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RIOORINI OLN OONIONIOLIOS LIEILIEAY
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30. Remedies for fevers Bs ote ee of. oe wa | Ae
31. Remedies for dropsy ‘, a 54 sy) is .. 456
32. Remedies for erysipelas .. .. he ut oe rey Oe
33. Remedies for carbuncles .. . :. i be at Ad,
34. Remedies for boils nee ies ee ae ee Seine cae
35. Remedies for burns X e Be at BE E80)
36. Remedies for affections of the sinews .. se i Siewert
37. Remedies for maladies of the nails and fingers .. oe .. 4658
38. Methods for arresting hemorrhage an aS ai Lee a ay)
39. Remedies for ulcerous sores and wounds oe ise ar a T/".
40. Remedies for broken bones ‘ .. 460
41, Applications for cicatrizations, and for the cure of morphew 5) ) 461
42. Methods of extracting foreign substances from the body Pea
43. Remedies for female complaints .. he a ore .- 462
44. Methods of facilitating delivery .. ne a -. 463
45. Methods of preserving the breasts from 1 inj ury . wie swt WeO4
46. Various kinds of depilatories .. se ak $i -. 466
47. Remedies for the diseases of infants .. oe ae by (lake 208
48. Provocatives of sleep .. : He =e ve .- 467
49. Aphrodisiacs and antaphrodisiacs . beak le 2
50. Remedies for phthiriasis, and for various other affections .- 468
51. Remedies for intoxication ~ ae ee ie a tok
52. Peculiarities relative to certain animals .. ov we wai) 469
53. Other marvellous facts connected with animals .. alt aa, 1.20.
BOOK XXXII.
REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE AQUATIC PRODUCTIONS.
1, Remarkable facts connected with water .. a Aes io ATA
2. The different properties of waters a ms Me tie, VATE
3. Remedies derived from water .. 473
4. Waters productive of fecundity. Waters curative of insanity 474
CONTENTS.
CHAP.
5. Waters remedial for urinary calculi Me ud a ik
6. Waters curative of wounds me ee Pr bid an
7. Waters preventive of abortion ‘as ay x
8. Waters which remove morphew .. rae 4d ae ee
9. Waters which colour the hair .. tate % bh 4
_ Waters which colour the human body ..
. Waters which aid the memory, or are productive ‘of forgetfulness
. Waters which sharpen or dull the senses. Waters which im-
prove the voice
. Waters which cause a distaste for wine. Waters which produce
inebriety a cS
. Waters which serve as a substitute for oi oil dis im
. Salt and bitter waters : ve Paes Al
. Waters which throw up stones. “Waters which cause laughter
and weeping. Waters which are said to be curative of love
. Waters which preserve their warmth for three days
_ Other marvellous facts connected with water. Waters in which
everything will sink. Waters in which nothing will sink
. Deadly waters. Poisonous fishes :
. Waters which petrify themselves, or cause other ‘obj ects to petri
. The wholesomeness of waters .. ik Se ne f
. The impurities of water .. oe os us Ne =
. The modes of testing water ne oe ts
. The Marcian Waters aie be a 2 Sap bya ae
. The Virgin Waters he ar he ni :
. The method of searching for water i: Oe a A
. Signs indicative of the presence of water fe
. Differences in waters, according to the nature of the soil
. The qualities of water at the different seasons of the year a
. Historical observations upon waters which have suddenly made
their appearance or suddenly ceased .
. The method of conveying water .. Et ie
. How mineral waters should be used we Be
. The uses of sea-water. The advantages of a sea-voy age
. How artificial sea-water feu be made in places at a distance
from the sea .. oe be e, ae sa
_ How thalassomeli is made - ie
. How hydromeli is made ..
. Methods of providing against thes inconvenience of drinking sus-
pected water
. Six remedies derived from ee y Remedies detived Row eendd
. The various kinds of salt; the methods of preparing it, and the
remedies derived from it, Two hundred and four observa-
tions thereupon 5 we 4 oe be
. Muria
. The various properties of salt: one hundred and twenty histori-
cal remarks relative thereto .. Be
. Flower of salt: twenty remedies. Salsugo : two remedies ..
. Garum: fifteen remedies .. ae oe
XX CONTENTS.
CHapP.
44, Alex: eight remedies
45. The nature of salt oe
46. The various kinds of nitrum, the methods of preparing it, and
the remedies derived from it: two hundred and twenty-one
observations thereon ..
47. Sponges, and the remedies derived from them: ninety-two
eae etal thereon
ee oe ee ee
e¢
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.
Nor 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' and the olive” there exists a hatred
so inveterate, that transplanted, either of them, to a site pre-
viously occupied by the other, they will die. The quercus
too, if planted near the walnut, will perish. There isa mortal
feud* existing also between the cabbage and the vine; and the
cabbage itself, so shunned as it is by the vine, will wither im-
_ mediately if planted in the vicinity of cyclamen’ 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,
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 con-
stitute 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.
* See B. xx. c. 36. ©
5 See B. xxi, cc. 27, 38, and B. xxv. c. 67.
Vol, ¥. B
2 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
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® of it, and will in-
stantly 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 con-
secrated to Father Liber,’ to which deity the fennel is also
sacred,
Inanimate objects again, even of the most insignificant
character, have their own peculiar antipathies. Cooks dis-
engage meat of the brine, when it has been too highly salted,
by the agency of fine meal and the inner bark® 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,? so much so indeed, as
to be rendered potable’ in a couple of hours: itis for a similar
reason, too, that a layer of polenta is put" in our linen wine-
strainers. A similar property is possessed also by the chalk”
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” to water. Gum is most’* easily removed
with vinegar, and ink” with water ; in addition to which, there
$ 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 ex-
tracting the salt. ® See B. wyii. 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 ob-
serves, it would have a tendency to turn the wine into vinegar.
22 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, 'ée says, it is clearly proved that
he ink of the ancients was soluble in water, and that it contained neither
salle nor salts of iron. What it really was made of is stilla matter of
Chap. 2.] . THE LOTUS OF ITALY. 3
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,’® 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 in-
explicable nature forthwith have their praises sung, and the
productions of Arabia and India are held in unbounded ad-
miration in the very midst” of us. For some trifling
sore or other, a medicament is prescribed from thé 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.’® 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:’? for now we obey the
natives of foreign” lands, who by the agency of a single art have
even out-generalled our generals." More, however, on this
topic hereafter.
cHAP. 2, (2.)—THE LOTUS OF ITALY: SIX REMEDIES.
We have already” spoken in their appropriate places of the
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.
0 He alludes to the physicians of Greece more particularly.
#1 “ Tmperatoribus quoque imperaverunt.”
2 In B. xiii. c. 32, and B. xvi. c. 53. Pliny ascribes here to the Lotus of
Italy, the Celtis Australis of Linnawus, the same medicinal properties that
B 2
4 PLINY 8S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
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,””*
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. Itis 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 re-
markable utility, being taken in doses of one victoriatus,™ in
three cyathi of water.
CHAP. 3. (3.)—-ACORNS: THIRTEEN REMEDIES.
Acorns,” pounded with salted axle-grease,*" are curative of
those indurations known as ‘‘cacoethe.”*® 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 ceeliac affections ; and itis applied topically
in cases of dysentery, as well as the acorns, which are em-
ployed 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 adminis-
tered in wine for dysentery. The holm-oak is possessed of
similar properties.
cHAP. 4, (4.)—-THE KEKMES-BERRY OF THE HOLM-OAK: THREE
REMEDIES.
The scarlet berry” of the holm-oak is applied to fresh
are given by Dioscorides, B.i. c. 171, to the Egyptian bean or Nymphea
Neiumbo of Linneus. Galen gives the same account as Dioscorides ; it
is not improbable, therefore, that Pliny is in error.
23 See B. xvi. c. 53, Note 55.
*4 Half a denarius. See Introduction to Vol. ITI.
25 Acorns, as well as the bark of the various kinds of oak, are of an
astringent nature. 25° Or, hogs’ lard.
6 In the singular number, “ cacoethes,” ‘a bad habit ;” signifying a
malignant or cancerous tumour. |
*7 See B. xvi. c. 12. All the properties here ascribed to it, Fée says,
Chap. 6.] MISTLETOE. 9)
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 ‘‘sco-
lecion :’’*§ it is held, however, in disesteem. The principal
varieties of this berry have been previously” described.
CHAP. 0.—GALL-NUTS : TWENTY-THREE REMEDIES.
And no fewer are the varieties of the gall-nut which we
have described :*° 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, how-
ever, of Commagene is generally preferred. These substances
remove fleshy excrescences on the body, and are serviceable for
affections of the gums and uvula,* and for ulcerations of the
mouth. Burnt, and then quenched in wine, they are applied
topically in cases of coeliac affections and dysentery, and with
honey, to whitlows, hang-nails, malformed nails, running ulcers,
condylomatous swellings, and ulcerations of the nature known as
phagedeenic.” 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® stated that the best mistletoe is that
which grows on the robur,** and have described the manner in
are hypothetical. It is no longer used in medicine, at least to any re-
cognized extent.
28 Hence the Latin word “vermiculum,” from which our word “ ver-
milion” is derived.
29 In B. xvi. ¢. 12. 30 In B. xvi. ¢. 9.
31 They might be used advantageously, Fée thinks, in the shape of a
decoction, for procidence of the uvula and uterus,
32 “ Hating,’ or “ corrosive.” 33 See B. xvi, ce. 11, 93, 94.
34 See B. xvi. cc. 10, 11.
6 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV,
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. The best kind of viscus 1s 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 ; com-
bined 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 em-
ploy 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.*” Some persons have a sort of
superstitious notion that the viscus will be all the more effi-
cacious 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,*
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 1s
said.
CHAP. 7.—THE EXCRESCENCES WHICH GROW ON THE ROBUR:
ONE REMEDY. THE CERRUS: EIGHT REMEDIES.
The round excrescences” 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® act as a desic-
cative upon gatherings and suppurations, and arrest fluxes. A
decoction® of them, used as a fomentation, strengthens such
parts of the body as are paralyzed; and it is a very good plen
3° This passage, as Fée remarks, is somewhat obscure.
35" As tothe identity of the “nitrum” of Pliny, see B. xxxi. cc. 22, 46.
36 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.
+ pee BYxviiter 10, 28 S00 i. KW. Gh By
3° This decoction would be of a tonic and astringent nature, owing to
the tannin and gallic acid which the leaves and bark contain.
Chap. 10.] THE CYPRESS. 7
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,“ pulverized and taken in warm
water, arrests hemorrhage at the mouth and nostrils;*! and
the ashes of it, taken in warm wine, are highly extolled as a
cure for spitting of blood. |
cHaAP. 9. (5.)—THE BEECH: FOUR REMEDIES.
The leaves*® 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® 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 infu-
sion of them is taken in drink.“ They are applied with wax to
swellings of the testes, and mixed with vinegar they stain the
hair black. Beaten up with twice the quantity of light
bread, and then kneaded with Aminean“ 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
40 See B. xvi. c. 13. 41 «Rx utralibet parte.”
42 There is no foundation, Fée says, for any of these statements.
43 See B. xvi. c. 60. The leaves of the cypress, Fée says, contain tan-
nin and an essential oil; all the medicinal properties therefore, here attri-
buted to them, which are not based upon these principles, must be looked
upon as hypothetical.
44 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 Feée says, highly
dangerous. ;
45 Owing probably to the gallic acid they contain.
46 See B. xiv. c. 4.
8 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
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,*” 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, 1¢ 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.* The shavings of the wood,
taken in drink, act as an emmenagogue, and neutralize the
venom of the scorpion.
CHAP. 1]1.—THE CEDAR: THIRTEEN REMEDIES.
The larger cedar, known as the ‘‘cedrelates,’’’ produces a
pitch called ‘“ cedria,’’ which is very useful for tooth-ache, it
having the effect of breaking® the teeth and extracting them,
and so allaying the pain. We have already” stated how the
juices of cedar are extracted, so remarkably useful for
seasoning books,” were it not for the head-ache they produce.
This extract from the cedar preserves” 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
47 See Introduction to Vol. ITI.
48 See B. x. c. 28, and B. xi. ce. 24, 28. 49 See B. xiii.c. 11.
5° Fée remarks, that many of the moderns attribute to frankincense the
properties here ascribed to cedria ; a most unfounded notion, he thinks.
51 In B. xiv. c, 25, and B. xvi. ce. 21, 22.
52 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. An-
other 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
38 to that Chapter.
53 Asin 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. !
Chap. 12.] CEDRIDES. 9
beings, and imparting a sort of life, as it were, to the dead!
It injures clothing also and destroys™ 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 im-
pregnation.®
Still, however, I should not hesitate to employ it as a fric-
tion for phthiriasis or porrigo. It is strongly recommended
also, in raisin wine, as an antidote to the poison of the sea-
hare,” but I should be more ready to use it as a liniment for
elephantiasis. Some authors have prescribed it as an oint-
ment for foul ulcers and the fleshy excrescences which grow
in them, as also for spots and films on the eyes; and have re-
commended it to be taken, in doses of one .cyathus, for ulcera-
tions of the lungs, and for tapeworm.
There is an oil extracted from this pitch, known as ‘“pis-
selzon,’’™ 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® bruised in oil. |
CHAP. 12.—cEDRIDES: TEN REMEDIES.
Cedrides, or in other words, the fruit of the cedar,® is
curative of coughs, acts as a diuretic, and arrests looseness of
the bowels. It is good also for ruptures, convulsions,
spasms, and strangury, andis employed, as a pessary, for
affections of the uterus. It is used also to neutralize the
54 Tf he implies that it is poisonous, such in reality is not the case.
55 A mere absurdity, of course.
56 It would be of no use whatever for the cure of injuries inflicted by
the Aplysia vulgaris or Aplysia depilans of Linneus. See B. ix. c. 72, and
B. xxxil. ¢. 3.
57 See B. xv. c. 7, and B. xxv. c. 22. “ Pitch oil,”’ a volatile oil.
58 This mention of the berries clearly proves, Fée thinks, that the Cedre-
lates of Pliny belongs in reality to the genus Juniperus.
59 Or of the juniper, Fée thinks,
10 PLINY § NATURAL ‘HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
venom of the sea-hare,” 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 given some description of galbanum: to
be good, it should be neither too moist nor too dry, butjust in
the state which we have mentioned.” 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,® 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 sup-
purations of the ears; and the odour of it is useful for epilepsy,
hysterical suffocations, and faintness at the stomach. Hm-
ployed as a pessary or as a fumigation, it brings away the
foetus in cases of miscarriage; branches too of hellebore
covered with it and laid beneath the patient, have a similar
effect.
We have already® 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 foetus. In combination with myrrh and wine too,
it neutralizes poisons — those which come under the de-
nomination of ‘‘toxica’® in particular. The very touch
of it, mixed with oil and spondylium,® is sufficient to
kill aserpent.” Itis generally thought to be productive of
strangury. :
6 See Note 56 above. at In: B. sal. €. iG:
6% Cartilaginous, clear, and free from ligneous substances.
63 Tt 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.
és in B, x1. C. (06. 65 Narcotic poisons.
66 See B. xii. c. 58. See also c. 16 of this Book.
&7 This statement is entirely fabulous.
Chap. 15.] — STORAX. 11
cHap. 14. (6.)—HAMMONIACUM: TWENTY-FOUR REMEDIES.
Of a similar nature to galbanum is hammoniacumn, a tear-
like gum, the qualities of which are tested in manner already®
stated. It is of an emollient, warming, resolvent, and dis-
pellent nature. Employed as an ingredient in eye-salves, it
improves the sight. It disperses prurigo, effaces the marks cf
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 in-
durations. 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 asa 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® 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 em-
ployed 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 neutra-
lizes poisons of a cold nature, and consequently, hemlock.”
68 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.
69 In B. xii. c. 55. Fe says that it is of the Amygdalite storax that
Pliny is here speaking. It is little employed at the present day for in-
ternal maladies.
70 This is not the fact.
LZ PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
cHAP. 16.—SPONDYLIUM : SEVENTEEN REMEDIES.
At the same time we have also spoken” 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 some-
times 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.”
CHAP. 17.—sSPHAGNOS, SPHACOS, OR BRYON: FIVE REMEDIES,
Sphagnos, sphacos, or bryon, grows, as we have already”
stated, in Gaul.
CHAP. 24.—PISSELMON AND PALIMPISSA: SIXTEEN REMEDIES,
We have already” described the way in which liquid pitch
and the oil known as pisseleon are made. Some persons boil
the pitch over again, and giveit the name of “ palimpissa.”'® For
quinzy”® and affections of the uvula, liquid pitch is employed
internally. It is used also tor the cure of ear-ache, for the
improvement of the sight, and asa 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,” and consisting of pitch mixed
i Tn B: xvi: ¢. 22, and B. xv. ce. 7.
18 “Pitch boiled over again.”
19 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 some-
times 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.
*0 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 Alian, more correctly,
Chap. 28.] THE LENTISK. 19
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 mamille. The
most esteemed portion of it is that which floats on the surface
when boiled. 7
CHAP. 26.—ZOPISSA: CNE REMEDY.
We have already” stated that zopissais 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 beer to sea for the first time. It is used as an in-
gredient 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*
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 :” a decoction
of them, used as a fomentation, 1s curative of serpiginous sores,
and is applied topically for humid ulcerations and erysipelas ;
it is employed also as a collutory forthe 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 :*4 this decoc-
tion has the effect also of staining® 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
bitumen. The names now given to it are mineral pitch, and malthe or
pitch of Malta.
71 In B. xvi. c. 23. Fée thinks that the use of it is more likely to
have been injurious than beneficial.
ee) Or teeda. See B.ixvi, ¢. 19.
23 Fée says, that within the last century, the wood of the lentisk or
mastich, and the oil of its berries, figured in the Pharmacopeias. Their
medicinal properties are far from energetic, but the essential oil may pro-
bably be of some utility as an excitant.
4 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.
25 This, Fée says, is not the fact.
Me PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
and diuretic; it is applied also to the head, in cases of head-
ache, with polenta. The more tender of the leaves are used as
an application for inflammations of the eyes.
The mastich* produced by the lentisk is used as a bando-
line for the hairs of the eye-lids, in compositions for giving
a plumpness to the face, and in cosmetics for smoothing” 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. J know fora fact, that in
the illness of Considia, the daughter of M. Servilius, a per-
sonage of consular rank, her malady, which had long resisted
all the more severe methods of treatment, was at last success-
fully 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* neutralizes the bad effects of bites in-
flicted by the bat.*° The excrescences of this tree, taken in
doses*! of four denarii, in wine, act as an antidote to the
venom of serpents of all kinds and of scorpions, and are cura-
tive of burns. Pounded with strong vinegar, squill vinegar
in particular, they arrest hemorrhage of every kind; and
with the addition of honey, they remove freckles, carcino-
matous 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 asimilar purpose. A de-
coction 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
76 See B. xii. ce. 36, and B. xiv. c. 25.
27 « Smegmata.”
*8 Littré thus reads the whole passage, “‘Sive cum aqua, ut ita foveantur,”
—‘ A decoction of it is made with water for the purpose of fomentation.”
29 See B. xii. c. 3.
30 “ Adversantur vespertilionibus.” FF ée sees difficulties in this passage,
which really do not seem to exist. i
31 The produce of the plane is no longer employed in medicine.
Chap. 32.] THE POPLAR. 21
leaves” 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*® made some mention of the virtues pos-
sessed 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 diminish-
ing obesity, and of gradually reducing the body to a state of
comparative emaciation,* 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,® 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* mentioned, when speaking of the un-
guents, the use that is made of the berries®” of the white
poplar. A potion prepared from the bark is good for sciatica
32 The young leaves probably, or else the fruit.
33 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 re-
lative to its medicinal properties, are utterly unfounded.
4 In reality they have no such effect.
35 See B. xvi. c. 26. The root of the maple, Fée says, has no marked
‘qualities whatever.
36 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.
37 “ Uvarum.”’ Fée thinks that by these berries, or grapes, the blossoms
or buds are meant. See Note 91 to B. xii. c. 61
22 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
and strangury, and the juice of the leaves is taken warm for
ear-ache. So long*® as a person holds a sprig of poplar in
his hand, there is no fear of*® chafing between the thighs.
The black poplar which grows in Crete 1s 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* juice, from which
bees prepare their propolis:*! indeed this juice, mixed with
water, has the same virtues as propolis.
CHAP. 03.-—THE ELM: SIXTEEN REMEDIES,
The leaves, bark, and branches of the elm* have the pro-
perty of filling up wounds and knitting the flesh together:
the inner membrane* 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 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,” boiled in wine, are curative of tumours, and
38 See also c. 38, as to the Vitex.
39 This superstition probably applies to persons riding on horseback.
40 “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.
41 Bee-glue. See B. xi. c. 6, and B. xxii. c. 50.
42 See B. xvi. c. 29. The bark of the elm, like that of most other trees,
has certain astringent properties.
43 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.
44 A kind of honey-dew, no doubt.
4 “ Cauliculi feliorum primi.”
Chap. 35.] THE ELDER. 23
bring them to a head :** 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*’ 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* 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. 30.—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 ‘‘ chameacte,”’ or ‘‘helion.’’* A decoction of the leaves,™
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
46 « Extrahuntque per fistulas.”’
47 In B. xvi. c. 74.
48 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 pro-
perties 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.
49 “ Ground elder ’’ or ‘‘ marsh elder ;’”’ the Sambucus ebulus of Lin-
neus, or dwarf elder. ‘The other kind mentioned by Pliny is the Sambu-
cus nigra of Linnzus, or black elder.
50 Fée says that though some of the assertions as to its medicinal pro-
perties 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.
24 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
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 power-
ful 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’ 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,” pounded and taken with white wine,
relaxes the bowels.
CHAP. 06.—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.*
There are two species of this tree, also, one of which is larger®
than the other: the odour of either, burnt, repels the ap-
51 According to Hardouin, this would appear to be the measles; but ac-
cording to Festus, swellings on the legs were so called. The shingles is
probably the malady meant.
52 Fée speaks of a decoction of the inner bark as having been recently
in vogue for the cure of dropsy.
53 This so-called cedar, Fée says, isin reality itself a juniper. The medici-
nal properties of all the varieties of the juniper are not identical. Theessen-
tial oil of the leaves acts with a formidable energy upon the human system.
54 This is identified by Fée with the Juniperus communis of Lamarck,
variety a, the Juniperus communis of Linnzus.
55 Identified by Fée with the Juniperus nana of Willdenow, the Juni-
perus communis of Lamarck, variety 8. The Spanish juniper, mentioned
in B. xvi. c. 76, he identifies with the Juniperus thuritera of Linneus,
QT
Chap. 37.] THE WILLOW. 2:
proach of serpents. The seed®” is good for pains in the
stomach, chest, and sides; it dispels flatulency and sudden
chills, soothes cough, and brings indurations to a head. Ap-
plied 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® in its effects. It is used asa liniment for de-
fluxions of the eyes, and is prescribed for convulsions, rup-
tures, 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,” before it arrives at maturity, is
covered with a down like a spider’s web: gathered® 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®' of which exudes in the shape of a gum from
53 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.
‘¢ The berries of the juniper contain sugar, mucilage, and a small pro-
portion of essential oil; a rob is prepared from them, Fée says, under the
name of ‘extract of juniper.”
8 It isa well-known fact, that juniper berries are diuretic ; they impart
also to the urine the odour of the violet, a property which is equally pos-
sessed by turpentine. All the other properties here attributed to the
Juniper, are, in Fée’s opinion, either hypothetical or absurd.
© See Boxvi.c, 68.
60 Neither this downy substance nor the seeds are now employed for
any purpose. ‘The bark of the willow has some strongly-pronounced pro-
perties, but all other parts of it are totally inert.
6! A kind of manna, Fée says. The other juices here mentioned are
secreted from the sap. . .
26 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
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 ahead. 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, 1s used as an injection
for diseases of the ears. The leaves, too, boiled and beaten
up with wax, are employed as a iiniment for similar purposes,
and for gout. The bark and leaves, boiled in wine, form a
decoction that is remarkably useful as a fomentation for affec-
tions of the sinews. ‘The blossoms, bruised with the leaves,
remove scaly eruptions of the face; and the leaves, bruised and
taken in drink, check lbidinous tendencies,” and effectually
put an end to them, if habitually employed.
The seed of the black willow of Ameria,“ 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,™ 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,’® from
the fact that the matrons of Athens, during the Thesmo-
phoria,® 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®™ one, like the
willow, attains the full proportions of a tree ; while the other,®
which is smaller, is branchy, with a paler, downy leaf. The
first kind, generally known as the “‘ white’’ vitex, bears a
6? The leaves have no effect whatever as an antaphrodisiac.
63 See B. xvi. c. 69.
64 The Vitex agnus castus of Linneus, the tree of chastity.
65 The “chaste” tree. It is no longer used in medicine; the fruit has some-
what 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.
66 An Attic festival celebrated yearly in honour of Demeter, which
lasted four or five days. It was also celebrated in other parts of Greece.
67 The Vitex agnus castus of Lamarck, variety 6, Elatior.
68 The Vitex agnus castus of Linnzus, the type.
Chap. 38.] THE ViTEX. 27
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® 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 aifections 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, 1s 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
drachme,
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 afumigation 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 lini-
69 It may possibly, Fée says, Have this effect, but the other properties
here attributed to it are wholly imaginary.
28 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
ment, 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” 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,’’™ to ashrub that is but
little different from the myrice.” It has the colour, and very
nearly the leaf, of rosemary. It neutralizes® the venom of
serpents, it is said.
cHAP. 40.—THE BROOM; FIVE REMEDIES.
The broom is used for making withes;* the flowers of it
are greatly sought by bees. JI have my doubts whether this
is not the same plant that the Greek writers have called
‘‘snarton,” and of which, in those parts of the world, as I have
already” stated, they are in the-habit of making fishing-nets.
I doubt also whether Homer” 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™” 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.
70 Travelling on horseback, probably. A similar superstition is mentioned
as to the poplar, in c. 32 of this Book.
71 Probably the Erica arborea of Linnzus; see B. xiii. ¢. 35. It has
not, however, a leaf similar to that of rosemary, with the sole exception,
Fée says, of the Erica cinerea of Linnzus.
7 See B. xiii. c. 37. 73 It has no such effect, in reality.
74 See B. xvi. c. 69. The kind here alluded to is the Spanish broom,
Fée thinks. 1 In B. xix.e. 2. Yolu IV: p. tea.
76 Tliad, B. ii. 1. 135. See B. xix. c. 6, where Pliny states it as his
opinion that in this passage Homer is speaking of flax.
77 See B. xix.c. 7. Fée thinks that the plant under consideration in
this Chapter is the Spanish broom, Genista juncea of Lamarck, the Spar-
tium junceum of Linneus, a different plant from the Spartum of B. xix.
c. 7, the Stipa tenacissima of Linneus. 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.
Chap. 41.] THE MYRICA. 29
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’® 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 asa
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.
Leneeus says, that the myrice,” otherwise known as the
“erica,” is a similar plant to that of which brooms are made at
Ameria. 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 asit may, it is particularly
useful for affections of the spleen, the juice of it being ex-
tracted 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,"
they will be found to lose the spleen. Hence it is that
78 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.
79 See B. xiii. c. 37, and Note 96; 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 com-
prehend the larger heaths and the Tamarix Gallica of Linneus. M. Fraas, as
Littré states, gives the ‘Tamarix Africana as the probable synonym of the
Myrica of Pliny.
60 Of this broom-plant of Ameria nothing is known.
81 This cannot apply to any of the heaths of Europe. The tamarisk
ae ia a much larger size, and barrels and drinking-vessels are made of
the wood.
30 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
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,® 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 pecple, as already® stated, look upon this tree as ill-
omened, because 1t 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’’* to a plant of which there are two
varieties ; the wild brya,® which is altogether barren, and the
cultivated one. 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
‘‘anthere.’’®’ The wood also, with the blossoms, leaves, and
bark of the tree, is used for similar purposés, but their pro-
perties are not so strongly developed. The bark 1s pounded
also, and given for® discharges of blood from the mouth, irre-
gularities of the catamenia, and coeliac affections: beaten up
and applied to the part affected, 1t checks the increase of all
kinds of abscesses.
The juice too is extracted from the leaves for similar pur-
poses, and a decoction is made of them in wine; they are ap-
plied also to gangrenes, in combination with honey. A de-
coction-of them taken in wine, or the leaves themselves ap-
plied 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 alse for tooth-ache or ear-ache, and the root
82 “Gravis.” He does not, however, show his gravity in the present in-
stance. 83 In B, xvi. c. 45.
&¢ See B. xiii. )c. 37.
8 Identified by Fée with the Tamarix Gallica.
8 The ‘“brya,” spoken of in B. xii. 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.
5? “ Flower compositions.”
83 It may possibly be of some use for this purpose, being of an astrin-
gent nature.
Chap. 44.] THE SILER. | 31
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 ser-
pents, 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® of desire, it is set on fire
again. The magicians say,” that the urine of an eunuch will
have a similar effect.
CHAP. 43.—THE BLOOD-RED SHRUB: ONE REMEDY.
Nor is the blood-red® shrub looked upon as a less ill-
-omened” 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,” 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.
89 ‘This seems to be the meaning of “‘ Idem cum libeat accendere re-
solvitur,” 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.
% “Magi.” He probably alludes in this passage to the Magi of the
East. 91 See B. xvi. ec. 30, 43.
The cornel, probably. It was looked upon as “ infelix,” or ill-omened,
because it was sacred to the Deities of the infernal regions.
3 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 tie slightest
attention.
32 PLINY'S NATURAL HISTORY. {Book XXIV.
CHAP. 40.—THE PRIVET: EIGHT REMEDIES.
The hgustrum, or privet, if itis the same tree as the cyprus™
of the Kast, 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 alsoare employed. The berries are made
use of for the cure of pip in poultry.”
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® enumerated some twenty varieties of the
ivy. ‘lhe 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,® but applied topically they are -
beneficial to those parts of the body. Ivy possesses properties
similar” 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. or 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 fore-
% 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.
94 F'ée says, that on reading this passage it is impossible to preserve one’s
ravity.
ones 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.
a6 to Nervia.’
97 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.
Chap. 47.] THE IVY. 33
head, 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 par-
ticularly, 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;
if 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,”’” 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’? which distil from the ivy are used
% “Golden fruit.”’ See B. xvi. c. 62.
99 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
isa gum resin, mixed with igneous particles.
By VOL. . D
34 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
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,!
which has a rose-coloured blossom, and the female,? 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 ulcer.
ations of the mouth. It is beneath these plants more par-
ticularly that the hypocisthis grows, of which we shall have
occasion® to speak when treating of the herbs.
cHAP. 49.—THE CISSOS ERYTHRANOS : TWO REMEDIES. THE
CHAM KCISSOS: TWO REMEDIES. THE SMILAX: THREE RE-
MEDIES. THE CLEMATIS: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES.
The plant called ‘cissos erythranos’’* by the Greeks, is
1 The Cistus pilosus of Linneus, the wild eglantine, or rock-rose.
2 The Cistus salvifolius of Linneus.
3'In B. xxvi. ce. 31, 49, 87, and 90.
4 « Red-berried” or “red-leaved ivy.” See B. xvi. c. 62. This kind,
Fée says, appears not to have been identified.
Chap. 50.] THE REED. 35 |
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. ‘‘Chamecissos’” 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 ace-
tabulum, it is curative of affections of the spleen, the leaves
of it being applied topically with axle-grease to burns.
- The smilax® also, otherwise known as the ‘“ anthophoros,’”
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 twe
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. itis 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, 1s the
smilax, the wood of which we have mentioned® as emitting a
sound, if held close to the ear.
Another plant, similar to this, they call by the name of
“‘ clematis :’’® it is found adhering to trees, and has a jointed
stem. The leaves of it cleanse leprous’® 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 1s pre-
scribed also for a similar purpose.
cHAP. 50. (11.)—THE REED: NINETEEN REMEDIES.
We have already" treated of twenty-nine varieties of the
reed, and there is none of her productions in which that
> “Ground-ivy.” See B. xvi. c. 62, Note 17. M. Fraias adopts
Sprengel’s opinion that it is the Antirrhinum Azarina, the bastard asarum.
6 See B. xvi. c. 63. 7 “ Flower-bearer.”
on B. xvi. 6.63.
® Sprengel thinks that this is the Clematis viticella, but Fée identifies
it with the Clematis vitalba of Linnzus, the climber, or traveller’s joy.
10 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.
it Tn B, xvi. ¢. 34.
p 2
36 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
mighty power of Nature,’ 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'* which is grown in Judea and Syria as an ingredient in
our unguents, boiled with hay-grass or parsley-seed, has a
diuretie effect : employed as a pessary, it acts as an emmena-
gogue. 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.”*
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,”’” are curative of alopecy and putrid ulcers.
The leaves of it are also used for the extraction” 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.”
CHAP. 51.—THE PAPYRUS, AND THE PAPER MADE FROM IT:
THREE REMEDIES.
Of a kindred nature with the reed is the papyrus® of
Kgypt; a plant that is remarkably useful, in a dried state, for
'2 Sympathies and antipathies existing in plants. Seec. 1 of this Book.
13 Not a reed, Fée thinks, but some other monocotyledon that has not
been identified. See B. xii. ce. 48.
i See B. xx. Gd. 15 See B. xvi, ¢. 66.
16 Celsus also speaks of the root of the reed as being efficacious for this
purpose, B. v. c. 26.
¥ée says that neither of these last assertions is true.
*® See B. xiii. c. 21. It is no longer used in medicine.
Chap. 53.] THE RHODODENDRON. ae
dilating and drying up fistulas, and, by its expansive powers,
opening an entrance for the necessary medicaments. The
ashes’ 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”® 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 cli-
mates. 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,”* in equal proportions, and of honey, of cough.
Medical men reckon ebony also in the number of the caustics.”
CHAP. 53—THE RHODODENDRON: ONE REMEDY.
The rhododendron* has not so much as found a Latin name
among us, its other names being ‘‘rhododaphne’”™ and
“‘nerium.’’ Itis a marvellous fact, but the leaves* 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 1s said, if they
drink water in which the leaves have been steeped, will die
immediately.
19 These statements as to the virtues of the ashes of papyrus, Fée says,
are absurd. .
0 See B. xii. c. 8. Desfontaines is inclined to identify the tree here
spoken of with the Diospyros ebenaster of Koenig.
21 See c. 91 of this Book; the Artemisia dracunculus of Linneus.
22 “ Erodentia.’”’ Fée remarks upon the singularity, that with this
property attributed to it, it should be recommended for diseases of the eyes.
% The “rose-tree.” Our rose-bay or oleander. 24 ¢¢ Rose-laurel.””
_ % See B. xvi. c. 33. It is, Fée says, an energetic poison, but as in-
jurious to man as it is to animals.
38 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
CHAP. 04,.-—THE RHUS OK SUMACH-TREE; TWO VARIETIES OF IT:
EIGHT REMEDIES. STOMATICE.
Nor yet has the tree called ‘“‘rhus’’*’ any Latin name, al-
though it is employed in numerous ways. Under this name
are comprehended a wild plant,” with leaves like those of
myrtle, and a short stem, which is good as an expellent of
tapeworm ; and the shrub™ 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 cceliac affections,
and of ulcers of the rectum and phagedenic 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* 1s also made,
which is used for the same purposes as that prepared from
mulberries ;*" it is more efficacious, however, mixed with alum.
This preparationis applied also toreduce the swelling in dropsy.
CHAP. 00.—RHUS ERYTHROS: NINE REMEDIES.
Rhus*™ 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™ 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,* con-
tusions, 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. 06.—THE ERYTHRODANUS: ELEVEN REMEDIES.
The erythrodanus,** by some called ‘‘ereuthodanus,’”’ and
76 See B. xiii. c. 18. The sumach-tree; the Rhus coriaria of Linneus.
*7 Tdentified by Fée with the Coriaria myrtifolia of Linneus, or myrtle-
leaved sumach. It is used in the preparation of leather, Fée says, and is
intensely poisonous. 28 The sumach-tree.
29 Or “mouth-medicine.” See B. xxii.c. 11, and B. xxiii. cc. 58 and 71.
°°) Ste Bixxi. 71, 31 Or “ros.” See B. xiii. ¢. 18.
32 Fée says that this is still done in some parts of Turkey.
33“ Asperitati lingue.”’
“i «Red rose ;” our madder. See B. xix. c. 17. Beckmann is of
Chap. 58.] THE RADICULA. og
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.” 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.** | 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”’* differs only from the
preceding one in the leaves and branches, which are more di-
minutive. 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. Itisa 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** mentioned as being
called ‘‘struthion”’ by the Greeks, is used by dyers for pre-
paring 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
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.
> Fée says that it does not possess this property.
Oe has no colouring matter which can produce any effect upon
the hair.
7 Or “anti-frantic” plant. C. Bauhin identifies it with the Rubia
silvestris levis, or wild madder ; Fée is at a loss for its identification, but
is inclined to think that it was a species of cultivated madder.
8 In B. xix.c.18. The Gypsophila struthium, or soap-plant, possibly.
Its identity is discussed at great length by Beckmann, Mist. Inv. Vol. IL.
p- 98—102, Bohn’s Ed.
40 _ PLINY'S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
beverage.’”’*® 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 sternu-
tories 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* 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 to dogs and all other quadrupeds. |
CHAP. 09.—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.”
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 ; itis 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
esa 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.
39 “ Aureum poculum.”
40 Desfontaines says that it is the Periploca angustifolia; Féegives the
Apoeynum folio subrotundo of C. Bauhin, round leafed dogsbane.
tl ‘This is the fact ; and hence one of its names “‘ cynanche,” or ‘ dog-
strangle.”
42 This, Fée says, is the fact. The plant is rich in essential oil, and is
consequently a powerful excitant. See B. xix. c. 62.
Chap. 62.] SELAGO. 4l
CHAP. 60.—THE SEED CALLED CACHRYS.
As already* stated, there are several kinds of cachrys ;**
but that which is produced by rosemary above-mentioned,
when rubbed, is found to be of a resinous nature. It neu-
tralizes 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,* there
are two varieties, one of them* with a leaf like that of the
tamarix, the other*’ 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 frankin-
cense;** 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 foetus.** 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.™
CHAP. 62.—SELAGO: TWO REMEDIES.
Similar to savin is the herb known as ‘“‘selago.”*' Care is
= id B. xvi, ¢. 11. ,
44 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.
9 So called from the Greek Bpadd, “slow,” according to some au-
thorities ; by reason of the slowness of its growth.
46 Identified by Fée with the Sabina vulgatior of Lobelius, or Juniperus
Sabina, variety 8, of Lamarck.
hi The Sabina baceifera of J. Bauhin, the male savin, the type of the
plant.
are Ovid’s Fasti, B.i. 1. 341, as to this custom, and Virgil’s “ Culex,”
. 403.
49 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.
5° Fée ridicules this notion with considerable zest.
5! The Lycopodium selago of Linnzus, upright club-moss, or fir-moss,
42 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
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.” 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’’® to a
certain plant which grows in humid localities. This too, they
say, must be gathered fasting with the left hand, asa pre-
servative 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® 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 coagu-
late, and is consequently good for discharges” of blood from
the mouth. It is useful for burns,® 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”
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
Lhéis (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.
52 Evidently a superstition derived from the Druids.
53 Sprengel thinks that it is the Samolus Valerandi of Linneeus, the round-
leaved water-pimpernel, and Anguillara identifies it with the Anemone pul-
satilla, or pasque-flower. Fée inclines to the opinion that it is the Veronica
beceabunga of Linneus, the brook-lime.
o Tn B. xill. 6.20.
55 Gum is still used, Fée says, for this purpose.
55 Tt is of no use whatever for burns, or as a diuretic.
7 Vée says that it is not different in any way from the gum of other trees.
Chap. 67.] GUM ACACIA. 43
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 pro-
ductive 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,” sharpens the appetite, and is
good for calculi® 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® 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 5
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 head-
ache. Similar to this plant is that known to the Greeks as
the ‘‘ acanthion ;’’”*! 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®
8 Fée remarks, that gum is injurious as a cosmetic.
5? Gum is of no use whatever in such a case.
60 In B. xiii. c. 19. In speaking there, however, of this gum, the
Acacia Nilotica of Linneus, he makes no mention whatever of Arabia;
for which reason Sillig concludes that this passage is corrupt.
ia pena Onopordum acanthium of Linnzus, the cotton-thistle, or woolly
thistle.
62 The Mimosa Nilotica of Linnzeus; see B. xiii. c. 19. Fée seems in-
clined to identify the white thorn with the Crategus oxyacantha of Lin-
44 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
thorns of Egypt, and from a green thorn as well; the pro-
duce, 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 amore thorny tree® than those last
mentioned. The seed of all these trees resembles™ the lentil
in appearance, only that it is smaller, as well as the pod which
contains it: itis 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” so useful as the other. ‘The seed is used also, as a
substitute for nut-galls in curing leather.®
The juice extracted from the leaves, as also the extremely
black juice of the Galatian®™ acacia, is heldin noesteem. 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 menstru-
ation, procidence of the uterus and rectum, affections of the
eyes, and ulcerations of the generative organs® and mouth.
neus, 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.
62 The Prunus spinosa of Linneus, Fée thinks, the sloe, or black thorn.
’ 64 Fée says that the difference in appearance is very considerable between
them.
65 ‘The leaves containing little or no tannin.
ithe India, the bark of the Acacia Arabica is still used for tanning
eather. .
67 This juice, Fée says, obtained from the Prunus spinosa, is known at
the present day in commerce by the name of Acacia nostras.
68 Fée queries, without sufficient foundation, it would appear, whether
he is here speaking of syphilitic affections.
Chap. 69.] THE ERYSISCEPTRUM. | 45
cHAP. 68. (138.)—ASPALATHOS: ONE REMEDY.
The common® thorn too, with which the fulling coppers are
filled, is employed for the same purposes as the radicula.” In
the provinces of Spain it is commonly employed as an ingre-
dient in perfumes and unguents, under the name of ‘‘ aspa-
lathos.’? There is no doubt, however, that there is also a wild
thorn, of the same name in the Kast, as already mentioned,” 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,” by others as the adipsatheon, and by the
Syrians as the diaxylon. The best kind is that which is the
least” 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 1s not everywhere odoriferous.
We have already” 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”® 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.
69 Fee suggests that this may be the Dipsacus fullonum of Linneus,
the fuller’s thistle. |
70 See B. xix. c. 18, and c. 58 of this Book.
71 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. Sée
thinks that there can be no identity between the common thorn here men-
tioned, and the Aspalathos. This latter, as mentioned in B. xii., according
to Fée, is the Convolvulus scoparius of Linneus, the broom bindweed, but
Littré says that M. Fraas has identified it with the Genista acanthoclada.
72 See the preceding Note. Fée identifies this Aspalathos with the
Spartium villosum of Linnzus, making that of B. xii.c. 52, to be the Lignum
Rhodianum of commerce, probably the Convolvulus scoparius of Linnzeus.
73 The corresponding passage in Dioscorides has Bapug, “heavy,” 7. e.
the most solid in the stem.
7 Soy Bs xh. e. OZ. 7 “ Ozenas.’’
46 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
CHAP. 10.—-THE THORN CALLED APPENDIX: TWO REMEDIES.
THE PYBACANTHA: ONE REMEDY.
There is a thorn also known as the appendix ;* 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”
are taken in drink for wounds inflicted by serpents.
CHAP. 71.—THE PALIURUS: TEN REMEDIES.
The paliurus,” too, is a kind of thorn. The seed of it, known
by the people of Africa as “‘ zura,”’ 1s 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
diarrhoea, 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,” pounded, with the addition of salt, is good
for diseases of the joints, and the berries are used in cases of
excessive menstruation, coeliac 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® in a town or country-
76 The Berberis vulgaris of Linneus, or barberry, Fée thinks.
77 Ydentified by Fée with the Mespilus pyracantha of Linneus, the
evergreen thorn. It receives its name probably from the redness of its
berries, which are the colour of fire.
78 Fée considers this to be the Paliurus aculeatus of Decandolle, and not
identical with the Paliurus mentioned in B. xiii. ¢. 33.
79 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.
80 Dioscorides says, B. i. ¢. 119, “the branches of the rhamnus, it is
said, placed at the doors and windows, will avert the spells of sorcerers.”
Chap. 73.] THE BRAMBLE. 47
house, is a preservative against sorceries and spells. The
blossom of it, according to Pythagoras, congeals*' water, and a
staff®? made of the wood, if, when thrown at any auimal, from
want of strength in the party throwing it, it falls short of the
mark, will roll back again® towards the thrower, of its own
accord—so remarkable are the properties of this tree. The
smoke of the yew kills* rats and mice. ,
CHAP. 73.—-THE BRAMBLE: FIFTY-ONE REMEDIES,
Nor yet has Nature destined the bramble™ to be only an
annoyance to mankind, for she has bestowed upon it mul-
berries of its own,® or, in other words, a nutritive aliment even
for mankind. These berries are of a desiccative, astringent,
nature,* 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 hemorrhois™
and the prester ;*° 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 tillit 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, dis-
charges of blood from the mouth, quinzy, affections of the
It is not improbable that Pliny, in copying from some other author, has
mistaken the one for the other.
st 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.
82 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, repre-
sentations 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 Bonomt’s Nineveh, p. 136.
83 « Recubitu’’ seems preferable to “ cubitu.”
84 This is very doubtful, Fée says.
epee B. xvi. ¢. 71. Se SeeB, Xvi: 'C. 71:
‘¢ 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.
ea vmee Oo, x. CC. Zo, Sl,’ and Bi xxiii. ce. 12; 18.
ee bee DB. xx. ¢, 81, B/ xxii. ¢.13, and B. xxiii. c. 23.
48 PLINY 8 NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
uterus, diseases of the rectum, and cceliac affections. The leaves,
chewed, are good for diseases of the mouth, and a topical ap-
plication 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.
‘he juice of them is used as an injection for the ears, and, in
combination with cerate of roses, 1t heals condylomata.
A. decoction of the young shoots in wine is an instantaneous
remedy for diseases of the uvula; and eaten by themselves
like cyme,” or boiled in astringent wine, they strengthen
loose teeth. They arrest fluxes of the bowels also, and dis-
charges 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, itis said, for ulcers upon beasts of burden. The
berries produced by this plant would seem to furnish a stomatice”
superior even to that prepared from the cultivated mulberry.
Under this form, or else only with hypocisthis*” and honey,
the berries are administered for cholera, the cardiac disease,
and wounds inflicted by spiders.”
Among the medicaments known as “‘styptics, 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.”
93 92*
CHAP. 74.—THE CYNOSBATOS: THREE REMEDIES.
There is another kind of bramble also, which bears a rose.
It produces a round excrescence,” similar to a chesnut in
80 Cabbage-sprouts. See B. xix. c. 41.
%1 Or “‘mouth-medicine.” See B. xxiii. c. 71.
31" See B. xxvi. ec. 31, 49, 87, and 90.
% The spider called ‘‘ phalangium”’ is meant, Fée says. See B. xi. c. 28,
92* Astringents. 93 « Tapidescunt.””
9! The eglantine. See B. xvi.c. 71.
9 He alludes to “ bedeguar,”’ a fungous excrescence found on the wild
rose-tree, and produced by the insect known as the Cynips rose. It is
somewhat rough on the exterior, like the outer coat of the chesnut.
Chap. 74.] THE CYNOSBATOS. 49
appearance, which is remarkably valuable as a remedy for
calculus. This is quite a different production from the ‘‘cynor-
rhoda,” which we shall have occasion to speak of in the
succeeding Book. hoe |
(14.) The cynosbatos” is by some called ‘‘ cynapanxis,’’®
and by others ‘“‘ neurospastos ;”’ *° 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.” Itis quite a different plant from the cap-
paris’ or caper, to which medical men have also given the name
of ‘‘cynosbatos.”’ The clusters’ 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’ of the bramble, mixed with axle-grease, is curative
of alopecy: and the bramble-berries themselves, combined with
oil of omphacium,’ stain® the hair. The blossom of the bram-
ble is gathered at harvest, and the white blossom, taken in
wine, is an excellent remedy for pleurisy and cceliac affections.
The root, boiled down to one third, arrests looseness of the
bowels and hemorrhage, and a decoction of it, used as a gargle,
is good for the teeth: the juice too is employed as a fomenta-
tion for ulcers of the rectum and generative organs. . The
ashes of the root are curative of relaxations of the uvula.
9 The fruit, Fee says, of the wild eglantine. See B. xxv. ¢. 6.
97 Or “ dog-bramble.”
98 “ Dog-strangle,’ apparently.
99 «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. 1 See B. xili. c. 44.
2 “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 speak-
ing of. Hardouin is probably right.
3 The blossom, perhaps, of the Rubus fruticosus, or blackberry.
4 See B. xii. c. 60.
6 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.
VOL. V. E
a0 PLINY 8S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
cHAP. 75.—THE IDHAN BRAMBLE.
The Idean bramble 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 ndture than the others, and smaller; the
canes too are thinner, and not’ 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 1n water for erysipelas and affections of the
stomach.’ In other respects, it has properties similar to those
of the plants?’ already mentioned.
CHAP. 76.—THE RHAMNOS; TWO VARIETIES OF IT: FIVE REMEDIES.
Among the several kinds” of bramble is reckoned the plant
called ‘“‘rhamnos’’ by the Greeks. One variety of it is whiter"
than the other, and has a more shrublike appearance, throwing
out branches armed with straight thorns, and not hooked, lke
those of the other kinds; the leaves too are larger. The other
kind,” which is found growing wild, is of a more swarthy hue,
in some measure inclining to red; it bears too a sort’* of pod.
With the root of it boiled in water a medicament is made,
known as “lycium:’ 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 treat-
ment of gatherings and wounds. The leaves of both kinds,
‘either raw or boiled, are employed topically with oil.
6 The raspberry; see B. xvi. ec. 71.
7 There is one variety which is very diminutive, and entirely destitute
of thorns, the Rubus Ideeus levis of C. Bauhin, the Rubus Ideus non
spinosus of J. Bauhin. STpce 2... Xu, Cay ae
9 Of the bramble genus.
10 Tn reality, as Fée says, there is no botanical affinity between the
Rubus, or bramble, and the Rhamnus.
11 Sprengel identifies this plant with the Zizyphus vulgaris of Linneus,
the jujube, and Desfontaines is of the same opinion. Fée, however, takes
it to be the Rhamnus saxatilis of Linnzeus, the rock buckthorn.
12 Tdentified by some authorities with the Paliurus aculeatus of Decan-
dolles, mentioned inc. 71. Sprengel is in doubt whether it may not be
the Rhamnus lycioides of Linnzus.
13 Not a characteristic, Fée says, of the genus Rhamuus of modern Botany.
14 Or “Lycian” extract. See B. xu. c. 1d.
Ghap. 272) 0)? 7 ' LYCIUM. ol
CHAP. 77.—LYCIUM: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES.
The best lycium,” they say, is that prepared from the thorn
of that name, known also as the ‘‘ Chironian pyxacanthus,’’'®
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,” 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,’® as also with amurca of olive oil and ox-gall. The
froth or flower’® 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” 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.” It is
bitter and remarkably astringent, and is employed for all the
purposes above mentioned, diseases of the generative organs in
particular.
15 See B. xii. c. 15. Fée identifies this with the modern Catechu, a de-
coction from the Acacia catechu, a leguminous plant of the East Indies.
16 The Rhamnus lycioides of Linneus, our buckthorn. The Indian
plant from which catechu is extracted is of a similar nature. See B. xii. c. 18.
17 This Fee looks upon as an exaggeration.
waeece DD. xi. ¢. 15, |
19 J, 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.
aes Ulavos,”’ 41 This statement is quite correct.
Hig
52 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
CHAP. 78.—SARCOCOLLA: TWO REMEDIES.
Some authors are of opinion that sarcocolla” is a tearlike
gum which exudes from a kind of thorn; 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* 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.’’”
' 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 pome-
granates, one sextarius of sorbs, a similar quantity of Syrian
rhus,”* 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, CHAMASDRYS, CHAMDROPS, OR
TEUCRIA : SIXTEEN REMEDIES,
We shall now add to these plants, certain vegetable produc-
tions to which the Greeks have given names belonging to trees,
so that 1t would be doubtful whether they themselves are not
trees as well.
(15.) The chamedrys” is the same plant that in Latin is
called ‘‘ trixago;’’ some persons, however, call it ‘chame-
drops,’ and others ‘‘ teucria.” The leaves of it are the size
#2 eens. ill, ¢,.20)
23 'The Penza sarcocolla is not a thorny tree.
34 Fée says that this is not the case. It is no longer used in medicine.
25 Or conserve of fruits. An electuary.
76 Seed of the sumach. See B. xiii. c. 13.
27 “ Ground oak.” See B. xiv. ec. 19; where it is identified with the
Teucrium chamedrys of Linneus. Littré, however, informs us, that M.
Fraas considers it to be the Teucrium lucidum of Linneeus ; 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 chamedrys, commonly known as the dwarf
oak or germander,
Chap. 82.] THE CHAMEL#A. 53
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: 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” 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, ard pains
in the sides. It diminishes the volume of the spleen, and acts
as a diuretic and emmenagogue; for which reasons it 1s very
useful in incipient dropsy, the usual dose being a handful of
the sprigs boiled down to one third in three hemine 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” too is pre-
pared 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 CHAMEDAPHNE: FIVE REMEDIES.
The chameedaphne* 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, 1s 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 pessaryin wool, it facilitates laborious deliveries.
CHAP. 82.—THE CHAMELHA: SIX REMEDIES,
The leaves of the chameleea®® resemble those of the olive;
they are bitter, however, and odoriferous. This plant is found
28 An invention attributed to Dedalus, 1 in B. vii. c. 57.
6 The Teucrium chamedrys is a bitter plant, which has been success-
fully used for fever, and it acts as atonic and vermifuge. Beyond these,
it has no medicinal properties whatever. 30 See B. xiv. e119"
31 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 Ruscus aculeatus,
or butcher’s broom, are diuretic.
