[264] The Mimosa Nilotica of Linnæus; see B. xiii. c. 19. Fée seems -inclined to identify the white thorn with the Cratægus oxyacantha of -Linnæus, the white hawthorn, or May. In the present passage, however, -it is doubtful whether the colours apply to the varieties of gum, or -to the trees which produce them. Sillig considers the passage to be -corrupt. - -[265] The Prunus spinosa of Linnæus, Fée thinks, the sloe, or black -thorn. - -[266] Fée says that the difference in appearance is very considerable -between them. - -[267] The leaves containing little or no tannin. - -[268] In India, the bark of the Acacia Arabica is still used for -tanning leather. - -[269] This juice, Fée says, obtained from the Prunus spinosa, is known -at the present day in commerce by the name of Acacia nostras. - -[270] Fée queries, without sufficient foundation, it would appear, -whether he is here speaking of syphilitic affections. - -[271] Fée suggests that this may be the Dipsacus fullonum of Linnæus, -the fuller’s thistle. - -[272] See B. xix. c. 18, and c. 58 of this Book. - -[273] In B. xii. c. 52. But in that passage he makes the Aspalathos to -be _identical_ with the Erysisceptrum, which he here distinguishes from -it. Fée thinks that there can be no identity between the common thorn -here mentioned, and the Aspalathos. This latter, as mentioned in B. -xii., according to Fée, is the Convolvulus scoparius of Linnæus, the -broom bindweed, but Littré says that M. Fraäs has identified it with -the Genista acanthoclada. - -[274] See the preceding Note. Fée identifies this Aspalathos with the -Spartium villosum of Linnæus, making that of B. xii. c. 52, to be the -Lignum Rhodianum of commerce, probably the Convolvulus scoparius of -Linnæus. - -[275] The corresponding passage in Dioscorides has βαρύς, “heavy,” -_i.e._ the most solid in the stem. - -[276] In B. xii. c. 52. - -[277] “Ozænas.” - -[278] The Berberis vulgaris of Linnæus, or barberry, Fée thinks. - -[279] Identified by Fée with the Mespilus pyracantha of Linnæus, the -evergreen thorn. It receives its name probably from the redness of its -berries, which are the colour of fire. - -[280] Fée considers this to be the Paliurus aculeatus of Decandolle, -and not identical with the Paliurus mentioned in B. xiii. c. 33. - -[281] Fée thinks that the copyists have made a mistake in this passage, -and that the reading should be “aquifolia,” the same plant that is -mentioned afterwards under that name. He identifies them with the Ilex -aquifolium, or holly. See B. xvi. cc. 8, 12, where Pliny evidently -confounds the holm oak with the holly. - -[282] Dioscorides says, B. i. c. 119, “the branches of the _rhamnus_, -it is said, placed at the doors and windows, will avert the spells of -sorcerers.” It is not improbable that Pliny, in copying from some other -author, has mistaken the one for the other. - -[283] An exaggeration, no doubt. The Cissampelos Pareira of Lamarck, an -Indian plant, abounds in mucilage to such an extent, that an infusion -of it in water becomes speedily coagulated. - -[284] One would be induced to think that this story is derived from -some vague account of the properties of the Boomerang. Although -supposed by many to have been the invention of the natives of -Australasia, representations of it are found on the sculptures of -Nineveh. It is not improbable that Pythagoras may have heard of it from -the Magi during his travels in the East. See _Bonomi’s Nineveh_, p. 136. - -[285] “Recubitu” seems preferable to “cubitu.” - -[286] This is very doubtful, Fée says. - -[287] See B. xvi, c. 71. - -[288] See B. xvi. c. 71. - -[289] Blackberries are still used in the country, Fée says, as an -astringent medicine, and all here stated that is based upon that -property is rational enough. The same cannot, however, be said of the -greater part of the other statements in this Chapter. - -[290] See B. xx. cc. 23, 81, and B. xxiii. cc. 12, 18. - -[291] See B. xx. c. 81, B. xxii. c. 13, and B. xxiii. c. 23. - -[292] Cabbage-sprouts. See B. xix. c. 41. - -[293] Or “mouth-medicine.” See B. xxiii. c. 71. - -[294] See B. xxvi. cc. 31, 49, 87, and 90. - -[295] The spider called “phalangium” is meant, Fée says. See B. xi. c. -28. - -[296] Astringents. - -[297] “Lapidescunt.” - -[298] The eglantine. See B. xvi. c. 71. - -[299] He alludes to “bedeguar,” a fungous excrescence found on the wild -rose-tree, and produced by the insect known as the Cynips rosæ. It is -somewhat rough on the exterior, like the outer coat of the chesnut. - -[300] The fruit, Fée says, of the wild eglantine. See B. xxv. c. 6. - -[301] Or “dog-bramble.” - -[302] “Dog-strangle,” apparently. - -[303] “Drawn with a string.” Fée thinks that Pliny has confused the -account given of this plant with that of the Aglaophotis, mentioned in -c. 102 of this Book, and that the Cynosbatos is only a variety of the -Rubus or bramble. Other authorities identify it with the Rubus caninus, -or with the Rosa sempervirens. Desfontaines thinks that it is the Ribes -nigrum, or black currant; and Littré is of opinion that some gooseberry -or currant tree is meant. - -[304] See B. xiii. c. 44. - -[305] “Thyrsus.” Fée thinks that the allusion is to the produce of the -caper, while Hardouin says that it is the first cynosbatos that he is -speaking of. Hardouin is probably right. - -[306] The blossom, perhaps, of the Rubus fruticosus, or blackberry. - -[307] See B. xii. c. 60. - -[308] Fée says that they have no such property, and that the blossoms -of the bramble are entirely destitute of any known medicinal qualities. -The roots and leaves are somewhat astringent. - -[309] The raspberry; see B. xvi. c. 71. - -[310] There is one variety which is very diminutive, and entirely -destitute of thorns, the Rubus Idæus lævis of C. Bauhin, the Rubus -Idæus non spinosus of J. Bauhin. - -[311] See B. xvi. c. 71. - -[312] Of the bramble genus. - -[313] In reality, as Fée says, there is no botanical affinity between -the Rubus, or bramble, and the Rhamnus. - -[314] Sprengel identifies this plant with the Zizyphus vulgaris of -Linnæus, the jujube, and Desfontaines is of the same opinion. Fée, -however, takes it to be the Rhamnus saxatilis of Linnæus, the rock -buckthorn. - -[315] Identified by some authorities with the Paliurus aculeatus of -Decandolles, mentioned in c. 71. Sprengel is in doubt whether it may -not be the Rhamnus lycioides of Linnæus. - -[316] Not a characteristic, Fée says, of the genus Rhamnus of modern -Botany. - -[317] Or “Lycian” extract. See B. xii. c. 15. - -[318] See B. xii. c. 15. Fée identifies this with the modern Catechu, -a decoction from the Acacia catechu, a leguminous plant of the East -Indies. - -[319] The Rhamnus lycioides of Linnæus, our buckthorn. The Indian plant -from which catechu is extracted is of a similar nature. See B. xii. c. -15. - -[320] This Fée looks upon as an exaggeration. - -[321] See B. xii. c. 15. - -[322] _I.e._ the choice part of it; see B. xii. c. 15. Catechu is -adulterated at the present day with starch and argillaceous earths. As -a medicament it is not possessed of a very powerful action. - -[323] “Clavos.” - -[324] This statement is quite correct. - -[325] See B. xiii. c. 20. - -[326] The Penæa sarcocolla is not a thorny tree. - -[327] Fée says that this is not the case. It is no longer used in -medicine. - -[328] Or conserve of fruits. An electuary. - -[329] Seed of the sumach. See B. xiii. c. 13. - -[330] “Ground oak.” See B. xiv. c. 19; where it is identified with -the Teucrium chamædrys of Linnæus. Littré, however, informs us, -that M. Fraäs considers it to be the Teucrium lucidum of Linnæus; -because, as we learn from Dioscorides, it grows on rocky places, is a -remarkably diminutive shrub, and has a fine odour, all of which are -characteristics of the latter plant, and not of the Teucrium chamædrys, -commonly known as the dwarf oak or germander. - -[331] An invention attributed to Dædalus, in B. vii. c. 57. - -[332] The Teucrium chamædrys is a bitter plant, which has been -successfully used for fever, and it acts as a tonic and vermifuge. -Beyond these, it has no medicinal properties whatever. - -[333] See B. xiv. c. 19. - -[334] Or “ground-laurel.” Fée considers this to be identical with the -Alexandrian laurel, mentioned in B. xv. c. 39. It is no longer used -in medicine, but the roots of a plant of kindred nature, the Ruseus -aculeatus, or butcher’s broom, are diuretic. - -[335] Or “ground olive.” See B. xiii. c. 35. - -[336] This, Fée says, is consistent with modern experience; indeed it -is drastic to a dangerous extent. - -[337] “Albugines.” - -[338] Or “ground fig.” The Euphorbia chamæsyce, or annual spurge. - -[339] The juices are irritating and acrid, and would in reality be -highly dangerous to the eyes. - -[340] Owing to its caustic powers, it really is good for the removal of -warts. - -[341] Or “ground-ivy.” See B. xvi. c. 62, and c. 49 of this Book. - -[342] Fée says that this comparison is not strictly correct. - -[343] The “ground-poplar.” See B. xxvi. c. 19. Identified with the -Tussilago farfara of Linnæus; our colt’s-foot. - -[344] Or “tube”—“infundibulum.” Colt’s-foot is still smoked, either -by itself or in conjunction with tobacco. Fée says, however, that to -inhale the smoke in the manner here described, would be enough to -create a cough if it did not exist before. - -[345] “Ground-pine” or “ground pitch-tree.” Identified by Sprengel with -the Stohelina chamæpeuce of Willdenow, a corymbiferous plant of the -Isle of Candia. - -[346] “Ground-cypress.” Identified with the Euphorbia cyparissias of -Linnæus, the cypress spurge. Taken internally, it is a corrosive poison. - -[347] Or “vine-leek.” The Allium ampeloprason of Linnæus, the great -round-headed garlic. It is no longer used in medicine, and all that -Pliny states as to its medicinal properties is quite unfounded, Fée -says. - -[348] Fée thinks that Pliny has committed an error here, and that the -word “marrubii” should be substituted, our “horehound.” He identifies -it with the Stachys Germanica of Linnæus, or base horehound; which is -more commonly found in the South of Europe than in Germany. - -[349] Or “bed-foot.” The Clinopodium vulgare of Linnæus, our wild -basil. It has some useful properties attributed to it; but what Pliny -here states respecting it is erroneous. - -[350] This seems to be the meaning of “orbiculato foliorum ambitu.” - -[351] Turner and C. Bauhin identify it with the Gnaphalium Germanicum -of Lamarck, and Sprengel with the Polygonum convolvulus of Linnæus. If -so, Fée says, the synonym here given by Pliny is erroneous; for the -Greek clematis, there can be little doubt, is the Clematis cirrhosa of -Linnæus. See the account given of the Gnaphalion in B. xxvii. c. 61. - -[352] All that Pliny states as to its medicinal properties, Fée says, -is erroneous. - -[353] Probably the Asclepias nigra of Linnæus, black swallow-wort. - -[354] The Asclepias nigra has no such medicinal effects as those -mentioned by Pliny. - -[355] The Vinca major and Vinca minor of Linnæus, the greater and -smaller periwinkle. Fée is at a loss to know why it should be called -“Egyptian,” as it is a plant of Europe. - -[356] “Laurel-shaped” and “many-cornered.” - -[357] In B. xix. c. 30. - -[358] Fée says that the Dracontion of the Greeks and the Dracunculus -of the Latins are identical, being represented in modern Botany by the -Arum dracunculus of Linnæus, the common dragon. - -[359] From “draco,” a “dragon” or “serpent.” Fée says, that it is not -to its roots, but to its spotted stem, resembling the skin of an adder, -that it owes its name. - -[360] “Virus.” Fée says that the Arum dracunculus has a strong, fetid -odour, and all parts of it are acrid and caustic, while the Arum -colocasia has an agreeable flavour when boiled. - -[361] This, Fée says, is fabulous. - -[362] Though no longer used in medicine, the account here given of -the properties of the Arum colocasia is in general correct, a few -marvellous details excepted. - -[363] Sillig thinks that there is a lacuna here, and that the name -“Cleophantus” should be supplied. - -[364] Fée thinks that, thus employed, it would be more injurious than -beneficial. Though Pliny is treating here of the Arum colocasia or -Egyptian Arum, he has mingled some few details with it, relative to the -Arum dracunculus, a plant endowed with much more energetic properties. -See Note 360 above. - -[365] See B. viii. c. 54, as to the use alleged to be made by animals -of this plant. - -[366] Fée says that this is very doubtful. - -[367] In c. 91 of this Book. This story is owing merely to its -appearance, which somewhat resembles the skin of a serpent. - -[368] “Demonstratum mihi est.” - -[369] Identified by Fée with the Arum Italicum of Lamarck. - -[370] Fée queries whether this may not be the Arum maculatum of -Linnæus, wake-robin, cuckoo pint, or lords and ladies. - -[371] Identified by C. Bauhin with the Calla palustris of Linnæus. - -[372] The Arum arisarum of Linnæus, hooded arum or friar’s cowl, a -native of the coasts of Barbary and the South of Europe. - -[373] Or “ten thousand leaves.” The Myriophyllum spicatum of Linnæus, -according to most authorities, though Fée considers it very doubtful. - -[374] Possibly the Achillea millefolium of Linnæus, our milfoil or -yarrow. It is still said to have the property of healing wounds made by -edge-tools, for which reason it is known in France as the “carpenter’s -plant.” - -[375] This assertion, as Fée remarks, is more than doubtful. - -[376] “Bastard turnip.” Desfontaines identifies it with the Bunium -aromaticum; Fée queries whether it may not be the Pimpinella tenuis of -Sieber, found in Crete. The Berberis vulgaris has been also suggested. - -[377] Desfontaines identifies it with the Scandix odorata of Linnæus. -Hardouin says that it is musk chervil, the Chærophyllum aromaticum -of Linnæus, in which he has followed Dodonæus. Fuchsius suggests the -Chærophyllum silvestre of Linnæus: Fée expresses himself at a loss to -decide. - -[378] Probably the Hedysarum onobrychis of Linnæus, our sainfoin. - -[379] They are _very much_ larger than those of the lentil, in fact. -This diversity has caused Fée to express some doubts whether it really -is identical with sainfoin. The Polygala officinalis has also been -suggested. - -[380] Dalechamps considers these appellations to mean the “virgins’ -plant,” and the “plant of beauty.” - -[381] The Cissampelos Pareira, as already stated, abounds in mucilage -to such a degree, as to impart a consistency to water, without -impairing its transparency. See c. 72 of this Book. - -[382] The reading of this word is doubtful. Hardouin thinks that it is -the same as the Minyanthes mentioned in B. xxi. c. 88. - -[383] Fée says that the only cases known of a phænomenon resembling -this, are those of the Dictamnus albus, white dittany, which attracts -flame momentarily when in flower, and of the Tropæolum majus, or great -Indian cress. He thinks, however, that there are some trees so rich in -essential oil, that they might possibly ignite as readily as naphtha. - -[384] In B. ii. c. 109. - -[385] Another reading here is “aproxis,” which seems more probable. - -[386] “The work of his own hands,” according to Hesychius. - -[387] “Admiration of man.” It is impossible to say what plant is meant -under this name, but the pæony, Pæonia officinalis, has been suggested; -also the Tropæolum majus. Desfontaines queries whether it may not be -the Cæsalpinia pulcherrima, a native of the East. Some authors, Fée -says, have identified it with the “Moly” of Homer. - -[388] So called from Achæmenes, the ancestor of the Persian kings. Fée -thinks that it was a variety of the Euphorbia antiquorum, or else a -nightshade. - -[389] “Food for the gods.” - -[390] See B. xii. c. 30; also the Introduction to Vol. III. - -[391] “Venerable” or “majestic.” - -[392] “Hard as a diamond.” - -[393] The Spina Ariana is mentioned in B. xii. c. 18. - -[394] See B. xx. c. 65, where a plant is mentioned by this name. - -[395] Dalechamps thinks that an Euphorbia is meant under this name. - -[396] “Serpent-plant.” Fée thinks that a hemlock may possibly be meant, -or perhaps the Arum serpentaria; see c. 93 of this Book. - -[397] “Brightness of the sea.” A narcotic plant, Fée thinks, probably a -night-shade. - -[398] Hardouin suggests “potamitis,” river-plant. - -[399] It is not impossible that this may in reality be an allusion to -the effects of opium, or of hasheesh. - -[400] “Messenger of the gods,” apparently. - -[401] “Laughing leaves.” Possibly, Fée thinks, the Ranunculus -philonotis, the Herba Sardoa or Sardonic plant of Virgil, known by some -authorities as the Apium risus, or “laughing parsley.” Desfontaines -suggests that hemp (prepared in the form of _hasheesh_) is meant. - -[402] “Convivial” plant. Desfontaines identifies it with the Areca -catechu, which is chewed in India for the benefit of the teeth and -stomach, and as a sweetener of the breath. - -[403] “Brother” plant. - -[404] “Bride of Dionysus or Bacchus.” - -[405] “Sun-flower.” Not the plant, however, known to us by that name. - -[406] “Beauty of the sun,” apparently. - -[407] “Mixture of Hermes,” apparently. - -[408] Previously mentioned in this Chapter. - -[409] As Fée remarks, it has been a notion in comparatively recent -times, that it is possible to procreate children of either sex at -pleasure. - -[410] The “bashful” plant. An Acacia, Fée thinks; see B. xiii. c. 19. -The Mimosa casta, pudica, and sensitiva, have similar properties: the -Sensitive Plant is well known in this country. - -[411] Fée queries whether this may not be the Silene muscipula of -Linnæus, the fly-trap. - -[412] The “wine-tamer.” - -[413] Hardouin thinks that he alludes to the Grammarian Apion. -Dalechamps thinks that it is either Apion or Apollodorus. - -[414] The “returning” plant. Fée says that the Sedum Telephium of -Linnæus, or orpine, is called in the dictionaries by this name. He -queries whether it may not be the Sedum anacampseros, or evergreen -orpine, as Hesychius says that it continues to live after being taken -up from the earth; a peculiarity, to some extent, of the house-leek. - -[415] He probably alludes to his remarks upon Magic, in Books xxix. and -xxx. - -[416] From ἔριφος, a “kid.” Ruellius has attempted to identify this -plant with one of the Ranunculaceæ; but there is little doubt, as Fée -says, that both plant and insect are imaginary. - -[417] “Herba lanaria.” See B. xix. c. 18. - -[418] Hardouin identifies it with the Ulva lactuca of Linnæus; but -that plant, Fée says, contains no milky juice, and does not act as an -emetic. One of the Euphorbiaceæ is probably meant. - -[419] “Military” plant. Hardouin identifies it with the Achillea -millefolium of Linnæus, mentioned in c. 95 of this Book. Fée, however, -does not recognize the identity. - -[420] “Soldier” plant. Cæsalpinus identifies it with the Salvinia -natans; but Fée thinks, with Sprengel, that it is the Pistia stratiotes -of Linnæus, great duckweed or pondweed. - -[421] “Always living.” See B. xix. c. 58. - -[422] It is pretty clear that in relating this absurdity he is not -speaking of one plant solely, but of any plant which may chance to grow -on the head of a statue. Numerous mosses grow upon marble; and statues -are gradually covered, Fée says, with the Byssus antiquitatis. - -[423] “Tongue” plant. Fée identifies it with the Scolopendrium -officinarum of Willdenow, the Lingua cervina of other botanists. See B. -xxv. c. 84. - -[424] In B. xiv. c. 3. - -[425] Or “vine-supporting.” - -[426] Fée suggests that this may possibly be the Spiræa ulmaria of -Linnæus. - -[427] The “impious” or “unnatural” plant. Fée identifies it with -the Filago Gallica of Linnæus, the corn cudweed. It is destitute of -medicinal properties, and what Pliny states is without foundation. - -[428] Generally identified with the Scandix pecten Veneris, corn -cicely, or shepherd’s needle. See B. xxii. c. 38. - -[429] Fée queries whether this may not possibly be the Rhus coriaria -of Linnæus, elm-leaved sumach, mentioned in B. xiii. c. 13. He would -appear, however, to have confounded it with the Notia, next mentioned. - -[430] “Man-loving,” or rather “attached to man.” Identified with the -Galium aparine of Linnæus, goose-grass, or common ladies bedstraw; the -seeds of which attach themselves to the dress. - -[431] See B. xxi. c. 64. - -[432] The dog-bur. The Lappa tomentosa of Lamarck. See B. xxvi. c. 65. - -[433] See c. 95 of this Book. - -[434] Or hartwort; see B. xx. cc. 18, 87. - -[435] The Tordylium officinale of Linnæus, officinal hart-wort. - -[436] “Grass.” The Triticum repens, or Paspalum dactylon of Linnæus, -our couch-grass. - -[437] This is probably quite a different production, being the -Parnassia palustris, according to Dodonæus; but Fée is inclined to -think that it is the Campanula rapunculus of Linnæus, bell-flower or -rampions. - -[438] Fée thinks that this applies to the plant of Parnassus, and not -to the common Gramen. - -[439] This property, Fée says, is still attributed to couch-grass. - -[440] “Draconum.” A peculiar kind of serpent. See Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. -ix. ll. 727-8. - -[441] No such variety is known. - -[442] Fée is somewhat at a loss as to its identity, but thinks that -it may be the Panicum sanguinale of Linnæus, or possibly the Cynodon -dactylon. - -[443] See B. xix. c. 58, and B. xxv. c. 102. Possibly a Sedum or -houseleek, Fée thinks; certainly not a grass. - -[444] Fée queries whether this may not be the Poa rigida of Linnæus, -hard meadow-grass. - -[445] An Euphorbia, Fée thinks. - -[446] “Bull’s horn” or “goat’s horn.” - -[447] In B. xviii. c. 39. - -[448] The seed contains a mucilage, and is considered emollient and -resolvent. Till recently, Fenugreek was the base, Fée says, of a -plaster held in high esteem. - -[449] “Sapa.” Grape-juice boiled down to one-third. - -[450] “Sapa.” - -[451] Fée remarks, that in reality there is no bitterness in fenugreek. -He suggests therefore, that the meaning may be “offensive smell,” that -emitted by fenugreek being far from agreeable. - -[452] See end of B. xx. - -[453] See end of B. xiv. - -[454] See end of B. xii. - -[455] See end of B. xx. - -[456] See end of B. xx. - -[457] See end of B. vii. - -[458] See end of B. iii. - -[459] See end of B. xi. - -[460] See end of B. ii. - -[461] See end of B. xx. - -[462] See end of B. ii. - -[463] See end of B. viii. - -[464] See end of B. xix. - -[465] See end of B. viii. - -[466] See end of B. vii. - -[467] See end of B. xxi. - -[468] See end of B. xxi. - -[469] See end of B. xxi. - -[470] See end of B. xxi. - -[471] See end of B. iv. - -[472] See end of B. xxi. - -[473] See end of B. xxi. - -[474] See end of B. xxi. - -[475] See end of B. vii. - -[476] See end of B. xx. - -[477] See end of B. xx. - -[478] See end of B. xx. - -[479] See end of B. xii. - -[480] See end of B. xxv. - -[481] See end of B. xxii. - -[482] See end of B. xx. - -[483] See end of B. xx. - -[484] See end of B. xx. - -[485] See end of B. xx. - -[486] See end of B. xx. - -[487] See end of B. xx. - -[488] See end of B. xx. - -[489] See end of B. xx. - -[490] See end of B. vii. - -[491] See end of B. xx. - -[492] See end of B. xx. - -[493] See end of B. xii. - -[494] See end of B. xi. - -[495] See end of B. xii. - -[496] See end of B. xx. - -[497] See end of B. xii. - -[498] See end of B. xx. - -[499] See end of B. xx. - -[500] See end of B. xx. - -[501] See end of B. xx. - -[502] See end of B. xx. - -[503] See end of B. xx. - -[504] See end of B. xii. - -[505] See end of B. xx. - -[506] See end of B. xx. - -[507] See end of B. xix. - -[508] See end of B. xx. - -[509] See end of B. xx. - -[510] As Fée remarks, it is more as a writer upon Agriculture than upon -Materia Medica, that Cato is entitled to the thanks of posterity. - -[511] See end of B. xx. - -[512] His piety, apparently, was tainted with adulation. - -[513] With the exception of Cato, of course. - -[514] See end of B. xiv. - -[515] See c. 79 of this Book: also B. xxiii. c. 77, and B. xxix. c. 8. - -[516] A mere prejudice, arising from the fact that numerous poisonous -plants grew in the countries on the shores of the Euxine. The blood of -no animal whatever is an antidote to any poison. - -[517] See B. vii. c. 37. An interesting account of his system will be -found in B. xxvi. c. 7. See also B. xxix. c. 5. - -[518] See B. xxiii. c. 77. - -[519] The four great changes in plants, though not always at the four -seasons of the year, are the budding and foliation, the blossoming, the -fructification, and the fall of the leaf. - -[520] See end of B. xx. - -[521] There is little doubt that he alludes to the passage of Æschylus, -quoted by Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 15. Τυῤῥήνων γενεὰν -φαρμακοποιὸν ἔθνος—“The race of the Tyrrheni, a drug-preparing nation.” - -[522] See B. ii. c. 87, B. iii. c. 9, B. xv. c. 36, and B. xxxii. c. 21. - -[523] See B. vii. c. 2. - -[524] See B. ii. c. 87. - -[525] Od. iv. 228, _et seq._ - -[526] See B. xxi. c. 91. - -[527] See B. xxi. cc. 21, 84. - -[528] Or serpent. - -[529] In B. x. c. 20. - -[530] Most probably by the agency of “feverish expectation” on the part -of the patient. - -[531] In B. xviii. c. 45. - -[532] As Fée remarks, this dreadful malady is still incurable, -notwithstanding the eulogiums which have been lavished upon the virtues -of the Scutellaria laterifolia of Linnæus, the Alisma plantago, Genista -tinctoria, and other plants, as specifics for its cure. - -[533] Dog-rose, or eglantine. See B. viii. c. 63. - -[534] An unwarranted assertion, no doubt. - -[535] He alludes to a substance known to us as “bedegnar,” a kind of -gall-nut, produced by the insect called Cynips rosæ. - -[536] Or “little dragon.” The Arum dracunculus of Linnæus. See B. xxiv. -cc. 91, 93. - -[537] In c. 93. - -[538] As Fée remarks, the influence of water impregnated with selenite -upon the health is well known. - -[539] Fée says that this disease was an “intense gastritis, productive -of a fetid breath.” It would seem, however, to be neither more nor less -than the malady now known as “scurvy of the gums.” Galen describes the -“sceloturbe,” as a kind of paralysis. “Stomacace” means “disease of the -mouth;” “sceloturbe” “disease of the legs.” - -[540] Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Rumex aquaticus, -but Fée considers it to be the Inula Britannica of Linnæus. The Statice -armeria, Statice plantaginea, and Polygonum persicaria have also been -suggested. - -[541] The pseudo-Apuleius, in B. xxix. t. 7, says, that if gathered -before thunder has been heard, it will be a preservative against quinzy -for a whole year. - -[542] The flower of the Inula Britannica, Fée says, is much more -likely, from its peculiarities, to have merited a peculiar name, than -that of the Rumex. - -[543] Lipsius, in his Commentaries upon Tacitus, Ann. i. 63, has very -satisfactorily shown that it did not derive its name from the islands -of Britain, but from a local appellation, the name given by the natives -to the marshy tracts upon the banks of the Ems, between Lingen and -Covoerden, which are still known as the “Bretaasche Heyde.” Munting -and Poinsinet de Sivry suggest that it may have received its name from -being used as a strengthener of the teeth in their sockets, being -compounded of the words _tann_, “tooth,” and _brita_, “to break.” - -[544] And therefore comparatively unknown. - -[545] In c. 33, _et seq._, of this Book. - -[546] In the next Book. - -[547] See the case of M. Agrippa, mentioned in B. xxiii. c. 27. - -[548] Said, by Plutarch, to have been administered to him by his -freedman Callisthenes, with the view of securing his affection - -[549] Od. x. l. 302, _et seq._ - -[550] Fée devotes a couple of pages to the _vexata quæstio_ of the -identification of this plant, and comes to the conclusion that the -Moly of Homer, mentioned on the present occasion, and of Theophrastus, -Ovid, and the poets in general is only an imaginary plant; that the -white-flowered Moly of Dioscorides and Galen is identical with the -Allium Dioscoridis of Sibthorp; and that the yellow-flowered Moly of -the author of the Priapeia is not improbably the Allium Moly or magicum -of Linnæus. Sprengel derives the name “Moly” from the Arabic, and -identifies it with the Allium nigrum of Linnæus. - -[551] Homer says that there _is_ difficulty to men, but not to the gods. - -[552] In their pictures, mentioned in c. 4. - -[553] Ovid, Galen, and Theophrastus, say the same. - -[554] There must either be some error in the reading here, or the -physician must have attempted to impose upon our author’s credulity. - -[555] Or “the twelve gods.” - -[556] Generally identified with the Primula vulgaris or officinalis of -Linnæus. Its leaves, however, are of varying number, and not like those -of the lettuce. The Dodecatheos Meadia, or Virginian cowslip, it must -be remembered, is an American plant. - -[557] The Pæonia officinalis of Linnæus, our Peony. - -[558] Pæon, the physician, mentioned in the Iliad, B. v. l. 401. as -healing Pluto, when wounded by Hercules. - -[559] From its _five_ seeds, which resemble _fitches_. - -[560] “Sweet to the view,” apparently. - -[561] See B. xxiii. c. 76. - -[562] He means nightmare. - -[563] See B. x. cc. 18, 20, and B. xxvii. c. 60. - -[564] The Greek for “all-healing.” - -[565] Probably the Laserpitium hirsutum of Lamarck. The Echinophora -tenuifolia of Linnæus, the thin-leaved prickly parsnip, has also been -named. - -[566] Or “All-heal.” - -[567] In B. xii. c. 57 - -[568] In B. xii. c. 57. - -[569] Identified with the Laserpitium Chironium of Linnæus, otherwise -called Pastinaca opopanax. Fée observes, that when the word ‘Panaces’ -is used alone, this plant is always the one meant. - -[570] In B. xx. cc. 62, 69. - -[571] The Centaur Chiron; see B. vii. c. 57. Sprengel identifies -this plant with the Hypericum origanifolium of Willdenow, but Fée is -inclined to think that its synonym is still unknown. M. Fraäs, in -his Synopsis, p. 139, identifies it with the Hypericum Olympicum, an -odoriferous plant, which the H. organifolium is not. - -[572] The Centaurea centaurium of Linnæus, the greater centaury. - -[573] “Seritur.” - -[574] Hardouin identifies it with the Geranium Robertianum of Linnæus; -Sprengel and Desfontaines with the Phellandrium mutellina of Linnæus; -Columna with the Sanicula; Sibthorp with the Scrofularia lucida; and -M. Fraäs with the Scrofula chrysanthemifolia of Linnæus. Fée expresses -himself unable to speak with any certainty on the subject. - -[575] Whence its name “sidereon.” - -[576] Or “Chironian vine.” - -[577] In B. xxiii. c. 17. - -[578] In B. xxii. c. 20. - -[579] “Swine’s bean”—our henbane. - -[580] The Hyoscyamus reticulatus of Linnæus, reticulated henbane. - -[581] The Hyoscyamus niger of Linnæus, black henbane. - -[582] See B. xviii. c. 22, and B. xxii. c. 75. The Hyoscyamus aureus of -Linnaæus, golden henbane. - -[583] The Hyoscyamus albus of Linnæus, white henbane. - -[584] The third kind mentioned above. - -[585] In B. xv. c. 7, and B. xxiii. c. 49. This cannot have been a -fixed oil. - -[586] The Mercuralis annua of Linnæus, male and female; the herb -mercury. - -[587] “Herb of Hermes.” - -[588] The male, as Fée suggests, bears no seed at all. - -[589] A mere absurdity, of course. - -[590] De Nat. Mul. and De Morb. Mul. B. i. and B. ii. - -[591] The medicinal properties of the Mercurialis are not by any means -energetic, but it is still used, Fée says, as a gentle aperient. - -[592] B. xxvi. cc, 74, 76, 89. - -[593] Both stories are equally improbable. - -[594] See B. xxxiv. c. 45. - -[595] The weapons in early time, it must be remembered, were made of -copper or bronze. - -[596] The third Sideritis of Dioscorides is thought to be the same with -the Heracleon siderion of c. 15 of this Book. Pliny evidently confounds -the Achillea and the Sideritis, totally different plants. The Achillea -is identified by Fée with the Achillea tomentosa or abrotonifolia of -Linnæus. As to the Sideritis, see B. xxvi. c. 12. The _real_ Panaces -heracleon has been mentioned in c. 12 of this Book. - -[597] Or “Thousand leaves,” probably identical with the Achillea -millefolium of Linnæus, milfoil or yarrow. See B. xxiv. c. 95. - -[598] “Marrubii.” - -[599] “Ironwort.” The third Sideritis of Dioscorides, above mentioned. -See c. 15 of this Book. See also B. xxvi. cc. 12 and 88. - -[600] Identified by Desfontaines with the Sanguisorba officinalis of -Linnæus. - -[601] “Royal broom,” identified by many commentators with the -Chenopodium scoparia of Linnæus. - -[602] Or “mule-plant.” It is identified by Fée with the Asplenion -ceterach, or Ceterach officinarum of Linnæus, the Ceterach, a fern, and -a different plant from the Teucrium of B. xxiv. c. 80, or Germander. - -[603] Hence its name, “Asplenium.” - -[604] “Exinanisse.” A fable, of course. - -[605] The Teuerium lucidum of Linnæus: though, as Fée says, there is -little similarity between it and hyssop, or between its leaves and -those of the bean. See B. xxiv. c. 80. - -[606] Identified by Fée with the Veratrum album and Veratrum nigrum of -Linnæus, species between which there is little difference. - -[607] Identified by Tournefort with the Helleborus niger of Lamarck. -Littré mentions the Helleborus orientalis of Linnæus. - -[608] The stem of white hellebore is much longer than this. - -[609] This comparison with the onion, Fée says, is altogether inexact. - -[610] If he would imply that they do this without inconvenience, the -statement, Fée says, is incorrect. - -[611] “Cut off,” and “With many roots.” - -[612] Hellebore is no longer used, except in veterinary medicine. - -[613] Petronius Arbiter says that the philosopher Chrysippus used it. - -[614] M. Livius Drusus. See B. xxviii. c. 42, and B. xxxiii. c. 6. - -[615] Anticyra in Phocis was a peninsula, _not_ an island. - -[616] In B. xxii. c. 64. - -[617] In B. xix. c. 18. - -[618] Hence the Greek name “ectomon.” - -[619] “Tenuior.” - -[620] This is the meaning assigned by Hardouin to the word “ramulos.” -Holland renders it “small shoots” or “slips,” and he is probably right. - -[621] “Squama æris.” - -[622] See a similar statement as to Consiligo, in B. xxvi c. 21. - -[623] See B. xv. c. 7, and B. xxiv. c. 11. - -[624] Its properties, Fée says, are not more active than those of black -hellebore. - -[625] Fée remarks, that they showed their wisdom in this. - -[626] Herophilus, it must be remembered, lived a considerable time -before Themison. - -[627] “Forficulis.” He probably refers to c. 21, where, however, he has -mentioned only a needle—“acus.” It is possibly a _lapsus memoriæ_ on -his part. - -[628] This he has stated to be attended with danger, in the case of -black hellebore, should the dose be too strong. - -[629] In c. 21 of this Book. - -[630] Twitchings of the mouth, which cause the patient to show his -teeth, like a dog. - -[631] Cæsalpinus identifies it with the Erythronium dens canis of -Linnæus, and Commerson and Schreiber with the Dorstenia tambourissa of -Sonnerat. Fée is probably right in considering its synonym as still -unknown. - -[632] Hardouin identifies it with the Stachys Germanica, Linnæus and -Sprengel with the Nepeta scordotis of Linnæus, and Fée with the Stachys -Palæstina. - -[633] Fée remarks, that none of the plants mentioned in the last Note -bear any resemblance to the “quercus,” or oak. - -[634] Probably the Teucrium scorodonia of Linnæus, Fée says; though, as -he remarks, the description might apply to many of the Labiatæ. - -[635] Its names were derived from Polemon, a king of Pontus, and -Philetærus, a king of Cappadocia. It is generally identified with the -Polemonium cæruleum of Linnæus, Greek valerian, or Jacob’s ladder. M. -Fraäs suggests that it may be the Hypericum Olympicum of Linnæus, with -which he also identifies the Panaces chironion. - -[636] “With a thousand virtues.” - -[637] So called probably from a king Eupator. Sprengel and Desfontaines -identify it with the Agrimonia eupatorium, but Fée prefers the -Eupatorium cannabinum of Linnæus, relying upon the description given by -Dioscorides. B. iv. c. 41. - -[638] Fée considers this to be the same with the Panaces centaurion or -Pharnaceon of c. 14 of this Book, the greater Centaury. Littré also -names the Centaurea centaureum of Linnæus. - -[639] See B. xii. c. 15. B. xxiii. cc. 58, 60, and B. xxiv. c. 77, for -a preparation with a similar name, but, as Fée says, of an entirely -different character. - -[640] In B. xxvi. cc. 15, 19, 34, 55, 66, 76, 85, and 91. - -[641] Or “small” centaury, Probably the Chironia centaureum of Smith, -_Flor. Brit._, our Felwort. Littré names the Erythræa centaureum of -Persoon. - -[642] From λιβάδες, “flowing streams.” - -[643] See B. xxi. cc. 10, 39, and 98, also c. 80 of this Book. - -[644] “Fel terræ.” - -[645] A word of Celtic origin, most probably, and not from the Greek, -as Pintianus supposes. - -[646] Theophrastus, as stated by Pliny, in B. ix. c. 9, says that -centaury is protected by the “triorchis” (see B. x. cc. 95, 96), and -Pliny in translating the passage has made a mistake as to a third kind. -Fée is probably right in his conjecture that the Centaurea centaureum -is meant; though Brotier and Desfontaines look upon this as being a -distinct plant, and identify it with the Rumex sanguineus of Linnæus. - -[647] The root of the greater centaury, Fée remarks, is of a deep red -within. - -[648] Pliny himself is one of the “imperiti” here. - -[649] Son of Cæneus, and king of Arcadia. The plant is identified with -the Lonicera periclymenum of Linnæus, our Woodbine or Honeysuckle. -Sibthorp identifies the Clymenum of Dioscorides with the Convolvulus -sepium of Linnæus, and Sprengel with the Lathyrus clymenum of Linnæus. - -[650] Possibly the Clymenum of Dioscorides, mentioned in the preceding -Note. Littré names the Calendula arvensis, the Field marigold. - -[651] The Gentiana lutea of Linnæus. - -[652] This, Fée remarks, is not the fact. - -[653] This comparison is inexact. - -[654] It is _not_ swarthy. - -[655] A king of Thrace, contemporary with Alexander the Great. Sprengel -and Desfontaines identify this plant with the Lythrum salicaria of -Linnæus, the purple Willow-herb. Fée, on the authority of Dioscorides, -identifies it with the Lysimachia vulgaris of Linnæus, the yellow -Willow-plant. Littré gives the Lysimachia atro-purpurea of Linnæus. - -[656] Pliny has probably mistranslated the Greek πυῤῥόν here, “reddish -yellow.” - -[657] An absurdity, of course. - -[658] Artemis or Diana, the guardian of pregnant women. - -[659] Probably the Artemisia chamæmelifolia, Camomile-leaved mugwort. -The A. arborescens, the Tree-wormwood is named by Littré. - -[660] Either the Artemisia Pontica of Linnæus, Little wormwood, or -Roman wormwood, or else A. campestris of Linnæus, Field southern-wood. - -[661] Identified with the Artemisia camphorata of Linnæus, Camphorated -mugwort. - -[662] Quite a different plant. See B. xxvii. c. 11. - -[663] Judging from the text of Dioscorides, a passage has been probably -lost here, to the effect that “it is taken in drink by persons troubled -with lascivious dreams.” - -[664] Identified with the Nymphæa alba of Linnæus, the White-flowered -nymphæa. - -[665] “Adversatur ei allium.” A corrupt reading, in all probability. - -[666] The Nuphar lutea of Sibthorp; the Yellow-flowered nymphæa, or -Nenuphar. - -[667] See B. v. c. i. - -[668] In B. xix. c. 38. - -[669] Il. xii. 444. - -[670] The Euphorbia officinarum of Linnæus, Officinal spurge. - -[671] An incorrect statement, as Fée remarks. - -[672] Its odour, Fée says, is not so strong as Pliny would have us -believe. - -[673] On the contrary, Fée observes, it would be not unlikely to -produce ophthalmia of the most obstinate kind. - -[674] This Fée considers to be almost impracticable. - -[675] Cisalpine Gaul. - -[676] See B. xiii. c. 35. - -[677] See B. xii. c. 49, B. xxiv. c. 14, and B. xxxi. c. 39. - -[678] The Plantago lagopus of Linnæus, according to Sibthorp; but -Sprengel identifies it with the Plantago lanceolata of Linnæus, or else -the P. maritima. - -[679] The Plantago altissima or major of modern botany. - -[680] _I.e._ the ribs, nerves, or sinews of the leaf. - -[681] “Seven-sided.” - -[682] Whence its name, from the Greek. Sprengel and Desfontaines -identify it with the Borrago officinalis of Linnæus, our Borage. Littré -gives the Anchusa Italica. - -[683] Though Pliny’s assertion is supported by the authority of -the School of Salerno, Fée treats it as entirely unfounded. Leaves -of borage still form an ingredient in the beverages known as Copas -and Cider-cup at Cambridge. See this usage, and the identity of the -Buglossos discussed at some length by Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. ii. p. -340, _Bohn’s Ed._ - -[684] “Promoting cheerfulness.” - -[685] “Dog’s tongue.” The Cynoglossum officinale of Linnæus, Hound’s -tongue, or Venus’ navel-wort; or else the C. pictum of Aiton. - -[686] Fée is at a loss to know how it can have been employed in topiary -work or ornamental gardening. - -[687] This statement is made by Dioscorides with reference to -Arnoglossos, Lamb’s tongue, or Plantago. See c. 39, above. - -[688] Identified with the Myosotis lappula of Linnæus, Prickly-seeded -scorpion-grass. - -[689] See B. xxi. c. 64. - -[690] “Ranis.” Under this name he probably includes toads. - -[691] Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Anthemis valentina -of Linnæus, the Purple-stalked camomile; but Fée agrees with Sibthorp -in considering it to be the Chrysanthemum segetum of Linnæus, the -Corn marigold, the former not being, apparently, a native of Greece. -Littré gives the Chrysanthemum coronarium of Linnæus, the Garland -chrysanthemum. - -[692] “Steatomata.” Tumours of a fatty nature. - -[693] Generally agreed to be identical with the Glycyrrhiza of B. xxii. -c. 2, our Liquorice. Fée says that the G. asperrima grows in great -abundance on the banks of the river Volga. - -[694] See B. xxvii. c. 1. - -[695] Liquorice certainly palls the appetite, but it is very apt to -create thirst. - -[696] In copying from the Greek, Pliny has mistaken “hippace,” a cheese -made from mare’s milk, for a plant! It is very likely, however, that it -would tend, like any other cheese, to appease hunger, though, probably, -not thirst. - -[697] He has probably invented this reason himself, as it is hardly -probable that the Scythians would feed their horses with cheese, even -though made from mare’s milk. - -[698] Sprengel identifies it with the Andropogon ischæmon of -Linnæus, the Woolly andropogon. Fée expresses his doubts as to its -identification. It derives its name “ischæmon,” from its property of -stanching blood. - -[699] To arrest epistaxis or bleeding at the nose. - -[700] The Betonica alopecuros of Linnæus, the Fox-tail betony. - -[701] The “little saw.” - -[702] “Nurtured by breezes.” M. Fraäs thinks that the Cestros of the -Greeks is a different plant from the Vettonica of the Romans, and -identifies it with the Sideritis Syriaca. - -[703] See B. xx. c. 85. - -[704] Pliny is the only author that mentions the Cantabrica, and his -account, Fée thinks, is too meagre to enable us satisfactorily to -identify it with the Convolvulus cantabrica of Linnæus. - -[705] A conical work-basket or cup. See B. xxi. c. 11. - -[706] Sprengel and other commentators identify it with the Pulmonaria -officinalis of Linnæus, Lungwort or Pulmonary. Others, again, consider -it to be the Veratrum album of Linnæus, or White hellebore. Fée -considers that its synonym has not hitherto been discovered. Holland -calls it Bear-foot. - -[707] B. xxvi. c. 21. - -[708] Fée identifies it with the Lepidium graminifolium of Linnæus, -Grass-leaved pepperwort; Desfontaines with the L. Iberis of Linnæus, -Bushy pepperwort. Littré gives as its synonym the Iberis amara of -Linnæus, the White candy-tuft. - -[709] “Fictum nomen.” Salmasius thinks that by these words, Pliny means -that Democrates invented the name of a friend of his as being the -discoverer of this plant, which in reality was discovered by himself. -It would seem to mean, however, that the name “iberis” was only a -fanciful title, derived from the country where it was found, and given -to it for want of acquaintance with its real name. - -[710] Still preserved in Galen, B. x. c. 2. - -[711] The Chelidonium majus of Linnæus, the Greater celandine or -swallow-wort. - -[712] “Pastinaca erratica.” See c. 64 of this Book. - -[713] Identified with the Ranunculus ficaria of Linnæus, the Pilewort, -or Lesser celandine. - -[714] The same is the case, Fée remarks, with numbers of other plants. - -[715] “Collyriis.” - -[716] The Dactylos of B. xxiv. c. 119, is supposed to be the plant -alluded to. The word “canariam” is found here in former editions, but -Sillig omits it. Indeed Pliny seems to say that it is quite unknown to -him. - -[717] In B. xxii. c. 37. - -[718] From the Greek ἕλκω, “to draw.” - -[719] In B. viii. c. 41. - -[720] The Origanum dictamnus of Linnæus, Dittany of Candia. - -[721] This is an error: it grows, and doubtless did in Pliny’s time, in -numerous other places; but that of Mount Ida in Crete was held in the -highest esteem. - -[722] It has all three, in fact; as Fée says, it is evident that Pliny -never saw it. Its medicinal properties are no longer held in any esteem. - -[723] “False-dittany.” It is generally identified with the Marrubium -pseudodictamnus of Linnæus, the Shrubby white horehound; though perhaps -on insufficient grounds. - -[724] Fée is inclined, with Sprengel, to identify it with the Origanum -Creticum of Linnæus. Other commentators have suggested the Origanum -Tournefortii, the Thymus mastichina of Linnæus, and the Marrubium -acetabulosum of Linnæus. - -[725] See B. xx. c. 91. - -[726] “Limes Diomedis.” - -[727] “Most excellent for pregnancy.” - -[728] See B. xxvi. c. 56. - -[729] Identified by Fée with the Aristolochia rotunda of Linnæus, -Rounded birthwort, a native of the south of France and the southern -parts of Europe. Littré gives the Aristolochia pallida of Willdenow. - -[730] Most probably the Aristolochia longa of Linnæus, found in -France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Littré gives as its synonym the -Aristolochia parvifolia of Sibthorp. - -[731] The Aristolochia clematis of Linnæus, almost identical with the -Aristolochia Cretica and Bætica. - -[732] The Aristolochia plistolochia of Linnæus, the Spanish branching -stemmed birthwort. Fée thinks that these identifications, though -probable enough, are not altogether satisfactory, and that the Greeks -may have made these distinctions between varieties of the plant -comparatively unknown to the rest of Europe. They are no longer held in -any esteem for their medicinal properties. - -[733] See B. xxvi. c. 91. - -[734] “With many roots.” - -[735] See B. xxvi. c. 62. - -[736] See c. 6 of this Book. - -[737] See cc. 11, 12, 13, 14, of this Book. - -[738] See B. xx. c. 61. - -[739] See B. xxiv. c. 80. - -[740] See c. 15 of this Book. - -[741] See c. 27 of this Book. - -[742] See c. 35 of this Book. - -[743] See c. 50 of this Book. - -[744] See B. xvi. c. 24. - -[745] See c. 54 of this Book. As Fée remarks, these asserted remedies -for the stings of serpents are not deserving of discussion. - -[746] The Papaver argemone of Linnæus, the Rough poppy. It is a native -of France, and many other parts of Europe. - -[747] This, Fée remarks, is not stated by Dioscorides, whose -description is more correct. - -[748] It is supposed by commentators that he is in error here, and that -this description applies to the Lappa canaria, mentioned in B. xxiv. c. -116. - -[749] The root of the Papaver argemone has no such smell. - -[750] See B. xxi. c. 94, B. xxiv. c. 116, and B. xxvi. c. 59. - -[751] The Boletus agaricum of Aiton, or White agaric. It is a strong -purgative, but is rarely used for that purpose. - -[752] This distinction into male and female is no longer recognized, -though it continued to be so till within the last century. - -[753] Desfontaines identifies it with the Saponaria ocimoïdes. Fée -thinks it may have possibly been some kind of sage, or else a variety -of the Lavendula stœchas of Linnæus, French lavender. Littré gives the -Silene Gallica of Linnæus, the Gallic catchfly. - -[754] Identified by Fée with the Pseudanchusa, Echis, or Doris of B. -xxii. c. 24, the Anchusa Italica of Linnæus. Littré gives the Echium -rubrum of Linnæus. - -[755] The Arctium lappa of Linnæus, probably, our Great clot-burr. See -B. xxi. c. 51. - -[756] See B. xxi. c. 64. - -[757] “Holy plant.” - -[758] “Pigeon plant.” - -[759] Our “vervain.” It was much used in philtres, and was as highly -esteemed as the mistletoe by the people of Gaul. It is no longer used -in medicine. - -[760] In B. xxii. c. 3. - -[761] On the occasion of the Feasts of Jupiter in the Capitol, prepared -by the Septemviri. - -[762] The Verbena supina of Linnæus, Recumbent vervain. - -[763] The Verbena officinalis of Linnæus, Vervain or holy plant. - -[764] See c. 73 of this Book. - -[765] Mostly identified with the third Phlomos, mentioned in c. 74 -of this Book. Littré gives as its synonym the Phlomis fruticosa of -Linnæus, Jerusalem sage, or tree-sage. - -[766] “Blattæ.” - -[767] Not the “Limonion” of B. xx. c. 28, as the Statice limonium emits -no juice. Desfontaines identifies it with the Scolymos or Limonia of B. -xxii. c. 43; but Fée is inclined to think that Pliny is speaking of the -Atractylis gummifera, but has made a mistake in the name. - -[768] Or “five-leaved.” Most probably the Potentilla reptans of -Linnæus, our Cinquefoil, or Five-leaved grass. Sprengel, however, -identifies it with the Tormentilla reptans of Linnæus, the Tormentil; -and other authorities with the Potentilla rupestris of Linnæus. - -[769] Its fruit is dry, and bears no resemblance to the strawberry. - -[770] “Five-leaved.” - -[771] “Creeping on the ground.” - -[772] Identified by Fée with the Sparganium ramosum of Linnæus, or -Branchy burr-reed. Littré gives the Butonus umbellatus of Linnæus, the -Flowering rush, or Water gladiole. - -[773] Fée remarks, that the account given by Pliny has not the same -precision as that of Dioscorides, who describes three varieties of the -Daucus. - -[774] Fée is inclined to identify the Daucus of Crete and Achaia with -the Daucus Creticus of Fuchsius, the Athamanta annua of Linnæus. -Desfontaines identifies it with the Athamanta Cretensis of Linnæus. - -[775] This kind is identified by Fée with the Seseli ammoïdes of -Linnæus, and by Littré with the Ammi majus of Linnæus, the Common or -Greater bishop’s weed. - -[776] Identified by Sprengel with the Daucus Mauritanicus, and by -Brotero and Desfontaines with the Daucus carota, var. α, our Common -carrot. Fée seems inclined to identify it with the Athamanta cervaria -of Linnæus, Mountain carrot, or Broad-leaved spignel. The account given -by Pliny is, however, a mass of confusion. - -[777] Or “wild parsnip.” See B. xix. c. 27. - -[778] For the purpose of expelling the dead fœtus, according to -Dioscorides, B. iii. c. 83. - -[779] See B. xxiv. c. 102. The plant here spoken of has not been -identified, but the Epilobium angustifolium, montanum, tetragonum, &c., -varieties of the Willow-herb, have been suggested. They are destitute, -however, of all poisonous qualities. - -[780] Hence its name—“Benumbing wild beasts.” - -[781] Fée thinks that there is an error in the name, and that it is -the “personata” that is here spoken of, the plant already mentioned -in c. 58 of this Book. Hardouin identifies it with the Tussilago -petasites—the Butter-burr, according to Nemnich—but apparently without -any sufficient authority. - -[782] Fée identifies it with the Cyclamen hederæfolium of Aiton, the -Ivy-leaved sow-bread; Littré with the Cyclamen Græcum of Lamarck. - -[783] “Tuberosity of the earth.” - -[784] “Suum venenum ei est.” Gerard seems to have had a worse opinion -of it than our author; for he states in his Herbal, p. 845, that he -had experienced great misfortunes owing to his _imprudence_ in having -cultivated Cyclamen in his garden. - -[785] “Ivy-flowered.” It resembles the other plant in nothing but the -name. Fée is inclined, with Desfontaines, to identify it with the -Lonicera caprifolium of Linnæus, the Italian honeysuckle, though that -plant bears no resemblance in either leaf or flower to the ivy. The -Lonicera periclymenum of Linnæus, the Common woodbine or honeysuckle, -has been also suggested, as well as the Bryonia alba, Solanum -dulcamara, and Cucubalus bacciferus. - -[786] According to Brotero, it is the Parnassia palustris of -Tournefort, an opinion with which Fée is inclined to agree. Sprengel -considers it to be the same as the Convallaria bifolia of Linnæus, our -Small lily of the valley, and identifies it with the one-leafed Ceratia -of B. xxvi. c. 34. Littré names the Antirrhinum asarina of Linnæus, the -Bastard asarum. - -[787] The Peucedanum officinale of Linnæus, Sulphur-wort, or Hog’s -fennel. It receives its name from a fancied resemblance between its -fruit and that of the “Peuce,” or pitch-tree. - -[788] This juice, Fée remarks, is no longer known. - -[789] Or Wall-wort. See B. xxiv. c. 35. and B. xxvi. c. 49. - -[790] See c. 28 of this Book. - -[791] See c. 54 of this Book. - -[792] Identified by Fée with the Verbascum thapsus of Linnæus, Great -mullein, High-taper, or Cow’s lung-wort. - -[793] Identified by Fée with the Verbascum sinuatum of Linnæus. -Desfontaines considers _this_ to be the male plant of Pliny, and the V. -thapsus to be the female. - -[794] Fée considers this to be the same as the Blattaria mentioned in -c. 60, and identifies it with the Verbascum phlomoïdes of Linnæus. -Sprengel and Desfontaines consider it to be the Phlomis lychnitis of -Linnæus. Littré gives the Phlomus fruticosa of Linnæus, the Jerusalem -sage, or Tree sage. - -[795] See B. xxii. c 71. - -[796] Fée identifies these two kinds with the Phlomis fruticosa of -Linnæus; Sprengel and Desfontaines consider the second kind to be the -Phlomis Italica of Smith; on insufficient grounds, Fée thinks. Littré -mentions the Sideritis Romana and S. elegans of Linnæus. - -[797] The “Lamp plant.” It is mostly identified with the Verbascum -lychnitis of Linnæus, the White mullein. Fée is somewhat doubtful on -the point. It is doubtful whether it is not the same as the Thryallis, -mentioned in B. xxi. c. 61. Littré identifies it with the Phlomis -lychnitis. - -[798] In the last paragraph he is speaking of the Phlomos, here he -evidently reverts to the Phlomis. - -[799] Or “Female killer.” See B. xxvii. c. 2. - -[800] Dioscorides states, somewhat more rationally, that this plant -strikes the scorpion with torpor, and that the contact of hellebore -revives it. - -[801] “Rubetis.” A kind of toad, probably. See B. viii. c. 48, B. xi. -c. 16, and B. xxxii. c. 18. - -[802] Schneider, on Nicander’s Alexiph. p. 277, says that he cannot -understand this passage. There is little doubt that Sillig is right in -his conjecture that it is imperfect, for the pith of the narrative, -whatever it may have been, is evidently wanting. The Psylli were said -to be proof against all kinds of poisons. See B. viii. c. 38, and B. -xi. c. 30; also Lucan’s Pharsalia, B. ix. l. 192, _et seq._ - -[803] See also B. xxvii. c. 97. Fée identifies it with the Astragalus -Creticus of Lamarck, Desfontaines with the Astragalus poterium. - -[804] The “nerve-plant” and the “drinking-plant,” apparently. - -[805] Sprengel identifies it with the Alisma Parnassifolium of Linnæus; -but as that plant is not found in Greece, Sibthorp suggests the Alisma -plantago of Linnæus, the Great water-plantain. It has no medicinal -properties, though it was esteemed till very recent times as curative -of hydrophobia. - -[806] “Capite thyrsi.” - -[807] See B. ix. c. 72, and B. xxxii. c. 3. - -[808] In c. 6 of this Book. - -[809] “Pigeon-plant.” The same as Vervain, already described in c. 59 -of this Book. - -[810] See c. 8 of this Book. - -[811] By “Mithridatia” he probably means the antidotes attributed to -Mithridates in c. 3 of this Book, and in B. xxix. c. 8, and not the -plant previously mentioned in c. 26. - -[812] See c. 27 of this Book. - -[813] See c. 54 of this Book. - -[814] See c. 55. - -[815] Generally identified with the Antirrhinum Orontium of Linnæus, -Small toad-flax, Calf’s snout, or Lesser wild snapdragon. Desfontaines -mentions the Antirrhinum purpureum, and Littré the A. majus of Linnæus, -the Common snapdragon, or Greater calf’s snout. - -[816] “Wild lychnis.” - -[817] Theophrastus says, B. ix. c. 21, speaking of the last-mentioned -plant, “The same too, with reference to glory and consideration.” -Pliny, singularly enough, has mistaken the Greek word “eucleia” (glory) -for the name of a plant, and has fabricated one accordingly: a similar -blunder to that made by him with reference to “hippace,” in c. 44 of -this Book. - -[818] See c. 36 of this Book. - -[819] Fée is inclined to identify it with the Bulbine of B. xx. c. 41 -probably the Hyacinthus botryoïdes of Linnæus, the Blue grape hyacinth. -Brotero and Desfontaines name the Hyacinthus comosus, the Purple grape -hyacinth. Littré mentions the Ornithogalum nutans of Linnæus, the May -star of Bethlehem. - -[820] Identified by Fée with the Bulbus vomitorius or Bulb emetic of B. -xx. c. 41, the same, in his opinion, with the Narcissus jonquilla, the -Emetic jonquil. Sprengel, however, would identify the Bulbus vomitorius -with either the Narcissus orientalis or the Pancratium Illyricum; and -Sibthorp considers its synonym to be the Ornithogalum stachyoïdes of -Aiton. Littré gives the Muscari comosum. - -[821] See c. 13 of this Book. - -[822] See c. 37 of this Book, and B. xxvi. c. 28. - -[823] There seems to be an hiatus here. From the words of Dioscorides, -B. iii. c. 138, it would appear that pitch was the other ingredient, to -be beaten up with the plant. - -[824] The same as the Polytrichos of B. xxii. c. 30. - -[825] In B. xxii. c. 30, he makes them to be the same plant, and it -is most probable that they may be both referred to the Asplenium -trichomanes of Linnæus. - -[826] “Frutice.” - -[827] See B. xxiv. c. 108. - -[828] See c. 11 of this Book. - -[829] See c. 54 of this Book. - -[830] See c. 49 of this Book. - -[831] See c. 67 of this Book. - -[832] Or Vervain. - -[833] Sprengel identified this plant at first with the Buplevrum -longifolium of Linnæus, the Long-leaved hare’s ear, but at a later -period with the Mercurialis tomentosa, the Woolly mercury. Fée suggests -the Cacalia petasites or albifrons, though with diffidence. Littré -gives the Cacalia verbascifolia of Sibthorp. - -[834] See c. 83 of this Book; also B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxvii. c. 111. - -[835] There has been much discussion on the identification of the -Hyssopum of the ancients, their descriptions varying very considerably. -It has been suggested that that of the Egyptians was the Origanum -Ægyptianum; that of the Hebrews, the Origanum Syriacum; that of -Dioscorides, the Origanum Smyrnæum; and that of the other Greek -writers, the Teuerium pseudo-hyssopus, or else the Thymbra verticillata -and spicata. Fée is inclined to identify that here mentioned by -Pliny with the Thymbra spicata of Linnæus, and the Garden hyssop of -Dioscorides, with the Hyssopus officinalis of Linnæus. Littré states, -however, that this last is a stranger to Greece, and that M. Fräas -(_Synopsis_, p. 182) identifies the hyssop of Dioscorides with the -Origanum Smyrnæum or Syriacum. - -[836] Generally identified with the Serapias lingua of Linnæus. - -[837] The same, most probably, as the Gladiolus of B. xxi. c. 67. See -also the next Chapter in this Book. - -[838] This was a characteristic feature of the masks used in the Roman -Comedy. - -[839] See Note 837 above. The medicinal properties here attributed to -the Xiphion, or Gladiolus communis, our common Red corn-flag, are very -doubtful, as Fée remarks. - -[840] With the outer coat on, of course. - -[841] Dalechamps is probably right in preferring the reading -“carpentis” to “serpentis,” in which case the meaning would be, “or -bones when accidentally crushed by the wheels of vehicles.” - -[842] Or “meagrim.” - -[843] Identified with the Plantago Psyllium of Linnæus, our Fleawort -Fleaseed, or Fleabane. - -[844] Nothing, Fée says, can be more absurd than this description of -the plant. - -[845] Whence its name “cynoïdes” and “cynomyia.” - -[846] This plant has not been identified; Wild water-parsley, perhaps a -kind of Sium, has been suggested. - -[847] All the plants here mentioned are of a more or less irritating -nature, and would greatly imperil the sight. - -[848] See c. 50 of this Book. - -[849] See c. 11 of this Book. - -[850] See B. xviii. c. 14, and B. xxii. c. 59. - -[851] “Collyriis.” - -[852] A most dangerous application, in reality. - -[853] A comparatively harmless, though useless application. - -[854] See c. 49 of this Book. - -[855] See c. 73 of this Book. - -[856] In c. 70 of this Book. - -[857] See c. 90 of this Book. - -[858] The Corchorus of B. xxi. c. 106, is most probably altogether a -different plant. - -[859] Identified with the Anagallis arvensis of Linnæus, with a red -flower, the Red pimpernel, Corn pimpernel, or Shepherd’s weather-glass. - -[860] The Anagallis cæruleo flore of Tournefort, the Blue pimpernel. - -[861] In reality they are destitute of medicinal properties. It is -said, though apparently on no sufficient grounds, that red pimpernel is -poisonous to small birds. - -[862] Or “blood-shot eyes.” - -[863] A disease of the pupil. - -[864] Belladonna, a preparation from the Atropa belladonna, is now -generally used for this purpose. - -[865] “Paracentesis.” - -[866] This plant is unknown. Fée suggests that Pliny may have made -a mistake, and that the account from which he copies may have been, -that when cattle have been stung by the asilus, or gadfly, they have -recourse to the Anagallis. - -[867] “Savage eye.” - -[868] In c. 38 of this Book. - -[869] See B. xviii. c. 44, and B. xxi. c. 63. - -[870] Or “Plant of Circe.” - -[871] Identified by Fée with the Atropa mandragora vernalis of -Bertolini, the Spring mandrake. - -[872] The Atropa mandragora autumnalis of Bertolini, the Autumnal -mandrake. - -[873] The Greek for “male.” - -[874] “Dementing.” Fée remarks that the “Morion” in reality is -a different plant, and queries whether it may not be the Atropa -belladonna of Linnæus, the Belladonna, or Deadly nightshade, mentioned -above in Note 864. - -[875] The female, or black, mandrake. - -[876] See B. xx. c. 85. - -[877] The superstitions with reference to the Mandrake extended -from the earliest times till a very recent period. It was used in -philtres, and was supposed to utter piercing cries when taken up; -Josephus counsels those whose business it is to do so, to employ a dog -for the purpose if they would avoid dreadful misfortunes. All these -notions probably arose from the resemblance which the root bears to -the legs and lower part of the human body. See B. xxii. c. 9, where -we have queried in a Note whether the Eryngium may not have been the -“mandrake,” the possession of which was so much coveted by the wives of -Jacob. - -[878] “Pestis est.” - -[879] In the same way that chloroform is now administered. - -[880] “Cicuta.” Identified with the Conium maculatum of Linnæus, -Common hemlock or Keghs. It grows in the vicinity of Athens, and -probably formed the basis of the poisons with which that volatile -people “recompensed,” as Fée remarks, the virtues and exploits of their -philosophers and generals. Socrates, Phocion, and