32 Or ‘ground olive.” See B. xii. c. 39.
54 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV,
growing in craggy localities, and never exceeds a palm in
height. It is of a purgative® 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.
Itis said, that if a person gathers it before sunrise, taking care
to mention that he is gathering it for the cure of white specks™
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 CHAMZSYCE: EIGHT REMEDIES.
The chameesyce® 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” 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” it removes warts and excrescences of all
kinds. It is very useful also for hardness of breathing.
CHAP, 84.—THE CHAMACISSOS : ONE REMEDY.
The chamecissos® has ears like®® 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 itisdiminutive. For sciatica, the leaves of it are
taken, seven days consecutively, in doses of three oboli, in two
cyathi of wine: this 1s a very bitter potion, however.
CHAP. 85.—THE CHAMZLEUCE, FARFARUM, OR FARFUGIUM: ONE
REMEDY.
The chameleuce” is known among us as the “‘ farfarum”’ or
‘< farfugium:” it grows on the banks of rivers, and has a leaf
32 This, Fée says, is consistent with modern experience ; indeed it is
drastic to a dangerous extent. of « Albugines.”
> Or “ground fig.’? The Euphorbia chamesyce, or annual spurge.
36 The juices are irritating and acrid, and would in reality be highly
dangerous to the eyes.
37 Owing to its caustic powers, it really is good for the removal of warts.
38 Or “ground-ivy.”” See B. xvi. c. 62, and c. 49 of this Book.
39 Fée says that this comparison is not strictly correct.
_ 40 The “ground-poplar.”” See B. xxvi. c. 19. Identified with the
Tussilago farfara of Linneeus; our colt’s-foot.
Lad
Chap. 87.] THE CLINOPODION, ETC. 55
like that of the poplar, only larger. The root of it is burnt
upon cypress charcoal, and, by the aid of a funnel,“ the smoke
inhaled, in cases of inveterate cough.
CHAP. 86.—THE CHAM PEUCE: FIVE REMEDIES. THE CHAMZ-
CYPARISSOS : TWO REMEDIES. THE AMPELOPRASON ; SIX RE-
MEDIES. THE STACHYS: ONE REMEDY.
The chamepeuce® has a leaf which resembles that of the
larch, and is useful more particularly for lumbago and pains in
the back. The chamecyparissos* is a herb which, taken in
wine, counteracts the venom of serpents of all kinds, and of
scorplons. ?
The ampeloprason™ is found growing in vineyards; it has
Jeaves like those of the leek, and produces offensive eructa-
tions. 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 gene-
rative organs. It is prescribed also for females after delivery,
and is used for bites inflicted by dogs. Oe
The plant known as ‘‘stachys’’ bears a strong resemblance
also to a leek,* but the leaves of it are longer and more nume-
rous. It has an agreeable smell, and in colour inclines to
yellow. It promotes menstruation.
CHAP. 87.—THE CLINOPODION, CLEONICION, ZOPYRON, OR
OCIMOIDES: THREE REMEDIES.
The clinopodion,* cleonicion, zopyron, or ocimoides, resem-
Or “tube ”’—“ infundibulum.” Colt’s-foot’is still smoked, either by
itself or in conjunction with tobacco. Feée 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.
#2 “Ground-pine” or “ ground pitch-tree.” Identified by Sprengel with
the Stcehelina chamepeuce of Willdenow, a corymbiferous plant of the Isle
of Candia.
43 “ Ground-cypress.’’ Identified with the Euphorbia cyparissias of Lin-
neus, the cypress spurge. Taken internally, it is a corrosive poison.
44 Or “vine-leek.”” The Allium ampeloprason of Linneus, 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.
45 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 Linneus, or base horehound; which
is more commonly found in the South of Europe than in Germany.
46 Or “bed-foot.” The Clinopodium vulgare of Linneus, our wild
56 PLINY § NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXTY.
bles 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,” 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 1s
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,’’* to a creep-
ing 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 astrin-
gent wine it is wonderfully effectual for arresting’? diarrheea :
beaten up, in doses of one denarius, in five cyathi of oxymel
or of warm water, it arrests hemorrhage, 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’™ 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 1s 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 also for dysentery,
basil. It has some useful properties attributed to it; but what Pliny here
states respecting it is erroneous.
47 This seems to be the meaning of “ orbiculato foliorum ambitu.”
‘8 ‘Turner and C. Bauhin identify it with the Gnaphalium Germanicum
of Lamarck, and Sprengel with the Polygonum convolvulus of Linnzus.
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 Lin-
nus. See the account given of the Gnaphalion i in B. xxvii. ¢. 61.
49 All that. Pliny states as to its medicinal properties, Fée says, is
erroneous.
50 Probably the Asclepias nigra of Linneus, black swallow-wort.
51 The Agelap ern nigra has no such medicinal effects as those mentioned
by Pliny. i
Chap. 91.] THE DRACONTIUM. 57
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, DAPHNOIDES, OR POLY-
GONOIDES : TWO REMEDIES.
There is another kind also, known as the ‘‘ Egyptian”
clematis, otherwise as ‘‘daphnoides’’® or “ polygonoides:”’ 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™ 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 calied the root “‘ aron,”’
and the stem of the plant ‘‘dracontium:” but if the dracon-
tium is the same as the one known to us as the “ dracuncu-
lus,”’” 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
2 The Vinca major and Vinca minor of Linnzus, 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.
*3 “ Taurel-shaped” and “‘ many-cornered.”’
poor in B, xix. c. 30,
55 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 Linnaeus, the common dragon.
58 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
reddish root of a serpentine form, to. which, in fact, it owes its
name.”®
CHAP. 92.—THE ARON : THIRTEEN REMEDIES.
The Greeks themselves, in fact, have established an im-
mense difference between these two plants, in attributing to
the seed of the dracunculus certain hot, pungent properties,
and a fetid odour” so remarkably powerful as to be productive
of abortion,® 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,” 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 adiuretic andemmenagogue. 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 acough. 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 tonsil-
lary glands. * * * *© prescribes i¢ 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
56 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. |
67 « 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.
58 This, Fée says, is fabulous.
59 Though no longer used in medicine, the account here given of the
properties of the Arum colocasiais in general correct, a few marvellous
details excepted.
60 Sillig thinks that there is a lacuna here, and that the name ‘“ Cleo-
phantus”’ should be supplied.
Chap. 92.] THE ARON. | Be
in the ears. Dieuches prescribes it, mixed in bread® with meal,
for the cure of coughs, asthma, hardness of breathing, and
purulent expectorations. Diodotus recommends it, in combi-
nation 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 combina-
tion 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 phagedeenic, 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
drachmee of the seed or root, in two cyathi of wine, are a
sufficient dose to act as an emmenagogue, and a similar quan-
tity will have the effect of bringing away the after-birth, in
cases where itis retarded.” Huippocrates 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, the asp in particular, or else stupefies them to
such a degree as toreduce them toa 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, itis said, keeps remarkably well, wrapped in leaves
of this plant.
- 61 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 57 above.
Me See B. viii. c. 54, as to the use alleged to be made by animals of this
plant.
& Fée says that this is very doubtful,
60 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. | Book XXIV.
CHAP. 93.—THE DRACUNCULUS ; TWO REMEDIES.
The plant which I have spoken of® 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 touchit. The juice of it too is very use-
ful for pains in the ears.
As to the plant known to the Greeks by the name of “ dra-
contion,” I have® had it pointed out to me under three dif-
ferent forms; the first®’ 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® with a long root, embossed to all ap-
pearance 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” 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,”” which grows
in Egypt, and is similar to the aron in appearance, only that
it is more diminutive, and has smaller leaves; the root toois —
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
6 Inc. 91 of this Book. This story is owing merely to its appearance,
which somewhat resembles the skin of a serpent.
66 « Demonstratum mihi est.’’
7" Identified by Fée with the Arum Italicum of Lamarck.
69 Fée queries whether this may not be the Arum maculatum of Linneus,
wake-robin, euckoo pint, or lords and ladies.
‘0 Identified by C. Bauhin with the Calla palustris of Linneus.
71 The Arum arisarum of Linnzus, hooded arum or friar’s cowl, a
native of the coasts of Barbary and the South of Europe.
Chap. 97.] | THE MYRRHIS. 61
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 1s 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,” by our people known as the “ mille-
folium ” has a tender stem, somewhat similar to fennel-giant
in appearance, with vast numbers of leaves, to which circum-
stance it is indebted for its name. It grows in marshy lo-
calities, and 1s 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,” provided with leaves at the sides, like hairs, and par-
ticularly 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.“
CHAP. 96,—THE PSEUDOBUNION : FOUR REMEDIES.» «
The pseudobunion”™ 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, stran-_
gury, and pains of the thoracic organs, some tive or 81x sprigs
of it are administered in drink.
CHAP. 97.—THE MYRRHIS, MYRIZA, OR MYRRHA : SEVEN
REMEDIES.
The myrrhis,” otherwise known as the myriza or myrrha,
Or “ten thousand leaves.’”? The Myriophyllum apeavam of Linneus,
according to most authorities, though Fée considers it very doubtful.
73 Possibly the Achillea millefolium of Linneeus, 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.”
14 This assertion, as Fée remarks, is more than doubtful.
i) “ Bastard turnip. ” Desfontaines identifies it with the Bunium aro-
maticum; Fée queries whether it may not be the Pimpinella tenuis of
Sieber, found in Crete. The Berberis vulgaris has been also suggested.
76 Desfontaines identifies it with the Scandix odorata of Linneus. Har-
62 ‘PLINY’ 3 NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
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 pha-
langium. ‘The juice of this plant, after it has been macerated
some three days in water, 1s curative of ulcers of the face and
head.
CHAP. 98.—THE ONOBRYCHIS : THREE REMEDIES.
The onobrychis” has leaves like those of the lentil, only
somewhat’’ 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.
cHAr. 99. (17.)—CcORACESTA 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® and callicia, according to
Pythagoras, are plants which congeal® water. I find no
mention made of them, however, by any other author, and he
himself gives no further particulars relative to them.
douin says that it is musk chervil, the Cherophyllum aromaticum of Lin-
neus, in which he has followed Dodonzus. Fuchsius suggests the Cheero-
byllum silvestre of Linneus: Fee expresses himself at a loss to decide.
7 Probably the Hedysarum onobrychis of Linnzeus, our sainfoin.
78 They are very much larger than those of the lentil, in fact. This
diversity has caused Fée to express some doubts whether ‘it reaily is iden-
tical with sainfoin. The Polygala officinalis has also been suggested.
79 Dalechamps considers these appeilations to mean the “ virgins’ plant,”’
and the ‘‘plant of beauty.”
80 ‘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.
Chap, 101.) THE APROXIS. 63
CHAP. 100.—THE MINSAS OR CORINTHIA: ONE REMEDY.
Pythagoras ‘gives the name of minsas” 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 tohim. 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” at a distance, like naphtha, of
which we have made some mention, when speaking® of the mar-
vellous productions of the earth. He says too, that if the
human body happens to be attacked by any disease while the
cabbage* 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 Cleem-
porus by some, though antiquity and the unbroken current of
tradition concur in claiming it for Pythagoras. It 1s 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?
81 The reading of this word is doubtful. Hardouin thinks that it is the
same as the Minyanthes mentioned in B. xxi. c. 88.
t2 Fée says that the only cases known of a phenomenon resembling
this, are those of the Dictamnus albus, white dittany, which attracts flame
momentarily when in flower, and of the Tropzolum 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.
ee Te 6. ul. ¢, 109;
4 Another reading here is “ aproxis,’’ which seems more probable,
64 PLINY § NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
CHAP. 102.—THE AGLAOPHOTIS OR MARMARITIS. THE ACH #-
MENIS OR HIPPOPHOBAS. THE THEOBROTION OR SEMNION. THE
ADAMANTIS. THE ARIANIS. THE THERIONARCA. THE XTHIOPIS
OR MEROIS. THE OPHIUSA. THE THALASSEGLE OR -POTAM-'
AUGIS. THE THEANGELIS. THE GELOTOPHYLLIS. THE HESTI-
ATORIS OR PROTOMEDIA. THE CASIGNETES OR DIONYSONYMPHAS.
THE HELIANTHES OR HELIOCALLIS. HERMESIAS. THE HSCHY-
NOMENE. THE CROCIS. THE CQ@NOTHERIS. THE ANACAMPS~-
EROS.
As to Democritus, there can be no doubt that the work
called ‘‘ Chirocmeta’’® 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 in-
timate knowledge of the learning of the Magi! According
to him, the plant aglaophotis,** 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. 3
The achemenis,®” 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 pre-
sented 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® is a plant found at a distance of thirty
schoeni® from the river Choaspes; it represents the varied tints
of the peacock, and the odour of it is remarkably fine. The
83 “ The work of his own hands,” according to Hesychius.
86 « Admiration of man.’’ It is impossible to say what plant is meant
under this name, but the peony, Pseonia officinalis, has been suggested ;
also the Tropzolum majus. Desfontaines queries whether it may not be
the Casalpinia pulcherrima, a native of the Hast. Some authors, Fée
says, have identified it with the “ Moly”? of Homer.
87 So called from Achzmenes, the ancestor of the Persian kings. Fée
thinks that it was a variety of the Euphorbia antiquorum, or else a night-
shade. 88 “ Food for the gods.”
89 See B. xii. c. 30; also the Introduction to Vol. LIT.
*
Chap. 102. ] THE THEANGELIS. 65
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,” from the
use thus made of it by majesty.
He next tells us of the adamantis,” 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 18 impossible to bruise it. The arianis,”
he says, is found in the country of the Ariani; it is of a fiery
colour, and 1s gathered when the sunis in Leo. Wood rubbed
with oil will take fire on coming in contact with this plant. The
therionarca,®” 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 hyena. He speaks too of the sethiopis,*' a plant which
grows in Meroé; for which reason it is also known as the
“‘merois.” In leaf it resembles the lettuce, and, taken with
honied wine, it is very good for dropsy. The ophiusa,® which
is found in Elephantine, an island also of Aithiopia, 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 thalasseegle® he speaks of as being found on the banks
of the river Indus, from which circumstance it is also known
as the potamaugis.” Taken in drink it produces a delirium,”
which presents to the fancy visions of a most extraordinary
nature. ‘The theangelis,” he says, grows upon Mount Li-
9° “Venerable ” or “ majestic.” 91 « ard as a diamond.”
9? The Spina Ariana is mentioned in B. xii. ¢. 18.
93 See B. xx. c. 65, where a plant is mentioned by this name.
%* Dalechamps thinks that an Euphorbia is meant under this name.
+% “Serpent-plant.” Fée thinks that a hemlock may possibly be meant,
or perhaps the Arum serpentaria ; see c. 93 of this Book.
% “ Brightness of the sea.” A narcotic plant, Fée thinks, probably a
night-shade.
97 Hardouin suggests ‘‘ potamitis,”’ river-plant.
% It is not impossible that this may in reality be an, allusion to the
effects of opinm, or of hasheesh.
*9 “ Messenger of the gods,’ apparently.
VOL. V. FE
3
66 : PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Beok XXIV.
banus 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' 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,” he tells us, is a Persian plant, so called from
its promotion of gaiety and good fellowship at carousals.
Another name for itis protomedia, because those who eat of it
will gain the highest place in the royal favour. The casignetes?
too, we learn, is so called, because it grows only among plants
of iis own kind, and is never found in company with any
other ; another name given to itis ‘‘ dionysonymphas,’’* from
the circumstance of its being remarkably well adapted to the
nature of wine. Helianthes® 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.”® What the same
author calls ‘‘ hermesias,’’” 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® and milk are then added. He also
1 “Taughing leaves.” Possibly, Féc 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 hashcesh) is meant.
2 “Convivial’’ plant. Desfontaines identifies it with the Areca catechu,
|
which is chewed in India for the benefit of the teeth and stomach, and asa |
sweetener of the breath, ‘
+ Brother 7 ‘plant. 4 « Bride of Dionysus or Bacchus.”
““Sun-flower.’’? Not the plant, however, known to us by that name.
‘‘ Beauty of the sun,’’ apparently.
“Mixture of Hermes,’? apparently.
Previously mentioned in this Chapter.
&
Mm F DN
~ Chap. 103.) ‘THE ERIPHIA. a
recommends those who wish to become parents to drink this
mixture, and says, that females should take it immediately
after conception, and during pregnancy.® 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 eschynomene,” so called from the shrink-
ing of its leaves at the approach of the hand; and another
called ‘“‘crocis,’’" the touch of which is fatal to the phalan-
gium. Crateuas, also, speaks of the cenotheris,” an infusion of
which in wine, sprinkled upon them, has the effect of taming
all kind of animals, however wild. A celebrated grammarian,*
who lived but very recently, has described the anacampseros,*
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.”
cHaP. 103. (18.)—rHE ERIPHIA.
Many authors have made mention of the eriphia, a piant
which contains a kind of beetle in its hollow stem. This
§ As Fée remarks, it has been a notion in comparatively recent times,
that it is possible to procreate children of either sex at pleasure.
10 The “‘bashful’’ plant. An Acacia, Fée thinks; see B. xiii. e. 19.
The Mimosa casta, pudica, and sensitiva, have similar properties: the Sensi-
tive Plant is well known in this country.
11 Fée queries whether this may not be the Silene muscipula of Lin-
nus, the fly-trap. 12 The * wine-tamer.’”
13 Hardouin thinks that he alludes to the Grammarian Apion. Dale-
champs thinks that it is either Apion or Apollodorus. ?
14 The “returning”? plant. Fée says that the Sedum Telephium of
Linnzus, 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.
') He probably alludes to his remarks upon Magie,in Books xxix. and xxx.
16 From épigoc, a ‘kid.’ Ruellius has attempted to identify this plant
with one of the Ranunculacee ; but there is little doubt, as Fée says, that
both plant and imsect are imaginary.
. F 2
68 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
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,” given to sheep fasting, greatly increases the
milk. The plant commonly called lactoris,® i 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 “ mili-
taris,’’"® 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,”
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 aizodn,” 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, thata plant growing” on the head of a
17“ Herba lanaria.” See B. xix. c. 18.
18 Hardouin identifies it with the Ulva lactuca of Linneus; but that
plant, Fée says, contains no milky juice, and does not act as an emetic.
One of the Euphorbiacez i is probably meant.
19 « Military” plant. Hardouin identifies it with the Achillea mille-
folium of Linnzus, mentioned in ¢. 99 of this Book. F'ée, however, does
not recognize the identity.
20 Soldier ” plant. Cesalpinus identifies it with the Salvinia natans ;
but Fée thinks, with Sprengel, that it is the Pistia stratiotes of Linneus,
great duckweed or pondweed.
21 « Always living.” See B. xix. ¢. 58.
22 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
Chap. 112.] THE RODARUM. 69
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,’’*? 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 preg-
nant 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** made mention of the rumpotinus, when
speaking of the vine-growing” trees. Near the tree, when not
of a statue. Numerous mosses grow upon marble; and statues are
gradually covered, Fée says, with the Byssus antiquitatis,
23 “Tonoue” plant. Fée identifies it with the Scolopendrium officinarum
of Willdenow,:the Lingua cervina of other botanists. See B. xxv. c. 84.
24 Tn B, xiv. ¢. 3. 25 Or “vine-supporting.”
79 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIV.
accompanied by the vine, there grows a plant, known to the
Gauls as the “‘rodarum.”” 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
silvéry 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, how-
ever, 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’’” 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”” to a certain plant, the root of which, bruised
26 Fée suggests that this may possibly be the Spirea ulmaria of Linneus.
27 The ‘‘impious”’ or ‘‘ unnatural” plant. Fée identifies it with the
Filago Gallica of Linneus, the corncudweed. It is destitute of medicinal
properties, and what Pliny states is without foundation.
9 Generally identified with the Scandix pecten Veneris, corn cicely, or
shepherd’s needle. See B. xxii. c. 38.
Chap. 117.] TORDYLON OR SYREON. ik
with mallows, extracts all foreign substances from the human
body. -
CHAP. 115.—TrHE EXEDUM. THE PLANT CALLED NOTIA: TWo
REMEDIES.
The plant called ‘‘ exedum’’*’ 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 1s
extremely efficacious for stings infiicted by scorpions.
CHAP. 116.—THE PHILANTHROPOS: ONE REMEDY. THE LAPPA
CANARIA ! TWO KEMEDIES.
The Greeks wittily give the name of ‘‘ philanthropos’’® to a
certain plant, because it attaches itself to articles of dress.*
A chaplet made of this plant has the effect of relieving head-
ache. |
As to the plant known as the “lappa canaria,”** beaten up
in wine with plantago and millefolium,* 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 tothem 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 arge-
mon, 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,*
while according to others it is a distinct plant,*® known also
as ‘‘syreon.’”’ { find no particulars relative to it, except that
40 Fée queries whether this may not possibly be the Rhus coriaria of
Linnzeus, elm-leaved sumach, mentioned in B. xiii. c. 13. He would
appear, however, to have confounded it with the Notia, next mentioned.
31 “ Man-loving,” or rather “attached to man.” Identified with the
Galium aparine of Linnzeus, goose-grass, or common ladies bedstraw; the
seeds of which attach themselves to the dress. 42. See B.-xx1 G4)
33 The dog-bur. The Lappa tomentosa of Lamarck. See B. xxvi.c. 65.
54 See c. 95 of this Book.
85 Or hartwort; see B. xx. cc. 18, 87.
$6 The Tordylium officinale of Linnzus, officinal hart- wort.
72 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY, [Book XXIV.
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* 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* 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® to
beasts of burden than this, whether in a green state or whe-
ther 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 abun-
dant and of a sweet flavour. | |
In other parts of the world, instead of this juice a decoction
of itis employed for closing wounds; an effect equally pro-
duced by the plant itself, which is beaten up for the purpose
and attached to the part affected, thereby preventing inflamma-
tion. ‘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 1s 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,*® arrests looseness and vomiting, and is particularly
37“ Grass.’? The Triticum repens, or Paspalum dactylon of Linnzus,
our couch-grass,
38 This is probably quite a different production, being the Parnassia
palustris, according to Dodoneus; but Fée is inclined to think that it is
the Campanula rapunculus of Linneus, bell-flower or rampions.
39 Fée thinks that this appplies to the plant of Parnassus, and not to
the common Gramen.
40 This property, Fée says, is still attributed to ccuch-grass.
3
|
|
Chap. 119.] DACTYLOS. 73)
useful for wounds inflicted by dragons.‘ 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 tast-
ing man;’’ and must then attach the amulet to his person, re-
peating ‘the same ceremony three consecutive days. The
variety of this plant which has seven*® joints is considered a
most excellent amulet for the cure of head-ache. For excru-
ciating pains in the bladder, some recommend a decoction of
gramen, boiled down in wine to one half, to be taken imme-
diately 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*
points at the utmost, is called “dactylos.” Twisting these
poitts together, persons introduce them into the nostrils and then
- withdraw them, with the view of preventing hemorrhage.
The second kind, which resembles aizoén,“ is employed with
axle-grease for whitlows and hangnails, and for fieshy excres-
-cences upon the nails: this also is called ‘ dactylos,”’ because
it is so useful as a remedy for diseases of the fingers.
The third®* 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 serpigi-
nous ulcers, By placing a wreath of gramen round the head,
bleeding at the nose is stopped. In Babylonia, it is said, the
gramen* which grows by the wayside is fatal to camels.
- 41 “Dyraconum.” Olympias® of Thebes, Philinus,’
Petrichus,® Micton,? Glancias,” Xenocrates.!!
65 See end of B. xix. 66 See end of B. viii.
67 See end of B. vii. 68 See end of B. xxi.
89 See end of B. xxi. 70 See end of B. xxi.
“1 See end of B. xxi. 72 See end of B. iv.
73 See end of B. xxi. 74 See end of B. xxi.
75 See end of B. xxi. 78 See end of B. vii.
77 See end of B. xx. 78 See end of B. xx.
73 See end of B. xx. 80. See end of B. xii.
81 See end of B. xxv. 82 See end of B. xxii.
83 See end of B. xx. 84 See end of B. xx.
85 See end of B. xx. 8 See end of B. xx.
87 See end of B. xx. 88 See end of B. xx.
83 See end of B. xx: 90 See end of B. xx.
$l See end of B. vii. 92 See end of B. xx.
$3 See end of B. xx. 94 See end of B. xii.
95 See end of B. xi. 96 See end of B. xit.
37 See end of B. xx. 98 See end of B. xii.
93 See end of B. xx. 1 See end of B. xx.
* See end of B. xx. 3 See end of B. xx.
£ See end of B. xx. 5 See end of B. xx.
6 See end of B. xii. 7 See end of B xx.
8 See end of B. xx. 9 See end of B. xix.
10 See end of B. xx. 11 See end of B. xx.
12 See end of B. xx.
BOOK XXV.
THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE WILD PLANTS.
cup. 1. (1.)—-WHEN THE WILD PLANTS WERE FIRST BROUGHT
1 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 prero-
gative of learning. So far is it from being the habit with them
to enter upon new fields of discovery, with the view of bene-
fitting 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
18 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXV.
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’ 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,’ 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, repiete as it is —
with a spirit of piety,* 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 KNOW- |
LEDGE OF THIS SUBJECT.
The only’ 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 Lenezeus,°’ 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 one of that period, and who was finally |
conquered by Pompeius, is generally thought to have been a
1 As Fée remarks, it is more as a writer upon Agriculture than upon —
Materia Medica, that Cato is entitled to the thanks of posterity.
2 See end of B. xx.
> His piety, apparently, was tainted with adulation.
* With the exception of Cato, ot course.
> See end of B. xiv.
Chap. 3.] THE ROMANS’ FIRST KNOWLEDGE OF WILD PLANTS. 79
more zealous prémoter 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 anti-
dotes, one® 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.’
It was to Mithridates that Asclepiades,® 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 informa-
tion 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,° fell into the hands of Pompeius,
when he took possession of the royal treasures; who at once
commissioned his freedman, Lenzeus the grammarian, to trans-
late 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 aft large.
6 See c. 79 of this Book: also B. xxiii. c. 77, and B. xxix. ¢. 8.
7 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,
8 See B. vil. c. 37. An interesting account of his system will be found
in B. xxvi.c. 7. See also B. xxix. ¢. 4.
wee GRE C7 7.
80 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXY.
CHAP. 4.—-GREEK AUTHORS WHO HAVE DELINEATED THE
PLANTS IN COLOUKS.
In addition to these, there are some Greek writers who
have treated of this subject, and who have been already men-
tioned 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 de-
lineate a plant as 1t appears at one period only, as it presents
a different appearance at each of the four seasons of the year.”
CHAP. 0.—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 them-
selves 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 en-
quiries into the subject. Nor is this a kind of knowledge
by any means difficult to obtain; at all events, so far as re-
gards 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,’ 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
10 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. 11 See end of B. xx.
}
Chap. §.] GREEK AUTHORS WHO HAVE WRITTEN ON PLANTS. 81
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 phenomena are brought about by compulsion, throngh 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
Auschylus,” 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,* the place of her
abode. Another great proof too that such is the case, is the
fact, that the nation of the Marsi,'* descendants of a son of
Circe, are well known still to possess the art of taming ser-
pents.
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" of that river. At all events, he states’
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,” 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
2 There is little doubt that he alludes to the passage of Auschylus,
quoted by Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. ix.c. 15. Tuppjvwr yeveay
Pappakomotoy EOvoc—“ Therace of the Tyrrheni, a drug-preparing nation.”
Bee B. ii, c. 87, B. iii, ¢. 9, B. xv. ¢. 36, and B. xxxii. ¢. 21.
Pe ree, Be Vie bs. 2. 15 Dee Be 1. ¢.. 87.
16 Od. iv. 228, et seq. 17 See B. xxi. c. 91. |
VOL. V. G
82 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXV.
treated with any degree of exactness on the subject of plants,
is Orpheus; and next to him Muszeus and Hesiod, of whose
admiration of the plant called polium we have already made
some mention on previous occasions.’* Orpheus and Hesiod
too we find speaking in high terms of the efficacy of fulmiga-
tions. Homer also speaks of several other plants by name, of
which we shall have occasion to make further mention 1 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, Adsculapius, and the immortal gods in general.
Democritus too, composed a similar work. Both of these philo-
sophers had visited the magicians of Persia, Arabia, A‘thiopia,
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’ 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” 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
18See B’ xx. 'e0,'21,,84. 19 Or serpent.
20 In B. x. 0: 20,
=
4
“Chap. 6.] MEDICINAL PLANTS. 83
maladies are sometimes inflamed* 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 isthe 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” when speak-
ing 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 aJl, 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 symp-
toms of which are a dread of water and an aversion to every
kind of beverage, was ineurable ;* and it was only recently that
*1 Most probably by the agency of “feverish expectation’ on the
part of the patient. 22 In B. xviii. c. 46.
_ ® As Fée remarks, this dreadful malady is still incurable, notwithstand-
ing the eulogiums which have been lavished upon the virtues of the Scu-
tellaria laterifolia of Linnzeus, the Alisma plantago, Genista tinctoria, and.
other plants, as specifics for its cure.
G2
S4 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXV.
the mother of a soldier who was serving in the preetorian guard,
received a warning ina dream, to send her son the root of ~
the wild rose, known as the cynorrhodos,™* 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”
which has been experienced by all who have since availed them-
selves 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* 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.”” 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 isa different plant from the
one of the same name of which mention has been made in the
preceding Book,** having altogether another shape and appear-
ance. 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.
24 Dog-rose, or eglantine. See B. viii. c. 63.
25 An unwarranted assertion, no doubt.
26 He alludes to a substance known to us as “ bedeguar,’’ a kind of
gail-nut, produced by the insect called Cynips rose.
27 Or “little dragon.’ The Arum dracunculus of Linneus. See B.
xxiv. ce; 91,93. 8 Inc. 93.
Chap. 6.] THE BRITANNICA. 85
(3.) It is not, however, the animals only that are endowed
with certain baneful and noxious properties, but, sometimes,
waters” even, and localities as well. Upon one occasion, in his
German campaign, Germanicus Cesar 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 anda total
relaxation of the joints of the knees: the names given to
these maladies, by medical men, were ‘‘stomacace’’*? and
‘‘sceloturbe.’”’ A remedy for them was discovered, however,
in the plant known as the “ britannica,”*! which is good, not
only for diseases of the sinews and mouth, but for quinzy® 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,’’*®* 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™ given to it, however,
29 As Fée remarks, the influence of water impregnated with selenite
upon the health is well known.
30 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.”
31 Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Rumex aquaticus, but
Fée considers it to be the Inula Britannica of Linneus. ‘The Statice
armeria, Statice plantaginea, and Polygonum persicaria have also been
suggested.
82 The pseudo-Apuleius, in B. xxix. t. 7, says, that if gathered before
thunder has been heard, it will bea preservative against quinzy for a whole
year.
33 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.
34 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 Poin-
sinet 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 drita, ‘to break.”
86 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXYV.
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. Atall 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.
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 :* so desirable a thing did it appear to have
made the discovery of some plant, and thus far to have contri-
buted 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 distaste-
ful 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*” according to the several
maladies for the treatment of which they are respectively em-
ployed: 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 ma-
ladies of the stomach ; and in the third place, those caused by
pains and affections of the head; for it is more generally in
35 And therefore comparatively unknown,
26 Inc. 38, et seg., of this Book. 37 In the next Book.
land
Chap. 8.] MOLY. 87
these cases, we find, and not in others, that patients are
tempted to commit suicide.
For my own part, 1 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,*® 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 sensa-
tion, 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 farasI 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.* 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 emphati-
cally 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,* the most celebrated of all plants 1s
that, which, according to him, is known as moly*’ among the
38 See the case of M. Agrippa, mentioned in B. xxiii. ¢. 27.
89 Said, by Plutarch, to have been administered to him by his freedman
Callisthenes, with the view of securing his affection.
40 Od. x. 1. 302, et seg.
41 Fée devotes a couple of pages to the vexata questio 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 Sib-
thorpe; and that the yellow-flowered Mcly of the author of the Priapeia
is not improbably the Allium Moly or magicum of Linneus. Sprengel
83 PLINY’ S NATURAL HISTORY. - [Book XXV.
gods. The discovery of it he attributes to Mercury, who was
also the first to point ouf 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 dis-
trict 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” difficulty ex-.
perienced in taking it up. The Greek writers have deline-
ated* if as having a yellow flower, while Homer, 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®* feet in length, and even
then it was not entire, having been broken in the getting up.
@HAP. 9.—THE DODECATHEOS : ONE REMEDY. |
The plant next in esteem to moly, is that called dodeca-
theos,** it being looked upon as under the especial tute-
lage of all the superior gods.” 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 PHONIA, PENTOROBUS, OR GLYCYSIDH : ONE
REMEDY.
The plant known as ‘‘ pwonia’’#* is the most ancient of them
all. It still retains the name of him who was the first to
derives the name “Moly ”’ from the Arabic, and identifies it with the
Allium nigrum of Linneeus.
* Homer says that there és difficulty to men, but not to the gods.
43 In their pictures, mentioned in c. 4.
* Ovid, Galen, and Theophrastus, say the same.
45 There must either be some error in the reading here, or the physician
must have attempted to impose upon our author’s credulity.
46 Or, “ the twelve gods.”’
47 Generally identified with the Primula vulgaris or officinalis of Lin-
nus. 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.
45 The Peonia officinalis of Linnzus, our Peony.
49 Peon, the physician, mentioned in the Iliad, B. v. L. 401. as healing
Pluto, when OTs by Hercuies.
ee
_—
Chap. 11.] THE PANACES ASCLEPION. 3 89
discover it, being known also as the ‘‘ pentorobus’’” by some,
and the “‘ glycyside’’™ by others; indeed, this 1s 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” 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’? practised by the Fauni in
sleep. Itis generally recommended to take it up at might;
for if the wood-pecker™ 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,” gives assurance of a remedy for
all diseases: there are numerous kinds of it, and the discovery
of its preperties has been attributed to the gods. One of these
kinds is known by the additional name of ‘‘asclepion,’’® in
commemoration of the circumstance that Aisculapius gave the
name of Panacia™ to his daughter. The juice of it, as we have
had occasion to remark already,® 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
explation, as it were, to the earth. We have already” 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
0 From its five seeds, which resemble jitches.
5! “Sweet to the view,’ apparently.
2 See B. xxiii. c. 76. _ 53 He means nightmare.
*t See B. x. cc. 18, 20, and B. xxvii. ¢. 60.
°° ‘The Greek for ‘‘all-healing.”’
*8 Probably the Laserpitium hirsutum of Lamarck. The Echinophora
tenuifolia of Linnzeus, the thin-leaved prickly parsnip, has also been named.
7 Or “ All-heal.’”’ 59 In By xy ¢.' 57:
San Be Riis cs 57.
90 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXY.
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 ‘ hera-
cleon,’”’® 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® spoken: the root of itis good for
nothing.
CHAP. 13.—THE PANACES CHIRONION: FOUR REMEDIES.
A third kind of panaces is surnamed “ chironion,” from
him® 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 1s extremely effi-
cacious; hence it is that itis more generally used than the
kinds previously mentioned.
CHAP. 14.—?TrHE PANACES CENTAURION OR PHARNACION :
THREE REMEDIES.
A fourth kind of panaces, discovered also by Chiron, 1s
known by the additional name of “centaurion :?" 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,* 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 distin-
60 Identified with the Laserpitium Chironium of Linneus, otherwise
called Pastinaca opopanax. Fée observes, that when the word ‘ Panaces’
is used alone, this plant is always the one meant.
61 In B, xx. ec. 62, 69.
62 The Centaur Chiren; see B. vil. 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. Fraas, in his Synopsis, p.
139, identifies it with the Hypericum Olympicum, an odoriferous plant,
which the H. or ganifoliums not.
63 The Centaurea centaurium of Linnzus, the greater centaury.
Gey ey eriyiir.
Chap. 17.] HYOSCYAMOS. 9]
guish 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® is also another discovery of Her-
cules. The stem is thin, about four fingers in length, the
flower red, and the leaves like those of coriander. Itis found
growing in the vicinity of lakes and rivers, and is extremely
efficacious for the cure of all wounds made by i iron.
CHAP. 16.—THE AMPELOS CHIRONIA : ONE REMEDY.
The ampelos Chironia®” also, which we have already® men-
tioned when speaking of the vines, 1s a discovery due to
Chiron. We have spoken too, on a previous occasion,” of a
plant, the discovery of which is attributed to Minerva.
—cHaP. 17.—-ItYOSCYAMOS, 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.”’”? ‘There are several varieties of it; one of
them,'' with a black seed, flowers bordering on purple, and a
prickly stem, growing in Galatia. The common kind” again,
is whiter, more shrublike, and taller than the poppy. The
seed of a third variety is similar to that of irio”® in appearance ;
but they have, all of them, the effect of producing vertigo and
insanity.
hellebore which, as we have already stated, has been cut with
a small pair of scissors,’*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 Xcess,
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 1s 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
16 Fée remarks, that they showed their wisdom in this.
17 Herophilus, it must be remembered, lived a considerable time before
Themison.
18 “ Forficulis.” He probably refers to c. 21, where, however, he has
mentioned only a needle—“ acus.” It is possibly a dapsus memorie on
his part.
Chap. 25.1 HELLEBORE. 101
the patient going without his evening meal the previous day.
White hellebore, too, is administered in a sweet’? medium,
though lentils or pottage are found to be the best for the pur-
pose. 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 mo-
dified 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 1s good for epilepsy,
as already” stated, vertigo, melancholy, insanity, delirium,
white elephantiasis, leprosy, tetanus, palsy, gout, dropsy, in-
cipient tympanitis, stomachic affections, cynic spasms,” 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 adelicate or tender constitution. Itis 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 ap-
plied, 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.
19 This he has stated to be attended with danger, in the case of black
‘hellebore, should the dose be too strong.
0 In c. 21 of this Book.
_*! Twitchings of the mouth, which cause the patient to show his teeth,
like a dog.
102 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. _ [Book XXYV.
CHAP. 26, (6.)—THE MITHRIDATIA.
Crateuas ascribes the discovery of one plant to Mithridates
himself, the name of whichis “ mithridatia.’’*? Near the root
it has two leaves resembling those of the acanthus, between
which it puts forth a stem supporting a flower at the extires
mity, like a rose.
CHAP. 27.—THE SCORDOTIS OR SCORDION: FOUR REMEDIES.
Leneus attributes to Mithridates the discovery of another
plant, the scordotis™ 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™ in appearance :
it is found growing in Pontus, in rich, humid soils, and has a
bitter taste. ,
There is another® 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, PHILETRIA, OR CHILIODYNAMUS :
SIX REMEDIES.
The polemonia® is known as the “‘ phileteria” by some, in
consequence of the contest which has arisen between certain
kings for the honour of its discovery. The people of Cappa-
docia also give it the name of ‘ chiliodynamus.”’”” The root of
it 1s substantial, and it has slender branches, with umbels
22 Cesalpinus identifies it with the Hoythroniuat dens canis of Linnzus,
and Commerson and Schreiber with the Dorstenia tambourissa of Sonnerat.
Fée is probably right in considering its synonym as still unknown.
23 Hardouin identifies it with the Stachys Germanica, Linneus and
Sprengel with the Nepeta scordotis of Linneus, and Fée with the Stachys
Palestina.
24 Fée remarks, that none of the plants mentioned in the last Note bear
any resemblance to the ‘‘ quercus,” or oak.
25 Probably tue Teucrium scorodonia of Linneus, Fée says; though, as
he remarks, the description might apply to many of the Labiate.
26 Its names were derived from Polemon, a king of Pontus, and Phile-
terus, a king of Cappadocia. It is generally identified with the Pole-
monium cernleum of Linneus, Greek valerian, or Jacob’s ladder. M.
F rads suggests that it may be the Hypericum Olympicum of Linneus, |
with which he also identifies the Panaces chironion.
27 «¢ With a thousand virtues.”
|
Chap. 30.] 3 CENTAURION. 103
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” 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,” 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 Pholoé, and
Mount Lyceus: it grows also upon the Alps, and in numerous
other localities, and in Lycia they prepare a lycium® 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 drachme in the several cases hereafter*! men-
28 So called probably from a king Eupator. Sprengel and Desfontaines —
identify it with the Agrimonia eupatorium, but Fée prefers the Eupatorium
ae of Linneus, relying upon the description given by Dioscorides-
lv. ¢. 41.
29 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 Linnzus.
80 See B. xii. c. 15. B. xxiii. cc. 58, 60, and B. xxiv. c. 77, for a pre-
isla with a similar name, but, as Fée says, of an entirely different
character.
31 Tn B. xxvi. cc. 15, 19, 34, 55, 66, 76, 85, and 91.
104 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXV. _
tioned. 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. 7
CHAP. 31.—THE CENTAURION LEPTON, OR LIBADION, KNOWN ALSO
AS FEL TERRE: TWENTY-TWO REMEDIES.
There is another centaury also, with diminutive leaves,
known by the additional name of ‘“‘lepton.’’* By some per-
sons it is called ‘‘libadion,’’* from the circumstance that it
grows upon the borders of fountains. Itis similar to origanum
in appearance, except that the leaves are narrower and longer.
The stem is angular, branchy, anda palm in height; the flower
is like that of the lychnis,* 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 of the
earth,’’ from its extreme bitterness. The Gauls give it the
name of ‘‘exacum;’’ 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.”*’ It is but rarely that a person cuts it
without wounding himself. The juice emitted is just the
colour of blood.*® Theophrastus relates that this plant is under
32 Or “small” centaury. Probably the Chironia centaureum of Smith,
Flor. Brit.,our Felwort. Littré names the Erythrea centaureum of Persoon.
33 From AiSadec, “ flowing streams.”’
34 See B. xxi. cc. 10, 39, and 98, also c. 80 of this Book.
35 << Fel terre.”
5 A word of Celtic origin, most probably, and not from the Greek, as
Pintianus supposes.
37 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 trans-
lating 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 Linnzeus.
8 The root of the greater centaury, Fée remarks, is of a deep red within.
Chap. 34.] GENTIAN. 105
the protection of the triorchis, a kind of hawk, which attacks
those who gather it; a circumstance to which it owes its
name. Ignorant® 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.” 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 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 pro-
perties in a very high degree.
CHAP. 84.—GENTIAN : THIRTEEN REMEDIES.
Gentian®* was first discovered by Gentius, king of Illyria.
It is a plant to be found everywhere,* but that of Illyria is
the finest. It has a leaf like that of the ash,“ but equal in
size to a lettuce-leat: 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,* 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 pro-
_ 39 Pliny himself is one of the “‘imperiti’’ here.
40 Son of Ceeneus, and king of Arcadia. The plant is identified with
the Lonicera periclymenum of Linnzeus, our Woodbine or Honeysuckle.
Sibthorp identifies the Clymenum of Dioscorides with the Convolvulus
sepium of Linnzus, and Sprengel with the Lathyrus clymenum of Linneus.
*! Possibly the Clymenum of Dioscorides, mentioned in the preceding
Note. Littré names the Calendula arvensis, the Field marigold.
* The Gentiana lutea of Linnzus.
43 This, Fée remarks, is not the fact.
# This comparison is inexact. 45 It is mot swarthy.
106 PLINY'S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXV.
perties, but it should never be taken by women in a state of
pregnancy.
CHAP. 30.—THE LYSIMACHIA : EIGHT REMEDIES.
King Lysimachus* 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” 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, 1t will be sure to overcome all stubbornness on their
part.*°
CHAP. 06.—ARTEMISIA, PARTHENIS, BOTRYS, OR AMBRKOSIA ¢
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, how-
ever, who are of opinion that it received this surname from the
goddess Artemis Ilithyia,* 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*® leaves than
the other,” which last is of a slender form, with a more diminu-
tive leaf, and grows nowhere but in maritime districts. |
46 A king of Thrace, contemporary with Alexander the Great. Sprengel
and Desfontaines identify this plant with the Lythrum salicaria of Linneus,
the purple Willow-herb. Fée, on the authority of Dioscorides, identifies
it with the Lysimachia vulgaris of Linneus, the yellow Willow-plant. |
Littré gives the Lysimachia atro-purpurea of Linnzus.
47 Pliny has probably mistranslated the Greek zruppdv here, “ reddish
yellow.” 48 An absurdity, of course.
49 Artemis or Diana, the guardian of pregnant women.
50 Probably the Artemisia chamemelifolia, Camomile-leaved mugwort.
The A. arborescens, the Tree-wormwood is named by Littré.
51 Kither the Artemisia Pontica of Linneus, Little wormwood, or
Roman wormwood, or else A. campestris of Linnzeus, Field southern-wood.
Chap. 38.] EUPHORBIA. 107
Some persons again, give this name to a plant” 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 addi-
tion to this name, this last plant is known as “‘botrys’’ to some
persons, and ‘‘ ambrosia” to others :* it grows in Cappadocia.
CHAP. 37.—NYMPH A, HERACLEON, RHOPALON, OR MADON; TWO
VARIETIES OF IT: FOUR REMEDIES.
The plant called ‘‘nymphea,’’ 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 resem-
blance of its root to a club. * * * * 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
Beeotia call it ‘‘ madon,”’ and use the seed for food. It grows
in spots covered with water; the leaves® 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® manifests a peculiar antipathy to it. |
There is another” nymphea 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 CHAMELAA.
In the time, too, of our fathers, King Juba discovered® a
*? Identified with the Artemisia camphorata of Linneus, Camphorated
mug wort, 53 Quite a different plant. See B. xxvii. ¢. 11.
4 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.”’
> Identified with the Nympheza alba of Linnzus, the White-flowered
nymphea.
6 “ Adversatur ei allium.” Or ‘blood-shot eyes.” ‘6 A disease of the pupil.
$7 Belladonna, a preparation from the Atropa belladonna, 1s now gene-
rally used for this purpose. 58 « Paracentesis.””
9 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. 60 «+ Savage eye.’
61 In ¢. 38 of this Book.
138 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXV..
attended with swelling, it will be a good plan to apply worm-
wood beaten up with honey, as well as powdered betony.
CHAP. 93.—THE ZGILOPS: TWO REMEDIES.
The fistula of the eye, called ‘‘zgilops,” is cured by the
agency of the plant of the same name,” which grows among
barley, and has a leaf like that of wheat. The seed 1s
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, CIRCZON, MORION, OR HIPPOPHLOMOS;
TWO VARIETIES OF IT: TWENTY-FOUR REMEDIES.
Some persons, too, were in the habit of employing mandra-
gora 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 in-
gredient in many medicaments for the eyes. Some persons
give it the name of “ circeon.’’® There are two varieties,
the white® mandragora, which is generally thought to be the
male plant, and the black,” 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,’’® by others ‘‘morion,’® and by others again, “‘ hippo- —
phlomos.”” The leaves of it are white, while those of the other
62 See B. xviii. c. 44, and B. xxi. c. 63.
63 Or “Plant of Circe.”’
64 Identified by Fée with the Atropa mandragora vernalis of Bertolini, —
the Spring mandrake. |
63 ‘lhe Atropa mandragora autumnalis of Bertolini, the Autumnal man-
drake. 66 The Greek for ‘ male.’
67 “Dementing.’’? Fée remarks that the ‘“‘Morion” in reality is a |
different plant, and queries whether it may not be the Atropa bella- ©
donna of Linnzus, the Belladonna, or Deadly nightshade, mentioned above —
in Note 57.
'
)
Chap. 94.] MANDRAGORA. 139
one® are broader, and similar to those of garden lapathum® 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.” 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,” 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
68 The female, or black, mandrake.
69 See B. xx. c. 85.
70 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 re-
semblance 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 s0 much coveted by the wives of Jacob.
it « Pestis est.” |
140 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXY¥.
order to ensure insensibility to the pain.” 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
heilebore, 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,” too, is a poisonous plant, rendered odious by the
use made of it by the Athenian people, as an instrument of
capital punishment: still,“ however, as it is employed for
many useful purposes, it must not be omitted. It is the seed
that 1s noxious, the stalk being eaten by many people, either
green, or cooked” 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 1s hollow and never used. The seed and leaves are
possessed of refrigerating properties; indeed, it is owing to
these properties that it isso fatal, the cold chills with which it
is attended commencing at the extremities. The great remedy”
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
72 Tn the same way that chloroform is now administered.
7% “(Cjicuta.” Identified with the Conium maculatum of Linneus,
Common hemlock or Keghs. It grows in the vicinity of Athens, and pro- |
bably formed the basis of the poisons with which that volatile people re.
compensed,”’ as Fée remarks, the virtues and exploits of their philosophers |
and generals. Socrates, Phocion, and Philopcemen, are said to have been |
poisoned with hemlock ; but in the case of Socrates, it was probably com-
bined with opium and other narcotics. See B. xiv. cc. 7, 28, and B, xxii.
¢e. 23.
74 He has more than once stated, that it is not his object to enter into |
a description of poisons.
75 Fée doubts if it is possible to eat it, boiled even, with impunity. ©
76 See B. xiv. cc. 7, 28, and B. xxiii. ¢. 23.
Chap. 97.] Bia. - MOLYBDANA. 141
| 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 me-
| dium 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 ap-
plication, to check defluxions of the eyes in summer, and to
| allay pains in those organs. It is employed also as an ingre-
_ dient 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.
|
REMEDIES. |
A similar plant is that known to the Greeks by the name of |
‘‘ andrachle agria,””® and by the people of Italy as the ‘‘illece- |
9 * Bull’s eye,” ‘‘living eye, ’’and “ love exciter.” The Sempervivum |
tectorum of Linnzus, common Houseleek or Sengreene.
9 Called “geisa” in Greek.
vo “"Aoreat houseleek,” ““eye,’’ or: “little fingér,’’ |
7 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. 98 « Spring blossoming.” |
% “ Blossoming like gold.’ 1 «The same all the year.’’
+ “Wild andrachle.” Desfontaines identifies it with the Sedum stel- _
latum ; Fée, though with some hesitation, with the Sedum reflexum of |
Linneus, 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.’’ |
———o
Chap. 105.] REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE TEETH. 145
“bra.” 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 lini-
ment, 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* 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
aizoiim, 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,* of the smaller centaury and plantago,
of peucedanum in combination with rose-oil and opium, and of
acoron’? mixed with rose-leaves. In all these cases, the liquid
is made warm, and introduced into the ear with the aid of a
syringe.© The cotyledon is good, too, for suppurations in the
ears, mixed with deer’s marrow made hot. The juice of
pounded root of ebulum’ 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,S mixed with stale axle-grease.
CHAP. 104.—a REMEDY FOR DISEASES OF THE NOSTRILS.
Aristolochia,” mixed with cyperus,° is curative of polypus
of the nose.’°
CHAP. 105.—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE TEETH.
The following are remedies for diseases of the teeth: root
> This is probably the meaning of “ palpebras deglutinat.’’
* See c. 19 of this Book. 5 See c. 100 of this Book.
6 “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. 7 See B. xxiv. c. 35.
8 See c. 19 of this Book. 8* See c. 54 of this Book.
® See B. xxi. ce. 69, 70. ? 10 “ Ozeenam.”’
VoL. v. L
146 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXV.
of panaces,"' chewed, that of the chironion in particular, and
yuice of panaces, used as a collutory; root, too, of henbane,
chewed with vinegar, and root of polemonia.* 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 there-
from. 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 asa 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” 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,“ 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” is called by our people “senecio.” It is said
that if a person, after tracing around this plant with an imple-
ment of iron, takes 1t 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,’® with a
number of small reddish-coloured stems: it is found growing
upon walls, and the tiled roofs of houses. The Greeks have .
11 See ¢. 11 of this Book. % See c. 28 of this Book.
13 See c. 73 of this Book. 14 See c. 92 of this Book.
15 Tdentified by Desfontaines with the Senecio Jacobea of Linneus, _
Common ragwort. Fée identifies it with the Senecio vulgaris of Linnzus, —
our Groundsel. Thev are both destitute of medicinal properties.
ig (See. B. xxiv. c.' 80. i
ee
——— OO — 0
.
SSS
Chap. 107.] THE EPHEMERON. 147
given it the name of ‘‘erigeron,’’” because it is white in
spring. ~The head is divided into numerous downy filaments,
which resemble those of the thorn,’® protruding from between
the divisions of the head: hence it is that Callimachus has
given it the name of ‘‘ acanthis,’’® while others, again, call it
6“ pappus.?”
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 ex-
tremely 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 recom-
mend 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 REMEDIFS.
The ephemeron”™ has leaves like those of the lily, but smaller ;
11” Kapt yéopwy, “aged,’* or “hoary in spring.”
8 “ Spine.”? He probably uses a wrong term, and means “ thistle.”
19 It may possibly have been so called. from the Acanthis, or goldfinch,
that bird being fond of groundsel,
20 “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,
#! Sprengel identifies it with the Ornithogalum stachyoides; but that
148 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. | [Book XXV.
a stem of the same height, a blue flower, and a seed of which
no use is made. The root is single, about the thiekness 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” 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 LABkUM VENEREUM 3 ONE REMEDY.
Labrum Venereum* is the name given to a plant that grows
in running streams.** It produces a small worm,” 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,”** we call
ranunculus.” There are four varicties of it," one of which
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 verti-
cillata of Linneeus, 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 Conval-
laria multiflora of Linneus. 22 See c. 50 of this Book.
3 Or “ Venus’ bath.” Identified by Littré with the Dipsacus silvestris
of Linnzus, and by Fée with the Dipsacus fullonum of Linneus, 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.
*4 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.
2 He alludes to the larve 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. ¢. 8. 6 “ Hrog-plant.”
27 © Little frog.’ Called Crow-foot” by us.
28 Sprengel identifies it with the Ranunculus Seguieri, Fée with the R.
Asiaticus, also a native of Greece.