Philopœmen, are said -to have been poisoned with hemlock; but in the case of Socrates, it was -probably combined with opium and other narcotics. See B. xiv. cc. 7, -28, and B. xxiii. c. 23. - -[881] He has more than once stated, that it is not his object to enter -into a description of poisons. - -[882] Fée doubts if it is possible to eat it, boiled even, with -impunity. - -[883] See B. xiv. cc. 7, 28, and B. xxiii. c. 23. - -[884] A very dangerous use of it, Desfontaines thinks. - -[885] Desfontaines says that it is still employed in various ways when -the milk is in excess. - -[886] By causing those organs to waste away. - -[887] The province of Asia Minor. - -[888] “Wild crethmos.” Generally identified with the Crithmum maritimum -of Linnæus, Small samphire, or sea fennel. - -[889] Or “lead plant.” Identified with the Plumbago Europæa of Linnæus, -Leadwort, or French dittander. - -[890] See B. xx. c. 85. - -[891] “Lead disease,” apparently; livid spots on the eyelids, Hardouin -thinks. - -[892] Or “smoke-plant;” so called from its smell, which resembles that -of smoke or soot. - -[893] “Pedes gallinacei.” Identified by Fée with the Corydalis digitata -of Persoon, or else the C. bulbosa, or C. fabacea, several varieties of -Fumitory. - -[894] Identified by Fée with the Fumaria parvifolia of Lamarck, -Small-leaved fumitory, or Earth-smoke. Other varieties of Fumitory have -also been mentioned. - -[895] The Acorus calamus of Linnæus, Sweet cane, or Sweet-smelling -flag. See B. xii. c. 48. - -[896] See B. xxi. c. 19. - -[897] “Utribus.” - -[898] See B. xv. c. 7. - -[899] Identified with the Cotyledon umbilicus of Smith, _Flor. Brit._, -Navel-wort, Kidney-wort, or Wall penny-wort. - -[900] Identified by Littré with the Saxifraga media of Gouan; and by -Fée with the Cotyledon serrata of Linnæus, Saw-toothed navel-wort. - -[901] “Sordidis.” - -[902] “Always living.” - -[903] “Bull’s eye,” “living eye,” and “love exciter.” The Sempervivum -tectorum of Linnæus, common Houseleek or Sengreene. - -[904] Called “geisa” in Greek. - -[905] “Great houseleek,” “eye,” or “little finger.” - -[906] Fée identifies it with the Sedum ochroleucum of Sibthorp; -Sprengel with the Sedum altissimum, and others with the Sedum acre, -varieties of Wall pepper, or Stone-crop. Littré gives the Sedum -amplexicaule of Decandolle. - -[907] “Spring blossoming.” - -[908] “Blossoming like gold.” - -[909] “The same all the year.” - -[910] “Wild andrachle.” Desfontaines identifies it with the Sedum -stellatum; Fée, though with some hesitation, with the Sedum reflexum -of Linnæus, the Sharp-pointed stone-crop, or Prick-madam. The Sedum, -however, is of a caustic and slightly corrosive nature, and not edible; -in which it certainly differs from the Andrachle agria of our author. -Holland calls it “Wild purslain.” - -[911] This is probably the meaning of “palpebras deglutinat.” - -[912] See c. 19 of this Book. - -[913] See c. 100 of this Book. - -[914] “Strigil.” This in general means a “body-scraper;” but it most -probably signifies a “syringe,” in the present instance. See B. xxix c. -39, and B. xxxi c. 47. - -[915] See B. xxiv. c. 35. - -[916] See c. 19 of this Book. - -[917] See c. 54 of this Book. - -[918] See B. xxi. cc. 69, 70. - -[919] “Ozænam.” - -[920] See c. 11 of this Book. - -[921] See c. 28 of this Book. - -[922] See c. 73 of this Book. - -[923] See c. 92 of this Book. - -[924] Identified by Desfontaines with the Senecio Jacobæa of Linnæus, -Common ragwort. Fée identifies it with the Senecio vulgaris of Linnæus, -our Groundsel. They are both destitute of medicinal properties. - -[925] Sec B. xxiv. c. 80. - -[926] Ἔαρι γέρων, “aged,” or “hoary in spring.” - -[927] “Spinæ.” He probably uses a wrong term, and means “thistle.” - -[928] It may possibly have been so called from the Acanthis, or -goldfinch, that bird being fond of groundsel. - -[929] “Thistle-down.” If Pliny is speaking of groundsel, he is wrong in -his assertion that it turns white, or in other words, goes to seed, in -spring. - -[930] Sprengel identifies it with the Ornithogalum stachyoïdes; but -that has no blue flower, and the same is the case with many other -plants that have been suggested as its synonym. Fée suggests the -Convallaria verticillata of Linnæus, the whorl-leaved Solomon’s seal; -as to which, however, there is the same difficulty in reference to the -flower. Holland calls it the “May lily,” otherwise the Lily of the -valley, the Convallaria Maialis; and this is the synonym suggested by -Fuchsius. Littré gives the Convallaria multiflora of Linnæus. - -[931] See c. 50 of this Book. - -[932] Or “Venus’ bath.” Identified by Littré with the Dipsacus -silvestris of Linnæus, and by Fée with the Dipsacus fullonum of -Linnæus, the Teazel, or Fuller’s thistle. It received its Roman name -from the form of the leaves, which are channelled, and curved at the -edges. - -[933] This is entirely erroneous; he may possibly have mistranslated -some author, who has stated that the rain-water settles in reservoirs -formed by the leaves. - -[934] He alludes to the larvæ of the Curculio or weevil, which are -found in the head of the Dipsacus, and many other plants. See B. xxvii. -c. 62, and B. xxx. c. 8. - -[935] “Frog-plant.” - -[936] “Little frog.” Called “Crow-foot” by us. - -[937] Sprengel identifies it with the Ranunculus Seguieri, Fée with the -R. Asiaticus, also a native of Greece. - -[938] Identified by Desfontaines with the Ranunculus hirsutus, or -philonotis. Fée, with Hardouin, considers it to be the same as the -Apiastrum of B. xx. c. 45, and identifies it with the Ranunculus -Sardoüs of Crantz, the plant probably which produces a contraction of -the mouth, rendered famous as the “Sardonic grin,” and more commonly -known as the Ranunculus sceleratus, Apium risus, or Apium Sardoüm, -“Laughing parsley,” or “Sardinian parsley.” - -[939] Identified by Sprengel and Desfontaines with the Ranunculus -repens. or Creeping crow-foot; but by Fée, with the Ranunculus -muricatus of Linnæus. - -[940] Identified by Desfontaines with the Ranunculus aconitifolius; by -Fée with the Ranunculus aquatilis of Linnæus, the Water crowfoot. The -Ranunculi are all active poisons. - -[941] A fabulous assertion, probably, and it is very doubtful if any -one ever made the trial of its efficacy. - -[942] Or scrofula. - -[943] See B xxi. c 83, and B. xxvi. c. 5. - -[944] See c. 90 of this Book. - -[945] See B. xxiv. cc. 91, 93. - -[946] “Stigmata.” - -[947] See c. 94 of this Book. - -[948] See end of B. xx. - -[949] See end of B. xiv. - -[950] See end of B. xii. - -[951] See end of B. xx. - -[952] See end of B. xx. - -[953] See end of B. vii. - -[954] For Fabianus Papirius, see end of B. ii.; for Fabianus Sabinus, -see end of B. xviii. - -[955] See end of B. iii. - -[956] See end of B. xi. - -[957] See end of B. ii. - -[958] See end of B. v. - -[959] See end of B. xx. - -[960] See end of B. ii. - -[961] See end of B. viii. - -[962] See end of B. xix. - -[963] See end of B. viii. - -[964] See end of B. vii. - -[965] See end of B. xxi. - -[966] See end of B. xxi. - -[967] A Lydian historian, anterior to Herodotus, of whom little is -known with any degree of certainty. He probably flourished in the -earlier part of the fifth century B.C. - -[968] See end of B. xxi. - -[969] See end of B. xxi. - -[970] See end of B. iv. - -[971] See end of B. xxi. - -[972] See end of B. xxi. - -[973] See end of B. xxi. - -[974] See end of B. vii. - -[975] See end of B. xx. - -[976] See end of B. xx. - -[977] See end of B. xx. - -[978] See end of B. xii. - -[979] See end of B. xv. - -[980] See end of B. xii. - -[981] See end of B. xx. - -[982] See end of B. xx. - -[983] See end of B. xx. - -[984] See end of B. xx. - -[985] See end of B. xx. - -[986] See end of B. xx. - -[987] See end of B. xx. - -[988] See end of B. xx. - -[989] See end of B. vii. - -[990] See end of B. xx. - -[991] See end of B. xx. - -[992] See end of B. xii. - -[993] See end of B. xi. - -[994] See end of B. xii. - -[995] See end of B. xx. - -[996] See end of B. xii. - -[997] See end of B. xx. - -[998] See end of B. xx. - -[999] See end of B. xx. - -[1000] See end of B. xx. - -[1001] See end of B. xx. - -[1002] See end of B. xx. - -[1003] See end of B. xii. - -[1004] See end of B. xx. - -[1005] See end of B. xx. - -[1006] See end of B. xix. - -[1007] See end of B. xx. - -[1008] See end of B. xx. - -[1009] See end of B. xx. - -[1010] Probably as Littré suggests, a peculiar form of elephantiasis, -the leprosy of the middle ages. - -[1011] The “chin disease:” from “mentum,” the “chin.” It is difficult -to detect the joke which has here incurred the censure of our author. - -[1012] Meaning the people of Italy. - -[1013] It is somewhat difficult to say whether Tiberius, the -predecessor, or Claudius, the successor of Caligula, is meant; most -probably the latter, as the former’s reign would have been in the times -of “our fathers.” - -[1014] Asia Minor. - -[1015] “Cum apparuisset.” He is probably wrong here, for leprosy was -known in Asia from the very earliest times. - -[1016] This assertion as to the slaves and lower orders is somewhat -doubtful, though it is very possible that the diet and habits of the -higher orders may have predisposed them more particularly for the -attacks of the diseases. - -[1017] “Osculi”, “kissing;” a nauseous and silly practice, still -adhered to, between bearded men even, in many parts of Europe. - -[1018] Upwards of £1500. - -[1019] A.U.C. 590. - -[1020] “Carbunculus.” A malignant pustule, accompanied with swelling -and ending with gangrene, is still known by this name, but it does not -manifest any particular preference for the mouth and tongue. Fée says -that carbuncle was recently (1833) endemic in Provence, the ancient -Gallia Narbonensis, for which reason it had received the name of -“Charbon Provençal.” - -[1021] Consul, A.U.C. 819. - -[1022] Consul, A.U.C. 816. - -[1023] Judging from this symptom, Dalechamps says that it looks more -like chancre than carbuncle. - -[1024] In B. xx. c. 52. - -[1025] Supposed, as Pliny says, to have originally come from Upper -Egypt. Lucretius, B. vi. l. 1111, _et seq._, attributes it to the water -of the Nile. It is but rarely known in Europe. - -[1026] Fée thinks that this may have been a sort of abscess similar to -those between the fingers which are known as _fourches_ by the French, -and by medical men as “Aposthema phalangum.” Gruner considers it to be -a sort of Elephantiasis, and Triller identifies it with the disease -called _Gumretha_ by the Talmudists. - -[1027] “Colum.” Fée takes this to be Schirrus of the colon. - -[1028] See B. xxix. c. i. - -[1029] See end of B. xx. - -[1030] See B. xxix. c. 3. - -[1031] See B. xxix. c. 5. - -[1032] See end of B. vii. - -[1033] “Gestationes;” exercise on horseback, in a litter, or in a -carriage drawn by horses. - -[1034] See B. vii. c. 37. Apuleius gives the story at considerable -length, in the Florida, B. iv. - -[1035] Asia Minor. Asclepiades was a native of Prusa in Bithynia. - -[1036] We adopt Sillig’s suggestion, and read “nimborum altrice,” the -word “imperatrice” being evidently out of place. The climate of Italy -seems to have changed very materially since his day. - -[1037] See B. ii. c. 51. - -[1038] See B. ix. c. 79. - -[1039] “Organo.” - -[1040] See B. xxiv. c. 102. - -[1041] We agree with Pintianus that the name of some plant here has -been lost, the word “condiendis” making no sense. - -[1042] See B. xxiv. c. 102. - -[1043] Some plant as fictitious as the others here mentioned. - -[1044] See B xxx. c. 1. - -[1045] See B. xxiv. c. 102. - -[1046] See B. iii. c. 9. - -[1047] In B. xxiv. c. 102. - -[1048] In B. xxix. c. 5. - -[1049] See B. xxi. c. 68. - -[1050] See B. xx. c. 85. - -[1051] “Flos visci.” - -[1052] See c. 39 of this Book. - -[1053] Identified by Fée with the Marchantia polymorpha of Linnæus, -Common Marchantia, or Fountain liverwort, the male plant. - -[1054] Identified by Fée with the Marchantia stellata, Star-headed -Marchantia, or Female fountain liverwort. Desfontaines takes it to -be either the Marchantia conica, or the Peltidea canina. It must -be remembered that the Marchantia is not a Lichen in the modern -acceptation of the word, and that our Lichens are destitute of stem. -Littré identifies it with the Lecanora parella. - -[1055] See B. xiii. c. 43. - -[1056] See B. xxv. c. 56. - -[1057] See B. xxv. c. 70. - -[1058] See B. xxvii. c. 104. - -[1059] See B. ix. c. 42. - -[1060] See B. xxv. c. 73. - -[1061] Fée remarks that none of the plants here mentioned are of any -utility for the cure of scrofula. - -[1062] See B. xxv. c. 50. - -[1063] See B. xxv. c. 66. - -[1064] See B. xxv. c. 36. - -[1065] See B. xxv. c. 94. - -[1066] See B. xxv. c. 19, where our author has confused the Achillea -with the Sideritis; also c. 15, where he describes the Heraclion -siderion. Fée identifies the Sideritis mentioned in B. xxv. c. 19, as -having a square stem and leaves like those of the quercus, with the -Stachys heraclea of modern botany. That mentioned in the same Chapter, -as having a fetid smell, he identifies with the Phellandrium mutellina -of Linnæus. The large-leaved Sideritis is, no doubt, the one mentioned -as having leaves like those of the quereus. See the Note to B. xxv. c. -19. - -[1067] In B. xxi. c. 83, and B. xxv. c. 119. - -[1068] See B. xxv. c. 77. - -[1069] Probably the Bellis perennis of Linnæus, the Common daisy. Fée -remarks, that it was probably unknown to the Greeks. - -[1070] See B. xxv. c. 36. - -[1071] Identified by Sprengel and Desfontaines with the Saponaria -vaccaria, the Perfoliate soapwort. Other commentators have suggested -the Valeriana rubra, but Fée thinks that its synonym has not been -hitherto discovered. - -[1072] See B. xxv. c. 11. - -[1073] See B. xxv. c. 27. - -[1074] See B. xxv. c. 66. - -[1075] See B. xxv. c. 70. - -[1076] See B. xxv. c. 100. - -[1077] See B. xxv. c. 64. - -[1078] See B. xxii. c. 11, and B. xxv. c. 43. Our Liquorice probably, -which, Fée remarks, as also figs and hyssop, has maintained its ancient -reputation as a pectoral. - -[1079] See B. xxv. c. 73. - -[1080] See B. xxv. c. 85. - -[1081] See B. xxiv. c. 85. - -[1082] “Aquileges.” - -[1083] See B. xxiv. c. 85. - -[1084] Dried bechion, or coltsfoot, is still smoked by some persons for -affections of the chest. - -[1085] Generally identified with the Phlomos, or Verbascum lychnitis -mentioned in B. xxv. c. 74. - -[1086] “Sage.” See B. xxv. c. 73. - -[1087] See B. ix. c. 43, and B. xxxii. c. 53. - -[1088] See B. xxv. c. 73. - -[1089] See B. xx. c. 27. - -[1090] See R. xviii. c. 29. Fée observes that none of these -prescriptions would be countenanced at the present day. - -[1091] See B. xxv. c. 54. - -[1092] See B. xxv. c. 37. - -[1093] See B. xxv. c. 70. - -[1094] See B. xxv. c. 90. - -[1095] See B. xxv. c. 101. - -[1096] See B. xxv. c. 102. - -[1097] Possibly the same plant as the “Moly” of B. xxv. c. 8. If so, as -Fée says, it would appear to belong to the genus Allium, or garlic. - -[1098] See B. xxv. c. 84. - -[1099] See B. xxv. c. 68. - -[1100] See introduction to Vol. III. - -[1101] See B. xii. c. 28. Fée says that none of these so-called -remedies would now be recognised. - -[1102] See B. xxv. c. 20. - -[1103] See B. xxv. c. 92. - -[1104] See B. xxv. c. 99. - -[1105] See B. xxv. c. 100. - -[1106] See B. xxv. c. 64. - -[1107] Probably the Equisetum silvaticum of Linnæus, our Wild -horse-tail. He is in error in saying that it climbs the trunks of -trees; a mistake also made by Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 46, who calls -it “hippuris.” It is said by some to be a strong diuretic. Littré, -however, gives as its synonym the Ephedra fragilis of Linnæus. - -[1108] The Geum urbanum of Linnæus, the Common avens, or herb bennet. -It was probably unknown to the Greeks. - -[1109] Its root has a smell like that of cloves, for which reason it is -sometimes known as “Caryophyllata.” - -[1110] In B. xxv. c. 48. - -[1111] Sprengel identifies it with the Plumbago of B. xxv. c. 22. Fée -is not of that opinion, and agrees with Matthioli in considering it to -be the Aster tripolium of Linnæus, the Sea starwort. Littré gives the -Statice limonium of Linnæus. - -[1112] See B. xx. c. 25. - -[1113] In B. xxi. c. 21. - -[1114] Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Amaranthus -tricolor; Fée is strongly of opinion that it has not been correctly -identified. - -[1115] Clusius and Sprengel identify it with the Lychnis silvestris of -Linnæus, the Wild lychnis or Viscous catchfly. Fée considers it to be -unknown, but of the two, would prefer the Lychnis dioica of Linnæus, -the White lychnis, or White campion. - -[1116] C. Bauhin identifies it with the Valeriana locusta of Linnæus, -Corn valerian, Corn-salad, or Lamb’s lettuce. Fée considers its -identity as still unknown. - -[1117] See B. xviii. c. 10. - -[1118] Perhaps the same as the Limonium of B. xxv. c. 61. - -[1119] See B. xxii. c. 42; one of the Sonchi, probably, which, contain -a milky juice. Littré gives the Sonchus palustris of Linnæus. - -[1120] See B. xxv. c. 64. - -[1121] The Betonica officinalis of Linnæus. - -[1122] Either the Asplenium ceterach of Linnæus, Spleenwort, Ceterach, -or Miltwaste, or the A. hemionitis of Linnæus, Mule’s fern. See B. -xxvii. c. 17. - -[1123] See B. xxv. c. 54. - -[1124] See B. xxv. c. 33. - -[1125] See B. xxv. c. 70. - -[1126] For the identity of this plant, see B. xxvii. c. 24. - -[1127] See B. xix. c. 50, and B. xx. c 61. - -[1128] See B. xxiv. c. 80 - -[1129] See c. 18 of this Book. - -[1130] Identified with the Lavendula stœchas of Linnæus, the French -lavender. - -[1131] “Vas”. - -[1132] In search of pheasants. See B. vi. c. 4. - -[1133] See B. xxv. c. 27. - -[1134] See B. xxv. c. 28. - -[1135] See B. xxv. c. 73. - -[1136] See B. xxv. c. 37. - -[1137] See B. xxv. c. 89. - -[1138] See B. xviii. c. 29. - -[1139] See B. xxv. c. 84. - -[1140] See B. xxv. c. 90. - -[1141] See B. xxv. c. 100. - -[1142] See B. xxv. c. 102. - -[1143] See B. xxvii. c. 24. - -[1144] See B. xxv. c. 84. - -[1145] See Note 1143 above. - -[1146] See B. xxvii. c. 6. - -[1147] Sprengel identifies it with the Phaca Bætica, Spanish bastard -vetch; but the flowers of that plant, as Fée remarks, are yellow. -He considers it to be the Lathyrus tuberosus of Linnæus, the Pease -earth-nut. Littré gives the Orobus sessilifolius of Sibthorp. - -[1148] “Rubrum,” and not “nigrum,” which was also what we call “red” -wine. - -[1149] Fée is unable to identify it. The Galeopsis ladanum of Linnæus, -the Red dead-nettle, has been suggested, but on insufficient grounds, -probably. - -[1150] See B. xii. c. 37. - -[1151] It is still brought from the islands of Greece, but no longer -from Arabia. - -[1152] Τοξὸν. - -[1153] In B. xii. c. 37. - -[1154] “False-dittany,” or “bastard dittany.” See B. xxv. c. 53. - -[1155] The Cytinus hypocisthis of Linnæus. - -[1156] In B. xxiv. c. 28. - -[1157] See B. xviii. c. 17, and B. xxii. c. 67. - -[1158] See B. xiv. c. 5. - -[1159] The Sium of B. xxii. c. 41. - -[1160] Probably the Potamogeton natans of Linnæus, Broad-leaved -pondweed, or some kindred plant. Its name signifies “the neighbour of -rivers.” - -[1161] C. Bauhin and Sprengel identify the plant here described with -the Potamogeton pusillum of Linnæus; but Fée considers it extremely -doubtful. - -[1162] A species of Equisetum would seem to be meant; indeed, Littré -gives the Equisetum telmateia. - -[1163] See B. xxv. c. 19. - -[1164] Fée thinks that this may possibly be the Statice Armeria of -Linnæus, Sea thrift, or Sea gilly-flower. - -[1165] Considered by Sprengel to be the Cyclaminos chamæcissos of -B. xxv. c. 69, which he identifies with the Convallaria bifolia of -Linnæus, the Little lily of the valley, or May lily. Fabius Columna and -Brotero consider it to be the Dentaria trifolia, Three-leaved toothwort. - -[1166] This is incorrect, if it is the Lily of the valley. - -[1167] “Lion’s paw,” “white plant,” or “rock-spear.” Probably the -Leontice leontopetalum of Linnæus, Lion’s paw, or Lion’s leaf. See B. -xxvii. c. 72. - -[1168] “Lymphatica somnia.” - -[1169] “Hare’s foot.” Possibly the Trifolium arvense of Linnæus, Hare’s -foot trefoil. - -[1170] See B. xxv. c. 54. - -[1171] See Introduction to Vol. III. Fée remarks that none of the -assertions in the present Chapter are confirmed by modern experience. - -[1172] See B. xxv. c. 38. - -[1173] See B. xxv. c. 67. - -[1174] See B. xxiv. cc. 49, 84, and B. xxv. c. 69. - -[1175] See B. xxv. c. 70. - -[1176] Identical with the Orobanche of B. xviii. c. 44, the Cuscuta -Europæa of Linnæus, Dodder, Hell-weed, or Devil’s guts; or else the -Cuscuta minor, or epithymum of Linnæus. See also B. xxii. cc. 78, 80. - -[1177] He is in error here. - -[1178] Hardouin suggests “hypopheos,” as “springing up under the Pheos” -or Stœbe, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 13. - -[1179] See B. xxi. c. 19. - -[1180] It has a root originally, but the root withers as soon as it has -attached itself to the stem of the plant to which it clings. - -[1181] See B. xxv. c. 37. Holland says, on the contrary, that it is a -binding plant. - -[1182] “Thick hair.” It is generally identified with the Leonurus -marrubiastrum of Linnæus. Columna makes it to be the Scabiosa succisa -of Linnæus, the Devil’s bit scabious, and Brunsfeld the Angelica -silvestris of Linnæus, Wild angelica. - -[1183] See B. xxi. c. 60. - -[1184] See B. xxv. c. 98. - -[1185] “Many-footed.” The Polypodium vulgare of Linnæus, the Common -polypody. - -[1186] It is for this reason that it is called “reglisse,” or -“liquorice,” in some parts of France. It contains a proportion of -saccharine matter, which acts as a purgative. - -[1187] “Pulticula.” - -[1188] This fancy is solely based on the accidental resemblance of the -name. - -[1189] He very incorrectly says this of all the ferns. See B. xxvii. -cc. 17, 48, and 55. - -[1190] The produce of the Convolvulus scammonia of Linnæus, the -Scammony bind-weed. The scammony of Aleppo is held in the highest -esteem, and is very valuable. That of Smyrna also is largely imported. - -[1191] See the following Chapters. - -[1192] This assertion is erroneous; it has all its properties in fall -vigour immediately after extraction, and retains them for an indefinite -period. - -[1193] “Herba lactaria.” - -[1194] Because goats are fond of it. See B. xx. c. 24. - -[1195] Known to us by the general name of Euphorbia of Spurge. - -[1196] The Euphorbia characias of Linnæus, Red spurge. An oil is -still extracted from the seed of several species of Euphorbia, as a -purgative; but they are in general highly dangerous, taken internally. - -[1197] “Catapotia.” - -[1198] “Aphronitrum.” See B. xxx. c. 46 - -[1199] The Euphorbia myrsinites of Linnæus. - -[1200] From the Greek κάρυον, a “nut.” - -[1201] “Sea-shore” tithymalus. See B. xx. c. 80. - -[1202] The Euphorbia paralias of Linnæus, Sea spurge. - -[1203] The Euphorbia helioscopia of Linnæus, Sun spurge or Wart-wort. - -[1204] “Sun-watching.” - -[1205] See B. xx. c. 81. - -[1206] Fée says that this is more than doubtful. - -[1207] An assertion, Fée says, not confirmed by modern observation. - -[1208] The Euphorbia cyparissias of Linnæus, the Cypress spurge, or -else the Euphorbia Aleppica of Linnæus. - -[1209] “Broad-leaved,” “clustered,” and “almond-like.” It is the -Euphorbia platyphyllos of Linnæus, the Broad-leaved spurge. - -[1210] “Tree-like” - -[1211] “Small-leaved.” The Euphorbia dendroides of Linnæus, the Shrubby -spurge. - -[1212] See c. 39 above. - -[1213] “Wild radish.” Identified with the Euphorbia apios of Linnæus, a -plant with dangerous properties. - -[1214] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._ - -[1215] See B. xxv c. 70. - -[1216] See B. xxv. c. 100. - -[1217] See B. xxv. c. 64. - -[1218] See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 30 of this Book. - -[1219] See B. xxv. c. 39. - -[1220] See B. xviii. c. 14. - -[1221] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._ - -[1222] See B. xxiv. c. 80. - -[1223] See B. xxv. c. 28. - -[1224] See B. xxv. c. 55. - -[1225] See B. xxv. c. 56. - -[1226] See B. xxv. c. 37. - -[1227] See B. xxv. c. 68. - -[1228] See B. xxv. c. 88. Fée says that it is the Aspidium lonchitis, -of Linnæus, that is meant. - -[1229] See B. xxv. c. 70. - -[1230] See B. xxv. c. 100. - -[1231] See B. xxv. c. 33. - -[1232] See B. xxv. c. 20. - -[1233] Or Scordotis. See B. xxv. c. 27. - -[1234] See B. xxv. c. 7. - -[1235] See B. xxv. c. 28. - -[1236] See c. 19 of this Book. - -[1237] See B. xxv. cc. 88,89. - -[1238] See B. xxv. c. 70. - -[1239] See B. xxv. c. 90. - -[1240] See B. xxv. c. 92. - -[1241] See B. xxv. c. 100. - -[1242] It is quite useless for such a purpose; and the same is the -case, Fée says, with all the asserted remedies mentioned in this -Chapter. See B. xxv. c. 101 - -[1243] See B. xxv. c. 71. - -[1244] See B. xxv. c. 106. - -[1245] See B. xxvii. c. 24. - -[1246] See c. 31. of this Book. - -[1247] See B. xxv. c. 36. - -[1248] See B. xxv. c. 37. - -[1249] See B. xxv. c. 96. - -[1250] De Nat. Mul. c. 20, and De Morb. Mul. I. 10. - -[1251] See B. xxii. c. 44. - -[1252] See B. xxi. c. 50 - -[1253] See B. xxv. c. 18. - -[1254] See B. xxvii. c. 6. - -[1255] See B. xxv. c. 64. - -[1256] See B. xxi. c. 103. - -[1257] See B. xxi. c. 103. - -[1258] The Sedum cepæa of Linnæus, the Sea purslain. Holland calls it -“Beccabunga,” or “Brooklime.” - -[1259] Perhaps so called from the impressions on the leaves, ὑπὲρ and -εἰκών, or else from its resemblance to heath, ὑπὲρ and ἐρέικη. See, -however Note 1266 below. - -[1260] “Ground pine.” - -[1261] Sillig reads this “corissum.” Former editions have “corion.” - -[1262] Identified by Fée with the Hypericum perforatum of Linnæus, -the Perforated St. John’s wort. Littré gives the Hypericum crispum of -Linnæus. - -[1263] “Oleraceo.” Another reading is “surculaceo,” “tough and -ligneous;” and is, perhaps, preferable. - -[1264] “Coris” is the old and more common reading, Fée identifies -it with the Hypericum coris of Linnæus, and Brotero with the H. -saxatile of Tournefort. Desfontaines gives as its synonym the Coris -Monspelliensis. - -[1265] See B. xxiv. c. 41. - -[1266] It is not improbable, supposing the “tamarix” to be one of -the Ericæ, that to this circumstance it may owe its name. Indeed -Dioscorides has ἐρείκη, in the corresponding passage. - -[1267] “Pinguioribus.” - -[1268] Dioscorides gives the stem larger dimensions. - -[1269] See B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxv. c. 86. - -[1270] This plant has not been identified. Anguillara says that it is -the same as the “repressa,” a plant given to horses by the people at -Rome, when suffering from dysuria. What this plant is, no one seems to -know. - -[1271] See B. xxi. c. 30. - -[1272] The same as the Helichrysos of B. xx. cc. 38 and 96. It is -identified with the Chrysanthemum segetum of Linnæus, the Corn marygold. - -[1273] Fée identifies it with the Eranthemis of B. xxii. c. 26, which -he considers to be the Anthemis rosea of Linnæus, the Rose camomile. - -[1274] See c. 32 of this Book. - -[1275] Hardouin thinks that it is the Apium graveolens of Linnæus, -Smallage; but at the present day it is generally identified with the -Peucedanum silaus of Linnæus, the Meadow sulphur-wort, or saxifrage. - -[1276] Sorrel, for instance. - -[1277] “Scabiem.” - -[1278] See B. xxv. c. 11. - -[1279] Generally supposed to be the same as the “Apple of the earth,” -mentioned in B. xxv. c. 54. - -[1280] See B. xx. c. 41. - -[1281] It is doubtful whether he means an animal or plant; most -probably the latter, but if so, it is quite unknown. - -[1282] See B. xxv. c. 64. - -[1283] “Herba Fulviana.” - -[1284] A plant now unknown. - -[1285] See B. xxv. c. 27. In reality it is of an irritating nature. - -[1286] See B. xxv. c. 70. - -[1287] See B. xxv. c. 64. - -[1288] Or madder; see B. xix. c. 17. The seed and leaves are no longer -employed in medicine; the root has been employed in modern times, Fée -says, but with no success. - -[1289] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._ - -[1290] See B. xxv. c. 28. - -[1291] See B. xxv. c. 54. - -[1292] Or “broad” tendon. The Tendon Achillis. - -[1293] See cc. 53 and 54 of this Book. - -[1294] See B. xxv. c. 67. - -[1295] See B. xxv. c. 92. - -[1296] See B. xxv. c. 101. - -[1297] See B. xxv. c. 100. - -[1298] De Rust. c. 159. He says that is must be carried under the ring. - -[1299] See B. xxvii. c. 28. - -[1300] The “Groin plant.” Probably the same as the Bubonion of B. -xxvii. c. 19. - -[1301] See B. xxv. c. 11. _et seq._ - -[1302] See c. 12 of this Book. - -[1303] See B. xxv. c. 77. - -[1304] See B. xxv. c. 73. - -[1305] The following is the formula of this monstrous piece of -absurdity: “Negat Apollo pestem posse crescere cui nuda virgo -restinguat.” - -[1306] See B. xxv. c. 94. - -[1307] See B. xxv. c. 19. - -[1308] An unknown plant. - -[1309] In B. xxv. c. 37. This alleged property of the Nymphæa is -entirely fabulous. - -[1310] See B. xx. c. 13. - -[1311] See B. xxv. cc. 88 and 89. - -[1312] See B. xxv. c. 96. - -[1313] See B, xviii. cc. 10 and 22. - -[1314] See B. xviii. c. 14. - -[1315] Identified by Littré with the Orchis undulatifolia, and by -Fée with the Orchis morio of Linnæus, the Female orchis, or Female -fool-stones. Its aphrodisiac properties seem not to have been proved -by modern experience, but it is nourishing in the highest degree. -Linnæus, however, seems to be of opinion that it may have the effect -of an aphrodisiac upon cattle. It is the name, no doubt, signifying -“testicle,” which originally procured for it the repute of being an -aphrodisiac. - -[1316] Identified by Desfontaines with the Orchis pyramidalis, and by -Fée with the O. papilionacea of Linnæus. Littré gives the Limodorum -abortivum. - -[1317] He is probably speaking of the Cratægonon of B. xxii. c. 40, -which Fée identifies with the Thelygonon of c. 91 of this Book. He -remarks that from the description, the Satyrios orchis cannot have been -a Monocotyledon. - -[1318] See B. xviii. c. 14. - -[1319] See B. viii. c. 72. - -[1320] Littré identifies it with the Aceras anthropophora of Linnæus; -Desfontaines with the Orchis bifolia, the Butterfly orchis. The Iris -florentina of Linnæus has also been named; but, though with some doubt, -Fée is inclined to prefer the Tulipa Clusiana, or some other kind of -tulip. - -[1321] Mostly identified with the Erythronium dens canis of Linnæus, -the Dog’s tooth violet. M. Fraäs, however, in his _Synopsis_, p. -279, remarks that the E. dens canis is not to be found in Greece, -and is of opinion that the Fritillaria Pyrenaica, the Pyrenean lily, -or Fritillary, is meant. The Serapias cordigera of Linnæus has been -suggested, and Fée thinks that it is as likely to be the plant meant by -Pliny as any other that has been named. - -[1322] See B. xxiv. c. 38. - -[1323] See B. xix. c. 38. - -[1324] “Cratægonon” is most probably the correct reading. See B. xvi. -c. 52, and B. xxvii. c. 40. - -[1325] See c. 91 of this Book. - -[1326] Of the three plants named, the Thelygonon is the only one to -which this assertion will apply. See c. 91 of this Book, and B. xxvii. -c. 40. - -[1327] See B. xxvi. c. 39. - -[1328] Hist. Plant. B. ix. c. 20. - -[1329] See B. xxv. c. 19. - -[1330] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._ - -[1331] See B. xxv. c. 27. - -[1332] In B. xxv. c. 49. None of these so-called remedies are now -employed. - -[1333] See B. xxv. c. 67. - -[1334] See B. xxv. cc. 88, 89. - -[1335] See B. xxv. c. 90. - -[1336] See B. xxv c. 102. - -[1337] See B. xxv. c. 106. - -[1338] See B. xxv. c. 56. - -[1339] See B. xxiv. c. 116. - -[1340] See B. xxv. c. 92. - -[1341] Identified with the Galium mollugo of Linnæus, Great ladies’ -bedstraw, or Wild bastard madder. - -[1342] The Asperugo procumbens of Linnæus has been named, but Fée -remarks that from its resemblance to Mollugo, the plant must be sought -among the Rubiaceæ, and not among the Borragineæ. - -[1343] “Fucus marinus.” See B. xiii. c. 48. - -[1344] “Qui conchyliis substernitur.” See Beckmann’s Hist. Inv. Vol. I. -p. 36, _Bohn’s Ed._ - -[1345] What Fucus or Laminaria this may have been is now unknown. - -[1346] See B. xxv. c. 90. - -[1347] See B. xxv. c. 94. - -[1348] “Limus aquaticus.” - -[1349] See B. xxv. c. 32. - -[1350] See c. 19 of this Book. - -[1351] See B. xviii c. 14. - -[1352] See B. xx. c. 2. - -[1353] See c. 37 of this Book. - -[1354] See B. xii. c 28. - -[1355] See B. xxiv. c. 88. - -[1356] “Ox lappa.” Possibly the same as the Philanthropos, or else the -Lappa canina, both mentioned in B. xxiv. c. 116. - -[1357] See B. xxv. c. 67. - -[1358] See B. xxv. c. 101. - -[1359] See B. xxv. c. 109. - -[1360] See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 35 of this Book. - -[1361] See B. viii. c. 47. - -[1362] See B. xxv. c. 9. - -[1363] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._ - -[1364] See B. xxv. c. 27. - -[1365] Not in reality the same plant as the Geranion; see B. xxiv. c. -97. Littré, however, gives the Erodium moschatum of Linnæus as the -synonym of this Geranion myrrhis. - -[1366] Hence its name, from the Greek γέρανος, a “crane.” - -[1367] This kind of Geranion has been identified with the Geranium -molle, or Erodium malacoïdes of Linnæus, the Common dove’s-foot crane’s -bill. - -[1368] Identified with the Geranium tuberosum of Linnæus. - -[1369] Fée remarks that all his assertions as to the medicinal -properties of the Geranion are erroneous. - -[1370] See B. xxv. c. 39. - -[1371] See B. xxv. c. 64. - -[1372] Voracious appetite—“sine modo esurientium.” - -[1373] See B. xxvi. c. 39. - -[1374] See B. xxv. cc. 11 and 12. - -[1375] See B. xxv. c. 33. - -[1376] See B. xxv. c. 54. - -[1377] Identified with the Epilobium roseum of Linnæus, Rose-coloured -willow-herb. - -[1378] See c. 25 of this Book. - -[1379] In B. xxv. c. 49. - -[1380] See B. xxv. c. 56. - -[1381] In B. xxv. c. 12. - -[1382] See B. xxv. c. 39. - -[1383] See B. xxiii. c. 16. - -[1384] See B. xxi. c. 16. - -[1385] See B. xxiv. c. 88. - -[1386] See B. xxv. c. 87. - -[1387] See B. xxv. c. 70. - -[1388] See c. 30 of this Book. - -[1389] See B. xxv. c. 39. - -[1390] See B. xxv. c. 40. - -[1391] See Chapters 53 and 54 of this Book. - -[1392] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._ - -[1393] See B. xxv. c. 54. - -[1394] See B. xxv. c. 70. - -[1395] See B. xxv. c. 92. - -[1396] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._ - -[1397] See B. xxv. c. 39. - -[1398] See c. 39 of this Book. - -[1399] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._ - -[1400] See B. xxv. c. 39. - -[1401] See B. xxv. c. 88. - -[1402] See B. xxv. c. 90. - -[1403] See B. xxv. c. 92. - -[1404] See B. xxv. c. 101. - -[1405] See B. xxv. c. 71. - -[1406] See c. 44 of this Book. - -[1407] See c. 54 of this Book. - -[1408] See B. xxv. c. 71. - -[1409] See B. xxv. c. 71. - -[1410] See B. xxv. c. 67. - -[1411] See B. xxv. c. 71. - -[1412] See B. xxi. c. 105. - -[1413] See B. xxv. c. 102. - -[1414] See B. xxv. c. 94. - -[1415] Or Grape-juice. - -[1416] The “belt”—known to us as “shingles.” - -[1417] See B. xxv. c. 39. - -[1418] See B. xxxv. c. 57. - -[1419] See B. xxv. c. 66. - -[1420] See B. xxv. c. 101. - -[1421] See B. xxv. c. 102. - -[1422] See B. xxv. c. 18. - -[1423] See c. 37 of this Book. - -[1424] See B. xxv. c. 90. - -[1425] See B. xxv. c. 39. - -[1426] See B. xxv. c. 73. - -[1427] See B. xxv. c. 107. - -[1428] B. iv. cc. 62, 64. - -[1429] See B. xxv. c. 30. - -[1430] See B. xxv. c. 67. - -[1431] Or Bechion. See B. xxiv. c. 85. - -[1432] See B. xxv. c. 19. - -[1433] See c. 10 of this Book. - -[1434] See B. xxv. c. 83. - -[1435] See B. xix. c. 18. - -[1436] “Little thieves,” literally. - -[1437] See c. 36 of this Book. - -[1438] See B. xviii. c. 14. - -[1439] See c. 83 of this Book. - -[1440] See B. xxv. c. 31. - -[1441] “Collyriis.” - -[1442] See B. xxv. c. 39. - -[1443] See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 30 this Book. - -[1444] See B. viii. c. 47. - -[1445] See B. xxv. c. 101. - -[1446] See B. xxv. c. 73. - -[1447] See B. xxv. c. 54. - -[1448] See c. 39 of this Book. - -[1449] See B. xxv. c. 56. - -[1450] See B. xxv. c. 73. - -[1451] See B. xxv. c. 100. - -[1452] See B. xxv. c. 102. - -[1453] See B. xxv. c. 103. - -[1454] See B. xxiv. c. 85. - -[1455] See B. xxv. c. 64. - -[1456] See B. xxvii, c. 72. - -[1457] See B. xviii. c. 14. - -[1458] See Chapters 36 and 77 of this Book. - -[1459] See c. 62 of this Book. - -[1460] See c. 62 of this Book. - -[1461] See c. 66 of this Book. - -[1462] Probably the “Alcea” of B. xxvii. c. 6. See also B. xxv. c. 77. - -[1463] See B. xxv. c. 39. - -[1464] See B. xxvii, c. 16. - -[1465] See B. xxv. c. 67. - -[1466] See B. xxv. c. 102. - -[1467] Or “Corison.” See c. 53 of this Book. - -[1468] See B. xxv. e. 39. - -[1469] See B. xxv. c. 56. - -[1470] See B. xxv. c. 70. - -[1471] See B. xxv. c. 93. - -[1472] See B. xxv. c. 106. - -[1473] See c. 35 of this Book. - -[1474] See c. 53 of this Book. - -[1475] See B. xxv. c. 76. - -[1476] See Note 1462 above. - -[1477] Our peony. See B. xxv. c. 10. - -[1478] See B. xxv. c. 33. - -[1479] See B. xxv. c. 35. - -[1480] See B. xxv. c. 39. - -[1481] See B. xxv. c. 102. - -[1482] See c. 29 of the present Book. - -[1483] See B. xxv. c. 45. - -[1484] See B. xxv. c. 19. - -[1485] In B. xviii. c. 67; where it is called “equisætis.” M. Fräas -identifies it with the Equisætum limosum of Linnæus. - -[1486] Whence its name “equisætum.” - -[1487] See B. xi. c. 30. - -[1488] Identified by Littré with the Ephedra fragilis of Linnæus. Fée -gives as its synonym the Equisætum arvense of Linnæus, the Common -horse-tail, or Corn horse-tail. - -[1489] See B. xxv. c. 37. - -[1490] See B. xxv. c. 70. - -[1491] See B. xxv. c. 15. - -[1492] Dalechamps identifies it with the Potentilla anserina of -Linnæus, Silver-weed, or White tansy; but on insufficient grounds Fée -thinks. - -[1493] See B. xxv. c. 39. - -[1494] See B. xxv. c. 66. - -[1495] See B. xxv. c. 30. - -[1496] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._ - -[1497] See B. xxv. c. 27. - -[1498] See B. xxv. c. 54. - -[1499] See B. xxv. c. 73. - -[1500] See B. xxv. c. 100. - -[1501] See B. xxv. c. 102. - -[1502] See B. xxvii. c. 24. - -[1503] See B. xxv. c. 64. - -[1504] C. Bauhin identifies it with the Cnicus erysithales of -Willdenow; but that plant, Fée says, was unknown to the Greeks. - -[1505] See B. xxiv. c. 80. - -[1506] See B. xviii. c. 10. - -[1507] See B. xxv. c. 39. - -[1508] See B. xi. c. 39, and B. xx. c. 32. - -[1509] See B. xxiii. c. 13. - -[1510] See B. xxv. c. 11. _et seq._ - -[1511] See B. xxv. c. 15. - -[1512] For a description of this substance, see B. xxxiv. c. 24. - -[1513] See B. xviii. c. 14. - -[1514] See B. xxv. c. 15. - -[1515] See B. xxv. c. 17. - -[1516] See B. xxv. c. 90. - -[1517] See B. xiii. c. 36. - -[1518] See B. xxv. c. 27. - -[1519] See B. xxv. c. 28. - -[1520] See B. xxv. c. 30. - -[1521] See B. xxv. c. 31. - -[1522] See B. xxv. c. 33. - -[1523] See B. xxiv. c. 77. - -[1524] See B. xxv. c. 35. - -[1525] See B. xxv. c. 39. - -[1526] See B. xxv. c. 50. - -[1527] See B. xix. c. 4, B. xxiii. c. 35, and B. xxxiv. c. 52. - -[1528] See B. xxv. c. 53. - -[1529] Bastard dittany. See B. xxv. c. 53. - -[1530] See B. xxv. c. 66. - -[1531] See B. xxi. c. 19. - -[1532] See B. xxv. c. 66. - -[1533] See B. xxv. c. 77. - -[1534] See c. 12 of this Book. - -[1535] See B. xxv. c. 73. - -[1536] See B. xxv. c. 37. - -[1537] See B. xxv. c. 67. - -[1538] See B. xxv. c. 70. - -[1539] See B. xxv. c. 92. - -[1540] See B. xxv. c. 94. - -[1541] “Siligo.” See B. xviii. c. 20. - -[1542] See B. xxv. c. 102. - -[1543] See B. xxv. c. 106. - -[1544] See c. 29 of this Book. - -[1545] See c. 31 of this Book. - -[1546] See B. xxvii. c. 72. - -[1547] See B. xxviii. c. 14. - -[1548] See c. 29 of this Book. - -[1549] See c. 39 of this Book. - -[1550] See c. 62 of this Book. - -[1551] See c. 69 of this Book. - -[1552] Our “liquorice,” See B. xxv. c. 43. - -[1553] See B. xxv. c. 66. - -[1554] In B. xxii c. 33. - -[1555] See B. xviii. c. 14. - -[1556] See B. xxv. c. 17. - -[1557] See c. 29 of this Book. - -[1558] See B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxv. c. 86. - -[1559] See B. xxv. c. 35. - -[1560] See B. xxv. c. 37. - -[1561] See Note 46 above. - -[1562] Desfontaines identifies it with the Mentha cervina, or Stag mint. - -[1563] See B. xix. c. 50, and B. xx. c. 61. - -[1564] See B. xxvii. c. 24. - -[1565] See B. xxv. c. 19. - -[1566] See B. xxv. c. 73. - -[1567] See B. xxv. c. 94. - -[1568] See B. xvii. c. 14. - -[1569] See B. xxv. c. 67. - -[1570] See B. xxiv. c. 80. - -[1571] See B. xxv. c. 56. - -[1572] See B. xxv. c. 109. - -[1573] See B. xxv. c. 18. - -[1574] See c. 39 of this Book, _et seq._ - -[1575] “Pterygia.” - -[1576] See B. xii. c. 37 and c. 30 of this Book. - -[1577] See B. xxv. c. 81. - -[1578] See B. xxii. c. 71. - -[1579] See B. xxv. c, 10. - -[1580] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._ - -[1581] See B. xxv. c. 27. - -[1582] See B. xxv. c. 19. - -[1583] See B. xxv. c. 50. - -[1584] See B. xxv. c. 11, _et seq._ - -[1585] See B. xxv. c. 28. - -[1586] See B. xxv. c. 31. - -[1587] See B. xxv. c. 39. - -[1588] “Bastard dittany.” See B. xxv. c. 53 - -[1589] See B. xxv. c. 54. - -[1590] See B. xxv. c. 80. - -[1591] See B. xxv. c. 37. - -[1592] See B. xxv. c. 67. - -[1593] See B. xxv. c. 68. - -[1594] See B. xxv. c. 88. - -[1595] See B. xxv. c. 70. - -[1596] See B. xxv. c. 90. - -[1597] See B. xxv. c. 94. - -[1598] See B. xxxv. c. 50. - -[1599] See B. xxv. c. 109. - -[1600] In B. xxv. c. 109. - -[1601] See B. xxv. c. 64. - -[1602] See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 30 of this Book. - -[1603] See Chapters 53 and 54 of this Book. - -[1604] See B. xxv. c. 96. - -[1605] Probably the word “juice,” or “decoction,” is lost here. - -[1606] See c. 68 of this Book. - -[1607] See Chapters 20 and 83 of this Book. - -[1608] See B. xxvii. c. 91. - -[1609] The same as “Alcea” probably; see Chapters 79 and 81 of this -Book. Also B. xxvii. c. 6. - -[1610] See B. xxv. c. 39. - -[1611] See B. xxv. c. 36. - -[1612] See B. xiii. c. 2, and B. xxi. cc. 19, 83. - -[1613] See B. xxv. c. 100. - -[1614] See B. xxi. c. 29. - -[1615] See B. xxv. c. 96. - -[1616] See B. xxi. c. 103. - -[1617] See B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxv. c. 86. - -[1618] “Albugines.” - -[1619] See c. 68 of this Book. - -[1620] See c. 31 of this Book. - -[1621] See B. xxv. c. 70. - -[1622] See B. xxv. c. 90. - -[1623] See B. xxvii. c. 24. - -[1624] See B. xxv. c. 27. - -[1625] See B. xxv. c. 53. - -[1626] See B. xxv. c. 67. - -[1627] See B. xxv. c. 68. - -[1628] These two plants, the names of which signify “begetting males,” -and “begetting females,” are identified by Fée as the male and the -female of the same plant, the Mercurialis tomentosa of Linnæus, the -Woolly mercury. Littré gives the Mercurialis perennis of Linnæus, -Dog’s mercury; and Desfontaines identifies them with the Thelygonum -cynocrambe. - -[1629] See B. xxi. c. 60. - -[1630] In B. xxv. c. 102. - -[1631] See B. xxv. c. 106. - -[1632] See B. xxii. c. 44. - -[1633] Meaning the “breast” plant. It has not been identified. - -[1634] See B. xxxii. c. 10. - -[1635] “Testas.” - -[1636] See B. xxv. c. 37. - -[1637] See B. xxv. c. 67. - -[1638] See B. xxv. c. 85. - -[1639] See B. xxv. c. 100. - -[1640] See B. xxv. c. 35. - -[1641] The most highly esteemed among the Romans of all colours of the -hair. - -[1642] See Chapter 53 of this Book. - -[1643] The “eye-brow” plant. It is identified by Fée with the Ophrys -ovata or bifolia of Linnæus, Ivy blade. The indentations in the leaves -are almost imperceptible. - -[1644] See B. xxv. c. 28. - -[1645] See B. xxvi. c. 70. - -[1646] See c. 39 of this Book, _et seq._ - -[1647] See B. xxv. c. 19 - -[1648] See end of B. ii. - -[1649] See end of B. xx. - -[1650] See end of B. xiv. - -[1651] See end of B. xii. - -[1652] See end of B. xx. - -[1653] See end of B. xx. - -[1654] See end of B. vii. - -[1655] See end of B. iii. - -[1656] See end of B. ii. - -[1657] See end of B. v. - -[1658] See end of B. xx. - -[1659] See end of B. ii. - -[1660] See end of B. viii. - -[1661] See end of B. xix. - -[1662] See end of B. viii. - -[1663] See end of B. vii. - -[1664] See end of B. xxi. - -[1665] See end of B. xxi. - -[1666] See end of B. xxv. - -[1667] See end of B. xxi. - -[1668] See end of B. xxi. - -[1669] See end of B. iv. - -[1670] See end of B. xxi. - -[1671] See end of B. xxi. - -[1672] See end of B. xxi. - -[1673] See end of B. vii. - -[1674] See end of B. xx. - -[1675] See end of B. xx. - -[1676] See end of B. xx. - -[1677] See end of B. xii. - -[1678] See end of B. xv. - -[1679] See end of B. xii. - -[1680] See end of B. xx. - -[1681] See end of B. xx. - -[1682] See end of B. xx. - -[1683] See end of B. xx. - -[1684] See end of B. xx. - -[1685] See end of B. xx. - -[1686] See end of B. xx. - -[1687] See end of B. xx. - -[1688] See end of B. vii. - -[1689] See end of B. xx. - -[1690] See end of B. xx. - -[1691] See end of B. xii. - -[1692] See end of B. xi. - -[1693] See end of B. xii. - -[1694] See end of B. xx. - -[1695] See end of B. xii. - -[1696] See end of B. xx. - -[1697] See end of B. xx. - -[1698] See end of B. xx. - -[1699] See end of B. xx. - -[1700] See end of B. xx. - -[1701] See end of B. xii. - -[1702] See end of B. xx. - -[1703] See end of B. xx. - -[1704] See end of B. xix. - -[1705] See end of B. xx. - -[1706] See end of B. xx. - -[1707] See end of B. xx. - -[1708] He alludes to the Glycyrrhiza or Scythice, our Liquorice, which -is still found on the banks of the river Volga. See B. xxi. c. 54, B. -xxii. c. 11, B. xxv. c. 43, and B. xxvi. cc. 15, 87. - -[1709] See B. xxv. c. 38. - -[1710] See B. xxv. c. 6. - -[1711] “Extra terras.” Meaning, the continental part of the earth. - -[1712] See c. 3 of this Book. - -[1713] See B. xxv. c. 75. - -[1714] Properly “Cælius”—the same M. Cælius Rufus who is mentioned in -B. vii. c. 50. See also B. xxxv. c. 46. - -[1715] “Hinc illa atrox peroratio ejus in digitum.” Sillig is probably -right in his suggestion that the word “mortiferum” is wanting at the -end of the sentence. Bestia was accused of having killed his wives by -the contact of aconite, applied, through the agency of the finger, to -the secret parts. - -[1716] See B. vi. c. i. - -[1717] See B. xxv. c. 75. - -[1718] The hellebore. See B. xxiii. c. 75, and B. xxv c. 21. - -[1719] The scorpion. - -[1720] “Pard-strangle.” - -[1721] See B. viii. c. 41. - -[1722] He seems here, by implication, to contradict himself, and, by -his explanation, to be sensible that he does so. He would appear not to -have known exactly what his belief was in reference to first causes. - -[1723] “Hoc habet nomen” is omitted; for, as Sillig says, it is -evidently a gloss, which has crept into the text. - -[1724] The ancients no doubt knew several plants under the common name -of Aconitum. The one here described, is identified by Fée with the -Doronicum pardalianches of Linnæus, Leopard’s bane. - -[1725] See B. xxv. c. 67. Fée says that neither the leaves of the -Doronicum, nor of any plant of the genus Arnica, bear any resemblance -to those of the Cyclamen, or the cucumber. He remarks also, that the -contact solely of it is not productive of poisonous effects. - -[1726] A kind of crab. - -[1727] At the beginning of this Chapter. - -[1728] “Female-bane,” or “female-killer.” See B. xx. c. 23. - -[1729] “Mice-killer.” This assertion is incorrect. - -[1730] So called from ἀ, “without,” and κόνις, “dust,” Theophrastus -says that it received its name from the town of Aconæ, in the vicinity -of which it grew in great abundance. - -[1731] Also called ἀκόνη. - -[1732] Generally identified with the Salvia argentea of Linnæus, Silver -sage, or else with the Salvia Æthiopis, Woolly sage. It must not be -confounded with the plant of the same name mentioned in B. xxiv c. 102. - -[1733] See B. xxv. c. 73. - -[1734] See c. 16 of this Book. - -[1735] “Not growing old.” It is identified by Fée and Desfontaines with -the Achillæa ageratum of Linnæus, Sweet milfoil or Maudlin. Littré -gives as its synonym, the Hypericum origanifolium. - -[1736] See B. xx. c. 67. - -[1737] The ancients probably included under this name several distinct -species of the aloe. They were well acquainted, Fée says, with the -Indian aloe, but probably not with that of Africa. As described -by Pliny, he identifies it with the Aloe perfoliata of Linnæus: -Desfontaines gives the Aloe umbellata. - -[1738] See B. xxi. c. 68. - -[1739] “Asia.” - -[1740] See B. xxv. c. 102. The aloe is still grown in large wooden -vessels, in this country, at least; but only as an ornament. - -[1741] He alludes to the bitumen of Judæa, much used by the Egyptians -for the purposes of embalmment. - -[1742] He is speaking of the prepared aloes of commerce. - -[1743] It is still used for this purpose. - -[1744] There is no foundation, Fée says, for this statement. - -[1745] It would appear that it is still employed in India for this -purpose, but it is no longer used in Europe. - -[1746] Identified by Fée with the Malva alcea of Linnæus, the Vervain -mallow, an emollient and, comparatively, inert plant. Littré gives as -its synonym the Malope malachoïdes, Marsh mallow. Sibthorp identifies -it with the Hibiscus trionum, and Anguillara with the Althæa cannabina -of Linnæus. It is probably the same plant as the Alcima, mentioned -several times in B. xxvi. - -[1747] See B. xxv. c. 59. - -[1748] Identified with the Globularia alypum of Linnæus, the -Three-toothed leaf Globularia, or Turbith. - -[1749] Identified by Sprengel with the Cerastium aquaticum, and -by other authorities with the Alsine media of Linnæus, the Common -chickweed. Desfontaines suggests the Stellaria nemorum, the Broadleaved -stitchwort, but Fée prefers the Parietaria Cretica of Linnæus, Cretan -pellitory, as its synonym. - -[1750] “Mouse-ear.” - -[1751] From the Greek ἄλσος, a “grove.” - -[1752] In c. 80 of this Book. - -[1753] The Parietaria officinalis; see B. xxii. c. 19. - -[1754] He has previously stated that it grows in the woods. The fact -is, M. Fraäs says, that it grows equally upon garden walls, heaps of -rubbish, in plains, upon shady rocks, and upon mountains, below an -elevation of 15OO feet. - -[1755] Generally supposed not to be a vegetable production, but a -Madrepore. Fée identifies it with the Madrepora acetabulum of Linnæus - -[1756] “Man’s blood.” Identified by Sprengel with the Hypericum -montanum, and by Sibthorp and Fée with the Hypericum perforatum, of -Linnæus, Perforated tutsan or St. John’s wort. - -[1757] See B. xxvi cc. 53, 54 - -[1758] Identified with the Ambrosia maritima of Linnæus, the Sea -ambrosia. - -[1759] The “cluster” plant. It still figures in the Materia Medica. See -B. xxv. c. 36, and c. 31 of this Book. - -[1760] See B. xxi. c. 58. - -[1761] “Dispelling lassitude.” Identified with the Anagyris fœtida of -Linnæus, the Stinking bean trefoil. It is a purgative, and its seeds -are emetic. - -[1762] See B. viii. c. 41, B. x. c. 95, B. xi. cc. 24, 28. - -[1763] It has not been identified, Pliny being the only author that has -mentioned it. The Ajuga pyramidalis of Linnæus, and the Ajura iva have -been suggested. - -[1764] “Anonymos,” or “nameless.” - -[1765] See B. xviii. c. 44, and B. xxiv. c. 116. It is identified with -the Galium Aparine of Linnæus, Ladies’ bedstraw, Cleavers, goosegrass, -hariff, or catch weed. Its medicinal properties are next to nothing. - -[1766] “Navel-fruit.” - -[1767] “Man-loving.” See B. xxiv. c. 116. - -[1768] See Note 53 above. - -[1769] Brotero and Linnæus identify it with the Arctium lappa of -Linnæus, the Burdock or clot-burr: Sibthorp with the Conyza Candida, -the White fleabane: others, again, with the Celsia arcturus of Linnæus, -and Sprengel with the Verbascum ferrugineum of Linnæus, the Ferruginous -mullein; between which two last, Fée is unable to decide. - -[1770] See B. xxv. c. 73. - -[1771] So called from its supposed property of consuming the spleen. -It is generally identified with the Asplenium ceterach of Linnæus, -Spleenwort, or miltwaste. The Asplenium hemionitis of Linnæus, Mule’s -fern, and the Asplenium scolopendrium of Linnæus, Hart’s tongue, have -also been suggested; but Fée prefers the first-named plant. - -[1772] The “mule’s plant.” These animals were said to be very fond of -it. - -[1773] This is incorrect: the Ceterach has a large quantity of seed, -but it is concealed beneath a kind of downy substance. - -[1774] Possibly the Asclepias vincetoxicum of Linnæus, the Common -white-flower swallow-wort; though Fée considers it somewhat doubtful. - -[1775] Those of Swallow-wort have no such resemblance. - -[1776] See B. xviii. c. 44. - -[1777] Desfontaines suggests the Inula bubonium, but Fée adopts the -opinion of Jussieu and Sprengel, that it is the Aster amellus of -Linnæus, the Italian starwort. It is probably the same plant as the -Inguinalis, mentioned in B. xxvi. c. 59. - -[1778] Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Hypericum androsæmum -of Linnæus, the Common tutsan, or Park leaves. Littré gives as the -synonym the Hypericum perforatum of Linnæus, the Perforated St. John’s -wort; which last is also preferred by Sprengel. Fuchsius and Mathioli -think that it is the Hypericum montanum of Linnæus. - -[1779] See B. xxvi. c. 53. - -[1780] It is considered to be identical with the Ascyron. - -[1781] “Man’s blood.” See c. 10 of this Book. - -[1782] Different probably from the plant of a similar name mentioned in -B. xxi. cc. 52, 59. Fée identifies it with the Vetch, mentioned in B. -xviii. c. 37. Littré gives as its synonym the Vicia cracca of Linnæus, -the Tufted vetch, and Desfontaines the Lathyrus aphaca, the Yellow -vetchling, or bindweed. - -[1783] Fée considers it to be the same plant as the Anchusa or -Archebion, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 25. Desfontaines identifies the -Alcibium with the Echium rubrum of Linnæus. Holland observes here that -Pliny “hath here forgotten himself.” - -[1784] “Cock’s comb.” The Rhinanthus crista galli of Linnæus, Yellow -rattle, or cock’s comb. - -[1785] “Crest” or “Comb.” - -[1786] Identified by Desfontaines with the Symphytum officinale, or -Great comfrey. Fée, however, considers it to be the Coris Monspeliensis -of Linnæus, Montpellier coris. Lobel identifies it with the Prunella -vulgaris of Linnæus, Common self-heal, and Cæsalpinus with the Hyssopus -officinalis of Linnæus. See B. xxvi. c. 26. - -[1787] Fée reiterates his assertion here that this “rock” symphytum is -a totally different plant from the Symphytum officinale, or Comfrey, -though they appear to have been generally considered as identical by -Scribonius Largus, Plinius Valerianus, Apuleius, and other writers. - -[1788] See B. xxvi. c. 26. - -[1789] This account of its medicinal properties applies properly to -the Symphytum officinale, or Great comfrey, a plant which would appear -to have been confounded by Pliny with the Alum, if Fée is right in his -conjecture. - -[1790] Hence its Latin name “consolida,” and its French name -“consoude.” Fée says that Comfrey still figures in the French Materia -Medica, and that the lower classes use it in most of the cases -mentioned by Pliny; he states also, that it is destitute of energetic -properties, in a medicinal point of view. - -[1791] Σύμφυτον, “consolidating.” - -[1792] See B. xiii. c. 48, and B. xxvi. c. 66. - -[1793] The Actæa spicata of Linnæus, Herb-christopher or bane-berries, -is mentioned by Desfontaines; but Fée is inclined to identify it -with the Sambucus ebulus of Linnæus, the Dwarf elder, wall-wort, or -dane-wort. - -[1794] See B. xxiii. c. 14. - -[1795] In B. xxi. cc. 33, 38. - -[1796] The Artemisia Santonica of Linnæus, Tartarian southernwood. - -[1797] The Artemisia Pontica of Linnæus, Little wormwood, or Roman -wormwood. - -[1798] See B. xi. c. 75. - -[1799] The Artemisia absinthium of Linnæus, Common wormwood. - -[1800] Upon which occasion a sacrifice was offered on the Alban Mount. -See further as to this Festival, in B. iii. c. 2. - -[1801] In B. xiv. c. 19. Wine of wormwood is still used medicinally. - -[1802] “Dilutum.” An infusion. - -[1803] It contains a small quantity of essential oil. - -[1804] See B. xx. c. 18. - -[1805] See B. xviii. c. 14. - -[1806] See B. xxi. c. 19. - -[1807] See B. xxii. c. 30. - -[1808] “Puls.” See B. xviii. c. 19. - -[1809] From a passage in Scribonius Largus, c. 191, it has been -concluded that by the word “visco,” he means the juice of the Ixias or -Chamæleon, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 21. - -[1810] See B. ix. c. 43, and B. xxxii. c. 53. - -[1811] This, Fée observes, is not the case. - -[1812] The Artemisia maritima of Linnæus, Sea wormwood: see B. xxxii. -c. 31 - -[1813] The Ballota nigra of Linnæus, the Fetid ballota, or Stinking -black horehound; see B. xx. c. 89. - -[1814] He is in error here, as the word “melamprasion” means “black -horehound.” “Black leek” would be “melamprason.” - -[1815] “Horehound,” properly. The Ballota is of a stimulating nature, -and contains a considerable quantity of essential oil. - -[1816] The Chenopodium botrys of Linnæus, Cut-leaved goose foot, or oak -of Jerusalem. See B. xxv. c. 36, and c. 11 of this Book. - -[1817] There is no such resemblance. The name “botrys” was given to the -plant from the little clusters formed by the blossoms. - -[1818] Identified by Fée with the Prunus domestica of Linnæus, var. β, -or Damascena, the Damascene plum or damson. Desfontaines considers it -to be the Prunus instititia, the Bullace plum. Holland mentions in a -Note, “Bullois, skegs, or such like wild plums.” - -[1819] The Ulva lactuca of Linnæus, Lettuce laver; see B. xiii. c. 49, -B. xxiv. c. 17, and B. xxxii. c. 36. - -[1820] He probably says this in reference to the opinion expressed by -Theophrastus, Hist. iv. 7, that it was a name for sea-weed in general, -and not a specific plant. - -[1821] In reality, it is destitute of medicinal properties. Some kinds -of laver are considered a dainty food. - -[1822] See B. xxii. c. 35. - -[1823] See B. xx. c. 67. - -[1824] Dioscorides speaks of two kinds of Catanance; one of which has -been identified by Sprengel with the Ornithopus compressus of Linnæus, -and the other with the Astragalus pugniformis. Fée expresses his doubts -as to the correctness of these conclusions. - -[1825] “As if it would catch women, and hold them fast -perforce.”—_Holland._ It has been suggested that the Coronopus, or -“crow’s foot,” mentioned in B. xxi. c. 59, was so called for a similar -reason. - -[1826] Prosper Alpinus identifies it with the Plantago Cretica of -Linnæus, and Sprengel with the Micropus erectus of Linnæus. Fée -considers it to be the Gnaphalium leontopodium of Lamarck. - -[1827] Other readings are “calsa,” and “calla;” but “calyx” is -supported by the text of Dioscorides, B. iv. c. 23. The first kind has -been generally identified with the Arum arisarum of Linnæus, Hooded -arum, or Monk’s hood, and is identical probably with the Aris aros of -B. xxiv. c. 94. - -[1828] See B. xxiv. c. 93. - -[1829] Probably the Anchusa tinctoria of Linnæus, Dyer’s alkanet. See -B. xxii. c. 23. - -[1830] “Flore polentæ.” See B. xviii. c. 14. - -[1831] Sprengel identifies it with the Asclepias nigra, Black -swallow-wort, but Fée considers it to be the Circæa Lutetiana of -Linnæus, Parisian circæa, or enchanter’s nightshade. Other authorities -have suggested the Capsicum annuum of Linnæus, Indian or Guinea -pepper, and the Celosia margaritacea of Linnæus, Pearly celosia, or -cock’s comb. M. Fraäs suggests, though with some doubt, the Cynanchum -Monspeliacum, the Montpellier dog’s-bane. - -[1832] See B. xxi. c. 105. - -[1833] Identified with the Carduus parviflorus of Linnæus, the -Small-flowered thistle. - -[1834] See B. xxv. c. 40. - -[1835] Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Polygonum persicaria -of Linnæus, the Spotted persicaria, red-shanks, fleawort, or lakeweed. -Littré gives the Crucianella Monspeliaca of Linnæus, Montpellier petty -madder. - -[1836] Hence its name, signifying that it strengthens the generative -powers. - -[1837] See B. xxvi. c. 91. - -[1838] See B. xxiv. c. 72. Littré remarks that Pliny is in error here, -for that the Cratægos of Theophrastus is the Cratægos azarolia of -Linnæus, the Parsley-leaved hawthorn, while the Aquifolia of Pliny is -the Holly. As to the latter point, see B. xvi. cc. 8, 12. - -[1839] Hist. Plant. B. iii. c. 15. - -[1840] Desfontaines identifies it with the Centaurea crocodileum of -Linnæus, and Littré with the Carduus pycnocephalus of Linnæus. Ruellius -considers it to be the same plant as the Leucacantha of Dioscorides; -which Sprengel identifies with the Cnicus Casabonæ. Fée expresses -himself at a loss as to its identity. - -[1841] See B. xxii. c. 21. - -[1842] “Dog’s testicle.” Considered to be a synonym merely of the -Orchis, mentioned in B. xxvi. c. 62. - -[1843] This comparison is totally incorrect. - -[1844] See B. xxvi. c. 62. - -[1845] Or onions. - -[1846] A tissue of groundless superstitions. - -[1847] “Golden vegetable.” Supposed to be identical with the Atriplex -of B. xx. c. 38, our Orage. - -[1848] Cultivated orage, probably. - -[1849] “Earth rennet.” This plant has not been identified. Lobelius has -made a _guess_ at the Serapias abortiva of Linnæus, the Helleborine. It -is pretty clear that it was unknown to Pliny himself. - -[1850] The same, probably, as the Trychnon of B. xxi. cc. 52, 105, -Solanum nigrum or Black nightshade. In the former editions the reading -is “cuculus.” - -[1851] The “strumous” or “scrofula” plant. - -[1852] Possibly the Conferva rivularis, or the C. glomerata of Linnæus, -the River conferva or River sponge, or the Green cluster conferva. - -[1853] On account of its asserted agglutinative properties. In reality -it is an inert plant, and is never used in medicine. - -[1854] Fée considers this statement as fabulous in every respect. - -[1855] See B. xiii. c. 35. - -[1856] “Coccus.” See B. xvi. c. 12. - -[1857] This is not the case. Sillig is of opinion that the passage is -imperfect. - -[1858] The same plant as the Labrum Venereum of B. xxv. c. 108. It is -used for carding cloth, but is no longer employed in medicine. - -[1859] Hence its name “Venus’ bath.” - -[1860] “Collyrii.” - -[1861] The same plant, probably, as the Polypodion of B. xxvi. c. 37. -Littré, however, identifies it with the Asplenium adiantum nigrum of -Linnæus, the Black maiden-hair, or spleenwort. - -[1862] It is the root that is sweet, and _not_ the leaves. - -[1863] It has no such properties. - -[1864] The “oak-killer.” Fée thinks that it may possibly be the -Convallaria uniflora of Linnæus. Desfontaines names the Cochlearia -draba and Littré the Lepidium draba of Linnæus. - -[1865] See B. xv. cc. 7, 37, and B. xxiii. c. 83. - -[1866] Desfontaines and Fée identify it with the Antirrhinum spurium of -Linnæus, Bastard toad-flax, calves’ snout, or snapdragon. Littré gives -the Linaria Græca as its synonym. - -[1867] See B. xxii. c. 19. - -[1868] See B. xviii. c. 14. - -[1869] Fée, with Sprengel, identifies it with the Salsola polychlonos -of Linnæus, Branchy saltwort or glasswort; Bauhin with the Passerina -polygalifolia. The Crithmum maritimum of Linnæus, Sea samphire, has -been suggested by Desfontaines. Littré gives the Frankenia pulverulenta -of Linnæus. Holland suggests Saxifrage. - -[1870] “Calculus-breaking.” - -[1871] See B. xiii. c. 35. - -[1872] Sprengel suggests the Marsilea quadrifolia of Linnæus; Columna -the Botrychium lunaria of Linnæus; G. Bauhin the Ornithogalum -Narbonense of Linnæus, Narbonese star of Bethlehem; and Talius the -Caltha palustris of Linnæus, the Marsh marigold. Fée considers its -identification impossible. - -[1873] Because it was said to be a cause of sterility. - -[1874] Identified with the Dentaria enneaphylla of Linnæus, the -Nine-leaved tooth-wort. - -[1875] From this remark, Fée is of opinion that he had in view more -particularly the Pteris aquilina and the Blechnum spicatum of Linnæus, -plants in which the seed is not easily detected. - -[1876] Identified by Fée with the Polypodium filix mas of Linnæus, the -Male fern. - -[1877] Dioscorides says it _has_ a somewhat unpleasant smell, and this -is nearer the truth. - -[1878] “Female fern.” Identified by Fée with the Polypodium filix -fæmina of Linnæus, Female fern or Pteris aquilina. - -[1879] See B. xviii. c. 59. - -[1880] Fée remarks that root of fern is an undoubted remedy for -tapeworm, and that it is worthy of remark that we owe to the ancients -the two most efficient anthelmintics known, fern-root, namely, and -pomegranate rind. - -[1881] The Femur bubulum has not been identified. C. Bauhin has -suggested the Leonurus cardiaca of Linnæus, Motherwort. - -[1882] It has been suggested that this plant is the same as the -Lamium, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 16, but Fée is not of that opinion. -He identifies the Galeopsis with the Lamium purpureum of Linnæus, the -Purple arch-angel, or dead-nettle. Littré gives as its synonym the -Scrofularia peregrina of Linnæus, the Foreign figwort. - -[1883] Fée thinks that it may possibly be the Astragalus glaux of -Linnæus, or Milk vetch, as originally suggested by Clusius. Littré -gives as its synonym the Sennebierra coronopus of Poireau. - -[1884] The “Good milk” plant. - -[1885] See B. xviii. cc. 19, 20. - -[1886] See B. xx. c. 78, where a similar plant is mentioned. Fée -identifies this plant with the Glaucium hybridum, or Chelidonium of -Linnæus, the Violet-coloured celandine, or horned poppy. Littré gives -the Glaucium flavum of Linnæus as its synonym. - -[1887] This is a yellow, acrid, caustic juice; it is no longer used in -medicine. - -[1888] The Peony; described in B. xxv. c. 10. - -[1889] See B. xx. c. 25, and B. xxii. c. 2. - -[1890] See B. xxv. c. 10. - -[1891] In reality it is destitute of smell. - -[1892] See B. xxv. c. 10. - -[1893] Or, as Holland says, would “be ready to job out their eyes.” - -[1894] In reality, the peony has no medicinal virtues whatever. - -[1895] “Suppressionibus nocturnis”. - -[1896] Sprengel identifies it with the Santolina maritima, Sea cudwort -or cotton-weed. Fée considers its identification as doubtful. - -[1897] Identified by Hardouin and Desfontaines with the Dipsacus -pilosus of Linnæus, the Shepherd’s rod, or small white teasel. Fée is -doubtful on the subject - -[1898] See B. xxii. c. 18. - -[1899] See B. xxv. c. 28. - -[1900] Identified with the Hordeum murinum of Linnæus, and the same, -most probably, as the Mouse barley of B. xxii. c. 65. - -[1901] Whence its name, from the Greek ἕλκω, “to draw.” - -[1902] “Swine’s endive.” It is generally identified with the Centaurea -nigra of Linnæus; though, as Fée says, on very insufficient grounds, as -the black centaury has but little similarity to endive. - -[1903] The “all-bone” plant. Desfontaines identifies it with the -Plantago coronopus of Linnæus, the Buckshorn plantain; but Fée prefers -the Plantago holostea of Lamarck, the Grass-leaved plantain. Littré -names the Holosteum umbellatum. The Plantago albicans of Linnæus has -been also mentioned. - -[1904] Because there is no hardness in it. - -[1905] Τὰ γλύκεα. - -[1906] See B. xxiv. c. 68. In B. xvi. c. 92, Fée identifies this plant -with the Calcitrapa stellata of Lamarck. He also suggests that it may -possibly be the second “Hippophaes,” mentioned in B. xxii. c. 14. -Desfontaines identifies it with the Cnicus stellatus, the Star-thistle. -Littré gives as its synonym the Centaurea spinosa, Prickly centaury; -in accordance with the opinion of M. Fraäs, who admits, however, that -the statement that it has neither stem nor flower, would hardly seem to -indicate a species of centaury. - -[1907] The Ruscus hypoglossum of Linnæus, the Double tongue. - -[1908] The Hypecoüm procumbens of Linnæus, Horned cummin. - -[1909] Fée thinks that “Idæa herba,” “plant of Ida,” may possibly be -one of the synonyms of the Alexandrian laurel. See B. xv. c. 39. Should -that identity not hold good, he prefers the Uvularia amplexifolia of -Linnæus. - -[1910] See B. xv. cc. 7, 37, and B. xxiii. c. 83. - -[1911] Fée suggests the Corydalis claviculata of Decandolle. Littré -mentions the Fumaria capreolata of Linnæus. - -[1912] Or kidney-bean. See B. xxiv. c. 40. - -[1913] Or Gith. See B. xx. c. 71. - -[1914] The Euphorbia lathyris of Linnæus, the Caper plant, or Caper -spurge. - -[1915] There is no such resemblance, except that they both contain a -milky juice, the properties of which are, however, very different. It -is a plant of an energetic and even dangerous nature, and must never be -mistaken for the real caper. - -[1916] Mostly thought to be the same plant as the Leontopodium of B. -xxvi. c. 34. Littré, however, identifies it with the Evax pygmæus of -Linnæus. - -[1917] Probably the Echium Italicum of Linnæus, Italian viper’s tongue. - -[1918] There is no resemblance between the Echium and the lettuce. - -[1919] Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Lithospermum -officinale of Linnæus, Gremil, gromwell, or stone-crop. Littré mentions -the Lithospermum tenuiflorum of Linnæus. - -[1920] “Jove’s wheat,” or the “plant of Hercules.” - -[1921] This description applies to the variety of Gremil, known as the -Coix lacryma of Linnæus, Job’s tears, originally an Indian plant; but -it may have been known in Italy in Pliny’s time. - -[1922] A poor compliment to Nature, as Fée remarks. - -[1923] It has in reality no medicinal properties to speak of; but its -name, “stone seed,” and its appearance, would, of course, ensure its -reputation as an efficient cure for calculus. - -[1924] Some kind of lichen, probably, but what in particular it is -impossible to say. - -[1925] Ring-worm or tetter. - -[1926] Hardouin says that this herpetic disease is called -“cantharides,” because it attacks the body as the cantharis attacks -wheat. See B. xviii. c. 44. - -[1927] It would be superfluous to look for sense in this silly formula. - -[1928] Anguillara and C. Bauhin identify it with the Ranunculus thora -of Linnæus, and other authorities with the Doronicum pardalianches of -Linnæus. Pliny is the only writer that mentions it; and if it really -had any existence, it would seem quite impossible, as Fée says, to -identify it with correctness. - -[1929] “Venenum cervarium.” - -[1930] See B. xxv. c. 25. - -[1931] “Salivati.” Holland renders this, “A mash wherewith they used to -drench cattle.” - -[1932] Identified with the Lamium of B. xxii. c. 16. - -[1933] See B. xxv. c. 18. The resemblance, Fée says, is by no means a -striking one. - -[1934] The “white” plant. - -[1935] “White in the middle.” - -[1936] Identified by Fée with the Cerinthe of B. xxi. c. 41. Sprengel, -however, considers it to be the Carduus leucographus of Linnæus. - -[1937] Fée identifies it with the Campanula Medium of Linnæus, our -Canterbury or Coventry bells; but this flower is blue, while the colour -of the Medion is purple. Littré gives the Convolvulus althæoides -of Linnæus. Sibthorp has named the Campanula laciniata; and other -authorities the Michauxia campanuloïdes. - -[1938] See B. xx. c. 32. - -[1939] “Mouse-ears.” Fée identifies it with the Myosotis Scorpioïdes -of Linnæus, Scorpion-grass, or mouse-ear, which is not of a corrosive -nature, as Pliny says, but emollient and soothing. Littré names the -Asperugo procumbens of Linnæus, Wild bugloss, German madwort, or great -goose-grass. - -[1940] Sprengel identifies it with the Alyssum sativum, the Garden -madwort; Fée with the Camelina sativa of Crantz, the Cultivated -cameline. Littré gives the Neslia paniculata as its synonym. - -[1941] Or “Nigina,” in some editions. It is utterly unknown. - -[1942] Possibly a fabulous plant; though it is generally identified -with the Ononis natrix of Linnæus. Poinsinet de Sivry derives its name -from the Celto-Germanic words, _nat_, “night,” and _ris_, “wand;” a -name given to it, according to him, for its efficacy in dispelling the -illusions of the night. - -[1943] Or “Fauni,” the same as our nightmare. - -[1944] Probably the Euphrasia odontites of Linnæus, the Red eye-bright. - -[1945] “Inter feni genera.” - -[1946] See c. 91 of this Book. There is no resemblance between them. - -[1947] On the contrary, it grows in arid, sterile spots. - -[1948] Hence its name “odontitis,” “tooth-wort.” - -[1949] Its synonym is unknown. Sprengel has identified it with the -Tagetes patula of Linnæus, but that is purely an American plant! - -[1950] Probably one of the Borragineæ, Fée thinks, but beyond that he -considers it impossible to say. Desfontaines identifies it with the -Onosma echioides of Linnæus, the Hairy onosma. - -[1951] See B. xxii. c. 23. - -[1952] If it is the plant above-mentioned, this is incorrect. - -[1953] Fée suggests that it may be identical with the Onopyxos of -B. xxi. c. 56. Desfontaines, also, identifies it with the Onopordon -acanthium of Linnæus, the Cotton thistle or woolly thistle. - -[1954] Probably the Osyris alba of Linnæus, the Poet’s cassia. -Anguillara and Dodonæus have mentioned the Chenopodium scoparia of -Linnæus, the Summer cypress, or line-leaved goosefoot, but without any -good reason, it is thought. Holland calls it “toad-flax.” - -[1955] “Smegmata.” - -[1956] The “sour” plant. Mostly identified with the Oxalis acetosella -of Linnæus, Cuckoo’s meat, three leaved sorrel, or wood-sorrel. - -[1957] “Enterocele.” - -[1958] The “many-flowered” plant. Probably the Ranunculus polyanthemos -of Linnæus. See B. xxv. c. 109. - -[1959] The “frog” plant. - -[1960] “Vitiligines”. - -[1961] “Many-seeded.” - -[1962] “Blood plant.” - -[1963] Identified by Fée with the Polygonum aviculare of Linnæus, the -Knot-grass. - -[1964] “Many-knotted.” Scribonius says that it received its name, -“polygonos,” from its being found everywhere. - -[1965] Or “mountain” plant. Fée considers it to be the same as the -second kind above mentioned, and to correspond with the female -Polygonos of Dioscorides. He identifies it with the Hippuris vulgaris -of Linnæus, Mare’s tail, or female horse-tail; Littré gives the -Equisetum pallidum of Bory as its synonym. - -[1966] Identified by Fée with the Ephedra distachya of Linnæus, the -Great shrubby horsetail. - -[1967] See B, xix. c. 7. - -[1968] “Scillam pusillam.” Fée considers it to be a squill, the variety -with the red root of the Scilla maritima of Linnæus, the Sea-squill. -Littré gives as its synonym the Pancratium maritimum of Linnæus, the -Sea-daffodil. - -[1969] Probably the Euphorbia peplis of Linnæus; see B. xx. c. 81. It -is a strong purgative. - -[1970] “Fig-plant,” “poppy-juice,” and “poppy-froth.” In reference, no -doubt, to its milky juice. - -[1971] See the Clymenus, B. xxv. c. 33. - -[1972] In B. xviii. c. 44. It was also called “securidaca.” - -[1973] See B. xx. c. 71. - -[1974] We learn from Galen that it formed an ingredient in the great -antidote of Mithridates. - -[1975] Fée thinks that it may possibly be the Polygala vulgaris of -Linnæus, the Common milk-wort. Desfontaines mentions the Polygala amara -of Linnæus, the Bitter milkwort of the South of Europe; and Littré -gives the Polygala venulosa of Sibthorp. - -[1976] See B. xxv. c. 76. - -[1977] The “sinew” plant. - -[1978] Generally identified with the Anthericum or Hemerocallis -liliastrum of Linnæus, the Savoy anthericum or Spider’s-wort. M Fräas -says, however (_Synopsis_, p. 288), that that plant has not been found -in Greece; and relying upon the description of Dioscorides, he prefers -the Lloydia Græca, which grows commonly in Attica, the isles of Greece, -and the Peloponnesus, as its synonym. It is found upon elevations of -1500 feet. - -[1979] “White flower.” - -[1980] “White thorn.” - -[1981] Hence its name. See B. viii. c. 41, B. x. c. 95, and B. xi. cc. -24, 28, 29. - -[1982] Most probably the Reseda phyteuma of Linnæus, the Crosswort. - -[1983] See B. xxii. c. 91. Fée thinks that it is two plants, the Cnicus -Casabonæ, and the Thelygonum cynocrambe of Linnæus, that are here -spoken of. Littré gives the Mercurialis perennis of Linnæus, Dog’s -mercury, as its synonym. - -[1984] Linnæus has given to the Fine-leaved water-hemlock the name -of Phellandrium aquaticum, but the seeds of that plant are an active -poison. It is probable that the Phellandrium, or “Male-cork-plant” of -Pliny, still remains unknown. - -[1985] Possibly the Phalaris aquatiea of Linnæus, the Water -canary-grass. Littré gives as its synonym, the Phalaris nodosa of -Linnæus, Knotted canary-grass. See Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 34, -_Bohn’s Ed_. - -[1986] This is an exaggeration; Dioscorides says “millet.” - -[1987] Possibly the plant mentioned in B. xxv. c. 54; though the -Aristolochia has not leaves like those of the myrtle. - -[1988] Supposed to be identical with the Polygonos, mentioned above in -c. 91. - -[1989] See B. ix. c. 42, and B. xxvi. c. 11. From this passage it would -appear that the mæna was preserved in a somewhat similar way to our -Sardines. - -[1990] See B. xxvi. c. 11. - -[1991] The reading of this word is very doubtful. It is generally -supposed to be the Rheum Rhaponticum of Linnæus, Pontic rhubarb. - -[1992] The shores of the Euxine. - -[1993] See B. xii. c. 25. - -[1994] “Fulvum,” probably, “tawny-coloured,” not white, red, or black; -see B. xiv. cc. 11, 18. - -[1995] Possibly the Reseda alba of Linnæus. - -[1996] “Reseda, morbos reseda.” A pun upon the name of the plant, and -the verb “resedo.” - -[1997] Like the silly charm itself, “neither head nor tail.” - -[1998] See B. xxvi. c. 27. - -[1999] The Stœchades. See B. iii. c. 11, and B. xxxii. c. 11. - -[2000] See B. xxi. c. 105, and c. 44 of this Book. The black nightshade -is neither astringent nor cooling, but a narcotic poison. - -[2001] De Re Med. ii. 33. - -[2002] See B. xix. cc. 48, 62. It is generally identified with the -Smyrnium perfoliatum of Linnæus, the Perfoliated alexander. - -[2003] “Anethi” is a preferable reading to “apii,” “parsley.” - -[2004] See B. xxiv. c. 60. - -[2005] See B. xxi. c. 21. - -[2006] See B. xxi. c. 86. - -[2007] See B. xxvi. c. 60. - -[2008] “Fish-sauce.” See B. ix. c. 30, and B. xxxi. c. 43. - -[2009] Possibly the same plant as the Sison of Dioscorides, identified -with the Sison amomum of Linnæus, Field hone-wort, or stone-parsley. - -[2010] Identified by Fée with the Sedum Telephium of Linnæus, the -Orpine or livelong; by Desfontaines with the Sedum anacampseros, the -Ever-green orpine; and by Littré with the Cerinthe aspeva, the Prickly -honey-wort. - -[2011] “Vitiligini.” - -[2012] The same plant as the Callitrichos of B. xxv. c. 86. - -[2013] See B. xxii. c. 30. - -[2014] Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Thalictrum minus of -Linnæus, the Small meadow rue. Littré gives the Thalictrum flavum of -Linnæus, the Common meadow rue. - -[2015] In its colour. - -[2016] Fée identifies it with the Thlaspi campestre of Linnæus, -the Wild bastard-grass; Littré with the Thlaspi bursa pastoris of -Linnæus, Shepherd’s purse, otherwise known as Capsella bursa pastoris. -Desfontaines gives as the Thlaspi of Galen, the Cochlearia draba of -Linnæus. - -[2017] “Peltarum specie.” The “pelta” was a small, light shield, of -various forms, but most commonly, perhaps, that of a crescent. - -[2018] From θλάω, “to break.” - -[2019] “Persian mustard.” The Lunaria annua of Linnæus, the Annual -moon-wort, honesty, or satin-flower, has been suggested by Sprengel, -but its identity is very doubtful. - -[2020] This plant is unknown. A rose of this name is mentioned in B. -xxi. c. 10. - -[2021] See B. xiii. c. 36. Fée suggests that it may possibly be a -variety of the Pistacia lentiscus of Linnæus, the Mastich-tree, or -lentisk. Desfontaines identifies it with the Hypericon hircinum. M. -Fräas (_Synopsis_, p. 182) suggests the Origanum maru. - -[2022] See B. xiii. c. 37. M. Fräas (_Synopsis_, p. 257) identifies it -with the Ephedra distachya of Linnæus, the Great shrubby horsetail. - -[2023] “Goat’s-beard. Probably the Tragopogon crocifolium of Linnæus, -the Saffron-leaved goat’s beard. Though its properties are not inert; -it is never used in medicine”. - -[2024] In B. xx. c. 3. - -[2025] See c. 41 of this Book. - -[2026] See B. xxv. c. 70. - -[2027] See B. xxv. c. 54. - -[2028] A kind of fœtid beetle, Hardouin says. Probably an Aphis. - -[2029] “Serpentis.” - -[2030] See B. xxii. c. 3. - -[2031] It is with regret that at the close of this Book, we take leave -of the valuable Annotations of M. Fée, a series of illustrations which -reflect the highest credit on his learning, his industry, and his -critical acumen. Were the ancient authors in general subjected to the -same minute examination and thorough enquiry which he has expended -upon the Sixteen Botanical Books of Pliny, their value would be -greatly enhanced, equally to the critical scholar, and to the general -reader who makes his acquaintance with them through the medium of a -translation. To say, that, in reference to their respective labours -upon Pliny, M. Fée deserves our thanks almost equally with the learned -Sillig—now, alas! no more—is to say much indeed in his praise, and to -bestow upon him a commendation to which he is eminently entitled. - -[2032] See end of B. xx. - -[2033] See end of B. xiv. - -[2034] See end of B. xii. - -[2035] See end of B. xx. - -[2036] See end of B. xx. - -[2037] See end of B. vii. - -[2038] See end of B. iii. - -[2039] See end of B. xi. - -[2040] See end of B. ii. - -[2041] Beyond being mentioned here, and in c. 14 of this Book, nothing -is known of this writer. - -[2042] See end of B. xx. - -[2043] See end of B. ii. - -[2044] See end of B. viii. - -[2045] See end of B. xix. - -[2046] See end of B. viii. - -[2047] See end of B. xix. - -[2048] See end of B. xxi. - -[2049] See end of B. xxi. - -[2050] See end of B. vii. - -[2051] See end of B. xx. - -[2052] See end of B. xx. - -[2053] See end of B. xv. - -[2054] See end of B. xii. - -[2055] See end of B. xv. - -[2056] See end of B. xii. - -[2057] See end of B. xx. - -[2058] See end of B. xx. - -[2059] See end of B. xx. - -[2060] See end of B. xx. - -[2061] See end of B. xx. - -[2062] See end of B. xx. - -[2063] See end of B. xx. - -[2064] See end of B. xx. - -[2065] See end of B. vii. - -[2066] See end of B. xx. - -[2067] See end of B. xx. - -[2068] See end of B. xii. - -[2069] See end of B. xi. - -[2070] See end of B. xii. - -[2071] See end of B. xx. - -[2072] See end of B. xii. - -[2073] See end of B. xx. - -[2074] See end of B. xx. - -[2075] See end of B. xx. - -[2076] See end of B. xx. - -[2077] See end of B. xx. - -[2078] See end of B. xii. - -[2079] See end of B. xx. - -[2080] See end of B. xx. - -[2081] See end of B. xxi. - -[2082] See end of B. xx. - -[2083] See end of B. xx. - -[2084] See end of B. xx. - -[2085] The trees and plants. - -[2086] On the contrary, this and the four following Books are full of -the most extravagant assertions, which bear ample testimony to his -credulity notwithstanding the author’s repeated declarations that he -does not believe in Magic. As Ajasson says, he evidently does not -know what he ought to have inserted in his work, and what to reject -as utterly unworthy of belief. His faults, however, were not so -much his own as those of his age. Want of space, equally with want -of inclination, compels us to forego the task of entering into an -examination of the system of Animal Therapeutics upon which so much -labour has been wasted by our author. - -[2087] See B. viii. c. 97, _et seq._, and B. xxv. c. 89, _et seq._ - -[2088] See B. xxviii. c. 3. - -[2089] This practice is mentioned with reprobation by Celsus and -Tertullian. It was continued, however, in some degree through the -middle ages, and Louis XV. was accused by his people of taking baths of -infants’ blood to repair his premature decrepitude. - -[2090] In recent times, Guettard, a French practitioner, recommended -human marrow as an emollient liniment. - -[2091] Hence, as Ajasson remarks, the ignorance of anatomy displayed by -the ancients. - -[2092] For further particulars as to Osthanes, see B. xxix. c. 80, -and B. xxx. cc. 5 and 6; also cc. 19 and 77 of the present Book. The -reading, however, is very doubtful. - -[2093] “Oculorum suffusiones.” As Ajasson says, the remedy here -mentioned reminds us of the more harmless one used by Tobias for the -cure of the blindness of his father Tobit. - -[2094] He gives a great many, however, which are equally abominable. - -[2095] “Piacula.” - -[2096] We may here discover the first rudiments of the doctrine of -Animal Magnetism. - -[2097] In accordance with the republican doctrines of Cato of Utica, -Brutus, Cassius, and Portia. - -[2098] Holland remarks, “Looke for no better divinitie in Plinie, a -meere Pagan, Epicurean, and professed Atheist.” See B. vii. cc. 53, 54. - -[2099] Whether or not, they cannot, as Ajasson remarks, be regarded as -remedies _derived from_ the human body, being no part of the human body. - -[2100] “Homini acceptum fieri oportere conveniat.” This passage is -probably corrupt. - -[2101] Beginning with an address to Janus and Vesta, imploring their -intercession with the other divinities, and concluding with an appeal -to Janus. - -[2102] “Impetritis.” - -[2103] “Qui favere linguis jubeat.” “Favete linguis” were the words -used in enjoining strict silence. - -[2104] By him who is offering up the prayer. - -[2105] A trick adroitly performed by the priests, no doubt. - -[2106] Given by Livy, in Books viii. and x. - -[2107] To death, in battle, for the good of their country. - -[2108] Preserved by Valerius Maximus, B. viii. c. 1. Tertullian and -Saint Augustin doubt the authenticity of the story. She is said to have -carried water in a sieve from the river Tiber to the temple of Vesta. - -[2109] “Forum Boarium;” in the Eighth Region of the City. - -[2110] Of Gaul, as Plutarch informs us, who mentions also the Greek -victims, The immolation of the Gauls is supposed to have happened in -the beginning of the reign of Vespasian. - -[2111] Originally the “Decemviri Sacris Faciundis,” whose number was -increased by Sylla to fifteen. They had the management of the Games of -Apollo, and the Secular Games. - -[2112] In B. ii. c. 54. - -[2113] It has been suggested that Tullus Hostilius was acquainted with -some of the secrets of electricity, and that he met his death while -trying experiments with a lightning conductor. See B. ii. c. 54. - -[2114] Ajasson thinks that there is an equivoque here upon the word -“templum,” which signified not only a building, but certain parts of -the heavens, and corresponding lines traced on the earth by the augur’s -staff. - -[2115] This story is mentioned by Plutarch, in the Life of Publicola. - -[2116] In which case it was considered necessary to repeat the words, -“Accipio omen,” “I accept the omen.” - -[2117] “Qui fruges excantassit.” - -[2118] “Qui malum carmen incantassit.” - -[2119] Ajasson is of opinion that this name was either Favra or Fona, -Acca, Flora, or Valesia or Valentia. - -[2120] “As in saying thus, The Devill take thee, or The Ravens -peck out thine eyes, or I had rather see thee Pie peckt, and such -like.”—_Holland_. - -[2121] It is a superstition still practised to pierce the shell of an -egg after eating it, “lest the witches should come.” Holland gives -the following Note—“Because afterwards no witches might pricke them -with a needle in the name and behalfe of those whom they would hurt -and mischeefe, according to the practice of pricking the images of any -person in wax; used in the witchcraft of these daies.” We learn from -Ajasson that till recently it was considered a mark of ill-breeding in -France not to pierce the shell after eating the egg. See also Brand’s -Popular Antiquities, Vol. III. p. 19, _Bohn’s Ed._ - -[2122] See the Eighth Eclogue of Virgil. - -[2123] “That is to say, _Arse verse_, out of Afranius, as Festus -noteth, which in the old Tuscane language signifieth, _Averte ignem_, -Put backe the fire.”—_Holland_. - -[2124] Odyss. xix. 457. It is not Ulysses, but the sons of Autolycus -that do this. Their bandages, however, were more likely to be effectual. - -[2125] De Enthusiasmo. - -[2126] See B. xvii. c. 47. - -[2127] In passing along the Velabrum, on the occasion of his Gallic -triumph, the axle of the carriage having broke. - -[2128] See Ovid’s Fasti, B. i. l. 175, _et seq._, and Epist. de Ponto. -B. iv. El. 4. l. 23, _et seq._ - -[2129] See B. xi. c. 103. - -[2130] Hence the saying, “De mortuis nil nisi bonum.” - -[2131] “Defunctorum memoriam a nobis non sollicitari.” - -[2132] It is still a saying, and perhaps a belief, that “There is luck -in odd numbers.” - -[2133] This has been a practice from the earliest times to the present -day. See Brand’s Popular Antiquities, Vol. III. p. 123, _Bohn’s Ed_. - -[2134] In France and England, at the present day, this notion, or -rather, perhaps, the memory of it, is universally to be found. If the -right ear tingles, some one is speaking well of us; if the left ear, -the reverse. - -[2135] King Attalus Philometor. See end of B. viii. - -[2136] “Two.” - -[2137] This passage, it is pretty clear, ought to follow the preceding -one, though in the Latin it is made to precede. - -[2138] The thumb was turned upwards as a mark of favour, downwards, as -a mark of disfavour. - -[2139] “Repositorium.” - -[2140] It was not yet the custom to bring in several courses, each -served up on a separate table. - -[2141] Good manners possibly, more than superstition, may have -introduced this practice. - -[2142] Or Pluto. He alludes to the Feralia, or feasts celebrated, in -the month of February, in honour of the dead. - -[2143] Or household god. - -[2144] The “Nundinæ,” held every ninth day; or rather every _eighth_ -day, according to _our_ mode of reckoning. - -[2145] Gronovius suggests a reading which would make this to mean that -it is “ominous to touch money with the forefinger.” It does not appear -to be warranted, however. - -[2146] _Twenty-eighth_, according to _our_ reckoning. - -[2147] Probably from their ominous resemblance to the Parcæ, or Fates, -with their spindles. - -[2148] “Frugum.” - -[2149] “Princeps civitatis.” - -[2150] “Rho” and “Alpha.” - -[2151] In B. vii. c. 2. - -[2152] In B. vii. c. 2, he speaks of these people—“the serpent-born”—as -natives of Parium, a town of the Hellespont. Ajasson suggests that they -may have been a branch of the Thamirades, a sacerdotal family of Cyprus. - -[2153] “Dolium.” - -[2154] See B. viii. c. 38. - -[2155] Ajasson has thought it worth while to contradict this assertion. - -[2156] Meaning, of course, _in case_ such an accident should befall the -party. The passage appears, however, to be corrupt. - -[2157] “Hasta velitaris.” - -[2158] In B. vii. c. 2. - -[2159] It is the _shoulder-blade_ of Pelops that is generally mentioned -in the ancient Mythology. Pliny omits to say of what medicinal virtues -it was possessed. - -[2160] In B. vii. c. 2. - -[2161] It certainly does seem to be possessed of some efficacy for the -removal of spots and stains, but for no other purpose probably. - -[2162] In some parts of France, the peasants spit in the hand when in -terror of spectres at night. In our country, prize-fighters spit in -the hand before beginning the combat, and costermongers spit on their -morning’s handsel, or first earned money, for good luck. - -[2163] “In sinum.” - -[2164] See Juvenal, Sat. v. l. 112. - -[2165] Ajasson remarks that the human spittle contains hydrochlorate -of soda and potash; the remedial virtues of which, however, would be -infinitely small. - -[2166] A quibble, Ajasson remarks. Did Pliny ever test it himself? He -would seem to imply it. - -[2167] “Levatur illico in percusso culpa.” - -[2168] This is still the case with pugilists, and persons requiring to -use strong exertion. It is based, however, on a mere superstition, as -Ajasson remarks. - -[2169] “Malum terræ.” See B. xxv. c. 54, and B. xxvi. c. 56. Littré -translates “malum,” “apple,” in the former passage; but here he calls -it “curse of the earth.” - -[2170] “Rubetas.” See B. viii. c. 48, B. xi. cc. 19, 76, and 116, and -B. xxv. c. 76. - -[2171] This divinity was identical with Mutinus or Tutinus, and was -worshipped under the form of a phallus, the male generative organ. -As the guardian of infants, his peculiar form is still unconsciously -represented in the shape of the coral bauble with which infants are -aided in cutting their teeth. - -[2172] Hence the expression “præfiscini,” “Be it said without envy,” -supposed to avert the effects of the envious eye, fascination, or -enchantment. - -[2173] “Resipiscere” seems to be a preferable reading to “respicere,” -adopted by Sillig. This passage is evidently in a very corrupt state; -but it is most probable that reference is made to the attendant who -stood behind the general in his triumph, and reminded him that he was -a man—or, according to Tzetzes, bade him look behind him. Pliny speaks -of a servant attending the triumphant general, with a golden crown, -in B. xxxiii. c. 4. Hardouin attempts another explanation, but a very -confused and improbable one. - -[2174] See end of the present Book. - -[2175] Properly meaning “a cluster of grapes.” - -[2176] Ajasson remarks that there is a considerable degree of truth in -this assertion. He gives a long list of French works on the subject. - -[2177] This superstition still exists among the lower classes of this -country, with reference to the beneficial effects of stroking neck -diseases with the hand of a man who has been hanged. - -[2178] Made of “spartum.” See B. xix. cc. 6, 7. - -[2179] Of which the Persian Magi were the most noted professors. - -[2180] The “constat” here, whether it belongs to the magicians, or to -Pliny himself, is highly amusing, as Ajasson remarks. - -[2181] Sillig appears to be right in his conjecture that the “vel” here -should be omitted. - -[2182] See B. xv. c. 5. - -[2183] “Ceroma.” A mixture of oil and wax. - -[2184] Properly, “poppy juice.” - -[2185] Or “clara lectio,” “reading aloud,” as Celsus calls it, -recommending it for persons of slow digestion. - -[2186] “Gestatio.” Exercise on horseback, in a carriage drawn by -horses, or in a litter. See B. xxvi. c. 7. - -[2187] See B. xxxi. c. 33. A sea voyage, to Madeira, for instance, is -still recommended for consumptive patients. - -[2188] Change of locality is still recommended for diseases of the -spleen, as they are called. - -[2189] “Strigilium.” - -[2190] Except monkeys and some domesticated animals, Ajasson remarks. - -[2191] “Non prandentium.” - -[2192] Callistenes the physician is the person supposed to be alluded -to. Lucullus did not seem to be of opinion that a man “must be a fool -or a physician at forty.” - -[2193] “Ut in quâ homo alius exsiliret ex homine.” The true meaning of -this it seems impossible, with certainty, to ascertain: though a more -indelicate one than that give might be easily suggested. - -[2194] On the contrary, some authorities say it is apt to cause dimness -of sight. - -[2195] See Ovid, Met. ix. 273, _et seq._ - -[2196] Much more probably, because they were considered to be -significant of anything but seriousness and attention. - -[2197] Exemplified in the case of the Egyptians, Herodotus says. - -[2198] The remedy would seem to be worse than the evil. - -[2199] See end of B. vii. - -[2200] In B. viii. c. 58. - -[2201] A knot tied very hard, and in which no ends were to be seen. - -[2202] This excretion was, till lately, thought of great importance, as -indicative of the health of the