ES ————
Chap. 109.1 THE BATRACHION. 149
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 sccond*® kind is
more foliated than the preceding one, the leaves have more
numerous incisions, and the stems of the plant are long. The
third® variety 1s smaller than the others, has a powerful smell,
and a flower of a golden colour. The fourth® kind is very like
the one last mentioned, but the flower is milk-white.
All these plants have caustic properties: 1f the leaves are
applied unboiled, they raise blisters hke those caused by the
action of fire; hen¢e 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” 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™ 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**—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
9 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 Sardotis 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 Sardotim, ‘‘ Laughing parsley,” or
“Sardinian parsley.’
30 Identified by Sprengel and Desfontaines with the Ranunculus repens,
or Creeping crow-foot; but by Fée, with the Ranunculus muricatus of
Linneus. |
3! Identified by Desfontaines with the Ranunculus aconitifolius; by Fée
with the Ranunculus aquatilis of Linneus, the Water crowfoot. The
Ranunculi are all active poisons. )
*? A fabulous assertion, probably, and it is very doubtful if any one ever
made the trial of its efficacy.
33 Or scrofula. 34 Soe B. xxi. c. 83, and B. xxvi.c. 8d.
150 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXV.
purpose, even when the mouth is suffering from defluxions.
Cinquetoil effects the cure of ulcerations and offensive breath ;
psyllium® 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 dra-
contium® beaten up with honey. An application of hyssop has
the effect of making bruises disappear. Brand marks*” in the
fuce are healed by rubbing them with mandragora.*
Summary.-—Remedies, narratives, and observations, twelve
hundred and ninety-two.
Roman avrHors quotED.—C, Valgius,*® Pompeius Leneeus,*”
Sextius Niger*! who wrote in Greek, Julius Bassus*® who
wrote in Greek, Antonius Castor,* Cornelius Celsus,* Fabi-
; 45 ,
anus.
* .ForEiGN AUTHORS QuoTED.—Theophrastus,* Apollodorus,”
Democritus, Juba,*® Orpheus,” Pythagoras, Mago,” Menan-_
25 See ec. 90 of this Book. 36 See B. xxiv. ec. 91, 93.
37 « Stigmata.’’ 38 See c. 94 of this Book.
39 See end of B. xx. 40 See end of B. xiv.
41 See end of B. xii. 42 See end of B. xx.
43 See end of B. xx. 44 See end of B. vii.
45 For Fabianus Papirius, see end of B. ii. ; for Fabianus Sabinus, see
end of B. xviii.
43 See end of B. iil. 47 See end of B. xi.
48 See end of B. il. 49 See end of B. v.
50 See end of B. xx. 51 See end of B. ii.
52 See end of B. vii.
SUMMARY. lol
der® who wrote the ‘‘ Biochresta,’” Nicander,** Homer, He-
siod,®> Muszeus,® Sophocles,*? Xanthus,® Anaxilaiis.™
MepicaL avurHors quotep.—Mnesitheus,® Callimachus,®
Phanias® the physician, Timaristus,” Simus,®% Hippo-
crates,® Chrysippus,” Diocles,” Ophelion,® Heraclides,® Hi-
cesius,” Dionysius,’ Apollodorus” of Citium, Apollodorus”
of Tarentum, Praxagoras,” Plistonicus,” Medius,” Dieuches,”
Cleophantus,” Philistion,” Asclepiades,® Crateuas,®* Petronius
Diodotus,” [Iollas,** Lrasistratus,** Diagoras,® Andreas,%
Mnesides," Epicharmus,* Damion, Sosimenes,” Tlepolemus,”!
Metrodorus,” Solon,® Lycus,* Olympias® of Thebes, Philinus,”
Petrichus,” Micton,® Glaucias,®? Xenocrates.!
53 See end of B. xix. | 54 See end of B. viii.
55 See end of B. vil.’ 56 See end of B. xxi,
57 See end of B. xxi.
58 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.
59 See end of B. xxi. 60 See end of B. xxi.
61 See end of B. iv. 62 See end of B. xxi.
‘63 See end of B. xxi. 64 See end of B. xxi.
65 See end of B. vii. 66 See end of B. xx.
67 See end of B. xx. 68 See end of B. xx.
69 See end of B. xii. 70 See end of B. xv.
71 See end of B. xii. 72 See end of B. xx.
73 See end of B. xx. 74 See end of B. xx,
75 See end cf B. xx. 76 See end of B. xx.
77 See end of B. xx. 78 See end of B. xx.
79 See end of B. xx. £0 See end of B. vii.
81 See end of B. xx. 82 See end of B. xx.
83 See end of B. xii. 84 See end of B. xi.
Mee See end of B. xii. 86 See end of B. xx.
87 See end of B. xil. 88 See end of B. xx.
89 See end of B. xx. 90 See end of B. xx.
91 See end of B. xx. 92 See end of B. xx.
93 See end of B. xx. 94 See end of B. xi.
95 See end of B. xx. 96 See end of B. xx.
97 See end of B. xix. 98 See end of B. xx.
99 See end of B. xx. 1 See end of B. xx.
152
BOOK XXVI.
A CONTINUATION OF THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM
PLANTS, CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO PARTICULAR
DISEASES.
cHaP. 1. (1.)—NEW FORMS OF DISEASE. |
Tak face of man has recently been sensible of new forms of.
disease, unknown’ 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 asin Rome and its en-
virons. 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.” In
consequence, however, of its generally making its first appear-
ance 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;’’® an appellation which has
since become established in general use. In many cases, how-
ever, 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. 8.—AT WHAT PERIOD LICHEN FIRST MADE ITS APPEARANCE |
IN ITALY. i |
This curse was unknown to the ancients,*® and in the times of
our fathers even, having first entered Italy in the middle of
1 Probabiy as Littré suggests, a peculiar form of elephantiasis, the
leprosy of the middle ages. '
2 The “chin disease :” from “mentum,” the “chin.” It is difficult to
detect the joke which has here incurred the censure of our author.
$ Meaning the people of Italy.
SSS ee ee aanenne moa — eli
Chap. 3.] WHEN LICHEN FIRST APPEARED IN ITALY. 153
the reign of the Emperor Tiberius* Claudius Caesar; where
it was introduced from Asia,*" in which country it had lately
made? its appearance, by a member of the equestrian order at
Rome, a native of Perusium, secretary to the questor. The
disease, however, did not attack either females or slaves,°
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.’ 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 1t 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 preetorian rank, and legatus of the province of
Aquitania, expended no less a sum than two hundred thou-
sand® 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 phenomena
which sometimes attend these outbreaks. Thus, for instance,
we find an epidemic suddenly making its appearance in a cer-
tain 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 thesame way, too, while
4 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.”
4* Asia Minor.
° “Cum apparuisset.” He is probably wrong here, for leprosy was
known in Asia from the very earliest times.
6 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
inay have predisposed them more particularly for the attacks of the diseases,
7 “Qsculi,” “kissing ;”? a nauseous and silly practice, still adhered to,
between bearded men even, in many parts of Europe.
* Upwards of £1590.
154 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. ~~ [Book XXVI.
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®
of L. Paulus and Q. Marcius that carbuncle*® was first intro-
duced 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" and Q. Lecanius
Bassus ;” 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 percep-
tible.
This disease makes its appearance in the more hidden” parts
of the human body, and mostly beneath the tongue. It ori-
ginally 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 accom-
panies it is a confirmed drowsiness, which overpowers the pa-
tient, and carries him off in the course of three days. Some-
times, 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
cesophagus, death ensues with the greatest rapidity.
CHAP. 0.—ELEPHANTIASIS.
We have already” stated that elephantiasis® was unknown ©
9 a.v.c. 590,
10 « Carbunculus.” A malignant pustule, accompanied with swelling and
ending with gangrene, is still known by this name, but it does not mani-
fest 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 Pro-
ven¢al.”’
11 Consul, a.v.c. 819. 12, Consul, A.v.c. 816.
13 Judging from this symptom, Dalechamps says that it looks more like
chancre than carbuncle. 14 In B. xx. c. 52.
15 Supposed, as Pliny says, to have originally come from Upper Egypt.
Chap. 6.] i COLIC. 155
in Italy before the time of Pompeius Magnus. This malady,
too, like those already mentioned, mostly makes its first ap-
pearance in the face. In its primary form it bears a consider-
able 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 pe-
culiarly 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’’'® 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.—CcOoLIC.
It is a remarkable fact that some diseases should disappear
from among us, while others, again, should continue to prevail,
colic’ for example. It was only in the reign of Tiberius
Cesar that this malady made its appearance in Italy, the
emperor himself being the first to be attacked by it; a cir-
_ cumstance which produced considerable mystification through-
_ out 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
_ thenunknown. ‘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
_ Lucretius, B. vi. 1. 1111, e¢ seg., attributes it to the water of the Nile. It
: is but rarely known in Europe.
_ _ 16 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.
“Colum.” Fée takes this to be Schirrus of the colon.
—————————
156 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
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,” it is well known, was the first to com-
pile 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 informa-
tion which we gain from the works of Diocles’? 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*® of Cos.
Herophilus”' too, though himself the founder of a more refined
system of medicine, was extremely profuse of his commenda-
tions of the use of simples. Ata later period, however, expe-
rience, 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 uni- |
versally acknowledged experience ; until, in the time of Pom- |
pelus Magnus, Asclepiades,” 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 _
18 See B. xxix. ¢. 1. 19 See end of B. xx. |
20 See B. xxix. c. 3. 71 See B. xxix. c. 8.
22 See end of B. vu.
Chap. 8.] CHANGES EFFECTED BY ASCLEPIADES. 157
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 con-
| jectural 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 ex.
ercise® 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 an-
cients, had been the first to enquire into the primary causes of
disease, and Cleophantus had brought into notice the treat-
ment 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 ano less extended fame; which
9 , Iai e e e . e
* “ Gestationes ;” exercise on horseback, in a litter, or in a carriage
drawn by horses,
158 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI
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” and
carried home, and was thus the means of saving his life. This
eircumstance 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” in
the world, a man born in utter mdigence, should ail 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 Asclepi-
ades 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 lke that of this city of ours;
or rather, so to say, of the whole of Italy, so prolific” as it is
of fogs and rain.** It was to remedy these inconveniences,
that he introduced the use of hanging baths,” 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” into the |
throat. He condemned, and with good reason, the indiscrimi-
nate use of emetics, which till then had been resorted to in a>
24 See B. vii. c. 37. Apuleius gives the story at considerable length, in —
the Florida, B. iv.
25 Asia Minor. Asclepiades was a native of Prusa in Bithynia.
25* We adopt Sillig’s suggestion, and read ‘‘nimborum altrice,” the
word “‘imperatrice” being evidently out of place. The climate of Italy _
scems to have changed very materially since his day..
26 See B. ii. c. Ol. 27 See B. ix. c. 79. % “¢ Organo. | |
| Chap. 9.] REMARKS ON THE PRACTICES OF MAGIC. 159
most extraordinary degree. He disapproved also of the prac-
tice of administering internally potions that are naturally
injurious to the stomach, a thing that may truthfully be pro-
nounced of the greater part of them. Indeed it will be as well
to take an early opportunity of stating what are the medi-
caments 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 par-
ticularly that contributed so essentially to his success—follies
_ which had been carried to such a pitch as to destroy all confi-
dence in the remedial virtues of plants. Thus, for instance,
it was stoutly maintained that by the agency of the plant ethi-
opis” rivers and standing waters could be dried up, and that by
the very touch * * * * all bars and doors might be opened :
that if the plant achemenis®” were thrown into the ranks of the
enemy it would be certain to create a panic and put them to
flight: that latace* was given by the Persian kings to their
ambassadors, to ensure them an abundant supply of every-
thing 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? 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 Caesar were suffering from
fumine, 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 Aumilianus 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 merois,* dry up the Pomptine® Marshes, if they can,
hy Ste) B: xxiv. c. 102.
°9 We agree with Pintianus that the name of some plant here has been
lost, the word ‘‘condiendis ” making no sense.
31 See B, xxiv. c. 102.
* Some plant as fictitious as the others here mentioned.
poet = Sccly aan. c. 102: a2 one tic. 9)
160 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
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,** we find a recipe for the compo-
sition 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 mar-
vellous 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 modera-
tion; and if the very system of medicine thus introduced by
Asclepiades, had not been carried to a greater pitch of extra-
vagance than the follies of magic even, an assertion which
I shall prove on a more appropriate occasion.”
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 fewin number. For the cure of lichen
plantago is used, pounded, cinquefoil also, root of albucus® 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® bruised
in vinegar, or with scum of viscus®” kneaded up with lime. A
decoction, too, of tithymalos with resin is highly esteemed for |
the same purpose.
But to all these remedies the plant iifot as “lichen,” from |
36 In B. xxiv. c. 102. 37 In B. xxix. ce. 5.
33 See B. xxi. c. 68. 39 See B. xx. c. 85.
40 6 Flos visel.’? 41 See c. 39 of this Book.
Chap. 12.] SCROFULA. 161
its efficacy as a cure, is held in preference. It is found grow-
‘ing among rocks, and has a single broad leaf * 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® 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 hemorrhage: 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“ is also used, bruised in honey.
CHAP. 11.—QUINZY.
For the treatment of quinzy, we find argemonia® recom-
mended, in wine; a decoction of hyssop, boiled with figs,
used as a gargle; peucedanum,* with an equal proportion of
sea-calf’s rennet; proserpinaca,”’ beaten up in the pickle of the
mena‘ and oil, or else placed beneath the tongue; as also
juice of cinquefoil, taken in doses of three cyathi. Used asa
gargle, juice of cinquefoil is good for the cure of all affections
of the fauces: verbascum,” too, taken in wine, is particularly
_ useful for diseases of the tonsillary glands.
|
‘
cHAP. 12. (5.)—scROFULA.
For the cure of scrofula® plantago is employed, chelidonia®
mixed with honey and axle-grease, cinquefoil, and root of per-
2 Tdentified by Fée with the Marchantia polymorpha of Linneus, Com-
- mon Marchantia, or Fountain liverwort, the male plant.
# Identified by Fée with the Marchantia stellata, Star-headed Mar-
_ chantia, or Female fountain liverwort. Destontaines takes it to be either
' and that our Lichens are destitute of stem. Jittré identifies it with the
:
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,
Lecanora parella.
44 See B. xiii. c. 43. 45 See B. xxv. c. 56.
45 See B. xxv. c. 70. 47 See B. xxvii. c. 104.
% See B. ix. ¢. 42. 49 See B. xxv. c. 73.
*0 Fée remarks that none of the plants here mentioned are of any utility
for the cure of scrofula. 51 See B. xxv. c. 50.
VOL. V. M
162 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
solata®*—this last being applied topically, and covered with the
leaf of the plant—artemisia,™ also, and an infusion of the
root of mandragora™ in water. The large-leaved sideritis,®
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, and others which I find stated,
in reference to persons cured by the agency of artemisia or
plantago. |
Damasonion,” 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® is the name of a pliant that grows in the fields, with
a white flower somewhat inclining to red; if this is applied
with artemisia,® it is said, the remedy is still more efficacious.
CHAP. 14.—THE CONDURDUM.
The condurdum,” too, is a plant with a red blossom, which
flowers at the summer solstice. Suspended from the neck, it
52 See B. xxv. c. 66.
53 See B. xxv. c. 36. 54 See B. xxv. c. 94.
55 See B. xxv. c. 19, where our author has confused the Achillea with
the Sideritis; also c. 15, where he describes the Heraclion siderion. Fee
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 Linneus. The large-leaved —
Sideritis is, no doubt, the one mentioned as having leaves like those of _
the quercus. See the Note to B. xxv. c. 19.
56 In B. xxi. c. 83, and B. xxv. c. 119. 57 See B. xxv. c. 77.
58 Probably the Bellis perennis of Linnzus, the Common daisy. Fée |
remarks, that it was probably unknown to the Greeks.
59 See B. xxv. c. 36.
60 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. |
6 E
}
|
a
i
ha
il
; |
i
4
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Chap. 15.] COUGH. 163
arrests scrofula, they say: the same being the case also with
vervain, in combiuation 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 pa-
naces * 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,”
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: roof also of persolata,® in doses of
one drachma, taken with eleven pine-nuts; and juice of peu-
cedanum.™
For pains in the chest, acoron® is remarkably useful; hence
it is that it is so much used an ingredient in antidotes. For
cough, daucus® and the plant scythice™ 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 verbas-
cum®-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® 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,
61 See B. xxv. c. 11. ® See B. xxv. ¢. 27.
63 See B. xxv. c. 66. 64 See B. xxv. c. 70.
65 See B. xxv. c. 100. 66 See B. xxv. c. 64.
67 See B, xxii. c. 11, and B.xxy.¢.43,. Our Liquorice probably, which,
_ Fée remarks, as also figs and hyssop, has maintained its ancient reputation
| as a pectoral.
me See 'B. xxv. ¢. 73. 69 See B. xxv. c. 85,
164 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
CHAP. 16.—BECHION, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ARCION, CHAME-
LEUCE OR TUSSILAGO: THREE REMEDIES.
Bechion” is known also as tussilago: there are two kinds:
of it. Wherever it is found growing wild, it is generally
thought that there 1s a spring of water below, and it is looked
upon as a sure sign that such is the case, by persons in search”!
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 ‘‘ chameleuce.”’”
The smoke” 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.
cuap. 17.—THE BECHION, KNOWN ALSO AS SALVIA: FOUR
REMEDIES.
There is another bechion™ also, known to some persons as
‘“salvia,”” 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.” It1is 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” is |
used in water, with rue; powdered betony is also taken in
warm water. Juice of scordotis’ is used as a stomachic, ©
70 See B. xxiv. c. 85. . .
71 “ Aquileges.”” | 72 See B. xxiv. c. 85.
73 Dried bechion, or coltsfoot, is still smoked by some persons for i |
affections of the chest.
74 Generally identified with the Phlomos, or Verbascum lychnitis men-
tioned in B. xxv. c. 74. 15 Sage.” See B. xxv. c, 73.
76 See B. ix. c. 43, and B. xxxii. ¢c. 53.
77 See B. xxv. ¢. 73. 78 See B. xx. ¢. 27.
oe
Chap. 19.] MOLON OR SYRON. 1 165
centaury also, gentian taken in water, and plantago, either
eaten with the food, or mixed with lentils or a pottage of
alica.”? 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® is taken in drink, or dried agaric is
chewed, a draught of undiluted wine being taken every now
and then. Nympheea heraclia® is also applied topically in
these cases, and Juice of peucedanum.®” For burning pains in
the stomach psyllion® is applied, or else cotyledon®™ beaten up
with polenta, or aizoiim.”
CHAP. 19.—MOLON OR SYRON. AMOMUM.
Molon® 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 affec-
tions 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 aristo-
lochia® or agaric, taken in doses of three oboli; in warm water
or asses’ milk. | |
For hardness of breathing an infusion of cissanthemos® 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,® bruised
and administered in five cyathi of honied wine: amomum,”
too, is equally useful for that purpose. For liver diseases in
9 See B, xviii. c. 29. Fée observes that none.of these prescriptions
would be countenanced at the present day.
. x “al B. xxv. ec. 54. 81 See B. xxv. c. 37.
ee B. xxv. c. 70. 83 See B. xxv. ce. 90.
St See B. xxv. c. 101. 85 See B. xxv. c. 102.
86 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.
7 See B. xxv. ¢. 84. 88 See B. xxv. c. 68.
89 See Introduction to Vol. III.
90 See B. xii. c. 28. Fée says that none of these so-called remedies
would now be recognised.
166 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXYVI.
particular, teucria® is taken fresh, in doses of four drachmee
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® are wonderfully efficacious for liver complaints.
Patients who eat the plant called ‘‘capnos’® discharge the
bile by urine. Acoron™ is also remedial for diseases of the liver,
and daucus® is useful for the thorax and the pectoral organs.
CHAP. 20——THE EPHEDRA OR ANABASIS; THREE REMEDIES.
The ephedra,® 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 apale 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” is a plant with thin, diminutive roots, black, and
aromatic.® 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 |
91 See B. xxv. c. 20. 92 See B. xxv. ec. 92.
93 See B. xxv. c. 99. 94 See B. xxv. c. 100.
% See B. xxv. c. 64.
% Probably the Equisetum siivaticum of Linnzus, 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 Linnzeus.
97 The Geum urbanum of Linneus, the Common avens, or herb bennet. |
It was probably unknown to the Greeks.
%8 Its root has a smell, like that of cloves, for which reason it is some- —
times known as “ Caryophyllata.’’
Chap. 24.] THE MALUNDRUM. ~ 167
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® 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’ is a plant found growing upon cliffs on the
sea-shore against which the waves break, springing up, 80 to
say, neither upon dry land nor in the sea. The leaves are
like those of isatis,* 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.’
CHAP, 23.—THE GROMPHANA.
Gromphena‘ is the name of a plant, the stem of which is
covered with leaves of a green and rose colour, arranged alter-
nately. 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 ° is prescribed, a
99 In B. xxv. ¢. 48.
1 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 Linneus, the Sea starwort. Littré gives the Statice
limonium of Linnzus. |
2 See B. xx. c. 25. 4. in) B. xxi, e. 21.
4 Sprengel and Desfontaines identify it with the Amaranthus tricolor ;
Fée is strongly of opinion that it has not been correctly identified.
5 Clusius and Sprengel identify it with the Lychnis silvestris of Lin-
neus, the Wild lychnis or Viscous catchfly. Fée considers it to be un-
168 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
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’® 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 drachme in
raisin wine or, honied wine. Hyssop, too, is beaten up with
honey for similar purposes; but itis more efficacious if nas-
turtium or irio’ is taken first.
Molemonium* is used as an emetic, being taken in doses of one
denarius ; the same, too, with sillybum.? 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,’® powdered
betony"' taken in hydromel, or else plantago boiled like
greens. Hiccup is arrested by taking hemionium” or aristo-
lochia,* and asthma by the use of clymenus.’* For pleurisy
and peripneumony, the greater centaury is used, or else
hyssop, taken in drink. Juice of peucedanum ” is also good
for pleurisy. |
known, but of the two, would prefer the Lychnis dioica of Linneus, the
White lychnis, or White campion.
6 ©, Bauhin identifies it with the Valeriana locusta of Linneus, Corn
valerian, Corn-salad, or Lamb’s lettuce. Fee considers its identity as still
unknown. 7 See B. xviii. c. 10.
8 Perhaps the same as the Limonium of B. xxv. ¢. 61.
9 See B. xxii. c. 42; one of the Sonchi, probably, which contain a
milky juice. Littré gives the Sonchus palustris of Linneeus.
10 See B. xxv. ¢. 64.
11 The Betonica officinalis of Linneus.
12 Rither the Asplenium ceterach of Linneus, Spleenwort, Ceterach, or
Miltwaste, or the A. hemionitis of Linnzeus, Mule’s fern. See B. xxvii. ¢. 17.
13 See B. xxv. ¢. 54. 14 See B. xxv. c. 33,
15 See B. xxv. c. 70.
Chap. 28.] REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE BELLY. 169
CHAP. 26.—HALUS OR COTONEA: FIVE REMEDIES.
The plant halus,!* 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 resem-
bles cunila bubula!’ in appearance, and the tops of it are like
those of thyme. Itis of asweet flavour, and aliays thirst; the
roots of it are sometimes white, sometimes black.
CHAP. 27.—THE CHAMMROPS: ONE REMEDY. THE STC@CHAS:
ONE REMEDY.
The chamerops,’ 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, admin-
istered in drink, in the same manner” as for cough, assuages
sciatica and pains in the vertebre: the same, too, with pow-
dered stoechas” 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. Some-
times, 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 any-
thing else, that man hastens his end. This receptacle,*! 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,” 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, 20 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,
16 For the identity of this plant, see B. xxvii. c. 24.
7 See B. xix. c. 50, and B. xx. c. 61.
8 See B, xxiv. c. 80. 19 See c. 18 of this Book.
2) Identified with the Lavendula stoechas of Linneus, the French lavender.
aor was.” 22 In search of pheasants. See B. vi.c. 4.
170 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
that the belly should have to be indebted to the aid of medicine
in the very highest degree !
Scordotis,” 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. Pole-
monia,” too, is given in wine for dysentery, or two fingers’
length of root of verbascum,” in water; seed of nymphea
heraclia,** in wine; the upper root of xiphion,”’ 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™
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 cceliac affections, betony is taken in
astringent wine, or iberis is applied topically, as already”
stated. For tenesmus, root of nymphea heraclia is taken in
wine, or else psyllion® in water, or a decoction of root of
acoron.” Juice of aizoiim* arrests diarrhoea and dysentery, and
expelsround tape-worm. Root of symphytum,*® taken in wine,
arrests diarrhoea and dysentery, and daucus* has a similar
effect. Leaves of aizoiim® beaten up in wine, and dried
alcea*® powdered and taken in wine, are curative of griping -
pains in the bowels. |
CHAP. 29.—THE ASTBAGALUS: SIX REMEDIES.
Astragalus” 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, andremarkably hard. It grows on stony local-
25 See B. xxv. c. 27. 24 See B. xxv. c. 28.
25 See B. xxv. ¢. 73. 26 See B. xxv. c. 37.
27 See B. xxv. c. 89. 28 See B. xviil. c. 29.
29 In B. xxv. c. 84. 30 See B. xxv. c. 90.
31 See B. xxv. c. 100. 32 See B. xxv. c. 102.
33 See B. xxvii. c. 24. 34 See B. xxv. ec. 84.
35 See Note 32 above. 36 See B. xxvii. c. 6.
37 Sprengel identifies it with the Phaca Betica, Spanish bastard vetch ;
but the flowers of that plant, as Fée remarks, are yellow. He considers
it to be the Lathyrus tuberosus of Linnzus, the Pease earth-nut. Littré
gives the Orobus sessilifolius of Sibthorp.
Chap. 30.] LADANUM. 171
ities, equally exposed to the sun and to falls of snow, those in
the vicinity of Pheneus in Arcadia, for instance. Its proper-
ties are highly astringent; the root of it, taken in wine, arrests
looseness of the bowels, having the additional effect of throw-
ing 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*”* 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.
Diarrhcea may be also arrested by the use of either kind of
ladanum.*® 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”* is obtained in
Cyprus, it being found adhering to the beard of the goats
there; the most esteemed, however, is that of Arabia. At
the present day, it is prepared inSyria and Africa also, being
known as ‘‘ toxicum,”’ from the circumstance that in gathering
it, they pass over the plant a bow,” with the string stretched,
and covered with wool, to which the dewlike flocks of lada-
num adhere. We have described it at further length, when
treating of the perfumes.” |
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 pre-
vents the hair from falling off, and preserves its dark colour. In
combination with hydromel or oil of roses, it is used as an
3m“ Rubrum,” and not “nigrum,” which was also what we call “red ”
wine.
38 Fée is unable to identify it. The Galeopsis ladanum of Linneus,
the Red dead-nettle, has been suggested, but on insufficient grounds, pro-
bly. a9 ee... xii. c. 37, |
40 It is still brought from the islands of Greece, but no longer from
Arabia. 41 ToZor.
* 1n)B. Xili.c. 37:
172 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
injection for the ears; with the addition of salt, it is employed
for the cure of furfuraceous eruptions of the skin, and for run-
ning 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. HYPO-
CISTHIS OR OROBETHRON ; TWO VARIETIES : EIGHT REMEDIES.
Chondris, too, or pseudodictamnon,* acts astringently on the
bowels. Hypocisthis,** by some known also as “ orobethron,””
is similar to an unripe pomegranate in appearance; it grows,
as already stated,” beneath the cisthus, whence its name.
Dried in the shade, and taken in astringent, red wine, these
plants arrest diarrhoea—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,“* 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* wine, the
proportion being five spoonfuls to three cyathi of wine.
CHAP. 32.—LAVER OR SION: TWO REMEDIES.
Laver,** 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,* too, taken in wine, is useful for dysentery
and cceliac affections: itis 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. !
43 «¢ Walse-dittany,” or “bastard dittany.” See B. xxv. c. 53.
44 The Cytinus hypocisthis of Linnzus.
45 In B. xxiv. c. 28. 46 See B. xviii. c. 17, and B. xxii. ¢. 67.
47 See B. xiv. ¢. 5. 48 The Sium of B. xxii. e. 41. 7
49 Probably the Potamogeton natans of Linneus, Broad-leaved pond-
weed, or some kindred plant. Its name signifies “the neighbour of rivers.”
Chap. 34.] THE CERATIA. 173
Castor has given a different description of this plant. Ac-
cording to him, it has a smaller leaf, like horse-hair,” 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” also arrests looseness of the bowels; an effect
equally produced by the statice,” a plant with seven heads, like
those of the rose, upon as many stems.
CHAP. 84.—THE CERATIA: TWO REMEDIES. LEONTOPODION, LEU-
CEORON, DORIPETRON, OR THORYBETHRON. LAGOPUS: THREE
REMEDIES.
The ceratia* is a plant with a single® leaf, and a large
knotted root: taken with the food, it is curative of cceliac
affections and dysentery.
Leontopodion, a plant known also as “‘ leuceoron,” ‘ dori-
petron,”’ 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,™
it is said, in the sleep. :
Lagopus® arrests diarrhoea, 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 corn-
fields. Many persons recommend, in preference to anything else,
50 C. Bauhin and Sprengel identify the plant here described with the
Potamogeton pusillum of Linnzeus ; but Fée considers it extremely doubtful.
5t A species of Equisetum would seem to be meant; indeed, Littré gives
the Equisetum telmateia. s2 See B. xxv. c. 19. .
53 Fée thinks that this may possibly be the Statice Armeria of Linnzus,
Sea thrift, or Sea gilly-flower.
54 Considered by Sprengel to be the Cyclaminos chamecissos of B. xxv.
ce. 69, which he identifies with the Convallaria bifolia of Linnzus, the
Little lily of the valley, or May lily. Fabius Columna and Brotero con-
sider it to be the Dentaria trifolia, Three-leaved toothwort.
55 This is incorrect, if it is the Lily of the valley.
6 “TLion’s paw,” ‘white plant,” or ‘rock-spear.” Probably the
Leontice leontopetalum of Linneus, Lion’s paw, or Lion’s leaf. See B.
XXVil. ¢. 72. 57 “ Tiymphatica somnia.”’
8 “Hare’s foot.” Possibly the Trifolium arvense of Linnzus, Hare’s
foot trefoil.
174 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
for desperate cases of dysentery, a decoction of roots of cinque-
foil in milk, or else aristolochia,® in the proportion of one
victoriatus™ to three cyathi of wine. In the case of the pre-
parations 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 drachme to nine cyathi of hydromel :
the same, too, with euphorbia® or agaric, taken, in doses of two
drachme, with a little salt, in water, or else in three oboli of
honied wine. Cyclaminos,®” also, is a purgative, either taken
in water or used as a suppository; the same, too, with chame-
cissos,* 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 peu-
cedanum® carries off pituitous humours and bile.
CHAP. 00.—EPITHYMON OR HIPPOPHEOS: EIGHT REMEDIES.
The two kinds of anagallis, taken in hydromel, are purgative ;
the same, too, with epithymon,® which is the blossom of a
sort® 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.’’”
This plant is by no means wholesome to the stomach, as
itis apt to cause vomiting, but at the same time it disperses
59 See B. xxv. c. 54.
60 See Introduction to Vol. III. Fée remarks that none of the assertions
in the present Chapter are confirmed by modern experience.
61 See B. xxv. c. 38. 62 See B. xxv. c. 67.
63 See B. xxiv. cc. 49, 84, and B. xxv. c. 69.
6! See B. xxv. c. 79.
65 Identical with the Orobanche of B. xviii. c. 44, the Cuscuta Europea
of Linneus, Dodder, Hell-weed, or Devil’s guts; or else the Cuscuta
minor, or epithymum of Linneus. See also B. xxii. ec. 78, 80.
66 He is in error here.
67 Hardouin suggests “‘ hypopheos,”’ as “ springing up under the Pheos”
or Stoebe, mentioned in B, xxii. c. 13.
Chap. 37.] _ POLYPODION. ? 175
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. Taken in doses of from four to
six drachme, 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® 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. Nymphea’ is taken for similar purposes,
in astringent wine.
cHAP. 36.—PYCNOCOMON ; FOUR REMEDIES.
Pycnocomon,” 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 sur-
mounted with a flower like that of oclmum.” 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,’* too, carries off bile by the
urine. |
CHAP. 37.—POLYPODION : THREE REMEDIES.
Polypodion,™ known to us by the name of “ filicula,” bears
some resemblance to fern. The root of it is used medicinally ;
ey pee GB. Xxi. ¢. 19.
69 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.
ke See B. xxv. c. 37. Holland says, on the contrary, that it is a binding
ant.
“1 “Thick hair.” It is generally identified with the Leonurus mar-
rubiastrum of Linneus. Columna makes it to be the Scabiosa succisa of
Linnzus, the Devil’s bit seabious, and Brunsfeld the Angelica silvestris of
' Linneus, Wild angelica.
2 See B. xxi. c. 60. 73 See B. xxv. c. 98,
74 “Many-footed.” The Polypodium vulgare of Linnzus, the Common
polypody.
176 PLINY’ S NATURAL HISTORY. (Book XXVI.
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” 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,” 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 ap-
plied to the nostrils, it cauterizes polypus” of the nose. It has
neither seed” nor flower.
CHAP. 38.—SCAMMONY; EIGHT REMEDIES.
Scammony,” also, is productive of derangement of the
stomach. It carries off bile, and acts strongly as a purgative
upor the bowels; unless, indeed, aloes are added, in the propor-
tion of two drachme 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 some-
times 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.
> If 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. © “ Pulticula.’’
77 This fancy is solely based on the accidental resemblance of the name.
“8 He very incorrectly says this of all the ferns. See B. xxvii. cc. 17,
48, and 55.
3 The produce of the Convolvulus scammonia of Linneus, the Scam-
mony bind-weed. The scammony of Aleppo is held in the highest ys
and is very valuable. That of Smyrna also is largely imported.
Chap. 39.] THE TITHYMALOS CHARACTAS. 177
This last feature is recognized in the spurious scammony
also, a compound of meal of fitches and juice of marine tithy-
malos,*° 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 burn-
ing sensation to the tongue. To be fully efficacious, scammony
should be two*! years old; before or after that age it 1s 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,’’®
and by some persons the ‘goat lettuce.’ 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.“ The
first kind has the additional name of ‘ characias,”™ 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.
8° See the following Chapters.
8! This assertion is erroneous ; it has all its properties in full vigour im-
mediately after extraction, and retains them for an indefinite period.
82 « Herba lactaria.”’
83 Because goats are fond of it. See B. xx. c. 24.
8+ Known to us by the general name of Euphorbia of Spurge.
8° The Euphorbia characias of Linnzus, 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
VOL. Ve N
178 PLINY’§S NATURAL HISTORY. . [Book XXVI.
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 ® pills. These seeds are sometimes inserted in
hollow teeth with wax: the teeth are rinsed too, with a de-
coction 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 car-
ries off pituitous humours; and in combination with saltpetre,
removes bile. In cases where it is desirable thatit should purge
by stool, it is taken with oxycrate, but where it 1s 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 i is called ‘‘ myrtites ’’®’ 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 ©
° s °
86 ¢ Catapotia.” ss“ Aphronitrum.” See B. xxx. ¢.46,
87 The Euphorbia myrsinites of Linnzeus.
Chap. 42.] THE TITHYMALOS HELIOSCOPIOS. 179
once, some, indeed, not till the ensuing year. The name given to
this fruit is the “‘nut,’? whence the Greek appellation ‘cary-
ites.”® Jt 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 1s 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 ul-
cerations 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,”® orelse as ‘ tithymalis.”® 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®! is known by the additional
name of “ helioscopios.”’” It has leaves like those of purslain,™
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” are remarkably fond of it. It receives its additional
name of ‘‘ helioscopios’’ from the fact that the heads of it turn”
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.
' 8 From the Greek eapvoy, a ‘ nut.”
89 “¢Sea-shore’’ tithymalus. See B. xx. c. 80.
°° The Euphorbia paralias of Linnzus, Sea spurge.
_ %* The Euphorbia helioscopia of Linnzeus, Sun spurge or Wart-wort.
% “ Sun-watching.” 83 pee! B..xx,’¢. Sl.
4 Fée says that this is more than doubtful.
° An assertion, Fée says, not confirmed by modern observation.
Nt
180 PLINY’ S NATURAL HISTORY. {Book XXVI.
CHAP. 43.—THE TITHYMALOS CYPARISSIAS: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES.
In the fifth place we have the tithymalos known as ‘“‘ cypa-
rissias,”’®* from the resemblance of its leaves to those of the
cypress. It has a double or triple stem, and grows in cham-
paign 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’’” by some, and
‘“‘corymbites’’ or ‘‘amygdalites”’ by others, from its resem-
blance to the almond-tree. The leaves of this kind are the
largest of all: it hasa fatal effect upon fish. An infusion of
the root or leaves, or the juice, taken in doses of four drachme,
in honied wine, or hydromel, acts as a purgative. It is par-
ticularly useful also for carrying off the aqueous humours.
CHAP. 45.—THE TITHYMALOS DENDROIDES, COBIOS, OR LEPTO-
PHYLLOS: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES.
The seventh kind has the additional name of ‘‘dendroides,’’® —
and is known by some persons as “‘cobios,”” and by others as
‘““leptophyllos.” 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 abun-
dant. Its properties are the same as those of the characias.'
CHAP. 46.—THE APIOS ISCHAS, OR RAPHANOS AGRIA : TWO
REMEDIES.
The apios ischas or raphanos agria,* 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
9 The Euphorbia cyparissias of Linneeus, the Cypress spurge, or else the
Euphorbia Aleppica of Linnzus.
97 *¢ Broad-leaved,’”’ ‘‘ clustered,” and ‘almond-like.”’ It is the Eu-
phorbia platyphyllos of Linnzeus, the Broad-leaved spurge.
9 “ Tree-like ””
99 «‘Small-leaved.” ‘The Euphorbia dendroides of Linnzus, the Shrubby
spurge. 1 See c. 39 above.
2 «Wild radish.” Identified with the Euphorbia apios of Linneus, a
plant with dangerous properties.
Chap. 48.] DISEASES OF THE SPLEEN. 181
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 ace-
tabulum, 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? is curative of gripings in the bowels ;
as also betony, except in those cases where they arise from.
indigestion. Juice of peucedanum* is good for flatulency, acting
powerfully as a carminative: the same is the case, also, with
root of acoron® and with daucus,® eaten like lettuce as a salad.
Ladanum’ 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® is taken in the morning, in
doses of two spoonfuls, with one spoonful of poppy in four
eyathi 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,® 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,’® taken in honied wine :
teucria,"’ also, is particularly useful for the same purpose,
3 See B. xxv. c. 11, et seg. 4 See. B. xxv. c. 70.
5 See B. xxv. c. 100. 6 See B. xxv. c. 64.
7 See B. xii. ec. 37, and c. 30 of this Book.
8 See B. xxv. c. 39. 9 See B. xviii. ¢. 14.
0 pee: B.xxyv..c. 11, et seg. 11 See B. xxiv. ¢. 80.
182 PLINY § NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
taken in a dry state, or boiled down in the proportion of one
handful to three hemine 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. Polemo-
nia is taken in wine, and betony, in doses of one drachma,
in three cyathi of ‘oxymel: aristolochia, too, 1s used in the
same manner as for injuries inflicted by serpents.* Arge-
monia,* 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 nymphea heraclia,” taken in wine, or by itself,
diminishes the spleen.
Cissanthemos,”* 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,'’.also, boiled before it has shed itsseed. A decoction
of root of peucedanum 8 is good for the spleen and kidneys.
Acoron,” taken in drink, diminishes the spleen; and the roots
of it are very beneficial for the viscera and iliac regions. or
similar purposes, seed of clymenus” is taken, for thirty con-
secutive 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*
is used externally for diseases of the spleen; scordium,” 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,” produce the most excruciating torments),
polemonia™ is highly efficacious, taken in wine; agaric also,
and leaves or root of plantago, taken in raisin wine. Betony,
12 See B. xxv. c. 28. 13 See B. xxv. ec, 5d.
14 See B. xxv. c. 56. 15 See B. xxv. c. 37.
16 See B. xxv. c. 68.
17 See B. xxv. c. 88. Fée says that it is the Aspidium lonchitis of Lin-
nus, that is meant. 18 See B. xxv. c. 70.
19 See B. xxv. c. 100. 20 See B. xxv. c. 33.
21 See B. xxv. c. 20.
22 Or Scordotis. See B. xxv. c. 27.
23 In B. xxv. c. 7. 24 See B. xxv. c. 28.
Chap. 50.] 7 CRETHMOS. 183
too, is very good, as already observed, when speaking* 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™ 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™ is employed for hernia in infants, and
psyllion* is used as an application in cases of umbilical
hernia. The two kinds of anagallis” are diuretic, and a
similar effect is produced by a decoction of root of acoron,* 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® are used for the cure of calculi; and for all
inflammations of the genitals, myrrh is mixed in equal propor-
tions with the stem and seed. The more tender leaves of
ebulum,*” beaten up and taken with wine, expel calculi of the
bladder, and an application of them is curative of diseases of
the testes. Hrigeron,** with powdered frankincense and sweet
wine, is curative of inflammation of the testes; and root of
symphytum,* applied topically, reduces rupture of the groin.
The white hypocisthis® is curative of corroding ulcers of the
genitals. Artemisia® is prescribed also in sweet wine for the
cure of calculi andof strangury; and rootof nymphea heraclia,””
taken in wine, allays pains in the bladder.
CHAP. 50.—CRETHMOS: ELEVEN REMEDIES. CACHRY.
A similar property belongs also to crethmos,*® a plant highly
*5 See c. 19 of this Book. 26 See B. xxv. cc. 88, 89.
27 See B. xxv. c. 70. 28 See B. xxv. c. 90.
29 See B. xxv. c. 92. 30 See B. xxv. c. 100.
°! 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. 32 See B. xxv. c. 71.
33 See B. xxv. c. 106. 34 See B. xxvil. ¢. 24. .
35 See ¢. 31 of this Book. 28 See Bl ax...) a0:
37 See B. xxv. c. 37. 38 See B. xxv. c. 96,
184 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
praised by Hippocrates. This is one of the wild plants that
are commonly eaten—at all events, we find Callimachus men-
tioning it as one of the viands set on table by the peasant
Hecale.* It is a species of garden batis,*' with a stem a palm
in height, and a hot seed, odoriferous like that of libanotis,”
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. Itimproves 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:* dried and
powdered and taken in wine, it removes strangury, and, with
the addition of daucus,** 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® is a plant very like the lentil. Taken in
wine, it is remedial for diseases of the bladder, and arrests
hemorrhage. Another variety of it is the anthyllis, a plant
resembling the chameepitys,* with a purple flower, a powerful
smell, and a root like that of endive.
CHAP. 02.—CEPHA: ONE REMEDY.
The plant known as “‘ cepzea’’*’ is even more efficacious. It
39 De Nat. Mul. c. 20, and De Morb. Mul. I. 10.
49 See B. xxii. ¢. 44. 41 See B. xxi. c. 50.
42 See B. xxv. c. 18. 43 See B. xxvii. ¢. 6.
44 See B. xxv. ¢. 64. #5 See B. xxi. ¢, 10g.
46° See Buxxiewl0ay, hs
47 The Sedum cepa of Linneus, the Sea purslain. Holland calls it
“ Beccabunga,”’ or ‘ Brooklime.”
Chap. 54,] CAROS OR HYPERICON. 185
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, CHAMMPITYS, OR CORISON: NINE
REMEDIES. 3
Hypericon,* otherwise known as the ‘chamepitys’” or
* corison,”’”’ is possessed of similar properties. It is a plant!
with a stem like that 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 diarrhoea, 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’™ by
some. The leaves of it resemble those of the tamarix,™
beneath® which it grows, but are more unctuous” and not so
red. It is an odoriferous plant, somewhat more than a palm”
in height, of a sweet flavour, and slightly pungent. The seed
is of a warming nature, and is consequently productive of eruc-
tations; it is not, however, injurious to the stomach. This
plant is particularly useful for strangury, provided the bladder
48 Perhaps so called from the impressions on the leaves, vzép and éuxwr,
or else from its resemblance to heath, vmép and épéexn. See, however
Note 55 below. 49 “¢ Ground pine.”
60 Sillig reads this ‘“‘corissum.’? Former editions have ‘‘ corion.”
51 Tdentified by Fée with the Hypericum perforatum of Linnzus, the
Perforated St. John’s wort. Littré gives the Hypericum crispum of Linnzus.
& “QOleraceo.” Another reading is ‘ surculaceo,”’ “ tough and ligneous ;”
and is, perhaps, preferable.
53 ** Coris’’ is the old and more common reading, Fée identifies it with
the Hypericum coris of Linnzus, and Brotero with the H. saxatile of
Tournefort. Desfontaines gives as its synonym the Coris Monspelliensis.
4 See B. xxiv. c. 41.
55 It is not improbable, supposing the ‘“tamarix’’ to be one of the
Hrice, that to this circumstance it may owe its name. Indeed Dioscorides
has épétcy, in the corresponding passage.
6 «¢ Pinguioribus.”
®7 Dioscorides gives the stem larger dimensions.
186 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
be not ulcerated; taken in wine, it is curative of pleurisy
also.
CHAP. 00.—THE CALLITHRIX: ONE REMEDY. THE PERPRESSA >
ONE REMEDY. THE CHRYSANTHEMUM: ONE REMEDY. THE
ANTHEMIS : ONE REMEDY.
Callithrix,®’ 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,*® a plant which grows in the vicinity of Arretium
and in Illyricum, is boiled down to one third in three heminz
of water, and the decoction taken in drink: the same too with
trefoil,“ which is administered in wine; and the same with
the chrysanthemum.” The anthemis® 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.®
CHAP. 56.—SILAUS: ONE REMEDY.
Silaus* is a plant which grows in running streams with
a gravelly bed. It bears some resemblance to parsley, and is
a cubit in height. Itis cooked in the same manner as the
acid vegetables,® and is of great utility for affections of the
bladder. In cases where that organ is affected with eruptions,
it is used in combination with root of panaces,” a plant
which is otherwise bad for the bladder.
*8 See B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxv. ec. 86.
59 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.
60 See B. xxi. c. 30.
61 The same as the Helichrysos of B. xx. cc. 38 and 96. It is identified
with the Chrysanthemum segetum of Linnzeus, the Corn marygold.
62 Fée identifies it with the Eranthemis of B. xxii. c. 26, which he con-
siders to be the Anthemis rosea of Linneus, the Rose camomile.
63 See c, 32 of this Book.
6£ Hardouin thinks that it is the Apium graveolens of Linneus, Smallage;
but at the present day it is generally identified with the Peucedanum silaus
of Linnzus, the Meadow sulphur-wort, or saxifrage.
65 Sorrel, for instance. 66 *¢ Scabiem.”
Sr pees. XEV.ic2 al,
Chap. 58.]. REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE TESTES. - 187
The erratic apple,® 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.” Sea-nettle’” is employed too for the same pur-
pose, daucus,” and seed of plantago in wine.
CHAP. 57.—THE PLANT OF FULVIUS.
The plant of Fulvius” too—so called from the first discoverer
of it, and well known ® to herbalists—bruised in wine, acts as
a diuretic.
CHAP. 08.—BEMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE TESTES AND OF
THE FUNDAMENT.
Scordion™ reduces swellings of the testes. Henbane is
curative of diseases of the generative organs. Strangury is cured
by juice of peucedanum,” 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 drachme in wine; and root or seed
of daucus,” in doses of onedrachma. For the cure of sciatica,
the seed and leaves of erythrodanum”™ are used, pounded ;
panaces,”® taken in drink; polemonia,’” employed as a friction ;
and leaves of aristolochia,™ 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’®! and
of pains in the shoulders. Cinquefoilis 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® is taken in wine.
8 Generally supposed to be the same as the ‘“ Apple of the earth,”
mentioned in B. xxv. ¢. 54. asuiseeB. mxes ae
70 Jt is doubtful whether he means an animal or plant; most probably
the latter, but if so, it is quite unknown, Tl See B. xxv. c. 64.
2 ( Werba Fulviana.”’ 73 A plant now unknown.
74 See B. xxv. c. 27. In reality it is of an irritating nature.
1% See B. xxv.-t. 70. 76 See Boxxv. c. 64.
™ 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. 78 See B. xxv. ¢. 11, ef seq.
79 See B. xxv. c. 28. 80 See B. xxv. c. 54,
8! Or “broad” tendon. The Tendon Achillis,
8? See ec. 53 and 54 of this Book.
188 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIL
For diseases of the fundament and for excoriations plantago
is remarkably efficacious ; for condylomata, cinquefoil; and for
procidence of the rectum, root of cyclaminos,® applied in
vinegar. The blue anagallis* reduces procidence of the
rectum, while, on the contrary, that with a red flower has a
tendency to bear it down. Cotyledon® is a marvellous cure
for condylomatous affections and piles; and root of acoron,™
boiled in wine and beaten up, is a good application for swel-
ling of the testes. According to what Cato® says, those who
carry about them Pontic®® 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. 09.—INGUINALIS OR ARGEMU.
Inguinalis® 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,” applied with honey, heals inflammatory tumours;
an effect which is equally produced by plantago applied with
salt, cinquefoil, root of persolata” used in the same way as
for scrofula; damasonium” also, and verbascum®” pounded with ©
the root, and then sprinkled with wine, and wrapped ina leaf
warmed upon ashes, and applied hot. Persons of experience
in these matters have asserted that it 1s 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
33 See B. xxv. c. 67. 8t See B. xxv. c. 92.
85 See B. xxv. c. 101. 86 See B. xxv. c. 100.
87 De Re Rust. c. 159. He says that it must be carried under the ring.
88 See B. xxvii. c. 28.
89 The ‘‘Groin plant.” Probably the same as the Bubonion of B. xxvii.
c./49.
96 See B. xxv. c. 11, e¢ seg. 91 See c. 12 of this Book.
92 See B. xxv. ¢. 77. ° See B. xxv. ¢. 73.
Chap. 62.} THE ORCHIS. 189
be fasting too, and the damsel must say, touching him with
the back of her hand,” ‘ 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® is used for this purpose, with
water ; a decoction of root of scammony with honey; sideritis’’
beaten up with stale grease; horehound with stale axle-
grease ; or chrysippios,” a plant which owes its name to its
discoverer—with pulpy figs.
cHaP. 61. (10.)—APHRODISIACS AND ANTAPHRODISIACS.
Nympheea heraclia, used as already stated,” 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 libidi-
nous 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.”
The upper part of the root of xiphion,’ taken in wine, acts
as an aphrodisiac. The same is the case too with the wild
erethmos,” or agrios as it is called, and with horminum,’ beaten
up with polenta.‘
CHAP. 62.—THE ORCHIS OR SERAPIAS: FIVE MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES. SATYRION,
But there are few plants of so marvellous a nature as the
orchis® or serapias, a vegetable production with leaves like
4 The following is the formula of this monstrous piece of absurdity :
“‘Negat Apollo pestem posse crescere cui nuda virgo resfinguat.’*
. % See B. xxv. c. 94. 96: See B.,.xav,uc./i10.
97 An unknown plant.
% In B. xxv. c. 37. This alleged property of the Nymphea is entirely
fabulous. 99 See B. xx. c. 13.
1 See B. xxv. ce. 88 and 89. 2 See B. xxv. c. 96.
3 See B. xviii. cc. 10 and 22. 4 See B. xviii. c. 14.
5 Identified by Littré with the Orchis undulatifolia, and by Fée with
the Orchis morio of Linnzus, the Female orchis, or Female fool-stones.
Its aphrodisiac properties seem not to have been proved by modern ex-
perience, but it is nourishing in the highest degree. Linneeus, however,
seems to be of opinion that it may have the effect. of an aphrodisiac upon
190 PLINY’S NATURAL HiSTORY. [Book XXVI.
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
uleerations of the mouth, and are curative of pituitous dis-
charges 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® 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 or-
chis,’* and is supposed to be the female plant. It is dis-
tinguished 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,® 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? sheep, causes tentigo; taken in water it produces
a contrary effect.
CHAP. 63.—SATYRION : THREE MEDICINAL PROPERTIES. SATY-
RION ERYTHRAICON : FOUR MEDICINAL PROPERTIES.
The Greeks give the name of ‘‘satyrion’’’ to a plant with
cattle. “ It is the name, no doubt, signifying “ testicle,”? which none
procured for it the repute of being an aphrodisiac. .
6 Identified by Desfontaines with the Orchis pyramidalis, and by Fée
with the O. papilionacea of Linneus. Littré gives the Limodorum abor-
tivum.
7 He is probably speaking of the Crategonon of B. xxvii. 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 Mono-
cotyledon.
8 See B. xviii. c. 14. '. 9 See B. viit. c. 72.
10 LLittré identifies it with the Aceras anthropophora of Linneus; Des-
fontaines with the Orchis bifolia, the Butterfly orchis. ‘The Iris florentina
Chap. 63.] SATYRION. | ‘191
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, pro-
moting the conception of male issue, the upper or smaller part,
that of female.
They distinguish also another kind of satyrion, by the
name of ‘ erythraicon :’"' it has seed like that of the vitex,”
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 cover-
ing, a defect to which they give the name of ‘“ prosedamum.”’
The effects of this plant are neutralized by the use of hydro-
mel or lettuces.”
The Greeks, however, give the general name of ‘ satyrion”’
to all substances of a stimulating tendency, to the crategis™
for example, the thelygonon,” and the arrenogonon, plants,
the seed of which bears a resemblance to the testes."© Persons
who carry the pith of branches of tithymalos” about them,
are rendered more amorous thereby, it is said. The statements
are really incredible, which Theophrastus,'* 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 cer-
of Linnzus has also been named; but, though with some doubt, Fée is
inclined to prefer the Tulipa Clusiana, or some other kind of tulip.
11 Mostly identified with the Erythronium dens canis of Linnzus, the
TDog’s tooth violet. M. Fraas, however, in his Synopsis, p. 279, remarks
that the HK. 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 Linnezus has been suggested, and Fée thinks that
it is - likely to be the plant meant by Fliny as any other that has been
named.
12 See B. xxiv. c. 38. 13 See B. xix. c. 38.
™* “Crategonon ’? is most probably the correct reading. See B. xvi.
e. 52, and B. xxvii. ¢. 40. 15 See c. 91 of this Book.
16 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.
M Pee Bo xxvi..c. 39. 18 Hist. Plant. B: ix. ¢.. 20, -
192 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXY1.
tain plant, aman 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,'? attached to the body as an amulet, reduces vari-
cose 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 memoryeven. 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 in-
stances, 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” are used, mixed with
raisins ; Juice of henbane, or the seed, combined with meal ;
scordion,”: taken in vinegar; iberis, as already mentioned ;”
vervain, beaten up with axle-grease ; or root of cyclaminos,™
a decoction of which is good also for chilblains.
As cooling applications for gout, root of xiphion™ is used ;
seed of psyllion ;* hemlock, with litharge or axle-grease ;
and, at the first symptoms of red gout, or, in other words, hot
gout, the plant aizotim.” For either kind of gout, erigeron,”
with axle-grease, 1s very useful; leaves of plantago, beaten up
with a little salt; or argemonia,* 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” is employed also for this disease; a plant
similar to the anagallis,*° were it not that it is more branchy,
19 See B. xxv. c. 19. 20 See B. xxv. c. 11, e¢ seq.
21 See B. xxv. c. 27.
22 In B. xxv. c. 49. None of these so-called remedies are now employed.
23 See B. xxv. ¢. 67. 24 See B. xxv. ce. 88, 89.
25 See B. xxv. c. 90. _ 26 See B. xxv ec. 102.
27 See B. xxv. c. 106. 28 See B. xxv. c. 56.
20 See B. xxiv. c. 116. 30 See B. xxv. c. 92.
Chap. 66.] PHYCOS THALASSION. 193
bristling with a greater number of leaves, covered with rugo-
sities, full of a more acrid juice, and possessed of a powerful
smell, The kind that resembles anagallis most closely, is
known as mollugo.*! Asperugo*” is a similar plant, only with
amore 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,* more particu-
larly, that is so excellent aremedy for the gout. It resembles
the lettuce in appearance, and is used as the basis in dyeing
tissues with the purple of the murex.*! Used before it be-
comes 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.’ All these kinds have similar pro-
perties ; 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,’”* 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,*
too, are highly esteemed for this purpose, beaten up with
polenta.
(11.) For swellings of the ankles, slime,** 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,*® too, is very useful ;
and for pains in the sinews of the shoulder-blades, shoulders,
31 Tdentified with the Galium mollugo of Linneus, Great ladies’ bed-
straw, or Wild bastard madder.
32 The Asperugo procumbens of Linnzus has been named, but Fée re-
marks that from its resemblance to Mollugo, the plant must be sought
- among the Rubiacez, and not among the Borraginee.
85 “Fucus marinus.” See B. xiii. c. 48.
$4 “Qui conchyliis substernitur.’? See Beckmann’s Hist. Inv. Vol. I.
p. 36, Bohn’s Ed.
35 What Fucus or Laminaria this may have been is now unknown.
% See B. xxv. c. 90. 37 See B. xxv. c. 94.
38 “ Limus aquaticus.” 39 See B. xxv. c. 32,
VOL. V. 0
194 PLINY 8 NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
vertebra, and loins, an infusion of betony is taken in drink in
the same way as for diseases of the liver.“ Cinquefoil is ap-
plied topically to the joints, and a similar use is made of the
leaves of mandragora, mixed with polenta,* or else the root,
beaten up fresh with wild cucumber“ or boiled in water. For
chaps upon the toes, root of polypodion™ is used ; and for dis-
eases of the joints, juice of henbane with axle-grease; amo-
mum,“ with a decoction of the plant; centuneculus,® boiled ; or
fresh moss steeped in water, and attached to the part till it is
quite dry.
The root, too, of lappa boaria,* taken in wine, is productive
of similar effects. A decoction of cyclaminos” in water, is cura-
tive of chilblains, and all other affections resulting from cold.
For chilblains, cotyledon* is also employed with axle-grease,
leaves of batrachion,* and juice of epithymum.” Ladanum,”
mixed with castoreum,” and vervain applied with wine, ex-
tract corns from the feet. 7
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,” a plant already
described, should be taken in drink, and then the roots of the
several kinds’ 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™ 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 gene-
ral appearance.
40 See c. 19 of this Book. 41 See B. xviii. c. 14.
42 See B. xx. c. 2. 43 See c. 37 of this Book.
44 See B. xii. ¢. 28. 45 See B. xxiv. c. 88.
46 “Ox lappa.” Possibly the same as the Philanthropos, or else the
Lappa canina, both mentioned in B. xxiv. c. 116.
47 See B. xxv. ¢. 67. 48 See B. xxv. ¢. 101.
49 See B. xxv. c. 109.
50 See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 38 of this Book.
51 See By vill. c. 47. 52 See B. xxv. ¢. 9.
% See B. xxv. ¢. 11, e¢ seg. 54 See B. xxv. c. 27.
Chap. 68.] THE GERANION. 195
CHAP. 68.—THE GERANION, MYRRHIS, OR MYRTIS; THREE VARIE-
TIES OF IT: SIX REMEDIES.
The plant geranion has the additional names of ‘‘ myrrhis’’**"
and ‘‘myrtis.” It is similar to hemlock in appearance, but
has a smaller leaf and a shorter stem, rounded, and of a plea-
sant 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®* of a crane.% There is also
- another” 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 ® for
invalids when recovering their strength; this last would al-
most 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 drachme,
with pepper and myrrh. Juice of plantago,® 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 elise daucus™ with the
greater centaury in wine. For the cure of phagedena, a
o4¢ Not in reality the same plant as the Geranion; see B. xxiv. c. 97.
Littré, however, gives the Erodium moschatum of Linneus as the synonym
of this Geranion myrrhis,
55 Hence its name, from the Greek yépavoc, a “ crane.’’
% This kind of Geranion has been identified with the Geranium molle,
or Erodium malacoides of Linnzeus, the Common dove’s-foot crane’s bill.
7 Identified with the Geranium tuberosum of Linneus.
8 Fée remarks that all his assertions as to the medicinal properties of
the Geranion are erroneous.
? Bee B. xxv.-¢. 39. 69 See B. xxv. ¢. 64.
196 3 PLINY S NATURAL, HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
name given in common to bulimia®™ and to a corrosive kind
of ulcer, tithymalos® 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 afilicted, that of wakefulness is the most common.
Among the remedies for it we find panaces® mentioned,
clymenus,™ and aristolochia,® the odour of the plant being
inhaled and the head rubbed with it. Aizoiim, or houseleek,
is beneficial, wrapped in black cloth and placed beneath the
pillow, without the patient being aware of it. The onotheras®
too, or onear, taken in wine, has certain exhilarating pro-
perties; 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” attended with nausea, betony is
taken in drink: used similarly after the evening meal, it faci-
litates 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. This last is good, too, for numbness
of the limbs ; the same being the case with argemonia,™ 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” 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” is
taken, or else betony or agaric, with oxymel, the former in
doses of one drachma, the latter in doses of three oboli; leaves
61 Voracious appetite—“ sine modo esurientium.”
62 See B. xxvi. ¢. 39. 63 See B. xxv. ec. 11 and 12.
64 See B. xxv. ¢. 33. 65 See B. xxv. ec. 54. |
86 Tdentified with the Epilobium roseum of Linneus, Rose-coloured
willow-herb. 67 See c. 25 of this Book. |
63 In B. xxv. ¢. 49. 69 See B. xxv. c. 56,
70 In B. xxv. c. 12. 71 See B. xxv. c. 39.
Chap. 71.] REMEDIES FOR FEVERS. 197
of cinquefoil are taken, also, in water. Archezostis” is also
curative of epilepsy, but it must be taken constantly for a
year ; root of bacchar,” too, dried and powdered, and taken in
warm water, in the proportion of three cyathi to one cyathus
of coriander; centunculus” also, bruised in vinegar, warm
water, or honey; vervain, taken in wine; hyssop” berries,
three in number, pounded and taken in water, for sixteen days
consecutively ; peucedanum,” 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 drachmee 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
Jadanum™” also, which is found in corn fields ; plantago,” taken
in doses of two drachme, 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 pre-
scribe three roots of plantago, in three cyathi of water; and
in a similar manner, four roots for quartan fevers. When
buglossos” is beginning to wither, if a person takes the pith out
of the stem, and says while so doing, that itis 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
by 5 “ Xxill. c. 16. 73 See B. xxi. c. 16.
ee B. xxiv. ¢. 88. 75 See B. xxv. c. 87.
6 See B. xxv. c. 70. 77 See c. 30 of this Book.
78 See B. xxv. c. 39. 79 See B. xxv. c. 40.
198 PLINY 'S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVi.
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 éither kind of hypericon® is taken
also for quartan fevers and cold shiverings. Powdered betony
modifies these fits, and panaces® is of so warming a’ nature
that persons when ‘about to travel amid the snow are recom-
mended to drink an infusion of it, and to rub the body all over
with the plant. Aristolochia®™* also arrests shivering produced
by cold.
CHAP. 72.—-REMEDIES FOR PHRENITIS, LETHARGY, AND
CARBUNCLES.
Pinenitis is cured by sleep induced by the agency of an
infusion of peucedanum® in vinegar, poured upon the head, or
else by the juice of either kind of anagallis.* 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. Jor the cure of insanity, betony is
administered in drink. Panaces* brings carbuncles toa 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 con-
siderable quantities. For a similar purpose, a red-hot coai is
extinguished in the patient’s presence, and the ashes are taken
up with the finger and applied to the sore. Bruised plantago®*
is also used for the cure of carbuncles.
CHAP. 73.—REMEDIES FOR DROPSY. ACTE OR EBULUM.
CHAMAACTE.
For the cure of dropsy, tithymalos characias* is employed ;
panaces®™ also; plantago,® used as a diet, dry bread being
eaten first, without any drink; betony, taken in doses of two
drachme in two cyathi of ordinary wine or honied wine;
agaric or seed of lonchitis,” in doses of two spoonfuls, in
60 See Chapters 53 and 54 of this Book.
81 See B. xxv. c. 11, e¢ seg. el* See B. xxv. c. 54.
* See B. xxv. c. 70. 82* See B. xxv. ¢. 92.
83 See B xxv. c. 11, et seq. 83* See B. xxv. c. 39.
54 See c. 39 of this Book. 85 See B. xxv. c. 11, e¢ seg.
86 See B. xxv. c. 39. 87 See B. xxv. ¢. 88,
Chap. 74.] _ REMEDIES FOR ERYSIPELAS. 199
water; psyllion,® taken in wine; juice of either anagallis ;*
root of cotyledon” in honied wine; root of ebulum,” 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
drachme in wine; the tithymalos” known as “ platyphyllos ;””
seed of the hypericon,® otherwise known as ‘‘caros;’’ the
plant called ‘‘ acte’’—the same thing as ebulum™ 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 ad-
ministered 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 chamwacte® 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® with honey. Leaves of
ebulum,” 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,® applied as a
liniment, is curative of prurigo.
CHAP, 74,—-REMEDIES FOR ERYSIPELAS.
For the cure of erysipelas, aizoiim® is used, or else pounded
leaves of hemlock, or root of mandragora ;! this last being cut
into round slices like cucumber and suspended over must,’ 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 ;’”’* should it entirely surround the body, its effects are
88 See B. xxv. c. 90. 89 See B. xxv. ec. 92.
% See B. xxv. c. 101. 91 See B. xxv. c. 71.
% See c. 44 of this Book. 93 See c. 54 of this Book.
% See B. xxv. c. 71. 9% See B. xxv. c. 71.
% See B. xxv. c. 67, 97 See B. xxv. c. 71.
98 See B. xxi. c. 105. 99 See B. xxv. c. 102.
1 See B. xxv. c. 94. 2 Or Grape-juice.
3 The “belt ’—known to us as “ shingles,”
200 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
fatal. For this disease, plantago* is remedial, mixed with
Cimolian® chalk ; vervain, used by itself; or root of persolata.®
For other kinds of erysipelas of a spreading nature, root of
cotyledon’ is used, mixed with honied wine; aizoiim also,® or
juice of linozostis,® in combination with vinegar. :
cHap. 75. (12.)—REMEDIES FOR SPRAINS.
For the cure of sprains, root of polypodion” is used, in the
form of a liniment: the pain and swelling are modified also by
using seed of psyllion ;"' leaves of plantago” beaten up with
a little salt ; seed of verbascum,” boiledin wine and pounded ;
or hemlock with axle-grease. Leaves of ephemeron™ 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’ tells us that the appearance of jaundice
on or after the seventh day in fevers is a fatal symptom; but
Iam 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. Itis.combated by taking the
greater centaury,'* 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” is also taken in drink in
doses of three drachme, the patient sitting in a warm room
free from all cold and draughts, the infusion expelling the
bile by its action as a sudorific.
4 See B. xxv. ¢. 39. 5 See B. xxxv. c. 57.
6 See B. xxv. c. 66. 7 See B. xxv. c. 101.
8 See B. xxv. ce. 102. 9 See B. xxv. c. 18.
10 See c. 37 of this Book. 11 See B. xxv. ec. 90.
12 See B. xxv. c. 39. 13 See B. xxv. ¢. 73.
14 See B. xxv. c. 107. 15 B. iv. ec. 62, 64.
16 See B. xxy. ¢. 30. 17 See B. xxv. c. 67.
Chap. 79.] REMEDIES FOR ABSCESSES. 201
Leaves of tussilago’® are also used in water for this purpose ;
the seed of either kind of linozostis,’® sprinkled in the drink, or
made into a decoction with chick-pease or wormwood : hyssop
berries taken in water; the plant lichen,” all other vege-
tables being carefully abstained from while it is being used ;
polythrix,”* taken in wine; and struthion,” in honied wine.
CHAP. 77.—REMEDIES FOR BOILS.
There are boils also, known as “ furunculi,”’®? 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™ are em-
ployed, beaten up with polenta,” if the boil has not come to a
head. They are dispersed also by an application of leaves of
ephedron.”*
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*’ is used for their cure, with the
addition of lotions*® and boiled honey: juice of plantago” is
also employed, as an injection ; cinquefoil, mixed with salt and
honey ; ladanum,*” combined with castoreum ;* cotyledon,”
applied hot with stag’s marrow ; pith of the root of verbascum*®
reduced toa liquid state in the shape of a lotion, and injected ;
root of aristolochia ;** or juice of tithymalos.”
CHAP. 79.—REMEDIES FOR ABSCESSES AND HARD TUMOURS.
Abscesses and inflammations are cured by an application of.
leaves of argemonia.* For indurations and gatherings of all
descriptions a decoction of vervain or cinquefoil in vinegar is
18 Or Bethion. See B. xxiv. c. 85.
19 See B. xxv. ¢. 19. 20 See c. 10 of this Book.
21 See B. xxv. c. 83. 22 See B. xix. c. 18.
*3 “Tittle thieves,” literally. 24 See c. 36 of this Book.
26 See B. xviii. c. 14. 26 See c, 83 of this Book.
27 See B, xxv.c. 31. 28 “ Collyriis.”’
29 See B. xxv. c. 39 30 See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 30 of this Book.
31 See B. viii. c. 47. 32 See B. xxv. c. 101.
33 See B. xxv. cc. 73. 34 See B. xxv. c. 54:
85 See c. 39 of this Book. 36 See B. xxv. ¢. 56.
202 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI._
used; leaves or root of verbascum ;*" a liniment made of wine
and hyssop ; root of acoron,** a decoction of it being used as a
fomentation ; or else aizoiim.*® Contusions also, hard tumours,
and fistulous abscesses are treated with illecebra.”
All kinds of foreign substances which have pierced the
flesh are extracted by using leaves of tussilago,*’ daucus,” or
seed of leontopodium* pounded in water with polenta.* To
suppurations, leaves of pycnocomon® are applied, beaten up
with polenta, or else the seed of that plant, or orchis.6 An
application of root of satyrion“ 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,* used
before it has dried. Root, too, of alcima® disperses gatherings.
CHAP. 80.——REMEDIES FOR BURNS.
Burns are cured by the agency of plantago,” or of arction,™
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. Roots of cyclaminos” are used, in combination with
aizoiim ;** the kind of hypericon also, which we have mentioned
as being called ‘‘ corissum.’’
CHAP. 81.—REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE SINEWS AND JOINTS.
For diseases of the sinews and joints, plantago,” beaten up
with salt, is a very useful remedy, or else argemonia,® pounded
with honey. Patients affected with spasms or tetanus are
rubbed with juice of peucedanum.” For indurations of the
sinews, juice of egilops® is employed, and for pains in those
parts of the body erigeron™ or epithymum,” used as a liniment,
» 37 See B. xxv. c. 73. 38 See B. xxv. c. 100.
39 See B. xxv.c. 102, © 40 See B, xxv. ec. 103.
4l See B. xxiv. c. 85. 42 See B. xxv. c. 64.
43 See B. xxvil. ec. 72. 44 See B. xviii. ¢. 14.
45 See Chapters 36 and 77 of this Book.
46 See c. 62 of this Book. 47 See c. 62 of this Book.
48 See c. 66 of this Book.
49 Probably the ‘‘ Alcea’ of B. xxvii. ¢. 6. See also B. xxv. c. 77.
50 See B. xxv. ¢. 39. . 51 See B. xxvii. c. 16,
52 See B, xxv. c. 67. 53 See B. xxv. c. 102.
54 Or “Corison.”’ See c. 53 of this Book.
55 See B. xxv. c¢..39. 56 See B. xxv. c. 56.
57 See B. xxv. c. 70. 58 See B. xxv. c. 93.
59 See B. xxv. c. 106. 60 See c. 35 of this Book.
Chap. 83.] HIPPURIS. 203
with vinegar. Jn cases of spasms and opisthotony, it is an -
excellent plan to rub the part affected with seed of the hype-
ricon known as ‘caros,’® and to take the seed in drink.
Phrynion,® 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 opis-
thotony, root of alcima® is administered in hydromel ; used in
this manner, it has a warming effect when the limbs are
benumbed with cold.
CHAP, 82.—REMEDIES FOR HEMORRHAGE.
The red seed of the plant called ‘‘ pseonia’’™ arrests heemorr-
hage; the root also is possessed of similar properties. But it
is clymenus® that should be employed, when there are dis-
charges of blood at the mouth or nostrils, from the bowels, or
from the uterus. In such cases, lysimachia® also is taken in
drink, applied topically, or introduced into the nostrils; or
else seed of plantago,” or cinquefoil, is taken in drink, or em-
ployed 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; aizoiim®™ also, and root of as-
tragalus.© Isehemon” and achillea” likewise arrest heemorr-
hage. — 7 :
cHap. 83, (13.)—-HIPPURIS, OTHERWISE CALLED EPHEDRON,
ANABASIS, OR EQUISHTUM; THREE KINDS OF IT: EIGHTEEN
REMEDIES,
Equiszetum, a plant called ‘‘ hippuris” by the Greeks, and
which we have mentioned in terms of condemnation, when
treating of meadow lands”—it being, in fact, a sort of hair of
the earth, similar in appearance to -horse-hair™—is used by
runners for the purpose of diminishing’ the spleen. For this
61 See c. 53 of this Book. 62 See B. xxv. c. 76.
63 See Note 49 above. 64 Our peony. See B. xxv. c. 10.
6 See B. xxv. c. 33. 66 See Bb. xxv. ¢@. 35.
67 See B. xxv. ¢. 39. 68 See B. xxv. c. 102.
69 See c. 29 of the present Book. ‘ See B, xxv. c. 46.
71 See B. xxv. c. 19.
7 In B. xviii. c. 67 ; where itis called “‘equisatis,’ M. Fraas identifies
it with the Equiseetum limosum of Linneus.
73 Whence its name ‘ equiseetum.”
74 See B. xi. c. 30.
204 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
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 1s possessed of
virtues of such a marvellous nature, that if touched by the
patient only, it will arrest hemorrhage. 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, rup-
tures, 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® hippuris, also, with —
shorter tufts, softer and whiter. This last, they say, isremark- —
ably good for sciatica, and, applied with vinegar, for wounds, —
it having the property of stanching the blood. Bruised nym-
pheea® is also applied to wounds. Peucedanum’’is taken in drink
with cypress seed, for discharges of blood at the mouth or by
the lower passages. Sideritis’ is possessed of such remark- |
able 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 |
75 Identified by Littré with the Ephedra fragilis of Linneus. Fée gives _
as its synonym the Equisetum arvense of Linnzeus, the Common horse- tail,
or Corn horse-tail. 76 See B. xxv. ¢. 37.
7 See B. xxv. c. 70. 78 See B. xxv. €. 15s
Chap. 85.] REMEDIES FOR RUPTURES. 205
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,” applied
with water. Powdered betony, taken with goat’s milk, or
bruised plantago,® arrests discharges of blood from the ma-
mille. Juice of plantago is administered to patients when
vomiting blood. For local discharges of blood, an application of
root of persolata®™ 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™ 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 ;* scordium ;* or
aristolochia® 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,®
also, with a golden flower ; root of acoron ;*” the several varieties
of aizoum,® the juice of the larger kind being particularly
efficacious ; Juice of symphytum,® or a decoction of the root of
that plant; daucus,® unboiled; erysithales,”' a plant with a
yellow flower and a leaf like that of acanthus, taken in wine;
chamzerops ;*” irio,” taken in pottage; plantago™ taken any
way, asalso * * * *
"9 Dalechamps identifies it with the Potentilla anserina of Linnzus,
Silver-weed, or White tansy; but on insufficient grounds, Fée thinks.
80 See B. xxv. c. 39. 81 See B. xxv. c. 66.
82 See B. xxv. c. 30. 83 See B. xxv. c. 11, e¢ seq.
a “hos B: aca. .¢. 27. 85 See B. xxv. c. 64.
ee B. xxv. c. 73. 87 See B. xxv. c. 100.
88 See B. xxv. c. 102. 89 See B. xxvii. c. 24.
99 See B. xxv. c. 64.
5! C. Bauhin identifies it with the Cnicus erysithales of Willdenow ;
but that plant, Fée says, was unknown to the Greeks.
9 See B. xxiv. c. 80. 93 See B. xviii. c. 10.
4 See B. xxv. c. 39.,
206 PLINY 8 NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
CHAP. 86.—REMEDIES FOR PHTHIRIASIS.
Phthiriasis is a disease which proved fatal to the Dictator
Sylla,® 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® 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” is
used as an application for running ulcers, in warm wine.
That which we have spoken of as the ‘‘ chironion’’® is par-
ticularly 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 1s amalgamated
with flower® of copper tempered with wine, either the seed,
flower, or root, being employed for the purpose. Mixed with
polenta’ it is good for old wounds. The following are also
good detergents for wounds: heraclion siderion,? apollinaris,>
psyllion,* tragacantha,’? and scordotis* mixed with honey.
Powdered scordotis, applied by itself, consumes fleshy excres-
cences on the body. Polemonia’ is curative of the malignant
ulcer known as ‘‘cacoéthes.” The greater centaury,® sprinkled
in powder, or applied in the form of a liniment, or the leaves of
the smaller? centaury, boiled or pounded, act as a detergent
upon inveterate ulcers, and effect a cure. To recent wounds,
the follicules of the clymenus” 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 isemployed. For wounds, a kind of lycium” is prepared
from gentian.
95 See B. xi. ce. 39, and B. xx. c. 32. 96 See B. xxiii. c. 13.
97 See B. xxv. c. 11, e¢ seq. 9 See B. xxv. ¢. 18.
99 For a description of this substance, see B. xxxiv. c. 24.
1 See B. xviii. c. 14. 2 See B. xxv. ec. 15.
3 See B. xxv. c. 17. 4 See B. xxv. c. 90.
5 See B. xiii. c. 36. 6 See B. xxv. e. 27.
7 See B. xxv. c. 28. 8 See B. xxv. c. 30.
9 See B. xxv. c. dl. 10 See B. xxv. e. 33.
11 See B. xxiv. ¢. 77.
Chap. 87.] REMEDIES FOR ULCERS. : 207
Lysimachia” is curative of recent wounds, and plantago'* of
all kinds of ulcerations,those on females, infants, and aged per-
sons 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’* 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” even. In cases
where the cure is almost hopeless, it is applied with axle-
grease. Dittany,”* 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 pro-
portion of one obolus to one cyathus of water. Nearly equal
in its efficacy is pseudo-dictamnon : they are both of them
useful, also, for dispersing suppurations.
Aristolochia’® cauterizes putrid sores, and, applied with honey,
acts as a detergent upon sordid ulcers. At the same time also,
if 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,’? in vinegar, it closes recent wounds. Vervain, or cinque-
foil with salt and honey, is remedial for ulcers of long stand-
ing. Roots of persolata?® are applied to recent wounds in-
flicted 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. Damaso-
nium” is used for wounds the same way as for scrofula,” and
leaves of verbascum* are employed with vinegar or wine.
Vervain is useful for all kinds of callosities or putrid sores;
root of nymphea heraclia™ is curative of running ulcers ; and
12 See B. xxv. c, 35. 13 See B. xxv. ¢. 39.
14 See B, xxv. cc, 50.
15 See B. xix. c. 4, B. xxiii. ¢. 35, and B. xxxiv. c. 52.
Pe psee) Bumx vs C. Od.
“ Bastard dittany. See B. xxv. ¢. 53.
18 See B. xxv. c. 54. 19 See B. xxi. ¢c. 19.
20 See B. xxv. c. 66. 21 See B. xxv. c. 77.
22 See e. 12 of this Book. 23 See B. xxv. c. 73.
24 See B. xxv. ¢. 37. -
208 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
the same is the case with root of cyclaminos,” 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 peu-
cedanum,”a plant which exercises so powerful an influence upon
fresh wounds, as to cause exfoliation even of the bones. The two
varieties of anagallis” are possessed of similar properties, and
act as a check upon the corrosive sores known as “‘ nome”’ and
_ upon defluxions; they are useful also in cases of recent wounds,
those of aged people in particular. Fresh leaves of mandra-
gora,** 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” by the
agency of wine—as also the plant aizoiim®°—is curative of her-
petic eruptions, and corrosive or putrid sores. Erigeron”
is employed for ulcers which breed maggots. Root of astra-
galus® is used for the cure of recent wounds or of ulcers of
long standing ; and upon these last either kind of hypocisthis®*
acts as adetergent. Seed of leontopodium,™ bruised in water
and applied with polenta,* extracts pointed weapons from the
flesh : a result equally produced by using seed of pycnocomon.”
The tithymalos characias™ supplies its juice for the cure of gan-
grenes, phagedeenic sores, and putrid ulcers; or else a decoction
is made of the branches with polenta and oil. Roots of or-
chis*® 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 “‘ cacoéthes.”” Onothera® also,
used by itself, is curative of ulcers when rapidly gaining head.
The people of Scythia employ scythice® for the treatment
of wounds. For carcinoma, argemonia,* applied with honey,
is extremely efficacious. For sores that have prematurely
closed, root of asphodel is boiled, in manner already®* stated,
25 See B. xxv. c. 67. 26 See B. xxv. c. 70.
27 See B. xxv. c. 92. “8 See B. xxv. c. 94.
29 “Siligo.’? See B. xviii. c. 20. 30” See B. xxv en On:
31 See B. xxv. ec. 106. 82 See c. 29 of this Book.
33 See c. 31 of this Book. 34 See B. xxvil. c. 72.
35 See B. xxviii. c. 14. 36 See c. 36 of this Book.
37 See c. 39 of this Book. 38 See c. 62 of this Book.
39 See c. 69 of this Book.
40 Our “liquorice,” see B. xxv. c. 43.
41 See B. xxv. c. 66.
rs
r)
In B. xxii. ¢. 33.
Chap. 89.] REMEDIES FOR WARTS. 209
and then beaten up with polenta, and applied. For all kinds
of wounds apollinaris“ is very useful. Root of astragalus,*
reduced to powder, is good for running ulcers; the same, too,
with callithrix,*” boiled in water. For blisters, more particu-
larly when caused by the shoes, vervain is used, as also pounded
lysimachia, “ or nymphea* dried and powdered; but when
they have assumed the form of inveterate ulcers, polythrix®
will be found more serviceable.
CHAP. 88.—POLYCNEMON : ONE REMEDY.
Polycnemon™ is a plant which resembles cunila bubula ;*
it has a seed like that of pennyroyal, a ligneous stem with
numerous articulations, and odoriferous umbels, with a plea-
sant 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” causes sores to cicatrize
with the greatest rapidity; the same, too, with sideritis,”
which is applied in combination with honey. The seed and
leaves of verbascum,* 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® mixed with po-
lenta,** and roots of cyclaminos” with honey. Leavesof trixago,**
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 carcino-
matous sores and inveterate blisters on the neck.
CHAP. 89.—REMEDIES FOR WARTS, AND APPLICATIONS FOR THE
REMOVAL OF SCARS.
Argemonia® with vinegar, or root of batrachion,® removes
warts ; this last having the effect also of bringing off malformed
43 See B. xviii. ¢. 14. 44 See B. xxvi c. Li.
45 See c. 29 of this Book.
46 See B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxv. c. 86. 47 See B. xxv. c. 35.
48 See B. xxv. ¢. 37. 49 See Note 46 above.
5° Desfontaines identifies it with the Mentha cervina, or Stag mint.
5! See B. xix. c. 50, and B. xx. c. 61.
is a B. xxvil. ¢. 24, 53 See B. xxv. c. 19.
ee B. xxv. c, 73. 55 See B. xxv. c. 94.
6 See B. xviii. c. 14. 57 See B. xxv. ¢. 67.
58 See B. xxiv. ec. 80. 59 See B. xxv. c. 56,
60 See B. xxv. c. 109.
VoL. V. P
210 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
nails. The juice or the leaves, applied topically, of either
kind of linozostis,“ remove warts. All the varieties of tithy-
malos™ are efficacious for the removal of every kind of wart,
as also of hangnails® and wens. Ladanum™ imparts a fresh
colour and seemly appearance to scars.
(15.) The traveller who carries artemisia® attached to his
person, or elelisphacus, ® 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 peonia,” taken in hydro-
mel: the root also is an effectual emmenagogue. Seed of
panaces,® mixed with wormwood, acts as an emmenagogue and
as a sudorific: the same, too, with scordotis,® 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 menstru-
ation is arrested by a pessary of achillea,” 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 mamille,
and the root is employed in the form of a plaster for uterine
affections ; chelidonia,” too, is applied to the mamille.
Roots of panaces,” applied as a pessary, bring away the
after-birth and the dead fcetus, and the plant itself, taken in
wine, or used as a pessary with honey, acts as a detergent
upon the uterus. Polemonia,” 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,” taken in drink, or
employed as a fomentation, acts as an emmenagogue. The root
also of the larger centaury, similarly used, 1s good for pains in
the uterus; scraped and used as a pessary, it expels the
dead foetus. For pains of the uterus, plantago” is applied as
a pessary, in wool, and for hysterical suffocations, itis taken in
GLa Sep Berxxye C. 13: 6 See c. 39 of this Book, et seq.
63 «« Pterysia. 84 See B. xii. c. 37 and c. 30 of this Book.
65 See B. xxv. c. 81. 66 See B. xxii. c. 71.
67 See Bxexe: C00. 68 See. Braxv.@.,44)/ et seg:
69 See B. xxv. c. 27. 70 See B. xxv. c. 19.
71 See B. xxv. c. 50. 7 See B. xxv. c. 11, et seg.
7 See B. xxv. c. 28. 7 See B. xxv. ¢. 31.
™ See B. xxv. ¢. 39.
Chap. 90.] REMEDIES FOR FEMALE DISEASES. 211
drink. Butit is dittany that is of the greatest efficacy in cases
of this description ; it acts as an emmenagogue, and is an ex-
pellent of the foetus 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 fumiga-
tion. Pseudodictamnum” possesses pretty nearly the same vir-
tues, but it acts as an emmenagogue also, boiled in doses of one
denarius in unmixedwine. Aristolochia,” 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 fetus
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
eyathus of old wine: vervain is used also in similar cases, as a
pessary, with fresh hog’s lard; or else antirrhinum,” with rose
oil and honey. Root of Thessalian nymphea,” used. as 4
pessary, is curative of pains in the uterus; taken in red wine,
it arrests uterine discharges. Root of cyclaminos,® 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,*! taken.in drink,
brings away the after-birth, and is curative of diseases of the
uterus. The upper part of the root of xiphion,® taken in
doses of one drachma, in vinegar, promotes menstruation. A
fumigation of burnt peucedanum® has a soothing effect in
eases of hysterical suffocation. Psyllion,* taken in the pro-
portion of one drachma to three cyathi of hydromel, is par-
ticularly good for promoting the lochial discharge. Seed of
mandragora,” taken in drink, acts as a detergent upon the
6 “ Bastard dittany.” See B, xxv. c. 53. 77 See B. xxv. ¢. 54.
73 See B. xxv. c. 80. 79 See B. xxv. ¢. 37.
£0 See B. xxv. c. 67. 81 See B. xxv. c. 68,
82 See B. xxv. ¢. 88. *3 See B. xxv. ec 70.
84 See B.. xxv. ¢: 90. 8 See B, xxv. c. 94,
Pp 2
212 PLINY § NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI..
uterus; the juice, employed in a pessary, promotes menstruation
and expels the dead foetus. The seed of this plant, used with
live sulphur, arrests menstruation when in excess; while ba-
trachion,® 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, it has a burning
flavour ; but when cooked, the taste of it 1s greatly improved by
the addition of salt, ou], and cummin. Daucus,” taken in drink,
promotes the catamenia, and is an expellent of the after-birth
in a very high degree. Ladanum,®” used as a fumigation, acts
as a corrective upon the uterus, and is employed wpe ahr for
pains and ulcerations of that organ. —
Scammony, taken in drink or used as a pessary, 18 an ex-
pellent of the dead foetus. Either kind of hypericon,” used
as a pessary, promotes menstruation: but for this purpose it
is crethmos,” according to Hippocrates, that is the most effica-
-clous, the seed or root of it being taken in wine.” * * *
of the outer coat brings away the after-birth. This plant,
taken in water, is good for hysterical suffocations; root of
geranion™ also, which is peculiarly useful for the after-birth,
and for inflation of the uterus. Hippuris,® taken in drink
or applied as a pessary, acts as a detergent upon the uterus:
polygonos,® taken in drink, promotes menstruation ; and the
same with root of alcima.” Leaves of plantago,® and agaric
in hydromel, have a similar effect. Artemisia,®® bruised and
applied as a pessary, with oil of iris,' 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 feetus
even. A decoction of the branches, used as a sitting-bath,
promotes menstruation and brings away the after-birth; the
%® See B. xxxv. c. 50. 87 See B. xxv. c. 109.
In. B., xxv. c¢. 109% 89 See B. xxv. c. 64.
9 See B. xii. c. 37, and c. 30 of this Book.
91 See Chapters 53 and 54 of this Book,
9 See B. xxv. c. 96.
493 Probably the word “juice,” or “ decoction,”’ is lost here.
°¢ See c. 68 of this Book.
% See Chapters 20 and 83 of this Book. % See B. xxvii. c. 91.
%7 The same as “Alcea” probably; see Chapters 79 and 81 of this
Book. Also B. xxvii. c. 6.
98 See B. xxv. c. 39. 99 See B. xxv. ¢. 36.
1 See B. xiii. c. 2, and B, xxi. cc. 19, 83.
Chap. 91.] ARSENOGONON. 213
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? is very useful for internal complaints of females ;
as also the two varieties of conyza,® and crethmos.* Lither
kind of anthyllis,® taken in wine, is remarkably good for uterine
affections, griping pains in that organ, and retardations of the
after-birth. Callithrix,® applied as a fomentation, is curative
of affections of the vagina: it removes scaly eruptions’ also
of the head, and, beaten up in oil, it stains the hair. Ge-
ranion,® taken in white wine, or hypocisthis® 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”? in
red wine. Seed, too, of psyllion,™ boiled in water and taken
warm, has a soothing effect upon all defluxions of the uterus.
Symphyton,” bruised in wine, promotes menstruation. Juice
of scordotis,” 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 foetus instantaneously,
even when dead, without the slightest inconvenience to the
patient. Pseudodictamnum™ is productive of a somewhat
similar effect, but not in so marked a degree: cyclaminos,”
too, attached as an amulet; cissanthemos," taken in drink;
and powdered betony, in hydromel.
CHAP. 91.—ARSENOGONON : ONE MEDICINAL PROPERTY. THELY-
GONON : ONE MEDICINAL PROPERTY.
Arsenogonon™ and thelygonon are plants, both of them,
2 See B. xxv. ec. 100. 3 See B. xxi. c. 29.
4 See B. xxv. c. 96. 5 See B. xxi. ce. 103.
6 See B. xxii. c. 30, and B. xxv. c. 86. 7 « Albugines,”
8 See c. 68 of this Book. 9 See c. 31 of this Book.
10 See B. xxv. c. 70. 11 See B. xxv. ec. 90.
12 See B. xxvii. c. 24. 13 See B. xxv. c. 27.
14 See B. xxv. c. 53. 15 See B. xxv. ¢. 67.
16 See B. xxv. c, 68.
" These two plants, the names of which signify “ begetting males,”
214 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVI.
with clusters resembling the blossoms of the olive, but paler,
and a white seed like that of the poppy. By taking thely-
gonon in drink, they say, the conception of female issue is en-
sured. 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,”* but that the seed
of arsenogonon is double, and resembles the testes in appearance.
CHAP. 92.—MASTOS: ONE REMEDY.
Aizotim, which we have spoken of under the name of digi.
tellus,’ is the great specific for diseases of the mamille. The
milk is increased by taking erigeron* in raisin wine, or else
sonchos* boiled with spelt. The plant known as ‘‘ mastos,’’”
applied topically, removes the hairs from the mamille,”* which
make their appearance after child-birth: it has the effect also
of dispersing scaly crusts*4 upon the face, and other cutaneous
affections. Gentian also, nympheea heraclia® employed in a
liniment, and root of cyclaminos,” remove all blemishes of the
skin. Seeds of cacalia,*” mixed with melted wax, plump
out the skin of the face and make wrinkles disappear. Root
of acoron,”® also, removes all spots upon the skin.
CHAP. 93.—APPLICATIONS FOR THE HAIR. LYSIMACHIA. OPHRYS.
Lysimachia” imparts a blonde tint® to the hair, and the hy-
pericon,* otherwise called ‘‘corisson,” makes it black. The
same too, with ophrys,” a plant with indentations, which re-
and “ begetting females,” are identified by Fée as the male and the female
of the same plant, the Mercurialis tomentosa of Linnzus, the Woolly
mercury. Littré gives the Mercurialis perennis of Linnzus, Dog’s mer-
cury ; and Desfontaines identifies them with the Thelygonum cynocrambe.
18 See B. xxi. c. 60. 19 In B. xxv. ce. 102.
20 See B. xxv. c. 106. 21 See B. xxii. c. 44.
22 Meaning the “breast” plant. It has not been identified.:
23 See B.. xxxil.c. 10.” 24 « Testas.””
25 See B. xxv. ¢. 37. ; 26 See B. xxv. ¢. 67.
27 See B. xxv. c. 85. 28 See B. xxv. c. 100.
29 See B. xxv. ¢. 39.
30 The most highly esteemed among the Romans of all colours of the hair.
41 See Chapter 53 of this Book,
32 The “eye-brow” plant. It is identified by Fée with the Ophrys
Chap. 93.] SUMMARY. 215.
sembles the cabbage, but has only two leaves. Polemonia,®
too, boiled in oil, imparts blackness to the hair.
As for depilatories, I reckon them in the number of cos-
metics, fit for women only, though men use them now-a-days.
or this purpose archezostis* is looked upon as highly
efficacious, as also juice of tithymalos,” 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 side-
ritis ** 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,” C. Valgius,*®* Pom-
peius Lenzus,* Sextius Niger“ who wrote in Greek, Julius
Bassus*! who wrote in Greek, Antonius Castor,” Cornelius
Celsus.” .
FortIGN auTHors quotep.—Theophrastus,** Democritus,
Juba, Orpheus,” Pythagoras,** Mago,*? Menander ® who wrote
the ‘‘ Biochresta,’’ Nicander,?’ Homer, Hesiod,” Muszeus,™
Sophocles,** Xanthus,® Anaxilaiis.® 3
-MepIcaL autHors qQvoTED. — Mnesitheus,” Callimachus,®
ovata or bifolia of Linneus, Ivy blade. The indentations in the leaves
are almost imperceptible.
33 See B. xxv. c. 28. 34 See B. xxvi. c. 70.
35 See c. 39 of this Book, ef seq. $6) See B. xxv. ¢.. 19:
37 See end of B. u. 88 See end of B. xx.
39 See end of B. xiv. 40 See end of B. xii.
41 See end of B. xx. 42 See end of B. xx.
43 See end of B. vii. 44 See end of B. iii.
45 See end of B. ii. 46 See end of B. v.
47 See end of B. xx. 43 See end of B. i.
49 See end of B. viii. 50 See end of B. xix.
51 See end of B. viii. 52 See end of B. vil.
53 See end of B. xxi. 54 See end of B. xxi.
55 See end of B. xxv. : 56 See end of B. xxi.
a See end of B. xxi. 58 See end of B. iv.
216 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. — [Book XXVI.
Phanias® the physician, Timaristus, Simus,® Hippocrates,”
Chrysippus,® Diocles,** Ophelion,® Heraclides,® Huicesius,™
Dionysius,® Apollodorus © of Citium, Apollodorus” of Taren-
tum, Praxagoras,” Plistonicus,” Medius,’? Dieuches,’* Cleophan-
tus,” Philistion,” Asclepiades,” Creteuas,”® Petronius Diadotus}”®
Jollas,® Erasistratus,*' Diagoras,” Andreas,® Mnesides,™ Epi-
charmus,® Damion,*® Tlepolemus,®” Metrodorus,® Solo,”
Lycus,” Olympias™ of Thebes, Philinus,” Petrichus,* Micton,™
Glaucias,*” Xenocrates.”
59 See end of B. xxi. 60 See end of B. xxi.
61 See end of B. xx1. 62 See end of B. vii. ©
63 See end of B. xx. 64 See end of B. xx.
65 See end of B. xx. 66 See end of B. xii.
6&7 See end of B. xv. 68 See end of B. xii.
69 See end of B. xx. 70 See end of B. xx.
71 See end of B. xx. 72 See end of B. xx.
73 See end of B. xx. 74 See end of B. xx.
75 See end of B. xx. 76 See end of B. xx.
77 See end of B. vii. 78 See end of B. xx.
79 See end of B. xx. 80 See end of B. xii.
81 See end of B. xi. 82 See end of B. xu.
83 See end of B. xx. 84 See end of B. xii.
85 See end of B. xx. 86 See end of B. xx. .
87 See end of B. xx. 88 See end of B. xx. '
89 See end of B. xx. 90 See end of B. xii.
91 See end of B. xx. 92 See end of B. xx.
%3 See end of B. xix. 94 See end of B. xx.
95 See end of B. xx. 96 See end of B. xx.
NX
217
BOOK XXVII.
A DESCRIPTION OF PLANTS, AND OF THE REMEDIES DE-
RIVED FROM THEM.
cHaP. 1, (1.)—RESEARCHES OF THE ANCIENTS UPON THIS
SUBJECT.
Tue 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 bounteous-
ness 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 tous, 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’ plant should be
brought from the shores of the Palus Meotis, and the euphor-
bia’ 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** should be conveyed to us from isles of the
Ocean situate beyond the confines of the earth!® That the
eethiopis* should reach us from a climate scorched by the
! He alludes to the Glycyrrhiza or Scythice, our Liquorice, which 1s
still found on the banks of the river Volga. See B. xxi. c. 54, B. xxii.
ce. 11, B. xxv. c. 48, and B. xxvi. ce. 15, 87. |
2 See B. xxv. c. 38. 2* See B. xxv. ¢. 6.
3 “Extra terras.”’ Meaning, the continental part of the earth.
4 See c. 3 of this Book.
218 PLINY § NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVII.
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 moun-
tains 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, CAM-
MARON, 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 *
are but touched with it, will not survive a singleday. With
this poison it was that M. Ceecilius® 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.’ 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® Re-
_ gions; 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
5 See B. xxv. c. 75.
6 Properly “Celius”—the same M. Celius Rufus who is mentioned
in B. vii. c. 50. See also B. xxxv. c. 46.
7 ‘Hine 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. See Bowiteest:
Chap. 2.] ACONITE. 219
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 them-
selves, and have shown how that venomous creatures even effect
their own cure. By the contact of aconite the scorpion is
struck with torpor,’ 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 dis-
pels its torpor, and the aconite is forced to yield before two
foes, its own enemy '° and the common" 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 appre-
ciating 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-
runbythem. It is for this reason, too, that some persons
have given to hellebore the name of ‘‘pardalianches.”” It has
been well ascertained, however, that the panther instantaneously
recovers if it can find the opportunity of eating human ordure.'*
So far as these animals are concerned, who can entertain a
doubt that it was chance only that first led them to this dis-
covery ; 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,"* yes, it is chance that is the Deity who
has made to us these numerous revelations for our practical
9 See B. xxv. c. 75.
The hellebore. See B. xxiii. c. 75, and B. xxv. c. 21.
11 The scorpion. 12 « Pard-strangle.”’
3 See B. viii. c. 41.
14 He seems here, by implication, to contradict himself, and, by his ex-
planation, to be sensible that he does so. He would appear not to have
known exactly what his belief was in reference to first causes.
220 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIL.
benefit; 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. Re-
garded 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’® has leaves like those of cyclaminos~
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 ‘ cam-
marus,’’* a circumstance owing to which the plant has received
the name of ‘“‘cammaron” from some; while others, for the
reason already’? mentioned, have called it ‘‘ thelyphonon.””
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 ‘‘ myoc-
tonon,”’* 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 ‘‘ aconee ;”* and hence it is, according to some authorities,
15 « Hoe habet nomen” is omitted ; for, as Sillig says, it is evidently a
gloss, which has crept into the text. 7
16 The ancients no doubt knew several plants under the common name
of Aconitum. The one here described, is identified by Fée with the Do-
ronicum pardalianches of Linneus, Leopard’s bane.
17 See B. xxv. c. 67. Féesays 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.
18 A kind of crab. 19 At the beginning of this Chapter.
20 «¢ Wemale-bane,”’ or “ female-killer.” See B. xx. ¢. 23.
21 “¢ Mice-killer.”” This assertion is incorrect.
22 So called from &, “without,’’ and «dre, “dust.” Theophrastus
says that it received its name from the town of Aconz, in the vicinity of
which it grew in great abundance. |
Chap. 4.J AGERATON. 221
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 re-
ceives this appellation from the fact that it fatally exercises the
same effects upon the body that the whetstone™ does upon the
edge of iron, being no sooner employed than its effects are felt.
cHaP. 3. (4.)—THIOPIS: FOUR REMEDIES.
_ Aithiopis™ is a plant with leaves resembling those of phlo-
mos,” large, numerous, hairy, and springing from the root.
The stem is square, rough, similar to that of arction®* in ap-
pearance, 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 Atthiopia, 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 AXthiopia, is
by far the best, and gives instantaneous relief.
CHAP. 4.—AGERATON : FOUR REMEDIES.
Ageraton” is a ferulaceous plant, a couple of palms in height,
similar to origanum” 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. .
23 Also called axéovn.
*4 Generally identified with the Salvia argentea of Linneus, Silver sage,
or else with the Salvia Aithiopis, Woolly sage. It must not be confounded
with the plant of the same name mentioned in B. xxiv. c. 102.
mimes ib. XXV. &. 13.
*5* See c. 16 of this Book. ‘ ;
76 “ Not growing old.” It is identified by Fée and Desfontaines with
the Achillea ageratum of Linneus, Sweet milfoil or Maudlin. Littré
gives ag its synonym, the Hypericum origanifolium.
a Dee, kXe ¢. 67.
222 PLINY § NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVII.
CHAP. 5.—THE ALOE; TWENTY-NINE REMEDIES.
The aloe** 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.” It has asingle 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” 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 aizotim.** 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 Judea,
beyond Hierosolyma, a mineral” aloe, but that it is inferior to
the other kinds, being of a darker colour and more humid than
any of the rest. Aloes® 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. Itis employed for numerous purposes, but principally
as a purgative,* it being almost the only one of all the medica-
28 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 Linneus: Desfontaines gives the Aloe
umbellata. 29 See B. xxi. c. 68. 30“ Asia,”
31 See B. xxv. c. 102. The aloe is still grown in large wooden vessels,
in this country, at least; but only as an ornament.
32 He alludes to the bitumen of Judea, much used by the Egyptians for
the purposes of embalmment.
33 He is speaking of the prepared aloes of commerce.
34 It is still used for this purpose.
_ Chap. 5.] THE ALOE. 223
ments 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 drachmee; and it operates
still more efficaciously, if food is eaten directly afterwards.
Used with astringent wine, it prevents” 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* 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 tilcerations 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 heemorrhage, 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 hemorrhoidal bleeding, when in excess. In cases of
dysentery, it is used as an injection, and where the digestion
is imperfect 1t is taken shortly after the evening meal. For
jaundice, it is administered in doses of three oboli, in
water. Asa 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 ;
35 There is no foundation, Fée says, for this statement.
36 It would appear that it is still employed in India for this purpose,
but it is no longer used in Europe.
224 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVII,
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*’ is a plant with leaves, resembling those of vervain,*
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, diarrhea,
ruptures, and convulsions.
CHAP. 7.—THE ALYPON: ONE REMEDY.
The alypon® 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
drachme, 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,* a plant known as ‘‘myosoton ’’* to some, grows in the
woods, to which fact it is indebted for its name of “ alsine.’’””
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
37 Identified by Fée with the Malva alcea of Linneus, the Vervain
mallow, an emollient and, comparatively, inert plant. Littré gives as
its synonym the Malope malachoides, Marsh mallow. Sibthorp identifies
it with the Hibiscus trionum, and Anguillara with the Althea cannabina
of Linneus. It is probably the same plant as the Alcima, mentioned several
times in B. xxvi. 38 See B. xxv. c. 59.
389 Identified with the Globularia alypum of Linnzus, the Three-toothed
leaf Globularia, or Turbith.
40 Tdentified by Sprengel with the Cerastium aquaticum, and by other
authorities with the Alsine media of Linneus, the Common chickweed.
Desfontaines suggests the Stellaria nemorum, the Broadleaved stitchwort,
but Fée prefers the Parietaria Cretica of Linnzus, Cretan pellitory, as its
synonym. 41 « Mouse-ear.”
# ¥rom the Greek dAgoc, a “ grove.”’
Chap. 10.] ANDROS ZMON. 225
occasion,“ 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,“ were it not thatit is smaller
andnotsohairy. It grows in® gardens, and upon walls more
particularly : when rubbed, it emits a smell like that of cucum-
ber. It is used for abscesses, inflammations, and all those pur-
poses 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 ulcera-
tions, with barley meal. The juice is used as an injection for
the ears.
CHAP. 9.—THE ANDROSACES: SIX REMEDIES.
The androsaces*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 drachme,
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.—ANDROSHMON OR ASCYRON: SIX REMEDIES,
Androseemon” or, as some persons call it, ‘‘ascyron,” is not
unlike hypericon, a plant of which we have spoken already :*
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
43 In c. 80 of this Book.
44 The Parietaria officinalis; see B. xxii. c. 19.
49 He has previously stated that it grows in the woods. The fact is,
M. Frais says, that it grows equally upon garden walls, heaps of rubbish,
in plains, upon shady rocks, and upon mountains, below an elevation of
1500 feet.
‘6 Generally supposed not to bea vegetable production, but a Madrepore.
Fée identifies it with the Madrepora acetabulum of Linnzus. :
47 “Man’s blood.” Identified by Sprengel with the Hypericum monta-
num, and by Sibthorp and Fée with the Hypericum perforatum, of Lin-
nus, Perforated tutsan or St. John’s wort. 48 See B. xxvi. cc. 53, 54.
VOL, V. Q
226 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVITI.
of autumn that it is taken up and hung todry. Used asa
purgative, it is bruised with the seed, and taken in the morn-
‘ing or just after the evening meal, in doses of two drachme,
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 1t tends to arrest the flow
of blood.
CHAP. 11.—AMBROSIA, BOTRYS, OR ARTEMISIA : THREE REMEDIES.
Ambrosia 1s a vague name, which has fluctuated between
various plants: there is one,*® 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,’’? 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,°' by some called ‘‘ononis” in preference, is a
branchy plant, and similar to fenugreek in appearance, except
that itis 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 rootis boiled in oxy-
crate: taken in drink, with honey, theroot expels urinary calculi.
For epilepsy, it is administered in oxymel, boiled down to one
alf. AG
CHAP. 13.—THE ANAGYROS OR ACOPON: THREE REMEDIES.
The anagyros, known te some by the name of “ aco-
42 Identified with the Ambrosia maritima of Linneus, the Sea ambrosia.
5° The “cluster’’ plant. It still figures in the Materia Medica. See
B. xxy. c. 86, and c. 31 of this Book. 51 See B. xxi, c. 58.
Chap. 15.] APARINE. | 227
pon,”’® 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 foetus 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 adminis-
tered in the same manner for asthma: they are prescribed also
in old wine, for injuries inflicted by the phalangium.” The
root is employed medicinally as a resolvent and maturative :
the seed, chewed, acts as an emetic. pny
CHAP. 14.—THE ANONYMOS: TWO REMEDIES.
The anonymos,™ through not having a name, has at last
found one.” 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 1s good for blows upon
the chest or mamille, 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 state-
-ment, 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,® otherwise called ‘‘ omphalocarpos”®” or “ philan-
thropos,’’*? is a ramose,: hairy, plant, with five or six leaves at
regular intervals, arranged eircularly around the branches.