patient. - -[2203] From the Greek πτύω, “to spit.” - -[2204] “Argema.” - -[2205] Who had to use _lant_, or stale urine, in their business. - -[2206] At a future period we shall have to discuss the identity of the -“nitrum” of Pliny. See B. xxxi. c. 46. - -[2207] This was also one of the Pythagorean precepts. - -[2208] Works and Days, l. 727, _et seq._ - -[2209] The use of the word “prodidere” shows that treatises had been -written on these abominable subjects. Laïs, Elephantis, and Salpe were -probably the “meretrices” to whom he here alludes. See c. 23, and the -end of this Book. - -[2210] There is probably no foundation for this assertion. - -[2211] “Rana.” He means the “rubeta” probably, or “bramble-frog,” so -often mentioned by him. See Note 84, p. 290. - -[2212] “Salivam.” - -[2213] See B. xx. c. 2. - -[2214] See B. xxx. c. 10. Latreille has written a very able treatise on -the Buprestis of the ancients, and considers it to belong to the family -of Cantharides. _Annales du Museum d’histoire Naturelle_, Vol. xix. p. -129, _et seq._ - -[2215] Convolvulus doryenium; see B. xxi. c. 105, and B. xxiii. c. 18. - -[2216] “Œsypum.” See B. xxx. c. 23. - -[2217] Possibly the Epic writer of that name, mentioned by Ovid, -Seneca, Quintilian, and Velleius Paterculus. - -[2218] “Fascia.” Either a stomacher, or a fillet for the head. - -[2219] The mention of lightning here, Hardouin seems to look upon as an -interpolation. - -[2220] In B. vii. c. 13. - -[2221] Columella describes this practice in verse, in B. x., and in B. -xi. c. 3. Ælian also mentions it. - -[2222] Sec B. vii. c. 13. Tacitus tells the same wonderful story. - -[2223] See the end of this Book. - -[2224] See B. vii. c. 13. - -[2225] See B. vii. c. 13. - -[2226] Pliny has omitted the milk of the camel, which, according to -Tavernier, is an excellent cure for dropsy. - -[2227] See B. viii. c. 44. - -[2228] One peculiarity not mentioned by Pliny, is, that its skin, like -that of the sea-calf, was said to be proof against the effects of -lightning. - -[2229] In B. viii. c. 44. - -[2230] “Glaucomata.” Littré considers, on the authority of M. Sichel, -that “Glaucoma” and “suffusio” are different names for the same -disease—cataract. - -[2231] See B. xxxvi. c. 27. - -[2232] “Spinæ” seems a preferable reading to “ruinæ,” adopted by Sillig. - -[2233] “Nodum Atlantion.” From the Greek ἄτλας, “much enduring,” -Julius Pollux says, because it was fitted for supporting burdens. The -“hinc”—“hence,” of Pliny here appears to be a _non sequitur_. - -[2234] We shall have occasion to make enquiry as to the identity of the -“alumen” of Pliny on a future occasion. - -[2235] “Vanas species.” - -[2236] See B. xviii. c. 14. - -[2237] “Pila.” - -[2238] Identified by Ajasson with the _chamses_, or common crocodile of -the Nile. - -[2239] See B. viii. c. 38. Identified by Ajasson with the _souchos_ -of Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire. It is equally amphibious with the other; -and the account of its habits given by Pliny is probably founded on -the fact that Upper Egypt, which it inhabits, is covered with a more -aromatic vegetation than the other parts of that country. - -[2240] See B. xii. c. 51. - -[2241] See B. xviii. c. 17. - -[2242] It is a timid animal, but Pliny’s authorities have exaggerated -its timidity. - -[2243] This change of colour is in reality owing to change of locality. - -[2244] A. Gellius tells the same story, B. x. c. 12. - -[2245] And therefore harmless. - -[2246] See B. xxii. c. 21. - -[2247] See B. viii. c. 51. Flies and gnats are, in reality, its food. - -[2248] One of the few pieces of wit in which Pliny is found to indulge. - -[2249] See B. viii. c. 38. Probably the Lacerta ouaran of Cuvier. - -[2250] See B. xxvi. c. 62. - -[2251] In B. viii. c. 40. - -[2252] See B. viii. c. 57. - -[2253] Except, of course, when the mother is in a state of disease. - -[2254] See B. xi. c. 96. Dalechamps remarks that Pliny is in error -here: this name being properly given to infants which have been put to -the breast too soon after child-birth. And so it would appear from the -context. - -[2255] The “biestings.” - -[2256] Amalthæa. - -[2257] Dioscorides says “river pebbles.” - -[2258] In B. xxv. c. 53. - -[2259] From the Greek σχιστὸν, “divided” milk, or “curds.” - -[2260] See B. xxi c. 105. - -[2261] He perhaps means a sulphate, and not sulphur, which is harmless. - -[2262] In B. xi. c. 97. - -[2263] From the Greek σαπρὸν, “rotten” cheese. - -[2264] Like our cream cheese, or new milk cheese, probably. - -[2265] The people of Germany and Scythia, for instance. - -[2266] In this passage also it is generally supposed that he refers to -the nomadic life of barbarous nations, in which multitudes of sheep and -cattle constituted the chief wealth. It is, however, not improbable -that he means to say that among the Romans it was only the wealthy who -could afford to use it. - -[2267] Βούτυρον, “cow cheese.” - -[2268] Qy. whether for “aquæ,” “water,” we should not read “acidi” -here, “sour milk,” as at the beginning of the next Chapter? Beckmann -suggests “aceti,” “vinegar.”—_Hist. Inv._ I. 505, _Bohn’s Ed._ - -[2269] Beckmann says on this passage, “What Pliny says respecting -_oxygala_ is attended with difficulties: and I am fully persuaded -that his words are corrupted, though I find no variations marked in -MSS. by which this conjecture can be supported.”—_Hist. Inv._ I. 505. -He suggests another arrangement of the whole passage, but without -improving it, for the difficulty would appear to be totally imaginary; -as it is quite clear that by “oxygala,” or “sour milk,” Pliny means -the thickest part of the curd, which is first removed and then salted, -forming probably a sort of cream cheese. Though his meaning is clear, -he may very possibly give an erroneous description of the process. - -[2270] The remark of Holland on this passage is curious—“Some would -amend this place, and for ‘magis,’ ‘more,’ put ‘minus,’ ‘less,’ in a -contrary sense; but I suppose he writeth in regard of barbarous people, -who make more account of such ranke butyr; like as the uncivile Irish -in these daies.” - -[2271] He has forgotten to do so, however. - -[2272] From the Latin “axis,” an “axle,” and “ungo,” “to anoint.” - -[2273] Hence it was a notion in the sixteenth century, that pitch and -hogs’ lard is a cure for syphilis by promoting salivation. - -[2274] “Farina salsamentariæ testæ.” - -[2275] See B. xxxvi. c. 27. - -[2276] “Sebum”—Suet or tallow. - -[2277] Or Flamen Dialis. Festus gives another reason: lest the Flamen -should travel to a distance, and so neglect his duties. - -[2278] The “Equus October,” sacrificed to Mars on the Campus Martius -in October. This sacrifice was attended with some very ridiculous -ceremonies. - -[2279] This, as already observed, was probably a fallacy. - -[2280] See B. iv. c. 6. - -[2281] His meaning is, that the excitement produced by religious -feeling neutralizes that antipathy which, under ordinary circumstances, -is manifested towards the system by bull’s blood. - -[2282] See B. xxxiii. c. 6. - -[2283] See B. viii. c. 50. - -[2284] In B. viii. c. 50. - -[2285] Or “hundred skins.” Called the _mirefeuillet_ in French. - -[2286] In B. viii. c. 50. - -[2287] See B. xxiv. c. 91. - -[2288] See B. xx. c. 63. - -[2289] The Anthemis pyrethrum of Linnæus, Spanish camomile or pellitory. - -[2290] Possibly the Musmon of B. viii. c. 49. See also B. xxx. c. 52. - -[2291] See B. xxiii. cc. 13, 14. - -[2292] See B. xx. c. 67. - -[2293] See B. viii. c. 76. - -[2294] In B. viii. c. 76. - -[2295] A remedy of which H. Cloquet highly approves, on chemical -grounds. - -[2296] Cloquet says that the application would be useless. - -[2297] In B. viii. c. 34. - -[2298] Cloquet and Ajasson admit the truth of this statement: the -latter suggests that it may be owing to electricity. - -[2299] It is no longer reckoned among the poisons. - -[2300] Juice of carpathum, a substance which does not appear to have -been identified; but supposed by Bruce to have been a gum called -_sassa_, with which aloes are adulterated in Abyssinia, a thing that -Galen tells us was done with the carpathum of the ancients. The -sea-hare is the Aplysia depilans of Gmelin. It is not poisonous. See B. -ix. c. 72, and B. xxxii. c. 3. - -[2301] A composite poison, probably, the ingredients of which are now -unknown. - -[2302] See Chap. 21 of this Book. - -[2303] See B. xx. c. 53. - -[2304] See B. xi. c. 96. - -[2305] On the contrary, cows’ biestings are highly thought of in some -parts of England; and a very delicate dish is made of them, baked. - -[2306] “Onager.” - -[2307] See B. viii. c. 16, and B. xvi. c. 9. - -[2308] See B. viii. c. 15. - -[2309] See B. xxv. c. 107, and B. xxvi. c. 75. - -[2310] See B. xxiii. cc. 13, 14. - -[2311] “Toxica”—properly, those poisons in which the barbarous nations -dipped their arrows. - -[2312] See B. xxii. c. 21. - -[2313] Or, sting-ray. - -[2314] See B. xxix. c. 16. - -[2315] This substance still maintains its reputation, as preservative -of the hair. - -[2316] See B. xii. c. 37, and B. xxvi. c. 30. - -[2317] See B. xxii. c. 30. - -[2318] See B. xxv. c. 67. - -[2319] If they are occasioned by irritation, Ajasson thinks that -Pliny’s remedy may be of some utility. - -[2320] A cosmetic for “beautifying the eye-brows.” - -[2321] “Collyria.” - -[2322] This is the translation suggested by Dalechamps for “lumbulis.” - -[2323] “Seers by night.” - -[2324] “Sanie.” - -[2325] See B. xiv. c. 4. - -[2326] See B. xx. c. 75. - -[2327] See B. xxvi. c. 31. - -[2328] See B. xxi. c. 105. - -[2329] See B. viii. c. 66. - -[2330] See B. xi. c. 70. Ajasson remarks that this bone is only found -in animals that have undergone much fatigue, and that it results from -the consolidation of certain tendinous fibres which form the ligament -of the heart. - -[2331] “Capitum visus” seems to be a more probable reading than -“capitum usus” given by Sillig. Be it what it may, the meaning of the -passage is doubtful. - -[2332] See Ælian, Var. Hist. xiv. 18. - -[2333] There surely must be a wrong reading here, or he cannot intend -this to be understood literally. - -[2334] See B. xi. c. 96. - -[2335] One of the mistresses of Louis XV. not only did this, but (in a -spirit of great charity and consideration, of course) gave the milk to -the poor after she had thus used it. - -[2336] “Ad desideria mulierum.” - -[2337] See c. 28 of this Book. - -[2338] See Beckmann’s _Hist. Inv._ II. 92-3, _Bohn’s Ed._, where this -subject is treated at considerable length. - -[2339] “Rutilandis capillis.” - -[2340] “Eam mori tradunt.” The reading here is very doubtful. - -[2341] “Subulo.” - -[2342] Asses’ milk is still recommended for pulmonary phthisis. - -[2343] See B. viii. c. 16. - -[2344] This would appear to be a Greek word in reality. - -[2345] “Tunica.” - -[2346] See B. xx. c. 2. - -[2347] See B. xxv. c. 67. Mares’ milk is _not_ a purgative; and goats’ -milk, as Ajasson remarks, is somewhat astringent. Juice of Cyclamen, on -the other hand, or sow-bread, is highly purgative. - -[2348] See B. xviii. c. 14. - -[2349] In Chap. 57 of this Book. - -[2350] “Protropum.” See B. xiv. cc. 9, 11. - -[2351] A kind of black pudding. Dupinet, the old French translator, -says that in his time the people of the Alpine regions still called -this dish _sanchet_. - -[2352] He uses “tænia” probably, as a general name for intestinal worms. - -[2353] In c. 49 of this Book. - -[2354] In c. 57 of this Book. - -[2355] “Sapa.” Grape-juice boiled down to two-thirds: see B. xiv. c. 11. - -[2356] In reality, these are biliary calculi, found in the gall-bladder -of the animal. They are called “bezoar” stones, from a Persian word -signifying “destructive to poison.” - -[2357] See B. viii. c. 77. - -[2358] In c. 49 of this Book. - -[2359] Ajasson remarks that arsenic should be used with the greatest -care in such a case. - -[2360] “Rubi.” He probably means the bramble-berry. - -[2361] See B. xviii. c. 14. - -[2362] “Onager.” - -[2363] Arising, by sympathy, from sores in other parts of the body. - -[2364] See B. xxvi. c. 31. Bears’ grease is of no use whatever for the -cure of gout. - -[2365] See B. xix. c. 31, B. xxi. cc. 62, 104, and B. xxii. cc. 19, 20. - -[2366] See B. xxi. c. 56. - -[2367] This mode of cure, Ajasson says, is still employed in the East, -where the preparation is known by the name of _moza_. - -[2368] “Potum vero ex aquâ sublime.” The true reading and the meaning -are equally doubtful. - -[2369] Spoken of as “polea” in c. 57. - -[2370] In B. viii. c. 50. Because the animal itself was supposed to be -free from fever. - -[2371] Or “quotidian,” daily fever. - -[2372] A rather singular episode in his narrative. It looks like a -gloss. - -[2373] Under this name, as Ajasson remarks, the affections now called -“hysteria” are included. - -[2374] “Veternum.” - -[2375] Another instance of smoking, though not a very tempting one. - -[2376] See B. xviii. c. 29. - -[2377] “Rupicapra”. - -[2378] “Subulo”. - -[2379] From the Greek. - -[2380] See B. xix. c. 27, B. xx. c. 15, and B. xxv. c. 64. - -[2381] “Eruptionibus pituitæ.” - -[2382] Where the sinew has been wounded and exposed, either vinegar or -honey, Ajasson remarks, would be a highly dangerous application. - -[2383] “Reverentiores.” - -[2384] “Trigario.” - -[2385] See B. xii. c. 51. - -[2386] See B. xxv. c. 101. - -[2387] “Bad habit.” A sort of cancer, or malignant ulcer. - -[2388] See B. xxiv. c. 35. - -[2389] “Propolis.” See B. xi. c. 6. - -[2390] In B. xi. c. 79. - -[2391] See B. xxv. cc. 79, 84, 91. - -[2392] See B. xiii. c. 49. - -[2393] There is probably some truth in these statements as to the -utility of butter and honey for infants. - -[2394] Ajasson explains this by saying that the hare being eaten by the -people of ancient Latium on festival days, with plenteous potations, -they erroneously supposed the narcotic effects of the wine to be -produced by the flesh of the hare. - -[2395] The resemblance of “lepos,” “grace,” to “lepus,” “a hare.” See -Martial, B. v. Ep. 29. - -[2396] Georg. iii. 280. He alludes to the “hippomanes.” - -[2397] Hardouin is probably right in his suggestion that “Dalion” is -the correct reading here. - -[2398] He has already stated, in c. 44, that a horse will become torpid -if it follows in the track of a wolf; for which statement, according to -Ajasson, there appears to be some foundation. - -[2399] See B. xix. c. 15. - -[2400] This is not unlikely; for it has no alarms to make it grow thin. - -[2401] See B. viii. c. 41, as to a similar practice on the part of the -panther. - -[2402] See end of B. ii. - -[2403] See end of B. ii. - -[2404] For Fabianus Papirius, see end of B. ii. For Fabianus Sabinus, -see end of B. xviii. - -[2405] See end of B. ii. - -[2406] See end of B. iii. - -[2407] See end of B. iii. - -[2408] Servius Sulpicius Lemonia Rufus, a contemporary and friend of -Cicero. He was Consul with M. Claudius Marcellus, B.C. 51, and died -B.C. 43, at the siege of Mutina. He left about 180 treatises on various -subjects; but beyond the fact that he is often quoted by the writers -whose works form part of the Digest, none of his writings (with the -exception of two letters to Cicero) have come down to us. - -[2409] See end of B. xix. - -[2410] See end of B. vii. - -[2411] See end of B. vii. - -[2412] See end of B. xii. - -[2413] From the mention made of him in Chap. 23, he was probably a -physician. Nothing further is known of him. - -[2414] Aurelius Opilius, the freedman of an Epicurean. He taught -philosophy, rhetoric, and grammar at Rome, but finally withdrew to -Smyrna. One of his works, mentioned by A. Gellius, was entitled “Musæ,” -and the name of another was “Pinax.” - -[2415] From the mention made of his profound speculations in Chap. 9, -Fabricius has reckoned him among the medical writers of Rome. It has -also been suggested that he may have been the Granius Flaccus mentioned -by Censorinus as the author of the “Indigitamenta,” or Register of the -Pontiffs. - -[2416] See end of B. ii. - -[2417] Probably Apollonius Mus, or Myronides, a physician who -flourished in the first century B.C., who is mostly identified with -Apollonius Herophileius. His “Myrosis” here mentioned is probably the -work “On Unguents” mentioned by Athenæus, B. xv. - -[2418] Nothing whatever is known of him. It has been suggested that the -name may have been “Melitus.” A contemporary of Socrates, an orator and -tragic writer, was so named. - -[2419] Beyond the mention of him in c. 2 of this Book, nothing is known -relative to this medical writer: no great loss, perhaps, if we may -judge from the extract there given. - -[2420] Though mentioned among the foreign writers, the name is -evidently Roman. Nothing relative to him is known. - -[2421] See end of B. xii. - -[2422] See end of B. iii. - -[2423] Probably the writer mentioned at the end of B. viii. - -[2424] See end of B. viii. - -[2425] See end of B. xx. - -[2426] See end of B. xx. The “Idiophya” was probably a work “On the -Peculiar Animals,” which passed as the composition of the mythic -Orpheus. - -[2427] A Greek poet, said to have been born at Chersonesus, a town in -Egypt. Some of his Epigrams are still extant in the Anthology, and it -has been suggested that he flourished either in the time of Ptolemy -Soter, of Ptolemy Euergetes II., or of Ptolemy Philadelphus. His work -“On Peculiar Animals,” here mentioned, was probably written in verse. - -[2428] See end of B. viii. - -[2429] A female writer on medical subjects. In addition to her work -mentioned in Chap. 23 of this Book, Labbe speaks of a work of hers in -MS. “On Menstruation,” preserved in the Library at Florence. - -[2430] The female who is mentioned in Chap. 23 of this Book as having -written on Abortion, or the Diseases peculiar to Females, was probably -a different person from either of the two famous courtesans of that -name. Nothing whatever is known of her. - -[2431] The writer of certain amatory poems, much admired by the Emperor -Tiberius, generally supposed, from the grammatical form of the name, to -have been a female. Galen quotes a work “On Cosmetics,” as written by a -person of this name. - -[2432] A native of Lemnos, who wrote on the Diseases of Women. -Nymphodorus, as quoted by Athenæus, states that she also wrote verses -on Sportive subjects. - -[2433] See end of B. xx. - -[2434] Beyond the mention made of him in c. 23, nothing further is -known relative to this writer. Theophrastus, in his work on Sudorifics, -speaks of a person of this name as having written on Perspiration. - -[2435] See end of B. xii. - -[2436] See end of B. xx. - -[2437] Beyond the mention made of him in c. 7 of this Book, nothing is -known of this writer. Hardouin suggests that he may have been identical -with the Micton mentioned at the end of B. xx. - -[2438] He is spoken of as a native of Athens, in c. 10 of this Book. -Beyond this, nothing is known of him. - -[2439] See end of B. vii. - -[2440] See end of B. ii. - -[2441] See end of B. iii. - -[2442] Or more probably, Hicetidas. Nothing is known of this writer. - -[2443] A native of Thasos. He is also mentioned by Galen. - -[2444] See end of B. vii. - -[2445] See end of B. vi. - -[2446] Probably a physician, of whom Athenæus speaks as being a native -of Argos, and writer of a treatise on Fish. - -[2447] Probably a different writer from the one of that name mentioned -at the end of B. vi. - -[2448] Περὶ δυνάμεων. - -[2449] See end of B. xxi. - -[2450] See end of B. v. - -[2451] He must surely have forgotten Celsus; unless, indeed, Pliny was -unacquainted with his treatise “De Medicinâ.” - -[2452] Apollo and Æsculapius, Agenor, Hercules, Chiron, and others. - -[2453] The husband of Leda, and the father of Castor, Timandra, -Clytæmnestra, and Philonoë. Hippolytus also was fabled to have been -raised from the dead by Æsculapius. - -[2454] Hippocrates is generally supposed to have been born B.C. 460. - -[2455] In order to destroy the medical books and prescriptions there. -The same story is told, with little variation, of Avicenna. Cnidos is -also mentioned as the scene of this act of philosophical incendiarism. - -[2456] “Clinice”—Chamber-physic, so called because the physician -visited his patients ἐν κλίνῃ, “in bed.” - -[2457] It is supposed by most commentators that Pliny commits a mistake -here, and that in reality he is alluding to Herodicus of Selymbria in -Thrace, who was the _tutor_, and not the disciple, of Hippocrates. -Prodicus of Selymbria does not appear to be known. - -[2458] “Healing by ointments,” or, as we should call it at the present -day, “The Friction cure.” - -[2459] “Mediastinis.” - -[2460] Pythias, the daughter of Aristotle, was his stepmother, and -adopted him. His mother’s name was Cretoxena. - -[2461] Or “Sect of Experimentalists.” They based their practice upon -experience derived from the observation of facts. The word “Empiric” -is used only in a bad sense at the present day. For an account of -Hippocrates, see end of B. vii.; of Chrysippus, see end of B. xx.; and -of Erasistratus, see end of B. xi. - -[2462] See end of B. xi. - -[2463] See end of B. xi. - -[2464] See B. xi. c. 88. The Chinese, Ajasson remarks, apply the -musical scale to the pulsation; it being a belief of the Mandarins that -the body is a musical instrument, and that to be in health it must be -kept in tune. - -[2465] In B. xxvi. cc. 7, 8. - -[2466] See end of B. xi. - -[2467] See B. xix. c. 38. - -[2468] Rather more than £4400. - -[2469] More than £265,000. - -[2470] For which he was put to death A.D. 48. - -[2471] A native of Tralles in Lydia, and the son of a weaver there. -Galen mentions him in terms of contempt and ridicule. - -[2472] “Invasit.” - -[2473] Ep. 53 and 83. His “adstipulatio” is of a very equivocal -character, however. - -[2474] “Turbâ medicorum perii.” This is supposed to be borrowed from a -line of Menander— - - Πολλῶν ἰατρῶν εἴσοδος μ’ ἀπώλεσεν. - -[2475] “Flatu.” - -[2476] Herodotus states this with reference to the Babylonians; Strabo, -the Bastitani, a people of Spain; and Eusebius, the more ancient -inhabitants of Spain. - -[2477] See B. xx. c. 33. - -[2478] See end of B. xii. - -[2479] “Jus Quiritium.” - -[2480] “Tabernam.” A surgery, in fact, the same as the “iatreion” of -the Greeks. - -[2481] Or “carrefour”—“compitum.” The Acilian _Gens_ pretended to be -under the especial tutelage of the gods of medicine. - -[2482] The “Wound-curer,” from “vulnus,” a wound. - -[2483] “Executioner,” or “hangman.” - -[2484] For his conquests in Spain. - -[2485] “Illorum literas inspicere.” - -[2486] On the principle that that which costs money _must_ be worth -having. - -[2487] The Opici or Osci were an ancient tribe of Italy, settled in -Campania, Latium, and Samnium. From their uncivilized habits the -name was long used as a reproachful epithet, equivalent to our words -“bumpkin,” “clodhopper,” or “chawbacon.” - -[2488] Marked by their supereminent absurdity, as Fée remarks. - -[2489] Formed by the river Tiber. See the Quæst. Rom. of Plutarch, on -this subject. - -[2490] We have adopted Sillig’s suggestion, and read “nec” for “et” -here. The meaning, however, is very doubtful. - -[2491] “Augebo providentiam illorum.” The meaning of this passage also -is doubtful. - -[2492] By adopting that language instead of the Latin; Sextius Niger, -for instance. - -[2493] Diplomas seem to have been less cared for in those times than at -the present day even, when quackery has so free a range. - -[2494] See B. iii. c. 26, and B. xxxiii. cc. 7, 8. - -[2495] “Inquisitio per parietes.” The reading is doubtful, but he not -improbably alludes to the employment of spies. - -[2496] Hardouin thinks that he alludes to Cornelius Balbus here, a -native of Gades. See B. v. c. 5, and B. vii. 44. - -[2497] “Electis viris datur tabula.” He alludes to the three tablets -delivered to the Judices, one of which had inscribed on it “Acquitted,” -another “Not proven,” and a third “Guilty”—_Absolvatur_, _Non liquet_, -and _Condemno_. - -[2498] “In this place he casteth in the Romans’ teeth, their -_Lecticarii_, _Anagnostæ_, and _Nomenclatores_.”—_Holland_. -Letter-bearers, readers, and prompters as to the names of the persons -addressed. - -[2499] He alludes to the resources of medicine. - -[2500] A physician at Rome, who was afterwards put to the torture for -this crime. Livia was the daughter of Drusus Nero, the brother of -Tiberius. - -[2501] Messalina, mentioned in c. 5 of this Book. - -[2502] Nothing could possibly be more remote from his republican -notions, than “reginæ” at Rome. - -[2503] “Emovendam.” In order that a future job may be ensured. - -[2504] In c. 5 of this Book. - -[2505] “Vulnerum medico.” - -[2506] “Ejus turbæ.” - -[2507] See B. xxiv. c. 1. - -[2508] The origin of our word “treacle.” See B. xx. c. 100, and Note 97. - -[2509] Used as a round number, like our expression “ten thousand.” - -[2510] See B. xxiii. c. 77, and B. xxv. c. 26. - -[2511] “Minium.” This red lead had the name of “cinnabaris nativa,” -whence the error. - -[2512] In B. xxxiii. c. 38. - -[2513] As tending to effeminacy, or undermining the constitution. - -[2514] See B. xxviii. c. 13. - -[2515] “Lucifugis congesta cubilia blattis.” Georg. I. 184, IV. 243. - -[2516] Il. xvii. 670, _et seq._ - -[2517] He certainly does not _always_ keep this object in view. - -[2518] See B. x. c. 2, and B. xii. c. 42. - -[2519] A form of fever, Littré remarks, that is known by the moderns as -“pseudo-continuous.” - -[2520] See B. xvi. c. 19. - -[2521] “Smectica” is suggested by Gesner, Hist. Anim., as a better -reading than “septica.” - -[2522] “Œsypum” is often mentioned by Ovid as a favourite cosmetic with -the Roman ladies. - -[2523] See B. xix. c. 1, B. xxiv. c. 58, and B. xxv. c. 21. - -[2524] See B. xviii. c. 17. - -[2525] See B. xx. c. 23. - -[2526] Hermolaüs suggests “schista,” “divided,” and Dalechamps proposes -“synchyta,” “mixed.” The reading is very doubtful. - -[2527] Or Sowbread. See B. xxv. c. 67. - -[2528] See B. xviii. c. 17. - -[2529] In B. x. c. 80. - -[2530] See B. xxiv. c. 54. - -[2531] This is the fact, and it is similarly used for mending china. -White of egg, mixed with whiskey or spirits of wine, will answer the -purpose equally well. - -[2532] Ajasson remarks that there is some slight truth in this -assertion. - -[2533] Pliny alludes here to the beads or rings of glass which were -used by the Druids as charms to impose on the credulity of their -devotees, under the name of _Glain naidr_, or “the Adder gem.” Mr. -Luyd (in Rowland’s Mona Antiqua, p. 342) says that the genuine _Ovum -anguinum_ can be no other than a shell of the kind called _echinus -marinus_, and that Dr. Borlase observes that, instead of the natural -_anguinum_, artificial rings of stone, glass, and sometimes baked clay, -were substituted as of equal validity. The belief in these charms very -recently existed in Cornwall and Wales, if indeed it does not at the -present day. The subject is very fully discussed in Brand’s _Popular -Antiquities_, Vol. III. p. 286, _et seq._, and p. 369, _et seq._, -_Bohn’s Edition_. These gems and beads are not uncommonly found in -tumuli of the early British period. - -[2534] A similar belief in its origin was prevalent in Cornwall and -Wales, and whoever found it was supposed to ensure success in all his -undertakings. - -[2535] “The snake’s egg”—_ovum_ being understood. - -[2536] “The vulgar opinion in Cornwall and most parts of Wales is -that these are produced through all Cornwall by snakes joining their -heads together and hissing, which forms a kind of bubble like a ring -about the head of one of them, which the rest, by continual hissing, -blow on till it comes off at the tail, when it immediately hardens and -resembles a glass ring.”—_Gough’s Camden_, Vol II. p. 571, Ed. 1789. - -[2537] The shell of a sea urchin most probably. See Note 81 above. - -[2538] See Note 82 above. - -[2539] A nation of Gaul. See B. iii. cc. 5, 21. - -[2540] The wand held by heralds, and generally represented as being -carried by Mercury in his character of messenger of the gods. - -[2541] And therefore not portentous of war. - -[2542] See B. v. cc. 13, 20. - -[2543] See B. xii. c. 43. - -[2544] See B. x. c. 28. Generally supposed to be Syrian nard; though -some identify it with the _Comacum_ of Theophrastus. - -[2545] See B. xxiii. cc. 45, 80. - -[2546] In B. xxviii. c. 38. - -[2547] See B. xxiv. c. 69. - -[2548] See B. xii. c. 54. - -[2549] See B. xii. c. 62. - -[2550] No MS., it would appear, gives “corvis” here, the reading being -“capris,” “goats.” Ajasson, however, is most probably right in his -suggestion that “corvis” is the correct reading. - -[2551] See B. x. c. 15. - -[2552] In B. x. c. 26. - -[2553] Or Youth, in the Eighth Region of the City. - -[2554] See B. ii. c. 53. - -[2555] An ancient divinity, who is supposed to have presided over -childbirth. See Plutarch, Quæst. Rom. 52. - -[2556] In the _Saturio_ probably, quoted by Festus, and now lost. The -aborigines of Canada, and the people of China and Tartary, hold whelps’ -flesh in esteem as a great delicacy. - -[2557] “Toxica.” - -[2558] Of remedies classified according to the different maladies. - -[2559] In B. xi. c. 76. - -[2560] The ferret, most probably. - -[2561] See c. 33 of this Book. - -[2562] The common weasel. - -[2563] Probably in his work entitled “Admiranda,” now lost. Holland -says “some take these for our cats.” - -[2564] Guettard, a French commentator on Pliny, recommends bugs to be -taken internally for hysteria! - -[2565] Perhaps the Cimex pratensis is meant here. Neither this nor the -Cimex juniperinus, the Cimex brassicæ, or the Lygæus hyoscami has the -offensive smell of the house bug. - -[2566] An excellent method, Ajasson remarks, of adding to the tortures -of the patient. - -[2567] This is the fact. - -[2568] See B. viii. c. 33. - -[2569] The Magi of the East, probably. - -[2570] Some serpent of the boa species, probably. See B. viii. cc. 13, -14, 22, 41, and B. x. cc. 5, 92, 95, 96. - -[2571] By leading them to confound truth with fiction. - -[2572] See B. viii. c. 35. - -[2573] This is _perhaps_ the meaning of “præcanere.” Sillig suggests -“recanere.” - -[2574] Which was said to act as an antidote to the poison, applied to -the wound. - -[2575] “Antidotes to serpents’ poison.” - -[2576] “Pastilli.” - -[2577] The god of Medicine. - -[2578] A favourite reverie with the learned of the East. Dupont de -Nemours, Ajasson informs us, has left several Essays on this subject. - -[2579] In Peloponnesus, the principal seat of his worship. A very full -account of his introduction, under the form of a huge serpent, into the -city of Rome, is given by Ovid, Met. B. xv. l. 544, _et seq._ This took -place B.C. 293. - -[2580] Among the snakes that are tamed, Ajasson enumerates the Coluber -flagelliformis of Dandin, or American coach-whip snake; the Coluber -constructor of Linnæus, or Black snake; and the Coluber viridiflavus of -Lacepede. The Æsculapian serpent is still found in Italy. - -[2581] Or “chersydri,” “amphibious.” - -[2582] Or “starred lizard”—“stellio.” In reality it is not poisonous. - -[2583] See B. x. c. 86. Some kind of starred lizard, or an eft or -newt perhaps, was thus called: but in most respects it appears to be -entirely a fabulous animal. - -[2584] See B ii. c. 63. - -[2585] He probably alludes to the Magi of Persia here, as most of the -stories about the salamander appear to bear the aspect of an Eastern -origin. - -[2586] See B. xxii. c. 33. - -[2587] “Cybium.” See B. ix. c. 18. Dioscorides says the plant _cnecos_, -described by Pliny in B. xxi. c. 107. - -[2588] See B. xxv. c. 18, and B. xxvii. c. 77. - -[2589] See B. xvi. c. 92, and B. xxvi. cc. 37, 66. - -[2590] “Hereupon peradventure it is that in collices and cockbroths we -use to seeth pieces of gold, with an opinion to make them thereby more -restorative.”