52 6 Thispelling lassitude.’? Identified with the Anagyris feetida of Lin-
neus, thé Stinking bean trefoil. It is a purgative, and its seeds are emetic.
53 See B. viii. ec. 41, B. x. c. 95, B. xi. ce. 24, 28.
54 It has not been identified, Pliny being the only author that has men-
tioned it. The Ajuga pyramidalis of Linneus, and the Ajuga iva have
been suggested. 55 “ Anonymos,” or ‘‘nameless.”
56 See B. xviii. o, 44, and B. xxiv. c. 116. Itis identified with the Galium
Aparine of Linnzus, Ladies’ bedstraw, Cleavers, goosegrass, hariff, or
catchweed. Its medicinal properties are next to nothing.
57“ Navel-fruit,” 68 “¢Man-loving.”’ See B. xxiv. ¢. 116.
228 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIT.
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 em-
ployed 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.” The leaves, applied topically, arrest he-
morrhage from wounds. The juice is used as an injection for
the ears.
CHAP. 16.—THE ARCTION Ok ARCTURUM: FIVE REMEDIES.
The arction® is by some called ‘‘ arcturum’’ in preference :
the leaves of it are like those of verbascum,® except that they
are more hairy; the stem is long and soft, and the seed resem-
bles 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® by the name of ‘‘ hemio-
nion.’’® 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,* 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
59 See Note 53 above.
6 Brotero and Linnzus identify it with the Arctium lappa of Linnzeus,
the Burdock or clot-burr: Sibthorp with the Conyza candida, the White
fleabane: others, again, with the Celsia arcturus of Linneus, and Sprengel
with the Verbascum ferrugineum of Linneus, the Ferruginous mullein ;
between which two last, Fée is unable to decide.
61. See B.. xxv 0. 73:
62 So called from its supposed property of consuming the spleen. It is
generally identified with the Asplenium ceterach of Linneus, Spleenwort,
or miltwaste. The Asplenium hemionitis of Linneus, Mule’s fern, and
the Aspienium scolependrium of Linnzeus, Hart’s tongue, have also been
suggested; but Fée prefers the first-named plant,
68 The ‘“mule’s plant.” These animals were said to be very fond of it.
64 This is incorrect: the Ceterach has a large quantity of seed, but it
is concealed beneath a kind of downy substance.
Chap. 20.] ASCYRON. ‘ 999
consume the spleen, it is said, the leaves being applied simul-
taneously. 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® has leaves like those of ivy,® long branches,
and numerous roots, thin, and odoriferous. The flower has a
strong offensive smell, and the seed is like that of securidaca:”
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® is called ‘‘ bubonion” by some, from the circum-
stance 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 ASCYROIDES : THREE REMEDIES.
Ascyron® and ascyroides are plants similar to one another,
and to hypericon” as well, except that the plant known as
65 Possibly the Asclepias vincetoxicum of Linneus, the Common white-
flower swallow-wort; though Fée considers it somewhat doubtful.
86 Those of Swallow-wort have no such resemblance.
67 See B. xviii. c. 44.
68 Desfontaines suggests the Inula bubonium, but Fée adopts the opinion
of Jussieu and Sprengel, that it is the Aster amellus of Linneus, the
Italian starwort. It is probably the same plant as the Inguinalis, men-
tioned in B. xxvi. c. 59.
69 Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Hypericum androsemum
of Linnzus, the Common tutsan, or Park leaves. Littré gives as the
synonym the Hypericum perforatum of Linneus, the Perforated St. John’s
wort; which last is also preferred by Sprengel. Fuchsius and Mathioli
think that it is the Hypericum montanum of Linneus.
70 See B. xxvi. c. 53. .
230 PLINY § NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVII.
‘* ascyroides’’"! 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 ‘‘androseemon.”’” The
seed is used for the cure of sciatica, being taken in doses of
two drachme, in one sextarius of hydromel. It relaxes the
bowels, and carries off bile: it 1s applied also to burns.
CHAP. 21.—THE APHACA: THREE REMEDIES.
The aphaca” 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 pur-
poses. The seed, used in a decoction, arrests fluxes of the
stomach and bowels.
CHAP. 22.—ALCIBIUM : ONE REMEDY.
T have not found it stated by authors what kind of plant
alcibium™ is; but the root, I find, and the leaves, are pounded
and employed, both externally and internally, for injuries in-
flicted 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 drachme to the same
quantity of wine.
CHAP. 23.—ALECTOROSLOPHOS OR CRISTA : TWO REMEDIES.
Alectoroslophos,” or crista,™ as we call it, has numerous
71 It is considered to be identical with the Ascyron.
_ 7 “Man’s blood.” See c. 10 of this Book.
73° Different probably from the plant of a similarname mentioned in B. xxi.
ec. 52, 59. Feée identifies it with the Vetch, mentioned in B. xviii. c. 37.
Littré gives as its synonym the Vicia cracca of Linneus, the Tufted vetch,
and Desfontaines the Lathyrus aphaca, the Yellow vetchling, or bindweed..
74 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 Linneus. MHolland observes here that Pliny
‘‘ hath here forgotten himself.’’ ”
7 “ Cock’s comb.”? The Rhinanthus crista galli of Linneus, Yellow
rattle, or cock’s comb. 15* 66 Crest’? or Comb.”
Chap. 24.) ALUM. 231
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 PETRZON :
FOURTEEN REMEDIES.
The plant which we call ‘‘alum,’’”* and which is known to the
Greeks as ‘“‘symphyton™” petron,”’ is similar to cunila bubula”®
in appearance, having a diminutive leaf and three or four
branches springing from the root, with tops lke those of thyme.
It is a ligneous plant, odoriferous, of a sweet flavour, and pro-
vocative of saliva: the root of it is long and red. It grows
upon rocks, to which circumstance it is indebted for its addi-
tional name of ‘‘ petreon ;’’ and is extremely useful” for affec-
tions 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 1s ap-
plied 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
%6 Identified by Desfontaines with the Symphytum officinale, or Great
comfrey. Fée, however, considers it to be the Coris Monspeliensis of Lin-
neus, Montpellier coris. Lobel identifies it with the Prunella vulgaris of
Linneus, Common self-heal, and Cesalpinus with the Hyssopus officinalis
of Linneus. See B. xxvi. c. 26.
7 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.
78 See B. xxvi. c. 26.
79 This account of its medicinal properties applies properly to the Sym-
phytum 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.
232 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVII.
is remarkably efficacious, being possessed of agglutinating™
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.® It is used also for the cure of
. fractured bones.
CHAP, 25. (7.)—-ALGA RUFA OR RED SEA-WEED : ONE REMEDY. |
Red sea-weed™ is useful as an application for the sting of the
scorpion.
CHAP. 26.—ACTMA: ONE REMEDY.
Acteea®* has leaves with a powerful smell, rough knotted
stems, a black seed lke 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™ 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,” when speak-
ing 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 twe
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 WORMWOOD3; FOUR VARIETIES:
FORTY-EIGHT REMEDIES.
There are numerous kinds of absinthium ; the Santonic,® for
80 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.
81 Syuguroy, ‘ consolidating.”
82 See B. xiii. c. 48, and B. xxvi. ¢. 66.
83 The Actzea spicata of Linneus, Herb-christopher or bane-berries, is
mentioned by Desfontaines; but Fée is inclined to identify it with the
Sambucus ebults of Linnzus, the Dwarf elder, wall-wort, or dane- wort.
84 See B. xxii. ¢ 14. 8 In B. xxi. ce. 33, 38.
86 The Artemisia Santonica of Linneus, Tartarian southernwoad.
——————S—S Le
—$__——.
Chap. 28.] ABSINTHIUM. 233
instance, so called from a city in Gaul, and the Pontic,® which
comes from Pontus, where the cattle are fattened upon it—a
diet which causes them to be destitute of gall.°° The Pontic
wormwood, we may remark, is of the finest quality, superior to
that of Italy, and much more bitter; the pith, however, of the
Pontic wormwood is sweet. As toits 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® 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 circum-
stance, 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” stated. A
decoction of it in water is also taken, the following being
the method employed in preparing it. Six drachme 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 anight. 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” 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. 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 hemine to forty-
five sextaril of water, after which it is strained off and boiled
87 The Artemisia Pontica of Linneus, Little wormwood, or Roman
wormwood. 88 See B. xi. c. 75.
89 The Artemisia absinthium of Linneus, Common wormwood.
99 Upon which occasion a sacrifice was offered on the Alban Mount.
See further as to this Festival, in B. ii. ¢. 2.
% In B. xiv.c. 19. Wine of wormwood is still used medicinally,
92 Dilutum.’”’ An infusion.
% It contains a small quantity of essential oil.
234 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVII.
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 addi-
tion of sile,** 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 drachme 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 con-
siderable difficulty in pounding it. Some authorities have
prescribed the dose above mentioned to be given in polenta,”
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, wormwood acts as a
detergent upon the thoracic organs: for jaundice it is used
raw, with parsley or adiantum.” In cases of flatulency, it 1s
sipped every now and then, warmed in water; for liver com- —
plaints it is taken with Gallic nard, and for diseases of the
spleen, with vinegar, pap,® or figs. Taken in vinegar it neu-
tralizes the bad effects of fungi and of viscus:® 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’ and the scorpion. It contributes also very greatly to
the improvement of the sight, and is used as an external appli-
cation, with raisin wine, for defluxions of the eyes, and with
honey, for bruises.
9 See B. xx. c. 18. 9 See B. xviii. c. 14.
96 See B. xxi. c. 19. 97 See B. xxii. ¢. 30.
98“ Puls.”? See B. xviii. ¢. 19.
99 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 Chameleon,
mentioned in B, xxii. ¢. 21.
1 See B. ix. c. 43, and B, xxxii. ¢. 53.
Chap. 29.] ABSINTHIUM MARINUM. 235
The steam of a decoction of wormwood is curative of’ affec-
tions 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
asa pessary with wool, it has especial virtues as an emmena-
gogue. 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 em-
ployed 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 1s curative also of prurigo, but it must
never be administered in fevers. Taken in drink, it is a pre-
ventive of sea sickness; and, worn attached to the body,
beneath an apron, it arrests inguinal swellings. The smell of
it? 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 OBR SERIPHUM.
There is a sea wormwood* 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 1s 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 sexta-
_ rius of water, the mixture being boiled down to one half.
| _ ® This, Fée observes, is not the case.
3 The Artemisia maritima of Linnzus, Sea wormwood: see B. xxxii,
3l.
236 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIT.
cuap. 30. (8.)—THE BALLOTES, MELAMPRASION, OR BLACK LEEK:
THREE REMEDIES. ,
The Greeks give to the ballotes* the other name of ‘‘ melam-
prasion,’’ meaning ‘black leek.’’® [tis a branchy plant, with
black angular stems, covered with hairy leaves, larger and darker
than those of the leek, ‘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. o1.—BOTRYS, AMBROSIA, OR ARTEMISIA : ONE REMEDY.
Botrys’ is a shrublike plant, which has small yellow
branches, with the seed growing all round them, and leaves
resembling® 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 ‘‘ am-
brosia,’’ others again, ‘‘ artemisia.”’
CHAP. 32.—THE BRABYLA: ONE REMEDY.
The brabyla’ 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”? is a plant, no doubt," with leaves like those of
* The Ballota nigra of Linnzus, the Fetid ballota, or Stinking black
horehound; see B. xx. c. 89.
° He is in error here, as the word “ melamprasion”’ means “ black
horehound.” ‘ Black leek’? would be ‘ melamprason.”
6 “ Horehound,”’ properly. The Ballota is of a stimulating nature, and
contains a considerable quantity of essential oil. "
7 The Chenopodium botrys of Linnzeus, Cut-leaved goose foot, or oak
of Jerusalem. See B. xxv. c. 36, and ec. 11 of this Book.
8 There is no such resemblance. The name “botrys” was given to
the plant from the little clusters formed by the blossoms.
9 Identified by Fée with the Prunus domestica of Linneus, var. 8, or
Damascena, the Damascene plum or damson. Desfontaines considers it
to be the Prunus instititia, the Bullace plum. Holland mentionsin a Note,
‘“‘ Bullois, skegs, or such like wild plums.”
10 The Ulva lactuca of Linnzeus, Lettuce laver; see B. xiii. c. 49, B.
xxiv. c. 17, and B. xxxii. c. 36.
11 He probably says this in reference to the opinion expressed by Theo-
Chap. 35.] THE CATANANCE. 237
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” 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 KEMEDY.
I find it stated that seed of bupleuron™ 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.™
CHAP, 30.—THE CATANANCE; ONE OBSERVATION UPON IT. THE
CEMOS: ONE OBSERVATION UPON IT.
The catanance” is a Thessalian plant, which it would be
_amoere 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, 1t 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."
For a similar reason we shall give no description of the
_ plant called ‘“ cemos.””
phrastus, Hist. iv. 7, that it was a name for sea-weed in general, and not
- aspecific plant.
© In reality, it is destitute of medicinal properties. Some kinds of laver
are considered a dainty food.
3 See B. xxii. c. 30. 14 See B. xx. c. 67.
15 Dioscorides speaks of two kinds of Catanance; one of which has
_ been identified by Sprengel with the Ornithopus compressus of Linnzus,
_ and the other with the Astragalus pugniformis. Fée expresses his doubts
as to the correctness of these conclusions.
16 “ 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. ¢. 59, was so called for a similar reason.
. \' Prosper Alpinus identifies it with the Plantago Cretica of Linneus,
_ and Sprengel with the Micropus erectus of Linnzus. Fée considers it to
be the Gnaphalium leontopodium of Lamarck.
238 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVII.
CHAP. 36.—THE CALYX : THREE REMEDIES.
Of the calyx” there are two kinds. One of these resembles
arum, and is feund growing in ploughed soils; the proper
time for gathering it being before it begins to wither. It is em-
ployed for the same purposes as arum ;!° 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 OR ONOCLIA :
TWO REMEDIES. |
_ The other” 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,”! for the cure of erysipelas: taken inter-
nally with white wine, it is good for affections of the liver.
CHAP. 38.—THE CIRCHA: THREE REMEDIES.
The circa” resembles the cultivated trychnon® in ap-
pearance. 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
18 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 Linnzeus, Hooded arum, or Monk’s
hood, and is identical probably with the Aris aros of B. xxiv. ¢. 94.
1? Nee Boxxiv, ¢€. 93.
20 Probably the Anchusa tinctoria of Linneus, Dyer’s alkanet. See B.
REC. 23.
21 “ Flore polente.’ See B. xviii. c. 14.
#2 Sprengel identifies it with the Asclepias nigra, Black swallow-wort,
but Fée considers it to be the Circea Lutetiana of Linneus, Parisian
circea, or enchanter’s nightshade. Other authorities have suggested the
Capsicum annuum of Linneus, Indian or Guinea pepper, and the Celosia
margaritacea of Linneus, Pearly celosia, or cock’s comb. M. Fraias
suggests, though with some doubt, the Cynanchum Monspeliacum, the
Montpellier dog’s-bane. 23 See B. xxi. c. 105.
Chap. 40.] THE CRATEGONON. 239
in three sextarii of wine a day anda 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*‘ is a plant consisting of a diminutive and deli-
cate 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 buglos-
sos” 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.
cHapP. 40.—THE CRATHGONON; TWO KINDS OF IT: EIGHT
REMEDIES.
The crategonon” 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” sex, they say. |
There is another crateegonon, known also as “ thelygonos,”’”*
and distinguished from the last mentioned plant by the mild-
ness of the taste. Some persons assert that females, if they
take the blossom of this plant im drink, will be sure to con-
ceive before the end of forty days. These plants, used in com-
bination with honey, are curative of black ulcers of a chronic
nature; they also fill the concavities made by fistulous
24 Tdentified with the Carduus parviflorus of Linnzus, the Small-flowered
thistle. 45 See’ B. xxv. ¢..40.
*6 Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Polygonum persicaria of
Linneus, the Spotted persicaria, red-shanks, fleawort, or lakeweed. Littré
gives the Crucianella Monspeliaca of Linnzus, Montpellier petty madder.
*7 Hence its name, signifying that it strengthens the generative powers.
28 ‘See: Bu xxvii. ¢. 91.
240 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVII.
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 mamille in particular.
Under the name of “crategos’’” or “crategon,” Theo-
phrastus* speaks of the tree known in Italy as the “ aquifolia.”’
CHAP. 41.—THE CROCODILEON : TWO REMEDIES.
The crocodileon* resembies the black chameeleon® in shape:
the root is long, of an uniform thickness, and possessed of a
pungent smell. Itis 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,*? by some called ‘‘ orchis,”’ has leaves like**
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,” the upper one hard, and the lower
one soft. These roots are eaten boiled, like bulbs, 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 effec-
tually neutralizes the action of the other.”
29 See B. xxiv.c. 72. Littré remarks that Pliny is in error here, for
that the Crategos of Theophrastus is the Crategos azarolia of Linneets,
the Parsley-leaved hawthorn, while the Aquifolia of Pliny is the Holly.
As to the latter point, see B. xvi ce. 8, 12.
30 Hist. Plant. B. ii. c. 165.
31 Desfontaines identifies it with the Centaurea crocodileum of Linnzus,
and Littré with the Carduus pycnocephalus of Linneus. Ruellius con-
siders it to be the same plant as the Leucacantha of Dioscorides, which
Sprengel identifies with the Cnicus Casabone. Fée expresses himself at
a loss as to its identity. #2 See B. xxu. ¢. 21.
33 « Tog’s testicle.” Considered to be a synonym merely of the Orchis,
mentioned in B. xxvi. c. 62. ” 34 This comparison is totally incorrect.
35 See B. xxvi. c. 62. 36 Or onions.
37 A tissue of groundless superstitions.
Chap. 44.] - -' THE CUCUBALUS. , 12a
CHAP. 48,—THE CHRYSOLACHANUM ; TWO VARIETIES OF 1T:
THREE REMEDIES. COAGULUM TERR: TWO REMEDIES.
The chrysolachanum* 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® of
chrysolachanum mentioned, with a golden flower, and a leaf
like that of the cabbage: it 1s boiled and eaten as a laxative
vegetable. This plant, worn as an amulet by a patient suffer-
ing from jaundice, provided it be always kept in-sight, is a cure
for that disease, it is said. J 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 kncwn. Thus,
they tell us, for instance, that a plant known as “‘ coagulum’
terre,’’ 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,” 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,’’?
while others give it the Greek name of “strychnon :” its ber-
ries 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 head-
ache, and they are employed as an application for scrofulous
sores.
88 “ Golden vegetable.’’ Supposed to be identical with the Atriplex of
B. xx. c. 88, our Orage.
8 Cultivated orage, probably.
49 « Harth rennet.” This plant has not been identified. Lobelius has
made a guess at the Serapias abortiva of Linneus, the Helleborine. It is
pretty clear that it was unknown to Pliny himself.
41 The same, probably, as the Trychnon of B. xxi. cc. 52, 105, Solanum
nigrum or Black nightshade. In the former editions the readin gis “‘cuculus,”
4 The “strumous” or “scrofula” plant.
VOL:. Vs R
242 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVITI.
CHAP. 45.—THE CONFERVA !: TWO REMEDIES.
The conferva®* is peculiar to running streams, those of the
Alpine regions more particularly ; receiving its name from
‘“ conferrumino,’’** 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 consider-
able 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.” It is hardly credible with what rapidity he re-
covered.
CHAP. 46, (9.)—-THE COCCUS CNIDIUS, OR GRAIN OF CNIDOS: TWO
' REMEDIES.
The Cnidian grain has just the colour of the kermes berry.”
It is larger than a peppercorn, and has very heating proper-
ties: hence it is that when used, if 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 looseness of
the bowels.
CHAP. 47.—THE DIPSACOS: TWO REMEDIES.
The dipsacos*® 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.” At the summit of the stem there
#3 Possibly the Conferva rivularis, or the C. glomerata of Linneus, the
River conferva or River sponge, or the Green cluster conferva. |
44 On account of its asserted agglutinative properties, In reality it is
an inert plant, and is never used in medicine.
45 Fée considers this statement as fabulous in every respect.
46 See B. xiii. c. 35.
47“ Coccus.” See B. xvi. c. 12.
48 This is not the case. Sillig isof opinion that the passage is imperfect.
49 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.
50 Hence its name ‘‘ Venus’ bath.”
Chap. 50.] THE ELATINE. 948
are small heads covered with prickles: if 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 1s boiled down in
wine to the consistency of wax, to allow of its being introduced
into the fistula in the form of a salve.*' It 1s 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,” which resembles fern in appearance, is
found growing upon trees; the leaves are of a somewhat sweet-
ish® flavour and marked with slight indentations, and the
root is hairy. This plant is possessed of caustic properties,”
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” 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® in ap-
pearance, 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™” has leaves like those of the helxine,*® diminu-
51° Collyrii,”
62 The same plant, probably, as the Polypodion of B. xxvi.c. 37. Littré,
however, identifies it with the Asplenium adiantum nigrum of Linnzus, the
Black maiden-hair, or spleenwort.
43 Tt is the root that is sweet, and mot the leaves.
54 It has no such properties.
55 The “ oak-killer.” Fée thinks that it may possibly be the Conval-
laria uniflora of Linneus. Desfontaines names the Cochlearia draba, and
Littré the Lepidium draba of Linnzeus.
56 See B. xv. cc. 7, 37, and B. xxiii. ¢. 83.
57 Desfontaines and Fée identify it with the Antirrhinum spurium of
Linneus, Bastard toad-flax, calves’ snout, or snapdragon. Littré gives
the Linaria Greeca as its synonym. 58 See B. xxii. c. 19,
R 2
244 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVII,
tive, 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 in
a linen pledget. A decoction of this plant with linseed, taken
in pottage, is good for dysentery.
CHAP. 5].—EMPETROS, BY OUR PEOPLE CALLED CALCIFRAGA : FOUR
REMEDIES. |
Empetros,© by the people of our country called “ calci-
fraga,’’® 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 amore 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 1¢ will split asunder.
CHAP. 02.-—THE EPIPACTIS OR ELLEBORINE: TWO REMEDIES.
_ The epipactis,® called ‘‘ elleborine”’ by some, is a diminutive
plant with small leaves. ‘Taken in drink, it is extremely use-
tul for diseases of the liver, and as an antidote to poisons.
CHAP. 00.—THE EPIMEDION : THREE REMEDIES.
The epimedion® consists of a stem of moderate size, with
ten or twelve leaves like those of ivy: it never flowers, and
59 See B. xviii. ce. 14.
60 Fée, with Sprengel, identifies it with the Salsola polychlonos of Lin-
neus, Branchy saltwort or glasswort ; Bauhin with the Passerina poly-
galifolia. The Crithmum maritimum of Linneus, Sea samphire, has
been suggested by Desfontaines. Littré gives the Frankenia pulverulenta
of Linneus. Holland suggests Saxifrage.
6t “ Calculus-breaking.” 62 See B. xiii. ¢. 38.
68 Sprengel suggests the Marsilea quadrifolia of Linneus; Columna
the Botrychium lunaria of Linneus; C. Bauhin the Ornithogalum Nar-
bonense of Linneus, Narbonese star ‘of Bethlehem ; and 'Talius the Caltha
palustris of Linneus, the Marsh marigold. Fée considers its identification
impossible.
Chap. 55.] FILIX OR FERN. 245
has a thin, black root, with a powerful smell. It grows in
humid soils. This plant also has certain astringent and cool-
ing properties, but females must be on their guard™ against
it. The leaves, beaten up in wine, prevent the bosom from
growing too large in young girls.
CHAP. 54.—THE ENNEAPHYLLON 2? TWO REMEDIES.
The enneaphyllon® 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 cauterizing further than desirable,
for it blisters immediately. For lumbago and sciatica it is of
the greatest utility.
CHAP. 00.—TWO VARIETIES OF FILIX OR FERN, KNOWN TO THE
GREEKS AS PTERIS, OR BLACHNON, AND AS THELYPTERIS, OR
NYMPH PTERIS : ELEVEN REMEDIES.
Of fern there are two varieties, equally destitute of blossom
and of seed. The Greeks give the name of ‘‘pteris,” and
sometimes ‘‘ blachnon,’”’ to the kind” in which numerous shoots
take their rise from a single root, exceeding two cubits even in
length, and with a not unpleasant smell :® this plant is thought
to be the male fern.
The other kind is known to the Greeks as “ thelypteris,’’®
and sometimes, ‘‘nympheea pteris:” it has a single stem only,
with comparatively few branches, is shorter, softer, and more
tutted than the other, and has channelled leaves growing near
the root. Swine are fattened upon the rootsof 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 aswarthy colour, more par-
64 Because it was said to be a cause of sterility.
65 Identified with the Dentaria enneaphylla of Linneus, the Nine-leaved
tooth-wort. |
66 From this remark, Fée is of opinion that he had in view more par-
ticularly the Pteris aquilina and the Blechnum spicatum of Linneus, plants
in which the seed is not easily detected.
67 Jdentified by Fée with the Polypodium filix mas of Linneeus, the Male
fern.
68 Dioscorides says it has a somewhat unpleasant smell, and this is nearer
the truth.
69 “Female fern.” Identified by Fée with the Pelypodium filix femina
of Linnzus, Female fern or Pteris aquilina.
— 946 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVII.
ticularly 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 Vergili.” The rootis only used at the
end of three years, neither before that period nor after. They
act as an expellent of intestinal worms; for tapeworm” honey
is taken with them, but in other cases sweet wine, for three days.
They are, both of them, extremely detrimental to the sto-
mach, 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. 06.—FEMUR BUBULUM, OR OX THIGH.
The name of femur bubulum” 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,” or as some call it, ‘‘ galeobdolon” or “ galion,”
70 See B. xviii. e. 59.
71 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. __
7 The Femur bubulum has not been identified. C. Bauhin has suggested
the Leonurus cardiaca of Linnzus, Motherwort.
73 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 Linnzus, the Purple arch- -
angel, or dead-nettle. Littré gives as its synonym the Scrofularia pere-
grina of Linneus, the Foreign fig wort.
Chap. 59.] | GLAUCION. 247
is a plant with a stem and leaves like those of the nettle, only
smaller ; and which, when bruised, emit a powerfulsmell. 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 inflam-
matory 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 1s curative
of putrid ulcers and gangrenous sores.
CHAP. 58.—THE GLAUX: ONE REMEDY.
The glaux™ was known in ancient times as the ‘‘ eugalac-
ton.”’> 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,” to increase the milk: females,
however, after taking it, must immediately use the bath.
cHaP. 59. (10.)—GLAUCION: THREE REMEDIES. DIAGLAUCIA:
TWO REMEDIES.
Glaucion” 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’ is extracted, which is known by the same name as
the plant. This juice and the leaves, bruised, are used for de-
fluxions of the eyes, which disappear in an instant, under this
74 Fée thinks that it may possibly be the Astragalus glaux of Linneus,
or Milk vetch, as originally suggested by Clusius. Littré gives as its
synonym the Sennebierra coronopus of Poireau.
45 The “Good milk” plant.
76 See B. xviii. cc. 19, 20.
7 See B. xx. ce. 78, where a similar plant is mentioned. Fée identifies
this plant with the Glaucium hybridum, or Chelidonium of Linneus,
_ the Violet-coloured celandine, or horned poppy. Littré gives the Glau-
cium flavum of Linneus as its synonym. : |
78 This is a yellow, acrid, caustic juice; it is no longer used in medicine.
248 PLINY'S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVII.
treatment : an eye-salve, too, is prepared from the juice, known
as ‘‘diaglaucia,’ to medical men. ‘I'he milk, when the secretion
of it is stopped, 1s restored by the agency of this plant, for which
purpose it is taken in water.
CHAP. 60.—THE GLYCYSIDE, PHONIA, OR PENTOROBOS: TWENTY
REMEDIES. ~
The glycyside,”? by some called ‘‘ pxonia’’ or “‘ pentorobos,”’
has a stem two cubitsin 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,® but more
unctuous, rounder, aud 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™ 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,® and lie closer together than those of the male.
Both plants grow in the woods, and they should always be
taken up at night,® 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™ 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™
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 affec-
tions of the bladder. Boiled in wine, it is used for diseases of
79 The Peony; described in B. xxv. c. 10.
80 See B. xx. c. 25, and B. xxii. c. 2. 81 See B, xxv. e. 10.
82 In reality it is destitute of smell.
8? See B. xxv. c./10.
- 8 Or, as Holland says, would “‘ be ready to job out their eyes.”
5 In reality, the peony has no medicinal virtues whatever.
mo
Chap. 62.1 THE GALLIDRAGA. 249
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 drachme are sufiicient.
The black seed is useful as a preventive of night-mare,
being taken in wine, in number above stated: it is very good,
too, to eat this seed, and to apply itexternally, 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 ser-
pents, and in cases where children are troubled with calculi,
being employed at the crisis when strangury first makes its
appearance. |
cHAP. 61.—GNAPHALIUM OR CHAMAZELON: SIX REMEDIES.
Gnaphalium® is called ‘“‘ chamezelon” by some: its white,
soft, leaves are used as flock, and, indeed, there is no per-
ceptible 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’”® to a plant
which resembles the leucacanthus,® and grows in the marshes.
tt 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,” 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.
86 « Suppressionibus nocturnis.”
87 Sprengel identifies it with the Santolina maritima, Sea cudwort or
cotton-weed. Fée considers its identification as doubtful.
88 Identified by Hardouin and Desfontaines with the Dipsacus pilosus of.
Linneus, the Shepherd’s rod, or small white teasel. Fée is doubtful on
the subject,
89 See B. xxii, c.'18. 90 See B. xxv. e238.
290 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVITI.
CHAP. 63.—HOLCUS OR ARISTIS.
Holcus” 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” spikes of corn adhering to the flesh; for ye
reason, some persons give it the name of “ aristis.”’
CHAP. 64.—HYOSERIS: ONE REMEDY.
Hyoseris** 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,® so called by the Greeks by way of anti-
phrasis,* (in the same way that they give the name of
““sweet’’® to the gall,) 1s 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 rup-
tures 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 HIPPOPHZSTON : EIGHT REMEDIES.
The hippopheston is one of those prickly plants which
fullers*’ use in their coppers; it has neither stem nor flower,
91 Identified with the Hordeum murinum of Linneus, and the same,
most probably, as the Mouse barley of B. xxii. c. 65.
92 ‘Whence its name, from the Greek ¢Acw, “to draw.’’
2« “Swine’s endive.” It is generally identified with the Centaurea
nigra of Linnzeus ; though, as Fée says, on very insufficient grounds, as
the black centaury has but little similarity to endive.
93 The ‘“‘all-bone”’ plant. Desfontaines identifies it with the Plantago
coronopus of Linnzus, the Buckshorn plantain; but Fée prefers the Plan-
tago holostea of Lamarck, the Grass-leaved plantain. Littré names the
Holosteum umbellatum. ‘The Plantago albicans of Linnzus has been also
mentioned.
94 Because there is no hardness in it. % Ta yX0Kea.
9 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 pe possibly be
the second ‘Hippophaes,” mentioned in B. xxii. c. 14. esfontaines
identifies it with the Cnicus stellatus, the Star-thistle. Littré gives as its
Chap. 70.] THE ISOPYRON. 251
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.
onaP. 67. (11.)—THE HYPOGLOSSA: ONE REMEDY.
The hypoglossa” is a plant with leaves like those of the
wild myrtle, of aconcave form, prickly, and presenting another
small leaf within, resembling a tongue in shape. A wreath
made of these leaves, placed upon the head, alleviates head-
ache.
CHAP. 68.—HYPECOON.
Hypecoén™ 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 IDA HERBA, OR PLANT OF IDA: FOUR REMEDIES.
The Idan” plant has leaves like those of the oxymyrsine ;'
.to which leaves a sort of tendril adheres, that bears a flower.
This plant arrests diarrhcea, the catamenia, when in excess,
and all kinds of hemorrhage. It is of an astringent and
repercussive nature.
cHAP. 70.—THE ISOPYRON OR PHASIOLON : TWO REMEDIES.
The isopyron? is called ‘‘ phasiolon” by some, from the cir-
cumstance that the leaf of 1t, which resembles that of anise,
assumes a spiral form like the tendrils of the phasiolus.? At
synonym the Centaurea spinosa, Prickly centaury ; in accordance with the
opinion of M. Frads, who admits, however, that the statement that it has
neither stem nor flower, would hardly seem to indicate a species of centaury.
97 The Ruscus hypoglossum of Linneeus, the Double tongue.
98 The Hypecotim procumbens of Liuneus, Horned cummin.
99 Fée thinks that ‘‘Idsea 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 Linnzus.
1 See B. xv. cc. 7, 37, and B. xxiii. ¢c. 83.
2 Fée suggests the Corydalis claviculata of Decandolle. Littré mentions
the Fumaria capreolata of Linnzus.
3 Or kidney-bean. See B. xxiv. c. 40.
252 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVII..
the summit of the stem, it bears small heads full of a seed like
that of melanthium.* 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’ has numerous leaves like those of the lettuce,°
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’ 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 ali 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® has longer and thicker leaves than those of
the lettuce,’ and a long, hairy stem, with numerous offshoots a
4 Or Gith. See B. xx. ¢. 71.
5 The Euphorbia lathyris of Linneus, the Caper plant, or Caper spurge.
6 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. . |
7 Mostly thought to be the same plant as the Leontopodium of B. xxvi. c.
34, Littré, however, identifies it with the Evax pygmeus of Linneus.
8 Probably the Echium Italicum of Linnzus, Italian viper’s tongue.
9 There is-no resemblance between the Kchium and the lettuce.
Chap. 74.] THE LITHOSPERMUM. 253
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,” sometimes called
‘‘exonychon,”’ ‘‘ diospyron,’’™ 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,” 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’* had arranged a row of lustrous pearls alter-
nately among the leaves; so exquisite too the nicety in thus
making a stone to grow upon aplant! The authorities say
that this is a creeping plant, and that it les 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,’ and are curative of strangury. In-
deed, there is no plant that so instantaneously proclaims, at
10 Tdentified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Lithospermum officinale
of Linneus, Gremil, gromwell, or stone-crop. Littré mentions the Lithos-
permum tenuiflorum of Linnzeus.
11 “ Jove’s wheat,” or the “plant of Hercules.”
12 This description applies to the variety of Gremil, known as the Coix
lacryma of Linnzeus, Job’s tears, originally an Indian plant; but it may
have been known in Italy in Pliny’s time.
18 A poor compliment to Nature, as Fée remarks.
14 Tt 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.
254 PLINY ’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIJ.
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,” 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,’ the party so doing
uttering these words :—
Devyere nxavdapides, Adnos cKypios alma Oiwxel.
“‘ Cantharides!’ begone, a wild wolf seeks your blood.,’’!8
CHAP. 76.—THE LIMEUM: ONE REMEDY.
Limeum” is the name given by the Gauls to a plant, in a
preparation of which, known to them as ‘‘ deer’s* poison,’’ they
dip their arrows” when hunting. To three modii of salivating
mixture” 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,” a plant resembling mercurialis,* has received its
15 Some kind of lichen, probably, but what in particular it is impossible
to say. 16 Ring-worm or tetter.
17 Hardouin says that this herpetic disease is called ‘‘‘ cantharides,’’ be-
cause it attacks the body as the cantharis attacks wheat. See B. xviii, c. 44.
18 It would be superfluous to look for sense in this silly formula.
19 Anguillara and C. Bauhin identify it with the Ranunculus thora of
Linneus, and other authorities with the Doronicum pardalianches of Lin-
neus. Pliny is the orly writer that mentions it; and if it really had any
existence, it would seem quite impossible, as Fée says, to identify it with
correctness. 20 «¢Venenum cervarium,” 21 See B. xxv. e. 25.
22 «+ Salivati.” Holland renders this, ‘ A mash wherewith they used to
drench cattle.” 23 Tdentified with the Lamium of B. xxii. ce. 16.
24 See B. xxv. c. 18. The resemblance, Fée says, is by no meansa
striking one.
Chap. 80.} THE MYOSOTA. 255
name” 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.”** 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;*” 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 1s useful for
cceliac 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” has leaves like those of the cultivated seris,”
_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 drachme 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® or myosotis is a smooth plant, throwing out
25 The “white” plant. 26 “ White in the middle.”
27 Identified by Fée with the Cerinthe of B. xxi.c.41. Sprengel, how-
ever, considers it to be the Carduus leucographus of Linneus. .
28 Fee identifies it with the Campanula Medium of Linneus, our Canter-
bury or Coventry bells ; but this flower is blue, while the colour of the
Medion is purple. Littre gives the Convolvulus althzoides of Linneus.
Sibthorp has named the Campanula laciniata; and other authorities the
Michauxia campanuloides.
49 See B. xx. c: 32.
30 “* Mouse-ears.”’ Fée identifies it with the Myosotis scorpioides of
256 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIT.
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 ul-
cerating 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 gene-
rally 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* is a ferulateous 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’’® bears three long leaves, hke
those of endive: applied to scars, it restores the skin to its
natural colour.
CHAP. 83.—THE NATRIX: ONE REMEDY.
‘“‘ Natrix ’’*? 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 keepmg away from
females what with a singular credulity they call by the name
of ‘ Fatui.’’** For my own part, however, I should think that
Linneus, Scorpion-grass, or mouse-ear, which is not of a corrosive nature, as
Pliny says, but emollient and soothing. Littré names the Asperugo pro-
cumbens of Linnezus, Wild bugloss, German madwort, or great goose-grass.
31 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. ,
8 Or “ Nigina,” in some editions. It is utterly unknown.
383 Possibly a fabulous plant; though it is generally identified with the
Ononis natrix of Linnzus. 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.
34 Or “ Fauni,” the same as our nightmare.
Chap. 86.] THE ONOSMA. 257
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® is a sort of hay-grass,** 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 ;*” 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.* A handful of the stems, boiled in
astringent wine, is used for the cure of tooth-ache,® the de-
coction being retained for some time in the mouth.
CHAP. 85.—THE OTHONNA: ONE REMEDY.
The othonna® is a Syrian plant, resembling rocket in ap-
pearance; 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*! has leaves some four fingers in length, lying
upon the ground, and indented like those of the anchusa :* it
has neither* stem, blossom, nor seed. A pregnant woman, they
say, if she eats of this plant, or even walks over it, will be sure
to misearry.
35 Probably the Kuphrasia odontites of Linnzus, the Red eye-bright.
36 “Inter feni genera.”
37 See c. 91 of this Book. There is no resemblance between them.
38 On the contrary, it grows in arid, sterile spots.
39 Hence its name “odontitis,”’ ‘“ tooth-wort.”
40 Its synonym is unknown. Sprengel has identified it with the Tagetcs
patula of Linnzus, but that is purely an American plant !
41 Probably one of the Borraginee, Fée thinks, but beyond that he
considers it impossible to say. Desfontaines identifies it with the Onosma
echioides of Linnzus, the Hairy onosma.
42 See B. xxii. c. 23.
48 Tf it is the plant above-mentioned, this is incorrect.
VOL. V. N]
258 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIJ.
CHAP. 87.—THE ONOPORDON : FIVE REMEDIES. |
The onopordon,* it is said, has strongly carminative effects
upon asses, when they eat of it. It acts as adiuretic and as an
emmenagogue, arrests diarrhea, and disperses abscesses and
suppurations.
CHAP. 88.——-THE OSYRIS: FOUR REMEDIES.
The osyris® bears small, swarthy, flexible branches, covered
with dark leaves like those of flax. The seed, which grows
upon the branches, 1s black. at first, but afterwards changes its
colour and turns red. Cosmetics 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” is a plant with three leaves; it is.given for
derangement of the stomach, and patients eat it who are
suffering from intestinal hernia.*
CHAP. 9)0.—THE POLYANTHEMUM OR BATRACHION : THREE
REMEDIES.
The polyanthemum,* by some persons called ‘‘ batrachion,’’™
by virtue of its caustic properties has an excoriating effect
upon scars, and restores the skin to its proper colour. It heals
white morphew™ also.
44 Fée suggests that it may be identical with the Onopyxos of B. xxi.
c. 56. Desfontaines, also, identifies it with the Onopordon acanthium of
Linneeus, the Cotton thistle or woolly thistle.
45 Probably the Osyris alba of Linnzus, the Poet’s cassia. Anguillara
and Dodonzus have mentioned the Chenopodium scoparia of Linneus, the
Summer cypress, or line-leaved goosefoot, but without any good reason, it
is thought. Holland calls it “‘ toad-flax.”
46 “Smegmata.”
47 The “sour” plant. Mostly identified with the Oxalis acetosella of
Linnaeus, Cuckoo’s meat, three leaved sorrel, or wood-sorrel.
48 << Enterocele.” :
49 The ‘many-flowered”’ plant. Probably the Ranunculus polyanthemos
of Linneeus. See B. xxv. ¢. 109.
Ww The; * frog ” ‘plant. 51“ Witiligines..”
Chap. 91.] THE POLYGONOS. 209
CHAP. 91.—THE POLYGONOS, POLYGONATOS, TEUTHALIS, CARCI-
NETHRON, CLEMA, OR MYRTOPETALOS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
SANGUINARIA OR ORIOS; FOUR VARIETIES OF IT: FORTY
‘REMEDIES.
The Greeks give the name of ‘“ polygonos’” to the plant
known to us as “ sanguinaria.”* 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 hemorrhage: 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™ plant, and say that it is so called ©
from the large number of seeds, or else from its numerous
branches. Some call it ‘“‘polygonatos,”” from the number of
its joints, others, again, ‘‘teuthalis,” and others, ‘‘ carcine-
thron,” “ 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 admi-
nistered, also, in fevers, tertian and quartan fevers more par-
ticularly, in doses of two cyathi, just before the paroxysms
come on; as also in cases of cholera, dysentery, and derange-
ment of the stomach.
There is a third kind, which grows on the mountains, and is
known as “‘orios,’’™ similar to a delicate reed in appearance, and
52 “ Many-seeded.”’ 53 ¢¢ Blood plant.”
* Identified by. Fée with the Polygonum aviculare of Linnaeus, the
Knot-grass.
° “ Many-knotted.”? Scribonius says that it received its name, ‘‘ poly-
gonos,”’ from-its being found everywhere. |
6 Or “mountain” plant. Fee 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 Linnzus,
8.2
260 -PLINY'S NATUBAL HISTORY. [Book XXVII.
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 kindis known as the wild”
polygonos: it is a shrub, almost a tree in fact, with a ligneous
root, a red trunk like that of the cedar, and branches resem-
bling those of spartum,® 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 hemorrhage. 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,”” 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,
und acts as a detergent upon ulcers: for dropsy, and diseases
of the spleen, it 1s 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
Mare’s tail, or female horse-tail; Littré gives the Equisetum pallidum of
Bory as its synonym.
T Identified by Fée with the Ephedra distachya of Linnzeus, the Great
shrubby horsetail.
58 See B, xix. ¢. 7.
59 « Scillam pusillam.” Fée considers it to be a squill, the variety with
the red root of the Scilla maritima of Linnzus, the Sea-squill. Littré
i as its synonym the Pancratium maritimum of Linnzus, the Sea-
daffodil.
a
Chap. 94.] THE PERICLYMENOS. : 261
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. 98.—THE PEPLIS, SYCE, MECONION, OR MECON APHRODES:
THREE REMEDIES.
The peplis,° known by the various names of “ syce,’’®
‘‘meconion,”’ and ‘‘mecon aphrodes,” is a shrub-lke 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 hemine 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™ 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, fora 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-
6° Probably the Euphorbia peplis of Linnzus; see B. xx. c. 81. Itisa
strong purgative. |
61 « Fig-plant,’’? ‘“poppy-juice,” and “poppy-froth.” In reference,
-no doubt, to its milky juice.
6? See the Clymenus, B. xxv. c. 33.
*
262 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. — [Book XXVII.
mentioned, they facilitate delivery, and bring away the after-
birth. ,
CHAP. 95.—PELECINON: ONE REMEDY.
We have already® 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® in appearance, bitter, and an excellent stomachic. It is
used as an ingredient ‘in antidotes.”
CHAP. 96.—POLYGALA : ONE REMEDY.
Polygala® 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,” or, as some call it, “phrynion” or “ neuras,”®
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.
68 In B. xviii. c. 44. It was also called ‘ securidaca.”
64 See B. xx. e. 71.
65 We learn from Galen that it formed an ingredient in the great anti-
dote of Mithridates.
66 Fée thinks that it may possibly be the Polygala vulgaris of Linnzus, the
Common milk-wort. Desfontaines mentions the Polygala amara of Lin-
neeus, the Bitter milkwort of the South of Europe; and Littré gives the
Polygala venulosa of Sibthorp.
67 See B. xxv. c. 76. 88 The ‘‘ sinew” plant.
Chap. 100.] THE PHYLLON.
CHAP. 98.—THE PHALANGITIS, PHALANGION, OR LEUCACANTHA :
FOUK REMEDIES.
The phalangitis® is by some called ‘ phalangion,” and by
others ‘“‘leucanthemum,’’” or, as I find it written in some
copies, ‘ leucacantha.”’” 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,” and for the removal of griping pains in the
bowels. |
CHAP. 99.—THE PHYTEUMA: ONE PROPERTY.
As for the phyteuma,? I think it a mere loss of time to
describe it, it being only used as an ingredient in philtres.
CHAP. 100.—THE PHYLUON: ONE PROPERTY.
The Greeks give the name of ‘“‘phyllon’™ 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.
69 Generally identified with the Anthericum or Hemerocailis liliastrum
of Linnzus, the Savoy anthericum or Spider’s-wort. M Frias says, how-
ever (Synopsis, p. 288), that that plant has not been found in Greece ; and
relying upon the description of Dioscorides, he prefers the Lloydia Greca,
which grows commonly in Attica, the isles of Greece, and the Peloponnesus,
as its synonym. It is found upon elevations of 1500 feet. )
70 « White flower.’ 71 « White thorn.”
7 Hence its name. See B. vili.c. 41, B. x. c. 95, and B. xi. cc. 24,
28, 29.
73 Most probably the Reseda phyteuma of Linnzus, the Crosswort.
4 See B. xxii.c. 18, and B. xxvi.c.91. Fée thinks that it is two plents,
the Cnicus Casabone, and the ‘'helygonum cynocrambe of Linneus, that
are here spoken of. Littré gives the Mercurialis perennis of Linnzus,
Dog’s mercury, as its synonym.
o4' PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. (Book XXVII.
CHAP. 101.—THE PHELLANDRION : TWO REMEDIES.
The phellandrion® 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® has a long thin stem, like a reed, with a
drooping flower at the extremity; the seed is like that of
sesame.” 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™ 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,” a common plant enough, is an excellent
remedy for the sting of the scorpion. Powdered and mixed
with brine and oil, in which the mena® has been preserved, it
is an excellent cure, they say, for quinzy.® 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.
78 Linneeus has given to the Fine-leaved water-hemlock the name of
Phellandrium aquaticum, but the seeds of that plant are an active poison. _ ij
It is probable that the Phellandrium, or ‘ Male-cork-plant”’ of Pliny,
still remains unknown.
76 Possibly the Phalaris aquatica of Linneus, the Water canary-grass.
Littré gives as its synonym, the Phalaris nodosa of Linneus, Knotted
canary-grass. See Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 34, Bohn’s Ed.
77 This is an exaggeration; Dioscorides says ‘ millet.’’
78 Possibly the plant mentioned in B. xxv. c. 54; though the Aristo-
lochia has not leaves like those of the myrtle.
79 Supposed to be identical with the Polygonos, mentioned above ine. 91.
80 See B. ix. c. 42, and B. xxvi. c. 11. From this passage it would
appear that the mena was preserved in a somewhat similar way to our
Sardines. 6t See B. xxvi. c. 11.
Chap. 106.] | THE RESEDA. 265
cHAP. 105.—RHACOMA: THIRTY-SIX REMEDIES.
Rhacoma® is imported from the regions situate beyond
Pontus. The root of it is similar to black costus,™ but
smaller and somewhat redder, inodorous, and of a hot, astrin-
gent flavour; when pounded, it yields a colour like that of
wine,® 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, ecchy-
- mosis; 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 ceeliac 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 drachme, 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 ex-
pectorations, 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 tra-
chea: applied with vinegar, it acts as a detergent upon lichens.
Itis 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 :’’® it disperses abscesses and all kinds of in-
flammations. Those who employ it for these purposes, add
(® The reading of this word is very doubtful. It is generally supposed
to be the Rheum Rhaponticum of Linnzus, Pontic rhubarb.
$3 The shores of the Euxine.
ot See.B. xii. ¢. 25.
8 “Fulvum,” probably, ‘‘tawny-coloured,” not white, red, or black;
see B. xiv. cc. 11, 18. |
86 Possibly the Reseda alba of Linnzus.
266 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. — [Book XXVII.-
the following words: ‘“ Reseda,® 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!’ This formula
is repeated thrice, the party spitting on the ground each time.
CHAP. 107.—THE STHCHAS: THREE REMEDIES.
The steechas ® grows only in the islands of that name.” 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,*” according to Cornelius Celsus,*? is called
‘‘strychnon”’ by the Greeks; it 1s possessed of repercussive and
refrigerative properties.
CHAP. 109.—sMYRNION : THIRTY-TWO REMEDIES. SINON: TWO
REMEDIES.
Smyrnion® has astem 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 isa pale yellow, and
the stems bear rounded umbels like those of dill, 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
87 “ Reseda, morbos reseda.”? A pun upon the name of the plant, and
the verb ‘‘resedo.”
88 Like the silly charm itself, “‘ neither head nor tail.”
89’ See B. xxvi.'e. 27.
90 The Stcechades. See B. iii. c. 11, and B. xxxii. c. 11.
91 See B. xxi. c. 105, and c. 44 of this Book. The black nightshade is
neither astringent nor cooling, but a narcotic poison.
9 De Re Med. ii. 33.
93 See B. xix. cc. 48, 62. It is generally identified with the Smyrnium
perfoliatum of Linnzus, the Perfoliated alexander. |
94 « Anethi” is a preferable reading to ‘apil,”’ ‘ parsley.”
Chap, 110.] TELEPHION. 267
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 emmen-
agogue ; the seed arrests diarrhcea; and the root, applied topi-
cally, 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,® polium,® or me-
lissophyllum ;” 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,® 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.”
Sinon,' a plant with a flavour very like that of pepper, pro-
motes the digestion, and is highly efficacious for pains in the
stomach.
CHAP. 110.—TELEPHION: FOUR REMEDIES.
Telephion*® resembles purslain in the stem and leaves. From
% See B. xxiv. c. 60. 6° See B. xxi. ¢. 21.
“Bee Bs, xxi. 'c. 86. 9 See B. xxvi. c. 60.
99 «¢ Fish-sauce.”? See B. ix. c. 30, and B. xxxi. c. 43.
1 Possibly the same plant as the Sison of Dioscorides, identified with
the Sison amomum of Linnzus, Field hone-wort, or stone-parsley.
* Identified by Fée with the Sedum Telephium of Linneus, the Or-
pine or livelong ; by Desfontaines with the Sedum anacampseros, the Ever-
268 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [ Book XXVII,
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,’ 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.—tTHE TRICHOMANES: FIVE REMEDIES.
The trichomanes‘ is a plant that resembles the adiantum,’ ex-
cept 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 1: 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® has leaves like those of coriander, only
somewhat more unctuous, and a stem resembling that of the
poppy.’ It is found growing everywhere, in champaign locali- —
i 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 ® of which has nar- |
row leaves, about a finger in length and breadth, turned to-
green orpine; and by Littré with the Cerinthe aspera, the Prickly honey-
wort. 3 “ Vitiligini.”
4 The same plant as the Callitrichos of B. xxv. c. 86.
5 See B. xxi. c. 30. :
6 Identified by Fée and Desfontaines with the Thalictrum minus of
Linneeus, the Small meadow rue. Littré gives the Thalictrum flavum of
Linneus, the Common meadow rue.
7 Tn its colour.
8 Fée identifies it with the Thlaspi campestre of Linneus, the Wild
bastard-grass; Littré with the Thlaspi bursa pastoris of Linnzus, Shep-
herd’s purse, otherwise known as Capsella bursa pastoris. Desfontaines
gives as the Thlaspi of Galen, the Cochlearia draba of Linneus.
Chap. 115.] THE TRAGONIS. 269
wards 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,? is
similar to a lentil in shape, except that it has a jagged
appearance, to which, in fact, it owes its name; 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 1s 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 footus.
The other thlaspi, known by some as “ Persicon napy,’’" has
broad leaves and large roots, and is also very useful as an
injection for sciatica. Both plants are very serviceable for in-
guinal complaints ; it being recommended that the person who
gathers them should mention that he 1s 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” 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,® or tragion, grows nowhere but in the mari-
time districts of the Isle of Crete; it resembles the juniper in
9 “Peltarum specie.” The “ pelta’? was a small, light shield, of
various forms, but most commonly, perhaps, that of a crescent.
10 From 6Adw, “ to break.”
11 “Persian mustard.” The Lunaria annua of Linneus, the Annual
moon-wort, honesty, or satin-flower, has been suggested by Sprengel, but
its identity is very doubtful.
#2 This plant is unknown. A rose of this name is mentioned in B. xxi.
Cc. 10. ;
18 See B. xii. c, 36. Fée suggests that it may possibly be a variety of
the Pistacia lentiscus of Linnzus, the Mastich-tree, or lentisk. Desfon-
taines identifies it with the Hypericon hircinum. M. Fraas (Synopsis, p.
182) suggesis the Origanum maru.
270 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVII.
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 mamille. :
cHAP. 116.—THE TRAGOS OR SCORPION: FOUR REMEDIES.
There is another plant also, called ‘‘tragos,’’* 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 mari-
time localities. Ten or twelve tops of the branches, bruised
and taken in wine, are remedial. in cases of cceliac affections,
dysentery, spitting of blood, and excessive menstruation.
CHAP. 117.—THE TRAGOPOGON OR COME.