—_Holland_. - -[2591] See B. xxv. c. 97. - -[2592] The same is said of a frog’s tongue, in B. xxxii. c. 18. - -[2593] That is no reason, as Ajasson remarks, why the egg should not be -found, it being easy to take it from the nest at night, when, the bird -being absent, no ill omen will arise from seeing it. - -[2594] We still see bats nailed upon and over stable doors in various -parts of this country. - -[2595] “Carduus.” - -[2596] A sort of spider. See B. xi. cc. 24, 28, 29. - -[2597] In c. 16 of this Book. - -[2598] “Lupus.” See B. xi. c. 28. - -[2599] The Tarantula has been suggested, but that is a native of Italy. - -[2600] “Atocium.” - -[2601] “Plena liberis.” - -[2602] From ῥάξ, a “grape.” - -[2603] Or “starred” spider. Nicander describes all these varieties of -the Phalangium. - -[2604] From μυρμὴξ, “an ant.” - -[2605] The “four-jawed” spider. - -[2606] In c. 16 of this Book. - -[2607] See B. viii. c. 83. - -[2608] See B. xix. c. 22. For further particulars as to the Stellio, -see B. xi. c. 31, and the Note. - -[2609] This is probably an error; see the Note to B. xi. c. 31. - -[2610] See B. x. cc. 18, 41, 44, and 50. - -[2611] See B. viii. c. 43. Ajasson remarks that this is a mere fabulous -story, in reference to the venom of the ants. - -[2612] In B. xxix. c. 23. - -[2613] See B. xxvi. c. 2. - -[2614] See B. xxiii. c. 14. - -[2615] It has been ascertained by experiment that the vesicatory -principle resides in the wings more particularly. Ajasson remarks, -that it is possible that the ancients may not have known the genuine -Cantharides, the Canth. vesicatoria of modern medicine. - -[2616] See B. xxiv. c. 74. - -[2617] “Pityocampæ.” See B. xxiii. cc. 30, 40, and B. xxviii. c. 33. - -[2618] See B. xxviii. cc. 21, 33, 42, and B. xxx. c. 10. - -[2619] At the sale, under his supervision, of the property of Ptolemy, -king of Cyprus. - -[2620] In B. xxi. c. 34. - -[2621] This is still the vulgar notion; but in reality there is no -worm, but certain white pustules beneath the tongue, which break -spontaneously at the end of twelve days after birth. Puppies are still -“wormed,” as it is called, as a preventive of hydrophobia, it is said, -and of a propensity to gnaw objects which come in their way. The -“worming” consists in the breaking of these pustules. - -[2622] “Rage” or “madness.” - -[2623] “For the manner of a dog is to bee angrie with the stone that is -thrown at him, without regard to the partie that flung it, whereupon -grew the proverb in Greeke, κύων εἰς τὸν λίθον ἀγανακτοῦσα (‘A dog -venting his rage upon a stone.’)”—_Holland_. - -[2624] See B. xx. cc. 6, 20. It is somewhat doubtful what the “seps” -really was; whether, in fact, it was a lizard at all. Littré suggests -the Tridactylus saurius. - -[2625] Or Ferret, probably. See c. 16 of this Book. - -[2626] In c. 16 of this Book. - -[2627] From the circumstance that that country was covered with herbs -and plants of a medicinal nature. - -[2628] So called from ἀλωπὴξ, “a fox,” an animal very subject to the -loss of its hair. - -[2629] See B. xii. c. 51. - -[2630] So swine’s dung was called “sucerda,” and cowdung “bucerda.” - -[2631] Or Maagrus, the “fly catcher,” the name of a hero, invoked at -Aliphera, at the festivals of Athena, as the protector against flies. -It was also a surname of Hercules. See B. x. c. 40. - -[2632] See B. viii. c. 53. - -[2633] In c. 32 of this Book. - -[2634] A recipe well understood in the restaurants of the French -provinces, Ajasson says, but it is doubtful whether with the object -named by our author. - -[2635] He means slugs probably. - -[2636] He does not appear to state this on hearsay only! - -[2637] Cobwebs are still used for this purpose, as also the fur from -articles made of beaver. Ajasson mentions English taffeta. - -[2638] See c. 13 of this Book. - -[2639] See B. xxvi. c. 39. - -[2640] A disease of the crystalline humours of the eye. - -[2641] See B. x. c. 33. - -[2642] “Stibium.” See B. xxxiii. c. 33. - -[2643] “Exuta vere,” as suggested by Sillig, would appear a better -reading than “ex utero,” which can have no meaning here. - -[2644] “Viper mixture.” - -[2645] See c. 35 of this Book. - -[2646] In B. xi. c. 62. - -[2647] As Ajasson remarks, this would be very likely to gangrene the -wound. - -[2648] See B. viii. c. 14. Not the Boa constrictor of modern Natural -History. - -[2649] In B. x. c. 3. - -[2650] See B. xxxiii. c. 25, and B. xxxvi. cc. 37, 38. - -[2651] The tongues of peacocks and larks are recommended for epilepsy, -by Lampridius, in his Life of the Emperor Elagabalus. The statement in -the text is, of course, a fiction. - -[2652] The reading here is doubtful. - -[2653] A puerile reason, Ajasson remarks. It is much more probable that -the reason was, because this vein was the most easily discovered. - -[2654] See B. xxviii. c. 47. - -[2655] In B. xxviii. c. 47. - -[2656] See B. x. c. 52. - -[2657] The serpent so called. - -[2658] An absurdity. The probability is, that the sight of the young -birds was only _supposed_ to be destroyed, the operation being -imperfectly performed. - -[2659] See B. xxxvii. c. 56. - -[2660] The mention of this number denotes the Eastern origin of this -remedy, Ajasson remarks. - -[2661] See Note 6 above. - -[2662] “Lacrymantibus sine fine oculis.” - -[2663] Ajasson remarks, that Pliny has given here a much more exact -description of the varieties of the Spider, than in the Eleventh Book. -The learned Commentator gives an elaborate discussion, of eighteen -pages, on the varieties of the Spider as known to the ancients in -common with modern naturalists. - -[2664] Green is universally the colour least fatiguing to the eye. - -[2665] See B. xx. c. 23. - -[2666] See B. vii. c. 27, and B. viii. c. 41. The formic acid which -ants contain may possibly possess some medicinal properties. - -[2667] Ajasson suggests that this may be the Lacerta cœpium of -Dandin, of a reddish brown colour, with two blackish lines running -longitudinally along the back. - -[2668] This insect in reality is a woodlouse, whereas the millepedes -previously described are evidently caterpillars. Woodlice are still -swallowed alive by schoolboys, and old women are to be found who -recommend them for consumption. Holland says that woodlice are good for -pains in the ears. - -[2669] “Perniciosam.” - -[2670] In the middle ages there were many superstitions with reference -to this insect, some of which have survived to the present day. - -[2671] Ajasson seems to think that this passage means that the ant -_itself_ adopts this plan of catching the cricket. If so, he is -certainly in error, and his attack upon Pliny’s credulity is, in this -instance at least, misplaced. - -[2672] See B. xi. c. 34, and B. xxv. c. 60. - -[2673] “Inhabiting mills.” - -[2674] See B. xix. c. 38, and B. xxv. c. 38. - -[2675] Of this writer nothing is known. - -[2676] See B. xxiv. c. 11. - -[2677] See the end of this Book. - -[2678] See end of B. ii. - -[2679] See end of B. ii. - -[2680] See end of B. iii. - -[2681] See end of B. ii. - -[2682] See end of B. vi. - -[2683] See end of B. xii. - -[2684] See end of B. vii. - -[2685] See end of B. xiv. - -[2686] See end of B. vii. - -[2687] See end of B. xii. - -[2688] See end of B. xxviii. - -[2689] See end of B. viii. - -[2690] See end of B. xviii. - -[2691] See end of B. xix. - -[2692] See end of B. ii. - -[2693] See end of B. xx. - -[2694] There are four literary persons of this name mentioned by -Suidas, who appears to give but a confused account of them. He speaks -of an ancient poet of Athens of this name, who wrote a Cosmogony and -other works; a native of Priene, to whom some attributed the work on -“Incredible Stories,” by most persons assigned to Palæphatus of Athens; -an historian of Abydos, a contemporary of Alexander the Great, and a -friend of Aristotle; and a grammarian of Athens of uncertain date, to -whom the work on “Incredible Stories” is mostly assigned. But in the -former editions of Pliny, the reading “Philopator” is mostly adopted; -bearing reference, it has been suggested, to a Stoic philosopher and -physician of that name mentioned by Galen, “On the Symptoms of Mental -Diseases,” c. 8. - -[2695] See end of B. ii. - -[2696] See end of B. xxi. - -[2697] See end of B. xiii. - -[2698] See end of B. xi. - -[2699] See end of B. xii. - -[2700] There were two Greek physicians of this name, one of whom was -a native of Thasos, and wrote several medical works. The other was a -native of Cnidos, and, according to Suidas, a slave of the philosopher -Chrysippus. Galen, however, says that he was a pupil of the physician -of that name, and afterwards became physician to Antigonus Gonatas, -king of Macedonia, B.C. 283-239. Hardouin is of opinion that the two -physicians were one and the same person. - -[2701] See end of B. xx. - -[2702] Servilius Democrates, a Greek physician at Rome about the time -of the Christian era. He probably received his prænomen from being a -client of the Servilian family. Pliny speaks of him in B. xxiv. c. 28, -and B. xxv. c. 49. He wrote several works on medicine in Greek Iambic -verse, the titles and a few extracts from which are preserved by Galen. - -[2703] Probably the same physician that is mentioned by Galen as -belonging to the sect of the Empirici. See c. 39 of this Book. - -[2704] See end of B. xx. - -[2705] A fabulous king of Assyria, or Egypt, to whom was attributed the -discovery of many remedies and medicaments. See B. xxx. c. 51, and B. -xxxvii. c. 52. - -[2706] See end of B. viii. - -[2707] Beyond the mention made of his absurd remedy in c. 38 of the -present Book, nothing seems to be known of this writer. - -[2708] “Artes.” Medicine, religion, and the art of divination. - -[2709] Ajasson remarks that, on the contrary, this is a subject of -great doubt. - -[2710] “Mathematicas artes.” - -[2711] The title of the ancient kings of Persia. - -[2712] Or Bactriana, more properly. - -[2713] Magic, no doubt, has been the subject of belief from the -earliest times, whatever may have been the age of Zoroaster, the -Zarathustra of the Zendavesta, and the Zerdusht of the Persians. In -the Zendavesta he is represented as living in the reign of Gushtasp, -generally identified with Darius Hystaspes. He probably lived at a -period anterior to that of the Median and Persian kings. Niebuhr -regards him as a purely mythical personage. - -[2714] See end of B. ii. - -[2715] See end of this Book. - -[2716] An exaggeration, of Oriental origin, most probably. - -[2717] These names have all, most probably, been transmitted to us in -a corrupted form. Ajasson gives some suggestions as to their probable -Eastern form and origin. - -[2718] One among the many proofs, Ajasson says, that the Iliad and the -Odyssey belong to totally different periods. - -[2719] In reference to the Tenth Book of the Odyssey. - -[2720] See B. v. cc. 28, 29. Cicero mentions a college of Aruspices -established at this city. - -[2721] The name “Thessala” was commonly used by the Romans to signify -an enchantress, sorceress, or witch. See the story of Apuleius, Books -i. and iii. - -[2722] The countries of the East. - -[2723] Purely medicinal remedies. - -[2724] In contradistinction to lightnings elicited by the practice of -Magic. - -[2725] A poetical figure, alluding to the “thunderbolts of war,” as -wielded probably by Achilles and other heroes of Thessaly. - -[2726] See B. ii. c. 9. - -[2727] Ajasson queries whether this is a proper name, or an epithet -merely. - -[2728] Ajasson combats this assertion at considerable length, and with -good reason. It is quite inadmissible. - -[2729] The mysteries of philosophy, as Ajasson remarks, were not -necessarily identical with the magic art. - -[2730] In reality, Pythagoras was an exile from the tyranny of the -ruler of Samos, Plato from the court of Dionysius the Younger, and -Democritus from the ignorance of his fellow-countrymen of Abdera. There -is no doubt that Pythagoras and Democritus made considerable researches -into the art of magic as practised in the East. - -[2731] Nothing is known of this writer. - -[2732] Dardanus, the ancestor of the Trojans, if he is the person -here meant, is said to have introduced the worship of the gods into -Samothrace. - -[2733] The works of Homer were transmitted in a similar manner. - -[2734] Moses, no doubt, was represented by the Egyptian priesthood as a -magician, in reference more particularly to the miracles wrought by him -before Pharaoh. From them the Greeks would receive the notion. - -[2735] In 2 Tim. iii. 8, we find the words, “Now as Jannes and Jambres -withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth.” Eusebius, in his -_Præparatio Evangelica_, B. ix., states that Jannes and Jambres, or -Mambres, were the names of Egyptian writers, who practised Magic, and -opposed Moses before Pharaoh. This contest was probably represented by -the Egyptian priesthood as merely a dispute between two antagonistic -schools of Magic. - -[2736] Of this person nothing is known. The former editions mostly have -“Jotapea.” “Jotapata” was the name of a town in Syria, the birthplace -of Josephus. - -[2737] He is mistaken here as to the nation to which Jannes belonged. - -[2738] By some it has been supposed that this bears reference to -Christianity, as introduced into Cyprus by the Apostle Barnabas. Owing -to the miracles wrought in the infancy of the Church, the religion of -the Christians was very generally looked upon as a sort of Magic. The -point is very doubtful. - -[2739] His itinerary, Ajasson remarks, would have been a great -curiosity. - -[2740] B. xxviii. c. 4. - -[2741] These sacrifices forming the most august rite of the Magic art, -as practised in Italy. - -[2742] That this art was still practised in secret in the days of Pliny -himself, we learn from the testimony of Tacitus (Annals, II. 69), in -his account of the enquiries instituted on the death of Germanicus. - -[2743] More particularly in the worship of their divinity Heu or Hesus, -the god of war. - -[2744] This he did officially, but not effectually, and the Druids -survived as a class for many centuries both in Gaul and Britain. - -[2745] He alludes to the British shores bordering on the Atlantic. See -B. xix. c. 2. - -[2746] It is a curious fact that the round towers of Ireland bear a -strong resemblance to those, the ruins of which are still to be seen on -the plains of ancient Persia. - -[2747] “Ut dedisse Persis videri possit.” This might possibly mean, -“That Persia might almost seem to have communicated it direct to -Britain”. Ajasson enumerates the following superstitions of ancient -Britain, as bearing probable marks of an Oriental origin: the worship -of the stars, lakes, forests, and rivers; the ceremonials used in -cutting the plants samiolus, selago, and mistletoe, and the virtues -attributed to the adder’s egg. - -[2748] Ajasson seems inclined to suggest that this may possibly bear -reference to the Christian doctrines of redemption and the Sacrament of -the Lord’s Supper. - -[2749] These kinds of divination, rather than magic, were called -hydromancy, sphæromancy, aëromancy, astromancy, lychnomancy, -lecanomancy, and axinomancy. See Rabelais, B. iii. c. 25, where a very -full account is given of the Magic Art, as practised by the ancients. -Coffee-grounds, glair of eggs, and rose-leaves, are still used in -France for purposes of divination by the superstitious. - -[2750] Suetonius says that his body was full of foul spots. - -[2751] It was probably a doctrine of Magic, that an adept must not be -deficient in any of his limbs. - -[2752] After being conquered by the Roman general, Corbulo, he received -the crown of Armenia from Nero, A.D. 63. - -[2753] All vegetable substances were divided, according to their -doctrine, into the pure and the impure, the rule being strictly -observed at their repasts. - -[2754] See end of this Book. - -[2755] See B. xxv. c. 80. - -[2756] Like the assertions of the famous impostor of the close of the -last century, Count Cagliostro. - -[2757] A mistake, of course; and one for which there is little excuse, -as its eyes are easily perceptible. It is not improbably, however, that -it was an impression with the ancients that its sight is impeded by the -horny covering of its eyes. - -[2758] In B. xxix. c. 27. - -[2759] See B. xii. c. 51. - -[2760] It is doubtful what is meant by this male white “water-serpent.” -In B. xxxii. c. 26, he appears to include it among the fishes. - -[2761] See B. xxv. c. 108. - -[2762] It is a singular thing that we still hear of the maggots found -in filberts being used for the same purpose. - -[2763] See B. xxix. c. 17. - -[2764] Marcus Empiricus says, honey. - -[2765] See B. xvi. c. 19. - -[2766] Dalechamps thinks that these “Herculean” ants were so called -from their great size. Ajasson queries whether they may not be the -“grenadier ants” of Dupont de Nemours. - -[2767] See B. xxii. c. 36. Belon takes it to be the Lixus paraplecticus. - -[2768] In B. xxix. c. 30. - -[2769] In B. xxii. c. 21. - -[2770] “Stigmata.” - -[2771] See B. iv. c. 23, B. viii. c. 59, and cc. 15 and 43 of the -present Book. - -[2772] “Smegma.” - -[2773] See B. xx. c. 2. - -[2774] No very great obligation, apparently. - -[2775] See B. x. c. 49. - -[2776] “Riparia.” - -[2777] The only birds’ nests that are _now_ taken internally are the -_soutton bourong_, or, edible birds’ nests, of the Chinese. - -[2778] See B. xxix. c. 39. - -[2779] Marcus Empiricus says that the heart must be enclosed in a -silver lupine and worn suspended from the neck, being efficacious for -scrofula both in males and females. The silver lupine was probably what -we should call a “locket.” - -[2780] “The bull.” Dalechamps takes this to be the stag-beetle or -bull-fly; but that, as Ajasson remarks, has four horns, two antennæ, -and two large mandibules; in addition to which, from its size, it would -hardly be called the “earth-louse.” He concludes that a lamellicorn is -meant; but whether belonging to the Lucanidæ or the Scarabæidæ, it is -impossible to say. - -[2781] “Pediculus terræ.” - -[2782] In B. xxix. c. 33. - -[2783] In B. xxix. c. 21. - -[2784] He probably speaks of woodlice here. Ettmuller asserts their -utility in this form for scrofula. Valisnieri says the same; Spielmann -prescribes them for arthrosis; Riviere considers them as a detergent -for ulcers, and a resolvent for tumours of the mamillæ; and Baglivi -maintains that they are a first-rate diuretic, and unequalled as a -lithontriptic. They contain muriate of lime and of potash, which may -possibly, in some small degree, give them an aperitive virtue. - -[2785] See Horace, Epode xii. l. 5. - -[2786] Hence, perhaps, the practice of nursing lap-dogs. - -[2787] See B. iii. c. 30, and Note 2, p. 267. - -[2788] In France and Italy, snails are considered a delicacy by some. -Snail milk is sometimes used medicinally in England for consumptive -patients: it is doubtful with what effect. - -[2789] Or fish-sauce. See B. xxxi. c. 43. - -[2790] See B. v. c. 20. - -[2791] See B. iii. c. 12. - -[2792] Our periwinkles. - -[2793] Dalechamps takes this to mean “without horns:” and Hardouin is -of opinion that it means “genuine” or “unmixed.” In either sense, the -word is derived from the Greek. - -[2794] He has omitted to do so. - -[2795] “Humida tussis.” - -[2796] See c. 12 of this Book. - -[2797] Our “cricket.” The troxallis was probably a kind of locust, -still known to naturalists by that name. - -[2798] “Protropum.” Wine of the first running. - -[2799] “Carmen.” Holland says “the _aforesaid_ charm:” but this does -not appear from the context. From the account, however, given by Marcus -Empiricus, we learn that the charm, thus repeated twenty-seven times, -is the same as that already given. - -[2800] Or “wolf.” See B. xi. c. 28. - -[2801] See B. xxix. c. 28 - -[2802] Or woodlouse. See B. xxix. c. 39. - -[2803] In B. xxix. c. 36. - -[2804] See B. xxix. c. 36. - -[2805] The iliac passion, or ileus volvulus. - -[2806] In c. 16 of this Book. - -[2807] A kind of bustard. See B. x. cc. 29, 50, and c. 45 of this Book. - -[2808] See c. 14 of this Book, where a similar notion is mentioned. - -[2809] There were three consuls of this name, L. Nonius Asprenas, A.D. -7; L. Nonius Asprenas, A.D. 29; and P. Nonius Asprenas, A.D. 38. They -are mentioned also by Suetonius, Tacitus, Dion Cassius, Frontinus, and -Seneca. - -[2810] See c. 14 of this Book. - -[2811] See B. viii. c. 56. - -[2812] This passage is omitted by Sillig as an evident interpolation -from the context a couple of lines below. - -[2813] The belief in lithontriptics can hardly be said to exist at the -present day. Ajasson refers to the grant made by the British Parliament -of £5000 to Mrs. Stephens for her lithontriptic!! - -[2814] In c. 16 of this Book. - -[2815] See B. xxix. c. 39. - -[2816] See B. xxxiv. c. 33. - -[2817] It can hardly be said to add to his fame. - -[2818] See B. xiv. c. 4. - -[2819] In B. xxix. c. 36 and in c. 19 of this Book. - -[2820] See B. xxxii. c. 35. - -[2821] Ajasson remarks that this may probably be useful. - -[2822] See B. xxxv. cc. 12, 13. - -[2823] “Acetabuli mensurâ” seems a preferable reading to “aceto -mensurâ,” which makes no sense. - -[2824] See B. xxi. c. 56. - -[2825] See B. xviii. c. 17. - -[2826] “Subluviem.” The same, probably, as the disease of the fingers -which he elsewhere calls “paronychia,” and perhaps identical with -whitlow. - -[2827] See B. xxiii. c. 13. - -[2828] A popular fallacy of Pliny’s time. See B. xi. c. 40. - -[2829] Spectres and nightmare. - -[2830] The serpent so called. - -[2831] See B. viii. c. 35. - -[2832] In c. 12 of this Book. Woodlice are meant. - -[2833] See B. viii. c. 49. - -[2834] A cozener, cheat, or rogue. Ajasson has a page of discussion on -the origin of this appellation. - -[2835] In B. xxix. c. 16. - -[2836] See B. xvi. c. 6. - -[2837] Like our game poultry. - -[2838] This word being also the Greek name for the jaundice. - -[2839] See B. x. c. 50. The Witwall. - -[2840] “Bastard-wasp.” - -[2841] “Rostellum.” Holland renders it “The little prettie snout’s end -of a mouse.” - -[2842] Of cowdung. It was supposed that there was no female scarabæus, -and that the male insect formed these balls for the reproduction of -its species. It figures very largely in the Egyptian mythology and -philosophy as the emblem of the creative and generative power. It has -been suggested that its Coptic name “_skalouks_” is a compound Sanscrit -word, signifying—“The ox-insect that collects dirt into a round mass.” -See B. xi, c. 34. - -[2843] Probably the “lucanus” mentioned in B. xi. c. 34; supposed to be -the same as the stag-beetle. - -[2844] The “fuller,” apparently. This name may possibly be derived, -however, from the Greek φυλλὸν, a “leaf.” - -[2845] See B. xi. c. 38. - -[2846] Some suppose that this was an insect that lived among dry wood, -and derive the name from the Greek φρυγανὸν. Queslon is of opinion that -it is the salamander. - -[2847] The “wolf” spider. See c. 17 of this Book. - -[2848] See B. xxxiv. c. 33. - -[2849] Ajasson remarks that, in reality, this is not blood, but a kind -of viscous liquid. - -[2850] “Digitus medicus”—“The physician’s finger,” properly. Why the -fourth finger, or that next to the little finger, was thus called, it -seems impossible to say. - -[2851] See B. xii. c. 51. - -[2852] See B. xxxiv. c. 34. - -[2853] See B. xxxv. cc. 12, 13. - -[2854] “Cosses.” - -[2855] Dioscorides speaks of this honey as the produce of Sicily. - -[2856] The “creeper.” It has not been identified. - -[2857] Which are also called “herpetic” or “creeping.” - -[2858] The serpent so called. - -[2859] Antonius Castor, probably. See end of B. xx. - -[2860] See c. 16 of this Book. - -[2861] A chronic cancer. - -[2862] “Ulula.” - -[2863] In B. xxviii. c. 77. - -[2864] “Fieri.” - -[2865] See B. xviii. c. 17. - -[2866] See B. xii. c. 51. - -[2867] See B. xxi. cc. 19, 83. - -[2868] Varro calls them “albulæ,” and says that they were found at -Reate. - -[2869] Of course she will be liable to do so, from fright. - -[2870] The whole of this account appears to be in a very confused -state, and is probably corrupt. Sillig’s punctuation has not been -adopted. - -[2871] Ajasson has wasted ten lines of indignation upon the question -where such a staff is to be found! - -[2872] See c. 16 of this Book. - -[2873] See B. xxxvi. c. 39. - -[2874] An impossibility. See B. x. c. 15, for the stories about the -raven on which this notion was based. - -[2875] See B. x. cc. 29, 50. - -[2876] See B. xxxiv. cc. 22, 23. - -[2877] See B. xxviii. c. 77. - -[2878] “Scabiem vulvarum.” - -[2879] Ajasson queries whether “denigrare” may not mean here “to render -pale.” - -[2880] “Sorex.” - -[2881] Supposed to be an inflammation of the membranes of the brain. - -[2882] See c. 8 of this Book. - -[2883] A remedy still used, Ajasson says, in the French provinces. - -[2884] See B. viii. c. 14, and B. xxix. c. 38. - -[2885] “Inter se conligatæ in coitu.” - -[2886] See B. xxviii. c. 80. - -[2887] See end of B. xxix. - -[2888] He has hardly immortalized his name by it. - -[2889] Possibly a kind of crane. - -[2890] See B. viii. c. 75, and B. xxviii. c. 42. - -[2891] It has not been identified. - -[2892] Hardouin thinks that the worm called ἴξ by the Greeks is meant. -Ovid speaks in his Fasti, B. i. 11. 354-360, of the goat, as being very -fond of gnawing the vine. - -[2893] See B. xi. c. 19. - -[2894] See B. x. c. 20. - -[2895] See B. viii. c. 72. - -[2896] Some authorities say the ass, and others the Onager, or wild ass. - -[2897] This story is generally regarded as an absurdity, and is -rejected by Arrian and Plutarch. - -[2898] See end of B. ii. - -[2899] See end of B. vi. - -[2900] See end of B. vii. - -[2901] See end of B. xii. - -[2902] See end of B. xix. - -[2903] See end of B. ii. - -[2904] See end of B. ii. - -[2905] An eminent philosopher, a native of Smyrna, and disciple of -Callimachus. He flourished about the middle of the third century B.C., -and left numerous works, the principal of which was a Biography of -the Philosophers, Poets, and Historians, which seems to have been -highly esteemed. It is thought, too, that he wrote a work on Magic and -Astrology; but there are some doubts about the writer’s identity. - -[2906] A native of Oasis in Egypt, who taught rhetoric at Rome in the -reigns of Tiberius and Claudius. Some curious particulars are given -respecting him in c. 6 of the present Book. His ostentation, vanity, -and insolent pretensions fully merited the title “Cymbalum mundi,” -which Tiberius bestowed on him. He was a man, however, of considerable -learning and great eloquence, and was distinguished for his hatred to -the Jews. Of his numerous works only some fragments remain. - -[2907] See end of B. xx. - -[2908] See end of B. ii. - -[2909] See end of B. xxi. - -[2910] See end of B. xiii. - -[2911] See end of B. xxix. - -[2912] See end of B. xi. - -[2913] See end of B. xix. - -[2914] See end of B. xii. - -[2915] See end of B. xxix. - -[2916] See end of B. xx. - -[2917] See end of B. xxix. - -[2918] See end of B. xx. - -[2919] See end of B. viii. - -[2920] See end of B. xxix. - -[2921] See B. ii. c. 43. Ajasson remarks, that the electric fluid, -forming lightning, escapes from the clouds through causes _totally_ -independent of water. Still, Pliny would appear to be right in one -sense; for if there were no water, there would be no clouds; and -without clouds the electric fluid would probably take some other form -than that of lightning. - -[2922] He alludes to the mineral waters of Acqs or Dax on the Adour, in -the French department of the Ariège. They are still highly esteemed. - -[2923] The principal of which are those of Aigues-Chaudes, -Aigues-Bonnes, Bagnères-Adores, Cambo, Bagnères, Barèges, -Saint-Sauveur, and Cauteret. - -[2924] Ajasson remarks that animals in all cases refuse to drink -mineral waters. - -[2925] He alludes to Neptune, Amphitrite, the Oceanides, Nereides, -Tritons, Crenides, Limnades, Potamides, and numerous other minor -divinities. - -[2926] See B, iii. c. 9. - -[2927] See B. iii. c. 7. - -[2928] See B. iii. c. 5. - -[2929] The mineral waters of Baiæ are still held in high esteem. - -[2930] As to the identity of the “nitrum” of Pliny, see c. 46 of this -Book. - -[2931] Posides, a eunuch who belonged to the Emperor Claudius, -according to Suetonius, c. 28. - -[2932] There are still submarine volcanoes in the vicinity of Sicily, -but the spot here referred to is now unknown. - -[2933] The Eaux Bonnes in the Basses Pyrénées are good for wounds. -After the battle of Pavia they received from the soldiers of Jean -d’Albret, king of Navarre, the name of _Eaux d’arquebusade_. - -[2934] Only, Ajasson remarks, where the ophthalmia is caused by -inflammation of the conjunctive. - -[2935] He also called it his Puteolan villa. - -[2936] The “Quæstiones Academicæ.” - -[2937] “Monumenta.” Ajasson queries what monuments they were, thus -raised by the “_parvenu_ of Arpinum.” He suggests that the erection may -have been a chapel, temple-library, or possibly funeral monument. - -[2938] C. Antistius Vetus probably, a supporter of Julius Cæsar, Consul -Suffectus, B.C. 30. - -[2939] “In parte primâ.” - -[2940] There are three Epigrams probably by this author in the Greek -Anthology. - -[2941] We are sensible that, in thus shortening the penultimate, we -shall incur the censure of solecizing, which Hardouin has cast upon the -poet Claudian for doing the same. - -[2942] At the Torre de’ Bagni, Hardouin says, near the church of Santa -Maria a Caudara. - -[2943] Saline and gaseous waters are good for this purpose. See B. iii. -c. 12. - -[2944] It has still the same reputation, Hardouin says, and is situate -near the castle of Francolici. - -[2945] See B. iii. c. 9. - -[2946] Or “half-strength” waters, apparently. See B. iii. c. 9. - -[2947] See B. iii. c. 9. - -[2948] See B. ii. cc. 62, 106, and B. iii. c. 17. - -[2949] Alluded to, probably, by Ovid, Met. xv. 319, _et seq._ - -[2950] The present Bagni di Tivoli. They have other sanitary properties -as well, a fact known to Strabo. Martial and Vitruvius also mention -them. - -[2951] See B. iii. c. 17. Called Cotiscoliæ by Strabo. They were of a -salt and aluminous nature. - -[2952] See B. iv. c. 2. - -[2953] Pausanias calls it the “Elaphus.” - -[2954] Isidorus, in his “Origines,” calls it the “Lechnus.” - -[2955] In Thessaly, probably, according to Stephanus Byzantinus. - -[2956] Ἄλφος; from which the lake probably derived its name. It has -been suggested that the source of the river Anigrus in Elis is meant. -Its waters had an offensive smell, and its fish were not eatable; and -near it were caverns sacred to the Nymphs Anigrides, where persons -with cutaneous diseases were cured. The water of these caverns is -impregnated with sulphur. - -[2957] Possibly the M. Titius who was proscribed by the Triumvirs, B.C. -43, and escaped to Sex. Pompeius in Sicily. - -[2958] See B. v. c. 22. - -[2959] “Cassius Parmensis.” See the end of this Book. - -[2960] According to some authorities, he alludes to the still famous -waters of Spa; but it is more probable that he alludes to the spring -still in existence at the adjacent town of Tongres, which was evidently -well known to the Romans, and is still called the “Fountain of Pliny.” - -[2961] The springs on the present Monte Posilippo. - -[2962] This work is lost. Chifflet suggests that “Varro” should be -read. See, however, B. vii. c. 2, B. xxix. c. 16 and c. 28 of this -Book. It was a common-place book, probably, of curious facts. - -[2963] See B. ii. c. 106, where a growing rock in the marsh of Reate is -mentioned. - -[2964] In Thessaly. A mere fable, no doubt. - -[2965] Ovid, Met. xv. 315, _et seq._, tells very nearly the same -fabulous story about the rivers Crathis and Sybaris. - -[2966] This marvellous story appears to have been derived from the -works of Aristotle. - -[2967] Near the town of Lebadea, now