There is the tragopogon,” also, by some called “‘ come ;” a
plant with a small stem, leaves like those of saffron, an. elon-
gated, 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,'® that preserves its properties the longest of all. The
black chameleon’ retains its virtues forty years, centaury not
more than twelve, peucedanum ” and aristolochia’® 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
14 See B. xiii. c. 37. M. Fraas (Synopsis, p. 257) identifies it with
the Ephedra distachya of Linneus, the Great shrubby horsetail.
15 “ Goat’s-beard. Probably the Tragopogon crocifolium of Linnzus,
the Saffron-leaved goat’s beard. Though its properties are not inert, it
is never used in medicine..
16°In Bax. 6. oi 16* See c. 41 of this Book.
17 See B. xxv. c. 70. 8 See B. xxv. c. 54.
*
Chap. 120.] MALADIES PECULIAR TO VARIOUS NATIONS. 271
of any of those which have been mentioned by me; with the
exception, indeed, of the sphondyle,”® a kind of creeping
insect,?° 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 ex-
traction of the juice. The efficacy, too, of all plants is impaired
by making habitual use of them; and these substances, if em-
ployed 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 inconsider-
able, in the predispositions of the various nations of the earth.
T 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. sur-
prising than: the fact that, although Attica and Beeotia. are
adjoining territories, the Thebans are troubled with these
inflictions, while among the people of Athens they are un-
known.
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” and inanimate
objects even, she has equally willed that these, the: most in-
19 A kind of foetid beetle, Hardouin says. Probably an Aphis.
30 <«* Serpentis.” 21 See B. xxii. ¢. 3,
272 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVII.
valuable aids of life, should be also derived from the life of
another—a subject for contemplation, marvellous in the highest
degree !”!
Summary.— Remedies, narratives, and observations, six hun-
dred and two. :
Roman AvTHORS QuoTED. — Caius Valgius,” Pompeins Le-
nus,” Sextius Niger ** who wrote in Greek, Julius Bassus ”
who wrote in Greek, Antonius Castor,*® Cornelius Celsus.”
ForrIgN AUTHORS QuoTED. — Theophrastus,” Apollodorus,”
Democritus,® Aristogiton,** Orpheus,” Pythagoras,*? Mago,*#
Menander * who wrote the ‘‘ Biochresta,’’ Nicander.*®
MepicaL aurHors quotep.—Mnesitheus,” Timaristus,® Si-
mus,*? Hippocrates,“ Chrysippus,*’ Diocles,*” Ophelion,*® Hera-
clides,* Hicesius,* Dionysius, Apollodorus “ of Citium, Apol-
1 Tt 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 exami-
nation 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 acquaint-
ance 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.
22 See end of B. xx. 23 See end of B. xiv.
24 See end of B. xii. 25 See end of B. xx.
26 See end of B. xx. 27 See end of B. vii.
28 See end of B. iii. 239 See end of B. xi.
30 See end of B. ii.
31 Beyond being mentioned here, and in ¢c. 14 of this Book, nothing is
known of this writer. 32 See end of B. xx.
33 See end of B. 11. 24 See end of B. viii.
35 See end of B. xix. 36 See end of B. viii. ;
37 See end of B. xix. 38 See end of B. xxi.
29 See end of B. xxi. 40 See end of B. vii.
41 See end of B. xx. 42 See end of B. xx.
43 See end of B. xv. 44 See end of B. xii.
45 See end of B. xv. . 46 See end of B. xii.
47 See end of B. xx.
fee
SUMMARY. 273
-lodorus* of Tarentum, Praxagoras, Plistonicus, Medius,®
Dieuches,” Cleophantus,” Philistion,™ Asclepiades,™ Crateuas,®
Petronius Diodotus,” Iollas,® Erasistratus,” Diagoras,© An-
dreas,®! Mnesides,” Epicharmus,” Damion,™ Tlepolemus,® Me-
trodorus,® Solo,” Lycus,® Olympias® of Thebes, Philinus,”
Petrichus,” Micton,” Glaucias,”* Xenocrates.”
*,* 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 pro-
found and extensive, and the most indefatigable research: it being but re-
cently, 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. 86]. 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 BouBixia, “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 after-
wards unwound for the manufacture of silken fabrics. See Notes 8 and $
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 resem-
blance to the coat of the field-mouse, “‘sorex,’’ the diminutive of which
would be “ soricula.”’
B. xix. c. 2 [V. iv. p. 183] and c. 6 [p. 138]. Dr. Yates expresses: it
as his opinion that the words ‘‘ Carbasus’’ and ‘‘ Carbasa’’ are derived from
_the oriental word Carpas, 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
48 See end of B. xx. 49 See end of B. xx. 50 See end of B. xx,
51 See end of B. xx. 52 See end of B. xx. 53 See end of B. xx.
54 See end of B. xx. 55 See end of B. vil. 56 See end of B. xx.
57 See end of B. xx. 53 See end of B. xii, 59 See end of B. x1.
60 See end of B. xii. 61 See end of B. xx. 62 See end of B. xii.
63 See end of B. xx. 64 See end of B. xx. 65 See end of B. xx,
66 See end of B. xx. 67 See end of B, xx. 68 See end of B. xii.
69 See end of B. xx. 70 See end of B. xx. 71 See end of B. xxi.
72 See end of B. xx. 7 Seeendof B.xx. ‘4 See end of B, xx,
YOL. V. by
274 | PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVII.
woven material” generally, and not of fine linen, or cambric, as suggested
in Note 55.
B. xix. c. 2[V. iv. p. 1384]. 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. 187, also p. 134, Note 37]. Dr. Yates has ad-
duced 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 Klis. There is no doubt, however, that Philostratus,
though perhaps erroneously, has used the word “ Byssus” as meaning
cotton.
to
“NI
Or
BOOK XXVIII.
REMEDIES DERIVED FROM LIVING CREATURES.
cHAP. 1. (1.)—-INTRODUCTION.
We should have now concluded our description of the various
things! that are produced between the heavens and the earth,
and it would have only remained for us to speak of the sub-
stances that are dug out of the ground itself; did not our expo-
sition of the remedies derived from plants and shrubs neces-
sarily 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
itis 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 deter- —
mination 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’ facts but such as are established
1 The trees and plants.
2 On the contrary, this and the four following Books are full of the most
extravagant assertions, which bear ample testimony to his credulity, not-
withstanding 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 hisage. 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,
y 2
276 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII,
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’ due to them respectively—for, in
fact, they have been no less serviceable in former times in dis-
covering remedies, than they are at the present day in provid-
ing 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 whieh 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.®
Epileptic patients are in the habit of drinking the blood
even of gladiators, draughts teeming with life,* 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°
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
2 See B. viii. c. 97, e¢ seg., and B. xxv. c. 89, et seg.
3 See B. xxviii. c. 3.
4 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.
> Jn recent times, Guettard, a French practitioner, recommended human
marrow as an emollient liniment.
Chap. 2.] | REMEDIES DERIVED FROM MAN. 277
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 disap-
pointed of his cure! To examine human entrails is deemed
an act of impiety ;° what then must it be to devour them
Say, Osthanes,’ 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 asystem’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, in-
forms us in his writings, that the most effectual remedy for
tooth-ache is to scarify the gums with the tooth of aman who
has died a violent death; and, according to Miletus, human gal!
is a cure for cataract. 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,
Antzus made pills that were to be an antidote to the bite of a
mad dog. Even more than this, man has resorted to similar re-
medies 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,
® Hence, as Ajasson remarks, the i ignoratice of anatomy displayed by the
ancients,
7 For further particulars as to Osthanes, see B. xxix. c. 80, and B. xxx.
ce. 5 and 6; also cc. 19 and 77 of the present Book. The reading, how-
ever, 1s very doubtful.
8 “Qculorum suffusiones.’? As Ajasson says, the remedy here mentioned
reminds us of the more harmless one used by ‘Tobias for _ cure of the |
blindness of his father Tobit.
278 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
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 prescrip-
tions’ as these! It will be for us to describe remedies only,
and not abominations ;’° 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" of the human
body, and other instances of asimilar nature. We do not look
upon life as so essentially desirable that it must be prolonged
at any cost, be 1¢ 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” which comes at a season-
able 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.°
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? For if such
is the case, it will be only proper to ascribe this efficacy to
man himself; 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 practi-
cally show, each passing hour, that we do entertain this belief,
> He gives a great many, however, which are equally abominable.
Oe ee ieeulas:
11 We may here discover the first rudiments of the doctrine of Animal
Magnetism.
12 Tn accordance with the republican doctrines of Cato of Utica, Brutus,
Cassius, and Portia.
13 Holland remarks, ‘‘ Looke for no better divinitie in Plinie, a meere
Pagan, Epicurean, and professed Atheist.” See B. vil. ec. 53, 64.
14 Whether or not, they cannot, as Ajasson remarks, be regarded as
remedies derived from the human body, being no part of the human bedy.
15 “ Homini acceptum fierl oportere conveniat.” This passage is pro-
bably corrupt. .
Chap. 3.] WHETHER WORDS ARE OF HEALING EFFICACY. 279
though at the moment we are not sensible of it. ‘I'hus, for
instance, it is a general belief that without a certain form of
prayer 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,” another form for
averting their ire, and another for commendation.
We see too, how that our supreme magistrates use certain
formule 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’® silence is not ominously
broken; while a musician, in the meantime, is performing on the
flute to prevent any other words being heard.’® 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,”
while the victim stood before the altar. There is still in exist-
ence a most remarkable testimony,” in the formula which the —
Decii, father and son, pronounced on the occasions when they
devoted themselves.” There is also preserved the prayer
uttered by the Vestal Tuccia,* when, upon being accused of
incest, she carried water in a sleve—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,* Greeks by
birth, or else natives of some other” country with which we
16 Beginning with an address to Janus and Vesta, imploring their inter-
cession with the other divinities, and concluding with an appeal to Janus.
17“ Tmpetritis.”
18 “Qui favere linguis jubeat.” ‘‘ Favete linguis’’ were the words used
in enjoining strict silence.
19 By him who is offering up the prayer.
20 A trick adroitly performed by the priests, no doubt.
21 Given by Livy, in Books viii. and x.
22 To death, in battle, for the good of their country.
*3 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.
24 “ Forum Boarium ;“ in the Eighth Region of the City.
> Of Gaul, as Plutarch informs us, who mentions also the Greek victims.
280 _ PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
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,” if read by a
person, must assuredly force him to admit the potency of
formule; 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” 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,* 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 founda-
tions of a temple, a human head was found; upon which de-_
puties were sent to Olenus Calenus, the most celebrated
diviner of Etruria. He, foreseeing the glory and success which
The immolation of the Gauls is supposed to have happened in the beginning
of the reign of Vespasian. |
26 Originally the ‘‘ Decemviri Sacris Faciundis,” whose number was in-
creased by Sylla to fifteen. They had the management of the Games of
Apollo, and the Secular Games.
27 In B. ii. ¢. 54.
*3 It has been suggested that Tullus Hostilius was acquainted with some
of the secrets of electricity, and that he met his death while trying ex-
perimonts with a lightning conductor. See B. il. c 54,
Chap. 4.] PRODIGIES AND PORTENTS. 281
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 a temple with his staff—‘“ Is it so, Romans, as you say Pid
said he; “here then must be the temple” 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,
weasay, 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 ;*° 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.*! 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 dis-
position 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,’’* and in another place, ‘‘ Whoso-
ever shall have used pernicious incantations’’?*? Verrius Flac-
cus 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 tosummon forth the tutelary divinity
of that particular town, and to promise him the same rites, or
even 4 more extended worship, at Rome; and at the present day
even, this ritual still forms part of the discipline of our pontiffs. —
29 Ajasson thinks that there is an equivoque here upon the word ‘“‘tem-
plum,”’ which signified not only a building, but certain parts of the heavens,
and corresponding lines traced on the earth by the augur’s staff.
30 This story is mentioned by Plutarch, in the Life of Publicola.
31 In which case it was considered necessary to repeat the words, “ Ac-
cipio omen,” “I accept the omen.”
82 “Qui fruges excantassit.”
83“ Qui malum carmen incantassit.”
282 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
Hence it is, no doubt, that the name* of the tutelary deity of
Rome has been so strictly kept concealed, lest any of our enemies
should act in a similar manner. Thereis no one, too, who does
not dread being spell-bound by means of evil imprecations ; ; and
hence the practice, after eating eggs or snails, of immedi-
ately breaking 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,?” 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 opinjon
even that serpents can counteract incantations, and that this is
the only kind of intelligence they possess—so much s0, 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®
on the walls of houses, deprecatory of accident by fire.
But it is not easy to say whether the outlandish and unpro-
nounceable words that are thus employed, or the Latin ex-
pressions 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 con-
celving something of the infinite, something deserving of the
notice of the divinity, or indeed, to speak more correctly, some-
thing that must command his intervention perforce. Homer”
tells us that Ulysses arrested the flow of blood from a wound
34 Ajasson is of opinion that this name was either Favra or Fona, Acca,
Flora, or Valesia or Valentia.
35 ** 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. _
36 It is a superstition still practised to pierce the shell of an ege 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.
37 See the Eighth Kelogue of Virgil.
38 “That is to say, Arse verse, out of Afranius, as Festus noteth, which
in the old Tuscane language Prgnyaatly Averte ignem, Put backe the fire.”’
— Holland.
39 Odyss. xix. 457. It is not Ulysses, but the sons of Autolycus that do
this. Their bandages, however, were more likely to be effectual,
Chap. 5.] A DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS USAGES. 283
in the thigh, by repeating a charm; and Theophrastus” says
that sciatica may be cured by similar means. Cato“ has
preserved a formula for the cure of sprains, and M. Varro for
that of gout. The Dictator Cesar, they say, having on one
occasion accidentally had a fall in his chariot,” 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. 0.—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,* 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?# Why, when we make mention of the dead,
do we protest that we have no wish* to impeach their good
name? Why is it that we entertain the belief that for every
purpose odd numbers are the most effectual ;"—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** a person when he sneezes, an obser-
vance which Tiberius Cesar, they say, the most unsociable of
men, as we all know, used to exact, when riding in his chariot
40 De Enthusiasmo. 41 See B. xvii. c. 47. !
#2 In passing along the Velabrum, on the occasion of his Gallic triumph,
the axle of the carriage having broke.
#3 See Ovid’s Fasti, B. i. 1. 175, et seg., and Epist, de Ponto. B. iv.
El. 4. 1, 23, et seq. |
a2 ieee B. Xi. c. 103.
“© Hence the saying, ‘De mortuis nil nisi bonum.”
46 “ Defunctorum memoriam a nobis non sollicitari.”’
*7 It is still a saying, and perhaps a belief, that ‘There is luck in
odd numbers,”
‘8 This has been a practice from the earliest times to the present day.
See Brand’s Popular Antiquities, Vol. III. p. 128, Bohn’s Ed. :
284 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
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*® universally received, that
absent persons have warning that others are speaking of them,
by the tingling of the ears. Attalus® assures us, that if a
person, the moment he sees a scorpion, says ‘‘ Duo,”® the rep-
tiie will stop short, and forbear to sting. And now that 1 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 1s
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,” 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.* When pay-
ing 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 pour-
ing 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,“ as the case may be, while a guest is drinking, is
looked upon as a most unfortunate presage. There is a treatise,
49 In France and England, at the present day, this notion, or rather, per-
haps, 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.
50 King Attalus Philometor. See end of B. viii.
51 6¢ Two.”’
82 This passage, it is pretty clear, ought to follow the preceding one,
though in the Latin it is made to precede.
53 The thumb was turned upwards as a mark of favour, downwards, as
a mark of disfavour. 54 « Repositorium.”’
Chap. 5.] A DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS USAGES. 285
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” 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 enter-
tained a belief that the gods are ever present, in all our affairs
and at all hours, and who have therefore found the means of ap-
peasing them by our vices even. It has been remarked, too,
that there is never a dead silence ona sudden among the guests
at table, except when there is an even number present ; when
this happens, too, it isa 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® 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, ifthis should happen to a pontiff,
while celebrating the feast of Dis.” The proper expiation in
such a case is, to have the morsel replaced on table, and then
burnt in honour of the Lar.*® 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” at Rome,
or to begin at the forefinger® in doing so: it is thought, too,
5 It was not yet the custom to bring in several courses, each served up
on a separate table.
°6 Good manners possibly, more than superstition, may have introduced
this practice.
‘7 Or Pluto. He alludes to the Feralia, ox feasts le beee in the
month of February, in honour of the dead.
°8 Or household god.
°° The ‘“Nundine,” held every ninth day; or rather every eighth day,
according to our mode of reckoning.
60 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.
286 | PLINY 8 NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
to be a preventive of baldness and of head-ache, to cut the hair
on the seventeenth and twenty-ninth” days of the moon.
A rural law observed in most of the farms of Italy, forbids®
women to twirl their distaffs, or even to carry them uncovered,
while walking in the public roads; it being a thing so pre-
judicial to all hopes and anticipations, those of a good harvest®
in particular. It is not so long ago, that M. Servilius
Nonianus, the principal citizen at Rome,® being apprehensive
of ophthalmia, had a paper, with the two Greek letters P and
A®™ written upon it, wrapped in linen and attached to his neck,
before be 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 par-
ticulars, and must therefore leave each to form his own con-
clusions 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, when speaking of the singular peculiar-
ities 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 remark-
able 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
60* Twenty-eighth, according to our reckoning.
61 Probably from their ominous resemblance to the Parce, or Fates, with
their spindles, Geos eal.
6 « Princeps civitatis.”” oe Tho and S" miohay 7
Sorin. Wiles 2s
Chap. 6.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM MAN. 287
called ‘‘ Ophiogenes,’’® 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 con-
suls, into a large vessel” 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® 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 ;® 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” the right
6 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.
o Dehiuny.”” 68 See B. viii. c. 38.
69. Ajasson has thought it worth while to contradict this assertion.
10 Meaning, of course, i case such an accident should befall the party.
The passage appears, however, to be corrupt.
288 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
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” 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 Archelaiis, 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” mentioned. At Elis, there used to
be shown one of the ribs” 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 “ 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,” in many other respects.
Weare in the habit of spitting,” for instance, as a preservative
from epilepsy, or in other words, we repel contagion thereby :
71 “ Hasta velitaris.” V2) In. Wile. ie
73 Tt 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. 74. Tn Bovine 2)
75 It certainly does seem to be possessed of some efficacy for the removal
of spots and stains, but for no other purpose probably.
76 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.
Chap. 7.] PROPERTIES OF THE HUMAN SPITTLE. 259
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” the
lap, for entertaining some too presumptuous hope or expecta-
tion.* 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” spittle. What we are going to say is marvellous,
but it may easily be tested ® by experiment: if a person re-
pents 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® 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.™
_ 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,’® 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
77 “Tn sinum.’? 78 See Juvenal, Sat. v. 1. 112.
79 Ajasson remarks that the human spittle contains hydrochlorate of
soda and potash; the remedial virtues of which, however, would be in-
finitely small.
80 A quibble, Ajasson remarks. Did Pliny ever test it himself? He
would seem to imply it.
81 “ Levatur iliico in percusso culpa.”
82 This is still the case with pngilists, and persons requiring to use strong
exertion. It is based, however, on a mere superstition, as Ajasson remarks,
83 “¢Malum terre.” 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.”
VOL. V. U
290 | PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
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 1s passing a place in which he has incurred any
kind of peril. !
Marcion of Smyrna, who has written a work on the virtue
of simples, informs us that the sea scolopendra will burst
asunder if spit upon; and that the same is the case with bram-
ble-frogs,* 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 be-
lieve 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,® 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 ;*
while, at the same time, equally salutary is the advice of the
tongue, which warns him to be wise in time,” that so Fortune
84 “ Rubetas.”’ See B. viii. c. 48, B. xi. cc. 19, 76, and 116, and B.
Reve. /.6. :
8> 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.
86 Hence the expression “‘ preefiscini,’” ‘ Be it said without envy,” sup-
posed to avert the effects of the envious eye, fascination, or enchantment.
‘7 “ 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.xxxui.c.4. Hardouin
attempts another explanation, but a very confused and improbable one.
Chap. 9.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HUMAN HAIR. 291
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 dan-
gerous of all. The proper remedy for it is human ear-wax:
a thing that we must. not be surprised at, seeing that, if ap-
plied 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 ser-
pent.
CHAP. 9.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HUMAN HAIR,
TEETH, EYC.
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 1n 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®
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
88 See end of. the present Bouk.
| U 2
292 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
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 de-
parture,
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 Archelaiis, 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 cir-
cumstance that has led to the belief that persons suffering from
epilepsy should eat the flesh of animals in a virgin state.
Adschines of Athens used to cure quinzy, carcinoma, and affec-
tions of the tonsillary glands and uvula, with the ashes of
burnt excrements, a medicament to which he gave the name
of ‘ botryon.’’®
There are many kinds of diseases which disappear entirely
after the first sexual congress,” or, in the case 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 1s of the same sex as the patient, and
89 Properly meaning “a cluster of grapes.”’
90 Ajasson remarks that there is a considerable degree of truth in this
assertion. He gives a long list of French works on the subject.
Chap. 12.] REVERIES AND DEVICES OF THE MaGicians. 293
that the part affected is touched with the back of the left
hand.” ‘To bite off a piece from wood that has been struck
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 1s 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 effec-
tually 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 suf-
fering 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” 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.” A whet-
stone 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
1 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.
9 Made of “spartum.” See B. xix. cc. 6, 7.
3 Of which the Persian Magi were the most noted professors.
294 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
of speech—that is quite certain.* 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,” they say. By pouring vinegar upon the hinges of a
door, a thick liniment is formed, which, applied to the fore-
head, 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”
even of the human body among the most efficient remedies ;
so much so, indeed, thut the scrapings from the bodies of the
athletes are looked upon as possessed of certain properties of
an emollient, calorific, resolvent, and expletive nature, re-
sulting 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
% The “constat’’ here, whether it belongs to the magicians, or to Pliny
himself, is highly amusing, as Ajasson remarks.
% Sillig appears to be right in his conjecture that the ‘“ vel” here
should be omitted. 9% See B. xv. c. 8.
Chap. 14.] REMEDIES DEPENDING UPON THE WILL. 299
in the sinews, sprains, and nodosities of the joints, The
scrapings obtained from the baths are stiil more efficacious for
these purposes, and hence itis that they form an ingredient in
maturative preparations. Such scrapings as are impregnated
with wrestlers’ oil,” 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 scor-
pion! 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.”’” 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,”
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 allis to take walking
97 “Ceroma.’’ A mixture of oil and wax.
9 Properly, “ poppy juice.”’
% Or “clara lectio,” ‘reading aloud,’’ as Celsus calls it, recommending
it for persons of slow digestion.
296 PLINY § NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
or carriage’ 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,? and a change of
locality? 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 he 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.* 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, 1s 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’? 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.
1 ¢¢Gestatio.’? Exercise on horseback, in a carriage drawn by horses,
or ina litter. See B. xxvi. c. 7.
2 See B. xxxi. c. 88. A sea voyage, to Madeira, for instance, is still re-
eommended for consumptive patients.
3 Change of locality is still recommended for diseases of the spleen, as
they are called. 4 «Strigilium.”’
> Except monkeys and some domesticated animals, Ajasson remarks.
Chap. 16.] REMEDIES FROM THE SEXUAL CONGRESS. 297
(5.) Hippocrates informs us that the viscera of persons who
do not take the morning meal® 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. lL. 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’ 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 pur-
pese, 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 diffi-
culty than others.
CHAP. 16.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE SEXUAL CONGRESS.
Democritus spoke in condemnation of the sexual congress, as®
being merely anact 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 re-
stored by 1t, when from being perfectly clear, it has degenerated
into hoarseness. ‘I'he congress of the sexes is a cure also for
pains in the loins, dimness of the eyesight,° alienation of the
mental difficulties, and melancholy.
6 “ Non prandentium.”
7 Callisthenes 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.”’
§ “Ut in qua homo alius exsiliret ex homine.’”? The true meaning of
this it seems impossible, with certainty, to ascertain: though a more in-
delicate one than that given might be easily suggested.
Hs the contrary, some authorities say that it is apt to cause dimness of
sight. }
298 PLINY § NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
CHAP. 1/.—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 Alemena” 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." 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” by the practice of keeping
it uncovered.
When anything has got into the eye, it 1s 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, 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. Ifa 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 inconti-
nence of urine, the extremities of the generative organs should
10 See Ovid, Met. ix. 273, e¢ seq.
11 Much more probably, because they were considered to be significant
of anything but seriousness and attention.
12 Kxemplified in the case of the Egyptians, Herodotus says.
13 The remedy would seem to be worse than the evil.
Chap. 18.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE URINE. 299
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 1t is found highly be-
neficial to speak but little; thus, for instance, Meecenas Me-
lissus,* 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” 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 :*®
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 pre-
ventive of ophthalmia, it is a good plan to rub the parts be-
hind the ears, and, as a cure for watery eyes, to rub the fore-
head. As to the presages which are derived from man him-
self, 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,” too, has been the subject not only of numerous
14 See end of B. vii. 15 Tn B. viii. ec. 58.
16 A knot tied very hard, and in which no ends were to be seen.
-“’ This excretion was, till lately, thought of great importance, as in-
dicative of the health of the patient.
300 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII:
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,’”’® 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’? upon the pupils, and maladies of the eye-
lids. 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 breed-
ing 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,” 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 sen-
sations more effectually ; and, with the addition of nitre,*' 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
18 From the Greek arvw, ‘to spit.”
19 « Argema.’
20 ‘Who had to use Jat, or stale urine, in their business.
21 At a future period we shall have to discuss the identity of the
“nitrum’”’ of Pliny. See B. xxxi. c. 46.
Chap. 20.) REMEDIES DERIVED FROM FEMALES. 301 |
eare 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 mar-
vellous—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 1s
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 cloudsin 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” or
moon, or to sprinkle with his urine the shadow of any object,
whatsoever. Hesiod™ 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
22 This was also one of the Pythagorean precepts.
*3 ‘Works and Days, 1. 727, et seq.
302 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. (Book XXVIII.
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 ménstrual dis-
charge, and other devices which have been mentioned, not
only by midwives but by harlots* even as well! The smell of a
woman’s hair, burnt, will drive away serpents, and hysterical
suifocations, 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 topi-
cally to the part affected, they will arrest erysipelas and he-
morrhage, 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 deli-
cate of all, and that it is the best® of remedies for chronic
fevers and cceliac 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 mamille. 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
24 The use of the word ‘“prodidere’’ shows that treatises had been
written on these abominable subjects. Lais, Elephantis, and Salpe were
probably the ‘ meretrices’’ to whom he here alludes.. See c. 23, and the
end of this Book.
*5 There is probably no foundation for this assertion.
Chap. 21.] REMEDILS DERIVED FROM WOMAN'S MILK. 303
defluxions of the eyes. Ifa frog* has spirted its secretions”
into the eye, woman’s milk is a most excellent remedy; and
for the bite of that reptile it is used both internally and ex-
ternally.
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, itis 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.** Taken as a drink, it is pro-
ductive of singularly good effects, where the poison of the
sea-hare, the buprestis,” or, as Aristotle tells us, the plant
dorycnium™ has been administered ; asa 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 com-
bination with wool-grease* or goose-grease ; a form in which
it is used as an application for pains in the uterus. Taken as
a drink, it arrests diarrhoea, Rabirius® says, and aets 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 pu-
berty, 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.
76 “Rana.” He means the “rubeta’’ probably, or “ bramble-frog,”
so often mentioned by him. See Note 84, p. 290.
Aa Sanivam.”’ ay" Seo 1. lox. Ce
29 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 Can-
tharides. Annales du Museum @histoire Naturelle, Vol. xix. p. 129, et seq.
30 Convolvulus dorycnium; see B. xxi. c. 105, and B. xxiii. ¢. 18.
31 “(sypum.”? See B. xxx. ¢. 23.
32 Possibly the Epic writer of that name, mentioned by Ovid, Seneca,
Quintilian, and Velleivs Paterculus.
304 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
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 suc-
cessful, 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®* 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. Jor, in the first
place, hailstorms, they say, whirlwinds, and lightning®™ 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, astorm
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” already
stated on a more appropriate occasion, 1s productive of the most
monstroue effects, there are some ravings about it of a most
dreadful and unutterable nature. Of these particulars, how-
ever, I do not feel so much shocked at mentioning the follow-
ing. 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 conjunc-
tion 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, 1f 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 Cappa-
docia; and that, in consequence of such multitudes of can-
33 ¢ Mascia.” Either a stomacher, or a fillet for the head.
34 The mention of lightning here, Hardouin seems to look upon as an
interpolation. 3) Tn Bi vit, €, 1a.
s
Chap. 23.] THE MENSTRUAL DISCHARGE. 305
tharides 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.* 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 in-
jured 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 ves-
sels will contract a fetid smell and become covered with verdi-
grease, 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 bitu-
men” that is found in Judea, 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
s0 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.
Lais and Elephantis® have given statements quite at va-
riance, on the subject of abortives; they mention the efficacy
36 Columella describes this practice in verse, in B. x., and in B. xi. ¢. 3-
AAlian, also mentions it.
37 See B. vii. c. 13. Tacitus tells the same wonderful story.
38 See the end of this Book.
VOR! Vai =
306 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
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 fiuid; and they have enu-
merated 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 Dyrrha-
chium informs us that a mirror, 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 16
is a good plan, for instance, to use it asa 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 Lais 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 enclo-
sing it ina 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 in-
serted 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 1s 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. Itis 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
oY See By vil. c:. 1s.
Chap. 24.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE ELEPHANT. 307
this fluid; the result being that the hydrophobia will. immedi-
ately 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,“ already men-
tioned, that dogs become mad upon tasting this fiuid. Itis awell-
known fact, too, that the menstruous discharge, reduced to ashes,
and applied with furnace soot and wax, isa cure for ulcers upon
all kinds of beasts of burden; and that stains made upon a gar-
_ ment with it can only be removed by the agency of the urine
of the same female. Equally certain it is, too, that this fluid, re-
duced to ashes and mixed with oilof roses, is very useful, applied
to the forehead, for allaying head-ache, in women more parti-
cularly ; as also that the nature of the discharge is most viru-
lent 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. 1 will
give an example of one of the most reasonable of their pre-—
scriptions—Take the parings of the toe-nails and finger-nails
of a sick person, and mix them up with wax, the party saying
that heis 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 init! 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-narls
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 ex-
perience 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
only with the leave and good-will of the reader. The rest are
40 See B, vii. e. 18. x 2
308 | PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII,
of a most execrable and infamous nature, such, in fact, as to
make me hasten to close my description of the remedies de-
rived 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 hes 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, 1s 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* brains, dried and taken in vinegar, are acure, they
41 Pliny has omitted the milk of the camel, which, according to Taver-
nier, is an excellent cure for dropsy.
Chap. 27.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HYZNA. 309
say, for epilepsy: the same, too, with the gall, taken with
honey ; which isa remedy also for quinzy. A. camel’s tail
dried, itis said, is productive of diarrhoea, 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 atime; 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 HYZNA.
But of all animals, it is the hyzna 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* human beings and depriving them of their
senses. Of its change of sex each year, and other monstrous
peculiarities* in its nature, we have spoken already ;** we
will now proceed to describe the medicinal virtues that are
ascribed to it. )
The hyena, it is said, is particularly terrible to panthers ; so
much so, indeed, that they will not attempt to make the slight-
est resistance to it, and will never attack a man who has any
portion of a hyzna’s skin about him. A thing truly marvel-
lous 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 hyena 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, itis 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
42 See B. viii. c. 44.
43 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.
44 In B. vili.c. 44.
310 : PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII. ;
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 hyena 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 fore-
head, 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® of the crystalline humours of the eyes,
it is recommended to anoint them with the gravy of hyzna’s
liver roasted fresh, incorporated with clarified honey.
We learn also, from the same sources, that the teeth of the
hyeena 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 cceliac
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 vertebree, applied in
hyeena’s skin with the tongue and right foot of a sea-calf anda
bull’s gall, the whole boiled up together, are soothing for gout;
that for the same disease hysena’s gall is advantageously em-
ployed in combination with stone of Assos; that for cold shiver-
ings, spasms, sudden fits of starting, and palpitations of the
45 “Glaucomata.” Littré considers, on the authority of M. Sichel, that
‘Glaucoma ’”’ and *‘suffusio ” are different names for the same disease—
eataract. 46 See B. xxxvi. ¢c. 27.
| Chap. 27.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HYZENA. 311
heart, it is a good plan to eat some portion of a hyzna’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 hyena 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 hyzena’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 acertain joint of the vertebre 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,”’” or ‘‘ At-
lantian* 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 ser-
pents to flight, they say; and the jawbone, pounded with anise
and taken with the food, is a cure for shivering fits. A fumi-
gation 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
“7 “Spine” seems a preferable reading to “‘ ruine,”. adopted by Sillig.
#8 “ Nodum Atlantion.” From the Greek a@rdac, “much enduring,”’
Julius Pollux says, because it was fitted for supporting burdens. The
“binc’’—“ hence,” of Pliny here appears to be a non sequitur.
312 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
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,* 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 hyzna’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 fascina-
tions; 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 inflammatoryul-
cers; and the marrow for pains in the spine and weakness in the
sinews. Thestrings 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,” and the genitals of the male animal, used
as a fumigation, are good for the cure of spasms. For oph-.
thalmia, 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
-49 We shall have occasion to make enquiry as to the identity of the
“‘alumen”’ of Pliny on a future occasion.
50 “Vanas species.”
Chap. 27.] BEMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE HY ZENA. 313
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 oii,
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 vertebre for women in travail ;
and the blood, in combination with polenta,” 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 pre-
sence nor to converse with them, whatever the method to which
they have recourse, whether lamps or basin, water or globe,”
or any other method.
The flesh of the hyena, 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 hyzena, used as a fumigation, are said to be
remedial for gout: but if among these remains the nails are
found, itis 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 hyzena, 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
. 51 See B. xviii. ¢. 14. oe 66 Pilg
314 PLINY'S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
he looks at her. ‘The hairs, too, of this part, reduced to ashes,
and applied with oil to the body of a man who 1s 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™
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 croco-
dile, attached to the right arm as an amulet, acts as an aphro-
disiac, 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 AXgyptians are in the habit of
anointing their sick with the fat of the crocodile.
The other kind of crocodile resembles it, but is much in-
ferior 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,” it removes blemishes growing upon the face ; and, em-
ployed 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
- Identified by Ajasson with the chamses, or common crocodile of the
11é€.
54 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.
55 See B. xi. c. 51.
Chap. 29.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE CHAMELEON. 315
pimples; and itistaken for epilepsy, in doses of two oboli, in
oxymel. Used in the form of a pessary it acts as an emmena-_
gogue. 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. Itis sometimes adulterated
with amylum® 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 croco-
dile, 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 1s 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 CHAMZLEON.
To these animals we shall annex some others that are equally
foreign, and very similar in their properties. To begin then
with the chameleon, 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
56 See B, xviii. c. 17.
316 PLINY S WATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
as 1t does, and exposing the lies and frivolities of the Greeks.—
In size, the chameleon 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” timid than this, a fact to which it owes its
repeated changes of colour.*® 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” asserts
that if the head and neck of a chameleon 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 un-
founded ;® 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, itis 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 hyzena, is a most effectual preserva-.
tive 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 “‘chameeleon,’”’® and is then made up, with
some unguent, into lozenges; and that these lozenges, kept in
57 It is a timid animal, but Pliny’s authorities have exaggerated’ its
timidity.
58 This change of colour is in reality owing to change of locality.
59 A, Gellius tells the same story, B x. ¢. 12,
60 And therefore harmless, at“ pee Db, xxi. ¢, 21.
Chap. 29.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE CHAMELEON. 317
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 chameleon, I should
be quite ashamed to say to what monstrous purposes Democri-
tus 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 em-
ployment 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 chamezeleon 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. Itis 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 drop-
ping 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 chameleon 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®—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 every-
6 See B. viii. c. 51. Flies and gnats are, in reality, its food.
318 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
thing that lies at the bottom—and I only wish® that Democri-
tus 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 1s 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,” which by some writers has been called the land
crocodile ; it 1s, however, whiter in appearance, and the skin is
not so thick. But the main difference between it and the cro-
codile 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® and
rocket-seed more particularly, in the proportion of one drachma
of each, mixed with two drachme 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 anti-
dotes. Sextius tells us, that, taken in doses of more than one
drachma, in one semisextarius of wine, the flesh 1s productive of
deadly results: he adds, too, that. a broth prepared from it,
taken with honey, acts as an antaphrodisiac.
CHAP. d1.—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 hippopo-
€3 One of the few pieces of wit in which Pliny is found to indulge.
«4 See B. viii. c. 88.- Probably the Lacerta ouaran of Cuvier.
Go See day SKVIGWiO2,
Chap. 33.] MEDICINAL USES OF MILK. 319
tamus was the first inventor of the practice of letting blood, a
fact to which we have® made allusion on a previous occasion :
it is found, too, in the greatest numbers in the parts above the
prefecture of Sais.
The hide, reduced to ashes and applied with water, is cura-
tive 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 1s voided.” 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® milk. It is highly dangerous for nursing women to
In By wii. c. 40. 67 See B. vii. ¢. 57.
6S Except, of course, when the mother is in a state of disease.
320 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
conceive: children that are suckled by them are known among
us as ‘‘colostrati,”’® their milk being thick, like cheese in ap-
pearance—the name “‘colostra,’’” 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.” 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 nutri-
tive, 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 sum-
mer, 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” 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” 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 ;’’™
69 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.
The “biestings.” _ 71 Amalthea.
72 Dioscorides says “river pebbles.”’ 73.-In B. xxv. ¢. 68.
74 From the Greek oyiorov, “divided ” milk, or “ curds.”
Chap. 33.] MEDICINAL USES OF MILK. 321
the 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 constitu-
ent 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 admi-
nistered 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 1s similarly em-
ployed, 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 dysen-
tery; 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 cantha-
rides, the pine-caterpillar, the buprestis, and the salamander.
Cows’ milk is particularly recommended for persons who have
taken colchicum, hemlock, dorycnium,” or the flesh of the sea-
hare; and asses’ milk, in cases where gypsum, white-lead,
sulphur,” or quick-silver, have been taken internally. This
last is good too for constipation attendant upon fever, and is
remarkably useful asa 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
75 See B. xxi. c. 105.
‘© He perhaps means a sulphate, and not sulphur, which is harmless,
VOL. V. : YX
322 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
with chafing of the rectum at stool. It is considered a sove-
reign 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 drachme 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 badfor fevers, also, vertigo—
except, indeed, where it is required as a purgative—oppression of
the head, coughs, and ophthalmia. Sows’ milk is extremely use-
ful 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” spoken of the different kinds of cheese
when treating of the mamille 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 sto-
mach 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 pro-
nounce 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, 1t modifies and alleviates griping pains in the bowels.
The cheese known as “ saprum,’’® is beaten up, in wine, with
salt and dried sorb apples, and taken in drink, for the cure of
cceliac affections. Goats’ milk cheese, pounded and applied to
the part affected, is a cure for carbuncle of the generative organs;
sour cheese, 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.
7 In Bix, 97. 7% From the Greek campoyr, “rotten’’ cheese.
7 Like our cream cheese, or new milk cheese, probably.
Chap. 35.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM BUTTER. © 523
CHAP. 30.—-ITWENTY-FIVE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM BUTTER.
From milk, too, butter is produced ; held as the most delicate
of food among barbarous” nations, and one which distinguishes*!
the wealthy from the multitude at large. It is mostly made
from cows’ milk, and hence its name; 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 shouid
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 being added to make it curdie
the sooner. The milk that curdles the most, floats upon the sur-
face; this they remove, and, adding salt to it, give it the name
of ‘‘oxygala.”’* 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*
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.
* 8 The people of Germany and Scythia, for instance.
81 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
atford to use it.
82 Bovrupoy, ‘cow cheese.”
83 Qy. whether for “aque,” “water,” we should not read ‘éacidi
here, ‘‘ sour milk,” as at the beginning of the next Chapter? Beckmann
suggests ‘‘aceti,”’ “ vinegar.”— Hist. Inv. I. 505, Bohn’s Ed.
_ § 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 con-
jecture can be supported.”—Hist. Inv. I. 505. He suggests another
arrangement of the whole passage, but without improving it, for the diffi-
culty 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.
85 The remark of Holland on this passage is curious—“ Some would
amend this place, and for ‘ magis,’ ‘more,’ put ‘minus,’ ‘less, in a con-
trary 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.”
% 2
39
324 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
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 pre- —
paration is extremely wholesome to the stomach: of its pro-
perties we shall have occasion® 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,’’® 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 premise, 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 em-
ployed for the cure of chilblains. It is gcod 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
86 He has forgotten to do so, however.
37 From the Latin ‘axis,’ an “axle,” and ‘ungo,” ‘to anoint.”
Chap. 37.] THE VARIOUS USES OF FAT. 325
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,® 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 re-
stores 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 nutgali, it
heals ulcers upon the head in females. When well smoked, it
strengthens the eyelashes. Lard is recommended alsofor 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 mamille: 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 earthen-
ware™® which has held salted provisions, for imposthumes of
the parotid glands and scrofulous sores. Employed asa fric- —
tion 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 sarcopha-
gus” stone and cinquefoil bruised in wine, or else with lime
88 Hence it was a notion in the sixteenth century, that pitch and hogs’
lard is a cure for syphilis, by promoting salivation.
89 “Farina salsamentarie teste.” © See B.ixxxyil ¢, 27,
\
326 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
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 dis-
eases 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 1s 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.—SsUET.
Corresponding with the grease of the swine, is the suet that
is found in the ruminating animals, a substance employed in
other ways, but no less efficacious in its properties. The pro-
per 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 sun3 that of
the most esteemed quality being the fat which grows about the
kidneys. In case stale suet is required for any medicinal pur-
pose, 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 pro-
91 Sebum ”’—Suet or tallow.
Chap. 40.] GALL. 327
cured, it being then boiled again and again, until the rank
smell has totally disappeared.
Many persons recommend that the fat of bulls, lions, pan-
thers, 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 con-
sidered 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 1s 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 1s 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® of the Sacrifices
1s not allowed to touch a horse, notwithstanding that it is the
8 Or Flamen Dialis. Festus gives another reason: lest the Flamen
should travel to a distance, and so neglect his duties.
O28 | PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
custom to immolate one™ of these animals at the public sacri-
fices 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™ among the poisons ;
except, indeed, at Aigira,® 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 power-
ful, in fact, is the agency of that sympathy so generally spoken -
of, that it may occasionally originate, we find, in feelings of re-
ligious awe,” or in the peculiar nature of the locality.
Drusus,” the tribune of the people, drank goats’ blood, it is
sald ; it being his object by his pallid looks to suggest that his
enemy, Q. Cepio, 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
93 The ‘‘ Equus October,” sacrificed to Mars on the Campus Martius in
October. This sacrifice was attended with some very ridiculous ceremonies.
%* This, as already observed, was probably a fallacy.
9 See B. iv. c. 6. |
*6 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.
97 See B. xxxil. c. 6.
Chap. 42.] REMEDIES AGAINST SERPENTS. 329
serpents. That deer are destructive to those reptiles® 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® 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 anti-
dote to the stings of those reptiles ; indeed, if 1t has been only
touched by a person, he will be for that day effectually pro-
tected 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 “ centi-
pellio.”’* 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* mentioned in another place. Deer’s blood,
burnt upon a fire of lentisk wood, with dracontium,* cunilago,‘
and alkanet, will attract serpents, they say; while, on the
other hand, if the blood is removed and pyrethrum’ 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.”® Sardinia, they say, is the only coun-
try that produces it; I am of opinion, however, that it is now
extinct, and for that reason I shall not enlarge upon its medi-
cinal 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,
98 See B. viii. c. 50. 99 In B. viii. c. 50.
1 Or “hundred skins.” Called the mirefewdlle¢t in French.
* In B. viii. c. 50. 3 See B. xxiv. c. 91.
4 See B. xx. c. 63. !
> The Anthemis pyrethrum of Linnzus, Spanish camomile or pellitory.
6 Possibly the Musmon of B. viii. c. 49. See also B. xxx. c. 52.
330 — PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
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 ef-.
fectual. 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’ grapes; to the urine of those animals,
taken with squill vinegar; to goats’ milk cheese, applied with
origanum ;° 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. The wild animals of the
same species, which are very numerous, as already” 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. Itis recommended also to apply
she-goat’s dung, boiled’ 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 ashe-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,
7 See B. xxiii. cc. 18, 14. 8 See B. xx. c. 67.
® See B. viii. c. 76. 10. In. B. vin. ¢.. 76.
1 A remedy of which H. Cloquet highly approves, on chemical grounds,
Chap. 44.] REMEDIES AGAINST ENCHANTMENTS. ddl
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 1s 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 1s 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” 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 preser-
vative 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™ stated, that if a horse
12 Cloquet says that the application would be useless.
13 Tn B, vill. ¢. 34.
332 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII,
only treads in its track, it will be struck with torpor" in
consequence.
CHAP. 45.—REMEDIES FOR POISONS.
In case where persons have swallowed quicksilver,’ bacon
is the proper remedy to be employed. Poisons are neutralized by
taking asses’ milk; henbane more particularly, mistletoe, hem-
lock, the flesh of the sea-hare, opocarpathon,’* pharicon,”” and
dorycnium :'® the same, too, where coagulated milk’® has been
productive of bad effects, for the biestings,” or first curdled
milk, should be reckoned as nothing short of a poison." 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® is possessed of
similar properties in every respect, but in a much higher
degree.
Of the wild horse** 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* and the bison,™ although in India the
forests are filled with herds of wild oxen: itis only reasonable,
14 Cloquet and Ajasson admit the truth of this statement: the latter
suggests that it may be owing to electricity.
15 Tt is no longer reckoned among the poisons.
16 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.
Cc. 3.
17 A composite poison, probably, the ingredients of which are now un-
known. 18 See Chap. 21 of this Book,
Bivce B.xXx. C..53. 20 See B. xi.-¢. 96.
1 On the contrary, cows’ biestings are highly thought of in some parts
of England ; and a very delicate dish is made of them, baked.
22 « Onager.”’ 23 See B. viii. c. 16, and B. xvi. c. 9.
4 Bee B. vin. c. 15.
Chap. 45.] REMEDIES FOR POISONS. Sue
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” has settled internally,
or cantharides have been administered ; it acting upon the
poison by vomit. Broth, too, made from goats’ flesh, neutral-
izes the effects of cantharides, in a similar manner, it is said.
To counteract the corrosive poisons which destroy by ulcer-
ation, 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, 1s an effectual repellent of
the above-mentioned poisons, aconite and hemlock more par-
ticularly ; 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” grapes, goats’ milk is an antidote to the
effects of ephemeron. Goats’ blood, boiled down with the mar-
row, is used as a remedy for the narcotic” poisons, and kids’ blood
for the other poisons. Kaid’s rennet is administered where per-
sons have taken mistletoe, the juice of the white chameleon,”
or bull’s blood; for which last, hare’s rennet in vinegar is also
used by way of antidote. or injuries inflicted by the pasti-
naca,” 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. MHare’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
25 See B. xxv. c. 107, and B. xxvi. c. 75.
26 See B. xxiii. cc. 18, 14.
27 “ Toxica’”’—properly, those poisons in which the barbarous nations
dipped their arrows.
28 See B, xxii. c. 21. 29 Or, sting-ray.
334 PLINY § NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
preparations from the field weazel.*° But we will now return
to the other remedies, classified according to the various diseases.
cHaPp. 46. (11.)—-REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF TILE HEAD, AND
FOR ALOPECY. |
Bears’ grease,*! mixed with ladanum®” and the plant adi-.
antum,** prevents the hair from falling off; it 1s a cure also
for alopecy and defects in the eyebrows, mixed with the fungus
from the wick of a lamp, and the soot that 1s 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 pre-
pration to dry for a time onthe 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* 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, tama-_
risk-seed, butter, and oil, are remarkably effectual for prevent-
ing the hair from coming off, the head being first shaved for
the purpose. So too, the ashes of burnt goats’ flesh, applied
30 See B. xxix. c. 16.
31 This substance still maintains its reputation, as preservative of the
hair. 82 See B. xi. c. 87, and B. xxvi. c. 80.
ee see B. xxl. C,30. 7) 5 Sf See |B. axyv.c. 67:
Chap. 47.] REMEDIES FOR THE EYES. 330
to 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, alle-
viate 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* 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, 18 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® 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 mix-
ture, too, is very efficacious for preventing superfluous eye-
lashes from growing again when once pulled out.
Bull’s gall is made up into eye-salves*’ with white of egg,
35 Jf they are occasioned by irritation, Ajasson thinks that Pliny’s re-
medy may be of some utility.
6 A cosmetic for “ beautifying the eye-brows.”
7 “ Collyria.”
336 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
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* 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.’’ *
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* 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 ;
38 This is the translation suggested by Dalechamps for ‘lumbulis.’’
39 “ Seers by night.’’ ie Salles,
Chap. 48.] REMEDIES FOR THE EARS. 337
and with woman’s milk, for rupture of the coats of the eye.
For all these purposes, the gall is considered the most effica-
clous, 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 per-
sons 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 suppu-
ration. 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
VOL. V. Z
5388 PLINY'S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIIL
and sloughs of serpents, care being taken to warm the ears be-
fore 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*
wine, in the proportion of one third of a denarius of rennet to
one half of a denarius of sacopenum.” Bears’ grease, mixed
with equal proportions of wax and bull-suet, is a cure for
imposthumes of the parotid glands: some persons add hy-
pocisthis* 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 injec-
tion 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 asa gargle. Some persons,
however, are of opinion that the horn, unburnt and reduced to
powder, is still more efficacious for all these purposes. Denti-
frices are made both from the powder and the ashes. Another
l See B. xiv. c. 4. 42 See B. xx. c. 75.
“3 See B. xxvi. c. 31.
Chap. 49.] REMEDIES FOR TOOTH-ACHE. 339
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 1s 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 correc-
tive 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 toa
needle in appearance: for the cure of tooth-ache it is recom-
mended 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 denti-
frice. Theashes of burnt pig’s feet are productive of a similar
effect, as also the calcined bones of the cotyloid cavities in which
the hip-bones move. It isa 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 sen
ening the teeth.
When the teeth have been loosened by a blow, they are
strengthened by using asses’ milk, or else ashes of the burnt
teeth of that animal, or a horse’s hchen, reduced to powder,
and injected into the ear with oil. By lichen* 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* 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. Anaxilaiis 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” of horses’ heads; and the same with reference
44 See B. xxi. c. 105. 45 See B. viii. c. 66.
46 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.
#7 “Capitum visus” seems to be a more probable reading than “ capi-
340 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
to the she-ass. As to the hippomanes, it 1s possessed of proper-
ties so virulent and so truly magical, that if it is only thrown
into fused metal‘* 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 white-
ness: and it is a well-known fact, that some women are in the
habit of washing their face with it seven® hundred times daily,
strictly observing that number. Poppza, the wife of the
Emperor Nero, was the first to practise this; indeed, she had
sitting-baths, prepared solely with asses’ milk, for which pur-
pose whole troops of she-asses” used to attend her on her jour-
nies.’ 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 serpigi-
nous eruptions of the face, a layer of barley-meal being pow-
dered 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,” it must not be omitted; the pastern-bone of a
white steer, they say, boiled forty days and forty nights, till it is
tum usus” given by Sillig. Be it what it may, the meaning of the pas-
sage is doubtful.
48 See AKlian, Var. Hist. xiv. 18.
49 ‘There surely must be a wrong reading here, or he cannot intend this
to be understood literally. 50 See B. xi. ¢. 96.
5t 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.
% “ Ad desideria mulierum.”
\
%
Chap. 50.] REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE FAOE. 341
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*® 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 com-
position 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.
Klephantiasis, too, is removed by an application of goats’
gall; and leprous spots and furfuraceous eruptions by em-
ploying bull’s gall with the addition of nitre, or else asses’ urine
about the rising of the Dog-star. Spots on the face are re-
moved 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
588 Sce c, 28 of this Book.
342 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. _ [Book XXVIII.
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. 01.—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 exter-
nally 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 scrofu- .
lous 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, too, is very useful for this purpose, an
invention of the Gauls for giving a reddish® 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.
5 See Beckmann’s Hist. Inv. I]. 92-3, Bohn’s Ed., where this sub-
ject is treated at considerable length.
x “ Rutilandis capillis.”’
Chap. 53.] REMEDIES FOR COUGH. 3438
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 astiff 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 ashe-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 excel-
lent 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. 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®” 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 ahare’s fur, inhaled, has the effect of bring-
ing off from the lungs such humours as are difficult to be dis-
charged. 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 1t 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
56 «¢ Ram mori tradunt.’’ The reading here is very doubtful.
57 “ Subulo.’’
344 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
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®* 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 suf-
fering from asthma, the most efficient remedy of all is the blood
of wild horses® 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-sextaril 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.
58 Asses’ milk is still recommended for pulmonary phthisis.
5 See B. vil. c. 16.
Chap. 57.] REMEDIES FOR AFFECTIONS OF THE SPLEEN. 345
To the above composition they add goats’ dung, and recom-
mend 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 ison 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 Jetting them be touched by the
teeth. Ifa 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’® 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, Cecilius 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 1s made
by bruising twenty heads of garlick in one sextarius of vinegar,
and applying them ina 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
6 This would appear to be a Greek word in reality.
346 PLINY § NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
to the patient’s shirt,” 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 les 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 pro-
duced by applying a wolf’s gall to the navel, with elaterium ;*
by taking mares’ milk, goats’ milk with salt and honey, or a
she-goat’s gall with juice of cyclaminos,® 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.
Coeliac 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; or else boar’s
oe Unica.! 62 See |B. Sk, Ca.
63 See B. xxv. c. 67. Mares’ milk is xot a purgative; and goats’ milk,
as Ajasson remarks, is somewhat astringent. Juice of Cyclamen, on the
other hand, or sow-bread, is highly purgative.