Livadhia. - -[2968] One called “Mnemosyne” or Memory, and the other “Lethe,” or -Forgetfulness. - -[2969] From the Greek νοῦς “spirit,” “mind,” or “intelligence.” -Ajasson thinks it possible that its water may have assuaged vertigo, -or accelerated the circulation of the blood, and that thence its -reputation. - -[2970] A fable invented by the priests, Ajasson thinks. - -[2971] See Ovid, Met. xv. 322. It seems to be uncertain whether it was -at this lake or the adjoining spring of Lusi above-mentioned, that the -daughters of Prœtus were purified by Melampus. See the “Eliaca” of -Pausanias. - -[2972] In B. ii. c. 106. - -[2973] See B. ii. c. 106. As Ajasson remarks, Mucianus should have had -the sense to see that it was only a juggle of the priests of Bacchus. -He compares it to the miracle of the blood of St. Januarius at Naples. -The contrivance of the priests of Bel was not very dissimilar; but in -their case, _they themselves_ were the real recipients of what the god -was supposed to devour. - -[2974] He no doubt alludes to “petroleum,” rock-oil, or Barbadoes tar. - -[2975] So called from the Greek λιπαρὸς, “unctuous.” - -[2976] A new reading given by Sillig in place of “India,” the former -one. Tasitia is the name of a district mentioned by Ptolemy, iv. 7, -15, as being in Æthiopia. He alludes to a burning spring, probably, of -naphtha or of petroleum. The burning springs of Bakou in the East are -well known. Genoa is lighted with naphtha from the village of Amiano, -in Parma. - -[2977] In Macedonia. - -[2978] “Lacum insanum.” - -[2979] Juba has been deceived, Ajasson remarks, by the tales of -travellers, there being no serpents of this length in Africa, except -boas. He thinks that large congers, and other similar fishes, may be -the animals really alluded to. - -[2980] From κλαίειν, “to weep,” and γελᾷν, “to laugh.” - -[2981] His credulity, we have seen already, was pretty extensive. - -[2982] In Thessaly. - -[2983] At the town called “Aquæ Mattiacæ,” the modern Wiesbaden. - -[2984] In B. ii. c. 106. - -[2985] Sotion, professing to quote from Ctesias, says that it rejected -everything placed on its waters, and hurled it back upon dry land. - -[2986] Whence, as it was said, its name, ἄορνος, “Without birds.” -Strabo ridicules this story. - -[2987] M. Douville says that in the interior of Africa there is a -lake called Kalonga Kouffoua, or the Dead Lake, the surface of which -is covered with bitumen and naphtha, which contains no fish, has -oleaginous waters, and presents all the phænomena of the Dead Sea. - -[2988] In Lycia. - -[2989] Hardouin is of opinion that a river also was so called. See B. -v. c. 43. Of the divinity of this name, nothing further is known. - -[2990] A story evidently connected with a kind of ordeal. - -[2991] See B. iv. c. 34. Intermittent springs are not uncommon. See B. -ii. c. 106. - -[2992] See B. xix. c. 11. - -[2993] According to Elias of Thisbe this river was the Goza; but -Holstenius says that it was the Eleutherus, or one of its tributaries. -Josephus says that it flowed on the Sabbath day, and was dry the other -six. - -[2994] Ajasson thinks that he means, grey. He remarks also, that it is -a matter of doubt whether there are any fishes that are poisonous. - -[2995] The Danube. - -[2996] In B. ii. c. 106, see also B. xxx. c. 53. - -[2997] See B. iii. c. 14, and B. xviii. c. 21. - -[2998] In B. iv. c. 15. - -[2999] He alludes, according to Dalechamps, to the Eurotas, a -tributary, and not the source, of the Peneus. See B. iv. c. 8. - -[3000] “Siliquà.” - -[3001] A town of Mysia, south of Adramyttium. - -[3002] As Ajasson remarks, numerous instances are known of this at the -present day. Pliny, however, does not distinguish the _incrusting_ -springs from the _petrifying_ springs. - -[3003] In Thessaly, according to Hecatæus. - -[3004] “Lateres.” He means unburnt bricks, probably. - -[3005] He alludes to stalactites and stalagmites. - -[3006] Both on the roof and on the floor. - -[3007] In Caria, opposite Rhodes. - -[3008] Rain-water really is the lightest, but the reason here given is -frivolous, for it does not ascend as water, but as vapour. - -[3009] See B. ii. c. 38. Before venturing on this argument, he should -have been certain as to the circumstances under which aërolites are -generated, a question which still remains hidden in mystery. - -[3010] Ajasson remarks that this is only the case in the water of heavy -falls of rain after long drought. - -[3011] “Calefiat.” - -[3012] Snow-water is pernicious in a very high degree, being the -fruitful source of goitre and cretinism. - -[3013] See B. xvii. c. 44, and B. xviii. c. 68. - -[3014] This is somewhat similar to what is said of the putrefaction and -purification of Thames water, on a voyage. - -[3015] “Inutilis alvo duritia faucibusque.” The passage is probably -corrupt. - -[3016] See B. vi. c. 27. - -[3017] Or “mud”—“limus.” All rivers of necessity have it, in a greater -or less degree. - -[3018] On the contrary, the more the mud and slime, the more numerous -the eels. - -[3019] “Tænias.” - -[3020] Waters, probably, impregnated with mineral alkali. As to the -“nitrum” of Pliny, see c. 46 of this Book. - -[3021] “Salmacidas.” - -[3022] “Cænum.” - -[3023] Also, Ajasson says, to observe whether soap will melt in it. If -it will not, it is indicative of the presence of selenite. - -[3024] As drinking water. - -[3025] As Plautus says of women, Mostell, A. i. S. 3—“They smell best, -when they smell of nothing at all.” - -[3026] See B. xv. c. 32. - -[3027] In purity and tastelessness. As Ajasson observes, Pliny could -hardly appreciate the correctness of this remark, composed as water is -of two gases, oxygen and hydrogen. - -[3028] Pausanias and Athenæus mention also the well of Mothone in -Peloponnesus, the water of which exhaled the odour of the perfumes of -Cyzicus. Such water, however, must of necessity be impure. - -[3029] More probably Astarte, Fée thinks, Juno being unknown in -Mesopotamia. - -[3030] “Statera.” Ajasson remarks that it does not require an -instrument _very_ nicely adjusted to indicate the difference in weight -between pure and very impure water. Synesius, Ep. xv., gives an account -of the “hydroscopium” used by the ancients for ascertaining the weight -of water. Beckmann enters into a lengthy examination of it, as also an -enquiry into the question whether the ancients, and among them Pliny, -were acquainted with the hydrometer. See his _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. pp. -163-169. _Bohn’s Ed._ - -[3031] “Ne manus pendeant.” These words, which Hardouin pronounces to -be full of obscurity, have caused considerable discussion. The passage -appears to be imperfect, but it is not improbable that he alludes to -the use of the balance or scales for ascertaining the comparative -wholesomeness of water. - -[3032] “Corripiat.” - -[3033] The thread of his reasoning is not _very_ perceptible; but he -seems to mean that the more air there is in a body the colder it is. -If the air is inhaled by a person when eating peppermint, he will be -sensible of a cold feeling in the mouth. - -[3034] Galen believes this method to have been known to Hippocrates, -and Aristotle was undoubtedly acquainted with it. See Beckmann’s _Hist. -Inv._ Vol. II. pp. 143-4. _Bohn’s Ed._ - -[3035] This is not at all the opinion at the present day. - -[3036] “Magis refrigerari.” The experiments made by Mariotte, Perrault, -the Academy del Cimento, Mariana, and others, showed no perceptible -difference in the time of freezing, between boiled and unboiled water; -but the former produced ice harder and clearer, the latter ice more -full of blisters. In later times, Dr. Black, of Edinburgh, has from his -experiments asserted the contrary. “Boiled water,” he says, “becomes -ice sooner than unboiled, if the latter be left at perfect rest.” -Beckmann’s _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. p. 145. _Bohn’s Ed._ - -[3037] “Subtilissimo invento.” - -[3038] Or perhaps, as we say, “to the touch, and vice versâ.” The -original is “Alternante hoc bono.” - -[3039] A considerable number of its arches are yet standing, and it -still in part supplies Rome with water. - -[3040] At Sublaqueum, now Subiaco. - -[3041] “Primus auspicatus est.” In obedience to the “auspices,” -probably. - -[3042] In A.U.C. 720. See B. xxxvi. c. 24. - -[3043] “Aqua Virgo.” This aqueduct, erected A.U.C. 735, still exists, -and bears the name of “Aqua Vergine.” - -[3044] Another story was, that it had this name from the circumstance -that the spring was first pointed out by a girl to some soldiers in -search of water. - -[3045] In c. 23 of this Book. - -[3046] This was only temporarily, in all probability. - -[3047] There seems, as he says below, to be no general rule as to this -point. - -[3048] So called from the snow on their summit. - -[3049] In B. xxvi. c. 16. - -[3050] “Salix erratica.” - -[3051] Surely _not_ the reed, as he has mentioned it above as one -of the indications to be depended upon. In one MS. it appears to be -omitted, and with justice, probably. - -[3052] “Coria.” - -[3053] “Sabulum.” - -[3054] “Sabulum masculum.” Coarse, reddish sand, Dalechamps says. - -[3055] “Arena.” - -[3056] See B. xvii. c. 3. - -[3057] An inconvenience neutralized in a considerable degree by Davy’s -invention of the safety-lamp. - -[3058] “Arenatum.” Properly a mortar, which consisted of one part lime -and two parts sand. - -[3059] “Riget.” - -[3060] See B. iv. c. 11. At Bisley, in Surrey, there is a spring, -Aubrey says, that is cold in summer and warm in winter. - -[3061] See B. xviii. c. 7. - -[3062] The sandy soil being dried in hot weather into masses of mud or -clay, which become loosened when rain falls. - -[3063] See B. ii. c. 106. - -[3064] Ajasson remarks, that just the converse of this has been proved -by modern experience to be the case. - -[3065] The son of Antipater, then acting for Alexander during his -absence in the East. - -[3066] See B. ii. c. 84. - -[3067] In Cilicia. - -[3068] Whether he means the district of Thessaly so called, or one of -the two cities of that name in Lydia, does not appear to be known. - -[3069] Its locality is unknown, but it was probably near the sea-shore. - -[3070] In Elis in Peloponnesus. - -[3071] His credulity is influenced by the popular story that the river -Alpheus in Peloponnesus, in its love for the Fountain Nymph Arethusa, -penetrated beneath the bed of the sea, and reappeared in Sicily. See B. -iii. c. 14. - -[3072] See c. 20. - -[3073] The modern Dnieper. - -[3074] The Boug. - -[3075] See B. xviii. c. 3, and the Introduction to Vol. III. - -[3076] In jets, he means. - -[3077] “Si quinariæ erunt.” - -[3078] “Denaria.” - -[3079] “Quinaria.” - -[3080] The name given to these reservoirs was “castellum” or -“dividiculum:” in French the name is “_regard_.” Vitruvius describes -them, B. vii. c. 7. - -[3081] Pliny appears to have forgotten the warm springs of the -Scamander, mentioned by Homer in the Iliad, B. xxii. l. 147, _et seq._ - -[3082] Or rather, as Ajasson says, for cutaneous diseases. - -[3083] See B. iii. c. 17. - -[3084] In conformity with Sillig’s suggestion, we reject “atque” as an -interpolation. - -[3085] “Mulceri.” - -[3086] In spite of what Pliny says, in some cases the use of a mineral -bath is recommended for a long period of time together. At Leuk or -Læch, for instance, in the Valais, the patients, Ajasson says, remain -in the bath as much as eight hours together. - -[3087] To promote expectoration, Dalechamps says; or rather vomiting, -according to Holland. - -[3088] This substance, Ajasson says, is still used in medicine; that of -the waters of Silvanez, for example, in the department of Aveyron, is -highly celebrated for the cure of inveterate ulcers and sciatica. The -mud baths, too, of Saint Amand, enjoy an European reputation. - -[3089] See B. ii c. 106. - -[3090] In B. xxiv. c. 19, and B. xxviii. c. 14. - -[3091] An elder brother of the philosopher Seneca. His original name -was M. Annæus Noratus; but upon being adopted by the rhetorician Junius -Gallio, he changed his name into L. Junius Annæus—or Annæanus—Gallio. -He destroyed himself, A.D. 65. - -[3092] He was “Consul subrogatus” only. - -[3093] “Malagmatis.” - -[3094] It acts in most cases as an emetic, and is highly dangerous if -taken in considerable quantities. - -[3095] It is still considered useful, Ajasson says, for the treatment -of lymphatic diseases. - -[3096] “Virus.” - -[3097] Or “spitter.” See B. xxviii. c. 18. - -[3098] “Mammas sororiantes.” A malady, according to Dalechamps, in -which the mamillæ are so distended with milk that they kiss, like -sisters—“sorores.” - -[3099] The ancients being unable to analyze sea-water, could only -imitate it very clumsily. - -[3100] “Sea-water honey.” - -[3101] See B. xiv. c. 20, and B. xxii. c. 51. He is speaking, probably, -of fermented hydromel, a sort of mead. - -[3102] The joints being rendered more supple thereby. - -[3103] He probably means sea-water, alluding to certain kinds of -sea-weed. Dioscorides speaks of it, in B. iv. c. 99, as being good for -gout. It is, in reality, of some small utility in such cases. - -[3104] He most probably means sea-water. - -[3105] The Greeks used sand-baths for the purpose of promoting the -perspiration; the names given to them were παρόπτησις and φοίνιγμος. - -[3106] “Sal fit.” This expression is not correct, there being no such -thing as _made_ salt. It is only collected from a state of suspension -or dissolution. Pliny, however, includes under the name “sal” many -substances, which in reality are _not_ salt. His “hammoniacum,” for -instance, if identical with hydrochlorate of ammonia, can with justice -be said to be _made_, being formed artificially from other substances. - -[3107] “Coacto humore vel siccato.” These two terms in reality imply -the same process, by the medium of evaporation; the former perfect, the -latter imperfect. - -[3108] The evaporation not being sufficiently strong to dry up the -deeper parts. - -[3109] There is in reality nothing wonderful in this, considering that -most lakes are constantly fed with the streams of rivers, which carry -mineral salts along with them, and that the work of evaporation is -always going on. - -[3110] “Glæbas.” - -[3111] Because it is necessarily purer than that found upon the sand. - -[3112] The description is not sufficiently clear to enable us to -identify these lakes with certainty. Ajasson thinks that one of them -may be the Lake of Badakandir in the Khanat of Bokhara; and the other -the lake that lies between Ankhio and Akeha, in the west of the -territory of Balkh, and near the Usbek Tartars. - -[3113] “Sale exæstuant.” - -[3114] In consequence of the intense heat. - -[3115] All these regions, Ajasson remarks, are covered with salt. An -immense desert of salt extends to the north-east of Irak-Adjemi, and -to the north of Kerman, between Tabaristan, western Khoracan, and -Khohistan. - -[3116] Identified by Ajasson with the Herat and the Djihoun. He thinks -that it is of some of the small affluents of this last that Pliny -speaks. - -[3117] “Lapis specularis.” - -[3118] A “crumb” properly, in the Latin language. - -[3119] See B. vi. c. 32. - -[3120] More commonly known as Jupiter Hammon. - -[3121] See B. xii. c. 49, and B. xxiv. c. 28, for an account of gum -resin ammoniac, a produce of the same locality. The substance here -spoken of is considered by Beckmann to be nothing but common salt in -an impure state. See his _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. pp. 398-9, where this -passage is discussed at considerable length. Ajasson, on the other -hand, considers it to be Hydrochlorate of ammonia, the Sal ammoniac of -commerce. According to some accounts, it was originally made in the -vicinity of the Temple of Jupiter Hammon, by burning camels’ dung. - -[3122] Called ἄμμος, in Greek. - -[3123] See B. xxxv. c. 52. - -[3124] Sal ammoniac crystallizes in octahedrons. - -[3125] “Intra specus suos.” On this passage, Beckmann says, “From what -is said by Pliny it may with certainty be concluded that this salt was -dug up from pits or mines in Africa.—Many kinds of rock-salt, taken -from the mines of Wieliczka, experience the same change in the air; so -that blocks which a labourer can easily carry in the mine, can scarcely -be lifted by him after being for some time exposed to the air. The -cause here is undoubtedly the same as that which makes many kinds of -artificial salt to become moist and to acquire more weight.”—Vol. II. -p. 399, _Bohn’s Ed._ - -[3126] According to modern notions, his reason is anything but -_evident_. - -[3127] In Celtiberia. He alludes to the mountain of salt at Cardona, -near Montserrat in Catalonia. - -[3128] Speaking generally, this is true; but soils which contain it in -small quantities are fruitful. - -[3129] A similar method is still employed, Ajasson says, at the -salt-mines near Innspruck in the Tyrol. - -[3130] Native bitumen; always to be found in greater or less -quantities, in saliferous earths. - -[3131] The process of artificial evaporation. - -[3132] This would produce an impure alkaline salt. According to -Townson, this practice still prevails in Transylvania and Moldavia. - -[3133] “The water, evaporating, would leave the salt behind, but mixed -with charcoal, ashes, earth, and alkaline salts; consequently it must -have been moist, or at any rate nauseous, if not refined by a new -solution.”—Beckmann’s _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. p. 493. _Bohn’s Ed._ - -[3134] Not improbably a people of India so called, and mentioned in B. -vi. c. 20. - -[3135] See B. ix. c. 42. - -[3136] “In laterculis.” Hardouin considers this to mean small earthen -vessels or pipes. - -[3137] In c. 39 of this Book. - -[3138] “Melanthium.” See B. xx. c. 17. - -[3139] “Flos salis.” Further mentioned in c. 42. - -[3140] See B. iv. c. 17. - -[3141] St. Augustin mentions this marvellous kind of salt. De Civit. -Dei, B. xxi. cc. 5, 7. - -[3142] As well as Centuripa. - -[3143] “Opsonium.” - -[3144] “Pulmentarii.” - -[3145] See c. 43 of this Book. - -[3146] This is consistent with modern experience. - -[3147] “Sales.” - -[3148] Literally, “salt money”—“argentum” being understood. The -term was originally applied to the pay of the generals and military -tribunes. Hence our word “salary.” - -[3149] Beginning at the Colline Gate. - -[3150] “In congiario.” - -[3151] Most probably “He cannot earn salt to his bread,” or something -similar, like our saying, “He cannot earn salt to his porridge.” The -two Greek proverbs given by Dalechamps do not appear to the purpose. - -[3152] “Mola salsa.” - -[3153] “Favillam.” - -[3154] “Schroder thinks that in what Pliny says of _Flos Salis_, -he can find the martial sal-ammoniac flowers of our chemists, [the -double chloride of ammonium and iron], or the so-called _flores sales -ammoniaci martiales_.—It is certain that what Dioscorides and Pliny -call _flos salis_, has never yet been defined. The most ingenious -conjecture was that of Cordus, who thought that it might be Sperma -ceti; but though I should prefer this opinion to that of Schroder, -I must confess that, on the grounds adduced by Matthiali and Conrad -Gesner, it has too much against it to be admitted as truth.”—Beckmann, -_Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. p. 193. _Bohn’s Ed._ - -[3155] Salt collected from the foam on the sea-shore. - -[3156] A sort of bitumen, probably. - -[3157] Medicines for relieving weariness. See B. xxiii. c. 45, and B. -xxix. c. 13. - -[3158] “Smegmatis.” - -[3159] It was, probably, of an intermediate nature, between caviar and -anchovy sauce. - -[3160] See B. xxxii, c. 53. It does not appear to have been identified. - -[3161] As to the identity of the Scomber, see B. ix. c. 19. - -[3162] See B. xix. c. 7. - -[3163] “Garum sociorum.” - -[3164] The present Straits of Gibraltar. - -[3165] In Gallia Narbonensis. - -[3166] Sillig reads “Delmatia” here. - -[3167] See B. ix. c. 74. The fry of larger fish, Cuvier says. - -[3168] Ajasson considers this to be an absurd derivation; and thinks -it much more probable, that the name is from ἀ privative, and φύω “to -beget;” it being a not uncommon notion that these small fish were -produced spontaneously from mud and slime. - -[3169] The present Frejus, in the south of France. - -[3170] “Wolf.” Not the fish of that name, Hardouin says, mentioned in -B. ix. c. 28. - -[3171] The festivals of Ceres. The devotees, though obliged to abstain -from meat, were allowed the use of this _garum_, it would appear. - -[3172] Gesner proposes to read “_non_ carêntibus,” “_with_ -scales”—fishes _without_ scales being forbidden to the Jews by the -Levitical Law. See Lev. c xi. ver. 10. It is, most probably, Pliny’s -own mistake. - -[3173] See B. xxvii. c. 2. - -[3174] At the end of c. 42. - -[3175] He alludes to its decrepitation in flame. - -[3176] Pharnaces caused the body of his father Mithridates to be -deposited in brine, in order to transmit it to Pompey. - -[3177] He uses the word “pterygia” here, as applied to the whole of -the body—“totius corporis”—in its two distinct senses, a hangnail or -excrescence on the fingers, and a web or film on the eyes. - -[3178] In c. 23, he has said much the same of cold water. - -[3179] “Sale et sole.” - -[3180] This passage would come more naturally _after_ the succeeding -one. - -[3181] See B. xxiii. c. 13. - -[3182] “Ita ut batuerentur ante.” From the corresponding passage in -Dioscorides, where the expression Βαπτόμενοι εἰς ὄξος is used, it would -appear that the proper word here is “baptizarentur;” or possibly, a -lost Græco-Latin word, “bapterentur.” Littré suggests “hebetarentur,” -“the part being first numbed” by the aid of a bandage. - -[3183] “Spuma salis.” Collected from the foam on the sea-shore. - -[3184] See Note 36, above, p. 507. - -[3185] Beckmann, who devotes several pages to a consideration of -the “nitrum” of the ancients, considers it not to be our “nitre” or -“saltpetre,” but a general name for impure alkaline salts. See his -_Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. pp. 490-503, _Bohn’s Ed._ Ajasson, without -hesitation, pronounces it to be nitrate of potash, neither more or less -than our saltpetre, and quotes a statement from Andreossy, that it is -still to be found in great quantities at Mount Ptou-Ampihosem, near the -city of Pihosem, called Nitria by St. Jerome. - -[3186] “Salt bursting from the earth.” - -[3187] “Wild.” - -[3188] See c. 40 of this Book. He is evidently speaking of a -_vegetable_ alkali here. See Beckmann, Vol. II. pp. 492-3, _Bohn’s Ed._ - -[3189] Beckmann thinks that these kinds of water were in reality only -impure and not potable, from their nauseous taste, and that hence -they were considered as nitrous. Nitrous water, he remarks, or water -containing saltpetre, in all probability, does not exist. Vol. II. pp. -498-9. _Bohn’s Edition._ - -[3190] Or in other words, crystallization. Beckmann remarks that, in -reference to alkaline water, this is undoubtedly true. Vol. II. p. 499. - -[3191] From the adjacent town of Chalastra, on the Thermæan Gulf. The -site is probably occupied by the modern Kulakia. - -[3192] Carbonate of soda is found in the mineral waters of Seltzer and -Carlsbad, and in the volcanic springs of Iceland, the Geysers more -particularly. - -[3193] Ajasson remarks, that from this we may conclude that the -fabrication of nitrate of potash, or saltpetre, was in its infancy. -It is by no means improbable that the _artificial_ nitrum, _here_ -mentioned by Pliny, really was artificial saltpetre, more or less -impure; the _native_ nitrum, on the other hand, being, as Beckmann -suggests, a general term for impure alkaline mineral salts, in common -with native saltpetre. Pliny’s account, however, is confused in the -highest degree, and in some passages far from intelligible. - -[3194] Of a bituminous nature, probably. See c. 42 of this Book. - -[3195] See B. v. c. 40. An alkaline water, Beckmann thinks. See Vol. -II, pp. 96-7. _Bohn’s Ed._ - -[3196] He may possibly mean bleaching the material before dyeing. - -[3197] See B. xxxvi. c. 65. This certainly goes far towards proving -that under the name “nitrum,” alkaline salts were included. - -[3198] “Faciunt ex his vasa, necnon frequenter liquatum cum sulphure, -coquentes in carbonibus.” This passage Beckmann pronounces to be one of -the _darkest_ parts in the history of _nitrum_. See Vol. II. p. 502. -He is of opinion that not improbably the result here obtained would -be, liver of sulphur, which when it cools is hard, but soon becomes -moist when exposed to the air. Dalechamps, it would appear, explains -the whole of this passage as applicable to glazing; but in such case, -as Beckmann observes, the nitrum could serve only as a flux. Michaelis -suggests that the vessels here mentioned, were cut, not for real use, -but merely for ornament, in the same manner as they are still made, -occasionally, from rock-salt. - -[3199] The mention of nitrum, sulphur, and charcoal, probably the three -ingredients of gunpowder, in such close proximity, is somewhat curious. - -[3200] “Quæ” seems a preferable reading to “quos.” - -[3201] “Spuma nitri.” An accidental property, Beckmann says, of the -same salt that has been previously called “Chalastricum,” “Halmyrax,” -“Aphronitrum,” and “Agrion.” In his opinion, “the ancients were -acquainted with no other than _native_ nitrum, which they called -_artificial_, only when it required a little more trouble and art to -obtain it.”—_Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. p. 502. _Bohn’s Ed._ - -[3202] “Froth of nitre.” Ajasson identifies this with hydro-carbonate -of soda. - -[3203] Supposed by Hardouin to be derived from the Greek κόλικας, -“round cakes;” owing to the peculiar form of the pieces of rock by -which the aphronitrum was produced. The reading, however, is very -doubtful. Sillig, from Photius, suggests that it should be “scolecas.” - -[3204] One proof, Beckmann thinks, that Soda is meant. See Vol. II. p. -491. - -[3205] “Whether Pliny means that the vessels were not burnt, but only -baked in the sun, or that before they were filled, they were completely -dried in the sun, has been determined by no commentator. To me the -latter is probable.”—Beckmann, _Hist. Inv._ Vol. II. p. 491. - -[3206] Beckmann thinks that this mode of adulteration, with lime, is -an additional proof that the “nitrum” of our author was only soda. See -Vol. II. p. 492. - -[3207] That, namely, of the lime. Quick-lime, certainly, would have a -pungent taste, in comparison with that of soda, but not in comparison -with that of saltpetre. - -[3208] Another proof, Beckmann thinks, that it was native soda, -impregnated with common salt. Vol. II. p. 492. - -[3209] This would hardly apply to soda. - -[3210] Probably to promote its rising, as Beckmann observes, Vol. II. -p. 496; a circumstance which goes a great way towards proving that -“Soda” was included, at least, under the name of “nitrum.” Carbonate of -soda is extensively used for this purpose at the present day. - -[3211] And to correct the acridity of the radishes, possibly. A -somewhat analogous fact is mentioned by Drury, in his “Journal in -Madagascar.” He says that the sourest tamarinds, “mixed with wood -ashes, become sweet and eatable.” See p. 316.—We are not unaware that -many look upon this work and its statements as a work of fiction. - -[3212] See B. xix. c. 26. - -[3213] Carbonate of soda is added to pickles and boiling vegetables for -this purpose. - -[3214] Vegetable ashes, and tobacco-ashes in particular, have the same -effect. - -[3215] See B. xxxv. c. 57. - -[3216] Viewed by the ancients as a poison, when taken warm; but -erroneously, as we have more than once remarked. - -[3217] See B. xix. c. 15. - -[3218] Nitre balls are still given to the patient to suck, in cases of -sore throat. - -[3219] See B. xii. c. 51. - -[3220] Beckmann considers that this statement throws some light on the -obscure passage, commented on in Note 3198, p. 514. See _Hist. Inv._ -Vol. II. p. 503. _Bohn’s Ed._ - -[3221] In B. ix. c. 69. - -[3222] No such distinction, of course, _really_ exists; sponge being in -reality a fibrous tissue formed by minute animals. - -[3223] “Goats,” literally. - -[3224] See B. ix. c. 69. He probably alludes to the semifluid thin coat -of animal jelly which covers the sponge in its recent state, and is -susceptible of a slight contraction on being touched. - -[3225] A fanciful notion, certainly. - -[3226] Hot water renders them greasy, so to say; an inconvenience which -may be remedied by steeping them in an alkaline solution, or in urine. - -[3227] “Penicilli.” - -[3228] See B. ix. c. 69. - -[3229] See B. v. c. 28. - -[3230] An absurdity, of course. - -[3231] See end of B. ii. - -[3232] Called C. Cassius Severus Parmensis, according to some -authorities. He was one of the murderers of Cæsar, and perished, the -last of them by a violent end, about B.C. 30. He is supposed to have -written tragedies, epigrams, and other works. See Horace, Epist. B. i. -Ep. 4, l. 3. - -[3233] See end of B. vii. - -[3234] See end of B. ii. - -[3235] Cælius Antipater. See end of B. ii. - -[3236] See end of B. vii. - -[3237] See end of B. vii. - -[3238] See end of B. xviii. - -[3239] See end of B. iv. - -[3240] This personage is entirely unknown. It may possibly be a -corruption for Soranus, a poet of that name (Q. Valerius Soranus) who -flourished about 100 B.C. See also B. xxxii. c. 23. - -[3241] See end of B. iv. - -[3242] See end of B. ii. - -[3243] Beyond the mention made of him in c. 9 of this Book, nothing -whatever is known of him. - -[3244] See end of B. iii. - -[3245] See end of B. ii., and end of B. vi. - -[3246] See end of B. ii. - -[3247] See end of B. xii. - -[3248] See end of B. v. - -[3249] See end of B. xii. - -[3250] See end of B. xxx. - -[3251] See end of B. ii. - -[3252] He is also mentioned in B. xxxii. c. 16, but beyond that, -nothing whatever appears to be known of him. He must not be confounded -with Pelops of Smyrna, one of Galen’s preceptors, who flourished in the -second century after Christ. - -[3253] See end of B. xxviii. - -[3254] See end of B. ii. - -[3255] See end of B. ii. - -[3256] See end of B. viii. - -[3257] A celebrated Comic poet, a disciple of Theophrastus, and the -inventor of the New Comedy at Athens. Only a few fragments of his works -survive. - -[3258] See end of B. viii. - -[3259] A physician, of whom, beyond the mention made of him in B. -xxxii. c. 26, no further particulars appear to be known. - -[3260] See end of B. xx. - -[3261] A Greek writer on plants, and a follower of Asclepiades of -Bithynia. He is supposed to have flourished in the latter half of the -first century B.C. His medical formulæ are several times quoted by -Galen. See c. 31 of the succeeding Book. - -[3262] See end of B. vii. - -[3263] See end of B. xxi. - - -END OF VOL. V. - - J. BILLING, PRINTER AND STEREOTYPER (FROM WOKING), - GUILDFORD, SURREY. - - - - -Transcriber’s Notes:— - -In footnote [24] “See Introduction to Vol. III.” probably refers to the -glossary of “GREEK AND ROMAN MONEY, WEIGHTS, AND MEASURES MENTIONED BY -PLINY.” which follows the Contents section of Volume III. - -The footnotes for each of the six volumes have been renumbered, the -references to notes in other volumes have been changed accordingly. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Natural History of Pliny -- Volume -5 of 6, by Pliny - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NATURAL HISTORY OF PLINY *** - -***** This file should be named 60688-0.txt or 60688-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/6/8/60688/ - -Produced by David Starner, Ted Garvin, Tiena, Stephen -Rowland, Tony Browne, Brian Wilcox and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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