* See B. xviii. c. 14.
Chap. 58.] REMEDIES FOR BOWEL COMPLAINTS. 347
dung, swine’s dung, or hare’s dung, reduced to ashes and,
mixed with mulled wine. Among the remedies, also, for the
ceeliac 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®-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 grip-
ing pains, ashes of deer’s horns, bull’s gall mixed with cum-
min, 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-
sextaril to two ounces of turpentine, or else employed with a de-
coction 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 pur-
pose; orelse goats’ milk is used, boiled down to one half. In
cases, too, where there are gripings in the bowels, wine of the
first running® 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 coeliac 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 ceeliac flux
is effectually treated with the roasted liver of a she-goat, or,
what 1s 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.
65 In Chap. 57 of this Book.
66 “ Protropum.” See B. xiv. ce. 9.11.
348 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
The milt of a he or she-goat is sometimes roasted for this pur-
pose, 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 recom-
mended to be taken in water moderately cool. Some persons,
too, boil goats’ suet in water, with a mixture of polenta, cum-
min, anise, and vinegar; and for the cure of cceliac affections,
they rub the abdomen with a decoction of goats’ dung and
honey.
For both the coeliac 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.’”"™ For dysentery an injection is
employed, made of bull glue dissolved in warm water, I latu-
lency 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 effec-
tual. Goat suet, taken in any kind of broth, is possessed of
similar virtues, care being taken to swallow cold water imme-
diately after. The ashes of a kid’s thighs are said to be mar-
vellously 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. 09.—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® are
expelled by taking the ashes of deer’s horns in drink. The bones
67 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,
68 He uses “tenia” probably, as a general name for intestinal worms.
Chap. 60.] AFFECTIONS OF THE BLADDER. 349
which we have spoken® 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,” is re-
markably useful for this purpose, boiled in grape juice: the
same too with swine’s dung, powdered and mixed with cum-
min, 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
ealculi, 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,” 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 bur-
den of his urine,” 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” 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
69 In c. 49 of this Book. 70 Inc. 57 of this Book.
il “Sapa.” Grape-juice boiled down to two-thirds: see B. xiv. ¢. 11.
72 Tn reality, these are biliary calculi, found in the gall-bladder of the
antmal. ‘They are called “ bezoar ’’ stones, from a Persian word signifying
“destructive to poison.” ,
73 See B. viii. c. 77. 74 Inc. 49 of this Book.
350 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
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 ;® 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, boiledin wine, or with the
gall of a she-goat, mixed with honey and the extracted juice
of the bramble.** 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 pro-
duced 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 ;” 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
75 Ajasson remarks that arsenic should be used with the greatest care im
such a case.
76 « Rubi.” He probably means the bramble-berry.
7 See B. xviii. c. 14.
Chap. 61,] REMEDIES FOR THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 35)
habit of adding litharge and frankincense. Butter, too, is very
good, employed with goose-grease and oil of roses, The pro-
portions 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 apost-
emes 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® voids with his urine, it is
said, at the moment he is killed. ‘This stone, which is ina
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 1s 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, 1s 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”
from ulcers, a cure is effected by inserting in the sores three
horse-hairs, tied with as many knots.
7% “Onager,’’
79 Arising, by sympathy, from sores in other parts of the body.
352 PLINY 8 NATUKAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIIT.
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® 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,” 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,® and one-third part of mus-
tard ; 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® hot beneath the great toes ; and that, for diseases
of the joints, it 1s 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 effi-
cacious. 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
80 See B. xxvi.c. 31. Bears’ grease is of no use whatever for the cure
of gout. ; ;
61 See B. xix. c. 31, B. xxi. cc. 62, 104, and B. xxii. cc. 19, 20.
82 See B. xxi. c. 56.
83 This mode of cure, Ajasson says, is still employed in the Kast, where
the preparation is known by the name of moza.
Chap. 63.] REMEDIES FOR EPILEPSY. — 398
of days. The pastern-bones of these animals are also used, re-
duced 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 pow-
dered 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 exco-
riations of the joints, the gall of a wild boar or swine 1s 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 recom-
mended, 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 adminis-
tered in hydromel, in doses of half an ounce per day. An
ass’s hoofs are reduced to ashes, and taken for a month toge-
ther, in doses of two spoonfuls; the testes, also, of an ass,
salted and mixed with the drink, asses’ milk or water in par-
ticular. 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.
VOL. Vv. AA
304 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII,
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.** 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
sald.
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,® 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 bones, 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 if 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® stated, is a febrifuge. Periodical
64 < Potum vero ex aqua sublime.’’ The true reading and the meaning
are equally doubtful. 85 Spoken of as ‘‘ polea”’ in c. 57.
6 In B. viii. c. 50. Because the animal itself was supposed to be free
from fever. |
Chap. 67.] REMEDIES FOR MELANCHOLY. 355
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 gene-
rally known as ‘“‘amphemerine ;’’*” it 1s to be cured, they say,
by the patient taking three drops of blood from an ass’s ear, and
swallowing them in two semi-sextaril 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,® 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 ma-
giclans 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,® 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” 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
87 Or “quotidian,” daily fever.
*8 A rather singular episode in his narrative. It looks like a gloss.
®° Under this name, as Ajasson remarks, the affections now called “ hys-
teria”’ are included. oO) IV ererinn mie:
Ae Aged
356 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
the people of Achaia. They say too, that the smoke of dried
cow-dung—that of the animal when grazing, I mean—is re-
markably good for phthisis, inhaled through a reed ;” and we
find it stated that the tips of cows’ horns are burnt, and ad-
ministered with honey, in doses of two spoonfuls, in the form
of pills. Goat suet, many persons say, taken in a pottage of
alica,” 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*® 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™ 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 rearedin herds, [ mean—are highly esteemed.
This dung, the name given to whichis ‘ bolbiton,’’® is re-
duced 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 asort 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,® 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 par-
ticularly.
*1 Another instance of smoking, though not a very tempting one.
22 Bees. .RyiMl. 16.29. 93 “¢ Rupicapra.”
94 “¢¢ Subulo.”? % From the Greek.
96 See B. xix. c. 27, B. xx. c. 15, and B. xxv. c, 64,
Chap. 71.] . REMEDIES FOR BURNS. 307
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
a 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” 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. /0.—REMEDIES FOR SPRAIN S, INDURATIONS, AND BOILS.
Tor 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. Jor the cure of boils, beef-suet is applied
with salt; but if they are attended with pain, itis 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 5 SEVEN REMEDIES DERIVED FROM IT.
For the treatment of burns, bears’ grease is used, with lily
roots; dried wild boars’ dung also, orswine’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.
; 7 Kruptionibus pituite,”
308 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXVIII.
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 1s 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.
ouAP. 72.—REMEDIES FOR AFFECTIONS OF THE SINEWS AND FOR
; CONTUSIONS.
Yor 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™ 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,” 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 at-
tempted to gain the public applause at the three- ‘horse chariot
races.| Swine’s dung, it 1s generally thought, is the next
best to that of the goat.
CHAP. 73. (18.)—REMEDIES FOR HEMORRHAGE,
Hemorrhage 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 haemorrhage. 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,
98 Where the sinew has been wounded and exposed, either vinegar or
honey, Ajasson remarks, would be a highly dangerous application.
99 + Reverentiores.” a Trigario.”
Chap. 74.] | REMEDIES FOR ULCERS. 359
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 serpigi-
nous 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’ 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 phagedéenic 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.’ |
Carcinomatous sores are treated with hare’s rennet, sprin-
kled 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 “‘phage-
deenic,’’ are treated with the ashes of a cow’s hide, mixed with
honey. Calves’ flesh, as also cow-dung mixed with honey, pre-
vents recent wounds from swelling. The ashes of a leg of veai,
applied with woman’s milk, are a cure for sordid ulcers, and the
malignant sore known as ‘‘cacoéthes:’’* bull-glue, melted, is
* See B. xii. c. 51. 3 See B. xxv. c. 101.
# “ Bad habit.” “Clinice”—Chamber-physic, so called because the physician visited
his patients év kAtvy, ‘in bed.”
6 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 ¢utor, and not the disciple, of Hippocrates. Prodicus of Se-
lymbria does not appear to be known.
’ “Healing by ointments,” or, as we should call it at the present day,
“‘The Friction cure.” 8 « Mediastinis.”’
B72 PLINY’S NATUBAL HISTORY. [Book XXIX.
Chrysippus, by Erasistratus, son? of the daughter of Aristotle.
For the cure of King Antiochus—to give our first illustration
of the profits realized by the medical art—Hrasistratus re-_
ceived from his son, King Ptolemeeus, the sum of one hundred
talents.
CHAP. 4.—THE EMPIRIC BRANCH OF MEDICINE.
Another sect again, known as that of the Empirics—be-
cause it based its rules upon the results of experiment—
took its rise in Sicily, having for its founder Acron of Agri-
gentum, a man recommended by the high authority of Empe-
docles" the physician.
CHAP. 9. — 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,” who —
regulated the arterial pulsation according to the musical*®
scale, correspondingly with the age of the patient. In suc-
ceeding 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 stated, Asclepiades had become the founder.
His disciple, Themison,"* 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 me-
thods of treatment; which, in their turn, were entirely dis-
placed, with the authorization of the late Emperor Augustus,
by Antonius Musa,” a physician who had rescued that prince
9 Pythias, the daughter of Aristotle, was his stepmother, and adopted
him. His mother’s name was Cretoxena.
10 Or “Sect of Experimentalists.”’ They based their practice upon ex-
perience derived from the observation of facts. The word “ Empiric” is
used only in a bad sense at the present day. For an account of Hippo-
crates, see end of B. vii.; of Chrysippus, see end of B. xx.; and of Erasis-
tratus, see end of B. x1.
11 See end of B. x1. 12 See end of B. xi.
13 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.
18° InB. xxvi, ce. 7, 8.
14 See end of B. xi. 13 See B, kim, e. 2S.
Chap. 5.] CELEBRATED PHYSICIANS. 373
from a most dangerous malady, by following a mode of treat-
ment 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” 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 hun-
dred thousand sesterces.
Fully equal to this was the sum lavished upon his brother
by Claudius Cesar ; 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 !7 such an estate as no physician but Ar-
runtius had till then possessed.
Next in succession arose Vettius Valens, rendered so noto-
rious by his adulterous connection’? with Messalina, the wife
of Claudius Cesar, 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,’? 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 stili
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
16 Rather more than £4400. 17 More than £265,000.
18 For which he was put to death a.p. 48.
19 A native of Tralles in Lydia, and the son of a weaver there. Galen
mentions him in terms of contempt and ridicule.
374 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIX.
prescribed diets to his patients in accordance with the move-
ments 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” 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 Annzeus* 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.’”’”
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* which emanate from the in-
genuity 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* of nations who
20 « Tnvasit.””
21 Ep. 53 and 83. His ‘‘ adstipulatio ’’ is of a very equivocal character,
however.
“2 “ Turba medicorum perii.”? This is supposed to be borrowed from a
line of Menander—
TloAA@Y iarpwy Etoodog p’ amwreceEv.
ane Mat Y?
#4 Herodotus states this with reference to the Babylonians; Strabo, the
Chap. 7.] OPINIONS ON THE ANCIENT PHYSICIANS. 379
live without any physicians at all, though not, for all that,
without the aid of medicine. Such, for instance, was the Ro-
man” 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,*
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.
Emilius and M. Livius being consuls. He states aiso, that the
right of free citizenship”’ was granted him, and that he had a
shop* provided for his practice at the public expense in the
Acilian Cross-way ;” that from his practice he received the
name of ‘ Vulnerarius ;’’*° 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 ac-
quired the new name of “‘ Carnifex,’’*' 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 stagds so high of
itself, that but little weight is added to it by the triumph”
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
Bastitani, a people of Spain; and Eusebius, the more ancient inhabitants
of Spain. 25 See B. xx. c. 33:
26 See end of B. xii. 27 “ Jus Quiritium.”
He *8 “Tabernam.” The shell of a sea urchin most probably. See Note 81 above.
390 PLINY §S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIX.
among the Druids. The possession of it is marvellously vaunted
as ensuring success ® 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
Voconti,®” 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®® with representations of serpents, as so many
symbols of peace—it must be remembered, too, that on the
caduceus, serpents are never ® 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, if is our duty to award the honour to
Commagene®” of a most celebrated preparation there made.
This composition is prepared from goose-grease, a substance
appled to many other well-known uses as well; but in the
ease of that which comes from Commagene, a part of Syria, the
grease is first incorporated with cinnamon, cassia,” white pep-
per, and the plant called ‘‘commagene,”’®” and then placed in
vessels and buried in the snow. ‘The mixture has an agree-
able 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;’’® 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 “ described, and
% See Note 82 above.
37 A nation of Gaul. See B. iii. ce. 5, 21.
38 The wand held by heralds, and generally represented as coe carried
by Mercury in his character of messenger of the gods.
$9 And therefore not portentous of war.
30 See B. v. ce. 13, 20. 91 See B. xii. c. 43.
% See B. x. c. 28. Generally supposed to be Syrian nard ; though some
identify it with the Comacum of Theophrastus.
3 See B. xxiii. cc. 45, 80. In By xxvii ¢. 136.
Chap. 14.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE DOG. 391
there is added to it erysisceptrum,®” xylobalsamum,” palm
elate,” 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 nume-
rous other remedies, also, derived from the goose, as well as
from the raven ;* a thing I am much surprised at, seeing that
both the goose and the raven ® 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! 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 punish-
ment is yearly inflicted upon the dogs, by crucifying them alive
upon a gibbet of elder, between the Temple of Juventas’ and
that of Summanus.?
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 ;* 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 com-
mon use, as we learn from the Comedies’ of Plautus. It is
generally thought that for narcotic® 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 me-
24 See B. xxiv. c¢. 69. 98 See B. xii. c. 54. 97 See B, xii. c. 62.
98 No MS., it would appear, gives ‘‘corvis’’ here, the reading being
“capris,” “ goats.”? Ajasson, however, is most probably right in his sug-
gestion that “‘corvis” is the correct reading.
o? pee B. x. e.:15. LU Tn B.. x. ¢. 26:
2 Or Youth, in the Kighth Region of the City,
3 See B. ii. ¢. 53. —
* An ancient divinity, who is supposed to have presided over childbirth.
See Plutarch, Quest, Rom. 52.
5 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. : :
6 Toxiea,”’
392 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIX.
dicinal 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.” 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®
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 de-
stroyed by swallowing a cyathus of oil.
CHAP. 16.—-REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE WEASEL.
There are two varieties of the weasel; the one, wild,’ 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.” The
other kind,’° which prowls about our houses, and is in the
habit, Cicero tells us,'! of removing its young ones, and
changing every day from place to place, is an enemy to ser-
pents. 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 animalis —
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
7 Of remedies classified according to the different maladies.
8, In B. xi. c. 76. ® The ferret, most probably.
8* See c. 33 of this Book. 10 The common weasel.
‘1 Probably in his work entitled “‘ Admiranda,”’ now lost. Holland says
“some take these for our cats,”
Chap. 17.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM BUGS. 393
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 loath-
ing, is said to be aneutralizer 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 1s 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’®
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 ani-
mals 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,’ 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, how-
ever, 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 :“ 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,
12 Guettard, a French commentator on Pliny, recommends bugs to be
taken internally for hysteria ! |
13 Perhaps the Cimex pratensis is meant here. Neither this nor the
Cimex juniperinus, the Cimex brassice, or the Lygeus hyoscami has the
offensive smell of the house bug.
44 An excellent method, Ajasson remarks, of adding to the tortures of
the patient. |
394 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIX.
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 tceuches an old sore, its fatal effects
are not so immediate. Taken internally, in however large a
quantity, the venom is not injurious,” as 1t has no corrosive pro-
perties; 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,’*® 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 marvel-
lously extolled by the magicians.” This blood is thick and
adhesive, like pitch, which it resembles also in colour: dis-
solved 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.”
15 This is the fact. 16 See B. viii. c. 33,
7 The Magi of the East, probably.
Chap. 21.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE VIPER. 395
CHAP. 20.—REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE DRAGON,
The dragon’* 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 am 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 vertebre 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 poten-
tates 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 jion’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’? men’s morals.
Dragon’s fat will repel venomous creatures ; an effect which is
equally produced by burning the fat of the ichneumon.*” 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
18 Some serpent of the boa species, probably. See B. viii. cc. 18, 14,
22, 41, and B. x. cc. 5, 92, 95, 96.
19 By leading them to confound truth with fiction.
*” See B. viil. c. 36.
396 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIX.
water, for it will quite undo” 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,” which it swallows in its alarm, they
say: others, again, use the head entire.
From the viper are prepared those tabiets which are known
as “‘ theriaci”™ 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 ad-
hering 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,** which are dried in the
shade and are employed as an ingredient in numerous medica-
ments. I should remark, however, that this preparation, it
would appear, can only be made from the viper. Some per-
sons, 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
31 This is perhaps the meaning of “preecanere.” Sillig suggests “ re-
canere.”’
ae ae was said to act as an antidote to the poison, applied to the
wound.
23 ‘+ Antidotes to serpents’ poison.”’ 24 «« Pastilli.””
Chap. 23.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE SALAMANDER. 3897
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 AMsculapius.” 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.”
The Aésculapian snake was first brought to Rome from
Epidaurus,”’ but at the present day it is very commonly reared
in our houses*® 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,”’*® or water-snakes: in virulence their venom is in-
ferior 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.*° From this last animal, too, thereis 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* that is
25 The god of Medicine.
*6 A favourite reverie with the learned of the East. Dupont de Ne-
mours, Ajasson informs us, has left several Essays on this subject.
7 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. 1. 544, et seg. This took
place B.c. 293.
78 Among the snakes that are tamed, Ajasson enumerates the Coluber
flagelliformis of Dandin, or American coach-whip snake; the Coluber con-
structor of Linneus, or Black snake; and the Coluber viridiflavus of
Lacepede. The Aisculapian serpent is still found in Italy.
29 Or “ chersydri,’’ “‘ amphibious.”
30 Or “starred lizard ’’—“stellio.” In reality it is not poisonous.
#1 See B. x. c. 86. Some kind of starred lizard, or an eft or newt per-
haps, was thus called: but in most respects it appears to be entirely a
fabulous animal,
398 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIX.
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
them—the salamander is able to destroy whole nations at once,
unless they take the proper precautions against 1t. 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 pro-
perties of its venom, which in its effects is inno 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 1s, 1s eaten by certain
auimals, 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 ma-
gicians® say, that it is proof against fire, being, as they tell us,
the only animal that has the property of extinguishing fire, 1f 16
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 IN-
FLICTED 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
32 See B ii. c. 63.
3% 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.
Chap. 25.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM POULTRY. 399
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 apply-
ing 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 1s 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,** salted tunny,® capers, parsley, the plant
mercurialis,* polypodium,®” or dill. ‘he 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* 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.
34 See B. xxii. c. 33,
35 “«Cybium.” See B. ix. c. 18. Dioscorides says the plant enecos, de-
scribed by Pliny in B. xxi. c. 107.
36 See B. xxv. c. 18, and B. xxvii. c. 77.
37 See B. xvi. c. 92, and B. xxvi. ec. 37, 66.
38 «« Hereupon peradventure it is that in collices and cockbroths we use
to seeth pieces of gold, with an opinion to make them thereby more re-
storative.””— Holland.
*%
400 PLINY ’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXIX.
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.*® 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® her disclose all her secret
thoughts. Theysay, 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?* 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.” The blood of the bat is also
recommended by them as a sovereign remedy, in combination
with a thistle,* 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,* an insect unknown to Italy, there are
am (BOC. RXVACA97.
4° The same is said of a frog’s tongue, in B. xxxii. c. 18.
41 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.
42 We still see bats nailed upon and over stable doors in various parts
of this country. 43 + Carduus.”’
44 A sort of spider. See B. xi. cc. 24, 28, 29.
~ Chap. 27.] VARIETIES OF THE SPIDER. 40}
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 de-
scription, a purpose for which they are preserved when found
dead. ‘heir 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” stated, are possessed of a similar pro-
perty.. The Greeks give the name of ‘“ phalangion’’ also to a
kind of spider, but they generally distinguish it by the surname
of the ‘‘wolf.’’** Or Bactriana, more properly.
6 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 Zend-
avesta, and the Zerdusht of the Persians. In the Zendavesta he is repre-
sented 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
7 See end of B. u. 8 See end of this Book.
_ 9% An exaggeration, of Oriental origin, most probably.
10 These names have all, most probably, been transmitted to us in a cor-
rupted form. Ajasson gives some suggestions as to their probable Kastern
form and origin.
Chap. 2.] WHO FIRST PRACTISED MAGIC. 423
Homer should be totally silent upon this art in his account" 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,” 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,” a
city devoted to all the services of religion, or at what period it
came over and reached the matrons of Thessaly ; whose name”
has long passed, in our part of the world, as the appellation of
those who practise an art, originally introduced among them-
selves even, from foreign lands.’® For in the days of the Trojan
War, Thessaly was still contented with such remedies’ as she
owed to the skill of Chiron, and her only” lightnings were the
lightnings hurled by Mars.’ 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 lite-
rary knowledge, has entitled one of his Comedies ‘‘'The Thes-
salian Matron,” and has therein described the devices practised
by the females of that country in bringing down the moon
from the heavens.’** 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.
11 One among the many proofs, Ajasson says, that the Iliad and the
Odyssey belong to totally different periods.
12 In reference to the Tenth Book of the Odyssey.
"8 See B. v. cc. 28, 29. Cicero mentions a college of Aruspices estab-
‘lished at this city.
14 The name “ Thessala” was commonly used by the Romans to signify
an enchantress, sorceress, or witch. See the story of Apuleius, Books i.
and iil. 15 he countries of the Kast.
16 Purely medicinal remedies.
17 In contradistinction to lightnings elicited by the practice of Magic. -
_ 18 A poetical figure, alluding to the “ thunderbolts of a as wielded
probably by Achilles and other heroes of Thessaly.
IGT WEE HE. At. .C,. 95
424 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX.
The first. person, so far as I can ascertain, who wrote upon
magic, and whose works are still in existence, was Osthanes,’®
who accompanied Xerxes, the Persian king, in his expedition
against Greece. It was he who first” 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 men-
tion 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 be-
yond all doubt: though at the same time I would remark,
that in the most ancient times, and indeed almost invariably,
it was in this” 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, sub-
mitting, to speak the truth, more to the evils of exile” 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 ** of
Coptos, to Dardanus,* and to Phoenix: 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.* All the par-
ticulars there found are so utterly incredible, so utterly re-
19 Ajasson queries whether thisis a propername,or an epithet merely.
20 Ajasson combats this assertion at considerable length, and with good
reason. It is quite inadmissible.
*1 The mysteries of philosophy, as Ajasson ee were not necessarily
identical with the magic art.
22 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 Kast.
23 Nothing is known of this writer.
24 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.
25 The works of Homer were transmitted in a similar manner.
; Chap. 3.] WHETHER MAGIC WAS EVER PRACTISED INITALY. 425
volting, 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 fas-
cinating men’s minds with these attractive chimeras.
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,” Jannes,”’. and Lotapea,”* Jews
by birth,” but many thousand years posterior to Zoroaster : and
as much more recent, again, is the branch of magic culti-
vated in Cyprus.*° 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, evi-
dently, beyond all doubt, travelled *! over every part of the
world.
CHAP. $.—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
26 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.
27 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 Pre-
paratio Evangeliea, 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. :
*8 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.
29 He is mistaken here as to the nation to which Jannes belonged.
30 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 asa sortof Magic. ‘Lhe point is very doubtful.
» 3 His itinerary, Ajasson remarks, would have been a great curiosity.
426 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. — [Book XXX,
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.” At last, in the
year of the City 657, Cneius Cornelius Lentulus and P. Lici-
nius Crassus being consuls, a decree forbidding human. sacri-
fices ** was passed by the senate; from which period the cele-
bration of these horrid rites ceased in public, and, for some *
time, altogether. .
CHAP. 4.—THE DRUIDS OF THE GALLIC PROVINCES.
The Gallic provinces, too, were pervaded by the magic art,”
and that even down to a period within memory; for it was
the Emperor Tiberius that put down their Druids,* and all that
tribe of wizards and physicians. But why make further men-
tion of these prohibitions, with reference to an art which has
now crossed the very Ocean even, and has penetrated to the
void *’ 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 to have
been the first to communicate them to the people of Persia.”
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 !
$2 B, xxviii. c. 4.
33 These sacrifices forming the most august rite of the Magic art, as
ractised in Italy.
34 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.
35 More particularly in the worship of their divinity Heu or Hesus, the
god of war.
%6 This he did officially, but not effectually, and the Druids survived as
a class for many centuries both in Gaul and Britain.
37 He alludes to the British shores pore on the Atlantic. See B.
xix. ¢. 2.
38 It is a curious fact that the round towers of Ireland bear a strong re-
semblance to those, the ruins of which are still to be seen on the plains of
ancient Persia.
89 « Ut dedisse Persis videri possit.”” This might possibly mean, “ That
Persia might almost seem to have communicated it direct to Britain.’ ; Ajas-
son 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,
sclago, and mistletoe, and the virtues attributed to the adder’s egg.
Chap. 5.] THE VARIOUS BRANCHES OF MAGIC, 427
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 his flesh was to secure the highgst 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 *! 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, how-
ever, have been proved by the Emperor Nero, in our own day,
to be so many false and chimeerical 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 sus-
picions, 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
40 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.
i These kinds of divination, rather than magic, were called hydromancy,
spheromancy, aéromancy, 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
egos, and rose-leaves, are still used in France for purposes of divination
by the superstitious.
428 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX.
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“ in Nero’s way? As for his limbs, there was® 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“ 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® 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 chine
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,”* a
42 Suetonius says that his body was full of foul spots.
43 It was probably a doctrine of Magic, that an adept must not be de-
ficient in any of his limbs.
44 After being conquered by the Roman general, Corbulo, he received
the crown of Armenia from Nero, a.p. 63.
45 All vegetable substances were divided, according to their doctrine, into
the pure and the impure, the rule being strictly observed at their repasts.
46 See end of this Book.
Chap. 7.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE MOLE. , 429
person whom I remember seeing myself when young. He
tells us that the plant cynocephalia,“” 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’ 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 frivo-
lous 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, 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 reli-
gion; 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 sift 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 asser-
tions is, that the mole neutralizes the bite of the shrew-mouse;
seeing that, as already stated, the very earth even that is
found in the rut of a cart-wheel, acts as a remedy in such a
case,
47 See B. xxv. c. 80.
48 Like the assertions of the famous impostor of the close of the last
century, Count Cagliostro.
49 A mistake, of course; and one for which there is little excuse, as its
eyes are easily perceptible. It is not improbable, however, that it was an
impression with the ancients that its aight 1 is impeded by the horny covering
of its eyes. m In B. 3 XXIX. ¢. 27.,
430 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX. |
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 magi- |
cians 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*' 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 if; one of the
vertebrae also of a dragon or of an enhydris, which is a male
white serpent.” 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 eata
snake's heart, or to wear it, attached to the body, 1s 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™ bath, is remarkably useful,
oy See B. Xio0. OL,
52 It is doubtful what is meant by this male white ‘“ water-serpent. me
In 8B. xxxii. c. 26, he appears to include it among the fishes.
se\See b, may. ¢, LOS:
Chap. 8.] REMEDIES FOR TOOTH-ACHE. 431
introduced™ into a hollow tooth; and as to the cabbage cater-
pillar, it will make hollow teeth come out, by the mere contact
only. The bugs” 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,” 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,” 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 there-
to: 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 in-
jected 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.
54 It is a singular thing that we still hear of the maggots found in filberts
being used for the same purpose.
55 See B. xxix. ¢. 17.
5° Marcus Empiricus says, honey. of ‘See’ B. xv. c., 19,
432 PLINY 'S NATURAL HISTORY. (Book XXX. —
cHAe. 9, (4.)—-kEMEDIES 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, 1s 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 sub-
stance, 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 rosesin 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,”’ ® 1s beaten up, with the addition of a little
58 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.
Chap. 11.] REMEDIES FOR AFFECTIONS OF THE THROAT. 433
salt, and used for the cure of these diseases. The buprestis®
is an insect but rarely found in Italy, and very similar. to a
scarabeeus, with long legs. Concealed among the grass, it is
_ very liable tobe 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® stated. A
-vulture’s blood, beaten up with cedar resin and root of white
chameleon—a plant which we have already! 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 sub-
stance for the face is honey in which the bees have died; buta
sovereign detergent for that part is swans’ grease, which has
also the property of effacing wrinkles. Brand-marks® are
removed by using pigeons’ dung, diluted in vinegar.
CHAP. 11.—REMEDIES FOR AFFECTIONS OF THE TILROAT.
I find it stated that catarrhs oppressive to the head may be
cured by the patient kissimg 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 asa gargle, with raisin wine ; and they are applied, exter-
nally, with dried figs and nitre, for the purpose of soothing
roughness of the fauces and eatarrhs. For such cases, too,
snails should be boiled unwashed, the earth only being re-
moved, and then pounded and administered to the patient in
raisin wine. Some persons are of opinion that for these pur-
59 See B. xxii. c. 36. Belon takes it to be the Lixus paraplecticus.
60 In B. xxix. ¢. 30. Pie BD, Sx, e, 20 e2 “ Stigmata,”
VOL. V. ee ae)
434 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. (Book XXX,
poses the snails of Astypalea® are the most efficacious, and
they give the preference to the detersive preparation™ 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® and honey, an owlet’s brains, or the
ashes of a burnt swallow, taken in warm water; which last
remedy we owe® to the poet Ovid. But of all the remedies
spoken of as furnished by the swallow, one of the most effica-
cious is that derived from the young of the wild swallow, a
bird which may be easily recognized by the peculiar conforma-
tion of its nest.” By far the most effectual, however, of them
all, are the young of the bank-swallow,® that being the name
eiven 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, too, of the bird,
taken internally, is said to be a cure for the same disease.
Millepedes,”’ itis 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
63 See B. iv. c. 23, B. viii. c. 59, and ec. 15 and 48 of the present Book.
st “ Smegma.”’ ae Dee Baxx. en:
65 No very great obligation, apparently.
87 See B. x. c. 49. 68) (6 Rinaria,
69 The only birds’ nests that are mow taken internally are the sowtton
Lourong, or, edible birds’ nests, of the Chinese.
- ® See B. xxix. c. 39.
Chap. 12.] REMEDIES FOR SCROFULA. 435
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 sub-
stituted at the end of thirty days. Some persons preserve the
heart of this animal in a small silver vessel,”! 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 aliniment. 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 1s 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
71 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.”
FF 2
436 PLINY 8 NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX.
flesh 1s forbidden to the patient. ‘‘ Taurus’’” 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.” From the earth thrown up by these insects a lini-
ment 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”
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 scrofu-
lous tumours, the sores drying as the worms dry up.
Some persons cut off the head and tail of a viper, as already
mentioned,” 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® are also used, with one
fourth part of turpentine; a remedy which is equally recom-
mended 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
72 “The bull.” Dalechamps takes this to be the stag-beetle or bull-fly ;
but that, as Ajasson remarks, has four horns, two antennee, and two large
mandibules; in addition to which, from its size, it would hardly be called
the *‘ earth-louse.’? Heconcludes that a lamellicorn is meant; but whether
belonging to the Lucanide or the Scarabzide, it is impossible to say.
73 “ Pediculus terre,”
v4 In B. xxix. ¢. 33. 19 Ta By xeixhes 20
76 He probably speaks of woodlice here. Kttmuller 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 mamille; 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.
Chap. 15.] © REMEDIES FOR PAINS IN THE STOMACH. 437
flows from the testes of lambs when castrated. This blood,
too, applied to the arm-pits,” 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 ‘ precordia’’ to the
human viscera; for pains in any part of which, a sucking
whelp is applied, being pressed close to the part affected.”* The
malady, it is said, will in such case pass into the animal; a
fact which may be satisfactorily ascertained ; for on disembowel-
ling 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,’ too, which we
call ‘‘ Melitzei,”” 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 pre-
paration is used also, for the cure of purulent or bloody ex-
pectorations.
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. 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 ;*! 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 un-
even number of them. Snails, however, have a juice, it should
be remembered, which imparts to the breath an offensive smell.
77 See Horace, Epode xu. l. 5.
78 Hence, perhaps, the practice of nursing lap-dogs.,
79 See B. iu. c. 80, and Note 2, p. 267.
80 Jn France and Italy, snails are considered a delicacy by some. Snail
milk is sometimes used medicinally in Engiand for consumptive patients :
it is doubtful with what effect.
#1 Or fish-sauce. See B. xxx, c. 43,
438 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX.
For patients troubled with spitting of blood, they are remark-
ably 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 [ol,® in
particular—of Astypaleea, and, after them, those of A‘tna, in
Sicily, those I mean of moderate size, for the large ones are
hard, and destitute of juice. The Balearic snails, called ‘ ca-
vaticee,”’ from being found in caverns, are much esteemed ; and
so, too, dre those from the islands of Caprese. 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,* 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 ‘‘ acerate,’’® with a broad shell, and
found in numerous localities: of the uses to which they are
put we shall® 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. 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, af.
fords 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,
82 See B. v. ec. 20. 83 See B. i. ¢. 12. s* Our periwinkles.
85 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.
86 He has omitted to do sa 87 “ FYumida tussis.”
Chap. Bie REMEDIES FOR AFFECTIONS OF THE SPLEEN. 439
and trileen internally by the aid of a reed :® 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 msect 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 resem-
bling 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.”’®
twenty of these insects, they say, should be grilled, and taken
in honied wine, by patients troubled with hardness of breath-
ing or spitting of blood. Some persons pour pure grape-juice,”
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 blos-
soms, or with the same proportion of quince and lily blossom :
the whole being taken morning and evening, in wine, if there
1s 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
88 See c. 12 of this Book.
89 Our “cricket.” The troxallis was probably a Lt of locust, still
known to naturalists by that name.
#0 “ Protropum.” Wine of the first running.
440 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX.
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” being
repeated thrice nine times. A dog’s milt, removed from the
animal while still alive, taken with the food, is a cure for dis-
eases 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 per-
sisted in till the patient 1s 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, re-
duced to ashes and incorporated with an unguent; honey, also,
in which the bees have died; and spiders, the one known as
the ‘‘lycos’’” 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 es-
teemed; ashes, too, of burnt snails, that have been boiled in
a ptisan, snails being sometimes applied in the form of a lini-
ment, alone. Potions employed for this purpose have a sprink-
ling in them of the ashes of a mad dog’s skull. For the cure
of lumbago, the spotted lizard® 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 decoc-
tion 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 pepper-
corns 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,** which we have spoken of
91 “Carmen.” Holland says ‘the aforesaid charm:’’ but this does
not appear from the context. From the account, however, given by Marcus
Empinicus, we learn that the charm, thus repeated twenty-seven times, is
the same as that already given.
2 Or “wolf?” See Bu xi ¢, 28. 3 See B. xxix. ¢. 28.
% Or woodlouse. See B. xxix. c. 39.
Chap. 19.] REMEDIES FOR DYSENTERY. 441
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” mentioned as
being mostly found in Africa, are remarkably useful for dy-
sentery, 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 oii of roses: if pre-
pared in any other kind of vessel, it is applied with an instru-
ment 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
95 In B. xxix. ¢ 36,
442 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX,
a soothing effect upon cceliac affections; but it is absolutely
necessary that neither fowl nor patient should have eaten
corn® 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 ceeliac 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:’’*” if may be combatted, they say, by tearing ~
a bat asunder, and taking the blood, or by rubbing the abdo-
men with it. Diarrhcea is arrested more particularly by taking
snails, prepared in manner already® 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 ringdov e 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® 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,
_ % See B. xxix. c. 36. 97 The iliac passion, or ileus volvulus.
93 In c. 16 of this Book.
*) A kind of bustard. See B. x. cc. 29, 50, and c. 45 of this Book.
Chap. 21.] REMEDIES FOR URINARY CALCULI. 443
and it.will die.! 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,” two brothers, |
members of which, were cured of colic; the one by eating a
jark 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 mo-
ment 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 intes-
tine, it is well known, worn as an amulet, is an excellent
remedy for colic.
_ There are certain concealed maladies incident to the intes-
tines, 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,’ the virulence of the malady, it is said, will be trans-
ferred to them, and in the end they will die: on opening
them, too, the causes of the malady will be sure to be dis-
covered. 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.
J
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
1 See c. 14 of this Book, where a similar notion is mentioned.
* 'There were three consuls of this name, L. Nonius Asprenas, a.p. 7;
L. Nonius Asprenas, a.D. 29; and P. Nonius Asprenas, a.p. 38. They
are mentioned also by Suetonius, Tacitus, Dion Cassius, Frontinus, and
Seneca, - 3 See c. 14 of this Book.
444 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX.
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 urie*’ upon —
its body: [ persons‘ 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 blad-
der; 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,> earth-worms are
recommended, taken in ordinary wine or raisin wine; or else
boiled snails, prepared the same way° 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 ex-
pulsion 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 in-
testines 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 1s 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,’’’ in drink.
For pains in the bladder, a decoction of lambs’ feet is used.
$e See B. viti. c: 56.
4 This passage is omitted by Sillig as an evident interpolation from the
context a couple of lines below.
5 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!!
6 In c. 16 of this Book. 7 See B. xxix, ¢. 39,
Chap. 22.] REMEDIES FOR THE GENERATIVE ORGANS. 445
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® 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 Aiscu-
lapius,? 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 1s said to be a cure for piles.
A very good thing, they say, for sciatica, is, to pound raw
snails in Aminean’® 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, 1s 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, un-
washed 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 ;
8 See B. xxxiv. c. 33. 9 It can hardly be said to add to his fame.
sce Day, ¢. 4
446 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. — [Book XXX.
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" mentioned, beaten up with pow-
dered 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” 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 Anaxilaiis. Mutton-suet,”
mixed with parched salt, has an aperient effect upon inflam-
matory 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“
for this purpose, mixed with a bruised snail. Ashes of
empty snail-shells burnt alone, mixed with wax, possess cer-
tain 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.
11 In B. xxix. ce. 36 and in c. 19 of this Book.
12 See B. xxxil. c. 35.
13, Ajasson remarks that this may probably be useful.
14 See B. xxxv. cc. 12, 13.
Chap. 23.} REMEDIES FOR DISEASES OF THE FEET. 447
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; adog’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, pre-
fer using this last with water, while others, again, apply the
worms themselves, in the proportion of one acetabulum” 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 inwine. They
are employed, also, in the form of a liniment, mixed with the
juice of the plant helxine: 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 itis 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 powder-
ing 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” or gum tragacanth.
A very excellent cure for contusions of the joints isa 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
15 «¢ Acetabuli mensura ”’ seems a preferable reading to ‘‘aceto mensura,”’
which makes no sense.
16 See B. xx. ¢. 56. 17 See B. xvii. c. 17.
448 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX.
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 cica-
trize 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’® 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, ap-
plied 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” 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
18 «Subluviem.” The same, probably, as the disease of the fingers which
he elsewhere calls ‘‘ paronychia,” and perhaps identical with whitlow.
19 See B. xxii. c. 138.
Chap. 25.) © REMEDIES FOR COLD SHIVERINGS. 449
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 sufii-
cient to make fumigations with it, or to use it asa purification,
to ensure its preservation against all noxious drugs and pre-
parations. 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 sur-
prise 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” 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 infal-
ible 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” and by Fauni, will expe-
rience relief by rubbing themselves morning and evening with
the tongue, eyes, gall, and intestines of a aragony 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 amphisbeena,” or its skin only, attached to the body: in
addition to which, he informs us that if one of these reptiles
20 A popular fallacy of Pliny’s time. See B. xi. c. 40.
1 Spectres and nightmare. 22 ‘The serpent so called,
*3 See B. vill. c. 30.
VOL. Y. G &
450 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. ‘ [Book XXX.
is attached to a tree that is being felled, the persons hewing
it will never feel cold, and will fellitallthe 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 isheard. 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* mentioned for the cure of quinzy. The
same, too, with a green lizard, boiled down to one cyathus in
three sextaril 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 modi-
cum of myrrh, a piece about the size of a hazel-nut being dis-
solved 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 hzard from beyond seas, taken in vine-
gar; 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 |
24 In c. 12 of this Book. Woodlice are meant.
Chap. 27.] — REMEDIES FOR EPILEPSY. “451
lizard is obtained when it casts it off, before it has had the oppor-
tunity of devouring™ 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’”®
has been borrowed as aname 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 construc-
tion of the cage prevents its return. ‘There is nothing what-
ever 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”? 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 some-
times 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 ap-
plied, they say; worn, too, as an amulet, it will always act as
43 See B. viii: c.. 49. :
26 A cozener, cheat, or rogue. Ajasson has a page of discussion on tie
origin of this appellation, a7 Tn By) exix: e. VG,
Qa 2
452 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX.
a preservative against the malady. A kite’s liver, too, eaten
by the patient, is highly vaunted; the slough also of a ser-
pent; 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* 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 authori-
ties 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 élse 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” 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,’’*° from its peculiar
colour: if the patient looks at it, he will be cured of jaun-
dice, they say, and the bird will die. In my opinion this
is the same bird that is known in Latin by the name of
‘< galeulus.’’*!
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
28 See B. xvi. e. 6. 29 Like our game poultry.
30 This word being also the Greek name for the jaundice.
4 See B. x. c. 50. The Witwall.
Chap. 30.] REMEDIES FOR FEVERS. 453
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 num-
ber 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 ac-
knowledged 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 recom-
mend, 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 simi-
larly 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 pass-
ing 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
asamulets: the dust, for instance, in which a hawk has bathed
454 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX.
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,”’*” 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
ina linen cloth; a viper’s heart, removed from the reptile
while still alive; the muzzle 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
hzard, and enclosed with the head, separated from the body,
in goat’s skin; the scarabzeus also that forms pellets* and rolls
them along.
Tt is on account of this kind of scarabeeus 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 scarabeeus, which the magicians recom-
mend to be worn as an amulet—the one that has small horns”
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,’*? and covered with white spots, they recom-
mend to be cut asunder and attached to either arm, the other
kinds being worn upon the left arm. Other amulets recom-
mended 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
82
2 “ Bastard-wasp.”
33 “ Rostellum.” Holland renders it “The little prettie snout’s end of
a mouse.”
34 Of cowdung. It was supposed that there was no female scarabeus,
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 ‘‘ skalowks’’ is a compound Sanscrit word, signifying
—““ The ox-insect that collects dirt into a round mass.” See B. xi, ¢. 34.
36 Probably the “lucanus” mentioned in B. xi. c. 34; supposed to be
the same as the stag-beetle.
“7 The ‘fuller,’ apparently. This name may possibly be derived, how-
ever, from the Greek guAAov, a “ leaf.”
Chap. 30.] REMEDIES FOR FEVERS. 459
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 eround. Some enclose a cater-
pillar 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 some-
times wrapped in a piece of skin, or the heads of four slugs,
cut from the body with a reed: a millepede is roiled up in
wool: the small grubs that produce the gadfly, 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, eonored 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,* 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
38 See B. xi. c. 38.
39 Some suppose that this was an insect that lived among dry wood,
and derive the name from the Greek ppuvyavov. Queslon is of opinion that
it is the salamander.
456 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX.
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’’*° 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 dis-
pelled.
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 pom-
pholix* and oil of roses; the blood® also extracted from a tick ;
earth worms, applied in vinegar ; or else a cricket crushed be-
tween the hands—the good effect of this last being that the per-
son 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 aserpent’s slough, applied
to the body, immediately after the bath, with bitumen and
lamb suet.
40 The ‘‘walf” spider. See c. 17 of this Book.
41 See B. xxxiv. c. 33.
#2 Ajasson remarks that, in reality, this is not blood, but a kind of
viscous liquid,
Chap. 36.] REMEDIES FOR AFFECTIONS OF THE SINEWS. 457
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. or carbuncles and other sores of
the generative organs, wool-grease is used as aremedy, 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 1s 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* 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. 30.—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 ;“ or else earth-worms, with honey.
Pains in the sinews should be treated with an application of
grease; the body of a dead amphisbeena, 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
43 “ 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. 4: See B. ait ¢. $1.
458 _ PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX,
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 appli-
cation at the end of two days.
cHaP. 38. (13.)—-METHODS FOR ARRESTING H#MORRHAGE.
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, aremedy 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, burns
with egg-shells, is marvellously good for stopping it. |
CHAP. 89.—REMEDIES FOR ULCEROUS SORES AND WOUNDS.
For the cure of ulcers, wool-grease is used, with ashes of
Chap. 39.] REMEDIES FOR WOUNDS. . 459
burnt barley and verdigrease, in equal quantities; a prepa-
ration 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 lhghts,
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® 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 mille-
pedes, mixed with turpentine and earth of Sinope,” 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 pos-
sessed of marvellously useful properties. The worms,* 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 remark-
ably 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 itis re-
commended to keep them preserved in honey. Ashes of burnt
earth-worms, in combination with tar or Simblian honey,® cau-
terize 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 acouple of days.
The earth also that adheres to snails is useful, similarly em-
45 See B. xxxiv. c. 34.
46 See B. xxxv. cc. 12, 13. 47 * Cosses,””
47 Dioscorides speaks of this honey as the produce of Sicily.
460 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX.
ployed ; 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’’’ by the Greeks, which
is particularly useful for the cure of all kinds of serpiginous™
sores. Snails, beaten up, shells and all, are very good for this
purpose; and it 1s said that, with myrrh and frankincense,
they will unite the sinews even when cut asunder. ‘The fat,
too, of a dragon,” dried in the sun, is remarkably useful, and
so are the brains of a cock 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” 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,’”’* 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 1s said. For
the malignant ulcer known as ‘‘cacoéthes,’™* 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®” 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 pro-
duced 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
49 The “creeper.” It has not been identified.
50 Which are also called ‘“herpetic”’ or “ creeping.
51 The serpent so called.
52 Antonius Castor, probably. See end of B. xx. :
53 See c. 16 of this Book. 64 A chronic cancer. . poo wie.
99
Chap. 42.] EXTRACTION OF FOREIGN SUBSTANCES. 461
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 earth-
worms; a substance which is extremely useful for the ex-
traction of splintered bones.
CHAP. 41.—APPLICATIONS FOR CICATRIZATIONS, AND FOR THE
CURE OF MORPHEW.
Cicatrizations are restored to their original colour by apply-
ing sheep’s lights, those of a ram in particular; mutton-suet,
mixed with nitre ; the ashes of a green lizard; asnake’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 mor-
phew, 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 re-
peated. 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, keptin 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 ap-
plied 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
462 PLINY'S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX.
application of a mouse split asunder, or of a lizard more par-
ticularly, 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,
apphed with hare’s rennet in particular. ‘I'he bones of a
snake, apphed with the rennet of any four-footed animal, will
produce a similar effect before the end of two days: cantha-
rides, 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® 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 concep-
tion, a woman eats a cock’s testes every now and then, the
child of which she is pregnant will become™ 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 after-
birth of a bitch, provided it has not touched the ground, will
act as an expellent of the foetus. 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.
HKarth-worms,,.appled 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 them-
selves, 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 asa ©
preventive of premature delivery; they are removed, however, -
at the moment of childbirth, as otherwise they would have the
eflect of impeding delivery ; care must be taken, also, not to put
6 In B. xxviii. ¢, 77; ai. &* Wiera? |
Chap. 44.] METHODS OF FACILITATING DELIVERY. 463
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®
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 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 Asty-
paleea 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. There is a kind of small, white, elongated snail,” 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 ;” the same, too, in the case of the amphisbeena, but
only when it isdead. If, however, a woman earries about her a
live amphisbeena in a box, she may step over one with impu-
nity, even though it be dead. An amphisbeena, preserved for
the purpose, will ensure an easy delivery, even though it be
dead.* 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, facili-
58 See B, xviii. ce. 17... 59' See B. xii. c. 51... 8° See B. xxi. cc. 19, 83.
61 Varro calls them “ albulz,’’ and says that they were found at Reate.
6? Of course she will be liable to do so, from fright.
63 The whole of this account appears to be in a very confused state, and
is probably corrupt. Sillig’s punctuation has not been adopted.
464 PLINY'’S NATURAL ‘HISTORY. [Book XXX.
tates 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
a frog from a snake, will accelerate parturition. Ashes of the
troxallis,” 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 1s taken while ascending, it will arrest menstru-
ation.
The stone aétites,” that is found in the eagle’s nest, preserves
the fostus 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.” 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. 40.—METHODS OF PRESERVING THE BREASTS FROM INJURY.
Goose-grease, mixed up with oil of roses and a spider, pro-
tects the breasts after delivery. The people of Phrygia and
Lycaonia have made the discovery, that the grease of the otis ® _
is good for affections of the breasts, resulting from recent de-
livery: for females affected with suffocations of the uterus,
they employ a liniment made of beetles. The shells of par-
tridges’ eggs, burnt to ashes and mixed with cadmia™ and
wax, preserve the firmness” 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
64 Ajasson has wasted ten lines of indignation upon the question where
such a staff is to be found !
65 See c. 16 of this Book. 66 See B. xxxvi. ec. 39.
67 An impossibility. See B. x. ¢. 18, for the stories about the raven on
which this notion was based.
68 See B. x. ce. 29, 50. 69 See B. xxxiv. cc. 22, 23.
70 See B, xxviii. c. 77:
Chap. 47.] REMEDIES FOR THE DISEASES OF INFANTS. 465
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 “ 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 effica-
cious, 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 weli rubbed with the milk of a bitch with her
first litter, no hairs will grow there. The same result is en-
sured, if 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” to the eyebrows. If it is considered desirable
that the colour of the infant’s eyes should be black, the preg-
nant woman must eat a rat.” 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
71 “Scabiem vulvarum.”
7 Ajasson queries whether “ denigrare” may. not mean here “ to render
ale.”’
73 & Sorex.”
VOL. V. WH
466 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX.
to dentition, sheep’s brains are a very useful remedy. The
inflammation called “ siriasis,’’”* 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, if 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” 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 “pre-
ventive 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 simi- —
lar 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 beer used, and smoked. Incontinence of
urine in infants is checked by giving them boiled mice ® with
their food. The large indented horns of the scarabzeus, attached
to the bodies of infants, have all the virtues of an amulet. In
the head of the boa” 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 ent off, and this stone ex-
73* Supposed to be an inflammation of the membranes of the brain.
“* See c. 8 of this Book.
75 A remedy stilll used, Ajasson says, in the French provinces,
See B. vii: ¢. 14, aud B. xxix, ¢ 38:
_ Chap. 49.] APHRODISIACS AND ANTAPHRODISIACS. 467
tracted, 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 for a similar pur-
pose, 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 ant-
aphrodisiac upon the person whose urine it 1s; 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 cf 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
Hn 2
468 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX.
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.” 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. 00.—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 ser-
pent, 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 isasserted, 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
effectuaily 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 in-
stantly 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,’® 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 intoxica-
tion: Horus,” king of Assyria, was the first to discover this.*
77 “Tnter se conligate in coitu.”’
78 See B. xxviii. c. 80. 79 See end of B, xxix.
80 He has hardly immortalized his name by it.
Chap. 53,] MARVELLOUS FACTS CONNECTED WITH ANIMALS. 469 |
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 ;’’®!
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™ nowhere else. The same authors have spoken also of
the ‘‘ subjugus,”’** 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,’’*
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, ora hare’s dung or fur. The kind of.
gnats called ‘ muliones,”’® 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®
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 settingit 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 tocome: 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
61 Possibly a kind of crane.
82 See B, viii. c. 75, and B. xxviii. c. 42.
83 Tt has not been identified.
84 Hardouin thinks that the worm called ig by the Greeks is meant.
Ovid speaks in his Fasti, B. i. ll. 354—360, of the goat, as being very fond
of gnawing the vine. 8 See B. xi. c. 19. & See B. x. ¢. 20.
A470 © PLINY §S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX,
them return to the hive. If the right testicle of a ram® 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® hoofs only that are
not corroded by the poisonous waters of the fountain Styx: a
memorable discovery made by Aristotle,” to his great infamy,
on the occasion when Antipater sent some of this water to
Aiexander 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 quotEeD.—M. Varro,” Nigidius,” M. Cicero,”
Sextius Niger® who wrote in Greek, Licinius Macer.™
ForrIeN avrHors quotEp.—Eudoxus,” Aristotle, Hermip-
pus,” Homer, Apion,*® Orpheus, Democritus,’ Anaxilaiis.?
MerpicaL AUTHORS QuotED.—Botrys,? Horus,‘ Apollodorus,®
Menander,® Archidemus,’ Aristogenes,® Xenocrates,’ Diodorus,”
Chrysippus,"! Nicander,’” Apollonius’ of Pitanee.
ef Seeib. Vil, C02.
88 Some authorities say the ass, and others the Onager, or wild ass.
89 This story is generally regarded as an absurdity, and is rejected by
Arrian and Plutarch. 90 See end of B. ii.
91 See end of B. vi. 92 See end of B. vii. 93 See end of B. xii.
94 See end of B. xix. 9 See end of B. ii. 96 See end of B. ui.
9% An eminent philosopher, a native of Smyrna, and disciple of Calli-
machus. He flourished about the middle of the third century B.c., and
left numerous works, the principal of which was a Biography of the Phi-
josophers, 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.
9% 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.
99 See end of B. xx. ! See end of B. 11. 2 Seeend of B. xxi.
3 See end of B. xiii. 4 See end of B. xxix. 5 See end of B. x1.
6 See end of B. xix. 7 See end of B. xii. 8 See end of B. xxix,
3 See end of B. xx. 10 See end of B. xxix. 11 See end of B. xx.
22 See end of B. viii... 3 ~See end of B. xxix.
BOOK XXXTI.
REMEDIES DERIVED FROM THE AQUATIC PRODUCTIONS.
cHAP. 1. (1.)—-REMABKABLE 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 posses-
sion 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,'
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
clements, and bearing them on‘high. Falling upon the earth,
these waters become the prime cause of all that is there pro-
duced; a truly wondrous provision of Nature, if we only con- |
sider, 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.
1 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,
472 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXI.
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,? for instance, a people of Aqui-
tania, and those among the Pyrensan*® Mountains, where hot
and cold springs are separated by only the very smallest dis-
tance. 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.*
Under various names, too, they augment the number of the
divinities,? and give birth to cities; Puteoli,® for example, in
Campania, Statyelle’ in Liguria, and Sextiz® 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 Baiw ;° some being impregnated with sulphur,
some with alum, some with salt, some with nitre,’? 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 Bais, now
aa as ‘ Posidian,’ ’ after the name of a freedman!! of the
Emperor Claudius; waters which are so hot as to cook articles
2 He alludes to the mineral waters of Acqs or Dax on the Adour, in the
French department of the Ariége. They are still highly esteemed.
3 The principal of which are those of Aigues-Chaudes, Aigues-Bonnes,
Bagnéres-Adores, Cambo, Bagnéres, Baréges, Saint- Sauveur, and Cauteret,
. 4 Ajasson remarks that ‘animals in all cases refuse to drink mineral waters,
5 He alludes to Neptune, Amphitrite, the Oceanides, Nereides, Tritons,
Crenides, Limnades, Potamides, and numerous other minor divinities.
6 See B. iii. ¢. 9. 7 See B. iii. c. 7. 8 See B. ii. ¢. 5.
® The mineral waters of Baie are still held in high esteem.
1¢ As to the identity of the ‘“‘nitrum” of Pliny, see c. 46 of this Book.
11 Posides, a eunuch who belonged to the Emperor Claudius, according
to Suetonius, ¢. 28.
Chap. 3.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM WATER. 473
of food even. There are others, too,—those, for example,
formerly the property of Licinius Crassus—which send forth
their vapours in the sea” 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 bene-
ficial for diseases of the sinews, feet, or hips, for sprains or for
fractures; they act, also, as purgatives upon the bowels, heal
wounds,’ and are singularly useful for affections of the head
and ears: indeed, the waters of Cicero are good for the eyes.”
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 gaveit the name of Academia,”
after the place so called at Athens: it was here that he com-
posed those treatises'* of his that were called after it; it was
here, too, that he raised those monuments” 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,'* certain hot springs
burst forth at the very portals’? of this house, which were
found to be remarkably beneficial for diseases of the eyes, and
have been celebrated in verse by Laurea Tullius,” 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 :
12 There are still submarine volcanoes in the vicinity of Sicily, but the
spot here referred to is now unknown.
138 ‘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 Haux d’ arquebusade.
14 Only, Ajasson remarks, where the ophthalmia is caused by inflam-
mation of the conjunctive. 15 He also called it his Puteolan villa.
16 The ‘ Questiones Academicz.’’
17 “ 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.
18 ©, Antistius Vetus probably, a supporter of Julius Cesar, Consul
Suffectus, B.c. 30. | | 19 “ In parte prima.”
Ki There are three Epigrams, probably by this author, in the Greek An-
thology.
474 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXI.
Great prince of Roman eloquence, thy grove,
Where erst thou bad’st it rise, is verdant now :
Thy villa, from fair Academia?! 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.—WATEKS PRODUCTIVE OF FECUNDITY. WATERS CURATIVE
OF INSANITY.
%
In Campania, too, are the waters of Sinuessa,” remedial, it
1s sald, for sterility in females, and curative of insanity in men.
CHAP. 0.—WATERS REMEDIAL FOR URINARY CALCULI.
The waters of the island of AXinaria are curative of urinary
calculi,“ it 1s said; and the same is the case with the cold
spring of Acidula,™ four miles distant from Teanum” Sidici-
num, the waters at Stabie, known as the Dimidiz,” and those
in the territory of Venafrum,” 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 ;* 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” in
Aithiopia.
21 ‘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.
22 At the Torre de’ Bagni, Hardouin says, near the church of Santa |
Maria a Caudara.
*3 Saline and gaseous waters are good for this purpose. See B.iii.c. 12.
24 Jt has still the same reputation, Hardouin says, and is situate near
the castle of Francolici. 25 See B. iti. c. 9.
26 Or “‘half-strength ” waters, apparently. See B. ii. ¢ 9.
27 See B, iii. c. 9.
28 See B. ii. cc. 62, 106, and B. iii. c. 17.
29 Alluded to, probably, by Ovid, Met. xv. 319, e¢ seg.
ps ¥
Chap. 8.] WATERS WHICH REMOVE MORPHEW. 475.
CHAP. 6.—WATERS CURATIVE OF WOUNDS.
The tepid waters of Albula,*° near Rome, have a healing
effect upon wounds. Those of Cutilia,®* 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 Thespix® ensure conception to females; the
same, too, with those of the river Elatus® in Arcadia. The
spring Linus, also ‘in Arcadia, acts as a preservative of the
fetus, and effectually prevents abortion. The waters of the
river Aphrodisius, on the other hand, in the territory of
Pyrrhea,* are productive of sterility.
CHAP. 8.—WATERS WHICH REMOVE MORPHEW.
The waters of Lake Alphius remove white morphew,” Varro
tells us; who also mentions the fact that one Titius,?" a person-
_age who had held the preetorship, had a face to all appearance
like that of a marble statue, in consequence of this disease.
The waters of the river Cydnus,* in Cilicia, are curative of
gout, as would appear from a letter addressed by Cassius” of
Parma to Marcus Antonius. At Troezen, 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,* in
30 The present Bagni di Tivoli. They have other sanitary properties
as well, a fact known to Strabo. Martial and Vitruvius also mention them,
31 See B. ii. c, 17. Called Cotiscolize by Strabo. They were of a salt
and aluminous nature. Sar peeiis, 1. Cx 2.
33 Pausanias calls it the ‘ Elaphus.”’
#4 Jsidorus, in his ‘ Origines,” calls it the *‘ Lechnus.”
- 85 In Thessaly, probably, according to Stephanus Byzantinus.
35 "AXgoc ; 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.
37 Possibly the M. Titius who was proscribed by the Triumvirs, B.c. 43,
and escaped to Sex. Pompeius in Sicily. 8 See B: y/.c. 22.
39 “Cassius Parmensis.” See the end of this Book.
# According to some authorities, he alludes to the still famous waters of
476 PLINY ’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXI.
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” of Leucogeea, between Puteoli and Neapolis, are —
curative of eye diseases and cf wounds. Cicero, in his work |
entitled ‘“‘ Admiranda,”’* has remarked that it is only by the —
waters of the marshes of Reate* that the hoofs of beasts of ©
burden are hardened.
CHAP. 9.—WATERS WHICH COLOUR THE HAIR,
Eudicus informs us that in Hestizotis“ 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,* 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 Mace-
donia, 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
Spa; but it is more probable that he alludes to the spring still inexistence —
at the adjacent town of Tongres, which was evidently well known to the
Romans, and is still called the ‘‘ Fountain of Pliny.’’
41 The springs on the present Monte Posilippo.
42 This work is lost. Chifflet suggests that ‘‘ Varro ’’ should be read.
See, however, B. vii. c. 2, RB. xxix. c. 16 andc. 28 of this Book, It was
a common-place book, probably,. of curious facts.
43 See B. ii. c. 106, where a growing rock in the marsh of Reate is —
mentioned. 7
44 In Thessaly. A mere fable, no doubt.
45 Ovid, Met. xv. 315, et seq., tells very nearly the same fabulous story
about the rivers Crathis and Sybaris.
‘=
Chap. 13.] | WATERS WHICH PRODUCE INEBRIETY. 477
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,*
in Arcadia, there is a certain fountain in which land-mice
live and dwell. The river Aleos, which passes through Hry-
‘thre, promotes the growth of hair upon the body.
| CHAP. 11.—WATERS WHICH AID THE MEMORY, OR ARE PRODUCTIVE
OF FORGETFULNESS.
At the Temple of the god Trophonius, in Beotia, near the
river Hercynnus, there are two fountains,* 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,“
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 1s a spring, the waters of
which render the voice more musical,”
CHAP. 13.—WATERS WHICH CAUSE A DISTASTE FOR WINE. WATERS
WHICH PRODUCE INEBRIETY.
Eudoxus says that persons who drink the water of Lake
Clitorius take a distaste for wine, and Theopompus asserts that
the waters of the springs already” named are productive of
inebriety. According to Mucianus,” there is a fountain at
_ 46 This marvellous story appears to have been derived from the works of
' Aristotle.
47 Near the town of Lebadea, now Livadhia.
48 One called ““ Mnemosyne,” or Memory, and the other ‘“ Lethe,”
Forgetfulness.
49 From the Greek vote, “spirit,” ‘‘mind,” or “intelligence.” He no doubt alludes to “‘ petroleum,” rock-oil, or Barbadoes tar.
5° So called from the Greek Auzwrapoc, “ unctuous.”
56 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 4thiopia. 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. |
57 In Macedonia. 68 “ Tacum insanum.”’
59 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.
Chap.18.} FACTS CONNECTED WITH WATER. 479
near the city of Celene, in Phrygia, which throws up masses
of stone. Not far from it are two other springs, called Cleon®
and Gelon by the Greeks, from the effects which they re-
spectively produce. At Cyzicus is a fountain known as that
of Cupido, the waters of which, Mucianus believes, ®' cure those
who drink thereof of love.
CHAP. 17.—WATERS WHICH PRESERVE THEIR WARMTH FOR THREE
DAYS.
At Crannon® 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® in Germany,
beyond the river Rhenus, the water of which retains its boil-
ing 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 mar-
vels than this, independently of the numerous peculiarities
which have been already mentioned™ in an earlier part of this
work. Ctesias informs us that, in India, there 1s a lake of
standing water, upon which nothing® will float, every object
instantly sinking to the bottom. Ceelius says that in the
waters of Lake Avernus,® 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 Apuscida-
mus,” in Africa, nothing will sink; the same, too, Apion tells
60 From xAatev, “to weep,” and yedqy, “to laugh.”
61 His credulity, we have seen already, was pretty extensive.
62 In Thessaly.
63 At the town called ‘‘ Aquee Mattiace,’’ the modern Wiesbaden.
64 In By iis -e: 106.
65 Sotion, professing to quote from Ctesias, says that it rejected everything
placed on its waters, and hurled it back upon dry land.
66 ‘Whence, as it was said, its name, doovoc, ‘** Without birds.” Strabo
ridicules this story.
** M. Douviile says that in the interior of Africa there is a lake called
480 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXTI.
us, With the fountain of Plinthia in Sicily, as also a certain
lake in Media, and the well of Saturn. The spring of Li-
myra® not unfrequently makes its way through the neigh-
bouring 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 inha-
bifants of the adjoining districts being in the habit of consult-
ing 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,® 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.”
The sources, too, of the Tamaricus,” 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 slight-
est 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,” who held the
office of legatus after his preetorship ; for at the end of seven
days after his visit he died.
In Judea there is a river” that is dry every Sabbath day.
CHAP. 19.—DEADLY WATERS. POISONOUS FISHES.
There are other marvels again, connected with water, but of
Kalouga 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 phenomena of the Dead Sea.
68 Tn Lycia:
69 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.
70 A story evidently connected with a kind of ordeal.
71 See B. iv. c. 84. Intermittent springs are not uncommon. See B.
li. c. 106. 7 See B. xix. es Th,
73 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.
Chap. 19.] DEADLY WATERS. 481
a more fatal nature. Ctesias states in his writings, that there
is a spring in Armenia, the fishes in which are black,” 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,” 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 gene-
rally looked upon as the source of theriver. 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” stated, are in-
stantly 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 poison-
ous springs. ‘Theopompus says, that at the town of Cychri,
in Thrace, the waters are' deadly ; and Lycus states, that at
Leontium” there is a spring, the waters of which are fatal at
the end of a couple of days to those who drink theréof. 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 petri-
fies 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 ts said. This stream runs a short distance only, as
already stated; and it is truly marvellous that, according
to general report, the banks of its source” are surrounded with
the roots of a wild carob,® always covered with purple flowers,
74 Ajasson thinks that he means, grey. He remarks also, that it is a
matter of doubt whether there are any fishes that are poisonous.
75 The Danube. 76 In B. 1. c. 106, see also B. xxx. c. 53.
77 See B, iii. c. 14, and B. xviii. c. 21.
18 In Boiv..¢c. 15.
79 He alludes, according to Dalechamps, to the Kurotas, a tributary, and
not the source, of the Peneus. See B. iv. c. 8. 80, FSiliqna,”
VOL. V. Be b
482 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXTI,
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.
cuaP. 20.—WaTERS WHICH PETRIFY, THEMSELVES, OR CAUSE OTHER
OBJECTS TO PETRIFY.
At Perperena,*! there is a spring which petrifies® the ground
wherever it flows, the same being the case also, with the hot
waters at Atdepsus, in Kubcea; for there, wherever the stream
falls, the rocks are continually increasing in height. At Eury-
mene, chaplets, when thrown into the waters of a certain foun-
tain there, are turned to stone. At Colosse there is ariver, into
the water of which if bricks“ 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.” 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, and
so forms columns; as we find the case in a vast grotto at Phau-
sla, a town of the Chersonesus®” 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
81 A town of Mysia, south of Adramyttium.
‘2 As Ajasson remarks, numerous instances are known of this at the
present day. Pliny, however, does not distinguish the imerusting springs
from the petrifying springs.
63 In Thessaly, according to Hecatzeus.
64 “ Lateres.’? He means unburnt bricks, probably.
85 THe alludes to stalactites and stalagmites.
86 Both on the roof and on the floor.
& In Caria, opposite Rhodes.
Chap. 21.] WHOLESOMENESS OF WATERS. 483
salubrious by its current and its continuous agitation. Hence it
1s that [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® 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 com-
parative lightness which they speak of, could hardly be ascer-
tained 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,*? 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 circum-
stance owing to which it is, that such numerous impurities”
are to be detected in rain-water, and that it ferments™ with
such extreme rapidity.
I am, surprised, too, that snow” 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, 1s 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 exces-
88 Rain-water really is the lightest, but the reason here given is frivolous,
for it does not ascend as water, but as vapour.
89 See B. ii. c. 38. Before venturing on this argument, he should have
been certain as to the circumstances under which aérolites are generated, a
question which still remains hidden in mystery.
40 Ajasson remarks that this is only the case in the water of heavy falls
of rain after long drought. 91 “ Calefiat.”
% Snow-water is pernicious in a very high degree, being the fruitful
source of goitre and cretinism.
II 2
484 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXI.
sive dews™” 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® 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 ;* 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? Dif-
ferent kinds in different localities, is my answer. The kings
of Parthia drink no water but that of the Choaspes® or of the
Euleeus, and, however long their journies, they always have
this water carried in their suite. And yet it 1s 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, Kuphrates, and so many other streams.
CHAP. 22.—THE IMPURITIES OF WATER.
Slime® 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” of the salubrity of its water; just as it is
regarded as a sign of its freshness when long worms® breed in
the water of aspring. But itis bitter water, more particu-
larly, that is held in disesteem, as also the water which swells
the stomach the moment it is drunk, a property which belongs
92 See B. xvii. c. 44, and B. xviii. c. 68.
93 This is somewhat similar to what is said of the putrefaction and
purification of Thames water, on a voyage.
4 “ Tnutilis alvo duritia faucibusque.’’ ‘The passage is probably corrupt.
9 See B. vi. ¢. 27.
% Or “mud”—“limus.’’ All rivers of necessity have it, in a greater or
less degree. —
97 On the contrary, the more the mud and slime, the more numerous the
eels. 98 ‘+ Teenias.”?
Chap. 23.] MODES OF TESTING WATER. 485
to the water at Troezen. As to the nitrous” and salso-acid’
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,? 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.*
It is a fault also in water,> not only to have a bad smell,‘
but to have any flavour’ 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® as much as possible. There
is only one’ spring of water in the whole universe, it is said,
that has an agreeable smell, that of Chabura, namely, in Me-
sopotamia: the people give a fabulous reason for it, and say
that it is because Juno® 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 :® their pains, however, are expended
to little purpose, it being but very rarely that one water is
#9 Waters, probably, impregnated with mineral alkali. As to the “ni-
trum” of Pliny, see ¢. 46 of this Book,
1 “Salmacidas.” 2 “Cenum.”
> Also, Ajasson says, to observe whether soap will melt init. Ifit will
not, it is ‘indicative of the presence of selenite.
# Ag drinking water.
4 As Plautus says of women, Mostell, A. 1. 8. 3—“ They smell best,
when they smell of nothing at all.” 2 See B.xy, e1d2.
6 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.
7 Pausanias and Athenzus mention also the well of Mothone in Pelopon-
nesus, the water of which exhaled the odour of the perfumes of Cyzicus,
Such water, however, must of necessity be impure.
8 More probably Astarte, Fée thinks, Juno being unknown in Mesopo-
tamia.
9 “Statera.” Ajasson remarks that it does not require an instrument
very nicely adjusted to indicate the difference in weight between pure and
486 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXI.
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,”
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 arti-
_ ficially 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 be-
come incorporated*’ therewith: for in swimming,” we find,
when we hold our breath, the water is felt to be all the colder.
It was the Emperor Nero’s invention 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’ wholesome when
very impure water. Synesius, Ep. xv., gives an account of the “ hydros-
copium”’ used by the ancients for ascertaining the weight of water. Beck-
mann 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.
1@ « 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. a Corrpiat.
12.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. .
13 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. 148-4. Bohn’s Ed. ;
14 This is not at all the opinion at the present day.
Chap. 24] THE MARCIAN WATERS. 487
it has been boiled; as also, that water when it has once been
heated, will become more intensely” cold than before—a most
ingenious discovery.’ The best corrective of unwholesome
water is to boil if down to one half. Cold water, taken inter-
nally, arrests hemorrhage. 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.”
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 salu-
brity, is that of the Marcian’* 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’? 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
Jength. Ancus Marcius, one of the Roman kings, was the
first who thought of introducing this water into the City.
At a later period, the works were repaired by Quintus Mar-
clus Rex: and, more recently, in his pretorship, by M.
Agrippa.”
15 “ Magis refrigerari.” The experiments made by Mariotte, Perrault,
the Academy del Cimento, Mariana, and others, showed no perceptible differ-
ence 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. 16 “ Subtilissimo invento.”’
17 Or perhaps, as we say, “to the touch, and vice versa.” The original
is “ Alternante hoc bono.”’
18 A considerable number of its arches are yet standing, and it still in
part supplies Rome with water.
19 At Sublaqueum, now Subiaco.
20 «« Primus auspicatus est.”’ In obedience to the “auspices,” probably.
21 In A.U.C. 720. See B. xxxvi. c, 24.
488 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXI.
CHAP. 25.—THE VIRGIN WATERS.
it was he, too, who brought the Virgin® Waters from the
bye-road situate at the eighth milestone from the City, which
runs ‘for two miles along the Prenestine Way. Near these
waters 1s the stream of Hercules, which the former shun, to
all appearance, and have thence obtained* the name of ‘‘ Virgin
Waters.’ On instituting a comparison between the waters of
these streams, the difference above-mentioned™ may be imme-
diately 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” 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 de-
clivities or lying at the lower part of mountains. Many per-
sons have been of opinion that all places with a northern®
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, Par-
nassus, 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” 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.
22 «¢ Aqua Virgo.” This aqueduct, erected a.v.c. 735, still exists, and
bears the name of ‘‘ Aqua Vergine.”
23 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.
24 Inc. 23 of this Book.
25 This was only temporarily, in all probability.
26 There seems, as he says below, to be no general rule as to this point
27 §o called from the snow on their summit. ;
Chap. 28.] DIFFERENCES IN WATERS. 489
CHAP. 27.—sSIGNS 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,” or frogs sitting squatted on a spot fora long time
together. As to the wild” 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, con-
sidered as indications of the presence of water, they are all® of
them of adeceptive 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, notwith-
standing 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 inconveni-
ence, 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, aftera
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
22 fi Be xxvi. ce. 16, 29 « Salix erratica.”’
30 Surely ot the reed, as he has mentioned it above as one of the in-
dications to be depended upon. In one MS. it appears to be omitted, and
with justice, probably. |
490 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXI.
water, by presenting white spots, or an uniformly green appear-
ance: 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 ex-
cavation is immediately abandoned; an eye being carefully
kept to the strata* 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” 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*® sand, fine sea**-sand, and charcoal* earth, yield a con-
stant 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®* 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 exhala-
tions. 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
3) orig! 82. ¢ Sabulum.”’
33 <‘Sabulum masculum.” Coarse, reddish sand, Dalechamps says.
3) Arena.” Po eH. (XVI C.,
36 An inconvenience neutralized in a considerable degree by Davy’s in-
vention of the safety-lamp.
Chap. 29.] QUALITIES OF WATER. 491
are constructed at the bottom, but without cement,*’ in order
that the springs may not be intercepted.
Some waters, the sources of which do not le on elevated
ground, are coldest at the beginning of spring, being main-
tained 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** 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® 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.”
(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 neigh-
bourhood of Olynthus, for example, where the water returns
in the early days of spring. In Sicily too, in the vicinity of
Messana and Myle, 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.**
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
57“ Arenatum.” Properly a mortar, which consisted of one part lime .
and two parts sand. a8 6 Rigetir
°° See B. iv.c. 11. At Bisley, in Surrey, there isa Spee: Aubrey says,
that is cold in summer and warm in winter. *'See By sviie. 7.
41 The sandy soil being dried in hot weather into masses of mud or clay,
which become loosened when rain falls.
492 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXTI.
summer, still less so in autumn, and leastof allin 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* of
the vegetation watered by it; hence it is that the water of the
same river 1s found in some spots to be comparatively un-
wholesome. 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
phenomenon which proved fatal to the crops. On three occa-
sions, also, the rains have imparted a bitterness to the over-
flowing streams of the Nilus, which was productive of great
pestilence throughout Kgypt.
CHAP. J0.—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* their appearance, the supply of
which was previously expended in the nutriment of the trees.
This was the case upon Mount Hemus for example, when,
during the siege by Cassander,* 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 im-
portant 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
42 See B. ii. ¢. 106.
43 Ajasson remarks, that just the converse of this has been proved by
modern experience to be the case.
41 The son of Antipater, then acting for Alexander during his absence
in the Hast.
Chap. 80.] WATERS WHICH HAVE SUDDENLY APPEARED, 493
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® 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 Corycus,* a river burst forth ;
after which, the soil was subjected to cultivation. These
changes are very surprising where there 1s no apparent cause
for them; such as the occurrence at Magnesia,“ for instance,
where the warm waters became cold, but without losing their
brackish flavour; and at the Temple* 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,* a thing that
is rendered not improbable by the circumstance,” 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®*
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™ 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 ;*—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.
AER, Bet. 1s ee: 45 Tn Cilicia.
47 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.
48 Tts locality is unknown, but it was probably near the sea-shore.
49 In Elis in Peloponnesus. |
50 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. ¢. 14.
oer scene. 20.
51 The modern Dnieper. 62 The Boug.
494 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXT.
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 thick-
ness, 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, cught 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™ actus. Where the water is wanted
to ascend™ 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» the pipe is five fingers in cir-
cumference 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’’*® 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.” In all
sudden changes of inclination in elevated localities, pipes of
five fingers should be employed, in order to break the impetu-
osity of the fall: reservoirs,® too, for branches should be made
as circumstances may demand.
CHAP. 32—HOW MINERAL WATERS SHOULD BE USED.
Tam surprised that Homer has made no” mention of hot
springs, when, on the other hand, he has so frequently intro-
duced the mention of warm baths: acircumstance 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
53 See B. xviii. c. 3, and the Introduction to Vol. III.
5+ In jets, he means. 55 << $i quinarie erunt,”
36) Denaria.”” BT) SS Quinarias:
53 The name given to these reservoirs was “‘castellum” or ‘ dividicu-
lum :” in French the name is ‘‘ regard.” Vitruvius describes them, B. vii. c. 7.
*® Pliny appears to have forgotten the warm springs of the Scamander,
mentioned by Homer in the Iliad, B. xxu. 1. 147, et seq.
Chap. 32.) HOW MINERAL WATERS SHOULD BE USED. 495
with sulphur are good for the sinews,™ 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,® for example, are drunk as a purgative.®
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® with cold water, and not leave the bath without
being rubbed with oil. This last operation, however, is com-
monly 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.
There is.another mistake, also, of a similar description, made
by those who pride themselves upon drinking enormous
quantities of these waters ;° 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 1s for this reason, too, that these
waters should never be drunk without taking a taste of salt
every now and then. The very mud,” 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
60 Or rather, as Ajasson Ae for cutaneous diseases.
61 See B. iii. ¢. 17.
62 In conformity with Sillig’ s suggestion, we reject “‘atque” as an in-
terpolation. 63 ** Mulceri.”
64 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 Lech,
for instance, in the Valais, the patients, Ajasson says, remain in the bath
as much as eight hours together.
6 To promote expectoration, Dalechamps says; or rather vomiting,
according to Holland.
66 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.
496 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXT,
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 medi-
cinal, must of necessity discolour copper or silver; no such
effect being produced by those of Patavium,” or there iis
the slightest difference perceptible in the smell.
CHAP. 030.—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® mentioned, and where patients
are suffering from hzmoptosis, as lately experienced, in our
own memory, by Annzeus Gallio,” at the close of his consul-
ship :” 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 recom-
mended to drink an infusion of hellebore. Medical men con-
sider 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” poultices. Sea-water is very
good, too, employed as a shower-bath; and it is taken inter-
nally, though not without” injury to the stomach, both as a
87 See B. ii c. 106.
68 In B. xxiv. c. 19, and B. xxviii. c. 14.
69 An elder brother of the philosopher Seneca. His original name was
M. Anneeus Noratus; but upon being adopted by the rhetorician Junius
Gallio, he changed his name into L. Junius Anneus—or Anneanus—
Gallio. He destroyed himself, a.p. 65.
70 He was “ Consul subrogatus ” only.
11 « Malagmatis.”
7 Jt acts in most cases as an emetic, and is highly dangerous if taken
in considerable quantities.
Chap. 33.] USES OF SEA-WATER. 497
purgative and as an expellent, by vomit and by alvine evacu-
ation, of black bile’ 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; pur-
poses for which it 1s kept a considerable time, to mellow with
age, and so lose its noxious™ 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 pha-
Jangium and scorpion, for example, and as an antidote to the»
poisonous secretions of the asp, known as the “ ptyas ;’’” 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 allay S griping pains in the bowels and cholera.
Things that have been heated in sea-water are longer than
ordinary i in cooling. A sea-water bath is an excellent cor-
rective for swelling” 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 ©
ae very expeditiously removes rust upon iron; it is
73 Tt is still considered user, Ajasson says, for the treatment of lym-
phatic diseases.
14, 6 Virus,” 7 Or ‘‘spitter.”? See B. xxviii. c. 18.
76 * Mammas sororiantes.” A malady, according to Dalechamps, in
which the mamille are so distended with milk that they kiss, like sisters
—“‘ sorores.””
VOL. V. K K
498 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXT.
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.
Tam 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” for himself. It is a singular fact in con-
nexion with this discovery, that if more than one sextarius of
salt is put into four sextarii of water, the liquefying proper-
ties of the water will be overpowered, and the salt will no
longer melt. On the other hand, again, a mixture of one sex- .
tarius of salt with four sextarii of water, acts as a good substi-
tute 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. 39.—HOW THALASSOMELI IS MADE.
There is also a composition made to ripen for use, known as
‘‘ thalassomeli,’”’* 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 pur-
gative, 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,” 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.
7 The ancients being unable to analyze sea-water, could only imitate it
very clumsily. 78 *Sea-water honey.”
79 See B. xiv. c. 20, and B. xxii. c. 51. He is speaking, probably, of
fermented hydromel, a sort of mead.
Chap. 38.] REMEDIES DERIVED FROM MOSS. 499
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® 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®™ is excellent as a topical
application for gout; and, in combination with oil, it 1s good
for pains and swellings in the ankles. The foam that floats*
upon the surface of the water, used as a friction, causes warts
to disappear. The sand,® too, of the sea-shore, that more
particularly which is very fine and burnt white by the heat of —
the sun, 1s 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.
80 The joints being rendered more supple thereby.
81 He probably means sea-water, alluding to certain kinds pea sea-weed.
Dioscorides speaks of it, in B. iv. c. 99, as being good for gout. It is, in
reality, of some small utility i in such cases. - .!
82 He most probably means sea-water.
83 The Greeks used sand-baths for the purpose of promoting the per-
spiration; the names given to them were wapdmrqotg and goivtypoc.
KK 2
500 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXI.
cHAP. 89. (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 ;* both kinds being
formed in various ways, but produced from one of these two
causes, the condensation or the desiccation, of a liquid. 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 gides® that are thus dried up;
whereas in Phrygia, in Cappadocia, and at Aspendus, where
the same phenomena 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® circumstance connected with
this last—however much salt is taken out of if 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,®
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® salt being the most pun-
gent of the two which is found upon the rocks.
There are also three different kinds of native salt. In Bac-
triana there are two vast lakes; one of them situate on the side
84 “Sal fit.” This expression is nat correct, there being no such thing
as made salt. It is only coliected 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.
85 “ Coacto humore vel siccato.” These two terms in reality imply the
same process, by the medium of evaporation ; the former perfect, the latter
imperfect.
86 The evaporation not being sufficiently strong to dry up the deeper parts.
87 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.
3“ Glebas.”
89 Because it is necessarily purer than that found upon the sand.
99 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.
Chap. 39.] THE VARIOUS KINDS OF SALT. 501
of Scythia, the other on that of Ariana, both of which throw
up vast quantities of salt.*. So, too, at Citium, in Cyprus; and,
in the vicinity of Memphis, they extract salt from the lake
and dry it in thesun. ‘he surface-waters of some rivers, also,
condense” 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® for instance, which are known
as the “Rivers of Salt.’* The same is the case, too, in the vici-
nity of the Mardi and of the people of Armenia. In Bactriana,
also, the rivers Ochus™ and Oxus carry down from the moun-
tains 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 Pagasee 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.*” The
blocks of it are very heavy, the name commonly given to them
being “‘ mica.’ At Gerrhe,” a city of Arabia, the ramparts
and houses are constructed of blocks of salt, which are sol-
dered together by being moistened with water. King Ptole-
meeus discovered salt also in the vicinity of Pelusium, when
he encamped there; a circumstance which induced other per-
sons to seek and discover it in the scorched tracts that lie
between Egypt and Arabia, beneath the sand. In the same
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. 91’ “« Sale exesstuant,’?
92 In consequence of the intense heat.
93 All these regions, Ajasson remarks, are covered with salt. An im-
mense desert of salt extends to the north-east of Irak-Adjemi, and to the —
north of Kerman, between Tabaristan, western Khoracan, and Khohistan.
% Tdentified by Ajasson with the Herat and the Djihoun. He thinks
that it is of some of the small aftluents of this last that Pliny speaks.
_ 9% Tanis specularis.”
- % A “crumb’’ properly, in the Latin language,
7 See B. vi, c, 32.
502 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX1.
manner, too, it has been found in the thirsting deserts of
Africa, as far as the oracle of Hammon,® 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,” a salt so called from the fact of its being
found beneath the sands’ there. It is similar in colour to the
alum known as “ schiston,’’* 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® flakes. There
is one remarkable fact mentioned in connexion with it: so long
as it lies under ground in its bed‘ it 1s 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 evi-
dent :° the humid vapours of the excavations bear the masses
upwards, as water does, and so aid the workmen. It is adulte-
rated 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,*in Nearer Spain, there
1s 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
98 More commonly known as Jupiter Hammon.
9% See B. xi. c. 49, and B. xxiv. c. 28, for an account of gum resin am-
moniac, 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 Hydro-
chlorate 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.
2 Called dppoc, in Greek. 2 See B.. xxxv. ¢. 52,
3 Sal ammoniac crystallizes in octahedrons.
4 “ 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 Africaa——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.
5 According to modern notions, his reason is anything but evident.
§ In Celtiberia. He alludes to the mountain of salt at Cardona, near
Montserrat in Catalonia.
Chap. 40.] MURIA. o03
which salt’ is found is naturally barren, and produces nothing.
Such are the particulars, in general, which have been ascer-
tained 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, dhlk 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 1ts reception, in my opinion,
by the emanations of the river Nilus. It is made here, also,
from the water® of certain wells, discharged into salt-pans. At
Babylon, the result of the first condensation is a-bituminous’
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’ 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,’
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
7 Speaking generally, this is true; but soils which contain it in small
quantities are fruitful.
8 A similar method is still employed, Ajasson says, at the salt-mines near
Innspruck in the Tyrol.
9 Native bitumen; always to be found in greater or less quantities, in
saliferous earths.
10 The process of artificial evaporation.
11 This would produce an impure alkaline salt. According to Townson,
this practice still prevails in Transylvania and Moldavia.
504 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXI.
the pungency of salt. 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”™ 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 mena™ 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 Tattzean salt, which comes from Phrygia:
these last two are also good for the eyes. That of Cappadocia,
which is imported in small cubes,” imparts a fine colour, it is
said, to the skin; but, for effacing wrinkles, that which we
have '’ already spoken of as the salt of Citium is the best:
hence it is that, in combination with gith,” it is used by fe-
males asa liniment for the abdomen after childbirth. The
drier the salt, the stronger it 1s in taste; but the most agree-
able 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 in-
creases. It is only while north-easterly winds prevail, that
flower of salt !%is formed. Neither the salt of Tragasa, nor
2 “ 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.””—Beck-
mann’s Hist. Inv. Vol. Il. p. 498. Bohn’s Kd.
13 Not improbably a people of India so called, and mentioned in B. vi.
ce. 20. i nee: .B..1x.e: 42,
15 “Tn laterculis.’ Hardouin considers this to mean small earthen
vessels or pipes.
16 In ¢. 39 of this Book. 17 *Melanthium.”? See B. xx. ¢. 17.
18 “ Flos salis.” Further mentioned inc. 42. |
Chap. 41.] VARIOUS PROPERTIES OF SALT. 905
the Acanthian salt—so called from the town’ 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* resists fire, but decrepitates in
water.
There are differences, too, in the colour of salt: at Memphis
if is deep red, russet-coloured in the vicinity of the Oxus,
purple at Centuripa, and so remarkably bright at Gela, situate
also*! in Sicily, as to reflect the image of objects. In Cappa-
docia 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 espe-
clally. For maladies of the eyes in cattle and beasts of burden,
the salt of Tragasa and that of Betica are employed. For
made dishes” 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 Euboea, 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,” sharpening
the appetite, and imparting a relish to all kinds of food: in-
deed, among the innumerable condiments which we use, the
flavour of salt is always distinctly perceptible; and when
we take garum™ 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 bet-
ter® by giving them salt; it having the effect, also, of con-
siderably augmenting the milk, and imparting a superior flavour
to the cheese.
We may conclude, then, by Hercules! that the higher en-
joyments 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,’’** such being the name given to
19; See Bi iv.:¢. 17.
20 St. Augustin mentions this marvellous kind of salt. De Civit. Dei,
Bizet, oc; 5, 7.6
21 As well as Centuripa. 22“ Opsonium.”?
23“ Pulmentarii.” 24 See c. 43 of this Book.
25 This is consistent with modern experience. 26 ¢¢ Sales.”
506 PLINY § NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXT.
all effusions of wit. All the amenities, in fact, of life, supreme
hilarity, and relaxation from toil, can find no word in our lan-
guage 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’’™ is derived.
That salt was held in high esteem by the ancients, is evident
from the Salarian** Way, so named from the fact that, by
agreement, the Sabini carried all their salt by thatroad. King
Ancus Martius gave six hundred modii of salt as a largess *
to the people, and was the first to establish salt-works. Varro
also informs us, that the ancients used salt by way of a relish-
ing sauce; and we know, from an old proverb,” 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.*
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,” which forms
the lightest and whitest part of salt. The name “ flower of
salt ”’** is given, also, to a substance of an entirely different
character, more humid by nature, and of a red or saffron co-
lour ; a kind of “‘rust of salt,” as 1t were, with an unpleasant
smell like that of garum, and differing therein not only from
froth of salt,** but from salt itself. This substance is found
27 Literally, “salt money’—“ argentum ”’ being understood. The term
was originally applied to the pay of the generals and military tribunes.
Hence our word “ salary.’’
*8 Beginning at the Colline Gate. 29 “ Tn congiario.””
30 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.
31 «“ Mola salsa.”’ 33S“ Favillam.”
33 ¢« Schroder thinks that in what Pliny says of os 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 ammoniact martiales.—
It is certain that what Dioscorides and Pliny call jlos 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 Matthioli and Conrad Gesner, it has too much against it to be admitted
as truth.’”’—Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 4938. Bohn’s Ed.
34 Salt collected from the foam on the sea-shore.
Chap. 43.] | GARUM. > 507
in Egypt, and, as it would appear, is conveyed thither by the
waters of the N ilus; 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 * 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 adultera-
tion to be detected by the agency of water, which washes off
the fictitious colour, the natural colour being only removeable
by the agency of oil. Indeed, it 1s for its colour that per-
fumers 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 pur-
gative effect upon the bowels. It 1s very useful, also, as an
ingredient in acopa” and in detersive* compositions, and is re-
markably efficacious for the removal of hairs from the eye-lids.
It is the practice to shake up the sediment, in order to re-
novate the saffron colour of the drug.
In addition to these substances, there 1s 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. 7
CHAP. 43.—GARUM: FIFTEEN REMEDIES.
Another liquid, too, of a very exquisite nature, is that
known as “‘ garum :’’*® 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 pu-
trefaction. Garum was formerly prepared from a fish, called
‘‘ aros’’*? by the Greeks ; who assert, also, that a fumigation
made with its head has the effect of bringing away the “after-
birth.
(8.) At the present day, however, the most esteemed kind
35 A sort of bitumen, probably.
36 Medicines for relieving weariness. See B. xxiii. c. 45, and B. xxix,
c. 13. 37“ Smegmatis.”’
38 Tt was, probably, of an intermediate nature, between caviar and an-
chovy sauce.
39 See B. xxxil.c. 58. It does not appear to have been identified,
508 © PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX.
‘of garum is that prepared from the scomber,” in the fisheries
of Carthago Spartaria :* it is known as ‘‘ garum of * 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 Beetica, near the Straits ‘* which lie at the entrance to the
Ocean ; this being the only use that is made of the fish. For
the production of garum, Clazomene is also famed, Pompeii,
too, and Leptis; while for their muria, Antipolis,“ Thurii, and -
of late, Dalmatia,* enjoy a high reputation.
CHAP. 44.—aALEX: 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 other-
wise good for nothing, the apua* of the Latins, or aphua of
the Greeks, so called from the fact of its being engendered
from rain.“ The people of Forum Julii** make their garum
from a fish to which they give the name of “lupus.” 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 which enjoin
strict chastity, and that prepared from fish without® scales, to
40 As to the identity of the Scomber, see B. ix. c. 19.
4. See B. xix. ¢. ,L. 42 «¢Garum sociorum.”
43 The present Straits of Gibraltar. 44 Tn Gallia Narbonensis.
45 Sillig reads ‘‘ Delmatia” here.
46 See B. ix. c. 74. The fry of larger fish, Cuvier says.
47 Ajasson considers this to be an absurd derivation; and thinks it
much more probable, that the name is from a privative, and gv, “to
beget ;” it being a not uncommon notion that these small fish were pro-
duced spontaneously from mud and slime.
48 The present Frejus, in the south of France.
t 553 Reheske Not the fish of that name, Hardouin says, mentioned in
heenien 284
50 The festivals of Ceres. ‘The devotees, though obliged to abstain from
meat, were allowed the use of this garwm, it would appear.
51 Gesner proposes to read “non caréntibus,” ‘with scales”’—fishes
Chap. 45.] THE NATURE OF SALT. | 809
the sacred rites of the Jews. In the same way, too, alex has
come to be manufactured from oysters, sea-urchins, sea-nettles,
cammari,” 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 medi-
cine. Alex, for instance, is curative of scab in sheep, incisions
being made in the skin, and the liquor poured thérein. 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 1s 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,”
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 ceeliac fluxes of an inveterate nature. In
spots which he at a distance in the interior, it is used as a fo-
mentation, 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 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,” 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, how-
ever, injurious to the stomach, except that it acts asa stimulant
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.
52’ See. B. Xxvil. ¢. 2) 53 At the end of c. 42.
54 He alludes to its decrepitation in flame.
55 Pharnaces caused the body of his father Mithridates to be deposited
in brine, in order to transmit it to Pompey.
ong: PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXI,
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”® upon the fingers or toes. For webs that
form upon the eyes it is peculiarly useful, and hence it is that
it 1s so commonly employed as an ingredient in eye-salves, as
well as plasters. Jor 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 quan-
tity 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 whet-
stones, 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 morn-
ing 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 ap-
plied with raisins—the stones being first removed —beef-suet, |
origanum, and leaven, or else bread. In such cases it is the
salt from Thebais 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.
56 Heuses the word “ pterygia’’ here, as applied to the whole of the
body—* totius corporis ”?—in its two distinct senses, 4 hangnail or ‘ex-
erescence on the fingers, and a web or film on the eyes.
Chap. 45.] THE NATURE OF SALT. 511
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” 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 :°° hence’ 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 asacheck 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® grapes; and for
phagedenic ulcers it is used parched with barley-meal, a
linen pledget steeped in wine being laid upon it. In cases of
jaundice, if 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 dis-
ease. 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
57 In c. 23, he has said much the same of cold water.
58 Sale é sole.’’
°9 This passage would come more naturally after the succeeding one.
60 See B. xxii. ¢. 13.
§12 PLINY’ S NATURAL HISTORY. {Book XXXI.
being tightly bandaged with linen cloths, first dipped®™ 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,
apphed externally, with resin. For all these purposes, however,
froth of salt® is found to be more agreeable and still more
efficacious. Still, however, every kind of salt is good as an
ingredient in acopa,* when warming properties are required:
the same, too, in the case of detersive applications, when re-
quired 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 ;“ 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.”® In Thracia, too, near Philippi,
61 “Tta ut batuerentur ante.’”? From the corresponding passage in
Dioscorides, where the expression Bawropevoe tc b£0¢ is used, it would
appear that the proper word here is ‘‘ baptizarentur ;*’ or possibly, a lost
Greeco-Latin word, ‘‘ bapterentur.” Littré suggests ‘ hebetarentur,” “ the
part being first numbed” by the aid of a bandage.
62 «Spuma salis.”” Collected from the foam on the sea-shore.
63 See Note 36, above, p. 507.
64 Beckmann, who devotes several pages to a consideration of the “ ni-
trum” 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. 63 ++ Salt bursting from the earth.’
Chap. 46.] — VARIOUS KINDS OF NITRUM. 513
it is found, but in smaller quantities, and deteriorated with
earthy substances, being known there as “‘agrion.’’® As to
that prepared from the burnt wood of the quercus,” it never
was made to any very great extent, and the manufacture of it
has been long since totally abandoned. Nitrous®* waters are also
found in numerous places, but not sufficiently impregnated to
admit of condensation.®
The best and most abundant supply is found at Lite, in ©
Macedonia, where it is known as “‘ Chalastricum :’’” it is white
and pure, and closely resembles salt. In the middle of a cer-
tain nitrous lake there, a spring of fresh water issues forth. In
this lake the nitrum™ 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
Gor CNV DEL?
67 See c. 40 of this Book. He is evidently speaking of a vegetable al-
kali here. See Beckmann, Vol. II. pp. 492-3, Bohn’s Ed.
68 Beckmann thinks that these kinds of water were in reality only im-
pure 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
Lidition.
69 Or in other words, crystallization. Beckmann remarks that, in re-
ference to alkaline water, this is undoubtedly true. Vol. II. p. 499.
70 Fyrom the adjacent town of Chalastra, on the Thermean Gulf. The
site is probably occupied by the modern Kulakia. :
71 Carbonate of soda is found in the mineral waters of Seltzer and .
Carlsbad, and in the volcanic springs of Iceland, the Geysers more parti-
cularly.
VOL. V. LiL
514 PLINY § NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXT.
stones. If is prepared in pretty nearly the same manner” as
salt, except that in the salt-pans it is sea-water that is intro-
duced, 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, asin
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,” which is very useful for the cure of scab in
animals, Piled up in large heaps, it keeps for a very con-
siderable time. It is a marvellous fact, that, in Lake Ascanius”™
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 1s very useful for some purposes,
colouring purple® cloth, for instance, and, indeed, all kinds of
dyeing. It is employed, also, very extensively in the manu-
facture of glass, as we shall more fully mention on the appro-
priate occasion.”
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’ on
7 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 peutused in the highest degree, and in some passages far from intel-
igible.
73 Of a bituminous nature, probably. See c. 42 of this Book.
74 See B. v. c. 40. An alkaline water, Beckmann thinks. See Vol. II.
pp. 96-7. Bohn’s Ed.
79 He may possibly mean bleaching the material before dyeing.
6 See B. xxxvi.c. 65. This certainly goes far towards proving that
under the name ‘“‘nitrum,” alkaline salts were included.
7” “ Faciunt ex his vasa, necnon frequenter liquatum cum sulphure, co-
Chap. 46.] VARIOUS KINDS OF NITRUM. 515
a charcoal fire.* When substances” 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,® 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,’’® have stated that it) was
collected in Asia, where it was to bé found oozing from the
soft sides of certain mines—the name given to which was
‘ colyces’”*—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
quentes in carbonibus.’”? This passage Beckmann pronounces to be one of
the darkest parts in the history of mitrum. 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 ex-
posed 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.
78 The mention of nitrum, sulphur, and charcoal, probably the three
ingredients of gunpowder, in such close proximity, is somewhat curious.
79 “Que” seems a preferable reading to ‘‘ quos.”
80 “ 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 ac-
quainted 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. Il. p. 502. Bohn's Ed.
81 « Froth of nitre.”’ Ajasson identifies this with hydro-carbonate of
soda.
82 Supposed by Hardouin to be derived from the Greek «oAckac, “ 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.”
: hs
516 PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. - = [Book XXXI.
vessels pitched within, to prevent its melting,” the vessels
being previously prepared by being thoroughly dried in the
sun.*
To be good, nitrum should be very fine, and extremely
spongy and porous. In Kgypt, it is sophisticated with lime,
an adulteration easily detected® by tasting it; for when pure, .
it liquefies immediately, while that which has been adulte-
rated, remains undissolved sufficiently long to leave a pungent
taste in the mouth. It 1s burnt in a close earthen vessel, as
otherwise it would decrepitate :*” except in this last case, how-
ever, 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 1s evident, too,
that the acridity® 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
im 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,® and the Egyp-
83 One proof, Beckmann thinks, that Soda is meant. See Vol. II. p.
491.
64 “ 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.
85 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. |
66 That, namely, of the lime. Quick-lime, certainly, would have a pun-
gent taste, in comparison with that of soda, but not in comparison with
that of saltpetre.
87 Another proof, Beckmann thinks, that it was native soda, impregnated
with common salt. Vol. II. p. 492.
88 This would hardly apply to soda.
89 Probably to promote its*rising, as Beckmann observes, Vol. II. p.
496; acircumstance which goes a great way towards proving that “‘ Soda”
-Chap. 46.] VARIOUS KINDS OF NITRUM. " 57
‘tian nitrum is eaten® with radishes,” 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 ad-
ditional greenness.”
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 dis-
persed, 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®
to their original colour that have turned black ; and an appli-
cation of it, with Samian earth and oil, kills nits and other
vermin of the head. Dissolved in wine, it is used as an in-
jection 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* chalk dissolved in vinegar, it removes white mor-
phew ; and a mixture of it with resin, or with white raisins—
the stones being beaten up as well—is an excellent cure for
was included, at least, under the name of ‘‘nitrum.” Carbonate of soda is
extensively used for this purpose at the present day.
°09 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.
9 See B. xix. e. 26.
92 Carbonate of soda is added to pickles and boiling vegetables for this
purpose.
%3 Vegetable ashes, and tobacco-ashes in particular, have the same effect.
94 See 2B, xxxyv. ¢. 57.
Tela
218 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXI.
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 vine-
gar. With lime and vinegar, it is used as a liniment for stings
inflicted by serpents, as, also, for ulcerations, whether phage-
deenic, 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 vine-
gar, 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.
Lo persons who have taken bull’s blood, % nitrum is admi-
nistered, in combination with laser.” 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 combi-
nation 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” itself, boiled and
melted with tar, is given to patients to swallow, for quinzy.
Flower of nitrum, mixed with oil of cyprus,® 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
95 Viewed by the ciate as a poison, when taken warm ; but errone-
ously, as we have more than once remarked.
eo pee be xix. (¢, 0:
7 Nitre balls are still given to bas oe to suck, in cases of sore
throat. ® See B. xi. c¢. ol.
Chap. 47.] SPONGES. . SOR
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 pro-
duced by pituitous secretions, and, similarly employed, it is
very useful for affections of the sinews. For the cure of the
eceliac flux, it is used in the form of an injection. Many
authorities reeommend the use of it, with oil, as a friction
when cold shiverings are just coming on; as also, for the re-
moval 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,” become petrified.
onap. 47. (11,)—sPONGES, AND THE REMEDIES DERIVED FROM
THEM : NINETY-TWO OBSERVATIONS THEREON.
We have already,' when speaking of the marine productions,
described the various kinds of sponge. Some authorities make
the following distinctions: they regard as males’ those sponges
which are pierced with more diminutive holes, are more com-
pact 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,”’> 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 ad-
hered to the rocks, the object being that they may become
white throughout.
That sponges are animated beings, we have already stated ;
9° Beckmann considers that this statement throws some light on the
obscure passage, commented on in Note 77, p. 514. See Hist. Inv. Vol.
iT. - 503. Bohn’s Ed. 1 In Batts e-69.
* No such distinction, of course, really exists; sponge being im reality
a fibrous tissue formed by minute animals.
3 “ Goats,”’ literally.
520 | PLINY’S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXX.
and not only this, but they havea coat of blood* even, adhering
to them. Some say that they regulate their movements by -
the sense of hearing, and that at the slightest noise they con-
tract 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 re-
tain 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.’ 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,® and
still less so if they are oiled, or applied to the body when just
anointed. The compact sponges, it is thought, have less adhe-
sive power than the others.
The softest kind of sponge are those employed for tents.’
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 cover -
ing 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 ab-
sorbs the blood, so as to allow the incision to be seen. Sponges
are applied, also, as a bandage, to inflamed wounds, sometimes
4 See B. ix. c. 69. He probably ities to the semifluid thin coat of
animal jelly which covers the sponge in its recent state, and is susceptibie
of a slight contraction on being touched.
5 A fanciful notion, certainly.
6 Hot water renders them greasy, so to say; an inconvenience which
may be remedied by steeping them in an alkaline solution, or in urine.
7 Penicili,’
Chap. 47.] SPONGES. 321
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 appa-
rently 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 emol-
liently upon sores, whereas sponge has an astringent action,
and absorbs the vitiated humours. To dropsical patients, ban-
dages 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 adja-
cent parts that are not affected.
Employed with vinegar or cold water, sponge arrests heemor-
rhage ; 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® sponge,
with juice of cut-leek and a mixture of salt and cold water,
are good, taken internally, for patients suffering from dis-
charges of blood: applied topically to the forehead, with oil or
3 See B. ix. c. 69.
522 PLINY S NATURAL HISTORY. [Book XXXI.
vinegar, they are curative of tertian fevers. The sponge of
Africa, more particularly, soaked in oxycrate, disperses tu-
mours. 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. or 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 ae and Rhodian sponge, which 1s 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.? 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 se at
night.?°
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 avrHors quotep.—M. Varro," Cassius” of Parma,
Cicero,® Mucianus,* Celius, Celsus,® Trogus,"” Ovid,'* Poly-
bius,!® Sornatius.”°
9 See B. v.c. 28. 1° An absurdity, of course. 1! See end of B. ii.
12 Called C. Cassius Severus Parmensis, according to some authorities.
He was one of the murderers of Cesar, 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.
13 See end of B. vil. 4 See end of B. ii.
15 Celius Antipater. See end of B. ii. 16 See end of B. vii.
17 See end of B. vii. 18 See end of B. xviii. 19 See end of B. iv.
20 This personage is entirely unknown. It may possibly be a corruption
¢
SUMMARY. 523
ForEIGN AUTHORS QuoTED.—Callimachus,” Ctesias,?? Eudi-
cus,”> Theophrastus, Eudoxus,” Theopompus,” Polycritus,””
Juba,* Lycus,* Apion,” Epigenes,*’ Pelops,” Apelles,*? De-
mocritus,** Thrasyllus,* Nicander,** Menander® the Comic
writer, Attalus,** Sallustius Dionysius,*® Andreas,*® Niceratus,”
Hippocrates, Anaxilaiis.
for Soranus, a poet of that name (Q. Valerius Soranus) who flourished
about 100 B.c. See also B. xxxii. ¢. 23.
21 See end of B. iv. 22 See end of B. 11.
23 Beyond the mention made of him inc. 9 of this Book, nothing what-
ever is known of him. 24 See end of B. iii.
25 See end of B. ii., and end of B. vi. 26 See end of B. ii.
27 See end of B. xii. 28 See end of B. v. 29 See end of B. xii.
30 See end of B. xxx. 31 See end of B. ii.
82 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. 33 See end of B. xxviil. 34 See end of B. ii.
35 See end of B. ii. 38 See end of B. viii.
37 A celebrated Comic poet, a disciple of Theophrastus, and the invéntor
of the New Comedy at Athens. Only a few fragments of his works
survive. 38 See end of B. viii.
39 A physician, of whom, beyond the mention made of him in B. xxxii.
c. 26, no further particulars appear to be known. 40 See end of B. xx.
41 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 formule are several times quoted by Galen. See c. 31
of the succeeding Book.
42 See end of B. vii. 43 See end of B. xxi.
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